A bill to curb life sentences without the possibility of parole for juveniles has passed both chambers of the Louisiana Legislature, but will require some consensus on last-minute amendments before it reaches the governor's desk.

For the past couple years the Legislature has grappled with two U.S. Supreme Court cases that have targeted Louisiana's overuse of the harsh penalty for the state's youngest offenders. The Supreme Court ruled that life without parole sentences have to be "rare and uncommon" for teen offenders who are unlikely to turn their lives around.

And legislators have disagreed over how to strike a balance between appeasing the high court while placating those who wish to keep parole eligibility out of the grasp of the most violent offenders, regardless of age.

Senate Bill 16, by Baton Rouge Sen. Dan Claitor has been constantly amended as it progressed through the chambers of the Legislature. On the Senate floor, Sen. Danny Martiny, R-Metairie, amended the bill to remove life sentences without parole for juveniles entirely.

He said that sentence for juveniles doesn't comport with the Supreme Court rulings, because it's impossible to tell at that young of an age whether the child is irredeemable.

But Martiny's amendment was changed in a House committee. The proposed law in its current form will eliminate life without parole sentences for juveniles convicted of second-degree murder. But the sentence would remain an option for teens convicted of first degree murder.

The bill also attempts to address some 300 inmates who committed crimes before adulthood and are serving life without parole sentences. The bill originally sought to retroactively give those offenders parole eligibility after 30 years of their sentence.

But the bill was later changed so those 300 would have hearings to be re-sentenced, and could potentially continue to be deprived of parole eligibility.

If the Senate rejects the House amendments, the bill will go to a conference committee where a group of lawmakers will hash out the differences.

However, the bill in its current form is similar to a version that nearly passed out of the Legislature last year, but was killed after the session adjourned before a vote could be taken.
During last years presidential campaign, Republican standard-bearer Donald Trump and his running mate, Mike Pence, came to Baton Rouge to survey damage from Augusts catastrophic flood, their visit throwing a much-needed national spotlight on the disaster and the long-term challenges of recovery. It was a welcome gesture from GOP candidates who, as a practical matter, could already count on solidly red Louisiana to support their ticket.

Their presence underscored an abiding reality  that Louisianas importance to the rest of the country is more than a matter of electoral votes.

We welcome Vice President Pence back to Louisiana today, and we hope his visit reminds fellow Americans of the states pivotal role in advancing national prosperity. Pence is visiting Baton Rouge to speak with business executives about health care, job creation and the economy.

As a key energy corridor for the nation and the world, Louisiana has helped keep America strong.

That is why continuing federal support for the states recovery is not only in Louisianas interest, but the national interest.

Vice President Pence will find a better Louisiana today than the one he saw last August. With courage, resilience, and help from a sympathetic nation, thousands and residents have rolled up their sleeves and rebuilt homes and businesses, schools and churches.

But there is much left to do to make the state whole, and we call on the vice president to be a partner in that continuing work. Last year, Congress appropriated $1.6 billion for Louisianas flood recovery. Gov. John Bel Edwards has reasonably asked for an additional $2 billion, citing the scale of the devastation and the many residents who still need assistance.

Meanwhile, congressional authorization of the National Flood Insurance Program is set to expire soon. Louisiana needs a stable, predictable flood insurance market to speed its recovery and attract investment. We hope that Vice President Pence can help make that point in Washington.

Last summers floods were a potent reminder of what nature can do. To nurture its resilience against epic wind and water, Louisiana must continue to rebuild its coast. That vital mission would be crippled if a Trump administration plan to radically alter revenue sharing from offshore drilling becomes a reality. Much of that money helps coastal restoration efforts.

We hope that Louisiana officials can help change the vice presidents mind about that proposal during his visit.

But in politics, as in so much of life, showing up is the first step.

Welcome to Louisiana, Vice President Pence. Were glad youre here.
MANCHESTER, England (AP)  British police and intelligence agencies arrested three more suspects Wednesday in connection with the Manchester suicide bombing and moved quickly to secure key sites across the country, including Buckingham Palace and the British Parliament at Westminster.

Home Secretary Amber Rudd said the bomber, identified as British-born Libyan Salman Abedi, "likely" did not act alone when he killed 22 people and wounded dozens at an Ariana Grande concert Monday night in Manchester. She said he had been known to security forces "up to a point."

Officials are examining Abedi's trips to Libya as they piece together his allegiances and try to foil any new potential threats.

Police said three men were arrested Wednesday in south Manchester, where a day earlier a 23-year-old man was also arrested and a number of homes were searched.

Britain raised its threat level from terrorism to "critical" after an emergency government meeting late Tuesday amid concerns that the 22-year-old Abedi may have accomplices who are planning another attack. British soldiers have been deployed in place of police officers to guard high-profile sites such as Buckingham Palace and Parliament.

Can't see the video below? Click here.

The changing of the guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace was canceled Wednesday so police officers can be re-deployed, Britain's defense ministry said. The traditional ceremony is a major tourist attraction in London.

The Palace of Westminster, which houses the British Parliament in London, was also closed Wednesday to all those without passes, and tours and events there were cancelled until further notice. Armed police were also seen on patrol outside St. Paul's Cathedral in London, another popular tourist spot.

Officials said 984 soldiers were deployed Wednesday in London and in other locations.

Suicide bomber Abedi was born in Britain to a Libyan family, grew up in Manchester's southern suburbs and attended local Salford University for a time.

Police on Tuesday raided his house, using a controlled explosion to blast down the door. Neighbors recalled him as a tall, thin young man who often wore traditional Islamic dress and did not talk much.

British Prime Minister Theresa May chaired a meeting Wednesday of her emergency security cabinet group to talk about intelligence reports on Abedi and concerns that he might have had outside support.

Police also raided and searched a property elsewhere in Manchester where Abedi's brother Ismail is thought to have lived.

Officials are probing how often Abedi had traveled to Libya, which has seen an eruption of armed Islamist groups since dictator Moammar Gadhafi was overthrown and killed in 2011.

France's interior minister said Abedi is believed to have traveled to Syria and had "proven" links with the Islamic State group.

Minister Gerard Collomb said Wednesday on BFM television that British and French intelligence have information that Abedi had been to Syria. He did not elaborate but said it's unclear whether Abedi was part of a larger network of attackers.

British officials have not commented on whether Abedi had links to IS or other extremist groups.

Rudd said Britain's increased official threat level will remain at "critical" as the investigation proceeds and won't be lowered until security services are convinced there is no active plot in place.

She also complained about U.S. officials leaking sensitive information about Abedi to the press. Rudd said Britain's operational security could be harmed by the leaks, taking "the element of surprise" away from security services and police.

"I have been very clear with our friends that that should not happen again," she said.

In addition to those killed in the concert attack, Manchester officials raised to 119 the number of people who sought medical treatment after the attack, including those who traveled to hospitals on their own.

Sixty-four people are still hospitalized, Jon Rouse of the Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership said Wednesday. Officials say 20 of them are being treated for critical injuries.

Many of those still hospitalized had serious wounds that will require "very long term care and support in terms of their recovery," Rouse said.

Officials said all those hospitalized had been identified.

Soldiers were replacing armed police on Wednesday at sites like Buckingham Palace, 10 Downing Street and Parliament. London Police Commander Jane Connors said the goal is to "make our city as hostile an environment as possible for terrorists to plan and operate."

She said armed police patrols had been increased and will be ready to respond quickly to any incidents.

Collomb, who spoke with May after the attack, said the two countries should continue cooperating closely on counterterrorism efforts despite Britain's pending exit from the 28-nation European Union.

___

Katz reported from London. Sylvia Hui in London, Rob Harris in Manchester and Angela Charlton in Paris contributed.
Lawyers for a man whose conviction in the 1980 killing of a Times-Picayune proofreader was tossed out earlier this month are urging a federal judge to release him without making him pay for a bond.

Exhibit A in their motion for the freedom of John Floyd is a sworn affidavit from none other than Burl Cain, the former longtime warden of the Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola.

Cain said in his statement that Floyd was one of the most trustworthy inmates he dealt with during his 21 years at Angola. Cain retired last year.

If John was guilty, I would say he is completely rehabilitated and it serves no purpose him being in prison. Because I believe John is innocent, I think keeping him in prison any longer is a tragedy, Cain said.

Floyd, 67, has been serving a life sentence in connection with the stabbing death of Times-Picayune employee William Hines in the French Quarter in 1980.

On May 8, U.S. District Judge Sarah Vance said that fingerprint evidence withheld from his defense and the jury would have created doubt about his guilt at his trial.

Vance ordered that Floyd be released from the state prison within 120 days, unless he is tried in the case again.

With few witnesses remaining 37 years later, prosecutors likely would face an uphill battle in retrying Floyd.

The Orleans Parish District Attorneys Office has said it will appeal Vances order vacating the conviction; in the meantime, it is seeking to block Floyds release from prison.

Floyds release would present a significant risk that he would flee because he has been convicted and sentenced to life in prison, Assistant District Attorney Donna Andrieu wrote in a court filing.

In a motion filed Tuesday, however, Floyds attorneys at the Innocence Project New Orleans said he should be released immediately.

The presumption of release is appropriate in this case because Mr. Floyd has an exceptional record of conduct while he has been imprisoned, lawyer Emily Maw wrote in her motion. He was one of only seven highly trusted inmates selected by then Warden Cain to assist with rebuilding in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina.

Floyd does not have the money to post a bond, according to the attorney.

Maw said that Floyd plans to go to either a farm near Lafayette or a re-entry program in New Orleans if he is released.
A man will face court next month in relation to an explosion outside the Canberra offices of activist group the Australian Christian Lobby in December 2016.

Police said on Wednesday they had charged a 36-year-old Deakin man with arson and property damage over the explosion of a carload of gas cylinders outside the Eternity House building in Deakin.

Lyle Shelton inside the Australian Christian Lobby offices after the explosion. Credit:Andrew Meares

The announcement is two months after the Australian Federal Police told Parliament the man involved in the incident had been trying to kill himself and not targeting the activist group.

The man is listed to face the ACT Magistrates Court on June 7.
The AFL says there is no specific terror threat at matches this weekend, with security to remain tight.

Matches at Simonds Stadium in Geelong, the MCG and Etihad Stadium will progress as planned, although it's understood there is likely to be an increased police presence.

AFL spokesman Patrick Keane said the league had been in contact with security chiefs in wake of the bombing in Manchester.

"The AFL security team has worked closely with relevant authorities over the last 24 hours. At this stage, law enforcement agencies have told us there is nothing to suggest there is any specific threat to any of our matches across this weekend," he said on Wednesday.
NILES - More Cook County municipalities are on the verge of opting out of county mandates to pay higher minimum wages and provide 40 hours of paid time off - bolstering a quiet, but effective movement that is sending a stern message to their Cook County Board: "Enough with making it harder and more expensive to run a business!"

Already, almost 40 villages, towns and cities within Cook County have rejected the mandates.

Earlier this year, the Cook County Board passed two ordinances that will go into effect July 1st: 1. requiring all businesses in the county to raise their minimum wage to $13 per hour and 2. requiring all businesses in the county to pay their part- and full-time employees 40 hours of paid time off each year.

Cook County Commissioner Sean Morrison - one of the four Republicans that opposed and spoke out against the ordinances when they were before the county board - began notifying businesses within his 17th District about the county wide ordinances. He argued that the Illinois Supreme Court had already decided in another case that the mandates were outside the jurisdiction of the Board.

"County commissioners don't have the authority to enact any fees or taxes," Morrison said. "The State's Attorney's Office confirmed that the county board doesn't have the authority to pass such an ordinance. Cook County State's Attorney Anita Alvarez also said Cook County lacks the home rule authority to enact a paid leave mandate.'

"As county commissioners and most municipalities out there," Morrison said, "We have home-rule government, and our authority starts and ends there. According to state law, our authority is granted to create ordinances around public-safety issues and to administer administerial duties."

Activist groups like Arise Chicago, People's Lobby and Reclaim Chicago have been actively pressuring city and village councils to embrace the ordinances. Business organizations such as Chamber of Commerces and the Technology & Manufacturing Association have been lobbying the councils to opt-out.

Niles Trustee George Alpogianis led the successful effort in Niles to opt out. The vote was 4-2 in favor of opting out. Village President Andrew Przybylo led the unsuccessful effort against the opt out.

After the vote, the Mayor ran his own ordinance for Niles that mirrored the Cook County ordinance, but exempted people under 18, businesses with 25 or fewer employees, and cut the paid time off down to half. That effort failed 4-2 as well.

The mayor was unable to pass a measure urging the State of Illinois to raise the minimum wage, and that also failed 4-2.

The Illinois General Assembly is considering passing similar statewide mandates.

Municipalities That Have Opted Out

Alsip

Arlington Heights

Barrington

Bartlett

Bedford Park

Bellwood

Bridgeview

Buffalo Grove

Burbank

Burr Ridge

East Hazel Crest

Elk Grove Village

Elmwood Park

Evergreen Park

Harwood Heights

Hickory Hills

Hoffman Estates

Justice

Lynwood

Melrose Park

Morton Grove

Mount Prospect

Niles

Norridge

Oak Forest

Oak Lawn

Palatine

Palos Heights

Palos Park

River Forest

River Grove

Rolling Meadows

Rosemont

Schaumburg

South Barrington

Streamwood

Tinley Park

Western Springs

Wheeling

Municipalities Considering Opting Out
The banks have some of the best-performing super funds of all, at least for their employees.

That is a stark contrast to the super funds they run for their customers, which are among the poorer performers.

Analysis of 10 years' worth of performance data confirms many industry funds outperform their 'retail' rivals. Credit:Karl Hilzinger

Analysis of 10 years' worth of performance data by Industry Super Australia, the umbrella group representing industry funds, confirms many industry funds outperform their "retail" rivals  the funds run by the banks and insurers.
One of Australia's wealthiest and most high profile investors, Hamish Douglass, appears to have engaged in "new economy heresy"  calling out the ride sharing company Uber as being a Ponzi scheme and one that will be broke in 10 years.

It's a sobering perspective for the millions of fans just salivating at the prospect of the San Francisco based becoming a public company as early as 2017.

Douglass, that co-founded the company that manages $50 billion in investment funds, takes the view that Uber's theoretical value is based on its continuous raising of money at higher and higher prices.
The law firm linked with a $165 million alleged tax fraud syndicate was also central to a $100 million land-banking scandal based in Victoria involving notorious property spruiker, Henry Kaye.

Clamenz Evans Ellis is the subject of investigations by authorities over property schemes which ripped off millions of dollars from hundreds, possibly thousands, of small investors across Australia.

The alleged scams in NSW and Victoria both include the use of complex webs of companies and trusts to obscure money flows and hide identities such as Kaye, the "phoenixing" of companies, and the use of "straw" directors as proxies in the formal running of companies.

Around 2014 the firm split, becoming known as Clamenz Lawyers in Sydney and Evans Ellis in Melbourne.
Unfortunately, the upshot of not being able to find the initial contract or having not read it in detail is the employer may have inserted some rather onerous conditions on your ability to work or move freely between roles.

Many employees know of these restraints and can see they're likely to be invalid. Credit:Louie Douvis

When most people sign an employment contract they quickly squirrel it away and more often than not forget about it. In fact, it's quite surprising how many people not only forget about it but misplace it altogether. What's a little more worrying is many individuals never really read the contract before they sign it - they're just excited to be starting a new role.

For example, in recent years I've noticed employers are increasingly predisposed to imposing restraints of trade on their employees. They're inserting conditions of employment in contracts restricting employees who leave an organisation from engaging in competitive business activity for a period of time or operating within a particular geographic area. They are also inserting conditions of employment restricting an employee's ability to canvass business of any capacity from anyone who is an existing or prospective client.

If you're unsure of any restraints written in your employment contract, you should get advice immediately.

While these restraints are quite common, they're often invalid unless they are considered reasonable. They can be too long or too extensive and can go well beyond the legitimate interests of the employer.

For example, I have seen a real estate business in Victoria put a geographic restraint on a former employee that tried to prevent the individual from practising real estate in the whole state rather than a small suburban area.

While many employees know of these restraints and can see they're likely to be invalid we're still seeing employers trying them on. Employers know they might be displaying a degree of imperial overreach, but we often see invalid restraints being passed off by employers as being in their legitimate and reasonable interest.
If Malcolm Turnbull reflected more on his ambitions to improve the structure and functioning of Australian cities he might stop acting as if he could solve the problems himself. He might instead get out of the way. Or, more precisely, he might take the federal government out of the way.

It is possible to be leery of the federal government's insistence on involving itself in a host of areas from a perspective other than juvenile libertarianism.

The state government has its own transport agenda Credit:Fiona Morris

Governments necessarily play a role in massaging, co-ordinating and underpinning services and economies; no advanced society has yet existed without the state webbed through its fibre, like a linen-cotton blend. Tony Abbott may have maintained a fantasy of an anti-socialist urban form stripped of mass transport for the benefit of "kings in their own cars." But Abbott's notion was always that, a fantasy.

Who will build the car parks for the kings to rest their cars? The closest Australian proximate to Abbott's vision is Canberra, an artificial city animated by government salaries generous enough to delude many who receive them into believing they know what they are talking about.
A woman is consoled as she looks at the floral tributes following an evening vigil outside the Town Hall in Manchester, England. Credit:Getty Images It is good to see that our Prime Minister is taking active steps to safeguard Australians from potential terror attacks. Surely, increased powers to the counter-terrorism agencies and police force will help prevent some terror attacks, but such efforts may not be sufficient to eliminate the risk altogether. I wonder how a 22-year old British-born Salman Abedi was radicalised to such an extent where he blows himself up to create terror and claim 22 innocent lives. Unless we address the root causes of radicalisation, we cannot eradicate such barbarity altogether. It is important to run extensive education and training programs to eliminate fear, bullying, social segregation, psychopathic tendencies, and perception of injustice. Due to rising terror attacks, hatred against Muslims is increasing and we are at a higher risk of events such as the Cronulla riots. Usman Mahmood South Bowenfels

As horrific as the Manchester bombing is, I can take some solace in the knowledge that it is the work of a small, lunatic fringe. More concerning is your story and photo from Indonesia ("Crowd roars as men flogged for prohibited gay sex", May 24). This is the barbarity of religion, writ large. No fringe dwellers here, but a baying crowd. Australia, more so than any of the newer nations, has the perfect antidote to this lynch mob lunacy  a tolerant, almost secular, multi-cutural society. But it's time to go the extra step and fully insulate ourselves from this madness. We need to become fully-secular i.e. full separation of church and state. No prayers before parliament, no swearing on Bibles or Korans, no chaplains in schools etc. And everyone subject to the same law, with no religious exceptions. This disturbing photo from a country we call "neighbour", shows just what depths the masses can sink to, if we allow religion to make the rules. Phil Bradshaw Naremburn Of course one supports the minute's silence for the young victims of the Manchester bombing. But where were the minutes of silence for the Yemeni children killed in the Saudi Arabian bombing of schools, the American "collateral damage" of bombing schools and hospitals in Syria, the American bombings of schools and hospitals in Iraq? English teenagers are clearly worth more than Arabic teenagers. And that's just racism. Desmond Crowley Newtown

It is high time we stopped referring Daesh, Islamic State, Al-Qaeda and similar organisations as terrorists or losers and called them what they really are: criminals. Peter Hughes Macquarie Fields Politicians appear Catholic in name but not in deed Former NSW education minister Adrian Piccoli. Credit:Kate Geraghty As a Catholic, Mr [Adrian] Piccoli is deeply disappointed, with the lack of transparency in the way Catholic schools spend public money ("As a Catholic, I am deeply disappointed: Piccoli", May 24). As a Catholic, I am deeply disappointed in Catholic politicians, who put their beliefs on hold over much more important issues than school funding. They have the opportunity to challenge the abandonment of morals and ethics in policy making, but in my opinion have sold their souls. I have no problem with the separation of church and state, but there are some tenets of faith that are non-negotiable, namely love of God and love of neighbour.

It is reasonable to protect our borders and keep illegal migrants out, but it does not justify the vilification of asylum seekers in our custody, or the cruelty that goes unchecked. It makes sense to promote business as a way of providing jobs, but there is no Christianity in hounding the unemployed, and promoting ill will against them. Billions of dollars are willingly spent on war machines, to the detriment of foreign aid and our own poor and homeless. I understand that it may be impossible to prevent immoral laws from being passed, but Catholics have an obligation to openly voice their disapproval. Perhaps it is time for some in parliament, to admit they are Catholic in name only. Graham Lum North Rocks Former NSW education minister Adrian Piccoli's integrity and sincerity has shown once again why so many teachers and retired teachers (both government and non-government) regard him as one of the best Education Ministers this state has ever had. Paul Parramore Sawtell Parties do differ on climate change

Before we can expect our politicians to take action on climate change we must first clear our minds of the cant that the major parties are indistinguishable on this issue. Colin Hesse (Letters, May 24) wheels out the unnuanced and tired distraction that neither major party has a plan for the future. The LNP's policies on climate and renewable energy are still Tony Abbott's policies, Direct (in)Action and new investment in coal-fired power generation. While federal Labor's own support for the Adani coal project is disappointingly short-sighted, it at least has a policy on carbon emissions and has argued for a public-funded rail link to Sydney's second airport. The Turnbull lack of alternative is mind-bogglingly short-sighted and, one might add, on housing affordability and bank regulation he still proposes nothing.

All the above was known 12 months ago when The Sydney Morning Herald endorsed, you guessed it, the re-election of Turnbull. Tom Falkingham Edgecliff Ian Edwards (Letters, May 22) made the apposite observation that the overcrowded state of public transport is an embarrassment to Australian tourism. They might take heart that the solution is at hand, with the collaboration of the Australian and the Queensland governments and a bit of help from Mr Adani and his coal mine. In surveys of visitors to Australia, the Barrier Reef is always listed as the star attraction. It's simple. No Barrier Reef, no tourists. Judith Keene Glebe Lindt cafe inquest

It seems the police and the coroner have a lot to learn about simple, fundamental, management principles according to the reasons for the findings in this case as given by the coroner. There seem to have been numerous problems that occurred during the siege, some technical (poor communication), some due to poor advice from alleged experts brought in to assist and others due to indecision on the front line. In a normal everyday situation, these are the problems that the controlling manager is paid to sort out. In the case of this critical situation, it is totally unsatisfactory to claim, as the NSW Police asserted during the inquiry, that senior managers should not interfere in the decision making on the front line. In this particular new and critical situation (for the NSW Police) the senior commander in charge of the group at the front line should have been on site full time to make considered decisions as the need arose. Maybe the result wouldn't have been any different if the Assistant Commissioner had been there but one must wonder what these senior commanders are paid to do. It's a very depressing case indeed. John Davies Armidale $14 a day. Really? While visiting Sydney recently, my wife and I travelled from Oatley to the city by train for the first time in 30 years. We were shocked to see the endless rows of shabby and towering apartment blocks standing shoulder to shoulder along the entire length of the railway line.

Even more disgusting though was the number of tents we saw in Belmore Park as our spic and span tram moved down Eddy Avenue to the elite confines of Darling Harbour. The comparisons could not have been starker or more condemning of successive governments, state and federal. Their ignorance of or lack of care for our realities is staggering. Now we have the news from the Salvos that families are being forced to live on $14-$17 a day after paying their mortgage and bills; that meeting the demand for the organisation's basic food handouts is beyond their supply ("Families living on $14 a day: Salvo report", online, smh, May 24). It has to be asked. The Lucky Country? For whom? Bert Candy Glenvale (Qld) Degree no guarantee

Ross Gittins ("There's a limit to my compassion budget", May 24) wrote: "Uni students come mainly from the comfortable middle class and go to uni to get a certificate that pretty much guarantees them a well-paying job ..." Perhaps my experience will enlighten him a little. After 4 years of university, and a first- class honours degree, I was offered one interview (and that resulted in no job). To survive I returned to working in the mines up north. Of course, this would have had nothing to do with the fact that I was 42 when I started at university, would it? My point is that a degree (of any sort, leave alone honours) is no guarantee of a job (of any sort, leave alone a well-paying one). If there are no jobs around, no degree helps. Rick Duley North Perth (WA)

Property curbs vital Neil Walker's suggestion of increasing stamp duties and land tax on foreign ownership of properties is interesting (Letters, May 24). Having seen documentaries and read in the media on how these Chinese (read from China) spend in ways that to me are downright obscene, such increases would not deter those who are here to invest on properties. Rather, in addition to the present thresholds imposed on foreign buyers of properties, restrict the number of investment properties to one per family. After all, why should foreigners invest on so much of our properties and have their potential capital gains remitted overseas? Tony Moo North Sydney And what can bank customers whose individual savings earn next-to-nothing, or worse, (yet their savings, when aggregated, produce very handsome sums) expect when banks offset the levy payments ("Big five levy may have to be raised", May 24)? Yes, of course: even higher bank fees and charges. Col Shephard Yamba

Chinese 'soft power' question for Carr Bob Carr  one question to do with your learned piece on China-Australia relations ("Cool-headed strategy over China vindicated", May 24). What's the Chinese term for "soft power"? Perhaps we should all become quite familiar with it. (Although admittedly, it does beat the other kind hands down.) Peter Bower Naremburn Trump up in arms While President Trump is grandstanding about Middle East countries becoming more involved in fighting terrorism, he might turn his attention closer to home and challenge the National Rifle Association and the Second Amendment on the right to bear arms ("Trump talks up peace hopes in Holy Land", May 24).

Wendy Crew Lane Cove "Donald Trump calls bombers 'evil losers' ". For the first (and probably only) time, I'm in complete agreement with Trump. Rose Panidis Graceville Less of Moore
The Adani coal mine has created more posturing than you'd see in a busy ballet class - but none of it's as crippling to the hopes of a struggling north Queensland economy as the Labor Left's effective veto on development.

Don't be mistaken about its impact: the prospect of thousands of jobs hangs on whether the Left accepts a royalties deal that can guarantee a start on the biggest job generator outside of Brisbane.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, right, and her deputy Jackie Trad. Credit:Robert Shakespeare

While their posturing is making the music stop, the Left is not alone in its stance.

Adani, itself, is trying it on in the way big miners do by delaying its investment decision until the deal can be reached. At the same time, it is talking up the need for the coal to fuel the power needs of India where more damage is done to environment by burning dirty fuel than is likely to be done by the comparatively clean Queensland coals.
Cell phones emit a kind of energy called radio frequency EMF's (electromagnetic fields). Health officials have long been concerned about possible health effects cell phone use. Several studies have found people with certain kinds of brain cancer were more likely to have used cell phones for 10 years or more.

The March 3 study concluded:

What about Smart Meters?

It is up to each individual to determine how much they wish to use their cell phone in light of the new hidden CA report, but *what about wireless Smart Meters?* For the first time in history a Class 2B Carcinogen has been mandated on your private property after ComEd was able to convince members of the Illinois General Assembly to pass such a bill. ComEd lobbyists then spent over $16,000,000 persuading the General Assembly to override Governor Quinn's veto and Governor Rauner signed it into law.

Com Ed is now in the process of installing 4,000,000 Smart Meters on the homes of all Illinois residences and business by misleading legislators and Illinoisans into believing that smart meters are safe and harmless.

Smart Meters, like cellphones, emit radio frequency/microwave radiation into residences around-the-clock. The frequency emitted from cellphones is the same as that emitted from Smart Meters when they are transmitting data or performing network functions. What this means is that a single Smart Meter can emit high-intensity bursts of radio frequency radiation

all day long (up to 190,000 times a day according to California Court Documents). Multiply that by ComEds 4,000,000 Smart Meter deployment and you will see why citizens are concerned.

Other reasons for concern: 1. detailed (granular) data on household activities is being collected, posing a threat to privacy. 2. Emitted high frequency burst have been known to fry expensive electronics and appliances. 3. Fire risk increases as Smart Meters can ignite, arc, spark, and explode.

Health issues

While issues of privacy and fire risk are important, most everybody is worried about their health. Dr. Thomas Rau, medical director of the world-renowned Paracelsus Clinic in Switzerland, estimate that 3 to 8 percent of populations in developed countries experience serious electro-hypersensitivity symptoms, while 35 percent experience mild symptoms. Rau also believes that strong electromagnetic fields can lead to cancer, concentration problems, ADD, tinnitus, migraine headaches, insomnia, arrhythmia, Parkinson's, and even back pain. In a systematic review and meta-analysis of EMF radiation on sperm quality, researchers found an 8 percent reduction in motility and 9 percent reduction in sperm viability.

Some people will develop symptoms immediately after installation; most will develop physical and neurological symptoms later from long-term chronic radiofrequency/microwave exposure. Infants, children, pregnant women and the elderly are most vulnerable. Pets also suffering from exposure.

Because Smart Meters operate in a mesh network, relaying data from one house to another and then on to a collector, Dr. Ronald M. Powell, Ph.D., has concluded that "The RF radiation from wireless Smart Meters is particularly threatening to health as that radiation is so persistent and so powerful." Dr. Ronald M. Powell is a retired career U.S. Government scientist. He holds a Ph.D. in Applied Physics from Harvard University (1975). During his Government career, he worked for the Executive Office of the President, the National Science Foundation, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology. See here articles Dr. Powell has published about Smart Meters.

Survey reveals common symptoms

Dr. Ronald M. Powell published a pdf study on March 12, 2015 of a survey about the symptoms which are being reported as people from coast to coast in the USA, and from one side of the world to the other, are becoming ill after exposure to the radio frequency radiation emitted by Smart Meters - Symptoms after Exposure to Smart Meter Radiation

The first survey comes from the United States and includes 318 respondents from 28 states from California to New York, and addresses wireless utility meters that are principally Wireless Smart Meters. The second survey comes from the other side of the world, Victoria, Australia, and included 92 respondents, and addresses Wireless Smart Meters exclusively. Both surveys report new or worsened symptoms after exposure to the radiation from Wireless Smart Meters in the respondent's environment.
How many times did I take an excited little girl to a concert to see her favourite pop star? I look at the photos on my phone and the memories come flooding back. Kelly Clarkson, Justin Bieber and - O frabjous day! - One Direction.

It's a ritual enacted in every corner of the country, a tweenage rite of passage. The precious concert ticket purchased months in advance, for a birthday or for Christmas, and handled like a holy relic. The date circled in the diary. The days impatiently counted down. The pocket money saved for merchandise and posters, the top purchased for the occasion, because she wants to look her best, the bomber jacket worn over it, a sophisticated touch. The excitement reaching fever pitch as you get to the venue for, make no mistake, this is the biggest night of your daughter's young life.

That is what it was like at Manchester Arena on Monday evening. Thousands of parents escorted eager children to the door or went inside with them to enjoy the show. There were older teenagers, too, with a gaggle of giggly mates, insanely thrilled to be there and trying out their grown-up selves for size.

Girls who worshipped Ariana Grande, a pop princess morphed from squeaky-clean Nickelodeon star to daring diva. Girls who knew all the words to her hit, Dangerous Woman, ready to sing along. Girls like Saffie Rose Roussos, just eight years old. Girls like Georgina Callander, 18, who had actually met her idol two years previously at the same venue and posted a picture of them together.
ABC head Michelle Guthrie was forced to defend the broadcaster's editorial independence, hiring practices and marketing, while denying its children's news program was sympathetic to Islamic State in a grilling which has come to characterise her time in front of the Senate.

Ms Guthrie, who celebrated her first year in the managing director role earlier this month, said the ABC was working on "maximising" its benefit to audiences and planned on announcing a $2.9 million spend in "genre programming" on Thursday, which would see its arts, science and education coverage boosted, as well as the return of Catalyst.

But the restructure Ms Guthrie announced earlier this year, which will see cuts to 200 jobs, was continuing, with discussions with radio staff to be held this week.

Concluding her opening, Ms Guthrie said the ABC should not be used as a "scapegoat for the problems that confront others in the digital media landscape" in response to Fairfax chief Greg Hywood's concerns the broadcaster was "using taxpayer money to drive traffic" to its news websites by paying to boost its search results.
The Opposition Leader challenged the Federal Parliament not to look for the lowest common denominator, but make constitutional recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people "as meaningful as we are capable collectively of achieving".

Bill Shorten has signalled that Labor will back an ambitious outcome of the Indigenous constitution convention at Uluru, declaring: "It is our turn to step up, not to find fault, but to find common ground."

The three-day convention opened after a powerful declaration from Pat Anderson, the co-chair of the Referendum Council, that "our very survival" will depend on the decisions it would take.

Co-chair of the Referendum Council Pat Anderson at the First Nations National Convention at Uluru. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

"This can't go on," Ms Anderson said. "They can't keep excluding us and making decisions without us being at the table."

The convention follows 12 Indigenous dialogues across the country that have broadly agreed on a set of "guiding principles" for designing a referendum question.

These include that change amount to "substantive, structural reform", that it does not diminish Indigenous sovereignty, that it "tells the truth" about history, and provides mechanisms for agreement making.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has said Australia's century-old defence laws could be adjusted in accordance with the recommendations of the Coroner's inquest into the deadly 2014 Lindt Cafe siege, raising the possibility of the Australian Defence Force being given greater leeway to step into terrorist incidents.

It followed findings that there was no legal basis to ordering army commandos to rush the cafe because it was a single gunman incident, which while presenting a "real and terrible" threat was "at all times within the capacity of the police to handle".

With Australia's terror alert level remaining at "probable" in the immediate aftermath of the Manchester atrocity, Mr Turnbull hinted at significant legislative changes, declaring "we must be more agile than those who seek to do us harm - we will always work tirelessly to keep Australians safe".
For one thing, petition author Michael Wilson argued, the "boundless plains to share" line in verse two clangs with Australia's approach to immigration.

" The Australian national anthem is a pile of garbage ," it began, before demanding Advance Australia Fair be put in the bin.

"We, as the greatest and best people on the planet Earth, deserve to have the greatest and best national anthem in the world," the preamble reasons. "La Marseillaise is taken by the French, and [Nirvana's] Smells Like Teen Spirit is taken by the youth of the 1990s as theirs.

"Therefore, we should change it to the 2003 song Hey Ya by OutKast, which has been venerated for centuries as one of the great party anthems."

There is some precedent here, with Melbourne music producer Terry Mann changing the words for his Straya version of the song in 2015. But Wilson's dream of school assemblies and rugby crowds singing "shake it like a Polaroid picture" (that iconic Hey Ya line) was dashed when the petition attracted just four signatories over four weeks and was rejected through the standard official channels.

Granted, while Hey Ya is great on the dance floor at 2am, it would not be appropriate at a dawn ceremony. However, this doesn't take away from the fact Advance Australia Fair is a mid-tempo dirge and needs to go.

As former Nationals senator Sandy Macdonald argued back in 2001, we should love our national anthem not fall asleep because of it.
In the days before she was a Labor MP, Anne Aly was an international counter terrorism expert.

Dr Aly says there are three reasons why terrorists choose a particular target.

"The first one is that they're opportunists, so they look for places where there is no security or very little security, where they have easy access in to and out of a venue," Dr Aly told Perth radio earlier today.

"The second one, as heinous as this might sound, is that they look for places where they can inflict the most damage. So where people congregate, where there are large numbers of people, where a bomb is likely to cause the most deaths. And the third reason is a symbolic value. So, a venue where people are having fun, taking advantage of the freedoms that we enjoy here in western democracies, you know they want to send a message so to speak."
Djordje Varda, who describes himself on his website as an "events and floral designer" reportedly posted three photos on Wednesday morning, sending a social media universe thus far deprived of photos of the post-nuptials knees-up into a bit of a spin.

The first photos inside the heavily-guarded wedding reception of Pippa Middleton and James Matthews have been leaked on social media, four days after the event.

Varda, who created a floral wonderland inside the glass marquee that was shipped from Belgium for the big day, has since removed the photos but not before they were copied and re-posted hundreds of times.

The photos show the marquee filled with trees that have small, white, blossom-like flowers, and tables festooned with bouquets of roses and greenery in an overall pink, white and green theme.

The flowers tie back with the green padded chairs and white napery and china.

Details of the reception have so far been scarce, partly because it was held on the private estate of the bride's parents, Carole and Michael Middleton.

The Duchess of Cambridge's sister, 33, married banker Matthews, 41, on Saturday in a service at St Mark's Church in Berkshire that was attended by 150 guests.
Justice John Dixon offered Ms Wilson a break to compose herself. But she said she would power through  as long as everyone could understand her testimony through the tears. Mid-testimony, Ms Wilson pointed at Bauer Media's senior lawyer, Georgina Schoff, QC, and said she had discovered Ms Schoff had leaked confidential information about her finances. The recipient of the information, Ms Wilson claimed, was Ms Schoff's husband. After an awkward pause, the trial continued. Ms Wilson also revealed she is a member of Disneyland's Club 33, an invite-only secretive club at Disneyland for celebrities and other high-net-worth individuals.

The club reportedly has a $50,000-plus initiation fee plus $15,000 in annual dues. The third day of Wilson's defamation trial  expected to run the Supreme Court of Victoria for three weeks  focussed on life behind the scenes at celebrity magazines, where journalists and editors make low-ball cash-offers to get anonymous sources to spill dirt on stars. Actress Rebel Wilson told the court she had worked '17 years, every day, to get to this point'. Credit:Mal Fairclough In 2012 a comment was left on Woman's Day's Facebook page, claiming to be from a former schoolmate who had dirt to dish on Ms Wilson. "What a lier [sic] she has become," the comment said. "OMG oh my god I LOVE this xxx," wrote one magazine employee when the comment was circulated around the office, according to emails tendered by Wilson's legal team.

Journalist Shari Nementzik negotiated with the source via email: what information did she have, did she have any photos? "I cannot believe she's a fake, that's awful ... [the story] would never ruin her career, but possibly just expose the real her," Ms Nementzik allegedly emailed. Ms Nementzik initially offered between $2000 and $8000 for the story and childhood photos  although that offer dropped to only $500 when she discovered what the source had.

"She's suggesting if she had a picture of me with a crack pipe she'd give her $8000," Ms Wilson joked when the email was read to court. The source  who Ms Wilson believes is an obsessed and jealous former classmate  told the magazine Ms Wilson was lying about her name (Melanie), age (33), parents' occupation (accountants, not dog trainers), awards and malaria diagnosis. Ms Wilson said she was baffled by the claims, all which she said were false and easily disproved with a quick internet search. Most odd, she said, was a claim she was lying about winning a "best up-and-coming actress under 30 award". "To my knowledge there is no such award," Ms Wilson told the court.

She said she never revealed her age after moving to Hollywood  but never lied about it either. Her first name had been legally changed from Melanie to Rebel, she said, and she had photographic evidence of her malaria diagnosis and her parents' dog-training days. Ms Nementzik did do some research  and discovered the source's claims may not have stacked up, according to emails read out in court. "We have come into some problems with the story," she wrote to her source. "We have been doing some research and there are a lot of articles that put her age at 33, and somewhere she says her real name is Melanie. If she has not been lying as such it will be hard to do the story".

After spending a year negotiating with the source, in 2013 Ms Nementzik emailed to say the magazine had legal advice not to publish the story. "If I was Bauer Media I would have sacked this journalist," Ms Wilson said. "Not only did she know all this information was fake but she'd taken it to lawyers who said not to publish it." But then, in 2015, the story was resubmitted for publication, according to emails tendered in court. It would eventually be published in May 2015, around the time the movie Pitch Perfect 2, starring Ms Wilson was released. Before it was published Fiona Connolly, editor in chief of Woman's Day, emailed Ms Nementzik, worrying "about legals as we're calling her a liar based on a woman who won't go public".
Women are constantly being told they need to be more assertive and confident if they want to do well at work, but are then frequently accused of "bullying" or not being a team player if they do display those qualities.

"I act for a lot of people responding to workplace complaints," says Emma Starkey, senior associate at Maurice Blackburn Lawyers. "But it's rare to have a male client who's had to respond to allegations they 'looked at someone the wrong way' or had a certain 'tone'.

It's not women who need to change, it is workplace culture. Credit:Stocksy

"These allegations are, however, regularly made about women accused of being a bully. There's a real disconnect and double standard in the workplace."

Too often, women are told they have to change if they want to succeed in the workplace, says Starkey. But the answer actually lies with bringing about cultural change within companies and organisations. And the government should take the lead on this issue by implementing effective, proactive legislation.
Fox News plays such an influential role in the contemporary media it's easy to forget that there was a time when the network was still a fledgling news outlet in search of momentum and identity.

In an op-ed published Monday by The New York Times, Monica Lewinsky argues that Fox found its footing when Roger Ailes took over the network and decided to focus his anchors' attention on Lewinsky's relationship with Bill Clinton "ceaselessly, 24 hours a day."

Roger Ailes, the founder and former CEO of Fox News, has died last week. Credit:AP

Ailes - who was forced to step down last year following a sexual harassment scandal - died last week after falling in his Palm Beach home, according to news reports.

There was a cultural change, Lewinsky wrote, one that came at her expense and affected her "profoundly and personally."
Later, good samaritans used stock from the merchandise tables  t-shirts that hours earlier would have been purchased with pocket money  as makeshift tourniquets. I wanted to dig my Avril Lavigne hoodie out of storage and hold it tight.

I thought of those sweet girls as soon as I read news of the bombing at the Ariana Grande concert at Manchester Arena on Monday night. How many others turned to the person next to them, strangers turned best friends by the life-affirming power of pop music, and expressed their excitement at what was to come?

I was just shy of my 21st birthday when I attended my first real pop concert  the Melbourne leg of Avril Lavigne's Try To Shut Me Up tour  and I immediately regretted not having done it sooner, for there is no better way to experience the transcendent nature of pop music than in a cavernous arena filled with screaming young girls.

She sat near me, up and to the left of the stage at Rod Laver, and I'll never forget her: a young girl of 12 or so who turned to me and squealed, by way of introduction I suppose, "I'M SO EXCITED!"

We may never know if the bomber picked Manchester Arena simply because he knew, given its capacity, it would provide the maximum number of casualties, or because he was aware that it was the type of big pop show that would be full of girls and young women. The possibility of the latter is almost too much to bear.

Acts of terrorism such as the one that befell the concertgoers in Manchester make it too easy to spout trite soundbites like "They hate us for our freedom!"  but if you've been to a big arena show either as a young girl or with one, you'll know that there is no place as free, as life-affirming and as precious as a pop concert.

Take American rock critic Ann Powers' beautiful evocation of the pop concert as a sacred space, written after Monday's attack:

Telling your mom it's okay and you'll meet her right after the show, running toward the front hand in hand with your best friend like you don't even have a mom right now, flirting with the kid who sells you a soda, dancing experimentally, looking at the woman onstage and thinking maybe one day you'll be sexy and confident like her, realizing that right this moment you are sexy and confident like her, matching your voice to the sound, loving the sound, falling into the sound. This is truth. Young girls loving music, whatever kind of music, are truth. I believe in them and nothing can annihilate their truth.

The Avril show wasn't my first concert per se; that happened way back in 1992, when I thrilled to the blockbuster lineup of Jimmy Barnes, John Farnham, Diesel, Nathan Cavallieri AND The Tin Lids, all in the one night! I was a tween girl attending a pop concert and a fan, yes, but though I still recall the thrill of being there alongside my very patient mum, the Barnesy audience wasn't my demographic; that concert wasn't made with me in mind. It wasn't until a decade later, on a similarly chilly night at Rod Laver, that I really understood what it was to be a teen girl stepping into her first arena show.
Canberra's national gallery will not reverse a 10 per cent staffing cut despite a budget windfall restoring half its government funding slashed less than two years ago.

The National Gallery of Australia's director Gerard Vaughan told senators at an estimates hearing on Wednesday it had to shed 20 of its 237 staff after a $3.94 million cut in December 2015.

National Gallery of Australia director Gerard Vaughan told senators it had to shed 20 staff in response to budget cuts. Credit:Jay Cronan

He said 2016-17 had been a "challenging year" and described the gallery's restructure, which made $2.2 million in savings, as a "difficult but interesting" process.

"'Challenging' concerns the efficiency dividends we've needed to take account of," Dr Vaughan said.
Eighteen reports to the National Security Hotline about Man Haron Monis' Islamic State-related Facebook posts were referred to ASIO in the week before he stormed the Lindt Cafe, but the relevant commanders had no idea about them during the siege.

It was just one of several failures by agencies to fully understand and deal with the picture Monis presented, State Coroner Michael Barnes found.

In the months before the siege, Monis was granted bail on charges of accessory to murder his Australian ex-wife. (A court later found Monis' girlfriend, Amirah Droudis, stabbed the ex-wife 14 times and set her on fire).

However, Director of Public Prosecutions solicitor Brian Royce made an inadequate argument against bail, he said.
Planning for a rail line through Badgerys Creek airport is emerging as the focus of tension between federal and state governments over land use and transport policy in Sydney.

NSW Transport and Infrastructure Minister Andrew Constance is increasingly pushing back against federal input into the policy area, declaring that Canberra's plans for Sydney should not detract from the state's aggressive agenda.

"I'm a bit sensitive to Canberra suggesting that they can do it better," said Mr Constance.

"I just think we don't want to duplicate functions of government," he said. "We are happy to work very closely with Canberra, that's what we are doing.
Brisbane-bound travellers have been diverted as far away as Sydney as thick fog plays havoc with the city's airport for the third time in a week, prompting warnings of possible knock-on effects across the country.

Five planes were diverted by 6.30am Wednesday, others cancelled and another 16 delayed as and passengers were urged to check with their airlines for the latest information.

The airport's online arrivals board showed only a handful of flights predicted to land before 8am, while departures appeared less severely affected, with several flights getting away after 6am.

Brisbane Airport spokeswoman Leonie Vandeven said fog was unpredictable and would likely create a backlog, possibly leading to problems at other airports across the country.
The "For Lease" sign that was placed over two plaques honouring Anzac hero Billy Sing has been removed and shifted to another part of the building.

The plaque honoured the place of Trooper Sing's death, which occurred on on May 19, 1943, at a since-demolished boarding house at 304 Montague Road, West End.

Concerned historian Merv Bonnell at the Billy Sing plaques at West End which were covered by a real estate sign.

Building owner Orfeo Lazzareitti told Fairfax Media on Wednesday he "had no idea" why a sign company employed by real estate agent Nick Zervos had covered the two historical plaques, installed by the Military Historical Society of Australia in 1993 to mark 50 years since Trooper Sing's death.

Amateur historian Merv Bonnell highlighted what he called a "disrespectful act" on Tuesday after he went to pay his respects to Trooper Sing. On Thursday, he was delighted the sign had been shifted.
The RACQ has said traffic congestion on Hale Street turning right onto Coronation Drive has "certainly lived down to our expectations".

Due to the lack of space in the right-turn lane at the lights, traffic waiting to turn right onto Coronation Drive backs up the ICB causing regular headaches for westbound commuters.

Unfortunately for commuters, the Brisbane City Council has said little can be done to ease this commuter pain.

In 2010 the RACQ said the design of the major intersection was "pretty inadequate", and on Tuesday RACQ's executive general manager Paul Turner said the "enormous traffic load" now being carried by the Inner City Bypass has only made the problem worse.
The ousting of Supreme Court Justice Angelo Vasta during the Fitzgerald era weighs heavily on the conscience of federal MP Bob Katter.

Mr Katter, now the federal member for Kennedy, was a cabinet minister in the Ahern government when it sacked Mr Vasta in 1989 after allegations of improper tax arrangements.

Judge Angelo Vasta, pictured in 1988. Credit:Mike Larder

Mr Katter's son Robbie Katter, a Queensland state MP, has introduced a private member's bill to clear the former judge's name.

Robbie Katter told a Queensland parliamentary committee considering his bill that his father Bob admitted he was "ashamed of what we did there".
A Lorna Jane manager accused of bullying was disciplined for derogatory Facebook posts, a court has heard.

Megan McCarthy was called in for an interview with her boss for writing a post in late 2012 which said she was "surrounded by turkeys" and considering a different career, the Brisbane District Court heard on Wednesday.

Former Lorna Jane employee Amy Robinson is suing the company over alleged bullying.

She was also chastised about a post where she bragged about calling people she despised "generators" because they generated more problems for her.

She also described them as "oxygen thieves".
A business encourages staff to bring pets to work. Another has treadmills for staff to burn calories as they read emails. Staff choose to work public holidays or have a day in lieu, and can take off "empower hours" to go surfing or pursue other hobbies.

Welcome to the crazy world of workplace flexibility. A place where companies offer silly perks to keep staff happy, yet expect them to answer emails late at night, occasionally work weekend and go for years without a decent pay rise.

Great places to work are about more than ping pong tables in the office.

These were just some of the workplace flexibility initiatives promoted in LinkedIn's recent list of best places to work. Companies that overloaded staff with perks and gifts  mostly big banks and large accounting firms  dominated the top rankings.

Are companies really this wasteful on workplace flexibility initiatives?
Skyrail has been politically divisive in Melbourne's south-east but in the city's north, the push for elevated rail is growing.

The Upfield railway line should be elevated from Parkville to Coburg to remove 12 level crossings in one hit, a Moreland councillor has said as part of a wider campaign for more "skyrail" across the city.

Moreland councillor Lambros Tapinos is leading the charge for elevated rail on the Upfield rail line. Credit:Pat Scala

The call, from Labor councillor and former mayor Lambros Tapinos, follows neighbouring Darebin Council's push last month to elevate part of the South Morang railway line in Preston and remove four level crossings.

"When you think of the benefits of having a big linear park under the sky rail, and having a brand new bike path with four lanes, there is significant benefit to having the rail line go up," he said.
Melbourne Express: Thursday, May 25, 2017

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Good morning, riddle me this: if there's far more cloud cover than there was yesterday, but the forecast is for less of a chance of rain, is it going to rain?

Considering the heavens didn't open yesterday, we're daring to defy the Bureau and suggest that you're safe to leave the brolly at home.

Early bird gets the fish at Port Melbourne. Credit:Leigh Henningham.

Apart from the extra cloud, it's looking like a carbon copy of yesterday. Which is not a bad thing at all.

After all the talk of possible showers in the late afternoon and evening, Wednesday shaped up to be a more or less sunny delight. More of the same for Thursday wouldn't be too shabby at all.
If you looked into someone's car port and saw baby clothes hanging up, would you be offended?

It seems someone has too much time on their hands after Atwell resident Laura Ross got a ticking off for hanging laundry in the car port of her rental home after someone made an anonymous complaint.

Rockingham resident Laura Ross got a ticking off for hanging laundry in the car port of her rental home. Credit:Virginia Star

Speaking to WAtoday, Ms Ross said her troubles began with a "Mt. Washmore" of laundry that had piled up last week after a busy period of Mother's Day and birthday celebrations and a house guest staying with the family.

Tackling the big pile, Ms Ross threw a load in the washing machine and when it was done the soggy mess went into the dryer.
It was a victory for common sense at a City of Nedlands Council meeting on Tuesday night, when local cafe Kirkwood Deli was granted full approval to supply tables and chairs at its venue.

You read that right: tables and chairs at a cafe.

Kirkwood Deli is extremely popular with a number of Nedlands locals. Credit:Google Maps

The Kirkwood Deli is not the only Perth cafe which has fallen foul with neighbours disgruntled with patrons parking. Just two days ago Trigg institution Yelo Cafe has won a court case brought against it by the City of Stirling, which had alleged that it was operating in breach of its planning approval.

The Swanbourne deli, located on North Street, was forced to apply for retrospective approval for its 20 seats and five tables when neighbours complained the seating had caused 'parking problems' on North Street.
Washington: US President Donald Trump labelled North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un a "madman with nuclear weapons" during a private phone conversation with Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte last month, just days before stating publicly that he would be "honoured" to meet with Kim.

In the April 29 call, Trump sought Duterte's input on whether Kim is "stable or not stable" and expressed some satisfaction in North Korea's recent failed missile tests, noting that "all his rockets are crashing. That's the good news," according to a transcript of the conversation made by the Philippines government on May 2 and obtained Tuesday by The Washington Post.

Duterte responded that Kim is "playing with his bombs, his toys" and offered that "his mind is not working well and he just might go crazy one moment." That prompted Trump to point out that the United States has "a lot of firepower over there", including "two nuclear submarines" sent by the Pentagon to the region last month.

Later in the call, Trump raised the stakes of the escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula when he observed: "We can't let a madman with nuclear weapons let on the loose like that. We have a lot of firepower, more than he has, times 20 - but we don't want to use it."
Bangkok: Islamic State-linked militants who rampaged through a southern Philippines town have threatened to kill a priest and other Christian hostages.

The threat came as thousands of civilians fled Marawi, 830 kilometres south of Manila, on Wednesday as troops fought running battles with militants who took over a large part of the city on Tuesday, flying black Islamic State flags and torching key government buildings and a church.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte declared that martial law he imposed across Mindanao, home to 20 million people, in response to the attacks would be "harsh" to quell the rising threat of Islamic State-inspired violence.

After cutting short a trip to Moscow, Mr Duterte also told reporters in Manila he is considering expanding martial law to other parts of the country.
The story is one of two accounts of homeless men stepping in to help in the immediate moments after the terror attack, prompting public fundraising campaigns for the men who have since been hailed "heroes without capes".

Candles, flowers and cards placed in honour of the victims at a vigil in Manchester. Credit:Getty Images

Stephen Jones, who had been sleeping near Manchester Arena, also told British television network ITV that he pulled nails out of victims, as he entered the bomb site and encountered many children covered in blood, crying and screaming.

"We were having to pull nails out of their arms and stuff and a couple out of this little girl's face," Mr Jones said.

"Some lady, she got cut from her side here, so my mate had to hold her legs up and then an ambulance guy came and a fireman and they assisted after that. We just held her legs up because we thought she was just going to bleed right out."
Jakarta: Three police officers and two suspected suicide bombers have been killed in two explosions near a bus terminal in East Jakarta on Wednesday night.

Grisly images of scattered body parts emerged after the explosions, a few minutes apart, occurred at a Trans Jakarta bus stop near the Kampung Melayu terminal in East Jakarta around 9pm local time.

National police spokesman Setyo Wasisto said five police officers and five civilians had also been injured in the attack.

No-one had yet claimed responsibility for the explosions.
"Just know that there's an entire world out here that is grieving for your loss," Peggy Jones wrote. Olivia Campbell, 15, died in the Manchester Arena explosion. Credit:Facebook As Manchester awoke on Wednesday morning, more of the 22 victims of the blast had been identified. Martyn Hett, Kelly Brewster, Marcin and Angelika Klis, and John Atkinson were named among victims. One of the posts shared of Olivia Campbell, missing after the Manchester explosion, but later confirmed dead. Credit:Twitter

Also among the victims of the blast were eight-year-old Saffie Rose Roussos and Ariana Grande superfan Georgina Callander, 18. Martyn Hett PR manager Martyn Hett, from Stockport, was believed to have been at Monday night's concert with a friend, the BBC reported. The 29-year-old's boyfriend Russell Hayward has been tweeting about his "soulmate" who was missing after the bombing. But he later tweeted news that "iconic and beautiful Martyn" did not survive.

Mr Hett's brother, Dan Hett, also tweeted: "They found my brother last night. We are heartbroken." Kelly Brewster Kelly Brewster's partner shared this photo of the 32-year-old Sheffield woman, another victim of the Manchester Arena bombing. Credit:Facebook/@ian.j.winslow

Kelly Brewster, from Sheffield, died after she reportedly shielded her niece from the blast at Manchester Arena on Monday night. Ms Brewster's uncle Paul Dryhurst said the 32-year-old woman had "heroically shielded" her 11-year-old niece from the blast in the foyer, the BCC reported. Her partner, Ian John Winslow, paid tribute to Ms Brewster on Facebook. She is survived by their daughter Pheobe. "Not sure how this works but it isn't good news. Kelly Brewster wasn't one of the unidentified hospital patients. She has sadly passed away in the terror attack yesterday," he wrote. "Kelly really was the happiest she has ever been and we had so many things planned together. My daughter Phoebe will be absolutely devastated like we all are. Love you loads"

Olivia Campbell Olivia Campbell, from Bury in Greater Manchester, became one of the most high-profile missing victims, after her mother's desperate pleas for help on social media caught the attention of people around the world. Ms Campbell's posts were shared tens of thousands of times by people across the world, with Olivia's name trending on Twitter. "It's the most horrible feeling ever, to know that your daughter's there and you can't find her and you don't know if she's dead or alive," a tearful Ms Campbell told US news network CNN. "I don't know how people can do this to innocent children."

The Manchester mother broke down in tears on ITV's Good Morning Britain just hours before she shared the news of her daughter's death. "All I know is she was at the Manchester Arena with her friend watching Ariana Grande and she's not turned up yet," she said. "I can't get through to her. I've called the hospitals, I've called all the places, the hotels where people say that children have been taken. I've called the police. There's no news, I've just got to wait. I'm waiting at home just in case she turns up here." Ms Campbell told the BBC she last had contact with her daughter shortly before Grande took to the stage. "She was at the concert, she'd just seen the support act and said she was having an amazing time and thanking me for letting her go," she said.

"She was with her friend, Adam. Adam was found about half an hour ago  he's in hospital  but Olivia's not been found yet ... I'm just hearing nothing." Many parents were still waiting on Wednesday, more than 24 hours after the terror attack, to find out if their children were among the dead or injured, sharing photos on Facebook and Twitter with the #MissingInManchester hashtag. Marcin and Angelika Klis Marcin and Angelika Klis have been confirmed as two more victims of the bombing in Manchester. Credit:Facebook Polish couple Marcin and Angelika Klis had gone to Manchester Arena to collect their daughters after the concert on Monday night.

In the hours after the bombing, their daughter Alex tried to desperately find them, writing on Facebook: "Anyone who is in any safe place or hospital in Manchester, if anyone comes across my parents please please let me know as they've been missing ever since the attack." Poland's Foreign Minister Witold Waszczykowski told a Polish radio station, "The parents came after the concert to collect their daughters and unfortunately we have information that they are dead. The children are safe." John Atkinson John Atkinson, a competitive dancer and pop music fan from Radcliffe, was reportedly leaving the venue when he was fatally injured by the blast. Local adult dance troupe, Freak Dance Radcliffe, paid tribute to the 26-year-old, remembering him as a "happy gentle person" and a "real pleasure to teach".

"Today is an amazingly sad day! 'We have lost a member of our dance family," read the group's message onFacebook. "He was a true friend, not just to our staff but many of the parents and students from the school. Our thoughts are with the family at the very sad and hard time!" Other friends posted their condolences online, saying Mr Atkinson was an "amazing young man" and a "beautiful soul". Facebook friend Gill Corless, posted a photo of a candle, with the message: "My candle lit for John Atkinson and the 21 others who lost their lives in the evil senseless attack in Manchester, shine bright in the sky tonight john."

Saffie-Rose Roussos Saffie Roussos, eight, died in the Manchester bombing. Credit:AP Eight-year-old Saffie-Rose Roussos died from her injuries at the concert on Monday night. Saffie Rose Roussos, from the small English town of Leyland, Lancashire, was named as a victim of the attack on Tuesday. It followed reports she had been missing.

The news has come as a tremendous shock to her school community, said Chris Upton, headteacher at Tarleton Community Primary School "The thought that anyone could go out to a concert and not come home is heartbreaking," Mr Upton said. "Saffie was simply a beautiful little girl in every aspect of the word. "She was loved by everyone and her warmth and kindness will be remembered fondly. Saffie was quiet and unassuming with a creative flair." Georgina Callander

Georgina Callander with US pop star Ariana Grande. Credit:Instagram/georgina.bethany Georgina Callander, 18, was the first named victim of the tragedy, and was a devoted fan of Ariana Grande, having met her in June 2015. On Instagram, Georgina posted a photo of their meeting with the caption: "She was so cute and lovely. I hugged her so tight and she said she loved my bow. I can't get over this, I never will." The teenager, from Whittle-le-Woods in Lancashire, was a student at Runshaw College in Leyland. On Tuesday night, candlelit vigils were held in Manchester and in the village of Tarleton and Hesketh Bank for Saffie and Georgina.
Emergency services personnel speak to people outside Manchester Arena after an explosion. Credit:PA He and his team offered what they could to the mass of shocked people outside the church  many of them children. Some needed first aid. Shocked concert goers leave Manchester Arena after the blast. Credit:Getty Images "We had people with lacerations, we had a gentleman with his arm torn apart, we tried to get him help," he said.

The man had two young girls with him. Members of the public gather in Albert Square, Manchester on Tuesday afternoon. Credit:Getty Images They were on the fringe of the police cordon, the new barrier between terror and the city. "There was a whole mixture of emotions: people in extreme shock, people in fear trying to just get out as quickly as possible. The roads were full of people running and trying to get out of the city centre," Mr Alexander said. A woman is consoled as she looks at the floral tributes following an evening vigil outside the Town Hall in Manchester, England. Credit:Getty Images

"You had a full gamut of people who were close to the action or just fleeing in panic. Most wanted to get out of the area - they didn't want to hang around. Alexander and his staff fired up their minibuses to get out-of-towners back to their hotels, and arranged carpooling for the locals. Meanwhile Alexander was starting to get worried calls from Australia  his phone ran hot overnight, at first with close family and friends asking if he was ok, then from his broader network offering encouragement and sympathy. This buoyed him  along with adrenaline  Alexander said.

On Tuesday they kept the venue open all day, offering it to police and ambulance workers as a place for refreshment and respite. That evening they held their regular service, attended by about 600. "The mood is a courageous one," Alexander said. "There's a lot of empathy and sympathy for people struggling with loss. "The overriding mood has been of confidence this is not going to stop us as a city. We are a resilient city, we have faced situations just like this in the past with terrorist actions. "The overarching mood is one of standing up for the city, standing up for each other, being a community together and looking forward to the future and what the next steps need to be. It's been encouraging."
Vatican City: Pope Francis urged US President Donald Trump to be a peacemaker and gave him a copy of his encyclical on climate change at their first meeting on Wednesday, after the two men exchanged sharp words last year.

Under clear blue skies, Mr Trump received a tribute from the Swiss Guard in a Vatican courtyard when he arrived. He entered a small elevator taking him to the third floor of the Apostolic Palace and, after a long ceremonial walk past frescoed corridors, shook the pope's hand at the entrance to the private study that the frugal pontiff uses only for official occasions.

Before the door of the wood-lined elevator closed, a Vatican protocol official was heard quipping to the president that it was not "like Trump Tower in New York".

Pope Francis smiled faintly as he greeted Mr Trump outside the study and was not as outgoing as he sometimes is with visiting heads of state. Mr Trump, seeming subdued, said, "It is a great honour."
Newport Car Museum to Officially Open its Doors on June 1

PORTSMOUTH, R.I. (May 24, 2017) - Newport Car Museum officially opens its doors for the first time on June 1 and is already well on its way to becoming a marquee attraction for visitors to New England as well as a regional gathering place for those passionate about automobiles. A private collection of some 50 automobiles at the museum focuses on six decades of modern industrial automotive design and celebrates cars as works of art.

"We believe that the wonderfully talented industrial designers that flourished after World War II were not unlike the sculptors and artists of the Renaissance Period," said Gunther Buerman, who with his wife Maggie Buerman founded Newport Car Museum. "Their creative passion is reflected especially in automobile design of the 1950s through the '70s and from 1990 to the present, which is the focus of our collection."

The Buermans note that separate exhibits for Ford Shelbys, Corvettes, World Cars, Fin Cars and Chrysler Mopars have been carefully curated to appeal to men as well as women and to all generations, from grandparents to parents to children. A collection of Mid-Century modern furniture - by iconic designers such as Americans Charles and Ray Eames and Florence Knoll Bassett, and Denmark's Arne Jacobsen and Hans Wegner - has been integrated into the artistic stylings of the museum, while six driving simulators await those wanting to test their skills on the toughest raceways and road courses in the world.

"The location and space here gives us everything we need to present a very special modern design experience," said Maggie Buerman about the museum's unlikely but accommodating home: a 114,000 sq. ft. building that was once a missile manufacturing plant. Completely gutted and renovated for its current purpose, it is located on 17 acres at the Raytheon Company campus in Portsmouth, R.I., just a short drive from the state's famed tourist destination of Newport.

Newport Car Museum includes 50,000 square feet of exhibit area, offices, a library and 5,000 square feet of event space that can accommodate parties for as many as 500 people. The space also includes corporate break-out rooms and other special locations for gatherings, such as "Coffee and Cars," that the museum plans to regularly host for the community.

Free parking for over 300 cars is available and is proving especially attractive for car clubs and other organizations that have indicated their desire to visit the museum in groups. Located on-site but operated separately from the museum is 30,000 square feet of temperature-controlled storage space for approx. 70 private cars, with a garage and concierge service.

Newport Car Museum is handicap accessible and hours are daily, Monday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (closed Christmas and New Year's Day). Tickets can be bought at the door or online at www.newportcarmuseum.org<http://www.newportcarmuseum.org> where more information and directions are available.

Follow us on Facebook<https://www.facebook.com/newportcarmuseum>, Twitter<https://twitter.com/NPTCarMuseum> and Instagram<https://www.instagram.com/newportcarmuseum/> and Pinterest<https://uk.pinterest.com/gbuerman9911/>.




























Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 24/05/2017 (1996 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

He may have assaulted a La Broquerie arena employee last October, but a 16-year-old Steinbach male will not have a criminal record as a result.

The teenager, who cannot be named under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, pleaded guilty to simple assault last Thursday morning in Steinbach court.

On Oct. 19, 2016, the teen was at the La Broquerie arena with three friends where he began skateboarding, ignoring a request from an arena employee to stop.

After the teen gestured with his middle finger to video surveillance cameras, the employee became annoyed and asked the group to leave the arena.

Video showed the group moving towards the exit, when the teen took a swing at the employee. A witness described the action as a hard slap. When the teen then tried to leave the arena, the employee grabbed him by his jacket, stating he contacted the police and his supervisor.

The employees action set the accused off the deep end according to his friends, Crown attorney Amy Wood told court.

The teen attacked the employee again, striking him on the right side of his head several times. The employee went to the hospital after the attack and received four stitches for a cut above his eye. The teen remained at the arena until the RCMP arrested him.

Judge Ken Champagne sentenced the teen to a conditional discharge and one year of supervised probation to allow him to get help with his anger issues. Champagne also barred the teen from attending the arena and having contact with the employee.
BOWIE, Maryland  Phylecia Faublas can still remember the day she met Richard Collins III two years ago. It was her freshman year at Marylands Bowie State University and she and her friends wanted to be part of Baltimores protests in 2015.

Im Richard, he told her, but you can call me Rich because thats what Im going to be.

Collins, known for his witty humor, never missed a beat and always made everyone feel welcomed, Faublas said. That was evident when Faublas said she and her mother were nervous about going back into Baltimore after riots and fires following the death of Freddie Grays death.

Were going to get there. And were going to get back, Collins assured her.

It was then that I realized there was something really special about him, she said. He was fearless.

The 23-year-old Army officer and business student was supposed to graduate Monday, but instead police say he was stabbed to death by Sean Christopher Urbanski at the University of Maryland. Urbanski, who is white, is accused of murdering Collins, who was black, in what the FBI is investigating as a possible hate crime. Urbanski was a member of a Facebook group called Alt-Reich and liked pro-Trump, pro-white memes online.

At a fully packed memorial Monday night, Prof. Joel Thomas wept through his speech as he explained that Collins was my guy as part of the schools ROTC program, an outstanding student who competed with the Ranger Challenge team, the Color Guard team, and was selected to attend the prestigious Airborne school.

He had great values, Thomas said, you could count on him.

Just this past Thursday, Collins was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army. In a video of his Army commission ceremony played for the audience Monday night, Collins said he faced adversity but found ways to overcome it. His friends said he was hard working, optimistic, and joyful. He was also brave in defending his unpopular opinions, Faublas told the audience.

He was courageous on being different, on being the underdog. Lets honor him by going into the world and being as fearless as can be.

Julian Harrell, 25, a student at BSU and fellow cadet, told The Daily Beast he remembered Collins as a bundle of joy. He recalls holing up with him in the library, finishing up their papers for the commission and being nervous about completing it in time.

Once I found out about his death, I was heartbroken, he said. This week was supposed to be awarding time, celebrating, but instead, were grieving.

Collins, who called himself Mr. Handsome and Wealthy, was known for his wealth of knowledge, wealth of kindness, and wealth of love, a friend said.

Student Rhian Rose said Collins was one of the funniest guys youd meet. He was kind and he loved his country. Others described the Bulldog Battalion cadet as well rounded, respected, and studious.

Outgoing president of BSU, Mickey L. Burnim told The Daily Beast, A fine young man has been taken down. Its a sad comment on the state of society and the violence we have to deal with... He was a leader.

Tara, a juvenile probation officer who didnt know Collins but attended the vigil to pay her respects to his family, said, Another promising person. Another life snuffed out because of hatred. We have to do better.

How did he know how to do that? asked Tara, referring to Urbanski.

Urbanski approached Collins and his two friends on the Maryland campus around 3 a.m. on Saturday while they waited for an Uber ride. Witnesses said Urbanski told Collins: Step left, step left if you know whats best for you. Collins replied No and Urbanski allegedly countered with a knife into his chest.

One man at the memorial called Saturday nights slaying a terrorist act and urged the Trump administration to acknowledge it as such.

Before moving the memorial outdoors, where members of Collins family stood with candles around a flaming torch and released dozens of balloons into the night sky, Shirelle Briscoe, BSU assistant vice president for undergraduate studies, also known as the schools fairy godmother, had a message for students:

Even in his last days, his last hours, based on the reports, he stood firm for what he believed in, she said. Do not be discouraged. Justice will prevail... And remember the one journey that you should always take, should be filled with love.
Late into Monday night, friends were reaching out to Andrea Noel to see if she was all right. Theyd seen her picture in a tweet shared thousands of times saying she was missing after the terror attack in Manchester, England.

Noel was safe all along in Mexico.

The really horrific part is that I tried to find out how many times its been shared, Noel, a Daily Beast contributor, said. There are some tweets that have tens of thousands of retweets. Four thousand here, 7,000 there.

While all these people were looking for these families, looking for their daughters, there were pictures of YouTube stars, me, and another woman in Mexico.

By Tuesday morning, her face even appeared on Fox News. Fox & Friends aired a tweet by @TitanBuilder1 that had been retweeted over 1,000 times, with both missing children and uninvolved YouTube celebrities, that claimed they were still missing.

Theres something going on this morning on social media, where given the fact that there are so many children who have not reported home to their parents, their friends and family members are concerned and so theyre posting photo montages of many of the missing children, said host Steve Doocey.

Noel was one of several public figures and YouTube personalities whose photos were mixed into viral collages with genuine missing persons from Mondays terror attack that killed 22 people and injured more than 50 at Manchester Arena.

Fox & Friends , along with many others on Twitter, had been duped by online targeted harassment campaigns, taking advantage of the virality of tweets during a crisis to extract revenge on online enemies.

In Noels case, she had been placed in the collage due to a year-long Twitter argument with a Mexican shock jock and online trolls. Its a well known abuse tactic mastered by 4chan as way to place pictures of enemies and cult figures on the site at the center of global news events.

Ive been combatting misogynist trolls and this is just one other extension of a yearlong fight against these people, she said.

Noel was publicly sexually assaulted on the street in Mexico City last year and became the subject of countless Mexican tabloid and Internet headlines. She wrote about her experience for The Daily Beast earlier this year.

Since then, her social media accounts were flooded with hate and targeted abuse. Last night, shortly after the attack, she had her photo added as a missing person, despite living tens of thousand miles away.

Friends started sending me messages because they saw it popping up on the Instagram stories of beauty bloggers. At one point, it was in the New Zealand Herald . Even the actor James Woods tweeted it at one point. Journalists and friends were getting in touch with me to make sure Im okay, she said. All of this energy that couldve been put into genuine social work was put instead into trollishness.

Noel said it was all compounded when some of the teens who genuinely didnt know they were duped refused to take their tweets down as their posts racked up retweets and more followers.

The first person that I replied to, her tweet has something like 14,000 retweets. I responded and told her I was alive. A whole lot of other people responded and told her the same thing, she said. Instead of deleting it, she put up a video and said, I didnt make this.

This isn't the first time this week Fox News has cited anonymous online postings as source material for a story. Sean Hannity used several segments on his show last week to lend credence to the 4chan and Reddit conspiracy that former DNC staffer Seth Rich was murdered for political reasons, despite providing no evidence. One guest even retracted claims shortly after appearing on Hannity.

Meanwhile, the Manchester hoax is just another manifestation of targeted harassment in the form of viral fake news, Noel said, and its starting to have negative real world effects.

Its unbelievable that people will take advantage of such a chaotic, confusing, terrible situation and make something like this viral when people were genuinely looking for their family members, she said.

Colin Jones and Robert Hilly contributed to this report.
If you see something, say something, the San Francisco Bay Areas official transit safety app advises users. But some San Francisco commuters claim the app was secretly watching them.

The BART Watch app bills itself as a crime-reporting tool. The app, available on the iTunes and Google Play stores, allows riders on the Bay Area Rapid Transit system to confidentially report suspicious activity, call transit police, and check train times. But a new lawsuit claims the confidential reporting app isnt so anonymous.

The federal class action, filed Monday, claims the BART Watch app collects users locations and identifying information without consent and transmits them to law enforcement, in ways that allegedly rival the capabilities of controversial phone-tracking equipment like the Stingray.

In a statement to The Daily Beast, BART said its app was not using the technology inappropriately.

We want to make clear we are not using ELERTS system for any other purpose than responding to security and safety reports made by our riders, BART spokesperson Alicia Trost said of the app. She said the apps location-tracking services were opt-in. BART does not use ELERTS system to randomly track users. An apps user location information is only available if the user selects the option to share their location information. And then, BART only receives the users location when the user is reporting an incident. There is no default settingthe user needs to agree. For all users, sharing their contact information and location information is optional.

But immediately upon installation, the BART Watch app opens a popup window with a location required message prompting users to enable location tracking. The app also repeatedly prompts users to enter their full name, email, and phone number, although this information is optional, the app notes.

Even without submitting their name, users might be handing over more information than they realize, Edelson PC, a law firm specializing in digital privacy rights alleges in the lawsuit. The firm claims to have discovered proof that the BART Watch app collects phones International Mobile Equipment Identity numbers, which function as a devices unique fingerprint, and uses the numbers to periodically track their [users] locations, their lawsuit alleges.

Transit apps do not typically collect IMEIs, and Googles #1 rule for app developers is to avoid using hardware identifiers like IMEIs, the lawsuit notes.

Using phones unique fingerprints, developers also programmed the App to periodically transmit each transit users clientid and precise location information to their servers, the lawsuit claims, highlighting sections of the apps code that purportedly shows the app sending users coordinates to BART servers. The app allegedly transmits users locations and unique IDs to police even when they select an option that allows them to file an anonymous police report.

Thats troubling news for the tens of thousands of Californians who have downloaded the app. Even if users do not input their name or phone number, the app still gives authorities snooping services comparable to those of controversial devices like Stingray, a phone-tracking machine that reveals nearby phones unique fingerprints, the lawsuit alleges.

Chris Conley, a policy attorney focusing on technology and civil liberties at the ACLU of Northern California said the lawsuits claims were alarming, although the ACLU has not independently verified them.

It would be very concerning if the government were collecting unique IDs for devices that people carry everywhere, Conley told The Daily Beast, adding that even a GPS tracker can reveal a trove of private information. Location can tell you a lot about a person, including their political affiliation, sexual orientation, and relationship status, Conley said.

And if users input their personal information, the app could be used in conjunction with Stingrays to create an even larger database of Californians personal information.

Defendants have amassed a trove of data through the App. BART, or any of the agencies it shares resources with, now have the ability to match previous nondescript numerical identifiers with personally identifying information, the suit alleges.

Operators of Stingray devices would normally see only unique cellular identifiers without any other personally identifiable information associated (e.g., name or email) with the numbers. But by collecting tens of thousands of IMEIs along with other identifying information, it is possible to deanonymize that data.

BART said fears of the system being used alongside a Stingray were unfounded.

It is also worth noting, since it is referenced in the lawsuit, that BART does not have a Stingray system, Trost said. But while the transit authority does not own a Stingray, the San Francisco and Oakland police departments have both owned the controversial device for years, Sacramentos ABC 10 revealed in a 2014 report. BART serves both cities.

BART referred all technical questions about the app to its developer, ELERTS, which did not return The Daily Beasts request for comment on Tuesday.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers ate breakfast at a Michigan restaurant, got up, and detained three employees on Wednesday morning.

Bree Stilwell of Savas Restaurant in Ann Arbor, Michigan told The Daily Beast that employees said three to five ICE agents sat down for breakfast before apprehending three immigrant men working at the restaurant and taking them away. Stilwell said that the employees have proper documentation, but didnt have it on their persons this morning. In a statement, ICE said two of the men "unlawfully entered the United States without inspection at an unknown date and location" and another "lawfully entered the country, but did not depart in accordance with the terms of his status."

One ICE agent was stationed at the back door, and one at the front, Stilwell said. They apprehended one of our employees taking the trash out to the back alley and immediately put him in handcuffs, misidentifying him as the employee they were looking for. The detained employee showed the agents his documentation and was released, but three others were arrested.

ICE informed Ann Arbor Police Chief Jim Baird of a targeted enforcement detail at the restaurant on Wednesday morning, within an hour of the agencys presence at the restaurant, MLive reported. (The department said it was not asked to participate in the raid.)

We work very hard to fully document and ensure the accuracy of our employees employment verification and information, Stilwell said. Beyond that, even with the full legality of these employees, the level of fear is so elevated. Its exacerbating whats already a pretty nervous community.

Stilwell said patrons and other employees were unnerved after the raid.

It was a distressing situation for everyone there, particularly given the high-anxiety environment and what were seeing as regular ICE raids, Stilwell said.

In late December, ICE arrested 74 people in Michigan and Ohio, the majority of whom had past criminal convictions. Immigration advocates, however, have pointed out that ICE often arrests immigrants, including green card and visa holders, for years-old convictions. Half the immigrants arrested in ICE raids in the first weeks of Donald Trumps presidency either had committed traffic convictions or had no criminal record, the Washington Post reported.

Stilwell said this could have been the case in the arrests that occurred at Savas. I think i heard from one of our HR managers that this particular gentleman [that ICE agents were looking for] had some run-ins with the law a long time ago, she said. These are things we dont necessarily keep track of, outdated criminal histories that dont apply.

Ann Arbor is, as you probably know, very tight-knit, very multicultural and very proud of supporting a constant influx of immigrant talent and families that add value to our community, she added. To see this happen in our own restaurant where we work hard to provide a safe and loving culture and environment is very sad.
When the Turkish presidents bodyguards assaulted demonstrators outside the countrys U.S. embassy this month, it was a federally funded news network that got it on video.

But under the proposed budget cuts released by the White House on Tuesday, future broadcasts from the Turkish language arm of Voice of America, a global, government-run news network, may cease to exist.

The potential scaling back of VOAs Turkish-language broadcasting is just one of a number of programming changes contemplated by the Broadcasting Board of Governors as a means of meeting steep budget reduction targets.

In a budget outline released by the BBG as part of the administrations larger proposal, the BBG said the proposed 8.4 percent reduction in its budgetfrom $749 million to $685 millionwould require slashing VOA broadcasting in active conflict zones such as Afghanistan, adversarial nations such as Iran, and areas of geopolitical contention such as the Czech Republic, where competition with Russian propaganda is stiff. Broadcasting in other areas would be eliminated entirely.

Presidential budgets almost never make it into law intact, and a source familiar with BBGs legislative discussions noted that Congress has rejected past proposals to reduce the agencys budget.

But the White House blueprint unveiled on Tuesday, like other presidential proposals that have run into congressional opposition, nonetheless provides insight into the administrations policy priorities.

Trumps budget would boost U.S. military funding, but require deep cuts in other areas that advance U.S. geopolitical interests through diplomacy and soft power. National security experts say BBG and its component broadcasters, most notably VOA, are not just integral to the projection of U.S. interests and to countering adversarial propaganda, but are tremendously cost-effective.

This is such a huge bang for the buck that its mystifying to me why anyone would go after it, said Tom Nichols, a professor of national security affairs at the U.S. Naval War College. There are very few things you can do in diplomacy that will get you such a large effect for such a small investment.

Nichols, who stressed that he was speaking in a personal capacity and not on behalf of the college, said federal appropriators should be ramping up [BBGs] operations not cutting their budget.

VOAs potential impact on international affairs, and its ability to promote democratic values through the presentation of accurate information, was on full display this month, when its video of the violent clashes outside the Turkish embassy forced that government to publicly address evidence that it had sicced government agents on peaceful demonstratorsas Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan appeared to look on.

The Turkish governments response was to reprimand the U.S. government for ostensibly failing to safeguard the Turkish delegation. But VOAs video had a demonstrable impact on public perception of a major diplomatic incident, and was credited with exposing and documenting Erdogans apparently direct involvement in that incident.

According to VOA, the video was widely broadcast in the U.S. and elsewhere, including on Fox News Turkey and CNN Turkey, though most smaller stations in the country did not air it.

The resulting diplomatic flap demonstrated the potency of U.S.-backed information operations aimed at providing sources of reliable information in countries that dont enjoy a free press or have been targeted by adversarial disinformation campaigns. For the investment, they are a huge force multiplier in American diplomacy and American power overseas, according to Nichols. And not just for Americans, but for telling the truth.

BBGs budget proposal stresses that its programming aimed at the United States primary strategic objectives abroad will continue. Broadcasting in Russia and North Korea, and information operations aimed at countering the Islamic State and other terrorist groups, will receive priority funding under the proposed budget.

But Nichols worries that even if broadcasting continues in Russia, for instance, reducing BBGs budget and the activities of its subsidiary broadcasters will hinder the United States ability to counter Russian propaganda efforts in other regions.

The other powers have already stepped in, he said. We have to start pushing back at the edges of that because in a lot of those areas, hostile information controls the space already.

In one such area of concern, the Balkan nation of Macedonia, BBGs proposed budget would eliminate VOA broadcasting entirely, even as increasingly violent political divisions and an ongoing constitutional crisis in the country pit European and American support for opposition forces against vocal Russian backing for Macedonias ruling right-wing party.

Russia saw a huge opening in Macedonia to advocate against everything that the United States stands for, a VOA employee told BBG director John Lansing at a town hall event on Tuesday. The private event, to which The Daily Beast was able to obtain internet live-stream access, was designed to address BBG employees concerns with the newly unveiled budget proposal.

The Macedonian VOA employee, who appeared visibly distressed by proposed budget cuts, called them very unfortunate and very shocking and totally inconsistent with US foreign policy towards the Balkans Its hard for me to even fathom at this point eliminating the service that is keeping things together, the only beacon of independent journalism in the country.

Lansing acknowledged her concerns. The argument that you make is the argument that I would make in a conversation, he said. But he stressed that the budget proposal was just thata proposal. This isnt the elimination of any service today. This is the proposal of the administration, but we also have a chance to explain our point of view and the dynamic change in Macedonia to our stakeholders.

The value of BBG broadcasts in Macedonia and elsewhere could win out after congressional appropriators have their say. But under budget proposal unveiled on Tuesday, the agency would also be forced to eliminate entire segments of its broadcasting operations, including all programming in the Chinese dialect of Cantonese and radio broadcasts in the war-torn Sudanese region of Darfur.

VOA would also be forced to reduce broadcasts associated with U.S. military activities in the tribal areas of Afghanistan, Pakistan, Turkey, and Kurdish territories; scale down Persian-language programming in Iran; scale back programming in Georgia; and eliminate radio broadcasts, relying instead on online audio services, in Belarus.

Those sorts of broadcasts, Nichols says, are things people dont think about because they dont see them here, so they dont have a natural constituency domestically. But outside the U.S. the effect of these small-investment operations produce really huge effects.

Russian disinformation abroad, which has dominated headlines since last years presidential election, should underscore the need for continued investment in these sorts of programs, even as funding for hard military power is scaled up, he added.

Why would we unilaterally start disarming in the worst information war weve ever been in?
April 19, 1924 - May 21, 2017

Nellie (Mama Nell) Garcia, 93, of Bryan passed away Sunday, May 21, 2017. Funeral Services are set for 12PM Friday, May 26 in the Chapel of Trevino-Smith Funeral Home with burial to follow in the Bryan City Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5-8PM Thursday, May 25 in the Chapel of Trevino-Smith Funeral Home.

Born April 19, 1924 in Waller County, TX she was the daughter of Raymond and Mary (Fry) Bonner. Mama Nell loved Bingo, dancing and cooking Mexican food. She enjoyed sitting outside her yard on her swing. She was a loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, great-great grandmother and friend and will be missed deeply by all who knew her.

She is preceded in death by her parents; husband of thirty-seven years, John Garcia; a daughter; a son, Charlie Garcia; and a granddaughter, Jennifer Rocha.

Mama Nell leaves behind to cherish her memories, four sons, Jesse Garcia, Richard Garcia, Ruben Garcia and wife Shelia, and John Garcia Jr. and wife Amity; three daughters, Mary Ann Rocha and husband Joe, Frances Ortega and husband George, and Barbara Rodriguez and husband Luis; twenty-five grandchildren; thirty-one great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Please View and Sign the Guestbook at: TrevinoSmithFuneralHome.com Serving Your Family Is Our Family Business
Bringing the A&M controversy into some necessary focus

It was The Eagle editors' oversight that three headline's in the May 18 edition brought into focus the controversy surrounding Professor Tommy Curry and President Michael K. Young of Texas A&M.

Top of the front page: "Artificial Intelligence Takes Center Stage." Headline No. 2: "A&M staff call for apology to Curry." Then headline No. 3: "Solemn reminder -- Ceremony honors fallen law enforcement officers."

One may wonder why the "misunderstandings" possibly could occur in the progressive mind of President Young. Could Young and not Curry be the real issue? Is there really an issue?

Yes, there may well be an elitist attitude imbedded in the endowed professorships at Texas A&M and at most all major colleges and universities across the land. The blowup between Young and the 20 or so philosophy professors highlights the bundling of "artificial intelligence."

One may suggest we have "artificial intelligence" just walking around campus. It is possible you know.

When an endowed A&M professor publicly and in print references Adolf Hitler in her argument regarding Curry and Young, one questions, "What are they teaching in 'African studies'?" Are there Asian studies? Are there German studies? Lastly, are there Caucasian studies? Is it worth asking? Yes.

There are two major concerns. First, the back and forth arguments -- about a matter that should be an in-house between the involved parties, an issue very important to Curry, Young, and the supporting cast of professors -- could continue and drag our proud Texas A&M down to the level of our friends at Baylor University.

Having "life-time" endowments is old and improper. No one, including professors, are entitled to lifetime jobs. Even John Sharp is on contract!

A "solemn reminder"

DUDLEY JONES

Bryan

Thank you for the big helping of famous Texas hospitality

I visit my friend Ron who used to be professor at A&M University. Having a long flight from Germany via London to Dallas, I had a long waiting time in Dallas for the flight to College Station: five hours, but because of delays of planes it came out to seven hours. I use a wheelchair to be able to go the long ways to the gates, which often are far away from any restaurant or shop.

A nice lady asked if I would need something. I said yes, I would need some water. She came back, gave me the water and some fruit and chocolate, but didn't take any money from me. Later I met a nice couple and the lady took me to a restaurant where I could get something to eat. We talked and they told me they live in the same town I was going to meet my friend. They suggested that we could meet for dinner together with my friend. Two days later they called and invited me and my friend for dinner in a nice restaurant. They brought me a bottle of German wine and said they wanted me to get to know the Texas hospitality. Wow, I was really touched! They wanted to be my new friends.

I am travelling a lot, have been in France, Spain, Greece and other places but never met people being so nice and kind to strangers. If there were an election I would vote for Texans, who are the nicest people in the world I have ever met.

I have become friends with this couple and I am grateful for this.

One of the reasons could be that many Americans have lived in Germany after the war or have German roots.

Thanks to all the nice people I met.

SIGRID POTH

Bochum, Germany

A&M profesor's comments were wrong, so no apology is needed

I am not nor have I ever been a student at Texas A&M. I graduated from Sam Houston State University. The comments made by professor Tommy Curry are wrong!

Texas A&M President Michael K. Young was right to make the statement that he released. He does not owe Curry an apology. Last summer I watched the shootings in Dallas when a gunman killed several police officers including my friend and Masonic Lodge brother Brent Thompson.

Professor Curry's remarks are what cause things like this terrible loss of life. He doesn't have to answer to me but he may have to answer to God one day for these comments!

BRADLEY W. BLACKMAN

Corsicana
Last month, Survival International was honored to help organize worldwide demonstrations led by Guarani tribal leader and activist Ladio Veron.

We marshalled supporters at the Brazilian embassy in London for a vocal show of support for the Guarani, broadcast live over social media (see video below).

There were further protests in Sao Paulo, San Francisco, Berlin, Madrid, Barcelona and Milan. We also handed letters of protest from Survival and the Guarani people themselves, in to representatives of Brazil's government.

Ladio stood defiant in a tribal headdress and face paint. Though London on an April morning was rather colder than what he was used to in central Brazil, he nevertheless spoke passionately - both to the supporters who were there to see him, and to the embassy official who received his letter.

As the son of the murdered tribal leader Marcos Veron, Ladio has an understandable emotional investment in his people's struggle. All of the Guarani feel a profound stake in it. The theft of their ancestral land by ranchers and agribusiness has been a trauma endured over decades.

They face violent harassment by gunmen when they try to reoccupy tiny patches of the land, most of which has been deforested and turned into plantations. Their water is polluted with pesticides, and they are partitioned off from the land by wire fencing. Some communities are living in makeshift camps on roadsides.

Paper laws, paper promises

The fact that the Guarani have to risk their very lives for their land is both tragic and baffling. It is rightfully theirs under both Brazilian and international law.

The fact that cases are on the books over Guarani land tenure in both Mato Grosso do Sul state, and the federal capital of Brasilia, is a tacit admission from the Brazilian establishment that the tribe at least has a claim.

It's their land, yet they have been trapped in legal hell for decades, waiting for full demarcation and the proper enforcement of their rights.

Mato Grosso do Sul itself is so dominated by agribusiness that it is almost impossible for the Guarani to appeal to politicians and other authorities there, as they are emphatically on the side of the ranchers. Men like Jose Teixiera serve as state deputies while owning large ranches, and happily partner with big corporations profiting from sugarcane produced on Guarani land.
"We have gathered available information on the carbon footprint of shale gas to inform our estimate of the potential impacts of shale gas exploration, extraction and use in the UK on UK climate change objectives ... With the right safeguards in place, the net effect on UK GHG emissions from shale gas production in the UK will be relatively small."

The point at issue today is whether that process of evaluation was valid, even when the report was first published in September 2013.

'Bottom-up' versus 'top-down'

How we measure and evaluate the pollution emitted by industrial processes is a compromise between what is technically possible and realistically practicable. Reliably measuring gases emitted from equipment outdoors is difficult, so it require some flexibility.

These historic difficulties mean that regulators have relied on a 'bottom-up' or 'inventory' method to assess the leaks from oil and gas operations.

Small parts of the equipment are tested, either in a laboratory or specially constructed test rigs. The leaks are measured or estimated. Finally the figures are combined in an 'inventory' of the system being monitored to produce a total.

When the climate impacts of oil and gas production were first assessed in the 1990s the assumption was that the effects of leakage were 'insignificant'.

What has happened since is that the monitoring technology has improved. Today it is possible to equip aircraft or ground vehicles as mobile gas laboratories. These are flown or driven around oil and gas fields to sniff the air. From that sampling it is possible to produce a 'top-down' estimate of how much gas is leaking in order to create the measured concentrations in the air.

In an ideal world the top-down and bottom-up measurements would, within a reasonable boundary of uncertainty, match. The difficulty is that they do not.

What consistent studies carried out over the last decade or so have found is that real-world, 'top-down' monitoring exceed the estimated 'bottom-up' measurement of emissions by at least two to four times.

It's this mismatch over measuring that is at the heart of the fracking and climate debate.

Howarth and the significance of methane

The research paper which highlighted the significance of this debate over measurement methods was produced by Howarth, Santoro and Ingraffea in June 2011, entitled 'Methane and the greenhouse-gas footprint of natural gas from shale formations'.

The 'Howarth paper' gained prominence because it claimed to show that shale gas was not only worse than conventional gas. Under certain circumstances it could be even worse than coal-fired power generation.

The reason why the paper claimed such high climate impacts was due to two main factors:

Firstly, because it was using 'top-down' assessments of leakage from natural gas systems. As noted above, these have consistently produced much higher levels of leakage than 'bottom-up' data.

Secondly, it used a global warming potential (GWP) figure for methane reflecting its impact for the first 20 years after emission, rather than the 100-year figure used by Mackay-Stone. Because methane is a very powerful but relatively short-lived greenhouse gas, this gives a much higher figure, and one more relevant to the immediate climate crisis.

The 20-year issue is important as methane has gained prominence as a greenhouse gas. Again, new sampling techniques have been finding far higher concentrations in the environment than were expected.

As we approach climatic tipping points, the impact of fast-warming methane is becoming more significant to how we respond to climate change.

The Mackay-Stone review

In Britain, DECC commissioned Mackay and Stone to evaluate the climate impacts of shale gas - although if you read the report, it is clear that it is targeted squarely at invalidating the results of the Howarth study.

Very roughly, Mackay and Stone:

Took a figure for how much gas leaks from a gas well and then calculated the climate impact of those leaks;

They added the impacts of the gas being burnt;

Then they divided the total figure for impacts by the amount of gas produced from each well to produce a figure for impacts per unit of energy produced;

Then they compared that to other available figures for conventional gas, coal-fired power and imported liquefied natural gas (LNG).

That is a fair assessment procedure in order to test the impacts of shale gas against other sources of natural gas for power generation. But the problem with Mackay and Stone's report is not the process, it is the data which they used in their calculations:

Their figures for gas leakage were predominantly from 'bottom-up' studies - which on the basis of a range of research studies have traditionally underestimated emissions by two to four times;

They deliberately excluded the figures in the Howarth study from their final calculations because they claimed they were a statistical 'outlier' which would skew their results; and

The figures used for gas production per well were at least twice what is seen in US gas wells - and had no clear independent source. However they probably came from Cuadrilla, which had questionable links to DECC at that time.

Using a figure for leakage which was perhaps a half of what it should have been, and a figure for gas production which was twice what it should have been, the level of impacts which their analysis found is arguably a quarter of what it should be.

Mackay and Stone, while rejecting Howarth's figures, also disregarded other studies produced around that time which had produced similar results to Howarth. Instead they promoted an as yet unpublished study, by Allen et al., which claimed that leakage rates could be minimized using what was called 'reduced emissions completions' (REC).

The Allen study

The 2013 study by Allen et al. was part-funded by the campaign group, the Environmental Defense Fund. It is a 'bottom-up' analysis of leakage from oil and gas operations, and claimed levels of leakage far lower than similar studies.

However, the study ran into problems from the start:

The publishing journal, PNAS, had to issue a correction because the authors had failed to declare their conflicting industry affiliations.

More significantly, the study does not disclose which, and what type of sites were being tested, so it was difficult to relate the results to the industry as a whole.

Most seriously though, the sites were not randomly selected for testing - as acknowledged in the supporting information published alongside the paper. Their industry partners selected which sites they were to test, and so there's no evidence the sample of sites measured were representative of the industry as a whole.

The real problems for the Allen study emerged in 2015:

First, research by Howard et al. highlighted that one of the most widely used sensors to measure methane concentrations - which had been used in the Allen study - routinely malfunctioned, under-reporting methane concentrations.

Next, the US Argonne National Laboratory, which co-ordinates the reporting of US carbon emissions, noted that the sensor might be under-reporting methane levels by three to five times.

Finally, in 2016, the Environmental Defense Fund, who had part-funded the Allen study, rejected its results.

Misleading Parliament and the public

From the date of its publication the Mackay-Stone report has been flawed, due to the approach taken to calculate the impacts of shale gas, and in particular due to the selection of data.

DECC and its authors defended this by referencing the Allen study as proof that emissions could be reduced to levels where the impacts would be 'small'. Now that the Allen study has been shown to be flawed, the Mackay-Stone report has been definitively invalidated too.

However, that has not stopped ministers and Parliamentarians quoting it to support the Government's policies on oil and gas extraction.

DECC itself was disbanded in 2016, but in January 2017 the new department - the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) - issued revised guidance on shale gas. Once again it echoed the results of the Mackay-Stone report.

Distorting the evidence

In March 2016, the Committee on Climate Change (CCC) produced a report on onshore oil and gas production. BEIS did not release it for four months, until Parliament had almost finished for the Summer Recess.

When Environment Secretary Andrea Leadsom announced the report to Parliament she claimed that the CCC said that onshore oil and gas was compatible with the UK's climate targets. This was misleading, as this is not within the context of the CCC's conclusions.

As stated in the recent House of Commons Library briefing on Shale Gas and Fracking, the CCC concluded that fracking must pass three tests to be acceptable. The third of those requires that we reduce emissions elsewhere in the economy to accommodate the emissions from onshore oil and gas.

That could be extremely difficult - and might not be possible. As Climate Change Secretary Nick Hurd stated in evidence to a Select Committee in January 2017, finding even the 50% of savings that have yet to be identified to meet the UK's climate targets will be "hard".

Whitehall's fracking policies are completely flawed

The Mackay-Stone report was flawed on the day of its publication. Today it is wholly discredited. No minister can quote its conclusions with any certainty without demonstrably misleading MPs and the public as to the current state of the science.

In fact, like the Mackay-Stone report, large parts of the two other reports which the Government rely upon to justify fracking - the Royal Society report from 2012, and the Public Health England report from 2014 - can be similarly invalidated if we look at the weight of evidence now available.

The Mackay-Stone report must be withdrawn, and a moratorium implemented on all fracking operations until we can state their impacts with certainty.

At the same time Whitehall and government ministers must admit to the mistakes in their previous claims, and commit to an open and transparent review of the evidence now available.

Download the Talk Fracking report, 'Whitehall's 'Fracking' Science Failure', written & researched by Paul Mobbs.

Paul Mobbs is an independent environmental researcher and freelance author. He is also the creator of the Free Range Activism Website, FRAW

A fully referenced version of this article is available on FRAW.
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
A Wirtz neighborhood has been cut off from fire and ambulance services after the weight limit on the private bridge was lowered to 4 tons.

Residents of a Wirtz neighborhood worry that a bridge leading to their homes will prevent them from getting help in the case of an emergency.

To access the 15 or so homes on Ridge View Street, a vehicle must cross a bridge that goes over the Norfolk Southern railroad. But because of a posted weight limit of 4 tons, thats not possible for fire trucks and ambulances. When the countys public safety department became aware of the reduced weight limit last year, it informed residents in a letter dated Dec. 2 that it could no longer provide the neighborhood with fire and emergency medical services.

Residents are looking for ways to address the problem  engaging Norfolk Southern, the Virginia Department of Transportation and the county  but that has proven complicated. Discussions among the various agencies about the bridge date back to the 1990s. The bridge does not fall under VDOTs purview, as the agency considers it a private road, and residents say they havent gained much traction with the railroad.

A representative for the railroad said in a statement that the history of the bridge is unclear and that Norfolk Southern, with help from its legal counsel, is looking into it.

Based on information known at this time, Norfolk Southern does not believe it has a legal obligation to maintain or repair the bridge or to take any actions beyond what is necessary to protect its right-of-way and personnel operating in the area, the statement reads.

However, Norfolk Southern in keeping with its role as a corporate citizen is prepared to cooperate in any state or local efforts to provide alternative access.

Residents didnt pay much attention to the posted weight on the bridge over the years, said Judy Hutchins, who has lived in the neighborhood for 25 years. It wasnt until they received the letter from the county that they realized the 4-ton limit was problematic.

Now I realize all the stuff we cant get, she said.

The people who live in the neighborhood are stuck there, she said. Nobody would buy a home that doesnt have access to emergency services, and even if they did, she wondered whether a moving truck could make it over the bridge.

You just assume that people who are supposed to be maintaining things will maintain and keep things up, Judy Hutchins said.

Edward Jewell, who has lived in the neighborhood for 30 years, said he worries about how the termination of emergency medical services could impact his niece, who has pancreatic cancer and recently moved into a home on his property.

If we need to get her out, then we have to put her in a vehicle to get her across the bridge, he said. Weve been kind of holding our breath on that one.

In January, resident Scott Harpers job transferred from Roanoke to Blacksburg, so hes looking to move. But if the county doesnt provide fire service to the neighborhood, it would be difficult to get homeowners insurance, which could pose problems for potential buyers.

Whos going to approve a loan for a house that has no fire service? Harper asked.

Hes been holding off on putting the house on the market, hoping the issue would be resolved. But he cant wait forever.

Lewis Hutchins grew up in the neighborhood, and his parents still live there. He says theyll retire and move one day and need this issue to be addressed to sell their home. He is lending his expertise as a civil engineer to the residents, serving as their advocate.

In his research, Lewis Hutchins said, hes come across maps that indicate the bridge dates back to the early 1900s, meaning the road existed prior to the 1932 adoption of the Byrd Road Act creating the secondary system of state highways. He said its possible Ridge View Street was a county road and should have been turned over to VDOT then but for whatever reason, fell through the cracks.

Todd Daniel, residency administrator for VDOT, cant say why the road was never brought into the states system.

I dont know why a road was chosen, why it wasnt, Daniel said. I do know that it had to be public at the time. Maybe this road was public; maybe it wasnt.

For VDOT to consider adding the road to the state-maintained secondary system, Daniel said, the road must have a publicly dedicated right of way, and it would have to be brought up to current standards. In this case, that means the bridge would have to be brought up to standard also.

But the department wouldnt pay for the improvements to the road and bridge, at least not entirely. Daniel said revenue sharing would be an option, in which case the department and the locality would split the cost. But in the recent past, Daniel said, Franklin County has asked homeowners to pay the county share. The funds would simply be distributed through the county, as VDOT doesnt enter into agreements with residents.

Lisa Cooper, principal planner for Franklin County, said the residents who request such revenue-sharing projects live on private roads that werent intended to be taken into the system, so the county asks them to cover 50 percent of the project cost. She said the county has successfully completed various projects in this manner.

But the bridge complicates things. Its not in good condition, Daniel said, and repairing or replacing it would likely be quite expensive.

The road being privately maintained and the citizens wanting it to be part of the system is not unusual. We have those quite often, in fact, he said. The unique part of this is the railroad bridge.

Lewis Hutchins said that although the weight limit was reduced several years ago, the countys public safety department only became aware of it late last year when a rescue squad responded to a call in the neighborhood  though not until after an ambulance had gone over the bridge, said Public Safety Director Daryl Hatcher.

He said the county is working with landowners in the area to find alternate routes of entry to the neighborhood.

Though its unsafe for ambulances and fire trucks to cross the bridge, Hatcher said Franklin County Public Safety is still dedicated to serving the neighborhoods residents.

If someone in that neighborhood calls 911 because theyre having an emergency, he said, I guarantee you were going to do everything in our power to get there.
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 ...
Brynn Casady makes most of her volleyball season at Spoon River College

Casady played defensive specialist, libero and outside hitter at various times during the season
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In mid-May, a year after the keys were handed over to the owners of the new Dolphin Cove home on Stamfords waterfront that represents a model of sustainability, Elizabeth DiSalvo revisited the handiwork of her Trillium Architects.

It was not so many years before that sustainability was as much on her mind for Trillium itself.

Between 2008 and 2010, revenue from architectural services fell 29 percent, or $11.2 billion, according to the U.S. Census Bureaus most recent annual estimates. Even by the standards of the recession, that was a big number  just seven industries had declines that were more severe of some 325 tracked by the Census Bureau (two of the others being landscape architecture and interior design firms).

While architects tallied gains five straight years after 2010, the $34.9 billion in revenue they generated in 2015 was still 9 percent below the high-water mark in 2008.

The recession was devastating to the architectural profession, both nationally and locally, said Richard Granoff, founder of Greenwich-based Granoff Architects, which handles both commercial and residential work. Granoff said his firm fared better than most, but said many endured layoffs or outright closure.

Since the downturn, Granoff has seen steady, modest growth in his business, he said. The most noticeable sign of his firms success is located at 330 Railroad Ave., where Granoff Architects recently moved into an $8 million headquarters following a gutting and renovation of the historic building previously owned by Eversource Energy. Granoff plans to lease space there to other businesses, as well.

DiSalvo moved Trillium in 2012 to Ridgefield, where she lives, and is now looking to add to her staff of four full-time design professionals. In the decade prior to 2012, the firm had its offices in South Norwalk, where Trillium experienced the pendulum extremes of the boom-bust economy.

The fall of 2012 was when things started coming back, DiSalvo recalled. During the recession, a lot of people stopped being architects.

George Wiles, principal of Bridgeport-based Wiles Architects, has endured multiple recessions in the 40 years since he founded the company. A few years after the most recent downturn, new commercial construction had yet to resume and Wiles found his firm doing renovations to the shopping centers we built 20 years ago, in his words.

Bridgeport-based Antinozzi Associates led all southwestern Connecticut firms on Architectural Records most recent rankings of the top 300 firms in the nation, reporting 2015 revenue of $8 million, a 20 percent bump from the prior year. The pipeline is filling for other industry stalwarts, as well, including Beinfield Architecture, which has multiple major projects under way such as the redesign of the 9 W. Broad St. office building completed last year and the University of Connecticut-Stamfords first dormitory.

Were a relatively small architectural firm with 10 employees, so these projects represent a large portion of our work, said Bruce Beinfield, principal. Stamfords particularly dynamic because theyve had such a large influx of residential uses into the downtown. ... Theyre very cognizant of all the implications of that.

Resumed growth throughout southwestern Connecticut has led to the emergence of startup firms, including Danburys seventy2architects. Founders Maura Newell Juan and Emmanuel Juan kept overhead low in the early going by operating out of a home office before opening a location in downtown Danbury as project work picked up, including from a burgeoning restaurant scene in downtown Danbury.

We are doing a lot of tear-downs and dramatic renovations and expansions, she said. The requests are more dramatic than people had been brave enough to do eight years ago.

Back in Stamford, Trillium client Gunilla Falkman-Vickers says she is thrilled with the firms Scandinavian-inspired design for the Dolphin Cove home she and her husband, Leonard, moved into a year ago from Norwalks Wilson Point enclave. On a May afternoon, light from Long Island Sound flooded the home, with the design a testament to the hyper-sustainable ethic that is Trilliums niche specialty  with the home a testimonial as well to DiSalvos perseverance through the dark days of the recession.

My energy bills are a fraction of what they were, Falkman-Vickers said.

 Includes reporting by Chris Bosak, Paul Schott and Keila Torres Ocasio.

Alex.Soule@scni.com; 203-354-1047; www.twitter.com/casoulman
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It was only fitting that the first adornments at Steve Hafners new Bell Island bungalow would be a stack of kayaks out front for anyone to grab for a paddle on Long Island Sound.

The bigger question is this: Does Hafner still consider Norwalk  and by extension Connecticut  his home port?

After selling off his Wilson Point mansion for $5.5 million, the CEO of Stamford-based Kayak spent $1.7 million on a small beach home across the water on Bell Island as his new Norwalk address.

The new pad is comparatively modest to his previous house at 14 Point Road on Wilson Point, a gated community that is Norwalks glitziest. Hafner spent $5.2 million in 2013 for the estate; the new buyer is Jamie Hobbeheydar, who at last report was chief marketing officer for the New York City hedge fund Elliot Management, and who earlier in his career worked for Bridgewater Associates, the hedge fund based in Westport.

Hafner co-founded Kayak and led it through its 2012 sale to Norwalk-based Priceline Group for $1.8 billion, staying to continue leading Kayak. Entering 2017, Priceline promoted Glenn Fogel to CEO from his former post leading strategy, with Priceline not having stated whether the company considered any other internal candidates as CEO.

Made a rich man in the Priceline deal, Hafner generated attention last summer in Manhattan real estate circles by spending $24 million for a condominium in the Walker Tower high-rise on West 18th Street, home to several celebrities to include actors Harrison Ford, Katie Holmes and Nicole Kidman. In 2015, Hafner sank $9 million into a waterfront Miami condo in the citys South Beach section.

The dual New York and Connecticut residences raise the question of what state Hafner will list going forward as his main domicile for tax purposes, with Connecticut reeling from the exodus of multiple billionaires the past few years. Hafner did not respond to Hearst Connecticut Media queries on that question.

For now, the summer of 2017 beckons for Hafner and his family with kayaks at the ready for a leisurely paddle as the mood strikes. As part of a June 2016 photo essay at Wilson Point, Kayaks Stamford headquarters and other locales, Hafner told the Wall Street Journal his priorities these days.

Work-life balance is working as little as you can to get the important stuff done and then taking all the other time and putting it against your family or your interests, Hafner was quoted saying. I love Kayak ... but its not the be-all end-all for me.

Alex.Soule@scni.com; 203-964-2236; www.twitter.com/casoulman
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NORWALK  The Norwalk Common Council on Tuesday evening approved General Growth Properties request to remove a hotel from The SoNo Collection after debating how to handle the mall developers proposed $3.5 million contribution to the city.

Keep the original language, however, we preface it with whereas it is the desire of the Common Council that the funds be used for improvements to neighborhoods surrounding the project,  said Councilman Bruce I. Kimmel, an at-large Democrat. So we have our originally legally vetted language with qualification that we are aware of our City Charter and our processes.

GGP has deemed the 152-room hotel, as well as offices or apartments, economically unfeasible as third uses alongside retail and public realm space in the mall.

The Chicago-based mall developer has agreed to pay the city $3.5 million for permission to remove the hotel from its approved plan for The SoNo Collection.

On Tuesday evening, the council approved the affiliated changes to the Reed Putnam Urban Renewal Plan and Land Disposition Agreement on a 10-3 vote with Republican Richard J. Bonenfant and Democrats Travis Simms and Steve Serasis voting against.

Councilwoman Phaedrel L. Bowman, a District B Democrat who asked for reinstatement of language directing the money toward South Norwalk, was among the yes votes.

The $3.5 million should go to South Norwalk, because the mall will be located in South Norwalk, Bowman said.

Councilwoman Shannon OToole Giandurco, a District D Republican, lent her support, but told GGP representatives, Dont let us down.

Let this be the last hurdle, OToole Giandurco said.

Bonenfant, an at-large Republican, however, suggested that the city could obtain more concessions from GGP beyond the $3.5 million payment.

You could have taken the opportunity to have the door swing both ways, Bonenfant said.

Tuesdays council action brings GGP one step closer to receiving final approvals for its requested changes to the nearly million-square-foot regional shopping center for which excavation work has begun off West Avenue and Interstate 95.

The Norwalk Redevelopment Agency is set to hold a public hearing on the hotel removal request Wednesday, May 24, at 7 p.m. in Room A300 of City Hall, 125 East Ave. and vote upon the matter during a special meeting May 31. The Norwalk Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing in early June on the changes to the mall site plan.

The council has stayed on scheduled, so assuming approval tonight, we look forward to going in front of the (Redevelopment) Agency, which needs to vote, and zoning, GGP Senior Director Douglas T. Adams told The Hour before the council meeting. And we will continue working as we go through that process, assuming theres no delays or anything else.

The approved site plan for The SoNo Collection calls for 728,000 square feet of retail space, including anchor stores Nordstrom and Bloomingdales, as well as 80 to 100 smaller retailers, public realm space and, for now, the hotel on the dozen-acre site.

During the public participation portion of the meeting, seven people, including Adams and Lawrence F. Cafero, a Norwalk attorney representing GGP, urged the council to approve the changes to the urban renewal plan and LDA.
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WILTON  A debut photo ceramics exhibit at Weir Farm National Historic Site tells the lesser-known tale of the Tile Club.

The club was formed in 1877 by J. Alden Weir, the father of American Impressionist painting, as a social gathering to paint decorative tiles with Winslow Homer, William Merritt Chase and other famous artists in the area.

One hundred and forty years later, the craft remains a popular art form  as evidenced through the parks current exhibit, Photo Ceramics by Xiomaro: An Homage to J. Alden Weir and the Tile Club.

The exhibit was born out of serendipity, said Xiomaro, who began experimenting with ceramic tiles last year when he learned about Weirs excursions with the club.

Xiomaro is an artist based in New York who uses the pseudonym to pay homage to his familys roots in Spain and the Canary Islands off the coast of northern Africa.

I just thought it was really coincidental, Xiomaro said. So I decided to do a whole exhibit themed on Weir Farm but also themed on the Tile Club because not a lot people know about the Tile Club.

The collection of photo ceramics have been on display at the parks visitor center and museum store since the sites opening in May and will be available for viewing until Oct. 31.

The 22 photographic prints adhered to 4-, 6- and 12-inch black ceramic tiles give an overview of the parks historic buildings and capture scenic views of New York and Connecticut landscapes.

Xiomaro hopes his work will introduce visitors to the history of Weir Farm and the excursions of the Tile Club, he said, while also providing original artwork that is both accessible and affordable. Prices start at $35.

I think sometimes a lot of art becomes detached from the public, he said. I like the idea of democratizing it so that people can have a piece of art thats original, thats handcrafted.

Before photography, Xiomaro found success as a musician in his own band and later ventured on his own as a solo artist. But at the peak of his music career, he was diagnosed with cancer  which led him to photography. One way he coped with the illness, and eventually overcame it, was by finding solace through visits at different national parks and taking photographs of nature.

He displayed these photographic prints at his music shows throughout the Northeast, and at one point, the prints outsold his CDs.

So that indicated to me that, that might be a direction that I could take artistically, Xiomaro said. For many years, I kind of floundered.

It was an ad from AAA suggesting he visit Weir Farm for the weekend that kicked off his photography career. During his visit in 2010, he learned of the Artist-in-Residence program from a park ranger. He then applied and was accepted into the program a year later, becoming the Artist-in-Resident in March 2011.

After spending a month photographing the historic site, the organization formally commissioned him as the parks visiting artist in 2012. Since then, his photography has been widely exhibited at venues across the globe, including Harvard University, Long Island Museum, Fraunces Tavern Museum and the Siena Art Institute in Italy, among others.

Having dabbled in writing, painting and other art forms, Xiomaro said photography remains his current passion.

Photography is ideal for me because I dont need a group of people to help me do it, he said. I can do it by myself.

Viewing hours for Xiomaros photo ceramics exhibit are from Wednesday through Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Weir Farm National Historic Site is at 735 Nod Hill Road. Admission is free.

For more information, call 203-834-1896 or visit www.nps.gov/wefa. For more information about Xiomaro and to receive a free e-book on Weir Farm, visit www.xiomaro.com.

skim@hearstmediact.com; 203-354-1044; @stephaniehnki
Contributed Photo

WILTON  Wilton Public Schools on Wednesday announced the appointment of Andrea Leonardi as the new assistant superintendent for special services.

Leonardi is the current director of special services with Fairfield Public Schools and has held this position for 20 years. She will replace Ann Paul, who is retiring in June after 10 years as the districts head of special education, and 20 years overall.
Bucks Democrats expect to have majority in state House

Democrats expect to gain one more seat in state Senate, but still be in minority there.
Opening Friday at the Edwardsville Arts Center with a reception from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. is Tea Time: An Exploration of Contemporary Teapots.

Curated by EAC Art Gallery Manager Carolyn Tidball, this next exhibit will feature over 20 regional artists, each of whom has a unique style and taste represented in this centuries old form.

For thousands of years, teapots have been a familiar part of everyday life. An object that nearly every person can connect with in some way, Tidball explained. As an object that is commonly associated with community, home, intimacy, and history, as well its form that is recognizable in countless variations, the teapot has long been an ideal canvas for artists to express ideas, both conceptually and in design.

From ancient Japanese ceremonies to debuts on Star Trek, the teapot has outlasted trends and infiltrated the lives of nearly every community, Tidball added. My intention with this exhibit is to showcase a wide range of ways that artists utilize the teapot form to investigate ideas and explore design and composition.

Exhibiting Artists will include Mark Arnold, Susan Bostwick, Lakyn Bowman, Brad Brewer, Brandy Cloud, Paul Dresang, Phillip Finder, Rebecca Grant, Eric Hoeffer, Andrew Koester, Jimmy Liu, Carmelita Nunez, Joe Page, Drew Reynolds, Kodi Thompson, Alex Thomure, Evan and Miranda Wagman, Richard Wehrs and Carolyn Tidball. In addition, works from the SIUE Museum Collection will be displayed.

One of the artists in this exhibit is Kodi Thompson, who just finished his second year of graduate school in art at SIUE and will graduate next year. He used his interest in graffiti from his childhood as a catalyst for his teapot in the exhibit. Growing up in rural Pennsylvania I had little access to the script covered bridges and alleyways of big cities, Thompson wrote in his artists statement. For the short bursts of time I did spend in New York City I became fascinated with the murals and tags that seemed to take over every street corner. I wanted to be a part of this underground communication between unknown artists, but I knew this was not my place as a small town boy.

When I began art school I knew it was my 'in' to this subculture, and a way for me to express my interests in it through my artwork, Thompson added. My works mostly provide three-dimensional data, containing information about the evolution and migration of different styles of graffiti. Most of these styles are connected in some way, whether it is where they originated, or how they evolved through the communication and relationships of the artists producing the work.

Thompson further pointed out that his works are an exploration into research, form, and surface, and how they can interact and inform one another. Currently, the surfaces are reminiscent of historical gang graffiti lettering, specifically Old English Style, Thompson noted. This style of writing made its way to St. Louis from Chicago where gangs were using it for tagging as well as marking territory. Removing this style from its context and pushing it into three dimensions using textured slabs, creates an interesting relationship between form and surface. As the layers of text build up, they become illegible. This illegibility creates confusion and curiosity and plays a role in the somewhat foggy relationships between different styles.

Tea Time: An Exploration of Contemporary Teapots opens Friday evening and runs through June 23.

Concurrently, in the DeToye Student Gallery will be art made in EAC Art Classes by both adults and children. The art classes that will be represented in this show include the Drop-In classes of Painting, Drawing, and Ceramics classes for adults as well as adult Stained Glass Mosaics, First Friday Watercolor, Paint-n-Party and the new Batik class. The artwork of students in Saturday Kids Art Classes will be featured as well.

The EAC is located at 6165 Center Grove Road in Edwardsville High School.

All exhibits at the EAC are free. The EAC is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Friday; 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and is closed Sunday through Tuesday.

Visit the Edwardsville Arts Centers Facebook page or website at www.edwardsvilleartscenter.com for information about the EACs art classes offered for children and adults.
In June 2017, the Village of Glen Carbon will celebrate the 125th anniversary of the date of its incorporation (Quasquicentennial). This is the 11th part of a series of articles dedicated to telling the rich story of people and events that contributed to the development of the community throughout its history.

Driving through Glen Carbon today, its hard to imagine the Village as it was 125 years ago. The Glen Carbon of 1892 only encompassed a small portion of the current Village boundaries, going from the intersection of Glen Crossing Road and Main Street to where the covered bridge stands today. The founding fathers had public safety in mind, for in the very first meeting minutes held on July 8, 1892, in the Office of the St. Louis Press Brick Company, a Mr. O.D. Oberlin was appointed Police Magistrate. The following year, records show that a Mr. Wing Whiteside was elected Police Magistrate, and Mr. C.J. Thurnau elected constable.

Lewis Weiler served as the first Village Marshall. At the May 2, 1905 village meeting, an application for Village Marshall from Louis Soma was read and by unanimous vote of the board they appointed him Village Marshall. In addition, the village board voted to purchase the Village Marshall star from Louis Weiler for $2.50. Mr. Soma would serve in that capacity for ten years until he retired from that position to become assistant Madison County Sheriff.

A story about Marshall Soma in the St. Louis Post Dispatch from September 10, 1914, recounts a time that he heard screaming coming from a residence, entered the residence and found a miner in the midst of a domestic disturbance. The miner attacked Chief Soma when he tried to intervene. As he was being attacked, the Chief shot the miner, who survived. What made Chief Soma stand out is that he only had one arm, but was still able to defend himself against the attacker, and accurately shoot him without killing him. The reason for Chief Somas only having one arm has been lost to history.

In May 1955, the Village of Glen Carbon hired its first part time Police Chief, John Wendzisky; he served as chief until 1957 when George Abrams was sworn in. Until 1962, the Police Chiefs used their own cars. In 1962, when Jacob Hubbard was Chief, the Village purchased its first police car, a 1955 Mercury Police Squad car. Hubbard was the first police chief to wear a uniform, and served as Chief until 1966.

In 1966, Lester Johnson served as Glen Carbons Police Chief for a few months before he was hired by the city of Troy, Illinois. After Johnson left the role of Chief, Fred Cooper served as Chief for one year, and then in 1967 the Village appointed Bill Moore as Chief, and the Village found stability in its law enforcement force as he would serve until 1989. Chief Moore came to Glen Carbon from Madison where he served as an Auxiliary Police lieutenant, while he worked full time for Union Starch. Bill Moore was a compassionate, beloved chief who was greatly involved in community activities and charitable organizations. It was under his guidance that a stable police force was established.

In 1976, James Jones became a police officer and is well known as Glen Carbons motorcycle cop, one of the first in the area. Leaning between becoming a fireman or police officer, Jims decision was influenced by his step-dad, Chief Moore. In October 2016, Jones was honored with his 40 years service award. He is a familiar sight to all Glen Carbon residents. Sgt. Jones donated one of his motorcycles to the Glen Carbon Heritage Museum where it is on display.

While Glen Carbon was growing during this time, it still had a relatively small police force with frequent turnover. In the early 1970s, there were only two full-time officers and one part-time officer, including the Chief. From Village Board committee minutes in 1975, the Police Chief was paid $700 per month and full-time officers were paid $525 per month. In an Edwardsville Intelligencer article dated November 17, 1977, Chief Moore was quoted as asking the Glen Carbon Village Board Police Commission for salary increases for the police force. At the time, Glen Carbon had four full-time patrolmen including Moore, one part-time patrolman, and one volunteer patrolman. The full-time officers were paid $625 per month; the captain was paid $675 per month; and the chief was paid $800 per month.

In 1955, there was no dispatch center, the Chiefs wives served as the dispatchers. When there was an issue in the Village, people would call the Chiefs homes. Eventually, the Village got a radio system and the Chief received the first call sign: Glen01.

After Chief Moore, Robert Rizzi served as Chief from 1989 until 1998. After Rizzi, David Bradford served as Chief from 1998 until 2011 and John Lakin served as Chief from 2011 until 2014 when he was elected Madison County Sheriff.

In 2014, Todd Link was appointed Chief and serves in that role today. Prior to his appointment as Chief, he was Assistant Police Chief in Collinsville. Today, Glen Carbons police department focuses on community policing, and developing relationships with the citizens in the community. There are 23 officers serving the community, including the Chief. In March 2017, the police department added its first canine officer, named Ato. His partner is Officer Louis Mitchelar and they are currently enrolled in a training program.

In January 2017, the Village opened its new Public Safety Answering Point. This new center expanded the dispatch room to two fully equipped dispatch stations, with room for future expansion. This new facility continues the evolution of the Glen Carbon Police Department from its early days to a community resource focused on improving the safety and quality of its citizens.
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Linkedin Hendri Yulius (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Wed, May 24, 2017 14:48 1996 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a23c828 3 Opinion ahok,gay,public-caning,sharia-law,homosexual,basuki-tjahaja-purnama,minority-groups,human-rights,democracy Free

First things first, this title is inspired by the writer-activist Arundhati Roys non-fiction, Capitalism: A Ghost Story (2015), which unveils the dark side of Indian democracy. Through privatization and other interventions, mega-corporations steal and plunder the countrys natural resources and thus exacerbate economic inequality. Just a few weeks after I read this book, outgoing Jakarta Governor Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama was jailed for two years for blasphemy against Islam.

Behind the protests and actions and debate on blasphemy law, the wars on homosexuality and/or LGBT still continues. Indonesian police raided a gay sex party in Surabaya, East Java, arrested 14 men, and forced them to undergo HIV tests, which violated their rights to privacy. They face charges of infringing the 2008 Pornography Law and the 2008 Electronic Information and Transaction Law (ITE), prohibiting the distribution of pornographic and/or indecent material. The police found and confiscated condoms, mobile phones, and a flash drive containing porn videos, reports said.

While those two cases are completely unrelated, they reflect a darker side of Indonesias democracy; a ghost story that haunts and puts its legitimacy at stake.

The fall of Soehartos authoritarian regime in 1998 has led to the greater protection of freedom of press and expression. Civil society organizations flourished, giving promises for the fulfillment of human rights that were problematic under the New Order.

Unfortunately, the unfolding stories are too much of a contrast. Although democracy is built on the protection of minority groups, this proposition is not always respected and embodied. Some scholars argue that democratization and the proliferation of civil society movements do not always guarantee the quality of democracy itself.

Daily power dynamics and contestations among political actors mark constant ideological struggles to define the contours of the regime. Indonesias transition to democracy has also led the previously suppressed fundamentalist Islamic political groups to flourish openly and exert their power, with many cities and regencies adopting moral-based regulations or sharia-inspired bylaws.

The scholar Kathryn Robinson in Masculinity, Sexuality, and Islam (2015) asserts that political Islam actors exploit decentralization to enact sharia-based regulations. With their greater political power, politicians of any hue see them as potential supporters and constituents for their own interests. Hence, this shift has also changed the way of regulating and policing people, particularly those who do not conform to the formal norms of the state and of the majority. If in the previous regime, state-centered power and surveillance was inevitable, the current regime of controls are deployed and reverberates throughout dispersed policies, creating new modes of policing.

While homosexuality remains illegal here, the loose, malleable, and subjective definition of pornography of the 2008 Pornography Law so far has been a powerful weapon to outlaw homosexuality practices and interfere in individual private spaces. Last year a male couple in Manado, North Sulawesi, was arrested after a photo of them kissing was uploaded on Facebook and went viral. Similar with the recent gay arrests in Surabaya, this couple was at risk of being charged under the Pornography Law and the cyberlaw.

The subjective interpretation of the definition of pornography and indecency (kesusilaan) in those policies has led the barbarous application of those laws to police sexual minorities groups by equating their sexual practices or affective expressions with pornography and indecency. The ban on gay social networking last year also followed and applied the same logic. Nevertheless, heterosexual couples, despite their explicit displays of affections and sexual expressions in public and social media, remains untouchable under these policies. Equally important, several local ordinances also police homosexuality by conflating it with prostitution and immoral behavior. In Aceh, homosexuality is explicitly punishable through sharia bylaws. In March, two young men were arrested and on Tuesday were punished with 83 strokes of the cane.

Sex and religion are indeed two distant poles. Although both are supposed to be parts of individual privacy, these two are also increasingly perceived as public matters.

The pressures from religious conservative groups could not also be ignored easily, since they have become influential in pushing such bylaws to politicize and criminalize minorities. As a consequence, regulating and policing sex and religion are also inescapable from Indonesias social and political landscape.

The laws used to criminalize blasphemy  the 1965 Blasphemy Law and Article 156 of the Criminal Codehave been there for a long time. Nonetheless, according to Ismail Hasani from Setara Institute, during the democratic era, the number of cases charged under the blasphemy law has so far reached 50 cases, compared with only 10 cases before 1998.

Further, the laws could be applied to criminalize religious minorities deemed deviant of the dominant interpretation of religion, like Ahmadiyah people. While Ahok is now found guilty, public condemnation against other faiths by equating them with kafir (infidel) escapes similar charges. It is thus no exaggeration to interpret the current incidents during the Jakarta gubernatorial election as an exploitation and politicization of religion.

Drawing on French philosopher Michel Foucaults insights about power and surveillance, what happened to Ahok and those gay people reminds us about the evolving surveillance and control modes, in this supposedly more progressive regime. Surveillance and control is now dispersed and reverberates throughout different policies that could easily be exploited and politicized by groups with particular interests.

Sex and religion are no longer ones private business; it is getting scrutinized and regulated, as the spectral power haunts and seeps through the walls of our very own private spaces.

As our democracy reveals more of its darker sides blanketing it into a shadowy night, as Arundhati Roy said in the closing of her chapter, perhaps it is time for us to take back the night.

---------------

We are looking for information, opinions, and in-depth analysis from experts or scholars in a variety of fields. We choose articles based on facts or opinions about general news, as well as quality analysis and commentary about Indonesia or international events. Send your piece to academia@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.
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Linkedin EDITORIAL (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Wed, May 24, 2017 08:50 1996 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a22b429 4 Editorial #Editorial,nazi,gay,public-caning,aceh,sharia-law,human-rights,LGBT,homosexual Free

On Tuesday, a gay couple in Aceh was punished with 85 strokes of the cane  despite protests from human rights advocates  for violating the provinces Islamic bylaw that bans homosexuality.



In North Jakarta on Monday, police arrested 141 men for allegedly violating the 2008 Pornography Law, which bans, among others, the provision of porn or making people objects or models of porn  clauses that respectively carry a maximum penalty of six and 10 years imprisonment.



For the people of Aceh, the sharia option was allowed in its 2005 international peace agreement with the government, though its bylaws remain controversial, even in the province. But the latter incident, a raid on a gym, clearly shows strong support for authorities barging in on the private realm, even without Acehs moral police.



The Jakarta Police were backed up by the Pornography Law, itself the product of a war between secular- and religious groups, the latter of which won the war with the tacit approval of the administration of then president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.



Critics fears materialized as the law, however vague, has been used by authorities and conservative parties to interfere in the private sphere, including sexuality. Sexual minorities are among the expected victims, with few sympathizers among our homophobic society  including those who recently joined shouts of, Uphold the Pancasila, referring to Indonesias state ideology, which promotes a just and civilized humanity.



Raids and arrests of allegedly gay people bring to mind past and present persecutions and criminalizations of sexual minorities. The most extreme example is perhaps the reportedly large portion of homosexuals among victims of the Nazi gas chambers.



Many of us think we are beyond such cruelty. Yet, the instant circulation of images of the mostly undressed men arrested in North Jakarta  being herded to police headquarters with some of their faces clearly visible  shows that Indonesians share similar homophobic sentiments with Nazi rulers. The leaked images were shared with exclamations of horror and support for the police, whom people praised for attempting to safeguard the youth and society from such sinful same-sex relations.



Continuous moral boosts for authorities to protect citizens morality will only endanger us as we virtually hand them a blank check to do so  just because police actions against gays are justified by the Pornography Law.



And like the Blasphemy Law, it further stigmatizes minorities, who, due to being different, find few effective channels to raise their voices. Religious groups claim that Indonesians, as God-fearing people, can in no way accept homosexuality. But, as Indonesia is not a religious state, authorities must keep out of the private realm, and limit religious issues to religious forums.



Following Mondays raid, the police will need to, at least, clearly give proof of their allegations, including against the parties who allegedly made objects of porn out of the men. But by failing to protect the detainees privacy, the police are obviously riding on popularity based on widespread bigotry. Meaning, the National Police, under Gen. Tito Karnavian, have yet to safeguard the constitutional guarantee of our citizens basic human rights.
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Linkedin Tarko Sudiarno (The Jakarta Post) Yogyakarta  Wed, May 24, 2017 12:35 1996 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a23609f 4 Art & Culture Yogyakarta,dance,Performance,women-empowerment Free

Three women gracefully kneaded wet clay into the shape of water jugs, the contours of which resembled the curves of female bodies.

As the craftswomen from Kasongan village in Bantul, Yogyakarta finished their work, some 80 dancers took turns performing fragments of womens lives on the clay-wet stage.

The scenes were presented on the muddy stage built in front of the mansion of a Javanese prince erected in 1895 during the reign of Sultan Hamengku Buwono VII.

In between the craftswomen and the building, choreographer Setyastuti displayed her dance drama in the Dalem Pugeran area of Yogyakarta.

In the piece, titled Ritus Lampah Lemah (The Earth Walk Rite), she showcased a cycle of womens struggle for survival, portraying how women, regarded as weak owing to their grace and beauty, possess amazing inherent power.

Read also: ART|JOG|10: Changing perspective

Her contemporary creation derived the spirit of Bedhaya Gandrung Manis, a classical composition by Sultan Hamengku Buwono VII, and of the craftswomens accomplishment and perseverance in Kasongan. In the dance, the two blended into one.

With the mansion as the background and the craftswomen in the foreground, Ritus Lampah Lemah combined music, dance, theater and video mapping. Lemah, meaning earth in Javanese, was represented by the open stage with the wet clay ground.

Lemah, which also means weak, was shown in refined and gracious movements emanating an extraordinary force of attraction. The softness, charm and elegance of women, symbolized in the dance by long hair and appealing body lines, were depicted to generate power.

Womens beauty is related to earth or lemah in Javanese, a connotative and interesting word to talk about women. But are Javanese women so weak that theyre frequently referred to as suwarga nunut neraka katut or merely following their spouses? This is what we wish to reveal in the performance, said Setyastuti.

Making a point: Kasongan craftswomen perform as symbols of the strong role of women in the dance drama Ritus Lampah Lemah.(JP/Tarko Sudiarno)

To the accompaniment of gamelan, wind instruments and DJ music, womens roles were described one by one  from pregnancy, delivery, child care and education, performing family and household duties to maintaining social relations.

All of the roles show the superiority of so-called weak women. Today women have the same rights as men, including in jobs, she says.

Read also: How employers in Indonesia can harness the full potential of female employees

Citing an example, she pointed to the women in Kasongan village. For them, beauty isnt just defined by shining hair, fair skin and other such appearances. Although they get dipped in mud, they retain their charm in handling their creative job for art as well as for the fulfillment of family needs.

Artist Djaduk Ferianto, who has a role as a resource person in this dance drama, said that despite the shows quality, he felt pleased with the performance as it showed appreciation and support for contemporary art by the Yogyakarta regional administration. This indicates that art is no longer seen with disfavor by cultural authorities, which is also my experience in the annual Ngayogjazz musical event, he said.

Yogyakarta State University lecturer Suminto A. Sayuti was happy to see contemporary art getting the space within Yogyakartas cultural arena.

This project is actually intended to announce that Yogyakarta is not, or not always, synonymous with classical art. It is an open site and place where different artistic and esthetic ideologies meet, but the two eventually join hands to bring about Yogyakartas character, he said.

Ritus Lampah Lemah established that, in this case, Javanese women play crucial roles in their families and in society. The womens presence is like earth or soil that provides water resources and enables the growth of living organisms, where humans also maintain their survival  never just being relegated to secondary rank or merely considered konco wingking (lesser partners) as Javanese men have so long held.
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Linkedin Kerry Sheridan (Agence France-Presse) Miami, United States  Wed, May 24, 2017 11:58 1996 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a235919 2 Science & Tech mouse,sperm,space,National-Academy-of-Sciences Free

Freeze-dried mouse sperm that spent nine months in space has been used to produce healthy rodent offspring back on Earth, Japanese researchers said this week.

But could the same hold true for humans? And if conception were even possible in space, would babies born in zero gravity develop differently than their Earth-bound counterparts?

As NASA and other global space agencies work furiously on propelling people to Mars by the 2030s, experts say essential questions of survival on the Red Planet are often overlooked.

Rocket scientists have little grasp of how humans would live and breathe on Mars, or if they even could withstand the powerful doses of cosmic radiation they'd receive on the two- to three-year journey.

A key component to colonizing other planets -- as SpaceX chief Elon Musk has vowed to do on Mars -- would be having babies, said Kris Lehnhardt, assistant professor in emergency medicine at The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences.

This raises ethical questions about the potential for creating a new race of humans born in deep space or in microgravity.

"If your goal is to eventually be a truly space-faring species then this is an essential area to study," he told AFP.

"It is a completely unknown area of science."

Mouse sperm

A study in Monday's edition of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, a peer-reviewed US journal, was an "interesting first step," said Lehnhardt, who was not involved in the research.

Mouse sperm was freeze-dried and sent for nine months to the International Space Station, which orbits about 250 miles (400 kilometers) above the Earth.

When the shipment returned, lead researcher Teruhiko Wakayama of the University of Yamanashi found the space sperm had sustained "slightly increased DNA damage," after enduring an average daily radiation dose about 100 times stronger than on Earth.

Back on Earth, embryos fertilized in vitro with the sperm produced healthy offspring, and grew into normal adults, "suggesting that the DNA damage observed in the space-preserved sperm samples was largely repaired in embryos after fertilization," said the report.

But the research revealed little about what might happen in space.

"Everything that happened afterward was on the ground again," Lehnhardt said.

Read also: Stem cell treatments ready to replace medicine in 10 years: Expert

Not good for ovaries

For researchers who have examined the effect of deep space radiation on the reproductive organs of female lab mice, the news is not good.

A study published in the journal Reproduction this month showed that severe damage to the ovaries of female mice exposed to charged particles is typical of space radiation, "raising concern for premature ovarian failure in astronauts" exposed to deep space travel, it said.

One of the study's authors, Ulrike Luderer, a professor of medicine at the University of California, Irvine, said her research shows why the US space agency is worried about the health of deep space astronauts.

"These types of exposures can cause early ovarian failure and ovarian cancer, as well as other osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease and neurocognitive diseases like Alzheimer's," she told AFP.

"Half the astronauts in the NASA's new astronaut classes are women," she added.

"So it is really important to know what chronic health effects there could be for women exposed to long-term deep space radiation."

'Magical leap'

Lehnhardt said he is not aware of any studies that have shown rodents could successfully get pregnant in space, or that embryos could survive there.

"If a four- or eight-cell embryo gets hit by galactic cosmic radiation, the likelihood of that embryo surviving is probably quite low," he said.

"If somehow the embryo could get past that stage we actually have no concept of how that would develop."

Future experiments could involve sending embryos of various species to the space station.

But even then, it might be difficult to tease apart whether any problems in development are due to the absence of gravity, or to radiation, said Lehnhardt.

If somehow we took a "magical leap" to the point where an infant could be born in a spaceship, "you have a baby that in theory can't stand or walk, and uses its arms as it is developing for movement," he said, warning of the potential for a new evolutionary chain of humans.

Those born or raised on the Moon or Mars, which are considered to be partial gravity environments, might fare better, but still might not be exactly the same as Earth-born people.

"Maybe the one-sixth gravity of the Moon, or the one-third gravity of Mars is sufficient for normal bone and muscle development," Lehnhardt said.

"That would lead to a similar species then spreading out among the solar system."
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Linkedin Amber Wang/Michelle Yun (Agence France-Presse) Taipei, Taiwan  Wed, May 24, 2017 18:05 1995 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a2441f9 2 Lifestyle Taiwan,gay,gay-marriage,LGBT,#Taiwan,#gay Free

Taiwan's top court ruled in favour of gay marriage Wednesday, a landmark decision that paves the way for the island to become the first place in Asia to legalise same-sex unions.

Crowds of supporters cheered, hugged and wept as the court said current laws preventing the practice "violated" the constitution's guarantees of freedom of marriage and equality.

It gave the government two years to implement the ruling.

Momentum has been growing behind the push for equal marriage rights, with Taiwan's president Tsai Ing-wen openly supporting the campaign.

But there has also been anger among conservative groups, who have staged mass rallies against any change in the law.

The constitutional court said if parliament does not make the change within two years, same-sex couples could register to marry regardless, based on its interpretation.

Read also: Labour of love: One man's fight for gay marriage in Taiwan

Currently Taiwan's Civil Code stipulates an agreement to marry can only be made between a man and a woman.

"The current provisions of the marriage chapter do not allow two persons of the same sex to create a permanent union of an intimate and exclusive nature for the committed purpose of managing a life together. This is obviously a gross legislative flaw," the court said in a statement.

The decision to allow gay marriage would bolster social stability and protect "human dignity" it added.

Hundreds of gay marriage supporters gathered outside parliament in central Taipei erupted at the news, some breaking down in tears.

For Taiwan's pioneering gay rights campaigner, Chi Chia-wei, one of the petitioners who brought the case to the constitutional court, it was the culmination of 30 years of activism.

"I'm leaping with joy like a bird," Chi, 59, told AFP.

"I hope parliament will prioritise the bill instead of dragging it on for another two years," he added.

The other petitioner was the Taipei city government, which has been rejecting marriage applications by same-sex couples and was seeking clarification of the law.

"This will open doors for a lot of other countries in the region," said Toby Chang, 28, at the rally.

"It's also good for Taiwan. It will bring a lot of international attention and recognition," he added.

Calls for marriage equality are gaining strength in a number of countries around Asia, including South Korea and Japan.

The ruling also raised hopes among supporters in mainland China.

"Taiwan and mainland China have the same roots and culture," said Li Yinhe, a renowned Chinese sexologist who has pressed Beijing policymakers to legalise same-sex marriage.

"It suggests that Chinese society could also accept the idea of gay marriage," she said, but added there was "a very long way" to go.

Last year, two men lost a legal battle to marry, but the decision by the court in central China to hear their case was seen as a breakthrough.

Read also: The Big Bang Theorys Jim Parsons weds long-time partner

- Fears of delay -

President Tsai urged society to "understand, tolerate and respect people with different opinions" in a statement after the ruling, adding the decision was binding.

However, some campaigners fear opposing voices in parliament may try to delay the process of changing the law.

Outside Taipei's main judicial headquarters, angry anti-gay marriage protesters beat drums shouting "unfair justice" and "sinners".

"The welfare of the majority should not be sacrificed to please a few people," said demonstrator Becky Huang.

A panel of 14 grand justices made the ruling -- a majority of 10 was needed. Only two judges dissented.

The court said the physical and psychological need for permanent unions was "equally essential to homosexuals and heterosexuals, given the importance of the freedom of marriage to the sound development of personality and safeguarding of human dignity".

It also pointed out that attempts in parliament to legalise gay marriage have stalled for more than a decade, affecting people's fundamental rights.

Proposals to amend the Civil Code finally passed their first reading in December, but have not progressed further.

Rights group Amnesty International urged the government to act quickly.

"As today's ruling makes clear, whoever you love, everyone is entitled to the same human rights and equal protection under the law," it said.
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Linkedin Nurni Sulaiman (The Jakarta Post) Medan  Wed, May 24, 2017 06:31 1996 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a227471 1 National naval-operation,Navy,joint-patrol,India,Medan Free

The Indonesian and Indian Navies are carrying out a joint-patrol under the 29th IndiaIndonesia Coordinated Patrol (Ind-Indo CORPAT), which is scheduled from May 9 to 25.

As the activity is about to end, a closing ceremony was held in the North Sumatra provincial capital of Medan on Monday evening.

The cooperation is helping both countries fight sea disturbances such as illegal fishing, the smuggling of weapons and narcotics, as well as human trafficking, given the fact that the Indian and Indonesian ocean borders 10 other countries. said Ibnu Sri Hutomo, the North Sumatra governor's assistant for economy, development, and people's welfare, during the ceremony.

I feel privileged to stand before you today to honor the Indian naval ships Karmuk and Dornier, which arrived in Belawan port [in Medan] this morning [May 22]. Commissioned in 2004, the ship has traveled across the globe and held exercises with navies of various Asia Pacific nations like Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, Japan and China, Shalia Shah, Indian Consul General in Medan, said in her speech.

(Read also: Bakamla completes desktop exercise with Australian counterpart)

The opening part of the joint patrol was held in Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar, India. Indonesian Navy warship KRI Sutedi Senoputra, as well as an Indonesian Maritime Patrol Aircraft were sent to join the activity. The Indonesian delegation is led by First Adm. Bambang Irwanto.

In addition to securing the sea trade route, the Coordinated Patrol also aimed to enhance mutual understanding and interoperability between the two navies. (bbs)
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Linkedin Callistasia Anggun Wijaya (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Wed, May 24, 2017

The peace of the nation was the main reason behind the surprise move by non-active Jakarta governor Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama to drop his plan to appeal his two-year prison sentence for blasphemy.

In a press conference on Tuesday, Ahoks wife, Veronica Tan, read out a letter hand-written by her husband behind bars that explained why he had withdrawn his appeal against his sentence.

Tearfully and in a breaking voice, Veronica said that Ahok had accepted the sentence, which was harsher than that demanded by prosecutors, who had only asked for two years probation for lesser charge of inciting hatred toward clergymen.

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Linkedin Callistasia Anggun Wijaya (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Wed, May 24 2017

The peace of the nation was the main reason behind the surprise move by non-active Jakarta governor Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama to drop his plan to appeal his two-year prison sentence for blasphemy.

In a press conference on Tuesday, Ahoks wife, Veronica Tan, read out a letter hand-written by her husband behind bars that explained why he had withdrawn his appeal against his sentence.

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Linkedin Callistasia Anggun Wijaya (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Wed, May 24, 2017 16:03 1995 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a2411de 1 City public-facility,workers Free

Jakarta governor and deputy governor-elect Anies Baswedan and Sandiaga Uno have denied rumors they plan to slash the number Public Facility Maintenance Agency (PPSU) workers in the capital.

"Pak Anies and Pak Sandi reiterated [during their campaign] that they would not reduce the number of PPSU workers, let alone remove [the agency]," the incoming pairs spokesman, Naufal Firman Yursak, said in a statement on Wednesday.

Naufal assured that PPSU workers, known for their brightly colored uniforms, had nothing to worry about.

Jakarta Spatial Planning Agency head Gamal Sinurat previously announced that Anies and Sandiaga planned to downsize the PPSU to make way for a new waste management program.

Naufal said that Gamal had misunderstood the program, which aims to encourage residents to manage their own waste at home.

PPSU workers would maintain their jobs of taking care of sanitation in public spaces, he said.

He added that Anies and Sandiaga would provide entrepreneurship training through their OK Oce program for PPSU workers with the aim of improving their welfare.
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Wed, May 24, 2017 22:34 1995 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a24759c 1 City bomb-blast,East-Jakarta,fatalities,kampung-melayu,#JakartaAttack Free

Two explosions, suspected to be bomb blasts, struck an area near the Transjakarta bus stop in Kampung Melayu, East Jakarta, at around 9 p.m. on Wednesday evening.

East Jakarta Police chief Sr. Comr. Andry Wibowo said the police were still investigating the explosions.

Andry said three people had been affected by the blasts.

Police have yet to confirm whether or not the explosions have caused any fatalities.

Transjakarta spokesman Wibowo has said Transjakarta passengers and workers are safe.

The Kampung Melayu bus stop is now temporarily closed. (dmr)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Wed, May 24, 2017 22:59 1995 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a2484e3 1 City bomb-blast,East-Jakarta,explosion,kampung-melayu,#JakartaAttack Free

An eyewitness has told a TV station over the phone that he heard two explosions erupt at a Transjakarta bus stop nearby the Kampung Melayu bus terminal in East Jakarta on Wednesday evening.

Joni told MetroTV that the traffic was busy when the first blast erupted.

"The situation turned chaotic and then the second explosion was heard," Joni said.

Body parts have been spotted at the blast scene, Joni said, adding that people injured in the blast have been taken to a nearby hospital.

Some of those injured are thought to be police officers.

A police bomb squad has been deployed and the blast scene has been cordoned off.

The police have yet confirm whether the explosions have caused any fatalities.

Meanwhile, Transjakarta spokesman Wibowo said no Transjakarta passengers were injured in the explosions.

However, he said the impact of the explosions had ripped through nearby a bus shelter, shattering the windowpanes.

Transjakarta has now redirected several bus routes to avoid the blast scene. (dmr)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Wed, May 24, 2017 23:25 1995 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a249829 1 City explosion,bombing,#JakartaAttack,terror-attack,terrorism Free

National Police deputy chief Comr. Gen. Syafruddin has confirmed that the explosions that struck the Kampung Melayu bus terminal in East Jakarta were part of a suicide bomb attack.

"So far there is one attacker. We haven't yet been able to identify [the attacker]," he said.

"The attack took place at around 9 p.m."

Syafruddin added that at least six were victims of the attack.

One police officer was killed in the attack. (bbs)
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Linkedin Safrin La Batu (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Wed, May 24, 2017 23:41 1995 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a24a2f4 1 City explosion,kampung-melayu,bomb-blast,SuicideBomber,terror-attack,#JakartaAttack Free

At least five people have fallen victim to a bomb blast near a Transjakarta bus station in Kampung Melayu in East Jakarta, National Police deputy chief Comr. Gen. Syafruddin said on Wednesday.

At least two people have been killed in the attack, the suspected suicide bomber and policeman Sec. Brig. Taufan.

'"There are five victims. Five policeman, one of whom was killed," Syafruddin said, adding that the other four policemen had been badly injured in the blast.

I want to express my sympathies. An explosion has occurred. For the time being, we are treating it as a suicide bombing. We believe there is a single perpetrator. We have not yet identified the perpetrator, Syafruddin said.

The explosion took place at around 9 p.m., Jakarta time.

(Read also: Eyewitness hears "two explosions" erupt in East Jakarta)

Traffic around the scene has been blocked off and the police are investigating the explosion.

If the police are correct and this is indeed a suicide bomb attack, it will be one of several such attacks that have targeted the police in Indonesia. (bbs)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Wed, May 24, 2017 19:34 1995 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a246a38 4 National Bakamla,bakamla-graft-case Free

A panel of judges from the Jakarta Corruption Court has declared businessman Fahmi Darmawansyah guilty for bribing four officials in a graft case pertaining to a Maritime Security Board (Bakamla) procurement project and sentenced him to two years and eight months in prison.

The judges also ordered the president director of Merial Esa to pay a Rp 150 million (US$11,250) fine.

The defendant has been proven guilty for committing graft, presiding judge Yohanes Priana told the hearing on Wednesday as reported by kompas.com.

The verdict was lighter than demands made by Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) prosecutors, who had sought four years imprisonment and a Rp 200 million fine.

The aggravating factor in the verdict, Yohanes said, was that as a young businessman, Fahmi did not support the government in its fight against corruption and should have followed the proper procedures in doing business. However, the mitigating factors were that he had never been punished and had shown remorse for his misconduct.

Fahmi, along with two executives of his company, bribed Bakamla deputy chief Eko Susilo Hadi with Rp 2 billion to win the tender for a sea surveillance satellite systems project worth RP 222 billion.

Besides Eko, bribes were allegedly handed to Bakamlas data and information director commodore Bambang Udoyo; Bakamlas bureau head of planning, Nofel Hasan; and Ekos administration staffer, Tri Nanda Wicaksono. (rin)
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Linkedin Suherdjoko (The Jakarta Post) Semarang  Wed, May 24, 2017 10:47 1996 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a232d0f 1 National sugar,food-security,police,Central-Java-Police Free

The Central Java Police's Special Criminal Investigation Department raided a warehouse in Kaliwungu district, Kendal regency, Central Java, on Tuesday and confiscated 35 tons of non-certified sugar.

The sugar was allegedly being stockpiled by the owner of plywood firm PT KMP, Central Java Police spokesman Sr.Comr. Djardod Padakova said.

We received tip-off from the public about the sugar hoarding by PT KMP, he said in Semarang on Tuesday.

The refined sugar was branded Gendhis produced by PT GMM, a sugar plant in Blora regency. The sugar was packed in 722 sacks, with one sack containing 50 kilograms of sugar. The police suspect the sugar was to be sold on the market.

The police say that PT KMP is a plywood producer with no permit to trade in sugar.

The management could only show us their permit in plywood and not in sugar distribution, Djarod said.

Employees claimed that the sugar belonged to LK, the director of the company.

Special Crimes Investigation Department head Sr. Comr. Lukas Akbar Abriari said the police would summon witnesses for questioning in the case. (rin)
PT Mitrabara Adiperdana vice president commissioner Fumitake Uyama (left to right), director Widada, president commissioner Yo Angela Soedjana, president director Ridwan and vice president director Eiji Hagiwara share a light moment after an annual general shareholders meeting in Jakarta, on Tuesday. Mitrabara, part of Baramulti Group, which engages in coal mining, is paying out a US$10.8 million final dividend to its shareholders. (JP/Jerry Adiguna)(left to right), director Widada, president commissioner Yo Angela Soedjana, president director Ridwan and vice president director Eiji Hagiwara share a light moment after an annual general shareholders meeting in Jakarta, on Tuesday. Mitrabara, part of Baramulti Group, which engages in coal mining, is paying out a US$10.8 million final dividend to its shareholders. (JP/Jerry Adiguna)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Wed, May 24, 2017 19:16 1995 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a246051 1 City Depok,street-musician Free

The Street Music Institute (IMJ), a community of street musicians based in Depok, West Java, held on Tuesday auditions for street musicians to obtain a card that would allow them to legally perform at various establishments.

IMJ founder Andi Malewa said that street musicians who passed the audition would be granted the so-called Support Performer Card (Supercard), or a card that would let them freely perform in public open spaces, cafes, mall, hotels and other places from which they are usually banned by Public Order Agency officers.

"Until [Tuesday] afternoon, about 70 street musicians from the Greater Jakarta area have registered for the audition, Andi said on Tuesday as quoted by tribunnews.com.

This program, which was initiated by the IMJ, is part of the Culture and Education Ministrys efforts to reach out to street musicians in Greater Jakarta, he added.

Andi said that the institute would select musicians based on their behavior, attitude and musical skills. (cal)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Wed, May 24, 2017 14:46 1996 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a23c207 4 National jusuf-kalla,ahok,#ahok,blasphemy,United-Nations Free

Vice President Jusuf Kalla has asked the United Nations not to interfere with Indonesias judiciary system in relation to the recent conviction of non-active Jakarta governor Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama, who was sentenced to two years in prison for blasphemy.

The statement was a response to criticism from UN experts, who had urged Indonesia to overturn Ahoks sentence on appeal or grant Ahok clemency to be released from prison.

They cannot interfere with our home affairs, our law [...] Similarly, we cant interfere with the legal affairs of Malaysia or the United States, Kalla said on Tuesday as quoted by kompas.com.

He expressed concerns that the experts statement would only exacerbate already heightened tensions.

When asked about Ahoks decision to withdraw his appeal against the verdict, Kalla said that it was Ahoks right to do so, which must be respected.

Reuters reported on Monday that three UN experts had released a joint statement saying Ahoks sentence would serve as a setback for the Indonesian government.

Ahok was declared guilty on May 9 by a panel of judges at the North Jakarta District Court, who sentenced him to two years in prison. His conviction and detention grabbed both national and international attention, with support growing for the Christian non-active governor of Chinese descent. (hol/rin)
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Linkedin Severianus Endi (The Jakarta Post) Pontianak  Wed, May 24, 2017

Though separated by two countries, the Dayak people, natives of Borneo island, meet once a year in Pontianak, West Kalimantan, to celebrate their shared roots and ancestry.

At the Gawai Festival, which is in its 32nd edition this year, celebrants sing, dance and make handcrafts to preserve the culture of their tribe, whose people have lived for centuries in the regions rainforests.

About 500 Dayak Malaysians joined various events at the festival, along with local residents and tourists.

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Linkedin Hotli Simanjuntak (The Jakarta Post) Banda Aceh  Wed, May 24, 2017

Having been found guilty in a sharia court, two Acehnese men convicted of gay sex were publicly caned in Acehs provincial capital of Banda Aceh on Tuesday with each receiving 83 lashes.

Activists condemned the caning, which they said exacerbated Indonesias poor human rights record.

The men, identified only as MT, 23, and MH, 21  both are university students  were convicted of committing liwath or same-sex sexual intercourse and thus violated Article 63 (1) of Qanun Jinayat (Islamic Criminal Code).

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Linkedin Hotli Simanjuntak (The Jakarta Post) Banda Aceh  Wed, May 24 2017

Having been found guilty in a sharia court, two Acehnese men convicted of gay sex were publicly caned in Acehs provincial capital of Banda Aceh on Tuesday with each receiving 83 lashes.

Activists condemned the caning, which they said exacerbated Indonesias poor human rights record.

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Linkedin Tassia Sipahutar (The Jakarta Post) Cancun, Mexico  Wed, May 24, 2017 13:34 1996 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a23a966 1 Business United-Nations,disaster-risk-reduction,Global-Platform-for-Disaster-Risk-Reduction Free

World leaders and civil society representatives are convening in a biennial forum in Cancun, Mexico, to address the escalating impact of disasters, which are estimated to cost the global economy US$520 billion.

The three-day forumdubbed the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reductionis being held by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR) from May 24 to 26.

As many as 5,000 people from 176 countries are expected to participate in the event, which has taken place five times since the Indian Ocean tsunami killed around 230,000 people in 2004.

Data from the UN show that even though mortality from natural hazards has declined, the disasters are estimated to push 26 million people into poverty every year.

DRR [disaster risk reduction] is really a practical agenda [] a lot of discussions, not up in the clouds. Were making huge progress in the process at the Global Platform, Robert Glasser, the UN Secretary-Generals Special Representative for disaster risk reduction, said on Tuesday.

During the event, participants are expected to launch a global accountability mechanism to measure reductions in the loss of life, in numbers of disaster-affected people, in economic losses and in damage to critical infrastructure from 2020 to 2030.

National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) head Willem Rampangilei is slated to deliver Indonesias official statement on Thursday.
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Wed, May 24, 2017 14:57 1996 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a23d889 1 Business Indonesia,Canada,local-economy,Southeast-Sulawesi,Gorontalo Free

National Development Planning Minister Bambang Brodjonegoro and Canadian Ambassador to Indonesia Peter MacArthur launched in Jakarta on Tuesday a local economy development project worth C$18 million (US$13.31 million) for the provinces of Gorontalo and Southeast Sulawesi.

The project will focus on the micro-middle economy sector, which is being developed to serve as an investment friendly center for economic growth in both provinces, Bambang said as reported by Antara.

The project will be implemented under the National Support for Local Investment Climates (NSLIC) and National Support for Enhancing Local and Regional Economic Development (NSELRED), which are funded by Canadian government.

We will develop potential businesses in the provinces and bolster investment in order to create more jobs. The efforts are expected to increase the peoples welfare," he said, adding that the project is expected to help resolve unemployment, poverty and economic disparity.

He expressed his hopes that the partnership would be implemented in an effective, efficient, transparent and accountable manner so that it may benefit the people of Gorontalo and Southeast Sulawesi.

Meanwhile, Ambassador MacArthur expressed expects the project to create a conducive environment for investment in the provinces.

"This program is part of the commitments of the Canadian governments to support Indonesias economic development," he added.

Bambang said the project would involve a number of ministries and institutions, including the Coordinating Human Development and Culture Minister, Cooperatives and Small and Medium Enterprises Ministry, the Home Ministry, the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) and the provincial governments. (bbn)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Wed, May 24, 2017

Indonesian maritime patrol officer Gunawan Wibisono, who is in Vietnamese detention following an attempt to arrest alleged Vietnamese poachers, may have to spend more time away from his family as the government has decided to take a diplomatic approach to releasing him.

Gunawan was held by the Vietnamese authorities after the KH 97579 TS fishing boat he was guarding was reportedly rammed by the CSB8005 a Vietnamese coast guard vessel.

The fishing boat was one of five Vietnamese-flagged fishing boats arrested by maritime patrol boat KM Hiu Macan 01, belonging to the Maritime and Fisheries Resources Monitoring (PSDKP) Directorate General of the Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Ministry, for alleged poaching in Natuna waters, Riau Islands, on Sunday.

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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Wed, May 24, 2017 17:13 1995 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a2426ba 4 National Jokowi,Maruf-Amin,MUI,sharia Free

President Joko Jokowi took time from his working visit in East Java to attended on Wednesday the inauguration of Indonesia Ulema Council (MUI) chairman Maruf Amin as a professor in sharia economy and muamalat at Maulana Malik Ibrahim State Islamic University in Malang.

Also in attendance were several ministers, including Culture and Education Minister Muhammad Nasir, Social Affairs Minister Khofifah Indar Parawansa and State Secretary Pratikno.

Nasir lauded Maruf as a good example of someone who excelled in both faith and academics, adding that the latters role in sharia economics will be highly appreciated.

A lot of his fatwas on Islamic economy have been used as the reference in the country and across the globe, he said in a press statement on Wednesday.

For his inauguration speech, Maruf read his scientific study entitled Makharij Fiqhiyyah [Islamic Law Solution] as a Boost for the New Era of Sharia Economy in Indonesia. (hol/rin)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Wed, May 24, 2017 16:37 1995 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a24214d 1 City #AhokTrial,dossier,high-court Free

North Jakarta District Court is set to submit on Wednesday the case dossier of Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama to the Jakarta High Court as part of an appeals process for the non-active Jakarta governors two-year prison sentence, according to North Jakarta District Court spokesman Hasoloan Sianturi.

Included in the dossier are the police's interrogation report, trial reports and documents submitted by prosecutors and lawyers throughout the trial, kompas.com reported.

The prosecutors appealed against the court's decision on May 15 to sentence Ahok to two years in prison for blasphemy.

That sentence was harsher than the request made by prosecutors, who only asked for two years probation in the lesser charge of inciting hatred towards clergymen, as stipulated under Article 156 of the Criminal Code.

Meanwhile, Ahok has withdrawn his own appeal, saying it was for the good of the public. (cal)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Wed, May 24, 2017 08:49 1996 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a22b292 1 Business Manulife,pension-insurance,asset-under-management Free

Life insurer PT Asuransi Jiwa Manulife Indonesia booked Rp 12.84 trillion (US$965.70 million) of asset under management (AUM) in its Financial Institution Pension Fund (DPLK) in the first quarter of 2017, a 20 percent increase from the figure recorded in the same period last year.

The increase was supported by increased awareness among corporations of the importance of pension funds for their employees.

The fund was sourced from 1,704 corporations and from 457,838 individual clients, Manulife Indonesia chief of employee benefits Karjadi Pranoto told reporters in Jakarta on Tuesday.

Today, many companies are aware [their] employees need to be protected. The pension program gives employees additional benefits and they will be more comfortable working for the companies, he said.

From the total of Rp 12.84 trillion, around Rp 9.78 trillion was collected from the companys regular DPLK program, while the remaining Rp 3.05 trillion was from the pension plan for the severance compensation (PPUKP DPLK) program.

The company allocated 53.17 percent of its fund to DPKL rupiah fund, 20.49 percent to discretionary fund, 11.85 percent to DPLK fixed income, 11.29 percent to DPLK stock fund, 2.97 percent to DPLK sharia and 0.23 percent to the US dollar fund.

With the fund, Manulife stood in second position among the ten companies with biggest DPLK assets, after DPLK BNI with Rp 16.88 trillion. (yon/bbn)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Wed, May 24, 2017 09:55 1996 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a2312db 1 City South-Jakarta,arrest Free

The South Jakarta Police announced on Tuesday that they had arrested three people from two different motorbike gangs in Jagakarsa, South Jakarta.

The arrest on Saturday followed a report from concerned residents about the gangs violent members, who had been disturbing people.

South Jakarta Police criminal unit head Adj. Sr. Comr. Budhi Hermanto said that the gangs used to hang around and drink alcohol. They also convoyed along the streets while carrying sharp weapons early in the mornings

Tens of the youngsters would gather and get drunk. Afterwards, senior members of the gangs would equip the others with weapons and command them to injure random people. Those who could prove themselves as the most violent members would be established as their leader, Budhi said as quoted by wartakota.tribunnews.com.

The arrested three were identified only by initials PH, 25, IM, 26, and WRA, 18.

While drunk, the members would search nearby streets for targets, Budhi added.

Their victims were random. Anyone they met would instantly be harmed. They wanted to show they were brave, he said.

Budhi said the police took the matter of violent motorbike gangs very seriously as the latter did not think twice about hurting people.

We urge them to not mess around in the area. (dea)
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Linkedin Stefani Ribka (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Wed, May 24, 2017 18:38 1995 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a24532a 1 Business RCEP,Vietnam,Trade-Ministry,Enggartiasto-Lukita,statement Free

Trade Minister Enggartiasto Enggar Lukita attended on Monday a third meeting of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) in Hanoi Vietnam, together with trade ministers from 15 countries, according to a statement issued by the Indonesian Trade Ministry.

The meeting discussed possible win-win solutions for major sticking points in investment and market access for all member countries, Enggar said.

We have yet to agree on various issues. This negotiation isnt easy, because each country has its own interest and different abilities. There are RCEP guiding principles that we need to abide by, but its impossible to agree on a trade deal if it is a disadvantage to us, he added.

The fourth ministerial meeting is scheduled to be held in Hyderabad, India, in late July, and the fifth in Manila in September.

RCEP comprises 10 ASEAN countries and its six trading partners: China, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand.

The group will be the biggest regional trade bloc if they could reach an agreement as it accounts for more than 3 billion people or 45 percent of the worlds population, representing a combined gross domestic product of about US$ 22.4 trillion, or 30 percent of the world economy. (bbn)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Wed, May 24, 2017 15:23 1996 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a23ffeb 1 Business PT-INKA,Train,exports,Tanzania Free

State-owned trainmaker PT Industri Kereta Api (INKA) has offered its products to Tanzania during a recent visit of the companys executives to the East African country.

A PT INKA delegation led by general manager of overseas marketing and product development Bambang Kushendarto met with officials of Tanzanias Public Works, Transportation and Communications Ministry, and representatives of Tanzania Railways Limited (TRL), in Dar es Salaam on May 17.

This is expected to be the first step for PT INKA to explore the potential railway in Tanzania, Bambang said in a statement received on Wednesday.

(Read also: Indonesia exports 150 passenger trains to Bangladesh)

In the meeting, Tanzanian Public Works, Transportation and Communications Ministrys assistant director of railway services Festo Mwanyika gave a positive response to the offer, saying that affordability was one of the countrys main considerations for purchase certain products.

"The products that we need are simple; they are affordable and can be operated well, he said, before asking for a detailed explanation about the funding scheme through Indonesia Exim Bank.

A similar response was expressed by officials of the TRL in a separate meeting, during which the Indonesian delegation also received information about the revitalization and expansion of railway networks in the country by TRL chief commercial manager Shaaban J. Kiko and chief of corporate planning and management services Hassan A. Shaban.

Members of the Indonesian delegation included INKAs overseas marketing manager Welly Mulyono, the Foreign Ministrys deputy director of the directorate of African affairs Fery Iswandy and Indonesian Embassy to Tanzanias economic department head Sherly Ponti Windarfi.

In April, 2016, PT INKA shipped 15 train cars to Bangladesh, the first batch of the total shipment of 150 train cars ordered by Bangladesh Railways. (bbn)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, May 25, 2017 00:43 1995 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a24d30e 1 City #JakartaAttack,explosion,terror-attack,SuicideBomber,terrorism Free

The five police officers who fell victim to a bomb blast near a Transjakarta bus station in Kampung Melayu in East Jakarta on Wednesday night were escorting a pawai obor parade to welcome in the fasting month of Ramadhan.

National Police deputy chief Comr. Gen. Syafruddin said the police officers were guarding residents participating in pawai obor.

Four police officers were injured in the attack. One was killed, Sec. Brig. Taufan, Syafruddin said.

(Read also: Suicide bomber, policeman killed in Kampung Melayu attack: Police)

National Police chief Insp. Gen. Setyo Wasisto said that as of 11:50 p.m., there were nine injured victims from the attack, consisting of four policemen and five civilians. (bbs)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Thu, May 25, 2017 00:29 1995 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a24c9a3 1 City #JakartaAttack,bombings,East-Jakarta Free

Four people injured in Wednesday nights bomb blasts are being treated at the Premier Hospital in Jatinegara, East Jakarta.

Meanwhile, four others who suffered injuries in the explosions are being treated at Hermina Hospital.

Both hospitals are located less than a kilometer from the Kampung Melayu bus station in East Jakarta, the scene of the attack.

Premier Hospital spokesman Sukendar said two police officers and two civilians were undergoing intensive medical treatment.

"One requires immediate surgery," Sukendar said.

Sukendar said one police officer, Second Brig. Taufan, was killed in the attack.

His body is now in the hospitals morgue.

At Hermina Hospital, two police officers and two civilians are being treated for injuries sustained in the attack.
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Linkedin Marc Jayson Cayabyab (Inquirer.net)  Wed, May 24, 2017 11:09 1996 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a234410 2 SE Asia duterte,Rodrigo-Duterte,Philippines,Marawi Free

Majority Leader Rudy Farinas on Wednesday urged members of the House of Representatives to stay in Manila in case Congress convenes to discuss President Rodrigo Dutertes declaration of martial law in Mindanao.

In a text message to House members, Farinas said the chamber would hold sessions until Friday, thus representatives were advised to stay in Manila until then.

Farinas said that under the 1987 Constitution, the President was required to report to Congress within 48 hours regarding the declaration of martial law. Congress would then approve or revoke declaration in a majority vote of its members.

All Members are advised to stay put in Manila. Under our Rules, our sessions are until Friday. The President will head back home ASAP (the party is now at the Moscow airport) and we may have session as soon as we receive his official report, Farinas said.

The Ilocos Norte representative said he and Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez would be briefed by the military and police about the martial law declaration, while the lower House would wait for the Presidents report to Congress.

He also urged the public to keep safe and not panic amid a martial law declaration in the South.

We will have to wait for the report of the President in order for us to exercise our constitutional duty on the matter. In the meantime, we ask our people to remain calm and to keep safe, Alvarez said.

While on official visit to Russia, President Duterte declared martial law after the Maute group engaged government troops in a firefight in Marawi city.

Due to lessons learned from the martial law regime of the dictator Ferdinand Marcos marred with human rights violations, torture, and enforced disappearances, the 1987 Constitution provided checks and balances by allowing Congress and the Supreme Court to step in on the martial law declaration.

According to the Constitution, the president as commander-in-chief of all armed forces may declare martial law or suspend the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus to prevent or suppress lawless violence, invasion or rebellion  for 60 days subject to approval of Congress.

In case of invasion or rebellion, when the public safety requires it, he may, for a period not exceeding sixty days, suspend the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus or place the Philippines or any part thereof under martial law, the Constitution stated.

Within forty-eight hours from the proclamation of martial law or the suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus, the President shall submit a report in person or in writing to the Congress. The Congress, voting jointly, by a vote of at least a majority of all its Members in regular or special session, may revoke such proclamation or suspension, which revocation shall not be set aside by the President, it added..

Congress may also extend the proclamation or suspension of martial law upon the initiative of the President if the invasion or rebellion shall persist and public safety requires it, the Constitution stated.

The Supreme Court may also review the need for a declaration of martial law or suspension of the privilege of writ of habeas corpus upon an appropriate proceeding filed by a concerned citizen.

The Constitution states that a state of martial law does not suspend the operation of the Constitution, nor supplant the functioning of the civil courts or legislative assemblies, nor authorize the conferment of jurisdiction on military courts and agencies over civilians where civil courts are able to function, nor automatically suspend the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus.

Before his plane took off bound for Manila from Russia, Duterte said his martial law would not be any different than that of the dictator Marcos. He has always raised the specter of martial law to solve the countrys ills, including the drug menace.

Martial law is martial law. So kayong mga kababayan ko, youve experienced martial law, it would not be any different from what the President Marcos did. Id be harsh, Duterte said in a Facebook live interview with Assistant Secretary Mocha Uson of the Presidential Communications Operations Office.
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Linkedin Leila B. Salaverria (Philippine Daily Inquirer) Manila, Philippines  Wed, May 24, 2017 10:03 1996 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a231e8a 2 SE Asia Rodrigo-Duterte,Philippines Free

Martial law in Mindanao would not be different from the martial law during the time of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos, President Duterte said before leaving Moscow for Manila.

Duterte had put the entire island of Mindanao under martial law following the recent terror attacks in Marawi.

Martial law is martial law. So kayong mga kababayan ko, youve experienced martial law, it would not be any different from what President Marcos did. Id be harsh, Mr. Duterte said in a Facebook live interview with Assistant Secretary Mocha Uson of the Presidential Communications Operations Office.

The interview took place in Dutertes plane before he took off from Moscow.

Duterte recalled that during the campaign, he had been asked how he would deal with terrorism, and he said he had said that he would be harsh.

He also said he had warned everybody not to force his hand into it.

I have to do it to preserve the Republic of the Philippines and the Filipino people, he said.

Duterte also called on Filipinos not to be too scared, saying he had cut short his Russia visit to go home.

I will deal with the problem once I have arrived, he said.




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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Wed, May 24, 2017 14:08 1996 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a23ac76 1 News blues,music-festival,bali-blues-festival,Tourism-Ministry-Pesona-Indonesia,tourism-ministry-wonderful-Indonesia Free

The Bali Blues Festival 2017, to be held from Friday to Saturday, will showcase performances from legendary Indonesian musicians.

Renowned Balinese guitarist Balawan, one of the performers, says the music festival serves as a creative platform for blues musicians and notes that blues is the origin of other genres, such as jazz and pop.

Balawan expressed his hope that in the future Bali would be recognized as a central place in the world of blues, both in the local and international music scene.

Read also: In vernacular music we trust

Balawan, who has earned the moniker The Magic Finger, is going to collaborate with famed drummer Gilang Ramadhan.

Gilang Ramadhan has expressed his gratitude to the Tourism Ministry, especially Tourism Minister Arief Yahya, for constantly supporting local music events. As a musician, Im very proud of this music festival. Both Bali and blues music have the potential to bring in foreign tourists; this is a good collaborative effort between tourism and music, he says.

Meanwhile, blues band Gugun Blues Shelter is set to perform a duet with Jazz musician Indra Lesmana. The performance will serve as the closing act of the first day.

Read also: "Where is Bali?" most searched travel question on Google in 2016

Gugun Blues Shelter, appearing at the festival for the second time, hopes the Bali Blues Festival will become a compulsory annual event for local blues musicians, As blues musicians, this event gives us a place [to perform]. Most blues music festivals are very inconsistent, so we hope the Bali Blues Festival is held consistently every year, said the band.

The second day will feature performers like the Six Strings group consisting of prominent Indonesian guitarists Dewa Budjana, Eross Chandra, Tohpati, Baron and Baim. Meanwhile, the Krakatau Reunion music group consisting of Trie Utami, Indra Lesmana, Dwiki Dharmawan, Pra Budhi Dharma, Gilang Ramadhan and Donnie Suhendra will serve as the closing act on the second day. (asw)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Wed, May 24, 2017 10:01 1996 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a231473 4 News Angkasa-Pura-II,Airport,Airlines,Indonesia-airports,mobile-application,smartphone,technology,#mobileapplication,#traveling,traveling,travel Free

Travelers can now utilize Indonesia Airports, a newly launched mobile application by state-owned airport operator PT Angkasa Pura II to search for information about flights and airports in Indonesia.

The application was first introduced in a seminar on Saturday. Using the application, users can find real-time flight schedules, terminal information, weather forecasts and baggage estimates, kompas.com reports. Users can also get flight reminders by entering their flight schedules into the my flight feature within the application.

Indonesia Airports is also equipped with airport-related information, such as locations of nearby taxi stations, lounges, toilets or ATM centers. It also contains information about partner stores within the airport for users shopping references.

Read also: Angkasa Pura II plans to go digital

"Everything is monitored real-time because the information displayed in the application originates from integration [with] the airports and airlines, said Muhammad Awaludin, president director of PT Angkasa Pura II.

Aside from catering to the travelers needs, the application is also catering to the needs of internal stakeholders through services such as real-time plane positioning, airport reporting services and media monitoring.

To utilize the application, users will be asked to register their name, phone number and e-mail address. Currently, the application hosts only information about airports run by PT Angkasa Pura II, including Soekarno-Hatta International Airport and Halim Perdanakusuma International Airport in Jakarta, Husein Sastranegara Airport in Bandung, Kualanamu International Airport in Medan and Sultan Iskandar Muda Airport in Aceh.

Indonesia Airports can be downloaded for free from Google Play Store or App Store. (mas/asw)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Wed, May 24, 2017 11:42 1996 4065a5a8898c7cc661d4adf97a235237 1 News music,kuningan,traditional-music,angklung,Tourism-Ministry-Pesona-Indonesia,tourism-ministry-wonderful-Indonesia Free

Kuningan regency in West Java celebrated National Awakening Day with a performance by an orchestra of 5,000 angklung ((bamboo musical instruments) on May 21.

High school teachers in the regency and nearby areas took part in the orchestra, including the SMA 1 Majalengka angklung club and all high school angklung music clubs in the regency. The event also featured a performance by the famed Saung Angklung Udjo.

Read also: Exhibition to showcase Indonesian cultural heritage for UNESCO list opened

Among attendees was Tourism Ministry secretary Ukus Kuswara. Im very proud of this concept, a brilliant idea that gives more benefits to the growing awareness of Kuningan regencys cultural values, said Kuswara.

Also in attendance were Kuningan Regent Acep Purnama and his deputy, the Bandung Institute of Technology principal and the Kuningan Education and Culture Agency head, who officially declared Kuningan the "angklung regency."

I appreciate the declaration of Kuningan regency as the angklung regency. This can be used as a promotional tool while also showcasing the potential that this regency has, Kuswara said.

Acep Purnama explained that angklung education had been passed down from generation to generation.

Daeng Sutigna was the man who invented and developed diatonic angklung in Kuningan regency, said Purnama.

The angklung has been recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage. (asw)
Earlier this month, the New York Times revisited efforts to rename Samuel Dickstein Plaza, a small stretch below Grand Street, for Henry Street Settlement founder Lillian Wald. Susan LaRosa, who works for Henry Street, believes the move would right a historical wrong (Congressman Dickstein provided sensitive information to the Soviet Union in the 1930s). A local resident, however, has a different concern about this street.

Micah Arbisser, who lives near Samuel Dickstein Plaza, says its just too hard to find. He wrote a letter to Community Board 3 in 2014 and recently updated it on The Seward Spark, his website:

I write regarding efforts to rename Samuel Dickstein Plaza and to request that whatever it be named, that Pitt Street be included in the official name and signage. As a resident of 264-266-268 East Broadway, which is located at the tangled confluence of Grand Street, Pitt Street, East Broadway and Montgomery Street, I am often frustrated trying to explain my buildings location to visitors and delivery people. Having a fifth street name involved (Samuel Dickstein Plaza) does not help. And if the two blocks of Samuel Dickstein Plaza were renamed to something entirely different, it would only compound the problem.

Samuel Dickstein Plaza was constructed in the early 1960s (amid the urban renewal that redrew the neighborhoods map) as an extension of Pitt Street below Grand. The original site plans for the Seward Park Cooperative show it as Pitt Street, and many maps today still show Pitt extending below Grand. This is logical since the street is a direct, colinear extension of Pitt from Grand to the intersection of Henry and Montgomery. Yet when the extension was officially named by the city in 1963, it was named exclusively Samuel Dickstein Plaza. Today, all the street signs between Grand and Henry say Samuel Dickstein Plaza (not Pitt).

Other streets in the neighborhood that carry honorary names (like Abraham Kazan Street and Bialystoker Place) still retain their historical names and corresponding signage (like Columbia and Willett). In the case of Bialystoker/Willett, a portion of Willett was renamed exclusively Bialystoker Place in 1979, but to alleviate confusion the city backed off and in 1987 renamed the street again to be co-named Bialystoker Place/Willett Street.

I realize that it may not be possible to simply rename Samuel Dickstein Plaza to Pitt Street, since the building numbering on Pitt Street starts at Grand Street and runs north (1 Pitt Street, if it still existed, would be on the northwest corner of Grand and Pitt). But it would still ease navigation if Samuel Dickstein Plaza could be named Pitt Street South (like Park Avenue South, south of 1 Park Avenue at 32nd Street) or Pitt Street Extension (like Flatbush Avenue Extension, north of 1 Flatbush Avenue at Fulton Street) or something similar. And it would be perfectly fine with me to co-name the street in honor of Lilian Wald or even leave it co-named for Congressman Dickstein (treason notwithstanding). But including the phrase Pitt Street in the name and the signage to help people find their way around a complicated corner of Manhattan seems far more important than choosing which other dead person should join William Pitt, the First Earl of Chatham, in his cartographic glory.

Please include the phrase Pitt Street in any future name for Samuel Dickstein Plaza.
A variety of Lower East Side groups will be delivering oral remarks tomorrow during two public hearings on the upcoming Two Bridges environmental review. The scoping meetings will help determine what areas are studied in the environmental impact assessment of three large-scale residential towers coming to the waterfront.

Last night, Community Board 3 approved its statement, portions of which will be read tomorrow by Chairperson Jamie Rogers. The document is 12 pages long.

In an unusual move, the city decided to consider all three projects together. They include a 79-story tower at 247 Cherry St. from JDS Development Group; 62 ad 69 story towers from L+M Development Partners and the CIM Group at 260 South St.; and a 62-story building by the Starrett Group at 259 Clinton St.

We have embedded the full CB3 statement (see below). Among many other points, the board argues that the projects are inconsistent with the Large Scale Residential Development Plan (LSRD) enacted in 1972. In creating super-tall buildings dwarfing every other structure in the area, the projects would, CB3 wrote, introduce building forms to this neighborhood that are new to the District and contrary to local plans. While zoning in the area allows high density towers, the board contends that, the right to build under those densities was removed when the 1972 plan was put into effect.

CB3 will make a number of other arguments tomorrow. Among them:

That the Department of City Planning may have erred in declaring the plans a minor modification of the LSRD.

That too few details have been provided about the creation of 694 units of affordable housing as part of the three projects.

That alternative plans, including lower-scale options, should be studied.

That a one-quarter mile study radius is insufficient (CB3 believes the impact area should extend at least to Grand Street and the Bowery).

That theres a flawed method of studying secondary residential displacement in the area.

Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer and City Council member Margaret Chin will also offer their opinions at tomorrows hearings. A community task force that they helped lead has been working on oral remarks for some time, but that group is not expected to have a separate statement tomorrow. Trever Holland, a tenant leader and task force member, told us today its not clear why the group will not be speaking in one unified voice at the meetings. It was my impression that we were all on the same page, he said. [One point of universal agreement: the task force has been highly dysfunctional.] A written statement could still be in-the-works in time to meet a June 8 deadline.

Another faction weighing in tomorrow will be Lower East Side Organizing Neighbors (LESON), a group that just formed this month to fight the towers. In a news conference May 11, they introduced attorney Maureen Koetz, who said she is preparing to sue the city over its handling of the Two Bridges projects. Koetz is a familiar figure in downtown political circles. In 2014, she ran as a Republican against former Assemblyman Sheldon Silver, who was convicted on federal corruption charges the following year.

City officials have stated that no special permits or new waivers are required to build in the Two Bridges LSRD. Koetz, however, disagrees with this assessment, asserting that special permits are required under New York Citys zoning resolution. You cant get these special permits, said Koetz, unless you can show that you are not going to materially interfere with the communitys existing (conditions).

Many of those standing behind Koetz at the May 11 event were from National Mobilization Against Sweatshops (NMASS), a group that has repeatedly called for the resignation of Mayor de Blasio and Council member Chin. Another participant was Tanya Castro, a tenant leader in the Two Bridges area. In a press release, she said, These (public) EIS meetings that Chin held (during the past several months) have been nothing but pro-development events. If they were real spaces for community engagement, then environmental hazards such as the fact that the megatowers would add systemic overload to the Newtown Creek drainage basin, a superfund site, would have been raised. Or issues of adverse effects to light and air at adjacent properties to the new construction would have been raised  all of which we will face if these towers go up.

The scoping meetings will be held at the Manhattan Municipal Building, Mezzanine level, 1 Centre St. The first session will begin at 2 p.m. The second session will begin at 6 p.m. Written comments will be accepted until the close of business on June 8. Click here for more details about the meetings.
Dehradun, May 24 (IBNS): At least 21 people died after a bus fell into a gorge in Uttarakhand on Tuesday, reports said.

The accident took place in Uttarakhand's Nalupani area on Tuesday evening.

The bus was carrying a group of pilgrims from Indore, Madhya Pradesh, when the vehicle fell into a gorge and hit the rocks on the bank of Bhagirathi river.

The pilgrims had started their journey on May 12.

The deceased were a part of a bigger group of 57 people when they left Indore.

They stopped at Rishikesh and boarded two Uttarakhand bound bus to reach Gangotri, when one bus met with the fatal accident.

"Our bus from Indore had stopped at Rishikesh. The pilgrims had boarded two local Uttarakhand buses (27 seat buses) to move on to Gangotri, when one of the buses fell into the gorge," tour operator Shashi Verma was quoted as saying by the Times of India.

Meanwhile, Uttarakhand police said that out of the 21 deceased, 16 were women.

"The bus broke into pieces at the bottom of the gorge near the banks of Bharathi river. The rescue operations could not be launched from the gorge bottom, so rope bridges were formed from the other bank to ferry the injured across to safety. The bodies were also moved in the same manner," the Dharasu police-in charge told the daily.

A team of water police, ITBP, SDRF and local police started a search operation.

The death toll is expected to rise.

Image: screengrab from YouTube

Uttarakhand map from Google Maps
A teenager has put her virginity on sale on an online site, with the money raised to go towards her university fees, a car and a flat.

The 18-year-old, who is half Austrian and half German and referred to only as Kim, has set up a profile Cinderella Escorts, a specialist escort agency selling virgins for millions of pounds.

Bidding for the teen starts at 100,000 EUR (86,640) and includes a doctors check to inspect whether the girl has or has not previously had sex.

Kim, 18, said in a statement on her profile: After I read about other Virgins who sold their Virginity on Cinderella Escorts I asked myself one question.

Should I give my virginity to a man who later on maybe will break up with me or is it better to take a lot of money instead.

Kim is willing to travel anywhere in the world to meet the highest bidder. With the money made put towards a flat, car and university fees in her dream locations of Germany or Vienna.

It is believed the student was inspired by 18-year-old Romanian model Aleexandra Khefran, who sold her virginity for 2million to a businessman from Hong Kong.

Jan Zakobielski has been revealed as the man behind the site, which he runs from the basement of his parents house.

It is claimed Zakobielski receives a 20% cut on all sales, a deal which bags him hundreds of thousands of pounds.

Speaking to The Sun newspaper in March, Cinderella Escorts said: Over 30 virgins [have] sent us requests for selling their virginity on our website.

Girls from Australia, Europe, Africa, North and South America, from Arabic countries and from Asia.

The wish of selling somebodys virginity is no exception.

Image Credit - Cinderella Escorts
Following last years inaugural Unsigned Music Awards the event is returning for 2018 bigger and better.

Teaming up with Live Nation and Europes biggest festival for new music, The Great Escape the UMAs will take over the 4,000 capacity Brighton Centre to celebrate the UKs most innovative and unique unsigned artists.

The awards will take place on 16 May 2018 to kick off the 13th edition of The Great Escape. The nominees will be selected by UKs leading influencers, booking agencies, promoters and festival partners.

Rory Bett, CEO of Mama Festivals and The Great Escape Festival says: For the past 12 years The Great Escape has led the way in supporting upcoming talent, doing more than any other festival to get new and emerging bands onto the industry radar. Bringing the UMAs to The Great Escape is a perfect launch platform to the 2018 festival and just another way that we can continue to champion the music talent of the future.



Simon OKelly, CEO of UMA Music Group and the Unsigned Music Award added: We are excited to continue the growth of the Unsigned Music Awards as a platform to promote unsigned, self-signed and otherwise emerging artists, around the world. Opening Europes largest festival for new music with an award ceremony that recognises only new music makes perfect sense and we cant think of a more suitable partner to bring this vision to life, than Live Nation.

Early-bird tickets to the event are now available through Ticketmaster: http://bit.ly/UMA2018

Applications for the second annual Unsigned Music Awards open in July 2017.Artists can register now to receive updates at unsignedmusicawards.umamusic.com

For more information and regular updates, visit umamusic.com
London-based alternative indie-pop band, To Kill A King have recently released The Good Old Days, taken from their forthcoming third record.

For the last year weve been locked in small windowless rooms with nothing but each other for company, say the five piece, who are releasing an abundance of new music after a year off from constant touring.

This time was spent concentrating on the delicate effects that shape, tone and texturise their new music, evident on this new song.

It is consistently mindful of The National and The Maccabees; the strong yet gentle vocals flow beautifully over the lush, immersive sound of the band. Up tempo drum beats keep the song progressing to what could seem like infinity, but they suddenly pause for a short interlude. After the beat drops back in, the track is brought to a climatic, passionate ending as the band give their all, looking back to the good old days.

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After Monday nights horrific attack at the conclusion of Ariana Grandes concert at Manchester Arena, which left at least 22 dead including children and is being treated by police as an act of terrorism, the Muslim Council of Britain has issued a statement via Facebook condemning the perpetrators.

The statement reads as follows:

Police believe a lone man detonated an explosive device in a suicide mission. A 23-year-old man has also been arrested in connection with the bombing.

The attack is the deadliest terror attack on British soil since the 2005 London bombings.

It also left almost 60 people injured.

Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham describes the event as the darkest of nights.

"Manchester is today waking up to the most difficult of dawns, Burnham said this morning.

It is hard to believe what has happened here in the last few hours and to put into words the shock, anger and hurt that we feel today. These were children, young people and their families that those responsible chose to terrorise and kill. This was an evil act.

In response to the attack, British Prime Minister Theresa May held an emergency Cabinet meeting this morning.

"It is now beyond doubt that the people of Manchester and of this country have fallen victim to a callous terrorist attack, May said. An attack that targeted some of the youngest people in our society with cold calculation."

More information on the Manchester Arena terror attack:
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New Delhi, May 24 (IBNS): Islamabad High Court has allowed Indian national Uzma, who was forced to marry a Pakistani national, to return to India, media reported on Wednesday.

According to media reports, the Islamabad High Court has asked the police to provide security to her up to Wagah, on the India-Pakistan border.

The Indian government through the High Commission of India provided her necessary consular and legal assistance to her after she sought shelter in the Indian High Commission in Islamabad

It has been alleged that she was married to Pakistani national Tahir recently

The woman then recorded her statement in the Court of Judicial Magistrate First Class in Islamabad, as per local legal requirement.

"In her statement, she said that she was sedated, assaulted, tortured mentally and physically in Pakistan by a Pakistani man who had met her in Malaysia, invited her to visit his family in Pakistan and provided the requisite sponsorship letter to the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi for her visa. She also stated that the same man also made her sign Nikah Namah at gunpoint," read the statement.
Guwahati, May 24 (IBNS): While the National Investigation Agency (NIA) registered a case and tried to arrest the banned United Liberation Front of Asom (Independent) Chairman Abhijit Asom alias Dr Mukul Hazarika while tracing the hideouts of the most wanted terrorist, Assam government recently paid a compensation to his family towards acquisition of land for the purpose of construction of National Highway on the basis of Asomas letter.

ULFA (I) Chairman Abhijit Asom alias Dr Mukul Hazarika had sent a letter of declaration to the revenue department of the Assam government on February 3, 2016 from Elton, England to pay compensation including his share to his family.

I have no objection if the full compensation including my share towards the acquisition of land for the purpose of construction of National Highway over our ancestral property is paid to the family of my elder brother Kumudeswar Hazarika, Abhijit Asom alias Dr Mukul Hazarika wrote in the letter.

Mukul Hazarika, originally resided at Kakhorigaon under Chalchali Mouza in Nagaon district of Assam also said in the letter that, he will not raise any claim or objection in the court of law thereafter for the aforesaid compensation.

While the anti-terror probe agency had registered a case against Dr Mukul Hazarika and declared him as the most wanted terrorist, the Assam government paid an amount of Rs 19,93,480 to Abhijit Asoms family without informed to NIA.

According to the reports, the Sadar revenue circle office under Nagaon sub-division in the middle Assam district paid the amount in two cheques.

The documents revealed that, an amount of Rs 2.20 lakh (by a cheque no 0096491) and Rs 17,73,480 (by a cheque no 0096492) had paid to the family of Mukul Hazarika.

The documents also revealed that, both cheques were received by Anjali Hazarika, wife of Kumudeswar Hazarika, elder brother of Abhijit Asom alias Mukul Hazarika.

NIA had summoned in 2015 the banned United Liberation Front of Asom (Independent) Chairman Abhijit Asom alias Dr Mukul Hazarika in connection with a case registered against the outfit group.

The investigating agency had sent the summon against the ULFA(I) Chairman related to the case 4/2013 registered at the agencys Guwahati branch in the Lachit Nagar area.

In 2011, the hard-line faction ULFA had declared Dr Abhijit Barman as the new acting chairman of the organization after its chairman Arobinda Rajkhowa and other top leaders were arrested in Bangladesh and ULFA had declared Dr Abhijit Barman alias Dr Abhijit Asom as the new chairman of the organization.

In past years, security agencies had been trying to collect records, information about the chief of the outfit group.

(Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath)
New York, May 24 (Just Earth News): The World Health Assembly, the decision-making body of the United Nations health agency, on Tuesday elected Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus as the new Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO).

Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus was nominated by the Government of Ethiopia, and will begin his five-year term on 1 July 2017, WHO said in a statement following the afternoon vote.

Among his previous positions, Dr. Tedros was Ethiopias Minister of Foreign Affairs and, prior, Minister of Health.

He also served as Chair of the Global Fund and of the Roll Back Malaria (RBM) Partnership Board (RBM), where he secured record funding for the two organizations and created the Global Malaria Action Plan, which expanded RBMs reach beyond Africa to Asia and Latin America, according to the UN agency.

The incoming health chief was chosen from amongst three nominees presented to the World Health Assembly, along with David Nabarro from the UK, and Sania Nishtar from Pakistan, in a process that began before September 2016.

Dr. Tedros will succeed Margaret Chan, who yesterday addressed the World Health Assembly for the final time after serving two consecutive five-year terms.

In her final address as head of the organization, Dr. Chan yesterday urged WHO to remember the people behind the facts and figures, and took personal responsibility for the WHOs delayed response in 2014 to the Ebola outbreak in East Africa.

Photo: WHO/L. Cipriano

Source: www.justearthnews.com
New York, May 24(Just Earth News): Two peacekeepers of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) were killed and another injured on Tuesday morning in an ambush in the northern Kidal region.

A pedestrian patrol of MINUSMA was attacked in an ambush around 6:30 am this morning, five kilometres from Aguelhok, the Mission announced.

Strongly condemning this murderous attack, MINUSMA, chief Mahamat Saleh Annadif, who is also the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Mali, said the Mission immediately deployed a rapid response force at the scene and proceeded to evacuate the wounded and the deceased.

"This attack adds to a wave of violence that, over the past few weeks, has targeted the civilian populations, the Malian Armed Forces and the international forces without distinction. The violence is aimed only at undermining [] efforts to bring stability and unity to Mali, Annadif said.

He went on to reiterate the solidarity and determination of the Mission to support the efforts of the Malian Government, other signatory parties and the people of Mali in the implementation of the Peace Agreement.

MINUSMA is prepared to make all its contribution to the identification of the perpetrators of this attack so that they are promptly brought to justice," he said.

Later in the day in remarks to a meeting on Force generation for MINUSMA, Guterres paid tribute to the courageous peacekeepers who lost their lives in the ambush, calling it a dark reminder of the dangers facing MINUSMA on the ground.

According to the UN chief, since the establishment of MINUSMA four years ago, Malians have made significant progress towards peace and reconciliation. However, tragically, this progress has not been translated into peace. Violent extremist groups are actively seeking to spoil and halt the peace process.

New armed groups emerged, while some existing groups were divided into different factions. Instability has spread from the north to the center of the country and beyond the borders of Mali in neighboring countries, he explained.

Peacekeeping operations, continued Guterres, must be equipped to meet the requirements of the new operational environments. Mali is a test for the international community [] we cannot deploy MINUSMA peacekeepers to areas where terrorist groups and transnational criminal networks operate, without providing them with the means to cope with the difficulties they face.

As such, he said MINSUMA must be given the means to support the Malian institutions to gradually exercise their responsibility to restore stability. We need armored personnel carriers and helicopters for peacekeepers to be able to intervene more effectively. We need the rapid reaction force and its integrated helicopter support team in Mopti to respond quickly to incidents, protect civilians and counter the spread of violent extremist elements.

Photo: MINUSMA/Sylvain Liechti

Source: www.justearthnews.com
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New York, May 24(Just Earth News): More than 100,000 UN peacekeepers serving around the world will be honoured this month as the United Nations celebrates the International Day of UN Peacekeepers, observed annually on 29 May.

Every day, peacekeepers help bring peace and stability to war-torn societies around the worldSecretary-General Antonio Guterres

This years theme  Investing in peace around the globe  resonates powerfully and personally with the military, police and civilian UN staff deployed in the field, often in places where peace has yet to be found.

Every day, peacekeepers help bring peace and stability to war-torn societies around the world, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in a video message for the Day, outlining various tasks such as protecting civilians in harms way, promoting human rights and the rule of law, removing landmines, advancing negotiations and securing a better future in the places they are deployed.

Now, more than ever, it is essential that we continue investing in peace around the world, he stressed.

The communities in which UN peacekeepers serve can count on people such as Lt. Ramirez, liaison officer in South Sudan, to ensure that security is guaranteed to go about their duty:

Over 120 Member States contribute uniformed personnel to 16 UN missions worldwide, which operate on a budget that is less than 0.5 per cent of global military spending. Every mission aims to save lives, prevent mass atrocities, set the stage for peace and then close.

While attention is often focused on the role of the military within UN peace operations, the part played by political, civil affairs, police, human rights and community-focused initiatives, as explained by some of the staff themselves, are equally vital.

Anna Innocenti is a human rights officer with the UN mission in Haiti:

Over 120 Member States contribute uniformed personnel to 16 UN missions worldwide, which operate on a budget that is less than 0.5 per cent of global military spending. Every mission aims to save lives, prevent mass atrocities, set the stage for peace and then close.

While attention is often focused on the role of the military within UN peace operations, the part played by political, civil affairs, police, human rights and community-focused initiatives, as explained by some of the staff themselves, are equally vital.

Anna Innocenti is a human rights officer with the UN mission in Haiti:

To date, 54 missions have already completed their mandates and closed; two more will do so in the months ahead.

Ben Zakour Man, a child protection officer with the UN mission in the Central African Republic, discusses why peacekeeping works.

Peacekeeping is a partnership between the UN, Member States and regional organizations that support each other. In Somalia, for example, there is a peacekeeping mission run by the African Union, with UN support and European funding.

Their personal stories

Since the first UN deployment in 1948, more than one million men and women have served under the UN flag with distinction and courage. During that period, over 3,500 of them have lost their lives in the service of peace.

Several current peacekeepers share their personal stories on why they chose to serve this noble mission.

Credit: MINUSMA/Harandane Dick

Source: www.justearthnews.com
Ballot stamps cause minor issue in Brown, turnout in Codington 63%

While there was a minor issue counting some ballots in Brown Co., local election officials said Tuesday night went pretty well. SD voter turnout 57.5%
New York, May 24(Just Earth News): The United Nations peacekeeping office on Tuesday announced a new software application that is enhancing efficiency and situational awareness in the field.

The app, created as a result of collaboration with the Government of Singapore, alerts everyone necessary in the event of an emergency and is expected to be fully operational this year.

We hope this will serve as a model for similar projects with Member States, said Jean-Pierre Lacroix, the new Under-Secretary-General for UN Peacekeeping Operations.

Lacroix accepted the software in a ceremony on Tuesday in New York, alongside Under-Secretary-General for Field Support, Atul Khare.

This software will help keep all entities updated in the unfortunate situation when our colleagues in the field are killed, injured or fall ill, enabling Headquarters to respond with speed and efficiency, Khare said.

According to information from the peacekeeping department, the software is compatible with other UN systems, stores information in a central location and provides secure access to permitted users only.

It is expected to significantly improve the information processing time as compared with the current manual process of casualty notification.

The app is in line with recommendations made to the peacekeeping office to deploy more information management and analysis tools to strengthen our operations. Those suggestions were made in the reports of the Expert Panel on Technology and Innovation in UN Peacekeeping and the High-level Independent Panel on Peace Operations (HIPPO).

Photo: Steven Bornholtz/DPKO-DFS

Source: www.justearthnews.com
New York, May 24(Just Earth News): A fact-finding mission in Syria has found evidence of sulfur mustard in samples taken from an alleged attack on 16 September 2016, while samples from a 4 April incident have revealed exposure to sarin or a sarin-like substance, the United Nations disarmament chief told the Security Council on Tuesday.

We must not allow ourselves to become inured to the ongoing allegations of the use of chemical weapons. This is an issue about which the United Nations cannot be neutral, Izumi Nakamitsu, High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, said in her first briefing to the Security Council since her appointment.

Citing initial findings from the fact-finding mission by the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), she emphasized that the use of chemical weapons by any actor  whether Government forces, terrorist factions or armed opposition groups  could never be justified, regardless of provocation or circumstance.

Their re-emergence is indefensible and cannot be viewed as anything other than a violation of the most basic international law and a serious deviation from the internationally agreed broader path towards the goal of a world free of chemical weapons, she said. As such, this is not an issue to be politicized.

She said OPCW has deployed a fact-finding mission on two occasions following allegations of chemical weapons use on that date in the area of Um Hosh, in the Aleppo countryside. Members of the mission have conducted interviews, collected testimonies and reviewed documents, as well as information provided by the Syrian authorities, she added.

While the prevailing security situation has prevented the team from visiting the site of the alleged incident, she continued, it has been able to review analyses of blood samples from two female casualties reported to have been involved in the attack.

They were found to have suffered exposure to sulfur mustard, as was a mortar handed over to the team by the Russian Federations Chemical, Biological, Nuclear and Radiological Team.

Regarding the reported incident in Khan Shaykhoun on 4 April  she said that, after a preliminary assessment, a fact-finding mission was deployed to a neighbouring country, where it conducted interviews and witnessed the collection of biomedical samples from the alleged incident.

It has also received biological-environmental samples from dead animals reported to have been close to the suspected impact point, attended the autopsies of three alleged victims, and witnessed the extraction of biomedical samples from their bodies.

She, however, emphasized that all materials and information collected were currently being analyzed, thus not final.

On the situation relating to the destruction of Syrias chemical weapons production facilities remained unchanged, she said that OPCW has verified the destruction of 24 of the 27 declared facilities, but the prevailing security situation continues to preclude safe access to the three remaining sites.

UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe

Source: www.justearthnews.com
It's our annual Labour Weekend tradition ...The Sound 'Hall Of Fame' Countdown... Where we honor the greatest 500 songs of all time as voted by you.
Jakarta police Twitter page

Jakarta, May 24 (IBNS): Two bomb explosions, suspected to be carried out by a suicide attacker, rocked Indonesian capital Jakarta on Wednesday which led to the death of a policeman and left five others injured, media reports said.

According to The Jakarta Post, two explosions erupted at a Transjakarta bus stop nearby the Kampung Melayu bus terminal in East Jakarta on Wednesday evening.

The suicide bomber has also been killed in the blast.

Initially the explosion was considered as a blast but police later suspected it as a suicide bombing.

Five other policemen have also injured.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday announced that guarantee-free education loans, up to Rs 10 lakh, will be extended to students who join colleges outside the city state.

Till now the scheme was available only for students who join colleges in Delhi.

"We had launched guarantee-free education loan scheme last year so that children from disadvantaged backgrounds can avail education loans up to Rs 10 lakh without having to mortgage anything," Kejriwal said.

Interacting with 372 students from Delhi government schools who cleared Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main, he urged them "to never forget their country after becoming engineers".

"The poorest section of society pays taxes which fund government schools. Next you will enroll into a government-run engineering college, which is also funded in the same way. You should not forget this when you become engineers," he said.

Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, who was also present at the event, termed the students as the brand ambassadors of government schools.

"Wherever you go after this, you will be representing and bringing glory to Delhi government schools," said Sisodia, who also holds the education portfolio.
Denying the reports of a downturn in employment in the country's IT industry, Electronics and Information Technology Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on 23 May said in the coming four to five years, almost 20-25 lakh additional jobs will be created in the sector.

"I completely deny and refute that there is any downturn in the employment in the IT sector. It is robust. Once the digital economy is here, you will see how much it will progress," the Minister said during an interaction with reporters at a press meet in the ministry.

"Indian IT companies are spread across 200 cities and 80 countries around the world, which provide direct employment to 40 lakh people and indirect employment to almost 1.3 crore people. As the industry is moving forward, it is Nasscom's assessment that in the coming four to five years, almost 20-25 lakh additional jobs will be created," he added.

The Minister said in the next five to seven years, India's digital economy will be of an estimated $1 trillion, which is almost Rs.600 lakh crore.

"In the last three years, almost six lakh people have been employed in our IT sector. In 2016-17, the number of people employed was around 1.7 lakh," he said.

"We have common service centres in about 2.5 lakh cities and almost 10 lakh people are employed there."

The Indian IT companies currently serve two-thirds of the Fortune 500 companies and have created 40 lakh direct jobs in India, the ministry said in a statement.

The minister said the IT Ministry has taken note of projections by software industry organisation Nasscom to present an objective and realistic potential of the employment scenario.

"Nasscom has confirmed that the industry continues to be a net hirer and reports that 2.5-3 million new jobs will be created by 2025. In 2016-17, the industry added 170,000 new jobs," the release said.

Speaking on the recent cyber attack by ransomware virus 'WannaCrypt', the Minister said India has been least affected by ransomware.

"About 200 locations were there and they were all standalone computers, because we had taken proactive measures from March itself by having the Microsoft patch being installed, by sending advisories. We are constantly updating," the Minister said.
While China Light and Power has offered to join hands with the Haryana government in setting up a Rs.500 Crore renewable energy project at Jhajjar. Global biggies, including United Technologies, Carrier, Everstone Logistics and CISCO have evinced keen interest in making investments in such fields as logistics, development of smart cities and sustainable solutions, and setting up a skill development centre.

These offers were made when the Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, who is leading a nine-member delegation to project Haryana as a preferred investment destination, had one-to-one and back-to-back rounds with captains of industry and leading investors in Hong Kong on Wednesday, and in Singapore, on 23 May night.

The delegation has reached Hong Kong from Singapore.

A senior level team from China Light and Power comprising CEO Richard Lancaster, Chief Financial Officer, Geert Peters, and Managing Director India, Rajiv Mishra, met the CM in Hong Kong on Wednesday morning. They discussed a proposal for setting up a renewable energy project at Jhajjar with an investment of Rs.500 Crore.

They were told that a good opportunity awaited them to utilise non-arable land in the state for setting up projects.

A team from United Technologies also met the CM and discussed proposal for developing smart city sustainability solutions relating to building security and controls. Carrier made a proposal to set up a skill development centre in

Haryana jointly with the state government for providing skill training to the youth.

A high-level Carrier team said work on expansion of their existing facility in Haryana would begin soon.

Eric Chu, Executive General Manager, HVAC, Hong Kong and Macau; Gary Chuk, Director, Building Controls and Integrated Solutions, HMTG; and, Paul Tsui, General Manager Sustainability Solutions, Carrier Hong Kong, attended the meeting. Later, the CM addressed captains of industry and leading investors at the Invest Haryana Road Show in Hong Kong.

It was attended by more than 100 delegates from Hong Kong who belonged mostly to the banking and financial sector.
Google on Wednesday announced that it has shortlisted six Indian startups for the fourth class of Google Accelerator Programme that will kick-off from 17 July at the Google Developers Launchpad Space in San Francisco.

With this batch, a total of 26 Indian startups have so far joined the launchpad accelerator programme from India.

"These startups were shortlisted from hundreds which applied this year, based on their unique value proposition and use of latest technologies like machine learning and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to build high-impact solutions," Paul Ravindranath G, Programme Manager, Google India, said in a statement on Wednesday.

The programme will include two weeks of all-expense-paid mentorship bootcamp.

This batch of startups will gain from Google`s new curriculum that will help the startups to dig deeper into machine learning and AI and help them leverage Google's latest technologies to scale their apps.

In the six-month programme, these startups will undergo intensive mentoring from 20-plus teams across Google and mentors from top technology companies in the Silicon Valley.

Additionally, they will receive equity-free support and credits for Google products. After returning from San Francisco, these startups will work closely with Google in India.
US President Donald Trump's first budget includes draconian cuts of $3.6 trillion over 10 years in social assistance and medical coverage programs for lower-income citizens, moves aimed at eliminating the deficit.

Presented on 23 May, the proposal's main entitlement programs affected by Trump's plan is Medicaid, which provides healthcare coverage to low-income citizens and which will see its funding reduced by $610 billion under the proposal, Efe news reported.

The budget plan for Fiscal Year 2018, entitled "A New Foundation for American Greatness" and which promises to eliminate the budget deficit- predicted to be 3.1 per cent of GDP at year-end-over a decade, nevertheless provides for increases in defense and border security spending.

Director of the Office of Management and Budget Mick Mulvaney said at the budget presentation that compassion can no longer be measured by the number of social programs and the money spent on such programs.

Mulvaney insisted that, with an agenda including cutting taxes deregulation and reduction of the size of the federal government, the administration will be able to achieve sustainable growth of 3 per cent annually over the coming decade.

"Everything is key to getting us back to 3 per cent (growth)," Mulvaney said.

The budget will reduce the SNAP food subsidy program for low-income families-a total of 44 million people in 2016- by almost $200 billion and it authorizes more responsibility for the states in defining requirements for the program's beneficiaries in terms of minimum hours worked and actively conducting job searches.

Trump has criticized the ongoing increase in entitlements pushed by his predecessor Barack Obama during and after the 2008-2009 financial crisis, since this does not provide incentives for people to return to the labour market and contributes to an disequilibrium in the public accounts.
Companies from countries that do not allow Indian firms to do business will not be permitted to come to India, Power Minister Piyush Goyal said on 23 May.

"Reciprocity should be there. Is India a punching bag that if you want then you can come and invest in India and earn, and Indian companies cannot come and earn in your country? We believe in reciprocity and it is also a display of our strength," Goyal told reporters at the launch here of a mobile app developed by Coal India.

"There is no intention to bar any particular country. We don't have problem with any country. But I think India should work with reciprocity with every country," he said.

The Minister's remarks come in the wake of media reports that India may soon bar Chinese firms from projects in the power sector, as China does not favour foreign investment in its electricity grids for security-related reasons.

"If any transmission company of India like Power Grid cannot bid in any other country, cannot invest in any other country, cannot set up transmission lines in any other country, then I will not allow any company of that country to come to India," Goyal said.

In response to another question, Goyal, who is also the Minister for Coal and Mines, said an inter-ministerial committee will meet on Thursday to discuss the modalities with regard to a policy on auction of mines to the private sector for commercial mining.

"An inter-ministerial committee will meet on 25 May to take this (commercial mining policy) further," he said.

Earlier, Goyal launched the mobile app 'Saral Eindhan Vitaran App (SEVA)' developed by state miner Coal India Limited (CIL) for power sector consumers to facilitate increasing transparency and accountability in coal dispatches.
A Dalit was killed in the fresh violence involving people from lower and upper caste in Uttar Pradesh's Saharanpur on Tuesday. The police have arrested at least 24 people. There situation was tense but under control, it is learnt. The government has stepped up security in the area.

The clashes between Dalits and upper caste members, which began on 5 May, erupted again on Tuesday after BSP supremo Mayawati had visited the area on Tuesday.

According to reports, a group of Dalits allegedly threw stones at the houses of a few Rajputs before Mayawati's rally, leading to the violence in which a Dalit man died while several others were injured.

The incident occurred when a truck carrying Dalits back to their village from the rally was attacked allegedly by Thakurs.

The BJP strongly objected to Mayawati visiting the violence-hit area and urged her not to not promote caste politics and help the Yogi Adityanath administration to maintain harmony in the state.

The violence erupted on 5 May after some Dalit residents in Shabbirpur raised objections to Thakurs procession in which loud music was being played. Following this, around 25 houses belonging to Dalits were torched. Over a dozen people were injured.

The situation worsened when the district administration didnt allow the Dalits to hold a 'mahapanchayat' on 9 May.

(With inputs from agencies)
New York, May 24(Just Earth News): While the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers is 29 May, the Organization on Wednesday held ceremonies to pay tribute to the more than 3,500 people who have died on duty since 1948 and acknowledge the dedication and courage of those serving on the ground.

Every day, peacekeepers help bring peace and stability to war-torn societies around the world, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in his message for the Day, also underscoring the sacrifices made by the more than 3,500 peacekeepers who have given their lives in the service of peace since 1948.

Their sacrifice only strengthens our commitment to ensuring that United Nations peacekeepers continue protecting civilians in harms way, promoting human rights and the rule of law, removing landmines, advancing negotiations and securing a better future in the places they are deployed, he said. Now, more than ever, it is essential that we continue investing in peace around the world.

On 29 May in 1948, the first UN peacekeeping mission began operations in Palestine. In 2002, the UN General Assembly designated 29 May as the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers.

At the UN Headquarters in New York, the Secretary-General presided over a wreath-laying ceremony in honour of all peacekeepers who lost their lives while serving under the UN flag.

Guterres led a moment of silence to remember the fallen peacekeepers, including 117 military, police and civilian peacekeepers from 43 countries who died in service in 2016.

He expressed his deepest condolences and appreciation to the family members and friends of those who died, as well as his deepest sorrow and greatest appreciation to the countries that contributed the troops and police officers.

The UN chief warned that peacekeepers continue to come under attack from armed groups, spoilers and increasingly by terrorists, including incidents in Mali, the Central African Republic, and South Sudan.

But the closure of our operations in Cote dIvoire and Liberia over the coming months reminds us that the contributions, investments and sacrifices of our United Nations peacekeepers have contributed to the transformation of these countries from battlefields to peaceful states, he stressed.

And the greatest tribute we can pay to those who have died is to rededicate ourselves to continuing their work to build and maintain peace, he said.

Also on Wednesday, the Dag Hammarskjold Medal was awarded posthumously to the peacekeepers who have fallen while serving in the cause of peace, during the preceding year.

UN peacekeeping is one of the international communitys most effective investments to support peace, security and prosperity. [] While peacekeeping carries a tragically high price in lives lost, it brings enormous returns in lives saved, Guterres said.

And if there is something that makes the United Nations known all over the world are Blue Helmets, he said. Our debt in relation to peacekeepers is something that we will never be able to repay.

UN peacekeeping operations use the Day to strengthen bonds with the local populations that they have been deployed to serve. For example by holding sporting events, school and orphanage visits, art and essay competitions, photo exhibits, neighbourhood clean ups, tree plantings, concerts, and conferences and workshops on peace issues.

UN Photo/Marie Frechon.

Source: www.justearthnews.com
The trial in the politically sensitive 1992 Babri Masjid demolition case by a special CBI court will resume on Wednesday as the Supreme Court ordered to hear the case on a daily basis and deliver the verdict in two years.

The court had postponed Mondays hearing as Satish Pradhan, one of the six accused, did not appear before it.

According to reports, the CBI court on 20 May began day-to-day hearing in the case and granted bail to the five VHP leaders accused in the case.

CBI special court judge SK Yadav allowed their bail pleas asking each of them to furnish two sureties of Rs. 20,000 and a personal bond of the same amount.

The five accused  former MP RV Vedanti, Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader Champat Rai, BL Sharma, Mahant Nritya Gopal Das and Dharamdas, were asked to appear before the court after a notice was issued to them.

The court was hearing a case against the accused alleged to having been involved in the demolition of the Babri Mosque in Ayodhya in 1992.

The Supreme Court had last month directed that Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) stalwarts, including LK Advani, Murli Manohar Joshi and Uma Bharti, will face trial on conspiracy charges in the case.

According to reports, the top court ordered that two separate cases in Lucknow and Raebareli against Advani, Joshi and Bharti and unidentified kar sevaks shall be brought together in one trial.

(With inputs from agencies)
A top paramilitary officer Rajnish Rai, serving as IG with the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in the Northeast, has kicked up a storm by submitting a report that the March 30 encounter in Chirang district of Assam was "staged". Two alleged militants had been killed in the said encounter.

The encounter was carried out as a joint operation by the army, the Assam Police, the CRPF and the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB).

In his report to the CRPF headquarters in Delhi, Rai, who is currently posted in Shillong, has said that the encounter near Simlaguri village was staged and weapons were planted on the two suspected militants.

The security forces had claimed that the militants  Lukus Narzary and David Islary  were members of the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (Songbijit).

His report, among other evidence, is based on testimonies of witnesses who claimed to have seen the security forces pick up the two men from a village before the alleged encounter.

The report said the security forces had only seized a Chinese-made grenade from them; the other weapons were "planted".

(With inputs from agencies)
The Islamabad High Court on Wednesday allowed an Indian woman, who has sought refuge at the Indian mission here after accusing a Pakistani man of forcibly marrying her, to return to India, a media report said.

Uzma, in her early 20s, had travelled to Pakistan earlier this month. She has said that Pakistani national Tahir Ali "forced" her to marry him at gun point.

Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kiyani was hearing pleas filed by Uzma and Ali. While Uzma had requested to be repatriated to India, Ali had asked to be allowed to meet his wife.

The HC assured Uzma, who hails from New Delhi, that she was free to return to India at any point and would be escorted to the Wagah Border with police security, Dawn newspaper reported.

During the hearing, the judge asked Uzma if she wished to speak to her husband but she refused.

She has alleged that her travel documents were stolen by Ali.

Uzma had petitioned the court on May 12 with the request and had submitted a medical report, showing that her daughter was suffering from thalassemia  an inherited blood disorder characterised by abnormal hemoglobin production  and she urgently needed to return to India.

Uzma and Ali reportedly met in Malaysia and fell in love, after which she travelled to Pakistan on May 1 via the Wagah Border. The two contracted nikkah (marriage) on May 3.
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(The Jakarta Post/ANN)  Indonesia and India are committed to fight sea disturbance, including illegal fishing and weaponry smuggling, as both countries hold a joint patrol.

The Indonesian and Indian Navies are carrying out a joint-patrol under the 29th IndiaIndonesia Coordinated Patrol (Ind-Indo CORPAT), which is scheduled from May 9 to 25.

As the activity is about to end, a closing ceremony was held in the North Sumatra provincial capital of Medan on Monday evening.

The cooperation is helping both countries fight sea disturbances such as illegal fishing, the smuggling of weapons and narcotics, as well as human trafficking, given the fact that the Indian and Indonesian ocean borders 10 other countries. said Ibnu Sri Hutomo, the North Sumatra governor's assistant for economy, development, and people's welfare, during the ceremony.

I feel privileged to stand before you today to honor the Indian naval ships Karmuk and Dornier, which arrived in Belawan port [in Medan] this morning [May 22]. Commissioned in 2004, the ship has traveled across the globe and held exercises with navies of various Asia Pacific nations like Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, Japan and China, Shalia Shah, Indian Consul General in Medan, said in her speech.

The opening part of the joint patrol was held in Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar, India. Indonesian Navy warship KRI Sutedi Senoputra, as well as an Indonesian Maritime Patrol Aircraft were sent to join the activity. The Indonesian delegation is led by First Adm. Bambang Irwanto.

In addition to securing the sea trade route, the Coordinated Patrol also aimed to enhance mutual understanding and interoperability between the two navies.
President Pranab Mukherjee on Wednesday greeted the government and people of Eritrea on their 26th Independence Day.

In a message to his Eritrean counterpart Prisaias Afwerki, Mukherjee said: "On the occasion of the anniversary of the Independence Day of Eritrea, I extend warm greetings and felicitations to Your Excellency and to the friendly people of Eritrea."

"India and Eritrea have traditionally enjoyed friendly relations. I am confident that our bilateral cooperation will be further strengthened in the years to come, to the mutual benefit of our people," he said.

"Please accept, Excellency, my best wishes for your good health and for the progress and prosperity of the friendly people of Eritrea."

Eritrea achieved independence against the Ethiopian military regime on May 24, 1991.
Three Indian Army soldiers of Nepalese origin, who were killed in a gunbattle with militants in Jammu and Kashmir, were cremated in an army cantonment in Himachal Pradesh on Wednesday, officials said.

Families of Havildars Girish Gurung and Dambar Bahadur and Rifleman Rabin Sharma, who were killed in a gunfight in Nowgam sector of Kashmir's Kupwara district, reached 14 Gorkha Training Centre in Subathu in Solan district where the soldiers were cremated with full military honours, an official told IANS.

Subathu is around 50 km from the state capital.

The soldiers, who belonged to 14 Gorkha Training Centre, were martyred while fighting with militants on May 21. Four militants were also killed in the army operation that lasted over two days along the Line of Control.

Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Dhani Ram Shandil and Bharatiya Janata Party Member of Parliament Virender Kashyap were among those who attended the cremation.

Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh and Governor Acharya Devvrat have expressed grief over the death of the soldiers. The Chief Minister said the supreme sacrifice of the soldiers would be remembered by the country.


The Income Tax department on Wednesday conducted raids at premises of some top bureaucrats in 15 locations across Uttar Pradesh and Delhi, following complaints of corruption and disproportionate assets charges.

Raids are underway in Meerut, Baghpat, Noida, Ghaziabad and also in Delhi, media reported.

The officers against whom the action was being taken were IAS officer and Director (Health) Hriday Shankar Tewari, IAS officer and Additional CEO of Greater Noida Authority V K Sharma and his wife and Regional Transport Officer (RTO) Mamta Sharma, and special secretary (prisons) S K Singh.

The department had carried out similar raids against some other UP bureaucrats last month.

(With inputs from agencies)
Career diplomat Abdul Basit has been Pakistans High Commissioner to India since 2014. Before that he was Pakistans ambassador to Germany from 2012 to 2014. Basit holds a Masters degree in international relations and joined the Pakistan Foreign Service in 1982. During his lengthy career, he has been posted in Moscow, New York, Sanaa, Geneva and London. In a freewheeling interview with Junaid Kathju and Zulkarnain Banday, Basit spoke about the challenges of his job and the future of Indo-Pak relations. Excerpts:

Q: Being Pakistans High Commissioner to India is one of the toughest jobs in the world of diplomacy. How has your experience been in the past three years?

I was honoured to represent Pakistan in New Delhi and by and large I have enjoyed my stint here. It has been rewarding in many ways. Professionally speaking, I think this place is driven by many challenges but my effort has been to bring the countries together, resolve all our issues and move towards a cooperative relationship. Unfortunately as things are between Pakistan and India, it is not easy. I wish our two countries are able to settle their bilateral problems because that is imperative for durable and viable peace in the region. We must realise our potential, economic as well as otherwise, as soon as possible.

Q: Considering the new low in relations India and Pakistan have witnessed lately, do you think the two governments can restart the longstalled dialogue at an early date?

First of all we need to understand that Jammu and Kashmir is the root cause of all our problems. I think unless we resolve this problem as per the aspirations of the people there it will continue to be difficult to have a viable peace in the region. It is important not to shy away from settling this issue, because that is the cause of our mutual distrust. We have fought wars because of this dispute. India also agrees that the Kashmir dispute needs to be settled, whether you take UN resolutions or the Shimla Agreement or Lahore declaration or Islamabad joint statement. So we should sit and solve it amicably. Once that is done, there is hardly anything between our two countries that cannot be settled easily and quickly.

Q: India has always stressed that cross-border infiltration and terrorism must stop before any dialogue. What is Pakistans view on it?

As far as Pakistan is concerned we do not believe in setting pre-conditions for talks. If we can address all these issues then there is hardly anything left for talks between the two countries. Our approach is more practical because we also have concerns about terrorism. The conviction of Commander Kulbhushan Jadhav clearly shows that Pakistan too is suffering at the hands of terrorism which has internal and external dimensions. My own take is sooner or later India and Pakistan will have to come to the negotiation table. I am convinced that we are not destined to live in hostility forever.

Q: Talking about Jadhav, will consular access be granted?

The ICJ in its provisional order discusses this issue in the realm of plausibility, so there was no ruling on the issue of consular access. The ICJ has very clearly said the provisional order will not have any bearing on the final judgment. We need to understand Commander Jadhav is not an ordinary citizen. He was convicted for sabotage, subversion and terrorism.

Q. Pakistan has also said that they are going to give strong evidence against Jadhav?

Yes, we are considering it. I will not discuss our strategy here but we do not have a shred of doubt about his involvement in terrorism. Pakistan is on terra firma. We are on a stronger wicket in this case.

Q. India has also put forth the argument of fairness of military courts in Pakistan. According to India, Jadhav did not go through a fair trial and that is the reason it is seeking consular access.

First of all these military courts are functioning because of the constitution of Pakistan, so they are very much part of a legal framework. Secondly, he (Jadhav) is not the only one who has been tried by military courts, even Pakistanis who are involved in terror activities or violence have been tried and sentenced to death, and many have been executed already. There is no discrimination taking place against Commander Jadhav.

Q. What was the reason for industrialist Sajjan Jindals visit to Pakistan? Did it have anything to do with the Jadhav case? Was it a kind of Track-II dialogue on the issue?

No, (laughs) as you know he went there to meet the Prime Minister. They have known each other for many years, so there wasnt anything official about it.

Q: Do you see the possibility of the two Prime Ministers meeting in Kazakhstan on the sidelines of the SCO Summit?

I havent seen any proposal to this effect yet. There is nothing as of today.

Q: Do you agree with Indias objection to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) on the ground that the project runs through sovereign Indian territory under the illegal occupation of Pakistan?

I think these objections are misplaced. CPEC is a development project not only for the welfare of Pakistan but for the South Asia region. It is a flagship project which would enhance regional connectivity and open up many new opportunities. Pakistan will continue to pursue this project and will not leave it halfway. Pakistan is destined to emerge as an economic hub and this project will play an important role in realising that objective.

Q. There is a perception in India that Pakistan is acting on the directions of China to contain India.What is your comment?

You know China is one of our most important strategic partners. Our friendship goes back many decades. China is our partner in economic development, but this partnership is not against any third country. It is to our mutual advantage and I am sure it would also help other regional countries.

Q. The Kashmir issue as you said is the core issue between India and Pakistan. Why is Pakistan seeking to take political and diplomatic advantage of the current uprising in Jammu and Kashmir? Do you think Pakistans open support to separatists in Kashmir has vitiated the atmosphere in the state?

I dont think so, because Pakistan has always said that Kashmir is an indigenous movement. We need to understand that for decades the people of Jammu and Kashmir have been struggling for their right to self-determination which is very much enshrined in the UN charter as well as in the universal declaration of Human Rights. This is a legitimate struggle. So I dont see how Pakistan can vitiate the atmosphere by supporting it. There are many voices inside India also who are emphasising on the need to resolve this problem politically.

Q. Recently an Indian news channel did an expose in which a senior separatist leader was shown saying that they are funded by Pakistan to create unrest in Kashmir and that Rs 100 crore was sent by hawala channels to keep the situation there on the boil.

You know all such things have been used in the past too to tarnish the legitimate struggle of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. So people do not really subscribe to these theories. It is important to remember that this is an indigenous movement. It is important to focus on how we can resolve this issue.

Q. India has always said that Pakistan internationalises Kashmir while India believes that it is a bilateral issue and should be resolved by India and Pakistan.

It is an international issue. There are UN Security Council resolutions on this issue. If the Indian position is that Pakistan and India should talk to each other and it can be resolved only bilaterally because of the Shimla agreement, Pakistan is ready to resolve it bilaterally but 47 years have already elapsed since the Shimla Agreement. I do not know how many more years you would need to discuss this issue bilaterally. I think the time has really come now for India to do some introspection. Pakistan is not averse to bilateralism, provided it leads to results.

Q: Why has Pakistan not taken strong action against JUD chief Hafiz Saeed, JEM chief Masood Azhar and others involved in terror attacks in India?

These are claims which India has not been able to substantiate with hard evidence. Having said that JeM is proscribed in Pakistan, so is LeT and many other organisations. Hafiz Saeed is presently under custody, so we are taking action wherever we feel it is necessary against violence.

Q: One can understand border skirmishes between India and Pakistan but we often see Pakistani soldiers commit the heinous crime of mutilating Indian soldiers?

These are just allegations. The Pakistan army is a very professional army, one of the best in the world. We do not get into these things. As far as Pakistan is concerned there was no beheading at all.

Q: Why is Pakistan opposed to Indias involvement in the reconstruction programme in Afghanistan? Why cant Pakistan and India sit together and jointly undertake reconstruction activities in the war-ravaged nation?

First of all, we share a 2500 km border with Afghanistan. Afghanistan is our immediate neighbour and whatever happens there ineluctably and inevitably affects Pakistan. So stability and peace in Afghanistan is essential for our own security and stability. Afghanistan is a sovereign country and has the liberty to have relations with any country. We have no issues as long as those relations do not directly affect or harm us. Unfortunately, we have seen how in the past Pakistan has been destabilised through Afghanistan. We are in touch with Afghanistan and we hope that given our brotherly relations its territory is not used to destabilise Pakistan, particularly Baluchistan and the FATA region.

Q. The new US administration under President Trump has clearly indicated that it would seek to consolidate relations with India while coming down heavily on Pakistan on the issue of terrorism. Do you think Pakistan will come under pressure from the US?

We have our own relations with the US, India has its own. It is not a zero sum game. Pakistan and the US have diversions, we have convergences, but we keep talking to each other and that is our strength. The US continues to be our trading partner and we would like this relationship to enhance further during the Trump administration.

Q: You were the top contender for the post of Pakistans foreign secretary. Why do you think your seniority and merit were ignored by the Nawaz Sharif government in choosing the new foreign secretary?

(Laughs) Maybe I didnt have the merit for the post. It was the decision of the top brass and we should all accept it. Thats all I have to say on the subject.
Today, 24 May, marks the 50th anniversary of the Naxalbari uprising. On that day in 1967, a police inspector was killed by an arrow that came from a crowd of farmers. The police retaliated the next day, firing on another crowd, killing eleven people, including eight women and two infants. At a recent meeting with the Chief Ministers, District Magistrates, and SPs of 35 sensitive districts, Home Minister Rajnath Singh called for a smart and aggressive strategy to tackle Maoist activity. His concern was genuine as Maoism is now the biggest threat to internal security.

The awesome phenomenon began as a peasant movement called Spring Thunder in Naxalbari in May 1967. Within 50 years, left-wing extremism has graduated to an armed movement, affecting 106 districts across the country, against 50 in the 1990s. It has surged from Tirupati (Andhra Pradesh) to Nepal spanning the states of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Jharkhand and Bihar and to a lesser extent West Bengal. The Red Corridor extremists targeted the regions that were in a geographical trap, inhospitable forested hilly terrain, remote habitations, the poverty belt with socio-economic-physical deficiencies, dysfunctional governance, rampant corruption, exploitative, asymetrical social order, disconnect between policy and delivery, alienation of the tribals from their lands and denial of forest rights. This explains the energence of leftwing extremism (LWE) in Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha (KBK ~ Kalahandi, Bolangir and Koraput), Jharkhand and Bihar.

The Centre and the governments in these states are yet to contain LWE although the counter-offensive may have been partially effective. Deaths in LWE action and counter-action between 2005 and 2017 (up to April) totalled 7477 civilians, 1910 security forces, and 2572 Maoists. The trend in the current year is not particularly reassuring.

Chhattisgarhs Bastar division, the hub of LWE, continues to be on the boil despite the presence of central and state security forces, numbering 70,000. Between 2005 and 2017 (till April) the break-up of casualties was: civilians 753, security forces 954 and Maoists 919 (total 2626). Bastar was on the radar of LWE since the 1980s, but till 2003 it was fully under control with just one company of CRPF and six busloads of state armed policemen. The Maoists were subdued for a while. The situation deteriorated after 2004 and it reached a flashpoint in 2005 with the emergence of the state-backed Salwa Judum. To launch a dubious outfit in the periphery of liberated zones was in itself a misadventure. It was like the proverbial red rag to the bull and Maoists struck in a big way. Matters have only aggravated since then.

Jharkhand was another focal point of LWE violence. But in recent months the security forces have tightened their grip. LWE activists have surrendered and explosives have been seized. There has been a marked improvement in the situation. Odisha contends with Maoist violence in predominantly tribal areas as the tribals have lost their land, which has been acquired for industrial and mining projects. The trend is distressing.

Bihar, which was the first state in the country to fall in line with Charu Mazumdars Naxalite movement in 1967, has been able to keep Maoist violence under control through effective raids, arrests and recovery of arms. The state, with Chief Minister Nitish Kumar at the helm, has initiated a raft of development schemes. The intervention covers governance of Maoistaffected areas, modulated counter-offensives, zero tolerance to violation of human rights, and a human face of the security forces. Nitish Kumars visionary and innovative micro-level governance ~ Apki Sarkar, Apke Dwar ~ has helped curb Maoist violence. As he told a national magazine, Maoists cannot be finished off through force alone, when the government fails to deliver all kinds of force.

The Maoist armed struggle reflected the philosophy of the Red Book which expounded the start of a revolution and a fight against social and economic injustices, land-related issues, damage to infrastructure, to foment hatred against the establishment, attack the enemy forces and seize power. Violence was thus at the core of the Maoist doctrine. The objective was to create a vacuum in politics and governance and thus coerce the local population to join the movement. Maoists sought to achieve their objective through the Peoples Liberation Guerrilla Army (PLGA) or Jan Militia (estimated strength around 4000). PLGA was a structured entity, well-trained, equipped with the latest weapons, gadgets, explosives and an effective communication system. The killer instinct was of course the dominant compulsion. The activists were familiar with the local dialect and terrain, were efficient in the tactics of guerrilla warfare, and were able to forge an emotional bond with the local populace. In contrast, the Central forces and the state police have not been able to familiarise themselves with local conditions. They tend to get stressed out in course of prolonged deputation. This has largely accounted for setbacks against the Maoists in Chhattisgarh. Andhra Pradesh has overcame the deficiencies with its motivated and highly skilled force called Grey Hound.

Counter-offensives generally took the form of conflict management with a law and order orientation in order to achieve immediate gains, which was neither enduring nor sustainable as the extremists retreated temporarily, resurfaced before long, and were back in action. Arguably, a better method would be conflict resolution which was evolved in a spirit of goodwill and understanding and would, therefore, be lasting and sustainable. Conflict resolution subsumed confidence-building measures, an aggressive and accelerated impetus towards development, its trickle-down effect, and most importantly, the psychological interventions aimed at correcting the negative perception of the state. The dynamics could involve the media, intellectuals, seminars, educational institutions, interaction with the community and civil organizations, and civic action programmes of the central forces. Tripura in its fight against insurgency tried this mechanism with success.

The crackdown on LWE or insurgents ought not to be an obsession with crackdown first, development later syndrome and must of necessity proceed in a synergetic relationship. The dynamics must also involve a modulated counter operation and obtrusive watch over the conduct of forces against any excesses in course of the operation. Chhattisgarh was accused of blatant violation of human rights. Tripura, while containing the three-decade-old insurgency, ensured that no excess was committed. This also helped to prevent any negative perception of the state.

A bullish, hawkish, triggerhappy, indiscriminate and militaristic counter-offensive proved unproductive as it alienated the people. A positive mindset, the right vision, sincere intent, nuanced multidimensional strategy, modulated combat operations blended with an aggressive and accelerated development push, governance, grievance redressal mechanism, confidence building measures, backroom channel for dialogue with Maoists, psychological interventions to change the psyche of turbulent minds and, last but not least, a paradigm shift from hawkishness to a thrust on socio-economic infrastructure could be the script to douse the fire of Maoism.

The writer is former Governor of Chhattisgarh and Tripura and former Chairman, A N Sinha Institute of Social Studies, Patna.
Kabul, May 24 (IBNS) : A former lawmaker of the Lower House of the Parliament, Wolesi Jirga, Najibullah Kabuli was wounded in an attack in Kabul city late on Tuesday night, Afghanistan's state-run Khaama Press said.

The report quoted sources as saying that Kabuli sustained injuries during a gun battle triggered by an explosion.

A magnetic bomb was initially detonated near the vehicle of Kabuli which resulted into a brief gun battle, leaving Kabuli wounded.

According to reports, the incident took place in the vicinity of the 7th police district of the city.

No individual or group has so far claimed responsibility behind the incident.
It was a diplomatically choreographed presentation by the US President in Riyadh on Sunday. Perhaps with an overdose of semantic quibbling, Donald Trump was overly anxious to draw a fine distinction between the terms, Muslim and Islamist. Thus it was that he urged Muslim countries to take the lead in the fight against terrorism ~ a message that his predecessor had also regarded as pivotal to US policy. He has placed the onus fair and square, deftly abjuring the stridently antiIslamic rhetoric that had marked his campaign speeches. This gathering is unique in the history of nations, Trump said, speaking alongside the Saudi monarch, King Salman. The nations of the Middle East cannot wait for American power to crush this evil for you.

Muslim nations must be willing to take on the burden if we are going to defeat terrorism, to meet historys great test and conquer extremism. Markedly, there isnt a single country in the Muslim bloc that has spelt out its response to the starryeyed presentation. It would be premature to speculate on whether Mr Trump will be able to mobilise Muslim countries against extremism given the rapid surge of ISIS and the Sunni-Shia conflict within.

Suffice it to register that the US President has played to the Saudi monarchist gallery close to 16 years after militants from the desert kingdom had perpetrated the horror of 9/11. He may even have been anxious to blunt the criticism against the exclusion of Saudi Arabia from the list of Muslim countries whose citizens are barred from stepping into the US. Small wonder that his address was punctuated with swipes at Iran, timed to coincide with the presidential election there. He has equated acts carried out by Iran with those masterminded by ISIS and Al Qaida ~ an oblique criticism of his predecessor who had preferred to maintain his distance from Riyadh, preferring instead to deal with Tehran.

On the surface, the attempted paradigm shift has been dramatic when contextualised with his signal of intent ~ to meet what he calls historys great test by conquering extremism with the help of countries who have suffered most from it. Admittedly, there were more soundbytes than substance, but it shall be generally acknowledged that Sundays presentation was quite the most significant since he stepped into the Oval Office.

His tenor was delicately pitched, avoiding what the West has described as cultural minefields. Did President Trump envisage a latter-day Muslim coalition of the willing against extremism? At any rate, this is the critical message that he has conveyed to the world, most importantly the Western powers. However, the forging of the concert of Muslim countries has been left delightfully vague. And yet it was a watershed moment in regional history.
People are constantly surprised by the different approaches of Sonia Gandhi and son Rahul. Over the years, Sonia has overcome her natural diffidence and mingles with people quite comfortably. Rahul continues to hang back and avoids meeting people he doesnt know even after 13 years in active politics.

The contrast was starkly evident at the recent launch of a book dedicated to Indira Gandhi in her centennial year. The book was released by vice president Hamid Ansari. Sonia was absent because of health issues. Rahul was present.

A high tea followed the event and a packed hall full of young people expected to use the opportunity to meet Rahul and chat with him. But the Congress vice president disappeared immediately after the function.

Observers later remarked that Sonia would never have vanished like her son. She would have stayed back for the high tea and met members of the audience which included the media. She has always done so at every function she has graced, whether at Teen Murti Library or Jawahar Bhavan or the Congress headquarters in Akbar Road.

But Rahul seemed uninterested. Needless to say, once they saw their boss vanish, all Congress leaders present at the function also disappeared. No one bothered to stay back to chat with guests, most of whom were Youth Congress workers. The graceless behavior only underlined how disconnected the seniors are from their younger members. Its hardly an encouraging sign for the future.

Preparing the ground?

Two decisions by the Modi government in recent weeks are being read as powerful signals that a Modi favourite, financial services secretary Hansmukh Adhia, is poised to be the next cabinet secretary.

One was the decision to give the current cabinet secretary P K Sinha a one-year extension till mid-June 2018. This means he will have completed three years in the job when he retires next year. The extension is being seen as a move to keep the seat warm for a particular officer.

The other was to appoint a possible contender for cabinet secretary, Sanjay Mitra, as defence secretary with a fixed term of two years. With this, Mitra is effectively out of the race for cabinet secretary.

On the other hand, Adhia will be a few months away from superannuation when Sinha finishes his term in June 2018. This puts him in line for appointment as cabinet secretary with a twoyear term. He will thus oversee the Modi government in the run-up to the crucial 2019 Lok Sabha polls.

Adhia is said to be Modis blue-eyed bureaucrat. He was entrusted with the demonetisation project. He worked on the demonetisation blueprint in absolute secrecy with a team of trusted people. The rich political dividends reaped by Modi from demonetisation in the UP assembly polls have only deepened the PMs faith in Adhia.

The Modi-Adhia bond goes back to the year 2003 when Modi was chief minister of Gujarat and Adhia was appointed as his principal secretary. Apparently, Modi developed enormous trust and faith in the bureaucrat. Another bond is yoga. Adhia is believed to have introduced Modi to yoga.

The Gujarat officer was brought to Delhi within a year of Modi assuming office as PM. He was appointed to the critical finance ministry and is believed to be the virtual boss there with a direct line to the PM.

In a spot

Congress spokespersons found themselves in a real spot when the CBI raided the homes and offices of P Chidambaram and son Karti. The former finance minister did not bother to brief his party on the substantive points of the allegations leveled by the CBI.

Consequently, Congress spokespersons were left scratching their heads on how to defend their leader. They had no talking points. So they decided to make a political argument by accusing the government of vendetta politics and a witch hunt to silence Chidambaram.

But the political argument looked like a weak defence, particularly after the CBI held a formal press conference and listed the charges against Karti and by implication, against Chidambaram.

Significantly, neither Chidambaram nor Karti cared to rebut the substantive part of the CBI case and also fell back on the political argument. But as the Modi government moves to tighten the noose around father and son, Congress circles feel that the Chidambarams will have to come up with a proper defence, not just in court but to the media as well.

Mamata tickled

Mamata Banerjee is so tickled that a Bengali journalist, Gautam Lahiri, has been elected president of the Delhi Press Club that she insisted on dropping in at the club on her recent visit to the Capital. It was a last minute decision so the Press Club was unable to rustle a special welcome for her.

But Didi, informal as always, didnt mind. She sat in the no smoking room and sipped tea and nibbled on pakoras while chatting with Lahiri and a few other journalists who happened to be present. Her chief query to Lahiri was to find out how he as a Bengali journalist managed to get elected as Press Club president in Delhi. Lahiris reply was witty.

Scientific rigging, he told her with a straight face. Scientific rigging is the charge Mamata used to level at the CPI(M) for winning elections that allowed the Left to rule Bengal for 34 years.

Mamata was given a brief history of the building that houses the Press Club. It is quite rundown and ramshackle but its main claim to fame is that in the 1950s, the bungalow used to be occupied by Feroze and Indira Gandhi in happier times when the former was a fiery young parliamentarian.
The militarys most-preferred form of a probe ~ a Court of Inquiry (COI) ~ may not feature all the legal trappings and complexities of a case in a civilian judicial action, but the concept of sub judice does come into play. Even when stressed that a COI does not imply culpability, or serves as an indictment but only aims at establishing facts, the military declines to comment on issues under such probes lest it impact the inquiry. Fair enough.

Hence it does raise serious issues of process when an officer whose action is still being examined by a COI is awarded a Commendation Card by the Chief of the Army Staff. The COI cannot help being influenced by the recognition, so it could be demanded that the now-pointless probe be immediately wound up: after all the Chief is senior to those conducting it, and in the military system no junior dare disagree with the Chief. As defence minister, Mr Arun Jaitely would do well to bring his legal expertise to bear and opine on the propriety of the Chiefs move: it has implications for all COIs ~ and in matters involving non-military persons there will be an erosion of confidence in the COI practice. At the best of times the uniforms are known to protect their own.

So much for due process. The specific case of Major Leetul Gogoi, credited with lashing a civilian to an Army jeep on 9 April to serve as a human shield against stone-pelters in Budgam in Kashmir has, justifiably, triggered sharply conflicting views. Critics insist it was indicative of the high-handed manner in which the Army has consistently trampled upon human rights, abused the provisions of the much-condemned Armed Forces Special Powers Act (some aspects of which are now being reviewed by the Supreme Court), and fuels the charge that in Kashmir the Army is part of the problem rather than part of the solution.

The Army takes a diametrically opposite view, and lauds the Major for averting the possibility of bloodshed. To counter public condemnation, the Army activated its vocal retired personnel (among them the chief minister of Punjab, does the Congress party endorse his line?) to project the officer as a hero. After commending the officer, the Chief now has to ensure he is protected for several years to come ~ Major Gogoi has been rendered a trophy target.

The commendation is being projected as a snub to all human rights activists, as well as the logical follow-up to Gen. Bipin Rawats controversial caution in February. It reaffirms the governments military approach to Kashmir ~ forgetting that Hitlers army could not crush the Resistance in France, and despite several battleground victories the Israeli Defence Force remains rattled by the intifada.
Actor Naga Chaitanya, who is set to marry actress Samantha Ruth Prabhu in October, says he is enjoying all the attention coming his way as he believes this phase won't last long.

"Wherever I go, I'm asked about my marriage. Honestly, there's no pressure anymore because everybody knows. I believe this phase where people constantly want to know about my marriageit won't last long. Nobody is going to ask me this question next year," Chaitanya told over phone from Hyderabad.

"Let me enjoy while it lasts," he chuckled.

Chaitanya awaits the release of Kalyan Krishna-directed Telugu romantic-drama Rarandoi Veduka Chuddam, hitting the screens on Friday.

Talking about the project, he said it's been his father Akkineni Nagarjuna's wish that he stars in an out-and-out commercial film.

"I'm taking the commercial route with Rarandoia. It's a light-hearted film and Kalyan has given me a very energetic character. Dad wanted me to do a full-length commercial film for a long time and it's being fulfilled with this project," he said.

Kalyan had previously worked with Nagarjuna in last year's Telugu blockbuster Soggade Chinni Nayana.

Did Kalyan's previous collaboration with Chaitanya's father persuade him to collaborate?

"I saw Kalyan working on the sets of Soggade Chinni Nayana. As we started talking, he bounced off a few ideas and we eventually decided we will work together. It's his work, especially the way he presents his characters, that really convinced me to work with him," Chaitanya said.

The film also stars Rakul Preet Singh.
The city of Brussels will be at its maximum level of security for the US President Donald Trump's visit to Belgium on Wednesday and the NATO summit on Thursday, media reports said.

"On the eve of the NATO summit, we have already taken the maximum security measures as we now systematically consider a potential terrorist attack. Over 4,000 policemen will patrol in the streets of Brussels," Xinhua news agency quoted Brussels' mayor Yvan Mayeur as saying on Tuesday.

"We had a meeting a few days ago to discuss the security measures and evaluate every possible problem linked to the NATO summit. We are currently at the highest possible level of security measures," he added.

Considering the terrorist attack that killed 22 persons in the city of Manchester on Monday night, Interior Minister Jan Jambon said the terrorist threat level would remain at 3 out of 4.

For Donald Trump's visit to Belgium on Wednesday and Thursday, local newspaper La Libre also reported that the police authorities from Luxembourg and the Netherlands would help out to ensure the highest level of security.

The US authorities have also asked Belgium to apply a screening on every inhabitant living in the streets where Trump will be passing through.
Cambodia has deported 1,025 illegal foreigners, including 226 female, to their countries in 2017, an immigration official said on Wednesday.

Major General Uk Heisela, chief of the investigation department of the General Department of Immigration, said the illegal immigrants with 35 nationalities had been expelled from the country during the January-May period after they lived and worked here without passports or valid visas.

"Around 712 (or 69 per cent) of the deportees are Vietnamese," Xinhua news agency quoted him as saying.

Under Cambodia's immigration law, any alien living in the country without valid documents such as passports, visas or work permits are subject to deportation.
Defence, counterterrorism cooperation and the IS jihadist group were the focus of US President Donald Trump's talks in Rome on Wednesday with Italian head of state Sergio Mattarella and Premier Paolo Gentiloni, the White House said in a statement.

The closed-door talks "discussed the alliance between the United States and Italy, as well as priorities in the areas of defence cooperation, counterterrorism, and efforts to deny terrorists safe havens from Mali to Libya to Iraq to Afghanistan," the statement said.

During the talks, Trump thanked Italy for efforts in fighting terrorism, especially its participation in the US-led global coalition against IS, in which 68 countries are taking part.

He also thanked Italy for "its active role in Iraq and Afghanistan" and praised its "important diplomatic efforts" to end the violence in conflict-wracked Libya, the statement added.

The White House said Trump also "reaffirmed transatlantic unity" on the need to "hold Russia accountable" for its 2014 annexation of Crimea and the continuing conflict in eastern Ukraine, according to the statement.

Trump also stressed the importance of convincing Russia to fulfil its commitments under the Minsk Agreements (a ceasefire deal between the Ukrainian army and Russian-backed separatist rebels signed in Minsk in February 2015), said the statement.

Also on the agenda in Trump's meetings with Mattarella and Gentiloni was the G7 Summit taking place in Taormina, Sicily on Friday and Saturday, the statement concluded.

International issues were also on the agenda at a private meeting between Trump and Pope Francis earlier on Wednesday, the Vatican said.

Trump's talks in Rome with top officials came during the third leg of Trump's first official trip abroad since taking office.

The four-nation tour, aimed at uniting Muslim, Jewish and Catholic leaders in the fight against Islamist terrorism, has included stops in Saudi Arabia, Israel and the Palestinian territories.

Trump's nine-day trip also includes a one-day visit to Brussels on Thursday, where he will attend a NATO summit.

The deadly bombing of Britain's Manchester Arena this week will bring new urgency to Trump's push for NATO allies to commit to a greater role in counterterrorism and the fight against IS in Syria and Iraq, according to observers.
French President Emmanuel Macron will ask parliament to extend the state of emergency, in place since the 2015 attacks by Islamic State (IS) group, till November, the media reported on Wednesday.

The new President said in a statement that he will ask lawmakers to prolong the measure from July 15, its current expiration date, until November 1, Xinhua news agency reported.

It would be the sixth extension of the state of emergency, which gives police exceptional powers.

It comes after the Monday night suicide bombing at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester, northern England, that left 22 persons dead.

The decision was made in a security meeting on Wednesday in which top officials "studied the implications of this new terrorist attack on measures of protection to ensure the security of our compatriots".

The statement from the Elysee presidential palace once again noted "the bonds that unite France and the UK in the fight against terrorism".

The Islamic State militant group, responsible for terror attacks in France in the past two years, was behind the deadly Manchester attack that also left 59 persons injured.

Macron asked his government to prepare draft legislation to reinforce security measures permanently beyond the state of emergency.

He also decided to create a coordination centre for services engaged in the fight against terrorism at a defence council meeting on June 7.

France has been on high alert ahead of the two-round parliamentary election on June 11 and 18.
At least five persons have been killed and dozens injured as police in Bahrain opened fire at supporters of the country's prominent Shia cleric, Ayatollah Isa Ahmed Qassim, officials said.

Over 280 Isa Qassim supporters were also detained during the police action in Duraz, about 15 km from here, on Tuesday, as they protested against his imprisonmenet, Efe news reported.

The indicted cleric's followers fought back with "hand grenades, iron bars, and bladed weapons and axes, which resulted in the injury of 19 security men," Bahrain's Interior Ministry said in a statement.

The 286 people arrested, included terror "fugitives" who had managed to escape from Jau prison, the officials said.

"It is unfortunate that these young people fall victim to these acts, which are incited from abroad," the Interior Ministry added.

In a statement, the Human Rights Watch NGO, however, described the operation as a "strategic show of strength aimed at ending a peaceful and legitimate protest".

The NGO said the violence by the Al Khalifa government raised questions as it came two days after King Hamad's meeting with US President Donald Trump.

Isa Qassim's supporters have been holding a permanent sit-in in Duraz for 11 months in front of the residence of Isa Qassim, who was sentenced to one-year suspended prison on May 21. He was also fined $256,000.

The court confiscated his assets, including $9 million and two buildings. It found him guilty of illegally accumulating about $10 million for the purpose of provoking social unrest in the country.

The authorities had previously stripped Isa Qassim of his Bahraini nationality in June 2016 and then dissolved his political party, Al Wefaq.

Clashes between the police and protesters spread to other areas as well.

According to the Interior Ministry statement, security forces would remain deployed in the area where the sit-in camp was located, previously described as a "meeting ground for fugitives".

The majority of the Shia community in the country has made numerous protests in support of the cleric and against the Bahraini Sunni monarchy.
Three more people were on Wednesday arrested in the UK in connection with the Manchester concert terror attack that killed 22 people, bringing the total number of men in custody to four.

A 23-year-old man was arrested on Tuesday in the wake of the attack on Monday night, carried out by a bomber identified as 22-year-old Libyan-origin Salman Abedi. The BBC has reported that the man arrested on Tuesday was Abedi's brother Ismail.

"Three men have been arrested after police executed warrants in South Manchester in connection with the ongoing investigation into Monday night's horrific attack at the Manchester Arena," a Greater Manchester Police statement said.

UK Home Secretary Amber Rudd said yesterday that Abedi was known to security services "to a point" and it is believed intelligence agencies had dug into his connections with the Al Qaeda and Islamic State (ISIS) in his parents' homeland of Libya.

Manchester-born Abedi went to school locally and then studied business management at Salford University, before dropping out from the course.

He made several trips to Libya, where it is thought his immigrant parents had returned in 2011 following Muammar Gaddafi's overthrow.

Mohammed Saeed El-Saeiti, the imam at the Didsbury mosque where Abedi s brother Ismail had been a Quran teacher, branded the attacker as someone filled with hate.

"Salman showed me the face of hate after my speech on ISIS," he said.

Meanwhile, eight-year-old Saffie Roussos, 15-year-old Olivia Campbell, 28-year-old John Atkinson, 18-year-old Georgina Callander and 32-year-old Kelly Brewster are among the first of the 22 victims of the attack to be named.

Two Polish parents were also killed while collecting their daughters from the venue, the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs has said.

Foreign Minister Witold Waszczykowski told a Polish radio station: "The parents came after the concert to collect their daughters and unfortunately we have information that they are dead. The children are safe".

The Polish Foreign Ministry, which did not name the couple, said: "We share the pain of the family and the loved ones of the victims and express our most sincere condolences".

A vigil was held in Manchester s Albert Square on Tuesday evening as a show of support for victims and their families.

Greater Manchester Police has asked people to remain vigilant and report anything suspicious to the Anti-Terrorist Helpline.

Deputy Chief Constable Ian Pilling said British Prime Minister Theresa May s announcement of raising the threat level to its highest at "critical" will provide the force with additional resources to conduct their investigations.

"We are continuing to work with the national counter terrorism policing network and UK intelligence services as part of the response to dealing with the tragic events," he said.
An advisor of Brazilian President Michel Temer has turned over a cash-filled briefcase to authorities that he apparently received from the owner of meat-packing giant JBS, police here has said.

The briefcase, containing around $142,000, was turned over by Rodrigo Rocha Loures, police on Tuesday, Xinhua news agency reported.

Rocha Loures was filmed receiving the briefcase at a restaurant in Sao Paulo late in April.

The filming was part of an investigation by Brazil's federal police and prosecutor-general, following confessions by the JBS owners and executives.

According to JBS owner Joesley Batista, Rocha Loures received the money as an intermediary for Temer in exchange for favourable government actions for the JBS.

Brazil has been plunged into a new political crisis since last week when a recording was released, in which Temer seemingly is heard agreeing with Batista that former House Speaker Eduardo Cunha should be bribed to keep him silent.

Last week, Temer denied all charges against him, stating that Batista's recording had been falsified and that his testimony was a lie.


The Pakistan Army on Wednesday claimed that two officials of the UN Military Observers Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) narrowly escaped after Indian troops fired at their vehicle while they were visiting areas along the Line of Control.

A statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said: "Indian troops committed unprovoked ceasefire violation."

It said the Indian troops deployed on the LoC "targeted UNMOGIP vehicle along LOC in Khanjar sector".

According to details shared by the military's media wing, the vehicle was carrying UNMOGIP Officers Major Emmanuel of Philippines and Major Mirko of Croatia when it came under fire.

The ISPR said the officials, who were on a visit to the LOC, were targeted despite the UNMOGIP's blue flag being hoisted on the vehicle as per procedure.

Last week, the Pakistan Army lodged a protest before military observers from the UN against "unprovoked" Indian firing on civilians.

Incidents of cross-border firing have become a norm since the end of 2016 with tensions simmering between Pakistan and India over the Kashmir issue. Exchanges of fire have been reported sporadically since the year began.
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Olympic gold medalist Kaetlyn Osmond can't wait to skate in front of Newfoundland crowd for her first performance since COVID

When Kaetlyn Osmond steps on the ice at the Mary Browns Centre in St. Johns next month, it will be the first time the Marystown native has performed on ice in front of an audience since before the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020. It's also the ...
The Opposition accused Lamba of riding the crane as a "publicity stunt," and BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma filed a complaint against her for 'obstructing' public servants from performing their duties.

Alka Lamba climbed atop a hydraulic engine and waved to crowds as fire tenders tried to douse a blaze.

By Mail Today Bureau: Aam Aadmi Party legislator Alka Lamba needed to do some firefighting on Tuesday after the Opposition accused her of riding atop a hydraulic crane as a "publicity stunt" when fire service personnel were trying to put out a blaze in Chandni Chowk in Old Delhi.

The incident took place late on Monday when 32 fire tenders were pressed into service in the congested lanes of Old Delhi.

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About 80 shops were damaged in the fire before it could be brought under control. No one was injured.

Lamba was caught on camera standing on a hydraulic crane used by fire tenders and waving at onlookers.

Even though the fire department gave the AAP MLA a 'clean chit' claiming that she was trying to assist in controlling the mob and caused no hindrance, the Opposition lapped up the incident to corner her.

BJP'S NUPUR SHARMA FILES COMPLAINT

BJP spokesperson Nupur Sharma filed a complaint against Lamba for 'obstructing' public servants from performing their duties.

In her complaint addressed to the Delhi Police Commissioner, Sharma said that Lamba was seen climbing atop a fire engine's crane meant solely for firefighting and rescue operations.

"..this stunt and act of (AAP legislator from Chandni Chowk) Alka Lamba hindered firefighters and delayed the (fire-dousing) process, thereby increasing the risk of spread of the raging fire," the complaint said.

"Such irresponsible, self-aggrandising and callous behaviour of legislator Alka Lamba calls for a serious investigation into the possible delay... obstructions she created for public servants in discharging their duties," Sharma added, urging police to register a 'criminal case' against the MLA.

KEJRIWAL SUMMONS LAMBA

After the video clipping where Lamba was seen standing on hydraulic platform went viral on social media, the leader was summoned by Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal who sought her explanation.

AAP, however, justified her action, saying that she helped fire personnel manage the crowd.

AAP leader Atishi Marlena, in a series of tweets, said that Lamba reached the spot at 11 pm after getting a call from the market association and remained there till 2 am.

"Around 2 am, after the fire had mostly been put out, fire officer Rajesh Pawar asked Lamba to help manage the crowd. Lamba climbed on to the platform to address and manage the crowd, and thus helped control a difficult situation," Marlena said.

Lamba's action was also criticised by the Opposition as a "photo opportunity".

Senior officials from the fire department, however, corroborated the AAP claims.

"The fire was inside the narrow lanes of Chandni Chowk and people were not satisfied as fire tenders were parked a little away from the site as it could not enter the narrow lanes," a senior officer told MAIL TODAY.

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He added that Lamba, being a public representative, was called to pacify the mob.

ALSO READ | AAP MLA Alka Lamba claims BJP offered Lok Sabha ticket, post similar to Shazia Ilmi if she defected

ALSO READ | Will Kumar Vishwas be ousted from Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party? Kapil Mishra thinks so

WATCH VIDEO | AAP's 'drama queen' MLA Alka Lamba climbs up fire brigade vehicle

--- ENDS ---
This is the 5th time that Lashkar commander Dujana managed to give a slip to the security forces in Kashmir.

By Ashraf Wani: Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) Kashmir commander Abu Dujana once again managed to escape from the security cordon in Pulwama. In the cover of darkness and disturbance in the security operation by stone-pelters in the area, 3 Lashkar terrorists including Dujana managed to flee.

This is the 5th time that Lashkar commander Dujana managed to give a slip to the security forces in Kashmir.

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On Tuesday, a joint team of Army's 55 RR, SOG and CRPF 183, 182 battalion cordoned off the Hakirpora village of Pulwama following specific information about the presence of some terrorists in the area, official sources said.

Soon after the joint team of forces intensified the operation and fired several warning shots towards the suspected spot, the sources said adding that the terrorists hiding inside the area opened fire triggering off an encounter. But the operation was stopped due to the darkness when the 3 Lashkar members managed to flee the spot.

DUJANA'S PRESENCE IN KASHMIR

Hailing from northern area of Pakistan, Dujana infiltrated in Jammu and Kashmir from PoK in 2010 and since then he is not only operating in different parts of Kashmir but has also managed to establish strong local modules in south Kashmir.

Dujana made his first dramatic appearance at a funeral of local Lashkar militant in 2014 in Kakpora area of Pulwama, and also attended the funeral of Hizbul Commander Burhan wani in Tral area of South Kashmir last year in July. Since then security forces are looking for the Lashkar commander but so far have not been able to capture him.

Also read: Kashmir: Lashkar's Abu Dujana gives slip to security forces again

Also read: Jammu and Kashmir: After beheading of jawans, Indian Army prevents future attacks on troops

WATCH VIDEO HERE

--- ENDS ---
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 ...
But the tribe has a long way to go
Indian markets are growing at a rapid pace, involving new stakeholders whom until a few years ago did not have any visible and significant presence as far as supply chain space was concerned.

Civil society organisations, communities, investors, and regulators slowly seem to be upping the ante, and are influencing not just the way businesses operate but also setting benchmarks for the sustainability of Indian business.

This trend is no longer confined to India, but seems universally present across markets, workplaces, and communities, states an article by the Germany-based Dialogue of Civilizations Research Institute (DOC Research Institute), which conducts researches and develops proposals that address the key challenges faced by the international community.

"Sustainability is now becoming a conscience issue as India charts its way into global markets and strives to create its own niche, re-defining its competitiveness in the world market place. There is now an increasing focus on issues of sustainability by businesses operating in India. The quest to re-define business processes occurs amidst an ever growing complexity in the running of businesses, from the sourcing of material to end products and subsequent customer interface," said Pooran Chandra Pandey, CEO DOC Research Institute.

"There are several layers embedded within the supply and value chains of businesses, encompassing the entire process from product manufacturing to products being bought and consumed by customers. There is now an ever growing expectation about the end-to-end sustainability of value chains, and the issue is to gain traction among all key stakeholders, including customers, communities, investors, and those in the market place. The issue is not limited to obtaining social licenses from communities in order to operate, but concerns wider exposure to the work place and market place as well. This is now becoming a conscience issue as India charts its way into global markets and strives to create its own niche, re-defining its competitiveness in the world market place," he added.

Explaining about the successful examples of sustainability practice from leading businesses, Article says that "there is a realisation of a need to identify the business perspectives and initiatives of leading businesses from across operating sectors, and collate these practices in one place for the wider dissemination that will achieve peer learning, benchmarking, and innovation around scale and replication of these practices. Realisation of recurrent innovation around sustainable businesses practice by Indian companies, and collaboration with other stakeholders such as community and civil society organisations, has finally led to transformational leadership by Indian businesses.

These innovations capture the processes, instruments, benchmarking issues, scale, and efficiency of business practices around the broad theme of sustainability. Upscale business operations are just the by-product of leadership roles that Indian companies have taken in not just redefining business practices, but also ensuring that sustainability makes good sense and becomes a part of long-term sustainable business processes, supply chains, and value chains.

Talking about the role of businesses in complementing governments in furthering the progress of the MDGs over the last 15 years, Pandey writes that "the overall thrust of businesses - much as that of government and civil society - has been to support communities by putting more disposable income in their hands and supporting opportunities that will empower people to break the vicious cycle of poverty, an overarching goal of the MDGs".

"Alongside a new set of 17 sustainable development goals developed by the United Nations, a more transformative role is now being adopted by businesses, leading to a more decisive role for business leaders. One way in which business leaders can play this role is by cleaning up supply chain issues and adhering to product responsibility and ethical business practices".

Underlining the contribution being made by businesses, DOC research institute says, "There contribution is by no means small; it has become an engine of growth for national economies and continues to push for greater social good, going beyond compliance and social licenses to operating mechanisms. Today, governments remain local while businesses move rapidly across national boundaries, operating in multiple countries and supporting local economies with private capital, jobs, employment, and by contributing to respective countries gross domestic product".

"Amidst changing scenarios, businesses are adjusting with realism, realigning priorities that are national and global at the same time. Businesses are emerging as vehicles for social good and their contribution is increasingly visible across the people and profit spectrum. Businesses under the current regulatory framework are moving beyond defined agendas and continuing to improvise, standing tall vis-a-vis ethical conduct and business practice by virtue of reporting practices, disclosure, social audit, and non-financial reporting. There is also a growing trend for collaborative and partnership-driven approaches that deepen relationships with other key stakeholders in order to build sustainable businesses. This has come in handy for businesses and has yielded a greater ground for cooperation between businesses and other key stakeholders, leading to the 'de-risking' of unlikely conflicting scenarios", it further says.

Businesses have realised that sustainability is no longer a discussion at the conceptual level but has moved beyond that stage to now being regarded as good business sense, because it creates robust processes that put businesses on long-term sustainable paths. The sustainability agenda is also not about changing the way businesses operate but more about mind-sets, led by top-level business leadership. It is also being taken up by companies as an intrinsic model that allows businesses to create more value on the ground; working with communities helps businesses outreach directly to communities. This is where it has mattered most: without the involvement of intermediaries, this model has been working well for businesses across the spectrum, regardless of sector, geography, operational remit, or the communities they work with.

It is commonplace now that businesses are increasingly adapting to voluntary guidelines and codes of conduct to ensure transparency and disclosure. The Ten Universal Principles, Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), and Carbon Disclosure routes are paying rich dividends for businesses in stating their seriousness towards business process improvement. Participating businesses are also seen to be driving sustainability through product responsibility by the setting of a higher bar in and of itself, reflecting the commitment of key stakeholders. Many businesses are also benefiting from improved interaction with communities and finding the financial sector looking positively at such initiatives as a core model of business operations, which they are accordingly keen to support.

Businesses participating in the publication of voluntary guidelines have been ahead of the curve by taking the route of innovation, and have been leveraging technology to undertake course correction not only in product design but also across product development, and more importantly, they have also offset negative carbon foot prints by upgrading business processes and extending them to scale across value chains. These attempts are being seen as part of a value chain clean-up, and as an improvement in value chains that supports product responsibility initiatives of businesses. Participating companies have been part of the Global Compact and have been voluntarily reporting on outcomes and improvements on the Ten Universal Principles, spread across human rights, the environment, anti-corruption, and labour standards. This voluntary process of reporting by businesses through communication on progress (CoP) has been gaining traction as the number of such reporting exercises has risen worldwide.

Sustainability is finding a firm ground in businesses led by top-level leadership. These leaders are 'transformational' in the sense that they see creative value in driving sustainability practices across business value chains, with an embedded take-away of greater social good, all the while pursuing increases in shareholder wealth and also caring for the environment.

Businesses are clear that they need to press hard for positive outcomes and have consequently been pursuing sustainability practices that are directly aligned to business processes and have the ability to generate wider public good.

Business leaders are unanimous in saying governments at regional and national levels can play a more decisive role in allowing businesses to grow faster and innovate by providing enabling policy support, stable tax regimes, and incentivising good business practices with tax breaks and soft loans. This would allow businesses to scale their initiatives and play a more vital role in the growth and development of economies where they yield positive outcomes in the creation of capital, job opportunities, and the development of infrastructure for more inclusive, sustainable, and justice-driven societies.

This also helps businesses build a sound foundation on which they can operate with economies of scale and move the existing 'business-as-usual' model into a more 'transformative business' blueprint.
Acid attack survivor Lalita Benbansi's love story and wedding photos have gone viral on social media.

By India Today Web Desk: Some two months ago, a young girl named Lalita Benbansi received a call from a wrong number. This one call bloomed into a love story that social media cannot seem to stop gushing about today.

And you cannot quite blame them. It is a beautiful story.

Lalita, a 26-year-old resident of Kalwa, Mumbai, was supposed to get married to a different man in 2012. But the ceremony was cut short when Lalita's cousins attacked her with acid, owing to personal enmity.

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The acid burnt most of Lalita's face, due to which she had to undergo 17 surgeries at the Bombay Hospital and Masina Hospital in Mumbai.

As her treatment continued, Lalita, around two months ago, received this particular call from an unknown man named Rahul Kumar. As luck would have it, the two met, fell in love, and decided to get married.

And they did. Photos of their wedding were posted on social media, which soon went viral along with their touching love story.

"[I] did not know a wrong number would change my life," an ANI report quotes a newlywed Rahul Kumar, a 27-year-old CCTV operator from Malad.

"I am feeling very happy. I had never thought that I would ever get married. He, even after knowing about the truth, still remained on his decision to marry me," said an overwhelmed Lalita.

Lalita Benbansi with husband, Rahul Kumar. Source: ANI/ Twitter

VIVEK OBEROI GIFTS THE COUPLE A FLAT

Saahas foundation, an NGO helping Lalita with her rehabilitation, said that many people from the film industry came forward to help Lalita and Rahul with their story book wedding.

Reports have it that actor Vivek Oberoi has offered to gift Lalita an apartment in Thane, while designer duo Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla gifted her trousseau and a wedding necklace.

"I wish they stay happy together. He (Rahul) loves her truly. He was telling me that their love story is filmy. It was a wrong number and then they became friends. Now they are starting a new life. Lalita is a strong girl. I met Lalita when we had an awareness programme held by Sahas foundation," said Vivek Oberoi.

We too wish Lalita and Rahul a very happy life ahead.

Mumbai: 26-year-old Lalita Benbansi, an acid attack victim gets married. She was attacked with acid by her cousins. in the year 2012. pic.twitter.com/Ha7UPs1yT9- ANI (@ANI_news) May 24, 2017

Read more on FYI:All things beautiful: Indian girl who survived acid attack will walk the catwalk in New York

Rajya Sabha clears amended Disabilities Bill; acid attack survivors to benefit

Chinmayi Sripaada threatened with rape, acid attack on Twitter; her online petition demanding action goes viral

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Kerala Muslim fanatic wants acid poured on woman's face if 'she barks against Islam'

Watch Video: Acid attack survivor finds love in a wrong number

--- ENDS ---
Hollywood superstar Brad Pitt is in India to promote his latest film, the Netflix satire War Machine.

Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan will be moderating a special chat session in Mumbai with Pitt, in which the two actors will discuss the project.

In the movie, the 53-year-old actor plays a US General posted in Afghanistan.

Directed by David Michod, of Animal Kingdom fame, the Netflix Original film is inspired by the book The Operators: The Wild & Terrifying Inside Story of America's War in Afghanistan by late journalist Michael Hastings.

An investment in the range of USD 60 million also makes it Netflix's biggest-budget feature to date.

Pitt's character is loosely based on General Stanley A. McChrystal, a retired United States Army general best-known for his command of joint special operations command (JSOC). His last assignment was as commander, International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) and commander, US Forces Afghanistan.

Hastings's blistering profile on McChrystal led to his firing by Obama.

Pitt's company Plan B is also one of the producers of the film. The first big-budget Hollywood movie on Netflix will be released on May 26.
A retired inspector general of the CRPF was denied entry into Canada with airport authorities saying he served in an organisation that allegedly engaged in "terrorism" and "gross human rights violations", prompting a strong reaction from India.

T.S. Dhillon landed in Canada with his wife on May 18 and was put on the return flight to India on May 20.

His wife was, however, allowed to proceed to her destination in Canada.

"I landed with my wife in Canada on May 18 as I had a family event to attend. But the Canadian border agency at the airport did not allow me to enter the country. I told them that I am a retired senior officer of the Indian police, the CRPF. But, they did not heed to my statements and instead talked to me very rudely and in an unpleasant manner. They told me that my force had indulged in human rights violations," Dhillon told PTI.

External affairs ministry spokesperson Gopal Baglay termed the characterisation of a reputed force like the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) as "completely unacceptable".

"We have seen the news report regarding denial of entry by Canadian authorities to a senior retired Indian police officer. Such a characterisation of a reputed force like the CRPF is completely unacceptable. We have taken up the matter with the government of Canada," Baglay said.

He was a "prescribed senior official in the service of a government that, in the opinion of the minister, engages or has engaged in terrorism, systematic or gross human rights violations, or genocide, a war crime or a crime against humanity", a document given to Dhillon at the airport read.

In a statement, High Commissioner of Canada Nadir Patel said the language in the document "does not reflect the government of Canada's policy toward India or any particular organisation, including the Central Reserve Police Force of India. The Central Reserve Police Force plays an important role in upholding law and order in India".

Regretting any "inconvenience that may have been experienced by this individual and their family", he said, from time to time, with such a large number of applications, oversights on visa applications can happen.

"In situations where established procedures may not have been followed, a review takes place to avoid any reoccurrence," he said.

According to Patel, Canada continues to welcome record numbers of Indian nationals for study, tourism, business, and visiting friends and family.

"Over the past year, over 300,000 Indian nationals have applied to visit Canada," he said.

He also said Canada values its relationship with India, based on shared values of democracy, pluralism, human rights and rule of law.

Patel said Canada's privacy laws prevented him from commenting further.

Dhillon retired from the Central Reserve Police Force as an Inspector General (IG) in 2010.

He was a national level shooter and instrumental in setting up infrastructure for the shooting discipline during the 2010 Commonwealth Games held in the national capital.

Dhillon said he had a valid visa for Canada till 2024 but despite that he was not allowed to enter the country.

"I was finally put on a plane back to India on May 20. I feel bad that the Canadian authorities, at the lower levels, are trying to antagonise a uniformed force of India and the men and women who have given their blood and sweat for the security of the country.

"The authorities should apologise," he said.

The officer said while his wife was allowed to enter Canada, he had to leave with a heavy heart, from a country he has visited many times in the last 30 years.

Ties between India and Canada witnessed a strain in the recent past.

Earlier this month, India had indicated that it had raised with Canada the presence of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at a recent event in Toronto where two legislators, who had authored a motion in the Ontario Assembly calling the 1984 anti-Sikh riots as "genocide", were felicitated.
When news came that Army Chief Bipin Rawat has awarded a commendation certificate to Major Nitin Leetul Gogoi, the officer who used Farooq Ahmed Dar, a civilian, as a human shield during the bypolls in Srinagar Lok Sabha constituency on April 9, Farooq was shocked. He said the decision to honour Major Gogoi reflects the mentality of the Indian Army towards Kashmiris.

Army sources in Srinagar said the officer has been awarded for his track record in counter-insurgency operations. Farooq, one of the few people who had cast his vote that day in the bypolls that recorded a dismal 7.13 per cent turnout, said that he was going to attend the condolence meeting of a relative at Gampora in Pulwama on his bike when the Army stopped him at Gutligam and then thrashed him. He said some women tried to intervene, but the Army took him with them and made him sit on a tire on the front bumper. A soldier was daring the stone pelters to throw stones at the jeep, he said. Dar was released after the sarpanch of his village, Chil, asked the Army to let him go. He said he didn't register a complaint against fear of reprisal. I have an old mother to look after, I left it at that, he said.

But Major Gogoi today refuted Dar's claims at a press briefing at Beerwah, 40 km from Srinagar, and explained the circumstances that led to tying Dar to the jeep, which he said saved 12 lives.

The Army has initiated a court inquiry against Gogoi, but after facing criticism for rewarding an erring officer, it allowed Gogoi to explain the circumstances that led him to tie Dar to the vehicle.

The officer from Assam said that they had received a distress call from the CRPF from a polling booth in Gutligam that day around 10.30 am, and he rushed to the spot with a team of soldiers. When we reached the area, we saw a large crowd, including women and children, he said. They were throwing stones, and some people were even throwing boulders at us from their rooftops. He said he saw Dar was around 30 feet away from his vehicle, and directed his soldier to nab him. He said Dar was instigating the crowds and could have been the ringleader of the stone pelters but didn't see him pelting stones on the forces.

Catching him allowed the Army room to enter the polling booth and rescue 12 people  four civil polling staff, seven ITBP personnel and one policeman, he said. The officer from 53 RR said when they were moving out from the area, the mine protecting vehicle got stuck in slush. He said amid calls from the mosques, the protests were pelting stones and throwing petrol bombs at us.

They didn't listen despite the calls from the loudspeakers of the mosques to allow us a safe passage,'' he said. The crowd was not listening to us. So in a fraction, I thought of tying Dar to the jeep, he said. Stone pelting stopped for a while. That was the window we needed to move out.

The announcement of the award to Gogoi, sources said, has not gone down well with the PDP leadership as Mehbooba had promised investigations into the matter. She had written on her Facebook page  In the human shield video case FIR No 38/17 U/S 342/149/506&367 RPC has been registered in Police Station Beerwah on 13/4/17. Investigation is being conducted by SDPO Magam. We shall ensure that investigations are taken to a logical conclusion so that action is taken.

Politically, the award to Major Gogoi is likely to further dent the credibility of the PDP-BJP government. Sources said the PDP is feeling embarrassed. It is unfortunate that the Army has gone ahead with announcing the award before the inquiry against Major Gogoi is complete, said a PDP leader.

The opposition NC spokesman Junaid Mattu concurred. Mattu called the development shameful. He said there is no compulsion for the Army to use a human shield. As per the Geneva Convention and the Constitution of India, the use of a human shield is highly unethical, he said. The Defence Ministry and the Army chief should have waited for the inquiry to finish.

Omar Abdullah, hitting out at the Army court of inquiry in a tweet, said, In future pls (sic) do not bother with the farce of military court of inquiry. Clearly, the only court that matters is the court of public opinion.

And international conventions like the Geneva/Vienna ones only count when India can accuse others of violation. Do as we say not as we do, he tweeted.
The Madurai Bench of Madras High Court on Wednesday restrained the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) from declaring the results of National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for admission to MBBS and BDS courses for the academic year 2017. Justice M.V. Muralidharan issued the interim injunction on a petition filed by a group of students claiming that different question papers set for the examination would lead to discrimination among students.

The court also directed Medical Council of India, CBSE and Union health ministry to file counter affidavit on June 7 on the issue.

The petition was filed by nine students from Madurai, who sought a direction to cancel the NEET examination conducted on May 7 and hold a fresh test with a uniform question paper. The petition argued that the CBSE had framed different question papers thereby denying the students a level playing field. The CBSE conducted the test in English, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Hindi, Marathi, Bengali, Gujarati, Odia and Assamese.

Earlier, Justice N. Seshasayee had refused to grant an interim order when the matter came up for hearing last week, but he issued a notice to the Board.

The studentsS. Jonila, P. Surya, P. Siddarth, K. Ajay Sharan, S. Nitin Prakash Sivasubramanian, Gautham Sankar, J. Aditya, D. Richard Rishaban Dass and M. Naveen Kumarsaid in their affidavit that they had to write the exam in English on the basis of uniform syllabus.

The students said they were shocked to see that the question paper was not uniform across the country, and claimed that the paper in Tamil was easier that English.

"One India, one question paper in the NEET is a must. Otherwise the scaling of intelligence and aptitude would differ. Further, an uneven playing field would infringe the right to equal opportunity in education, they said.

They also claimed that the students in other states like Maharashtra, Karnataka and West Bengal too were disturbed over different question papers in different languages.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) on Wednesday categorically ruled out any air space violation by Islamabad on the Indian side, as being reported by Pakistan media.

Earlier the day, Pakistan Air Force (PAF) claimed that fighter jets conducted flights near the Siachen Glacier.

"There is no reported airspace violation," sources in the Indian Air Force said in response to Pakistan's claim of its fighter jets having flown over the glacier which is in India's control.

Quoting sources, Pakistan media had reported that all operating bases are now fully operational and the Mirage jets are now part of the drills.

Sohail Aman, Chief of Air Staff, visited the Skardu forward base along with other top leadership of the Pakistan Air Force.

Aman also met the pilots and technical staff of the fighting force and flew a Mirage jet himself on the occasion.

Pakistan's claim comes in the wake of Air Chief Marshal B.S. Dhanoa, the Chief of Air Staff writing a personal letter to each officer in the IAF, asking them "to be prepared for operations with our present holdings, at a very short notice".

"In the present scenario, there is an ever persistent sub-conventional threat. Therefore, we need to be prepared for operations with our present holdings, at a very short notice. Training needs to be focused towards this," says the letter.

The mention in the letter of "our present holdings" is an indication of the severe shortfall in the number of fighter squadrons with the IAF.

Asking officers to be "combat effective professionals", ACM Dhanoa writes that "there is no choice but to stay abreast of new technological advancements both own as well as that of our adversaries. Only then will we come out with war-winning, out of the box solutions."

The letter also covered a range of issues from "favouritism" in the force to "sexual harassment".

The letter reminds officers that "in the recent past, there have been instances and occasions where lack of professionalism has shown the IAF in poor light".

Indulging in uncharacteristic plain speak, the IAF chief writes that "we have been witness to a few instances of 'favouritism' in selection of officers for prime assignments and promotions".

"This is something we can ill afford," the letter reads.

Pointing out that "officers holding responsible appointments tend to display 'Milk of Human Kindness' while dealing with those involved in wrongful practices", the letter warns that "abusive behaviour, resorting to physical intimidation and behaviour amounting to sexual harassment by seniors is not acceptable".

The letter has been posted and delivered to each of the nearly 12,000 officers of the force.

Siachen Glacier at an elevation of over 5,500 meters, is also called the world's highest battlefield.

In 1984, India launched Operation Meghdoot, a military operation that gave India control over all of the Siachen Glacier, including its tributaries.
A two-kilometre long tunnel is being laid under river Hooghly in Kolkata as part of a grand plan of the state government to run the East-West Metro railway from Howrah to Salt Lake City.

While phase one of the project is completed, work on phase two began last month. This phase, the entire cost of which will be borne by the Union government, involves boring a tunnel under the river. Once completed, this will be India's first underwater railway tunnel.

The tunnel is being laid under the river at Howrah Maidan area and it would touch the other side of the river near Esplanade. There will be two stations under the river, said a Kolkata Metro Railway Corporation (KMRC) official.

However, the construction suffered a roadblock as the tunnel could not be penetrated deep inside due to technological reasons. A KMRC official said all hurdles to build the tunnel and underground stations would be eradicated soon.

We are taking help from engineers, he said. The second phase is expected to be completed by September this year.

Urban development minister Firhad Hakim said the state government has helped the Centre by providing land and eradicating encroachment. State government has shared maximum burden to help the project become successful, he said. While the West Bengal government has 30 per cent share in KMRC, the Centre has 25 per cent stake and Japan Bank for International Cooperation owns the rest 45 per cent.

The metro connection will reach Esplanade from Howrah and then would come to Sealdah and will enter Salt Lake via Phoolbagan, covering a total distance of about 17 km.

Interestingly, the idea of the underwater tunnel dates back to the first state government. It was first ideated by West Bengals first chief minister Bidhan Chandra Roy in 1960. Taking a leaf out of London, he had proposed the idea to then prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru.

While Nehru accepted the metro rail proposal he did not accept the idea to connect Kolkata (then Calcutta) with Howrah, which was then a vibrant industrial town.

Later, when Sidhartha Shankar Ray became the chief minister in 1972, he proposed it again to the then prime minister Indira Gandhi. Indira accepted it and asked the then urban development minister to carry out a survey. But the survey began only when Abdul Ghani Khan Chaudhury became the railway minister in early eighties.

The survey was done but nothing much happened after that. Later, it was after 1998 when Mamata Banerjee became the railway minister that the matter was expedited. In 2010, it finally got the nod from the Centre.

Over the six years, the estimated cost of the project shot up from Rs 250 crore to Rs 2,000 crore. But we will complete the project even if the cost escalates, said Babul Supriyo, Union minister of state for heavy industries.
Mamata Banerjee has sought an appointment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The West Bengal chief minister is leaving for Delhi to build consensus for the presidential candidate.

According to sources in the know of the matter, Mamata knows BJP has numbers and it would be impossible for the opposition to secure a victory for their candidate.

She had spoken to Gopalkrishna Gandhi, but the latter said that he would not enter the race unless there was a consensus.

President Mukherjee is also reportedly adamant in his stance that he would not run for a second term unless he gets support from all major parties.

Mamata has understood that without Modis help, it would not be possible to get her candidate elected.

In the past, she was one of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's most vociferous critics. She will request Modi to accept a second term for President Mukherjee or otherwise accept Gopalkrishna Gandhi as consensus candidate.

This is proves how hollow her words are. She is an ally of BJP, said BJP leader Sujan Chakraborty.

Why should we listen to her when we have numbers? asked BJP president Dilip Ghosh.
Based on an analysis of 7.2-million-year-old fossil remains, a new study claims that the split of the common lineage of great apes and humans probably occurred in Europe and notas customarily assumedin Africa.

The findings, published in two papers in the journal PLOS ONE, thus outline a new scenario for the beginning of human history.

The species Graecopithecus freybergi, which lived 7.2 million years ago in the savannah of the Athens Basin, is shown in this artist's depiction, at the place of discovery, Pyrgos Vassilissis, as Mount Hymettos and Mount Lykabettos are shown in the background | Reuters

The common lineage of great apes and humans split several hundred thousand years earlier than assumed until now, according to the research.

The research team analysed the two known specimens of the fossil hominid Graecopithecus freybergia lower jaw from Greece and an upper premolar from Bulgaria.

Using computer tomography, they visualised the internal structures of the fossils and demonstrated that the roots of premolars are widely fused.

"While great apes typically have two or three separate and diverging roots, the roots of Graecopithecus converge and are partially fuseda feature that is characteristic of modern humans, early humans and several pre-humans including Ardipithecus and Australopithecus," said Madelaine Bohme from Senckenberg Centre for Human Evolution and Palaeoenvironment at the University of Tubingen in Germany.

The lower jaw, nicknamed 'El Graeco' by the scientists, has additional dental root features, suggesting that the species Graecopithecus freybergi might belong to the pre-human lineage.

"We were surprised by our results, as pre-humans were previously known only from sub-Saharan Africa," said Jochen Fuss from the University of Tubingen.

Furthermore, Graecopithecus is several hundred thousand years older than the oldest potential pre-human from Africa, the six to seven million year old Sahelanthropus from Chad.

The research team dated the sedimentary sequence of the Graecopithecus fossil sites in Greece and Bulgaria with physical methods and got a nearly synchronous age for both fossils7.24 and 7.175 million years old.

"It is at the beginning of the Messinian, an age that ends with the complete desiccation of the Mediterranean Sea," Bohme said.

"This dating allows us to move the human-chimpanzee split into the Mediterranean area," said co-author of this study, David Begun, Professor at University of Toronto in canada.

Present-day chimpanzees are humans' nearest living relatives. Where the last chimp-human common ancestor lived is a central and highly debated issue in palaeoanthropology.

Researchers have assumed up to now that the lineages diverged five to seven million years ago and that the first pre-humans evolved in Africa.

The beginning of human history could be different if claims of the new study are to be believedand validated later.
Thousands of civilians fled fighting in the Philippines on Wednesday as troops sought to contain Islamic State-linked militants who took over large parts of a city, set building ablaze and took hostage a Catholic priest and other Christians.

President Rodrigo Duterte declared martial law on his native island of Mindanao following a failed raid by soldiers on Tuesday on a hideout of the Maute militant group, which triggered clashes and chaos across the largely Muslim city of Marawi.

Duterte has long threatened martial law to destroy the Maute group and the allied Abu Sayyaf, which he warns are trying to create an Islamic State presence in the Christian-majority Philippines. He says they must be stopped before it is too late.

He cut short a visit to Russia and warned there would be a tough response, likening the situation to the 1970s rule of late dictator Ferdinand Marcos, remembered by many Filipinos as one of the darkest chapters of their recent history.

Duterte said martial law under Marcos was "very good" and he might consider more security measures elsewhere in the Philippines.

"I was asked what would be my response to terrorism and I said I would be harsh and harsh in enforcing the law," Duterte told reporters upon arrival in Manila.

"I have always said do not force my hand into it because if I start to declare martial law I will solve all the problems of Mindanao connected with law and order."

Soldiers and rebels set up checkpoints and road blocks on routes out of Marawi and a stream of men, women and children fled from late on Tuesday and on Wednesday, cramming into jeeps loaded with belongings.

The military gave few details about the clashes nor did they say if any rebels had been killed. The military has not explained how the raid on an apartment hideout resulted in Maute gunmen going on the rampage and taking over roads, bridges and buildings.

Fighting abated on Wednesday as the military tried to isolate fighters while awaiting reinforcements. There was no update on the toll of three members of the security forces authorities reported killed and 12 people wounded.

The armed forces said the situation was under control but residents who fled told a different story and said Marawi was in the hands of the rebels, who had allowed civilians to leave.

"The city is still under the control of the armed group. They are all over the main roads and two bridges leading to Marawi," student Rabani Mautum told Reuters in Pantar town, about 16 km (10 miles) from Marawi.

"I was in school when we heard gunfire ... When we came out there were bloodstains in the building but we did not see dead or wounded."

The rebels took hostage Father Chito Suganob, a priest at the city's Cathedral of Our Lady Help of Christians, and several other Christians, according to the head of the country bishops' association.

"They have threatened to kill the hostages if the government forces unleashed against them are not recalled," said Father Socrates Villegas, president of Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines.

"We beg every Filipino to pray fervently for Father Chito and for other hostages."

Critics chided Duterte for what they saw as an overreaction in declaring martial law for two months on the southern island, which is the size of South Korea and the second biggest in the Philippines, after an incident in one city.

The National Union of Peoples' Lawyers, a group of human rights attorneys, said the decision was "a sledgehammer, knee-jerk reaction" that would "open the flood gates for unbridled human rights violations and abuses".

Tuesday's raid was aimed at capturing Isnilon Hapilon, a leader of the Abu Sayyaf group notorious for piracy, banditry and for kidnapping and beheading Westerners. He is wanted by the United States.

The Maute and Abu Sayyaf have pledged allegiance to Islamic State, also known as ISIS, and have proved fierce opponents for the military.

Duterte has warned repeatedly that Mindanao, an impoverished region beset by decades of unrest by separatist and Marxist guerrillas, was at risk of "contamination" by Islamic State fighters driven out of Iraq and Syria.

Armed forces spokesman Edgard Arevalo urged the public not to be alarmed and said the Maute group was showing off to Islamic State.

"They are merely courting the acclamation of ISIS which until now they haven't received."
Replying to a question on the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, Defence Minister Arun Jaitley said Army officers in war-like zones were free to act and did not need to consult Members of Parliament.

By India Today Web Desk: A day after the Indian Army put in public domain the video of its recent punitive assaults on Pakistani posts along the LoC in Naushera, Defence Minister Arun Jaitley has said that its officers were free to take decisions in a "war-like" zone.

In response to a question on the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, Jaitley said on Wednesday, "Military solutions are to be provided by military officers. We should allow our Army officers to decide on how they must deal with a situation when they are in a war-like zone."

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He went on to add, "Our Army officers do not have to or need to consult Members of Parliament on what they should do under such circumstances."

MAJOR LEETUL GOGOI HONOURED BY ARMY

His comments seemed to be justifying Major Leetul Gogoi's action in tying a man to a jeep in Kashmir purportedly as a shield against stone pelters. Major Gogoi has been felicitated by the Army for such a step.

Gogoi claimed that by doing so, he managed to save many lives without having to fire even a single bullet. The video of Indian Army's recent strikes on Pakistan posts, that was made public yesterday, is being seen as action avenging the mutilation of our 2 soldiers earlier this month.

The Army also showed a video of some structures in a forested area crumbling in a heap under the impact of repeated shelling.

(WITH INPUTS FROM PTI)

Also read | Pakistan calls Indian Army's claim of punitive assault on its LoC post 'false'

Also read | Indian Army strikes Pakistan posts along LoC in Jammu and Kashmir, releases video of assault

Also read | Indian Army chief honours Major Gogoi who had tied Kashmiri man to his jeep as human shield

WATCH VIDEO

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Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' on Wednesday announced his resignation, in keeping with his agreement with the Nepali Congress, which had propped up his coalition government since last August.

Nepali Congress leader Sher Bahadur Deuba, who has also been the Prime Minister earlier, is likely to succeed him.

Prachanda, who made the announcement of his resignation in a televised address to the nation from his office, said it would end "a long drought of trust in Nepali politics".

There were several examples in Nepal's politics that leaders made commitments but never honoured them, he said.

"But today I am going to set an example and as per the accord reached with Nepali Congress, I am going to announce my resignation," he said.

Prachanda had earlier decided to announce his resignation in Parliament but changed his mind after the main opposition Communist Party of Nepal-Unified-Marxist-Leninist obstructed the house proceeding on Tuesday against the government decision to increase local units in various Tarai/Madhes districts. That would bring the Madhes-based parties in the local polls scheduled to take place in June 14.

After approving the resignation, President Bidhya Devi Bhandari will call on political parties to form a new government on the basis of two-thirds majority as per the constitutional process. If parties fail to garner two-thirds votes, the President will call for formation of the new government on the basis of majority votes.

It is likely that Deuba will contest for the Prime Minister's post on the basis of majority votes on the support of Prachanda's Communist Party of Nepal-Maoist Centre and take over probably by the end of next week.

He is likely to hold the second round of local polls on June 14 and will stay in power in February until periodic elections take place.

The agreement between Prachanda and Deuba was to run the government on a rotational basis until the next parliamentary elections in February 2018. Prachanda was to hold office till local polls are held and remaining two electionsprovincial and centralwere to be conducted under Deuba.

In his address, Prachanda said he was leaving as a "successful Prime Minister", highlighting the achievements of his government in ten months in office. The achievements included balancing ties with India and China, ending years' long power outrage and some good beginning in the fields of economy, health, infrastructure, education and, most importantly, holding the local elections which was considered challenging and crucial.

In his second stint in power, Prachanda was elected the 39th Prime Minister after forging alliance with the Nepali Congress on August 3, 2016.

He had become Prime Minister for the first time in August 2008 after his party emerged as the largest political party from the Constituent Assembly elections in the same year.

After then President Ram Baran Yadav turned down the Cabinet decision to remove the then army chief Rookmangud Katawal and ordered Katawal to remain in the office, Dahal had resigned on May 4, 2009.

Nepal held the first phase of local elections on May 14 in three provinces, mostly in hills, where the CPN-UML is reported to be ahead.

The second phase is to be held in four provinces, mostly in the plains known as Tarai or Madhes, where the number of local bodies is almost twice as those that went to polls in the first phase.
The suspected suicide bomber who killed 22 people at a concert in Manchester, northern England, on Monday has been identified as 22-year-old Salman Abedi, British police said.

Abedi was born in Manchester in 1994 to parents of Libyan birth, US security officials said, citing British intelligence officials. Prime Minister Theresa May confirmed Abedi was born and brought up in Britain.

His parents emigrated from Libya to London before moving to the Fallowfield area of south Manchester, where they have lived for at least 10 years, the US officials said.

Police raided a house in Elsmore Road in Fallowfield earlier on Tuesday.

A US government source said investigators were looking into whether Abedi had travelled to Libya and whether he had been in touch with Islamic State militants there.

According to newspaper reports, Abedi was believed to have returned to Britain from Libya recently.

The University of Salford, based in Manchester, said in a statement that Abedi was one of its students and it was helping the police with their investigation.

A 23-year-old man arrested by police in a separate move in south Manchester in connection with the attack on Tuesday was believed to be Abedi's brother, news reports said.

Abedi had a sister named Jomana Abedi, the US security officials said.

Abdalla Yousef, a spokesman for the Didsbury Mosque in Manchester, said Abedi's father and brother had prayed there but Abedi had worshipped at another mosque.

"I have managed to track down somebody who knows the family. He confirmed his father and sister and the rest of the family had moved to Libya and had moved there straight after the revolution after Gadaffi was killed," Yousef said.

He said it was possible the brothers had travelled between the two countries since then.

A trustee of the mosque, Fawzi Haffar, said Abedi's father was currently in Libya and had been there for a while.
Army sources say nothing has been found against Major Leetul Gogoi in the court of inquiry that was probing whether by tying alleged stone pelter Farooq Ahmad Dar to a jeep on day of by-polls in Srinagar, he had committed any human rights violations.

By Manjeet Negi: According to high-level Army sources, nothing has been found against Major Leetul Gogoi in the court of inquiry.

The court of inquiry was probing whether by tying Farooq Ahmad Dar - an alleged stone pelter - to a jeep on the day of by-polls in Srinagar on April 9, Gogoi had committed any gross human rights violations.

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Major Gogoi will continue to remain in Jammu.

What he did may not be technically right, but if there is a similar situation, Army will not take people to task, say sources in the Army.

GOGOI TO CONTINUE IN 53 RASHTRIYA RIFLES

Despite facing scathing criticism for its move to felicitate Major Gogoi that some feel will alienate locals in the Kashmir Valley further, the Army has decided to keep him on in 53 Rashtriya Rifles. He will finish his tenure.

Meanwhile, BJP leaders have hailed Gogoi for his decision to not open fire and saving many lives in the process. Even Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh has supported the Army's decision to award the brave officer.

The commendation letter for Major Gogoi came out yesterday. A Chief of Army Staff commendation is usually awarded by the COAS himself in order to ensure that there is no delay till August 15.

Also read | Omar calls inquiry against Major Gogoi in human shield case a 'farce'

Also read | Major Gogoi reveals how he saved 12 lives by tying Kashmiri man to his jeep as human shield

WATCH VIDEO

--- ENDS ---
A Connecticut imam has been detained by U.S. immigration agents and faces deportation to Pakistan.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials said Hafiz Abdul Hannan, the leader of the Masjid Al-Islam mosque in New Haven since 2013, was taken into custody at his home on Friday.

He was previously convicted of committing fraud in immigration documents and will remain in custody pending his removal from the United States, said Shawn Neudauer, an Immigration and Customs Enforcement spokesman.

Hannan previously served as a chaplain for the Middlesex House of Correction in Billerica, Massachusetts. He also was the leader of the Islamic Society of Greater Lowell in Chelmsford, Massachusetts.

He was one of 33 people arrested in 2006 in a nationwide investigation into immigrants who filled out phony applications for religious workers visas. At the time, leaders of the Islamic community in Massachusetts said the problem was an administrative error.

It was not immediately clear whether Hannan is represented by an attorney who can comment on his case.

A posting on the mosques website asks community members not to speak to the media about the situation.

Mosque leaders will make a statement if deemed necessary with more insight into the situation, it reads.

(AP)
Still celebrating last years success of Yitzy Schleifers hard-fought campaign to the Baltimore City Council, the Baltimore frum community is uniting towards the election of another community member, Dalya Attar, for the state legislature.

Dalya is vying for one of three House of Delegate seats in Legislative District 41. With Marylands 2018 Primary Elections a little more than a year away, several candidates have already filed or announced intentions to run in the 41st District, including a Jewish (non-Orthodox) incumbent and two Muslim candidates. Now joining that list is Dalya Attar, a former Bais Yaakov of Baltimore student who is married to Asaf Mehrzadi; they have two children.

The 41st legislative district, which encompasses all the Orthodox Jewish neighborhoods of Baltimore City, is larger than the city council district represented by Schleifer, and will require greater resources to win. Well need more donations, more sign locations, and more volunteers door knocking, said Dalya. But this is a very important race, and I hope the community will join the effort.

Prior to announcing her intent to run, Dalya conferred with local leading Rabbonim, securing their support for her campaign. The daughter of immigrants, Dalya wants to give back to the community that gave so much to her family. A former Bais Yaakov of Baltimore student, she holds a law degree from University of Maryland and today works as an Assistant States Attorney in Baltimore, prosecuting criminals and making our streets safer.

Dalya hopes to give the Orthodox community a voice in the legislature, with someone who understands the traditions and practices of the frum community. As the Baltimore Orthodox community expands rapidly, many believe it is time for a frum representative in the Maryland General Assembly.

Dalya could become the second Orthodox Jewish female elected to office in Baltimore, joining Chaya Karen Friedman, a Baltimore City Circuit Court judge who is married to askan Tzvi Howard Friedman.

Baltimores Orthodox community has a great relationship with political leaders around the state, and last year we elected a frum city councilman, but weve never had one of our own elected to the legislature, said Ronnie Rosenbluth, a local business owner and former member of the Baltimore City Democratic Central Committee. Our legislature has Jews, Muslims, Christians, and even a Lebanese-born representative, but no Orthodox Jew. Its time, and if our community steps up, this is a race we can win.

Dalya believes her background and experience will enable her to fight for all Baltimore City families. Born and raised in Baltimore, I know we can make great improvements to the citys quality of life. Watching Democrat insiders climb their way up the political system, I realized that Baltimore belongs to all of us. We need an outsiders voice in Annapolis who will speak for all our families and communities, making decisions to positively impact education, neighborhood development, job growth, and the atrocious crime and drug rates.

Dalya will be hosting her campaign kick-off on June 5 in Baltimore. For more information, please visit www.DalyaAttar.com.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
The Senate Intelligence Committee is issuing two new subpoenas to compel Michael Flynn to turn over documents about his contacts with Russian officials, committee leaders said Tuesday.

President Donald Trumps former national security adviser has invoked his Fifth Amendment rights in response to the committees previous subpoena attempt.

Committee leaders are directing the new subpoenas at his businesses, believing they cant invoke the Fifth.

DEVELOPING STORY
A New Jersey Republican congressman who helped push the House health care bill to passage quit his post Tuesday as a chairman of the chambers moderate Tuesday Group, criticizing colleagues for having different objectives and a different sense of governing than I do.

Rep. Tom MacArthur, a second-term congressman, announced his decision at a closed-door meeting of the group, which has roughly 50 members.

MacArthur played a central role in reviving the GOP legislation after an initial version collapsed under opposition from GOP moderates and conservatives. He and Rep. Mark Meadows, R-N.C., leader of the conservative House Freedom Caucus, wrote language that helped push the bill over the top early this month.

It included letting states get federal permission for insurers to boost premiums on some people with pre-existing medical conditions, and to drop insurance coverage requirements under President Barack Obamas health care law. Senate Republicans are now trying to write their own version of the legislation.

The House bill passed over opposition from all voting Democrats and 20 Republicans. Fifteen of those Republicans are in the Tuesday Group and argued that the measure went too far in diminishing health care coverage for people.

In a written statement, MacArthur said some members of the group bristled as he tried making the group a relevant force on key issues.

Clearly, our group is divided, the former insurance executive said. Many in the Tuesday Group are eager to live up to our ideal of being problem-solvers, while others seem unwilling to compromise.

Two group members said some lawmakers wanted MacArthur to relinquish his leadership post. One said the deal MacArthur negotiated made it easier for conservatives but harder for moderates to vote for the bill.

In addition, one member said MacArthur was told to not negotiate with the conservatives because hed be encroaching on the authority of some Tuesday Group members, who are senior members of committees with health care jurisdiction. The two members spoke on condition of anonymity to disclose internal group discussions.

MacArthur, who is staying in the group, said Republicans won a congressional majority partly because of their pledge to repeal Obamas law.

Inaction on health care was a non-starter for me, and it should be for our entire party. We owe it to the American people who elected us to fix the Obamacare mess, he said, adding later, Its clear that some in the Tuesday Group have different objectives and a different sense of governing than I do.

Democrats hoping to defeat MacArthur in next years elections criticized him.

In a statement by spokesman Evan Lukaske, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee  House Democrats political arm  said MacArthur showed a disturbing lack of regard for the families of his district and called him a right-wing ideologue.

(AP)
Chinas U.N. ambassador said Tuesday that multiple North Korean nuclear and ballistic missile tests, with no end in sight, show the very strong need for new talks with Pyongyang to reduce tensions and try to achieve denuclearization.

Liu Jieyi, whose country is closest to North Korea, said all progress with North Korea on eliminating nuclear weapons from the Korean peninsula has come through dialogue, so theres no reason why dialogue is not taking place in the current situation.

Liu spoke to reporters after emergency Security Council consultations behind closed doors on the Norths latest missile test.

The United States, Britain and France have been pushing for a new U.N. resolution with tougher sanctions against North Korea.

But Liu said China first and foremost wants to see the six sanctions resolutions against North Korea already adopted by the council fully implemented.

Meanwhile, we should also work to reduce tension, to de-escalate and also to try to achieve denuclearization through dialogue by political and diplomatic means, he said. Dialogue should take place because we can only resolve the issue through dialogue.

The Security Council late Monday strongly condemned North Koreas flagrant and provocative defiance of U.N. sanctions banning ballistic missile tests and again vowed to closely monitor the situation and take further significant measures including sanctions.

It also welcomed efforts by council members and others to facilitate a peaceful and comprehensive solution through dialogue with North Korea.

Last Friday, North Koreas deputy U.N. ambassador Kim In Ryong told U.N. correspondents that the government will rapidly strengthen its nuclear strike capability as long as the United States maintains its hostile policy toward the country.

He said that if the Trump administration wants peace on the Korean Peninsula it should replace the Armistice Agreement that ended the 1950-53 Korean War with a peace accord and halt its anti-North Korea policy, the root cause of all problems.

The Trump administration has said there should be no talks until North Korea takes steps toward getting rid of its nuclear arsenal.

During Tuesdays Security Council meeting, members were briefed by U.N. political chief Jeffrey Feltman, mainly on technical aspects of the weekend launch.

Uruguays U.N. Ambassador Elbio Rosselli, the current council president, said it was the 11th this year which basically means a quantum leap and determined effort to acquire aggressive capabilities, and that is of major concern.

Japans U.N. Ambassador Koro Bessho told reporters afterward that North Korea is acting in triumphant and emboldened manner by this most recent launch, and is now clearly demonstrating that it is determined to further bolster its nuclear build-up.

Calling the provocations an enormous global threat, he said the international community must not leave this total defiance of the Security Council unanswered.

Bessho said Japan hopes the council will strengthen the measures and strengthen the sanctions mechanism.

He said Japan is talking to the U.S., South Korea, and close neighbors Russia and China to make sure pressure on the North is continued and even strengthened so that North Korea will change its policy.

(AP)
Arshad Warsi, in a recent interview, revealed how paranoid he is about making a comment on national issues because he fears being asked to go to Pakistan.

By India Today Web Desk: Arshad Warsi may not be an ace in delivering Rs 100-crore films every year but he is, without a doubt, one of India's favourite actors.

In a career spanning more than a decade, Arshad Warsi has charmed Indians with his comic timing, simplicity and off-screen honesty. From Circuit in the Munna Bhai films to Babban in the Ishqiya films, Arshad Warsi has proven that he can give first-rate performances whenever he gets the right director.

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Therefore, it is rather sad that such a genial and humble actor would feel severely uncomfortable while giving just a simple statement to the press.

No matter what, Arshad will simply not offer his opinion on all that is going on in the country, be it a political or a social issue.

"Look how nervous I'm right now to even talk to you about it. That's how uncomfortable I am when it comes to making my opinion on different matters public, either on social media or otherwise," Arshad Warsi told Hindustan Times.

He added that if a celebrity offered his or her opinion online or offline, the person would be bullied on social media till the end of time.

"Honestly, I don't know why others are doing it. But I know that even if I tweet that I had chicken biryani for lunch, I'll be told to stay in Pakistan. That's the fear," said Arshad Warsi.

"Every time you say something, you get trolled for it so badly. It's not even worth it. That's why I stay away, and I'm happy," the actor said.

Speaking of celebrities who do tweet and get into trouble, recently actor and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Paresh Rawal tweeted that he would rather see eminent author and activist Arundhati Roy tied to an army jeep instead of a stone pelter.

Paresh Rawal's comments drew heavy criticism from various sections while another section of online trolls cheered Paresh Rawal on.

ALSO READ: Paresh Rawal wants Arundhati Roy and not stone pelter to be tied to an army jeep

WATCH: National vs anti-national debate over Ramjas College violence

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Gov. Chris Christie on Tuesday unveiled a plan to limit the impact on New Jersey commuters during an emergency track repair project at Penn Station, while New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo cautioned commuters in his state to prepare for a summer of hell.

Christie said that only riders on New Jersey Transits Morris and Essex Lines Midtown Direct service would be affected by the work from July through Labor Day, with their trains ending in Hoboken. He added that other lines were not expected to have significant delays but that he wouldnt guarantee it.

The New Jersey Republican bashed Amtrak as dishonest during a statehouse news conference, but he said the agency had promised daily track repair updates to New Jersey Transit and the chance to review all rail work.

Amtraks duplicity, their dishonesty and their inability to keep infrastructure in a state of good repair  we cant any longer  rely on Amtrak, Christie said.

Amtrak didnt immediately respond to a request for comment.

Cuomo, a Democrat, said Tuesday that a task force would be established to come up with short-term measures, but he called the delays that the repairs will cause for riders a looming emergency.

It will be a summer of hell for commuters, he said.

Recent derailments and other problems have pushed Amtrak to begin replacing aging tracks and other equipment at Penn Station, the nations busiest rail terminal. Amtrak operates the station that also includes Long Island Rail Road and New Jersey Transit commuter lines.

The Penn Station project is separate from a massive plan to build a new tunnel under the Hudson River connecting New York and New Jersey to replace an existing 110-year-old tunnel that is a source of regular delays due to overhead wire problems.

The two states have agreed to split half of the cost and then-President Barack Obamas administration had pledged to fund the other half. However, the budget proposed by President Donald Trump Tuesday would cut the funding program that the so-called Gateway project was set to use.

Trumps budget proposal includes a promise to launch a $1 trillion infrastructure plan, but it does not lay out specifics on what it will fund.

Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao said during a hearing last week that the Northeast Corridor project was a priority, noting that Trump is a New Yorker. She said Tuesday that the administration plans to issue a legislative plan in the fall.

Christie and Cuomo both reiterated calls that the private sector should take over Penn Station from Amtrak. Cuomo has also suggested the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey take control of the station.

New Jersey lawmakers announced later on Tuesday they will hold a joint, Democrat-led Assembly and Senate committee hearing on Christies announcement next week.

On weekdays, there are more than 110 Morris and Essex line trains that either start or end their trips in New York. NJ Transit estimates about 23,000 passengers ride the Morris and Essex into Penn Station daily, making it their No. 2 line.

Those trains will instead start or terminate in Hoboken, with PATH trains and ferries honoring NJ Transit fares, Christie said. Fares will be will be reduced by about half for riders on that. Christie estimated that could cost the state $15 million, but said he would find the money to cover it in the states $35.5 billion budget.

(AP)
During his recent visit to Israel, President Donald Trump made a 14-year old girls dream come true. Emilee Imbar has been battling cancer for the last seven years, and has dreamed of meeting with the U.S. President.

Rachashei Lev is Israels national support center for pediatric cancer patients, and among their hundreds of invaluable services, they have helped thousands of pediatric cancer patients to achieve their dreams.

Shimi Geshayed, Director of Rachashei Lev (pictured center) together with long time Rachashei Lev supporter, Prime Minister Benjamen Natanyahu, (left) were able to facilitate a meeting between Emilee and President Trump that neither of them are sure to forget. Despite the Presidents overwhelmingly packed schedule on his 27 hour trip to Israel, he was eager to meet this special girl and make her dream come true.

President Trump chatted with Emilee, asking about her health and wellbeing, and relating to her a little bit about the immense responsibilities of being a President of the United States. Emilee blessed and thanked President Trump, and presented him with a letter she wrote expressing her desire to meet him again  this time in the White House, where she hoped to do business with him, and maybe even to bring peace to the world. President Trump was visibly moved by Emilee and wished her good health and a speedy recovery. It was a momentous day for all.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
(PHOTOS IN EXTENDED ARTICLE)

According to police, there were 500 persons taking part in the Monday night protest by the Peleg faction. The protest was held on Sarei Yisrael/Nordau/Yaffo Streets. Police were tolerant to a point, already stretched thin due to the visit of US President Donald Trump.

At some point, an announcement was made that the gathering was illegal, as police were absolutely unwilling to play the cat-and-mouse game as some tried to close streets. Yassam commando police moved in to scatter the protestors, making at least one arrest.

It is reported the protest followed the arrest of a member of the Peleg community who refused to cooperate with military authorities.

(YWN  Israel Desk, Jerusalem/Photo Credit:    )
(PHOTOS IN EXTENDED ARTICLE)

Last Thursday, Aharon K., a resident of the Aish Kodesh settlement in the Gush Shilo area of the Shomron set out to work as usual toward his office in Israels Central District. On his way, his car was hit by a barrage of rocks, causing extensive damage to the vehicle. Soldiers from the Netzach Yehuda Battalion (Nachal Chareidi) who arrived on the scene drove away the terrorists, saving the life of Aharon, a father of five.

Aharon shares, On Thursday morning, on my way to work, I was attacked by terrorists. People who dont know me, who have no idea who I am, tried to murder me in cold blood on a road close to my house. They pummeled me with rocks from all directions. My car is totaled, but Im alive. The soldiers from Netzach Yehuda (Nachal Chareidi) arrived in minutes and chased after the terrorists. Im alive and well thanks to them.

In the last years, the Kochav HaShachar region has been the scene of sporadic violent terror attacks, which on several occasions, miraculously ended with no injuries. In July 2015, a shooting incident was reported from a car passing by Kochav HaShachar. The victims car sustained three bullet marks, but the driver returned fire, and the terrorists fled.

The Netzach Yehuda Battalion, which is stationed in the Binyamin region, was recently visited by IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-General Gadi Eizenkott. In the course of his visit, Eizenkott commended the Chareidi soldiers and expressed that he admires them for their perseverance.

Nachal Chareidi Foundation rabbis declare that Chareidi soldiers prove, time and again, that this is a winning combination that succeeds from all aspects, and that army service, religious observance and spiritual values are not contradictory, but on the contrary, boost each other.

Photo: Victim with chareidi soldier

(YWN  Israel Desk, Jerusalem/Photo Credit: Nachal Chareidi Foundation)
In 2016, Israeli Trade with the United States (Not Including Diamonds) Grew to $20.3 Billion  Compared to $19.8 Billion in 2015.

The following statistics are from the Foreign Trade Administration at the Israeli Ministry of Economy and Industry:

Israel signed a free-trade agreement with the US in 1985. This is the first free-trade agreement ever signed by the US, and only the second one signed by Israel (the first was with the European Union).

In 2016, trade of goods between the US and Israel reached $27 billion, $17.6 billion of which was Israeli exports to the United States and $9.4 billion imports from the United States to Israel.

Per capita, Israel is the USs 12th largest export recipient, and despite its small size, is overall the 25th largest importer of American goods.

Trade of goods constitutes some 50% of economic activity between the two countries: trading in services constitutes 19%; and investments makes up the additional 31%.

Israeli export of goods to the US (not including the diamond industry) is concentrated in two main sectors: chemicals (including pharmaceutical products) and electronic equipment. These two sectors constitute more than 50% of the total export of goods from Israel to the US.

Imports from the US come mainly from the following sectors: electronic equipment, transportation equipment (mainly aviation) and chemicals. These constitute more than 50% of imports from the US to Israel.

In 2016, some 5,000 Israeli companies exported to the US.

A significant number of American companies have production facilities in Israel including Intel, HP, Applied Materials, Perigo, Unilever and others.

Many large multinational corporations like Microsoft, Intel, Apple, Google, Motorola, IBM and others have established R&D centers in Israel.

In 2014, American investments in Israel reached $9.7 billion and Israeli investments in the US reached $6.1 billion.

There are a number of joint research and development channels between the two nations, including the BIRD Foundation established by the US Government and Israel in 1977. Some $110 million in joint investments have been made by the foundation. It is the largest binational industrial R&D foundation established by the Israeli government.

Since its establishment, the fund has supported more than 800 joint R&D projects and has allotted grants totaling $400 million. The products developed as part of these joint projects have brought in over $4 billion in revenues and have created thousands of workplaces in the US.

In addition, the United States-Israel Binational Science Fund (BSF) supports basic research and the Binational Agricultural Research and Development Fund (BARD Fund) supports joint research on agricultural developments.

The Israeli Ministry of Economy and Industry has 5 trade missions in the US: New York, Washington, Chicago, Houston and San Francisco. They support and promote Israeli exporters and foster investments in Israel.

In 2016, the Israeli Ministry of Economy and Industry, through the efforts of its network of trade representatives, organized thousands of meetings for Israeli companies, whether at national pavilions at exhibitions such as RSA, HIMSS, CES, PMA, and the Israel Dealmakers Summit or by organizing dozens of delegations of companies to the US in various sectors such as: water, energy, cyber-security, medical equipment, Ed-Tech, FinTech, food and more).

(YWN  Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
Due to severe drought conditions in areas of S. Africa, Chief Rabbi Warren Goldstein is calling for tefilos and fasting from community members in the hope of Rachmei Shomayim for badly-needed rainfall.

Following is an email message sent by Rabbi Goldstein:

Dear Friends,

The drought in the Western Cape is serious. Dam levels are very low and the region desperately needs rain.

Our sages teach us that in drought, as in all situations of crisis, it is important to turn to Hashem for His blessings, as well as to introspect and find areas to improve in our daily lives.

This week Thursday, 25 May, is a significant day. It is the day before Rosh Chodesh and is known in our tradition as Yom Kippur Katan  a miniature Yom Kippur.

In light of the current circumstances, I would like to call on as many members of the community who feel able to, to undertake a half-day fast, from daybreak to midday (12:44pm in Cape Town and 12:05pm in Johannesburg) this Thursday. This fasting should be accompanied by thoughts of introspection, as well as heartfelt prayers to Hashem.

All who are able to should participate, even those who do not live in the Cape area, as an act of solidarity, care and concern for our broader community.

May Hashem bring the rains of blessing to the Western Cape.

Chief Rabbi Warren Goldstein

(YWN  Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
Police report the following information as a result of the preliminary investigation into the Tuesday morning 27 Iyar stabbing attack on Herzl Street in Netanya in which an officer was wounded. Following the attack, police told the media the motive for the attack was uncertain, but now, it appears the attack was an act of Islamic terrorism.

The attacker is described to be a 45-year-old Tulkarem resident, which is under the control of the PA (Palestinian Authority). The attacker, who was moderately wounded by gunfire, stabbed a border policeman in his neck. The wounded soldier responded by neutralizing his attacker. He shouted Ala Akbar prior to stabbing the policeman.

A woman was injured by glass fragments. She was transported to a hospital as well.

Upon arrival at Laniado Hospital, he policemans condition was reported to be more serious that first believed.

(YWN  Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
NY State Assemblyman Dov Hikind (D-Brooklyn) will address a rally at the CUNY offices on 42nd street in Manhattan this Thursday, May 25, to protest the invitation to terrorism apologist Linda Sarsour to keynote CUNYs Commencement ceremony. Sarsour was invited by Ayman El-Mohandes, dean of CUNYs Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy.

The insensitivity, hypocrisy and irresponsibility at CUNY is almost beyond belief, said Hikind. The ultra-left are defending Linda Sarsours invitation to deliver a prestigious commencement speech while ignoring the real issue. Sarsour promotes violence. Sarsour glorifies terrorists. This type of person is unacceptable as a commencement speaker. This is something New York State funded schools should distance themselves from, not tacitly approve.

Hikind praised activist/author Pam Geller for putting together Thursdays rally. No else has really done anything, said Hikind. Its more than disappointingits a shocking, deafening silence. Where is the ADL? Where are major Jewish organizations? I was pleased to see a letter from the Catholic League yesterday to CUNYs Chairman condemning Sarsours appearance at the school. Many, many people understand how dangerous Sarsours messages are and the terrifying ramifications of CUNY tacitly approving her message. So here is a chance to really be heard. CUNY cleverly scheduled its commencement for the Jewish holiday of Shavuot, making it impossible for observant Jews to attend. So this Thursdays rally is our one opportunity to stand together and tell CUNYand everyone who listenshow immoral it is to offer a platform to anyone who applauds terrorism and glorifies terrorists and calls for violence upon the innocent.



Linda Sarsour in her own words:

April 2, 2017  Praised convicted PFLP (Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine) terrorist Rasmea Odeh when the two addressed a conference in Chicago on April 2, 2017. Sarsour told the audience she was honored and privileged to be here in this space, and honored to be on this stage with Rasmea.

March, 2017  Told The Nation that you cannot be a Zionist and a Feminist. Is there room for people who support the state of Israel and do not criticize it in the movement? There cant be in feminism.

October 2016  Praised the Intifada, a movement that encourages random stabbings and rock throwing at Israeli civilians. She tweeted Intifada has brought us some of the most important coverage and Palestine related news. They are invaluable on many fronts.

October 11, 2015  Glorified and encouraged Arab stone throwers who target Israelis by calling them The definition of courage and tweeting a photo of a three-year-old with rocks.

August 18, 2015  Tweeted Free #Muhammadallan in support of the jailed Islamic Jihad terrorist who was involved in the recruitment of suicide bombers.

March 8, 2011  Attacked a Somali-born activist and critic of radical Islam, writing on Twitter that Hirsi Ali deserved to be physically assaulted for her views. Brigitte Gabriel = Ayaan Hirsi Ali. Shes asking 4 an a$$ whippin. I wish I could take their vaginas away  they dont deserve to be women.

2003  Expressed regret after U.S. forces captured Iraqi dictator and mass murderer Saddam Hussein, telling Newsday, my Arab pride was hurt I felt humiliated by the way Hussein was caught and shown, disheveled and pathetic-looking, on international television.

(YWN Headquarters  NYC)
LondonColonel Richard Justin Kemp, former Commander of British Forces in Afghanistan, and one of the worlds leading military and intelligence experts, has accepted an invitation to join the Honorary Advisory Board of the UK Committee for the Preservation of Har Hazeisim. Col. Kemp also worked for the Joint Intelligence Committee and COBR and completed 14 operational tours of duty around the globe. Fittingly, the British military giant accepted the invitation on a day that he visited Har Hazeisim in Yerushalayim.

We are extremely honored that a man of Colonel Kemps stature has taken such a strong interest in the security and welfare of Har Hazeisim, said Avrohom Lubinsky, Chairman of the International Committee for the Preservation of Har Hazeisim (ICPHH). Col. Kemps involvement further demonstrates the ties by the British to Har Hazeisim, Mr. Lubinsky added. Last summer,the UKCPHH was officially launched at a ceremony in the House of Commons, with the participation of Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia (a member of the Royal family), a representative of Prince Charles, MK Matthew Offord and diplomats from several countries. Princess Anne of Battenberg, the mother of Prince Philip is buried in the Catholic section of Har Hazeisim. She is also included in the Yad Vashem section on chasidei umos haolam for her role in saving Jews in Athens doing the Holocaust.

Kemp was attached to the Cabinet Office from 20012006, with a six-month posting to Afghanistan in 2003. At the Cabinet Office he worked for the Joint Intelligence Committee and the national crisis management group, COBR, during the period of the 2005 London bombings and a series of high-profile kidnappings of British nationals in Iraq and Afghanistan. While working at the Cabinet Office his responsibilities included Iraq, and he made several visits to Baghdad, Fallujah and Mosul. He was involved in devising and developing government strategies and policies on counter terrorism. He was promoted colonel in 2004, and retired from the army in 2006.

While in Afghanistan, Kemp set up and led an ad hoc joint counter-terrorist operations group comprised of forces from the US Marine Corps 4th Marine Expeditionary Brigade (Antiterrorism) and the British Army, which achieved a number of successes against Al Qaeda- associated extremists in Kabul.

Kemp testified before the United Nations Fact Finding Mission on the Gaza Conflict, denying allegations that Israel engaged in war crimes and crimes against humanity during the Gaza War in December 2008 to January 2009. Kemp based his assessment on publicly available information from both sides, press reports and his 30-year experience of counter-terrorism operations and planning. In June 2009, Kemp wrote Hamas, The Gaza War And Accountability Under International Law for the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs. In this paper, Kemp accused Hamas of deploying women and children as suicide attackers, and wrote that women and children are trained and equipped to fight, collect intelligence and ferry arms and ammunition between battles.

In October 2009, Kemp made a presentation to the United Nations Human Rights Council in response to the Goldstone Report in which Israel and Hamas were accused of war crimes and possible crimes against humanity during the Gaza War. Speaking to the UN HRC on behalf of UN Watch, Kemp said: Of course innocent civilians were killed. War is chaos and full of mistakes. There have been mistakes by the British, American and other forces in Afghanistan and in Iraq, many of which can be put down to human error. But mistakes are not war crimesBased on my knowledge and experience, I can say this: during Operation Cast Lead, the Israeli Defense Forces did more to safeguard the rights of civilians in the combat zones than any other army in the history of warfare.

Kemp also claimed to have relied on Israeli expertise in Afghanistan. He said he received help from an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) anti-suicide bombing expert and the Mossad, following the 2005 London bombings. Kemp was highly critical of the automatic assumption that everything the IDF does is illegal. He said there is harsh criticism against the US and British armys as well, but they are given the benefit of the doubt. Israel is always automatically condemned, no matter what. Its a joke. Even the conspiracy theory that the one responsible for the 11 September attacks is not al-Qaeda but Israel refuses to die out, its unbelievable.

Asked about his pro-IDF point of view, Kemp responded: I consider myself as having an objective view of whats happening over here. The IDF does not need me to defend them; they have proven it over the years, he said. Its the dispassionate military perspective that I bring. Regarding media bias, he said: It was clear to me that there was a great deal of propaganda that was being generated against Israel, and then being exploited by people who didnt understand military matters and didnt want to question it, it suited their agenda to vilify Israel.
Federal authorities have probed a rash of reported sightings of unmanned drones flying about a former nuclear weapons site in South Carolina, but say none could be verified.

The U.S. Energy Department says it investigated a dozen reported sightings since June at the sensitive Savannah River Site. The Augusta Chronicle reported the Energy Department briefed a local citizens board Monday about their findings.

The agencys conclusion? No drones were found or confirmed.

Pilots have long been told to avoid airspace over the Savannah River Site near South Carolinas line with Georgia. So, when the sightings were first reported, the site made public address announcements and sent emails to its workers to watch the skies. Security guards even checked vehicles, trying to ferret out drones or their pilots.

(AP)
A top paramilitary officer serving in the north-east alleged in a report that the security forces conducted a fake encounter in Assam when they killed two alleged militants.

The paramilitary officer has alleged that the encounter near Simlaguri village was staged. (File photo for representation)

By Jitendra Bahadur Singh: A top paramilitary officer serving in India's north-east has alleged in a report that the security forces conducted a fake encounter in Assam when they killed two alleged militants.

Gujarat cadre IPS officer Rajnish Rai, Inspector General of Police with the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), has raised several questions regarding the encounter, which was carried out as a joint operation by the Army, the Assam police, the CRPF and the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) in Chirang district of Assam in the early hours of March 30 this year.

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In his report sent to the CRPF headquarters in Delhi, Rai, who is currently posted in Shillong, has alleged that the encounter near Simlaguri village under Amguri police station that led to the death of two suspected members of the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (Songbijit) or NDFB(S) faction, was staged.

The report says the two men were picked up from a house in D-Kalling village and killed in cold blood in Simlaguri.

ALSO READ | Chhattisgarh: Hunger, thirst and illness stunt CRPF men in Maoist hotbed

ALSO WATCH | CRPF nabs 4 Maoists involved in Sukma attack that killed 25 jawans

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A challenge to the governments practice of collecting certain internet communications can move forward, a federal appeals court ruled Tuesday.

A three-judge panel of the 4th U.S. Circuit Court ruled the Wikimedia Foundation has standing to sue the National Security Agency over its upstream surveillance practice, reversing a lower-court decision tossing the groups case.

An attorney for the American Civil Liberties Union, which brought the case, called the decision an important victory for the rule of law.

The NSA has secretly spied on Americans internet communications for years, but now this surveillance will finally face badly needed scrutiny in our public courts, Patrick Toomey said in a statement. We look forward to arguing this case on the merits, he said.

This ACLU argues that the upstream surveillance of the internets backbone of digital networks violates constitutional protections of free speech and privacy.

The NSA recently announced it will no longer permit intelligence officials to collect emails, texts and other communications between two people who mention a target by name, but are not themselves targets of surveillance. The agency said it will limit such collection to internet communications sent directly to or from a foreign target.

But Toomey said he doesnt believe the agencys decision to scale back its surveillance will have an impact on the case.

While the NSA has suspended a controversial piece of its upstream surveillance, it still continues, Toomey said. Furthermore, the NSA hasnt said it wont go back to its broader collection practice in the future, he said.

That makes it very important that we continue to press ahead with this challenge, Toomey said.

The 4th Circuits decision only revives Wikimedias claim; the court said other groups that brought the initial lawsuit in 2015  including Amnesty International USA and the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers  dont have legal standing.

The 4th Circuit said Wikimedias allegations are enough to make the plausible conclusion that NSA has intercepted and reviewed some of its communications. Wikimedia can sue under the First Amendment because it has self-censored its speech and sometimes forgone electronic communications because of the NSAs surveillance, the court said.

Indeed, theres nothing speculative about it  the interception of Wikimedias communications is an actual injury that has already occurred, Judge Albert Diaz wrote.

The government can ask the full 4th Circuit to hear the case.

(AP)
Marks & Spencers army of private shareholders must wonder what is going on at their favourite store chain. Shares are up 20 per cent in the last three months but profits have dived 11 per cent before the big bill for chief executive Steve Rowes changes.

Actual profits before tax came in at just 176.4m, down a whopping 63.5 per cent. These are shocking numbers for a company with group sales of 10.6bn and a dominant player in the market for womens lingerie, and with the best own-label food offering in Britain.

What also looks a little odd is the decision to maintain the dividend payout at 18.7p a share when earnings per share came in at just 7.2p. Lowering the dividend is always a traumatic decision but if Rowe was serious about dramatically reshaping the enterprise he would have let investors suffer a bit as well as the workforce, which is being cut as underperforming stores are axed.

Shocking: Actual profits before tax came in at just 176.4m, down a whopping 63.5 per cent

The jump in the share price this spring, when household budget allegedly are being squeezed, largely is based around the idea that Archie Norman can put things right as the new chairman. Operationally, he is regarded as very good although if one looks closer at the turnaround at ITV it has far more to do with the creative thinking of its soon-to-depart chief executive Adam Crozier than Normans light touch.

What is certainly true is that, despite all the investment in recent years in rebuilding the companys logistics, digital offerings and platforms, it is not best in class yet.

It comes as no surprise that Rowe has prioritised food, with revenue growth strong and quality as good as ever when compared to would-be challengers such as Waitrose and Sainsburys.

But the big bucks are made in clothing and homeware, which have generous margins. The difficulty is that for the second generation of top management in succession, M&S is without its own rag trade executive at the very top.

I recall visiting Sir Stuart Rose at M&S in 2004 and he shared his office with rails of womens blouses as he weeded out unwanted ranges. One cant imagine Rowe or Norman doing that.

Meanwhile, the self-mutilation goes on with the closure of international operations which must be the future for one of Britains great global brands in a post-Brexit world. What M&S really needs is a female fashion executive at board rather than operational level.

Jill McDonald, the high-profile recruit from bike supplier Halfords, might well do the job. But it took American style gurus Rose Marie Bravo followed by Angela Ahrendts to put the fizz back into dilapidated Burberry.

Broken China

There is a fashionable view, propagated by Davos devotees, that Donald Trumps failings as leader of the free world means Chinese President Xi Jinping is filling the vacuum as advocate of global co-operation. It is patently nonsense since there is little that is free about Chinese society and woe betide businesses which upset Beijing.

Credit ratings agency Moodys is taking off the rose-tinted glasses. It has cut Chinas credit rating for the first time since 1989 and is now regarded as weaker than neighbour Taiwan.

Behind the ruling is Moodys concern about Beijings inability to suppress the ballooning corporate debt, which now runs at 277 per cent of total Chinese output.

China is able to sustain such debt levels because much of the paper is owned by domestic investors and the assumption is that if something went wrong the central committee would step in.

But we saw last year, when the Chinese stock market went into freefall, how ill-equipped its economic masters are to deal with crisis and the IMF had to offer basic lessons to prevent a full-scale implosion.

Xi doesnt walk on water just yet.

Unhinged advisers

Appalling in this age of Mayonomics that fat cat bankers are lining up to collect 68m in fees from the 2.2bn energy services merger of Wood Group and Amec Foster.

If anything represents untrammelled free markets it is the greed of City advisers.

We can at least be grateful that the deal prospectus alerts investors to the possible involvement of both companies in a probe by Serious Fraud Office into alleged bribery at Unaoil.

Thats all right then!
Tycoon Jim Ratcliffe yesterday snapped up around 800m of oil and gas assets in the North Sea in his latest bid to turn his firm into a global force.

His private firm Ineos is buying Danish company Dong Energys oil and gas business, giving it access to a further potential 570m barrels of gas and oil reserves across ten fields in Denmark, Norway and the UK.

Splashing out: Jim Ratcliffe's firm Ineos is buying Dong Energys oil and gas business

It makes Ineos the largest private producer in the North Sea. Ratcliffe founded Ineos in 1998, and moved into offshore oil and gas in 2015, buying fields from Fairfield Energy and German group DEA.

He boosted his control over the North Sea last month buying BPs Forties pipeline system, linking 84 North Sea oil and gas assets to the UK mainland including Ineos chemicals factory in Grangemouth.

Billionaire Ratcliffe, 64, said of the purchase: This business is very important to us at this stage of our growth plans and we are delighted with the expertise that comes with it.
The owner of British Airways has attacked Heathrows plan to build a third runway across the M25, saying it would add 3bn to an over-inflated bill.

Willie Walsh, chief executive of IAG, which owns BA, said Heathrows third landing strip was over-complicated and would mean extra costs, saying it should be shorter, to make sure it doesnt breach the motorway.

Tailspin: Willie Walsh said Heathrows third landing strip was over-complicated and would mean extra costs

BA claimed Heathrows plan for the runway to bridge the M25 would add 2bn- 3bn to a 17bn bill.

Heathrow said the shorter option was ruled out as it didnt comply with noise and environmental laws.
The UKs largest defence company hit an all-time high yesterday after Donald Trump pledged to increase US army spending by around 42bn next year.

BAE Systems added 270.3m to its value after the US Presidents budget suggested increasing total defence costs to 465.6bn, which is around 10 per cent higher than current budget caps.

With 37 per cent of BAEs sales exposed to US defence, analysts at UBS said the firm is well placed to benefit from the proposals.

BAEs valuation is attractive relative to US and European peers, the broker said, although it named UK aerospace firm Cobham as another beneficiary.

The company was also boosted by the news that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved a long-awaited policy to increase defence manufacturing  BAE has been increasingly looking to India as a source of future growth. In January the firm received a 418.4m contract from the US Department of Defence to provide the country with two missile launchers. Shares rose by 1.3 per cent, or 8.5p, to reach 650p.

The FTSE 100 rose 0.4 per cent, or 29.61 points, to 7514.90, despite mining stocks taking a hit after the ratings agency Moodys downgraded China over its ability to meet financial commitments such as debt payments.

With China one of the worlds largest metals consumers, the basic materials sub-sector of the FTSE spent much of the day in the red. In particular, Randgold Resources fell 1.5 per cent, or 105p, to 7135p, while Centamin sank 1.8 per cent, or 3.1p, to 165.7p.

Budget airline EasyJet was one of the indexs biggest winner yesterday, despite many expecting the stock to suffer this week in the fallout from Mondays terrorist incident in Manchester.

Analysts at Liberum raised EasyJets target price to 1000p from 825p, although they maintained a sell rating on the stock.

EasyJet rose 3.3 per cent, or 43p, to 1344p yesterday, and is now up 5.9 per cent for the week.

In the mid-cap index, IT firm Softcat was among the biggest losers as it raised eyebrows with the announcement that chief executive Martin Hellawell will now become the companys chairman. The move opposes recommendations in the corporate governance code, which states the two roles are too closely connected.

Investment company Schroders faced similar criticism last year when shareholders staged a rebellion over chief executive Michael Dobsons move to chairman.

But Softcat said it made the choice as a result of Hellawells extensive and unparalleled experience, adding that it was in the interest of shareholders to continue to benefit from this.

Regardless, investors ran for the door, with shares down 8.4 per cent, or 38.6p, to 419p.

The soft drinks firm Britvic advanced after proving its worth in the face of strong newcomer Fever-Tree Drinks with a stellar set of results.

The company, which was overtaken by Fever-Tree as the largest soft drinks firm in the UK last month, said revenues increased by 11.5 per cent year-on-year in the six months to April 16.

But Britvic, which sells drinks such as Robinsons, J2O and Pepsi in the UK, saw profits fall 4.9 per cent to 38.6m over the period.

Regardless, shares rose 2.5 per cent, or 17.5p, to 720.5p.
A special CBI court hearing the 1992 Babri Masjid demolition cases is likely to frame additional charges on May 25 against BJP leader L K Advani and other accused.

By Press Trust of India: A special CBI court hearing the 1992 Babri Masjid demolition cases is likely to frame additional charges on May 25 against BJP leader L K Advani and other accused after the Supreme Court ordered restoring of the serious criminal conspiracy offence against them.

The court on Wednesday granted bail to former Shiv Sena MP Satish Pradhan after he surrendered here in another Babri Masjid demolition case. Special CBI court judge S K Yadav granted him bail on two sureties of Rs 20,000 each and a personal bond of the same amount.

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Pradhan appeared in the court and moved a surrender application, which was allowed and he was sent to judicial custody, special public prosecutor CBI Lalit Kumar Singh, adding he later moved a bail plea.

The special court here, which began day-to-day hearing in the politically sensitive case on May 20 after a Supreme Court direction, had earlier granted bail to five VHP leaders in this case. Besides Ram Vilas Vedanti (59), those who were granted relief by the CBI court on Saturday were VHP leaders Champat Rai (71), Baikunth Lal Sharma (88), Mahant Nritya Gopal Das (79) and Dharmdas Maharaj (68).

Pradhan had failed to appear on Saturday and also on Monday.

CBI ORDERS FRAMING OF CHARGES AGAINST ACCUSED

The CBI court today also ordered framing of charges against the accused in light of the Supreme Court order dated April 19, 2017. It has fixed May 25 for it, the special public prosecutor said here.

The Supreme Court had on April 19 directed that Advani, Union Minister Uma Bharti and BJP veteran Murli Manohar Joshi will face trial on conspiracy charges. It had transferred their case from Raebareli to Lucknow.

It directed the special court to start proceedings in the matter within a month and deliver its verdict within two years.

The apex court had dubbed the demolition of the medieval era monument as a "crime" which shook the "secular fabric of the Constitution" and allowed CBIs plea on restoration of serious offence of criminal conspiracy against the VVIP accused.

In its 40-page judgement, it had termed the Allahabad High Courts February 12, 2001 verdict dropping conspiracy charge against Advani and others as "erroneous". The matter is likely to have political implications, particularly against 89-year old Advani, reported to be a front-runner for the post of the President.

SUPREME COURT SLAMMED CBI FOR DELAY IN TRIAL

The apex court had also come down heavily on the CBI for the delay of 25 years in the trial.

It said "the accused persons have not been brought to book largely because of the conduct of the CBI in not pursuing the prosecution of the aforesaid alleged offenders in a joint trial, and because of technical defects which were easily curable, but which were not cured by the state government."

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While a charge sheet in the Lucknow court was filed in October 1993, a supplementary charge sheet was filed in November 1996. A supplementary charge sheet was also filed in May 2003 in Rae Bareli court.

Issuing a slew of directions, the apex court had said the proceedings in the case against Advani and five others in the court of the special judicial magistrate at Raebareli will be transferred to the court of additional sessions judge (Ayodhya Matters) at Lucknow.

It had said additional charges will be framed under Section 120-B (conspiracy) and the other provisions of the penal code mentioned in the joint charge sheet filed by the CBI against the accused.

WHO ALL ON THE RADAR

Besides the BJP three leaders, the conspiracy charge would now be invoked against Vinay Katiar, Sadhvi Ritambara and Vishnu Hari Dalmia, who were being tried at Raebareli.

The apex court had directed the Lucknow court to take on a day-to-day basis the hearing of the case after transfer of the proceedings from Raebareli and framing of additional charges.

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The trial will be taken from the stage at which they were both at Raebareli and Lucknow, it had said.

There shall be no fresh trial. There shall be no transfer of the judge conducting the trial until the entire trial concludes. The case shall not be adjourned on any ground except when the sessions court finds it impossible to carry on the trial for that particular date, it had said.

Also read | Babri Case: Ram Vilas Vedanti, Champat Rai, 3 others reach CBI court in Lucknow to surrender

Also read | Uma Bharti on Babri Masjid demolition: I want to know what the conspiracy is all about

Also read | Vinay Katiyar, accused in Babri case, on Lalu's Modi's-conspiracy-against-Advani remark: Some truth to it

ALSO WATCH VIDEO

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The security agencies claimed that this group was responsible for the Gulshan cafe attack last year.

By Sahidul Hasan Khokon: Three people were arrested from Gomastapur of Chapai Nawabganj district on Wednesday as the anti-militant campaign in Bangladesh is going on.

The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) conducted a raid on Wednesday at Nachole and Gomastapur upazilas of the district. The search operation were conducted in four houses of two upazilas.

After the operation, Commander of the RAB-5, Lieutenant Colonel Mahbub Alam said the searches were carried out after the arrest of 3 people and they are the members of the neo-JMB Sarwar-Tamim Group. The security agencies claimed that this group was responsible for the Gulshan cafe attack last year.

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He further said, "3 people were arrested at night, they are neo-JMB members. Besides, the person who was arrested on Wednesday will be interrogated. "Action will also be taken against him, if he is involved in militancy."

ARMS RECOVERED

Alam added that 4 foreign pistols, a toy pistol, 12 round bullets, 3 magazines, a cartridge and 3 kg gun powder were recovered during the search operation. The neo-JMB members arrested are: Abdur Sakur alias Sukuddi (33), Saiful Alam (43) and Jahangir Alam (43).

Alam said that the anti-militancy campaign will continue even after 4 search operations were completed.

In the last couple of months, 70 militants have been killed in at least 16 anti-militancy operations across the country.

Also read: 28 youngsters detained on charges of homosexuality in Bangladesh

Also read: If Bangladesh wants, India will support during eleventh national election

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MBABANE  Former SwaziBank Loan Officer Mnqobi Bahle Shongwe has been arrested for allegedly defrauding the institution money amounting to E6 419 000.

Shongwe (31) of Siphofaneni under Chief Maphilingo Shongwe made his appearance before Mbabane Magistrate Sifiso Vilakati charged with fraud.

It is alleged that the Shongwe, who was entrusted with monitoring and reviewing of Small Medium Micro Enterprise credit facilities, misrepresented to the bank that eight companies were entitled to bank overdraft limit amounts between the period of January 2016 and April 2017.

However, it appeared that after Shongwe was allegedly questioned by the bank superiors in connection with the alleged offence, he tendered a resignation letter to the company.

An overdraft is an extension of credit from a lending institution when an account reaches zero. This allows the individual or account holder to continue withdrawing money even if the account has no funds in it or not enough to cover the withdrawal.

The charge sheet reflects that by his alleged means of misrepresentation, the bank released the money to the companies resulting in the actual loss and prejudice to the aforementioned sum.

The companies are Beaver Construction, Valds Investment (PTY) LTD, Okumhlophe Investments T/A Kholoza Construction, Avenda Investments (PTY) LTD, Sibane Icons (PTY) LTD, Sinet Investments (PTY) LTD, Smengezwi Investments (PTY) LTD and Masuku Impulsive Investments (PTY) LTD.

The second charge in the charge sheet reflects that Musa Lethumusa Vilakati 36 of Mqaphozini under Chief Lusendvo Fakudze had been charged with Sinet Investments (PTY) (LTD) in connection with the alleged theft of E1 100 000 in the same institution.

Buddy Masango, who is representing the Crown in the matter, applied that the accused be remanded in custody until May 30, 2017 pending committal to the High Court.

After they were remanded in custody, Magistrate Vilakati advised them to approach the High Court for bail due to the nature of the charges they were facing.

The accuseds arrest comes after this publications Investigations Desk has established that there was a certain bank employee who allegedly manipulated laid-down procedures to offer unwarranted overdraft facilities to the companies.

The investigations unveiled that the most benefitting company from the illegal act was allegedly awarded E1 847 232.62 while the minimum paid was E148 611.51.
By India Today Web Desk: Comedy queen Bharti Singh is all set to tie the knot with writer of hit comedy shows Haarsh Limbachiyaa by the end of this year. While we all have seen the couple's chemistry in dance reality show Nach Baliye, Haarsh's recent Instagram post says something about his family life.Haarsh has tattooed the word DAD on his arm, with a crown on top of it. He captioned it as: "One more addition, my king my dad." Till now, we only knew about the queen in his life.

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Haarsh is reportedly at least five years younger to Bharti, and their chemistry has left the judges impressed.

Also read: Bride-to-be Bharti Singh talks about her beau for the first time; and it's really cute

The couple will tie the knot by November-December. "I am very excited for the wedding but more so for all the ceremonies, like 'mehendi' and 'sangeet'. I want to do it all because throughout the year we work hard and don't get to do these things," she had told TellyChakkar.

"Harsh is so simple that he doesn't like all this 'shor-sharaba' but I am quite the opposite, I like all these things. He had to agree with me because I am his would-be-wife," she added.

Can't wait for the wedding of the year.

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"I landed with my wife in Canada on May 18 as I had a family event to attend. But the Canadian border agency at the airport did not allow me to enter the country. I told them that I am a retired senior officer of the Indian police, the CRPF. But, they did not heed to my statements and instead talked to me very rudely and in an unpleasant manner. They told me that my force had indulged in human rights violations," Dhillon told PTI.

Dhillon was given a document at the airport that stated he was a "prescribed senior official in the service of a government that, in the opinion of the Minister, engages or has engaged in terrorism, systematic or gross human rights violations, or genocide, a war crime or a crime against humanity".

Dhillon said while his wife was allowed to enter Canada, he had to leave with a heavy heart, from a country he has visited many times in the last 30 years. Dhillon said he had a valid visa for Canada till 2024 but despite that he was not allowed to enter the country. "The authorities should apologise," he said.

Dhillon was a national level shooter and instrumental in setting up infrastructure for the shooting discipline during the 2010 Commonwealth Games held in the national capital.

"I was finally put on a plane back to India on May 20. I feel bad that the Canadian authorities, at the lower levels, are trying to antagonise a uniformed force of India and the men and women who have given their blood and sweat for the security of the country," he said.

External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Gopal Baglay termed the characterisation of a reputed force like the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) as "completely unacceptable". "We have seen the news report regarding denial of entry by Canadian authorities to a senior retired Indian Police Officer. Such a characterisation of a reputed force like the CRPF is completely unacceptable. We have taken up the matter with the Government of Canada," Baglay said.

Canada has regretted its officer telling the retired CRPF officer that he served in an organisation that allegedly engaged in "terrorism" and "gross human rights violations". In a statement, High Commissioner of Canada Nadir Patel said the language in the document "does not reflect the government of Canada's policy toward India or any particular organisation, including the Central Reserve Police Force of India. The Central Reserve Police Force plays an important role in upholding law and order in India".

"We are aware of media reports that an Indian national was denied entry to Canada, despite having had a valid visa. We regret any inconvenience that may have been experienced by this individual and their family," Patel said in his statement. "Canada's privacy laws prevent me from commenting further," he added.

In his statement, Patel, who is himself of Indian origin, noted that Canada continued to welcome record numbers of Indians for study, tourism, business, and visiting friends and family and that "from time to time, with such a large number of applications, oversights on visa applications can happen which is regrettable".
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By Bill Parry

LaGuardia Community College celebrated the completion of a $15 million expansion and renovation of its library last week.

The upgrade more than doubled its original size, giving the schools 50,000 students more seating, study spaces, group study rooms and enhanced natural light. The design and architectural plans incorporated student input and opinion from the very beginning of the process.

City Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer (D-Sunnyside) joined several elected officials and CUNY leaders at a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the librarys second floor. Van Bramer secured more than $3.5 million for the project.

Our libraries represent the best of who we are, he said. And for generations of students to come, this library will be an open door for all looking to learn, grow, and through their own self growth, improve our community for the better. All are equal and welcome in this library, and Im proud to have been a part of this project to transform the library into a modern space that will remind the students of LaGuardia Community College of their incredible potential and worth.

College President Gail O. Mellow called it a historic day for the school and the Long Island City community.

This modern, expanded library is befitting of the high-quality education we provide our students, and the hard work they put into pursuing their personal and professional goals through education, Mellow said. Our student population is largely low-income, new immigrant, or otherwise disadvantages  many face numerous challenges on their way to a college degree, from financial burdens, juggling work, often more than one job, raising children, and other responsibilities  and they deserve and need a convenient, comfortable, elegant space to study and think. And were so pleased to give it to them.

In addition to a 75 percent increase in seating, the expansion provides a new home for the colleges Media Services, where students may borrow laptop computers and access other services.

The library is the focal point for the entire college, with over 650,000 annual visits by students, making it the most heavily used part of the LaGuardia Community College campus, U.S. Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-Astoria) said. By expanding and modernizing the library, LaGuardia is offering students the high-tech library they need. This new and improved library will help LaGuardias diverse student body get a great start in building successful futures.

A second phase of the renovation will upgrade the first floor to match the improvements made to the second floor. Planning is underway and is expected to take two years to complete.
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By Naeisha Rose

One of the outstanding employees at Alphapointe NY, a Brooklyn company that hires the blind, is Yuet Yuen Chao,84, who is also known as Charlie.

Charlie, who is legally blind, has worked as a packer and sealer at the companys needle craft department for over 12 years and has only been late twice during his tenure, according to his supervisor, Maria Sanchez.

Charlie wakes up at 4 a.m. in Queens Village to get to work before 7:30 a.m. and manages to arrive 45 minutes early almost everyday. He travels by bus and train and doesnt let anything slow him down.

He doesnt feel any personal sense of danger as compared to when he lived in China, his interpreter said.

When he first became legally blind in 1995, after three failed surgeries to correct a retinal detachment, he was unhappy and concerned.

Despite the support of his wife, Lai Chi, whom he has been married to since 1966, and their three sons, the difficulty finding work is what took a toll on him.

In 2005, he found hope at Alphapointe NY, one of the nations largest employers of the blind.

Working at this company, he has a job. By having a job, he had income. With income there was security in life, said his interpreter.

At work, he is proud to be bilingual in Spanish and Cantonese, and does everything that he can to help translate for his fellow co-workers.

On April 12, it was announced that he would receive the I Make it Happen Award, which is given out to employees of the company for achievements in excellence.

Charlie is an excellent employee and good team player for the department, according to his supervisors profile of him. He does a great job maintaining the workflow and packing on the glove line. He always meets or succeeds expectations. He is always willing to help others when needed, within or out the assembly department.

As a grandfather of five, Charlie is grateful for the opportunity that Alphapointe NY gave him.

The company doesnt discriminate against legally blind people. The company atmosphere is very good and everyone gets along with each other, his interpreter said.
By Julianne Cuba

Bay Ridge and Staten Island assemblywoman and New York City mayoral candidate Nicole Malliotakis met with the editors of Community News Group and NYC Community Media at our office Downtown on May 18 to discuss her campaign to unseat Mayor DeBlasio in November.

During wide-ranging discussion, Malliotakis  who has amassed $94,624 in her war chest since announcing her campaign less than a month ago and has the backing of the states Conservative Party  had a lot to say about her disagreements with Hizzoner, including his stance on destroying information obtained by those applying for the citys identification cards, undocumented immigrants, closing the Rikers Island jail, how he handles the citys failing transit system, quality of life issues, and homelessness.

Transportation

Malliotakis claimed Mayor DeBlasios is incompetent when dealing with the cash-strapped Metropolitan Transportation Authority, which she said can never get a job done on time or on budget, citing the Second Avenue Subway as an example. If elected mayor, she would ensure her representatives on the MTAs board would fight for the city, and not just rubberstamp everything put in front of them:

Transportation is one of my biggest issues. Im someone who has been very vocal against the MTA and the Port Authority. These projects, theres no excuse for a project being $6-billion over budget, and 10 years over schedule. If I had four members at the MTA, I would make sure they are challenging the status quo, that they are trying to get to the bottom of why all this mismanagement is taking place and really looking to make some serious changes. But also I vote with respect to holding the MTA accountable. Ive voted against increasing the MTA debt limit repeatedly, as long as they continue to be a runaway train, we will never be able to lower tolls and fares or at least keep them flat. The subways, how crowded the trains are, many of them dont come on schedule.

Identification cards

Malliotakis also challenged Hizzoners promise to destroy records obtained through New York Citys identification card program because she believes it could lead to public safety problems. But the seven-year state legislator said she agrees with the premise of the program and would reason with the Feds if they came knocking on City Halls door for the records, instead of just handing them over.

We should not be destroying city records, period. You dont go get a drivers license and destroy all the records. Its not what government should be doing. I dont believe that the federal government would request those records, but we would negotiate that. We would definitely sit down with them and tell them the reasons why we dont want to see individuals who have been here contributing to our society a long time deported if they have not committed a crime, but we would certainly comply with detainer requests for individuals who have committed crimes. I also think that as a Republican, I would be best positioned to negotiate with this administration.

The sanctuary city

Malliotakis said she disagrees with DeBlasios stance on shielding illegal immigrants who committed minor crimes from federal authorities, claiming she favored the policy of former Democratic Mayor Ed Koch, who had a dont ask, dont tell policy when it came to illegal immigrants seeking city services.

He believes we should not be complying with federal detainer requests in the incidence of individuals who commit crimes like grand larceny, sexual abuse, forcible touching, patronizing a child for prostitution, identity theft, welfare fraud  all crimes in which the city will not comply with detainer requests. I have to make the distinction because I am the daughter of immigrants and I understand the aspirations of the American dream and I understand that we are a compassionate city who has welcomed immigrants from all over the world as my parents were able to come to this city and create a better life for themselves. Now we have had policy in this city going back to Ed Koch that says if youre here and youre undocumented but you come forward to a city agency, we are not going to ask you your status, and that was put in place to incentivize victims of crimes to come forward to report those crimes. We want that to continue that policy.

Quality of life issues

Malliotakis also brought up many quality of life issues she said impacted her constituents in Brooklyn and in Staten Island, including how many women dont feel safe while walking the streets of the city due to a recent uptick in sexual assaults.

He can tout crime is low but if you look at the murder rates, its actually the same, its been flat since Bloomberg left  rape and sex crimes are up 15 percent. So I think women in this city generally dont feel safe especially walking around at night in different communities. I know I dont feel safe when Im walking alone down a street in the city.

Illegal home conversions

Illegal home conversions, in which homes are illegally converted from one- or two-family homes to those housing many more people, is one of the biggest development issues facing Brooklyn today, Malliotakis said, especially in Bay Ridge and Dyker Heights.

In Brooklyn you see a lot of illegal conversions. The laws are not being enforced with the Department of Buildings so those are issues that I think need to be addressed. They are not enforcing the laws when it comes to the DOB in regards to illegal conversations, which is adding even more congestion because you have multiple families living in a one-family house.

Homelessness

Malliotakis added that DeBlasios wasnt tackling homelessness at its root, she said, instead deciding to build shelters across the city in neighborhoods where nobody wants them.

Theres an obvious problem when you walk through the city and you see poor individuals who are sleeping on the street and they have an underlying issue, whether its domestic violence, substance abuse, whether its mental illness, whether they are a veteran or [have] PTSD  whatever the issues are I think its very important we try to be a little more proactive in finding out. What are the core problems so we can help them address  we cannot allow the subway station to become a homeless shelter and his answer is just to build 90 homeless shelters across the city instead of trying to help these people either remain in their homes to begin with or try to address the underlying issues. But certainly the idea of building 90 homeless shelters across the city will be heavily rejected by the communities and I dont think that thats what people feel the solution should be.

Rikers Island

Malliotakis also took umbrage with DeBlasios pledge to close Rikers  she believes its possible to reform the current system. And she thinks the mayor shouldnt stand behind Department of Correction Commissioner Joseph Ponte, who she thinks isnt doing his job.

Rikers Island is a mess, everybody knows it. And this mayor says that his commissioner is doing a great job. Hes still defending his commissioner even after the commissioner says hes going to resign. If hes doing such a great job then why do we need to close Rikers Island and build jails in all the communities across the city? We have 10 jails in Rikers Island, why cant we just reform those jails and make them more humane for the inmates, try to make them safer. Whatever you were going to do in the boroughs with those five jails lets just do it, revamp the 10 jails that are already there and do something to make it better. I dont think anyones going to want a jail in their neighborhood.

Gender equality

And the editors of Gay City News and Chelsea Now got into a heated debate with Malliotakis over how someone who voted against the states Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act could ask for votes from the LGBTQ community. The bill passed in the Assembly in 2007 despite her no vote, but has never come to the floor in the Republican-controlled Senate. Malliotakis said she agrees with the bill, but voted against it because of its wording.

I feel that it was a loophole  the way its written, I really have no issue with the overall bill but what Ive expressed to the groups that have come to see me, is the way its written, it gives an individual a defense to say I was somewhere because of their identity. I feel like there needs to be some type of component that does not allow that to be used as a criminal defense should they be using it to exploit the law. I believe that there is a loophole in the law that allows it to be exploited for individuals who want to exploit the law to commit a type of sex crime and thats my belief.
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By Merle Exit

Prepare yourself for belly laughs with Rockaway Theatre Companys production of Neil Simons hilarious farce Rumors, directed by Peggy Press and Michael Wotypka.

Press had actually preformed in a production of Rumors 16 years ago and had wanted to direct the show ever since, so she thought it was a prefect piece for the companys 20th season.

I love Neil Simon and I love farce, said Press. This is our 20th-anniversary season and I wanted to hear people laugh non stop.

And she got her wish at the shows opening last weekend.

The opening was fabulous, she said. Everyone laughed til they cried.

Not many plays are co-directed, but Press said that she and Michael Wotypka work well together to create the best possible production.

I am very visual, she said. And Mike can close his eyes, listen to the lines being said, and knows when they are delivered properly or not.

The plot of Rumors revolves around an ill-fated dinner party, thrown by Charlie Brock, a deputy mayor of New York, and his wife Myra, to celebrate their 10th anniversary. But when the main characters, Ken Gorman and his wife Chris arrive, they discover the kitchen staff gone  along with Myra  and Charlie apparently dead from a self-inflicted gunshot to the head.

Tragedy slides into farce when Ken (played by Frank Freeman) realizes that Charlie only managed to shoot himself in the earlobe as he passed out from taking too much Valium.

Chris (Jodee Timpone) decides to call Charlies physician and the phone call ends as the doorbell rings to find Lenny Ganz (John Panepinto) and wife Claire (Lynda Browning)  also friends of the Brocks  who have just been in a car accident nearby. Concerned about whiplash, Lenny also calls his own physician, who happens to be the same one as Charlies.

With Claire being an inveterate gossip, rumors being making the rounds that either Myra or Charlie are having an affair, leading to a debate as to whether to call the police about the shooting incident.

As the evening wears on, more colorful guests arrive, such as the Ernie Cusack (Matt Hunt), a psychiatrist and his wife Cookie (Danielle Fisher), who has her own cooking show. The Gormans and Ganzes try to keep the pipe-smoking shrink and his wife in the dark about the Brocks awkward situation, until Kens bumbling leads to a gunshot which leaves him deafened and the Cusacks suspicious.

This confused cohort is then joined by political striver Glenn Cooper (Taylor Pedane) and wife Cassie (Mia Melchiorri). Glenn is running for state Senate, concerned about his reputation and thinks his wife may be having an affair. Meanwhile, Cassie is obsessed with her husbands relationships with other women, leading them to bicker constantly.

All that unfolds just in Act I  and thats before the police show up.

Press was particularly pleased with her casting for the show.

Local theatre groups often tend to cast the same old hands over and over again in their shows, but Rockaway Theatre Company makes a point of holding auditions to draw outside talent, and Press said the regular infusions of new blood energizes the whole cast.

Taylor Pedane is new to the RTC stage, she said, and we are thrilled with his performance and the passion he brings to rehearsals.

But the company also draws from a deep bench of talent cultivated through its own in-house acting workshops, Press said.

Mia Melchiorri is only 17, but has been a part of our young peoples workshop since she was 7, Press said. After her stellar performance as Lina Lamont in our teen production of Singing in the Rain in February, she was our best choice for Cassie Cooper. She has the gift of comic timing. Jodee Timpone and Frank Freeman, have played husband and wife before and have great chemistry on stage. Matt Hunter, gave a great audition and we took a chance on Danielle Fisher, as this is her first principal role. We know Danielle as she has performed ensemble roles in musicals and does scene and set designs. She is an extraordinary artist. Her audition was well-prepared and made us laugh.

It was Brownings character, Claire Ganz, who Press portrayed earlier in her own career, and the director was pleased to find an actor who perfectly matched the part, which Press describes as a quick-witted sarcastic woman.

I was lucky enough to cast Lynda Browning, who is just that. Good timing and great delivery, said Press. We have worked with John Panepinto and Lynda Browning before, and knew their comic timing would work.

If you go

Rumors by Neil Simon

Where: The Post Theatre, Building T4, Fort Tilden/Rockaway, NY

When: Show Dates: May 19, 20, 21, 26, 27, 28
Times' Game of the Week Preview: No. 4 Mapletown vs. No. 5 South Side

No. 5 South Side gears up to stop the top-scoring No. 4 Mapletown Maples and star running back Landan Stevenson in the quarterfinal Class 1A matchup.
Albany

Highways will be busier, gasoline and hotels will be more expensive, and more people will fly, take the train or ride the bus this Memorial Day weekend, according to AAA projections.

AAA is predicting 39.3 million people will travel 50 miles or more,the highest figure since 2005.

Airline travel will increase 5.5 percent to 2.9 million, while travel by train, bus or cruise line will be up 2.9 percent to 1.75 million. The rest -- 34.6 million -- will drive.

The Transportation Security Administration says peak travel periods will come later in the summer, in June and July. But it says it will monitor checkpoint operations and send additional officers and canine teams where needed.

Memorial Day itself appears likely to be the single busiest day of the long weekend as travelers return to work on Tuesday.

At least five southbound Amtrak trains from Albany to New York City were sold out that day, according to the railroad's website.

"Memorial Day weekend marks the beginning of our busy summer travel season (Memorial Day  Labor Day)," Amtrak spokesman Mike Tolbert said. "We encourage customers to book early and take advantage of our everyday discounts including half-price tickets for children 2 through 12 years old along with students and seniors who can save 15 percent on most trains."

The airport also expects to be busy.

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"Albany airlines are expecting to be operating close to capacity this weekend," said Doug Myers, spokesman for Albany International Airport. "We are urging travelers to arrive at their ticket counters at least 90 minutes prior to the scheduled departure of their flight.

"Travelers are urged to be aware of the TSA Prohibited Items List and to pack accordingly," Myers added.

Typically the New York State Thruway and the state Department of Transportation suspend highway construction projects during the holiday period. But neither responded by deadline on whether they plan to do so this weekend.

Motorists will pay $2.42 for a gallon of regular unleaded in the Capital Region, up nearly a dime from a year ago, according to both AAA and GasBuddy.com.
After the CBSE last month scrapped the moderation policy that allows grace marks for difficult questions in Class 12 examinations, the Delhi High Court has asked the board to continue the policy for the current year.

By Mail Today Bureau: The moderation policy that allows grace marks for difficult questions in Class 12 examinations will continue for the current year. As a result, the Class XII results are on hold.

The interim relief has been granted by the Delhi High Court after a parent filed a PIL opposing the move. However, many DU aspirants fear that this will also let the results linger on causing anxiety to students and parents.

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The moderation policy, which was scrapped by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) last month, drew flak from parents whose children took Class 12 exams this year.

RELIEF FOR STUDENTS

Terming the move as unfair and irresponsible, the Delhi High Court asked the CBSE to continue with the policy which was in place when the examination forms were submitted last year. This has brought a huge relief to students.

According to the PIL, the parent contended that the policy should not be done away with this year as decided by some states, since it would affect the students, especially those who have applied for admissions abroad.

The petition had said the policy was changed by way of a notification by CBSE after the exams for the year were held and hence would have a drastic impact on students.

The court also asked the board why it cannot implement the change in policy from next year as the results of the 2016-17 exams are expected to be announced in a few days.

The CBSE had in December last year requested the Human Resource Development ministry to help develop a consensus among all state boards on completely removing the marks moderation policy, which is considered as the reason behind very high scores in board exam results.

Moderation policy, awards examinees up to 15 per cent extra marks in certain papers that are deemed to be difficult. If the states decide to adopt the policy, then the soaring cut-offs for admission to colleges is likely to go down.

ALSO READ | CBSE to rank its schools with focus on academic quality instead of infrastructure

ALSO READ | DU to CBSE: No extra weightage, special treatment to board students

ALSO WATCH | Grace marks row: CBSE Class XII result on hold, students left in lurch

--- ENDS ---
The federal government has awarded a $33 million grant to pay for life-saving Positive Train Control technology on Amtrak-leased tracks between Schenectady and Poughkeepsie. U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer had sought the funding last fall, and his office confirmed the award Wednesday afternoon.

The senator visited the Capital Region with then-Federal Railroad Administration Administrator Sarah Feinberg, where he made a case for the grant.

"Simply put, Positive Train Control is a life saver," Schumer said at the time. "Once put into action, PTC can help prevent fatal crashes and derailments -- and so it's of the utmost importance that all of our rail lines have this life-saving technology installed as soon as possible."

Railroads have begun the installation of the equipment in locomotive cabs and along their tracks, although they've also sought, and received, more time from regulators to finish the job.

The equipment likely would have prevented a number of accidents, including the derailment of a Metro North commuter train in Spuyten Duyvil that killed four in December December 2013, the derailment of an Amtrak train outside Philadelphia in May 2015 that killed eight.

PTC is designed to slow or stop trains if they're speeding or on a collision course with another train.

"I am pleased the FRA heeded our calls; this critical investment will protect all New York train riders," Schumer said.

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Feinberg on Tuesday was named to the MTA Genius Transit Challenge panel announced by Gov. Andrew Cuomo, which will seek ideas for improving and modernizing the New York City subway system.

The best ideas will be awarded $1 million each.
North Adams, Mass.

MASS MoCA was already big. Even before its Phase III expansion, the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art offered well over 100,000 square feet of exhibit space, filling its massive galleries with often-massive art. Now, with its colossal new building, it ranks as the largest museum of contemporary art in the country.

More Information If you go MASS MoCA's Building 6 grand opening, with Cake Where: 1040 MASS MoCA Way, North Adams, Mass. When: Sunday, May 28. All but Building 6 opens at 11 a.m.; Building 6 opens at 12 p.m; Nick Cave's "Soundsuit" parade at 3 p.m.; Brooklyn United Marching Band at 6 p.m.; Cake at 8 p.m. Admission to museum: $20 for adults; $18 for seniors and veterans; $12 for students with ID; $8 for kids 6-16; free for 5 and younger and North Adams residents Tickets for Cake: $35 general admission; $45 day of show Info: 413-662-2111; massmoca.org See More Collapse

But the latest, sprawling extension  set to open with bells, whistles and the alt-rock band Cake this Sunday  gives the 1860 textile mill and mid-20th-century electric company something more than just a steroidal expansion in size. Yes, the soon-to-open Building 6 and other Phase III work have added a whopping 130,000 square feet in gallery space alone, doubling the museum's exhibit capacity. It also includes such spiffy non-exhibit improvements as courtyard performance upgrades, a finished backstage for performers, new kitchen amenities and a self-contained event space.

As MASS MoCA director Joseph Thompson explains it, the upshot of these additions boils down to one word. "Capacity," he said. "The capacity to show more art, host performers better, host audiences in a way that's more gracious and rewarding to our visitors  essentially be able to do more of what we do better. And you get that when you double your footprint."

But the upgrades go beyond sheer bulk. Within that transformed industrial behemoth lie significant collections of six artists: James Turrell, Laurie Anderson, Robert Rauschenberg, Jenny Holzer, Gunnar Schonbeck and Louise Bourgeois. Each gets a dedicated space in the new MoCA expanse, the result of long-term loan arrangements with the artists (or, in the case of Rauschenberg, Bourgeois and Schonbeck, their estates). And each benefits from a building that's startling in its plain, expansive beauty, cracking wide an old manufacturing complex tucked within the Berkshires.

For starters: It has sunshine. It also has views.

Inside, the museum's brick muscularity is now bathed in natural light, the result of "thousands of windows," Thompson said. "You get to see North Adams, its neighborhoods, and the surrounding mountains in a way that have not been invisible, but have been largely blocked up to now." (The town is more visible in programming, too, as MoCA partners with North Adams in new efforts to pull visitors downtown  including a summer light installation that will wink out ''Thoreau'' in Morse code from steeples.)

Building 6's features include a skylight over a broad, tall corridor, a passageway first built by Arnold Print Works as an open-air light well for its textile workers and later enclosed for extra office space after Sprague Electric took over in the 1940s. The corridor lends a blessed airiness to the museum and helps loosen up its indoor traffic patterns, giving visitors new avenues to explore without doubling back.

Of the expanded space, Thompson said, "It does wonders for our circulation path internally  as sort of a psychological narrative as you move through these galleries. You used to have to walk all the way down to the end and then turn around and backtrack the entire way back, remember? That's no longer the case," he said, winding his way through Building 6. The new layout "opens up a series of really beautiful, generous freewheeling loops in multidirections  horizontally across the floors, and vertically up and down."

The new-old building has a nautical layout  shaped like the prow of a ship, nosing west into the confluence of the north and south branches of the Hoosic River. Entering from the east, visitors can ease through Nick Cave's immersive, spinning mobiles in Building 5 toward the enormous number 6. It's as busy with art: Bourgeois' marble sculptures; Rauschenberg's translucent kiosks; Holzer's paintings of redacted documents, displayed in soaring gallery space.

As an artist, Holzer appreciates "the expanse of the walls" that allow her to display a mother lode of artworks not normally shown as a unit. "For the first time," said the artist, who's based in Hoosick, "I was capable of hauling those hundreds of paintings out of my storage and showing them together  the paintings of formerly secret documents that led up to, or were produced after, the invasion of Iraq and the establishment of Guantanamo."

The minds behind the MoCA expansion "have saved a unique building, and in the process of that, have provided ample space for artists to exhibit and to experiment," she said. "They've also succeeded in establishing rooms where the audience can wonder, giggle, worry and, with luck, be transported."

The latest expansion "establishes MASS Moca as a real artist-centered museum," agreed Spencer Finch, one of several other artists whose work is displayed in the new space. "The institution allows artists to experiment in a large scale and long-term way that would be virtually impossible anywhere else. It's really an artist's dream come true."

The visitor isn't suffering, either.

Consider the spaces devoted to Anderson and Schonbeck  which boast a musical component in line with MoCA's other mission, the performing arts. Anderson's piece of the Building 6 real estate currently includes an exhibit of charcoal drawings exploring death; two virtual-reality pieces, one based on a plane crash she survived; and a glassed-in studio where visitors can watch her create (when she's there) or listen to her latest work (when she isn't).

Schonbeck's zone is filled with his vast collection of handmade instruments, all of them created from salvaged materials over the course of his five decades teaching at Bennington College. That odd stringed thing resembling a coffin? It might well have been. Those tall, pointed drums that look like elongated timpani? Made from the noses of airplanes.

Included in the Schonbeck section is a large utilitarian space that's stocked with instruments and built to recall a high-school band room. There visitors can forget the usual museological admonitions  no "do not touch" signs anywhere  and pluck or smack whatever they like, making music with Schonbeck's artwork. "His guiding principle was everyone has some musicality," said Jodi Joseph, MASS MoCA's communications director, "and everything has the potential to be made an instrument."

A similar democratic spirit reigns elsewhere in the Phase III work, which boasts courtyard upgrades, a piece of bike trail through the basement (along with ice cream, beer and bike racks) that connects to North Adams and, up by the prow, a reading room and cafe. The sunny little spot at the nose is "a place to rest," Thompson said. "Because by the time you have wended your way through all the nooks and crannies of MASS MoCA  if you go through the perimeter of all the galleries, up and down  you can clock almost 4 miles."

People with Fitbits, prepare to walk. "We thought we should put, like, oxygen down here," he said. "Or at the very least, some coffee."

Bike trails and walkabouts notwithstanding, much about the new space invites reflection. The work of artist James Turrell, a sculptor of light and air, requires patience, but repays it with mind-bending revelation. Entering darkened rooms via narrow, twisting corridors, museumgoers encounter subtle planes of light and shades of color that shift and deflect, creating illusions of depth and objects that aren't there. Anything that looks like a screen probably isn't.

In one room, you remove your shoes, climb a small staircase and pass through a scrim of light that could be a cloud  Turrell is a pilot  with little sense of horizontal and vertical. At first it's disorienting. Then your eyes adjust. Planes appear along nuanced shades of white. Angles form far in the distance  but how far is far?

"James Turrell asks a lot of us. It's about patience. Duration matters to him a lot," Thompson said. One piece, "Dark Space," takes about 15 minutes before anything can be seen at all. "It's Batcave-dark. And then, for those who have patience  for their eyes to dark-adapt and open  they begin to perceive his art at the very edge of human conception."

In an age of abbreviated attention spans, all of this is profoundly countercultural. Despite the tech-savvy works on exhibit at MASS MoCA  which also features Holzer's augmented-reality projections throughout campus  an old-school mindset prevails. The past has not been whitewashed: Salvaged steel was used in the staircases, and scratched floors reveal the labors of long ago.

"We thought it was beautiful," said Thompson. "It's a clear marker of the many changes that have taken place in this complex over the  what, now?  150 years. And yeah, it's more interesting. You can feel the presence of all the work that's happened here. I mean, if you think of the thousands and thousands of people who have worked here, produced here, created here, since the 1860s, this is an ode to them in some ways."

Thompson calls these touches "industrial vernacular," and Holzer, for one, is all for them. She likes the "hints of history" still extant in the expanded MoCA.

"The building was relatively simple to start, because it was a factory. And I am delighted that it's not gooey." Gooey? "It's unadorned. It doesn't have any silly interventions, and it's not pointlessly decorative. ... They've done a nice job there," she said of the museum. "And they deserve visitors and applause."

abiancolli@timesunion.com  518-454-5439  @AmyBiancolli
Philadelphia

Movies, pro boxer Chuck Wepner, and Philadelphia have a checkered history. Philadelphia is where Sylvester Stallone made "Rocky," the movie inspired by Wepner's 15-round, go-the-distance fight with Muhammad Ali in 1975, but it's also the site of a less-heralded episode featuring Wepner and the "Rocky" franchise.

After the film was released, won the Oscar in 1977, and became a cultural phenomenon, Wepner and Stallone became pals  in fact, Stallone offered him a part in "Rocky II" as a sparring partner. It could have been a big break for Wepner, but he was in the midst of a drug and booze binge and drove all night from North Jersey for his audition with Stallone at a Center City hotel.

"That's exactly the way it was," said Wepner. "I should have taken more time, should have studied the script. Stallone did everything he was supposed do, and if I would have done better, maybe I would have gotten the part."

More Information At a glance "Chuck" Stars: Liev Schreiber, Elisabeth Moss, Naomi Watts, Ron Perlman Director: Philippe Falardeau Opens: Friday See More Collapse

He wasn't ready, and he blew it  a sequence of events depicted with unblinking honesty in the new movie "Chuck," based on Wepner's colorful and ultimately inspiring life story.

"Chuck" ends on an upbeat note. The tenacity that helped Wepner succeed in the ring allows him to outlast the mistakes of his life. Still, the movie does not skip unflattering details.

"I like the movie a lot. You know, it tells the truth. I was living through a tough stretch at that point. I did a lot of partying. It was a wild time in my life. But I've been straight and clean for 30 years now. I can tell you, it's a better way to live," said Wepner, 78.

"Chuck," which opens Friday, touches upon the relationship between Stallone and Wepner, who later sued Stallone over parallels between his life and that of the fictional Rocky Balboa. But that was lawyer stuff  they are still friendly, and Stallone reviewed and approved the script for "Chuck."

"He was very cool with it," Wepner said, "saw the script, and his feeling is that we portrayed him true to life."

Wepner was even closer with Ali, and was among those who attended the champion's funeral in June in Kentucky. He got to know Ali well in the days leading up to their Cleveland title bout, during which Wepner earned the champion's respect.

"Like he said after the fight, 'I wouldn't want to fight that Chuck Wepner in an alley.' I mean, what I tried to do was rough him up. I couldn't outbox him, he was so great. I remember that as a great time. He was a great man, and I feel very sad about his passing."

The two made several appearances together over the years, and even cooperated on a four-day tour, staging a comic version of their fight.

Wepner said that "Chuck" has captured his essence as a fighter and that star Liev Schreiber was perfect in the role.

"This has been 10 years in the making," he said. "There were many versions of the script that I didn't like, and many actors that I didn't like. But this guy is perfect. He sort of looks like me. I mean, I didn't have the Ken Norton kind of body. I was a tough guy who could take a punch and wear guys down."

Wepner downplays his skills  he did everything he could to earn his title shot with Ali. He grew up street fighting in Bayonne, learned to box in Golden Gloves competitions and later the Marines, and went on to become the only New Jersey heavyweight ever to win the New York Golden Gloves competition.

In the years leading up to the Ali fight, he had beaten several highly ranked opponents, including former champ Ernie Terrell in 1973 at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, as 15,000 looked on.

Perhaps his most infamous fight was a brutal 1970 match with Sonny Liston, who opened up a 70-stitch gash on Wepner's face and closed both of his eyes.

"The ref said, 'How many fingers am I holding up?' I said, 'How many guesses do I get?' " Wepner answered correctly, but in the ensuing onslaught, a Liston punch sent Wepner's blood all over the tan leisure suit of a Bayonne sportswriter covering the event.

"He said they ought to call this guy the Bayonne Bleeder," Wepner said.

That became his nickname, and he hated it. He likes the current title better.

"That's one reason I like it. Because it's the true story of what Chuck Wepner was really all about." It's not the Rocky story, he said. It's not just about one fight.

"I've had some tough times in my life. I was a little out of control, but I pulled myself up by the bootstraps, met my wife, Linda (in the film, Naomi Watts), and the rest is history. We've been together 24 years, and it's great. It's a cliche  you get knocked down, you have to get up."
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Summertime is fast approaching and the pressure to get the "ideal" beach bikini body can be overwhelming. Though, a body positive blogger has a reminder for us all:

"BREAKING NEWS: YOU DO NOT HAVE TO LOSE WEIGHT TO BE WORTHY OF WEARING A BIKINI THIS SUMMER," Megan Jayne Crabbe wrote on a recent Instagram post to her 779,000 followers.

LEAD BY EXAMPLE: Mom's powerful post about body image goes viral

The post shows a side-by-side comparison photo of her when she was anorexic, "starving and sweating to get the body on the left." The right photo shows that she has gained weight and has more confidence and loves herself more. Story continues below.

In her caption, the 24-year-old describes how she used to work out and starve herself to get the body in the left photo, but she eventually learned that "you don't have to shrink your body to deserve a summer in the sunshine."

"This year I didn't set a goal weight to hit before my holiday. And I didn't sit by the pool sucking my stomach in and worrying what everyone else thought about my body either. I just went.

"I laughed and played and ate and swam and wore every damn bikini I own without changing my body one bit. And guess what? It was so much better than all the self-hatred filled holidays that came before," Crabbe wrote in her Instagram caption.

The post has more than 51,000 likes as of publication and has been inundated with comments from users thanking Crabbe for sharing her photo and thoughts. Though there are negative commenters as well, Crabbe doesn't let the haters bother her.

Earlier this year, Crabbe wrote a response letter to her body haters on Instagram. Naturally, that post went viral with more than 100,000 likes.

READ THE LETTER: Body blogger shuts down internet trolls with expert letter

This summer, let us all remember the wise words of Crabbe, "We all have bikini bodies already, and we all deserve a summer in the sunshine." Amen, sister!
Washington

New York's polarized congressional delegation generally finds little upon which to agree, but lawmakers stumbled on a rare sweet spot Tuesday in common criticism of President Donald Trump's $4.1 trillion budget.

"The Trump budget takes a sledgehammer to the middle class and the working poor, lavishes tax breaks on the wealthy and imagines all of the deficit problems away with fantasy math," Sen. Minority Leader Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., said  predictably  on the Senate floor.

The 2018 budget, officially unveiled Tuesday, boosted defense spending $54 billion next year and projected $6.7 trillion over the long term  one of the few areas besides border security to get a boost.

But it slashes non-defense programs including Medicaid, Food Stamps (SNAP), welfare cash assistance (TANF), and Social Security disability.

And in addition to traditional GOP targets like Planned Parenthood, it takes aim at long-despised federal involvement in Amtrak and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

The Trump administration's budget director, Mick Mulvaney, called it a "taxpayer-first" budget.

"This is I think the first time in a long time that an administration has written a budget through the eyes of the people who are actually paying the taxes," Mulvaney told reporters on Monday.

But in upstate New York, Republicans were also critical and argued that the cuts strike too deeply against the vulnerable rural population.

In addition to big-ticket items like the State Department and the Environmental Protection Agency, Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-Willsboro, opposes cuts in home heating oil, rural airline service, opioid-addiction prevention, and the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.

"The president's (budget) is the first step in the process, but ultimately Congress controls the power of the purse and will write the final federal spending plan," said her spokesman, Tom Flanagin. "Throughout the appropriations process, Congresswoman Stefanik will fight for the needs of our district."

Rep. John Faso, R-Kinderhook, came about as close as anyone to actual enthusiasm in his reaction. But he too said Congress would slice and dice its way through to a new spending plan.

"President Trump's 2018 budget plan makes some notable, and welcome, recommendations such as balancing the budget in 10 years," Faso said in a statement. "Deep cuts to domestic programs, however, would threaten upstate New Yorkers at a time when a still-struggling regional economy and fragile jobs market have left many families concerned about the future."

Faso, a House Budget Committee member, promised to work through the plan with an eye toward ways to "thoughtfully reform federal spending and protect programs critical to our communities."

For the Capital Region, the cuts could devastate WAMC, the National Public Radio affiliate, to the tune of almost $420,000, according to Schumer's office. It would suspend federal subsidies to two area bus lines: The River Corridor/Blue Line and Washington/Western line.

And it would end Amtrak's Lake Shore Limited between Chicago to New York City, with intermediate stops in Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, Utica, Schenectady, Albany and Poughkeepsie.

The Trump budget adheres to the Republican vision of work requirements for all able-bodied individuals, and use of government programs as a stop-gap rather than a way of life.
Niskayuna

A former Niskayuna Town Board candidate who also ran for a seat on the Schenectady County Legislature faces several misdemeanors in connection with a domestic dispute last month.

A criminal complaint filed by a Niskayuna police sergeant charges Nicholas Gerace with assault, criminal mischief, criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation and unlawful imprisonment stemming from the altercation on the night of April 22 at a home on Foxhollow Road.

The court papers accuse Gerace of throwing the victim to the ground and choking her with the collar of the T-shirt she was wearing resulting in redness, swelling and bruising to the victim's neck as well as cut on her left leg.

The document also allege Gerace smashed the victim's cell phone when she tried to call police.

A court clerk said Gerace, who is free on $25,000 bond, is scheduled to return to court Wednesday. His attorney Andy Safranko could not be immediately reached for comment.

Gerace's online LinkedIn account lists his failed bid for the Schenectady County Legislature in 2013 and two years later for Niskayuna Town Board.

It also details his extensive military career in the U.S. Army from 2002.

pnelson@timesunion.com  518-454-5347  @apaulnelson
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State Police say they are hunting for fugitives in marijuana possession, identity theft and drunken driving cases.

They released information about the following people as part of their ongoing Warrant Wednesday effort:

Reginald Rice, 34, is wanted in Steuben County on charges of unlawful imprisonment and disorderly conduct in connection with a "road rage" incident at the village of Savona.

 Joseph T. LaForce, 28, is wanted by State Police on a warrant from Van Buren Town Court that accuses him of missing court appearances afer an arrest on charges of criminal contempt, mischief, and menacing. Troopers said LaForce failed to appear in court for a February 2017 appointment.

 Ivonne Rosado, 36, is wanted by State Police in Malone on allegations she failed to appear in court for charges connected to the discovery of 90 pounds of marijuana trooper said was found during a March 8, 2005 traffic stop. Rosado pleaded guilty to criminal possession of marijuana but disappeared before paying a fine.

Troopers said she has ties to the Bronx, Tampa and Florida. She may use the name Ivonne Zarour, troopers said.

 D'Zhanre Herring, 22, is wanted by State Police in the town of Cortlandt for allegedly possessing $1,000 in stolen merchanise. Troopers said Herring was charged with criminal possession of stolen property and possession of burglar tools during a November 2015 arrest. A warrant was issued when she did not report to court.

 Meyoshi R. Henderson, 42, is wanted by State Police in New Scotland on a warrant from Colonie Town Court that accuses her of criminal impersonation. Troopers said she pretended to be her sister during a traffic stop in October 2016. She was given three tickets and vanished, troopers said.

 Raymond C. Wygant, 49, is wanted in Shawangunk Town Court for allegedly stealing a co-workers personal information to open an Internet service account with Frontier Communications. Wygant was charged with identity theft but did not appear in court.

 Julian R. Sandoval, 19, is wanted by State Police in Whitney Point after allegedly failing to appear in court to answer charges he used a vehicle without authorization. Sandoval was given an appearance ticket to appear in Lisle Town Court earlier this year but a bench warrant was issued after he failed to appear in court.

 Stefan Thys, 33, is wanted by State Police in Farmingdale to say he failed to appear in court to answer a drunken driving charge. Thys was arrested in 2016 after a traffic stop on the Southern State Parkway and charged with driving while intoxicated.

 Teodoro Lopez, 35, is wanted by State Police in Syracuse for allegedly failing to appear in court to face charges connected to a May 28, 2006 traffic stop on the Thruway. Lopez was charged with driving while intoxicated after the traffic stop, troopers said.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has been asked to re-examine the acquittal of the man who came to be called the "Butcher of Pandits".

By Rahul Kanwal: After India Today's expose on Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) leader Farooq Ahmed Dar alias Bitta Karate who admitted creating anarchy in Kashmir Valley at the behest of Pakistan, the Narendra Modi government today said they will reopen the files of the Kashmiri separatist leader.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has been asked to re-examine the acquittal of the man who came to be called the "Butcher of Pandits".

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Minister of State for Home Affairs Hansraj Ahir told India Today that the government is committed to ensuring justice for Kashmiri Pandits and the case is being looked at afresh after India Today's expose in #HurriyatTruthTapes.

Government sources say they will also explore the possibility of filing a review petition in the Supreme Court.

The Kashmiri separatist leader was exposed in India Today's special investigative report 'Operation Villains of the Valley' where he was caught on camera confessing to receiving funds from Pakistan.

NIA ALSO PROBING

Acting on India Today's expose #HurriyatTruthTapes, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) is probing the transfer of funds to some separatist leaders in Kashmir and have questioned Karate.

India Today had also dug out an archival video of Karate where he made a shocking admission of having killed 20 Kashmiri Pandits.

While giving bail to Bitta Karate in 2006, Justice Wani of the TADA Court had remarked that the charges against the accused were serious to warrant death sentence or life imprisonment but the prosecution showed total disinterest in the case.

Now, 10 years later the Karate files are being reopened as the chorus of justice is getting louder by the day.

Also read:

When JKLF leader Bitta Karate admitted to killing 20 Kashmiri Pandits

Caught on Camera: How Pakistan funds Kashmiri separatists to burn the Valley - India Today Exclusive

Also watch:

Bitta Karate case will be reopened and no culprit spared: Junior Home Minister Ahir tells India Today

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It often helps for an aspiring musician to have someone who knows a bit about the business. King Washington's Tyson Kelly, who sings and plays guitar and keyboards, did not have to look far for a musical mentor: According to AllMusic, his father, Tom Kelly, wrote hit songs for Cyndi Lauper, Madonna, and Whitney Houston. AllMusic's writer said the band makes music that "incorporates elements of pop, hard rock, and progressive rock with breathy harmonies." On their website, the band says it is "in the midst of creating the New California sound. By fusing classic vocal harmonies and lyrical melodies with a contemporary approach to songwriting, King Washington has created a unique sound that is as creative as it is familiar." We are not sure which California sound the group aims to replace, but their efforts so far on three albums have drawn positive reviews. Kelly and compadres George Krikes and Billy Lee, are touring in support of the band's latest release, "Potential." For new fans, that album's "Evelyn" and "Hey Boy" could serve as an introduction to the band's music, which they describe thusly on their Facebook page: "Saturated in beautiful harmonies and rousing chord progressions alike, the music of King Washington can be described as a throwback to when rock n' roll was a songwriter's game and at the same time praised for its modern sensibility and innovation." A band in the midst of inventing a new sound might well merit a listen.

 Joe Stalvey
The first ever County Tipperary Business Awards Launch night was held on Monday 22nd May in the apt environment of Questum Acceleration Business Park, Clonmel.

The event was hosted by County Tipperary Chamber of Commerce and was well attended with guests from all over the county and from all aspects of the political, business and community sectors for the unveiling of the Inaugural County Tipperary Business Awards, which are the very first of its kind for the county of Tipperary!

The launch provided guests the opportunity to hear first-hand about the awards and to learn more about the rationale and importance behind these awards, this being the opportunity to celebrate and reward businesses from start-up level, to multi-nationals across the county of Tipperary for their hard work, innovation & dedication to the community & local economy in their respective fields.

C.E.O  Mr. Dave Shanahan was on hand to welcome guests, and also welcome the overall Awards Sponsors Limerick Institute of Technology, and main media partners Tipp FM and the Tipperary Star and The Nationalist of Iconic News.

Speakers on the night were County Tipperary Chamber President Mr. TJ Kinsella who formally opened the ceremony, followed by Rita Guinan (Local Enterprise Office), and Liam Brown (Limerick Institute of Technology).

Mr. Kinsella launched the awards and also referenced the Tipperary, Right Place, Right Time campaign and how its key contributors lends itself to the success of Tipperary being one of the best counties to do business. TJ referenced

Great people and a history of successful business experience within the county of Tipperary

How Tipperary is a great place to live and work supporting a very healthy business ecosystem.

TJ also made reference to the great talent available in Tipperary and said a healthy Research & Development culture could not be possible without the strong network of third level institutions in and around the county.

TJ spoke about how privileged the County Tipperary Chamber are to have Limerick Institute of Technology partnering with the awards as main sponsor.

The President thanked Chamber of Commerce representatives throughout the county from Thurles, Nenagh, Cashel and Tipperary Town, for their help and support on the run up to the launch and the forthcoming awards process.

Following on from the Presidents address Mr. Frank Mc Grath Director of the Chamber of Commerce concluded the Launch celebrations with a brief outline of the nomination & shortlisting process which is open to Start-Ups, SMEs, Family Business, Services, Retail & Hospitality, Sports, Food & Agriculture, Digital Marketing &Social Media and Arts & Culture. This process officially closes on June 30th.

Both Media partners Tipp FM & Iconic news (Nationalist, Tipperary Star & South Tipp Today) were on hand to capture the excitement of the night through both radio interviews and photographs.

Do you feel that your business or organisation deserves to be nominated?

If so self-nominations are actively encouraged. For more information on the Award Categories, and application process please see the County Tipperary Chamber website: www.countytipperarychamber.com

The County Tipperary Business Awards with Black Tie Gala Dinner, will be held in the 4 * Clonmel Park Hotel on Friday the 13th of October 2017. For ticket information and more information on the Awards night please see www.countytipperarychamber.com.
Tipperary Fianna Fail TD, Jackie Cahill is calling on those who want to protect the future of the countys post office network to attend his public meeting, on Thursday, 1st June at 8pm in the Horse and Jockey Hotel.

Joining me on the night will be my partys spokesperson on communications, Timmy Dooley TD and a representative from the Irish Postmasters Union. Additionally, Senator Marc Daly, Fianna Fail Seanad Spokesperson on Foreign Affairs will discuss the challenges rural counties, such as Tipperary, will face as a result of the decision of the UK to leave the European Union.

In recent weeks, we have heard that the Government are considering closing up to 300 post offices, some of which could be in Tipperary and Kilkenny.

Postmasters feel betrayed that the Bobby Kerr proposals have not been delivered. Many promises were made by the Government to them on how they would support a vibrant post office network.

Additional services such as delivering Motor Tax and basic banking services need to be rolled out to ensure that the current model remains sustainable. Post Offices in Tipperary should be used as community hubs with the ability to provide transport, tourism and training services to local people.

The Government wants to take the easy option of closing post offices rather than being creative about their future. Increasing the number of services that they have to offer is the key to seeing the network thrive.

Fianna Fail recognises that the local post office is the fabric of many communities. The closure of post offices will only add to hardship that rural communities in our county have suffered problem in recent years and must be resisted.

Speaking about the challenge of Brexit for rural counties, Deputy Cahill added:

Within eight weeks of the decision last week, we saw the closure of the McDonald's mushroom factory, with the loss of 70 jobs, as a result of severe fluctuations in sterling against the Euro.

A hard Brexit, as is being planned by the UK Conservative government, will threaten the agri-food industry in Tipperary. A major proportion of our food exports head straight to Britain, or up north. Any attempt to apply tariffs on these products will cripple farmers, and destroy their profit margins.

I want to hear the opinions of the people of Tipperary on what they want to see from the Government in terms of enhancing the post office network and protecting Irish jobs potentially affected by Brexit. I would urge everyone with an interest in having their voice heard to attend the meeting on Thursday, June 1st, concluded Cahill.
By Press Trust of India: From K J M Varma

Beijing, May 23 (PTI) China today applauded the World Health Organisation for rejecting a proposal for admitting Taiwan at its annual meeting, saying the move shows that the one-China principle is supported by the international community.

"The decision defended the dignity of the UN General Assembly and the World Health Assembly resolutions, and showed the one-China principle is supported by the international community," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying told media here.

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Self-governing Taiwan was invited to attend the WHOs main annual meeting as an observer every year since 2009, but this year it did not receive an invitation.

Representatives from 11 of the WHOs 194 member countries, including Nicaragua, Paraguay and Belize, put forth a proposal yesterday -- the first day of the assembly -- to put offering Taiwan permanent observer status onto the agenda.

But the assembly decided without a vote to reject the proposal, leaving the issue off the agenda.

China claims the breakaway province of Taiwan to be part of the mainland.

The Chinese central government wants the issue of Taiwans participation in events held by international organisations to be properly handled in accordance with the one-China principle and via cross-Strait negotiations, Hua told a daily press briefing.

From 2009 to 2016, the central government made arrangements for Taiwan to attend the assembly as an observer under the name "Chinese Taipei", in accordance with the "1992 consensus" reached between the Chinese mainland and Taiwan, state-run Xinhua quoted Li Bin, head of both the Chinese delegation to the assembly and the National Health and Family Planning Commission as saying.

However, Taiwans Democratic Progressive Party has refused to recognise the one-China principle, which has undermined the political basis of Taiwans participation in WHOs annual conference, Li said.

Taiwans relations with China have become increasingly frosty since Beijing-sceptic President Tsai Ing-wen took power almost a year ago and China has sought to block the island from a string of international events. PTI KJV PMS AKJ PMS

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[May 24, 2017] Eaton Brings Lighting Expertise to Georgia Tech's Internet of Things Research Center

Power management company Eaton (News - Alert) today announced it joined the Georgia Institute of Technology's Center for the Development and Application of Internet of Things Technologies (CDAIT), an Atlanta-based research center dedicated to developing and applying Internet of Things (IoT) technologies. As a member company with a Lighting Division based in the Atlanta area, Eaton provides Georgia Tech students and faculty with lighting expertise and hands-on training to help support research that further enables transformational IoT technologies. This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170524006122/en/ Power management company Eaton joins the Georgia Institute of Technology's (News - Alert) Center for the Development and Application of Internet of Things Technologies (CDAIT), an Atlanta-based research center dedicated to developing and applying Internet of Things (IoT) technologies. Eaton will work with Georgia Tech students and faculty onsite at the CDAIT, as well as Eaton's SOURCE Lighting Education Center near Atlanta, to expand its research into the many possibilities and applications of IoT-enabled devices. (Photo: Business Wire) In recent years, the IoT has emerged as a new frontier that promises to reshape how people, data and devices interact. The increasing interconnectivity created by the combination of the internet, mobile devices, embedded sensors, data analytics and cloud computing has opened new avenues for technological innovation. "IoT systems are laying the groundwork for smart, connected buildings, communities and homes, and lighting is a key factor in the enablement and adoption of these technologies," said Parth Joshi, chief technology officer and vice president, Engineering, Eaton's Lighting Division. "Wrking with the students and faculty at Georgia Tech's CDAIT, we look forward to expanding our research into the many possibilities of IoT-enabled devices while helping find new ways to apply them to serve the needs of businesses, governments and consumers."



Eaton's CDAIT membership is part of a broader commitment to developing and implementing IoT-connected applications that improve efficiency through controls and data. The new Connected Lighting Classroom at Eaton's SOURCE Lighting Education Center near Atlanta features in-depth training and hands-on demonstrations to educate lighting specifiers, architects, engineers, electrical contractors, builders and university students about IoT-connected lighting solutions. "CDAIT is working to effectively and efficiently unite the many pieces of the IoT puzzle, from sensing and actuating technology to information extraction," said Alain Louchez, managing director of CDAIT. "By bringing Eaton's experts together with our students and faculty, we will increase our understanding of the role lighting plays in IoT connectivity while expanding, educating and energizing the market around the unique capabilities of IoT applications."

A key element in this developing relationship is Eaton's engineering office in Midtown Atlanta, which will enable a direct connection to the Georgia Tech campus and the talented, aspiring engineers driving innovation in lighting. "We are extremely pleased and honored to welcome a distinguished company such as Eaton to the Executive Advisory Board ('the Board') of CDAIT to advise and guide CDAIT's direction," added Jeff Evans, Chairman of the CDAIT Board. To learn more about CDAIT, visit www.cdait.gatech.edu. CDAIT (pronounced "sedate") is a global, non-profit, partner-funded center within the Georgia Institute of Technology ("Georgia Tech") located in Atlanta that fosters interdisciplinary research and education while driving general awareness about the Internet of Things. It aims at efficiently identifying, understanding and solving for its sponsors challenges and problems that may arise along the whole IoT value chain. CDAIT bridges sponsors with Georgia Tech faculty and researchers as well as industry members with similar interests. To learn more about the Eaton's lighting solutions, visit www.eaton.com/lighting. Eaton delivers a range of innovative and reliable indoor and outdoor lighting solutions, as well as controls products specifically designed to maximize performance, energy efficiency and cost savings. Eaton lighting solutions serve customers in the commercial, industrial, retail, institutional, residential, utility and other markets. Eaton's electrical business is a global leader with expertise in power distribution and circuit protection; backup power protection; control and automation; lighting and security; structural solutions and wiring devices; solutions for harsh and hazardous environments; and engineering services. Eaton is positioned through its global solutions to answer today's most critical electrical power management challenges. Eaton is a power management company with 2016 sales of $19.7 billion. We provide energy-efficient solutions that help our customers effectively manage electrical, hydraulic and mechanical power more efficiently, safely and sustainably. Eaton is dedicated to improving the quality of life and the environment through the use of power management technologies and services. Eaton has approximately 95,000 employees and sells products to customers in more than 175 countries. For more information, visit Eaton.com. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170524006122/en/

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[May 24, 2017] Fabric Genomics Partners with European Server Provider ITTM to Deliver Secure Genomic Analysis in Europe

Fabric Genomics, a global computational genomics company offering data analysis and clinical reporting tools, announced today that it has partnered with data management company ITTM S.A. (Information Technology for Translational Medicine) to provide secure genomic data hosting capabilities for EU customers. By combining Fabric Genomics' leading analysis tools with ITTM's proven secure hosting and infrastructure solutions, we bring best-in-class genomic technology and patient privacy solutions to clinical labs, pharmaceutical companies, and genome projects. Fabric Genomics' analysis tools are already used by EU customers, such as Genomics England's 100,000 Genomes Project, a groundbreaking genomic country sequencing program that focuses on rare diseases and cancer. Our Opal Clinical platform has delivered more than 500 clinical reports for the 100,000 Genome Project, with a goal of improving therapeutic treatments through genomic medicine. Fabric Genomics is expanding in the EU with a proven track record of customers such as LabCorp, one of the biggest reference labs in the US, Rady Children's Institute for Genomic Medicine, one of the most prominent pediatric clinical genomic centers led by Dr. Stephan Kingsmore, and Vanderbilt University Medical Center, a clinical site for the National Institutes of Health's UDN (Undiagnosed Disease Network.) "ITTM is an important strategic partner to help us expand our NGS analysis tools in the EU. We are impressed by ITTM's commitment to security and patient privacy, as well as their leadership in genomics data storage," said Mathias Klozenbuecher, VP of Business Development for Fabric Genomics. "Our Opal Clinical platform for NGS interpretation of panels, exomes and genomes for hereditary diseases and oncology is widely used around the world and continues to become the gold standard of interpretation for clinical labs, research institutions, hospitals, and country genome programs." "We selected Fabric Genomics as a key NGS collaborator for the EU market because of their expertise in rapid and accurate genomic analysis," said Andreas Kremer, Ph.D., co-founder and General Manager of ITTM. "NGS testing is growing in Europe, and there is a need for the interpretation of genomic patient data in a secure environment. More and more clinicians are sequencing patient data for rare diseases and cancer, and there is a need to quickly and accurately interpret this data. In some EU countries, regulations prohibit the transfer of personal data across borders, so we are thrilled to provide optimal hosting services to those customers who do not have their own servers." Reinhard Schneider, Hea of the Bioinformatics Core Facility at the University of Luxembourg's LCSB said, "Offering Fabric Genomics' services through the ITTM platform brings world-class clinical NGS data interpretation services to the EU."



Fabric Genomics' platform is a scalable end-to-end genomic data analysis solution, offering secondary analysis, tertiary analysis, and clinical reporting. Our industry-leading secondary analysis tools process genomic data with high computing efficiency, fast turnaround times, exceptional accuracy, and 100% consistency. Opal Clinical, our tertiary analysis tool for interpretation, classification, and annotation, utilizes proprietary VAAST and Phevor algorithms to help identify casual mutation(s) in high complexity cases such as pediatric diagnostic odysseys and country sequencing projects. Upcoming Events:

Bio-IT World Conference and Expo, Boston, May 23-25 ITTM Booth #527 ESHG Conference, Copenhagen, May 27-30 Fabric Genomics' Booth #286 Panel Talk: Monday May 29, 15:00-16:30, Barcelona Room About Fabric Genomics Fabric Genomics is a global computational genomics company offering end-to-end genomic data analysis, annotation, curation, classification, and reporting solutions to clinical labs, hospital labs, country sequencing programs, and life science companies. Fabric Genomics' analytic capabilities begin with raw data analysis and include the delivery of rapid, comprehensive insights for high throughput panels, exomes, and whole genomes. Our software can process FASTQ, BAM or VCF files, providing alignment, variant calling, guideline-driven variant classification, variant interpretation, and clinical reporting for hereditary diseases and oncology. Our breakthrough Biograph technology enables accurate detection of structural variants and provides population-scale data mining capabilities. Fabric Genomics was founded by scientists and industry pioneers in bioinformatics, large-scale genomics and molecular diagnostics and is headquartered in California. By accelerating access to insights related to the cause of genetic diseases, Fabric Genomics is leading the way in precision healthcare. Follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook. About ITTM S.A. ITTM S.A. is a spin-off company of the Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine (LCSB) of the University of Luxembourg. They provide data integration and knowledge management solutions and services to all bio-medical research areas. It focuses on providing quality data in the right context especially on translational medicine studies and clinical trials, in which heterogeneous data need to be curated, linked and integrated. ITTM S.A. offers cutting-edge clinical and multi-omics data analysis, visualization and text-mining solutions. For more information about ITTM, please visit www.ittm-solutions.com. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170524005307/en/

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[May 24, 2017] Maximizer moves on up into the award-winning One Pacific building in Vancouver's Yaletown tech-hub

VANCOUVER, May 24, 2017 /CNW/ - Maximizer Services, a leader in Customer Relationship Management (CRM) solutions, announces the relocation of its headquarters to Concord Pacific's award-winning One Pacific building situated in Vancouver's high-tech hub Yaletown. "Maximizer returns to Vancouver's downtown core after a six-year hiatus," said Maximizer President Vivek Thomas. "The move signifies the resilience and tenacity of our product, people and company as we advance towards a subscription-only business." Maximizer, first established as Richmond Software almost 30 years ago, has evolved with Vancouver. Today, it's an industry leader in personalized CRM, offering unprecedented levels of customizability and customer service. The move downtown positions the growing company, which has added 14 new staff in the past 6 months, near other big players in Vancouver's burgeoning tech sector. Microsoft Canada's new office sits within plain view  while SAP's recently renovated lab is just two blocks away. Overlooking the busy urban corridor of the Cambie Street Brdge, the new Maximizer office is ultra modern. A spacious, bright interior reflects the company's core values of free-flowing communication and transparency, said Thomas. The office is furnished with all the popular amenities. Employees can shower-up after their cycle commute, hit the in-house gym or chill in a break room lined with stainless steel fridges. Marker-proof, high gloss paint transforms walls and pillars into whiteboards that allow staff to brainstorm during informal huddles.



"We're building a highly personalized corporate culture to match our software. The open office layout is designed to increase the flow of information between our development, sales, customer service and marketing teams. Giving all stakeholders easy access to one another allows them to continually collaborate and make better decisions," said Thomas. Company values are further reflected in the open-concept space and work policies. Thomas added: "Our work-from-home option allows crew members to maintain a healthy balance between life's commitments and their professional ambitions."

While offering flexibility, Maximizer also delivers stability. The company has a 30-year track record investing in Metro Vancouver and its workforce. "When we hire, we look beyond skillset," said Alex Cann, Maximizer head of operations. "It's really important that new employees fit our culture and core corporate values, like teamwork, lifelong learning and passion." Today, the global Maximizer team, based in offices in Canada, the US and Australia, includes an eclectic mix of ages and cultures  and the ability to talk to our customer base in 25 languages. The company moves into its new office on May 23, and looks forward to another 30 years helping customers around the world grow their businesses. About Maximizer

For 30 years, Maximizer has been helping customers target, engage and succeed with our secure, fully integrated and configurable CRM applications. Deployed in the cloud or on-premise, Maximizer fuels the growth of businesses in over 95 countries around world. SOURCE Maximizer Software

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[May 24, 2017] Nokia begins first key tests on 4.5GHz band with DOCOMO to develop 5G ecosystem in Japan

Press Release Nokia works with NTT DOCOMO to test applications using 5G base station and the Intel 5G Mobile Trial Platform end-user device

Demonstrates potential of Nokia 5G FIRST to deliver enhanced broadband at vastly greater scale

Showcase at 5G Tokyo Bay Summit 2017 signals start of 5G trials in the Tokyo area 24 May 2017 Tokyo, Japan - Nokia is to develop the 5G ecosystem with leading Japanese operator NTT DOCOMO, INC. in Japan to prepare for the upcoming introduction of the next generation wireless network. The collaboration - which uses the Intel 5G Mobile Trial Platform - will commence with the key interoperability testing of multi-vendor technology using the 4.5GHz frequency band. 5G will deliver high speeds and low latency in support of a new generation of broadband applications, meeting new requirements for connecting people and devices, especially in megacities such as Tokyo. Nokia will conduct trials of 5G technology with DOCOMO in the Tokyo metropolitan area throughout 2017, with particular focus on busy tourist, shopping and business locations as well as at key public events hosted by the operator. The tests will use the Nokia 5G FIRST solution, incorporating the Nokia AirScale base station transmitting over a 5G radio interface to the Intel 5G Mobile Trial Platform. The companies will test end-to-end applications over the air between the base station and the device on the 4.5GHz frequency band, which is one of the candidate bands for 5G in Japan. The Nokia 5G FIRST solution is based on early-adopters radio specifications that define a common interface to allow equipment from multiple vendors to connect over a 5G radio network. Nokia is working with industry leaders around the globe to deliver a 5G infrastructure that will meet the massive broadband needs of a variety of industries and applications. Seizo Onoe, Executive Vice President, Chief Technology Officer and Member of the Board of Directors of NTT DOCOMO, said: "This is a vital first step to allow us to ensure that we have the 5G network infrastructure avaiable for when we commercially introduce the technology, with an ecosystem of device vendors to offer our subscribers the best possible choice and highest quality."



Asha Keddy, vice president and general manager of Next Generation and Standards in the Communication and Devices Group at Intel, said: "Intel believes key collaborations such as this one driving ecosystem partner trials and early deployments are critical to building successful 5G technologies and accelerating the vast benefits they will bring to users. We are excited to be part of this interoperability testing in Japan using the 4.5GHz radio spectrum as part of the 5G end-to-end solution." Jae Won, head of Nokia Japan, added: "This trial is an important milestone for the development of 5G in Japan, which will be one of the first countries in the world to adopt the technology. Furthermore, the initiative is an important step forward in our collaboration with NTT DOCOMO, as well as other key technology partners, as we develop a technology that will meet the ever-growing demands of huge numbers of people living in megacities."

A demonstration of the end-to-end tests supporting low-latency 4K video streaming and other 5G applications will be given at the Nokia booth at 5G Tokyo Bay Summit 2017. About the technology Nokia AirScale Active Antenna using Massive MIMO technology with digital beamforming to provide enhanced cell range, maximized performance at the cell edge and increased spectral efficiency

Nokia 5G FIRST using early-adopters radio specifications to support multi-vendor end user devices over the 5G radio interface and incorporating the Nokia AirScale base station and Nokia AirFrame data center technology

Intel 5G Mobile Trial Platform end-user device based on early-adopters specifications to support over the air connectivity to the Nokia AirScale base station. Resources Web Page: Nokia AirScale Radio Access

Web Page: Nokia AirFrame Data Center Solution

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[May 23, 2017] Successful Acceptance Test for Saab Vessel Traffic Service at Indonesia's Tanjung Priok Port

JAKARTA, Indonesia, May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Defence and security company Saab, has finalised a new vessel traffic service (VTS) system for the Port of Tanjung Priok following a Successful Acceptance Test by the customer, Indonesian Port Cooperation (IPC) II (Pelindo II). The Tanjung Priok VTS has successfully completed all required stability testing and is now operating under warranty. Saab and its local subcontractors completed the installation on time and a 10-year maintenance contract will support future operations. A formal commissioning ceremony for the VTS will be held later this year. Tanjung Priok Port is Indonesia's largest port facility. This first VTS contract for Saab in Indonesia serves as a reference model to encourage safer navigation within the nation's ports and for further business in the key Indonesian market. The Tanjung Priok VTS installation comprises two sensor masts (one constructed in water at the harbour approachs) along with five smaller masts for CCTV, loud hailers and communication equipment. The existing operations and equipment rooms in the port office building were also rebuilt and remodelled. Other supplied equipment included two meteorological stations, one VHF direction finder, a SCADA system and a complete V3000 VTMIS system. The Saab VTS system also connects to an existing radar mast, belonging to a different organisation.



"The Port VTS project was really a challenge for us but we are supported by the proven experience of Saab and its industry team. It is amazing to see how such technology gives a great boost to the port industry, particularly in terms of safety. As the largest port in Indonesia, the value of Port VTS is incontrovertible, considering the number of activities on a daily basis. Now is the time for the Port of Tanjung Priok to step up to the next level and promote further safe and effective operations within the port," said Mr Prasetyadi, IPC Director, Operations. The contract between Saab Technologies (Hong Kong) Ltd and IPC was signed at the end of August 2015.

For further information, please contact:

Saab Press Centre,

+46 (0)734 180 018

[email protected] www.saabgroup.com

www.saabgroup.com/YouTube

Follow us on twitter: @saab Saab serves the global market with world-leading products, services and solutions within military defence and civil security. Saab has operations and employees on all continents around the world. Through innovative, collaborative and pragmatic thinking, Saab develops, adopts and improves new technology to meet customers' changing needs. Logo - https://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20170524/1859723-2LOGO SOURCE SAAB

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[May 24, 2017] Support for marketing of FranchiseBlast software in Canada and abroad

Government of Canada provides financial assistance for Gatineau's LavaBlast Software GATINEAU, QC, May 24, 2017 /CNW/ - Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED) Businesses need to be able to rely on adequate resources to create and market innovative products. To this end, the Government of Canada is committed to supporting innovative Canadian enterprises. A real economic engine, innovation is the key to success, generating growth that benefits businesses and communities. Acting on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for CED, Steven MacKinnon, Member of Parliament for Gatineau, has announced that LavaBlast Software Inc. has been granted $500,000 in financial assistance. A repayable contribution of $250,000 has been awarded by CED to help commercialize its technological solution for franchisors and franchisees in Canada and abroad. The enterprise has received a non-repayable contribution of up to $250,000 through the National Research CounclIndustrial Research Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP) to further its R&D activities in developing software solutions.



Created in 2007, LavaBlast Software is a technology business that has been working with the IRAP for a number of years to develop its software product. Their FranchiseBlast franchise management solution was launched on a large scale in 2013, and subsequently evolved into a franchise audit solution focused on continuous performance improvement. LavaBlast is continuing the technological advancement of FranchiseBlast with two R&D projects. The funding provided under CED's Quebec Economic Development Program (QEDP) will enable LavaBlast Software to significantly increase its sales and, consequently, the number of sales-related jobs. CED is one of six regional development agencies under the responsibility of the Minister for Innovation, Science and Economic Development, the Honourable Navdeep Bains.

Quotes "By investing in the marketing of LavaBlast Software's technological solution, the Government of Canada is standing by its commitments and helping businesses to expand, innovate and export their products so that they can create quality jobs and ensure Canada's economic prosperity." Steven MacKinnon, Member of Parliament for Gatineau "To improve the quality and increase the impact of our innovation support programs, it is of prime importance that the Government of Canada supports scientific research and entrepreneurship. As Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, I am proud to contribute to the growth of a business like LavaBlast Software, whose project will create new jobs in the Gatineau region." The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister responsible for CED Stay connected

Follow CED on Twitter

Follow NRC on Twitter

Follow Investissement Quebec on Twitter

Follow LavaBlast on Twitter SOURCE Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

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[May 23, 2017] Centric Software Major Game Changing Innovation: Centric Visual Innovation Platform

CAMPBELL, Calif., May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Building on its strategy to develop innovations that drive retail transformation for brands, retailers and manufacturers, Centric Software announces Centric Visual Innovation Platform or Centric VIP. Centric VIP is a visual, fully digital collection of boards for touch-based devices like iPad, iPhone and large-scale, touch-screen televisions. This new platform provides a strategic-level overview for executives, drill-down capabilities for users and mass automation of executive decision making. Centric VIP transforms decision making and automates execution to truly collapse time to market and distance to trend. Centric VIP is a platform of digital boards - from mood boards to material and style boards to allocation and merchandising, line and sales boards  and results in dramatic improvements in information accuracy and a massive boost in execution speed. Adoption by executive, creative, merchandising, product development and sourcing teams has been overwhelmingly positive. Current users boast that Centric VIP increases the productivity of 1 PLM user by a factor of 10. Today, key steps of the fashion and apparel creation, development and commercialization process are centered around a manual and cumbersome mix of large foam core boards, print outs of sketches, magazine tear-outs, bits of fabric and trim, chips of color, post-its, stickers and Velcro. It is a time-consuming process prone to error with output impossible to communicate and execute quickly and accurately. However, until now, there has not been a technology innovation suited for this type of very collaborative, very visual, creative but also analytical, group decision making and execution oriented process. "Centric VIP was conceived in close, on-site partnerships with the world's leading brands and retailers, and is a fully market driven, game changing innovation," explains Humberto Roa, VP of Innoation at Centric Software. This new platform focuses on three areas: ideation and collaboration, what-iffing and decision making, and mass, automated execution of decisions. As information is projected on a giant touch-screen television, macro or micro level views can be manipulated with individuals contributing via their own devices, drilling down into details as needed.



Completely visual, Centric VIP enables creative brainstorming linked to the business context. Boards draw from existing information or new ideas and decisions are recorded, making them available to everyone digitally, in real-time. Determining first level line plans, pairing fabrics and bodies, tracking adds/drops, incorporating feedback from sales, finalizing unit commitments and more can be performed in a group context with multiple sources of input. Users can play with what-if scenarios using real-time information, with changes automatically tracked and decisions recorded. This eliminates the need to record minutes of meetings, enter changes into PLM post-meeting or wait for manual sign off.

The mass execution of decisions is automated, drastically boosting accuracy and speed. Teams can mass create and update cascading changes, severely reducing the risk of error and miscommunication while greatly accelerating the development process. Approvals and tasks are automatically routed to their corresponding owners. "Centric VIP is a dramatic innovation that transforms our customers' business by collapsing their time to market, delivering massive streamlining and speeding their execution. It is truly a game changing innovation," says Chris Groves, President and CEO of Centric Software. Centric Software is pleased to announce a series of worldwide seminars to see and try Centric VIP in person. Or contact us for a demo or more information. June 21 : New York City

: June 27 : G o teborg

: G teborg June 28 : London

: June 29 : Milan

: July 4 : Paris

: July 6 : Munich

: July 21 : Shanghai

: July 27 : Salt Lake City

: July 28 : Shenzhen Centric Software, Inc. (www.centricsoftware.com) From its headquarters in Silicon Valley and offices in trend capitals around the world, Centric Software builds technologies for the most prestigious names in fashion, retail, footwear, luxury, outdoor and consumer goods. Its flagship product lifecycle management (PLM) platform, Centric 8, delivers enterprise-class merchandise planning, product development, sourcing, business planning, quality and collection management functionality tailored for fast-moving consumer industries. Centric SMB packages extended PLM including innovative technology and key industry learnings tailored for small businesses. Centric Software has received multiple industry awards, including the Frost & Sullivan Global Product Differentiation Excellence Award in Retail, Fashion and Apparel PLM in 2016 and Frost & Sullivan's Global Retail, Fashion and Apparel PLM Product Differentiation Excellence Award in 2012. Red Herring named Centric to its Top 100 Global list in 2013, 2015 and 2016 (end) Copyright 2017, Centric Software Inc., All right reserved. SOURCE Centric Software

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[May 23, 2017] Wanda Group and Microsoft Accelerator Partner Together to Empower Startups to Do More on Digital Transformation

BEIJING, May 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Wanda Group, one of the Fortune Global 500 List companies, is tapping into the resources of Microsoft Accelerator to enable the next wave of digital transformation of the retail industry and commercial properties in China. For the past four and a half years, Microsoft Beijing Accelerator has accelerated 140 startups in China with alumni in the areas of hybrid cloud, IoT, big data, artificial intelligence, etc. These startups have strong strengths in technology innovation. Combining Wanda Group's customer resources and Microsoft Accelerator's alumni, startups will be empowered to do more for digital transformation in China. "As an entrepreneur myself, I've seen many technology startups face the same challenges. They focus on technology innovation and product development without much customer insight and user data," said Hanna Lavy, head of Microsoft Global Accelerator Program. "Partners like Wanda Group can provide in-depth business insights and rich customer data to startups. Microsoft Accelerator looks forward to working with Wanda Group to enable startups to transform retail companies and commercial properties into digital businesses." "Wanda Group and Microsoft sharn digital technology and business. Cloud computing, big data, IoT and artificial intelligence are the main drivers of the digital transformation of business," said Jennifer Feng, Deputy GM of IT Center at Wanda Group." Wanda Group has rich insights and user data as the leader of commercial property and retail business in China and we will partner with Microsoft to bring startups closer to end customers. Microsoft Accelerator will also provide qualified startups to be enlisted as vendors for Wanda Group. "



As the world's largest commercial property enterprise, Wanda Group has opened 189 Wanda Plaza projects in China and plans to open 50 more in 2017. Three years ago, Wanda Group began its fourth business model transformation from commercial property to modern services with the result of forming four sub business groups including Commercial Properties, Cultural Industry Group, Internet Technology Group and Financial Group. Digital transformation is at the core of Wanda Group. Wanda Group IT embarked on enabling digital transformation of Wanda Group three years ago. For the past three years, Wanda Group IT has developed Wanda Building Information Modeling(BIM) System and Wanda Intelligent Building Management System in this endeavor with the adoption of Microsoft Azure and HDInsight big data analysis. Wanda BIM system seamlessly integrates the end-to-end information management process from project bidding to delivery for commercial property developers, designers, builders and supervisors.

About Wanda Group Wanda Group was established in 1988 and has developed into a conglomerate of commercial properties, culture, Internet and finance. It ranked 385th on the Fortune Global 500 List in 2015. In 2016 its assets amounted to 796.2 billion yuan with operating revenue of 255 billion yuan. By 2020, Wanda Group aims to become a world class multinational corporation with assets of $200 billion, market capitalization of $200 billion, revenue of $100 billion and net profits of $10 billion. About Microsoft Accelerator Microsoft Accelerator is a global initiative built to empower entrepreneurs around the world on their journey to build great companies. Microsoft Accelerator works with later-stage startups to provide the tools, resources, connections, knowledge and expertise they need to become successful companies. To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/wanda-group-and-microsoft-accelerator-partner-together-to-empower-startups-to-do-more-on-digital-transformation-300462928.html SOURCE Microsoft Beijing Accelerator

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[May 23, 2017]

Softvision Acquires Momentus to Strengthen Digital Product Design Services

ATLANTA, May 23, 2017 /CNW/ -- Softvision LLC, a leader in enhancing the digital consumer experience for top brands, has acquired Canadian-based Momentus Software, adding a 17th node to its worldwide Studio network. The Momentus team's product design expertise, including UX/UI and AR/VR, complements Softvision's studio network that includes innovators in all aspects of the customer experience, such as IoT, e-commerce, QA automation and machine learning.

"The acquisition of Momentus enables Softvision to strengthen our Product, Design, and UX Guilds to better service our North American customers. Momentus is a digital innovator; they have an outstanding product design capability to deliver the most engaging digital experiences for various key verticals." said Andres Angelani, Softvision's CEO.

"Momentus joining Softvision gives us full access to a great pool of talent to continue our growth. Through Softvision'snetwork of Studios, we can now scale innovation across new industries," said Almaz Nanjappa, founder and current CEO of Momentus.







About Softvision

Established in 1994, Softvision is a leading developer of digital products, which leverages its network of Studios to help our clients evolve talent, process, and technology; while creating the most impactful custom digital experiences that connect brands and consumers in a relevant and rewarding interaction. With over 2,400 product, design and engineering professionals, throughout a network of 17 studios, in 8 countries and 5 continents, Softvision provides a unique value proposition that infuses innovation into every engagement with its clients.

For more information, please visit http://www.softvision.com

About Momentus

Momentus is a technology lab that delivers cutting-edge software and hardware customer experience solutions that transform businesses. With experts across application architecture, software development, hardware integration, AR/VR, and UX/UI design, Momentus takes a holistic view of the user experience and weaves together products that perform and experiences that delight. Its clients include Fortune 500 companies, global organizations and disruptive startups.

For more information, please visit http://www.momentussoftware.com

PR / Media Inquiries:

[email protected]

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/softvision-acquires-momentus-to-strengthen-digital-product-design-services-300462939.html

SOURCE Softvision LLC
[May 24, 2017] Accedian and Reliance Jio Win Global Telecoms Business Award for 4G Network Monitoring in India

Award recognizes Reliance Jio and Accedian's collaboration on nationwide deployment of virtualized network monitoring solution LONDON, United Kingdom, May 24, 2017 /CNW/ - Accedian, the end-to-end network performance expert, and Reliance Jio, the ground-breaking 4G greenfield operator in India, have won a Global Telecoms Business Innovation Award, in the 'Infrastructure Innovation' category. This year's winners were announced on May 23 at an awards dinner in London, as part of the annual Global Telecoms Business (GTB) Telecoms Innovation Summit. The winning project, completed in December 2016, was motivated by India's growing demand for data and the increasing need for next generation networks to deliver it. The evolution from 3G to 4G (and eventually 5G) requires more than just an increase in capacity for operators' networks. The complexity of these new networks requires automation, deep machine learnng, and continuous feedback to ensure that every subscriber, application, and device is connected to the network at all times.



Accedian's SkyLIGHTTM solution is the telecom industry's first fully virtualized performance assurance platform. Reliance Jio has integrated the SkyLIGHT solution in its Jio Coverage Platform (JCP), an innovative solution developed in-house by Reliance Jio. JCP is a real-time big data analytics platform, which Reliance uses for predictive network operations across its nationwide LTE network of more than 100,000 base stations. On a daily basis, the highly scalable JCP system ingests more than 100 terabytes of performance management, alarm, and configuration management data from RAN, core and IP network elements, as well as data from network probes and customer devices. The JCP system performs automatic correlation and data analytics with machine learning algorithms to provide real-time insights about network coverage, capacity and quality to help deliver a superb customer experience. SkyLIGHT provides network functions virtualization (NFV)-based, standards-based monitoring and remote packet capture, which is necessary to provide real-time, network-wide visibility into QoE (quality of experience) and performance. The roll-out of Accedian's solutioncompleted in less than 10 weeks, thanks to SkyLIGHT's agile deployment and high scalabilityhas also provided Reliance Jio with more network capacity and the ability to launch attractive, revenue-generating applications, such as mobile broadcast video.

"This award highlights our commitment to delivering the best mobile connectivity in India and the best user experience for our subscribers, using the latest innovative technologies like virtualized network performance monitoring," said Tareq Amin, SVP Technology Development and Automation, Reliance Jio. "Our work with Accedian has played a significant part in enabling Jio to deliver high-quality 4G services to our customers across India." "3G and now 4G uptake in India is growing at a rapid rate and operators are in a race to launch new data-led features and services for their subscribers to use and enjoy," said Dave Dial, VP International Sales, Accedian. "But operators' new networks are increasingly complex, and implementing virtualized assurance will become essential if quality is to become the key differentiator over price." "We're delighted to work with Jio as a pioneering operator, assuring the quality of its 4G services and helping ensure that Jio subscribers receive a first-class QoE on their mobile phones," continued Dial. The GTB Innovation Awards recognizes the industry's most innovative and successful project partnerships between the operators and vendors over the last 12 months. About Accedian Accedian delivers exceptional end-to-end network performance visibility, for control over the best possible user experience. Providing the most complete, current view of network health, Accedian dramatically improves visibility with actionable insights for peak reliability and quality of service (QoS). Accedian enables control over increasingly complex networks to increase agility, and reduce cost. Most importantly, through a fully optimized and performance assured network, Accedian proactively ensures maximum uptime and for peak quality of experience (QoE). Since 2005, Accedian has assured hundreds of thousands of networks and services globally, turning performance into a key competitive differentiator. For more information, visit Accedian.com. Twitter: @Accedian SOURCE Accedian Networks Inc.

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By Press Trust of India: (EDs: With additional information)

New Delhi, May 24 (PTI) To tackle the Delhi governments apparent "disconnect" with the people, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, his ministers and officers would open their doors to the public for an hour on weekdays starting June 1.

Aam Aadmi Party chief Kejriwal has issued a note to Chief Secretary M M Kutty directing him to make a formal arrangement for the meetings that would address peoples grievances.

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"From 1 June, all Del govt officers, Ministers, CM n all AAP MLAs will meet people betn 10 to 11 am without appointment," Kejriwal tweeted today.

The move followed complaints to AAP ministers, including the CM, that officers were not accessible to the people, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia told reporters here.

The public meets are a part of an outreach programme that seeks to bridge the gap between the people and AAP, which faced a humiliating defeat in the Delhi civic polls held last month.

"During our visits (to parts of the city) in the past few days, people complained of a disconnect between the government and the masses," Sisodia said.

It was in view of this that the CM had ordered an hour- long meeting every day, he said.

"Ministers and others will hold the meetings without prior appointment from 10 AM to 11 AM in their respective offices from Monday to Friday," Sisodia said.

He said it had been noticed that when officers were accessible, the number of public grievances tended to drop.

The Deputy CM said the decision would not be applicable to the governments field staff such as doctors and teachers.

"The CM has directed the chief secretary to ask officers not to schedule their meetings between 10 AM and 11 AM so that they can address peoples grievances. Exceptions will only be granted if an officer is on leave," he said.

In his note to the chief secretary, Kejriwal said if officers had to leave their seat for an emergency, they should seek permission from their senior officer on the phone, who in turn would inform the office of the minister concerned.

Kejriwal said a record should also be maintained of the grievances and of action taken.

Asked about an earlier AAP government decision ordering officers to meet people from 12 to 1 PM, Sisodia said the government would "effectively" implement its new decision.

A senior government official said if needed, the Cabinet would pass a proposal on a structure for such meetings.

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Sisodia said the government did not apprehend a "huge rush" in government offices because of the public meetings.

"We have not centralised the public meeting at one place. If someone has a grievance related to the office of a sub- divisional magistrate, they would meet the SDM concerned," he said. PTI BUN BDS

--- ENDS ---
Malaysian Strategic Investment Fund Khazanah Nasional Invests In Sigfox

Sigfox, the world's leading provider of connectivity for the Internet of Things (IoT), today announced that Khazanah Nasional Berhad (Khazanah), the strategic investment fund of the Government of Malaysia, has acquired a minority stake in the company.

Khazanah joins Alto Invest, Salesforce Ventures, Henri Seydoux, Swen CP, Tamer Group and Total as new investor in Sigfox.

Over the past few years, Sigfox has deployed its presence in South-East Asia by opening up its regional headquarters in Singapore and securing contracts with local channel partners in Taiwan, Hong-Kong, Singapore and Japan, where the network is already present.

"We are proud to welcome Khazanah as an investor. The inestment will help Sigfox to further enhance deployment in Asia, while creating new opportunities for the company," said Ludovic Le Moan CEO of Sigfox.







Lazard acted as sole financial advisor to Sigfox, with Skadden acting as legal advisor.

About SIGFOX

Sigfox is the world's leading provider of connectivity for the Internet of Things (IoT). The company has built a global network to connect billions of devices to the Internet while consuming as little energy as possible, as simply as possible.

Sigfox's unique approach to device-to-cloud communications addresses the three greatest barriers to global IoT adoption: cost, energy consumption, and global scalability. Today, the network is present in 32 countries and on track to cover 60 by 2018 - covering a population of 562 million people. With millions of objects connected and a rapidly growing partner ecosystem, Sigfox empowers companies to create new innovations on the IoT. Founded in 2010 by Ludovic Le Moan and Christophe Fourtet, the company is headquartered in Labege near Toulouse, France's "IoT Valley". Sigfox also has offices in Boston, Dubai, Madrid, Munich, Paris, San Francisco, Singapore and Tokyo.

For more information, see www.sigfox.com and follow us on Twitter (News - Alert) @sigfox.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170523005954/en/
[May 24, 2017] Clay Launches Unlimited High-speed Data Across Europe for Indian Travellers

NEW DELHI, May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- - First Time Ever to launch Unlimited Data across Europe at competitive prices - Now Chat, Browse, Download and Stay Online on Facebook/Whatsapp, etc. 24*7 during Trip to Europe Clay Telecom has launched for the first time ever, Truly Unlimited Data across Europe for its customers. This innovative summer plan is to satiate the need for data during their trip to Europe. Giving the benefit of Unlimited Advantage, the users can freely enjoy Unlimited Voice and High-speed Data across Europe at an unbeatable price. "Positioning data as the next VOICE for Smartphone users, we are offering an innovative value proposition to remove the fear of bill shocks and give international travellers peace of mind. We are the first and only company to introduce unlimited voice and data across Europe at an affordable price," said Gaurav Dhawan, Executive Director, Clay Business Group. The exclusive plan is launched for data lovers who would like to stay online 24*7 during their trip to Europe. The users are free to browse websites, check emails, download data, stay online on WhatsApp and Facebook a a nominal price. The Europe prepaid plans are starting from Rs. 3,499/- onwards with flexible validity options of 7, 15 and 30 days to meet the varied travel requirements.



Gaurav further added, "With seamless connectivity, the travellers have freedom to browse, chat, download and access emails, anytime and anywhere at an unbeatable price. With the focus on customer satisfaction, we have plans to introduce more innovative and customized products to give them a feeling of local during their global travel." The company has also launched other lucrative plans for USA, Thailand, Malaysia, Hong Kong and Singapore to cater to a larger travel market this summer. The travellers can visit Clay's website to place an order, anytime and from anywhere.

To buy Europe prepaid SIM online, click here: http://bit.ly/Europe-SIM-Card To buy USA prepaid SIM online, click here: http://bit.ly/USA-SIM-card To buy any other international SIM Card, click here: http://www.clay.co.in To stay updated about new offers and plans, follow the Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/claytelecom About Clay Business Group Headquartered in Delhi, Clay Business Group has established a pan India presence with more than 24 offices and counters at international airports of India. It has international operations in USA, UK, Japan and South Korea. Over the span of 16 years, Clay has diversified its business verticals and is not only in telecom, but also in apps, IT, hospitality and digital domains. The company believes in the vision to offer unmatched service and make communication easier and cost effective.

Media Contact:

Shweta Chawla

Marketing Manager

Clay Business Group

[email protected]

+91-9911447728



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[May 24, 2017]

EU Awards 8.4 Million to ODYSSEA Project for Developing and Deploying Integrated Observatory Systems in the Mediterranean Sea

KAVALA, Greece, May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

The European Union (EU) has awarded the international ODYSSEA consortium 8.4 million to develop an interoperable and cost-effective platform that fully integrates networks of observation and forecasting systems across the Mediterranean basin.

The ODYSSEA platform will collect information from databases maintained by agencies, public authorities, research institutions and universities. The 4.5-year project is aimed at making Mediterranean marine data easily accessible and tailored to the needs of multiple maritime sector end-users. These include wind farms, mariculture, ocean energy, oil and gas extraction, undersea cables, ports and shipping, policy and others.

ODYSSEA will develop a network of coastal observatories, deploying novel in-situ sensors at sea, employing oceanographic modelling and integrating existing mobile apps for citizen and scientist networks. It will also apply advanced algorithms to organise, homogenise and integrate large quantities of data.

The ODYSSEA platform will provide, through a public portal, on-demand information services, including forecasts. The project will include capacity bilding to maximise exploitation of the information services for creating business and research opportunities across the Mediterranean Sea basin.







ODYSSEA, led by the Democritus University of Thrace (DUTH) in Greece, is funded by HORIZON 2020, the EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation.

"We have identified a real need to harmonise existing earth observing systems operating around the Mediterranean and upgrading their operational oceanographic capacities," said Prof. Georgios Sylaios from DUTH, who coordinates ODYSSEA. "The project will support EU policy implementation, thus improving interoperability in monitoring and fostering blue growth jobs creation."

ODYSSEA is comprised of 28 partner organizations from 14 EU and non-EU countries across the Mediterranean. The consortium includes research institutes, universities, policy makers, non governmental organisations and SMEs.

ODYSSEA will hold its opening conference in Kavala, Greece June 6-8, 2017.

About ODYSSEA

ODYSSEA is an EU-funded project intended to make Mediterranean marine data easily accessible and operational to multiple end-users.

ODYSSEA aims to develop, operate and demonstrate an interoperable and cost-effective platform that fully integrates networks of observing and forecasting systems across the Mediterranean basin.

For further information and updates, please follow our Facebook and Twitter.

Contact



Menelaos Hatziapostolidis

[email protected]

+30-(6)-945154829

Simon van Dam

[email protected]

+972-(54)4563384



SOURCE ODYSSEA
[May 24, 2017]

Silvaco sponsors the FDSOI Ecosystem Reception in Yokohama

SANTA CLARA, Calif., May 24, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Silvaco, Inc., a leading provider of IP and EDA software tools, will be attending the 3rd Annual SOI Tokyo Workshop in Tokyo from May 31-June 1, 2017 and will be hosting the FDSOI Ecosystem reception at Yokohama. This will be the third workshop for SOI technology in Japan hosted by SOI Industry Consortium. The event will highlight the latest information on FDSOI which has quickly become a key technology for enabling IoT and is penetrating automotive in recent years. The two day event discusses SOI application and opportunities at length. Silvacos CEO David Dutton will address the FDSOI Ecosystem reception on May 31.



The Tokyo SOI Workshop brings together users, manufacturing, suppliers, academia to discuss IoT, 5G, automotive SOI applications, said Carlos Mazure, Chairman and Executiv Director of the SOI Industry Consortium. It is an atmosphere of exchange to enable convergence of interests within the SOI Ecosystem.







Silvaco is excited to host part of the SOI Consortium. Silvaco EDA and TCAD tools are FDSOI compatible and enabling customers using the FDSOI flow with Victory 3D, Variation Manager, and Jivaro RC reduction tools, along with SmartSpice and Expert," said David Dutton, Silvaco CEO. The unique capabilities of FDSOI helps design teams address challenges in advanced semiconductor process technologies at competitive costs.

Here is more information on date, time and venue:

May 31, 2017, 1:00pm - 8:00pm

FDSOI Ecosystem Reception

Yokohama Landmark Tower 25F

Jun 1 2017, 8:30am - 5:40pm

Tokyo SOI Workshop, Convergence of IoT, Automotive through Connectivity

Takeda Hall, Tokyo University,

Please visit the following official web site for more information.

https://soiconsortium.eu/events/the-annual-tokyo-soi-workshop-at-the-university-of-tokyo-japan-2017/
[May 24, 2017] Panopto and Winnov Announce Integrated Video Capture and Management Solution

SEATTLE and SANTA CLARA, Calif., May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Panopto and Winnov today announced a strategic partnership that brings together Panopto's video content management system and Winnov's Cbox family of appliances. The product integration provides organizations with an automated workflow for capturing, publishing, and streaming multi-source lectures and business presentations. Winnov Cbox creates multiple 1080p recordings that work in concert with Panopto's immersive multi-source video player, enabling organizations to capture high quality, multi-camera presentations and events with the click of a button. Through the partnership, Cbox recordings are automatically uploaded to Panopto, where they're encoded for playback on any device. The recordings are also indexed for inside-video search, enabling viewers to find and fast-forward to any word spoken or shown on-screen by presenters. The integration is based on the Universal Capture Specification (UCS), a simple, XML-based format for describing video files and collections so that they can be centrally managed and streamed to any device. With Cbox support for the UCS, multi-source recordings along with their associated metadata, such as title, description, and table of contets, can be seamlessly ingested into Panopto. This process automatically enhances video search and navigation while minimizing post-production time and costs. On-demand recordings are often available just minutes after a presentation ends.



"Our Cbox family is built to capture the widest range of audiovisual equipment and presentation devices with enterprise-grade reliability," said Olivier Garbe, CEO of Winnov. "Now, with Panopto, we can provide our customers with an easy, automated workflow for managing those enriched multi-source recordings and efficiently streaming them to anyone on any device." "Panopto and Winnov share the belief that video capture and publishing should be a streamlined process that minimizes post-production costs and time to availability," said Eric Burns, co-founder and CEO of Panopto. "Through the use of the Universal Capture Spec, the multi-source recordings and extensive metadata captured by Cbox can be ingested into Panopto in full fidelity. The result is a more immersive viewing experience that goes far beyond simple, picture-in-picture video playback."

About Panopto

Panopto helps universities and businesses create searchable video libraries of their institutional knowledge. Since 2007, the company has been a pioneer in video content management systems, video capture software, and inside-video search technology. Today, Panopto's video platform is the largest repository of expert learning videos in the world. Headquartered in Seattle, with offices in Pittsburgh, London, Hong Kong, Beijing, and Sydney, Panopto has received industry recognition for its innovation, rapid growth, and company culture. For more information, visit www.panopto.com. About Winnov

Winnov is the leading provider of HD lecture capture and live streaming appliances. The company's award-winning Cbox series enables anyone to create studio-grade video productions with the touch of a button or through a fully automated recording and publishing workflow. Fortune 500 companies, leading universities, and government agencies rely on Winnov appliances to capture the most engaging live and on-demand video experiences. For more information, visit www.winnov.com. To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/panopto-and-winnov-announce-integrated-video-capture-and-management-solution-300460872.html SOURCE Panopto

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[May 24, 2017] Actiance and Hootsuite Form Global Partnership to Provide Compliance and Social Engagement for Financial Services Companies

NEW YORK, May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Actiance, the leader in communication compliance, archiving, and analytics, today announced a global partnership with Hootsuite, the most widely used social media management platform. The companies will integrate their products to enable social marketing, archiving, and compliance solutions for financial services companies to assist in keeping all social communication compliant with mandates set by regulatory bodies such as FINRA, SEC, IIROC, FCA, GDPR, and MiFID II, among others. The companies will integrate and co-sell a solution for content moderation, automated archiving, publisher notifications and moderation on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter, enabling organizations working in highly regulated industries to reap the full benefits of these channels. "800 of the Fortune 1000 including the world's largest financial services organizations rely on Actiance and Hootsuite to deliver enterprise scale and innovative social and compliance solutions," said Barry Ruditsky, Senior Vice President of Business Development and Global Alliances, Actiance. "This partnership not only empowers advisors to compliantly engage with clients and prospects through social channels, but also to achieve huge efficiency gains without fear of sanctions, or of compromising sensitive information." The partnership will leverage Hootsuite's widely known social media management platform, extensive ecosystem, and world class education along with Actiance's Socialite -- which enables compliance across public social networks--and Alcatraz, its context-aware cloud-based archive, to accelerate digital transformation. "We're thrilled to partner with Actiance to bring integrated solutions to our customers through Hootsuite's market leading ecosystem," said Joe Gruca, Vice President, Global Partners, Hootsuite. "Through this partnership we're leveraging the market leadership and expertise of both organizations to empower the financial services industry to compliantly leverage social and drive business esults."



Reaping the Full Benefits of Social Media, While Mitigating the Risk

This partnership between Hootsuite, with over 15 million users, and Actiance which manages over 500 million daily conversations across 80+ channels will enable financial services companies to communicate with customers with great flexibility and at remarkable scale. "This partnership decouples marketing from compliance by bringing together two best of breed solutions, Hootsuite for social management, and Actiance for compliance, to create a holistic solution for modern communication," said Amy McIlwain, Global Industry Principal for Financial Services, Hootsuite.

By integrating their solutions, the two companies will enable: Content Moderation: Content created in Hootsuite (Posts and Comments) is automatically routed to Actiance Socialite for policy review.

Content created in Hootsuite (Posts and Comments) is automatically routed to Actiance Socialite for policy review. Automated Archiving: Actiance automatically archives content from Hootsuite and natively connected channels into the Actiance Alcatraz Cloud Archive.

Actiance automatically archives content from Hootsuite and natively connected channels into the Actiance Alcatraz Cloud Archive. Publisher Notifications: When content is approved or rejected in Actiance, the publisher in Hootsuite is notified with reason information and latest status.

When content is approved or rejected in Actiance, the publisher in Hootsuite is notified with reason information and latest status. LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter Profile Moderation: Actiance supports native moderation of LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter profiles and will sync approval history to the archive. Updates to profiles can be made directly from Actiance Socialite. Additional Information Landing Page: http://www.hootsuite.com/products/actiance

Stay up to date with Actiance: https://www.actiance.com/blog/actiance-hootsuite-bring-power-safe-compliant-social-customer-engagement-financial-services-companies/

Become a fan of Actiance: http://www.facebook.com/actiance

Follow Actiance on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/actiancehttp://ctt.marketwire.com/?release=1264980&id=8716360&type=1&url=http%3a%2f%2fwww.twitter.com%2factiance About Actiance

Actiance is the leader in communications compliance, archiving, and analytics. We provide compliance across the broadest set of communications and social channels with insights on what's being captured. Actiance customers manage over 500 million daily conversations across 80 channels and growing. Customers include the top 10 U.S., top 5 Canadian, top 8 European, and top 3 Asian banks. The Actiance advantage is customers stay ahead of compliance and uncover patterns and relationships hidden within their data. Learn more at www.actiance.com. Actiance headquarters are in Redwood City, California. For more information, visit http://www.actiance.com or call 1-888-349-3223. About Hootsuite

Hootsuite is the most widely used social media management platform, used by over 15 million people around the globe and trusted by more than 800 of the Fortune 1000. Hootsuite's battle-tested technology, extensive ecosystem, and social DNA help organizations power human connections at scale. Hootsuite Media Team: Ryan Tessier, @HootTessier

Hootsuite Corporate Communications

[email protected] Actiance Media Team: Lisa Bergamo

Senior Director, Corporate Communications, Actiance, Inc.

Phone: 650-380-9250

Email: [email protected] Michael Burke

415.989.9000

[email protected]

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/actiance-and-hootsuite-form-global-partnership-to-provide-compliance-and-social-engagement-for-financial-services-companies-300462935.html SOURCE Actiance

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[May 24, 2017] Swift Shift partners with BAYADA Home Health Care to improve the employee experience

NEW YORK, May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Swift Shift, a leading mobile home health workforce optimization technology platform, today announces that it has partnered with BAYADA Home Health Care, one of the largest home health providers with over 325 locations in the U.S. and operations in Germany, India, Ireland, and South Korea. "We are excited to partner with a leading home health provider with a legacy of technological innovation," said Assaf Shalvi, CEO of Swift Shift. "We look forward to working with BAYADA to improve the experience of field employees and drive higher quality of home healthcare service." After a successful pilot, BAYADA is making Swift Shift's mobile workforce optimization software suite available to more BAYADA offices to improve employee engagement, retention, and operational efficiencies by providing administrative staff with: The ability to fill offer employees new shift openings within minutes,

The ability to communicate with field staff through chat and mobile broadcast messaging,

An increase in the number of employees who are available to work a shift--driving up choice and quality of the match. "Selecting Swift Shift as a partner was an easy decision," said Ed Malinowski, CIO of BAYADA. "I have never seen an application thatachieved instant high adoption from field staff and delivered value immediately. At BAYADA, our people-first focus drives us to continually enhance the experience of our field staff, with more transparency to available work, greater control over their hours, and increased flexibility and ability to apply for more shifts while providing us with valuable operational data and insights."



Matt Barbee, associate director at BAYADA, added, "Swift Shift helps to improve communication between our field and offices teams. Our field team will not only have 24/7 access to their own schedules, they will be able to see all available shifts at the office(s) in which they work, and express interest in picking up a shifteven when our office staff has gone home for the night. This is a game-changer for engaging with night shift employees or those working another job, in addition to BAYADA." About Swift Shift

Swift Shift's software-as-a-service platform gives employees the ability to apply for recommended shifts that fit their location and preferences, communicate with colleagues and managers through chat, SMS, and email resulting in reduced understaffing, increased operational efficiency, revenue and service quality levels, and attract higher quality talent for longer periods. Swift Shift also allows employees and managers to work from multiple employers using a unified calendar that reduces double booking of employees and simplified schedule and travel management for employees. Swift Shift's technology brings together mobile capabilities, HIPAA compliance, configurable processes and permissions, integration capabilities, and behavioral scientific-driven algorithms that make it simple for home health providers to fill shifts quickly with the best resources available.

About BAYADA Home Health Care

Founded in 1975 by J. Mark Baiada, BAYADA Home Health Care provides nursing, rehabilitative, therapeutic, hospice, and assistive care services to children, adults, and seniors in the comfort of their homes. Headquartered in suburban Philadelphia, BAYADA employs more than 23,000 nurses, home health aides, therapists, medical social workers, and other home health care professionals who serve their communities in 22 states from more than 325 offices with locations in Germany, India, Ireland, and South Korea. For more information, visit bayada.com. CONTACT: Andy Sims, VP of Marketing at Swift Shift, 510.239.9806, [email protected] To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/swift-shift-partners-with-bayada-home-health-care-to-improve-the-employee-experience-300462831.html SOURCE Swift Shift

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[May 24, 2017]

Aeris & Mevia Earn Top Enterprise Service Innovation Award from Global Telecoms Business

SANTA CLARA, Calif., May 24, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aeris, a pioneer and leader in the Internet of Things (IoT) market, said today it and Mevia are the 2017 recipient of the Enterprise Service Innovation award given by Global Telecoms Business magazine. Representatives from Aeris and Mevia received the honor at a gala awards dinner Tuesday evening in London, U.K. This is the second consecutive year Aeris received this industry honor.



Syed Zaeem Hosain, CTO, Aeris





A photo accompanying this announcement is available at //www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/452d5a3e-061c-43fb-8edc-4047ee7292eb.

Mevia provides intelligent solutions to improve the quality of medical treatments. This is done by supporting and enabling people to take the right medication at the right time. This helps improve adherence, which is one of the greatest obstacles to successful medical treatments.



Missed medication and adherence is a huge challenge globally for healthcare providers and pharmaceutical companies alike. Up to $289 billion is spent on missed medication and adherence issues in the U.S., and the global pharmaceutical markets revenue loss is estimated to be $564 billion owing to medication non-adherence, according to the IMS Health Institute.

Mevia has created technology, enabled by Aeris IoT Solutions platform, which can be adapted to work in blister packs, pill dispensers, and pill pouches, providing patient support and personal adherence feedback in real-time.

For Mevias part, the company is trying to make it as easy as possible for the user to take the right medication dose at the right time. What Mevia does is add printed traces onto packaging so when a consumer takes out a pill they are breaking a trace. The trace feeds into an electronic device so that when the consumer takes any pill out of the package, Mevia knows exactly which one it is and when it is taken out.

Mevia then uses GSM, CDMA and LTE networs provided by Aeris to send this data in real-time from the package into Mevias information technology system, which can connect instantly with a patient, doctor, care giver or relative in any form of communication that they prefer, including short message service, email, phone calls or push notifications via mobile app.







CLICK TO TWEET: Aeris (@AerisM2M), @Mevia earn #enterprise service #innovation #award from @GTBusiness | #IoT #medicationadherence http://bit.ly/2h6Iw5m

Supporting Quotes

Alan Burkitt-Gray, Executive Editor of Global Telecom Business and Capacity

We had a superb range of projects nominated for this years awards, the eleventh time Global Telecoms Business has presented our annual Innovation Awards. Each year since 2007 weve seen how the industry is getting more innovative and more imaginative about serving customers as technology advances. To get through the first hurdle and be shortlisted is already a great tribute to the quality of work here, and to go on to win an award shows an excellent level of innovation in driving demand for better quality services. Congratulations Aeris and Mevia. Men and women in the industry are making a huge difference to the world. At the GTB Innovation Awards we want to celebrate what men and women across the industry are doing to make a huge difference to the world.

Jesper Hassel, CEO, Mevia

Mevia is honored to be recognized with Aeris by Global Telecoms Business for this industry honor. Together with Aeris, we are helping improve medical adherence and give our patients access to receive real-time, useful information no matter where they are in the world. Whats great about working with Aeris is that we can set up quickly and operate easily in many different countries.

Syed Zaeem Hosain, Founder and CTO, Aeris

Aeris welcomes the opportunity to collaborate with Mevia and tackle a huge worldwide problem involving missed medication and adherence through our Internet of Things solution platform. Our goal is to assist Mevia on their journey of turning unconnected products into connected services.

Digital Assets

Supporting Resources

About Aeris

Aeris is a pioneer and leader in the market of the Internet of Things  as an operator of end-to-end IoT and machine-to-machine (M2M) services and as a technology provider enabling other operators to build profitable IoT businesses. Among our customers are the most demanding users of IoT services today, including Hyundai, Acura, Rand McNally, Leica, and Sprint. Through our technology platform and dedicated IoT and M2M services, we strive to fundamentally improve their businesses  by dramatically reducing costs, improving operational efficiency, reducing time-to-market, and enabling new revenue streams.

For more information, contact: Kevin Petschow Aeris +1.312.985.9182 [email protected]
[May 24, 2017] Rockwell Automation CEO Discusses Future of Industrial Internet of Things

Blake Moret, president and CEO of Rockwell Automation (News - Alert), spoke on Internet of Things (IoT) adoption and its impact on industrial productivity, sharing insights with more than 1,200 business leaders at Cisco's (News - Alert) IoT World Forum in London today. As the industry's only company solely dedicated to industrial automation and information, Rockwell Automation is uniquely positioned to understand the challenges and opportunities associated with harnessing the future of smart manufacturing. This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170524005658/en/ Blake Moret, president and CEO of Rockwell Automation, explains how the Internet of Things impacts industrial productivity at Cisco's IoT World Forum in London. (Photo Credit: Aidan Synnott) As Moret described, the positive outcomes associated with IoT will continue to accelerate as organizations progress from pilot or proof-of-concept IoT projects to scalable IoT deployments. According to the Global IoT Decision Maker Survey published by International Data Corporation (IDC (News - Alert)), nearly one-third (31 percent) of those surveyed have already launched IoT solutions, and another 43 percent are looking to deploy solutions in the next 12 months. Rockwell Automation is seeing a similar trend in its deployment of IoT solutions, and continues to increase its number of pilots across industries, applications and geographies.



"Manufacturers and industrial operators are discovering practical ways to apply IoT across their operations, and they're deriving measurable business value as a result," Moret said. "Combining IoT technology and expertise in specific industrial applications enables better collaboration, faster problem-solving and increased productivity." Moret referenced several factors driving the adoption of industrial IoT and connected operations, including lower cost of computing and connectivity, and the convergence of information technology and operations technology.

Moret explained how a connected enterprise that adopts IoT technologies can generate better insight into industrial operations and deliver greater value by providing the right information at every level of their business through scalable analytics. He cited Great Lakes Brewing Co. as a Rockwell Automation customer that is adopting scalable analytics to improve visibility and productivity for different parts of their operations. The 2017 IoT World Forum explores the impact of IoT on business, technology and society. As strategic partners, Rockwell Automation and Cisco have long collaborated on industrial networking and security solutions required for industrial digital transformation. Together, they help manufacturers improve business performance by bridging the technical and cultural gaps between plant-floor and higher-level information systems. "We have great technology, good people and a strong culture, but another component that sets us apart from our competitors is our ability to partner with companies such as Cisco. Together, we deliver expertise and solutions for highly secure, smooth connectivity from the plant floor to the enterprise network," said Moret. Rockwell Automation, Inc. (NYSE: ROK), the world's largest company dedicated to industrial automation and information, makes its customers more productive and the world more sustainable. Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wis., Rockwell Automation employs approximately 22,000 people serving customers in more than 80 countries. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170524005658/en/

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[May 24, 2017] Koc Holding and Tata Group Companies Sign Joint Venture to Tap Into India's Rapidly Growing White Goods Consumer Market

ISTANBUL and MUMBAI, India, May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The JV targets market leadership in 10 years Beko, part of Koc Holding A.S. (Koc Holding), Turkey's largest industrials conglomerate, and Voltas Limited, part of the Tata Group, India's largest conglomerate, have announced a deal that will see Beko and Voltas, India's largest air conditioning brand, enter into a joint venture (JV) for consumer durables. The proposed new company, to be incorporated in India, will be an equal partnership. The JV will be incorporated between Ardutch B.V. (49%), wholly owned subsidiary of Arcelik, owner of Beko Brand, Koc Holding (1%), Voltas (49 %), and Tata Investment Corporation Limited (1%). The partnership, once regulatory approval is received, will launch refrigerators, washing machines, microwaves and other white goods and major domestic appliances for the fast-growing consumer durables market in India. The Joint Venture Company (JVC), with an equity capital of $100 million, will leverage the Beko brand and its expertise in the major domestic appliance sector across the globe, as well as Voltas' strong brand presence and wide sales and distribution network in India. The JV is key to Beko's "Silk Road" business strategy, which seeks to create a continuous and strong presence in the corridor between Turkey and the Asia Pacific region. This move aims to tap into the Indian market which offers great potential with its approximately half billion middle-income consumers. The white goods market in India is expected to reach US$ 12 billion by 2027. With the new greenfield investment, the JV looks to achieve a market leadership position in white goods. The new production facility is aimed to be operational by the end of 2018. The JVC will also sell major domestic appliances produced in various facilities of Beko around the world. The JV demonstrates a joint vision of building a long-term sustainable durables business in India and Beko's ongoing focus on the Asian continent as the key driver in its strategic growth plans. Commenting on the partnership, Fatih Kemal Ebiclioglu, President of Consumer Durables Group of Koc Holding, said: "Given the accelerating shift of global economic power to Asia, this joint venture will be a critical step for Beko's growth in the region. India stands out as an important opportunity window as it offers a great potential with its 1.3 billion population. In the last ten years alone, the Indian major domestic appliances market grew by nearly 9 percent, surpassing the overall 3 percent growth of global white goods market. With this joint venture, we make a strategic move to increase our global competitive advantage." Hakan Bulgurlu, CEO of Arcelik, said: "Our joint venture with Voltas and Tata Group demonstrates Beko's commitment to India and showcases Beko's "Silk Road" strategy, which seeks to capitalise on major growth opportunities in countries across the Asia Pacific. "India's rapidlyexpanding new middle class presents a major opportunity for our business. This young, urbanizing population includes many first-time buyers investing in white goods. The potential for growth in this market is incredibly exciting and we are proud to be partnering with the Tata Group to deliver this ambitious new partnership.



"By combining our global manufacturing expertise and innovation capabilities with Voltas' expertise, we're confident the company will deliver economic growth and act as a platform for our continued business success going forward." Ishaat Hussain, Tata Sons Director and Chairman of Voltas Ltd., said: "Consumer Durables is a logical extension for Voltas, and we are delighted to be forming this Joint Venture with Arcelik, part of the Koc Group. The strong technology platform, combined with the global manufacturing and sourcing capabilities of Arcelik, will help the JVC offer many unique and differentiated products to the Indian market. The Voltas-Beko partnership will also leverage the well-known brand and distribution strengths of Voltas, and we will work towards establishing the joint venture as a market leader for consumer durables in India."

Sanjay Johri, Managing Director of Voltas Ltd., added: "Our long history, and our unique understanding of Indian customers combined with our brand and distribution strengths, has helped us become market leaders in room air-conditioners in India. Voltas' core competence, and the manufacturing capabilities and wide product range of Beko will help us become a leading player in the consumer durables market in the country. The Indian consumer has always been at the forefront of all our plans, and the expansion in our product portfolio, through this foray, will as always, provide our customers products 'made for India', which specifically cater to their needs. We remain committed to our goals of sustainable profitable growth, and this Joint Venture will create enhanced value for our customers and shareholders." Note to Editors About Arcelik & Beko Today Arcelik A.S. offers products and services around the world with its 30,000 employees, 18 production facilities in 7 countries (Turkey, Romania, Russia, China, South Africa, Thailand and Pakistan), its 34 sales and marketing offices in 32 countries and its 11 brands (Arcelik, Beko, Grundig, Blomberg, ElektraBregenz, Arctic, Leisure, Flavel, Defy, Altus and Dawlance) serving products and services in 145 countries. As the third largest home appliances company in Europe, the consolidated turnover of Arcelik A.S. was totalled at TRY 16.1 billion in 2016. Generating 60% of its income from global markets Arcelik A.S. owns 14 R&D centres, employing over 1,300 employees. Arcelik is listed in ISE (Borsa Istanbul) since 1986. Beko, the global brand of Arcelik A.S., has been the fastest growing home appliances brand of Europe since the millennium. Brand is the market leader in UK and Poland and the #1 freestanding white goods brand of Europe. About Voltas Voltas Limited is a premier engineering solutions provider and project specialist. Founded in India in 1954, Voltas Limited is part of the Tata Group, and offers engineering solutions for a wide spectrum of industries in areas such as heating, ventilation and air conditioning, refrigeration, electro-mechanical projects, textile machinery, mining and construction equipment, water management & treatment, cold chain solutions, building management systems, and indoor air quality. The Company is also the market leader in room air conditioners in India. About Koc Holding Koc Holding, the parent company of Arcelik A.S., is the leading investment holding company in Turkey and Koc Group is Turkey's largest industrial and services group in terms of revenues, exports, taxes, number of employees and market capitalization on the Borsa Istanbul with over 95,000 people. Koc Holding has leading positions with strong competitive advantages in various sectors, such as energy, automotive, consumer durables and finance, which offer strong long-term growth potential. Following an average annual growth rate of 11% in consolidated profit in USD terms between 2006 and 2016, Koc Holding ranks among the world's top 500 companies according to Fortune 500 with consolidated sales of around US$ 23.5 billion as of year-end 2016. Koc Group has been a driving force of the Turkish economy with total sales corresponding 6% of Turkey's GDP, exports comprising 9% of Turkey's total exports and Koc Holding and its listed subsidiaries making up 20% of Borsa Istanbul's market capitalization. About Tata Group Founded by Jamsetji Tata in 1868, the Tata group is a global enterprise, headquartered in India, comprising over 100 independent operating companies. The group operates in more than 100 countries across six continents, with a mission 'To improve the quality of life of the communities we serve globally, through long-term stakeholder value creation based on Leadership with Trust'. Tata Sons is the principal investment holding company and promoter of various Tata companies, including Voltas. Sixty-six percent of the equity share capital of Tata Sons is held by philanthropic trusts, which support education, health, livelihood generation and art and culture. In 2015-16, the revenue of Tata companies, taken together, was USD 103.51 billion. These companies collectively employ over 660,000 people. Each Tata company or enterprise operates independently under the guidance and supervision of its own Board of Directors. There are 29 publicly-listed Tata enterprises with a combined market capitalization of about USD 116.41 billion (as on March 31, 2016). Going forward, Tata companies are building multinational businesses that seek to differentiate themselves through customer-centricity, innovation, entrepreneurship, trustworthiness and values-driven business operations, while balancing the interests of diverse stakeholders including shareholders, employees and society.

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By Press Trust of India: New Delhi, May 24 (PTI) A CRPF Inspector General (IG), posted in the Northeast, has alleged that an encounter carried by a joint squad of security forces in Assam in March was fake and it killed two persons in cold blood claiming they were NDFB rebels.

Rajnish Rai, a 1992-batch IPS officer of Gujarat cadre, said he has conducted a "discreet" inquiry on his own chronicling how a team of the Assam Police, the Army, the CRPF, its jungle warfare unit CoBRA and the border guarding force Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) conducted the encounter on March 29-30 in Simlaguri area of Chirang district and killed what they called were two insurgents of the banned group NDFB (S).

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Rai, in his 13-page report, alleged that information about the incident and FIR filed by the joint squad of forces present a "fictitious account" of the operation to "conceal pre-planned murders of two persons in custody and present it as some brave act of professional achievement".

The home ministry acknowledged receiving the report and said it is being studied and action on its content will be taken soon.

"It is with the CRPF DG and he is examining it. The DG is expected to send the report to the home ministry in a day or two," advisor to the home ministry Ashok Prasad said.

The IG, deputy chief of the CRPF formations in the northeastern states after the additional DG, has also sent the April 17 report to the Chief Secretary of Assam and chairperson of the Unified Command of security forces, the Central Reserve Police Force headquarters here, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 4 Corps in Assam and the Director General of the SSB.

Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal told PTI over phone from Guwahati that he has not received any report till now and his government will conduct an inquiry once it gets it.

Rai has identified the two persons killed as Lucas Nazary alias N Langfa and David Islary alias Dayud as he alleged that they were "already" in the custody of the security forces and the entire encounter operation is "very likely to be a case of premeditated custodial killing".

The forces, the IG said, have mentioned in the FIR that the two were killed in an exchange of fire.

He said as multiple security forces are involved in the incident, "it is necessary to entrust the investigation of this matter to an external independent agency for an unbiased, impartial and thorough investigation."

"The security forces involved in the joint operation must truly reflect how systems and processes have weakened over a period of time, resulting in commission of such unlawful acts in a planned and coordinated manner.

"It is absolutely necessary that urgent systemic reforms be initiated to prevent such wrongdoings in future," Rai said in his concluding remarks in the report. PTI NES ACB ZMN

--- ENDS ---

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[May 24, 2017]

Electronic Design Automation (EDA) Technology: Altair Acquires MODELiiS

TROY, Mich., May 24, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Altair has acquired MODELiiS, a supplier of electronic design automation software for circuit modeling, system design and simulation tools based in Grenoble, France. Capitalizing on strong expertise in digital and analog domains, their solutions are geared towards the Internet of Things (IoT), autonomous vehicles, and complex hybrid systems.



MODELiiS was originally a start-up company incubated within a larger EDA design firm. Their main products simulate C code behavior for various chips and include a very high-performance SPICE circuit simulator. This technology is used in EDA, system modeling, electromagnetics and to model sensors for the IoT.

With the MODELiiS acquisition, we plan to continue our growthand investment in our EDA capabilities to deliver the most relevant, optimal, simulation-driven design solutions for IoT, said James R. Scapa, Altairs Founder, Chairman and CEO. Simulation and optimization are fundamental to the design of communication and controls for everything from personal devices to autonomous vehicles.







With easy-to-use solutions for applications from electronics to complex hybrid systems, MODELiiS EDA technology is expected to solidify and strengthen Altairs value proposition for development of IoT and autonomous transportation products.

For more information on Altairs comprehensive solutions for IoT visit www.altair.com/iot

About Altair

Altair is focused on the development and broad application of simulation technology to synthesize and optimize designs, processes and decisions for improved business performance. Privately held with more than 2,600 employees, Altair is headquartered in Troy, Michigan, USA and operates more than 50 offices throughout 22 countries. Today, Altair serves more than 5,000 corporate clients across broad industry segments. To learn more, please visit www.altair.com.

Media Contacts Altair: Corporate / Americas/ Asia Pacific Biba A. Bedi +1.757.224.0548 x 406 [email protected] Altair Europe / The Middle East/ Africa Evelyn Gebhardt +49 6421 9684351 [email protected]
[May 24, 2017] GEICO Hosts Special Hiring Event in Columbus May 31 and June 1 for Auto Damage Trainees

GEICO is growing faster and adding more customers than ever. "What we need now are more adjusters to give our customers help when they need it," said Don Robinson, regional vice president. To recruit more talent, GEICO is opening its auto damage training program to candidates during a special hiring event Wednesday, May 31, and Thursday, June 1, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at GEICO's Columbus-Polaris office, 470 Olde Worthington Road, Suite 200, Westerfield, Ohio. GEICO will provide paid professional training for college and technical school grads to join its expanding team of auto damage adjusters. Qualified candidates for auto damage positions must have a valid driver's license and a good driving record. They need solid computer, grammar and multi-tasking skills and the ability to work well with customers. Those selected for the trainee program will learn the business during an extensive nine-week training program, including three weeks at the GEICO Auto Damage School in Ashburn, Va. "This is a great opportunity for anyone looking to get out of the office and into the field for a challenging, yet rewarding career," said Todd Koontz, auto damage director. "Our team of auto damage adjusters has an important role of being on the front lines assisting our customers after getting into an accident or experiencing some other disaster. We want to hear from candidates who are up for the challenge of upholding GEICO's reputation for outstanding customer service and helping to deliver on our promise to be there for our clients when they need us the most." Candidates who attend the upcoming hiring event on May 31 or June 1 will have the opportunity to network with GEICO associates, learn more about career opportunities and complete an on-site interview. GEICO offers competitive starting salaries, industry-leading training, a omprehensive benefits package, continuing education, tuition reimbursement, career growth opportunities, community engagement opportunities and a friendly, supportive workplace. To learn more about career opportunities and to submit an application, visit https://www.geico.com/careers/.



GEICO (Government Employees Insurance Company) is a member of the Berkshire Hathaway family of companies and is the second-largest private passenger auto insurance company in the United States. GEICO, which was founded in 1936, provides millions of auto insurance quotes to U.S. drivers annually. The company is pleased to serve more than 15 million private passenger customers, insuring more than 24 million vehicles (auto & cycle). Using GEICO's online service center, policyholders can purchase policies, make policy changes, report claims and print insurance ID cards. Policyholders can also connect to GEICO through the GEICO App, reach a representative over the phone or visit a GEICO local agent.

GEICO also provides insurance quotes on motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), boats, travel trailers and motorhomes (RVs). Coverage for life, homes and apartments is written by non-affiliated insurance companies and is secured through the GEICO Insurance Agency, Inc. Commercial auto insurance and personal umbrella protection are also available. For more information, go to www.geico.com. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170524005765/en/

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[May 24, 2017] ZEROSPAM leverages artificial intelligence with the support of the Government of Canada

MONTREAL, May 24, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ - ZEROSPAM Security, a leading Canadian provider in the cloud email security market, announces the launch of an important machine-learning project financially supported in part by National Research Council Canada's Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP). Thanks to the support of the NRC-IRAP, a team of four researchers hired by ZEROSPAM will work on how to improve detection of spam and other dangerous and undesirable email messages based on artificial intelligence's recent findings. This two year project will enable ZEROSPAM to improve the efficiency of its Anti-Spam solution, further establish its leadership, explore new markets and grow its business.



Mr. Alain Tapp, Professor and associate member of the MILA, will act as advisor to the project, supervising and validating the scientific method used. The MILA (Montreal Institute for Learning Algorithms), founded and directed by Yoshua Bengio, is a lab dedicated to the development of deep learning and deep neural networks algorithms and their applications to new fields.

"We are thrilled by the launch of this project, says David Poellhuber, Chief Operations Officer at ZEROSPAM Security, and being able to count on the knowledge and expertise of some of University of Montreal's finer minds is a huge privilege. This project is a good example of how top teaching institutions and industry players can work together to derive practical applications from deep learning and machine learning findings. I might add that this is a very promising field for the City of Montreal." About ZEROSPAM

ZEROSPAM Security is the only 100% Canadian pure-play cloud Anti-Spam provider. Used by large corporations as well as SMBs, ZEROSPAM provides efficient detection of all email-borne threats and superior protection against ransomware and spearphishing. ZEROSPAM has a proven catch-rate of 99.9% validated by a neutral third party and a very low false positive rate. It it very easy to use and backed by unparalleled technical support. SOURCE ZEROSPAM Security

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[May 24, 2017] Vision Travel Introducing Direct2U Corporate Travel App in Canada

TORONTO, May 24, 2017 /CNW/ - Vision Travel, a leader in travel management in Canada, will be introducing Direct2U, a corporate travel app and duty of care solution, to the Canadian market at GBTA Conference 2017 Toronto, May 23  25. Direct2U, powered by Mantic Point, is a powerful mobile app designed to deliver both proactive protection and robust travel resources for business travellers. With customizable traveller tracking and disruption management capabilities, companies utilizing Direct2U can monitor the locations of their business travellers and identify any potential travel and safety risks in real-time. "Duty of care is an incredibly important consideration for any company and Direct2U not only addresses the needs of the business, but also those of the traveller," says Brian Robertson, President of Vision Travel, Ontario-West. For the traveller, the app providesa constant connection to Vision Travel, ensuring they have 24/7 support and access to assistance at the push of a button. With its extensive feature set, Direct2U also allows business travellers to consolidate to the use of just one mobile app for all of their travel needs. Travellers benefit from automatic notifications on real-time flight status updates as well as airport guides, mobile check-in, destination guides with interactive maps, weather forecasts, a currency converter and much more.



"Our goal is to make business travellers always feel that they are connected to Vision Travel, no matter where or when they are travelling," adds Joel Ostrov, President of Vision Travel, Quebec-East. Learn more at https://www.visiontravel.ca/category/news/.

About Vision Travel Vision Travel is an established leader in travel management in Canada, employing 725 travel professionals. The company has been providing a full range of corporate, meetings & incentives, leisure and loyalty travel services from coast to coast to a wide spectrum of Canadian companies since 1953. In 2016, Vision Travel was ranked 24th in North America on the Travel Weekly Power List and is a leading member of Virtuoso, the world's most prestigious travel network. In April 2017, Vision Travel merged with Direct Travel as the first step toward a shared strategy to build a global company. For more information about Vision Travel, please visit www.visiontravel.ca. SOURCE Vision Travel Solutions

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[May 24, 2017] RapidMiner Announces Record Revenue for Q1 2017

BOSTON, May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- RapidMiner, the company that delivers real data science, fast and simple, today announced record revenue and new customer acquisition in Q1 2017. Additional milestones in the company's first quarter include being recognized as a leader by two industry analyst firms and releasing two updates to its flagship data science platform. "RapidMiner had an excellent quarter, driven by accelerated adoption inside global enterprises," said Peter Lee, chief executive officer at RapidMiner. "The growth of machine learning and artificial intelligence in the enterprise creates a tremendous opportunity for RapidMiner. Our unique approach lets data science teams work faster to deliver more transformational business impact, freeing organizations from the complexity and cost of legacy data science approaches." New customers signed by RapidMiner in Q1 2017 span a variety of industries including manufacturing, financial services, telecom, and government organizations. New customers signed in its Q1 include: A $300b+ global electronics manufacturer who selected RapidMiner to analyze customer behavior and improve the effectiveness of its product launches and marketing campaigns.

A federally funded research and development center who selected RapidMiner to improve the productivity of their data science team across a diverse set of users and use cases.

A $100b+ energy company who selected RapidMiner to analyze text from millions of documents to provide better customer suppor to internal and external stakeholders.



Product Highlights RapidMiner released two updates to its flagship data science platform in Q1. New product enhancements include:

SparkRM, enabling any operator or process in RapidMiner Studio to run in-parallel inside a Hadoop environment using Apache Spark as the execution framework.

Enhanced parallel process execution to speed operations by a factor of 10x or more.

Background process execution, allowing users to run multiple jobs in the background while they continue to work inside RapidMiner Studio.

A new data core that lowers the memory footprint of RapidMiner Studio, speeding data preparation tasks that modify or create new attributes. Company News RapidMiner added industry veteran Andy Walter to its advisory board. Walter led the Commercial Services & Delivery Organization for Procter & Gamble's Global Business Services, where he was responsible for IT & Shared Services. He has over 15 years of experience working on Boards and in Board level advisory roles, including Digimarc, Fractal Analytics, Virtualitics (a CalTech/JPL Analytics Startup), Ivy Mobility, and SignalsAnalytics.

to its advisory board. Walter led the Commercial Services & Delivery Organization for Procter & Gamble's Global Business Services, where he was responsible for IT & Shared Services. He has over 15 years of experience working on Boards and in Board level advisory roles, including Digimarc, Fractal Analytics, Virtualitics (a CalTech/JPL Analytics Startup), Ivy Mobility, and SignalsAnalytics. Gartner, Inc. positioned RapidMiner in the Leaders quadrant of the 2017 Magic Quadrant for Data Science Platforms for the fourth year in a row.

RapidMiner was named a Leader in the Forrester Research, Inc. report: "The Forrester Wave  : Predictive Analytics and Machine Learning Solutions, Q1 2017." Forrester noted that RapidMiner "wraps breadth and depth in a beautiful package."

: Predictive Analytics and Machine Learning Solutions, Q1 2017." Forrester noted that RapidMiner "wraps breadth and depth in a beautiful package." RapidMiner expanded its partner network across the globe, adding new partners in Hong Kong , Hungary , Lebanon , Spain , South Africa , Turkey , and the UK. "RapidMiner's unified data science platform lets us address a broad spectrum of use cases across customer, operational, and risk analytics," said Patrick Pang, Head of Solution Consulting at Jardine OneSolution (HK) Limited. "Through our partnership with RapidMiner, we bring our customers the very best of both established and emerging technologies that power growth and support performance of business and governments." About RapidMiner RapidMiner builds software for real data science, fast and simple. We make data science teams more productive through a lightning fast platform that unifies data prep, machine learning, and model deployment. More than 200,000 users in over 150 countries use RapidMiner products to drive revenue, reduce costs, and avoid risks. For more information, visit rapidminer.com. Media Contacts: Tom Wentworth, RapidMiner

[email protected]

+1 (617) 401-7708 To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/rapidminer-announces-record-revenue-for-q1-2017-300463209.html SOURCE RapidMiner

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[May 24, 2017] Superion Announces Key Leadership Positions

ORLANDO, Fla., May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Following its April 20 brand announcement, Superion, LLC, a leading provider of public sector software, today announced the appointment of key leadership positions, including Simon Angove, Chief Executive Officer (CEO); Kevin Lafeber, President and Chief Commercial Officer (CCO); Todd Schulte, Chief Operating Officer (COO) and John Pulling, Chief Technology Officer (CTO). Angove was appointed CEO on April 24, underscoring the newly named company's commitment to powering the public experience. He joins Superion from his role as a senior executive at Verint, a billion-dollar software company focused on customer-engagement management and cyber security. "It is a privilege to join Superion at a time of such meaningful change and promise," said Angove. "There are increased demands from citizens for better public experiences and safer communities, and attention is turning to technology modernization and innovation. That presents an enormous opportunity for us to take the lead in innovating and delivering truly compelling product solutions for our current customers and future prospects." After serving as interim COO, Lafeber will continue with Superion as President and CCO. In this role, he will lead the sales and marketing departments to further the company's goals of expanding market presence and achieving strategic growth, while driving toward customer success and ensurin it remains a key focal point for Superion.



As COO, Schulte will be responsible for continued customer success and overall customer satisfaction across the entire organization. He served previously as Senior Vice President of Customer Solutions at Aptean, where he led the support services and education teams. His experience in this area spans more than two decades. In his role as CTO, Pulling is responsible for product management, product development and quality assurance operations. He has more than 25 years of operational leadership experience in the enterprise software industry. Pulling joined Superion from Lanyon, where he also served as CTO while leading product management, product development, and cloud infrastructure.

"Superion products provide a platform for more than 175 million citizens to interact with their local government and make those operations run smoothly. Our new team is aligned to grow the business and enable our customers to succeed in making their communities better places to live and work," said Angove. Marc Teillon, Principal at Vista Equity Partners, adds, "The combined technology experience and operational tenure of this executive team provides the leadership necessary for Superion to power the public experience and advance the communities in which we work and live. We look forward to collaborating with Simon and his team to build a high performing organization that prioritizes customers and the solutions on which they depend." About Superion

Superion is a leading software and information technology solutions provider that meets the specialized requirements of city and county governments; federal government, public safety and justice agencies; and nonprofit organizations. Drawing upon years of experience, the knowledge and expertise of Superion employees help communities that rely on our software serve more than 175 million people each day. Superion is Powering the Public Experience. For more information, visit www.superion.com About Vista Equity Partners

Vista Equity Partners, a U.S.-based investment firm with offices in Austin, San Francisco, Chicago, and Oakland with more than $30 billion in cumulative capital commitments, currently invests in software, data and technology-enabled organizations led by world-class management teams with long-term perspective. Vista is a value-added investor, contributing professional expertise and multi-level support towards companies realizing their full potential. For more information, please visit www.vistaequitypartners.com. To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/superion-announces-key-leadership-positions-300463098.html SOURCE Superion

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[May 24, 2017] The Independent Grid Launches Turn-Key Business Platform for Financial Advisors Seeking Independence

CAMP HILL, Pa., May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Today The Independent Grid announced the launch of its full-service business platform for financial advisors seeking more independence, freedom and choice in their careers. Founded by financial industry veterans Anthony Conte, MSFS, CFP , Frank Conte, CLU, ChFC and Trent Gain, AIF, CRPC, The Independent Grid's mission is to provide the flexible solutions entrepreneurial-minded advisors need to thrive in the modern business climate. Through its relationship with Cambridge Investment Research, Inc., the firm's core features and services include administrative support, multi-custodial platform, automatic contingency/succession plan, transition support, dedicated marketing/business development team, financial planning services and retirement plan consulting services. "The independent space can at times be intimidating to some advisors. Some still feel that to be independent means you are totally on your ownleft to your own resourcefulness," said Gain. "But gone are the days of having to 'go it alone.' We believe clients want to work with advisors who are backed by seasoned, responsive and free-thinking teams. Advisors want a sense of community and support inthe ever-more complex worlds of prospecting and compliance."



The platform also allows financial advisors to maintain their own DBA, preserving their firms unique brand identity. Additionally, the firm's marketing and business development teams help partners to further develop their brands with the creation of marketing collateral, event planning and advisory platform consultations. "We not only provide the necessary branch oversight functions, but oversee your growth as an advisor and business owner," said Anthony Conte. "We provide advisors with the superior support and service advisors should expect from a partner, regardless of business type or production level."

For media requests, please contact Brian Hart at (215) 429-8569 or [email protected]. The Independent Grid is a full-service business platform supporting entrepreneurial-minded financial advisors nationwide. In association with Cambridge Investment Research, Inc., The Independent Grid's platform is designed to assist advisors operating under their own DBA in establishing and maintaining independence, freedom and choice for their practices. To learn more about The Independent Grid, please visit www.theindgrid.com. Securities offered through Registered Representatives of Cambridge Investment Research, Inc., a Broker/Dealer, Member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services through Cambridge Investment Research Advisors, Inc., a Registered Investment Advisor. Cambridge and The Independent Grid are not affiliated. Trent Gain, COO

888-944-9725

[email protected] To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-independent-grid-launches-turn-key-business-platform-for-financial-advisors-seeking-independence-300463238.html SOURCE The Independent Grid

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[May 24, 2017] New CardLinx Data Shows 50% Growth in Online-to-Offline Ads

The CardLinx Association today released new data from the 2017 Card-Linking and O2O Industry Annual Survey. The new 2017 data is sourced from the largest merchants, payment companies, digital publishers and card-linked technology companies including CardLinx members Microsoft, Samsung (News - Alert), Facebook, Mastercard, Discover, Whole Foods Market, Hilton, Sears, First Data, FIS, Empyr, Affinity Solutions and many others. Card-linking technology enables consumers to enroll their existing payment card in any digital account and receive targeted offers and discounts in-store without using a paper coupon, loyalty card or promo code. This year's survey shows over 80% of respondents indicating at least 50% growth over the last 12 months. That is the highest growth rate since the inception of the survey. To access the full 2017 report and survey findings, click here: http://www.cardlinx.org/2017-card-linking-o2o-industry-survey/ "Over the past 12 months card-linking has emerged as the killer app in online-to-offline (O2O) commerce and the Internet of Things," said Silvio Tavares, CardLinx President and CEO. "The scale of card-linking has been firmly established in the US and we are now driving rapid growth in several of the largest developed economies including Japan, Germany and Switzerland." Key survey findings include: Card-Linking Goes Mainstream



98% of survey respondents will continue to use card-linked markting or loyalty campaigns in the next 12 months and 95% will use card-linking as their key online-to-offline commerce strategy Loyalty Rewards Surge in Popularity







Compared to last year's survey, twice the percentage of respondents now offer loyalty rewards in their card-linking programs versus cash back offers. Increased use of loyalty rewards signals an industry that is moving beyond customer acquisition to drive increased engagement and loyalty. The Killer App for AI: Shopping



Participants indicated that artificial intelligence (AI) assistants will be the most promising new digital advertising platform. CardLinx has two upcoming forums this year for companies seeking to bring a card-linking program to market. On June 28th, the European Digital and Mobile Commerce Forum will be held in Zurich. Forum attendees include Lidl, REWE, MasterCard (News - Alert), UBS, Postfinance and many others.

On September 12th in Chicago, CardLinx will host a forum on Retail in the Age of Artificial Intelligence and Commerce Bots. Companies leading the development of AI for commerce including Hilton Worldwide and FIS will be presenting. To learn more and to register, go to: http://www.cardlinx.org/events/ Membership in CardLinx Association is open to financial institutions, publishers, advertisers, merchants, merchant acquirers, payment networks and fintech companies. Companies interested in joining the association should visit: cardlinx.org/membership/become-a-member/ About the CardLinx Association The mission of the non-profit CardLinx Association is to increase interoperability and promote the growth of online-to-offline (O2O) commerce and the card-linking industry. On behalf of its members, the association fosters cross-industry collaboration, develops industry services, organizes executive-level innovation forums and institutes common standards to minimize and eliminate friction for purchases. Founding members of the CardLinx Association include Microsoft, Mastercard, Discover, Facebook and First Data; other current members include: Chevron (News - Alert), Hilton, FIS, MUFG, UBS, Sumitomo Mitsui Card Company and Rakuten/EBATES. Visit our website for more information: www.cardlinx.org View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170524005443/en/

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[May 24, 2017] Jon Bon Jovi to Receive NABEF Service to America Leadership Award

Renowned musician and philanthropist Jon Bon Jovi will receive the 2017 Service to America Leadership Award from the NAB Education Foundation (NABEF) for his ongoing efforts to combat poverty and homelessness. Mr. Bon Jovi, whose music and public service signify the spirit of America and the principles that define the nation, will receive the honor at NABEF's Celebration of Service to America Awards on June 20 in Washington, D.C. This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170524005880/en/ Jon Bon Jovi (Photo Credit: Norman Jean Roy) The Service to America Leadership Award recognizes individuals and organizations responsible for improving the lives of others through extraordinary public service. Considered NABEF's highest individual honor, the award will be presented during the Celebration of Service to America Awards, held Tuesday, June 20 at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium in Washington, D.C. Mr. Bon Jovi is the front man of the iconic Grammy Award-winning band Bon Jovi, which has been credited as one of the most successful rock bands in the world. Over three decades, the group has sold more than 130 million albums and performed nearly 3,000 concerts in over 50 countries for more than 37.5 million fans. Mr. Bon Jovi is also chairman of the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to fstering positive change and helping the lives of those in need "one soul at a time." Specifically, the foundation supports programs and partnerships targeted at breaking the cycle of poverty and homelessness in the United States. To date, the Soul Foundation has provided grants to nonprofit organizations across the nation working to create affordable housing for thousands of low-income individuals and families.



"Jon Bon Jovi has entertained audiences for decades and earned world-wide fame as an artist and performer," said NABEF President Marcellus Alexander. "Despite his fame, Jon has never lost sight of community. His generous support of programs that address hunger and homelessness exemplifies the Leadership Award for which we will honor him." In October 2011, the Soul Foundation opened the first JBJ Soul Kitchen in Red Bank, New Jersey, which is Mr. Bon Jovi's home state. The Soul Kitchen addresses the issue of food insecurity and has served over 60,000 meals. In May 2016, the foundation, along with Fulfill (formerly known as the FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties) and The Peoples Pantry (INSPIRE NJ) opened The B.E.A.T. Center (Bring Everyone All Together). The community hub allows families and individuals in need to access food, job training and other resources in Ocean County, New Jersey. Also, The B.E.A.T. Center houses the second JBJ Soul Kitchen.

The foundation also aided in local recovery efforts in the days following Hurricane Sandy in 2012. The following year, Bon Jovi donated $1 million to the Hurricane Sandy New Jersey Relief Fund. This years' Service to America award winners are listed here. Additional information about the Celebration of Service to America Awards is available here. News media interested in attending should contact Dan Lemle. About The Celebration of Service to America Awards The Celebration of Service to America Awards are sponsored and produced by NABEF with major support from the National Association of Broadcasters and presenting sponsors Bonneville International and Hearst Television. In recent years, Sharon Stone; Gary Sinise; Paul Simon; Stevie Wonder; Glenn Close; Jeff Bridges; Quincy Jones; Sir Elton John; Bill Clinton; Laura Bush; Muhammad Ali; Jimmy and Rosalyn Carter; and Nancy Reagan; among others, have been presented with the Celebration of Service to America Leadership Award at the event. Details about the Celebration of Service to America Awards are available at http://www.nabef.org/events/sta/. About NABEF The National Association of Broadcasters Education Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to reinforcing the future of broadcasting through a commitment to education and to advancing excellence in the diversity and community service efforts of our industry. Learn more at www.nabef.org. About NAB The National Association of Broadcasters is the premier advocacy association for America's broadcasters. NAB advances radio and television interests in legislative, regulatory and public affairs. Through advocacy, education and innovation, NAB enables broadcasters to best serve their communities, strengthen their businesses and seize new opportunities in the digital age. Learn more at www.nab.org. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170524005880/en/

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[May 24, 2017] Idaho Technical Career Academy Celebrates Second Graduating Class

Idaho Technical Career Academy (ITCA), Idaho's only career-focused virtual school, will celebrate its second graduating class with an in-person graduation ceremony on Friday, May 26, at 4 p.m. at Boise State University's Hatch Ballroom. Fourteen high school seniors will graduate from ITCA, an online public charter school which serves students statewide in grades 9-12. ITCA prepares career-focused students who are interested in pursuing a job, college degree or both for life after high school. All students complete a career exploration program and can choose from a variety of courses in in-demand career fields such as web development, business administration, health science and manufacturing. Students can get ahead by earning college credits and start down the pathway of earning industry-recognized certifications. The online school setting enables students in any geographic area of the state to utilize this unique curriculum. Furthermore, the flexible learning environment enables students to partner with professionals and companies to apply the skills they are learning in a specific industry. "Our students are graduating high school with technical skills in areas like web design and healthcare that will lead to real-world success," said ITCA head of school Monti Pittman, who will deliver the keynote address at the commencement ceremony. "We can't wait to see wht they'll do next."



Michael Humbach is ITCA's Class of 2017 valedictorian, while Sonia Castro is salutatorian. ITCA teachers and staff will be in attendance to recognize the students' achievements. Media are welcome at this event. Details are as follows:

Idaho Technical Career Academy Graduation Ceremony

Friday, May 26, 2017 - 4 p.m.

Boise State University Student Union - Hatch Ballroom

1700 University Drive

Boise, ID 83725 About Idaho Technical Career Academy Idaho Technical Career Academy (ITCA) is a full-time online public charter school that serves students in grades 9-12 throughout Idaho. As part of the Idaho public school system, ITCA is tuition-free, giving parents and families the choice to access the curriculum provided by K12 Inc. (NYSE: LRN), the nation's leading provider of proprietary K-12 curriculum and online education programs. For more information about ITCA, visit http://itca.k12.com. About K12 Inc. K12 Inc. (NYSE: LRN) is driving innovation and advancing the quality of education by delivering state-of-the-art, digital learning platforms and technology to students and school districts across the globe. K12's curriculum serves over 2,000 schools and school districts and has delivered more than four million courses over the past decade. K12 is a company consisting of thousands of online school educators providing instruction, academic services, and learning solutions to public schools and districts, traditional classrooms, blended school programs, and directly to families. The K12 program is offered through K12 partner public schools in 33 states and the District of Columbia, and through private schools serving students in all 50 states and more than 100 countries. More information can be found at K12.com. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170524005960/en/

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Although a Delhi BJP invite sent to mediapersons said Union Minister Piyush Goyal's session at the state executive meet was open to media, Goyal insisted that the media leave the auditorium as his address wasn't meant to be openly discussed. He changed his mind later.

By Mail Today Bureau: Under fire for mismanagement owing to lack of coordination, the Delhi BJP ended up making yet another goof-up on second day of party's state executive committee meeting.

Union power minister Piyush Goyal objected to presence of mediapersons for which they were invited by the party.

An embarrassed Delhi BJP president Manoj Tiwari tried to convince the minister that mediapersons were "specially" invited to attend the session, but Goyal insisted the media to leave the auditorium as his address to the party workers was not meant to be openly discussed.

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'WHOLE PURPOSE WILL BE LOST'

"The whole purpose of the address will be lost in presence of media persons," he said. Meanwhile, sources said Goyal also pulled up the Delhi BJP leaders for the ongoing bickering in the state unit after the MCD poll results.

A leader present in the meeting said Goyal advised leaders to discuss their differences on party forum and not being them out in media or public platform.

On Monday, the central BJP leadership had told Tiwari and union minister Vijay Goel to sort out their differences so as to put a united front.

Earlier, the power minister who was the key speaker on the last day of the meeting, had begun his address when he noticed the camerapersons in the hall.This prompted him to stop his speech and asked mediapersons to leave the auditorium.

He, however on request of Tiwari, changed his mind and agreed to speak about achievements of three years of Narendra Modi government. By the time, the journalists had started leaving, some local leaders tried to urge them to stay.

SESSION OPEN TO MEDIA: INVITE

Goyal was heard saying "its OK" if they are leaving. Goyal said he was unaware of the presence of media in the meeting.

However, a Delhi BJP invite sent to mediapersons said Goyal's session was open to media.

The minister reached an hour late for the open session that was scheduled at 1 pm.

Before the arrival of the power minister, BJP's national general secretary Anil Jain had also addressed the party's executive committee members in the presence of journalists.

A Delhi BJP leader said Goyal urged the party workers to come together and start preparing for the 2019 general elections.

He asked the leaders and the party workers to highlight the achievements of the Narendra Modi government.

"The newly elected BJP councillors have the responsibility of making Delhi the most beautiful and the cleanest city in the next 20 months. This is going to be the key to BJP's success in the elections," said Goyal.

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ALSO READ | Self glorification, funds misuse: BJP leadership irked by infighting in Delhi unit

ALSO READ | BJP Delhi chief Manoj Tiwari says all's well, but fissures remain

ALSO WATCH | Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari's house attacked, 4 arrested

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[May 24, 2017] Dismantling Public Pensions Could Blow $3 Trillion Hole in U.S. Personal Income over Next Decade, NCPERS Warns

A study by the National Conference on Public Employee Retirement Systems (NCPERS) projects that the nation's economy will suffer severe setbacks by the year 2025 if the dismantling of Defined Benefit (DB) public sector pensions continues at its current pace. This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170524006055/en/ NCPERS Executive Director and Counsel Hank Kim, Esq. (Photo: Business Wire) Titled "Economic Loss: The Hidden Cost of Prevailing Pension Reforms," the study cited the following findings: By 2025, the study estimates $19 trillion in total personal income in the U. S. would be reduced by $3.3 trillion.

The study projects the 4% rate of national economic growth would be dragged down to 3.29%.

As states make changes that are negative for public pensions, their rate of income inequality increases by an average of 15% over 10 years. That, in turn, undermines the rate of economic growth by about 18%.

Public pensions are in better shape than portrayed by their politically motivated opponents.

There are several strategies to adequately fund public pensions without dismantling them, and some states are beginning to explore and implement them.

The study projects the economic damage that would occur in 2025 for each state if the state stays on the path of dismantling pensions.



Hank H. Kim, Esq., NCPERS' executive director and counsel. "Our nation faces a growing retirement crisis that has been exacerbated by the inability of defined contribution plans such as 401(k) plans to provide a reliable income stream during retirement. DB public pensions, with their reliability and superior cost management, should be a model for the private sector." The study, presented today by NCPERS Director of Research Michael Kahn at NCPERS' annual conference in Hollywood, Fla., also includes a primer on how public pensions funding works.

"A great deal of criticism of public pensions is based on a faulty understanding of how long-term liabilities are funded," Kahn said. "Opponents of public pensions tend to whip up fear by arguing that cities and states can't cover their long-term pension liabilities with current revenues. That's like saying your 30-year mortgage is in trouble if you can't pay it off from this year's salary." About NCPERS The National Conference on Public Employee Retirement Systems (NCPERS) is the largest trade association for public sector pension funds, representing more than 500 funds throughout the United States and Canada. It is a unique non-profit network of public trustees, administrators, public officials and investment professionals who collectively manage more than $3 trillion in pension assets. Founded in 1941, NCPERS is the principal trade association working to promote and protect pensions by focusing on advocacy, research, and education for the benefit of public sector pension stakeholders. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170524006055/en/

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[May 24, 2017] Troxell Awarded The REMC SAVE Contract - The Purchasing Window For ASUS C202 Is Now Open

PHOENIX, May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Troxell, a national leader in educational technology solutions for more than 60 years, is proud to announce the company has been selected as one of the vendors awarded a REMC SAVE Contract. The evaluation criteria of all submitted bids included consideration on the basis of cost, quality, specifications and Bidder service and support. All bids were reviewed for compliance with the mandatory requirements stated within this Invitation to Bid (ITB). Contract Item Number 2217019 runs from April 19, 2017 to September 30, 2017. The Model number is C202SAYS02 for the ASUS C202, 11" Chromebook. A contract was awarded to Troxell for demonstrating Best Value, which is defined as a combination of the best technical evaluation and the lowest price when determining award recommendation. "We are pleased to be awarded a REMC SAVE Contract," said Mike Ruprich, CEO at Troxell. "This contract provides Michigan school districts an affordble price for the ASUS C202, 11" Chromebook for their 1:1 school district initiatives when purchased through Troxell."



Troxell continues to participate in multiple national, regional, state and local contracts, helping educational institutions pay less for products and reduce administrative costs in order to overcome the challenges of tight and diminishing budgets. For more information, visit www.TroxellSolutions.com or contact David Woolson at 248-798-1453 or [email protected].

About Troxell

Headquartered in Phoenix, AZ, Troxell is the nation's leading end-to-end solution provider for technology and collaborative solutions in K-12 and higher ed. With 65 offices nationwide, we combine large-scale purchasing power with the high-touch, consultative approach of a local specialist. Find a location near you. About REMC SAVE

The REMC SAVE Project is provided as a service of the REMC Association of Michigan for all Michigan schools. The Project provides large volume contracts for a variety of educational resources. By using REMC SAVE contracts, Michigan schools have saved more than $729 million since 1990. For Press Inquiries Contact: Raigan Irwin-McCabe, VP of Marketing To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/troxell-awarded-the-remc-save-contract--the-purchasing-window-for-asus-c202-is-now-open-300463431.html SOURCE Troxell

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[May 24, 2017] Stanford GSB Recognizes Student Leaders Committed to Social Change

The Stanford Graduate School of Business (GSB) Center for Social Innovation recognized 12 students Tuesday night for their exemplary contributions to social innovation. The students were collectively awarded the Miller Social Change Leadership Award, the Frances and Arjay Miller Prize in Social Innovation, and the Social Innovation Fellowship. Each award is part of Stanford's ongoing commitment to promote global change through social innovation and to support students who embody the quest for social and environmental progress. The students were from the MBA program as well as the GSB's one-year Master of Science degree program for experienced professionals, the MSx program. Dean Emeritus Arjay Miller, creator of two of the awards, was also honored at the event for his ongoing contributions to the GSB. Miller served as dean of Stanford Graduate School of Business from 1969 to 1979. During that time, he created the school's Public Management Program to promote cooperation between public and private sectors for the benefit of society. "As I've said before, making money is the easy part-it's making the world a better place that is the hard part," Miller said. "I wanted to encourage students to find unique ways to overcome social challenges, and I'm thrilled with the change these programs have inspired over the past few years." Social Innovation Fellowship Two social entrepreneurs of the Stanford GSB Class of 2008, Jake Harriman and Jane Chen, inspired the Social Innovation Fellowship program. Their hustle to launch ther respective social enterprises revealed the need for a support system for students who want to start a nonprofit venture to address a pressing social or environmental need. Individual recipients of the fellowship are awarded $110,000 stipend each.



This year, emerging social entrepreneurs Jenna Nicholas (MBA) and Muhammad Mustafa (MSx) have been selected to test, implement, and iterate their venture ideas through the fellowship. Nicholas and Mustafa were evaluated on their personal leadership potential, as well as the anticipated success and impact of their proposed ventures. Nicholas' Impact Experience is an organization that brings together investors, philanthropists, entrepreneurs, innovators, and community leaders to solve economic challenges. By invitation, Impact Experience partners with some of the most disadvantaged communities to facilitate deep connections designed to generate trust, enhance strategy, and accelerate transformation.

Mustafa's EasyJob is helping illiterate adults obtain employment with a mobile app that is based entirely on icons and audio. The app will initially help these adults find temporary jobs to supplement their existing incomes. Once validated, the text-free user interface will be used to provide other services like educational content and medical advice. Frances and Arjay Miller Prize in Social Innovation The Frances and Arjay Miller Prize in Social Innovation rewards students who demonstrate an exceptional commitment to public good and is awarded to graduating students who plan to focus on social or environmental impact in the next phase of their careers. This year, students Ali Goldsworthy (MSx) and Benjamin Fernandes (MBA) were selected for the prize and will each receive a stipend of $20,000 to facilitate their transition after graduation. Through the fellowship, Goldsworthy plans to put her insights into politics to good use in the nonprofit sector while Fernandes is working on building a financial institution driving forward digital financial services in East Africa. Fernandes will initially launch these services in Tanzania to support the 80-percent unbanked population. Miller Social Change Leadership Award Recipients of the Miller Social Change Leadership Award are selected based on their focus on social innovation through academic coursework and practical application, as well as their leadership within and contributions to the GSB community of social and environmental innovators during their time at Stanford GSB. This year, the award recognized the following students: Shruthi Baskaran (MBA)

Eli Bildner (MBA)

Emma Chastain (MBA)

Benjamin Fernandes (MBA)

Ali Goldsworthy (MSx)

Kate Kraft (MBA)

Mark Moeremans (MBA)

Jenna Nicholas (MBA)

Tom Petit (MBA)

Karen Warner (MBA)

Charles Zhu (MBA) A special version of the award was presented to James M. Patell, the Herbert Hoover Professor of Public and Private Management, Emeritus. In 1985, Patell revitalized the Public Management Program by expanding its scope to include nonprofit, corporate, and community leadership as well as social ventures and championed its success through multiple leadership changes and economic downturns. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170524006154/en/

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Election results: Check out results from various races across the state
This new technology of providing power to advanced fabrics will help the military and health care industry in a great manner.

By Indo-Asian News Service: Researchers have invented a way to apply metal-free electrodes to fabric and off-the-shelf clothing so that it feels good to the touch and also transports enough electricity to power small electronics.

Such clothes may one day power wearable electronic devices.

Powering advanced fabrics that can monitor health data remotely are important to the military and increasingly valued by the health care industry, said one of the researchers Trisha Andrew at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

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Generating small electric currents through relative movement of layers is called triboelectric charging, Andrew explained.

How it works:

Materials can become electrically charged as they create friction by moving against a different material, like rubbing a comb on a sweater.

"By sandwiching layers of differently materials between two conducting electrodes, a few microwatts of power can be generated when we move," she added.

In the study published online in the journal Advanced Functional Materials, the researchers described the vapor deposition method they use to coat fabrics with a conducting polymer to make plain-woven, conducting fabrics that are resistant to stretching and wear and remain stable after washing and ironing.

The thickest coating they put down is about 500 nanometres, or about 1/10 the diameter of a human hair.

How these fabrics differ from the rest:

The researchers tested electrical conductivity, fabric stability, chemical and mechanical stability of the technique on conductivity for 14 fabrics, including five cottons with different weaves, linen and silk from a craft store.

"Our article describes the materials science needed to make these robust conductors," Andrew said.

"We show them to be stable to washing, rubbing, human sweat and a lot of wear and tear," she said.

The coating did not change the feel of any fabric as determined by touch with bare hands before and after coating.

Coating did not increase fabric weight by more than two per cent, the study said.

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Black Friday scams to watch out for this year  and how to avoid them

These are the scams to look out for on Black Friday, how to stay safe when shopping online and what to do if you fall for a scam.
The next iteration of Futuremarks PCMark system benchmarking suite is nigh. Futuremark, and its new parent company UL, revealed that the next version of PCMark is just around the corner. Futuremark plans to launch PCMark 10 Professional on June 5. The Advanced and Basic versions are to follow on June 22. PCMark 10 brings modern workloads to the performance analysis tool.

We dont know much about the new version of the benchmark yet. Futuremark said it worked with leading hardware and software companies to develop a benchmark test that is relevant to todays workloads. PCMark 10 evaluates the performance of PC configurations in real-world applications that are common in the workplace.

Futuremark said that PCMark 10 is an ideal, vendor-neutral benchmark for organizations that purchase large quantities of PCs, such as governments and large corporations. PCMark 10 test results should help IT departments make informed decisions about the hardware they purchase.

PCMark 10 will join VRMark and 3DMark in Futuremark's lineup of benchmark suites in just under two weeks, but the company is gearing up to demo the software a week before then. Futuremark is attending Computex in Taipei and plans to run live demonstrations from May 31 to June 3.

Update: May 24, 2017, 2:00pm PT: The original story incorrectly stated the dates of the Computex conference.

Update 2: May 24, 2017, 3:25pm PT: We had incorrectly listed that Futuremark would have a booth at Computex. The company will be demoing the PCMark 10 test suite, but Futuremark does not have it's own Computex booth.
One of the countrys premiere rock offerings makes its return this year, and weve got to say, the lineup is pretty special, bringing together four icons of Australian music.

The Hoodoo Gurus, You Am I, Jebediah and Adalita (of Magic Dirt) make up the whos who of Aussie rock thatll be making its way across the country for stops in Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, Gold Coast and Brisbane this August and September.

With those first two having played a bunch of sold-out regional gigs on their way to Perth, it made perfect sense for this years FFOR tour to bring them across to the other side of the country, and the additions of Jebediah and Adalita round the whole affair out into the perfect mini-festival.

The Hoodoo Gurus need no introduction, and truly helped to define the sound of Australian rock in the 80s, before these other three took the ball and ran with it all the way through the 90s and beyond.

Its not every day you get to see the top picks from a beloved era of Australias music history share the stage like this, and pre-sale tickets are available tomorrow, so make sure you sign up for the Frontier Touring list to avoid missing out.

Otherwise, venue pre-sales begin on Friday, and public tickets are available on Monday May 29 at 9am  check out the details below.

Fist Full Of Rock 2017 tour dates

Frontier Touring pre-sale:

Thursday May 25, 12pm AEST  Friday May 26, 12pm AEST

Ticketing/Venue pre-sales:

Friday May 26, 12pm AEST  Sunday May 28, 11:59pm AEST

Public tickets on sale:

Monday May 29, 10am AEST

Adelaide  Friday August 25, Thebarton Theatre (tickets)

Melbourne  Saturday August 26, Forum Theatre (tickets)

Sydney  Thursday August 31, Enmore Theatre (tickets)

Gold Coast  Friday September 1, Nightquarter (tickets)

Brisbane  Saturday September 2, Eaton Hills Hotel (tickets)
With their new album RELAXER only a week away, the indefinable alt-J have announced that theyll be heading to Australia and New Zealand in December for six dates, following a tour through the US and Europe.

Better yet, theyll have LA four-piece Warpaint in support for the Australian shows, who were last in the country earlier this year for a headline tour and appearance at Melbourne Zoo Twilights. For alt-J, itll be their first Australian tour since 2015, which followed their set at the 2014/15 Falls Festival.

Theyve also just released the new clip for Adeline, continuing the theme of strange computer-generated videos that runs throughout the new record.

Presale tickets will be on sale to Frontier Touring members from Thursday June 1 (12pm AEST / 2pm NZ) for 24 hours, while the general sale starts at 12pm on Tuesday June 6  info and dates below.

You can pick up a copy of RELAXER when it drops next Friday on Liberator Music/Infectious Music/BMG.

alt-J Australian tour dates

Tue 5 Dec  AEC Theatre | Adelaide, SA (All Ages)

ticketek.com.au | Ph: 132 849

Thu 7 Dec  Sidney Myer Music Bowl | Melbourne, VIC (All Ages)

ticketmaster.com.au | Ph: 136 100

Sat 9 Dec  ICC Sydney Theatre | Sydney, NSW (All Ages)

ticketek.com.au | Ph: 132 849

Sun 10 Dec  Riverstage | Brisbane, QLD (All Ages)

ticketmaster.com.au | Ph: 136 100

Tue 12 Dec  Auckland Town Hall | Auckland, NZ (All Ages)

ticketmaster.co.nz | Ph: 0800 111 999

Thu 14 Dec  TSB Bank Arena | Wellington, NZ (All Ages)

ticketek.co.nz | Ph: 0800 842 538
"We attended the airport meeting at the Marriott. It was interesting in that at least 7 speakers were there to advocate for their business and/or unions. Of course they were for the single terminal. About 16 speakers were for the deal and 13 or so were against it. One speaker identified herself as a JoCo resident who was embarrassed by her airport. She thought Indianapolis had a much better set-up. We silently urged her to go there - ha ha.





"One speaker asked about alternative ideas - where were they? No answer from the Council or the panel of B&M suits. The usual song & dance with claims that the airlines would pay for the new airport - definitely NOT true."

THE MAYOR AND HIS SUPPORTERS HOPE TO PASS THIS EFFORT WITHOUT THE LEGAL REVIEW COUNCIL PROMISED









Northeast News: Crony Capitalism

Here's the round-up of an airport talk wherein most of the important questions about alternative plans andwere unanswered and a litany of suits looking to get paid seemed to dominate the conversation.Check a bit of perspective from the comments that offers a ground-level view of the event . ..There's one more conversation on this subject as. . .Check the links . . .Developing . . .
Three men broke into an occupied home in broad daylight, rattling a peaceful neighborhood in the Northland. One of the three was armed with a handgun when they invaded the home in the Willow Woods Estates subdivision. A 20-year-old woman was struck on the back of the head.
Pakistan Air Force chief Sohail Aman has said that the "enemy" will remember his forces' response to any aggression at the Line of Control.

By Press Trust of India: In the wake of escalated tensions with India, the chief of Pakistan's Air Force has warned that his forces will respond to any aggression by the "enemy" in a manner such that their future generations will also remember it.

Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman said that Pakistan would give a befitting reply to any misadventure by the enemy, Radio Pakistan reported.

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Talking to reporters at the Qadri airbase in Skardu, Aman said the country should have zero concern over the "statements of the enemy."

"Our response to any aggression by the enemy will be such that their future generations will also remember it," he said, according to the report.

PREPAREDNESS OF PAKISTAN AIR FORCE REVIEWED

The Air Force chief made these remarks after taking part in Air Force exercises and flying a Mirage fighter jet during his visit to Skardu.

He also reviewed the exercises and operational preparedness of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF).

His visit coincided with reports in the Pakistani media that the Air Force today flew fighter jets near the Siachen Glacier - the world's highest battleground.

The Indian Air Force in New Delhi denied that the Pakistani fighter jets violated the Indian air space.

INDIA-PAKISTAN TIES TENSE

Tensions between India and Pakistan have run high since the attack on an Indian Army base in Uri in September last year in which 18 Indian soldiers were killed by militants based in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Ten days after the attack, India launched "surgical strikes" there to destroy "terrorist launchpads".

Only yesterday, the Indian Army announced that it had launched "punitive fire assaults" on Pakistani positions across the Line of Control earlier this month, inflicting some damage. The action was taken in response to the beheading of two Indian soldiers in Kashmir by the Pakistani special forces.

Today, the Pakistani Air force chief said the PAF was fully prepared and capable of defending the country's frontiers.

Also read | Nawaz Sharif govt mum, Pakistan Army denies India strikes: Who rules across LoC?

Also read | Indian Army strikes Pakistan posts along LoC in Jammu and Kashmir, releases video of assault

Also read | Pakistan calls Indian Army's claim of punitive assault on its LoC post 'false'

WATCH VIDEO

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Broadcast Veteran Randy Mason Is Among Those Laid Off At Kansas City Public Television President Donald Trump's proposed 2018 budget would cut funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. The CPB provides support for public television and radio stations across the country, including KCUR 89.3. The draft requires Congressional approval - but cuts are already underway in Kansas City public media.

Amid Prez Trump cutbacks and fewer donations from viewers like you . . . KCPT is cutting staff and possibly their stranglehold on the local discourse. Take a look:
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - Roughly 300 people joined Gov. Eric Greitens at his rally Tuesday afternoon to pass legislation he promises will bring a steel mill to Southeast Missouri. Young Republicans, local voters, GOP state representatives and a significant number of Missourians from the Bootheel all cheered as he descended the stairs on the north...
THIS TIME AROUND THE KANSAS CITY AIRPORT DEBATE ISN'T ABOUT THE MERITS OF A NEW FACILITY BUT THE CORRUPT AND DISGRACEFUL NO-BID TACTICS USED BY MAYOR SLY TO PUSH THROUGH THIS PLAN AFTER BETRAYING HIS VOTE FOR LEGAL REVIEW!!!

Council Members:



Please see the attached document per our discussion regarding the qualifications question last week. If you need any further information please do not hesitate to contact me.



Thank you for your time and questions,



Mike Talboy

BUT THE NO-BID TACTICS OF MAYOR SLY AND HIS CORPORATE PALS ARE DECEITFUL AND NOT IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF KANSAS CITY VOTERS.

Right now, we invite our blog community to take a peek at DOX behind the scenes of the current new airportdebate . . .Once again for the cheap seats . . .To be fair . . .For all of the public meetings and two-faced talk about transparency . . . This document was only available until to Council . . . Until now . . .The message intercepted earlier today . . .#############Again, the PDF is clean, the qualifications are impressiveThat's the opinion of our blog community . . .Developing . . .
Dashcam video raises question: Why did officer let giggling, drugged Toni Anderson go? The Jackson County medical examiner has ruled that Toni Anderson, the missing UMKC student whose body was found in the Missouri River, died from hypothermia and drowning. Authorities said other factors contributing to Anderson's death were ethanol, cocaine and amphetamine intoxication.

Check the newspaper taking their cues for content from our blog conversation . . . Sadly, there's not much of an answer provided:
Travel receipts fell 7.8 pct in March to 203 million euros, from 221 million in the same month in 2016, for a decline of 4.8 pct in the first quarter to 513 million euros, the Bank of Greece said on Tuesday.

In a monthly report, the central bank said that this development was mostly due to an 8.1 pct decline in average expenditure per trip, as inbound traveler flows fell only slightly (0.2 pct in March). Net receipts from travel services offset 3.9 pct of the goods deficit and accounted for 18.9 pct of total net receipts from services.

In January-March 2017, the balance of travel services showed a surplus of 140 million euros, up 83.5 pct from a surplus of 76 million in the same period of 2016. This development was driven by a fall of 90 million euros or 19.4 pct in travel payments, as travel receipts dropped by 26 million or 4.8 pct. The decline in travel receipts is attributed to decreases of 1.8 pct in inbound traveller flows and of 3.2 pct in average expenditure per trip. Net receipts from travel services offset 2.8 pct of the goods deficit and accounted for 13.2 pct of total net receipts from services.

In January-March 2017, the number of inbound visitors decreased by 1.8 pct to 1,592 thousand, from 1,621 thousand in the same period of 2016. In the period under review, visitors from within the EU28 increased by 3.3 pct year-on-year to 956 thousand, whereas those from outside the EU28 fell by 8.4 pct to 637 thousand. Visitors from the euro area rose by 23.2 pct and those from the non-euro area EU28 countries dropped by 9.9 pct.

RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations , Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report

Source: ANA-MPA
How the daughter of Nicholas Gatzogiannis, the author of the famous book on Civil War, faced the ghosts of the past and overcame the family heritage of the horror of the executions.

This burden her name carries is both a blessing and a curse, but fortunately enough, Eleni N. Gage is a guarantee.

Particularly when she praises our country, for example, writing Conde Nast Traveler to the worlds leading travel journal, I want to hear Greek, to taste juicy tomatoes and to drift in conversations I have been doing since I was very young and we lived in Athens. Every year, friends who are looking for a truly unique experience ask me whats the most fresh, the most wonderful Greek island.

In this case, in Conde Nast Traveler, Eleni speaks about Milos, but in any case her style and tone are not far from the hymns she writes every time about Greece.

Eleni Gatzogianni was born in America where she grew up, while she studied Mythology and Folk Culture. And while she had initially developed a spontaneous aversion to anything that had to do with her grandmothers martyrdom, she eventually wrote her own Helen looking for a way to talk with her, albeit completely different from the way Nicholas Gage chose.

(Nicholas Gatzogiannis book has been an international best-seller, translated into 32 languages)

Eleni N. Gage writes:

My grandmother, having left alone in her village, Lia, was arrested, imprisoned, tortured and executed because she organized the escape of her children. Communist guerrillas had occupied my grandparents house and made it their headquarters because it was the largest in the village. But the guerrillas wanted to punish my grandmother because her husband was working in the USA. That is why she and her family were convicted. With her four children fleeing to a refugee camp and the fifth, the then 15-year-old Lilia, to cook wheat for the rebels in a distant village, my grandmother spent the last few weeks of her life without her family but at her home. The soldiers sent local women and younger girls to do hard work, gave military training to girls, and eventually began to take children from their parents. They sent them outside of Greece, behind the Iron Curtain. The guerrillas were losing the war, but they had the hope that by taking children and installing them elsewhere, and if they infused their own principles and given them military training, they could have reached a greater victory. My grandmother, having learned about this mass kidnapping of children project, tried to organize her childrens escape to the USA. Her husband had migrated there before the start of WWII.

In this way she explains why the name Eleni Gatzogianni was by definition an almost unbearable heritage and an unavoidable task: that name had to do something, urgently  and indeed this is how she felt after a point in her life. Something that must certainly contain Greece and the traumatic history of a whole nation, the tragedy of the Civil War, the pain through which her family identity has been built since 1948, when that first Eleni Gatzogianni was executed by the communists.

Young Eleni Gatzogianni first started as a writer in glamorous womens magazines writing for fashion, beauty, and so on, before turning to writing and travel literature. At the same time, she started a family with a Nicaraguan coffee merchant and has two Greekaraguan  as she describes her young children. She travels all over the world and definitely once a year in Greece. With the exception of two quite long periods when he moved to our country, Nicholas Gatzogiannis daughter lives permanently in Worcester, Massachusetts.

Eleni N. Gage, as she is known, has in recent years voluntarily assumed the duties of an informal ambassador of Greece. She tells in every occasion and all over the world the beauty of our country, her distant homeland, her own and her ancestors, with great enthusiasm: If I had signed a premarital agreement, it would contain the condition that every year my husband, Emilio, should accompany me to Greece, was the phrase by which Eleni Gage chose to start her tribute to Milos in Conde Nast Traveler.

(On vacations with her husband and her father)

What she ended up doing today in the name of Greece, the younger Eleni, could never be done without the enormous resonance that her fathers book Helen had, which was a global success, even surprising the author himself. His work has so far been translated into 32 languages, has sold millions of copies, and has even become a film starring one of the top American actors, John Malkovich, who played Nicholas Gatzogiannis and was really traveling through Greece  but not in the real village of Lia, because it was not given the permission to shoot on the spot, in the fear of dangerous excitement of the spirits When the book was reissued in Greece in 2004, prologue notes were signed by political figures who had held important offices in the government, such as Karolos Papoulias (later Greek President) and former Prime Minister Konstantinos Mitsotakis.

Things, of course, were quite different when Helen was translated into Greek for the first time, shortly after its original English version in 1983. In the spirit of the national reconciliation cultivated by the then dominant PASOK government, Helen unintentionally triggered the political divide, revealing that the soil in which the civil passions had been buried was rather light. The book was demonized, the Left tried in every way to boycott its dissemination by denouncing Gatzogiannis for fanaticism, bias, distortion of historical truth, etc. Demonstrations were also organized against the film outside cinemas. There was also a book written by the reporter Vassilis Kavathas entitled The Other Eleni, on the other side, aiming at restoring the lies of Gatzogiannis.

Nevertheless, for Nicholas daughter, a subconscious need, a debt, was formed: one Eleni had to meet her ancestor again, executed, so prematurely (just to her 41-years-old) grandmother, to feel the similarities between them as well as the twist of fate, with everything that can unite two completely different women in two completely different times and conditions, who however, have the same name and, of course, the same blood. In 1980 I had realized that I had to dedicate myself immediately and exclusively to investigating the history of my mother or abandon it forever, wrote Nicholas Gatzogiannis. And he himself pointed out why his daughter was the natural continuity of dead Helen: In 1980 I was 41 years old, at the same age as my mother when they killed her. My son was nine as I was the day I learned her death. My oldest daughter, looked every day more and more with my mother.

The house of ghosts

The bet for Eleni Gatzogianni has little to do with that of her fathers forty years ago. As she would write long after the late 1970s, when Nicolas went on in his research, since I was six, I knew I had no intention of reading the story of how she lived and how my grandmother died. Between my three and seven years I lived with my family in Athens, as my father did his research for his book.

And Eleni Gatzogiannis goes on to discribe an extremely unpleasant memory from her childhood years in Greece:

I will never forget the moment when a middle-aged man from Vavouri, a village in Epirus next to Lia, had come to visit us. He offered me an ION chocolate and went to the living room. There he sat with my father and told him how the communists had tied up his parents to a tree and they had shot them during the Civil War. I sat on the stairs and ate my silky chocolate with its pink, white and red wrap. I was listening to the story of that man, unnoticed and terrified. And it was then that I decided to avoid, as much as possible, the elderly Greeks with sad looks and traumatic memories.

The wolves and scorpions will eat in Lia, they will rape you

Nevertheless, in 2001 she surprised herself and the four sisters of her father, who insisted  as if in an ancient Greek tragedy- to stay where you are and settle with a Greek. In Lia, the wolves and scorpions will eat you, they will rape you. Quite suddenly, however, Eleni Gatzogianni decided to resign from the magazine she was working for and to settle for a second time in her life in Greece. And not in Athens or in some of the sunny and prospectus islands, but in Epirus, in Lia. She had decided to resurrect the old stone house of Grandma Eleni, where she was tortured, where they took her from one morning to take her to the place of her execution.

I wanted to transform the ruins into a house so that if my grandparents ghosts ever returned, they would recognize it as their own. In addition, I was thinking that if I lived in the village where my grandmother spent her entire life, it would help me feel like I knew this woman I never met. I had her name, but I did not know her. Living between Elenis neighbors, I would probably know better the Greek side of my soul.

These were written by Eleni Gatzogianni in her book North of Ithaca, her own indirect autobiography. It is a diary, sometimes light and sometimes dark, about how an American woman appeared in a small village in the Greek province and managed in ten months to renovate the home of her ancestors.

(Nicholaos Gatzogiannis with Amal Alamuddin-Clooney at her visit in the Acropolis Museum on October 2014)

We must kill a cock

The reader watches the whole adventure of rebuilding with comic-tragic episodes in which Eleni confronts the sometimes surreal Greek mentality, bureaucracy  and strangecustoms. She even reached her limits when, in spite of her horror, she eventually had to come to terms with the idea that a cock for the good of the building had to be slaughtered.

The biggest fear she had to overcome to complete the renovation, on a deeper level, was to come closer to the truth about what happened in that same space during the Civil War, the basement of the house.

There, in the basement of my own house, my grandmother spent the last few days. She wondered if she would be the next they would take to torture or execute and bury. In this basement the prisoners lived in the terror and pain. That scared me more than anything else. The whistling of the air through the trees was like the screams of the prisoners to my ears. It was true: I was afraid of the ghosts. And thats why I wanted to go back to Lia, to take the house back from the ruins and myself from my phobias. My own and the even worse of my aunts and my father.

Eleni Gage finally restored her grandmothers home, even if she did not turn it into a viable ecotourism hostel. In the course of her effort, she overcame all sorts of obstacles and, above all, the horrors inherent in her soul by the ancestors with narratives, but also by their own lives.

In Helen, as described in the last pages of his work, Nicholas Gagez experienced his ultimate dilemma whether or not to pull the trigger on the weapon he had taken with him, going to meet the one he hated like no one else. He had identified the man who, in his capacity as the communist civil judge, had sent his mother Eleni to execution. Revenge, lynching with his bare hands the man you killed the woman who gave birth to him, was an incentive for the Greek-American journalist and writer. An incentive as powerful as the full disclosure of the truth, around the black pages of Civil War in Greece. Finally, he did not drench his hands in blood, which he justified by writing:

I know that fear has stopped me, in part the fear that my children would be separated, and that I set in motion events that would perpetuate the killings and the misfortunes to future generations. But there was something else: the understanding of my mother that the research of her life had given me. Unlike Hecuba, my mother did not use her last moments by cursing her torturers, but as Antigone found the courage to face death because she had done her duty to those she loved. Antigone of Sophocles says to the one who sentenced her to death, her uncle and king: In this world I was not born to hate, but to love.

Little Eleni and the Grandma

Gatzogiannis, shortly before letting the reader draw his own conclusions as he completes his shocking narrative about the hard life and even more cruel death of Elenas mother, cuts off the critical moment this existential dilemma by writing: If I killed the judge of Helen, I would have to uproot her love from within me and become like him, to wither as he did all humanity and pity. As he had left his baby daughter and his wife to become a killer for the communists, I should also put aside all thoughts about what I would do to my childrens lives. My mother out of love for her children had done everything. In a strange way, Nicholas Gage addressed the dead Eleni and her granddaughter. Thats because, while he was looking for the innocent and the guilty among the living and the ghosts, little Eleni was already beside him  but not exactly. She, a genuine American, wanted deeply to talk, meet and love her grandmother. Helen, who marked and determined, unknowingly, the life of her grandchild bearing the same name. Helen, who the communists with depreciation called the American, because she wanted to protect her children from being kidnapped by them and for this crime she was tortured and murdered.

Read more here.

RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations , Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report

Source: en.protothema.gr

Photo Source: en.protothema.gr
The EXIN Group is competing against three Chinese groups

U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross recently backed a bid by the the EXIN Group to buy Ethniki Asfalistiki, the insurance arm of Greeces National Bank, Reuters says.

The deal could help U.S. investments in Greece since Calamos Investments is a U.S.-based company managing 20 billion dollars. Calamos CEO is Greek American John Koudounis.

The EXIN Group is competing against three Chinese groups: Fosun, Gongbao and Wintime. The Ethniki Asfalistiki (National Insurance) privatization is part of the bailout program requirements set by Greeces international creditors. The concession has to be completed by the end of the year and reportedly can be worth about 800 million euros.

According to Reuters citing a senior banker, the U.S. Commerce Secretary wrote a letter to Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras that called for a transparent sale. It is a strong letter, the source said.

The Secretary is fully supportive of the EXIN bid, saying it would be a good start towards improving U.S. investment flows to Greece, said the banker, who asked to remain anonymous.

Rosss letter was copied to the Greek bank association, National Banks (NBG) management and the central bank, Bank of Greece, the banker said.

Ethniki Asfalistiki was founded in 1891 and became a cornerstone of the Greek economy, and society in general. It provides life and non-life insurance products. The company had a 16.6 percent share of the market last year and 2015 net profit of 98 million euros. NBG is selling focus on core banking. Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs are the NBG advisors for the concession.

The Calamos Investments CEO said that EXIN had presented a hard-to-match offer, but did not give details. He said other Greek-American investors interested in Greece were watching closely.

Exin Partners have already entered Greeces insurance market by buying AIG-Greece from AIG in December.

Read more here.

RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations , Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report
Most people who travel to Greece inevitably bump into its historical past. There are ruins from temples and ancient civilizations all over the country. There are fewer places, however, that let todays visitors experience a bit of what the culture was like thousands of years ago.

Epidavros was a famous healing center in Ancient Greece where people would seek out in an effort to heal their bodies. There is still a spa culture there today. Besides that, there are plenty of sites to see that have nothing to do with healing. Its a thriving town in its own right. Heres an overview of what to see and do during our stay.

Getting There

Epidavros is only about twenty miles from Nafplio, which makes it an excellent candidate for a day trip from there. However, there is plenty to see and do in the area, which makes it worthy of an extended stay. If you would like to get to Epidavros directly from Athens, you can either take the bus or rent a car. It should take around two and a half hours. The bus may require a transfer in Nafplio, but it depends on the schedule.

Theater of Epidavros (Epidaurus)

The ancient theater in Epidavros is an amazing example of what the Ancient Greeks were capable of. Greeks are credited for inventing modern theater and they performed in places such as this. When filled to capacity, it can seat around 15,000 people. To experience it, you can either take a tour or attend one of the live performances that occur throughout the year. It was built around 300 BC.

Archaeological Museum

The Archaeological Museum at Epidavros is a small one, but it does a nice job briefly outlining the history of the area. In fact, much of the museum gives an overview of the history of healing in the area. While there, you will view things like instances of healing, hospital rules, and ancient statues. Much of the museum contains information about Asklepeios, the Greek god of healing.

Sanctuary of Epidavros

Once you get an overview of the history of ancient healing in Epidavros, its time to take a lot at the ancient ruins of the sanctuary. This is where people from all over Ancient Greece came to be healed. The Archaeological Museum does contain a few accounts of people who were healed by Asklepeios. The sanctuary, however, is exactly where it happened. Though not much of it remains, with a tour guide or by reading the information located at the site, you can get a picture of what it was really like.

Cultural Experiences

Though its easy enough to see the sites in Epidavros in one day, if you do so, youll miss out on the true culture of the place. Once youre done sightseeing, its time to take in a meal at one of the traditional restaurants. Spend some time walking the streets, too, so you can view the way modern day life is here. If you want to experience healing of your own, you can also visit one of the areas spas.

Source: greekboston.com

Read more here.

RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations , Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report
The Bahrain Bourse (BHB) has highlighted how the Bahrain Investment Market (BIM), an equity market for growing business ventures in Bahrain and the wider Mena region, can improve the liquidity of capital-intensive industries and boost foreign investment to the kingdom.

This came during an orientation session organised by Bahrain Bourse for members of the Bahrain Property Developers Association (BAPDA) and Foreign Investors Association in Bahrain.

Speaking at the event, CEO of the Bahrain Bourse Shaikh Khalifa bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa noted that construction and real estate is one of the BIMs key target sectors.

Sectors that require large amounts of capital to start and operate, such as the construction and real estate development sectors, will be able to access a global network of investors and enhance their financial standing and sustainability over the long term, Shaikh Khalifa commented.

A diverse capital-raising ecosystem is not only essential for driving private sector growth, but also an important determining factor for foreign investors when considering where to invest. The Bahrain Investment Market fills an important gap in this regard as it provides a new innovative financing option and opens up untapped investment opportunities in promising local and regional companies for investors around the globe Shaikh Khalifa noted.

According to the Ministry of Finance, the construction sector GDP increased to BD217.3 million in the Q4 of 2016 from BD214.9 million in Q3 2016. The sector accounted for 7.8 per cent of Bahrains GDP in 2016 and was a main reason behind the upswing in the non-oil economy, according to the March 2017 Bahrain Economic Quarterly report issued by the Economic Development Board.

Chairman of BAPDA Eng Aaref Hejres expressed his appreciation to the BHB for organising the session, and remarked: The Bahrain Investment Market represents a viable option for construction companies and property developers which will enable this dynamic sector to continue its strong upward momentum and fulfill its role in realizing Bahrains future vision.



On the effect of BIM on the investment environment in Bahrain, president of FIA Fadi Majali, said: The Bahrain Investment Market is another example of Bahrains forward-thinking policies that will only serve to enhance its position as a preferred choice for foreign investors looking to establish and grow their presence in the region.

Foreign direct investment in Bahrain doubled in 2016 as the country secured a total of $281 million of foreign investment from 40 new companies.  TradeArabia News Service
Tanzanias luxury furniture brand Molocaho by Amorette is making its debut at the Index Design Series 2017 expo in Dubai in a big way with the launch of M-Luxury Chair, the worlds only Tanzanite encrusted hardwood chair worth $98,000.



A leading interiors and design trade show in the Middle East region, Index Design Series 2017 kicked off in Dubai, UAE today (May 22) and will run for the next three days.



The company brings the elegant work of art designed by Jacqueline Mengi, Tanzanias award-winning furniture designer as they venture to bring Africas unparalleled luxury to the Middle East.



Mengi, the former Tanzanian beauty queen-turned entrepreneur, had launched Amorette to deliver turnkey solution to interior decoration and styling for her top-notch customers.



Curating unique pieces, fabrics and art for elegant homes led Mengi to pursue her own ambition, ultimately propelling her to establish the flagship brand Molocaho by Amorette.



Today, the company designs and manufactures object D'Art and bespoke furniture, inspired by her creativity, passion and eye for detail.



Handcrafted by master craftsmen, its debut product in the Dubai show, M-Luxury Chair is a hallmark of the best from Africa; its unique design is a pinnacle of luxury, built to perfection using century old techniques and the worlds famous hardwood Pterocarpus angolensis and Mninga.



Emanating power and wealth, the iconic majestic chair is lush of comfort and timeless grandeur, inspired by ancient throne of tribal kings. Encrusted with Tanzanite, a priceless, ageless and rare gemstone only found in Tanzania, this limited edition of only 20, masterpiece and comes with authenticity certificate.



Complimenting the M Chair exhibit at Index Design Series 2017, Molocaho by Amorette collection includes award winning Ngoro Ngoro Settee, the Sayari Lamp as well as carefully curated mix of distinctive and vibrant pieces, manufactured meticulously to perfection by a team of expert artisans.



This luxury showcase embodies exquisite high quality fabrics that endorse global spirit and the famous Tanzanian hardwood, all immersed in glamorous and grandeur of contemporary design, said the former Tanzanian beauty queen.



"Growing trend for ultra luxury furniture and installations amongst affluent clients extends to encompass collectible statement pieces rather than ordinary elements," remarked Mengi.



"Unveiling our M-Collection is a revolutionary step set to change the landscape within the interior design industry. We are honoured to receive a nomination by Index Design Series, this is a true testament of our design philosophy and contribution that goes beyond our own brand," she added.-TradeArabia News Service
By Press Trust of India: New Delhi, May 24 (PTI) Former AIIMS director M C Misra has been awarded the honorary fellowship of the prestigious Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, a first for an Indian doctor in the last five years.

Set up in 1505, the Royal College is one of the worlds oldest and largest surgical establishments.

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"It is with great pleasure, we write on behalf of Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh to invite you to accept the award of fellowship ad hominem (Honorary fellowship)," stated a letter to Misra by the organisation.

The institute has an international network with a membership of around 20,000 in almost 100 countries.

Misra, a renowned surgeon, retired on January 31 this year after serving as the director of AIIMS for over three years.

Misra also served as the chief of AIIMS Trauma from June 2008.

In his 39-month tenure, Mishra contributed to the Apex Medical Sciences University of India. He also led AIIMS delegations to the EAS Round Table Conference on Trauma Care, the World Trauma Congress and the 2 AIIMS-FAM conferences in New Delhi and Paris.

He is credited with the creation of the new departments of Rheumatology and Burns and Plastic Surgery. He also played a significant role in the Digital AIIMS project. PTI PLB BSA

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Leading property developer Omniyat Real Estate has inked a management agreement with Swiss-Belhotel International to operate two new properties in Kuwait.



Both Swiss-Belboutique Bneid Al Gar and Swiss-Belresidences Al Sharq are under development and are expected to open in 2018.



Laurent A Voivenel, Swiss-Belhotel Internationals senior vice president, operations and development for the Middle East, Africa and India, said: We are very proud to debut the Swiss-Belboutique and Swiss-Belresidences brands in Kuwait that is one of the key growth markets for us in the GCC. The hospitality Industry in the country is witnessing a remarkable growth at the moment and we are truly grateful to Omniyat Real Estate for having given us this great opportunity.



The steady growth of tourism in Kuwait, with a vision to welcome 440,000 visitors annually by 2024 is fuelling demand for quality hotels. Dr Abdullah Abdulsamad Marafi, owner and general manager, Omniyat Real Estate, said: We are very pleased to partner with a reputed operator like Swiss-Belhotel International who is well-placed to meet the needs of the domestic market in accordance with the best international standards. Both Swiss-Belboutique Bneid Al Gar and Swiss-Belresidences Al Sharq are being developed for discerning domestic and international travelers looking for world-class accommodation in Kuwait.



Gavin M Faull, chairman and president of Swiss-Belhotel International, said: It is the perfect time for us to enter Kuwait when the country is evolving into a multi-faceted destination with the development of diverse attractions for both corporate and leisure visitors. This has significantly pushed the demand for quality hotels and represents a brilliant opportunity for Swiss-Belhotel International to grow our footprint in the country. We are confident both Swiss-Belboutique Bneid Al Gar and Swiss-Belresidences Al Sharq will add tremendous value to our growing presence in the region while further strengthening our international portfolio.

Swiss-Belboutique Bneid Al Gar will be a comfortable and stylish address for both business and leisure travellers offering a home-away-from-home experience. Featuring 58 rooms equipped with top-notch facilities, the hotel enjoys an exceptional location in Kuwait City with no other international hotel brand having a presence in the area. Included in its facilities will be a multiple choice of leisure and recreation facilities such two superb restaurants, lobby cafe, spa, health club and swimming pool.



Swiss-Belresidences Al Sharq will serve as a great base for corporate travellers being strategically located in the business district near Souq Sharq. It will offer guests a choice of 68 one- and two-bedroom hotel apartments with fully-equipped kitchen facilities. The hotel will also feature an all-day-dining restaurant, a deli corner in the lobby, kids club and a swimming pool.



Kuwait is pressing ahead with multiple plans to boost tourism that will see billions of dollars being invested in projects such as the expansion of Kuwait International Airport, reaching 25 million passenger capacity annually by 2025; and development of cultural attractions like Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Islamic Centre.

According to figures from the World Travel and Tourism Council, travel and tourism investment in Kuwait is set to rise 1.5 per cent per annum over the next 10 years to KD135.6 million ($445.9) in 2027. Performance is forecast for strong recovery in 2017 with continued growth until 2026, reaching values of KD501.3 million ($1.6 billion).



Corporate travellers accounted for 70 per cent of total visitor arrivals in Kuwait in 2016. However, Kuwait is actively working to diversify its guest segmentation in order to secure the projected levels of growth over the coming years. Leisure travel spending is expected to rise by 4.5 per cent per annum reaching KD1.939 billion ($6.3 billion) in 2026, following an annual growth rate of 8.7 per cent.



Laurent said: We expect to see a corresponding diversification in hotel stock as more leisure, health and wellness tourists discover the countrys unique offerings. With 14 trusted brands, we cater to every market segment and are eager to capitalise on Kuwaits growth trajectory. - TradeArabia News Service
Texas de Brazil Churrascaria, the largest Brazilian-American steakhouse brand in the world, opened its first location in Saudi Arabia recently at Riyadh's Rubeen Plaza.



Guests can now enjoy the unique rodizio-style dining concept that combines the cuisine and culture of Southern Brazil with the generous spirit of Texas.



Texas de Brazil offers guests an upscale, continuous dining choice and a service style that is alive and theatrical.



For one fixed price, guests begin the meal by visiting an enticing 50-item salad area filled with fresh Brazilian specialties, salads, imported cheeses, charcuterie, roasted vegetables, creamy lobster bisque and more. Renowned for its genuine rodizio-style dining, Texas de Brazil's patrons also enjoy freshly-grilled meats carved tableside by skilled gauchos, or servers, who deliver succulent lamb chops, leg of lamb, picanha, filet mignon, chicken and more. The guest's green and red disk simply indicates to gauchos when to bring additional servings or when a break is needed.



"The food and hospitality industry in Saudi Arabia has grown significantly over the past years and there is growing demand for best in class international restaurants. We look forward to providing a unique dining experience and an amazing value to the meat lovers in the kingdom," says Stewart Black, CEO, Gourmet Gulf.



Every Texas de Brazil restaurant uses the time-honoured method of grilling meat over charcoal, resulting in savory aroma and exceptional flavour. Texas de Brazil also offers a variety of beverages and decadent desserts from the a la carte menu, which includes a selection of specialty mocktails, to further enhance the dining occasion.



"We are proud to partner with Gourmet Gulf for our first opening in Saudi Arabia. We look forward to welcoming many visitors and residents in the capital city of Riyadh," says Salim Asrawi, chief operating officer, Texas de Brazil.



The 8,500 sq-ft family-friendly venue features an open-view grill in the dining area, a large chef's table and ample space to accommodate 340 guests. - TradeArabia News Service


IKEA, a home furnishings leader, is inaugurating three new locations this week in Saudi Arabia as part of its commitment to become ever more accessible to its customers.



The new openings include a store at Al Salaam Mall in Jeddah, and two Order and Collection Points (OCPs) in Qassim and Kharj.



The move represents the first milestone in IKEA Saudi Arabias expansion plan across the kingdom, and is part of IKEAs commitment towards its customers to provide them with exciting home furnishings offers and more convenient and enjoyable shopping experiences from their favourite brand.



IKEA is also reaching out to customers kingdom-wide through its Shop Online as part of its omni-channel experience, and its newly developed IKEA Saudi Retail App which provides customers easy and convenient shopping experience whether online or in store, said a statement.



Commenting on these major new developments, IKEA Saudi Arabia CEO Saud Al Sulaiman said: We are always committed to getting closer to our customers, giving them a chance to enjoy a more convenient and comfortable life at home. Despite market challenges today, this bold move is evidence to IKEAs belief in the kingdoms strong economy and the vigour of the retail industry. The opening of a new IKEA store in Al Salaam Mall and two Order and Collection Points in Qassim and Kharj reflects our promise of making IKEA even more accessible to households in these cities and providing them the option to shop through different ways however and whenever they want.



The new IKEA store at Al Salaam Mall spans over 25,500 sq m and is located at the intersection of King Abdullah Road and Prince Majid Road, north of the University of King Abdulaziz. The new store caters to the needs of customers in the citys southern part, hosting a showroom, a restaurant, and a market hall -- all on one floor.



The store displays the full IKEA range with more than 7,000 articles. It has a play area for up to 100 children, and a restaurant that welcomes 400 people and serves a variety of delicious Swedish and international dishes. Adding to the customers convenience, there is the complete customer journey from the wow moment till the how moment - including usual services offered from home furnishing advice and planning, kitchen services, self-service, delivery & assembly, along with complementary benefits, such as 0% instalment plan and 90 days exchange and return policy.



Also building on its promise to be closer to its customers no matter where they are in the Kingdom, the Order and Collection Points in Qassim and Kharj represent a whole new format and shopping experience. Order and collection points offer similar services as the main IKEA store, including exchanges and returns, sale and planning assistance, and other services such as delivery and assembly. Customers who have shopped from the order and collection points are able to collect their orders for free from 48 hours or have it delivered to their doorsteps for a reasonable fee.



IKEA customers in Qassim and Kharj will be able to browse IKEAs website for a wide range of IKEA articles via the self-ordering area inside the Order and Collection Point, where they can place an order online and pick up their items at the Order and Collection Point in their area, at their own convenience. Once the order is made from these points, customers will receive a notification to either collect the items from the Order and Collection Points or even have them delivered. The Shop Online and the order and collection points go hand in hand to provide existing and potential customers with better accessibility and services.  TradeArabia News Service


Turkish Airlines has launched new flights from various cities in the Middle East to key touristic destinations in Turkey.



The new direct flights will be launched from Saudi Arabia, including cities of Jeddah with connecting flights to Ankara and Trabzon; Riyadh with flights to Antalya and Trabzon; and from Madinah to Ankara. Additional connecting flights include the cities of Dammam, Yanbu, and Al Qassim all travelling to Trabzon.



Kuwait City is another city benefitting from the new flights and now connects travellers from the country to Trabzon, Izmir, Antalya and Bodrum.



Additionally passengers from the cities of Erbil, Baghdad and Sulaymaniyah in Iraq and Amman, Jordan will also be able to travel directly to their preferred destination in Turkey. Residents from Erbil will be connected to Diyarbakir, Gaziantep, and Antalya, whereas travellers from Baghdad, Sulaymaniyah and Amman will be provided flights with a direct connection to Antalya.



Bilal Eksi, Turkish Airlines deputy chairman and CEO, said: We are always looking to provide our passengers with the most convenient and time-efficient way of travel. Tourists worldwide have been continously increasing due to the fantastic attractions and features provided by all our Turkish cities. As we move forward, our goal will be to create these direct flights from all the markets which we operate in globally so that travellers can now fly directly to their destination of choice.



Turkey as a country is well-known for its exquisite scenery, attractions and features, as well as its fascinating history. By visiting globally popular touristic destinations, such as Istanbul, Trabzon, Antalya, Ankara, Diyarbakir, Gaziantep, among others tourists from all over the world can enjoy the countrys beautiful weather and nature, while also explore the countrys bazaars, mosques, and museums. - TradeArabia News Service
The Four Players Creating the Next Era of Fintech

The fintech world is rapidly moving, and the pace of innovation is only accelerating more every day. With capital markets becoming increasingly competitive, and traders within and across different markets looking for solutions that will provide advantages and facilitate access to new liquidity, its no surprise that the demand for intuitive and effective fintech solutions is sharply on the rise as well.

The importance of the capital markets to economies around the world means there are many different stakeholders with vested interests in how fintech solutions are developed and deployed. Startups, banks, governments/regulators and infrastructure providers all play distinct, vital roles in how the future of fintech is being shaped  and, ultimately, its their working together that will yield the most fruitful solutions.

The Banks

Fintech  and, for that matter, any game-changing technology  cant get anywhere without a good community of adopters. Thats where banks come in. Many of these firms, including American Express, Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan Chase, have either invested directly in fintech providers, or acquired these providers and integrated them into their own operations as an in-house ideas lab. Naturally, these arent completely selfless ventures  fintech solutions, like money transfer applications and FX applications, provide promising new ways for banks to refresh how they do the things they already do.

Whether banks invest in fintech startups or buy them for their own use, what theyre looking for remains the same: new business models that offer opportunities and provide an edge over the competition. Before they can do that, though, banks have to take their cues from the government and regulators.

The Government Regulators

Politicians and regulators play a key role in encouraging fintech. For one, they set the rules by which fintech solutions are allowed to grow and be applied to capital markets. Consider the White Houses A Framework on Fintech, for example, or the U.K. Financial Conduct Authoritys guidance on cloud use. They take a wide, stability-focused view of capital markets and the stakeholders involved  from governments, to regulators, to central banks  to define the legal and regulatory framework around fintech.

In other words, the government and regulators define the environment that new fintech ideas will grow in. And, as the fintech space continues to expand and become integral to how capital markets function, politicians and regulators will continue to be vital in shaping this growth.

The Startups

But, of course, fintech starts with the startups: the entrepreneurs and companies that dream up these ideas and seek out the capital and support to make them reality. And, right now, were seeing a wealth of innovation from the fintech scene, targeting a wide range of use cases across capital markets: From retail applications, like money transfers and FX transactions; to institutional applications, like securities trading and post trading; to market operators, such as exchanges, all of whom are increasingly looking at how fintech impacts their business.

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Residents of a Portland neighbourhood in Maine realised there was something fishy going on, when they woke up to a foul chicken smell.

By India Today Web Desk: There is a scent of chicken spreading through a neighbourhood in Portland, US, and it is not the kind that makes your mouth water. If reports are to be trusted, it is actually a smell that will make you want to throw up.

The fowl smell was reported to be wafting through Maine's largest city earlier today.

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An AP report said that police believes it all started after a truck carrying chicken parts malfunctioned while running down a street in Portland.

The truck is expected to have accidentally spilled gallons of poultry bits onto the road early Tuesday. It did not take long for the odor of rotting chicken parts to fill the air.

After the residents of the area were forced to deal with the foul smell, while motorists drove through the spill site, before the street was cleared.

The roadway was eventually closed off, and the messy spill was covered with sawdust.

Good news is, police said the chicken parts were not hazardous. Bad news: the residents of this Portland area will probably won't be comfortable with eating chicken any time soon.

Source: Imgur

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Search News Archive : Fast Travel News Promotion Via Search, Social Media + Email Follow Us On : SWISS-BELHOTEL INTERNATIONAL SIGNS MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT WITH OMNIYAT REAL ESTATE FOR TWO NEW PROPERTIES IN KUWAIT Industry: Travel PR

Mr Laurent A. Voivenel, Swiss-Belhotel Internationals Senior Vice President, Operations and Development for the Middle East, Africa and India, said, We are very proud to debut the Swiss-Belboutique and Swiss-Belresidences brands in Kuwait that is one of the key growth markets for us in the GCC. The hospitality Industry in the country is witnessing a remarkable growth at the moment and we are truly grateful to Omniyat Real Estate for having given us this great opportunity



(TRAVPR.COM) UAE - May 24th, 2017 - KUWAIT  Continuing its expansion in the GCC, Swiss-Belhotel International (SBI) has entered into a management agreement with Omniyat Real Estate to operate two fantastic properties in Kuwait. Both Swiss-Belboutique Bneid Al Gar and Swiss-Belresidences Al Sharq are under development and expected to open in 2018.



Mr Laurent A. Voivenel, Swiss-Belhotel Internationals Senior Vice President, Operations and Development for the Middle East, Africa and India, said, We are very proud to debut the Swiss-Belboutique and Swiss-Belresidences brands in Kuwait that is one of the key growth markets for us in the GCC. The hospitality Industry in the country is witnessing a remarkable growth at the moment and we are truly grateful to Omniyat Real Estate for having given us this great opportunity.



The steady growth of tourism in Kuwait, with a vision to welcome 440,000 visitors annually by 2024 is fuelling demand for quality hotels. Dr. Abdullah Abdulsamad Marafi, Owner and General Manager, Omniyat Real Estate, said, We are very pleased to partner with a reputed operator like Swiss-Belhotel International who is well-placed to meet the needs of the domestic market in accordance with the best international standards. Both Swiss-Belboutique Bneid Al Gar and Swiss-Belresidences Al Sharq are being developed for discerning domestic and international travelers looking for world-class accommodation in Kuwait.



The government is making huge investments in enhancing tourism infrastructure as well as developing new leisure and lifestyle attractions. Mr. Gavin M. Faull, Chairman and President of Swiss-Belhotel International, said, It is the perfect time for us to enter Kuwait when the country is evolving into a multifaceted destination with the development of diverse attractions for both corporate and leisure visitors. This has significantly pushed the demand for quality hotels and represents a brilliant opportunity for Swiss-Belhotel International to grow our footprint in the country. We are confident both Swiss-Belboutique Bneid Al Gar and Swiss-Belresidences Al Sharq will add tremendous value to our growing presence in the region while further strengthening our international portfolio. 



Swiss-Belboutique Bneid Al Gar will be a comfortable and stylish address for both business and leisure travellers offering a home-away-from-home experience. Featuring 58 rooms equipped with top-notch facilities, the hotel enjoys an exceptional location in Kuwait City with no other international hotel brand having a presence in the area. Included in its facilities will be a multiple choice of leisure and recreation facilities such two superb restaurants, lobby cafe, spa, health club and swimming pool.



Swiss-Belresidences Al Sharq will serve as a great base for corporate travellers being strategically located in the business district near Souq Sharq. It will offer guests a choice of 68 one and two bedroom hotel apartments with fully-equipped kitchen facilities. The hotel will also feature an all-day-dining restaurant, a deli corner in the lobby, kids club and a swimming pool.



Kuwait is pressing ahead with multiple plans to boost tourism that will see billions of dollars being invested in projects such as the expansion of Kuwait International Airport, reaching 25 million passenger capacity annually by 2025; and development of cultural attractions like Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Islamic Centre. According to figures from the World Travel and Tourism Council, travel and tourism investment in Kuwait is set to rise 1.5% per annum over the next ten years to KWD135.6 million in 2027. Performance is forecast for strong recovery in 2017 with continued growth until 2026, reaching values of KWD501.3 million.



Corporate travellers accounted for 70% of total visitor arrivals in Kuwait in 2016. However, Kuwait is actively working to diversify its guest segmentation in order to secure the projected levels of growth over the coming years. Leisure travel spending is expected to rise by 4.5% per annum reaching KWD1,939.1 million in 2026, following an annual growth rate of 8.7%.



Laurent said, We expect to see a corresponding diversification in hotel stock as more leisure, health and wellness tourists discover the countrys unique offerings. With 14 trusted brands, we cater to every market segment and are eager to capitalize on Kuwaits growth trajectory.



About Swiss-Belhotel International

Swiss-Belhotel International currently manages a portfolio of more than *145 hotels, resorts and projects located in China, Vietnam, Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Australia, New Zealand, Bulgaria, Georgia, Turkey and Tanzania. Awarded Indonesia's Leading Global Hotel Chain for six consecutive years, Swiss-Belhotel International is one of the world's fastest-growing international hotel and hospitality management groups. The Group provides comprehensive and highly professional development and management services in all aspects of hotel, resort and serviced residences. Offices are located in Hong Kong, New Zealand, Australia, Europe, United Arab Emirates. swiss-behotel.com

*Numbers may fluctuate



For further information visit http://www.swiss-belhotel.com



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By Press Trust of India: Mumbai, May 24 (PTI) Google today announced six Indian startups shortlisted for the fourth class of Google Accelerator Program.

These six startups will be joining an inspiring group of startups from all over Asia, Latin America, Africa and Europe at the Google Developers Launchpad Space in San Francisco, a statement said here.

With this batch, 26 Indian startups in all have joined the launchpad accelerator program from India so far.

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Kicking off from July 17, the batch will gain from Googles new curriculum that will help them dig deeper into machine learning and artifical intelligence and help leverage Googles latest technologies to scale their apps. PTI DSK ......................................................... Uber launches snapchat custom filters in India

Mumbai, May 24 (PTI) Ridesharing app Uber, said it will begin a phased roll-out of an integration with social media platform Snapchat in the country starting tomorrow.

With this new feature, riders will be able unlock custom Snapchat filters on their ride, it said.

This includes features like letting riders friends know when they?ll arrive with the expected time of arrival filters, to selecting a mystery filter for an added surprise, among others. The Snapchat integration will available for riders on both Android and iOS in India. PTI DSK DK DK BAS

--- ENDS ---
A BPO employee in Gurgaon was made to part with Rs 2 lakh by two robbers posing as officegoers. The incident happened on Monday night.

By Mail Today Bureau: Highway robbers are back in Gurugram. In an incident of abduction and robbery on Monday night, a BPO employee of Gurugram was made to part with Rs 2 lakh through several ATM withdrawals by two unidentified robbers.

Samar Kohli, the team leader of a noted BPO firm, was on his way from his office at Hero Honda Chowk to his house in DLF phase 3, when two men who posed as officegoers sought a lift till Subhash Chowk.

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However, once the two boarded the vehicle, they pulled out a gun and asked Kohli to take a different route.

"The accused forced Kohli to drive towards Alwar. They beat him throughout the journey and forced him to reveal PIN of his debit and credit cards," said Sandeep Kumar, sub-inspector of Sadar police station, who is investigating the case.

The several withdrawals of large amounts flashed on Kohli's father mobile who holds a joint account and he alerted the police.

The police swung into action and traced the trail of ATMs used for withdrawal.

A police team set on the route. Police found the abandoned car about 70 km from Jodhpur.

Kohli was traced some 2 km away from the vehicle.

ALSO READ | Robbing banks and stealing guns: Kashmir militants have found a new way to fund terror

ALSO READ | CCTV footage: Armed robbers open fire in Mathura jewellery shop, gun down two traders

--- ENDS ---
The complaint accepted by the IT department has accused the former CM, along with his family, of indulging in money laundering not just in India but abroad as well.

By Nolan Pinto: A complaint has been filed with the Income Tax (IT) Department's investigations wing against former Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy. The complaint has been filed by S Venkatesh Gowda, who claimed to be a worker of the Indian National Congress. This is in relation to a money laundering case against Kumaraswamy.

The complaint accepted by the department has accused the former CM, along with his family, of indulging in money laundering not just in India but abroad as well.

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In response to these allegations, Kumaraswamy has hit out at the BJP saying, "I know where this letter was typed and by whom was it sent."

The former CM told India Today that G Parameshwara, President, Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) denied knowing anybody by the name of Venkatesh Gowda. He went on to add that this was done by the BJP to destroy his image since the voters have decided to vote for him.

HDK took a swipe at the BJP saying, "For this election I need money and hence I am requesting them to please use my property information and give me Rs 300-400 crores."

Complaint copy

Complaint copy

Also read: Income Tax Department discloses names of 5 defaulters in Delhi

Also read: Income Tax raids on top bureaucrats across Uttar Pradesh, Delhi

--- ENDS ---
Tribune news service

Chandigarh, May 23

After paying through the nose for essential commodities, residents are in for relief with the announcement of new rates under the Goods and Services Tax (GST).

Now, the prices of food grains and cereals are expected to be slashed. Not only this, the GST will also end the disparity in the taxation system.

Ajay Jagga, an advocate, said the transport-related services like air travel and taxis would become cheaper as rates would go down. Medicines will also be available at cheaper rates as earlier the GST had been fixed at 5 against 11 per cent. He said cereal, rice, pulses had been exempted while the UT was levying 1 per cent tax on pulses. Hair oil and soap will also become cheaper. Rates of sugar, tea and coffee have also been reduced. The tax on air-conditioner has also been reduced from 28 per cent to 18 per cent in the city. The disparity in tax on sweets has also ended with the imposition of uniform tax (5 per cent) across the country. The tax on sweets in the city was 5 per cent while it was exempted from tax in Punjab.

Kesav R Garg, charted accountant, said the new taxation system would increase the tax revenue of the Administration. Before the GST, the Chandigarh Administration did not have any powers to levy tax on the huge service sector. All professionals and service providers like chartered accountants, IT companies were exempted from tax, but now will come under the tax net. He said with the rental value getting cheaper and presence of SEZ (special economic zone) in the city, new businesses would be encouraged.

This will lead to generation of employment for the youth in the tricity. With the service tax rate increased from 15 to 18 per cent, the service sector will become costly for the common man. One will have to pay more for personalised services.
Ramkrishan Upadhyay

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, May 24

While the UT Department of Engineering is all set to finalise the tender for desilting Sukhna Lake, experts said it was still not ready for it.

As per the experts, though dry patches have surfaced following a dip in the water level, it is still not possible to use an earth-moving machine for desilting. They said the wetness below the dry patches and lower water level at various places would make the job difficult.

GS Dhillon, former Chief Enginee-cum-Director, Irrigation and Power Research Institute, Amritsar, said the Administration must wait till the lake dried further. He said instead of desilting, the Administration should start cleaning the catchment area as directed by the High Court so that it received the maximum water in mansoon.

Notably, the department has received bids for desilting, which will be finalised soon. Meanwhile, the Administration has also decided to form a fresh committee with representatives from the UT, Punjab and Haryana on directions of the Punjab and Haryana High Court.

The court has asked the Chandigarh Administration to constitute a fresh committee to solve the problem. The HC also asked the Administration to ensure cleaning of water channels for a smooth flow of water. The water level in the lake further reduced today. It was recorded at 1152.62 ft.
Tribune News Service

New Delhi, May 24

A delegation of the AAP today visited the Election Commission and submitted a memorandum requesting the poll panel to reconsider the terms set for next weeks EVM challenge and make it an open hackathon.

The AAP has contested the ECs move to not allow changing of the motherboard of EVMs demanding the scope of tampering be kept open.

In the letter to Chief Election Commissioner Nasim Zaidi, AAPs national secretary Pankaj Gupta said, We would like to strongly urge you to reconsider the terms of the EVM challenge. Please do not set any such rules and regulations and allow it to be an open hackathon where tampering of any kind can be demonstrated on the machine.

The AAP, along with some other parties, have alleged that tampering of EVMs is behind the defeat in recent state assembly and civic body polls. The Kejriwal-led party also demonstrated in the Delhi Legislative Assembly how EVMs can be hacked.

Gupta also alleged that the tampering with the motherboards in the EVMs was the reason behind the BJPs victories in the recent polls.

In response to the allegations, the EC is going to hold an EVM challenge on June 3 in which political parties can inspect machines used in the recently held assembly polls.

According to the EC, the challenge would be open only to national and state parties which contested in recently held assembly polls in five states.
Melbourne, May 24

An Indian national who was found guilty of the murder of her former lovers fiancee in 2015 has had her conviction quashed by an Australian court and will face a retrial.

The New South Wales court of Criminal Appeal upheld Manisha Patels appeal against the conviction and ordered a retrial, Sydney Morning Herald reported.

The then 32-year-old Patel was found guilty by a jury in July 2015 for allegedly killing 28-year-old Purvi Joshi in 2013 in Sydney.

She was sentenced to a maximum term of 24 years in jail, with a non-parole period of 18 years.

Patel appeared in court via video-link from Silverwater Womens Correctional Centre.

Joshi had arrived in Australia from India and was planning to marry Niraj Dave, a fellow Indian national who had previously been in a relationship with Patel. PTI
Bhanu P Lohumi

Tribune News Service

Shimla, May 24

A silent revolution is taking place in the remote and backward tribal area of Pangi in Chamba district with womenfolk emerging as harbinger of change by strengthening their economy and improving their socio-economic status.

As many as 100 self-help groups (SHG) have been formed with the participation of 800 women under the brand Pangi Hills. The women associated with the Pangi Hills are mainly engaged in making handlooms and handicraft products for self-reliance and they are offering 15 products, including pairian (cover for socks), scarf, gloves and socks, besides growing pahari rajma, which are sold in packages.

Collective Efforts for Voluntary Actions (CEVA), a non-profit organisation, is covering the entire Chamba district and working for the uplift of tribal people. The Pangi Hills is trying to provide a market linkage to the products and in turn providing better, sustainable means to earn livelihood.

To start with, the products were sold in local markets and for the first time these women participated in different fairs in the state and the income of six-seven women in one group ranged between Rs 2 and Rs 2.5 lakh per annum, said Harish K Sharma, president, CEVA, Pangi.

Their hard work and dedication earned them recognition globally through their products and one of the SHG named Lakshmi Self-Help Group from Kawas, Pangi, under their leading lady Nain Dei had achieved an outstanding response in Aajeevika Mela held in Delhi from April 14 to April 23.

People were impressed with the traditional hand-woven handloom products and pure organic products which were sold like hot cakes at remunerative prices. Customers wanted new design and fancy items. To cater to their needs, we proposed to tie-up with some fashion designing institute for training these women, he added.

Kamla Devi, one of the pioneers in forming self-helps groups, said: After the initial success, we reached out to other women and motivated them with our success stories and in course of time the number started to swell.

Pangi Hills has ignited a fire that will light up the future generations and its endless efforts will definitely bring about revolutionary changes in the lives of the tribal community, Sharma asserted.

Despite personal, societal, work-related issues and family conflicts, these women stood firm against all odds and barrier and transformed themselves from simple tribal women to empowered women of society, said Ram Devi, a member of the group.

Harbinger of change
Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, May 23

The CIA staff of the Jalandhar police today claimed to have arrested two gangsters and recovered illegal weapons from their possession.

The police also claimed that the arrested accused were planning to execute a criminal activity. However, they were arrested before the execution of their plan.

The accused have been identified as Gaurav, alias Baggi, a resident of Abadpura, and Kulwinder Singh, alias Bablu, a resident of Model House of Dhariwal in Gurdaspur district.

The police have recovered two pistols, six live cartridges and a car from their possession. The police said the accused were wanted in several cases of murder and other crimes.

Addressing mediapersons here today, ACP, CIA staff, Gurmail Singh, said the police managed to arrest the accused after they got a tip-off. They were arrested from Nangalshama Chowk under the jurisdiction of the Rama Mandi police station.

The police have registered an FIR under Sections 25, 54 and 59 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

2 booked for rape of married woman

A 30-year-old married woman from Vehra village of Mehatpur was allegedly raped by two persons of the same village on Sunday night.

In her statement to the Mehatpur police, the victim said she was sleeping outside her house, while her husband, who was ill, and her children, were sleeping in separate corners in the house.

The victim alleged that at around midnight, the two accused entered the house that has no gate and forcibly took her to the fields with them after putting a piece of cloth in her mouth.

She alleged that she only identified them when she took off cover from her face. They tore her clothes when she objected to her kidnapping and raped her. Her efforts to raise an alarm proved futile.

After registering an FIR, a police team raided the village to arrest the accused, but they are at large.
It's the bureaucrats who run the show. However, what is allegedly taking place in Karnataka is that there exists an IAS mafia that is not allowing honest officers to function properly.

By Nolan Pinto: With a lot of speculations regarding the young IAS officer Anurag Tiwari's mysterious death, some whistleblower bureaucrats have decided to speak up on the matter. In fact, they tell India Today how they too have faced death threats but managed to stay alive.

"They systematically cut everything and then ask somebody since he does not have an official vehicle to go and hit him," said K Mathai, a senior Karnataka Administrative Service (KAS) officer. He was explaining how the IAS mafia works in putting somebody's life in danger. Mathai has been transferred 27 times in 9 years since he decided to take on the system.

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After filing a complaint with the Lokayukta against senior IAS officers for harassing him to the level of severe mental agony, he said, "If senior officers keep troubling you, there is no option but to suffer, take VRS, die or do something."

Some of these like-minded officers tell India Today if one thought politicians are strong, then they are totally wrong. It's the bureaucrats who run the show. However, what is allegedly taking place in Karnataka is that there exists an IAS mafia that is not allowing honest officers to function properly.

MN Vijaykumar, a retired IAS officer, in his letter to the Chief Secretary, UP dated May 22 wrote, "The corrupt IAS mafia in Karnataka is so powerful and ruthless that it has the capacity to derail proper investigation by tampering documentary evidence to mislead even the CBI."

Speaking to India Today exclusively, on being asked to further explain what the IAS mafia is, he said, "Yes, it is there which actually controls everything. I am afraid that if the CBI does not act properly, they will also get controlled by it since they are very powerful." He explained this statement by citing an example of a former CBI Director who scuttled an investigation.

The retired IAS officer is doubtful of the CBI getting any help from Karnataka government and IAS officers. "They are not going to give proper cooperation and that is very clear since I have already seen signals in that direction," he said. He himself faced three murder attempts on his life but managed to luckily escape from them all.

(With inputs from Ameena Khan)

Also Read:

Anurag Tiwari death: IAS mafia can derail CBI investigation, says retired officer

IAS Anurag Tiwari death: BJP MP writes to Yogi Adityanath demanding CBI probe

Was Karnataka IAS officer Anurag Tiwari murdered in Lucknow? CBI to find out

Watch Video: Lucknow: Senior IAS officer found dead near Hazratganj

--- ENDS ---
Majid Jahangir

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, May 23

A day after being commended by the Army for bravery, Major Leetul Gogoi of 53 Rashtriya Rifles (RR) termed Farooq Ahmed Dar as an instigator, claiming that tying him to a jeep had saved many lives on the polling day in Budgam last month.

Despite an ongoing court of inquiry by the Army, the officer today spoke publicly about the April 9 human shield incident. He said he got a call from an ITBP officer in charge of Utligam and Gundipora, informing him of 500 people pelting election staff and ITBP personnel with stones.

My Quick Reaction Team rushed to Gundipora, clearing several roadblocks along the way. Within 30 minutes, we reached Gundipora and dispersed the mob. I, along with four soldiers, went inside the polling booth to ensure security personnel and the civil staff were safe, the Major told mediapersons at Beerwa Camp in Budgam.

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At around 10.30 am, we received another distress call from the ITBP, informing us about 1,200 people laying siege to the Utligam polling station. They were trying to burn down the polling station by hurling Molotov cocktails.

We rushed to Utligam, located 1.5 km from Gondipora. When we arrived, the crowd, including women and children, attacked us with stones. Unable to move out of our vehicles, we announced on megaphones our intent to rescue the election staff and ITBP personnel stuck inside the polling station. But the crowd paid no heed, the Major said.

I saw a short man, Farooq Ahmad Dar, standing around 30 metres from my vehicle and told my team to catch hold of him. Dar was at the scene of violence even though he lived at Chill, 20 km away. The Army personnel moved towards the polling station with the help of mine-protected vehicle. Once we got inside, I rescued four civil polling staff, seven ITBP personnel and one J&K police constable, he said.

As we were leaving the polling station, our vehicle got stuck in the mud and the mob started throwing stones at us. Farooq tried to flee on a bike but we caught him, he said.

When the crowd refused to relent, an idea struck and I decided to tie Farooq to the bonnet of our vehicle. As he was being fastened to the jeep, stone-pelting stopped briefly, giving us a window to move out of the area, he said. I did so to save local people. Had I opened fire, there would have been more than 12 casualties. With this idea, I saved many lives.

"Was I an animal that I was tied to a jeep? The award given to him (Major) is total injustice. I have not been able to do routine chores after the incident. Farooq Ahmed Dar of budgam

"I did so (tie a man to jeep) to save local people. Had I opened fire, there would have been more than 12 casualties. With this idea, I saved many lives. Major Leetul Gogoi, 53 RR
Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, May 24

A three-member delegation from the Bhutanese ministry of education, comprising NB Raika, Chief of Department of Adult & Higher Education; Baburam Sherpa, Chief of Scholarship Office; and Dolay Tshering, Senior Scholarship Programme Officer, visited Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) to discuss future avenues of admission for students from Bhutan.

Dr Neelam Grewal, Dean, Postgraduate Studies, welcomed the delegates and briefed them about the guidelines concerning admission of foreign students to Punjab Agricultural University (PAU).

While thanking the university for accepting students from Bhutan, Raika said, We are very happy with the programmes being run by the university and look forward to acceptance of a bigger number of students by the PAU in the future.

The delegates were particularly interested in the curriculum of Soil and Water Engineering, Farm Power Machinery, Food Technology and prerequisites for admission to the same.

The meeting was also attended by Dean, College of Agricultural Engineering, Dr JS Mahal; Dean, College of Basic Sciences and Humanities & College of Home Science, Dr GK Sangha; Advisor, International Students, Vishal Bector; and Dr BS Sekhon from the College of Agriculture.
Our Correspondent

Jaipur, May 24

In a joint operation, the Military Intelligence Liaison Unit and ATS of Rajasthan Police on Tuesday busted a recruitment racket with the arrest of four touts at Udaipur and Jaipur and recovered the Rs 1.75 crore extorted by them.

The main accused--Arjun Singh, who was arrested from Nokha in Bikaner district--was collecting original documents from candidates who had cleared the physical test in the Army recruitment rally, Additional Director General of ATS and SOG Umesh Mishra said on Wednesday.

The accused were identified as Arjun Singh, Nand Singh Rathore, Sunil Vyas and Mahendra Singh. The joint team is probing the case and exploring their links with the army officers, if any.

Preliminary investigation indicated that these people charged each candidate an initial amount of Rs 3 lakh-4 lakh and kept their original documents as security. The candidates who appeared in fitness tests were assured that they would be finally selected.
Tribune News Service

New Delhi, May 24

Overcast conditions in the northern part of Assam today prevented an extensive low-flying visual search for a Sukhoi 30MKI fighter jet that was reported missing at 11 am on Tuesday. The jet with two pilots had taken off from Tezpur in Assam.

(Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd)

The aircraft, on a routine training mission, got airborne around 10.30 am and lost radar and radio contact 60 km north-west of Tezpur, close to Arunachal Pradesh.

The IAF has launched a search and rescue operation using the C-130 aircraft with electro-optical sensors to capture images. A Sukhoi with reconnaissance capability has also been pressed into service. Search by IAF and Army helicopters was hampered by bad weather today.

Four ground search teams of IAF personnel, nine of the Army and two of the state administration have also been deployed in different areas.

The twin-engine Sukhoi is of Russian origin and is considered a stable aircraft. Since their induction in the late 1990s, seven crashes have occurred. An inquiry primarily indicated technical failure as the cause.

Meanwhile, China today said it had no information on the missing jet.
Lahore, May 24

Amjad Shoaib, an ex-ISI official and a retired Lieutenant General of the Pakistan Army, has acknowledged India's claim that Kulbhushan Jadhav was captured from Iran.

This revelation by an ex-ISI official is damaging for Pakistan and shows the real face of that country's armed forces establishment, the civilian government and the ISI who have connived to tarnish the image of India globally.

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This negates Pakistan's claims that Jadhav was caught in Pakistan on charges of spying.

India has repeatedly maintained that Jadhav was on business trip to Iran and Pakistan had captured him from there and planted a false case against him.

This admission by the ex-ISI official can now possibly be used by India as a strong argument at the next hearing of the International Court of Justice.

Jadhav,a former Indian Navy officer ,was given the death sentence by a military court in Pakistan on April 10 for alleged "espionage and subversive activities".

The ICJ had on May 18 stayed the execution of 46-year-old Jadhav, who was sentenced to death last month by a Pakistan military court that convicted him of alleged spying and subversive activities.

Pakistan raised the confession statement of Jadhav as a base of its argument and accused India of using the ICJ for its political theatrics. India termed that the confession of Jadhav was forcibly taken by the military while in captivity and he was tried by a military court in Pakistan.

Pakistan's counsel Khawar Qureshi while presenting Islamabad's stance in the ICJ on death sentence handed to Jadhav said the former naval officer entered Islamabad through Iran using a fake passport.  ANI
Sushil Manav

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, May 24

Disappointing thousands of employees, the Haryana Government today ruled out an across-the-board raise in the retirement age from 58 to 60. A three-member Cabinet subcommittee, constituted to study the issue, met for the second time under Finance Minister Capt Abhimanyu here today. Significantly, Health Minister Anil Vij was absent once again.

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It was decided to consider a two-year extension for staff of departments facing a staff crunch. The next meeting on June 14 will consider limiting the term of non-IAS department heads as well as the selection norms for filling group D posts.

Capt Abhimanyu said an across-the-board increase in the retirement age was not desirable as it would only mean blocking job opportunities for the youth.

On May 8, the subcommittee had asked the Chief Secretary to submit a report on the number of vacancies, the number of employees retiring by the year-end and those re-employed. It seems only 39 officials have been re-employed. Departments, such as Elementary Education, Secondary Education and Irrigation will see a large number of vacancies in the coming years. We will have to decide accordingly, he said.

He said the government had already told the Haryana Public Service Commission and Haryana Staff Service Commission to fill 50,000 vacancies. Former CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda had raised the retirement age to 60 at the fag-end of his tenure. It was reversed by the Khattar government in 2014, but in February this year, it set up a subcommittee to study the issue afresh.
Ananya Panda

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, May 24

Realising the disenchantment of people with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, his Cabinet ministers and officers have decided to meet people without appointment at their offices from 10 am to 11 am from Monday to Friday.

Admitting that the government is losing connect with the people, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said the chief minister has directed the chief secretary to ensure that all officers barring those having field duties will meet people without appointments to address their grievances.

Public disconnect with governance is coming to fore. People want to meet ministers and officers. Ministers had been meeting earlier too but henceforth all ministers and officers, excluding those on field, will meet residents without prior fixed meetings, said Sisodia addressing the media here.

In a notice issued, Kejriwal said, he has come across complaints from people that officers are not easily accessible so they shall be present on their seats between 10 am to 11 am and meet people without appointments and solve their grievances.

The chief secretary has also been directed to issue a phone number for residents to complain in case any officer is unavailable during the stipulated time.

No excuses will be acceptable and any exemption will be granted only in case of medical leave or otherwise. Officer has to seek permission over phone from his senior who in turn shall inform the minister, said the deputy chief minister.

Further, Sisodia said orders have also been issued to ensure no in-house meetings are scheduled by ministers or senior officers during that time to enable field officials, like SDM or zonal officials, to attend to the grievances of people in the national capital.

Noting that if field officials meet people most of the problems are resolved, Sisodia added that orders have been issued and the move is likely to be implemented from June 1 after arrangements are put in place.

The decision comes close on the heels of successive jolts for the AAP in the recently held elections in Delhi, Punjab and Goa and serious allegations of money laundering against Kejriwal and his colleagues by rebel leader Kapil Mishra.

This is not for the first time the party has undertaken such an exercise as Kejriwal had initiated such attempts to reach out to people through Janata Darbar during its first stint in 2014 and later in 2015 when the AAP had scored a landslide victory pocketing 67 out of 70 Delhi Assembly seats.

In 2014 the first public meeting held by the Delhi Chief Minister at Delhi Secretariat was chaotic and poorly managed with a huge rush of people at the site.

Earlier we experimented with Janata Darbar wherein our ministers use to sit at a place and listen to people. But this time we have decentralised the process reducing the chances of rush. People with go to the concerned office instead of gathering at one place, Sisodia said.
Washington, May 24

Pakistan is harbouring terrorists and using them as reserve in Afghanistan, a top US intelligence official has told lawmakers.

Pakistan views Afghanistan or desires for Afghanistan some of the same things we want: a safe, secure, stable Afghanistan. One additionone that does not have heavy Indian influence in Afghanistan, Lt Gen Vincent Stewart, Director, Defense Intelligence Agency, told members of the powerful Senate Armed Services Committee during a Congressional hearing on worldwide threats.

They view all of the challenges through the lens of an Indian threat to the state of Pakistan, Stewart said.

So they (Pakistan) hold in reserve terrorist organisationwe define them as terrorist organisations, they hold them in reserve so thatif Afghanistan leans towards India, they will no longer be supportive of an idea of a stable and secure Afghanistan that could undermine Pakistan interest, Stewart said.

He said Pakistan needs to be told very clearly that Afghanistans security and stability is in the interest of all of the parties in the region and does not pose a risk to Pakistan.

Weve got to convince Pakistan that if theyre harbouring any of the Haqqani network members that it is not in their interest to continue to host of Haqqani network, that we ought to be working together to go after those 20 terrorist organisations that undermine not just Afghanistan, not just Pakistan, but all of the region, he said.

And so weve to make sure were pushing them to do more against the Haqqani network. Then (they should) separate the Taliban from the Pashtun, which want a Pashtun dominated Afghanistan, he said.

So weve got to get the conversation going again with Pakistan about their role in not harboring any of these terrorists, helping to stabilise Afghanistan, he added.

Hoping that US may have some progress in this, Stewart said Pakistan also have some influence in bringing the Taliban to the peace table.

So, weve got to get them to think about reconciliation, that the status quo is not in their best interest, he said.

Dan Coats, Director of National Intelligence said there is need to evaluate how to address the situation of Pakistan harbouring terrorist.

I think certainly an evaluation of how we work with Pakistan to address the situation of the harbouring of terrorist groups would be essential to a strategy that affects Afghanistan, going forward in Afghanistan, he said in response to a question.

Because that is potentially a very disrupting situation, putting our own troops at risk and undermining the strategy of dealing with the Taliban and local groups that are trying to undermine the government, Coats said.  PTI
Vishav Bharti

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, May 24

Till recently, Amit Bahadur would serve sumptuous paranthas to employees at the office of Rana Sugars. Today, he is the owner of one of the most expensive sand and gravel mines in the state. In Fridays e-auction of mining sites, he outdid 32 bigwigs to bag a quarry at Saidpur Khurd village in Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar (Nawanshahr) for a whopping Rs 26.51 crore.

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At least three more employees of Rana Sugars, the company owned by Punjab Power and Irrigation Minister Rana Gurjit Singh, have got mining contracts in the e-auction of 89 sand and gravel mining sites conducted on May 19 and 20.

Amit Bahadur, who is of Nepalese origin, was working as a cook at Rana Sugars. Due to his loyalty, he was made a personal assistant and recently shifted to the companys human resource department.

Besides raising eyebrows, how a person of his means could successfully bid for a Rs 26-crore quarry has become the talking point in the corridors of power.

When contacted, Bahadur confirmed being an employee of Rana Sugars and having bagged the quarry. He said he was from Moradabad and though his father came from Nepal, the family had settled in Uttar Pradesh long ago.

Similarly, another employee of Rana Sugars, Kulvinder Paul Singh, bagged the Mehadipur quarry (also in SBS Nagar) for Rs 9.21 crore. Kulvinder is the liaison man for Rana Sugars and deals with various government departments. When contacted, Kulvinder said his current designation was Deputy General Manager. He said he had deposited the remaining bid amount on Tuesday before the deadline.

Two more employees of the minister also figure in the list of 89 successful bidders. Gurinder Singh got a mining site at Rampur Kalan village in Mohali district for

Rs 4.11 crore. He takes care of cane operations at Rana Sugars. A mining site located in Bairsal village has gone to Balraj Singh, who too takes care of cane operations for Rana Sugars, for Rs 10.58 crore.

When asked how he managed to source Rs 26 crore, Amit Bahadur, who claims to be a small-time employee, said: Koshish karne se sab ho jayega. Kulvinder Paul Singh initially claimed he had all the resources but later said he was still arranging the money, before disconnecting the call.

Power Minister Rana Gurjit Singh could not be contacted despite repeated attempts.

The previous SAD-BJP government had drawn much criticism owing to the party leaders alleged collusion with the mining mafia.

The common modus operandi of the mining mafia is to get an auction site (deemded fit enough by them to be exploited) at exaggerated rates and then indulge in illegal mining in the surrounding areas.
Tribune News Service

Lucknow, May 24

The Income Tax Department today carried out raids on the premises of three Uttar Pradesh cadre IAS officers across six cities in Uttar Pradesh.

Those under Income Tax Department lens for tax evasion include Director Health Hriday Shankar Tiwari, who was Baghpat district magistrate earlier. Eight warrants were issued against him in Meerut, Baghpat, Greater Noida, Lucknow and Delhi.

Raids were also conducted at Additional CEO Greater Noida Authority Vimal Kumar Sharmas eight addresses in Meerut, Noida and Mainpuri. Her wife and Regional Transport Officer (RTO), Meerut, Mamta Sharma is also under the scanner.

Six premises of blue-eyed boy of former Samajwadi Party (SP) regime and now Special Secretary (Prison) Satyendra Kumar Singh were also raided in Lucknow and Noida. As the Vice-Chairperson of Lucknow Development Authority, Singh was responsible for many of former Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadavs flagship projects.
The Income Tax department on Wednesday conducted raids in seven Uttar Pradesh districts, on the offices and establishments of four bureaucrats, including two IAS officers

By Mail Today Bureau: Tightening the noose on corrupt officers in Uttar Pradesh, Income Tax department sleuths on Wednesday raided more than 20 establishments and offices of four bureaucrats, including two IAS officers.

The raids were conducted in seven districts including Greater Noida and Nodia, Meerut, Baghpat and Mainpuri and the state capital Lucknow.

Those on the radar included Vimal Sharma, the additional CEO of Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority, his wife Mamata Sharma, the RTO of Meerut, Hriday Shanker Tiwari, director, health department, Satendra Kumar singh, special secretary (prisons) and some other businessmen involved in mining activities in the western UP.

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According to sources, there were various complaints against these officers and the raids were conducted after initial enquiries.

WARRANTS ISSUED

"Eight warrants were issued against Tiwari (Meerut, Baghpat, Greater Noida, Lucknow and Delhi), eight against Vimal and Mamta Sharma (Meerut, Noida and Mainpuri) and six against Singh (Lucknow and Noida", an IT department official informed.

Vimal Sharma, who was transferred to Greater Noida a few months ago, has earlier been the DM of Ghaziabad and Ferozabad. He has also been the special secretary in the trade tax and entertainment tax department.

His wife, Mamta was also posted in Ghaziabad as the RTO in transport department before being transferred in the same capacity to Meerut about a year ago. Sources said the complaint against her mentioned that she would commute between Ghaziabad and Meerut daily.

Eight of their properties in Meerut, Ghaziabad, Noida and Mainpuri (the native place of Vimal) were raided, indicating that I-T officials had made preliminary inquiries.

A PCS officer, Tiwari got promoted to the IAS cadre a few months ago and was posted as DM in Baghpat district. However, there were many complaints against him regarding allocation of mining licenses and quotas. About three weeks back, Tiwari was transferred as a director in the health department in Lucknow.

"We have sealed some cash, jewellery and some other documents", Yogesh Iyar, deputy commissioner, IT, who was a part of the team that was in Meerut said.

ALSO READ | Noida income tax raids bogus accounts, recovers more than Rs 65 crore

ALSO READ | More trouble for Lalu Prasad? Income Tax raids at 22 locations in Delhi, Gurgaon linked to benami land deals

ALSO READ | Stung by Income Tax raids, Lalu Prasad hits back, says will continue fight against Fascist BJP

--- ENDS ---
Shahira Naim

Tribune News Service

Lucknow, May 24

Saharanpur remained edgy today with three more persons from lower castes injured in attacks. Taking a stern view of the continuing caste clashes, the Yogi Adityanath government suspended Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Subhash Chand Dubey and District Magistrate NP Singh while transferring Divisional Commissioner Mahendra Prasad Agarwal and Deputy Inspector General (DIG) KS Emmanuel.

Muzaffarnagar SSP Bablu Kumar, camping in Saharanpur since yesterday, has been named Saharanpur SSP. A special plane carried former Additional Chief Electoral Officer Pramod Kumar Pandey to Saharanpur to take charge as DM. Earlier in the day, Uttar Pradesh DGP Sulkhan Singh met the CM and briefed him on the arrest of 25 Thakurs 14 hailing from Chandpur village and 11 from Ambehata Chand.

Sources said Nitin Kumar Prajapati of Gadehwa village and Yashpal Prajapati of Badgaon were attacked while they were on their way to a brick-kiln early this morning. Critically injured, they were hospitalised.

Later in the afternoon, miscreants shot at motorcycle-borne Pradeep of Asanwali village. Dalits were attacked on Tuesday soon after BSP chief Mayawati left Shabbirpur village after addressing a huge rally there.The first casualty was Ashish of Sarsawan village. A group of 15 persons returning from Mayawatis rally in Shabbirpur were attacked too.

Security beefed up

A spokesperson in the DGPs office said besides the district police, six companies of the PAC, four of the RAF, five SP-level officers, seven Additional SP-level officers and 15 Deputy SP-level officers had been posted in Saharanpur. Secretary (Home) Maniprasad Mishra, ADG (Law and Order) Aditya Mishra, IG (STF) Amitabh Yash and DIG (Security) Vijay Bhushan were camping in the town too.

Mobile internet and messaging services were also suspended in the district, with officials saying the decision was taken to maintain peace and ensure law and order.

Oppn lashes out

While the CPM accused the government of backing perpetrators of the caste violence, SPs Ram Gopal Yadav said the BJP was trying to divide people on caste identities.

Having vitiated the atmosphere to gain political and electoral victory, the casteist, mischievous and criminal elements in the BJP and the RSS are now bent upon unleashing caste violence, the BSP said.

The Congress, demanding a special trial and time-bound justice, said: Some people believe they can indulge in hooliganism, oppress Dalits and commit atrocities as they are confident the law will not be initiated against them as the CM will protect them.
Balwant Garg

Tribune News Service

Faridkot, May 24

The district administration has sealed Government Adarsh School at Pacca village of Faridkot and seized school records after a protest by the teachers and villagers today.

The protest started after the private management of the school terminated the services of eight teachers, four peons and a sweeper.

Some civil and police officers reached the village to control the situation, but as the management of the school had already left, the Faridkot naib tehsildar sealed the school and took all records in his possession. Those have been handed over to Deputy commissioner, Faridkot, said naib tehsildar Harkirat Singh.

The controversy at Pacca started after the four peons and sweeper made a complaint to the Faridkot police that the school management had paid them Rs4,000 as salary and forced them to sign on a receipt of Rs 6,600.

Running under PPP mode, three Government Adarsh Schools in Faridkot, including the school at Pacca, are in the thick of a row for the past year after the change of the private management of these schools. As much as 70 per cent of the salary of school staff is paid by the state government and the remaining is contributed by the private management.

In Pacca, the management wanted to remove some of the old staff, calling them surplus. These employees are opposing their removal. They allege that they were removed for exposing corruption.

Narinder Singh Randhwan, chairman of Ludhiana-based Sukhsagar Avenue Welfare Association which runs the Pacca school, denied the charges. He was earlier arrested on charges of embezzlement of funds meant for employees' pay, sexual harassment of teachers and exploiting students by engaging them in labour work.

Teachers of Adarsh School at Mallan village have been on a dharna in front of the DCs office since Tuesday evening. They are opposing the new management for its anti-teacher decisions.

The teachers of the third Adarsh School at Middumann are also on an agitation. They are demanding penal action against the school management of the school for showing ghost studentson their rolls to acquire more funds from the government.
Gopeshwar (U'khand), May 24

With the portals of Hemkund Sahib scheduled to open tomorrow, Uttarakhand Tourism Minister Satpal Maharaj on Wednesday flagged off the first batch of Sikh pilgrims from Govindghat to the Himalayan shrine.

The minister appealed the batch of 5,000 pilgrims to maintain cleanliness at the shrine's surroundings.

"The arrangements have been improved this time for pilgrims travelling to the shrine," he said.

The pilgrims, who left today, will make a night halt at Ghanghariya and start for Hemkund Sahib in the morning.

The Himalayan Gurudwara is scheduled to open at noon tomorrow, Seva Singh, a Hemkund Sahib official, said, adding the shrine remains closed in the winters due to heavy snowfall in the region.  PTI
Uttarkashi (Uttarakhand), May 24

At least 21 persons were killed and eight others were injured when a bus ferrying pilgrims plunged into the Bhagirathi River near Nalupani in Uttarakhand late on Tuesday, the police said.

#WATCH: Rescue ops by ITBP personnel near Uttarakhand's Dharasu, where bus carrying 29 pilgrims from MP, fell into river;22 bodies recovered pic.twitter.com/I54Ucd6op3  ANI (@ANI_news) May 23, 2017

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The accident took place near Nalupani in Uttarkashi district when the bus full of pilgrims from Indore, Madhya Pradesh, was returning from the Gangotri shrine.

Three persons are still missing and the eight injured, who were rescued after great efforts and difficulty, have been admitted at the Community Health Centre at Chinyalisaud, an official said.

Some passengers of the ill-fated bus also fell into the Bhagirathi River flowing below. District officials, including district magistrate Ashish Srivastava, rushed to the spot but owing to darkness, rescue efforts were hampered.

With the hill being very steep, rescue was further delayed and went on till the morning. SDRF, police and ITBP teams then went down from the other side and rescued eight passengers. Bodies have been recovered but are yet to be identified.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat has condoled the loss of lives in the mishap and has announced an ex gratia of Rs 1 lakh each for the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 each for those injured.

Officials have also been asked to identify danger zones on routes of the annual Chaar Dham Yatra, put up speed monitors, turning warnings and put up crash barriers.

PM announces ex gratia for victims kin

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today announced ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh each for the next of kin of those killed in bus accident. He also sanctioned from the PM National Relief Fund Rs 50,000 for those seriously injured.

My prayers & solidarity with those who lost their loved ones in the unfortunate bus accident in Uttarkashi. May the injured recover soon, the Prime Minister said.  Agencies
Islamabad: Two Chinese nationals, including a woman, were abducted on Wednesday by gunmen in the Balochistan province, an incident that would raise concerns in Beijing over the security situation in Pakistan amid Chinas massive investment push in the country. The two were abducted from Jinnah Town area of provincial capital Quetta. According to witnesses, four unidentified men tried to abduct three of the foreigners, two women and a man. However, a passerby helped one of the women escape. Abductors forced the two into a vehicle at gunpoint and drove away. PTI
Phnom Penh, May 24

Cambodia has deported 1,025 illegal foreigners, including 226 female, to their countries in 2017, an immigration official said on Wednesday.

Major General Uk Heisela, chief of the investigation department of the General Department of Immigration, said the illegal immigrants with 35 nationalities had been expelled from the country during the January-May period after they lived and worked here without passports or valid visas.

"Around 712 (or 69 per cent) of the deportees are Vietnamese," Xinhua news agency quoted him as saying.

Under Cambodia's immigration law, any alien living in the country without valid documents such as passports, visas or work permits are subject to deportation.

IANS
Islamabad, May 24

A vehicle carrying two officers of a UN military observer group came under attack by the Indian troops during a visit to the Line of Control (LoC), the Pakistan Army on Wednesday claimed.

In a statement, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said the vehicle was carrying United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) officers Major Emmanual of the Philippines and Major Mirko of Croatia.

The two officers, who were on a visit to the LoC (came under attack by the Indian troops), a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.

According to the militarys media wing, their vehicle was flying a blue UNMOGIP flag in line with protocol.

Both officers are safe. They got off the vehicle and moved away before later returning to their location, the Express Tribune reported, quoting the militarys statement.

On May 17, Pakistan Army had lodged a protest with the UN military observers against unprovoked Indian firing on civilians from across the Line of Control.

According to the Security Council mandate of 1971, UNMOGIP observes and reports on ceasefire violations along and across the Line of Control and the working boundary between India and Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir, as well as reports developments that could lead to ceasefire violations.

India has maintained that UNMOGIP has outlived its utility and is irrelevant after the Simla Agreement and the consequent establishment of the Line of Control (LoC).

The observer group is headed by Major General Per Lodin of Sweden. It currently has 38 military observers and 73 civilian personnel.  PTI
Beirut, May 24

The Syrian army said on Wednesday it had killed Islamic States minister of war among other senior figures in the group in operations east of the northern city of Aleppo.

A Syrian military source cited by Syrian state media identified the war minister as Abu Musab al-Masri, without saying exactly when or where he was killed.

He was named among 13 senior Islamic State figures killed in Syrian army operations east of Aleppo, including men identified as Saudi and Iraqi nationals.

A previous Islamic State minister of war, Abu Omar al-Shishani, was killed last year. The Pentagon said Shishani was likely to have been killed in a U.S. air strike in Syria.

The militant group confirmed his death in July but said he had died fighting in the Iraqi city of Shirqat south of Mosul.

Islamic State faces separate campaigns in northern Syria by the Russian-backed Syrian army, the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces, and Turkey-backed rebels fighting under the Free Syrian Army banner.  Reuters
Lahore, May 24

A Pakistani court has given a last chance to the federal and Punjab governments to submit their replies by May 29 on a petition challenging detention of Mumbai attack mastermind and Jamaat-ud-Dawa chief Hafiz Saeed and his four aides.

The government on January 30 had put Saeed and his four aides under house arrest for their alleged involvement in activities prejudicial to peace and security.

A Lahore High Court bench headed by Justice Sadaqat Ali Khan expressed its annoyance over the governments failure to submit the reply. Giving a last chance, the court directed the government law officer to submit their (federal and Punjab) replies without fail by May 29.

The law officer told the court that the detention matter of the petitioners had been pending before a judicial review board and a decision in this regard is yet to be announced. He requested the court to defer the hearing till the boards verdict.

Petitioners counsel advocate AK Dogar objected to the governments argument and said proceedings before the review board were entirely different from the matter raised before the court.

The court should not prolong proceedings of the case involving detention of innocent citizens as the government has failed to produce the detainees before the review board prior to expiry of their detention period, Dogar said, adding that extending the detention period of the petitioners without mandatory approval of the review board is illegal.

He requested the court to set aside the detention of the petitioners for being unconstitutional. Over a week ago, Saeed appeared before a judicial review board and told it that he had been detained by the Pakistani government in order to stop him for raising his voice for Kashmiris.

However, the Federal Interior Ministry rejected his argument and told the board that Saeed and his four aides have been detained for spreading terrorism in the name of Jihad. On April 30, detention of Saeed and his four aides was extended by the Punjab government for another 90 days under preventative detention under 11 EEE (I) and 11D of Anti-Terrorism Act 1997.

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 the JuD and its chief.

The JuD, the front group of the banned Lashkar-e-Toiba, 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 was also put under house arrest after the 2008 Mumbai terror attack, but he was freed by a court in 2009. The US had put a USD 10 million bounty on Saeeds head for his role in terror activities.  PTI
Kathmandu, May 24

Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda resigned on Wednesday while addressing the nation live on TV.

The resignation has paved the way for Nepali Congress chief Sher Bahadur Deuba to take over as per an understanding the two leaders had reached in August last year.

The Prime Minister addressed the nation from his office in Singhadurbar.

The Prime Minister was to address Parliament on Tuesday and announce his resignation, but it was postponed as the speaker adjourned the House after the main opposition CPN-UMLs lawmakers obstructed the House meeting, protesting against the governments decision to increase the number of local units in Tarai districts.

As per an understanding reached between ruling partiesNepali Congress (NC) and CPN (Maoist Centre)  Prachanda was supposed to quit the top post, paving the way for NC president to lead the coalition government.

The pact was to run the government on a rotational basis until elections to the parliament are held in February 2018.

Prachanda was to hold office till local polls are held and remaining two elections  provincial and central  were to be conducted under Deuba.

Millions of Nepalese on May 14 voted in the countrys first local-level polls in two decades as the Himalayan nation took a crucial step towards cementing democracy amid political turmoil.

Local-level elections could not be held after 1997 largely as a result of the decade-long Maoist insurgency that claimed more than 16,000 lives in Nepal.

The elections should be held in every five years but due to the political instability, they were halted since May 1997.  PTI
India continues to move to isolate Pakistan diplomatically and is considering punitive options to raise the cost to Islamabad for its alleged support to cross-border terrorism, the official said.

By India Today Web Desk: A day after the Indian Army launched "punitive fire assaults" on Pakistani posts across the Line of Control (LoC), a top American defence intelligence chief has told lawmakers that India is moving towards isolating Pakistan diplomatically. According to the US official, India is considering punitive actions against Islamabad for its alleged support to cross border terrorism.

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"India has sought and continues to move to isolate Pakistan diplomatically and is considering punitive options to raise the cost to Islamabad for its alleged support to cross-border terrorism," Lt Gen Vincent Stewart, Director, Defense Intelligence Agency told members of the powerful Senate Armed Services Committee during a Congressional hearing on worldwide threats.

India, he said, is modernising its military to better posture itself to defend New Delhi's interests in the broader Indian Ocean region and reinforce its diplomatic and economic outreach across Asia.

Bilateral relations between India and Pakistan worsened following several terrorist attacks in India, he said.

"Continued threat of high level terror attacks in India, violence in Kashmir and bilateral diplomatic recriminations will further strain India-Pakistan ties in 2017," he said.

Following a terrorist attack on an Army base Kashmir last September, New Delhi conducted a highly publicised operation against militants across the Line of Control, he added.

"In 2016, Indian and Pakistani forces exchanged some of the heaviest fire in years along the Line of Control in Kashmir, and each expelled a number of the other's diplomats amid growing tension," Stewart said.

'ISLAMABAD TO SHIFT TO MORE COUNTER TERRORISM ACROSS COUNTRY'

He also told lawmakers that in 2017, Islamabad is likely to slowly shift from traditional counterinsurgency operations along Pakistan's western border to more counter terrorism and paramilitary operations throughout the country, which have had some success in reducing violence from militant, sectarian, terrorist, and separatist groups.

"Anti-Pakistan groups probably will respond to this sustained pressure by focusing their efforts against soft targets," he said.

Noting that Pakistan's nuclear stockpile continues to grow, Stewart said the US is concerned that this growth, as well as an evolving doctrine and inherent security issues associated with Pakistan's developing tactical nuclear weapons, presents an enduring risk.

"Islamabad is taking steps to improve its nuclear security and is aware of the extremist threat to its program," Stewart said.

Observing that China has long identified the protection of its sovereignty and territorial integrity as a "core interest," he said in the South China Sea, China has embarked on a multi year, whole-of-government approach to securing sovereignty, principally through maritime law enforcement presence and military patrols.

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In 2016, China rejected the international arbitration ruling on its excessive South China Sea claims, built infrastructure at its man made outposts on the Spratly Islands, and for the first time, landed civilian aircraft on its airfields at Fiery Cross Reef, Subi Reef, and Mischief Reef.

"China will be able to use its reclaimed features as persistent civil-military bases, which will enhance its presence and its ability to control the features and nearby maritime space. Beijing recognises the need to defend these outposts and is prepared to respond to any military operations near them," he told the lawmakers.

Stewart said a key component of PLA strategy in a regional contingency is planning for potential US intervention.

The PLA Rocket Force has given priority to developing and deploying regional ballistic and cruise missiles to expand its conventional strike capabilities against US forces and bases throughout the region.

"In addition to the Rocket Forces fielding of an anti ship ballistic missile, China is fielding an intermediate range ballistic missile capable of conducting conventional and nuclear strikes against ground targets in the Asia-Pacific region as far away as Guam," he said.

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With inputs from PTI

ALSO READ | Indian Army destroys Pakistan posts along LoC in Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan denies attack

ALSO READ | Pakistan calls Indian Army's claim of punitive assault on its LoC post 'false'

ALSO WATCH | Video of Indian Army's attack on posts across LoC is not authentic, claims Pakistan Army

--- ENDS ---
Manila, May 24

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said on Wednesday he may impose martial law throughout the nation, after declaring military rule in the southern third of the country to combat Islamist militants.

I may declare martial law throughout the country to protect the people, Duterte told reporters.

Earlier in the day, Duterte had said he would deal harshly with terrorism and that martial law on the island of Mindanao would remain in place for a year if necessary.

Duterte cut short a visit to Russia and placed the southern island of Mindanao under martial rule on Tuesday after a fierce bout of fighting erupted during a raid by security forces at a hideout of Islamic State-linked militants.

To my countrymen who have experienced martial law. It would not be any different from what President Marcos did. Id be harsh, Duterte said in an interview with his assistant communications secretary while onboard a flight back to Manila.

If it would take a year to do it then well do it. If its over with a month, then Id be happy. To my countrymen, do not be too scared. Im going home. I will deal with the problem once I arrive, said Duterte, a native of Mindano.

Two soldiers and a policeman were killed and 12 people wounded amid chaos in Marawi, a predominantly Muslim city of about 200,000 people, where members of the Maute militant group took control of buildings and set fire to a school, a church and a detention facility.

The Philippines endured a decade of martial law under the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos from the early 1970s and memories of campaigns to restore democracy and protect human rights are fresh in the minds of many people.

The military said it was optimistic they could end the conflict sooner rather than later.

The intent of these security forces, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, is to conclude this rapidly so that we can restore normalcy in that area, military spokesperson Edgar Arevalo said in an interview with news channel ANC.

The purpose of Tuesdays raid was to capture Isnilon Hapilon, a leader of the Abu Sayyaf group which is notorious for piracy and for kidnapping and beheading Westerners. The U.S.

State Department has offered a bounty of up to $5 million for Hapilons arrest.

The Maute and Abu Sayyaf militant groups have pledged allegiance to Islamic State, also known as ISIS, and have proved fierce opponents for the military as Duterte seeks to crush extremists and prevent radical Islamist ideology from spreading in the Philippines.

Duterte has warned repeatedly that Mindanao, an impoverished, restive region the size of South Korea, was at risk of contamination by Islamic State fighters driven out of Iraq and Syria.

Arevalo insisted there is no ISIS in the Philippines.

This so-called group who are posing to be ISIS, they are merely courting the acclamation of ISIS which until now they havent received, thats why they continue with their atrocities, Arevalo said.  Reuters
Vatican City, May 24

Pope Francis urged US President Donald Trump to be a peacemaker at their highly anticipated first meeting on Wednesday, and Trump promised he would not forget the pontiffs message.

Under clear blue skies, Trump, who exchanged sharp words with the pope during the US election campaign, received a tribute from the Swiss Guard in a Vatican courtyard when he arrived.

He entered a small elevator taking him to the third floor of the Apostolic Palace and, after a long ceremonial walk past frescoed corridors, shook the Popes hand at the entrance to the private study, which the frugal pontiff uses only for official occasions.

Francis smiled faintly as he greeted Trump outside the study and was not as outgoing as he sometimes is with visiting heads of state. Trump, seeming subdued, said it is a great honour.

The two talked privately for about 30 minutes with translators. Francis also gave Trump a signed copy of his 2017 peace message whose title is Nonviolence  A Style of Politics for Peace, and a copy of his 2015 encyclical letter on the need to protect the environment from the effects of climate change.

Well, Ill be reading them, Trump said. During his election campaign, Trump described as a hoax scientific findings that human economic activity contributed to global warming.

As Trump and the Pope said goodbye at the door of the study, Trump told the Pope: Thank you, thank you. I wont forget what you said.

A Vatican statement said the meeting was cordial and that the Vatican hoped there could be serene collaboration between the US government and the American Catholic Church, including assistance to immigrants.  Reuters
Washington, May 24

President Donald Trump has tapped a longtime legal adviser to serve as his private attorney while a special counsel investigates whether his campaign worked with Russia in last years election, a source familiar with the decision told Reuters Tuesday.

Fox Business News and ABC first reported that Trump hired Marc Kasowitz, a New York-based trial lawyer known as a tenacious litigator, to represent him in a Justice Department investigation headed by former Federal Bureau of Investigation Director Robert Mueller.

The appointment of a private attorney may indicate that Trump is seriously considering the impact the federal investigation could have on him personally and that he may wish to protect himself should others in his administration turn against him.

The source said Kasowitz is expected to bring other lawyers on to work as a team to protect Trump.

Other candidates for the job, including Brendan Sullivan and Robert Giuffra, withdrew their names from consideration, the source said.

He can be aggressive - hes got that in him for sure, said John Quinn of Quinn Emanuel Urquhart and Sullivan, who has worked with and opposite Kasowitz. He also can be smooth as silk, respectful and deferential.

Kasowitz and the White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Reuters.

Kasowitz has represented Trump for more than 15 years but he is not known as a criminal defense lawyer. During last years presidential campaign, Kasowitz threatened to sue the New York Times if it did not retract a story about women who accused Trump of touching them inappropriately. The Times did not retract the story.

He also assisted in the defense of fraud claims against Trump University, a series of real-estate seminars. After the election, Trump settled the claims for $25 million.

Trump has looked to Kasowitzs firm to fill positions in his administration. He has described former Senator Joseph Lieberman, a senior counsel at the firm, as a top candidate to serve as FBI director and is considering Edward McNally, a white-collar defense lawyer at the firm, as the next US attorney in Manhattan. A former partner at the firm, David Friedman, was chosen by Trump as US ambassador to Israel.

Kasowitz also represents OJSC Sberbank of Russia, the countrys largest bank, which is being accused in a US federal court of conspiring with granite company executives and others to raid the assets of a competitor.

The outside counsel would be separate from the White House Counsels Office, led by Donald McGahn.

Mueller was appointed as special counsel by the Justice Department last week to investigate the Trump campaigns possible ties to Russia. Several congressional committees and the FBI are also investigating the matter.

US intelligence agencies concluded in January that Moscow tried to sway the November vote in Trumps favor. Russia has denied involvement, and Trump has denied any collusion between his campaign and Russia.

Controversy has engulfed Trump since he fired FBI Director James Comey two weeks ago as Comey oversaw an investigation into possible collusion between his presidential campaign and Russia. Reuters
Islamabad, May 24

Two Chinese nationals, including a woman teacher, were abducted on Wednesday by gunmen from the volatile Balochistan province, an incident that may raise concerns in China over its massive investment plans in Pakistan.

The two were abducted from Jinnah Town area of provincial capital Quetta.

According to witnesses, four unidentified men tried to abduct three of the foreigners, two women and one man.

However, one of them managed to escape.

Abductors forced the two into a vehicle at gunpoint and drove away.

A passerby was injured after one of the abductors opened fire at the scene.

Chinese state media confirmed the kidnapping.

Police and Frontier Corps personnel reached the scene of the abduction to initiate an investigation.

Jinnah Town is one of the affluent residential areas of the city where many Chinese NGOs teach mandarin.

Acting Deputy Inspector General Police Aitzaz Goraya said: We have collected all the evidence and our priority is to recover them unhurt as soon as possible. We have blocked all roads and are carrying out search operations.

Balochistan Chief Minister Nawab Sanaullah Zehri has ordered an immediate inquiry into the abduction. He directed the Balochistan Inspector General of Police to take immediate steps for an early recovery of the Chinese workers.

Chinese interest in Balochistan has spiked in recent years after the announcement of the USD 50 billion China- Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which plans to connect Pakistani port of Gwadar to Xinjiang in China.

In the past, China has asked Islamabad to improve security, especially in Balochistan, where China is building a new port and funding roads as part of the CPEC.  PTI
London, May 24

British Prime Minister Theresa May said the UK has raised the threat level to maximum and the government was preparing to send soldiers on to streets as a second terror attack may be imminent after the Manchester pop concert bombing.

May raised the threat level from severe to critical for the first time since 2007, saying the decision was taken after security forces were unable to rule out if Salman Abedi, the British-born suspect behind Mondays suicide bombing at the concert in Manchester city that killed 22 persons, acted alone.

The raising of the threat level mean further attacks may be imminent. The move will see the Army deployed to secure key sites. It is a possibility that we cannot ignore, that there is a wider group of individuals linked to this attack, May said in a live address late last night after she chaired a meeting of the governments emergency response Cobra committee.

She said: The change in the threat level means that there will be additional resources and support made available to the police as they work to keep us all safe.

Meanwhile, three more men were arrested in Manchester today in connection with investigations as the government indicated that the Libyan-origin bomber may not have acted alone. The new arrests came as the injured toll doubled from 59 to 119.

Three men have been arrested after police executed warrants in South Manchester in connection with the ongoing investigation into Monday nights horrific attack at the Manchester Arena, a Greater Manchester Police statement said.

A 23-year-old man arrested yesterday in the wake of the attack on Monday night, carried out by a bomber identified as 22-year-old Salman Abedi, has been confirmed as his brother Ismail Abedi. With the new arrests, the total number of persons in custody rose to four.

UK home secretary Amber Rudd said that Abedi was known to security services up to a point and it is believed intelligence agencies had dug into his connections with Al-Qaida and Islamic State (IS) in his parents homeland of Libya.

According to Rudd, up to 3,800 troops will be deployed on the streets around Britain as part of Operation Temperer after British Prime Minister Theresa May ordered to raise the countrys terror threat level to critical.

Meanwhile, eight of the 22 victims of the attack are known to be eight-year-old Saffie Roussos, Lisa Lees, 50- year-old Jane Tweddle-Taylor, 29-year-old Martyn Hett, 15- year-old Olivia Campbell, 32-year-old Kelly Brewster, 28- year-old John Atkinson, and 18-year-old Georgina Callander.

Two Polish parents were also killed while collecting their daughters from the venue, the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs has said.  PTI

US leaks irritating, says home secy rudd
New Delhi, May 24

With the drama over Melania swatting off Donald Trump's hand in Riyadh still going viral on the social media, the first lady has done it yet again.

As the US President along with wife Melania landed in Rome, the former's hand was ignored yet again by the first lady.

Melania Trump with the casual 'NOPE. Still not touching you' move.



pic.twitter.com/Hp1Kf0VXuu  Nerdy Wonka (@NerdyWonka) May 23, 2017

After waving at the crowd, President Trump reached out for Melania's hand, when she whisked it away to tuck her hair.

The President then touched her on the back to hide the fumble - triggering sniggers and instantly generating memes on Twitter.

The episode was almost a repeat telecast of what had happened in Israel a couple of days ago. While walking down the red carpet at Israel's Ben Gurion airport with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara, the President had tried to hold the Melania's hand, only to be swatted away in full view of cameras.

Meanwhile, former White House photographer Pete Souza took to Instagram to remind how the previous presidential couple held hands as he posted a photo of former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama from 2015.

*holding hands*



Pete Souza is giving a master class in SHADE. pic.twitter.com/zpSpJzFwjG  Nerdy Wonka (@NerdyWonka) May 23, 2017

The click showed the Obamas holding hands during an event at the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, marking the 50th Anniversary of the Selma to Montgomery civil rights marches. ANI
By Press Trust of India: New Delhi, May 24 (PTI) India and Japan will join hands to set up a USD 250 million LNG import terminal in Sri Lanka, the first collaboration between the two to counter Chinas growing influence in the Island nation.

Petronet LNG Ltd, Indias biggest gas importer, last year proposed to set up an up to 2 million tonne (MT) liquefied natural gas (LNG) import facility on the coast of Sri Lanka to meet its energy needs.

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Sri Lanka however wanted Japan also to have a role in it.

"An agreement has been reached between the governments of India, Sri Lanka and Japan to set up the LNG terminal as a 50:50 joint venture by Petronet and a Japanese company," Petronet Managing Director and CEO Prabhat Singh said here.

Japan is yet to identify the company which will form an equal joint venture with Petronet for setting up the terminal.

Without giving details, Singh said the import facility will be set up at Kerawalapitiya on western coast.

Sri Lanka has plans to build a 300 MW gas-fired power plant in Kerawalapitiya adjoining an existing power plant. The existing plant which uses oil to generate power, would also be converted to LNG once the terminal is set up and gas imports start.

LNG has become significantly cheaper in the last year and many countries have begun switching their power plants to LNG.

Singh said the LNG terminal, which will import super- cooled natural gas in ships, will take two-and-half to three years to build.

The terminal in Sri Lanka is part of Petronets vision to own 30 MT per annum of LNG import and re-gasification capacity by 2020, he said.

Petronet already operates a 15 MTPA import facility at Dahej in Gujarat and has another 5 MT terminal at Kochi in Kerala.

It has signed preliminary agreement to build a 7.5 MT LNG terminal in Bangladesh and is also looking at setting up smaller facility in Mauritius.

Singh said Dahej is also being expanded to 17.5 MT over the next two years.

The India-Japan collaboration comes after a string of Chinese successes in Sri Lanka. China has managed to revive its flagship USD 1.4 billion Colombo Port City project and is also engaged in expansion of major infrastructure projects it built in the past.

These projects include expansion of the Hambantota port and the Mattala airport. PTI ANZ SA

--- ENDS ---
A 39-word statement in a just-released 6-page fact sheet on President Trumps infrastructure initiative within his overall budget proposal has brought the toll vs. no-toll contenders out swinging.

The bullet item calls for reducing the restriction on tolling of Interstate highways so as to allow the States to assess their transportation needs and weigh the relative merits of tolling assets.

In the next sentence, the administration said that it also supports allowing the private sector to construct, operate, and maintain interstate rest areas, which are often overburdened and inadequately maintained.

The International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association was quick to praise the Trump Administration for seeking to draw down the restriction against Interstate tolling that dates back over 60 years.

Today, the Trump Administration became the second straight White House to call for easing the ban on Interstate tolling and giving states the maximum flexibility needed to make the best funding decisions for their local transportation projects, said Patrick Jones, IBTTA executive director and CEO.

Jones said IBTTA wants Congress to immediately join with the President to reduce burdensome regulations that prevent state and local governments from utilizing all available funding mechanisms. Toll financing may not be the answer for every highway, bridge, or tunnel project in the country, but the power of tolling is proven and effective.

Combined with the Presidents proposed investment in infrastructure, tolling can provide valuable resources to the states to tackle transportation infrastructure projects, he added.

Not buying the administrations proposal was the Alliance for Toll-Free Interstates. We are very concerned about how heavily the Trump Administration wants to rely upon public-private partnerships to fund our roads and the idea of loosening the federal restriction on tolling interstate highways, said ATFI Spokesperson Stephanie Kane. As outlined in the proposed budget, leveraging $200 billion public dollars into a $1 trillion transportation plan will only be possible through widespread tolling to produce private sector profits.

Kane also argued that tolls are the worst funding mechanism available and are a highly inefficient use of funds, as a significant portion of every dollar collected  typically 12-20% even with all-electronic tolling  goes to administrative costs and to private sector profits rather than building and repairing roads.

Tolling existing interstates is an idea that has been already considered and rejected, she continued. The now 19-year-old pilot program to toll existing interstates has failed in every state that has considered it. When the traveling public, businesses and local governments learn more about potential tolls in their area, they resoundingly reject the idea. Congress should heed this warning and not expand tolling.

Natso President and CEO Lisa Mullings also expressed umbrage at the twin tolling and private rest-stop funding proposal.

The proposals to toll Interstates and commercialize Interstate rest areas threaten the businesses that serve Interstate highway travelers, such as travel plazas, convenience stores and restaurants, Mullings said. Oftentimes, these businesses are the economic backbone of off-highway communities; these proposals therefore not only harm private companies but also thousands of local tax bases throughout the country.

Mullings also said that while public-private partnership sounds innovative what we need to understand is that public-private partnerships in the context of surface transportation are nothing more than toll roads. It would be great if we had a magic pot of money to pay for construction and maintenance of our roads. We don't. Under this proposal, the same people who have been paying fuel taxes to build and maintain these roads will have to pay tolls, too.

Originally posted on Automotive Fleet
tugtechnologyandbusiness.com

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Earlier this month, the Indian Army destroyed several Pakistani posts along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir's Naushera sector. Sources said a Pakistan Army Special Services Group commando was killed in India's retaliatory firing.

By Manjeet Negi: The Indian Army on May 9 conducted punitive strikes along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir's Naushera sector, destroying several Pakistani posts which were aiding cross-border militant incursion. That happened days after a Pakistani Border Action Team (BAT) killed and beheaded two Indian jawans in Poonch sector.

Sources told Aaj Tak a Pakistan Army Special Services Group commando was killed in India's retaliatory firing. He was initially injured, but died after being evacuated.

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The Indian Army initially suspected that he was a part of a battle action group.

Intercepts have now confirmed that Pakistani BAT teams were planning to strike between Mendhar and Poonch.

The two other likely areas where such actions could have take place are in the Haji Pir area - which roughly overlooks Naushera and Poonch - and the Baggar Bhimbet area.

Army jawans have already been briefed about special measures to counter BAT teams. For instance, regular patrol times are to be avoided.

The Centre has also announced support for the Indian Army's actions across the LoC. Union Defence Minister Arun Jaitley has said such actions are needed to ensure peace in Jammu and Kashmir.

ALSO READ | Indian Army strikes Pakistan posts along LoC in Jammu and Kashmir, releases video of assault

ALSO READ | India hits back after jawans mutilated on LoC; Army kills 7 Pakistani soldiers, destroys 2 enemy bunkers

ALSO WATCH | Video released by Indian Army shows heavy shelling on Pakistani posts in Naushera

--- ENDS ---
Update: Jerry Lee Newman, 24, of Tulsa was booked into the Tulsa Jail at 10:30 p.m. Wednesday on the following complaints:

 First-degree felony murder

 Eluding after former conviction of a felony

 Larceny of an automobile

 Possession of a stolen vehicle after former conviction of a felony

 Leaving the scene of an injury or fatal accident after former conviction of a felony

 Causing a fatal accident without a driver's license after former conviction of a felony

 Driving the wrong way on a divided highway

Below is the story that appears in Thursday's Tulsa World:

The pursuit of an Oklahoma Natural Gas truck that was stolen in Sapulpa early Wednesday wove through midtown Tulsa and Tulsa International Airport before ending in a fatal wrong-way crash on the citys north side.

The driver fled the scene of the fatal collision, but an extensive multiagency manhunt involving a traced phone concluded in the afternoon in east Tulsa, where state troopers apprehended 24-year-old Jerry Newman following a brief foot chase.

Newman was taken to the Tulsa Police Departments downtown Detective Division for questioning, and he was expected to be booked into the Tulsa Jail on several complaints, including first-degree murder and eluding officers.

The employer of the man killed in the head-on crash released a statement Wednesday afternoon, stating that the man was William Bruckman. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol did not confirm the victims name.

The chain of events started around 5:45 a.m. when Sapulpa police received a call transferred from a Tulsa police dispatcher reporting a possible burglary in progress at Rush Truck Center at 61st Street and 49th West Avenue in Sapulpa.

Sapulpa Police Lt. Troy Foreman told reporters at an afternoon news conference that his departments officers responded and set up a perimeter around the business. There, officers saw a man inside an Oklahoma Natural Gas truck inside the business perimeter fence, and the man then drove the vehicle through a fence toward an officer.

Sapulpa police pursued the suspect along Interstate 44, where he exited in Tulsa at 51st Street and Harvard Avenue.

The man then headed north, eventually arriving at Tulsa International Airport. Foreman said that at that point, the Highway Patrol assumed command of the pursuit.

The truck plowed through a gate on the west side of the airport, dragging the gate a short distance, Tulsa International Airport spokeswoman Alexis Higgins said. The fleeing man drove across the west runways, and a pursuing trooper told investigators that the man appeared to drive toward a commercial plane on the runway before turning around.

OHP spokesman Dwight Durant said the truck came close to the airplane.

Troopers attempted two tactical vehicle intervention maneuvers, but both failed to stop the vehicle. However, those efforts likely prevented an event at the airport, Durant said.

The fleeing man left the airport by driving through another fence, leading pursuing officers to U.S. 75. He appeared to enter the highway on the southbound ramp, but the vehicle jumped a curb and headed south in the highways northbound lanes.

These pursuits, we recognize how dangerous they are, and theyre fluid.  At that point, we turn around and exit, Durant said.

Foreman said the Highway Patrol ordered the pursuit by all law enforcement officers terminated because of the danger presented to the public. Durant said rather than follow the truck, law enforcement officials entered the highway to go south in the southbound lanes.

About 1 mile south of Apache Street, troopers came upon a crumpled compact sedan and saw that the Oklahoma Natural Gas truck that had been stolen in Sapulpa was crashed into a sheet-metal and barbed-wire fence next to the highway. The driver of the truck had fled on foot and was recorded running east on surveillance video at a business called Interstate Steel and Metals.

Ron Shaffer, a spokesman for Containment Solutions, where the crash victim was employed, said it appeared that Bruckman was in his personal vehicle on his way to work at the companys facility near Mohawk Park when his car was hit head-on.

Containment Solutions is saddened to confirm that our employee, Mr. William Bruckman, was killed in an early morning vehicle accident during (a police) pursuit of a stolen vehicle, the statement read. William was a valued member of our company since June of 2016 and will be truly missed by everyone that knew him. Our hearts and prayers are with Mrs. Bruckman and her family.

Authorities soon established Newman as a person of interest and searched throughout the late morning and early afternoon in neighborhoods northeast of Lewis Avenue and Pine Street where he had been known to frequent. They focused on one particular house near Lewis Place and Ute Street after learning that he had been spotted there shortly after the crash, OHP Capt. Jason Holt said.

Authorities interviewed several people in the area and obtained a phone number for Newman. A trace of his cellphone led them to a house on 33rd Place near 108th East Avenue, where a trooper reportedly saw Newman through a window around 2:30 p.m.

Holt said Newman ran from the residence and jumped a fence or two before being taken into custody on the next street.

Two women believed to have driven Newman to east Tulsa as he hid from authorities also were taken for questioning, though Holt said they were not under arrest.

The women reportedly told troopers they were cleaning the home on 33rd Place when Newman knocked on the door and asked to use the restroom. However, Holt said surveillance footage from a nearby apartment complex showed Newman getting out of a car with the two women, with one of whom he reportedly was in a relationship.

We believe that those two females that are cleaning that house would be the way that he got from where we were earlier on Lewis and Ute to this location, Holt said.

He said the women could face charges for helping Newman elude law enforcement.

State records show that Newman has a 2015 conviction stemming from an incident in which he stole a truck, damaged property and eluded officers while his drivers license was suspended. He served nearly two years in prison and has been on probation since his release in February.
Standing on the auditorium stage with her diploma in hand, 78-year-old Maria Castro felt like a queen.

A lifetime of sacrifice and limitations prevented her from pursuing the school experience, but the newly minted American persevered.

Castro and 62 other students from Catholic Charities education program celebrated their graduation from high school Tuesday evening at the Cascia Hall Performing Arts Center, 2520 S. Yorktown Ave.

Castro moved from Dallas to Tulsa six years ago after emigrating from Mexico and obtained U.S. citizenship in December. She always dreamed of earning a basic education but never had the means to do so, as standard GED tests were English-only. But then she discovered a new initiative that offers testing in Spanish, and she jumped right in.

A lot of people my age say, Well Im already older. I dont need to study this, Castro told the Tulsa World through a translator. But its beautiful to be able to learn and get a better understanding.

Since starting about five years ago, the program has allowed Spanish-speakers better access to GED certificates and also offers high school equivalency preparation courses in Tulsa, Bartlesville and Muskogee. The youngest graduate at Tuesdays ceremony was 16, while Castro was the oldest. They hailed from nine cities, including two from Kansas. All but three are native Spanish-speakers.

Castro joined the organizations middle school for adults program in 2013 and completed that within a year. She started the GED program in 2014. She failed the math portion of the exam four times but passed it on the fifth.

That was my dream, my goal, she said.

Her next goal is to learn English as a second language.

Her teacher, Giani Kantor, said Castros unwavering drive and self-determination propelled her to succeed, and she believes the woman can accomplish whatever she sets her mind to.

Shes just a prime example of what it means to never give up on your dreams, Kantor said. She has worked so hard, and this is something she has always wanted to do for herself and for her kids.

Catholic Charities, the only agency in eastern Oklahoma approved by the U.S. State Department to resettle refugees, is one of two centers in the area teaching high school equivalency classes in Spanish. Kantor, who is the organizations education coordinator, said the programs enrollment has steadily grown due to student success and dedication from teachers.

Tuesdays graduation ceremony was the first held by Catholic Charities. Previously, the graduates would walk alongside those in the Union Public Schools adult education program, but a recent spike in students prompted the organization to start its own ceremony. The 2017 class doubled the size of last years, Kantor said.

Because Catholic Charities is primarily volunteer-based, Kantor said further expansion is difficult. She hopes to bring in more educators so they can reach more people.

A lot of immigrants come to the United States to find work and better support their families but lack the formal education needed for many jobs, Kantor said. With GED certificates, they have the same opportunities as a high school graduate. Many continue their schooling at Tulsa Community College.

I think its so important to bring education to everyone, Kantor said. Education is such an important part of life and for the community to progress. I think it inspires other generations.

They see that and start to think you can never be too old to go back to school. Its never too late to go back to school. Were supposed to be learning our whole lives. Were not supposed to just stop at 18.
By Press Trust of India: From Aditi Khanna

London, May 24 (PTI)Prime Minister Narendra Modi today called up his British counterpart Theresa May to express Indias deepest condolences over Manchester suicide bombing that killed 22 people and they agreed to continue cooperation on counter-terrorism and countering online radicalisation.

Modis telephone call was among a handful received by the British Prime Minister today, during which both leaders agreed to continue to cooperate closely on counter-terrorism.

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"Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his countrys deepest condolences and said Indias prayers were with all of those affected," Downing Street said in a statement.

It said Prime Minister Modi congratulated the people of Manchester on their courage, patience and spirit.

"They agreed the UK and India would continue to cooperate closely on counter-terrorism, including aviation security and countering online radicalisation," it noted.

India and the UK have a Defence and International Security Partnership dating back to 2015, which involves working on closer cooperation on countering terrorism, radicalisation, violent extremism and cyber security.

May and Modi had reiterated the partnership during the formers visit to India in November 2016.

The other calls taken by May following Monday night?s terrorist attack in Manchester included German Chancellor Angela Merkel, King Salman of Saudi Arabia and Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven.

"Chancellor Merkel called to offer Germany?s condolences and said Germany stands with the UK against terrorism. They agreed the deliberate targeting of children was despicable and that the people of Manchester had shown great spirit in coming together in the wake of the attack," Downing Street said.

King Salman said Saudi Arabia strongly "denounces and condemns this brutal terrorist attack which defies all international humanitarian norms" and Lofven praised the response of the people of Manchester and their determination to carry on as normal.

Modi?s conversation with May came as he prepares for his visit to Germany next week, during which greater collaboration on counter-terrorism is expected to be among the issues discussed during his bilateral talks with Merkel.PTI AK ZH AKJ ZH

--- ENDS ---
Oklahomas budget hangs in the balance as Republicans and Democrats battle over how much to raise gross production taxes on oil and gas wells.

But theres a third party at the bargaining table: the oil and gas industry.

Oil and gas companies, along with their trade groups, have spent hundreds of thousands of dollars in campaign donations to lawmakers over more than two years, with top Republican leaders at the forefront of budget talks taking in some of the largest amounts. Republicans received more than 90 percent of total donations.

In all, sitting lawmakers took in about $683,000  about 6 percent of their total campaign donations from January 2015 to March 2017  from oil and gas companies and trade organizations, their employees and their political action committees, an Oklahoma Watch review of campaign finance and other records found.

The industrys preference for GOP candidates is not surprising, given the partys support of oil-and-gas priorities. But it has been thrown into sharp relief in recent weeks as Democrats and Republicans fought bitterly over a bid to raise the oil and gas production tax.

House Speaker Charles McCall, R-Atoka, hasnt faced a primary or general election challenger since 2012, but he raised more oil and gas money than any other sitting legislator during the 28-month period, according to Oklahoma Ethics Commission filings. The industry gave him $34,000, or 16 percent of his total donations.

His counterpart in the Senate, Pro Tem Mike Schulz, R-Altus, wasnt up for re-election in 2016 and is term-limited from running again. Yet he took in the ninth-highest amount from oil and gas ($15,000) and had one of the largest shares of oil and gas money (23 percent).

Senate Minority Floor Leader John Sparks, D-Norman, received one of the largest shares of oil and gas donations, with about one-fifth of his $23,500 coming from the industry.

When you combine just the Oklahoma Oil and Gas Association and the (Oklahoma Independent Petroleum Association), they are the most powerful lobbying force in the state, said Mike Cantrell, a former OIPA board member who now co-leads a group of smaller oil firms that are pushing to restore gross production taxes to the historic 7 percent rate. I cant think of anyone else that comes close.

Biggest recipients

According to Ethics Commission filings since the start of 2015, the average Republican in the current 145-member Legislature took in about $5,400 from oil and gas donors, which represents about 6 percent of their total. The average Democrat took in just under $2,000, or about 3 percent of their contributions.

With both parties, leaders received higher amounts than rank-and-file members.

With McCall and Schulz leading revenue negotiations, Democrats have accused Republicans of catering to the industrys wishes.

Rep. Scott Inman, minority leader for the House Democrats, said Gov. Mary Fallin, McCall and Schulz consulted with Devon Energy Corp. co-founder Larry Nichols during a recent budget negotiation meeting with Democrats.

I know the public supports at least going to a 5 percent gross production tax, Inman said. But the one entity standing in the way is the oil and gas industry.

The impasse over the production tax has been a focus of the stalled budget negotiations. In exchange for bringing the needed votes to pass a $215 million cigarette tax hike, Democrats originally demanded that new and existing wells be taxed at 5 percent, instead of 2 percent, for the first 36 months of production.

This would bring in an extra $148 million next year, according to estimates from the Oklahoma Tax Commission.

McCall and Schulz, who said they have an ideological objection to raising the gross production rate too sharply, rejected that out of hand. Late Monday, the GOP came up with a plan: Increase the tax rate from 1 percent to 4 percent only on existing wells drilled between 2011 and 2015. That would bring in an estimated $95 million next year. Democrats say it still isnt enough to address future budget shortfalls.

Oklahoma Oil and Gas Association spokeswoman Donelle Harder said it is doubtful that a lawmaker will vote a certain way just because he or she received money from the industry.

She noted that many legislators received industry donations but still voted to increase gross production taxes.

If that money (since then) was influential, I strongly believe these legislators would understand that the industrys been down and out, trying to figure out a new way to operate in the current commodity price environment, she said. Now that were creating jobs again, to change the tax rate right now doesnt make good policy sense.

Inman received 14 energy-related donations totaling $11,500 from 2015 to 2017. He said he doesnt think contributions sway votes in general but do come into play during elections.

I think there is fear, especially upon the Republican majority, that if they stand up, (companies) may spend tens of thousands of dollars to oppose them, he said.

Rep. Weldon Watson, R-Tulsa, chair of the House Energy and Natural Resources Committee and a former oil and gas executive, said the donations dont guarantee that a candidate will vote the industrys way. He said he is proof of this.

He accepted a greater share of oil and gas donations  26 percent of his total  than any other legislator. But he said he is prepared to vote for a gross production tax increase.

I am a very big supporter of energy, and I do believe a low GPT is an incentive, Watson said. However, Im in favor of raising a GPT.

Lobbying efforts

Campaign contributions arent the only way the industry leverages its deep pockets to influence the Legislature. Oil and gas companies and their associations hired at least 49 lobbyists this legislative session, Oklahoma Ethics Commission filings show.

The two major industry groups  the Oil and Gas Association and the OIPA  have also been active.

This could be seen when a 56-passenger charter bus equipped with reclining seats, Wi-Fi and personal temperature controls pulled up to the north end of the Capitol on Thursday afternoon.

Dozens of energy employees emerged, holding signs reading Dont kill Oklahoma jobs and I am Oklahoma oil and gas. Led by the petroleum association, they filled a fourth-floor hallway and voiced their opposition to a gross production tax hike.

The association has also been active on social media, in some cases targeting individual lawmakers such as House Budget Chairwoman Rep. Leslie Osborn, R-Mustang, who had said she was open to a production tax increase. Some lawmakers called the campaign a bullying tactic.

The Oil and Gas Association launched an advertising campaign encouraging people to contact lawmakers who support increasing the gross production tax. It spent more than $166,700 on about 890 TV advertising spots in May, Federal Communication Commission records show.

Rep. Marcus McEntire, R-Duncan, was among the lawmakers targeted.

McIntyre said he was surprised to see an ad urging voters in his district, Tell Rep. Marcus McEntire NO! on increasing taxes on the oil and gas industry.

McIntyre, a first-year legislator, said he thought the ads were a bullying tactic. While he is open to a gross production tax increase, he said he hadnt publicly stated his position at the time.

Harder, of the Oil and Gas Association, said the groups online ads spurred about 6,000 emails to lawmakers.

I think bullied is a pretty harsh term, she said. In McIntyres case, the purpose was to make sure his constituents knew about the issue and he had shown an interest in increasing those taxes.

McIntyre said he doesnt worry about the fallout of his support of increasing the production tax, but in general he knows the risks.

I think people do understand oil and gas is very well-funded, he said. And if (a lawmaker) were to repeatedly vote against big oils interests, Im sure big oil could find a candidate to run against them or fund a negative campaign ad against them during their primary.
Among the universes great debates:

Ginger or Mary Ann?

Coke or Pepsi?

And, if youre a fan of the band Ratt, Out of the Cellar or Invasion of Your Privacy?

Ratt, which soared to prominence during the dawn of MTV, is back for more and will be among bands performing at the Rocklahoma music festival, which begins with a campground party Thursday afternoon and continues through Sunday at Catch the Fever Festival Grounds in Pryor.

Def Leppard and The Offspring are among headliners. More than 80 bands are on the bill. The roster is a blend of bands that earned their stripes in earlier decades and acts that are in the midst of sowing their wild oats.

Ratt is scheduled to perform at 6:05 p.m. Sunday. A pre-Rocklahoma interview with Ratt bassist Juan Croucier included mentions of Eddie Van Halen, Milton Berle, Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, Randy Rhoads, George Lynch  and Mickey Ratt?

There have been other incarnations of Ratt in this millennium, but the Rocklahoma-bound Ratt features three band members (Croucier, Stephen Pearcy, Warren DeMartini) who were around during the breakthrough years, plus guitarist Carlos Cavazo, who played with Quiet Riot during that bands golden era and first enlisted for Ratt duty about nine years ago.

Croucier is, of course, qualified to have an opinion about the Out of the Cellar or Invasion of Your Privacy debate since he contributed to those albums. Both peaked at No. 7 on the Billboard albums chart. Out of the Cellar came first (1984) and was certified three times platinum. Invasion of Your Privacy was a 1985 follow-up and went double platinum. Math says triple beats double, but what does Croucier say? He said hes probably a little more fond of Invasion.

Cellar was a great record in the sense that we were able to finally record all these songs that we had been playing for so long in the clubs around Hollywood, he said.

So in that record, there were some songs that took time to bring to fruition, but with Invasion, we had a much shorter duration of time to develop the songs. So in that sense, it really put us sort of on a higher level of awareness to really maintain the quality.

Croucier said Ratt was determined to avoid the sophomore jinx when making Invasion of Your Privacy.

Everybody was really out to prove a point as a team, you know? he said. So it was really more one of the more smoother-running records. Its really hard to pick between records because they all have their little nuances and idiosyncrasies. But both of those records, I think they are still strong today.

They werent albums in which you hit the reverse button on a cassette player just to listen to the hottest song over and over again. (Round and Round and Lay It Down were the biggest singles, respectively, on Ratts first two albums.) You let the cassette play all the way through because there didnt seem to be any weak tracks.

Croucier suggested that was out of necessity. The music industry was different then. Having a record deal meant everything to a rock band in that era because a record deal was the key to survival.

So the importance of each and every song on those records was absolutely vital, he said, adding that everybody came through and did their best, all things considered.

But that was a different era in the sense that the record company would promote your record and you would be doing a lot of work to get the radio to pick it up. Then, of course, that would be followed by a video, which was another very important facet and investment. And then, of course, that would be followed by a tour. It was sort of a multipronged attack to try to etch out some space there in the rock world.

Ratt and Motley Crue became flagship bands in their genre. There were many other bands who were part of that movement, but none sounded quite like Ratt. Croucier credited a combination of things, including excellent musicianship and producer Beau Hill working with band members to think vocals through and decide what picture they wanted to paint.

So in essence, it ended up being Stephens voice  that kind of gravelly, kind of ratty-sounding voice  juxtaposed over clean and full background vocals. The two vocal tones sort of complemented each other in that way.

Wrapping up the subject, Croucier said, Ratt has always had sort of a vibe that we have thats uniquely ours, and a lot of it has to do with the grooves. Ratt is really groove-oriented, so theres always kind of a pocket and a little bit of a swing to the songs, and thats also a contributing factor to what our thing is, if you will.

Croucier was asked if he was in the band when it was (according to urban legend) known as Mickey Ratt. He said Mickey Ratt was the name of a Pearcy band when the vocalist was younger, so, no. The question led to a pre-Ratt story about Pearcy and Robbin Crosby (a Ratt member who died in 2002) visiting the L.A. area.

They came up to see Van Halen, Croucier said, adding that he and Don Dokken used to play with Van Halen all the time in various clubs.

And everybody knew that Edward Van Halen and Randy Rhoads and George Lynch, those guys were spectacular guitar players. We knew one of them was going to change rock the way we knew it at that point and time and that happened to be Van Halen.

Milton Berle came up in conversation because Berle played two characters (one was in drag) in the video for Round and Round. Berle in a Ratt video? That seems like an odd match, but there was a connection: Berles nephew, Marshall Berle, was Ratts manager during that era.

Croucier, asked if he had any great Milton Berle stories, said, There are many Milton Berle stories, most of which would probably not be appropriate for me to get into. But I can tell you this. One of the most fascinating things about Milton was the fact that he knew  personally knew  so many people.

Youve got to understand, this guy was called Mr. Television, OK? He was around when television came to be. And so he knew Elvis. (There were) pictures of him with various people, presidents, Marilyn Monroe  so many iconic figures that he was able to tell us things that he personally knew, (things) that were absolutely fascinating about some of the most iconic artists, and not just musicians but actors as well. And so he always had really captivating stories, and he was a really funny guy. ... He just had such a great sense of humor that you couldnt sit in a room with him without, at some point, bursting into laughter.

Croucier said Berles appearance in the video had sort of a dual effect. It was an attention-getter for Ratt. And the video got Berle out there to remind people what an icon he was, according to Croucier.

Croucier said he enjoys summer music festivals (check out upcoming Ratt dates at therattpack.com), and he said he is looking forward to Rocklahoma. He called it a terrific event.

Whats a Ratt show like at a festival?

Said Croucier: We try to give the people pretty much the songs they want to hear. Most folks want to hear the ones they are familiar with, and those tend to be either the singles that we released or at least songs that were videos on MTV that got a little more traction. It doesnt mean that we wont play deeper cuts, but we really try to play songs that everyone would be familiar with.
Holders Real Madrid will take on Manchester United for the 2017 UEFA Super Cup, the trophy contested each year by the winners of the UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Europa League.

The 2017 showpiece takes place on Tuesday 8 August in Skopje, FYR Macedonia's first European club final. United are the first non-Spanish club since 2013 to qualify.

Great Real Madrid v Man. United goals

UEFA Champions League final victors Madrid will be in the UEFA Super Cup for the sixth time. They lost their first two appearances in 1998 and 2000 but beat Feyenoord in 2002, and Sevilla in both 2014 and 2016.

UEFA Europa League winners United have won the UEFA Super Cup just once before, overcoming then European champions Crvena zvezda courtesy of a Brian McClair goal in 1991. The Red Devils lost to Lazio and Zenit respectively in 1999 and 2008. The UEFA Super Cup has run since 1973.
Three Indonesian police officers were killed by suspected suicide bombers in Indonesia's capital Jakarta. 10 people were injured.

A policeman at the scene of the blast in Jakarta. Photo: Reuters.

By Reuters: Two suspected suicide bombers killed three Indonesian police officers and injured 10 people on Wednesday night in twin blasts near a bus station in the eastern part of the capital, police said.

The blasts went off five minutes apart at Jakarta's Kampung Melayu terminal, police said.

National Police spokesman Setyo Wasisto said three officers had been killed, and that examination of the scene had shown that there appeared to have been two suicide bombers, not one as originally thought.

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Five officers and five civilians were wounded, he said.

Indonesia has suffered a series of mostly low-level attacks by Islamic State sympathisers in the last 17 months, but Wasisto said police had not confirmed any Islamist motive for Wednesday's bombing.

BOTH SUSPECTS MALE

"The police officers were on duty to guard a group of people who were holding a parade. The parade hadn't passed yet when the blast happened," Wasisto told a news conference.

"The two suspects were both male. Their identities will be released later," he said.

Authorities in the world's biggest Muslim-majority nation are increasingly worried about a surge in radicalism, driven in part by a new generation of militants inspired by Islamic State.

In January 2016, four militants killed four people in a gun and bomb assault in the heart of Jakarta.

While most of the attacks since then have been poorly organised, authorities believe about 400 Indonesians have gone to join the militant group in Syria, and could pose a more lethal threat if they come home.

On Wednesday night, heavily armed police cordoned off the area around the bus station with tape to hold back hundreds of onlookers while bomb disposal officers with protective suits examined the area.

Transport Minister Budi Karya tweeted that he had asked staff to increase vigilance on the city's transport network.

Also read | Manchester terror strike: Children among 22 killed, lone suicide attacker died in blast, say British police

Also read | Pakistan: Blast in Balochistan kills 25, Senate's deputy chairman among many others injured

ALSO WATCH VIDEO

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The violence flared in Marawi on Tuesday afternoon after a botched raid by security forces on a hideout of the Maute, a militant group that has pledged allegiance to Islamic State.

Government troops check a vehicle evacuating residents from their hometown of Marawi city in southern Philippines, as it drives past a military checkpoint in Pantar town, Lanao Del Norte, Philippines on May 24, 2017. Photo: Reuters

By Reuters: Thousands of civilians fled fighting in the Philippines on Wednesday as troops tried to fend off Islamist militants who took over large parts of a city, capturing Christians, seizing and torching buildings and setting free scores of prisoners.

Islamic State claimed responsibility for the rampage via its Amaq news agency, and President Rodrigo Duterte defended his decision to declare martial law on Mindanao, the Muslim-majority island where Marawi City is located, to prevent the spread of extremism in the impoverished region.

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The violence flared in Marawi on Tuesday afternoon after a botched raid by security forces on a hideout of the Maute, a militant group that has pledged allegiance to Islamic State.

Fighters quickly dispersed, torching buildings and taking over bridges, a hospital, two jails, a church and a college. Duterte said he heard reports they may have beheaded a police chief.

YOU FIGHT US, YOU WILL DIE

He said Islamic State must be repelled from the Christian-majority Philippines and he would use all means possible to crush the Maute group and the allied Abu Sayyaf, whatever the consequences.

"Anyone now holding a gun, confronting government with violence, my orders are spare no one, let us solve the problems of Mindanao once and for all," said Duterte, who is from the island, after cutting short a visit to Russia and returning to Manila.

"If I think you should die, you will die. If you fight us, you will die. If there's an open defiance, you will die, and if it means many people dying, so be it. That's how it is."

Soldiers and guerrillas set up rival checkpoints and roadblocks on routes in and around Marawi as civilians fled the city of 200,000 in droves, leaving behind what one official described as a ghost town.

Long queues of pickup trucks and jeeps crammed full of people and loaded with belongings crawled along roads into nearby towns as troops searched vehicles for weapons and bombs.

The military said it had rescued 120 people from a school and a hospital and was trying to isolate Maute fighters while awaiting reinforcements that were being blocked by rebels.

Maute snipers and booby traps were hampering operations, which the army said could last three more days.

HUMAN SHIELDS

Government troops stand on guard during a checkpoint along a main highway in Pantar town, Lanao del Norte, after residents started to evacuate their hometown of Marawi city on May 24, 2017. Photo: Reuters

The Catholic church said militants were using Christians and a priest as human shields and had contacted cardinals with threats to execute hostages unless government troops withdrew.

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Thirteen militants and seven security personnel have so far been killed and 33 troops wounded, the army said.

Mujiv Hataman, governor of the Autonomous Region in Mindanao, said militants freed 107 prisoners, among them Maute rebels.

Duterte said martial law would mean checkpoints and arrests and searches without warrant, and it would go on for as long as necessary.

He said he would consider some security measures in the central Visayas region next to Mindanao to facilitate arrests, and could even declare martial law nationwide. He was furious that militants had hoisted the Islamic State flag in Marawi.

"I made a projection, not a prediction, that one of these days the hardest things to deal with would be the arrival of ISIS," Duterte said, referring to Islamic State.

"The government must put an end to this. I cannot gamble with ISIS because they are everywhere."

Duterte said he would not tolerate abuses of power by security forces under martial law, but critics said the military rule in all of Mindanao, an island the size of South Korea with a population of 22 million, was an overreaction.

MARTIAL LAW

The National Union of Peoples' Lawyers, a group of human rights attorneys, called it "a sledgehammer, knee-jerk reaction" that would "open the flood gates for unbridled human rights violations".

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The military has not explained how the raid on an apartment hideout went so badly wrong. The operation was aimed at capturing Isnilon Hapilon, a leader of the Abu Sayyaf group notorious for piracy, banditry and for kidnapping and decapitating Westerners.

The Maute and Abu Sayyaf have proved fierce opponents for the military.

Military vehicles carrying government troops drive along a main highway of Pantar town, Lanao Del Norte, as they travel to reinforce Marawi city, southern Philippines on May 24, 2017. Photo: Reuters

The armed forces said they were on top of the situation but residents who fled told a different story.

"The city is still under the control of the armed group. They are all over the main roads and two bridges leading to Marawi," student Rabani Mautum told Reuters in Pantar town, about 16 km (10 miles) away.

Bishops and cardinals urged Islamic leaders to persuade militants to free innocent hostages.

"We beg every Filipino to pray fervently," said Father Socrates Villegas, president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines.

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The two had worked together on the show's first season.

By India Today Web Desk: Iss Pyaa Ko Kya Naam Doon actor Barun Sobti is making a grand comeback to Indian television with Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon 3. And his fans are super-excited. Barun himself is stoked about his return to serials.

Barun will be seen romancing Kasam actress Shivani Tomar in the upcoming season of the show. Shivani will be playing the female lead of the show, which was earlier played by Sanaya Irani.

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The chemistry that Sanaya Irani and Barun Sobti shared in the first season was the highlight of the show.

Also read: 5 things you need to know about Barun Sobti's comeback show Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon 3

So, will Barun miss his former co-star?

"Sanaya and I are really good friends. As a co-star and for the kind of talented actor she is, I will definitely miss her on the show since our chemistry was highly appreciated. We continue to be good friends after the show and we do meet often! Now, I am hoping to recreate the magic with Shivani. She is a promising actress," Barun told DNA.

We are sure the fans feel the same way.

The release date of IPKKND 3 has not been announced yet.

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Senior Army sources say pre-emptive strikes are being carried out against Pakistani positions which may preparing to carry out attacks on Indian positions, or trying to do a BAT action.

By Ajit Kumar Dubey: Bearing the brunt of attacks by Pakistani troops and the terrorist groups backed by them on the Line of Control, India has now adopted an "aggressive stance" and taking the war to the enemy's positions.

Senior Army sources told Mail Today that pre-emptive strikes are being carried out against Pakistani positions which may be readying themselves for carrying out attacks on Indian positions or trying to do a BAT action.

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"Earlier, only our troops were on the vigil and on alert against any attack or personal assault against troops. Now, we are also taking the fight to them as we have started launching direct attacks on their posts and gun positions," the sources said.

The sources were discussing the recently-released video where Pakistani posts near Naushera sector were razed down with the use of antitank guided missiles and 105 mm artillery fire.

NEW POLICY

After the ceasefire between India and Pakistan came into effect in 2003, Pakistan Army has been relatively in an advantageous position as they were engaged occasionally in attacking Indian posts or fire at them to push infiltrators whereas the role of Indian forces have largely been maintaining a high vigil round the clock against the possibility such actions by them.

This keeps Indian troops under constant pressure. However, under the new policy, India will be in a position to keep the enemy troops under a similar stress situation.

The sources said India has beefed up its troops' positions both in the Kashmir valley as well as on the Line of Control while strengthening the three tier counter infiltration grid there.

"Close to 4,000 troops belonging to the Rashtriya Rifles battalions and regular Army units have been moved on the LoC and Valley in places like Uri and Tangdhar from where infiltration attempts can be attempted by the Pakistan Army," the sources said.

MORE THAN 100 TERRORISTS SUSPECTED TO BE WAITING TO SNEAK IN

More than 100 terrorists are suspected to be sitting on different locations opposite Indian positions on the LoC waiting for opportunities to sneak into the Indian territory.

"We are maintaining a vigil on their activities and the moment we see a marginal increase in their strength at a post or attempts by them to move close towards our positions, we are striking at them," sources said.

In one such incident, a Pakistan Special Forces operative was evacuated out of a Pakistani post and shifted to a medical facility where he died after getting injured in punitive Indian fire assault.

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India had launched a massive fire assault along the LoC to destroy Pakistani posts and bunkers along with killing of Pakistan Army personnel and terrorists sitting there.

PLUGGING GAPS IN SECURITY GRID

Simultaneously, the Army is also plugging the gaps in security grid in the hinterland as it has decided to move in a battalion of Rashtriya Rifles to the troublesome South Kashmir area which has seen some worst cases of stone pelting and heightened terrorist activity in the last one year.

South Kashmir has seen a substantial increase in the number of terrorists as the Army had pulled out some Rashtriya Rifles units from there to the locations on the LoC leaving a vacuum in the last few years.

Meanwhile, India on Wednesday denied claims of Pakistan that its aircraft flew over or near the Siachen glacier as Air Force sources said there was no air space violation in the region where it was maintaining high vigil.

ALSO READ | Desperate to downplay India? After its Army, now Pakistan Air Force and Naval chiefs warn India

ALSO READ | Big blow for Pakistan: Ex-ISI official admits Kulbhushan Jadhav was captured from Iran

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ALSO WATCH | Video released by Indian Army shows heavy shelling on Pakistani posts in Naushera

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Four UW Students Receive NSF Graduate Research Fellowships

Koedi Lawley received an NSF Graduate Fellowship. She will study songbirds, specifically looking at which brain regions are involved in distinguishing songs of their own species versus songs from other species, and which regions are involved in analyzing attractive features of the males song. (Karagh Murphy Photo)

Four University of Wyoming students have received National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowships to pursue research in their fields this summer.

-- Koedi Lawley, a student majoring in zoology and physiology, from Eaton, Colo., recently completed the first year of her masters degree. However, her project, titled Auditory Processing of Mate Choice Cues in the Female Songbird Brain, will be based in neuroscience.

In our lab, we use mate selection as a model for decision making. In the species that we study, females are not able to sing, unlike their male counterparts, Lawley explains. However, they are superb listeners and are capable of evaluating subtle features of male song, and choose the best possible mate based on that information.

For her project, Lawley is investigating which brain regions are involved in distinguishing songs of their own species versus songs from another species, and which regions are involved in analyzing attractive features of the males song.

My project is relevant not only for our understanding of the neural basis of mate choice, but also for future investigations of how signal identification and evaluation may occur in the human brain, she says.

Lawley says receiving this NSF grant is a tremendous honor and has opened up many doors she could not have previously imagined.

In the short term, it will help me pursue my dream of obtaining a Ph.D., she says. In the future, it is my hope to become a well-respected leader in my field and, one day, share my knowledge with students and instill the passion and excitement for science that my mentors have instilled in me.

Jonathan Prather, a UW associate professor in the Department of Zoology and Physiology and director of the Life Sciences Program, is Lawleys adviser.

For her NSF Graduate Research Fellowship, Anna Ortega will study different migratory strategies that have been observed in a mule deer herd wintering in Wyomings Red Desert. (Benjamin Kroushaar Photo)

-- Anna Ortega, a first-year masters student in zoology from Durango, Colo., will use her fellowship for research titled Understanding Maintenance of Partial Migrations: A Test of the Fitness Balancing Hypothesis with Mule Deer (Odecoileus hemionus) in South-Central Wyoming.

The primary objective of my research is to test the fitness-balancing hypothesis in a partially migratory herd of mule deer that spends the winter in Wyomings Red Desert to advance our understanding of factors that promote the maintenance of partial migration, Ortega says.

Three different migratory strategies have been observed in a mule deer herd wintering in Wyomings Red Desert. These include long-distance migrants that travel 150 miles to the Hoback Basin for the summer (the longest recorded mule deer migration, named the Red Desert to Hoback migration); medium-distance migrants that migrate nearly 70 miles to the southern Wind River Range for the summer; and short-distance migrants that either migrate less than 30 miles north for the summer or live year-round in the Red Desert.

Some of my analyses include comparing fat dynamics, birth rates, fawn recruitment and adult survival among the different migratory strategies, she says.

In a world of increasing human disturbances and a changing climate, Ortega says management decisions could determine the fate of many species. She adds that it is imperative that people making these decisions are well-informed experts, and she strives to be one of those individuals.

With the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship, I will now be able to devote more time to practicing my skills and knowledge required to make important ecological decisions in an ever-changing world, she says. Furthermore, I will be able to continue bridging the gaps between scientific discovery and the general public.

Matthew Kauffman, leader of the Wyoming Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Unit, is Ortegas adviser.

Patrick Rodgers helps release a deer. During his NSF Graduate Research Fellowship, Rodgers will analyze sex-based differences in migratory patterns and behaviors. (Benjamin Kroushaar Photo)

-- Patrick Rodgers, a zoology graduate student from Casper, recently finished the first year of his masters program. His research project is titled, Do Migratory Behaviors of Male and Female Mule Deer Differ? A Text of the Sexually Segregated Migration Hypothesis.

Research and conservation efforts around mule deer migration in the last decade have focused primarily on does, while major gaps in understanding of buck migratory behaviors remain, Rodgers says. In south-central Wyoming, near the town of Baggs, his research team captured and outfitted 81 buck mule deer with satellite collars (which collect hourly location data) in an area with ongoing GPS-location data for does.

From these data, I will analyze sex-based differences in migratory patterns and behaviors -- specifically, timing of migration, time spent on seasonal ranges (winter and summer foraging areas) and green wave surfing (the ability of individuals to track plant green-up in spring), he says.

Additionally, Rodgers will assess shifts in buck behaviors in and around the autumn hunting season. This new information will be useful for local managers to more effectively prioritize mule deer migratory routes and adjust hunting seasons and regulations in order to reach herd objectives.

Receiving this NSF Graduate Fellowship has been an incredible boon to my academic career, Rodgers says. Not only has it allowed me to better focus on my research and worry less about funding, but it also has expanded my opportunities as a student and a biologist.

Specifically, this fellowship will allow me to expand outreach efforts -- a component of science that I consider to be crucial -- to convey information about migration and mule deer ecology to the general public. My hope is that the weight of this fellowship will carry into the future, enabling me to better contribute to both scientific and public understanding of wildlife ecology and wildlife-related issues.

Kauffmann also is Rodgers adviser.

Madi Wewer takes a break in the Mojave Desert after collecting barometry samples in Black Rock Canyon for her senior thesis. She received an NSF Graduate Research Fellowship to study the tectonics and faulting at the Gakkel Ridge -- the worlds slowest-spreading ridge beneath the Arctic Ocean. (Omar Abdelrazik Photo)

-- Madeline Wewer recently graduated from Southern Methodist University with her bachelors degree in geophysics. Wewer, from Marietta, Ga., will begin her masters program in marine geology and geophysics at UW this fall. He research is titled, Applying Field Sedimentology and Low-Temperature Thermochronology to Constrain the Age of Tectonic Mode Switches in the Central Mojave, Calif.

In a nutshell, I will be part of a team exploring the sea floor and will work on understanding the tectonics and faulting at the Gakkel Ridge -- the worlds slowest spreading ridge beneath the Arctic Ocean, she says.

This project will be different than what was originally proposed since Wewer changed Graduate Research Fellowship institutions.

Obtaining this fellowship is an exciting opportunity because it allows me to pursue research on spreading ridges: a perfect combination of my passion for geology I discovered during my undergrad (years) and exploring the ocean, a hobby developed through scuba diving since childhood, Wewer says. This award gave me the flexibility to find the perfect program fit with supportive faculty without having to sacrifice my academic and career goals.

Michael Cheadle and Barbara John, UW professors in the Department of Geology and Geophysics, are Wewers advisers.

The NSF Graduate Research Fellowship is one of the nations most highly competitive awards for graduate studies. It offers, among other things, three years of support (within a five-year period) with an annual $34,000 stipend; a $12,000 cost-of-education allowance; international research and professional development opportunities; and the freedom to conduct research at any accredited U.S. institution of graduate education that recipients choose. For the 2017 competition, NSF received more than 13,000 applications and made 2,000 award offers.

About the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship

The Graduate Research Fellowship Program is a vital part of NSF efforts to foster and promote excellence in U.S. science, technology, engineering and mathematics by recognizing talent broadly from across the nation. The awards are provided to individuals who have demonstrated their potential for significant research achievements. The group is diverse, including 1,077 women, 424 individuals from underrepresented minority groups, 62 persons with disabilities, 35 veterans and 627 senior undergraduates. The new fellows come from 488 baccalaureate institutions.

Former NSF fellows include numerous individuals who have made transformative breakthroughs in science and engineering; have become leaders in their chosen careers; and been honored as Nobel laureates.
New $2.27 Million Gift Supports Contemporary Art at UW Art Museum

An anonymous gift of $2.27 million will create the Susan B. Moldenhauer FUNd for Contemporary Art for the University of Wyoming Art Museum.

This generous gift ensures that the museums strong programming in contemporary art will continue in the future, says Susan Moldenhauer, director of the UW Art Museum and the funds namesake. One of the three key areas on which the exhibition program is developed -- contemporary art -- and the visiting artists and related public programming it enables allows the museum to introduce new approaches to the creative process, advancing technologies in art-making, and relevant issues and topics that reflect our time.

The Moldenhauer FUNd supports the Art Museums national and international contemporary art program, which includes exhibitions, commissions, publications, visiting artists and scholars, symposia, workshops, curatorial research and travel. Contemporary art is loosely defined as art produced by living artists.

This gift is extraordinary, as it will transform the future of contemporary art at the University of Wyoming, UW President Laurie Nichols says. On behalf of the university, I would like to thank the donor for this major philanthropy. Support like this will allow the Art Museum to expand its program in art and, in doing so, enrich the lives of many students and citizens. For this, we are most grateful.

The fund will transform the museums ability to research and support the work of national and international contemporary art. It will support the museums foundational premise of introducing art not otherwise available in Wyoming for study, research and interdisciplinary dialogue.

The mission of the UW Art Museum includes presenting world-class art and developing programs that engage students and visitors of all ages in discussions that broaden an understanding of diverse perspectives, viewpoints and cultures.

The Art Museum is the only museum in the state of Wyoming that focuses on contemporary art from national and international perspectives, which is essential to broadening visual art experiences for our students, faculty, citizens and visitors, Moldenhauer says.

The UW Art Museum has presented art to the people of Wyoming since its opening in 1972. Originally housed in the lower level of the Fine Arts Building, the museum moved to the Centennial Complex in 1993. The museums statewide programs -- the Ann Simpson Artmobile and the Regional Touring Exhibition Service -- were created in 1982 and have been continuously serving the state ever since. The award-winning Artmobile program offers class- and community-based experiential learning opportunities with a museum educator.

Today, the Art Museum houses a collection of nearly 8,000 original art objects and hosts an average of 18 exhibitions a year. Extensive education programs take place year-round, with classes for all ages that use the exhibitions as original resource material for learning. The museum operates with a full-time staff of 11, a National Advisory Board of up to 23 and the support of many volunteers, donors and friends.

The museums museum as classroom approach places art at the center of learning for all ages, supports the academic mission of the university, assists in preparing the future workforce with essential skills, and enhances the cultural life of Wyomings citizens and visitors.

Recent notable contemporary art exhibitions at the Art Museum, each with significant public programming, include Emancipating the Past: Kara Walkers Tales of Slavery and Power (spring 2016); WASTE LAND: A Survey of Work by Brandon Ballengee, 1996-2016 (fall 2016); Hung Liu: American Exodus (currently on view); Divine Ammunition: The Work of Al Farrow (fall 2017); and Papel Chicano Dos: Works on Paper from the Cheech Marin Collection (fall 2017).

The new endowment is named for Moldenhauer, who is a personal friend of the donor and has been director and chief curator of the UW Art Museum since 2002. She joined the Art Museum in 1991 as curator of museum programs and is a practicing fine art photographer.

Moldenhauers curatorial expertise is in contemporary art, and she has curated numerous major solo exhibitions for the Art Museum by such artists as Kwang-Young Chun, Willie Cole, Anne-Karin Furunes, Michiko Itatani, Luis Jiminez, Jun Kaneko, Dickie Landry, Hung Liu, Whitfield Lovell, Jesus Moroles, Pepon Osorio, Neltje, Ursula von Rydinsvard, Fred Sandback, Peter Sarkisian and Robert Stackhouse.

She has been integral in the development of Touchstone Laramie, the Laramie Mural Project and the Laramie Public Art Plan. Moldenhauer will retire this fall.

For information on the UW Art Museum, visit www.uwyo.edu/artmuseum.
Senior Karnataka Administrative Service officer K Mathai has filed a complaint with the Lokayukta against senior IAS officers for intentional harassment among other grievances.

By Nolan Pinto: Senior Karnataka Administrative Service (KAS) officer K Mathai today filed a complaint with the Lokayukta against senior IAS officers for intentional harassment among other grievances. Mathai works as administrative officer-cum-under secretary to government, DPAR (AR) SAKALA Mission.

He has been fighting to get justice for many years now.

In his complaint titled, 'First report for essential administrative reforms', he has come out openly against some IAS officers for allegedly harassing him. He has travelled extensively across the state to popularise the time-bound Sakala scheme (which assures timely delivery of government services to citizens).

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He listed out various cases of harassment he has had to face over the years.

CASES OF HARASSMENT Proposals were made for Mathai's suspension in 2012 but rejected by the Karnataka legislative assembly. Another proposal was made for suspension by Principal Revenue Secretary in 2012 but rejected by the legislative assembly. Departmental enquiries were proposed in 2012 but rejected by the government. Reopening of departmental enquiry by Principal Revenue Secretary which was closed by the government. Mathai was transferred repeatedly while serving as MUDA Commissioner of Mandya in 2014 and Assistant Commissioner (Advt) in BBMP in 2016. An increment was curtailed by DPAR (Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms) without holding any enquiry and by misusing Rule 12 of CCA rules, 1956. Review petition filed before Chief Secretary kept pending by DPAR for almost one year. Adverse remarks in Annual Confidential Reports (ACR) by M Laxminarayana, IAS since his name appeared in the 2000 crore advertisement scam of BBMP. Promotion delayed at the instigation of senior officers involved in advertisement mafia. The chief minister's orders were modified by senior officers without his permission.

K Mathai in his complaint has requested the Lokayukta to intervene and act against the senior IAS officers who have been harassing him. Speaking to India Today, he said that the basic problem honest officers were facing today was the lack of a grievance redressal authority and accountability commission because of which senior IAS officers were never taken to task.

IAS OFFICERS MUST GIVE AN ACCOUNT OF THEIR WORK: MATHAI

Demanding that the IAS officers must give an account of the work they do too on a daily basis, he said, "If we all have to get certificates to show how much work we have done, let the IAS officers also give a report of their work so that we all know who is working and who isn't."

In 2015, the BBMP (Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike) council had moved a resolution to transfer Mathai, who had been going tough on the advertisement hoarding mafia in the city. He was also transferred six times between July and September 2014, before he was posted to the BBMP.

Mathai was previously targeted by the sand mining mafia during his stint as tahsildar in Hassan. Miscreants had torched his residence to deter him from taking stringent action. After this, he was transferred as Commissioner, Mandya Urban Development Authority (MUDA), in October 2013. Over there, Mathai submitted four reports regarding large-scale illegalities amounting to Rs 300 crore in allotment of sites by the MUDA. Based on that detailed report, the state government had handed over the case to the CBI in 2014.

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(With inputs from Ameena Khan)

Also read | Could IAS mafia be involved in death of officer Anurag Tiwari? Few bureaucrats think so

Also read | Was Karnataka IAS officer Anurag Tiwari murdered in Lucknow? CBI to find out

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According to reports the Rajya Sabha MP and her husband have been asked to appear before the I-T authorities next week.

By India Today Web Desk: The Income Tax department today summoned former Bihar Chief Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav's daughter Misa Bharti and her husband Shailendra in a money laundering case.

The summon comes a day after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested Bharti's chartered accountant Rajesh Agarwal.

According to reports the Rajya Sabha MP and her husband have been asked to appear before the I-T authorities next week.

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Last week, senior BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi had alleged that Bharti had laundered money through a shell company to buy a farmhouse at New Delhi's Bijwasan area at a throwaway price.

The Bihar BJP leader had claimed that Misa Bharti converted her black money into white through dubious transaction of sale and purchase of shares of her company, Mishail Packers and Printers Pvt Ltd. The company was incorporated with an investment of Rs 1 lakh in 2002 and registered at Lalu Yadav's then official bungalow 25, Tughlaq Road, New Delhi. It was closed in 2005-06.

Sushil Modi had also alleged that Bharti had misused the address of Lalu Yadav's erstwhile official bungalow - 25, Tughlaq Road - as her company's address as such an allotment cannot be used for any commercial purpose.

Also read:

Misa Bharti's accountant Rajesh Agarwal arrested by ED in money laundering case

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The Congress too has slammed the decision alleging that it has been taken to help those who have already hoarded sand before the onset of the monsoons.

By Hemender Sharma: Even as the state government has gone into a self congratulatory mode over its decision to impose a blanket ban on sand mining from the Narmada river and on the use of machines for mining from other rivers, the mining mafia continues to operate with impunity. Environmentalists have questioned the government's intent while the opposition Congress has slammed the decision saying it will benefit black marketers and hoarders.

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India Today did a reality check and spotted trucks loaded with freshly mined sand coming out from the Babri Ghat of the Narmada River in Seoni Malwa in Hoshangabad district during the intervening night of May 23 and May 24. Babri Ghat is a little over 100 kms away from the state capital Bhopal, where Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and his Cabinet colleagues continue to sing paeans over the decision they claim to have taken to save the lifeline of Madhya Pradesh.

The Hoshangabad district administration too continues to live in denial.

"Nothing of this sort is happening as per my information. There is a complete ban on sand mining from the Narmada River and during the past one weak we have already seized four heavy duty poklean machines, two JCBs and four tractor trolleys. We are alert and wont' allow sand mining from the river," Manoj Saream, ADM Hoshangabad while talking to India Today said.

ENVIRONMENTALISTS SLAM GOVERNMENT

Environmentalists, too have questioned the government's intent over the ban.

"Only 30 per cent of the sand mining happening today is legal. Only the legal mining has been banned, what about the 70 per cent illegal sand mining? Does the government mean to say that the illegal mining that was happening till last week was happening with the government's consent," environmentalist Subhash Pandey while talking to India Today said.

CONGRESS HITS OUT AT GOVERNMENT

The Congress too has slammed the decision alleging that it has been taken to help those who have already hoarded sand before the onset of the monsoons.

"The prices of sand have already increased manyfold. The mining mafia has hoarded mountains of sand. This will now be sold at exorbitant prices. Family members and relatives of Shivraj Singh Chouhan are into the mining business, so now they will make a lot of money," Congress spokesman KK Mishra said.

The story is the same across all the rivers in the state. In Khargone, the mining mafia on Wednesday forcefully took away a tractor trolley filled will illegally mined sand from the Kunda river from the possession of mining department officials. A home guard personnel was also assaulted in the process.

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Also read: I-T department unearths 400 benami deals, attaches properties worth Rs 600 crore

Also read: Madhya Pradesh orders interim ban on sand mining from Narmada

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Celebrating its 8-year anniversary, XS Nightclub in Encore at Wynn Las Vegas kicked off eight nights of parties with four consecutive blow-out bashes this weekend and plenty of bold-faced names came out to celebrate (Pictured: Marshmellow and Tyron Smith  Photo credit: Wynn Nightlife).

Photo credit: Wynn Nightlife.

On Friday night, Dallas Cowboys Tyron Smith and Zack Martin were spotted at a stage table and Smith got into the DJ booth to pose with Marshmello. Superstar DJs Kygo, David Guetta and Tiesto also came by to help fete the mega-club which helped to catapult EDM into the Vegas nightlife stratosphere.

On Saturday night, when Guetta was behind the decks, Joe Jonas attended the anniversary celebration with his dance group DNCE. Partying at a stage table, Jonas and DNCE members joined Guetta in the DJ booth for an impromptu performance of Cake By The Ocean.

Sunday night, Diplo pumped up the party spinning his hits during NightSwim, the resorts nighttime pool party. Rappers Kid Ink and Ty Dolla were in the house with separate groups as was Nicole Scherzinger of Pussycat Dolls fame and model and actor Tyson Beckford. The Chainsmokers Alex Pall and Andrew Taggart were also spotted enjoying the festivities.

Grammy- and Billboard Music Awards-winning pop duo The Chainsmokers finished off the first weekend of anniversary celebrations last night where they performed their mega-hits for the capacity crowd.
TMC chief Mamata Banerjee said that she has asked for an appointment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and if she manages to meet him on either of the scheduled dates, she would be asking for funds to tackle the Ganga erosion problem.

By India Today Web Desk: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has sought an appointment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss the Ganga erosion issue and her state's financial woes during her visit to Delhi beginning Wednesday.

The Trinamool Congress supremo, before leaving for the national capital, told reporters that she has asked for an appointment with the Prime Minister within the next two days and if she manages to meet him on either of the scheduled dates, she would be discussing the Ganga erosion issue and would be asking for funds to tackle the problem.

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"If I manage to get an appointment either for today or tomorrow, I will be discussing the Ganga erosion problem and will also be asking for funds to deal with the problem of river erosion," said Mamata Banerjee.

The West Bengal Chief Minister would also be raising the state's financial crisis during her meeting with the Prime Minister.

While claiming that West Bengal was not getting adequate funds in certain areas, The TMC supremo said that she would try to sort out the problem.

"There are certain areas where we are facing the shortage of funds. I will raise that issue," said Mamata Banerjee.

The West Bengal Chief Minister had earlier also sought for the release of due funds to the state during her meeting with Narendra Modi in April.

Mamata was believed to have quoted an amount of Rs 10,000 crore in the meeting.

Earlier last week, Mamata Banerjee had a meeting with Congress president Sonia Gandhi in Delhi to discuss the strategy for presidential polls.

The meeting was held mainly to arrive at a consensus on the presidential candidate.

ALSO READ:

Why an aggressive BJP has aggravated Mamata Banerjee's existential crisis in Bengal

Mamata meets Sonia to discuss presidential candidate, attacks Modi government for vendetta politics

Mamata Banerjee meets PM Narendra Modi, demands release of Rs 10,000 crore 'due to' West Bengal

ALSO WATCH:

Mamata Banerjee to meet Sonia Gandhi, common Presidential candidate on the agenda

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Vietnam-Australia Energy Forum will serve as a platform to drive cooperation between the two countries

Vietnam is an important partner to Australia in the ASEAN region. The two countries share a number of common interests, including energy development and security, said Craig Chittick, Australian Ambassador to Vietnam, at the forum organised by the Australian government in collaboration with the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT).

Energy security continues to be an economic priority for Australia and Vietnam. Australia is among the top coal exporters in the world and in the future years will be the worlds largest liquefied natural gas (LNG) exporter, he added.

Coal mining in Australia is an increasingly sophisticated and hi-tech activity. Continuous improvements in mining technology, occupational health and safety, and environmental performance have ensured that Australia is an efficient and reliable producer of high-quality thermal and metallurgical coal for the international market.

Janelle Casey, Trade Commissioner at the Australian Embassy said, Australian companies have contributed to the transformation of the electricity market. This has been achieved through effective market design, enabling technologies, commercial energy solutions, and an attractive investment mechanism.

Vietnam has been developing mechanisms and policies to transit from fossil fuel to clean energy and renewable energy alternatives, to create a low-carbon and environmentally friendly economy. Simultaneously, Vietnams power market has also been developing to gradually enhance the competitiveness and transparency of electricity activities and create a positive signal to attract investment in developing new power resources.

Nguyen Anh Tuan, director general of MoITs Electricity Regulatory Authority, said that, Australias strengths in the energy sector are in line with the needs of Vietnam in ensuring energy security as well as protecting the environment. So the potential for expanding the two countrys cooperation in the energy sector is very positive.
Binh, who is also former vice chairman of the Hanoi Peoples Committee, was found to be responsible for the mismanagement during the time he held the position at the company.



State-owned Vinaconex was the investor of the Da River water pipeline, with total investment of VND1.45 trillion (US$64.4 million). The pipeline was put into operation in 2009 and has been ruptured several times in the past several years, causing serious impact on some 177,000 city households due to the water shortage.



Former CEO of Vinaconex Nguyen Van Tuan and five other executives also face charges for violating construction and investment regulations.



They are all on bail due to old age and poor health.



The decision has been handed over to the Supreme Peoples Court.



Previously, the Police Investigation Agency had announced the results of the investigation on the Da River water pipeline. Construction of the pipeline, which carried water from Da River to Hanoi, was completed in 2004 and put into use five years later.



However, the pipeline was ruptured 14 times between 2012 and 2015, leading to a shortage of water for 177,000 households for nearly 350 hours and an estimated loss of 1.5 million cu.m of water. The company has spent more than VND13 billion (US$572,900) to fix the incidents.



The investigations results revealed that members of the Vinaconexs board of directors, including Phi Thai Binh, Nguyen Van Tuan, To Ngoc Thanh, Hoang Hop Thuong and Vu Dinh Cham, decided to use substandard untested fiberglass composite, causing massive ruptures, and chose a disqualified and inexperienced contractor to supply the poor quality pipeline for the project.



In March 2016, the Supreme Peoples Court prosecuted nine officials for violating regulations on investment and construction management. Several months later, Binh and his former partners were proposed to be exempt from criminal prosecution, leading to outrage among the public.
Medical tourism in Ho Chi Minh City is the name of a project unveiled by the citys health and tourism departments at a recent meeting.

The plan, set to be implemented as soon as next month, will integrate five medical services into the citys tourism products, being dentistry, traditional Vietnamese medicine, cosmetics, general health check-ups and disease screening, according to Dr. Tang Chi Thuong, deputy director of the municipal Department of Health.

The two departments will work to publish a handbook and map of major hospitals and medical institutions in the city in order to help visitors find their desired medical services.

A seminar on setting a direction for the development of Ho Chi Minh Citys medical tourism will be held in the first week of June to provide further details of the plan.

According to the Department of Health, Ho Chi Minh City is the medical hub of southern Vietnam, with a range of public and private hospitals able to provide medical services at a level the equivalent of those in the region.

However, medical tourism has not really been acknowledged by the relevant authorities, causing Vietnam to fall behind its regional peers including China, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia in terms of the number of medical travelers entering the country each year.

According to statistics from the Ministry of Health, around 50,000 Vietnamese travel abroad every year to seek medical treatment at an estimated cost of US$2 billion, while Vietnam earns approximately $1 billion from medical bills paid by foreigners each year.
Thai police at the blast site

Nguyen Hai Ngoc, First Secretary of the Vietnamese Embassy in Thailand, said the embassy will keep contact with Thailands competent agencies to update the situation.

The bomb explosion at the army's Phramongkutklao hospital in Rajthevi district injured 25 people. Many of them are soldiers and retirees, and most had cuts caused by broken glass.

Initial investigation showed that the explosion was carried out by the same network behind the blasts near the Government Lottery Office on April 5 and in front of the National Theatre on May 15, local authorities said on May 23.

Army Commander-in-Chief General Sitthisart Chalermchai said the three attacks used the same kind of explosives.

At the hospital explosion, the bomb was hidden in a vase in a room named Wongsuwan in honour of Thai Defence Minister General Prawit Wongsuwan.

Authorities said that the country tightened security in Bangkok on May 23, a day after the bomb blast.

Police and soldiers have been deployed to several key locations in the capital, especially crowded areas, to prevent similar incident, Deputy Defence Minister Udomdej Sitabutr said at a Cabinet meeting.

Deputy police spokesman Krisana Pattanacharoen said investigators are seeking for more proof and collecting statements of witnesses.

Following the explosion, some embassies in Thailand like the UK, Canada and Australia urged their citizens to be on alert to strictly follow the advice of local authorities.

In an effort to ease the concern of the international community, Thai Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai stressed the Governments commitment to ensuring safety in the country and called on Thai citizens to provide relevant information for authorities.
The logo of OPEC at the OPEC headquarters in Vienna. (JOE KLAMAR/AFP)

Less predictable however is the extent to which this likely agreement from Thursday's talks will boost the price of oil, particularly with US shale producers back from the dead and pumping at near-record levels.

In November the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries agreed to slash output by 1.2 million barrels per day (bpd).

The following month several nations outside the cartel, notably including Russia, agreed with OPEC to reduce their production by 600,000 bpd.

The low price, close to just US$25 per barrel in early 2016, had battered the finances of all producers, not just stricken Venezuela but even rich-as-Croesus Saudi Arabia.

The agreement helped lift the oil price to the current level of just above US$50 per barrel, although this is still less than half that of 2014.

The pact was also a dramatic policy turnaround for OPEC that even had regional rivals Saudi Arabia and Iran, at daggers drawn otherwise, see eye to eye.

The deal, lasting for six months, is due to expire on Jun 30. An agreement to renew it is widely expected, the only question being for how long.

Saudi Arabia and Russia, the biggest of the producers, agreed last week that it should be rolled over for nine months, an idea backed by Iraq's oil minister on Monday.

"Nine months seems good to me," Algeria's energy minister Noureddine Boutarfa told reporters as he arrived in Vienna on Tuesday.

But Kuwait's Oil Minister Issam Almarzooq said before leaving his country for Austria on Tuesday said that "not everybody" was on board yet, Bloomberg News reported.

Bloomberg also quoted unnamed delegates as saying that producers would study on Wednesday the merits of extentions of six months and a year as well.

VICTIMS OF SUCCESS

Analysts said that, assuming the deal is extended, the impact in reducing crude inventories should become more apparent from July because of a seasonal pick-up in demand.

However OPEC and the other producers run the risk of being victims of their own success because of shale oil producers in the United States, which are not part of the accord.

Before, OPEC's strategy was to keep pumping at full tilt in order to push the oil price lower and make life difficult for the Americans, who need a higher price to make money.

When the oil price was at its nadir in 2016, scores of US firms went bankrupt. But with the recent rise, many have returned to the market - and with a vengeance.

US production has risen 850,000 bpd from its 2016 lows to 9.3 million bpd now, not far from the all-time record set in 2015 and just shy of Saudi output levels.

According to Valentin Bissat at Mirabaud Asset Management, this shows that OPEC "has lost some its ability to fix (oil) prices".

And according to Commerzbank, rising US production, which will reduce OPEC's market share, will make "discipline ... gradually crumble" among its members to stick to the curbs.

"We therefore still expect to see a Brent oil price of less than US$50 a barrel at the end of the year," the German bank said in a research note.
A view of WHA Hemaraj 1 Industrial Park in the Southeast Economic Zone of the central province of Nghe An.- Photo truyenhinhnghean.vn

This project will be developed by a joint venture between Viet Nam-based Civil Engineering Construction Corporation No. 4 (CIENCO 4) and Thailand-based Hemaraj Land & Development Public Co., Ltd at a total cost of VND23 trillion (US$1 billion).

It will cover a combined area of 3,200 hectares in the two districts of Nghi Loc and Dien Chau with rental contracts for 70 years.

Last October, Hemaraj-Cienco 4 Co signed a deal with the provincial government of Nghe An to start building the industrial zone in the middle of July 2017 and complete it by 2038.

The project plan was then appraised by the Ministry of Planning and Investment and then submitted to the Government for approval.

Construction will be divided into seven phases. In the first phase, the team will develop an industrial estate of about 500 hectares with a total investment capital of VND2.1 trillion.

"With this project, we plan to invest in the construction of infrastructure systems for industrial parks, logistic facilities and urban areas to attract secondary investors, said Nguyen Tuan Huynh, Chairman and General Director of CIENCO4.

David Nardone, CEO of Hamaraj Group, said Hemaraj was an infrastructure developer for industrial park, urban area and power infrastructure in Thailand.

Currently, Hemaraj owns eight world-class industrial zones with an area of 7,000 hectares, bringing together 600 enterprises from all over the world, including many major names in the fields of logistics, automobile manufacturing and energy.

"With the capability and experience in the field of infrastructure construction for industrial zones, combined with CIENCO4s core competence and prestige, we hope to develop the WHA Hemaraj 1 IP into a model industrial park in Nghe An," said Nardone.
Sony chief executive Kazuo Hirai led a major overhaul at the once-iconic company after its consumer electronics business took a hit. (Photo: AFP/Kazuhiro Nogi)

The 56-year-old company veteran was tapped five years ago to lead a major overhaul at the once-iconic company, which was suffering from huge losses largely tied to a hard-hit consumer electronics business.

After years of layoffs and asset sales, Sony is on track to report a 500 billion operating profit this fiscal year - its highest in two decades.

"We've done significant work on downsizing or restructuring the business," Hirai told reporters at a corporate strategy briefing.

"The major downsizing is complete. The biggest factor is that our consumer electronics business, which struggled for many years, has turned into a division with stable profitability," he added.

Sony's bleeding television business - which Hirai had refused to sell despite calls to dump the unit - is now back to profitability as the firm focuses on producing fewer models with an eye on the higher-end market.

South Korean and Taiwanese rivals have battered higher-cost Japanese TV makers, including Sony and Sharp.

"(We) changed our strategy to go after profitability rather than focus on the size of the business," Hirai said, referring to the TV unit. "Now the challenge is to stay in the black."

In recent years, Sony has sold off a string of assets, including the Vaio laptop business and a unit that made rechargeable lithium ion batteries.

Smartphone components and the top-selling PlayStation 4 games console have boosted its bottom line.

But the company took a nearly US$1 billion write-down at its movie unit as Sony Pictures' woes included box-office disappointments such as a reboot of the Eighties classic "Ghostbusters" with an all-female cast and "Inferno", a sequel to the "Da Vinci Code".

The movie business is "a pressing issue for Sony", Hirai told reporters.
The booming domestic logistics market has appeared on the radars of Korean and Japanese companies

The Korean economic newspaper cited that Taekwang recently submitted a letter of intent to acquire the company listed on the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange. Taekwang is pushing to acquire Gemadept as a way to create synergies by combining its existing manufacturing operations in Vietnam with Gemadepts logistics business.

Founded in 1990, Gemadept has about a dozen subsidiaries in the areas of logistics, port operations, and real estate development.

Gemadept runs logistics and plant facilities not only in Vietnam but in Cambodia and Laos as well. It has an annual sales volume of around KRW200 billion ($177.6 million), with net profit estimated at around KRW20-30 billion ($17.8-26.7 million).

Gemadept is listed on the Ho Chi Minh City Stock Exchange at a VND7.5 trillion ($329 million) valuation. The state ownership in the company is 8.7 per cent, while foreign investors hold a combined stake of 21 per cent.

The Korean company, which entered Vietnam in 1994, is running a variety of businesses, including shoe-making subsidiary Taekwang Vina.

M&A perspectives in the logistic field are promising, yielding a high annual growth of 20-25 per cent thanks to the steadily rising retail and import-export sector values.

Recently Nippon Express Co., Japans largest international freight forwarder, announced plans to take control and turn its Nippon Express Vietnam joint venture into a wholly Japanese-invested firm. The joint venture was established in Vietnam six years ago with local firm Transimex. This strategy is scheduled to be completed in 2018.

The ambitious moves of these companies to enter Vietnam reflect their confidence in the growth potential of the domestic logistics market, especially as the demand is rising because of strong export growth. Additionally, the market is fully open due to WTO commitments allowing foreign logistics firms to have 100 per cent foreign-invested stakes since last year.

Logistics firms increase cross-border transport Amid a growing interest in Vietnam from global garment and technology companies, foreign logistics firms are expanding cross-border transport services between Vietnam, China, and other countries in the region to meet the growing demand.

Logistics key for aviation sector Viet Nams aviation sector must use advanced technologies such as e-commerce for its management, operations and business as it is a trend in global aviation transport, experts said in HCM City.

Domestic logistics firm looking to increase competitiveness Domestic logistics providers, such as TBS Logistics, Transimex Saigon, Gemadept, Sotrans, and SNP Logistics, and hundreds of others, gathered on April 14 in Ho Chi Minh City to find ways to cooperate and increase their competitiveness.

Logistics association to assist in national plan on competitiveness The Viet Nam Logistics Association (VLA) on Wednesday launched a ceremony to implement the Governments first national action plan to improve the countrys competitiveness and its logistics sector by 2025.
In the middle of May 2017, TruMan Holdings leadership and senior advisors, board members, senior executives, and the senior officers of its member companies met in the central city of Danang and talked about the groups development strategy for the period of 2017-2022.

At the meeting, in addition to celebrating the groups achievements in the past, the leadership and staff of TruMan pointed out the shortcomings that can slow down their development.

TruMan Holdings chairman Le Manh Thuong gave a speech on the groups development strategy for 2017-2022

If we do not praise our achievements, we cannot take pride in ourselves. On the other hand, we must recognise the limitations and inadequacies so that we can avoid being mired down in them, said Le Manh Thuong, chairman and CEO of TruMan Holdings.

I appreciate the sincere comments and serious critiques from all the staff of TruMan. I can say with confidence that having all of you on board, I can do everything, even things that I previously doubted I could do, he added.

Keeping up the startup spirit

According to Thuong, the startup spirit is TruMans greatest value. Therefore, TruMan has been always striving to attract and welcome all candidates with the desire to work in a dynamic and creative environment where all individuals can maximise their performance. We are continuously working to ensure a professional and modern working environment that is as productive and rewarding as possible, Thuong said.

TruMan pays special attention to human resources development to provide employees with expertise through on-the-job training and cooperating with reputable universities, such as Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry. These training activities not only aim to improve employee productivity, but also raise each member to become a worthy representative of TruMan under any circumstances.

Senior executives of member companies at work

Tripod leg extension strategy

One of the three economic resolutions issued by the Fifth Plenum of the 12th Communist Party of Vietnams Central Committee emphasised the importance of the private sector in the countrys economic development.

The private economy is an important engine for economic development. Private enterprises are encouraged to innovate management methods and take part in corporate governance to improve operational efficiency, as well as promote the competitiveness of goods and services, thus building brand loyalty, the resolution read.

Taking advantage of this opportunity and TruMans competitive advantages, the company has built a tripod leg extension strategy for the period of 2017-2022. The member companies will continue to seek M&A targets and invest selectively to create closed-loop value chains.

TruMan will particularly focus on three main areas. First, the company will develop the textile value chain. From the strengths of producing high-quality cotton yarn, it will expand its towel weaving, fabric weaving, dyeing finishing, apparel, and fashion operations.

Second, TruMan will continue to develop seafood processing and export activities by investing in aquaculture, cold storage, and feed mills.

Third, it will continue to promote investment and development of available real estate projects in Thai Binh, Danang, Binh Thuan, and Ho Chi Minh City. Additionally, it will also step up efforts in resort, civil construction, and industrial zone projects.

The management team arranging work for 2017-2022

Effective, sustainable growth

The meeting agreed and decided some key points for the strategy of sustainable and effective development, thereby bringing benefits to shareholders and partners.

In terms of capital, by 2022 the company will increase its chartered capital to VND8 trillion ($350 million), corresponding to an annual average increase of 20 per cent (the current chartered capital is VND2.8 trillion). The capital will be mobilised through capital contributions from shareholders, bank loans, the stock market, as well as domestic and international bonds.

Regarding the brand name, the company will raise the prestige of the TruMan brand and associate it with professionalism, giving them an advanced and modern image, green growth and environmental friendliness. Moreover, the company will support social charitable activities to raise its credit with the community.

As to human resources, the company will focus on developing a strong workforce with a culture of discipline, creativity, progress, and fairness. It will make itself a brand that cares for employees lives.

As to products and market share, the company will strive to become a market leader in each major product segment, not only domestically but also internationally.

With its current solid foundations, the focus points of the development strategy for the period of 2017-2022 will provide TruMan with a guideline to move towards becoming a large private sector economic group in Vietnam and the region, which is managed transparently and effectively to bring the highest value to its shareholders.
While covering a Left Front agitation programme in Kolkata on Monday, several journalists were injured in police brutality and their cameras also smashed.

By Indrajit Kundu: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday refused to acknowledge complaints of police brutality against journalists who were covering a Left Front agitation programme in Kolkata earlier this week.

Banerjee snapped at journalists when asked if her government would initiate any action against the errant police officers. "I'm not going to give you the answer", she told India Today, accusing the media of "indulging in politics".

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"Tell your people to behave properly. Don't indulge in politics like Ganashakti (CPIM mouthpiece) reporters", a visibly angry Mamata said rebuking mediapersons.

JOURNALISTS HOLD PROTEST MARCH

On Tuesday, several journalists had marched up to the Kolkata police headquarters to register their protest against Monday's police excess in which more than a dozen scribes were injured and their cameras smashed .

While the Kolkata police said that it would investigate the complaints, the chief minister, who also holds the home department portfolio, has maintained a stoic silence on the issue.

The Trinamool Congress supremo, who left for New Delhi on Wednesday, said she would meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the capital as soon as she gets an appointment.

Also read | Uproar in Kolkata after police brutally assault journalists

Also read | West Bengal civic polls result: Mamata's TMC wins big, takes Mirik; BJP suffers setback

Also read | Mamata Banerjee to raise West Bengal financial crisis, Ganga erosion issue with PM Modi

ALSO WATCH VIDEO

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The Bryan Mound storage facility in Texas is one of four US sites where the government keeps an emergency stockpile of crude oil. (AFP/HO)

Trump's proposal would sell off half the oil in the SPR, an emergency storage facility created amid the energy shocks of the 1970s.

Slashing the reserve would raise an estimated US$16.6 billion through 2027, part of a budget plan that slashes social spending programs and many government departments, while boosting defense spending and border security.

The budget proposal said US oil production has risen and the share of US oil imported from OPEC countries has fallen sharply compared with the 1970s, so cutting the SPR in half "would very likely provide sufficient protection in the event of an energy crisis."

"A path to energy security means enabling more American production and investment, not having the Government store an unnecessary large amount of oil underground," the document said.

The crude oil stockpile is stored in underground salt domes at four sites in Louisiana and Texas, and currently holds about 688 million barrels, equivalent to more than 140 days of imported oil supply.

The SPR already had been slated for some reductions, after Congress reached a short-term budget deal in December 2016 that allowed DOE to sell up to US$375.4 million in oil this year.

The Trump plan would allow DOE to sell about 270 million barrels, "roughly half of what remains" after already-planned sales, which would allow the Energy Department to shutter two of the four storage facilities.

Critics of the proposal included Columbia University professor Jason Bordoff, a former energy aide to former President Barack Obama, who said on Twitter that selling the oil would be "foolish," especially at today's relatively low prices.

But T. Boone Pickens, founder of BP Capital and a veteran of the US oil industry, said on Twitter that it was "good to re-examine 40-year-old energy programmes" and recommended reducing the SPR over 10 years to avoid disrupting oil markets.

US oil prices finished at US$51.47 per barrel on Tuesday, up 34 cents. The average price of the crude in the SPR is US$29.70.

The proposal comes just as OPEC oil producers are due to meet to try to extend an agreement limiting output meant to boost oil prices, so the prospect of more oil on markets will not be welcome. However, the sales of crude from the reserve likely would be too gradual to impact world prices.
By Press Trust of India: station

New Delhi, May 24 (PTI) A DTC bus ploughed into some vehicles outside Azadpur metro station in northwest Delhi this afternoon, killing one person and injuring several others, the police said.

The driver lost control of the bus after a tyre burst. It rammed into an auto and an e-rickshaw. A man, in his 30s, was killed and six-seven persons were injured, said a senior police officer.

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The injured persons were rushed to a hospital. The police are awaiting a report on their condition. PTI SLB GVS

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Political campaigning in Cambodias local elections began on Saturday and has so far passed without incident. Cambodians in Phnom Penh on Monday said they hoped that the election could be conducted fairly and free of violence.

Sim To, a second-year student at Pannasastra University of Cambodia, told VOA that he expected there to be some problems with the election, but hoped it would be safe.

Safety should be prioritized, he said, which means there should be not threats from any political parties.

Path Shakirah, 19, said that if Cambodians were united, the upcoming election process will be stable and safe.

In Cambodias last election period, between 2012 and 2013, supporters of the ruling Cambodian Peoples Party and opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party regularly came to blows.

Prime Minister Hun Sen has regularly warned of civil war if the ruling party loses power, but residents of the capital said they were not concerned by the warnings as they thought it was a political strategy and not a credible threat.

Eang Chanboramey, 18, said she did not believe conflict could break out of Hun Sen lost power due to its position in ASEAN, the regional political grouping, and the loss of business if conflict broke out.

Khun Vibol, a 45-year-old sculptor, said: It cannot happen. It doesnt matter who wins the election. We are not in the 60s or the 70s. It is normal that politicians say something to attract peoples votes.

Katina Adams, a U.S. State Department spokeswoman, called on the government to encourage freedom of expression in the elections.

Some 50,000 members of the security forces will be deployed to guard polling stations on election day.
The needs of disabled Cambodians have not been taken into account in the forthcoming local elections, a disabilities group has said.

Ngin Saoroth, executive director of the Cambodian Disabled Peoples Organization (CDPO), told reporters this week that politicians were not putting the issue of the disabled into their agenda for the election campaign at all.

Unlike young people and women that attract the attention of politicians, the voice of the disabled people goes unheard, he added, saying he believed politicians were disinterested as the small number of disabled voters could not change the outcome of the election.

The politicians should appreciate equally the vote from disabled people as the disabled people also take part in choosing the commune chiefs.

According to the National Election Committee (NEC), some 8,000 disabled people have registered to vote.

Tae Manirong, an NEC member, said facilities would be available at polling stations to facilitate disabled people to cast their votes.

We have steel ramps for the them to allow the wheelchair to roll up and down. They can always get assistance to lower the vote box for them to cast their ballot, Manirong said.

Yoeung Sotheara, a legal observer with election monitoring group Comfrel, said disabled rights were more likely to be a feature of the national election.

The government says there are about 50,000 physically disabled people in Cambodia, while the Asian Development Bank estimated that more than 2.3 million Cambodians had physical or mental disabilities.

Sok Eysan, ruling Cambodian Peoples Party spokesman, said disabled people were a priority group for Prime Minister Hun Sens government.

Prime Minister Hun Sen always advises us to offer disabled people suitable work and jobs based on their qualifications and physical condition, he said.

Eng Chhay Eang, opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party vice president, said the party had encouraged disabled people to run as candidates in the election.

We plan for the communes fund budget for the vulnerable groups, including the poor and disabled people in the community, he added.
The corpses of four Cambodian peacekeepers who were killed during a United Nations mission in the Central African Republic have been returned to Cambodia.

Prime Minister Hun Sen chaired a reception ceremony for the four slain peacekeepers at Phnom Penh International Airport.

The peacekeepers were named as Im Sam, Sieng Norin, Mom Tola and Mao Eng. They died during an ambush in the central African nation earlier this month.

Sieng Sen, 75, the father of Lieutenant Norin, said he was heartbroken by the loss of his son.

Everyone regrets the loss of a child, he said.

Norins remains were cremated on Monday at Kraing Thnong pagoda in Sen Sok district at a ceremony attended by high-ranking military and government officials.

Sen told reporters at the ceremony that his son was employed to construct roads in the war-torn nation. He praised the Cambodian Red Cross for organizing the ceremony.

Major General Chhuon Sam Ath, deputy chef of Royal Cambodian Armed Forces' information unit, said Norin, 37, had joined the army in 2008 and begun peacekeeping missions in 2010. He had served in Lebanon and Mali before being reassigned to the Central African Republic.

It is very sad and regretful that during a mission of peace ... Lieutenant Sieng Norin, along with other fighters, were attacked by guerrillas, who are war criminals, he said.

Sem Sovanny, head of the National Center for Peacekeeping Forces, said in the past family members of those killed in action had received some $70,000 in compensation for their loss.
Two suspected drug traffickers have been arrested after about 50 kilograms of heroin, methamphetamine and other substances worth more than $500,000 were allegedly found at a location in Phnom Penh.

Meas Virith, secretary-general of the National Authority for Combating Drugs, said it was the largest single drug bust in Cambodian history.

According to the market value ... the drugs are worth $500,000 to $700,000, he said.

Speaking to reporters on Saturday, authorities said the bust was part of a coordinated investigation in Sen Sok district.

One of those arrested on suspicion of drug trafficking was named as Sy Laloy, owner of the Ratanakkiri Hotel.

Mok Chito, head of the polices anti-drugs unit, said most of the narcotics were thought to have originated in Laos with Cambodia serving as a transition country.

Chito said the suspects would be charged and appear in court in the near future, adding that police were analyzing the substances that had been confiscated.

First, what composition is it? Second, what percentage of the drug haul is considered illegal? Because the drug law in Cambodia is based on quantity and purity of the drug; therefore, we ought to analyze the drugs first and send the report to court later.

If found guilty, the suspects could face up to 30 years in prison.

Yong Kim Eng, president of the People Center for Development and Peace, congratulated police on the bust, which comes amid an official anti-drugs campaign launched in January.

It is a golden opportunity to develop the nation and reduce the number of gangsters in the country. The authorities should try harder to combat the drug trafficking.
NATO leaders are going to Brussels for the May 25th summit expecting to agree on key principles. With Monday's attack in Britain overshadowing the meeting, there will be quick consensus on the need to keep fighting terrorism both at home, and abroad in places like Afghanistan. How to do it, is a different question. VOA Europe correspondent Luis Ramirez reports from Brussels.
President Trumps reported demands to top leadership of U.S. intelligence agencies to deny there was any collusion between his campaign and Russia dominated an intense day of Congressional testimony. Congressional probes into Russian election interference showed no signs of letting up, even as Special Counsel Robert Mueller launches a wide-ranging Justice Department investigation. VOAs Katherine Gypson has more from Capitol Hill.
After a suicide bomber killed 22 people at a concert venue in the UK earlier this week, police made arrests in Britain and Tripoli on Wednesday.

By Reuters: Police scrambled to close down a network around the Manchester suicide bomber with arrests in Britain and Tripoli on Wednesday, as details about the investigation were leaked to US media, infuriating authorities who fear a second attack is imminent.

British-born Salman Abedi, 22, who was known to security services, killed 22 people at a concert venue packed with children on Monday.

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Authorities believe he had help in building the bomb, which photographs published by the New York Times showed was sophisticated and powerful, and that his accomplices could be ready to strike again.

Manchester police arrested five men and one woman on Wednesday, bringing the total held for questioning to seven, and searched multiple addresses in northern and central England.

Explosives were found at one site, the Independent reported, citing security service sources.

A source said British investigators were hunting for anyone who may have helped build the suicide bomb.

"I think it's very clear that this is a network that we are investigating," police chief Ian Hopkins said outside Manchester police headquarters.

"And as I've said, it continues at a pace. There's extensive investigations going on and activity taking place across Greater Manchester as we speak."

Abedi, who was born in Manchester in 1994 to Libyan parents, blew himself up on Monday night at the Manchester Arena indoor venue at the end of a concert by US pop singer Ariana Grande attended by thousands of children and teenagers.

Police in Tripoli on Wednesday arrested Abedi's younger brother and his father, who said he did not expect the attack.

"I spoke to [Salman Abedi] about five days ago ... there was nothing wrong, everything was normal," Ramadan Abedi told Reuters, moments before he was arrested.

A spokesman for the local counter-terrorism force said his brother Hashem Abedi was arrested on suspicion of links with Islamic State and was suspected of planning to carry out an attack in the Libyan capital.

The first arrest made in Britain on Tuesday was reported by British and US media to be Abedi's older brother.

Earlier, interior minister Amber Rudd said the bomber had recently returned from Libya. Her French counterpart Gerard Collomb said he had links with Islamic State and had probably visited Syria as well.

US LEAKS

Authorities in Britain have become increasingly angered by US leaks from the investigation, including the bomber's name on Tuesday and the photos of blood-stained fragments from the bomb on Wednesday.

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British police chiefs said the breaches of trust between security service partners were undermining their efforts.

Rudd had earlier scolded US officials for leaking details.

"The British police have been very clear that they want to control the flow of information in order to protect operational integrity, the element of surprise, so it is irritating if it gets released from other sources, and I have been very clear with our friends that should not happen again," she said.

But, hours after the warning, the New York Times published the detailed photographs.

A government source told the Guardian newspaper, "Protests have been lodged at every relevant level between the British authorities and our US counterparts."

British Prime Minster Theresa May will meet US President Donald Trump at a NATO summit in Brussels on Thursday, but officials said she would cut short the second leg of her trip to the G7 summit in Italy.

The Manchester bombing has raised concern across Europe. Cities including Paris, Nice, Brussels, St. Petersburg, Berlin and London have suffered militant attacks in the last two years.

SOLDIERS ON THE STREETS

The 22 victims in Manchester included an eight-year-old girl, several teenage girls, a 28-year-old man and a Polish couple who had come to collect their daughters.

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Britain's official terror threat level was raised to "critical", the highest level, late on Tuesday, meaning an attack was expected imminently.

But with just over two weeks to go until a national election, May's Conservatives and political parties said they would resume campaigning in the coming days.

The Manchester bombing was the deadliest attack in Britain since July 2005, when four British Muslim suicide bombers killed 52 people in coordinated attacks on London's transport network.

Rudd said up to 3,800 soldiers could be deployed on Britain's streets, taking on guard duties to free up police to focus on patrols and investigation. An initial deployment of 984 had been ordered, first in London and then elsewhere.

Soldiers were seen at the Houses of Parliament, May's Downing Street residence and at the London police headquarters at New Scotland Yard.

The Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace, a draw for tourists, was cancelled because it requires support from police officers, which authorities decided was not a good use of resources given the threat level.

A source close to the bombing investigation told Reuters that the focus was on whether Abedi had received help in putting together the bomb and on where it had been done.

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The bomb used in the attack appeared to contain carefully packed shrapnel and have a powerful, high velocity charge, according to leaked photographs from the investigation published by the New York Times.

The BBC reported that security services thought the bomb was too sophisticated for Abedi to have built by himself.

Police arrested three people in South Manchester, one woman in North Manchester, a man in the nearby town of Wigan, and another man in the central English town of Nuneaton.

CANCELLED TOUR

Ariana Grande's representative said on Wednesday she was suspending her tour to assess the situation and to "pay our proper respects to those lost". The US singer had been scheduled to perform two shows at London's O2 arena this week.

Chelsea soccer club said it had cancelled a victory parade that had been set to take place on Sunday to celebrate its Premier League title.

Several high-profile sporting events are coming up in Britain, including the soccer FA Cup final at London's Wembley Stadium and the English rugby club competition final at Twickenham on Saturday and the UEFA Champions League final at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium on June 3.

Britain also has a national election scheduled for June 8. All campaigning was suspended after the attack, although major parties said they would resume some activities on Thursday and national-level campaigning on Friday.

The government said a minute's silence would be held at all official buildings at 1000 GMT on Thursday.

Greater Manchester Police said they were now confident they knew the identity of all the people who lost their lives and had made contact with all the families. They said they would formally name the victims after forensic post-mortems, which would take four or five days.

The bombing also left 64 people wounded, of whom 20 were receiving critical care for highly traumatic injuries to major organs and to limbs, a health official said.

France, which has repeatedly been hit by devastating militant attacks since 2015, extended emergency powers.

ALSO READ | PM Modi condemns Manchester attack, no word yet on Jharkhand lynchings back home

ALSO READ | Manchester blast: This is how Sikhs are helping the injured after the terror attack

ALSO WATCH | Witness Recounts Moment of Manchester Concert Suicide Bombing

--- ENDS ---
Fearing violence in Mexico linked to political turbulence in the early 1990s, Maru Mora Villalpando came to the United States on a tourist visa.

"I used to go back and forth with a tourist visa," Villalpando said.

"Since I was going back and forth from Seattle (Washington) to Mexico, my idea was to stay in Mexico, but only because of the economic situation," she said as the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) promised a better future.

She also had aspirations to be part of something political in her home country.

"But then I saw the person who was supposed to be the next president being killed in front of hundreds of people. It made me realize that it was better for me to leave the country. For the kind of work I wanted to do, I imagined I would be killed as well," she said.

In 1996, she used her tourist visa for the last time to see her family. The year after, her daughter was born in Seattle and the 46-year-old community organizer, social activist and single mother became a visa overstayer.

"So I decided that I couldn't leave anymore."

Villalpando now falls under the 1996 Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigration Responsibility Act signed by former President Bill Clinton; if she were to leave the country, she could not come back for 10 years.

Problem of overstays

"While the White House focuses its border security rhetoric on building a wall along the southern border, attention and resources should be paid to issues like overstays," Democratic Rep. Filemon Vela of Texas said during a congressional hearing in Washington Tuesday.

Members of the House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security called overstays a gap in the nation's border security.

Vela said he knows "firsthand" the security challenges faced along the border, "but to keep our focus mainly on walls is a vulnerability in and of itself."

The subcommittee's chair, Republican Rep. Martha McSally of Arizona, said visa overstays "historically" have been the primary means for terrorist entry into the United States.

"Time and time again, terrorists have exploited the visa system by legally entering America. The 9/11 commission put it this way: for terrorists, travel documents are as important as weapons," she added.

On Monday, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reported that 544,676 people (1.07 percent of 50 million U.S. visitors) didn't leave when their visas expired during fiscal year 2016, didn't adjust their status (as would be the case of, for example, an asylum seeker who came as a tourist), and remained in the country at the end of the last fiscal year.

Michael Dougherty, DHS' acting assistant secretary for border, immigration and trade, told lawmakers he "personally" believes the government needs a "better means of communicating with people."

We're "looking towards pushing something out on your phone that says, 'Hey, you're almost done.' I think it would be nice if the sending countries would do the same thing. I know if I was on travel and the host country was telling me that it was about time to go, and my own government was telling me the same, that would motivate me to get going," he added.

Dougherty also said the U.S. needs to do a better job of understanding from the start whether people intend to stay.

U.S. security officials have not fully implemented a biometric entry/exit system that has been in the works since 2013, complicating how agencies track visa overstays.

DHS relies on biographic information from passenger manifests to document departures.

No hope for the future

In the meantime, people like Villalpando continue to live a day at a time.

"I don't really have a hope for the future. I mean, personally speaking, because as an undocumented person I always live day to day. I'm always thinking when is the last day I'm going to be with my daughter, when is going to be the day that ICE [Immigration and Customs Enforcement] is going to show up and detain me," Villalpando said.

"When people ask about hope, the thing that comes to my mind is thinking about all the people that I'm in touch with that I am really lucky to work with in the detention center and other places," she added.

Villalpando vowed to continue her social work in a group called NWDC Resistance that fights for improved conditions and better treatment for all undocumented immigrants held in the Northwest Detention Center in Tacoma, Washington.

"But now, in the movement, I do have the hope we're going to dismantle the system.  I'm certain. I know it's going to take a long time. But I'm certain," she said.
As local activists say caning as a punishment in Indonesia's Aceh province is increasing in use and severity, the public caning of two gay men is being questioned by some residents.

Amnesty International has called the punishment, meted out by a religious court in the province which adheres to Sharia or Islamic law, a flagrant violation of international human rights law and says it "may amount to torture."

Supriyadi Widodo Eddyono, the executive director of the Institute for Criminal Justice Reform, told VOA Indonesia that there have been marked changes in the practice of caning in Aceh since last year  the number of those punished is increasing, as is the severity of the sentences.

"There were at least 350 people caned in 2016 and it's a significant increase," he said. "The increase is not just about the number of convicts, but also the severity of the punishments. Caning used to be a social sanction to embarrass or create a deterrent effect, but now to actually harm a person."

Although the punishment drew a crowd Tuesday, not all Acehnese support the practice. Uzair, who was in attendance, told VOA Indonesia that most citizens are skeptical about the implementation of Qanun Jinayat, the part of Sharia that governs the punishment for immoral acts. The section covering same-sex relations, Article 63 (1), states any people found guilty face a maximum sentence of 100 lashes or pay a maximum fine of 1,000 grams of pure gold or face 100-month imprisonment.

Hundreds of local residents gathered in front of Syiah Kuala Mosque in Banda Aceh, the capital of Aceh province, to watch the caning of eight people, including the two gay men who received the most severe punishments.

Wearing white gowns, the two men stood on a stage praying while a team of hooded men lashed their backs with a cane 83 times. The pair, aged 20 and 23, were found in bed together after local residents who suspected they were gay entered their boarding house in March. The men were detained and sentenced to 85 lashes on May 17 by the Banda Aceh Sharia Court, a punishment which was reduced to reflect time served.

They were the first gay men caned under Sharia law in Aceh. Consensual same-sex relations are not treated as crimes under the Indonesian Criminal Code, according to Amnesty International. Sharia bylaws have been in force in Aceh since the enactment of the province's Special Autonomy Law in 2001, and the province fully enacted a strict Islamic criminal code in 2014. It is enforced by Islamic courts.

"Many Acehnese and even Indonesians are skeptical [about caning]  because it's only punishing immoral acts such as gambling, drinking, prostitution or gay acts, but never those who are corrupt," Uzair said.

"This law is only used to punish us, the people, not the officials," he added, describing a case of a local official caught hiring prostitutes. "He was not punished at all. Our local leader argued that there was no evidence. We are speechless."

Uzair went on to say people do not speak up about the authorities' use of Qanun Jinayat.

"We live in an age and area where the silent majority or the voice of the ordinary people are not heard enough, because there are voices of conservative groups who talk loudly," he said. "If we say something that is considered contrary to their view, we will be accused as infidel or anti-Islam."

In April after the two men were detained, Widodo's organization issued a statement against the use of Qanun Jinayat in Aceh, saying the practice had the potential to cause discrimination of the LGBT community and other groups.

"The state has gone too far by interfering on the private affairs of its citizens and making their personal matters a public affair. This will eventually lead to discrimination and injustice against vulnerable groups, including LGBT communities."
The second round of peace talks under Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi, called "21st Century Panglong, commenced in the capital Naypyitaw Wednesday amid a cloud of frustration over the lack of progress made since the first conference held under her leadership in August.

Since then increased clashes in the north between ethnic armed groups and the military have made the prospect of peace seem even more distant than it did a mere nine months ago while a lack of clarity about the process has instilled uncertainty among the more than 120,000 people who are still internally displaced by fighting that first flared back up in 2011.

Initially the IDPs [internally displaced persons] themselves had a lot of trust and hope in Panglong in the sense that they thought that their hope for dignified and safe return is closer, but unfortunately that has not become the case, said Gum Sha Aung from the secretariat of the Joint Strategy Team, a group of nine local organizations working on humanitarian response in Kachin and northern Shan state.



Matthew Wells, senior crisis advisor at Amnesty International, said in an email that the fighting over the past half year in Kachin and Shan has deeply affected civilians who find themselves at risk of indiscriminate shelling, torture and forced recruitment.



The governments restrictions on humanitarian access, particularly to areas outside its control, have further squeezed tens of thousands of already vulnerable civilians, he said.







Search for peace



Dubbed the 21st Century Panglong conference after a long-defunct 1947 agreement between ethnic groups and Aung San Suu Kyis father, Aung San, the talks are aimed at ending decades of conflict plaguing Myanmar since independence in 1948, ideally through the establishment of a federal union.



After winning elections in 2015 and coming to power the next year, she said establishing peace was her main priority.



But the handling of negotiations, which used a nationwide cease-fire agreement signed by eight ethnic armed organizations under the previous administration as a starting point, has been bumpy.

Critics have pointed to fewer meetings between all sides than occurred under the previous government. Even small scheduling mishaps have not gone unnoticed.

Many expected the second round of talks to fall in February around the 70th anniversary of the original 1947 Panglong agreement. Instead, they were pushed back and it was unclear how many groups had agreed to attend until this week.

Government officials at the event expressed optimism, and there was some cause for it. Several powerful non-signatories to the cease-fire deal came. But another key organization, the United Nationalities Federal Council, or UNFC, declined to show up.

In a statement on Tuesday, the UNFC said its decision was based on the fact that they were invited as special guests and were thus not able to fully participate in the conference.The start of the five-day gathering at a convention center in Naypyitaw showed the diversity of Myanmars country, but also its differences. Attendees in dazzling traditional dress contrasted with the light green uniforms of Myanmars military.



In opening remarks, Aung San Suu Kyi said the next few days would witness discussions and "difficult decisions." Later in the speech, she sought to address the criticisms so far.





Challenges



As in peace dialogues across the world, during the first year of our new government we have experienced many highs and lows, progression and regression, she said. But at todays conference, it can be said that our collective efforts have started to bear fruit.



She told the audience that her government would not "resort to exerting pressure through populist politics, or coercing others through political means to achieve our goals."

But as with any peace measure in Myanmar, the military must be on board.

While army chief Min Aung Hlaing said for the sake of permanent peace, "the termination of clashes and armed conflicts is the dearest wish of the Tatmadaw [Myanmar military], some of his other remarks suggest everyone isnt on the same page.



Studying 72 papers submitted at the previous conference [in August], we came to notice that the discussions, activities and basic concepts of some ethnic groups are far beyond the federal system, which is the right of autonomy, he said. Such acts go against the desires and interest of the people who have high expectations of the democracy cause [sic] and peace process.

Rohingya crisis

He also hinted at an enduring crisis involving the Rohingya Muslim minority in Myanmar's Rakhine state.



In an attempt to go after Rohingya militants who killed nine border guard officers in October, a military crackdown has forced tens of thousands to flee into Bangladesh amid allegations of widespread abuses, which have been denied by the government and army.

"Today, we face not only the problem of internal peace, but also external threats," Min Aung Hlaing said.

The government believes the militants, who call themselves the Arakan National Salvation Army and are not involved in the peace process, have foreign assistance.
Tens of thousands of demonstrators called for President Michel Temer's ouster on Wednesday and federal police asked him to give a statement in a corruption investigation as the pressure on the leader ratcheted up.

Scuffles broke out between police and protesters as the demonstrations neared Congress. Police fired tear gas and pepper spray, and some protesters tipped over portable toilets and set fires to create barricades between themselves and officers.



Temer is struggling to retain power after the release of a recording that appears to capture him approving hush money for a convicted former lawmaker. Brazil's top court is investigating him for alleged obstruction of justice and involvement in passive corruption. The president is resisting calls to resign and has said he will fight the accusations.



Federal police asked Temer to submit to questioning, the president's defense team said in a statement Wednesday. His lawyers called the request inappropriate since the recording, which Temer says was doctored, is still being analyzed. They said he would give testimony to a supreme court justice or answer his questions in writing, but refused to be questioned by a federal police investigator.

Temer's allies, aides under investigation

Even before the latest scandal broke, Temer's popularity was low, in part because of opposition to economic reforms he is trying to push through Congress. Several of his allies and aides have also been caught up in a wide-ranging corruption investigation that has jailed business leaders and senior politicians.



He lost yet another aide on Wednesday, when Sandro Mabel resigned. Mabel, who was one of four special advisers who have been linked to corruption allegations and have resigned or been fired, published a letter saying he needs to spend more time with his family.

In Brasilia, the capital, thousands of protesters marched toward Congress in an effort to stop proposed reforms to the country's retirement system and labor laws. Unions say the changes will take away workers' rights and unfairly reduce their pensions. Temer says those and other reforms are necessary to drag the economy out of a deep recession.

But protesters real target was the president himself, shouting Out with Temer! and carrying signs calling for immediate direct presidential elections.

Brazilians want changes in election process

If Temer resigns, the Constitution says that Congress would vote to elect the next president, who would hold power through the end of 2018. But many Brazilians, disgusted with the political class, want to vote themselves.

While the demonstration of around 35,000 people was initially peaceful, police and protesters began clashing as the protest neared Congress. Police in riot gear, some on foot holding shields and others on horseback, lined up near the chamber. The unrest began as protesters tried to break through a cordon, according to the capital's Security Department. In television images, police could be seen spraying tear gas or pepper spray.

In Rio de Janeiro, demonstrators gathered in front of the state assembly to protest proposed austerity measures.

The state today is in a sea of debt because of corruption, said Julio Cesar Azevedo, a leader of a union that represents prison guards. It's not right that public servants are paying this bill.

The state of Rio is in serious financial trouble and many public servants have received their salaries late or not at all.
The Gulf of Guinea remains a global hot spot for piracy, with reported attacks concentrated off the coast of Nigeria.

Regional naval coordination has been a challenge, as the gulf touches 17 countries along West and Central Africa. Cameroon and Nigeria, however, are now reporting some success.

Nigerian navy officials recently received Cameroon's warship Le Ntem after it made it through rough seas to arrive off the coast of Calabar.

Ongoing cooperation

Among the officials present was Captain Muhammad Bida of the Nigerian navy.

As the Cameroonian war ship is approaching, definitely the navy has to come and receive the vessel and escort the vessel inside," he said. "And as you can see, our channel is the longest channel in Nigeria. We have about 49 nautical miles. That is about 90 kilometers inwards."

The visit was part of ongoing cooperation that began between the Cameroonian and Nigerian navies in 2014. Each country allows the other's navy to enter its territorial waters in pursuit. The two navies have also established a communication system and provide each other backup during operations.

On their way to Nigeria, the Cameroonian crew opened fire to scare the crew of a ship they said was fishing in a prohibited area. Nigerian naval ships soon arrived to assist.

Illegal fishing leads to arrests

Captain Fabrice Ntieuche of Cameroon's navy said the fishing vessel disobeyed instructions to stop until authorities threatened to use force.

He said all of the occupants aboard the fishing boat were arrested.

Ntieuche also said the ships on patrol don't hesitate to threaten force, like firing warning shots, as the maritime area around Calabar was once notorious for pirate activity.

Rear Admiral James Oluwole of Nigeria's eastern naval command in Calabar said the two countries have cut piracy attacks in the area dramatically.

We have seen better collaboration, Oluwole said. We have on both sides been able to check the acts of piracy and made some arrests, even all the way from Angola down to the end of Senegal. Before, it was not that easy to collaborate. But once all these countries come together, we have come a long way.

Incidents of piracy have dropped

The Nigerian navy official said these waters straddling Cameroon and Nigeria saw 53 piracy-related incidents in 2013 and 2014.

So far this year, the International Maritime Board has reported 14 such incidents in all of the Gulf of Guinea on its online live piracy and armed robbery map.

None of those incidents has occurred on the portion of the gulf between the Cameroonian border and Nigeria's Calabar.

That's not to say the situation is calm.

The navies of the two countries say they routinely deal with illegal fishing as well as cases of kidnappings for ransom around Calabar and along Cameroon's Bakassi Peninsula. They also deal with cases of drug trafficking and ecological threats.
A coroner in Australia says police made serious mistakes during a deadly siege in a Sydney cafe in December 2014. Two hostages died along with a lone gunman, a self-styled Islamic cleric, at the end of a 16-hour stand-off at the Lindt cafe in the center of Australias biggest city.

On December 15, 2014 terror struck the heart of Sydneys financial district.

A gunman entered the Lindt cafe, had a coffee before holding a firearm to manager Tori Johnson's head. For the next 16 hours Man Haron Monis, an Iranian refugee, held eight staff members and 10 customers at gunpoint.

Over those terrifying hours several captives managed to escape, and police commandos eventually stormed the cafe after Monis murdered Johnson. Another hostage was killed in the crossfire, and the gunman shot dead by the police.

After an 18-month investigation, New South Wales coroner Michael Barnes criticized the police for not acting sooner. He said officers were ill-equipped to handle the siege to protect the 18 hostages, who suffered a terrible ordeal.

The terror they endured could be described as torture as Monis oscillated between feigning regard for their welfare and threatening to blow them apart with shotgun blasts or a bomb. They had entered a familiar workplace or tranquil retreat only to find it transformed into a prison run by a vicious maniac, said Barnes.

The coroner found the gunman was not suffering from a psychiatric disorder but was a troubled individual who was on bail at the time of the siege. He was accused of being an accessory in the murder of his ex-wife and had written offensive letters to the families of dead Australian soldiers. He was also facing more than 40 sexual assault charges. But despite this, the coroner said, the police had no accurate picture of who Monis was or what he was capable of doing when he took 18 people hostage.

The State coroner in New South Wales state ensures that all deaths, as well as fires and explosions, are properly investigated. If necessary, coroners can also recommend measures to prevent future deaths.

Barnes made 45 recommendations in his 600-page report after reviewing the Lindt cafe siege in Sydney.

Family members and friends of the two victims of the Lindt cafe siege have been highly critical of the response of the police during the stand-off.
More than 30 migrants, mostly toddlers, drowned on Wednesday when about 200 people without life jackets fell from a boat into the sea off the Libyan coast before they could be hauled into waiting rescue boats.

Rescue group MOAS, which operates in the Mediterranean, said its staff was pulling bodies out of the water. "Most are toddlers," co-founder Chris Catrambone said on Twitter.

A total of 34 dead bodies were found in the water, and around 1,800 people rescued from four rubber dinghies and six wooden boats, the coast guard said later in a statement.

British and Spanish navy ships, aid group Doctors Without Borders (MSF), three merchant ships and a tug boat joined MOAS and the Italian Coast Guard and Navy to carry out the rescues.

The ill-fated boat probably tipped because of a combination of weather conditions and the fact the migrants suddenly crowded to one side, sending just under half of the 500 on board into the water, the coast guard said.

More than 1,300 people have died this year on the world's most dangerous crossing for migrants, after boarding flimsy boats to flee poverty and war across Africa and the Middle East.

Last Friday, more than 150 disappeared at sea, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) said Tuesday, citing testimony collected after survivors disembarked in Italy.

In the past week, more than 7,000 migrants have been plucked from boats in international waters off the western coast of Libya, where people smugglers operate with impunity.

Despite efforts by Italy and the European Union to train and equip the U.N.-backed government in Tripoli and its coast guard to fight traffickers, migrants are arriving in record numbers.

Disputes are also brewing between the Libyan Coast Guard and aid groups. MSF and SOS Mediteranee said officials from the Tripoli-based force had boarded a migrant boat during a rescue Tuesday, robbing the migrants and firing shots into the air.

More than 60 people fell into the water in the ensuing panic, but no one was injured as life jackets had already been given out, MSF and SOS Mediteranee said, broadly corroborating an earlier report by humanitarian group Jugend Rettet.

"Italian and European authorities should not be providing support to the Libyan Coast Guard," MSF representative Annemarie Loof said. "This support is further endangering people's lives."

Group of Seven summit

Italy is hosting a meeting of the world's seven major industrialized nations in Sicily on Friday and Saturday, and is pushing the group, which includes the United States, to put migration, Libya's stabilization and African development at the top of the agenda.

"The tragedy of children dying in the Mediterranean is a wake-up call to leaders meeting in Sicily," the United Nations Children's Fund Deputy Executive Director Justin Forsyth, who is traveling to the summit, said in a statement.

Authorities have diverted rescue vessels to the mainland from their usual ports in Sicily during the summit, keeping the migration crisis out of sight but not out of mind.

More than 50,000 migrants have been rescued at sea and brought to Italy so far this year, a 46 percent increase on the same period of last year, the Interior Ministry said this week.

Most rescues take place just outside the 12-mile mark that separates Libyan territory from international waters.

It is a busy stretch of sea where humanitarian vessels and the Libyan Coast Guard are joined by scavengers hoping to recover abandoned migrant boats and their engines.

After Tuesday's skirmish, Jugend Rettet said the Libyans towed two migrant boats back to shore while humanitarian groups brought more than 1,000 on board.
NATO leaders are going to Brussels for a summit meeting on Thursday expecting to agree on key principles. With Monday's attack in Britain overshadowing the meeting, there will be quick consensus on the need to keep fighting terrorism both at home and abroad, in places like Afghanistan.



How to do it is a different question.



The war in Afghanistan is one of the key topics European leaders hope to learn more about when they meet with U.S. President Donald Trump.



The U.S. leader wants a boost in NATO contributions for the effort, but Germanys Angela Merkel has indicated she is lukewarm about this and will wait for NATO discussions on the matter. We are also coordinating the cooperation of about 20 member countries which are active there, she said earlier this month.



I am going to wait for the decisions. I do not think we're first in line to expand our capacities there, Merkel said.

Pressing again for NATO members' payments

Aside from the Afghanistan war, Trump has made clear he wants alliance members to meet minimum contribution levels, and spend two percent of their gross national income on defense. Only five of the alliances 28 members - the United States, Britain, Estonia, Greece and Poland - are doing so.



European leaders expect to hear a reaffirmation that NATOs anti-terrorism work extends beyond Europe and the Atlantic.



Former British Foreign Minister David Owen said NATO "is a vehicle for the world" already.



"Actually it is a global entity, and I think there is a case for expanding that now to dealing with ISIS," Owen told VOA. "I know this is controversial, but I think if its approached carefully and steadily, we will see NATO accepting that it is right for there to be an extension of the remit [authority] from Iraq to go out and to deal with ISIS, and I think its a much better way of American power being globally used within the framework of NATO.



There are disagreements going into the meeting, but there is also the prospect of progress in some key areas.

Manchester attack highlights global war on terror



The global fight on terror is on the NATO summit agenda. In the wake of the Manchester attack, Britains Theresa May was expected to present a strong case in support of more coordination among allies to tackle terrorism, something analysts said would further bolster the view that NATO remains relevant and necessary.



Russia also looms large for European leaders at both the NATO summit and the G-7 meeting that follows in Italy.



Germany, Austria and others hope for a new direction in relations with Moscow following the Ukraine crisis, as continued sanctions against Moscow have created pressure on western European nations dependent on Russian energy exports.



European leaders also hope to use the NATO summit to ease tensions with Turkey following the recent referendum that gave President Recep Tayyip Erdogan sweeping new powers, and raised new concerns about growing authoritarianism.



Waiting for Trump...



A dispute between Turkey and Austria emerged on Tuesday when reports said the Turkish government has suspended cooperation with NATO members following Austrian opposition to Turkeys membership in the EU. Austria is not a member of NATO but its troops sometimes partner with alliance forces.



The big hope among European leaders is that seeing Trump face to face and hearing him repeat assurances that he no longer believes NATO is obsolete will quell anxieties about the U.S. role as guarantor of Europes security.



Reports quote NATO sources as saying officials will hold off on issuing a formal declaration as is common after some summits. It may depend on what is said at the meeting. In this time of transition and surprises, that is something no one can predict.
South Africa grabbed international attention earlier this year with images of angry demonstrators attacking foreign residents and their businesses. This type of xenophobic violence, analysts say, is largely driven by high unemployment, inequality and frustration with the governments failure to provide everyone with basic services.



But like those enduring challenges, xenophobic attacks are also proving hard to wipe out. The nation has seen eruptions of major anti-foreigner violence in 2008, 2014, 2015, 2016, and earlier this year. Members of immigrant communities and watchdog groups say xenophobic violence is a daily occurrence.



Sharon Ekambaram leads the refugee and migrant rights program for Lawyers for Human Rights. She said her rights group hears daily accounts of crimes against immigrants, and South African authorities are often reluctant to intervene when foreign nationals are targeted.



Its not only my opinion, but it is well documented, she said. ... And these acts of violence are a combination of very, very reckless statements that have been made by politicians, unsubstantiated statements using foreign nationals as scapegoats for their failure to implement policies and deliver services that they are constitutionally obliged to do.



In central Johannesburg, Abdirizak Ali Osman, secretary-general of the Somali Community Board, agrees.



Xenophobia in South Africa has never ended, and I think for me it is never going to end, he said, rattling off a number of recent reports his office in central Johannesburg has received of lootings, robberies, and threats.



It happens on a daily basis, on a very small scale, in different parts of the country.





Scared and silent



Foreign shopkeepers say they are regularly targeted because of their nationality. One, Fatuma Hassan, said she has taken to wearing a face-covering niqab so that she can speak freely about the threats she faces.



Xenophobia not one time, two times, three times - several times she said. Up to now, they came to me, took $300 from my shop. Now my brother came through to here, he told me that they looted, even today in my shop.



Another Somali businessman, Soweto shopowner Mustafa Omar Caddow, said he recently stood by helplessly as a rampaging mob took at least $30,000 worth of appliances from his shop and then trashed the place.



This month, in the evening around eight, the people who was destructing, they came, and they looted the shop, he said. They break, and they took everything. There is nothing left.



Safety in numbers



Here in the predominantly Somali suburb of Mayfair, residents say they feel safety in numbers. They need it, they say, because they do not feel the government has listened to their suggestions on how to improve safety.



I was expecting that at least they will say, we are going to take care of you from now on, so this will not happen, said Caddow. They do not say.They say, Actually, we can do nothing.

South African police did not answer repeated calls from VOA seeking comment.



Caddow, whose wife and children still live in war-torn, unstable Somalia, said he longs to be reunited with his loved ones after nearly eight years apart.

But, he said, it just isnt safe.
President Donald Trump has retained Marc Kasowitz as his private attorney for the special counsel's probe of alleged Russian meddling in the U.S. election and possible ties between the Trump campaign and Moscow, a Fox Business Network reporter said on Twitter on Tuesday.

Kasowitz, a New York-based trial lawyer who has represented Trump in the past, did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Reuters.

The White House also did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Kasowitz picked from field of four

The Washington Post reported on Monday that Kasowitz was among four prominent attorneys who had spoken to the White House and were widely seen as the finalists for the role of Trump's private attorney, citing four people briefed on the discussions.

The other three attorneys were Robert Giuffra Jr., Reid Weingarten and Theodore Olson, the Post said, citing the four people. It said they spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly.

The outside counsel would be separate from the White House Counsels Office, which is led by Donald McGahn, who served as the Trump campaigns lawyer.

He would represent Trump in the investigation into Russia ties being run by former FBI Director Robert Mueller, who was appointed as special counsel by the Justice Department last week. Several congressional committees and the Federal Bureau of Investigation are also investigating the matter.

Russia has denied involvement

U.S. intelligence agencies concluded in January that Moscow tried to sway the November vote in Trump's favor. Russia has denied involvement, and Trump has denied any collusion between his campaign and Russia.

But more controversy has engulfed Trump since he fired FBI Director James Comey two weeks ago amid that agency's investigation into possible collusion between his presidential campaign and Russia.

Reuters reported last week that Trump's fired former national security adviser, Michael Flynn, and other advisers to Trump's campaign were in contact with Russian officials and others with Kremlin ties in at least 18 calls and emails during the last seven months of the presidential race.
The encounter between Maoists and security forces comes a month after the Sukma attack in which 25 CRPF jawans were killed.

By India Today Web Desk: An encounter between security forces and Maoists is underway in Dantewada, in Chhattisgarh. One jawan has sustained severe injuries in the encounter, news agency ANI reported.

The encounter comes a month after 25 jawans of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) were killed in a dastardly attack by Maoists in Sukma district of Chhattisgarh.

The Naxals had laid an ambush on a patrolling party of the CRPF near Burkapal village which was supporting road construction work in the area when they were attacked. They had triggered an IED blast and then started firing indiscriminately at the CRPF jawans.

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The Ministry of Home Affairs felt that the Sukma attack pointed to a leadership failure and called for a need to overhaul the anti-Naxal strategy in Maoist-infested regions. Ten Naxals, believed to be involved in the Sukma attack, were arrested more than a fortnight ago.

The Sukma attack was the worst Naxal attack on security forces since the 2010 attack of Dantewada, in which 76 CRPF jawans were killed in an ambush by Naxals near Chitalnar village in Dantewada.

ALSO READ:

From Dantewada 2010 to Sukma 2017: How the Naxal attack narrative has not changed in 7 years

Sukma Naxal attack: Who is Hidma, man believed to be behind the killing of 25 CRPF jawans?

After Sukma attack, CRPF gets new director general to fight Naxal menace

--- ENDS ---
Gunmen have kidnapped two Chinese citizens in southwestern Pakistan, where Beijing is investing billions of dollars to help build a trade route linking the two countries.

Authorities said the assailants intercepted a car carrying three Chinese, including two women, Wednesday in Quetta, the capital of Baluchistan province

A provincial government spokesman, Anwaar ul Haq Kakar, told VOA the armed men seized the foreigners and tried to force them into their own vehicle when a scuffle broke out.

The resistance enabled a Chinese woman to escape the kidnapping, while their personal security guard was shot and wounded before the assailants took away the hostages, Kakar added.

He said that police and paramilitary forces have launched a major operation in the provincial capital to safely recover the Chinese nationals who were based in Quetta to teach Mandarin and learn the local language.

Baluchistan, particularly its newly-expanded deep water port of Gwadar on the Arabian Sea, is at the heart of a $60-billion Chinese-funded "Belt and Road" trade and development initiative.

The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, or CPEC, consists of a network of roads, rail links and power plants. It will ultimately link Chinas western Xinjiang region to Gwadar, giving Beijing the shortest trade access to the Middle East, Europe and Africa.

Increase in violence



But as the work on CPEC-related projects has picked up, the Pakistani province is encountering an uptick in militant and separatist violence.



A suicide bombing near Quetta earlier this month killed at least 25 people. The attack wounded the deputy chairman of the Pakistani Senate, apparently the target of the violence. Days later, unknown attackers killed more than a dozen laborers working on CPEC projects near Gwadar.

Islamic State militants claimed responsibility for the deadly bombing, while separatist Baluch militants took credit for killing the construction workers.

On Tuesday, authorities announced in Quetta that security forces have arrested a mastermind behind three suicide bombings in Baluchistan last year that claimed the lives of more than 200 Pakistanis. IS claimed all three attacks.

Officials identified the detained man as Saeed Ahmed Badani, saying he has confessed to have planned the bloodshed.

The Pakistan military has trained and deployed a special security force of thousands of troops to protect CPEC projects and Chinese nationals working on them. But critics are questioning the effectiveness of the special force following a recent surge in deadly violence in Baluchistan.
International and national pressure is growing on Ankara over the fate of two protesters in the 76th day of a hunger strike. Teacher Semih Ozakca and Professor Nuriye Gulmen are fasting over the loss of their jobs as part of an ongoing nationwide government purge following Julys failed coup attempt.

The two hunger strikers were arrested early Monday and charged as members of a terrorist organization. Sixty two members of the European Parliament condemned their arrest in a letter to Turkish Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag, calling for their immediate release.

The letter also criticized the wider crackdown. We, the undersigned members of the European Parliament, wish to express our deepest concern about the ongoing state of emergency and disproportionate effects thereof on democracy and human rights in Turkey, the letter said.



Ozakca and Gulmens arrest prompted protests in several Turkish cities. In Ankara, police violently broke up a demonstration, arresting more than a dozen. Several opposition law makers attempted to hold a protest Wednesday, but were warned by police they would be arrested.



In Istanbul Tuesday, dozens of riot police backed by a water cannon truck prevented a protest before it started, warning all those attending would face arrest.

We already know that you have destroyed justice. But it must be very hard, even for you, to be so remorseless as to arrest Gulmen and Ozakca. Rather than being arrested, they should be reinstated to their posts, Kemal Kilicdaroglu leader of the main opposition Republican Peoples Party, said in a Twitter post.

Teachers are growing rights symbol

The educators' hunger strike, under the banner We Want our Job Back," has become a focal point of growing criticism over the ongoing purges. Protests in the teachers' support have spread across the country.

More than 140,000 people have lost their jobs in the crackdown. All dismissals are done by presidential decree under emergency rule powers introduced after Julys failed coup.



Sunday, President Recep Erdogan promised there would be no let up in the crackdown, indicating emergency rule will stay enforce indefinitely, until the return of peace and prosperity.

Nobody can be fired from their jobs like this. We want to show that, said Gulmen, before her arrest, Our main demand is that we want the decrees to be annulled. We don't want a single laborer to be sacked with a decree ever again.

Gulmen, visibly frail from her months of fasting in which she drank only water with sugar, acknowledged the dangers she and Ozakca are taking,

Yes, we are under risk. Hunger strike is a protest that contains risks. Everybody knows that, and we were always aware of the risks. We are calling on everyone who is concerned and aware of the risks to solve the problem with those responsible, said Gulmen.



Gulmen and Ozakca were both dismissed for being supporters of the Islamic cleric Fethullah Gulen, blamed for Julys failed coup. After their dismissal, they initially protested peacefully every day, frequently resulting in their arrest. Their daily routine of protest and detention went viral across social media, making them celebrities among opponents of the crackdown. With such efforts failing to get their jobs back, however, both went on a hunger strike.

Growing support for protests

Some opposition lawmakers have gone on token one-day hunger strikes, while others joined them in protesting.

It is not because they prefer hunger, it is not because they want their health to deteriorate, it is not because they love death. They are doing this action because they want to keep their honor, said opposition deputy Mithat Sancar, addressing a protest in Ankara. Responsibility falls upon us, we must not to leave this resistance alone."

Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said he would look into their cases, although he insisted the hunger strike is unnecessary because there are official channels to challenge any dismissal. A government appointed seven-member panel,was set up last week for people to challenge their dismissals. But British based Human rights group Amnesty International dismissed the panel as woefully inadequate and without independence.

With the hunger strikers approach their third month of fasting, pressure on Ankara is predicted to grow. Human rights groups are looking to the European Union.

"The EU should put human rights firmly back into the picture, said Lotte Leicht, of U.S. based Human Rights Watch. Presidents Juncker and Tusk should convey the message that with Turkeys EU accession stalled, deeper economic cooperation under a possible new customs union will depend on Erdogan ending the deplorable crackdown in Turkey, and taking steps to uphold human rights and the rule of law.

Erdogan is to hold talks Thursday with European Union representatives on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Brussels.
The African extremist group al-Shabab said it carried out three attacks in Somalia and Kenya on Wednesday that killed 16 people, most of them police and security officers.

Somalia's government recently launched an offensive against al-Shabab extremists, and Kenyan officials say the militants are feeling the pressure.

Officials in Mogadishu said at least eight people were killed and 15 others wounded by a car bomb explosion late Wednesday near the Somali capital's seaport.

Witnesses told VOA's Somali service the vehicle that blew up was next to a small restaurant. A mother and young boy from the family that operates the restaurant were among the dead, Mogadishu government spokesman Abdifatah Omar Halane said.

In claiming responsibility for the blast, al-Shabab said it was targeting police and intelligence officials at the time.

In Kenya, meanwhile, witnesses and local authorities said eight security officers were killed in two separate roadside explosions in the country's northeast, near the border with Somalia.

Five men were killed by an improvised explosive device that hit a convoy of vehicles escorting the governor of Mandera County, Ali Roba. A witness who was in the official party told VOA Somali that the five officers "died on the spot" after their vehicle set off the bomb.

Roba said in a message posted on his Facebook page: "I would like to inform the general public that the other leaders and I are safe. Unfortunately, I lost five of my security officers, including my personal bodyguard, at an attack on my convoy between Arabia and Fino at around 1 p.m."

Another roadside bomb killed three police officers traveling between Liboi and Kulan towns in Kenya's Garissa County. That blast wounded five people, two seriously.

Kenya's police chief, Joseph Boinnet, sounded a warning Tuesday about stepped-up al-Shabab attacks in his country as a result of military campaigns in Somalia, where African Union troops are supporting Somali forces.

Last week, al-Shabab militants shot and killed a local official at his home in a small town 20 kilometers from Mandera town. The area has been under a curfew since October as a result of al-Shabab attacks. The curfew is to remain effect through June.

IS claim

Elsewhere, Islamic State militants claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing in northern Somalia on Tuesday that killed five people, including the bomber, and wounded 18 others.

A statement from IS, released through its Amaq news agency, said the bomber carried out a "martyrdom-seeking operation with an explosive vest."

This was the first suicide bombing claimed by IS in Somalia, a country where it has operated since 2015.

According to police, the attack targeted officers manning a security checkpoint in a busy junction of Bosasso, in Somalia's semiautonomous Puntland region.

A suicide bomber strapped with explosives rushed toward police before blowing himself up, a witness told VOA.

VOA's Mohamed Olad Hassan contributed to this report.
In a country where symbolism is so important, President Donald Trump made a number of important gestures during his visit to the Holy Land this week, leaving Israelis elated and Palestinians disappointed.

Thank you President Trump for your steadfast friendship to the Jewish people and the Jewish state! said a beaming Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. It is deeply, deeply appreciated.

Trump became the first sitting president to visit the Western Wall, the last remnant of the biblical Temple and Judaisms holiest site, saying he was deeply moved and that it will leave an impression on me forever.



Other presidents have stayed away because the United States does not recognize Israeli sovereignty over Jerusalems disputed Old City, which the Palestinians claim as the capital of their future state.

WATCH: Trump at Western Wall



The president and his family also visited the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial and embraced the Israeli ethos that the Jewish state rose out of the ashes of World War II.

It was historys darkest hour, Trump said of the systematic attempt to eliminate the Jewish people. From the depths of the suffering, the Jewish people have built a mighty nation, and the Star of David waves proudly above this cherished land.

That kind of empathy plays well among the Israeli public.

He was amazing! said Liat Hirsch, a housewife in Jerusalem. Trump really has a place in his heart for Israel.

Zalman Shoval, a former Israeli ambassador to the United States, says Trumps stop at the Western Wall sends a powerful signal to the Palestinians, who deny Jewish biblical and historical ties to Jerusalem.

By going there, hes the president, which shows very, very clearly his respect and acknowledgement for the connection of the Jewish people with its land and with its capital, which goes beyond diplomatic pronouncements, Shoval said. All the different messages made by President Trump are not only something heartwarming to Israelis, but its a clear message to the Palestinians: Be serious about making peace and dont delude yourselves that the U.S. is not Israels ally and will look the other way.





Palestinians unimpressed

While Trump heaped praise on Israel during the 28-hour visit, he spent only one hour in the West Bank town of Bethlehem, meeting with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. The American leader said that the time is ripe for peace, but did not propose a specific plan to achieve it. There was no mention of key Palestinian grievances and aspirations, namely, the expansion of Jewish settlements and the creation of a Palestinian state.

Iman Haddad, a Palestinian student in the West Bank, said Trumps visit was little more than a photo-op. In my opinion it was a general [i.e., ordinary] visit for the American president, she said. I didnt see anything new in his speech about the settlements, about the [Israeli] siege, about the checkpoints. And in the end, its nothing new.

The Palestinian press was equally skeptical, especially about Netanyahus comments to Trump that Israel also shares the commitment to peace that you expressed ... Weve already made peace with Egypt and Jordan and Israels hand is extended in peace to all our neighbors, including the Palestinians.



The statements of Israeli officials on peace are misleading, said an editorial in the Jerusalem-based Arabic language newspaper Al-Quds. These statements are nothing but bubbles that will soon vanish. Their purpose is to throw dust in [Trumps] eyes, because the occupation state [Israel] is uninterested in peace or in achieving security and stability in the region.

Nevertheless, leaders on both sides want to give the new U.S. administration a chance. Trump said that with determination, compromise ... and the belief that peace is possible, Israelis and Palestinians can make a deal. As a first step, American negotiators are trying to goad reluctant Israeli and Palestinian leaders back to peace talks that collapsed three years ago; and they might succeed, because neither side wants to say No to the president.
Israel says it has changed its intelligence-sharing protocols with the United States after President Donald Trump disclosed classified information to Russian diplomats earlier this month that had come from Israel, even though Tel Aviv had not assented to his handing it to another country.

Israeli defense chief Avigdor Liberman told Army Radio on Wednesday, I can confirm that we did a spot repair and that theres unprecedented intelligence cooperation with the United States."

He added, "What we had to clarify with our friends in the United States, we did. We did our checks.

Liberman declined to say what changes had been made. "Not everything needs to be discussed in the media; some things need to be talked about in closed rooms," he said.

Trump's disclosure came two weeks ago as he met at the White House with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Moscow's ambassador to Washington, Sergey Kislyak. The U.S. leader, according to accounts of the meeting in U.S. media, boasted that he had "great intel," revealing classified information about an Islamic State threat involving bombs implanted inside laptop computers carried on airplanes.

After U.S. news reports that Trump shared the information, he wrote on his Twitter account, "As President I wanted to share with Russia [at an openly scheduled W.H. meeting] which I have the absolute right to do, facts pertaining to terrorism and airline flight safety. Humanitarian reasons, plus I want Russia to greatly step up their fight against ISIS & terrorism."

The issue came up again on his just completed visit to Israel, at one of Trump's several public appearances alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

When Netanyahu was asked about his confidence in Israel sharing intelligence with the United States, Trump quieted a crowd of reporters shouting questions at the two leaders and said, "Just so you understand, I never mentioned the word or the name Israel during that conversation. They were all saying I did, so you had another story wrong.

Intelligence cooperation is terrific, Netanyahu said after Trump spoke. Its never been better.

The original reports said only that Trump had disclosed enough highly classified information that Russian security agents could likely have figured out that the source of the report was Israel. Within days, Washington officials acknowledged the source was indeed Israel.

Last week, Foreign Policy magazine said Israeli officials were shouting at their American counterparts over the leak, while ABC News reported the information had come from an Israeli agent embedded with Islamic State fighters and Trump's leak had put the agent's life in peril.

As news of the intelligence leak surfaced in Washington, U.S. National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster said Trumps conversations were wholly appropriate. The president wasnt even aware of where this information came from. He wasnt even briefed on the sources or method of this information, either.
The family of Basuki Tjahaya Purnama and his lawyers on Tuesday announced the recently defeated governor of Jakarta better known as "Ahok" had revoked the decision to appeal a two-year sentence for blasphemy handed down by the North Jakarta District Court.

Ahok's wife, Veronica Tan, delivered the notice to the court Monday. She did not comment on the decision, which was filed less than an hour after Purnama's legal team filed paperwork for the appeal, according to local media.

On Tuesday, she cried as she read a statement written by her husband.

"I know it's not easy for you to accept this fact, much less me," she said at a news conference, quoting her husband. "But I have learned to forgive and accept all this, for the good of the nation and the state."

Respect for Ramadan

Ahok's sister, Fifi Lety Indra, who is part of his legal team, told VOA Indonesia late Monday that her brother opted out of the appeal in part to end demonstrations on his behalf and out of respect for Ramadan, which begins Friday.

There was also the chance that if the appeal failed, he would receive a longer sentence.

His decision "benefits all interested parties," his sister said.

Ahok was put on trial in December over accusations that he insulted Islam while campaigning on one of the islands near the capital, Jakarta. Ahok quoted a verse in the Quran to prove to his supporters that there were no restrictions on Muslims voting for non-Muslim politicians. His statement was edited and widely spread in social media, triggering demonstrations. As he campaigned, he faced protesters demanding that he be jailed or executed.

The blasphemy allegations against Purnama, a Chinese Christian, sparked mass protests spearheaded by conservative Muslims during the governor's race and the runoff vote.

Election loss

The blasphemy sentence, which is more than prosecutors sought, came on May 9, less than a month after he lost his election bid to stay in his position as Jakarta's governor. Purnama lost to Anies Baswedan, a university rector and former minister of education and culture, who courted the conservative Islamic vote.

Purnama called on Indonesians to uphold the rule of law, said his sister, adding that he was grateful for his supporters' faith in him.

"He considered it carefully," said his sister. "He is a fighter, but he considers other people's feelings, and the fasting month [Ramadan] will come soon. If he did not revoke the appeal, the demonstration will continue."

Purnama's family has accepted his decision, said his sister. "We are ready. We have explained it to the children that their father is not corrupt; he is slandered, he was treated unfairly. We told them that 'you must uphold your head because your father defends the constitution.' He is a hard worker. He is the leader. They understand."

This story originated on VOA's Indonesia service.
The suspected suicide bomber who killed 22 people at a concert in Manchester, northern England, on Monday has been identified as 22-year-old Salman Abedi, British police said.

Abedi was born in Manchester in 1994 to parents of Libyan birth, U.S. security officials said, citing British intelligence officials. Prime Minister Theresa May confirmed Abedi was born and brought up in Britain.

His parents emigrated from Libya to London before moving to the Fallowfield area of south Manchester, where they have lived for at least 10 years, the U.S. officials said. Police raided a house in Elsmore Road in Fallowfield earlier on Tuesday.

A U.S. government source said investigators were looking into whether Abedi had traveled to Libya and whether he had been in touch with Islamic State militants there. The Times newspaper said Abedi was believed to have returned to Britain from Libya recently.

The University of Salford, based in Manchester, said in a statement that Abedi was one of its students and it was helping the police with their investigation.

Police arrest man

A 23-year-old man arrested by police in a separate move in south Manchester in connection with the attack on Tuesday was believed to be Abedi's brother, news reports said.

Abedi had a sister named Jomana Abedi, the U.S. security officials said.

Abdalla Yousef, a spokesman for the Didsbury Mosque in Manchester, said Abedi's father and brother had prayed there but Abedi had worshipped at another mosque.

"I have managed to track down somebody who knows the family. He confirmed his father and sister and the rest of the family had moved to Libya and had moved there straight after the revolution after Gadaffi was killed," Yousef said.

He said it was possible the brothers had traveled between the two countries since then.

A trustee of the mosque, Fawzi Haffar, said Abedi's father was currently in Libya and had been there for a while.
Monday nights suicide bombing in Manchester has heightened fears of terrorism in Britain, but some immigrants and religious minorities are being lauded for their actions after the attack, which killed 22 people and injured 59 others.

Throughout the city, Sikh temples have kept their doors open, offering food and shelter to anyone in need.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Association encouraged its members to donate blood.

And taxi drivers, many of whom immigrated from the Middle East and Africa, took passengers to hospitals, hotels and other locations without collecting fares.

VOAs Somali service spoke to Abdurahman Isak Mohamed, a 46-year-old Uber driver who was two miles from the arena when he heard the bomb blast.



After hearing the sound, Mohamed knew something was wrong and drove toward the area to see if he could help. Upon seeing the frightened, fleeing concertgoers, he offered free rides and transported eight people to local hotels.

Its like our country here, he said.

Mohamed said he acted without hesitation. We live together, we work together, we stay together. Thats why we do [this]. When something bad happens, we can help each other, he said.

Mohamed also said he wanted to return the favor of hospitality to the people of his adopted home country. I am ready to work [voluntarily] because we live here. We stay here. Thats why were doing that  because its like our country here, he said. We live, we stay. The British people, they give us a good reception. They look after us.

Like many Muslims in Britain, Mohamed was searching for answers after the attack. He emphasized the bombing does not represent his religion. Its disgusting. We are not happy about the situation, he said.

That sentiment was echoed by the Muslim Council of Great Britain, which said the perpetrator would face the full weight of justice, both in this life and the next, according to The Telegraph newspaper.

The paper noted that flowers were laid near the site of the blast, along with a message that read, It was a monster not a Muslim.

Heightened alert level

On Tuesday, the British government raised the countrys terror alert level to critical while the investigation into the attack continued.

Prime Minister Theresa May said that the suspected attacker, 22-year-old Salman Abedi, was born and raised in Britain, but his parents are from Libya. Abedi died in the blast.

There are about 13,000 Africans living in Manchester, according to 2011 census data. Nigerians make up most of Manchesters African immigrants. There are also several thousand Somalis, Zimbabweans, Ghanaians, Kenyans and South Africans in the city.

Manchesters overall immigrant population stands at 19 percent of its half million residents, twice the national average.

Embassies have warned young Africans to be vigilant. Raymond Maro, a Tanzanian student at the University of Bradford, about 60 kilometers from Manchester, said, African embassies have cautioned students to be aware about security around them and report to local authorities any inconsistencies.

VOA's Swahili Service contributed to this report.
Developments Tuesday concerning President Donald Trump include his discussions with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying both are "ready to reach for peace"; the release of his federal budget, his current Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats testifying before Congress, and his comments on the terror attack in Manchester:

WATCH: US President Trump visits Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial in Jerusalem

Trump: Israeli, Palestinian Leaders 'Ready to Reach for Peace' -- U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday declared that both the Israeli and Palestinian leaders are ready to reach for peace. Trump made the remark alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a speech at the Israel Museum. Trump had held talks with Netanyahu on Monday and met him again on Tuesday after a brief visit to the West Bank for a one-hour discussion with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas.

Proposed Trump Budget: More Military; Less for Social Programs -- The president is proposing major changes in the way Washington's $4.1 trillion budget is spent, with more money for the military, border security, and veterans. The just-published budget for next year also slashes money for programs that benefit the poor. Mick Mulvaney, Trump's top budget official, said for the first time the budget looks at spending from the point of view of the taxpayers, rather than the people who get government help.

WATCH: Trump comments on Manchester attack

Trump: Manchester Bomber an Evil Loser -- Trump responded to the bombing of an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester, England, Tuesday, calling the attackers and other terrorists evil losers. ... I won't call them monsters because they would like that term, they would think that is a great name. I will call them, from now on, losers because that's what they are: losers," he said.

Trump's Intel Chief Mum on Pressure to Rebut Russia Evidence -- Trumps intelligence chief declined to comment Tuesday on media reports that the president pressured him to publicly deny that evidence existed of collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia to influence the 2016 U.S. presidential race. National Intelligence Director Dan Coats told a Senate panel: I dont feel its appropriate to characterize discussions and conversations with the president. In recent days, news outlets have reported that Trump made separate appeals to Coats and to National Security Agency Director Michael Rogers, urging them to rebut allegations that Russia colluded with Trump campaign aides to help the real estate magnate win the White House.

Veteran Reporter Compares Watergate, Trump's Travails -- Walter Mears, who covered Washington in the early 1970s, says for any parallels between Watergate and Russian interference in the 2016 presidential elections, there are also major differences. In Watergate, the smoking gun was a White House tape proving that Richard M. Nixon ordered a cover-up - the final evidence that forced him from the White House. In the Russia investigation, the smoke hasn't cleared because President Donald Trump keeps shooting.
1 A Jewish woman named Renee Rachel Black and a Muslim man named Sadiq Patel react next to floral tributes for the victims of the deadly Manchester concert suicide bombing, at St. Ann's Square in Manchester, Britain.
By Press Trust of India: Lucknow, May 24 (PTI) The Uttar Pradesh government will launch a massive immunisation campaign in 38 eastern districts of the state to protect children from the deadly encephalitis disease that has been claiming hundreds of lives annually.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will flag off the campaign in Kushinagar tomorrow.

"Yogi Adityanath first raised the issue of encephalitis in 1998 in Parliament and after becoming the chief minister of the state he is fully committed to its eradication and a massive immunisation drive will be conducted in 38 eastern UP districts between May 25 and June 11," the states health minister Siddhartnath Singh told newspersons here.

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Children up to 15 years of age will be included in this campaign, the minister said, adding that the chief minister will lauch it from a malin basti (slum area) in Kushinagar, while other cabinet ministers and senior leaders will shoulder the responsibility in other districts.

The minister said the drive will cover over 88 lakh children for which the central government has provided one crore vaccines.

Though vaccines are available for Japanese Encephalitis, there is no such vaccine for checking acute encephalitis syndrome (AES) and better hygiene is the only way to ward it off, the minister said, adding that a swachta abhiyan (cleanliness drive) will also be run alongside.

"The chief minister has sought help from MPs, MLAs, ministers and other peoples representatives to join the campaign by issuing an appeal," Singh said.

Some 40,000 children have died of the disease in the past four decades in the region.

The minister said that about 85 per cent cases of Japanese Encephalitis and AES are reported among Dalits and minorities. He took the opportunity to target the opposition parties by saying it would have been better if those shedding tears over Saharanpur caste clashes had got themselves associated with this campaign, a reference to BSP supremo Mayawati who visited the spot yesterday.

He said the state goverment has taken the Saharanpur incident very seriously and sent four senior officials with the instructions to return only after normalcy is restored. The chief minister has made an appeal to the people to maintain peace and has also sought cooperation from opposition parties, he added. PTI SAB SMI BSA

--- ENDS ---
One snake can be scary enough, but a new study suggests some of the slithering reptiles hunt for prey in groups.

Researchers from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville say the Cuban boa, the largest native terrestrial predator on the island they are named after, coordinate their hunts in the islands bat caves.

Vladimir Dinets, who led the study, said the boas hang from the ceiling of cave entrances at dusk and dawn, when bats either enter or leave the cave. From that position, they are able to grab the bats in mid-air.

Dinets said the snakes coordinated their positions in such a way that they formed a wall across the entrance. This made it difficult or impossible for the bats to pass without getting within striking distance of at least one boa.

The hunts, he said, were always successful, and that the more snakes, the shorter amount of time is took each to grab a bat.

Observing snakes hunting is difficult, with only a few of the 3,650 snake species having been seen hunting in the wild.

"It is possible that coordinated hunting is not uncommon among snakes, but it will take a lot of very patient field research to find out," Dinets said.

Even the Cuban boa is getting harder to observe, because the snakes have been hunted for food and pets.

"I suspect that if their numbers in a cave fall, they can't hunt in groups anymore and might die out even if some of them don't get caught by hunters," Dinets said. "A few of these caves are in national parks, but there's a lot of poaching everywhere."

The study was published in the journal Animal Behavior and Cognition.
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has stepped up a campaign over the past year to control Muslim violence in the country's south, but two of the top terrorist groups are suspected of joining forces with possible support from Islamic State.

President Rodrigo Duterte asked Tuesday for martial law on the 21 million-person island of Mindanao, as well as outlying islets, shortly after militants from the Maute Group laid siege to the town of Marawi, leaving at least two soldiers and one policeman dead and several wounded.

The violence began when troops began searching for Isnilon Hapilon, a leader of the Abu Sayyaf militant group that has pledged allegiance to Islamic State. The insurgents burned down several buildings, including a church, and took a local Catholic priest and others hostage after forcing their way into a cathedral. Archbishop Socrates Villegas, president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, said the hostages included 10 worshippers and three church employees, and that the militants were demanding the government withdraw its forces from the area.

Abu Sayyaf may have been planning violence to get attention from Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, or ISIS, said Antonio Contreras, political scientist at De La Salle University in the Philippine. Some of the militants encountered in Marawi Tuesday wore clothing identical to IS attire, Philippine media reports said.

We dont know yet whether they just want the attention so that ISIS can take notice and consider them as part of the whole network, Contreras said. They would need funds for weapons, he said.

Mindanao and nearby smaller islands in the mostly Catholic Southeast Asian archipelagos southwestern corner are home to the four-year-old Maute Group as well as Abu Sayyaf, which is known for kidnapping foreign tourists and beheading some.

Two other groups are pressing the government separately for talks on autonomy in parts of impoverished but resource-rich Mindanao, where fighting between Muslims and the government have left about 120,000 dead since the 1960s while hobbling any hopes of raising incomes through economic stimulus.

Abu Sayyaf, regarded among Filipinos as a bandit group, has pledged sympathy to Islamic State as it recruits locals including officials to help it kidnap people in exchange for a cut of the ransom. The group, with about 400 core members, beheaded a German tourist in February and two Canadian tourists last year.

Dutertes struggle to beat Abu Sayyaf by stepping up attacks since he took office in June would be frustrated by help from the Maute Group or IS, analysts say.

Even without IS, government troops may struggle to figure out whos who among Muslim rebels based in the Philippines. The Maute Group was founded by former members of a bigger Muslim rebel group and it had clashed with troops near Marawi in February last year.

Its unclear whether the Maute Group and Abu Sayyaf co-mingle personnel or whether theyre even the same group with two branches, Contreras said.

Martial law would inflame the militants at least in the short term, analysts say.

Its definitely going to cause a little flare-up or probably a large flare-up between the militants on the ground and the government forces. And because theres people that are on the ground I think maybe in the long term, given the heavy handed nature of the Duterte Administration, there will be a lot of casualties, said Maxfield Brown, business intelligence associate at the consultancy Dezan Shira & Associates in Manila.

Over the long term it could actually resolve the situation to some extent, not in necessarily a human resources-friendly away, Brown said.

Duterte, former mayor of Mindanaos largest city, is pursuing talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, a large Muslim rebel group that wants more autonomy following a peace deal reached with the government in 2014. The president also made a deal with the head of another Muslim front to waive prosecution in exchange for abandoning protection of Abu Sayyaf members, scholars in the Philippines believe.

The presidents proposed 60-day martial law period, which must be approved by Congress, would in principle give the armed forces and national police more leverage in fighting any terrorist groups in the south.

The government gained confidence last month by foiling an Abu Sayyaf attack on the tourist island of Bohol.

People in Mindanao are waiting to see whether martial law will help. They say that the Maute has links to Islamic State, said Antonio Montalvan, a newspaper columnist based in the Mindanao city, Cagayan de Oro. So be it, but why martial law for the entire Mindanao? Its the usual Duterte rush to judgment.

Duterte believes martial law is necessary to suppress lawless violence and rebellion and for public safety, the presidential office website says. Martial law would cover Sulu, Jolo and Tawi-Tawi  smaller islands west of Mindanao that the Muslim Moro population has called home for centuries.

The government is fully aware that the Maute/ISIS and similar groups have the capability, though limited, to disturb the peace, the website says. These have shown no hesitation in causing havoc, taking innocent lives and destroying property.

Chris Hannas in Washington contributed to this report.
Muslim extremists in the Philippines have taken a local Catholic priest and others hostage after forcing their way into a cathedral in the southern city of Marawi.

Archbishop Socrates Villegas, president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, said the hostages included 10 worshippers and three church employees, and that the militants were demanding the government withdraw its forces from the area.

Violence in Marawi began Tuesday when security forces raided the hideout of Abu Sayyaf commander Isnilon Hapilon, who has proclaimed allegiance to Islamic State.

President Rodrigo Duterte has declared martial law for 60 days in the southern province of Mindanao, which includes Marawi.

He said Wednesday he would consider imposing martial law in other parts of the country if the militant activity spreads.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said dozens of gunmen had occupied city hall in Marawi and burned a church and houses in an assault that killed at least two soldiers and a police officer.
As he wrapped up his journey through southwestern Texas, national parks traveler Mikah Meyer admits he didnt allocate enough days for his visit to the huge -- and hugely popular -- Big Bend National Park and Rio Grande Wild & Scenic River.

Big Bend is so huge that to go from the western edge of the park to the eastern edge is about 50 miles (80 kilometers)," he said. I planned three days for Big Bend and one day for the Rio Grande and I really should have had more days."

But he still managed to squeeze in an impressive number of adventures in that relatively short amount of time.

Stark beauty

Driving through a mountainous region of the park, he was immediately struck by its beauty. It was just stunning, he recalled. It looks like something out of a painting or a movie or a postcard.

That rugged terrain was just one of the features of the parks diverse landscape, which spreads across 324,000 hectares. The rest is made up of hot, dry desert, and part of the Rio Grande, which forms the natural 1600 kilometer long border between Texas and Mexico.

It's like something straight out of a wild, wild west movie, Mikah remarked as he stood on a hill overlooking the river that separates the two countries. It's kind of dry and flat desert and then suddenly these gorgeous mountains just appear, scattered everywhere like little sprinkles on ice cream.

A lick of ice cream would have been a refreshing welcome from the searing 37 degree Celsius heat as Mikah navigated his way along the Rio Grande Village Nature Trail on the banks of the river. During his hike, he got to observe some of the parks many plant and animal species. He marveled at the variety of cactuses, many blooming with colorful flowers, and peered into a shallow pool of water that was so clear, he could see the scales on the fish swimming around in it.

Natures hot tub

Hot and dusty after that, Mikah immersed himself in the parks ancient hot springs  which are believed to have healing powers. He described it as a hot tub basically made out of local rocks."

"They used to be part of a Hot Springs resort, but now they are free and open to the public. He relaxed in the calming waters as the river around him rushed by. He called it a pretty cool experience, to be able to enjoy the waters out in the wild, out in the open, at a national park.

Day 2  Cool peaks

On day two of his trip, Mikah waded across the Rio Grande into Mexico, rode a kilometer or so into the border town of Boquillas for a tasty lunch, then headed back to the U.S. just in time to start a climb up to the Chisos Mountains. The entire range, including a large swath of the Chihuahuan Desert, is contained in Big Bend National Park.

The tough workout put Mikahs fitness to the test. I worked so hard to get to the top of this mountain, he recounted. It was dry and my glasses were fogging up and I had sunscreen in my eyes and I was sweating and my nose was running because it was cold up there I felt so miserable but it was so gorgeous that I couldn't help but keep a pep in my step and keep going.

He made it all the way to Emory Peak, which - at 2385 meters - is the highest point in Big Bend National Park.

The view at the top was just so gorgeous that it was worth it, Mikah said. The whole latter half of the hike, youre high enough that you can look down at the Chisos Mountains Lodge, a rustic refuge nestled in the basin of the mountain range where he had stayed the night before.

Day 3 - Ancient lands

By day three of his trip, Mikah was ready for some canoeing with the Far-flung Outdoor Center. He grabbed an oar and headed out onto the Rio Grande.

Starting at the mouth of the Santa Elena Canyon, a popular destination in and of itself, he had a spectacular view of the majestic canyon from the base of its 450 meter high cliffs while he enjoyed a guided, multi-hour float down the river at least until the the water got too shallow to float the canoes.

"One of the guides is pulling two canoes at the same time to help get people over these really shallow parts, Mikah said. So it was not like the wild rafting excursion you might imagine, it was more like a very shallow canoe float.

As I was looking up at these massive canyon walls, I realized that if you were a Native American or somebody from hundreds of years ago, this was probably the biggest, highest thing you've ever seen. And I understand now why people saw these massive rocks and mountains and thought they were gods, he said.

Day 4  Bumpy ride

On his fourth and final day in the park, Big Bend Overland Tours took Mikah was taken on a long and bumpy tour through some of the park's most remote areas  a day-long adventure most visitors dont get to experience.

What made this so special is that there's a lot of roads in the park that you really can't get to unless you have a four wheel drive or a high-clearance Jeep, and so this company, Big Bend Overland Tours, takes people on these back roads that you can't access without a vehicle.

Mikah said that despite being exhausted and disgustingly dirty and dusty by the end of the day, he also felt fulfilled that I had really fully experienced this park and got to see portions of it that I never imagined I would get to see.

In fact, after his time in Big Bend National Park, Mikah says it's now one of his favorites.

Looking back... and ahead

Mikah wrapped up his adventures in Texas with a visit to Guadalupe Mountains National Park in West Texas, which stretches into the state of New Mexico.

Just as he did in the Chisos Mountains, Mikah hiked to Guadalupe Peak, at 2666 meters, the highest point in Texas .

The coolest part was getting to the top and getting to look across Texas and seeing both the diversity of land in Texas, everywhere I'd just come from, then also look to the north to New Mexico, Mikah said. Everywhere I was about to go.

Mikah, who plans to visit all 400 plus sites within the U.S. National Park Service, invites you to learn more about his ongoing journey across the American southwest by visiting him on his website, Facebook and Instagram.
On May 24 in 1883, the Brooklyn Bridge opened, connecting two of New York City's five boroughs  Manhattan and Brooklyn  for the first time in history.

The iconic steel-suspension bridge spanned 486.3 meters (1,595 feet) over New Yorks East River, thanks to the pioneering work of German designer John Roebling.

At the time, it was the largest suspension bridge ever built. It also was the safest due to Roeblings technological breakthrough: a web truss built on each side of the roadway along the bridge, which added a much higher level of stability to the structure.

Just before construction began in 1869, Roebling was fatally injured when a boat crashed into one of his feet as he recorded a few final compass readings across the East River. Three weeks later he died of tetanus. Roebling was the first of a total of 27 people to die building the famed bridge.

More recently, the bridge, which initially took 14 years to build, has been under reconstruction and has become more and more friendly to pedestrian use.

It was honored as a National Historic Landmark in 1964, and in 1972 as a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark.
Pakistan says U.N. military observers visiting its side of the disputed Kashmir border came under attack Wednesday from the Indian troops, but were not hurt.

The world body has stationed its mission in the region called U.N. Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan, or UNMOGIP, which observes and reports cease-fire violations across the Line of Control that divides the Himalayan territory between the two nuclear-armed rival nations.

A Pakistan army statement said a vehicle with blue UNMOGIP flag hoisted as per procedure was carrying two officers of the mission, from the Philippines and Croatia, on a visit to LoC when Indian forces fired at them.

Both officers remained safe ... it added.

There was no immediate response from New Delhi and officials at UNMOGIP's office on the Pakistani side were also not available for comment.

Pakistani and Indian troops have been locked in cross-border shelling in Kashmir, each accusing the other of violating a mutual cease-fire.

The Indian army this week released video of what it described as punitive fire assaults against Pakistan army outposts that destroyed the installations to deter militant infiltration.

But Pakistan swiftly rejected the claim as totally baseless and misleading. Army spokesman Major-General Asif Ghafoor in turn released a video purportedly showing heavy damage caused to the Indian military outposts across the Kashmir frontier.

The Pakistani air force has also reportedly activated its forward operational bases following media reports Indian air force officers have been asked to be prepared for action at a very short notice.

On Wednesday, air force chief Sohail Aman warned his institution would strongly respond to any misadventure by the enemy. He was responding to reports Indian air force officers have been asked to be prepared for action on short notice.

Our response to any aggression by the enemy will be such that their future generations will also remember it, Aman said.

A top American intelligence official has also cautioned India is considering punitive options to raise the cost to Islamabad for its alleged support to cross- border terrorism.

Lt. General Vincent Stewart, director of the Defense Intelligence Agency, made the remarks at a congressional hearing Tuesday on worldwide threats.

India and Pakistan have already fought three wars since they gained independence from Britain in 1947. Kashmir was the issue in most of the conflicts and the dispute remains the primary source of regional tension.
Poland's prime minister on Wednesday cited this week's attack in Manchester, England, in which a Polish couple died, to reinforce her government's opposition to a European Union plan to share migrants.

Beata Szydlo spoke ahead of a parliament vote in which the opposition sought in vain to oust Defense Minister Antoni Macierewicz.

She praised Macierewicz, saying he wanted a strong army capable of opposing threats that include terrorism.

Citing security reasons, her populist government is rejecting EU pressure for Poland to take in a number of migrants, even at the price of facing sanctions. The previous government, in 2015, agreed to take in up to 10,000 refugees fleeing armed conflict, but Szydlo's team reversed that decision.

Szydlo said Poland "will not participate in the Brussels elites' folly."

She said Poland was extending aid to people in refugee camps in the Middle East.

Concerning the attack in which the Polish couple died, orphaning two daughters, she asked: "Where are you headed, Europe? Rise from your knees and from your lethargy, or you will be crying over your children every day.''

She gave her support to Macierewicz's steps to reorganize the armed forces by arguing that Europe should decide "whether we want politicians, who say that we need to get used to the attacks and who call terrorist attacks 'incidents,' or whether we want politicians who are strong, who see the threat and fight them, like Antoni Macierewicz.''
President Donald Trump says he is "more determined than ever to pursue peace in our world" following wide-ranging talks with Pope Francis at the Vatican.

The White House says the two sides discussed "how religious communities can combat human suffering" in places such as Syria, Libya and Islamic State controlled territory.

"The president affirmed that the United States and the Holy See share many fundamental values and seek to engage globally to promote human rights, combat human suffering and protect religious freedom," a White House statement said.

Trump, in a Twitter comment, called the meeting "an honor of a lifetime."



Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said the issue of the Paris climate accord came up during Trump's talks with a senior Vatican official.

"The president indicated that we were still thinking about that, that he hasn't made a final decision," he told reporters, adding that Trump would make a decision after his current overseas trip.

Trump and Pope Francis shook hands as they met for the first time Tuesday.

Its a very great honor, Trump said to the leader of the Roman Catholic Church while they were seated in the popes private study.

WATCH: Pope greets Trump



After the presidents private meeting with the pope in the Apostolic Palace there was a brief, expanded audience for the other members of the U.S. delegation. It included First Lady Melania Trump, (clad in a black lace tea-length dress and black lace veil), Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, National Security Advisor H.R. McMaster, Trumps daughter, Ivanka, and her husband Jared Kushner (who are both now official advisors to the president).

Gift exchange



That encounter included an exchange of gifts.

"This is a gift for you. These are books from Martin Luther King. I think you will enjoy them," the president told the pope.

The pope gave Trump what he said was a medal by a Roman artist. He said it's an olive which is a symbol of peace.

We can use peace, the president replied.

I signed it personally for you, the pope told Trump.

That's so beautiful, the president replied.

The pope then also gave the president three books on the topics of family, the joy of the gospel and care of our common home, the environment.

Well, I'll be reading them, Trump promised the pope.

WATCH: Trump and Pope Francis exchange gifts



Cordial discussion



The mood initially appeared stiff, according to the few reporters allowed to witness the event firsthand. They noted the pontiff was rather stone-faced at the beginning but later during the gift exchange the mood lightened considerably.

The pontiff had a cordial discussion with the U.S. president, according to the Vatican, which said it hopes for collaboration on "healthcare, education and assistance to immigrants."

The two men had a clash of words last year when Trump, as a presidential candidate, touted his plan to build a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border.

The first Jesuit pope said anyone who thinks of building walls instead of bridges is not Christian, a comment that Trump called disgraceful.

The evening before the audience a top Vatican official, Cardinal Peter Turkson, who is from Ghana, took to social media to note that both the president and the pope are reaching out to the Islamic world to exorcise it of religious violence.

One offers peace of dialogue, the other security of arms, he said on Twitter, apparently referencing the $110 billion weapons deal the U.S. president concluded with Saudi Arabia days ago.



Prior to the meeting with Trump when asked about his expectations for it the pope told reporters he never, ever wanted to make a judgment without hearing the person.

After a tour of the Sistine Chapel and St. Peters Basilica, the president left Vatican City and held separate meetings with Italian President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni.



NATO



Trump then flew on Air Force One to Belgium. On Thursday, he and the First Lady are to meet King Philippe and Queen Mathilde at the Royal Palace of Brussels. Later in the day the president will participate in the inauguration of a new headquarters of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and a meeting of the alliances leaders, although it is not being termed a formal summit.

On Friday and Saturday, the president is back in Italy, specifically on the island of Sicily, for the Group of Seven summit.



During his earlier stop in Israel, Trump declared that both the Israeli and Palestinian leaders are ready to reach for peace.
U.S. President Donald Trumps visit Wednesday to Rome brought parts of the center of the ancient city to a grinding halt, infuriating some locals but acting as another spectacle for tourists to absorb. Views about President Trump on the streets were decidedly mixed.

As Pope Francis welcomed President Trump to the Vatican for their first-ever face-to-face encounter, Eva, a devout Catholic from Boston visiting Rome and the Holy See, expressed relief that the meeting had even taken place.

I think it was fabulous that the pope decided to meet with Trump, she said.

WATCH: Trump Meets Pope at Vatican

The leader of the Roman Catholic Church and Trump traded pointed exchanges last year during the U.S. presidential campaign, with Trump accusing the pope of allowing himself to be used as a political pawn by the Mexican government on the issue of migration.

The pope responded by questioning then-presidential candidate Trumps Christian faith, saying his plan to build a wall on the border with Mexico had no basis in the Gospel.

Eva said she hoped the meeting gave the pair the opportunity to make peace.

I hope they were reconciling with one another in respect to how they were quite adversarial in terms of what was said during the campaign  the pope saying certain things, and Trump saying many things. And I hope they reached some sort of meeting of the minds on several issues.

The Vatican expressed similar sentiments in a statement issued after the meeting in which it said the encounter had been cordial. It went on to say it hoped there could be serene collaboration between the U.S. government and the American Catholic Church, including, it said pointedly, assistance to immigrants.



Trump received a tribute from the Swiss Guard in a Vatican courtyard when he arrived.



A Vatican protocol official was heard by reporters quipping to the president that it was not like Trump Tower in New York.



Pope Francis smiled at Trump when he greeted him and first lady Melania Trump, but some Vatican watchers say he was not as outwardly friendly as he can be with visiting dignitaries. The pope, however, joked with the couple as they left.

Outside the Quirinale Palace, the Italian presidents official residence, where a small crowd mostly of tourists gathered to catch a glimpse of Trump in the distance down a closed avenue, 50-year-old Ragna, a Danish banker, said she did not really know why she was waiting.

I really dont know because we have never come near a president because we dont like Trump, she said. I hope he will disappear soon.

A young Canadian couple, expressing fears of terrorism in Europe in the wake of this weeks concert bombing in Manchester, England, was more welcoming of the U.S. leader. Twenty-two-year-old Samantha, a travel agent, gave her reason for wanting to see Trump.

I have just been a huge fan of him. I think he, you know, is real and is unlike any other president we have had, she said.

Her 19-year-old boyfriend, Daniel, who works for a Canadian airline, said he hoped Trumps visit would help Europe become more stable.

We hope he can bring some more stability because Europe has been quite unstable for the past year or so and even more than that. So we can hope he can bring more stability while also keeping things peaceful and not escalating things too much, he said.

Nearby, a middle-aged British couple, sweating in the sweltering heat, said they only stopped because the road was closed. The husband declined to be interviewed, explaining gruffly he did not like politics.
Russia's aging Communist Party is attempting to attract new, young members by using pop culture and addressing their growing concerns over alleged corruption and income inequality.

Russia's Communist Party, a successor from the Soviet Union's, is celebrating 95 years in May since the founding of its youth Pioneers movement.

On Moscow's Red Square Sunday, young Communist Party members wearing red hats and bandannas waved flags, while others danced to traditional songs; some were indoctrinated into the Leninist Young Communist League of Russia, known as the Komsomol.

Aging leaders of the party laid flowers at the tomb of their founder, Vladimir Lenin. But they insist the Communist Party is far from dying.

"An entire group has today joined the Komsomol," said Chairman of Russia's Communist Party Gennady Zyuganov. "These are guys who we made Pioneers some time ago. And recently 60,000 people of the younger generation have become party members. The organization lives and progresses."

But the Communist Party, like its 73-year-old chairman, is getting old.

"The statement that the Communist Party is a 'party of pensioners' is quite correct, but just partly," said Communist Party member and artist Igor Petrygin-Rodionov. "Because a change of generations is going on, and the older generation is leaving  though struggling and quite reluctantly."

Looking for youth

Petrygin-Rodionov was enlisted by the party to try to attract younger members by using images from popular and Western culture. At his Saint Petersburg studio, a promotional poster depicts Lenin using a Communist Party laptop with the slogan "The Second Century is Online."

At a weekend exhibit at Saint Petersburg's University of Technology Management and Economics, Petrygin-Rodionov displays some of his most well-known posters. One revamps the famous image of Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin smoking a pipe by replacing it with an electronic cigarette. Another shows communism's founding father, Karl Marx, wearing a leather jacket and jeans with the Arnold Schwarzenegger slogan, from the film Terminator, "I'll Be Back."

But selling communism to Russia's modern youth is no small challenge.

"One can't say that communism was either bad or good," said a student attending the exhibit who gave only his first name, Gena. "It is impossible to go back to communism, like it is impossible to go back in time or to push the toothpaste back into the tube."

Concerns about corruption and growing inequality are rallying some young Russians, but not necessarily to their grandparent's communist party.

New idea of communism

"There is no communism yet," said the leader of the Moscow Duma faction of the Communist Party, Andrey Klychkov. "There is no communism in China either. When we ask what Chinese socialism is and why private property rights, enrichment opportunities are present there, the Chinese say, 'That it is a least-evil measure for the construction of communism, when we reach it, we won't have it.' That's why we are talking today about a different approach."

Klychkov was speaking at a protest rally against a plan by Russian authorities to demolish up to 8,000 Soviet-era buildings in Moscow and relocate more than a million residents. The plan has raised suspicions of corruption and sparked demonstrations, including by the Communist Party.

"Today the main strategy is in giving the young people an opportunity to implement their ideas," said Klychkov. "Not everybody accepts the reproduction of the Soviet past. But the ideas of socialism and social justice, as well as positive attitudes to the Soviet past, start prevailing among many young people, as social studies show."

New leadership

To re-energize the party, Russia's communists may for the first time in 24 years elect a new leader at the party's congress this week. Zyuganov has led the party since it was allowed to be reconstituted in 1993, after being banned with the dissolution of the Soviet Union.

Klychkov, the party's candidate for the 2018 Moscow mayor election, is one possibility.

"... it's not a question of me replacing him," said Klychkov. "The question of electing the party leader is for the party congress. And the congress will take a decision in the near future on May 26 or 27."

Regardless of any next generation leadership, few expect the once revolutionary party of Vladimir Lenin to pose a real challenge to Russia's ruling elite.

Although its leaders deny being part of a so-called "systemic opposition," the Communist Party has supported the Kremlin on most domestic policies and almost all foreign ones.
Delhi's municipalities are putting lives at risk by putting up old, crude, unscientific toll booths, and violating several laws in the process.

Toll rules say a separate lane must be created for commercial vehicles to be taxed (Photo: Kasif)

By Mail Today Bureau: The three municipalities of Delhi are not just jeopardizing lives by setting up crude, antiquated and unscientific toll booths, but violating many laws such as those set by NHAI (National Highway Authority of India) in the process as well.

The NHAI, which is responsible for collecting toll on all 87 highways of the country, has also set guidelines for civic toll collections in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru and all other metropolitan cities.

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The 'Toll Rules' under NHAI clearly say that a separate lane has to be created for 'commercial vehicles' which need to be taxed. In the case of Delhi, these are the 'yellow plate' bearing taxis, mini trucks, freight lorries and other heavy vehicles.

There should be lanes for essential commodities and ambulances for quick movement, two-wheelers and three-wheelers as well.

Under no situation, there should be obstruction in the way of private vehicles which are not to be taxed, NHAI says.

Further, in many cities, there has been a growing demand that in case of big traffic jams, vehicles should be allowed to pass for free.

'RUFFIANS WHO JUMP IN THE ROAD SANS ID PROOF'

In Mumbai, in July 2016, Public Works Department (MSRDC) minister Eknath Shinde, said in the state legislative council, "People have no objection in paying toll but don't like waiting in the queue for hours. Toll nakas will be asked to leave vehicles without collecting toll at the time of heavy traffic congestion," Shinde said in the Upper House replying to a call attention motion by Congress legislator Sanjay Dutt and NCP MLAs.

Usman Nasim, researcher on sustainable mobility at the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), said, "NHAI also has clear guidelines for how a toll booth has to be operated and the staff there. For example, it says the toll operators must have photo ID cards and a proper uniform. Also, they must have electronic devices which issue printed slips."

"Unfortunately what we have here right now are ruffians who jump in the middle of the road sans any ID proof. They tear a piece of paper to give you as a slip. SDMC, which has appointed one toll operator then sublets it to another which outsources the work to local goons, and that is how it goes," he added.

There is also no system in place for drivers who want to get monthly or annual passes made so as to make traffic movement quick and easy, he pointed out.

ENVIRONMENTAL COMPENSATION CHARGE

Not just that, the MCD toll booths are making a mockery of the National Green Tribunal's (NGT) Environmental Compensation Charge (ECC) too. The court fixed a heavy ECC or green cess on trucks coming into Delhi to discourage them from passing through the national Capital, and thereby reduce the diesel-fumes pollution created by them.

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However, the crude toll booths are creating heavy traffic jams, as seen on DND Flyway, leading to even more fuel consumption and pollution.

The Central Road Research Institute (CRRI) has conducted several studies showing idling vehicles waste more fuel and produce much more Carbon Dioxide at traffic intersections during long traffic jams.

ALSO READ | DND flyway: Police blame lane jumping for traffic snarls

ALSO READ | Do you get stuck in traffic ahead of DND flyway? Blame MCD toll tax collectors for chaos

--- ENDS ---
While newly-appointed Special Counsel Robert Mueller gets to work investigating Russian meddling in last year's U.S. presidential election and any coordination between Moscow and the Trump campaign, the Senate Intelligence Committee is continuing a probe of its own.

President Donald Trump's former national security adviser, Michael Flynn, is squarely in the committee's sights. Trump fired Flynn in February amid reports that Flynn had lied to Vice President Mike Pence about his contacts with Russia's ambassador to the United States.

On Tuesday, the Intelligence Committee issued a subpoena for Flynn's business dealings with Russia and Turkey. Flynn rejected a previous subpoena for his personal records, invoking his constitutional right against self-incrimination.

In an exclusive interview, VOA's Michael Bowman spoke with a long-serving Intelligence Committee member, Republican Senator Susan Collins of Maine, about the effort to acquire information from Flynn and the status of the investigation as a whole.

VOA: Senator, there have been various subpoenas issued to General Flynn. How does the latest subpoena differ from the previous one, and will it be harder for Flynn to dodge legally?

Collins: The new subpoena was issued for General Flynn's business records. It is dubious that a Fifth Amendment claim can be attached to a request for business records, and that is one reason we are pursuing that route.

VOA: Business records could reflect some sort of malfeasance, but would they get to the central question of Russian meddling, necessarily?

Collins: Well, that's exactly what we want to find out. The business records may indicate payments from the Russian government or affiliated entities. They may indicate meetings that were held. We just don't know. That's why we want to examine them. But you're correct that it is another attempt to get the information we need, now that General Flynn has chosen to invoke his Fifth Amendment protections.

We're still uncertain whether the Fifth Amendment [protecting Americans from self-incrimination] will apply to the previous records [subpoenaed earlier this month], the personal records that we have requested. So we are going to be pursuing this on two tracks. One, we're exploring the legal implications of his claim of Fifth Amendment privilege, and we are also issuing the second subpoena for his business records.

VOA: Is it too early to be talking about [Flynn being held in] contempt of Congress?

Collins: Yes, it is too early because we don't know what his response to the second subpoena would be. But that certainly could be a possibility. But in this area, we are going to have to work closely with the special counsel to make sure that our investigation doesn't compromise the criminal investigation that he [Mueller] has underway. We have two different purposes. Ours is to look at the broader counterintelligence aspects. The special counsel's is to decide whether criminal charges are warranted.

VOA: It certainly doesn't sound as though the naming of a special counsel in any way is slowing down the Intelligence Committee's work.

Collins: No, it's really not. There's some minor delay while we work with the special counsel to de-conflict our requests and to make sure we're not jeopardizing his [Mueller's] criminal case. But our purposes are really very different.

The job of the special counsel is to decide whether or not criminal charges are warranted against anyone in this case. Our job [in the Intelligence Committee] is broader. It's to look at policy. It's to look at, for example, if the conclusion is [that] the Russians tried to interfere with our elections, should we pass legislation to impose sanctions on the Russians? The special counsel can't pass legislation. We can't indict people.

VOA: Thank you, senator.

Collins: Thank you.
Newly-elected South Korean President Moon Jae-in is intent on reopening inter-Korean channels of dialogue and engagement, despite Pyongyangs continued missile tests and U.S. calls for increased sanctions.

The new liberal leader won a special presidential election in early May following the impeachment of conservative former President Park Geun-hye for her alleged involvement in a multimillion dollar corruption scandal. Park denied all criminal charges related to the scandal including bribery at the onset of her trial in Seoul on Tuesday.

Incremental measures



Shifting away from his predecessors hardline North Korea policies, President Moon wants to balance international sanctions imposed on the Kim Jong Un government for its continued nuclear and ballistic missile tests with positive incentives to ease tensions and rebuild trust.



Humanitarian assistance to North Korea. Or another example could be assisting with the planting of trees in North Korea, or President Moon Jae-in might allow incremental exchange and cooperation between North and South Korea, said Moon Chung-in, who was appointed a special aide for security and diplomacy by the new president this week to help formulate outreach polices.



A distinguished professor emeritus at Yonsei University in Seoul and a former ambassador for international security affairs, Professor Moon is a longtime advocate for increased engagement policies.



Suspending military drills



Sanctions limiting North Koreas access to cash that could fund weapons programs restrict Seouls ability to immediately reopen the jointly run Kaesong Industrial Complex in North Korea that was closed following Pyongyangs fourth nuclear test in 2016, or the Kumgang Mountain tourism project that South Korea suspended after a visitor was shot by North Korean soldiers in 2008. But Professor Moon said these projects could be considered later if North Korea meets certain conditions, like suspending missile and nuclear tests.

The South Korean president is also open to a proposal made by Beijing calling for Pyongyang to stop further nuclear and missile tests in exchange for a suspension of joint U.S.-South Korean military exercises.



Moon Jae-in made it very clear during the election campaign that if North Korea freezes, then South Korea may consider downsizing the scale of the ROK (Republic of Korea)  U.S. joint military exercises and training, he said.



Mixed messages



Although President Donald Trump has prioritized preventing North Korea from developing a nuclear intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) that can reach the U.S. mainland, his administration has sent conflicting signals. There had been an initial emphasis on the possible use of military force against North Korea. But Washington has since downplayed this as a worst-case scenario, as it would risk triggering a nuclear war.

The Trump administration seems now to be relying on China to force its economically dependent ally in Pyongyang to capitulate through crippling sanctions. While Beijing wants a denuclearized North Korea, analysts say, it wont likely take harsh measures to force the collapse of the Kim regime that would also result in regional instability and increased U.S. power in the region.



On Tuesday China's U.N. ambassador, Liu Jieyi, would not commit to increasing sanctions further against North Korea for its latest test of a medium range ballistic missile test. Instead Liu focused on better implementation of current sanctions and trying to achieve denuclearization through dialogue.



By taking the diplomatic lead to resolve this nuclear standoff, Professor Moon said the South Korean government can help develop a workable compromise that neither Washington nor Pyongyang can make on their own.



It might be somewhat difficult for the Trump administration to take the lead in making a breakthrough dialogue and negotiation with North Korea. Maybe South Korea can play that kind of bridging role, he said.



Choe Son Hui, a senior North Korean foreign ministry official, recently said Pyongyang would be open to dialogue if conditions are right. The Kim Jong Un government insists it will not give up its strong nuclear deterrence needed to defend against the U.S. threat of invasion.



North Korea has also reneged on past deals to suspend nuclear activities for economic aid.

Youmi Kim in Seoul contributed to this report
The U.N.s top official in South Sudan says President Salva Kiir has formally launched a long-awaited national dialogue and declared a unilateral cessation of hostilities.

While the National Dialogue could bring a welcome focus on reconciliation, for it to be credible, it will need the genuine participation of opposition constituencies, David Shearer told the U.N. Security Council via a video link Wednesday from Juba. Meanwhile, opposition groups have come together around a common position and jointly denounced the National Dialogue, he added.



Kiir also announced a unilateral cease-fire and said he would review the cases of political prisoners. Shearer expressed some skepticism, noting it was not the first time Kiir had declared a cessation of hostilities and added that there would be close scrutiny on the number of prisoners actually released.



South Sudans U.N. envoy Joseph Mourn Malok told council members the cease-fire is intended to create an inclusive environment for the national dialogue and to allow the movement of humanitarian aid to famine-hit areas.



The U.N. mission in South Sudan has had to cope with little cooperation from Kiirs government.



There is war, there is famine, our peacekeepers are operating in very, very difficult conditions, new U.N. peacekeeping chief Jean-Pierre Lacroix told reporters.

They do not get the kind of support and cooperation they would deserve from the parties, particularly from the government, he added.



Sanctions



One route the council has gone to try to force better cooperation is through sanctions on spoilers, those who obstruct efforts by the United Nations to halt the fighting. On Wednesday, the council unanimously extended the sanctions regime on South Sudan for another year.

But the possibility of imposing an arms embargo to stem the violence still appeared beyond reach, as veto-wielding member Russia expressed its long-held opposition to such a measure.



Solid peace in South Sudan is not going to be brought about by a Security Council arms embargo, but rather by progress on the political solution, as well as targeted measures for the disarmament of civilians, demobilization and reintegration of combatants, said Russias U.N. envoy Petr Illichev.







Rainy Season Begins



Meanwhile, the rainy season has begun, which means the countrys rudimentary roads will be unpassable for the next four months. While this will force a reduction in fighting, it will increase the challenge to humanitarian workers in getting aid to those in dire need, including in two counties that have already been declared famine zones.



Shearer said cholera, a potentially deadly water-borne disease, has been on the rise, with 7,700 cases recorded.



Aid workers must also contend with one of the most dangerous working environments in the world, with 84 humanitarians killed since the conflict began in December 2013. This year, 17 aid workers have been killed in South Sudan.
In the face of North Korea's escalating nuclear weapons threat, the leaders of the United States and South Korea are expected to bridge their differences on the North during a summit next month, experts say.

Last week, a spokesman for South Korea's recently elected President Moon Jae-in, of the liberal Democratic Party of Korea, said a summit with President Donald Trump was arranged for late June in Washington, but the White House has not confirmed the meeting.

South Korea has been alarmed by several ballistic missile tests by Pyongyang, with the latest being the launch of a new intermediate-range solid-fuel rocket, conducted Sunday.

North Korea's official news agency, KCNA, says the missile that traveled about 500 kilometers (310 miles) in the direction of the Sea of Japan and reached an altitude of 560 kilometers (348 miles), satisfied all technical requirements and can be mass produced, suggesting progress in its ambition to be capable of striking the United States.

There clearly are some issues that will need to be addressed early in the tenure of President Moon Jae-in, Alexander Vershbow, who was U.S. Ambassador to Seoul between 2005 and 2008, told VOA's Korean Service. The Moon Jae-in visit will focus, first and foremost, on how to ensure a unified approach, on the question of how to engage Pyongyang, what mix of carrots and sticks.

THAAD deployment

The starkest division between Trump and Moon is the deployment of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) anti-missile system to South Korea.

Moon said in his inauguration speech he would have serious negotiations with Washington and Beijing over the missile shield. But the U.S. State Department recently reaffirmed its previous position, telling VOA Korean Washington and Seoul made an Alliance decision to deploy THAAD as a purely defensive measure to protect the security of South Korea and its people from armed attack and to protect Alliance military forces from North Korea's missile threats.

I think the South Korean public recognizes that the reason for THAAD is the threat posed by North Korea's missiles, which can threaten not only South Korean cities, but also U.S. forces, said Vershbow, who is now with the Atlantic Council, a research institute.

Moon, a former human rights lawyer, has long been an advocate of engagement and dialogue with Pyongyang while also seeking sanctions. Trump appears to be putting great emphasis on convincing China to ratchet up pressure on the North.

In Washington, there are questions, even concerns, about President Moon's approach toward North Korea, given that he was chief of staff to (former President) Roh Moo-hyun, Bruce Klingner, a former CIA deputy division chief for Korea, told VOA Korean. During a period when President George W. Bush pursued an approach that reflects Trump's, there were a number of strains (in the relationship between Washington and Seoul), given Roh's largely unconditional engagement with North Korea.

But because Moon has many times said he is open to meeting North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un under the right conditions, a position Trump espoused in a recent interview with Bloomberg News, the two leaders may agree on defending against a common threat as well as enforcing international and U.S. sanctions against Pyongyang, added Klingner, who is now with The Heritage Foundation's Asian Studies Center.

Talks and pressure

Scott Snyder, a Korean studies analyst at the Council on Foreign Relations, notes Moon has not disavowed putting pressure on North Korea, saying, He's even suggested that the pressure is an important tool that can be used in order to achieve the conditions that are necessary to resume dialogue.

But as economic interaction or the relaxation of sanctions in some form would be an important inducement for North Korea to move forward from a South Korean perspective, Seoul's engagement strategy could be in conflict with U.S. strategy that initially focuses on pressure, Snyder said.

A spokesman for South Korea's Unification Ministry said Monday it will consider allowing non-governmental exchange with the North, but only within the scope of international sanctions against Pyongyang. In 2010, Seoul imposed broad sanctions against Pyongyang in retaliation for the Kim regime's alleged attack on a South Korean navy ship. The so-called May 24 Measure banned nearly all exchanges between the two Koreas.

Speaking to VOA Korean, Joseph DeTrani, a former U.S. special envoy for six-party talks with North Korea, said given an ever more threatening regime, the reality compels the two allies to coordinate their approach that would get North Korea to come back to meaningful negotiations (and) to talk about comprehensive, verifiable denuclearization, the only strategy he believes could halt Kim's pursuit of nuclear weapons.

(This report originated with the VOA Korean Service.)
Ahead of meetings this week with NATO leaders, President Donald Trump has called terrorism the number one problem currently facing the world, and said we are making tremendous progress in the fight against terror.

Trump, meeting Wednesday with Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel in Brussels, said the U.S. and NATO will work on various problems, but Trump pointed to the suicide bombing Monday in Britain and noted that terrorism is at the top of the list.

When you see something like that happened a few days ago, you realize how important it is to win this fight. And we will win this fight, he said.

Trump arrived in Brussels Wednesday afternoon following talks with the pope at the Vatican in Rome. Trump said on Twitter after the meeting he is more determined than ever to pursue PEACE in our world.

Aboard Air Force One, on the flight from Italy to Belgium, U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said Trump would be very tough on NATO allies Thursday and tell them you need to make sure you're doing your share for your security as well.

Trump wants to persuade NATO members to step up and fully meet their obligations under burden sharing the 2 percent of GDP is a target they all agreed to, Tillerson told reporters.

The defense alliance is expected to give the U.S. president at least one big thing he wants: a commitment to the coalition to fight Islamic State.

We do think that would be a really important step for them to take, Tillerson said.

Article 5 endorsement

Trump is likely to allay NATO members' concerns about his administration's commitment to the pact's mutual assistance pledge, something that has been in doubt.

During a ceremony Thursday, Trump is expected to finally endorse Article 5, under which any NATO member agrees to come to the aid of an ally under attack. The only time it has been invoked was when al-Qaida terrorists attacked the United States on September 11, 2001.

Prior to Wednesday's meeting with the pope, Trump spent several days touring the Middle East and meeting with Israeli and Palestinian leaders, as well as other leaders in the Muslim world. While speaking to dozens of Muslim leaders in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, he called for Muslim unity in the fight against terrorism.

Manchester attack

Tillerson said he thinks the Manchester attack will only serve to strengthen ties between the U.S. and NATO in the fight against terrorism.

I think the horrible attack in Manchester just reminded all of us just why we have to do this, said the secretary of state. We have to do it, we can't leave it for someone else to do.

After participating in the inauguration of a new NATO headquarters and a meeting of the alliance's leaders, the president will return to Italy, specifically the island of Sicily, for the Group of Seven summit.
Drug smugglers trying to tap into the United States highly profitable market have developed all kinds of secretive routes to deliver their illicit goods. One tactic is to go underground.

At the U.S.-Mexico border, tunnels are a popular means of transporting illegal marijuana  a bulky drug whose distinctive odor makes it hard to get past drug-sniffing dogs and other security at border checkpoints and airports. Since 1990, more than 220 tunnels have been discovered there, including 60 in the area overseen by the U.S. Border Patrols San Diego office.

"You see, it's an industrial area," agency spokesman Jose Hernandez says in explaining its attraction to traffickers.

"We see many warehouses and many trucks passing by. It is common to see them at two in the afternoon or the morning," he adds. It happens many times. So what [traffickers] do is they hide where everyone can see them anyway."

Noise from constant truck traffic on the American side and dense urban construction on the Mexican side conceal the construction of secret tunnels.

WATCH: Related video on border tunnels

Underground investment

Drug traffickers will spend as much as $2 million on construction in hopes of big profit in return, the Drug Enforcement Administration told the Associated Press earlier this year. The DEA links most of the cross-border tunneling to Mexicos Sinaloa drug cartel, whose boss, Joaquin El Chapo Guzman used other tunnels to escape twice from Mexican prisons. He was extradited to the United States in January and awaits trial on various trafficking charges.

The unfinished Galvez tunnel, discovered in 2009, was intended as a link from about 18 meters south of the Mexican border stretching 231 meters north into Californias San Diego neighborhood of Otay Mesa.

From transport to training site

Now, instead of serving as a conduit for drugs, it has become a training site for Border Patrol agents. They scramble down ladders to a passageway 20 meters deep, nearly 2 meters tall and just over a meter wide.

The tunnel yields clues into tunnel engineering and equipment. Dug with drills, picks and shovels, it was outfitted with lighting, railway, telephone and ventilation systems.

Thats not the most elaborate. Lance LeNoir, who leads the Border Patrols San Diego Intercept Team of so-called "tunnel rats," reports that agents once "intercepted 13 individuals immediately to our south in Mexico. They found the entrance underneath a bathroom floor, which actually lowered through a [hydraulic] lift system."

To aid its detective work, the Border Patrol uses an assortment of complex tools, including ground-penetrating radar and sensors.

Closing the link

When a tunnel is discovered, U.S. authorities shut it down.

"When we go to remediate these things, we mark the ground with an X, LeNoir says, then drill down to find them and fill them with cement."

From 2007 to 2015, the Department of Homeland Security spent $8.7 million to block the tunnels with concrete.

Its counterpart in Mexico uses a different approach.

"They mostly put garbage at the entrance to the tunnel until the entrance is blocked," says Hernandez, the Border Patrol spokesman.

The trash treatment is a source of conflict between Mexican and U.S. authorities because its not permanent. At least six tunnels were found reopened on the Mexican side. Authorities there say they dont have the money to use cement.

But the two countries continue to collaborate on blocking tunnels and traffickers. The United States views illegal drugs and smuggling as a threat to the nations health and security.
Nearly 400,000 children face acute risk of malnutrition in Greater Kasai in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the United Nations Children's Fund said Wednesday.

Violence across five provinces in the region has left critical health infrastructures unable to operate, UNICEF said in a statement. More than one third of centers in the Central Kasai Province alone have been forced to close due to security concerns for staff or lack of medical supplies.

Children also face heightened risk of malnutrition as fighting in the region has made farming difficult for locals, the statement said.

These children are among the most vulnerable in the country, and now they face a looming crisis if access to basic services is not restored quickly, said Marie-Pierre Poirier, UNICEFs Regional Director for West and Central Africa. Without adequate health care, without access to food and clean water, the lives of hundreds of thousands of children are at risk.

Since August of last year, the Kasai region in central Congo has been the scene of bloody fighting between the government and an armed group known as Kamwina Nsapu.

Both sides of the conflict have been condemned by the United Nations: the militants for allegedly recruiting children and attacking public buildings and officials; and the security forces for allegedly deploying disproportionate and indiscriminate force in operations against Kamwina Nsapu rebels.

Even before the conflict, Kasai was one of the poorest regions in the DRC.
U.S. congressional panels are issuing new subpoenas to Michael Flynn, in an effort to force him to turn over documents and testify about his brief tenure as President Donald Trump's first national security adviser.

Flynn rebuffed the Senate Intelligence Committee earlier this week, refusing to hand over information it had requested about the 24 days he held the key White House post in the first weeks of the Trump administration. Trump fired him for lying to Vice President Mike Pence about his contacts with Russia's ambassador to the United States in the weeks before Trump assumed power.

But the Senate intelligence panel, and its counterpart in the House of Representatives, say they are they are issuing new subpoenas to Flynn. He is a retired Army general who was one of Trump's key political surrogates on the campaign trail last year.

We initially requested his voluntary participation, Representative Adam Schiff, the top Democrat on the House panel, told reporters Wednesday. He declined. We are going to be subpoenaing him.

In refusing to turn over documents to the Senate panel, Flynn invoked his U.S. Constitution Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination. Legal experts say that if he handed over the information to congressional investigators he would risk not being able to claim the same privilege and refuse to testify before congressional panels investigating how Russia meddled in last year's U.S. election and possible collusion between Trump campaign aides and Russian officials to help Trump win.

One lawmaker, Connecticut Senator Chris Murphy, told CNN, "I think he's going to have to tell his story."

Another senator, Susan Collins of Maine, told VOA, the Senate panel issued a new subpoena for Flynn's business records.

"It is dubious that a Fifth Amendment claim can be attached to a request for business records, and that is one reason we are pursuing that route," she said.

Collins said the business records "may indicate payments from the Russian government or affiliated entities. They may indicate meetings that were held. We just dont know. Thats why we want to examine them."

Flynn was paid more than $30,000 in recent years to attend Moscow events, including a 2015 dinner celebrating the Kremlin-backed RT television network where he sat next to Russian President Vladimir Putin, and more than $500,000 to represent Turkish interests in the United States. The Defense Department's inspector general is investigating whether Flynn sought permission to receive the payments after being specifically warned when he retired from the military to not accept money from foreign governments.

While the congressional panels conduct their probes, Robert Mueller, a former director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the country's top investigative agency, was named last week to head a criminal investigation about possible collusion between the Trump campaign and Moscow.

Trump has been dismissive of the various investigations, contending they are a "witch hunt" promoted by opposition Democrats as an excuse to explain his upset of Hillary Clinton.
President Donald Trump has put forward a $668 billion defense budget for the upcoming fiscal year.

The proposal released Tuesday would increase the Defense Department's base budget to $574.5 billion  $52 billion over congressional spending caps. It would buy six ships, several new fighter jets and munitions, while growing the U.S. fighting force by more than 56,000 service members.

Pentagon Chief Financial Officer John Roth told reporters on Tuesday the increases would help with military readiness. "The world has become a more dangerous place," he said.

John "JV" Venable, senior research fellow for defense policy at the Heritage Foundation, said the budget would need to continue to increase by about $20 billion to $30 billion each year for the next two years  and sustain that budget increase for several years  to ensure the force is properly funded.

"We've put so many demands on our services. We ask so much of them," Venable told VOA. "We have funded it at 75 to 80 percent of what they need to do that job for so long, right now, the dividends are paid in worn equipment and people who are discouraged."

The budget also calls for about $65 billion for a contingency fund for overseas operations, including $46 billion for operations in Afghanistan. The remainder of this fund would pay for countering Islamic State operations in Iraq and Syria, bolstering NATO allies and U.S. partners in Europe, and building partner capacity around the globe.

The $668 billion total budget also would include about $28 billion for defense-related spending by the Energy and Justice departments.

The overall budget proposal is calling for cuts to many social programs, including those that help the poor pay for food and medical care.

However, Venable said social cuts should not be compared with the government's defense increases, which he says are needed to maintain borders and allow freedom of movement across the globe.

"The world needs a strong U.S. military to make that happen, like it or not," he said.

The U.S. Constitution says the government should establish justice, insure domestic peace, provide for defense, promote general welfare and secure freedom.

Air Force desperate for relief

The budget increase comes as U.S. Air Force readiness is at an all-time low, Venable said.

"Since its inception in the late '40s, the Air Force, I don't think, has ever been at this level of readiness," said Venable, a 25-year veteran of the Air Force.

Air Force General Carlton Everhart, commander of U.S. Air Mobility Command, agreed that force growth is needed in his service branch, which currently is short about 1,500 pilots.

"If you look at things we're doing every day, it's a big deal," Everhart said in a recent interview with VOA.

Even though the United States has the most expensive Air Force in the world, the shortage of pilots, specifically the shortage of fighter jet pilots, has threatened to affect U.S. operations within the next calendar year if left unchecked, Air Force Major General Scott Vander Hamm told VOA in an exclusive interview last November.

The U.S. air campaign has been critical in the fight against Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, dubbed Operation Inherent Resolve, where the American-led coalition is training local fighters to defeat terrorists on the ground while supporting ground troops' efforts with multiple airstrikes each day.

In addition to funding more pilots and fighter jets, the budget would also provide money to buy 15 new KC-46 air tankers, which are used for aerial refueling.

"If you look at Inherent Resolve right now, 90 percent of all refuelings that have happened in that operation has been on the backs of our tankers," Everhart told VOA.

Budget constraints in the past decade have placed the Air Force in a position where its current tanker, the KC-135, could be 100 years old before it is retired, even with the fiscal 2018 budget increases, he added.
A demonstrator involved in the last week's violent clash with guards of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan tells VOA a lawsuit will be filed over injuries sustained during the May 16 melee outside the Turkish ambassador's residence in Washington.

Armenia-born Lucy Usoyan, an ethnic-Yazidi who became a U.S. citizen after moving here with family at age 3, sustained a traumatic brain injury during last week's brawl. In footage recorded by VOA Turkish, Usoyan, who is wearing red pants, can be seen lying unconscious on the ground near at the 25-second mark.

Many law offices have reached to us. Big law offices that have sued different governments, she told VOA's Armenia Service on Tuesday. We will also have a lobbying office to represent this case, because we believe no government  not only Turkey  no government has the right to come to this country and beat up U.S. citizens and get away with it.

A day after the brawl, VOA posted additional footage of moments leading up to the fight, during which President Erdogan  arriving at the residence after White House meetings  is seen talking with members of his armed security detail just before they break through a police line and violently charge the protesters. Moments later, Erdogan is seen looking on as the attack unfolds.





Strained relations

Turkish supporters claim they were provoked by protesters whom, they allege, support the Peoples' Protection Units (YPG), which Erdogan's government considers a terrorist group for its links to the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). The PKK, with affiliates based in Turkey and Iraq, has been labeled a terrorist organization by the U.S. and European Union.

Ties between Washington and Ankara have been strained in recent years by American airpower support for YPG fighters battling Islamic State militants in northern Syria.

American lawmakers swiftly issued bipartisan outcry over the melee, which was followed by repeated expressions of concern by top State Department officials, who summoned Turkey's ambassador over the incident.

'Ongoing investigation'

There is an ongoing investigation, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson told Fox News Sunday, adding that he will wait on the outcome of that probe before deciding on a more formal response.

Globally, however, Usoyan says the absence of a formal White House response makes the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump look weak.

In this case, the video went viral around the world, Usoyan said. I was talking to my family and relatives last night, and everyone takes this as a (sign of the) weakness of our current government. I do believe President Trump should shed a spotlight to this case and address this issue so it doesn't spotlight him as weak towards Turkey.

Police behavior questioned

On Monday, Turkey summoned the U.S. ambassador to Ankara to protest what it called the aggressive treatment of Turkish security, calling behavior of Washington Metropolitan police officers who attempted to break up the fight  sometimes with batons  aggressive and unprofessional.

The Trump administration has vowed to arm YPG fighters as part of a campaign to take Islamic State's Syrian stronghold in Raqqa.

Erdogan and Trump are expected to meet again at this week's NATO summit in Brussels.

This report originated in VOA's Armenian Service.
After a huge cache of arms and animal skin were seized from the house of a retired Colonel in Meerut recently, it has been learnt that his son Prashant Bishnoi - accused of poaching and smuggling weapons - did not even have a valid arms license.

By Atir Khan: While efforts are being made to arrest Prashant Bishnoi, who has been accused of poaching wild animals and smuggling weapons after a raid at the house of his father - a retired Colonel - in Meerut recently, investigation has revealed that Prashant didn't even have a valid arms license.

This even as he used to identify himself as a national-level skeet shooter, but actually had no permission to carry weapons.

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In a joint operation led by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence earlier this month, sleuths recovered a huge cache of illegally-smuggled foreign weapons.

HERE IS ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW These arms were smuggled in through the sports shooting quota by Prashant and his associates and are believed to have been sold at exorbitant prices to people, who did not possess valid arms licenses. According to sources, Prashant had got an arms license made from Delhi. However, that license was cancelled since he shifted to Meerut. In order to carry any weapon, he was supposed to get an arms license issued from Meerut but he did not do so. DRI had arrested a Slovenian national Boris and two national-level sports shooters a few weeks ago in connection with the huge haul of imported weapons seized from Prashant's three-storeyed house in Meerut. When Boris was intercepted, he was carrying 25 illegally imported weapons of international brands such as Beretta. While DRI sleuths have launched a manhunt to trace him, he continues to evade arrest after his anticipatory bail was rejected. Sources said Prashant was twice located in Dehradun and once in Noida, but his exact location could not be ascertained. His passport has been seized by the DRI and an alert issued to the state police to round him up when seen. There is a possibility that he may even have escaped to Nepal by road. In another development, his father Colonel (retired) Bishoi was also questioned by DRI sleuths. During interrogation, he said he was totally unaware of his son's activities. Retired Colonel Bishoi said he stayed on the ground floor while his son lived on the third floor of the house. DRI sleuths have not given a clean chit to the father. They say since wild animals' trophies and arms were found all over the house, how is it that the father was unaware of his son's deeds.

Also read | Illegal arms racket: Indian shooter, Slovenian arms dealer arrested

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Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the World Health Organizations newly elected director-general, says health as a human right is at the core of his vision for the organization he soon will lead.

The former Ethiopian health and foreign minister is the first African chosen to head the organization, which was created 69 years ago.

After a long, bruising campaign that began in 2015, Tedros beat out two other contenders, David Nabarro of Britain and Pakistani physician Sania Nishtar, for the post by winning 133 of the votes cast by 185 WHO member states.

The outcome of the voting was very, very clear, said Tedros. Having confidence from the majority of member states gives me legitimacy to really implement the vision that I have already outlined.

Tedros' goals

That vision included five promises, which Tedros made to the World Health Assembly during a final campaign pitch preceding Tuesdays secret ballot vote.

He said that he would work tirelessly to fulfill the WHO promise of universal coverage and would ensure a robust response for emergencies to come.

He promised to strengthen the frontlines of health, transform the World Health Organization into a world class force and lastly place accountability, transparency and continuous improvement at the heart of WHOs culture.

At a news conference in Geneva, he said the concept of health as a human right would be at the heart of whatever he did.

Half of our population does not have access to health care, he said. That, he said, could and should be remedied through universal health care coverage, which would address the issue of health as a human right and act as a spur to development.

All roads should lead to universal health coverage and it should be the center of gravity of our movement, he said.

Tedros begins his five-year term as director-general on July 1, succeeding Margaret Chan, who has headed the WHO for the past 10 years.

The newly elected director general said he wants to reform and transform the World Health Organization into a better, more responsive agency.

As Ethiopias minister of health, Tedros led a comprehensive reform of the countrys health system, including the expansion of the countrys health infrastructure and health insurance coverage.

Resources a constant priority

As WHO leader, Tedros said one of his first orders of business would be to strengthen the organization's ability to respond swiftly and effectively to emergencies because epidemics can strike at any time and the WHO must be prepared.

The campaign has ended, as you know, officially, but I think the work begins actually now. I know it is very difficult. It is going to be tough, he said.

One of the major difficulties is that of money. Reform, tackling emerging and ancient diseases take a lot of money, something the World Health Organization, which reportedly is struggling to close a $2.2 billion gap, does not have.

The problem is likely to be made even worse given the Trump administration announced budget cuts to global health programs, including a 32 percent cut to USAID (U.S. Agency for International Development) and between 20 percent and 30 percent cuts for scientific research institutes.

The United States is the biggest WHO donor. U.S. President Donald Trump has suggested funding cuts to the organization might be in the offing.

Tedros observed that it is the poor that are the most affected by big financial cuts.

I hope this will be understood before finalizing the proposal. I believe this will be taken into consideration, he said.

He can take heart in that a congratulatory statement on his election from Tim Price, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary did not threaten any funding cuts. Instead, he told Tedros the United States looked forward to working with him on changing the World Health Organization for the better.

The United States is committed to helping advance reforms and cultivating greater global health security, he said.
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In an interview with VOA's Praxedes Jeremiah, ahead of Africa Day, celebrated annually on May 25th, AU Representative to the U.S, Dr. Arikana Chihombori-Quao, urged Africans to remember their rich history. This year's theme is "Harnessing the demographic dividend through investments in youth.
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Former CIA Director John Brennan said he was the first American official to warn Russia against interfering in the 2016 US presidential election. Brennan testified before the House Select Intelligence Committee on Tuesday, May 23, 2017.
Top U.S. intelligence officials have yet to confirm Islamic State's claim of responsibility for the deadly Manchester attack, but they warn the incident is a reminder that the threat of terrorism around the world is real and "is not going away."

"We have not verified yet the connection," Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats told lawmakers Tuesday during a hearing on worldwide threats, noting "they [Islamic State] claim responsibility for virtually every attack."

He stressed that the attack "again reminds us that this threat is real, it is not going away, it needs significant attention to do everything we can to protect our people from these kinds of attacks."

The so-called Islamic State claimed "one of the soldiers of the caliphate" placed an explosive device "within the gathering of the crusaders" in Manchester.

While the claim has yet to be confirmed by Western intelligence officials, some former officials believe the links between the Manchester attack and IS will pan out.

"The speed with which they took credit lends credibility to their being responsible for it," Robert Gates, a former CIA director and former U.S. defense secretary, told an audience at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies in Washington on Tuesday.

Gates said whether the attack was planned by IS or merely inspired by the terror group is "immaterial as long as they [IS] were a spark."

New wave of terror

He also expressed concern the violent strike may be the start of a new wave of terror by IS and its followers.

"You will see ISIS become more active and more aggressive in a variety of places," Gates warned, using an acronym for Islamic State. "Sadly, Manchester may be a harbinger of more such activities in the West."

U.S. intelligence officials have warned for years that the fall of Islamic State's self-declared caliphate in Iraq and Syria could trigger a terrorist diaspora, with former IS fighters fleeing to other ungoverned spaces or even to their countries of origin to continue the fight.

And even with the Islamic State's Iraqi capital of Mosul on the verge of falling and the group's Syrian capital of Raqqa expected to fall by the end of the year, U.S. officials expect the group to remain a lethal presence, both in the Middle East and in the West.

"ISIS has prepared for the loss of key territory in Iraq and Syria by publicly de-emphasizing the importance of territorial holdings to the caliphate's survivability," Defense Intelligence Agency Director Lieutenant General Vincent Stewart warned lawmakers in prepared testimony.

"We anticipate that ISIS will attempt to maintain its narrative as the true defender of Muslims around the globe and will continue to plan and execute attacks against the United States and the West," Stewart added.

There are also indications that the IS leadership, despite having been hit hard by U.S. airstrikes, remains intact, with key officials relocating to the group's remaining safe havens along the Euphrates River and to al-Qaim in Iraq's Anbar province.

From there, IS leaders "will continue to plan and execute attacks against the United States and the West," the DIA warned.

Evolution of IS

Intelligence officials also point out that for more than a year, IS leaders have actively downplayed the need for followers to come to its self-declared caliphate. Instead, IS adherents have been encouraged to stay where they are and fight there.

There have also been lingering concerns that IS has managed to establish numerous sleeper cells across Europe, some using a combination of former foreign fighters and would-be homegrown terrorists, preparing to carry out attacks.

"ISIS remains a dangerous enemy," a National Security Council official told VOA last month on condition of anonymity, given the ongoing review of the U.S. anti-IS strategy.

Included in that review, the official said, has been an effort "to understand and prepare for the evolution the group might undertake."

But many argue defeating IS will require much more than simply hunting down members.

"That young man who carried out that suicide attack [in Manchester] and the ISIS members who posted about that attack  they were taught by someone," Republican Representative Ed Royce of California said at a Washington forum Tuesday.

"There's an infrastructure behind that teaching," Royce cautioned. "These are not ideas that people adopt without a fair amount of brainwashing."
British police are urgently trying to determine whether the suicide bomber who struck a concert in the northern city of Manchester Monday night acted alone or was part of a larger terror network. The so-called Islamic State terror group has claimed responsibility for the bombing.
The Ugandan government has found itself at loggerheads with a tribe from the eastern part of the country this month after a state official threatened to ban the tribes centuries-old traditional rite of passage. Halima Athumani has the story for VOA from Kampala.
By Walter Mears



In Watergate, the smoking gun was a White House tape proving that Richard M. Nixon ordered a cover-up - the final evidence that forced him from the White House.

In the investigation of Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election campaign, the smoke hasn't cleared because President Donald Trump keeps shooting.

There may never be a smoking gun situation in this case, despite the inevitable comparisons between the Trump-Russia investigations and Watergate.

As someone who covered Washington in the early 1970s, I can tell you: For any parallels, there are also major differences.

Watergate began, clearly, with a crime: the break-in at Democratic Party headquarters in June 1972. There is no such evidence of a crime in the Russia case, although Trump's Democratic detractors suggest investigations might find obstruction of justice.

They cite ex-FBI Director James B. Comey's reported account of a conversation in which Trump asked him to lay off the case of ousted National Security Adviser Michael Flynn over Flynn's Russia contacts, saying, I hope you can see your way clear to letting this go. Later, of course, he fired the FBI chief - denying that he did so to impede the Russia investigation.

But there has been nothing comparable to the tape in which Nixon agrees with a top aide to tell the FBI to stay the hell out of this. Three days after that tape was released in August 1974, Nixon resigned rather than face impeachment.

The Trump White House has effectively confirmed The New York Times account of his statements to Russian officials-that Comey was a real nut job and that ousting him had released great pressure he'd faced because of Russia - but insists they are being misinterpreted by his opponents. With that, and in this whole episode, they fall back on a tactic Nixon and his aides used in Watergate: Attack the disclosure of classified information rather than deny the substance. Since the administration controls what is classified, that is an all-purpose umbrella.

The Comey firing and what Trump has said since recall the Saturday night massacre, when Nixon dismissed Watergate special prosecutor Archibald Cox over Cox's subpoenas for White House tapes - the evidence that would eventually prove the cover-up.

Cox had been appointed in the first place because the Senate demanded a special prosecutor before it would confirm Nixon's new attorney general, Elliot Richardson. Richardson promised not to interfere with the prosecutor, and when Nixon ordered him to fire Cox, Richardson resigned. So did his deputy, before Nixon got Cox out and tried to abolish his whole operation. The president failed - Congress and public pressure prevented it.

A new special prosecutor stayed on the job, his subpoenas were upheld by the courts, and Nixon was finished.

So the precedents were not promising when Trump fired Comey.

Trump's action has not ended the investigation. It has, if anything, intensified it. Now there is a special counsel on the case, appointed by Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein and bitterly denounced by Trump, who called it the greatest single witch hunt of a politician in American history.

All of this has created an atmosphere not unlike the uncertainty and apprehensions of the Watergate era.

In Nixon's final months, top Cabinet officers feared that he would order military action abroad to ease his plight at home - or even to hold power. They told military leaders not to order action on Nixon's command without checking with them first.

Now there is another season of mistrust, although it has not sunk to Watergate lows.

And Trump has a political advantage Nixon did not. Trump's approval ratings are low, in the 40 percent range, but many of the people who voted for him are not moved by the controversies.

In some ways, he is not constrained by the rules that bind a more traditional leader. Nixon was a product of the establishment and the Republican Party- he'd risen through Congress and the vice presidency. So when Republicans turned against him in Watergate, it signaled the end.

That is less threatening to Trump. He can denounce and ignore defectors, and his loyalists will applaud the man they elected to break through - and break up - the ways of Washington government.

The real risk is in the investigations, the special counsel, the Senate and House committees probing Russian meddling and, perhaps, the courts.

Should special counsel Robert Mueller, who served as FBI director for 12 years, push the Russia investigation to a point that threatens - or angers - Trump, the president has the power to fire him, too.

That would come with a price - a political explosion comparable to outrage over the Saturday Night Massacre. But the country is far more sharply divided than in Nixon's time.

The Democrats who talk about impeaching Trump ignore that and the numbers. Democrats were in charge when Nixon faced the impeachment charges that led him to resign. A Republican House impeached President Bill Clinton before the Senate acquitted him for lack of the required two-thirds vote.

So impeachment talk in this case is not only premature. Impeachment is politically impossible with Republicans in firm House control, barring disclosures far more explosive and incriminating than anything to date.

That said, the investigations and the controversy are going to go on, and Trump is sure to remain on the attack with his tweets and use of non-stop cable television, which did not exist during Watergate.

When Trump was asked whether he'd tried to disrupt the Russia investigation, he snapped, No, no, next question.

There will be many next questions.

Early in the Watergate investigation, Nixon declared that he would never, never, never, never again discuss the case. He did, of course. He had no choice.

Just as that case beset Nixon, so will this one nag Trump. And the president is not a man who yields to nagging in silence.



Walter Mears covered government and politics for The Associated Press in Washington for more than 40 years. He received the Pulitzer Prize for his coverage of the 1976 presidential campaign. He retired in 2001 and now lives in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
Firing is going on in the area and additional troops are being rushed to the spot.

By Ashraf Wani: Armed militants attacked a SOG camp of Jammu and Kashmir Police and CRPF in south Kashmir's Imamsahib Shopian.

It is believed that a group of local militants of Lashkar and Hizbul are in the area who may be responsible for the attack.

There was firing going on in the area and additional troops are being rushed to the spot.

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Earlier in day, militants tried to loot Jammu and Kashmir Bank's branch of the same village. The attack was foiled by security guard of the bank.

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As we approach Chavezs fourth death anniversary, which will actually take place on March 5th, events that are taking place today show how his deeds and thinking live on and are needed by the children of Our America.

To give just one example, the Bolivarian people and all the nations in the region find themselves threatened to reject and vigorously condemn the executive decision of the US government resolving that Venezuela is an extraordinary threat to its countrys security.

This decision of the US government might inspire a chortle or two, if it did not reflect the unmasked aggression and interference, of the global superpower against a sovereign nation that is developing an inclusive model to support its sovereignty and social justice.

The tenth International Summit of the Network in Defense of Humanity which was formed by intellectuals, artists, workers of the world, declared in 2013 from Caracas, that March 5th would not be a date for mourning. On the contrary, it was declared the Day for Latin American and Caribbean Dignity, in tribute to the Venezuelan leader.

This decision, which highlights one of the most outstanding features of Chavezs personality, was unanimously supported by other political and social fora in the region, since, Chavezs contribution in this field is undeniable.

An important milestone in the trajectory of the leader of the Bolivarian Revolution was the civil-military rebellion that he led on 4 February 1992, when he was a young officer of a valiant army, honest and imbued with the ideals of the Liberator of America.

That action failed and Chavez was imprisoned together with his other companions. However due to popular pressure, they had to be set free.

Following his release from prison, Chavez delivered his first speech in the village of Yare, which is about 40 kilometres from Caracas and on the following day, he made his way towards the National Pantheon where lie the physical remnants of Simon Bolivar. It was there that Chavez spoke for ten minutes, honouring Bolivar, a great hero who had defended the Homeland.

Outside the monument, throngs of people from the town spontaneously gathered, all supporters of Chavez. For some days, some and other kept repeating the words: Hope has returned to the streets, referring to the valiant action for change, so essential for Venezuelans and those who knew about what he would continue fighting.

Then the leader confirmed to the masses:

"We are here because we are continuing to fight for the dignity of the Venezuelan people".

The dignity that Hugo Chavez was fighting for and in respect of which he revealed his greatest determination, was a transversal axis in his life and work. Not only was it embedded in his courage [but also] his unwaverable position in the fight and his perseverance in his efforts for a better future for the children of his country.

At the heart of any matter was dignity, in the literal meaning of the word; dignity which human beings only fully acquire when there is social justice, inclusion, fair distribution of national resources, access to education, health, culture, dignity at work and other social benefits. Something that cannot be achieved in a society which is at once profit-seeking and elitist, such as that headed by the governing oligarchies before the Bolivarian Revolution.

Equally, through his Latin American and Caribbean projects, the Venezuelan leader became the driving force for programmes striving to achieve unity and even more importantly, integration through programmes for solidarity, for inspiration present and future, that were seeking to improve the lives of the great masses in all nations.

We speak once again here, of giving respect to thousands of men and women ignored, excluded, without human rights and marginalized by extreme poverty and inequality.

In his own country, during his presidential mandate, Chavez brought social programmes to fruition, lifting millions of his compatriots out of the grasp of poverty and giving them, freely, with no strings attached, the light of education and public health. In addition, he provided them with respectable homes, jobs and other social benefits. All this he accomplished while being battered by the ferocious aggression of his opponents.

How much more could he have done if the counter-revolution with its economic sabotage, aggression and constant provocations had not interfered with the execution of his plans and the will of the Bolivarian Revolution!

There is no doubt that the people of the region, sooner or later, will not be deceived by the counter-revolution, even when the progressive movements have made a temporary retreat. This is why, every anniversary of his physical departure must be an occasion, on which, rather than remembering him, we put into practice his legacy; a legacy as alive as it was at the start of his life. Such are the essential principles for the benefit of mankind.
This statement was drafted under the sole responsibility of Saudi Arabia. It was not presented and approved by the participants of the Arab-Islamic-American Summit (Voltaire Network)

1- The close partnership between the leaders of Arab and Islamic countries and the US leader to confront extremism, terrorism, achieving peace, stability and development, on regional as well as international stages

The leaders agreed upon means to enhance cooperation and measurements taken to consolidate relations and joint action and they vowed to continue close coordination between the Arab and Islamic countries, on one hand, and the US, on the other hand, towards issues of mutual interest to bolster partnership among them and to share experience, in the domain of development.

For its part, the United States of America welcomed the willingness of Arab and Islamic countries, in promoting ways of cooperation to unify opinions and stances towards various issues, topped by doubling jointly exerted efforts to combat extremism and terrorism.

1- The leaders affirmed the firm commitment of their States to combat terrorism in all its forms, address its intellectual roots, dry up its sources of funding and to take all necessary measures to prevent and combat terrorist crimes in close cooperation among their states.

2- The leaders valued the step of intending to establish a Middle East Strategic Alliance, for which Riyadh will play host, and in which many countries will participate to contribute to peace and security in the region and the world. The establishment and the declaration of the accession of participating countries will be completed in 2018.

3- The leaders welcomed the establishment of a global center for countering extremist thought to take base in Riyadh, and praised the centers strategic objectives of combating intellectual, media and digital extremism and promoting coexistence and tolerance among peoples.

4- The leaders noted the efforts of the Arab and Islamic countries in countering and preventing terrorist attacks, exchanging important information about foreign fighters and their movements among terrorist organizations. They underscored the importance of actions in this regard, in parallel with progress towards a political settlement of conflicts, expressing their satisfaction over the work with the legitimate government and the Arab Alliance to address the terrorist organizations that seek to create a political vacuum in Yemen.

5- The leaders welcomed the readiness of a number of Islamic countries to participate in the Islamic Military Coalition to combat terrorism to provide a reserve force of 34,000 troops to support operations against terrorist organizations in Iraq and Syria when needed. They welcomed the progress achieved on the ground in the fight against ISIS, praising the participation of Arab and Islamic countries and their support for the International Alliance against ISIS.

6- The leaders said that their states are committed to implement the relevant international resolutions in the field of counter-terrorism and develop national, regional and international institutions to carry out their responsibilities in this regard.

7- They welcomed the opening of a cooperation agreement in the field of combating the financing of terrorism, including the establishment of a terrorist financing targeting center, to be hosted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Riyadh.

8- The leaders underscored the importance of developing clear plans to shape the future of the youths, build their capacities, enhance their citizenship, provide opportunities for them, overcome all obstacles to their development, achieve the security and peace of their countries, instilling virtues in them and protect them from extremism and terrorism.

2- To promote coexistence and constructive tolerance between different countries, religions and cultures

The leaders explained their countries rejection of any attempt to draw a link between terrorism and any religion, culture or race, affirming their determination to protect and promote a culture of tolerance, coexistence and constructive cooperation among different countries, religions and cultures.

1- The participants stressed the importance of broadening the scope of meaningful and serious cultural dialogue, which demonstrates the tolerance and moderation of the Islamic religion and its rejection of all forms of violence and extremism and its ability to coexist peacefully with others and to build a civilized alliance based on peace, harmony, love and respect.

2- The leaders emphasized the importance of renewing and rationalizing intellectual discourse to be consistent with moderate Islam, which calls for tolerance, love, mercy and peace, stressing that the misconceptions about Islam must be addressed and clarified.

3- The leaders confirmed determination for joint cooperation to enhance sustainable development programs to improve the living level for their peoples, and provide a safe, stable and prosperous environment that serves as an incubator for the youths against the deviant and extremist thought.

4- The leaders lauded the initiative of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to establish a center for dialogue among followers of religions and underscored the importance of continuing this method, enhance it, build on it and preserve its pillars and expand its potentials to cover the largest possible area in the world at large.

3 Confronting the sectarian agendas and interference in other countries affairs

The leaders underscored the importance of the current cooperation between countries, the relations based on the principles of good neighborhood, non-interference in the domestic affairs of other countries and respect of their independence, sovereignty and integrity of territories whereas:

1- The leaders stressed the rejection of sectarian agendas, citing their dangerous repercussions on the security of the region and the world at large.

2- The leaders confirmed their absolute rejection of the practices of the Iranian regime designed to destabilize the security and stability of the region and the world at large and for its continuing support for terrorism and extremism.

3- The leaders condemned the Iranian regimes hostile positions and continuing interference in the domestic affairs of other countries in a flagrant violation of the principles of international law and good neighborhood, confirming their commitment to confront that.

4- The leaders are committed to intensify their efforts to observe the security of the region and the world at large, and firmly confront the subversive and destructive Iranian activities inside their countries and through joint coordination.

5- The leaders underlined the dangerous Iranian ballistic missiles program and denounced the Iranian regimes continuing violations for Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.

4 Countering piracy and protecting navigation

The leaders stressed the importance of enhancing joint action to protect regional waters, combating piracy to maintain security and stability and avoiding disruption of ports and sea lanes of ships, which negatively affectd the commercial movement and economic growth of the countries. The countries agreed to support joint work to develop capabilities to confront piracy, combat organized crime and drug trafficking across borders land, sea and air.

5- Follow-up mechanisms

The leaders noted the importance of following-up the programs and activities in areas of partnership between the Arab and Islamic worlds and the United States of America. The leaders stressed that these efforts must be continuous, and:

1- The leaders stressed the importance of coordination of positions and visions between the Arab and Islamic worlds and the United States of America at the highest levels, to achieve the aspirations of the strategic partnership between the two sides.

2- The leaders assigned concerned parties in their countries to follow-up and implement the decisions of the Riyadh Declaration, forming the necessary ministerial committees and subcommittees and the necessary meetings, discussions, direct coordination and periodic reports on the progress of these actions.

3- The leaders underscored the importance of promoting scientific building, knowledge exchange, research cooperation and capacity building in all areas, and recommended the needed coordination to reach the best practice.
The Ministry for Heritage has announced that three new interpretation panels have been placed within our Old Town in order to provide information on our Medieval History, namely our Islamic and Spanish Periods.
Viola! Here is your next Aziz-cap! As a special supplement to your regularly scheduled recaps of Master of None, weve asked New York Magazine cover star Aziz Ansari to give us the behind-the-scenes breakdown of each episode, pieced together from multiple conversations over the past several months.

Related Stories Master of None Recap: Date Night

Episode 4: First Date

This episode, directed by Eric Wareheim, follows Devs first foray into dating since he and Rachel (Noel Wells) broke up at the end of season one. Like most people new to dating apps, Dev finds the whole experience a curiosity and then ultimately a drag over multiple first dates that Ansari told me he envisioned happened over a three-month period. The question of how people meet and form romantic attachments today is a constant fascination for Ansari; he co-wrote a best-selling book about it with an actual sociologist. Wareheim and Master of None co-creator Alan Yang will guest star in this Aziz-cap.

Real-Life Inspiration

Aziz Ansari: Theres this whole fascination with dating apps. Ive talked to friends of mine who are married and theyre like, Oh my God, if I was single and I had those kind of things available to me, wow, what would that have been like? We wanted to put that in Dev a little bit. You see his fascination in episode two when hes with Arnold [in Italy], and we eventually came up with this premise about how you see every date. It was tricky because if you start this conceit and it doesnt work, then youre fucked. The episode sucks. So luckily, it worked. [Laughs.]

Eric Wareheim: Aziz and I talk about relationships all the time. Hes a very romantic, very good, gentlemanly kind of guy. Actually, hes changed me the last couple of years weve been hanging out because he is such a good guy. He really cares about people and he really wants this idyllic relationship in his life. Hes really always looking. Like, he doesnt care about the riffraff or the fleeting experiences. He wants something real and hes always searching for that.

I would say hes changed me. I really consider him  and this is not just fluffing him up, Id tell him this to his face  I feel like hes a next-level human. I hang out with more extreme, artistic, freaky people, and in that world there are no rules of relationships or love or anything. He comes from a more old-school version where things are simpler and a little bit more powerful and special and magical. I like that. When we talk about relationships and what you eventually want, hes more focused on the end game, which is that perfect special union. Im a little bit more focused on, Whats this? You know, I want to try a bunch of different things and find out whats right for me. But its very inspiring to see him kind of focused on something a little bit more pure and magic.

Ansari: One time I went to dinner with Eric after shooting and were sitting at the bar at Il Buco, talking about relationship in our lives. Were like, What the hell, we just filmed a scene in here a couple days ago  in the beginning of [this episode] where Im like, I got a match! We were filming that and then two days later we were really talking about relationships at that same spot.

Wareheim: Hell ask for dating advice. Like, What do I do now? Do I send her a kissy heart? Do I do this? And Ill be like, Heres what you do. You literally send her a picture of you having fun, being normal, being silly. You know, dont be afraid to just be silly and be yourself. You dont have to be this cool guy all the time. I feel like I helped him to just, you know, take off the leather jacket every once in a while and be a silly kid. Thats sort of my angle when I meet people who are girls. Its like, Heres who I am like. I can look cool sometime, but Im not that guy. Im this guy who will, like, sing you a silly beach song when were frolicking around. I think hes absorbed some of that through our hangs.

Theres one Instagram video we made when we were traveling in Thailand and hes just frolicking. Hes literally doing somersaults in the sand. Hes the happiest Ive ever seen him. And I think thats like one thing I can bring out in him. Just like, You need to break out of working and just be totally goofy and then send that to the girl that you have a crush on and see what she thinks.

Ansari: I pitched the idea of [Modern Romance] because no one had written a book that explained why people are so angry when they get silence on text. Whenever I sit around with my friends, this is all we talk about. My dating experience is different because of who I am and stuff, but all the advice in the book is really sound. I just think its sometimes hard to take. Eric and I talk about this because were both pretty romantic guys, and when we like someone, we just want to whisk them away and have a great time. And that never works! Its like, What? You like me? Get away from me! [Laughs.] We just want to immediately send people flowers and be so romantic.

The Swiping Montage

Alan Yang: At the time we were writing it, [Aziz] was not on those apps. Its a little different for him because hes on TV, but its very much based on a lot of real peoples experiences on them. Its definitely now become the norm. If youre not on the apps, then you have to explain why. Before, if you were on the apps, you had to be like, Oh, its good for these reasons  Now, if youre not, people look at you like youre a crazy person.

Wareheim: [Raya] is a big deal among some of our friends. But its more like [as a famous person whos trying to date], you communicate through social media, versus the traditional thing of going to a bar and meeting a person. Social media is definitely a new way of finding a person and hanging out with them.

Ansari: I wasnt on them, but I had a dummy account [when I was writing Modern Romance] that I used just to see what it was, and I talked to a bunch of people that had used them. The idea was to show the other end: You never see the people when theyre swiping on your face. Its just funny about how it takes place everywhere, in a cab, on a toilet, at a funeral. The funniest thing to me is the joke at the end where the woman, her friend hit it and Dev gets excited. Thats more of a comedy moment than a commentary moment, really. I mean, I guess theres some inherent commentary in the idea that finding the person of your dreams is decided by someone swiping while theyre taking a shit. [Laughs.] Thats pretty funny to me, and an interesting commentary on the state of the world.

Yang: I wont reveal who it is, but that line, Going to Whole Foods, need me to pick you up anything? was a real line that one of our friends used over and over again. It was incredibly effective for him. We took this guy out to lunch and were like, Dude, we gotta talk to you, because youre doing well on these apps. He told us that line and we almost fell out of our chairs. Its such a good line! Its funny, but not trying too hard. Its specific, but not too specific that you couldnt use it for multiple people. We were like, Can we use it? Hes like, Go ahead, man, I retired that one.

That guy is Asian and we wanted to address that too. Because, you know, I got on the apps just to see who Id match with and stuff, and I was like, Wow, when it comes to matching with Asian women, Im crushing it! This is insane! I was like, Is this what its like to be white with all people? Is this what its like to be a white dude? We wanted to put that in because we did the research. We read the studies that say the people who match with the fewest people on the apps are black women and Asian men. We thought it would be funny to have them point that out when he goes on a date with Condola Rashads character. You know, its true. Those are just the numbers. Youve got to work harder on those apps if youre one of those two groups.

The Dates

Ansari: It was a fun challenge as an actor for me to have all of these people switching and kind of remember where Im at on all these dates. [Editors note: While shooting each portion of the date, Aziz would stay in one place and the women would rotate in and out.] Even beyond the apps, I think the idea of the episode was just to capture the monotony and repetitiveness and frustration of dating and not finding that connection. To me, that episode is, like, six months. Its a long time. He doesnt go on all those dates in two weeks. I see it as a weird short film about the monotony of trying to find someone. Its hard to find someone you have that spark with  and then he does find that spark with [Francesca], its someone whos not available. We did the table read and we had all of these people reading it and we could tell, Okay, I think we pulled this off. People were responding to it in a way that felt like, Oh, this is what I feel.

We just wanted to make all those people feel different and not feel like the same person. So it was a bunch of giving them all different personalities and having them fill different kind of pitfalls you run into when youre dating. Its a fun conceit because its just a joke bag.

We knew we wanted to have the conversation that I had with Priya [played by actress Tiya Sircar] about, Do you date only Indians? That whole conversation was interesting to us. [Lakshmi Sundaram], whos one of our writers, and I were talking about this idea of clique-ish Indians and those kind of Indian posses and it seemed like a funny area I hadnt heard people talk about before. I just think about going to NYU and everybody saying, Oh my God, its so diverse! And then youd stand outside one of the buildings and everyone is just clumped together by ethnicity.

The WWE woman [that Aparna Nancherla plays] is full Aniz. [Editors note: Azizs younger brother, Aniz Adam Ansari, is writer on the show]. Wed always talked about basing a character on Aniz because hes so funny and has all these various interests, like a love of WWE and Mortal Kombat, and the idea of giving all those interests to Aparnas character made us laugh. Aniz sent me some things from Twitter where people are like, Oh my God, where is this girl in real life?! [Laughs.] People have fallen in love with the character thats based on my brother.

The dog hotel, thats something that me and Jason Woliner, whos a good friend of mine who wrote with us a little bit, weve always just been joking about dog hotels and Chateau Marmutt. Its an inside joke weve always had. We tried to put it in Human Giant and it never got in, so we put it in this. Theres a real Chateau Marmutt in L.A., so we kind of fictionally expanded it in the Master of None universe. [Laughs.]

That thing about guys being super gross on apps was definitely an easy joke bag and was informed by conversations I had when I wrote that book and everything. And its the sad state of romance in the modern era. [Laughs.]

The war photographer guy, that really made us laugh  the guy who rolls up from across the street while were on a date and hes like, Oh, hey, just got back from Syria. The winds blowing in his hair and hes like, That was harrowing. That guy was really good. Its just funny to be on a date and someone clearly has a deeper connection with a passerby.

You know the part when Im walking down the street and you see the older Asian businessman licking the lollipop, the guys fighting, and then the war photographer? That was all done in one take. It was really fun because I would do the scene with one woman, then she would run behind the camera and the other woman would run in, then that woman would run off and the other woman would run in. It was a really fun challenge and Eric did a good job directing that scene and that episode.

Theres the montage of [Dev] going for the kiss with all these women, and some go better than others. I mean, every human being on Earth has had that, havent they? That I think were better as friends conversation. I dont think thats unique to anybody.

And why does he go home with that one woman from Chateau Marmutt? Because thats the date that seemed to have the best chemistry and they hit it off and that led where it led. That ending beat was the hardest thing to come up with. We were trying to figure out some funny way to get out of this whole thing and we were late in the writers room and I remembered one time I went over to a womans house  not someone Id slept with, just someone I knew, like a friend of a friend  and I went to this persons house and I saw a [blackface] jar like that and it was just so shocking. It was like, What are you doing with this jar?! We had that same conversation. And she was very defensive about the jar. It was like, How are you defending this? [Laughs.] This is clearly a shade of black thats used for racist stuff. So we were sitting in the writers room one day and we were trying to figure it out and everyone was tired. I was like, Look, were going to spend ten more minutes and figure this out, and we just sat down and I pitched it out and people were like, Yes, yes, thats great. And then we went home.
God bless whoever introduced Michael Haneke to Snapchat. In Happy End, the notoriously misanthropic director returns to the familiar territory of media-obsessed teens, this time a smartphone-wielding 13-year-old named Eve (Fantine Harduin). In another directors hands, the predatory framing of the technology could come off as shallowly cautionary, but this is old hat for Haneke; hes well aware that theres more wrong with the aristocratic family at the center of the film than what apps the youngest among them is using.

The films lengthy, unsettling opening plays almost as an homage to Bennys Video or Cache, with a social-media twist. We see a series of silent, surveillance-style livestreams from the as-yet-unseen Eve, narrated in a series of captions expressing her deep antipathy for the lives of those around her, especially her mother. She experiments with drugging her hamster with her moms antidepressants, and later on we learn shes drugged her own mother. The subsequent hospitalization leads Eve to live with her father Thomas (Mathieu Kassovitz) and his new wife, Anais (Laura Verlinden), in their palatial Calais estate owned by her grandfather Georges (Jean-Louis Trintignant) and aunt Anne (Isabelle Huppert), who now runs the family construction business. The Laurents, like so many of Hanekes rich, cold clans, seems plagued by an ineffable curse  that includes everything from general malaise to true calamity. Welcome to the club, Anne says drily to Eve during her first dinner with the family.

The film has been described as taking place against the backdrop of the refugee crisis, but this only feels vital to the events onscreen in a couple memorable, if tacked-on feeling moments. Mostly we spend time with the Laurents as they go about their bourgeois business  their affairs and death wishes and the legal proceedings following an accident at one of their sites. (Its the next thing we see after Eves opening livestreams, and Haneke goes from one surveillance tape to another, as a security camera calmly observes the side of a ditch melting into a giant avalanche.) It would be a slow burn, but Haneke doesnt do burns, only pervasive chill. The exception is Franz Rogowski as Annes estranged black-sheep son, who is tortured by his familys complicity in the class system and acts up in big ways, including a standout Sia karaoke sequence.

While all this is going on, nobody seems to be aware of the quiet young sociopath in their midst, and Eve strikes up a mutual understanding with Georges, a miserable old man desperate to end his life. This culminates in a breathtaking, bleakly hilarious finale at Annes wedding to her lawyer (Toby Jones) at a pastel-hued seaside restaurant, where Georges very nearly gets his wish. Its a perfect ending to an otherwise incomplete-feeling film that seems more like a tour of stray concepts than a coherent whole. But Hanekes integration of the ways we communicate and conduct our lives via phone and laptop feels uniquely effective. After long take after long take watching these characters lives slowly fall apart, the deceptively placid screen of a Facebook sext or Snapchat video fits right in.
Nicole Kidman at the head of the table in The Beguiled. Photo: Focus Features

What if Sofia Coppola were to go full gothic horror? There were suspicions she might when the first looks at The Beguiled went around earlier this year. Even for someone who, full disclosure, is in the minority of being an anti-fan of Coppolas work, this was intriguing. Im usually not one to call for violence for violences sake, but Coppolas idealized, fashionable aesthetic could potentially benefit from a splash of viscera. Have any of her characters ever screamed?

Colin Farrell could be the first  hes seen in the trailer hollering the great, hashtag-ready de facto tagline: You vengeful bitches! But hes offscreen when he delivers it in the film itself, and its in reaction to a standard if grisly medical procedure, also offscreen. Because The Beguiled, for all its foreboding and fog, is not that movie. The problem is Im not sure what movie it is, and why it is at all. As a thrilling yarn, its too campy to be suspenseful; as a revenge movie, its too polite to feel rewarding. Its about men and women in the way that a shoe store is about shoes: It has them.

Based on a novel by Thomas P. Cullinan (which was also adapted in a 1971 version starring Clint Eastwood) the story takes place in Virginia during the downslope of the Civil War. Union soldier John McBurney (Farrell) is found wounded and taken in by a girls seminary headed by Martha Farnsworth (Nicole Kidman). His presence is an electrifying bolt from the blue for the seven residents at the school, including teacher Edwina (Kirsten Dunst) and rebellious teen Alicia (Elle Fanning.) Meanwhile, John begins manipulating his female hosts, attempting to curry their loyalty to him above each other. For youngest student Anna, hes a doting father figure, but for Martha, Edwina, and Alicia, hes a firecracker of sexual promise. When that firecracker eventually misfires, havoc ensues, albeit the most uninspired havoc you can imagine coming out of this charged situation.

I spent a chunk of the film wondering what here excited Coppola  what was it about the novel that she couldnt wait to bring to the screen? I could see flickers of directorial affection in the warm, candlelit preparations for the seminary dinners and satin ribbons luxuriously knotted around braids. Philippe Le Sourds dreamy cinematography takes especially well to these dress-up scenes: The girls circle around Kidman for their evening prayers in a billow of pastel, in stark contrast to Farrell in Yankee navy. But theres nothing elucidated by these dreamy visions of femininity, no larger idea Coppola is getting at besides the most basic mating behavior. It lends itself to some wry, well-delivered comic bits, but nothing here leaves a mark.

Similarly, the plot is what it is and not much more. If you go in knowing the barest bones of the story, its fairly easy to imagine where it goes, and it rarely deviates or finds any strange nooks or detours along the way that might offer a different perspective on the main path. We see little of the womens lives or relationships with each other outside the conflict with John  a colleague pointed out that the plot seemingly exists to troll the Bechdel test. I imagine most harem anime has more character development than The Beguiled. So will the inevitable porn parody (though I kind of wish the film itself was a porn parody.)

Which is too bad, because Kidman and Dunst are especially great given the slightness of what they have to work with. Edwinas character and relationship with John have reportedly been considerably reduced from previous versions of the story, but Dunst brings a desperately world-weary sadness to the character  a woman once resigned to being an old maid schoolmarm, now alight with the possibilities of another life. And Kidman is sharp and fully cognizant of the camp factor, and balances it nicely.

Still, you get the feeling that she  or any of the rest of the female cast  would have loved to close out the film holding up Farrells bloody severed head (or any other piece of anatomy, for that matter.) As it happens, Coppola purposefully keeps the women from straying outside gender roles, down to the classically feminine way they ultimately deal with John. Shes created an isolated, fundamentally peaceful matriarchy, where one never resorts to brutality, even when dealing with an enemy soldier and/or fuckboy. Its a great dramatic idea, except for the fact that theres almost no drama to be found. Who knew the Civil War could be so very civil?
Three Gorkha Rifles jawans, martyred in Naugam, were cremated today with full military honour at Solan in Himachal Pradesh.

By Manjeet Sehgal: Three Gorkha Rifles jawans, who were martyred during a counter infiltration operation along the Line of Control (LoC) in frontier district of Kupwara, Jammu and Kashmir on May 20, were cremated with full military honours at Subathu in Solan district of Himachal Pradesh on Wednesday.

Mortal remains of Havildar Giris Gurung, Havildar Damar Bahadur Pun and Rifleman Rabin Sharma of 4/1 Gorkha Rifles were received by 14 Gorkha Training Centre and handed over to their family members who travelled all the way from Nepal to perform the last rites.

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While Havildar Giris Gurung belonged to Nagidhar village of Kashi district, Havildar Damar Bahadur Pun hailed from Karing village of district Milni and Rifleman Rabin Sharma was a resident of village Chuka of district Parbat in Nepal.

"These jawans have made the supreme sacrifice during a counter infiltration operation and it was a hand to hand combat. The state government will take care of their families and education of their children. We are proud of them," Dr Colonel (Rtd) D R Shandil said.

Dozens of 14 Gorkha Training Centre (GTC) jawans and officers besides the civil administration officers and locals took part in the funeral ceremony of martyred jawans. The last rites were performed by the family members amid anti-Pakistan slogans shouted with visible anger on the faces of the people.

Though Gorkha Rifles is no stranger to the sacrifices and valour but this is the first time when three jawans were martyred and were cremated simultaneously.

The family members demanded stern action against Pakistan and said the Army should retaliate and decimate the rogue nation.

"I want to take revenge of my father's sacrifice by joining Indian Army. Pakistan should be taught a lesson," said Milan, son of martyred Havildar Damar Bahadur Pun, who performed last rites of his father.

Rifleman Rabin Sharma's brother Rajesh Sharma also demanded action against Pakistan which continues to violate ceasefire everyday.

--- ENDS ---
Photo: Getty Images

Ellen DeGeneres hasnt done a stand-up comedy special since launching her daily talk show in 2003, but thats about to change. Via a no doubt carefully choreographed Twitter exchange, Netflix Wednesday asked DeGeneres if shed like to film a special for the streaming giant, and she quickly said yes. It has been 15 years since I did a stand-up special. 15 years, DeGeneres said in a statement via Netflix. And Im writing it now, I cant wait. Ill keep you posted when and where Im gonna shoot my Netflix special. Im excited to do it; Im excited for you to see it. Whenever it happens, it will mark the comics first TV comedy special since she filmed 2003s Emmy-nominated Ellen DeGeneres: Here and Now for HBO. And while its newsworthy that DeGeneres is getting back behind the TV stand-up mic after such a long hiatus, whats perhaps an even bigger deal is that shes doing it for Netflix  and not HBO.

DeGeneres, after all, has a long history with the pay cable network. She taped a half-hour HBO special all the way back in 1992 (as part of the networks One Night Stand franchise), and then did a pair of specials for the channel at the start of the century. Whats more, DeGeneress incredibly successful (and profitable) daytime show is produced by Telepictures, part of the same Time Warner corporate family as HBO. So in addition to a personal history with HBO, there wouldve been corporate synergy involved had DeGeneres opted to return to stand-up via HBO. That said, it would be a jump to assume any sort of bad blood between the comic and HBO. Though her A Very Good Production banner, DeGeneres has been busy setting up a slew of projects outside the Time Warner universe, including three projects for NBC (including the upcoming DeGeneres-hosted Ellens Game of Games) and an animated family comedy based on the Dr. Seuss classic Green Eggs and Ham  for Netflix.

Theres also this: Netflix is clearly stepping up in a big way to dethrone HBOs former status as the go-to TV destination for big-name stand-up. The streamer has recently signed deals with Dave Chappelle, Amy Schumer, Jerry Seinfeld, Sarah Silverman, and Chris Rock. DeGeneress deal with Netflix seems less about her dissing HBO and more about a desire to stage her comeback at the same place where all the cool kids of comedy are hanging out now. Oh, and Netflix no doubt is paying DeGeneres a ridiculous amount of money, too.

Update May 25: On her show on May 25, DeGeneres officially confirmed the special.
Harry Styles. Photo: Getty Images/Getty Images

The central conceit of Harry Styles is this: Harry Styles wanted to make a classic-rock album, so Harry Styles made a classic-rock album. His voice sounds great, and while he swaps 60s and 70s British and American pop-rock styles in and out like he changes Hawaiian shirts, more often than not Styles makes the right sonic choices.

But when one of the eras bigger pop personalities unleashes a project thats not deliberately attuned to the tastes of its time, and in fact could symbolize the reinvigoration of a classic-rock sound that has been largely abandoned, its tempting to ask cosmic questions like, Did Harry Styles just save rock music?

Pulling apart the answer is way more difficult than it looks. While its fun to speculate that the success of this record could possibly point the way forward for a no-frills rock resurgence, that kind of projection would be missing the point. Still, theres plenty of rock-god mythology to read into. Whether its Styless borderline on-the-nose Jagger fixation, or his general rock-star aesthetic, which was cultivated over the past half-decade of pop stardom with One Direction, it has never been too hard to imagine that Styles  here, alongside a team of crack session musicians and eclectic hitmaker Jeff Bhasker  could come up with a style-sampling, nostalgia-baiting set of songs that could play to a wider audience. (I had fantasized about Harry Styles tackling Dancing in the Streetstyle songs, which is probably a sign of how the public imagination has run away with the Jagger-Styles comparisons. Unfortunately, this is not at all what Harry Styles sounds like.)

Harry Styles so deliberately tackles the trappings of a classic-rock record that itll drive you insane trying to track every hat tip. But, for posterity, heres a brief, notable list of recognizable rock-and-roll characteristics featured on Harry Styles:

 Multiple cocaine references.

 A masturbation scene.

 An accompanying Apple Musicsponsored mini-doc centered around a live performance at Abbey Road Studios that also features a long Bob Dylan impression.

 Going full Goats Head Soup. The majority of the songs were written and recorded in Jamaica.

 Gospel choirs.

 A guitaristco-writer plucked from obscurity (he was working at a pizzeria at the time) because another guitarist missed a recording session.

This was an exciting moment. Its not often that one of pops brightest young stars is handed a blank slate and decides that he make an album thats basically a survey of an entire decades worth of classic rock. Rolling Stone went full Almost Famous on Harry Styles, dispatching critic turned moviemaker Cameron Crowe to profile him, amounting to one of the strangest articles in modern music journalism. (In the piece, Crowe joyrides around Laurel Canyon with Harry Styles in a black Range Rover.) Rob Sheffield wrote a four-star review for the same magazine, and Ryan Adams thought that Two Ghosts was so Ryan Adams-y that Ryan Adams himself praised it as badass.

However, thats the trap of the reception and evaluation of Harry Styles, because this acclaim hasnt really churned up any insight into who Harry Styles is  in fact, its almost as if that this kind of embrace is part of the whole aesthetic that Harry Styles works to cultivate. You can almost see the CD sticker with the Rolling Stone logo on it, if CDs with promo stickers on them were something that any of Harry Styless fans might actually purchase.

The two worlds Harry is trying to smash together  kudos from the classic-rock standard-bearers as well as his massive teenage fan base  is what makes Harry Styles the most intriguing pop experiment of the year. Its success  230,000 albums sold and counting  could lead to a reconsideration of who dictates critical acclaim. While the album guns for the kind of prestigious acclaim it ended up receiving, whats more remarkable is the trust Styles showed in his fans to support the record despite the fact that few of his fans were alive during the rock eras that he was referencing.

In that Cameron Crowe piece for RS, Harry Styles said something very perceptive: Whos to say that young girls who like pop music  short for popular, right?  have worse musical taste than a 30-year-old hipster guy? he asked. Thats not up to you to say. Music is something thats always changing. Theres no goal posts. Young girls like the Beatles. You gonna tell me theyre not serious? How can you say young girls dont get it? Its a quote that leaves the established rock press in the lurch, and empowers the group who actually can make Harry Styles a commercial and artistic success. And if Harrys recent interviews are any indicator  A lot of people, when they make music, they build a wall between them and fans, he told the New York Times  hes listening to them loud and clear.

Harry Styles has its flaws  while it feels much more effortless than the taste collage of former bandmate Zayns Mind of Mine, theres less of the artists personality in the music than it seems like there should be. The way this record jumps from decade to decade and style to style as if theyre trips to the hotel bar  from the vintage 70s British hard rock of Kiwi to the wistful, might-be-Badfinger rip Ever Since New York  makes for a distracting listen. Musically, its not clear who Harry Styles is, or what his grand message might be. But the charm of Harry Styles is that the artist who made it understands his audience and appeal better than anyone, and that understanding fuels the best parts of this album. The songs where Harrys voice is pushed the furthest  Sign of the Times, From the Dining Table  are informed by that connection.

The Apple Music documentary that accompanies the album floats between a live performance and testimonial from Styles himself, and early on, Styles says something telling while speaking about the changing expectations and relative solitude of leaving a beloved boy band: I wanted to see if I could write something people liked without them knowing anything about me, he says.

For better or worse, Harry Styles fulfills that criteria perfectly. To think of Harry as rocks savior is to miss the point. Its possible he means so much more than that.
Isabelle Huppert. Photo: VALERY HACHE/AFP/Getty Images

This will never happen, but can we please start the Isabelle Huppert for Oscar Host 2018 campaign right now? The French acting legend may have been robbed by the Academy this year, but she still seems to be riding high on all that awards-season momentum at the Cannes Film Festival, where shes won two Best Actress prizes, once served as the jury president, and tonight absolutely killed it as co-host of the festivals 70th-anniversary soiree (with festival director Thierry Fremaux). Shes closer to being royalty here than any actual minor princes who may have their yachts docked nearby.



How great was La Huppert tonight? Well, she seemed genuinely touched when the entire Palais rose to their feet for several minutes of thunderous applause the moment she stepped onstage. Then she kicked the night off right by singing a half-French, half-English rendition of Happy Birthday to Cannes, with a strong, clear voice that must just bring the house down at karaoke. (Huppert doesnt do anything by halves; wanna bet her karaoke song is Hearts Crazy on You?)

Both hosts spoke exclusively in French, and this writer does not  but it was immediately clear, even through the imperfect subtitles flashing above the stage, that Huppert was hilarious, and quite possibly giving her many extended speeches without a teleprompter. (Take, as evidence, that a very charming Guillermo del Toro had to ask the organizers to turn on a teleprompter for him because he kept forgetting what to say.) When Huppert mentioned 1974s Palme dOr winner, Francis Ford Coppolas The Conversation, she pleaded, American directors, please start casting Gene Hackman again, even if its only on Netflix!  a full-shade reference to the streaming service, which has been getting dumped upon and booed all festival for refusing to release their films in French theaters.

Then she, brilliantly, turned that shade on the festival itself, declaring, 70 years of Cannes, 76 Palmes dOr, only one of which has gone to a woman  No comment. After saying those last two words in loud English, she just stood there and smirked as the audience applauded and Fremaux called for the camera to pan over to Jane Campion, said only female Palme dOr winner, whom the festival has been trotting out as a symbol of its feminism since 1993. Well, technically. Three women have won the Palme, if you count the Blue Is the Warmest Color actresses Adele Exarchopoulos and Lea Seydoux, who shared the prize with their male director in 2013  though theyre not quite viewed as equal Palmes to Campions. That puts Cannes at 70 just slightly ahead of the Oscars, which still has only had one woman director win in 86 years.

This was, of course, immediately followed by a montage of all the beautiful actresses whove come to Cannes  Bardot! Vanessa Paradis! Kristen Scott Thomas announcing as you know, I am eternal  just further illustrating Hupperts point about how the festival tends to embrace women as screen presences and glamorous figures on the red carpet but very rarely as visionaries and realisateurs.

Id also like to put in a request that whoever edited these Cannes montages also get hired by the Oscars. Every single one of them felt taut and necessary to tell the history of the festival  warts, yelling, vanity and all. (Although the montage of children in cinema that came at the end definitely felt like one montage too many.) The montage on prizes at Cannes featured a great clip of Roberto Benigni twirling Martin Scorsese around the stage, and 2015s winner Jacques Audiard thanking two-time Palme winner Michael Haneke for not making a movie that year. A montage on scandals at Cannes  which Huppert introduced by pointing out that lots of movies that get booed in the moment at Cannes have gone on to be taught in film schools  featured everything you wanted it to, including the infamous four-minute Vincent GalloChloe Sevigny blow job scene from The Brown Bunny; Quentin Tarantino flipping the bird to people who booed him when he won the Palme for Pulp Fiction; and that great moment when director Maurice Pialat, getting booed while winning the 1987 Palme for Under the Sun of Satan, shouted out, If you do not like me, I can say that I do not like you either!

Best of all were the montages featuring a moment from every winning film of Cannes. Each time a seminal film of my life showed up onscreen, which was often, unexpected waves of emotion crashed over me. When 1959s Orfeu Negro (Black Orpheus) was followed by 1960s La Dolce Vita and 1961s Viridiana from Luis Bunuel, I felt overwhelmed by what it must have been like to live in that incredible era. Soon the music of Umbrellas of Cherbourg (1964) and M.A.S.H. (1970) had me crying, and vowing to put myself through a boot camp of watching every film Id missed on that list.

Throughout the night only a few people managed to steal the spotlight, ever so briefly, from Huppert, including Youth director Paolo Sorrentino, a jury member this year, who told a great story about how the first time he came to Cannes, he walked into his hotel to see a topless girl having a conversation with two guys in the door of her room, and I was happy. He also met a huge producer who got him to agree to make a movie about cows, which fortunately for him (but maybe not for us) never came to be.

Guillermo del Toro gave the only semi-political speech of the night  which was surprising, given what happened in Manchester last night. Introducing a montage about movie monsters, he urged us to be wary of the boring monsters we live among today, smiling and lying in beautifully tailored suits. He went on, Today, in the post-truth era we live in, we need to talk about monsters. Forgive our sins and imperfections and rebel against those who claim it is the other that we should be afraid of. Against those who tell us that there is us and them, who we must reject, and who demonize anything that stands out from the norm.

French pop star Vianney closed out the evening with a bizarre acoustic reinterpretation of the Pulp Fiction soundtrack, among others. But it was Huppert whod left the biggest impression. As Fremaux invited every famous person from Cannes history whod been invited to join him onstage (Agnes Varda! Uma Thurman! Nicolas Winding Refn! Gael Garcia Bernal!) and launched into a reprise of Happy Birthday, I found myself wishing it had been Huppert singing again, and that she would sing everything and host everything in the world from now on. Well, internet, time to get to work! Oh, and if you could make that HuppertBarry Jenkins dream collaboration happen, too, that would be fantastique.
Artists rendering of Laura Dern in space. Photo-Illustration: Vulture

Here at Vulture, we firmly believe that if your movie includes any footage of Laura Dern in space, you should hand it over to the masses as soon as possible. You know, for the good of us all. After debuting a trailer that did not include any footage of space Dern, Star Wars: The Last Jedi has given us a first look at her space gloriousness in a Vanity Fair photo spread. It turns out Dern is playing Vice Admiral Holdo, a prominent officer in the Resistance who really loves the color pink. In the magazines cover story, we learn that part of Episode VIII will take place at the Canto Bight casino, where the galaxys Uber-rich have fun. Might Vice Admiral Holdo be a regular there?

Our #StarWars cover story has so much to offer including first looks at Laura Dern (hair!!) & Benicio Del Toro https://t.co/7topjuicOW pic.twitter.com/M2fYbBgYY2  Joanna Robinson (@jowrotethis) May 24, 2017

As for the other newcomers, weve also learned that Benicio del Toro plays a shady character who doesnt get a name in the movie, but is called DJ by the filmmakers, presumably because he likes to spin some space beats. Finally, Kelly Marie Tran plays the new character with the most screen time, a Resistance maintenance worker named Rose Tico who goes behind enemy lines with John Boyegas Finn. Her sister, Paige, is also a member of the resistance and is played by Veronica Ngo, and if either of them get between Finn and Poes love story, I will throw a fit.
Wearing only a robe and chewing on a mouthful of Altoids, Kathryn Hahn walked up to Kevin Bacon on the set of I Love Dick and issued a warning: My friend, this is going to be a trip. Shits about to get really weird. See ya on the other side.

Bacon had just joined her for the second take of Chris (Hahn) and Sylveres (Griffin Dunne) wild sex scene, inspired by her obsession with Dick, the artist-cowboy Bacon plays. Turned on by the letters Chris has written to Dick, she and Sylvere get naked, dance on a bed, and have kinky sex while she imagines Dick watching from a nearby chair. We were doing the nastiest things with those letters  shoving letters in each others mouths, in each others person, we were reading them out loud, Hahn says. Oh my God! It was so dirty. We are filthy degenerates, Griffin Dunne and myself, it turns out.

Hahn and Dunne were nude for the entire scene, except for modesty pasties meant to cover their genitals. It was basically a Band-Aid and it fell off immediately. I can only imagine some of the angles Kevin was privy to, she adds, laughing. We ran the whole scene again with him sitting there and Griffin says after, Oh, my balls were hanging out. His little thing fell off!

Kathryn Hahn (bottom) and Griffin Dunne (top).

Despite all the exposure  after birthing two children no less  Hahn says she felt more at ease performing that scene than she has kissing actors on other sets. I cant help but attribute that to the fact that there were so many women on set, she explains. Seriously, Ive been on a network show where Ive had to just smooch somebody and its been more uncomfortable for me. I felt more in my head; I felt I was supposed to be perceived in a certain way that I just couldnt live up to, and that is such a huge mind-fuck.

I Love Dick, based on Chris Krauss semiautobiographical 90s cult classic, is in-your-face female. It is the story of indie filmmaker Chris, who finds her voice through a relentless sexual obsession with a professor and artist named Dick. To adapt the book for TV, co-creators Jill Soloway and Sarah Gubbins assembled an entirely female and gender-nonconforming writers room, which inspired the productions department heads to do the same. All of the camera operators and focus pullers were women, except for director of photography Jim Frohna, who hired them.

Ive been on a network show where Ive had to just smooch somebody and its been more uncomfortable for me.  Kathryn Hahn

The result, according to the writers, actors, and directors involved, was a nurturing, patient, and nonexploitative environment that sparked a spirit of collaboration similar to what Soloway has created on her other show, Transparent.

It meant that when people have this conversation about safe workplaces and being totally vulnerable, it was more true than ever before, says actress Roberta Colindrez, who plays Devon, an androgynous struggling artist. Knowing that the entire camera department, except for the DP, was female, for me, meant complete freedom and safety and honesty about where all of this is coming from. Its other women who can expose that female gaze honestly and with the most vulnerability without it being anything other than what it truly is. Its the most honest cinema I think Ive ever been in.

Hahn knows what Colindrez means. She recalls working on NBCs Free Agents, a 2011 comedy she starred in opposite Hank Azaria, in which their characters were colleagues who slept together. I loved Hank and I loved all the people involved, but I remember there was a certain set of expectations on me as the lead, she says. You know, sex! Chicken cutlets for boobs, spray tans, so many hair extensions, fake eyelashes, contoured makeup. I felt like an avatar. I didnt feel like myself in any way, and then to try to feel honestly sexy under those circumstances was real sweaty for me. Hot-faced panic.

With no rehearsals or place markers for the actors, nothing on I Love Dick was preordained before filming began. The details of Chris and Sylveres episode-two sex scene, for example, were worked out on set before the cameras rolled. We show up to set without any expectation of any particular thing, but rather bring notions that we can use to delight each other, to throw lighter fluid on the moment, to whip things up into a sense of just real humaneness so that we all feel surprised, Soloway says.

Gubbins, who wrote the episode, wanted their exchange to be awkward, hot, and hungry, but didnt plot out exactly what they should do in the script. I dont know that Id be able to write it, she explains. Im such a tortured Catholic girl. When I showed up on set and everyone was having a great time, I was dying quietly with total shame until I got over it.

In the bedroom with Hahn and Dunne were episode director Kimberly Peirce (Boys Dont Cry); the boom operator; and Frohna, who took off his shoes and jumped on the bed with the actors to capture the action from a camera he cradled close to his chest. When Peirce read the script, the couples latent desire was evident on the page and demanded, in her view, that they be fully nude and open to anything. The actors agreed immediately. That scene in particular really did feel joyful, Hahn recalls. Weirdly enough, their sparks felt very childlike to me in a way that took the onus off of it. Griffin just jumped in dancing like the most adorable sexy elf. At 61, Dunne felt flattered to be asked to disrobe. The environment on set was really about safety and trust and not being afraid to try things, he says. Inclusive is an understatement in terms of the acceptance you felt.

By the time actress India Salvor Menuez, who plays an artist named Toby, took off all of her clothes for a pivotal scene in the sixth episode, This is Not a Love Letter, there had been plenty of nudity on set. But Tobys complete disrobing, which she does as part of a Facebook Live performance piece, was perhaps the most sensitive to shoot: It took place outdoors at an oil drillers man camp in the desert, where she observes that the beautiful landscape is being pillaged by phalluses pumping oil.

In the scene, Toby lies on a towel on the gravel, surrounded by the camps men, asking her Facebook viewers not to look away, but to also look at themselves. Its the type of scene Menuez, also a model and artist who has posed seminude, relishes because of the vulnerability it requires. But had it been written from a male point of view, or the crew been more populated by men, Menuez doesnt think she would have been up for it.

Its really rare to have a scene where a female actor is nude and shes not just a sexualized object of desire, Menuez said. On a more traditional set, my scene would have probably been written in a way that I would have problems with, like this is bullshit, Im not interested. I felt there was a sensitivity and a real yearning for something to be explored in that moment that I was really open to doing. It was definitely intense, but I wanted to feel exactly what this feels like, and Im happy not to compromise the realities of what Toby has decided to do.

Menuez admits she was skeptical when she first learned Frohna would direct the episode, the only one helmed by a man. I hadnt worked with him beyond his role as DP and the scene is hard-core, she says. I remember having this moment of like, oh man, why is he shooting this episode? But hes a very sensitive person, and I think it does have more to do with the sensitivity of the person than their gender. I dont think anyone on this show believes in gender exclusivity in any way, so I just went with it.

Before filming in the California desert began, Frohna, who like half of the crew works on Transparent, reflected on what was being demanded of Menuez. Its a lot different to have a sex scene with nudity when youre in the privacy of one of the characters homes, he says. But this was in a gravel lot surrounded by trailers and background artists who are hired for the day  50 dudes who arent part of the safety circle. I talked with India and Jill and Sarah about what this was, the risk for the character. And I talked with the guys because I wanted them to have a real experience without violating the feeling of safety for India or for that character, Toby. On another set, this kind of scene would bring up a lot of tension and anxiety and worry and fear.

Its really rare to have a scene where a female actor is nude and shes not just a sexualized object of desire.  India Salvor Menuez

To understand her perspective as he prepped the scene, Frohna stripped down to his underwear and lay down on the gravel, which he was surprised to learn was quite cold. Ive definitely heard stories from other productions where the crew, or some people on set, will also take off their clothes or stay in boxers as a form of solidarity with the actors, he explains. Weve filmed many, many sex scenes on Transparent. The difference here was she was the only woman and there were 50 dudes  the particular vulnerability of that was even more potent or impactful.

Frohna says he feels empowered by Soloway, whom hes worked with since he was the cinematographer on her indie film Afternoon Delight five years ago, and she encouraged him to shoot with my pussy. Each morning on the set of I Love Dick began with a tradition Soloway started on Transparent  an invitation to the entire production of women, men, trans, and non-conforming individuals to stand on an apple box and talk about anything. The morning of Menuezs big scene, everyone learned that she and one of the background actors had something in common: They had both protested at Standing Rock.

Its scary to think about what that scene would have been like if the patriarchy was in charge, Soloway says. That morning, we talked about the revolution and the resistance and other-izing and how these struggles are the same of those of indigenous people and environmentalists and women and queer people. A lot of people are aligned about how making art can change the world, so we gather all that energy first and remind people thats why were here. Were attempting to dismantle some of the specificities of filmmaking across the board. So that would mean that the way we speak to one another on a day where were filming this type of scene is a day where dignity and humanity is made primary.

It was also front and center on the first day of production, which kicked off with a gender-bending sex scene from the third episode between Toby and Devon in her Airstream. Colindrez, who plays Devon, remembers noticing the astonishing number of women in the crew. Its so funny to have never thought of it before because you get used to that environment  like, of course its only men in the room, she says. But its like, wait a second, Im not the object? Im being looked at for me and not for all these things that are supposed to be me? Its special. How has this never happened before? Ive been wanting to see this my entire life and I didnt even realize that.

Toby and Devons scene, which contains no nudity, begins with Toby declaring, Im sorry, Daddy  You got a big cock. The two actresses had bonded during the filming of the pilot and felt at ease with each other, as well as with director Peirce. (Although the scene appears in an episode directed by Andrea Arnold, it was originally part of the second episode directed by Peirce.) The conversation was so natural, like we were ordering a salad, Colindrez recalls. We didnt need to explain sexuality to each other because we know our sexuality, and we can imagine the sexuality of these two people.

L-R: India Salvor Menuez and Roberta Colindrez.

The morning the scene was shot, Colindrez kept thinking of the movie Blue Is the Warmest Color and how the actresses in it described crying through the filming of a lengthy lesbian sex scene because of what director Abdellatif Kechiche was demanding of them. They were pushed to their limits because of what this guy thought these women would be doing to each other in a sexual situation, Colindrez says. I was thinking how miserable it would be for our scene to be directed by a guy and what he thinks were supposed to say to each other.

Peirce found that the number of women on set directly affected the way she directed. It allows for a real emphasis on female sexuality, female desire, the female gaze, and female creativity because the people who are coming up with the story lines and the dialogue and the activities and the action are women, she says. That fluidity on set was born in the writers room, where female and gender-nonconforming writers felt comfortable opening up about their own lives and sexual fantasies as they adapted Krauss book. The first week they convened, the writers shared stories from their personal lives that became the basis for the fifth episode, A Short History of Girls, a series of vignettes in which several of Marfas women write their own letters to Dick and explore their innermost desires.

Ive been the only woman in a writers room before and I felt like it was my duty to articulate a singular womans perspective as if there is only one, says co-executive producer Heidi Schreck, who co-wrote A Short History of Girls. In those situations, she says, it was common to be asked to rewrite all of the female characters or judge if an episode passed the test determining whether it was offensive to women.

Before Transparent, Soloway worked in male-dominant writers rooms, too. A lot of cis men dont realize that when they are talking about liking something, they are usually talking about whether or not it makes them uncomfortable, she explains. Being the object of the gaze instead of being the gaze actually feels uncomfortable for a lot of men. What I dont think many of us realizes is how much of a privilege perpetrator that is  male directors and writers are naturally going to try to shape something into something that pleases them.

You couldnt find a better counterpoint than the series finale, Cowboys and Nomads, in which Chris finally gets what she wants and is about to have sex with Dick when she gets her period and he runs to the bathroom to wash his hand. Disappointed, she puts on his boxers and a shirt and walks off into the desert, menstrual blood dripping down her thigh. I dont think many guys want to put that in their shows, Schreck says. Maybe out of respect theyre not putting our periods on their shows. But I will say that it was one of my favorite things just because I feel sex on your period is something we all have stories about.

Hahn got a kick out of it, too. Her womanness was too much for Dick. That day, when I actually got to have amazing period blood applied to the inside of my thigh, she says, laughing, I could not believe we were getting away with it.
WORLDWIDE EXCLUSIVE: @TomCruise just confirmed that Top Gun 2 is happening! "Im gonna start filming it probably in the next year". #sun7 pic.twitter.com/X17xvxz4Q4  Sunrise (@sunriseon7) May 23, 2017

Tom Cruise wants to soar back into our hearts with a Top Gun sequel he says is definitely happening. Appearing on the Australian morning show Sunrise, the Mummy actor confirmed rumors of a planned follow-up to the 1986 volleyball erotica high-flying blockbuster. Cruise told the hosts, and the world, Im going to start filming it probably in the next year. We already know Val Kilmer is ready and willing to suit back up for the gig, so maybe Maverick and Iceman will be reprising their student rivalry, but now as instructors at the Top Gun Naval Fighters Weapons School. Or maybe the two are old, grizzled fighter pilots who are pulled out of retirement by their shared need for speed? Whatever the case, lets just hope Meg Ryan is there.

Update (July 3, 2017): Paramount Pictures confirmed a July 12, 2019, release date for Top Gun 2, with Tom Cruise reprising Maverick, plus director Joseph Kosinski (of Tron Legacy), producer Jerry Bruckheimer, and a script by Peter Craig and Justin Marks, along with Ashley Miller and Zack Stentz.
Wife of police inspector Gyaneshwar Ganore was found murdered inside her house in Santacruz east. Ganore, who is posted at Khar police station, was associated with the probe in the sensational Sheena Bora murder case.

By Saurabh Vaktania: The wife of a police inspector was found dead at their Vakola residence in suburban Santa Cruz in Mumbai today.

The incident took place on Tuesday night in Prabhat Colony and the victim has been identified as Deepali Ganore.

She was the wife of police inspector Dnyaneshwar Ganore, who was part of the team probing the sensational Sheena Bora murder case.

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The high-profile Sheena Bora murder case was registered at the Khar police station. Ganore was one of the investigating officers in the case and also headed the team which arrested prime accused Indrani Mukerjea.

BRUTAL MURDER

When Ganore returned to his Prabhat Colony house from work early today he found the door locked from outside and keys were kept in the shoe rack.

"Ganore thought that his son and wife might have gone for late night movie show which ends at 2 am. He tried calling them several times but there was no response. He went to watchman's cabin and stayed there till 2am," police said.

The officer further added, "At 2 am when Ganore went to his house again and found keys near a shoerack. When he opened the door, Ganore found his son's mobile phone and wife Deepali lying in a pool of blood with her throat slit."

Ganore called the police control room immediately. She was taken to a nearby hospital where doctors declared her dead.

According to sources, Ganore spoke to his wife on phone on Tuesday morning around 11 am. In the evening he called his son and wife to inform them that he is going for dinner with his relative and won't have food at home. However, no one answered his call.

Note written with the victim's blood.

SON PRIME SUSPECT

The police said prima facie Ganore's son, who is missing since last night, appears to be the prime suspect in the case. His mobile phone was recovered from the house.

The woman was allegedly first murdered by her son who slit her throat. The son then used the blood of her mother to script a message on the floor of the room.

"I am tired of her. Catch and hang me," his note said.

Sources in Mumbai police said that Ganore's son Siddhant was very intelligent student. He scored over 90 per cent in his boards exams. However, lately he was not so interested in studies and his mother used to poke him regularly for that. The son did not even have friends in the locality. He was also not given permission to use Facebook and WhatsApp.

Siddhant Ganore, prime accused and son of the victim. Siddhant Ganore, prime accused and son of the victim.

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The Mumbai Police and crime branch are doing parallel investigations. The cops have got some lead in the case and are hopeful of arresting the accused soon.

Investigating officers told India Today that after murdering his mother and writing the note in blood, the accused son went to the bathroom and took a shower. He later left the house with Rs 2 lakh in cash.

The woman's body was sent to the hospital for post-mortem and later taken to Nashik for final rites. The Vakola police has registered a murder case and is investigating the matter from all possible angles.

ALSO READ:

Mumbai cop's son murders mother, writes note with her blood: Tired of her, catch and hang me

Mumbai: After three months of investigation, police solve murder case of 12-year-old boy

Another twist in Sheena Bora murder case adds to the mystery

Mumbai: Elderly couple found brutally stabbed, husband succumbs to injuries, wife battling for life

ALSO WATCH:

Sheena Bora murder case: CBI court charges Indrani, Peter Mukerjea, Sanjeev Khanna

--- ENDS ---

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Nalini Murugan has asked the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to ask the Centre to release her, keeping in mind the fact that she's the longest serving woman prisoner in India.

By Pramod Madhav: Nalini Murugan, who is charged with the assassination of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, has requested the United Nations Commission on Human Rights (OHCHR) to ask the Government of India to release her.

In a six-page letter addressed to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Nalini explained how she and six others are still in prison after serving more than a life term.

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She said that though there are several special schemes through which her release can be facilitated, the state government has clearly stated that as her case was investigated by the CBI, she can't be released by any of the schemes.

She also pointed that Nathuram Ghodse, who was convicted for assassinating Mahatma Gandhi, was released after serving his term.

'DENIED BENEFIT OF EARLY RELEASE'

"I have been denied the benefit of early release from prison which is available to all the life convicts in the country, all on the ground that I was convicted in the case of the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi", she wrote.

Nalini said her continued imprisonment would be a violation of Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution of India, as well as a failure of the Centre and the Tamil Nadu government.

Finally, she requested the High Commissioner to ask the Centre to release her under Article 72, keeping in mind the fact that she's the longest serving woman prisoner in India.

ALSO READ | Rajiv Gandhi: The fateful night of May 21, 1991 in Madras and New Delhi

ALSO READ | Congress to launch signature campaign on Rajiv Gandhi's death anniversary for 33 per cent reservation for women

ALSO WATCH | I'Day special: A look back at Rajiv Gandhi's political journey

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The opening of a la Madeleine French Cafe and Bakery in Central Texas Marketplace is moving closer to reality, with the city of Waco examining plans for a strip center behind the La-Z-Boy furniture store that will include the restaurant as an anchor.

Meanwhile, Austin-based CLD Realty is marketing the strip and soliciting inquires about more than 7,000 square feet of available lease space, not counting the 5,000-square-foot, 145-seat La Madeleine cafe.

Waco attorney and entrepreneur Dan McReynolds secured rights to place la Madeleine cafes in Waco, Tyler and Colorado, and teamed with Waco businessman Gordon Robinson on the venture.

The la Madeleine in Tyler started serving in December, while Wacos should open well before the end of the year, said real estate agent Teddy Leonard, who is pursuing lessees as an agent for CLD Realty.

Were trying to find would-be users right now, Leonard said. I have 20 listings Im presenting to as many people as possible.

No firm date set

Leonard said he has no firm date for when la Madeleine will open.

Waco inspections supervisor Bobby Horner, a self-professed fan of the la Madeleine chain, said documents he has seen show first the construction of a building shell and then a separate finish-out package for the interior.

The la Madeleine space itself will cover 5,057 square feet, while the whole building shell will cover 12,072 square feet, Horner said. Subtract one from the other, and you have the amount available for retail or whatever else they want to put there.

McReynolds could not be reached for comment, but has said he would like to recruit a progressive, fast-casual restaurant to the strip as a complement to la Madeleine.

The la Madeleine at Central Texas Marketplace will operate near the former Twin Peaks building, the scene of a shootout in May 2015 that left nine bikers dead and many wounded.

Building still vacant

The Twin Peaks building has remained shuttered since the tragic event. It is wrapped in plastic and has been marketed by at least two real estate agents since its closing.

Horner said he doubts the new restaurants proximity to the former Twin Peaks would impact business one way or another.

Philippe Le Duff, son of the la Madeleine parent companys founder, said in a recent interview he moved to the United States to get a feel for its culture and tastes, since it has become important to the company.

We are focused on franchise development and hope to open 20 new locations every year, Le Duff said.

He said he has fallen in love with Waco and is glad it will have a La Madeleine.

I think its just the right size between city and countryside, and Cameron Park is a place where you can run and ride your mountain bike for hours, Le Duff said.
District 1 Councilman Wilbert Austin Sr. is stepping down for health reasons after 11 years in office, allowing Waco City Council to choose a successor for the remaining year in his term.

Austin, who has been battling a resurgent stomach cancer, submitted his resignation Wednesday to Mayor Kyle Deaver.

Everything in life comes to an end, Austin said Wednesday, sitting in a wheelchair at his modest home on Turner Street. I realize that every road, no matter how long, comes to an end. So my road comes to an end on the city council. I wasnt put here to run for city council all my life.

The application process to replace Austin runs from Thursday to June 2, and the council will consider the appointment June 6.

We will move at a pretty rapid pace to fill that position, Deaver said. Because he hasnt been able to make the last couple of meetings, he wants to make sure we can get in someone who can represent District 1.

Deaver said Austin leaves behind a legacy of public service.

One of the best experiences of serving on the city council has been getting to know Wilbert Austin, he said. The devotion he has shown for his district and his city is remarkable and a great model for all public servants. He will be remembered for passionately representing his district and thinking about the greater good of the city at large.

Austin, who has been under treatment for the past two months, has missed both regular council meetings this month and was hospitalized last week for complications related to his cancer. He was released Saturday from Baylor Scott & White Hillcrest Medical Center after his condition improved.

Austin had undergone treatment for the same illness at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in 2013, shortly after losing his wife to cancer.

Wilbert Austin Jr., who is helping take care of the elder Austin, said his fathers heart is still in public service, but it is time to focus on recovery.

He needs to fully concentrate on that, he said. The meetings are a lot of work.

Austin, 76, a Baptist pastor and retired Owens-Illinois factory worker, was elected to represent District 1 in 2006 after five previous attempts to win the office.

District 1 includes his home base of East Waco as well as Timbercrest, Texas State Technical College and McLennan Community College.

He served as mayor pro tem from 2009 to 2010 and 2015 to 2016.

In an interview Wednesday, Austin said he had the satisfaction during his term to see murders and other crimes subside in East Waco and to see the beginning of Elm Avenues renewal. He said he is also proud to see the new McLane Stadium in his district.

God gave me the ability and made it possible for me to do things that had not been done in 60 years, he said.

Austins community leadership has included service on the boards of Eastern Waco Development Corp., Caritas, EOAC and EOAC Head Start and the United Way. He also has served on the National League of Cities Public Safety and Crime Prevention Steering Committee. He has served for the past 38 years as pastor of Peaceful Rest Baptist Church in Moody.

Loved East Waco

But he is best known for his neighborhood volunteer work, such as painting houses, picking up trash and cutting grass for elderly widows in East Waco.

He loved East Waco, loved his people, Councilwoman Alice Rodriguez said. Thats why he always wanted to be on the council and to work as hard as he did. He wanted to make it better for his constituency. Were losing that voice and the love he had for his district.

Rodriguez recalled that she grew up as Austins neighbor in the 1950s in a housing area along the Brazos River that was demolished through federally funded urban renewal programs in the 1960s.

I told him once, Who would have thought wed be on the city council, working together for the betterment of the city?  she said. Knowing the racism and prejudice of that era, that didnt keep us from trying to work with everyone.

Rodriguez and Councilman Dillon Meek recall that outside of council chambers, Austin would frequently admonish them to seek divine guidance.

Hed say, Have you prayed about this issue?  Meek recalled. He said, Youre getting ahead of yourself if you havent prayed about it.

Im incredibly sad that hes leaving. When I think of him, what comes to mind is a godly man, a strong leader, a father and a friend to this city. Hes been all those things to me. He loves this city well, cares for it deeply and fights for it. He has been a lesson to me in how to engage in this position and how to take it seriously, but also not to take it too seriously, to not forget that we can be friends and work through all these issues together.

A special reception is planned to recognize Austin at 5 p.m. May 30 at McLennan Hall in the Waco Convention Center.

Meanwhile, eligible District 1 residents can visit the city secretarys office at City Hall to pick up an application packet for the vacant seat starting Thursday, with an application deadline of 5 p.m. June 2. Candidates will be interviewed at the city councils 3 p.m. work session, and the chosen candidate could be sworn in at the 6 p.m. business session.

For more information on the process, call 757-5750.
At the time of demonetisation, currency worth Rs 17.77 crores was in circulation in the economy. Out of this, Rs 15.44 lakh crores was in high denomination notes, which were phased out. Rs 2.33 lakh crores was in small denomination notes with a value of Rs 100 or less. The government's internal calculation is that if currency in circulation had continued to be printed at the same rate as before demonetisation, then by May 2017, currency in circulation would have been of the value of Rs 19.25 lakh crores. According to RBI figures,at the end of April this year, the total amount of currency in circulation was Rs 14.2 lakh crores.

The demonetisation advantages report of the Modi government says that with Rs 14.2 lakh crores of currency the economy is able to meet all its transactional requirements. This means that the economy now has roughly Rs 5 lakh crores of cash lesser than the amount it would have had if demonetisation had not happened. This essentially means that the amount of cash stashed away by citizens has come down. This is advantageous to the economy since the hoarding of cash delivers no value to the country's economic growth.

One of the most important benefits of demonetisation has been the sharp increase in the country's tax base. The government's estimate is that thanks to demonetisation, India's net personal income tax revenue could double over the next couple of years. Some of the dividends are already visible. The number of people who have filed self assessment forms for the financial year 2016-17 grew by 23.8 per cent. The government's calculation is that out of this 23.8 per cent, at least 10 per cent growth is thanks to demonetisation. Senior officials in the administration say that demonetisation has sent a message that those who evade tax are engaging in a form of financial terrorism and that the law is now going to come after them.

91 lakh new assesses joined the tax base in FY 2016-17. In years gone by, the increase in the number of assesses has usually been in the range of 20-25 lakh. The government's belief is that a strong message has gone out that there's no point any longer in hiding income. Last year, just 24 lakh individuals declared a net income of more than Rs 10 lakh. Out of this meager number, 65% were those who drew fixed salaries.

Before demonetisation roughly 1 lakh new pan cards were issued every day. Now the number of new PAN cards issued every day averages between 2-3 lakhs.

One of the big advantages of demonetisation has been the move to a more formal digital economy. In FY 2016-17, there were a total of 300 crore digital transactions. If the rate seen in the first few weeks of FY 2017-18 continues, then the government estimates that this year there will be more than 2500 crore digital transactions.

The usage of mobile wallets like PayTM, SBI Buddy, FreeCharge is already worth more than Rs 200 crore per day. In the five months since its launch, 2 crore people have downloaded the BHIM app. The BHIM and UPI payment gateways are already averaging a daily transactional value of Rs 140 crore per day.

Debit card usage figures have gone up significantly post demonetisation. In 2015-16, the total number of debit card transactions was 117 crores, which had an aggregate transactional value of Rs 1.58 crores. In 2016-17, the number of transactions went up significantly, mostly after demonetisation. In the year gone by there were 240 crore debit card transactions with a total value of Rs 3.3 lakh crore.

Demonetisation has helped bring a significant amount of additional money into the formal banking system, which is apparent from the increased number of bank deposits. The government's estimate is that the total amount of savings in the banking system has gone up by Rs 4.5 lakh crore from the pre-demonetisation baseline figure.

Demonetisation has also helped ensure that the advance of a RBI rate cut is actually passed on to the consumer. Between January 2015 and October 2016, the RBI reduced interest rates by 175 basis points. However, on an average banks passed on only about 50 basis point rate cut to the consumer. After demonetisation, though, banks have already reduced the Marginal Cost of Fund Based Lending Rates (MCLR) by around 100 basis points and the government expects that the reduction will continue in the coming months.

The advantage of reduced interest rates is felt most notably by the medium and small scale industries. The government's calculation is that thousands of SMEs will cross the threshold of viability thanks to the reduction in interest rates spurred by demonetisation.

Demonetisation is also giving a boost to reviving the housing sector which has been in the doldrums for the last few years. Interest rate for individual borrowers is already done to 8.2 per cent. Before demonetisation, interest rates hovered at around 9.3 per cent.

The number of active contributors under the Employee Provident Fund (EPF) scheme has gone up from 3.7 crores before demonetisation to 4.5 crores by March 2017. This means that more companies have now started paying EPF to their employees.

As a result of demonetisation the total amount outstanding with DisComs has substantially come down. DisComs were allowed to accept high denomination notes in the days after Demonetisation. DisComs collected more than Rs 25,000 crore during the Demonetisation period, which is Rs 4,500 crore more than what was collected in the same period of 2015.

In the same way the total amount outstanding with urban local bodies under the heads of Property Tax, Professional Tax has come down in a significant way. In November 2015, India's major urban local bodies collected Rs 1000 crores, while in November 2016, urban local bodies collected Rs 3,500 crores, which is an increase of a whopping 245 per cent.

Before demonetisation, cashless payment at toll plazas of National Highways Authority of India was roughly 3 per cent of total NHAI toll collections. Cashless transactions have now gone up to 15 per cent of the total toll collected by NHAI.

Cashless payment at petrol/diesel outlets before demonetisation was roughly Rs 4,500 crore. After demonetisation, this figure has jumped to Rs 12,000 crore. In percentage terms, cashless payments at petrol pumps has gone by from 9 per cent to more than 20 per cent.
WAVERLY  Susan Samuelson and her family hope Waverly residents are in the mood to light up the sky this summer.

The more fireworks they can sell at their stand, the more they can help her grandson.

The money will be used to pay medical expenses for Hunter Whisler. The three-year-old was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) when he was about 8 months old.

This was a complete shock, Samuelson said. We have absolutely no family history of this. This is just a very random thing.

Some families do know there is a hereditary risk, she said, but in Whislers case there was no reason to suspect the disease could afflict the child.

DMD is one of nine kinds of muscular dystrophy, signified by an absence of the protein dystrophin, which maintains muscle cells, according to the MDA website. The disease usually affects boys, but sometimes is found in girls. Onset typically occurs in early childhood.

The disease is a progressive muscular degenerative disease with immense impacts on those afflicted. Boys with DMD usually lose the ability to walk between the ages of 8 and 14 and lose upper body strength typically in their late teens.

Eventually, they will need a respirator to breathe at night, and the disease weakens all tissues, leading to cardiac issues during the late teens.

Samuelson and Whislers parents, Natalie and Randy, have already noticed DMDs symptoms in their child.

If you watch him walk and watch the way he does things, its different than a typical 3 year old, Samuelson said.

Talking about DMD and how its affecting her grandson can be difficult for Samuelson, but she wants people to understand the disease.

We want people to be educated and to know that this exists, she said. You want people to know this is a thing.

The family hopes their planned fireworks stand this summer helps spread awareness and raise funds.

The stand will be behind True Value in Waverly during the week leading up to July 4, Samuelson said. The whole thing came together quickly.

Samuelson, who lives outside Hickman, reached out to a man at her church who organizes fireworks displays. At first she thought they could have a fireworks display to raise funds, but after she learned her fellow churchgoer knew a fireworks distributor who could supply product for sale, she decided to have a stand.

She was originally looking for a place in Lincoln to set up the stand, but then she had an idea.

I was looking at Lincoln and nothing was coming through, she said. Then she thought, since Whisler and his family live in Waverly, why not look there.

She headed to the city office, where she learned fireworks stands need to be affiliated with a civic organization before being approved for operation. So, sitting in her car outside the office, she pulled up an internet search for local organizations.

Thats when she learned about the Waverly Lions Club and decided to give them a call out of the blue.

What do I have to lose, she said. OK, God, youre going to have to make this work.

After talking to the club, she had to figure out where to have the stand. John Tucker at True Value was more than willing to help, she said.

I told him and he was like yep, well do it, she said. Thats how this whole thing came about. Everything literally just came together in a very short amount of time.

Money raised at the stand will help the Whislers primarily with medical expenses.

It can be $8,000 to $10,000 a year even with insurance, Samuelson said.

Both of Whislers parents work full time and have insurance, but the costs still add up.

It will only get worse, she added.

Eventually, the family will likely need to move into a different home with accommodations for Whisler.

Even now stairs are really hard for him, she said.

Funds raised will help cover the costs of travel to Columbus, Ohio, where Hunter is treated by some of the top researchers and doctors specializing DMD.

Money will also be used to fund research.

Without a cure, without something, we have no hope, Samuelson said. Were very committed to that part, too.

Right now, the family is looking for volunteers to help work the stand. Those interested can reach out to fireworksforhunter@gmail.com.

A number of individuals have already reached out.

We hate the disease, but it is a beautiful thing when a community comes together to care for, love and walk with people through things like this, Samuelson said. I dont know how you do life without it.

As for Whisler, the family has learned to appreciate every moment spent with the boy.

Its a hard walk, she said. You live in the moment and love the day and love the kiddo and embrace life.
Two B-25 bombers associated with American servicemen missing in action from World War II were recently documented in the waters off Papua New Guinea by Project Recover  a collaborative team of marine scientists, archaeologists and volunteers who have combined efforts to locate aircraft and associated MIAs from World War II.

The B-25 bomber is one of the most iconic airplanes of World War II, with nearly 10,000 of the famous warbirds conducting a variety of missions  from bombing to photo reconnaissance, to submarine patrols, and the historic raid over Tokyo. Present-day Papua New Guinea was the site of military action in the Pacific from January of 1942 to the end of the war in August 1945, with significant losses of aircraft and servicemen, some of whom have never been found.

Project Recover is composed of scientists from Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California San Diego and the College of Earth, Ocean, and Environment at the University of Delaware and members of the nonprofit organization BentProp, Limited. In February, a Project Recover team set out on a mission to map the seafloor in search of missing WWII aircraft, conduct an official archaeological survey of a known B-25 underwater wreck, and interview elders in villages in the immediate area.

In its search of nearly 10 square kilometers, Project Recover located the debris field of a B-25 bomber that had been missing for over 70 years, associated with a crew of six MIAs.

People have this mental image of an airplane resting intact on the sea floor, but the reality is that most planes were often already damaged before crashing, or broke up upon impact. And, after soaking in the sea for decades, they are often unrecognizable to the untrained eye, often covered in corals and other sea-life, said Katy OConnell, Project Recovers Executive Director, who is based at the University of Delawares College of Earth, Ocean, and Environment. Our use of advanced technologies, which led to the discovery of the B-25, enables us to accelerate and enhance the discovery and eventual recovery of our missing servicemen.

Project Recover blends historical and archival data from multiple sources to narrow underwater search regions, then surveys the areas with scanning sonars, high definition imagers, advanced diving, and unmanned aerial and underwater robotic technologies.

The latest discovery is a result of the dedication and fervent efforts of everyone associated with Project Recover, said Dan Friedkin, chairman and CEO of The Friedkin Group and a member of the Project Recover team who provides private funding for the organization. We are encouraged at the progress that is being made as our search efforts expand and remain committed to locating the resting places of all U.S. servicemen missing since World War II.

In addition to searching for missing aircraft, Project Recover also conducts archaeological surveys of sites that are known, but not yet documented, like the site of a B-25 bomber that was discovered in Madang Harbor, Papua New Guinea.

While well known to locals and scuba enthusiasts for over 30 years, this particular B-25 had never been officially surveyed, said Andrew Pietruszka, a Scripps Oceanography scientist and Project Recovers underwater archaeologist. Of the six crew associated with the aircraft, five survived the crash but were taken prisoner by the Japanese. The remaining crewmember went down with the plane and is still listed as missing.

Our team of divers and scientists conducts site surveys to fully document the wreckage. That documentation can then be used by the U.S. government to correlate soldiers still missing in action with the aircraft site we discovered, and to evaluate that site for the possible recovery of remains, said Pietruszka.

While the scientific focus of Project Recover is to conduct underwater searches and surveys, equally important are the historical accounts of crashes that are often part of local histories, passed from one generation to another. While speaking to village elders about the two B-25 cases, Project Recover team members were told about local terrestrial burial sites and an additional aircraft that had crashed on land.

Project Recover provides detailed information about its missions and any discovered wrecks and possible links to airmen listed as missing in action to the Department of Defenses Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA). DPAA is tasked with recovery and repatriation efforts, including notification of the families of these MIAs.

Any find in the field is treated with the utmost care, respect and solemnity, said OConnell. There are still over 73,000 U.S. service members unaccounted for from World War II, leaving families with unanswered questions about their loved ones. We hope that our global efforts can help to bring closure and honor the service of the fallen.

The mission to Papua New Guinea kicked off Project Recovers second year of formal operations and was made possible by a substantial financial commitment from Friedkin in 2016. Friedkins continued support is helping sustain ongoing missions, while enabling the organization to innovate its technology and broaden its search and discovery efforts to focus areas around the world.

In 2016, team members expanded operations, conducting missions in eight countries (England, New Caledonia, Palau, Saipan, the Solomon Islands, Tinian, and the U.S.) in search of over 20 aircraft and 100 service members still missing in action. Five aircraft were successfully identified and documented, with documentation submitted to DPAA. The missions also resulted in new leads, based on field research and personal accounts from locals, which will aid in planning for future missions.

Among other missions around the world, Project Recover plans to return to Papua New Guinea later this year to focus on other cases of interest and further explore leads that developed from the February 2017 mission.

About Project Recover

Project Recover is a public-private partnership to enlist 21st century science and technology combined with in-depth archival and historical research in a quest to find the final underwater resting places of Americans missing in action since World War II. Established in 2012 with initial support from the Office of Naval Research and formalized in 2016 with private funding, Project Recover is a partnership among researchers at the University of Delawares College of Earth, Ocean, and Environment, Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego, and The BentProp Project, Limited. Visit www.projectrecover.org and www.bentprop.org.
Palaniswami urged PM Modi that the Centre should reconsider its decision to introduce NEET in Tamil Nadu while also stressing on the need for immediate central intervention in the appointment of a Cauvery River Management Authority.

Palaniswami urged PM Modi that the Centre should reconsider its decision to introduce NEET in Tamil Nadu.

By Indo-Asian News Service: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi Palaniswami met Prime Minister Narendra Modi today and urged him to intervene in the Cauvery river issue. He also stressed on the need for immediate central intervention in the appointment of a Cauvery River Management Authority and setting up of a Regulatory Committee as part of implementing the Cauvery Water Tribunal decisions.

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He urged PM Modi that the Centre should reconsider its decision to introduce NEET examination in Tamil Nadu and exempt the state from it in the interest of students. The meeting comes close on the heels of the meeting former Chief Minister O Panneerselvam had with Modi here last week.

Talking to newspersons after his meeting with Modi, he said exemption should be given from NEET to both government and private medical colleges and government-quota seats in Tamil Nadu.

HERE'S WHAT THE TWO LEADERS DISCUSSED Palaniswami urged the Prime Minister to ensure that the finance ministry issue instructions to the insurance companies for quick disbursal of crop loss insurance for farmers affected by the severe drought that has hit the state this year. The CM said he has handed over a memorandum to Modi containing various demands of the state for Central help in implementing development schemes. The demands included immediate central approval for setting up of an AIIMS hospital in Tamil Nadu, clearance for the Rs 14,500 crore scheme for restoration of the Cauvery bed for which the state government has sent a scheme. This should be implemented as a national scheme, he said. Palaniswami said he urged the Prime Minister to instruct the Kerala government not to go ahead with its plans for the construction of check dams across the Bhavani river. He also wanted the Centre to advise the Kerala government to accept the Tamil Nadu scheme for diversion of surplus waters from Pamba, Achankoil and Vaippar rivers to prevent them from going into the sea which will be beneficial to both Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Palaniswami said the Centre should give a subsidy of Rs 500 crore for a rainwater conservation scheme to be taken up as a people's movement. The scheme involves desilting of rivers and lakes and rain water harvesting programme introduced by late chief minister J Jayalalithaa. He said the Centre has allocated Rs 86 crore for fishermen development for which Tamil Nadu government has set apart Rs 200 crore. The meeting assumes significance in view of the BJP's efforts to garner maximum support for the NDA candidate in the upcoming Presidential election due in July. Replying to reporters' questions including whether his faction would have a tie up with the BJP in the coming local bodies elections, Palaniswamy said nothing political was discussed with the Prime Minister. He said he has invited Modi to participate in a function in which Jayalalithaa's portrait is to be opened in the state Assembly and in the grand final celebrations of MGR's birth centenary being scheduled in December in Chennai.

ALSO READ | After meeting Narendra Modi, Panneerselvam says decision on alliance with BJP after announcement of local body polls

ALSO WATCH | Exclusive: Has E Palaniswami camp found an ally in BJP?

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THERE was a great response to this years Spring Clean initiative in Waterford, as over 50 groups from the county registered to get down and...
Court pronounced the stay on the case filed by Shakti Malarkodi. According to the plea by an aspiring medical student's mother, who has contended that the examination breached the students' right to equality under Article 14 of the Constitution.

By India Today Web Desk: Results of National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), popularly known as the common medical entrance exam, have been put on hold by the Madras High Court over petition seeking its cancellation.

The court pronounced a stay on the case filed by a petitioner named Shakti Malarkodi who sat for the exam. According to the plea, an aspiring medical student's (Shakti) mother contended that the examination breached the students' right to equality under Article 14 of the Constitution. The mother of the candidate, who took the test in English language, has termed the test as being violative of the Article 14 contending that all the question papers in various language, including Hindi, English and Tamil, were not same and not of same difficulty level.

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The case has been adjourned till June 7.

Earlier, the Madras High Court had sought the CBSE's stand on the plea to cancel the May 7 National Eligibility cum Entrance Test, held for selection of candidates for undergraduate medical and dental courses.

The bench had issued a notice to CBSE, slating the matter to be heard again on May 24. The petitioner submitted that selection under NEET would not amount to testing equal skills.

Though the test was conducted across India in all major languages, including Tamil, English and Hindi, the question paper in English was based on the CBSE syllabus, whereas the one in Tamil was based on the state syllabus, said the complainant.

She alleged the authorities never told the candidates, who appeared for NEET, that the question papers in different languages will not be the same and that they have the discretion to frame different set of questions in different languages.

Stating that the present evaluation system is contrary and in violation of Article 14 of the Constitution, the petitioner prayed for an interim injunction against the declaration of results based on the NEET examination held on May 7 and sought a direction to cancel the test.

She further sought a direction to re-conduct NEET with same set of questions of all major languages in India.

Also Read:

NEET 2017: Questions in Bengali tougher than English version, Bengal government to write to CBSE

NEET Exam 2017: 4 Kerala teachers suspended after student was asked to remove innerwear

Also Watch:

NEET shocker: Female medical aspirant asked to remove bra, metal button from jeans before writing exam

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There is only a small possibility that the stricken Samarco mine in Brazil will begin operation again this year.

The company operating the mine, which is half owned by BHP Billiton and its rival Vale, halted operations in November 2015 after a fatal dam burst that killed 19 people and triggered Brazil's worst environmental disaster.

Samarco Mineracao SA chief executive Roberto de Carvalho said he believed resuming operations this year would be a challenge though there remained a small possibility that timeline would be met.
Random audits of employers would be a more proactive approach in chasing down billions of dollars of unpaid superannuation, often to the nation's most vulnerable workers, says Inspector-General of Taxation Ali Noroozi.

On Wednesday the government released Mr Noroozi's review into the ATO's employer obligations compliance activities. One of the issues investigated, which had also been the subject of a recent Senate inquiry, is potentially billions of dollars of unpaid super to Australian workers.

Mr Noroozi said that while random audits would "expose some compliant employers to unnecessary compliance cost ... and inconveniences", such costs may also be mitigated by the ATO reimbursing complaint taxpayers for any additional compliance cost incurred.
He was later charged with three counts of common assault and three counts of assault occasioning bodily harm. Details of the allegations against him cannot be reported for legal reasons.

He later appeared in Brisbane Magistrates Court and was granted bail.



Mr Black has been under investigation since a complaint was lodged last August, as revealed by Fairfax Media. It is understood police arrested him after he failed to appear for a scheduled interview on Wednesday morning.

Senator Malcolm Roberts and adviser Sean Black. Credit:Andrew Meares

In February, Senator Roberts defended Mr Black over media reports about him, branding them "fake news".

"While it's terrible that Pauline and I are subjected to lies and smears to try and discredit us politically, it's totally unacceptable that when they can't find dirt on us the media go after our staff," Senator Roberts said in a Facebook post.



"I have been working closely with Sean for the past five months and he is a great asset to our team and to Pauline's team, both as a hard working aide and as a personal friend. I have seen no evidence of the caricature he is painted to be, he loves his family, has a great sense of humour and is extremely well liked by all those who associate with him.

"Sean has my full support and will continue to have my full support in this office for as long as I am an elected official."
A new paper suggesting that anorexia might provide "insight" to those with obesity has exposed the extent of fat phobia in our community, experts say.

The paper, Long-Term Weight Loss Maintenance in Obesity: Possible Insights From Anorexia Nervosa? was published last month by the International Journal of Eating Disorders under the heading "An Idea Worth Researching."

Condoning self-hate hurts us all. Credit:Stocksy

No, sadly, it is not a joke.

"The authors are suggesting that fat people can learn a thing or two from anorexics," says psychologist and eating disorder specialist, Louise Adams.
Police waited too long to enter the Lindt cafe stronghold in their attempt to rescue hostages from the gunman Man Haron Monis, NSW Coroner Michael Barnes said in a finding endorsed by Police Commissioner Mick Fuller.

Commanders relied on "flawed advice" from negotiators and a police psychiatrist that underplayed the risk Monis posed and overestimated their chances of a peaceful resolution, the coroner found.

Storming the cafe in a surprise assault to end the terrorist attack would have been safer. But having hung back, preparing for an emergency, police should have then pounced when Monis first fired his shotgun at escaping hostages.
Mike Baird, who was Premier during the siege and now works for National Australia Bank, has commented on how "proud" he was of the city's response.

"This was a tragic event that tore the heart of the nation. The families of Katrina and Tori will never recover from their loss and the hostages will forever live with that day.

"I hope that the Coroner's report can bring to their families, and to the surviving hostages, some form of healing.

"And while there will always be lessons to be learned from events such as this, we must not forget the ongoing bravery of our police who constantly put their lives at risk for us.

"My thoughts and prayers continue to be with all the victims of this vicious act of terror that struck at the heart of our city.

"I will always be proud of how our city and state united following this event, a reminder always that we are stronger together."
With the resignation, the government will be relegated to a caretaker one, and will remain in office until next government is formed.

By Indo-Asian News Service: Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' will resign on Wednesday evening, paving way for Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba to become the next Prime Minister.

Prachanda will put his papers at 4 PM after a televised address to the nation.

During the address, he is scheduled to announce his resignation and will highlight the achievements of his government during the past 10 months.

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With the resignation, the government will be relegated to a caretaker one, and will remain in office until next government is formed.

The resignation is to honour an accord signed in August last year when Prachanda was elected the Prime Minister with Deuba's support.

Both Prachanda and Sher Bahadur Deuba had agreed to run the government on a rotational basis until elections to Parliament were held in February 2018, as per constitutional obligations.

According to the agreement, Prachanda was to remain in office till the local elections were held while polls at the provincial and central levels were to be conducted under Deuba as the Prime Minister.

Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda was scheduled to address the Parliament before putting in his papers but due to obstruction of the House by main opposition, CPN-UML, he could not step down on Tuesday.

ALSO READ:

Nepal local polls my victory regardless of whoever wins: PM

Nepal to conduct first local polls in 20 years tomorrow

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New nature-play community WA ROCKS has grown to nearly 3000 members in one month, surprising its founder, a Byford mother who just aimed to encourage her children to play outside.

The massive game of hide-and-seek using hand-painted rocks spread throughout the southern suburbs, then the Peel region, throughout Perth and into WA country towns.

WA children have taken to the game with gusto. Credit:WA ROCKS

Alana Stevenson said she had started the page inspired by a similar movement in New Zealand.

"In Byford, kids are always stuck for something to do and parents are always complaining about there being little to do, community wise," she said.
Dahal announced his resignation after addressing the nation in Singha Durbar this evening.

By India Today Web Desk: Paving the way for Nepali Congress president Sher Bahadur Deuba to lead the government as part of a power-sharing agreement, Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' resigned today.

Dahal announced his resignation while addressing the nation in Singha Durbar this evening.

The resignation is to honour an accord signed in August last year when Prachanda, the chairman of Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist-Centre), was elected the Prime Minister with support of Nepali Congress leader Deuba.

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Both Prachanda and Deuba had agreed to run the government on a rotational basis until elections to Parliament were held in February 2018, as per constitutional obligations.

According to the agreement, Prachanda was to remain in office till the local elections were held while polls at the provincial and central levels were to be conducted under Deuba as the Prime Minister.

On May 14, the Himalayan nation had voted in the country's first local-level polls in two decades. Local-level elections could not be held after 1997 largely as a result of the decade-long Maoist insurgency that has claimed more than 16,000 lives in Nepal.

This was 62-year-old Prachanda's second stint as the Prime Minister.

He was elected as the 39th prime minister of Nepal after forging alliance with the Nepali Congress on August 3, 2016.

Also read:

Modi-Prachanda reset ties; India extends additional Line of Credit to Nepal

Nepal, India must resolve all issues through diplomatic channels, says Foreign Minister Prakash Mahat

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Wellcare of Kentucky is funding two new scholarship programs aimed at increasing the number of doctors and nurses working in primary medicine and psychiatry in Eastern Kentucky.

Wellcare with the University of Kentucky Medical School and College of Nursing will fund up to 30 scholarships valued at $180,000 for medical and nursing students at various stages of their studies.

In 2018, the scholarship winners are expected to study at the new UK Medical Campus in Bowling Green.
Under the sponsorship of the Customs Cooperation Fund of Japan, a WCO Workshop on the Protection of national Mineral Resources was held in Lusaka (Zambia), from 17 to 19 May 2017, and it was attended by officers from both Customs Administrations and Mining Control Institutions from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The project is a part of the WCO activities on protection of mineral resources specified in Phase III of the Revenue Package Action Plan.

The opening of this activity was officiated by Mrs. Brigitte Muyenga, Commissioner of Finance, on behalf of the Commissioner General of the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA), Mr. Kingsley Chanda. In her opening remarks, Mrs. Muyenga thanked the WCO's Secretariat and CCF Japan for the initiative and reminded participants that the mining sector continued to play a key role in the economic and social welfare in Zambia. She also highlighted the importance of implementing and reviewing mechanisms for monitoring the mining and mineral value chain from exploration to exportation.

During the Workshop, the participants explained the current situation regarding the protection of their national mineral resources and described the cooperation between the Customs Administrations and the other National Institutions (e.g., Ministry of mines) involved in the matter in their respective countries. The problems arising from the trade in "conflict minerals" and the effect of the illegal mining in the society and the environment was also discussed in detail by participants.

At the end of the Workshop, participants concluded that optimal monitoring and control mechanisms of the natural resources should be developed, including the identification of gaps in the legislative frameworks, exploring how current controls could be further strengthened and improving cooperation and networking between Customs Administrations and Mining Institutions.
By Press Trust of India: Srinagar, May 23 (PTI) The National Investigation Agency (NIA) today questioned Hurriyat leader Naeem Khan in connection with the tapes in which he was purportedly seen confessing to receiving money from Pakistan-based terror groups.

The sources said that Khan has also been asked to submit some documents related to the case.

The agency questioned Kashmiri separatists on the fourth consecutive day today in connection with its probe into the role of LeT chief Hafiz Mohammed Saeed and hardline Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani in subversive activities in Jammu and Kashmir.

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The NIA has been questioning Farooq Ahmad Dar alias Bitta Karate, Javed Ahmed Baba alias Prince alias Gazi in Srinagar for their alleged involvement in raising, collecting and transferring funds through hawala and other channels for terror funding in Kashmir.

The alleged funding received by the separatist leaders for fuelling unrest and promoting stone-pelting in the Valley is also under the scanner of the central agency, they said.

The NIA has also collected details of 13 accused charge- sheeted so far in the cases in the Valley in the recent past, pertaining to the damage caused to schools and public property as part of the larger conspiracy to perpetuate violence and chaos in Kashmir.

Substantial progress has been made and the probe is on, the NIA spokesperson said in a statement.

Besides Naeem Khan, the NIA team, headed by the Additional Director General, has also asked Farooq and Baba to appear before it for their explanation on an expose on a television channel where they had claimed to be receiving funds from Pakistan.

After initial reluctance, the three separatists fell in line and were questioned separately by the team of NIA, which has named them in its Preliminary Enquiry (PE).

Besides these three, the NIA has named Saeed and Geelani in the PE, which precedes the filing of a case.

The agency will also gather evidence collected by the Jammu and Kashmir Police about the burning of schools as Khan had claimed that the educational institutions were targeted as per the plans hatched from across the border.

The schools were targeted last year after banned Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist Burhan Wani was killed in an encounter with security forces on July 8.

The NIAs PE alleged that the separatists were receiving funds from the LeT chief to carry out subversive activities in the Kashmir Valley, including pelting security forces with stones, damaging public property and burning schools and other government establishments.

The NIA took cognisance of the news item related to recording of conversations between a TV reporter and leaders of separatist groups operating in the Kashmir Valley in this connection. PTI SKL NES IKA

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Nia Sharma and Lopamudra Raut are co-contestants in Khatron Ke Khiladi Season 8.

Nia Sharma and Lopamudra rocked the beachwear look in Spain. Picture courtesy: Instagram/lopamudraraut/niasharma90

By India Today Web Desk: The contestants of Khatron Ke Khiladi Season 8 are having a gala time in Spain. Actress Nia Sharma and former Bigg Boss contestant Lopamudra Raut have set the temperatures soaring with their hot beach avatar in Spain.

Actress Nia Sharma, who has the perfect bikini body, posted a picture of hers on Instagram account in a swimsuit and captioned it, "Ironically, the hardest part of a pool is 'water' !! #spaintravel #kkk8.

Nia Sharma looks stunning in her beachwear. Picture courtesy: Instagram/niasharma90

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Model Lopamudra Raut, who will be seen in Khatron Ke Khiladi Season 8 next after appearing in Bigg Boss 10, looked stunning in a blue bikini.

Lopamudra Raut flaunts her perfect bikini body in this picture. Picture courtesy: Instagram/lopamudraraut

Also read: Rohit Shetty returns to host Khatron Ke Khiladi, says it's tough hosting a show

The contestants seem to be having a chilled out time before the competition starts. They are making the most of their time in Spain; from road trips to playing beach volleyball, they are enjoying it all.

My volleyball team is the best ! A post shared by Lopamudra Raut (@lopamudraraut) on May 22, 2017 at 1:48pm PDT

Season eight will have some popular names like Karan Wahi, Hina Khan, Rithvik Dhanjani, Shantanu Maheshwari, Manveer Gurjar and Geeta Phogat along with Nia Sharma and Lopamudra Raut.

About last night at Puerto Bans ! #puertobanus #spain #funnight A post shared by Lopamudra Raut (@lopamudraraut) on May 21, 2017 at 3:46am PDT

This edition of Khatron Ke Khiladi is named Pain in Spain. Let's hope the contestants continue to enjoy their time in Spain.

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By Press Trust of India: yesterday

New Delhi, May 23 (PTI) Over 40,000 people have registered online for admissions to Delhi Universitys undergraduate programmes since yesterday.

The online registrations for admissions to undergraduate programmes began yesterday at 6 pm for its 60 UG courses in 62 colleges affiliated with the varsity with around 54,000 seats. It will continue till June 12.

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"We have received a very good response in one day. The total number of applicants who have registered so far are 40,143," OSD Admissions Ashutosh Bhardwaj said in a release.

This year, seven transgenders have applied for admissions while last year, 15 transgenders had applied out of which two or three got admission, a source in the admissions department said.

Out of the total 40,143 registrations, 28,864 students have filled the personal details section. Of that 19,436 belong to unreserved category, 5,844 to OBC (Non Creamy Layer, Central List), 2,783 to Scheduled Caste and 801 to Scheduled Tribe, a release by the university said.

BA (Hons) English, BCom(Hons), BA(Hons) Economics, BA Programme continues to be much preferred courses.

The second day of the universitys 10-day counselling session or Open Days continued to attract much crowd with around 600 parents and students taking part in the session.

The varsity is scheduled to announce its first cut-off list on June 20. As of now, six cut-off dates have been announced. However, further cut-off lists may be announced depending on vacant seats in colleges.

Applicants for some subjects like Bachelor of Management Studies (BMS), Bachelor of Business Administration (Financial Investment Analysis), BA (Hons) Business Economics, Humanities and Social Sciences, Multimedia and Mass Communication, BTech (Information Technology and Mathematical Innovations) have to appear for entrance test. PTI CPB NSD

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Little sign of relief expected in October US inflation data
By Press Trust of India: By Aurobindo Das

Kathmandu, May 24 (PTI) Budget hotel platform Oyo Rooms has forayed into Nepal with a target of onboarding 100 properties by the end of this year.

The room aggregator, which opened its first property here, is also looking to roll out its Townhouse brand in the Himalayan nation, which of late is witnessing a tourist influx after a back-breaking earthquake in 2015.

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According to official statistics, of the 174,803 tourists who visited Nepal in 2016, most were from India.

The entry into Nepal comes on the heels of its foray in Malaysia. The plan is to set up 100 Oyo hotels in Nepal this year.

While its basic model is meant for the value- and cost- conscious traveller, Townhouse caters to those who do not mind paying slightly more for a better service.

"Our core premise is right pricing and right location with cleanliness on mind," Ritesh Agarwal, founder and CEO of Oyo, told PTI after the inauguration of its first property in Kathmandu. "The brand Oyo allows small local hotel operators to use technology and innovation to bring in more footfall."

To a query on the impending Goods and Services Tax, he said the GST will be a "great enabler and gamechanger".

Welcoming the 5 per cent tax slab for smaller hotels, Agarwal expects a hassle-free experience under the new unified tax structure, but does not rule out teething issues.

As for fundraising and future investment, the company said a few plans are in the pipeline, but did not share the specifics.

Asked about the relatively young profile of his team, where he himself is all of 23, Agarwal said the premium is on talent with an equal emphasis on experience.

Bimalendra Nidhi, Nepal Deputy Prime Minister, opened the Nepal property of Oyo Rooms, along with Manjeev Singh Puri, Indian Ambassador to the Himalayan nation.

Founded in 2013, Oyo has grown its network to 7,000 hotels across 200 cities. PTI ARD ABM

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By West Kentucky Star Staff

May. 24, 2017 | CALVERT CITY, KY

By West Kentucky Star Staff May. 24, 2017 | 10:27 AM | CALVERT CITY, KY

A Marshall County man was arrested after allegedly assaulting another man, and intending to shoot him.



According to the Marshall County Sheriff's Office, deputies were sent to Dee's Lane near Calvert City at around 3 pm Tuesday, where 64-year-old Ealvis Stevenson of Calvert City had allegedly assaulted a man. Deputies say when they arrived, they were told Stevenson had left to get a gun and shoot the person he had just assaulted.



A short time after that, Stevenson returned on his ATV and was ordered by deputies to stop and put his hands in the air. Deputies say Stevenson refused and instead revved the engine, coming toward one of the deputies. After passing by the deputy he then apparently stopped the ATV, jumped off and pointed a gun at one of the deputies.



Deputies say they ordered Stevenson to drop his weapon, but he refused. The deputy then fired two rounds at Stevenson.



From there the report from the sheriff's office doesn't indicate what took place, only that Stevenson was then taken to Marshall County Hospital as a precaution and treated for a minor injury. He was released from the hospital and then taken to the Marshall County Detention Center.



Stevenson has been charged with 3rd degree terroristic threatening, 1st degree wanton endangerment, 4th degree assault, and resisting arrest. The investigation is ongoing.



WestKentuckyStar has asked for clarification on details of the arrest.




By Press Trust of India: By Sajjad Hussain

Islamabad, May 23 (PTI) Pakistan Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa today warned of giving a befitting response to any hostile action on the borders, notwithstanding the countrys desire for enduring peace with neighbours.

The budding state of stability achieved after countless sacrifices by the security forces, law enforcement agencies and the nation shall be consolidated to have a normalised Pakistan, Bajwa said in his address to the 75th Annual Formation Commanders conference held at the army headquarter in Rawalpindi attended by top army officers.

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"He (Bajwa) said that notwithstanding our desire for enduring peace with our neighbours, any hostile action anywhere along our frontiers shall be responded most befittingly," it said.

Improving situation in Balochistan was discussed in the conference where officers were also briefed on the geo- strategic environment, progress of military operation Radd- ul-Fasaad against militants, operational preparedness against conventional threat and matters concerning national security.

The progress and security of the multi-billion dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) were also discussed.

Bajwa had recently visited the frontline field formations along the eastern and western frontiers.

Karachi operation, military operations in Punjab and elsewhere will be continued till sustainable stability is achieved, the statement added. PTI SH CPS

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Jack Thorne's adaptation of Woyzeck opened at the Old Vic, with Star Wars actor John Boyega in the titular role.

The cast celebrated opening night at the after party with stars including Haydn Gwynne and Jade Anouka.

Boyega plays the tortured soldier in Buchner's play, which has been relocated to 1980s Berlin. Thorne gives more context to the events of the play, which was famously unfinished by German playwright.

In her review of the show for WhatsOnStage, Sarah Crompton said: "The play's descent into darkness is completely absorbing."

It is Boyega's return to the stage following his role in the new film Star Wars: The Force Awakens. The London-born actor had previously worked at the National Theatre and Tricycle Theatre and starred in the film Attack the Block.

Woyzeck runs at the Old Vic Theatre until 24 June.

Watch our interview with John Boyega
By Press Trust of India: By Lalit K Jha

Washington, May 24 (PTI) Pakistan is "harbouring terrorists" and using them as "reserve" in Afghanistan, a top US intelligence official has told lawmakers.

"Pakistan views Afghanistan or desires for Afghanistan some of the same things we want: a safe, secure, stable Afghanistan. One addition -- one that does not have heavy Indian influence in Afghanistan," Lt Gen Vincent Stewart, Director, Defense Intelligence Agency told members of the powerful Senate Armed Services Committee during a Congressional hearing on worldwide threats.

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"They view all of the challenges through the lens of an Indian threat to the state of Pakistan," Stewart said.

"So they (Pakistan) hold in reserve terrorist organisation -- we define them as terrorist organisations, they hold them in reserve so that -- if Afghanistan leans towards India, they will no longer be supportive of an idea of a stable and secure Afghanistan that could undermine Pakistan interest," Stewart said.

He said Pakistan needs to be told very clearly that Afghanistans security and stability is in the interest of all of the parties in the region and does not pose a risk to Pakistan.

"Weve got to convince Pakistan that if theyre harbouring any of the Haqqani network members that it is not in their interest to continue to host of Haqqani network, that we ought to be working together to go after those 20 terrorist organisations that undermine not just Afghanistan, not just Pakistan, but all of the region," he said.

"And so weve to make sure were pushing them to do more against the Haqqani network. Then (they should) separate the Taliban from the Pashtun, which want a Pashtun dominated Afghanistan," he said.

"So weve got to get the conversation going again with Pakistan about their role in not harboring any of these terrorists, helping to stabilise Afghanistan," he added.

Hoping that US may have some progress in this, Stewart said Pakistan also have some influence in bringing the Taliban to the peace table.

"So, weve got to get them to think about reconciliation, that the status quo is not in their best interest,? he said.

Dan Coats, Director of National Intelligence said there is need to evaluate how to address the situation of Pakistan harbouring terrorist.

"I think certainly an evaluation of how we work with Pakistan to address the situation of the harbouring of terrorist groups would be essential to a strategy that affects Afghanistan, going forward in Afghanistan," he said in response to a question.

"Because that is potentially a very disrupting situation, putting our own troops at risk and undermining the strategy of dealing with the Taliban and local groups that are trying to undermine the government," Coats said. PTI LKJ AJR

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By Press Trust of India: From Lalit K Jha

Washington, May 24 (PTI) Pakistan might turn to its "all- weather" ally China to offset its growing international isolation, Indias rising status and deepening Indo-US ties, according to Americas top intelligence official.

"Pakistan is concerned about its international isolation and sees its position through the prism of Indias rising international status, including Indias expanded foreign outreach and deepening ties to the US," Daniel Coats, director of National Intelligence, said.

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"Pakistan is likely to turn to China to offset its isolation, empowering a relationship that will help Beijing to project influence in the Indian Ocean," Coats told members of the powerful Senate Armed Services Committee yesterday during a Congressional hearing on worldwide threats.

Chinese and Pakistani leaders describe their strong bilateral ties as "all weather" and Islamabad is a major customer of Chinese weapons, including fighter planes and submarines.

He also said that Pakistan has failed to curb militants and terrorists.

In his prepared testimony, Coats said Pakistan-based terrorist groups will present a sustained threat to the US interests in the region and continue to plan and conduct attacks in India and Afghanistan.

"The threat to the US and the West from Pakistan-based terrorist groups will be persistent but will diffuse. Plotting against the US homeland will be conducted on a more opportunistic basis or driven by individual members within these groups," he said.

Noting that Pakistan will probably be able to manage its internal security, he said anti-Pakistan groups are likely to focus more on soft targets.

"The groups we judge will pose the greatest threat to Pakistans internal security include Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan, Jamaat-ul-Ahrar, al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent, ISIS-K, Laskhare Jhangvi, and Lashkar-e Jhangvi ai-Aiami," he said.

Coats said that the emerging China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) will probably offer militants and terrorists additional targets.

Coats warned Senators that Pakistans pursuit of tactical nuclear weapons potentially lowers the threshold for their use.

"Early deployment during a crisis of smaller, more mobile nuclear weapons would increase the amount of time that systems would be outside the relative security of a storage site, increasing the risk that a coordinated attack by non-state actors might succeed in capturing a complete nuclear weapon," he said.

Coats said the relations between India and Pakistan became more tense following two major terrorist attacks in 2016 by militants crossing into India from Pakistan.

"They might deteriorate further in 2017, especially in the event of another high-profile terrorist attack in India that New Delhi attributes to originating in or receiving assistance from Pakistan," he said.

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"Islamabads failure to curb support to anti-India militants and New Delhis growing intolerance of this policy, coupled with a perceived lack of progress in Pakistans investigations into the January 2016 Pathankot cross-border attack, set the stage for a deterioration of bilateral relations in 2016," he said.

Increasing numbers of firefights along the Line of Control (LoC), including the use of artillery and mortars, might exacerbate the risk of unintended escalation between these nuclear-armed neighbours, Coats said.

"Easing of heightened Indo-Pak tension, including negotiations to renew official dialogue, will probably hinge in 2017 on a sharp and sustained reduction of cross-border attacks by terrorist groups based in Pakistan and progress in the Pathankot investigation," he said.

Last year, heavily-armed terrorists sneaked in from across the border and attacked the Pathankot Air Force Station in Punjab. The attack had claimed the lives of seven security personnel while four terrorists were killed. PTI LKJ KJ AKJ AKJ

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 :     ,   ,   

  ,        , -     28         .
After the Indian Army yesterday released the video footage of its operations destroying a Pak post in the Naushera Sector on May 9, the Pak army first denied it. Then after few hours, came up with its video claiming it was, in fact Pakistan, who destroyed Indian posts in the Naushera Sector on May 13.

By Santosh Chaubey: Though Pakistan has dismissed India's claims of punitive assault on Pak post across the Line of Control (LoC), the restlessness in its military establishment belie their words. Had it not been so, every apparatus of its military wing, i.e., its army, air force and navy, would not have scrambled to come forward to issue warnings to India and would not have to use false propaganda video and hollow words threatening India.

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After the Indian Army yesterday released the video footage of its operations destroying a Pak post in the Naushera Sector on May 9, the Pak army first denied it. Then after few hours, came up with its video claiming it was, in fact Pakistan, who destroyed Indian posts in the Naushera Sector on May 13. The Indian Army readily dismissed this false propaganda as the Pak army, in its desperate efforts to counter Indian claims, released an old video with many edits.

After it the news came that Pakistan Air Force (PAF) fighter jets flew near the Siachen Glacier, the world's highest battlefield, amid reports that PAF has made fully functional all its forward operating bases. India denied that Indian airspace was violated in PAF's adventure.

Then we heard PAF's chief, Sohail Aman, threatening India with his exhortation that "PAF's response to any aggression by the enemy will be such that their future generations will also remember it", a Radio Pakistan report quoted him saying. He chose to threaten India during a drill of Pak fighter planes at the Skardu air base in the backdrop of Siachen adventure and its connection with the anti-India propaganda was clearly visible, by his words and circumstances in which he uttered those words.

When Pak army and air force had played it part in anti-India propaganda, why would the Pak navy be left behind. According to another Radio Pakistan report, while addressing a gathering in Lahore's Naval War College, its naval chief, Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah, warned India that "the Pakistan Navy was fully capable to thwart any aggression and will be equipped with the latest equipment to defend maritime borders of the country".

And all this in a span of less than 24 hours. The way Pakistan's military establishment has been left rattled after the Indian Army released footage of its operations yesterday tells its dismissal of the Indian claims was a mere hogwash.

Also Read:

Pakistan Air Force chief says enemy will remember response to LoC aggression

Watch Video: Video released by Indian Army shows heavy shelling on Pakistani posts in Naushera

--- ENDS ---
BJP lawmaker and famous actor Paresh Rawal alleged that he was "coerced by Twitter" into deleting a tweet targeting Arundhati Roy which sparked a huge row.

By India Today Web Desk: Famous actor and BJP lawmaker Paresh Rawal alleged today that he was "coerced by Twitter" into removing a tweet targeting author Arundhati Roy. The tweet had sparked a major controversy .

Paresh Rawal was outright when he defended his tweet in spite of being criticised for the post.

The tweet which now has been deleted, talked about the incident of an army officer strapping a protester to his jeep as a "human shield" against stone pelters in Kashmir.

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The deleted tweet read, "Instead of tying stone pelter on the army jeep tie up Arundhati Roy!"

Read || Paresh Rawal wants Arundhati Roy to be tied to army jeep instead of stone pelter ||

Paresh Rawal, however, declared today, "I Paresh Rawal, citizen of India, continue to defend my tweet and support my expression which was made without any prejudice to gender, race, religion or caste. More importantly, I maintain that I ardently love my country and support my country unwaveringly, I stand by and will continue to stand by the citizens and Indian armed forces under any situation and at any cost."

Paresh Rawal's tweet targeting Arundhati Roy created a lot of ruckus.

Paresh Rawal referred to the controversial April 9 incident in Kashmir where Farooq Dar, a civilian was tied to the front of an army vehicle and paraded across at least 9 villages as a 'human shield' against stone pelters.

It turns out that the actor was misled by a piece of fake news.

The article was published by fake news site Postcard News. According to the article, Arundhati Roy told a Pakistani newspaper that 70 lakh Indian Army soldiers cannot beat the 'Azadi gang' in Kashmir.

Read || Here's how fake news fooled Paresh Rawal into tweeting against Arundhati Roy ||

--- ENDS ---
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 24/05/2017 (1996 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A sculptor who created one of Winnipegs most recognizable works of public art makes a triumphant return to the city today.

Ruth Abernethy, whose life-size bronze statue of Manitoba Theatre Centre co-founders John Hirsch and and Tom Hendry stands at the entrance of the Market Avenue theatre, unveils her book Life and Bronze: A Sculptors Journal at McNally Robinson Booksellers at 7:30 p.m.

The sculpture, which Abernethy calls the chaps but is actually titled Imagine, MTC, depicts Hirsch standing, creating an idea of a theatre company in the sky with his hands, while Hendry, seated next to him, scratches his chin, perhaps with a dramatic idea of his own. The piece was unveiled in October 2008, in honour of MTCs 50th anniversary.

Wayne Cuddington / Ottawa Citizen Ruth Abernethy with her sculpture of pianist Oscar Peterson.

Besides being one of the countrys top sculptors, the Ontario-born Abernethy, 57, was an ideal choice to create the likenesses of Hirsch and Hendry because she is a former MTC employee; she was the companys master of props in 1980, and would later work with Hirsch at Stratford when she joined the Ontario theatre festival in 1981.

I think that man walked around with his arms out, reimagining the world, Abernethy recalls in a phone interview. It was absolutely characteristic Hirsch.

I had not yet met Tom Hendry Anyone who had the capacity to be a close friend of John Hirschs for many years would have been very thoughtful, very patient and would have a huge streak of humour and kindness. If were going to imagine the moment of thinking of MTC, John would be out there building castles in the air and Tom would be scratching his chin, wondering how they were going to do it.

I started my research in earnest and what did I find? All these shots of Tom Hendry with his hands pinched in, very thoughtful, very patient.

Abernethy enjoys that visitors to Royal MTC, especially during the Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival in July, interact with the sculpture, often placing hats or tickets on the statue.

When I was at MTC, we never did go to the far side of Rorie Street, she says. That area has now become a vibrant part of the city, so theyre beautifully placed, Tom and John. Its hugely satisfying.

The sculptors book, released by Vancouvers Granville Island Publishing, also includes Abernethys other major Manitoba work, Duke the Bear, a life-size likeness of a black bear located in Rossburns Memory Park. The bear was shot by a poacher in nearby Riding Mountain National Park in 1992 and at the time was the largest black bear recorded  almost two-and-a-half metres tall and 368 kilograms.

The Manitoba statues are just two of many bronze likenesses Abernethy has created in Canada and the United States, many of which have become community landmarks. Among the other notable sculptures Life and Bronze highlights are the portrait of Grammy Award-winning classical pianist Glenn Gould, which sits outside the CBCs Glenn Gould Studios in downtown Toronto. It encourages passersbys to join the eccentric genius on the park bench he sits on.

That aspect of interactivity has helped prevent vandals from defacing her sculptures, always a fear for those whove created public art. Abernethy cites her Mackenzie King statue  which sits outside the high school the former prime minister attended in Kitchener, Ont.  which has never been defaced and has become a source of pride for students.

When I heard it would be outside a high school, I thought, Oh my gosh. I could hear the spray bombs coming out, Abernethy says. (But) the kids adore him. He gets a Tim Hortons cup or a scarf in the winter. Never damaging. Its a lovely gesture of care. The nicest patina you can get on a piece of bronze is a thousand loving hands.

rt blends with theatre this week when Ontario sculptor Ruth Abernethy, who created the bronze statue of Royal MTC founders John Hirsch and Tom Hendry in 2008, returns to Winnipeg.

If people love the characters youve installed and the gestures youve created are authentic, then they see real neighbourhood characters, and they are loved and protected.

Her next sculpture to be unveiled is also included in Life and Bronze. Its a likeness of Queen Elizabeth II that will be in Queens Park in Toronto, commissioned to mark the British monarchs 65th year on the throne, as well as Canadas and Ontarios 150th anniversaries. Its scheduled to be unveiled on Canada Day.

Friends and benefactors had to convince Abernethy to write the book. Her fears had always seemed to get in the way in the past, she says.

A book is very flat, and for a sculptor, thats a very daunting prospect.

alan.small@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter:@AlanDSmall

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Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 24/05/2017 (1996 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A 53-year-old Winnipeg man who shot at police and a gas station clerk while in a manic state has been sentenced to 14 years in prison.

Anthony Raposo was sentenced Wednesday for three counts of attempted murder and 14 other offences stemming from an armed robbery and police chase in January 2016. He repeatedly reloaded and fired a single-shot, .22-calibre pen gun at two officers who were pursuing him, prompting them to return gunfire. The incident, from the robbery of the Petro-Canada to the end of the resulting chase, started around 3 a.m. and lasted about 90 minutes.

Crown attorney Chris Vanderhooft sought a 20-year sentence, while Raposos defence lawyer, Mike Cook, asked for 10.

Salvatore Laporta / The Associated Press Files Anthony Joseph Raposo was found guilty three counts of attempted murder for shooting a pen gun at a gas station clerk and two police officers in January, 2016.

The spree was fuelled by the bipolar disorder suffered by Raposo. That disorder does not diminish the seriousness of what transpired, Court of Queens Bench Justice Joan McKelvey said. These were very serious offences, which strike the heart of our community and our police force.

Raposo was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 1989 and occassionally experiences manic episodes he previously testified cause him to act out.

I just wish I can change everything, but I cant. I was in a bad state, and I had bad decisions, he said during his sentencing hearing last month.

He went to the Petro-Canada gas bar at 1720 Kenaston Blvd. around 3 a.m. on Jan. 16, 2016 and committed armed robbery to pay back a debt. He fired a small pen gun in the air to frighten the clerk and get her to hand over the money in the till  about $74. Then, he went outside and tried to pump gas, only to discover the clerk hadnt turned the pump on for him. Angrily, he fired the gun at the window, towards the clerk on the other side, then sped off. The bullet didnt penetrate the glass, and no one was hurt.

Raposo then led police on a high-speed chase, firing at them at least twice, reloading each time, prompting them to return fire. He was arrested after he crashed his Honda Civic into a snowbank on Springfield Road. Despite arguing he didnt intend to kill anyone, Raposo was convicted of attempted murder of the store clerk and the officers. He had also stolen licence plates from other Honda Civics and affixed them to his car before the robbery to try to avoid getting caught.

His violent actions stood in stark contrast to the letters of support the judge received from Raposos family and friends, who described him as a calm, caring person. The Winnipeg Police Service wrote to the court, urging the judge to send a strong message against those who assault police officers on the job. The judge said she agreed the store clerk and the officers deserved to be protected and should never have faced the danger Raposo perpetrated.

Cook said in a statement Wednesday he had discussed the sentence with his client, who he said respects and understands the judges decision.

He would have preferred a lower sentence but is acutely aware it could have been considerably higher. He is now focusing on rehabilitation and controlling his bipolar disorder to ensure that he will never reoffend, he wrote.

katie.may@freepress.mb.caTwitter: @thatkatiemay
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 23/05/2017 (1997 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The fate of 100,000 current Bell MTS wireless customers  at least insofar as whether or not they have been selected as part of the migration to Telus  will be disclosed over the next couple of months.

Starting this week and continuing in waves over the next two months, about 100,000 current Bell MTS wireless customers will be receiving packages in the mail informing them of the process.

As was previously announced, part of the components of Bells $3.9-billion acquisition of MTS that was finalized in March, was that Bell would sell 100,000 wireless customers as well as 15 stores to Telus. (The deal also calls for Bell MTS to sell 24,700 wireless subscribers and six retail outlets to Xplornet, but that process will not commence for a few more months.)

Liz Sauve, a spokeswoman for Telus Inc. said, We want to make sure all the customer experience is positive and that there is a smooth transition.

Sauve added, the team is working feverishly behind the scenes to make sure everything goes well and that in addition to great network coverage, the new Telus customers will receive superior customer service.

Telus company releases have made it clear for some time that the former MTS wireless customers who are selected to transition to Telus will keep their same phone number, and each new customer will have plans, rates and features that match or improve upon their existing MTS plan.

Telus also said that because of a broader network sharing agreement between Telus and Bell, its new Manitoba customers will enjoy a significantly enhanced network in more places across Manitoba. Customers of both Telus and Bell will access the same 4G LTE network.

The current Bell MTS customers who have been selected to transition to Telus will be notified in waves so as not to inundate the Telus transition teams with 100,000 queries all at once.

All communication with customers will be done by mail and Sauve said people should watch for packages in their mailbox, with the first wave of transitioning customers receiving the first one this week.

That will be a letter from Bell MTS that will include a small insert from Telus introducing the company and informing people that a welcome package is on the way in a separate mailing.

The most important message is that we will be reassuring migrating customers that we will match or improve upon existing MTS plans for the same price they are paying now, Sauve said.

The welcome package will include a booklet walking customers through the transition, a new SIM card that is synched to their existing phone number, as well as the Telus help line phone number, website address and retail locations where further assistance can be obtained. The process has three steps:

Step 1  to review the information regarding the Telus plan that the subscriber will assume, with details of the customers former Bell MTS package so they can compare to make sure they are the same.

Step 2  to either choose to upgrade their phone or keep current device. The information booklet will ask subscribers to confirm the details of their current device. If the subscriber wants to upgrade their phone, the welcome package will include information as to how to go about doing that.

Step 3  to complete the transition, the new SIM card needs to be installed. Information will be included as to how to do that but if help is required full details about telephone, online or in-person assistance will be included.

martin.cash@freepress.mb.ca
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 23/05/2017 (1997 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The newly-formed World Refugee Council may visit Manitoba to look at the surge in refugee claimants crossing into Canada on foot and what can and should be done about it.

Its co-chairman, Lloyd Axworthy, told a lunchtime crowd at the Laurier Club Tuesday that the global organization will likely be coming to Winnipeg to look at issues surrounding the border crossing at Emerson, Man.

More than 500 asylum seekers have crossed into Manitoba this year from the U.S., some risking life and limb in freezing temperatures to make a refugee claim in Canada. Critics blamed Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for encouraging migrants in January when he Tweeted To those fleeing persecution, terror & war, Canadians will welcome you, regardless of your faith. Diversity is our strength #WelcomeToCanada.

Wayne Glowacki / Winnipeg Free Press Files Lloyd Axworthy, co-chairman of the newly-formed World Refugee Council says that the global organization will likely be coming to Winnipeg to look at issues surrounding the border crossing at Emerson, Man.

Axworthy told the Liberal party supporters that the surge in refugee claimants crossing into Manitoba has more to do with the election of President Donald Trump and Canadas hands being tied by the Safe Third Country Agreement, signed after the terror attacks of 9-11. In 2004, the U.S. and Canada each declared the other country safe for refugees and established the general principle that refugee claimants should make their claim in the first of these countries that they reach.

That was predicated on the United States having a very clear and open immigration system, Axworthy told the gathering at the Fort Garry Hotel.

That all changed when Trump was elected and issued an executive order banning all travel from seven mainly Muslim countries  including Syrian refugees. Even though it was stopped by the courts there were still restrictions on travel, he said. So many people who came to the U.S. were expecting to be able to apply to be refugees and all of a sudden they learn their chances are virtually nil  and so what do they do?

They headed north to Canada with its Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and where international treaties and human rights are still respected.

Axworthy said he can understand Ottawas hesitancy in renegotiating the Safe Third Country Agreement with a U.S. government which is no longer predictable Negotiating on a fairly sane, reasonable basis is probably not in the cards right now.

Axworthy said the World Refugee Council that hes heading is looking for solutions to the global refugee crisis  from helping to stabilize countries to creating a safe place for those forced to leave. Right now there are 20 million refugees  the worst crisis since the Second World War. That number is expected to double in the next 20 years with climate change creating more refugees, he said.

The U.S. used to be a beacon of hope and human rights, he said, lamenting that Trumps first trip abroad was to Saudi Arabia  a notorious human rights abuser.

Canada is setting an example right now that gives people around the world hope, said Axworthy, who spent much of the last two years in Germany learning from its refugee experience. He applauded the Trudeau government for welcoming Syrian refugees to Canada and its willingness to address global humanitarian issues.

Weve become  remarkably so  an exceptional nation  not because of the strength of our military or our economic power but simply because we continue to offer fundamental roots of liberalism.

carol.sanders@freepress.mb.ca
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 24/05/2017 (1996 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

American travel information website 10 Best has turned its gaze north and put some Manitoba features in its readers choice awards spotlight.

The Canadian Museum for Human Rights has been nominated by the USA Today-related site for the top visitor attraction in Canada, the city of Winnipeg made the cut as a top Canadian destination, Riding Mountain National Park appears in the parks voting poll, the Parks Route from Cartwright to Roblin is up for the most scenic drive award, and Lake Winnipeg and Whiteshell Provincial Park are vying to be named the best cottage area.

CMHR marketing and communications manager Louise Waldman says the three-year-old museum was pleasantly surprised to be included on the list of top 20 attractions, which also features polar bear-viewing tours of Churchill, as it was unaware the USA Today brand was putting a focus on Canada.

WAYNE GLOWACKI / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Visitors in the Canadian Journeys exhibit at the The Canadian Museum for Human Rights in 2016.

We got an email  and you get a lot of emails from different groups around awards things and there is always a bit of nervousness: is this just an opportunity to sell ad space?  but this one was selected by Canadian travel writers and Canadian social media influencers, she said Wednesday. We found out about it when they put out the list, which was pretty exciting.

The five Canadian-focused polls were compiled by a panel of six Canadian writers (none of the six are Manitoba-based) for 10 Best (www.10best.com), which operates under U.S. media giant Gannett Companys Travel Media Group banner. According to its website, the groups sites rank among the top 10 most-visited travel information sites in North America, as measured by analytics company comScore.

Visitors to the website are allowed one vote per contest per day, with the five Canadian feature polls closing June 23.

While the CMHR winds up on a lot of Internet lists, Waldman said, this one is more than a case of any publicity is good publicity.

Anything that gets the U.S. travel consumer to look beyond what one travel writer described to me as MTV  Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver  anything that gets them to look beyond that is fantastic, she said. So to be profiled as one of (the top 20) is huge for us, not only as a museum but also for the city and the province.

(On the 10 Best website), it says vote or explore. Even if you are voting for something else, the ability to drive this U.S. traveller to learn a little more about the museum you can buy that kind of publicity, but it costs a lot of money.

Should the museum come out on top when the online poll closes, it will have drawn more votes than the polar bears of Churchill. But the two attractions are just the tip of the iceberg for what Manitoba has to offer visitors, Waldman said.

We would want all U.S. visitors to experience both of those things. We often see people who are staying an extra night (in Winnipeg prior to or after a Churchill trip), which is fantastic, she said.

Im a Winnipegger, a replant; I left and came back, and this city has changed for the better, she said. If you look at the track record of success over the last couple years, the kinds of international coverage were seeing the city has really turned a corner. Im excited to be a part of it and I think Winnipeggers should be excited, too.

CMHR leads the way

Leaderboards for USA Today 10 Best 2017 readers choice voting (as of noon Wednesday):

Best attraction in Canada

1. Canadian Museum for Human Rights  Winnipeg

2. Athabasca Falls  Jasper, Alta.

3. Niagara Falls  Niagara Falls, Ont.

4. Old Quebec  Quebec City

5. Lake Louise  Alberta

6. Capilano Suspension Bridge  Vancouver

7. Butchart Gardens  Victoria

8. Bay of Fundy  Nova Scotia/New Brunswick

9. Old Montreal  Montreal

10. Stanley Park  Vancouver

11. Peggys Point Lighthouse  Peggys Cove, N.S.

12. Churchill polar bears  Churchill

13. Mount Royal Park  Montreal

14. Parliament Hill  Ottawa

15. Peak 2 Peak Gondola  Whistler, B.C.

16. Rideau Canal  Ottawa

17. Royal Tyrrell Museum  Drumheller, Alta.

18. CN Tower  Toronto

19. Green Gables Heritage Place  Charlottetown, P.E.I.

20. Dinosaur Provincial Park  Alberta

Best destination in Canada

1. Saskatoon

2. St. Johns, N.L.

3. Montreal

4. Quebec City

5. Banff, Alta.

6. Vancouver

7. Victoria

8. Toronto

9. Charlottetown

10. Winnipeg

11. Lunenburg, N.S.

12. Tofino, B.C.

13. Whistler, B.C.

14. Calgary

15. Niagara region, Ont.

16. Ottawa

17. Canmore, Alta.

18. Whitehorse

19. St. Andrews, N.B.

20. Yellowknife

Best scenic drive in Canada

1. St. Lawrence Route  Baie-Saint-Paul to La Malbaie, Que.

2. Icefields Parkway  Banff to Jasper, Alta.

3. Gaspesie Tour  Sainte-Flavie loop, Que.

4. Cabot Trail  Cape Breton Island loop, N.S.

5. Sea-to-Sky Highway  Vancouver to Whistler, B.C.

6. Trans-Canada Highway  Kamloops, B.C., to Banff, Alta.

7. Dempster Highway  Dawson City, Yukon, to Inuvik, N.W.T.

8. Acadian Coastal Drive  Moncton to Bathurst, N.B.

9. Bow Valley Parkway  Banff to Lake Louise, Alta.

10. Pacific Rim Highway  Port Alberni to Tofino, B.C.

11. Irish Loop  Cape Shore, N.L.

12. Alaska Highway  Dawson Creek, B.C., to Watson Lake, Yukon

13. Highway 60 Corridor  Algonquin Park West to East Gate, Ont.

14. Klondike Trail  Whitehorse to Dawson City, Yukon

15. Parks Route  Cartwright to Roblin

16. Viking Trail  Gros Morne to St. Anthony, N.L.

17. Trans-Labrador Highway  Labrador City to LAnse-au-Clair, N.L.

18. Appalachian Range Route  Perth-Andover to Dalhousie, N.B.

19. Fundy Coastal Drive  St. Stephen to Aulac, N.B.

20. River Valley Scenic Drive  Edmundston to Saint John, N.B.

Best national park in Canada

1. Jasper National Park  Alberta

2. Banff National Park  Alberta

3. Cape Breton Highlands National Park  Nova Scotia

4. Grasslands National Park  Saskatchewan

5. Prince Albert National Park  Saskatchewan

6. Thousand Islands National Park  Ontario

7. Gros Morne National Park  Newfoundland and Labrador

8. Waterton Lakes National Park  Alberta

9. La Mauricie National Park  Quebec

10. Yoho National Park  British Columbia

11. Riding Mountain National Park

12. Fundy National Park  New Brunswick

13. Prince Edward Island National Park

14. Auyuittuq National Park  Nunavut

15. Georgian Bay Islands National Park  Ontario

16. Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve  British Columbia

17. Kluane National Park  Yukon

18. Nahanni National Park Reserve  Northwest Territories

19. Pacific Rim National Park Reserve  British Columbia

20. Torngat Mountains National Park  Newfoundland and Labrador

Best cottage region in Canada

1. Cavendish  Prince Edward Island

2. Sunshine Coast  British Columbia

3. Eastern Townships  Quebec

4. Bras dOr Lake  Nova Scotia

5. Lake of the Woods  Ontario

6. 1000 Islands  Ontario

7. Okanagan Valley  British Columbia

8. Prince Albert National Park  Saskatchewan

9. Muskoka Lakes  Ontario

10. Kawarthas  Ontario

11. Bruce Peninsula  Ontario

12. Georgian Bay  Ontario

13. Gulf Islands  British Columbia

14. South Shore  Nova Scotia

15. Haliburton Highlands  Ontario

16. Lake Winnipeg

17. Laurentians  Quebec

18. Shediac  New Brunswick

19. Shuswap  British Columbia

20. Whiteshell Provincial Park

 source: www.10best.com/awards/travel

scott.emmerson@freepress.mb.ca
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 24/05/2017 (1996 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A Winnipeg mother accused of abducting her own children has been granted bail after spending nearly a year behind bars.

On her third try at a bail review, Sandra Giesbrecht, 44, was to be released Wednesday after Court of Queens Bench Justice James Edmond ruled in her favour.

Giesbrecht is charged with two counts of abducting a person under the age of 14 and fleeing from police. She is set to go to trial on those charges in July. In the meantime, the judge agreed she should be given a chance to prove she can live in the community while following her court conditions, which include having no contact with her two children or their father and attending counselling.

Supplied Sandra Giesbrecht is accused of abducting her two children and fleeing from police.

She was to be released on a $31,000 surety as well as on her own $20,000 recognizance.

The details of the bail review hearing cant be published under a court-ordered publication ban.

Giesbrecht has been in custody for nearly a year after her arrest on June 24, 2016. She was denied bail on Aug. 10 and subsequently applied three times for bail review before Edmond.

Winnipeg police arrested Giesbrecht on a Canada-wide warrant following a short pursuit with officers after her nine-year-old son and 11-year-old daughter had been missing for five days. Their father had been granted full custody, and Giesbrecht was ordered to have no unauthorized contact with them. At the time of her arrest, police said they found evidence to suggest Giesbrecht had been wearing a disguise  a wig was found on the floor of the Ford Expedition SUV she was driving.

In March, Giesbrecht was sentenced to three months in jail for texting her daughter despite a no-contact order the court had imposed. The phone was allegedly hidden in a boxspring mattress and later discovered by workers at the foster placement where the children were staying. The texts were sent over two days in early May 2016, more than a month before the children went missing. After a trial earlier this year, Giesbrecht was convicted of breaching a court order.

She is set to go to trial on the abduction charges beginning July 4.

katie.may@freepress.mb.ca Twitter: @thatkatiemay
Opinion

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 24/05/2017 (1996 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Some of us are grateful the Pablo Picasso exhibit remains at the Winnipeg Art Gallery until Aug. 13. That leaves lots of time to explore our mixed feelings about whether to support the work of an artist who was a debauched cad in his personal life.

The painter had two wives, six mistresses and hundreds of lovers. He was abusive in his intimate relationships, and was partly to blame for the suicides of one wife, one mistress, one son and one grandson.

Women are machines for suffering, Picasso told one mistress when he was 61 years old and she was 21. For me there are only two kinds of women, goddesses and doormats.

WAYNE GLOWACKI / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Pablo Picassos etching, 10 MARCH 1934, part of the Picasso in Canada exhibit at the Winnipeg Art Gallery.

Its tempting to ignore him, except that his art makes him one of the dominant artists of the 20th century.

At the heart of whether to attend the exhibit is a larger question: to what degree should public figures be judged on their personal lives?

On one hand is the shun-Picasso brigade. They feel paying the $18 admission fee to the WAG would show approval of the lifestyle of a reprobate. Their principled stand is that integrity cant be compartmentalized. They believe public figures have considerable influence and, if theyre sordid at the core, this sullies their influence. A logical extension of this view is that children shouldnt be exposed to Alice in Wonderland because the author, Lewis Carroll, took about 500 pictures of pre-pubescent girls, whom he liked naked.

On the other hand are those who say Picassos personal life is none of our business. Public figures should be judged strictly on their public work. A logical extension of this view is that Jian Ghomeshi should be returned to the CBC microphone. Like Picasso, Ghomeshi had a sexual life that was abhorrent to many people but his personal life didnt diminish his considerable skill as a radio host.

It was the misfortune of Ghomeshi, and many other public figures today, to be outed in an age when the line is increasingly blurred between personal life and public work.

Modern technology allows the airing of shameful secrets more easily, and recklessly, than ever. In a typical scenario, a damning text or video emerges on the Internet, is spread by rash media outlets that thrive on gotcha journalism, and is followed by howls from Internet commenters that the public figure repent and resign. The character assassination can be complete in days, sometimes hours. Theres seldom deep thought given to why reporting the salacious scandal is relevant to the work of the public figure.

It wasnt always this way. Early 20th-century admirers of the work of Charlie Chaplin and H.G. Wells were unable to do a Google search and discover they were devoted to artists whose personal lives were base.

To what extent do public figures have a right to privacy? Should their erotic lives be off-limits?

Here are thoughts, offered tentatively:

Sometimes, its fortunate sexual improprieties are kept secret. Had the public of the 1960s known Martin Luther King Jr. and John F. Kennedy were philanderers, that could have caused scandals that diverted both men from important work on civil rights and Kennedy from his strategic response during the Cuban missile crisis.

Sometimes, sexual improprieties should be exposed. Its responsible to report the private lives of public figures when the person is in a position to directly influence the behaviour of others, such as politicians who legislate matters of morality, and clergy who preach ethical conduct. It was valid for media to recently report Canadian Senator Don Meredith, a 52-year-old Pentecostal minister, resigned after he had an extended sexual relationship with a teenaged girl.

Lets draw a line between reporting sexual activities that are illegal, and spreading gossip about sex that is merely titillating. Rape and sex with a minor are illegal. Adultery is not a criminal offence in Canada.

So, about Picasso. To go or not to go?

Some of us are still mulling it over. The issue is almost as perplexing as Picassos tendency to paint his subjects eyes in weird places.

Carl DeGurse is a member of the Free Press editorial board.
At least seven patients at the Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) died due to lack of treatment following a flash strike by junior doctors that started after midnight.

By Rohit Kumar Singh: Seven patients have reportedly died at Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) after nearly 450 junior doctors went on an indefinite strike starting Wednesday midnight. The deaths took place due to lack of treatment to patients in critical condition in the last 12 hours. The junior doctors are demanding action against police personnel who lathi-charged at them on Monday.

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"Nearly 450 junior doctors have gone on strike but we are trying to manage the situation and keep attending to the patients. It is a one-day strike and they will hopefully get back to work tomorrow," said Dr. Abhijeet Singh of PMCH.

The flash strike by junior doctors was triggered after they assembled at the IAS Bhawan in Patna on Monday to appear for the counseling session of post graduation medical exam. It is then that the junior doctors created a ruckus and the police had to intervene to control the situation. Soon the junior doctors entered into violent clashes with the police following which they were lathi-charged. The police also arrested four doctors from creating trouble and sent them to jail.

"The juniors doctors were lathi-charged without warning when they had gone to appear for PG counseling. 20 doctors were grievously injured in the incident and later four doctors were arrested and sent to jail. We have gone on a day's strike and abstained from work and if government does not meet our demand we will not relent. We want the arrested doctors to be released and an action to be taken against guilty police officials," said Dr Vinay Kumar, President, Junior Doctors Association of PMCH.

The patients on the other hand have been the worst sufferers with the emergency and OPD services taking a hit because of the strike of the junior doctors. The PMCH authority in a bid to deal with the crisis has called doctors from neighboring districts of Nalanda, Buxur and Ara for support. 20 doctors have already lent their services at PMCH.

"The moment we got information of the strike, we requested civil surgeons from neighboring districts to send team of doctors to PMCH to deal with the situation. At least 20 doctors have already reached PMCH from other district. More doctors are likely to come as back up at PMCH. Medical services have not taken a hit," said Dr RK Zamayar, Deputy Superintendent, PMCH.

ALSO READ:

Maharashtra doctors strike: Few resume work, health services remain paralysed

All you need to know about the Maharashtra doctors' strike

--- ENDS ---
Opinion

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 23/05/2017 (1997 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Sundays suicide-bomb attack in Manchester, England  the latest is a string of terrorist attacks in western countries  showed what Canada and its allies are up against. The brief Brussels summit of the western alliance on Thursday should advance the search for a defence against such attacks.

The Brussels gathering is designed to persuade U.S. President Donald Trump that the alliance deserves his support. He used to believe the organization was obsolete, though since taking office and learning what NATO does he may have revised that opinion. Since the U.S. is by far the largest country and the greatest military power in the alliance, the other members want to make sure he is on side.

The crying need at the moment, however, is for clear thought and intelligent leadership in the defence of the member countries of NATO. Canada, the U.S. and their European allies have no hope of defeating their enemy until they figure out who and where the enemy is and what strategy will succeed. Mr. Trump, addressing leaders of Muslim countries in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia last weekend, told them the U.S. was not at war with Islam but was engaged in a battle between good and evil. He urged governments of Muslim countries to drive out terrorists. This seemed to show Mr. Trump no longer thinks the U.S. is at war with Islam. But the U.S. and its allies still need a workable plan to locate and defeat the enemy.

Kirsty Wigglesworth / The Associated Press People attend a vigil in Albert Square in Manchester, England, Tuesday May 23, 2017, the day after a suicide attack at an Ariana Grande concert that left 22 people dead.

Middle-Eastern potentates could not have stopped the Manchester attack by driving someone out of their communities. Any attempt to use military force to banish evil from this world is doomed to failure. A military campaign has to be much more focused and specific.

Al-Qaida used to organize terror attacks to get the Europeans  crusaders  out of the Middle East. Lately, the Islamic State group has taken over, organizing attacks to support creation of a caliphate in Iraq and Syria. These campaigns have achieved nothing of military significance. They have made people nervous. They have brought anti-Islamic and xenophobic politicians to new prominence, but they have not altered the course of history.

Police departments have headed off a great many attacks by compiling lists of potential plotters and keeping an eye on them. NATO can perhaps help that work by assembling the best counter-terror experts and pooling information about the terror networks and the latest defensive measures. When the terrorists start hijacking trucks and driving them into crowds of pedestrians, NATO can devise counter-measures.

It may be helpful for the NATO leaders in Brussels to put on a good show for Mr. Trump and send him home happy.

It may be still more useful, however, to focus the minds of western governments on a better understanding of the events unfolding around them. What war are we fighting here and how are we going to win it?

Mr. Trump clearly does not know. He thinks this is a battle between good and evil that the governments of Muslim countries have to win on behalf of the rest of us. In the absence of American leadership, it probably falls to NATO to identify and locate the enemy and develop the winning strategy. The Thursday summit in Brussels should set such a goal.
Thirty-five years ago, on June 7, 1982, Ronald Reagan and Pope John Paul II met for the first time at the Vatican. The two were of one mind and one mission.

It had been a little over year since both had been shot and nearly bled to death. Now, they talked alone in the Vatican Library. The attempted assassinations were raised right away. Reagan told the pontiff: Look how the evil forces were put in our way and how Providence intervened.

Bill Clark, Reagans closest aide, said that both men referred to the miraculous fact they had survived. And now, because of their mutual interests, said Clark, they came together to form some sort of collaboration.

What kind of collaboration? One that would truly change history.

The Protestant and Catholic, said Clark, shared a unity in spiritual views and in their vision on the Soviet empire. That day in Rome, said Clark, they discussed their joint sense that they had been given a spiritual missiona special role in the divine plan of life, and agreed that atheistic communism lived a lie that, when fully understood, must ultimately fail.

The two leaders, temporal and spiritual, also had mutual ideas on what should be done to end the Cold War. Reagan told the pope that hope remains, most notably in the battleground that was Poland. We, working together, he told the Polish pontiff, can keep it alive.

They sure did. Pio Laghi, the popes representative to the United States, would say of this Reagan-John Paul II meeting: Nobody believed the collapse of communism would happen this fast or on this timetable. But in their first meeting, Holy Father and president committed themselves and the institutions of the Church and America to such a goal. And from that day, the focus was to bring it about.

And aside from the singular purpose, the two men held much more in common. Both bravely fought what John Paul II dubbed the Culture of Death, affirming what Reagan called the transcendent right to life of all human beings, the right without which no other rights have any meaning, and what John Paul II called the first of the fundamental rights, the right to life. Reagan said that every person is a sacred reality; John Paul II said that every person is a unique and unrepeatable gift of God. They both insisted upon the interdependence of faith and freedom, the principle of subsidiarity, and the need to speak out unequivocally against evil.

All of which brings me to Donald Trump and Pope Francis.

Such meaningful presidential-papal commonalitieswhich, for Reagan and John Paul II, enabled them to change the worldis lacking in the case of Donald Trump and Pope Francis. The presidential-papal meeting at the Vatican on May 24, 2017 will be utterly unlike the presidential-papal meeting at the Vatican on June 7, 1982.

Think about it. Regardless of their respective strengths and weaknesses, its hard to find a lot of shared outlook between the man in the White House today and the man in the Vatican today. Do they possess a mutual understanding of what currently serves as the great global menace, or how to defeat it? What would President Trump and Pope Francis list as the dominant threats today? Radical Islam? Trump might, but not in the wayor certainly not with the preferred responsethat Francis would.

Do their top priorities intersect anywhere? Immigration? Certainly not. Climate change? No way. Economic inequality? Nope.

Now, that said, this meeting could surprise people, and disappoint those looking for fireworks. Sure, the optics will be intriguing. But as for pundits hoping for a fight, I think theyll be disappointed.

After all, personality-wise, maybe the two men arent terribly dissimilar. Both have strong personalities; they are colorful, outspoken, and infamous for off-the-cuff comments. Neither is afraid to speak his mind, or stick his foot in his mouth. Pope Francis on an airplane with an open mic can be as freewheeling as Donald Trump with his Twitter account unmonitored by Kellyanne Conway, leaving lots of clean-up for spokespeople. The two men both operate with a folksy candor sometimes endearing and sometimes maddening. They might get along better than people assume.

I dont expect a verbal sparring match over building walls. Francis is too winsome to provoke a contentious disagreement. Hes a pope of mercy who preaches forgiveness and decries malevolence. I expect him to treat Trump well. And when Trump is treated well, he usually responds in kind.

Moreover, its crucial to realize that there actually is some common ground. One is religious persecution. Both men are concerned with Islamist attacks on Christians, especially in the Middle East and Syria. In the United States, Francis is surely pleased with Trumps moves thus far to protect religious freedom, particularly his pro-life steps, from banning funding of International Planned Parenthood to seeking to nominate judges who will protect the rights of the likes of the Little Sisters of the Poor.

And surely, Francis should be heartened that Trumpfor his first presidential trip abroadchose to go to the Vatican. Thats a significant gesture.

As for Trump, the brash New York swagger might be tempered by the sheer majesty of the St. Peters environs. As one pundit told me, trips to the Vatican change people. They do. So do meetings with the pope.

But again, unlike Ronald Reagan and Pope John Paul II, I dont perceive a grand historical-spiritual vision among Donald Trump and Pope Francis. I have no lofty historic hopes for this relationship. However, if a lesson can be learned from Reagan-John Paul II, its this: When a president and a pope come together with some significant goal in mind, important things can happen. Good things can result. Thats something for this president and his staff to think about very prudently.
How many of my fellow community members experienced the following? When I was preschool, and up until about age 12, I frequently wore clothes that were in decent enough shape but were handed down from my older siblings or cousins. My mother would patch holes in jeans, my dad would fix the lawn mower, and I built my own bicycles. Not because we wanted to, but because the jeans were perfectly usable if patched, the lawn mower still cut grass, and the bicycles got me to where I needed. All part of an efficiently run family who had a limited budget.

I understand we have 21st century needs for students and schools. Among my fellow 76ers I know I have embraced technology more than most. I did so before I taught. I did so when I was in the classroom, and even more so now with my own small business. Its part of how we teach, and instrumental in business. I also know a well built building when I see one, and I understand the importance of building management and maintenance to keep them current and efficient.

I dont claim to be an expert, but I know that the buildings my grandparents built in Winona are the best built buildings in town. I think they were built with the understanding that if the skeleton and shell were constructed well enough, they could stand multiple remodels and upgrades. When they built those schools, my mother was one of the first to go through them, (WK and at the time the new high School, now Washington Crossings). When I was a student at WK in the 60s we practiced for a nuclear attack by taking shelter in the school basement. (Still the one place Id prefer to go if our current president decides to press the red button rather than have an adult discussion.)

Our community owes a debt of gratitude to our grandparents for building these magnificently strong and adaptable buildings. We also owe our grandchildren an opportunity to grow up in a neighborhood that includes most, if not all of these buildings. We can, actually we must, create the breakthrough so badly needed in this community to provide a great education in a reasonably good building located in a neighborhood that is accessible.

Our largest university is expanding its education training infrastructure on Wabasha Street.Wabasha Street happens to be the epicenter of all the schools in town, (Jefferson is just two blocks off). We have a golden opportunity to re-create the most dynamic education corridor in the state. We can and should spend what is needed (not a golden parachute by a single developer), to re-imagine these buildings as the neighborhood centers they were built to be.

I would not support the current school board recommendation to take private property to expand WK and close Madison, Central, and Jefferson. Remodel these buildings for energy efficiency, add the required HVAC, install the needed technology, keep our schools in our neighborhoods and attract more workers, because our grandparents did the right thing, and we can too!

These views are mine and do not necessarily represent the views of my colleagues on the council.
Dear Southeast Minnesota Property Owners;

I saw your advertisement in the Winona Post on Sunday. You are forming a non-profit(tax deductible?) group to sue Winona County for its ban on sand mining for industrial uses.

Good for you for acting on what you stand for and believe in. Our country should support and encourage citizen involvement. We are the heart of democracy and so should and must take on the responsibility to engage in our society. That responsibility includes being open so all may see our faces and perhaps even have a rational discussion about our beliefs and stands.

My disappointment in your stand to be anonymous was enormous. Only criminals and those ashamed of their actions hide their faces. I don't believe you will need to fear for your life if you declare your opinion. You state that it is "...to avoid personal attacks." If you believe your stand is true and you are honest, then there would be no need to hide. You would be willing to accept some consequences.

Sometimes we feel so passionately about something that we believe it is right and just. Perhaps it is by standing up and speaking up that we can hear ourselves and so gain perspective and consider others and our community.

Please reconsider your stand to be anonymous. I for one would look forward to the opportunity to speak one on one with my fellow citizens concerning issues that affect us all. Surely that would be a place to start.
Circus World is set to receive an infusion of more than $1 million in state funding over the next two years and transfer control of operations to a state agency under the states biennial budget.

The states Joint Committee on Finance last week voted unanimously to approve Gov. Scott Walkers proposed funding included in his 2017-2019 state budget for the Baraboo museum. The measure will provide Circus World with increased state support, while transferring control of operations from the privately-funded Circus World Museum Foundation to the Wisconsin Historical Society.

Circus World Executive Director Scott ODonnell said the museum is grateful to receive state funding for its collections, which include about 10,000 pieces of original and lithographic art, more than 200 wooden circus wagons, over 300,000 photographs and a diverse array of artifacts valued in excess of $75 million.

Its a profound and wonderful statement of support for Circus World, the states heritage and history, and for the art form, he said. It will place this institution on a path for long-term sustainability.

Wisconsin Historical Society Director Ellsworth Brown said in a press release that the state allocation will ensure the preservation of the collections housed at Circus World, which at times has struggled to remain financially sound.

I am pleased that the Joint Committee on Finance has supported unanimously the Governors desire to provide state funding for the Circus World Museum, he said. State funds will help to address budget challenges at the facility and protect this important part of Wisconsins history.

The budget agreement will provide Circus World with $500,000 in state aid starting in 2018, and $700,000 for the 2019 fiscal year. The money will finance employee salaries and other operations. The budget estimates Circus World will generate $925,000 in annual revenue, and the Museum Foundation will raise an additional $250,000 for the museum independently each year, creating a total operating budget of about $1.7 million in 2018 and $1.9 million in 2019.

The budget agreement also designates Circus Worlds six staff members as state employees and adds four additional positions.

The state Historical Society and the Museum Foundation have worked together in the past to keep Circus World operating. Under the current agreement, the Historical Society owns the land, buildings and collections housed at Circus World, while the Museum Foundation oversees operations at the site.

The new agreement would have the Museum Foundation no longer manage the site, but serve as an advisory board and private fundraising entity for the museum. ODonnell said changes in management likely will take place between Circus Worlds fall season and the end of the calendar year.

Neither entity wants to implement any kind of change during our summer performance season, he said. Well get to the fall when its a less busy schedule, and that will allow us to focus on those transitional details properly.

The search for additional funding for the Baraboo museum began last year when Baraboo Mayor Mike Palm, who also is a Circus World Museum Foundation Board member, chaired a committee to study sustainable measures to finance the museum. The committee opted to seek funding from the state, and the full board unanimously agreed.

Palm said hes thankful for the state support of Circus World, adding that the approval of the budget agreement will ensure the states circus history is preserved for future generations.

I and the residents of Baraboo along with circus fans and historical advocates everywhere would like to thank Gov. Walker, the Senate, the Assembly and the state Historical Society for their support and work to help find a sustainable future for Circus World, he said. We very much appreciate this non-partisan determination to protect this national treasure.
Abdul Qayoom was shot at by militants at least three times from close range outside his home at around 8.10 PM, a police official said.

By Press Trust of India: Militants shot and critically injured a worker of the ruling PDP in Barzullah area of the city on Wednesday evening, the police said.

Abdul Qayoom was shot at by militants at least three times from close range outside his home at around 8.10 PM, a police official said.

He said the injured person was rushed to a hospital where is condition is stated to be critical.

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Also Read:

Kashmir: Militants attack SOG camp of Jammu and Kashmir Police, CRPF

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The Patriot Tour launches Saturday.

It is a 100-day, 14,000-mile journey during which motorcycle riders carry one American flag through the continental 48 states to raise money for wounded veterans and their families.

The event will begin at Harley-Davidson of Madison according to Bill Sherer, founder and executive director of the Nation of Patriots.

A large group of riders from Dodge County will join the Madison contingent for the first leg of the journey. This years fundraising goal is $200,000 and contributions of any size are welcome at nationofpatriots.com.

Anyone who cares to participate will gather at Hogz N Honeez Bar & Grill W7771 Highway 33, Beaver Dam, at 8:30 a.m. Saturday for the ride to Harley-Davidson of Madison. Following a 10 a.m. launch ceremony, the flag will make its way through southwest Wisconsin to its first stop in Waukon, Iowa.

It will then move city-to-city across the country raising awareness to the needs of veterans and their families. More than 150,000 riders across the U.S. are expected to take part in the Tour before its return Sept. 9 for a parade through downtown Beaver Dam and a closing ceremony and celebration at the Dodge County Fairgrounds.

In 2016, The Patriot Tour raised and distributed $170,000 to wounded veterans and their families in 21 states.

Its important for people to understand that every dollar they contribute to this effort directly benefits wounded vets and their families. The Nation of Patriots is an entirely volunteer organization so 100 percent of the money raised benefits those for whom it is intended, Sherer said.

The idea for the Patriot Tour came to Sherer in 2009 while riding in the eastern United States, carrying the American flag on the back of his motorcycle in support of the sacrifices that his friends, mostly veterans of the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, had made on behalf of our country. He rode all 33 states east of the Mississippi, raising money for the families of wounded veterans.

Ending in Milwaukee, Sherer worked with the VA Hospital there to direct the money he had raised, to military families.

I realized that my voice was not strong enough to rally a nation, he said. So I founded the Nation of Patriots. I wanted to include as many proud Americans as possible to stand with me in a collective salute of appreciation to the U.S. military.

More than 150,000 riders across the U.S., many of them veterans, have answered the Nation of Patriots call each spring since 2010 and volunteered to take part in the annual Patriot Tour.

Riders interested in participating locally or across the country are encouraged to pre-register at nationofpatriots.com. Each rider is asked to make a $5 donation that will be used to augment funds raised throughout the tour for distribution to the families of wounded veterans.
The Journal Times investigation into group homes started after a criminal complaint filed against several workers at a group home.

Two employees of a Racine group home were charged with misdemeanor battery and disorderly conduct charges Jan. 5 after a physical fight at the home between the employees over work schedules.

In March, The Journal Times learned of an incident at a different group home in Mount Pleasant where a group home resident entered a neighbors home unannounced and started drinking and spilling two-liter bottles of soda.

It was learned that the Mount Pleasant group home employee was sleeping at the time and not watching the residents as he was supposed to be doing. He was subsequently fired.

These incidents brought up red flags about area group homes.

Over the course of two months of investigation, Journal Times reporter Jon Brines has dug into what many are calling a personal care worker crisis. There is a shortage of workers willing to take the low-paying jobs, and those who do take them often face poverty issues of their own, leading to additional scheduling difficulties. Complaints pertaining to personal care workers and facilities are up.

We had 1,200 complaints last year and we are on pace this year for 1,500 complaints, according to Alfred Johnson, director of the Bureau of Assisted Living of the Wisconsin State Department of Health Services.

Johnson said that, for example, citations for supervision issues are one of the top citations for the first quarter of this year, meaning workers are too busy to avoid problems in care. In many cases, that likely is because of worker shortages.

Crystal Miller, president of Frontida, blamed new high-profile businesses in the area, such as Amazon, for raiding the pool of entry-level workers and paying them upwards of $18 per hour. In comparison, home care providers receive about $10 per hour.

Last year, 49 percent of personal care workers in Wisconsin relied on some form of public assistance to get by, according to the New York-based Paraprofessional Heathcare Institute.

Because of poverty issues, Gitz said shes seeing workers with food insufficiency and their own housing insufficiency.

They dont have reliable transportation, and health care schedules dont align with the bus routes, Gitz said.

To help with the crisis, Gov. Scott Walker has proposed an increase in reimbursement rates for personal care workers. Walker is recommending a 2 percent increase for each year of the bi-annual budget and Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester, said he supports an increase.

The state has one of the worst reimbursement rates in the nation and we need to have more competitive wages, Vos said.

However, Amy Mlot, public relations and program development director for Societys Assets, said the industry really needs a 15 percent increase in the rate.

The total cost to personal care providers for wages, supplies and other overhead is estimated to be $18.59 an hour, according to the Wisconsin Personal Services Association. The state reimbursement rate is $16.08 per hour and has not moved since 2008.

The 2 percent per year that the governor has proposed is a good start. But legislators must continue to watch this issue and watch how the personal care industry is managed and monitored.

Our most vulnerable citizens need to be taken care of. To do that, the businesses that run those homes need to be able to recruit quality staff and pay a competitive rate.
FALL RIVER  Black bears, which have traditionally called northern Wisconsin home, have been growing in numbers and expanding their range to the south.

Last Wednesday one turned up in Kim Marks backyard, in a wooded area on the corner of Heppe and McDonald roads outside Fall River.

Marks had left the patio doors on her back porch open that night, and after a storm had blown through and knocked the power out, she and her husband heard a noise in their backyard. When they went to investigate they saw the bear tearing down some of their bird feeders.

Since then their unwanted visitor has been making the rounds in that part of the county. Hes been spotted on Highway DG and Finch Road, among other places, and has played a starring role in at least one area residents Facebook video.

Hes also dropped by the Markses house twice more; once when they werent home  but he helped himself to their bird seed and knocked down their feeders again  and then on Monday. That night Marks was able to get about 10 yards away from the beast to take pictures before her husband came around the other side of the house and scared him off.

We dont think hes full grown, Marks said. Some people we talked to thought he was maybe about 250 pounds.

Shes also not sure hes a he, either, but DNR Bureau of Wildlife Management carnivore specialist Dave McFarland said this is the time of year that bear family groups are breaking up, and young males, especially, are looking for new territory that isnt already occupied.

There are a lot of year-and-a-half-old bears that have been with their mother their whole life that are dispersing at this time and finding their way to new places, McFarland said. Its quite likely that the Fall River bear is one of them.

While its rare for a bear to be in Columbia County, its not unheard of. McFarland said one bear wandered as far south as Beloit last year, and hes heard reports of them being spotted in northern Illinois and Iowa as well.

The population increase is a natural phenomenon, McFarland said. So far the DNR has been taking a wait-and-see approach, but the department will soon be writing a bear management plan that will address if there are some areas in the state that the population should not be allowed to grow.

One of the first steps in that process is a survey that will be sent out in the next couple of weeks, asking people if they want to see bears in the area where they live, McFarland said.

Wildlife, whether its bears or squirrels, can cause conflict. With bears the conflict is typically agricultural and residential.

Bears love corn, especially when its in its milk stage in August, McFarland said. Meanwhile the risk to livestock (and humans) is relatively minor. About five or six sheep or calves are killed each year by the 30,000 or so bears in the state.

Birdfeeders, like cornfields, arent nearly as lucky.

The best thing you can do to keep bears away is dont put attractants on your property, McFarland said. Dont feed birds while bears are in the area.

If you know theres a bear hanging around, take your bird feeder down entirely, until theres snow on the ground, McFarland said.

He also encouraged people to make sure their trash was properly secured and their pet food is not left out.

And if youre out for a walk and you happen upon a bear, just make sure he knows youre there. Yell at it, make noise, try to appear large, and make sure the bear has an escape route, McFarland said. If the bear has an escape route and you make some noise, 99 percent of the time, the bears gone.

If the bear doesnt leave, back away slowly while making noise, McFarland advised. You never want to run from a bear, he said.

For people dealing with nuisance bears and are in need of assistance, the DNR maintains a Wildlife Conflict Hotline that is monitored seven days a week: 800-433-0663.
A Mauston man faces several charges, including stealing vehicles and leading officers on a high-speed chase, during incidents in late March and mid-April.

Joshuah C. Harnar, 43, has been charged with burglary of a building or dwelling, theft-false representation, two charges of operating a motor vehicle without an owners consent, attempting to flee or elude a traffic officer, theft of movable property between $2,500 and $5,000 and criminal damage to property.

The burglary charge carries a possible $25,000 fine or a prison term of 12 years and six months, or both, while the theft offense carries a $10,000 fine or imprisonment of no more than six years, or both. For the operating a vehicle without owners consent charge, Harnar could pay a $10,000 fine and face no more than six years, or both, for each charge. Both the fleeing an officer charge and the theft of movable property offense carry $10,000 fines or up to three years and six months in prison, or both. For the criminal damage to property charge, Harnar could be fined $10,000 or face nine months in prison, or both.

Due to a prior Juneau County conviction in 2016, Harnars punishments may be increased upon conviction. Juneau County Clerk of Court filed the case on May 11.

According to a criminal complaint:

Juneau County officers began investigating Harnar on March 28 when he allegedly crashed a vehicle in Necedah and fled the scene. Harnar called a tow truck driver to pull the car out of a ditch, but fled before paying the driver. Harnar was with a female passenger who told authorities she didnt know where he went afterwards.

The vehicle was registered to an owner in Elroy who said Harnar took the car, a 2006 Ford Taurus, without permission. On March 29, an owner of the Wilderness Bar/Inn in Necedah reported damage to his property. The owner said he found a drivers side mirror on the property and it looked like a car had crashed there. Garbage dumpsters were turned over and there was damage to the landscape timbers, trees and plants.

On March 29, Harnar allegedly stole a 2005 Chevy Avalanche from a residence in the town of Necedah. The owner was missing a pair of pants with car keys in them, cell phone, phone charger, cigarettes and a lighter. He told police he had several items of value in the Avalanche, including his checkbook, cash, wallet, drivers license, along with cordless drills and plumbing equipment. He also had $3,300 in cash taken from his home as he slept. Harnar allegedly broke into the residence during the night.

About two weeks later, county deputies were involved in a high-speed chase with Harnar, driving the stolen Avalanche, for about 25 miles. Driving at speeds more than 90 miles an hour in a constant rain, Harnar made no attempts to stop and the chase ended as Harnar continued into Adams County. Just after 11 a.m. the same day, the Adams County Sheriffs Office located the vehicle with no occupants inside. It had struck a tree and the tree fell on top of the vehicle.

A bench warrant was issued by county judge John Roemer to place Harnar under arrest on May 12.
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By Kumar Shakti Shekhar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be in Assam on May 26 to celebrate the third anniversary of the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre. Besides addressing the nation from Guwahati on the occasion, the PM will also take part in several functions. PM Modi has again indicated how important Northeast, and particularly Assam, is for his government.

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During his visit to the northeastern state, the PM will inaugurate the country's longest Dhola-Sadiya bridge spanning 9.15km at Dhola. He will also lay the foundation of Indian Agricultural Research Institute (lARI). The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by the Prime Minister on May 17, had approved the setting up of IARI in 587 acres of land provided by the state government.

PM Modi had tweeted about the setting up of IARI and how it will help the agriculture sector in the Northeast and benefit the farmers.

Setting up of IARI in Assam will help the agriculture sector in the Northeast & benefit farmers. https://t.co/OCzDxnaZR9; Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 17, 2017

Why has PM Modi chosen Assam to celebrate the third anniversary of BJP's government at the Centre?

MODI WAVE OF 2014

Riding on a Modi wave, BJP came to power in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections. The wave continued till the end of the year when BJP and its allies won Assembly elections in Maharashtra, Haryana, Jharkhand and Jammu and Kashmir.

SETBACKS IN 2015

However, the Modi juggernaut stopped after Arvind Kejriwal led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) registered a historic win in the February 2015 Delhi Assembly elections, bagging 67 of the 70 seats. The Opposition and Modi's rivals declared it as a personal defeat for the PM.

BJP and PM Modi suffered a second humiliating defeat in December 2015. This time it was in Bihar. The three-party grand alliance of JD(U), RJD and Congress trounced BJP-led NDA in an election which had become a matter of prestige for Narendra Modi.

Modi critics had started writing his epitaph and also that of the BJP. Despondency had gripped the BJP camp after these two crushing defeats.

LUCKY MASCOT ASSAM

Assam proved to be a turning point for PM Modi and BJP. It was on May 18, 2016 that the results of the Assam Assembly elections were announced. For the first time in history, BJP registered a win in the state. It decisively defeated the Congress government led by Tarun Gogoi for 15 years.

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Assam broke BJP's jinx and ended the one-year spell of defeats in Assembly elections.

Moreover, since the Assam Assembly elections, BJP has not looked back and tasted any defeat. It has won all the Assembly elections, Uttar Pradesh being the most challenging of them all. BJP won UP by three-fourths majority.

BJP has won not just all the Assembly elections after bagging Assam but also most of the municipal and panchayat polls. Wherever it failed to win, BJP registered an impressive performance, as in BMC and Odisha. West Bengal municipal elections have been the only exception where BJP's performance has not been encouraging.

Hence, Assam naturally deserved to be selected as PM Modi's destination for NDA government's third anniversary celebrations.

Modi had visited Nagla Chandrabhan village in Mathura, the birth place of BJP ideologue Deen Dayal Upadhyaya, to celebrate the first anniversary in 2015. For the second anniversary, Modi addressed a mammoth rally in Saharanpur, again in UP.

Today (May 24) is also the first anniversary of the swearing-in of the Sarbananda Sonowal government in Assam. PM Modi, BJP president Amit Shah and several party and NDA chief ministers were present during Sonowal government's swearing-in.

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On May 26, Narendra Modi and BJP will simultaneously celebrate Assam government's first anniversary and the Central government's third anniversary anniversary. Assam, after all, proved to be Narendra Modi's lucky mascot.

ALSO READ:

Narendra Modi to inaugurate India's longest bridge, which can withstand 60-tonne battle tank, near China border

3 years of Modi sarkar: BJP going strong, may face weak Opposition in 2019 Lok Sabha elections

As Narendra Modi's political stock rises, so does Baba Ramdev's business empire

WATCH THE VIDEO HERE

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It was a frustrated Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, who quipped to reporters last week: Can we have a crisis-free day? Thats all Im asking.

And shes not alone. She probably spoke for the majority of senators and House members, Republican and Democrat, as well as most congressional and White House reporters, who are tired of reeling from crisis to crisis and yearn for just one day to pursue business as usual without yet another colossal blow-up from the Trump White House.

But the answer is: No, senator. No, you cant. Not as long as Donald Trumps in the White House. Hes so inept, and hes surrounded himself with such a bunch of amateurs, they couldnt organize a two-car funeral without mucking it up.

Consider the crises weve lived through in recent history:

May 9: Trump fires James Comey.

May 10: At the suggestion of Vladimir Putin, Trump invites Russian Ambassador Kislyak and Foreign Minister Lavrov to the Oval Office.

May 15: Washington Post reports that Trump gave Russians top secret intelligence.

May 16: Comey reveals that Trump asked him to drop his investigation of Michael Flynn.

May 17: Trump claims to be the most persecuted president in history.

May 18: Reuters reports that Trump campaign staffers were in touch with Russian officials at least 18 times.

Fortunately, something else very positive happened on Wednesday: Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein named former FBI Director James Mueller as special counsel in the Russian investigation. At which point everybody, even Susan Collins, could breathe a sigh of relief. It looks like well finally learn the truth: whether, for the Trump team, it was just connection or actual collusion with Russia.

Either way, appointment of a special counsel is Donald Trumps worst nightmare. For two reasons. First, because it means the Russian thing is not a nothing-burger, as Trump calls it. Its serious enough to merit a full-scale criminal investigation. Second, because, with Mueller in charge, the FBI probe will not go away anytime soon. Itll hang over the Trump White House for months, if not years, and could expand anywhere Mueller decides to take it. Remember Ken Starr, who started out investigating Bill Clintons failed real estate investment and ended up exposing a White House sex scandal?

Actually, Mueller wont have to hunt for new material. He has plenty on his plate already, starting with revelations this week that Trump shared state secrets with Kislyak and Lavrov and tried to shut down the FBI investigation. Its hard to tell which is more serious.

By revealing to Russian officials top secret intelligence the United States had received from Israel, Trump not only put Israels entire intelligence operation at risk, he undermined any confidence our allies have in his administrations capacity to keep a secret. And by trying to shut down a criminal investigation into members of his own administration, Trump, like Richard Nixon, seems guilty of obstruction of justice.

Indeed, Trumps troubles are compounding so much that the unthinkable is starting to happen. Its not just Democrats like Rep. Maxine Waters, D-California, who are starting to utter the I word. Rep. Justin Amash, R-Michigan, told reporters that, if what Comey says about Trumps efforts to shut down the FBI investigation is true, that would amount to an impeachable offense. And the conservative commentariat also is starting to pile on.

Under the headline Conservatives Begin to Whisper: President Pence, Politico notes that leading conservative blogger Erick Erickson urged his followers to abandon Trump because they have no need for him with Mike Pence in the wings. And conservative New York Times columnist Ross Douthat wrote that Republicans need not fear getting rid of Trump because Hillary Clinton will not be retroactively elected if Trump is removed, nor will Neil Gorsuch be unseated. In other words, Trump has served his purpose, but hes clearly not up to the job, so now lets dump him.

For those of us old enough to have lived through it, the whole mess is so reminiscent of Watergate  except that the Nixon administration took years to unravel. The Trump administration has fallen apart in 120 days. And, like Nixon, it has become abundantly clear that theres no way Trump can survive.

This madness cannot last four years. Until this week, I disagreed with friends who insisted that Trump would not serve a full term. But no longer. Were witnessing the beginning of the end of the Trump presidency. Its no longer a question of whether Donald Trump will go, but how and when.
Police in Indonesia's most populous province plan to deploy a taskforce to investigate lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) activity, a move likely to fuel concerns of a widening crackdown on the community in the Muslim-majority country.

By Reuters: Police in Indonesia's most populous province has planned to deploy a taskforce to investigate lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) activity, a move likely to fuel concerns of a widening crackdown on the community in the Muslim-majority country.

West Java police chief Anton Charliyan disclosed the plan on Tuesday as two gay men in the province of Aceh were publicly flogged, and days after police raided a gay club in Jakarta and distributed photos of suspects to the media.

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With the exception of Aceh, homosexuality is legal in Indonesia. Activists say, however, that police targeting of consensual gay sex has shone a light on discrimination and harassment in the world's third-largest democracy.

Indonesia's reputation for tolerance is already under scrutiny after Jakarta Governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, a Christian, was sentenced this month to two years in prison for blasphemy.

Responding to Sunday's Jakarta raid, Charliyan told reporters in Bandung, the capital of West Java, a province with a population of about 47 million, that LGBT people suffered a "disease of the body and soul".

He called on the public to report their activities.

"I hope there are no followers in West Java, no gay or LGBT lifestyle or tradition, Charliyan said. "If there's anyone following it, they will face the law and heavy social sanctions. They will not be accepted in society."

'MORALS POLICE'

A leading LGBT activist slammed his remarks, which were confirmed in a recording provided to Reuters by journalists present when Charliyan spoke on Tuesday.

"Police have a mandate to follow the law. They are not the morals police," said Yuli Rustinawati, chairperson of Arus Pelangi, an Indonesian LGBT activist organization.

In remarks on Wednesday, Charliyan said the police "taskforce" would include intelligence specialists and was particularly concerned with disrupting "secret parties", the Detik news portal reported.

A national spokesman for the police, Setyo Wasisto, said the approach in West Java did not reflect a national strategy.

"It is enough for us to handle it as we do regularly," he said.

Charliyan's comments follow a spate of high-profile police actions against gay clubs and parties just as the country's Constitutional Court is due to rule on a petition to outlaw homosexuality and adultery.

On Sunday, police detained 141 men and released photos of some of them in varying states of undress to the media, revealing many of their identities. Only 10 of the men have been declared suspects, five remain under investigation and 126 were released.

The police said the photos were released due to "procedural errors", the Jakarta Post reported.

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Rustinawati at Arus Pelangi said, however, the release of the images was part of a police pattern of publicly shaming of gay people.

NAMED AND SHAMED

The two Acehnese men, caned 82 times each on Tuesday, were punished in front of a crowd of more than 1,000. Semi-autonomous Aceh province is governed by sharia Islamic law.

Earlier, a video of the men, naked and distressed as they were apprehended by sharia police, was released and viewed widely on social media.

In Indonesia's second-largest city of Surabaya in East Java, 14 gay men were arrested, tested for HIV and the results made public, Indonesian media reported.

"The police also release data - names and addresses," said Rustinawati. "It's humiliating and it puts LGBT people in danger."

On Tuesday, North Jakarta police chief Dwiyono, who like many Indonesians has only one name, took journalists through the gay club raided on Sunday. As they climbed three floors, he pointed out a gym, a communal jacuzzi used for "striptease" and a cluster of cubicles for sex.

"This door can only be opened if you pay 185,000 rupiah ($14) to the receptionist," he said. "In here, there's no change room, you just tear off your clothes and use a towel."

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PUBLIC DISAPPROVAL

Indonesian President Joko Widodo last year gave qualified support for the gay community, telling the BBC that "there should be no discrimination against anyone", before noting that homosexuality is not popular in his country.

However, his defense minister, Ryamizard Ryacudu, suggested that homosexuality was a national security threat and part of a "proxy war" waged against Indonesia by foreign states.

A Pew Research Center poll in 2013 found 93 percent of respondents in Indonesia disagreed that "society should accept homosexuality".

Indonesia's Islamist groups have long called for the criminalization of gay sex. The Islamic Defenders Front (FPI), the vigilante group that led huge rallies against the now-convicted Jakarta governor, has cooperated with police in curbing alleged vice for more than a decade.

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Professor named Malkiel Scholar by the Woodrow Wilson Foundation, explores college leaders in the 1960s

Honor roll: Eddie R. Cole, assistant professor of higher education in the School of Education at William & Mary, has recently been awarded four prestigious honors for his work exploring college leaders and racial unrest. Photo - of - Hide Caption

In just the past few months, Eddie R. Cole, an assistant professor of higher education at William & Mary, has been awarded four prestigious honors, including being named a 2017 Nancy Weiss Malkiel Scholar by the Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Foundation.

As a Malkiel Scholar, Cole is one of 10 faculty recognized nationally as a developing class of scholars in the humanities and social sciences who are poised  like the programs namesake  to play a significant role in shaping American higher education, according to the Woodrow Wilson Foundation. The Malkiel Scholar honor also includes a $17,500 award designed for research support and to free the time of its recipients.

Coles three additional 2017 research honors  awarded by Princeton University, the University of Chicago, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison  will support short-term research visits to the respective universities libraries.

We are thrilled, though not surprised, that Dr. Coles work is attracting such interest and support across the field, said Spencer G. Niles, dean of the W&M School of Education. His research addresses important and timely questions regarding how college leaders publicly negotiate critical issues of social justice as they arise on college campuses.

Cole plans to use the research grants and fellowships to work on a book manuscript during the 2017-18 academic year.

I am excited by this wave of support from some of the nations most prominent foundations and libraries, said Cole. These honors are confirmation that the project I am pursuing is pertinent to our current socio-political climate and our future. Therefore, I am deeply appreciative of my dean, the provost, and colleagues for encouraging and supporting my intellectual pursuits.

A New Perspective on a Common Story

Between protests and riots, calls to sit in and stand up, the 1960s was a tumultuous time in higher education history. And while the actions of student activists and state lawmakers are fairly well known to the general public, there are other important figures, specifically college presidents, whose influence on the national race conversation (for better or worse) often flies under the radar to many citizens.

Therefore, in 2015, thanks to a National Academy of Education/Spencer Foundation fellowship, Cole traveled to 25 colleges and universities across the country, poring over more than a thousand primary sources from university collections, state archives, and various historical societies to learn more about college presidents and civil rights.

Scholars, rightfully so, have studied individual college presidents, but rarely have they looked at them as a collective across the nation, much less their influence on the civil rights movement, said Cole.

As it turns out, college presidents often had shared responses. In the course of his research at universities from Wisconsin to Alabama to California, Cole noticed a trend of presidential inaction, or silence, when faced with student protests surrounding civil rights. Rather than address the issues, some presidents opted to err on the side of caution and withheld a response until things were too heated to ignore.

While national trends emerged, geographical differences were also apparent. In the South, undeniably the hotbed of racial tensions, lawmakers, businessmen and donors oftentimes had heavy influence over college presidents and, thus, the fate of both public and private institutions. Therefore, Cole said, college presidents in the South frequently employed creative approaches to addressing race and segregation. Outside of the South, college leaders responded in a variety of ways when forced to balance demands between those who viewed the racial unrest as a strictly Southern problem and those who often pointed out how racial injustice was happening in their own backyards.

It was as much an issue in California as it was in Michigan and New York and in the South, said Cole. So ultimately, this project is the history of the civil rights struggle as told through American higher education.

A History Ripe for Today

Cole is currently in the process of documenting trends in the 60s and other observations from his research into a book, with the hope of deepening our understanding of higher education history and how college leaders have used their voices to shape the conversation around civil rights.

Perhaps more importantly, in the current higher education climate where diversity and discrimination continue to be contested topics, he hopes digging deeper into the past can help influence how college leaders respond to racial issues in the future.

We tend to jump into todays challenges with little consideration of history, said Cole. But theres a long history of racial issues on college campuses, and I think if theres any kind of guidance that can inform how we react to todays issues, theres no better time to look back on than in the 60s.
The HRD minister talking to India Today said that the Centre can only give a model code of conduct to states.

By Ilma Hasan: At a time when parents across various cities are staging protests against rising fees of private schools, Union HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar said that the central government cannot intervene in the matter.

Speaking to India Today, Javadekar said, "School education is a state subject, we can only give a model code of conduct, it is the state's choice to implement it."

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Recently, parents in Hyderabad, Mumbai, Delhi, Noida and Ghaziabad staged protests against private schools arbitrarily rising their fees. A parent in Ghaziabad talking to India Today said, "The state of government schools is terrible, our only option is of the private schools that fleece us yearly."

To this Javadekar responded saying, "Education is not for profiteering. Only some fashionable schools hike fees, it is upto the parents to decide. Most schools charge quite less." The HRD minister added, "My job is to make sure we make government schools so good that they become the first choice for parents. Government schools are also incurring Rs 18,000 per student per year, while as most private schools charge lesser than that."

UNCHECKED FEE HIKE

Recently, the Punjab government capped the hike of school fees at 8 per cent, saying all schools will come under the regulation. However, states like Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Delhi are either contemplating or have already moved to curb the unchecked fee hike by schools. Many private schools that charge steeply have stepped in to address the quality gap left by government schools. The exorbitant fees charged by private schools, sometimes going as high as Rs 15 lakh per annum, have drawn comparisons with the fees at premier medical or engineering schools.

The minister added, "Every state has the right to curb hikes, if they want to. Kendriya Vidyalaya is already a brand across the country. We'll build more of them in urban cities to counter private schools."

Also read: Government to take strict action against medical colleges charging exorbitant fees

Also read: Slogans on Afzal Guru not welcome, ICSSR chairman appointed on basis of merit: Prakash Javadekar

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By India Today Web Desk: Soha Ali Khan and Kunal Kemmu are expecting their first child, and the couple is currently on a vacation in London.

Before the arrival of the baby, the two are busy spending some quality time together. Kunal took to Instagram to share a few pictures from their London sojourn. And one of the photos shows Soha flaunting her baby bump as she takes a break from hopping around the city.

A post shared by Kunal Kemmu (@khemster2) on May 23, 2017 at 12:16am PDT

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Soha shared another picture of chilling around in the city with her family.

It was only last month that rumours of Soha's pregnancy started doing the rounds. And soon enough, Kunal confirmed that the couple is excited to have their first child.

Kunal told Pinkvilla, "Yes it's true. Soha and I are very happy to announce a joint production coming later this year - our first child! We feel blessed and thank you all for your good wishes."

On the work front, Soha was last seen in the film 31st October with Vir Das. Reports were doing the rounds that she will be seen with her husband Kunal in the Go Goa Gone sequel.

ALSO READ: Soha Ali Khan-Kunal Kemmu make first public appearance together after pregnancy news

ALSO READ: Soha Ali Khan is pregnant, flaunts her baby bump

ALSO READ: Soha Ali Khan inspired by Kareena Kapoor to start a family of her own?

ALSO WATCH: Saif-Kareena become proud parents to a baby boy, Taimur Ali Khan Pataudi

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Korsnick calls for concerted nuclear advocacy effort

24 May 2017

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The US nuclear energy industry must work together to strengthen existing relationships and build new coalitions among supporters of nuclear energy's different attributes, according to Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI) president and CEO Maria Korsnick.

Korsnick opening the Nuclear Energy Assembly (Image: NEI)

Speaking yesterday at the opening of the NEI's Nuclear Energy Assembly in Scottsdale, Arizona, Korsnick said: "Nuclear energy's value is clear to those of us who work in the industry. Certainly it's clear to people like me, who are advocates for nuclear energy both professionally and personally."

However, she added, "Unfortunately, what is clear to us seems opaque to many policymakers and the public. Either inadvertently or by design, they are opting to edge us out of the energy spotlight - and perhaps off the stage completely. Simply put, nuclear energy's benefits have been taken for granted. It took the premature shutdown of several nuclear plants to open people's eyes to the magnitude of that loss."

Korsnick said the industry has developed the National Nuclear Energy Strategy to communicate nuclear energy's benefits "more aggressively, more widely and more consistently than we ever have before". The industry has "stepped up our advocacy efforts not just a notch or two, but by a great margin", she said.

"Judging by the reaction from some of the industry's longtime critics - and from new critics in unexpected places - we're gaining traction," Korsnick said. She noted that in the past year the state governments of New York and Illinois have adopted explicit policies recognising nuclear's contribution to clean energy. Other states - including Connecticut, Ohio, New Jersey and Pennsylvania - are considering doing the same.

Korsnick noted that nuclear energy has supporters in the business and labour communities, as well as among groups focused on climate change and air quality.

"Their priorities are different, but they have a shared stake in nuclear energy," she said. "As the industry reaches out to supporters in diverse areas, we find them reaching out to us. New coalitions are forming. Relationships are getting stronger."

Despite this progress, "this remains a time of great stress for the nuclear energy industry", she said, stressing that the industry must ensure nuclear energy remains part of the conversation on clean energy.

"Like me, you know exactly which aspects of this fascinating field have kept you a passionate believer in its promise for the future," she said. "What I'd like you to do is go out and spread the passion in the ways you know best."

Researched and written

by World Nuclear News

Related topics
Foreign debt is the total external debt that a country owes to foreign entities. These foreign entities can include other countries, international organizations, or even wealthy individuals. A lot of the debt that a country owes can be termed as concessional. The World Bank describes concessional debt as "loans with an original grant element of 25 percent or more." This gives rise to a special group of countries which have a very high amount of foreign debt as concessional debt. The factors contributing to the high proportion of concessional debt will be discussed below.

Countries with Rampant Corruption

External debt is often accrued in the form of development projects which are undertaken but expected to be paid later. Government officials in the receiving country make a huge deal citing development, progress, and economic growth to garner votes and the following governments bear the burden of the ill-advised foreign investments. Tonga is one example which has foreign debt that is equivalent to almost 48% of its GDP. Two thirds of this debt is owed to the Export-Import Bank of China, an issue which almost threatened the incoming government in 2015. The illusion of development hits these countries hard as the partner country sends its own engineers and professionals for projects. Despite providing concession on the monetary funds, the host country is still charged an exorbitant amount of money which is expected to be paid back in the future.

IMF Bailouts

On the other hand, lending by international organizations like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) can help countries in severe financial crisis by bailing them out. The IMF criteria for extending financial aid is in order of the severity of crisis and vulnerability. IMFs bailouts often impose several sanctions on a country's financial policy which the IMF policymakers believe caused the crisis in the first place. Several countries ended up on the list due to a major share of their concessional debt falling into this category. None of the countries on the list are major trade players in the world market. Mali, Haiti, Samoa, Nepal, and Niger are some examples of countries whose concessional debt is owed to mainly IMF but several international agencies as well.

Geopolitics and Socioeconomics

The geopolitical landscape and socioeconomic conditions of a country play a major role in determining whether the country deserves concessional debt or not. If the company is marred by corruption, concessional debt due to corrupt policies and development projects funded by other countries or corporations take mainstream attention.

Newly Formed Nation States

Another major factor for concessional debt is the emergence of nations who have recently gained independence or have seceded from their governing bodies after a sustained period of political turmoil and sometimes civil unrest. An interesting example is Eritrea which gained independence in 1994. The concessional debt at the time of independence was 100% because of the newly formed country. The world supported and accepted the nation and the concessional debt has since been reduced to 85% of the total debt. The country slowly inches towards stability both politically and economically.

Conclusion

Concessional debt can be a blessing or a curse for a country depending on the circumstance it is presented. A wise leader from a developing country can use concessional debts to develop their nation in a very short amount of time. However, countries with prevalent corruption and dishonest policymakers will continue to suffer to the seemingly friendly extensions of foreign debts until the bodies that lent the money ask for repayments.
9. Waza National Park

The Waza National Park is located in the Logone-et-Chari Department of Cameroon. The national park was established as a hunting reserve in 1934 and achieved the status of national park in 1968. The park encompasses an area of 1,700 square km. The dominant vegetation of the park features the transition zone vegetation between the Sudan savannah and the Sahel. Acacia plants and open Yaere savannah forests constitute the primary vegetation of the park. The Waza National Park houses 30 mammalian species including rare species like the red-fronted gazelle, korrigum, the African bush elephant, a dwindling lion population, olive baboon, hartebeest, vervet monkey, tsessebe, cheetah, leopard, and more. 379 bird species also reside in the national park.

8. Nki National Park

The Nki National Park is located in southeastern Cameroon and has been described as "the last true wilderness due to its remote location. Large parts of the forest still retain pristine natural beauty. The national park features a large and varied landscape with 265 bird species and a high population density of forest elephants. Chimpanzees, bushbucks, Nile crocodiles, leopards, giant forest hogs and more are also found in the Nki National Park. The animals at the park are highly susceptible to poaching. Illegal logging activities have also decimated the population of the national park.

7. Lobeke National Park

The Lobeke National Park is located in the Congo Basin of southeastern Cameroon. The Sangha River forms the boundary of the national park to the east. The park was declared a national park in October 1999 and encompasses an area of 1,838.55 square km. The Lobeke National Park is mainly a semi-evergreen forest with an incredible variety of plants including over 300 species of trees. The park serves as the home for some of the highest densities of western lowland gorillas and African forest elephants. 10 species of forest ungulates, gorillas, leopards, chimpanzees, 134 fish species, 18 reptilian species, and16 amphibian species live in the national park. The national park is also an important bird area and hosts more than 300 bird species. Timber exploitation, poaching for bushmeat and ivory, illegal fishing, and safari hunting are all major concerns here.

6. Korup National Park

The Korup National Park is located in Cameroons Southwest Province where it covers an area of 1,260 square km. It is one of the richest and oldest tropical forests on the continent in terms of the diversity of flora and fauna. The national park is the most accessible rainforest in the country. Several basic accommodation facilities exist here and an extensive network of trails allow tourists to explore the national park. The Korup National Park is also a popular birdwatching and primate viewing destination in the country. Of the 161 mammalian species living in the forest, 14 are primates.

5. Faro National Park

The Faro National Park, located near the Nigerian border of Cameroon, encompasses an area of 330,000 hectares. The area was initially designated as a reserve in 1947 and then upgraded to the national park level in 1968. Several hunting reserves border the Faro National Park on the eastern side. 243 species of plants grow in the region. Cheetahs, elephants, hippopotamuses are found here.

4. Campo Ma'an National Park

The Campo Ma'an National Park, established in 2000, encompasses an area of 264,064 hectares. Four logging concession zones, an agro-forestry zone, and an agro-industrial zone are part of the national park. The forest houses a rich biodiversity including several endemics. 87 mammalian species including lowland gorillas, giant pangolins, mandrills, black colobus, hippos, and elephants inhabit the Campo Ma'an National Park. 127 species of reptiles, 250 species of birds and hundreds of species of birds are also residents of the park. The ecosystem of this national park faces severe threats from poaching, illegal and unregulated logging, agricultural and coastal activities.

3. Boumba Bek National Park

Boumba Bek National Park is located between the Bek and Boumba rivers in southeast Cameroon. It was established as an Essential Protection Zone in 1995 and declared a national park in 2005. The park houses a rich biodiversity of plants and animals. It is made up of evergreen lowland rainforests and patches of closed-canopy evergreen forests. The park hosts a significant population of forest elephants and endangered gorillas. 300 fish species and 280 bird species are also reported here. Poaching activities are rampant in this forest.

2. Bouba Njida National Park

The Bouba Njida National Park occupies an area of 220,000 hectares in Cameroon. The national park was first established as a reserve in 1932 and then upgraded to the status of a national park in 1980. The park is famous for hosting one of the last surviving populations of a critically endangered canid, the painted hunting dog. 23 species of antelope also reside here. The Bouba Njida National Park was the sad witness to the massacre of 200 savannah elephants by poachers on horseback in 2012.

1. Benoue National Park

The Benoue National Park is a UNESCO designated Biosphere Reserve and national park in Cameroon. The reserve occupies an area of 180,000 hectares. The area was established as a Faunal Reserve in 1932 and upgraded to the status of a National Park in 1968. It is located in the Benoue Department of northeastern Cameroon. Wooded grassland is the dominant type of vegetation in the national park. It hosts a small population of about 30 lions. Other animals found here include the spotted hyena, elephants, warthog, monkeys, waterbuck, Lord Derbys eland, buffalo, etc. The rivers house hippos and crocodiles. More than 306 species of birds are found here.
The government of Austria is carried out under a representative democracy framework. Austria has a bicameral parliamentary system and is headed by two positions: the Federal President and the Federal Chancellor. The Constitution of Austria has established 3 branches of government in order to ensure a separation of powers: executive, legislative, and judicial. This article takes a closer look at each one.

Executive Branch

The executive branch of Austria is made up of the President, the Chancellor, and a cabinet of Ministers. The President is elected by the general population to serve for a 6-year term and to act as the Head of State. The person in this position has several powers according to the Constitution, including the ability to appoint the Chancellor, Supreme Court judges, Cabinet of Ministers, and military officers. In practice, however, the President acts as a figurehead for the nation and a symbol of national identity.

The Chancellor is the Head of Government and is appointed by the President. The person in this position leads the cabinet of Ministers and is considered to be the most powerful person in the government of Austria. The Chancellor is responsible for announcing Constitutional Court decisions, new laws, new treaties, declarations of war, and new rules of procedure. In addition, this position works with provincial level governments when a bill requires further approval and signs certifications of bills after the President.

The Council of Ministers is made up of the heads of each governmental agency. Each minister is responsible for the proper administration of his or her ministry. This Council carries out resolutions as enacted by the legislative branch or Constitutional Court.

Legislative Branch

The legislative branch consists of a bicameral Parliament, which is divided into the National Council and the Federal Assembly.

The National Council is made up of 183 individuals, who are elected by the general population and based on proportional representation. Each member serves for a 5-year term. This legislative body is responsible for passing bills - before these bills become law, they must be approved by the Federal Assembly. If the Federal Assembly vetoes the bills, the National Council may still pass them for Presidential approval with a majority vote.

The Federal Assembly is considered the upper house of Parliament, although the National Council has more power. The Federal Assembly is made up of 61 seats, which are elected by state legislatures to serve terms of 5 or 6 years.

Judicial Branch

The judicial branch in Austria functions independently from the legislative and executive branches. It is unique in that all of the courts here have federal authority. These courts hear cases concerning public law, criminal law, civil law, administrative law, and asylum law. When hearing administrative law cases, judges work under the Ministry of Justice. At the district level, Austria has 134 courts. At the regional level, there are 18 courts. Four courts serve as the appellate courts for the entire country and the Supreme Court is the final court of appeals. The Constitutional Court oversees issues concerning constitutional authority and civil matters. Court judges are appointed by the federal government to serve a life term.
Iraqs federal government features the executive, judicial, and legislative branches in addition to many independent commissions. The country uses the Constitution approved in 2005 which established it as an Islamic, democratic, federal parliamentary republic.

The Executive Branch Of The Government Of Iraq

Executive responsibilities in Iraq are executed by the President and the Council of Ministers. The President requires a two-thirds majority from the Council of Representatives and can serve for a maximum of two four-year terms. The president of Iraq ratifies laws and treaties approved by the Council of Representatives and also grants pardons to convicts upon advice from the Prime Minister. The President further safeguards the nations unity, independence, and sovereignty as well as the security of Iraqs territories. The Council of Ministers is made up of the Prime Minister who serves as the head of the government and his cabinet. The Prime Minister is the commander-in-chief of the armed forces. The president directs the State policy and can dismiss the Ministers with the consent of the Council of Representatives. The Cabinet manages their respective ministries; appoints high-ranking officials such as the Director of the National Intelligence Service, ambassadors, undersecretaries, Division Commander and heads of security agencies; drafts the budget; and proposes laws.

The Executive Branch Of The Government Of Iraq

Legislative duties in Iraq are carried out by the Council of Representatives and the Federation Council. Iraqs Constitution stipulates that the members of the Council of Representatives should be at a ratio of one to 100,000 Iraqi citizens. The council members are elected by the Iraqi population for four-year terms. The Council of Representatives is mandated to elect the countrys President and approve the appointment of top officials made by the Cabinet and the Higher Judicial Council. Representatives from regions and governorates will sit in the Federation Council.

The Judicial Branch Of The Government Of Iraq

The Iraqi federal judiciary system features various bodies and numerous courts regulated by law. The Higher Judicial Council is at the top of this judicial hierarchy. It oversees the activities of the federal judiciary and judicial committees. In addition to drafting the budget of the Judiciary, the Higher Judicial Council nominates such officials as the Chief Public Prosecutor and members of the Court of Cassation. The Supreme Court is legally authorized to interpret the Iraqi Constitution and also decide on the constitutionality of regulations and laws. The primary criminal court in the nation is the Central Criminal Court.

Federalism In Iraq

Iraq was first defined as a federal nation in 2003 by the short-lived Transitional Administrative Law. Article 118 of the countrys Constitution stated that no new region should be formed before the National Assembly has approved a law which provides the framework for creating a new region. A law was subsequently adopted in 2006 after an agreement was made with the Iraqi Accord Front. The agreement involved the creation of the constitutional review committee and the postponement of the laws implementation for 18 months.

Independent Commissions And Institutions

The Council of Representatives monitors the various independent commissions namely the Commission on Integrity, the Independent High Commission for Human Rights, and the Independent High Electoral Commission. Iraq also has several administratively and financially independent bodies such as the Endowment Commission, the Board of Supreme Audit as well as the Central Bank of Iraq. Matters of the federal public service are handled by the Federal Public Service Council.
Government Of Slovakia

Slovakia operates under a representative democracy, which means the general public elects individuals to represent their interests in government. Additionally, the government of Slovakia is carried out by a parliamentary, multi-party system that is headed by both a President and a Prime Minister. In order to achieve separation of powers, government responsibilities are divided into three branches: executive, legislative, and judicial. This article takes a closer look at each one.

Executive Branch Of The Government Of Slovakia

The executive branch is formally headed by the President, who acts as the Head of State. The person in this position is elected by the general population to serve a 5-year term with a limit of 2 consecutive terms. The President is responsible for appointing the Prime Minister, 3 Constitutional Court judges, and 3 Judicial Council members. Additionally, this position is the Commander-in-Chief of the military and may veto any bill passed by the National Council, which is the parliamentary body. Perhaps the most significant power of the President is as a ceremonial representative of the country.

The Prime Minister of Slovakia acts as the Head of Government and is in charge of the Cabinet of Ministers, who are appointed by the President based on the recommendation by the Prime Minister. The person in this position must ensure that each Ministry is carrying out the regulations and legislation set forth by the National Council. Additionally, the Prime Minister must answer to this legislative branch.

Legislative Branch Of The Government Of Slovakia

The legislative branch of government is made up of the National Council, which is a unicameral parliamentary body. It consists of 150 members, who are elected by the general population to serve a 4-year term. Candidates are selected based on proportional representation The National Council writes constitutional laws, domestic policies, and creates the national budget. The President requires National Council approval in order to take military action and amend international agreements. Members of the National Council also elect the Justice of the Constitutional Court and the Prosecutor General of the country.

Currently, the largest political representation in this branch of government is held by the Direction - Social Democracy party, which has 49 seats. This is followed by the Freedom and Solidarity party (20 seats), OlaNO - New Majority (17 seats), Slovak National Party (15 seats), and Most-Hid (15 seats).

Judicial Branch Of The Government Of Slovakia

The judicial branch of Slovakia consists of two principal courts: the Supreme Court and the Constitutional Court. The Supreme Court is the highest appellate court in the country and its judges are selected and appointed by the National Council. Below the Supreme Court are the regional, district, and military courts.

The Constitutional Court of Slovakia decides whether or not the laws and regulations that are implemented by all level of government (including regional and district) comply with the countrys Constitution. Additionally, the judges of this court may oversee cases of disagreement between state administrative departments. Decisions concerning election results, referendum results, and complaints against state actions may also be seen by judges of the Constitutional Court. It is the only judicial body in the nation that may sue the President. Thirteen judges serve on this court for a term of 12 years. The President selects the judges from a pool of 26 candidates.

In 2002, the National Council approved a Judicial Council, which is responsible for nominating court judges. It is made up of 18 members, who are legal experts, law professors, and judges.
The Leaders of Opposition are scheduled to meet in New Delhi on Friday, May 26 to further the discourse on a joint presidential candidate for the upcoming polls in July.

By Supriya Bhardwaj: The Leaders of Opposition are slated to meet in New Delhi on Friday, May 26, to carry forward the discourse on a joint presidential candidate for the upcoming polls in July.

Congress president Sonia Gandhi, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamta Banerjee, Rashtriya Janata Dal Chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, Janata Dal (United) leader Sharad Yadav will be among those present in the session.

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Mamata Banerjee is scheduled to arrive in Delhi on Thursday, May 25. Apart from choosing a presidential candidate, the members will also discuss issues like grand alliance for 2019, Kashmir conclave and Saharanpur clashes.

As of May 23, Gopalkrishna Gandhi is leading the race for the Opposition's candidate for the upcoming presidential poll, Congress sources have told India Today.

Other names include former Lok Sabha speaker Meira Kumar and JD(U) leader Sharad Yadav. NCP chief Sharad Pawar has already declined Congress president Sonia Gandhi's offer to be the Opposition's candidate last week.

The final approval stamp on the name of the presidential poll candidate will be put during an all party meet of the Opposition in Chennai on June 3.

Also read: Kaun Banega President? List of probable NDA and Opposition candidates

Also read: Presidential election 2017: Gopalkrishna Gandhi, Mahatma Gandhi's grandson, leads race for Opposition pick

Also read: Sharad Pawar declines Sonia Gandhi's offer to be presidential candidate: NCP

--- ENDS ---
First in a run of four European gravel rallies, Portugal is an important form guide for the months ahead. So what did we learn from the roads around Matosinhos? In the second of our two-part debrief, we focus on the moments that mattered.

Save of the rally: Mads stberg

The jump at the end of the Fafe stage isn't new, so it was a surprise to see so many drivers getting caught out this year. Poor Quentin Gilbert paid the highest price - his Skoda's sumpguard buried in the road as the rest of the car flipped down the stage - but many more experienced drivers came close to doing the same.

The usually ultra reliable Khalid Al Qassimi had a very squirrelly landing in his Citroen, but we reckon the best save was from Mads stberg [above], whose Fiesta took off like a rocket and landed very awkwardly on top of the distance marker boards - much to the hilarity of Mads and his co-driver.



Quote of the rally: Craig Breen

When it comes to stage-end quotes, an upbeat Craig Breen is always worth a listen, and he was at his poetic best in Portugal. Fond of explaining the Playstation-like feeling he gets from his Citroen, sometimes his comments: transcend motorsport altogether. Our favourite from Portugal came after Stage 3 when he got lyrical with: "I'm on the top of the world looking down on creation." Nice.

Turning point: SS12

The first pass through the rally's longest stage, Saturday's 37km Amarante, brought an end to Ott Tanak's reign as rally leader and handed the place to his team-mate Sebastien Ogier. Tanak had a 6.5sec lead when he was caught out under braking, ran wide and clattered his Ford Fiesta into a bank, damaging the suspension and smashing his brakes. The mistake cost Tanak more than a minute and demoted him to fifth. Ogier emerged from the stage with a 19.5sec lead over nearest rival Neuville - a margin he managed right to the end.

You'll never believe it: Andreas Mikkelsen

Having dominated WRC 2 from the word go, Mikkelsen began the final Power Stage with a lead of more than three minutes and another 25-points all but in the bag. And then it all went wrong. A rock strike in a second-gear corner flipped his Skoda around and forced him out. The incident had echoes of Meeke's Power Stage off in Mexico, but without the happy ending.

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The heat was turned up at Vodafone Rally de Portugal as this years WRC reached its midpoint with a captivating battle in high summer temperatures. We reflect on round sevens highlights.

Stage of the Rally

Its one of the WRCs iconic locations and Sundays Wolf Power Stage in Fafe lived up to its billing in terms of excitement.

Firstly there was Gus Greensmiths big crash at the mythical Lameirinha jump. His Ford Fiestas suspension gave way just metres before the finish, pitching the Briton into a bank after an impressive drive on his World Rally Car debut.

Then Kris Meekes hopes of third place evaoprated when he smacked a tree stump and broke his Toyota Yaris front suspension. Finally, winner Ott Tanak played a tactical masterstroke right at the end to slow and avoid the poisoned chalice of opening the road at the next round in Italy.

Save of the Rally

When WRC 2 leader Ole Christian Veiby and co-driver Jonas Andersson smelled smoke in the cockpit of their Volkswagen Polo R5 early in Saturday mornings Amarante stage, a quick glance in the mirrors told the pair all they needed to know  time to get out.

With flames belching out the rear, Andersson was alert enough to guide the young Norwegian to the side of the road next to a fire tender. The fire crew quickly doused the flames and prevented the Polo from burning out.

One to Forget

Friday mornings return to the legendary Arganil speed test for the first time since 2001 was not met with much enthusiasm in Hyundai Motorsports corner of the Matosinhos service park.

Gus Greensmith's World Rally Car debut came to an unfortunate end

Its delight at leading with Dani Sordo quickly turned to despair as the Spaniard and Sebastien Loeb spluttered through the 14.44kms with fuel pressure problems in their i20s.

Many minutes ticked by as both stopped on several occasions and we could only look on as Sordo thumped his steering wheel in frustration. Both were out of contention on the opening morning, leaving Thierry Neuville to carry the flag for the Korean squad.

Quote of the Rally

Back to our friend Gus Greensmith. He smiled his way through his Ford Fiesta World Rally Car debut, despite ditching it in Saturday afternoons second pass through Amarante which meant he opened the sandy roads on Sunday.

I decided that Ive been last on the road, Ive been middle of the road, and I needed to get the experience of being first on the road so here I am today! Im driving a WRC car - how can that not be enjoyable? We love your approach Gus!

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Businesses Urged To Join Buy With Confidence Scheme

This article is old - Published: Wednesday, May 24th, 2017

In response to concerns about rogue traders among members of the public, all North Wales councils have joined a nationwide scheme which gives reliable businesses a seal of approval, setting them apart from bogus businesses.

Buy With Confidence is a UK-wide scheme administered by Trading Standards services, and provides consumers with a list of approved businesses who have given their commitment to trading fairly and taking customer services seriously.

As part of Operation Rogue Trader Week 2017, which took place earlier in May, police forces and Trading Standards departments found many consumers were unsure who to trust when on the lookout for reliable traders  especially given the number of rogue traders who intentionally target potentially vulnerable people on their doorstep.

Buy With Confidence can give members of the public a list of those traders and businesses whom they should seek out for work, free from potential fears of unfair trading practices.

Every business listed undergoes a series of detailed checks and is audited by Trading Standards before being approved as a member of the scheme.

For more information about the scheme www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk or contact the North Wales Buy With Confidence Hub on 01248 752840.

Wrexham-based traders may contact Wrexham Trading Standards about the scheme by contacting Wrexham Council on 01978 298997.
Legislation Introducing First Welsh Tax In Almost 800 Years Receives Royal Assent

This article is old - Published: Thursday, May 25th, 2017

Land transaction tax will replace stamp duty land tax in Wales when it is devolved in April 2018.

At an official sealing ceremony, the Land Transaction Tax and Anti-avoidance of Devolved Taxes (Wales) Bill became an Act of the Assembly. It is the first Act of this Assembly term.

A Bill receives Royal Assent when Letters Patent under the Welsh Seal signed with Her Majestys own hand signifying Her Assent are notified to the Clerk of the Assembly.

The First Minister of Wales Carwyn Jones applied the Welsh Seal to the Letters Patent at the sealing ceremony pictured above, which was also attended by Finance Secretary Mark Drakeford.

First Minister Carwyn Jones said: This Act is a significant step in our devolution journey  for the first time in almost 800 years we will have our own taxes.

It will bring additional responsibility as we become responsible for raising a proportion of our own money and an opportunity to make a real difference to public services in Wales.

Finance Secretary Mark Drakeford said: This Act will enable us to introduce a new made-in-Wales tax on land transactions to replace stamp duty land tax, ensuring public services continue to benefit from the revenues raised by this important tax.

I would like to thank all those who have helped us shape this Act and look forward to continuing to work with them as it is implemented.
Wrexhams New Mayor & Deputy Mayor Appointed at Annual Ceremony

This article is old - Published: Wednesday, May 24th, 2017

Wrexhams Mayor and Deputy Mayor for the next 12 months were announced yesterday afternoon during the annual Mayoral Making ceremony.

The meeting was the first to have taken place since this months earlier local government elections and was also the first for some Wrexhams newly-elected councillors  with several not turning up.

Former councillor for Gwersyllt East and South, Bernie McCann was due to be appointed Mayor at the ceremony, having served as Deputy Mayor for the past 12 months. However Mr McCann lost his seat in the Gwersylt ward during the local elections earlier this month.

As a result the formal ceremony began with nominations for the position of Mayor, with Cllr David A. Bithell putting the incumbent Mayor, Cllr John Pritchard forward for the role.

Putting forward the nomination, Cllr Bithell said it was a great pleasure to put Cllr Pritchard forward for the role of Mayor for the forthcoming year.

No other nominations for the position of Mayor were put forward  with all councillors present voting in favour of Cllr Pritchard continuing in the role for another 12 months.

Nominations were then put forward for Deputy Mayor, with former Mayor Cllr Alan Edwards recommending Cllr Andy Williams for the role.

Again no other nominations were put forward, with Cllr Williams being backed unanimously for the position of Deputy Mayor.

During a brief interval from the formal proceedings, the councillors and family and friends of the Mayor and Deputy Mayor were treated to a musical performance from children from Ysgol Deiniol in Marchwiel.

Accepting the role as Mayor, Cllr Pritchard offered his thanks for the support he had received and recounted his previous year as Mayor in an anecdote filled speech.

Cllr Pritchard continued onto say that the position of Mayor had been criticised previously, but that he and the Mayoress had received nothing but warm welcomes whilst attending events over the past year.

He also announced that the Mayors charities for the next 12 months will be Nightingale House Hospice, Dynamic, Wrexham Renal Comfort Fund (Wrexham Hospital), Lauren Brown Fund and Blood Bikes.

The meeting was adjourned until 4pm this afternoon (Wednesday 24th May) when Wrexhams new council will be formally created, and Lead Member roles assigned.

We do not have pictures of the ceremony itself as photography is not permitted by Wrexham Council due to the rules agreed by Councillors, and the meeting was not webcast. The top picture was taken before the meeting had started.

Tweets archived below

Back for another season ! Brief Mayor Making then adjournment til tomorrow pic.twitter.com/IAecd3dFid  Wrexham.com (@wrexham) May 23, 2017

Everyone stands as Councillors in robes enter chamber  appears Plaid Cymru group opting out of robes? pic.twitter.com/o3KQYFlFcZ  Wrexham.com (@wrexham) May 23, 2017

Minutes silence for Manchester held before formal business  led by Mayor.  Wrexham.com (@wrexham) May 23, 2017

Appears 37 Councillors seated plus two elected members on top table. Apologies given for we think 9. So 39/52 is our brief count.  Wrexham.com (@wrexham) May 23, 2017

Wrexham officially has a new Mayor as he signs the docs, who is the same as the one. We do have a new Deputy Mayor  Cllr Andy Williams!  Wrexham.com (@wrexham) May 23, 2017

Kids from Ysgol Deiniol currently (beautifully) singing at Councillors 'you have got the power'  Wrexham.com (@wrexham) May 23, 2017

New Deputy Mayor returns to the chamber after getting his civic regalia  silver chains of office. Mayor has weighty 18ct gold chains.  Wrexham.com (@wrexham) May 23, 2017

Position of Mayor defended in Mayor's speech, 'was a time' it was criticised but 'tells it as it is' citing 'praise' & wide public support  Wrexham.com (@wrexham) May 23, 2017

First mic problems of new Council as Mayor swaps mics with Chief Exec. Is it a Council meeting if mics dont work?!  Wrexham.com (@wrexham) May 23, 2017
Clash between Dalits and Rajputs erupted on Tuesday following BSP chief Mayawati's visit to Saharanpur. Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya said those orchestrating violence will not be spared.

By India Today Web Desk: A day after one person was shot dead in fresh clashes between the Dalits and the Rajputs in Saharanpur district in Uttar Pradesh, the situation in the violence-hit area is tense but under control.

"Situation is under control, we are monitoring everything and will be camping here till normalcy returns," said Home Secretary Mani Prasad Sharma.

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Sharma is part of a four-member team sent by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to Shabbirpur where more than a dozen people were injured in sword attacks on Tuesday after Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati's visit to the violence-torn village.

Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya said that while the Samajwadi Party and the BSP encourage caste-based politics, the BJP is promoting development-based politics.

"We will stop the (Saharanpur) violence, and arrest those who are orchestrating such incidents; no will be spared, including politicians," said the deputy chief minister.

Sources in the Yogi Adityanath government said that anyone indulging in violence would face the law, be it a Dalit or a Rajput.

In another development, a man was shot at near Janta Road in Saharanpur. Police are investigating the reason behind the attack.

HERE ARE THE LATEST UPDATES ON SAHARANPUR VIOLENCE: Home Secretary Mani Prasad Sharma said that the situation in Shabbirpur is under control. Mishra along with Inspector General (Special Task Force) Amitabh Yash, Additional Director General (ADG) Law and Order Aditya Mishra, and DG Security Vijay Bhushan were flown to the violence-hit region on Tuesday night. The four-member team led by Home Secretary has been tasked with monitoring the law and order situation in Saharanpur following fresh clashes in the region on Tuesday. The Home Secretary said that adequate security personnel have been deployed in the area. Clashes broke out between Rajputs and Dalits soon after Mayawati met with the affected Dalit families in Saharanpur. Two persons were injured in the firing, one of whom later succumbed to his injuries. During her visit to the violence-torn village, Mayawati addressed party workers at the Ravidas temple. It was at this temple that Dalits were denied permission by Rajputs to install a statue of Dr BR Ambedkar, which sparked off tension in the villages. "The BJP wants to destroy the inter-caste harmony, the district administration is responsible for the tension in the village," Mayawati said. Power Minister Srikant Sharma, who is also the UP government spokesman said: "It was expected that the visit of the former Chief Minister (Mayawati) would lead to return of peace but what happened was the reverse."

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(with inputs from IANS)

ALSO READ:

Saharanpur violence: Jantar Mantar turns into sea of blue as thousands of Dalits gather to protest

How Saharanpur clash promises to throw up new Dalit leadership threatening to dislodge Mayawati

Saharanpur violence over Ambedkar rally: 2 FIRs lodged against BJP MP Raghav Lakhanpal

ALSO WATCH: Thousands of Dalits gather at Jantar Mantar to protest against Saharanpur violence;

--- ENDS ---
One person was shot dead and around 12 others injured after fresh clash erupted in Chandrapur village of Saharanpur district in western Uttar Pradesh, hours after Mayawati's visit.

By Anand Patel: A day after one person was shot dead and around 12 others injured after fresh clash erupted in Chandrapur village of Saharanpur district in western Uttar Pradesh, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath dispatched a team of four senior officials to Saharanpur to control the situation and monitor the law and order situation. The team comprises ADG, Law and Order, Aditya Mishra, IG STF Amitabh Yash, DG Security Vijay Bhushan and is led by Home Secretary Mani Prasad Mishra.

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The incident took place hours after Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo Mayawati visited riot-torn Shabbirpur village on Tuesday.

Clashes broke out in Chandrapur and neighbouring villages between the upper-caste men and the Dalits, who were returning from Mayawati's meeting. According to Saharanpur SSP Subhash Chandra Dubey, 24 people have been arrested and 3 FIRs were lodged

Mayawati visited Shabbirpur after Dalits, led by Bheem Army, stormed Jantar Mantar in Delhi and held a demonstration over anti-Dalit violence on May 21.

Dalit houses were burnt following tension with the upper-caste Thakur community in the first week of May. During her visit to the village, Mayawati met few Dalits to get a first hand information about their plight and later addressed party workers at the Ravidas temple. It was here that the Dalits were denied permission by the upper-caste people to install a statue of Dr BR Ambedkar, which sparked off tension in the villages.

"I want to offer the BSP platform to all organisations who are working for the cause of Dalits to hold functions," said Mayawati in a bid to woo the Bheem Army.

Mayawati held the BJP-led UP government responsible for the violence and alleged that the ruling party had failed to stop its own brigade from attacking weaker sections. "BJP wants to destroy the inter-caste harmony, the district administration is responsible for the tension in the village," the BSP chief said.

Mayawati also alleged that CM Yogi Adityanath has misused official machinery to derail harmony in the state and said "there were no such incidents when I ruled the state".

The leader announced Rs 50,000 for the owners of the houses torched in the clashes and Rs 25,000 for the injured while accusing the BJP government of not helping the victims.

"The administration didn't give permission to land helicopter in the village. I had to come by road, which was a blessing as I met my people en route," said Mayawati alleging that the BJP government tried its best not to allow her to meet the villagers.

ALSO READ | How Saharanpur clash promises to throw up new Dalit leadership threatening to dislodge Mayawati

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ALSO WATCH | Thousands of Dalits gather at Jantar Mantar to protest against Saharanpur violence

--- ENDS ---
The Socialist Equality Party is launching an online newsletter, the International Amazon Workers Voice, to provide coverage of the struggle of 300,000 Amazon workers around the world. The International Amazon Workers Voice will link Amazon workers in North America, Central America, South America, Europe, South Asia, East Asia, Australia, and Africa in a common fight against one of the worlds most powerful and exploitative corporations.

In the more advanced countries, Amazon workers are forced to walk up to 15 miles per shift and are not paid for the time it takes them to go through humiliating security scanning at the end of their shifts. In the UK, Amazon workers are so poorly paid that some sleep in tents outside their plants. The corporation fires workers on the slightest of pretenses. Conditions in poorer countries are even worse.

This key section of the working class occupies a strategically important place in an economy that is more internationally interconnected than ever before. Massive Amazon facilities are spread out across the US, Germany, France, the UK, Canada, Poland, Italy, Japan, the Philippines, China, India, Brazil, Mexico, Morocco, South Africa, Costa Rica, Uruguay, Jamaica, and elsewhere. In the coming year, Amazon plans to hire tens of thousands more warehouse workers at low wages, all while posting record high stock prices and profits.

The International Amazon Workers Voice will be a platform of opposition for Amazon workers, aimed at developing committees in workplaces that can link workers in each plant with their brothers and sisters in a worldwide fight for social equality. The newsletter will expose dictatorial working conditions, introducing workers to socialism, and providing regular news and analysis of world politics from the World Socialist Web Site. The newsletter will be international both in form and political contentit will link the struggles of workers in countries across the world and will be made available in many different languages.

Amazon workers are encouraged to write in to the International Amazon Workers Voice to share their stories and to expose injustice at their workplaces. The newsletter will respect the anonymity of all workers and will take steps to ensure they are not subject to retribution by the company. For regular updates, subscribe to the newsletter here, like our page on Facebook, and share with your co-workers.
Former CIA Director John Brennan appeared before the House Intelligence Committee Tuesday, giving lengthy testimony that sparked an avalanche of headlines about allegations of collusion between the Trump presidential campaign and Russian intelligence.

The greatest attention was given to Brennans declaration that there had been a pattern of contacts between Trump aides and Russian officials that aroused the suspicion of the CIA during the summer of 2016.

I encountered and am aware of information and intelligence that revealed contacts and interactions between Russian officials and US persons involved in the Trump campaign that I was concerned about because of known Russian efforts to suborn such individuals, he told the panel. And it raised questions in my mind again whether or not the Russians were able to gain the cooperation of those individuals.

Brennan refused to identify any of these individuals or answer a direct question about whether Trump was one of those targeted. Later in his testimony, after considerable badgering by Republican representatives, he reiterated that there were still matters to investigate. When he left office on January 20, 2017, he said, I had unresolved questions in my mind as to whether or not the Russians had been successful in getting US persons, involved in the campaign or not, to work on their behalf, again, either in a witting or unwitting fashion.

Brennan never actually said that there was any collusion between the Trump campaign and Russian officials, claiming that was something still to be determined in ongoing investigations by the FBI and the special counsel appointed by the Department of Justice, former FBI Director Robert Mueller. But he referred repeatedly to contacts between unnamed Trump aides and Russian government operatives.

If someone left this hearing today and said that you had indicated that those contacts were evidence of collusion or collaboration, they would be misrepresenting your statements, correct? asked Rep. Mike Turner, an Ohio Republican. Brennan conceded: I would say it was not an accurate portrayal of my statement.

While Republican members of the intelligence committee sought to defend Trump, Democratic members indulged in anti-Russian witch-hunting that recalled the heyday of Joseph McCarthy. Several representatives slipped in references to Soviet as well as Russian intelligence operatives and techniques.

One Democrat, Jim Himes of Connecticut, bemoaned what he called the refusal of Trumps supporters to face facts and their tendency to attack the messenger, i.e., those in the intelligence agencies leaking material against Trump. He concluded, Were playing precisely into Russias fondest hopes. Were doing something that in my opinion the great cold warriors, be it Ronald Reagan or Harry Truman, would never have allowed.

The chronology outlined by Brennan actually suggests that alleged Russian interference in the 2016 campaign was not considered an urgent issue by the Obama administration and the US intelligence apparatus during that period, despite claims to the contrary more recently.

Brennan indicated that the CIA was the first US government agency to become aware of alleged Russian efforts to interfere in the election campaign during July 2016. That was when, on the eve of the Democratic National Convention, the Hillary Clinton campaign and the Democratic Party first made the claim that the Russian government was responsible for hacking Democratic National Committee emails and collaborating with WikiLeaks to leak them, so as to embarrass Clinton and tip the election to Trump.

In his testimony Tuesday, Brennan said he raised the matter with the White House and on August 4 gave a warning to his Russian counterpart, Alexander Bortnikov, head of the Russian intelligence agency FSB. The warning came at the end of a phone call in which the main subject was Syria, with Russian harassment of US diplomats in Moscow and Russian actions in relation to the US elections raised only at the endan indication that the matter was not a high priority or considered a serious danger.

I believe I was the first US official to brace Russia on this matter, Brennan added, an assertion that makes the chronology even more curious. According to the semi-official narrative, the FBI learned of hacking attacks on the Democratic National Committee in the summer of 2015 and the attacks were supposedly linked soon after to two units of Russian military intelligence.

If that story is true, why did Brennan become the first US official to raise the issue with Moscow, a full year later?

Moreover, if Brennans call to Bortnikov on August 4, 2016 was an expression of great concern on the part of the Obama administration, why did Obama wait until December 29, 2016 to take any retaliatory action? The time sequence actually suggests that the White House regarded Russian actions around the US elections (if any) as a minor irritant, fully expecting a Clinton victory, until after the actual debacle for the Democrats on Election Day.

Significantly, Brennan seemed to downplay claims that Trump had committed a gross breach of national security by disclosing classified information about an alleged ISIS terrorist threat at a White House meeting earlier this month with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Ambassador Sergey Kislyak.

He routinely shared classified information on terrorist threats with his Russian counterpart, Brennan said, although he added that Trump had apparently breached protocols on how such information was to be shared. But the former CIA director sided with the White House in condemning leaks about Trumps discussions with the Russians as a greater danger to national security than the discussions themselves.

A second hearing on Tuesday brought another high-level intelligence official to Capitol Hill to be questioned about the alleged Trump-Russia connection. Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats refused to answer questions about whether Trump had pressured him, as reported this week by the Washington Post, to publicly deny that there was any evidence of collusion between the Trump presidential campaign and the Russian government.

Appearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee, Coats, a former senator, said he would not discuss conversations with the president at a public Senate hearing. He did indicate that he would be prepared to respond to such questions if they came from the special counsel.
On Tuesday, the White House unveiled a $4.1 trillion fiscal 2018 budget that proposes to take the ax to social programs that protect the health and welfare of millions of American workers.

The budget amounts to a scorched-earth attack on all aspects of social life. It would claw back social gains made by workers over the past century and slash funds to programs that raised millions out of poverty, particularly since the 1960s.

The proposal is not simply the brainchild of the fascistic-minded billionaire who occupies the White House or the criminal oligarchy he represents. It is the culmination of decades of attacks on social conditions and programs by both big-business parties.

While the Democrats have aimed their fire at the president from the right, pursuing their campaign, along with the liberal media, to escalate the US military confrontation with Russia, the Trump administration is forging full steam ahead to advance its ultra-reactionary domestic agenda.

After feigning outrage at the budgets proposed cuts and tax breaks for the wealthy, the Democrats will eventually fall into line and work with the president to come up with a dirty compromise. The end result will be a budget that makes the most sweeping attacks on core social programs in US history.

The budget, titled A New Foundation for American Greatness, is a 52-page declaration of war against the working class. The document spells out $3.6 trillion in spending cuts over 10 years.

It takes as its jumping-off point an attack on Medicaid that would eviscerate the health insurance program for the poor. It then moves on to gut food stamps, welfare and Social Security disability benefits.

An assault on immigrant rights and a parallel buildup of forces to police the border is next on the agenda. The military would receive a 10 percent boost in funding, including many projects already planned by the Obama administration.

Federal workers jobs and benefits are targeted. The proposed budget also includes hundreds of billions of dollars in cuts to scientific research, environmental protection and the arts. No area of social life is to be left unscathed.

Social programs

Medicaid: The centerpiece of the budget is an $800 billion cut over the next decade to Medicaid, the health insurance program for the poor and disabled, jointly administered by the federal government and the states, which presently covers more than 74 million Americans.

Taking its cue from the House Republicans American Health Care Act (AHCA) passed May 4, the Trump budget would put an end to Medicaid as a guaranteed benefit based on need, replacing it with per capita funding or block grants to the states.

As part of its effort to repeal and replace Obamacare, the AHCA would also end the expansion of Medicaid benefits to those with incomes up to 133 percent of the federal poverty line, resulting in 10 million beneficiaries being booted off the rolls.

The budget proposal notes: States will have more flexibility to control costs and design individual, State-based solutions to provide better care to Medicaid beneficiaries. These are code words for the states to institute work requirements, introduce or raise premiums and co-pays, cut benefits or throw enrollees off the program altogether.

Food stamps: The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), known as food stamps, would be slashed by $193 billion over a decade, a 25 percent reduction. The budget calls for a series of reforms to SNAP that close eligibility loopholes, target benefits to the neediest households, and require able-bodied adults to work. The program currently serves 44 million people.

Social Security: The president who vowed not to touch Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security is also proposing an attack on Social Securitys Supplemental Security Income program, which provides cash benefits to the poor and disabled.

The proposal bemoans the fact that people with disabilities currently have low rates of labor force participation. The budget aims to save $72 billion over 10 years, undoubtedly resulting in large numbers people with disabilities being struck from the rolls with no social safety net.

Welfare: Welfare benefits, known as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) since the Clinton administrations reform of welfare in the 1990s, will be slashed by a staggering $272 billion over a decade, again by reducing federal funds and shifting responsibility to the states, which will institute work requirements and other restrictions to reduce benefits and remove people from the rolls.

Federal workers: The budget would cut $63 billion by increasing federal employees payments to their defined benefit Federal Employee Retirement System, as well as eliminating cost-of-living adjustments for existing and future retirees. There are also plans to privatize the air traffic control system, saving $70 billion.

Immigrant rights: The budget proposes to implement a merit based immigration system, reducing the number of immigrants with lower levels of education. The proposal notes that in 2012, 76 percent of households headed by an immigrant without a high school education used at least one major welfare program, compared to 26 percent for households headed by an immigrant with at least a bachelors degree.

In an effort to keep out less educated immigrants portrayed as a drag on social spending dollars, the budget includes $44.1 billion for the Department of Homeland Security and $17.7 billion for the Department of Justice for law enforcement, public safety and immigration enforcement programs and activities.

The presidents plan calls for hiring 500 new Border Patrol Agents and 1,000 new Immigration and Customs Enforcement law enforcement personnel in 2018. The budget proposes an additional $1.5 billion above 2017 levels for expanded detention, transportation and removal of illegal immigrants.

The budget also calls for investing $2.6 billion to plan, design and construct a physical wall along the Mexican-US border to keep out immigrants fleeing poverty and violence in Latin America, a cost that the president claimed during his campaign would be paid by Mexico.

Science and the environment: Massive cuts in spending on scientific research, medical research and disease prevention are in the 2018 budget request, including but not limited to:

 National Cancer Institute: $1 billion cut

 National Heart, Lung and Blood Institution: $575 million cut

 National Institute of Allergy and infectious Diseases: $838 million cut

 National Institutes of Health: budget cut from $31.8 billion to $26 billion

 National Science Foundation: $776 million cut.

Spending on the Arts: The Trump budget proposes to eliminate federal funding for the following:

 The Corporation for Public Broadcasting

 The Institute of Museum and Library Services

 National Endowment for the Arts (begin shutting down in 2018)

 National Endowment for the Humanities (begin shutting down in 2018).

Military: The budget includes $639 billion of discretionary budget authority for the Department of Defense, a $52 billion increase above the 2017 continuing resolution level. The proposal stresses that this spending is to be fully offset by targeted reductions elsewherei.e., through the draconian social spending cuts detailed above.

Tax cuts: The budget outlines a number of tax breaks, which will overwhelmingly benefit the wealthy. These include repealing the 3.8 percent Obamacare surcharge on capital gains and dividends and abolishing the estate tax (the death tax, according to Republican jargon).

The presidents proposal also points to the anticipated economic gains that will result from the Presidents fiscal, economic, and regulatory policies, including tax cuts, which it claims will reduce the deficit by $5.6 trillion over a decade compared to the current fiscal path.

The budget assumes that economic growth will reach 3 percent by 2021 to help balance the budget by 2021. This rosy prediction is belied by numerous sources, including the Congressional Budget Office, which projects 1.9 percent annual growth, and the Federal Reserve, which projects a 1.8 percent growth rate.

Taken together, the spending cuts proposed in Trumps American Greatness budget proposal constitute the wish list of a ruling oligarchy, which is dispensing with the idea that a civilized society has a responsibility to provide its citizens with basic social necessities.
New South Korean president Moon Jae-in, who came to office on May 10, has outlined a number of governmental and economic reforms to give his administration a progressive veneer.

One of the main thrusts of Moons government and the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) is ostensibly directed against South Koreas family owned-conglomerates, known as chaebol, which dominate economic life in the country. The president has promised to strengthen the rights of shareholders, give more power to the Fair Trade Commission (FTC) and raise the corporate tax rate from 22 percent to 25 percent, reversing the 3 percent tax cut made by the former Lee Myung-bak administration. Moon said during his inauguration: I will take the lead in reforming chaebol. The phrase collusive ties of politics and business will completely vanish under the Moon Jae-in administration.

The immense power and resources of the chaebol, which is backed by their close ties with the government and the state bureaucracy, has led establishment figures to criticise their owners for running the companies like personal fiefdoms. Investors and stockholders who want to obtain a larger share of corporate profits often complain that chaebol families use company funds for personal expenses. This is the discontented layer for which Moon Jae-in speaks.

At the same time, the administration is attempting to head off anger in the working class before it can grow into a larger, anti-capitalist movement. During the massive anti-Park rallies this past December, demonstrators denounced the chaebol and the bribes they had given to the former president and her colleagues. The rallies, which attracted millions of participants, were a focal point for social and economic discontent, but were never allowed outside of the pro-capitalist confines established by the DPK and its hangers-on in the trade unions and pseudo-left.

To supposedly deal with corruption, Moon has promised to reestablish a bureau within the Fair Trade Commission to investigate the chaebol. First established under Kim Dae-jung, the bureau was dissolved by Noh Moo-hyun under pressure from the conglomerates. Moon served as senior secretary and the chief of staff in Nohs government.

The administration announced on May 17 that Kim Sang-jo, considered a sharp critic of the chaebol, would head the FTC. He is an economics professor at Hansung University and a shareholder activist. He also served on the so-called tripartite committee of government, business, and labor during the 19971998 Asian financial crisis that forced the burden of the economic collapse onto the backs of the working class.

Kim joined Moons presidential campaign as an economic advisor in March and spoke with the Joongang Ilbo newspaper on May 9 to outline the incoming presidents agenda. He made clear that the real motivation is not to benefit the working class, but to assist weaker sections of big business compete against the top four companiesSamsung Group, Hyundai Motors Group, SK Group, and LG Group.

Kim stated: We are in an era where chaebol reform cant happen just through presidential reform. We need to respect the strength of the market. Forcing a regulation will only make standards ambiguous. It will not be effective on the top chaebol, and there is a high likelihood it will only result in overregulation for lower-ranking chaebol.

Kim stressed the primary concern of Moons government is the profitability, and therefore survival, of smaller companies. He asserted: Growth itself has slowed. Chaebol that bring in such (excessive) profits are a minority. The gap in size has also widenedthe assets of the top four conglomerates is half those of the top 30. Companies below the top 10 are struggling to stay afloat.

While some big business layers with ties to the top chaebol are wary of Moons plans, other sections of capital have applauded them. Mark Mobius, executive chairman of Franklin Templeton Investments, expressed excitement at exploring potential opportunities in Korea. He predicted that better corporate governance could lift the prices of many Korean companies.

The concept of chaebol reform is not new. Since General Chun Doo-hwan came to power in 1979, successive governments have attempted to implement changes that would help smaller companies compete.

Chuns government in the 1980s recognized two points: First, the enormous wealth concentrated in the hands of the chaebol owners had generated immense anger in the working class and threatened both the legitimacy of the government and capitalist relations. Secondly, the bloated conglomerates, with influence and control over various economic sectors, represented a danger to the economy as whole if they collapsed in a major crisis.

The 19971998 Asian financial crisis, during which Hyundai and other chaebol faced potential bankruptcy, verified this second point. The response of President Kim Dae-jung, however, the first Democratic Party president, was to rush to the assistance of the major conglomerates and the wealthy. With the support of the trade unions, Kim Dae-jung imposed the crisis on the working class by removing obstacles to the large-scale sacking of workers. He presided over the creation of an irregular labor force which is paid significantly less than their regular counterparts. Since then, companies have been able to sack employees by arguing they face financial trouble.

Structural changes were introduced that affected the chaebol, but in the interests of international finance capital, not the working class. Kim Dae-jung accepted the demand by the International Monetary Fund that South Korean companies be opened up to as much as 50 percent foreign ownership, as part of a $57 billion bailout deal during the crisis.

The mass sackings under Kim and the further growth of irregular work under Noh Moo-hyun completely discredited the Democrats in the eyes of workers, allowing the conservatives to return to power under Lee Myung-bak in 2008.

From 2001 to 2010, spanning the Kim, Noh, and Lee governments, the top five chaebol increased their sales as a portion of South Koreas GDP from 59 percent to 70.4 percent.
The Chicago Police Department (CPD) keeps nearly 400,000 people on a secret watch list, according to a recent Chicago Sun Times report and analysis. While Chicago police admitted to having a substantially smaller watch list last year, the actual number of those being targeted for surveillance is far greater than anything reported before.

Nearly 15 percent of Chicagos population is now considered targets as part of the Strategic Subject List (SSL) that the CPD maintains. The list is being utilized as surveillance and monitoring tool to crackdown on large sections of the working class in Chicago, particularly in the neighborhoods wracked by poverty, violence and social breakdown.

Last year, Chicago police superintendent Eddie Johnson claimed that 1,400 were on a target list for causing increased levels of gun violence in the city. After an extended legal fight, the Sun-Times was able to uncover a far more extensive surveillance list of more than 398,000 peoplethe majority of whom have not been charged with a violent crime or illegal gun possession.

The massive database includes all those who have been previously arrested and fingerprinted for minor crimes since 2013. Disputing the CPDs claims that those at the top of the list are the most likely to commit gun violence, the report showed that more than half of those at the top of the list have never been arrested for any illegal possession of guns.

Johnson defended the use of the massive surveillance list last Friday, stating that it was part of an effort to track those likely to get caught up in a lifestyle of violence. Previously, he claimed that the much smaller list was used for enforcement. He has since backed down from the claim that the 400,000 list is an enforcement tool, stating that it is not a target list and that we [the CPD] dont use the list for any enforcement actions.

According to the department, the SSL database is programmatically generated by an algorithm  developed by the Illinois Institute of Technology  to classify various sections of the population according to their risk factor to commit violence. The criteria reportedly include such things as whether they had been previously identified as a gang member or if they have been arrested for a crime, including non-violent offenses.

Police spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi compared the scores generated to a credit score and added that the list was used to determine how police forces would be deployed to different neighborhoods. He suggested that the list would not be used to target and arrest anyone without a reason, a claim contradicted by the data from the report itself.

Johnson also claimed last year that the list was a response to the rise in gun violence in 2016 in Chicago. While violence increased last year, these levels were in large part driven by systemic poverty, gang fragmentation, school closures, decades of deindustrialization and the increasing lack of any future for youth in terms of jobs or decent living standards.

Working-class youth unemployment and underemployment in Chicago remains pervasive and the nationwide fragmentation of gangs is the only social fabric left for many. A reflection of this breakdown is the increasing use of assault weapons by gangs in recent years.

While immense wealth is accumulated at the heights of American societyChicago alone is home to seventeen billionaires with a combined net worth of $45 billionthe best hopes of working-class youth are frequently extinguished. As recently as 2013, nearly a half of those killed by gun violence were under 25.

In short, the violence in Chicago is an acute reflection of ever growing levels of social inequality amidst the complete failure of the capitalist system.

The response of Democratic Mayor Rahm Emanuel to the social crisis and the outbreak of violence has been to increase the presence and powers of the police forceswhile schools have been closed, teachers laid off and social programs axed. None of the root causes of such social violence are being addressed in the slightest.

Moreover, the Chicago police have a long and sordid history of violence against the poorest sections of the population, with the full sanction of the Democratic Party and the entire political establishment for more than a century.

The drawing up of the SSL database echoes the operations of the CPDs notorious Red Squad, which surveilled, infiltrated and disrupted a wide array of political organizations beginning in the late 1880s and continuing throughout much of the 20th century, with the express aim of intimidating working class organizations and thwarting any socialist or anarchist influence.

Earlier in January, following protests over the police murder of LaQuan McDonald in 2015, the Department of Justice (DOJ) produced a damning report of systemic and unconstitutional practices by the CPD in recent years.

While the DOJ report issued toothless proposals, including the negotiation of a court-enforced consent decree to enforce so-called reforms, this has since been scaled back under the Trump administration. Consent decrees, which have routinely failed to implement any long-lasting reforms of police violence, are used by the Justice Department and the police establishment to cover up the crimes of the police.

The killing of McDonald in 2015 created widespread public outrage across the country and around the world. His murder and the release of the videoafter pressure by an independent journalistwas followed by nearly two years of cover-up and false claims by police reform and oversight agencies. Everything was done to stem the crisis for Emanuel politically. Opposition to police murders was frequently met with a military-style response by the Obama administration and local police as in cities like Ferguson, Missouri.

Jeff Sessions, the Trump administrations attorney general, has made it clear that he is opposed to any restraint on the CPD through a consent decree. Despite this, Emanuel has been fraudulently claiming that he is still committed to enacting reform of the police.

Earlier this year, Johnson proposed a modification of the CPDs use of force policies which scaled back some earlier proposals, adding in that police officers could use deadly force if it was reasonable and proportional. The most recent draft produced in May claims also to respect the sanctity of life. Whatever the actual content of these departmental policies, the long history of violence by the CPD indicates that these measures will be largely cosmetic.

Having previously met with Emanuel, the Trump administration has for its part emboldened the most fascistic layers in the Chicago Fraternal Order of Police (FOP). The new FOP president, Kevin Graham, has been cited as wanting to fight against any police reform efforts of any kind. All criticism of the police is effectively being treated as an act of war. Despite systemic media complicity in covering up police violence in the past, Graham stated, We will no longer be victimized by a biased anti-Police media.

The vice president of the FOP, Martin Preib, has also made similar claims that any criticism of the police is merely left-wing propaganda. Preib is a also defender of the most notorious police commander in the history of Chicago Police DepartmentJon Burgewho was in charge of systemic torture as well as the extraction of false murder confessions from individuals who were later proven to be innocent.

Meanwhile, police violence and brutality have continued unabated.

In February, 55-year-old Michelle Robey was shot and killed by the Chicago police in the middle of a busy traffic intersection on the North Side. All indications were that Robey had severe mental illness. In April, 48-year-old Shawn Brider was found dead in a Chicago police station. Police claimed he had a cardiac arrest while family have questioned why he was arrested in the first place.
Feeling sorry for oneself is a miserable starting-point for any artistic or dramatic endeavor. Furthermore, it is impossible to present an honest, objective picture of the world when ones overriding goal, at any cost, is to get ahead.

The first season of the new Netflix series Dear White People, an expansion of Justin Simiens 2014 movie, concerns a group of African American students at a fictional, predominantly white, Ivy League college.

The 10-episode first season of Dear White People has the aim of exposing the supposedly oppressive nature of whiteness at Winchester University. It is obvious from the choice and arrangement of incidents that the creators mean to refer to events that occurred at Yale University (and other institutions, such as the University of Missouri) in the autumn of 2015.

At that time, a series of protests by a section of black students erupted in response to a number of isolated and anecdotal episodes. There were no reports of racist rallies or any similar activities. Claims that the white student population or the white population in America as a whole was seething with racial animosity were false and politically motivated.

The participants in the protests for the most part came from privileged social layers. There was nothing progressive about their demands, which included calls for separate safe spaces for African American students, more black faculty, more money for Africana studies and so on. The protesters had no difficulty with the Obama administration, its murderous violence overseas, or the growth of vast social inequality and poverty in America.

Dear White People emerges from this generally complacent and self-centered social layer.

The series, narrated by Giancarlo Esposito, opens with a black face party at Winchester hosted by the white editors of a student satirical magazine. This offensive event prompts Samantha or Sam (Logan Browning), the central character, to launch a radio program called Dear White People. One of her first messages: Dear white people: Our skin is not a weaponyou dont have to be afraid of it.

A good deal of the shows time is spent focusing on the various factions (and social types) to be found within the universitys black student population: the aggressive Black Student Union (BSU) led by Sam; the more passive African American Student Union, which does nothing and takes the credit for the work of the BSU; the Black American Forum, made up mostly of spoken-word artists, who throw good parties; and the more establishment, NAACP-like Coalition of Racial Equality, led by Troy (Brandon P. Bell), the son of a dean and soon to be elected student body president.

Sorry to say, gradations of blackness (the accepted term is colorism or shadeism) within the POC (people of color) community itself shape and dominate much of the series dialogue. Being light-skinned perhaps may help account for the strident tenor of Sams radio broadcasts, as overcompensation for her own supposed light-skin privilege. (A friend to Sam: You get away with murder because you look more like them [i.e., whites] than I do.)

Not considered woke, i.e., sufficiently conscious, white students sympathetic to the cause of their black classmates are not given any slack. As one student newspaper headline asserts: Ebony and IvoryTotal Disharmony. Sams boyfriend Gabe (John Patrick Amedori) is white. As this relationship does not jibe with Sams politics or persona, she initially tries to keep it a secret. When she is outed, Sam is warned not to fall in love with your oppressor.

Nonetheless, she brings Gabe to a soiree at the all-black residence, AP Houseconsidered a safe space. The encounter does not go well, and by the end of Season 1, Gabe turns out to be something of a spineless dud who cant possibly keep up with those who believe that sometimes being carefree and black is an act of revolution.

In any event, one already knows in advance that a black/white relationship is doomed in Dear White People.In essence, the series shamefully advocates racial segregation and separation. Its creators ignore social realities in America, and not only in this regard.

According to a recent Pew Research center survey, the percentage of interracial marriages has increased more than five times in the US from 1967 to 2015. In metropolitan areas, nearly one in five people are now married to someone of a different race or ethnicity.

Pew refers to a dramatic dive in the share of nonblacks who would oppose a relative marrying a black person, from 63 percent as recently as 1990, to 14 percent today. Interestingly, and we no doubt have reactionary racial politics to thank for this, blacks (18 percent) are more likely today than whites (9 percent) and Hispanics (3 percent) to say that more people of different races marrying each other is generally a bad thing for society.

The grievances of the black students at Winchester in Dear White Peopl e are primarily petty and selfish. Protest against campus cops pointing their guns at a black student is entirely legitimate, but police violence on college campuses is ultimately a social question, involving the effort to intimidate and suppress political opposition. Nonetheless, we are told: If we double down on our blackness, they double down on their bullets. Police abuse or brutality never strikes at Winchesters white students.

Rather disgustingly, Dear White People Season 1 culminates in a campus meeting with the administration at which it is made known to the horror of the assembled black students that plans are afoot to integrate AP House, threatening what they call their self-segregation. Back to the mid-20th century! What an advance!

The series is not drawn for the most part from life. The protagonists are schematic types, the pat fleshing out of the creators retrograde social conceptions. The dialogue and drama are correspondingly limp and unconvincing. When racial controversy is not exciting the various characters, their concerns and conversation are almost unrelievedly banal. And there is no compelling reason to believe that Dear White People will suddenly come to life artistically.

This is not to say that no social reality emerges from the series, it is simply not the reality the creators have in mind. This much is true to life: the petty bourgeois layer in question has zero concern for the pressing social questions that affect the mass of the population of all ethnicities and backgrounds, such as war, dictatorship, povertyand student debt. This upper-middle class crowd aspires to penetrate the inner, inner circle of power and privilege. While caricature is at work instead of psychological or social insight, the overall feeling accurately enough captures the social element and its outlook: self-pity in the service of social climbing.

That Netflix provides Dear White People with a wide platform, and that the critics express near-unanimous approval, is an indication of the indispensable ideological-social role that identity politics performs in defense of the status quo.

On this score, Simien lets the cat out of the bag in an interview with the Daily Beast, in which he claims, by implication, that the election of Donald Trump was the product of intractable white racism. Simien asserts that everyone is very aware that, not only do we have a race problem, but its so pervasive that it affects national and global politics on a scale that I dont think a lot of people imaginedWe wrapped production on November 8th, so we knew we were in a different time already, but I dont know that we knew how bad it was. Again, I think black people had an idea, we knew that people were racist and there were lots of issues in the country, but I dont think people saw a direct link between racism in America and destabilization on a global political level. I dont think people were able to make that connection until this election.

Assuming that Hillary Clinton would be president, Simien apparently had to process his despair at the election results: I was really going through the stages of grief. Presumably, a Clinton victory would have represented a blow against racism in America and also stabilized global politics. After all, as he states, well-minded liberal people wanted to believe that we were past racism because we elected Obama twice. The fairy-tale Obama presidency has been replaced by the Trump nightmare. So it goes for those whose sole preoccupation is with race.

Having subjected herself to five hours of Dear White People, this reviewer is ready with her own personal missive 

Dear self-absorbed people:

Your concerns and preoccupations are not my fascination. I find your conformism almost supernatural. You embrace every element of the system except its alleged neglect of you. Your hero Obama is a war criminal and Wall Street lackey, who now shamelessly hobnobs with the parasitic moneyed aristocracy. Your tacit brief for racial separation is repugnant and runs counter to the experiences and sentiments of the overwhelming majority of the population, black, white and immigrant.

By the way, I would recommend the television series Black-ish as at least a partial antidote to your obsessions. At its best, it mocks the racialist approach to life and the stereotypes and delusions you do so much to reaffirm.

Yours truly
By Press Trust of India: Saharanpur, May 24 (PTI) Violence erupted in this volatile Uttar Pradesh district for the second day today as unidentified gunmen shot and seriously injured a member of the upper-caste Thakur community, which is embroiled in a bloody conflict with Dalits.

The incident took place on Janta road in Janakpuri area. Pradeep Chauhan was shot at near Punwarka block by some motorcycle-borne men, SP Prabal Pratap Singh said.

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Chauhan was rushed to the district hospital, from where he was referred to a speciality centre.

Members of the Thakur community protested against the incident outside the district hospital.

Earlier in the day, some persons attacked two men while they were sleeping near a brick kiln in Mirzapur village, the police said.

Nitin was shot at, while Yashpal was severely beaten up by the attackers. They have suffered serious injuries and have been admitted to the district hospital.

The police, however, said the incident cannot be linked to the ongoing caste violence.

Meanwhile, a four-member team led by Home Secretary Mani Prasad Mishra and comprising ADG (Law and Order) Aditya Mishra, IG STF Amitabh Yash and DG (Security) Vijay Bhushan arrived here today.

The ADG told PTI that the police are closely monitoring the situation and keeping a tight vigil on inflammatory messages on social media.

Aditya said he met those injured in the violence and recuperating in the district hospital and assured them of the best treatment possible.

He said there is a trust deficit among the people of different communities and the administration is working to reduce it.

The official warned of strict action against those trying to take the law into their hands.

Some unidentified persons had yesterday set fire to at least 12 houses of Thakurs in Shabbirpur village ahead of the arrival of Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati there.

A mob later attacked a group of people returning from a rally of Mayawati, killing Ashish (24), who hailed from Sarsawa town, on the spot and injuring four others.

The Uttar Pradesh government has announced Rs 15 lakh as compensation to the family of the man and Rs 50,000 each to those injured. PTI Corr GVS

--- ENDS ---
Indian army head General Bipin Rawat has awarded a commendation to the officer who gained national notoriety last month for ordering a Kashmiri youth tied to the hood of a jeep as a human shield.

The honor is part of a full-throated establishment campaign in defence of Major Nitin Leetul Gogoi who on April 9 had 26-year-old Farooq Dar seized and, in flagrant violation of international law, paraded around for hours while tied to the lead vehicle of an army convoy.

Indias military, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national government, Congress Party opposition, and corporate media have all leaped to Gogois support, describing his actions as a legitimate, even shrewd means of countering anti-government stone-pelters.

This stands in striking contrast with the views of Kashmiris and tens of millions of other Indians. There was shock and anger when video footage of the incident was posted on line. In the footage an army officer can be heard warning all stone-pelters will meet the same fate.

To defuse popular outrage, the military announced that it was convening a court of inquiry to investigate the incident. But predictably this has proven to be a cruel joke. For a quarter century, Indias military has functioned as a law unto itself in Indian-held Kashmir, carrying out summary executions, torture, and disappearances with guaranteed legal impunity under the notorious Armed Forces (Jammu and Kashmir) Special Powers Act.

Whilst the inquiry has supposedly been underway, military and political leaders have been lining up to praise Gogoi. He showed quick-thinking, presence of mind and initiative, one senior army officer told the Indian Express.

Lest there be any doubt, the Indian Army spokesman who revealed Monday that Gogoi has been awarded a Chief of Army Staff Commendation Card, stipulated that it was due to his sustained efforts in counter-insurgency operations, including his actions on April 9.

Earlier, Ram Madhav, the General Secretary of the Hindu supremacist BJP hailed Gogoi, saying everything is fair in love and war. He then added, I will compliment him for the decision that he took. He saved lives.

Not to be out done, Amarinder Singh, the Congress Party Chief Minister of Punjab wrote an opinion column for the Indian Express on May 20 under the title, Major Gogoi deserves a distinguished service medal for using human shield against stone-pelters in Kashmir. Claiming that peace in Kashmir will only be possible if the government writ runs large, Singh urged the Indian state to act even more ruthlessly to suppress opposition in Indias only Muslim-majority state. The Indian army, wrote the senior Congress leader, needs the upper hand to be able to negotiate peace on terms that are favourable to the country and in the interest of its people, including our brave jawans (soldiers).

In a further indication of the authoritarian mindset in ruling circles, BJP Member of Parliament Paresh Rawal tweeted Monday that the army should tie the writer Arundhati Roy to an army jeep. The author of the internationally-acclaimed novel, The God of Small Things, Roy has repeatedly been pilloried by BJP and Congress Party leaders for her pointed criticisms of the Indian states brutal repression in Kashmir.

Indias elite has been shaken by the breadth and intensity of the wave of mass protests that have convulsed the Kashmir Valley since last July. Recently, M.K. Narayanan, who served as Indias National Security Adviser for six years ending in 2011, warned that the popular alienation from New Delhi in the Kashmir Valley is now so strong India has effectively lost control of the situation and could soon confront a veritable intifada.

But the only response of the BJP government and Indian elite has been more violence.

New Delhi has lashed out against Pakistan, bringing South Asias rival nuclear-armed powers perilously close to the brink of war. Yesterday, it boasted that massive cross-border artillery fire had destroyed several Pakistani military forward positions inside Pakistan-held Kashmir.

And the Indian state has intensified its repression of the Kashmiri people as exemplified by the criminal treatment of Dar, and the enthusiastic support for it within the Indian establishment.

The April 9 human shield incident occurred during polling for a by-election in the Srinagar-Budgam parliamentary constituency, which was the occasion for mass protests. Ultimately, just 7 percent of voters cast ballots, a record-low turnout. Meanwhile, security forces shot dead eight people.

Ironically, Farooq Dar, a resident of Chil village in the Beerwah sub-district was among the few villagers who turned out to cast a vote. The army arrested him when he was attending a condolence meeting at his brother-in-laws house in Gampora village where some women were protesting against the election. Talking to the Wire, Dar later said: They [the military] damaged my bike, thrashed me severely with gun butts and wooden sticks into an almost unconscious state and tied me to the front of the jeep and paraded me through 10 to 20 villages.

He added: I thought my end is near but I kept praying and hoping that people who had seen me would inform my family.

His elder brother Fayed Ahmad explained how their pleas to the police for Farooqs release went unheeded until family members, villagers and the local sarpanch (elected village head) approached the army camp in the evening. We pleaded with the army that he [Dar] is not a stone-pelter and it was only then they allowed us to take him home, said Ahmed.

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India intensifies repression in Kashmir

[16 May 2017]
The US Supreme Court issued a ruling Monday confirming a lower court decision that struck down the congressional district lines drawn in North Carolina on the grounds that they illegally used race as the predominant factor.

The decision in Cooper v. Harris came in two parts, with a unanimous 8-0 ruling against the boundaries of North Carolinas 1st District, linking most of the majority-black areas of eastern and coastal North Carolina, and a 5-3 ruling against the boundaries of the 12th District, the notorious I-85 district connecting the urban cores of Charlotte, Winston-Salem and Greensboro, a distance of nearly 100 miles, by means of narrow strips of land running along the interstate highway.

In both cases, the Republican-controlled state government drew the boundaries to concentrate black voters into a few districts and thus minimize their influence in the state as a whole. As a result, since the 2010 redistricting, North Carolinas congressional delegation has been 10 Republicans and 3 Democrats, although the total vote in congressional elections is divided roughly 50-50.

The high court decision does not affect the current congressional district boundaries, which were redrawn last summer after a circuit court decision that the Supreme Court has now upheld. The 1st District was only slightly altered, but the 12th District was entirely restructured, now comprising only the Charlotte metropolitan area.

The court decision on the 12th District was unusual for the composition of the five-member majority: the four moderate liberals, with Justice Elena Kagan writing the opinion, joined by ultra-conservative Clarence Thomas, who wrote a concurring opinion reiterating his long-held view that any consideration of raceincluding under the provisions of the 1965 Voting Rights Actis unconstitutional.

The Voting Rights Act was passed to compel the states of the Deep South to stop barring blacks from voting through such devices as literacy testsadministered on a grossly discriminatory basisor outright refusal to register African-American voters. The law also barred other discriminatory political measures, such as shifting city councils from district to at-large representation in order to prevent a black minority from electing representatives.

Under the auspices of the Voting Rights Act, most southern states created majority-minority congressional districts based on largely black urban areas such as Atlanta and New Orleans. But in the 1990s, Republican state legislatures began to create additional black-majority districts that had no geographical logic for the purpose of ensuring overall Republican majorities in congressional delegations. In this, they frequently had the support of black Democratic Party politicians, who were guaranteed safe seats as a result

The procedure, given the cynical title packing and cracking, was intended to create a handful of black-majority districts that would be overwhelmingly Democratic, while drawing the remaining boundaries to ensure that Republicans had comfortable majorities in all other districts. The effort was so successful that by 2001, nearly every white-majority district in the Deep South had a Republican congressman, while Democrats controlled the relatively small number of black-majority districts.

The North Carolina redistricting was perhaps the most blatant example of this process. The states 1990 redistricting survived a Supreme Court challenge, but the 2010 redistricting went even further, using computerized Census data to pick out predominately black neighborhoods and transfer them into the 1st and 12th Districts, raising the African-American percentage in the 1st District from 48.6 percent to 52.7 percent, and raising the African-American percentage in the 12th District from 43.8 percent to 50.7 percent.

Kagans opinion held that states were not required to adhere to any specific percentage of minority voters in a district, but the North Carolina example went too far and constituted a racial gerrymander whose necessity is supported by no evidence and whose raison detre is a legal mistake. The African-American composition of the districts was not increased to further the goal of the Voting Rights Actincreased representation of African-Americansbut for the opposite purpose, she argued, to reduce their influence.

In both districts, the court found that the federal district court judge who conducted the initial trial had sufficient grounds for his finding that race, not politics, had determined the drawing of boundary lines.

In the case of the 12th District, three conservative justices, John Roberts, Samuel Alito and Anthony Kennedy, found that the boundaries were drawn for partisan and not racial reasons, and were therefore constitutional. Justice Neil Gorsuch, who joined the court last month, did not participate in the decision because the arguments were heard before he was confirmed for his seat.

State Republicans argued that they increased the African-American population of the districts to comply with the Voting Rights Act, but Justice Elena Kagan wrote in her decision that the argument does not withstand strict scrutiny. She continued: For nearly 20 years before the new plans adoption, African-Americans made up less than a majority of District 1s voters, but their preferred candidates scored consistent victories, Kagan wrote of the district currently held by Democratic Rep. G.K. Butterfield.

All the arguments on both sides of this decision took as their point of departure the reactionary, racialist view that African-Americans in Congress represent African-Americans and whites in Congress represent whites, without any consideration of the more fundamental division in capitalist society, that of class. In reality, both black and white politicians of the Democratic and Republican parties represent the capitalist class, not their working class constituents of whatever race.
Last night, Britains terror threat level was raised to critical, its highest level. Prime Minister Theresa May declared that further attacks could be imminent in the aftermath of the suicide bombing Monday night of the Ariana Grande concert at the Manchester Arena.

Up to 5,000 military personnel are being deployed to police key locations. May has triggered Operation Temperer, devised in secret in 2015 under Prime Minister David Cameron, when May was home secretary. The plan was subsequently leaked to the press.

The June 8 general election will now proceed under the barrel of a gun.

The Manchester bombing is a horrific crime. The bomber, 22-year-old Salman Ramadan Abedi, packed his device with nails, nuts and bolts to inflict the maximum carnage on his victims, taking 22 lives and injuring almost 120, some gravely. The fact that Grande has a predominantly youthful audience meant that 12 of the dead were children, including the youngest named so far, Saffie Rose Roussos, who was only eight years old.

But the grief and anger this barbaric act engenders make it all the more necessary to maintain ones critical faculties in the face of the unprecedented moves undertaken by the government. As so often before, the latest terror bombing is being used to advance a right-wing political agenda, giving rise to questions as to the degree of foreknowledge and even active involvement of the state.

Abedis name was made public Tuesday evening after raids by armed police, evacuations and a controlled explosion in his Fallowfield south Manchester neighbourhood. It has already been confirmed that he was known to the security services, but was supposedly not considered to be a threat.

This type of evasive response, meant to explain why nothing could have been done to prevent the tragedy, has no credibility. The same excuse was offered in so many previous incidentsmost infamously in the November 2015 Islamist attack on the Bataclan concert hall and other sites across Paris, which killed 130 people. The press later revealed connections between the Paris bombers and the perpetrators of the March 2016 suicide attacks on the Brussels airport and subway, and the fact that the police were familiar with many of those involved.

Only this week, the informant Claude Hermant implicated the French state in the January 2015 attack on the Charlie Hebdo satirical magazine. The perpetrators of what remains Britains most deadly terror attack, in London on July 7, 2005, were also known to the police and clearly protected by the security services.

Even after such revelations, things always remain murky and are never properly investigated. Little wonder, given that the groups involved are invariably the political creation of the major imperialist powersused to further their predatory interests abroad and legitimise the repressive measures imposed at home in the name of the war on terror.

The growth of Islamist terror groups is the by-product of the endless series of imperialist wars waged since the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991 and escalated since the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya and now Syria have provided the breeding ground for the bitter resentments on which the Islamists feed and then channel in such a deeply reactionary direction.

These groups are often considered allies before later being deemed to be enemies. The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) has claimed responsibility for the suicide nail bombing. Its origins lie in the 2003 US-British invasion and occupation of Iraq. ISIS began life as Al Qaeda in Iraq, the product of the Sunni insurgency that emerged after the overthrow of Saddam Hussein. It shifted to Syria in 2011 thanks to the US-led efforts to destabilise and overthrow the regime of Bashar-Al Assad through the arming and funding of Islamist militias.

Abedis parents were Libyan refugees opposed to the Gaddafi regime and have reportedly returned to Libya following Gaddafis overthrow and brutal murder. Regime change there was again orchestrated through an alliance of the imperialist powers with Islamist groups, including Al Qaeda.

In the course of these wars, the MI5 and MI6 security services have built up extensive knowledge of and connections with the followers in the UK of Islamist terror organizations.

Faced with this record of state criminality, nothing should be accepted at face value regarding the official narrative of the events of May 22. However, it is not necessary to prove direct state involvement to understand the ends for which the attack is being used.

On Monday, May and her despised government were in political crisis. She has tried to centre the June 8 snap general election on her claim to be a strong and stable leader compared with Labours Jeremy Corbyn, who is denounced as a threat to national security. But this was derailed by popular disgust at her plans to force pensioners to sell their homes to pay for social care.

In the aftermath of the suicide bombing, all election campaigning was called off and remains suspended today, while May is left to speak unchallenged as the supposed guardian of the nations safety. Rupert Murdochs the Sun wrote baldly that the bombing has put terror front and centre of this election campaign. It will shine a light on the character of those seeking to lead this country. The newspaper described May as an ex-Home Secretary [who] has the experience and authority to respond. It called Corbyn a sniveling IRA fanboy.

The dangers posed by these developments were underscored by Daily Mail columnist Katie Hopkins call for a final solution to the problem of terrorisma term infamously used by the Nazis to describe the Holocaust. Telegraph columnist Allison Pearson tweeted, We need a State of Emergency as France has. We need internment of thousands of terror suspects now to protect our children.

Events in Britain are indeed following the pattern set in France, where a state of emergency has been in force since 2015. It is just one month since the presidential elections there took place at gunpoint, with over 50,000 police and soldiers stationed at polling booths. The reason given was the murder of a police officer by Karim Cheurfi, a career criminal supposedly acting on behalf of ISIS. Cheurfi was well known to security and intelligence agencies, yet was left free to carry out his deadly assault.

The parallels are striking. That assault took place under conditions where rising anti-war sentiment, following the April 7 US air strike on Syria, had benefited left candidate Jean-Luc Melenchon. The political hysteria whipped up and Melenchons prostration before it were used to refocus official debate on antiterrorismhelping to ensure that right-wing candidate Emmanuel Macron and neo-fascist Marine Le Pen went through to the final round.

The escalating turn to domestic repression in the UK is bound up with the preparation of new and even bloodier imperialist crimes. The Manchester attack provided US President Donald Trump with an opportunity to deliver a thuggish speech from Israel demanding that terrorists and extremists and those who give them aid and comfort be driven out from our society forever.

What this means in practice is the pursuit of war in Syria in an alliance with Saudi Arabia, Qatar and other sponsors of Sunni terrorist movements. May is up to her neck in these plans, promising that the first act of a newly elected Conservative government will be to put a vote before parliament in support of military action against Assad.

On Thursday, May travels to a NATO summit in Brussels to be addressed by Trump in his first NATO appearance. The US president was already demanding US-led action on terror and increased military spending from the European powers. He will now be presented with a golden opportunity to urge support for a regional Sunni alliance, led by the US and Israel, against Shiite Iran.
Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) announced May 18 plans to shutter 10 clinics across Iowa, Colorado, Wyoming, and New Mexico, due to both budgetary shortfalls during the Obama administration and the ramped-up attacks financially and politically by the anti-abortion religious-right forces within the Trump administration.

Planned Parenthood of the Heartland in Sioux City, in the states northwest, and clinics located at Burlington and Keokuk in the states southeastern rural corner will close by the end of June. A fourth health center in Bettendorf of the eastern Quad Cities, which provides abortions, will remain open until the building that houses the services is sold. Eight Planned Parenthood clinics will remain open for now in the state. The number of facilities providing clean and safe abortions will be reduced from eight to five.

Republican Governor Terry Branstad recently signed legislation that declined $3 million in federal Medicaid to pay for care for almost 15,000 Iowans at the four clinics slated for closure. Many of the affected women live in rural areas where there is no other comparable and affordable care. More than 80 percent of the patients seen in three of the centers receive birth control that depends upon public funding. In 2016, Medicaid subscribers made 10,000 visits to Planned Parenthood offices in Iowa.

The anti-abortion zealots hailed the Planned Parenthood cutbacks. Maggie DeWitte, director of Iowans for Life, perversely told the Des Moines Register, I would say this is fantastic news for women and families in the state of Iowa.

Branstad, nominated by Trump for an ambassadorship to China, announced plans for the creation of a state-run family-planning system in Iowa to the tune of about $3 million using only state monies, doubtless to be staffed with anti-abortion and anti-birth-control religious zealots. The joint federal-state funding of Planned Parenthood and family planning services operated on a 9 to 1 funding arrangement, whereby Medicaid and Title X provided 90 percent of the monies needed to run the health centers with a 10 percent state match.

Susana de Baca, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood of the Heartland, told the Des Moines Register, Defunding Planned Parenthood will set a healthcare crisis into motion in Iowa. This is the case of extreme Iowa politicians deciding they know whats better for a womans health than the women actually seeking care, with devastating consequences. She told the Register that the effect will be hardest on women who have depended upon the facilities for their primary care, including the poor and the young working poor.

Three of the four clinics closing next month are located in counties ranked in the top 10 counties that have the highest rates of chlamydia, a common and treatable sexually transmissible disease (STD). Thirty staff members in the four centers will lose their jobs.

As of December of last year, there were 12,219 people using the existing states family-planning network, according to the Iowa Legislative Services Agency. Federal support to states for family planning comes primarily from Title X monies, which the governor and the Iowa legislature cut off. In Kansas, the state government declined to dispense Title X funding for family planning altogether.

The Iowa legislature has also banned most abortions after 20 weeks, and instituted a 72-hour wait for termination of pregnancy at any stage, for which Planned Parenthood and the ACLU sued state officials in Polk County district court.

In 2011, Texas took similar actions of declining Medicaid funds in order to shut down Planned Parenthood and create a state-run family-planning system. A report cited by ABC News confirmed that 30,000 fewer women were served in the state program, and that more than 80 family planning offices had closed, a third of which were Planned Parenthood centers.

Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains (PPRM) reported it will close six clinics in Colorado, Wyoming, and New Mexico. PPRM noted that its facilities financial troubles dated back to Obamacare, when declining Medicaid reimbursements drastically reduced its abilities to cover the expenses of providing womens care, and that the current political climate added to the social and financial stress.

The PPRM closure in Casper on July 21 after 40 years of operation will make Wyoming the second state, after North Dakota, where there will be no Planned Parenthood offices. The health center in Casper serves over 500 patients, who will have to travel many more miles for comparable care or do entirely without medical attention due to costs.

Clinics in Longmont and Parker, Colorado, will be shut down, as well as New Mexico centers in Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, and Farmington. Vicki Coward, president of PPRM, told the Washington Post that if Title X monies are eliminated, a program providing vasectomies for men in New Mexico will be closed.

Coward said, Were looking at this from a massive planning perspective, but then you put yourself in the shoes of the person who needs a vasectomy, and its a profound event for them. The cost of human misery in this setting is huge, and I dont want us to lose sight of the fact that these are people, not some stupid political game.

Frightened women seeking free birth control IUDs and fearful of the closure of the clinics, flocked to Planned Parenthood centers by an increase of 10-fold after Trumps election.

PPFA provides access to birth control, emergency contraception, breast and cervical cancer screening, cancer treatments, and STD screening and treatment at more than 600 health centers in the United States, as well as access to safe and clean abortions at a lesser number of facilities. Over 2.5 million women depend upon the clinics for their primary care annually, and about 60 percent of PPFA patients utilize the federal publicly funded health programs.
Prime Minister Theresa May was plunged into political crisis Monday as she was forced into an embarrassing climb-down on a key manifesto policy on elderly care outlined just days earlier.

Last Thursday, the Conservative manifesto was launched for the June 8 General Election. This included proposals that those receiving residential or home care in their old age would be liable for the full costs if they have assets, including family homes. All that would be safeguarded is 100,000 of the value of the home. The policy replaced one enacted just two years ago by Mays predecessor, David Cameron, and a 72,000 cap on the overall cost of care to be paid by an individual set to be enacted in 2020.

Cameron was forced to impose a capas recommended by an independent commission in 2011due to growing hostility to the current system, which is inherently unfair. As it stands, only the poorest people, with little or no assets, receive any state help towards social care costs. Those with assets over 23,250 must pay the full cost of their care. Under the current system, the value of a persons house was not factored in if the house is shared with a spouse or the person involved still lives at home.

With average house prices in the UK at over 300,000, and at more than 500,000 in London, the policy amounted to a significant tax on many pensioners, unable to pass the value of their main asset to their children.

The policyalong with a string of other measures, including an attack on pensionsconfirmed the appraisal made by the Socialist Equality Party. In its statement, The class issues in the UK snap election, the SEP explained that May had resorted to a snap election two years earlier than expected because the financial oligarchy and the military-intelligence apparatus, have determined that they cannot afford to wait. On the back of Labours crisis, they hope to install a government with the veneer of majority support to impose policies that add up to a massive escalation in the drive for austerity, dictatorship and war. This is a program for which there is no genuine democratic mandate.

The new policy was dubbed the dementia tax, as those with long-term conditionsrequiring years of care and treatmentsuch as dementia and arthritis would be devastated financially by the measures. Pensioners constitute a huge component of the Tories electoral support and the universal hostility the policies met with saw a collapse in their polling numbers.

At the beginning of the election campaign, numerous polls had the Tories lead over the Labour Party at anything up to 20 points. Such is their hubris that May and her advisers must have calculated that a sizeable victory was in the bag, so they could afford to outline this deeply regressive measure. Moreover, it won widespread support from the media, including the Guardian who lauded May for being prepared to grasp the nettle.

The backlash, therefore, came as a huge shock not only for the Tories but the media. By Monday, the Conservative lead had been reduced to single digits and there was open talk of the possibility that May could lose the election.

Nowhere was the crisis more evident than in Wales, where the media had forecast substantial gains for the Tories at Labours expense. They hoped to rely on Labours role in imposing Tory austerity cuts and leader Jeremy Corbyns retreats before his partys right-wing. Instead, a poll Monday showed a 16-point shift in support for Labour within the space of two weeks. The Independent described it as a stunning reversal, focusing in particular on the Tories nightmare week after a poor reception to their planned dementia tax care policy.

So desperate were the Tories that they paid Google thousands of pounds in an attempt to prevent internet users from reading articles about their social care policy. Anyone searching for dementia tax would see an advert on the Google results page stating, The so-called dementia taxget the real facts. The advert directed them on to a special page on the Tory web site.

Mays efforts to defend her policy only compounded the crisis. The woman who has based her electoral appeal on providing the strong and stable leadership needed in negotiations on the terms of Britains exit from the European Union went into a political meltdown.

At a hastily convened press conference, May said she would now make sure theres an absolute limit on what people need to pay for social care, with a cap to be introduced. This had been necessary, she said, due to fake claims made about the manifesto policy by Corbyn and repeated by the media!

Mays adoption of Trumps fake news rhetoric was made worse by her becoming visibly tense and angry after reporters had the temerity to point out that that their reports and Corbyns statements were both true. Journalist Michael Crick said that unlike her model, former Tory Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, in Mays case, The lady is for turning. Rather than strong and stable, said Crick, she appeared weak and wobbly.

In a shambolic performance, May repeatedly insisted, as she raised her voice in ever more angry tones, Nothing has changed. Nothing has changed.

Later in the day, May, now appearing almost unhinged, was interviewed by BBC journalist Andrew Neil. He pointed out that it must be the first time in modern history that a partys actually broken a manifesto policy before the election. May responded that she had to clarify her policy because Ive seen the way that Jeremy Corbyn wants to sneak into No 10 by playing on the fears of older and vulnerable people.

Writing in the Spectator, Will Heaven wrote that the dementia tax was always going to run into trouble, mainly because, I would argue, that people in this countrypartly due to the NHSs successesprefer everyone to pay a little towards health and social care rather than for most to pay nothing and for a few to shoulder massive burdens. Britons are, it turns out, comfortable with collectivism.

For the most part, the complaint by the media was that Mays U-turn was a disturbing sign that she would not be able to push through the measures necessary post-June 8.

In the Financial Times, Janan Ganesh wrote that the U-turn would not matter to the election as the result was safe. If the policy was now a mess, the ultimate problem is an unrealistic public, not her. The real worry concerns the future under this government. How many more times will it miscalculate and under-prepare, and on what stage?

At the Guardian, Polly Toynbee complained that May had abandoned one of her few brave and wise policies in a fit of election madness.

One weekend wobble in the polls and she collapses in a frightened heap, Toynbee went on. Plainly May scares easily... One puff of wind blows her over.
A 32-year-old worker from Cleveland, Ohio fell to his death at US Steels Great Lakes Steel Facility in the Detroit suburb of Ecorse, Michigan early Monday morning. The death of the still unidentified worker, a contractor for Mid-American Group, is the latest in a series of fatalities at the steel company, which has implemented deep cost-cutting measures that have undermined basic safety.

Very little has been disclosed about the accident, other than that the victim fell 20 feet to his death. The local media reported that the Ecorse police and fire services were not called for assistance because the company has its own emergency response service.

According to the Southgate News Herald, Ecorse police have confirmed that a man working at U.S. Steel was killed at about 3:30 a.m. Monday in an accident inside the main plant. The newspaper continued, A representative from U.S. Steel only would confirm that there was an incident at the plant and referred all questions to Mid-American Group, an industrial construction contracting firm that provides various services to companies.

Fox 2 News reported that initially both Mid-American, based out of Newport, Michigan, and the Ecorse police refused to comment on the accident. Only later did the police confirm that a worker was fatally injured at the plant.

The State of Michigans Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) also released as little information as possible, stating only, MIOSHA has responded to this incident but cannot provide information on an open investigation. Typically, this type of investigation may take several weeks or months to complete, Matthew Erickson of MIOSHA said.

The WSWS left messages with United Steelworkers (USW) Local 1299 seeking information about the fatality but the union did not return the calls. An estimated 1,400 hourly workers at the steel mill are members of the USW local.

Workers at the mill have long charged that US Steel has failed to meet standard health and safety regulations. Workers face grueling work schedules, including seven-day workweeks, and the mill is dangerously understaffed. Overworked electrical and mechanical maintenance crews are herded into labor gangs and sent throughout the mill where they are too hurried to take precautionary steps that were once standard.

Rather than hiring more full-time workers, the company has expanded the use of lower paid contractors who do not get US Steel-paid medical or retirement benefits. Under the so-called Carnegie Way plan, the company has eliminated a quarter of its salaried employees and slashed thousands of jobs in Michigan, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Illinois and Alabama.

Far from opposing these attacks, the USW has collaborated with the corporations cost-cutting plans in the name of boosting US Steels competitiveness and profitability. In 2015, the union blocked a strike by US Steel, ArcelorMittal and Allegheny Technologies workers and agreed to another sellout contract that further rolls back the living standards and conditions of workers.

As for regulatory agencies like MIOSHA, they have generally outsourced the issue of safety to joint labor-management safety committees, run by US Steel and its corporate partners in the USW. MIOSHA only has 70 inspectors and in fiscal year 2016 it conducted 4,662 inspections, covering about two percent of the workplaces in Michigan.

There have been at least three other deaths at the Ecorse mill since 2013. On December 15, 2013, an explosion at the mill killed Antonino Nino Palazzolo, a 31-year-old remote control crane operator and a father of two small children. On April 4, 2014, Chris Castro, a 36-year-old contractor with Connelly Crane and father of three, was killed when the crane he was operating tipped over near the plants number two oxygen furnace.

On April 18, 2015, 41-year-old steelworker Heather D. Warren was killed as a semi-truck backing up with steel coils crushed her to death as she was acting as a spotter for another truck on the loading dock. Rather than holding US Steel accountable, the Wayne County prosecutor charged the driver, a contract worker, with manslaughter, a crime punishable by up to 15 years in prison.

In addition to injuries there have been a spate of deaths at US Steel mills around the country. In March 2017, Timothy Dagon, 42-year-old steelworker, was killed in an accident at a rail yard at the US Steel mill in Granite City, Illinois, near St. Louis.

This followed the deaths of two workers at the Gary Works, in northwestern Indiana, last year. On June 15, 2016, Charles Kremke, 67, died in the hospital after what was initially called a heart attack. It turned out that he had been electrocuted.

On September 30, 2016, 30-year-old steelworker Jonathan Arrizola, an electrician and father of two, died after he was electrocuted while trying to fix a crane in the slab yard at Gary Works. The week before his death, Arrizola suffered an electric shock and told his wife, Whitney, that conditions in steel mill were getting very dangerous due to cutbacks. She told the local media her husband was working 70-90 hours per week and conditions were so dangerous that he was actively looking for another job before his death.

In a message to the WSWS, Whitney Arrizola said her husband and other workers had major concerns about safety at the plant. This shouldnt have to happen to anyone, she told the WSWS. Please help keep this from happening to others. I cannot even begin to explain the hole in my heart.

In other comments to the local media, she added, All they care about is making money. They dont care that it affects other people. He has a 4-year-old whos turning 5. They keep cutting when they should have a safer environment for people. It shouldnt be all about the money.

I have no husband now, my children have no father, she said. I have no idea how Im going to pay for my house or my car, any of our bills, I was a stay-at-home mother. I have no experiences, Jon was everything to me.

A GoFundMe page was set up to raise funds for the family.

The Indiana Department of Labor found US Steel committed two serious safety violations at Gary Works after investigating the death of Arrizola, including failing to provide safety training and protections against live electrical equipment. According to state inspectors, maintenance employees were performing repairs to the 501 crane in the slab yard while three collector rails were live, exposing them to deadly electrical hazards.

The agency fined the steelmaker a mere $14,000.
On Tuesday, as President Donald Trump was wrapping up his three-day trip to the Middle East, US Special Operations troops carried out a raid deep into Yemen, with the US Central Command claiming that they killed seven members of Al Qaeda of the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP).

Both Centcom and local Yemenis reported that the raid conducted in Yemens central Maarib province was accompanied by intense air strikes by US planes, drones and helicopters.

A Centcom spokesman claimed that the raid was not aimed at killing or capturing any individual, but rather at capturing computers, hard drives and cellphones that could yield information on the AQAPs plans.

This was also purportedly the purpose of a similar raid conducted on January 29 some 30 miles south of Tuesdays target in which dozens of civilians were massacred, a Navy Seal was killed and the Pentagon lost a $75 million aircraft. While the Pentagon claimed that the action produced valuable information, US military sources admitted that no actionable intelligence had been uncovered.

Citing local sources, Yemens Khabar news website reported that the gun battle involved local tribesmen and some 30 troops, most of them American but including some from the Saudi-led force that is attacking the country. It claimed that several of the US raiders were wounded in the attack, and that no AQAP fighters were in the area at the time of the raid.

Later on Tuesday, CBS news quoted Pentagon officials acknowledging that at least two US troops, members of Navy SEAL Team Six, were wounded. The officials also admitted that they are still assessing who they killed in the raid. Earlier they acknowledged that no high value targets, meaning known AQAP commanders or operatives, were among the dead.

A US military official told CBS, there will be more of these, signaling an intensification of US involvement in the war in Yemen. Since Trump took office in January, US warplanes have carried out at least 81 airstrikes against Yemeni targets, with the majority of victims civilians.

Pentagon officials indicated that Trump did not directly authorize the latest raid, as the White House has given Pentagon commanders, including the chief of Centcom, Gen. Joseph Votel, free rein in terms of escalating the multiple interventions being waged by the US in Iraq, Syria, Yemen and Somalia.

The raid follows Trumps trip to Saudi Arabia over the weekend in which he concluded arms deals with the ruling monarchy that could total as much as $350 billion over the next decade. Both in his speech to the collection of Sunni monarchs and despots assembled in Riyadh for his visit and in his subsequent trip to Israel, Trump made it clear that the main aim of his administration is to forge a regional alliance against Iran, based on a deliberate stoking of tensions between Sunnis and Shiites in the Middle East.

In particular, Trump praised Saudi Arabia and its allies for having taken strong action against Houthi militants in Yemen. The near-genocidal Saudi war has killed some 12,000 Yemenis, while laying waste to basic infrastructure, including hospitals, schools, factories and water and sanitation facilities in the Arab worlds poorest country, leaving over 17 million people, fully 60 percent of the population, on the brink of starvation according to UN estimates.

The International Committee of the Red Cross on Saturday described the country as the worlds single largest humanitarian crisis, pointing as well to the outbreak of a cholera epidemic with over 25,000 cases reported and hundreds dying.

The arms deals concluded by Washington and the Saudi regime include US tanks, warplanes, Blackhawk helicopters, ships, precision-guided bombs and other ammunition and weapons that will be used directly to slaughter more Yemeni civilians.

Under the Obama administration, the US began providing logistical and intelligence support for the brutal Saudi-led war, including the aerial refueling of Saudi warplanes to allow for continuous bombing of the impoverished country. Limited restrictions on arms shipments imposed as a human rights gesture have now been lifted by the Trump administration, and Pentagon chief James Mad Dog Mattis has called for stepped up US support for the war.

Both Saudi Arabia and Washington have attempted to portray the Houthi rebels as a proxy force for Iran, though there is no evidence to support this charge. The real issue is that they see any weakening of Saudi Arabias domination of its southern neighbor as potentially strengthening the influence of Iran, which is viewed by Washington as a principal obstacle to its drive to assert hegemony over the oil-rich region. To that end, it is now prepared to fuel a war that threatens to kill millions through starvation.

Another evident byproduct of Trumps Middle East tour came Tuesday in Bahrain, where the ruling Sunni monarchy launched a brutal crackdown against protesters supporting Sheikh Isa Qassim, the spiritual leader of the countrys Shia majority, who has been stripped of his Bahraini citizenship and prosecuted on various trumped-up charges. The ruling monarchical regime has carried out systematic repression against the population since it crushed, with the aid of Saudi tanks, a mass movement for democratic rights in 2011.

During a photo session in Riyadh on Sunday with Bahrains king, Sheikh Hamad bin Issa al-Khalifa, Trump declared, Our countries have a wonderful relationship together, but there has been a little strain, but there wont be strain with this administration. The message was clear: carry out whatever repression you like, there will be no more hypocritical noises about human rights from Washington. The US administration is also pursuing some $5 billion in arms deals with the Bahraini regime.

In Tuesdays crackdown, security forces laid siege to the northwestern village of Diraz, attacking a sit-in protest with tear gas, birdshot and live ammunition. At least two protesters were killed and several others were reported in critical condition. They stormed the house of Sheikh Isa Qassim, whose fate was not immediately known. The Bahraini Interior Ministry announced that at least 50 demonstrators were arrested in the village.
The Yogi Adityanath government has removed Saharanpur SSP Subhash Chandra Dubey and District Magistrate N P Singh for failing to control the violence after fresh clashes in the district.

By India Today Web Desk: In the wake of fresh clashes between the Dalits and the Rajputs in which one person was killed on Tuesday, the Yogi Adityanath government has removed Saharanpur SSP Subhash Chandra Dubey. The officer had taken charge as Saharanpur's senior superintendent of police (SSP) on April 27.

District Magistrate (DM) of Saharanpur, N P Singh, has also been sacked over inability to control violence following fresh clashes in the area, reported news agency ANI.

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While SSP Muzaffarnagar Babloo Kumar has been asked to camp in Saharanpur, Pramod Kumar Pandey is tipped to be the new DM of Saharanpur.

Earlier in the day, a man was shot at in the violence-hit district even as Home Secretary Mani Prasad Mishra said that the situation in the area was tense but under control.

The Home Secretary and three other senior government officials were flown to violence-hit Saharanpur on Tuesday night to monitor the law and order situation in the area.

Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya said, "We will stop the (Saharanpur) violence, and arrest those who are orchestrating such incidents; no will be spared, including politicians".

HERE IS ALL THAT HAS HAPPENED SO FAR: Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati visited Shabbirpur after Dalits, led by the Bheem Army, stormed Jantar Mantar in New Delhi and held a demonstration over anti-Dalit violence on May 21. During her visit to the violence-torn village, Mayawati addressed party workers at the Ravidas temple. It was at this temple that Dalits were denied permission by Rajputs to install a statue of Dr BR Ambedkar, which sparked off tension in the villages. "The BJP wants to destroy the inter-caste harmony, the district administration is responsible for the tension in the village," Mayawati said during her visit to the Saharanpur village. Clashes broke out between Rajputs and Dalits soon after Mayawati met with the affected Dalit families in Saharanpur. Two persons were injured in the firing, one of whom, a Dalit, later succumbed to his injuries. Home Secretary Mani Prasad Mishra along with Inspector General (Special Task Force) Amitabh Yash, Additional Director General (ADG) Law and Order Aditya Mishra, and DG Security Vijay Bhushan were flown to the violence-hit region on Tuesday night. The four-member team led by Home Secretary was tasked with monitoring the law and order situation in Saharanpur following fresh clashes. The Home Secretary said that adequate security personnel were deployed in the area. Hitting out at Mayawati, Power Minister Srikant Sharma, also the government spokesman, said, "It was expected that the visit of the former Chief Minister (Mayawati) would lead to return of peace but what happened was the reverse". Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya said that while the Samajwadi Party and the BSP encourage caste-based politics, the BJP is promoting development-based politics. "We will stop the (Saharanpur) violence, and arrest those who are orchestrating such incidents; no will be spared, including politicians," said the deputy chief minister. Sources in the Yogi Adityanath government said that anyone indulging in violence would face strict action, be it a Dalit or a Rajput.

(inputs from Abhishek)

ALSO READ:

How Saharanpur clash promises to throw up new Dalit leadership threatening to dislodge Mayawati

Saharanpur violence: Jantar Mantar turns into sea of blue as thousands of Dalits gather to protest

Fresh violence in UP's Saharanpur, 1 killed, 12 injured; Yogi government blames Mayawati

ALSO WATCH: Dalit youth killed in fresh clashes in strife hit Saharanpur

--- ENDS ---
Tallahassee, Fla., (WTXL) - When Leon County Sheriff Walt McNeil was sworn in to office in January he set to work assembling a panel of community members, and local law enforcement to create a vision for public safety in the area.

Organizations like the Kearney Center and Refuge house, as well as law enforcement officers from all aspects of the Sheriff's office were brought together. The result of their collaboration was a strategic plan and an overarching idea.

The concept is called "All In," and the hashtag associated with it has already began to prevail on LCSO Facebook and Twitter accounts.

"Our members of the sheriff's office are members of the community as well." Jordan says, in a video explaining the concept on Facebook, "Our goal is to improve the quality of life for our families and our children. With that we all have to be all in."

But it's more than just a phrase. "All in," is a concept. An idea that the community and community servants need to work together, and put in effort to create and maintain a safer Leon County.

On social media, the hashtag is aimed at encouraging community engagement. In practice, leadership hopes the "All In" mentality will build positive relationships between deputies and the people they protect and serve.

The presentation the Sheriff is scheduled to make Wednesday is not just about a catch phrase. The "All In" philosophy is only a small part of the new strategic plan rolling out on May 24th, and at the morning meeting McNeil is expected to break down eight new initiatives that will be put in to practice at the agency in the days and weeks to come.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - According to a new study by Wallethub.com, Florida is the best state for military retirees.

Wallethub analysts compared the fifty states and District of Columbia for their economic environment, quality of life, and health care.

The Sunshine State was ranked in the top five for health care and quality of life, while being ranked in the top 10 for economic environment.

The president of the Florida Veterans Foundation says they are happy to be recognized for their continued efforts.

"It's in our blood in Florida, taking care of Veterans. It's what we live for, it's what we do, those of us that wants to press forward in and help those who are in need," said Dennis Baker.

Also this afternoon, one special Veteran Captain Dale Doss was presented with a brick from a Vietnam prison war cell for his service to the veteran community.

Captain Doss was imprisoned for five years during his time in Vietnam and came back home to serve veterans for the past 20 years.
GADSDEN COUNTY, Fla. (WTXL) - The Florida Highway Patrol reports that a Bristol man is dead and a Tallahassee man is in critical condition after a head-on crash.

They said that Jason Jones, 31, was going south on State Road 267 in the southbound lane on Wednesday afternoon around 12:15 p.m. At the same time, Paul Griffin, 33, was traveling the opposite way on SR 267 in the northbound lane.

For unknown reasons, Jones' car drove into the northbound lane and into the path of Griffin's car. Troopers said that Griffin was unable to avoid the collision, leading to a head-on crash.

Jones was transported to Tallahassee Memorial Hospital. Griffin was killed as a result of the crash.

Charges and a toxicology report are still pending.

The Florida Highway was assisted on-scene by Gadsden County Sheriff Office, Wetumpka Volunteer Fire Department, Quincy Fire Department, Gadsden County EMS, and Greensboro Volunteer Fire Department. Next-of-kin has been made.
By Press Trust of India: New Delhi, May 24 (PTI) The Congress today demanded an independent probe into the caste violence in Saharanpur and cases against top police and civil officials of the district, as it hit out at the BJP government in Uttar Pradesh for "failing" to protect Dalits.

The Congress, while demanding setting up of a special court to try the cases to ensure time-bound justice, alleged that such attacks were a result of a mindset among some people who believe that they have a "licence to kill".

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Some people feel they can indulge in hooliganism, oppress Dalits and commit atrocities as they are confident that law will not be initiated against them as the chief minister will provide them protection, K Raju, the head of partys SC department, alleged.

One person was killed and four others were injured yesterday as fresh violence erupted in Saharanpur, which has been witnessing inter-caste clashes since last month.

"This is a very sad story. It is not good for law and order in UP. It does not augur well for development of Uttar Pradesh," he told reporters here.

"When a section of society feels that it can get away with murder, the weaker sections, the voiceless, the Dalits feel that they have no protection from government," he said, adding, "This is what has happened in Saharnapur."

The Congress demands that a special court be set up to try the cases and under the provisions of the Prevention of Atrocities Amendment Act charge sheets be filed against the accused within 60 days and the verdict comes within 120 days, he said.

Also action be taken against the administration, the police force and the district magistrate of Saharanpur for their "failure" to prevent occurrence and recurrence of such incidents, Raju said.

"Whosoever has failed in their duties should be punished," he added.

Congress spokesperson Bhakt Charan Das said there should be an independent probe into the incidents and justice be provided to victims and guilty punished.

The BJP-led UP government, they hoped, would implement the Prevention of Atrocities Amendment Act in letter and spirit to create confidence among Dalits that law will protect them.

"Otherwise, it will be difficult to contain the anger of Dalits," they said, cautioning the government against a backlash from the community if its right are not protected.

"I hope the UP government will take this message seriously and create the kind of environment where Dalits feel that they are safe," Raju said.

The Congress leader, who has visited the violence- affected areas, claimed a series of attacks on Dalits occurred in Saharanpur.

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Around 20 days ago some community members were attacked in Shabirpur village and mobs burnt down nearly 30 houses and caused serious injuries to many Dalits, he claimed.

He said yesterday some dalit youth were returning from a public rally, when the same gangs attacked them, adding nearly 19 Dalits were seriously injured and a 22-year-old man was killed.

He said the Congress also demands that the chief minister should immediately convene a meeting of the Vigilance and Monitoring Committee as required by law and make sure that such incidents are not repeated.

"Saharanpur is a district declared as atrocity-prone which means the administration ought to be on alert to make sure that atrocities on Dalits dont happen," he said.

"Such incidents are happening and what is worrisome in Saharanpur incident is that administration is silent, have been mute witnesses, they have not prevented, they have not stepped in and they have not ensured that the law is activated against the victims," he added.

He claimed that though hundreds of upper caste youth have been involved in clashes against Dalits, only 32 have been arrested so far. PTI SKC KIS

--- ENDS ---

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Shatrughan Sinha has shot back at Sushil Modi for demanding his expulsion from the party. The latter, in response said, he never named anyone but people must decide if they are BJP's well-wishers or "shatru".

By India Today Web Desk: The war of words between senior BJP leaders Shatrughan Sinha and Sushil Kumar Modi shows no signs of ending.

Shatrughan Sinha, the BJP MP from Patna Sahib constituency in Bihar, has shot back at Sushil Modi for demanding the actor-turned-politician's expulsion from the party.

"And this person today has the audacity and the cheek to call me names in public... And above all, ask for MY expulsion," said Shatrughan Sinha on Twitter.

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Sushil Modi replied that he never named anyone in his tweets and said that people have to decide if they are BJP's well-wishers or "shatru".

??? ?? ? ? ?? , ???? -? ??? ?? ? ?? ?? ? ??? ? ?? ?? ?? '?? '- Sushil Kumar Modi (@SushilModi) May 24, 2017

THE WAR ON TWITTER

Earlier, Sushil Modi had hit out at Shatrughan Sinha for coming out in support of Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.

He called Sinha BJP's "shatru" and said, "It is not necessary that those who are popular can be trusted. Traitors should be evicted from the house as soon as possible".

? ??? ? ?? ?? ? ? ? ? ? ??, ?? ??? ? ? ? -??? ?? ? ??- Sushil Kumar Modi (@SushilModi) May 22, 2017

In a series of tweets today, Shatrughan Sinha, without naming Sushil Modi, slammed him for demanding his expulsion from the BJP.

And this person today has the audacity & the cheek to call me names in public - "And Oh My God! What a title, what a name..shame shame"! 1>2- Shatrughan Sinha (@ShatruganSinha) May 24, 2017

"In what capacity has he asked for my expulsion? Before casting aspersions, he must look within himself and his diminished personality and performance," the actor-turned-politician said.

Nobody could or should believe that! And above all, ask for MY expulsion?!!Bhola babu, the respected, senior BJP leader has rightly...2>3- Shatrughan Sinha (@ShatruganSinha) May 24, 2017

"It is high time and right time he must learn a lesson or be taught a lesson by our party high command," Shatrughan Sinha said.

BJP's ATTACK ON LALU PRASAD

The BJP has accused Lalu Prasad and his family of being involved in corrupt land deals worth over Rs 1,000 crore. The Income Tax department recently carried out searches at 22 locations in Delhi and Gurgaon in connection with the benami land deals linked to Lalu Prasad.

Slamming politics of negativity and mudslinging, Shatrughan Sinha had earlier said, "Enough of negative politics and mudslinging by opponents on our political leaders, be it Kejriwal, Laloo or Sushil Modi. High time to substantiate your claims or pack up".

Enough of negative politics & mudslinging by opponents on our political leaders, be it Kejriwal, Laloo Yadav or Sushil Modi..High time..1>2- Shatrughan Sinha (@ShatruganSinha) May 22, 2017

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Reacting to Sinha's tweet, Sushil Modi said the BJP's "shatru" has come out in defence of Lalu when even alliance partner Nitish Kumar has distanced himself from the RJD chief.

ALSO READ:

More trouble for Lalu Prasad? Income Tax raids at 22 locations in Delhi, Gurgaon linked to benami land deals

As Shatrughan Sinha comes out in support of Lalu Prasad Yadav, Sushil Modi calls him BJP's 'shatru'

Misa Bharti's accountant Rajesh Agarwal arrested by ED in money laundering case

ALSO WATCH: Income Tax raids at Lalu Prasad, daughter Misa Bharti's houses over dubious land deals

--- ENDS ---
Kittitas County commissioners will have a public hearing March 9 on whether to extend a moratorium on large, commercial renewable energy projects another six months.
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Wife of police inspector Gyaneshwar Ganore was found murdered inside her house in Santacruz east. Ganore, who is posted at Khar police station, was associated with the probe in the sensational Sheena Bora murder case.

Wife of police inspector who once probed Sheena Bora murder case found murdered inside her house in Santacruz west (File photo for representation)

By Saurabh Vaktania: Wife of a police inspector was found murdered inside her house in Santacruz east today. The cop identified as inspector Gyaneshwar Ganore is posted at Khar police station and was once part of the team probing the sensational Sheena Bora murder case.

The highprofile Sheena Bora murder case was registered at the Khar police station. Ganore was one of the investigating officers in the case and also headed the team which arrested prime accused Indrani Mukerjea.

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SON PRIME SUSPECT

The police said prima facie Ganore's son, who is missing since last night, appears to be the prime suspect in the case. His mobile phone was recovered from the house.

The woman was allegedly first murdered by her son who slit her throat. The son then used the blood of her mother to script a message on the floor of the room.

"I am tired of her. Catch and hang me," his note said.

BRUTAL MURDER

When Ganore returned to his Prabhat Colony house from work early today he found the door locked from outside and keys were kept in the shoe rack. When he opened the door, Ganore found his wife Deepali lying in a pool of blood with her throat slit. He called the police control room immediately. She was taken to a nearby hospital where doctors declared her dead.

The woman's body has been kept in a hospital for post-mortem. The Vakola police has registered a murder case and is investigated the matter from all possible angles.

ALSO READ:

Mumbai: After three months of investigation, police solve murder case of 12-year-old boy

Another twist in Sheena Bora murder case adds to the mystery

Mumbai: Elderly couple found brutally stabbed, husband succumbs to injuries, wife battling for life

ALSO WATCH:

Sheena Bora murder case: CBI court charges Indrani, Peter Mukerjea, Sanjeev Khanna

--- ENDS ---
It may be too early to predict whether US President Donald Trumps visit to Israel is going to be remembered as a turning point on the way to an agreement between Israel and its neighborsSaudi Arabia, the Gulf states and of course the Palestiniansbut as Mrs. Sara Netanyahu revealed Monday evening, there is already one noticeable achievement: The prime ministers modest residence, as she called it, was painted and polished in honor of Donald and Melanias visit.

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And so, even before the breakthroughs in the long journey towards an agreement with the Palestinians, which would force all parties to make painful concessions, Trump has already contributed something. Beyond a view of the painted walls, the cameras that entered the Prime Ministers Residence on Monday evening allowed the Israeli viewer to witness directlywithout any PR agentsthe dynamics between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife, to see who really runs the show. The answer was clear to everyone: The wife Sara.

It began at Ben-Gurion Airport with her attack on the media, which she says hate her and her husband. We have something in common, she told the American president. Most of the people like us, unlike the media. Several hours later, we got the images and sounds from the guests arrival at the prime ministers residence with his wife. When Mrs. Netanyahu introduced their son, Yair, to the couple, the prime minister said: He looks like his mother. Our other son looks like me.

Sara and Benjamin Netanyahu welcome Donald and Melania Trump. The visits achievement: The prime ministers residence was painted and polished in honor of the presidential couple (Photo: Avi Ohayon, GPO)

After Knesset Member Oren Hazan explained to Trump that many people in Israel regard him as the Israeli Trump, Sara Netanyahu spoke about the similarity between herself and the president in terms of the peoples affection and the medias hatred. She promised to elaborate on the issue over dinner. Between one dish and another, the names of media personalitiesfrom here and from therewere likely put on the table as well.

This meal could still cost us dearly. In America, as we know, there aint no such thing as a free lunch. Netanyahu may find this truth hard to swallow. According to reliable sources, Trump plans to make Netanyahu foot the bill. He is convinced that there is a partner on the other sideand he is uncertain that there is a partner on the Israeli side.

In the two days he spent in Riyadh, Trump became convinced that if Israel wishes to reach an agreement with its neighbors and to become part of the anti-Iran alliance, it must pay in Palestinian currency. Israel must accept a self-determination of the Palestinian entity, whose borders will be set according to the 1967 lines and whose capital will be in east Jerusalem. In other words, Trump said to his Israeli hosts: You want an alliance against Iran? You want a regional agreement? You must decide if you are willing to uphold your share of the bargain.
A narrow and paved path leads to Kerem Reim. Oak and carob trees grow on both its sides, and down the road we pass by a vineyard planted on a non-steep slope. Its a relatively new settlement point in the west Binyamin region in the territories, which presents its to the Civil Administration and the states institutions as a new neighborhood belonging to the Talmon settlement, which is located several kilometers away.

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On the ground, however, it serves as an independent community, a settlement for all intents and purposes. Its a sort of wink which is very common here, in a bid to help the place slip under the radar of the international community, which opposes the establishment of new settlements.

We arrived shortly after 5 pm. In the center of the community, in a small playground, we found six mothers sitting on the small section of grass that had been planted for the residents, with children of different ages running around them. We spotted 15 toddlers, though we may have missed a child or two. Two wooden swings and two colorful slides connected by a crawling device, as well as a bench under an olive tree, turn the small public playground into a pleasant and serene place, which serves as a meeting point for the small community that settled on this hill.

Other residents were sitting outside the caravans which had been placed one next to the other in rows by Amana, the Yesha Councils settlement movement. The sun was making its way down, and in this pleasant atmosphere, they were sitting and watching their small children walking barefoot against the beautiful view observed from every direction.

Construction in Kerem Reim, last week. Civil Administration demolition orders for 57 illegal structures have not been enforced (Photo: Yariv Katz)

The residents of Kerem Reim, however, have no intention of living in such a crowded place forever. Half-built homes, in advanced stages of construction, stand at the entrance to the community. The construction work began a little less than a year ago and was stopped by a High Court order following a petition filed by the Peace Now movement, which argued that the construction was illegal and did not have the required permits. The petition further demanded that the Supreme Court instruct the Civil Administration to act on the demolition orders it had issued for the buildings. In the meantime, the large construction site stands deserted, the residents are waiting for the court to hand down its ruling, and until that happensthey are living their lives in caravans on the small hill.

While Donald Trumps visit to Israel was not expected to lead to a renewal of peace negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians, the American president made it clear to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu three months ago that he expected him to restrain the construction in the settlements, and administration officials made it clear that Israel should avoid building in the territories as much as it could to allow the president to restart the peace process.

Officially, therefore, the government is restraining itself when it comes to construction in Judea and Samaria and the establishment of new settlements. In practice, however, the construction in settlements is going on. New settlements are being established on the ground without being officially declared as communities, as part of a method which has become the informal way of growing and spreading the settlement enterprise in the territories.

Between Nationalist Haredim and liberals

The method is illustrated in the story of Kerem Reim, which is located in the Dolev-Talmonim bloc in the Mateh Binyamin Regional Council. At first, the settlement of Dolev was established in the area in the early 1980s. Then came Nahliel, followed by Talmon in the early 1990s. Talmon generated Neria, which is officially called Talmon Bet, followed by Harasha, whichlike Neriais officially considered a Talmon neighborhood but is actually an independent autonomic community. Kerem Reim is the last in the Talmonim series for now.

Hagit Ofran, a member of Peace Nows Settlement Watch Team, says the first caravans were brought to the area in September 2012. At first, the place was called Nahalei Tal, but its name was changed to Kerem Reim three years later.

As the establishment of a new settlement in the territories requires a cabinet decision, what we call the political echelon, the settlers have found a patent in the form of unauthorized outposts, Ofran explains. They go up to the area, place a few caravans and populate them with families, and slowly lay infrastructures and regulate the place. They always cry that there is a construction freeze, but on the ground youll always see construction. They have done pretty well with dozens of illegal outposts, which have actually turned into communities for all intents and purposes.

"Kerem Reim is a new settlement which has been built from scratch during a period in which new settlements are allegedly not being established. The Mateh Binyamin Regional Council and Amana, which are supposed to act in accordance with the law, are involved in its construction.

Even according to the directional sign, its a community for all intents and purposes (Photo: Yariv Katz)

Detailed Master Plan No. 235/10, titled Talmonthe Nahalei Tal Neighborhood, was presented in the Civil Administration in February 2013. On May 9 that year, the plan was approved by then-Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon, paving the way for the continuation of the planning processes. Of course the plan was approved out of an understanding that this was just a neighborhood being added to an existing community. The planner, architect Joshua Shahar, presented the plan to the Civil Administrations subcommittee for settlements in August 2013 as a northern neighborhood of the Talmonim bloc, north of Neria.

Mateh Binyamin Regional Council head Avi Roeh, who also serves as head of the Yesha Council, says the area where Kerem Reim was established is a very popular residential area.

Neria is a community with residents from the Chardal (nationalist Haredied) stream, and the building potential there has been almost fully exhausted as it is. The Kerem Reim guys are young people from the central stream of the national-religious public, open and more liberal people. They came and requested to establish a new community. Their territory is on state lands, a territory which was allotted to Neria by the Settlement Division. Because this land is already there, and because these guys have their unique character and it would be wrong to mix them with Neria, it was decided to give them this spot.

More than 300 families

We went up to Neria. The sign directing us there says Talmon Bet, but at the entrance we are greeted by another sign in bold letters: Neriathe home we always wanted, which makes it clear that we are entering a community rather than a neighborhood.

More than 300 families live here, according to Ariel Vangruber, a Neria resident and member of the communitys secretariat. When the Kerem Reim guys came along, we decided together with Amana to allot the territory in favor of the establishment of a new community, which would be different from our community, he says.

Asked why Neria is official recognized as a neighborhood although it is run as an independent community, Vangruber says the question should be directed at the government. This conduct was affected by American and European pressure on Israels governments. Some of the creative solutions we were required to come up with were to build neighborhoods that function as autonomic communities. A community doesnt have to receive an Interior Ministry stamp and official recognition to feel like a community. As far as Im concerned, I live in a completely separate community from Talmon. These are two different places.

Does your identity card state your place of residence?

I am registered as a Talmon resident. Is there any logic in the states conduct in terms of the settlement here? Absolutely not. And its clear to us that the authorities are well aware of the situation on the ground. The fact is that there is a settlement here.

Even Regional Council Head Roeh is confused by this reality of a community disguised as a neighborhood. At times, he refers to Kerem Reim as a neighborhood, and then sometimes he calls it a community. The regional councils official publications include a list of the councils communities at the bottom of the page. Neria, Harasha and Kerem Reim appear on the list as communities for all intents and purposes, alongside Adei Ad, Ahiya, Esh Kodesh, Zayit Raanan, Tel Zion, Mitzpe Kramim and Givat Haroehwhich are all outposts erected illegally or neighborhoods built next to existing communities. They all appear on the list as independent communities.

From my perspective as a council head, Roeh says, it doesnt matter if its a community or a neighborhood, as long as people are settling in these places, as long as there are houses there with people living in them. Our main mission is settlement. This isnt Givatayim. As far as Im concerned, any place defined as state lands which has been handed over to one of the communities with authorization must be settled. As the head of the system, I dont care if its called a neighborhood or a community.

Yesha Council head Avi Roeh. Kerem Reim will be regulated, and all problems will be solved (Photo: Tal Shahar)

A basic charter was signed in April 24, 2014, a during a cornerstone laying ceremony for the first permanent neighborhood of Kerem Reim, Neighborhood A. the charter states that the new neighborhood will include 77 housing units and public areas, adding We, the undersigned, hereby pledge to try to do everything in our power to speed up and push for the establishment of the neighborhood and its communal, physical, public and private components, in within the shortest period of time possible.

There are four signatures at the end of the charter: Then-Housing Minister Uri Ariel, Amana Secretary-General Zeev (Zambish) Hever, Binyamin Regional Council head Avi Roeh and the cooperative society, which was still called Nahalei Tal at the time.

Four months earlier, in January 2014, the Bimkom non-profit organization submitted an appeal to the Civil Administration against the Kerem Reim master plan. Architect Alon Cohen-Lifshitz, who signed the appeal on behalf of the NGO, says that the plan was aimed, among other things, at authorizing illegal construction in the area.

According to Cohen-Lifshitz, the plan fails to implement one of the planning principles: When building a new neighborhood, you have to make sure that it is close to an existing constructed area to make it easy to draw water, sewage and electricity infrastructures from that neighborhood. In this case, the proximity principle doesnt exist. The new community is being built at a distance of almost 800 meters from the last houses of Neria, and more than one kilometer from Talmon.

We further argued that if they want to build a new neighborhood in Talmon, there are land reserves for that purpose within the constructed community. On the one hand, however, they claim in the plan that its a neighborhood, and on the other hand, there are 106 dunams in the plan that are designated for public areas, public institutions, educational institutions, synagogues and a mikveh. You dont allot such a large public area when building a neighborhood in a small settlement. It has all the characteristics of a community, but in the documents and plans its called a neighborhood to prevent a dispute with the Americans.

Bimkoms appeal was unaddressed by the Civil Administration for more than three years. Last March, Peace Now petitioned the High Court of Justice against the Kerem Reim construction. One of the people the petition is directed at is the regional council head, Roeh, whoaccording to Peace Nowhas not only failed to enforce the construction laws in the area, but is also transferring funds to the community from the councils coffer. The petition is also directed at the Civil Administration.

In response to the petition, the Defense Ministry confirmed that from 2014 to 2016 Civil Administration workers had handed out demolition orders to 57 new illegal building that were erected on the state lands that Kerem Reim is located on.

The enforcement and implementation of these orders, like other orders issued by the Civil Administration against planning and construction violations, will be performed in accordance with a list of priorities and subject to operational constraints, Attorney Eran Ben-Ari from the Defense Ministrys legal department wrote in response.

Roeh says he is incapable of enforcing the law in the area, adding that thats the Civil Administrations job. But I do budget the place because there are people living there and there are children, and they need a kindergarten there and they need security, he says.

But its a place which has yet to receive permits and is considered illegal.

It will be legal. The High Court has asked the state for answers, and the state will declare that it plans to regulate the issue and the Hight Court will allot time for that, and in that time Kerem Reim will be regulated and all problems will be solved.

Until the matter is regulated, the young residents of Kerem Reim will keep living in caravans. The half-built homes have been deserted for now, but they are certain that the work will be resumed soon. On HaTeena Street in Neria, where Vangruber lives, we saw 16 homes in different construction stages last week.

At the moment, there are 40 homes under construction in the entire community, Vangruber says. There is a high demand to live here. In 2016 alone, we were approached by 70 families. Forty-five arrived for a tour of Neria, and in the summer we took in 30 of them. At the moment, they are living in the caravan neighborhood until their homes will be built. For several years now, the community has been taking in 30 new families every summer.

We want a legal community this time

A 40-hour drive from there, in the Ofra seminary campus, the Amona outpost evictees are still waiting for the construction of their new community to begin. In late March, the government decided to build them a community in the territories. It was defined as a historic moment, as the Israeli government has not made such a decision in more than 20 yearsat least not official.

Avihai Boaron, who leads the outposts action committee, says the Amona residents wanted to establish a new community which would be legal this time, without any shortcuts. We were so happy that the government finally decided to establish a community in a legal and proper way. No one wants to steal horses.

The new situation, he says, creates an unhealthy reality. On the one hand, the diplomatic agenda suffocates construction. On the other hand, the population is growing and people from the outside want to come live here. This situation creates suffocation, and this suffocation creates uncertainty, which leads to the creation of forced solutions of bringing one caravan followed by another. And if there are caravans and families living here, why not build stone houses? And after they are built, permits are sought retroactively.

In the meantime, we are waiting for our community to be established according to the government decision. But if we see no progress being made, we will go up independently to the area authorized for our community.
President Donald Trump has retained Marc Kasowitz as his private attorney for the special counsel's probe of alleged Russian meddling in the US election and possible ties between the Trump campaign and Moscow, a Fox Business Network reporter said on Twitter on Tuesday.

Kasowitz, a New York-based trial lawyer who has represented Trump in the past, did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Reuters.
Only two days after US President Donald Trump's visit to Israel and the West Bank, his Middle East envoy Jason Greenblatt is expected to arrive in Israel on Thursday to continue efforts to restart peace talks.

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Nikki Haley, the American ambassador to the UN, will also arrive on a three-day visit to Israel in early June and will be accompanied by her Israeli counterpart Danny Danon.

Haley, who will be visiting Israel for the first time, is expected to meet with President Reuven Rivlin and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. She is also scheduled to visit Israel's southern and northern borders and get a helicopter tour of Israel.

Greenblatt meets with Netanyahu (Phoro: GPO)

Haley will visit Jerusalem's Old City, the Western Wall, the Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum and Tel Aviv. She is also expected to visit the Palestinian Authority.

Trump spent some 28 hours visiting Israel and meeting with Netanyahu in Jerusalem and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Bethlehem.

A White House statement about Trump's meeting with Netanyahu said that the two leaders "discussed how to move forward with Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations. President Trump reaffirmed his belief that peace is possible, not only between Israelis and Palestinians, but throughout large parts of the Middle East."

The statement further noted that "President Trump welcomed the steps that Prime Minister Netanyahu's security cabinet has taken to improve the Palestinian economy, noting that greater economic opportunity for Palestinians would enhance the prospects for peace."

Trump and Netanyahu at the Israel Museum (Photo: AP)

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict was also raised in Trump's meetings with Arab leaders in Saudi Arabia. A joint statement with Saudi Arabia issued by the White House said: "The two sides stressed the importance of reaching a comprehensive peace between Israelis and Palestinians. The leaders agreed to do everything they can to promote an environment that is conducive to advancing peace."

While he was in Israel, Trump also met with Opposition leader Isaac Herzog (Zionist Union) on Tuesday at the Israel Museum. Greenblatt and Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, who also serves as the president's advisor, were also present in the meeting. Kusher told Herzog that Trump always surprises and that their goal was to create the conditions to renew peace negotiations in the foreseeable future.

One senior administration official told Reuters that Kushner was treading carefully to avoid stepping into "the same traps" that have tripped up previous efforts. "Hes a good listener and hes trying to learn as much as he can," the official said.

Keeping his cards close to his chest

Kushner, who wields tremendous clout within the White House on a broad range of issues, is not a full-time envoy in the traditional model that previous US administrations have employed when peace negotiations were under way.

Rather than broadcasting his plans and dashing among the parties in a high-profile display of shuttle diplomacy, as more traditional envoys were known to do, his approach has been decidedly low-key, delegating much of the work.

The shoe-leather tasks of day-to-day discussions with leaders in Jerusalem, Ramallah, Amman and the Gulf to gather input and regional perspective has been handled by Greenblatt, a real-estate lawyer and long-term Trump loyalist.

While Kushner has visited Iraq and now Saudi Arabia, and has long had business ties to Israel, including supporting a settlement in the West Bank, Greenblatt has taken the day-to-day lead and reported back to Kushner on progress.

Jared Kushner at the Western Wall (Photo: AP)

A handful of senior officials on the Israeli and Palestinian sides confirmed they had met with Kushner, but just as quickly underlined that they had nothing to say about what was discussed. It is as if a veil of secrecy is drawn over anything to do with the real-estate developer husband of Ivanka Trump.

Kushner, a practicing Orthodox Jew, has known Prime Minister Netanyahu for about 20 years, dating to his childhood, when Netanyahu knew Kushner's father.

He also has personal ties to Ron Dermer, the Israeli ambassador to the United States. Nevertheless, Israeli officials say they do not think Kushner takes their side uncritically.

"In the beginning it looked like Kushner really admired Dermer, really hung on his every word. That created the sense that it was all going to be good: Jareds young, hes Jewish, he likes us, he understands us, its going to be easy," said one person close to the prime minister's office.

"But as time has gone by, that impression has changed somewhat. Now people are not so convinced they were right. Jared is his own man."

To demonstrate its fairness, the Trump administration invited Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to the White House weeks before Trump's trip to Israel. Kushner and Greenblatt had a two-hour breakfast in Washington with Abbas before Abbas met with Trump, according to a source familiar with the meeting.

Yet many Palestinians say they are skeptical that someone with such close ties to Israel can ever be even-handed. The Palestinians believe that Israel is deliberately stalling any peace process while it builds settlements on Palestinian land, and Israel will negotiate only if Washington applies pressure.

"Kushner is good for Israel because of his ... fanatic positions," said Hani al-Masri, a Palestinian political analyst based in the West Bank city of Ramallah. It was probably better that Kushner was slow to unveil any peace plan, because "if he acted it would be for the sake of Israel," he said.

But Masri also said he suspected the Americans would take their time in laying out any concrete proposals to restart the peace process, because Israel did not want to make concessions.

"Both of them (Kushner and Trump) are not in a hurry because they know that the current Israeli government will not give anything."

Reuters and Elisha Ben-Kimon contributed to this story.
Unknown perpetrators set fire to two vehicles in the village of 'Ara early Wednesday, writing "price tag" on the wall of a nearby building.

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Large police forces that were called to the scene and launched an investigation into the incident. No one was reported hurt in the attack.

Police suspect the price tag attack was carried out because of a protest tent erected in the village in support of the Palestinian security prisoners' hunger strike.

The burnt cars (Photo: Hassan Shaalan)

"This is a very serious incident," Sa'id Masrawa, a resident of the village, said. "Unfortunately, the criminals behind these attacks keep hurting us and there's no one to stop them. Two weeks ago they did this in Na'ura, and now they did the same here.

"We don't know what we can do. If the police won't find them, they could potentially even end up killing someone."

The owner of the vandalized house and vehicles, Asam Younes, recounted the attack.

"At about 2:30am, I heard a loud explosion. I opened the window and saw two of my cars on fire. I immediately left my house and managed to get the third car out of the way (of the fire)."

The cars' owner, Asam Younes (Photo: Hassan Shaalan)

Younes said that he then noticed the price tag graffiti on the wall of his home.

"The local residents saw a vehicle wildly fleeing the scene," he added. He also said that "just a few days ago the residents saw a car driven by ultra-Orthodox Jews in the village," an admittedly unusual sight, though he said that they were still completely surprised by the attack and "did not expect this to happen."

"This is serious. Today they're damaging cars, (but) if authorities don't work professionally (to solve these cases), then it's very possible that tomorrow people could get hurt," Younes added.

Dozens of the village's residents who arrived at the scene denounced the attack, saying that price tag attackers should be severely dealt with. "We won't be silent about these actions. There need to be protests and a serious campaign until they catch these racist criminals who try to set the area aflame," said one of the residents.

Price tag graffiti (Photo: Hassan Shaalan)

Th incident in 'Ara is the latest in a string of price tag attacks. About two weeks ago, 20 vehicles parked in Jerusalem were vandalized, their tires punctured and graffiti sprayed on them reading "price tag."

That same day, nine vehicles were vandalized in the village of Na'ura as unknown perpetrators slashed their tires, writing "administrative revenge," "administrative price tag" and "Muhammad is an administrative pig" in graffiti on the walls nearby. Police suspect these acts were carried out as revenge for the 17 restraining orders imposed against members of the Hilltop Youths as a preemptive move amid fears that they would stoke up tensions in the wake of recent violent incidents that have beset the area.

Such violent incidents perpetrated by Jewish extremists include rock-throwing at Israeli security forces and at left-wing groups in Binyamin, clashes in the Palestinian town of Huwara and the burning of vehicles in Palestinian villages.

(Translated & edited by Lior Mor)
Qatar said on Wednesday its state news agency had been hacked, after it reported remarks purportedly by its ruler criticizing aspects of US foreign policy in the wake of President Donald Trump's visit to Saudi Arabia.

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The fake article claimed the small, gas-rich nation had ordered its ambassadors from Bahrain, Egypt, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates withdrawn over "tension" with the Trump administration. The fake article also quoted Qatar Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani calling Iran an "Islamic power" and saying Qatar's relations with Israel were "good."

Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani

"The Qatar News Agency (QNA) website has been hacked by an unknown entity. A false statement attributed to His Highness has been published," the Gulf Arab state's government communications office said.

"An ongoing investigation will be put in place to look into this matter. The statement published has no basis whatsoever, and the competent authorities in the State of Qatar will hold all those (involved) accountable."

Photo: EPA

Ties between Qatar and other Gulf Arab states suffered an eight-month breach in 2014 over Qatar's alleged support for the Muslim Brotherhood, an Islamist group whose political ideology challenges the principle of dynastic rule.

Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have used their oil and gas revenues to influence events in other Middle Eastern countries, and rifts between them can alter the political environment in Libya, Egypt, Syria, Iraq and Yemen.

The hacked report, which said Sheikh Tamim had spoken at a military graduation ceremony, cited him as being critical of renewed tensions with Gulf Arab adversary Iran.

A government spokesman told Reuters the Emir had attended a graduation ceremony for Qataris doing national service, "however, he did not make any speech or give any statements."

Al-Thani and Trump (Photo: Reuters)

The incident happened four days after Qatar complained publicly that it was the target of "an orchestrated barrage" of criticism by unknown parties in the run-up to Trump's visit alleging the Gulf state supported terrorist groups in the Middle East.

Trump met Sheikh Tamim and other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) leaders on his trip to Saudi Arabia on Saturday and Sunday, where he renewed his assertion that Iran was a leading state sponsor of terrorism.

Iran denies the allegation and says Saudi Arabia, the dominant GCC power, supports militant Islamist armed groups such as al Qaeda and Islamic State. Riyadh, in turn, denies that.

Arguments over the Brotherhood, the most influential Islamist group in the world, were at the heart of a rift among Gulf Arab states that in 2014 saw Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Bahrain withdraw their ambassadors from Doha.

They only returned after Qatar said it would not allow itself to be used by the Brotherhood for its activities.
US President Donald Trump reportedly told Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas during their meeting Tuesday that he plans to announce a new peace initiative in the coming weeks, according to the pan-Arabic newspaper Al Hayat.

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The newspaper quotes a senior source as saying that Trump and his team are still studying the new initiative, and he is expected to announce it within a month.

Trump speaking in Bethlehem after meeting with Abbas

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According to the source, the peace initiative will set a time limit for talks, during which the sides will negotiate each of the core issue separately.

"Trump wants a separate agreement on each issue and, in that way, they'll eventually reach the big deal, which is a final-status peace agreement between the sides," the source told Al Hayat.

Trump meets with Abbas in Bethlehem (Photo: AFP)





Meanwhile, Abbas's senior economic advisor Mohammad Mustafa said the Palestinian asked Trump for significant economic changes beyond the economic relief measures Israel has proposed. Among other things, the Palestinians have asked for economic freedom in the Israeli-controlled Area C of the West Bank and changes to the 1994 Paris Protocol, which is an agreement on economic relations between Israel and the PLO.
Major general Qasem Soleimani, Iranian senior military officer in the Iranian army and commander of its Quds Forcea division primarily responsible for extraterritorial military and clandestine operations, has congratulated Ismail Haniyeh for his nomination as the New Hamas leader.

In his letter, Soleimani wrote that Iran hopes to strengthen its cooperation with Hamas and that they support their efforts in the "resistance against the Israeli occupation" and their holy war against the Zionists.
US President Donald Trump met with Pope Francis, the famously humble pontiff with whom he has publicly clashed, concluding his tour of the ancestral homes of the world's three largest monotheistic religions.

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Trump, midway through his grueling nine-day maiden international journey, called upon the pontiff at the Vatican early Wednesday where the two had a private 30-minute meeting laden with religious symbolism and ancient protocol.

US President Donald Trump and Pope Francis (Photo: AP)

The president, accompanied by his wife and several aides, arrived at the Vatican just after 8am local time. The president greeted Francis in Sala del Tronetto, the room of the little throne, on the second floor of Apostolic Palace Wednesday morning.

The men shook hands and Trump could be heard thanking the pope and saying it was "a great honor" to be there. They then posed for photographs and then sat down at the papal desk, the pope unsmiling, as their private meeting began.

It ended a half hour later when Francis rang the bell in his private study. The pontiff was then introduced to members of Trump's delegation, including his wife Melania, his daughter Ivanka and son-in-law Jared Kushner, as well as aides Hope Hicks and Dan Scavino.

Trump meets with Pope Francis (Credit: Reuters)

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Smiling for the staff, Francis had a light moment with the First Lady, asking via translator, "What do you give him to eat, pizza?"

Melania giggled and said "Pizza? Yes."

Photo: AFP

As is tradition, the pope and president exchanged gifts. The pope gave the president a medal featuring an olive branch, a symbol of peace, and three bound papal documents that to some degree define his papacy and priorities. "We can use peace," the president responded

Trump presented the pontiff some books written by Martin Luther King Jr, saying "I think you'll enjoy them. I hope you do."

When Trump departed, he told the pope: "Thank you, I won't forget what you said."

Photo: Reuters

The meeting could provide powerful imagery to Catholic voters back in the United States as well as the possibility for conflict between a president and a pope who have not often seen eye-to-eye.

The two men's often opposite worldviews collided head-on early last year, when Francis was sharply critical of Trump's campaign pledge to build an impenetrable wall on the Mexican border and his declaration that the United States should turn away Muslim immigrants and refugees.

"A person who thinks only about building walls, wherever they may be, and not building bridges, is not Christian," Francis said then. The pontiff has been a vocal advocate for aiding refugees, particularly those fleeing the violence in Syria, deeming it both a "moral imperative" and "Christian duty" to help.

Photo: AP

Trump has never been one to let an insult, perceived or real, go by without a response, and he made no exception for the world's best-known religious leader. He called Francis "disgraceful" for doubting his faith.

Even the pontiff's congratulatory message sent to mark Trump's inauguration contained a sly reference to their disagreement, as the pope wrote that he hoped the United States' international stature would "continue to be measured above all by its concern for the poor, the outcast and those in need."

Photo: AFP

In recent days, Francis and Trump have been in agreement on a need for Muslim leaders to do more against extremists in their own communities. But there are few other areas where their views align.

The president's prior anti-Muslim rhetoricincluding his musing that Islam "hates" the Westis the antithesis of what the pope has been preaching about a need for dialogue with Muslims. Francis also differs sharply with Trump on the need to combat climate change and economic inequality.

Photo: AFP

Trump arrived in Rome Tuesday evening, his motorcade closing a busy Italian highway just after rush hour and prompting hundreds of onlookers to briefly step out of their gridlocked cars to gawk at the fleet of armored vehicles. He spent the night at the US ambassador to Italy's residence.

Trump is the 13th president to visit the Vatican and, as part of his tour, he will view the Sistine Chapel.

Photo: Reuters

Trump's visit to the Eternal City comes after two stops in the Middle East where he visited the cradles of Islam and Judaism. In Saudi Arabia , he addressed dozens of Arab leaders and urged them to fight extremists at home and isolate Iran, which he depicted as menace to the region. And in Israel , Trump reaffirmed his commitment to strong ties with the nation's longtime ally and urged both the Israelis and the Palestinians to begin the process of reaching a peace deal. No details or timetable have yet to be established for negotiations.

But while Trump received extravagantly warm welcomes in Riyadh and Jerusalem, the reception could grow much cooler now that he's reached Europe, site of widespread protests after his election. Climate change activists projected the words "Planet Earth First" on the massive dome of St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican Tuesday night and protests are expected Wednesday in Rome and later in the week when Trump travels to Brussels for a NATO meeting and Sicily for a G7 gathering.
Family members of at least 21 undertrials, suspected to be members of SIMI, moved the NHRC, accusing the Bhopal central jail authorities of severe custodial torture.

By India Today Web Desk: Family members of at least 21 undertrials, suspected to be members of the banned Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI), today moved the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), accusing the Bhopal central jail authorities of severe custodial torture and threat to their lives since October 31 last year when eight others were killed in an encounter on the outskirts of the city.

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The petition submitted before the NHRC details the torture and abuse allegedly being faced by the undertrials. The allegations range from being repeatedly beaten, forced to eat adulterated food, chant anti-Islam slogans, to being denied medical treatment or even urged to kill themselves.

Others have also complained of being locked up in barracks, served less food, and denied meeting with their relatives or lawyers.

BHOPAL JAIL INMATES ALLEGES TORTURE

On April 26 last month, Mohd Iqrar, one of the undertrials, in a video conference with the magistrate, had complained about repeated physical torture with injuries on head, thighs and hips. He said his beard was forcefully cut and that he was forced to chant anti-Islam slogans. He also told the magistrate that he was threatened with death if he mentioned about the jail conditions to him.

Ten days later on May 5, when Iqrar's brother-in-law Imanur Rahman visited him in jail, he said he was further tortured due to his submission before the magistrate. Another prisoner Abu Fazal also told Rahman he is being forced to chant slogans like 'Jai Shri Ram' and given only limited food. He said he has been locked-up in barracks with no free movement.

The suspected SIMI undertrials said the torture and inhuman treatment began after the controversial encounter of eight alleged SIMI men on top of a hill on the outskirts of Bhopal in October last year. The Madhya Pradesh police said the undertrials had escaped using bed sheets and wooden logs after allegedly killing a jail security guard using spoons and plates.

INDEPENDENT PROBE DEMANDED

Expressing "grave concern" over the condition of the undertrials and their safety, the petition demanded an independent inquiry into the allegations and a "free and fair" monitoring of the ongoing trial by a senior lawyer. The NHRC has also been requested to make a surprise visit to Bhopal jail to ascertain the reality.

People's Union of Civil Liberties member Madhuri, who was part of the delegation that visited the NHRC today, said, "We fear for the safety of the 21 remaining prisoners. Therefore, we have urged the NHRC to send a team and talk to them. The relatives are not allowed to meet them. Three of the prisoners who were seriously injured have even deposed in the court in their ongoing trial, but no independent investigation has happened. So we were left with no option but to get them to intervene."

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Also read | Bhopal SIMI encounter: Judicial commission serves notice to jail authorities

Also read | Bhopal Jailbreak: MP CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan calls the eight dead SIMI men 'dreaded terrorists' for the second time

ALSO WATCH VIDEO

--- ENDS ---
Israeli security forces arrested three Palestinians from Huwara overnight Tuesday on suspicion they were involved in the attack on a settler's car on Highway 60 last week.

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The settler, who said he feared for his life, opened fire at some 200 Palestinian rioters who were pelting his car with stones and later surrounded it and attacked it.

Palestinian rioters in Huwara attacking the settler's car (Photo: Reuters)

An ambulance driver, who is suspected of intentionally blocking the settler's car and preventing him from getting away from the Palestinian mob, was arrested shortly after the incident.





Palestinian rioters in Huwara attacking the settler's car (Photo: Reuters)

A security video of the incident shows the protest the settler came upon, which was in solidarity with Palestinian security prisoners jailed in Israel.

The video shows the settler's car surrounded by people who are preventing him from moving. The Israeli car is then seen pushing forward, hitting some of the protesters blocking his path, while an ambulance drives onto the road, blocking it. It is at this point that the rioters begin kicking the car and throwing stones at it.

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The video does not, however, show the shooting.

The settler told police investigators after the incident that had he not fired, he would have been lynched. "I saw death staring at me," he later said. He also claimed he did not fire directly at the rioters, but rather into the air.

Moataz Hussein Taya, 23, from the village of Bita, was critically wounded and succumbed to his wounds moments later. AP photographer Majdi Eshtiya was moderately wounded in the incident, suffering a gun shot to his arm.

Police said the investigation into the incident is still ongoing.
Three Palestinians were arrested for suspected involvement in the lynching attempt against an Israeli settler near Huwara last week.

Police suspects that the three threw rocks and charged at the Israeli's vehicle in an attempt to harm him. In response, the Israeli shot at his assailants, killing an alleged Palestinian attacker and a news photographer.
Senior Islamic State militants including the group's "minister of war" have been killed in Syrian army operations to the east of Aleppo, Syrian state media cited a military source as saying on Wednesday.

The "minister of war" was identified as Abu Musab al-Masri. The military source said he was among a number of senior Islamic State militants killed in the army operations, who included Saudis and Iraqis.
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte says "we are in a state of emergency" and skirmishes with Muslim militants who attacked a southern city are continuing.

Speaking to reporters after returning to Manila from a visit to Moscow, Duterte repeated that he will deal with militants "harshly" after declaring martial law in the southern Mindanao region, home to a decadeslong Muslim separatist rebellion.

Duterte said he was forced to declare martial law in Mindanao for 60 days, and says his government may consider other areas in the event the militants and other Islamic State-affiliated groups seek sanctuary or expand their "terrorist activities." He mentioned the central Visayas region, where militants recently also launched attacks far from their southern strongholds.

He spoke as the fighting raged in Marawi city, where militants seized a priest, 10 worshippers and three church workers from a cathedral as they rampaged through the city.
President Donald Trump is meeting with Italian President Sergio Mattarella.

Trump was greeted by Mattarella at the Quirinale Palace in Rome on Wednesday morning. The meeting follows a private audience with Pope Francis at the Vatican.

Trump is expected to next meet with Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni.

Trump is in the middle of his first international tripa nine-day journey through the middle east and Europe. He will leave for Belgium later on Wednesday.
The right-wing celebrated US President Donald Trump's speech Tuesday, claiming that it was "unprecedented" and calling it a "huge accomplishment."

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Trump touched Tuesday on many subjects near and dear to the right-wing, such as Iran's support of terrorism and the Palestinian National Authority's policy to give stipends to the families of terrorists, echoing their positions on the subjects.

Trump and Netanyahu (Photo: Reuters)

At the end of his speech, Minister of Science, Technology and Space Ofir Akunis (Likud) turned to his fellow party members and said "Gentlemen, we have a new member in the Likud. This is an unprecedented speech. There hasn't been anything like this in the history of the Israel-US relations."

Minister of Tourism Yariv Levin (Likud) agreed, saying it was "a huge accomplishment for Israeli politics."

Culture and Sport Minister Miri Regev (Likud) summarized her party's views, saying that it was "a brave speech that returned values and justice to the international political discourse."

"God bless Donald J. Trump," Regev added in English.

Miri Regev (L) and Ofir Akunis (Photo: Gil Yohanan)

The opposition too found some solace in the US president's speech.

"Trump clarified that, as he sees it, both Mahmoud Abbas and Benjamin Netanyahu are partners (in the efforts) for peace," said MK Tzipi Livni (Hatnuah). "Now it's up to them to prove him right. I wish them good luck."

On a related note, former Prime Minister's Office's chief of staff Natan Eshel made an interesting claim during one of Trump's speeches. As Trump was winding down, Minister Akunis told Eshel that it was a wonderful correction to Netanyahu's 2009 speech at Bar-Ilan University, in which he first mentioned the two-state solution.

Natan Eshel (Photo: Avishag Shaar-Yashuv)

Eshel then responded by claiming it was his idea for Netanyahu to mention it. "Bar-Ilan was actually my idea," he told Akunis. "I told Netanyahu: 'you have to either say or do, so why not saying just a bit?'"

(Translated & edited by Lior Mor)
Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani, a senior military officer in the Iranian army and commander of its Quds Forcea division primarily responsible for extraterritorial military and clandestine operations, has congratulated Ismail Haniyeh on his nomination as the new Hamas leader.

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In his message, Soleimani wrote that Iran hopes to strengthen its cooperation with Hamas, expressing support of their efforts for the Palestinian cause and hope for the "liberation of Palestine" from "Zionist influence."

Haniyeh (L) and Soleimani (Photo: AFP)

According to al-Mayadeen news channel, General Soleimani in his message also felicitated Yahya Sinwar, freed in a 2011 prisoner swap with Israel, for being elected as Hamas' new chief in the Gaza Strip following an internal election.

We are hopeful about your efforts on institutionalizing resistance along the Hamas' jihadi line. The possibility for a virtuous fate for the Palestinian people is in your hands," Soleimani said in his message.

The general underlined the "evil plots" of the Zionists and arrogant global powers who seek to weaken the Islamic community, claiming "they are trying to distract our people's holy war from its Islamic path and are seeking to seize Jerusalem.

Yahya Sinwar (Photo: AP)

"Great tasks belong to great men; as promised, we rely on your foresight to reach a future in which the domestic crises are solved with prudence. We await to strengthen our bond with Hamas, the ally of the resistance axis, who can raise the issue of Palestine once again."

"To this aim, we count on your efforts to place the Palestinians on the top of the Muslims' global fight," reads part of the message.

"I insist that all should serve the Palestinian ideal and do not allow the issue to be victimized by others' interests," urged Soleimani, expressing hope that Haniyeh's efforts will continue until the "liberation" of Al-Aqsa and the entire Palestinian territory, meaning all of Israel, and for Jerusalem to once again become a hub for all Muslims and Christians.

(Translated & edited by Lior Mor)
The Islamic summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, held at the beginning of the week with the participation of US President Donald Trump , posed an opportunity for a comprehensive peace but also a long-term danger should the opportunity be missed. Trump coveyed an important message in the very precedent of making a direct public flight from Riyadh to Ben Gurion Airport in Israel.

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Trump's Riyadh speech ()

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Despite the euphoria in Saudi Arabia following the new president's unreserved support for the Saudi kingdom and his clear stance against Iran, the figures in Israel do not bode well. We cannot expect a change in the Israeli-Palestinian relationship to enable the desired political breakthrough. Between chances and risks, war and peace, is there room for optimism?





Riyadh Summit (Photo: Getty Images)

Positive signs

Is Salman bin Abdulaziz, the Saudi king who came to power two and a half years ago, the harbinger of the upcoming peace? The Saudi peace proposal has already been laid in the early 2000s and soon it will be 20 years without the proposal having been implemented or seriously discussed by the parties. At the base of the proposal lies the principle of "full and complete peace": that is, Israel is supposed to give everythingto relinquish control of all territories taken over until 1967 and to provide a just solution to the Palestinian refugees, and in exchange, receive everythingcomplete normalization with the Arab world, whom Saudi Arabia purports to represent.

Ever since then, the common interests of Saudi Arabia and Israel have increased in strategic and economic terms. The revolutions in the Arab world highlighted Iran's efforts to increase its influence in the region as a Shiite power. Israel and Saudi Arabia have a common fear of Iran's rising power. Russia is an ally of Iran and also of the Syrian regime loyal to Iran. On the other hand, Israel and Saudi Arabia are the most important allies of the US in the region, strategically and economically, respectively. Israel and Saudi Arabia are threatened not only by the Shiite world and by the arms of IranHezbollah and the Houthi rebels in Yemenbut also by the Sunni terrorist organizationsHamas and ISIS.

In the closing photo of the Islamic summit, Saudi Arabia's King Salman was photographed alongside the leaders of Saudi Arabia's two closest neighborsJordan and Egypttwo countries that have peace treaties with Israel. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi stressed in his speech in Riyadh that the success of the struggle against terrorism depends, inter alia, on a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Though King Salman did not explicitly speak of a peace proposal, he did stress the urgency of solving the Palestinian problem.

The summit was attended by 55 countries and Saudi Arabia emerged as the leader of the moderate Sunni world. Everything seems to be going well. But is that indeed the case?

Negative signs

The decisions reached during the Islamic summit are directed against Iran and against the terror of ISIS. Saudi Arabia has signed an unprecedented arms purchase deal with the US. The Islamic Summit will set up the "Middle East Strategic Coalition" next year with its headquarters in Riyadh, which will initially appoint 34,000 soldiers and be responsible for what is defined as the "beginning of peace" and "war on terrorism." This body will in fact be the direct continuation of the previous coalition set up by the Saudis to fight the Shiite Houthis in Yemen, who threaten the oil routes. The goals of the force may appear positive in the short term, but one never knows what the future will bring.

More than once, moderate Sunni states defined Israel's actions in the territories as "terrorist acts." It should be noted that in the previous times when a large Arab force was established, it led to an all-out war against Israelthe War of Independence, the Six-Day War and the Yom Kippur War. While conditions have changed since then, the situation in the Middle East is fluid and unpredictable.

Saudi Arabia is careful not to maintain public relations with Israel, and on the level of propaganda, Israel is portrayed by the clerics in the kingdom as negatively as Iran. This fact, together with the great power of clerics in the Saudi state established on the basis of the extremist Wahhabist ideology, casts doubt on the seriousness of the "full peace" proposal.

In addition, it was decided at the summit to establish a headquarters in Riyadh, in order to "fight extremism and encourage interfaith cooperation and tolerance." Can such a decision be taken seriously in a country where sharia law still prevails, where women are forbidden to drive, thieves have their hands cut off and executions are carried out in city squares?

Saudi Arabia does not admit to the fact that the fundamentalist ideology underlying al-Qaida and ISIS stemmed from them. Osama bin Laden, the arch-terrorist behind the September 11 terrorist attacks in the United States in 2001, and many of the leaders of ISIS, are from Saudi Arabia. To this day, Saudi clerics preach against the "infidel" West, and Saudi businessmen donate money to Islamic terror organizations and the Salafi movement, which aspires to re-establish the Muslim Khilafat. Taking all of this into account, the Riyadh summit's statement that "there is no connection between terrorism and religion" is particularly ridiculous.

At the Islamic conference, it was decided to set up another mechanism in Riyadh for terror-financed warfare. Can Saudi Arabia be trusted to implement this commitment after so many years funding all the fundamentalist organizations in the Middle East? Do not elements in the kingdom currently finance terrorist organizations in Syria? The Arab-Muslim leaders at the summit even formulated a joint statement that Saudi Arabia will help promote education and improve the economic situation in the countries participating in the conference, in order to keep youth away from the ignorance, poverty and unemployment that lead to terrorism.

Unlike the alliance between the US and Israel, the US-Saudi alliance is based on financial interests and Saudi oil. While Israel has shared values with the United Statesdemocracy, tolerance and freedom of expressionSaudi Arabia has been and remains a dark fundamentalist religious kingdom which preaches daily against the West and the US in the mosques and the education system. This odd alliance persists as long as the kingdom continues to supply oil in large quantities and cheaply.

However, according to the Saudis, the "party" will end in 2030 as the kingdom's oil reserves are quickly depleting. Until that time, the Sunni kingdom is supposed to form a completely different financial plan based on different sectors, and not just on oil. Would 23 years suffice for Saudi Arabia to undergo a complete overhaul and thrust the kingdom's rich and spoiled youth into the labor market? What will happen when the oil runs out and Saudi Arabia will possess stockpiles of weapons and the US will have no economic interest in Saudi Arabia?

King Salman and US President Trump (Photo: EPA)

Is there room for optimism in Israel?

There seems to be little chance of renewing the Israeli-Palestinian negotiations at this time. In the Israeli government, the right-wing parties will topple the government if the prime minister raises the issue of progress in negotiations and handing over territories to the Palestinians. For a decade now, there has not been anything new on the Palestinian side, either. The internal Palestinian split is still going strong and there is no agreement between the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank and Hamas in the Gaza Strip on any issue, first and foremost on the issue of negotiations with Israel. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas cannot promise Israel peace with Gaza because he does not control it. Hamas will never be willing to recognize the PA's agreement with Israel on the basis of the 1967 borders because it has not changed its jihadist positions since its establishment 30 years ago.

Unfortunately, despite the Iranian threat shared by Israel and the Sunni world, the political conditions are even worse than during the Oslo Accords, because despite the flowery statements in the media, there is actually no desire or ability among the leaders of the parties to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to reach an agreement.

Saudi Arabia's sponsorship cannot contribute to the advancement of peace, since the Saudi king who governs in the name of religion as "the servant of the two holy cities of Islam"Mecca and Medinacan never give up Muslim sovereignty over the Temple Mount , the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock. Therefore, because of the decision of the Sunni axis to condition diplomatic progress on the pan-Arab level on progress in the Palestinian sphere, the Trump initiative is likely to fail like its predecessorsthe Obama initiative, the Bush initiative, the Clinton initiative, etc.

Nevertheless, peace with Saudi Arabia could be a turning point in Israel's relations with the countries of the region. Perhaps against all odds, the very negotiations with the Palestinians could lead to a breakthrough with the Gulf States and Saudi Arabia. We must remember that the negotiations with the Palestinians during the Oslo process, which ultimately ended in failure, did enable the peace agreement with Jordan that was signed during the Oslo proceedings.

(Translated and edited by N. Elias)
Security forces arrested a Palestinian suspect at the entrance to the settlement of Alon Moreh in Samaria. The Palestinian was questioned at the site and the background to the incident is examined.
A federal appeals court on Wednesday rejected a bid by Jonathan Pollard , a former US Navy intelligence officer convicted of spying for Israel, to relax his parole conditions.

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The 2nd US Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan said the US Parole Commission acted within its discretion in requiring Pollard to wear an electronic tracking device, obey a 7 pm to 7 am curfew, and allow his computers to be monitored.

Pollard, 62, was paroled in November 2015 after serving 30 years of a life sentence for espionage.

He had said the parole conditions were too severe because he was neither a flight risk, nor a threat to disseminate or even remember classified information he learned decades ago. Pollard also said the conditions have prevented him from getting a job.

But the court said parole officials could consider both Pollard's alleged "propensity to dissemble," as well as the assessment by former Director of National Intelligence James Clapper that documents compromised by Pollard remained classified.

Pollard's parole conditions "minimized the risk of harm he continued to pose for United States intelligence," the three-judge appeals court panel said.

Eliot Lauer, a lawyer for Pollard, said in an email he was disappointed in the outcome, and that the court declined to "confront the Commission on the manifest injustice of these onerous and unnecessary restrictions."

A spokeswoman for Acting US Attorney Joon Kim in Manhattan declined to comment.

US authorities accused Pollard of having in 1984 and 1985 provided Israeli contacts with suitcases full of classified documents in exchange for thousands of dollars of payments.

Pollard pleaded guilty to a conspiracy charge in 1986 and was sentenced to life in prison the next year. Prior to being paroled, he had been held in custody since his 1985 arrest.

Now living in New York City, Pollard must remain in the United States for five years, and cannot move to Israel to join his wife, who lives there.

Israel has long sought his release, and in a gesture of solidarity granted Pollard citizenship in 1995.

Wednesday's decision upheld an August 2016 ruling by US District Judge Katherine Forrest in Manhattan.

The case is Pollard v. US Parole Commission et al, 2nd US Circuit Court of Appeals, No. 16-2918.
China today said that it has no information on India's Sukhoi-30MKI fighter jet, which went missing with two pilots near the China border on Tuesday morning.

China said it has no information on India's Sukhoi-30MKI fighter jet. (File photo for representation)

By Ananth Krishnan: China said today it had "no information" on India's Sukhoi-30MKI fighter jet which went missing with two pilots near the China border, even as it chose the occasion to reiterate its territorial claims in the eastern sector.

Asked if China had any information about the jet and whether it had offered information to India, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang told reporters, "First of all, on the eastern section of China India border, our position is consistent and clear. We have been following the situation in South Tibet very closely," he said, using the term China uses for Arunachal Pradesh which it has claims on.

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"We hope India can stick to arrangements between two sides and avoid disturbing peace and stability in border areas," Lu added.

"As for the situation you mentioned, I have no relevant information to offer at the moment."

The Sukhoi aircraft with two pilots went missing on Tuesday morning around 60 km northwest of Tezpur airbase in Assam, towards the border with China. As of Wednesday morning, there was no information even after a late-night search operation.

There were reports of adverse weather in the area, while the Indian Air Force has grappled with persistent problems in its Sukhoi fleet with as many as seven reported crashes since 2009.

ALSO READ | IAF's Sukhoi-30 aircraft missing near China border after taking off from Tezpur

ALSO WATCH | Sukhoi MKI 30 crashes in Rajasthan; pilots escaped unhurt

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The Czech Parliament approved on Wednesday the recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel on Jerusalem Day celebrating the 50th anniversary of the city's unification under Israeli sovereignty. In addition, the Czech Republic decided to condemn the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) following its recent anti-Israel resolutions.

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112 of the 156 MPs in Prague supported the resolution. Members of Parliament called on their government to adopt the resolution and recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, alongside opening direct and unconditional negotiations with the Palestinians.

The Czech flag (Photo: AFP)

The parliament also condemned the recent UNESCO decisions that do not recognize the rights of Jews to Jerusalem, and call on the government to stop payments to UNESCO, in light of the incitement against Israel and the politicization of the organization.

Following the Czech Parliament's vote, a special event was held in Prague on the occasion of Jerusalem Day at St. Vitus Cathedral. The event, attended by Czech Culture Minister Daniel Herman, was attended by hundreds of Jews and Christians.

The decision was made following a move promoted by the International Christian Embassy in Jerusalem, the largest Christian-Zionist organization in the world, through its Czech Republic Branch Manager, Vladimir Kalos. In the past few months, he has led the attempts to persuade members of parliament to approve the law.
The hate crime that took place Wednesday morning in the northern village of Ara is the fifth since April 25, when a car was set on fire in the West Bank village of Hawara, an incident silenced by a gag order. Since then, the Shin Bet, together with the IDF and the police, has issued more than 20 restraining orders for hilltop youth.

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"We are being persecuted everywhere and are being harassed, and this is the result: a young boy who comes to the hills to work and live in peace, receives visits, raids and restraining orders from Shin Bet and police officers all day long. Then they wonder why this is happening, "explained A., a boy who was recently expelled from the West Bank.

Two days after the vandalizing of Hawara, which took place on the backdrop of tensions between left-wing activists and settlers in Samaria, the Shin Bet and the Central Command decided to continue the policy of expulsion orders and issued a number of them. Then, it became clear that Maj. Gen. Roni Numa intended to issue a restraining order to Elkana Picar, a resident of Yitzhar, who hosted and employed hilltop youths in his home. In Samaria, protests commenced, and the Shin Bet explained that Picar was involved in violent activity and that he had recently been directing it against Palestinians and security forces in the Yitzhar area.

Confrontation between hilltop youths and left-wing activists

Picar was represented by "Honenu" organization (Israeli Zionist legal aid organization) that explained to the Shin Bet why it would be best not to remove Picar from the premises. The main reason was that this was actually an order for the "second circle": that is, not an order against a youth suspected of a hate crime, but rather a person who, according to security forces, provides him with "fertile ground to stay in the hills and commit hate crimes." But Picar was expelled from his home for four months.

The tension between the sides was also expressed on May 4, when some of the hilltop youths had a bonfire party in one of the forests in Jerusalem. "We really didnt do anything, we just came to eat and be happy. Then, a few undercover special forces soldiers came and started to question us and really harass," said Y., a young boy who was present. The incident left some of them feeling persecuted.

"Revenge" (Photo: Zecharia Sadah)

(Photo: Amit Shabi)

Four days later, cars were torched and spray-painted in Jerusalem. One of them read "King Picar"and the connection left no room for doubt. Graffiti was also spray painted near Afula. That same morning, restraining orders were issued for several boys in Yitzhar and Kiryat Moshe in the capital (a place that became the home of those expelled from the West Bank).

Simultaneously with the events, the boys pegged the head of the Central Command Roni Numa as responsible for the escalation. In his Twitter account, Meir Ettinger, considered one of the great goals of the Jewish Brigade in the Shin Bet, wrote to the general: "If there are no Jews, there are no attacks. It always happens when they arrive, so why try to protect and save, when it's easier to close off the area. Sleep Ronnysleep (making a play on Numa's last name). The quiet will return with another signature line to the line, another order and another order, Roni Numa can continue to lie down."

(Photo: Hassan Shaalan)

On Monday, Ettinger received a restraining order that would remove him from the West Bank for six months, because he is "an extremist with an extreme and violent ideology, who is working to instill it in violent outpost activists and encourage violent activity. He influences and incites violent youth to violent and illegal covert activities."

The escalation continued and last week, a farewell party was held for Picar in Yitzhar. He apparently moved on to Jerusalem, not before he explicitly stated that he would continue work in the new place of his residence and build a warm home for the hilltop youth. That same night, suspicion arose of another crime committed in the nearby village of Burin, where a tractor was torched and sprayed with hate graffiti. On the same day, a lynching attempt took place against a resident of Itamar.

Elkana Picar (Photo: We're all Elkana Picar HQ)

On Tuesday, a Beit Midrash was set on fire in the West Bank settlement of Homesh. The settlers claim that this is a hate crime, but the army did not rush to determine it as such.

Another factor in the equation that includes the hilltop youth and the Shin Bet is the increase of Jewish terrorism. In the past month, there have been several incidents of stone throwing and Molotov cocktail throwing at settlers in Judea and Samaria, and the increase in their numbers is more pronounced than in previous months.

In one case, residents of Ofra fired at stone throwers near Sinjil and were subsequently detained for long hours. Stones were also thrown at a vehicle and several civilians were lightly wounded. "When a car returns to the settlement with a shattered glass, or worse, when a driver or passenger is injured, it agitates the area, especially when you see that the settlers who defended themselves are being detained," said one resident of Samaria, whose vehicle was damaged by stone throwing.

The sequence of events proves that there is an escalation in relations between the Shin Bet and the hilltop youth, who claim persecution while the security forces explain that it is of great importance to eradicate hate crimes.

(Translated and edited by N. Elias)
In a call last month with the Philippines' president, US President Donald Trump described North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un as a "madman with nuclear weapons" who could not be let on the loose, according to a leaked Philippine transcript of their call.

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Trump told Rodrigo Duterte in the April 29 call that the United States would "take care of North Korea," and had a lot of firepower in the region, although it did not want to use it, according to a transcript of their conversation published by the Washington Post and the investigative news site The Intercept.

The document included a "confidential" cover sheet from the Americas division of the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs.

A senior US official said the Trump administration did not dispute the accuracy of the transcript and declined to comment further.

Trump requested Duterte's help in impressing on China, North Korea's neighbor and only major ally, the need for it to help rein in Kim, the transcript showed.

"We can't let a madman with nuclear weapons let on the loose like that," Trump said. "We have a lot of firepower, more than he has, times 20, but we don't want to use it."

The US president told Duterte that Washington had sent two nuclear submarines to waters off the Korean peninsula, comments likely to raise further questions about his handling of sensitive information after US officials said Trump discussed intelligence about ISIS with Russian officials this month.

"We have two submarinesthe best in the world. We have two nuclear submarines, not that we want to use them at all," Trump said.

The Philippines foreign ministry said earlier in a statement that it had no comment on news reports about the leaked transcript.

But it said that under Philippine law there was "criminal and civil liability attached to the hacking, unauthorized disclosure and use of illegally or inadvertently obtained confidential government documents."

The ministry said it valued the need for transparency, but the release of some information could affect national security and regional stability. "As such, we appeal to the sense of responsibility and patriotism of all concerned," it added.

North Korea has vowed to develop a nuclear-tipped missile that can strike the US mainland, presenting Trump with perhaps his biggest foreign policy challenge.

It has conducted dozens of missile launches and two nuclear bomb tests since the start of last year.

Trump has said "a major, major conflict " with North Korea is possible and that all options are on the table, but his administration says it wants to resolve the crisis diplomatically with the aid of tougher sanctions.

On May 1, just after the call with Duterte, Trump said he would be "honored" to meet Kim Jong Un, under the right conditions.

According to the transcript, Trump said he hoped China would act to solve the North Korea problem.

"They really have the means because a great degree of their stuff comes through China," Trump said. "They (Beijing) are doing certain things, like not accepting calls. But if China doesn't do it, we will do it," Trump said, having asked Duterte if he thought China had influence over Kim.

Trump said Kim had the "powder"an apparent reference to North Korea's nuclear capability"but he doesn't have the delivery system."

"All his rockets are crashing. That's the good news. But eventually when he gets that delivery system," Trump said without finishing his sentence.

While North Korea missile tests have frequently failed, Trump and Duterte spoke before an apparently successful test of a long-range missile this month.

Western experts say that test appeared to have advanced North Korea's aim of developing a missile capable of reaching the US mainland, although the capability was probably still several years away.

The director of the US Defense Intelligence Agency, General Vincent Stewart, said on Tuesday that if left unchecked, North Korea was on an "inevitable" path to obtaining a nuclear-armed missile capable of striking the United States.

In a show of force, the United States has sent the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Carl Vinson to waters off the Korean peninsula, where it joined the Michigan, a nuclear submarine that docked in South Korea in April.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared Wednesday evening that Jerusalem will always be Israel's capital.

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"Was Jerusalem ever the capital of another people but the Jewish people?" Netanyahu wondered aloud. "There was no such thing. Has anyone other than us guarded the freedom of worship of believers of all religions? Quite the opposite. This is guaranteed to all religions only under Israeli sovereignty."

Speaking during a ceremony at Jerusalem's Ammunition Hill, marking the 50th anniversary of the unification of the capital, Netanyahu vowed once more that "The Temple Mount and Western Wall will always remain under Israeli sovereignty."





Netanyahu

A day after US President Donald Trump visited Israel and the West Bank in an effort to relaunch peace negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians, the prime minister declared "We want peace and extend a hand of peace to our neighbors," while at the same time stressing that "it is not Jerusalem that is holding up peace. What is delaying peace is the consistent refusal to recognize the Jewish State under any borders and to end this conflict once and for all."



Photo: Alex Kolomoisky

The office of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas responded to Netanyahu's statement, saying that "East Jerusalem, with its holy sites for Islam and Christianity, is the capital of the Palestinian state and will remain so forever."

According to Abbas's office, Netanyahu's words create tension and undermine Trump's efforts to establish peace between Palestinians and Israelis.

Photo: AP

President Reuven Rivlin also spoke at the ceremony, calling on the government to address the growing poverty in east Jerusalem. "We cannot sing a song of praise for a unified Jerusalem while east Jerusalem is the poorest urban area in Israel," the president said, adding that "sovereignty in Jerusalem means responsibility for all of Jerusalem."

Rivlin

The president welcomed the actions of the government and the Minister for Jerusalem Affairs Ze'ev Elkin (Likud) as well as the actions of the municipality to improve the situation in east Jerusalem. "The things that are actually done are welcome and desirable, but there is so much more that needs to be done," Rivlin said.

Dance of the Flags participants clash with pro-Palestinian demonstrators (Photo: Eli Mandelbaum)

Around 75,000 people attended the traditional Dance of the Flags in the Old City as part of the Jerusalem Day celebrations and 50 years for unification of the city under Israeli sovereignty. In the afternoon there was a confrontation between left-wing activists who tried to prevent the parade from crossing into the Muslim Quarter, but were evacuated by Border Police forces.

The Dance of the Flags (Photo: AFP)

The Jerusalem Municipality invested an unprecedented NIS 500,000 in the parade. The marchers, dressed in blue and white and holding the Israeli flag, left the center of town toward the Old City. At the IDF Square they split up, with some marching through the Muslim Quarter to the Western Wall. Many of the marchers were Yeshiva students.

Yoel Elbash, 25, from Netanya was among the marchers. "It's very exciting to celebrate Jerusalem Day in its Jubilee year, and it's important for us to come here and strengthen the city." Ilan Blatt, 18, from Beit Shemesh echoed this sentiment, adding, "50 years to Jerusalem is the greatest thing for the people of Israel."
Israel's defense minister appears to have confirmed his country's intelligence was leaked by President Donald Trump during a meeting with Russian officials this month.

When asked about the affair in a radio interview, Avigdor Lieberman said Israel made a "specific correction" in its dealings with the US.

It was the first comment by a senior Israeli official on the matter. US officials have said Trump shared Israeli intelligence in a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Trump said while visiting Israel this week that he didn't mention Israel by name in the meeting.

"Everything we needed to clarify with our friends in the United States was done," Lieberman said in an Army Radio interview. "We made clarifications."

He provided no further details, but touted "unprecedented" intelligence cooperation with Washington.
BRUSSELSIn his first big tour on the world stage, President Donald Trump is aiming for caution over his usual brand of chaos.

The early morning Twitter rants that so often rattle Washington have disappeared as Trump travels through the Middle East and Europe. The president has traded his free-wheeling speaking style for tightly scripted remarks. And with most of the traveling press corps being kept at a distance, the opportunities for him to be pressed on the controversies engulfing his administration back home are dramatically lessened.

The president appears likely to go his entire nine-day trip without holding a full news conference, a break in presidential foreign travel precedent.
WASHINGTONUS military phone calls with Russia have increased as the two countries work to avoid aircraft mishaps in the increasingly crowded skies over Syria, a senior American Air Force commander said Wednesday.

Air Force Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Harrigian, who is in charge of US air operations in the Middle East, also told Pentagon reporters that the US has been setting up temporary "deconfliction" zones around Syria. Military operations by Russia, the Syrian government or its allies are essentially restricted in those zones so American and US-backed forces are protected.
As I write this column on Tuesday morning, details are still emerging of a horrific scene after an Ariana Grande concert in England.

Current information points to a suicide bomber. Nearly two dozen are dead and five dozen injured. The strategy of terror is to turn every public moment, every joyful event, and every normal day into a question mark. If every moment of every day includes doubt or fear, then terror wins.

Terrorism is nothing less than horrific. Those of us working in the military over the past decade know well the steep price in blood and treasure that America has paid in efforts to isolate and destroy terrorists. No one wants themselves or their family or their loved ones to experience the horror, trauma, and evil of a terrorists twisted desire acted out.

But there are things that scare me more than terror. They scare me more than terror, not because they are scarier at that precise moment than someone setting a bomb off or driving a car into a crowd. The reason they scare me more than terror is because when we go down these paths without care and thought, the terrorists win anyway.

Invasive security measures scare me more than terror. Airport screening hits the media fairly often as people are searched in ways that surprise them and strike them as invasive. Ill never forget walking through security at an airport years ago wearing a pair of boots I wore in Iraq and carrying a military dress uniform. My stuff got pored over as if I was Americas next big threat. That doesnt bother me nearly so much as the thought of what else were giving up in the name of fighting terror.

Im not sure I want the government reading my email and listening to my phone calls. I grew up with a conservatism that now seems long forgotten: a conservatism that didnt trust big government. Sometimes I wonder how much were giving up to fight terror, and how effective those measures really are.

Increasing government control with decreasing government accountability scare me more than terror. It ought to bother us deeply that it took folk breaking the law for Americans to realize what their own government was doing to keep tabs on them. I have the utmost respect for people who dedicate their lives to government service. But they are still people. They still have a human nature, prone at times to do the wrong thing when no one is watching. With all the things that go on behind the scenes, its hard to avoid the feeling at times that ordinary Americans are giving up their freedom in the name of security. Perhaps a boundary hasnt been crossed. But surely the line has become more blurry. Evil regimes in the modern world have commonly used security as an excuse for repression and oppression.

Losing our values of welcoming the tired, the poor, the huddled masses yearning to be free scares me more than terror. The hateful things I hear in small-town America boggle my mind. Im the many-greats grandson of an Irish stowaway. One grandmother is 100% Swedish. Another is 100% Dutch. Our area was settled by immigrants. I suppose weve forgotten. Weve forgotten the reality of German-Americans when we were at war with Germany in World War I and World War II.

Weve forgotten the reality of Japanese-Americans and how fear leads us to lock thousands of American citizens up in the desert. Fear and narrow-mindedness do not make us better people or a better country. If we lose our identity as a nation of immigrants, what do we have left?

Fear scares me more than terror. All these things boil down to fear. FDR said the only thing we have to fear is fear. Maybe he was right. Fear of pain and suffering. Fear of the unknown. Fear of the different or strange. Fear of those who do not think or look like us. If we are not careful, fear will drive us to give up our privacy. It will cause us to allow unprecedented government freedom without accountability. And it will lead us to give up the very core principles that made America great, the envy of much of the world. All these things may, in the end, be scarier than terrorism.

Jon Wymer is employed full-time by York E-Free Church and part time by the Nebraska Army National Guard and Nebraska Methodist College. This column does not represent any of those organizations.
LINCOLN  Nebraskas prison director has told inmates that pornographic material wont be allowed beginning in January.

The Lincoln Journal Star reports that the ban will include publications or items that advocate or are likely to incite violent or illegal activity and any material that threatens the safety, security or good order of a prison.

Correctional Services Director Scott Frakes May 11 letter to the inmates says possession of such materials after Jan. 8 could lead to inmate misconduct reports.

Frakes said in a statement Monday that reform requires us to look at the system, how it operates, and determine where positive changes could be implemented to create a safer, more re-entry-focused environment.

The eight months notice gives inmates time to decide on renewals or ordering new publications.
Apart from the aerial assets, 4 ground parties of IAF personnel, 9 parties of Indian Army and 2 parties of state administration have been deployed to search the area.

By Manjeet Negi: The search and rescue operations for the Indian Air Force's missing Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter jet were resumed at daybreak today. C-130 aircraft with electro-optical payload, ALH and Chetak helicopters of Air force have been tasked for this mission.

However, marginal weather in parts of Assam and neighbouring Arunachal Pradesh, where the plane went missing, is hampering and impeding the operations.

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SU-30 aircraft with recce capability is also being utilised for locating the missing aircraft. Apart from the aerial assets, four ground parties of IAF personnel, nine parties of Indian Army and two parties of state administration have been deployed on different axes to search the area.

Till now no breakthrough has been achieved in locating the aircraft and its pilots.

The Sukhoi aircraft with two pilots went missing on Tuesday morning around 60 km northwest of Tezpur airbase in Assam, towards the border with China. The aircraft was on a routine training sortie.

The country's frontline SU-30 MKI aircraft was inducted in the Tezpur air base on June 15, 2009.

At present, two squadrons comprising around 36 aircrafts are deployed at Tezpur for guarding the Sino-India border in Arunachal Pradesh.

ALSO READ:

China says no information on missing Sukhoi, warns India on 'disturbing peace'

IAF's Sukhoi-30 aircraft missing near China border after taking off from Tezpur

ALSO WATCH: Sukhoi MKI 30 crashes in Rajasthan; pilots escaped unhurt

--- ENDS ---
As a homeowner, you probably already know that you should be working to maintain your home. But, chances are, you Read More
Zabka, Warszawa, 166 m2

Lokal znajduje sie w budynku apartamentowym Unimax Development w inwestycji Viva Vitolin, przy ul. Grochowskiej 87 w Warszawie. Bedzie dostepny w 4Q 2023 roku (podpisanie umow przeniesienia wasnosci).
By India Today Web Desk: If you are yet to book tickets for your vacations, this news will brighten up the chances of planning your much-awaited trip.

To tap into the lucrative domestic traffic in India, some of the leading carriers in the country are offering super-special discounts on fares.

The gala sale began with SpiceJet, announcing one-way air tickets, for as low as Rs 12 (not inclusive of tax and surcharge), as a celebration for its 12th anniversary. Customers can book tickets between May 23 and May 28, 2017, for travel from June 26 to March 24, next year. The offer is valid for domestic and international travel.

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To counter SpiceJet's exclusive anniversary sale, Indigo has now offered discounted fares, starting from Rs 11 (basic fare), for passengers flying to select destinations in non-stop flights. This offer will also be valid from May 23 to May 28, for the travel period of June 26 to March 28, 2017. The all-inclusive fare starts from Rs 899.

Also Read: 6 tricks to book cheap flight tickets even when there's no airline sale

The competition does not end here. Jet Airways has announced special fares, starting from Rs 1079 (all inclusive), on selected routes. The booking period, according to the company, has been fixed for May 24-May 26, for travel between June 15 and September 20. However, the offer is not valid for group bookings.

Contributing to the ongoing carnival, AirAsia is also selling tickets worth Rs 1699, for one-way travel, on selected fare classes only. Tickets can be booked between May 23 and May 28, for travel till November 23, 2017.

At least now, you may have to worry a little less about your travel-budget.

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Paris: French President Emmanuel Macron will seek to convince his U.S. counterpart Donald Trump on Thursday to stick to a global deal to combat climate change ahead of a Group of Seven leaders where there is currently no consensus on the matter, diplomats said.



Trump, who doubts climate change is man-made and made a campaign pledge to "cancel" the 2015 Paris Agreement, has postponed a planned decision on whether to stay or leave that had been due before the May 26-27 summit in Italy.



A newcomer to international diplomacy, Macron travels on Thursday to Brussels for a NATO summit before heading to Sicily for the G7 summit that also includes Germany, Britain, Italy, Japan and Canada.



Ahead of NATO, he will meet Trump for the first time for an informal lunch that will immediately test his diplomatic skills given the unpredictable nature of the U.S. leader and France`s desire to ensure the U.S. does not renege on the climate deal.



"What`s at stake is to be firm on the Paris accord," said a senior French diplomat, adding that Macron would put his case to Trump in the face-to-face talks in the Belgian capital.



"We don`t want the U.S. to pull out because it would be a very bad signal and lead others to pull out."



Diplomats said there had been no agreement on these issues ahead of the G7 gathering, meaning the leaders will seek to strike an accord amongst themselves.



"The U.S. did not accept (a common position) during the ministerial talks ... so one of the key issues is to try and obtain the commitment from all the G7 members and the Americans," said a second diplomat.



He added that there was a possibility the Italian presidency could issue a separate statement on climate change if Trump did not endorse the Paris agreement.



"It`s strange because normally the final communique is agreed 10 days before, but here we will probably be negotiating overnight between Friday and Saturday."
Brussels: Donald Trump vowed Wednesday to use his US presidency to promote peace around the world after what he depicted as an inspirational meeting with an initially grim-faced Pope Francis.

Meeting face-to-face for the first time, the two leaders sidestepped profound differences over a string of issues ranging from the environment to the plight of migrants and the poor.

And the US President emerged from a half-hour meeting at the Vatican gushing with enthusiasm about the 80-year-old pontiff, to the point of the former TV star appearing slightly star-struck.

"Honor of a lifetime to meet His Holiness Pope Francis," Trump wrote on Twitter before leaving Rome for Brussels and the next leg of his first overseas trip as president.

"I leave the Vatican more determined than ever to pursue PEACE in our world."

Trump later arrived in Brussels, a city he once dubbed a "hellhole", ahead of his first summits on Thursday with wary leaders of NATO and the European Union.

Trump`s declaration of intent followed a keenly-anticipated encounter between the billionaire businessman and the former Jesuit priest who has made championing the poor and the third world major themes of his papacy.

In their world view and tastes, the Argentine pontiff who eschews the use of the palaces at his disposal and the luxury hotel tycoon appear worlds apart.

But if there was any friction when they finally met, it occurred behind closed doors. In front of the cameras, both men were mostly all smiles, relaxed and even jovial.

"He is something," Trump later said of his host. "We had a fantastic meeting."

The Vatican described the discussions as "cordial" and emphasised the two men`s joint opposition to abortion and shared concern for persecuted Christians in the Middle East.The pope had presented Trump with a medallion engraved with an olive tree, the international symbol of peace.

Francis also gave Trump copies of the three major texts he has published as pope, including one on the environment which urges the industrialised world to curb carbon emissions or risk catastrophic consequences for the planet.

Trump, who has threatened to ignore the Paris accords on emissions and described global warming as a hoax, vowed to read them.

A Vatican statement on the meeting highlighted "the joint commitment in favour of life, and freedom of worship and conscience."

Trump told his host as he left, "Thank you. Thank you. I won`t forget what you said."

"I give it to you so you can be an instrument of peace," he said in Spanish. "We can use peace," Trump replied.

Trump`s gifts included a collection of first editions by Martin Luther King and a bronze sculpture.

Trump`s administration has pleased the Church by axing rules protecting tax-funded financing of family planning clinics that offer abortions.

Accompanied by his wife Melania and daughter Ivanka, Trump met Francis in the private library of the Apostolic Palace, the lavish papal residence that the current pope eschews in favour of more modest lodgings.

Afterwards, the first couple were given a private tour of the Sistine Chapel and St Peter`s Basilica.

While Donald dropped in on Italy`s President and met Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni, Melania visited a children`s hospital and Ivanka met women trafficked from Africa for the sex trade.

In Brussels, Trump has a light schedule on Wednesday with meetings with Belgian King Philippe and Queen Mathilde and with Prime Minister Charles Michel.

On Thursday he first meets EU President Donald Tusk and European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker, having previously backed Britain`s shock Brexit vote and saying the EU was a doomed would-be superstate.

He will then hold his first summit with the 28 leaders of the NATO military alliance, which he dubbed "obsolete" on the campaign trail, where he is expected to press them to join the US-led coalition against Islamic State in the wake of the Manchester attack in Britain.

Pope Francis and Trump`s past spats include the pope describing plans for a border wall with Mexico as not Christian and Trump evoking a possible Islamist attack on the Vatican which would make the pontiff glad to have him as president.

But there have also been conciliatory moves. In 2013, Trump tweeted that "the new pope is a humble man, very much like me" while Francis had promised to judge the man not the image.

Trump`s Vatican visit was the third leg of his overseas trip, after stops in Saudi Arabia and Israel and the Palestinian territories.

The high-profile trip has diverted attention from Trump`s domestic pressures over alleged campaign collusion with Russia.

With his poll numbers at a record low for a recently-elected president, he will be hoping for a boost after rubbing shoulders with the popular pope.
Washington: President Donald Trump on Tuesday proposed drastically slashing U.S. foreign aid spending in Mexico and Central America, which are struggling with drug violence, graft and poverty that prompts many from the troubled region to migrate north.

Trump`s austere 2018 budget proposal, which seeks to trim $3.6 trillion (2.7 trillion pounds) from government spending over the next decade and is unlikely to get legislative approval in its current form, envisages steep cuts in most federal departments, but particularly the State Department.

Ever since launching his presidential campaign in 2015, Trump has attacked Mexico, threatening to rip up the North American Free Trade Agreement, build a Mexico-funded southern border wall and ramp up deportations of those living without documents in the United States.

Tuesday`s proposal foresees 2018 Mexican aid of $87.66 million, down more than 45 percent from the 2016 outlay.

The proposed spending cuts comes as the United States leans on Mexico to do more to prop up its poor Central American neighbours, where poverty and gangs are the main drivers pushing migrants to the United States.

The budget proposes scrapping most U.S. money for the Mexican military, along with counter terrorism funds and some governance programs. Narcotics and law enforcement spending would fall from $100 million in 2016 to $60 million.

In Guatemala, U.S. aid would drop almost 40 percent from 2016, to $80.66 million, while in Honduras and El Salvador it would fall nearly a third.

In a call with reporters, U.S. officials stressed the cuts would not prevent them from tackling their regional objectives.

"That is a reduction. However it really prioritises our programs that focus on disrupting the activities of transnational criminal organizations, strengthening border security and combating corruption  we`re going to continue addressing those root causes as part of our Central America strategy," an official said.

Mexico, which is struggling with rising crime, will be co-hosting a June meeting in Miami where the U.S. government hopes to drum up more private sector support to improve employment and security conditions in Central America.

Although the number of migrants arriving on the southern U.S. border has fallen drastically since Trump took office, history suggests the decline may prove short-lived if he fails to realise his tough policies.

Well over 100,000 people have died in drug-related violence in Mexico since 2006, and the 2017 murder tally could be the highest ever as legacy drug cartels splinter into ever more violent factions.
A constitutional court in Taiwan has ruled in favour of same-sex marriage today, becoming the first place in Asia to do so.

Supporters hug each other during a rally after Taiwan's constitutional court ruled in favour of same-sex marriage. Photo: Reuters

By India Today Web Desk: In a spectacular move, a constitutional court in Taiwan declared today that same-sex couples should have the right to legally marry, just like straight people do. Such a ruling is first of its kind in Asia.

The court, known as the Judicial Yuan, said that the current marriage laws were "in violation of both the people's freedom of marriage...and the people's right to equality,". The court gave two years for legal amendments to allow same-sex marriage.

Chi Chia-wei, a 59-year-old gay rights activist, was one of the petitioners who has brought the case to the Taiwan constitutional court. Photo: Reuters

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"If relevant laws are not amended or enacted within the said two years, two persons of the same sex who intend to create the said permanent union shall be allowed to have their marriage registration effectuated," the court said.

Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) rights activists, after years of campaigning for same-sex marriage, welcomed the court's backing. The ruling Democratic Progressive Party has also supported the change.

A lesbian couple picking out a wedding dress after the ruling in favour of gay marriage in Taiwan. Photo: Reuters

"Sexual orientation is an immutable characteristic that is resistant to change," the court said.

"Furthermore, the freedom of marriage for two persons of the same sex, once legally recognized, will constitute the collective basis, together with opposite-sex marriage, for a stable society," it said.

Taiwan, which China regards as a renegade province, has a famous annual gay pride parade that showcases the vibrancy of its lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.

A supporters breaks down after Taiwan's constitutional court ruled in favour of same-sex marriage today. Photo: Reuters

This ruling in Taiwan in favour of same-sex marriage is the first in Asia.

India saw a ray of hope in 2009 when a Delhi high court decriminalised homosexuality. The ruling, however, was overturned in 2013 by the Supreme Court.

Gay activists celebrate at a rally after the ruling in favour of same-sex marriage is declared. Photo: Reuters

(With inputs from Reuters)

Read more at FYI:

Man accuses popular Delhi cafe of mocking homosexual couples. What really happened?

India finally has a gay marriage bureau!

Homosexuality is legal in these 10 Muslim countries

--- ENDS ---
Caraccas: Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro vowed on Tuesday to push ahead with a new "constituent assembly" to rewrite the constitution, despite dissent within his own ranks and major protests in the OPEC nation convulsed by nearly two months of unrest.

The head of the pro-government electoral council said voting for the congress would be held in late July, while regional elections, meant to be held in 2016, would take place on Dec. 10.

Lambasting the planned assembly as an attempt to avoid a presidential election, the opposition vowed to double down on street protests and called on supporters to march to the electoral council on Wednesday.

In the latest sign of internal fissures, a Supreme Court magistrate spoke out against the assembly, saying it was "not the solution to the crisis" and called on Maduro to "think carefully" to avoid more bloodshed.

At least 53 people have been killed as a result of unrest that began in early April. Riots and looting have underlined risks that protests could spin out of control given widespread hunger, anger at Maduro and easy access to weapons in one of the world`s most violent countries.

Undeterred by opposition, Maduro on Tuesday presented the 540-member "constituent assembly" project as a cure to Venezuela`s demonstrations, which he says are a U.S.-backed attempt to overthrow "21st century socialism."

"Votes or bullets, what do the people want?" Maduro asked a crowd of red-shirted supporters waving Venezuelan flags at the Miraflores presidential palace.

"Let`s go to elections now!" he said, before detailing how the new assembly would be partially elected by votes at a municipal level and partly by different groups, including workers, farmers, students and indigenous people.

Opposition leaders say the project is a sham to avoid a general election and keep Maduro in power despite an oil-rich economy in a tailspin.

"Maduro and the electoral council think that the country and its opposition leaders are dumb, that we`re going to start bickering over governorships while they get away with fraud," opposition lawmaker Miguel Pizarro said on Tuesday night.

In the most telling sign of internal rumblings against Maduro, Venezuela`s state prosecutor panned his plan for a grassroots congress and warned it risked deepening the crisis.

Venezuelans are scrutinizing the government and the armed forces for any further cracks as protesters take to the streets daily to demand early elections, humanitarian aid to alleviate food and medicine shortages, and freedom for jailed activists.

"Persistent and increasingly violent unrest will eventually prompt key stakeholders to abandon Maduro and negotiate a rapid transition that sets a timetable for new elections; the precise timing is impossible to predict, however," the Eurasia Group political consultancy said in a note to clients on Tuesday.
Kathmandu: Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' on Tuesday resigned after a brief stint of nine months.

Prachanda, 62, announced his resignation while addressing the nation in a live telecast.

It was his second stint as the Prime Minister.

He was elected as the 39th prime minister of Nepal after forging alliance with the Nepali Congress on August 3, 2016.

Prachanda, the Chairman of CPN (Maoist Centre), had reached an understanding with Nepali Congress president Sher Bahadur Deuba that he would step down as Prime Minister and hand over the leadership to him after nine months.

The pact was to run the government on a rotational basis until elections to the Parliament are held in February 2018.

Prachanda was to hold office till local polls are held and remaining two elections provincial and central - were to be conducted under Deuba.

Millions of Nepalese on May 14 voted in the country's first local-level polls in two decades as the Himalayan nation took a crucial step towards cementing democracy amid political turmoil.

The elections should be held in every five years but due to the political instability, they were halted since May 1997.

(With PTI inputs)
Islamabad: A vehicle carrying two officers of a UN military observer group came under attack by the Indian troops during a visit to the Line of Control (LoC), the Pakistan Army today claimed.

In a statement, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said the vehicle was carrying United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) officers Major Emmanual of the Philippines and Major Mirko of Croatia.

The two officers, who were "on a visit to the LoC (came under attack by the Indian troops)," a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.

According to the military's media wing, their vehicle was flying a blue UNMOGIP flag in line with protocol.

"Both officers are safe. They got off the vehicle and moved away before later returning to their location," the Express Tribune reported, quoting the military's statement.

On May 17, Pakistan Army had lodged a protest with the UN military observers against "unprovoked" Indian firing on civilians from across the Line of Control.

According to the Security Council mandate of 1971, UNMOGIP observes and reports on ceasefire violations along and across the Line of Control and the working boundary between India and Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir, as well as reports developments that could lead to ceasefire violations.

India has maintained that UNMOGIP has outlived its utility and is irrelevant after the Simla Agreement and the consequent establishment of the Line of Control (LoC).

The observer group is headed by Major General Per Lodin of Sweden. It currently has 38 military observers and 73 civilian personnel.
Patna: At least seven patients at the Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) died on Wednesday due to lack of treatment following a flash strike by junior doctors that started after midnight, officials said.



The doctors have threatened to stay away from work for 24 hours if action was not taken against police officials who lathi charged them a few days back injuring some of them.



"Seven critical patients died due to lack of treatment following the strike by PMCH junior doctors on Wednesday morning which has badly hit emergency and Out Patient Department (OPD) services," an official said.



Over 500 striking doctors left hundreds of patients unattended from early Wednesday morning despite a large number of them being referral cases by local doctors from across the state requiring urgent attention.



"There is a panic-like situation among relatives of the patients," a PMCH official said adding, "particularly those who are lying in serious condition in the emergency ward and those operated in different wards as junior doctors have not attended them."



Junior doctors were adamant not to resume work unless action was taken against the police officials involved in the lathi charge during a counselling session.



Rowdy incidents during the session had prompted the police action.



The striking doctors have also demanded the withdrawal of FIRs filed against innocent medical students.



Meanwhile, hundreds of patients, mostly the poor, who arrived at the hospital from across the state, were worried over no medical facilities being provided to them.



"We are the real victims of the strike because there is no doctor to attend to our patients," said Mahesh Kushwaha of Vaishali district, who came here two days ago to get his wife treated at the PMCH.



Most patients were forced to shift to private nursing homes.



Satender Yadav, a parent worried over his son`s health, said: "There is no doctor to attend to the patients." "Those who cannot afford treatment outside have been left in the lurch," an official said.



Medical brokers have become active and were taking advantage of the situation, a patient`s relative at the PMCH premises said.



The brokers were luring the relatives of critical patients to admit them at private hospitals, clinics and nursing homes.
New Delhi: Bollywood's talented find Ranbir Kapoor is currently shooting for one of his most difficult roles on-screen, playing the iconic Sanjay Dutt in the latter's biopic. The film not only requires him to look like the superstar but also get into the minute detailing of the powerful roleplay.

Ranbir, who has slipped into Sanjay Dutt's shoes has prepped up hard for the role. Especially, after a few leaked images went viral, it made everyone sit down and notice and the uncanny resemblance he bears with Dutt.

According to Pinkvilla.com, the actor will be seen dancing to the popular 90s title track from Dutt's film 'Khalnayak'. The report quotes a leading daily which mentions that he will groove to the beats of this number in the biopic.

The report quotes a source as telling the daily, The song hasn't been shot yet. They have only been rehearsing because the idea is to complete the scenes first."

The film is being directed by Rajkumar Hirani and stars Ranbir in the titular role. Besides him in the lead, the film will also see Manisha Koirala, Paresh Rawal, Sonam Kapoor and Dia Mirza and Anushka Sharma in pivotal parts.
New Delhi: Amid suspense over Tamil superstar Rajinikanth's future political move, BJP chief Amit Shah has said that his party's doors are open to all good persons who intend to join the saffron party.

Every good person is welcome to join politics, Shah was quoted as saying by a TV news channel.

However, the BJP chief added that only Rajinikanth could decide when to enter politics.

After Venkaiah Naidu, Amit Shah too dismissed reports that the Tamil superstar was going to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying that many people meet the PM.

Shah also rubbished reports that he had spoken to Rajinikanth about joining BJP.

Shahs comments came days after Rajinikanth in an interaction with fans said that he is a Pachchai Thamizhan and asked them to be prepared for war.

Last week, the superstar said he would join politics if 'God wants me to'.

A number of BJP leaders have warmed up to the idea of Rajinikanth joining the party.

Union Minister Pon Radhakrishnan had welcomed the star to join the BJP, and the partys Tamil Nadu chief Tamilisai Sounderajan had on Sunday said that BJP would be strengthened if Rajinikanth joined the party.

But Union Minister M Venkaiah Naidu on Sunday also said he was not aware of any possible meeting between actor Rajinikanth and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Rajinikanth is a great actor. Modi is a great leader. If he wants to meet the Prime Minister, there is no problem", Naidu told reporters in Bengaluru.
As many as six Tamil fishermen were arrested by the Sri Lankan forces on Tuesday for trespassing international waters.

At least six fishermen were apprehended and their boat seized on Tuesday evening by the Sri Lankan Coast Guard Craft for trespassing international waters.

The Indian fishing boat IN 09 MO 3746 was captured by Sri Lankan forces around 7pm on May 23. All six fishermen hail from Rameswaram.

This is second such incident in a month and close after PM Modi's Sri Lankan visit.

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More details awaited.

Watch the video here: Sri Lankan Navy arrests six Indian fishermen

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New Delhi: The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved the abolition of the 25-year-old Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB), which currently vets FDI proposals requiring the government approval.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in his Budget speech on February 1 announced scrapping of the inter-ministerial body, which comes under the finance ministry's Department of Economic Affairs.

The FIPB was initially constituted under the Prime Minister's Office in the wake of economic liberalisation in the early 1990s.

Currently, FDI in 11 sectors including defence and retail trading requires government approval.

FIPB will be replaced by a new mechanism under which the proposals will be approved by the ministries concerned as per the standard operating procedure approved by the Cabinet, finance minister Arun Jaitley said.

Jaitley further said that proposals in sensitive sectors will require the home ministry's approval.

On the proposals pending with FIPB, he said they will go back to the ministries concerned.

There could also be a provision for quarterly review of pending proposals by the economic affairs secretary and annual review by the finance minister.

The FDI proposals above Rs 5,000 crore would continue to be cleared by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs.

Inflow of foreign direct investment into India increased by 9 percent to USD 43.48 billion in 2016-17.

With PTI Inputs
New Delhi: In an attempt to move towards greener power sources, Switzerland have voted to phase out nuclear power and replace it with renewable energy.

In a referendum on Sunday, May 21, more than 58% voted in favour of a government's law that will ban new nuclear plants in the country.

"The results shows the population wants a new energy policy and does not want any new nuclear plants," Energy Minister Doris Leuthard said, adding the law would boost domestic renewable energy, cut fossil fuel use and reduce reliance on foreign supplies.

The move followed Germany's decision to phase out all country's nuclear power reactors by 2022 in the wake of Japans 2011 Fukushima disaster.

Switzerland's Energy Strategy 2050 law, passed by the referendum, aims to gradually move the country away from nuclear power and increase its use of renewable energy. It also aims at reducing carbon emissions.

At present, Switzerland has five ageing nuclear power plants, which provide a third of the country's energy needs.

The vote was hailed by the president of Switzerland's Green party, Regula Rytz, describing it as a "moment of historic change".

However, opponents had warned that the government's plans to move away from nuclear energy were costly and posed risks to energy security.

The vote paves the way for the country to provide billions of dollars in subsidies for renewable energy to increase the proportion of solar and wind in the mix, and bail out the hydro power utilities.
Vatican City: US President Donald Trump met Pope Francis at the Vatican today in a keenly-anticipated first face-to-face encounter between two world leaders who have clashed repeatedly on several issues.

The private audience with the pontiff was preceded by a cordial handshake for the cameras and was expected to last around 20 minutes.

It came on the third leg of Trump's first overseas trip as president, which has already taken him to Saudi Arabia and to Israel and the Palestinian territories.

The two men had never met before Wednesday morning but they have a significant history having clashed publicly over subjects ranging from migration to unbridled capitalism and climate change.

They also disagree on issues like the death penalty and the arms trade but share a fervent opposition to abortion.

Trump was accompanied for the audience by his wife Melania and daughter Ivanka, both dressed all in black, in keeping with a traditional protocol that is no longer always observed by all female dignitaries visiting the Vatican.

The audience took place in the private library of the Apostolic Palace, the official papal residence that Francis does not use, having opted instead for modest lodgings in a Vatican guesthouse.

Immediately after the meeting, the 80-year-old pope was due to give his usual midweek address to the faithful on St Peter's square while the Trump couple are given a private tour of the Sistine Chapel and St Peter's Basilica.

Later in the morning, Trump, 70, will call on Italy's president and prime minister while Melania visits a children's hospital and Ivanka discusses migrant issues with members of the St Egidio religious community.

The Trump team is due to fly to Brussels on Wednesday afternoon for meetings with EU and NATO officials before returning to Italy late Thursday for the G7 summit in Sicily on Friday and Saturday.
Rome: The Italian coast guard says at least 20 migrants have died after their vessel capsized off Libya's coast.

The coast guard says the ship was carrying about 500 people. At a certain point, either a wave hit or the migrants shifted to one side and about 200 of them ended up in the water.

Officials intervened and rescued most, but at least 20 bodies were seen. The coast guard, which is coordinating migrant rescues, has dispatched other rescue vessels to the area to try to find any survivors.

The incident was one of 15 rescue operations over the past day that have saved some 1,700 people.
New Delhi: Tom Holland's upcoming Hollywood film 'Spider-Man: Homecoming' is charming the fans of all age groups, all thanks to its interesting pre-release glimpses. The filmmakers recently released the trailer 3 of the movie and, dayum, it looks mind-blowing.

The Jon Watts directorial will be taking the silver screen by storm on July 7 this year. Interestingly, the trailer also features our favourite Robert Downey Jr as Tony Stark aka 'Iron Man'. Apparently, he is playing mentor to Holland's 'Spider Man'.

This take on Peter Parker seems to be a bit different from all the previous 'Spider-Man' films.


New Delhi: Even after 24 hours, the search and rescue team has failed to locate Indian Air Force's Sukhoi-30 fighter jet, which went missing, with two pilots on board, minutes after it took off from Assam's Tejpur airbase on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, the rescue mission for locating the missing Sukhoi-30 fighter jet has been halted owing to bad weather conditions.

Rescue mission for the missing Sukhoi-30 fighter jet of the Indian Air Force, halted for now due to bad weather conditions.  ANI (@ANI_news) May 24, 2017

The jet had taken off from the IAF station on the outskirts of Tezpur town at 10.30 am on Tuesday, but it lost radar and radio contact around 60 km northeast of the air base.

A massive search operation, involving helicopters, were launched to trace the plane and the pilots, aged between 25 and 30, Defence spokesman Lt Col Sombit Ghosh of the Armys IV Corps had told reporters.

Thereafter, authorities at Biswanath district, which borders Arunachal Pradesh, were informed.

The Indian Air Force has already lost at least seven of the 240 Sukhoi-30MKIs till now.

This is the second time that a Sukhoi-30 of the Tezpur base has met with trouble.

A Sukhoi-30 crashed close to Laokhowa wildlife sanctuary in Nagaon district on May 19, 2015.
Delhi: Both India and Pakistan continue to maintain high operational military readiness along the volatile Line of Control (loC), as per a media report.

The Times of India, quoted a top Army officer as saying on Wednesday that the "pre-emptive and punitive fire assaults" will continue to be conducted across the 778-km LoC to stem infiltration.

However, he added that it was "not a war-like situation" as of now.

"Infiltration attempts, backed by the Pakistan Army-ISI combine, are increasing with the snow melting in the mountain passes. This calls for even more pro-active counter-terror operations," he was quoted as saying by the Daily.

On the other hand, Indian Air Force is also keeping its Western Air Command, which stretches from J&K to Rajasthan with 18 airbases and other installations, on a high alert.



All airbases are maintaining an ORP (operational readiness platform) round-the-clock.

Two to three fighters are being kept combat-ready in blast pens adjoining the runway at an airbase for immediate take-off, as per TOI.

Meanwhile, in a related development, Pakistan's Samaa TV reported earlier today that Pakistani fighter jets had flown near the Siachen Glacier.

Quoting sources, the report said that all of PAF's forward operating bases had been made fully operational.

Mirage jets of PAF are part of exercises since the forward base was made operational.

Pakistan's Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman visited the forward airbase in Skardu today and flew a Mirage jet, the report said.

According to PAF, Aman met the pilots and technical staff of the fighting force. A fighter squadron carried out higher and lower altitude flights.

But IAF sources said that there was no violation of India's air space, as per PTI.

The Siachen glacier is the highest battleground on the earth. It is located in the eastern Karakoram range in the Himalayan mountains where the LoC between India and Pakistan ends.

Also Read - Pakistani posts destroyed by Indian Army in Naushera sector

The report came a day after the Indian Army announced that it had launched "punitive fire assaults" on Pakistani positions across the LoC earlier this month, inflicting some damage.

(With Agency inputs)
New Delhi: The Income Tax Department officials on Wednesday conducted raids at premises of bureaucrats in at least 15 locations across Uttar Pradesh and Delhi on charges of tax evasion.

"Raids are being carried out against some government functionaries in the state," a senior I-T department official was quoted as saying by ToI.

According to ANI, the Income Tax raids are currently underway in six cities of Uttar Pradesh covering 15 locations.

Residences of several IAS and PCS officers including former Ghaziabad District Magistrate Vimal Sharma, former Bhagpat District Magistrate Hari Nath Tiwari, Meerut RTO Mamta Sharma and some other officers are being searched by the IT sleuths.

Vimal Sharma is currently serving as Additional CEO in Greater Noida Authority while Harinath Tiwari is posted as director in health department.

Raids are also being conducted at the six premises (in Lucknow and Noida) of UP Special Secretary (prisons) Satyendra Kumar Singh.

Last month, the department had searched over 20 premises and detected undisclosed income of over Rs 10 crore.
After the Pakistan military's media wing claimed two officers of a UN military observer group had come under attack by Indian troops during a visit to the Line of Control, a UN spokesperson said there was no evidence to suggest that this was true.

By India Today Web Desk: Stephane Dujarric, the spokesperson for the United Nations Secretary General, has denied that a vehicle carrying two officers of a UN military observer group came under attack by Indian troops during a visit to the Line of Control, as claimed by Pakistan's Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

ISPR is the Pakistan military's media wing.

"This afternoon in Bhimber District in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, UNMOGIP military observers accompanied by Pakistani army escorts heard gunshots," Dujarric said. "There is no evidence that the UNMOGIP military observers were targeted by the gunfire."

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"No UN military observer was injured," he added.

In a statement, ISPR had said the vehicle was carrying United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) officers Major Emmanual of the Philippines and Major Mirko of Croatia.

"Both officers are safe. They got off the vehicle and moved away before later returning to their location," the Express Tribune reported, quoting the military s statement.

PAKISTAN ARMY'S PROTEST

On May 17, Pakistan Army had lodged a protest with the UN military observers against "unprovoked" Indian firing on civilians from across the Line of Control.

According to the Security Council mandate of 1971, UNMOGIP observes and reports on ceasefire violations along and across the Line of Control and the working boundary between India and Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir, as well as reports developments that could lead to ceasefire violations.

India has maintained that UNMOGIP has outlived its utility and is irrelevant after the Simla Agreement and the consequent establishment of the Line of Control (LoC).

The observer group is headed by Major General Per Lodin of Sweden. It currently has 38 military observers and 73 civilian personnel.

(With inputs from PTI)

ALSO READ | Desperate to downplay India? After its Army, now Pakistan Air Force and Naval chiefs warn India

ALSO READ | Pakistan in war mode? All forward posts activated, jets fly over Siachen; no airspace violated, says IAF

ALSO WATCH | Video released by Indian Army shows heavy shelling on Pakistani posts in Naushera

--- ENDS ---
Washington: India is moving towards isolating Pakistan diplomatically and is considering punitive actions against Islamabad for its alleged support to cross border terrorism, a top American defence intelligence chief has told lawmakers.

"India has sought and continues to move to isolate Pakistan diplomatically and is considering punitive options to raise the cost to Islamabad for its alleged support to cross- border terrorism," Lt Gen Vincent Stewart, Director, Defense Intelligence Agency told members of the powerful Senate Armed Services Committee during a Congressional hearing on worldwide threats.

His statement came a day after Indian Army launched "punitive fire assaults" on Pakistani positions across the Line of Control, inflicting some damage.

India, he said, is modernising its military to better posture itself to defend New Delhi's interests in the broader Indian Ocean region and reinforce its diplomatic and economic outreach across Asia.

Bilateral relations between India and Pakistan worsened following several terrorist attacks in India, he said.

"Continued threat of high level terror attacks in India, violence in Kashmir and bilateral diplomatic recriminations will further strain India-Pakistan ties in 2017," he said.

Following a terrorist attack on an Army base Kashmir last September, New Delhi conducted a highly publicised operation against militants across the Line of Control, he added.

"In 2016, Indian and Pakistani forces exchanged some of the heaviest fire in years along the Line of Control in Kashmir, and each expelled a number of the other?s diplomats amid growing tension," Stewart said.

He also told lawmakers that in 2017, Islamabad is likely to slowly shift from traditional counterinsurgency operations along Pakistan's western border to more counter terrorism and paramilitary operations throughout the country, which have had some success in reducing violence from militant, sectarian, terrorist, and separatist groups.

"Anti-Pakistan groups probably will respond to this sustained pressure by focusing their efforts against soft targets," he said.

Noting that Pakistan's nuclear stockpile continues to grow, Stewart said the US is concerned that this growth, as well as an evolving doctrine and inherent security issues associated with Pakistan's developing tactical nuclear weapons, presents an enduring risk.

"Islamabad is taking steps to improve its nuclear security and is aware of the extremist threat to its program," Stewart said.

Observing that China has long identified the protection of its sovereignty and territorial integrity as a "core interest," he said in the South China Sea, China has embarked on a multi year, whole-of-government approach to securing sovereignty, principally through maritime law enforcement presence and military patrols.

In 2016, China rejected the international arbitration ruling on its excessive South China Sea claims, built infrastructure at its man made outposts on the Spratly Islands, and for the first time, landed civilian aircraft on its airfields at Fiery Cross Reef, Subi Reef, and Mischief Reef.

"China will be able to use its reclaimed features as persistent civil-military bases, which will enhance its presence and its ability to control the features and nearby maritime space. Beijing recognises the need to defend these outposts and is prepared to respond to any military operations near them," he told the lawmakers.

Stewart said a key component of PLA strategy in a regional contingency is planning for potential US intervention.

The PLA Rocket Force has given priority to developing and deploying regional ballistic and cruise missiles to expand its conventional strike capabilities against US forces and bases throughout the region.

"In addition to the Rocket Force's fielding of an anti ship ballistic missile, China is fielding an intermediate range ballistic missile capable of conducting conventional and nuclear strikes against ground targets in the Asia-Pacific region as far away as Guam," he said.
Beijing: China on Wednesday said that it has 'no information to offer' nearly 24 hours after a Sukhoi-30 fighter jet belonging to the Indian Air Force (IAF) went missing minutes after it took off from the Tezpur air base in Assam on Tuesday.

Beijing also warned India not to disturb peace in the border area while searching for its missing fighter jet that disappeared along the Indo-China border a day ago.

China's Foreign Ministry said that it had no information about the missing IAF fighter jet.

"As for the situation you mentioned, I have no relevant information to offer at the moment," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang said, to a question on the missing Indian jet and if China would come forward to help in the search.

"First of all, on the eastern section of the China-India border, our position is consistent and clear. We have been following the situation in South Tibet very closely. We hope India can stick to arrangements between two sides and avoid disturbing peace and stability in border areas," he said.

An Indian Air Force (IAF) Sukhoi-30 fighter jet with two pilots on board went missing from near the Indo-China border in Assam on Tuesday morning.

A search was launched to trace the aircraft and pilots but it has been halted by the harsh weather conditions in the region.

The Sukhoi took off from the IAF Tezpur air base, located only about 172 km from Indo-China border in Arunachal Pradesh, on a routine training mission.
Islamabad: A Pakistan court on Wednesday ordered that an Indian woman, who was allegedly forced to marry a Pakistani man at gunpoint, be deported to her country.

Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kiyani was hearing pleas filed by Uzma, a doctor, and Pakistani national Tahir Ali. While Uzma had requested to be repatriated to India, Ali had asked to be allowed to meet his wife.

The HC assured Uzma, who hails from New Delhi, that she was free to return to India at any point and would be escorted to the Wagah Border with police security.

The court also returned her the immigration papers which she had said was taken away by Ali, who had submitted the documents yesterday after being told by the court to do so.

Ali, dejected at the order, told PTI that the high court allowed "his wife" to go back.

"She has been allowed to return and I am unhappy because my point of view was not heard."

Justice Kayani also ordered the police to escort her to to the Wagah Border crossing between India and Pakistan.

The judge asked Uzma if she wanted to meet Ali in his chamber but she refused.

"I had asked to meet her for two minutes but I was not allowed," Ali added.

Some reports said Uzma once collapsed in the court during the hearing and paramedics were called in to treat her.

News agency IANS quoted sources as saying that Uzma will be deported to India on Thursday.

Uzma had petitioned the court on May 12 with the request and had submitted a medical report, showing that her daughter was suffering from thalassemia - an inherited blood disorder characterised by abnormal hemoglobin production - and she urgently needed to return to India.

Uzma and Ali reportedly met in Malaysia and fell in love, after which she travelled to Pakistan on May 01 via the Wagah Border. The two contracted nikkah (marriage) on May 03 in the remote Buner district in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province.

Later, she came to Islamabad and took refuge in the Indian High Commission, alleging she was forced to marry him at gunpoint.

Ali rejected the allegations and expressed his desire to work out their relationship. "She is still my wife. Neither she has asked for divorce nor I have divorced her."

According to the law in Pakistan, her lawyer can continue to represent her and she can come back to pursue the case.

(With Agency inputs)
New Delhi: At a time when Indo-Pak relations are hitting a boiling point, fighters jets of Pakistan Air Force (PAF) made flights near Siachen Glacier on Wednesday morning.

Pakistan Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman, who visited the Qadri Airbase in Skardu, has reportedly warned India of severe repercussions following any aggression.

Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman confirmed that all forward operating bases of the PAF have been made operational in response to Indian threats.

According to Geo Tv, the PAF Chief stated Pakistan's response to any Indian aggression will be remembered by their coming generations.

Aman also met the pilots and technical staff of the fighting force and himself flew a Mirage jet on the occasion.

In New Delhi, IAF sources said there was no violation of India's air space.

Pakistan's response comes after the Indian Army on Tuesday said it launched "punitive fire assaults" on Pakistani positions along the Line of Control (LoC) as part of its pre-emptive and pro-active strategy to curb cross-border militant incursion.

The assault comes eight months after India had said that its Army had conducted surgical strikes to destroy terror-launch pads across the LoC in Pakistan that resulted in the killing of dozens of militants and their sympathisers in September.

Also Read: No airspace violation by Pakistani fighter jets in Siachen, says IAF

Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Sunday may have dropped enough hint on a second surgical strike against the PoK terrorists, saying there would defenitely be a decisive action but the government won't reveal plan in advance.
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi would be undertaking a four-nation visit to Germany, Spain, Russia and France from May 29 onwards to consolidate bilateral relations and invite investments in India.

On May 29, Germany Chancellor Angela Merkel will host Prime Minister Modi at her official Meseberg Country Retreat where the two leaders would discuss issues of mutual interest.

A day later, i.e. on May 30, the Prime Minister and Merkel would hold the fourth India-Germany Intergovernmental Consultations. Both leaders would also be addressing a business event where top CEOs from both the sides would be present.

Later in the day, Prime Minister Modi will pay a courtesy call on Germany President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.

"India and Germany enjoy a strategic partnership. The upcoming Prime Minister's visit will give further boost to this special relationship," an official release said.

From Berlin, Prime Minister Modi would be travelling to Spain on 30 May on an official visit.

The following day he would meet with Spain President Mariano Rajoy and discuss bilateral and other issues of mutual interest. As part of the programme, Prime Minister would be calling on King Felipe VI of Spain.

He would also have a Round-Table interaction with leading Spanish business leaders who are keen to invest in India.

"Prime Minister's visit to Spain will add further strength to the existing warm and friendly India-Spain bilateral ties," it said.

From June 1, Prime Minister will be in for a two day visit for holding the 18th India-Russia Annual Summit in St. Petersburg with the Russian President Vladimir Putin. It is the first time that the Annual Summit will be held in Russia outside Moscow.

Following the summit, the Prime Minister, for the first time, will participate in the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum on June 2 as Guest of Honour.

Russia was the first country with which India instituted Annual Summits.

This had followed the Declaration of Strategic Partnership between India and the Russian Federation in October 2000 in New Delhi. Since then annual Summits have been held regularly every year.

At the bilateral Summit in St. Petersburg on June 1, the leaders are expected to review the entire gamut of India-Russia bilateral relations and review the progress made since the last summit held in Goa on October 15, 2016.

On June 2, Prime Minister Modi will visit Paris.

On June 3, he will hold official talks with France President Emmanuel Macron and discuss issues of mutual interest with a view to further strengthen India-France strategic ties.
New Delhi: President Pranab Mukherjee, in a written message to British Monarch Queen Elizabeth II on Wednesday conveyed his condolences over the terror attack in Manchester that killed 22 people, an official said.

Expressing shock and condemning the attack, President Mukherjee said: "We stand in solidarity with the people and the Government of the United Kingdom in this difficult hour."

"This is not an attack just against the UK and its people; it is an attack against the humanity and the values that we all live for."

Calling the attack "a grim reminder" for a need to "intensify the global fight against terrorism", Mukherjee said: "India is fully committed to working with the UK and the international community in defeating these evil forces."

Police named 22-year-old Salman Abedi as the suspected bomber behind the attack at Manchester Arena after an Ariana Grande concert that also injured 59 persons on Monday night.

The Islamic State militant group has claimed responsibility for the second assault in Manchester in the last 20 years.
Nalgonda: Seeking to reach out to the people of Telangana, BJP chief Amit Shah on Wednesday said the party won't let go in vain the sacrifice of those who fought against the powerful Razakar militia of the Nizam of Hyderabad and fulfil their dreams of a poverty-free land.

"There is a permanent place in the heart and mind of the BJP for the Telugu martyrs who fought against the Razakars," he said.

Shah was speaking at the BJP's booth-level activists meeting organised in Nalgonda's Gundrampalli village on the third and the final day of his visit to Telangana.

More than 160 people were killed by the Razakars, a band of violent supporters of the Nizam - the erstwhile ruler of the princely state of Hyderabad, at Gundrampalli village, he said.

Shah remembered an aphorism in Telugu that a 'bastha pusthelu' (a gunny bag full of mangalsutras) was found in the village which signified that a large number of women became widows after their husbands were killed by the Razakars.

The state is a part of India because of the sacrifice made by the people of Telangana, Karnataka and Maharashtra and the stellar role played by Sardar Patel, he said.

The Hyderabad state included parts of the present day Karnataka and Maharashtra.

Shah said the BJP would continue to fight for the honour of martyrs of the Razakar violence "for 100 years and many years beyond that".

The BJP chief said he visited Telangana as part of his nationwide 'Vistarak Yojana' and that he wanted it to become a stronghold of the party.

When independence came in 1947, nearly all of princely states agreed to become part of India. But Hyderabad's Nizam did not join in.

The peasants of Telangana waged an armed struggle to liberate the region. Scores of people lost their lives in it. The Razakars under the leadership of Qasim Razwi unleashed terror in the state by resorting to looting and killings, as per information available on the website of the Telangana government.

On 17 September 1948, the Indian government conducted a military operation, called Operation Polo, to merge Hyderabad state into the Indian Union.

It appointed a civil servant, M K Vellodi, as the first chief minister of Hyderabad on January 26, 1950.
New Delhi: Gita Devi, a 50-year-old woman who hails from Samastipur of Bihar, used to make basket, vases and other similar items from garbage and plastic waste like wrappers and polythene.

When Gita's son Manoj Kumar saw her work, he encouraged her to parcel the same to Prime Minister's office. She sent a basket made by her to the PM's office last month, little knowing that she would receive a 'spectacular' response from PM Narendra Modi himself, who must be receiving hundreds of gifts daily.

Very much to her surprise, the Prime Minister not only acknowledged the amazing gift Gita Devi sent to her but also saw a "vast potential of small scale industry" in the woman's craft. In fact, Modi hailed the idea of making the gift out of plastic waste and added that the move will be an excellent step towards environment protection.

"The idea of using plastic litter to create beautiful products is amazing. This is not only useful for the Swachh Bharat campaign but also has vast potential for small scale industry," PM Narendra Modi wrote to her.

No wonder, Gita was astonished to have received a reply from the Prime Minister himself. When her family read the letter to her as she is illiterate, Gita said she expressed her feeling with utmost joy.

Gita's husband Ramchandra Jha is a farmer with a small landholding. Her skillful use of waste is limited to just a hobby as she says she never thought of selling her work.

However, now that Gita has been encouraged by the Prime Minister, the duo is considering to take her hobby into next level.

"Now that we have got encouragement from none other than the prime minister, we feel it can be done. But we lack money to do any business. May be if we get a loan, we can do this," Gita's husband said.
Washington: In a significant move, the United States has revived two major infrastructure projects in South and Southeast Asia in which India would be a vital player.

The move could potentially act as a counter to China's ambitious Belt and Road initiative (OBOR).

The Trump administration has resuscitated the 'New Silk Road' initiative and the Indo-Pacific Economic Corridor linking South and Southeast Asia.

What US said about the projects:

A brief outline of the two projects was made available in the administration's maiden annual budget on Tuesday, which indicated that the 'New Silk Road' project would be a public- private initiative in which India would be an important player.

The state department said the budgetary request of its South and Central Asia will support the two initiatives - the New Silk Road (NSR) focused on Afghanistan and its neighbours, and the Indo-Pacific Economic Corridor linking South Asia with Southeast Asia.

This request will be leveraged through side-by-side collaboration with regional countries, other bilateral donors, multilateral development banks, and the private sector.

It said "the importance of... The NSR grows" as the transition in Afghanistan continues and the US "strives to help the Afghan people succeed and stand on their own."

The state department said it will deepen support for the objectives through "far-reaching" public diplomacy programmes.

According to James McBride of the Council on Foreign Relations, the NSR refers to a suite of joint investment projects and regional trade blocs that have the potential to bring economic growth and stability to Central Asia, as per PTI.

"Following the surge of 30,000 additional troops into Afghanistan in 2009, which President Barack Obama's administration had hoped would lay the groundwork for complete withdrawal a few years later, Washington began to lay out a strategy for supporting these initiatives through diplomatic means," McBride said.

The 'New Silk Road' initiative was first announced by then Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in July 2011 in a speech in Chennai.

Announcing her vision for a New Silk Road, Clinton had said, "Turkmen gas fields could help meet both Pakistan's and India's growing energy needs and provide significant transit revenues for both Afghanistan and Pakistan. Tajik cotton could be turned into Indian linens. Furniture and fruit from Afghanistan could find its way to the markets of Astana or Mumbai and beyond."

But the NSR strategy took a back seat during Obama's second term when John Kerry occupied the Foggy Bottom headquarters of the state department.

Here's why India had skipped Belt and Road Forum:

India had boycotted the Belt and Road Forum (BRF) held from May 14-15.

India had skipped the meeting due to its sovereignty concerns over the USD 50 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) which passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

No Indian official of any level was present at the elaborate opening ceremony attended by 29 heads of state and government along with top officials of the world bodies like the UN, the World Bank and the IMF.

Pakistani PM Nawaz Sharif, Sri Lankan Premier Ranil Wickramasinge, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan were among the world leaders who had attended the meeting inaugurated by Chinese President Xi Jinping.

The US had sent a delegation led by Matt Pottinger, special assistant to the President and senior director for Asia at the National Security Council.

A day before the Summit, Baglay had said in New Delhi that, "Guided by our principled position in the matter, we have been urging China to engage in a meaningful dialogue on its connectivity initiative, 'One Belt, One Road', which was later renamed as 'Belt and Road Initiative'. We are awaiting a positive response from the Chinese side."

On the other hand, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying, while responding to Baglay's remarks, had said, "I think our ideas and actions are there for all to see. You can see the response of the international community towards this forum."

"Our attitude is always clear. We always want India to participate in the Belt and Road initiative. If they have the answer, they can give the answer to me, either in a public or private?" she had said.

Hua had said China always followed the principle of extensive consultation with other countries on the project over which India has sovereignty concerns.

What is OBOR:

The Belt and Road initiative includes a maze of roads and port projects.

While CPEC is highlighted as "flagship project", the B&R includes the Bangladesh, China, India and Myanmar (BCIM) Economic Corridor, New Eurasian Land Bridge, China-Mongolia-Russia Economic Corridor, China-Indochina Peninsula Economic Corridor and 21st century Maritime Silk Road.

Through the B&R initiative, China aims to link itself with markets in Europe and Africa through Asian countries and the Indian Ocean.

The port could potentially be used as a naval outpost for the Chinese military.

(With PTI inputs)
Lucknow: A day after clashes between Dalits-Rajputs left one dead, the situation in a violence-hit village in Uttar Pradesh`s Saharanpur district remained tense but under control on Wednesday, an official said.



Home Secretary Mani Prasad Mishra, who is in the team sent by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to Shabbirpur, where over 20 people were also injured in sword attacks, told IANS on the phone that adequate security deployment has been done.



"Situation is under control, we are monitoring everything and will be camping here (at the scene) till normalcy returns," Mishra added.



A team of four officials including the home secretary, Additional Director General (ADG) Law and Order Aditya Mishra, Inspector General (Special Task Force) Amitabh Yash and DG Security Vijay Bhushan were flown down in a special plane to the violence-hit area late on Tuesday night.



The area has been on the boil since April 20, when a clash between the two communities singed the region.



This is the third time in three months that violence has erupted in the Saharanpur village. The latest round came after a visit by Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo and Dalit leader Mayawati on Tuesday.



Violence broke out between the communities soon after Mayawati met with the affected Dalit families.



Two persons were injured in the firing, one of whom later succumbed to his injuries.



Power Minister Srikant Sharma, who is also the government spokesman said: "It was expected that the visit of the former Chief Minister (Mayawati)would lead to return of peace but what happened was the reverse."



The state was on high alert following the fresh clashes.



--IANS



md/in


By Press Trust of India: From Lalit K Jha

Washington, May 23 (PTI) The Trump administration today proposed to eliminate its funding to various climate change projects of the United Nations and said it would not contribute more than 25 per cent of the UN peacekeeping budgets.

"The amount the US would contribute to the UN budget would be reduced and the US would not contribute more than 25 percent for UN peacekeeping costs," the White House said in its budget proposals sent to the Congress this morning.

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The budget proposes to reduce funding to the UN and affiliated agencies, including UN peacekeeping and other international organisations, by setting the expectation that these organisations rein in costs and that the funding burden be shared more fairly among members, the White House said as it announced to significantly slash the annual budget of the State Department and USAID.

Trumps 2018 budget requests USD 25.6 billion in base funding for the Department of State and USAID, a USD 10.1 billion or 28 per cent reduction from the 2017 level.

It also requests USD 12.0 billion as Overseas Contingency Operations funding for extraordinary costs, primarily in war areas like Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan, for an agency total of USD 37.6 billion.

It eliminates the Global Climate Change Initiative and fulfils Trump?s election pledge to cease payments to the UN?s climate change programmes by eliminating US funding related to the Green Climate Fund and its two precursor Climate Investment Funds.

Along with, it also reduces funding for multilateral development banks, including the World Bank, by approximately USD 650 million over three years compared to commitments made by the previous administration.

Even with the proposed decreases, the US would retain its current status as a top donor while saving taxpayer dollars, the White House said.

However, it provides sufficient resources on a path to fulfil the USD 1 billion US pledge to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.

"This commitment helps support Gavi to vaccinate hundreds of millions of children in low-resource countries and save millions of lives,? the White House said.

The annual budget provides USD 3.1 billion to meet the security assistance commitment to Israel, currently at an alltime high. This is to ensure that Israel has the ability to defend itself from threats and maintain its Qualitative Military Edge, the budget papers said.

The White House said the budget shifts some foreign military assistance from grants to loans in order to reduce costs for the US taxpayer, while potentially allowing recipients to purchase more American-made weaponry with US assistance, but on a repayable basis. The White House however did not name the countries.

A day earlier, senior White House officials indicated that Pakistan is one of those countries.

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The budget also refocuses economic and development assistance to countries of greatest strategic importance to the US and ensures the effectiveness of US taxpayer investments by rightsizing funding across countries and sectors.

According to the White House, the Budget seeks to reduce or end direct funding for international organisations whose missions do not substantially advance US foreign policy interests, are duplicative, or are not well-managed.

Additional steps will be taken to make the Department and USAID leaner, more efficient, and more effective. These steps to reduce foreign assistance free up funding for critical priorities here at home and put America first, the White House asserted. PTI LKJ PMS

--- ENDS ---
Shanghai/Beijing: Moody's Investors Service downgraded China's credit ratings on Wednesday for the first time in nearly 30 years, saying it expects the financial strength of the economy will erode in coming years as growth slows and debt continues to rise.

The one-notch downgrade in long-term local and foreign currency issuer ratings, to A1 from Aa3, comes as the Chinese government grapples with the challenges of rising financial risks stemming from years of credit-fuelled stimulus.

"The downgrade reflects Moody`s expectation that China`s financial strength will erode somewhat over the coming years, with economy-wide debt continuing to rise as potential growth slows," the rating agency said in a statement, changing its outlook for China to stable from negative.

China`s Finance Ministry said the downgrade, Moody`s first for the country since 1989, overestimated the risks to the economy and was based on "inappropriate methodology".

Moodys views that Chinas non-financial debt will rise rapidly and the government would continue to maintain growth via stimulus measures are exaggerating difficulties facing the Chinese economy, and underestimating the Chinese governments ability to deepen supply-side structural reform and appropriately expand aggregate demand, the ministry said in a statement.

China`s leaders have identified the containment of financial risks and asset bubbles as a top priority this year. All the same, authorities have moved cautiously to avoid knocking economic growth, gingerly raising short-term interest rates while tightening regulatory supervision.

At the same time, Beijing`s need to deliver on official growth targets is likely to make the economy increasingly reliant on stimulus, Moody`s said.

"While ongoing progress on reforms is likely to transform the economy and financial system over time, it is not likely to prevent a further material rise in economy-wide debt, and the consequent increase in contingent liabilities for the government," Moody`s said.

While the downgrade is likely to modestly increase the cost of borrowing for the Chinese government and its state-owned enterprises (SOEs), it remains comfortably within the investment grade rating range.

China`s Shanghai Composite index fell more than 1 percent in early trade before paring losses, while the yuan currency in the offshore market briefly dipped nearly 0.1 percent against the U.S. dollar after the news.

The Australian dollar, often see as a liquid proxy for China risk, also slipped.

One trader at a foreign bank in Shanghai said the spread between benchmark government bonds and those issued by SOEs in U.S dollars widened by 2-3 basis points.

"It`s going to be quite negative in terms of sentiment, particularly at a time when China is looking to derisk the banking system, as well as at a time when theres going to be some potential restructuring of SOEs," said Vishnu Varathan, Asia head of economics and strategy at Mizuho Bank`s Treasury division.

GROWTH TO SLOW

In March 2016, Moody`s cut its outlook on China`s ratings to negative from stable, citing rising debt and uncertainty about authorities` ability to carry out reforms.

Rival ratings agency Standard & Poor`s downgraded its outlook to negative in the same month. S&P`s AA- rating is one notch above both Moody`s and Fitch Ratings, leading to speculation among analysts that S&P could also downgrade soon.

Moody`s has Japan at the same A1 rating China is now on.

"We understand the risk and the reason for downgrade but due to China being a unique system on its own  closed capital account and strong government control over all important sectors - it can tolerate a higher debt level," said Edmund Goh, a Kuala Lumpur-based investment manager at Aberdeen Asset Management.

Moody`s has no specific timetable for re-visiting China`s rating, but would monitor conditions on a regular basis, said Marie Diron, associate managing director of Moody`s Sovereign Risk Group.

More than two hours after the announcement from Moody`s, no Chinese state media had published news about the downgrade.

The slowing economy has become an increasingly sensitive topic in China, with authorities directing mainland Chinese economists and journalists towards more positive messaging.

Authorities have stepped up efforts over the last several months to curb debt and housing risks, and a raft of recent data has signaled a cooling in the economy, which grew a solid 6.9 percent in the first quarter.

China`s potential economic growth was likely to slow towards 5 percent in coming years, but the cooldown is likely to be gradual due to expected fiscal stimulus, Moody`s said.

"Our GDP will keep medium- and high-level growth and that will provide fundamental support to fend off local government debt risks," China`s Finance Ministry said. "Chinas government debt risks will not change dramatically in the period of 2018-2020 from 2016."

Government-led stimulus has been a major driver of growth over recent years, but has also been accompanied by runaway credit growth and has created a mountain of debt - now standing at nearly 300 percent of gross domestic product (GDP).

Julian Evans-Pritchard, China Economist at Capital Economics in Singapore, said steps to resolve the debt overhang, such as debt-for-equity swaps at state-owned enterprises, were insufficient to deal with problem.

"As a result, its reached the point where the bad debt problem is just so large the government will have to step in to resolve it at some point and that obviously means at some point a sizeable increase in government debt," he said.

Moody`s said it expects the government`s direct debt burden to rise gradually towards 40 percent of GDP by 2018 "and closer to 45 percent by the end of the decade".

A growing number of economists believe that a massive bank bailout may be inevitable in China as bad loans mount.
Jammu: The Jammu and Kashmir government has demanded around 27,000 security personnel from the Centre to ensure safety of the pilgrims going to visit the Amarnath holy shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva.

According to PTI, a senior Home Ministry official said that stone pelting mobs and terrorists pose equal threat to the annual Amarnath pilgrimage that begins June 29.

The J&K government has demanded over 27,000 security personnel for deployment along the route to ensure that all goes peacefully, he added.

The official made the comments following a high-level meeting to discuss security arrangements for the pilgrimage to the high-altitude holy shrine.

The meeting was chaired by Union Home Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi and attended by top officials of the central and the state governments.

"There are equal threats from militants and stone pelters. All threats are being taken care of," Ashok Prasad, advisor in the Home Ministry, said when asked whether stone pelting mobs could be the biggest threat to the 40-day pilgrimage to the Himalayan cave shrine located at a height of 3,888 metres.

All aspect will be taken into consideration by the security forces before they finalise the security plan, he added in response to a question on the possible impact of the destruction of Pakistan Army posts by the Indian Army.

"Definitely, we will make all efforts to ensure a peaceful pilgrimage," Prasad said.

The Jammu and Kashmir government has sought around 27,000 security personnel from the central government, mostly Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel.

Last year, around 20,000 paramilitary personnel besides state police personnel were deployed along the route.

Though there are no specific threats to the pilgrims, the central and Jammu and Kashmir government is taking no chances and ordered all possible steps to ensure foolproof security, officials said.

During the meeting, Mehrishi is said to have directed all agencies concerned to keep a close watch and maintain effective coordination to ensure all goes smoothly.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary BB Vyas, Director General of Police SP Vaid and top officials of the Home Ministry attended the meeting.

Interestingly, despite tense situation in the Kashmir Valley, there has been no decline in the number of devotees who have enrolled for the arduous trek, an official said. So far, around 1.80 lakh pilgrims have registered.

Around 2.20 lakh pilgrims had offered prayers at the naturally formed ice-Shivlingam last year. The shrine is located 46 km from Pahalgam and 14 km from Baltal.

The Amarnath yatra will conclude on August 7.

Jammu and Kashmir has been on the boil since the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen militant Burhan Wani in July last year. There was massive violence during the April 9 bypoll to the Srinagar Lok Sabha seat in which eight people lost their lives in more than 200 incidents of violence.

The Election Commission later ad cancelled the May 25 bypoll to Anantnag Lok Sabha seat saying the situation was not conducive to holding elections.

With PTI inputs
Nashik: Polling is underway in three municipal corporations of Bhiwandi, Malegaon, and Panvel in Maharashtra on Wednesday.

A total of 1,251 candidates are in the fray in the three civic bodies for 252 seats to be elected by 12.96 lakh eligible voters.

The results will be declared on May 26.

The BJP has fielded 189 candidates, NCP-90, Congress-152 and Shiv Sena-144 across the three civic bodies. Also, 355 Independents are trying their luck.

The Bahujan Samaj Party has put up 22 candidates, Janata Dal (United) four, and Janata Dal (Secular) 10 in the three civic bodies.

Of the 18 municipal corporations in Maharashtra which completed their five-year term this year, the elections to 10 bodies were held in February, while Latur, Parbhani and Chandrapur went to polls last month.

Malegaon Municipal Corporation Elections

The Nationalist Congress Party-AIMIM alliance is in power in the Malegaon civic body in Nashik.

The AIMIM has fielded 37 candidates in Malegaon.

In a first in Maharashtra elections, drones have been deployed as the eye in the sky to monitor the Malegaon Municipal Corporation elections. As per Police Commissioner Rakesh Ola, police have hired four private drones to cover important and congested areas in the city with a population of around 700,000 on polling day today.

Malegaon, a Muslim-dominated city in Nashik district, around 280 km north-east of Mumbai, was rocked by two terror attacks in 2006 and 2008 and is listed among the 'sensitive' cities in the state.

Muslims comprise over 75 percent of Malegaon's population and elections are to be held for 83 of the 84 wards. One Congress candidate has been declared elected unopposed.

Panvel Municipal Corporation Elections

This is the first election of the Panvel City Municipal Corporation (PCMC) in Raigad district after it came into existence in October last year.

The MNS has put up 25 candidates in Panvel.

Bhiwandi-Nizampur City Municipal Corporation Elections

The Bhiwandi-Nizampur City Municipal Corporation in Thane district is ruled by the Congress-led alliance. The AIMIM has fielded nine candidates, while the MNS has put up seven in Bhiwandi.
New Delhi: Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan is blessed with a heart of gold. Be it his on-screen performances or off-screen acts, the 'Piku' actor never fails to impress his followers. Recently, the 74-year-old actor won millions of hearts by fulfilling the wish of his 103-year-old fan Christine.

Big B recently earned more respect by meeting in-person with the die-hard fan. "103 yrs old Christine, my fan had wished to see me for years .. today I did ! SO sweet and cute ..blessed me too .. 103 years !!" Amitabh tweeted along with an adorable picture.

In the image, an overwhelmed Christine can be seen showering her blessings on him. Awww, his gesture truly deserves a round of applause.

T 2433 - 103 yrs old Christine, my fan had wished to see me for years .. today I did ! SO sweet and cute ..blessed me too .. 103 years !! pic.twitter.com/76KUNjGvXj  Amitabh Bachchan (@SrBachchan) 23 May 2017

On the professional front, Amitabh was last screen on the silver screen in Ram Gopal Varma's 'Sarkar 3'.
New Delhi: Nepotism has been the talk of the town for a while now and string of different reactions has kept pouring in from B-Town celebrities. And the latest one to voice his opinion is Bollywood actor Sunil Shetty, who believes that every parent wants their kids to settle down.

When asked about his opinion on the same, the 55-year-old actor told ANI in an exclusive conversation, "I think it's over bull. Every father irrespective of professions wants to make sure that his son or daughter settles well. If someone is a doctor they would encourage their kids towards medical field or kids wants to follow their parent's profession. So, every profession is same, so why are we singling it out in movies. All this will just give TRP's, will get you eyeballs, will get you likes and makes news."

"I have my own company that is called 'F The Couch' and if it's giving opportunity to new comers then, it's because of their talent, they are not related to me, they are not my kids. But I am giving them a break, so, I think to each his own," he added.

For the unversed, whole of B-town was in a shock when Kangana Ranaut, boldly talked about nepotism in the industry on chat show 'Koffee With Karan'. The 'Queen' actress, who is known for her brazen honesty, took a dig at Karan Johar on his show, calling him the "flag-bearer of nepotism" in Bollywood.

Suniel Shetty, who is also the brand ambassador of Insecticides (India) Limited, on Tuesday launched revolutionary bio product KayaKalp here in the national capital. On the work front, the 55-year-old actor, who is currently seen hosting the reality show 'India's Asli Champion.Hai Dum', will next be seen in the upcoming film 'Reloaded' that also stars Sidharth Malhotra and Jacqueline Fernandez in lead roles.
Mumbai: Sonu Nigam, who drew flak for his comments on the use of loudspeakers at places of worship, a few weeks back, took to Twitter Monday morning for the last time to announce his decision to delete his account.

In a series of tweets, Sonu explained why he chose to move out of the micro-blogging site despite being showered with immense love and appreciation from fans.

Check out his tweets here:

Nigam, who has been in the film industry for over two decades, tonsured his head in order to respond to a fatwa issued against him by a cleric, soon after his Azaan tweet made headlines.
The 'New Silk Road' project would be a public-private initiative in which India would be an important player.

By Press Trust of India: The United States has revived two major infrastructure projects in South and Southeast Asia in which India will be a vital player, a step that could potentially act as a counter to China's ambitious Belt and Road initiative.

The Trump administration has resuscitated the 'New Silk Road' initiative, first announced by the then Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in July 2011 in a speech in Chennai, and the Indo-Pacific Economic Corridor linking South and Southeast Asia.

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A brief outline of the two projects was made available in the administration's maiden annual budget yesterday, which indicated that the 'New Silk Road' project would be a public-private initiative in which India would be an important player.

The state department said the budgetary request of its South and Central Asia would support the two initiatives: the New Silk Road (NSR) focussed on Afghanistan and its neighbours, and the Indo-Pacific Economic Corridor linking South Asia with Southeast Asia.

This request will be leveraged through side-by-side collaboration with regional countries, other bilateral donors, multilateral development banks, and the private sector.

IMPORTANCE OF NEW SILK ROAD

It said "the importance of...the NSR grows" as the transition in Afghanistan continues and the US "strives to help the Afghan people succeed and stand on their own."

The state department said it would deepen support for the objectives through "far-reaching" public diplomacy programmes. According to James McBride of the Council on Foreign Relations, the NSR refers to a suite of joint investment projects and regional trade blocs that have the potential to bring economic growth and stability to Central Asia.

"Following the surge of 30,000 additional troops into Afghanistan in 2009, which President Barack Obama's administration had hoped would lay the groundwork for complete withdrawal a few years later, Washington began to lay out a strategy for supporting these initiatives through diplomatic means", McBride said.

Announcing her vision for a New Silk Road, Clinton had said in Chennai: "Turkmen gas fields could help meet both Pakistan's and India's growing energy needs and provide significant transit revenues for both Afghanistan and Pakistan. Tajik cotton could be turned into Indian linens. Furniture and fruit from Afghanistan could find its way to the markets of Astana or Mumbai and beyond."

WHEN NSR STRATEGY TOOK A BACK SEAT

But the NSR strategy took a back seat during Obama's second term when John Kerry occupied the Foggy Bottom headquarters of the state department. Simon Denyer, the China bureau chief of The Washington Post, recently wrote that Clinton's idea never really got off the ground, and the Obama administration was criticised by experts for responding negatively to the China-backed The New Development Bank.

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Through the Belt and Road initiative, China aims to link itself with markets in Europe and Africa through Asian countries and the Indian Ocean. India opposes one of the projects under the initiative as it runs through Gilgit and Baltistan in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

The USD 46 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor links China's restive Xinjiang region to the southern Pakistani port Gwadar, built with Chinese funding. The port could potentially be used as a naval outpost for the Chinese military.

Also read | Why One Belt One Road is China's compulsion, how India can meet the challenge

Also read | India skips China's Belt and Road Summit over CPEC 'sovereignty' concerns

Also read | UNSC resolution backs China's 'Belt and Road' despite PoK corridor

--- ENDS ---
Mumbai: Top stock exchange NSE has asked its brokers to ensure that their respective insurance cover is in order for current fiscal and submit the details of their policies in electronic format by July 31.

As per market regulator Sebi norms, it is mandatory for every stock broker to have an insurance cover.

"Trading Members are requested to ensure that their 'Stock Brokers Indemnity Policy' is in order for the period 2017-18 with effect from June 1, 2017," the National Stock Exchange (NSE) said in a notice today.

"Trading Members are required to submit the details for the same through Electronic NSE Interface for Trading Members (ENIT) on or before 31st July, 2017," it added.

Failure to submit the details on ENIT within the timeline would attract a levy of late submission charges of Rs 100 per day till the date of submission of required details.

ENIT is a fully electronic, Internet enabled application.
New Delhi: Astronomers are baffled as a mysterious 'alien megastructure' star in the Universe just kicked into action again with its light dimming in bizarre ways.

Astronomers have proposed many theories to to explain strange irregularities in the brightness of 'alien megastructure' star, with one speculation being that the changes in brightness could be a sign of activity associated with intelligent extraterrestrial life constructing a Dyson swarm.

The SETI Institute's initial radio reconnaissance of the star, however, found no evidence of technology-related radio signals from the star.

The 'alien megastructure' star also known as Tabby's Star was discovered by NASA's Kepler Space Telescope. It is located about 1,500 light-years away, between the Cygnus and Lyra constellations of the Milky Way galaxy.

Astronomers have observed that the star dimmed by up to 22 percent before returning to normal at the time it was discovered showing the mysterious changes in 2015.

ALERT:@tsboyajian's star is dipping



This is not a drill.



Astro tweeps on telescopes in the next 48 hours: spectra please!  Jason Wright (@Astro_Wright) May 19, 2017

Soon, Tabetha Boyajian, lead researcher of the team that observed the celestial body in 2015, also tweeted about the dimming:

Jason Wright, Associate Professor of Astronomy and Astrophysics at Penn State, had broken the news on Twitter, urging amateur and professional astronomers to point their telescopes towards Tabbys star and to provide spectra results for further analysis.

During a live webcast later, Jason Wright had said, At about 4 a.m. this morning I got a phone call  that Fairborn [Observatory] in Arizona had confirmed that the star was three percent dimmer than it normally is. That is enough that we are absolutely confident that this is no statistical fluke. Weve now got it confirmed at multiple observatories, I think.

Whatevers causing the star to get dimmer will leave a spectral fingerprint behind, Wright said during the webcast.

So if there is a lot of dust between us and the star it will block more blue light than red light. If there is gas in that dust, that gas should absorb very specific wavelengths and we should be able to see that. And so, weve been eager to see one of these changes in one of these dips of the star so we can take some spectra, he said.

Its difficult to predict when and how long a dimming event would occur, which is why astronomers make it a point to schedule professional-grade telescope observations weeks or months in advance.

We need to have a network of people around the world that are ready to jump on (and observe it), Wright had said.

Fortunately, Tabbys star is not too faint and so there are a lot of observers and telescopes  that have graciously agreed to take some time out of their science to grab a spectrum for us, as was reported by the Inquistr.

The behavior of the star is indeed baffling and there is no established explanation to the irregularities it so often displays, yet.

Below is the archived live stream with Jason Wright:

p>

(Video courtesy: BerkeleySETI)
Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K. Palaniswami on Wednesday urged the central government to urgently attend to nine issues related to the southern state.

In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the text of which was released to the media here, Palaniswami drew the former`s attention to pending issues like approval for the state`s Bills seeking exemption from National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) for state government seat quota; setting up of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS); release of pending claims under the National Agriculture Insurance Scheme (Rs 168.66 crore) and the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), among others.

Palaniswami also sought the central government`s clearance for Rs 14,500 crore for the National Project for Improvement and Rehabilitation of Irrigation systems in the Cauvery Basin.

Palaniswami said the project will bring benefits for around 6.5 lakh hectares of agricultural land.

The other issues raised by Palaniswami in his letter are: construction of dams/check dams across Bhavani river by Kerala; interlinking of peninsular rivers (Pamba-Achankoil-Vaippar link); central government support for Kudimaramath, an age-old practice of people`s participation in management of water resources; release of pending grants to Tamil Nadu; and release of boats belonging to Indian fishermen by Sri Lanka.

In another letter, Palaniswami invited Modi as the chief guest at a function to unveil a portrait of late Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa in the assembly chamber in July 2017.

Palaniswami also invited Modi for the valedictory event of birth centenary celebrations of AIADMK founder and late Chief Minister M.G. Ramachandran proposed to be held here between December 15 and 31.
Chennai: The AIADMK faction, led by Tamil Nadu's former Chief Minister O Panneerselvam, on Wednesday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has agreed to participate in the birth centenary celebration of party founder and late Chief Minister MG Ramachandran (MGR).



In a statement here, the AIADMK-Puratchi Thalaivi Amma said Modi assured Panneerselvam and others about his participation and also asked them to inform the event date.



The statement comes on a day when Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K.Palaniswami invited PM Modi as the Chief Guest at the valedictory event of the birth centenary celebration of MGR proposed to be held here between December 15 and 31.
New York: Tech giant Microsoft has announced a new custom version of Windows 10 which is ready for Chinese government agencies to use.



The Windows 10 China Government Edition is based on Windows 10 Enterprise Edition, which already includes many of the security, identity, deployment, and manageability features governments and enterprises need.



"The China Government Edition will use these manageability features to remove features that are not needed by Chinese government employees like OneDrive, to manage all telemetry and updates, and to enable the government to use its own encryption algorithms within its computer systems," said Terry Myerson, Executive Vice President, Windows and Devices Group, in a blog post.



The company also announced that Lenovo will be one of the first OEM partners to preinstall Windows 10 China Government Edition on new devices.



"Windows 10 is the most secure version of Windows ever, and we are humbled that governments around the world like the US Department of Defence, the Australian Health Department, and the Italian Ministry of Defence are choosing Windows 10 for their security, and now the Chinese government has a version of Windows created specifically for it," added Myerson.


New Delhi: Sticking to its earlier stand, the Indian telecom regulator on Wednesday recommended penal action against three operators -- Bharti Airtel, Vodafone India and Idea Cellular -- for not providing adequate points of interconnections (PoI) to newcomer Reliance Jio.



The amount of penalty the three collectively have to pay is Rs 3050 crore.



In similarly worded decisions against the three operators, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) said it "considered it appropriate to recommend penal action... in view of the large public interest involved."



An Airtel spokesperson said that the company disagreed with TRAI`s recommendation and requested the Department of Telecom (DoT) to reject it.



"The penalty has been recommended on the basis of an incorrect assessment of the situation on the ground," the spokesman said in a statement.



Airtel requested the Department of Telecom (DoT) to reject the recommendations and "take into consideration the actions taken on ground by Bharti Airtel". It said "the fact is that we have provided PoIs to Jio at an unprecedented pace despite the provision of 90 days in the licence".



The regulator, in response to queries by the DoT, said that its earlier penalty imposed on the three companies on the basis of licence service areas (LSA) were being confirmed. It had proposed penalties of Rs 1,050 crore each on Airtel and Vodafone and Rs 950 crore on Idea for 21 and 19 licence service areas.



TRAI said under the rules it is not prevented from exercising its mandate to make recommendations to the government for wilful non-compliance of terms and conditions of license.



The sector regulator in October said the top three telecom operators in the country had violated licence norms by denying adequate PoI to Jio.



The TRAI said Department of Telecommunications (DoT) may appreciate the fact that Airtel, Vodafone and Idea were "intentionally denying and delaying the provision/augmentation of PoIs to RJIL (Reliance Jio Infocomm), only to restrict a new entrant, thus violating the terms and conditions of licence and regulations/directions of the Authority, which also caused a lot of inconvenience to consumers."



It added that after its intervention the incumbent players have provided PoI capacity at much shorter notices (in some seven instances within 2-3 days), which implies "that it was capable of providing such POIs" without delay.



"In this context, the denial and delay in providing PoIs when the quality of service (QoS) parameters were not being met cannot be explained in any other manner but wilful."



It said there was no provision in the licence or TRAI Regulation "to deny/delay provisioning of PoIs during the test phase. On the contrary, the testing cannot be completed unless sufficient PoIs are provided."



TRAI said it was clear that the incumbents TSPs were not willing to provide adequate POIs to RJIL to provide a satisfactorily service to its customers on launch of its commercial service.



The TRAI said it took into consideration the efforts made by the incumbent operators in providing sufficient number of PoIs to RJIL.



"However, on finding that the incumbent operators are not willing to provide adequate POIs to RJIL as per its projections and demand, the Authority had to issue show cause notices to the telecom service providers."
Lucknow: Acting on the deteriorating law and order situation in Uttar Pradesh's Sarahanpur due to the ongoing clash between two communities, the Yogi Adityanath-led government on Wednesday suspended senior police officer Subhash Chandra Dubey and top officer NP Singh with immediate effect.

As per the report, the Uttar Pradesh government suspended Sarahanpur SSP and the top officer over their inability to control violence amid the ongoing clashes between two communities in the area.

What happened:

On Tuesday, a mob attacked a group of people returning from a rally of Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati, killing Ashish (24), who hailed from Sarsawa town, on the spot and injuring four others.

The injured will be given Rs 50,000 each as compensation.

"Fresh violence erupted yesterday after some unidentified persons set fire to at least 12 houses of Thakurs in Shabbirpur village ahead of the arrival of Mayawati there," SP (City) Prabal Pratap said.

After Mayawati wrapped up her visit to the village, a mob attacked a Bolero carrying some BSP supporters, who had come from Sarsawa to attend her event.

Saharanpur has been in the grip of caste violence since April:

On May 5, a Dalit group had objected to a procession of Thakurs in Shabbirpur to mark the birth anniversary of Rajput king Maharana Pratap, triggering violence, in which one person was killed and over 15 were injured.

Dalits say upper caste Thakurs had earlier prevented them from installing a statue of BR Ambedkar on the premises of the Ravidas temple in the village.

Members of the Bheem Army, a Dalit group, had on May 9 torched a bus and set a number of two-wheelers afire after the administration had turned down their request to hold a mahapanchayat in Gandhi Park to demand compensation for those affected in the May 5 inter-caste clashes.

The village is home to around 600 Dalits and over 900 Thakurs.

Earlier today, SSP Dubey said that at least 25 people were arrested in connection with yesterday's incidents.
Lucknow: Blaming the Yogi Adityanath government of Uttar Pradesh for the violent clashes between Dalits and upper castes in Saharanpur, the CPI-M on Wednesday demanded action in the matter, including protection and monetary compensation for the Dalits.

"The CPI-M strongly condemns the murderous attacks on Dalits in Saharanpur, which has resulted in a Dalit youth being killed and many seriously injured. Certain upper caste elements sporting the colours of the Hindu Yuva Vahini launched these attacks," the party said in a statement.

The statement comes a day after a man was killed and several others injured when they were attacked while returning from a rally of Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati.

"The steady deterioration in the situation is a result of the support the upper caste perpetrators of violence are receiving from the state government and the lack of will displayed by the administration for taking action against them," it said.

"The CPI-M demands firm action against all those involved in the atrocities against the Dalits. The administration has to provide full protection to the vulnerable people. Adequate compensation must be paid to those who have suffered losses. The administration must withdraw false cases implicating Dalits and their leaders," the party said.

"The UP government must give up its partisan stance and ensure that the rule of law prevails in Saharanpur district," it added.
Lucknow: Former MLA and president of the Peace Party Dr Mohamed Ayub was arrested on charges of rape in Lucknow, reports said on Wednesday.

Ayub was apprehended last evening near Aliganj thane in Lucknow on charges of allegedly raping a 22-year-old nursing course student.

The girl, whose liver and kidneys were damaged, was undergoing treatment at the trauma centre of King George Medical University in Lucknow and died on February 24.

The victim`s brother had lodged a complaint with Madiaon police alleging that Ayub prescribed his sister wrong medicines which led to her death, besides accusing Dr Ayub of sexually harassing her.

A case has been registered under section 376(2)(F) , 506 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) against Ayub.

The first information report (FIR) was registered with Madiaon police station in Lucknow on February 25.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today announced relief package of Rs 2 lakh to the kin of the deceased in the Uttarakhand bus accident.

By India Today Web Desk: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today announced ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the families of those killed in the bus accident near Dharasu band in Uttarakhand on Tuesday.

"My prayers and solidarity with those who lost their loved ones in the unfortunate bus accident in Uttarkashi. May the injured recover soon," Modi said in a tweet.

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Modi also announced Rs 50,000 from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund for the seriously injured.

Ex gratia of Rs. 2 lakhs from PMNRF for the next of kin of those killed in the accident in Uttarkashi has been announced by PM.- PMO India (@PMOIndia) May 24, 2017

PM @narendramodi has also announced Rs. 50,000 for those seriously injured in the bus accident in Uttarkashi.

- PMO India (@PMOIndia) May 24, 2017

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan also announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each to the next of kin of the deceased.

At least 24 persons were killed and eight others injured when the bus carrying pilgrims from Indore, Madhya Pradesh, plunged into a deep gorge near Dharasu band.

The incident happened when the bus fell into Bhagirathi river near Nalupani while returning from Gangotri shrine in the Himalayas.

Also read: Uttarakhand: Bus plunges into Bhagirathi river, 22 bodies recovered

--- ENDS ---
Lucknow: The situation in a violence-hit village in Uttar Pradesh's Saharanpur district remained tense but under control on Wednesday, a day after clashes between Dalits-Rajputs left one dead.

This is the third time in three months that violence has erupted in Shabbirpur. The latest round came after a visit by Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo and Dalit leader Mayawati on Tuesday.

Violence broke out between the communities soon after Mayawati met with the affected Dalit families.

Power Minister Srikant Sharma, who is also the government spokesman said: "It was expected that the visit of the former chief minister (Mayawati) would lead to the return of peace but what happened was the reverse."

The area has been on the boil since April 20, when a clash between the two communities took place in the region.

Watch the full report:

Home Secretary Mani Prasad Mishra, who is in the team sent by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to Shabbirpur, where over 20 people were also injured in sword attacks, told news agency IANS on a phone that adequate security deployment has been done.

Notably, the UP CM sent a team of four officials including the home secretary, Additional Director General (ADG) Law and Order Aditya Mishra, Inspector General (Special Task Force) Amitabh Yash and DG Security Vijay Bhushan to the violence-hit area late on Tuesday night.
Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday appealed to the people of the state to not to pay heed to any inflammatory speeches spread by 'certain elements'.

"Certain elements, who are not able to see the popularity of the ruling government, are trying to create disturbance in the state. With the support of the people, the state the government WILL not let them succeed in their ill-intentions," Adityanath said by issuing a press note.

He even condemned the recent Saharanpur incident and said that strict action will be taken against the culprits.

Earlier in the day, Saharanpur District Magistrate Nagendra Parsad Singh was sacked over the administration's failure to curb clashes between the two communities.

The situation in Saharanpur is under control now. All senior executives are present at the spot and will stay until the situation normalises.

Fresh clashes occurred yesterday after Bahujan Samajwadi Party (BSP) supremo Mayawati's visit to Saharanpur, where one person was killed and several others were injured.

The state government also announced to give compensation of Rs. 15 lakhs to relatives of the person who was killed during this incident.

On May 5, one person was killed and 16 people, including a head constable, were injured in clashes between Dalits and Rajputs in Shabbirpur and Simlana villages.

Reports said that the police stopped the Maharana Pratap procession after some Dalits informed the police.

This angered Rajputs, who allegedly resorted to violence.

However, the BSP chief said the state government has till now not provided relief and compensation to the victims of the violence.

She announced that the BSP would provide assistance of Rs. 50,000 to those whose houses have been burnt and Rs. 25,000 to those who have been injured in the violence.

"This is not right as it is the party of all communities. We want to create an equal society in the country. The party follows the path shown by Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar. The BSP maintained the brotherhood and didn't let a single communal riot to take place during its rule," said Mayawati.
Lucknow: It's a tell-all interview of a politician who is known for his bold decisions and statements.

BJP's firebrand leader and Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday spoke on a number issues during an exclusive interview with Zee News Editor Sudhir Chaudhary.

Slamming previous governments for ruining UP, he said, "Past governments have looted the state, UP lost a lot in the past 15 years."

Talking about his 'anti-Muslim' image (as shown in some sections of media), Yogi said that after he became UP CM, the media got to know about his style of functioning and then started praising him and making programs on his lifestyle.

"2017 UP Assembly elections proved that there is no room for casteism and religion based politics in the state," Yogi said.

"I don't care about all these anti-Muslim allegations, we will keep working on development agenda," he added.

At the same time, the UP maintained that his government will release a report card on completion of 100 days.

"My government is dedicated for public welfare and I will make UP a crime free state, also now public has faith in government," Yogi pointed out.

Talking about Mathura murder case, the UP CM said that earlier criminals used to get protection from politicians but now the situation had changed.

Yogi also spoke about Saharanpur clashes.

"The problem has been identified, only final operation needs to be done," Yogi said hinting at some big breakthrough in the caste-based clashes of Saharanpur.

"Now, in my government, there is no space for criminals," he emphasised, adding, "Earlier, there was no hearing of public by police machinery but now police cooperates and helps common man."

Taking a dig at the previous Akhilesh government, Yogi said, "When I came CM house, there was not even any furniture here."

"Akhilesh inaugurated metro but even fare was not decided. Akhilesh inaugurated cancer hospital however it had no bed," he went on to say.

Talking on the triple talaq issue, Yogi said,"It's a big issue and Centre has clarified its stand and it will be taken care of."

Praising PM Narendra Modi's 'sabka saath, sabka vikaas', he said, "Indians are so fortunate that we've Modi ji as PM."

Laughing at the formation of mahagathbandhan (grand alliance), Yogi was of the view that "public will teach them a strong lesson."

On a lighter note, the UP CM told Zee News Editor Sudhir Chaudhary that nowadays he was not getting even 4-5 hour sleep in a day.

Also, Yogi made it clear that he had no ambition of becoming PM.
Dehradun: At least 24 persons were killed and eight others injured when the bus they were travelling in plunged into a deep gorge in Uttarakhand late on Tuesday, police said.



The accident took place near Nalupani in Uttarkashi district when a bus full of pilgrims from Indore, Madhya Pradesh were returning from the Gangotri shrine.



Three people are still missing and the eight injured, who were rescued after great efforts and difficulty, have been admitted at the Community Health Centre at Chinyalisaud, an official informed IANS.



Some passengers of the ill-fated bus also fell in the Bhagirathi rover flowing below. District officials including district magistrate Ashish Srivastava rushed to the spot but owing to darkness rescue efforts were hampered.



With the hill being very steep, the rescue was further delayed and went on till the morning. SDRF, police and ITBP teams then went down from the other side and rescued eight passengers. Bodies have been recovered but are yet to be identified.



Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat has condoled the loss of lives in the mishap and has announced an ex gratia of Rs 1 lakh each for the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 each for those injured.



Officials have also been asked to identify danger zones on routes of the annual `Chaar Dham Yatra`, put up speed monitors, turning warnings and put up crash barriers.
Dehradun: In an unfortunate incident, at least 24 persons were killed when their bus plunged into the Bhagirathi river near Nalupani here while returning from the Gangotri shrine on Tuesday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today expressed grief over the tragic incident and expressed solidarity with the kin of the deceased.

My prayers & solidarity with those who lost their loved ones in the unfortunate bus accident in Uttarkashi. May the injured recover soon, PM Modi tweeted.

The Prime Minister announced ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakhs for for the next kin of those killed in the accident.

Ex gratia of Rs. 2 lakhs from PMNRF for the next of kin of those killed in the accident in Uttarkashi has been announced by PM, the PM announced.

The accident occurred at around 6 pm on Tuesdya, when the pilgrims, mostly belonging to Madhya Pradesh, were returning to Rishikesh from the Gangotri when the vehicle fell into the 100-foot deep gorge after the driver lost control.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each to the next of kin of the deceased.

Rescue operations are being carried out with the help of ITBP, SDRF and police personnel. With the hill being very steep, rescue was further delayed and went on till the morning.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat has condoled the loss of lives in the mishap and has announced an ex gratia of Rs 1 lakh each for the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 each for those injured.
Berlin: German Chancellor Angela Merkel is planning to meet Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at a NATO summit tomorrow in Brussels, her spokesman said.

"It is quite likely that a meeting with Turkish President Erdogan will take place on the sidelines of the summit," Steffen Seibert told a news conference today, adding that this was "the plan" but still subject to bilateral discussions.

If a meeting were confirmed, "there are of course a lot of topical issues that the chancellor would like to address", in particular "the right of German parliamentarians to visit our soldiers", Seibert said.

Ankara last week banned German MPs from visiting the Turkish base of Incirlik, where German soldiers are deployed as part of the international coalition against the jihadist Islamic State group in Syria.

The relationship with Turkey is one of Germany's most important outside Europe, in part due to its three-million- strong ethnic Turkish population, the legacy of a massive "guest worker" programme in the 1960s and 1970s.

But ties between the NATO allies have been badly strained especially since a failed coup in Turkey last year, and have worsened over multiple issues including a referendum campaign to expand Erdogan's powers.

Relations plunged further after Turkey imprisoned Deniz Yucel, a German-Turkish journalist with Die Welt, on terror charges earlier this year.

Ankara was angered after Germany granted political asylum to some Turkish military officers accused of involvement in the attempted putsch.

Germany has stationed 250 military personnel flying Tornado surveillance missions over Syria and refuelling flights for partner nations at the Incirlik base.

Amid the heightened tensions, a German parliamentary delegation has called off another planned Turkey trip, saying today that Ankara had made clear they were not welcome.

A foreign ministry spokesman said today that Berlin "regrets and laments" the fact the trip wouldn't go ahead, calling it "another missed opportunity" for dialogue.
Rome: At least 20 migrants including young children drowned on Wednesday when they fell off an overloaded vessel in the Mediterranean, the Italian coastguard and a humanitarian worker said.

"There's a critical situation today. About 200 people fell into the water and for the moment we have 20 bodies," a coastguard spokesman told AFP.

The migrants were on a wooden boat carrying between 500 and 700 people and were just 20 nautical miles off the Libyan coast when the accident happened.

The crew of the Phoenix aid boat, chartered by the Maltese NGO Moas, had begun the rescue and were distributing lifejackets when many of those on deck fell into the water, perhaps knocked off balance by a wave.

"It's not a scene from a horror movie, it's a real-life tragedy that is taking place today at the gates of Europe," said Chris Catrambone, Moas co-founder, who was aboard the Phoenix and published photos showing dozens of migrants in the water.

With the help of an Italian coast guard ship and several commercial ships, rescuers raced to drag as many people as possible from the water, while a helicopter and military aircraft dropped lifeboats.

"There are still about 30 corpses floating in the area, many are young children," Catrambone added.

In total, about 15 relief operations were underway Wednesday off Libya, the coast guard said without being able to give a total for the number of migrants involved.

Yesterday, they coordinated the relief of about 1,500 migrants, while their Libyan counterparts intercepted 237 others.
Tehran: Iranian President Hassan Rouhani reiterated on Wednesday that Iran is "heedless" of what the "enemy" says and will continue its missile programme.



"Remarks by enemy about Iran`s missile power result from their ignorance," Rouhani was quoted as saying by Tasnim news agency.



"The enemy thinks that our power is restricted only to missiles, while our power lies in this nation`s faith," he said at a cabinet meeting.



The President stressed that missiles are one of Iran`s needs, and Iran would manufacture whatever it needs without paying any attention to others` remarks.



On Monday, Rouhani said that Iran would continue test of its missiles anytime if there was a "technical need", and it would not seek the permission of any other country to do so.



"Our missiles are for defence and peace," Rouhani said, adding that the US expectations from Iran to halt its defensive missile programme is "an illusion."



Earlier on Saturday, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said in Saudi Arabia that he hoped the re-election of Rouhani would put an to end to Iran`s ballistic missile tests.
Mogadishu: The Islamic State group has claimed its first suicide attack in Somalia, which police said Wednesday killed five people at a checkpoint in the northeastern port city of Bosaso.

The group`s self-styled news agency Amaq claimed the "martyrdom-seeking operation with an explosive vest" in a statement carried by the SITE Intelligence Group.

The suicide bomber detonated his explosives vest at a checkpoint late Tuesday in the semi-autonomous region of Puntland.

"Security forces stopped the suspect when he approached but he detonated himself leaving five people dead. One of the security officers and four civilians were killed in the blast," said local police official Mohamed Dahir Adan.

The blast occurred near a hotel often used as a meeting place for local officials, witnesses said.

"I think the bomber was trying to target the hotel but he was stopped at the checkpoint close to the hotel and he decided to detonate his explosives," said witness Awke Mohamed.

Puntland set up its own government in 1998, but, unlike neighbouring Somaliland, it has not declared full independence.

The region has often come under attack by Al-Qaeda-linked Shabaab militants, and is also home to a breakaway group of fighters which declared allegiance to IS last year but has failed to gather much support so far.

The militants are led by former Shabaab cleric Abdiqadir Mumin who was placed on a US terror list last August for his role at the head of IS in East Africa.
Mogadishu: The Islamic State group has claimed its first suicide attack in Somalia that left five dead as it steps up activities in a region dominated by the Al-Qaeda-linked Shabaab.

The group's self-styled news agency Amaq claimed the "martyrdom-seeking operation with an explosive vest" in a statement carried by the SITE Intelligence Group which noted it was the first suicide bombing by the militants in Somalia.

The suicide bomber detonated his explosives vest at a checkpoint in the northeastern port city of Bosaso yesterday, situated in the semi-autonomous region of Puntland.

"Security forces stopped the suspect when he approached but he detonated himself leaving five people dead. One of the security officers and four civilians were killed in the blast," said local police official Mohamed Dahir Adan.

The blast occurred near a hotel often used as a meeting place for local officials, witnesses said.

"I think the bomber was trying to target the hotel but he was stopped at the checkpoint close to the hotel and he decided to detonate his explosives," said witness Awke Mohamed.

Puntland set up its own government in 1998, but unlike neighbouring Somaliland, it has not declared full independence.

The region has often come under attack by Al-Qaeda-linked Shabaab militants and is also home to a breakaway group of fighters who have declared allegiance to IS.

However the group has so far failed to gather much support while the Shabaab has taking pains to purge those expressing pro-IS sentiment from their ranks.

The militants are led by former Shabaab cleric Abdiqadir Mumin who switched allegiance from Al-Qaeda to IS in October 2015 and was named a "global terrorist" by the US State Department in August.

Aside from issuing occasional promotional videos, the group seized the small fishing town of Qandala before being ousted by Puntland forces in December.

Then in February IS claimed an attack by gunmen on a hotel in Bosaso which left four security guards dead.

Rashid Abdi of the International Crisis Group, said that while Mumin's group was stepping up its activities, the Shabaab remained the biggest threat in the region.

"We should not overplay IS influence in that region," he told AFP.

"There is clearly an IS threat in Puntland, and the Mumin group is escalating its activities and attacks, but Al-Shabaab remains a much bigger threat in Puntland than IS does."

He also warned that IS claims should be treated with caution as "they tend to claim everything".
The Islamabad High Court also asked authorities to provide security to Uzma till the Wagah border. Uzma, 20, had claimed she was forced to marry a Pakistani man at gun point.

Uzma had claimed that she was forced to marry a Pakistani man - Tahir. (File Photo)

By India Today Web Desk: Uzma, the Indian woman who had claimed that she was forced to marry a Pakistani man, has been allowed to return home by the Islamabad High Court.

An Islamabad High Court bench, headed by Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani, returned Uzma her original immigration form.

The court also ordered that police provide security to the Indian woman till the Wagah border, Geo News reported.

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Uzma, 20, had travelled to Pakistan earlier this month, has said that her Pakistani husband Tahir Ali 'forced' her to marry him at gun point and also harassed her.

Uzma had approached the Islamabad High Court on May 12 to provide security for her journey back to Delhi and to issue duplicate travel documents which were allegedly stolen by Tahir.

Tahir had filed a petition, asking the court to arrange a meeting with Uzma and also stop her from going back to India.

Foreign Office spokesman Nafees Zakaria had earlier said that Uzma would only be able to return to her country once all the legal requirements were completed.

ALSO READ:

Indian woman Uzma tells court she was forced to marry in Pakistan, submits written reply to court

Pakistan: Mob attacks police station to lynch Hindu man arrested over alleged blasphemy; 1 dead, 5 injured

Another case of forced conversion in Pakistan, this time married Hindu girl forcibly remarried by jirga

WATCH:

Indian national Uzma, who was forced to marry Pakistani man, permitted to return home

--- ENDS ---
Sydney/Dubai: An Australian man held captive for seven months has been freed by his kidnappers in Yemen and has been taken to neighbouring Oman, Australia`s foreign minister said on Wednesday.



The unnamed man was captured in October by unnamed assailants. Oman`s foreign ministry said the man had been located after mediation with local tribes and that he was due to return home. It gave no further details.



"I confirm that an Australian kidnapped in Yemen in October last year has been released and is safe and well," Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said in a statement.



"I particularly thank His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al-Said, the Sultan of Oman, for Oman`s work to locate and receive the Australian national into Oman."



She said she would give no further details on the case in order to protect other Australians who remain captive overseas or who face the risk of kidnapping.



Oman has used its relationship with Yemen`s dominant Houthi group several times to help free foreign nationals who have gone missing or been detained in Yemen. In October last year, it helped in the release of a French-Tunisian Red Cross worker.



Oman`s foreign ministry, in a statement on state news agency ONA, did not say where the man had been located or which group had released him.
BEIRUT: In a major victory against terrorism, senior Islamic State militants including the group`s "minister of war" have been killed in Syrian army operations to the east of Aleppo, Syrian state media cited a military source as saying on Wednesday.

The "minister of war" was identified as Abu Musab al-Masri.

The military source said he was among a number of senior Islamic State militants killed in the army operations, who included Saudis and Iraqis.
Manchester: A roof over his head for six months and more than 30,000 has been raised for the homeless man who told of pulling nails from the bodies and faces of children injured in the Manchester Arena bombing.

A rough sleeper Stephen Jones recalled horror of sleeping close to the city centre arena when he heard a loud explosion. At first, he assumed that the blast was a firework, but when he saw screaming young children rushing out the arena, covered in blood, he was left frozen.

Within seconds realizing the devastating impact of their injuries, the 35-year-old rushed to help the children, wiping out blood from their eyes and pulling out nails from another girl's face.

"We were having to pull nails and bits of glass out of their arms and faces. They needed help and I like to think that someone would come and help me if I needed it," An emotional Stephen said.

"It's just instinct to go and help and it was children and it was a lot of children with blood all over them and crying and screaming. It had to be done, you had to help them. I wouldn't have been able to live with myself for walking away and leaving kids like that," he added.

"If I didn't help, I wouldn't be able to live with myself for walking away and leaving kids like that. Just because I'm homeless it doesn't mean that I haven't got a heart and I'm not human still," Stephen said.

Earlier in the day, another homeless man, Chris Parker, who rushed to help the blast victims, described the moment when an injured woman died in his arms after he rushed into the arena to help. He said that he aided a girl who he said lost both her legs in the attack.

Taking a note of Stephen's selfless act, West Ham's owner co-chairman David Sullivan and his son Dave Junior vowed to pay for the homeless man's rent for six months to thank him for helping the victims of the Manchester suicide bombing.

On the other hand, Chris Parker's estranged mother, Jessica, 57, has come forward to say she wants to be reunited with her hero son.

Jessica, who lost touch with Parker some years ago, said she had no idea that her son was sleeping rough on the streets of Manchester. She has contacted the M.E.N. and is now pleading for help to get back in touch with her son. She is even planning to travel to Manchester from her home in Norfolk to see him.
Manila: Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has imposed martial law on the southern region of Mindanao to combat militants who have declared allegiance to the Islamic State group.



Here is what we know about why he declared martial law and what happens next: Duterte acted after security forces on Tuesday battled dozens of gunmen in Marawi, a city of about 200,000 people. One policeman and two soldiers died in the fighting, authorities said.



Tuesday`s violence was the latest in a series of deadly clashes with militants who have pledged allegiance to the Islamic State (IS) group and are based throughout Mindanao.



Duterte`s declaration fulfilled an often-repeated promise to impose martial law to combat the IS-linked militants, whom he has said are a growing threat to national security.



But he has said many times that martial law may be needed to solve many other problems, including illegal drugs. Authorities said they were battling members of two of the best-known groups to have declared allegiance to IS, the Abu Sayyaf and Maute organisations.



The military said it was hunting Isnilon Hapilon, an Abu Sayyaf leader who has been named the Philippine head of IS. The US government is offering a $5-million bounty for his capture.



The Abu Sayyaf is infamous for kidnapping foreigners and killing them if ransoms are not paid. It is also blamed for the nation`s worst terror attacks, including the 2004 bombing of a ferry in Manila Bay that claimed more than 100 lives.



The Jakarta-based Institute for Policy Analysis of Conflict said last year that deepening cooperation among the Maute gang, the Abu Sayyaf and other pro-IS groups meant more deadly violence was "a matter of when not if". Duterte had repeatedly said the growing influence of Islamic State was one of the nation`s top security concerns, and martial law was necessary to stop it.



However Islamist militancy is not new to the southern Philippines, where a decades-long Muslim separatist insurgency claimed more than 120,000 lives.



Muslim rebels orchestrated a siege in the southern city of Zamboanga in 2013 that left more than 200 people dead, but the government of then-president Benigno Aquino did not declare martial law.



Aquino also said he had considered imposing martial law just before standing down last year in Sulu, island strongholds of the Abu Sayyaf in the far south of Mindanao.



But Aquino said he decided against it partly because military rule could spark resentment among local people.Martial law allows the president to "call out the armed forces to prevent or suppress lawless violence, invasion or rebellion", according to the constitution.



Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said security forces would be able to arrest suspected militants and hold them for three days without charge.



Critics fear the martial law will give security forces cover to carry out human rights abuses, citing the experience under dictator Ferdinand Marcos a generation ago.



During the nine years of martial law under Marcos, police and troops tortured, abducted and killed thousands of people who were critical of the dictatorship, according to rights groups and historians.



Duterte said on Wednesday that his version of the martial law would be "harsh" and similar to that under Marcos.The constitution limits martial law to 60 days unless congress agrees to extend it. Duterte warned Wednesday it could last for a year.



The post-Marcos constitution imposed safeguards on martial law, including the requirement for congress to approve its imposition and extension. The Supreme Court can also rule on its legality.



However Duterte said in January he would ignore the consitutional safeguards if necessary, and may impose martial law across the nation.



"I don`t care about the Supreme Court... because the right to preserve one`s life and my nation, my country transcends everything else," he said.

ajm/kma/sm
Manila: Islamist militants rampaging through a southern Philippine city beheaded a local police chief, President Rodrigo Duterte said on Wednesday.

He said the attack occurred near the southern city of Marawi, which is under siege by Islamic militants, as justification for imposing martial law across the southern third of the country.

"The chief of police in Malabang on his way home, going back he was stopped by a checkpoint manned by terrorists and I think they decapitated them right then and there," Duterte he told a news conference.

Fighting erupted Tuesday after Philippines security forces raided a house in Marawi where they believed Isnilon Hapilon, a leader of the infamous Abu Sayyaf kidnap-for-ransom gang and Philippine head of Islamic State, was hiding.

The United States regards Hapilon as one of the world's most dangerous terrorists, offering a bounty of $5 million for his capture.

More than 100 gunmen responded to the raid by burning buildings and conducting other diversionary tactics, officials said, adding that thousands of residents have fled Marawi.

Police said an officer and two soldiers had been killed in the fighting, with at least eight others injured.

It was unclear if the ambush on the local police chief was included in the official tally.

Duterte said continuing sporadic skirmishes showed the group's "capability to sow terror and unleash harassment and inflict destruction" across the country's south.

The president flew home Wednesday from Moscow, where he had cut short an official visit to Russia to deal with the Marawi crisis.
Manila: Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said on Wednesday he wouldn't rule out placing the entire country under martial law if the threat of Islamic State spreads.



Duterte cut short a visit to Russia and placed the southern island of Mindanao under military rule on Tuesday, and said he would keep it that way for a year if necessary.



Duterte assured the public he will not allow abuses under martial rule, even as he repeatedly said he will deal with terrorism harshly.


Manila: Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte warned on Wednesday he would deal harshly with militants, after declaring martial law on Mindanao island following a failed raid on a hideout of Islamic State-linked rebels.



Duterte cut short a visit to Russia and placed the southern island of 22 million people under military rule on Tuesday, and said he would keep it that way for a year if necessary.



Fighting abated in the mainly Muslim city of Marawi as troops sought to contain dozens of rebels of the Maute group, who escaped a botched raid on Tuesday on an apartment and took over streets, bridges and buildings and sought to block army reinforcements.



Duterte is a Mindanao native and has long threatened martial law to destroy two groups linked to Islamic State, which he warns is trying to gain a foothold in the Philippines.



He said the situation in Mindanao would be similar to the tough 1970s rule of late dictator Ferdinand Marcos, remembered by many Filipinos as one of the darkest chapters of their recent history.



"To my countrymen who have experienced martial law. It would not be any different from what President Marcos did. I`d be harsh," Duterte said onboard a flight back to Manila, in a video sent by his staff.



"If it would take a year to do it then we`ll do it. If it`s over with a month, then I`d be happy. To my countrymen, do not be too scared. I`m going home. I will deal with the problem once I arrive."



Two soldiers and a policeman were killed and 12 people wounded in Marawi, where Maute fighters took over buildings and set fire to a school, a church and a jail.



The military and government gave few details about the clashes nor did they say if any rebels had been killed.



Authorities insisted the situation was under control but residents who fled told a different story and said Marawi was in the hands of the rebels, who had allowed civilians to leave.



"The city is still under the control of the armed group. They are all over the main roads and two bridges leading to Marawi," student Rabani Mautum told Reuters in nearby Pantar town, where some residents were leaving in overloaded trucks.



"I was in school when we heard gunfire ... When we came out there were blood stains in the building but we did not see dead or wounded."

EXCESSIVE MEASURES



Critics and even economists chided Duterte for what they saw as an overreaction in declaring martial law on an island the size of South Korea after an incident in one city.



Some activists expressed concern that it would lead to human rights abuses.



Martial law will last an initial 60 days. According to the constitution, Duterte has until Thursday night to explain his decision to congress.



He was due back in Manila on Wednesday afternoon.



Tuesday`s raid was aimed at capturing Isnilon Hapilon, a leader of the Abu Sayyaf group notorious for piracy, banditry and for kidnapping and beheading Westerners.



The United States has since 2001 offered a bounty of $5 million for Hapilon`s arrest. The military said they believed he had was wounded during the latest fighting.



The Maute and Abu Sayyaf have pledged allegiance to Islamic State, also known as ISIS, and have proved fierce opponents for the military.



A photograph from one resident showed a black flag flying in Marawi that looked similar to that of Islamic State.



Duterte has warned repeatedly that Mindanao, an impoverished region beset by decades of unrest by separatist and Marxist guerrillas, was at risk of "contamination" by Islamic State fighters driven out of Iraq and Syria.



He has made development and foreign investment in Mindanao a priority of his presidency.



Armed forces spokesman Edgard Arevalo urged the public not to be alarmed if they saw checkpoints and soldiers.



"This is not a reflection of a major conflict looming, but this is a reflection of the capacity of our security forces to respond to any threat," he said.



He said the Maute group was showing off to Islamic State.



"They are merely courting the acclamation of ISIS which until now they haven`t received."
Seoul: A South Korean military court on Wednesday sentenced a captain to six months in jail for having same-sex intercourse with another soldier, amid accusations that the Army is cracking down on gay personnel.

The captain, whose name was not given, was convicted of breaking a clause in South Korea`s military law banning homosexual activity by army personnel, the military said, adding it would continue to "handle disorderly conduct according to law".

He was sentenced to six months in prison, plus a suspended sentence of one year.

Homosexual acts are not a crime for civilians in South Korea, but it remains a conservative and patriarchal society and does not recognise same-sex marriage.

New President Moon Jae-In, elected earlier this month, is a former human rights lawyer and seen as a liberal, but came under fire from activists after saying in a televised debate that he did not like homosexuality.

Rights groups say that at least 32 soldiers face criminal punishment for similar actions.

"The captain was charged for having consensual sexual intercourse with his partner in a private space," said Kim Hyung-Nam of the Military Human Rights Centre campaign group.

Last month the organisation accused the army of setting up fake accounts on dating apps to find military personnel and conducting homophobic interrogations on those exposed.

Rights group Amnesty International slammed the South Korean army for an "unjust conviction" that should be "immediately overturned".

"What counts is their service not their sexuality," said Roseann Rife, its East Asia research director.

"It is long overdue for South Korea to repeal this archaic and discriminatory provision in the military criminal code, and get up-to-date when it comes to the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual and intersex people," she added.
Taipei: Taiwan`s top court ruled in favour of gay marriage Wednesday, a landmark decision that paves the way for the island to become the first place in Asia to legalise same-sex unions.



Crowds of supporters cheered, hugged and wept as the court said current laws preventing the practice "violated" the constitution`s guarantees of freedom of marriage and equality.



It gave the government two years to implement the ruling.



Momentum has been growing behind the push for equal marriage rights, with Taiwan`s president Tsai Ing-wen openly supporting the campaign.



But there has also been anger among conservative groups, who have staged mass rallies against any change in the law.



The constitutional court said if parliament does not make the change within two years, same-sex couples could register to marry regardless, based on its interpretation.



Currently Taiwan`s Civil Code stipulates an agreement to marry can only be made between a man and a woman.



"The current provisions of the marriage chapter do not allow two persons of the same sex to create a permanent union of an intimate and exclusive nature for the committed purpose of managing a life together. This is obviously a gross legislative flaw," the court said in a statement.



The decision to allow gay marriage would bolster social stability and protect "human dignity" it added.



Hundreds of gay marriage supporters gathered outside parliament in central Taipei erupted at the news, some breaking down in tears.



For Taiwan`s pioneering gay rights campaigner, Chi Chia-wei, one of the petitioners who brought the case to the constitutional court, it was the culmination of 30 years of activism.



"I`m leaping with joy like a bird," Chi, 59, told AFP.



"I hope parliament will prioritise the bill instead of dragging it on for another two years," he added.



The other petitioner was the Taipei city government, which has been rejecting marriage applications by same-sex couples and was seeking clarification of the law.



At the rally, Uther Wu, 40, said the ruling was "like a cloud being blown away".



Others felt it would put Taiwan on the map.



"This will open doors for a lot of other countries in the region," said Toby Chang, 28, at the rally.



"It`s also good for Taiwan. It will bring a lot of international attention and recognition," he added.



Calls for marriage equality are gaining strength in a number of countries around Asia, including South Korea and Japan. President Tsai`s Democratic Progressive Party, which holds a majority in parliament, backed the ruling.



"The party is happy to see and affirm the results of the grand justices` constitutional interpretation to guarantee and legalise same-sex marriage," it said in a statement.



However, some campaigners fear opposing voices in parliament may try to delay the process of changing the law.



Outside Taipei`s main judicial headquarters, angry anti-gay marriage protesters beat drums shouting "unfair justice" and "sinners".



"The system of a husband and a wife is not unconstitutional," said demonstrator Becky Huang.



"The welfare of the majority should not be sacrificed to please a few people."



A panel of 14 grand justices made the ruling -- a majority of 10 was needed. Only two judges dissented.



The court said the physical and psychological need for permanent unions was "equally essential to homosexuals and heterosexuals, given the importance of the freedom of marriage to the sound development of personality and safeguarding of human dignity".



It also pointed out that attempts in parliament to legalise gay marriage have stalled in the past 10 years, affecting people`s fundamental rights.



Proposals to amend the Civil Code finally passed their first reading in December, but have not progressed further.



Rights group Amnesty International urged the government to act quickly on the ruling.



"As today`s ruling makes clear, whoever you love, everyone is entitled to the same human rights and equal protection under the law," it said.
Bangkok: A 14-year-old boy has been detained in a Thai army prison under a draconian and increasingly wielded royal defamation law, Human Rights Watch said Wednesday, as it decried the secrecy surrounding the latest series of arrests.



The law in Thailand forbids any criticism of the monarchy and punishes transgressors with up to 15-years in jail for each offence.



Use of the law has skyrocketed since an ultra-royalist junta seized power in 2014.



There have been a flurry of cases in recent weeks, many linked to social media posts about Thailand`s new king Maha Vajiralongkorn, who ascended the throne late last year.



Royal insult cases are typically shrouded in secrecy with media forced to heavily self-censor details. But the latest detentions have been especially opaque.



Thai human rights groups and local media say a group of between four to seven people, including a minor, were arrested in northeastern Thailand on 15 May for allegedly burning a portrait of Vajiralongkorn`s late father Bhumibol Adulyadej.



Thai Lawyers for Human Rights, which often provides legal representation to lese majeste suspects, said the group were taken from Khon Kaen province to a notorious army prison on a Bangkok barracks and that they had been held incommunicado since.



Thai police, military and junta spokespeople all declined repeated AFP requests for comment on the case.



In a statement on Wednesday, Human Rights Watch said their researchers had confirmed the names of four of the suspects -- 14-year-old Abhisit Chailee, Jirayu Sinpho, 19, Akkharapong Ayukong, 19, and Ratthathammanoon Srihabutr, 20.



Brad Adams, the group`s Asia Director, said the latest arrests "should set off alarm bells".



"None of the four youths arrested should have been denied access to a judge and placed in an incommunicado military detention, whatever the charge against them," he said.



Thailand`s junta has awarded itself powers to secretly detain anyone for up to seven days, but the current group has now been held for at least 10 days without access to lawyers or family.



More than 100 people have been charged with lese majeste since an army coup three years ago.



Late last year the United Nations` rights body warned Thailand`s widespread use of the law "may constitute crimes against humanity".



But there has been no let up in its use. Thailand has seen an uptick in cases since the December ascension of Vajiralongkorn, who has yet to attain his father`s popularity.



Earlier this month, seven people were arrested for allegedly sharing Facebook posts written by an exiled dissident academic. They were held incommunicado for days before appearing in court to be charged.



One of the suspects, human rights lawyer Prawet Prapanukul, was hit with a record 10 counts of lese majeste, a charge sheet that could see him jailed for up to 150 years.



This month Thai authorities also threatened to block Facebook if it did not do more to pull down critical or embarrassing commentary about the monarchy -- a vow the government later backed down over.
By Press Trust of India: killed Mumbai, May 24 (PTI) The wife of a police inspector, who was part of the Sheena Bora case probe, was found brutally killed with her throat slit at their Vakola residence in suburban Santa Cruz here, the police said today.

Deepali Ganore (42) was found dead in their flat located at A G Park in Prabhat Colony last night, an official said.

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The incident came to light when Deepalis husband, Dnyaneshwar Ganore (49), returned home after finishing his duty and found the door of the flat locked from inside, the official said.

Dnyaneshwar tried to contact Deepali on her mobile phone but it was found to be switched off, he said.

Meanwhile, he spotted the key in the shoe rack and entered his flat after opening the door where he found his wife lying in a pool of blood, he said.

He immediately contacted the control room of the Mumbai Police and informed them about the incident.

The official said that Dnyaneshwars 21-year-old son, who is studying in college, reportedly went missing yesterday and his mobile phone was found at their flat.

Meanwhile, sources said the police found a blood-soaked message: Tired of her, catch and hang me, written on the floor of the flat near Deepalis body, with a smiley emoticon.

However, police officials remained tight-lipped about it.

The official said the investigators are looking for whereabouts of the son who they believe can throw light on the incident.

A case of murder was registered at Vakola Police Station against unidentified person(s) and investigation is on.

A team of the Mumbai Crime Branch is also assisting the police in investigation, according to the official.

"This is a sensitive case and our investigation is on," said Rashmi Karandikar, spokesperson and Deputy Commissioner of Police.

Sheena Bora, an executive working in Mumbai, was allegedly killed on April 24, 2012. However, the incident came to light in August 2015.

The police have arrested Sheenas biological mother Indrani Mukerjea, her stepfather Sanjeev Khanna, and her mothers former driver, Shyamvar Rai, for allegedly abducting and killing her and subsequently burning her corpse. PTI DC DK NSK AAR

--- ENDS ---
YEREVAN, MAY 24, ARMENPRESS. Thousands of people have gathered at a vigil in Albert Square to remember people who lost their lives in the Manchester Arena attack in England, BBC reports.

Twenty-two people were killed and 59 injured when a suicide bomber struck at an Ariana Grande concert on Monday night.

A minute's silence was held as crowds spilled out on to nearby roads.

Lord Mayor of Manchester, Eddy Newman, began the vigil by thanking the emergency services, which prompted huge applause.

He said: "The people of Manchester will remember the victims forever and we will defy the terrorists by working together to create cohesive, diverse communities that are stronger together.

"We are the many, they are the few."

The Bishop of Manchester, the Rt Rev David Walker, lit a candle at the vigil, which began at 18:00 BST.

Senior figures including Home Secretary Amber Rudd, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and Speaker John Bercow joined Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham on stage.

Vigils were also held in cities across the UK, including in Belfast and Glasgow where people held posters which said: "We stand together. Manchester."

22 people died when a suicide bomber detonated and IED in Manchester Arena, England, during a concert of US pop star Ariana Grande. More than 50 people have been injured.
YEREVAN, MAY 24, ARMENPRESS. The Defense Ministry of Artsakh Republic told Armenpress the Azerbaijani force violated the ceasefire regime more than 95 times at night across the Artsakh-Azerbaijan line of contact.

The Ministrys announcement reads: On May 23 and overnight May 24 the Azerbaijani side violated the ceasefire regime more than 95 times by firing over 1140 shots from various caliber small arms at the Armenian positions in the Artsakh-Azerbaijan line of contact.

In addition, the Azerbaijani forces fired also 60 mm and 82 mm mortars (14 shells) and automatic grenade launcher (41 shells) in the south-eastern direction of the line of contact.

The Artsakh Defense Army forces took countermeasures and continued confidently fulfilling their military tasks.








YEREVAN, MAY 24, ARMENPRESS. The UK terror threat level has been raised to its highest level of "critical", meaning further attacks may be imminent, Theresa May has said, BBC reported.

Military personnel will now be deployed to protect key sites under the new threat level.

The change in terror threat comes after investigators were unable to rule out whether suspect Salman Abedi acted alone, the prime minister said.

The prime minister said soldiers would be placed in key public locations to support armed police in protecting the public.

Military personnel may also be seen at other events over the coming weeks, such as concerts, Mrs May said, working under the command of police officers.

The prime minister said she did not want the public to feel "unduly alarmed" but said it was a "proportionate and sensible response".

The highest threat level, which is decided by the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre - a group of experts from the police, government departments and agencies - has only been reached twice before.



22 people died when a suicide bomber detonated and IED in Manchester Arena, England, during a concert of US pop star Ariana Grande. More than 50 people have been injured.
YEREVAN, MAY 24, ARMENPRESS. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, the Foreign Minister of Myanmar visited on May 19 Reverend Father Zaven Yazichyan, the Pastor of the Armenian Spiritual Pastorates of Myanmar, Singapore and Bangladesh and the Representative of the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians to The Far East, Asbarez reports.

Reverend Yazichyan personally expressed his gratitude for the momentous occasion and for the historic meeting with the FM. As well as, on behalf the Armenian Community in Myanmar, Reverend Yazichyan expressed his deepest gratitude to the people of this nation who centuries ago very kindly and graciously welcomed Armenians in Myanmar and in the true brotherly spirit granted them new prospects to establish their businesses. The same hospitable spirit continues in our days. Today we have all been proud witnesses to Your Excellencys unique and strong leadership and the great personal hardships that Your Excellency has faced and endured and how with Your iron will and determination Your Excellency has successfully guided the nation through long periods of great internal turmoil and instability. Your Excellency is the face of the new Myanmar and the most enduring symbol of hope and peace not just for Myanmar and its people, but also all over the world, said Fr. Zaven in his remarks.

FM Daw Aung San Suu Kyi shared her views with Very Rev. Fr. Zaven Yazichyan about the Myanmar Armenian communitywho are a minority in Myanmartheir efforts to preserve and uphold their heritage and the Armenian legacy in Myanmar. Her Excellency expressed her thankfulness to the Armenian Community for being law abiding and being among the best integrated communities in terms of enriching the social, cultural and economic life of Myanmar. Moreover, Her Excellency and Fr. Zaven spoke about some challenges that Myanmar is currently facing. Fr. Zaven assured Her Excellency Daw Aung San Suu Kyi that despite being a small Community they are ready and willing to lend their assistance, support and cooperation.
YEREVAN, MAY 24, ARMENPRESS. Pop star Ariana Grande returned to the United States on Tuesday, after the deadly bombing in Manchester Arena at her concert, New York Post reports.

Grandes traveling entourage included her mom Joan Grande, who was spotted helping young fans to safety in the aftermath of Monday nights savage attack at Manchester Arena.

Grande has suspended her Dangerous Woman tour  which had been scheduled to play at Londons 02 Arena on Friday and Saturday.

The tour also had dates for Belgium, Germany, Poland, Switzerland, France, Italy, Spain and Portugal between this month and next.

The highest threat level, which is decided by the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre - a group of experts from the police, government departments and agencies - has only been reached twice before.

22 people died when a suicide bomber detonated and IED in Manchester Arena, England, during a concert of US pop star Ariana Grande. More than 50 people have been injured.
YEREVAN, MAY 24, ARMENPRESS. A meeting planned for May 25, 2017, between European Union leaders and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey should signal that discussion of upgraded economic cooperation is dependent on Ankaras willingness to tackle its human rights and rule of law crisis, Human Rights Watch said, reports Armenpress.

At the first meeting with President Erdogan after he won a referendum that expands his power, the EU should put human rights firmly back into the picture. Presidents Juncker and Tusk should convey the message that with Turkeys EU accession stalled, deeper economic cooperation under a possible new customs union will depend on Erdogan ending the deplorable crackdown in Turkey and taking steps to uphold human rights and the rule of law, Lotte Leicht, EU director at Human Rights Watch, said.

Lotte Leicht said today Turkey is the world leader in jaling journalists. Juncker and Tusk should insist that EU-Turkey relations depend on Erdogans releasing journalists and elected politicians, ending the state of emergency used to perpetuate a lawless crackdown on perceived opponents, and dropping any idea of reintroducing the death penalty, Leicht said.

Turkeys President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will meet the EU leaders  President of the European Council Donald Tusk and President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker in Brussels on May 25. The meeting will focus on issues relating to Turkeys EU accession halted talks, official Ankaras statements on restoration of death penalty, as well as the future of Turkey-EU refugee deal.
YEREVAN, MAY 24, ARMENPRESS. A California woman was arrested on federal charges of conspiring to procure and illegally export sensitive space communications technology to her native China, the U.S. Justice Department said in a statement, Reuters reports.

Si Chen, also known as Cathy Chen, 32, could face a prison term of up to 150 years if convicted of all charges contained in the 14-count indictment returned against her by a federal grand jury on April 27, the department said.

Chen, a resident of the Los Angeles suburb of Pomona, is accused of violating the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, which controls the export of certain goods and technology from the United States.

Specifically, the indictment alleges Chen purchased and smuggled sensitive materials to China without obtaining required export licenses, including components commonly used in military communications "jammers."
YEREVAN, MAY 24, ARMENPRESS. Armenias Ambassador to United States Grigor Hovhannisyan on May 19 visited the US Army War College (USAWC), Armenias MFA told Armenpress.

The Ambassador met with USAWC Major General William Rapp during which they discussed the results and prospects of bilateral cooperation within the frames of International Military Education and Training program.

The sides stated with satisfaction that already 7 Armenian high-ranking officers passed training at the USAWC, expressing hope that the process will be continuous.

Ambassador Hovhannisyan attended and delivered speech at the seminar with participation of the College students, as well as had a meeting with the Armenian officers of the College.




YEREVAN, MAY 24, ARMENPRESS. Military expert Vladimir Evseev, deputy director of the CIS Countries Institute, positively assesses the May 19 presidential election results in the Islamic Republic of Iran. According to him, Hassan Rouhanis re-election as President of Iran is beneficial both for Armenia and Russia.

It was under Hassan Rouhanis presidency that the Russian-Iranian strategic dialogue launched which is very important, in other words, currently we speak about strategic dialogue which leads to strategic partnership. I think that dialogue will strengthen more easily under Rouhanis presidency. In late March Rouhani visited Russia, and a number of joint decisions were made which will be easier to implement again during his tenure, Evseev told Armenpress.

The expert said in line with strengthening of the Russian-Iranian relations, he expects also deterioration of Iran-US ties.

Why, because Trump will probably support Israel and Saudi Arabia which has money. In fact, Saudi Arabias range of interests, that weakened a little under Obamas presidency, will return to its place, and Saudi Arabia is Irans regional rival. And if Irans relations deteriorate, it will be more open for partnership with neighbors, and in this sense Armenia is that friendly state with which Iran can cooperate, Vladimir Evseev said.

He also proposed to take respective steps to form Armenia-Iran-Russia triangle.

Moreover, this must be directed not only towards political cooperation, but also a military one, the grounds of which we already have. In this sense I would like to highlight the visit of Armenias Defense Minister to Iran during which a number of issues, including defense issues were discussed, the military expert stated.

Rouhani won Irans Presidential election with 57% of votes. Four candidates were running for the post. Over 70% of eligible voters participated in the election.

Syuzi Muradyan
YEREVAN, MAY 24, ARMENPRESS. DigiTech Business Forum will be held in Yerevan on June 9 -10.

The 10th annual forum entitled Smart solutions for smart business becomes a unique platform for representatives of IT sector and other fields of business. It is one of the key events of B2B format being held in Armenia.

Alexandr Yesayan, President of the Union of Information Technology Enterprises (UITE), told a press conference in Armenpress that the event aims at contributing to installation of information and communication technologies in different fields of Armenias economy.

This year during the Forum it will be announced about the preparation works of the 2019 World Congress on Information Technologies (WCIT). Significant works need to be carried out for organizing this important event. Holding this World Congress in Armenia supposes great chances since more than 2000 leaders of IT companies will arrive in Armenia. This means that we can show them Armenias IT solutions, opportunities and the potential, Alexandr Yesayan said.

The President and Secretary of the World Information Technology And Services Alliance (WITSA) will be the guests of the DigiTech. The preparation works will be discussed, the brand of the Congress will be presented, which has been designed by UITE.

UITE Executive Director Karen Vardanyan said the DigiTech 2017 forum will continue the directions of the last year, which mainly are dedicated to defense industry and security.

Last year after the April events major discussions were held after which the Union of Information Technology Enterprises announced engineers mobilization. Today the already formed group is working with the Defense Ministry on developing new types of weapons, Vardanyan said, stating that the level of cooperation with the Defense Ministry has been significantly increased. He informed that they work with the Defense Ministry at various directions - encrypted communication, detection of enemy drones, remote control of attacking tools, intelligence tools, the army management system and etc. IT solutions are proposed for these directions.

Karen Vardanyan said over the past years individuals, business started to more frequently use the ICT technologies. The banking sector is leading in this field.

The annual DigiTech forum is being held since 2008 by UITE under the auspices of the Prime Minister of Armenia. The 2016 forum was attended by 900-1000 participants. This year more active participation is expected.








YEREVAN, MAY 24, ARMENPRESS. The Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of Armenia Eduard Sharmazanov met with the students of the Political Science Department of the Faculty of International Relations of Yerevan State University on May 24.

As Armenpress was informed from the press service of the parliament of Armenia, the meeting with Eduard Sharmazanov went on in Q & A format. The questions related to the perspectives of Armenias development in both political and economic context, the Armenia-EU and the Armenia-EEU relations, the foreign political processes, the regional problems, particularly the NK conflict settlement, the border escalation, the parliamentary system of government and other problems.

Touching upon the policy pursued by the authoritiesof Armenia, Sharmazanov talked about the programme speech of the President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan at the National Assembly sitting, highlighting the fact that the Head of the state presented the vision of the development, progress and security of Armenia not only in the short-term, but also in the long-term and strategic directions.

Our national goal is building strong and competitive Armenia with a new strong generation: it is the wealth of the Republic of Armenia, Eduard Sharmazanov added.

Talking about the Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement, the National Assembly Deputy Speaker underlined: The Nagorno Karabakh conflict is not a territorial dispute: our task is the exercise of the right to the Artsakh peoples self-determination. Our goal is to make Artsakh peoples will obligatory for everybody.

The Deputy Speaker of the parliament emphasized the Armenian peoples cohesion and tolerance and added that only in that case we can record success both in the foreign and domestic political processes.

Eduard Sharmazanov also talked about the Armenia-EU and the Armenia-EEU relations and the upcoming works to be done, underscoring that our country pursues balanced policy in the foreign political processes.
YEREVAN, MAY 24, ARMENPRESS. Deputy Mayor of Yerevan Vahe Nikoyan and Director of IDeA (Initiatives for Development of Armenia) Foundation Edgar Manukyan had a meeting during which issues related to promotion and development of investments field in Yerevan were discussed, press service of the Yerevan Municipality told Armenpress.

The Deputy Mayor attached importance to opportunities to implement investments programs in various fields of urban economy and presented the Municipalitys ongoing works on this path, stating that the Municipality is ready to assist the implementation of investments programs aimed at developing the capital city within the frames of mutually beneficial partnership.

Today Yerevan has a favorable investment environment which is definitely an important precondition for investors. Today the investment proposal packages developed by the Municipality are already accessible. At the same time we welcome any new proposal, the Deputy Mayor said.

In his turn Edgar Manukyan thanked for the meeting and presented the programs carried out by the Foundation. He highlighted tourism development prospects in Yerevan, attached importance to the creation of respective infrastructures and talked about investment programs which are possible to implement in the capital city.

In particular, the proposals of investment programs on constructing new ropeway in Yerevan, reconstructing the Victory Park, developing the Erebuni historical-archeological reserve were presented at the meeting.

Agreement was reached to discuss in-detail the possible directions of further cooperation and proposal packages in near future.
YEREVAN, MAY 24, ARMENPRESS. A lot was said and published about the situation in the Armenian Patriarchate of Istanbul and the stir among the Armenian community. Director of Information Services Department of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin Rev. Fr. Vahram Melikyan gave an interview to Armenpress on the current developments.

- What are the recent days developments in Istanbul? A few days ago the Supreme Religious Council issued another statement over that issue.

- Really, the Supreme Religious Council once again raised the sensitive issue for our Church and national life during a meeting in Moscow a few days ago  the situation over the Armenian Patriarchate of Istanbul, when the elected locum tenens Archbishop Garegin Bekchyan was deprived of the opportunity to set to the implementation of his responsibilities.

You might remember that back in February the three clerics of the Patriarchate arrived at the Mother See over the procedure of the Patriarchal elections, where an agreement was reached by the mediation of the Catholicos of All Armenians over the organization of the election of Patriarchal locum tenens.

- Are there any results? What has changed in the life of Istanbul-Armenians? Will the undesired situation be solved?

- I am glad to inform that the issue of the Patriarchate of Istanbul is finally solved. Today His Holiness Archbishop Aram Ateshian officially notified the Catholicos of All Armenians that he hands the leadership of the Patriarchate to the elected locum tenens, who will set to the organization of the elections of the Patriarchate. I have to note that Aram Ateshian has also sent an invitation to Archbishop Garegin to arrive in Istanbul and assume his post. Still a week ago Archbishop Aram Ateshian had informed Garegin Bekchyan about his intention.

It was a long process. The Catholicos of All Armenians was in permanent touch with all the sides, making efforts so that the clergymen and the Armenian community make decisions and find solutions to the existing issues with brotherly spirit of peaceful cooperation. The efforts of the Armenian community should not be underestimated.

The Catholicos of All Armenians highly appreciated the step of Archbishop Aram Ateshian.

-What kind of developments should be expected in the near future?

-The Catholicos of All Armenians and the Mother See have one wish, which is that the Istanbul-Armenians return to the peaceful and normal life and the Patriarchate of Istanbul finds its leader as a result of elections.

In the nearest days a proper reception will be given for the locum tenens, who is currently in Germany. Afterwards, according to the procedure, an Initiating body will be set up after the elected locum tenens assumes his post, which will set to the organization of the Patriarchal elections led by the locum tenens.
SAN FRANCISCOTel Aviv is the crown jewel of Israel, glowing under the burning Middle Eastern sun along the Mediterranean sea and recognized around the globe for its world-class beaches, thriving nightlife, and some of the most beautiful men in the world. NakedSword Originals goes inside of this gay utopia in its fifth DVD of the year, Kiss and Tel Aviv, now available online and wholesale worldwide.

Kiss and Tel Aviv is directed by mr. Pam and is shot on location in Tel Aviv, Israel. The movie features a cast of American models mixed with models from around Europe and Israel, including Falcon exclusive Ryan Rose, Kayden Gray, Josh Milk, Ken Rodeo, Massimo Piano, Klein Kerr, Ashley Ryder and Rocco Steele in four scenes all filmed outdoors, showcasing the natural beauty of Tel Aviv.

Among the scenes are such moments when Rocco Steele and Kayden Gray DP power-bottom Ashley Ryder on a rooftop overlooking the city, and Ryan Roses prayers are answered when he gets fucked by Kayden in the crashing waves on the local beach.

Tim Valenti, president of Falcon Studios Group and the NakedSword Network, says, "I think this will be one of our best-selling DVDs of the year. The cover is absolutely stunning, the cast is beautiful, and there's one perfect outdoor location after another. All in all, this could be the most beautiful DVD we've ever produced."

For DVD wholesale purchasing, contact John Gunderson ([email protected]).
LOS ANGELESScreaming O is expanding its presence throughout Canada with a regional training tour and product showcase.

Ive been touring store chains throughout the region and taking advantage of the opportunity to meet customers in-person and see first-hand how Screaming O can support their stores even more than we already do, Screaming O Account Executive Dan Holman said. Partnerships with stores like Seductions, Sexy & Cie, and Our Pleasure have been cornerstones to Screaming Os success up north and it has been a pleasure building our brands together.

The tour brings the brands affordable beginner-friendly product line into even more stores in the region. With the new Charged line of affordable rechargeables at the forefront, Screaming O customers are fortifying their inventories with Screaming Os Top 25 sellers, January 2017 releases, and custom graphics for an eye-catching in-store branding initiative.

Holman has put special focus on educating loyal customers on the features and benefits of Screaming Os vast catalog, including the brands tried-and-true best-sellers and the various merchandising initiatives available to international accounts.

Screaming O has built a strong brand here and weve found their approach to marketing to be quite effective with our customer base, said Mark Castelli, purchasing manager at Sexy & Cie, a Montreal-based adult store chain. It has been a pleasure partnering with Screaming O to bring their affordable beginner-friendly products to Sexy & Cies loyal shoppers and were excited to have the Charged series of rechargeable options on our store shelves.

Screaming Os January releases have proven especially popular, including the Monarch silicone butterfly ring, SwingO Curve contoured cock ring, and durable Jackits masturbation sleeves, and Holmans in-person trainings have boosted sales with impressive numbers. Stores have especially appreciated the opportunity to explore Screaming Os custom graphics, signage, and fully stocked displays created specifically to use visual impact to boost sales and build brand awareness.

Working with Dan and the Screaming O team has been one of the smartest moves weve made; the brand dominates the entry-level category and the new Charged line is setting a new standard for rechargeables, said Michel DellAniello of Canada-based adult distributor Landco, which operates multiple adult shops throughout the region. Next, were planning to take advantage of Screaming Os custom graphics and transform areas of our stores into colorful shopping zones, which will make a lasting impression on our customers. I cant wait to see how it all turns out.

This latest Canada trip is part of Screaming Os ongoing international retail initiative, which has brought the Screaming O brand into territories around the world, including the EU, South America, Asia and South Africa.

For more information about Screaming O and its affordable product line, email Holman at [email protected].
Warrens Bakery has started a second franchise partnership with the opening of a new bakery in Eastleigh, near Southampton.

Warrens Bakery has teamed up with local businessman Farhat Abbiss to open the store, which is set to start trading on 30 May.

The new Eastleigh store opens hot on the heels of the Cornish bakerys first franchise store, which recently opened in Mere Green, Sutton Coldfield, near Birmingham.

Commenting on the Eastleigh opening, Warrens Bakery chairman Mark Sullivan said: After a hugely successful few months since the Mere Green opening, we are delighted that we can now cater for Eastleigh.

With a track record of running successful franchises in the area, we are looking forward to working with Farhat and his team in the next stage of our development.

He added the company was now moving rapidly into franchise, with a store pipeline of 100 new stores in the next five years, with 20 more signed to open this year.
Family baking firm Warburtons made the generous gesture yesterday, and said to victims families: Our thoughts are with you all.

Warburtons, based in Bolton, Greater Manchester, donated 25k to The Sun newspapers Together With Manchester appeal, which is raising money for families of the victims of the Arena bomb.

Twenty-two people have died and 59 have been injured in the suicide nail bombing at the end of pop star Ariana Grandes concert at Manchester Arena on Monday night.

Warburtons said in a statement: From our family, to all those families affected by the tragedy, our thoughts are with you all.

Donations will help to alleviate suffering and ensure that victims and their families do not face short-term financial difficulties, according to the newspaper.

News UK, publisher of The Sun, has made a corporate donation of 100k to the appeal.

All money raised will go to the We Love Manchester Emergency Fund, which will provide funds quickly and immediately to the families of victims of the attack, according to a statement made by the fund.
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 so called "Democracy" does exists.
Renewable-energy advocacy group trying to push Republicans to back taxpayer investments in wind, solar, and other alternatives to traditional power



Part of the array of turbines at the Amazon Wind Farm. (CJ photo by Don Carrington)

They would be more likely to support candidates pushing legislation for home or business owners to finance energy efficiency upgrades.

They were in favor of providing consumers more electricity options.

They would support legislators who support third-party energy sales directly to consumers instead of utilities controlling a monopoly.

North Carolina's electricity rates are falling because of lowering fuel costs, primarily the decreasing cost of natural gas.

The cost of the renewable mandates - the REPS rider as well as the Demand Side Management/Energy Efficiency rider - are increasing. If fuel costs weren't falling, North Carolina's electricity rates would be rising due to the riders.

Two highly regarded Republican political consultants told an audience of state lawmakers, lobbyists, and renewable-energy entrepreneurs Tuesday they should consider government intervention into the renewable energy market a "slam dunk" conservative issue that wins at the ballot box.said Dee Stewart.Stewart and fellow GOP consultant Paul Shumaker, principals of the Raleigh-based consulting firm Strategic Partners Solutions , presented results of a new renewable energy poll conducted on behalf of Conservatives for Clean Energy at the City Club Raleigh.Conservatives for Clean Energy is an advocate for wind and solar energy, calling renewables a free-market competitor to traditional fossil fuels.The poll asked if respondents would support increasing the mandate forcing public utilities to buy renewable energy from 12.5 percent of their power mix to 25 percent by 2021. Twenty-five percent is the national average for states with Renewable Energy Portfolio Standards.During a post-event interview, Stewart defended that concept of short-term, government-led investment in private markets for long-term gain.Stewart said.Stewart said.because renewable energy has deep bipartisan support, Shumaker said.He told lawmakers they must make decisions that put them in position to be leaders managing the policy issues that will shape the futureThat strategy isas voter ideology continues to shift statewide from very conservative toward the political center due to an influx of unaffiliated voters from out of state who support clean energy initiatives, Shumaker said.State Rep. Nelson Dollar, R-Wake, said his district polls 70 percent in support of renewable energy issues, which became part of his 2016 primary election against challenger Mark Villee.Dollar said.Among findings of the poll, which surveyed 600 likely general election voters, is that Republicans are more likely to support a candidate who supports policies encouraging development of more fossil fuel energy such as oil and coal. Democrats and unaffiliated voters were more likely to oppose such a candidate.Majorities of Republicans and unaffiliated voters would be more likely to support a candidate who would back increased access to natural gas through new pipeline development. A majority of Democrats would be less likely to support such a candidate.Overall, 83.2 percent of poll respondents said they would support a candidate encouraging solar, wind, and waste-to-energy technologies. Subsets showed 79.1 percent of Republicans, 86.7 percent of Democrats, and 82.3 percent of unaffiliated voters responding that way.Large majorities said:"The main takeaway from this poll is this: When consumer costs aren't part of the discussion, North Carolinians favor renewable energy sources," and more options, said Jon Sanders, director of regulatory studies at the John Locke Foundation.Sanders said.One poll question references 34,000 jobs created by the renewable industry, but Sanders said research by economists at the Beacon Hill Institute found renewable energy policies would create a net loss of nearly 3,600 jobs by 2021. Others have taken issue with the job creation claims as well.Sanders pointed out the "tightrope that the special-interest poll tries to walk" in asking for the No. 1 cause of rising electricity rates in North Carolina, and offering only a handful of possible responses.Strong pluralities selected "higher profits" and "lack of competition." Only 10.3 percent blamed renewable mandates.But, Sanders said,to which he offered a rebuttal:Sanders said the only time the poll offered any hint that renewable energy sources cost more than fossil fuel occurred in the campaign context of Donald Trump's energy policy versus Hillary Clinton's. The poll found that respondents favored Clinton's position over Trump's by 51.8 percent to 28.5 percent.Sanders said.In last year's edition of this poll, Sanders noted, only 2.5 percent of respondents said government leaders' stand on energy was the issue they were most angry about.
While agency consolidations are hardly a panacea for all problems in government, their most-welcome effect is to improve the management of programs and provide clarity about their goals and outcomes.

The past six years have brought significant change in North Carolina government and policy. Conservatives tend to like the budget restraint, tax cuts, school choice initiatives, and other reforms that the Republican-led legislature and former Republican Gov. Pat McCrory enacted. Progressives tend to dislike them.When it comes to the organization of state government, however, I think there are good reasons for North Carolinians across the political spectrum to be pleased with recent developments.During the administration of former Gov. Beverly Perdue, a Democrat, the state merged several different agencies and departments into a unified Department of Public Safety. The merger took effect in 2012. Three years later, the legislature moved nearly all of the state's museums, parks, aquariums, and the North Carolina Zoo into a newly renamed Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.These were good ideas (and long advocated by my colleagues at the John Locke Foundation). While agency consolidations are hardly a panacea for all problems in government, and the cost savings they produce are sizable but not gigantic, their most-welcome effect is to improve the management of programs and provide clarity about their goals and outcomes.A good example would be North Carolina's system of state parks. Technically, it is a system of 75 state properties: parks, natural areas, recreational areas, trails, lakes and rivers. It offers a wonderful array of opportunities for state residents and visitors. But unlike many other attractions now housed within the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, the state parks generate surprisingly little of their own revenue from admissions, services, and donations.In fact, according to the National Association of State Park Directors, few states derive as small a share of their park revenue from their users as North Carolina does. The most recent data , from the 2014-15 fiscal year, put North Carolina's share of park-generated revenue at just over one-fifth. By comparison, park-generated revenue covers more than 40 percent of the cost of state parks in Tennessee, more than half in Virginia, more than 60 percent in Georgia, and nearly all of the operating costs in South Carolina.I recognize that different state systems have different compositions and structures. So it may not be appropriate to expect North Carolina to mirror South Carolina in this regard, for instance. But we are clearly far out of the mainstream when it comes to the financing of state parks. And it's simply unreasonable to expect the vast majority of the cost of running parks to be covered by taxpayers who may rarely if ever set foot in one.Whether it be parks, museums, aquariums, or any other state attractions, policymakers do need to take steps to ensure that money raised from admission fees, services, or donations aren't siphoned away to the General Fund and used for something else. The operating principles behind federal parks and local utility enterprise funds are the right model here. Park managers need both the flexibility and the incentives to run their institutions efficiently.Speaking of which, the previously mentioned National Association of State Park Directors tasked North Carolina State University professor Yu-Fai Leung and his former colleague Jonathan Smith, now at Utah State University, with assessing the technical efficiency of all the state park systems - that is, how well the statesas the scholars put it in their report for 2015.How did North Carolina fare? Our park system ranked 29th in technical efficiency. South Carolina's ranked 16th.Whether it be the management of state attractions, the establishment of law and order, or any other programs and services funded or delivered by state government, policymakers have an obligation to generate as much value as they can for every dollar expended. By housing like programs together in a smaller number of (larger) departments, North Carolina leaders of both parties have made this outcome more likely.Good for them - and us.
Technology cannot replace a Nosy Neighbor

'one could not go anywhere in England inside or outside a building without the high prospect of being on camera. Unfortunately using this surveillance technology only serves to aid in the prosecution after the fact. It provides proof for prosecution and facts leading up to an recreating an incident. But it does not provide prevention.'

HEY WHERE ARE YOU GOING WITH MY CD'S AND IPad?

I heard one of the pundits on the morning news make a statement that struck me a very profound. Speaking about the bombing in Manchester, England, he stated that England is the most surveilled country in the world. Manchester is 2nd behind London as the most surveilled city in England. England does not have a written constitution but the laws formed by Acts of Parliament, court judgments and conventions, based on a somewhat common-law basis.His statement which I paraphrase was:Prior to the our reliance on remote camera surveillance, the police would be in greater touch with the community or the community was more cohesive and many crimes were prevented because someone saw something and reported it. The local cop on the beat knew most of the trouble makers.It struck me that America may be approaching that very tipping point. In our over reliance technology and super sensitivity on Privacy (which we may think exist, but in actuality does not) we have perhaps opened ourselves up for terrorism as well as other preventable criminal acts. I value my privacy highly. I also realize that the Ostrich "Head in the Sand" does not constitute privacy. Not being able to see what is around you is not privacy but delusional. While trying to work my way through this dilemma mentally, it occurred to me that our problem may not be a lack of privacy but an over exuberance of those who have access to our privacy.Let me try to expand on that last sentence somewhat. Having knowledge of the actions of someone else may not be an intrusion into their privacy. Just the act of going out in public is acquiescence to loss of some of your privacy. Privacy of a farmer in his field is vastly different than the citizen on the street of a city. The evolution of the human migrations has largely been from non-urban areas to urban areas. As a result, we have willingly given up some of our privacy.My case was just the opposite. I was raised in the city in a neighborhood on a street less than 100 yards long. Everybody knew their neighbors and there was a Neighborhood watch (never saw a sign saying that but believe me I knew there was one). I know it now sounds quaint or old fashioned but doing something wrong (even mildly in appropriate) was cause for correction by one of the adults on the street.When my dad decided to move to DeKalb County in my junior year of high school, the county was still mostly non-urban and not suburban yet. Granted, I had way more territory and privacy than I did on the concrete of Atlanta, but any major transgressions in our small town where I was held hostage and went to school for the next two years would be reported to your parents. The one and only police officer in Clarkston, Georgia, Officer Dooley, gave very few tickets out but he quite often told us to get on home and if it were a serious infraction he may drive over to your house and have a talk with your parents.Those days may be gone for good in most of America, but being aware of your surroundings and any potential danger should still be a part of our communal bond with our neighbors.I know that random unlimited access to information will create abuse of that information by a power hungry government or over zealous ideologue.Here is a mea-culpa. I have lived in the same neighborhood for about eight years. It is a gated over 55 community. I do not know my neighbors well. I have spoken to a few but for the most part I only know them by a wave as we pass or the occasional conversation while moving the garbage can back into the garage on garbage day. Failure to do so will result in a letter from the HOA about leaving your garbage can out past 7:00 PM on the day of pick up. My aloofness is not a result of a high threshold need for privacy; it is more of a reclusive and hermit mentality of a former salesman who grew tired of the chit-chat and small talk of the profession. To be a bit more truthful, my reclusiveness is most likely a symptom of a mild form of PTS anxiety. I do not like crowds; I do not like not being in control of the situation; I do not like to form close friendships with new people, because of the pain when they pass. This aloofness is often interpreted as snobbish and arrogant. I am not a snob, but I am most likely arrogant.As you might suspect, living in a neighborhood of older people has its own peculiar set of social interactions. For the most part, older people are plain spoken, beyond making superficial pleasantries, quick to judge, and just as quick to complain. That is worth of an article itself, but I will leave that up tobecause he can most likely condense this "Senior Persona" into a much more meaningful article without all the bluster of my self-indulgent arrogance.Nevertheless, the one trait that this neighborhood has is the vigilance that occurs with age and free time. Very few things occur in this neighborhood without someone noticing and often reporting or at the very least gossiping about. Sometimes that is a good thing, beyond the hyper vigilance that is reported to the HOA. Trust me I have the non-compliance letters to prove this. This is just a sample of my veering off the narrow path of conformity. Once I realized that I could tweak the real nosy ones, I went out of my way to create a potential NC-LETTER. It must have worked because I have not had one in the last few years. We may have fought ourselves to a draw.But I think I can be assured that if someone sees someone trying to get into my house that does not belong they will notify somebody. I know this because if I don't pick up my Sunday paper from the driveway by 10:00 AM someone will move it up next to my garage for me. My only hope is that they will not just complain to the HOA because all mycould be gone and the house empty before theletter hits my mail box.I also note that my own personal internal surveillance will only serve to allow me to watch them take my 'STUFF.' That would be good evidence for the police report.All the observation and cameras in the world are of no use if it does not prevent crimes. It merely provides a rear mirror view of what happened. There has to be some sense of community responsibility by citizens to prevent some if not all of the terrorist or gang related activity. Lacking that, all we have is the ability to watch the carnage like the voyeurs we are. Can I get an Amen for
Cousin Dotsie's family reunion took place yesterday at a little house in Windsor, a small town about twenty minutes north of the rabbit patch. Reunions seem to be the sole purpose of the old house, as Cousin Dotsie has another residence in Windsor, as well. All of her last minute details unfolded as if she had labored over them a fortnight. It was a lovely occasion, to say the least.Somehow, there was barbecue, chicken, many sides and a sideboard full of desserts. I arrived a bit after twelve, straight from the woods. I had been cutting elder flowers, mint and other such things, to take to Elizabeth City. I used coolers to transport them and had wanted to wait to the last minute, to cut them.Cousin Alice was there from New York. I met her a little over a year ago but, it was as if we had know each other a very long time. Her mother, my great Aunt Astor, died when Alice was just a little girl. Alice grew up in New York, where her father was from. I greeted her yesterday, with band aids from battling briers and I suspect leaves in my hair. It didn't matter to her or anyone else there, I have never known a one of them to ever "put on airs" in all of my life. They are a genuine lot, altogether and it makes me glad that they belong to me. I often say, that when you are born into a loving family, you are truly "born with a silver spoon in your mouth".I arrived in Elizabeth City in mid afternoon. There was a very cool wind churning up the laughing river. Thankfully, I had brought a light jacket. There was a festival in the downtown commons which is just a few blocks from Jenny's house. Will and Jenny went to hear a band , so Lyla and I spent the evening together-Dear Diary, what a sweet day!I got up early on Sunday, but not earlier than Lyla. Unlike me, Lyla does not wake up addle. She does not need coffee, to form a thought. Upon waking, Lyla is ready for her day and she is hungry. She wakes up happy and hugs everyone as if she is glad to see them again.I did not spend a great deal of time in "communion" this Sunday morning. I noticed the cedar tree was lovely and was wearing its' tender spring boughs. Birds love the cedar . Cedar branches are dense and can keep secrets-still, I know where a pair of Robins are building. I watched a male robin struggle a good while with an object. He dropped it several times as he attempted to fly. Whatever it was, it was bigger than he was. With valor and persistence, he made it to the nest to present to his companion. She took it from him, and immediately tossed it away. She did not do this in a friendly fashion, either. The male robin flew off unhindered by the whole affair, on a mission to do better. "There is my sermon", I thought. Apparently, robins do not hold grudges.Not long after a light breakfast, we all took off for the little fair, downtown. The day was overcast, so Lyla saw the colorful lights a good ways off. The streets smelled of cotton candy and funnel cakes. Lyla rode a little train-and later a pony. We had ice cream by the river, after that. We walked around for a while. Lyla had a blue balloon and a small stuffed toy, Jenny had won, in the first five minutes of our arrival. Later we saw a man, with a stuffed bear. It was huge and we wondered what amazing thing he had done, for that! I did not feel my years while at the fair-of course I had worn sensible shoes.The little playground at the end of the street, was completely empty. We stopped, so Lyla could take full advantage, and she did. We heard the music and watched the fair go on-and we still smelled the cotton candy, while Lyla practiced climbing and sliding.Being, it was Sunday, Jenny and I started working on a nice evening dinner, while Will worked in the yard. Wills' mom, Miss Claudia came and what a nice visit we had. When darkness fell, the little fair said its' farewell to Elizabeth City with a display of fireworks. We watched from the front porch as the night sky sparkled with all sorts of colors. In the little village dogs were barking and children could be heard squealing in delight , while the sky snapped into colorful ribbons of light.Dearest Diary, I am so glad for the family I came from. I am glad for robins and small town fairs. I am thankful for sweet elder flowers and for the Cedar, that keeps secrets. I will collect such things in my heart, til at last I have a storehouse of what I love . . .and little room for else.


Members of the state House of Representatives jointly take the oath of office in January as the 2017 General Assembly session opened. (CJ photo by Don Carrington)

I have been writing a regular column on North Carolina politics and public policy since 1986. Over three decades of writing about and talking to politicians in Raleigh, few issues have come up more often than the relatively low pay that state legislators receive.I don't mean to suggest that lawmakers talk a lot about the issue in public. They don't. If politicians complain too much about their pay, it gives voters the idea that maybe someone else would appreciate the job more.But in private, they grumble. Currently, members of the General Assembly make up just under $14,000 a year in base salary, plus "per diem" payments to cover room and board while the legislature is in session and a reimbursement of 29 cents a mile for weekly trips to Raleigh.During some odd-year "long sessions," then, an average lawmaker can receive a gross income in the 40s. But keep in mind that much of the non-salary compensation is eaten up in meals, rent, gas, and other expenses associated with doing the job.Obviously, many capable North Carolinians are willing to do the job at this rate of pay. No legislative seats go vacant for lack of interest. But just as obviously, many other capable North Carolinians are not going to sacrifice months of time away from their other careers and families given the compensation state legislators currently receive.It would be logical to conclude, then, that lower pay leads to less competition for seats, particularly during primaries, as well as some effect on the composition of the resulting legislatures. Empirical studies appear to confirm such conclusions.But some reformers, usually from the left side of the spectrum, go further to argue that legislatures are unrepresentative of the public at large, with too few average Joes or Janes serving in office. They contend that raising legislative pay would pull more blue-collar workers into office, displacing wealthy business owners, professionals, and retirees.That's unlikely. Blue-collar workers rarely serve in offices requiring months away from other jobs. In fact, blue-collar workers rarely serve as legislators even in states where legislating is a full-time job and paid as such. Last year, anstudy by political scientists Nicholas Carnes of Duke University and Eric Hansen of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill concluded thatInstead, higher salariesIf anything, their findings suggest, potential candidates of modest means will be displaced when pay goes up.A better argument for raising pay may actually be a conservative one - that elected state legislatures are a critical means of restraining the growth of the administrative state. In modern times, both Congress and legislatures have become increasingly deferential to executive-branch officials, some of whom don't even change as presidential or gubernatorial administrations change but instead remain in office for decades.These agency officials make the rules with which businesses and households must contend on a daily basis. Technically, regulations have to be authorized by some past legislative action. In practice, bureaucrats often go far beyond the power clearly delegated to them by elected lawmakers, who in turn lack the knowledge or expertise to detect and stop regulatory abuses.Both gubernatorial appointees and long-serving agency officials are typically full-time employees and earn substantially higher salaries than lawmakers do. In the, Graeme Boushey of the University of California-Irvine and Robert McGrath of George Mason University used the difference between executive and legislative pay averages as a proxy for differences in institutional expertise. They found that, holding other factors constant, states with lower-paid legislators relative to bureaucrats issued more regulations than did states with smaller pay differences.When weighing the pros and cons of raising legislative pay, North Carolinians should keep in mind that the cost of regulations imposed by our state is measured in the tens of billions of dollars a year
$5 Friday Theater for Kids

Call for Artists for Member Art Exhibit!

Community Theater Tickets on sale now!

Summer Camp Opportunities!

Not a member? Hurry and join...

Don't miss these Open Venues and Upcoming Events:

Monday Art: 12 pm - 3 pm

Pamlico Writers Group: 2nd and 4th Tuesday Evening 6 p

Rock the Pamlico Jam 1st and 3rd Tuesday Evening 6:30 p

BCTMA Thursday evening 6:30 p and Saturday Morning Jams 10 a

Blues and Jazz June 2nd 6:30 pm Free

"Twister" starring the late Bill Paxton and Helen Hunt June 2nd 7:30 pm $5

Contact: Arts of the Pamlico

Arts of the Pamlico 252-946-2504

The BCTMA, I.C. Improv and Rob Mallison filled out the bill for this past Friday's Pamlico Sounds. Music and laughter filled the gallery as onlookers were able to enjoy traditional music, Improv comedy, and R&B music. Saturday afternoon AOP screened Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides to a captive group. Captain Jack tangled with the fierce Blackbeard in this film, set to excite franchise fans before the new Pirates of the Caribbean debuts this weekend. Thank you to everyone who came out and supported the events!3-5 pm Come join Dylan for theater fun and games on Friday afternoons. Learn how much the theater can be!Calling all AOP artist members: AOP's annual member exhibit will be accepting submissions for this annual show beginning May 25 through May 30. Please note AOP is closed on Mondays. Then mark your calendar too and plan to join us for the members exhibit opening reception on June 1 from 5:30 - 7 PM at the Historic Turnage Theatre.The exhibit will be on display and open to the public from June 2 - June 27Both Season Tickets and show tickets for "I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change" are on sale. Season tickets are $25 and include a ticket, with the date of your choice, to each of the following shows: "I Love You, You Perfect, Now Change" June 9th-11th "The Murder Room" September 8th-10th; and "The Tempest, In Space" November 17th-19th.Individual tickets are also on sale for "I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change". The musical will run June 9th - 11th. The performance on the 11th is a matinee and will start at 3 pm. Tickets are $10.Please contact Virginia at AOP to get your tickets today!As Summer approaches, many of you already know of the camps AOP is offering to kids throughout the summer. We also need volunteers to help with the various camps and a program we are calling Art Nibbles. This program will allow campers to have both breakfast and lunch for camps, as well as make food available to under served children in our area. Along with the food we will be offering a fun daily art project to the kids as well. We need some dedicated volunteers to help make this happen. If you are interested in helping with Art Nibbles, please contact Crystal at c.holmanaop@gmail.com and let your availability be known. Summer camps are also a great way to offer scholarships to children who may not have the means to pay for the camps and want to attend. If you are interested in sponsoring a child for camp please let us know.AOP's membership drive is nearing its end. If you have not joined, please take time to consider joining. Along with being kept up to date on events, discounts are made available at certain membership levels, early ticket buying privileges to some events and many other advantages are among several of the advantages membership with AOP will provide. Sign up or renew your membership today, we welcome everyone to become a member of and enjoy being part of AOP.
President Trump's recent phone call with Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte wasn't released in detail by the Trump White House, but someone else leaked it. Trump praises Duterte on the call for doing an "unbelievable job on the drug problem," which consists of Duterte literally murdering people in extrajudicial street executions.

The transcript, which you can read here in entirety [PDF] comes from the government of the Philippines, and was leaked on Tuesday to The Washington Post and The Intercept.

The Intercept got theirs through an organization based in the Philippines. They and the Washington Post published the full transcript online, without redaction.

Snip from the WaPo:

President Trump labeled North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un a "madman with nuclear weapons" during a private phone conversation with Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte last month, just days before stating publicly that he would be "honored" to meet with Kim. In the April 29 call, Trump sought Duterte's input on whether Kim is "stable or not stable" and expressed some satisfaction in North Korea's recent failed missile tests, noting that "all his rockets are crashing. That's the good news," according to a transcript of the conversation made by the Philippines government on May 2 and obtained Tuesday by The Washington Post. Duterte responded that Kim is "playing with his bombs, his toys" and offered that "his mind is not working well and he just might go crazy one moment." That prompted Trump to point out that the United States has "a lot of firepower over there," including "two nuclear submarines" sent by the Pentagon to the region last month. Later in the call, Trump raised the stakes of the escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula when he observed: "We can't let a madman with nuclear weapons let on the loose like that. We have a lot of firepower, more than he has, times 20  but we don't want to use it."

The White House readout describes the call as a "very friendly conversation."

President Donald J. Trump spoke today with President Rodrigo Duterte of the Philippines. 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. 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. President Trump enjoyed the conversation and said that he is looking forward to visiting the Philippines in November to participate in the East Asia Summit and the U.S.-ASEAN Summit. President Trump also invited President Duterte to the White House to discuss the importance of the the United States-Philippines alliance, which is now heading in a very positive direction.

From The Intercept:

On the call, Trump enthusiastically endorsed Duterte's murderous "drug war" and repeatedly addressed the possibility of a U.S. nuclear strike on North Korea. The transcript, which contains numerous typographical errors, is an official document of the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs. Well-placed sources at the Palace and the Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed its authenticity to reporters for the Philippine news outlet Rappler, which collaborated with The Intercept on this story.

A senior administration official confirms the document's authenticity to the Washington Post, and declines to comment on what they describe as "a leaked document from a foreign government."
RCMP officers stood guard outside a high school in Red Deer, Alta., Tuesday morning as more than 40 demonstrators staged an anti-immigration protest in the parking lot across the street.

The demonstration was staged after two fights last week that involved students from Syria, who critics claim were not as harshly punished as other students who took part.

In a statement posted Friday, school officials said the brawls resulted in the suspension of all eight students involved, and they rejected social media claims that Syrian students were less harshly disciplined.

Stephen Garvey, a member of the anti-immigration group Worldwide Coalition Against Islam, said the intent of the protest was to raise awareness about the need to protect "Canadian culture" in schools. Garvey is also the leader of the National Advancement Party of Canada, a federally registered political party.

"Who we are as a people, as a country, as a heritage, it's all getting pushed aside, and if we don't stand up for us as a people, as our country, we're going to lose it," Garvey said. "We welcome people coming to our country, but they have to integrate into our society. It's not about accommodating their values.

"It's about standing up for Canadians, our freedoms, our civil rights and our liberties. And some of these cultures that are coming are incompatible with our own," Garvey said.

Grade 11 student Thomas Gower said the protests are unnecessary and have made students feel unsafe. He stood nearby holding a sign that read, "No More Hate, No More Fear, Refugees are Welcome Here."

"There was never really a big issue until this incident. Everybody kept to themselves really," said Gower. "The spreading of misinformation leads to things like this. You shouldn't have to worry about things like this when we're supposed to be a welcoming and accepting school.

"Let's be a little bit more welcoming, why don't we?"

Story continues

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'Adapt or go back': Racist note shocks Edmonton Muslim man

Another Grade 11 student, Ursella Khan, who is Muslim, addressed the protesters. She called for improved integration of newcomers, but also better understanding of Syrians.

"There's a war going on, those civilians, we need to help people like that," said Khan.

One protester suggested sending them all to Saudi Arabia.

"That's wrong," Khan shot back, appearing unrattled despite being interrupted intermittently by protesters who shouted questions about her religion.

"We need to educate people like this," Khan said later, away from the crowd. "We all need to get together as a city, as a community. We need to educate these people, and if they still don't want to be educated and they don't want to listen, then fine."

'This makes me ill'

Dan Lower, principal of Lindsay Thurber Comprehensive High School, sent a letter to parents Monday assuring them safety would be maintained.

"I would like to assure that our sons and daughters will be safe [Tuesday] at school," said Lower in the statement.

"I encourage you to make sure that your kids come to school ... so that their education is not disrupted by the fear-mongering of people that know nothing about us," Lower said.

"Many of our refugee and immigrant students have indicated that they are afraid to come to school," he added. "This makes me ill."

He also encouraged parents and members of the public to "get the real facts."

On Tuesday, Lower told media that the conflict arose out of a misunderstanding due to a language barrier between two Grade 9 boys at a skatepark.

Lower said the Syrian boy thought something derogatory was said toward a Syrian girl, and when some boys later sought clarification off school property "it ended up in a couple of punches being thrown."

The following day, Lower said, a non-Syrian student confronted others at lunch hour to find out what happened and "another incident broke out" that was recorded and widely shared on social media.

Midday Tuesday, Lower and school board superintendent Stu Henry, flanked by police, addressed protesters' concerns. Lower told demonstrators the school is as "concerned with everyone's safety as you are."

"What is not true is that people were dealt with in different ways." He said anyone who threw a punch or kicked or hit was suspended for five days.

"I don't know how or why somebody would put out that it was dealt with in any different way," he said.

A Facebook post about the fight last Tuesday shows a graphic video of what appears to be a scrap between several boys in a parking lot. The same post criticizes the school's handling of the incident.

The post, which has been viewed more than 22,000 times, claimed "refugee kids" were running around whipping other children at the school, and suggested the perpetrators would not be punished because they were "acting within their religious beliefs."

The video was posted by Never Again Canada, a group that claims to fight against "anti-Semitism, propaganda, terror and Jew hatred In Canada." The protest group, and many commenters, had spoken of plans for a staged demonstration on school grounds to "stop Islamic terror in our schools."

RCMP are still investigating the fights, but when asked about pending charges, a spokesperson said police are considering several options.

"There may be a restorative process that we can put into place here to try to heal some of this hurt," said Const. Derek Turner.

School officials will hold in-class discussions about the controversy, focusing on how to "prevent anything like this from happening in the future."

"I am truly sorry we have to deal with this," Lower said in his letter. "The students, parents and staff do not deserve this false and negative attention.

"We will persevere and come out stronger because of it."

andrea.huncar@cbc.ca

wallis.snowdon@cbc.ca
Procurement

5 Indiana Schools Secure Joint Deal for Microsoft Software

Five public institutions in Indiana have banded together to save money on Microsoft products across their campuses. By combining their purchasing power, Indiana University, Purdue University, Ball State University, Ivy Tech Community College and the University of Southern Indiana were able to secure a sizable discount on the licensing agreement to distribute the company's software to all students, faculty and staff.

Led by Indiana U, the institutions submitted a joint request for proposal this spring for an Enrollment for Education Solutions (EES) agreement, which resulted in a three-year contract with a certified Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) reseller.

"We came to together to collaborate shared resources and like programs for better purchasing power, and in turn we got the biggest discount any of us has ever had with a Microsoft reseller," said Tally Thrasher, Indiana University director of purchasing administration, in a press release. "Additionally, our contract is going toward a minority-owned enterprise, which helps all of us to achieve state goals in that area."

Indiana University has partnered with Microsoft since 1998. "The new contract continues IU's existing deal with Microsoft to allow IU students, faculty and staff to download many of Microsoft's most popular software products at no cost through IUware," according to a university statement. "Also, throughout the life of the contract, they can upgrade to the latest versions of these Microsoft products at no additional licensing cost."

"IU's agreement includes a significant discount over the standard educational pricing offered to other schools and is by far the least expensive way to provide these products to the institution," said Mark Lynch, manager of IU's software services and licensing unit, in a statement. "Without these discounts, the cost to IU would increase by $1.1 million per year."

"For almost 20 years, faculty and parents could be certain that every IU student on every IU campus from Gary to New Albany had the essential software tools to support their education," commented Cathy O'Bryan, IU associate vice president for client services and support. "This deal is a great equalizer to all students on IU campuses."
Open Educational Resources

Community College Leads OER Efforts at CUNY

A community college in New York City has taken on the challenge of showing the rest of the City University of New York (CUNY) system how to percolate open educational resources (OER) throughout its courses. The Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC) estimated that it has saved its students $450,000 in textbook fees since implementing OER in 175 sections. The college has an enrollment of almost 27,000 students, half of whom have household incomes under $20,000 and 4,000 of whom have taken one of the classes using OER. Now the school intends to expand the use of no-cost materials and generate cumulative savings of a million dollars. For example, the school's criminal justice program is expected to be fully converted by fall 2018.

The community college first piloted OER in spring 2015 with the help of its library and its Center for Excellence in Teaching, Learning and Scholarship (CETLS). The early experimenting paid off. In spring 2016, the library was chosen along with two other CUNY schools to participate in a national Achieving the Dream OER Degree grant program, which urged recipients to convert at least one section of courses in a selected degree program to OER. In that program, faculty received a stipend for working on the conversion of curriculum.

The college also received portions of two sizable grants issued to CUNY in spring 2017 to expand ongoing OER work: one from the state government and another from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to pilot Waymaker, personalized OER learning courseware developed at Lumen Learning. The former project requires participating schools to commit to converting at least five courses to OER with five sections per course; they may convert up to 25 courses with five sections per course. The latter project is part of a three-year research study to assess the impact of the courseware on student success, persistence and retention.

Students at BMCC can use the CUNYfirst platform developed by CUNY to identify courses that have "zero textbook cost." CUNYfirst is the system's "fully integrated resources and services tool," a digital transformation that handles multiple institutional services, such as registering for classes and paying bills.

To participate at BMCC, faculty must apply, complete a nine-hour OER seminar series and then teach using OER in one course during fall 2017. So far, 70 instructors in 15 of the college's 17 departments have gone through the process. Faculty members receive a $1,000 stipend for their OER activities. Proposals are selected based on the potential savings they'll bring to students, class size (with preference given to high enrollment courses and "Pathways" classes that make up general education requirements), transferability to other courses and the likelihood that the instructor will succeed with the conversion in time for the fall 2017 semester.

One person who has gone through the curriculum creation process is Daniel Torres, an assistant professor of chemistry. He said he likes the way OER offers the potential to "tailor" the content to a given professor's class. "Developing your own OER material, as I did, gives you flexibility to add and remove bits and pieces, making the class easier for our students," he noted in an article about the program on the school website.

The scale of the work at BMCC is the largest and most consistent throughout the CUNY system, according to CUNY Open Education Librarian Ann Fiddler. "BMCC is by far, the most shining example," she said.
21st Century Classroom

Different Learning Spaces, Different Goals

Three universities share how they have tailored their classrooms for immersive learning, collaboration, large classes, pedagogical research and more.

The concept of designing spaces for active learning has taken hold over the last decade, starting with projects such as North Carolina State's Student-Centered Active Learning Environment for Undergraduate Programs (SCALE-UP) and MIT's Technology Enabled Active Learning (TEAL) classrooms. These efforts focused on transforming classrooms from the lecture format to project-based work.

As active learning classrooms have spread to many other campuses, however, there has been a growing recognition that learning and study spaces can't be uniform in design  and that it is preferable to tailor them to specific pedagogical and technological needs.

For instance, when Indiana University embarked on its Mosaic Active Learning Initiative, its campus leaders wanted to stress the diversity of spaces involved. "When we launched Mosaic, we realized we didn't want to land on one specific model, for a lot of reasons," said Julie Johnston, director of learning spaces. "When we design a room, each one looks slightly different. We are going to create spaces and evolve them. We create a prototype, ideate and change it, so each one is like a tile in a mosaic."

Usually a new space at Indiana is designed to meet a specific need or goal. "Some of our classrooms have a more apparent goal than others. Some would just fit the definition of flexible and active, but for others there is a real history behind how we designed it the way we did," Johnston explained.

For instance, an Immersive Showcase Classroom on the Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis campus was designed to investigate the interactive, immersive experience with students. It takes advantage a video wall that uses Mersive Solstice software to foster collaboration, decision-making and content sharing via any mobile device. The professor has the ability to project multiple points of contact wirelessly, so everybody in the room can participate, Johnston said.

Indiana University's Immersive Showcase Classroom

Another example at IU: A proposal from the departments of Geography and Anthropology resulted in a Collaboration Learning Studio designed to bring active learning to classes with large numbers of students. The room has 16 collaborative tables accommodating 120 students. Students can share their work on a 20-foot video wall. Each student collaborative table is equipped with a 40-inch flat panel, PC/keyboard/mouse, VGA and HDMI laptop connections, cable cubby, controls for switching the content displayed, and (because the room is so large) a push-to-talk microphone. Students can switch the display source from the table's PC to their laptops with the push of a button. Instructors can push content to the collaborative table monitors, or display content from any of the table monitors on the video wall or projectors.

Mosaic, which rolled out in the fall of 2015, actually formalized a movement that was already happening on the IU Bloomington campus. "We started designing these spaces and realized that we could continue to do that, but the reality is that our goal is transformation in the classroom to active learning. It is difficult to do that by just creating spaces," Johnston said. IU has a large group of fellows teaching in active learning spaces and researching the impact. "We believed that partnering with the faculty interested in researching the impact could provide a larger-scale transformation. It is important that we have the administration stating this is something it is committed to. The momentum has increased exponentially because of the commitment to the initiative."
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New York, May 24, 2017Azerbaijani authorities should immediately release freelance journalist Nijat Amiraslanov, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today. A district court in the northwestern Azerbaijani city of Gazakh yesterday sentenced the journalist to 30 days in prison on charges of resisting police.

The journalists lawyer, Elchin Sadygov, told CPJ that police arrested Amiraslanov on May 22 with no explanation as he quietly drank tea in a Gazakh cafe, and that Amiraslanov denied charges of resisting arrest. If one is a journalist working with [independent media], one expects to be detained any time. And nobody can defend himself. Its useless, Sadygov said, adding that he had no doubt that Amiraslanovs journalism was the reason for his arrest.

One of Amiraslanovs colleagues, who spoke to CPJ on condition of anonymity for fear of retaliation, said Amiraslanov is well-known in Gazakh for his critical reports for local and regional media about poverty in the region and corruption among local officials. Four other Azerbaijani journalists, also speaking on condition of anonymity for fear of retaliation, also told CPJ that they believe Amiraslanov was arrested for his critical reporting.

We call on Azerbaijani authorities not to contest Nijat Amiraslanovs appeal of this verdict, and to cease harassing and jailing critical reporters, CPJ Europe and Central Asia Program Coordinator Nina Ognianova said. We call on Azerbaijan to reverse its record of jailing journalists on trumped-up, retaliatory charges.

At least five journalists are imprisoned in Azerbaijan for their work on December 1, 2016, when CPJ last conducted its annual census of journalists imprisoned around the world. In April the government blocked access to at least five critical news websites by decree and sought a court order to make that censorship permanent, according to media reports.
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New York, May 24, 2017The Ethiopian Federal High Courts conviction of Getachew Shiferaw, editor of the news website Negere Ethiopia, on charges of inciting subversion is a further blow to press freedom in the country, the Committee to Protect Journalists said today.

Getachews lawyer, Ameha Mekonnen, told CPJ that the court convicted him of inciting others to obstruct an official from performing his constitutional duties under articles 257A and D of the Ethiopian penal code, based on the allegation that Getachew in an exchange of private messages on Facebook told journalist and activist Abebe Gellaw that it would be a good alternate method of struggle for Gellaw to intervene publicly against former Ethiopian prime minister Meles Zenawi. Getachew denies the communication took place, and will appeal the verdict, Ameha told CPJ. The editor faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, according to media reports.

Getachew was arrested without charge on December 25, 2015, and his case postponed several times. He was eventually charged under the countrys anti-terrorism law before the charge was reduced to inciting others to obstruct an official from performing his duties.

That prosecutors struggled to find a charge to levy against Getachew Shiferaw shows that Ethiopian authorities are desperate to lock journalists away and makes a mockery of this conviction, said CPJ Africa Program Coordinator Angela Quintal. We call on authorities not to contest Getachews appeal and to allow him and all journalists to work without interference.
KUALA LUMPUR, May 24  Amnesty International Malaysia criticised prison authorities for executing two men earlier today at the Sungai Buloh prison in a secretive manner.





The NGO also demanded the government to establish a moratorium on carrying out death penalties.





In a statement, Amnesty said that 48-year-old Yong Kar Mun, who was convicted of discharging a firearm during robbery, and another individual convicted of murder, were both executed at 5.30am today.





Yongs execution was allegedly carried out with limited notice, with the family only being informed of the execution less than 24 hours before it was carried out, while no information has been made available on the second convict who was also executed.





The secretive way through which the Malaysian authorities have been carrying out executions is plain cruel. In these and previous executions, the authorities have added considerable distress to the prisoners and their families and shown blatant disregard for international law and standards  it is high time this practice stopped, Amnesty International Malaysia Executive Director Shamini Darshni Kaliemuthu said.





She said that by providing limited notice, the authorities are also denying the convicts a chance to seek further review of their cases.





The government has repeatedly promised legislative reforms on the death penalty, yet no drafts have been shared and more lives have been taken by the gallows.





If Malaysia aspires to join the Human Rights Council, it should demonstrate its commitment to human rights by ending executions and abolishing the death penalty. The time for action is now, she added.





Amnesty previously condemned a similar hasty execution conducted by authorities in March, when brothers on death row, Rames and Suthar Batumalai, were executed with a notice of less than 48 hours.

 | Report an error, an omission, a typo; suggest a story or a new angle to an existing story; submit a piece, a comment; recommend a resource; contact the webmaster, contact us: deathpenaltynews@gmail.com



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Although computer tomography (CT) is widely used in medicine, its application in micro snail identification is still at the pioneering stage.

However, Dr Adrienne Jochum from the Naturhistorisches Museum der Burgergemeinde Bern (NMBE), Switzerland and her interdisciplinary team of German and Swiss scientists (Dr. Alexander M. Weigand, University of Duisburg-Essen, Estee Bochud and Thomas Inabnit, NMBE and the University of Bern, Dorian D. Dorge, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Dr. Bernhard Ruthensteiner, Zoologische Staatssammlung Muenchen, Dr. Adrien Favre, Leipzig University, Gunhild Martels and Dr. Marian Kampschulte, Justus-Liebig University Giessen) have recently applied it in their research, now published in the journal ZooKeys.

As a result of their revolutionary approach, the scientists report three new thorn snail species - tiny, colourless and highly fragile creatures that measure less than 2 mm and belong to the genus Carychium.

Much like X-rays showing the degree of damage in broken bones, CT scans provide access to snail shells. Differences, such as the degree of sinuosity of the potato chip-like wedge (lamella), elegantly gliding along the spindle-like columella, become visible. These structures provide stability and surface area to exert muscular traction while manoeuvring the unwieldy shell into tight cavities. The alignment and degree of undulation of the lamella on the columella is also used by malacologists (mollusc specialists) to identify different thorn snail species.

Conventionally, examination of this signatory character requires cutting a hole in the shell with a fine needle under the microscope. This tedious method requires a much patience and dexterity and, all too often, the shell cracks open or disintegrates into dust under pressure. By exposing the delicate lamella to non-manipulative CT scans, Dr. Jochum and her team have found the best method to differentiate not only thorn snails but also many other micro creatures.

Together with G. Martels and Dr. M. Kampschulte, Dr. Jochum described new micro snails for the first time using CT in East Asian hypselostomatid snails in 2014. The first subterranean Asian relative of the thorn snails (Koreozospeum nodongense), was also described by Dr. Jochum thanks to CT scans in 2015.

The scientists studied and compared thorn snails collected from Mexico, Florida (USA) and Costa Rica.

Curiously, the new species Carychium hardiei was discovered by accident by Dr. Jochum en route to the Atlanta Airport during a rest stop in Georgia (USA). The snail is named after the American naturalist and field biologist Frank Hardie. Another species, Carychium belizeense, was found in the Bladen Nature Reserve in Belize and is named after its country of origin. The third, Carychium zarzaae from Panama, is named after Eugenia Zarza, collector of material for this study, including this species.

In total, there are fourteen species of thorn snails known in North and Central America. Their distribution ranges from as far north as northern Ontario, Canada through North America (including Bermuda and Jamaica) and south through Central America to Costa Rica. Thorn snails also live as far north as northern Sweden and as far south as sub-equatorial Java. Worldwide, this genus spans the Nearctic, Palearctic and Indomalayan biogeographic realms.

Thorn snails live in tropical and temperate forests, meadows and riparian zones, where they comprise the decomposer community in leaf litter of ecologically stable environments.

###

Original Source:

Jochum A, Weigand AM, Bochud E, Inabnit T, Dorge DD, Ruthensteiner B, Favre A, Martels G, Kampschulte M (2017) Three new species of Carychium O.F. Muller, 1773 from the Southeastern USA, Belize and Panama are described using computer tomography (CT) (Eupulmonata, Ellobioidea, Carychiidae). ZooKeys 675: 97-127. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.675.12453
Two big activist fund managers may be betting that Kraft Heinz wants to buy personal-care products maker Colgate-Palmolive in the not-too-distant-future.

Corvex Management's Keith Meister and Starboard Value's Jeff Smith accumulated about $102 million and $12 million worth of shares, respectively, in Colgate-Palmolive last quarter. Their stakes were disclosed in regulatory filings after Colgate-Palmolive CEO Ian Cook signaled earlier this month that he might be interested in selling the company for $100 a share, a 35% premium.

It's a deal that could interest Kraft Heinz, backed by billionaire investor Warren Buffett, after its spectacular, but ultimately unsuccessful, $143 billion bid for Unilever. Buffett is a member of the Kraft Heinz board, as is 3G Capital's Alexandre Behring.

Cook's comments, reported by the New York Post, suggest there's a strong possibility that a friendly deal for Colgate-Palmolive could be struck reasonably soon, said David Kass, a clinical professor at the University of Maryland's business school who follows Buffett and his company, Berkshire Hathaway . The New York-based company could be attractive to Kraft Heinz, 3G Capital or Berkshire, Kass said.

One possibility is Buffett and 3G partnering to finance Kraft's purchase of Colgate-Palmolive for as much as $85 billion, a premium on the company's current $65 billion market capitalization, Kass suggested.

"It would be consolidated into Kraft-Heinz, and 3G would bring in its own management team," Kass said. "3G Capital would want to acquire it if it felt that it wasn't efficiently run and if they thought they could introduce efficiency."

That theory is buoyed by the fact that Buffett and 3G have worked together before -- on the purchase of Heinz, which predated its merger with Kraft. The combined company also has some synergies with Colgate-Palmolive. Colgate garners a large percentage of its sales outside the U.S., and it could use its international distribution chain as a channel for Kraft-Heinz, which has a much smaller international presence.

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The merged companies would also benefit from some economies of scale with U.S. retailers that sell both Colgate's household products and Kraft Heinz's food and beverages.

If a friendly deal can't be worked out, it's possible Corvex or Starboard could agitate for one by shaking up the company's board.

The deadline to nominate directors chosen at Colgate's 2018 annual meeting is Feb. 11, though an activist can launch a boardroom battle earlier with a written consent solicitation. It wouldn't be a stretch for either Starboard or Corvex to expand their stakes and attempt such a move.

Alternatively, Buffett and Berkshire Hathaway could make a play to acquire the business on their own: As of the end of December, Berkshire had $86.4 billion in cash, prompting speculation that its CEO is in the market for a deal.

If Kraft-Heinz doesn't make a play for Colgate-Palmolive, it may make one for Mondelez International , another company that has several activist fund managers circling the wagons.

Trian Partners' Nelson Peltz sits on the Mondelez board, which suggests that the company might become a target. Trian holds a 2.8% stake, and Bill Ackman's activist fund Pershing Square holds 1.3% of the shares.

To avoid a takeover by Kraft Heinz, Mondelez might try to buy General Mills , the maker of Yoplait yogurt and Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls.

The food and beverage company previously sought to buy Hershey but was rebuffed, in part because of the Hershey Trust, which held a sufficiently large stake that it needed to be convinced.

"Mondelez's effort to buy Hershey suggests that it may be interested in buying something else as a defensive measure, so that they may be more difficult for someone like Kraft Heinz to swallow," Kass said. "Mondelez has more international exposure than Kraft Heinz and putting the two together would open up more markets abroad, while bringing more domestic markets for Cadbury."

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Kainaz Amaria | Bloomberg | Getty Images. Technology companies in India are in the midst of a massive restructuring drive that has employees worried over the future of the sector.

Technology companies in India are in the midst of a massive restructuring drive that has both employees and industry analysts worried over the future of the sector.

Information Technology companies like Infosys, Cognizant and Tech Mahindra have announced redundancies this year and some analysts have said that this string of layoffs are expected to continue for the next two years.

A recent report from McKinsey India says that at least 200,000 software engineers in India will lose their jobs each year over the next three years.

According to local media reports, tech giant Infosys had earlier announced its plans to lay off about 1,000 employees at senior levels based on performance-based processes, the company also then announced its plans to hire 10,000 Americans over the next two years  a move many analysts have said will please U.S. President Donald Trump. Following this move, other companies such as Cognizant announced their plans to cut 6,000 jobs.

"With the majority of their business coming from US-based clients, it seems like a natural step for Indian IT companies to expand and strengthen their client offering in a market that promises sustained growth. This will undoubtedly benefit U.S. workers and sing to the tune of Trump's America First strategy," Af Malhotra, co-founder of Bangalore-based IT firm GrowthEnabler, told CNBC via email.

U.S. President Donald Trump's "America First" agenda and focus on curbing immigration especially around the much-sought-after H-1B visa policy may hurt India's massive information technology sector that forms a strong base for the country's economy.

Indians top beneficiary of H-1B

Data from Goldman Sachs estimates that Indians accounted for nearly 195,257, or 70.1 percent, of all beneficiaries of the H-1B visa program in 2015. And hence, President Trump's decision to steer his policies towards "America First" is clearly going to hurt these professionals as well as Indian software companies. But there are divergent views on whether the redundancies in India by major IT companies have anything to do with Trump's policies.

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"It does not seem like Indian companies are laying off in India so they can hire in the US," an IT-professional based in the U.S. told CNBC on the condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the topic. "The IT sector has been struggling, these companies have been having poor disappointing earnings/lower guidance for a few quarters now and that is probably the primary driver."

The source further explained that there appears to be greater automation and a shift from more mundane programming jobs to jobs requiring higher levels of engineering skills in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and newer fields.

"When this happens, the benefit from cost savings by hiring in a cheaper country is likely eclipsed by the skill requirements. I am not going to pretend to fully understand it, but there is a reason that product-based companies like Microsoft, Google, Facebook etc. do not outsource most of their jobs to India, but have the majority of their workers in the US. There is apparently a skills shortage in India for these types of more complex jobs. India produces lots of engineering graduates, but not enough highly qualified ones. They may not be able to handle the step up in work/skills required."

Employee morale hurt

But while this maybe the ground reality according to many, the massive downsizing has a hurtful impact on the morale of employees. One Infosys employee based out of Bangalore told CNBC that the morale in the company is generally low but the restructuring is mostly seen at senior management levels.

"It feels bad to see people leave like this. I have been speaking to my friends in other tech companies and everyone feels a bit concerned about their jobs. Performance-based assessments happen every year but this year feels different. "

A number of employees within the Indian IT sector that CNBC spoke to said there was general unrest among employees who had started approaching labor unions to complain against this massive performance-based restructuring drive.

Nasscom, the apex Indian information technology body, earlier dismissed reports about mass layoffs by software companies. In an official statement, Nasscom called recent media reports of mass layoffs as incorrect and said the industry continues to be a top hirer with over 150,000 people being employed on a net basis each year.

"Talent and skills are the key building blocks for the industry, which is intensifying investment in skilling or re-skilling its workforce to strengthen its foundation on a continuous basis," said Nasscom.

Nasscom further noted that the workforce realignment linked to performance appraisal process was a regular feature each year and is essential to remain competitive in international markets.

However, Madhavan Narayanan, an independent technology consultant, told CNBC via email that realignment has generally been through training and not downsizing.

"Realignment of the workforce has usually been through retraining and reskilling. For the first time we are seeing downsizing that actually leads people to leaving without wanting to and that is where there is an attempt to save jobs by forming or approaching labor unions. This is certainly new in an industry in which fat pay raises were common," Narayanan said.

He further explained that the word 'layoff' as often reported in media is a controversial one. In his opinion, what is happening is halfway between a regular layoff and a normal appraisal. "The trick seems to be to turn the heat on those who the companies want to sack instead of simply telling them they are redundant."

Tough times ahead for India's IT sector?

While Indian software companies continue to battle this slowdown in the technology sector, concerns over H-1B visa still remains for thousands of aspiring professionals as well as those already working in the U.S.

Analysts have said that Trump's order to review visa processes is aimed at companies like Tata Consultancy Services, Infosys and Wipro that are the top beneficiaries of the program, using it to send computer engineers to service clients in the U.S., their largest overseas market.

The executive order signed by Trump last month doesn't change H-1B policy on its own, and it doesn't set a timeline for when the review will be completed. But the uncertainty over what the review will mean for the Indian information technology sector has companies worried.

The executive order signed by Trump last month doesn't change H-1B policy on its own, and it doesn't set a timeline for when the review will be completed. But the uncertainty over what the review will mean for the Indian information technology sector has companies worried.

The current program requires H-1B visa holders to be given a minimum salary of $60,000, according to a Goldman Sachs report, though there are exceptions. It also requires beneficiaries of H-1B visas to hold a specialized bachelor's degree for the position offered.

"The H-1B talks have led to speculation and that is causing a stir in India. The proposed changes to H1B visas will also impact American tech companies, such as Google, and Microsoft, increasing their costs, and potentially leaving them with a skills deficit," GrowthEnabler's Malhotra told CNBC.

He, however, noted that H-1B visa workers can continue servicing their U.S. clients from India using advanced tech collaboration solutions and virtual working practices.

"The net impact being that cross functional and multi-regional teams will collaborate seamlessly with minimal disruption. "

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More From CNBC


- By Holly LaFon





Prem Watsa (Trades, Portfolio) added more action to his statements that he felt buoyant about markets with the election of Donald Trump, buying his biggest holding in five years during the first quarter, after announcing earlier in the year that he had removed the full hedges on his portfolio that had limited his annual returns.





Fairfax Financial Holdings (FFH.TO), the Canadian insurance and investment management company Watsa founded in 1985, lost $1.2 billion in 2016, including $1.19 billion on equity hedges and short positions of the S&P 500 and several indexes. Watsa began the hedges in 2010 due to fear of market conditions, and the persistent rise of the market consequently led to heavy losses that reduced his 15-year average return to 9.8% from 18.3%. Putting an end to his concerns was a return to what he saw as forthcoming pro-business policies with the Republican presidential victory.

"Higher economic growth would result, we think, in higher profits for many companies, so that even though the indices may not go up significantly, we think a value investor like us can ply our trade again with less of a concern of economic collapse," Watsa wrote his 2016 annual shareholder letter.

The investor also emerged from the market sidelines in the first quarter after spending years buying positions worth tenths and hundredths of percents of his portfolio. The new stock, Intrepid Potash Inc. (IPI), accounts for 2.3% of the portfolio, the largest since he bought Resolute Forest Products (RFP), worth 11.2% of the portfolio at the time, in the second quarter of 2012.

Watsa purchased 16,666,667 shares of Intrepid Potash around its average first-quarter share price of $2. The position cost approximately $28.5 million and composes 12.89% of the company's shares outstanding.

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Watsa holds 31 positions in his portfolio, which is 48.4% concentrated in technology stocks primarily because his top position, BlackBerry Ltd. (BBRY), has a 29.2% weighting and IBM (IBM) has a 19.2% weighting.

Intrepid Potash is a $295.6 million market cap company that focuses mainly on formulations containing potash, the material used in fertilizers for nutrient-deficient soil that increases crop yields, an integral need for population growth. In addition to agriculture, the company has markets in animal feed and industrial businesses. It also corners the U.S. market of muriate of potash,

Intrepid has traded around all-time lows since near the end of 2016, following its business performance. The company has seen two consecutive years of revenue declines and net losses, though it has $20.8 million in cash and relatively low debt of $88.0 million at the end of the first quarter. The company also has the corner on muriate of potash, a common potassium fertilizer used in production of a variety of crops. Supply of the product has nonetheless overwhelmed demand in recent years, contributing to lower prices and weaker results for Intrepid and likely becoming a selling point for an investor who often seeks companies undergoing a setback he perceives as temporary.

Intrepid has also diversified its business into the water market, estimating millions in annual revenue from the liquid in coming years.

In its full-year financial results of 2016, Intrepid management forecast that rising potash prices that began toward the end of the year would continue through 2017. Intrepid CEO Joynayvaz said the company positioned itself during the year to sell into more high-margin deals and gain other advantages from the improved selling environment.

In addition to Intrepid, Watsa purchased three other stocks in smaller quantities, each of which reflected 0.2% of the portfolio. The second-largest consisted of 638 shares of Sherwin-Williams Co. (SHW) with a total value of $212,000. His 1,344 new shares of Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (TMO) had a value of $206,000, and his 1,900 shares of Carlisle Companies (CSL) had a value of $202 million.

See Prem Watsa (Trades, Portfolio)'s portfolio here.

This article first appeared on GuruFocus.






By David Shepardson

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Trump administration wants to allow states to expand the use of tolling on interstate highways while sharply cutting grants for transit projects and raising airline passenger security fees, according to the White House budget released on Tuesday.

The overall budget proposal is $76 billion, which the administration said is about the same as for 2016. About $60 billion of that is annual "mandatory spending," including road repairs paid through gas tax collections.

The Transportation Department's "discretionary" budget is being cut by 12.7 percent, or $2.4 billion to $16.2 billion.

The administration proposes $200 billion in government funding over 10 years as part of a goal of getting $1 trillion in public and private infrastructure spending.

Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao told reporters local communities know best what projects they need.

Senate Democratic Leader Charles Schumer said the budget cuts $206 billion in infrastructure spending across several Cabinet departments, including $96 billion in planned highway trust fund spending.

Schumer said the administration would cut funds from states and cities "to pay wealthy hedge funds and Wall Street to build more toll roads."

Chao said Schumer has called for $1 trillion in direct government funding, which is "not very realistic" and would add to the deficit.

Administration officials said they expect that by 2022 there will be a new mechanism to make up for lost revenue. The budget projects a $15 billion reduction in funding in 2023 and does not include any funding to make up for that.

Congress has been adding tens of billions of dollars annually to pay for crumbling roads because gas tax revenue is not keeping up with repair needs.

The administration also proposes to allow for private companies to construct and operate highway rest stops. It also wants to raise the airline passenger security fee by $1 to $6.60 per one-way trip, which would generate $530 million for the Transportation Safety Administration.

Story continues

The budget would end subsidies for Amtrak to operate long-distance train service, cutting $630 million of the $1.4 billion in annual government support for passenger rail service.

The Trump budget would eliminate the Obama administration's TIGER grant program, saving $5 billion over 10 years in the program that has funded transit projects. It also would cut $18 billion out of another government transit grant program called New Starts.

The administration also proposes to privatize the nation's air traffic control system, which budget documents suggest would boost the budget deficit by about $45 billion over 10 years.

(Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Bill Trott)
SPRINGDALE, Ark., May 22, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As part of its deeper commitment to sustainable food production, Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE:TSN) today announced a collaboration with the World Resources Institute (WRI) to develop industry leading, science-based greenhouse gas (GHG) and outcome-based water conservation targets for its operations and the companys supply chain.



The agreement with WRI follows recent announcements about Tyson Foods commitment to a healthier workplace and the decision to move to no antibiotics ever in its Tyson branded retail line of chicken, making the company the worlds leading provider of chicken raised without antibiotics.

Sustainability is about thriving today and doing the right thing to thrive tomorrow, said Justin Whitmore, who was recently hired as the companys first chief sustainability officer. Were collaborating with WRI on aggressive and attainable goals rooted in science. These will give us the opportunity to reduce our environmental impact over time so we can benefit now, and other generations will benefit in the future.

WRI is committed to working with companies focused on addressing todays most pressing issues, from climate change to water risk, said JP Leous, senior manager of corporate relations for WRI. Setting targets based on science and leveraging WRIs tools, such as the Aqueduct Water Risk Atlas, enables business growth that supports thriving communities and healthy ecosystems upon which we all rely.

Tyson Foods currently measures and reports greenhouse gas emissions from sources it controls as well as indirect emissions from the energy it buys. Environmental targets designed with WRI will eventually involve collaborating with the companys entire supply chain, including material and ingredient suppliers, and the farmers who raise and supply Tyson with chicken, turkey, cattle and pigs.

Tyson is focused on delivering sustainable food at scale, Whitmore said. Only by a comprehensive, holistic approach to sustainability can we make long-lasting positive change, for our company, our consumers and customers, our team members and our planet.

2016 Sustainability Report

The company today also announced the release of its fiscal 2016 Sustainability Report, which is focused on five key areas: Healthier Animals, Healthier Communities, Healthier Environment, Healthier Food and Healthier Workplace. Workplace includes nearly 114,000 team members who work for the company, and Communities are comprised of team members family, friends and neighbors in more than 100 cities and towns where it operates in the U.S. This is the eighth sustainability report published by the company.

Tysons entire 2016 Sustainability Report is available for viewing online. Highlights include:

Healthier Animals - Of the broiler chicks placed by Tyson Foods during fiscal 2016 in its entire supply chain, only 1.6 percent were treated on farms by veterinarians with antibiotics that are also used in human medicine.

Healthier Communities - In 2016, Tyson made more than $12.5 million in cash and in-kind donations and provided more than 8.2 million pounds of food for hunger and disaster relief, and it recently gifted $340,000 to One Eggs mission to create an economically sustainable egg farm in Haiti, providing eggs as a protein source to undernourished children.

Healthier Environment  In addition to the partnership with WRI, Tyson Foods has supported efforts by The Nature Conservancys Arkansas Chapter including a grant and volunteer support to help the chapter complete a significant stream bank restoration in the Oxbow section of the Kings River, monitor sediment reduction, and survey a tributary and plan its restoration. The support also includes projects on the Elk River and enrolling conservation easements in Arkansas Buffalo National River watershed.

Healthier Food - More than 280 of Tyson Foods products meet specific school nutrition regulations for fat, sodium, and calorie content, while 31 products meet USDAs Smart Snacks in Schools regulations and 122 products carry the Whole Grain Stamp from the Whole Grain Council.

Healthier Workplace  Tyson continues to strive for a goal of zero worker injuries and illnesses. In its fiscal year 2016, the company reduced its overall OSHA Recordable Incident Rate by 19.4 percent, ahead of its year-over-year goal of a 15 percent reduction.

By investing in sustainability, Tyson expects to create a beneficial cycle of contributing to the future, while paying for itself in the present. Investments in sustainability are expected to fund themselves through reduced waste and costs.

About Tyson Foods

Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE:TSN), with headquarters in Springdale, Arkansas, is one of the worlds largest food companies with leading brands such as Tyson, Jimmy Dean, Hillshire Farm, Sara Lee, Ball Park, Wright, Aidells and State Fair. Its a recognized market leader in chicken, beef and pork as well as prepared foods, including bacon, breakfast sausage, turkey, lunchmeat, hot dogs, pizza crusts and toppings, tortillas and desserts. The company supplies retail and foodservice customers throughout the United States and approximately 115 countries. Tyson Foods was founded in 1935 by John W. Tyson, whose family has continued to lead the business with his son, Don Tyson, guiding the company for many years and grandson, John H. Tyson, serving as the current chairman of the board of directors. The company currently has approximately 114,000 Team Members employed at more than 400 facilities and offices in the United States and around the world. Through its Core Values, Code of Conduct and Team Member Bill of Rights, Tyson Foods strives to operate with integrity and trust and is committed to creating value for its shareholders, customers and Team Members. The company also strives to be faith-friendly, provide a safe work environment and serve as stewards of the animals, land and environment entrusted to it

About WRI

World Resources Institute (WRI) is a global research organization that spans more than 60 countries, with offices in Brazil, China, Europe, India, Indonesia, Mexico, and the United States. Our more than 700 experts and staff turn big ideas into action at the nexus of environment, economic opportunity and human well-being.
AIM: MARL

TSX-V: MARL







24 May 2017



Granite House, La Grande Rue,

St. Martin, Guernsey, GY1 3RS

Channel Islands





Issue of Equity- Warrant Exercise

Mariana Resources Ltd ("Mariana" or the "Company"), the AIM ("MARL") and TSXV ("MARL") listed exploration and development company with projects in Turkey, Cote d'Ivoire and South America, announces that the following warrants have been exercised into ordinary shares with funds received.

1,342,632 Warrants exercised at GBP0.25

The Company will issue and allot 1,342,632 new ordinary shares.

Admission to AIM

Application has been made to the London Stock Exchange for the new ordinary shares to be admitted to trading on AIM and the TSXV. Dealings are expected to commence on or about 29 May 2017 ("Admission").

Following Admission, there will be a total of 133,701,357 ordinary shares on issue.

Mariana Resources Limited

Glen Parsons, CEO

**ENDS**

Glen Parsons (CEO) Mariana Resources Ltd +61 2 9437 4588 Eric Roth (COO) Mariana Resources Ltd +56 9 8818 1243 Karen Davies (IR) Mariana Resources Ltd (Canada) +1 604 314 6270 Rob Adamson RFC Ambrian Limited (Nomad) +61 2 9250 0041 Will Souter RFC Ambrian Limited (Nomad) +61 2 9250 0050 In U.K. Oliver Stansfield Brandon Hill Capital (UK Broker) +44 20 3463 5061 Jonathan Evans Brandon Hill Capital (UK Broker) +44 20 3463 5016 Camilla Horsfall Blytheweigh (Financial PR) +44 20 7138 3224 Megan Ray Blytheweigh (Financial PR) +44 20 7138 3203

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

About Mariana Resources

Mariana Resources Ltd is a TSX.V and AIM (MARL) quoted exploration and development company with an extensive portfolio of gold, silver, and copper projects in South America, Turkey, and Ivory Coast.

Mariana's most advanced asset is the Hot Maden gold-copper project in northeast Turkey, which is a joint venture with Turkish partner Lidya Madencilik (30% Mariana and 70% Lidya) and which is rapidly advancing to development. On January 17, 2017, Mariana released the results of a Preliminary Economic Study ("PEA") which demonstrated exceptional potential economics for the Hot Maden Project (after-tax NPV and IRR of USD 1.37B and 153%, respectively) based on a development scenario incorporating a 1Mtpa underground mining / processing operation and the production of two saleable concentrates (a copper-gold concentrate and a gold-pyrite concentrate). This PEA was based on the updated (July 25, 2016) mineral resource estimate of 3.43 Moz gold equivalent (Indicated Category) and 0.09 Moz gold equivalent (Inferred Category) (100% basis) in the Main Zone, as well as a maiden 351,000 Moz gold equivalent (Inferred Category) (100% basis) resource in the New Southern Discovery. Elsewhere in Turkey, Mariana holds a 100% interest in the Ergama gold-copper project.

On October 7, 2016, Mariana announced the signing of a binding Term Sheet to acquire an indirect 80% interest in Ivory Coast-focused private exploration company Awale Resources SARL ("Awale"). Through the transaction Mariana will gain an immediate foothold in an established exploration portfolio with known gold mineralisation and artisanal gold workings, and which comprises i) 3 granted contiguous licenses (1,191 km2) in the Bondoukou area, and ii) 4 licenses under application (1,593 km2) in both the Bondoukou and Abengourou areas. The Boundoukou concessions lie along the southwestern extension of the Birimian Bole-Nangodi greenstone belt in adjacent Ghana, host to a number of high grade orogenic gold deposits.

In southern Argentina, the Company's core gold-silver projects are Las Calandrias (100%), Sierra Blanca (100%), Los Cisnes (100%), and Bozal (100%). These projects are part of a 100,000+ Ha land package in the Deseado Massif epithermal gold-silver district in mining-friendly Santa Cruz Province.

In Suriname, Mariana has a direct holding of 10.2% of the Nassau Gold project. The Nassau Gold Project is a 28,000 Ha exploration concession located approximately 125 km south east of the capital Paramaribo and immediately adjacent to Newmont Mining's 4.2Moz gold Merian project.

In Peru and Chile, Mariana is focusing on acquiring new opportunities which complement its current portfolio.

Hot Maden Mineral Resource Estimate - Main Gold-Copper Zone (2 g/t AuEq Cut-off) Indicated Mineral Resource Domain Tonnes Au Cu Zn AuEq Au Cu AuEq t g/t % % g/t* Ounces Tonnes Ounces** Main Zone LG 463,000 1.1 1.1 0.3 2.4 17,000 5,000 36,000 Main Zone HG 4,501,000 3.9 1.9 0.2 6.3 570,000 87,000 908,000 Main Zone UHG 2,086,000 32.7 3.5 0.1 36.9 2,195,000 73,000 2,476,000 Mixed Gold-Zinc 17,000 7.5 3.1 3.6 11.2 4,000 1,000 6,000 Peripheral Lodes 60,000 2.1 0.4 0.4 2.5 4,000 5,000 Total 7,127,000 12.2 2.3 0.2 15.0 2,790,000 166,000 3,431,000 Inferred Mineral Resource Domain Tonnes Au Cu Zn AuEq Au Cu AuEq t g/t % % g/t* Ounces Tonnes Ounces** Main Zone LG 395,000 1.7 0.9 0.03 2.8 21,000 4,000 35,000 Main Zone HG 31,000 3.9 1.6 0.1 5.8 4,000 6,000 Main Zone UHG 6,000 39.1 2.1 0.01 41.6 7,000 8,000 Mixed Gold-Zinc 4,000 1.7 0.4 2.4 2.2 Peripheral Lodes 282,000 3.2 0.9 0.1 4.3 29,000 2,000 38,000 Total 718,000 2.7 0.9 0.1 3.8 62,000 7,000 88,000



Hot Maden - Southern Gold-Copper Zone (2 g/t AuEq Cut-off) Inferred Mineral Resource Domain Tonnes Au Cu Zn AuEq Au Cu AuEq t g/t % % g/t* Ounces Tonnes Ounces** South Zone LG 396,000 2.8 0.7 0.0 3.6 35,000 3,000 46,000 South Zone HG 583,000 5.3 0.7 0.0 6.1 98,000 4,000 114,000 Main Zone UHG 224,000 22.2 1.0 0.0 23.4 160,000 2,000 169,000 Mixed Gold-Zinc 44,000 9.0 1.0 3.2 10.2 13,000 15,000 Peripheral Lodes 104,000 1.9 0.3 0.0 2.2 6,000 7,000 Total 1,352,000 7.2 0.7 0.1 8.1 313,000 10,000 351,000

*Au Equivalence (AuEq) calculated using a 100 day moving average of $US1,215/ounce for Au and $US2.13/pound for Cu as of May 29, 2016. No adjustment has been made for metallurgical recovery or net smelter return as these remain uncertain at this time. Based on grades and contained metal for Au and Cu, it is assumed that both commodities have reasonable potential to be economically extractable.

*-The formula used for Au equivalent grade is: AuEq g/t = Au + [(Cu % x 22.0462 x 2.13)/(1215/31.1035)] and assumes 100 % metallurgical recovery. **-Au equivalent ounces are calculated by mulitplying Mineral Resource tonnage by Au equivalent grade and converting for ounces. The formula used for Au equivalent ounces is: AuEq Oz = [Tonnage x AuEq grade (g/t)]/31.1035

Safe Harbour

This press release contains certain statements which may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as at the date of this press release and include, without limitation, statements regarding discussions of future plans, the realization, cost, timing and extent of mineral resource estimates, estimated future exploration expenditures, costs and timing of the development of new deposits, success of exploration activities, permitting time lines, and requirements for additional capital. The words "plans", "expects", "budget", "scheduled", "estimate", "forecasts", "intend", "anticipate", "believe", "may", "will", or similar expressions or variations of such words are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that may cause actual results to vary materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to: the effects of general economic conditions; the price of gold, silver and copper; misjudgements in the course of preparing forward-looking statements; risks associated with international operations; the need for additional financing; risks inherent in exploration results; conclusions of economic evaluations; changes in project parameters; currency and commodity price fluctuations; title matters; environmental liability claims; unanticipated operational risks; accidents, labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry; delays in obtaining governmental approvals or in the completion of development or construction activities; political risk; and other risks and uncertainties described in the Company's annual financial statements for the most recently completed financial year which is available on the Company's website at www.marianaresources.com . Although we believe that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions and have attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements. Accordingly, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. We do not undertake to update any forward-looking statements, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, May 24, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- VR Resources Ltd. (TSX-V:VRR) (FSE:5VR), the "Company", or VR, is pleased to announce that it has staked additional claims to increase the size of its wholly owned Bonita copper-gold property located in northwestern Nevada, USA.



The Company has increased the size of the Bonita property by 32% by staking 103 claims which extend the existing property of 326 claims farther to the south and east (see satellite image at www.vrr.ca). The property now totals 429 claims covering 3,586 ha, an area of approximately 5 x 6 kilometres.

The new claims cover ground the Company views as prospective based on reconnaissance geological, geochemical and geophysical data. The company fully expects to complete at least one IP test line over one specific target on the new ground during the current Induced Polarization (IP) geophysical program (see previous news release dated May 11, 2017).

The Bonita property is large, encompassing a district of historic copper, gold and iron showings. The showings are unified by a single, district-scale hydrothermal system with a large, mappable alteration footprint covering the entire property, within which copper sulfide and gold mineralization has been sampled by VR over an area of about 4 x 5 kilometres (see copper analyses on www.vrr.ca). VR has identified 8 integrated and specific targets for buried porphyry copper stocks within the overall hydrothermal system evident at Bonita.

The Company continues to develop plans for a first pass drill program at Bonita this summer. The Company looks forward to providing further updates as exploration continues.

About the Bonita Property

The Bonita property is located in Humboldt County in northwestern Nevada, USA, approximately 200 km northeast of Reno, and 75 km northwest of the town of Winnemucca.

The Bonita property is large, consisting of one contiguous block of 429 claims totaling 3,586 ha (8,862 acres), covering an area of approximately 5 x 6 kilometres (see satellite-based image at www.vrr.ca ). The property was acquired by staking, and is owned 100% by VR, free and clear of any interests or royalties. There are no government-required exploration expenditures. VR has conducted successive exploration programs at Bonita over the past 2  years (see work programs summary at www.vrr.ca).

There is very good road access both to, and within, the Bonita property. Further, there is a national railroad and state power line approximately 20 kilometres to the south. Bonita is located in desert-like basin and range physiography, affording nearly year-round working conditions. Vegetation is sparse, and there are no towns or settlements near the property.

Technical information for this news release has been prepared in accordance with the Canadian regulatory requirements set out in National Instrument 43-101, and reviewed on behalf of the Company by Dr. Michael Gunning P.Geo., a non-independent Qualified Person.

About VR Resources

VR Resources Ltd. (VR) is a new listing in the junior exploration space (TSX.V: VRR; Frankfurt: 5VR). The diverse experience and proven track record of its Board in early-stage exploration and discovery is the foundation of VR. The Company is focused on discovering and delineating large deposits in the western United States. VR is the continuance of 4 years of active exploration in Nevada by a Vancouver-based private exploration company. VR is well financed for a two year exploration strategy already in-place, including first-pass drilling of its core asset, the Bonita Property. VR owns its exploration assets outright, and will evaluate new opportunities on an ongoing basis, whether by staking or acquisition.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS:

Michael Gunning

________________________

Michael Gunning, PhD, PGeo

President & CEO

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as: believe, expect, anticipate, intend, estimate, postulate and similar expressions or are those which, by their nature, refer to future events. Forward looking statements in this release include but are not limited to references to a two-year exploration strategy; completion of IP test lines; first-pass drilling of its core asset and the acquisition of new assets. Although the Company believes that the use of such statements is reasonable, there can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. The Company cautions investors that any forward-looking statements by the Company are not guarantees of future performance, and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. Trading in the securities of the Company should be considered highly speculative. All of the Companys public disclosure filings may be accessed via www.sedar.com and readers are urged to review these materials.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in Policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release
Net Profit totaled NIS 767 million

Return on Equity of 9.2%

Cash Dividend Payout increased to 40%

Dividend in respect of First Quarter profits totaled NIS 307 million

TEL AVIV, Israel, May 24, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bank Hapoalim (TASE:POLI) (ADR:BKHYY), Israel's leading financial group, today announced its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2017.

Key financial highlights for the first quarter of 2017:

Net Profit - totaled NIS 767 million, compared with a net profit of NIS 674 million in the same quarter last year, an increase of 13.8%.





totaled NIS 767 million, compared with a net profit of NIS 674 million in the same quarter last year, an increase of 13.8%. Return on Equity - reached 9.2%, compared with 8.4% in the same quarter last year.





reached 9.2%, compared with 8.4% in the same quarter last year. Tier 1 Capital Ratio - totaled 11.21% as at March 31, 2017, compared with 11.01% as at December 31, 2016.





totaled 11.21% as at March 31, 2017, compared with 11.01% as at December 31, 2016. Total Capital Adequacy Ratio - totaled 14.90% as at March 31, 2017, compared with 15.11% as at December 31, 2016.





totaled 14.90% as at March 31, 2017, compared with 15.11% as at December 31, 2016. Quarterly Dividend - the Bank has increased its cash dividend payout to a rate of 40% of net profit, and will distribute the amount of NIS 307 million in respect of first quarter profits.

Key developments in the financial statements for the first quarter of 2017:

Profit from regular financing activity totaled NIS 2,121 million in the first quarter of 2017, compared with NIS 2,020 million in the same quarter last year, an increase of 5.0%.

Net provision for credit losses totaled NIS 107 million (0.16% of the average credit to the public) in the first quarter of 2017, compared with a provision of NIS 46 million (0.06%) in the same quarter last year.

Gross provision for credit losses, before recoveries, totaled NIS 358 million (0.52% of the average credit to the public) in the first quarter of 2017, compared with a provision of NIS 304 million (0.43%) in the same quarter last year.

Operating and other income totaled NIS 1,347 million in the first quarter of 2017, compared with NIS 1,336 million in the same quarter last year.

Operating and other expenses totaled NIS 2,217 million in the first quarter of 2017, compared with NIS 2,202 million in the same quarter last year.

Contribution to the community - The Bank continues to lead in contribution to the community in the form of volunteer activities and donations, especially in the field of education, culture and welfare. Bank Hapoalims community-oriented activity during the first quarter of 2017 was expressed in a financial value of approximately NIS 14 million.

Key developments in Balance Sheet items for the first quarter of 2017:

The consolidated balance sheet as at March 31, 2017 totaled NIS 445.8 billion, compared with NIS 448.1 billion at the end of 2016, a decrease of 0.5%.

Net Credit to the public totaled NIS 270.0 billion, compared with NIS 272.0 billion at the end of 2016, a decrease of 0.7%.

Credit to Private Customers in Israel totaled NIS 40.5 billion, similar to the end of 2016.

Mortgages in Israel totaled NIS 69.6 billion, compared with NIS 68.8 billion at the end of 2016, an increase of 1.2%.

Credit to Small Businesses in Israel totaled NIS 27.0 billion, compared with NIS 27.3 billion at the end of 2016, a decrease of 1.1%.

Credit to the Commercial segment in Israel totaled NIS 32.6 billion, compared with NIS 32.2 billion at the end of 2016, an increase of 1.2%.

Credit to the Corporate segment in Israel totaled NIS 65.4 billion, compared with NIS 68.0 billion at the end of 2016, a decrease of 3.9%.

Deposits from the public totaled NIS 337.5 billion, compared with NIS 338.5 billion at the end of 2016, a decrease of 0.3%.

Shareholders' Equity totaled NIS 34.9 billion as at March 31, 2017, compared with NIS 34.0 billion at the end of 2016, an increase of 2.5%.

Leverage ratio - defined as the ratio of the capital measurement (Tier 1 capital) to the exposure measurement (total of balance sheet exposures, exposures to derivatives and securities financing transactions, and off-balance sheet items), stood at 7.3% compared with the 6% minimum required by the Supervisor of Banks.

Liquidity coverage ratio - defined as the ratio between the supply of "high-quality liquid assets to the net expected outgoing cash flow in a stress scenario, stood at 128% at the end of the first quarter of 2017, compared with the Supervisor of Banks' requirement of 100% for the end of 2017.

Conference Call Information:

Bank Hapoalim will host a conference call today at 4:00 p.m. Israel time / 9:00a.m. ET to discuss the results. The call will be accompanied by a slide presentation.

In order to participate, please dial the following numbers, at least ten minutes ahead of the scheduled start time: United States 1-888-281-1167; United Kingdom 0-800-051-8913; International (972) 3-9180685. No password is required.

The slide presentation, earnings release and the first quarter 2017 financial statements will be available on the Bank's website, www.bankhapoalim.com, under Investor Relations, Financial Information.

Following the conclusion of the call, a replay will also be available by audio playback on the Bank Hapoalim website. The replay of the conference call can also be accessed until May 31, 2017 by calling (972) 3-9255918 (international).

Please note: The conference call does not replace the need to peruse the immediate reports and the Financial Statements of the Bank, including all the forward-looking information included therein in accordance with Section 32A of the Securities Law, 1968.

About Bank Hapoalim:

Bank Hapoalim is Israel's leading financial group. In Israel, the Bank Hapoalim Group has 235 retail branches, six regional business centers, a network of 22 business branches and specialized industry relationship managers for major corporate customers. The Bank Hapoalim Group includes Isracard Ltd, Israel's leading credit card company as well as financial companies involved in investment banking, trust services and portfolio management. In addition to the activity in Israel, the Bank Group operates abroad, in the private banking segment and in the business sector, mainly in Europe and the United States. Bank Hapoalim is listed on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange. In addition, a Level-1 ADR is traded "over-the-counter" in New York. For more information about Bank Hapoalim, please visit us online at www.bankhapoalim.com.

Principal Data of the Bank Hapoalim Group

NIS millions For the three months ended March 31, 2017 December 31,

2016 September 30,

2016 June 30,

2016 March 31,

2016 Main profit and loss data Net profit attributed to shareholders of the Bank 767 138 699 1,117 674 Net financing profit* 2,255 2,354 2,196 2,586 2,209 Fees and other income 1,347 1,335 1,386 1,319 1,336 Total income 3,602 3,689 3,582 3,905 3,545 Provision (income) for credit losses 107 469 (118 ) (128 ) 46 Operating and other expenses 2,217 2,601 2,445 2,242 2,202





NIS millions As at March 31, 2017 December 31,

2016 September 30,

2016 June 30,

2016 March 31,

2016 Main balance sheet data Total assets 445,847 448,105 440,188 440,856 434,905 Net credit to the public 269,982 271,957 277,539 278,271 279,850 Securities 74,894 71,449 65,215 67,720 66,154 Deposits from the public 337,518 338,502 326,244 327,500 321,576 Bonds and subordinated notes 31,171 33,560 35,836 36,081 36,836 Shareholders equity 34,909 34,047 34,119 34,342 33,336 Net problematic credit risk 8,077 7,600 7,676 8,232 8,725 Net impaired balance sheet debts 2,749 3,110 3,526 3,745 4,134 For the three months ended March 31, 2017 December 31,

2016 September 30,

2016 June 30,

2016 March 31,

2016 Main performance indicators Return of net profit on equity attributed to shareholders of the Bank(1) 9.22 % 1.61 % 8.29 % 13.91 % 8.39 % Return on assets 0.17 % 0.03 % 0.16 % 0.25 % 0.16 % Efficiency ratio  cost-income ratio(2) 61.55 % 63.11 % 61.14 % 57.41 % 62.12 % Financing margin from regular activity(1)(3) 2.07 % 2.08 % 2.08 % 2.23 % 2.03 % Common equity Tier 1 capital ratio to risk-adjusted assets according to Basel 3(4) 11.21 % 11.01 % 10.81 % 10.20 % 9.74 % Total capital ratio to risk-adjusted assets according to Basel 3(4) 14.90 % 15.11 % 15.02 % 14.43 % 13.94 % Leverage ratio(4) 7.30 % 7.25 % 7.40 % 7.27 % 7.11 % Liquidity coverage ratio(1)(5) 128.00 % 124.00 % 117.00 % 113.00 % 105.00 % Main credit quality indicators Allowance for credit losses as a percentage of credit to the public 1.45 % 1.49 % 1.39 % 1.48 % 1.54 % Provision for credit losses as a percentage of average credit to the public(1) 0.16 % 0.67 % (0.17 %) (0.18 %) 0.06 % Net earnings per ordinary share (in NIS) Basic net earnings per share in NIS attributed to shareholders of the Bank 0.58 0.10 0.52 0.84 0.51 * Net financing profit includes net interest income and non-interest financing income (expenses).

(1) Calculated on an annualized basis. (2) Does not include expenses in respect of the update of the provision in connection with the Bank Group's business with American clients. (3) Financing profit from regular activity (see the Board of Directors' report, in the section Material Developments in Income, Expenses, and Other Comprehensive Income) divided by total financial assets after allowance for credit losses, net of non-interest bearing balances in respect of credit cards. (4) For additional information, see the section "Capital, Capital Adequacy, and Leverage," below. (5) For additional information, see the section "Liquidity and Refinancing Risk," below.




For immediate release

FLOW TRADERS SHAREHOLDERS decided in accordance with AGM agenda

Amsterdam, the Netherlands - 24 May 2017. Flow Traders N.V. ("Flow Traders") (Euronext: FLOW) announces that, at its Annual General Meeting held today, all resolutions as set out in the agenda were accepted.

As such, the proposed final cash dividend of 0.70 over the financial year 2016 was approved. This brings the total dividend paid over the financial year 2016 to 1.25, of which 0.55 was already paid out on 7 September 2016.

Ex-dividend date for the final dividend of 2016 has been set at 26 May 2017, the record date will be 29 May 2017 and the payment date will be 31 May 2017.

ENDS

Contact details



Flow Traders N.V.

Serge Enneman / Manager Investor Relations

Phone: +31 20 7996799

Email: Investor.relations@flowtraders.com



NOTES TO EDITORS

DISCLAIMER

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STEP 1 - HAVE GOALS.

STEP 2 - REFINE YOUR SHORT-TERM GOAL TO MAKE SURE IT CAN BE ACHIEVED.

YOU (and what you have done so far) + MBA (at this school) = ST GOAL.

STEP 3 - SELL YOUR ABILITY TO ACHIEVE THE SHORT-TERM GOAL

First, explain the connection. He had to say everything we just wrote above, about continuing to acquire experiences and skills so that he will be in the best position to achieve his eventual goals.

Second, highlight the transferable skills that make him a desirable candidate. We wrote an entire blog post about this once (http://www.amerasiaconsulting.com/blog/2012/04/16/the-art-of-transferability), but one of the most common mistakes we see among applicants is that they don't fill in the missing link and explain the skill set that will allow them to 1) get the job, and 2) thrive once they get it. You can't assume the reader will know what someone in your exact job does and see the connection between projects within your trade and being a consultant or a brand manager. You have to identify the skills critical to the ST job and then show that you have them. It's very simple, yet we would wager to guess that 75% of applicants don't do this. They never say "here is what I will need to be a good brand manager and here is how and when I developed those skills in my current job, through examples A, B, and C." You MUST do this, whether you are young or old, American or International, a banker or a beekeeper. You can't assume that the reader will do this extracting and matching for you.

STEP 4 - PUT "YOU" INTO YOUR LONG-TERM GOALS

STEP 5 - OWN THE GOALS

Let's talk about Career Goals for a minute.This is always a good topic, honestly, because whatever time of year it is and whatever stage of the application process we are all encountering, the narrative of a candidate's career goals will always be paramount. Therefore, in order to create something we can one day send to our own clients with a simple link, as well as something that will help those of you who do not become our clients, we want to present a crystal clear five-step process for how to handle the Career Goals aspect of your MBA pursuit.Who knew? Call us naive, but we assumed that everyone applying to a top 10 business school would actually have, you know, goals for the process. Apparently not. The sheer number of people who have come to us this year with no idea what they want to do post-MBA has been staggering. Remember, this is not a degree designed for 22-year old applicants, nor does it punt away the responsibility of asking the question (yes, Law School, we are talking to you). The MBA is a career-focused degree and in almost every instance, the schools ask you what your goals are. To embark on such a life-altering process (to say nothing of expensive and time-consuming) without possessing goals is bizarre. Now, maybe your goals need some refining - particularly in presentation - but if you can't at least decide for yourself what you want to do with your life and why you want to spend $150,000 and two years to get there, you should not be applying to top 10 MBA programs.Okay, now we are talking to the 95% of you who at least know you need to have goals to start the process. We know that just as important as setting goals is the idea of setting realistic goals. If you want to get in shape and you set a goal of running a marathon, great, you are on your way. However, if you set the goal of winning Olympic gold in the marathon, you are probably setting yourself up for failure. Therefore, it's not a good goal. This is especially true when someone else shares in the responsibility for whether you achieve it. Schools share the responsibility for helping you achieve your short-term goal. Nobody bears any responsibility for the achievement of a long-term goal. Nobody is tracking, measuring, or even checking. Too much life is going to happen between now and 10-20 years from now. So when you hear about making goals realistic or having them "make sense," it's almost always about the short-term goal, because that is what shows up on an employment report, what impacts career services, and generally has enough immediacy that everyone feels responsible for outcomes.Some ways to check your short-term goal:[*]Look at the employment reports of the school to see if they place people into the role and firm of your choice[/*]Consider whether your previous experiences put you in position - with an added MBA - to impress recruiters for this job[/*][*]Contact someone in career services (usually at your alma mater) to quickly check your path[/*]Ask your admissions consulting to give you a reality check on your goals (important point: don't try to "brainstorm" your goals and certainly never ask your consultant to "give you" goals - you should have goals in place that this person can look at and either approve or poke holes in)[/*][/list]The main thing is you want to be sure that the following equation checks out:If it does not, you will get dinged basically every time.Normally we talk next about long-term goals, but we are going to stick with short-term goals for a minute. Just because you figure out a short-term goal that can work does not mean your job is done.Here is a quick case study of a client who received an interview at a top 10 school despite aiming for a difficult transition. He was a task-oriented professional with little outside experience and little by way of management responsibilities (this describes a lot of people, so we are not worried about "outing" this person). This presents a limited platform from which to work, but that doesn't mean his only short-term goal had to be something connected to his trade. Indeed, if he were to pick a short-term goal in that area, he might fail the "why do you even need an MBA?" part of this whole test. Remember, it's not just whether the MBA is enough to get you to your goal, it's also whether the goal is enough to warrant investing in an MBA (rather than just walking down the street for an interview). For this individual, his long-term goals were entrepreneurial, so in the short term, he needed more exposure to business practices and frameworks. He needed to take his upcoming MBA experience and expand on it, in order to continue broadening out and to see what works and what does not in new situations. To gain those 360 degree skills that would enable him to be a successful large-scale entrepreneur down the road, two paths made the most sense: management consulting and brand management. The former would expose him to lots and lots of scenarios in different industries, different geographies, and on different scales. The latter would give him experience with all aspects of bringing something to market. Either would allow him to broaden out the MBA experience of expanding frameworks, widening knowledge basis, and building up his network and pedigree. All good things, to quote the old Martha Stewart Saturday Night Live sketches. So, his work was done, right? Of course not! Just because he thought this was a good idea (or that we think it's a good idea), does not mean a recruiter or - by proxy - an admissions officer will see it the same way.He had to:Unlike with short-term goals, the challenge with long-term goals is not to map out a perfect plan that everyone can achieve collectively. Here, you want to dream big and put as much of you - your passions, your inspirations, and what you care about - into the answer as possible. Think about goals the way Stanford GSB used to ask applicants to think about them: "What do you REALLY want to do?" If you say that your short-term goal is consulting, you are creating the foundation for just about any long-term goal. You might think it wise to say "I want to then climb the ranks to become a managing partner" and feel like that is a smart, safe play. Well, it's boring. Worse, it is impersonal. Literally anyone on earth could write that. What do you want to do? Really? If the real answer is to rise through the ranks and become a managing partner, well, why is that? There must be some greater good you want to serve or some burning desire that drives that aim, right? If it is just financial security, is there something in your past that makes that paramount, above all else? There is always a way to make your long-term goals about you and that is what you have to do. You do not have to make your long-term goals 100% achievable. You do not have to make your long-term goals about connecting back to previous areas of expertise. You just have to pick goals that are personal and that require this MBA path you are on, at least on some level. There is an incredible amount of freedom in shaping your long-term goals, so be yourself, be interesting, and pick a path that you can truly own.This is the part where perhaps we have come to assume too much over the years and where our case study client seemed to run into trouble. Once he had a path that made sense, ensured that he had achievable short-term goals (complete with highlighted transferable skill sets), had a long-term goal that was interesting and personal, and all of that was wrapped up with a bow in his essays, the mission had been accomplished. When he received an interview invite at a top 10 school, we prepped him for the interview and showed him how to bring that goal narrative through to the interview setting. However, here is where it fell apart. How and why? As best we can tell, he got unlucky with his alumni interviewer. Instead of hosting a friendly interview, this person demeaned the applicant and tried to poke holes in his resume and aspirations. This is a tough break, for sure, but something that future applicants can deal with. First, if this happens, call the school and ask for another interview. The schools know that there is some risk inherent with a heavy reliance on alumni interviewers, so they won't be surprised nor will they likely refuse your request. Second though, you have to ditch that experience and approach the new opportunity with the same level of confidence you had before. This is where our case study client failed. He got rattled by the first interview and lost confidence in his whole narrative. Now, this is partly because he had bad luck but in equal part because he never truly owned his own goals. He was too reliant on his consultant to formulate a plan and he was never strong in what he wanted from an MBA and his life. When you don't own your story (the first piece of advice we give for interview prep, by the way), you can too easily be bowled over by the first raised eyebrow or harsh word. And if you start scrambling to explain yourself or start getting wishy-washy with your goals, it is game over. After all, if you can't sit there proud and strong and say "this is what I want" with conviction, what can you stand strong for? So this is Step 5 and one we never realized we needed to hammer home: own your goals. It's your story, not the interviewer's. It's your life, not anyone else's. If you can't get comfortable with the goals in the essay, rethink your goals until you do.If you follow the above five steps, you will never fall victim to the pitfalls that have taken down thousands before you. You won't be rejected for asking too much (or not enough) of the school in the short term, you won't lose the reader's interest with impersonal long-term goals, and you won't blow your interview by losing conviction in your own path. Remember that if everything makes sense and follows these steps, nobody can tell you what to think about your life and path.For an overview of our MBA admissions consulting services, visit http://www.amerasiaconsulting.com/mba_admissions_consulting_services/ If you are interested in the MBA Admissions Consulting services offered by , please contact us at mba@amerasiaconsulting.com or to set up a free consultation.Source: http://www.amerasiaconsulting.com/blog/2013/7/1/owning-your-mba-career-goals-in-5-easy-steps
Re: If 1/3 of passengers on board flight #453 are U.S. citizens, 1/4 are E [ #permalink

Bunuel wrote:

If 1/3 of passengers on board flight #453 are U.S. citizens, 1/4 are Europeans, 1/5 are from China, 1/6 are from Japan and the remaining 9 people are citizens of other countries then how many passengers are on board flight #453?



A. 90

B. 108

C. 135

D. 180

E. 270



Kudos for a correct solution .

Method 1:

Method 2:

LCM of 3,4,5,6 = 60, and as passengers need to be integers, there is only 1 number divisible by 60 in the given options. Thus D is the correct answer,.



Thursday with Ron updated list as of July 1st, 2015:

Rules for Posting in Quant Forums:

Writing Mathematical Formulae in your posts:

GMATCLUB Math Book:

Everything Related to Inequalities:

Inequalities tips:

Debrief, 650 to 750: My Kellogg Journey (2016-2018): https://gmatclub.com/forum/my-kellogg-journey-325661.html Thursday with Ron updated list as of July 1st, 2015: http://gmatclub.com/forum/consolidated-thursday-with-ron-list-for-all-the-sections-201006.html#p1544515 Rules for Posting in Quant Forums: http://gmatclub.com/forum/rules-for-posting-please-read-this-before-posting-133935.html Writing Mathematical Formulae in your posts: http://gmatclub.com/forum/rules-for-posting-please-read-this-before-posting-133935.html#p1096628 GMATCLUB Math Book: http://gmatclub.com/forum/gmat-math-book-in-downloadable-pdf-format-130609.html Everything Related to Inequalities: http://gmatclub.com/forum/inequalities-made-easy-206653.html#p1582891 Inequalities tips: http://gmatclub.com/forum/inequalities-tips-and-hints-175001.html Debrief, 650 to 750: http://gmatclub.com/forum/650-to-750-a-10-month-journey-to-the-score-203190.html Signature Read More

Let T=total passengersFrom US = T/3China = T/5Japan = T/6Europeans = T/4Now, total of the countries above = 57/60Remaining = T-57T/60 = 3T/60Given, remaining = 9 ---> 3T/60 =9 ----> T=180, thus D is the correct answer._________________
- 25yo, English, white male, middle class



- Undergrad at London School of Economics in Government, 2.1 honours (not the top grade, but top 10% of class)



- 3.5 years at Big 4. First two were on the grad scheme, last 2 in Strategy department working on a large infrastructure strategy project



- About to move to smaller strategy boutique (no-brand name in the US, but recognised in Europe / France)



- 730 GMAT (49Q,40V) Only 6 on the IR, but also 6 on the essay



- Weak extra-curricula activities (regular blood donations, limited involvement in mentoring scheme at work)

- Short term: to pivot to a senior role in a focussed strat. house in the U.S. Ideally working in the public / transport sector to help improve public services and reduce emissions



- Longer term: get increasingly involved in NGO work

- Harvard, Wharton, Kellogg, MIT, Booth, Yale

- Is my profile competitive at these schools?



- Other that working on the pro-bono elements of my application, what else could I do to stand out?

Hello! Hope this message finds you well, any tips or pointers would be greatProfile:Reasons for wanting to do an MBA:Target schools:Questions:
Congratulations tarunk31 Two very different schools indeed!1. Carlson has only about 16% of international students and Merage has 53%. Once the Applications drop off from international students who are concerned about H1B and some of the Trump insanity, there is a risk Merage rankings will drop significantly. Carlson has little to be concerned about with only 16% of international students. It is a different feel as well to have over 50% of foreigners vs. mostly mid-westerners in the classroom. You will have easier time at Merage but rewards can be greater at Carlson (you will have to work for it though). Having too many international students dilutes the experience and delays your culture shock and assimilation into the US culture, only creating further barriers for success in immersing yourself into the culture. Having too few is also not good as there is a "natural" segmentation that happens, esp if your English comm skills are not great. Also, if you don't fit in well, people will have a hard time connecting, so it is not uncommon for international students to hang tight.2. Carlson is the strongest school in Minneapolis, touching the Top 30. Merage is on the far end of Top 40 and competes with UCLA, USC, Pepperdine, UCSD....3. Weather and lifestyle - Yes, Carlson definitely loses but so does Chicago, Boston, NYC, Philadelphia. Don't tell me you will pass up Booth for Merage.4. Carlson has a lead in terms of Healthcare and Consulting jobs. Mergage seems to fudge their numbers (only 58 out of 104 reported looking for a job - which means all US Citizens and 5 international students got jobs) and looking at stats not many have gone into tech. You may want to reach out to asphalt and see how he/she is doing - their profile says Merage and computer software/tech.I think your draw to Merage is due to an impression of access to tech jobs. I don't know that it is an accurate perspective. Yes, Irvine has a lot of tech and other companies lining the I5 both directions but I don't see them hiring Merage grads (maybe I just don't have the data - that's possible). I think asphalt can probably provide and paint a more accurate picture (though his bschool review was almost too rosy to be credible). Purely looking at US News data, I don't see any grounds to think there are tech jobs waiting on anyone after graduating from Merage. Taking into consideration the risk of the Merage brand tumbling with International Applicant reduction, and having to fight Marshall and Anderson international students for the few H1B jobs in SoCal, I would much rather freeze my tail off at Carlson, where you can be a big fish in a small pond.Not sure if this is what you wanted to hear or anyone else agrees with me but this is my perspective. There are surely many._________________
Another Lagos big boy has just been discovered but unlike Hushpuppi who we do not know how he makes his money, Ismaila Mustapha owns a very lucrative business both home and abroad which he is proud of flaunting on social media.

Mustapha who is married to a beautiful Muslim lady and their union is blessed with a son, is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Mompha Bureau De Change located in Lagos Island.

Aside from visiting his office while in Lagos, Mustapha is never tired of taking trips around the world either alone or in the company of his beautiful wife and son. And when travelling outside Nigeria, he is always seen flying in first class cabins.

Ismaila Mustapha with his wife and son

READ ALSO: 36-year-old man lives with two girlfriends and becomes dad by both women

Living his life on a low key and not bragging about his wealth on social media just like Hushpuppi, this young man dressing is very simple and in a recent post on his Instagram handle, he called himself Babaolowo meaning rich man while he calls his son, Money Man Jnr.

Mompha enjoying in first class cabins

Mustapha who recently took a trip to Indonesia was seen having a nice time on a yacht as he was surrounded with seven light-skinned and beautiful ladies. He posted the picture on Instagram saying: Life moves pretty fast. If you dont stop and look around once in a while you could miss it #Babaolowo #YachtLife

See post below:

As part of his regular tradition of posting himself counting foreign currencies in his office based in Dubai, he posted his usual picture with the caption: I dont want to be Good, I want to be Great  Pablo Emilio Escobar.

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See post below:

Going through his Instagram handle one can easily discover that the young CEOs favorite designers are Gucci and Louboutins, as his dressing is never complete without a touch of expensive designer. He most times makes these purchases while in Dubai.

Mompha with his Gucci and Louboutin shopping bags

On his celebrity encounters, Mustapha while on a particular flight met with top Nigerian female music artist Tiwa Savage and her son Jamil. Also in Nairobi, Kenya, he met popular music star Patoranking and they took a picture together.

Ismaila Mustapha with Tiwa Savage and Patoranking

Above all his luxurious lifestyle, Ismaila Mustapha does not forget to give thanks to his maker. He is seen always wishing his friends Jummat Mubarak on Fridays and does not miss traveling to Saudi Arabia for Hajj.

See post below:

Watch Legit.ng video below:

Source: Legit.ng
Insurance Back Improvement in all key performance indicators for Vienna Insurance Group in the first quarter of 2017

Following the favourable results achieved in the financial year 2016, Vienna Insurance Group (VIG) can now also report very positive figures for the 1st quarter of 2017.



"All our key performance indicators are showing a clear improvement compared to the 1st quarter of the previous year and are thus fully in line with our plans. The good economic outlook for both Austria and our Central and Eastern European markets makes us highly confident that we are on course for continued success in 2017," stated Elisabeth STADLER, Chairwoman of the Managing Board of VIG, summarizing the initial positive interim results for the year.



Premiums increased



Total premium volume reached around EUR 2.72 billion in the first three months of 2017, corresponding to an increase of +0.5 percent compared to the 1st quarter of 2016. Single premium life insurance business continued to decline (-22.1 percent). Excluding single premium products, premiums increased by +4.2 percent year-on-year. Health insurance, one of the growth segments identified in the "Agenda 2020" management programme, recorded the largest increase, with premiums rising by +12.5 percent to EUR 150.7 million. In motor vehicle insurance, the own-damage line of business recorded strong premium growth of 10.7 percent (EUR 284.4 million), while premiums for third party liability insurance declined slightly by -0.6 percent (EUR 368.5 million). Other property and casualty insurance recorded a strong increase of +6.8 percent (EUR 1.3 billion), and regular premium life insurance rose by 1.5 percent (EUR 666.6 million).



"We continue to follow a restrictive underwriting policy for traditional single premium life products in most markets. We also place profitability before growth in motor third-party liability insurance, where we face massive price competition in some countries, and have tightened our underwriting policy accordingly. We achieved very satisfactory growth in all other lines of business and continue with our stable performance," explained Elisabeth STADLER.







Highly positive premium development was recorded in the neighbouring countries of Hungary (+46.5 percent), Slovakia (+10 percent) and the Czech Republic (+5.1 percent). In the Remaining CEE segment, consisting of Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, Macedonia, Moldova, Serbia and Ukraine, premiums rose by +12.4 percent, with Serbia and Bosnia-Herzegovina being the fastest-growing markets. The Turkey/Georgia segment also recorded double-digit premium growth of +17.7 percent. Except for Slovakia and Serbia, where growth was driven by life insurance (unit-linked single premium life insurance), the increases were mainly due to property and casualty insurance. The large percentage premium increase of +122.8 percent in the Baltic States resulted from the first-time consolidation of BTA Baltic, which was acquired in the previous year.



The premium decreases in Austria (-4.2 percent) were due to the ongoing decline in single premium business. In Romania, the regulatory cap the government placed on motor third party liability premiums had a negative effect on overall premium development (-7.5 percent).



Combined ratio significantly improved



The combined ratio improved significantly by almost one percentage point to 96.9 percent, compared to 97.8 percent in the 1st quarter 2016. While the loss ratio remained almost the same year-on-year, the cost ratio was clearly reduced. The combined ratio consequently improved in many of our countries, particularly Austria.



Profit (before taxes) +22.4 percent higher



Profit (before taxes) was around EUR 110 million, corresponding to an increase of +22.4 percent compared to the 1st quarter of 2016. The companies in the Czech Republic made the largest contribution to Group profit, namely 38 percent, followed by Austria (35 percent) and Slovakia (10 percent).







VIG generated a financial result of EUR 247.7 million in the 1st quarter of 2017. This year-on-year increase of +10.6 percent was primarily due to higher current income resulting from full consolidation of the non-profit housing societies.



The Solvency II ratio at the level of the listed VIG Group rose to around 206 percent for the 1st quarter of 2017.



Group investments including cash and cash equivalents were EUR 36.2 billion as of 31 March of the current year.



Implementation of "Agenda 2020"



Concrete steps were taken in the 1st quarter of 2017 with respect to optimising the business model under "Agenda 2020". Introduction of the model for reducing insurance fraud was concluded for the entire motor business in the Polish non-life companies and roll-out was commenced in the property and casualty business. In Romania, the implementation of the model is under way in the motor segment, and a pilot phase is currently under way in Bulgaria. The first projects in cooperation with the Insurance Innovation Lab Leipzig began as part of VIG's digitisation initiative. These projects include the development of specific products, as well as digitisation of the operating model.





Author: Adina TUDOR on 24.05.2017





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- The KSh 100 (N300) wedding couple are counting their recent double blessings

- They are now expecting their first child three months after their first wedding

- They are now the proud owners of a new mini-supermarket too

Have you ever sat down and tried to comprehend God and you failed on epic proportions because he overwhelms you with unexpected blessings?

Such is the case of the KSh 100 (N300) wedding couple Ann and Wilson Mutura who grabbed national attention with their off the cuff, modest wedding.

Yes, all they bought were two rings worth that money and proceeded to make their vows before God.

After that, it was all uphill. Well-wishers gifted them with everything under the sun. A full funded wedding on Valentines Day, a multi million shilling greenhouse project in Kajiado county, land, money to expand their kibanda fruit selling business, and money to open a new business.

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Then came the fully funded honeymoon by a local tour and travel company to the coast with plans to send them abroad for a second honeymoon.

The couple on their fully funded wedding on February 14.

Unfortunately, the latter did not happen but good things continued to happen to them.

READ ALSO: N300 wedding couple breaks into TEARS during the grand wedding

Fast forward to Tuesday, May 23, Ann and Wilson are trending once again when photos of a chubby, smiling Ann emerged alongside her husband, healthy and visibly pregnant.

The couple on their modest wedding (l).

Since the second wedding in February, a month after their initial humble one, Ann is roughly three months pregnant and is the happiest cherub around.

Check out Kenyans had to say about their double blessing; the baby and their new supermarket:

Ann and Wilson outside their new mini-supermarket. Ann is evidently pregnant from this photo taken in May 23

Ann has gained baby weight as she carries her first pregnancy

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
On 3-5 October 2017 Kyiv is going to host the Space and Future Forum to network international experts and youth, many of whom will also participate at the first CosmoHack in the world. Joinfo provides media coverage of the Forum, and some of its topics were already discussed ...
LINGUIST List 28.2312

Wed May 24 2017

Confs: Applied Ling/United Kingdom

Editor for this issue: Sarah Robinson <srobinsonlinguistlist.org>

24-May-2017Sal Consoli Forum on Language Learning Motivation (FOLLM)_One-Day-WorkshopForum on Language Learning Motivation (FOLLM)_One-Day-WorkshopDate: 22-Jun-2017 - 22-Jun-2017Location: University of Warwick_Coventry, United KingdomContact: Sal ConsoliContact Email: < click here to access email > Meeting URL: https://follmresearch.wordpress.com/ Linguistic Field(s): Applied LinguisticsMeeting Description:This one-day event aims to bring together world-leading researchers in the field of L2 motivation who will share the insights of their successful experiences in this domain.Researchers and students interested in this research area are invited to join the workshops and roundtable discussions which will encourage dialogue, reflection, and networking.Invited Speakers- Prof. Zoltan Dornyei (University of Nottingham)- Dr Magdalena Kubanyiova (University of Birmingham)- Dr Ema Ushioda (University of Warwick)
Morocco has officially demanded that Algeria makes an apology for the assault by a senior Algerian official of a Moroccan diplomat during a UN meeting Thursday and vehemently denounced the act as very serious.

Deputy Chief of Mission at the Moroccan embassy in Castries (Saint Lucia), Mohamed Ali El Khamlichi, has been physically assaulted by director-general of the Algerian Foreign Ministry, Soufiane Mimouni, during the meeting of the UN committee on decolonization, known as the Committee-24.

The assault contravenes all diplomatic customs, even more so as the act was committed by a senior official, third in the hierarchical order of the Algerian Foreign Ministry, said Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita. He pointed out that going up to this point and attacking physically a diplomat at an official meeting is certainly unique in the annals of the history of diplomacy.

The incident took place before members of the UN C-24 when elected representatives of the Sahraoui people from Dakhla and Layoune who were attending the event denounced the deceit of a Polisario representative traveling with an Algerian passport who portrayed himself as a representative of the Sahraoui people.

The Algerian Foreign Ministrys Director General could not contain his anger, especially that several countries insisted for giving the legitimate elected representatives of the Sahraoui people a seat in the committee-24, and knocked down hysterically the Moroccan diplomat.

This reflects the extreme nervousness of Algerian diplomacy: an Algerian official travels to Saint Lucia and is annoyed by the demands of our representatives, Nasser Bourita said.

This is all the more surprising since Algeria ceaselessly claims that it has only an observer status in the Sahara issue, the Foreign Minister said, calling on Algiers to contribute to a settlement of the Sahara conflict and to assume its responsibility in this matter.

On Friday, the Foreign Ministry summoned the acting Charge dAffaires of the Algerian embassy in Rabat and demanded that Algeria apologizes for this inadmissible act.

The Algerian diplomat positioned in Rabat was told that Morocco was shocked by this act, which violated all diplomatic practices, and was perpetrated by the representative of a country that constantly claims that it is not a party to the regional dispute over the Moroccan Sahara, said the Ministry in a statement.

The attack translates the frustration of Algeria following the series of setbacks suffered by the Polisario and the numerous breakthroughs scored by Morocco, primarily at the level of Africa with Moroccos triumphant return to the African Union.
* PermaKat Eleonora Rosati received the 2022 Adepi Award

* PermaKat Eleonora Rosati listed as one of the World Intellectual Property Review's "Influential Women in IP" of 2020.

* PermaKat Eleonora Rosati listed as one of the Managing Intellectual Property magazine's "Fifty Most Influential People" of 2018.

* IPKat founder and Blogmeister Emeritus Jeremy Phillips listed as one of the Managing Intellectual Property magazine's "Fifty Most Influential People" of 2005, 2011, 2013, and 2014.

* Recommended by the European Patent Office as reading material for candidates for the European Qualifying Examinations, 2013.

* Listed as "Top Legal Blog" in The Times Online, March 2011.

2010 ABA Journal 100. * One of the only two non-US blogs listed in the Blawg100.

* Court Reporter Top Copyright Blog award winner, November 2010.

* Number 1 in the 2010 Top Copyright Blog list compiled by the Copyright Litigation Blog, July 2010.

* Selected by the United States Library of Congress for inclusion in its historic collections of Internet materials related to Legal Blawgs as of 2010.

* Top Patent Blog poll 2009: 3rd out of 50 in the "Favourite Patent Blog" poll and 2nd out of 50 in the "Most-read" poll.

Blog of the Year, 20 August 2008. * ComputerWeekly IT Law and Governance, 20 August 2008.
Daniela Zarnescu: "Flies make a great model that has been used to study development. Their genes are incredibly similar to humans'. About 70 percent of human disease genes are conserved in the fly genome." Credit: Bob Demers/UANews

Late last year, University of Arizona colleagues Daniela Zarnescu and May Khanna sped west on Interstate 8 bound for a brain-research conference in San Diego. Khanna is a biochemist who works with small molecules. Zarnescu is a molecular and cellular biologist who works with flies.

"I was talking with Daniela on the way to the meeting," Khanna recalls, "and I said, 'Daniela, I want a target that's never been done before. We're coming up with a small molecule that you can test on your flies.'"

That small molecule Khanna was referring to would bind with TDP-43, a protein that has been implicated in the development of neurodegenerative diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALSZarnescu's and Khanna's focus. That binding, in turn, could open the door to therapeutic drugs to treat the disease.

However, finding the optimal small molecule, one that would bind with TDP-43 and that would be a safe and effective treatment for ALS, is a tall order. It's not impossible to fill, thanks to advances in genomic sequencing, the elegance and simplicity of the fly model, and the power of supercomputers.

"Flies make a great model that has been used to study development and, in the past several years, has been used to study human diseases," says Zarnescu, associate professor of cellular and molecular biology. "Their genes are incredibly similar to humans'. About 70 percent of human disease genes are conserved in the fly genome."

About 10 percent of ALS cases are inherited, or familial. The other 90 percent are known as sporadic cases. Familial ALS has helped scientists study a pedigree; that is, it has helped researchers identify familial mutations. Many genes linked to ALS have been identified that way, Zarnescu says.

"But what is interesting is that in some of the sporadic cases, you also find similar mutations, so there is a clear genetic basis to the disease," she says.

To complicate matters, researchers suspect that environmental factors, such as cigarette smoke and toxic chemicals, contribute to the development of neurodegenerative diseases.

The Common Denominator

No matter, the presence of TDP-43 seems to be a common denominator in most if not all people with ALS. That is, TDP-43 is found within clumps of proteins, known as cellular aggregates, which form in the brain cells of those with ALS.

"If you take postmortem samples from people with ALS, and if you look at what's in those cellular aggregates, you find TDP-43-positive aggregates in 9 percent of patients," Zarnescu says. "I call that significant."

In a normal situation, the majority of the protein resides in the nucleus, where it takes care of gene expression, Zarnescu explains. But in disease states, it emerges from the nucleus and forms cytoplasmic aggregates.

"These are a hallmark of neurodegeneration, whether it's ALS, dementia, or Alzheimer's or Parkinson's," Zarnescu says.

"Essentially, proteins aggregate and form these huge areas in cells that act like kitchen sinks where other things go and then stick. It's like a huge traffic jam, a huge clog. They're essentially altering gene expression and protein function in a very dramatic way."

Credit: University of Arizona

At first glance, it might seem that researchers would be trying to eliminate these aggregates, but studies show that these aggregates may be protective at some stage as they are originating from what are known as RNA stress granules.

These stress granules, composed of proteins and RNAs, form in the cells' cytoplasm when cells are under stress, whether the stress is environmental or caused by mutations, Zarnescu says.

Although their exact functions are not yet fully understood, Zarnescu explains that the granules won't allow certain RNA molecules to be translated into proteins, their final fate.

"If the stress goes away, then these RNA granules dissolve, and the RNAs are freed, and the translation starts over again," Zarnescu says. "It's like a pause for protection."

If the stress doesn't go away, the aggregates persist and they undergo an evolutionary process, she says. That evolutionary process leads to the accumulation of protein aggregates seen after death.

"This is the process that many of us are trying to understandand what May and I are working on together," Zarnescu says. "We don't want to get rid of these aggregates because they are protective in the initial stage. This is a physiological mechanism that we need to survive."

Finding the molecule

That is why Khanna, an assistant professor of pharmacology, and Zarnescu want to find that small moleculea molecule that will remodel the aggregates before they get out of control. "You want to release the RNAs, you don't want to sequester them forever because that's how you lead to changes in gene expression and eventually motor neuron death," Zarnescu says.

But how does one find such a small molecule?

"I drove back from San Diego by myself with no music, nothing, and I started to think about the problem," says Khanna, an assistant professor of pharmacology.

Khanna says she knew solving the problem would start with harnessing tremendous computing power. To come up with just the right molecule, she would need to sort through more than 1 million target molecules in silico. She also knew she would need Zarnescu's impeccable fly model and other collaborators, including Vijay Gokhale, UA director of Computer Aided Drug Discovery, and her students, who would help select those target molecules while learning about drug discovery firsthand.

"May is actually teaching us how small molecules bind to TDP-43," Zarnescu says. "She goes to her supercomputer and says, 'Here's a good molecule.' We find something in the fly, go back to her, and tell her what proteins and RNA we might be thinking about. She does her structural magic, and then she goes to the supercomputer. The supercomputer tells her what molecules might be even better, and then we come back to the fly and test, and we're going to go through a few iterations like that."

Will Khanna recognize a sound candidate when she sees one?

"The way I think of proteins is mountains and valleys," Khanna says. "These are like the pockets in proteins, and you want the small molecule to fit in there. That's the docking. We want them to prohibit other things to bind to them.

"The little molecule needs to fit on this groove or pocket and not allow something else to come in and dock there. You need to hit important regions. These regions you're hitting is like Achilles' heel. You hit his heel with an arrow and you kill him. You hit these regions and you inhibit these reactions."
Nanoscale image of the surface of a new sensor chip that can diagnose pancreatic cancer from small circulating markers isolated from patient serum (small spheres shown in right panel). Credit: K.S. Yang et al., Science Translational Medicine (2017)

Scientists say they've developed a new blood test for identifying pancreatic cancera step that might eventually allow earlier diagnosis.

Pancreatic cancer is a particularly deadly type of tumor because it's often detected too late for effective treatment.

The still-experimental test detects a bundle of proteins churned out by pancreatic tumors.

And it appears to be more accurate than a currently available test for a protein called CA19-9, according to the study findings.

That CA 19-9 test is "very imperfect," said Dr. Cesar Castro, one of the researchers on the new study.

For one, levels of CA 19-9 often rise only in the later stages of pancreatic cancer, according to Castro, an oncologist at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.

Plus, a spike in the protein is not specific to the cancer. It can go up when the pancreas is inflamed, for example, or when there is a blockage in the bile ducts.

Measuring CA 19-9 can be useful to track patients' progress during treatment, Castro said.

But it's a "terrible diagnostic marker," he added.

It's estimated that almost 53,700 Americans will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer this year, according to the U.S. National Cancer Institute. More than 80 percent develop a form called pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).

Few people survive the disease because it's rarely caught early, when it can be treated with surgery. The symptoms, which include weight loss and jaundice, usually arise only after the disease has spread.

Of all Americans diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, only 8 percent are still alive five years later, the cancer institute says.

Scientists have been working to find markers, or indicators, of early pancreatic cancersuch as proteins in the blood that consistently and specifically signal the presence of the disease.

The ultimate goal is to find a test that can screen people for pancreatic cancer, catching it before symptoms arise, said Dr. Peter Kingham.

Kingham, who was not involved in the new study, specializes in treating pancreatic cancer at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City.

"Unlike with some other cancers, we have no screening test for pancreatic cancer," Kingham said. "We'd love to have some test that's used like mammography for breast cancer, or colonoscopy for colon cancer."

He said the results with the new blood test are "impressive in comparison with CA 19-9."

But, Kingham cautioned, it needs to be studied in larger groups of patients to get a better gauge of its accuracy.

The test uses a chip technology that analyzes structures called extracellular vesicles, or EVs, which are churned out by cells into the bloodstream.

EVs can come from both normal cells and cancer cells. But Castro's team found that those containing a "signature" of five specific proteins were a good marker of pancreatic cancer.

In one phase of the study, the researchers used blood samples from 43 patients who'd undergone surgery for either PDAC or noncancerous conditions, including pancreatitis (where the organ becomes inflamed).

The scientists found that testing for the five proteins detected 86 percent of the pancreatic cancer cases.

The test also had a "specificity" of 81 percent. That suggests it would accurately give a negative result to 81 percent of people who do not have pancreatic cancer.

However, Castro agreed that the study group was too small to draw any conclusions.

Some aspects of the testing have been automated, Castro said. Right now, it could be done in about 10 minutes, at a cost of $60 a patient, the researchers said.

The big longer-term question is whether the test could be good enough and practical enough to be used for screening.

To get answers, Castro said, studies could first look at patients at high-risk of pancreatic cancer because of a strong family history of the disease.

But ultimately, he said, the hope is to develop a screening test that can be used for the general population.

Castro and some of his colleagues on the study are inventors on a patent application covering technology used in the research. Two researchers are consultants to Exosome Diagnostics, Inc., which licensed the patent application.

The study was published May 24 in Science Translational Medicine.

More information: K.S. Yang el al., "Multiparametric plasma EV profiling facilitates diagnosis of pancreatic malignancy," Science Translational Medicine (2017). Journal information: Science Translational Medicine K.S. Yang el al., "Multiparametric plasma EV profiling facilitates diagnosis of pancreatic malignancy,"(2017). stm.sciencemag.org/lookup/doi/  scitranslmed.aal3226

Copyright  2017 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
Credit: University of Leicester

A ground-breaking study by University of Leicester pathologists and radiologists could represent a breakthrough in how autopsy practice is conducted in the United Kingdom and around the world.

The research was led by Professors Guy Rutty and Bruno Morgan from the University of Leicester. It was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) and is published in the Lancet.

Professor Rutty explained: "Over the years there have been several attempts to develop alternative approaches to the invasive autopsy to limit the extent to which the cadaver is dissected. Although these techniques have been published, the invasive examination remains the standard adopted approach."

A previous study of PMCT published in the Lancet in 2012 showed promise for using medical imaging to investigate the cause of natural death, but with a major weakness: the inability to diagnose coronary artery disease, the most common cause of natural death.

Professor Morgan explained: "In clinical CT scanning, a contrast agent is injected into a vein and circulation delivers it around the body. This allows the CT scan to show the state of blood vessels anywhere in the body. However, the lack of circulation in cadavers means these techniques cannot be used."

This has been overcome by developing a novel minimally invasive coronary artery angiography technique. A variety of these techniques have been developed around the world over the last few years, but this is the first large-scale fully autopsy-controlled trial to demonstrate their efficacy in adult natural death.

Professor Rutty explained: "Here at the University of Leicester we developed a quick and minimally invasive approach to improve diagnostic accuracy. This uniquely uses a combination of standard contrast agent (positive) and air (negative) to show the coronary artery lumens and ventricular cavities."

Professor Morgan explained: "By 'minimally invasive' we mean that we use a catheter inserted into an artery to perform the angiography. The insertion techniques are like those we use on patients every day in our clinics, with just the use of local anaesthetic to numb the skin."

The Leicester team applied their PMCTA technique to a cohort of 240 deaths investigated by the HM coroner. They show that a cause of death could be given in 92% of cases, based on "the balance of probabilities", the burden of proof required by the HM Coroner. Comparison with independently generated autopsy results showed that PMCTA had a similar accuracy to autopsy, did not miss autopsy-identifiable unnatural or "reportable" causes of death, and would also not significantly change population "cause of death" statistics.

Professor Morgan added: "We have shown that PMCT enhanced by targeted coronary angiography can diagnose the cause of death in up to 90% of HM Coronial investigations for suspected natural death. This is the most successful application of PMCT and PMCTA to-date in natural death, and shows that a significant number of deaths could be investigated without the need for an invasive autopsy."

PMCTA was found to be superior at identifying trauma and haemorrhage, whereas autopsy was superior at identifying pulmonary thromboembolism. Both tests had different strengths and weaknesses in heart and lung disease.

Professor Rutty cautioned: "Both autopsy and PMCTA have different strengths and weaknesses as investigative approaches. When a higher burden of proof is required the 'gold standard' of death investigation should include both PMCT and invasive autopsy."

The findings of the study are unique from an international perspective as it focuses on natural death. In the study a small number of unnatural deaths were also examined, showing PMCTA was also useful in these cases.

Professor Rutty concludes: "There is already great interest in providing PMCTA as an alternative to autopsy in the UK with several centres, including Leicester, recently initiating services. These data now provide strong evidence to validate these services, especially where they use angiography techniques. We therefore expect these results to have a major influence on the future of autopsy practice in the UK, and across the world."

Professors Rutty and Morgan are internationally recognised as pioneers, researchers and practitioners within the field of post mortem computed tomography. They are the authors of the largest body of scientific publications in this field within the United Kingdom, including research studies and educational papers and book chapters.

They both state "we dedicate the success of our research to the families of Leicestershire, who have consented for their loved ones to be involved in these studies, despite being in a period of bereavement."

They have pioneered other investigative adjuncts to augment PMCT studies, developed a 'patent-pending' PMCT catheter, and they have launched the first educational postgraduate teaching programs for PMCT at the University of Leicester, which started in 2016.

The team believes adopting PMCTA as the standard first-line test in natural death would have a positive and profound effect on the public and religious groups within the UK and potentially beyond.

The research was authored by Professor Guy Rutty (East Midlands forensic Pathology Unit, CSMM) and Professor Bruno Morgan (University Radiology Unit, CSMM), in collaboration with other University of Leicester, and University Hospitals of Leicester employees past and present.
Today, in the New England Journal of Medicine, the team from University Health Network in Toronto that developed the organization's protocol for medical assistance in dying (MAiD) describes UHN's approach and experience. This comes a year after Canada decriminalized medically assisted dying throughout the country.

The article, Medical Assistance in Dying - Implementing a Hospital-Based Program in Canada, is available online (DOI: 10.1056/NEJMms1700606).

Author Dr. Madeline Li, a psychiatrist in the Department of Supportive Care, UHN, writes that in Canada the legal responsibility to implement MAiD required creating an institutional framework for patient assessment and provision of service, as well as a plan for educating staff about engaging in conversations with patients.

At UHN, a three-team MAiD model was adopted comprising clinical, assessment and intervention teams. Death is by injection of intravenous drugs in the hospital. A multidisciplinary quality committee provides oversight, reports metrics annually to the medical advisory committee, and stewards data for use in quality assessment and research.

In the first year of reporting (March 8, 2016 to March 8, 2017), at UHN there were 74 MAiD inquiries, 74 per cent of which were for patients whose primary diagnosis was cancer. Twenty-nine proceeded to assessment; 25 were approved, and 19 received MAiD.

Dr. Li writes: "Just prior to delivery of MAiD, all patients who reached this stage were evaluated by intervention-team physicians to determine whether they currently met criteria for informed consent for MAiD."

Amid the many checks and balances described in detail, Dr. Li concludes: "Just as advocacy from outside mainstream medicine brought palliative care 'from the margins to the centre', so has it brought MAiD into the mainstream of medicine. It is now clear that MAiD education must be included in undergraduate medical education curricula in Canada, and in the training for a variety of specialties including general medicine, family medicine, oncology, neurology, respirology, palliative care, pharmacy, psychiatry, social work, spiritual care, and bioethics."
Aalto University researchers and the HUCH Children's Hospital carried out collaborative research into the views of child patients and their families on hospital visits, the care received and life with long-term illness. The research project included developing a patient experience survey for the parents of patients at the Children's Hospital, and investigating the children's own experience for designing future digital services.

Video diaries was one method used to collect research material. To this extent, the observation can be divided into the children's and parents' encounters, the ease and sense of care as well as the physical framework.

'Children and young people value individual and warm encounters for example, continuity of care as well as check-up visits and ease of care of the illness as well as functional and pleasant premises. In the future, digital services could be seen as one central way of better supporting the patient experience of children and young people', is how computer science researchers Johanna Kaipio and Nina Karisalmi describe the project.

Fear and pain play an important role

In depth interviews were carried out with over 20 families with children who are patients to examine the families' patient experiences and the central issues related to them. The most important factors that came to the fore were the success of care, how care was organised, issues related to care staff, attitude towards the illness as well as support and day to day arrangements.

'The workload imposed by the illness relates to the day to day life and the quality of life of the patient and his or her family, so for example help or support from peer support groups or from friends and the wider family can have an impact on a child patient's parents' ability for cope with day to day life,' adds Professor Marko Nieminen from Aalto University.

The parent's fears and feeling of disbelief about the child's illness play an important role, according to the research, not to mention taking the child's own fear and experience of pain into consideration, and the help from staff in the middle of all these experiences. These experiences are also reflected against earlier expectations.

Some of the factors, such as the feelings about the illness as well as support and day to day arrangements, are not directly within the scope of influence of the hospital, but they still have to be taken into consideration as part of the overall patient experience.

'The new Children's Hospital will be commissioned next year and the objective is to build a hospital where Finnish children will receive the best care in the world. We consider patient and family experiences as valuable sources to develop an overall better hospital service', enthuses Pekka Lahdenne from the HUCH Children's Hospital.

'The patient experience stems from the user and service experience as well as from research into service pathways and user-oriented planning. On the basis of the research, it seems that a completely new way of examining customer satisfaction is emerging,' added Professor Nieminen finally.

The research perspective is thus built up from the patient and not from the hospital's production organisation, by examining the whole life situation of the patient and his or her family. The research indicates that traditional, organisation-oriented customer satisfaction surveys are too narrow.

The next stage of the research project is to examine in more detail children's emotional experiences, as well as carrying out electronic surveys on the most important experiential statements found in the different stages of the patient pathway. In addition to Aalto University and HUCH, the Children's Hospitals of Turku University Hospital and Oulu University Hospital as well as the Tampere University of Technology are involved in the research project.
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

(Medical Xpress)A European team of researchers working at Sweden's Karolinska Institutet has found evidence that suggests that humans have an olfactory defense against contagious diseases. In their paper published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the group describes experiments they conducted with volunteers undergoing fMRI scans while viewing photos and sniffing body odor samples from people experiencing induced immune response.

Humans have developed a wide assortment of survival skills over a long evolutionary period, which by most accounts has been quite successful for species survival. One of those survival skills may have gone unnoticed until now, howeverthe ability to smell sickness in other people so as to avoid them and thus prevent infection. In this new effort, the researchers tested this theory by enlisting the assistance of volunteers to serve in one of two main rolesa person made to appear sick, or as someone attempting to judge the health of another person by either looking at them or by sniffing a sample of their body odor.

The experiments consisted of asking a group of 22 volunteers to allow the researchers to inject them with a type of harmless bacteria that would activate their immune systems. The researchers then obtained body odor samples from each, and photographed their faces Another group was injected with a placebo. A second group of volunteers was then asked to undergo fMRI analysis as they looked at the photographs and sniffed the body odor samples.

In the experiment, the brains of the volunteers activated when sniffing body odors from subjects with activated immune systems, in what the researchers described as a multisensory reaction. Furthermore, they also found that the volunteers rated the people in the photographs with activated immune systems as less attractive. They did so even when sniffing body odor samples of "sick" people, but were shown photographs of "healthy" people. The researchers therefore suggest that humans have a disease avoidance model that includes olfactory mechanisms.

More information: Christina Regenbogen et al. Behavioral and neural correlates to multisensory detection of sick humans, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2017). Christina Regenbogen et al. Behavioral and neural correlates to multisensory detection of sick humans,(2017). DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1617357114 Abstract

Throughout human evolution, infectious diseases have been a primary cause of death. Detection of subtle cues indicating sickness and avoidance of sick conspecifics would therefore be an adaptive way of coping with an environment fraught with pathogens. This study determines how humans perceive and integrate early cues of sickness in conspecifics sampled just hours after the induction of immune system activation, and the underlying neural mechanisms for this detection. In a double-blind placebo-controlled crossover design, the immune system in 22 sample donors was transiently activated with an endotoxin injection [lipopolysaccharide (LPS)]. Facial photographs and body odor samples were taken from the same donors when "sick" (LPS-injected) and when "healthy" (saline-injected) and subsequently were presented to a separate group of participants (n = 30) who rated their liking of the presented person during fMRI scanning. Faces were less socially desirable when sick, and sick body odors tended to lower liking of the faces. Sickness status presented by odor and facial photograph resulted in increased neural activation of odor- and face-perception networks, respectively. A superadditive effect of olfactoryvisual integration of sickness cues was found in the intraparietal sulcus, which was functionally connected to core areas of multisensory integration in the superior temporal sulcus and orbitofrontal cortex. Taken together, the results outline a disease-avoidance model in which neural mechanisms involved in the detection of disease cues and multisensory integration are vital parts. Journal information: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

 2017 Medical Xpress
Cancerthe second leading cause of death in the United Statesclaims more than 600,000 lives each year.

Beyond the devastating human toll on individuals and families, the disease can drain a person's financial resources and strain the healthcare system as a whole.

Since its passing in 2010, the Affordable Care Actcommonly known as Obamacarehas helped assuage some of the most devastating medical and financial burdens associated with cancer by improving insurance coverage and access to critical services.

These are some of the findings in a series of newly published studies in a special May-June edition of The Cancer Journal documenting the effects of the law on cancer care in America.

As the White House moves forward with its efforts to repeal Obamacare, it should strive to preserveand further boostthese important advances, according to an introduction penned by Harvard Medical School professor health care policy expert Nancy Keating, who served as guest editor for the issue.

"The ACA has improved access to and affordability of cancer-related care for millions of Americans," Keating said. "But some critical gaps remain and more needs to be done to ensure that all Americans with cancer have access to affordable cancer care of high quality. Efforts to repeal and replace the ACA must not lose sight of that goal."

Each year more than 1.6 million Americans are diagnosed with cancer, a number projected to increase to 2.6 million by 2050. The ACA has provided access to health insurance for more than 20 million previously uninsured Americans. The act made it illegal for insurers to deny coverage based on current or previous cancer diagnosis and removed the limits on lifetime insurance coverage that a person can receive.

The evidence so far suggests that key provisions of the ACA have improved access to screening and led to earlier diagnoses, particularly among people with lower education and income. By expanding eligibility for coverage under Medicaidthe joint federal-state health insurance program for low-income people, women, children and those with disabilitiesthe ACA has also ensured access to cancer treatments for more people and broadened access to clinical trials, Keating added.

The Obamacare provision that made it possible for young adults to remain on their parents' insurance until age 26 has also led to higher rates of HPV vaccinationa critical preventive measure for cervical cancerand greater use of effective treatments for women diagnosed with the disease, the research shows.

In 2010, total spending on oncology care was $124 billion, and that number continues to rise.

As more and more Americans live into older age, the number of cancer diagnoses will rise in coming years, Keating said. Coupled with ballooning spending on cancer care fueled by newer, more expensive treatments, this is bound to create financial turmoil for both individuals and the health care system as a whole.

Out-of-pocket costs for individuals with cancer can lead to "financial toxicity," which experts now recognize as a side effect of cancer. The consequences of this financial burden, which are well-documented, include high rates of bankruptcy and delays in receiving cancer care and treatment. Higher costs bring devastating financial consequences. Cancer patients are more than twice as likely to experience bankruptcy than people without cancer, which can in turn lead to higher mortality rates.

In light of this troubling trend, Keating said, it is ever more critical to preserve and enhance ACA provisions that can help curb the spending growth and reduce out-of-pocket expenses for cancer patients.
TSRI Research Associate Nathan D. Grubaugh works with TSRI Graduate Student Karthik Gangavarapu to map the spread of Zika virus. Credit: Faith Hark

With mosquito season looming in the Northern Hemisphere, doctors and researchers are poised to take on a new round of Zika virus infections.

Now a new study by a large group of international researchers led by scientists at The Scripps Research Institute (TSRI) explains how Zika virus entered the United States via Florida in 2016and how it might re-enter the country this year.

By sequencing the virus's genome at different points in the outbreak, the researchers created a family tree showing where cases originated and how quickly they spread. They discovered that transmission of Zika virus began in Florida at least fourand potentially up to fortytimes last year. The researchers also traced most of the Zika lineages back to strains of the virus in the Caribbean.

"Without these genomes, we wouldn't be able to reconstruct the history of how the virus moved around," said TSRI infectious disease researcher and senior author of the study, Kristian G. Andersen, who also serves as director of infectious disease genomics at the Scripps Translational Science Institute (STSI). "Rapid viral genome sequencing during ongoing outbreaks is a new development that has only been made possible over the last couple of years."

The research was published May 24, 2017, in the journal Nature. This was one of three related studies, published simultaneously in Nature journals, exploring the transmission and evolution of Zika virus. A fourth study was also published in Nature Protocols providing details of the technologies used by the researchers.

Why Miami?

By sequencing Zika virus genomes from humans and mosquitoesand analyzing travel and mosquito abundance datathe researchers found that several factors created what TSRI Research Associate Nathan D. Grubaugh called a "perfect storm" for the spread of Zika virus in Miami.

"This study shows why Miami is special," said Grubaugh, the lead author of the study.

First, Grubaugh explained, Miami is home to year-round populations of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, the main species that transmits Zika virus. The area is also a significant travel hub, bringing in more international air and sea traffic than any other city in the continental United States in 2016. Finally, Miami is an especially popular destination for travelers who have visited Zika-afflicted areas.

The researchers found that travel from the Caribbean Islands may have significantly contributed to cases of Zika reaching the city. Of the 5.7 million international travelers entering Miami by flights and cruise ships between January and June of 2016, more than half arrived from the Caribbean.

Authors of the new study included Andersen Lab members (left to right) Refugio Robles-Sikisaka, Mark Zeller, Nathan D. Grubaugh (first author), Glenn Oliveira, Michelle Platero, Kristian G. Andersen (senior author) and Karthik Gangavarapu. Credit: Faith Hark

Killing Mosquitos Shows Results

The researchers believe Zika virus may have started transmission in Miami up to 40 times, but most travel-related cases did not lead to any secondary infections locally. The virus was more likely to reach a dead end than keep spreading.

The researchers found that one reason for the dead-ends was a direct connection between mosquito control efforts and disease prevention. "We show that if you decrease the mosquito population in an area, the number of Zika infections goes down proportionally," said Andersen. "This means we can significantly limit the risk of Zika virus by focusing on mosquito control. This is not too surprising, but it's important to show that there is an almost perfect correlation between the number of mosquitos and the number of human infections."

Based on data from the outbreak, Andersen sees potential in stopping the virus through mosquito control efforts in both Florida and other infected countries, instead of, for example, through travel restrictions. "Given how many times the introductions happened, trying to restrict traffic or movement of people obviously isn't a solution. Focusing on disease prevention and mosquito control in endemic areas is likely to be a much more successful strategy," he said.

When the virus did spread, the researchers found that splitting Miami into designated Zika zonesoften done by neighborhood or city blockdidn't accurately represent how the virus was moving. Within each Zika zone, the researchers discovered a mixing of multiple Zika lineages, suggesting the virus wasn't well-confined, likely moving around with infected people.

Andersen and Grubaugh hope these lessons from the 2016 epidemic will help scientists and health officials respond even faster to prevent Zika's spread in 2017.

Behind the Data

Understanding Zika's timeline required a large international team of scientists and partnerships with several health agencies. In fact, the study was a collaboration of more than 60 researchers from nearly 20 institutions, including study co-leaders at the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Florida Gulf Coast University, the University of Oxford, the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, the Florida Department of Health and the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard.

The scientists also designed a new method of genomic sequencing just to study the virus. Because Zika virus is hard to collect in the blood of those infected, it was a challenge for the researchers to isolate enough of its genetic material for sequencing. To solve this problem, the team, together with Joshua Quick and Nick Loman at the University of Birmingham in the UK, developed two different protocols to break apart the genetic material they could find and reassemble it in a useful way for analysis.

With these new protocols, the researchers sequenced the virus from 28 of the reported 256 Zika cases in Florida, as well as seven mosquito pools, to model what happened in the larger patient group. As they worked, the scientists released their data immediately publicly to help other scientists. They hope to release more dataand analysisin real time as cases mount in 2017.

The new study was published with three companion papers, also in Nature journals, that explore Zika's spread in other parts of the Americas.

More information: Nathan D. Grubaugh et al, Genomic epidemiology reveals multiple introductions of Zika virus into the United States, Nature (2017). Journal information: Nature Nathan D. Grubaugh et al, Genomic epidemiology reveals multiple introductions of Zika virus into the United States,(2017). DOI: 10.1038/nature22400

Provided by The Scripps Research Institute
The May 22 suicide bombing at a concert in Manchester, England has claimed at least 22 lives. Once again we find ourselves mourning the loss of innocents and wondering how our societies can find normalcy in a world of suicide attacks, car rammings and mass shootings. Many pundits have already called for the United Kingdom and other societies to increase their levels of security, add more police officers and install security personnel, bag checks and metal detectors in public places.

Hardening our society is one way to make us more resilient to hazards  that is, to allow us to bounce back from adversity more quickly. But we cannot armor our societies against all threats.

Millions of people in cities like Boston, Mumbai, Ghana, Tel Aviv and Tokyo use public transportation systems, attend concerts, go to parks, visit malls and walk in public daily. All of these locations are vulnerable to those who would do us harm, and we cannot police them all. Further, protecting against one type of physical threat, such as an active shooter, does little to shield society against other types of dangers, such as vehicular attacks.

My research on the role of social networks during and after crises provides an alternative approach. Rather than focusing on hardening our physical infrastructure, our societies become more resilient when we deepen and broaden our social infrastructure. Social ties provide emotional support, information and collective action at critical times.

We're here for you

During and after traumatic events, we need other people. Social ties measurably lessen the effects of trauma and allow us to grieve, work through our adversity, and create and offer support.

For example, our ongoing research on evacuees from the Fukushima nuclear power meltdowns has shown that factors such as health and wealth did little to ease survivors' anxiety over radiation exposure and worries about their livelihoods. Instead, having neighbors and friends who moved along with evacuees as they fled from their homes was the most powerful predictor of reducing post-traumatic stress disorder and depression among residents.

Social ties  especially those mediated through social media outlets such as Twitter, Facebook and NextDoor  provide information and platforms to connect acts of kindness and solidarity to people in need. Facebook's Safety Check feature, for instance, allows users to check in and announce they are safe following a natural disaster or terror attack.

In Manchester, residents offered rides, food, water and shelter to all, using social media tags like #roomforManchester. Taxi drivers took people home from the concert arena without charge. Similarly, after the terrorist attacks in Paris in November 2015 and Brussels in March 2016, locals offered shelter to stranded survivors with the hashtag #PorteOuverte (open door).

Anybody stuck in Manchester tonight I have a spare room and I just made some really nice soup. #roomformanchester please rt xxx  Robyn Alexander (@robynrobynrobyn) May 23, 2017

During the agonizing period when parents and spouses were waiting to hear news of loved ones at the concert, the social media tag #missinginManchester helped them seek information. But not all shows of support involved social media. Blood banks around Manchester received so many donations that they started turning people away less than 24 hours after the bombing.

These emergent collective actions were not coordinated by governmental authorities, but instead evolved from feelings of connection and decency. Sometimes they can even inject some humor into grim events. During a four-day lockdown in Brussels in November 2015 while police searched for one of the Paris attackers, residents started tweeting pictures of cats in battle gear.

BREAKING NEWS : Belgium Police using the new 200mph Hovercat during terrorist operations #BrusselsLockdown pic.twitter.com/MnIpiOZT3x  Jayce Light (@jaycelight) November 22, 2015

Strength in numbers

Scholars studying societies that regularly face terror attacks from rockets, shootings and knifings have similarly argued for the importance of social ties in building resilience. One study of Israel illuminated how community ties may be the most powerful way to help people deal with the reality of life as targets.

Manchester itself has faced bombings before. It was attacked multiple times during World War II, and in 1996 an Irish Republican Army bomb destroyed the downtown shopping district, injuring more than 200 people. Thanks to strong connections and community resilience, the city bounced back from past tragedies. As we struggle to find words to express our shock and sympathy for those who were harmed, we should not forget the healing power of building connections to each other.

This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.
By analyzing genomes generated as part of the study, researchers confirmed that the Zika virus was present in affected countries well before the first confirmed cases were detected. Credit: Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard

The Zika virus circulated in many regions of the Americas for several months before cases of infection were detected, according to new data from an international research team from the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard and several collaborating institutions.

These findings, revealed today in Nature in a paper led by Pardis Sabeti of the Broad Institute and Harvard University, arise from an analysis of 174 Zika virus genomesincluding the largest collection of new Zika virus genomes to datesequenced from patient and mosquito samples collected in 11 affected countries and territories.

The genomic data allowed the research team to reconstruct for the first time the spread of the virus across South and Central America, the Caribbean, and into the southern United States.

In many of these regions, the virus circulated for months before local cases of infection were detected. Sabeti and colleagues' analysis suggested that Zika was circulating in Brazil around February 2014, a year before that nation's first confirmed infections were reported. Similarly, the virus appears to have arrived in Colombia, Honduras, Puerto Rico, and elsewhere in the Caribbean from 4.5 to 9 months before the first confirmed local infections, highlighting the importance of having sensitive and specific diagnostic tools early in an outbreak.

These results appear only now, months after the peak of the outbreak, because sequencing Zika virus has proved to be challenging, particularly directly from patient samples. The difficulty arises because Zika virus is typically present at very low levels in patients and disappears quickly. As a result, very few Zika genomes had been generated prior to this study, leaving researchers with little basis for understanding how the virus is spreading and evolving.

To address this lack of data, the team developed new laboratory and analytical methods for capturing robust Zika genomic data, and applied them to samples collected in partnership with collaborators in Brazil, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Honduras, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Massachusetts, and Florida to generate 110 new genomes for this study. The team combined those genomes with an additional 64 available in GenBank and in one of the study's two companion papers to carry out their analysis.

"We knew it was important to understand the viral populations driving the epidemic, which motivated us to tackle the challenges of sequencing Zika," said study co-first author Hayden Metsky, a graduate student in the Sabeti lab. "Because the data we generated capture the geographic diversity of the virus across the Americas, they provide an opportunity to trace how and when the virus spread. Our data and findings will also support development of more effective molecular diagnostic tests, as well as improved public health surveillance tools."

The work also highlights the importance of quickly creating trusted partnerships between researchers and across institutions and regions, and of sharing data openly during outbreaks.

"This collaboration has been about each partner sharing their unique resources and expertisesamples, protocols, analyses, insightsto help understand and fight Zika," said Thiago Moreno L. Souza, a study co-senior author and senior research scientist at Fundacao Oswaldo Cruz in Rio de Janiero, Brazil. "Sharing the data widely for the same end goal was an obvious extension of that ethos."

The study was published together with two companion papers, one by Kristian Andersen from the Scripps Research Institute and colleagues examining Zika's introduction into Florida, and the other by Oliver Pybus at the University of Oxford and colleagues examining the virus's establishment and early spread within and beyond northeastern Brazil. All three teams committed to sharing data and ideas freely amongst themselves and to release their findings cooperatively and quickly.

"Collectively our goal was to capture as complete a picture of the genetic underpinnings of the epidemic in the Americas as we could. Working together was critical to reaching that goal," said study co-senior author Bronwyn MacInnis, associate director of malaria and viral genomics in the Broad's Infectious Disease and Microbiome Program. "Instead of competing for publication, we wanted our papers to leverage each other and reflect our commitment to the greater good."

Zika remains a significant public health threat in affected countries and regions, highlighting the need for continued surveillance and research on the virus. According to MacInnis, the epidemic holds lessons about the role genomics can play in identifying and tracking emerging outbreaks early, before widespread infection occurs.

"Genomics allowed us to reconstruct how the virus traveled and changed across the epidemicwhich also means that genomics could have helped detect it much earlier," she said. "We were way behind the curve on Zika. We need to be well ahead of the next emerging viral threat, and genomics can have a role in achieving this."

More information: Hayden C. Metsky et al, Zika virus evolution and spread in the Americas, Nature (2017). Journal information: Nature Hayden C. Metsky et al, Zika virus evolution and spread in the Americas,(2017). DOI: 10.1038/nature22402
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Erdogan tells what relations between Turkey and Armenia depend on

Iran says it has developed first hypersonic ballistic missile

FM Lavrov to head Russia delegation at G20 summit

Erdogan: Ankara continues mediation efforts to resolve Ukrainian crisis

This year 320 people seek asylum in Armenia, 213 are from Ukraine

Ombudsperson in Brussels, reflects on top Azerbaijan leaderships policy of Armenophobia

World oil prices falling

Armenia Security Council chief meets with Lithuania officials

Armenia FM heading for Paris

Egypt launches Tax Free system for foreign tourists

Newspaper: Armenias Mirzoyan makes it clear to Blinken that wording Artsakh should be included

Newspaper: Armenia parliamentary opposition decides to return to legislative body

Poland and Slovakia will increase defense spending

Audi presents new crossovers Q8 e-tron

Benny Gantz: Israel has an opportunity to strike Iran's nuclear facilities

France National Assembly speaker reaffirms solidarity with Armenia, Armenians

Samvel Babayan: Russia will withdraw peacekeepers from Nagorno-Karabakh

Hungarian government sets price ceiling on eggs and potatoes

Benny Gantz: Israel does not have the production capacity to supply Ukraine with air defense systems

Germany must adopt energy-saving measures in face of skyrocketing inflation

Beglaryan: Azerbaijan continues and will continue its policy of genocide and hatred against the Armenian people

Kiev believes it is too early to talk about withdrawal of Russian troops from Kherson

Raisi: Relations between Tehran and Moscow have a bright future

Taliban virtue representative kills minor for refusing to marry

Meeting held at Ministry of Defense

Kaljurand: A fair peace agreement, that will guarantee the rights and security of the Nagorno-Karabakh people, is needed

ATMs closed at night in Germany because of increasing number of break-ins

Moldova to request 450 million from EU amid fears of stopping Russian gas supplies

Kazakhstan plans to make knowledge of Kazakh obligatory for obtaining citizenship

Vladimir Putin to visit Armenia

Ayoob Kara: Israel and Azerbaijan must act together against Iran

Macron: France ends its military mission in Africa

Military forces of Georgia, Azerbaijan and Turkey take part in Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline protection exercise

Shoigu orders withdrawal of troops across Dnieper River

Swedish parliament will vote to change constitution for NATO membership on November 16

Reactor at nuclear power plant in southern Sweden stops unexpectedly due to turbine malfunction

Margaret Thatcher's dressing table case sells for $145

Zakharova comments on Azerbaijani attacks on Russian peacekeepers in Artsakh

Israel may reconsider its position on military aid to Ukraine because of threat from Iran

Tehran expresses readiness to play role in resolving conflict between Russia and Ukraine

Zakharova: Russia closely coordinates with Armenia and Azerbaijan on preparation of peace treaty

U.S. cut its oil production forecast in 2023

Gen. of Justice: Armenia is already going to abyss

MFA says Russia promotes comprehensive settlement of Armenian-Azerbaijani relations

Australia to ban former military pilots from working in China

Ministry: 1,034 participants of 44-day Karabakh war declared disabled

Russian Security Council Secretary accuses Western intelligence services of organizing unrest in Iran

Niagara Falls is illuminated in colors of Azerbaijani flag through efforts of Azerbaijani Embassy to U.S.

'Armenia' bloc: Authorities going to peace at any cost legitimize change of power

Dollar falls, euro rises in Armenia

FT: Taiwan plans to establish drone production, allocated $1.6 billion

Azerbaijan's 'Horst Wessel' for Iran: Baku media replicates 'murder story'

Tesla recalls 40,000 electric cars because of problems with power steering

Sky News: Russia handed over Javelin, NLAW and Stinger missiles to Iran in exchange for drones

Russia has record number of Armenia migrants outflow

Stoltenberg says NATO summit will be held in Vilnius on July 11-12, 2023

Iranian Interior Ministry: Organizers of riots in Iran were trained in 8 unfriendly countries

Europe fills its gas storage facilities almost 100% before cold season

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President pays tribute to martyrs of 3rd Artsakh war

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Newspaper: Armenia law enforcement agencies operative intelligence teams to enter several officials houses

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The Administration released its budget recommendations for Fiscal Year 2018 (FY18) to Congress today with substantial budget cuts, the Armenian Assembly of America (Assembly) reports. The proposed budget for FY18, called A New Foundation for American Greatness, recommended a 29 percent cut overall and a 60 percent reduction in assistance to Europe and Eurasia.

Under the Administration's budget, aid to Armenia would be reduced by 67 percent, dropping from $20.4 million in FY16 to $6.8 million proposed for FY18. Compared to other post-Soviet nations in the region, Georgia and Ukraine are slated for a 58 percent decrease and a 70 percent decrease in aid, respectively. Assistance to Azerbaijan is cut by 90 percent with a total of $1 million envisioned.

The Assembly will continue to advance key priorities for the benefit of the Armenian people and the strengthening of U.S.-Armenia relations, stated Assembly Executive Director Bryan Ardouny. As the current Administration reduces foreign aid across the board, we must ensure that Armenia has the resources to address the compelling humanitarian needs as a result of the current refugee crisis and Turkey's blockade, as well as Azerbaijan's ongoing and deadly ceasefire violations, Ardouny added.

The budget request for Armenia includes $4 million in Economic Support and Development Fund, $1.5 million for International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement, and $700,000 for Nonproliferation, Antiterrorism, Demining and Related Programs. The President's budget maintains military parity between Armenia and Azerbaijan, at $600,000 for International Military Education and Training (IMET), but does not recommend Foreign Military Financing (FMF) to either country.

In addition, the budget also restated Section 907 of the Freedom Support Act and the six customary exemptions for humanitarian and other assistance programs. Section 907 of the Freedom Support Act was enacted in 1992 and required the Government of Azerbaijan to take demonstrable steps to cease all blockades and other offensive uses of force against Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh. The Administration's budget also maintains Section 907 of the Freedom Support Act, which restricts assistance to Azerbaijan until it ceases its hostile actions against Armenia.

According to the budget proposal, $2.75 billion would be allocated to Migration and Refugee Assistance. The Assembly will continue advocating for a portion of those funds to go to Armenia, which has accepted an influx of refugees as a result of the crisis in Syria.

In the Assembly testimony submitted last month, Ardouny requested $40 million to support Armenia's efforts to serve as a regional safe haven for refugees. Additionally, the Assembly's testimony called for: $40 million in U.S. economic assistance to Armenia; $20 million to implement the Royce-Engel initiative to advance peace; $11 million in U.S. military assistance to Armenia; $8 million to Artsakh; assistance to the Samtskhe-Javakheti region of Georgia; regional energy security; and reaffirmation of the U.S. record on the Armenian Genocide, among other issues.
YEREVAN.  Objectively, Armenia is not ready to allow investments; such is the ruling system in the country.

Central Bank of Armenia former Chairman, economist Bagrat Asatryan, said the abovementioned at a press conference on Wednesday.

And when asked whether the Investors Club will contribute to increase investments in Armenia, the economist responded as follows: Our country has not been closed. There will be initiatives, there will be some investments, projects, which will be successfully implemented. But this doesnt mean that the world will seek to resolve problems here [in Armenia].

Current Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan has good circles [of friends]; some from these circles will wish to help, make investments [in Armenia]. But the common man will not be able to make investments in Armenias economy.
Acting Foreign Minister of Armenia Edward Nalbandian on Wednesday attended the international ministerial conference on Victims of Ethnic and Religious Violence in the Middle East, in Madrid, and which was organized by Spain and Jordan.

High-level delegations from around sixty international organizations and countries took part in this event.

Separately, King Felipe VI of Spain received the heads of delegations participating in this ministerial conference.

Plenary session of the conference opened with Nalbandians address.

I would like to thank Spanish hosts along with Jordan for their efforts to follow up the discussions on this challenging issue. Armenia continues to actively contribute to international efforts in this regard.

For centuries the Armenian nation has constituted a part of the multicultural and multi-religious mosaic of the region. This diversity of the Middle East - deeply rooted in the traditions of coexistence and tolerance - was once a remarkable asset not just in civilizational terms but also security wise. The mass exodus from this region of the most vulnerable groups, representing different ethnic and religious communities is largely an outcome of inhumane ideology and atrocities perpetrated by terrorist organizations.

Thus, safeguarding the remnants of diversity and tolerance in the Middle East is important for restoration of regional safety and security. It may contribute to the prevention of the spillover effect that threatens the neighboring regions and far beyond. The terrorist acts in Europe are illustrative in this regard. The phenomenon of the terrorists returning from the Middle East battlefields threatens not just the security of the countries of their origin, but may become a destabilizing factor in other regions, stimulating crisis situations and regional conflicts. The Daesh style beheadings and other despicable atrocities are already not limited just to the Middle East.

It should be made clear once and again that religion has nothing to do with the violence. What we are countering here are crimes against civilization perpetrated by Daesh and other terrorist groups. Barbarism has declared a war against the civilized world. Indeed, the threat that the ethnic and religious communities of the Middle East face, is not merely a physical, but also a civilizational challenge. To what extent the international community is able to unite and jointly fight against this evil would demonstrate to what extent it is ready to protect its own civilizational values.

It is in this spirit that Armenia expressed its resolve to join the international efforts in eliminating this scourge.

I share the opinion of my Jordanian colleague, that from one side there is a terrorist minority, and from other side the whole civilized world. I would like to underline that the efforts of civilized majority should be first and foremost directed at countering the breeding ground and root causes of terrorism.

It is not a coincidence that the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan has a leading role in countering ethnic and religious violence in the Middle East.

During the Armenian Genocide the Emir of Hashemite dynasty of Mecca Hussein Bin Ali issued a decree calling to protect Armenians, as they protect themselves and their children. The values of compassion and care are not outdated. They are well grounded in the century long traditions of the Middle East and should serve as an example for the current protection efforts.

The Syrian crisis has deepened divisions in the Middle East and beyond. We may hold different views on its underlying causes, dynamic or the ways of the settlement but we should stand on the same footage on the humanitarian issues. Any efforts to protect and rehabilitate victimized communities should be supported irrespective of the political and religious differences.

Next year we will mark the 70th anniversary of the adoption of the Genocide Convention. The actions of terrorists against ethnic and religious groups indicate the relevance of the Convention which clearly establishes the punishable actions, including the complicity. Any support to the terrorist entities involved in identity based crimes should be viewed under this Convention.

The violence has not bypassed Syrian Armenians, many of whom lost their lives in terrorist attacks. The Armenian settlements, churches, schools and cultural institutions were destroyed. One hundred years ago Armenian refugees found shelter in many Arab countries after the Armenian Genocide. Today thousands of Armenians, together with other people of the Middle East, again are forced to abandon their places of residence.

Armenia has received more than twenty two thousand refugees only from Syria, making our country the third largest recipient of Syrian refugees in Europe on per capita basis. We have also tried to reach out to the people who need assistance in Syria by continuous provision of humanitarian aid.

Throughout the recent Constitutional and Legislative Reforms Armenia enabled its four main minorities to ensure an assigned seat in the Parliament. Three out of these groups - namely Yazidis, Assyrians and Kurds have been subjected to the identity based violence in Syria and Iraq. We have a long shared history with these people. Today Armenia contributes to the international efforts for the protection of the Armenian and other vulnerable communities in the Middle East.

The quest of preserving, protecting and promoting ethnic and religious plurality and diversity of the Middle East is of high importance for civilizational, humanitarian and security reasons that make it one of the most challenging issues of the modern times, Nalbandian stated in his address.
As Rovvy Lepor, points out in an op-ed on Track Persia, the Iranian Regime has a long history of using commercial aeroplanes to supply weapons to terrorists without drawing the attention of foreign governments. He advised that for this reason the US Government must scrap this deal between the Illinois company and Iran.

Lepor wrote: Iran regularly uses commercial aircraft to transfer advanced weapons to the Syrian regime in support of the brutal Syrian civil war that has left approximately half a million dead. Iran also arms Hizballah with weapons and missiles via commercial aircraft.

The deal was signed under the pretence of upgrading Irans current fleet, which because of sanctions was woefully behind the planes found in the rest of the world. While it is certainly possible that Boeing was just unaware of the real reason when they signed the deal, it seems unlikely that a company of Boeings size did not do thorough investigations.

However, this has attracted plenty of coverage in the months since and it cannot have escaped Boeings attention. Lepor refers to their continued support for this deal as callous and treacherous.

The Deals

 Iran Air: Boeing will supply 80 aircraft (50 737 MAX 8s and 30 777s) for $16.6 billion

 Aseman Airlines: Boeing will supply 30 737 MAX aeroplanes for $3 billion (with the option of opportunity another 30)

Boeing argues that these deals will provide around 118,000 US jobs but the Trump administration would do well to prioritise national security over job prospects.

In 2011, Iran Air was sanctioned by the US for transporting military-related equipment on the orders of Irans Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces Logistics (MODAFL)., but they were delisted in 2016 after the nuclear deal was agreed.

Dr. Emanuele Ottolenghi of the Foundation for Defence of Democracies testified before Congress that from January 16, 2016 (the nuclear deal implementation day) through March 30, 2017, 690 commercial flights participated in airlifts from Iran to Syria; half of which were operated by Iran Air and Mahan Air. Ottolenghi assessed that these airlines were ferrying weapons and fighters to support the Assad dictatorship.

Lepor wrote: By supporting these terrorist groups and rogue regimes, Irans commercial airlines have American blood on their hands.

Although Mahan Air is still under sanctions, Lepor points out that it would be easy for Iran Air to transfer the planes once they arrive in Iran. He notes that the planes ordered by Iran from Boeing and Frances Airbus effectively triple the existing commercial fleet and is more likely a cover for terrorism.

Lepor wrote: At best, the tunnel vision, or at worst, the careless indifference to the potential loss of life of so many by these Boeing-Iran deals indicate that Boeing is acting in bad faith with the American people and with U.S. National Security. Such contracts threaten the safety and security of not only American allies such as Israel, but of the United States itself. Therefore, the U.S. Congress and President Trump must put an immediate stop to the Boeing aircraft sales to Iran.
YEREVAN. - Prime Minister of Armenia Karen Karapetyan on Wednesday received the delegation led by Iranian Minister of Agriculture Mahmoud Hojjati.

The PM underscored the importance of economic cooperation development with Iran, noting that the implementation of joint investment programs in the agricultural sector can significantly contribute to this, also fostering the growth of commodity turnover volumes.

Karapetyan stressed that the involvement of Iranian capital in the free trade zone being established in Meghri will give a new impetus to the expansion and deepening of bilateral economic ties. The PM also noted that the Armenian Government is ready to provide necessary support to the Iranian businessmen in order to launch their activity in Armenia.

Karapetyan expressed conviction that this will allow the Iranian side to enter the Eurasian Economic Union and GSP+ system European market on favorable conditions.

Mahmoud Hojjati, for his part, thanked the PM, underscoring the importance of the further development of economic cooperation. He also noted that the economic capacities of two countries having much in common should complement each other, giving new impetus to the growth of commodity turnover. Mr Hojjati expressed satisfaction with the results of the meetings with Armenian partners.

Issues related to the possibility of establishing Iranian product quality assessment office, export and import company in Armenia, implementation of programs in the sphere of pisciculture, as well as opening a joint tomato processing plant in the country were discussed at the meeting as well.
During the NATO summit to be held in Brussels on Thursday, the issue of terrorism will be discussed, Head of Polish National Bureau Pavel Solokh told in an interview with TVP.

In his words, at the summit the topic of terrorism will prevail over the migration crisis. The events in Manchester will definitely become another reason for the fight against terrorism to become a prevailing topic. But besides this, all the allies expect the US to conform its participation in ensuring the European security, Solokh said, Radio Poland reports.

Head of the Bureau also referred to the initiative of creating common European army. Among the allies the prevailing opinion is that the actions related to the European defense should be complementary in respect to NATO instead of being directed against the alliance, he noted.

Pavel Solokh also touched on the security situation in Europe and Poland after the recent attack in Manchester. Against the background of Europe, Poland remains one of the most secure countries. We havent yet faced such phenomena, this, of course, not relieving us of the obligation to maintain vigilance.
Erdogan tells what relations between Turkey and Armenia depend on

Iran says it has developed first hypersonic ballistic missile

FM Lavrov to head Russia delegation at G20 summit

Erdogan: Ankara continues mediation efforts to resolve Ukrainian crisis

IAEA head: Talks on Iran's nuclear program ended inconclusively

This year 320 people seek asylum in Armenia, 213 are from Ukraine

Ombudsperson in Brussels, reflects on top Azerbaijan leaderships policy of Armenophobia

World oil prices falling

Armenia Security Council chief meets with Lithuania officials

Armenia FM heading for Paris

Egypt launches Tax Free system for foreign tourists

Newspaper: Armenias Mirzoyan makes it clear to Blinken that wording Artsakh should be included

Newspaper: Armenia parliamentary opposition decides to return to legislative body

Poland and Slovakia will increase defense spending

Audi presents new crossovers Q8 e-tron

Benny Gantz: Israel has an opportunity to strike Iran's nuclear facilities

France National Assembly speaker reaffirms solidarity with Armenia, Armenians

Samvel Babayan: Russia will withdraw peacekeepers from Nagorno-Karabakh

Hungarian government sets price ceiling on eggs and potatoes

Benny Gantz: Israel does not have the production capacity to supply Ukraine with air defense systems

Germany must adopt energy-saving measures in face of skyrocketing inflation

Beglaryan: Azerbaijan continues and will continue its policy of genocide and hatred against the Armenian people

Kiev believes it is too early to talk about withdrawal of Russian troops from Kherson

Raisi: Relations between Tehran and Moscow have a bright future

Taliban virtue representative kills minor for refusing to marry

Meeting held at Ministry of Defense

Kaljurand: A fair peace agreement, that will guarantee the rights and security of the Nagorno-Karabakh people, is needed

ATMs closed at night in Germany because of increasing number of break-ins

Moldova to request 450 million from EU amid fears of stopping Russian gas supplies

Kazakhstan plans to make knowledge of Kazakh obligatory for obtaining citizenship

Vladimir Putin to visit Armenia

Ayoob Kara: Israel and Azerbaijan must act together against Iran

Macron: France ends its military mission in Africa

Military forces of Georgia, Azerbaijan and Turkey take part in Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline protection exercise

Shoigu orders withdrawal of troops across Dnieper River

Swedish parliament will vote to change constitution for NATO membership on November 16

Reactor at nuclear power plant in southern Sweden stops unexpectedly due to turbine malfunction

Margaret Thatcher's dressing table case sells for $145

Zakharova comments on Azerbaijani attacks on Russian peacekeepers in Artsakh

Israel may reconsider its position on military aid to Ukraine because of threat from Iran

Tehran expresses readiness to play role in resolving conflict between Russia and Ukraine

Zakharova: Russia closely coordinates with Armenia and Azerbaijan on preparation of peace treaty

U.S. cut its oil production forecast in 2023

Gen. of Justice: Armenia is already going to abyss

MFA says Russia promotes comprehensive settlement of Armenian-Azerbaijani relations

Australia to ban former military pilots from working in China

Ministry: 1,034 participants of 44-day Karabakh war declared disabled

Russian Security Council Secretary accuses Western intelligence services of organizing unrest in Iran

Niagara Falls is illuminated in colors of Azerbaijani flag through efforts of Azerbaijani Embassy to U.S.

'Armenia' bloc: Authorities going to peace at any cost legitimize change of power

Dollar falls, euro rises in Armenia

FT: Taiwan plans to establish drone production, allocated $1.6 billion

Azerbaijan's 'Horst Wessel' for Iran: Baku media replicates 'murder story'

Tesla recalls 40,000 electric cars because of problems with power steering

Sky News: Russia handed over Javelin, NLAW and Stinger missiles to Iran in exchange for drones

Russia has record number of Armenia migrants outflow

Stoltenberg says NATO summit will be held in Vilnius on July 11-12, 2023

Iranian Interior Ministry: Organizers of riots in Iran were trained in 8 unfriendly countries

Europe fills its gas storage facilities almost 100% before cold season

Greece MPs visit Armenian Genocide Memorial in Yerevan

Strasbourg city council adopts resolution on supporting Armenia

Ohanyan: We see hope in Armenia-Russia-Azerbaijan format regarding Karabakhs future

Turkey says it will not focus only on Russian gas

David Babayan says Azerbaijan makes propaganda against Russian peacekeepers in Artsakh

Former ECHR judge: UN Security Council does not consider Karabakh's separation illegal

Shavarsh Kocharyan says current PM took step of declaring Armenia aggressor

AraratBank underwrites FINCA UCO bonds

First ombudsperson says current Armenian authorities are illegitimate

Armenian National Committee of America: Dr. Oz Defeated in Pennsylvania Senate race

Head of Turkish Ministry of Agriculture: 10.1 million tons of grain exported from Ukrainian ports

Putin and Lukashenko discuss upcoming CSTO meeting by phone

Armenia legislature discusses issues of residents of Karabakhs Kashatagh region handed over to Azerbaijan

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

British cabinet minister resigns after recent harassment allegations

Eleving Group member Mogo applies the best practices in Armenia

Artsakh FM: Azerbaijan will have to take new realities into account in near future

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

Karabakh state ministers advisor: Aliyev statement was once again filled with confessions of use of force

Javier Colomina: NATO supports normalization of Armenia-Azerbaijan relations

Copper falls in price

Iran official: Goal of $3bn trade with Armenia will be realized under this government

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?
UBS AG (UBS) - Get Free Report shares slipped in early trading Wednesday after it bought a majority slice of a Brazilian family office, bulking up its Latin American footprint in wealth management.

The Swiss bank said late Tuesday that it will acquire a controlling stake in Consenso Investimentos, but did disclose financial details. Consenso has around 20 billion Brazilian reals ($6.1 billion) under management.

UBS stock slipped just more than 0.5% shortly after the opening bell, to change hands at an intraday low of Sfr 15.95, which was in contrast to the 0.25% gain of the Stoxx Europe 600 Banks index.

Although UBS' pivot back toward its wealth management business is not new, it has become controversial of late, with the Singapore sovereign wealth fund having sold a significant chunk of its holding in the lender barely a fortnight ago due to concerns over strategy.

"GIC made the UBS sale despite the loss because conditions have changed fundamentally since GIC invested in UBS in February 2008, as have UBS' strategy and business," said Lim Chow Kiat, CEO of GIC Private, at the time of the sale.

May's sale of more than 90 million shares saw GIC Private cede its spot as UBS' largest shareholder, in favor of fourth place on the share register.

The sovereign wealth fund invested more than than Sfr 11 billion in UBS back in December 2007 as the lender sought to repair the damage wrought on its balance sheet by souring subprime mortgage loans as the global financial crisis escalated.

It later added to this stake by subscribing to Sfr16 billion rights issue launched by the bank in May 2008, which left it holding more than a 9% stake in the lender.

The sovereign wealth fund also bought heavily into Citigroup (C) - Get Free Report during the financial crisis, investing more than $6 billion in the American lender.

"GIC is disappointed that the UBS investment resulted in a loss, but its Citigroup investment has earned a positive return. The combined return on the UBS and Citigroup investments has been positive in mark-to-market terms," GIC said in a statement on May 15.
The protests, held in Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, and Vancouver, denounced the sham elections and called out the Iranian Regime for its ongoing human rights violations.

Demonstrators outside the Ottawa Parliament Building, at Mel Lastman Square in Toronto, in Montreals City Centre and outside Vancouvers Art Gallery, held banners which highlighted both the human rights abuses perpetrated by the Regime and their bastardising of the democratic process, including:

 Stop Executions in Iran

 No to Sham Election

 No to Rouhani, imposter

 No to Raisi, mass killer of 1988

 Our vote is regime change

 Free all political prisoners

 This is a selection, not an election.

A graduate student, who helped to organise the demonstration, said: The Iranian political system is not democratic, and todays election was neither free nor fair.

Indeed, Iran is a dictatorship which wraps itself in the cloak of democracy, ruled absolutely by the supreme leader, Ali Khamenei. He is the most powerful of four ruling institutions in Iran, and he is unelected, chosen instead by the Council of Guardians, whom he appoints.

The main candidates in the election included Rouhani who has executed close to 4,000 people in the past four years and Ebrahim Raisi, a close friend of Khameneis and the choice of the Iranian terror squad, the Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), who was on the 1988 Death Commissions that sent 30,000 political prisoners to their deaths.

As a result, many Iranians heeded the advice of the Iranian Resistance to boycott the election, rather than take part in a facade of democracy.

The Toronto demonstration received a great deal of media and social media attention. One of the organisers, spoke to CTV, a Canadian broadcaster, and said: Today, our simultaneous protests in Canada over Irans elections is in solidarity with the Iranian people. The people of Iran deserve a democratic change. They rejected 38 years of this tyrannical rule.

While, a senior at the York University of Toronto expressed that there are many issues currently plaguing the Iranian people, including a lack of human rights protections specifically relating to freedom of speech and womens rights. He also highlighted Irans state-sponsored terrorism and their failing economy.

Hassan Mahmoudi, a human rights advocate, wrote an article about the protests for American Thinker in which he applauded the protesters for their bravery.

Another broadcaster, CBC, interviewed Shahnaz Fallah from the International Coalition of Women against Fundamentalism (ICWAF) about the elections.
Ahoy Milwaukee mateys  and a happy Talk Like a Pirate Day to you scallywags! OnMilwaukee originally posted this guide to eating and drinking like a true MKE pirate for our "Talk Like a Milwaukee Pirate Day" on May 24 last year, but in honor of the international holiday, we've brought it back. Enjoy!

Dressing up like a pirate and saying things like "yar" is fun. You can slap on an eye patch and quote Captain Jack Sparrow all day long. Beyond that, the job gets a bit more difficult. Take, for example, eating like a pirate, which really isnt all that glamorous.

However, if youre going to get serious about your piratetry on International Talk Like a Pirate Day, you might as well go all out and explore the culinary side of piratism.

Truth be told, the first few weeks of a pirates journey were probably pretty plush. On a well-stocked ship, there were likely plenty of provisions to go around, including fresh meat. But fast forward a month, with no refrigeration to keep food fresh, and things started to get pretty dicey when it came to eating well.

In fact, if you were a galley cook, masking the flavor of rancid meat and other spoiled food with spices and diversions was part of the gig. Another part was stocking up on dried, cured and fermented products that had a better chance of lasting for a number of months, or at least until you could steal some delicious booty (alcohol and venison were popular stolen goods among Great Lakes pirates) from another ship or from unsuspecting landlubbers.

Here are a few of the victuals you might find (and eat) on a pirate ship, along with delicious modern day equivalents that are perfectly suited for any Milwaukee pirate.

Sea biscuits

Also called hard tack, sea biscuits were on the menu for soldiers and sailors of all stripes since ancient times. Made from just three ingredients: salt, water and wheat flour, these thick crackers were baked and rebaked to remove all moisture so they wouldnt get moldy and spoil. Often eaten with soup, which softened their incredibly hard texture, they could keep for a while. But, their longevity was often shortened by a number of factors.

"Even under ideal conditions," according to Military History Now, "They could easily become infested with weevil larvae or maggots. Sailors and soldiers alike would remove any parasites by submerging the biscuits in coffee or water and then skimming the critters off when they floated to the surface. Others preferred to simply dim the lights and try to choke down the hard tack weevils and all."

The modern Milwaukee equivalent: If you want an authentic experience, you can actually buy hard tack crackers (still popular among survivalists). Better yet, treat yourself to the far more light, flavorful saltine crackers, served up with a side of pimento cheese at Docs BBQ.

Sauerkraut

The fermentation of cabbage using salt and acidic liquids dates back centuries. So, it was already a time-honored tradition by the time pirates adopted it for use at sea. Not only did sauerkraut keep for a long period of time, it was also known for helping to prevent scurvy, a disease prevalent among vitamin-c starved sailors.

The modern Milwaukee equivalent: As you likely know, there is no lack of spots to find sauerkraut in Milwaukee. But, maybe the best way to eat it is in the form of a reuben sandwich. McBobs and Jakes Deli are both great bets.

(PHOTO: McBob's)

Salted Meats

Meat generally came aboard a ship in dried or salted (brined) form. According to National Geographic, dried beef resembled black oak and "sailors often carved it into buttons and belt buckles," prepared through soaking (to remove salt) and cooking, potentially with dried legumes like beans or peas.

The modern Milwaukee equivalent: Split pea soup from a place like Soup Bros. might fit the bill. After all, it combines a salty pork product with dried peas. If youre hankering for a piece of dried meat, you could nosh on the jerky from Kettle Range Meats, which is likely far more delicious than anything on board a pirate ship. Or heck, just celebrate the fact that youre in Milwaukee (and not on a ship) and get a steak instead.

(PHOTO: Kettle Range Meats)

Bone soup

Desperate times called for desperate measures on a pirate ship. After all, staying alive was key to ensuring you'd have strength for raids and pillaging. Its said that, when food was scarce, broth was made with leftover meat bones and whatever else pirates could wrangle.

The modern Milwaukee equivalent: Although theres a big difference between pirate bone broth (which was likely made from old bones with bits of spoiled meat), it has some similarities to the healing bone broth made from fresh long-simmered bones and healing herbs. So get yourself some soup from the Soup Market. Its made from stock thats made from scratch from meat and bones. The ramen at The National is also made from a deeply rich stock made from pork trotters and chicken bones. On International Talk Like a Pirate day, its a good choice if youre looking for something "harrrrdy."

Grog

Beer, ale, and rum were standards on a pirate rig. Thats because fresh water didnt keep well; as bacteria grew in its storage casks, it grew slimy and unappetizing. But, despite their reputation for loving alcohol (which they did), pirates didnt always drink their rum straight. Sometimes they diluted it with water.

Its a tradition started by the English Navy when straight rum was commonly issued to sailors aboard ship. As you can imagine, drunkenness and lack of discipline were common problems. On Aug. 21, 1740, Vice Admiral Edward Vernon, known as "Old Grog," issued an order that rum would thereafter be mixed with water. When they could, theyd also add sugar and lime juice, which not only made it taste better, but also helped to prevent scurvy.

It has also been supposed that, when pirates water supply was going bad, theyd mix rum with it to make the water more palatable.

The modern Milwaukee equivalent: Head to Great Lakes Distillery, Phoenix Club or Dock18 and order up a classic daiquiri. Youll get a mixture of rum, lime and simple syrup thats pretty much on par with a fancied-up grog. Of course, you should probably go with friends and precede your order with "Arrr, a round a grog for me crew!"



(PHOTO: Stand Eat Drink Hospitality)

Sangaree

Rum wasnt the only alcoholic beverage housed on ships. Fortified wines were also common (as were pretty much any type of alcohol pirates could get their hands on). In kind, a punch that was later called "sangaree" had potential to be a pirate beverage. It was a punch, of sorts, comprised of fortified wine and spices.

The modern Milwaukee equivalent: You can get your wine punch on at spots like MOVIDA and Hotel Madrid, which serve a modern equivalent called sangria. Its the perfect patio cocktail. And it definitely warrants a big Milwaukee pirate cheers. We recommend: "414, lets have one more! Aaargh!"

In addition to embedded links, references for this article also include:
Ahoy Milwaukee mateys! OnMilwaukee declares May 24th as the official "Talk Like A Milwaukee Pirate Day." This fake Milwaukee holiday provides an excellent opportunity to don pirate wear while expressing Brew City pirate phrases like "Yarrrr der hey!" "Walk the Plankinton!" or "Shiver me winters!" And remember: the foam cheesehead is the original trifold hat.

Just because we live on the Third Coast, and just because there wasnt a shipworthy route from the high seas to the Great Lakes until the the Welland Canal and the St. Lawrence Seaway, doesnt mean Lake Michigan didnt have pirates of its own.

Whether or not these freshwater buccaneers were as dreadful as their slave-trading equals  known for their inhumane, brutal attacks on people in the Caribbean, including cutting unborn babies from their mothers bellies  isnt clear, but they sure werent altar boys.

Calico Jack

A woodcut of Rackham from Charles Johnson's 1725 edition of

"A General History of the Pyrates." (Wikipedia)

The first one I found was Jack Rackham, who boasted a pretty great pirate nickname in "Calico Jack."

Rackham was born in England in 1682, and although he made his name for attacks on the north coast of Jamaica  where he was ultimately captured and hanged for his crimes in 1720  Calico Jack apparently also spent some time terrorizing fishermen and lumber ships near the Upper Peninsula. Details on that era havent proved easy to find, however.

James J. Strang

An 1856 daguerreotype of James Strang. (Public doman/Wikipedia)

Next up is James J. Strang, who gets a mention in "The Death and Life of the Great Lakes," a recent book by Milwaukees Dan Egan, who describes Strang as a "fiery rival of Brigham Young for leadership of the Mormon church."

I guess you might quip that Strang was more "Brigand Young."

Egan says that after Joseph Smith was killed by an Illinois mob, Young headed toward Utah and the polygamous Strang took his followers to Beaver Island in Lake Michigan, where he ruled his flock with an iron fist.

Beaver Island is roughly equidistant from Petoskey on Michigan's lower peninsula and Manistique in the U.P.

Egan quotes a 1940 newspaper article that draws on the memories of a survivor of Strangs camp: "(Strang) killed any number of men and women, and had others tied up and flogged til they bled. He sent men to loot gentile (non-Mormon) stores and even had pirates sailing around the island to rob fishing boats."

Strang was shot in the back on a dock at St. James, on Beaver Island, but its pretty hard to feel bad for him.

Roaring Dan Seavey

Roaring Dan Seavey, circa 1920. (Public doman/Wikipedia)

Last but not least is the most famous of them all, thanks in part to Great Lakes Distillerys eponymous quaff.

Roaring Dan Seavey is, Great Lakes Guy Rehorst tells me, the only man arrested for piracy on Lake Michigan (a fact Ive found in other sources, too).

The burly Seavey arrived in Wisconsin at Middle Inlet but made his way to Milwaukee, where he ran a tavern near the lake. Seavey was quick to use his fists, "never shirking a fight"  according to Dr. Richard J. Boyd's in-depth article on Seavey  who also didnt shirk using his fists on his first wife, either, leading to divorce.

Seavey was also an "entrepreneur" with a series of businesses, legal and not, including lumbering, bootlegging, poaching, trapping and, in the definitely not legal column, operating a floating brothel on the lake. So, add human trafficking to his rotten resume.

He was known for getting schooner crews drunk and stealing their ships, as well as for moving or extinguishing marine warning and guide lights  a dastardly deed dubbed "moon cussing"  leading ships to crash into rocks. Seavey would then steal the grounded vessels cargo.

On at least one occasion, Seavey fired cannon on a ship, killing everyone on board.

Ironically, after he was captured, Seavey joined the U.S. Marshals Service and worked to fight piracy on Lake Michigan. Did he hope make up for his transgressions? Who knows?

Seavey died in a Peshtigo nursing home in 1949 and is buried in Marinette.
Ahoy Milwaukee mateys! OnMilwaukee declares May 24th as the official "Talk Like A Milwaukee Pirate Day." This fake Milwaukee holiday provides an excellent opportunity to don pirate wear while expressing Brew City pirate phrases like "Yarrrr der hey!" "Walk the Plankinton!" or "Shiver me winters!" And remember: the foam cheesehead is the original trifold hat.

Paul Veksler didnt always dress up like a pirate. He started out dressing up like Superman, but then he saw Johnny Depp in "Willy Wonka" and transformed himself into that character.

Finally, he found his true niche when he decided to costume himself as Jack Sparrow, Depps character in the "Pirates of the Caribbean" movies.

"My OCD kicks in and everything  everything  about my costumes has to be screen accurate," says Veksler.

Veksler estimates hes spent about $4,000 on his Jack Sparrow costume, which is from the first "Pirates" movie and also Vekslers favorite. It is identical to the one worn by Depp, down to the exact same beads in his wig (his wig is actually a combination of two wigs grafted together).

He commissioned a designer to make Sparrows exact coat for $800 and purchased the same boots from the same boot maker that constructed Depps boots. They cost $500.

Veksler also bought "master replicas" from Disney of Sparrows sword, compass, flintlock and dead mans chest. He got a tattoo on his right arm of a flying bird that is the same as Sparrows tattoo in the first movie, which was a fake tattoo. In the second film, Depp has a real version of the tattoo, only the bird is flying in the opposite direction and Depps sons name, "Jack," is printed underneath.

"Why do I have to be so exact with my costume?" asks Veksler. "Because Im anal."

It takes him about 90 minutes to transform into Sparrow, mostly because he has to apply a lot of makeup to his face, neck and hands so he appears tan.

Veksler has watched the films a couple dozen times and says although Sparrows gestures come very naturally to him, he has to work hard to emulate the voice. Prior to an engagement, he listens to sound bites from the film repeatedly all day and all night.

"During this phase I find myself fading in and out of talking like Jack Sparrow in everyday conversation," he says.

These days, as a husband and father of two young children, he only wears the costume for, primarily, the release of "Pirates" films. On Saturday, Veksler will be in costume at the Fox Bay Cinema Grill around 3 p.m. to take photos with moviegoers for the fifth film in the series, "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales."

Veksler says he used to put on the costume just to walk around the mall and, when he did, friends claimed he could have "had any girl he wanted" based on the reactions of women at the mall.

"Now its about my wife, and she really loves the costume," he says.

One time, Veksler and his wife met Depp during a meet-and-greet while he was in Milwaukee filming "Public Enemies." He had to get up at 5 in the morning to make the event, and because he had to work right after  Veksler is a freelance graphic designer  he didnt go in costume. He did, however, get to show Depp his tattoo.

"He was either really flattered or really weirded out," says Veksler. "But he was really nice to us."


Phuket, 24 May 2017  Amari Phuket invites guests to celebrate the start of the Green Season and enjoy the cooler weather after the summer by holding two exclusive promotions, Free access to The Clubhouse and Free airport transfer of the Ocean Wing until the end of July 2017.

The first promotion, Free access to The Clubhouse, is available for the One-bedroom Suite, One-bedroom Suite Ocean Facing and One-bedroom Suite Ocean View. The room rate starts from 4,950 THB+++ per room per night. Guests will be receiving an amazing privilege with complimentary access to The Clubhouse. Enjoy a heaven of sophistication with the awe-inspiring 270-degree views of Patong Bay, access to an infinity pool, sun deck and fitness centre. Guests can also enjoy the buffet breakfast and a la carte dining menu, complimentary tea, coffee and light snacks throughout the day and end with a sunset cocktail hour that has complimentary cocktails and canapes served daily from 17:30 to 18:30.

The second promotion, Free airport transfer, is available for the One-bedroom Suite Club Ocean View Balcony. The room rate starts from 9,000 THB+++ per room per night. Guests who reserve this room category will be automatically receiving The Clubhouse benefits. Moreover, one complimentary round-trip Phuket International Airport transfer per room reservation will be added.

These promotions are available for stays until 31 July 2017. The room rates are subject to change without prior notice. Terms and conditions apply.

For more information about room reservations:

Please contact +66 (0) 7634 0106-14 ext. 8033 and 8034,

Email: reservations.phuket@amari.com or visit www.amari.com/phuket.

Address: Amari Phuket, 2 Muen-ngern Road, Patong Beach, Kathu, Phuket 83150
At the US-Mexico border at the Coronado National Memorial/Roosevelt Easement. The wall and wide patrol road causehabitat fragmentation, threatening the well-being of many species. Credit: Matt Clark/Defenders of Wildlife

With the prospect of a US-Mexico border wall looming, research and reporting on the ecological impacts of walls is both important and timely. Reporting in BioScience on such barriers' known effects on wildlife, science journalist Lesley Evans Ogden describes the potential effects of the proposed structure along the 2000-mile US-Mexico border. "If the wall is completed, it will create a considerable biodiversity conservation challengeone unlikely to disappear anytime soon," she writes.

The threats posed to local populations of species may be dire. Smaller aggregations of animals are often ephemeral and rely on individuals moving between populations to replenish their numbers and genetic stocks. "Local populations blink on and off like Christmas lights," says the University of Arizona's Aaron Flesch, who was interviewed for the article. The concern is that, if a border wall prevents migration, isolated local populations may fail to blink back on again.

Research described in the article points to problems even in areas where actions have been taken to allow animal movement. "Even when there isn't a physical wall or much of a barrier, [border agents] are actively engaged in enforcing the law through patrols," explained David Christianson of University of Arizona. These patrols, which may disrupt movement or other animal behavior, often include off-road travel "right in the middle of this endangered species habitat," says Christianson. Preliminary radio-collar and camera-trap data indicate that some species, such as pronghorn antelope, do not frequently travel near the US-Mexico border.

Perhaps most significant, some research described by Evans Ogden indicates that hardened border barriers may be ineffective in preventing passage by the species they are intended to impedehumans. Jamie McCallum, a consultant at Transfrontier International Limited, and his colleagues from the Zoological Society of London set camera traps in protected areas where 4- to 5-meter steel barriers are already in place. The traps were used to photographically "capture" the presence of mammals along the border. Animals such as coati and pumas were found in lower numbers near hardened borders, as was expected by the researchers. However, the photographic evidence showed no lower likelihood of finding smugglers or undocumented migrants near border walls. Although more work remains to be done, this could be a sign that walls do little to prevent human cross-border movement. Says McCallum, "I thought it would have at least some kind of trace of an effect, even if it wasn't a statistically significant finding. But it didn't appear to."
Camelina at flowering. Credit: Augustine Obour

Camelina: Have you heard of it? It's an emerging alternative oilseed crop in parts of the Great Plains.

A new study, led by Augustine Obour at Kansas State University, looks at how three varieties of camelina perform when grown in two different regions within the Great Plains.

The end goal is to find the camelina variety that performs best in each location or environment.

"It's actually a challenge to identify alternative crops that are well adapted to semi-arid areas of the Great Plains," says Obour. "Plus, these crops have to fit into existing crop rotations."

That's where camelina excels. It's a short-season, cold-tolerant crop that grows well on marginal lands. It is also compatible with existing farm equipment used for grain crops.

Oil extracted from camelina seeds has several uses. It can be used for biodiesel and renewable jet fuel production. It is also a good source of -linolenic acid, a precursor for other healthy fatty acids essential for human and animal health. Together with camelina meal, the oil can also be used to manufacture adhesives, coatings, gums, resins, and varnishes.

Most of the research on camelina cultivation has focused on the northern parts of the Great Plains - parts of Montana and Wyoming. But the Great Plains stretches over 500 miles east to west, and 2000 miles north to south. Environmental conditions can vary widely in different parts of the Plains.

"Conditions, such as rainfall and air temperature, can have significant effects on yield and oil content of camelina," says Obour. For example, heat and moisture stress during flowering can reduce seed yield and alter oil composition.

How would camelina perform when grown in the central Great Plains - western Nebraska and Kansas?

Camelina close to harvest. Credit: Henry Sintim

To answer this question, the researchers picked two test sites. One of the test sites was in Hays, Kansas, in the central Great Plains. Hays has relatively early springs and warmer summer air temperatures. The other test site was in Moccasin, Montana, in the northern Great Plains, with relatively cooler spring and summer temperatures. Moccasin also has lower average annual rainfall than that of Hays.

"These two sites provided us with an opportunity to test the effects of environmental conditions on camelina growth, yield, and oil composition," says Obour.

But environmental conditions aren't alone in affecting how crops perform. Differences in the genetic makeup of crop varieties also influence which ones thrive in specific environments. "Different varieties of camelina respond to environmental stresses differently," says Obour. "That ultimately affects yield and oil content."

Over the course of three years, Obour and his colleagues grew three different camelina varieties in the two test sites. This way, the researchers could test how camelina genetics and environmental conditions together affected yield and oil content.

All three camelina varieties performed similarly at Moccasin, despite their genetic differences. At Hays, however, one variety, called Blaine Creek, had 42% higher seed yields than the other two. "This highlights the importance of looking at both crop genetics and environmental conditions," says Obour.

Overall, camelina seed yields were 54% lower at Hays than at Moccasin. The researchers also found that camelina oil content was lower at Hays. However, seed protein content was significantly higher at Hays.

Oil composition was different between the two test sites as well. Monounsaturated and saturated fatty acid contents were greater at Hays but polyunsaturated oil content was lower. This is important for growers to know so they can better target their crop to a chosen market.

"Our findings confirm that camelina seed yield, oil content, and fatty acid composition are significantly affected by both the environment and camelina genetics," says Obour.

Obour's work continues. "The next line of research is selecting camelina varieties that are tolerant to heat stress," says Obour. That will allow for improved seed yield, oil content, and fatty acid profile of camelina grown across the central Great Plains.

More information: Augustine K. Obour et al, Camelina Seed Yield and Fatty Acids as Influenced by Genotype and Environment, Agronomy Journal (2017). DOI: 10.2134/agronj2016.05.0256 Journal information: Agronomy Journal
Under President Donald Trump's proposed 2018 budget, the world's only independent body dedicated to investigating chemical-related industrial accidents would be abolished. A story in Chemical & Engineering News (C&EN), the weekly newsmagazine of the American Chemical Society, revisits why the U.S. Chemical Safety & Hazard Investigation Board was initially created, its accomplishments, and what experts say about its potential demise.

Jeff Johnson, a special correspondent to C&EN, notes that the boardalso known as the Chemical Safety Board, or CSBwas called for in the 1990 legislative overhaul of the Clean Air Act. But the board lacked the necessary support from presidents George H. W. Bush and Bill Clinton, so industrial chemical accident investigations were delegated to other agencies. But stalled investigations into a 1995 explosion at a New Jersey facility that killed five workers and destroyed surrounding businesses led to pressure from unions, community groups, the state's governor and a senator to fund the CSB. In 1998, the board opened its doors.

Since then, the CSB has investigated some 130 accidents, and has produced more than 90 accident reports and about 40 safety videos. The board has positively influenced industrial and chemical safety in the U.S. and elsewhere, industrial accident experts told C&EN, and with a budget that has never exceeded $12 million in any given year, they say that's a good deal.

More information: "Chemical Safety Board faces death sentence," cen.acs.org/articles/95/i21/US  ety-Board-faces.html
A photo of a darkling beetle fossil from the La Brea Tar Pits. Credit: CP image #0000 2222 9825 2094 provided by the Berkeley Fossil Insect PEN, photography by Rosemary Romero.

Research based on more than 180 fossil insects preserved in the La Brea Tar Pits of Los Angeles indicate that the climate in what is now southern California has been relatively stable over the past 50,000 years.

The La Brea Tar Pits, which form one of the world's richest Ice Age fossil sites, is famous for specimens of saber-toothed cats, mammoths, and giant sloths, but their insect collection is even larger and offers a relatively untapped treasure trove of information. The new study, published today in the journal Quaternary Science Reviews, is based on an analysis of seven species of beetles and offers the most robust environmental analysis for southern California to date.

"Despite La Brea's significance as one of North America's premier Late Pleistocene fossil localities, there remain large gaps in our understanding of its ecological history," said lead author Anna Holden, a graduate student at the American Museum of Natural History's Richard Gilder Graduate School and a research associate at the La Brea Tar Pits and Museum. "Recent advances are now allowing us to reconstruct the region's paleoenvironment by analyzing a vast and previously under-studied collection from the tar pits: insects."

The new study focuses on ground beetles and darkling beetles, which are still present in and around the Los Angeles Basin today. Insects adapt to highly specific environmental conditions, with most capable of migrating when they or their habitats get too hot, too cold, too wet, or too dry. This is especially true for ground and darkling beetles, which are restricted to well-known habitats and climate ranges.

Researchers dated beetle species from the La Brea Tar Pits that are still alive today, such as the darkling beetle shown in this photo. Credit: Joyce Gross

The researchers used radiocarbon dating to estimate the ages of the beetle fossils and discovered they could be grouped into three semi-continuous ranges: 28,000-50,000 years old, 7,500-16,000 years old, and 4,000 years old. Because the beetles stayed put for such a sustained period of time, evidently content with their environmental conditions, the study suggests that pre-historic Los Angeles was warmer and drier than previously inferredvery similar to today's climate. In addition, insects that thrive in cooler environments, such as forested and canopied habitats, and are just as likely as the beetles to be preserved in the tar pits, have not been discovered at La Brea.

"With the exception of the peak of the last glaciers during the late Ice Age about 24,000 years ago, our data show that these highly responsive and mobile beetles were staples in Los Angeles for at least the last 50,000 years, suggesting that the climate in the area has been surprisingly similar." Holden said. "We hope that insects will be used as climate proxies for future studies, in combination with other methods, to give us a complete picture of the paleoenvironment of Earth."

More information: Anna R. Holden et al, A 50,000 year insect record from Rancho La Brea, Southern California: Insights into past climate and fossil deposition, Quaternary Science Reviews (2017). DOI: 10.1016/j.quascirev.2017.05.001 Journal information: Quaternary Science Reviews
In his article for Al Arabiya, Abdulrahman al-Rashed, former General Manager of Al Arabiya News Channel and internationally acclaimed journalist writes, Trump equated Hezbollah with al-Qaeda and talked about militarily cooperating with the coalition in Yemen to confront the Houthi militias and active role of American military in Syria.

In a meeting with the King of Bahrain in Saudi Arabia, Trump conveyed that the US altered its policy. Iran is the common factor causing important shifts, whose impact will be seen in the coming months.

Global terrorism and Iranian expansion in the regions countries are the threats that Saudi Arabia and the US agreed to cooperate in confronting. At the Arab Islamic American Summit, the Saudi kings speech focused on these two points..

Trump appointed of prominent political and military officials who are experts in the region to take quick measures. Iran is in trouble due to this quick action taken against it in Syria, Iraq, Yemen and Lebanon. Escalation in activity, will result in sanctions being imposed on it.

Tehran announced that moderate Hassan Rouhani won a second presidential term while Trump was in Riyadh, but the future will show whether the Iranian government will adopt positive and tangible measures.

Iran is in real trouble due to the quick action taken against it in Syria, Iraq, Yemen and Lebanon. If it tries to escalate its activity, sanctions will be imposed on it.

Abdulrahman al-Rashed writes that, Rouhani may be a good figure among the Iranian regime officials but the Revolutionary Guards are evil. Theyre accomplices in killing around 500,000 Syrians and in assassinating public figures in Lebanon. Theyre responsible for the current marginalization of the central authority in Iraq as they support the latters rival militias. They supported, trained and armed the Houthi movement which staged a coup against the Yemeni government. All this is part of Tehrans project to besiege Saudi Arabia and the Gulf and dominate the region.

Instability in the Middle East threatens the interests of the world and worsens chaos. Weve seen this in the past six years. The US wants Iran to realize that the world no longer accepts this chaos and will no longer keep silent over threatening its interests. Are we happy that President Trump altered his countrys policy and began to support the camp of moderate Arab and Islamic countries? writes Abdulrahman al-Rashed.

Its a decisive development. King Salman bin Abdulaziz called Iran the spearhead of terrorism during his speech at the Arab Islamic American Summit. President Rouhani is facing a new situation, and he must consider it well and make use of it to launch a reconciliatory project that halts his countrys interferences. Its time to move towards a new regional phase.
The essential nano-mechanic features of proteins can be conveniently studied by a simplified geometry. Taking, for example, a cylinder, and asking for evolution to find a fluid channel (shown in blue) a multitude of realistic properties of real proteins appear naturally, and exhibit the advantage of conceptual, rather than detailed models of proteins. Credit:  UNIGE - Jean-Pierre Eckmann

Proteins digest food, and fight infections and cancer, and serve other metabolic functions. They are basically nano-machines, each one designed to perform a specific task. But how did they evolve to match those needs, and how did genes encode the structure and function of proteins? Researchers from the University of Geneva (UNIGE), Switzerland, the Institute for Basic Science, Korea, and the Rockefeller University, U.S., have conducted a study that tackles this question and explains the basic geometry of the gene-to-protein code by connecting proteins to properties of amorphous physical matter.

The full article appears in Physical Review X.

A protein is a chain made of 20 different kinds of amino acid with elaborate interactions, and unlike standard physical matter, proteins are selected by evolution. "The blueprint for protein synthesis is written in long DNA genes, but we show that only a small fraction of this huge information space is used to make the functional protein," explains Jean-Pierre Eckmann, Professor at the Department of Theoretical Physics from the Faculty of Science of UNIGE.

Together with Prof. Tsvi Tlusty from the Center for Soft and Living Matter, Institute for Basic Science (IBS) in Korea and Prof. Albert Libchaber from the Rockefeller University in New York, Prof. Eckmann shows that the only changes in the code that matter are those occurring in the segment of the gene coding the mechanically relevant hinges of the nano-machine. The changes in other regions of this highly redundant code have no impact. "We are now using this new approach to understand the relation between the function and dynamics of several important proteins."
A common vampire bat mother with young. Credit: Uwe Schmidt

Female vampire bats form strong social bonds with their mothers and daughters as they groom and share regurgitated meals of blood. They also form friendships with less closely related bats. Gerry Carter, post-doctoral fellow at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI), and colleagues discovered that unrelated friends are important backup support when family members go missing.

When they remove a major food donor, like a mother or daughter, from a bat's social network, females who previously built up more friendships with non-relatives cope better with their loss. They score more food than do female bats who only invest in close kin.

"Is it better to have a few strong social bonds or a greater number of weaker social ties?" asks Carter. "Theory suggests you should always invest in the cooperative partner that provides the best returns. But clearly, a social animal should not put all its social time and energy in just one relationship, especially in an unpredictable social environment. That's like putting all your eggs in one basket."

"Females don't begin reproducing until they are two years old," said co-author Gerald Wilkinson professor of biology at the University of Maryland. "They only have one pup per year, so the number of closely related females tends to be low."

"Vampire bats who feed more non-relatives don't usually do better at getting fed when they are hungry," Carter said. "So why cultivate non-kin "friends"? We discovered that on the rare occasion that they lose a major food donor, they do much better. Their social network of food donors is wider and more robust."

Common vampire bats (Desmotus rotundus) depend on their friends in a pinch. Credit: Uwe Schmidt

Vampire bats live on the edge. If they do not get enough to eat, it does not take long before they die of starvation. Their close relatives and friends often step in, sharing blood meals. Strengthening relationships by feeding a possible donor is one way to increase the chances of being fed. Having a larger number of potential donors is another. Carter calls the balance between these two strategies "social bet hedging".

To understand how social bet hedging works for vampire bats, Carter's team monitored social interactions in a captive colony of about 30 marked common vampire bats (Desmodus rotundus) for four years. They worked out how the bats were related based on their genes. Carter removed individual females from the group for a 24-hour fasting period. Just before returning them to the group, he removed one of the bat's key food donors, usually its mother or daughter. Then he looked at how each bat coped with this change to its social network.

Common vampire bats are native to the American tropics and sub-tropics, where they often feed on cattle, especially where forests have been replaced by pastureland. "It's not uncommon that a bat goes out to forage and fails to get food, and it's not uncommon that her closest relative will have switched to a different roost that night," Carter said. "We're recreating a situation that vampire bats might face fairly often."

Common vampire bats sharing food. Credit: Gerry Carter

Social bet hedging might exist in other species, including our own. Other studies have shown that baboons that lose a close relative to a predator will begin grooming more individuals in their group. There is also evidence that humans are happier with quality over quantity, yet people living in unpredictable social environments tend to value more friendships over a few stronger ones. "It would be particularly interesting to test the extent to which human collaborative or friendship networks are shaped by decisions to invest in relationship quantity or quality," the authors conclude. "The social bet-hedging hypothesis provides a new dimension to why animals form and maintain social groups" said Damien Farine, a former post-doctoral fellow at STRI who is now principal investigator at the Max Planck Institute for Ornithology and University of Konstanz in Germany, and co-author of the study.
The robotic exosuit delivered forces on the right foot in 19 different directions and angles, interrupting both step length (compromising balance and stability) and step height (compromising stride pattern and energy expenditure). Credit: Cajigas et al., Sci. Robot. 2, eaam7749 (2017)

Learning how to walk is difficult for toddlers to master; it's even harder for adults who are recovering from a stroke, traumatic brain injury, or other condition, requiring months of intensive, often frustrating physical therapy. With the recent boom of the robotic exoskeleton industry, more and more patients are being strapped into machines that apply forces to their legs as they walk, gently prodding them to modify their movements by lengthening their strides, straightening their hips, and bending their knees. But, are all patients benefiting from this kind of treatment? A group of scientists led by Paolo Bonato, Ph.D., Associate Faculty member at the Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University and Director of the Motion Analysis Laboratory at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, has discovered a crucial caveat for rehabilitative exoskeletons: humans whose lower limbs are fastened to a typical clinical robot only modify their gait if the forces the robot applies threaten their walking stability.

In a study published in the newest issue of Science Robotics, the researchers measured how test subjects' gait changed in response to forces applied by a robotic exoskeleton as they walked on a treadmill. To the team's surprise, the walkers adjusted their stride in response to a change in the length, but not the height, of their step, even when step height and length were disturbed at the same time. The scientists believe that this discrepancy can be explained by the central nervous system (CNS)'s primary reliance on stability when determining how to adjust to a disruption in normal walking. "Lifting your foot higher mid-stride doesn't really make you that much less stable, whereas placing your foot closer or further away from your center of mass can really throw off your balance, so the body adjusts much more readily to that disturbance," says Giacomo Severini, Ph.D., one of the three first authors of the paper, who is now an Assistant Professor at University College Dublin.

In fact, the brain is so willing to adapt to instability that it will expend a significant amount of the body's energy to do so, most likely because the consequences of wobbly walking can be severe: a broken ankle, torn ligaments, or even a fall from a height. However, this prioritization of stability means that other aspects of walking, like the height of the foot off the ground or the angle of the toes, may require treatment beyond walking in a clinical exoskeleton. "To modify step height, for example, you'd need to design forces so that the change in height, which the brain normally interprets as neutral, becomes challenging to the patient's balance," says Severini. Most robots used in clinical settings today do not allow for that kind of customization.

The brain appears to create an internal model of the body's movement based on the environment and its normal gait, and effectively predicts each step. When reality differs from that model (i.e., when a force is applied), the brain adjusts the body's step length accordingly to compensate until the force is removed and the body recalibrates to the mental model. "The results of our study give us insight into the way people adapt to external forces while walking in general, which is useful for clinicians when evaluating whether their patients will respond to clinical robot interventions," says Bonato, who is also an Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School (HMS).

"The results of this research are very important from a clinical point of view," agrees Ross Zafonte, D.O., Chairperson of the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at HMS and Senior Vice President of Medical Affairs Research and Education at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital. "It is thanks to advances in our understanding of the interactions between robots and patients, such as the ones investigated in this study, that we can design effective robot-assisted gait therapy."

"As the human population ages, robotics is playing an increasing role in their care and treatment," says Donald Ingber, M.D., Ph.D., Founding Director of the Wyss Institute, who is also the Judah Folkman Professor of Vascular Biology at HMS and Boston Children's Hospital, and Professor of Bioengineering at Harvard's John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS). "Studying how the human body interacts with robots can not only teach us how to build better clinical rehabilitation machines, but also how our own human bodies work."

More information: I. Cajigas el al., "Robot-induced perturbations of human walking reveal a selective generation of motor adaptation," Science Robotics (2017). robotics.sciencemag.org/lookup  /scirobotics.aam7749 Journal information: Science Robotics
Late Monday, an explosion at the end of an Ariana Grande concert at Manchester Arena in England killed 22 people and injured nearly 60 others. The New York Times reported Tuesday that British authorities had identified the bomber who carried out the attack; the deadliest in Britain since 2005.

Attacks of this sort often raise the question, 'How did this happen?' We asked Carey Rappaport, Distinguished Professor in the College of Engineering and an expert in security, sensing, and surveillance systems, just that. Rappaport is deputy director of the Awareness and Localization of Explosive-Related Threats, or ALERT Center, a multidisciplinary and multi-university-led organization whose research is helping to improve the detection, mitigation, and response to explosive-related threats worldwide. The ALERT Center was also designated a Center of Excellence by the federal Department of Homeland Security.

Protecting thousands of people in a large public space without infringing on their privacy rights is "a vexing problem," Rappaport said. Indeed, even with a "dream" security device in place, there are still challenges.

What are some of the challenges authorities face trying to secure large venues?

Security in these large public places is a real challenge. England in particular has lots of surveillance systems in place alreadythey'll watch people in downtown London much more than we watch people in cities in the U.S. It's almost too much to watch, though. It's hard to make a determination about whether something is unusual or if someone is nefarious or bent on being destructive. Using video analytics to see if someone is acting differently from other people walking by is imperfect.

In this instance, you also had people leaving the arena and getting to the train stationthose are people going from one secure area to another, but how do you protect those people when they're out in public?

When considering security measures, there are privacy issues that have to be worked out, as well. We don't want to turn the whole world into a surveillance state. Indeed, it's a vexing problem.

What might be the ideal security measures to have in place?

The dream device, so to speak, at this point, is a hallway detector system, wherein pedestrians would walk between a pair of detection panels. The sensing and processing would occur fast enough that the person wouldn't have to stop to take off their jacket or empty their pockets, they wouldn't even have to break their stride. A combination of advanced interpretation algorithms and efficient scanning and computation would all have to work together to provide alerts of unusual concealed items.

Even in this scenario, however, you need people to make the final decision to pull someone aside and determine the risk. It would also be difficult to implement in a venue where there are thousands of people pushing through the doors at the same time, like you might have at a large arena.

Currently, metal detectors will detect handguns, machetes, or pocket knives, things of this nature. They won't detect an explosive. Meanwhile, security personnel are trying to keep the peace and keep pace with 10,000 people streaming in and out of a venue. It's extremely difficult to discern shady people, even with the best security.

What do you make of the targetin this case, a pop music concert?

This was a performance for teenagers and childrenit wasn't a political rally, it wasn't even something where you have two sides, like a sporting event. For someone to cause this much carnage just shows that nothing is immune to these situations.

It hurts when someone goes after children. Unfortunately, in a world where things are a lot less safe than they perhaps used to be, it's not a matter of just throwing money at a problem; at its most basic level, this is knowing who your neighbor is, and what he or she is willing to do.
Left: Ceratinia tutia -- one of numerous examples of clearwing butterfly species which have mimicked the warning colour patterns of others to deter predators. Right: Chris Jiggins collecting data about butterfly flying habits from a tree. Credit: Kim Garwood / Julia Robinson Willmott

The spectacular variety of colours and patterns that butterflies use to ward off potential predators may result from highly localised environmental conditions known as "microhabitats", researchers have found.

The study, by an international team of researchers, attempts to explain why, even though butterfly species have evolved to mimic one another's wing patterns to more efficiently signal their toxicity, they nevertheless maintain a kaleidoscopic array of patterns overall.

This paradox applies not just to butterflies, but to a wide range of species, and addresses broader questions about how many different defensive strategies can be optimal in one place. Although many species have evolved warning colour patterns that signal to predators that they are bad to eat, there is still a remarkable diversity of these patterns. Scientists predict that all species should converge on the same pattern, but this has clearly not happened.

In the new study, the researchers focused on an area of Ecuadorian rainforest where butterfly species copy each other's markings to deter insect-eating birds. The birds have learned that butterflies which exhibit certain patterns are toxic. There are, however, numerous different examples of these so-called "mimicry rings", with the butterflies using a wide range of different colours and patterns to achieve the same result.

The researchers found that small and highly localised differences between parts of the forest, which are often only a few hundred metres apart, could explain why this happens. Although they do not seem dramatically dissimilar from one another, these microhabitats expose the butterflies to different predators. As a result, the pattern that is the most effective signal to predators may differ from one part of the forest to another.

The study was carried out by academics from the University of Cambridge, UK; the University of Florida, US; and the National Museum of Natural History/National Centre for Scientific Research in France.

Chris Jiggins, Professor of Evolutionary Biology at St John's College, University of Cambridge, and a co-author, said: "This is a really big question in science - why are there so many species, particularly in the tropical rainforests? Mimicry in these butterflies offers one opportunity to understand why the tropics are so incredibly diverse."

"What we found is that different insect-eating birds encounter different butterflies in these distinctive parts of the forest. This explains why, despite the effects of mimicry, the butterflies have maintained different patterns. Even though they are not living very far apart, they are signalling to different predators."

The study is unusual in that the scientists examined this question by looking at predator species and their prey together - something which is often difficult to achieve. "This helped us to find evidence that supports earlier, theoretical predictions that microhabitat preferences in predators and prey could enhance mimicry diversity," co-author Marianne Elias, from MNHN/CNRS, said.

They studied an area of rainforest close to the Napo River, a tributary of the Amazon. A range of low hills there contains two distinctive microhabitats: small valleys with streams, and low ridges. These have slightly different natural features, such as subtle changes in light and temperature, and variations in plant life.

The team marked out four pairs of 30 metre-diameter plots, each consisting of either an area of valley or a section of ridge. They then documented the relationship between 64 species of butterflies (including 58 species of ithomiines, commonly known as clearwing butterflies), and 127 species of local insectivorous birds, including tyrant flycatchers, jacamars and antbirds. Ithomiine butterflies have evolved a number of contrasting mimicry rings, often using bright colours such as orange and yellow to warn the birds about their toxicity.

The researchers also studied the abundance of butterflies and their interactions with predators at different heights. "We threw ropes over the trees, climbed up and hung there in a harness to record how high the butterflies were flying," Jiggins said.

They found that different butterfly mimicry rings gravitate towards topographically distinctive areas and fly at different heights. Similarly, different bird species tend to occur in different microhabitats.

These behavioural tendencies influence predation rates. At ridge sites, for example, birds targeted butterflies from the mimicry ring known as 'eurimedia' (which are yellow and black), more than a mimicry ring called 'hermias' (which have a tiger-like pattern, with intermingled orange, yellow and black). In valley sites, the situation was the reverse. The researchers showed this by putting dead butterfly specimens in the "wrong" areas, where the birds - clearly unfamiliar with their markings - attacked these specimens more than those displaying the locally abundant pattern.

Microhabitats are, however, probably only one of several causes of diversity in the butterflies' mimicry rings. Other factors, such as seasonal variations in predators, or the fact that different species are active at different times of day, may also be significant.

The study adds to a developing picture of the very complex interrelationships between plants, herbivores and predators in which even small ecological changes can have a knock-on effect for multiple species and, it would seem, their diversity.

"Mimicry is a form of mutualism in which species are connected by each other's presence," Jiggins added. "In these amazingly diverse Amazonian rainforests there are lots of opportunities for such mutualistic interactions, which help to generate and stabilise diversity."

More information: Maintaining mimicry diversity: optimal warning colour patterns differ among microhabitats in Amazonian clearwing butterflies, Proceedings of the Royal Society B, rspb.royalsocietypublishing.or  .1098/rspb.2017.0744 Journal information: Proceedings of the Royal Society B
Robert Lynch, a postdoctoral fellow in anthropology, says the level of devotion one feels toward religious beliefs can predict how that person likely will interact with members of his own group or with members outside of the group. Lynch's latest research paper, "Religious Devotion and Extrinsic Religiosity Affect In-group Altruism and Out-group Hostility Oppositely in Rural Jamaica," published in Evolutionary Psychology Science, suggests that a sincere belief in Godreligious devotionis unrelated to feelings of prejudice. Rather, Lynch's research finds that those whose religious beliefs are extrinsicwho use religion as a way to achieve non-religious goals such as attaining status or joining a social groupand who regularly attend religious services are more likely to hold hostile attitudes toward outsiders.

"It's not the true believers who are the problem," Lynch says. "It's the people who use religion, perhaps in a cynical way, to further their goals."

Lynch says one way to look at the issue is to compare ISIS with Al Qaeda. He says ISIS is mostly composed of former Iraqi generals who served under Saddam Hussein, and they are not particularly religious. Members of ISIS routinely kill members of their own group as well as individuals outside their group (both Sunnis and Shias). One of the main objectives for ISIS is to expand its territory, and it often uses a religious pretext to achieve its goals. On the other hand, Al Qaeda, a Sunni Muslim organization created in 1988 to fight the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, does not typically kill fellow Muslims. Lynch says members of Al Qaeda are true believers who like members of their own group and are not as hostile to outside groups.

Lynch's research is based on a 30-year study of 288 Jamaican citizens from youth to adulthood by Robert Trivers of Rutgers University, a colleague who is studying symmetry (how much an individual varies from left to right) in the island population. Lynch gave the study participants a survey to determine whether religious beliefs were intrinsic or extrinsic, as well as measuring religious devotion and church attendance. He says the findings suggest that the beliefs and social aspects that underlie religion have distinct effects on attitudes within and between groups. His research found that religious beliefs are positively associated with a willingness to sacrifice for one's beliefs and a greater tolerance of outsiders, while the social facets of religion, such as attendance, promote greater hostility toward outsiders.

"Group membership may be enough to produce a particular behavior and the religious beliefs themselves may be irrelevant," Lynch says. "Taken as a whole, these results point to a generally optimistic view of the ability for religious beliefs to generate compassion and a darker view on the social activities that promote group cohesion, which may also produce hatred of others."

More information: R. Lynch et al, Religious Devotion and Extrinsic Religiosity Affect In-group Altruism and Out-group Hostility Oppositely in Rural Jamaica, Evolutionary Psychological Science (2017). DOI: 10.1007/s40806-017-0103-y
Paolo Benigni is part of the research team at FIU's Center for Aquatic Chemistry and Environment that developed a new tool to assess oil spill damage. Credit: Florida International University

Scientists are getting an entirely new perspective of what happens to oil in a spill, thanks to a tool developed by researchers at Florida International University.

Little is known about the chemical make-up of oil and how it acts when it mixes with seawater or sunlight during a spill. But by combining techniques to create one powerful instrument, a team from FIU's Center for Aquatic Chemistry and Environment can see how the oil behaves at the molecular level.

"The new analytical development will increase the number of molecules that can be examined six-fold, giving scientists a more detailed look into the chemical changes crude oil undergoes in a spill," said Paolo Benigni, Ph.D. candidate in FIU's Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and lead author of the study. "This work opens the door to answering complex chemical questions about how molecules change in the environment."

The new tool could change how oil spills are cleaned up in the future since officials will have more and better information. According to the researchers, officials would be able to predict toxicity of spilled oil, how far it might travel and how long it would likely stay in the environment.

"By dissecting crude oil composition down to their molecular level, we can better understand how it interacts with the environment, leading to better oil spill remediation strategies and more efficient environmental policies," said chemist Francisco Fernandez-Lima, director of the project.

Traditional analytical technologies have mainly restricted scientists to information related to the mass of crude oils. The new tool combines techniques, allowing scientists to simultaneously examine crude oil molecules by mass, size and shape without the need of lengthy sample preparation and separation steps. One of the techniquestrapped ion mobility spectrometry (TIMS)was developed by Fernandez-Lima in collaboration with Bruker Daltonics Inc. Fernandez-Lima has been pioneering the use of the coupled technique for a variety of environmental and biomedical applications since 2010.

By combining techniques, the researchers have developed a new analytical tool that can be used for more than just oil spills. Scientists can use it to study other contaminants in diverse water and land environments. With oil accounting for a large percentage of the world's energy consumption, accidents with drilling, production and transportation are always a possibility. Improved remediation techniques are always the goal.

Funded by the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation, the researchers' findings were recently published in Environmental Science & Technology. Preliminary findings related to this study were published in Analytical Chemistry and Journal of Visualized Experiments.
With the average well built in 1963, more than 1 in 5 active US underground natural gas storage (UGS) wells could be vulnerable to leaks due to obsolete well designs, according to a new study from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

These obsolete wells operate in 19 states across 160 UGS facilities that encompass 51 per cent of the total working gas capacity in the U.S. The oldest of these wells are concentrated in OH, PA, NY, and WV.

The wells identified by the research team are likely to be similar in design to the well that failed and led to the nearly four-month Aliso Canyon gas leak in California in 2015/16  now the largest single accidental release of greenhouse gases in US history.

Lead author Dr Drew Michanowicz, from Harvard University's Center for Health and Global Environment, said: "Underground storage of natural gas is a critical part of the US supply chain, and many portions of the country rely on this infrastructure for heating and increasingly for electricity generation. As Aliso Canyon and other incidents have demonstrated, the vulnerability of a single well presents a major risk to energy security, greenhouse gas emissions, and to the safety and health of people who live near it."

Publishing their results today in the journal Environmental Research Letters, the team presents a national database of UGS wells and indicates the need for a better understanding of the risks associated with obsolescence issues facing aging storage wells, especially those not originally designed for two-way flow.

The team identified more than 2,700 active UGS wells across the U.S. that, like the failed well at Aliso Canyon, were not originally designed for gas storage because they predate the facility. These repurposed wells have a median age of 74 years, and some are more than 100 years old. Though well age alone may not be an issue, older wells are particularly likely to have certain design deficiencies like single failure points that do not reflect the engineering lessons learned over time.

Co-author Dr Jonathan Buonocore said: "Partly because no federal safety regulations apply to natural gas storage wells or their operations (now pending), very little aggregate information was available regarding these mid-stream systems. After we identified this data gap, we realized we needed to build our own database to begin to assess this previously inapparent hazard."

The team developed a geodatabase of over 14,000 active UGS wells, using well and facility-level data from 29 individual states, the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), and company system maps. Following recommendations from the Interagency Task Force on Natural Gas Storage Safety to phase out wells with only a single barrier of protection, the team began their assessment by calculating the prevalence and locations of active UGS wells that were repurposed from hydrocarbon production. They then referenced well construction dates with the typical construction practices from that era to identify which wells may be more likely to exhibit certain design deficiencies such as single casing protection.

"Another important finding was that older repurposed wells are present in facilities that had constructed new wells in the last decade. This variation of well vintage within facilities suggests that a range of risk management practices and integrity verification techniques are likely needed," said Co-author Sebastian Rowland

"Our study presents a census of active UGS wells in the US and identifies those that may be high-risk. Our research focused primarily on original well designs, so further research is needed to refine our understanding of active risk management practices at the state and operator levels." added Dr Michanowicz.

The Aliso Canyon storage well failed in part because it was structurally vulnerable to a single-point-of-failure. In oil and gas safety engineering terms, reliability of systems involves either increasing integrity of individual materials, or by increasing redundant control systems. Because the well in question was originally drilled in 1954 as an oil-producing well, only a single steel pipe separated the flow of gas and the outside rock formation at certain depths, meaning the well's passive structural integrity was dependent only on a single steel casing.

More information: Drew R Michanowicz et al. A national assessment of underground natural gas storage: identifying wells with designs likely vulnerable to a single-point-of-failure, Environmental Research Letters (2017). DOI: 10.1088/1748-9326/aa7030 Journal information: Environmental Research Letters
This is our national animal symbols. Credit: Tatum Nugent

The snowy-feathered head and distinctive brown body of the bald eagle is a proud national symbol of the United States, adorning the country's currency and passports. The lion, known as "King of the Beasts," represents national strength and identity in several African countries.

But, how are populations of the planet's most valued wildlife fairing in the 21st centry? How well are societies protecting the species they have chosen to embody their ideals and represent their national identity?

In a new study, scientists from the University of Miami (UM) Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science assessed the extinction risk and conservation status of all the world's national animal symbols. The 189 animal symbols assessed ranged from the lion and bald eagle to the turtle dove and common loon.

The analysis by UM researchers Neil Hammerschlag and Austin Gallagher found that an alarming 35 percent of the world's national animal symbols are threatened with extinction and 45 percent are experiencing population declines. They determined that the primary threats facing national animal symbols are killing for food, human-wildlife conflict, and habitat loss.

The researchers were surprised to find that only 16 percent of all symbols were receiving any sort of national protection within the country in which they are considered symoblic. The also found that populations of national animal symbols represented by North America and Australia-Oceania were faring better than those found within the African continent, which hosted the highest proportion of threatned animal symbols by geographic region.

"If current population trends persist, over 50 percent of national animal symbols may face future extinction," said the study's lead author Hammerschlag, a research assistant professor at UM's Rosenstiel School and Abess Center for Ecosystem Science & Policy. "This clearly shows the opportunity for individual countries to protect their own national symbols."

The researchers analyzed data from the IUCN Red List to assess the threat and conservation status of national animal symbols, representing 127 countries, including some countries who share national symbols. The Africa lion, for example, is the national animal symbols of Morocco, Togo, Gambia, and Sierra Leone, although the lion already went extinct wthin the borders of these countires. Some countries, including the U.S. have taken specific conservation actions that have allowed populations of the once-threatened national symbol, the bald eagle, to recover and now thrive, demonstrating that these animals can be conserved with appropriate conservation action.

"Given the potential significance of animal symbols to national and personal identity, it may be relatively easy to garner public support and protection for these animals such that they may continue to function as not only a national symbol, but also a flagship species indirectly supporting the conservation of other species and their habitats," said study co-author Gallagher, an adjunct assistant professor at UM Rosenstiel School and director of the non-profit Beneath the Waves Inc.

"The results of the study pose a sobering question, if a country isn't able to conserve or protect its own national symbol, what hope do any other species in that country have?" said Gallagher. "Local conservation initiatives may benefit from generating increased awareness of threats facing national animal symbols."

The researchers note that it may be relatively easy within a country to garner support for national animal symbols as flagship species if citizens become aware of the risks they face. "The fact that countries have been able to bring their national animal symbols back from near-extinction through strong conservation efforts is an important lesson and excellent sign of hope for all nations," said Hammerschlag.

More information: Neil Hammerschlag et al, Extinction Risk and Conservation of the Earth's National Animal Symbols, BioScience (2017). DOI: 10.1093/biosci/bix054 Journal information: BioScience
AEVI and Tanda Partner to Simplify Workforce Management for Business Owners

London 24/05/17  AEVI has today announced a partnership with Australian-based technology company Tanda, to bring their industry leading cloud-based payroll and rostering solution to AEVIs Global Marketplace; the B2B app store for smart Point of Sale (SmartPOS). This collaboration will enable merchants in the retail and hospitality space to streamline their workforce management via the apps seamless integration with AEVIs range of compatible SmartPOS devices.

SMEs are always on the lookout for innovative ways to save time and reduce costs. With Tandas market leading automated workforce technology, they can do just that. Rather than wasting time on payroll and HR, owners will be free to focus on the things that truly matter to their business. With over 145 million rostered hours across 2,500 business locations around the world, Tanda combines all the workforce management tools a merchant could need into one simple, secure, solution. From reliable time clock applications to user-friendly digitised rostering, Tandas innovative software takes the guess work out of time management, ensuring employees are paid accurately and on time.

The strategic partnership with AEVI will expand Tandas global reach, and make their solution available to a global network of key merchant banks and acquirers. With over 70,000 SmartPOS terminals already in operation across Australia and central Europe, AEVI is the ideal partner for Tanda to increase their speed to market, and expand into new regions.

Liam Scanlan, Director of Strategic Development for Tanda said, Partnering with AEVI will bring best of breed solutions to businesses all over the world, uniting Tandas leading workforce management software with AEVIs Global Marketplace. Tanda and AEVI know there is an opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of business owners in how they pay and manage their staff, giving them more time to invest in running their business. Our combined offering helps achieve this.

We are thrilled to bring Tandas market leading workforce technology to our Global Marketplace said Mike Camerling, Director Marketplace, AEVI. We could all use a little more time at work. Thanks to Tanda that is now a real possibility for the merchants of all our bank and acquiring customers.

AEVI continues its mission to pioneer and lead the payments community towards an open ecosystem. Providing banks and acquirers with the capabilities to differentiate themselves on more than just price and technical specifications. To find out more about how AEVI continues to grow its choice of value-added apps and services please visit marketplace.aevi.com.

About Tanda:

Tanda is an award-winning workforce management software that empowers businesses to unlock efficiency and productivity gains through more effective workforce management. Founded in Brisbane, Australia, Tanda was built for the express purpose of helping senior stakeholders to get the most from their workforce by increasing productivity, profitability and governance and oversight within their entire organisation. Tanda streamlines scheduling, time & attendance tracking, leave management, wage calculation, as well as payroll integration into one powerful solution.

www.tanda.co

Tanda is a leading workforce management solution headquartered in Brisbane, Australia; which currently provides market-leading solutions to thousands of customers around world.

About AEVI:

AEVI brings acquirers closer to their merchants, and merchants closer to their consumers, with an open Ecosystem that combines apps, payment services and a multi-vendor selection of payment devices. Selecting from a marketplace of high-quality apps and services, Acquirers can quickly create differentiated, innovative SmartPOS solutions under their own brands. Our centralized payments as a service platform eliminates obstacles, and helps Acquirers simplify the complex payment landscape with a single integration and access to a comprehensive suite of cloud-based, back office reporting tools for enhanced control and flexibility. We welcome Acquirers, App Solution Partners and Hardware Vendors to build on our vision of an open, collaborative payments Ecosystem unrestricted by device vendors, currencies, borders or regulations.

Other POS News:
Even more unexpected were the yes responses by more than 50 Muslim heads of state to attend the Arab Islamic American Summit on May 21st, Rafizadeh wrote on Tuesday for the HuffPost.

He added:

The timing, place and reception of the American presidents remarks at the Summit really should have come as no surprise. They reflect the shared goal of western and Muslim nations of a coalition of nations who share the aim of stamping out extremism. And in that context, in comments long overdue for their clarity and lucidity, the American president called out the worlds number-one state sponsor of terrorism: Iran.

In his words, no discussion of stamping out this threat would be complete without mentioning the government that gives terrorists all threesafe harbor, financial backing, and the social standing needed for recruitment From Lebanon to Iraq to Yemen, Iran funds, arms, and trains terrorists, militias, and other extremist groups that spread destruction and chaos across the region. For decades, Iran has fueled the fires of sectarian conflict and terror.

It was a statement of policy long awaited in the Arab world and beyond. For too long, groups such as ISIS and Al-Qaeda have hoarded the headlines with their vicious massacres, bloody videos, and offensive rhetoric. They were allowed to define the narrative as Islam versus the infidels, to the dismay and outrage of Muslims worldwide, instead of calling it what it is: terrorism, plain and simple.

This is not about Islam versus the West, or Arabs versus Persians, or Sunnis versus Shiites. It is about the civilized peoples of the world  of all faiths and cultures  joining together to defeat a barbaric, violent extremism that spreads destruction and chaos in the region, and brutalizes civilian populations, most of whom are in fact Muslim. To do so, they must recognize that the heart of the leviathan beats in Tehran. That fact has been well known to the peoples of the Middle East for almost four decades. As Trump stated, Iran is a government that speaks openly of mass murder, vowing the destruction of Israel, death to America, and ruin for many leaders and nations in this room.

His words struck a chord among the Muslim leaders gathered in Riyadh, and again struck a chord at Trumps next stop, Israel. And they struck a chord among the Iranian people, the Iranian regimes longest-suffering victims.

While the Iranian people did not have voice at the summit, Maryam Rajavi, the President-elect of the National Council of Resistance coalition, whose main component, the Mujahedin-e Khalq (MEK), espouses a modern and tolerant Shia Islam, welcomed the vision of peace, prosperity and alliance against extremism propagated at the Riyadh Summit, and called on the international community to confront the Iranian governments export of terrorism and fundamentalism, its ballistic missile program, its interference in the internal affairs of other countries, as well as its destructive regional and international role. Irans velayat-e faqih theocracy, with all its factions, sees only one hope for its survival: dogged pursuit of the fundamental policies of export of terrorism abroad and harsh suppression within Iran. Its reckless drive to extend its influence throughout the region provides Syrias Bashar al-Assad with the extremist reinforcements, funds and weapons he needs to massacre Syrian civilians, drive millions from their homes, and turn city after city into wastelands. None of those resources is turned on ISIS.

In Yemen, Houthi rebels armed and financed by Iran spread death and destruction. In Iraq, militia led by Irans Revolutionary Guards Corps incite sectarian strife, and thwart efforts by Iraqs central government to unite the nation in a campaign to isolate and drive out ISIS. To confront this threat to the region and the world, the international community must cut off the flow of funds and forces from Tehran. In a nutshell, as Mrs. Rajavi emphasized, The ultimate solution to the crisis engulfing the whole region is the overthrow of the velayat-e faqih regime. The 100,000 Iranian expats and their supporters from around the world who are expected to attend an international convention in Paris on July 1, will echo that message. When Irans people have freed Iran from Islamic extremism, replacing the mullahs rule with freedom and popular sovereignty, in doing so they will bring the goal of stamping out extremism in the Middle East region that much closer. It is time to enable them realize that task.
Cayan Announces Partnership with Hospitality POS Pioneer Squirrel Systems

BOSTON, MA(Marketwired  May 23, 2017)  Cayan, a payment technology company, today announced a new strategic partnership with Squirrel Systems, a leading POS provider for the hospitality industry. Squirrel customers can now leverage Cayans Genius payment platform to securely  and quickly  process all payment types including EMV/chip cards, traditional magstripe credit and debit cards, gift and loyalty cards, as well as mobile payments like Apple Pay, Android Pay and Samsung Pay.

Integrating the Genius platforms capabilities with Squirrels POS is going to open up a new level of payments choice and flexibility for their merchants, said Ken Paull, CRO of Cayan. The payments industry is complex and shifting  especially in the hospitality industry. Our mission is to arm partners like Squirrel and its resellers with the technology they need to stay nimble and prepared for what comes next.

The Cayan Genius platform delivers a fully-configurable, cloud-based payment solution that allows merchants and restaurants to manage the customer experience across locations and between channels, all while keeping cardholder data off the point-of-sale system. Additionally, merchants have complete flexibility in processors through Cayans EMV acquirer-agnostic gateway.

Genius includes multiple customer engagement options, including: a countertop version which is great for QSR and counter service, the Genius Handheld, which can be used to enable pay-at-the-table to help turn tables faster and eliminate the need for wait staff to handle credit cards, and the newly previewed Genius Mini, a new mobile payment device which allows businesses to expand their footprint to food trucks, farmers markets, home delivery and more.

Additionally, Squirrel resellers can quickly and easily get their customers set up with Genius and take advantage of its ability to:

Customize tip suggestions

Process one-swipe bar tabs with rapid EMV transactions

Provide on-screen digital signature capture and online, digital storage and retrieval

Accept mobile, credit, debit and gift card payment types

Connect to most of the major gift and loyalty processors including Value Link, SVS, and Givex

Remain secure and scalable, ensuring full encryption and tokenization

Future-proof the payment process, allowing customers to stay on top of industry changes

Integrating with Cayan not only gives us the ability to provide additional EMV solutions in the U.S. for our customers, it also allows our merchants to create high-value customer experiences like pay-at-the-table, said Joe Cortese, Vice President of Product Development at Squirrel Systems. As EMV becomes more entrenched in the hospitality industry, providing guests with the most security and assurance is paramount, and Cayans solution is allowing us to do that.

About Cayan

Cayan is a technology company focused on transformative innovations in payments. From simple and reliable payment processing, to fully integrated, multichannel customer engagement platforms, Cayan is continuously developing new ways to unlock the power of payments. Cayans platforms include their Cayan Unified Commerce Solution Suite and Genius Platform  both are secure and scalable platforms that are fully configurable, tailored to a businesss unique needs and easy to implement. Headquartered in Boston, the company has multiple offices in the United States and Belfast, Northern Ireland. Cayan is one of the worlds fastest growing payment companies. For more information, visit www.cayan.com.

About Squirrel

Squirrel Systems is proud to be celebrating 32 years as a technology provider to the global hospitality industry. In 1984, Squirrel revolutionized the industry with the first touchscreen restaurant POS system and continues to introduce market leading innovations to help shape the industry. With a proven platform, extensive domain expertise, and industry leading service and support, Squirrel helps food and beverage operators enable amazing customer experiences. For more information, visit squirrelsystems.com/emv.

Other POS News:
MugClubs.com arrives at BAR17

CHICAGO, IL, May 20th, 2017  The premier solution in Bar and Brewery loyalty programs is coming to BAR17 on May 21st. The days of paper lists and punch cards are over; come see how our free Android and Apple apps will bring your customers back time and time again. MugClubs.com offers a best in class system that will host your beer menu, display customizable rewards, and allow a 100% digital interface for your patrons. For less than $2.00 a day your bar or brewery can employ tactics used by Starbucks, Marriott, and Major Airlines everywhere to increase customer engagement, satisfaction, and loyalty.

Our proprietary system makes hosting your Mug Club or Loyalty program simple and affordable. Theres no need to spend 10s of thousands of dollars or waste months of planning to develop your own system. For a modest monthly fee you can host your own club right on our stylish and simple to use app. Free to download, free to use, and without any ads whatsoever, your patrons will enjoy a clean, simple, and user friendly way to participate in your loyalty program.

For a low monthly fee your subscription places your bar into the MugClubs.com app, and provides access to our online management system. Since we know every bar and brewery has their own needs weve given you the option to choose between hosting a traditional mug club or a coffee shop style loyalty program. With a few simple clicks you can update your beer menu, send push notifications to your customers, manage your online presence, and verify your customers beers and rewards progress. In addition to great customer-facing features, your Mug Clubs subscription includes access to our database of over 9,000 beers and the ability to add your own custom brews.

The status quo sucks, said Jim Koch, founder of Boston Beer Company. Its only the status quo because we havent yet figured out how to make it better. Every successful entrepreneur or business owner, regardless of the industry, must have a similar mind-set with whatever they do. Without it you get lazy and the competition will pass you by.

If youre in this industry you know the impact that craft beers and microbrews are having on our businesses and our customers. MugClubs.com offers you the opportunity to be at the forefront of the craft beer boom, and to capitalize on the growth, breadth, and quality of this rapidly expanding market. Make the most of your taps and showcase your beer selection in a way thats both cutting edge and customer friendly. Be sure to learn more about us at BAR17 and at the MugClubs.com website.

more news:
- The office of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Enugu state has been reportedly taken over the All Progressives Congress (APC)

- Report has it that flags, posters, banners, billboards of the PDP, which used to adorn the building have been replaced with APC symbol

- Sullivan Chime was said to have donated the building to the PDP as the then governor of the state under the party

A report by The Punch indicates that the APC has taken over the office of the PDP in Enugu state.

According to the report, the development followed the recent defection of a former Enugu state governor, Sullivan Chime, from the PDP to the APC.

The building located at Chime lane, a street in the GRA part of the Enugu metropolis, had served as the secretariat of the PDP in Enugu state for several years before now.

Accordingly, flags, posters, banners, billboards of the PDP, which hitherto adorned the building had been replaced with APC symbols.

PAY ATTENTION: Read the news on Nigerias #1 news app

A PDP member in Enugu state, who pleaded anonymity, said the building actually belongs to Chime.

He said: Chime gave us (Enugu state PDP) the building when he became governor. We used the building as the Enugu state secretariat of the PDP all through the eight years that Chime served as governor of Enugu state.

Now that he is no longer the governor, and having also joined another political party, he has taken the building from us and given it to the APC.

He has the right to do what he did; we (PDP) already have a new secretariat, it is nothing to worry about.

On his part, an APC member who also pleaded anonymity said the takeover of the building would serve as a prelude to the APCs imminent conquest of the seat of power in Enugu state in the 2019 governorship election.

The APC has come to stay in Enugu and we are going to take over the state in 2019, there is no going back, the APC member boasted.

Chime who defected to the APC few weeks back, had declared the party is dead and buried, adding that anyone still there doesnt know what he or she is doing.

Meanwhile, the deputy Senate president Ike Ekweremadu, who is also from Enugu state, recently declared that the PDP will return to power in 2019.

READ ALSO: APC members burn their brooms as they join PDP in Kaduna state (photos)

Watch the Legit.ng TV vox pop below as Nigerians react to the comments of northern elders regarding the 2019 presidential elections.

Source: Legit.ng
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil  When she gave birth on Dec. 16, 2015, Fabiane Lopes named the youngest of her three daughters Valentina Vitoria.

Valentina because she is brave, Lopes explains, and Vitoria for victory.

The description could apply to the mother, too, for she chose to keep the baby  born with birth defects related to the Zika virus  against her husbands wishes.

Microcephaly in Brazil The cumulative number of cases of microcephaly from November 2015 to December 2016. The growth of this birth defect is linked to the recent outbreak of the Zika virus. Number of cases of microcephaly 1,000 500 100 Rio de Janeiro Confirmed cases Cases still under investigation

Lopes lives with Valentina, a son and two other daughters in a tiny apartment behind a furniture plant in Duque de Caxias, a suburb of Rio de Janeiro. Between the second and third months of pregnancy, she fell ill with the Zika virus, which is mainly spread by mosquitoes. For a week, she suffered fever, headaches and pain. She felt very weak.

But the hardest blow was still to come. At the ultrasound, four to five months into her pregnancy, the doctor said the baby had microcephaly, a birth defect linked to Zika and marked by an abnormally small head and underdeveloped brain.

News of the babys condition upset her husband, whose name Fabiane declines to give. Shortly before Valentinas birth, the two parents exchanged text messages:

Maybe it would be necessary to take the baby before its time, Lopes texted.

To abort, he replied.

No, to make a treatment outside in another place.

Fabiane, the husband texted back, you know what I think about this child. So what do you want from me?

Then the thing you want the most, Lopes wrote, is that she dies.

Yes, he replied.

He left before Valentinas birth and has not returned.

***

Zika Virus first found in Uganda in 1947. Transmission Mosquito bite from two species, aedes aegypti and aedes albopictus. Zika can be passed from a pregnant woman to her fetus, leading in some cases to the birth defect microcephaly. The virus can also be transmitted sexually, and may be capable of spreading through blood transfusion. Geographic Regions The World Health Organization says 84 countries, territories and subnational areas have shown evidence of mosquito-borne Zika. Symptoms Most experience mild symptoms. These may include fever, rash, red eyes, headache, joint and muscle pain. Severe Symptoms Zika infection during pregnancy can lead to microcephaly and other brain defects. The virus has also been linked to the nervous system illness Guillain-Barre Syndrome. Cases and Death The World Health Organization has no solid numbers of worldwide Zika cases or deaths attributed to the virus. In the U.S. Through May 3, there have been 5,274 cases of Zika reported in the U.S., most from travelers, but about 224 acquired from local mosquitoes in Florida and Texas. About 1,793 pregnant women in the U.S. have shown lab evidence of the Zika virus. Treatment No antiviral drug. Doctors treat dehydration and kidney and liver failure. Source: World Health Organization; Virus images: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Zika Virus first found in Uganda in 1947. Transmission Mosquito bite from two species, aedes aegypti and aedes albopictus. Zika can be passed from a pregnant woman to her fetus, leading in some cases to the birth defect microcephaly. The virus can also be transmitted sexually, and may be capable of spreading through blood transfusion. Geographic Regions The World Health Organization says 84 countries, territories and subnational areas have shown evidence of mosquito-borne Zika. Symptoms Most experience mild symptoms. These may include fever, rash, red eyes, headache, joint and muscle pain. Severe Symptoms Zika infection during pregnancy can lead to microcephaly and other brain defects. The virus has also been linked to the nervous system illness Guillain-Barre Syndrome. Cases and Death The World Health Organization has no solid numbers of worldwide Zika cases or deaths attributed to the virus. In the U.S. Through May 3, there have been 5,274 cases of Zika reported in the U.S., most from travelers, but about 224 acquired from local mosquitoes in Florida and Texas. About 1,793 pregnant women in the U.S. have shown lab evidence of the Zika virus. Treatment No antiviral drug. Doctors treat dehydration and kidney and liver failure. Source: World Health Organization; Virus images: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Valentina is one of 2,366 babies with microcephaly born in Brazil between November 2015 and December 2016.

While Zika remains a problem in Brazil, it has slowed significantly. According to Ana Bispo, a virologist at the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation in Rio de Janeiro, there were 4,900 reported Zika cases in Brazil during the first 12 weeks of 2017, a huge drop from the same period in 2016, when the nation saw more than 142,000 Zika cases.

Brazil recently declared Zika no longer a public health emergency, following a significant mosquito eradication program.

In the United States, there have been more than 5,200 Zika cases reported since Jan. 1, 2015, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. There have been 58 infants born since 2016 with birth defects possibly caused by Zika.

The Zika virus interrupts formation of the brain during a critical stage of fetal development.

The virus crosses the placenta and infects the neurons, Bispo says. It blocks the development of the brain. The brain itself, it does not grow.

Once a pregnant mother learns her baby has microcephaly, there is nothing she can do.

There is no medication for Zika, Bispo says. There is nothing.

***

When she saw the ultrasound of her baby, Lopes did not understand what microcephaly was. The doctor told her that the head was smaller. She could see the feet were not right either; the baby had the deformity known as clubfoot.

The doctor was not even sure the baby would survive.

It wasnt until a week before the birth that Lopes gained a fuller understanding of her babys condition. She was on Facebook and saw a picture of a baby with microcephaly.

The condition is linked to seizures, hearing loss, vision problems, intellectual disability and problems with balance and movement. Scientists say more studies will need to be done to determine the long-term effects of Zika-related microcephaly.

Lopes gave birth to Valentina at 37 weeks, a little earlier than the normal 40. And for at least a moment, it didnt matter that the baby looked different.

I felt so happy, Lopes says, speaking through an interpreter. I felt love when I had the baby in my arms.

Soon after, the doctor asked if she wanted a tubal ligation to ensure that she would not have any more children. Lopes said yes.

Without a husband to help her, she knew motherhood would be difficult. She asked God for wisdom.
In 2011, Russian researchers published a study calling attention to an unusual hazard posed by our changing climate: Pathogens awaking inside the melting permafrost.

Writing in the journal Global Health Action, Boris A. Revich and Marina A. Podolnaya described 200 burial grounds containing cattle killed long ago by anthrax. All of the burial grounds lie in the vast territory of Yakutia, some 1.2 million square miles of frozen land, about 40% of it above the Arctic Circle.

Anthrax is an especially hardy pathogen, able to survive for 105 years in the layer of frozen soil and rocks known as permafrost. In previous decades, anthrax outbreaks in Yakutia have killed cattle, deer and people.

Melting of the Arctic permafrost has now made it possible for the sea to devour more than 65 feet of coastal land per year in some places.

As a consequence of permafrost melting, the Russian researchers warned, the causes of deadly infections may come back.

That appears to be what happened last summer, five years after their warning.

In the Siberian town of Salekhard near the Ural Mountains, a 12-year-old boy died of anthrax and at least 20 other people were sickened. The outbreak was linked to the thawing of a 75-year-old reindeer carcass during a summer heat wave. The reindeer was believed to have been infected with anthrax before its body froze.

When he learned of the outbreak last summer, I thought that I was right when I spoke about the epidemic danger of melting permafrost, says Revich, head of the Laboratory of Environmental Health, Institute of Forecasting for the Russian Academy of Science.

The degree of the outbreak was quite surprising, says Jeniel E. Nett, an assistant professor at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. This is the first example I can remember in terms of the permafrost releasing a pathogen to this degree.

Long before last summers outbreak, however, the thawing of cattle burial grounds in 1969 and 1977 apparently released anthrax, killing Siberian reindeer in Taymyr, a region of the Russian Arctic, according to Revitch and Podolnaya.

For more than 30 years, Marcia Bjornerud, a professor of geology at Lawrence University in Appleton, has been witnessing the changes in the permafrost while conducting her own study of how tectonic processes create mountains in the high arctic regions of Canada and Norway.

Climate change is not my focus, but while Im doing my work, Ive seen the glaciers shrinking and the permafrost melting, says Bjornerud.

We have about 10,000 years of organic matter frozen in permafrost. When that starts to decompose, its kind of a time bomb.

The permafrosts organic matter includes moss, grass and bird droppings.

What other pathogens besides anthrax may be capable of rising from the melting permafrost is not clear. Some have speculated about the possible reemergence of smallpox trapped in bodies buried in the permafrost, though Nett said there have been no reported cases of the disease reawakening in this manner.

Even if were spared attacks from other microbial foes in the permafrost, anthrax is likely to reemerge from time to time.

Its almost indestructible, says George C. Stewart, professor of microbial pathogenesis and chairman of the department of pathobiology at the University of Missouri.
By Romeo Ranoco PANTAR, Philippines (Reuters) - Thousands of civilians fled fighting in the Philippines on Wednesday as troops tried to fend off Islamist militants who took over large parts of a city, capturing Christians, seizing and torching buildings and setting free scores of prisoners. Islamic State claimed responsibility for the rampage via its Amaq news agency, and President Rodrigo Duterte defended his decision to declare martial law on Mindanao, the Muslim-majority island where Marawi City is located, to prevent the spread of extremism in the impoverished region. The violence flared in Marawi on Tuesday afternoon after a botched raid by security forces on a hideout of the Maute, a militant group that has pledged allegiance to Islamic State. Fighters quickly dispersed, torching buildings and taking over bridges, a hospital, two jails, a church and a college. Duterte said he heard reports they may have beheaded a police chief. He said Islamic State must be repelled from the Christian-majority Philippines and he would use all means possible to crush the Maute group and the allied Abu Sayyaf, whatever the consequences. "Anyone now holding a gun, confronting government with violence, my orders are spare no one, let us solve the problems of Mindanao once and for all," said Duterte, who is from the island, after cutting short a visit to Russia and returning to Manila. "If I think you should die, you will die. If you fight us, you will die. If there's an open defiance, you will die, and if it means many people dying, so be it. That's how it is." Soldiers and guerrillas set up rival checkpoints and roadblocks on routes in and around Marawi as civilians fled the city of 200,000 in droves, leaving behind what one official described as a ghost town. Long queues of pickup trucks and jeeps crammed full of people and loaded with belongings crawled along roads into nearby towns as troops searched vehicles for weapons and bombs. The military said it had rescued 120 people from a school and a hospital and was trying to isolate Maute fighters while awaiting reinforcements that were being blocked by rebels. Maute snipers and booby traps were hampering operations, which the army said could last three more days. HUMAN SHIELDS The Catholic church said militants were using Christians and a priest as human shields and had contacted cardinals with threats to execute hostages unless government troops withdrew. Thirteen militants and seven security personnel have so far been killed and 33 troops wounded, the army said. Mujiv Hataman, governor of the Autonomous Region in Mindanao, said militants freed 107 prisoners, among them Maute rebels. Duterte said martial law would mean checkpoints and arrests and searches without warrant, and it would go on for as long as necessary. He said he would consider some security measures in the central Visayas region next to Mindanao to facilitate arrests, and could even declare martial law nationwide. He was furious that militants had hoisted the Islamic State flag in Marawi. "I made a projection, not a prediction, that one of these days the hardest things to deal with would be the arrival of ISIS," Duterte said, referring to Islamic State. "The government must put an end to this. I cannot gamble with ISIS because they are everywhere." Duterte said he would not tolerate abuses of power by security forces under martial law, but critics said the military rule in all of Mindanao, an island the size of South Korea with a population of 22 million, was an overreaction. The National Union of Peoples' Lawyers, a group of human rights attorneys, called it "a sledgehammer, knee-jerk reaction" that would "open the flood gates for unbridled human rights violations". The military has not explained how the raid on an apartment hideout went so badly wrong. The operation was aimed at capturing Isnilon Hapilon, a leader of the Abu Sayyaf group notorious for piracy, banditry and for kidnapping and decapitating Westerners. The Maute and Abu Sayyaf have proved fierce opponents for the military. The armed forces said they were on top of the situation but residents who fled told a different story. "The city is still under the control of the armed group. They are all over the main roads and two bridges leading to Marawi," student Rabani Mautum told Reuters in Pantar town, about 16 km (10 miles) away. Bishops and cardinals urged Islamic leaders to persuade militants to free innocent hostages. "We beg every Filipino to pray fervently," said Father Socrates Villegas, president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines. (Additional reporting by Manolo Serapio Jr, Karen Lema, Enrico dela Cruz and Manuel Mogato in Manila; Writing by Martin Petty; editing by John Stonestreet)
The daughter of the woman at the centre of a corruption scandal that led to the impeachment of South Korea's ousted president has cancelled her appeal against extradition, a Danish court said Wednesday. Chung Yoo-Ra, the 20-year-old daughter of the woman dubbed South Korea's "Rasputin", is one of the figures in the influence-peddling scandal that sparked huge street protests demanding the removal of President Park Geun-Hye. "Decision to extradite Korean Ms. Chung is now final," the court announced on Twitter. "She has cancelled (her) appeal to (the) High Court." An extradition date has not been set, the court said. Chung was detained in Denmark on January 1 for overstaying her visa, after South Korean authorities issued a warrant for her arrest. Seoul then sought her extradition, which the Danish public prosecution authority approved in March. Chung took her case against extradition to the Aalborg district court, but the court upheld her extradition, which she then appealed. Her lawyer Michael Juul Eriksen told AFP last month that Chung's main fear regarding extradition was losing contact with her infant son because she had been "pressured" and "threatened" by the Korean authorities to collaborate in the case. Eriksen argued in the Aalborg district court that his client had not committed any crime and that the extradition was politically motivated. Chung, an equestrian who has reportedly bought horses and trained in Denmark in the past, has told police she was in the country because of her involvement in the sport. She has denied any wrongdoing. The high court on Wednesday did not say why Chung abandoned her appeal. Chung's mother Choi Soon-sil, a confidante of Park's, is accused of using her influence to secure her daughter's admission to the elite Ewha Womans University in Seoul, with a state probe revealing that the school had admitted Chung at the expense of better-qualified candidates. She is also accused of using millions of dollars of bribes from Samsung, South Korea's largest conglomerate, to finance her daughter's equestrian career and luxurious lifestyle in Europe. Choi is already on trial for coercing local conglomerates into donating a total of 77.4 billion won ($69 million) to two non-profit foundations, and allegedly used some of the donations for personal gain. Park -- whose trial in Seoul on charges of bribery, abusing her powers and leaking state secrets begins Thursday -- is accused of colluding with Choi in the million-dollar scheme.
A 14-year-old boy has been detained in a Thai army prison under a draconian and increasingly wielded royal defamation law, Human Rights Watch said Wednesday, as it decried the secrecy surrounding the latest series of arrests. The law in Thailand forbids any criticism of the monarchy and punishes transgressors with up to 15-years in jail for each offence. Use of the law has skyrocketed since an ultra-royalist junta seized power in 2014. There have been a flurry of cases in recent weeks, many linked to social media posts about Thailand's new king Maha Vajiralongkorn, who ascended the throne late last year. Royal insult cases are typically shrouded in secrecy with media forced to heavily self-censor details. But the latest detentions have been especially opaque. Thai human rights groups and local media say a group of between four to seven people, including a minor, were arrested in northeastern Thailand on 15 May for allegedly burning a portrait of Vajiralongkorn's late father Bhumibol Adulyadej. Thai Lawyers for Human Rights, which often provides legal representation to lese majeste suspects, said the group were taken from Khon Kaen province to a notorious army prison on a Bangkok barracks and that they had been held incommunicado since. Thai police, military and junta spokespeople all declined repeated AFP requests for comment on the case. In a statement on Wednesday, Human Rights Watch said their researchers had confirmed the names of four of the suspects -- 14-year-old Abhisit Chailee, Jirayu Sinpho, 19, Akkharapong Ayukong, 19, and Ratthathammanoon Srihabutr, 20. Brad Adams, the group's Asia Director, said the latest arrests "should set off alarm bells". "None of the four youths arrested should have been denied access to a judge and placed in an incommunicado military detention, whatever the charge against them," he said. Thailand's junta has awarded itself powers to secretly detain anyone for up to seven days, but the current group has now been held for at least 10 days without access to lawyers or family. More than 100 people have been charged with lese majeste since an army coup three years ago. Late last year the United Nations' rights body warned Thailand's widespread use of the law "may constitute crimes against humanity". But there has been no let up in its use. Thailand has seen an uptick in cases since the December ascension of Vajiralongkorn, who has yet to attain his father's popularity. Earlier this month, seven people were arrested for allegedly sharing Facebook posts written by an exiled dissident academic. They were held incommunicado for days before appearing in court to be charged. One of the suspects, human rights lawyer Prawet Prapanukul, was hit with a record 10 counts of lese majeste, a charge sheet that could see him jailed for up to 150 years. This month Thai authorities also threatened to block Facebook if it did not do more to pull down critical or embarrassing commentary about the monarchy -- a vow the government later backed down over.
Phoenix New Media Limited provides content on an integrated Internet platform in the People's Republic of China. The company operates through two segments, Net Advertising Services and Paid Services. It offers content and services through PC channel, mobile channel, and telecom operators, as well as transmits content to TV viewers, primarily through Phoenix TV. The company, through its website, ifeng.com, provides various interest-based content verticals, such as news, finance, video, automobiles, technology, entertainment, military, real estate, fashion, and sport; and offers interactive services, including comments posting and user surveys. Its mobile channel consists of ifeng News, a news application that provides newsfeeds and other contents in the form of text, image, live streaming, and video; ifeng Video, a video application, which offers video news, live broadcasting, Phoenix TV programs content, etc.; i.ifeng.com mobile Internet website; and digital reading applications. In addition, Phoenix New Media Limited offers mobile newspaper, mobile video, and mobile game services, as well as wireless value-added services. The company was incorporated in 2007 and is headquartered in Beijing, the People's Republic of China. Phoenix New Media Limited is a subsidiary of Phoenix Satellite Television (B.V.I.) Holding Limited.
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If you want to succeed in business, you need to be constantly learning. And if you have a small business team, you need your team members to be able to learn as well. Thats why Teamfluent offers a unique learning solution for teams.

You can read more about the business and its philosophy below in this weeks Small Business Spotlight.

What the Business Does

Provides learning tools for businesses.

CEO Ilie Ghiciuc told Small Business Trends, With Teamfluent you can organize learning items in your Learning Board, you can Create Courses, manage Trainings and view learning Stats and Reports.

Business Niche

Agile learning.

Ghiciuc explains, In an agile learning environment, team leaders can ensure that every team member goes through a structured onboarding program, that they have access to company information and that they create a learning plan with clear goals, that can be tracked and measured. Workers retain the flexibility to learn at their own pace, while collaborating to achieve their learning goals. Management, on the other hand, has a clear strategy for employee development and an overview of performance metrics.

How the Business Got Started

After realizing the importance of learning in business.

Ghiciuc says, It all started within Thinslices, a product development company I co-founded in 2010. By the end of 2014, we had achieved 1M EUR in yearly revenue. That represented the first major milestone of our existence. After this, we started to consider what the next phase of growth would look like. We embarked on a very diligent strategy planning exercise with the goal of growing company revenue by ten times (10x), up to 10M euros per year, within the next five years. To meet our goal, we knew we had to grow fast and agile. We decided to invest in learning.?

Biggest Win

Signing ten customers before even launching the product.

Ghiciuc says, We had met with many people both within the industry and outside of it and the majority of them said it cant be done. They said no one would pay for something that didnt even exist yet. But they were wrong. We engineered our product together with its intended audience so that it would reflect real learning needs within companies. We met with different companies and we talked about how they do learning, what their employees need and how they want to grow their talent and their business through agile learning. They trusted our vision of the product so they signed on even before we had our MVP.

Biggest Risk

Starting.

Ghiciuc says, I guess its hard for everyone starting a new business. For us, I guess it would be our geographical context. Both Thinslices and Teamfluent started in post-soviet Romania. Corruption and bureaucracy are still a reality here and were working hard every day to compete with international businesses in friendlier economies.

How Theyd Spend an Extra $100,000

Move to Bali for a month with the entire team.

Team Tradition

Weird meeting titles

Ghiciuc says, We named each meeting something different (and weird). For example, our weekly planning and retrospective meeting is called The Borg. And we have Monthly Beatings for quarterly planning and progress tracking.

Favorite Quote

Everyone has a plan til they get punched in the mouth.  Mike Tyson

* * * * *

Find out more about the Small Biz Spotlight program
Employees often feel like theyre being ignored.

Unable to ventilate their grievances, they sometimes leave the organizations in which they work.

Listed below are some of the ways employee dissatisfaction hurts a business:

Dissatisfied employees disclose enterprise information to non-employees.

They speak ill of the organization, which stops potential employees from joining it.

They create a negative atmosphere around them, which hampers the steady workflow.

Employee satisfaction, on the other hand, leads to enterprise benefit. Employee retention rate increases as employers keep experienced employees from leaving, which paves the roads for a stable clientele. Selection, recruitment and on-job training costs are paid off.

Employee Engagement Best Practices

In order to retain its employees, an organization needs to keep them engaged. Here are some actionable tips based on employee engagement best practices:

Offer Customized Incentives

This is a surefire way to engage employees. Studies after studies prove employee benefits and incentive programs drive better performance. Lets refer to some survey data. Last year, the Gallup Poll found nearly 70% employees are disengaged because of lack of incentives. The disengagement results in $350 billion every year in lost production.

When employees are given incentives, they feel happy. Happy employees are more focused, more engaged and more productive. Engaged employees more productive than disengaged employees. Smart enterprises know this and they have employee incentive schemes for increased productivity.

Incentives should be customized. Customization should be based on demographic factors and employee preferences. The average age of employees in the financial sector is 44 years. Health schemes, lucrative pension schemes and insurance offers can be good incentives for people in mid-40s. Young employees, on the other hand, would be more interested in gift cards, redeemable coupons, travel offers, etc.

Demographic discrimination, therefore, is a prerequisite for employee incentives. Workplace performance is another parameter. When high-performing employees are incentivized, it creates a spiraling effect that finally benefits the company.

Use Expression to Lead to Engagement

According to studies, the more employees express themselves, the better they engage. Some enterprises actively encourage their employees to express themselves. Those, who are not that active can provide their employees the same opportunities via brainstorming sessions, HR meets, business summits, etc.

A zeitgeist in corporate blogging is blogs written by employees. According to research, customers like reading this type of blog. In the United States, almost 80 percent customers rely on blog content. They find blogs written by employees more reliable and unbiased.

This can be a win-win situation for an enterprise. By insisting employees to blog, it can create a facilitating environment for employee expression. Alongside, interaction between employees and customers can solidify its branding. To make blogging more interactive, enterprises can take help of interactive formats like podcasts, slides, video presentations, real-time interviews, etc.

Realize Personal Life Matters

When staff members are stressed or overworked, they tend to neglect their work and feel less engaged. This in turn disrupts the delivery of the work. Hence, an enterprise should help its employees find a balance between professional and personal lives.

Experts advise organizations to stay away from employees personal affairs. David Lewis, CEO of an HR outsourcing firm called OperationsInc said the less employers know about their employees personal lives, the better off they are. A business etiquette expert called Lydia Ramsey compared getting involved in employees personal lives with wading into dangerous waters.

However, employees are human beings and they may face personal crisis at times. What should be the role of an organization to resolve such crises? The organization should instruct managers to be supportive to people working under them and help them address the issues causing distress. That said, the managers shouldnt offer them shoulders to cry on. They have a professional relationship with staff members, so they shouldnt get too personally involved with them.

Set Goals and Leadership Engagement

Setting realistic goals is a great way to motivate employees. To set goals, an organization needs someone in leadership role. Thats because only a leader can set achievable goals. He talks to individual employees and to gauge the timeline for the completion of the goal before setting it. Thats what makes the goals realistic. Such goals offer employees opportunities to engage with each other and with their supervisors in a professional backdrop.

Leadership engagement is the precedent for employee engagement. Most organizations put executives in leadership roles. They must have a professional synergy between them, in order to inspire their subordinates to engage with them and with each other.

When employees achieve their goals, they feel accomplished. Afterwards, when they receive appreciation from people in leadership roles, they feel motivated to undertake professional challenges, which are more serious in nature.

Employ Productivity Increasing Tools

Business organizations are strongly recommended to update their technological superstructure. Unless organizations harness new technologies, they cant match up with the pace with which the industry is moving forward. Automation guarantees enterprise productivity and smooths employee engagement. The sooner business organizations understand it, the better.

Theres not a single tool that comes exclusively under employee engagement enhancer category. Nevertheless, organizational productivity increasing tools have a slew of features for engaging employees. Tools which measure customer insight track both customer and employee data. Theres a dark side to workplace data tracking, but employers are to blame for that, not the tools. If the tools are positively harnessed, employers can instantly figure out the collective mood of the workforce, engage them in fact-based conversations and educate them with actionable tips.

Productive employees tend to interact more with one another and share ideas. Idea-sharing and workplace interaction are two key components of employee engagement. This is how automation gives way to a sharp rise in productivity, which then gives way to employee engagement.

Summing Up

Following the five tips makes employee engagement easier. However, these tips should never be followed in isolation. An innovative approach always puts one a notch above others. In competitive domains like business, innovation is the ultimate game-changer. Hence, enterprises need to invest more in idea generation, so that innovative ideas come up. Next, they need to customize the tips discussed above in the light of innovation.
Some Roma claiming the mayor of Gemerska Poloma, Miroslav Michalka was buying votes, have changed their testimonies.

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Around four Roma stood in front of the Roznava district court waiting to hear and listen to a man speaking loudly. His name was Stanislav Kucerak, a key witness in a case of vote-buying corruption, with the police accusing Gemerska Poloma mayor Miroslav Michalka and local Roma Matej Kucerak, Stanislavs brother of this crime.

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Suspicions of vote buying emerge during every election, particularly among the Roma. Yet it is the first case of a mayor going to court for such a crime in Slovakia's history.

Stanislav Kucerak claims that he saw his brother giving alcohol, chocolate and coffee to local Roma before the 2014 municipal elections. He realised that his activities were corrupt when he saw his brother taking 1100 from Michalka in exchange for gathering Roma votes for him.

I was participating in this corruption and I am willing to accept punishment for that, Stanislav Kucerak told The Slovak Spectator. However, we cannot allow mayors to buy Roma votes for coffee and chocolate.

It was the first hearing in the case and the judge was supposed to hear around ten people on that day; some of whom travelled from London just for this hearing.

Michalka, who faces from one to five years behind bars, refused to respond to questions from media. In his speech he only told the court that accusations of corruption are the way in which Stanislav Kucerak is trying to harm him.

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Influencing witnesses

Stanislav Kucerak, throughout the day, begged witnesses to not change their initial testimonies for the police when they described how Michalka bribed Matej Kucerak who was later giving alcohol, coffee and sweets to Roma living in Gemerska Poloma in exchange for their votes.

You cannot lie, Stanislav Kucerak yelled at a woman witness. You know what is waiting for you after giving false testimony.

Nevertheless, in front of the court, one after another stated that their previous testimonies were false and that they had been forced to do so.

I didnt even read the testimony, just signed it, one of the witnesses, Jaroslav Tony told the court about his hearing at the police station. I would vote for Mr Michalka nevertheless. I didnt do it for spirit.

During the court hearing (Source: Sme)

It is clear that Michalka has been influencing witnesses to change their first testimonies, according to Kucerak who also serves as a member of the village council.

The mayor is influencing witnesses, he promised them something, Kucerak said.

Michalka refused to comment on the allegations. Matej Kucerak was more talkative and claimed that it was his brother Stanislav who was influencing witnesses using his good relationships with investigators to make them testify against Michalka.

To avoid negative influence on witnesses and contradictions in testimonies, in the case of Roma from marginalised communities, The Centre for Civil and Human Rights NGO demands authorities carry out an investigation as fast as possible.

Support for mayor

It takes approximately ten minutes to get to Gemerska Poloma by car from Roznava where the court hearing is ongoing.

There is not a Roma settlement in the village; most of the local Roma live on two streets on the edge of the village. At first sight their homes are no different from the majority in the village, with one exception. They have no fences enclosing their backyards and anyone can enter.

I heard about giving out chocolates but they would not dare approach us, 60-year-old Roma Libusa Pozoltova living in Gemerska Poloma told The Slovak Spectator. I was working for 39 years and I can buy chocolate by myself.

Together with other Roma approached by The Slovak Spectator she claims that they do not have problems with the new mayor as he tries to help them. The corruption scandal did not spark conflict among the Roma community and the village is running normally, according to Pozoltova.

Gemerska Poloma (Source: Sme)

Less than 50 metres from her house lives Jaroslav Tony who is testifying in the case. When approached by journalists, he turns back to his house and refuses to comment on changing his testimony.

It is true that some gifts were given before the elections and they were part of a campaign, but not related to Michalka, according to another Roma villager Mario Cervenak.

People from the majority show little interest in the scandal and claim that the whole case is just conflict among the Roma.

Those claims are just at hearsay level, Jozef Gunar of Gemerska Poloma told The Slovak Spectator. Some Roma are complaining that mayor Michalka cannot fulfil his pre-election promises immediately.

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Corruption is hard to prove

Voting corruption is hard to prove because indications are not enough and police need to gather evidence. Moreover, both sides  the corrupting one and the corrupted one  are often unwilling to admit to the act because they both face punishment, Justice Minister Lucia Zitnanska stated in late 2016.

She was commenting on most recent scandal of possible vote buying involving a Smer party regional head in the town of Presov, Stanislav Kubanek and Presov regional governor Peter Chudik. Both politicians got more votes than the head of their Smer party and current Prime Minister Robert Fico in the Roma settlement of Lomnicka village in the March 2016 parliamentary elections.

Police, however, failed to prove that they were buying votes after seven Roma suddenly changed their testimonies. At first they admitted that they had voted for both candidates for a pack of cigarettes but after confrontation they claimed that this was a lie.

Back in 2015, a Specialised Court sentenced Branislav Tekeli and Pavol Stefan to jail for one year and five months, respectively, for buying votes for unspecified candidates of Smer and the Slovak National Party. Yet the police failed to prove that those candidates initiated the corruption.
What chances does the country have at winning the seat of the prestigious European Medicines Agency that needs to relocate from London?

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Slovakia is seeking to host a European Union agency, the very first to potentially reside on its territory. The competition, however, is strong and even the argument that those countries not hosting such institutions should be preferred may not help it.

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The outcome of the Brexit referendum did not only open the question of what the status of the United Kingdom after 2019 will be, but also where two EU institutions currently residing in London should relocate: the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the European Banking Agency (EBA).

Slovakia is interested in gaining the former, and it officially announced its candidacy in late April. Yet it will have to compete with several other member states that have shown an interest in hosting the agency.

The public-service broadcaster RTVS meanwhile reported that EMA might move to Strasbourg, to the premises currently occupied by the European Parliament. Such a step aims at saving money that is spent every month on moving the sessions between its two current seats.

The plan, however, is still only speculation, as Strasbourg has not officially announced its candidacy yet, says Radovan Geist, analyst with the EurActiv.sk website.

Since there is an interest in solving the relocation as soon as possible, the cities/countries that have already announced their candidacy are in the advantage, Geist told The Slovak Spectator.

Slovakias qualities

EMA is a decentralised EU agency that began operating back in 1995. It is responsible for the scientific evaluation, supervision and safety monitoring of medicines developed by pharmaceutical companies for use in the EU. It currently employs some 900 people, mostly highly-qualified experts from across Europe.

The prime ministers and presidents of the EU countries will discuss the procedure of relocating the agency at a June summit, while the final decision is expected to be made in September, the TASR newswire reported.

Slovakias Foreign Affairs Ministry claims Bratislava meets all the conditions to host EMA, mostly due to its location and connection to other European cities.

It also offers an attractive living background with a dynamic environment, young population and strong innovative potential, reads the candidacy letter, as quoted by TASR, stressing also biomedical and pharmacological expertise and quality medical and research staff.

Moreover, both the operating and living costs in Slovakia are lower than in the UK, said Health Ministry spokesperson Zuzana Eliasova.

A very big advantage is that Slovakia is a peaceful and safe country which offers high quality standards of living with acceptable living costs, Eliasova told The Slovak Spectator.

Additionally, the country is one of only five member states that do not host any EU agency. Except for it, this includes Bulgaria, Cyprus, Croatia and Romania.

Of these countries, Slovakia is evaluated as the economically strongest state with a favourable and safe geographical position, Eliasova said.

The ministry says that following previous statements, the countries without any agency should be preferred. EMA, however, has already claimed it would prefer a country with certain experiences, said Health Minister Tomas Drucker, as reported by TASR.

Barcelona a serious rival

Bratislava, however, is not the only central European city fighting for EMA, as also Vienna has shown an interest. The city offers world-class life science research, companies and top international academic institutions in the fields that provide the talent needed for EMA to thrive, said Petra Distl of the Viennese Chamber of Commerce.

She also highlighted the connectivity and infrastructure of the Austrian capital, as well as accommodation capacities for EMA delegates and experts.

If Strasbourg decided to run after all, it would be a strong candidate, though, Geist admitted.

Moving EMA to Strasbourg might be considered a barter, according to RTVS. Currently, MEPs meet there for four days a month. The annual costs for moving the personnel, the deputy assistants and technology amount to some 114 million. As a result, MEPs call for establishing only one seat in Brussels to save costs. The efforts, however, have been blocked by France, RTVS informed.

Geist, however, says that Barcelona, which came after London back in 1995 when the seat was selected, is a more serious rival than Bratislava.

It is a metropolis with an international, multicultural environment which can provide good cultural and social background to the employees of a big European agency, he said.

The Spanish city, however, may lose points due to political instability and the future position of Catalonia in Spain, Geist added.

Cultural and social background important

Winning the seat of EMA would strengthen the position of the Slovak health-care sector on the international level. It could also result in creating new jobs, as well as better opportunities for universities and researchers, and improving contacts abroad, Eliasova said.

The potential relocation of EMA would have no impact on the work of the State Institute for Drug Control (SUKL), Slovakias national medicines agency, as both of them have their own agenda.

Moreover, SUKL has been actively cooperating with EMA for years. Even in case of the relocation, this collaboration would continue, its spokesperson Diana Madaraszova told The Slovak Spectator.

Hosting such a big agency as EMA is demanding, however. Since with the agency a big number of its foreign employees and their families come, it is necessary not only to offer sufficient infrastructure, but also a social and cultural environment, Geist said.

When deciding on the future seat of the agency it is also important whether the hosting city/country meets certain specific conditions regarding the agencys area of interest, he added.

Thus, it is not very probable Slovakia would win the seat if it fought for the EBA which also needs to relocate from London. In the case of other agencies that may be founded in the future, the situation is unclear.

In any case, there are still several EU countries which, similarly to Slovakia, do not host any EU agency, Geist said.
The 12th year of the conference will be attended by the highest number of participants in its history.

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Some 1,300 guests from 70 countries are set to attend the 12th GLOBSEC 2017 international security forum that begins in Bratislava on May 26. The main topic of the conference is Adapting (to) the Future, the TASR newswire reported.

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GLOBSEC 2017 international security forum will host the largest number of participants in the history of the event, the conferences president Robert Vass told journalists at a press conference in Bratislava on May 23. Between 40-60 percent of the participants will be women, he added.

As many as 12 foreign affairs ministers are scheduled to attend the conference, including Turkeys Foreign Affairs Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu. Among the other prominent guests at the event will be NATO Deputy Secretary-General Rose Gottemoeller, European Council President Donald Tusk, Estonian President Kersti Kaljulaid, advisors to US President Donald Trump and representative of Russias State Duma Vyacheslav Nikonov.

We can see that the change in the international environment as well as the technological changes that are emerging are really exponential, and our western institutions are often unable to adapt [to them] with the same dynamism, Vass said, as quoted by TASR. The scissors are opening and various problems are emerging. And this is the key topic of the conference  to define the main trends.

The forum does not only focus on security issues any more, as it has shifted in a more strategic direction, Vass added.

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This years conference is divided into four main areas  the fourth industrial revolution, global changes and trends, the future of the West and Western institutions and globalisation versus protectionism.

The world as such is dynamically changing at the moment, said GLOBSEC honorary chairman and Slovak Ambassador to Hungary Rastislav Kacer.

I think that we can all feel that the world is becoming too fast and complex, Kacer said, as quoted by TASR. We can observe a rise in extremism that offers easy solutions.

The GLOBSEC conference is trying to create scope for a professional discussion based on values, he added. Moreover, Kacer is convinced democracy is the best framework for the free world.

The conference will be opened on May 26 by Slovak Foreign and European Affairs Minister Miroslav Lajcak (Smer nominee), Slovak President Andrej Kiska and his Polish counterpart Andrzej Duda.

It will run until May 28, with closing speeches delivered by Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico (Smer), his Czech counterpart Bohuslav Sobotka and Tusk.
He turned down their suggestions for a public debate but invites them to talk about corruption at the Police Corps Presidium.

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Police Corps President Tibor Gaspar has refused the proposals of secondary school students and the organisers of the anti-corruption march in Bratislava in mid-April, Karolina Farska and David Straka, concerning their planned meeting on corruption.

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The students responded by open letter to his offer to meet at the Police Corps Presidium last week. They proposed a public meeting at the Grammar School of Juraj Hronec in Bratislava that would be attended by the media and hosted by Lukas Fila of the Dennik N daily.

The change of the meeting point means for me the loss of authenticity and the loss of the opportunity to talk also with other police officers, not just me, Gaspar said, as quoted by the Sme daily.

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He also opposed the role of Fila, saying that he would not maintain impartiality in the discussion.

Gaspar, however, repeated his offer to meet with the students to discuss different ways that the police fight corruption, Sme wrote.

The students explained in their letter that they want to meet at the Bratislava school to make public the discussion's concerns and content. When proposing Fila as the host, they offered to work together to find another reporter if their choice did not suit Gaspar, Sme reported.

Farska and Straka have planned another anti-corruption march to be held in Bratislava and Kosice on June 5 and Presov on June 12. There will also be a June 5 protest in Prague.
The investment of the LingLong company in the Czech Republic is in talks, Slovakia, Poland and Hungary are also considered.

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Though the management of Chinese tyre company Ling Long Tires likes the location of the Czech Republic, it will not follow only its heart when deciding on the placement of its new plant. It also considers other three locations, one of them being the Slovak city of Kosice, the TASR newswire reported.

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Head of the company Wang Feng visited all the potential sites in mid-May but has not made a definite decision yet, the iDnes.cz website reported.

The Czech Republic, meanwhile, has intensified its meetings with the company.

It is important for them to see there is a real interest in the investment, said Radek Grill, owner of the e-shop Nejlevnejsipneu.cz who brought Ling Long to the Czech Republic, as quoted by TASR.

While the Czech Republic can benefit from positive experiences of investors and qualified labour force, it may lose points due to the selected plots and long approval construction process.

The Chinese firm plans to invest 13 billion Czech crowns (about 490.51 million) into the new plant, which is expected to occupy some 100 hectares. It was interested mostly in the industrial zone in Mosnov, which is however too small for the plant. The Czech Republic thus offered it a spot in the industrial zone Barbora near Karvina, but it is not ready yet, TASR reported.

As for the state aid, the sum offered in Slovakia might be higher than that of the Czech Republic. The Slovak government has offered to the company the plots near Kosice. The amount of the state aid is linked to the unemployment rate, which means it is higher for eastern Slovakia.

Moreover, the Slovak government has promised the Chinese company to give it necessary permissions quicker than the Czechs. This is also one of the reasons why British carmaker Jaguar Land Rover picked Slovakia over the Czech Republic, TASR reported.

The management of Ling Long is expected to make a decision in following three months. The construction of the new plant should last 1.5 years, but there is a question of how long it will take to process the permissions.
They are using martial art clubs in Germany and dozens more in other EU states, in the Western Balkans, and in North America.

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Russian intelligence services are reportedly using martial arts clubs to recruit potential troublemakers in Germany and other EU countries, the internet magazine EU Observer reported, citing several security experts.

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The number of clubs is higher than previously reported and the sleeper cells could stage violent provocations ahead of the upcoming German elections, the EU Observer added.

The warnings come amid concerns by enemies of the Russian state who live in the EU that they could be harmed for their work, EU Observer writes.

The martial arts clubs, which teach an offensive style called systema have direct or indirect links to the GRU military intelligence or FSB domestic intelligence services in Russia, according to Dmitrij Chmelnizki, a scholar of Russian espionage who lives in Berlin.

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Read also: To Russia with love? Read more

He said the GRU is using these clubs to recruit agents in the West as it had done in the former East Germany during the Cold War.

His investigation found 63 systema clubs in Germany and dozens more in other EU states, in the Western Balkans, and in North America.

Chmelnizki said there were nine systema-type schools whose founders were all officers of the GRU or KGB-FSB and whose intense foreign expansion in the past 10 years had no visible natural explanation.

Their expansion looked like a well-thought-out, large-scale operation of the secret services with powerful government funding, he told EU Observer.

The Systema Ryabko school and the Systema Siberian Cossack school also had students in Slovakia.

Read also:

Read also: State-funded Anti-Fascistic Union spreads pro-Russian propaganda Read more

Eerik Kross, who used to hunt Russian spies when he led Estonias security service, the Kapo, from 1995 to 2000, said EU authorities should pay more attention to physical threats posed by Russian intelligence.

Kross noted that GRU officers recently gave combat training to a neo-Nazi group in Hungary, the Hungarian National Front, and to similar groups in Slovakia, the Slovak Conscripts and the Slovak Revival Movement.

Chmelnizki, a 63-year old academic, fled from Russia to what was then West Germany in 1987 after being put on trial for doing research on the KGB, the former name of the FSB, EU Observer wrote.

He conducted his investigation of the systema clubs using open sources on the internet and working in collaboration with Viktor Suvorov, a former GRU officer who was posted in Geneva, Switzerland, during the Cold War before moving to the UK.
In the south 60 days of martial law were declared for all of Mindanao Island (and adjacent smaller islands). This puts and it all includes 22 percent of the Filipino population and a third of the 81 provinces. The largest city in this area is Davao (1.8 million people). President Duterte ran Davao City for two decades so he is familiar with the region. Mindanao is also where most of the Moslems live and long a center of criminal activity like the drug trade and smuggling. That was why the last used of martial law was down south, in 2009 for three weeks in Maguindanao province.

The martial law decision had been a known possibility since Duterte was elected in 2016 and was triggered when an operation in Marawi City (capital of Lanao del Sur province) to capture or kill Isnilon Hapilon (the head of Abu Sayyaf since 2016) escalated. Since the 1990s, when Abu Sayyaf was created, Hapilon was known to be a key member. Since 2006 the United States has offered a $5 million reward for Isnilon Hapilon because of his effective efforts running terrorist operations. The security forces had been receiving a lot more tips about Abu Sayyaf activity this year and several them led to a building in Marawi City where the wounded (in a recent battle) Hapilon was recuperating. The military underestimated the number of gunmen (not all of them Abu Sayyaf) available in the city to protect Hapilon. The mid-day raid soon escalated to a larger battle involving hundreds of troops and at least fifty gunmen trying to protect Hapilon. They did this by calling in more gunmen and attacking multiple targets in the city, including city hall, a Catholic church (that was burned down) and a university campus. By nightfall the electricity was cut to most of the city and the Islamic terrorists had taken over a dozen civilians hostage. This appears to be a typical ISIL suicidal last stand. Abu Sayyaf and the other Islamic terror groups have taken heavy losses over the last year, both in terms of manpower, public support and, most importantly cash flow. Even religious fanatics have expenses and these have increased for Abu Sayyaf while income declined. It was time for a bold and desperate move.

Abu Sayyaf had lots of allies in this area. Earlier in the year ISIL (Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant) finally recognized Abu Sayyaf as part of ISIL and was fine with Hapilon as the emir (man in charge). That meant other Islamic terror groups in the area that had pledged allegiance to ISIL were obliged to recognize the authority of (or at least cooperate with) Hapilon. Now hundreds of local Islamic militants had an incentive turn the defense of Hapilon into a major battle.

ISIL has been trying to establish a larger presence in the Philippines for years and by 2016 had over 500 local follower. Most of them belong to Abu Sayyaf but about a hundred are from what is left of the Manute and BIFF (Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters) groups. Since early 2016 the government and MILF have cooperated (mainly in Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur provinces) on destroying rouge MILF factions like BIFF and the Maute Group. Abu Sayyaf by contrast may still have as many as 400 active members and more of them moved to Marawi City recently, to protect their emir. BIFF has not been as ruthless and reckless as Manute but both groups have forced the larger Moslem separatist groups MNLF and MILF to crack down on Moslems who work with the Islamic terrorists. Because of that Abu Sayyaf was soon considered unworthy of local support by the Moslem community and the Abu Sayyaf leaders know that is the worst thing that could happen to them. The government is hoping for a final (or at least decisive) battle with Abu Sayyaf, BIFF and Manute here. Martial law will enable the security forces to quickly round up the known or suspected supporters of Hapilon. That is important because Hapilon had lots of allies and contacts in the numerous local drug and smuggling gangs.

Even before the Marawi City violence the military had announced that so far in 2017 (through mid-May) at least 81 Abu Sayyaf members had been killed. In that time fifty had surrendered and another 18 captured. Public opinion among southern Moslems had turned against Abu Sayyaf and it was believed that the final battles would be with the most desperate and ruthless members of these groups and that has proved to be the case in Marawi City.

NPA Peace Efforts

The government continued pressuring NPA (the illegal armed wing of the local Communist Party) negotiators that the peace negotiations (resumed this year) will be abandoned is some progress is not made with working out a ceasefire. The government kept the peace negotiations with the NPA going this year despite persistent NPA demands that hundreds of jailed NPA members be freed first. Since February the army and police have been ordered to exert maximum pressure on the NPA and that apparently worked because the operations concentrated on the NPA groups known to be hostile to a peace deal. The third round of peace talks took place in early January and made it clear that there was another problem because too many NPA factions refuse to make peace and by the end of January the temporary ceasefire was over because of many attacks by these factions. Those attacks continue. Until the NPA can regain control over (or disown) disobedient factions the government will resume its efforts to destroy the leftist rebel group. Both the government and the NPA leadership are trying, in different ways, to deal with the uncooperative NPA factions and that is enough to keep the negotiations going.

The Drug War

Since the March 6th resumption of the crackdown on illegal drugs there has been a lot less violence. The revived operations limits the number of police involved to those who have already been screened and known to be uncorrupt. So far the revised anti-drug tactics have led to about 75 percent fewer arrests per week and 84 percent fewer deaths. The deaths, police or criminal, during police raids are now lower than they were before the new president took office. Part of that is due to the fact that so many known drug gang members were arrested or killed during the first seven months of the operation. It will take another month or so to determine if the new approach is continuing to reduce the distribution and use of illegal drugs. The initial campaign certainly reduced crime.

The war on drugs was suspended on January 30th because of an expanding investigation of police corruption, especially of police involved in anti-drug operations. Since the anti-drug campaign began in July 2016 to the end of January 2,512 suspects were killed. During that time there were 51,882 arrests during 42,798 police investigations. Most of the dead were suspects who violently resisted arrest or searches but nearly 40 percent were the result of local vigilantes or drug gangs killing suspected informers or rivals. The extent and intensity of these efforts caused over 1.1 million people to turn themselves in. Since 93 percent of those surrendering were users nearly all were released, especially if they provided information about their suppliers. So far the police and military have suffered fewer than 120 casualties, mostly wounded but including 38 dead.

May 19, 2017: President Duterte says China threatened war if the Philippines went ahead with plans to drill for oil in offshore areas that international law recognizes as Filipino but that China claims actually belongs to them. Duterte openly criticizes other nations for not confronting China. All the South China Sea nations facing territorial losses because of Chinese claims have backed down. He points out that even the United States is unwilling to go up against China. Meanwhile the Chinese are openly moving more weapons to bases in the South China Sea as well as their main naval base in southern China (Hainan Island). When pressed a few Chinese officials would admit that in recent talks between Duterte and Chinese leaders it was mentioned that war was a possibility if other nations sought to take possession of Chinese territory. In other words (that non-Chinese can understand). Back off or die.

May 18, 2017: MILF has agreed to combine its 2014 peace deal with the government with the 1996 peace agreement rival MNLF signed with the government. This settles several disagreements the two major Moslem organizations had to confront. The two groups had originally disagreed over who would have what powers under the new autonomy deal. MILF is waiting for the new congress to either pass or reject the peace deal by the end of 2017. This peace deal, if approved by congress, creates Bangsamoro which is an autonomous Moslem area in the southwest. It was not surprising that this new law would be difficult to get through congress. It was always understood that because of the 2016 elections the treaty would have an opportunity to try getting approval from two different congresses. The main problem is that too many Christians do not trust the Moslems to remain at peace and curb violence against Christians in the south. While Moslems are the majority in some parts of the south (mainly the southwest that will become Bangsamoro) Christians are the majority in the southern islands that radical Moslems insist should be under Moslem control and all Christians expelled. Even in Bangsamoro Christians are a large minority.

May 17, 2017: In the north (Quezon) several clashes with NPA rebels left five soldiers dead and two policemen wounded. The NPA suffered casualties but managed to retreat with them, as they try to do all the time to prevent members from being identified.

May 15, 2017: In the south (Zamboanga Sibugay province) soldiers and local civilians on patrol encountered about 30 NPA rebels and after a brief gun battle the rebels fled, leaving two dead behind. The government forces had two civilian volunteers wounded.

May 12, 2017: The Philippines defied China by moving troops and construction equipment to Pagasa, a disputed island in the Spratlys. China said it disapproved but has not yet made a military move to stop the Filipinos. All this goes back to early 2016 when China was seen making preparations to build an artificial island at Jackson Atoll, install a small military garrison and declare the area part of China. Nearby Pagasa is the second-largest (37.2 hectares/93 acres) of the Spratly Islands and is inhabited by 200 Filipinos civilians and a few military personnel. China has been increasingly belligerent about its claims to Pagasa and threatens to take it back by force. Chinese military and civilian ships are showing up near Pagasa with increasing frequency and sometimes the Chinese vessels try (by getting in the way) to prevent non-Chinese vessels from getting too close to the island. The Philippines often has a coast guard patrol boat off the island (which is 480 kilometers from the nearest Filipino territory China does not claim) and that provides the possibility of a violent military encounter. China is also concerned with the increasingly frequent visits of American warships to the Philippines (for leave and maintenance) and the South China Seas (to challenge Chinese claims.) So far China has not been violent but with more and more Chinese warships, warplanes and troops showing up in the South China Sea there appears to be increased risk of someone opening fire. There are a growing number of offenders for the Chinese to shoot at. In addition to ships from the nearest countries (mainly Philippines, Vietnam and Taiwan) there are the more powerful allies of these countries (mainly Japan and the United States). Now the Philippines is daring China to make an aggressive move at a time when China is busy with several similar situations from Africa to Korea and the Japanese islands.

May 11, 2017: In the south (Maguindanao province) the army said that six days of fighting with BIFF had left at least 31 of these Islamic terrorists dead. All this fighting forced over 20,000 local civilians to flee their homes. At the start of the month BIFF was believed to have about 300 active members but because of recent fighting the casualties (dead and wounded) and desertions have reduced that to about 200.

April 28, 2017: The government revealed that they had confirmed the recent death of notorious Abu Sayyaf commander Alhabsy Misaya in Sulu province. Misaya was believed responsible for most of the success Abu Sayyaf had at recent kidnapping for ransom.
ISTE | Keynote

Jad Abumrad Reflects on Radio, Race, Technology and Education

The opening keynote speaker for the ISTE conference struggled during the early years, but has found unexpected success with Radiolab.

Jad Abumrad. Photo by Marco Antonio.

Jad Abumrad doesnt do things by the book, and hes been rewarded for it.

Hes co-host and creator of Radiolab, a popular public radio show thats broadcast on more than 500 stations across the United States and has been downloaded as a podcast over 9 million times per month.

Hes a 2011 MacArthur genius grant fellow, and his radio program won the George Foster Peabody Award in 2010 and 2015. Hes working on a new podcast called More Perfect that explores how the decisions of the U.S. Supreme Court affect everyday people.

Abumrad, 44, got his college degrees in creative writing and music composition from Oberlin College. After college, he wrote music for movies and crafted documentaries for local and national radio shows.

Abumrad will be the opening keynote speaker at the ISTE (International Society for Technology in Education) conference Sunday, June 25. THE Journal caught up with him to talk about his background, experiences and thoughts on education and technology.



THE Journal: How did you get into public radio?



Jad Abumrad: I was a struggling musician and writer, and flailing at both. During my post-college flail, my girlfriend, whos now my wife, suggested radio. I studied both writing and music. Radio is kind of both, but its neither.

I started at WBAI, a community radio station in New York City. I learned the basics of how you hold a mike, take bits of tape in between [interviews], make it make sense. It was so immediate, and I was always so hard on myself, I would get creatively blocked. But suddenly someone says something, and thats your material  sound, language. I kept on doing it and moved to WNYC. And I happened to be decent enough at it, and in the building, when the program director in 2002 said, Start experimenting.

THE Journal: When and where was the first Radiolab show? How has it changed over the years?

Abumrad: I would say early 2002  January, February or March-ish. I had been working on a bunch of different shows. It sort of had a soft, fumbly beginning. It shifted and changed forms in the early beginning. The first time I did something, the actual thing people would call Radiolab, was 2005.

It has evolved in a hundred different ways. Initially it was just a show that I loved making. But I had no time to have a plan. I just thought, I have to fill three hours. I didnt have time to make a vision. It happened so quickly, then I had to do it.

I didnt expect it to catch on in public radio.

Up until about six years ago, it was just, like literally, the only expectation I had was related to the story in front of us. It was super hand-to-mouth. We worked right up until the last second [before it aired].



THE Journal: What kind of effect did podcasts have on your show?



Abumrad: Podcasting gave us a lease on life. In 2006, I think thats when we did our first podcast. We were able to experiment with sound, with music. And that was an evolution I couldnt have ever anticipated. Radiolab was not just a show  it became a signifier of a style and a way of doing things. I never expected that to happen. I never expected it to be about science.

THE Journal: Describe the role of technology in your show.

Abumrad: Its a very digital show. It feels very organic and very inviting, for public radio. We came along at a time when things felt very analog.

Jad Abumrad

Technology is important because of the way it was influencing the sound. Before us, the edit was not a huge character. Things in public radio were meant to always sound conversational. We came along, and we just started using ProTools when people were still using tape and razor blades. Wed make pieces with 12 voices interwoven in one story.

We took a very hi-fi music production digital approach to telling basic radio stories.

At first, it was too much for people. It was too much, too fast. Technology initially allowed us to work at a level of density and speed that was unusual.

We incorporated a lot of electro-acoustic sounds. We do a lot of esoteric sound synthesis  for instance, wed sample a harmonica, then elongate the tail and make a 12-minute drone. You can adjust it up and down, and it sounds harmonica-y. It sounds kind of familiar  familiar sounds made strange.

To create those noises, Im not interested in a band. Im not interested in dance music. Im interested in some co-mingling of all of it. I do want there to be moments where you hear things you dont expect to hear. Seductive, yet peculiar, yet weird.

Now, as the technology evolves further, literally you can make an entire podcast on a laptop on a plane. We produce the show in different parts of the country now. Everyone gets on Google Hangouts and each person does the show from different locations with ISBN tools. Its just kind of crazy. Its amazing.

THE Journal: How does what you do tie into the mission of ISTE? What are you going to talk about during your keynote speech?

Abumrad: Thats a really good question. Im planning to give a talk that tells the story of my journey in radio, and the story of Radiolab as it came into the world.

Its the story of a strange, non-linear meander. How does one learn and grow and develop in a situation where things are changing so quickly, so you dont know what, in a given moment, what to do.
BUENOS AIRES (Reuters) - Argentine police searched Brazilian construction firm Odebrecht's Buenos Aires office on Wednesday as part of a graft investigation, the company said in a statement. Odebrecht earlier this month proposed a leniency deal to Argentine judges as part of its efforts to settle investigations of its use of bribes to help secure lucrative contracts across Latin America. State news agency Telam said federal judge Sebastian Casanello ordered the operation in search of documents about an alleged bribe related to a water treatment plant. "The company had presented the same judge an offer for broad and definitive collaboration with the investigations on May 9," Odebrecht said in a statement confirming police were in its office. In December, Odebrecht and petrochemical subsidiary Braskem SA settled with Brazilian, U.S. and Swiss authorities a record fine of $3.5 billion (2.7 billion pounds). In that settlement, Odebrecht admitted to bribing officials in 12 countries, including bribes of $35 million in Argentina between 2007 and 2014. The company has been meeting with Argentine government representatives in the justice ministry and anti-corruption office in recent days. Prosecutors investigating Odebrecht in Argentina have said the country lacks a legal mechanism for companies to reach a leniency agreement like the one signed in Brazil. President Mauricio Macri's administration has asked Congress to pass a bill that would allow companies to be punished for corruption and also enable them to sign leniency agreements. (Reporting by Caroline Stauffer; Editing by David Gregorio)
BUENOS AIRES (Reuters) - Argentine holding company Corporacion America said on Wednesday it sold two wind farms in the neighbouring country of Uruguay to Spanish renewable energy producer Saeta Yield for $230 million (177.7 million pounds). The parks in Maldonado province have been in operation since October 2015 and generate a total 95 megawatts of power. "Through this operation, the group will continue its growth in the energy area in Argentina, focussed on gas production in the southern basin of Santa Cruz," Corporacion America said in a statement. The company's energy arm, Compania General de Combustibles (CGC), aims to increase its conventional and non-conventional gas production, Hugo Eurnekian, the Corporacion America executive in charge of energy said in a telephone interview. Corporacion America has invested about $100 million in energy production so far this year, and the wind farm sale will loosen up more cash for the same purpose forward, he said. Argentina will slash the tariff on the import of used oil exploration and drilling equipment to 7-8 percent from the current 27 percent in the coming days, Energy Minister Juan Jose Aranguren told reporters on Tuesday. "These benefits are bound to help the projects," Eurnekian said. (Reporting by Eliana Raszewski; Writing by Hugh Bronstein; Editing by Richard Chang)
OSLO, May 24 (Reuters) - Norwegian gas flows to Britain through the Langeled pipeline, which has seen an unplanned outage since Wednesday afternoon, are expected to resume later in the day, operator Gassco told Reuters.

"The flow will be back quite soon. We think that at the moment," said a company spokeswoman.

She (Munich: SOQ.MU - news) declined to comment on the cause of the outage.

Langeled's main gas supplier is the Nyhamna plant on the western coast of Norway, whose operator Shell (LSE: RDSB.L - news) told Reuters that the plant was in normal export mode. (Reporting by Lefteris Karagiannopoulos, editing by Terje Solsvik)
Top Bahraini Shiite cleric Isa Qassim was stripped of citizenship last year, sparking the sit-in outside his residence in Diraz

 AFP/File MOHAMMED AL-SHAIKH

Dubai (AFP) - Bahrain police on Tuesday opened fire on a long-running sit-in in support of a leading Shiite cleric in the Sunni-ruled Gulf state, hit by years of unrest.

Eyewitnesses told AFP there were multiple civilians wounded in the raid targeting the months-long sit-in in Diraz, the hometown of cleric Isa Qassim.

Qassim was sentenced on Sunday to a suspended one-year jail term for illegal fundraising and money laundering.

He was also stripped of citizenship last year, sparking the sit-in outside of his residence in Diraz.

Bahrain's interior ministry on Tuesday said it had "launched a security operation in the village of Diraz to preserve security and civil order as the site is a safe haven for fugitives."

Bahrain has been shaken by unrest since security forces crushed Shiite-led protests demanding a constitutional monarchy and an elected prime minister in 2011.

Bahraini authorities have accused Shiite Iran of fomenting unrest in the kingdom. Tehran has consistently denied involvement.

The small Gulf state is a key regional ally of the United States and serves as home for its Fifth Fleet.

US President Donald Trump met with Bahrain's King Hamad in Saudi Arabia at the weekend during his first foreign trip since taking office.

Despite repeated calls from their Western allies, Bahrain's rulers have made no concessions to the Shiite opposition and have intensified a crackdown on critics.

See Also:
The first picture of suspected Manchester bomber Salman Abedi

The suspected suicide bomber who killed 22 people and injured dozens at a concert in Manchester has been identified as a British-Libyan man name Salman Abedi.

Twenty-two people were killed  many of them expected to be young  after a bomb exploded at an Ariana Grande concert at the Manchester Arena late on Monday night.

It comes after Mrs May announced that the official terror threat level is being raised to critical, the highest level.

Georgina Callander, pictured two years ago with Ariana Grande, and , right, eight-year-old Saffie Rose Roussos

The Times newspaper reported the Manchester-born bomber spent three weeks in the war-torn north African nation before the attack on Manchester Arena, in which he was killed.

A friend told the paper: He went to Libya three weeks ago and came back recently, like days ago.

Who is Salman Abedi?

Born and raised in Manchester, Abedi grew up in a Muslim household  but matured into a university dropout with an appetite for bloodshed.

He was registered as living at Elsmore Road as recently as last year, where police raided a downstairs red-bricked semi-detached property on Tuesday.

Neighbours recalled an abrasive, tall, skinny young man who was little known in the neighbourhood, and often seen in traditional Islamic clothing.

He is thought to have lived at a number of addresses in the area, including one in Wilbraham Road, where plainclothes police made an arrest on Tuesday.

Abedi previously lived with his mother Samia Tabbal, father Ramadan Abedi and a brother, Ismail Abedi, who was born in Westminster in 1993.

He is thought to have a younger brother, Hashim Abedi, and a sister Jomana, whose Facebook profile suggests she is from Tripoli and lives in Manchester.

A family friend, who asked not to be named, said they were known to the Libyan community in the city and described Abedi as normal.

He said: He was always friendly, nothing to suggest (he was violent). He was normal, to be honest.

Abedi is believed to have attended the Manchester Islamic Centre, also known as the Didsbury Mosque.

Here, he reportedly caught the attention of one imam whom he stared down during a sermon denouncing terrorism.

Story continues

Salman showed me a face of hate after that sermon, Mohammed Saeed told The Guardian of the 2015 encounter.

He was showing me hatred.

Fawaz Haffar, a businessman and trustee of the mosque, said he probably did attend there, given his father used to perform the call to prayer and his brother Ismail attended as a volunteer until recently.

He said: I see him (the father) praying but I dont know really who he is. I see him sometimes raising the azan, or call to prayer, but that was a long time ago.

As far as I knew he went back to Libya when things were much better over there, to work over there.

He was devout as far as I know. He had three sons, one of them is detained, one of them is a suspect and the third one I have no idea who he is.

He said the mosque is moderate, modern and liberal and that he is a member of an organisation liaising with police, the Independent Advisory Group.

Abedi studied business and management at Salford University two or three years ago, a source said, but dropped out of the course and did not complete his degree.

The source said Abedi began his course in 2014 and attended lectures for two years but then stopped going.

He would have graduated this summer.

Abedis visit to his familys native country fuelled concerns he was preparing for Mondays deadly assault under the guidance of hardened jihadists.

Greater Manchester Chief Constable Ian Hopkins said detectives were working to establish whether Abedi was working alone.

He said: I can confirm that the man suspected of carrying out last nights atrocity has been named as 22-year-old Salman Abedi. The priority remains to establish whether he was acting alone or as part of a network.

Isis has claimed responsibility for the attack  but the claim has yet to be verified.

Elsmore Road, where Abedi was registered as living, became the centre of the investigation into Mondays outrage as detectives hunted those thought to be behind the blast.

According to the Telegraph, Abedi is the second youngest of four children.

His parents were Libyan refugees who are thought to have come to the UK during the Gaddafi regime.

The paper also reports that two of Abedis three siblings are called Hashem, who is 20, and Jomama, 18.

Abedi grew up in the Whalley Range area where earlier today police could be seen outside a block of flats.

Police stand guard outside a block of flats raided in Whalley Range. pic.twitter.com/hPx9wZxNCD  Dean Kirby (@deankirby_) May 23, 2017

In June 2014, it emerge that twin sisters, schoolgirls Salma and Zahra Halane, also form the Whalley Range area, had fled to join the so-called Islamic State where they had married jihadist fighters.

Local residents who live on the red-bricked semi-detached street said they know little about the person or persons who reside at the address.

A childhood friend of Ismail, who asked not to be named, described Salman as normal and said his family were known to the Libyan community in the city.

He said: Ismails brother was kind of like a normal guy. Ive never chilled with his brother. I know his name is Salman and I say hi to him and talk to him.

He was always friendly, nothing to suggest (he was violent). He was normal, to be honest.

According to the man, Ismail teaches Arabic classes at a mosque in the area, which his father was also said to visit.

Salman Abedi probably attended the Manchester Islamic Centre, also known as the Didsbury Mosque, officials at the mosque said.

Fawaz Haffar, a businessman and trustee of the mosque, said he did not know the bomber or recall seeing him at the mosque.

Read more: Video shows moment of explosion

But he said he probably did attend there, given his father used to perform the azan, the call for prayer before 1,000 of the faithful, and his brother attended as a volunteer at the mosque until recently.

Mr Haffar stressed the mosque was what he called a moderate, modern, liberal mosque, and he is a member of an organisation liaising with police, the Independent Advisory Group.

Besieged by reporters at the mosque, Mr Haffar said it was likely Salman Abedi had attended the mosque.

Pictures revealed the scale of chaos and carnage inside the arena

He said: He probably did, I have never seen him, I dont know him, as a trustee I can only say what I have seen. Maybe its true, maybe its not.

Vigil interrupted

The man is detained by police (PA)

A candle-lit vigil in Birmingham in memory of those killed in the Manchester Arena bomb attack was cut short after a man believed to be armed was detained nearby.

The man shouted out as he was handcuffed and led away by officers with West Midlands Police, just a short distance from where 1,000 people had gathered in the citys main Victoria Square.

As he was taken away in a riot van in Edmund Street, which runs behind Birminghams council house, a police sergeant could be seen carrying away what appeared to be a bat and a hatchet.

Speakers who had been paying tribute to the Manchester victims were interrupted by the mans loud protests, from down a side street.

Details of the victims have also begun to emerge.

An eight-year-old girl and a college student were among the first to be named.

Saffie Roussos, eight, who was killed in the attack, was described by the headteacher at her school in Preston as a beautiful little girl.

Another victim was named by her college as Georgina Callander, who was studying health and social care at Runshaw College in Leyland, Lancashire.

Georgina Callender, 18, pictured with Ariana Grande two years ago.

Earlier, Theresa May condemned the appalling sickening cowardice of the lone suicide bomber who detonated a homemade device in the foyer of the Manchester Arena just as thousands of young people were leaving a concert by US pop star Ariana Grande.

Images from inside the Manchester Arena showed concert-goers fleeing in terror

Declaring that police and security services would be given whatever resources were needed to track down any accomplices of the attacker, Mrs May vowed: The terrorists will never win and our values, our country and our way of life will always prevail.

Greater Manchester Police said in a statement: With regards to the ongoing investigation into last nights horrific attack at the Manchester Arena, we can confirm we have arrested a 23-year-old man in South Manchester.

The working theory is that the perpetrator who triggered the blast  that killed 22 people and injured 59 others outside the Manchester arena  was working alone.

However, the national police counter-terror network, assisted by MI5, are urgently piecing together his background to see whether he had any help in planning the outrage.

Police are trying to determine whether the terrorist was working alone (PA)

The attacker struck after an Ariana Grande concert (PA)

They will be looking to build a picture of the attackers movements both in recent weeks and months as well as immediately before the strike.

Read more about the Manchester terror attack:

Video shows moment concert-goers flee in terror

Eyewitness accounts: There was carnage

First victim names as Georgina Callander

Mum breaks down during desperate appeal to find daughter

People in Manchester open their homes to help those affected

Sick Isis supporters celebrate bombing
By Aidan Lewis TRIPOLI (Reuters) - The U.S. ambassador to Libya pledged Washington's support for its U.N.-backed government on Tuesday and urged rival factions to avoid civil war, during the first, fleeting visit to the country by a U.S. envoy in nearly three years. Peter Bodde, who is based in Tunis, and Marine General Thomas Waldhauser, the top U.S. military commander overseeing troops in Africa, flew into Tripoli for two hours to meet the prime minister of Libya's Government of National Accord (GNA) and other senior officials. There has been uncertainty over U.S. policy on Libya following Donald Trump's election as president in November. Trump said in April he did not see a role for the United States in Libya apart from defeating Islamic State. "The visit today demonstrates the continued commitment of the United States to the Government of National Accord and to political reconciliation in Libya," Bodde told reporters. The GNA has struggled to function since arriving in Tripoli in March last year, failing to resolve deep-rooted security and economic crises in western and southern Libya. Factions that control a parliament in eastern Libya have rejected it, as has the military commander they are aligned with, Khalifa Haftar. GNA Prime Minister Fayez Seraj recently met Haftar in Abu Dhabi, but it is unclear whether their discussions can lead to a reset of the U.N.-mediated deal under which the GNA was created. Tensions have risen since Thursday, when a force under the GNA's command attacked a southern air base, killing dozens of Haftar's men. "We call on all Libyans to avoid further conflict that could lead to a civil war and would enable terrorism and increased social and economic hardships," said Bodde. "We applaud the ongoing Libyan dialogue on how to form a government that has broad acceptance across Libya." He said he welcomed Libyan efforts to hold elections next year. A quartet of European, Arab and African states also threw their weight behind U.N.-led peace efforts on Tuesday at a meeting in Brussels, where the U.N. envoy said the air base attack had shown there was a political "vacuum" in Libya. ARMS EMBARGO Bodde paid tribute to GNA-aligned forces that defeated Islamic State in their North African stronghold of Sirte last year, and to progress against Islamist extremists in Benghazi, where Haftar's forces have been fighting for three years. "We are working closely with Libya to expand its counter-terrorism capacity and stand ready to help Libya train professional armed forces as we strengthen cooperation on our shared regional security goals," he said. Seraj, who met Trump briefly on the sidelines of a summit in Riyadh on Sunday, said his government would submit a request to the United Nations this week to lift its arms embargo on Libya. A U.S. State Department official said the international community continued to encourage Libya to provide briefs that would "enable consideration of exemptions" to the embargo. The United States evacuated its embassy staff from Tripoli in June 2014 during an escalation of militia violence that left Libya with rival governments, one in the capital and one in the east. Along with other Western diplomatic missions, the U.S. staff have since been based in neighbouring Tunisia. The Italian and Turkish embassies in Tripoli reopened earlier this year. Envoys from other countries pay regular visits. Security in Libya is especially sensitive for the United States because of the Sept. 11, 2012, attack on the U.S. mission in Benghazi in which militants killed Ambassador Chris Stevens and three other Americans. Bodde and Waldhauser met Seraj at Tripoli's Mitiga airport. Tripoli's main airport was destroyed in fighting in 2014. (Editing by Hugh Lawson and Richard Chang)
MANCHESTER, England  At first, this one looked like all the others: randomly deadly, deliberately brutal.

In the last two years, mass killings claimed or inspired by the Islamic State have become a chilling reality in Western Europe: unexpected and impromptu truck attacks, bombings and shootings, in Paris, Brussels, Nice, Berlin and London. Manchester  where 22 were killed in an assault Monday outside a concert  seemed like just the latest chapter in a deadly saga that has claimed more than 300 lives.

But then there were the details. Among other things, this was a concert meant to celebrate female empowerment, and many of the victims were young British women there to take part. The first identified fatality was Georgina Callender, 18.

If, as claimed, this attack was carried out by an adherent of the Islamic State, the targeting of women could have been intentional.

Its very well known that misogyny is deeply rooted in the radical Islamist worldview, said Shashank Joshi, a senior research fellow at the Royal United Services Institute, a London-based think tank.

On the stage Monday night was Ariana Grande, the 23-year-old U.S. megastar  and self-styled dangerous woman  famous for lyrics that seek to champion female power and routines that exalt the female body.

Dangerous Woman is among Grandes most popular hits: Dont need permission, the song begins, Made my decision to test my limits. Grande often appears on stage in cat ears or lingerie. The meaning of her performance  in Manchester, at least  was not lost on her audience.

Melissa Mason, 23, and Rhiana Fitzwilliam, 18, had traveled all the way from Cumbria in the far north of England to see Grande live in concert for the first time. They booked themselves a room in Manchesters city center and were looking forward to adventure  at the very least, time away from their cafe jobs.

But the sense of independence Grande so often preached in her music was stolen from them, they said, in an attack that seemed to capitalize on their joy and their youthful devotion to one of their favorite stars.

On Tuesday, what they remembered was that the arena the night before was filled with many women their age, and Ariana Grandes age, too, Mason added. It seems purposeful.

Why us? she added. Why this concert?

As British police continue their investigation into the motives behind the attack, these are questions that do not yet have clear answers.

In the statement released Tuesday taking credit for the attack, the Islamic State did not mention women explicitly, condemning instead what it called a shameless concert arena. At present, the assailant  identified by U.S. officials on the condition of anonymity as Salman Abedi  is not known to have left behind any substantive rationale for to his choice of venue.

For analysts, however, a through-line was clear enough even without a letter of intent: The venue was what it was; the victims were who they were.

If you go back to early Islamist documents, Joshi said, misogyny and cultural hostility have often been two sides of the same coin.

Further, he said, Theres a connection between the targeting of a concert like this and the enslavement of young girls in northern Iraq.

Many of the women who gathered in the vigil of thousands in Manchesters main town square on Tuesday evening saw it the same way: The attack on the concert was an attack on women.

It moves you as a woman when there are young women involved, said Sue Platt, 52, a lecturer at the Manchester School of Art. It attacks freedom. It makes people afraid to gather in a crowd.

There was also, others said, the particular choice of the Grande concert itself.

Polly Ahmed, 23, who works in a pharmacy and has spent her whole life in Manchester  and who wears a veil  said that she had long seen in Grande a role model for maturity.

I used to watch her on Nickelodeon when I was in school, because shes the same age as me, she said. Everyone sees her as this Disney Channel princess. But what shes doing is to show her transition from girlhood to womanhood.

For Joshi, Islamist ideology has long used the hatred of women as a starting point for condemning Western society seen as immoral and decadent. The same persecution of decadence, he said, could be seen in a variety of soft targets since 9/11  cafe terraces in Paris, a seaside promenade in Nice and a well-known gay nightclub in Orlando.

But Shahera Khatun, 22, an English literature student at the University of Manchester, said the lesson of Mondays attack, devastating as it may have been, was clear enough.

I dont think anyone should feel less empowered because of this, she said. Because of some lowlife.
Today legislators will travel back to Santa Fe for another special session to work on the states budget. This years unfinished business was prompted by House and Senate Democrats who forced an unbalanced budget through the Legislature during the regular session with a shortfall of nearly $200 million. Then they tried to force the governor to plug the hole with stand-alone tax increases that Gov. (Susana) Martinez had repeatedly promised to veto.

When the governor kept her word and vetoed the tax increases, along with portions of the budget to ensure the budget was not out of balance, House and Senate Democrats petitioned the New Mexico Supreme Court for their intervention rather than working with the governor and House Republicans on a compromise.

In their petition, Democrat lawmakers essentially asked the court to sanction an unconstitutional state budget that proposed spending more than the amount of revenue available. They wanted the justices to insert themselves into the legislative process and invalidate the governors established constitutional prerogative to veto budget line items. Their petition also would have eviscerated a minority partys voice in legislative matters by nullifying the ability of legislators to uphold or override a governors veto.

The Supreme Court wisely refused to hear the petition and directed the legislative and executive branches to try harder on resolving the budget situation. House Republicans stand ready to get to work on substantive solutions, but we need willing partners.

In the lead-up to the special session, Gov. Martinez has again promised to veto any stand-alone tax increases that Democrat legislators are attempting to force on New Mexicans. However, she has stated her willingness to explore ways to stabilize state government revenues through comprehensive tax reform.

This being the case, the first item of business when we gather today should be a comprehensive tax reform package that will generate additional revenue to cover our expenses and address the flaws in our current tax code that are stifling job creation. Only then will we be assured that we have the revenue needed to support state spending priorities and adequately build up our reserves to avoid another downgrade to our bond rating.

If Democrats in the New Mexico House and Senate insist on sending another unbalanced budget to the governor without comprehensive and adequate tax reform, the people of New Mexico would be well-served by the governor once again vetoing everything and calling the Legislature back into session. She should repeat the process as many times as necessary to ensure that lawmakers fulfill their constitutional obligation to ensure a balanced state budget with the money we have.

House and Senate Democrats are holding the states budget hostage, and they want New Mexicos families to pay the ransom through higher taxes. New Mexicans are tired of short-sighted policymaking that relies on quick fixes at the expense of long-term growth.

We must work together on fixing New Mexicos problems, starting with our tax code. Passing comprehensive tax reform is the only way to solve this years budget fight as well as stabilizing our long-term funding issues.
Being a New Mexico legislator is a demanding job, but its not without its benefits. Probably the most valuable perk we are offered as elected representatives is the Legislative Retirement Plan.

The Legislative Retirement Plan provides retirement benefits for state legislators and lieutenant governors. The plan is voluntary, and eligible officials must opt into the plan within 180 days after taking office. Once enrolled, participants must contribute $600 for each year they remain in office.

Members of the plan may begin collecting benefits after they reach the age of 65 if they have 5 years of service credit and have left the Legislature. If they have 10 years of service credit, they may begin collecting benefits immediately upon leaving office, regardless of their age.

According to the Public Employees Retirement Association, a legislator with 10 years of service would be eligible to collect an annual benefit of $10,824, meaning that legislator would recoup his or her investment within the first year of eligibility. Given that the average retirement length is over 18 years, that legislator could expect to receive close to $200,000 in retirement benefits over his or her lifetime. Not a bad return on a $6,000 investment!

There are 320 people enrolled in the Legislative Retirement Plan, and of those enrolled, 182 are receiving benefits.

Currently, the Legislative Retirement Plan is funded at 145 percent. In other words, the $40 million fund has $12.5 million more than it needs to fulfill its obligations.

By comparison, the State General Plan for active state employees is funded at 67 percent; the plan for judicial and magistrate employees is funded at 61 percent; and the fund for New Mexicos teachers is at 62 percent.

This $12.5 million cushion for the Legislative Retirement Plan has been built on the backs of New Mexicos taxpayers. For the first dozen years of its existence, New Mexicans paid $2.4 million annually into the fund. During last years special session, the Legislature decided to reduce this annual contribution to $900,000 to help the state meet its budget needs. Even with the reduction, the states taxpayers are still contributing over $13 for every $1 provided by legislators.

During the past few years, the Legislature has asked all state agencies to make do with less. The Legislature has cut funding for education programs, health care services and critical economic development incentives. Its time that legislators ask ourselves to share in the sacrifices being made by others.

For next weeks special session, we will be introducing a bill authorizing the transfer of excess funds from the Legislative Retirement Plan to the operating reserve of the general fund. The transfer of these funds will not jeopardize the retirement plan in any way. We are simply proposing that in this time of need we surrender this unnecessary cushion which has been underwritten by New Mexicos taxpayers.

Some claim this proposal would conflict with the states Constitution. We dont agree. The fund used to finance these retirement benefits was created by the Legislature in 2003. This fund was never put before the voters of New Mexico to be included among the pension funds specifically listed in the states Constitution.

The provisions of the states Constitution regarding retirement funds pertain to New Mexico public employees and educators. State legislators are not considered either. Furthermore, the Legislative Retirement Plan is audited separately, with a separate actuarial analysis, and independent from all other state retirement accounts.

Legislators cannot reasonably ask New Mexicans to send more money to state coffers without making a commensurate sacrifice. Transferring this money from the Legislative Retirement Plan is an easy action we can immediately take to help balance the budget and minimize the fiscal burden on taxpayers. We should put the peoples money back to work in the general fund to support the programs and services that benefit all New Mexicans, not just legislators.
A federal judge was right to strike down Idahos so-called ag-gag law  which made it a criminal offense to enter agricultural facilities by misrepresentation in order to record animal abuse. And the famous potatoes state is wrong to ask the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to overturn the ruling.

Because this isnt really about business privacy  its about punishing whistleblowers instead of wrongdoers. In fact, the issue goes far beyond agriculture to the broader topic of activists misrepresenting themselves in order to gain access to places otherwise off -limits to them in order to document perceived wrongdoing, including the undercover operation on Planned Parenthood.

But lets start with the Idaho case and its ties to New Mexico.

The Idaho law, passed in 2014, was sought by that states huge dairy industry, which complained that undercover videos of cows being abused at a southern Idaho dairy had damaged the dairy business. Animal rights activists, civil rights groups and media organizations sued to overturn the law, saying it criminalized a long tradition of undercover journalism and would require people who expose wrongdoing to serve up to a year in jail and pay restitution to the businesses they target. The federal judges 2015 ruling was the first time an ag-gag law  designed to gag those who would expose wrongdoing in the agricultural industry  was struck down.

Seven states have similar ag-gag measures, and New Mexico Sen. Cliff Pirtle, R-Roswell, has introduced similar measures here, so far without success.

You might recall that in 2014, a two-month undercover investigation by the anti-cruelty group Mercy for Animals (the same group that made the Idaho videos) recorded dairy workers shocking cows with electrified rods, whipping them with chains, throwing calves into trucks, and dragging downed cows with machinery at the now-defunct Winchester Dairy in Dexter  which lies in Pirtles district. The resulting outcry prompted an investigation and four dairy workers being charged with animal cruelty. Similar investigations nationwide at dairies, slaughterhouses and large-scale chicken farms have led to prosecutions  and more ag-gag laws.

The tenets of the Idaho ruling, by extension, also should apply to the 2015 case in which anti-abortionists, posing as representatives of a nonexistent biotechnology company, visited abortion clinics and later released heavily edited videos on how those facilities provide fetal tissue to researchers.

After numerous federal and state investigations found no wrongdoing on the part of the abortion providers, the posers, David Daleiden and Sandra Merritt of the Center for Medical Progress, were charged with 15 felony counts under California law  one for each of the people they filmed without consent, and one for criminal conspiracy to invade privacy. That case remains pending. Congressional conservatives and others have used the case as a basis for defunding Planned Parenthood, which receives some federal funding and spends about 3 percent of its total funding on abortion services.

As diverse as they are, the dairy cruelty and anti-abortion cases show the difficulty courts and legislatures face when trying to determine if, or when, a means justifies an end. While its evident such undercover operations can provide valuable information that would likely go unreported otherwise, its also evident the information is often used to advance personal agendas and ideologies.

But theres a reason Americans have put systems in place, from the Better Business Bureau to industry inspectors to whistleblower protections: They expect everyone, from nonprofits to for-profits, to be good neighbors, operate within the law and be held accountable when they dont.

Ag-gag laws like Idahos incorrectly escalate a firing offense  lying on a job application  to a criminal one. And they place a troubling chilling effect on anyone who would try to shine a light on wrongdoing by making the would-be whistleblower the criminal instead of the purported wrongdoer.

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.
Professional bomb squads from across the Southwestern U.S. brought their robots to Albuquerque this week to turn knobs, climb stairs, carry water and other tasks as part of a competition at Sandia National Laboratories.

The 11th annual Western National Robot Rodeo drew teams from four New Mexico police departments that squared off against competitors from California, Texas, Arizona and Colorado. The four-day contest will end Thursday when the three top-scoring teams will get trophies.

Each team must tackle 10 scenarios that simulate problems they might encounter in real emergencies.

We have them do 10 things that make them better bomb tech and better robot operators, said Jake Deuel, manager of robotic and security systems at Sandia. Some scenarios involve taking X-ray images of mysterious containers wedged into hard-to-reach places.

Its amazing what these bomb techs can do with these commercially available robots, Deuel said.

One of the scenarios, devised by U.S. Army Spc. Andy Altonji of the 21st Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company was a devilish task nicknamed what a mess.

The test requires a team to maneuver two robots around a cluttered warehouse where water is dripping from a system of leaky pipes. According to the scenario, the water is radioactive.

The robot has to turn three knobs to shut off the water, Altonji said as he watched the robots at work.

Once the leak is turned off, one of the robots must carry a bucket of water outside and dump it into a waste container.

Team members operated their robots from a truck located outside the building, monitoring their work by video cameras.

In a briefing afterward, Altonji awarded the team 95 points out of a possible 100. He deducted five points because the team spilled some water while carrying it outside.

Good job, guys, he told the team, which included Farmington police officers and airmen based at Kirtland Air Force Base. Good job using two robots.
The Albuquerque man accused of running down and killing a person who he believed had taken his stereo is now named in a civil wrongful death lawsuit involving the same incident.

Christopher Pino, 51, was indicted Monday on charges including second-degree murder, leaving the scene of a crash and aggravated assault. Police say Pino saw two men carrying a stereo he thought was his and hit one of them with his Hummer near Solano and Silver. Daniel Arballo died later in a local hospital.

Last week, an attorney acting as the personal representative of Arballos estate filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Pino. The lawsuit seeks damages and other relief.

Christopher Pino should be punished for his disregard for the life and safety of people in New Mexico, the lawsuit filed in state District Court in Santa Fe argues. It is not clear who is representing him in the civil case.

According to a criminal complaint, a witness described watching the Hummer hit one person, sending him flying before reversing and going after the second person. The driver, the witness told police, was shouting threats.

Youre going to be killed, Im going to kill you, you stole from me, the witness, a security guard at a nearby business, said describing what he heard.

Pino told police he only wanted to knock the men down so that he could detain them until police arrived.

He said hes been dealing with property crime, and wanted the men arrested to send a message to others to leave the property alone.
Local law enforcement departments said theyve created and are collaborating on their own most dangerous offender list to help them better prioritize criminal prosecutions.

On Tuesday, officials with Albuquerque police, the Bernalillo County Sheriffs Office, the 2nd Judicial District Attorneys Office and the FBI announced the new Analysis-Led Recidivism Team, or ALeRT. Data analysts hired by Albuquerque polices Real Time Crime Center are working to identify certain suspects using a persons history of felony arrests, propensity for failing to make court appearances and the type of crimes they are accused of committing. The agencies involved in the team meet weekly to discuss the suspects.

Once a suspect thats part of the program is arrested, a signal will be sent to prosecutors so they can prioritize the case from the first appearance through the judgment and sentencing. Some defendants will be targeted for a vigorous prosecution because they are accused of crimes that are spiking around the county, like auto theft currently is, according to an Albuquerque news release.

This alert system  will help us prioritize the most serious and dangerous offenders in our community and get them out of the community, District Attorney Raul Torrez said. But he said his office will also be making tough hard judgements about who the most dangerous offenders are. Torrez has said that overall, his office plans to prosecute fewer cases per year than the previous district attorney did.

Police said only the most habitual offenders will meet the criteria for the alert. So far, 43 people are in the alert system, said Celina Espinoza, a police spokeswoman. But she said police expect that number to grow.

Thats never been done before and it gives (prosecutors) a great tool, Police Chief Gorden Eden said.

The FBI is also part of the program. Terry Wade, the special agent in charge of the FBI in New Mexico, said federal authorities could charge some of the suspects with violating federal laws, which does already happen in Albuquerque on occasion.

Theres different federal laws you can take into account, Wade said. Were looking for these repeat offenders that are identified through here  and theres a number of things we can do.

Wade said federal charges could be filed, for example, when someone is suspected of being a felon in possession of a firearm, in some cases when a fugitive crosses state lines, or when someone is suspected of violating interstate commerce laws.
Copyright  2017 Albuquerque Journal

WASHINGTON  Federal spending on New Mexicos nuclear weapons labs and military bases would rise while Medicaid and other programs for the poor would face dramatic cuts under a 2018 budget proposal released by the White House on Tuesday.

The $4.1 trillion spending plan relies on projected economic growth and reductions in social program spending to balance the governments books over the next decade.

We look at this budget through the eyes of the people who are actually paying the bills, White House budget director Mick Mulvaney told reporters Tuesday.

But many Democrats and even some Republicans who are wary of cuts that could affect their constituents declared President Donald Trumps first full budget proposal a non-starter in Congress.

Senators from both sides of the aisle are already lining up to reject it, and I am confident Trumps budget plan will be dead on arrival in Congress, said Sen. Tom Udall, a New Mexico Democrat who sits on the Appropriations Committee.

The budget blueprint would boost spending for the military by tens of billions and also calls for $1.6 billion for a border wall with Mexico that Trump repeatedly promised voters the U.S. neighbor would pay for.

Trumps blueprint for the 2018 budget year includes cuts to programs such as Medicaid, federal employee pensions, welfare and farm subsidies. The reductions include a whopping $193 billion from food stamps over the coming decade  a cut of more than 25 percent  implemented by cutting back eligibility and imposing additional work requirements.

New Mexico has the nations largest percentage of young children receiving food stamps, with nearly half of children ages 4 and under participating in the program, officially called the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP.

Medicaid, the government insurance program for the poor and many disabled Americans, would be cut by more than $600 billion over 10 years by capping payments to states and giving governors more flexibility to manage their rosters of Medicaid recipients. Those cuts are on top of the repeal of Obamacares expansion of the program to 14 million people and amount to, by decades end, an almost 25 percent cut from present projections.

A program designed to move people who are receiving Social Security disability payments back into the workforce also faces opposition on Capitol Hill. Administration officials defended these measures as a way to reduce government support they contend is keeping millions of Americans out of the workforce and thus reducing economic growth.

New Mexicos congressional Democrats assailed the budget as an assault on the poor with tax breaks proposed for the wealthiest Americans. Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., said the budget stacks the deck against the most vulnerable Americans.

A budget should be a reflection of our core values and principles, yet Trumps budget is filled with broken promises to those who need our help the most, he said.

Rep. Ben Ray Lujan said the budgets priorities dont reflect Trumps rhetoric in the 2016 campaign.

He campaigned on restoring jobs and economic fairness to the middle class in small-town America, but his budget does the opposite, Lujan said.

Rep. Steve Pearce, R-N.M., said the budget isnt perfect but it rightly aims to get federal spending under control.

Without significant course corrections, we are slated to leave our children and grandchildren with an unsurmountable debt, Pearce said. It is refreshing to see a president diligently attempt to provide our nation with a balanced and sustainable budget. While nowhere near perfect or the final product that will be crafted by Congress, President Trumps proposal forces a much-needed conversation on our nations spending priorities.

The proposal projects that this years deficit will rise to $603 billion, compared with an actual deficit of $585 billion last year. But the document says if Trumps initiatives are adopted, the deficit will start decreasing and actually reach a small surplus of $16 billion in 2027.

That goal, however, depends on growth projections that most economists view as overly optimistic and a variety of accounting gimmicks, including an almost $600 billion peace dividend from winding down overseas military operations.

The National Nuclear Security Administration, which oversees work at Sandia and Los Alamos national laboratories in New Mexico, would get a $1 billion budget bump in 2018 under the $13.9 billion requested by the administration. NNSA Administrator Frank G. Klotz said the budget would ensure that U.S. nuclear forces are modern, robust, flexible, resilient, ready and appropriately tailored to deter 21st-century threats and reassure our allies.

It also includes long-overdue investments to repair and replace aging infrastructure at our national laboratories and production plants, and to provide modern and more efficient workspace for our highly talented scientific, engineering and professional workforce, he said.

The budget proposes roughly $2.1 billion for Sandia in Albuquerque, compared with $1.8 billion this year. It includes $98 million for a new NNSA facility on property in Albuquerque, next to the Kirtland Air Force Base east perimeter fence on Eubank Avenue. The White House has suggested $2.2 billion for Los Alamos, compared with $2.1 billion budgeted for the current year.

The proposed funding level for Los Alamos is adequate to ensure we can continue our hiring efforts without interruption, and that the laboratorys funding will remain stable into the next fiscal year, Los Alamos Director Charles McMillan wrote to LANL employees Tuesday, according to an internal memo obtained by the Journal.

Meanwhile, the budgets proposal for nuclear nonproliferation, or securing the threat of loose nuclear weapons around the globe, represents a $147 million cut from current-year spending to $1.7 billion, a decrease of more than 8 percent.

The budget would reduce federal spending on the Land and Water Conservation Fund by 84 percent and eliminate all new federal land acquisitions, including pending projects in the Rio Grande del Norte and the Gila National Forest.

On taxes, Trump promises an overhaul that would cut tax rates but rely on economic growth and elimination of tax breaks to avoid adding to the deficit. It would create three tax brackets  10 percent, 25 percent and 35 percent  instead of the current seven and promises to lower the corporate tax rate to 15 percent.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
The New Mexico Public Education Department has bumped up per-pupil spending by 1.8 percent  a $20 million increase for districts statewide that will not be changed during the Legislatures special session, according to Education Secretary Hanna Skandera.

Skandera announced the new unit value in April, and last week, she told the Journal that districts can depend on the money.

The unit value is set separate from special session, she said. It is set the same way every year, so when it goes up, it is based on external factors. It is set and that $20 million wont go away regardless of what happens during the special session.

PED determines the unit value, which provides funding based on a districts total enrollment and the composition of the student body. For instance, English Language Learners and special education students receive more money to cover additional school supports.

The unit value is a major component of the state equalization guarantee  the amount of money New Mexico guarantees will be provided to districts to defray program costs.

The state equalization guarantee itself is set by the Legislature through an annual appropriation in the budget bill. In April, Gov. Susana Martinez signed a General Appropriations Act that includes $2.49 billion for schools  a 0.5 percent increase from the current years operating budget.

While Skandera has vowed that the unit value is safe, the states equalization guarantee funding was reduced by $37.8 million during the previous special session, held in October 2016.

Albuquerque Public Schools administrators have said they are worried about what might happen this time.

In early April, APS administrators projected that the Legislature would cut K-12 education by 2 percent during the special session to help cover the higher education budget.

The governor line-item vetoed all funding for higher education and the legislative branch, setting the stage for the special session, which begins today.

A few weeks ago, APS Chief Financial Officer Tami Coleman told the board of education that the 2 percent public education cut no longer looked likely.

On Monday, the APS board signed off on a budget that factors in the 1.8 percent equalization guarantee increase. It lists the districts equalization funding at $617.7 million.

The district projects an enrollment decline combined with higher costs, adding up to a $13 million loss that will be covered largely by tapping cash reserves and reorganizing central office departments.

Skandera was skeptical about the districts decision to initially budget for a 2 percent cut. I dont know why they did that, she said.

Paul Aguilar, New Mexico Education Department Deputy Secretary for Finance and Operations, told the Journal that APS should have budgeted from the signed appropriations bill rather than guessing at the 2 percent cut.

The districts 2 percent budget cut scenario listed a number of unpopular options, including the end of all competitive middle school sports. Parents and students fought to save middle school sports, and the proposal was taken off the table.

On Monday, Coleman said initial planning for the 2 percent cut was reasonable based on the information available in April.

We dont have a balanced budget for the state, so we still have tons of unknowns, she said.
TEHRAN, Iran  Iran on Wednesday signed a deal worth $615 million  or euros 550 million  with a Spanish-Iranian consortium under which the group will provide pipes used in Irans oil industry.

It was the first major deal for Irans oil industry since President Hassan Rouhanis re-election last week to another term in office on a platform of reform and greater openness to the international community. The consortium, which includes Spains Tubacex S.A. and Irans Foolad Isfahan Company, will produce pipes made of a corrosion resistant alloy for a network of 600 kilometers, or about 370 miles, over three years.

The statement said the pipes will be produced using Japans JFE Steel Corporation technology, and that the know-how will eventually be given to the Iranians.

At a ceremony marking the signing, Irans Oil Minister Bijan Zanganeh said he was delighted that a deal worth more than 550 million euros is being signed.

The Iranian manufacturer is happier than us and perhaps our foreign partner is the happiest party of all today, to have secured itself a long-term market in Iran, Zanganeh added.

The minister said that during the years of punitive sanctions over Irans nuclear program, the industry faced a severe shortage of pipes and were the sanctions still in place, we would be unable to produce them now.

I think it is the biggest tender we have had in this industry for a lot of years, said Antonio Rafael, deputy CEO of Tubacex. It is very professionally managed.

Iran has been trying to renovate its oil industry since the 2015 landmark nuclear deal with world powers. The country exports 2 million barrels of oil per day, which compromises more than 30 percent of the countrys annual budget.
An Albuquerque startup is emerging from stealth mode this week to commercialize new, mobile technology that can immediately detect and identify gasses for security, industrial or research purposes.

The company, RingIR Inc., launched in Albuquerque in August 2016 at the WESST incubator Downtown after more than 10 years developing its technology in Australia and New Mexico. But it remained under the radar until now to advance its initial technology prototypes and begin building business operations before going public

Now, the company has its first paying contracts in place to detect gasses in Australian mining operations, and its about to sign another contract with security forces in that country for anti-explosives detection, said RingIR founder, President and CEO Charles Harb.

The company already received some funding from the New Mexico Angels. It plans to make its first public presentation about the technology at the Angels quarterly dinner Thursday night.

Were signing our first security-related contract now to deploy instruments in the field to measure substances, such as at mass events with lots of people, Harb said. For the mining industry, well help measure silicate dust that causes black lung.

The company is also collaborating with the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute in Massachusetts to place small detectors in tubes for carbon readings in deep ocean settings.

The technology, which the company calls molecular fingerprinting, detects, identifies and measures the molecules of nearly any gas in any setting. Its based on a commercially available optics sensing process known as cavity ringdown spectroscopy, or CRDS, that uses lasers to measure light at the molecular level, Harb said. The company further advanced that process using infrared light to color-code targeted molecules for identification, and it built an advanced data processing system to immediately measure and report findings in real time.

We built a database for molecular fingerprinting, so if the substance is logged in our database, the technology will find it, Harb said. Each molecule is unique. It just depends on what youre looking for.

RingIR also reduced the entire technology into mobile instruments for field deployment, eliminating the need today for security forces or others to take thousands of swabs in a targeted setting and then send them back for lengthy analysis in a laboratory.

Firefighters or forensic scientists cant put those bulky lab instruments on their back, Harb said. They need things to go into the real world.

Harb, a quantum optics physicist, is from Australia, but his wifes family is New Mexican. The Australian Federal Police approached Harb about a decade ago to develop a mobile explosives-detection device, leading to about $8 million in research and development at the University of New South Wales in Canberra, plus assistance from Los Alamos National Laboratory in recent years.

The New Mexico Angels will help RingIR build its business operations, including an eventual manufacturing facility in New Mexico.

Its everything New Mexico wants  new advanced technology with future manufacturing operations right here, said Angels President John Chavez.
An Albuquerque father was sentenced Wednesday to 22 years in prison in connection to the death of his infant son.

Spenser Phillips, 27, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and child abandonment before District Judge Briana Zamora. Phillips took an Alford plea, which allows a defendant to acknowledge that evidence would support a conviction while maintaining innocence.

Employees of a local hospital called police May 30, 2015, after 10-week-old Felix Phillips arrived with a brain bleed, according to a criminal complaint. Medical investigators found that the child died of blunt force trauma to the head, a prosecutor said.

The baby was taken off life support June 2, 2015.

April Sanchez, the boys mother, told officers that Phillips was caring for the baby while she was at work that night.

When she came home, she found her child unresponsive, gasping and pale in color in his crib, prosecutor Haley Murphy said. The defendant was staring down over him doing nothing.

Phillips declined to speak in court, but his attorney said the childs death represented a tragedy for both the Sanchez and Phillips families.

Sanchez said she hopes Phillips spends each day of his sentence thinking of the life he took. She said she mourns for moments shell never have with a baby who was stolen away.

I no longer want children or feel that I can trust another human being, she said. All I have left are a few memories with Felix.

Phillips said the boy had been fussy that evening, so he put him in a chair in the living room, according to police. He said he went into the kitchen to get a snack, and saw the baby bounce himself back flipping the chair backward.

Murphy said the widespread injuries Felix sustained in no way are explained by a short fall onto a carpeted surface.

Phillips said the baby cried in an unusual way for around 30 minutes. He didnt have a phone, he said, and was unable to call for help. He said he waited to seek medical help for the baby because he was scared, according to police.
GLENDALE, Ariz.  Glendale police have released the identity of an armed robbery suspect fatally shot by police during a confrontation on a street after a pursuit.

Police say 21-year-old Jorge Alberto Fuentes was shot Tuesday morning by Glendale officers out of concern for the safety of officers and the public.

According to police, Fuentes pointed a gun at people at a business during the earlier robbery and fired one shot from a shotgun from inside a stolen vehicle he was driving when police caught up with him.

Police also say a stun gun was used in an attempt to subdue Fuentes before he reached for the shotgun.

The confrontation occurred after a pursuit involved Glendale, Peoria and Phoenix officers.
SANTA FE  New Mexico could end up borrowing money to help it survive a budget crisis.

The state Senate voted 38-3 on Wednesday to pass of a proposal that could raise about $100 million for the general fund  in part by borrowing the money.

The complex bond transaction would essentially take the states capacity to borrow money to build big capital projects and convert it into cash to help boost reserves or pay operating expenses.

No one seemed to liked the idea. But senators on both sides of the aisle said the states financial crisis demanded action and that Gov. Susana Martinezs administration had pushed for the move.

Its bad fiscal policy, Sen. John Sapien, D-Corrales, said. Itll end up being a parasite.

Paying back the money could take 10 to 20 years, senators said.

Sen. George Munoz, D-Gallup, called it dangerous territory. Sen. Steven Neville, R-Aztec, said he was disturbed by the idea.

But in the end, the proposal, Senate Bill 1, passed.

I think were in an extraordinary circumstance, said Sen. Carlos Cisneros, D-Questa, said.

A second proposal cleared the Senate Finance Committee  including a package of tax increases on gasoline and vehicle purchases  but it faces almost certain opposition from the governor. The bill proposes to delay the phase-in of corporate income tax cuts and increase a fee on interstate truckers.

Martinez has repeatedly vowed to oppose tax increases.

Republicans voted against recommending the proposal, Senate Bill 2, though it passed along party lines. It now goes to the Senate floor.

As for spending proposals, Senate Finance Chairman John Arthur Smith, D-Deming, said a proposed budget bill would provide $400,000 for a tax study that could help the Legislature decide how to reshape New Mexicos tax code  a priority of the governor.

That would ensure theres an independent analysis of any proposed changes, Smith said, and lawmakers could come back in September or October for a special session to take action.

He and others have warned against moving too quickly to overhaul the tax system, given the states lean financial situation.

We dont have a lot of room for error, Smith said.
BBC World News and BBC.com have released a study of APAC news consumers on the value of trusted news sources in the fake news era. Titled The Value of News  and the Importance of Trust, the study reveals that 85 per cent of Indian news consumers say that international news is more important now than ever before  the highest across the countries surveyed. However, 83 per cent are concerned about fake news and 72 per cent find it hard to distinguish between real and fake news. 83 per cent of respondents say they are more inclined to refer to well-known and established news brands because of fake news.

The BBC study reveals new insights into the value of trust for brands advertising on media outlets. Traditional news publishers are the most trusted type of digital platform and the trust level for brands associated with these outlets is more than 40 per cent higher than digital native news websites. In India, 69 per cent say they would trust an advertiser more and almost three quarters (73 per cent) say their brand consideration would increase if it is advertised on a trusted news channel or website. In addition, they are more inclined to read sponsored content on these sites (78 per cent agree). Conversely, more than seven out of ten people (71 per cent) say that being associated with an untrusted media outlet would negatively affect their perception of a brand.

TV is still the most popular platform for Indians who want to stay up-to-date with international news, with 93 per cent saying they use it, followed by social media (80 per cent), newspapers (62 per cent), news apps (54 per cent), websites (45 per cent) and news aggregators (44 per cent). The study shows that news consumers both in India and across the wider APAC region consider BBC World News to be the most trusted international news channel.

According to The Global Web Index, consumers use of digital news/ social feeds complements, rather than cannibalises, news consumption on pay TV. Across APAC, online news consumers are four times as likely to watch international news channels as those who dont consume news online and 94 per cent of Indian mobile phone users share international news stories on messaging platforms  again the most of any country surveyed. [Based on BBC World News reach % as reported by The Global Web Index, Q4 2015 - Q3 2016. Base: APAC online users (Universe 935m / n=59,327).]

Jim Egan, CEO, BBC Global News, remarked, These results reveal the full extent to which India is feeling the effects of the fake news phenomenon. Trust is becoming increasingly important as people seek out information they can rely on and the BBCs traditional values of accuracy and impartiality have never been more relevant to both audiences and brands who can benefit from being aligned with them.

The research was conducted independently by BDRC Asia in March 2017, covering the markets of Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and India. In the Indian market, the number of respondents was 326 in the 18-54 age group, who are digitally savvy international news consumers (at least once-a-week) and Pay TV/ cable TV subscribers, decision maker/ joint decision maker for channel package subscription. The overall sample size was 1,549.
GREY group India announced the appointment of Mayuresh Dubhashi as Executive Creative Director, effective today. Mayuresh will be reporting to Sandipan Bhattacharyya, Chief Creative Officer, GREY group India.

On Dubhashis appointment, Sandipan says The combination of creative flair and a keen strategic mind is rare and Mayuresh packs both in his impressive body of work. He's fearless, experimental, hungry and young. Just the kinds that define the new GREY

Dubhashi, a Mechanical Engineer, has been in the advertising industry for nearly 15 years, working on iconic Indian and global brands across all aspects of creativity and innovation. Brands he worked with include The Times Group, Airtel, Amazon, Hike Messenger, Mahindra 2 Wheelers, Pepsodent, Smirnoff, RIN Global, Nokia, Nike, Brylcreem, SetMax, IDEA, Lakme, Surf Excel, Wheel, Godrej Appliances & Corporate etc. His experience includes working with agencies like Lowe, JWT and Taproot India. His interests include reading books, watching movies & listening to music.

Dubhashi has earned a multitude of awards, including a Bronze Lion at Cannes, 2 Silvers at Spikes Asia and Gold at Goafest etc.

On joining GREY Mayuresh says, This is Greys centenary year, it just goes to show that the energy and will powering the place is quite inexhaustible. I am kicked to be a part of a bunch of people who are hell-bent on keeping the Famously Effective spirit true, for decades to come.

GREY group India is a part of GREY group, which ranks among the world's top advertising and marketing organizations. Under the banner of GREY Famously Effective Since 1917, the agency serves a blue-chip client roster of many of the worlds best known companies: Procter & Gamble, GlaxoSmithKline, Volvo, Britannia, ITC, Ferrero, Lactalis, Dell, Adobe to name a few.
Keeping in sync with Government of Indias vision of cashless India, NDTV and Mastercard joined hands to launch the Cashless Bano India movement. The campaign aims at accelerating the adoption of digital forms of payments through an on-ground and TV campaign that will educate the masses about digital payment solutions and encourage its usage for everyday spends. This campaign will work with partners in driving behavioral change and spread awareness on the importance of digital payments to millions across the country.

The campaign was launched through a high decibel panel discussion focusing on the need for a robust digital payments ecosystem in the country. Cashless Bano India would also extend to Tier-II and Tier-III cities through on-ground educative sessions aimed at reaching public-at-large as well as merchants with the support of Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT).

The panel discussion was attended by Mr. Amitabh Kant, CEO of Niti Aayog; Mr. Ari Sarker, Co-President, Asia Pacific at Mastercard; Mr. Praveen Khandelwal, General Secretary, CAIT; Dr. Arvind Virmani, Sr. Fellow, Brookings & Former Chief Economic Adviser, Govt. of India and Former Executive Director, IMF; Mr. Rajeev Anand  Executive Director at Axis Bank & Mr. Sunil Mehta, MD and CEO, Punjab National Bank and moderated by Vikram Chandra, Consulting Editor at NDTV.

Speaking on the initiative, Amitabh Kant, CEO, NITI Aayog said, The Government has been aggressively driving Sthe push to a less-cash society, bringing a number of policy reforms and initiatives. The vision is to make India lead the world in the evolution of payment systems with technology paving the way. Initiatives like Cashless Bano India will further propel the efforts in bringing a behavioral change towards digital payments and further help in the penetration of digital payments to the last mile.

With digitization becoming a part of our life in more ways than one, cashless payments are the future of our country. While the benefits of digital payments to the nation and to individuals are obvious, many roadblocks to speedy implementation still remain. This brain storming session with all stakeholders including the government, bankers, traders and the aam aadmi hopes to charter a blueprint for secure and simple cashless transactions to help build a better India, said Vikram Chandra, Consulting Editor at NDTV.

The digital payments industry in India is at an inflection point. Enablers like Jan-Dhan, Aadhaar, mobile penetration, and more recently demonetization have created a strong foundation for large scale adoption of digital payment systems in India. This is a long term story, which will require a combination of infrastructure, sleek user experience with highest standards of safety and security, last mile distribution and reach, together with the right policy initiatives, and significant marketing and communications efforts to build awareness on the benefits of a digital economy, said Ari Sarker, Co-President, Asia Pacific, Mastercard. "Through our collaboration with like-minded partners like NDTV, we want to do our bit to realize the vision of a cashless India.

The panel discussion ended with Amitabh Kant, Vikram Chandra and Ari Sarker flagging off a bus, scheduled to travel across the five cities of Kanpur, Jaipur, Surat, Indore and Nagpur. This would be an extended on-ground activation of the campaign, whereby financial literacy and adoption camps would be conducted at the respective cities for traders and merchants.
93.5 RED FM, Indias most awarded and largest private radio network added several more feathers to its cap at the prestigious India Radio Forum (IRF) by winning 23 awards across 43 award categories. The awards won included the prestigious BEST RADIO NETWORK AWARD and the POPULAR RJ OF THE YEAR PEOPLEs CHOICE AWARD that was introduced for the first time this year! Thus, 93.5 RED FM continues its trend of being the most dominant player at the India Radio Forum this year as well.

IRF is an annual event that celebrates the best creative work in the Indian radio industry. It is a one-day event that talks about the latest industry developments in the Indian radio industry. IRF selects the best creative talents in radio craft, that are honoured at the post-forum awards ceremony every year. The event was scheduled at Qla, New Delhi.

Speaking about the awards won Nisha Narayanan, COO, RED FM said, RED FM is honoured to win the maximum awards at the India Radio Forum including the best network of the country and also the most Popular RJ of the year Award by Raunac: Peoples Choice! Red FM has always been receiving tremendous support from both the listeners and the advertising community, which makes it a leading brand in the country. This makes RED FMs popularity enormous. Its rather humbling to get so many awards for the team; it is a recognition of the work we do. The strength of RED FM lies in the innovative ideas and aggressive thinking that we believe in. We hope to receive such continued support from the community. It is particularly encouraging to see that the IRF team is continuously trying to evolve the format by introducing newer award categories. We look forward to a greater volume of awards in the coming years too. Bajaate Raho!

Talking about the winning categories, B Surendar, Chief Operating Officer, RED FM/ Suryan FM , said We are elated to get a thumping victory at such a prestigious forum for the radio industry and to win awards across all categories. Radio has reinvented itself at a stupendous rate complimented by other new age digital options to reach out to its target audience. Today it is the second fastest growing sector after internet in India. While Digital is growing exponentially, private FM radio is the only other medium in India which is expected to grow at a healthy rate of 14-15%. This is fuelled by FM expansion in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.

RED FMs Rj Raunac on his big win says Thanks a lot India Radio Forum awards 2017 for giving me this honour and choosing me as the Popular RJ of the year. I will take this moment to say that I will be eternally grateful to Superhits 93.5 RED FM for giving me the opportunity to speak to my listeners every single day. Every morning when I take up a social issue that is relevant to the city, I silently thank God for the team I have, without whom this wouldn't be possible.

The Indian Radio Forum is an annual one-day event that presents and discusses latest industry developments, issues and challenges. With over 40 award categories the awards at India Radio Forum celebrates the very best of Indian radio, honouring outstanding programming, on-air personalities, marketing & promotions and creativity within the industry.
AT&T Chief Executive Officer Randall Stephenson explained the companys plans related to its pending acquisition of Time Warner with an example based on HBOs popular series Game of Thrones. While speaking at J.P. Morgans Global Technology, Media and Telecom Conference on Tuesday, the top executive of the second largest mobile service provider in the United States asserted that the Dallas, Texas-based company will be looking to leverage Time Warners valuable content portfolio in an effort to improve its mobile media content business. One example of that effort provided by Stephenson was Game of Thrones, as AT&T CEO explained that 20-minute Game of Thrones episodes would likely perform better on mobile devices than hour-long ones would. While that was just a hypothetical example that Stephenson said will likely prompt HBO CEO Richard Plepler to panic, the general reasoning behind it is something that AT&T will explore in the future.

Game of Thrones specifically likely wont be shortened to 20-minute episodes until the main series runs its course and the final, eighth season airs in 2018, but one of HBOs four recently announced spin-offs based on George R.R. Martins popular fantasy franchise might adopt a shorter format or AT&T could opt to release an abridged version of the eight Game of Thrones seasons in the future. Regardless of the companys plans, its merger with Time Warner is still subject to the approval of the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and possibly the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), though the latter is unlikely to object given the previous comments on the matter expressed by the agencys Chairman Ajit Pai. Stephensons Tuesday speech didnt provide many more insights into AT&Ts plans for Time Warner, though the executive said that completing the Time Warner deal is the carriers main priority this year. Finally, the company has no plans to restrict Time Warners content to its own subscribers, Stephenson said, saying how such a move would be detrimental to the value of the portfolio that AT&T is paying $85 billion for.

AT&Ts planned merger with Time Warner is the latest step in the companys efforts to diversify its revenue stream and an update on its efforts to do so is expected to follow in the coming months.
Following the bombing that happened in Manchester earlier this week, many of the wireless carriers in the US are offering free calls and texts to the UK, so that users are able to check in on their family and friends and make sure everyone and everything is alright. The carriers that are offering free calls and texts to the UK include AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Boost Mobile and Virgin Mobile. Verizon has not yet announced that they are waiving their fees, but they likely will soon. The waived fees are good through the end of today, May 24th, so theres not long to be able to take advantage of this.

On Monday night, a suicide bomber set off a bomb outside of the Manchester Arena in Manchester where an Arianna Grande concert was taking place. There were mostly kids attending this concert and the last official count saw 29 people perish in this horrific event. With over 50 others being in the hospital. The suspect (since he was a suicide bomber) is dead, he did not enter the arena, but detonated his bomb outside of the arena. Which has called a lot of questions about whether or not concert venues and arenas need to take extra precautions outside of their venues as well as inside. The UK Prime Minister has also heightened the security level, as they fear that another attack might be coming soon. This is the most deadly attack in the UK since the London subway was bombed in 2005 which killed 56 people but injured hundreds of others.

Typically when events like this happen, the wireless carriers spring into action making it easier to call overseas to check in on your friends and family to make sure that everything is alright, and thats the case here with the Manchester Bombing. The carriers do also often do this when it comes to weather events like hurricanes, tornadoes and more. Its a nice gesture by the carriers, although it would be nice for this to happen immediately after the event happens, instead of a couple of days later. But its still a nice gesture from the carriers, which many say are a bit greedy when it comes to money.
Samples of images shot with HTCs latest flagship, the HTC U11, have been uploaded to Flickr and anybody who has ever wanted to take better low-light shots with their phone really should take a look. The descriptions for those images indicate that they were taken on May 16th and that they were taken in or around Taipei City. They were taken both outdoors at night or indoors under other low-light situations, depending on the image. Some of those have also been included below, but be sure to jump over to the source link for full resolution and even more information about the photos themselves.

First things first, it needs to be said that several of the images were taken with longer shutter times, according to their descriptions on Flickr. That means that they were likely taken in a more professional manner and perhaps with the assistance of a tripod. There is also no indication as to whether or not features such as HDR mode were turned on when they were shot, although there it does seem that they were taken in auto mode as opposed to the more complex manual adjustment mode. With that out of the way, the level of detail caught by the onboard Sony IMX362 sensor and its f/1.7 aperture shows an impressive level of detil. Where most smartphone cameras appear to have difficulty maintaining straight edges at night, the HTC U11 excels.

It also does a great job at capturing decorative lights, such as a neon sign or light fixtures, where most of the competition would result in images that are washed out or overlit. Yet another set of images from the gallery shows buildings and other structures from the background reflecting off of a puddle of water in vivid detail. It should come as no surprise that any camera capable of earning a DxOMark score of 90 can capture shots like this. In fairness, there are a few that come close, such as the Google Pixel and Pixel XL, but the Flickr images seem to prove a point. For the time being, HTCs latest flagship has what the company can legitimately argue is the best smartphone camera for taking shots in poor lighting.
The fight over patent use between Nokia and Apple that began back in December 2016 is now over, and the two companies are expected to collaborate in the future as a result of the latest turn of events. Apple agreed to buy Nokias products and services more often as part of the settlement that ended the surprisingly short case, and Nokias stocks saw a roughly 7-percent spike as a result. On top of licensing and purchasing Nokias core tech more generously, Apple also agreed to sell Nokias health products, helping the Finnish company get its products to consumers. The two firms did not provide many details on how exactly they agreed to end their patent dispute and only revealed that Nokia is set to receive an upfront payment from Apple, along with continued payouts across multiple years.

The deal came quickly enough to surprise even Nokia, who had told analysts not to project it receiving any revenue from Apple until well into 2018. Under the terms of this agreement, analysts are saying that its quite possible to see Apple become a key distributor for Nokias health offerings, some of which are still produced under the Withings name. Some industry watchers speculate that Apple may have been willing to drop its spat with Nokia so quickly and amicably because of its mounting court battles with Qualcomm.

The dispute between the two companies originated over certain patent licenses owned by Nokia that Apple was said to be using after they have expired, though neither party took action to renew them. Apple said that Nokia had been charging it too much for the patents, while Nokia alleged that Apple continued to use patented technologies after the licenses in question had lapsed. The battle intensified at certain points, but for the most part, the two stood on an even ground, with Nokia forced to prove Apples misconduct, and Apple forced to prove that Nokia was overcharging for the patents. This turnaround is somewhat surprising in light of the fact that Apple often indulges in drawn-out legal battles; its repeated clashes with Samsung over the Galaxy S flagship lineup and its iPhone-inspired features, for example, ran all the way from when the first Galaxy S was released in 2010 until last year, and the case was even reopened in January.
OnePlus has decided to bring the British telephone box back into action by introducing its Dash Charge feature into the boxes. For decades, the British telephone box has been considered an iconic feature of the United Kingdom. However, as time has passed and telephones have evolved, the telephone box has continued to be used less frequently. There has been a 90% drop in payphone usage over the last 10 years and this is mainly due to the fact that people are using mobile phones more often, so OnePlus wants to use Dash Charge to rejuvenate a British icon.

BT has created a plan where you are able to adopt a telephone box for only 1. By doing so, each box can be renovated in a way that can help the community. OnePlus are looking to incorporate Dash Charge technology into some of these boxes to help keep their users charged and connected wherever they may be. By having Dash Charge in telephone boxes, its users can access its fast USB Type-c charging in a variety of locations across the country, making sure theyre always up and running.

Dash Charge telephone boxes have the potential to be of good use to the iconic feature that seems to be falling into the background. In addition to that, OnePlus has outlined a few other potential conversions that could be made to the boxes. One of these ideas is to turn a few boxes into a shared community fridge to not only help to prevent food waste but to bring everyone in the community closer together and improve the social responsibility of OnePlus. It may seem like this plan could cost a lot of money and take up a lot of time, but that is far from the case. It costs 1 to adopt the box and the key word to take from that is adopt. Once the campaign is over, OnePlus will not own the boxes, meaning no one has to worry about their ownership or what to do with them. On top of that, it could only take around 3 months to have the boxes up and running, as they are already connected to the National Grid meaning the worry of finding the power to connect the boxes virtually disappears. Not only will this plan allow for OnePlus users to get a days power in half an hour, as OnePlus have previously stated, it also helps to bring back an iconic cultural feature of the UK.
SoftBank  like Alphabet  has a number of subsidiaries, many of which are overseas, like Sprint. Now, according to a report coming out of Reuters, the company may begin appointing heads of these overseas businesses to their board of directors. According to the report, some of the names being tossed around for SoftBanks board include Simon Segars whos the CEO of ARM Holdings, Rajeev Misra whos in charge of the $100 billion Vision Fund at SoftBank, and finally, Marcelo Claure, the CEO of Sprint. Obviously, as is the case with virtually any appointment to the board, these will be subject to shareholder approval at the companys annual shareholders meeting, which takes place next month.

On the subject of SoftBanks board, they have also nominated Mark Schwartz, the senior director at Goldman Sachs & Co LLC, as well as Yasir O. Al-Rumayyan who is the managing director of the Public Investment Fund in Saudi Arabia, as external directors. Jack Ma, founder of Alibaba, is said to be remaining on the board. This shake up to its board of directors comes after SoftBank closed the first round of fundraising for Vision Fund. This is a fund that will be used to invest in startups, and its part of SoftBank CEOs Masayoshi Sons plan to bring jobs back to the US. This is something he announced after speaking with, then, president-elect Donald Trump last year. Son also says that the Vision Fund will be a framework for SoftBank to grow over the next 100, 200 and 300 years.

SoftBank originally started as a wireless carrier in Japan, but its CEO, Masayoshi Son has some big plans for the company and has already expanded past being just a wireless carrier, as well as into other regions and countries. For example, SoftBank bought a majority stake in Sprint in 2013. Which was their first step into building a carrier that would be available in multiple countries (like Vodafone), but so far, that hasnt happened. SoftBank has increased their ownership of Sprint, however, coming from a starting percentage of 70% and now somewhere around 90% owned by SoftBank. This is due to the fact that SoftBank believes in Sprint and their turnaround.
Microsoft has announced plans, as of May 2, to bring an entirely new Windows 10S and the companys Office applications to compete in the education sector. The move comes in response to how far Googles Chrome OS has penetrated the market. Google, in 2016, made staggering progress in the sector, managing to capture more than half of the total education market in the U.S. in just over 3 years. Windows 10 S is intended to compete directly against Chromebooks and the outcome of the upcoming battle is anything but certain. Microsoft has also invested or partnered to create several computers meant to compete in terms of price. However, Microsofts best chance to regain market share in the schools may not be as tied to hardware costs as that might imply since school board decisions are rarely grounded in pricing alone. In fact, the advantage of having native access to the companys world-renowned productivity software isnt even a cut and dry affair, despite that the native Google Docs is nowhere near Office in terms of usability or features.

To begin with, Microsoft has said that even Windows 10 S wont be able to run native Office out of the box. As part of the OSs built-in security measures, the OS doesnt allow any software that isnt pulled down from the Windows Store itself. The web application for Office can still be used, but that really doesnt provide any advantage at all since any Chromebook can already do the same. The company has said that an Office application is in the works for the Windows Store, so that wont be a problem for long, but that fact may also not be as impactful as Microsoft may hope since there is a growing number of Chromebooks that have access to Android apps running natively. That means those Chromebooks will already run the streamlined Office software natively. Because there are already any number of Chromebooks that can support Android Apps, that may even be an advantage for Chrome OS. Schools and education departments that might be looking to update their hardware in time for the start of the next school year, may turn to Chromebooks, rather than waiting to see if Microsofts Office makes it to the Windows Store in time.

That said, the advantages arent really distinct for either side. If both devices are on what is essentially a level playing field in terms of what applications can be run, the cost of devices, and security, then whether or not Google can hold onto its market share will mostly come down to the individual decisions made by the tech heads working for individual school districts. The fight is also not going to be an easy one for Microsoft, but Google does need to be vigilant. There is no reason for any given school to update its computer hardware on a yearly basis. The hardware of any computing system may come a long way within a few years, but the machines in an education environment dont need the latest graphics cards, processors, RAM or storage options, or anything else that would drive a shorter upgrade cycle. The company is going to need to put some serious effort into catching up to Google on the marketing front.

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In the meantime, Microsoft may actually have at least one other advantage. While the Android app versions of the companys Office software are undoubtedly great, they are still not as feature-rich as full-blown desktop versions. On the other hand, those versions can still be used to do nearly anything a student would need for a project, report, or essay. Because of that  and, moreover, because thats where the new Windows 10 S will be marketed  theres really no guarantee the Windows Store version of the applications will be closer to the desktop experience than the Android App version. With that in mind, Microsoft is almost certainly aware that productivity software is one area where it has managed to maintain a serious foothold in computing markets and the company will probably leverage that in whatever ways it can. Another advantage could be taken if the company opts to include some version of Microsofts Intune for Education program with Windows 10 S. All things considered, Google has an advantage in terms of visibility and market saturation. That Google gained so much ground over such a short stretch of time also means it may have an advantage granted by the timescales of the upgrade cycles involved. Microsoft is bringing its own weapons to the fight, with Office Software and a brand new OS with Windows 10 S. Whatever the eventual outcome of this newly ignited battle, how it ends is anybodys guess at this point.
Congrats to Allyson Becker winner of our Giveaway! Thank you all for participating and make sure to enter our current contest.

If you are not familiar with the Mopria Print Service, this is an Android system app that allows you to print to multiple branded printers, without having to download an individual app for each printer you encounter. Mopria Print Service saves you both time and valuable disk space, allowing you to easily print photos, web pages and documents from your mobile device when connected to a Mopria certified printer through a wireless network or using Wi-Fi Direct. For more information, you can check out the video video below on how to print using Mopria or check out our review.

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https://youtu.be/zVy9urguZOQ

Mopria Print Service is compatible with any smartphone running Android 4.4 (KitKat) or newer and is also compatible with a wide range of branded printers, including printers from the likes of Brother, Canon, Dell, DEVELOP, Epson, Fuji Xerox, Gestetner, Hewlett Packard, Infotec, Konica Minolta, Kyocera, Lanier, Lenovo, Lexmark, Marvell, NEC, NRG, Pantum, Qualcomm (CSR), RICOH, Samsung, Savin, Sharp, TA Triumph Adler-UTAX and Xerox. In addition to being able to directly connect to a large number of printers, Mopria Print Service also allows for detailed usage of those printers. Including setting the number of copies, the paper size, the page range, and the orientation. So this really is a one-stop printer solution for smartphone owners. Those interested in checking out the app can do so through the link below.

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[May 23, 2017] Annual financial results 2016; Bosch continues to develop North American business

Bosch, a leading global supplier of technology and services, concluded its 2016 fiscal year with $13.7 billion (12.3 billion euros) in consolidated sales in North America. Sales for Bosch in the region dropped slightly from 2015's record-breaking level of $14 billion. Sales in the North American region represent 17 percent of the Bosch Group's 2016 sales. The number of associates employed throughout the U.S., Canada and Mexico in 2016 reached nearly 32,800, a year-over-year increase of more than 5 percent. This number is expected to increase slightly in 2017. "North America is a key market for Bosch, and we remain committed to innovation and success," said Mike Mansuetti, president of Robert Bosch LLC. "With the Internet of Things continuing to bring new opportunities, Bosch's diversified portfolio of products and services is a competitive advantage." Based on the results of the first quarter, the company expects a positive business development in 2017. Continued investments in North America Focused on growing operations throughout the region, Bosch invested nearly $450 million in 2016. Of significance were investments in Bosch's facilities in Charleston and Anderson, South Carolina; sites in Aguascalientes, Juarez and San Luis Potosi, Mexico; and Bosch's Research and Technology Center in Pittsburgh and the technical center in Plymouth, Michigan. Bosch also invested in startups. Earlier this year, the Bosch in-house startup Mayfield Robotics debuted Kuri, its first commercial home robot, to much praise. The nearly 20-inch-tall robot moves about a home, interacting with parents and children differently via facial recognition. Kuri also plays music, livestreams video when away from home, investigates uncommon sounds, chirps affectionately when tapped on the head and conveys moods with colorful lights. In addition, Bosch partnered with 1871, a technology incubator in Chicago, to launch the Chicago Connectory, an IoT co-creation space, earlier this month. Bosch is investing nearly $2 million to launch the Chicago Connectory, at which startup organizations, corporations and universities will collaborate through membership, programming and strategic partnerships to create IoT solutions and business models. Transformation across Bosch business sectors Bosch is shaping transformation across its four sectors - Mobility Solutions, Consumer Goods, Industrial Technology, and Energy and Building Technology. This means connecting traditionally offline home appliances via the IoT, and driving innovation in automated vehicle technology, personal home robots, and a variety of other areas to improve daily life now and in the future. Bosch Mobility Solutions focuses on automated, connected and electrified Bosch's Mobility Solutions business sector drove $9.2 billion in regional sales. To address the growing need for automated, electrified and connected technologies, Bosch combines innovative hardware, software and services. With vehicles continuing to become personal assistants, Bosch sees the important role that connected car technologies will play in the years to come. By 2025, connected assistance systems could help save 210,000 accidents resulting in injuries, 4,000 lives and $3.6 billion in damage costs in the U.S. alone, according to a study commissioned by Bosch. There are other benefits, as well: Highly automated driving could free up hours for commuters, and connected parking solutions could save millions of miles spent driving around looking for parking. Bosch recently announced that it is working with Daimler to advance fully automated and driverless vehicles for city streets. The goal is to launch a system that allows vehicles to drive completely autonomously by the start of the next decade. Beyond automobiles, the Mobility Solutions business sector is also focused on developing technologies for off-highway applications, two-wheelers, shipping, rail transportation and more. Bosch Consumer Goods continues to introduce connected products Sales for the Consumer Goods business sector in North America remained on par with 2015, with $2.4 billion in sales generated. "Continued innovation is a cornerstone of Bosch, which is why we're always bringing new technologies to market," said Mansuetti. "For example, we announced earlier this year that Bosch Home Appliances will launch Wi-Fi-enabled appliances that can be controlled through our Home Connect app as well as with Amazon's intelligent personal assistant, Alexa."



The Power Tools division, part of the Consumer Goods sector, performed well in 2016. Earlier this year, Bosch introduced the CORE18V battery, which provides greater power and performance without compromising size or weight. In addition, PRO+GUARD dust solutions were released to help users meet strict new OSHA requirements for worker exposure to respirable silica dust. Also, the new multi-function MeasureOn app enables architects, painters, real estate agents, electricians and others to document and manage site measurements and floor plans all in one place. Industrial Technology sector innovates products both big and small

The Industrial Technology business sector reported $1.3 billion in sales, despite a continuously difficult market environment. Bosch Rexroth, which is one of the world's leading suppliers in drive and control technology, offers customized drive, control and actuator solutions for factory automation systems, construction and engineering, mobile machinery and commercial vehicles, and is increasingly developing solutions for connected manufacturing (Industry 4.0). No job is too big; case in point, Bosch Rexroth recently supplied 158 hydraulic power units for the expansion of the Panama Canal. Bosch Packaging Technology launched new cookie and confectionery packaging systems in 2016, due to strong industry demand. Food manufacturers benefit from faster production, the ability to change pack styles quickly to drive greater visibility at the point-of-sale as well as from a shorter return on investment. Additionally, these solutions allow for layout flexibility and scalability, enabling manufacturers to easily expand their production capacity or increase the level of automation from entry level, hand-fed machines, to fully automated solutions. Security Systems and Thermotechnology help Energy and Building Technology sector increase sales The Energy and Building Technology business sector reported sales growth, with regional sales of $800 million in 2016. Bosch Security Systems achieved growth in 2016 driven in part by the success of its network-based security surveillance camera portfolio and its intrusion detection systems. The division also introduced IoT-enabled solutions that integrate security and communications technologies to enhance facility control and ease of use. In addition, Bosch Security Systems announced a partnership with Sony Corp., introducing a technical cooperation that aims to set new standards for high-resolution video surveillance imaging. As part of the agreement, Sony sales and marketing associates have joined the Bosch organization, forming a dedicated team responsible for servicing customers of Sony video security products. From Bosch Thermotechnology, the Greentherm 9000-series tankless water heater, available in the U.S. later this year, is the "embodiment of innovation in the Energy and Building Technology sector," said Mansuetti. "This award-winning tankless water heater is remarkably efficient, reliable and easy to install, not to mention state-of-the-art with Wi-Fi connectivity via the free mobile app." Bosch supporting corporate citizenship with grants and volunteers Bosch has a strong commitment to giving back to the community - both in grants and donations, as well as time. Between 2012 and 2016, the company's U.S.-based foundation, the Bosch Community Fund, has awarded more than $13.8 million to organizations and educational institutions in the U.S. The Bosch Community Fund, which focuses on promoting STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) and environmental initiatives, provided $3.8 million in grants to organizations in 33 communities in 2016 alone. In addition, Bosch associates in North America volunteer tens of thousands of hours to benefit community organizations, notably FIRST Robotics and other STEM programs. The Bosch Builds program enables Bosch associates at several locations to use eight working hours each year to volunteer in the community with certain non-profit organizations. Bosch Group: Strategy and business outlook for 2017 For 2017, in light of a subdued economic outlook and geopolitical uncertainty, Bosch aims to achieve sales growth of between three and five percent. And despite still heavy upfront investments in safeguarding the company's future, the results are set to rise. "Business success today gives us the leeway to shape tomorrow's world," said Dr. Volkmar Denner, chairman of the Bosch board of management. "As an innovation leader, we are shaping and driving transformation," Denner added. The focal points of this transformation are changes in the mobility sphere and IoT connectivity. By 2020, all Bosch's new electronic products will feature connectivity. The key to this is artificial intelligence (AI). Over the next five years, Bosch will be investing 300 million euros in its own center for artificial intelligence. About Bosch Having established a regional presence in 1906 in North America, the Bosch Group employs nearly 32,800 associates in more than 100 locations, as of December 31, 2016. In 2016 Bosch generated consolidated sales of $13.7 billion in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. For more information, visit www.boschusa.com, www.bosch.com.mx and www.bosch.ca. The Bosch Group is a leading global supplier of technology and services. The company employs roughly 390,000 associates worldwide (as of December 31, 2016) and generated sales of 73.1 billion euros ($80.9 billion) in 2016. Its operations are divided into four business sectors: Mobility Solutions, Industrial Technology, Consumer Goods, and Energy and Building Technology. As a leading IoT company, Bosch offers innovative solutions for smart homes, smart cities, connected mobility, and connected industry. It uses its expertise in sensor technology, software, and services, as well as its own IoT cloud, to offer its customers connected, cross-domain solutions from a single source. The Bosch Group's strategic objective is to create solutions for a connected life, and to improve quality of life worldwide with products and services that are innovative and spark enthusiasm. In short, Bosch creates technology that is "Invented for life." The Bosch Group comprises Robert Bosch GmbH and its roughly 440 subsidiaries and regional companies in some 60 countries. Including sales and service partners, Bosch's global manufacturing, engineering, and sales network covers nearly every country in the world. The basis for the company's future growth is its innovative strength. At 120 locations across the globe, Bosch employs 59,000 associates in research and development. Additional information is available online at www.bosch.com, www.bosch-press.com, http://twitter.com/BoschPresse. Exchange rate: 1 EUR = $1.1069 View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170523005186/en/

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[May 24, 2017] Mentor Announces Availability of Tools and Flows for Samsung 8LPP and 7LPP Process Technologies

WILSONVILLE, Ore., May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Mentor, a Siemens business, today announced in collaboration with Samsung Electronics that a wide range of Mentor design and verification tools and flows have been enabled for Samsung's 8LPP process technology. The 8LPP provides the most competitive scaling benefit before the extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography era, with an additional performance boost compared to the 10LPP process. 8LPP tool enablement includes the Calibre physical verification suite, Mentor Analog FastSPICE (AFS) custom and analog/mixed-signal (AMS) circuit verification platform, and Nitro-SoC place and route (P&R) digital design platform. These Mentor solutions are available for use in the design and sign-off of production tapeouts for Samsung 8LPP process technology. In addition, core components of the Calibre suite have been enabled for the Samsung 7LPP process technology using EUV lithography, including Calibre nmDRC, Calibre nmLVS, Calibre xACT, and Calibre PERC software. These Calibre design kits can be used for initial test chips and intellectual property (IP) creation on the Samsung 7LPP process technology. "Samsung Foundry continues to offer the most competitive process technology in the industry. Our collaboration with Mentor ensures the availability of qualified tools that enable our mutual customers to develop designs that best leverage the Samsung Foundry's process offerings," said Jaehong Park, senior vice president of the Foundry Design Team at Samsung Electronics. "The Mentor tool enablement for our 8LPP and 7LPP is a demonstration of our long-term partnership that continuously strives to enable designers to implement, verify, test, and deliver designs with confidence." Samsung has enabled multiple tools in the industry-leading Calibre platform for the 8LPP process technology to ensure designers can achieve tapeout succss quickly and confidently.



The Calibre nmDRC and Calibre nmLVS tools help design teams verify and optimize their designs to meet Samsung 8LPP process requirements, providing innovative and accurate physical and circuit verification that address the growing layout complexity and exacting performance requirements of advanced node designs.

Calibre Pattern Matching functionality enables designers to apply a variety of visual geometry analyses to quickly and accurately perform complex verification tasks, such as the verification of precise configuration requirements across multiple instances, and lithographic hotspot identification.

The Calibre xACT platform delivers unparalleled parasitic extraction accuracy and performance, automatically using an integrated field solver to calculate parasitics with attofarad accuracy for complex three-dimensional structures, while implementing a highly scalable parallel processing approach to optimize performance for multi-million-instance designs.

The Calibre PERC reliability platform employs a unique integrated analysis of both the physical layout and the netlist to automate complex reliability checks.

The Calibre YieldEnhancer productspecifically its SmartFill and engineering change order (ECO)/timing-aware fill capabilitieshelps designers control design planarity through multiple design changes across intellectual property (IP), blocks, and the full chip, to ensure designs comply with manufacturing planarity requirements and meet tapeout schedules. It also enables designers to implement layout enhancements (such as via optimization) to improve manufacturing success.

The Calibre LFD toolbased on Mentor's production-deployed solutions for process-window modeling, mask synthesis, optical proximity correction (OPC), and resolution enhancement (RET)accurately models the impact of lithographic processes to predict actual "as-manufactured" layout dimensions, identifying potential lithographic issues and enabling designers to optimize yield and product reliability.

As design teams simultaneously address multiple design for manufacturing (DFM) options, they can use the Samsung DFM scoring and analysis solution with the Calibre YieldAnalyzer tool to streamline the process of making tradeoff decisions, such as via redundancy checking. Samsung also supports yield detractor pattern identification and repair incorporating the Calibre Pattern Matching solution to provide fast feedback from manufacturing results to customer design processes. To further enable customers to quickly find and address DFM issues, Mentor and Samsung also announced the availability of the Calibre DFM Explorer functionality. To enable system-on-chip (SoC) designers to complete circuit verification, physical implementation, and IC test with confidence, the AFS platform is enabled in Samsung's 8LPP device models and design kits. Our mutual customers rely on the AFS platform to deliver nanometer SPICE accuracy while verifying analog, RF, mixed-signal, memory, and custom digital circuits faster than with traditional SPICE simulators. The Nitro-SoC P&R system is enabled for netlist-to-GDSII physical implementation in the Samsung 8LPP process technology. A wide range of innovative technologies, including advanced design rule checking (DRC) avoidance on multi-patterning routing layers, mask and layer optimization for convergent timing, and smart library pin access capabilities are supported for optimized power/performance/area (PPA) results on this technology node. Customers have access to features like multi-corner multi-mode (MCMM)-based area optimization, comprehensive multi-VDD-based low power flow, native integration with Calibre sign-off, and comprehensive parallelization for a faster turnaround time.

"Our partnership with Samsung Foundry is not just a matter of providing tools that meet minimum requirements," stated Joe Sawicki, Vice President and General Manager of the Mentor Design-to-Silicon Division. "The joint solutions we deliver enable our mutual customers to fully leverage Samsung's process offerings for success in both initial tapeouts and silicon production, providing a vital link between fabless companies and Samsung Foundry." Contact for journalists

Mike Santarini

Phone: 510-354-7322; E-mail: [email protected] Mentor Graphics Corporation, a Siemens business, is a world leader in electronic hardware and software design solutions, providing products, consulting services, and award-winning support for the world's most successful electronic, semiconductor, and systems companies. Corporate headquarters are located at 8005 S.W. Boeckman Road, Wilsonville, Oregon 97070-7777. Website: http://www.mentor.com. Mentor Graphics, Mentor, and Calibre are registered trademarks, and Analog FastSPICE, Nitro-SoC, nmDRC, nmLVS, xACT, PERC, and LFD are trademarks of Mentor Graphics Corporation. All other company or product names are the registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective owner. To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mentor-announces-availability-of-tools-and-flows-for-samsung-8lpp-and-7lpp-process-technologies-300462732.html SOURCE Mentor, a Siemens business

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YEREVAN, MAY 23, ARMENPRESS. Newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Belgium to Armenia Jean-Arthur Regibeau (residence in Moscow) presented his credentials to President Serzh Sargsyan on May 23, press service of the Presidents Office told Armenpress.

President Sargsyan congratulated the Ambassador on starting his diplomatic mission in Armenia and wished him success. Stating that this year Armenia and Belgium celebrate the 25th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations, Serzh Sargsyan said with satisfaction that over the past more than two decades the bilateral inter-state relations had continuous development, however, according to him, there are much more expectations in terms of further deepening the relations and enriching the bilateral agenda with a new content. Serzh Sargsyan expressed hope the Ambassador with his activity will contribute to intensifying the bilateral ties and developing the multifaceted cooperation.

In his turn the Belgian Ambassador thanked the President for reception, stating that over the past 25 years the two countries had friendly relations, and his task is to maintain and develop those relations.

During the meeting the opportunities and prospects on expanding the Armenian-Belgian mutual partnership both at bilateral and multilateral formats in various fields were discussed.

The sides also talked about the Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement process.














Two Big Six firms acted as legal counsel in an energy deal which saw Jemena acquire Origin Energys Darling Downs Pipeline for $392m. Ashurst advised Jemena while Herbert Smith Freehills acted for Origin on the deal.The sale comes as work on energy deals in Queensland remains strong. Earlier this month, eight firms acted on three clean energy projects funded by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), two of which were in the state. Origin also recently sold its Darling Downs solar project in Queensland to the APA Group. Three firms advised on the $225m Ross River solar farm, which closed 1 May. That project, which is also in the state, is the countrys largest single-stage solar project Jemena acquired all outstanding shares of three Origin companies that hold licenses for the pipeline, which connects the Wallumbilla Gas Hub with the Talinga Gas Plant and Origins Darling Downs Power Station. The network also transports gas to Australia Pacific LNG and the wider domestic market.The three companies are Oil Company of Australia (Moura) Transmissions, Origin Energy Walloons Transmissions, and Origin Energy Wallumbilla Transmissions.The Ashurst team was led by utilities partner Paul Newman, who was assisted by teams from the firms different practice groups. From the utilities group, partner Tanya Denning, counsel Teresa Scott, and lawyers Tim Rankin and Tristan Shepherd assisted. Partner Murray Wheater; senior associates Samantha Robson, Alexander McCall, Matt Hartsuyker, and Jennifer Ingram; and lawyer Alexander Kedzior helped from the corporate group.Native title partner Gavin Scott, competition counsel Justin Jones, resources counsel Lucy Bretherton, and banking associate Peter Allen and lawyer Anthony Pitrussello also provided support. The Ashurst employment team included partner Vince Rogers, counsel Brett Elgar, and senior associate Patrick Lawler.The Herbert Smith Freehills team, led by partner Rob Merrick, included partners Peter Davis and Daniel Zador, senior associates Michael Boyce, Lynda Tully, and Maja La Rosa, and solicitor Sophie Mony De Kerloy. The team worked closely with Origins in-house counsel Daniel Krutik and Jessica Edwards.The sale of the Darling Downs Pipeline marks the end of Origins divestment plan, Freehills said. It raised $1bn from the plan, significantly higher than the initial $800m target. The firm also advised Origin on the sales of Mortlake Terminal Station, Mortlake Pipeline, Cullerin Range Wind Farm, and Stockyard Hill Wind Farm


Chris Dirckze





Sian Jones





Michael Finney Chris DirckzeSian JonesMichael Finney

Colin Biggers & Paisley is on a hiring spree, announcing the appointment of two new special counsel and a new senior associate.Sian Jones and Chris Dirckze join the firm as special counsel, while Michael Finney has been appointed senior associate. The appointments come after the firm snagged Greg Begaud, a former partner at Jones Day Jones, who joins the firms litigation and dispute resolution team in Sydney, specialises in commercial litigation. She has particular focus on contracts, trade practices, insolvency, corporate and commercial, professional negligence, and building and construction law. Jones was most recently legal practitioner director at CharterLaw Legal.Dirckze, who joins the firms banking and finance team in Brisbane, has 16 years experience in the legal and financial industries. He was most recently associate director for institutional lending and loan markets origination at Commonwealth Bank. He has worked at Clayton Utz Herbert Smith Freehills , SJ Berwin, and Gadens The firms corporate and commercial team in Brisbane has also welcomed Finney, who specialises in commercial law, particularly capital raising.In addition to Begaud and the three new senior appointees, the firm hired construction and engineering special counsel Rachel Pie in April and property and development partner Lisa Lane in February.
This years Isle of Man TT road safety campaign concentrates on hard-hitting images, sleek slogans, and undercover vehicles to enforce the idea that the roads there should not be treated like a racing track when they are not closed specifically for the yearly main event.Efforts to promote the 2017 TT road safety campaign will begin long before fans set foot in the Isle of Man. Visitors traveling by ferry to the festival will receive important safety information thanks to the continuing partnership with the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company. The main leaflet is designed as a tank bag map incorporating potentially life-saving advice.Posters will be displayed at prominent locations around the Island, including TT campsites and popular vantage points on the Mountain Course, as well as in shops and community venues. Foreign language versions will be available for visiting fans.A striking billboard at Ramsey Hairpin on the ascent to the Mountain Road will feature a picture of Lewis Clark and his destroyed motorcycle along with the message Will you complete your lap? I couldnt through no fault of my own. For those not knowing, the young rider was killed in 2015 following a collision with another visiting biker.The one-way system will again be in place on the Mountain Road in a bid to reduce the number of serious collisions. People are reminded not to rely on sat nav devices, which may not pick up the one-way system or temporary road closures.The safety messages are targeted towards all road users, and a safety worksheet will be handed to primary school children as part of the campaign. The public is also reminded that while the TT takes place for two weeks, everyday life continues on most of the streets, with people commuting to work and commercial vehicles doing deliveries.
While it appeared that Geely had left the negotiation process, the Hong Kong conglomerate that also owns Volvo seems to have made a surprise comeback with cash in hand, so to speak.The British brand will have 51% of its stocks acquired by Zhejiang Geely Holding, while the same firm will buy 49.9 percent of Proton The Malaysians at Proton already owned Lotus since 1996, but the DRB-Hicom conglomerate that owns the latter has been struggling to sell it to cut losses short.If Geely manages to do its magic with Lotus, and bring a cash infusion comparable to the one experienced by Volvo, things could move in a favorable direction for the Norfolk company.Once things get in line, Geely might take advantage of all of the automakers it acquired to boost its products for the domestic market.Synergies in research and development, manufacturing, and market presence were already mentioned in the relationship between Proton and Lotus, and we think it may be a matter of time until Volvo gets referred to in a board room.The Swedish brand is known for its simple but stylish interiors, complemented by a clear focus on safety.Meanwhile, Lotus is both loved and hated for its simplified cars, which cannot be sold in the USA in all of the available configurations because of safety regulations.Proton might benefit from the experience of both brands, and hopefully get a better position in its domestic market, but an international presence may be kept to the lowest possible level until it prepares a revamped range.Malaysias government will "always" keep a majority hold of Proton, and local authorities in its homeland hope that it will make a tremendous comeback thanks to its new co-owners.As Automotive News notes, other bidders for Proton and Lotus included Renault, Suzuki, and the PSA Group . All but the latter, Geely included, were believed to have left the table, but it looks like Opel and Lotus might not work together under the roof of the same owner.
The news was confirmed by the automaker, whose representatives announced that they were collaborating with authorities to resolve the situation. According to the report, 11 offices of the company that owns Mercedes-Benz and smart were visited by the authorities.Several employees of the corporation were of interest for the investigators, who have the suspicion that the automaker employed misleading advertising and committed fraud. Just like the previous investigation regarding Daimler, the company was being probed over its diesel engines.While the Stuttgart-based business was not caught cheating, authorities were acting on a suspicion that was started after Volkswagens Dieselgate scandal.However, several employees were the target of a criminal investigation, and the search made on May 23 showed that the authorities want to be sure that no wrongdoing has been made in advertising Daimlers products or when certifying its engines.It is important to note that the automakers representatives have refrained from commenting any further on the situation, because they are facing an ongoing preliminary investigation that does not need any interference.The Teutonic firm is not the only one under fire from authorities in a country these days, as the Italian-Americans at FCA have gotten themselves sued by the Department of Justice. In the case of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, the situation was also linked to its diesel engines, but it all happened in the USA, where the Dieselgate scandal started for Volkswagen.Meanwhile, the brand from Wolfsburg is reportedly facing a multi-billion-euro penalty in France, and it is also about diesel engine emissions.Unlike its rivals at Daimler and FCA, the VW Group was caught cheating without any excuses, and it has been determined that it was an intentional plan to deceive authorities across the world to save money. We can see that it worked out just fine.
SUV

DCT

Once again, the story revolves around Albert Biermann, the man who left BMW M after 30 years working there and is now leading Hyundai's performance division. We've heard a lot of good things about his i30 prototype lately.We told you about the Australian test drive even for the i30 N yesterday . And it seems that Drive magazine has learned about the possibility of a Tucson N there. Biermann suggested that the next cars in line to receive the N badge are the all-new Veloster and the coupe version of the i30. He was also very to the point when talking about the Tucson crossover, saying that it was a good platform to make a high-performance.If they use the exact same engine as the hatchback, we would be dealing with 250 and 275 PS flavors of Korean crossover. While that's not quite the 310 PS we'll see from the Tiguan R, it's still enough to keep up with an old Porsche Boxster.As the crossover market grows, more and more customers are looking to combine the best parts of a sportscar and family SUV. Of course, there are flagship models like the Bentayga, Grand Cherokee Trackhawk or Tesla Model X. But there's also stuff going on at the bottom of the market with things like the JCW Countryman.Of course, Hyundai won't approve the development of a costly turbocharged 4x4 until it sees how the i30 N sells. That worries us because it's not the only hot hatch coming out this year. But at least it gives the Tucson N enough time grab the 8-speedgearbox Hyundai is working on right now.
That's probably the thought process that went through the minds of the 5,054 drivers that took part in Inrix's recent survey on autonomous driving technology. The connected car service company wanted to find out which of the numerous companies currently striving to come up with the best AI driver are the most trustworthy to the public.Unsurprisingly, it was the traditional carmakers and the tech giants such as Google that came out as favorites, with ride-hailing companies like Uber and Lyft meeting a very small number of the votes.The respondents came from the U.S. as well as four of the main European countries: France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom. Almost a third of them agreed that the established carmakers are the best option for building self-driving cars, while 20 percent opted in favor of tech giants such as Google (through its Waymo subsidiary).Only four percent said they trusted ride-hailing services with the task, and given Uber's record on the matter, it's easy to see why. The company started testing its Volvo XC90 SUVs in California late late year without having a permit, and only a few hours later one of its vehicles was seen (and filmed) as it ran a red light, nearly hitting a pedestrian as it did so. Tesla wasn't exactly a favorite among those interviewed despite the company's claims of being a leader in the field and racking up autonomous miles by the millions each month thanks to its generous fleet of customer-owned test vehicles. It would appear all newish companies don't yet have the reputation needed for people to offer them their trust on a subject so sensitive as self-driving cars.The study brought forward by Automotive News also revealed a difference in the way age groups welcome the possibility of self-driving vehicles. It's no surprise that those over 60-years-old aren't particularly keen on handing over the controls of their vehicles to an AI, while those around 30 were much more open to the idea.
An online retailer in China, JD.com, announced this week it plans to develop heavy-duty drones that can deliver one ton or more of cargo. The drones could also be used to ferry goods out of the rural areas, such as fruits and vegetables headed for urban markets, according to the company. JD chairman Richard Liu said he plans to build 150 drone delivery sites in Chinas rural districts within the next three years, according to The Wall Street Journal. The company, which is second only to Alibaba in the region, already operates about 30 drones that deliver shipments to customers in remote areas of China.

A spokesperson from JD told Recode the one-ton capacity drone should be ready to fly in about two to three years. The company also said it now operates about 20 drone delivery routes, but plans to expand to 100 by the end of this year. CEO Liu said delivering by drone to rural areas can be 70 percent cheaper than by truck, and is much faster.
Mike Allen sat down with Speaker of the House Paul Ryan at this morning's Axios News Shapers event.

Toplines: He says tax reform will get done in 2017, doesn't know the timing on infrastructure, disagrees with Trump on Comey and thinks the GOP can keep the House in 2018.

On policy...

Taking responsibility on health care: "I accept that we will get hit for this. We're in leadership, we don't have a choice, we're a majority...I just don't think from a moral standpoint that's something we can do. We have to intervene to fix this problem because real people are actually getting hurt."

"I accept that we will get hit for this. We're in leadership, we don't have a choice, we're a majority...I just don't think from a moral standpoint that's something we can do. We have to intervene to fix this problem because real people are actually getting hurt." The AHCA vote: "I'm glad we went through it. It was very cathartic."

"I'm glad we went through it. It was very cathartic." His message to insurers: "My hope is that you stick it out in the marketplace so you're there to catch people when the help arrives which is a more helpful, more vibrant marketplace."

"My hope is that you stick it out in the marketplace so you're there to catch people when the help arrives which is a more helpful, more vibrant marketplace." His hope for health care: "Let's just buck up as a society and pay for the catastrophic illnesses."

"Let's just buck up as a society and pay for the catastrophic illnesses." His takeaway from Trump's budget: "We have a president who, for the first time in 8 years, said, 'Let's actually balance the budget'I think that's refreshing."

"We have a president who, for the first time in 8 years, said, 'Let's actually balance the budget'I think that's refreshing." Infrastructure: " I don't know what the timing of that will be for that as much because we've got to come up with the fiscal space."

I don't know what the timing of that will be for that as much because we've got to come up with the fiscal space." Border adjustment tax: "Full immediate border adjustment would be too disruptive  nobody's advocating for that."

On Trump...

Branding Comey a "nut job": "Yeah, I don't agree with that. And he's not."

"Yeah, I don't agree with that. And he's not." Calling him a Boy Scout: "I took it as a compliment. I'm not sure it was meant that way. We're just different people."

"I took it as a compliment. I'm not sure it was meant that way. We're just different people." His best quality: "His best quality is his energy and his engagement...When he sees a goal he wants to achieve, health care is a perfect example, he just focuses on it. He has no pretension about him."

On Congress...

How Americans perceive Congress: "They think that everything is in chaos. It really actually isn't. We're focused and determined to get our work done."

"They think that everything is in chaos. It really actually isn't. We're focused and determined to get our work done." The GOP's chances to keep the House: "I think they're excellent because we're in the midst of keeping our promises."

"I think they're excellent because we're in the midst of keeping our promises." Most inconvenient thing about being Speaker: "Time management. I'm taking my kids fishing this weekend, it's Memorial Day weekend, but I had to schedule that four months ago."

1 fun thing, GIPHYs in texts: "These things are awesome. I learned about this like three weeks ago.I send them to people who wouldn't expect them from me. I got one with Britney Spears doing this. These things are pretty damn funny."
President Trump has retained Marc Kasowitz, his long-time attorney, in the Russia probe, Axios has confirmed.

This comes at a pivotal moment for Trump, with special prosecutor Robert Mueller now leading the federal investigation into ties between his associates and Russia. A White House source says Trump feels comfortable with Kasowitz, who will be lead attorney, and that other names could be added to his legal team.

Key points about Kasowitz:
It's day five of President Trump's first foreign trip. He started his day at the Vatican, where he and Melania met with Pope Francis and exchanged gifts from their respective countries. Trump later returned to Rome to meet with the President and Prime Minister of Italy before traveling to Brussels, where he met with the King and Queen of Belgium, as well as the Prime Minister. Live updates, per White House pool reports.

The latest: President Trump arrived at the U.S. ambassador to Belgium's residence around 6:30pm local time, where he is staying for the evening. He later tweeted at the Belgian Royal Palace. "Thank you for the warm welcome to Brussels, Belgium this afternoon!"

1:59am ET/ 7:59am GMT+2: The presidential motorcade departed Villa Taverna, Trump's overnight hotel, en route to the Vatican. Trump donned a Vatican flag on his jacket along with the American standard.

Gregorio Borgia / AP

2:29am ET/ 8:29am GMT+2: The pope greeted POTUS in Sala del Tronetto, the room of the little throne, on the second floor of Apostolic Palace. The two leaders shook hands, and Trump thanked the pope for welcoming them. The pope did not say anything, and he did not smile.

L'Osservatore Romano / AP

3:01am ET/9:01am GMT+2: The pope rang the bell in his study, signaling that the one-on-one meeting is over.

Evan Vucci / AP

3:15am ET/ 9:15am GMT+2: The pope and Trump's delegation met in the Cardinal Pietro Parolin room to exchange gifts. Trump gave the Pope a case of books from Martin Luther King Jr. The pope gave Trump what he said was a medal by a Roman artist, noting that it's an olive, which is a symbol of peace. The pope then gave Trump three books that he said he gives to all Catholics on the topics of family, the joy of the gospel, and "care of our common home, the environment." Pope Francis also gave each member of Trump's delegation a token in a white box. On their way out, Trump told the Pope that the meeting was "a very great honor."

Alessandra Tarantino / AP

Note that Melania and Ivanka following proper Vatican protocal with their outfits. "Women who have an audience with the Pope are required to wear long sleeves, formal black clothing, and a veil to cover the head," Stephanie Grisham, the first lady's communications director, told CNN.

Alessandra Tarantino / AP

3:25am ET/ 9:25am GMT+2: Trump and Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin hold a bilateral meeting

Alessandra Tarantino / AP 4am ET/ 10am GMT+2: Trump and Melania tour the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica. L'Osservatore Romano / Ap Gregorio Borgia / AP 5am ET/ 11am GMT+2: Melania meets with children and visits the chapel at the pediatric hospital Bambin Gesu' at the Vatican. Remo Casilli / AP

Remo Casilli / AP

5:15am ET/ 11:15am GMT+2: Trump's motorocade arrives at the Quirinal Palace, Italian President Sergio Mattarella's residence. The two leaders greeted each other, then walked down the line to greet each member of their respective delegations. They then stood in front of American and Italian flags for a photo and shook hands, before moving into a smaller room for their meeting.

Trump thanked the president for Italy's contributions to global counterterrorism efforts, especially for its participation in the Global Coalition to Counter ISIS and its active role in Iraq and Afghanistan. He also complimented the country's diplomatic efforts to end the violence in Libya.

Evan Vucci / AP

6:35am ET / 12:35am GMT+2: President Trump returned to Villa Taverna, where he participated in a meeting with Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni of Italy. The two leaders were seated across from one another at a long, rectangular table. Their delegations were seated beside them on each side. When asked by a reporter how his meeting with Pope Francis went, Trump said, "Great. He is something. We had a fantastic meeting."

Ettore Ferrari / ANSA via AP

8:15am ET/ 2:15pm GMT+2: President Trump departed Villa Taverna in Rome and arrived at Air Force One at 2:15pm local time. They waved goodbye to Italy before ducking inside. Shortly after the plane took off, and is now headed for Brussels, Belgium.

Riccardo De Luca / AP

10:15am ET/ 4:15pm GMT+2: Air Force One touched down at Melsbroek Military Airport in Melsbroek, Belgium at 4:15pm local time. He was greeted by the Belgian PM Charles Michel, and the two made their way to a podium where they listened to the national anthems of both countries. Trump will now attend a NATO summit and meet with EU and Belgian officials, where he'll discuss his desire for NATO to formally join the fight against ISIS.

Geert Vanden Wijngaert / AP

10:55am ET/ 4:55pm GMT+2: Trump and Melania arrive at the Royal Palace in Brussels, where they are greeted Their Majesties King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium and take an official photo. Afterwards the Royal Family gave Trump and Melania tour of the palace.

Olivier Matthys / AP

11:14am ET/ 5:14pm GMT+2: President Trump participated in a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Charles Michel of Belgium at the Royal palace. The U.S. delegation, Rex Tillerson, HR McMaster, Dina Powell, and Gary Cohn were all present. They sat at a long table under a crystal chandelier, and there was a small plate of chocolates on the table.

Trump told Michel that it was "an honor" to be with him, and that he had a great discussion with the king. "We are fighting very hard, doing very well under our generals. Making tremendous progress. But when you see something like what happened a few days ago, [the Manchester attack] you realize how important it is to win this fight. And we will win this fight."

Evan Vucci / AP
24 May 2017 16:06 (UTC+04:00)

By Rashid Shirinov

Armenia has failed the test for democracy, says the report titled American funding of the Armenian democracy prepared by the President of the National Press Club of Armenia Narine Mkrtchyan.

The report was presented at the recent panel discussion on democracy in Armenia, which was held at the Armenian Institute of International and Security Affairs.

The document notes that between 1991 and 2001, the United States provided assistance in the amount of $1.4 billion to Armenia. This amount was intended for democracy programs, economic and social reforms, as well as development of safety and legislation, formation of independent press, and implementation of other programs in Armenia.

However, Armenia has not reached the shores of democracy, making a transition from a totalitarian regime to authoritarianism, noted Mkrtchyan.

The Armenian government purposely approaches its final goal  to create a controlled democracy in this poor and weak post-Soviet country. The economy of Armenia is disappearing to nowhere as it suffers in all areas. However, the government spends very large amounts of money to implement constitutional amendments not supported by the people, only to ensure maintaining the power of the current authorities, who led the country to this such miserable state.

The report by Mkrtchyan notes that the parliamentary elections of 1995 in Armenia were supposed to be the exam of a free and fair electoral system, but the constitutional referendum and elections were accompanied by violence and falsification of votes, giving rise to the perversion of a free electoral system.

Elections of 1999, 2003, 2007 and 2012 were held in the same conditions, when the government alliances constituted the majority in the Parliament, the report says.

Mkrtchyan noted that candidates of the authorities usurped the power and grossly falsified the results of constitutional referendums.

As for the parliamentary election of 2017, they disorganized the electoral system, and the state system was fully involved in the falsification of the election, she stressed. Armenia failed the test for democracy.

President Serzh Sargsyan's Republican Party won the parliamentary elections of April 2, 2017. During and after the elections, a number of Armenian politicians, local and international observers and journalists noted that the parliamentary elections in Armenia had many violations and frauds. The observers from the Council of Europe, OSCE, the European Parliament and other international observers indicated these violations in their statements following the elections.

Mkrtchyan added that one of the main obstacles for the establishment of democracy in Armenia is corruption. The 2015 report of the Transparency International Anticorruption Center showed that Armenia is one of the most corrupt country of the world.

The rate of corruption in Armenia does not change over the years, and that means that corruption in the country was rooted and does not retreat, Mkrtchyan stressed.

The actions of the Armenian government against corruption are deceiving  the authorities have to imitate efforts in this direction as Armenia has obligations before international organizations, partner countries. However, the allocated money themselves get stolen because the government itself is widely involved in corruption.

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Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov

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24 May 2017 18:23 (UTC+04:00)

By Anne-Marie Slaughter and Kate Himes

On the surface, the village at the foot of the Tian Shan Mountains looks similar to its neighbors. Men stand near the canal wearing traditional kalpak hats, children play in the river, and women bake naan, the round flaky Kyrgyz bread. But unlike other communities along the Aspara River, this village is addressing the water security challenges they face, rather than ignoring them.

Supported by a science-based international development program, the newly created local water management council now meets with a similar council across the international border in Kazakhstan. Together, the councils solved a decades-old problem that affected the ability to feed children, threatened regional security, and prevented enforcement of a 1948 treaty determining how much water each village may use to grow crops.

Applying local solutions to development challenges, these Kyrgyz water management councils built diversion canals and installed a simple meter to monitor the amount of water used by each village. Constructed from material available in the villages, the new canals connect to the meter and computers, allowing real-time water-flow data to be shared in each village. Though the development assistance has concluded, these international water managers now are mitigating the impact of increasing water flow from glacial melt, while intensifying regional agriculture demand by co-designing water-use forecasts and planting drought-tolerant crops.

Scientific water management thus solved both a development problem and a diplomatic problem, increasing water supply and fostering habits of transnational cooperation that empower villagers to tackle problems. A team of scientists and engineers, rather than diplomats and conflict-resolution experts, can provide a valuable pragmatic lens on what may appear to be a tangled set of political and cultural issues. During US-Soviet arms-control negotiations during the Cold War, and, more recently, during international negotiations over Irans nuclear program, Western and Iranian physicists often found common ground more readily than the politicians.

Science- and engineering-based solutions to global challenges have also sparked major innovations, such as the Green Revolution, which tackled the devastation caused by wheat rust, and pioneering immunization techniques that dramatically reduced the spread of measles and polio. And such solutions continue to address development challenges. A recently developed microbicide reduces the transmission of HIV/AIDS by 39%. Geospatial data locate freshwater sources and improve development assistance effectiveness. And a new diagnostic tool identifies the presence of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis and guides medical staff to precise treatment solutions.

The list goes on. The Famine Early Warning System Network (FEWS NET) alerts governments to possible food shortages. The Volcanic Disaster Assistance Program provides real-time information about impending natural disasters, from volcanoes to subsequent earthquakes and tsunamis. Looking forward, dirt-powered fuel cells could light remote villages so children can study, and large-scale water desalination plants may generate drinking water from the ocean.

These are all examples that Mark Green, who has just been nominated to head up the US Agency for International Development, should bear in mind. Greens commitment to the aid reform agenda has been hailed by organizations like the US Global Leadership Coalition, a network of CEOs and NGOs committed to elevating both development and diplomacy. And he was deeply involved in establishing the Millennium Challenge Corporation, which provides aid to countries that meet clearly specified economic and political criteria.

To advance his goals, Green would do well to increase the role of science and technology in development practice, building on the work of the Global Development Lab at USAID, launched by Barack Obamas administration. Scientific experimentation and technological innovation advance effectiveness and accountability through clear metrics of success and failure.

Evidence-based solutions call for evidence: results delivered, not resources invested. Original development solutions grounded in science are thus created in parallel with innovative monitoring systems that require program evaluation. The result is an efficient and effective use of public and private financing.

Moreover, science and technology-based approaches to development can sidestep partisan posturing. Notwithstanding the intense political debate in the US over climate change, science is upheld globally as a neutral endeavor, and often provides an opportunity for bilateral and multilateral cooperation that complements  and strengthens  diplomatic relationships. In recent years, a large number of civilian agencies  including those with a science focus  have been engaging in international assistance programs and initiatives, covering areas such as public health, education, disease prevention, police training, trade promotion, and clean water.

Perhaps most important, the scientific method instills habits of mind  the pursuit of truth, knowledge, and good government  that are not only intrinsically valuable, but also essential for twenty-first-century economic progress. In a 2016 commencement address at the California Institute of Technology, the surgeon and writer Atul Gawande described science as a commitment to a systematic way of thinking, an allegiance to a way of building knowledge and explaining the universe through testing and factual observation.

That commitment implies a weird way of being, Gawande continued. You are supposed to have skepticism and imagination, but not too much. You are supposed to suspend judgment, yet exercise it. Ultimately, you hope to observe the world with an open mind, gathering facts and testing your predictions and expectations against them.

Science and technology can never be a panacea; the neutrality of the scientific method will always run up against the passions and interests of politics, which can drive scientists to create nerve gas and atomic weapons as readily as new seeds and desalinated water. Still, now more than ever, in what Alphabet Executive Chairman Eric Schmidt calls the age of intelligence, the dissemination of new tools and habits to expand knowledge is a core element of human development around the world.

Copyright: Project Syndicate: Science and International Development Policy

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24 May 2017 13:03 (UTC+04:00)

By Laman Ismayilova

Baku Expo Center will host the only event in the Caspian region specialized in energy efficiency and renewable energy, the 7th Caspian International Power and Alternative Energy Exhibition, Caspian Power 2017.

The exhibition scheduled for May 31-June 3 is part of a series of major energy events from the leading exhibition company ITE Group and is a proven brand among industry companies. The exhibition is organized by Iteca Caspian and its partner, ITE Group (UK).

Traditionally, the Caspian Power exhibition will take place on the same platform as the largest event in the Caspian region's oil and gas sector - Azerbaijan International Oil and Gas Caspian Oil&Gas exhibition.

The relevance of the exhibition is preconditioned by the launch of the new power plants, the use of hybrid power stations, and the installation of wind turbines and solar panels in Azerbaijan. The Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the State Agency for Alternative and Renewable Energy Resources officially support the exhibition.

Among the exhibitors are leading vendor companies in the field of power engineering from Azerbaijan, Belarus, Turkey and other countries. The exposition of the exhibition will present hydra and heat to the electric power industry, nuclear power engineering, instruments and means of measurement, control, automatic regulation, industrial and household energy, energy saving technologies, radio frequency cables, cables for industrial automation and much more.

The Caspian Power 2017 exhibition provides a unique opportunity to meet with leading specialists of the electric-power industry, to get information about the latest technological developments and strategies for the development of the electric power industry, and to expand and establish new effective and mutually beneficial contacts, as well as to enter into prospective contracts.

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24 May 2017 15:24 (UTC+04:00)

By Amina Nazarli

Those who prefer to go unbeaten path, to explore less visited places and check national charisma will undoubtedly have an interesting experience in Azerbaijan, a small country in Southern Caucasus on the edge of Europe.

More and more air companies intend to implement flights to this rather newly-discovered travel destination on the world tourism map.

Russian airline "IrAero" will open new flights from the cities of Irkutsk and Krasnoyarsk to Baku this June.

The first flight on the Irkutsk-Krasnoyarsk-Baku route and back will be performed by the airline on June 4, and further be performed twice a week on Wednesdays and Sundays.

The new flight will be serviced by Sukhoi Superjet 100 aircraft.

IrAero is an air carrier based in Irkutsk, Russia. The company provides domestic and international scheduled passenger services, charter and cargo flights.

Besides, the Kuwait-based Jazeera Airways chose Azerbaijan as the first destination to launch of new direct flights to Eurasia, starting with Baku.

The company will start flights to Baku on June 23. Jazeera Airways will provide a frequency of two weekly flights scheduled on Mondays and Fridays to the city, hailed as a popular destination for summer vacationers.

Onur Air, a Turkish low-cost airline, plans to resume flights to Azerbaijan.

Onur Air announced that it plans to launch direct flights between Baku and Turkeys Trabzon, and the first regular direct flight from Baku to Trabzon is scheduled for June 17.

The price of a round-trip ticket will start at 99 euros. The flights will be carried out every Saturday.

Earlier, Onur Air carried out flights from Turkeys Istanbul to Azerbaijans Ganja city.

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Amina Nazarli is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @amina_nazarli



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24 May 2017 14:59 (UTC+04:00)

By Sara Israfilbayova

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Turkish Ministry of Customs and Trade and the State Customs Committee of Azerbaijan On the establishment of the Joint Committee on Customs Issues.

The document was signed in Ankara in 2015, with participation of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

The Joint Committee will coordinate the cooperation in the customs sphere between the two countries, determine the directions for the development of this sphere, facilitate the simplification of customs procedures and promote the introduction of new technologies to enhance the effectiveness of customs control.

Turkey was the first state to recognize Azerbaijan's independence in 1991 and has been a staunch supporter of Azerbaijan in its efforts to consolidate its independence, preserve its territorial integrity and realize its economic potential arising from the rich natural resources of the Caspian Sea.

The contractual base of bilateral Turkish-Azerbaijani trade and economic relations includes more than 40 documents aimed at expanding economic cooperation between states.

The trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Turkey in the first quarter of 2017 amounted to $553 million, of which $308.7 million was exported to Turkey, according to the State Customs Committee of Azerbaijan.

For the first quarter of this year, the trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Turkey increased 2.15 times, as compared to the same period of the previous year.

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24 May 2017 17:58 (UTC+04:00)

By Kamila Aliyeva

The total volume of liabilities of Bank Standard to individuals and legal entities amount to 1.199 billion manats (about $705 million), Chairman of the Banks Creditors Committee Akram Hasanov said at a committee meeting in Baku May 24.

As many as 45,235 creditors of Bank Standard have been registered so far, Hasanov said. Of them, 43,272 creditors are individuals, and the banks liabilities to them amount to 156 million manats (about $91.7 million). As many as 1,963 creditors are legal entities, and the banks liabilities to them amount to 1.043 billion manats (about 61.3 million). Of them, 154 million manats (about $90.5) account for the liabilities to the Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA).

The total number of Bank Standards real estate objects is 33, and 24 of them are pledged to the CBA, he said, noting that 42 million manats are expected to be generated from the sale of the Banks assets.

Bank Standards license was revoked October 1, 2016, and on October 4, the bank was declared bankrupt. The banks depositors received compensation worth 436.6 million manats (about $256.8 million) since then.

Hasanov further added that the Bank Standard's Creditors Committee can appeal against the liquidation plan of the bank.

Under the liquidation plan, the funds will firstly be returned to the Azerbaijan Deposit Insurance Fund, which is contrary to the Constitution, he said.

"In no country in the world the Deposit Insurance Fund receive funds in the first place, first of all, the funds should be paid to individuals and legal entities. If the court approved the existing liquidation plan, we are ready to appeal this decision," Hasanov stated.

The creditor's committee consists of nine individuals, representatives of the National Entrepreneurship Support Fund, Khazar University, Public Association for the Protection of Rights of Azerbaijani Youth, Azercell Telecom, SOCAR Cape, SOCAR Marketing, Standard Insurance, GESCO, Leasing Company UniLeazing, Insurance company Qala Life and non-bank credit organization FINCA Azerbaijan.

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Kamila Aliyeva is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Kami_Aliyeva

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24 May 2017 11:50 (UTC+04:00)

By Laman Ismayilova

The 36th "Virtuosos" International Festival opened at the Lviv Philharmonic, Ukraine.

The festival opened with "Azerbaijani Capriccio" by Fikret Amirov performed by the Academic Symphony Orchestra of the State Philharmonic Society conducted by Yalcin Adigezalov, Day.Az reported.

Rector of the Baku Music Academy, Farhad Badalbeyli was the soloist in the piano Concerto of John Gershwin. He was enthusiastically welcomed by the audience and played an encore of the famous composition "the Sea". The concert ended with brilliant performance of the Second Suite from the ballet "Path of Thunder" by Gara Garayev.

After the concert, Festival's Director Vladimir Sivokhip presented to musicians diplomas of honorary members of the Lviv Philharmonic society "For merits in development of culture of Ukraine and Azerbaijan".

The gala evening, organized with the assistance of the United Diaspora of Ukrainian Azerbaijanis , was attended by Azerbaijani Ambassador to Ukraine Azer Khudiyev, chairman of the united diaspora Hikmet Javadov, heads of the city administration and others.

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Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova

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24 May 2017 17:35 (UTC+04:00)

By Laman Ismayilova

An exhibition entitled "Charms of Hungary and Azerbaijan" has opened at Azerbaijan's National Art Museum.

The photo exhibition organized by the Hungarian Embassy in Baku is timed to the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Hungary.

Prominent public and art figures, representatives of diplomatic missions accredited in Azerbaijan attended the event, Trend Life reported.

Hungarian Ambassador to Azerbaijan Imre Laszloczki, addressing the event, stressed the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries is a significant event.

The diplomat added that the relations between Hungary and Azerbaijan are at high level and there is a good potential for their development and expansion in the future.

Further, guests got acquainted with the works of photographs, who presented works that reflect the beauty of nature, urban landscapes, monuments, iconic architectural structures of Azerbaijan and Hungary - Baku, Nakhchivan, Shamakhi, Lankaran, Sheki, Ganja, Budapest, Hortobagy, Kalocsa, Eger, Tihany and many others.

Baku hosted Days of Hungary on March 16-18 to familiarize Azerbaijanis with the country, its history and traditions. The series of events featured exhibition, concert and fashion to showcase both traditional and modern culture of Hungary.

Hungary recognized Azerbaijan's independence in 1991, and diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in April 1992.

The two countries enjoy a huge capacity for the development of trade and economic cooperation. Hungary is also a good platform for Azerbaijani investors.

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Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova

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25 May 2017 17:45 (UTC+04:00)

By Rashid Shirinov

On the background of increasing threats to stability globally, formation of new shields of cooperation seems more logical than ever.

Azerbaijan, Turkey and Georgia, sharing one and the same region by the destiny, now think over strengthening military cooperation. The three countries enjoy favorable economic partnership, necessitating for extending the cooperation in other strategically important spheres. Defense and security remain the key milestone for every beginning and smart approach can be promising for further achievements.

Currently, the three countries try to actively cooperate in the military sphere. Azerbaijan, Turkey and Georgia developed a trilateral format in 2014, which involves meetings at the level of defense ministers. At the meeting in Gabala in May 2016, the ministers decided to hold trilateral military exercises.

The Azerbaijan-Turkey-Georgia cooperation is highly important because together the three countries can more successfully resist external threats. Additionally, many international projects, mainly energy and transport ones, are connected with the region  it is literally a crossroad of international corridors. In such conditions, it is crucial to ensure protection of the region.

Moreover, the Armenia-launched Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, and Armenian terrorism towards Azerbaijan threatens stability and security in the region. In general, peoples of Azerbaijan, Turkey and Georgia live in a sensitive region, where threats of undesirable actions exist. Therefore, the situation must be always kept under control.

Another issue of protection is the fact that all three countries have considerably developed their tourism industries. The states are being visited by millions of tourists every year, and their safety, as well as the safety of local population, should be protected at the highest level.

With all these reasons, the decision of cooperation between Azerbaijan, Turkey and Georgia is very important as it protects the region from dangers and facilitates its further development.

With the aim of discussing the military-political situation in the region and regional security issues, the defense ministers of Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey, Zakir Hasanov, Levan Izoria and Fikri Isik held a trilateral meeting in Batumi on May 23. At the meeting, the ministers also exchanged views on the prospects for tripartite military cooperation.

Noting the negative impact of international terrorism and aggressive separatism on peace, stability and development in the region, the sides stressed the importance of joint actions to confront threats directed against the security of states.

Zakir Hasanov condemned the recent terrorist attack in Manchester and said that the Azerbaijani government takes a tough stance against terrorism. He noted that the killing of civilians in terrorist attacks poses a threat to stability, international cooperation and peace. Azerbaijan's Defense Minister stressed the need for a joint fight against terrorism.

During the meeting, the ministers also considered the prospects for cooperation in the military sphere, in the field of military education and military medicine, as well as conducting of joint military exercises and a number of other issues of mutual interest. At the end of the meeting, the ministers signed a joint protocol.

In early May, Azerbaijani and Turkish Armed Forces held joint military exercises, and all three defense ministers observed a stage of the exercises. On May 22, Georgian Defense Minister Levan Izoria announced that Georgia, Turkey and Azerbaijan plan to hold joint military drills in June and September 2017. Joint exercises of three countries play an important role in strengthening the capabilities of their armed forces.

Thus, the military cooperation between Azerbaijan, Turkey and Georgia is extremely important  not only for development of trilateral relations, but also for performing a stabilizing function to maintain peace, stability and security in the region.

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Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov

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24 May 2017 10:12 (UTC+04:00)

By Trend

Frank-Walter Steinmeier, president of the Federal Republic of Germany, has sent a congratulatory letter to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev.

I extend my sincere congratulations to you and the people of Azerbaijan on the occasion of your national holiday  Republic Day, Steinmeier told Ilham Aliyev in his letter.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries, Steinmeier said. About two hundred years ago, the first Schwobe immigrants settled in the territory of the present-day Azerbaijan. These jubilees will encourage us to develop and expand bilateral relations between our two countries.

I would like to welcome Azerbaijans readiness to build its relations with the European Union on a new foundation through the negotiations on a new partnership agreement, he added. Germany will remain Azerbaijan's reliable partner in this regard. Please accept my best wishes for you and for peace and prosperity of the people of Azerbaijan.

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25 May 2017 12:50 (UTC+04:00)

The leaders of numerous countries have congratulated Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on the Republic Day, May 28.

May 28, 1918, marks the establishment of the ADR, the first independent republic and democratic state on the East. Although it existed for only 23 months, it brought about great progress in foreign policy, and introduced Azerbaijan to the international community.

To appreciate the historical significance of this event not only for Azerbaijan, but also for the entire Islamic world, it is enough to recall that at that time there were only seven independent Muslim states in the world - Turkey, Persia, Afghanistan, Emirate of Bukhara, and three small monarchies of Inner Arabia.

Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King of Saudi Arabia wished in his message lasting development and prosperity to the brotherly government and people of Azerbaijan.

On behalf of the people and government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and on my own behalf, I extend to Your Excellency my warmest congratulations on the occasion of the national holiday of your country  Republic Day.

I wish you robust health and happiness, and the brotherly government and people of Azerbaijan lasting development and prosperity. Please accept, Your Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration, the message reads.

President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Mamnoon Hussain in his message stressed that Pakistan highly values its relations with Azerbaijan, which are rooted in our common faith.

The strong cooperation between our two countries in multifaceted areas including political, economic, culture, energy, connectivity and defense is indeed a reflection of the strong bonds between the governments and people of our two countries. I sincerely hope that bilateral relations will continue to strengthen further to the mutual benefit of the two brotherly countries, the message reads.

President of India Pranab Mukherjee, in turn, hailed the Indian-Azerbaijani relations.

It is indeed a matter of satisfaction that the long-standing friendly relations between India and Azerbaijan have been strengthened and deepened in a wide range of areas. I am confident that our joint efforts to further expand our bilateral cooperation will pave the way for our closer partnership in new areas of our common interest, the message reads.

Earlier, President of the Federal Republic of Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier , Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia Peter Cosgrove, King of Sweden Carl Gustaf, King of Norway Harald V, King of the Netherlands Willem-Alexander, King of the Belgians Philippe, Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Elizabeth II, Muhammad bin Nayef bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud, Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Interior of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Muhammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Deputy Crown Prince, Second Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister of Saudi Arabia also sent a congratulatory letter to President Ilham Aliyev.

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24 May 2017 10:35 (UTC+04:00)

By Trend

Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov has left for a working visit to New York, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry reported on May 24.

Mammadyarov will take part in an event timed to the 25th anniversary of Azerbaijans establishing relations with the UN.

The Azerbaijani foreign minister will also hold a number of meetings with UN officials within the framework of the visit.

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24 May 2017 11:24 (UTC+04:00)

By Laman Ismayilova

The Azerbaijani Embassy in Tehran hosted a reception on the occasion of the Republic Day of Azerbaijan, the anniversary of the founding of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic.

Among participants in the event was the Minister of Communications & Information Technology, co-chair of Azerbaijani-Iranian Intergovernmental Commission on Economic, Trade & Humanitarian Cooperation Mahmoud Vaezi, officials of Foreign Ministry of Iran, MPs, Azertac reported.

Azerbaijans Ambassador Bunyad Huseynov, addressing the event, spoke of the history of establishment of the first democratic and parliamentary republic in the Moslem East founded on May 28, 1918.

This date is one of the glorious pages in the countrys history. This significant date is annually celebrated as Republic Day in Azerbaijan, he said.

The envoy further added that the two countries enjoy highly developed political, economic, cultural and humanitarian relations, have signed some 50 documents on cooperation. The trade turnover between the countries has increased by 75 percent.

Mahmoud Vaezi, in turn, expressed hope the bilateral ties between the two friendly counties would further develop to contribute the historically established relations.

May 28, 1918, marks the establishment of the ADR, the first independent republic and democratic state on the East. Although it existed for only 23 months, it brought about great progress in foreign policy, and introduced Azerbaijan to the international community.

To appreciate the historical significance of this event not only for Azerbaijan, but also for the entire Islamic world, it is enough to recall that at that time there were only seven independent Muslim states in the world - Turkey, Persia, Afghanistan, Emirate of Bukhara, and three small monarchies of Inner Arabia.

Azerbaijan, which gained its independence in 1991 after the collapse of the Soviet Union, celebrates May 28 annually as the Republic Day.

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24 May 2017 15:43 (UTC+04:00)

By Amina Nazarli

Millions of Muslims around the world are preparing for Ramadan, a holy month of fasting and religious devotion that starts this week.

Although Ramadan is always on the same day of the Islamic calendar, the date on the Gregorian calendar varies from year to year, since the Gregorian calendar is a solar calendar and the Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar. This difference means Ramadan moves ahead in the Gregorian calendar by approximately 11 days every year. This year Ramadan will start on May 27.

Ramadan or as it is also called The Sultan of Eleven Months is an incredibly sacred time for Muslims, who believe that during this month the holy book Koran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad.

Ramadan is considered a time for intense prayer and religious devotion, with Muslims encouraged observing daily prayers throughout the day.

Many recite the Quran just before sunset and the start of their feasting. People donate money to charity during Ramadan and help to feed the hungry. And Muslims will also take the time to cut down on vices such as gossiping, swearing and fighting.

Ramadan teaches the faithful to love Allah, and of huge importance across the Islamic world to test their will and patience, and to be wiser and more honest.

The history of fasting in Ramadan starts when the Prophet Muhammad determined the holy month in Medina during the second year of pilgrimage.

Fasting is one of the Five Pillars of the Islamic religion and one of its main practices. The resulting hunger is seen as a means of developing sympathy for the less fortunate, while learning to be humble and appreciate all of God's bounties.

For 30 days, during fasting hours from the dawn until the sunset Muslims do not eat, drink, smoke, or engage in sexual intercourse, testing their patience and ability to overcome temptations.

In Islam, fasting is obligatory for all the faithful with the exception of minors, the elderly and ill, mentally ill, pregnant women and nursing mothers, travelers, and soldiers.

The holy Koran says, "As morning comes and white thread distinguishes from black thread, you may eat and drink and then complete your fast till the night."

It is better to invite those who have fasted to your iftar table, according to the hadith. It says that the one who feeds a person who fasted will receive the same reward as the one who fasted.

The month is intended to improve morality and character, so there are more regular mosque visits alongside a personal attempt to work on positive traits and thoughts.

"Ramadan Mubarak" and "Ramadan Kareem" are common greetings exchanged in this period, wishing the recipient a "blessed" and generous Ramadan.

At the end of Ramadan, after 29 or 30 days, Muslims celebrate the Eid al-Fitr holiday. Eid al-Fitr in Arabic literally means "festival of breaking the fast".

On the Eid celebration, which is to be held on June 26, it is required that all wealthy Muslims aid the less fortunate.

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Amina Nazarli is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @amina_nazarli



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24 May 2017 14:00 (UTC+04:00)

By Sara Israfilbayova

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries will gather in Vienna on May 25 to mull together with non-OPEC oil producers extension of the production cuts put in place in November as a way to shore up prices, which have been choppy this month.

Russia and Saudi Arabia has already announced that they are eager to extend oil production cuts through the first quarter of 2018. Following this announcement, a number of OPEC and non-OPEC producers began signaling support to the initiative.

Now the oil exporting countries are discussing the prolongation of the oil cut agreement for the entire 2018, said Noureddine Boutarfa, Algerias Energy Minister.

"We have many options, not only for nine months ahead, but the whole next year," he said.

"But the main proposal concerns the extension for nine months," Boutarfa said, adding that everything will depend on the data on oil reserves.

Ecuador Oil Minister Carlos Perez also confirmed that OPEC and other oil-producing countries would discuss a six- or nine-month extension to output cuts and probably choose the latter.

"Six and nine months are both proposals on the table ... we will support the majority, probably the nine months," Perez, whose country is in OPEC, told reporters after arriving in Vienna on Tuesday.

Saudi Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih earlier won support from OPEC's second-biggest and fastest-growing producer, Iraq, for a nine-month extension and said he expected no objections from anyone else.

Iraqs Oil Minister Jabbar Al-Luaibi said almost all countries participating in the cut had agreed to extend it, though there was no consensus yet on how long the extension should be. Some ministers say nine months, some ministers think six months, al-Luaibi said.

Irans Oil Minister Bijan Namdar Zangeneh announced on May 24 that Iran agrees with the extension, but the negotiations are focused on the period of extension, Shana reported. The country was the only OPEC member allowed to increase its output under the supply cut deal.

Azerbaijan, whose participation in joint oil production cuts is defined at 35,000 barrels per day, also supports prolongation. Energy Minister Natig Aliyev underlined Azerbaijans readiness to further take steps for achieving stable oil prices.

The statements of top energy officials about prolongation pushed up the price of oil.

Today, the price for July futures of Brent crude oil has increased by 0.22 percent to $54.27 per barrel, meanwhile, the price for July futures of West Texas Intermediate (WTI) has grown by 0.17 percent and stood at $51.56 per barrel.

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24 May 2017 14:43 (UTC+04:00)

By Rashid Shirinov

Russia is interested in maintaining friendly relations with all its neighbors in the South Caucasus, the Russian Foreign Ministry reported on May 24.

The ministry reported that a board meeting on the situation in the South Caucasus and Russian policy in the region was held under the chairmanship of Russias Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on May 23.

The meeting discussed the main aspects of the work of Russian diplomacy for implementation of the tasks defined by the Foreign Policy Concept of the Russian Federation in the South Caucasus direction.

The meeting participants discussed the state and prospects of Russias relations with each South Caucasus country, as well as regional security issues.

Among our priorities are peace and stability, advancing development of the countries of the region, and strengthening of their constructive interaction in solving common problems, the foreign ministry stated.

The long standing Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict remains the most important and dangerous problem in the South Caucasus. The conflict began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding regions. More than 20,000 Azerbaijanis were killed and over 1 million were displaced as a result of the large-scale hostilities. The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations.

Armenia still controls fifth part of Azerbaijan's territory and rejects implementing four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from Nagorno-Karabakh and surrounding districts.

Russia along with the U.S. and France is a co-chair country of the OSCE Minsk Group established to broker a peace to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

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Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov

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24 May 2017 16:51 (UTC+04:00)

By Kamila Aliyeva

Russia and the United States continue contacts on Syrian issue on a 24-hour basis, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said on May 24, RIA Novosti reported.

"We did not stop contacts [with the U.S.] on cooperation. It happens around the clock. We meet at different venues," Shoigu said during the "government hour" in the Federation Council.

He added that Russia expects the provisions on the security corridors in de-escalation zones to be approved in the course of the meeting scheduled for June in Astana.

"We hope that at the beginning of June there will be another meeting in Astana, where we will be able to approve all the provisions of the map on creating security corridors, which, according to our proposals, should be a kilometer long between the parties," he said.

Russia, Turkey and Iran signed a memorandum on creating four zones at talks involving the Syrian government and opposition groups at the latest round of Astana talks.

The minister further voiced hope that the sides will actively work on the provisions of the new Syrian constitution, both in the format of negotiations in Geneva, Switzerland and in Astana, Kazakhstan.

"We would like to see mechanisms for the adoption of a new constitution, in addition to the constitution itself being discussed there, because new mechanisms for the selection of parliament and the leadership of Syria are envisaged there," he added.

In addition, Russia is actively working with Jordan and Israel in this direction, according to Shoigu.

"We are working with Jordan on a regular basis, we are working, I will not hide, with Israel, we are discussing this issue with the Israeli Defense Minister, and we have a very constructive dialogue. I think we have every opportunity to turn it into active beginning of the political dialogue," he concluded.

First practical result of the sixth round of talks in Geneva on ending Syrian conflict became the agreement to set up expert committees to discuss "constitutional and legal issues."

The civil war in Syria between government and opposition with various terrorist groups involved, including Daesh (also known as ISIS or ISIL), began back in March 2011.

Syrian President Bashar Assad managed to turn the tide of war in his favor after Russia started an air campaign in September 2015, while Iran is an uncompromising supporter of the Syrian leader.

According to a report by the Syrian Center for Policy Research, the conflict has claimed the lives of over 470,000 people, injured 1.9 million others, and displaced nearly half of the countrys pre-war population of about 23 million within or beyond its borders.

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Kamila Aliyeva is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Kami_Aliyeva

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24 May 2017 17:50 (UTC+04:00)

By Sara Israfilbayova

TaxFree4U tells travelers how to save money on Europe travel, to help you travel more frequently, to more places and spend less!

TaxFree4U - online service to get your VAT refund - was created for beneficial shopping in the European Union. The startup appeared on the VAT refund market in 2015.

Having concentrated its activities in France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK, TaxFree4U reimburses non-EU residents up to 19 percent VAT for purchases in these countries. In 2017 the advantages of shopping with TaxFree4U will be available to non-EU residents in another 3 destinations  Finland, Austria and Poland.

The objective of the TaxFree4U team was not only the optimization of the refund process, but also the implementation of innovations, one of which was a possibility to consolidate several receipts into a single declaration; it allows to overcome the minimum receipt amount, specified for each separate country.

The TaxFree4U mobile app for iOS and Android platforms is a tool that allows the client to get the VAT refund within 48 hours, after completing only 5 steps: upload photos of receipts into the app, receive the completed VAT refund form, get a stamp from the Customs officer on the form, and send it together with the originals of receipts to the TaxFree4U office.

The major benefits of TaxFree4U are enrollment of funds on card within 48 hours, possibility to upload receipts into the app instead of time-consuming completion of VAT refund forms in each shop, faultless completion of VAT refund forms by experts of the company instead of the client, and consolidation of the amounts on receipts into a single VAT refund form.

The service is actively used by more than 20,000 users around the world, but most of the customers are from the CIS, the countries of Asia and the Middle East. The service is automated and has a low commission, because the mobile format allows you to exclude a lot of costs.

The work of regional offices of the company is provided by more than 90 employees.

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24 May 2017 16:55 (UTC+04:00)

By Trend

Turkey enjoys good ties with President Hassan Rouhanis government, Turkish Ambassador to Iran, Riza Hakan Tekin told Trend.



We [Turkey] have very good relations with Doctor Rouhanis government, so we are happy to see that he got reelected, the envoy told Trends correspondent in Tehran.



What we hope is that doctor Rouhanis second term will bring more peace, prosperity and atmosphere of cooperation to our region, he added.



Our region is going through a very difficult period so we hope that this election result will also have such an effect beyond Iran, on the region, he concluded.



Iranians re-elected Hassan Rouhani as the countrys president on May 19 election for a four-year term.

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Modified On Jun 17, 2017 09:48 PM By Raunak for Volkswagen Tiguan 2017-2020

The Tiguan is Volkswagens much-awaited entry in Indias fast-growing SUV segment!

Volkswagen has launched the second-gen Tiguan at Rs 27.98 lakh (ex-showroom, New Delhi) in India. Unlike the discontinued Touareg, the Tiguan is locally assembled at the Volkswagen Groups Aurangabad plant.

Volkswagen Tiguan Prices (all ex-showroom, New Delhi)

Comfortline 2.0-litre TDI diesel: Rs 27.98 lakh

Highline 2.0-litre TDI diesel: Rs 31.38 lakh

The Aurangabad plant also manufactures Skoda and Audi models, except the Rapid. Why did VW chose to assemble it at Skodas/Audis Aurangabad plant and not at its Chakan facility? Thats because the Tiguan is based on the German conglomerates MQB (modular transverse matrix) platform, which is shared with the Skoda Octavia, Superb and the Audi A3 in the country.

The upcoming Skoda Kodiaq and Karoq (the Yetis replacement) feature the same MQB platform as well. The Tiguan becomes the first VW model in India to be underpinned by this platform.

The Tiguan goes up against the Hyundai Tucson, Honda CR-V and the upcoming Jeep Compass in the country, along with body-on-frame SUVs such as the Ford Endeavour, Toyota Fortuner and the recently launched Isuzu MU-X. Further, the top-spec Highline variant also falls in the territory of Hyundais flagship SUV, the Santa Fe.

The Tiguan is only available in two trim levels  Comfortline and Highline  and its base Trendline trim is not offered in India. It is a pretty well loaded SUV, with some of its standard features being auto full-LED headlamps with DRLs, three-zone climate control, electronically adjustable driver's seat with memory function, electrically operated tailgate, to name a few. The top-spec Highline boasts of a panoramic sunroof, 235/55 cross-section tyres on 18-inch alloy wheels, and LED tail lamps, among others.

The Volkswagen Group's Composition Media infotainment system is available with both the variants and it comes with an 8-inch touchscreen. It offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support and is paired with an 8-speaker system.

As for the safety features, both the variants are equipped with six airbags, ESC (electronic stability control), ABS, traction control (ASR), EDTC (engine drag torque control), child seat anchors and front and rear parking sensors. It also has an active hood feature for pedestrian safety. Other goodies include rain-sensing wipers, aspherical driver's ORVM, tyre pressure monitoring system, among others. It comes with all-around disc brakes and electronic parking brake.

For now, the Tiguan only comes with an option of a 2.0-litre TDI diesel engine, but its petrol version could be introduced at a later stage. The familiar 2.0-litre diesel mill puts out 143PS of max power and 340Nm of peak torque in the VW SUV, and is mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox (VWs DSG transmission) with paddle shifters. VWs 4MOTION all-wheel-drive setup with drive modes and an electronic differential lock is standard with the Tiguan. The ARAI-certified fuel efficiency of the Tiguan is 17.06kmpl.

Recommended Read: Meet India-Bound Skoda Karoq, Yetis Replacement
Aldersgate Day: How John Wesley's conversion transformed the Church

On this day in 1738 a man named John Wesley had a profound experience that changed his life  and arguably transformed the Church as well.

Wesley was an Anglican priest. He was a fervent preacher, but he was lacking in faith and growing in misery.

A spark of life began however when Wesley led a prisoner to Christ by preaching a gospel of faith and forgiveness, and he saw a man instantly transformed. His more enthusiastic Moravian friends encouraged him to have faith and to expect transformation and assurance.

On the morning of May 24, 1738, he opened his Bible to read the words: 'There are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises, even that ye should be partakers of the divine nature.'

That evening, a still depressed Wesley 'unwillingly' attended a Christian meeting in Aldersgate, London. There he heard a reading from the Reformer Martin Luther's Preface to the Epistle to Romans. At about 8.45 pm, as he heard Luther's words, something deep and dramatic took place.

In Wesley's words: 'While he was describing the change which God works in the heart through faith in Christ, I felt my heart strangely warmed. I felt I did trust in Christ, Christ alone for salvation; and an assurance was given me that He had taken away my sins, even mine, and saved me from the law of sin and death.'

Wesley went on with his brother Charles to pioneer the radical movement of Methodism, spreading evangelical revival across the country and the world. It probably would never have happened were it not for his 'Aldersgate experience'.

The strange warming of the heart has become emblematic for many interpreting their own spiritual experiences. It emphasises the importance of true conversion, the possibility of deep assurance and the power of an experiential salvation.

Since Methodism wouldn't be what it is without Aldersgate, today is celebrated across the Methodist Church.

A special liturgical prayer for the day reads:

'Almighty God, in a time of great need

you raised up your servants John and Charles Wesley,

and by your Spirit inspired them to kindle a flame of sacred love

which leaped and ran, an inextinguishable blaze.

Grant that all those whose hearts have been warmed at these altar fires,

being continually refreshed by your grace, may be so devoted

to the increase of scriptural holiness throughout the land

that in this our time of great need,

your will may fully and effectively be done on earth as it is in heaven;

through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.'
All smiles as Pope Francis meets with Donald Trump at the Vatican

Pope Francis has met with Donald Trump at the Vatican this morning for just under half an hour.

Afterwards, the Pope met Trump's wife Melania, his daughter Ivanka and her husband Jared Kushner as well as several other aides.

The US presidential delegation arrived at the Vatican just after 8am local time. The president was greeted by Francis in Sala del Tronetto, the room of the little throne, on the second floor of Apostolic Palace.

The men shook hands and Trump could be heard thanking the Pope and saying it was 'a great honour' to be there. They then posed for photographs before their private meeting.

The much-anticipated meeting came after historic tensions between the two men, with the Pope famously saying last year of Trump's plans for a wall with the border of Mexico and the ill-fated 'Muslim ban': 'A person who thinks only about building walls, wherever they may be, and not building bridges, is not Christian.' Trump responded by saying that the Pope weas 'disgraceful'.

But there were smiles as the two men met this morning.

Trump arrived in Rome last night, his motorcade closing a busy Italian highway just after rush hour. The President spent the night at the residence of the US ambassador to Italy.

Trump was given a tour of the Vatican after he arrived and then met with the pontiff in his library, with the two men being left alone with a translator to hold a private discussion before emerging again to exchange gifts and farewells.

Trump is the 13th president to visit the Vatican. As part of his tour, he was shown around the Sistine Chapel.

The visit to Rome begins the European leg of Trump's first, 9-day international tour which has so far taken in Saudi Arabia, Jerusalem and Bethlehem.

Speaking in Israel yesterday afternoon, he said both sides of the conflict in the region are ready for peace.

'I had a meeting this morning with President Abbas and can tell you that the Palestinians are ready to reach for peace,' Trump said.

'In my meeting with my very good friend Benjamin, I can tell you also, that he is reaching for peace. He wants peace,' he added. 'Making peace, however, will not be easy. We all know that. Both sides will face tough decisions. But with determination, compromise, and the belief that peace is possible, Israelis and Palestinians can make a deal.'
Catholic priest and parishioners held hostage by Islamist terrorists in the Philippines

A Filipino Catholic priest and some parishioners have been kidnapped and taken hostage by radical Islamic terrorists.

Today the president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) appealed for prayers for the victims of the attack in Marawi City in the Philippines, according to ABS-CBN News.

'Fr Chito Suganob and others were in the Cathedral of St Mary's when members of the Maute fighting group forced their way into the Cathedral, taking with them Fr Chito and others as hostages,' CBCP president Archbishop Socrates Villegas said in a statement.

He added: 'They have threatened to kill the hostages if the government forces unleashed against them are not recalled.'

The Maute group  radical Islamist militants  reportedly broke into Suganbob's house in the compound, kidnapping the priest, his secretary, two students and at least ten parishioners.

'At the time of his capture, Fr Chito was in the performance of his ministry as a priest. He was not a combatant. He was not bearing arms. He was a threat to none. His capture and that of his companions violates every norm of civilized conflict,' Bishop Edwin dela Pena, Prelature of Marawi Diocese told radio DZMM.

The hashtag #PrayforMarawi has been used, and archbishop Villegas implored fervent prayer for Fr Chito and rest of the hostages. He also asked the government to 'make the safety of the hostages a primordial consideration', while Marawi officials continue to assess the abduction and their response.
This English cathedral has its own police force  and now they can arrest criminals

York Minster Police have the power to arrest people for the first time in 80 years after a special swearing in ceremony on Tuesday.

Thought to be the oldest continuing police force in the country, the cathedral's security operate within its walls and now have the same authority as regular officers after an agreement with North Yorkshire police.

Mark Sutcliffe, Inspector of Cathedral Police at York Minster, said: 'I feel very proud of the whole team for attaining their attestation.

'It has been an important day for everyone involved but also a significant milestone in the history of the force, which has played an important role in life at the cathedral for hundreds of years,' he added according to the BBC.

'The attestation and training the officers have completed ensures our cathedral constables have the professional skills and powers necessary to execute their duties.'

The cathedral, officially the CofE's second most important residence after Canterbury, joins only a handful of others to have their own police.

The 700-year-old force was established in the 13th century but lost its powers to arrest in the 1930s.

The new deal to reinstate its powers come after an agreement between the Chapter of York and North Yorkshire's chief constable that says security inside the grounds is the responsibility of the cathedral constables but regular officers are still responsible for investigating all crime.

Any arrests will be handed over to North Yorkshire Police.
Since welfare reform was enacted in 1996, annual spending on the nations anti-poverty programs has more than doubled. For the more than $1 trillion spent overall in 2016, we could have mailed a $20,000 check to every household with below-average income. Yet the Lefts appetite for more spending remains insatiable. A widespread belief holds that, since the Clinton-era reforms, the welfare state ceased its expansion and began to retreat; that a safety net torn to shreds is thin and getting thinner. Proposals in the new Trump administration budget to check the extraordinary and unsustainable growth of welfare spending are Robin-Hood-in-reverse policies in an unprecedented scale, the common theme of which is really hurting the poor.

What, specifically, are these draconian policies that will inflict such pain on the neediest Americans? The largest change would be to Medicaid, which is funded today through a matching system: states choose how much to spend on the program and receive between one to three federal dollars for every state dollar spentso Washington incentivizes growth in Medicaid by paying states to spend more. Unsurprisingly, this formula has driven aggressive expansions in state expenditures, and a commensurate federal obligation. Since 1975, more than 90 percent of the growth in safety-net spending (per person in poverty) has gone to health care.

The American Health Care Act passed by the House of Representatives earlier this month, and now the Trump budget, propose to reform Medicaid into a block grant that calculates each states payment based on the number of recipients, and a per-recipient dollar figure that increases over time. Medicaid spending would continue rising. But whereas the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) forecasts the federal tab growing from $378 billion in 2017 to $688 billion in 2027 under current law, with reform the 2027 total would reach $524 billion.

Other reforms would seek to restrict eligibility or implement work requirements for various assistance programs, targeting food stamps in particular. The Associated Press describes Trumps proposal as a whopping $193 billion cut from food stamps over the coming decadea cut of more than 25 percent. But while food-stamp enrollment increased from 26 million to 48 million during the weak economy of 2007 to 2013, the rolls shed fewer than 4 million recipients as unemployment fell back below 5 percent. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) expects enrollment to fall naturally by about a quarter in the coming decade. But with another one-quarter reduction on top, enrollment would still remain above its early-2000s leveleven after accounting for population growth.

So, despite the claims from critics that Trump is waging class warfare on the poor, this budget, if fully implemented over two terms, would leave social safety-net spending by 2024 higher than under any president not named Obama.

How, then, are critics defining an acceptable level of anti-poverty spending versus one that is cruel and short-sighted, to quote House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi? The only guiding principle appears to be More. If todays spending were 10 percent higher and the GOP proposed a cut to the current levels that Democrats now defend, that would be cruel and short-sighted. Conversely, had spending in the past two decades grown at 3 percent instead of 3.6 percent, leaving it 10 percent lower, staying the course would be a responsible choice.

It is this philosophy of More that is truly short-sighted. The deficits it fuels are driving the costs on debt higher. The OMB estimates that, by 2021, we will spend more on interest than on Medicaid. But if interest payments could be held flat this decade, it would save twice as much as the Trump cuts. The philosophy also stifles effective countercyclical policy: ideally, spending would climb during a recession, but conservatives are unlikely to support that strategy if no consensus exists for scaling spending down once growth resumes.

Meanwhile, ever-greater funding has produced no greater results. The poverty rate (an imperfect measure, admittedly) remains within a percentage point of its level from 2005, 1995, and 1985. The 1975 level was a bit lower. Mobility measures are stagnant at best. Obamacares enormous expansion of Medicaid has shown no effect on mortality, and one new paper indicates a failure to improve even the self-assessed health of recipients. Yet the default presumption remains: whoever writes the biggest check is the one who cares the most.

The left-leaning Center on Budget Policy and Priorities titled its survey of work-requirement studies Work Requirements Dont Cut Poverty, Evidence Shows. In all 13 instances it examined, welfare programs with work requirements performed as well or better than programs that had no such requirements (often there was no statistically significant difference). The liberal takeaway from this analysis is that there is therefore no reason to impose work requirements, since giving money away no-strings-attached is equally effective. In the worldview of the Left, unconstrained spending is the default action; it is the spending cut, or any semblance of restraint, that must bear the burden of proof.

Photo by William Thomas Cain/Getty Images
A social investment fund for homelessness charities across England worth 4.5m - said to be the first of its kind - will launch next month.

Membership charity for homelessness and supported housing agencies Homeless Link will invest the money over the next three years, offering homelessness organisations unsecured loans of amounts between 25,000 and 150,000.

It says the aim of the fund is to test where social investment can be most effectively to improve outcomes. It is looking to support organisations to:

increase the homelessness sectors knowledge and experience of social investment

develop new models for income generation and funding

improve their long-term sustainability

The programme is financed by Access - The Foundation for Social Investment, through its growth fund, which combines a grant from Big Lottery Fund and a loan from Big Society Capital.

Homeless Link's director of strategy and innovation, Mark McPherson said: We hope that the investments will unlock innovative ways of working with people experiencing homelessness, and help to put the recipient organisations on a sustainable footing.

The programme will also help feed into the bigger picture of how different funding mechanisms can work for homelessness services.

Homeless Link intends to lead the way in understanding the role of social investment in our sector so that we can continue to support our members development.

A spokesperson for the charity, which has almost 800 members, told Civil Society News it was looking to fund charities with medium to high social impact but said it was open to all different projects.

The fund will be opened on 19 June at an event in central London and will run for three years, with an initial round open this year expected to finance five projects. Charities will be able to apply for funding through Homeless Links website.

See in Charity Finance

Seb Elsworth, chief executive of Access, said his organisation hoped to work with more infrastructure bodies like Homelessness Link in future.

He said: Homeless Links fund is a great step forward in making social investment more accessible and relevant to charities and social enterprises seeking to tackle homelessness.

It is also a great step forward for a membership body in the sector to play such an innovative role in connecting their members to capital and helping them develop new operating models.
Sir Stuart Etherington, chief executive of NCVO, has criticised charities for not paying the Fundraising Regulators levy, in a speech today.

In the speech, delivered at the Association of NHS Charities Members Forum in London today, Etherington said that collecting the levy was "presenting some challenges" for the Fundraising Regulator.

Paying the levy is not simply a financial transaction, Etherington said. It demonstrates your commitment to fundraising responsibly and your support for the wider cultural change that we are seeing in fundraising.

He said that, in order to be successful, fundraising self-regulation needs the whole fundraising sector to take responsibility and demonstrate its commitment to making the system work.

Etherington led the review into fundraising self-regulation, which led to the creation of the new Fundraising Regulator in summer 2016.

While certain aspects of the regulator envisaged by the review were changed by the time it launched, the Fundraising Regulator published its final tiered levy system in August 2016 which kept the 100,000 minimum figure after which charities would be eligible to contribute.

The Fundraising Regulator is yet to say how many charities have contributed to the levy.

The last update given to Civil Society News, in October 2016, said the levy had raised 500,000.

The regulator has also yet to confirm whether it reached its funding targets for the levy set out in its first business plan, which budgeted for the levy to raise a further 600,000 in November, and 750,000 in December.

All organisations registered with Fundraising Levy to appear on public register

Etheringtons comments follow an announcement from the Fundraising Regulator through its Twitter account on Monday, which said the regulator was preparing to publish a public register of registered charities on its website.

All organisations that register with us will appear on our Public Register, soon to be installed on our website: https://t.co/VdCUG80NSL  FundraisingRegulator (@FundrRegulator) May 22, 2017

Charities which fall outside of the 100,000 or higher levy on fundraising expenditure have been able to register with the Fundraising Regulator since March this year. These smaller organisations are required to pay a flat, 50 annual fee for the right to display the Fundraising Regulator's 'Registered With' badge.

In Fundraising Magazine

The public register was first raised by the Fundraising Regulators board in its meeting minutes from 21 March 2017. At the time, the Fundraising Regulator had had 70 charities who do not fall within its levy on fundraising expenditure register with it.

The Fundraising Regulator has yet to respond to a request from Civil Society Media about whether or not the public register will also include a list of charities paying the levy.
MATTOON (JG-TC) -- A brown dump truck and a blue sedan collided at 1:38 p.m. Tuesday at 6478 Lerna Road, and a 16-year-old girl died as a result.

The cause of the accident was unknown and the names of the occupants of the vehicles were not given by officials as of Tuesday evening, although at least one of those involved was airlifted from the scene.

Coles County Coroner Ed Schniers said Tuesday evening that the female driver of the car died due to the collision.

Charleston school officials confirmed later Tuesday the identity of the driver to be Jordan Holly, a 16-year-old Charleston High School student. Her mother, Kristen Holly, is the principal of Carl Sandburg Elementary School in Charleston; and her father, Don Holly, is a professor of sociology and anthropology at Eastern Illinois University in Charleston.

The school district had grief counseling opportunities for parents and students Tuesday evening. Superintendent Jim Littleford said there also will be counselors available at Carl Sandburg and at the CHS Media Center starting at 9 a.m. Wednesday.

Littleford described Jordan Holly as a "vibrant, energetic and wonderful young lady."

"It's a very sad moment in our community," he said.

Following the accident, both vehicles were resting in the yard of the residence at along Lerna Road with extensive damage to the left side of the car and minimal damage to the front end of the truck.

More information will be provided as soon as it is available from law enforcement officials.
05/24/2017

The Agriculture Department's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued a public health alert regarding approximately 424 pounds of raw veal imported from the Netherlands by MRW Food Brokers in Owings Mills, Md.

The raw boneless veal may be contaminated with Non-O157 Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) O103.

There have been no confirmed reports of illnesses due to consumption of the recalled products.

The veal was derived from calves slaughtered on March 8, 2017, and March 9, 2017, and further processed and packaged on March 9, 2017 and March 13, 2017.

The following products are covered by the alert:

Boxes of chilled Boneless Veal Cap with case code of Londbos05597422 and lot code 0001.

Boxes of chilled Boneless Veal BHS with case code of Londbos05597426 and lot code 0005.

Boxes of chilled Boneless Veal Inside with case code of Londbos05597439 and lot code 0006.

Boxes of chilled Boned In Veal Rack Chop with case code of SELEDEL05593535 and lot code 0012.

The recalled items were shipped to a distributor, and shipped to restaurants and grocery stores in Florida and Massachusetts.

What to do

Customers who purchased the recalled products should not to consume them, but throw them away or return them to the place of purchase.
Holland America Line has received approval to begin sailing to Cuba from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, starting with the Dec. 22, 2017, 12-day holiday cruise aboard the Veendam, according to a statement from the company.

The addition of Veendam itineraries will help meet the growing demand for premium cruise experiences to Cuba, the company said.

Nine seven-day itineraries will feature the capital city Havana, and three of these will add another Cuba call at Cienfuegos.

Depending on the departure day, cruises include the Cuba ports, as well as a combination of Caribbean ports, including Amber Cove, Dominican Republic; Belize City, Belize; Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico; George Town, Grand Cayman; Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos; Key West, Florida; and Montego Bay, Jamaica.

For many, travel is about seeking new places to explore and discovering meaningful new cultural opportunities, and Cuba is one of the most sought-after new destinations for many of our guests, said Orlando Ashford, president of Holland America Line. We are excited to finally be able to include Cuba in our itineraries, and our guests and travel partners have been anxiously awaiting a premium cruise experience to this relatively undiscovered Caribbean treasure.

The series of Cuban cruises will debut with the Dec. 22, 2017, 12-day holiday sailing roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale. In addition to the seven-day cruises, an 11-day spring cruise sails March 17, 2018, and also features the Cuban ports of Havana and Cienfuegos, as well as Key West, Cozumel, Montego Bay and Georgetown. The final seven-day Cuba sailing departs on April 18, 2018.
MV Werften, Genting Hong Kong's shipyard group, today held a keel-laying ceremony for two more Crystal Rhine-class riverboats, the Crystal Debussy and Crystal Rave. They are the third and fourth in a series of Crystal river sips.

Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay, Chairman and Chief Executive of Genting Hong Kong, Mecklenburg-Vorpommerns Economics Minister Harry Glawe and other guests placed the traditional lucky coins on the keel blocks before the first two sections, each weighing 170 tons, of the river cruisers were laid down.

"We are pleased to celebrate this important milestone, the start of the block assembly, for two additional ships for our brand Crystal River Cruises today at our own shipyard. These ships will offer their guests the highest standards in luxury cruising on Europe's most beautiful river routes," said Tan Sri Lim during the keel-laying ceremony.

Josef Lumetsberger, Crystal River Cruises General Manager of Operations, commented: "We are thrilled to be celebrating alongside our partners at MV Werften the keel laying of the two newest members of Crystal River Cruises. We are also eagerly awaiting the launch in late summer of Crystal Bach and Crystal Mahler Europes only all-balcony, all-suite river yachts, which will serve the growing demand for a true luxury experience on Europes rivers."

"We have placed the first sections for two more high-quality ships in our dock today," said Jarmo Laakso, Managing Director of MV Werften. "We are proud to continue the excellent collaboration with Crystal River Cruises with these two river vessels."

The vessels 135 meters long and more than eleven meters wide. The traditional first steel cut for the ships, which are specifically designed for the European river cruise market, took place in January. After their completion in 2018, they will sail the Rhine, Main, Danube and Moselle rivers. Up to 106 passengers will travel in 55 all-balcony suites.
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The following companies are subsidiares of Eaton: Abeiron III Unlimited Company, Aeroquip Iberica S.L., Aeroquip-Vickers, Aphel Technologies, Argo-Tech, Arrow Hose & Tubing, Azonix Corporation, Babco Electric Group, Baricide Inc., Beijing Yoosung Shinhwa Automobile Parts Co. Ltd., Blinda Industria e Comercio Ltda., Bussmann International Holdings LLC, Bussmann International Inc., Bussmann S. de R.L. de C.V., CBE Services Inc., CEAG Notlichtsysteme GmbH, CLS (Canada) Company, COBHAM INDIA PRIVATE LIMITED, CTI-VIENNA Gesellschaft zur Prufung elektrotechnischer Industrieprodukte GmbH, Cambridge International Sarl, Cannon Technologies Inc., Chagrin Highlands III Ltd., Cobham, Cobham Mission Systems Davenport AAR Inc., Cobham Mission Systems Davenport LSS Inc., Cobham Mission Systems FWB Inc., Cobham Mission Systems Orchard Park Inc., Cobham Mission Systems Wimborne Limited, Cooper (China) Co. Ltd., Cooper (Ningbo) Electric Co. Ltd., Cooper B-Line Inc., Cooper Bussmann LLC, Cooper Capri S.A.S., Cooper Crouse-Hinds (LLC), Cooper Crouse-Hinds AS, Cooper Crouse-Hinds B.V., Cooper Crouse-Hinds GmbH, Cooper Crouse-Hinds LLC, Cooper Crouse-Hinds MTL Inc., Cooper Crouse-Hinds S. de R.L. de C.V., Cooper Crouse-Hinds S.A., Cooper Csa Srl, Cooper Edison (Pingdingshan) Electronic Technologies Co. Ltd., Cooper Electric (Changzhou) Co. Ltd., Cooper Electric (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Cooper Electrical International LLC, Cooper Electronic Technologies (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Cooper Enterprises LLC, Cooper Finance USA Inc., Cooper Germany Holdings GmbH, Cooper Industrials, Cooper Industries (Canada) Company, Cooper Industries (Electrical) Inc., Cooper Industries Colombia S.A.S., Cooper Industries FZE, Cooper Industries Finance B.V., Cooper Industries Global B.V., Cooper Industries International LLC, Cooper Industries Japan K.K., Cooper Industries LLC, Cooper Industries Romania SRL, Cooper Industries Russia LLC, Cooper Industries Trading Unlimited Company, Cooper Industries Unlimited Company, Cooper Industries Vietnam LLC, Cooper Interconnect Inc., Cooper International Holdings S.a.r.l, Cooper Korea Ltd., Cooper Menvier France SARL, Cooper Notification Inc., Cooper Power Systems LLC, Cooper Power Systems do Brasil Ltda., Cooper Pretronica Unipessoal Lda., Cooper Safety B.V., Cooper Securite S.A.S., Cooper Shanghai Power Capacitor Co. Ltd., Cooper Technologies Company, Cooper Univel S.A., Cooper Wheelock Inc., Cooper Wiring Devices Inc., Cooper Wiring Devices de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Cooper Xi'an Fusegear Co. Ltd., Cooper Yuhua (Changzhou) Electric Equipment Manufacturing Co. Ltd., Copperlogic, Cutler-Hammer Electrical Company, Cutler-Hammer Industries Ltd., Cutler-Hammer SRL, Cyme International T & D Inc., D.P. Eaton Electric, Digital Lighting (Dong Guan) Co. Ltd., Digital Lighting Co. Limited, Digital Lighting Holdings Limited, Dongguan Cooper Electronics Co. Ltd., Dongguan Wiring Devices Electronics Co. Ltd., E. Begerow, E.A. Pedersen Co., ETN Asia International Limited, ETN Holding 1 Limited, ETN Holding 2 Limited, ETN Holding 3 Limited, Eaton (China) Investments Co. Ltd., Eaton (Switzerland) Holding I GmbH, Eaton (Switzerland) Holding II GmbH, Eaton (Switzerland) Holding III G.m.b.H., Eaton Aeroquip LLC, Eaton Aerospace LLC, Eaton Ann Arbor LLC, Eaton Automated Transmission Technologies Corporation, Eaton Automation G.m.b.H, Eaton Automation Holding G.m.b.H., Eaton Automotive Components Spolka z o.o., Eaton Automotive Spolka z o.o., Eaton Automotive Systems Spolka z o.o., Eaton B.V., Eaton Capital Global Holdings Unlimited Company, Eaton Capital Unlimited Company, Eaton Controls (Luxembourg) S.a.r.l., Eaton Controls (UK) Limited, Eaton Corporation, Eaton Domhanda I Limited, Eaton Domhanda Unlimited Company, Eaton Electric, Eaton Electric & Engineering Services Limited, Eaton Electric (Japan) Ltd., Eaton Electric (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., Eaton Electric (South Africa) Pty Ltd., Eaton Electric (Thailand) Limited, Eaton Electric (Vietnam) Company Limited, Eaton Electric AB, Eaton Electric AS, Eaton Electric ApS, Eaton Electric BV, Eaton Electric G.m.b.H., Eaton Electric Holdings LLC, Eaton Electric Limited, Eaton Electric S.I.A., Eaton Electric S.a.r.l., Eaton Electric S.r.l., Eaton Electric Spolka z.o.o., Eaton Electric d.o.o., Eaton Electric s.r.o., Eaton Electrical (Australia) Pty Ltd, Eaton Electrical Equipment Co Ltd, Eaton Electrical IP G.m.b.H. & Co. KG, Eaton Electrical Ltd., Eaton Electrical Products Limited, Eaton Electrical S.A., Eaton Electrical Srl, Eaton Electrical Systems Limited, Eaton Electro Productie S.r.l., Eaton Elektrik Ticaret Limited Sirketi, Eaton Elektrotechnika s.r.o., Eaton Enterprises (Hungary) Kft., Eaton Enterprises Limited, Eaton Enterprises S. de R.L. de C.V., Eaton FZE, Eaton Filtration (Italy) S.r.l., Eaton Filtration (Poland) Sp. z o.o., Eaton Filtration (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Eaton Filtration BV, Eaton Filtration Ltd., Eaton France Holding SAS, Eaton Fu Li An (Changzhou) Electronics Co. Ltd., Eaton Germany G.m.b.H., Eaton Germany Holdings GmbH, Eaton Global Holdings II Limited, Eaton Global Holdings III Limited, Eaton Global Holdings Limited, Eaton Global Limited, Eaton GmbH & Co. KG, Eaton Holding (Austria) G.m.b.H., Eaton Holding (Netherlands) B.V., Eaton Holding (UK) II Limited, Eaton Holding G.m.b.H., Eaton Holding I B.V., Eaton Holding II S.a.r.l., Eaton Holding III B.V., Eaton Holding IV S.a.r.l., Eaton Holding Limited, Eaton Holding S.a.r.l., Eaton Holding SE & Co. KG, Eaton Holding Turlock B.V., Eaton Holding V B.V., Eaton Holding VI B.V., Eaton Holding VII B.V., Eaton Holding VIII B.V., Eaton Holding XIII S.a.r.l., Eaton Hydraulics LLC, Eaton Hydraulics Systems (Jining) Co. Ltd., Eaton I Spolka z.o.o., Eaton II LP, Eaton III LP, Eaton IV LP, Eaton India Innovation Center LLP, Eaton Industrial Products Pvt. Ltd., Eaton Industrial Systems Private Limited, Eaton Industries (Argentina) S.A., Eaton Industries (Austria) G.m.b.H., Eaton Industries (Belgium) BV, Eaton Industries (Canada) Company, Eaton Industries (Chile) S.p.A., Eaton Industries (Colombia) S.A.S., Eaton Industries (Egypt) LLC, Eaton Industries (England) Limited, Eaton Industries (France) S.A.S., Eaton Industries (Ireland) II Limited, Eaton Industries (Ireland) Limited, Eaton Industries (Israel) Ltd., Eaton Industries (Italy) S.r.l., Eaton Industries (Jining) Co. Ltd, Eaton Industries (Korea) Limited, Eaton Industries (Morocco) LLC, Eaton Industries (Netherlands) B.V., Eaton Industries (Philippines) LLC, Eaton Industries (Spain) S.L., Eaton Industries (Thailand) Ltd., Eaton Industries (U.K.) Limited, Eaton Industries (Wuxi) Co. Ltd., Eaton Industries Company, Eaton Industries EOOD, Eaton Industries G.m.b.H., Eaton Industries Holding G.m.b.H., Eaton Industries Holdings Ltd., Eaton Industries I Unlimited Company, Eaton Industries II G.m.b.H., Eaton Industries II Unlimited Company, Eaton Industries III Unlimited Company, Eaton Industries IV Unlimited Company, Eaton Industries IX LLC, Eaton Industries KFT, Eaton Industries LP, Eaton Industries Manufacturing G.m.b.H., Eaton Industries Middle East LLC, Eaton Industries Panama S.A., Eaton Industries Pte. Ltd., Eaton Industries Pty. Ltd., Eaton Industries S. de R.L. de C.V., Eaton Industries SAC, Eaton Industries Sdn. Bhd., Eaton Industries V Unlimited Company, Eaton Industries VI Unlimited Company, Eaton Industries VII Unlimited Company, Eaton Industries VIII LLC, Eaton Industries X Unlimited Company, Eaton Industries XI Unlimited Company, Eaton Industries XII Unlimited Company, Eaton Industries XIII Unlimited Company, Eaton Industries XIV Unlimited Company, Eaton Industries XIX Unlimited Company, Eaton Industries XV Unlimited Company, Eaton Industries XVI LLC, Eaton Industries XVIII Unlimited Company, Eaton Industries XX Unlimited Company, Eaton Industria e Comercio de Produtos Eletricos e Servicos Ltda, Eaton Intelligent Power Limited, Eaton International B.V., Eaton International Industries Nigeria Limited, Eaton Japan G.K., Eaton LLC, Eaton LP, Eaton Leasing Corporation, Eaton Limited, Eaton Ltda., Eaton MEDC Limited, Eaton Management Services LLP, Eaton Manufacturing G.m.b.H., Eaton Manufacturing Hungary Kft., Eaton Manufacturing II G.m.b.H., Eaton Manufacturing III G.m.b.H., Eaton Manufacturing LP, Eaton Manufacturing Limited, Eaton Moeller B.V., Eaton Moeller S.a.r.l., Eaton Phoenixtec MMPL Co. Ltd., Eaton Power (Shanghai) Trading Limited Partnership, Eaton Power Quality (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Eaton Power Quality Limited, Eaton Power Quality OY (Finland), Eaton Power Quality Private Limited, Eaton Production International G.m.b.H., Eaton Protection Systems IP G.m.b.H. & Co. KG, Eaton S.A.S., Eaton S.r.l., Eaton SE, Eaton Safety Limited, Eaton Science & Technology Management (Hainan) Limited Partnership, Eaton Services S.a.r.l., Eaton Solutions S. de R.L. de C.V., Eaton Technologies (Luxembourg) S.a.r.l., Eaton Technologies G.m.b.H., Eaton Technologies Private Limited, Eaton Technologies S. de R.L. de C.V., Eaton Teorainn Limited, Eaton Trading (FZC) LLC, Eaton Trading Company S. de R.L. de C.V., Eaton Truck Components (Proprietary) Ltd., Eaton Truck Components S. de R.L. de C.V., Eaton Truck Components Spolka z o.o., Eaton eMobility France SAS, Eaton-Powerware, Electromanufacturas S. de R.L. de C.V., Electrum Group Ltd., Ephesus Lighting, FHF Bergbautechnik GmbH & Co. KG, FHF Funke+Huster Fernsig GmbH, Flight Refuelling Limited, Funke+Huster GmbH, GeCma Components electronic GmbH, Gitiesse S.r.l., Green Holding S.a.r.l., Green Motion SA, Grupo Desdemona S. de R.L. de C.V., Grupo Otello S. de R.L. de C.V., Hein Moeller Stiftung G.m.b.H., Hernis Scan Systems A/S, HuanYu High Tech, IE Power, Innovative Switchgear Solutions Inc, Institute for International Product Safety G.m.b.H., Integrated Hydraulics, Integrated Partial Discharge Diagnostics, Internormen Technology, Jeil Hydraulics, Joslyn Sunbank Company LLC, Kaicheng Funke+Huster (Tangshan) Mining Electrical Co. Ltd., Lian Zheng Electronics (Shenzhen) Co. Ltd., MP Group SAS, MTL Instruments B.V., MTL Instruments LLC, MTL Instruments Private Limited, MTL Instruments SARL, MTL Italia Srl, MTL Partners II Inc., MTL Partners Inc., Marina Power and Lighting, Martek Power GmbH, Martek Power S.A. de C.V., McGraw-Edison Development Corporation, Menvier Overseas Holdings Limited, Micro Innovation Holding, Mission Systems, Moeller Electric (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Moeller Electric Ltda., Moeller Holding Gmbh & Co. KG, Moeller Industria de electro-electronicos do Amazonas Ltda., Morestana, Norex AS, Optimum Path Systems (Shanghai) Ltd., Oxalis Group, PDI Intermediate Corp., PT Eaton Industries, PT Ulusoy Electric Indonesia, PT Ulusoy Electric Industry, PT. Fluid Sciences Batam, PerkinElmer - aerospace division, Phoenixtec Electronics (Shenzhen) Co. Ltd., Phoenixtec International Corp., Phoenixtec Power, Pigozzi, Plumtree I Limited, Plumtree Mauritius Limited, Polimer Kaucuk Sanayi Ve Pazarlama, Power Distribution Holdings Inc., Power Distribution Inc., Pringle Electrical Manufacturing, Productos Eaton Livia S.L., Pulizzi Engineering, RTE Far East Corporation, Riseson International Limited, Rizhao Yoosung Shinhwa Automobile Parts Co. Ltd., Rolec Comercial e Industrial, Royal Power Solutions, SOURIAU, Santak Electronic (Shenzhen) Co. Ltd., Santak Electronics Company Limited, Saturn Insurance Company Ltd., Scantronic Benelux BV, Schreder-Hazemeyer, Scoremax Limited, Sefelec GmbH, Sefelec SAS, Senyuan International Holdings Limited, Senyuan International Investments Limited, Shakespeare Holdings Inc., Silver Light International Limited, Silver Victory Hong Kong Limited, Souriau Dominican Republic Ltd., Souriau Germany GmbH, Souriau India Pvt Ltd, Souriau Italy Srl, Souriau Japan KK, Souriau MAROC Sarl, Souriau S.A.S., Souriau UK Ltd, Souriau USA Inc, Standard Automation & Control LP, Sunbank Family of Companies LLC, Sunbank de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Sure Power Inc., T.T.M.C. (2012) Ltd, TGM Automotiva, TTMC Holdings Inc., Technocontact, Telkom Kenya, The MTL Instruments Group Limited, Tractech, Tripp Lite Holdings Inc., Tripp Lite of Canada Corp., Trippe Manufacturing Company, Turlock B.V., Tuthill Coupling Group, Ultronics, Ulusoy Elektrik Imalat Taahhut ve Ticaret AS, Winner Hydraulics Ltd., Wright Line Holding Inc., and Wright Line LLC.

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Pope Francis welcomed U.S. President Donald Trump at the Vatican on Wednesday morning delivering his message of peace even though he stands as the moral counter in the world to the new U.S. presidents nationalist agenda.

The men met in the private study of the pope for close to 30 minutes, joined by just an interpreter. The Pope sat behind a desk with Trump sitting across from him in a chair.

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After a bit of awkwardness to begin, as Trump appeared uneasy as he was left waiting in the room prior to shaking the Popes hand, who as first remained stone-faced, the atmosphere quickly warmed up.

It appeared the two set aside differences they had during Trumps presidential campaign, with Trump appearing to be both deferential and presidential, while Francis seemed to be appraising him visually.

Once the bell was rung by Francis that signaled the discussion between just the two had ended, the two exchanged gifts.

Trumps Vatican visit capped his week long quest to bridge some divides amongst followers of three of the religions of the world.

On his first foreign trip as the U.S. President, Trump spoke to a summit in Saudi Arabia of Muslim leaders, met with Palestinian and Israeli leaders in Bethlehem and Jerusalem and now with the head of the Catholic Church.

Arguably the most influential leader in the West, Trump and Pope Francis hold differing world views on things from climate change to migrant rights.

Following the private meeting between the two, Trump seemed gracious for the audience he had with Francis.

He thanked the Pope and said he would not forget what Francis has said.

First lady Melania Trump, dressed in a black dress and wearing a black veil, was greeted by Francis and spoke briefly with the Pope.

She appeared to be more animated than during earlier periods of the trip.

Mrs. Trump smiled while speaking with Francis, who told her something in English which prompted a laugh by the first lady.

Francis asked if she gave him potizza to eat, referring to President Trump and a dessert from Slovenia that the pope is known to like.

The first lady, who is from Slovenia, smiled then repeated potizza.

When the first lady was walking away an attendant of the pope gave her something that looked as if it were a rosary. She turned around and asked Pope Francis to bless it and he did.
Nebraska's share of a data breach settlement with Target will be almost $200,000.

The Nebraska Attorney General's Office said Wednesday that the state will receive $199,382.20 from the $18.5 million settlement. The money will go to the state settlement cash fund.

Nebraska was one of 47 states and the District of Columbia that sued Target over a 2013 data breach of customer data that was housed with a third-party vendor.

The $18.5 million settlement, which was announced Tuesday, is the largest multistate data breach settlement achieved to date.
Nebraska's banks continued to post solid results in the first quarter of the year.

The state's banks had a combined profit of $224 million in the first three months of 2017, an increase of more than 6 percent over the same period a year ago, according to data released Wednesday by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.

That is the best first quarter ever for Nebraska's banks, and it puts the state on course for another record year of profits.

The state's banks collectively earned $908 million in 2016, the seventh straight year of record earnings.

Nationally, banks did even better, recording an overall profit increase of 12.7 percent in the first quarter compared with a year ago.

It was more of a mixed bag for the nine banks based in Lincoln.

Though the banks overall increased their profit more than 17 percent compared to the first quarter of 2016, more than both the state and national increases, that was completely due to one bank, Union Bank & Trust, which more than doubled its earnings for the period.

The other eight banks collectively earned more than $1.3 million less than a year ago.

FDIC Chairman Martin Gruenberg noted in a news release that despite the large gain in profits nationally, banks have seen a slowdown in loan growth "that is broad-based across major lending categories."

The Nebraska figures showed that though the percentage of unprofitable banks in the state continued to decline, from 2.66 in the first quarter of 2016 to 1.67 in the first quarter of this year, the percentage of banks increasing profits fell.

Only 50 percent of banks statewide made more money in the first quarter than they did a year ago, compared with 58 percent in the first quarter of 2016 and 61 percent in the first quarter of 2015.
Asian operator group Axiata has sold a 10% holding in its Cambodian unit Smart Axiata for $66 million to Japans Mitsui.

The price of the stake was based on an equity value of $724 million after taking into account extra funds from the dividends that constituted part of the deal. With the deal on track to close by the end of May, Axiata will be left with an 82.5% holding in Smart. As part of the deal, Mitsui also has a call option to acquire a further 10% holding in Smart, which it can activate within 12 months of the agreement closing.

Axiata, which is headquartered in Malaysia, has reportedly been trying to divest part of its holdings in three of its international units in an attempt to generate as much as $700 million to help it reduce its debt. In September last year, it was reported that the group could sell stakes of up to 30% in both Smart and its Sri Lankan unit, Dialog Axiata, as well as approximately 11% of its 66.4% holding in Indonesias XL Axiata.

The groups president and CEO Jamaludin Ibrahim stated: This strategic partnership with Mitsui will support the growth efforts of Smart, particularly in the areas of digital services and IoT and our vision of becoming a new generation digital champion. With Mitsui in the fold, Smart will be in a position to offer enhanced digital services that would leapfrog Cambodias digital economy. We look forward to leveraging on synergies from this strategic partnership.

He added that Smart had consistently outperformed its competitors with its clear customer proposition, innovative product solutions and effective cost controls, noting that Axiata would retain its majority stake in the Cambodian operator.

Smart has a 30% share of the Cambodian mobile market, putting it in second place with 8.4 million subscribers. Of these, around 7% have 4G tariffs.
Shares in Gulfsands Petroleum are down about 9% after stating its working interest in the Putumayo-14 (PUT-14) contract in Colombia will revert to being 100%, and that it will return to being sole operator.

This followed the termination of a farm-out agreement.

In October last year, Gulfsands said it had had entered into a farm-out agreement for the PUT-14 Contract with Samarium Energy & Resource Corporation, and Samarium Investment Corporation, acting as guarantor.

Since then, Samarium and Gulfsands have been in regular dialogue regarding the implementation of this agreement, but have been unable to agree a mutually acceptable way to move forward.

"As a result of this uncertainty, Gulfsands took the decision in March to pursue the work programme alone, to ensure the work programme advanced as required under the terms of the PUT-14 licence," it said.

Accordingly, Gulfsands had now contracted the initial phase of the work, namely the Consulta Previa, which would begin imminently.

"Today, the company announces that the agreement has now been terminated and, as a result of this termination, Gulfsands' working interest in the PUT-14 Contract will revert to being 100% and the company will return to being sole operator of the PUT-14 Contract."

At 11:28 BST, shares in AIM-traded Gulfsands were down 9.09% to 5p each.
International aerospace company Strat Aero announced a contract with the Cyprus Department of Civil Aviation on Wednesday, to provide aviation consulting services.

The AIM-traded firm said the DCA had selected Strat Aero to support the process of issuing Air Operating Certificates, to helicopter operators providing offshore services from Cyprus.

That would include the evaluation of the documentation submitted by AOC applicants, performing all necessary inspections, providing advice, and submitting final recommendations to the DCA for the issuance of the Rotary Wing AOC.

The initial contract would be worth approximately 25,000, the board confirmed.

We are delighted to have been chosen for this work by the DCA, it's a testament to Strat Aero's deep understanding of aviation issues and strong commitment to safe operation, said CEO Iain McLure.

We look forward to executing this initial contract and hope to expand our relationship with the DCA in future.

Andreas Paspalides, head of the Safety Regulation Unit at the DCA, said ensuring safe operation of helicopter services was a top priority for the department - particularly in the challenging environment of offshore operations where helicopter transport was essential.

We look forward to working with Strat Aero to ensure that AOC applicants provide full and accurate compliance documentation with all the necessary risk assessments.
Britain is now at its highest level of terror alert following the attack on the Manchester Arena on Monday night, suggesting further attacks may be imminent.

The threat level has been increased to 'critical', with soldiers being deployed across several key landmarks amidst fears that the attacker was not acting alone.

Salman Abedi killed 22 people and injured 64 more in a suicide bomb attack which took place at the end of an Ariana Grande concert in the city on Monday. UK police confirmed on Wednesday that a further three men have been arrested in connection with the barbaric attack, during which several of the victims were children.

Home secretary Amber Rudd told the BBC that the attacker was known to UK security services, and that he had recently returned home to the UK from Libya.

"The intelligence services know a lot of people, and I'm sure we will find out more what level they knew about him in due course, but at the moment all they have confirmed is that they did know about him. And as I say, we will find out more when the operation is complete," Rudd said.

US LEAKS

Meanwhile, Rudd criticised US officials for leaking details about the investigation into the attack. Abedi was identified on several media outlets in the country before it had been officially released by police in the UK.

The British police have been very clear that they want to control the flow of information in order to protect operational integrity, the element of surprise, so it is irritating if it gets released from other sources, she said.

Further details have emerged about Abedi, who was born and raised in the UK but of Libyan descent. He had studied at the University of Salford in Manchester.
Ratings agency Moody's has downgraded China's credit rating for the first time in 30 years as fears grow that the Asian superpower's economy will experience a major slowdown.

Moody's said that China's financial strength could be diminished in years to come as rising debt continues to drag on its prospects.

China was downgraded to A1 from Aa3, the first downgrade it has been hit with since 1989.

"The downgrade reflects Moody's expectation that China's financial strength will erode somewhat over the coming years, with economy-wide debt continuing to rise as potential growth slows," the ratings agency said in a statement.

The Chinese finance ministry dismissed the credit downgrade in a statement, saying that Moodys was overestimating threats to its economic growth.

"Moody's views that Chinas non-financial debt will rise rapidly and the government would continue to maintain growth via stimulus measures are exaggerating difficulties facing the Chinese economy," the statement read.

NO SURPRISE

While the downgrade itself did not come as a surprise for many investors, the timing perhaps came as somewhat of a surprise for most.

"While there were no real revelations in the Moodys statement the timing appears to have caught markets by surprise a little. Equity markets in China initially fell sharply on the news and while having pared back some of the losses, are still underperforming this morning," said Deutsche Bank's Jim Reid.

According to forecasts from Moody's, China's growth is set to slow by 5% in years to come.

Mining stocks in the FTSE 100 were among those affected by the news overnight of a downgrade, but staged a recovery towards the mid-morning.
The Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL) system leaked more than 100 gallons of oil in two separate incidents in North Dakota in March.

This is the $3.8 billion projects third known leak. The controversial pipeline, which is not yet finished and not yet operational, also spilled 84 gallons of oil in South Dakota on April 4.

The states Health Department database shows that two barrels, or 84 gallons, spilled on March 3 in Watford City due to a leaky flange (the section connecting two sections of pipeline) at a pipeline terminal.

Vicki Granado, spokeswoman for pipeline backer Energy Transfer Partners (ETP), told the Associated Press that the discharge came from a line operated by a connecting shipper on the Dakota Access Pipeline.

They are responsible for the operations, maintenance, etc., she said.

Then on March 5, a half a barrel, or 20 gallons, spilled in Mercer County due to a manufacturing defect of an above-ground valve, according to data from the federal Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration.

Both leaks were contained and cleaned up. No people, wildlife or waterways were affected.

The DAPL is a 1,172-mile-long, North Dakota-to-Illinois oil pipeline that is expected to start flowing on June 1. The project was at the center of a high-profile battle last year involving thousands of Native American protesters and their supporters.

ETP maintains the safety of the DAPL and its other operations such as the highly contested Rover Pipeline, a 713-mile pipeline that will carry fracked gas across Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio and Michigan and Canada.

Similar to DAPL, the Rover Pipeline is also under construction and has been condemned by opponents for its multiple spills and accidents, including a notorious discharge of 2 million gallons of drilling fluids into wetlands in Ohio last month.

This week, organizers from multiple groups launched a long-term resistance encampment to defend Ohios Wayne National Forest from fracking as well as fracked gas pipelines.

Energy Transfer Partners has demonstrated their complete incompetence time and time again based on the sheer volume of violations within the short time theyve been constructing the Rover, Michael Rinaldi, 34, a member of Appalachia Resist!, said in a statement.

Wherever these pipelines are planned, people are carrying the lessons of Standing Rock to show this predatory industry that we will resist them every step of the way. The health of our communities is not for sale. Water is Life.

In November, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) decided to offer tens of thousands of acres of Wayne National Forest up for fracking. The BLM has leased nearly 2,000 acres to Pennsylvania oil and gas company, Eclipse Resources.

We are here to tell the Bureau of Land Management that our public lands are not for sale and also to remind them that public lands are stolen lands, Jolana Watson, 25, another member of Appalachia Resist!, said.

The same companies that want to frack the Wayne and build pipelines through it are running roughshod over treaty rights and ignoring native sovereignty around the continent.

Additionally, it emerged this week that ETP is in the midst of another battle over the preservation of historic sites in Ohio. DeSmogBlog reported that documents filed with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission show that ETP and the Ohio State Historic Preservation Office are disputing over a $1.5 million annual payment owed to the state agency as part of a five-year agreement signed in February.
By Elgie Holstein

The federal budget that the president proposes annually and Congress votes on is more than a collection of numbers. It tells us who the president is, what he stands for and what he cares about.

President Trumps proposed budget released Tuesday is alarming. Its clear that Trump is directing a full-scale effort to dismantle our nations core environmental protections.

Helping to lead that charge is Scott Pruitt, head of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). He claims that the deep EPA budget cuts theyre proposingat more than 30 percent, the worst of any department or agency of governmentare actually a good thing.

By cutting funding to the states, which help the EPA carry out its environmental mission, it will somehow improve environmental protection, Pruitt argues.

What it means in reality is that states will be left holding the environmental bag for some programs they must still carry out, and that some protections will likely just go away or diminishand that families and communities in 50 states are put at great risk.

For example, about 25 percent of state and local air quality monitoring funds come from EPA grants. That monitoring allows public health officials to warn families and communities about Code Red daysthose badly polluted days when the air is too dangerous for children with asthma and seniors with heart conditions to spend time outdoors.

The Trump administration is proposing deep cuts to that funding, leaving states and local governments legally required to make up the shortfall. Other critical federal public health and environmental programs will just be axed.

Here are five huge concerns when it comes to President Trumps proposed budget:

1. Superfund Sites

There are more than 1,300 toxic Superfund waste sites and 450,000 brownfield hazardous sites across America, causing untold damage to local communities, such as toxins in their drinking water, cancer hotspots and stalled economic development.

Trump and Pruitt plan to cut hundreds of millions of dollars from this program, dramatically slowing cleanup at these sites, many of which have been posing health hazards for decades.

2. Holding Polluters Accountable

Pruitts long, cozy relationship with companies that have supported his political careerand his actual record as attorney general of Oklahomasuggest hell go easy on polluters. Serious cuts to the office that enforces clean air and water laws, for which the federal government is responsible, suggests he has no intention of changing his ways.

3. Air Pollution

Pruitt has expressed hostility to rules limiting mercury, acid gas, carbon and smog pollution. With clean air program funding proposed to be scaled back in the budget, we now know he intends to go after these rules and hobble the EPAs ability to carry out the entire Clean Air Act.

4. Lead Protection

There is no safe level of lead, a known neurotoxin that that damages childrens IQs for the rest of their lives. While the EPA has made great strides reducing lead exposure from paints, gasoline, pipes, soil and so on, more than half a million American kids have elevated lead levels in their blood.

The Trump-Pruitt budget will slash funding for these programs that are helping these kids.

5. Climate Change

Both President Trump and Administrator Pruitt have said that more study of climate change is needed before any action can be taken. Yet their new budget will rip out all spending for climate research, education and action.

That includes zeroing out the Climate Action Plan, the landmark achievement of the Obama Administration that would impose the first-ever limits on carbon dioxide emissions from power plants.

Elgie Holstein is senior director for strategic planning at Environmental Defense Fund.
ATS 2017, WASHINGTON, DC--While the number of hospitalizations for COPD in the United States fluctuated within a narrow range between 2005 and 2014, in-hospital deaths decreased substantially during that same time, according to new research presented at the ATS 2017 International Conference.

The researchers analyzed data from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Nationwide Inpatient Sample, which captures 95 percent of all hospital discharges in the U.S. They found that there were 8,575,820 hospitalizations for COPD-related health problems between 2005-2014. During that time, those who died in the hospital declined from 24,226 to 9,090--a 62 percent decrease.

"This is certainly an encouraging trend," said Khushboo Goel, MD, lead study author and a second-year internal medicine resident at the University of Arizona. "We expected to see a decline because of improvements in caring for conditions such as pneumonia, sepsis, septic shock and thromboembolic diseases associated with COPD exacerbations, but the magnitude of the decline in mortality was surprising."

She noted that the decreasing mortality trend was true for White, Black and Hispanic patients.

Most striking, Dr. Goel said, was that each year, women accounted for most of the hospitalizations and in-hospital deaths. Women made up 57-58 percent of the hospitalizations and 51-55 percent of the in-hospital deaths.

"Other studies suggest possible explanations for the higher COPD burden women in the U.S. have," she said, "including the growing number of women who smoke, the increased severity of symptoms they may experience and longer life expectancy."

The study also found that from 2005 to 2014, the average age of those hospitalized remained nearly constant at 67 years of age, the number of COPD patients treated at teaching hospitals increased from 212,346 to 371,215 and the average length of a hospital stay decreased from 5.2 days to 4.2 days.

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Contact for Media: Khushboo Goel, MD, kgoel@deptofmed.arizona.edu

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Dacia Morris

dmorris@thoracic.org

ATS Office 212-315-8620 (until May 17)

Cell Phone 917-561-6545

Session: D13 The Revolving Door: COPD Hospitalization and Readmission

Abstract 5821

Abstract Presentation Time: Wednesday, May 24, 9:15 a.m. ETLocation: Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Room 202B (South Bldg., Level 2)(Note: this abstract has been updated from the originally submitted abstract to include 2013-14 data.)

Trends in COPD Hospitalization and In-Hospital Mortality in the United States by Sex and Race: 2005-2014

Authors: Khushboo Goel, MD1, Hem Desai, MBBS1, Mark Borgstrom, PhD2, Christian Bime, MD, MSc3, Sairam Parthasarathy, MD3, Cristine Berry, MD, MHS3

Affiliations:

1 Department of Internal Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA

2 Office of Student Computing Resources, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA

3 Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care, & Sleep Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA

Rationale:

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) epidemiology is changing. It has risen to the third leading cause of death in the USA since 2008, and since 2000, more women have died annually from COPD than men. We wanted to examine trends in COPD hospitalizations and in-hospital mortality in a nationally representative sample and evaluated for potential differences by sex and race.

Methods:

We used the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) which is the largest all-payer, encounter-level collection of healthcare databases in the United States. We analyzed NIS data from 2005-2014. COPD hospitalizations were defined by an algorithm of ICD-9-CM (International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification) codes which captured hospitalizations with a primary discharge diagnosis of COPD (490, 491.xx, 492.xx, 493.22, 496) or a primary diagnosis of acute respiratory failure (518.81, 518.82, 518.84, 799.1) and secondary diagnosis of COPD.

Results:

A total of 8,575,820 COPD hospitalizations from 2005-2014 were analyzed for trends based on gender. From 2005 to 2014, the total number of COPD hospitalizations fluctuated from 834,788 in 2005 to 764,710 in 2014. Meanwhile, in-hospital deaths decreased by 62%, from 24,226 to 9,090 during the same time period.

Female patients accounted for a higher proportion of hospitalizations at all time points examined. For example, in 2014 females accounted for 58.3% of all COPD hospitalizations. Similarly, female patients represented a higher proportion of in-hospital deaths among COPD hospitalizations at all time points (e.g. 54.3% in 2014).

In-hospital mortality decreased among White patients from 3.2% in 2005 to 1.4% in 2012. It also decreased from 2.1% to 0.66% among Black patients, and from 2.3% to 1.2% among Hispanic patients.

Conclusions:

Between 2005 and 2014, deaths among patients hospitalized for COPD have decreased while the total number of hospitalizations has remained relatively stable. Women account for a higher proportion of COPD hospitalizations and in-hospital deaths than men. In-hospital mortality secondary to COPD has decreased among White, Black, and Hispanic patients.
WASHINGTON, DC - May 24, 2017 - In an ATS 2017 International Conference first, respiratory health professionals and patients joined other conference attendees at a rally near the Capitol on Tuesday, May 23 to voice their concerns about recent policies that threaten to undermine many of the ATS's advocacy priorities including: research funding, tobacco regulation, affordable health care, and clean air. Also participating in the rally was U.S. senators Edward Markey (D-MA) and Tom Carper (D-DE).

Since its inception in 1905, the American Thoracic Society has consistently advocated for policies to support lung health as well as science findings that guide the professional community and improve patient care. ATS leadership, including newly appointed ATS President, Marc Moss, MD, joined a chorus of voices calling for continued support of scientific evidence in policy decisions. "Science thrives in openness. Science thrives on sharing and collaboration," he said. "The annual ATS international conference that brought all of us here to Washington this week helps scientists from around the world share their science, ask probing questions, push the limits of scientific creativity, and move the field forward."

David Gozal, MD, MBA, immediate-past-president of ATS, rallied the crowd of nearly 500, calling the research cuts and deregulation deeply personal: "I assume that many of you, deep inside, feel anxious by the political forces that are at work in the world today. If it feels personal, it really is, and you should get personally involved!"

For patient advocate Teresa Barnes, research cuts are deeply personal: "My goal is to make sure that she [my daughter] never knows that [her risk of developing pulmonary fibrosis is 50-50]." Patients, their loved ones, and threats to the health of all Americans are the reasons ATS organized this show of strength.

As Polly Parsons, MD, vice president of ATS made clear, "We rally because we have to...We share a growing anxiety that science in general and our field in particular is being dismissed in the halls of power."

Sen. Ed Markey (D-MA), a tireless advocate for clean air policy was warmly received by the crowd. In introducing the senator, Mary Rice, MD, MPH, a member of ATS's Environmental, Occupational and Population Health Assembly, noted: "He knows what is at stake when industry and their allies try to delay or roll back essential EPA clean air public health protections..."

"We are at a historic dividing moment. The HHS budget will be cut by 18 percent. The NIH research budget will be cut by 20 percent. The EPA budget will be cut by 31 percent. Each one of those cuts is a direct assault on the public health experiment which the United States began 100 years ago and then spread across the entire planet... " said Sen. Markey.

Sen. Tom Carper (D-DE) reminded the crowd that they are the most effective lobby. "Thank you for speaking truth to power."

Science matters.

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About the American Thoracic Society:

Founded in 1905, the American Thoracic Society is the world's leading medical association dedicated to advancing pulmonary, critical care and sleep medicine. The Society's 15,000 members prevent and fight respiratory disease around the globe through research, education, patient care and advocacy. The ATS publishes three journals, the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, the American Journal of Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology and the Annals of the American Thoracic Society.
The research group led by Profs. FU Qiang and BAO Xinhe from the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences revealed both the geometric constraint and confinement field in two-dimensional (2D) space between a graphene overlayer and Pt(111). The researchers demonstrated a new concept of confined catalysis under 2D materials, which they have named "catalysis under cover."

These findings were published in the latest issue of PNAS, in an article entitled "Confined catalysis under two-dimensional materials."

Small spaces in nanoreactors may have big implications for chemistry. The chemical nature of molecules and reactions within nanospaces can be changed significantly due to the nanoconfinement effect. Understanding the fundamentals of confined catalysis has become an important topic in heterogeneous catalysis. 2D nanoreactors formed under 2D materials can provide a well-defined model for exploring confined catalysis.

The scientists chose a graphene/Pt (111) surface as a model for studying confined catalysis using density functional theory (DFT) calculations. They showed that the adsorption of atoms and molecules on the Pt(111) surface is weakened under graphene. A similar result has been found on Pt(110) and Pt(100) surfaces covered with graphene. Both the geometric constraint and confinement field imposed by the 2D cover are attributed to the observed confinement phenomena.

The general tendency for weakened surface adsorption under the confinement of a graphene overlayer enables feasible modulation of surface reactions by placement of a 2D cover. The concept "catalysis under cover" can be applied to reactions between two opposite 2D walls interacting with each other through van der Waals forces. The concept helps in the design of high-performance nanocatalysts interfacing with 2D material overlayers.

The research group demonstrated the confinement-induced modulation of surface reactivity in a Pt-catalyzed oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) under 2D covers. It is known that oxygen binding to Pt is relatively strong and all means of weakening this binding can be used to promote the reaction. When placing different 2D materials such as graphene and h-BN on the surface, oxygen binding with Pt weakens, thus effectively enhancing ORR activity.

Confined catalysis under 2D materials can be applied to supported nanocatalysts. Metal nanoparticles may be encapsulated by 2D materials, thus forming core-shell nanostructures. The active core structures are well protected by the outer shells and catalyst stability is improved. Furthermore, catalyst activity can be enhanced by the confinement of the outer shells.

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This study was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, the Ministry of Science and Technology of China, the Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and the Collaborative Innovation Center of Chemistry for Energy Materials.
Pasadena, CA-- A team of astronomers including Carnegie's Eduardo Banados and led by Roberto Decarli of the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy has discovered a new kind of galaxy which, although extremely old--formed less than a billion years after the Big Bang--creates stars more than a hundred times faster than our own Milky Way.

Their findings are published by Nature.

The team's discovery could help solve a cosmic puzzle--a mysterious population of surprisingly massive galaxies from when the universe was only about 10 percent of its current age.

After first observing these galaxies a few years ago, astronomers proposed that they must have been created from hyper-productive precursor galaxies, which is the only way so many stars could have formed so quickly. But astronomers had never seen anything that fit the bill for these precursors until now.

This newly discovered population could solve the mystery of how these extremely large galaxies came to have hundreds of billions of stars in them when they formed only 1.5 billion years after the Big Bang, requiring very rapid star formation.

The team made this discovery by accident when investigating quasars, which are supermassive black holes that sit at the center of enormous galaxies, accreting matter. They were trying to study star formation in the galaxies that host these quasars.

"But what we found, in four separate cases, were neighboring galaxies that were forming stars at a furious pace, producing a hundred solar masses' worth of new stars per year," Decarli explained.

"Very likely it is not a coincidence to find these productive galaxies close to bright quasars. Quasars are thought to form in regions of the universe where the large-scale density of matter is much higher than average. Those same conditions should also be conducive to galaxies forming new stars at a greatly increased rate," added Fabian Walter, also of Max Planck.

"Whether or not the fast-growing galaxies we discovered are indeed precursors of the massive galaxies first seen a few years back will require more work to see how common they actually are," Banados explained.

Decarli's team already has follow-up investigations planned to explore this question.

The team also found what appears to be the earliest known example of two galaxies undergoing a merger, which is another major mechanism of galaxy growth. The new observations provide the first direct evidence that such mergers have been taking place even at the earliest stages of galaxy evolution, less than a billion years after the Big Bang.

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Other members of the research team are: Bram Venemans, Emanuele Farina, Chiara Mazzucchelli, and Hans-Walter Rix of Max Planck Institute for Astronomy; Frank Bertoldi of the University of Bonn; Chris Carilli of the National Radio Astronomy Observatory and Cambridge University; Xiaohui Fan of University of Arizona; Dominik Riechers of Cornell University, Michael A. Strauss of Princeton University, Ran Wang of Peking University), and Y. Yang of the Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute.

The researchers were supported by the DFG priority programme 1573 "The physics of the interstellar medium," ERC grant COSMIC-DAWN, the National Science Foundation of China, the National Key Program for Science and Technology Research and Development, and a Carnegie-Princeton fellowship.

The discoveries were made at ALMA Observatory, which is a partnership of the ESO, NSF, and NINS, together with the NRC, NSC, ASIAA, and KAS, in cooperation with Chile.

The Carnegie Institution for Science (carnegiescience.edu) is a private, nonprofit organization headquartered in Washington, D.C., with six research departments throughout the U.S. Since its founding in 1902, the Carnegie Institution has been a pioneering force in basic scientific research. Carnegie scientists are leaders in plant biology, developmental biology, astronomy, materials
Amsterdam, The Netherlands, May 24, 2017 - Although cannabis had been used for many centuries for treatment of seizure disorders, medical use became prohibited in the 20th century. However, with the loosening of laws regarding medical marijuana, research and clinical use of marijuana-derived substances are increasing. This has prompted the editors of Epilepsy & Behavior to produce a special issue that presents an in-depth assessment of the potential of cannabinoids for the effective treatment of epilepsy. Cannabinoids are components of the cannabis plant.

Guest Editors Jerzy Szaflarski, MD, PhD, Director of the Epilepsy Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, and Orrin Devinsky, MD, Director, Epilepsy Center, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, comment that, "There is an enormous dissociation between the widespread use of cannabis-based therapies to treat diverse epilepsies and our understanding about the efficacy and safety of different cannabinoids in treating different epilepsy syndromes." Because much of the political pressure to allow for medical marijuana use came from patients and lay groups, the goal of this special issue is "to evaluate the concerns and gaps in cannabinoid knowledge and medical education, and to create a curriculum as a first step in building a broader Education Roadmap."

This special issue provides an overview for general neurologists and epileptologists, including historical aspects of cannabis use for epilepsy, overview of cannabis botany, general aspects of the endocannabinoid system as it pertains to epilepsy, pharmacology of cannabinoids, available anecdotal and clinical trial data of cannabinoid use for the treatment of epilepsy, safety data, discussion of possible effects of cannabinoids on the brain including neuroimaging data, and the legal aspects of cannabis production, distribution, and use for the treatment of epilepsy.

Raphael Mechoulam, PhD, Head of the School of Pharmacy and Director of the Institute for Drug Research at Hebrew University, provides an insightful historical perspective. He notes that non-psychoactive cannabidiol (CBD) is officially approved for the treatment of intractable pediatric epilepsy in Israel, but it took over 35 years to conduct the studies and obtain the results. "I expect that over the next decade we shall see major advances both in the medical-scientific and the treatment aspects of epilepsy with the help of CBD and related cannabinoids," explains Dr. Mechoulam.

To move a plant-based drug from research studies to clinical use is a particular challenge for pharmaceutical companies. Suman Chandra, PhD, Senior Research Scientist at the University of Mississippi, and co-authors review how the United States and United Kingdom have addressed the problem of securing uniform supplies of medically pure and potent cannabinoids. They review cultivation and processing of marijuana at two institutions with extensive experience, GW Pharmaceuticals in the U.K. and the University of Mississippi in the U.S.

Because both media coverage of cannabis use in epilepsy and inconsistent classification of medical marijuana usage in different U.S. states have short-circuited the rigorous scientific protocols of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), quality validation may be lacking. Dustin Sulak, DO, Integr8 Health (Falmouth, ME) and co-investigators review how "artisanal" cannabis preparations, not subject to state regulatory controls, are being used in Washington and California. They also relate four case studies of pediatric epilepsy patients that illustrate the complexities of treatment due to variability of these preparations.

As an example of how interest in medical use of cannabis can be driven by social media and word-of-mouth, Anastasia S. Suraev, The Lambert Initiative for Cannabinoid Therapeutics, The University of Sydney, and co-authors surveyed the Australian epilepsy community. This online survey was promoted by Epilepsy Action Australia, a national non-profit organization that provides education and services to people with epilepsy and their families. There were 976 responses, about 60% from adults with epilepsy and the remainder from children with epilepsy. Overall, 14% reported currently using or having previously used cannabis products to treat epilepsy. Of the 389 children with epilepsy included in the survey, 13% had a reported history of cannabis product use for epilepsy. Of these, 71% of parents/guardians rated cannabis products as successful in helping them manage their child's seizures. Furthermore, 51% of parents/guardians reported reduced use of anti-epileptic drugs by their child after commencing use of cannabis products.

Although cannabis is currently legal for medical purposes in half of the states and another seventeen states allow products that are high in cannabidiol (CBD) and low in THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) for medical use, none of these products has been approved by the FDA. Alice Mead, JD, LLM, GW Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Carlsbad, CA) provides an overview of the legal aspects of cannabis and cannabidiol, including cultivation, manufacture, distribution, and use for medical purposes.

"We hope these articles help stimulate greater understanding and more importantly, stimulate more studies to scientifically define the potential benefits and harms of cannabis-based therapies for epilepsy," note Dr. Szaflarski and Dr. Devinsky. "We need to develop a curriculum to address the rapidly changing scientific and regulatory landscape surrounding the medical use of cannabis and cannabinoids."

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One out of 3 people in the world is exposed to earthquakes, a number which almost doubled in the past 40 years; around 1 billion in 155 countries are exposed to floods according to the Atlas

One out of three people in the world is exposed to earthquakes, a number which almost doubled in the past 40 years. Around 1 billion in 155 countries are exposed to floods and 414 million live near one of the 220 most dangerous volcanoes. The 2017 edition of the Atlas of the Human Planet by the European Commission's Joint Research Centre, looks at the exposure of people and built-up areas to the six major natural hazards, and its evolution over the last 40 years. The atlas will be presented during the 2017 Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction meeting in Cancun, Mexico.

More and more people and property are exposed to natural hazards

The atlas covers six major natural hazards: earthquakes, volcanos, tsunamis, tropical cyclone winds, tropical cyclone storm surge and floods. Global exposure to these hazards has doubled between 1975 and 2015, mostly due to urbanisation, population growth and socioeconomic development. Some of the hazards pose a threat to a particularly large number of people in different regions of the world.

Earthquakes pose a threat to up to one third of the population

Off all hazards, the largest number of people are exposed to earthquakes. The number of people living in seismic areas increased by 93% in 40 years (from 1.4 billion in 1975 to 2.7 billion in 2015). In 2015, more than 400 million people lived near one of the 220 most dangerous volcanoes, exposed to the consequences of possible eruptions. Tsunamis affect coastal areas in many regions, with dangerous areas more concentrated in Asia. The highest amount of built-up surface exposed to tsunamis is in Japan by far, followed by China and the United States of America. Its population is four times more exposed than that of China, the second most affected country.

European map of natural hazards exposure

More than 170 million people in Europe are potentially exposed to earthquakes, almost a quarter of the total population. In Italy, Romania, or Greece the share of exposed over total population reaches over 80%.

Flooding is the most common of the hazards studied. Germany has the highest number of people exposed to floods, about 8 million (10% of the national population), followed by France with 5.7 million (9%).

Eleven million Europeans live within 100 km from an active volcano, which eruptions could affect not only housing and settlements, but also everyday activities, including transportation. The potentially exposed built-up surface increased by 86% from 1975.

Most potential flood victims live in Asia

Exposure to floods, the most frequent natural disaster, is highest in Asia (76.9% of the global exposed population) and in Africa (12.2%). The world population potentially exposed to flood is around 1 billion in 155 countries in 2015. 11% of the area built-up on Earth is potentially exposed to this hazard, too.

Tropical cyclones can shatter lives and homes in almost 90 countries

Tropical cyclone winds pose a threat to 1.6 billion people in 89 countries, up from 1 billion in 1975. In 2015, 640 million people were exposed to extremely strong cyclone winds, with the largest built-up surface exposed to strong cyclone winds found in China and Japan. Furthermore, 50 million Chinese are exposed to storm surge as consequence of tropical cyclones, up by almost 20 million in the last 40 years.

Why do we need to calculate exposure to the natural hazards?

Global analysis of exposure and its development over the last 40 years helps us better understand what affects disaster risk over time and risk drivers. It is also useful in identifying effective policy actions for more resilient communities.

The exposure data and the findings of the Atlas support the implementation of the post-2015 international frameworks: the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the New Urban Agenda (Habitat III). The Global Human Settlement Layer (GHSL, see below) baseline data provides insights into developments over the last 40 years and into the impact that policies have on them. Researchers and policy makers can also use the data to aggregate exposure information at all geographical scales, from the city level to the region, continent and global.

How to estimate the exposure?

The Atlas of the Human Planet 2017 builds on its first edition published in 2016, in which JRC scientists combined earth observation with spatial modelling techniques to create the Global Human Settlement Layer (GHSL). The GHSL is the first global, fine scale, multi-temporal and open data on the physical characteristics and the dynamics of human settlements, covering 40 years of satellite observations data. The GHSL dataset has been now combined with the best available global hazard maps to measure the potential exposure to natural hazards over time.

At the UN Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction, the JRC will present also the report 'Science for Disaster Risk Management 2017: knowing more and losing less', a flagship product of the European Commission's Disaster Risk Management Knowledge Centre (DRMKC), compiling the state-of-the-art in disaster risk management.

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The children's well-being is usually one of the biggest concerns when a couple gets a divorce. Scientists at the universities of Santiago de Compostela and Vigo have carried out a study into how divorce affects the children's health, finding increased risk of genitourinary, gastrointestinal, dermatological and neurological issues.

A couple splitting up is a psychosocial stressor. Divorce can have a significant impact on the physical and psycho-emotional health of all members of a family: both the parents and the children. Other relatives are also sometimes affected.

A team of researchers from the universities of Santiago de Compostela and Vigo have evaluated children's risk of experiencing health problems related to exposure to their parents' separation.

"It is not the break-up in itself that has negative effects on the children's health, but improper handling of the situation by the parents. This is indicated in the scientific literature and validated by our data," SINC was told by Maria Dolores Seijo Martinez, a researcher at the University of Santiago de Compostela (USC) and co-author of the paper.

The experts designed a cross-sectional study of families where the parents were together or divorced, with the participation of 467 boys, girls and teenagers aged between two and 18.

The scientists found that the children of separated parents are approximately twice as likely to develop gastrointestinal, genitourinary, dermatological or neurological issues than children living in nuclear families.

The researchers did not find exposure to divorce to be linked to the development of respiratory, cardiovascular or musculo-skeletal issues, allergies, or hearing and sight problems. Avoiding toxic stress

The majority of authors believe that physical, psycho-emotional and behavioural issues are linked mainly to inadequate management of the break-up. High levels of conflict, a lack of co-parenting or violence within the family increase the risk involved in divorce and its impact on child adjustment.

"Poor handling involves very high levels of interparental conflict, which makes it very difficult to maintain a good relationship. If children are exposed to these family situations for prolonged periods, they often experience toxic stress," says the USC researcher.

In Seijo Martinez's opinion, this causes an intense, prolonged activation of the body's stress responses, which are the main cause of these physical effects.

With respect to this, a 2012 study from the American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that adversity alone does not predict maladjustment and maladaptive health patterns in children, but that an absence of good relationships offering protection and support and favouring the children's adjustment and adaptation.

"We need to support families in order to reduce these consequences. Professionals in direct contact with children, such as primary care workers or school staff, have a very important role in reducing toxic stress, as they are in a position to design and implement new interventions oriented towards protection and prevention," Seijo Martinez concludes.

Support for separated families

In countries like the United States and Canada it is very common to find separation education and support programmes, particularly those implemented by family courts. In some cases, all parents are required to attend these when they file for divorce, separation custody of the children or to demand visiting rights.

"In 2002 a pioneering programme was launched in Galicia, at the University of Santiago de Compostela. The 'Parental breakdown, not family breakdown' (Ruptura de pareja, no de familia) programme was supported by local government until 2015, and is now run by volunteers," explains Maria Dolores Seijo Martinez.

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Any couple interested in participating in the IRPES project can attend the programme, located on the university's southern campus.

References:

Jose Maria Martinon, Francisca Farina, Tania Corras, Dolores Seijo, Antonio Souto y Mercedes Novo. "Impacto de la ruptura de los progenitores en el estadode salud fisica de los hijos". European Journal of Education and Psychology
A-tisket, A-tasket. You can tell a lot from a basket. Especially if it comes from the ruins of an ancient civilization inhabited by humans nearly 15,000 years ago during the Late Pleistocene and Early Holocene ages.

An archaeologist from Florida Atlantic University's Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute is among a team of scientists who made a groundbreaking discovery in Huaca Prieta in coastal Peru - home to one of the earliest and largest pyramids in South America. Hundreds of thousands of artifacts, including intricate and elaborate hand-woven baskets excavated between 2007 and 2013 in Huaca Prieta, reveal that early humans in that region were a lot more advanced than originally thought and had very complex social networks.

For decades, archaeologists exploring Peru have argued about the origins and emergence of complex society in Peru. Did it first happen in the highlands with groups who were dependent on agriculture or did it happen along the coast with groups who were dependent on seafood? Evidence from the site indicates a more rapid development of cultural complexity along the Pacific coast than previously thought as published in Science Advances.

"The mounds of artifacts retrieved from Huaca Prieta include food remains, stone tools and other cultural features such as ornate baskets and textiles, which really raise questions about the pace of the development of early humans in that region and their level of knowledge and the technology they used to exploit resources from both the land and the sea," said James M. Adovasio, Ph.D., D.Sc., co-author of the study and a world acclaimed archaeologist at FAU's Harbor Branch, who is the foremost authority on ancient textiles and materials such as those used in basketry.

Among the artifacts excavated are tools used to capture deep-sea fish-like herring. The variety of hooks they used indicate the diversity of fishing that took place at that time and almost certainly the use of boats that could withstand rough waters. These ancient peoples managed to develop a very efficient means of extracting seaside resources and devised complex techniques to collect those resources. They also combined their exploitation of maritime economy with growing crops like chili pepper, squash, avocado and some form of a medicinal plant on land in a way that produced a large economic surplus.

"These strings of events that we have uncovered demonstrate that these people had a remarkable capacity to utilize different types of food resources, which led to a larger society size and everything that goes along with it such as the emergence of bureaucracy and highly organized religion," said Adovasio.

Advosasios focus of the excavation was on the extensive collection of basket remnants retrieved from the site, which were made from diverse materials including a local reed that is still used today by modern basket makers. Some of the utilitarian baskets discovered may date back as far as 11,000 years, while the more elaborate baskets made from domesticated cotton using some of the oldest dyes known in the New World are approximately 4,000 years old.

"To make these complicated textiles and baskets indicates that there was a standardized or organized manufacturing process in place and that all of these artifacts were much fancier than they needed to be for that time period," said Adovasio. "Like so many of the materials that were excavated, even the baskets reflect a level of complexity that signals a more sophisticated society as well as the desire for and a means for showing social stature. All of these things together tell us that these early humans were engaged in very complicated social relationships with each other and that these fancy objects all bespeak that kind of social messaging."

The late archaeologist Junius B. Bird was the first to excavate Huaca Prieta in the late 1940s after World War II and his original collection is housed in the American Museum of Natural History in New York. This latest excavation is only the second one to take place at this site, but this time using state-of-the-art archaeological technology. This recent excavation took approximately six years to complete and included a total of 32 excavation units and trenches, 32 test pits, and 80 geological cores that were placed on, around and between the Huaca Prieta and Paredones mounds as well as other sites. These artifacts are now housed in a museum in Lima, Peru.

Leading the team of scientists is Tom D. Dillehay, Ph.D., principal investigator and an anthropologist from Vanderbilt University. The final report of this excavation will be published in a book by the University of Texas Press later this summer. Adovasio and Dillehay plan to go back to Peru within a year to further examine some of the, as yet, still unstudied basket specimens, especially the very earliest ones which are among the oldest in the New World.

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About Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute:

Founded in 1971, Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute at Florida Atlantic University is a research community of marine scientists, engineers, educators and other professionals focused on Ocean Science for a Better World. The institute drives innovation in ocean engineering, at-sea operations, drug discovery and biotechnology from the oceans, coastal ecology and conservation, marine mammal research and conservation, aquaculture, ocean observing systems and marine education. For more information, visit http://www.fau.edu/hboi.

About Florida Atlantic University:

Florida Atlantic University, established in 1961, officially opened its doors in 1964 as the fifth public university in Florida. Today, the University, with an annual economic impact of $6.3 billion, serves more than 30,000 undergraduate and graduate students at sites throughout its six-county service region in southeast Florida. FAU's world-class teaching and research faculty serves students through 10 colleges: the Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters, the College of Business, the College for Design and Social Inquiry, the College of Education, the College of Engineering and Computer Science, the Graduate College, the Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College, the Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing and the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science. FAU is ranked as a High Research Activity institution by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. The University is placing special focus on the rapid development of critical areas that form the basis of its strategic plan: Healthy aging, biotech, coastal and marine issues, neuroscience, regenerative medicine, informatics, lifespan and the environment. These areas provide opportunities for faculty and students to build upon FAU's existing strengths in research and scholarship. For more information, visit http://www.fau.edu.
Cancer -- the second leading cause of death in the United States -- claims more than 600,000 lives each year.

Beyond the devastating human toll on individuals and families, the disease can drain a person's financial resources and strain the healthcare system as a whole.

Since its passing in 2010, the Affordable Care Act -- commonly known as Obamacare -- has helped assuage some of the most devastating medical and financial burdens associated with cancer by improving insurance coverage and access to critical services.

These are some of the findings in a series of newly published studies in a special May-June edition of The Cancer Journal documenting the effects of the law on cancer care in America.

As the White House moves forward with its efforts to repeal Obamacare, it should strive to preserve -- and further boost -- these important advances, according to an introduction penned by Harvard Medical School professor health care policy expert Nancy Keating, who served as guest editor for the issue.

"The ACA has improved access to and affordability of cancer-related care for millions of Americans," Keating said. "But some critical gaps remain and more needs to be done to ensure that all Americans with cancer have access to affordable cancer care of high quality. Efforts to repeal and replace the ACA must not lose sight of that goal."

Each year more than 1.6 million Americans are diagnosed with cancer, a number projected to increase to 2.6 million by 2050. The ACA has provided access to health insurance for more than 20 million previously uninsured Americans. The act made it illegal for insurers to deny coverage based on current or previous cancer diagnosis and removed the limits on lifetime insurance coverage that a person can receive.

The evidence so far suggests that key provisions of the ACA have improved access to screening and led to earlier diagnoses, particularly among people with lower education and income. By expanding eligibility for coverage under Medicaid -- the joint federal-state health insurance program for low-income people, women, children and those with disabilities -- the ACA has also ensured access to cancer treatments for more people and broadened access to clinical trials, Keating added.

The Obamacare provision that made it possible for young adults to remain on their parents' insurance until age 26 has also led to higher rates of HPV vaccination--a critical preventive measure for cervical cancer--and greater use of effective treatments for women diagnosed with the disease, the research shows.

In 2010, total spending on oncology care was $124 billion, and that number continues to rise.

As more and more Americans live into older age, the number of cancer diagnoses will rise in coming years, Keating said. Coupled with ballooning spending on cancer care fueled by newer, more expensive treatments, this is bound to create financial turmoil for both individuals and the health care system as a whole.

Out-of-pocket costs for individuals with cancer can lead to "financial toxicity," which experts now recognize as a side effect of cancer. The consequences of this financial burden, which are well-documented, include high rates of bankruptcy and delays in receiving cancer care and treatment. Higher costs bring devastating financial consequences. Cancer patients are more than twice as likely to experience bankruptcy than people without cancer, which can in turn lead to higher mortality rates.

In light of this troubling trend, Keating said, it is ever more critical to preserve and enhance ACA provisions that can help curb the spending growth and reduce out-of-pocket expenses for cancer patients.

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About Harvard Medical School

Harvard Medical School has more than 11,000 faculty working in 10 academic departments located at the School's Boston campus or in hospital-based clinical departments at 15 Harvard-affiliated teaching hospitals and research institutes: Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Cambridge Health Alliance, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Hebrew SeniorLife, Joslin Diabetes Center, Judge Baker Children's Center, Massachusetts Eye and Ear/Schepens Eye Research Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, McLean Hospital, Mount Auburn Hospital, Spaulding Rehabilitation Network and VA Boston Healthcare System.
A new study of malaria medicine quality in 8 sub-Saharan African countries has found a large and potentially growing market for non-quality-assured (QA) malaria treatments -- medicines not pre-approved by global health organisations - as much as 20% of the private-sector market in Kenya, and 42% in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). As one of the most comprehensive recent studies relating to medicine quality in the region, the findings provide new insights for patients, researchers, policy makers and malaria control programmes because QA status is often linked to the quality of medicines - which can impact patient health and safety, malaria control efforts and artemisinin drug efficacy.

The study, conducted in the private and public sectors of Benin, DRC, Kenya, Madagascar, Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia, was published today in a Malaria Journal article titled 'Do anti-malarials in Africa meet quality standards? The market penetration of non-quality assured artemisinin combination therapy in eight African countries'. Researchers measured the availability and market share of medicines not pre-approved under World Health Organization (WHO), Global Fund or European Medicines Agency (EMA) quality assurance programmes.

Researchers collected data from 29 malaria medicine outlet surveys and audited more than 330,000 artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) between 2009 and 2015. Based on samples from randomly selected clusters in the 8 countries, in 2014-15, non-QA medicines represented 42% and 27% of the private-sector market in Kinshasa and Katanga, respectively, 20% in Kenya, 19% in Uganda and Benin, 12% in Nigeria, 8% in Zambia and 5% in Tanzania. Moreover, non-QA medicines were available in 48% of private outlets in Nigeria, 38% in Uganda, 21% in Tanzania, 17% in Zambia and 83% and 53% in the Kinshasa and Katanga provinces of the DRC, respectively. In contrast with the private sector, the public-sector market share of non-QA medicines in 2014-15 was generally smaller - 6% in Nigeria, 5% in Kenya, and about 1% in Benin, Madagascar, Tanzania and Uganda.

Due to limited regulatory capacities in many malaria-endemic countries, public health officials look to pre-approval status to help ensure medicine quality. Although approval status alone does not guarantee the safety of a medicine - in fact, non-QA treatments can be safe and effective in some cases - it does provide a strong, evidence-based indication of quality, the article states. Poor quality antimalarials include falsified medicines - or those produced fraudulently - and substandard medicines, which were improperly manufactured or have degraded over time.

"These findings really improve our ability to understand the complex problem of medicine quality in Africa", said co-author Dr Megan Littrell, Principal Investigator at the ACTwatch project, which led the research collaboration. 'Although the data focus on quality-assurance status, it's hugely beneficial to know where non-QA antimalarials are most prevalent, particularly in countries with the highest malaria burdens, so that appropriate interventions can be considered alongside other efforts to tackle poor quality medicines".

In addition to showing substantial market penetration and availability of non-QA antimalarials, the study states that most countries showed an increase in the private-sector market share of non-QA medicines between 2009 and 2015. The greatest increase occurred in Kenya and Kinshasa, where the market share approximately doubled, from 19% and 11% in 2009 to 42% and 20% in 2014-15, respectively. The public-sector non-QA market share mostly decreased during this time, except in Kenya, Kinshasa (DRC) and Zambia where the non-QA market share shifted from 1%, 1% and less than 1% in 2009, respectively, to 5%, 18% and 32% in 2014-15.

"Non-QA antimalarials clearly have a strong market penetration across Africa, and these findings should help inform policy responses", said Professor Paul Newton, a co-author of the article and Head of the Medicine Quality Group at the Infectious Diseases Data Observatory (IDDO). "However, we have also found numerous differences on the ground, so we must tailor our strategies for removing these medicines accordingly, by improving regulation, aligning national registration medicine lists with global standards, enhancing access to QA antimalarials and providing more support for manufacturers to ensure that their products are all quality assured. Frequent monitoring of the available antimalarials should be conducted to understand what patients are taking and the quality of the medications".

The article, which included co-authors from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, also found that diverse generics and formulations were available, but typically imported and distributed in urban areas at either pharmacies or drug stores. In countries such as Nigeria, over 90 unique manufacturers were found to be supplying non-QA medicines. In most cases, the private sector is the most common source of treatments, at for-profit health facilities, pharmacies, drug stores, general retailers, and mobile providers. However, patients also receive medicines from public-sector outlets, such as hospitals, clinics and other facilities.

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ABOUT WWARN

The WorldWide Antimalarial Resistance Network is a research partnership that provides comprehensive, timely, quality-assured evidence to help track the emergence and spread of malaria drug resistance, and improve the efficacy of existing antimalarial medicines and new drugs in development.

This collaboration of research experts provides valuable evidence to help save more lives and support the global effort to control, eliminate and eventually eradicate malaria. The WWARN Antimalarial Quality (AQ) Surveyor helps to respond to some of the critical gaps in information. This mapping tool delivers customised summaries of published reports of antimalarial medicine quality across regions and over time. WWARN is a constituent organisation of the recently launched Infectious Diseases Data Observatory (IDDO), which takes a similar model to a range of devastating tropical and neglected illnesses, including Ebola. For further information, please visit http://www.wwarn.org (link is external) and http://www.iddo.org (link is external).

ABOUT ACTwatch

ACTwatch is a multi-country research project implemented by Population Services International (PSI). Launched in 2008 with funding from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and with additional funding from UNITAID and the DFID, ACTwatch is designed to provide timely, relevant, and high-quality antimalarial and malaria diagnostic testing market intelligence. ACTwatch is implemented in 13 countries and employs standardized tools and approaches to provide comparable data across countries and over time. Research methods implemented include outlet and household surveys, supply chain studies, key informant interviews, and, in selected countries, a module to document private-sector fever case management practices using observation and client exit interviews. Since 2008, ACtwatch has implemented 50 outlet surveys, screened over 360,000 public- and private-sector outlets, and audited more than 400,000 antimalarials.

ABOUT PSI

Population Services International (PSI) is a global non-profit organization focused on the encouragement of healthy behaviour and affordability of health products. PSI was founded in 1970 to improve reproductive health using commercial marketing strategies and has expanded to work in over 50 countries in the areas of malaria, family planning, HIV, diarrhoea, pneumonia and sanitation. PSI has active malaria control programs in more than 35 countries worldwide, helping national ministries of health to scale up proven interventions, and sustain coverage over time. PSI focuses on a variety of interventions to improve availability, affordability and use of effective malaria prevention, diagnosis and treatment. These interventions include the delivery of long-lasting insecticidal treated nets (LLINs), artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs), rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs), strategic behaviour change communications and applied operational research. In 2015 alone, PSI delivered over 44 million LLINs, 11 million courses of ACT, and 9 million RDTs through public and private sectors. PSI also supports global malaria elimination goals by implementing test, treat and track strategies and strengthening national surveillance of malaria.
Emeritus Professor Sheila Payne and Dr Sean Hughes from Lancaster University in the UK have both contributed towards a new book 'Building Integrated Palliative Care Programmes and Services' published by the World Health Organization Palliative Care Initiative.

The book was launched at the 15th World Congress of the European Association for Palliative Care and provides the latest information on palliative care organisation and delivery, with expert contributors drawing on examples from around the world.

Professor Payne was a member of the WHO Technical Advisory Group supporting the Initiative and she led the writing of the chapter on Psychosocial Aspects of Palliative Care.

She said: "We are delighted to contribute a chapter on psychosocial palliative care in an important new international book designed to help countries implement better palliative care services."

Lack of access to palliative care and pain relief is a global public health crisis. Every year 40 million people, their families and carers need palliative care, yet only about 3 million are able to access the care they need. The majority of these are adults over 60 but 6% are children.

The WHO defines palliative care as: 'An approach that improves the quality of life of patients and their families facing problems associated with life threatening illness, through the prevention and relief of suffering by means of early identification and impeccable assessment and treatment of pain and other problems, physical, psychosocial, and spiritual'.

In 2014, the World Health Assembly (the governing body of WHO) passed the resolution: Strengthening of palliative care as a component of comprehensive care throughout the life course, calling on all governments to ensure that palliative care is integrated into their national healthcare systems.

This book is a guide to designing, implementing, and evaluating palliative care programmes and services, moving a focus on integrating palliative care into mainstream healthcare systems. It includes the latest definitional, organisational, and clinical aspects of palliative care, and is a great resource for countries wanting to begin or to build palliative care.

Dr Stephen R. Connor, Executive Director of the Worldwide Hospice Palliative Care Alliance and co-editor of the book, said: "Palliative care is too often organised outside mainstream healthcare. If we are to meet the enormous challenges of delivering care to the 40 million worldwide who need it annually we need to imbed palliative care into existing primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare, especially in low and middle income countries where nearly 80% of the need for palliative care exists."

Dr Xavier Gomez-Batiste, MD PhD, Director WHO Collaborating Centre for Public Health Palliative Care Programmes (WHOCC-ICO), Catalan Institute of Oncology and co-editor of the book, said: "This manual not only describes the essentials of palliative care, but also the innovative strategies and actions to design and implement comprehensive programs and services integrated into health systems."

The authors recommend that the book is used by policy makers and practitioners to improve palliative care service delivery for people accessing care and their families.

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The book: 'Building Integrated Palliative Care Programmes and Services' can be downloaded from the Resources section of the WHPCA website.
While target therapies directed toward genetic mutations that drive a tumor's growth have significantly improved the outlook for many patients, they have not been as successful in controlling brain metastases in several types of cancer. In the case of breast cancer driven by overexpression of the HER2 gene, up to 50 percent of patients treated with targeted therapies eventually develop brain metastases, which are inevitably fatal. Now a Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH)-based research team has identified a novel mechanism behind the resistance to HER2- or PI3K-targeted therapies and a treatment strategy that may overcome this resistance.

"While the failure of these drugs against brain metastasis has often been attributed to the blood brain barrier, some agents are small enough to penetrate into the brain," says Rakesh K. Jain, PhD, director of the Steele Laboratories of Tumor Biology in the MGH Radiation Oncology Department, co-senior author of the report published in Science Translational Medicine. "In addition, the disrupted, leaky vasculature that develops in and around tumors - what we call the blood tumor barrier - allows some accumulation of anti-HER2 and anti-PI3K drugs in brain metastases. This work shows that the tumor microenvironment itself can compromise the efficacy of targeted therapies and should be taken into account as new treatment approaches are developed."

The impact of the microenvironment on tumor growth and treatment has been a major focus of Jain's team. For this study they collaborated with Jeffrey A. Engelman, MD, PhD, co-senior author and a leading expert in targeted therapies, who was formerly with the MGH Cancer Center and is now Global Head of Oncology at the Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research.

Co-first authors David P. Kodack, PhD, Vasileios Askoxylakis, MD, PhD, and Gino B. Ferraro, PhD - all of the Steele Labs - set out to identify factors in the brain microenvironment that could alter growth and survival signals within HER2-positive breast cancer cells. They and additional co-authors at the MGH Cancer Center, the University of North Carolina, Vanderbilt University and Novartis, identified HER3 - part of the same signaling pathway that includes HER2 - as a possible contributor to anti-HER2/PI3K resistance in breast cancer brain metastases.

After confirming in mouse models that cells from HER2-positive breast cancers became resistant to anti-HER2 treatment when implanted into the brain but not into other tissues, the investigators found that HER3 is overexpressed in brain metastases of HER2- positive breast cancers from both mice and human patients. While neither a drug that targets HER3 nor one that interferes with the interaction between HER2 and HER3 were able to slow the growth of brain metastases, combined treatment with both an anti-HER2 and an anti-HER3 drug significantly slowed tumor growth.

"HER3 has been associated with treatment resistance in several types of cancer, and our findings indicate that the overexpression of HER3 within the microenvironment of brain metastases reprograms the signaling pathways shut down by HER2 suppression," says co-first author Ferraro. "We believe these findings will have a broad impact on the way targeted therapies are understood and applied. While therapies that target HER2 and HER3 are clinically available, clinical trials often exclude patients with brain metastases. These current findings must now be confirmed in patients for whom better treatment options are desperately needed."

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Support for this study includes a U.S. Department of Defense Breast Cancer Research Innovator Award and grants from the National Cancer Institute, the Ludwig Center at Harvard University, the German Research Foundation, and Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

Massachusetts General Hospital, founded in 1811, is the original and largest teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School. The MGH Research Institute (http://www.massgeneral.org/research/about/RI-welcome.aspx) conducts the largest hospital-based research program in the nation, with an annual research budget of more than $800 million and major research centers in HIV/AIDS, cardiovascular research, cancer, computational and integrative biology, cutaneous biology, genomic medicine, medical imaging, neurodegenerative disorders, regenerative medicine, reproductive biology, systems biology, photomedicine and transplantation biology. The MGH topped the 2015 Nature Index list of health care organizations publishing in leading scientific journals and earned the prestigious 2015 Foster G. McGaw Prize for Excellence in Community Service. In August 2016 the MGH was once again named to the Honor Roll in the U.S. News & World Report list of "America's Best Hospitals."
It's one of the most common immune-mediated diseases in the U.S., causing red, patchy and scaly marks on the skin. Yet the 1 to 2 percent of the population who have psoriasis are still left to wonder why.

A new study builds on the genetic architecture of psoriasis, the next step toward answering what in the genes causes the disease. University of Michigan researchers, working with partners across the globe, published the work in Nature Communications. It's the most recent publication in long-standing psoriasis work at U-M.

"We know there are a lot of genes, each with a relatively small effect, in play. Those genes combined with the environment lead people to develop psoriasis," says senior author James T. Elder, M.D., Ph.D., professor of dermatology at the U-M Medical School. "This study identified 16 more genetic markers, bringing the total to 63 loci linked to psoriasis."

Elder's team ran genome-wide tests, comparing frequencies of genetic variants of people with psoriasis to those of control subjects. They examined data from eight different cohorts, with a total effective sample size of more than 39,000.

"This is by far the largest psoriasis meta-analysis to date in terms of sample size," says first author Alex Tsoi, Ph.D., a research assistant professor in dermatology, biostatistics and computational medicine and bioinformatics at the U-M Medical School. "We've been able to pinpoint pathways related to the disease as well as pointing to the right directions for the gene targets."

Zooming in

Elder's team focused in on the loci they have identified, to learn more about them.

Two pathways of note that are very important to the study of psoriasis include the IL-23 and HLA genes, Elder says. Many current therapies target IL-23 as well as IL-17, a cytokine that is produced in response to IL-23.

HLA "is by far the biggest genetic signal of psoriasis," Elder says. "We see through the nerve center of the immune system that the structure is more complicated than ever suspected." In fact, that region of genes includes seven different signals of psoriasis.

But even the largest psoriasis study so far doesn't turn up the data required to determine every genetic variant at play.

"We still haven't found more than half of what's genetic about psoriasis," Elder says. "Some of the differences are so subtle that we'd need to study hundreds of thousands of subjects."

Many samples, one population

The new study focused on subjects of European origin. Thanks to great partnerships across the globe, Elder says, other studies are investigating additional populations with psoriasis, including in India and China.

"Researchers are focusing on individual populations for each study, in order to understand the particulars of that population's genetic backgrounds," he says.

The work includes data from specialist-diagnosed psoriasis as well as self-reported, via the consumer genetics company 23andMe, one of the study collaborators. Researchers discovered some consumers might assume they have psoriasis without getting a formal diagnosis.

"There was some misclassification when the diagnosis was not from a dermatologist, and we estimated close to 4 percent of unaffected individuals thought they had psoriasis but they must have had something else," Tsoi says.

Once researchers adjusted for the false positives using a statistical approach, the self-reported cohort helped to not only identify the 16 new loci, but also confirm the others previously found.

"Adding that chunk of data really gave us power to see more signals than we had seen in the past," Elder says.

Working toward improved treatments

Although medications for psoriasis have come a long way over the years, Elder says only about 5 percent of the genes found so far are targeted by existing medications. Another issue in psoriasis treatment is high price tags for drugs, he adds.

"Better treatments will come out of understanding these other untouched genes," Elder says.

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Elder, Tsoi and their colleagues from other institutions including Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel in Germany, King's College London and the University of Toronto, performed their work using funding from the National Institutes of Health.

Disclosure: Co-authors Chao Tian and David A. Hinds are employees of and own stock options in 23andMe, Inc., and co-author Nicholas Eriksson was an employee of 23andMe when the study was conducted.
New report from Rice's Kinder Institute examines mayoral elections in 6 US states and finds unopposed elections are on the rise

Approximately half of mayoral elections in six U.S. states are unopposed, and unopposed elections are on the rise, according to a report from the Center for Local Elections in American Politics (LEAP), part of Rice University's Kinder Institute for Urban Research.

"Who Runs for Mayor in America" focuses on elections of mayors in municipalities in California, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota and Virginia, which include roughly 10 percent of the country's municipalities.

Melissa Marschall, director of LEAP, a professor of political science in Rice's School of Social Sciences and the report's author, said these states capture considerable variation in the electoral rules that govern how mayors are elected in the U.S., including the timing of elections (presidential, congressional midterm and off-cycle), partisan versus nonpartisan races and open and closed primaries (or no primaries at all).

The researchers evaluated elections across 17 years, six states, 1,899 municipalities and 8,452 unique elections. Apart from analysis of African-American candidates, which relied exclusively on data from Louisiana, the analysis is based on elections between 2000 and 2016.

The study's key finding revealed that about half of all mayoral elections in the six states studied featured only one candidate. Unopposed elections were particularly prevalent in small towns, where 79 percent of elections were uncontested, but they were notably rare in the biggest cities, where only 15 percent of contests saw only one candidate.

And despite variation in the percentage of uncontested mayoral contests, since 2000, unopposed elections are on the rise. By 2016, on average 60 percent of mayoral contests in the six states examined in this report involved only one candidate.

"An interesting puzzle is that despite the high rates of unopposed elections in small towns, these are the same places that have the highest rates of voter turnout in their mayoral races -- and this holds regardless of election timing," Marschall said. "We tend to think that the health of local democracy depends on having electoral competition, but perhaps in small towns, where people are much more likely to know the candidates, norms of civility and communitarianism might discourage competition."

Marschall said that if local residents treat serving as mayor as part of their civic duty, then it is possible that political culture might also dictate that residents not challenge the candidate who steps forward to serve in this capacity.

"This finding warrants further empirical investigation," she said. "Indeed, since small and medium-sized cities have been almost completely ignored by research, we know very little about how they are governed or what their electoral processes and outcomes look like."

Other findings from the report include:

Unopposed elections were less prevalent in cities and towns with larger minority populations. Indeed, as the percentage of the nonwhite population increased, the incidence of uncontested mayoral elections decreased.

Incumbents were the norm in mayoral elections in these six states; on average, over two-thirds of mayoral contests featured an incumbent on the ballot.

Women were significantly underrepresented when it comes to running for mayor. On average, only 17 percent of all mayoral candidates in this study were female. Female candidates were slightly more common in suburban mayoral elections (18 percent) compared with in rural towns (15.7 percent) or central cities (16.8 percent).

African-American candidates were also underrepresented in Louisiana mayoral elections. African-American candidates represented 20 percent of all mayoral candidates there. However, Africans-Americans represented 33 percent of the population, on average, in Louisiana municipalities.

Data for the report came primarily from secretaries of state websites. In addition, source data for California came from the California Elections Data Archive (CEDA), a joint project between the Center for California Studies, the Institute for Social Research and the Office of the California Secretary of State.

The researchers hope the report and forthcoming reports will provide helpful analyses to policymakers seeking ways to improve political participation and strengthen local democracy in America.

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A grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation provided support for the research. The full report is available online at http://www.leap-elections.org and http://kinder.rice.edu.

For more information, contact David Ruth, director of national media relations at Rice, at david@rice.edu or 713-348-6327.

This news release can be found online at http://news.rice.edu/.

Follow Rice News and Media Relations via Twitter @RiceUNews.

Related Materials:

LEAP website: http://www.leap-elections.org/

Kinder Institute website: http://kinder.rice.edu/

Melissa Marschall bio: https://politicalscience.rice.edu/Content.aspx?id=249

Located on a 300-acre forested campus in Houston, Rice University is consistently ranked among the nation's top 20 universities by U.S. News & World Report. Rice has highly respected schools of Architecture, Business, Continuing Studies, Engineering, Humanities, Music, Natural Sciences and Social Sciences and is home to the Baker Institute for Public Policy. With 3,879 undergraduates and 2,861 graduate students, Rice's undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio is 6-to-1. Its residential college system builds close-knit communities and lifelong friendships, just one reason why Rice is ranked No. 1 for happiest students and for lots of race/class interaction by the Princeton Review. Rice is also rated as a best value among private universities by Kiplinger's Personal Finance. To read "What they're saying about Rice," go to http://tinyurl.com/RiceUniversityoverview.
Female vampire bats form strong social bonds with their mothers and daughters as they groom and share regurgitated meals of blood. They also form friendships with less closely related bats. Gerry Carter, post-doctoral fellow at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI), and colleagues discovered that unrelated friends are important backup support when family members go missing.

When they remove a major food donor, like a mother or daughter, from a bat's social network, females who previously built up more friendships with non-relatives cope better with their loss. They score more food than do female bats who only invest in close kin.

"Is it better to have a few strong social bonds or a greater number of weaker social ties?" asks Carter. "Theory suggests you should always invest in the cooperative partner that provides the best returns. But clearly, a social animal should not put all its social time and energy in just one relationship, especially in an unpredictable social environment. That's like putting all your eggs in one basket."

"Females don't begin reproducing until they are two years old," said co-author Gerald Wilkinson professor of biology at the University of Maryland. "They only have one pup per year, so the number of closely related females tends to be low."

"Vampire bats who feed more non-relatives don't usually do better at getting fed when they are hungry," Carter said. "So why cultivate non-kin "friends"? We discovered that on the rare occasion that they lose a major food donor, they do much better. Their social network of food donors is wider and more robust."

Vampire bats live on the edge. If they do not get enough to eat, it does not take long before they die of starvation. Their close relatives and friends often step in, sharing blood meals. Strengthening relationships by feeding a possible donor is one way to increase the chances of being fed. Having a larger number of potential donors is another. Carter calls the balance between these two strategies "social bet hedging".

To understand how social bet hedging works for vampire bats, Carter's team monitored social interactions in a captive colony of about 30 marked common vampire bats (Desmodus rotundus) for four years. They worked out how the bats were related based on their genes. Carter removed individual females from the group for a 24-hour fasting period. Just before returning them to the group, he removed one of the bat's key food donors, usually its mother or daughter. Then he looked at how each bat coped with this change to its social network.

Common vampire bats are native to the American tropics and sub-tropics, where they often feed on cattle, especially where forests have been replaced by pastureland. "It's not uncommon that a bat goes out to forage and fails to get food, and it's not uncommon that her closest relative will have switched to a different roost that night," Carter said. "We're recreating a situation that vampire bats might face fairly often."

Social bet hedging might exist in other species, including our own. Other studies have shown that baboons that lose a close relative to a predator will begin grooming more individuals in their group. There is also evidence that humans are happier with quality over quantity, yet people living in unpredictable social environments tend to value more friendships over a few stronger ones. "It would be particularly interesting to test the extent to which human collaborative or friendship networks are shaped by decisions to invest in relationship quantity or quality," the authors conclude. "The social bet-hedging hypothesis provides a new dimension to why animals form and maintain social groups" said Damien Farine, a former post-doctoral fellow at STRI who is now principal investigator at the Max Planck Institute for Ornithology and University of Konstanz in Germany, and co-author of the study.

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Funding for this study was from the Ford Foundation and a grant from the U.S. National Science Foundation, the American Society of Mammalogists, and the Animal Behavior Society.

The Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, headquartered in Panama City, Panama, is a part of the Smithsonian Institution. The Institute furthers the understanding of tropical nature and its importance to human welfare, trains students to conduct research in the tropics and promotes conservation by increasing public awareness of the beauty and importance of tropical ecosystems. STRI website: http://www.stri.si.edu.

Carter, Gerald G, Damien R. Farine, Gerald S. Wilkinson. 2017. Social bet-hedging in vampire bats. Biology Letters.
COLLEGE STATION -- Researchers have figured out how a once-defeated bacterium has re-emerged to infect cotton in a battle that could sour much of the Texas and U.S. crop.

And it boils down to this: A smart bacteria with a sweet tooth.

"It's a food fight between the bacterium and the cotton plant," said Dr. Libo Shan, Texas A&M AgriLife Research plant pathologist in College Station. "The bacterium tricks the host to produce food for itself. But once the bacterium is in the plant, it saves its own resources and switches the plant's transportation of sugar to itself. The host plant is deprived of sugar needed for energy, can't get rid of the bacteria and the disease progresses. This bacterium is very smart."

The discovery is in the May 24 edition of the journal Nature Communications.

The disease is bacterial blight caused by Xanthomonas citri subspecies malvacearum, otherwise known as Xcm. Decades ago, it wiped out thousands of cotton acres annually, showing up first as brown spots on leaves, stems and even bolls then spreading until a plant - indeed entire fields of plants - dropped leaves and stopped growing. It's equally devastating on rice and cassava, Shan said.

Scientists long ago identified Xcm as the culprit but didn't know how or why the bacterium went on its warpath. Meanwhile, plant breeders tested types of cotton that were less susceptible and developed varieties that were more resistant to the disease. That worked from the late 20th Century until about six years ago when Xcm bacterial blight again showed up in force on the cotton crop in Texas and other states, wasting even varieties that previously could ward it off.

AgriLife Research scientists in Lubbock began searching the fields and plants for answers to help farmers cope, while another team in College Station took a deep look at the bacterium and cotton interaction at the cellular level and discovered its covert operations.

"This bacteria causes disease in cotton by using a secret weapon, a sort of needle-like structure, to inject the protein effectors into cotton cells," Shan said. "One of these effectors mimics the host transcription factors, directly targeting and activating the host gene transcription of a plant sugar transporter. The plant then begins to pump energizing sugar from within the cell to the apoplast or pathway of the cell, thus feeding the bacteria."

The discovery was made in part by Kevin Cox, a Texas A&M doctoral student from St. Louis, Missouri, who has been working with Shan for nearly four years and is lead author on the paper.

"My part of it was basically to identify what gene was being activated by a particular effector from the bacteria in order to cause disease," he said. "When we found out what the target of that effector was, that's when we got excited. That was pretty cool."

Shan said the excitement reverberated among researchers for several reasons.

"First it will provide a mechanistic understanding of how the bacterium causes disease in cotton, and second it provides a potential strategy for control of this cotton disease and resistance against the bacteria," she said. "Third, it may provide potential tools to do earlier diagnostic for the presence of this disease before symptoms show in the field."

That's important, Shan said, because once a farmer sees the disease in the field, it's too late.

"It is very hard to control. Up to 40 percent of cotton yield can be affected," she added. "So though this is a fundamental discovery of this mechanism how the bacterium causes disease, it provides a lot of potential for field application."

Shan said isolates of the early strain and current strain of the Xcm bacterium -- and the sequencing of their genomes -- indicated there are polymorphisms genetically slightly different but acting the same in their attack on cotton.

"We compared the genetic differences in trying to pin down a reason for the disease's rampant reemergence in recent years," she said. "It is likely that rapid evolvement of new bacterial effectors contributed to the resurgence of this disease."

The team will continue to explore bacterial blight in cotton, as well as study the implications of these finds on rice and cassava.

"We want to implement the tools for cotton diagnostics by working with engineers to develop a very sensitive probe, perhaps like a doctor would use for diagnosing diabetes in humans," Shan said. "It would be useful to have a probe able to detect sugar content in the field for cotton, particularly in the early seedling stage."

She said the team may also explore "gene editing technologies" to take out the portion of the gene that allows the bacteria to take the plant's food, which would make the cotton more resistant.

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PHILADELPHIA  Blood platelets shore up open wounds and help cuts heal, but they can also cause heart attacks and strokes when a congealed ball of platelets known as a thrombus breaks free from a site of injury and gets lodged in blood vessels that feed oxygen to the brain or heart. Blood thinners, such as aspirin, reduce the risk of thrombus formation but also interfere with the initial clot formation that is essential for preventing blood loss from the wounds. Now researchers have discovered that a molecule plays a role in thrombus development, but not the initial clot formation, suggesting a new avenue for developing more specific and protective blood thinners. The results were published May 24 in the journal PLOS ONE.

The Holy Grail of our field is to reduce unwanted thrombus formation without completely blocking other important platelet functions, says senior author Ulhas Naik, Ph.D., Director of the Center for Vascular Biology at Thomas Jefferson Universitys Cardeza Foundation for Hematologic Research.

After platelets become activated at the site of an injury, they become linked to one another forming a platelet plug. The platelets then continue to change shape, trap red blood cells and the clot begins to tighten and pull together, which can help bring two sides of a wound in closer. But this process of clot retraction is also responsible for creating the free-floating ball of a thrombus capable of blocking vital blood flow. Clot retraction is governed by a signaling process called outside-in signaling.

In earlier work Dr. Naik and colleagues showed that the protein called CIB1 was involved in thrombus formation. Mice that lacked the CIB1 gene were less likely to form a thrombus. That work also suggested that mice lacking the CIB1 were still able to form a platelet plug, suggesting that this gene was involved only in the process of thrombus formation.

To investigate this possibility further, and to demonstrate that the process was relevant to human physiology, the current study used human platelets, and probed the molecules that interacted with CIB1 at different time points after platelet activation. The researchers showed that CIB1 does not begin to bind and interact with platelet molecular machinery until after platelets send out sticky protrusions that allow them to cross-link to one another and begin to form a plug.

The paper, to which Dr. Naiks entire nuclear family contributed, also elucidated a number of molecules that CIB1 interacts with during outside-in signaling and thrombus formation. A clearer picture of this process could in turn be useful for researchers studying other diseases that involve platelets, such as cancer, specifically the role platelets play in metastasis or helping seed cancer in distant parts of the body.

This work demonstrates that CIB1 could be a good anti-thrombotic drug target, says Dr. Naik. If we block CIB1, it hampers thrombus formation without interfering with platelet plug formation. If developed further, blocking CIB1 could reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke without increasing the risk for excessive bleeding that is the trade-off of current medication.

The next steps for Dr. Naik and collaborating researchers include screening for small-molecule compounds that would inhibit CIB1 and which could be developed into new therapies.

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Article Reference: M.U. Naik, et al., Binding of CIB1 to the IIb tail of IIb3 is required for FAK recruitment and activation in platelets PLOS ONE. 2017. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0176602

This work was supported by the grants from the NHLBI (National Heart, Lung, Blood Institute) HL 57630 and HL113188. The authors report no conflicts of interest.

About Jefferson

Jefferson, through its academic and clinical entities of Thomas Jefferson University and Jefferson Health, including Abington Health and Aria Health, is reimagining health care for the greater Philadelphia region and southern New Jersey. Jefferson has 23,000 people dedicated to providing the highest-quality, compassionate clinical care for patients, educating the health professionals of tomorrow, and discovering new treatments and therapies to define the future of care. With a university and hospital that date back to 1824, today Jefferson is comprised of six colleges, nine hospitals, 35 outpatient and urgent care locations, and a multitude of physician practices throughout the region, serving more than 100,000 inpatients, 373,000 emergency patients and 2.2 million outpatients annually.
MISSOULA - University of Montana doctoral candidate Eric Palm recently was selected for the prestigious NASA Earth and Space Science Fellowship. He is the only Montana University System student to receive the competitive funding this year.

Palm and his adviser, Professor Mark Hebblewhite, were awarded $45,000 to study animal movement using ecosystem-scale models for caribou. They use remote sensing and GPS collar data collected by cooperating state, federal and provincial agencies across northwestern North America.

The researchers are building movement and habitat selection models for caribou as part of NASA's Arctic Boreal Vulnerability Experiment project, known as ABoVE. The goal of Palm's work is to understand consequences of land-use and climate change effects on caribou habitat and populations across the arctic-boreal region.

The ABoVE project that Palm and Hebblewhite are a part of seeks to understand how highly mobile animals navigate and select habitat. Their project is led by Natalie Boelman at Columbia University with four co-investigators in addition to Hebblewhite. The tools and models developed by the team will be available to natural resource agencies, wildlife managers, First Nations, Alaskan natives and other stakeholders to aid them in management and adaptive decisions.

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Palm is from Portland, Oregon. He completed an undergraduate degree in Colorado and master's degree at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver.

Each year NASA funds fellowships in its four main research areas: earth science, heliophysics, planetary science and astrophysics. Palm and 68 other applicants were funded for earth science fellowships out of 348 applicants.

For more information on ABoVE visit https://above.nasa.gov/.
Students at Nebraska's for-profit colleges will be protected financially if those schools suddenly close, thanks to a change adopted this year by state lawmakers.

The measure was a response to last year's shutdown of ITT Technical Institute, which impacted some 43,000 students nationwide, including 340 who attended the ITT Tech campus in Omaha.

Those students were left scrambling to obtain their transcripts, and some still haven't.

"That's what we really want to protect Nebraska students against in the future," said Mike Baumgartner, executive director of the state Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education, which regulates for-profit colleges.

Under the law change, proposed by state Sen. Patty Pansing Brooks of Lincoln and signed into law Tuesday by Gov. Pete Ricketts, student records from for-profit schools that close will be sent to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Students may also recoup lost tuition and fees if a school closes mid-term.

"Students who turn to for-profit schools with the promise of a good education should have the opportunity to recover lost tuition and obtain academic records to help them further their educational pursuits and careers," Pansing Brooks said in a news release. "This bill will help them do that."

The number of for-profit career schools in Nebraska is shrinking.

Purdue University recently announced its purchase of Kaplan University, including the Kaplan campus at 1821 K St. in Lincoln and another campus in Omaha.

Once the transition from Kaplan to Purdue is complete, the state will have just two for-profit career schools offering bachelor's degrees: Creative Center College of Art & Design in Omaha and National American University in Bellevue.

Under this year's bill (LB512), those colleges will be required to pay into a fund operated by the Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education. If their school suddenly closes, students may submit claims against that fund for lost tuition and fees.

For-profit colleges must also reimburse the state if government-subsidized students are unable to finish an academic term due to a closure.

Cosmetology schools and other non-profit colleges which don't grant bachelor's degrees are regulated separately by the Nebraska Department of Education and already follow similar rules.

Pansing Brooks' proposal was originally included in a separate bill she introduced (LB123), but was amended into a larger package of education-law changes, which passed without opposition May 16.
Proteins perform vital functions of life, they digest food and fight infections and cancer. They are in fact nano-machines, each one of them designed to perform a specific task. But how did they evolve to match those needs, how did the genes encode the structure and function of proteins? Researchers from the University of Geneva (UNIGE), Switzerland, the Institute for Basic Science, Korea, and the Rockefeller University, United States, have conducted a study that tackles this yet unanswered question, and explains the basic geometry of the gene-to-protein code, by connecting proteins to properties of amorphous physical matter. The full article appears in Physical Review X.

A protein is a chain made of twenty different kinds of amino acids with elaborate interactions, and, unlike standard physical matter, it is selected by evolution. "The blueprint for protein synthesis is written in long DNA genes, but we show that only a small fraction of this huge information space is used to make the functional protein", explains Jean-Pierre Eckmann, Professor at the Department of Theoretical Physics from the Faculty of Science of UNIGE.

Together with Prof. Tsvi Tlusty from the Center for Soft and Living Matter, Institute for Basic Science (IBS) in Korea and Prof. Albert Libchaber from the Rockefeller University in New York, Prof. Eckmann shows that the only changes in the code that matter are those occurring in the segment of the gene coding the mechanically relevant hinges of the nano-machine. The changes in other regions of this highly redundant code have no impact. "We are now using this new approach to understand the relation between the function and dynamics of several important proteins."

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Nanoengineers at the University of California San Diego have developed the first printed battery that is flexible, stretchable and rechargeable. The zinc batteries could be used to power everything from wearable sensors to solar cells and other kinds of electronics.

The work appears in the April 19, 2017 issue of Advanced Energy Materials.

The researchers made the printed batteries flexible and stretchable by incorporating a hyper-elastic polymer material made from isoprene, one of the main ingredients in rubber, and polystyrene, a resin-like component. The substance, known as SIS, allows the batteries to stretch to twice their size, in any direction, without suffering damage.

The ink used to print the batteries is made of zinc silver oxide mixed with SIS. While zinc batteries have been in use for a long time, they are typically non-rechargeable. The researchers added bismuth oxide to the batteries to make them rechargeable.

"This is a significant step toward self-powered stretchable electronics," said Joseph Wang, one of the paper's senior authors and a nanoengineering professor at the Jacobs School of Engineering at UC San Diego, where he directs the school's Center for Wearable Sensors. "We expect this technology to pave the way to enhance other forms of energy storage and printable, stretchable electronics, not just for zinc-based batteries but also for Lithium-ion batteries, as well as supercapacitors and photovoltaic cells."

The prototype battery the researchers developed has about 1/5 the capacity of a rechargeable hearing aid battery. But it is 1/10 as thick, cheaper and uses commercially available materials. It takes two of these batteries to power a 3 Volt LED. The researchers are still working to improve the battery's performance. Next steps include expanding the use of the technology to different applications, such as solar and fuel cells; and using the battery to power different kinds of electronic devices.

Researchers used standard screen printing techniques to make the batteries--a method that dramatically drives down the costs of the technology. Typical materials for one battery cost only $0.50. A comparable commercially available rechargeable battery costs $5.00 Batteries can be printed directly on fabric or on materials that allow wearables to adhere to the skin. They also can be printed as a strip, to power a device that needs more energy. They are stable and can be worn for a long period of time.

Making the batteries rechargeable

The key ingredient that makes the batteries rechargeable is a molecule called bismuth oxide which, when mixed into the batteries' zinc electrodes, prolongs the life of devices and allows them to recharge. Adding bismuth oxide to zinc batteries is standard practice in industry to improve performance, but until recently, there hasn't been a thorough scientific explanation for why.

Last year, UC San Diego nanoengineers led by Professor Y. Shirley Meng published a detailed molecular study addressing this question (download PDF here). When zinc batteries discharge, their electrodes react with the liquid electrolyte inside the battery, producing zinc salts that dissolve into a solution. This eventually short circuits the battery. Adding bismuth oxide keeps the electrode from losing zinc to the electrolyte. This ensures that the batteries continue to work and can be recharged.

The work shows that it is possible to use small amounts of additives, such as bismuth oxide, to change the properties of materials. "Understanding the scientific mechanism to do this will allow us to turn non-rechargeable batteries into rechargeable batteries--not just zinc batteries but also for other electro-chemistries, such as Lithium-oxygen," said Meng, who directs the Sustainable Power and Energy Center at the UC San Diego Jacobs School of Engineering

From Innovation to Market

Rajan Kumar, a co-first author on this Advanced Energy Materials paper, is a nanoengineering Ph.D. student at the Jacobs School of Engineering. He and nanoengineering professor Wang are leading a team focused on commercializing aspects of this work. The team is one of five to be selected to join a new technology accelerator at UC San Diego. The technology accelerator is run by the UC San Diego Institute for the Global Entrepreneur, which is a collaboration between the Jacobs School of Engineering and Rady School of Management.

Kumar is excited at the prospect of taking advantage of all that the IGE Technology Accelerator has to offer.

"For us, it's strategically perfect," said Kumar, referring to the $50,000 funding for prototype improvements, the focus on prototype testing with a strategic partner, and the entrepreneurship mentoring.

Kumar is confident in the team's innovations, which includes the ability to replace coin batteries with thin, stretchable batteries. Making the right strategic moves now is critical for commercialization success.

"It's now about making sure our energies are focused in the right direction," said Kumar.

In addition to the IGE Technology Accelerator, the team was also recently selected to participate in the NSF Innovation-Corps (I-Corps) program at UC San Diego, also administered by the Institute for the Global Entrepreneur. One of the key tenets of the I-Corps program is helping startup teams validate their target markets and business models early in the commercialization process. Through NSF I-Corps, for example, Kumar has already started interviewing potential customers which has helped the team better focus their commercialization strategy.

Through these programs, Kumar is focused on leading the team through a series of milestones in order to best position their innovations to refine "both what to build and who to build it for," he said.

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Paper Citation:

"All-Printed, Stretchable Zn-Ag?O Rechargeable Battery via Hyperelastic Binder for Self-Powering Wearable Electronics" in the journal Advanced Energy Materials.

http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/aenm.201602096/full

Authors: Rajan Kumar, Jaewook Shin, Lu Yin, Jung-Min You, Prof. Shirley Meng and Prof. Joseph Wang, Department of Nanoengineering, Jacobs School of Engineering, University of California San Diego.

Joseph Wang is a distinguished professor, holds the SAIC endowed chair, and serves as chair of the Department of NanoEngineering at the UC San Diego Jacobs School of Engineering where he directs the Center for Wearable Sensors.

Shirley Meng is a professor in the Department of NanoEngineering and Director of the Sustainable Power and Energy Center at the UC San Diego Jacobs School of Engineering.

Research funders include: Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (DE-AR0000535); Rajan Kumar acknowledges the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship under Grant No. (DGE-1144086).

This work was performed in part at the San Diego Nanotechnology Infrastructure (SDNI), a member of the National Nanotechnology Coordinated Infrastructure, which is supported by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF).
A study by the University of Cincinnati found asymmetry in the cranial bones of Mexican cavefish

Imagine living in perpetual darkness in an alien world where you have to find food quickly by touch or starve for months at a time.

The limestone caverns of Mexico's Sierra del Abra Tanchipa rainforest contain deep cisterns cloaked in utter blackness. This is where researchers at the University of Cincinnati traveled to find a little fish (Astyanax mexicanus) that has evolved to feast or endure famine entombed hundreds of feet below the ground.

"They have been able to invade this really extreme environment. They are exposed to darkness their entire life yet they're able to survive and thrive," said Amanda Powers, a UC graduate student and lead author of a study on blind cavefish published in May in the journal PLOS One.

"They've evolved changes to their metabolism and skull structure. They've enhanced their sensory systems. And they can survive in an environment where not many animals could," she said.

Mexican cavefish are bizarre, not merely blind but born with eyes that regress until they are completely lost as adults. The bones of their once-round eye orbits have collapsed. In place of eyes, their empty sockets store fat deposits that are covered in the same silvery, nearly translucent scales as the rest of their pale, unpigmented bodies.

The UC study examined one biological adaptation that might help to explain how these fish navigate and find food without benefit of sight -- asymmetry. Researchers examined juvenile and adult cavefish to understand how their skulls change during their lives.

Most fish are symmetrical -- their left and right sides are virtually identical and streamlined to provide the most efficient locomotion in the water.

Cavefish are genetically similar to their symmetrical and keen-sighted cousins, Mexican tetras, found in nearby creeks and rivers on the surface. They're so closely related that they easily interbreed and produce fertile young, even though the two species are believed to have diverged millions of years ago.

Cavefish start their lives with symmetrical features like other fish. But when they mature, their fragmented cranial bones harden in a visibly skewed direction, the study found.

UC's researchers speculate that this adaptation helps the typically left-leaning cavefish navigate by using sensory organs called neuromasts to follow the contours of the cave as they swim in a perpetual counterclockwise pattern. This behavior was observed among captive cavefish, which keep moving around the edges of their tanks while surface fish tend to stay motionless in the shadows of their tank or swim in haphazard ways.

"That was a real big piece of the puzzle for us," said Joshua Gross, a UC biology professor and co-author. "It's a mystery how they've been able to adapt. The amazing thing is that they're not just barely surviving -- they thrive in total darkness."

Gross has been studying cavefish for years at UC. They make an excellent model to examine regressive evolution, the process by which animals lose features over generations, he said.

"The traits they've lost are very conspicuous -- their eyes, their pigmentation," Gross said. "The beauty of studying cave animals is it's a very robust model for understanding why features are lost, and it's a simple, stable set of environmental pressures that cause those features to go away."

Cave-dwelling animals as diverse as salamanders and crayfish have responded similarly by losing pigment and eyesight while gaining or augmenting other sensory structures.

"The fact that they're all moving in the same evolutionary direction is not a coincidence. They're all living in total darkness with a limited food supply," he said.

Cavefish are especially valuable for evolutionary study, Gross said, because of their genetic relationship with readily abundant surface fish. Many antecedents of other cave-dwelling animals have been lost to extinction from natural selection or calamity.

The UC biology lab has dozens of aquariums and breeding tanks full of cave and surface fish, each smaller than a goldfish. Researchers use QR-code stickers to keep track of the family history of the resident fish swimming in slow circles.

The hardy fish are easy to keep because they are not picky eaters. They get a mix of foods including flakes, brine shrimp and blackworms. UC gets its study fish from natural populations maintained by colleagues and reputable breeders.

"Our lab really tries to avoid taking any animals from nature," Gross said.

Mexican cavefish also are raised as a popular aquarium pet.

The skulls of all but a couple cavefish UC studied bend to the left. They seem to be right-finned, swimming in a lazy counterclockwise pattern around their aquariums in the biology lab.

"You could see how asymmetry might be an advantage in navigation," Powers said.

"They tend to swim in a unidirectional, circular motion around their tanks to explore their surroundings," she said. "Having asymmetry in their skull we think is attributed to handedness. If their skull is bent to the left, they could be 'right-handed.' They're feeling the wall to the right with their sensory structures."

This kind of asymmetry is uncommon in nature. Think of the fiddler crab with its outsized claw. Owls have asymmetrical ears -- one canal placed higher on the skull than the other -- perhaps to help the night predators target the faint rustling of a mouse in the dark.

In the biology lab, researchers breed surface fish with cavefish and study the resulting hybrids, co-author and recent UC graduate Shane Kaplan said. He and UC student Erin Davis also contributed to the study.

The interesting genetic combinations occur in the second generation or F2 population of hybridization, he said.

"You can capture the genetic diversity of the entire population," Kaplan said. "Some fish look exactly like surface fish. Others look exactly like cavefish. Then you'll have intermittent phenotypes. Some are pale but have eyes while others will have no eyes but are fully pigmented."

The study was funded by grants from the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation.

Powers traveled with Gross to Mexico in 2013, in 2015 and again this year to study wild cavefish. They wore dust masks to guard against fungal spores associated with the respiratory disease histoplasmosis, which can be found in bat guano. Getting to the fish pools required a little spelunking.

"The group ahead of us disturbed some bats. As we were coming in, bats were going out," she said. "They have incredible echo-location. The bats knew where you were and would fly around you in the darkness, even though it was a very small chamber."

The cave had several distinct pools, each farther from the entrance. The deeper they went, the fewer surface-dwelling fish they found until they found only blind cavefish.

"Whenever you would touch the surface of the water with your finger, a swarm of cavefish would come right up to it," Powers said. "Not many fish would do that. These cavefish have zero predators so they're not afraid. That was a really cool experience."

Kaplan said it would be worthwhile to explore the cavefish's DNA to find out what prompts the asymmetry in adult cavefish.

"We haven't yet delved into why it's happening. I'd love to get more into the genetics and developmental processes that lead to these bizarre phenotypes," Kaplan said.

Gross said his biology lab will continue to pursue these and other questions about this fascinating fish that has mastered a dark, subterranean realm, indifferent to the bright, colorful and chaotic world above it.

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America's bridges received a grade of C+ on the 2017 Infrastructure Report Card, put out by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). Aging is a factor in this score -- almost four in 10 of the 614,387 bridges in the U.S. are 50 years or older, and the average age keeps climbing.

But repair and rehabilitation are extremely costly -- the most recent estimate puts the nation's backlog of bridge rehabilitation needs at $123 billion.

In 2013, the Delaware Department of Transportation decided to explore the effectiveness of a novel rapid replacement approach for a two-lane bridge just north of the C&D canal that was nearing the end of its useful service life. They collaborated with researchers at the University of Delaware on design and construction of a new bridge, which continues to be monitored via a custom-designed instrumentation system.

The old bridge was replaced with what is known as a geosynthetic reinforced soil integrated bridge system (GRS-IBS). Developed and promoted by engineers at the Federal Highway Administration, this system lends itself to rapid and cost-effective construction.

Christopher Meehan, the Bentley Systems Incorporated Chair of Civil Engineering at UD, explains that the novel design borrows from the field of retaining walls, where geosynthetic materials -- including textiles, grids, strips and nets-- are used to provide tensile reinforcement to soils, enhancing their overall strength and stability.

"It turns out that concepts from these technologies can also be applied to bridges, saving money and reducing construction time," Meehan says. "The new bridge is basically a composite bridge structure that incorporates GRS abutments and prefabricated bridge superstructure elements. This approach eliminates the costly downtime associated with cast-in-place concrete, which can take a few weeks to a month to cure."

For this project, the GRS abutments were constructed by laying locally available concrete masonry blocks in rows, filling behind them with gravel and covering the wall facing elements and backfill with a geosynthetic fabric. This process was repeated in layers to build each bridge abutment, and then a precast-concrete bridge superstructure was placed on top of the abutments.

Next, some finish work was performed to bring the approach ways up to the grade of the bridge, and the entire bridge and roadway area was then paved. The resulting bridge superstructure spans approximately 37 feet, with a clear span over the inlet channel of a little more than 28 feet.

The UD research team provided extensive technical support on the project, including designing and implementing a custom structural health monitoring system that comprises more than 150 sensors to continuously monitor the bridge's long-term performance.

Meehan credits graduate students Majid Talebi, Tyler Poggiogalle, Dan Cacciola and Matthew Becker with making significant contributions to the design, construction and monitoring process.

"The DelDOT journey to construct a GRS-IBS bridge actually began when Chris approached us with the idea to construct and monitor one of these innovative structures," says Barry Benton, chief bridge engineer at DelDOT and a 1992 graduate of UD in civil engineering.

"From the very inception of the project, he worked closely with us to choose a location and assist in both the design and the monitoring plan. Since this was to be the first GRS-IBS bridge in Delaware, it was very important for us to understand how it would perform."

DelDOT has since built another GRS-IBS bridge in Sussex County, which is performing well to date. Benton believes that this technology will yield the largest cost savings if an internal maintenance crew can be trained to do the work.

"The beauty of the system is that it can be constructed quickly with small equipment, so it's a perfect fit for utilizing the talents of our own staff," he says.

Meehan calls the GRS-IBS an accessible technology that can be built almost anywhere.

"Geosynthetic reinforced soil structures are well-suited for construction all over the world, as geosynthetic materials are fairly light and can be easily imported," he says.

"Beyond that point, various types of walls and bridge abutments can be constructed using locally sourced materials, with little need for cast-in-place concrete. The resulting structures are cost-effective and fairly forgiving with respect to settlement and lateral deflection, and they have been shown to perform relatively well in earthquakes."

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Scientists at the University of Kent, working with colleagues from the genetics research industry[1], have developed a new genetic screening device and protocol that helps pig breeding

Scientists at the University of Kent, working with colleagues from the genetics research industry[1], have developed a new genetic screening device and protocol that helps pig breeding.

Through her work, Dr Rebecca O'Connor in the School of Biosciences, found previously undiscovered, fundamental flaws in the pig genome, the results of which have contributed to improved mapping of the pig genome.

In pigs - which provide 43% of the meat consumed worldwide - a chromosome defect can affect fertility.

With each pig producing as many as 14 piglets per litter, a faulty chromosome can reduce this by as much as half, with massive economic costs to the producer.

Dr O'Connor's research, carried out in the Griffin Laboratory, has led to the development of chromosome screening devices for both pigs and cattle and a chromosome screening service to multiple agricultural food providers.

Now with 13 clients in eight different countries, the team are screening hundreds of samples a year, as well as adapting the method to screen for chromosome abnormalities in other species.

The research findings were presented to agricultural industry leaders at the Pig Breeders Round Table Conference, one of the foremost international conferences on livestock genetics, held at the University of Kent in May 2017.

Dr O'Connor, research associate in the School of Biosciences, won the 2017 University Prize for Postgraduate Research in recognition of her 'exceptional publication record, and achievements far beyond those normally expected of a doctoral student'.

###

The paper was entitled Isolation of subtelomeric sequences of porcine chromosomes for translocation screening reveals errors in the pig genome assembly (Dr Rebecca O'Connor and Professor Darren Griffin, University of Kent; Dr. G. Fonseka, Dr. M. Lawrie and R. Frodsham, Cytocell Ltd, Cambridge; Professor A. L. Archibald, The Roslin Institute, R(D)SVS, University of Edinburgh, Division of Genetics and Genomics, Midlothian; and G. A. Walling, JSR Genetics, Southburn, Driffield, North Humberside) was published in Animal Genetics.

For further information or interview requests contact Sandy Fleming at the University of Kent Press Office.

Tel: 01227 823581/01634 888879

Email: S.Fleming@kent.ac.uk

News releases can also be found at http://www.kent.ac.uk/news

University of Kent on Twitter: http://twitter.com/UniKent Note to editors

[1] Genetics industry partners are Cytocell Ltd and JSR Genetics.

Established in 1965, the University of Kent - the UK's European university - now has almost 20,000 students across campuses or study centres at Canterbury, Medway, Tonbridge, Brussels, Paris, Athens and Rome.

It has been ranked: 22nd in the Guardian University Guide 2018; 23rd in the Times and Sunday Times University Guide 2017; and 25th in the Complete University Guide 2018.

In the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2015-16, Kent is in the top 10% of the world's leading universities for international outlook and 66th in its table of the most international universities in the world. The THE also ranked the University as 20th in its 'Table of Tables' 2016.

Kent is ranked 17th in the UK for research intensity (REF 2014). It has world-leading research in all subjects and 97% of its research is deemed by the REF to be of international quality.

In the National Student Survey 2016, Kent achieved the fourth highest score for overall student satisfaction, out of all publicly funded, multi-faculty universities.

Along with the universities of East Anglia and Essex, Kent is a member of the Eastern Arc Research Consortium.

The University is worth 0.7 billion to the economy of the south east and supports more than 7,800 jobs in the region. Student off-campus spend contributes 293.3m and 2,532 full-time-equivalent jobs to those totals.

In 2014, Kent received its second Queen's Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education.
COLUMBIA, Mo. (May 24, 2017) -- When a person loses a hand to amputation, nerves that control sensation and movement are severed, causing dramatic changes in areas of the brain that controlled these functions. As a result, areas of the brain devoted to the missing hand take on other functions. Now, researchers from the University of Missouri have found evidence of specific neurochemical changes associated with lower neuronal health in these brain regions. Further, they report that some of these changes in the brain may persist in individuals who receive hand transplants, despite their recovered hand function.

"When there is a sudden increase or decrease in stimulation that the brain receives, the function and structure of the brain begins to change," said Carmen M. Cirstea, M.D., Ph.D., research assistant professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and lead author of the study. "Using a noninvasive approach known as magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) to examine areas of the brain previously involved with hand function, we observed the types of changes taking place at the neurochemical level after amputation, transplantation or reattachment."

Cirstea, with co-author Scott Frey, Ph.D., the Miller Family Chair in Cognitive Neuroscience in the Departments of Psychological Sciences and Neurology, used MRS to evaluate the neuronal health and function of nerve cells of current hand amputees, former amputees and healthy subjects.

The researchers instructed volunteers to flex their fingers to activate sensorimotor areas in both sides of the brain. The research team then analyzed N-acetylaspartate (NAA) levels, a chemical associated with neuronal health. The researchers found that NAA values for the reattachment and transplant patients were similar to levels of amputees and significantly lower than the healthy control group.

"Previous research has found substantial reorganizational changes in the brain following limb injuries that decrease sensory and motor stimulation following limb injuries," Frey said. "These findings show that after surgical repairs, the effects of nerve injuries on the mature brain may continue even as former amputees recover varying degrees of sensory and motor functions in replanted or transplanted hands."

Due to the small number of reattachment and transplant patients studied (5), the researchers said that the results should be interpreted with caution until more work is completed.

###

The study, "Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy of Current Hand Amputees Reveals Evidence for Neuronal-level Changes in Former Sensorimotor Cortex," was published in the Journal of Neurophysiology, and was recognized by the American Physiological Society as one of the top original research papers published in April 2017. Research reported in this publication was supported by the United States Army Medical Research Acquisition Activity Grant, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Grant, the National Institutes of Health and the U.S. Department of Defense. The researchers have no conflicts of interest to declare related to this study.
Robert Lynch, a postdoctoral fellow in anthropology, says the level of devotion one feels toward religious beliefs can predict how that person likely will interact with members of his own group or with members outside of the group. Lynch's latest research paper, "Religious Devotion and Extrinsic Religiosity Affect In-group Altruism and Out-group Hostility Oppositely in Rural Jamaica," published in Evolutionary Psychology Science, suggests that a sincere belief in God--religious devotion--is unrelated to feelings of prejudice. Rather, Lynch's research finds that those whose religious beliefs are extrinsic--who use religion as a way to achieve non-religious goals such as attaining status or joining a social group--and who regularly attend religious services are more likely to hold hostile attitudes toward outsiders.

"It's not the true believers who are the problem," Lynch says. "It's the people who use religion, perhaps in a cynical way, to further their goals."

Lynch says one way to look at the issue is to compare ISIS with Al Qaeda. He says ISIS is mostly composed of former Iraqi generals who served under Saddam Hussein, and they are not particularly religious. Members of ISIS routinely kill members of their own group as well as individuals outside their group (both Sunnis and Shias). One of the main objectives for ISIS is to expand its territory, and it often uses a religious pretext to achieve its goals. On the other hand, Al Qaeda, a Sunni Muslim organization created in 1988 to fight the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, does not typically kill fellow Muslims. Lynch says members of Al Qaeda are true believers who like members of their own group and are not as hostile to outside groups.

Lynch's research is based on a 30-year study of 288 Jamaican citizens from youth to adulthood by Robert Trivers of Rutgers University, a colleague who is studying symmetry (how much an individual varies from left to right) in the island population. Lynch gave the study participants a survey to determine whether religious beliefs were intrinsic or extrinsic, as well as measuring religious devotion and church attendance. He says the findings suggest that the beliefs and social aspects that underlie religion have distinct effects on attitudes within and between groups. His research found that religious beliefs are positively associated with a willingness to sacrifice for one's beliefs and a greater tolerance of outsiders, while the social facets of religion, such as attendance, promote greater hostility toward outsiders.

"Group membership may be enough to produce a particular behavior and the religious beliefs themselves may be irrelevant," Lynch says. "Taken as a whole, these results point to a generally optimistic view of the ability for religious beliefs to generate compassion and a darker view on the social activities that promote group cohesion, which may also produce hatred of others."

###
MIAMI -- The snowy-feathered head and distinctive brown body of the bald eagle is a proud national symbol of the United States, adorning the country's currency and passports. The lion, known as "King of the Beasts," represents national strength and identity in several African countries.

But, how are populations of the planet's most valued wildlife fairing in the 21st centry? How well are societies protecting the species they have chosen to embody their ideals and represent their national identity?

In a new study, scientists from the University of Miami (UM) Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science assessed the extinction risk and conservation status of all the world's national animal symbols. The 189 animal symbols assessed ranged from the lion and bald eagle to the turtle dove and common loon.

The analysis by UM researchers Neil Hammerschlag and Austin Gallagher found that an alarming 35 percent of the world's national animal symbols are threatened with extinction and 45 percent are experiencing population declines. They determined that the primary threats facing national animal symbols are killing for food, human-wildlife conflict, and habitat loss.

The researchers were surprised to find that only 16 percent of all symbols were receiving any sort of national protection within the country in which they are considered symoblic. The also found that populations of national animal symbols represented by North America and Australia-Oceania were faring better than those found within the African continent, which hosted the highest proportion of threatned animal symbols by geographic region.

"If current population trends persist, over 50 percent of national animal symbols may face future extinction," said the study's lead author Hammerschlag, a research assistant professor at UM's Rosenstiel School and Abess Center for Ecosystem Science & Policy. "This clearly shows the opportunity for individual countries to protect their own national symbols."

The researchers analyzed data from the IUCN Red List to assess the threat and conservation status of national animal symbols, representing 127 countries, including some countries who share national symbols. The Africa lion, for example, is the national animal symbols of Morocco, Togo, Gambia, and Sierra Leone, although the lion already went extinct wthin the borders of these countires. Some countries, including the U.S. have taken specific conservation actions that have allowed populations of the once-threatened national symbol, the bald eagle, to recover and now thrive, demonstrating that these animals can be conserved with appropriate conservation action.

"Given the potential significance of animal symbols to national and personal identity, it may be relatively easy to garner public support and protection for these animals such that they may continue to function as not only a national symbol, but also a flagship species indirectly supporting the conservation of other species and their habitats," said study co-author Gallagher, an adjunct assistant professor at UM Rosenstiel School and director of the non-profit Beneath the Waves Inc.

"The results of the study pose a sobering question, if a country isn't able to conserve or protect its own national symbol, what hope do any other species in that country have?" said Gallagher. "Local conservation initiatives may benefit from generating increased awareness of threats facing national animal symbols."

The researchers note that it may be relatively easy within a country to garner support for national animal symbols as flagship species if citizens become aware of the risks they face. "The fact that countries have been able to bring their national animal symbols back from near-extinction through strong conservation efforts is an important lesson and excellent sign of hope for all nations," said Hammerschlag.

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The study, titled, "Extinction Risk and Conservation of the Earth's National Animal Symbols," was published on May 23, 2017 in the journal BioScience, published by the American Institute of Biological Sciences. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/biosci/bix054

Link to interactive map info graph: https://www.thinglink.com/scene/923771552942522369

About the University of Miami's Rosenstiel School

The University of Miami is one of the largest private research institutions in the southeastern United States. The University's mission is to provide quality education, attract and retain outstanding students, support the faculty and their research, and build an endowment for University initiatives. Founded in the 1940's, the Rosenstiel School of Marine & Atmospheric Science has grown into one of the world's premier marine and atmospheric research institutions. Offering dynamic interdisciplinary academics, the Rosenstiel School is dedicated to helping communities to better understand the planet, participating in the establishment of environmental policies, and aiding in the improvement of society and quality of life. For more information, visit: http://www.rsmas.miami.edu.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. - Memorial Day Weekend is heralded the nation over as the unofficial start to summer. Schools have dismissed for the academic year, or soon will. The weather has warmed, and outdoor recreation will soon peak. So, it's timely that a new, detailed study conducted by the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture has quantified the economic value of outdoor recreation, at least along the Tennessee Valley Authority's managed river system.

The study, which was performed by a team of scientists from the UTIA departments of Forestry, Wildlife and Fisheries and Agricultural and Resource Economics, determined that the combination of aquatic recreation and waterfront property along the Tennessee Valley Authority's managed river system creates $11.9 billion of annual economic impact to the region -- the equivalent of $1 million per shoreline mile.

In addition, the TVA-supported study found that TVA's 49 reservoirs support about 130,000 jobs annually.

To reach these conclusions, UTIA researchers conducted in-depth surveys of visitors and property owners along three of TVA's 49 reservoirs -- Norris, Watts Bar and Chickamauga -- during Summer 2016. Those reservoirs were chosen to represent urban, rural and tributary reservoir classifications. From that cross-section, the survey data was then extrapolated to cover the entire river system.

Scientists involved included Neelam Poudyal, an assistant professor of natural resource policy, and Burton English, Kim Jensen and Jamey Menard, all members of the UTIA Agri-Industry Modeling & Analysis Group (AIM-AG). AIM-AG is well known for performing economic impact evaluations for industries and government entities. Several UT graduate and undergraduate students also participated by conducting a mail survey of shoreline property owners as well as on-site surveys of reservoir visitors at public access points, including fishing piers, swimming areas, boat launches and commercial marinas. Responses from more than 1,100 recreational users were included in the study.

"Since its beginnings 84 years ago, TVA's mission has been to improve the lives of those in the Valley, and our integrated river management system is one of the cornerstones of our efforts," said Mike Skaggs, TVA Executive Vice President of Operations. Skaggs, other TVA officials, and representatives from UTIA unveiled the study results earlier this month as the agency kicked off a series of visits with civic officials and media from communities along the river system. "The UTIA study clearly establishes a strong link between the recreational opportunities our reservoirs create and improving the economic opportunities for the nine million people we serve every day," Skaggs added.

First developed to provide flood control, navigation and hydroelectric power, TVA's integrated development plan for the Tennessee River and its tributaries also provides boating, swimming, and fishing enthusiasts their choice of unique destinations across all seven states in its service area.

Poudyal, who specializes in the study of the human dimensions of natural resource policy, notes that TVA reservoirs provide tremendous outdoor opportunities to local and non-local visitors and visitors find their overall experiences highly satisfying. "Considering all the amenities that TVA reservoirs offer, the level of satisfaction among recreational users was relatively high - 75 percent," he said.

Based on expenditures, the UTIA economists agreed. English remarked, "The study found that recreational visitors to the TVA reservoir system generate an average annual economic impact of $11.9 billion as well as more than 130,000 local jobs, $4.45 billion in labor income and $916 million in state and local taxes." English further remarked that the study did not take every economic impact into consideration.

For example, the UTIA study did not consider the additional economic impacts created by non-aquatic based recreation (camping, hunting and hiking), and it did not address the additional economic benefits created by TVA's core missions of flood control or river transportation.

The positive contributions of recreation along the river system are in addition to TVA's more formal economic development activities and partnerships, which contributed to more than $8 billion of capital investment and the creation or retention of more than 72,000 jobs in the Tennessee Valley last year alone.

The Tennessee Valley Authority is a corporate agency of the United States that provides electricity for business customers and local power distributors serving more than 9 million people in parts of seven southeastern states. TVA receives no taxpayer funding, deriving virtually all of its revenues from sales of electricity. In addition to operating and investing its revenues in its electric system, TVA provides flood control, navigation and land management for the Tennessee River system and assists local power companies and state and local governments with economic development and job creation.

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Through its mission of research, teaching and extension, the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture touches lives and provides Real. Life. Solutions. ag.tennessee.edu.
JUBA, SOUTH SUDAN, May 24, 2017 -- The first aerial assessment of the impact of South Sudan's current civil war on the country's wildlife and other natural resources shows that significant wildlife populations have so far survived, but poaching and commercial wildlife trafficking are increasing, as well as illegal mining, timber harvesting and charcoal production, the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) said in a report issued today.

Wildlife in South Sudan, which is home to the world's second-largest land mammal migration, includes species of global importance, such as elephant, giraffe, lion, and hippopotamus. WCS conducted the aerial survey in 2015-16 as part of a project funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and part of the Great Elephant Census, funded by philanthropist and Microsoft cofounder Paul G. Allen. WCS previously conducted aerial surveys of South Sudan's wildlife and protected areas in 2007, 2008, 2009-10 and 2013.

The 2015-16 aerial survey covered the areas of Boma, Badingilo, Nimule, Southern, and Shambe National Parks, and the proposed Loelle protected area. A combination of aerial survey methods (systematic surveys and recce surveys) were employed with a total of 17,934 km flown (98 hours of flight time) and an estimated 20,845 sq. km surveyed systematically. The survey confirmed a minimum of 730 elephants in the surveyed zone. However, about 50 percent of previously documented important wildlife areas -- including the northern part of South Sudan's vast wetland, the Sudd -- were inaccessible due to conflict, preventing a comprehensive assessment.

Earlier surveys and applied research conducted by WCS and the South Sudan Wildlife Service estimated an elephant population of some 2,300 in the country prior to the civil war, which began in December 2013, down from an estimated 79,000 in the 1970's. Elephants face continued and expanded threats. Giraffe are in very low numbers--down from some 13,000 in the early 1980's to only hundreds remaining now and at risk of local extinction. Migratory tiang and other antelopes are vulnerable due to annual migration between Badingilo National Park and the Sudd.

The survey documented northern giraffe Kordofan subspecies in Shambe National Park area and hippopotamus and Uganda kob in Nimule National Park. Endangered northern giraffe Nubian subspecies, reedbuck, common eland, Beisa oryx, ostrich and wild dog were observed in Badingilo, Boma, and Loella areas. The white-eared kob and Mongalla gazelle were found to be the most dominant species in Badingilo and Boma. Important transboundary conservation linkages between South Sudan and neighbouring Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda were also documented.

Hon. Jemma Nunu Kumba, Minister, Ministry of Wildlife Conservation and Tourism stated: "These surveys are important for our country as they show the world that South Sudan is still home for many iconic wildlife species. However, some of these species have become endangered. I want to appeal to the people of South Sudan to take special care in protecting these endangered animals so that the next generation will continue to benefit from their presence. These animals serve and will serve as an import source of ecotourism for the country."

"The United States Government is supporting wildlife conservation in South Sudan because it is a priceless resource for the people of South Sudan and our shared global heritage," said USAID South Sudan Mission Director Jeffrey Bakken. "Our assistance has helped provide employment opportunities, helped resolve local conflicts and promoted knowledge sharing with local communities about the importance and benefits of protecting their wildlife heritage. South Sudan's wildlife and natural resources can directly contribute to peace and sustainable development."

Said Cristian Samper, WCS President and CEO: "There is still hope for wildlife in South Sudan even as conflict rages on. But there must be actions taken, including strengthening protected areas, to ensure the protection of South Sudan's natural heritage which is vital for wildlife and communities alike. Healthy wildlife populations and well managed Parks can improve livelihoods and security, and stabilize the region."

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Visit: newsroom.wcs.org Follow: @WCSNewsroom. For more information: 347-840-1242.

southsudancomms@wcs.org

http://www.facebook.com/wcs.southsudan

http://www.twitter.com/wcssouthsudan
Through June 4, the Lancaster County Sheriff's Office will participate in a Click It or Ticket nationwide campaign to promote awareness and increase the use of seat belts and child restraints.

On Wednesday from 3-8 p.m., a high visibility safety checkpoint will be set up on U.S. 77 just north of Nebraska 33. Vehicles will be selected and checked to make sure all the proper documentation is in the vehicle and all occupants are properly restrained, the department said.

From Friday to June 4, the office will have additional deputies working a saturation patrol to enforce traffic law violations throughout Lancaster County from 4-10 p.m., the department said.

Overtime for the additional deputies working during the mobilization will be paid through a mini-grant funded by the Nebraska Department of Roads Highway Safety Office.
The future government after next month's election must ensure tariff-free access to the EU's Single Market to protect British farmers, the Farmers' Union of Wales has said.

Meeting with general election candidates from all UK parties, the union said negating the risks for those most vulnerable to Brexit negotiations was a priority by pursuing free trade deals.

"We must seek to reach a long term agreement with the EU which maintains simple and tariff-free access to the EU's Single Market," said FUW president Glen Roberts.

Mr Roberts said a key manifesto demand was that the next Government negotiates Brexit transitional arrangements with the EU which allow sufficient time to reach agreement on trade and other matters which are in the interests of Wales, the UK and the remaining 27 EU Member States.

"Above all else, those elected on June 8, must pursue outcomes which negate the risks for those most vulnerable to Brexit scenarios  not least our farming families and rural communities  by ensuring domestic support, trade deals and supply chains are fair and fit for purpose.

"Food security, rural incomes, and local food production must be a priority, and negotiations must focus on the large and affluent market which is on our doorstep, in the form of the EU."

Devolved regions

In addition the union stressed that the next government should develop a framework which prevents unfair competition between devolved regions and agree to a ten year transition period between the current and any future policies.

They also urged a ring-fence of agricultural and rural development budgets which at least reflect those budgets which would have been in place should the UK have voted to remain in the European Union.

"Agricultural and rural development funding to Wales must be allocated outside the Barnett Formula, and in a way which ensures Wales historical allocation of funding is not reduced," he said.

"Food security, rural incomes, and local food production must be a priority, and negotiations must focus on the large and affluent market which is on our doorstep, in the form of the EU."
Thank you. We got the truck just about a year ago and spend around 4 hours on it a week so progress hasn't been that quick but it's getting there slowly. Also yes it is in the U.K... which is fine but expensive as there are few parts available over here and buying from the US means I pay about twice what I should do when you include shipping and import taxes!



Thanks for the widow maker advice. The tyres are all perished and, as the 7.00-17 6 Ply are so expensive, was going to look into all new wheels just to save some money in the long run. I think I could get a local garage to fit into the existing wheels but it's just the cost of the tyres that's putting me off. If anyone knows of some suitable replacement wheels that would be great.



Ill try and post more pictures as the project continues
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Last autumn in Cannes, I had the opportunity to preview and try the four new fragrances of the Chopard Collection which had just launched and were inspired by the jubilee of the 70th Cannes Film Festival. This prestigious event has a very close connection with the Chopard house that has lasted already for 20 years, but few of us actually know that the famous Palme d'Or (Golden Palm) was redesigned on 1998 by the craftsmen and jewelers of the Chopard house. Also, Chopard is an official partner of the Festival in Cannes, one of the main sponsors of the famous film festival.



The new Chopard Collection is a gorgeous collection of scents within the luxury family, inspired by precious ingredients from different parts of the world. It is created to celebrate the glamor and spirit of the festival and to offer something new, special and valuable to the customers of Chopard.







The four scents were not the only creations that Chopard was launching at the time of the 70th Cannes Film Festival. Chopard also designed and presented the luxury jewelry collection named "Red Carpet Collection" which celebrated its 10th year and presented the most luxurious jewelry pieces with diamonds, sapphires, emeralds and opal.



A special edition of the Palme d'Or this year was decorated with diamonds - please see the video!



The four fragrances of the CHOPARD COLLECTION are named by the lead and most prominent ingredients: Magnolia Au Vetiver du Haiti, Vanille de Madagascar, Vetiver d'Haiti au The Vert and Neroli a la Cardamom du Guatemala. The fragrances come in elegant sapphire blue glass bottles, with clear lines and a precise cut, reminding us of jewelry and precious gems, crowned with solid stoppers in a golden color.

The limited creations were launched to capture the 70 years of this festival; their caps are specially designed and decorated (embraced) with a gold palm. The outer packaging also has a close connection to the Cannes Film Festival theme with a discrete illustration of palm leaves.

For all the compositions I can say that they are extraordinarily done, the compositions focus on certain ingredients that are well balanced and layered; the quality is obvious on first smell, and all four fragrances gives a rich and luxurious impression on the skin. You can clearly recognize the main notes surrounded with a veil of warmth, musky notes, and creamy woody undertones. With this collection Chopard offers a new, luxurious, high class collection in, if I may say, a niche kind of way.





MAGNOLIA AU VETIVER DU HAITI offers an irresistible alliance of magnolia flowers and Haiti vetiver. The composition unveils notes of violet leaves and pink pepper at the beginning. Magnolias are placed in the heart, gathered with Haitian vetiver, while the base combines creamy and milky white wood and sandalwood.





VANILLE DE MADAGASCAR evokes the aromas of chocolate, bourbon and caramel, producing a hypnotic sensation - as is explained by Chopard. The composition opens with bergamot, matcha tea and sparkling orange blossom. The warmth of Madagascar vanilla and caramel have the main role in the fragrance, followed by the woody notes of cedar and Haitian vetiver in the base.





VETIVER D'HAITI AU THE VERT is built around the purest vetiver, enriched with aromatic notes of warm green tea that provides comfort and a feeling of pleasure. The composition opens with notes of green tea and vegetal amber, the heart notes develop Haitian vetiver and cedar wood, while the base notes bring Wolfwood (Firmenich molecule) and musk notes.





NEROLI A LA CARDAMOME DU GUATEMALA is my favorite from the collection, together with the Magnolia one. Spices and citruses bring sophisticating sparks and juiciness. The contrasts are obvious! Sunny and sweet mandarine is blended with neroli absolut, highlighting the orange blossom absolut in the heart. Cardamom from Guatemala gives a special touch to the composition, with its sweet, spicy and woody nuances, a bit dusty and harsh. The specific musky aromas of ambrette (musc mallow) make the composition warm and soft, gathered with subtly carressing white woods.



The four fragrances of the Chopard Collection are available in flacons of 100ml Eau de Parfum for the announced price of $233 each.

Photos from Cannes by Sandra Raicevic-Petrovic, flacon photos by Chopard




Haiti - FLASH : TPS extension for 6 months (official)





John F. Kelly, the Secretary of Homeland Security today announced his decision to extendfor an additional six months, the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation for Haiti. This extension is effective July 23, 2017 through January 22, 2018.



"After careful review of the current conditions in Haiti and conversations with the Haitian government, I have decided to extend the designation of Haiti for Temporary Protected Status for a limited period of six-months, said Secretary Kelly. Haiti has made progress across several fronts since the devastating earthquake in 2010, and Im proud of the role the United States has played during this time in helping our Haitian friends. The Haitian economy continues to recover and grow, and 96 percent of people displaced by the earthquake and living in internally displaced person camps have left those camps. Even more encouraging is that over 98 percent of these camps have closed.



Also indicative of Haitis success in recovering from the earthquake seven years ago is the Haitian governments stated plans to rebuild the Haitian Presidents residence at the National Palace in Port-au-Prince, and the withdrawal of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti."



Secretary Kelly was particularly encouraged by representations made to him directly by the Haitian government regarding their desire to welcome the safe repatriation of Haitian TPS recipients in the near future. "This six-month extension should allow Haitian TPS recipients living in the United States time to attain travel documents and make other necessary arrangements for their ultimate departure from the United States, and should also provide the Haitian government with the time it needs to prepare for the future repatriation of all current TPS recipients. We plan to continue to work closely with the Haitian government, including assisting the government in proactively providing travel documents for its citizens."



Prior to the expiration of this limited six-month period, Secretary Kelly will re-evaluate the designation for Haiti and decide anew whether extension, re-designation, or termination is warranted. The Department of Homeland Security urges Haitian TPS recipients who do not have another immigration status to use the time before Jan. 22, 2018 to prepare for and arrange their departure from the United Statesincluding proactively seeking travel documentationor to apply for other immigration benefits for which they may be eligible.



"I believe there are indications that Haiti  if its recovery from the 2010 earthquake continues at pace - may not warrant further TPS extension past January 2018. TPS as enacted in law is inherently temporary in nature, and beneficiaries should plan accordingly that this status may finally end after the extension announced today."



Further details about this extension of TPS for Haiti, including the application requirements and procedures, will appear in a Federal Register notice later this week.



HL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - USA TPS : Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke denounces





Following the announcement of John F. Kelly, to extend for only 6 additional months (until January 22, 2018), the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitians https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-21016-haiti-flash-tps-extension-for-6-months-official.html Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke denounces an inadequate extension of this Program :



"I am deeply disappointed by the refusal of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to provide a full, eighteen-month extension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian nationals living in the United States. A bipartisan coalition in Congress, as well as human rights activists and prominent members of the international community, had assembled in support of a full extension.



The situation in Haiti remains precarious. The recovery from the earthquake in 2010 has been severely threatened and hampered by an outbreak of cholera and the massive destruction of Hurricane Matthew, the most devastating storm to reach Haiti in half a century.



TPS has provided invaluable support for the recovery, allowing Haitian nationals here to send remittances to their relatives. These remittances are vital to the recovery and equal Haitis entire annual governmental budget. In addition, forcing 50,000 people to return to Haiti would impose enormous burdens on the meager social services available and fractured infrastructure that remains unstable.



I remain concerned by recent inaccurate, unwarranted and unsubstantiated characterizations of Haitian nationals by the Trump administration  this decision was based on factors other than conditions in Haiti, the only factor that should legally have been considered.



I strongly urge DHS to reconsider this ill-advised decision and to work with the government of Haiti to develop a plan that will meaningfully contribute to the recovery."



See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-21017-haiti-usa-tps-congresswoman-wilson-continues-the-fight.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-21016-haiti-flash-tps-extension-for-6-months-official.html

https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-21004-icihaiti-flash-wyclef-jean-calls-on-fans-to-put-pressure-on-trump-administration.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-20959-haiti-news-zapping.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-20727-haiti-flash-us-immigration-service-recommends-the-end-of-tps.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-20895-haiti-flash-tps-the-trump-administration-investigates-the-criminal-record-of-haitians.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-20859-haiti-flash-tps-2-senators-and-8-members-of-congress-write-to-john-kelly.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-20853-haiti-diaspora-tps-position-of-president-jovenel-moise.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-20832-haiti-flash-black-caucus-supports-tps-extension.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-20853-haiti-diaspora-tps-position-of-president-jovenel-moise.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-20820-haiti-flash-tps-pressures-multiply-on-government-trump.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-20779-haiti-flash-tps-16-us-senators-defend-haitians-in-the-usa.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-20727-haiti-flash-us-immigration-service-recommends-the-end-of-tps.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-20679-haiti-flash-nearly-60-000-haitians-fear-that-trump-will-not-renew-the-tps.html



SL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - News : Zapping...





Arrest of Gang Leader "Boule"

Sunday in Saint-Marc, the National Police of Haiti (PNH) arrested Louis Olguens aka "Boule", the alleged leader of the gang named "Al Qaida", specializing in robberies, according to the Police Commissioner of Saint-Marc, Jean Joras Sidney.



The President of the Canadian Senate visited the Haitian Senate

Monday, Canadian Senate President Georges J. Furey, accompanied by three other Senators and Paula Caldwell St-Onge, Canada's Ambassador to Haiti. Visited the Haitian Parliament. The objective, according to Haitian Senate President Youri Latortue, was to review cooperation and, on the other hand, the possible avenues to be exploited to make relations between the two parliaments more efficient.



Tear Gas against workers

On Monday morning, the security forces violently dispersed on the Airport Road a demonstration of workers from the subcontracting industry who continued to demand a basic minimum wage of 800 Gourdes. Several hundred textile workers in Ouanaminthe were also in the streets for the same reasons. Recall that the manufactures of SONAPI had to close their doors for two days https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-20989-haiti-flash-workers-forced-to-take-the-street-companies-close.html resume their activities this Tuesday amid uncertainty...



PAP Mayor discusses cooperation with Canada

An important working meeting was held between the Municipal Council of Port-au-Prince, in the presence of Mayor Ralph Youri Chevry and a delegation of the World Agency Canada, on the situation of the Haiti-Canada Municipal Cooperation Program.



The UNNOH maintains the mobilization of teachers

The Union Nationale des Normaliens Haitiens (UNNOH) maintains its watchword for the mobilization of teachers, despite the announcement by the Executive, of an exit from the crisis following a meeting with trade unions, which UNNOH has shunned. The union denounced an "imposture" of the executive affirming that it is a maneuver aimed at stifling the demands of the teachers and accused the unions taking part in the meeting of betraying the cause.



Cooperation with the Bar of Paris

Me Dominique Attias, Vice-President of the Bar Association of Paris, pledges to continue cooperation with her colleagues in Port-au-Prince to strengthen the training of young people. In particular, she wished the intervention of the lawyers to fight against the extended preventive detention in Haiti.



HL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - NOTICE : Warning to US travelers to Haiti





"Last updated May 22, 2017. Department of State warns U.S. citizens to carefully consider the risks of traveling to Haiti due to its current security environment and lack of adequate medical facilities and response, especially in the areas of Petion-ville and the storm-damaged southern peninsula departments of Grand Anse and South. This replaces the Travel Warning dated November 4, 2016.



Rates of kidnapping, murder, and rape rose in 2016. While there is no indication that U. S. citizens are specifically targeted, kidnapping for ransom can affect anyone in Haiti, particularly long-term residents.



Armed robberies and violent assaults reported by U.S. citizens have risen in recent years. Do not share specific travel plans with strangers. Be aware that newly arrived travelers are targeted. Arrange to have your host or organization meet you at the airport upon arrival or pre-arranged airport to hotel transfers.



Be cautious when visiting banks and ATMs, which are often targeted by criminals. Fewer incidents of crime are reported outside of Port-au-Prince, but Haitian authorities' ability to respond to emergencies is limited and in some areas nonexistent.



U.S. Embassy employees are discouraged from walking in city neighborhoods, including in Petionville. Visit only establishments with secured parking lots. U.S. Embassy personnel are under a curfew from 1:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m. Embassy personnel must receive permission from the Embassy security officer to travel to some areas of Port-au-Prince and some regions of the country, thus limiting the Embassys ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens.



Protests, including tire burning and road blockages are frequent and often spontaneous. Avoid all demonstrations. The Haitian National Polices ability to assist U.S. citizens during disturbances is limited. Have your own plans for quickly exiting the country if necessary.



The U.S. Embassy remains concerned about the security situation in the southern peninsula departments of Grand Anse and Sud following the devastation of Hurricane Matthew. Embassy employees are not permitted to travel to those departments without special approval for and official trips only.



Medical care infrastructure, ambulances, and other emergency services are limited throughout Haiti. Check that your organization has reliable infrastructure, evacuation, and medical support in place. Comprehensive medical evacuation insurance is strongly advised for all travelers."



HL/ HaitiLibre


















OMAHA -- The new Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center here will prove a global leader in modernizing the outdated, sluggish approach to finding the cure for a disease afflicting millions worldwide, former Vice President Joe Biden said Tuesday.

At a ribbon-cutting ceremony held there, Biden hailed the medical and research collaboration at the heart of the cancer center and stressed the urgency in finding a cure.

This is about minutes, this is about days, this is about weeks, Biden told a crowd of 500 gathered on the University of Nebraska Medical Center campus for the center's dedication.

Minor scientific breakthroughs can extend time for those patients, Biden said, but too often the researchers and clinicians are working in silos and not collaboratively.

Bidens son, Beau, died of brain cancer two years ago at age 46.

The vice president, who led a national task force known as Cancer Moonshot, said he will spend the rest of his life fighting to eradicate cancer and recently launched the Biden Cancer Initiative, which aims to break down the siloed approach to studying the disease and encourage data sharing to accelerate the discovery of a cure.

Biden said the new $323 million cancer research and treatment center is built on integrating medical breakthroughs into ongoing care.

Im excited about this center because I don't think anybody here has to be convinced that sharing data is in their interest, Biden said.

The vice president and center officials praised the public-private commitment that made the center possible, including $90 million contributed by the state, city of Omaha and Douglas County.

The center is a joint venture of the University of Nebraska Medical Center and Nebraska Medicine and features a 10-story, 98-laboratory research tower and an eight-story tower with 108 in-patient treatment rooms.

The center is named for Fred and Pamela Buffett, its founding benefactors. Fred Buffett, who was Warren Buffett's first cousin, died of kidney cancer in 1997.

Set to open next month, the cancer center will add 1,200 new high-paying jobs to Omaha and will provide world-class cancer care to patients in Nebraska, Iowa and the surrounding region, Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert said.

Patients will receive treatment options and clinical trials not found elsewhere in the state as the cancer center is the only National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center in Nebraska.

Research will focus on breast cancer, leukeumia and lymphoma, lung cancer, pancreatic and gastrointestinal cancer among others and will aim to more efficiently translate to patient care, center officials said.

"We're going to put Nebraska on the map," University of Nebraska President Hank Bounds said prior to Biden's remarks.

Biden had hoped to oversee cancer's eradication as president but declined to seek the Democratic nomination last year in large part because of the emotional toll of his son's death.

Cancer's consequences and its toll are felt by everyone in the patient's family, Biden said.

Since his son's diagnosis, he sought greater understanding of the disease and the fight to cure it, he said.

What he learned, he said, was the approach to eradicating the ever-changing disease hadn't changed much since President Richard Nixon declared war on cancer in 1971.

The brilliant minds toiling for answers were working in their own institutional silos, he said.

One day, children will receive vaccines to ward off particular cancers and routine blood samples will help doctors catch something early, Biden said.

But getting there will take more and continued collaboration among researchers and improvements in data standards, he said.

The "moonshot" initiative he was tapped by former President Barack Obama to lead last year hasn't been adopted by President Donald Trump's administration, he said.

But his Biden Cancer Initiative, launched in March, will seek first to upgrade medical data standards used for cancer research, he said.

Already a data set made public to researchers the world over through the "moonshot" initiative has been accessed more than 80 million times, he said.

And federal officials removed some bureaucratic hoops for researchers seeking to test different cancer-fighting drugs from different companies by addressing their intellectual property concerns that often got in the way of the quest for answers, he said.

"If only one breakthrough comes, it could save a whole heck of a lot of lives," Biden said.

Bringing the fight to cure cancer into the 21st century is underway, he said.

"And my guess is right here at this center you're going to be one of the leaders in the world in doing it."




Haiti - Politics : Jovenel in Ecuador and Mexico





As part of the swearing-in ceremony of the new Ecuadorian President, Lenin Moreno https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-21006-haiti-ecuador-moise-will-attend-the-inauguration-of-president-moreno.html , the President Jovenel Moise, accompanied by his wife Martine, arrived in Ecuador Tuesday evening at Mariscal Sucre International Airport, before heading to Quito, the capital on the Haiti Square where he laid a wreath of flowers at the foot of the Heroes of Haitian Independence monument.



The floral Offering ceremony took place in the presence of the Mayor of the city, representatives of the Haitian community in Ecuador and the staff of the Embassy of Haiti in Quito.



Subsequently, the presidential couple was invited to a welcome cocktail hosted by the Embassy, and then President Moise went to the Hilton Colon for a bilateral meeting with the First Vice President of the Republic of Cuba, Miguel Diaz-Canel.



The two leaders discussed various topics of national interest in connection with the continued cooperation between Cuba and Haiti.



During this one-on-one meeting, President Moise addressed issues related to technical cooperation for the construction of reservoirs, which will be used to increase agricultural production. Discussions also included the establishment of trade relations between the two countries, the strengthening of medical cooperation, particularly in the field of hospital management, and the continuation of the scholarship program in the fields of agriculture, veterinary medicine and fisheries.



On Wednesday, after the inauguration, the President will travel to Mexico to participate in the 5th Summit of the Global Platform for Risk Reduction, an important event for the region and for Haiti in particular.



After this flash trip, the President will be back on Thursday, May 25th.



See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-21006-haiti-ecuador-moise-will-attend-the-inauguration-of-president-moreno.html



HL/ S/ HaitiLibre


















Publix close to breaking ground

The developer building a new Publix has assured city officials that its close to breaking ground on the grocery chains first store in Hendersonville.

Related Stories



Tom Vincent, president of Halvorsen Development, said in an email to City Manager John Connet on Friday that the contractor hopes to start construction by mid-June. Among other permitting issues, Halvorsen had to file a separate request to build in a floodplain after the Federal Emergency Management Agency turned down its application for a no-rise permit.

Halvorsen still must get the blessing of the N.C. Department of Transportation and after that final staff approval from the city planning department. The top NCDOT engineer for Henderson County confirmed that Publix could get its permit within a week.

They have told us they are ready to break ground and theyre hoping it will be in the middle of June, Councilman Ron Stephens said. Its very good news. A lot of people have been anticipating this for a long time. They have a lot of customers that have been doing business with them a long time that have moved up from Florida.

The news that Publix is moving ahead with its first Hendersonville store comes amid persistent rumors that it had pulled out because of permitting delays. That was unlikely, given that the supermarket chain had invested $6 million to buy the property and two years in site planning and permitting.

They thought it was a good idea to start with, Stephens said. The markets still here. Theyve been through the headache part of it and now theyre ready to start. Theyve had to put the time and effort into getting federal approval and state approval and us approving it.

A Publix spokeswoman confirmed that the project is alive.

We do not have a construction start date, but are working through the permitting process currently, said Kim Reynolds, Charlotte division media and communications manager. Many factors affect construction including weather and permitting, so it is difficult to share how long construction will take.

NCDOT District Engineer Steve Cannon said his agency is close to issuing a permit.

They are still moving ahead with that driveway permit, he said. We are very near issuing that permit. As of this morning one of our last comments came in. The NCDOT required that Publix build a left turn lane for northbound traffic at the southern-most entrance into the parking lot. I think well probably have it issued within a week, Cannon said.

Stephens said people around town frequently ask him about the project.

I think its a combination of being on city council and being in the real estate business, he said. People think Ive got the inside track. Sometimes I do, sometimes I dont.

Despite the proliferation of grocery stores at the corner of Greenville and Spartanburg highways, competition can only drive higher quality, he said.

Publix would join a grocery war thats already hot at the citys south gateway. Ingles has just opened a new store a few hundred yards away, offering a floral center, a Starbucks, deli counter, hot food bar and other amenities, while Harris Teeter and Fresh Market also compete for the food shoppers dollar.
Henderson County News LIGHTNING EDITORIAL: Outlaw School Board sets a poor example What if a playground bully sent to the principals office responded in his defense that he should not be punished because he didnt agree with the rule against pushing other kids. Read Story 

Henderson County News It's time to recycle campaign signs Henderson County's Environmental Programs and Parks and Recreation departments are partnering to provide campaign sign recycling drop-off in the Jackson Park House parking lot through Wednesday, Nov. 23. Read Story 

Henderson County Four Seasons Politics Edwards elected to Congress Republican Chuck Edwards had a solid 16,000-vote lead over Democrat Jasmine Beach-Ferrara on Tuesday night in his attempt to take the 11th Congressional District seat that became open when Edwards vanquished incumbent Madison Cawthorn in the May primay. Read Story 

Henderson County News Moffitt, Balkcom win NC Senate, House seats Republicans Tim Moffitt and Jennifer Capps Balkcom won seats in the North Carolina Legislature in a big night for their party on Tuesday. Read Story 
I have to admit that there are two concepts in our industry that remain untouched and have become not only paradigms, but also a forbidden subject, about which nobody talks or little reference is made to them. Unfortunately, these topics are, in my experience as consultant, two of the main sources of stress that generate negative emotional valences in hotel workers, namely: 1 - Low salaries 2 - Long working hours

The constant growth and development of the hotel market has made the supply to exceed the demand many a time and, consequently, hotels have to search for operational strategies that help them to stand out and, in this way, call the attention of potential clients and take a good position in the market sector to which they offer their products and related services.

Hotels face an unceasing innovation and transformation of their products and related services because of the copy-paste fashion that limits the average life of their mandate in the market and reproduces generic products and services throughout all destinations.

From my personal point of view, I believe not only in the need of a change, but also in its speed, and I do recognize those businesses that have foreseen the benefits of innovation to reach a level of services that match the needs of the clients.

However, I have to admit that there are two concepts in our industry that remain untouched and have become not only paradigms, but also a forbidden subject, about which nobody talks or little reference is made to them. Unfortunately, these topics are, in my experience as consultant, two of the main sources of stress that generate negative emotional valences in hotel workers, namely:

1 - Low salaries

2 - Long working hours

Let us analyze, from my perspective, each of them and how they influence on the hotel worker, the business and the client.

1 - The salary represents the key What for of any person who Works for a company for it allows him/her to satisfy his/her basic needs. Besides, it is the main driving force to generate actions and changes in the worker, just like Karl Marx said: before thinking and creating, man has to eat, drink and get dressed.

In many hotel businesses, the salaries paid to the workers are not functional to satisfy their basic needs as human beings, so they have then to work for an extra, a search to hold out which sometimes becomes the daily what for and distorts the believes and behaviors on which hospitality is based.

Low salaries entail the prominence of tips in the life of workers and this, in turn, reinforce the tipaholic behavior, so dysfunctional to the hotel worker, the business and the client as I wrote in an article (https://www.hotelnewsresource.com/article91464.html ).

When a worker is forced to search for an extra income during his/her working hours, this twists his/her behavior and focuses on a money goal that moves from optional to compulsory in the mind constructs. This attitude sacrifices the sense of the service; the client is harmed, and it affects the business image. Then I ask myself:

What prevents companies from reconsidering the salaries paid to their workers? and, How to use it as a motivating factor and an enhancer of the commitment and loyalty of those who will eventually determine the client satisfaction and the maintenance and growth of the business in the market?

2 - Much has been said about the need of giving a break to the human brain to ensure an optimal performance of its functions and tasks, which consume a huge amount of energy

Neurosciences have proved the harmful effects of stress, physically and psychologically, to the human brain, and its consequences in essential processes in hospitality care such as service providing, decision making and memory.

Many hotel businesses still believe that they need their workers to be at work for more than 10 hours, without paying attention to the fact that a brain in action for more than 8 hours becomes dysfunctional in terms of, say, concentration, planning, rational thinking and decision making. It then becomes a fertile soil for making mistakes, mechanicity and cognitive blindness, three incongruous elements in a differential competitive scenario.

Many a time, a dysfunctional planning of the work schedule, an insufficient number of workers, an inadequate design of operational tasks, or just the existence of highly controlling leadership styles, extend the workday to 12 or more hours.

I always use the same example for the business owners or managers who object a reduction or the working day: Imagine you need to have an operation and your doctor tells you that he/she has only taken a break of 4 or 5 hours before the operation. What would you do?

Try to imagine a butler, a receptionist, a cook, a porter, a manager who works 12 hours a day and is responsible for dealing with your orders, anticipating your needs and turn your stay in the hotel into an unforgettable experience and, at the same time, be in a good mood, friendly, smiling every time he/she interacts with you A great challenge, isnt it?

As I said, this is something I do want to talk about, so I leave the doors open for a debate

Osvaldo Torres Cruz

Experiential and Neuro Hospitality Consultancy

www.hotelguestexperience.com

hotelps@gmail.com
Tourico Holidays Data Shows Strong U.S. Hotel Market

Tourico Holidays today shared encouraging data for the United States hotel industry, revealing an 8 percent overall increase in U.S. hotel bookings in 2016, compared to the prior year  and an additional 6.5 percent increase through the first 18 weeks of 2017.

Another promising sign for the U.S. hotel market is Chinese travel. According to Tourico, the Chinese have increased their U.S. inbound hotel bookings by 67.5 percent year-over-year in 2017. Other countries also increasing their U.S. hotel bookings in 2017 include Brazil (+23.5% YOY), Canada (+19% YOY), Australia (+9% YOY), and the United Arab Emirates (+60% YOY).

There was some concern that current issues, such as a travel ban and seemingly tighter immigration policies, would negatively affect the U.S. hotel industry, but the market appears to be even more resilient than even we initially predicted, said Matias Elisavetsky, the Executive Vice President of Global Product Development for Tourico Holidays. Its extremely encouraging to see hotel traffic continue to grow  especially from key source markets like China, Canada, Brazil and the UAE.

California, a popular tourism destination among foreign travelers and a market that typically reflects the overall health of the hotel industry, has also increased its inbound hotel bookings. Hotel bookings in The Golden State are trending 19 percent higher in 2017 than the same time last year.

To meet the growing demand, Tourico Holidays has bolstered its U.S. hotel inventory, growing its footprint of contracted hotels in California by 10 percent in 2016, and by 52 percent since 2013. The company works with suppliers, pre-purchasing massive room blocks and providing guaranteed occupancy levels. Tourico utilizes a network of 2,500 distributors throughout the world to generate global demand for their U.S. hotel partners. As a result of its global footprint, U.S. travel suppliers can rely less on local and domestic customers and increase occupancy rates through global channels.

As private accommodation aggregators flood the online marketplace and consumer behaviors shift, its vital for hotel suppliers to expand their distribution plan and put their inventory in front of a global audience, said Elisavetsky. Being connected to a diverse collection of international travel sellers, our hotel partners can access customers in every part of the globe and enjoy sustained profitability.
State of American Vacation 2017

New Report Shows Gender, Generation, and Seniority May Predict Vacation Behavior

American workers took an average of 16.8 days of vacation in 2016, according to new research from Project: Time Off, turning the trend line in a positive direction after losing almost a week of vacation time since 2000. The jump, up from 16.2 days in 2015, provides reason to be cautiously optimistic about America's vacation habits.

Taking time off continues to be a challenge in America's always-on work culture with more than half (54%) of employees ending 2016 with unused vacation time, a slight decrease from 2015 results (55%). These findings, from Project: Time Off's State of American Vacation 2017 report, provide the most comprehensive annual look at America's vacation habits based on GfK survey research of 7,331 U.S. employees who earn time off and economic analysis conducted by Oxford Economics. See the report for a full methodology.

"For the first time in many years, there is reason to believe that America's bad vacation habits may be improving," said Project: Time Off Senior Director and report author Katie Denis. "Our workforce still has a long way to go to rewire its thinking that hours worked and busyness are equivalent to productivity. But make no mistake, the increase in vacation usage is a positive indicator for American work culture."

While Americans are taking more vacation time, there is also a slight increase in the number of days left unused. In 2016, 662 million vacation days were left on the table, four million days more than 2015. However, forfeited vacation daystime that cannot be rolled over, banked, or paid outare down eight percent to 206 million forfeited days. Those forfeited days have a cost. Last year, employees gave up $66.4 billion in lost benefits, which translates to an average of $604 per employee.

The Economics of Vacation Time

The jump in vacation usage from 16.2 to 16.8 days delivered a $37 billion total impact to the U.S. economy. But there is more economic potential to be gained as lost spending from America's millions of unused days cost the U.S. economy $236 billion in 2016. Had those days been used, they had the potential to create 1.8 million jobs and generate $70 billion in additional income for American workers.

Remedy for Unused Days: Planning

The increase in vacation usage may be tied to the majority of Americans (54%) planning their time off. Workers who set aside time to plan their vacation days are more likely to take all of their time off (52% to 40%). They also tend to take longer vacations. While three-in-four (75%) planners take a week or more at a time, non-planners take significantly fewer dayszero to threethan planners at once (42% to 18%). The benefits extend beyond the days spent away from the office. Planners are happier than non-planners in every category measuredrelationships, health and well-being, company, and job.

Reworking Work Culture

Many employees hold fast to the belief that the path to career success requires sacrificing vacation and embracing work martyrdom. The data tells a vastly different story. Thirty-eight percent of employees said they want to be seen as a work martyr by their boss, but they are less likely (79% to 84%) to report receiving a raise or bonus and are no more likely to have received a promotion in the last year than the average worker (28% to 28%).

"We need to put to rest the fallacy that 'work ethic' is equivalent to work martyrdom," said Project: Time Off Director of Communications Cait DeBaun. "Not only are employees not getting ahead by sacrificing time off, these habits may also be harming their careers."

Gender and Job Title Predict Vacation Habits

Nearly all (96%) American employees say vacation is important to them, yet there is a disparity based on gender and seniority in vacation usage and perceptions of workplace vacation culture.

Men were more likely than women to use all their vacation time in 2016, up three percentage points from 2015 to 48 percent. While women say that vacation is "extremely" important to them, more so than men (58% to 49%), only 44 percent of women use all their time off. This disconnect between belief and behavior only worsens among Millennial women who, despite being more fervent believers in the benefits of time off than their male counterparts, take less time off (44% Millennial women vs. 51% Millennial men) due to an overwhelming amount of reported guilt, fear, and work martyr habits.

Whether some of these fears are warranted or not, muddled messaging in the workplace extends beyond gender and generational differences. An employee's view of their company and corresponding vacation culture varies based on their rung of the corporate ladder. Compared to non-managerial employees, senior leaders are more likely to believe the company encourages vacation (50% to 30%), feel supported by management (59% to 39%), and hear about the value of taking time off (62% to 51%). Despite their positive feelings about company culture, senior leaders feel the pressures of taking time off more acutely and are less likely to use their days than non-managers (61% to 52%).

"The issues facing our workforce around vacation culture, while alarming, also present clear opportunities and solutions. Americans are using more vacation, and the positive change can continue if American workersparticularly senior leadersprioritize conversation, planning, and modeling of good vacation behavior," said Denis.
BI WORLDWIDE India Wins Big at the 31st MAA Worldwide Globes

Posted by Press Releases on Wednesday, 05-24-2017 4:45 am

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Awarded the Bronze Globe for Best Business to Business or Trade Marketing Campaign BI WORLDWIDE India, a global leader in delivering technology-enabled engagement and loyalty solutions, has won the Bronze award in the Best Business to Business or Trade Marketing Campaign at the 2016 MAA WORLDWIDE GLOBES. The award was given in appreciation of a Channel Loyalty Program campaign which BI WORLDWIDE India designed and executed for one of its clients in the automotive industry. The award-winning Channel Loyalty program was designed to boost the sales of the automotive tyre manufacturers products from their dealers across the country by leveraging dealer engagement and incentive strategies. BI WORLDWIDE India carried out end-to-end execution of the program, driving dealer participation through relevant, innovative and timely campaigns, while also helping the client to develop stronger ties with their channel partners. Here are some goals achieved through the program campaigns: Increased ...

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Montreal and Bishkek, 24 May 2017  The President of the ICAO Council, Dr. Olumuyiwa Benard Aliu, delivered important aviation safety and sustainability messages during a series of high-level meetings last week in the Kyrgyz Republic.



Visiting Bishkek at the invitation of the Kyrgyzstan Government, and accompanied by ICAOs European and North Atlantic Regional Director, Mr. Luis Fonseca de Almeida, President Aliu met with Kyrgyzstans Prime Minister, Mr. Souronbai Zheienbekov, as well as the Chief of Cabinet of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic, Mr. Sapar Isakov.



Stressing the socio-economic importance of aviation connectivity to landlocked States such as Kyrgyzstan, most especially in terms of enhanced tourism and trade, Council President Aliu further underlined that to access and optimize those benefits as fully as possible, Kyrgyzstan would need to address current aviation safety concerns identified through ICAOs audits. He also pointed to the need for high-level political will in order to address other ICAO compliance issues relating to Kyrgyzstans air operations, and to its aviation safety and security oversight responsibilities.



ICAO assists States all over the world in achieving these goals, President Aliu remarked, notably through our No Country Left Behind initiative. It is aimed at delivering or coordinating assistance and capacity building to States in aid of their effective implementation of ICAOs global standards and policies, which in the end is the most fundamental prerequisite for global connectivity and enhanced prosperity for the citizens and businesses of landlocked States.



In addition to his key high-level messages on the role of aviation connectivity, President Aliu also discussed the need to align air transport infrastructure and other aviation development objectives with broader national and transport development policies, during separate talks with Kyrgyzstans Minister of Transport and Roads, Mr. Jamshitbek Kalilov.



President Aliu also had the opportunity to meet with the Chairman of the Kyrgyz Parliament, Mr. Chynybai Tursunbekov, its Deputy Minister of Transport and Roads, Mrs. Gulmira Abdralieva, and the heads of various public and private sector aviation sector organizations. Discussions with these officials focused on aviation challenges needing to be addressed by the State, the overall strengthening of Kyrgyzstans Civil Aviation Authority, and the need to implement related legal agreements.



In every instance, President Aliu received the highest assurances that Kyrgyz political will was in place, and that the needed commitments and actions would be taken to further improve and develop civil aviation capacities and benefits in Kyrgyzstan.

Resources for Editors

ICAO and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

ICAO's No Country Left Behind initiative

About ICAO

A specialized agency of the United Nations, ICAO was created in 1944 to promote the safe and orderly development of international civil aviation throughout the world. It sets standards and regulations necessary for aviation safety, security, efficiency, capacity and environmental protection, amongst many other priorities. The Organization serves as the forum for cooperation in all fields of civil aviation among its 191 Member States.



Contacts

Anthony Philbin

Chief, Communications

aphilbin@icao.int

+1 514-954-8220

+1 438-402-8886 (mobile)

Twitter: @ICAO

William Raillant-Clark

Communications Officer

wraillantclark@icao.int

+1 514-954-6705

+1 514-409-0705 (mobile)

Twitter: @wraillantclark
RACINE  When Dawn Burbey heard Tuesday night that police had responded to her bar Curmudgeons, 3458 Rapids Drive, 23 times in the past year, she was taken aback.

I normally keep it on my calendar, I highlight it in blue, when I see them and when theres a problem, Burbey said. Youre telling me theres so many calls and I dont have that.

Burbey was called before the Public Safety and Licensing Committee because of a fight that happened recently outside her bar. Although Racine Police Investigator Justin Koepnick said police have taken nearly two dozen separate calls at Curmudgeons since last May, Burbey said the recent incident was the only time an officer approached her to see her license.

Its the first time anythings ever happened that I knew of, other than (incidents) on New Years and in October, she said.

Burbeys lack of awareness about the incidents concerned the committee, and a few members pointed out that her situation isnt uncommon.

Theres so many (bar owners) that come in and they dont know, 4th District Alderman Tracey Larrin said.

The concerns about Curmudgeons were unanimously received and filed by the committee. However, the committee agreed to change its procedure for requesting bars to appear before them in light of Burbeys confusion.

The plan, suggested by Assistant City Clerk Tara McMenamin, will result in an emailed copy of relevant incidents from the Police Departments licensed premises report added to the information provided to the bars agent, and the alderman for the bars district will also receive the information. Additionally, McMenamin plans to add a line encouraging the agent to reach out to the City Clerks Office with questions.

I want to make sure that Im doing what the committee would like, McMenamin said.

BJWs license renewal deferred

Michael Winston has had his liquor license for BJWs Ultra Lounge, 1301 Washington Ave., for less than a year, but 1st District Alderman Jeff Coe already has reservations about renewing it.

Winston was apparently cited for OWI after he left his bar in recent weeks, although he claims he had one drink and fell asleep at the wheel because he was tired from working two jobs. The citation comes on the heels of a separate citation for BJWs staying open after hours earlier this year.

Im really hesitant to vote this because of whats been going on, Coe said. This is serious stuff.

The committee chose to defer action on Winstons liquor license, which was up for renewal, until the committees next meeting. Larrin said she wanted the full police report submitted to the committee before they take action, while 7th District Alderman Ray DeHahn felt uncomfortable acting before Winston is convicted of the citations.

Do you punish him before hes punished? DeHahn asked. Think about that.

Other action

The committee also requested action for two other licensed businesses Tuesday night. The agent for the BP station at 3502 Rapids Drive will be summoned to the next meeting to discuss recent incidents.

Additionally, city staff will contact representatives for Balkan Restaurant, 605 Sixth St., to ask the agent to surrender his liquor license. The committee requested the appearance of Dragan Sekuloski on Tuesday to show proof that the restaurant had met its 60-day re-opening deadline, but no representative showed. Assistant City Attorney Nhu Tran said police informed her the restaurant had not yet reopened as of May 20.
In Person Dateline Irrawaddy: Military Compromise Will Determine the Success or Failure of the Peace Process

Burma's military chief Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing arrives at Myanmar International Convention Center II to attend the second session of the Union Peace Conference in Naypyidaw on Wednesday. / Myo Min Soe / The Irrawaddy

Kyaw Zwa Moe: Welcome to Dateline Irrawaddy! The second session of the 21st Century Panglong/Union Peace Conference begins in Naypyidaw on May 24. Daw Aung San Suu Kyis government held the first peace conference some nine months ago. Where has the peace process  which is the most pressing issue in the country  ended up over the past nine months? Has it moved forward? What hurdles remain? Political analyst U Maung Maung Soe and The Irrawaddy senior reporter Ma Nyein Nyein join me to discuss this. Im Irrawaddy English editor Kyaw Zwa Moe.

Ko Maung Maung Soe, what do you think about the peace process? The first peace conference was held at the end of last August. How has it progressed?

Maung Maung Soe: There has been no progress between the first and second conferences. Most of ethnic armed groups  except the TNLA [Taang National Liberation Army], Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army [MNDAA], and AA [Arakan Army] were invited to the [first] peace conference and allowed to present their stances. The policy of the government and the military is to go by the NCA [nationwide ceasefire agreement], so that only NCA-signatory groups are allowed to participate in the peace process. But, no groups have signed the NCA between the two conferences. So, these groups are not on the path to political dialogue.

To work out political agreements at the upcoming conference, all ethnic armed groups must be present. But, most of the ethnic armed groups have not yet signed the NCA and, therefore, still cannot participate.

Also, two NCA signatories  the RCSS [Restoration Council of Shan State] and the ALP [Arakan Liberation Party] still have not been permitted to hold national-level ethnic-based political dialogue in Shan and Arakan states. So, they are unable to convey the opinions of their people at the conference. This conference will make little progress.

The Peace Commission has recently said the UPDJC [Union Peace Dialogue Joint Committee] meeting could forge a common consensus on 42 points. And perhaps the Karen, Pa-O and Chin groups, which were able to participate in official discussions, agreed on these points. But what about other NCA signatories like the Shan [RCSS] and Arakan [ALP] groups? The RCSS has said it would not sign the common agreement because it did not participate in discussions. And NCA non-signatories did not participate in the UPDJC meeting at all. So, that agreement is questionable.

KZM: Ma Nyein Nyein, you have constantly reported about peace and ethnic issues. U Maung Maung Soe said the peace process has not progressed. What is your view? Do you see progress or setbacks?

Nyein Nyein: I agree with U Maung Maung Soe. The peace process is ongoing. But under the previous government, the Myanmar Peace Center led by former minister U Aung Min held many informal meetings [with ethnic armed groups]. Under the new government, such meetings are quite rare. It is not clear how the government communicates with ethnic armed organizations [EAOs], especially NCA non-signatories. Yes, there are informal meetings, but quite rarelyone about every two months and usually through lengthy arrangements.

The government planned to meet with the Delegation for Political Negotiation [DPN] of the United Nationalities Federal Council [UNFC], which is a group of NCA non-signatories, before the second 21st Century Panglong, but it could not. The clock is ticking. The government is engaging in the peace process, but I wonder if it has the right approach. It is still not clear what its approach to inclusion is.

KZM: U Maung Maung Soe, speaking of the peace process, there are many stakeholders. But, the government and the military have their own standpoints. And there are many ethnic armed organizations. Some share the same standpoints, but some are different. Do their policies pose a major barrier to the peace process? For example, there have been some problems with the militarys six-point peace policy. To what extent have ethnic armed groups made compromises?

MMS: When the government and military enforced the NCA policy, this led to confrontations with ethnic armed groups that wanted to change, or didnt agree with, the NCA. The government is still trying to ensure that all stakeholders are present at the peace conference. Maybe they will, and maybe not. But what is important is that they remain engaged between sessions. Just gathering at the conference cannot solve the problems.

KZM: It is the government and the military that invite ethnic armed groups to the peace conference. Do you think there are weaknesses in this system? Do you think the government can do as it wishes in regards to invitations?

MMS: There should be negotiations between the government and the military regarding invites. The military is sensitive when it comes to ethnic armed groups. The government has to seek its approval.

Five UNFC members and four members [of the Northern Alliance] are invited to the conference. Three groups  the TNLA, MNDAA and AA are not invited. The military has said they would be allowed to join the peace process only when they disarm. [The Northern Alliance] insists that they will only attend the conference when these three groups are allowed to attend. China is currently mediating. If those seven groups go to Naypyidaw, UNFC members may also come.

[As of publication, the government has invited all ethnic armed groups  including the TNLA, MNDAA, and AA to attend the conference].

But gathering all the ethnic armed groups at the conference is not enough. Only when those groups are allowed to participate in state- and national-level political dialogues toward peace will the peace conference reach a common consensus.

KZM: There must be inclusiveness!

MMS: It is important that all of the armed groups engaged in armed conflict participate in peace negotiations. Also, non-armed ethnic parties, either of large or small ethnic populations, must be able to participate in political dialogues at different levels. Unless these two points are fulfilled, we will not be able to move forward.

KZM: Ma Nyein Nyein, why cant ethnic groups participate? I know there are many reasons but given the situation today, what are their major requests?

NN: We cannot just point the finger at EAOs. The military plays a key role in the countrys peace process. The military maintains its stance that those three groups [the TNLA, MNDAA and AA] must disarm first to join the peace process. This is further confirmed by the fact that the government has invited [NCA non-signatories] as special guests [as opposed to participant status].

This is not different from the first Union Conference held in Jan. 2016 [under U Thein Seins government]. UNFC members and the Wa group [United Wa State Army] and Mongla group [National Democratic Alliance Army] were invited as observers. The three groups [TNLA, MNDAA and AA] were not invited then as well.

The upcoming conference is in fact the third session of the Union Peace Conference, but under the name of 21st Century Panglong, it is the second session. This time, non-signatories are invited under the same status, but with a different name. If the military is willing to relax its rigid stance, perhaps more ethnic armed groups could participate.

As U Maung Maung Soe has said, no one knows exactly which groups will attend Panglong. We dont know if their discussions will be nominal if they come, or if there will be meaningful discussions and who will make decisions. U Maung Maung Soe said the government would try to reach a common consensus at the conference oriented toward all-inclusion. However, even if a consensus is reached, it can no way represent all views, voices and needs of all national people across the country. Even the RCSS, the Shan NCA-signatory group, still cannot present its peoples views.

KZM: Daw Aung San Suu Kyis government has given top priority to peace since it assumed office. But there are many  ethnic armed groups and political analysts  that criticize the government. U Maung Maung Soe, you said there must be negotiations between the government and the military. The problem is that we cannot view the two as a single entity, given the political complexities of the country. What are the weak points of the government? What are your recommendations?

MMS: To make the peace process successful, besides leading the peace process and negotiating with the military, the government needs to act as an active coordinator between the military and ethnic armed groups. For this, it needs to hold frequent informal meetings apart from official ones.

The governments peace commission must also conduct reviews. The NCA was signed on Oct. 15, 2015, and it has been more than a year and a half. During this time, the number of NCA signatories remains eight. No more groups have signed it, for various reasons. Shouldnt the peace commission review why other groups have not signed? It should review the NCA provisions, the function of the National Reconciliation and Peace Center (NRPC), and so on.

KZM: It should review its meetings, because there were more meetings and more frequent contact under the previous government as Ma Nyein Nyein has pointed out. Right?

MMS: Yes, all of these factors. It should review the NCA provisions and the procedures used to identify the requirements.

KZM: Every stakeholder in the peace process has its own policies and standpoints. Most of them might have good intentions. But do you think there are obstructionists?

SSM: Yes, there may be people who obstruct the peace process out of personal interest. But it is difficult to sort out obstructionists.

KZM: Ma Nyein Nyein, you will cover the peace conference. Do you expect to see interesting results or developments at the conference?

NN: Im not sure.

KZM: What do you expect, U Maung Maung Soe. The NLD government now has less than four years left in its term. Do you think the peace process will be successful?

MMS: It can be successful only if the government reviews and fixes the process, including the NCA. It will also depend to what extent the military is willing to compromise. Its compromise will determine the success or failure of the peace process.

KZM: Thank you for your contributions!
In Person U Zaw Htay: Peace Process Does Not Necessarily Rely on China

U Zaw Htay at the Union Peace Conference in Naypyidaw on May 24, 2017 / Myo Min Soe / The Irrawaddy

Spokesperson for Burmas State Counselors Office U Zaw Htay, spoke to The Irrawaddy about the 21st Century Panglong peace conference, which convened in Naypyidaw on Wednesday, including on the Northern Alliances presence and the United Nationalities Federal Council (UNFC)s absence, as well as Chinas role in the peace process.

Under what agreements did members of the Northern Alliance attend the peace conference?

Mainly, we invited Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement [NCA] non-signatories as special guests according to the decision of the 10th meeting of the Union Peace Dialogue Joint Committee [UPDJC]. Ethnic armed groups that signed the Deed of Commitment can discuss [issues] at the peace conference, and those that sign the NCA can join UDPJC meetings.

So, we invited them according to the UPDJC decision. Regarding the three members of the Northern Alliance [Taang National Liberation Army, Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army and Arakan Army], we have been negotiating with them over participation. Previously, we demanded that they issue a statement declaring they would abandon their armed struggle to join the peace conference. But, weve invited them as special guests as a way of welcoming them.

As these three groups will only attend the opening ceremony, can it really be called inclusiveness? Can the conference really be expected to deliver peace?

Their attendance at the opening ceremony shows participation. The essence lies in the political dialogue to be held over the next four days during which federal principles will be discussed. The solution to political problems is a federal system that is acceptable to all. This is what ethnicities have said when they talk about solving the political problems through political means. If we can work out a federal system that is acceptable to all, then it can be said that the political problem is solved. So, our approach is to solve the political problems.

Now, many people are criticizing the NCA. But the NCA is not the end. It is just a stage toward political dialogue, which is the most critical part. Our approach is to address the underlying grievances. The on-going conference will discuss drafting constitutions for ethnic states, an issue which was never discussed before. Mainly there will be discussion about the definition of self-determination.

To what extent will the UNFCs absence impact the conference?

We talked to Saya Khu Oo Reh [head of UNFCs peace negotiation team] by phone up until yesterday. We are very sad that they could not come. We have held talks regularly with the UNFCs Delegation for Political Negotiation for almost a year. They participated in reviewing the framework for the political dialogue in the peace process together with the government, other ethnic armed groups, and political parties. Again, they also joined the discussions on reinforcing the ceasefire.

We feel very sorry that they could not come at the last minute. This indicates that UNFC were only able to adopt a firm stance at the last minute. However, their views are reflected in framework reviews. We have changed the reviews by taking their discussions into account. So, they did participate in the peace process. Saya Khu Oo Reh has also said that they would think about how they can cooperate further in the process. This is how things will go on.

Given Chinas influence in convincing the Northern Alliance to attend, does the peace processs success rely on China?

Not necessarily. But China does play an important role. Taking a look back into the history of our country, you can see why the Communist Party of Burma ceased under the reign of [late military dictator] U Ne Win. Like it or not, we cant change our neighbors in geopolitics. So, the most important point is how we can promote our national interests. Again, we and China are traditional neighbors and allies. And we have also signed strategic partnership agreements with China. China is a powerful actor on the international stage as well as on the stage of Asean. Likewise, it also plays an important part in the peace process of Burma. However, we will cooperate according to our bilateral policies and five-point peaceful co-existence principles [the Bandung Principles.]

Translated from Burmese by Thet Ko Ko.
Burma More Than 250 Prisoners Released Under Amnesty

Insein prison in Rangoon. / Maung Naing / The Irrawaddy

RANGOON  A former religion minister, interfaith activists, and a man charged under Article 66(d) of Burmas controversial Telecommunications Law were among 259 prisoners released under a presidential amnesty on Wednesday.

In recognition of the opening of the Union Peace Conference in Naypyidaw, 186 prisoners from Burma were released and 73 foreign prisoners were deported from jails across the country.

One of the most high-profile prisoners released in the amnesty, former religion minister U Hsan Hsint, was sentenced to 13 years in October 2014 on charges of corruption and sedition after ex-president U Thein Sein dismissed him. He served nearly four years in Ramethin prison in Mandalay and Taungoo prison in Pegu Division.

U Hsan Hsints brother U Hsan Myint, an Upper House lawmaker, confirmed the former ministers release from Taungoo prison.

Ten political prisoners were released, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (Burma), including Muslim interfaith activists Ma Pwint Phyu Latt and Ko Zaw Zaw Latt. The pair was sentenced to four years in Mandalays Obo prison under the colonial-era Unlawful Associations Act in April 2016 and the Immigration Act in February.

I am very glad to be released under the amnesty, as I still had 10 months left in prison, said Ma Pwint Phyu Latt. But I feel sad that we were sentenced while working for peace in the country. We will keep working for peace.

The other freed political prisoners comprised three labor rights leaders from a plywood factory in Sagaing Industrial Zone sentenced under Article 18 of the Peaceful Assembly Law in March and four student protestors sentenced under the same act and for disrespecting the court on May 9.

The labor rights leaders were released from Sagaings Shwebo prison and the students were among the 46 prisoners released from Mandalays Obo prison.

Ko Hla Phone, imprisoned under four charges including Article (66)d of the Telecommunications Law for allegedly defaming the military and the previous government using a Facebook account under the name Kyat Pha Gyi, was released from Rangoons Insein prison. A Chinese man was released from the same prison.

Most of the 94 prisoners released from Thandwe, Kyaukphyu, Sittwe, and Buthidaung prisons in Arakan State were jailed under the Unlawful Association Act for having contact with the Arakan Army (AA). Some were members of the AA and 28 were foreigners.

The AA was invited to the Union Peace Conference as a special guest, meaning it is allowed to submit papers to the conference, but not allowed to address the conference as delegates, according to government sources.

Saw Thiha Win and Thet Khaing, two members of a Democratic Karen Buddhist Army splinter group, served three months of their two-year sentence and Hla Myo Tun served two months of his six-month sentence for involvement with the splinter group. All three were sentenced under the Unlawful Association Act and released from Mon States Thaton prison.

A Thai prisoner sentenced to two years under Burmas 1947 Immigration Act for killing five Burmese migrant workers in Thailand before fleeing to Burma was deported from Mon States Mawlamyine prison after serving six months.

Moe Myint from Rangoon, Zarni Mann from Mandalay, and Hintharnee from Mon State contributed to this report.
Burma Fire Razes More Than 50 Structures in Sittwe IDP Camp

Residents of Thae Chaung try to put out a fire in the camp on Tuesday night. / The Irrawaddy

RANGOON  A fire destroyed 11 houses and 42 shops in Thae Chaung internally displaced persons (IDP) camp in the Arakan State capital of Sittwe on Monday night, police have confirmed to The Irrawaddy.

According to Lt-Col Win Naung of the Sittwe district police, there were no casualties in the incident. Investigators have learned that the fire likely began in the wiring in a meter box near an electronics shop and then spread.

Lt-Col Win Naung added that the modest thatched roof bamboo hutswhich had an estimated total value of just 2.7 million kyats (less than US$2,000)could not withstand the blaze.

Houses are very small here, unlike in Rangoon. The shops are densely constructed and their width is merely 10 feet, the police officer said.

According to aid organization estimates, Thae Chaung is home to more than 11,000 Muslims who self-identify as Rohingya, and are among the 100,000 people displaced by riots in 2012.

Thae Chaung resident U Kyaw Hla Aung told The Irrawaddy over the phone on Tuesday that fire burned for almost two hours, starting at around 9 p.m. Due to a water shortage, he explained that the community could not contain the blaze.

U Kyaw Hla Aung also corroborated the police statement that the fire had started from wiring.

Lt-Col Win Naung said that the authorities detained the owner of the shop using the meter box where the fire started, but have yet to open a case under Article 285 of the penal code, which outlines punishments for negligently starting a fire.

The article states that anyone who causes a potentially life threatening fire shall be penalized with a maximum of three years in prison and a fine.
Burma State Counselor: NLD Govt Will Not Use Pressure or Coercion to Achieve Peace

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi delivers a speech on the first day of the second session of the Union Peace Conference in Naypyidaw on Wednesday. / Myo Min Soe / The Irrawaddy

NAYPYIDAW  The National League for Democracy (NLD) government will neither pressure nor coerce ethnic armed groups through populist politics in peace building, but focus on frank and inclusive dialogue, said State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.

Burmas de facto leader elaborated her peace policy as she addressed the second session of the 21st Century Panglong peace conference, which convened on Wednesday at the Myanmar International Convention Center (MICC-2) in administrative capital Naypyidaw.

We should not be afraid of negotiating with anybody, said Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, encouraging ethnic armed groups that are still engaged in conflict with the military to enter negotiations.

As we negotiate to reach common agreement on issues where our views differ, we must recognize that courtesy is not weakness, and negotiation is not concession, she said.

She urged stakeholders to seek to identify issues that could help strengthen unity rather than focusing on problems that could exacerbate differences.

We are better able to identify common ground if we meet face to face and negotiate, rather than if we listen from afar to the words and speeches of others and seek to draw conclusions from them, she said.

She said ceasefires can fall apart and they only address surface problems.

Only political dialogue can address underlying grievances, she added.

She also thanked those who brought about the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA), saying the NCA opens the door to political dialogue.

She admitted that peace is a long journey and called on stakeholders to overcome the challenges that come up through unity, empathy, solidarity and the Panglong Spirit, invoking the Panglong Agreement signed by her late father Gen Aung San and ethnic Shan, Kachin and Chin leaders in 1947.

Our goal is the emergence of a democratic federal Union, she said, because almost everyone accepts that the resolution to Burmas long-running armed conflicts is a federal system that is acceptable to all.

The energy, faith and effort that we put into achieving peace can be a beacon of light for our country, our Union and all of our people, she said.

Whether this light will fade or brighten in the months and years ahead will determine Myanmars place in this world.

Speakers of Burmas two houses, Army Commander-in-Chief Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing, chairman Mutu Say Poe of the Karen National Union and chairman U Than Htay of the Union Solidarity and Development Party also delivered opening addresses.

Translated from Burmese by Thet Ko Ko.
Burma President U Htin Kyaw Pardons the Commander Who Once Jailed Him

Left: U Hsan Hsint during his one of the court hearings in 2014. Right: U Htin Kyaw in 2016.

RANGOON  Call it a twist of fate when one grants amnesty to he who once arrested him. This occurred on Tuesday when Burmese President U Htin Kyaw signed an order to release for ex-religious affairs minister U Hsan Hsint, along with 258 prisoners, in commemoration of the second session of the Union Peace Conference.

Until Tuesday, the former minister was serving a 13-year prison sentence handed down under the previous U Thein Sein-led government for a corruption scandal. Before his stint as ministerwhich lasted less than one yearU Hsan Hsint had served in the Burma Army until 2010, where he once became the deputy commander of the Rangoon Command.

On Sept. 20, 2000, the then-Burmese opposition leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and her supporters were prevented from leaving Rangoon when security forces stopped her from boarding a train for Mandalay. Soldiers were ready to detain them.

Shortly before the arrest, U Htin Kyaw, Daw Aung San Suu Kyis confidant, had arrived in a car to take her home. U Hsan Hsint, who was the military commander of the operation, questioned who he was, and an argument followed, resulting in U Htin Kyaws arrest. He was put in detention for more than four months.

Years later, in 2016, when U Htin Kyaw was sworn in as the countrys first civilian President in more than 50 years, his one-time jailer U Hsan Hsint was counting the days until his release from a prison in a provincial town in upper Burma. With the stroke of U Htin Kyaws pen, the former army man walked out of jail on Wednesday.

Its not clear if U Hsan Hsint was aware of the fact that the person who granted him amnesty was the man whose arrest he had ordered 17 years ago, as the ex-minister was not available for comment on Wednesday. One thing is sure: the Presidential pardon gifted him freedom nine years before his sentence would have been fulfilled.
Burma Union Peace Conference Opens to Military Critique of Ethnic Demands

Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing delivers his opening speech at the conference. / Myo Min Soe / The Irrawaddy

NAYPYIDAW  Burma Army Chief Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing has called the demands of some ethnic armed groups unrealistic and described them as far beyond the federal system.

In his opening address to the second session of the 21st Century Panglong Peace Conference which convened in Naypyidaw on Wednesday, the army chief said he had studied the 72 papers submitted to the previous peace conference and that the discussions, presentations and fundamental concepts outlined by some ethnic armed groups had reached far beyond the right to autonomy promised in a federal system.

Such acts go against the desires and interests of the people, who have high expectations [for] democracy and the peace process, said the senior general.

Describing the Tatmadaw as responsible for protecting the interest of the State and the people, Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing said the military would take action against any organization committing destructive acts.

In order to achieve peace, the Burma Army chief said that the military would adhere to the nationwide ceasefire agreement (NCA) and its six-point peace policy based on responsibility, accountability and transparency.

It is this six-point position that has arguably caused a deadlock in peace negotiations in recent years, as the Tatmadaw and ethnic armed organizations have differing perspectives on the goal of how to build a federal state.

U Myo Win, the vice chairman of NCA signatory the All Burma Students Democratic Front (ABSDF), said he was not worried about the opinions expressed in the opening speeches of the peace conference.

The Tatmadaw presented its position, which is a different perspective, but consistent. The key is that we accept these differences and find a way we can be able to reach a common understanding at the political dialogue.

He added that the Tatmadaw, the government, and the ethnic armed organizations including the coalition the United Nationalities Federal Council and the northeastern armed groups, all have their own views on the mechanisms with which to build a future federal state.

Groups active in Burmas north and led by the powerful United Wa State Army have promoted an alternative peace process not adherent to the NCA path. Yet its representatives did join Wednesdays peace conference opening, and liaison officer Sam Lop told The Irrawaddy that they had come to the event in order to show their collaboration to achieve peace.

The senior general reiterated that he felt certain armed groups were ignoring the NCA policy, although it is agreed in the NCA that a democratic federal Union would be built in line with the outcome of political dialogue based on freedom, equality and justice.

Ignoring this and pursuing the other, or second way, would be an attempt to loathe the establishment of a Union based on peace, democracy and federalism, said the army chief, in the official translation of his speech, referring to the 15-point policy presented by the UWSA and adopted by members of the Northern Alliance of armed groups at the Panghsang Summit in April.

We have to assume that the attempt is tantamount to grabbing power and splitting from the Union through armed struggle, he added.

Political analyst U Kyaw Win said that the previous governmentwhich laid the foundation for the NCAand the new governmentwhich continues to implement itand the Tatmadawwhich has been cooperating with themshould be thanked for the current peace process.

Currently, the NCA is only the way which is feasible for both peace and for amending the Constitution, U Kyaw Win said.

U Than Htay, chairman of the Union Solidarity and Development Party, shared the army chiefs views.

He listed ethnic armed groups demands submitted to the first conference which he felt went against unity. These included suggestions to change the name of the country, to alternate in assuming the post of the Burma Army chief, to establish new states, and to be allowed the right to secede from the Union.

We must cultivate the spirit of constantly protecting Our Three Main National Causes, said Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing, referring to the rhetoric adopted under the military regime of State Peace and Development Council, which include the non-disintegration of Union, non-disintegration of national solidarity and perpetuation of sovereignty.

As it was decided in a recent meeting of the Union Peace Dialogue Joint Committee (UDPJC) that divisions and states would have the right to draft their own constitutions, the USDP chairman also stressed that those constitutions should conform to the 2008 Constitution.

They should not contradict or overstep the 2008 [military-backed] Constitution. They should not go against the constitution of the Union, U Than Htay said.
Burma Wirathu Urges Followers to Persevere After Govt Moves To Curb Ultra-nationalism

Hardline Buddhist monk U Wirathu at a Ma Ba Tha meeting in July 2016. / Myo Min Soe / The Irrawaddy

RANGOON Burmas infamous firebrand Buddhist monk U Wirathu urged his followers to find a solution to the struggles of the nationalist movement in a video published on his Facebook Tuesday night.

His move came hours after the State Buddhist Sangha authority ordered Burmas biggest religious ultra-nationalist group the Association for Protection of Race and Religionbetter known as Ma Ba Tha, of which U Wirathu is a figureheadto cease its activities.

Ma Ba Tha was preparing for celebrations in Rangoon to mark the fourth anniversary of the organizations founding but released a statement after Tuesdays announcement that it would no longer hold the event on May 27 and 28 as planned.

The organization instead urged members to attend Rangoon headquarters to be briefed on Ma Ha Nas decision. In his Tuesday video, U Wirathu called on all Ma Ba Tha members across the country to congregate in Rangoon to plan the associations future.

In either politics or warfare, there is no such thing as an impasse, he said. Theres always a solution.

The State Sangha Maha Nayaka, known as Ma Ha Na, also ordered Ma Ba Tha on Tuesday to remove its banners and signage across the country by mid-July. Two leading Ma Ba Tha monks signed the notice by Ma Ha Na, agreeing to comply with the order.

It was the second action taken by the state Buddhist authority after its announcement last year that Ma Ba Tha was not a lawful monks association as it was not formed in accordance with the countrys monastic rules.

Founded in 2014two years after Burma experienced religiously motivated riots largely targeting the Muslim minorityand now with sub-chapters across the country, Ma Ba Tha has become virtually synonymous with Buddhist ultra-nationalism.

Some of its well-known figures, including U Wirathu, have preached anti-Muslim sermons to claim the countrys Buddhist foundations are under threat, that the Muslim population is outpacing the Buddhists, and that Burma needs to be vigilant against the influence.

Muslims make up about 4.3 percent of Burmas population according to the 2014 census.

Ma Ba Tha has been criticized at home and abroad for lobbying for the countrys controversial race and religion laws enacted in 2015. Despite their public anti-Muslim preaching, Ma Ba Tha outlived the previous Thein Sein government, which was criticized for turning a blind eye to the associations actions.

Regarding Ma Ha Nas move, U Aung Ko, the minister of religious affairs and culture, told media on Wednesday it was a sufficient move for the current situation.

Various extremist [nationalist] groups under the label of religion have been involved in a number of activities which threaten stability and law enforcement in the community, U Aung Ko said.

However, Ma Ba Tha denied any involvement in a midnight confrontation between Buddhist nationalists and Muslim residents near downtown Rangoon earlier this month.

Leading monks of Ma Ba Tha are relatively reasonable while the associations monks and laypersons on the ground, in many subchapters with many different names, often practice religious extremism, he added.

He mentioned nationalist groups including the Dhamma Wunthanu Rakhita, which was recently formed by Ma Ba Tha members in late April, as well as the Nationalist Buddhist Monks Organization and the Patriotic Buddhist Monks Union.

U Aung Ko also alleged that a group of people or organization that wants to reverse the political process back towards dictatorship is supporting and masterminding these nationalist groups, though he acknowledged this was speculation he could not confirm independently.

Additional reporting by Kyaw Phyo Tha in Rangoon and Htet Naing Zaw in Naypyidaw.
KENOSHA  After being unanimously elected by the colleges Board of Trustees, John R. Swallow has been tapped to serve as the 23rd president of Carthage College.

College officials made the announcement on Tuesday that a nationwide search for a new president has concluded and Swallow, most recently an official at The University of the South, will take over in July.

Carthages deep heritage, exceptional faculty and staff, and state-of-the-art facilities are a special and rare combination, and the opportunity to lead Carthage to become ever stronger was truly captivating, Swallow said.

Jeff Hamar, Carthage alumnus and first vice chair of the Board of Trustees, said he is impressed with Swallow.

From the very beginning, he identified as a very compelling candidate, Hamar said, adding the search committee had more than 100 applicants for the job. What made john stand out was him warmth and passion for the college environment.

Hamar said he believes Swallow will help transform Carthage College and make it more nationally recognized.

This is a big win for Carthage and a big win for John, Hamar said.

Entered college at 15

Swallow succeeds Gregory S. Woodward, who served as president for the past five years and is leaving to become president of the University of Hartford in Connecticut.

Before coming to Carthage, Swallow served as chief academic and operating officer for The University of the South, known as Sewanee for the Tennessee community where it is located.

In his role there, Swallow oversaw the universitys curriculum, fundraising, enrollment, student life, faculty and staff development and strategic planning.

According to a Carthage news release, Swallow enrolled in Sewanee at age 15 and graduated with honors in both mathematics and English literature. He received two masters degrees and a doctorate in mathematics from Yale University.

In 2015, Swallow served as a trustee at Agnes Scott College, a womens college in Decatur, Ga.

Swallow has written articles in The Chronicle of Higher Education and The Huffington Post, plus an undergraduate textbook and more than two dozen research articles in mathematics.

Carthage College, 2001 Alford Park Drive (Highway 32), is a private four-year liberal arts college with an enrollment of about 2,600 students. The colleges campus is located along the Lake Michigan shoreline at Kenoshas northeast corner.
From IWU Magazine, Spring 2017 edition

Playing to Win

IWU Wind Ensemble hits high note with prestigious American Prize.

Story by CELESTE HUTTES Photos by ROBERT FRANK III

The Wind Ensemble rehearses its March concert program, including Owen Reeds reflection of Mexican folk culture, "La Fiesta Mexicana," and Eric Whitacres whimsically surreal "Godzilla Eats Las Vegas!"

Collaborative. Creative. Capable. Committed. Many words can be used to describe the Illinois Wesleyan University Wind Ensemble. And now a new adjective will forever be tied to this talented team of musicians: "award-winning."

In March 2017, the ensemble was named national winner of the American Prize in Band Performance in the college/university division. In his critique, a member of the American Prize judging panel wrote: "The quality of the ensemble is very sharp, lean and precise. ... They set an example for other wind ensembles to follow their lead."

"We are incredibly honored to receive this award," says conductor and director Lev Ivanov, who is a visiting assistant professor of music at Illinois Wesleyan. "I hope this award is a point of inspiration for students. It is a testament that if you work hard, practice and become a mindful musician, you can achieve great things."

Founded in 2009, the American Prize is a series of national non-profit performing arts competitions held annually to "recognize and reward great art in this country, wherever and whenever it is found," according to its mission statement. Ensembles and individual artists can compete at the student, community, or professional level. Winners in each category receive cash prizes and award certificates. Judging is based solely on recorded performances.

For its submission, the Illinois Wesleyan Wind Ensemble performed Vincent Persichetti's Divertimento, Robert Sheldon's Metroplex, Peter Mennin's Canzona, Scott Lindroth's Spin Cycle, and Milhaud's Suite Francaise, along with other works. "This is a highly prestigious award for collegiate-level music ensembles," says School of Music Director Mario Pelusi. "The widespread recognition that comes with this type of award places both the IWU School of Music and the University in the spotlight  which, of course, enhances our efforts to attract future musically talented students." Beyond the accolades, Ivanov says competitions like the American Prize promote artistic excellence. "It's great for any musician  especially young musicians  to participate in competitions," says Ivanov, who has conducted the Wind Ensemble since the fall of 2014. "Competitions do not define musicians, but they help us strive to be better and achieve results we never thought were possible."

Moods and Passion

As a conductor, Ivanov (below) says Its very important to understand how music affects people  including those of us who play it.

Competitions aside, the ensemble itself spurred tuba performance major Jacob Taitel '18 to raise his game. "When I started in the Wind Ensemble in 2014 it pushed me to play at the level of all the other talented musicians," says Taitel, who was the only undergraduate among 10 semi-finalists in the tuba division of the 2016 Leonard Falcone International Tuba and Euphonium Competition.

This past summer Taitel studied abroad in Vienna, Austria, with instructors from the University of Music and Performing Arts, Vienna; the Vienna Symphony Orchestra; and Wilfried Brandstotter, tubist for Mnozil Brass, a renowned Austrian brass septet.

"Over the years," Taitel says, "I have become the musician I originally strived to be."

Founded in 1979, the Wind Ensemble brings together the University's top wind and percussion students to perform the finest wind band repertoire. Over the years the ensemble has worked with Pulitzer Prize-winning composers such as William Bolcom, John Corigliano, Jennifer Higdon, Karel Husa, and Joseph Schwantner and has also commissioned new compositions.

Currently at about 35 members, the wind ensemble features the full range of wind instruments. Ensemble members meet three times a week for 90-minute practice sessions. Beyond that, members spend hours practicing on their own and with their instrumental sections.

The group performs several concerts throughout the year, and has appeared at the College Band Directors National Association Conference and the Illinois Music Educators Association Conference.

"This ensemble is comprised of highly accomplished music majors and non-music majors, all of whom strive toward achieving excellence in their performances," says Pelusi, who also describes Ivanov as a "highly gifted and inspiring conductor. We are extremely fortunate to have him on our faculty."

This elite group of musicians, selected from auditions at the start of each semester, enters the wind ensemble with advanced technical skills. While honing those skills, the ensemble fosters musical growth by helping students learn to play expressively and with passion. "It's very important to understand how music affects people  including those of us who play it," says Ivanov. "Along with the history of the pieces we play, we learn about the emotional side of music and how to convey different moods."

Those moods range from serious to playful, as evidenced by the ensemble's March 31 concert program, which included Timothy Broege's kaleidoscopic Sinfonia V: Symphonia Sacra et Profana; H. Owen Reed's reflection of Mexican folk culture, La Fiesta Mexicana; and Eric Whitacre's Godzilla Eats Las Vegas!, which is as outlandishly fun as it sounds.

The ensemble specializes in advanced contemporary music, which has flourished in the recent decades. "Today's repertoire is so vast," says Ivanov. "It's very different from even 50 years ago when there were fewer pieces of wind ensemble music." The ensemble's ability to master this challenging repertoire is especially impressive in light of the fact that many of its members are non-music majors.

"I love the mixture of both music majors and non-music majors in the ensemble," says Christopher Cooper '18, a music education major and trombone player. "This support for continuing musicianship, no matter your path of study, is one of the best things about the instrumental program here at Wesleyan."

Taitel agrees. "The fact that an ensemble that is majority non-music majors can win a competition such as this says worlds about how blessed the University is to have Dr. Ivanov."

Behind the Baton

Born in Kyiv, Ukraine, Ivanov has a D.M.A. in orchestral and opera conducting from Arizona State University. He has studied with some of the worlds leading conductors and worked with orchestras around the globe, from Romania to Scotland and beyond. I have an orchestral background, and I also play the flute  which is a woodwind instrument  so I understand how wind musicians think and the technical side of producing sound on wind versus string, says Ivanov, who also conducts the Illinois Wesleyan Symphony Orchestra.

His exacting musical standards even extend to his conducting batons. Ivanov prefers cork-handled batons from Japan and England to wood-handled batons popular in the U.S. because the lighter cork handle makes the baton tip just a hint heavier. It feels better in my hand. A conductors baton is a very individual thing, he says. As a conductor, your baton is your instrument  its what you operate with to communicate with your ensemble.

And ultimately, that baton helps communicate a universal language.

Music is a way of communicating  of bringing people together from different backgrounds, both performers and the audience. Music enhances our understanding of the world, says Ivanov, who notes that Illinois Wesleyans liberal arts curriculum gives students a broader context through which to communicate musically.

Born in Kyiv, Ukraine, Ivanov has a D.M.A. in orchestral and opera conducting from Arizona State University. He has studied with some of the worlds leading conductors and worked with orchestras around the globe, from Romania to Scotland and beyond. I have an orchestral background, and I also play the flute  which is a woodwind instrument  so I understand how wind musicians think and the technical side of producing sound on wind versus string, says Ivanov, who also conducts the Illinois Wesleyan Symphony Orchestra.

His exacting musical standards even extend to his conducting batons. Ivanov prefers cork-handled batons from Japan and England to wood-handled batons popular in the U.S. because the lighter cork handle makes the baton tip just a hint heavier. It feels better in my hand. A conductors baton is a very individual thing, he says. As a conductor, your baton is your instrument  its what you operate with to communicate with your ensemble.

And ultimately, that baton helps communicate a universal language.

Music is a way of communicating  of bringing people together from different backgrounds, both performers and the audience. Music enhances our understanding of the world, says Ivanov, who notes that Illinois Wesleyans liberal arts curriculum gives students a broader context through which to communicate musically.

Having grown up in the intensely competitive world of conservatories  where hundreds of musicians might compete for a single spot  Ivanov appreciates the congenial atmosphere fostered by IWUs School of Music. At the same time, he is pleased that music performance is regarded as an essential part of the Universitys character and traditions.

Where other schools of this size would only have a department of music, Wesleyan has a full-sized School of Music. And the more full-time faculty we have who are able to invest in the students, the better it is for the students and the better it is for the University, he says. Thats whats great about this school  the great abundance of personalized attention.

IWUs relatively small size makes the American Prize win even sweeter for performers like Cooper.

For a university of our size to be considered in the same category with top-tier, large universities across the country  and then to win  is absolutely incredible, he says. All of our hard work has not gone unnoticed.

Having grown up in the intensely competitive world of conservatories  where hundreds of musicians might compete for a single spot  Ivanov appreciates the congenial atmosphere fostered by IWUs School of Music. At the same time, he is pleased that music performance is regarded as an essential part of the Universitys character and traditions.

Where other schools of this size would only have a department of music, Wesleyan has a full-sized School of Music. And the more full-time faculty we have who are able to invest in the students, the better it is for the students and the better it is for the University, he says. Thats whats great about this school  the great abundance of personalized attention.

IWUs relatively small size makes the American Prize win even sweeter for performers like Cooper.

For a university of our size to be considered in the same category with top-tier, large universities across the country  and then to win  is absolutely incredible, he says. All of our hard work has not gone unnoticed.

Learn more about Illinois Wesleyan's School of Music.
By Mattea Kramer | ( Tomdispatch.com ) |  

In normal times, Dee from New York would have ordered her copy of The Handmaids Tale from Amazon, but these are not normal times. Amazon is on the Grab Your Wallet list, a campaign to boycott retailers that sell Trump family products, which began as a response to the video revealing our now-presidents penchant for grabbing women by the pussy. Dee bought her book from a smaller retailer instead.

Since Donald Trumps election in November, and especially since his January inauguration, hundreds of small and not-so-small organizations have sprung up to oppose the president. They joined the ranks of established left-leaning and liberal groups already revving up their engines to fight the administration. Among all the ways you can now voice your dissent, though, theres one tactic that this president will surely understand: economic resistance aimed at his own businesses and those of his children. He may not be swayed by protesters filling the streets, but he does speak the language of money. Through a host of tactics  including boycotting stores that carry Trump products, punishing corporations and advertisers that underwrite the administrations agenda, and disrupting business-as-usual at Trump companies  protesters are using the power of the purse to demonstrate their opposition and have planned a day of resistance against his brand on June 14th.

Such economic dissent may prove to be an especially apt path of resistance, especially for the millions of Americans who reside in blue states and have struggled with a sense of powerlessness following the election. After all, its not immediately obvious how to take effective political action in the usual American way when your legislators already agree with you. But what blue-state dwellers lack in political sway they make up for in economic clout, since blue states have, on average, greater household incomes and more purchasing power than their red-state compatriots. The impact of coordinated blue-state boycotts could be enormous. Thats why Grab Your Wallet, along with Color of Change, a racial-justice group, and numerous other organizations are encouraging individuals to see their purchasing power as political muscle.

It was close at the polls, but its not close at the cash register, Shannon Coulter, a founder of Grab Your Wallet, told me recently.

And yet, even as throngs of organizations and hundreds of thousands of individuals throw their energy into economic tactics intended to weaken the president, its still an open question whether this type of resistance  or, more specifically, its current implementation  can precipitate anything in the way of meaningful change.

A Sprawling Landscape of Resistance

At first glance, Grab Your Wallet is a modest website: a Google spreadsheet that lists about 50 companies to boycott. Included are the department stores Macys, Bloomingdales, and Lord & Taylor, as well as online retailers like Overstock.com, Zappos, and Amazon, all of which sell some type of Trump swag. (The precise number of companies listed continues to decline, as retailers dump the Trump brand.) The site gets an impressive two million unique visitors every month, and when I spoke with Coulter, she told me that 22 retailers had dropped Trump products since the start of the boycott. She believes that this is just the beginning.

I dont think well see the full impact of the boycott until summer, because of how the retail cycle works, she explained. The department store Nordstrom, for instance, the biggest company to date to drop the Ivanka Trump brand, sold through its existing inventory before indicating that it would not reorder. That announcement even attracted attention from the president, who tweeted: My daughter Ivanka has been treated so unfairly by @Nordstrom. She is a great person  always pushing me to do the right thing! Terrible!

Color of Change has long deployed strategies of economic resistance, specifically by going after advertisers who underwrite hate. Now that Trump is in the White House, Rashad Robinson, the groups executive director, told me that theyre focusing on the role of corporate enablers whove made this administration possible. He described a strategy in which his organization carefully selects a corporate target and then rallies its million-plus members to participate in a campaign designed to tarnish the companys brand  unless its executives make more ethical advertising choices. Color of Change played a role in the recent ouster of Bill OReilly from Fox News by helping to influence some of the more than 50 major advertisers who pulled their financial support from his top-rated program. After advertisers fled, Fox gave OReilly the boot.

Progressive groups are proving increasingly savvy when it comes to designing such consumer-driven tactics. The Center for Popular Democracy and the immigrant-rights group Make the Road New York recently co-launched a campaign called Corporate Backers of Hate, which targets Wells Fargo, JPMorgan Chase, The Walt Disney Company, and a handful of other corporations that have provided various forms of support for Trump and his agenda. Wells Fargo, for instance, has lent millions of dollars to the presidents companies, is an investor in immigrant detention centers run by private, for-profit contractors, and has loaned money to developers for the Dakota Access Pipeline, the 1,172-mile oil pipe that would cross Standing Rock Sioux Tribe lands in North Dakota. (Trump signed a memo authorizing that pipeline within days of taking office.) The Corporate Backers of Hate website allows protesters to bypass customer service staff at these corporations and send messages directly to top executives and board members to express their disapproval.

This strategy of going after the funding underlying Trumps network has won some early victories. Several groups have been trying to cut off the flow of advertising dollars to Breitbart, the xenophobic pseudo-news site formerly run by White House strategist Steve Bannon. Leading the charge in this work is a Twitter-based group, Sleeping Giants, with a relatively simple proposition: it asks followers to take screenshots of ads on Breitbart  preferably next to an offensive headline  and then tweet that screenshot to the company in the ad along with a polite message asking it to stop underwriting hate. This approach has been wildly successful; according to Sleeping Giants, thousands of advertisers have pulled out of Breitbart.

Nicholas Reville is a seasoned online organizer who has become a leading figure in the campaign to, as he says, make hate unprofitable. He believes that the Sleeping Giants model of digital resistance represents a new and important type of political action. Its very, very rare that you have an activism campaign where people are doing something other than signing a petition, showing up to a rally, [or] donating money, he told me. Instead, he pointed out, an individual can now take a discrete action on his or her personal device and actually help win a victory when an advertiser pulls out of Breitbart.

Some activists are going beyond screenshots and tweets. Journalist Naomi Klein recently released a video highlighting the fact that Trumps brand is one of his most important sources of revenue and suggesting that jamming the brand  by turning it from a money-maker into a money-loser  would be a powerful form of resistance. She mentions tactics like clogging phone lines at Trump companies or making, and then canceling, reservations at his hotels.

One activist who has been working on jamming those Trump phone lines, and who spoke with me on condition of anonymity, said that resisters like her had discovered that it was surprisingly easy to disrupt the presidents businesses. The phone lines do not have the capacity to handle even medium-volume call traffic, she said, and assured me that there was more phone jamming planned for the future. When I asked what she hoped to achieve through this tactic, she responded that the goal was to weaken President Trump financially, politically, and in every way imaginable.

These strategies are complements to other kinds of organizing, she went on. None of these tactics alone are going to bring down the Trump administration thats not how it works. This is part of a sprawling landscape of resistance.

Easy to Resist, Hard to Win

The multitude of groups, campaigns, and individuals going after Donald Trump, Trump businesses, and companies supporting him or his political agenda do indeed form a sprawling, often chaotic landscape of resistance. I receive a dozen different, mostly uncoordinated action-alert messages in my inbox daily. In the weeks immediately following the inauguration, I found all that frenetic energy strangely appealing. After a couple of months of diffuse efforts, however, I began to wonder whether such efforts would be better spent on fewer, more coordinated campaigns. While Trump oppositionists undoubtedly feel a thrill of satisfaction when Nordstrom drops Ivankas product line and legions of advertisers pull out of Breitbart, its unclear whether these are steps on the path to a revised political landscape, or whether they are just feel-good wins leading nowhere in particular.

This dilemma is perhaps best exemplified by the Boycott Trump app, which has been downloaded 350,000 times. The concept behind it is similar to the one that animates Grab Your Wallet. The app is essentially a list of companies to boycott, though it includes more than 250 of them, rather than the dozens on Grab Your Wallet, many because they sponsored Trumps NBC show The Apprentice back in 2011. I asked Nathan Lerner, who heads an organization called the Democratic Coalition Against Trump, which is responsible for the app, what qualifies a company to be listed, and he said that any company connected to the president was worth listing. I then asked if his group was collaborating with other boycott efforts.

Weve been a little frustrated with partnering, Lerner told me. Right now were seeing a ton of enthusiasm around boycotting Trump, but its fragmented. Folks are popping up doing great work, but theyre doing it on their own. That seemed like a remarkably on-target summary of the situation, and Lerners group seemed to be an example of those working on their own.

In search of answers, I called up Marshall Ganz, who would surely be in the hall of fame of community organizing if there were one. He worked with Cesar Chavez in the 1960s to organize California farmworkers and was an architect of Barack Obamas organizing strategy for his presidential run in 2007. A professor at Harvards Kennedy School (and, full disclosure, once my professor), Ganz defines strategy as how we turn what we have into what we need to get what we want. That applies nicely to the Trump boycott concept, in which activists are trying to turn their discrete consumer power into collective influence great enough to change where our country is headed.

When I mentioned to Ganz that so many different boycotts and related campaigns are happening without much coordination, he described the problem this way: The mechanisms for starting my thing, my thing, my thing, theyre so easy in virtual space. Bringing those initiatives together is the problem. As he pointed out, back in 2007 the San Francisco Bay Area alone had about 54 different pro-Obama groups registered online; the hard part was getting them to work together in a way that channeled their energy toward a shared goal. When it comes to fighting Donald Trump, Ganz suggested that it would be far more strategic for the many different boycott and pressure groups to pool their efforts. Were this to happen, he suggested, the anti-Trump movement could become more proactive, rather than reactive.

Not all experts agree with his assessment. L.A. Kaufman is the author of the recent book, Direct Action: Protest and the Reinvention of American Radicalism. I think that the decentralized character of the resistance gives it resilience, she told me in a phone interview. In her view, the fact that all this activity is totally grassroots and happening outside the Democratic Party is a sign of political renewal in this country. She has a point. Yet its hard to see how economic resistance, surely a suitable weapon against a businessman-in-chief, can be effective without a critical mass coalescing around an agreed-upon set of actions and goals.

I asked Shannon Coulter whether shes coordinating with other campaigns, and she pointed out that Grab Your Wallet is now aligned with the organizers of the Womens March, the vast post-inauguration protest that swept the country. Those same organizers were also the driving force behind the formation of roughly 5,500 groups of local activists who convened after the march to consider the next steps for the emerging anti-Trump movement. This alliance seemed like a promising sign.

Recalling what Ganz had said about uniting groups that supported Obama in 2007, I asked Coulter whether she would ever consider merging Grab Your Wallet into a larger organization. To this, she responded in the negative. I say that, she explained, because Grab Your Wallet is one of the only women-led ones in the movement.

Coulter isnt the only one to offer such reasoning. Since the anti-Trump movement is a heterogeneous collection of groups representing women, people of color, immigrants, LGBTQ folks, and lots of straight white people, theres concern that combining efforts could result in a resistance dominated by white men who might compromise the priorities of specific groups and their constituents. In order to be effective, says Rashad Robinson of Color of Change, campaigns must carry the moral authority of an impacted constituency. He described situations in which white-led groups had tried to mimic campaigns led by Color of Change  without realizing that they lacked the moral authority to do so effectively.

In 2014, Zeynep Tufekci, a professor at the University of North Carolina who studies social movements, gave a TED talk titled Online social change: easy to organize, hard to win, in which she described the March on Washington in 1963. That historic event, where Martin Luther King delivered his famed I Have a Dream speech, drew 250,000 people. Tufekci underscored the significance of attracting such a crowd in 1963, when organizers used landline phones, flyers, and word of mouth, in a landscape lacking todays easy digital tools. Fifty years ago it was nothing short of awe-inspiring to draw a quarter million people to the National Mall. If youre in power, said Tufekci, you realize that you have to take the capacity signaled by that march, not just the march, but the capacity signaled by that march, seriously.

The anti-Trump movement has yet to accomplish anything so awe-inspiring. Nearly half a million people gathered in Washington for the Womens March  a number that climbed to more than a million when all the protests around the country were added in  but its not at all clear that such numbers carry the same weight today as smaller crowds did in previous eras. Though protesters filled the streets in Washington one day after the inauguration, anti-Trump activity remains fragmented several months into his term.

And when it comes to waging economic resistance against this billionaire president, the pressing question is whether innumerable people across the country, like Dee from New York, who are changing their spending habits, tweeting at advertisers, contacting chief executives, and jamming phones at Trump businesses, will do so in a way that converts their discrete actions into real influence and power.

Its still too early to tell.

Mattea Kramer, a TomDispatch regular, writes cultural commentary. Follow her on Twitter.

Follow TomDispatch on Twitter and join us on Facebook. Check out the newest Dispatch Book, John Dowers The Violent American Century: War and Terror Since World War II, as well as John Feffers dystopian novel Splinterlands, Nick Turses Next Time Theyll Come to Count the Dead, and Tom Engelhardts Shadow Government: Surveillance, Secret Wars, and a Global Security State in a Single-Superpower World.

Copyright 2017 Mattea Kramer

Via Tomdispatch.com
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TeleSur |  

The people of Manchester dont stand with your xenophobia and racism, one man shouted at the English Defence League racists.

In the aftermath of Mondays tragic bombing, the people of Manchester showed little patience with the racist opportunists of the extreme right English Defence League, quickly confronting EDL attempts at provoking a xenophobic and anti-Muslim backlash.

The immigrant-scapegoating EDL picketed outside of the Arndale Mall Tuesday, spewing Islamophobic slurs and hoisting the Union Jack. The demonstration followed shortly after the panicked evacuation of the shopping center.

However, the far-right horde was quickly outnumbered by counter-protesters. One man, filmed by Reuters, strongly denounced the EDL fascists while onlookers clapped and nodded.

The people of Manchester dont stand with your xenophobia and racism, he said, adding, The people of Manchester are going to stick together, no matter what religion you follow, no matter what the color of your skin is.

Were not going to stand with people like you, he shouted at the right-wingers.

Were going to stick together because together we are stronger and the people of Manchester are not going to be afraid of who is responsible for this violence, he continued.

The explosion at the Ariana Grande concert claimed 22 lives and led to over 59 injuries and is being treated as a terrorist attack by the Greater Manchester Police. Responsibility for the suicide bombing has been blamed on Salman Abedi, a 22-year-old Mancunian whose parents are Libyan immigrants with longtime ties to the opposition against the late Libyan leader, Colonel Muammar Gaddafi.

The United Kingdom under Prime Minister David Cameron took the lead  along with the United States  in the overthrow of Gaddafi in 2011, which also included France and some Gulf State monarchies. An alleged humanitarian intervention of limited scope, the campaign rapidly became a regime change effort that led to the dramatic downfall of Gaddafi and Libyas plunge into all-out civil war, anti-Black African ethnic cleansing, and the transformation of the North African country into a base for various transnational extremist factions such as al-Qaida, the Islamic State group and the Libyan Islamic Fighting group.

The attack was met by denunciations from a vast cross-section of people in the U.K., including Muslim leaders from the Ramadhan Foundation and Muslim Council of Britain. Muslim taxi drivers immediately offered victims and concert-goers free rides home following the explosion, providing them with water and letting them charge their phones to contact family and friends.

Hopkins, a leading columnist for the Mail Online, was reported to police following her genocidal tweet. She soon deleted the tweet.

Right-wing extremists were quick to voice their own hatred toward Muslims, with one leading columnist for the Mail Online saying we need a final solution, referring to the Nazi plan for the ethnic cleansing of Europe, also known as the Final Solution to the Jewish Question. Likewise, the EDL used the attacks as a rallying-cry to join their racist organization and stand up to Islamism.

Likewise, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sought to cynically ride the coattails of Mondays tragedy, scurrilously tweeting that attackers like Abedi would receive a stipend from Palestinian Authority leader Mahmoud Abbas in a hypothetical scenario where the attacker was Palestinian and the targeted civilians were Israelis. Netizens were quick to denounce the Zionist leaders shameless attempt to exploit the grief of Britons, pointing to the Israeli governments tacit alliance with extremist Wahhabi Gulf kingdoms such as Saudi Arabia and its support for extremist anti-government forces in Syria.

Via TeleSur



Related tweet added by Juan Cole:

Amazing young man in #Manchester  fighting hate by kindness pic.twitter.com/9M3bO1bGA3  Thinker (@SmellTheTea) May 23, 2017

Related video added by Juan Cole:

Manchester Attack: What we know so far about Salman Abedi  BBC News
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Ken Chitwood | (The Conversation) |  

In his address in Saudi Arabia on Sunday, May 21, while calling on Muslim leaders to lead the fight against terrorism, President Donald Trump identified Iran as a despotic state giving safe harbor and financing terror in the Middle East. As Iran is a Shia state and Saudi Arabia a Sunni-led country, some media outlets criticized Trump for taking sides in the Shia-Sunni sectarian divide.



The Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, when both Shia and Sunni Muslims come together to pray.

Al Jazeera English, CC BY-SA

As a scholar of Islam and a public educator, I often field questions about Sunnis, Shias and the sects of Islam. What exactly is the Shia-Sunni divide? And what is its history?

History of divide

Both Sunnis and Shias  drawing their faith and practice from the Quran and the life of the Prophet Muhammad  agree on most of the fundamentals of Islam. The differences are related more to historical events, ideological heritage and issues of leadership.

The first and central difference emerged after the death of Prophet Muhammad in A.D. 632. The issue was who would be the caliph  the deputy of God  in the absence of the prophet. While the majority sided with Abu Bakr, one of the prophets closest companions, a minority opted for his son-in-law and cousin  Ali. This group held that Ali was appointed by the prophet to be the political and spiritual leader of the fledgling Muslim community.

Subsequently, those Muslims who put their faith in Abu Bakr came to be called Sunni (those who follow the Sunna, the sayings, deeds and traditions of the Prophet Muhammad) and those who trusted in Ali came to be known as Shia (a contraction of Shiat Ali, meaning partisans of Ali).

Abu Bakr became the first caliph and Ali became the fourth caliph. However, Alis leadership was challenged by Aisha, the prophets wife and daughter of Abu Bakr. Aisha and Ali went to battle against each other near Basra, Iraq in the Battle of the Camel in A.D. 656. Aisha was defeated, but the roots of division were deepened. Subsequently, Muawiya, the Muslim governor of Damascus, also went to battle against Ali, further exacerbating the divisions in the community.

In the years that followed, Muawiya assumed the caliphate and founded the Ummayad Dynasty (A.D 670-750). Alis youngest son, Hussein  born of Fatima, the prophets daughter  led a group of partisans in Kufa, Iraq against Muawiyas son Yazid. For the Shias, this battle, known as the Battle of Karbala, holds enormous historical and religious significance.

Hussein was killed and his forces defeated. For the Shia community, Hussein became a martyr. The day of the battle is commemorated every year on the Day of Ashura. Held on the tenth day of Muharram in the Islamic lunar calendar, scores of pilgrims visit Husseins shrine in Karbala and many Shia communities participate in symbolic acts of flagellation and suffering.

Leadership disagreements

Over time, Islam continued to expand and develop into evermore complex and overlapping societies that spanned from Europe to sub-Saharan Africa, North Africa to Asia. This development demanded more codified forms of religious and political leadership.

Sunnis and Shias adopted different approaches to these issues.

Sunni Muslims trusted the secular leadership of the caliphs during the Ummayad (based in Damascus from A.D. 660-750) and Abbasid (based in Iraq from 750-1258 and in Cairo from 1261-1517) periods. Their theological foundations came from the four religious schools of Islamic jurisprudence that emerged over the seventh and eighth centuries.

To this day, these schools help Sunni Muslims decide on issues such as worship, criminal law, gender and family, banking and finance, and even bioethical and environmental concerns. Today, Sunnis comprise about 80-90 percent of the global Muslim population.

On the other hand, Shias relied on Imams as their spiritual leaders, whom they believed to be divinely appointed leaders from among the prophets family. Shia Muslims continue to maintain that the prophets family are the sole genuine leaders. In the absence of the leadership of direct descendants, Shias appoint representatives to rule in their place (often called ayatollahs). Shias are a minority of the global Muslim population, although they have strong communities in Iraq, Pakistan, Albania, Yemen, Lebanon and Iran. There are also different sects within Shia Islam.

Other differences

Other disputes that continue to exacerbate the divide include issues of theology, practice and geopolitics.

For example, when it comes to theology Sunnis and Shias draw from different Hadith traditions. Hadith are the reports of the words and deeds of the prophet and considered an authoritative source of revelation, second only to the Quran. They provide a biographical sketch of the prophet, context to Quranic verses, and are used by Muslims in the application of Islamic law to daily life. Shias favor those that come from the prophets family and closest associates, while Sunnis cast a broader net for Hadith that includes a wide array of the prophets companions.

Shias and Sunnis differ over prayer as well. All Sunni Muslims believe they are required to pray five times a day, but Shias can condense those into three.

During the Hajj  the pilgrimage to Mecca, held annually and obligatory for all Muslims once in a lifetime  it may seem that these differences are masked, as both Sunnis and Shias gather in the holy city for rituals that reenact the holiest narratives of their faith. And yet, with Saudi authorities overseeing the Hajj, there have been tensions with Shia governments such as Iran over claims of discrimination.

And when it comes to leadership, the Shia have a more hierarchical structure of political and religious authority invested in formally trained clergy whose religious authority is transnational. There is no such structure in Sunni Islam.

The greatest splits today, however, come down to politics. Although the majority of Sunni and Shia are able to live peacefully together, the current global political landscape has brought polarization and sectarianism to new levels. Shia-Sunni conflicts are raging in Syria, Iraq, Lebanon and Pakistan and the divide is growing deeper across the Muslim world.

This historical schism continues to permeate the daily lives of Muslims around the world.

Ken Chitwood, Ph.D. Student, Religion in the Americas, Global Islam, University of Florida

This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.



Related video added by Juan Cole:

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CALGARY, ALBERTA--(Marketwired - May 24, 2017) - Mkango Resources Ltd. (TSX VENTURE:MKA) (AIM:MKA) (the "Corporation" or "Mkango"), announces results from recent sampling at the Thambani Project in southern Malawi:

Assay results from 85 rock grab samples returned high grade uranium, tantalum and niobium values, ranging up to 3.3 % U 3 O 8 , 1.9 % Ta 2 O 5 and 6.0 % Nb 2 O 5 . 35 of the samples graded above 500ppm U 3 O 8 and 24 graded above 1,000ppm U 3 O 8 . Results associated with the twenty best U 3 O 8 assays are summarised in the table below.

The main objectives of the programme were to confirm previously identified high grade mineralisation at the Little Ngona target, ground-truth new geophysical targets and complete further reconnaissance sampling along the East and West Ridges.

New areas of high grade uranium, tantalum and niobium mineralisation were identified at the foot of the West Ridge and on the East Ridge. Most significantly, a radiometric high at the foot of the West Ridge yielded two of four highest grade samples of this phase of exploration.

Alexander Lemon, President of Mkango, said: "These results further support Thambani's exploration potential. Not only are the uranium results highly encouraging, but the equally positive tantalum and niobium results support that Thambani has significant multi-commodity potential."

Assays from the 20 highest grade U 3 O 8 samples from the Thambani sampling programme

Sample no. U 3 O 8 ppm U 3 O 8 % Ta 2 O 5 ppm Ta 2 O 5 % Nb 2 O 5 ppm Nb 2 O 5 % U3141 32590 3.26 19029 1.90 59200 5.92 U3183 31812 3.18 15224 1.52 60055 6.01 U3136 10131 1.01 4845 0.48 32478 3.25 U3111 8826 0.88 4191 0.42 14871 1.49 U3127 5468 0.55 3084 0.31 15138 1.51 U3135 5265 0.53 2747 0.27 13183 1.32 U3122 5250 0.52 2431 0.24 10820 1.08 U3125 4518 0.45 2028 0.20 8461 0.85 U3115 4352 0.44 2221 0.22 9789 0.98 U3121 4191 0.42 2390 0.24 13585 1.36 U3137 3988 0.40 1896 0.19 8707 0.87 U3124 3952 0.40 2100 0.21 9600 0.96 U3168 3664 0.37 2022 0.20 7137 0.71 U3129 3562 0.36 1625 0.16 6469 0.65 U3176 3264 0.33 1905 0.19 5864 0.59 U3131 2768 0.28 1293 0.13 5314 0.53 U3133 2231 0.22 1235 0.12 5971 0.60 U3118 2163 0.22 1330 0.13 3838 0.38 U3172 1749 0.17 1351 0.14 3924 0.39 U3119 1741 0.17 916 0.09 4592 0.46

Sampling was primarily focused on zones of anomalous uranium and associated niobium and tantalum targets across the Thambani Massif, a nepheline-bearing syenite gneiss which dominates the north-eastern part of the licence. Grab samples are selective samples and are not necessarily representative of the mineralization hosted on the property. The average grades for the 85 samples were 1,892 ppm U 3 O 8 , 1,029 ppm Ta 2 O 5 and 4,562 ppm Nb 2 O 5 . The median grades for the 85 samples were 343 ppm U 3 O 8 , 222 ppm Ta 2 O 5 and 958 ppm Nb 2 O 5 . The ranges of grades for the 85 samples were 1 - 32,590 ppm U 3 O 8 , 2 - 19,029 ppm Ta 2 O 5 and 0 - 60,055 ppm Nb 2 O 5 .

Mkango is currently evaluating strategic options for Thambani, including opportunities to joint venture or spin-off the project, and other potential avenues to create value.

Thambani Project

Mkango's exploration activities to date include acquisition of Landsat7 and ASTER satellite imagery for the licence area, interpretation of airborne geophysical data, systematic ground radiometric surveys, reconnaissance geological mapping and litho-geochemical sampling programmes. The work has identified a number of potential uranium and associated niobium-tantalum targets over the Thambani Massif, which is mainly composed of nepheline-bearing syenite gneiss, forming two prominent ridges known as Thambani East Ridge and West Ridge.

Radiometric surveys revealed two distinct uranium anomalies occurring across the Thambani East and West Ridges: a strong uranium anomaly, measuring approximately 3 kilometres ("km") by 1.5 km, occurs along the length of the Thambani East ridge, with a north-south trend, and a second NW-trending uranium anomaly, measuring approximately 1.5 km by 0.4 km, occurring along the foot of the West Ridge coincident with the western contact of the nepheline-bearing syenite body with granodioritic augen gneiss.

Scientific and technical information contained in this release has been approved and verified by Dr. Scott Swinden of Swinden Geoscience Consultants Ltd, who is a "Qualified Person" in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 --Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

Sample preparation and analytical work for the sampling programme is being provided by Intertek-Genalysis Laboratories (Johannesburg, South Africa and Perth, Australia) employing assay methods suitable for the analysis of uranium, niobium and tantalum. Mkango inserted its own blanks and standards into the sample stream, and internal laboratory QAQC was also completed to include blanks, standards and duplicates.

About Mkango Resources Ltd.

Mkango's primary business is the exploration for rare earth elements and associated minerals in the Republic of Malawi, a country whose hospitable people have earned it a reputation as "the warm heart of Africa". Mkango holds, through its wholly owned subsidiary Lancaster Exploration Limited, a 100% interest in two exclusive prospecting licences in southern Malawi, the Phalombe licence and the Thambani licence.

The main exploration target in the Phalombe licence is the Songwe Hill rare earths' deposit, which features carbonatite hosted rare earth mineralisation and was subject to previous exploration in the late 1980s. Mkango completed an updated Pre-feasibility Study for the project in November 2015. Mkango's strategy for Songwe is to further optimise the project with a view to maximising efficiency and reducing costs, thereby providing a strong platform for entering into partnerships, marketing and offtake arrangements. In December 2016, Mkango entered into an agreement with Noble Resources International to collaborate in the rare earths sector. In March 2017, Mkango entered into a MOU with Metalysis Limited to jointly research, develop and commercialise novel rare earth metal alloys for use in three-dimensional (3D) printed permanent magnets.

The main exploration targets in the Thambani licence are uranium, niobium, tantalum and other associated minerals.
Vancouver, British Columbia / TheNewswire / May 24, 2017 - Pacton Gold Inc. (TSXV: PAC) (the "Company" or "Pacton") is pleased to announce that it has entered into two separate option agreements to acquire a 100% interest in 44 mineral claims totaling 8,716.9 Ha (21,640 acres) in the Red Lake Mining District of Ontario, Canada. The option agreements are for 14 mineral claims for an area of approximately 2,282.4 Ha (5,640 acres) (the "Byshe/Ranger Agreement") and for 30 mineral claims for an area of approximately 6,474.9 Ha (16,000 acres) (the "Red Lake Agreement").

Dominic Verdejo, President and CEO of Pacton Gold commented, "The Red Lake Mining District is one of the richest mining camps in the world, and we are pleased to be able to add to our existing land portfolio, and increase our land position by nearly 200%. Our exploration team is currently reviewing the geological database and planning a focused exploration program for 2017. We now control strategic land positions immediately adjacent to some of the more active exploration and mining companies in the Red Lake Mining Camp, including Goldcorp, Pure Gold, and Premier Gold."

Location map to the Property



Under the terms of the Byshe/Ranger Agreement, the Company must pay CDN$70,000 and issue 300,000 common shares over a three-year period in order to earn a 100% interest in the property.

Under the terms of the Red Lake Agreement, the Company must pay CDN$200,000 and issue 2,500,000 common shares over a two-year period in order to earn a 100% interest in the property. The optionors will retain a 2.5% net smelter return royalty, 1% of which can be purchased by the Company for CDN$1,500,000.

The acquisitions are subject to the acceptance of the TSX Venture Exchange.

About Pacton Gold

Pacton Gold Inc. (TSXV: PAC) is a Canadian junior exploration company focused on mineral exploration in North America. The Company is currently advancing exploration activity on the Birch and Uchi Gold Properties adjacent to the Springpole Gold Deposit (controlled by First Mining Finance (FF: TSXV)) in the Red Lake Gold District of western Ontario and the Tully West Gold Property located northeast of Timmins, Ontario. The Company's goal is to secure and explore quality mineral assets in the Americas.

All technical information in this press release has been reviewed and approved by Peter Caldbick, P.Geo. Mr. Caldbick is a Qualified Person for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101.
MONTREAL, QUEBEC--(Marketwired - May 24, 2017) - Sama Graphite Inc. (TSX VENTURE:SRG) ("SRG" or the "Company") today announced that preliminary results received from its drilling program currently underway on the Lola Graphite property in the Republic of Guinea, have significantly expanded the Company's perceived potential of the property.

Highlights

Approximately 50% of the drilling program has been completed

Thickness of the weathered profile extends to a depth of up to 30 to 35 meters, considerably more thickness than the originally anticipated depth of 20 meters

Presence of massive graphite veins

Assay results confirm the high-grade potential, comparing favourably with first-tier prominent graphite occurrences worldwide for graphitic carbon grade

Size distribution and chemical purity place the Lola Graphite deposit among the very few flake graphite deposits with such high flake yield and purity

The 4,800-meter drilling program is underway on the property with an objective to delineate National Instrument 43-101 mineral resources. The Company has completed 83 boreholes totalling approximately 2,300 meters, representing approximately 50% of the program.

The drilling program started testing the eastern edge of the deposit and its boundary with the barren gneiss; composite results shown in Table 1 are from the first 15 boreholes from that area. Drilling has now moved to the core of the mineralization where the thickness of the weathered profile exceeds the initially estimated 20 meters considerably, with several holes demonstrating thicknesses of up to 30 to 35 meters and resulting in an average weathered profile of approximately 28 meters. Assays results for the core sector are still pending.

Furthermore, recent drilling has intercepted several occurrences of semi-massive to massive graphite vein material. These intercepts range from a few centimeters to up to 1.1-meters thick in four boreholes. The presence of these amorphous graphite veins support the magmatic origin of the carbon material, hence its exceptional chemical purity. The exceptional chemical purity of the Lola Graphite deposit contrasts greatly when compared with numerous other graphite deposits in the world as the carbon in other graphite deposits carries impurities such as vanadium and molybdenum, which necessitate removal.

The current drilling program aims at producing the first mineral estimates that will be included in the Preliminary Economic Assessment planned for Q4 2017. Boreholes are drilled on a 50 m x 20 m and 100 m x 20 m drilling spacing covering approximately 16% of the total surface area of deposit as defined by geological mapping, a geophysical Max-Min survey and previous drilling and pitting. Graphitic carbon tenors obtained in the first 15 boreholes (Table 1) of the current campaign are well aligned with expectations as the area drilled at the eastern boundary was just off the core of the deposit.

Table 1

The following table illustrates the details of the mineralized intervals for 15 holes drilled at the Lola Graphite Deposit. Intervals were defined using 1.0% Cg cut-off grades.

HOLE-ID FROM TO LENGTH CG LL45-085401 3.00 27.10 24.10 5.35 Including 12.20 25.00 12.80 8.32 LL45-102406 0.00 11.50 11.50 5.29 Including 1.50 6.15 4.65 9.07 LL45-121413 0.00 25.00 25.00 6.66 Including 6.00 24.00 18.00 8.93 LL45-089460 0.00 23.50 23.50 4.34 LL45-106466 0.00 36.00 36.00 3.23 Including 25.50 36.00 10.50 10.00 LL45-125471 0.00 10.50 10.50 9.28 Including 0.00 7.50 7.50 11.29 LL45-115317 0.00 16.50 16.50 4.55 LL45-133324 2.00 18.10 16.10 6.10 Including 9.00 18.10 9.10 9.12 LL45-191342 0.00 22.10 22.10 4.50 Including 19.50 20.00 0.50 22.00 LL45-208350 0.00 10.50 10.50 4.00 Including 4.50 6.00 1.50 14.20 LL45-096311 0.00 26.00 26.00 3.92 LL45-199501 3.00 7.50 4.50 2.21 LL45-095516 0.00 10.50 10.50 4.01 Including 3.00 6.00 3.00 8.27 LL45-114522 0.00 32.00 32.00 7.98 Including 9.70 30.00 20.30 12.31 LL45-170542 0.00 31.30 31.30 5.25 Including 15.10 31.30 16.20 9.47

The Lola Graphite deposit can be compared to the leading group of properties in terms of graphite flake size distribution and chemical purity. Results from flotation tests indicate that 89% of the concentrate is made of super-jumbo, jumbo and large flakes sizes. Super-jumbo flake size (>0.50 mm) accounts for 29% of the concentrate with purities of 96% and 97% Cg (reference SRG's press release dated February 21, 2017).

Purification tests performed by ProGraphite GmbH confirmed that the graphite could easily be upgraded with standard processes to levels above 99.5%, with most elements, already under the limits for battery applications. The purification performed during testing was "mild" compared to the "harsh" purification usually applied for lithium-ion battery grade graphite, thereby attesting again to the likelihood that the material will be very suitable for such an application. Furthermore, the combination of very favourable ash composition, high crystallinity, high oxidation resistance and excellent purification behaviour makes the graphite very valuable for demanding new tech applications, including energy applications and particularly with regard to spherical graphite for lithium-ion batteries.

Drilling was performed using Sama Resources' Coretech core drill rig. Core logging and sampling were performed at SRG's facility in Gogota village. Sample preparations were performed by Bureau Veritas Mineral Laboratory's facility in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire. Pulp samples were delivered to Activation Laboratories Ltd, Ancaster, Thunder Bay, Canada for assaying. All samples were assayed for graphitic carbon by infrared.

About Sama Graphite Inc. (SRG)

SRG is a Canadian-based company focused on developing the Lola Graphite deposit, located in the Republic of Guinea, West Africa. SRG is committed to operate in a socially, environmentally and ethically responsible manner.

For additional information, please visit SRG's website at www.srggraphite.com.
Buenos Aires / TheNewswire / May 24, 2017, - AbraPlata Resource Corp. TSX.V:ABRA ("AbraPlata" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has awarded a 2,000m drilling contract to Foraco Argentina SA, the wholly owned Argentine subsidiary of Foraco International SA ("Foraco"). A truck-mounted Boart Longyear LF-90 drill rig is being mobilized to undertake a 15 hole program on AbraPlata's Diablillos Ag-Au project in the high plains desert of the "Puna" in southern Salta Province of northwestern Argentina, and drilling operations are to commence by the end of the week. The planned diamond drill program is expected to bring additional mineralization at the Fantasma Mineralized Zone into a resource category with a view to further defining and expanding, the existing resources outlined at the Oculto Deposit, some 8oom to the east of Fantasma. This will, in turn, allow the Company to establish the parameters necessary for updating a previously prepared, internal Preliminary Economic Assessment study.

Diablillos

The Diablillos property lies at an elevation of 4100m above sea level, and covers an area of 79km2. It is located in a rapidly developing mineral province in northwestern Argentina that includes the TacaTaca (First Quantum), Lindero and Arizaro (Fortuna), Rio Grande (Regulus), and Samenta (AbraPlata) deposits. Access is good with all-weather gravel roads and a serviceable airstrip on a neighbouring property.

The property hosts the Ag-Au epithermal Oculto Deposit for which an indicated resource has been estimated consisting of 27.7m tonnes at 91.2g/t Ag and 0.85g/t Au and containing 81.3m oz Ag and 755k oz Au (135m oz AgEq or 1.9m oz AuEq). Oculto is only one of nine mineral occurrences located on the Diablillos property. The Fantasma zone lies immediately to the west of Oculto, and has been identified by a number of trenches and four drill holes. A dacite porphyry at the Cerro Viejo Este occurrence, some 1200m north-northwest of Oculto, hosts Cu-Au mineralization that has been intersected in two drill holes in a dacite porphyry. At Pedernales to the north of Oculto, narrower but higher grade epithermal mineralization has been intersected in a number of drill holes. Altogether, some 85,000m of drilling in 448 holes have has been undertaken on the Property, the majority of them on Oculto.

About AbraPlata Resource Corp.

Abraplata is a junior mining exploration company focused on delivering shareholder returns by unlocking mineral value in Argentina. The Company's experienced management team has assembled an outstanding portfolio of gold, silver and copper exploration assets, and is focused on advancing its flagship Diablillos property through the various stages of feasibility. In addition, AbraPlata owns the highly prospective Cerro Amarillo property with its cluster of five mineralized Cu-(Mo-Au) porphyry intrusions located in a mining camp hosting the behemoth El Teniente, Los Bronces, and Los Pelambres porphyry Cu-Mo deposits. Further exploration work is also planned for the Company's Samenta porphyry Cu-Mo property south of First Quantum's TacaTaca project as well as its Aguas Perdidas Au-Ag epithermal property.

About Foraco

Foraco International SA, a publicly traded company based in Marseille, France, is the third largest global mineral driller providing innovative solutions for mining, and water projects across 22 countries and five continents. With the 3rd largest global fleet of drilling rigs, best-in-class safety standards and a versatile, well-trained international workforce with a proven track record in geologically complex formations, Foraco is uniquely positioned to satisfy the needs of customers operating around the world. Foraco is traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "FAR."
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - May 24, 2017) - Precipitate Gold Corp. (the "Company" or "Precipitate") (TSX VENTURE:PRG) is pleased to announce the re-commencement of its diamond drill program at the Ginger Ridge Zone within the Company's 100% owned Juan de Herrera project in the Dominican Republic.

Precipitate's technical team has designed an adaptable program of approximately 3,500 metres ("m") of diamond drilling. The primary objectives of this program will be, (i) to test select portions of the Ginger Ridge Main anomaly area that were not tested in prior drill programs; and (ii) test the newly identified Ginger Ridge East soil anomaly, situated approximately one kilometre east of prior drilling. Program budgeting allows for the possible expansion of drilling within any new priority exploration zones successfully intersected during the program. Concurrent with the Ginger Ridge Drill program, Precipitate will be updating shareholders on results from the other five target areas on Juan de Herrera where IP geophysics, soil geochemical surveys and geological mapping were recently completed. The Company may extend the drill program to include some of these other areas if deemed prudent, based on results and budgets.

Jeffrey Wilson, Precipitate's President and CEO stated, "We are very pleased to re-commence drilling at the Ginger Ridge Zone, as we test multiple new targets with what is budgeted to be the largest drill phase conducted by the Company to date on the project. The combination of our Phase I drill discovery along with subsequent drilling data and geochemical and geophysical work in and around the Main zone has provided a better understanding of the system and offered multiple new targets for the current drill program. Prior drilling at Ginger Ridge has focused almost solely on exceptionally high chargeability signatures within the centre of the Zone. Drilling in this round at the Main Ginger Ridge anomaly will test undrilled portions at the north and southern extents of the anomaly, particularly areas with stronger surface geochemical signatures, while holes planned at the East anomaly will target the most significant surface soil geochemical anomaly identified to date on the Project."

Drill Target Highlights:

Ginger Ridge East Anomaly:

The most significant soil geochemical anomaly identified to date at the Project, with gold up to 842 ppb, zinc up to 2,461 ppm and lead up to 305 ppm;

Strong and consistent multi-element anomaly measuring 1,100m by 100m; and

Soil geochemical anomaly is coincident with a strong magnetic low geophysical signature; an important geophysical feature for potential gold mineralization in the region.

Ginger Ridge Main Anomaly:

Extensive northwest trending Induced Polarization ("IP") geophysical chargeability anomaly, measuring at least 1,000m long by up to 200m wide. The combined geophysical and geochemical target is untested on the north and south extents;

Host to Drill Hole 5 - The Discovery Hole, with multiple gold-rich intervals, including 13.4 grams per tonne gold over 5.0 metres within 4.5 grams per tonne gold over 18.0 metres;

New geophysical target interpretation provides multiple untested prospective target areas within anomaly; and

Geological affinities to both volcanogenic massive sulphide ("VMS") and intermediate sulphidation epithermal deposit models; Correlation of gold mineralization with strong IP chargeability signature and silica alteration.

Drilling will start at the Ginger Ridge Main zone where an initial 3 to 4 holes are contemplated to test (i) the northern limit of the IP chargeability anomaly, (ii) a strong surface geochemical alteration zone near previous drill hole GR14-03 and (iii) the strong and discrete gold-in-soil anomaly located 1,200 metres southeast of the previous drill area. Following work at the Main zone, drilling will move to the Ginger Ridge East soil anomaly to test parts of the anomaly which have coincidental high gold-in-soil values and a strong magnetic geophysical low signature. An initial five drill holes are planned for this new priority area. As previously stated, the number of holes and total metres in this program could adapt as the program progresses. Drill assay results will be reported as they become available.

This news release has been reviewed by Michael Moore P. Geo., Vice President, Exploration of Precipitate Gold Corporation, the Qualified Person for the technical information in this news release under NI 43-101 standards.

About Precipitate Gold:

Precipitate Gold Corp. is a mineral exploration company focused on exploring and advancing its mineral property interests in the Tireo Gold Trend of the Dominican Republic. The Company also maintains assets in British Columbia and southeast Yukon Territory and is actively evaluating additional high-impact property acquisitions with the potential to expand the Company's portfolio and increase shareholder value.

Additional information can be viewed at the Company's website www.precipitategold.com.
BLAINVILLE, QUEBEC--(Marketwired - May 24, 2017) - Maya Gold & Silver Inc. ("Maya" or the "Corporation") (TSX VENTURE:MYA) is pleased to provide a progress update on its exploration drilling program at the Zgounder Millennium Silver Mine (ZMSM) and the discovery of a new zone on level 2100 to the North East of the adjacent historical Corps D openings at its Zgounder Silver Mine. The highlights include:

Completion of the validation and compilation of the 2016 & 2017 percussion hole results, which indicates a new mineral zone to the north east of Corps D above the 2100 elevation level, the zone has a complex geometry and is subvertical;

92 percussion holes of a total length of 1822.8 meters from 1519 cuttings samples on the 2017 percussion hole drilled up to April 30th;

Commencement of percussion drilling in two distinct areas, one for indications of silver and one for silver & gold mineralization within the mine at level 2100; and

Indications of a non extracted mineral zone at the 1975 level, which can be included in the update of the 2013 resource estimate identified as Corps B.

Compilation of percussion holes

The compilation and validation of the underground exploration 2016 & 2017 percussion holes was completed. These 2016 percussion holes are located in sectors which have been partially or completely mined and/or under development and the data will be integrated in the resource estimation update combined with the on-going Cavity Monitoring Survey. During the first three-month period of 2017, the Zgounder geological team completed 92 percussion holes (T-28) for a total length of 1822.8m for 1519 samples of 1.2m. All the holes intersected silver mineralisation from low grade up to kilograms per tonne. The drilling, sampling, preparation and analytical method used is the same as the one developed and used in the 2013 independent underground drilling campaign by GoldMinds for the first NI-43-101 mineral resources.

The data highlights a new zone to the north east of Corps D above the 2100 elevation and is recognized over 15m NE x 10m NW over 20m high and reflect the extent with width of the mineralisation. The holes have been drill from an exploration raise in fan and side of drift to define the shape of the body. Also, drilling for geometry definition of the Y6 with extension to the East of that body on the 2100 level has been done, also with new findings on 2030 and 2000 levels that can be incorporated in the next mineral resource update.

Highlights of this new zone (North East Extension Corps D above 2100) are:

2100-T28-17-64 intersect 2376 g/t Ag over 13.2m from 0 to 13.2m

from 0 to 13.2m 2100-T28-17-66 intersect 247 g/t Ag over 4.8m from 0 to 4.8m

2100-T28-17-88 intersect 325 g/t Ag over 4.8m from 0 to 4.8m

2100-T28-17-84 intersect 1071 g/t Ag over 6.0m from 0 to 6m

from 0 to 6m 2100-T28-17-49 intersect 273 g/t Ag over 3.6m from 0 to 3.6m

2100-T28-17-50 intersect 1111 g/t Ag over 2.4m from 0 to 2.4m

In order to further validate the assays results, the assays were run in duplicates (i.e. 2100-T28-17-64 detailed below), with the following results:

From (m) To (m) Length (m) Ag (g/t) Ag (g/t) duplicate 0 1.2 1.2 3557 3669 1.2 2.4 1.2 4237 4190 2.4 3.6 1.2 5361 5455 3.6 4.8 1.2 1100 1089 4.8 6 1.2 3174 3200 6 7.2 1.2 5710 5680 7.2 8.4 1.2 950 1001 8.4 9.6 1.2 1136 1188 9.6 10.8 1.2 469 445 10.8 12 1.2 285 298 12 13.2 1.2 155 158

The hole was drilled on 2106 elevation at 200 degrees north with 17 degrees up direction.

The true length (thickness) of mineralisation is longer than the disclosed 13.2 length as well the other smaller intersections disclosed are portions of the mineralisation. The mineralized zone is of irregular shape and is sub-vertical. This situation applies to most of the disclosed mineral intersections disclosed. None of these holes have intersected from one side to another the mineralized zone. Please refer to the map attached for clarification.

Furthermore, the team completed additional drilling between levels on the Y6 body to validate continuity and verify geometry prior to extraction, material in place and highlights on the 2100 are:

2100-T28-17-56 intersect 587 g/t Ag over 8.4m from 8.4 to 16.8m

from 8.4 to 16.8m 2100-T28-17-55 intersect 758 g/t Ag over 13.2m from 0 to 13.2m

from 0 to 13.2m 2100-T28-17-54 intersect 1006 g/t Ag over 4.8m from 0 to 4.8m

2100-T28-17-53 intersect 107 g/t Ag over 13m from 3.6 to 16.8m

This supports the geometry and grade of the resources model of the Y6 developed by GoldMinds in 2013.

Drilling on the 2030 level intersected a significant high grade zone in hole (2030-T28-17-14) with 5286 g/t over 3.6m including 12617g/t over 1.2m from 19.2 to 20.4 still in place and to be incorporated in the new resources model of 2017.

Additional Percussion Drilling

The company is also pleased to announce the start of two percussion drilling targets under QP supervision:

At surface north-south axis along the surface access road along the Zgounder Oued East side to prove the mineralization model that higher fracturing (possible higher silver mineralization) aside of the Zgounder fault is present in a continuous manner to enable development of larger mineral resources readily accessible near surface; and

A gold focused percussion drilling structure test program into a gold anomaly zone at the 2100 level. Face samples on 3 distinct shear zones have indicated up to 7 g/t Au. The GoldMinds QP hammered 3 separate composite face sample to be analysed in Canada for support of the gold grade occurrence while drill holes are aiming at identifying extension of the zone, anomalous high occurrence of chalcopyrite was observed within these geological structures during independent sampling.

Scan Survey

The completion of the 1975 level scan survey has identified panels of inferred are still in place while 2 have been extracted partially from the 1950 level. The 3D scan should provide the amount mined out. Moreover, the scan revelled the presence of the Corps B observed by the independent QP where only draw point and drifts are present. This means the potential addition of mineral calculation in that sector as no provision was made for that body at this elevation in the 2013 statement. This portion has been intersected by historical diamond drill hole down dip from level 2000mZ DDHU-2000A-5 which run 797 g/t Ag over 28m and percussion hole 2_LT_1975_88 which run 2395 g/t Ag over 12m. The Corps B has been qualified as the richest block in the mine by the previous owner in the historical production records. Surface diamond drill holes are programmed to intersect possible extension at depth of this structure as well as others.

Drilling Results

For the preliminary assay results of the diamond drill hole campaign to the East, issues with the presence of native silver in the core in form of dots and small plates requires different preparation and analytical method to enable release of the assay results to the public. It has been found that AquaRegia used in normal analytical process did not dissolved the silver plates while the complete nitric acid did and gave out of range result on the specific metallic plate taken from the witness core confirming it is native silver.

Additional information will be provided once received, validated and compiled.

"These preliminary findings are all very good news for Maya, and clearly show the operation as well as exploration is advancing well, and we look forward having more positive results at the Zgounder Mine" said Noureddine Mokaddem, President of Maya.

Plan view of the North East Extension Corps D.





Picture of native silver in Core S2





Quality Control / Quality Assurance (QA/QC)

The above results were produced at the mine laboratory which includes blanks and standards as normal control procedures. External independent samples have been taken as part of the new program for the mineral resource update of 2017. The results are considered to be reliable for disclosure as laboratory procedures and QA/QC was reviewed in previous assignment. Assay are not capped, Ag by AA, thickness intersected are variable.

Qualified Persons

The technical content of this news release has been prepared and reviewed based on the information's received from the ZMSM and site visit by Claude Duplessis Eng. Geological Engineer from GoldMinds Geoservices Inc, independent Qualified Person under NI 43-101 standards.

ABOUT MAYA

Maya Gold & Silver Inc. is a Canadian publicly listed mining corporation focused on the exploration and development of gold and silver deposits in Morocco. Maya is initiating mining and milling operations at its Zgounder Mine owned by ZMSM, a Maya 85% owned joint venture with l'Office National des Hydrocarbures et des Mines of the Kingdom of Morocco (15%).
RACINE COUNTY  The County Board has once again approved the sale of the Ridgewood Care Center nursing home.

Supervisors on Tuesday approved selling the Mount Pleasant facility, 3205 Wood Road, to Evanston, Ill.-based Altitude Health Services.

Under the sale terms, Altitude will pay $10 million for the facility, make $750,000 in capital improvements within 18 months of closing on the deal and agree to own and operate the facility for at least five years.

Officials have discussed selling Ridgewood for almost 20 months amid financial difficulties at the nursing home. The board previously approved selling the facility to Skokie, Ill.-based Villa Healthcare, but the countys negotiations with that company broke off in March.

The board approved the sale Tuesday on a 15-4 vote, with Supervisors Donnie Snow, Monte Osterman, Melissa Kaprelian-Becker and Bob Miller voting against the deal.

Miller, of Mount Pleasant, said he hopes supporters of the sale are proven right that Altitude, and not the county, is the best entity to operate Ridgewood. He feels otherwise.

My strong preference is for Racine County to continue to operate Ridgewood as an excellent facility, as we have done for many years, said Miller, who has been the most outspoken opponent on the board.

Supervisor Janet Bernberg of Wind Point, though, said continued ownership carries financial risk and the county has far more responsibilities than maintaining a nursing home. Officials have pointed to rising costs and flat Medicaid reimbursements as a driving factor in selling.

Passion and emotion cannot override the realities and the responsibility we as elected officials have to the other vulnerable people in our community besides seniors, she said.

Officials are aiming for an Aug. 1 closing date, County Executive Jonathan Delagrave has said. As part of the sale terms, employees who want to remain at Ridgewood will have the opportunity to do so, he said.

Ridgewood, which opened in 1986, provides nursing care and rehabilitation services to about 177 residents. It has about 300 employees, about 200 of whom are county workers.

Altitude was established in 2011 and has six properties in three states, according to its website.

Altitude was previously identified as one of the top three candidates to buy the facility. Company representatives interviewed with the County Boards Executive and Health and Human Development committees and Altitude emerged as the buyer best suited to meet the communitys needs for a well-run nursing home, according to a resolution approved by the board.

A company official did not return a call Tuesday seeking comment.
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - May 24, 2017) -

HIGHLIGHTS:

Fifteen Mile Stream: 36m @ 2.33 g/t from 112m, 16m @ 2.47g/t from 9.5m, 22m @ 1.86 g/t from 108m

Cochrane Hill: 18m @ 1.66 g/t from 65m, 13m @ 2.22g/t from 198m, 5m @ 5.50g/t from 48m

IDENTIFYING EXTENSIVE BROAD ZONES OF SHALLOW MINERALIZATION AT FIFTEEN MILE STREAM

DEPTH EXTENSIONS AT COCHRANE HILL

Atlantic Gold Corporation (TSX VENTURE:AGB) ("Atlantic" or the "Company") is pleased to report assay results received from drilling programs on the Fifteen Mile Stream and Cochrane Hill gold deposits where resource definition drilling on 25m x 20m centres is underway with the objective of upgrading resources to measured and indicated categories.

In particular, it is noted that assay results are now being returned from those holes at Fifteen Mile Stream drilled through the core of the anticline, and these are indicating considerable widths of attractive grades. Total widths of significantly mineralized intervals intersected in hole FMS-17-124 (see table below) aggregate to 78m @ 1.75g/t and in hole FMS-17-113, to 60m @ 1.73g/t. Previously reported holes from this same locale, FMS-17-104 and FMS-17-090, had recorded aggregated significantly mineralized intervals of 88m @ 1.79g/t and 36.5m @ 4.12g/t respectively.

The Company plans to use the results from the drill programs to undertake further analysis to determine the economic viability of the above-noted deposits which would include analysis of the economics of processing these deposits at the Moose River Consolidated ("MRC") processing facility by way of a Pre-Feasibility Study.

New assay results from the two drilling programs are reported as follows:

FIFTEEN MILE STREAM

Fifteen Mile Stream is located approximately 57km northeast of the central milling facility at Touquoy and is readily accessible by highway. Fifteen Mile Stream's current inferred mineral resources stand at 11.72 million tonnes at 1.55 g/t Au for 584,000 oz. New assay results reported herein are from a further 14 holes of the ongoing resource definition diamond drilling program. At this time 177 holes for 21,387 of the planned 25,000m have now been drilled and three drilling rigs are presently operating on the property with completion expected in a week's time.

Drilling Results:

The additional assay drill results continue to reflect those grades, widths and geometry of gold mineralization documented from the 1980s and 2011 drilling programs which support the current inferred resource estimate (see below). Mineralization occurs within argillites, greywackes and bedding-parallel quartz veins across the hinge zone and limbs of the E-W trending Fifteen Mile Stream (FMS) Anticline. The northern limb of the anticline dips moderately north, with the southern limb vertical to overturned (generally steeply north dipping). All holes are therefore declined to the south at various dips and hence true widths vary (see assay table below) depending on which limb of the anticline is intersected, and also depending on hole dip. Free gold is commonly observed, and in association with pyrrhotite and arsenopyrite.

Results are now being returned from a suite of holes drilled across the hinge zone of the anticline in the central part of the main Egerton MacLean zone, where drill access had previously been impeded owing to the location of certain wetlands. Apart from holes previously noted (FMS-17-090 and 104), attention is drawn here to new holes FMS-17-113 and 124 where appreciably mineralized intervals combine to down-hole widths of up to 78m. As well as the northern and southern limbs of the anticline, the central core or hinge zone of the anticline is now being shown to be well mineralized.

These shallow and widespread mineralized intersections across the limbs and core of this sub-horizontal anticlinal hinge zone are considered to be highly encouraging in the context of potential open pit extraction.

Results subsequent of those previously released are tabulated below. Previous results can be found here: February 10, 2017, March 1, 2017, March 16, 2017, April 3, 2017 and May 1, 2017.

Hole id East North Dip Az. Depth

(m) Significant Intervals

(0.5g/t Au and up to 3m internal dilution) From

(m) To

(m) Width

(m) Approx. true width (m) Grade

(g/t Au) FMS-17-094 13500 10080 -60 175 122 9.5 25.5 16 14 2.47 and 43 45 2 2 2.12 and 64 84 20 16 0.97 and 88 99 11 9 2.55 and 103 104 1 1 4.35 FMS-17-109 13475 10020 -60 175 41 34 41 7 6 0.95! FMS-17-110 13650 10140 -60 175 80 58 64 6 5 0.64 FMS-17-112 13625 10160 -45 175 110 40 41 1 1 15.3 and 64 74 10 10 0.84 FMS-17-113 13425 10160 -60 175 230 20 21 1 1 13.85 and 46 59 13 13 0.95 and 68 91 23 23 1.39 and 114 121 7 7 4.90 (incl. 114 115 1 1 32.0) and 131 139 8 7 0.75 and 176 185 9 7 2.12 FMS-17-114 13450 10220 -80 175 200 115 116 1 1 3.01 and 121 134 13 11 0.64 FMS-17-115 13450 10220 -70 175 188 103 125 22 20 0.75 FMS-17-116 13450 10220 -60 175 134 95 100 5 5 1.73 and 105 120 15 15 1.03 FMS-17-117 13475 10235 -65 175 203 105 109 4 4 1.39 and 117 118 1 1 45.6 and 126 138 12 12 1.05 and 148 159 11 11 0.94 FMS-17-118 13475 10235 -55 175 209 112 148 36 36 2.33 and 160 161 1 1 8.67 FMS-17-119 13475 10235 -45 175 251 109 111 2 2 4.16 and 117 152 35 35 1.12 and 179 184 5 5 1.44 and 205 213 8 8 0.63 and 225 232 7 6 0.66 FMS-17-120 13400 10220 -80 175 152 69 70 1 1 8.57 and 117 129 12 12 0.73 FMS-17-122 13400 10220 -70 175 140 106 112 6 6 0.65 FMS-17-124 13450 10200 -55 175 242 49 50 1 1 7.56 and 80 104 24 24 1.59 and 108 130 22 22 1.86 and 135 138 3 3 3.30 and 142 148 6 5 3.19 and 205 228 23 21 1.22

True width of the mineralization varies according to the dip of the enclosing stratigraphy and declination of the relevant drill hole. It is therefore noted for each intersection in the table above. Particularly in the Egerton-Maclean zone hole collars are necessarily located to minimise, though not entirely avoid, ingress to wetland areas and as a result hole declinations are adjusted to compensate for collar positioning. In many cases holes are drilled at different declinations from the same site. Sample distribution is not materially compromised.

The current resource estimate for Fifteen Mile Stream is as follows:

Category Tonnes

(millions) Grade

(g/t) Au Contained Au

(oz.) FIFTEEN MILE STREAM Inferred Resource 11.72 1.55 584,000 Resources that are not reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability

The Mineral Resource estimate for Fifteen Mile Stream is quoted at a cut-off grade of 0.5g/t. It has an effective date of February 16, 2015 and was prepared as part of a technical report in accordance with NI 43-101 by Mr. Neil Schofield, a principal of FSSI (Australia) Pty Ltd, released on April 2, 2015 on SEDAR.

COCHRANE HILL

The Cochrane Hill Gold deposit is located within trucking distance (approximately 80km) to the central milling facility at Touquoy and is readily accessible by highway (based on a Preliminary Economic Assessment dated October 14, 2014 prepared by Moose Mountain Technical Services). Mineral resources at Cochrane Hill currently comprise indicated resources of 4.5 million tonnes at 1.8g/t Au for 251,000 oz. and inferred resources of 5.6 million tonnes at 1.6 g/t Au for 298,000 oz.

New assay results reported herein are from a further 29 holes of the resource definition diamond drilling program. This program was completed at the end of April with a total of 177 holes for 26,575m having been drilled. The latter phase of the program targeted potential extensions of mineralization to the west of the main body of mineralization within an area of shallow wetland where particular regulatory approval was required, and west of the step out holes on section 2775E across highway #7. Nine additional holes were also drilled to test for depth extensions beneath the last, deepest, encouraging intersection on each of nine cross-sections east of 3000E. Examples of these deeper intersections from previously reported holes are 30m @ 2.61g/t (CH-16-126), 18m @ 2.52g/t (CH-16-052) and 11m @ 3.41g/t (CH-16-102).

Drilling Results:

These new assay results come largely from the wetland area to the west of the main body of mineralization and where the geometry of the mineralization continues to be fairly predictable and continuous, as a reasonably discrete, tabular, 70 north-dipping zone having a true width of approximately 15-20m in this area. Mineralization appears to be attenuating west of the highway #7 (around 2750E) though more assays here are pending. Mineralization, although narrowing, remains open to the east (east of 3500E).

Results subsequent to those previously released are tabulated below. Previous results can be found here: Dec 6, 2016, Jan 3, 2017, Jan 11,2017, Feb 2, 2017 and May 1, 2017.

Hole id Easting Northing Dip Az. Depth

(m) Significant Intervals

(0.5g/t Au and up to 3m internal dilution) From

(m) To

(m) Width

(m) Grade

(g/t Au) CH-17-143 2900 3100 -70 171 170 67 81 14 1.23 and 90 92 2 2.67 and 109 113 4 0.80 CH-17-146 2900 3100 -60 171 142 22 23 1 4.19* and 69 70 1 8.01 and 80 82 2 4.40 CH-17-147 2925 3220 -60 171 281 161 162 1 4.82* and 183 187 4 2.00 and 197 209 12 0.60 and 229 234 5 1.11 CH-17-148 2900 3100 -45 171 112 18 19 1 33.5* and 49 55 6 0.65 and 82 83 1 4.16 CH-17-149 2925 3200 -60 171 260 178 182 4 1.28 and 198 211 13 2.22 CH-17-150 2900 3070 -45 171 70 27 28 1 5.10 and 35 36 1 32.8 CH-17-151 2925 3180 -60 171 230 125 126 1 3.41* and 174 184 10 1.33 CH-17-152 3450 3100 -45 171 101 38 39 1 4.02 and 54 63 9 0.83* and 72 82 10 2.06 CH-17-153 2950 3080 -70 171 122 14 15 1 3.31* CH-17-154 3475 3109 -45 171 110 77 84 7 0.77 CH-17-156 2950 3080 -60 171 100 4 5 1 4.61 and 31 39 8 1.02 and 44 65 21` 0.95 and 69 74 5 2.85 CH-17-157 3500 3090 -45 171 92 69 75 6 1.90 CH-17-162 2950 3050 -45 171 52 18 26 8 1.94 CH-17-163 2747 3150 -45 171 170 128 129 1 10.90 CH-17-164 2875 3100 -70 171 172 65 83 18 1.66 and 88 92 4 0.80 and 132 135 3 2.96 CH-17-165 2675 3120 -70 171 191 43 44 1 7.07* CH-17-166 2775 3170 -60 171 212 133 134 1 5.81 and 142 148 6 1.58 CH-17-167 2700 3110 -60 171 152 NSA CH-17-168 2775 3070 -45 171 71 17 22 5 9.44* (incl. 21 22 1 42.0)* CH-17-169 2725 3090 -60 171 131 39 40 1 6.51 CH-17-170 2725 3110 -60 171 152 NSA CH-17-173 2700 3150 -60 171 190 129 131 2 1.66 CH-17-174 2875 3100 -45 171 133 47 56 9 0.38 and 60 65 5 3.40 and 75 80 5 5.04 (incl. 75 76 1 23.3) CH-17-176 2723 3070 -60 171 110 30 31 1 5.29* CH-17-177 2725 3050 -60 171 90 NSA CH-17-178 2875 3070 -45 171 82 21 24 3 1.31 and 38 39 1 4.00 and 48 53 5 5.50 CH-17-180 2700 3070 -60 171 110 NSA CH-17-181 2825 3100 -70 171 151 73 85 12 0.47 and 128 129 1` 14.35 CH-17-196 3000 3082 -60 171 101 38 42 4 7.80 (incl. 38 39 1 28.0) and 49 55 6 0.48 and 83 85 2 2.59 TOTAL 177 holes completed for: 26,575 metres END OF CURRENT PROGRAM

*Wholly or partly includes 50g fire assay on pulverised whole-sample. All other assays are screen fire assays.

True width of the mineralization is approximately 75-85% of the down-hole width depending on dip of the drill hole.

The current resource estimate for Cochrane Hill is tabulated below:

Category Tonnes

(millions) Grade

(g/t) Au Contained

Au (oz.) COCHRANE HILL Indicated Resource 4.5 1.8 251,000 Inferred Resource 5.6 1.6 298,000 Resources that are not reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability

The Mineral Resource estimate for Cochrane Hill is quoted at a cut-off grade of 0.5g/t. It has an effective date of August 1, 2014 and was prepared as part of a technical report in accordance with NI 43-101 by Mr. Neil Schofield, a principal of FSSI (Australia) Pty Ltd, released on August 14, 2014 on SEDAR.

Technical Disclosure

Fifteen Mile Stream

At Fifteen Mile Stream all assays are 50g charge fire assays conducted on whole-sample pulverized 1m samples of sawn, half NQ core with 1-in-10 duplicate assays and insertion of standards and blind blanks. Sample preparation and assaying is conducted at the Sudbury and Vancouver laboratories of ALS Canada Ltd, an entity having no other relationship with the Company. Core recovery is estimated for each metre and averages >97%, excluding occasional voids, usually <2m, representing historic underground workings. Wing samples to voids may be less than 1m to re-establish routine sampling on 1m intervals. Drill core in the hangingwall of the northern limb of the anticline where adjacent historic holes very clearly indicate this upper stratigraphy to be barren may not be sampled and assayed. Standards, blanks and duplicate assay results are acceptable.

Cochrane Hill

All core drilled at Cochrane Hill is assayed. All assays have been conducted on 1m whole-sampled pulverized samples of sawn, half NQ core and, where mineralization is expected, assayed by total sample screen fire assay with 2x fines fire assays, and insertion of standards and blind blanks. Sample preparation and assaying is conducted at the Sudbury and Vancouver laboratories of ALS Canada Ltd, an entity having no other relationship with the Company. In the hangingwall and footwall of expected mineralization samples are assayed by 50g charge fire assay with any mineralized samples (generally >0.5g/t), and adjacent samples as appropriate, returned for screen fire assay. With almost 600 such fire assayed samples having now also been screen fire assayed it is apparent that correlation of these duplicate assay results is sufficiently close to warrant ongoing assaying by fire assay alone. This methodology will apply to samples from the final 28 drill holes. Core recovery is estimated for each metre and averages >98%. Standards and blanks assay results are acceptable.

Results and updates from this drilling program will be reported progressively.

Wally Bucknell, Director of Exploration to the Company and a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101") has reviewed and approved the contents of this news release.
Toronto, Ontario / TheNewswire / May 23, 2017 - Toachi Mining Inc., (TSX-V: TIM) ("Toachi" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it intends to complete a non-brokered private placement to raise up to $3.5 million in gross proceeds (the "Offering"). The Offering will consist of 8,750,000 common shares of the Company to be issued at a price of $0.40 per share.

The Offering is anticipated to close by mid-June and remains subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV"). In accordance with applicable securities legislation, securities issued pursuant to this Offering will be subject to a hold period of four months plus one day from the date of the completion of the Offering.

Net proceeds from the Offering will be used for general corporate purposes and for advancing the Company's La Plata gold-copper-zinc-silver project in Ecuador.

A finder's fee may be payable to certain finders in connection with the Offering, subject to the approval of the TSXV.

Insiders of the Company, including members of the Board of Directors, plan to participate in the Offering. A Material Change report will be filed outlining the exemptions the Company will rely upon as described in policy NI 61-101

About Toachi Mining Inc.

Toachi brings a disciplined and veteran team of project managers together with a high grade gold-copper-silver-zinc project at La Plata in Ecuador. Toachi is focused on and committed to the development of advanced stage mineral projects throughout the Americas using industry best practices combined with a strong social license from local communities. Toachi Mining has 51,653,935 shares issued and outstanding.
TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - May 24, 2017) - QMX Gold Corporation ("QMX" or the "Company") (TSX VENTURE:QMX) has made two new gold discoveries on its Val d'Or Mining Camp property in Val d'Or, Quebec (Figure 1).

Beacon Zone

Highlights include 6.1 g/t Au over 5.4 meters (including 32.6 g/t Au over 1.0 meter) and 7.6 g/t Au over 3.0 meters.

Multiple Quartz-tourmaline-Pyrite vein orientations with alteration along vein margins similar to that at Goldex Mine.

Southwestern Zone

Gold mineralization intersected in three drill holes including 14.0 g/t Au over 0.7 meter and 4.9 g/t Au over 3.2 meters.

A diorite sill cut at the southern boundary of the zone appears to be on-trend of Integra Gold's Triangle zone. Further drilling planned at depth.

Drilling to commence shortly on the Bonnefond South Plug where a new structural model indicates mineralization remains open laterally and at depth. AUR Resources historical drilling in this area included 1.9 g/t Au over 55 meters, with 10.8 g/t Au over 3 meters; and up to 12.2 g/t Au over 12 meters in a shear zone in the adjacent volcanic rocks.

Figure 1. QMX Gold's Val d'Or Mining Camp Property





"Our primary focus for these drill programs was to identify favourable structures and trends, and to expand the limited geological information, however the gold intersections confirm our view on our highly prospective and extensive land package," commented Brad Humphrey, President and CEO. "Our team is excited about the results, and is keen to build on this success as we move to additional phases of drilling."

"Diamond drilling again shows the potential for the discovery of new gold deposits. QMX's extensive land package provides almost blanket coverage of the central part of the Val d'Or Camp where both a gold district and base metal district overlap. A strong commitment to exploration in such a target-rich environment, with the application of new ideas, models and interpretation, should lead QMX to great success," commented David Rigg, Senior Vice President, Exploration.

Beacon Zone

QMX Gold has successfully completed a 7-hole, 924 meter Diamond Drill Program on the Beacon Zone (Figure 2). The program tested a well-developed, northeast-trending Quartz-Tourmaline shear vein that outcrops in the southeast corner of the Bourlamaque Batholith. The shear zone is on-strike and approximately 1 kilometer northwest of the shear hosted gold mineralization at the past-producing Wrightbar mine (305,000 tonnes grading 7.8 grams gold per tonne, Reference: MERN Sigeom data base). Historical channel samples (Alexis Minerals 2007) included 6.9 g/t Au over 6.0 meters and 45.3 g/t Au over 1.5 meters. Further prospecting identified additional north-trending veins (grab samples up to 55 g/t Au) and suggests potential for a near-surface stockwork type vein system.

Four holes tested for lateral- and depth-extensions to the principal shear vein and three holes, 17319-17-05, -07 and -08, were drilled parallel to the principal shear to evaluate the potential contribution from cross-cutting veins. The most encouraging gold intersections of 6.1 g/t Au over 5.4 meters (including 32.6 g/t Au over 1.0 meter); 7.6 g/t Au over 3.0 meters; and 2.4 g/t Au over 5.1 meters, were returned in holes -5 and -7 (Table 1) where north-trending veins were evident. In addition, wall-rock alteration adjacent to the veins is pronounced and similar to that observed at the Goldex Mine with an intensive albite-sericite alteration. This type of alteration has not previously been encountered within the Bourlamaque Batholith. A reinterpretation of the immediate area is in progress to evaluate the potential for a stockwork type gold deposit.

Table 1. Select Intersections from Beacon Zone Drilling, Louvicourt Township, Val d'Or, Quebec.

Hole From (m) To (m) Length (m)* Au Grade (g/t) 17319-17-005 36.4 41.8 5.4 6.1 incl. 40.8 41.8 1.0 32.6 72.0 75.0 3.0 7.6 incl. 72.0 74.0 2.0 11.1 17319-17-007 12.0 17.1 5.1 2.4 26.1 27.2 1.1 1.1 17319-17-008 4.2 5.3 1.1 1.1 16.3 17.7 1.4 4.5 45.5 46.6 1.1 4.5

* Reported gold intersections are measured along the hole. Additional drilling will be needed to determine the true width of the mineralized zones. Complete technical details and results for the program are presented in Table 3 at end of this press release.

Figure 2. Beacon Zone, Louvicourt Township, Val d'Or, Quebec



Southwestern Zone

QMX Gold successfully completed a 16-hole, 5,382 meter Reconnaissance Drill Program on the Southwestern Zone. Through targeted drilling and 29 line-kilometers of ground geophysics (OreVision IP), the reconnaissance program successfully identified a number of prospective structures within the approximately 4- by 3-kilometer area bordering Integra Gold's Lamaque project (Figure 3). Encouraging gold intersections, including 14.0 g/t Au over 0.7 meters and 4.9 g/t Au over 3.2 meters associated with quartz-sulphide veins and dissemination sulphides, are located close to the eastern projection of the Sigma-Lamaque North Shear. This demonstrates the potential for additional gold discoveries on this portion of the land package (Table 2).

Drilling included a fence of six holes commencing from near the Poste Intrusion, running north for approximately 1,500 meters to the southern edge of the Manitou Shear (or Aumaque Shear further West). The holes tested IP anomalies identified by the OreVision IP survey to target depths of 300 to 350 meters and provide stratigraphy and structure across this important sector. The Southern-most drill hole intersected a Diorite Sill, which appears, from magnetic data, to be on-trend of Integra Gold's Triangle zone. Several Quartz-Tourmaline Pyrite shear veins and tension veins were intersected within the Diorite but assays reported no significant gold values to 300 meters. However given the zones, including the Sigma and Lamaque mines, plunge steeply to the east, good discovery potential remains at depth across the width of the drilling. Detailed studies are ongoing.

Table 2. Select Intersections from Reconnaissance Drilling on the Southwestern Zone, Bourlamaque Township, Val d'Or, Quebec.

Hole From (m) To (m) Length (m)* Au Grade (g/t) 17307-16-002 93.1 93.8 0.7 14.0 17307-16-003 132.7 135.0 2.3 1.2 181.8 135.0 1.0 2.3 17307-17-007 35.8 36.9 1.1 1.0 96.3 97.3 1.0 1.4 108.3 118.5 10.5 2.0 incl. 113.2 116.4 3.2 4.9 124.6 125.8 1.2 2.0 135.3 136.5 1.2 2.1

* Reported gold intersections are measured along the hole. Additional drilling will be needed to determine the true width of the mineralized zones. Complete technical details and result for the program are presented in Table 3 at end of this press release.

Anomalous levels of copper (Cu), zinc (Zn) and silver (Ag) were also intersected in several holes, including the southernmost hole of the Poste - Manitou fence. Associated alteration, sulphide-stringers and/or syngenetic massive sulphides (Pyrite - Pyrrhotite) confirm that Volcanogenic Massive Sulphide and Skarn systems were active within the Val d'Or Formation across the project area. QMX considers these features as very positive signs that there remains good potential for the discovery of additional Volcanogenic Massive Sulphide and Skarn deposits.

Figure 3. Southwestern Zone, Bourlamaque Township, Val d'Or, Quebec





A reinterpretation is in progress to incorporate the new drilling information. A High Definition Magnetic survey and additional drilling will be completed to evaluate the junction of structural breaks and to determine the precise location of diorite intrusions.

Drilling on Bonnefond South Plug to Commence Shortly

While drilling was underway on the Southwestern and Beacon Zones, the QMX team was also compiling historical data on two additional priority zones on the eastern side of the property, Bonnefond South Plug and Bevcon (Figure 1). This compilation has led to the reinterpretation of the historical geological models in these two areas.

At Bonnefond, AUR Resources discovered a plug-like, tonalitic intrusion approximately 2 kilometers east of the Louvicourt Mine, which contains gold in association with shear and tensional quartz-tourmaline veining. Results reported by AUR include 1.9 g/t Au over 55 meters including 10.8 g/t Au over 3 meters (Hole 315-22, QMX historical data base, all reported lengths are core lengths). Gold mineralization is also associated with shear zones in the adjacent volcanic rocks where historical drilling returned up to 12.2 g/t Au over 12 meters (Hole 315-36B, QMX data base). The current geological interpretation indicates that the gold system has likely been cross cut by late faults and mineralization remains open.

The gold target environment bears many similarities to the gold target environment in the Southwestern Zone. All historical drill holes have been drilled from North to South and oriented core was not utilized. The Bonnefond South Plug lies near a pronounced flexure in the regional trend of the Manitou Shear and it is cut by a series of mineralized faults. AUR interpreted five such parallel structures. Drilling to test the revised model on the Bonnefond South Plug will commence shortly to confirm vein, fault and shear orientations by more closely spaced drilling using oriented core.

The Bevcon Zone is located near the past-producing Bevcon gold mine, which produced 445,000 ounces of gold at 4.3 g/t Au (Reference: MERN Sigeom data base). The gold system extended more than 1,000 meters laterally and was followed to a depth of 1,000 meters. Gold mineralization is within quartz-tourmaline veins controlled by a complex shear zone system. Geological compilation and data integration is in progress, after which a drill program will be developed.

QMX is taking a methodical and systematic approach towards exploration on its extensive 200km2 property in the heart of the Val d'Or mining camp. The structural model developed in the initial drilling on the Southwestern and Beacon Zones provides new insight into potential controls on gold mineralization throughout the camp.

Qualified Persons

The Diamond Drilling Programs on the Southwest and Beacon Zones were supervised by M. Melanie Pichon, P.Geol. and Mr. Benjamin Gagnon, P.Geol, respectively. M. Pichon and B. Gagnon have reviewed the scientific and technical information in this press release. David Rigg, P.Geo., Senior Vice President, Exploration of QMX has also reviewed the scientific and technical information in this press release. Pichon, Gagnon and Rigg are "Qualified Persons" as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101").

Quality Control

During the drilling programs, assay samples were taken from the NQ core and sawed in half. One-half was sent to Techni-Lab SGB Abitibi/Actlabs Laboratory, a certified commercial laboratory, and the other half retained for future reference. A strict QA/QC program was applied to all samples; which included insertion of mineralized standards, blank samples and duplicates in each batch of 20 samples. The gold analyses were by fire-assay on 50 grams of pulp with an atomic absorption finish. Repeats were carried out by fire-assay with a gravimetric finish on each sample containing 3.0 g/t Au or more. Analysis for Cu, Zn and Ag used a multi-element aqua regia ICP-OES method.

About QMX Gold Corporation

QMX Gold Corporation is a Canadian based resource company traded on the TSX-V under the symbol "QMX". The Company is systematically exploring its extensive property position in the Val d'Or mining camp in the Abitibi District of Quebec. In addition to its extensive land package, QMX owns the Aurbel gold mill.
By Jun Ji-hye

George Friedman, a U.S. geopolitical analyst, has claimed that Washington is preparing to attack North Korea.

Speaking at the 2017 Strategic Investment Conference in Orlando, Florida, Monday, he said the Kim Jong-un regime's actions have "offered the U.S. no alternative" to a clash, according to Business Insider, a U.S. business news website.

The comment came at a time when the North is continuing to push for provocations including two ballistic missile tests this month in defiance of international condemnation and sanctions.

On May 15, the North announced, through its state media, that it successfully test-fired a new surface-to-surface medium to long-range ballistic missile the previous day, saying that the missile is "capable of carrying a large-size heavy nuclear warhead" and reaching the U.S. mainland.












/ Korea Times file



By Lee Han-soo

President Moon Jae-in is reportedly seeking Pope Francis' help to arrange a historic summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

According to the Joongang Ilbo, one of Korea's biggest newspapers, Archbishop Hyginus Kim Hee-joong, Moon's special envoy to the Vatican, plans to deliver Moon's letter to the Pope Tuesday or Wednesday.

"I will deliver President Moon's letter to the Pope during my audience, in which Moon asks the latter to help arrange an inter-Korean summit," Archbishop Kim was quoted as saying in a report published Tuesday.

Noting that Pope Francis was a crucial figure in the normalization of diplomatic relation between the U.S. and Cuba in 2014, he said the Pope had been looking for ways to resolve the North Korean issue.
YORKVILLE  A convicted sex offender and his sister are suing the Town of Yorkville in federal court, arguing its sex offender residency ordinance is unconstitutional.

Filed earlier this month in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin by Andre Landeau of Kensoha and his sister, Yorkville resident Renee Sparks, the lawsuit takes issue with the ordnances original domicile restriction, which bars sex offenders from living in Yorkville unless they lived in the town at the time they committed their offense.

Landeau was a Kensoha resident when he was convicted of sexually assaulting a child in 2002, but now wants to live with his sister in Yorkville.

The complaint does not list Sparks address, but states it is situated on 13 acres of property and is located 1,000 feet away from all protected locations listed in the town ordinance, such as schools and public parks. According to online property tax records, Sparks resides at a home in the 2300 block of Raymond Avenue (Highway U).

The siblings are asking a judge to grant them a preliminary injunction barring the town from enforcing the ordinance so that Landeau can live at the address while the court considers the lawsuit.

Landeau is currently staying at a temporary placement facility in Kenosha, but his residency there is slated to expire on May 31, according to the lawsuit, and he will be homeless on June 1 if he does not find another place to live.

According to the lawsuit, Landeau was released from prison in late March, while online inmate records state that he was released from Jackson Correctional Institution in Black River Falls on Nov. 6.

Landeau was charged and convicted in 2002 of raping a 10-year-old girl at his Kenosha apartment.

According to the criminal complaint, the girl lived in the same apartment building has Landeau, and the assault happened after he arranged for the girl, who was reportedly friends with his sons, to sleep over. He was convicted later that year of first-degree sexual assault of a child and false imprisonment, for initially not allowing the girl to leave the apartment. He was sentenced to 14 years in prison, according to online court records.

Ordered to remain on extended supervision for the next 10 years, Landeau reportedly suggested to Wisconsin Department of Corrections staff sometime in early April that he be placed at his sisters home while he serves that portion of his sentence. Under the proposal, Sparks would rent her property to her brother, the complaint states.

A DOC employee had virtually signed off on Landeau residing at Sparks home in late April, the lawsuit states, but withdrew that approval the same day after learning of Yorkvilles restriction.

Argument

Sparks and Landeau are arguing that the original domicile restriction violates the 14th Amendment of the constitution, both by treating Landeau differently because his crime was committed someplace other than Yorkville, and by preventing Sparks from renting her property to the tenant of her choice.

The equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment commands that no state shall deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws, which the (U.S) Supreme Court has explained means that all persons similarly situated should be treated alike unless the difference in treatment is rationally related to a legitimate state interest, the lawsuit states. The Town of Yorkville lacks any evidence that an offender poses a greater risk to the community based on where he or she lived at the time of his or her conviction.

The ordinance also violates the ex post facto clause of the constitution, the plaintiffs contend, because it makes more burdensome the punishment imposed for offenses committed before the ordinance was enacted, and because it applies retroactively to all defenders whether they committed their crime before the ordinance was enacted in 2015 or after.

Whats next?

The Yorkville Town Board is slated to enter into closed session at 9 a.m. this morning to discuss the lawsuit. Town officials and attorneys Tuesday declined to comment on the suit.

The court is slated to hold a hearing on the plaintiffs motion for preliminary injunction at 2:45 p.m. on Friday in Courtroom 225 of United States District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, 517 E. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee.
YORKVILLE  Referencing a recent trip to Maryland for emergency disaster training, County Executive Jonathan Delagrave said the county has a silent, deadly tornado in our midst.

That metaphorical tornado, he said, is whats known as adverse childhood experiences. Childhood exposure to violence, crime and abuse can lead to problems later in life and increase the odds a child will perpetuate trauma as an adult, he said.

In his State of the County address Tuesday night, Delagrave announced the county is launching a new effort aimed at mitigating the impact of that childhood trauma.

The county is positioned to coordinate programs and will work with the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and Central Racine County Health Department to disrupt this troubling cycle, Delagrave said.

They plan to gather information on successful efforts nationwide, study what can be improved on locally and examine assets available in the community to determine exactly how to tackle the issue. No funds have yet been allocated.

I will not commit hard-earned tax dollars to another government program with a feel-good title and questionable results. Lets not, however, simply agree that a problem touching us all exists and then fail to act, Delagrave said in the speech at Ives Grove Office Complex, 14200 Washington Ave., Yorkville.

Officials at the countys Human Services Department have recognized, in some families, a multigenerational pattern of adverse childhood experiences and found other communities face the same challenges, Delagrave said.

They connected with UW-Milwaukee at a presentation on the subject earlier this year at the Johnson Foundation at Wingspread, 33 E. Four Mile Road, Wind Point, and momentum on a large-scale effort to address the issue gained traction.

These problems didnt come upon us overnight and solving them requires patience, strategic planning and the determination to wisely invest our dollars and energy, Delagrave said.

Retirement costs skyrocket

Delagrave also announced Tuesday he will propose in his next budget a trust fund to handle escalating retirement benefit costs, which he said are projected to increase at least $280,000 every year. Interest generated from the trust would be used to offset those increasing costs.

This will provide long-term savings to taxpayers ... and will mark a big step toward providing future generations the means to handle OPEB (other post-employment benefits) liabilities, he said.

Delagrave has recommend using a portion of the proceeds from the Ridgewood Care Center sale to fund the trust. The County Board on Tuesday approved selling the nursing home to Altitude Health Services for $10 million.

Also in Tuesdays speech, Delagrave said:

The Sheriffs Office is working to secure a contract to house state inmates at the Racine County Jail as a way to generate revenue.

The county agreed to facilitate the purchase of upgraded radio equipment for fire departments following the week-long disaster training in Emmitsburg, Md., which was attended by more than 70 from the county.

Permits for private onsite wastewater treatment systems are up four times from the same period in 2016, which he said showed strong growth in new home construction.
by Tobi Elkin @tobielkin, May 24, 2017

Aiming to help publishers improve monetization, PubMatic on Wednesday expanded upon open-source container script Prebid.js. The company said OpenWrap, its hybrid client- and server-side wrapper, will help publishers future-proof their ad decisioning strategies.

The goal is to increase ad revenue while lowering operational costs.

PubMatic emphasized the fact that OpenWrap can be implemented in days vs. months, and that it will offer publishers dedicated support at no extra cost.

PubMatic said OpenWrap will enable publishers to more effectively manage their header bidding partners, and help them access real-time analytics, including volume, latency, and monetization metrics more easily.

PubMatic said that previously publishers have had to choose whether to integrate free, open-source header bidding container scripts, such as Prebid.js, or invest in fully supported enterprise solutions or paid concierge services.

The client-side vs. server-side dichotomy has only added an additional layer of complexity, Evan Simeone, SVP product management, PubMatic, told Real-Time Daily.

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Without the need to compromise, publishers can benefit from the scale of integrations offered by Prebid.js, while also receiving the controls and insights needed to effectively manage a hybrid client- and server-side header strategy, Simeone said

Asked whether PubMatic is interested in joining forces with other ad tech companies on open source technology and sharing data, Simeone said the company is committed to collaborating with others in the ecosystem to foster interoperability and transparency in wrapper technology, as well as working together to improve ad and inventory quality.

PubMatic said the open-source code, Prebid.js has access to over 70 demand partners and hundreds of demand-side platforms.

Revenue management technology is rapidly evolving, each company progressing at its own pace, stated PubMatic co-founder and CEO, Rajeev Goel. With OpenWraps hybrid approach, publishers can easily shift monetization strategies as demand migrates from client-side to server-side, all within a single, fully supported solution, at no additional cost to the publisher.
by Philip Rosenstein , May 24, 2017

President Trumps Twitter activity played an outsized role in the news cycle during the 2016 campaign. While his erratic use of the social-media platform as a candidate appealed to supporters, the same activity is now being harnessed to fund raise  in opposition to his administration.

A new app  WeCanResist.it  gives users the ability to turn President Trumps tweets into donations to nonprofits fighting on the front lines of policy battles plaguing the Trump administration.

"We're using Twitter, the very medium that Trump loves best  and that he says was key in helping him win the election," stated app cofounder Allyson Kapin. "Trump has used Twitter to launch attacks on Muslims, reproductive healthcare, immigrants, the LGBTQ community and environmental policies."

Users select nonprofits they wish to support when they sign up for the app, set a donation amount per tweet and a monthly maximum. At the end of each month, users get an overview of how many times Trump tweeted, and how much they donated in response.

A full 100% of donations through the app go to the specified nonprofits.

They include: 350.org, Black Lives Matter, BYP100, Clean Water Action, Crisis Text Line, Hollaback, National Center for Transgender Equality, National Immigration Law Center, National Organization for Women, URGE and Voto Latino. The app will add more groups focused on legislative initiatives.

"Think of WeCanResist.It like America's swear jar. Every time Trump goes on a Twitter rampage or tweets something dangerous or hateful, our app lets you automatically donate to a nonprofit that is fighting to protect democracy, human rights, or the environment," Kapin stated.

She added that while high-profile nonprofits have raised millions since Trump's election, other organizations "doing equally important work who desperately need funding to sustain their efforts to fight Trump's anti-democratic agenda.

WeCanResist.it may help redeem Twitter in the eyes of many progressives who thought the platform did not do enough to counter hate-inspired tweets from the Right during the campaign.

Cofounder Evan Williams weighed in recently on Twitters role in the 2016 election when speaking with The New York Times: "If it's true that he wouldn't be president if it weren't for Twitter, then yeah, I'm sorry."
Truist Financial Corp. operates as a financial holding company, which engages in the provision of banking services to individuals, businesses and municipalities. The firm offers a variety of loans and lease financing to individuals and entities, including insurance premium financing, permanent commercial real estate financing arrangements, loan servicing for third-party investors, direct consumer finance loans to individuals, credit card lending, automobile financing and equipment financing. It also markets a range of other services, including deposits, life insurance, property and casualty insurance, health Truist Financial Corp. operates as a financial holding company. It engages in the provision of banking services to individuals, businesses and municipalities. The company operates through the following segments: Consumer Banking and Wealth; Corporate and Commercial Banking; and Insurance Holdings. The firm offers a variety of loans and lease financing to individuals and entities, including insurance premium financing, permanent commercial real estate financing arrangements, loan servicing for third-party investors, direct consumer finance loans to individuals, credit card lending, automobile financing and equipment financing. It also markets a range of other services, including deposits, life insurance, property and casualty insurance, health insurance and commercial general liability insurance on an agency basis and through a wholesale insurance brokerage operation, merchant services, trust and retirement services, comprehensive wealth advisory services, asset management and capital markets services. The company was founded on December 6, 2019 and is headquartered in Charlotte, NC. insurance and commercial general liability insurance on an agency basis and through a wholesale insurance brokerage operation, merchant services, trust and retirement services, comprehensive wealth advisory services, asset management and capital markets services. The company was founded on December 6, 2019 and is headquartered in Charlotte, NC.
RACINE COUNTY  The City of Burlington Police Department and Racine County Sheriffs Office have received reports of an aggressive and sophisticated telephone scam targeting taxpayers.

Police said callers claim to be employees of the IRS, using fake names and IRS identification badge numbers. These callers may know a lot about their targets, and usually alter the caller ID to make it look like the IRS is calling. Victims are told they owe money to the IRS and it must be paid promptly through a preloaded debit card or wire transfer. Victims may be threatened with arrest, deportation or suspension of a business or drivers license, police said.

In one case, the victim received a telephone call from the IRS, and was told that they had issued a warrant for tax fraud, the Sheriffs Office reported. Sheriff Christopher Schmaling received such a call recently and after he identified himself to the scam caller, the caller hung up immediately.

Burlington Police Chief Mark Anderson and sheriffs officials advised that the IRS will not call people about taxes without prior contact. If the IRS determines that someone owes taxes, the IRS will send a letter requesting payment and provide an opportunity to appeal. They may schedule an audit, but the first attempt to contact you wont be a phone call.

The IRS will not demand immediate payment. If you are contacted by the IRS about a tax debt, you will have the opportunity to question the amount they are demanding and to appeal the assessment.

The IRS will not demand payment by a specific method or to a third party. The IRS will never ask for a credit card number over the telephone. The IRS will ask that any tax payment be made to the U.S. Treasury, not to a third party such as a law firm or bill collector. They will never require you to use a specific payment method for your taxes, such as a prepaid debit card.

If the call seems real, call the Internal Revenue Service at 800-829-1040 to confirm. To report any type of scam contact the FBIs Internet Crime and Complaint Center at https://complaint.ic3.gov.
Harley-Davidson, Inc. manufactures and sells motorcycles. The company operates in two segments, Motorcycles and Related Products and Financial Services. The Motorcycles and Related Products segment designs, manufactures, and sells Harley-Davidson motorcycles, including cruiser, touring, standard, sportbike, and dual models, as well as motorcycle parts, accessories, apparel, and related services. This segment sells its products to retail customers through a network of independent dealers, as well as e-commerce channels in the United States, Canada, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia-Pacific. The Financial Services segment provides wholesale financing services, such as floorplan and open account financing of motorcycles, and parts and accessories; and retail financing services, including installment lending for the purchase of new and used Harley-Davidson motorcycles, as well as point-of-sale protection products comprising motorcycle insurance, extended service contracts, and motorcycle maintenance protection. This segment also licenses third-party financial institutions that issue credit cards bearing the Harley-Davidson brand. Harley-Davidson, Inc. was founded in 1903 and is based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
GSK plc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the creation, discovery, development, manufacture, and marketing of pharmaceutical products, vaccines, over-the-counter medicines, and health-related consumer products in the United Kingdom, the United States, and internationally. It operates through four segments: Pharmaceuticals, Pharmaceuticals R&D, Vaccines, and Consumer Healthcare. The company offers pharmaceutical products comprising medicines in the therapeutic areas, such as respiratory, HIV, immuno-inflammation, oncology, anti-viral, central nervous system, cardiovascular and urogenital, metabolic, anti-bacterial, and dermatology. It also provides consumer healthcare products in wellness, oral health, nutrition, and skin health categories. The company offers its consumer healthcare products in the form of nasal sprays, tablets, syrups, lozenges, gum and trans-dermal patches, caplets, infant syrup drops, liquid filled suspension, wipes, gels, effervescents, toothpastes, toothbrushes, mouthwashes, denture adhesives and cleansers, topical creams and non-medicated patches, lip balm, gummies, and soft chews. It has collaboration agreements with 23andMe; Lyell Immunopharma, Inc.; Novartis; Sanofi SA; Surface Oncology; Progentec Diagnostics, Inc.; Alector, Inc.; and CureVac AG., as well as strategic partnership with IDEAYA Biosciences, Inc. and Vir Biotechnology, Inc. The company was formerly known as GlaxoSmithKline plc and changed its name to GSK plc in May 2022. GSK plc was founded in 1715 and is headquartered in Brentford, the United Kingdom.
Vipshop Holdings Limited operates online platforms for various brands in the People's Republic of China. It operates in Vip.com, Shan Shan Outlets, and Others segments. The company offers women's apparel, such as casual wear, jeans, dresses, outerwear, lingerie, pajamas, and maternity clothes; men's apparel comprising casual and smart-casual T-shirts, polo shirts, jackets, pants, and underwear; and skin care and cosmetic products, including cleansers, lotions, face and body creams, face masks, sunscreen, foundations, lipsticks, eye shadows, and other cosmetics-related items. It also provides shoes and bags, which comprises casual and formal shoes, purses, satchels, luggage, duffel bags, and wallets; handbags; apparel, gears and accessories, furnishings and decor, toys, and games for boys, girls, infants, and toddlers; sportswear, sports gear, and footwear for various sporting activities; home furnishings, such as bed and bath products, home decor, kitchen and tabletop items, and home appliances; and consumer electronic products. In addition, the company offers food and snacks, beverages, fresh produce, and pet goods; beauty products; and internet finance services, including consumer and supplier financing, and microcredit. Vipshop Holdings Limited provides its branded products through its vip.com and vipshop.com online platforms, as well as through its internet website and cellular phone application. Further, it offers warehousing, logistics, product procurement, research and development, technology development, and consulting services; software development and information technology support solutions; and supply chain services. Vipshop Holdings Limited was founded in 2008 and is headquartered in Guangzhou, the People's Republic of China.
This is a current list of the top 250 companies by market capitalization on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). Learn more .

The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) is one of the largest, and most recognizable, stock exchanges in the world. The NYSE is in New York City, New York at 11 Wall Street. The NYSE has been in existence since the earliest days of the United States becoming a nation, in 1792 and is primarily made up of blue-chip companies with large market capitalizations. In fact, many of the stocks that make up the Dow Jones Composite Index (i.e. The Dow) are listed on the NYSE.

This article gives a brief history of the New York Stock Exchange. In addition, it covers topics such as what kind of stocks trade on the exchange, what are the listing requirements, how trading is performed, and what the daily price movement of the NYSE tells investors about investor sentiment.

What Were the Origins of the NYSE?

Today, the New York Stock Exchange is known as the center of the financial universe. However, the exchanges origin is far more humble. On May 17, 1792, 24 stockbrokers signed the Buttonwood Agreement creating a centralized exchange to help provide order to the securities market in what was still a young nation. The "Buttonwood Agreement comes from the tree of the same name under which the founders signed the agreement.

An initial benefit of the exchange was how it removed the need for auctioneers when trading commodities like wheat and tobacco and to set a commission rate. The exchange initially focused on government bonds.

However, the exchange had no formal home. Business was usually conducted informally in the local coffeehouses. In 1817, the exchange changed its name to the New York Stock & Exchange Board which later became the New York Stock Exchange. At this time, the exchange adopted a constitution that set the rules for trading. A group of stockbrokers met twice a day at 40 Wall Street to trade 30 stocks and bonds.

Over time, the exchange moved became the financial hub of the country and moved to its current location in 1865.

What Kind of Stocks Trade on the NYSE?

As of June 2022, the NYSE includes approximately 2,400 companies with a market capitalization of over $28.2 trillion. Although the NYSE trades stocks of all market capitalizations, its best known for trading the stocks of large cap companies. These have the benefit of being mature companies in mature industries. And many of these companies reward shareholders with dividends.

However, that also means that many of these companies are better suited for value investors as opposed to growth investors. In bear markets this stability can be a benefit for investors as these stocks tend to perform less bad than more volatile stocks. But in a bull market, these stocks are not likely to provide investors with the growth that they look for.

An interesting fact about how the NYSE and NASDAQ operate is that the companies with the five largest market caps on the NYSE are also listed on the NASDAQ exchange.

What Are the Listing Requirements For the NYSE?

The NYSE has strict guidelines that govern the types of companies that can list on the exchange. Here are the major requirements that all companies must meet:

The company must have at least 2,200 shareholders

The company must trade over 100,000 shares per month

The company must have a market valuation of over $100 million

The company must generate more than $75 million in annual revenue

However, there is at least one advantage of having such stringent requirements. That is the companies that meet the requirements generally find it easier to get more investors funds when they hold their initial public offering (IPO).

Once a company begins trading on the NYSE, it must continue to meet these requirements. If it doesnt it can be delisted. In addition to these requirements, the stock must continue to trade above $1. If the price of a stock drops below $1 for more than 29 consecutive trading days, the stock receives an Initial Price Violation Notice.

At that point, the company has 10 days to provide the exchange with a plan for bringing their shares above $1.

How are Trades Executed on the NYSE?

For over a century, the floor of the NYSE was the place for investors to be. This meant trades were conducted by traders who ran buy and sell orders across the trading floor looking to broker a deal for their clients. But with the birth of the NASDAQ exchange in 1971, the New York Stock Exchange began conducting electronic trading.

However, the NYSE continues to conduct trades in an auction style. Brokers purchase stocks on behalf of their clients or firms. Every order features a broker who will enter the order electronically and a specialist who serves as the market maker for that stock. The specialist posts bid and ask prices and manages the actual execution of the trades. And there are still a handful of stockbrokers who still traffic buy and sell orders physically on the floor of the exchange.

How Does the NYSE Signal Investor Sentiment?

Like its counterpart, the NASDAQ, the NYSE measures the risk appetite of investors. When the NYSE is moving higher over a length of time, it signals that a risk on environment. Conversely when the NYSE moves lower over a significant period, it signals that investors are moving to a risk off position.

Some Final Thoughts on the NYSE

Financial news networks plan their programming schedule around the opening and closing bell of the New York Stock Exchange. Its still considered a distinguished honor when individuals or groups are invited to ring the opening bell. In fact, Warren Buffett is attributed with saying that in the short term, the stock market acts like a voting machine. A fact that many U.S. presidents will attest to.

The NYSE is the oldest and most recognizable of all the stock exchanges. It also has the most stringent requirements for inclusion. And those requirements must be maintained even after a stock begins publicly trading on the exchange.

Although the NYSE still has a small in-person Trading Floor, much of the trading is done electronically to provide traders with the speed to execute trades.
Bank of Hawaii Corporation operates as the bank holding company for Bank of Hawaii that provides various financial products and services in Hawaii, Guam, and other Pacific Islands. It operates in three segments: Consumer Banking, Commercial Banking, and Treasury and Other. The Consumer Banking segment offers checking, savings, and time deposit accounts; residential mortgage loans, home equity lines of credit, automobile loans and leases, personal lines of credit, installment loans, small business loans and leases, and credit cards; private and international client banking, investment, credit, and trust services to individuals and families, and high-net-worth individuals; investment management; institutional investment advisory services to corporations, government entities, and foundations; and brokerage offerings, including equities, mutual funds, life insurance, and annuity products. This segment operates 54 branch locations and 307 ATMs throughout Hawaii and the Pacific Islands, and a customer service center, as well as through online and mobile banking. The Commercial Banking segment provides corporate banking, commercial real estate loans, commercial lease financing, auto dealer financing, and deposit products. It offers commercial lending and deposit products to middle-market and large companies, and government entities; commercial real estate mortgages to investors, developers, and builders; and international banking and merchant services. The Treasury and Other segment offers corporate asset and liability management services, including interest rate risk management and foreign exchange services. Bank of Hawaii Corporation was founded in 1897 and is headquartered in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Global Payments Inc. provides payment technology and software solutions for card, electronic, check, and digital-based payments in the Americas, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific. It operates through three segments: Merchant Solutions, Issuer Solutions, and Business and Consumer Solutions. The Merchant Solutions segment offers authorization services, settlement and funding services, customer support and help-desk functions, chargeback resolution, terminal rental, sales and deployment, payment security services, consolidated billing and statements, and on-line reporting services. This segment also provides an array of enterprise software solutions that streamline business operations of its customers in various vertical markets; and value-added services, such as point-of-sale solutions, and analytic and engagement tools, as well as payroll and human capital management services. The Issuer Solutions segment offers solutions that enable financial institutions and retailers to manage their card portfolios through a platform; and commercial payments and ePayables solutions for businesses and governments. The Business and Consumer Solutions segment provides general-purpose reloadable prepaid debit and payroll cards, demand deposit accounts, and other financial service solutions to the underbanked and other consumers, and businesses under the Netspend brand. It markets its products and services through direct sales force, trade associations, agent and enterprise software providers, referral arrangements with value-added resellers, and independent sales organizations. The company was founded in 1967 and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia.
Red Hat, Inc. provides open source software solutions to develop and offer operating system, virtualization, management, middleware, cloud, mobile, and storage technologies to various enterprises worldwide. It offers infrastructure-related solutions, such as Red Hat Enterprise Linux, an operating system platform that runs on hardware for use in hybrid cloud environments; Red Hat Satellite, a system management offering that helps to deploy, scale, and manage in hybrid cloud environments; and Red Hat Enterprise Virtualization, a software solution that allows customers to utilize and manage a common hardware infrastructure to run multiple operating systems and applications. The company offers application development-related and other technology solutions, such as Red Hat JBoss Middleware, a solution for developing, deploying, and managing applications; integrating applications, data, and devices; and automating business processes in hybrid cloud environments; The company's application development-related and other technology solutions also includes Red Hat cloud offerings, a software solution that enables customers to build and manage various cloud computing environments; Red Hat Mobile, a software development platform that enables customers to develop, integrate, deploy, and manage mobile applications for enterprises; and Red Hat Storage, a software solution that enables customers to manage large, unstructured, or semi-structured data in hybrid cloud environments. It also provides consulting, support, and training services; and realtime operating system, distributed computing, directory services, and user authentication. Red Hat, Inc. has collaboration with Juniper Networks Expand to provide a unified solution for enterprises designed to manage and run applications and services. The company was formerly known as Red Hat Software, Inc. and changed its name to Red Hat, Inc. in June 1999. Red Hat, Inc. was founded in 1993 and is headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Humana Inc., together with its subsidiaries, operates as a health and well-being company in the United States. It operates through three segments: Retail, Group and Specialty, and Healthcare Services. The company offers medical and supplemental benefit plans to individuals. It also has a contract with Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to administer the Limited Income Newly Eligible Transition prescription drug plan program; and contracts with various states to provide Medicaid, dual eligible, and long-term support services benefits. In addition, the company provides commercial fully insured medical and specialty health insurance benefits comprising dental, vision, and other supplemental health benefits; and administrative services only products to individuals and employer groups, as well as military services, such as TRICARE T2017 East Region contract. Further, it offers pharmacy solutions, provider services, and home solutions services, such as home health and other services to its health plan members, as well as to third parties. As of December 31, 2021, the company had approximately 17 million members in medical benefit plans, as well as approximately 5 million members in specialty products. Humana Inc. was founded in 1961 and is headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky.
Williams-Sonoma, Inc. operates as an omni-channel specialty retailer of various products for home. It offers cooking, dining, and entertaining products, such as cookware, tools, electrics, cutlery, tabletop and bar, outdoor, furniture, and a library of cookbooks under the Williams Sonoma Home brand, as well as home furnishings and decorative accessories under the Williams Sonoma lifestyle brand; and furniture, bedding, lighting, rugs, table essentials, and decorative accessories under the Pottery Barn brand. The company also provides home decor products under the West Elm brand; kids accessories under the Pottery Barn Kids brand; and an organic bedding to multi-purpose furniture under the Pottery Barn Teen brand. In addition, it offers made-to-order lighting, hardware, furniture, and home decors inspired by history under the Rejuvenation brand; and women's and men's accessories, travel, entertaining and bar, home decor, and seasonal items under the Mark and Graham brand, as well as operates a 3-D imaging and augmented reality platform for the home furnishings and decor industry. The company markets its products through e-commerce websites, direct-mail catalogs, and retail stores. It operates 544 stores comprising 502 stores in 41states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico; 20 stores in Canada; 19 stores in Australia; 3 stores in the United Kingdom; and 139 franchised stores, as well as e-commerce websites in various countries in the Middle East, the Philippines, Mexico, South Korea, and India. Williams-Sonoma, Inc. was founded in 1956 and is headquartered in San Francisco, California.
24.05.2017 LISTEN

Renowned Ghanaian movie director Pascal Amanfo, has described Jeffrey Nortey, the fastest rising Ghanaian Actor as a "Star" to be watched out for.

Pascal Amanfo made this assertion on the actor's birthday which saw family,friends and colleagues in the movie industry all trooping in with their birthday well wishes.

Jeffrey Nortey celebrated his birthday on the 19th of May and it was historic..His social media handles were literally flooded with messages from family,friends and colleague industry players such as Pascal Amanfo,Henry Adofo,Abu Idi,Zylofonmedia,among others.

Pascal took to instagram to celebrate the actor on that day. He said " I say this with deep conviction! .This young man right here is a star..Take note world. Wave at him on the Streets or say Hello if you can because the clouds of glory are gathering over him and it is just about to rain!.Jeff! you will prove them wrong and Heaven will prove through you that Godliness is profitable. "

Jeffrey Nortey is a Ghanaian actor, TV Presenter(Buzz Extra, Verna changing Lives) and a Spoken Word Artist. He is widely known for the role he played in "I Love You But" by Kobi Rana.

Interact with Jeffrey Nortey via;

Facebook : Jeffrey Nortey

Instagram : @jeffreynortey1
Confusion has erupted over the distribution of 20,000 bags of government-subsidised NPK fertilisers meant for farmers in the Upper West Region.

Agents of Yara Company, suppliers of the fertilisers, are alleging that the products have been supplied to farmers, and that the commodity was finished.

However, some farmers are complaining that they had not received the fertilisers, and that the commodity was not available for them to buy.

Mr Amidu Chinnia Issahaku, Deputy Upper West Regional Minister, made this known at a get-together forum with the Wa branch of the Sissala Union in Wa on Saturday.

He said there were reports that the fertilisers were being smuggled out to neighbouring Burkina Faso to the detriment of farmers in the region.

Some reports also indicated that the fertilisers were sold out to individuals who were hoarding the commodity, with the intention of selling it out later in the open market at a higher price during the peak farming season.

Farmers are complaining that they have not received the fertilisers, but the agents of Yara Company, which brought the fertilisers to the region, specified that all the fertilisers have been distributed to the farmers, he said.

Mr Issahaku said if there was anything wrong in the distribution chain system, then the district directors of agriculture would be held responsible, because the issuance of chits to the farmers was their responsibility.

There seems to be a conspiracy between the officers and agents of the fertiliser companies, and henceforth, we will ensure that we put our agents to monitor and record all daily sales and report to the Regional Coordinating Council, he said.

Mr Issahaku hinted that the Regional Coordinating Council would invite the Regional Director of Food and Agriculture, to find out more about the whereabouts of the fertilisers.

Anybody found capable would be made to face the full rigorous of the law to serve as a deterrent to others.

Mr Issahaku said out of the 20,000 bags of NPK fertilisers that Yara Company brought to the region, 10,000 bags were supplied to Tumu to cater for farmers in Sissala East and Sissala West, who are dominantly large-scale maize farmers.

He said there were about 11 companies scheduled to deliver fertilisers to the region under the government's Fertiliser Subsidy Programme to reduce the burden on farmers in the acquisition of farm inputs, which, he explained, had always been the bane of agricultural production.

Mr Issahaku said he was unhappy that some people were out to thwart the government's efforts by abusing the Fertiliser Subsidy Programme.

We will put in measures to make sure that the programme benefits the right farmers.

Source: GNA

By Bajin D. Pobia
24.05.2017 LISTEN

Information available to The Chronicle indicates that the government has made a giant stride in its move to avert the threat by the Tanker Owners Association to ground their fleet of 3,500 bulk road vehicles (BRVs).

A highly placed source at the Ministry of Energy told this reporter, on condition of anonymity, that the government had a crunch meeting with the tanker owners association Monday to address their grievances.

The source was, however, elusive as to whether the said meeting touched on matters relating to the office of the Managing Director of Bulk Oil Storage and Transport (BOST), Mr Alfred Obeng.

BOST has abrogated an existing petroleum haulage contract with the association, and offered same to a new group, including musician A-Plus and his company, Global Group.

The Chronicle reported on Monday, May 15, this year, that the rift, which had been simmering between BOST and the Tanker Owners Association of Ghana, is gradually turning into a national security threat, as the transporters have vowed to ground all their 3,500 bulk road vehicles if their grievances are not addressed.

The conflict started when BOST decided to unilaterally abrogate the existing process for the haulage of petroleum products by the tanker owners, who are certified by the National Petroleum Authority (NPA).

The contract has reportedly been given to middle men, who are to hire the tanker owners to haul the products.

The tanker owners, who spoke to The Chronicle, said most of the companies registered to haul the products have no industry experience, and that the arbitrary decision by BOST would only compound the diversion of the products, which the government is currently fighting.

Sources at BOST confirmed that the tanker owners' apprehension that there were no BRV inspections, as mandated by law, and no yard or premises examination to ensure strict compliance, among others.

By John Bediako
24.05.2017 LISTEN

THE DEPUTY Chief Executive Officer (DCEO) of the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA), Akilu Shaibu, has thrown his weight behind the Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE) of Tamale, Iddrisu Musah Superior, in his quest to beautify and transform the metropolis to become one of the leading tourist and investment destinations in Ghana.

He has, therefore, encouraged the Mayor not to be deterred by the usual confrontation, interferences and resistance from a section of the public, in his effort to sanitize or decongest the city.

According to the 2012 NPP Parliamentary Candidate for Tamale North Constituency, irrespective of what traders are selling, no product can be more important than human life. Adding that, decongesting Tamale means saving lives and properties.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with The Chronicle during his maiden working visit to the three regions of the Upper East, Upper West and Northern Regions, Mr. Akilu Shaibu said that such exercise would attract criticisms and negative comments, but the city authorities must be more focused and resolute to sustain the decongestion exercise.

Tamale is a beautiful place and it can be more beautiful and attractive to investors or tourists if we change our attitude, respect law and order and support every development efforts, especially now that Tamale is having an international airport.

He appealed to the Chiefs and people to support the decongestion exercise, since several alternative places had been earmarked for traders and hawkers to do their business.

Mr. Akilu Shaibu observed that, the decongestion exercise, if sustained and supported by the chiefs and people, would add to productivity and bring more revenue and development to the area.

The Deputy CEO of the Ghana Export Promotion Authority lamented that no serious investor would want to invest or do business in a chaotic or lawless environment.

He said that he had already seen the good intention of the Tamale Mayor and thus offered his unwavering support as a native of the area, and thus appealed to the chiefs, police and the Tamale Metropolitan Assembly Taskforce to ensure that the exercise was sustained.

The Tamale Mayor has since his assumption of office made his intensions clear to bring the deteriorated city back on track.

He recently announced his plans to ensure proper sanitation within the metropolis especially in the central business district, arrest and confinement of stray animals, relocation of hawkers and unauthorized containers and kiosks along major and ceremonial streets among others.

The Mayor said that the Tamale metropolis cannot continue to condone lawlessness and indiscipline, especially among the youth and hawkers at the expense of the socio-economic growth of the city.

Hundreds of traders who occupied the main streets, bicycle lanes, pavements and other pedestrian walkways in the Central Business District of Tamale were chased away by the Mayor and his Taskforce last week May 15, 2017, to ensure free movement of vehicles and human beings.

Meanwhile, several prominent personalities including all the chiefs, political leaders and other individuals have hailed the Mayor of Tamale for his bold decision to decongest the city.

From Edmond Gyebi, Tamale
The Northern Regional Police Commander, ACP Patrick Adu Sarpong, has confirmed that three persons have been killed in a gun battle at Tatale in the Tatale-Sanguli District of the Northern Region.

Even though reports from some community members have put the number of people killed at seven and nine, the Commander insisted that those killed were two armed robbers and one community member.

Some media houses also reported that seven persons were killed in the gun battle, including four suspected armed robbers, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Chairman for Nyojado, and two others.

This occurred after some suspected armed robbers besieged the Tatale market and robbed some traders of their sales on Sunday evening at gun point. According to the Regional Police Commander, a mobile money vendor and some local forex bureaux operators were robbed of undisclosed amounts of money.

However, the police in the area, who were called to the scene, in collaboration with some of the residents, chased the robbers who were firing guns, and managed to kill two of them. The robbers, who were shooting indiscriminately, also ended up killing one of the community members.

However, four of the robbers managed to escape. Two of the traders who sustained bullet wounds are currently receiving treatment at the Zabzugu Polyclinic, according to a report.

Meanwhile, a community member, who spoke to The Chronicle from Tatale, also dropped a different figure of nine deaths. According to the community member, five of the armed robbers had been killed so far, while four of the community members, including the NDC Chairman, popularly known as Paapa, had also lost their lives.

The source questioned why the police in the district want to disclose a lower figure of three, instead of nine.

When contacted earlier, the Tatale-Sanguli District Police Commander, Eric Akoboah, said he was not in the district and could, therefore, not give any credible information. He, therefore, referred this reporter to the Northern Regional Public Relations Officer (PRO), ASP Mohammed Yussif Tanko, who also declined comment, and directed the reporter to speak to his boss, the Regional Commander.

ACP Patrick Adu Sarpong, however, maintained, in the interview with The Chronicle, that two armed robbers and one community member, who joined the police to arrest the robbers, were killed.

Commending the people of the area for offering the needed support to his men on the ground to apprehend the criminals, ACP Adu Sarpong disclosed that most of the people, together with the police, had still mounted a search for the remaining robbers.

He could not confirm whether the person who was shot by the robbers was the NDC Chairman. At the time of this interview, his information was that the robbers had taken cover around the banks of the Oti River.

He assured that the police would continue to search for the robbers, in order to ensure that lives and property were protected.

The Police Commander also sent his condolences to the family of the community member who lost his life.

The Tatale Market has been an attractive place for most armed robbers to stage their operations, due to its proximity to the Ghana-Togo border. It also serves as black market for the trading and changing of foreign currencies, especially the CFA, which makes it attractive for robbers.

From Edmond Gyebi
Last Monday, May 15, 2017, news broke out that the Ministry of Health had sent a letter to Dr Thomas Anaba, Director of the Ridge Hospital, instructing him to handover to the Public Services Commission, three years short of the expiration of his tenure.

Even though no reasons were assigned for the decision, the letter stated that the directive was from the Health Minister, Mr. Kwaku Agyemang Manu.

The letter subsequently appointed Dr. Anaba's predecessor, Emmanuel Kwabla Srofenyoh, to take over from him.

Dr. Anaba has, however, vowed not to relinquish his post as directed in the letter, instead, he has ordered his lawyers to begin the process of dragging the Ministry of Health to court.

It is startling how new governments in Ghana, soon after taking over power, terminate the appointments of hardworking Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) or heads of key and strategic institutions in the country.

The Chronicle believes that this attitude of our political leaders would have very dire consequences on the administration of such institutions and corporations, and, by extension, corporate Ghana.

As a matter of fact, both the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) are guilty of the offence, and the earlier something is done about it, the better it will be for all of us.

As a people, we must understand that key and strategic institutions in the country require the services of competent and hardworking people, who have what it takes to turn their fortunes around, and not political affiliations.

When the NPP won the 2000 general elections, under the leadership of Mr. John Agyekum Kufuor, CEOs and heads of key and strategic institutions in the country were relieved off their positions, and replaced with known NPP loyalists.

Similarly, after the NDC won power in 2009, the party, under the late President John Evans Atta Mills (may his gentle soul rest in perfect peace) all CEOs and heads of such institutions, including Prof. Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng, were fired.

This was a man (Prof Frimpong-Boateng), a Ghanaian physician and cardiothoracic surgeon , who established the National Cardiothoracic Center and Ghana Red Cross Society.

He was also the President of the Ghana Heart Foundation and Chief Executive Officer of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra .

The hardworking surgeon, who studied physics and mathematics to initially become an engineer, had to become a doctor to be able to help people who sustain heart injuries due to road traffic accidents, as happened to his father.

After finishing his post-graduate studies, instead of staying abroad to make money for himself, he returned to Ghana to practice as the first locally-based cardiothoracic surgeon, when there were no cardiothoracic surgery facilities in the country at the time.

When the NDC won power, they vilified, humiliated and eventually fired him from the facility he created and loved as his baby, and replaced him, because he did not belong to the newly-elected party.

Eight years on, when the NPP took over the reins of power, Dr Thomas Anaba was instructed to handover to the Public Services Commission, even though he still has three more years to end his tenure of office.
Afghanistan: Asylum Denied, a new Al Jazeera documentary, finds:

 Despite violence and Taliban/ISIL attacks being on the rise, Germany is sending failed asylum seekers back to Afghanistan, saying it is safe to return.

 Asylum seekers are deported with little warning or support.

 The Afghan government says it does not have the resources to care for deported asylum seekers.

Mohammad Shoaib Hosseini was at work at a timber factory in the German city of Brandenburg when the police suddenly arrived in March.

As they handcuffed him, they informed him that his claim for asylum had been rejected, and he was immediately put on a plane bound for Kabul, the Afghan capital.

I asked them why? What have I done wrong? They said, Youve been rejected; thats why were sending you back. I told them, You cant do this. I have a job; I have a life.

A day later, he was back in the country he had fled seven years earlier, his dreams of a safe life in Europe in tatters.

Hosseinis story is told in Afghanistan: Asylum Denied, this weeks episode of 101 East on Al Jazeera English, where reporter Karishma Vyas travels to Germany and Afghanistan to meet the people at the heart of the migration debate.

Europe is struggling to deal with the greatest influx of migrants since World War II, says Vyas. Now one of the most welcoming countries  Germany  is saying enough. We wanted to find out more about these clandestine deportations and what awaits the Afghans who are being sent back.

More than 12,000 Afghans are expected to be sent back from Germany, joining hundreds of thousands of people who have already been deported from neighbouring Pakistan and Iran.

When Vyas travelled to Afghanistan, she found a country besieged by poverty and an intensifying war. Germany argues that parts of Afghanistan are safe to return to, but the UN says a record number of civilians are being killed and injured, with the Taliban and ISIL gaining ground across the country.

Vyas visited one of the ghettos that have sprung up around Kabul for displaced Afghans. Theres no running water, open sewers and the threat of disease lingers everywhere. For Afghans who have survived terror and crossed continents in search of peace, it can be a brutally raw homecoming.

As Germany sends thousands back to an uncertain future, Afghanistan: Asylum Denied investigates whether it is safe for Afghans to return home. The documentary premieres on Al Jazeera English at 2230 GMT / 2130 WAT / 2230 CAT / 2330 EAT on 25 May 2017 on 101 East, Al Jazeeras award-winning weekly current affairs programme focusing on a diverse range of stories across Asia and the Pacific. After it airs, the documentary will be available on YouTube and http://www.aljazeera.com/programmes/101east/ .

For more information, follow 101 East on Twitter on @AJ101East and Facebook at 101East  Al Jazeera.
Former Member of Parliament for Akwatia, Baba Jamal, has initiated a legal suit against the Ashanti Region Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and Accra-based UTV following an allegation that he is neck-deep in illegal mining activities.

In his statement of claim, Mr Jamal also wants a declaration by the High Court that the allegations on Friday, April 28, 2017, by Bernard Antwi-Boasiako (Chairman Wontumi) that he (Mr Jamal) was deeply involved in galamsey in the Eastern Region were libelous.

In the writ dated May 18, the former MP wants the court to cause Chairman Wontumi and managers of UTV to pay GHE2 million in damages for defaming his person on a live broadcast.

The former MP also wants an order that Defendants publish a retraction or an unqualified apology for the effective publication by [UTV] and other print and electronic media with equal prominence.

Chairman Wountumi

Background

During a live programme on the Twi-based television station, Mr Antwi-Boasiako stated that he has evidence that the former MP is among the big names said to be behind illegal mining activities in the country.

A campaign against illegal mining by the current NPP government is gaining traction amid fears the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Peter Amewu, who is fronting the anti-illegal mining crusade, will lose steam because of the influential people involved in the practice.

Illegal mining has caused widespread environmental degradation and the pollution of key freshwater sources in the Eastern, Western and Ashanti regions.

According to Baba Jamal, who is himself a private legal practitioner, Mr Antwi-Boasiakos allegations are false.

He describes Mr Antwi-Boasiakos claims as "reckless, malicious and intended to and did, in fact, expose him to public ridicule, disdain, and opprobrium and tend to lower his hard-won reputation in the eyes of right-thinking members of society locally and internationally.

UTV is joined to the suit because according to the aggrieved former National Democratic Congress (NDC) MP, while Chairman Wontumi was making the false allegations, his photograph and that of other individuals mentioned was vividly displayed and made to accompany the story by the TV station.

Mr Antwi-Boasiako has said he stands by his claim and is looking forward to proving his case in court.

Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | George Nyavor | [email protected]
Serrekunda (Gambia) (AFP) - For decades, The Gambia has built a reputation as a haven for tourists willing to pay for sun, sand, sea... and sex.

But its tourism board has ambitious plans to give a makeover to this tiny west African nation known until now to tourists mainly for muscular young men selling themselves on beaches to much older women from Europe.

Abdoulie Hydara, director-general of the Gambia Tourism Board, dreams of his nation becoming the next Kenya or Zimbabwe -- African countries whose wildlife and nature attract well-heeled visitors from across the globe.

"We need to develop new products on the way, while maintaining and improving what we already have," Hydara told AFP, enthusing about the country's little-known chimpanzee colony and varied birdlife.

Hydara plans to put The Gambia on the map for ecological and cultural tourism, ending reliance on cheap package tours delivering tourists to beach areas close to the capital, Banjul.

To achieve this, experts and industry insiders say The Gambia must improve infrastructure and deal with its image as a cheap but sometimes seedy destination.

The government must also do more to tackle its reputation for lax monitoring, which leaves Gambian children at risk from paedophile tourists, NGOs believe.

On the strip

At 10:00 pm on a Saturday night in the popular Senegambia tourist zone, the idyllic family vacations that Hydara evokes feel a million miles away, lost in a sea of strip lighting and a bevvy of teenagers flirting mechanically with potential punters.

On this strip, men, women and children are for sale at a price negotiated via "bumsters", some of them sex workers themselves, others working as pimps.

Couples with four decades between them sit awkwardly over drinks and smoke at the Time Inn pub, the teenagers saying little to clients mostly visiting from Britain, the Netherlands and Scandinavian countries.

Lamin Sady, 29, who sells shells on the beach during the November-April tourist season, said many of his friends sleep with, and in some cases marry, much older women, which, he said, was due to their inability to provide for a Gambian wife.

"They don't have a compound, they don't have a car," he said. The older women "assist them, uplift them, give them a car and help them travel to Europe."

Some bumsters are also responsible for arranging child clients for sex tourists, often with the knowledge of the children's parents, said Gambian child protection expert Njundu Drammeh.

Authorities plan to put The Gambia on the map for ecological and cultural tourism, ending reliance on cheap package tours delivering tourists to beach areas close to the capital, Banjul.

Drammeh, aZthe national coordinator at The Gambia's Child Protection Alliance (CPA), said many parents turned a blind eye to children returning from the beach with large amounts of money, or encouraged "sponsorship" of their child through school with abuse attached.

"Sometimes they see a tourist involvement in their home as a kind of godsend, as luck for them, for the family and for the child," Drammeh said.

Not a single tourist has been prosecuted for paedophilia in The Gambia, Drammeh said, and no full study has been undertaken on the magnitude of the scourge.

But a member of The Gambia's dedicated tourist police, who gave his name only as Lamin as he was not authorised to speak to the media, said it was a problem sadly familiar to the force.

"Mostly, it is pornography, taking pictures of the private parts of little kids," he said, anger in his voice.

Hit by crisis

Although measures have been taken to discourage sex tourism in hotels, and 24-hour tribunals established to deal with cases involving tourists, Gambians are the ones prosecuted.

"Last October, we had a total clampdown on bumsterism in this country... One or two (notorious bumsters) are now currently serving prison sentences for hassling tourists beyond acceptable levels," said Hydara.

The Gambia's image problem is also pressing given that tourist numbers were hit "badly" by the country's political crisis in December and January, according to Hydara, adding his target of 195,000 visitors would very likely be missed this season.

Child protection experts warn youngsters are being exploited in The Gambia's sex tourism trade, sometimes even with the knowledge of their families, who are often poor and need money.

The vast majority in this poor nation of 1.8 million have little opportunity to benefit from the revenue brought in by tens of thousands of visitors, who provide 20 percent of The Gambia's GDP each year.

The key is to tap Asian and Russian markets, as east African nations have done, Hydara said, and to raise awareness of the country's rich colonial history and slave trade landmarks.

Historically, an incredibly poor road network and the river that divides the nation almost in two have hindered The Gambia's ability to take tourists out of the small areas where they visit.

Chris McIntyre, managing director of Expert Africa, an upmarket British-based safari company, told AFP a "very wide gulf" remained between The Gambia's current offerings and the holidays he organises for clients in Kenya or Tanzania, which average 5,000 pounds ($6,500, 5,800 euros) a head.

"Chimps are potentially a big enough draw to really kickstart what they have there," McIntyre said, referring to The Gambia's primate population, but cautioned "they would need very good guides".
BouakA (Ivory Coast) (AFP) - Four people were killed when police clashed with former rebels barricading the road into the Ivorian city of Bouake, as part of the spillover from a corrosive army mutiny over pay.

The protesting ex-rebels said security forces opened fire to disperse them on Tuesday, but the government denied responsibility.

"Security forces deployed conventional measures to maintain order," Interior Minister Hamed Bakayoko said in a statement.

"But some of the armed demonstrators pulled the pin out of a grenade that exploded among them," he added.

Three bloodied bodies were brought into the main Bouake hospital, an AFP reporter said, shortly after police stepped in to evict protesters who had obstructed the northbound road into Ivory coast's second biggest city on Monday.

A fourth person later died, and around 15 people were seriously injured in the clashes, hospital sources said.

The highway into Bouake is the main road for the world's top cocoa producer, linking the economic capital Abidjan in the south to northern Ivory Coast and to its commercially vital neighbour Burkina Faso.

"This is serious," said a rebel spokesman, Amadou Ouattara. "I never would have imagined shooting at unarmed people who are demonstrating."

The violence follows a crippling four-day mutiny by former rebels who joined the army in 2011 when peace returned after a decade-long war that had split the country in two.

The 8,400 mutineers last week halted their protest and returned to barracks after reaching an agreement with the government in the pay dispute.

The mutinous soldiers are to get bonuses of 12 million CFA francs (18,000 euros) each.

'Sound of grenades'

The rebels protesting in Bouake are among 6,000 nationwide who did not join the army, but who are now demanding identical compensation from the government for the war.

During the 2002-2011 conflict, Bouake was used as rebel headquarters, with a force estimated at tens of thousands.

Security forces were out in significant numbers on Tuesday morning to clear the highway into Bouake, which during last week's mutiny saw some 500 trucks backed up during several days.

Traffic had begun to return to normal this weekend, and police remained stationed on the highway after dispersing the protesters.

The police assault took place in the morning. "Police started hurling tear gas," said Diakite Aboudou, a spokesman for the former rebels.

"We could hear the sound of grenades," he added. "Then we heard automatic gunfire and the sound of Kalashnikovs. The dead were killed by gunfire."

At the beginning of the evening, the security forces deployed men to close the demobilised headquarters in BouakA, an AFP journalist said.

The former rebels left the scene on seeing them, according to a demobilised solider who asked not to be named.

Solidarity Minister Mariatou Kone said by telephone that she was calling for dialogue and "for calm because violence won't settle anything."
The British High Commission has rejected a request by the former Asunafo South Member of Parliament, George Boakye, for a withdrawal of visa fraud allegations against him.

Lawyers for the High Commission insist Mr Boakye is actually guilty of the allegations, throwing out the MPs demand.

Lawyers for the MP had written to the High Commission demanding a retraction of the claim which was contained in a letter to the Speaker of Parliament, Prof Mike Ocquaye.

The letter from the British High Commission to the Speaker dated January 31, 2017 listed MP for Bia East Richard Acheampong, MP for Asutifi North Joseph Benhazin Dahah, MP for Ahafo Ano South West Johnson Kwaku Adu, and former MP for Asunafo South George Boakye as persons who had previously engaged in visa fraud.

Photo: L-R: Johnson Kwaku Adu, Richard Acheampong, Joseph Benhazin Dahah and Asunafo South George Boakye

George Boakye in a letter to the commission on April 27, demanded a retraction of the claim.

But the commissioner Jon Benjamin in a letter dated May 4 justified the allegation insisting Mr. Boakye had admitted his daughter who he sponsored to visit the UK overstayed her visa.

Lawyers for Mr. Boakye in a counter letter four days later wrote: we will like you to tell us where in the application of my client he acted fraudulently or which action of his constituted the fraud. You have imputed criminality on my client which is a serious matter and can damage his fortunes as a politician and aspiring MP.

The High Commissioner did not respond to this directly but rather instructed the High Commissions lawyers, A&A Law Consult, to write to Mr. Boakye last Friday, May 19.

The lawyers again justified the claim of fraud saying: The British High Commissioner is of the opinion that your clients failure to report for nearly four years the continued illegal residence in the United Kingdom of your daughter, a person whose visit he had sponsored, does at the very least raise very serious questions.

However, Lawyer for Mr. Boakye, Kwabena Asare Atuah, says his client is keen on clearing his name in the matter.

Meanwhile, Joy News understands no progress has been made as far as investigations by Parliament into the issue are concerned.

The Parliamentary Service Board was expected to meet over the issue last month but that did not happen.

Further action is expected when the house resumes sitting on May 30, 2017.

Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com
24.05.2017 LISTEN

"On reaching the place, he said to them, "Pray that you will not fall into temptation."

[Luke 22:40] NIV

What necessitated Jesus to instruct His disciples on the day of the unleavened bread called the Passover?

Could it be Jesus already knew His disciples might fall into transgression?

You should not be surprised because Jesus knew that someone amongst the disciples might betrayed Him while others fall into temptation.

"Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the Twelve" Luke 22:3 NIV

.

Simply put , Satan's spirit entered Judas Iscariot and regulated the mind, emotions and movements of Judas.

Throughout Satan's control over Judas Iscariot, he deposited an invisible giant called greed in Judas. That invisible giant drifted Judas away from his brethren and went straight to the Roman army to sign a deal of betrayal for the exchange of Jesus.

Today, greed as an invisible giant is destroying people regardless of race or religious affiliations.

And it is in this regard , Jesus asked his disciples to pray so that they do not fall into temptation.

"And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one" Matthew 6:13

To slay the invisible giant, it requires one to pray daily so that he or she does not fall into sin.

Prayer

Lord Jesus I thank you for the Your word. Get rid of any invisible giant of greed in my life now or forever.

Confession :Master Jesus, I confess you are my warrior.

God bless you for reading and sharing.

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twitter @zorebenezer

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24.05.2017 LISTEN

Prior to the advent of Islam, women were socially, physically and emotionally abuse. Sex harassment, indecent dressing, circumcision, trokosion, lesbianism, premarital sex, polyandry, teenage pregnancy, abortions and all kind of indecent acts became the other of the day.

Shyness in women evaporated as it is in this modern Era of ours, these continued until when almighty Allah sent down the beautiful, noble and unbiased religion to our master and beloved prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) and commanded him to tell the believing women to observe hijab. This can be found in the noble Qur'an

Hijab therefore, refers to the complete covering of everypart of the body except the hands, face and feet in long, loose and unseen through garment. A woman who wears hijab is called Muhaajaba which is considered as a test for the Muslimah or Muslim woman.

Its clear from the noble Qur'an and the Hadiths that hijab is a religious obligation, which a woman has to undertake. Hijab must not be too tightened or too loose, it should be moderate. It should not spell out the shape of the shape of the wearer.

Wearing hijab is a way of heeding to Allah's commandment for modesty. The angel of death, Azrael says! "obedience to Allah commandment is better than compassion to the earth ''Moreover, observing hijab is not just by one's own interest, that you must choose to wear or not, it is a command from Allah and his noble prophet to the believing women.

According to ahadith, and the Quran, Allah almighty says, '' O prophet (S.A.W) Say to your wives, your daughters and the women of the believers that, they should let down upon themselves their Jalabib. Jalabib is a wide dress, wider than the scarf that a woman puts upon her head and let it down on her bosom.

However , Islamic dressing code for women does not only consist of a scarf that covers the head, the neck and the bosom, it also includes the overall dress that should be long and loose to prevent ones shape from being exposed.

This is clear as Almighty Allah says in the Holy Quran "O children of Adam wear your beautiful apparel at every time and place of prayer". Master Muhammad says, as narrated by Aisha, ummul mu'mminun "Allah does not accept the prayer of a woman who reaches puberty unless she wears hijab.

It is narrated in a hadith by Aisha that, Asmaa, daughter of Abubakar entered upon the apostle of Allah wearing a thin cloth, the apostle of Allah (S.A.W) turned his attention from her.

He said "Asmaa, when a woman reaches the age of menstruation, it does not suit her that she displays her parts of body except this and this" and he pointed to her face and hands ".

Furthermore, hijab contributes to a stable and preserved marital family by eliminating the chances of extramarital affairs as it shows some kind of modesty required by the Islamic religion. Imam Jafar Sadiq (A. S) says '' modesty is a symbol of faith and whoever has no modesty, has no religion.

It is however sad that, the Muslimah today founds it difficult in observing hijab because, some feel it is outmoded, whiles others shun away from being known as a Muslim. This thinking, my sister is wrong, because Islam comes to stay, and wherever you are, you should understand that, your religion first before anything. For a Muslimah, your dressing forms part of worship and if you forego that, you neglect your deen.

I often weep bitterly and feel sad when I see a Muslimah wearing clothes that shows her body shape, this is because, it will only attract bad intended men towards you.

Hijab stands as a shield of protection against any evil man who would want to marry you. It also gives the woman an air of authority, dignity and respect which a non-believer can never claim to possess. Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) says, '' those who do not wear hijab are blatantly defying the commandment of Allah. Hijab gives an identity to the Muslimah. The hijab protects a woman's honor and does not arouse unwanted passion from the opposite sex

Therefore my colleague ladies know that, beauty of a lady doesnt depend on the face or the exposure of her nakedness, it lies in her character. So, when a lady refuses to observe hijab, she enquires the wrath of Allah. Also, women who dont observe hijab attracts the attention of evil men hence being harmed sexually since men are moved by what they see.

My fellow women, let us understand that, women who do not observe the hijab are not respected and are judged by society as bad based on their appearance. A Muslimah who doesnt observe the hijab identity as Muslims is lost. Hijab is the best symbol for modesty. Hence forth, my colleague Muslimah, lets join hands in advocating for the wearing of hijab and also wear it ourselves.

I also called on my brothers, fathers, husbands and uncles to assist us in fulfilling this divinely obligatory requirement of observing the hijab. This is because, aside the trauma a Muslimah who is in hijab goes through outside the home, some family relations also makes the wearing of hijab difficult for us as women. I therefore plead with family relations, friends and associates to assist women who want to be in hijab.

Furthermore, institutions such as schools, hospitals and and the many working environments available should stop discriminating against the use of hijab by the Muslimah, because, it is an obligation given to women by our creator.
Ahmedabad, India, May 24, 2017  The African Development Bank (AfDB) has embarked on a fund-raising drive to finance the expansion of energy with the immediate aim of connecting 200 million people with clean energy even as it continues its push to unlock barriers to effective investments in the agriculture sector.

The Abidjan-headquartered development finance institution is playing its role in the financial sector by helping countries in Africa to develop new models of financing energy initiatives, whose eventual aim is to enable private firms to increasingly provide funds to support energy and agriculture growth.

AfDB President Akinwumi Adesina says the Bank is directly involved in expanding the opportunities for African countries that plan to raise funds externally to access the financial markets for onward lending.

The Banks broad-based development agenda identifies the lack of energy, access to electricity as a critical challenge undermining efforts to unlock the full economic potential of small-scale farmers.

One of the most important challenges Africa is facing is lack of energy. At least 600 million in Africa have no access to energy. Access to energy is a critical enabler of development because it is key to increasing the productivity of farmers and their output, boosting transportation and revenue, Amadou Hott, AfDB Vice-President for Power, Energy, Climate and Green Growth, told a panel discussion on Creative Energy Solutions to Boost African Agriculture, at the 52nd session of the Banks Annual Meetings on May 23.

The AfDB is holding its landmark Annual Meetings in the Gujarati town of Gandhinagar, May 22-26, under the theme Transforming Agriculture for Wealth Creation in Africa. The Bank believes Africa needs agriculture to fuel economic development but this cannot be achieved without energy.

To address the challenge, the Banks President unveiled the New Deal on Energy for Africa, aiming to provide energy to 205 million people in Africa by 2025, with 75 million of those being connected through solar energy and other connections outside the national electricity grids.

An off-grid electricity power solution is the way to go because the World Bank tells us it takes nine years to build a power plant. Solar energy power is, as the AfDB has called it, the energy revolution. To take it to 75 million people in Africa, we will need billions of dollars worth of public and private investments, said Davidi Vortman, the Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Lumos Global, providers of solar power to some 150,000 current customers in Nigeria.

Ghanas former president, John Dramani Mahama, said in some instances, governments spent millions of dollars to build national grid to remote regions, incurring huge losses during the electricity transmission process, which, when finally passed on to the consumers, became unaffordable and unsustainable.

The solar energy solutions are picking up because of the major problems with energy inefficiency, which is often linked to the inefficient new electricity connections, Mahama told the session on Creative Energy Solutions to Boost African Agriculture.

Hott said the AfDB plans to rely on traditional hydropower projects. The Bank is working with companies to ensure national electric grids are managed sustainably and profitably. The Bank will ensure reforms within institutions which supply power and guarantee funding for power firms through a US $500-million financing facility to support solar and national grid connections. These measures could cut the current cost of solar power by 50 percent, the VP said.




En Huang, the 31-year-old Chinese lady in police grips over alleged illegal mining, yesterday vented her spleen at an Accra Criminal High Court following a botched attempt for bail.

Lawyers for En also known as Aisha Huang, had made frantic and passionate appeals to the court to grant the accused person and four others bail.

Jerry Akwetteh, lawyer for the suspects  Gao Jin Cheng, 45; Lu Qi Jun, 39; Haibin Gao, 26; Zhang and Zhang Pen, 23  last week dashed to the court in another desperate attempt to secure bail for his clients.

Bail

At yesterday's sitting, visibly miffed Aisha was spotted in the courtroom shaking her head to warn her lawyer, Jerry Akwetteh not to talk to her.

She would not hear any more excuses as to why the court, presided over by Charles Edward Ekow Baiden, would instantly not grant the bail but adjourn ruling on the matter until June 2.

Apparently displeased with the judge's decision, Aisha banged the seat before breaking down in tears as Justice Baiden walked into his chamber.

The five have since been whisked to the Nsawam Prisons.

Charges

However, the Attorney General and Minister for Justice, represented by Mercy Arthur, a senior state attorney, had preferred fresh charges against the accused persons.

According to the charge sheet dated May 23, 2017, all five have been charged with undertaking small scale mining without authority contrary to Section 99 (1) of the Mining and Minerals Act

Aisha has been slapped with a second charge which reads Providing Mine Support Services without valid registration with the Minerals Commission.

She is facing an additional charge of Illegal employment of foreign nationals contrary to Section 24 of the Immigration Act, while the four others face the charge of disobedience of directive given by or under the Immigration Act, 2000.

The AG, surprisingly however, did not attach any brief facts to the charge sheet  a move the judge said was a departure from established convention.

The brief fact was expected to tell in detail the offences of the accused and support the charges preferred against the five.

Ms. Arthur had explained that it was not mandatory to add the brief facts to the charges, stressing that she would narrate the brief facts orally to the court.

She later backtracked, indicating that she would rely on the brief facts attached to the earlier charges struck out by the court.

Bail

Moving the motion for bail, Jerry told the court that Aisha has a medical condition which needed urgent attention.

He said he had attached the medical report of Aisha to the motion but was unable to disclose it because it was a private matter.

Aisha's lawyer indicated that she (Aisha) would appear in court to stand trial and that in granting bail it was crucial the court looked at the severity of the offence preferred against the accused persons.

According to him, the charges preferred against the accused persons as at the time of filing the bail application, were all charges that attracted fines and not custodial sentences.

He stated that even if the accused persons had pleaded guilty to the offences, as per the charge sheet, then They were not to face custodial sentences but rather fines.

Jerry stated that Aisha submitted herself to the police, contrary to public opinion, indicative of the fact that the accused person was not a flight risk.

The counsel said his client was unaware of any directive that any foreigner entering Ghana should observe before getting work, adding that the charges against the accused persons are defective and that the hands of the judge were not tied.

Media

Kwame Owiredu, another member of the defence team, stated that Aisha was not only before the court to stand trial, but also to clear her name.

He contended that the accused had been hurt by the media, but the judge stated that the parties were not in court to deal with emotions.

Touching on the health of Aisha, Mr Owiredu said in as much as the state has the right to remand an accused person, the state also has a corresponding duty to ensure that the health of the accused is not compromised.

He was hopeful the affidavit of the AG would not fetter the hands of the judge or stand on his way to deny the bail.

No Bail

But, Ms Arthur vehemently opposed the bail application, stating that even where Aisha had been remanded she could be assisted to take her medications or go for reviews.

She argued that Section 99 (1) of the Minerals Act provides for custodial sentences as well as a fine.

The senior state attorney disclosed that Aisha was still holding on to the passports of the other accused persons.

According to her, Aisha had only released two of the passports belonging to Gao and Zhang.

She was emphatic that the accused persons when granted bail, would interfere with the ongoing investigations of the police.

The accused persons worked as illegal miners (galamseyers) at Bepotenten in the Amansie West District of the Ashanti Region.

At the time of their arrest, galamsey had been outlawed by the government through the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, John Peter Amewu.



By Jeffrey De-Graft Johnson

[email protected]


The National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament (MP) for Zabzugu in the Northern Region is in trouble over his alleged dual citizenship.

In what looks similar to the Adamu Dramani Sakande case, the NDC MP, Alhassan Umar, has been sued by two of his constituents for allegedly having dual citizenship from the United States and Ghana.

Adamu Dramani Sakande, after winning the Bawku Central seat on the ticket of the then opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) in 2008, was challenged by a cattle farmer called Sumaila Bielbiel on the grounds that the MP held dual citizenship and after a long trial he was sentenced to two years in jail in 2012.

The plaintiffs in the instant case  Nikimola Jacob Makinye and Moponyaw Godwin  want the court to remove Alhaji Alhassan Umar from parliament and declare the seat vacant.

They are seeking a declaration that the defendant, who owes allegiance to a country other than Ghana, is disqualified from holding the office of Member of Parliament of Zabzugu in the Republic of Ghana.

The plaintiffs further want an order directed at Alhassan Umar, compelling him to vacate the Zabazugu Constituency seat and an injunction to restrain him from holding himself as MP.

In their statement of claim, the plaintiffs avert that they are farmers who are aware that the NDC MP, who they claim was born on June 29, 1966, was originally Ghanaian but naturalized and became a citizen of the United States on May 31, 2000.

The plaintiffs went ahead to list all the residential addresses used by the NDC MP when he was in the United States, especially in New Jersey and Virginia, and claimed that he even filed for bankruptcy in the United States on November 3, 1999.

On 3rd November, 2000 the defendant was convicted in the United States of a traffic offence of over-speeding, the plaintiffs averred, adding that the MP relocated to Ghana about eight years ago and worked at the Ministry of Communications as a management consultant.

In his application for a service passport to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration on 12th August, 2010, the defendant gave the town of his birthplace as Zabzugu and also confirmed that he had dual Ghana and United States citizenship, the statement indicated.

According to the plaintiffs, Alhassan Umar's dual citizenship card is No. 003672 issued on 15th September, 2009 in Accra and added that he also bears a United States passport.

In September 2016 the defendant filed his papers to represent the NDC in the Zabzugu Constituency in the 2016 parliamentary elections, the statement pointed out, adding, Plaintiffs say that the defendant failed to disclose on his nomination forms of the Electoral Commission of Ghana that he filed for bankruptcy on 3rd November, 1999 in the United States and also failed to indicate that he had citizenship of another country other than Ghana, ie United States.

The plaintiffs claim that the information about the defendant's citizenship came to them recently and that as at the time the NDC MP stood for the election, he was not qualified to do so because he owed allegiance to another country.

They insisted that Alhassan Umar committed perjury since he knew very well that he was not qualified to contest for the office of MP but went ahead to do so.

By William Yaw Owusu
One of the helicopters being commissioned by the former President Mahama in 2015

A leading member of the Public Interest and Accountability Committee (PIAC), Dr Steve Manteaw, has claimed three Ghana Gas Company (GGC) helicopters are missing.

According to him, the government has already paid $150 million for three helicopters but they cannot be traced.

The gas company has not made any public statement about the status of the helicopters, but Dr Anthony Akoto Osei, Minister for Monitoring and Evaluation, has reportedly confirmed that Ghana Gas Company indeed purchased the helicopters.

I have asked about the helicopters but there are no answers forthcoming, Dr. Manteaw told Adom FM yesterday.

According to him, the actual cost of the Ghana Gas project, which started full operations in 2012, was still unknown, although the government had earmarked an initial $850 million for it.

He said the management of Ghana Gas at Atuabo in the Western Region even expressed surprise about the purchase of the helicopters since there was no helipad for the helicopters they were going to buy.

At the commencement of the project, Dr. Manteaw said he went to the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) to search for tax files of the project executors  Sinopec  but there was nothing to show either in Accra or Takoradi, the Western Regional capital.

According to him, the company was given tax concession by Ghana Gas, noting that that action is against the law since Parliament is the only body that can waive tax for foreign companies.

He said strangely, it was in 2016 that the Ministry of Finance brought the tax file demanding that Sinopec should be exempted from tax, saying as a result, PIAC was able to get the authorities to retrieve GH15 million as taxes from Sinopec Gas Company.

Dr. Manteaw said the government used additional loan facility secured from China to purchase the three aircraft after the original four had become ineffective and said once they could not be traced, those in-charge of the procurement should be questioned.

Dr Anthony Akoto Osei had also insisted that the total cost of the helicopters was a rip-off.

He said four out of seven helicopters were initially purchased for the project but they broke down.

He claimed that all the initial seven helicopters were bought for $100 million, noting that they were over-priced since each cost $8 million, but the erstwhile National Democratic Congress (NDC) government brought them in for $25 million each.

The four could have just cost the nation $32 million and not $100 milliongo to the Americas and we would get them for less instead of purchasing them at that expensive cost from China, he retorted in an angry tone.

Explaining how the helicopters were procured, Dr Anthony Akoto Osei said Ghana acquired a loan from the Chinese Development Bank.

The four helicopters broke down under two years after they had been commissioned by former President John Mahama in September 2015.

The minister said the loan application was not presented to Parliament despite opposition from the then minority NPP in Parliament.

He pointed out that the new government can now hold its predecessor to greater accountability.

He vowed to get the former Energy Minister, Dr Kwabena Donkor, to appear before Parliament and answer questions about the project.

Fortunately, the main characters in the Ghana Gas Project are still around and we can call them to come and clarify issues for usI will demand in Parliament that they come and clarify issues on the award of contracts and others, he added.

By William Yaw Owusu
A new public policy center at University of Wisconsin-Madison named for former Wisconsin Gov. Tommy Thompson is a great idea, said Donald Moynihan, director of the La Follette School of Public Affairs on campus.

Were Tommy Thompson fans, Moynihan said Tuesday. Finding a place on campus that honors his legacy is something we are supportive of, and have been inching towards.

But Moynihan said he is waiting to see what the details look like and what strings are attached.

Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester, announced the creation of the Tommy G. Thompson Center on Public Leadership Tuesday. It will be housed at UW-Madison and funded with public and private money.

A funding proposal before the budget-writing Joint Finance Committee called for $3 million in the 2017-2019 budget, with $500,000 of that to be available to other UW System campuses to bring in outside speakers.

Additional private funding for the center is expected, said Vos.

Vos, who has complained that publically funded speakers at UW campuses trend too far left, said the new center will be part of an effort to maximize free speech on campus. Vos, a UW-Whitewater graduate, also is sponsoring a bill that would punish students and others who protest speakers on campus in ways that disrupt the presentation.

Gov. Scott Walker praised Thompson  the states longest serving governor before joining the George W. Bush administration as Secretary of Health and Human Services  as a living legend during a news conference at the Capitol.

Walker thanked UW-Madison Chancellor Rebecca Blank for working with political leaders on the proposal, remarking that it was a tough negotiation.

Blank, noting Thompsons constant support of the university, cited his assistance in helping UW build its bio-technology capacity.

She said she views the new center as embodying three principles:

The value of objective, nonpartisan, professional research.

The central role of public universities and their faculty in public life and discourse.

Advancement of the Wisconsin Idea, ensuring the knowledge of the university is spread across the state.

Blank said the center will be set up on campus next year.

Campus spokeswoman Meredith McGlone said in an email that UW-Madison and the Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association "will reach out to private donors across the ideological spectrum who are interested in improving leadership.

"No political party or ideology has a monopoly on leadership," McGlone said.

She said a director of the new center had not been named. A news release from Vos' office said the center would be run by a director overseen by a seven-member public leadership board within two UW-Madison departments: the Department of Political Science and the La Follette School.

Moynihan said that likely functions of such a center include sponsoring symposiums and speakers on policy issues and funding research. The center could not provide degrees like the La Follette School, which has graduate programs in public affairs, said Moynihan.

He said that he had been among representatives from La Follette and the UW-Madison department of political science who met with Thompson and family members about developing and funding a center before the legislature became involved at some point.

Moynihan said that the timing of announcement of public funding fits in with the perception by the Republican legislative leadership that there are not enough conservative speakers on campus. People who work within the legacy of Gov. Thompson will probably lean a little more conservative, he said.

So, a conservative-leaning public policy center could be a vehicle to address a concern over a paucity of conservative voices on campus, Moynihan said. If you see that as a problem, this is a much better way to address it than engaging in an adversarial relationship with the university, he said.

The Republican-majority Legislature included steep cuts to UW System funding in the past two biennial budgets, but Walkers proposal for 2017-2019 includes $93 million in new funding.

Ideological labels are convenient, but much of what academic research centers do does not fit into such classifications, Moynihan said.

Whatever its founding legacy or funding source, an academic center would be set up under university guidelines to ensure intellectual freedom, Moynihan said.

Decisions on operations and programming would be made based on evidence, inquiry and free debate rather than being responsive to the wishes of a particular funder, he said.

I have a lot of confidence in the chancellor, Moynihan said. She believes academic freedom is important and if this is moving forward, she will make sure that is the case.
An official of GHACEM (3rd left) hands over the allocation to Naomi Quarshie

The Tema New Town Fire Station has received 200 bags of cement from GHACEM Limited for the construction of offices for personnel.

The station currently has limited office space; a development which is affecting the ability of personnel to fight fire in the district.

The company donated over the 200 bags of cement to officials of the station.

There are pending applications from different units of the Ghana Army and Ghana Police Service which is still receiving attention.

We are particularly proud to support the Tema New Town Fire Station because of the urgent need to provide offices for personnel and also due to the fact that they fall within our area of operation, he said.

Acting District Fire Officer of the Tema New Town Fire Station, Naomi Quarshie, who received the donation on behalf of the unit, thanked GHACEM for coming to their aid.

She said the unit must construct two offices for personnel to work effectively.
The chiefs and people of Gomoa Fetteh, a farming community in the Awutu Senya District of the Central region, have appealed to investors to consider investing in the area to create employment for the youth.

Speaking over the weekend at a press conference at Gomoa Fetteh, Nana Abor Yamoah II, chief of the town, said the time has come for investors, both local and foreign, to turn their attention to Gomoa Fetteh due to its strategic location on Ghana's coastline and also the vast lands it offers for any kind of development.

He therefore advised the media to help market the town to attract its fair share of developments under President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo's 'One District, One Factory' initiative, adding there are vast lands for any investor. We are ready to offer investors any assistance they need to ensure a win-win situation for both of us and also a better future for our present and future generations.

Located off the Akotsi Junction on the Accra-Winneba Road, Gomoa Fetteh, which is barely a two-hour's drive from Accra, is traditionally known for its buoyant fishing activities.

Its beaches are among the best in Ghana to stroll and admire the Atlantic Ocean.

Nana Kwesi Quansah, Asafohene of Gomoa Fetteh, in an address, called on the Lands Commission to help the chiefs and people of Gomoa Fetteh to protect their lands from dubious people who sometimes encroach on their lands for personal gains.

We want to protect our lands from those people who are parading as estate developers. We are a peace-loving people who are law abiding.

Nana Ekow Enyinda, Gyasehene of Gomoa Fetteh, also appealed to the media to shun all the negative stories intentionally created and planted in the media by certain anti-development elements just to deny the town of the development it so much craves.

Through the good leadership of Nana Abor Yamoah II, Gomoa Fetteh has been able to achieve unparalleled growth. And these include the construction of a police station, a market, a clinic and other infrastructural developments. So we invite investors to come to Gomoa Fetteh and create more jobs.

BY Samuel Boadi

[email protected]


afb Ghana Plc, a financial institution, on Thursday handed over a refurbished clinic at the National Police Training School at Tesano to the police administration as part of its strategic social investment to promote quality healthcare in Ghana.

The facility, which serves over eight suburbs in its catchment area, has been renovated and upgraded to improve services to the general public.

Managing Director of afb, Arnold Parker, said at the commissioning ceremony that afb showed keen interest in rehabilitating the clinic due to its strategic location and the number of people it serves when it received the request to assist in rehabilitating the Clinic.

He also mentioned that afb has supported the construction of a new office complex at the Ghana Police Headquarters and various projects over the years.

Mr. Parker further added that over the years, afb has made other interventions for the Ghana Police Service, including the donation of bags of cement for the construction of a new complex at the police headquarters, donation towards the security services games and now this clinic.

He further declared that afb intends to play a significant role in healthcare financing in the coming years.

This will take the form of accessible and responsive solutions to players in the health delivery industry, including pharmaceutical distributors, hospitals, health equipment distributors and healthcare workers.

Director-General in-charge of Human Resource Development, Commissioner of Police Beatrice Vib-Sanziri, at the ceremony, commended afb for the timely intervention and mentioned that the training school will regularly see to the maintenance of the facility to ensure that the lifespan is prolonged.

He also charged the staff of the clinic to be very diligent and exhibit high-level of professionalism in the discharge of their duties.

He encouraged corporate Ghana to emulate afb and other companies, who partnered with it to refurbish the health facility to touch the lives of Ghanaians in different ways.


The Chinese Government has called for the deepening of bilateral relations with Ghana to promote economic growth of the two nations.

Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, Sun Baohong, made the call recently in Accra while opening the maiden edition of the China Trade Week Ghana, a two-day trade exhibition being organized by MIE Events of China.

According to the envoy, it has become necessary for both nations to strengthen their bilateral relations which started about 57 years ago.

Trade between Ghana and China has over the years reportedly recorded impressive growth, with the trade volume in 2016 estimated at $5.976 billion, making Ghana the 7th largest trading partner of China in Africa.

China's import from Ghana in 2016, the Ambassador indicated, was $1.305 billion and export to Ghana was $4.671 billion, adding that the value of China's newly-signed contracts in Ghana reached $2.511 billion.

Uncertainty

However, there appears to be some uncertainty over the fate of the bilateral relationship between both states due to the Ghanaian government's sustained fight against illegal mining, which has led to the arrests of some Chinese nationals allegedly involved in the practice.

The arrests so far have not gone down well with the Chinese government.

Owing to this, Ambassador Sun Baohong recently urged the Ghanaian government to 'gag' the local media in its reportage on Chinese nationals in the country.

She noted that both countries need to work more closely to attain new achievements and keep forging ahead.

We should strengthen policy dialogue. China is ready to enhance exchange of experience on governance with Ghana so as to learn from each other, jointly build up our capacity, pave the way for alignment of our policies and development strategies, she said.

According to her, We should focus on the major projects that have significant bearing on Ghana's national development. We should stick to intensive development and pay attention to a coordinated layout of infrastructure construction and industry development so that effective investment can be ensured and both sides can reinforce each other.

She expressed the hope that as long as both nations display sincerity and solidarity from a long-term and strategic perspective, the economic and trade cooperation between them would be moved a notch higher to create a more brilliant chapter.

Commenting on the China Trade Week Ghana 2017, she said this is not only a manifestation of Chinese speed, but also to a larger, degree manifestation of Chinese confidence in Ghana.

Factories

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), Yoofi Grant, said the Government of China should consider encouraging its business people to establish reputable factories in Ghana to serve the West Africa market instead of constantly exporting to Ghana.

We do have benefits to derive from each other. Our plan is to bring your investors here; our plan is to open the region for you, he told the Chinese government.

The event brought together Chinese exhibitors from various industries, including power and energy, electronics, clothing, among others, to provide a business-to-business platform where Ghanaian investors with an interest in doing business with Chinese companies could be educated on how to trade with China.

By Melvin Tarlue


The late President John Evans Mills made screaming headlines when on a tour of the Tema Port he remarked about how within a short time of their being transferred to the port, Collection Customs Officers put up buildings.

The implication of this is that corruption is rife. The President only pointed at a fact but the humorous treatment he attached to the observation accorded it the headline status.

A few days ago, the Customs Division the new nomenclature of the revenue collection division of the Ghana Revenue Agency (GRA) was in the news once more  this time following a necessary action against some senior officers who colluded with importers to cheat the state.

The corruption in the Customs Division has been a feature of the revenue collectors for many years now but to date no effective means of stemming the anomaly has been unfolded.

In the past we heard about various interventions to manage the situation. These have so far yielded no fruit even as the state actors continue to milk the state for their individual benefits.

A few days ago, Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia visited the Tema Port and observed rather worryingly how many Ghanaians want to work at the Tema Port. There is nothing attracting many Ghanaians to the Port of Tema other than corruption.

Unless a better means of making things work in the interest of the state, many more officers would be enticed to corruption. The perception among many Ghanaians is that if you want quick money get transferred to the Port of Tema.

Family members would usually find out from their relatives who find work or transferred to the Port of Tema how many cars or how soon they have completed their houses.

Although corruption has eaten deep into our body-politics with hardly any state institution not affected, the story of the Customs Division with particular emphasis on Tema Port is exceptional.

It was a good decision to interdict the officers cited in the corruption activities at the Port especially since they are senior officers.

Corruption should not be entertained under any circumstances and it is in this light that we salute the GRA for taking the action it did.

We ask that a thorough investigation is instituted to establish the real facts, especially others culpable in the malfeasance leading to the loss of the whopping amount of monies to the state serving or out of service.

But for the change in government, the bad nuts could have continued to engage in the corruption game.

We are glad that the companies the senior officers aided to defraud the state would be made to refund the monies which did not come to the state.

We recall painfully how after the expose of Anas Aremeyaw Anas about the corruption at the Tema Port nothing happened to make the graft unattractive.

It is amazing therefore that a few years after the expose and the subsequent visit to the place by the late President, corruption has not witnessed a decline.

If we must be revisiting the subject every other year or so, it is clear that we are not making progress in the war against corruption.


MINISTER OF Information, Mustapha Hamid, has cleared the air on the controversy surrounding the implementation of the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration, saying that there is no contradiction, as some people want Ghanaians to believe.

Mr. Hamid had been accused of contradicting the Minister of Education, Dr. Mathew Opoku-Prempeh popularly called Napo, on the beneficiaries of the programme.

The education minister had reportedly told Starr Fm recently that only students who passed their BECE would have the opportunity to enjoy the policy, effective September this year.

According to report from the said interview, Dr. Opoku-Prempeh had indicated that only brilliant students with aggregate 20 would enjoy the Free SHS programme, with the minister dismissing the report shortly after.

In the heat of the debate, Mr. Hamid was reported to have contradicted Napo when he reportedly told the same Starr Fm a day after the interview with the education minister that students would benefit from the policy without writing the BECE, beginning the 2018/2019 academic year.

That had caused the President of policy tank-think, IMANI Ghana, Franklin Cudjoe, to express worry about government's preparedness towards the implementation of the programme.

We are in a dire need of policy coordinating units of important programmes like the Free SHS. The education minister says one must pass BECE before enjoying free SHS, the information minister comes in to say something else. There is a little of confusion and I think we all need clarity. A little coherence is needed in this whole Free SHS policy and its implementation, Mr. Cudjoe had said.

However, in an interview with DAILY GUIDE yesterday, Mr. Hamid denied that he had contradicted the education minister as had been reported by the media.

According to Mr. Hamid, in line with the New Patriotic Party's manifesto, government is considering the possibility of taking the BECE from an exit exam to a placement exam.

He explained that a placement exam is not to determine who has failed or passed but to determine the skills and technical competence of each child and place them in the appropriate institution which best guarantees them the opportunity to develop their God-given talents.

Mr. Hamid indicated that there would be no discrimination against students in the Free SHS programme.

BY Melvin Tarlue


Surveillance or intricate surveillance of a fraction of a population in order to monitor their nefarious operations is a normal global phenomenon and it is carried out depending on each nation's laws or judicial system. In Ghana, the National Security outfit is supported by law to carry such operations after securing court order when surveiling operations of suspected terrorists, money laundering groups and persons and cyber crime groups. The National Security reserves the right to ignore the telecos after it has secured a court order.

The Minister of Information Mustapha Hamid on Joy FM Super Morning Show hosted by Kojo Yankson, mentioned some names of former NCA board members as part of those involved in the alleged misappropriation of funds meant for purchase of surveillance equipments for the National Security outfit. The issue arises out of an ongoing collaboration between National Security and the National Communication Authority.

Daily Guide published a story about the issue and the story itself indicated that some of the accused persons have vehemently opposed, rejected and refuted the allegation of ever receiving any money. The Information Minister this morning told the host of the programme that Mr Baffoe Bonnie, Dr Ensaw, George Oppong, Osman and the former Chairman of the board ( former) have all admitted guilt and went on further to mention figures of amount received by these board members, the deputy national security coordinator and the facilitator.

Information gathered from the BNI and some of the persons the Minister claim admitted guilt sharply contradicts what the minister emphatically said on the show. Not all board members were aware of the deal as earlier published and supported by the Minister and some media houses and perhaps may explain why the Daily guide story indicated that not all Board Members were even aware of the transaction. According to our source, the matter did not come before the board because of the court order however, the chairman was notified.

To conclude that BNI did not request for the equipment as being peddled in the media by the minister and his collaborators is disingenuous. It wasn't a sole move by Alhaji Osman and narratives by the Minister himself defeats his story. Why did the Israeli company demand for payment of the alleged remaining $3 million from the National Security? Where were the alleged substandard listening devices found? Are there records confirming existence of any such transaction or arrangement? .

This attitude where government officials put out incomplete reports for political benefits undermines operations of our security agencies and investigation agencies, prejudices right to fair trial, and unfairly demeans reputation of innocent people. Until the BNI comes out with a conclusive report on the transaction, all the propaganda being peddled around by the minister and his media collaborators must be treated with the contempt it deserves.

WERE THE EQUIPMENTS NEEDED?

The current President recently touched on the need to regulate the social media to curb cyber crime. The current Communication Minister Mrs Ursula Owusu- Ekuful and the National Security Minister Mr Albert Kan - Dapaah recently pledged and reiterated government's support in the fight against cyber crime at the opening session of a Training of Trainers in Accra.
24.05.2017 LISTEN

Preamble

Ghana as a country has since 1957 been independent under the regime of Dr.Kwame Nkrumah (The First President of Ghana).The adoption of Democracy has indeed granted freedom to all people when it comes to partisan politics in the country where every eligible voter has the right to vote and to be voted for as a Ghanaian in any position of his or her choice devoid of rigging, tribalism and religious affiliations.However,since 1992,under the first speaker of parliament(Hon. E.C. Quist) in the first republic, the constitution of Ghana was written and enforced as the supreme law of the land at the expense of all customs, conventions and bylaws in the country. Within the constitution are the enshrined human rights, privileges and freedoms that grants every individual the right to worship,education,freedom of speech, freedom of movement, right to security, right to association, right to land alike just to mention few.

Conceptualization

Abuse of human rights is a tragedy of the commons that is progressively drawing the thoughtfulness of citizens, states, and the international community. Recent measures taken by the United Nations to address violence against women and children including the adoption of the Declaration on the Elimination of Violence Against Women (DEVAW) and the creation of a U.N. Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women, reveal the growing global empathetic that the international community recognizes that systemic domestic violence constitutes a violation of women and childrens human rights. DEVAW affirms that violence against women constitutes a violation of the rights and fundamental freedoms of women and impairs or nullifies their enjoyment of those rights and freedoms. Similarly, the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW Committee) has asserted that under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), the definition of discrimination [against women] includes gender-based violence, that is, violence that is directed against a woman because she is a woman or that affects women disproportionately. Ghana is not exempted from the global problem of widespread domestic violence (Human right abuses). An in-depth study on violence against women and children conducted by The Gender Studies and Human Rights Documentation Centre (Gender Centre) determined that one in three Ghanaian women suffer from physical violence at the hands of a past or current partner. In addition, three in ten Ghanaian women admit to having been forced to have sex by their male partner, and twenty-seven percent of women hav e experienced psychological abuse, including threats, insults, and destruction of properties and their right to own even lands. Young girls below the acceptable ages of marriage in Ghana are forced to marry in the name of customs, believes and traditions. Ghanaian women and children face influential hindrances to reporting violence, which stem from cultural beliefs that domestic violence is a private, family matter that should be addressed outside of the criminal justice system. Despite these obstacles, women and children continue to report incidents of domestic violence to the newly created Women and Juvenile Unit (WAJU) of the Ghanaian police force in highest numbers. Notwithstanding the increasing openness about domestic violence in Ghanaian society, many Ghanaians continue to believe that cases of domestic violence must be resolved within the family, and Ghanas criminal justice system continues to treat crimes of domestic abuse with little seriousness than other ferocious crimes.

The realities of the situation; Volta and the three northern parts of Ghana in perceptive

Democracy has had a firm stand in Africa and Ghana and the constitution of most countries have granted everyone his or her right and freedom yet in some part of Africa including Ghana, some women and children still undergo emotional and physical ordeal as they are subjected to abuses of all kinds that are detrimental to their lives. In sub-Saharan Africa for instance, according to the UN report (2013) a staggering 40 percent of girls marry before age 18, and African countries account for 15 of the 20 countries with the highest rates of child marriage. For example, 77 percent of girls in Niger, 42 percent of girls in Ghana marry before age 18 and over 60 percent of girls in Central African Republic and Chad, marry before they turn 18.Without progress to prevent child marriage, the number of girls married as children will double by 2050, and Africa will surpass South Asia as the region with the highest number of child brides in the world (UN report 2013).

Literature reveals that girls who marry young are often denied a range of human rights: many must terminate their education, face serious health risks from early and multiple pregnancies, and suffer sexual and domestic fierceness. Agenda 2063, the African Unions 50-year action plan for development, recognizes that child marriage is a major impediment to regional development and prosperity. Countries lose out on potentially enormous social, economic, and political sustainability. However, Ghana has had it bite of this situation and it is very worse especially in the three northern parts of the Ghana (Upper West, Upper East and the Northern) and some aspect of the Volta Region, as issues of human right is nothing to write home about. This is stem from the fact that in spite of the advancement of the world as in this 24th century, children (young girls between the ages of 7-15) in these aforementioned regions are still forced into marriage and the worst situation is that these children are not the first wives of their husbands but rather 4th and 5th with the least been second on top of the marriages they are forced into.

A victim interviewed at Nkpani a town in the Zabzugu/Sango District of Ghana reiterated; I have been facing uncountable problems in marriage which I describe as agonies. I was young and had no knowledge about how to be a wife. I had several sexual intercourses with someone who is even older than my father and within some few months I realized my stomach was swollen. I got conceived and had to look after my husband, do housekeeping, deal with in-laws, and work on the farm after walking several kilometers without breakfast. My nastiest time was when the pregnant got to its peak; I had to do all this and deal with a pregnancy while I was very childish for such duties. (A victim interrogated at Nkpani, March, 2017)

In accordance with the 2017 report in a documentary by TV3 (A private television station in Ghana), about 300 children between the ages of 7 -15 are forced into marriage annually in those parts of the country with the highest in the Volta region most of whom are imperiled to abuse of harsh treatment. The gloomiest experience is where most of them are forced to engage their husbands sexually irrespective of their ages. This situation was very critical upon a survey at Nkwanta and Kejebi in the Volta Region as well as Zabzugu/Tatale District in the Northern region currently known as Zabzugu/Sango where this young girls were used as herders and farm laborers while carrying babies. As such these regions recorded 900 cases of teenage pregnancy in November 2016 and 113 in the first quarter of 2017 (3new.com, news 360 reportage, 2017, Joy news report, 2017).

Figure 1 young girls forced into marriage at Tumu a town in the Upper West Region of Ghana at the ages of 12 with babies.

Source; Preliminary field survey (September, 2016)

These has compelled most of the young girls to run from their own destinations to cities and towns in Ghana especially Kumasi and Accra to serve as porters (Locally known as Kayaye) where they carry loads that are above their strengths in big pans and containers. As a results 95% of them are denial of their right to education while others are raped by unscrupulous men in the cities. (See figure 1)

Figure 2. Young ladies from the three northern regions of Ghana who have run from their towns to Kumasi to do Kayaye

Preliminary field survey (March, 2017)

Moreover, women in theses region at this modern ages of the world are denied of the right to own land and other landed properties such as buildings and farms and as a results the death of their husbands leads to their vacation from houses and farmlands they have acquired with their husbands with their blood and toil. In addition to that, since woman are not allowed to own lands they are also allowed not to farm on their own to earn income for themselves even though they have the capability and strength to do so and this has resulted in serious threat of food insecurity and poverty among women in these region. In spite of all these, children in these region are experiencing serious child labour and abuse of slavery and human trafficking as most of the young children between the ages of 3-16 are sold to fishermen on the Volta Lake to serve as laborers denying them from their educational right. Early March this year, about 68 children between the ages of 6-17 were rescued from the hands of slave raiders most of whom were fishermen from the Volta Lake who were using this children as laborers in the canoe and boats on the lake. (See TV3 documentary and news at their website on April 2017 at (3news.com). A study by Peasah (2013) reveals that slavery has a different name today human trafficking but it still flourishes in Ghana: the 2013 Trafficking in Humans Report identified it as a source, transit and destination country for the practice. And, last year, the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection said 69.8 percent of Ghana's human trafficking is internal. Along the shores of Lake Volta, the world's largest man-made lake by surface area, children are the victims. A trip to the Volta Region in eastern Ghana reveals children as young as 4, barely older than 13 starting their 15-hour workdays as early as 4 a.m. and ending well after dark, seven days a week. While girls de-scale fish and perform other domestic chores, boys mend, cast and hoist nets.

At the command of their masters many of whom used to be slaves themselves they dive underwater to unhook nets even when they can't swim, knowing the alternative is taking a beating. Several of the children say they know others who've drowned. Others contract illnesses such as bilharzia, which can lead to bloody diarrhea and abdominal pain, from the parasite-infested lake. This is really a tragedy of the commons that needs to be combated. Although work has primed their young muscles, distended stomachs show their malnutrition. But, most of their parents don't know the realities of life on Lake Volta. Believing their children will attend school and work in the evenings, parents sell their children for as little as GH20 a year equivalent to US$5. Some parents can't afford to feed their children, while others believe their kids are staying with relatives, unaware that the relatives sold the children to fishermen. A research done by Omorefe (2013), cofounder of counter-trafficking NGO City of Refuge Ministries (CORM), revealed that some NGOs have predictable that 7,000  10,000 children work along the lake  a number she thinks is low.

Figure 3 young children working under their masters on the Volta Lake as labourers

Source; Preliminary field survey (February 2017)

Again, some children in the northern parts of the country are used as laborers in the farm and as charcoal burners most of whom are fed once a day with poor accommodation where a number of them sleep in mosquito prone areas irrespective of the health risk associated with them. Most of the children used as charcoal burners are not protected as they walk barefooted with tattered clothing making them unhealthy in appearance, (see figure 3).

Figure 4 Children between the ages of 5-9 used as charcoal burners in Tinga Community a town in the Northern part of Ghana

Source; Preliminary field survey (April, 2017)

Aside this, it was also very surprising to see a girl of age 11 who has been denied of several basic rights, freedoms and privileges as human of which education was not exceptional and has been used as a herder since age 5 due to the fact that she was the first born of the father and all first born babies according to the tradition in some part of the region must support the work of the father irrespective of how hazardous and risky it is.

See figure 5 for evidence.



Figure 5 an 11 year girl used as a herder at kukunjoni a Konkomba land at Sango in Ghana

Source; Preliminary field survey (February, 2012).

So this is the extent to which the disrespect to the democracy and human rights as enshrined in Ghanaian constitution by other people has gone in terms of dehumanization and abuse of the rights of humankind in some parts of the country Ghana. So one may ask what the way forward is. The answer is obvious; most of the bylaws and conventions as well as cultural practices embedded in our chieftency system must be amended based on the fact that human right is bigger than any other right that are given to our chiefdom.Moreover,the observation of most of our cultural practices and customs especially those practiced in the northern part of Ghana that makes men more superior than women contradicts the norms and values in our constitution and as such must be altered with immediate effect. If nothing at all, the whims and caprices of few people in the country that led to the establishment of Trokosi system in the Volta region, the Female genital mutilation and widowhood rites are not bigger than the constitution of Ghana.

Ambiguities in Laws and Enforcement in Africa-Ghana

Legal frameworks play a powerful role in transforming norms and protecting girls rights. Relevant laws and regulations include those that set the minimum age for marriage at 18 for both girls and boys; requirements for birth and marriage registration; sexual violence and domestic violence laws; anti-corruption laws; and family status laws regulating marriage, divorce, custody, and inheritance. At least 20 African countries allow girls to marry below the age of 18 through their minimum age laws or through exceptions for parental consent or judicial approval.

Even though several African countries have established for instance18 as the minimum age of marriage for both boys and girls, weak enforcement has meant these laws have had little impact. The security personnel (Police) who are mandated to seek for the protection of human rights may not have tolerable training on dealing with these cases and even those with the requisite training scarcely deliver their services to the vulnerable who needs them. As such, they do not see it as their job to prevent child marriages, child trafficking, childlabour and widowhood rights alike and subject it to the so calledAmamere yento ntwene an Akan proverb which means customs and tradition cannot be thrown out.

Why then do we sit aside and look in the name of customs and traditions for some people to be denied of their own freedoms and rights to the detriment of their lives and natural justice? Ghana must rise!!!!!!! It is about time those who have the laws in their bosom go round communities to explore all that is pertaining in there rather than to be 100% theoretical and 0% practical because records have made it clear that these people who suppress mankind to dehumanization do it due to ignorance on both the victims and their perpetrators. If not a time will come people will go back to human sacrifice just in the name of outmoded traditions, culture and customs which may lead to the undervaluation of the supreme laws most African countries of which Ghana would not be exceptional.

Africa, Ghana must rise and rise for good. A caution to all.!!!!!!!

Author: Peres Ofori (May, 2017)

Academic status: Candidate (Environment and Resource Management)-MPhil

& Real Estate- BSc (Obtained)

University for Development Studies-UDS Wa Campus, Upper West Region-Ghana.

Department; Real Estate and Land Management

Faculty; Planning and Land Management

Email:peres[email protected]
Foundation of Orthopaedics and Complex Spine (FOCOS) held its first-ever fundraising dinner in Ghana over the weekend to support needy children who require complex spine surgery through the FOCOS Endowment Fund.

The event which had the former President of Ghana, H.E John Agyekum Kufuor, as the guest of honour, brought together close to 250 guests, comprising CEOs and top global executives of various organisations to support a worthy cause of making children with complex spine deformities receive treatment.

Addressing the guests on the night, the Founder and President of FOCOS, Oheneba Boachie-Adjei, recounted his life experience prior to becoming an orthopaedic surgeon and also why he felt the need to establish the foundation that has helped saved many lives across the globe.

In the Bible, it is said every valley shall be exalted, every mountain and hill shall be made low, and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plane; this verse in many ways motivates and inspires the mission and vision of FOCOS, Prof Boachie-Adjei said.

Ex-President Kufuor recounted his experience as a patient at FOCOS about five years ago. He stressed the importance to encourage and have confidence in local talents and professionals in every endeavor.

He said, Surgeons like the founder and CEO of FOCOS, Professor Emeritus Oheneba Boachie-Adjei, should be encouraged by ensuring that government supports 'the private sector with incentivesbecause if the private sector grows, it will then benefit and translate into the country.

There were other speeches on the night by Board Chairman of FOCOS, Ambassador Fritz Poku, and Dr Rick Hodes of the Americanfrican Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (AJJDC), a foundation that sends patients from Ethiopia to FOCOS Orthopaedic Hospital every year to undergo life-changing surgeries.

Dr Harry Akoto and Dr Kwadwo Yankey, two spine fellows at FOCOS Orthopaedic Hospital, received honours and acknowledgement as the first set of scoliosis/spine fellows on the night of fundraising. Award-wining Ghanaian artiste and FOCOS ambassador, Bisa K'dei, climaxed the night with a wonderful performance.

The general public can make donations into the FOCOS Endowment Fund by making deposits into uniBank account number: 0211311006781, World Trade Centre branch or make in-kind donations to the FOCOS Orthopaedic Hospital.




Ernest Chemist, a wholly-owned indigenous pharmaceutical company, has been recognised for its excellence in producing pharmaceutical products in two separate wards  the 2017 People's Choice Practitioners and Local Pharmaceutical Institution of the Year.

The recent awards ceremony which was held at the Golden Tulip Hotel in Kumasi by The Heleh Africa Honours also honoured other distinguished Ghanaians with 24-karat gold medals.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Ernest Chemists Limited, Ernest Bediako Sampong, expressed his firm belief that this feat would not have been attained without the strong faith Ghanaians have in Ernest Chemists to continue providing quality medicines at affordable prices.

He said, We have been graced by the growing loyalty of our cherished customers over the past decades and we are even more geared to do more for our most deserving current and potential clientele. It is in this light that we have taken steps to expand our current operations to help us meet the increased demand of our locally manufactured medicines.

As a key strategy, Mr Bediako Sampong revealed the company has initiated an investment programme to procure modern and high capacity equipment aimed at increasing the output of our liquid products by 300 per cent.

He reiterated that our currently under-construction good manufacturing practice (GMP)  compliant factory on a Greenfield, upon completion by the close of 2018, shall not only increase our output further by adding new dosage forms and product lines to our present portfolio but also help upgrade our operational and management systems to meet current regulatory requirements and international standards.

Mr Bediako Sampong was of the firm conviction that the upcoming expansions would yield a wider coverage of its affordable medicines which are of the highest quality for even more Ghanaians. We are passionate in our quest to help create a healthier Ghana as we believe that health is indeed wealth, he said.

To the company's local and international customer base, Mr Bediako Sampong gave assurance of their unwavering commitment to be an excellent partner in healthcare across the West African sub-region.
(From left) KOICA Country Director, Woochan Chang, Korean Ambassador to Ghana, Sungsoo Kim and Susan Namondo Ngongi with the document

The Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) have signed a three-year partnership agreement to address inequities currently facing thousands of young girls in Ghana.

The three-year programme dubbed, A Better Life for Girls in Ghana, promises to address existing issues of gender stereotypes and social norms, which disproportionally impact the development of girls.

The programme aims to provide a holistic development for girls.

Korean Ambassador to Ghana, Sungsoo Kim, said the main goal of the programme is to address the current worrying trend of child marriage in Ghana.

We jointly expect to improve the life of our adolescent girls by keeping them in school, as well as broadening their horizon on entrepreneurial opportunities and financial literacy, he said.

UNICEF Ghana Representative Susan Namondo Ngongi said UNICEF is delighted to be partnering KOICA on this very important programme.

Girls aged between 12 and 19 are in a very precious and critical phase of their development which can profoundly influence a girl's future potential. During this key time of transition from girlhood to womanhood, we want to ensure that girls in Ghana are given a fair chance to thrive in a safe and welcoming environment and are given a chance to realise their full potentials.

KOICA Country Director, Mr. Woochan Chang said that both UNICEF and KOICA would continue to actively collaborate with the Government of Ghana, especially for this project.

The project will contribute to the successful implementation of the 'National Strategic Framework on Ending Child Marriage in Ghana,' which will be launched next week by the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection.


The Sefwiman Nkosuo Kuo, a community welfare and development group in Bibiani/Anhwiaso/Bekwai District of the Western Region, has condemned the incessant media attacks on the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation (BOST), Alfred Obeng Boateng.

According to the group, the new BOST CEO, since assuming office, has been fighting corruption in the distribution of refined petroleum products in the country and that might have angered some players in the industry and employees of BOST.

A news release issued and signed by J.K. Okyere, who describes himself as the President of the Sefwiman Nkosuo Kuo, said Mr. Obeng Boateng's resolve to make BOST effective can never be doubted, owing to the fact that he has been very successful in all his private businesses.

The statement said, There are people in the business who think they can continue to rip-off the state. Some have formed more than three companies and are using them to cheat the system and once they know the CEO is getting aware of the situation they start smearing him using the opposition media.

Our checks show that the CEO is determined to operate an open-door policy by allowing every Ghanaian capable of doing business with BOST to come in, and those with parochial interests who have milked the system feel threatened and would do anything to paint Mr. Obeng Boateng black.

The statement claimed the previous rot at BOST was unimaginable but added that Mr. Obeng Boateng and his management team were working around the clock to ensure sanity in the system.

The BOST MD is preoccupied with solving the issues of dumping of petroleum meant for export onto the domestic market, which has become a major challenge, it stated.

BOST was incorporated in December 1993 as a private limited liability company with the Government of Ghana as the sole shareholder.

Until May 2001, BOST was responsible for the distribution of refined petroleum products from its strategic depots located throughout the country.

Additionally, BOST also holds the Natural Gas Transmission Utility License granted to it by the Ghana Energy Commission (EC) on December 19th, 2012.

The NGTU, as per EC Act 541, 1997, will provide transmission and interconnection services for natural gas without discrimination throughout the country.

By William Yaw Owusu


THE KUMASI Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) yesterday won its legal challenge against a judgement debt of over GH50 million it was expected to pay to Freko FD Enterprise for repudiating a contract of Build Operate and Transfer (BOT) to construct some public toilet facilities in the metropolis.

The Court of Appeal which upheld an innocent partys right to walk out of contract when there is a clear breach that goes to the root of the agreement, ruled against Freko FD Enterprise that had won the earlier battle against the termination of the contract at a Kumasi High Court.

The decision has come as a relief to KMA which has been saddled with a debt stock of more than GH100 million, beside GH119.21 million debt it accumulated several years back.

A GH10,000 cost was also awarded against Freko FD Enterprise by the court presided over by a three-member panel who rejected the trial courts order of GH8 million damages against KMA, describing it as remote and unacceptable.

The court again reversed a cost of GH2 million awarded in favour of Freko Enterprise because the respondent company failed to discharge its responsibilities under the contract.

In the year 2000, Freko FD Enterprise committed to construct more than 60 toilet facilities across the Ashanti Regional capital in six months after entering into a BOT agreement with the KMA, but failed to discharge its responsibilities under the contract.

The court said the company had only built 20 of the said facilities after the six month period contrary to the terms agreed on in the contract, compelling the KMA to disregard the agreement and take over the facilities when it was also realized that the respondent company had failed to account for the proceeds from operating the facilities for 10 years.

The Justices indicated that they were rejecting the ruling by the Kumasi High Court that granted the reliefs to Freko Enterprise because the trial judge did not provide the basis for the award of damages since the company could not honour its side of the bargain.

The court ruled that Freko FD Enterprise was only entitled to the actual cost for the construction of the toilet facilities, which amount, it observed, was shrouded in secrecy.

From Ernest Kofi Adu, Kumasi


The full list of the senior officers of the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) who have been interdicted for allegedly engaging in various acts of misconduct that has caused the state to lose huge sums of revenue, has emerged.

The affected officers15 in all, consist of four females and 11 males who are banned from using their office identity cards as punishment for their alleged nefarious activities capable of compromising the national economy and security are Christine Bantas, Lydia Attipoe, Rose Obeng Manu and Mary Ann Okunnor as the suspended female officers.

Names of the interdicted male officers are: Eric Kwaku Bonney, Aaron Morgan Ahiadro, Jonathan Gyan Anaman, Jacob Hayford, David Yao Adranu, Emmanuel Ekow Parker, Francis Stephenson, Yao Boakye Agyemang, Walter Kumah, Mumuni Abdulai and Joseph Allan.

The affected revenue collectors from Tema and other Sector Commands across the country, with Tema having the majority were banned from all offices under the GRA.

They were said to have purportedly connived with certain companies to evade duties and taxes, causing a huge financial loss to the state.

Acting Commissioner, Support Services Division, Fred Charles Anson who signed the interdiction letters further asked the affected officers to hand over all properties belonging to the Authority to their various sector commanders before leaving the office.

They were barred also from entering GRA offices until investigations are concluded or otherwise directed.

Some of them will be getting two-thirds of their monthly salaries during the interdiction period while others were stripped of their salaries until the cases are disposed off.

An interdiction letter sent to a female culprit who is stationed at Tema and sighted by DAILY GUIDE indicates that she has caused the GRA to incur a total liability of GH17,151,593.72, being revenue loss of GH8,575,796.86 and 100 percent penalty thereof.

The letter which was issued on May 18, 2017 reads further that The Authority has taken a very serious view of your conduct and has decided to interdict you to pave way for a thorough investigation to be carried out into the matter.

Consequently you have been interdicted with effect from May 18, 2017. You are to hand over your duties and all Authority's property in your custody including your ID to your Sector Commander before leaving the office.

Linda Ofori Kwarfo, Executive Director of the Ghana Integrity Initiative (GII) has suggested to government to reduce human involvement in the clearing of goods in order to address the corruption menace.

She further called on government to ensure more supervision and control at the ports, lauding government for the steps taken so far to address corruption at the ports.

Meanwhile, the GRA has set up a committee to investigate the matter and bring up findings and recommendations for disciplinary action to be taken.

From Vincent Kubi, Tema


The Greater Accra Police Command has given clearance for the upcoming demonstration against corruption.

The demonstration which is being organized by Adom FM, a brand in leading media brand in Ghana, Multimedia Group, is meant to raise awareness on the high rate of corruption in the country especially among state actors.

Host of the stations Morning Show, Dwaso Ns E m, Captain Smart would lead tens of thousands of Ghanaians from Accra and beyond to present a petition to the Economic and Organised Crimes Office (EOCO) calling for investigations and prosecution of persons named in various reports especially the Auditor Generals report.

Speaking on Adom FMs Morning Show Wednesday, Public Relations Officer at the Greater Accra Regional Police Commander, ASP Afia Tengey confirmed that the police have given a green light for the demonstration.

We have received notifications from Multimedia Group and the organizers of the demonstration, they have satisfied all the requirements in the Public Order Act and hence we would be there to provide security for the peaceful walk against corruption, she confirmed

Routes for Fab E woso demo

ASP Afia Tengey called on participants of the walk against corruption to converge at the Obra Spot at Kwame Nkrumah Circle (a popular spot for demonstrators) at 7:00 am on Friday, 26th May, 2017.

Participants who would be clad in red and black with placards calling for investigation and prosecution of persons alleged to have been involved in corrupt acts in various reports especially, the Auditor Generals report, will then pass through the Farrisco Traffic Light through to TUC before arriving at the offices of EOCO.

Three petitioners would be allowed to present their written petition to EOCO.
A group of health professionals who picketed at the Health Ministry have called off their two-day protest after receiving financial clearance by the ministry.

The group made up of unposted Allied Health Professionals, Health Assistants and Community Nurses and Private Accredited Nurses kept vigil at the ministry's premises for two nights before receiving clearance for onward posting.

Confirming the message to the protesting nurses, the Deputy Minister of Health Tina Mensah said the appropriate endorsement has been secured from the Finance Ministry for their financial clearance.

We are doing all that we can to settle you, yesterday [Tuesday] I told you to exercise a little bit of patience with us. Today, thank God it's been signed, she added

In a press release signed by the leadership of Allied Health Professionals, the group said the decision to call off the protest was because they were satisfied by the Deputy Ministers appeal to them.

After nearly two days of picketing, we are set to go back to our homes, upon the satisfying address by the Deputy of Health yesterday at 6:00 pm.

The statement further commended the ministry and the media for their support during the process.

We hail the ministry for a good work done especially the Hon. Deputy Minister for working tirelessly to secure us Financial Clearance, amid the 'unpleasant' atmosphere we created at the ministry, which we apologize for, they said.

They also reminded the Deputy Minister of Health to uphold to her commitment to the group.

The statement quoted Tina Mensah to have said I promised you your documents would be signed within this week and truly it has been signed. Hence, you are cleared financially to start work on the exact date as the one given your colleagues a month ago

This is the fourth group of health personnel to have picketed at the health ministry demanding clearance and posting.



By: Anass Seidu/citifmonline.com/Ghana
Kinshasa (AFP) - Almost 400,000 children risk dying of hunger in DR Congo's troubled Kasai region where months of violence has driven over a million people from their homes, UNICEF said Wednesday.

The UN children's agency said the conflict in central Kasai has disrupted food supplies and undermined medical facilities.

The crisis has left almost 400,000 children "at risk of severe acute malnutrition", a statement said, meaning they could die without immediate aid.

UNICEF "needs $40.2 million for its urgent response" to the situation, the statement added.

"Without adequate medical help, without access to food and drinking water, the lives of hundreds of thousands of children are under threat."

Spiralling violence between government troops and tribal militias in the region has forced 1.27 million people from their homes since September.

The fighting erupted after government troops last August killed tribal chief Jean Pierre Mpandi, also known as Kamwina Nsapu, who had launched an uprising against President Joseph Kabila.
Ahmedabad, India, May 24, 2017  The African Development Bank (AfDB) has proposed new investment strategies in Africas agriculture sector, which, if properly implemented, would effectively alter the market structures around the world in favour of the African farmers of major cash crops like tea, coffee and cocoa.

AfDB Vice-President for Regional Development, Integration and Business Delivery, Khaled Sherif, says for the farmers to close the gaps currently slowing industrialisation of agriculture, investment strategies should be tailored towards providing high-yielding seeds and making large farms more productive.

Africa trails the rest of the world in the economies of scale yet we have seen how economies of scale can work in agriculture. We have seen how it can be done using the right seeds and turning the large farms into large productivity regions. This will ensure Africa does not export just the unprocessed food while we import the processed food worth US $35 billion, Sherif said Monday during discussions on Transforming African Agriculture into a Lucrative Business, at the 52nd session of the AfDB Annual Meetings, taking place in Gujarat State in West India, May 22-26, 2017.

Sherif believes, with investment strategies properly managed in the continents largest cash-crop producing regions of West Africa and East Africa, markets could be tilted and produce effectively controlled so that the market booms and busts are properly managed and prices stabilized.

Citing the case of cocoa, which is the main cash crop export of Cameroon, Ghana and Cote dIvoire, Sherif said the investment in large storage facilities would enable the governments of those countries to manage the release of raw cocoa beans into the world market in order to control the prices.

These countries are currently the price-takers, not price-makers and yet they are the producers, Sherif said. The dipping of the world cocoa prices has created such a big dip for the economies of the West African countries. This was a result of the bumper harvest of cocoa, which led to excess supply.

The failure by the countries of the region to control the supply led to a price loss of US $1.2 billion, Sherif said. The losses could be curbed if the producers invested in warehousing and encouraged investors especially the worlds largest processors of cocoa to improve the value chain infrastructure.

To correct the obvious imbalances in the regional production of major crops, the AfDB has been fundraising and hopes to invest US $2.4 billion every year for 10 years to provide credit guarantees to farmers undertaking large agricultural sector investments.

AfDB President Akinwumi Adesina says the funds raised by the Bank, including the US $853 million raised by the Africa50 Infrastructure Fund and another US $1-billion syndicated loan for risk guarantees, has adequately capitalized the Bank to lend towards agriculture.

The big market would be created by ensuring that farmers and landowners also earn a fair share from land ownership. This is possible through land leasing and reducing the amount of idle land. Increasing the land productive would also be promoted through first-class infrastructure like rail.

According to the AfDB, Egypt spends US $20 billion to import wheat from Kansas, in the U.S., while farmers in neighbouring Sudan have adequate land which could be cultivated to produce the crop for export.
Parliaments Trade, Industry and Tourism Committee says it will investigate the bribery allegations against a former Director-General of the Ghana Standards Authority.

The Committee said it will interrogate the relevant people in connection with the $1.2 million kickback allegedly received by Dr George Crentsil from a contractor.

Committee Chairman, Daniel Nii Kwartei Titus-Glover told Adom FM Wednesday, he will summon the committee members when Parliament reconvenes.

Related Article: Former Standards Authority Director cited in $1.2m kickback scandal

Former GSA Executive Director, Dr George Crentsil

Nothing can stop the current committee from going into the issueas the Chairman I need to meet with my members and we will study the report, he said.

The former GSA Director-General has been cited by an investigative report intercepted by Joy News as having taken a $1.2 million bribe from a construction company, Lemet Construction.

Related Article: GSA kickback report embarrassing; Crentsil must confess- PRO

The company was awarded a contract to construct a new block of the Standards Authority Training School at a cost of GHS15 million.

Although the report did not state why the money was given out, it said Dr Crentsil admitted receiving some money.

He is said to have received the money in two tranches, $1 million on one occasion and $200,000 on another occasion.

Related Article: $1.2m kickback scandal: Trade Ministry requests forensic audit

The report is said to have been submitted by the GSA Board of Directors to then Trade Minister, Dr Ekwow Spio-Gabrah on his last day in office.

The new Trade Minister, Alan Kyerematen has directed a forensic audit into the allegation.

Trade Minister, Alan Kyerematen

In a letter addressed to the Senior Minister, Mr Yaw Osafo Maafo, the Trade Minister wants the activities of GSA under the leadership of Dr Crentsil to be probed.

Mr Titus-Glover said Parliaments decision to investigate the matter will complement what the government is doing.

He said the Trade Committee will meet when the House reconvenes on either May 30 or June 11, 2017.

If possible we can ask for a copy of the report to study it [and] we will invite whoever is involved for clarification, he said.

Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | Austin Brakopowers | Adom News | Abednego Asante Asiedu
24.05.2017 LISTEN

Anytime I see street hawkers working very hard to live, I get the feeling that as a nation, we have done very little to make opportunities available to many people in this country.

I am tempted to believe that it is natural for anyone who sees people hawking on the street for their daily bread to have an inclination to be sorry for them because even though it is a legal means of putting food on the table, it is not a decent way to live.

A lot must be done to create opportunities for people who risk their lives on daily basis for peanuts to earn their bread in a more comfortable way without their lives being on the line on minute basis

We need to use every medium to draw the attention of state actors to look at such people and find a way to get them off the street and get them better and safer means of livelihood. Our celebrities should be part of the campaign because they have the voice to make impact. John Domelo being a Ghanaian has the right to be sorry for this social injustice

The assumption is that hawking on the street or selling in traffic is the preserve of people who didnt get the opportunity of formal education or vocational training.

Majority of Ghanaians dont expect a University Graduate to end up on the street doing a business that should in all fairness not be a means of livelihood for any human being but for the unequal and imbalanced society we find ourselves in.

We believe that education is the key to the windows of opportunities that dont exist in this country and therefore a massive problem if a degree or diploma holder ends up in the traffic lights.

Anyone who sees a graduate hawking will ask questions, berate the system, curse our leaders and feel sorry for the graduate wasting on the street though it will equally come with respect for his display of positive attitude to life in the face of adversity

This is the reality the entire nation has opted not to face because the issue involves a John Domelo who was caught with state cars he didnt work for: a John Domelo who made enemies for himself meddling in politics.

Clearly, the public outrage has been informed by the character of John Domelo instead of the content of his post. Every honest person after a careful consideration will arrive at the conclusion that John didnt do that to shame the guy but to point to a greater picture of graduate unemployment

He just asked the question we all ask when we see a hawker speaking good English. Unfortunately, John Domelo is no longer the loving actor who won Ghanaians over but a politician and if this is to satisfy his critics, a thief.

This is what has informed the public outrage. On a very rare occasion, I sided with the position of the court of public opinion and even wrote an article that I was about publishing until I decided to imaginarily put myself in his shoes, sit in his car, drive through the traffic where he saw the young man and asked myself: howd I have reacted to seeing a KNUST Graduate selling bread in the traffic? The answer was exactly what I said when I met a Legon Graduate serving at Las Pamas Chop Bar: what is wrong with this country?

This is all that John Domelo said: what went wrong? Maybe, he should have expanded the post to equally praise the guy for defying the odds. The question though was very legitimate

One of the major defences of the critics of Domelo is that the guy is the CEO of the company that bakes the bread. Are they not indirectly admitting that if he was a mere hawker then something might have gone wrong? John didnt have the benefit of hindsight.

The problem with this country is exactly how my mentor Kwame Sefa Kayi puts it: hypocrisy and dishonesty.

Where I fault John Domelo was the fact that he took the guys picture, shared with his millions of followers on social media without taking into consideration the privacy of the guy, the odds he defied to make a living on the street as a Graduate and how the exposure could discourage him and others.

At a time when we are advocating for responsible use of social media, secretly taking the picture of another person, sharing for the whole to see without his consent even with the best intentions is unethical and the people I expect to lead the campaign should be celebrities because they are the biggest victims of this 21st century stupidity

We find ourselves at a stage where sleeping in a car and opening your mouth like most humans do in their sleep can subject you to nationwide ridicule because there are people whose first reaction to anything they deem funny, dramatic or even life threatening is to take their phones, take pictures and videos and share.

When people are fighting, instead of a reasonable human to separate them, the 21st century man takes his phone, film it and upload them for all to see. People have died as a result because instead of saving people in distress, we deem it more expedient to film it. This is why I was angry at John Domelo

I however have no doubt whatsoever that it wasnt done to embarrass the young man or attack the current government because no reasonable human will blame the current government for graduate unemployment just five months in office.

Clearly, all is not well with our system. Graduate unemployment is a dangerous security threat stirring us in the face and we must all add our voices.

Maybe Johns post should have been given a more nationalistic view than through the narrow scope of politics

If he wasnt the John who was allegedly caught spraying state cars to make it his, if he wasnt the John Domelo who stopped acting to campaign for one political party, this post would have received at worse a mixed reaction and not the nationwide condemnation it clearly doesnt deserve.

If you have never asked what went wrong with regards to graduate unemployment, if you have never felt sorry for street hawkers, you definitely are one of what is wrong with Ghana

Admittedly, it is better to hawk for a living than to join Unemployed Graduate Association and sit at home in wait for the dream job. Graduates who defy the odds to make a living legally should be celebrated as national heroes and be used as example for others.

It is however the result of a failed system that will make a University Graduate end-up hawking in the traffic.

It is one thing if a University Graduate decide not to join the queue of job seekers and start a business. It is one thing when a university graduate sells in the traffic. How many people have made decent leaving selling in traffic.

In am able to say this because there are over 100 street hawkers squatting in my area. The few who can manage the wooden structured accommodation that can best be described as a brothel some of them have to do all sort of things in addition to hawking.

I see their pain and their struggles.

Selling in the traffic is something successive governments have tried and failed to eradicate because it is not the best way to put food on the table

You wouldnt want a brother to do it so why do we fault someone for throwing light on it even if in the wrong way and he the wrong person.

I am 100% certain that if the issue was raised by a different person who is less controversial, it would have been treated differently.

This is how we deal with issues that should be of national interest in this country. We play the political card, focus on where the apostle got it wrong and miss out on the issue proper. So far, no one has talked about the issue of graduate unemployment: everyone is busy condemning John Domelo.

What went wrong?

Isaac Kyei Andoh

[email protected]
MANCHESTER, England  The Islamic State group claimed responsibility Tuesday for the suicide attack at an Ariana Grande show that left 22 people dead as young concertgoers fled, some still wearing the American pop star's trademark kitten ears and holding pink balloons.

Teenage screams filled the Manchester Arena just after the explosion Monday night, and members of the audience tumbled over guardrails and each other to escape. Fifty-nine people were injured in what British Prime Minister Theresa May called "a callous terrorist attack."

"We struggle to comprehend the warped and twisted mind that sees a room packed with young children not as a scene to cherish but as an opportunity for carnage," she said. Campaigning for Britain's June 8 election was suspended.

Greater Manchester Police said the bomber was killed in the attack. They announced Tuesday that they had arrested a 23-year-old man in the south of the city, in connection with the bombing.

The attack sparked a nightlong search for loved-ones  parents for the children they had accompanied or had been waiting to pick up, and friends for each other after groups were scattered by the blast. Twitter and Facebook were filled with appeals for the missing.

Some concert-goers said security was haphazard before the show, with some people being searched and others allowed inside unhindered. The bombing took place at the end of the concert when the audience was streaming toward the exits of the Manchester Arena, one of the largest indoor concert venues in the world.

Witnesses said they saw bolts and other bits of metal, indicating the bomb may have contained shrapnel intended to maximize injury and death.

"There was this massive bang. And then everyone just went really quiet. And that's when the screaming started," said 25-year-old Ryan Molloy. "As we came outside to Victoria Station there were just people all over the floor covered in blood. My partner was helping to try to stem the blood from this one person ... They were pouring blood from their leg. It was just awful."

Public transport shut down, and taxis offered to give stranded people free rides home, while residents opened their homes to provide lodging.

Grande, who was not injured, tweeted hours later: "broken. from the bottom of my heart, i am so so sorry. i don't have words."

May said authorities believe they have identified the attacker, but did not release the name. She said authorities were trying to determine if he had an accomplice.

Hayley Lunt was staying at a hotel nearby and had taken her 10-year-old daughter Abigail to her first concert at Manchester Arena on Monday evening.

She said the explosions rang out as soon as Grande left the stage. "It was almost like they waited for her to go."

"We just ran as fast as we could to get away from that area," Lunt said. "What should have been a superb evening is now just horrible."

Police cars, bomb-disposal units and 60 ambulances raced to the scene as the scale of the carnage became clear. More than 400 officers were deployed.

"A huge bomb-like bang went off that hugely panicked everyone and we were all trying to flee the arena," said 22-year-old concertgoer Majid Khan. "It was one bang and essentially everyone from the other side of the arena where the bang was heard from suddenly came running towards us as they were trying to exit."

Home Secretary Amber Rudd decried "a barbaric attack, deliberately targeting some of the most vulnerable in our society  young people and children out at a pop concert."

The local ambulance service said 59 people were taken to hospitals.

The city's regional government and its mayor, Andy Burnham, were among scores of Twitter users who circulated the MissinginManchester hashtag, used by people looking for family members and friends.

The first confirmed victim was Georgina Callander, whose death was reported by her former school. Bishop Rawstorne Church of England Academy in Croston, northwest of Manchester, posted a photo of Georgina on its website, smiling and looking smart in her school uniform. It described her as "a lovely young student who was very popular with her peers and the staff."

U.S. President Donald Trump, in Bethlehem, said the attack preyed upon children and described those responsible as "evil losers."

"This wicked ideology must be obliterated. And I mean completely obliterated," he added.

Islamic State's claim of responsibility echoed others the group has made for attacks in the West, on an established communications channel but with vague details that leave room for an opportunistic attempt at propaganda.

The attack was the deadliest in Britain since four suicide bombers killed 52 London commuters on subway trains and a bus in July 2005.

The Dangerous Woman tour is the third concert tour by 23-year-old Grande and supports her album of the same name.

After Manchester, Grande was due to perform in London on Thursday and Friday, and later at venues in Europe, including Belgium, Poland, Germany, Switzerland and France, with concerts in Latin America and Asia to follow.

Pop concerts and nightclubs have been a terrorism target before. Most of the 130 dead in the November 2015 attacks in Paris were at the Bataclan concert hall, which gunman struck during a performance by Eagles of Death Metal.

In Turkey, 39 people died when a gunman attacked New Year's revelers at the Reina nightclub in Istanbul.

Manchester, 160 miles (260 kilometers) northwest of London, was hit by a huge Irish Republican Army bomb in 1996 that leveled a swath of the city center. More than 200 people were injured, though no one was killed.

___

Katz reported from London. AP writer Leanne Italie in New York; AP Music Writer Mesfin Fekadu in Jersey City, New Jersey, and Lori Hinnant and John Leiceister in Paris contributed.
Mogadishu (AFP) - The Islamic State group has claimed its first suicide attack in Somalia that left at least five people dead as it steps up activities in a region dominated by the Al-Qaeda-linked Shabaab.

The group's self-styled news agency Amaq claimed the "martyrdom-seeking operation with an explosive vest" in a statement carried by the SITE Intelligence Group which noted it was the first such attack by the jihadists in Somalia.

The suicide bomber, named and pictured in the statement, detonated his explosives vest late Tuesday at a checkpoint in the northeastern port city of Bosaso in the semi-autonomous region of Puntland.

"Security forces stopped the suspect when he approached but he detonated himself leaving five people dead. One of the security officers and four civilians were killed in the blast," said local police official Mohamed Dahir Adan.

The IS statement said seven people were killed and 10 wounded.

The blast occurred near a hotel often used as a meeting place for local officials, witnesses said.

Puntland set up its own government in 1998, but unlike neighbouring Somaliland, it has not declared full independence.

The region has often come under attack by Shabaab militants and is also home to a breakaway group of fighters who have declared allegiance to IS.

However the group has so far failed to gather much support while the Shabaab have taken pains to purge those expressing pro-IS sentiment from their ranks.

Shabaab the bigger threat

The militants are led by former Shabaab cleric Abdiqadir Mumin who switched allegiance from Al-Qaeda to IS in October 2015 and was named a "global terrorist" by the US State Department in August.

Aside from issuing occasional promotional videos, the group seized the small fishing town of Qandala before being ousted by Puntland forces in December.

Then in February IS claimed an attack by gunmen on a hotel in Bosaso which left four security guards dead.

Rashid Abdi of the International Crisis Group said that while Mumin's group was stepping up its activities, the Shabaab remained the biggest threat in the region.

"We should not overplay IS influence in that region," he told AFP.

The Islamic State claimed a suicide attack in Bosaso, northeastern Somalia

"There is clearly an IS threat in Puntland, and the Mumin group is escalating its activities and attacks, but Al-Shabaab remains a much bigger threat in Puntland than IS does."

He also warned that IS claims should be treated with caution as "they tend to claim everything".

Firebrand preacher

Mumin was born in Puntland and lived in Sweden before moving to the UK in the 2000s, where he was granted British citizenship.

In London and Leicester, he developed a reputation as a firebrand preacher at extremist mosques and in videos posted online.

Monitored by MI5, Britain's domestic intelligence agency, Mumin is thought to have known Mohamed Emwazi, the IS executioner nicknamed "Jihadi John", and Michael Adebolajo, one of two people convicted over the 2013 murder of British soldier Lee Rigby in London.

In 2010, Mumin travelled to Somalia to join the Shabaab -- which both Emwazi and Adebolajo had unsuccessfully tried to do.

He initially served as an imam and propagandist before taking control of the Puntland faction of the Shabaab and later defecting to IS with a handful of fighters -- despite lacking battlefield experience.

Observers say his supporters are mostly made up of members of his own Majerteen clan, and the very existence of Mumin's group is attributed to complex local clan rivalries.

The International Crisis Group estimated in November that his group counted some 200 members and warned the threat of IS could not be "dismissed as insignificant".

The group called for a "genuine political initiative to address local clan grievances".
Nairobi (AFP) - Eight police officers were killed Wednesday when their vehicles hit roadside bombs in two separate incidents in Kenya's restive northeast close to the Somali border.

The first explosion claimed three lives early Wednesday morning while the second killed five later in the afternoon.

The afternoon blast struck the convoy of Mandera county governor Ali Roba who was travelling with a security escort between the towns of Arabia and Fino near the Somali border when one of the vehicles hit an Improvised Explosive Device (IED).

"Unfortunately, I lost five of my security officers including my personal bodyguard at an attack on my convoy," Roba wrote on his Facebook page, saying that he was not injured in the blast.

Earlier in the day a vehicle carrying three police officers was driving towards the regional town of Garissa further south when it struck a similar device close to the Liboi border post.

"They all died on the spot after their vehicle hit an Improvised Explosive Device," said a regional police officer, on condition of anonymity.

Police spokesman George Kinoti confirmed that incident, saying: "There was an attack this morning and we lost officers."

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for either bombing but Kenya's eastern border with Somalia is notoriously restive and prone to attacks staged by Al-Qaeda-linked Shabaab militants.

The deadly blasts came a day after police warned of increased Islamist activity in the area.

Islamic militants "are dispatching operatives into parts of north eastern region to lay IEDs along routes used by our security patrols in efforts to frustrate our security operations at the border areas," the police statement said.

Since 2007 the Shabaab has fought to overthrow successive internationally-backed governments in Mogadishu but only began attacking Kenya in 2011 after Nairobi ordered its troops into Somalia to fight the militants.

Kenyan soldiers are now part of a 22,000-strong African Union mission fighting in Somalia.

In 2013 Shabaab gunmen raided a shopping mall in the capital Nairobi killing 67 people, and in 2015 a similar attack on a university in Garissa left 148 dead.
One does not have to be a lawyer to know certain issues and matters from the lenses of the law. After all, law, be it criminal, constitutional, corporate, moral, or even domestic etc., is grounded in common sense, and commonsense is also the basis of philosophythe love of wisdom. That said, there is a clear understanding in law that posits that anyone who aids and abets in the commission of a crime is as guilty as the criminals themselves. Meaning, when one permits or facilitates stealing, he or she too should be accused or charged for theft. This is the case in Liberia, and this is especially the case with our leader.

In Liberia, we have many problems but our most serious problem is corruption. Our leaders, both elected and appointed, are not only addicted to unpatriotic behaviors, they equally have a theft of public resources problem. While it may not be all of them, majority of them are shamelessly corrupt, and our president facilitates those corrupt acts ingeniously and remotely.

No argument can erase the damage corruption has and continues to cause Liberia. While there may have been a history of corruption in Liberia and in past Liberian administrations, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and her dysfunctional Unity Partys government have redefined and accelerated the engine of public theft and widespread organized corruption by creating and continuing to create tempting, lucrative, new opportunities through bogus executive decisions such as the recent Executive Order 84 which reduces the countrys Inshore Exclusive Zone (IEZ) from six nautical miles to three so that rogue foreign industrial fishing companies, led by Chinese and Middle Eastern hustlers, can ruin our coastal areas with little or no benefit to the Liberian people except to the benefits of the president, her friends, loyalists and conspirators.

President Sirleaf clearly knows that her recent action will lead to the exploitation of the near-shore fish resources of the country. She also knows that this will not only impact the self-employment capacity of our local fishermen and the poor women who sell fish in the local markets, it will intensify food insecurity and grossly affect the growth and sustainability of the Liberian economy which has been in reverse and in a structural unemployment since 2008.

The cynical nature of the Presidents recent Executive Order 84 is the fact that she opted to remove the Bureau of Fisheries, which was created by an act of legislation, from the Ministry of Agriculture to the Liberia Maritime Authority, even as her recently dismissed minister of agriculture protested such move. More cynical is the fact that the president decided to sack a minister who has the country and people at heart by protesting a bad political and economic move that is beached in greed and negligence. The sad part is, this action is not just a lone design by a president who is known for only looking after herself, her family, friends and loyalists; but the apparent willingness of other Liberian officials and outside players to join this illegal and immoral plot is mind-blowing.

Some may argue that previous Liberian administrations were corrupt and that no government in Africa is perfect. But this is not the issue. What is hand is that past Liberian administrations did not give away contracts and concessions to the relatives, brothers and sisters as well as the kin of the people in power, the influential and the higher ups. Neither did they knowingly do things because their interest was paramount than that of the state. President Sirleaf and her Unity Partys administration do, and they continue to do so while the Liberian people suffer and are short-changed.

The German-based Transparency International defines corruption as the abuse of entrusted power for private gain. By doing things and taking actions that largely benefit her family, relatives, friends and loyalists, President Sirleaf has abused the power entrusted to her by the Liberian people, and moreover, she has used the power we gave her, as president, for personal gains. From giving lucrative government positions family members, relatives, friends and loyalists to control of the Liberian economy and security sector, the president has facilitated corruption in ways that are unimaginable.

Where is the revenue generated from the National Oil Company of Liberia (NOCAL) today? Where are the meaningful impact of all the development funds (including Ebola donations) that went to Liberia? Where are the many tax dollars collected since 2006? Where are the family, relatives, friends and loyalists of the president and her officials getting all the millions of dollars from to buy homes abroad, obtain stake in foreign and local businesses as well as deposit stacks of riches in Middle Eastern and Asian banks?

In one of its analytical reports, Helping Countries Combat Corruption: The Role of the World BankCorruption and Economic Development, the World Bank argues that corruption is a complex phenomenon. Its roots lie deep in bureaucratic and political institutions, and its effect on development varies with country conditions. But while costs may vary and systemic corruption may coexist with strong economic performance, experience suggests that corruption is bad for development. It leads governments to intervene where they need not, and it undermines their ability to enact and implement policies in areas in which government intervention is clearly neededwhether environmental regulation, health and safety regulation, social safety nets, macroeconomic stabilization, or contract enforcement.

The stated argument or thesis of the World Bank applies to every action and decision taken by President Sirleaf and her Disunity Party government in Liberia over the past decade. And the impact, both short and long-term, are extremely severe for Liberians and will continue to be in years to come.

As we pen this narrative, over one million children and young people in Liberia (a country of 4.5 million people) either went hungry last night, or are food insecure; more than half a million school-age children are not in school due to acute poverty; more than two hundred thousand elderly people cannot afford or lack care; 99% of our country has no power supply; and 65% of our teen girls are either forced to sleep with older men for money to support their families or are raped because of self-imposed endangerment by being around bad people due to poverty.

According to international research data, over 61% of our people are aging fast or developing severe medical conditions due to stress, frustration and tension that result from poverty, hardship, unemployment, helplessness and the guilt of being unable to feed their family; hundreds of Liberians are stranded and crying in refugee situation in many West African states because all odds are against them since either option is bad for them: staying in continuous refugee life is tough but also returning home to Liberia where everything is stolen by a few is even worst. We cannot forget that our president and the top officials of her government ignored the plight of thousands of Liberians in the USA who are facing deportation.

While the leaders of Haiti were fearlessly negotiating with the American government to extend or make permanent the status of their citizens in the US who work and remit money back home to support the Haitian society, the Liberian president and her top officials were using our country money and resources to attend to personal and family related matters with no reference to the Liberians in the USA who remittances to our country are saving millions of lives in our country.

The most troubling aspect is we had our president the U.S. last week to give speech at a high schools graduation without taking the time to speak to her citizens about their problems. Apparently, spending thousands of the Liberian people money to attend a grandchilds graduation at governments expense is far better than seeking the interest of the Liberians faced with immigration problems in the United States.

Here is what President Sirleaf and her Unity Partys administration bad governance will leave with us: A culture of bribery. Bribes are one of the main tools of corruption. According to the World Bank, bribery can lead to the following:

Bribes can influence a government's choice of firms to supply goods, services, and works, as well as the terms of their contracts. Firms may bribe to win a contract or to ensure that contractual breaches are tolerated. Bribes can influence the allocation of government benefits, whether monetary benefits (such as subsidies to enterprises or individuals or access to pensions or unemployment insurance) or in-kind benefits (such as access to certain schools, medical care, or stakes in enterprises being privatized). Bribes can be used to reduce the amount of taxes or other fees collected by the government from private parties. Bribes may be demanded or offered for the issuance of a license that conveys an exclusive right, such as a land development concession or the exploitation of a natural resource. Sometimes politicians and bureaucrats deliberately put in place policies that create control rights which they profit from by selling. Bribes may be offered to speed up the government's granting of permission to carry out legal activities, such as company registration or construction permits. Bribes can also be extorted by the threat of inaction or delay, and Bribes can change the outcome of the legal process as it applies to private parties, by inducing the government either to ignore illegal activities (such as drug dealing or pollution) or to favor one party over another in court cases or other legal proceedings.

Another negative impulse we will inherit from President Sirleaf and her Unity Partys administration is theft of public resources. According to the World Bank, theft of state assets by officials charged with their stewardship is also corruption. An extreme form is the large-scale "spontaneous" privatization of state assets by enterprise managers and other officials in some transition economies. At the other end of the scale is petty theft of items such as office equipment and stationery, vehicles, and fuel. The perpetrators of petty theft are usually middle- and lower-level officials, compensating, in some cases, for inadequate salaries.

This is the Liberia we have and this is the Liberia we get after twelve years of giving power to Africas first woman president. Even my 9-year old American born daughter maintains that President Sirleaf has left an indelible stain on African women when it comes to governance and political leadership. Why I may disagree with my daughter, I believe this is a serious perception or charge. Is my daughter right? Perhaps. Either way, my little girls argument is that we all expect better from this president!

It is time that we as Liberians in the country, in the Diaspora, in the government, in the media, and as pundits, analysts and academics  took a hard look at the causes of corruption and the negative impact of bad governance practices under the Sirleaf and the Unity Partys government.

The hard fact is that we are, at least, as much to blame for what has happened as Liberians, and we have been relentlessly slow, weak or inactive to either admit our lack of action and efforts to say no to the president and her conspirators. We must do so now because if we do not, our outgoing president and her affiliates will mortgage the entire country before she leaves office in January 2018.

About the Author:

Jones Nhinson Williams is a Liberian citizen educated in philosophy by the Catholic Church, and is also an American trained public policy, labor market information, and workforce development professional.
On behalf of the Ghana Chapter of International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA-Ghana) we extend congratulations to you on your recent nomination as the next Chief Justice of Ghana.

The commitment and leadership you have shown over many years as the immediate past President of the African Court on Human and Peoples Rights, as a member of the Governing Committee of the Commonwealth Judicial Education Institute, Chairperson of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Task Force and other progressive senior roles will undoubtedly serve the Judiciarys determination to renew faith and enhance pride in the judicial system. From the long list of achievements to which many have acknowledged, there is no doubt that you will carry out your duties as a Chief Justice with fairness, honesty and integrity, when approved by Parliament.

As a committed and proud supporter of the Judiciary, FIDA-Ghana looks forward to working with you towards the realization of womens empowerment and gender equality. Many of FIDA's strategic priorities for the years ahead - providing legal aid in mediation and counselling services to indigent women and children, providing court representation for women and providing mobile legal aid outreaches in rural areas to women - resonate with several of the Judiciarys own priorities.

In the past few years, FIDA has advocated for legal reform, created and raised legal awareness on the rights of women and children in Ghana. In doing so, we have significantly contributed in narrowing the gender gaps in the Ghanaian society. We hope FIDA and the Judiciary will have opportunities to collaborate in addressing gender inequality and child abuse in Ghana.

We wish you success in the approval proceedings by Parliament to confirm you as the next Chief Justice of Ghana.

Mrs. Afua Addotey

President

FIDA-Ghana
Ghana leading communication network MTN says it is working to roll out one hundred and seventy five 4G network sites across the country by the end of 2017.

The 4G network service is to aid speedily services, to boast accessibility in most remote areas where applicable.

The Corporate Communications Senior Manager of MTN Ghana Georgina Fiagbenu hinted this at a corporate customer forum held at Ashanti Akim Agogo in the Ashanti Akim south district of the Ashanti region.

The forum aims at enhancing business customers relationship as well as mobilizing views and issues bothering its loyal customers, and develop a means of serving them better.

Members of Agogo traditional authority, the security, hairdressers, tailors among other hundreds of residents and other dignitaries graced the occasion.

As part of the forum, the commercial team from MTN educated participants through vibrant services of the company and systematic approach in getting their complaints solved.

Speaking at the forum, Madam Georgina said the move will help them get honest and sincere reports from customers and adjust their services towards their needs.

According to her, GHC 143,000,000.00 is set aside to expand its network services to aid both 4G, 3G and 2G users.

She said this will help MTN upgrade its software system which will enable them enhance their services in best performance.

As part of the company's effort of using network to perpetuate crime Madam Georgina advised customers to adhere to the company system of getting their sim registered with valid identity card.

She urged users to desist from buying pre activated sim cards and also ensure that proper personified identity sim are used.

The krontihene of Agogo, Nana Kwame Nti commended MTN for the efforts in helping them to get access to my mobile network

He applauded MTN for aiding the entire agogo town to access MTN services to communicate and to do businesses.

He however urged the company to strengthen the network in some of the areas in Agogo since many were struggling to get service.
Here is Ramadan again, the month that true believers strive to acquire as much as possible rewards with the best of their physical and spiritual abilities. Ramadan is not a month of sloth and wickedness. It is the month for the acquisition of spiritual elevation, for the spread of love, mercy and forgiveness, as well as attainment of psychological and socio-economic balancing. The rich feel for the poor and every believing Muslim struggles to achieve the pleasure of his/her Lord and humanity.

As we welcome our blessed nonpareil month, I want to remind my Muslim faithful of a few important things that will guide us through it and assist us in receiving the best results in it, In sha Allah with Grade A. Allah has enjoined Muslims to remind themselves and to aid themselves in spreading piety and good deeds, not otherwise in spreading evil and enmity. I wish to sincerely say to all Muslims of Nigeria and the world: Ramadan kareem! May Allah make it easy for us and grant us all the good things in it.

Allah (SWT) prescribed fasting in details saying: Oh you who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that you may learn taqwaa (piety and righteousness). (Q 2:183). Allah enjoins fasting the few days of Ramadan saying: ... And it is better for you that ye fast, if ye only knew. (Q 2:184). And Allah described those who have taqwaa saying: The most honored by Allah amongst you are those best in taqwaa." (Q 49:13).

One of the greatest exponents of the meanings of the Quran, Ibn Abbas, in explaining taqwaa gave it four components as follows:

i) The fear of Al-Jaleel (Al-Jaleel is one of the beautiful names of Allah)

ii) Working in accordance with At-Tanzeel (the Quran)

iii) Satisfaction with little (contentment with little provisions)

iv) Being ready for the Day of the Journey (Death)

These four signs of taqwaa assure the believer of Allahs pleasure. In other words, these signs will enable a believer to do introspection and determine if he/she has the skill of taqwaa or the signs of Allahs wrath. Taqwaa further demands giving preference to Allah and his commands over creation; loving and following the Prophet (SAW) more than any other, even from oneself; having compassion on creation by looking after their affairs in this world and saving them from the harm of the next world; and being in the constant presence of Allah that He is within, hears and sees everything. That is to say, Allah is present in all dealings and affairs of the life of this world.

Allah tells us that within Ramadan the constitution of Islam, the Quran, was revealed: Ramadan is the (month) in which the Quran was sent down, as a guide to mankind and a clear guidance and judgment (so that mankind will distinguish from right and wrong)" (Q 2:185). The revelation of the Quran in Ramadan is enough indication that it is a month for safety, security and divine abundance. Whoever wants the best in this life and the hereafter should adhere to the Quran.

There are many ahadith of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) on Ramadan. Abu Huraira (Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said:Whoever fasts during Ramadan out of sincere faith and hoping to attain Allah's rewards, all his past sins will be forgiven. (Imam Bukhari). What more does a believing Muslim need in life more than to be forgiven his sins and be admitted by Allah into the Paradise! The episode of Angel Jibril (Allah be pleased with him) and Prophet Muhammad (SAW) is a valid point of reference. The holy Prophet was ordered to endorse a prayer by saying Ameen after the Arch Angel Jibril met him and supplicated to Allah saying: Woe to them who witnessed the month of Ramadan but were not forgiven by Allah. We seek refuse from Allah against such category of Muslims.

Ramadan is the greatest month in the Islamic calendar. It was singled out for mention by its name in the Holy Qur'an. What it stands for, therefore, can only be imagined by the limited human powers and knowledge. It is the only month whose fasting is compulsory on every mature and capable Muslim. It is a month which accommodates a pillar of Islam with its days described by Allah as few but with immeasurable blessings and rewards. Waa'ila Ibn Al-Asqa' narrated that the Prophet of Allah (SAW) said, The Book of Ibrahim was revealed in the first night of Ramadan, the Torah six days in Ramadan, the Bible (Injil) thirteen days in Ramadan and the Holy Qur'an in twenty four days of Ramadan

The revelation of the Qur'an in Ramadan means that it was started in it. And the beginning of revelation was in the Night of Power (Lailatul-Qadr) as clearly stated in the verse Verily we revealed it (the Qur'an) in the Night of Power i.e. Allah started to reveal the Qur'an in that blessed Night. It was then revealed to Prophet Muhammad (SAW) in parts within the period of twenty three years approximately with the first verse being Read by the Name of your Lord Who created, revealed to the Prophet in Ramadan while he was in the Cave of Hiraa, meditating and worshipping Allah.

From the Qur'an and the Hadith, many benefits of Ramadan are derived. Allah the Almighty, in His infinite knowledge and wisdom, preferred some people over others; nations over nations and individuals over individuals. Some places are also preferred to others. Some time, periods, days and months are preferred over others with divine gifts and nourishments. Those who attend them with worships, obedience to Allah and other good deeds meet everlasting happiness and peace, as well as spiritual victory and sanctity. On the other hand, those who perpetually engage in vices and unlawful merriments lose in this life and the hereafter. The Prophet (SAW) has confirmed this saying, Verily there are grants from Allah, within the days of your life. Search for them (even with difficulty) for one may meet a single grant that will keep him off misery forever. Allahu Akbar for this wonderful gift for believers! The greatest of all the gifts is in the month of Ramadan.

Some other divine favours and material gains are: Ramadan has been praised and preferred by Allah. Had man known exactly the good and mercy in it, they would wish the whole year to be Ramadan. But Allah is so merciful and wants easiness for His servants. That is why He has singled out only one night in Ramadan for the decree of every event.

Worthy of mention is that the pre-Islamic people honoured Ramadan in their life. Islam came and multiplied its honour and sanctity. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) spent this noble month worshiping and meditating in the cave of Hiraa before his prophethood. Furthermore, in Ramadan, the doors of Paradise are opened and the doors of Hell are shut. When Ramadan approaches, an angel will call out saying, O ye that desires good, rejoice; O ye that desires bad, restrain.

Ramadan stirs the power of will, true intention and decision to overcome the ordinance of the mind, and to withstand pains and difficulties with patience and hope in Allah. A believer realizes that his/her fast is not for a transient benefit or urgent merriment but for the sake of acquiring spiritual strength and bodily reinvigoration for worship which guarantee attaining the happiness of Allah. Verily, real observers of fasting live happily and adopt a life of goodness, a life above whims and destructive tendencies as they aim what are noble and everlasting.

Prophet Yusuf (peace be on him) used to fast a day and break for a day. When he was asked: Why do you fast so much while you are in charge of the land treasuries? His answer was simply: I fear that if I am satisfied to forget the hunger of the hungry men. And that is clear point for fasting Ramadan which also ensures good health, cures various sicknesses because, according to medical experts, most of the diseases suffered by mankind sprout from the stomach which is filled with all assorted stuff, clean or unclean, done or undone, lawful and UNLAWFUL.

Ramadan, additionally to a Muslim, is the month of religiosity and generosity. The Muslim recites, learns and teaches the Holy Qur'an more than ever before. He seeks for Allah's forgiveness and repents from sins. He encourages himself in worship, seeks for Allah's blessings and mercies. He exerts efforts in carrying out other good deeds especially in the last ten days and nights of Ramadan. He engages in the pursuit of other useful knowledge, enjoins what is good and forbids what is bad amongst humanity. He abandons all that is evil in word and in action. Imam Bukhari narrated that the Prophet (SAW) said: Whoever does not give up false speech and acting upon it, Allah has no need of his giving up his food and drink. False speech here includes all statements that are haram such as lying, abusing, backbiting, slandering and cursing.

A significant distinction of Ramadan is the Night of power which is more than the good deeds spanning 1000 years  that is about 83 years. How many of modern men live up to such number of years! A gate in Paradise called Ar-Rayyan has been dedicated for those who fast the month of Ramadan. Allah knows our individual abilities. Allah does not put an unbearable burden on His servants. He has ordered believers in Islam to fast Ramadan knowing that they can observe it. That is why He has granted waiver for the old and weak. He has permitted the sick and traveler to differ it to other days after Ramadan because He desires ease for His servants in the performance of all obligations He prescribed on them. Allah alone knows those who sincerely observe the Ramadan fast and He alone can ascertain the reward each observer attains. Ramadan kareem, once more!

Muhammad Ajah is an advocate of humanity, peace and good governance in Abuja. E-mail [email protected]
The writer

24.05.2017 LISTEN

Agriculture is the backbone of our Nation. I believe that almost every Ghanaian writing a Social Studies or Agriculture test might have used this as an opening statement. However, many people continue to downplay the impact agriculture has on the economy. Agriculture ensures the production of food and the sustainability of ecosystems. Simply stated, agriculture benefits all of mankind, animals and the environment. In the Ghanaian economy, agriculture contributes 19 per cent of the GDP with additional export earnings and provision of food needs of the country.

Over 60% of Ghanas population is involved in agriculture. Most of them practice smallholder, traditional and rain-fed agriculture without the benefit of technology and equipment. In addition to this, there is the issue of the agriculture sector being dominated by an aging farmer population. The average age of a farmer is 55 years, which is a challenge considering that the life expectancy in Ghana is between 55 and 60 years. Pumping younger blood into the farming sector and its auxiliary businesses is necessary to ensure sustainable food security in Ghana.

Agriculture needs to attract more young people. The first step to achieve this is solving its image problem. In other words, the majority of the youth do not see Agriculture as being cool or attractive. Young people have an idea of what they admire and aspire to. They do not find agriculture in that category.

A valid question to ask is what or who defines cool? Cool refers to something that is in vogue or fashionable. In fashion, anybody wearing a jacket will go unnoticed but once a superstar such as Kanye West wear the same jacket, many people will storm malls trying to get a similar version or a jacket worn during winter would be cool to wear same during summer. Trends come and go based on popular opinion and popular people. This means that cool is defined by time and context.

When we place agriculture in this kind of context, we have to find out what engages the youth so that we can tailor agriculture to their preferences. Basically, this will mean reducing the backbreaking labour, debunking the myth that farming is a business for illiterates and ensuring that it is lucrative. Agriculture has to be remunerative to the youth to be cool. In a recent chat with a pineapple farmer, it was obvious he was ready to quit pineapple farming and opt for vegetables. His reason was that he could not wait 14 months till he harvested the pineapples before selling them to make money. He needed his money pronto. For him agriculture is money since he had invested so much.

Delivering a speech on the topic: Agriculture is cool: engaging Africas Youth at the 52nd Annual meeting of the African Development Bank on Monday 22nd May, 2017, Ghanas former president Mr John Dramani Mahama stated clearly the need to make agriculture attractive for the African youth to increase involvement in the sector. He pointed out several interventions that will help make agriculture cool to the youth: the establishment of farmer service centres to provide equipment for farm operations; provision of easily accessible financial support and the establishment of the Youth in Agriculture Programme, a platform for young people graduating from colleges to work on state farms and learn modern techniques such as use of green houses, the production of local or exotic crops and other modern techniques.

Most of these interventions complement the Planting for Foods and Jobs Campaign. This programme seeks to make agriculture cool for every Ghanaian irrespective of age through the provision of various planting inputs, technical support and financing.

Making agriculture cool for Ghanaian youth must not solely be about production. There is the need for various cool services along the value chain. These include large data management in terms of commodity pricing, weather forecasts and the provision of innovative mobile technology and information services such as the work being done by Farmerline . Additionally, there are services such as logistics and transport for haulage of produce as provided by AgroMindset an agribusiness that transforming poultry production and additionally handles a major logistics and transport business. For these businesses, providing a solution that will be beneficial to farmers is cool hence their indulgence. There are also other cool solutions along the agriculture value chain such as the processing work offered by RealVine and Kubenut. There are also mechanical services for ploughing, weeding and land clearing for new farms.

People like Mr Dramani Payida , who has a 200acre mango farm, believe that agriculture is the future of Ghana when it comes to revenue generation. However, their beliefs are often constrained by severe challenges in the sector. Be it start-up capital, education, human resource challenges dealing with third parties or even farm workers or the huge cost of land due to the land tenure system of Ghana, the youth are often dwarfed by the challenges of entering into this field of business.

The key to overcoming all these challenges is rebranding. Agriculture should be rebranded as cool and economically viable business. Once peoples perception about the sector changes, access to education, capital, land, and the right resources would become easier. Agriculture needs to be treated as a major business in a way that will attract the youth. Success stories about agriculture ventures and businesses should be shared and promoted by all people everywhere. Making agriculture cool will involve all stakeholders working to make agriculture profitable through promotion of agriculture as an intellectually stimulating and economically sustainable career.

In addition to all this, agriculture as a business should be incorporated in the school curricula. Students should be taught about production as well as all other rudiments of the business of agriculture. This includes how to develop a business model, partnering, raising capital, branding, marketing and general management.

Governments policy objectives, which is consistent with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (2&12), for the development of the agricultural industry as the key to sustainable growth and development of the Ghanaian economy clearly highlights the importance of the private sector. The role of the financial institutions in providing funding to the youth involved in agriculture, and the organisation of education and incubation programmes for start-ups cannot be downplayed. Increased access to education and agribusiness enterprises would mean that young people would be a vital force for innovation focusing on technology. Ghana needs an educated youth that understands the need for increased agricultural productivity.

Agriculture means more than subsistence farming; its a science and a business that is cool and remunerative. Wooing the interest of young people into agriculture is imperative for the development of the agricultural and economic sectors. The spotlight on young farmers should be wider and brighter in order to support this AGRICOOLTURE trend.

The Best Culture is Agriculture

Akwasi A. Tagoe. (MSc. Agricultural and Environmental Science)

Agricultural Services Manager  GreenCoastFoods

[email protected]
24.05.2017 LISTEN

The Director of the Centre for Health Policy and Implementation Research of the University of Health and Allied Sciences, Professor Margaret Gyapong, has been honoured with the General Electric (GE) Heroine of Global Health award.

The former Director of the Dodowa Health Research Centre was one of the 13 emerging women leaders in global healthcare who were awarded at the first ever Heroine of Health honours organised as part of the World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland on Sunday.

The event was organised by GE Healthcare and Women in Global Health, a movement that strives for greater gender equality in global health leadership, committed to change the face of global health for the future and to help recognize, develop and grow womens leadership.

One of the strategies aimed at achieving the goals and the aspirations of the movement is sharing the stories of women leading the charge, and the award scheme epitomises that.

For over two decades, Prof Gyapong has worked extensively to develop and improve Operations/ Health Systems and Implementation research capacity among research teams in Ghana, Africa and Asia.

She has also worked closely with programme Implementers and policy makers in Ghana to ensure that her research leads into policy.

Underlying her work is a focus on championing womens health and Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights.

Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com
Brandon Vezmar, a 37-year-old man from Austin, Texas, has become an overnight celebrity after he decided to sue his first date for texting too much during a screening of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.2. He is asking for $17.31, which is how much he paid for her ticket.

Brandon and 35-year-old Crystal met on online dating app Bumble and went on their first and only date on May 6. Vezmar bought two tickets for the 3D screening of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.2, and he says everything was going good until 15 minutes into the movie, when his date took out her phone and started texting.

At one point, it got too much for him to bear, and he asked the woman to either stop texting or go into the lobby of the theater. She left, and never came back, leaving without a ride home, as they had both arrived at the Barton Creek Square theater in her car.

He later texted Crystal to ask for his money back, and when she refused to pay the $17.31 price of the ticket, he had no choice but to take her to court for it.

It was kind of a first date from hell, Brandon told the Austin American-Statesman, adding that texting in a movie theater is one of his biggest pet peeves.

In his court filing, he mentions that the defendant activated her phone at least 10-20 times in 15 minutes to read and send text messages, a claim that is disputed by his date. She says it was only a couple of time, and only because her friend had been in a fight with her boyfriend and needed support.

I did have a very brief date with Brandon, that I chose to end prematurely. His behavior made me extremely uncomfortable, and I felt I needed to remove myself from the situation for my own safety, Crystal, whose last name has not been revealed, told KVUE-TV.

He has escalated the situation far past what any mentally healthy person would. I feel sorry that I hurt his feelings badly enough that he felt he needed to commit so much time and effort into seeking revenge. I hope one day he can move past this and find peace in his life.

But Brandon is obviously not the kind of guy who lets this kind of thing go, especially since this isnt just about him, but about the plight of daters everywhere.

While damages sought are modest, the principle is important as defendants behavior is a threat to civilized society, Vezmar wrote in his court filing.

I filed my theater texting lawsuit because online dating etiquette is at such a low ebb it needs to be actively corrected. People know what I mean, which is part of why the story went viral. Enough is enough of the nut-job, self-centered, bizarro-land experiences, he later Tweeted.

Although he sounds like the worlds worst first date, Brandon says he has received a lot of support on social media, including from many women. Never been called a hero so many times in my life, he tweeted.

On the other hand, Crystal, who only learned about the lawsuit after being contacted by the Austin American-Statesman newspaper, claims that she has done nothing wrong, and that Vezmar just blew the whole thing out of proportion.

I am not a bad woman, I just went on a date, she told the newspaper. I had my phone low and I wasnt bothering anybody, it wasnt like constant texting.

She chose to leave because her date was making her uncomfortable, and admits to receiving a call from him a few days later, asking for his $17.31 back. She refused to pay because he took me out on a date, but then he contacted her sister to try and get the money from her. He later also sent messages to people with the same last name on Facebook, to try and get her address for the court filing. Crystal said that his harassing behavior made her plan to file a protective order against Vezmar.

In his court filing, Brandon Vezmar says that the defendant was in direct violation of the theaters policy and her actions adversely affected his viewing experience.
Tunis (AFP) - Tunisia declared a "war on corruption" on Wednesday after the arrest of three businessmen and a customs officer on suspicion of graft and financing protests in the North African country.

Corruption was widespread under longtime president Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, who was ousted in a 2011 uprising, and has remained endemic since.

"In the war on corruption, there's no choice. It's either corruption or the state. Either corruption or Tunisia," said Prime Minister Youssef Chahed.

"I want to reassure all Tunisians that the government will see this war on corruption through to the end," he said in his first comments since the arrests started on Tuesday.

A senior official, on condition of anonymity, told AFP earlier that businessmen Chafik Jarraya, Yassine Chennoufi and Nejib Ben Ismail along with customs officer Ridha Ayari were arrested Tuesday "under the state of emergency" in force in Tunisia since November 2015.

"They are implicated in affairs of corruption and suspected of plotting against state security through incitement and alleged financing of the protest movements in Tataouine and other regions," he said.

The arrests come after a young man, Anouar Sakrafi, died of injuries suffered Monday when he was run over by a national guard vehicle during clashes with security forces in the southern desert region of Tataouine, the scene of long-running protests over joblessness.

Governor resigns

Security forces fired tear gas as protesters tried to storm the El Kamour oil and gas plant, radio reports said.

Tunisian protesters confront security forces outside the El Kamour oil and gas pumping station, in the southern state of Tataouine, on May 22, 2017

Dozens of people were hurt in the clashes, including about 20 security personnel. But the government said Sakrafi's killing was accidental.

Protesters have been camped outside the El Kamour pumping plant for about a month, blocking trucks from entering, to demand a share of resources and employment in the sector.

Clashes also erupted between protesters and security forces on Monday in the city of Tataouine, where buildings showed evidence of having been set alight.

On Wednesday, Tataouine's new governor, Mohamed Ali Barhoumi, resigned just weeks after being named to the position, saying in a post on Facebook that it was "for strictly personal reasons".

He was named governor in late April after two senior officials were dismissed following a visit by Chahed to the troubled region.

The premier was shouted down and forced to leave a heated town hall meeting.

Chahed has vowed to fight corruption since taking office last year, when the head of the national anti-graft body, Chawki Tabib, warned the problem had reached "epidemic" proportions.

The latest arrests come after Ben Ali's nephew, Imed Trabelsi, apologised to the Tunisian people on national television last week for the rife corruption during his uncle's regime.

'Smokescreen'

He recounted how he grew rich thanks to a well-oiled system involving the complicity of customs officers, high officials and ministers.

Tunisians on social media and in the press applauded Tuesday's arrests, calling for the launch of an anti-graft probe such as Italy's "Clean Hands" campaign in the 1990s.

But others said they hoped the arrests were not a "smokescreen" at a time when the authorities faced mounting social unrest.

Youssef Belgacem, from anti-corruption non-governmental organisation I-Watch, tentatively welcomed the "surprising" arrests.

"We hope it's a serious first step in the war against corruption and the corrupt, and not an attempt to appease protests in Tataouine and elsewhere," he said.

"The list of corruption barons is still long."

Political activist Jaouhar Ben Mbarek wrote on Twitter: "If this is a real change of policy, then Chahed will find nothing but support from the Tunisian people."

Tunisia was ranked 75th out of more than 170 countries in the 2016 corruption perceptions index published by Transparency International. It had been 59th in 2010.
Agona Nsaba (C/R) May 24, GNA - Muhammad Kofi Twumasi Nayyar, Education Officer of Central East Majlis Khuddamul - Ahmadiyya Utema'a (Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Organisation), has called on Ahmadi's to strive for high positions in the domain of spiritual and moral progress.

Muhammad Twumasi Nayyar made the call when he spoke at the 35th Annual Regional Rally (IJTEMA'A) of the Central East Region branch of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Organisation held at Agona Nsaba in the Agona East District.

The three -day rally was on the theme: 'Self Reformation the Panacea to Societal Development.'

Muhammad Twumasi-Nayyar who is also a Legal practitioner said, globally where change in attitude of the people, such as avoidance of bribery and corruption, indiscipline among others had led to societal development.

'I hope, it is against this background that President Akufo Addo in his inaugural address admonished Ghanaians to be 'Citizens and not spectators'.

'If we must reform ourselves, all ills, social and economic challenges the country is encountering will be removed and an atmosphere of love, affection and brotherhood will be established which will make life on this earth like paradise,' he said.

Speaking on the theme he stated that, it was apparent that self-reformation, such as improving one's self was dependent on two things, forbidding evil and doing good adding that, Mankind is not perfect with respect to his actions, but has been given the necessary respite to reform himself till his death.

Muhammad Twumasi-Nayyar said, revolutionary changes in the world cannot be made at a snail's pace, it required a complete transformation within each and every one and with regard to a person claiming to be a Muslim should be reformed by forbidding evil deeds and do good that society development would be witnessed.

He emphasised the need for every Ahmadi to create an enabling atmosphere wherever they may find themselves in the society, instead of increasing malice, an environment of love and affection should arise.

Mr Ishmael Nana Ogyefo, Agona West Municipal Coordinating Director, a Guest of Honour of the programme, urged Muslim youth, not to take their education for granted, but should rather concentrate on their books rather on things which would not bring development into their life.

The Coordinating Director who is also an Ahmadi said acquiring the requisite knowledge and skills through education could not contribute effectively towards the manpower development of the country.

He asked the youth to shun all negative activities, be honest, assertive, act with integrity and make good use of the tuitions given them during the three- day programme to help you attain self-reformation to become good patriots.

Mr William Freeman of Gomoa East Assembly commended the organisers of the programme for choosing the theme and added that people need to change their attitude towards the environment and channel their energy at doing good things which would help create a conducive environment to live in.

He mentioned ignorant, prejudices, hatred, arrogance, as some of the enemies of self-reformation.

He said when these vices were eschewed one could be said to on the path to realisation to help make the country a place of choice.

GNA
24.05.2017 LISTEN

I could not believe my ears listening to Dr Steve Manteaw, a leading member of the Public Interest and Accountability Committee (PIAC) on Adom FM on Tuesday 23rd May 2017.

According to Dr Manteaw, the erstwhile NDC government paid a staggering $150 million for three helicoptersto be used by the Ghana Gas Company for surveillance.

However, according to Dr Manteaw, there are no visible signs to suggest that the helicopters have been allocated for such purpose.

Dr Manteaw insisted that the government used a loan facility secured from China to purchase the three aircraft after the original four became malfunctioned.

Meanwhile, on the same Adom FMs show, Dr Anthony Akoto Osei, the Minister of State for Monitoring and Evaluation revealedthat the cost of the helicopters was overpriced.

Dr Akoto-Osei insisted that the four out of the seven helicopters were originally procured for the project, but unfortunately, the helicopters broke down after a few years in operation.

He indicated that the standard cost of each helicopter is $8 million, but the outgone NDC government purchased the helicopters at a hiked price of $25 million each.

Dr Akoto-Osei declared: The four Ghana Gas Companys helicopters could have cost the taxpayer just around $32 million and not $100 million if we had purchased them from the Americans,instead of purchasing themat that expensive cost from China.

The Minister of State for Monitoring and Evaluation, Dr Akoto-Osei,however, maintained that the helicopters were bought througha loan from the Chinese Development Bank.

He, however, expressed disappointment for the fact that the loan application was not submitted to the Parliament,in spite of the fierce opposition from the then minority NPP.

Frankly speaking, I hate to admit the apocalypse of the unbridled bribery and corruption cases, but honestly, Ghana may not see any meaningful development, so long as we have public officials who are extremely greedy, corrupt, and insensitive to the plight of the impoverished Ghanaians.

In fact, I will strongly disagree with you,if you were to tell me that corruption has got nothing to do with Ghanas underdevelopment.

Let us be honest, and rightly so, Ghanas stunted growth could be attributed to the unrestrained sleaze, bribery and corruption cases.

Despite the rampant bribery and corruption cases, the justice system rather tends to descend heavily on goat, cassava and plantain thieves, and more often than not, let go the hard criminals who hide behind narrow political colorations.

Given all the reported bribery and corruption cases, I must not and cannot stand accused of exhibiting risible and inborn predilection for relentlessly reprobating Ex-President Mahama and his NDC government for wilfully collapsing Ghanas economy.

It would, however, appear that some people go into politics for the love of their nation, while others just see power as an opportunity to amass wealth.

And what is more, the available evidence shows that some people enter into politics with a view to enjoying the power and satisfying their egos.

Somehow, we tend to put all politicians in one basket and then pass judgement over their conduct.

When all parties turn out to be the same once in power, people lose faith in all parties, and ultimately in democracy.

Well, the notion that all politicians behave in the same manner once they are in power is somewhat sophistic, so to speak.

I have never been, and will never be an NDC apologist, but I will forever highlight the late President Mills unparalleled adherence to moral principles.

Of course, the late President Mills was not without infelicities. Yet he was morally ahead of the other corrupt and greedy NDC apparatchiks.

Take, for example, the late Mills exhibited unmatched rectitude and inquisitiveness when he constituted an Investigative Committee to probe into the acquisition of aircrafts from Brazil.

It would be recalled that during his State of the Nation Address on 19th February 2009, the late President Mills informed the Parliament that his government was looking into the decision to acquire two executive Presidential jets.

However, the late President Mills was somehow ambivalent over the acquisition of the aircrafts and thus observed: "Ghana simply cannot afford the expenditure at this time and we certainly do not need two Presidential Jets" (thestatesmanonline.com, 16/06/2016).

Astonishingly, however, whilst the late Mills was joyfully delivering his euphonious state of the nation address in the parliament, the Vice President John Mahama, who also happened to be the chairman of the Armed Forces Council, was blissfully entertaining delegations from Brazil and busily negotiating the acquisition of five jets, including the most expensive hangar without the knowledge of the late President Mills.

Unsurprisingly, the late President Mills became suspicious of the whole deal and decided to put a committee together to review the deal, according to Mr Martin Amidu, the former Attorney General under President Mills.

By inference, the late Mills was extremely unhappy about the deal, hence setting up a committee to investigate his then vice president Mahama.

Let us admit, though, it would only take an incorruptible, courageous and upstanding president to set up a committee to look into his vice presidents cloudy deals.

Interestingly, Mr Amidu went ahead and disclosed the identities of the members of the committee who were tasked to investigate the Processes of the Acquisition of Five Aircrafts (5) including Embraer 190 Aircraft and hanger for the Ghana Armed Forces.

Mr Amidu revealed that the committee members consisted of Mr. William Aboah, Mr. George Amoah, and Brig. Gen. Allotey (Rtd) former Judge Advocate-General was put together.

The fact that Mr Amidu named the committee memberssuggests that he was not belying the facts when he said that the late Mills set up a committee to investigate the then Vice President Mahama.

First of all, Mr Amidu audaciously named the members of the committee set up by the late President Mills.

Secondly, the fact that none of the committee members came out to repudiate or disassociate themselves from the allegations somehow makes Mr Amidus story appears credible.

The all-important question then is: why have they kept mute all this while? Your guess is as good as mine.

Mr Amidu continued: the terms of reference of the Committee as I was instructed and drafted them for the late President were: (I) to investigate the processes adopted in selecting, negotiating, and agreeing on the acquisition of the aircrafts; (ii) to investigate the competitive advantage, prices of the aircrafts and the level of economic and financial due diligence conducted by relevant agencies in the process of acquisition of the aircrafts; and (iii) to investigate any other matter that in the opinion of the Committee is reasonably related to the foregoing terms of reference.

Pressure groups never allowed the Committee to take off, Mr Amidu maintained.

But the very fact that the late President Mills even contemplated this committee meant that he was uncomfortable with and suspicious of the alleged inflated prices of the aircrafts, Mr Amidu revealed.

Unfortunately, President Mills passed on under mysterious circumstances. He could not live on to stamp his authority and ensure that the investigations into the dubious aircrafts deal proceed regardless of the pressure groups shenanigans.

President Mahama had this to say on his tribute to the late Mills: I believe I am the luckiest Vice President in the world to have had a President like him. He gave me the space to operate and gave me every responsibility. He made me Chairman of the Police Council, Chairman of [the] Armed Forces Council, Chairman of the Economic Management Team, everything [sic] and he said, John I trust you can do it. He reposed absolute trust in me. Anytime there was tribulation and I felt troubled, I went to him. He calmed me down and said John I trust you, I like the work you are doing, carry on.

Let us face it, it would appear that some individuals betrayed the trust the late Mills reposed in them.

K. Badu, UK.

References:

www.martinamidu.com

www.dailyguideafrica.com

www.thestatesmanonline.com

www.adomfmonline.com
Government is recruiting mining engineers and inspectors as it enters the next stage of the anti-galamsey crusade.

For a country, popular for producing gold, diamond and other minerals, only 12 mining engineers are available in Ghana, a number Deputy Lands and Natural Resources Minister has described as discouraging.

According to Benito Owusu-Bio, over 100 to 200 of such professionals are needed to complement the works of the officers at the Minerals Commission at the various mining centres.

The mining engineers are needed to ensure that underground resources such as minerals, metals, oil and gas are extracted safely and efficiently.

The Deputy Minister said recruitment has begun in earnest as part of strategies to end the illegal mining activities across the country.

Government, civil society and the media have begun a massive campaign to end indiscriminate mining in Ghana.

The galamsey mining has polluted the country's water bodies, fouled our farmlands and destroyed the environment in general.

There are fears Ghana may soon be importing water if the current state of pollution of the country's water bodies is not stopped.

Benito Owusu-Bio

The campaign against galamsey started with a ban on illegal and small scale mining activities.

A three-week ultimatum was given for all illegal miners to withdraw their equipment.

With the deadline for the ultimatum ending, a combined team of military and police personnel, led by the Lands Minister John Peter Amewu have been moving round the various mining areas to arrest perpetrators.

Over 500 excavators were said to have been seized from the miners after they ignored the warning from the minister.

This week, four Russians and Ukrainians were arrested at Tontokrom in the Amansie West District of the Ashanti Region for engaging in illegal mining.

Another five Chinese nationals including, Asia Huang popularly called the galamsey queen or Aisha are also being prosecuted for the same offence.

Asia Huang

Speaking to Joy News Editor Dzifa Bampoh, the Deputy Lands Minister said government is now taking steps to protect the gains made in the fight against galamsey.

As part of the strategy, Benito Owusu Bio said the DCEs are increasingly becoming more and more prominent in the fight against galamsey.

He said the DCEs who are heads of the District Security Council are also heads of the District Mining Committee with oversight responsibility to issue licenses to the miners once they satisfy all the necessary procedures.

With only nine mining district offices across the country, the Deputy Minister said it is important to increase the number.

Story by Ghana|Myjoyonline.com|Nathan Gadugah
Shares of ALS Ltd [ASX:ALQ] are up a whopping 15.04% today.

What sent the ALS Share Price soaring?

ALS announced its statutory net profit yesterday. Net profit attributable to shareholders was $81.6 million for the full year to 31 March 2017, a complete turnaround from the companys $240.7 million net loss on the previous corresponding period.

ALS reported revenue of $1.366 billion. Shares spiked up from $5.85 yesterday to $6.67 at time of writing.

The underlying result is attributed to the continuing recovery of mineral resource exploration and development in many parts of the world. Yet the life sciences division reported a 9% earnings drop due to difficult market conditions.

The company announced a final partially franked dividend of 13.5 cents per share. The dividend will be paid on 3 July 2017.

Based in Brisbane, ALS is one of the worlds leading testing, inspection, certification and verification companies. The company has over 12,000 employees in 70 countries.

What now for ALS?

The company is looking to divest the majority of assets in the oil and gas technical services sector, which incurred underlying losses of $14.5 million during the year as the market suffered from diminishing exploration and production activity.

The company is also looking at growing the life sciences division, particularly in the food sector. Investors need to decide if the companys actions will be enough to keep profits going.

Regards,

Selva Freigedo

Money Morning
Last week, I was asked by our publisher, Kris Sayce, to buy some books. Naturally, his suggestion was to grab them off Amazon. Now, when I say some books, the total number was closer to 60. More than your usual consumer is likely to purchase in one order. On top of this, some of these works were written in the 19th century. Not the easiest material to source.

But the kicker was the fact that Amazon is still fairly strict on what it ships Down Under. If you can get it down here, chances are youre going to pay a premium for it.

This is all set to change though. As youve no doubt heard, Amazon is launching in Australia. Whether you see them as jolly Saint Nick or Satan is negligible. Theyre coming either way  with local retailers expected to feel the brunt of the impact.

This is not new news either. Stories about Amazons impact have been gaining traction as the launch date draws closer. Even our own editors, Greg Canavan, Sam Volkering and Bernd Struben, have voiced their opinions on the matter.

Fair warning though  the rhetoric is glum.

The benefits of Amazon in Australia?

Lets try and find some upside, shall we? Bernd prefaces his article with Joseph Schumpeters theory of creative destruction. I wont go into detail, as Bernd highlights the need-to-know aspects. But essentially, new things remove the need for old things.

Now, when I said we were looking for the upside, I didnt say it was going to be easy. There is opportunity for retailers willing to adapt. But this adaption will most likely come from short-term suffering. This is exactly what creative destruction embodies. Businesses will have to innovate to survive.

This is the result of a free market economy  something that we advocate for here at Money Morning.

It is also a system I imagine Adrian Turner would believe in. Turner is CEO of Data61, a data research institute partnered with the CSIRO. He recently wrote an article for the AFR where he voiced his views on a new revolution. His insights are similar to that of our own tech expert, Sam Volkering.

Turner outlines just how important the next decade will be  with $15-20 trillion of global domestic product up for grabs. He discusses platform economics; a major reason why Amazon achieved so much success. And he attributes Amazons success with platforms to its use of learning algorithms. That is, mathematical formulas that make decisions for us, based on big data and sustained learning.

Data that lets a business sell outcomes rather than product. Turner highlights General Electric, which now sells flight hours instead of just jet engines.

Turner believes we can compete though. We just need long-term vision.

So maybe a little creative destruction could spark some action. Amazon is going to bring change; there is no doubt about that. Hopefully, it will also inspire some businesses to take a leap of faith. Or at least provide opportunity for entrepreneurs willing to try. It might be nice to join the technology revolution.

Regards,

Ryan Clarkson-Ledward,

Junior Analyst, Money Morning
The Parrots Ferry Village kids take a popsicle break. View Photos

Sonora, CA  While build it and they will come was a movie-worthy edict for Field of Dreams, local Habitat for Humanity housing experts say their build it and they will stay approach to workforce housing is working well at their Parrots Ferry Village build.

In fact, according to Habitat For Humanity Tuolumne President and CEO Trinity Abila, the Columbia subdivision, where an eventual 35 homes will eventually stand, is now established enough to hold a block party welcoming the two latest families who will shortly be moving into houses #13 and #14, homes they themselves helped build.

The June 10th potluck barbecue will be hosted in the neighborhood on Haughton Circle from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. It is also a free and open to the public event celebrating all the families of what Abila proudly describes as a now vibrant community.

More Groundbreaking, Application Taking

Also at that time, two more families who are partnering with Habitat to build houses #15 and #16 will be taking part in that official groundbreaking although actual construction on those homes will begin in July. Too, Abila notes, while applications are not yet being collected for houses #17 and #18, the call for paperwork is coming soon and the Habitat board will be selecting those partnering families on Sept. 26, after which those builds will begin the following month.

We are building this amazingold school community that we  or at least I remember growing up together in, Abila happily enthuses. She recounts that, on the first warm day, all the Parrots Ferry Village kids, who together represent a mix of ages and ethnic backgrounds, all wound up playing and eating popsicles together. So, as she merrily explains, We decided this time, that since it has become such a community-type neighborhood  we should hold a block party.

Asked about Tuolumne Countys ongoing challenges to provide sufficient affordable housing, Abilas tone turns somber for a moment. Habitat for Humanity International just sent out a statistic that I thought was really powerful  it reminded us that one of four Americans live in sub-standard housing. Locally, she describes the need is so great that Habitat is doing what it can to pick up speed and do even more.

Collaborating Key To Keeping Housing Affordable

Abila acknowledges that, as the economy picks up so does the cost of building. So maintaining the affordable component continues to be a somewhat daunting endeavor. We rely on the community, our contractors and businesses  and the county. It is kind of a tough place to be in because we want the economy to grow but at the same time it really does affect even what we can afford to build, she notes.

So the answer, according to Abila, continues to be to put that much more energy into collaborating and building. People are moving away from Tuolumne County  people we rely onwho work at our local retail stores, the places that we visit to eat  even all the way to Adventist Health [Medical Center], she points out. We have people in our homes who work for all these different placesfrom Walmart, to Adventist Health, to Black Oak Casino, and the problem that [local workforce members] are having is that there is nowhere here [affordable] to live.

Not only is local housing limited, what is available in the affordable range is often substandard, Abila states. She confides, One of our homebuyers was living in an under 500 square-foot apartment and paying close to $900 in rent with both of them working. Now that same family owns their own, over 1,200 square foot solar-powered and energy-efficient home with three bedrooms, two and a half baths. The kids for the first time have their own rooms, she crows.

Cost Comparisons, Who Qualifies

Better yet is the cost comparison; on average, a Habitat homebuyer pays $790 per month, a packaged payment plan that includes not only the principal payment but also taxes and insurance.

To qualify for the program, this years eligible income range for a one-person household is at least $18,680/yr ($1,556/mo) but no more than $34,000/yr ($2,833/mo). For a four-person household it is between $26,680/yr ($2,223/mo) and $48,550/yr ($4,045/mo).

To view Habitats current brochure that provides a breakdown grid covering the guidelines for households ranging up to seven persons  and a bullet list of other basic application requirements, click into the image box slideshow.

Helping Hands, Resources Welcome

For those interested in supporting the cause, Abila says Habitat is grateful for whatever people are willing to give, be it time and talents or gifts that can be financial or any in kind products and services that have to do with building.

Volunteer-wise, If you can hold a paint brush we will teach you how to do it. You do not have to be a skilled carpenter to help at Habitat, Abila beckons. There is always something to do  and we are always looking for help in our ReStore, which helps us keep our operations going. Chores there, as she describes, might involve accepting and sorting donations, getting merchandise on the shelves. Still another way, she suggests is to pay the ReStore a visit.

Drop [unwanted usable] items off, do some shoppingbecause the majority of the funds go to building. We are on a very tight budget for our operations  and the ReStore helps us on that, she states. Located at 14216 Tuolumne Road in Sonora, the Restore is open 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. For more details on Habitat activities, click here.
Nigerian veteran actor Olu Jacobs has been married to Nollywood actress Joke Silva since 1985. They are blessed with two children. Learn more about one of the most celebrated couples in Nollywood.

Oludotun Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, was born on the 11th of July 1942 in Abeokuta, Ogun State. He attended Holy Trinity School, Kano, Nigeria. He was a member of the debating and drama society. Olu Jacobs developed the passion for going into acting after attending one of Hubert Ogunde's annual concert party at Colonial Hotel in Kano.

Mr. Jacobs traveled to England in 1964 to pursue his acting career. He attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London. He starred in various British Television shows and series before returning to Nigeria in the early 80s. The Nigerian veteran actor has starred in more than 120 Nollywood movies.

He won the African Movie Academy Award for Best actor in a leading role in 2007. In 2013, Olu Jacobs was honoured with the Industry Merit Award for outstanding achievements in acting at the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards.

READ ALSO: Joke speaks on what makes her husband uncomfortable

Olu Jacobs Wife

Olu Jacobs wife name is Mrs. Joke Jacobs. But she still uses her maiden name 'Miss Joke Silva' on stage. In a recent interview, Olu Jacobs had this to say on why his wife still maintains her maiden name:

"She is her own individual. When I met her, she was an actress known as Joke Silva so why should marrying me now deny her and her audience her name. She is Miss Joke Silva who is Mrs. Joke Jacobs. It is as simple as that. People can begin to say what they like. They have even written that we are separated and all sort of stuffs. When she is working, she is Joke Silva but she is Mrs. Joke Jacobs at home."

Olu Jacob met his wife in 1981, at the National Theatre, Lagos. They were both rehearsing for Jeros Metamorphosis by Professor Wole Soyinka. From the day he set his eyes on her, he knew she was the woman he was going to marry. They have been married for 32 years now.

Miss Joke Silva is a household name in Nollywood. She is an actress, director, and a businesswoman. She is a graduate of Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Arts, London and University of Lagos, Nigeria.

Miss Joke Silva is an award-winning actress with so many accolades. She won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role and Best Actress in a supporting role in 2006 and 2008 respectively.

She was honoured as a Member of the Order of the Federal Republic in 2014. Miss Joke Silva is also a brand ambassador for AIICO Pension Managers Limited (APML). She is a member of the faculty and principal of the popular reality show, MTN Project Fame academy.

Olu Jacobs children

Olu Jacob and his wife are blessed with two sons Olusoji and Olugbenga. We do not know much about their children. According to the reports, Olu Jacobss sons studied in the United Kingdom. In 2016, Joke Jacobs shared a photo of their son Olugbenga Jacobs at the backstage of the MTN Project Fame season 9 nomination show. Their first child Olusoji Jacobs is the General Manager of Lufodo Production. Lufodo is a part of Lufodo Group, a company owned by the Jacobs family.

Now you know that Olu Jacobs is not only a talented Nollywood actor but also a happy husband and father. His gorgeous wife is shining like a precious stone. She has both beauty and brains.

READ ALSO: 5 steamy photos of Olu Jacobs and Joke Silva

Source: Legit.ng
Nigeria civil service grade level  how many levels are there? Study the Nigerian civil service grading system and the appropriate salaries.

Civil service is the professional activity were people hold specific posts that aid in practical implementation of tasks and functions of the country. These individuals are public servants and have an appropriate authority.

Many Nigerians are confident that in order to get the best job, it should have some form of connection to the Nigerian government. But not everyone will get that opportunity. Nigeria civil service jobs are meant those who want to become well-to-do professionals and enjoy stable employment in Nigeria. One of the most asked questions is about grade levels.

Lets start from the beginning. It is worth bearing in mind, that minimal salary for a Nigeria civil service worker is N18,000. You can find a full list of wages depending on the level of knowledge and grade levels in the Nigerian civil service below.

GL 01 S

The minimal yearly wage for FCSC staff, GL 01 S, is N226,800. This means that you will get N18,900 per one month.

GL 04 (S)

Grade level 04 Step (S) 1 receives N242,994 in a year. This is meant for school graduates and comes to about N20,249 per month.

GL 07

University graduates who want to become members of the organization on GL 07  S 01 will get N43,163.75 monthly. This is twice what you will receive with the grade level 04 (S).

READ ALSO: Fayose reveals his plans after leaving office in 2018

GL 04

High school graduates at GL 04 will receive N30,316.166 per month, whereas those who have graduated from university and who are at GL 07  S15 will make a wage of N65,041.75 monthly.

GL 08, S15, GL17

Diploma holders on GL 08, S15 will earn a salary of N81,555.26 per one month whereas a manager on GL17, S9 will have a pay of N5,452,136 per year (N454,345 per month).

GL 03  S1

GL 03, S1 executive officers will get N232,970 per month and will move up to N333,522 after achieving S15. Executives on GL05, S1 will earn N261,298 per month and after achieving S15 will earn N401,637.

GL06  S1

Executives on GL06, S1 will make a wage of N316,229 per month and after achieving S15 will earn N487,295.

GL10 and GL12

Members, who are on GL10, S1 will get N914,511 per moonth and after gaining S15 will make N1,323,635 whereas those, who are on GL12, S1 will earn N1,053,208 to get N1,506,493 after achieving S11.

GL 13-14

Executives on GL 13, S1 will earn N1,174,233 per month to get N1,653,453 after achieving S11 whereas GL14  S1 executives will make a wage of N1,295,818 per month and after achieving S11 will make N1,811,724.

GL15-16

Here, executive officers on GL15, S1 will earn a wage of N1,778,616 per month and after achieving S9 they will earn N2,363,140 whereas their counterparts on GL16, S1 will make N2,197,677 per month and also after achieving S9 will get N5,452,136.

If you would like to check out more information or updates, you can visit the official website.

READ ALSO: May Day celebrations cancelled by angry workers in Kogi

Source: Legit.ng
A young Nigerian lady, Zinny Adajiugo Ife Nkili, has warmed the hearts of many social media users after returning the sum of N860k that was mistakenly transferred to her bank account.

Narrating how it happened, the beautiful lady said she was minding her business when she got a bank alert of N860k. She said the moment she saw the alert, she knew the money wasn't for her. So she waited for the call of the person that sent it.

The sender called and she refunded the money. Read the full story below as written by the young lady herself:

The beautiful lady said she was minding her business when she got a bank alert of N860k.

"So yesterday someone mistakenly send 860k to my account.. When I saw that I know it was wrong transfer..so I waited for d owner to call, some minutes later he called and was shivering...I told him to relax that his money is in good hand.. he send an account number so I transferred 500k bcos that's my daily limit and it cannot be exceeded, so this morning I send him d remaining balance..

READ ALSO: Female SS2 student returns missing purse filled with money to the owner (photos)

"Only very few people can actually be honest enough to acknowledge an error in transfer and do the needful by sending the money back to the sender. But with d things I read online everyday majority of Nigerians are opportunists and do not fall into the category of honest people... How can some people go to bed to sleep knowing d kind of thing they did to their fellow human being..

Zinny manages an online fashion store and lives in Abuja

"This kind of insensitive na wao, nobody is above mistake, mistake hv no master and no one is perfect...don't make them pay for their carelessness. I hv a lot of problems I could hv solve with this money but I'm not a thief...

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"I remembered when growing up, U return what does not belong to u else d canning no go get part 2 from my mum....and agin i don't want to mess up my glorious future.. So in this present economy, pls check and re-check before sending or transferring money. People are desperate now couple with the hardship..."

She also did screenshots of how the money was transferred for those who were doubting her. See the screenshots below:

How nice of her!

Source: Legit.ng
Chairman of Nepal Kumal Sangh attacked

Thakur Kumal, the general secretary of Nepal Kumal Sangh, sustained serious injuries in an attack at Nilkantha Municipality-8 on Tuesday.
Chinas Gezhouba lands Budhi Gandaki contract

The government has decided to award the contract to construct the Budhi Gandaki Hydroelectric Project to China Gezhouba Group Corporation (CGGC).
- Acting President Yemi Osinbajo wrote a letter to Speaker Yakubu Dogara just days after the budget for 2017 was passed

- In the letter, Professor Osinbajo is seeking for the approval of the House of Representatives for loans to Nigeria

Acting President Yemi Osinbajo of Nigeria is seeking the approval of the House of Representatives for the country to borrow $1.28b and 9m, reports have indicated.

Osinbajo is therefore seeking the inclusion of the Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) and the Fund for Agricultural Finance in Nigeria (FAFIN-II) in the 2016-2018 borrowing plan.

READ ALSO: People in government actually killing Buhari's anti-corruption war - Magu

This is contained in a letter the acting president sent to Speaker Yakubu Dogara.

Osinbajo wants the approval of Speaker Dogara and other members of the House for government to borrow $1.28b and 9m

In the letter, Osinbajo said the DBN was omitted in the 2014-2016 external borrowing plan adding that the donors were ready to release funds to the international agency once the National Assembly approved.

For the FAFIN, this international organisation was being supported with a sum of 9 million by the KfW Development Bank of Germany, after it had released 10.5 million in 2013 in the first tranche.

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The letter stated: Mr Speaker may wish to know that the DBN is a multi-donor supported bank approved under the previous administration with financing agreements executed on 25th February 2015.

However, the facility in the sum of $1.28 billion appeared to be inadvertently omitted in the 2014-2016 external borrowing plan approved by the National Assembly.

In view of the importance attached to these two projects by our administration, it has become imperative to seek for your usual understanding and kind consideration for the inclusion of the DBN and FAFIN-II into the 2016-2018 external borrowing plan as addendum.

Meanwhile, Acting President Yemi Osinbajo has revealed that one of the top priorities of the current administration remains the fight against corruption.

Osinbajo, who spoke on Tuesday, May 23 in Kano while declaring open the 2nd Kano Economic and Investment Summit, said: We will remain committed on the three focused areas which include fighting corruption, insurgency and providing employment to the teeming number of unemployed youths in the country.

Watch what Nigerians think of the possibility of having a female president in the country:

Source: Legit.ng
- Rice farmers are protesting in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi state

- The farmers said foreigners importing rice into Nigeria are sabotaging local farmers

- They vow to keep protesting until something is done about it

Thousands of rice farmers under the aegis of Kebbi State Rice Farmers Association staged a peaceful protest in Birnin Kebbi to protest rice importation.

The farmers marched through the streets of Birnin Kebbi carrying placards before retiring to the Government House, to lodge their complaints to Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu.

The state chairman of Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN), Alhaji Muhammad Sahabi Augie, while delivering his speech to the governor, said the proposed importation of foreign rice into the country was not in the best interest of local farmers.

Governor Bagudu who is the chairman presidential committee on rice and wheat production in Nigeria, said he would convey the farmers message to the president.

Meanwhile, the national president of RIFAN, Alhaji Aminu Goronyo, in an interview with Daily Trust on Tuesday, May 24, said the protest would continue all over the country.

READ ALSO: APC members burn their brooms as they join PDP in Kaduna state (photos)

Goronyo said government has done everything possible to ensure that Nigeria feeds itself with locally produced rice adding that: The enemies of this country who are mostly foreigners have connived with our people to import rice into the country.

We will continue to protest every now and then you will hear protest as long as that moves is in the pipeline, we will not allow them to displace the 24 million people, who are gainfully employed by the FG rice policy."

Legit.ng earlier reported that the minister of agriculture and rural development, Audu Ogbeh, blamed high cost of food on farmers.

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Ogeh said the high cost of food prices can be partly blamed on farmers who resisted the federal government efforts at reducing food prices.

Ogbeh said the farmers petitioned him accusing the government of denying them the chance to make profit from the high cost of food prices.

Watch Legit.ng video of a market survey to check food prices:

Source: Legit.ng
Demand for Dhaka products go up at home and abroad

The confidence of Dhankuta-based entrepreneurs involved in the production of garments made from dhaka has been going up these days, as demand for their products is continuously increasing in the international market.
- The United Kingdom has deported 35 Nigerians for committing immigration-related offences

- The deportees arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Lagos at about 5.50 a.m today, May 24

- The deportees comprising of 30 males and five females, were brought back aboard a chartered aircraft

The government of the United Kingdom on Wednesday deported 35 Nigerians for committing immigration-related offences in the country.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the deportees arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Lagos at about 5.50 a.m.

READ ALSO: Naira stays firm against Dollar as CBN engages stakeholders on the economy

The deportees, comprising 30 males and five females, were brought back aboard a chartered Titanic Airways aircraft with registration Number: G-POWO.

The spokesman of the Lagos airport police command, DSP Joseph Alabi, confirmed the development to NAN.

The deportees were received by officers of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and the Police.

Also on ground to receive them were officials of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).

NAN gathered that the deportees were profiled by the immigration authorities and were each given a stipend to facilitate their transportation to their respective states.

It would be recalled that the British authorities had on March 31 deported 23 Nigerians for similar reasons.

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that South African government on Friday, May 19, deported 90 Nigerians for committing immigration-related offences.

Joseph Alabi, the spokesperson of the Lagos Airport police command, confirmed the development.

PAY ATTENTION: Read the news on Nigerias #1 news app

Alabi said the deportees, who are all men, landed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos at about 3.30 pm.

Watch this very emotional Legit.ng TV video of a man tell terrible tales of how he has been unable to make any meaning out of his existence after 55 years.

Source: Legit.ng
Govt condemns Manchester attack

Nepal on Tuesday condemned an attack at a British pop concert on Monday night in which 22 people were killed more than 50 were injured.
Buhari says Nigerians dont have any reason to complain of hunger

President Muhammadu Buhari has stated that Nigerians dont have any reason to complain of hunger because the country is blessed with vast land for farming.
- IPOB has declared sit-at-home in 10 northern cities

- The group had declared May 30 as sit-at-home day to honour its fallen heroes

- It says the sit-at-home will be the best thing to happen to the people of Biafra since 50 years

The Indigenous People of Biafra on Wednesday May 24 declared that its sit-at-home order scheduled for May 30 had been extended to 10 areas in northern Nigeria and Abuja.

The Punch reports that IPOB gave the 10 areas to include: Kano, Kaduna, Jos, Makurdi, Gigawa, Jalingo, Yola and Lafia.

READ ALSO: Aisha Buhari thanks Nigerians for supporting President despite tough times

The report added that the order would also be observed in Ibadan, Benin, and Lagos.

Legit.ng had previously reported that the IPOB had declared May 30 as the day all supporters of Biafra will sit at home without going anywhere or doing any work.

In a press statement made available in Awka, Anambra state by the media and publicity secretary of IPOB, Emma Powerful, the group urged its members to strictly observe the order wherever they would be.

It maintained that this years Remembrance Day celebration of the group necessitating the sit-at-home would be unique and significant in every ramification.

The statement said: We the indigenous people of Biafra under the leadership and command structure of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu wish to declare once again that the 30th of May 2017 Remembrance Day celebration and sit at home order issued to honour and remember our fallen heroes and heroines must hold.

The sit at home order must be extending to other parts of Nigeria where Biafrans and supporters of Biafra have presence like Kano, Kaduna, Jos, Makurdi, Ibadan, Benin, Abuja, Lagos, Lokoja, Gigawa, Jalingo, Mubi, Yola and Lafia.

PAY ATTENTION: Read the news on Nigerias #1 new app

This sit-at -home order/remembrance and honour of our fallen heroes which is slated to be observed on 30th of May this year will be the best thing to happen to the people of Biafra since 50 years.

Watch this Legit.ng video as Amaechi speaks about Muhammadu Buhari's administration about two years after it came into existence:

Source: Legit.ng
- Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu called on the government to stop the marginaliation against Igbos

- He said they have invested a lot in the country than Yorubas and Hausas

- The businessman said the region would fight anyone who wants to divide the country

Prominent Igbo politician, Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, has declared that the Igbos were not interested in leaving Nigeria and would fight anyone who wants to do so.

The Punch reports that Iwuanyanwu spoke at the National Unity summit organised by Arewa Ambassadors Congress of Nigeria in partnership with Youth Assembly of Nigeria.

READ ALSO: EFCC reveals how much has been recovered in south south

The businessman said Igbos were major stakeholders in Nigeria and would therefore fight anyone who wants to divide the country including the Arewa and Oduduwa people.

He also spoke about the detention of Nnamdi Kanu describing it as unnecessary as he had not done anything wrong.

He (Kanu) only expressed his view. No arm was found in his possession. We are Biafrans and we are not ashamed to say it. Igbo have invested more in Nigeria than Arewa and Oduduwa. We want to be one Nigeria in fairness.

He said Igbo youths were only rebelling against the injustice happening against them in the country and not about leaving the country.

Biafra is not about secession. It is a name of a particular people in Nigeria from the South East. Therefore, it is not an offense to say that I am a Biafran. There was no victor, no vanquished after the civil war. I am impressed with Yakubu Gowon because he implemented all the agreements reached at the end of the Civil War. Igbo were not deprived at the end of the civil war.

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He called on Nigerian youths to work for the growth of the country and shun tribal and religious sentiments as the country had the capacity to become one of the best countries in the world in the years to come.

Iwuanyanwu accused the federal government of marginalising the Igbos because they voted for the Peoples Democratic Party during the last election.

Source: Legit.ng
- IPOB and MASSOB have been warned by police in Abia state

- The police has warned that no protest should be held within the region

- The command has similarly imposed ban on the use of siren in the state

Police in Abia state have issued a warning against any pro-Biafra protest within the state.

The Abia state command of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) warned members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Movement for the Actualization of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) and other pro-Biafra groups planning to embark on any form of protest to bury the thought.

Spokesman for the command, Geoffrey Ogbonna, made the disclosure in a telephone interview with newsmen on Wednesday, May 24.

READ ALSO: EFCC moves to get all Patience Jonathan's assets

The police image maker also debunked speculations making rounds that they (police) arrested and detained members of the people of MASSOB and BIM (Biafra Independent Movement)

According to Ogbonna, the command was yet to receive information from any division that they arrested members of MASSOB.

The spokesman stressed that the police was doing everything possible to ensure that residents of Aba and the state go about their businesses without fear of intimidation from any quarters.

Ogbonna noted that the command would not fold its arms to watch anyone hide under any guise to foment trouble or cause breach of peace in the state.

The police PPRO also disclosed that the command has similarly imposed ban on the use of siren in the state especially by unauthorized persons.

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Ogbonna who lamented indiscriminate use of siren in the state by individuals said that the command has directed any person(s) not permitted by law to use siren in the state to dismantle them and stressed that anyone caught forthwith by police in any part of the state would be arrested and treated according to the law.

In a similar vein, the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, has said that the planned sit-at-home scheduled for May 30, will help it plan for the Biafra referendum.

Legit.ng gathered that the group urged its members, other Biafra agitators and friends to comply with the directive.

In a statement signed by MASSOBs national director of information, Comrade Edeson Samuel, the group said it will equally be used to honour all Biafran soldiers who died during the Nigerian Biafra war and to tell the world that it was not joking with agitation for a sovereign state of Biafra.

Below is a video in which Nigerians react to the rumors of a possible military takeover.

Source: Legit.ng
- Goodluck Jonathan called for the implementation of 2014 confab report

- The former president also advocated for true federalism

- He emphasized the importance of fiscal federalism as a way of making the country better

Former president, Goodluck Jonathan, has called for the implementation of the 2014 national conference report saying it was key to solving some of the problems in the country.

Daily Post reports that Jonathan spoke at the Rivers state 50th year anniversary in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, May 24, where he also emphasized the need for fiscal federalism.

READ ALSO: APC takes over PDP secretariat, declares Change has come!

The former president said: this will allow states to assume control of the exploitation of their natural resources and mandate them to pay adequate taxes to the Federal Government.

My conviction that fiscal federalism will initiate faster development is borne out of a comparison between the intervention Agencies and the 13 percent derivation.

From the days of Special Funds, through OMPADEC to now NDDC, the Federal Government has provided funds for the development of the oil bearing communities but very little physical infrastructure to show for it.

This is so because these bodies are highly political and lack continuity as tenures are hardly completed. New Federal Government administrations appoint new teams who award new contracts hence the zone is littered with abandoned projects.

I believe that without the 13 percent derivation, action governors like Wike would not have the capital to drive his ambitious developmental projects. With fiscal federalism, the pace of development will be even faster.

Our people want us to improve on the way we govern ourselves. That was why in 2014 I set up the National Conference to examine the grey areas and proffer viable options that will accelerate our political, social and economic development.

I am convinced that implementation of the Report will help resolve some of the problems in our country.

It is also my conviction that the future of democracy, not only in Nigeria but across the entire continent of Africa, lies in putting the people first.

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This will entail not only working to improve their lives but also respecting their rights to freely chose who to represent them, without let or hindrance.

That way, they will be able to wrap their hope and future around the certainty of the declaration that real power belongs to them, and that the maxim of one man one vote is not just mere platitude.

The man in the Legit.ng video below speaks about Goodluck Jonathan's administration.

Source: Legit.ng
Govt set to buy 41 ha of land to ease port operations in Birgunj

The government is on track to obtain 41 hectares of land located between Sirsiya Dry Port and the Integrated Check Post (ICP) in Birgunj. The government passed a mandate on January 1, 2017 for the land acquisition.
By sifting through the genetics of nearly 80,000 people, researchers have uncovered 40 genes that may make certain people smarter. That brings the total number of suspected intelligence genes to 52. , The genetic variants identified account for about 5 percent of individual differences in intelligence.

Their calculations show that the current results explain up to 4.8% of the variance in intelligence and that on average across the four samples there is a 1.9-fold increase in explained variance in comparison to the most recent GWAS on intelligence.

Intelligence is associated with important economic and health-related life outcomes. Despite intelligence having substantial heritability and a confirmed polygenic nature, initial genetic studies were mostly underpowered. Researchers report a meta-analysis for intelligence of 78,308 individuals. They identify 336 associated SNPs in 18 genomic loci, of which 15 are new. Around half of the SNPs are located inside a gene, implicating 22 genes, of which 11 are new findings. Gene-based analyses identified an additional 30 genes, of which all but one had not been implicated previously. They show that the identified genes are predominantly expressed in brain tissue, and pathway analysis indicates the involvement of genes regulating cell development. Despite the well-known difference in twin-based heratibility for intelligence in childhood and adulthood, they show substantial genetic correlation. These findings provide new insight into the genetic architecture of intelligence.

Previously Nextbigfuture has discussed using Intelligence genes for embyro selection

Stephen Hsu at Infoproc reports that we now know enough about the genetic architecture of human intelligence to make predictions based on DNA alone. While it is a well-established scientific fact that variations in human cognitive ability are influenced by genes, many have doubted whether scientists would someday decipher the genetic code sufficiently to be able to identify individuals with above or below average intelligence using only their genotypes. That day is nearly upon us.

The figures below are taken from a recently published paper (see bottom), which examined genomic prediction on a longitudinal cohort of ~1000 individuals of European ancestry, followed from childhood into adulthood. (The study, based in Dunedin, New Zealand, extends over 40 years.) The genomic predictor (or polygenic score) was constructed using SSGAC GWAS analysis of a sample of more than one hundred thousand individuals. (Already, significantly more powerful predictors are available, based on much larger sample size.) In machine learning terminology, the training set includes over a hundred thousand individuals, and the validation set roughly one thousand.

These graphs show that individuals with higher polygenic score exhibit, on average, higher IQ scores than individuals with lower polygenic scores.

Effective embryo selection is nearing

The cost of embryo selection is modest, at $1500 + $200 per embryo, with the sequencing cost projected to drop rapidly. Embryo selection cost will drop in future

Embryo selection was unprofitable in late 2015 (mean: -$673) in the USA under the lowest estimate of the value of an IQ point, but profitable under the highest (mean: $4763). The main constraints on selection profitability is the polygenic score; under the highest value, the NPV EVPI of a perfect SNP predictor is $27b and the EVSI per education/SNP sample is $71k

Selection can be made much more profitable by selecting on multiple phenotype traits; selection scales near-linearly with equally-valuable traits, and considering an example using 7 traits (IQ / height / BMI / diabetes / ADHD / bipolar / schizophrenia), there is a gain of 2.8x over IQ alone ($4977 to about $14130)

The maximum amount of IQ gain if screening allowed for optimal selection

Chickens have become physically larger because of breeding and farming methods

In 2014, I gave a talk at Transhuman Visions in 2014 where I said older Tiger Moms would be the driver of early adoption of genetic intelligence enhancement after the lifting of the One child policy in China.

Chinas One child policy was lifted just as embryo selection based upon intelligence for invitro fertilized (IVF) babies becomes possible and we are on the cusp of genetic engineering. Women in China who are now older were banned from having babies but now will be allowed to have children. Many will not be able to conceive naturally and will use IVF. I see IVF going from 400,000 per year worldwide to 2-8 million per year over the next 10 years. IVF babies are more easily embryo selected and accessible for genetic modification. This would provide an economic boost to China in 20-30 years and the beginnings of a significant societal shift.

* Older women use IVF more than younger women

* Societal shifts that cause more older women to use IVF to have children means more opportunity for embryo selection and genetic intelligence enhancement.

* Countries that permit embyro selection and genetic intelligence enhancement provide the opportunity for IVF to be used for enhancement

* Medical tourism to permissive countries is another means for older women to use IVF in combination with embryo selection or genetic enhancement.

IVF up over 50% in China since one child policy change

By December, 2015 there has been a 50 per cent jump in IVF consultations since the one-child policy announcement.

China is set to be the biggest IVF market in the world, probably within the next couple of years. Chinese couples who have the financial means often go abroad to the United States, Australia, Thailand and Vietnam for IVF. Rising Chinese demand for fertility treatments is also increasing IVF demand overseas clinics such as Australia-based Monash IVF Group and Virtus Health or Superior A.R.T. in Thailand, where 30-40 per cent of patients come from China.

Patient numbers are still climbing too. There were nearly half a million treatment cycles in 2013 at 356 approved clinics, compared with just under 200,000 cycles that year in the higher-value US market. Those levels were before the lifting of the one child policy.

Older women going for IVF

A 61-year-old woman has became what is believed to be Chinas second oldest mother, according to media reports, in a growing trend of older births among desperate couples who have been left childless by Beijings draconian one-child policy.

The baby was born six days after media reported that another Chinese woman, 54-year-old Liu Hongmei, gave birth to a boy through IVF following the loss of her son in a traffic accident two years ago.

China reformed its strict family planning laws last October, but there are an estimated million Chinese families who have lost the only child they were ever allowed to have  including 335,000 mothers over 49.

Genetic screening embryos

A chinese woman gave birth to baby girl using an embryo frozen 18 years ago

Until recently fertility experts were only been able to judge the health of an embryo by its appearance.

A new test called Comprehensive Chromosomal Screening (CCS) is allowing fertility specialists to determine with much greater accuracy which embryos in IVF have the normal number of chromosomes and are the most likely to result in a successful pregnancy.

Studies have shown that IVF with CCS can achieve

 Pregnancy rates as high as 70%

 Miscarriage rate as low as 10%.

 A very low risk of chromosomal problems such as Downs syndrome (diagnostic accuracy of CCS is about 99%)

To further improve on the results of CCS, Olive Fertility is pioneering another technique for screening embryos with mitochondrial DNA quantification.

It appears that around a third of embryos with the correct number of chromosomes still fail to lead to a successful pregnancy. Recent studies have shown that embryos with a higher concentration of mitochondrial DNA have a reduced chance of implantation. Mitochondria are the energy producing engines within our cells, but surprisingly, an abundance of mitochondria appears to be associated with lower implantation potential.

The engineering is intended to switch on the immune response to attack cancer. In the pharmaceutical industry, antibody drugs directly blocking the PD-1 protein including Merck & Co.s Keytruda and Opdivo sold by Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. have become new growth engines for the companies.

A study from the University of Oxford, which was recently presented at the annual meeting of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology in Helsinki, suggested that screening embryos for their levels of mitochondrial DNA could help doctors select those that are most likely to result in a healthy pregnancy.

With CCS, an egg is fertilized in the laboratory and the embryo is grown for 5 days at which point 5-10 cells are taken from the part of the embryo that will form the placenta (thus leaving the cells that are destined to become the fetus untouched).

The embryo is then frozen and the biopsied cells are sent to a specialized laboratory for testing. The results usually return in 10-14 days identifying which embryos are chromosomally normal. A healthy embryo can be transferred in the next menstrual cycle.

Illumina offering pre-implantation next generation sequencing

Preimplantation genetic screening (PGS) determines the chromosomal status of an embryo by screening all 23 chromosome pairs prior to transfer in an IVF cycle. PGS enables the selection of embryos for transfer that are most likely to be free of chromosomal problems.

PGS is described in 8 pages and details how it is compatible with WHOLE GENOME sequencing and screening

Gene editing on humans

Chinese scientists are embarking on what appear to be the first human trials with the Crispr gene editing tool, the latest effort by the countrys researchers to master a technology that might someday be a potent tool in developing therapies worldwide.

Nature  Chinese scientists to pioneer first human CRISPR trial

Chinese scientists are on the verge of being first in the world to inject people with cells modified using the CRISPRCas9 gene-editing technique.

A team led by Lu You, an oncologist at Sichuan Universitys West China Hospital in Chengdu, plans to start testing such cells in people with lung cancer next month. The clinical trial received ethical approval from the hospitals review board on 6 July.
The official compared the practice to selling a slice of pizza for $1 with tax included, but acknowledged that it was confusing.

The explanation appeared contrary to Ubers contract, which as of last week defined the fare as the base plus a rate for each mile and minute  the definition makes no mention of a tax. The explanation also appears to be at odds with Ubers trip receipts.

New York assesses sales tax only on rides that begin and end in the state, not rides beginning in New York and ending in other states. But Uber has calculated the fare for both types of rides the same way, suggesting that  contrary to the pizza example  there is no tax included in the fare the passenger pays.

For example, a drivers receipt from Aug. 14, 2016, for a trip from Roslyn, N.Y., to Manhattan showed Uber charging a $7 base fare plus 65 cents per minute and $3.75 per mile  the rate for Uber Black, the companys higher-end service. A second receipt from Aug. 3, 2016, for an Uber Black trip from Manhattan to Old Greenwich, Conn., showed identical rates, even though no sales tax would have been assessed.

Uber deducted $13.91 to cover sales tax from the driver in the Roslyn-to-Manhattan trip but deducted no sales tax from the driver in the Greenwich trip. (Both trips were subject to the black-car surcharge, which applies regardless of destination.)

The Uber official, in an interview on Tuesday, maintained that the tax was included in its fares and said the driver simply got a bonus on trips to Connecticut because the state assesses no tax on those trips.

At least one of Ubers competitors in New York State, Lyft, appears to deduct the sales tax from drivers earnings as well. A Lyft drivers receipt from July 24, 2016, depicts an overall fare of $16.34 and two deductions labeled Ride Surcharge From Driver that precisely equal the black-car surcharge and the sales tax amounts.
Ernest R. Garcias body sat for more than a month in his Bronx apartment before the authorities finally entered in January and found it decomposing.

They had to bring in a fumigation team, the smell was so bad, said Clarence Smith, 73, a neighbor of Mr. Garcia, who had died of a heart attack at age 72.

Mr. Garcia had no savings or close relatives. His body went to a city morgue, which for unclaimed bodies like Mr. Garcias can serve as a purgatory before ignominious burials in unmarked mass graves in the potters field that New York City operates for the indigent dead, on Hart Island near the Bronx.

But there was one pivotal fact that steered Mr. Garcia away from this grim fate  he was a veteran, an Army corporal who had served honorably during the Vietnam War, and therefore entitled to a military burial paid for by the federal government at a national veterans cemetery.
I cannot support a man whos a co-founder of an organization that engaged in over 120 bombings, Mr. ONeill said of Mr. Lopez Rivera, adding that he considered him a terrorist, based on his actions, based on the fact that he was the co-founder of that group and what he was convicted of.

Several police organizations have also announced that they will not march in the parade, including the Hispanic Society, the largest organization of Hispanic officers.

The parade, considered one of the largest Hispanic-centered events in the city, announced several weeks ago that it would honor Mr. Lopez Rivera. It said he would march at the head of the parade and be declared a National Freedom Hero, a designation never given by the parade before.

The controversy contained echoes of a dispute in 1983, when the St. Patricks Day Parade was roiled by the naming of an Irish Republican Army supporter, Michael Flannery, as grand marshal. Cardinal Terence Cooke, who opposed violence in Northern Ireland, pointedly did not receive him at the steps of St. Patricks Cathedral, as is customary.

Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan and the former Gov. Hugh L. Carey boycotted that parade, as did a score of high school bands. However, Gov. Mario M. Cuomo, Mayor Edward I. Koch and Senator Alfonse M. DAmato all marched.

Less than 12 weeks before that parade, on New Years Eve 1982, the F.A.L.N. detonated four bombs in New York City, seriously injuring three police officers.
This is the chronicle of how a founding principle of this country, the freedom to worship, crashed into a public bureaucracy in the venerable and prosperous New Jersey suburb of Bernards Township.

There, a brittle layer of shifting regulations sat atop a lava field of private contempt for Muslims on the part of some public officials who felt free to send email jokes that President Barack Obama was a Muslim, an illegal immigrant and a communist.

Most of all, it is a story of a rare phenomenon in American law: unconstitutional parking spots.

More than five years ago, the Islamic Society of Basking Ridge sought permits to build a mosque big enough for 150 people on a four-acre parcel, where zoning permitted houses of worship. Basking Ridge falls within Bernards Township.

This week, there is still no mosque  but five years of hearings and litigation about the proposal are drawing to a close. The Township Committee and Planning Board voted Tuesday night to settle lawsuits brought by the Department of Justice and the Islamic Society. Details of the settlement were not announced, but it will include the building permit long denied to the organization.
Articles in The New York Times in early May revealed that eight senators  including three members of the I.D.C.  had received tens of thousands of dollars for committee chairmanships that they did not hold, payments that were authorized by John J. Flanagan, the Republican leader in the Senate. Those payments were approved in documents sent to the state comptroller by Senate staff falsely listing the senators as chairmen, when each actually served as vice chairman, an amorphous position with little if any defined duties and no pay explicitly enumerated in state law.

The scope of those investigations seemed poised to grow on Tuesday as the leader of the Senate Democrats, Andrea Stewart-Cousins, confirmed that her deputy, Senator Michael Gianaris of Queens, had met with the Albany district attorneys office last week to discuss the payments, which Mr. Flanagan and Mr. Klein have argued are legal and supported by past precedent and the state constitution. The meeting was reported on Monday evening by The Times Union in Albany.

They were just trying to get an idea of what was going on, said Ms. Stewart-Cousins, who represents Westchester County, adding that she could not comment on the nature of the discussions, which included the Democrats top lawyer. They reached out to us.

Last week, Ms. Stewart-Cousins had called for an investigation into the payments. Hours later, Mr. Klein shot back, according to Ms. Stewart-Cousins, telling a group of lawmakers at a dinner in downtown Albany that he would remain loyal to Mr. Flanagan and keep the Republican leader in power.

I dont know why he said that, Ms. Stewart-Cousins said during the public radio program The Capitol Pressroom, noting that voters continue to send a majority of Democrats to the Senate. And somehow, in the chamber, what the people have asked for does not happen, she said.
Every victim of terrorism is innocent, and every one is to be mourned. But the bombing in Manchester, England, on Monday night that killed teenage or even younger fans of the pop star Ariana Grande, many accompanied by their parents and some clutching the pink balloons Ms. Grande had sent sweetly raining down at the end of her concert, is particularly wrenching.

By Tuesday, 22 people had died, and 59 others had been hospitalized, some with life-threatening injuries. The dead included 8-year-old Saffie Rose Roussos, who had come with her mother and older sister, and 18-year-old Georgina Bethany Callander, who had posted an image of her brand new drivers license on Instagram.

The Islamic State said one of its soldiers had carried out the bombing, which took the life of the man British police officials believe was behind it, Salman Abedi, a 22-year-old whose parents emigrated from Libya. It is still unclear whether Mr. Abedi acted alone or as part of a network. No one yet knows what motivated him to commit such a horrific deed. It is also unclear whether the Islamic States claim is legitimate. Only further investigation can answer these questions.

Meanwhile, as hard as it is amid the shock and the mourning, it is important to recognize this attack for what it is: an attempt to shake Britain  and, by extension, the rest of Europe and the West  to its core, and to provoke a thirst for vengeance and a desire for absolute safety so intense, it will sweep away the most cherished democratic values and the inclusiveness of diverse societies.
Our countrys leader was denied even a cameo. But he was most certainly present in Landrieus warnings about holding on to any false narrative and his plea that we not marinate in historical denial. This was a speech about facing and owning the truth.

It cut straight to the heart of things, making the case against monuments that glorify the Confederacy by asking us to consider them from the perspective of an African-American mother or father trying to explain to their fifth-grade daughter why a statue of the most famous Confederate general occupied such a lofty perch above the city.

Can you look into that young girls eyes and convince her that Robert E. Lee is there to encourage her? Landrieu said. Do you think she will feel inspired  and hopeful  by that story? Do these monuments help her see a future with limitless potential?

He then put her experience in a larger context. Have you ever thought that if her potential is limited, yours and mine are, too?

Landrieu dismantled the argument that statues like the one of Lee merely recognize the past by asking where the rest of that record is. There are no slave ship monuments, no prominent markers on public land to remember the lynchings or the slave blocks, he said, adding that the defenders of Confederate monuments are eerily silent on what amounts to this historical malfeasance, a lie by omission.

We talk plenty about diversity these days, but too often in abstractions, and too often by listing various minorities, tallying how theyve been wronged and specifying what theyre owed.

Landrieu took a different tack. He indeed did a roll call of the tribes and ethnicities that built New Orleans, but he dwelled on how theyd come together  in the tapestry made possible by such varied threads  and how much poorer all of us would be without it.
A piece of stone  one stone. Both stories were history. One story told. One story forgotten or maybe even purposefully ignored. As clear as it is for me today... for a long time, even though I grew up in one of New Orleans most diverse neighborhoods, even with my familys long proud history of fighting for civil rights... I must have passed by those monuments a million times without giving them a second thought. So I am not judging anybody, I am not judging people. We all take our own journey on race.



I just hope people listen like I did when my dear friend Wynton Marsalis helped me see the truth. He asked me to think about all the people who have left New Orleans because of our exclusionary attitudes. Another friend asked me to consider these four monuments from the perspective of an African American mother or father trying to explain to their fifth grade daughter who Robert E. Lee is and why he stands atop of our beautiful city. Can you do it? Can you look into that young girls eyes and convince her that Robert E. Lee is there to encourage her? Do you think she will feel inspired and hopeful by that story? Do these monuments help her see a future with limitless potential? Have you ever thought that if her potential is limited, yours and mine are too? We all know the answer to these very simple questions. When you look into this childs eyes is the moment when the searing truth comes into focus for us. This is the moment when we know what is right and what we must do. We cant walk away from this truth.

And I knew that taking down the monuments was going to be tough, but you elected me to do the right thing, not the easy thing and this is what that looks like. So relocating these Confederate monuments is not about taking something away from someone else. This is not about politics, this is not about blame or retaliation. This is not a naive quest to solve all our problems at once.

This is however about showing the whole world that we as a city and as a people are able to acknowledge, understand, reconcile and most importantly, choose a better future for ourselves making straight what has been crooked and making right what was wrong. Otherwise, we will continue to pay a price with discord, with division and yes with violence.

To literally put the Confederacy on a pedestal in our most prominent places of honor is an inaccurate recitation of our full past. It is an affront to our present, and it is a bad prescription for our future. History cannot be changed. It cannot be moved like a statue. What is done is done. The Civil War is over, and the Confederacy lost and we are better for it. Surely we are far enough removed from this dark time to acknowledge that the cause of the Confederacy was wrong.

And in the second decade of the 21st century, asking African Americans  or anyone else  to drive by property that they own; occupied by reverential statues of men who fought to destroy the country and deny that persons humanity seems perverse and absurd. Centuries old wounds are still raw because they never healed right in the first place. Here is the essential truth. We are better together than we are apart.

Indivisibility is our essence. Isnt this the gift that the people of New Orleans have given to the world? We radiate beauty and grace in our food, in our music, in our architecture, in our joy of life, in our celebration of death; in everything that we do. We gave the world this funky thing called jazz, the most uniquely American art form that is developed across the ages from different cultures. Think about second lines, think about Mardi Gras, think about muffaletta, think about the Saints, gumbo, red beans and rice. By God, just think.
FRONT PAGE

An article on Tuesday about President Trumps budget proposals, using information from Mick Mulvaney, the White House budget director, misstated a proposal to bar undocumented immigrants from receiving certain tax credits. A Social Security number is already required to claim the Earned Income Tax Credit. The proposal would impose this requirement for the Child Tax Credit, and the Child and Dependent Care Credit is not affected. The article also referred incorrectly to one effect on Social Security. The budget proposes cutting Social Security disability benefits, not reducing retirement benefits.

NATIONAL

The attribution for the Quotation of the Day on Tuesday, taken from an article about the campaign for Montanas seat in the House of Representatives, misstated the number of seats the state has in Congress. Besides its single seat in the House, Montana has two senators, of course, giving it three congressional members, not one.

THE ARTS

An article on Tuesday about a musical remake of Dirty Dancing misquoted the most memorable line from the original film. It is Nobody puts Baby in a corner  not No one puts Baby in the corner.

SCIENCE TIMES

A report in the In Brief column on May 16 about red meat consumption and disease risk misstated the number of diseases for which an increased risk of dying is tied to eating red meat. It is eight diseases, not nine. (Eating red meat was not linked to dying from Alzheimers disease.)
Hotel chain OYO debuts in Nepal; rates start from IRs999

Indian budget hotel chain OYO Rooms made its Nepal debut on Tuesday by partnering with the Hotel Prince Plaza at Gyaneshwor. OYO is also the first global budget hotel chain to enter the Himalayan republic.
Feisty women trying to jump class are so 19th century; Im looking at you, Jane Eyre. And so 20th century, too: Have you met Sister Carrie?

For the playwright Gina Gionfriddo, such characters are all too 21st century as well. Many of her plays, including the Pulitzer Prize finalists Becky Shaw and Rapture, Blister, Burn, feature heroines trying to escape the social immobility that locks them into dreary lives. In the smart but awkward Can You Forgive Her?, which opened on Tuesday at the Vineyard Theater, she introduces us to two such women, Tanya and Miranda, each using tools largely unavailable to Jane and Carrie to dislodge herself from the financial permafrost.

Tanya (Ella Dershowitz) is a 27-year-old working-class single mother; to underline her status, Ms. Gionfriddo has her wearing, a bit tritely, the serving-wench outfit of a novelty restaurant on the New Jersey shore. But shes no ones drudge. Having retired her debt by following the tough advice of a Suze Orman-like self-help guru, she delivers an upwardly mobile ultimatum to her boyfriend, Graham (Darren Pettie): I need to be with a guy who is either (a) already in the middle class or (b) wants to be there bad enough to work for it.

Graham, a twice divorced 40-year-old who has been idling since his mothers death six months earlier, might seem to be the definition of what Tanyas guru calls a PWP: a partner without prospects. Still, he agrees to remodel and flip his mothers shabby beach house, and thus earn Tanyas hand in marriage.
WASHINGTON  Congressional Republicans greeted President Trumps first full budget on Tuesday with open hesitation or outright hostility. But it was not clear that they could come up with an alternative that could win over conservatives and moderates while clearing a path for the tax cuts and policies they have promised for years.

The budget battle ahead mirrors the continuing health care fight, in which concessions to Republican moderates alienate conservatives, while overtures to conservatives lose moderate votes. But with Republicans in full charge of the government, the onus is on their leaders to reach a budget agreement in a matter of weeks that would ease passage of the presidents promised tax cuts as well as a new spending plan that would reshape the government in a Republican mold.

It is now up to the Congress to act, Mr. Trump said in his Budget Message. I pledge my full cooperation in ending the economic malaise that has, for too long, crippled the dreams of our people. The time for small thinking is over.

Mr. Trumps $4.1 trillion budget, with its deep cuts to poverty programs, biomedical research, student loans and foreign aid, will not pass, as Republicans on Capitol Hill have freely acknowledged and even the White House is aware. Republicans on Capitol Hill parted ways with the president not only on many of his deepest cuts but also on some of his smaller proposals, like resurrecting a national nuclear waste repository in Nevada and ending the Great Lakes cleanup program.
A federal appeals court on Tuesday revived a high-profile challenge to the National Security Agencys warrantless surveillance of internet communications as they enter or exit the United States.

The ruling, by the Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, is significant because it increases the chances that the Supreme Court may someday scrutinize whether the N.S.A.s so-called upstream system for internet surveillance complies with Fourth Amendment privacy rights. It is currently an open question about how to apply old legal concepts to 21st-century communications technology.

Handed down in Richmond, Va., the ruling reversed a Federal District Court judges decision to throw out the case. The district judge had ruled that the plaintiffs  including the Wikimedia Foundation, which publishes the Wikipedia online encyclopedia  lacked standing to sue because they could not prove that their messages had been intercepted, and therefore did not reach the legal merits of the lawsuit.

But the three-judge appeals panel ruled unanimously that Wikimedia engages in so many internet communications with people around the world that it was essentially certain some of those messages had been caught up in the N.S.A.s system.
WASHINGTON  President Trump praised President Rodrigo Duterte of the Philippines in a phone call last month for doing an unbelievable job on the drug problem in the island nation where the government has sanctioned gunning down suspects in the streets. Mr. Trump also boasted that the United States has two nuclear submarines off the coast of North Korea but said he does not want to use them.

The comments were part of a Philippine transcript of the April 29 call that was circulated on Tuesday, under a confidential cover sheet, by the Americas division of the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs. In Washington, a senior administration official confirmed that the transcript was an accurate representation of the call between the two iconoclastic leaders. The official was not authorized to publicly discuss the call and confirmed it on the condition of anonymity.

The White House also keeps transcripts of such calls, but they are routinely kept secret. The Philippine rendering of the call offers a rare insight into how Mr. Trump talks to fellow leaders: He sounds much the way he sounds in public, casing issues in largely black-and-white terms, often praising authoritarian leaders, largely unconcerned about human rights violations and genuinely uncertain about the nature of his adversary in North Korea.

Mr. Trump placed the call and began it by congratulating Mr. Duterte for the government-sanctioned attacks on drug suspects. The program has been widely condemned by human rights groups around the world because extrajudicial killings have taken thousands of lives without arrest or trial. In March, the program was criticized in the State Departments annual human rights report, which referred to apparent governmental disregard for human rights and due process.
WASHINGTON  At least one million people will die in sub-Saharan Africa and elsewhere, researchers and advocates said on Tuesday, if funding cuts proposed by the Trump administration to global public health programs are enacted.

The United States currently spends more than $6 billion annually on programs that buy antiretroviral drugs for about 11.5 million people worldwide who are infected with H.I.V., the virus that causes AIDS. The Trump administration has proposed slashing those programs by at least $1.1 billion  nearly a fifth of their current funding, said Jen Kates, a vice president at the Kaiser Family Foundation.

These are lifesaving interventions, and these levels of reductions will significantly curtail service delivery, Ms. Kates said.

In a briefing for reporters, Hari Sastry, director of the State Departments Office of U.S. Foreign Assistance Resources, said that everyone now receiving drug treatments under the programs would be allowed to continue, even if the funding cuts were approved.
A 12-member jury has been selected for Bill Cosbys criminal trial as both sides agreed on two final members on Wednesday after clashing over the panels racial makeup.

Two members of the jury are African-American, a man and woman both in their 30s or 40s who, like the other jurors selected, said they could be fair in the sexual assault case against Mr. Cosby. The other 10 jurors appear to be white.

The jury has a total of seven men and five women, a majority of whom appeared to be between the ages of 20 and 40. There were two women in their 50s and 60s, and one man in his 70s or 80s.

The racial aspect of the jury became a point of contention late Tuesday during the second day of the selection process in the Allegheny County Courthouse in Pittsburgh.
The subfield of feminist scholarship devoted to narratives of whats commonly referred to as the body is having something of a heyday. Disability studies are growing in popularity, as is the prominence of intersectional theories around gender, body modification and the politics of difference. Often, the lines of inquiry (or interrogations, as academics like to say) concern themselves with power dynamics imposed by cultural norms, including those that conspire to make physicality itself a form of trauma.

But three new memoirs dealing with bodies  often exuberantly so  would appear to have little use for the trauma narrative. Hida Viloria, the author of BORN BOTH: An Intersex Life (Hachette, $27), was born with ambiguous genitalia, raised as a girl, and was 26 before encountering the term intersex. Growing up, Viloria, who prefers the pronouns s/he and he/r, aligned with the idea of being an androgynous-looking woman who was primarily attracted to other women. Vilorias most notable anatomical variant, a larger-than-average clitoris, proved to be a greater source of pleasure than of shame, and so there was little incentive to investigate the root cause, much less fix what wasnt broken.

As a memoir, Born Both can be as difficult to pin down as its authors identity. Equal parts life history, anatomy textbook, sex diary and public service announcement, it seems in places to have been written as an activist gesture rather than a literary one. Gaining visibility as a public spokesperson for the intersex community, Viloria appears on 20/20 and The Oprah Winfrey Show and fights for causes such as outlawing the normalizing surgery now referred to as I.G.M., or intersex genital mutilation, which many intersex people undergo as infants. As such, the final third of the book devolves somewhat into a morass of abbreviations, reports from conferences, and policy discussions folded into canned dialogue.

But all this can be forgiven because amid the public service announcements, Viloria does us the even greater service (its more of a gift, really) of showing us what it means to live not just as both a man and a woman but also as a third gender that eventually emerges as the right one. Its not hard to see why. Many Native American tribes believed that, unlike regular people, intersex people had an elevated view of lifes experiences and could see down both sides of the mountain, Viloria writes. Viloria also shows how gender privilege works both ways. Despite enjoying the swaggering confidence that comes from presenting as male, Viloria tires of the limitations around expressing my emotions and the tough veneer that I have to put on to protect myself every time I get around a group of young men. Roughed up by cops while getting arrested at a protest in Berkeley, Viloria finds that the police suddenly become gentler when they believe theyre dealing with a girl instead of a boy. The charges are later dropped.
The fear of a massive cyber attack became fact on May 12, when over 200,000 computers were hacked in a global blackmail attempt. Hospitals were locked out of medical records; individuals were prompted to pay a ransom in order to access their computers. Yet cyber war and, as such, cyber security, remains murky territory. These books address the cyber threat  and one, published decades ago, shows that the cyber world may have been foreseen in literature.

Image

DARK TERRITORY (2016)

The Secret History of Cyber War

By Fred Kaplan

338 pp.

Fred Kaplan draws from conversations with prominent American government leaders, including former directors of the National Security Agency, to deliver a behind-the-scenes look at policy formulation over the last several decades. Kaplan writes: If America, or U.S. Cyber Command, wanted to wage cyber war, it would do so from inside a glass house. Anything we can do, he argues, adversaries could replicate or learn to do better. (The May 12 cyberattack used technology that originated in the United States.) The book traces the United States advances in cybersecurity, and Kaplan concludes that though a fair amount of effort is put into developing cyberoffenses, less is focused on protecting the country from potential attacks.

Image

CYBER WAR (2010)

The Next Threat to National Security and What to Do About It

By Richard A. Clarke and Robert K. Knake

290 pp.
(Want to get this briefing by email? Heres the sign-up.)

Good morning.

Heres what you need to know:

 Bombers trips suggest wider plot.

The man who killed 22 people in Mondays terrorist attack in Manchester, England, had recently traveled to Syria and Libya, and investigators say he probably got help in Britain.

The man, Salman Abedi, was a Briton of Libyan descent and a follower of the Islamic State who died in the bombing.

Tours of Parliament were called off and Prime Minister Theresa May deployed the military amid fears that another terrorist attack may be imminent.
1. Three of our Washington reporters found a major reason for the alarm bells about Russian election meddling.

Months before the election, officials told them, U.S. agents learned that top Russian officials were strategizing about how to exert influence over Donald Trump through his advisers. The effort focused on Paul Manafort, above, who was Mr. Trumps campaign chairman at the time, and Michael Flynn.
Morangs Jahada urges govt to amend statute ahead of polls

People in Jahada Village Council, which lies near Nepal-India border in Morang, have urged the government to amend the constitution before holding the second phase of local election scheduled to take place on June 14.
Moodys Investors Service downgraded its rating of Chinas sovereign debt one notch on Wednesday, citing concerns over growing debt in the country, which has the worlds second-largest economy. In recent years, as Chinas stunning economic performance of past decades has become difficult to sustain, the country has used debt to fuel growth.

Now, Moodys says, China will have to borrow more and more to maintain the levels of economic growth the government wants. The concerns Moodys raises will sound familiar to those who follow the Chinese economy closely. Expressed by one of the worlds top credit ratings agencies, however, the misgivings will be harder to ignore.

Why Is Chinas Debt a Problem?

In short: China doesnt just have debt; it has a lot, and has accumulated it very fast.
A too big to fail trade has backfired on the shores of the Caspian Sea.

The International Bank of Azerbaijan is imposing haircuts on holders of $3.3 billion of foreign debt after suffering loan and currency losses. Creditors who had counted on the government to keep propping up the state-owned lender have been taught a painful lesson.

The falling price of oil has had harsh effects on Azerbaijan and its banks. The state, which depends on hydrocarbons for over half of its revenue, was forced to devalue its currency in 2016 as exports and tax revenue slid. A quarter of all bank assets have gone bad, and smaller lenders have closed.

But I.B.A.  the countrys largest bank  stayed afloat with the help of handouts and asset transfers from state entities, which now own almost all its equity. That was despite an embezzlement scandal in 2015 and the governments rapidly increasing debt, which Moodys estimates at 44 percent of gross domestic product.

When a further batch of currency losses wiped out the banks equity, the state insisted that creditors take some of the pain. International bondholders are now being offered new government securities with a value equivalent to 80 percent of their investment.
For hedge funds, information is a valuable currency. A scrap of insight about a coming change in government policy can be as precious as any market data, potentially making the difference between a profit or loss on a trade.

As a result, political intelligence firms have proliferated inside the Beltway. But among the firms that traffic in information between Washington and Wall Street, one political insiders tips to a New York hedge fund crossed a bright line, the authorities said on Wednesday.

The Washington consultant, David Blaszczak, and four other men were charged in an insider-trading scheme, accused of using confidential information about government financing to trade shares in the health care companies that would be affected by the changes.

Three current and former partners at Deerfield Management, a health care hedge fund firm, paid Mr. Blaszczak to provide inside information about policy decisions at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, leading to millions of dollars in illegal profits, federal prosecutors in Manhattan and securities regulators said.
ABCD  G?

Glencore, a mining and energy giant based in Baar, Switzerland, is hoping to join the ranks of firms that dominate the trading of agricultural products, known as the ABCD companies (Archer Daniels Midland, Bunge, Cargill and Louis Dreyfus).

Glencores agriculture joint venture, Glencore Agriculture Limited, made an informal takeover approach to one of those companies  Bunge, which is based in White Plains.

The offer comes as swaths of the industry are being reshaped by deals:

 China National Chemical Corporation, known as ChemChina, is closing in on a $43 billion takeover of Syngenta, the Swiss farm chemical and seed company.

 ChemChina is also said to be in talks to merge with Sinochem, a fellow Chinese state-owned chemicals company, in a deal that would create the worlds biggest industrial chemicals entity, according to Reuters and The Financial Times. Reuters cited people with knowledge of the negotiations and The Financial Times cited several unnamed senior bankers in Asia.
If we can learn anything from the latest triple-bank-shot of a conspiracy theory coursing through the alt-reality media  this one involving the unsolved murder of a Democratic National Committee staff member named Seth Rich  its this: Fake news dies hard.

God knows people have tried. In the last few months, journalists, academics, technology experts, civic-minded foundations and well-intentioned politicos have devoted decades of collective brain hours to an all-hands effort to stanch the conspiracy theories and outright falsehoods roiling our democracy.

Facebook and Google have worked up new computer formulas and dispatched dedicated teams of humans to push the corrosive stuff off their platforms or, at the very least, to let readers know when something doesnt look right. Ad makers are pulling their advertising from sites that run false items. And educators are working up news literacy programs to teach students how to tell the difference between real, corroborated journalism and naked lies dressed in the colors of veracity.

But as the Seth Rich story shows, were going to need a bigger algorithm.

In case you havent been following it, the Seth Rich conspiracy holds that before his death (or, in this version of events, assassination) in July Mr. Rich had been involved in the leaking of Clinton campaign emails to WikiLeaks, which the United States intelligence community has attributed to Russian-sponsored hackers.
On Monday night, late in the program for the 69th annual benefit and student fashion show at Parsons School of Design, a group of graduating seniors stood onstage and extolled the talents of one of the evenings honorees. She was inspiring. Her style was amazing. Her brand was amazing. (There were a lot of amazings.)

Who was this fashion paragon, role model for all of the young would-be designers in the room thanks to her creativity, philanthropy and talent? Not, as it happened, a fellow graduate who had fought her way to the top of the industry through perseverance, sweat and imagination. Not a retailer who had promoted and facilitated the growth of multiple businesses over the years.

Rihanna.

Yes, the Barbadian musical artist/entrepreneur  who has, it seems, officially made the transition from fashion plate to fashion force a mere three years after being crowned a fashion icon by the Council of Fashion Designers of America. Or so her positioning on the same platform that has also honored alumni like Marc Jacobs, Donna Karan and Jason Wu would suggest. But is her trajectory from a good celebrity to dress to a serious creative a new paradigm or a paradox? What exactly is the lesson  it was enshrined in a quasi-academic setting, after all  of Rihanna?
Striking that balance had been Ms. Lyonss skill, but that skill is both more widespread and also less essential now. What we want from fashion is more varied than it was a decade ago. This iteration of J. Crew was perfect for the first wave of internet-driven fashion interest, when being slightly smarter and more modern than the other centrist brands was enough. But it is no longer sufficient. Once the internet made it easier to see more, to learn more, and to buy more widely, J. Crew began to feel fusty. It was too slow-moving for those who were paying close attention, and a little too rich for those who do indeed look for no-brainers.

Which brings me back to the piles. At Rockefeller Center and Columbus Circle, there were pants and shirts piled inches high, the retail equivalent of a shrug. Piles, especially ones where several different colors or patterns are mixed together, communicate indifference, and also the low value of any one individual item. If it can be hidden in a pile, it most likely has little to offer.

One of J. Crews solutions to that problem, at least with mens clothing, has been to create stand-alone locations that give the clothes a little more space to breathe. Two are in TriBeCa: the Ludlow Shop, which focuses on suiting, and the Liquor Store, which when it opened in 2008 felt radical for its reconstruction of the mens shopping space into something more folksy yet still nouveau riche.
Some had strikingly low triglyceride levels, some had normal levels, and some were in between, Dr. Schonfeld found. He tried for years to locate the gene responsible but failed. (Dr. Schonfeld died in 2011.)

In 2009, he sent Mrs. Feurers DNA to Dr. Sekar Kathiresan, a cardiologist at Massachusetts General Hospital. He discovered that she carried mutations in both copies of a gene, ANGPTL3, involved in triglyceride metabolism. (Each individual carries two copies of a given gene, one from each parent.)

As it turned out, three of her nine siblings also had no working copy of the gene and extremely low triglyceride levels. Three others had one mutated gene and one normal gene; these siblings had low triglyceride levels, but nowhere near as low as those with no functioning gene.

The other three siblings had inherited two normal ANGPTL3 genes and had normal triglyceride levels.

The big question was, Does this loss-of-function mutation reduce coronary risk? Dr. Daniel Rader of the University of Pennsylvania, who is an author of three of the recently published studies, said.

Dr. Nathan O. Stitziel, a cardiologist at Washington University in Saint Louis, said the evidence so far was that people with Mrs. Feurers mutation, at least, seemed to be protected.

Dr. Stitziel and his colleagues scanned Mrs. Feurers coronary arteries and those of two siblings who also had two mutated ANGPTL3 genes. Each one was free of plaque, the researchers recently reported in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

One sibling had been a heavy smoker, had high blood pressure and even had Type 2 diabetes, a powerful risk factor for heart disease. Yet there was no plaque in his arteries.
Dr. McCance-Katz began her career at Yale, later moving to the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and the University of California, San Francisco, building an expertise in treating drug addiction with medications. She was medical director of Californias Department of Alcohol and Drug Programs, before becoming the first chief medical officer at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, or Samhsa, the primary federal agency overseeing substance abuse and mental health services, in 2013. The medical officer serves under the agencys director.

The person most responsible for creating the czar position, Representative Tim Murphy, Republican of Pennsylvania, a practicing psychologist, also objects to Dr. McCance-Katzs nomination, but for another reason. Mr. Murphy, as chairman of a congressional subcommittee, investigated federal mental health programs after a 20-year-old man with severe mental illness shot and killed 26 elementary school students and teachers at Sandy Hook school in Newtown, Conn., in 2012. He found fault with Samhsa for not sufficiently addressing the hardest-to-treat forms of mental illness, and for using some of its funds to support organizations and conferences where participants encouraged patients to go off their physician-prescribed psychiatric medicines.

Mr. Murphy said he was disturbed that Dr. McCance-Katz publicly defended the agency as efficient and effective during her two-year tenure as the leading physician at Samhsa. She does not have my confidence, Mr. Murphy said in an interview. When she was there, she knew there was a problem, and she didnt speak up, he said. We never heard from her.

Samhsa, where Dr. McCance-Katz served as chief medical officer from 2013 to 2015, has itself become a lightning rod in the debate. In fact, Dr. McCance-Katz has sent mixed signals about her preferences. She defended the agency while there, but after leaving she wrote a sharp critique in Psychiatric Times concluding that its approach includes a focus on activities that dont directly assist those who have serious mental illness.

Mr. Murphy and members of his staff said he had raised his concerns about the nominee directly with the secretary of health and human services, Dr. Tom Price, and Vice President Mike Pence.

Representative Murphy has also attacked the choice publicly, on Twitter and in interviews. Many people following the drama, both inside and outside Washington, believe that he is upset that the White House passed over his favored candidate. According to Mr. Murphys staff, that was Dr. Michael Welner, a prominent and controversial New York forensic psychiatrist who helped develop the legislation that created the position.

In an email, Dr. Welner confirmed that Mr. Murphy had approached him about recommending him to the Trump administration for the position. He said he initially declined, because of the sacrifices involved, but later accepted because of the prospect of saving lives. He said he believed that federal mental health funding should be refocused on the most costly mental health challenges and on evidence-based treatments.
President Woodrow Wilson dominated the cover of the Mid-Week Pictorial this week, having just signed the Selective Service Act, requiring all men aged 21 to 30 to register on June 5.

The Times estimated that 10 million men would be directly affected. Those acclaimed to be eligible for drafting will have their names placed in jury wheels and 500,000 will be drafted for federal service in the formation of the new national army, The Times reported.

President Wilson said in a proclamation: In the sense in which we have been wont to think of armies, there are no armies in this struggle, there are entire nations armed. Thus, the men who remain to till the soil and man the factories are no less a part of the army that is France than the men beneath the battle flags. It must be so with us. It is not an army that we must shape and train for war; it is a nation.

Image President Woodrow Wilson. Credit... Underwood & Underwood/The New York Times Mid-Week Pictorial, May 24, 1917

It is in no sense a conscription of the unwilling; it is, rather, selection from a nation which has volunteered in mass, Wilson said. It is no more a choosing of those who shall march with the colors than it is a selection of those who shall serve an equally necessary and devoted purpose in the industries that lie behind the battle line.
Nepal braces for deceleration in per capita income growth

Average income of Nepalis, which is growing at a sluggish pace, may not even rise at the current rate in the coming years if productivity fails to improve rapidly across various sectors, public investments do not go up and agricultural yields continue to remain low, a latest World Bank report says.
1. Weekly Science-Themed Current Events

Learning activities based on current events dont have to be confined to social studies classes. Science teachers can keep content fresh by tasking one student, or a pair of students, to select a Trilobites article (there are more than 350 of them) to present to the class each week. Working individually or in pairs, they could:

 Identify the title and author;

 Summarize the content, talking about the new understanding or discovery the author is presenting;

 Share one interesting quote, fact or tidbit from the article;

 Make a connection between the article and the content being studied in class.

Having students begin (or end) the week in this fashion can introduce students to our constantly evolving understanding of the world, thanks to current scientific research.

If you want this weekly routine to engender further scientific inquiry, students can track the names and subjects of the articles that are shared with the class. At the end of a quarter or semester, they can then choose one article that particularly interested them and use it as a beginning point for research.

For example, a student intrigued by the article Unmasking the Fearsome Face of a Tyrannosaur may choose to investigate new scientific understanding about the Tyrannosaur or other dinosaurs, while someone interested by The Mucus-Shooting Worm-Snail That Turned Up in the Florida Keys may choose to research and present a different invasive species.
Article: Salman Abedi, 22, Is Identified as Manchester Arena Bomber

Reader caution: Teachers may want to preview the video and article before assigning them to students, as they contain disturbing images.

Before Reading

Watch the New York Times video below, of witnesses describing the terrorist attack at the Ariana Grande concert in Manchester, England. Or, on your phone, watch and read the related New York Times Snap brief on the Snapchat app.

For either warm-up above, answer the following: What is different about this attack from others you have followed in the news, or heard about? What is your reaction to the statements of the witnesses, and why?
CANNES, France  Will Smith and Jessica Chastain were there, as were Oliver Stone, Guillermo del Toro and Roman Polanski. On Tuesday, the Cannes Film Festival gave itself a 70th birthday party and filled its red carpet with stars and auteurs. The beautiful people smiled, the throngs cheered, and the guards scanned the scene while the national police with machine guns stood by  a grim image that has become a new symbol of the worlds most famous ode to cinema.

The festival has tried to put on a celebratory good show, with all its customary soignee flair and poise, but an underlying unease has settled in here. The crowds are visibly thinner in the streets bordering the festival headquarters and inside the press screenings. Security had already been intense before news came in about the ghastly attack in Manchester, England. The festival observed a memorial minute of silence Tuesday afternoon but otherwise proceeded as before. And so did attendees like me, passing through security checks before watching and, if we were lucky, losing ourselves in movies.
Jason Bourques modest, proficient thriller Drone scrutinizes the ethics of warfare by remote control, an issue dramatized with greater effectiveness in Gavin Hoods Eye in the Sky, from 2016, and Andrew Niccols Good Kill, from 2015. Those films examined the moral struggles of military personnel as they conduct missions with clinical precision while far removed from danger. Drone sticks to the home front, following Neil Wistin (Sean Bean), a drone pilot on assignments for a covert C.I.A. contractor in Washington State, and Imir Shaw (Patrick Sabongui), a visitor to his home with an ulterior motive.

Neil, an alcoholic who hides his actual job from the members of his family, is as removed from them as he is from the citizens in Pakistan he inadvertently kills with a missile controlled from his office. His wife, Ellen (Mary McCormack, solid), is having an affair. His sensitive son, Shane (Maxwell Haynes), bonded with Neils father as the old man was dying, while Neil cant even compose a eulogy. When Imir stops by Neils house and offers to buy a boat he has inherited, Neil, touched by his gentle earnestness, invites him over for supper, only to learn that Imir knows Neils work history  and lost his wife and daughter in one of Neils aerial assaults.

The movie opens with a bravura sequence set in Pakistan, and the script, by Mr. Bourque and Paul A. Birkett, worthily strives to balance sympathies between American interests and humans written off as collateral damage. But overheated family confessions meet SWAT team conventions at the climax, and little resonates in their wake.
Lisa Spoonauer, who attracted attention for her role in the award-winning 1994 movie Clerks but stopped acting shortly afterward, died on May 21 at her home in Jackson Township, N.J. She was 44.

Her death was confirmed by the George Hassler Funeral Home in Jackson Township, which did not specify the cause.

In Clerks, Kevin Smiths first movie, Ms. Spoonauer played Caitlin Bree, who gets back together with her high school boyfriend, Dante Hicks, one of the two main characters, played by Brian OHalloran.

The very low-budget Clerks, set in the New Jersey convenience and video stores where Mr. Smith had worked in real life, won accolades at the Cannes and Sundance Film Festivals and was a surprise box-office success. Reviewing it in The New York Times, Janet Maslin called it a buoyant, bleakly funny comedy.
Goodness gracious, great balls of fire: A Top Gun sequel is coming.

Tom Cruise, the star of the original movie, confirmed the long-rumored sequel on Wednesday during an interview on the Australian morning show Sunrise. Asked about the plans, Mr. Cruise, 54, said Its true several times, before adding that shooting would probably begin in the next year.

It is definitely happening, he said.
Good morning on this drizzly-to-dry Wednesday.

With the recent relaxing weather, perhaps youre in need of a heart-pumping thrill  like dropping 400 feet or reaching a speed of 100 miles per hour in a few seconds.

Were here to help, and all you need is a MetroCard, a bus pass, and some bravery.

We asked Mekado Murphy, who writes about roller coasters for The Times, for his list of the best roller coasters accessible by public transit.

Here are his top four:

El Toro at Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson, N.J.

With the El Toro, a wooden roller coaster, you get a really fast ride, you get a steep ride, and its really one of the most thrilling rides around here, or in the country, Mr. Murphy said.

Characteristics: Youll ride up to nearly 19 stories, drop 176 feet and reach speeds up to 70 m.p.h.

How to get there: New Jersey Transit runs daily express buses from the Port Authority terminal to Great Adventure during the summer, beginning tomorrow at 9:30 a.m. $38 round trip.
Who are you to decide what the legislative priorities are for loyal Democrats across New York State? Mr. Felder wrote, urging Mr. Klein to unify with your Democrat colleagues and not just highlight a handful of issues that attempt to distinguish you from the Republican conference.

Mr. Felders letter may further complicate the perplexing political calculus in the Senate, which has been the scene of high drama in the last decade and simmering tension during the tenure of Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, who took office in 2011, the year that Mr. Klein and the Independent Democratic Conference split from the main group of Democrats in Albany.

Since then, the conference has helped Republicans rule, entering into a power-sharing agreement in 2012 and often garnering perks like larger offices and staffs. The partnership has continued even though there have sometimes technically been more Democrats in the Senate, if Mr. Felder and the conference members are counted.

With the election on Tuesday of Brian Benjamin to fill a vacant seat in Harlem, Democrats again hold a numerical majority, 32 to 31. But the mainline Democrats hold only 23 seats, after subtracting the eight Independent Democratic Conference members and Mr. Felder.

On Monday, Mr. Kleins group began a campaign, Call the Roll, that asked Democrats to sign a pledge to uphold seven key progressive issues, including ones that have not been embraced by their Republican colleagues, like the expansion of abortion rights, public campaign finance and single-payer health care. The campaign was christened with a three-and-a-half-minute promotional video and a letter to all Democrats, including Mr. Felder, who Mr. Klein has previously said was responsible for tipping the balance of power in the Senate.
To the Editor:

As an old white guy, I would like to offer the 13 old white guys (and one woman, added later after an outcry) charged with developing the Senates legislative response to the American Health Care Act a sure-to-please plan for success.

First, hold a very serious news conference to announce your intent to fix the House bill. Be sure to mention that you will pay particular attention to womens health care issues. Next hold a series of meetings  in private, of course  to review the House bill.

Then, hold a series of very collegial public meetings with various groups of stakeholders, including doctors, nurses, patients, insurance industry executives and drug companies. Ask simple questions and appear to listen intently and with empathy to the answers. Finally, disappear for several months. Leak a few pithy quotes about progress.

Finally, with great hoopla, roll out the new Senate American Health Care Act, which will bear an uncanny resemblance to Obamacare, but with at least a few of the problem areas revised and improved. Give the House lots of credit for putting you on the path to a better plan. Most important, praise President Trump for insisting that the plan preserve all of the things he said it should preserve. Im betting that this just might work.
Parliament meeting postponed after consensus remains elusive

The meeting of the Legislature Parliament has been postponed for Thursday after major parties failed to reach any consensus.
At our best, being a great nation has always meant a commitment to building a better, safer world  not just for ourselves, but for our children and grandchildren. This has meant leading the world in advancing the cause of peace, responding when disease and disaster strike, lifting millions out of poverty and inspiring those yearning for freedom.

This calling is under threat.

The administrations proposal, announced Tuesday, to slash approximately 30 percent from the State Department and foreign assistance budget signals an American retreat, leaving a vacuum that would make us far less safe and prosperous. While it may sound penny-wise, it is pound-foolish.

This proposal would bring resources for our civilian forces to a third of what we spent at the height of Ronald Reagans peace through strength years, as a percentage of the gross domestic product. It would be internationally irresponsible, distressing our friends, encouraging our enemies and undermining our own economic and national security interests.

The idea that putting Americans first requires a withdrawal from the world is simply wrongheaded, because a retreat would achieve exactly the opposite for our citizens. I learned that lesson the hard way when I became secretary of state after a decade of budget cuts that hollowed out our civilian foreign policy tools.
At the same time, as Emily Nussbaum notes in her New Yorker review of the TV adaptation, Atwood also imagined her religious totalitarians borrowing in certain ways from the feminism of her era  including both the tendency of Reagan-era feminist thinkers to join Christian conservatives in a stinging critique of Penthouse-style smut and the (related) fears about rape and male predation that crested with the eras crime wave and inspired Take Back the Night-type movements in response. In The Handmaids Tale, even as feminism itself is smashed and females subjugated, those narratives get appropriated and incorporated into Gileadan rhetoric about protecting women and restraining men: Its Biblical fascism sold with faux-feminist icing, as Nussbaum puts it, more effective because it claims to be responsive to its victims professed fears.

But precisely because of the ways that Atwoods novel plumbed and surfaced the specific anxieties of 1985, her story is necessarily time-bound and context-dependent and in certain ways more outdated than prophetic. So adapted for our later era, The Handmaids Tale feels like more like an alternate-history universe in the style of The Man in the High Castle than an exercise in futurism. Which should make the adaptation an opportunity to study the contrasts between our actual post-Reagan trajectory and Atwoods imagined path to Gilead, and to see our own particularities afresh.

The first contrast lies in the development of American feminism, which has acquiesced to certain trends that it found troubling 30 years ago  including not only the ubiquity of pornography but also the practice of surrogacy, the class-bound commodification of childbearing, that Atwoods Gilead biblicizes and places under patriarchal control. As a consequence, as Charlotte Allen put it in a polemical but perceptive column recently, to the extent that modern life has given us a Gileadan hierarchy of wealthy older women who have younger handmaids bearing children for them and domestic Marthas working as the help, it exists in the enlightened precincts of upper-class liberalism  as a support structure for lean-in feminism, not a form of patriarchal control.

The second contrast lies in the fizzling of the post-1970s religious revival, the defeat of the religious right on practically every issue save abortion and the waning of the religious case for female domesticity. Atwood invented Gilead at a time when conservative Christians still plausibly imagined American culture as theirs to take back and when a backlash against women in the work force was a meaningful part of social-conservative politics. But in our era, religious conservatism feels haunted by fears of looming persecution, younger religious conservatives have largely adapted forms of gender egalitarianism, and the argument from religious premises that a womans place is in the home is confined to intra-evangelical spats, with little broader influence.

Which leads to the final contrast  namely, that the misogynistic currents that Atwood envisioned being incorporated into her fundamentalist dictatorship, the feelings of male impotence and uselessness that the Gileadan commander in The Handmaids Tale invokes as a justification for his religious revolution, have instead become more culturally potent as secularization has advanced and men have been cut loose from Christianity and domesticity both.

Thus instead of a mass movement of marching Christian soldiers, we have a diffuse quasi-movement of mens-rights activists, pickup artists and woman-hating online trolls thats (sort of) coalescing around the alt-right banner. Instead of a world where old-fashioned religious Puritans are trying to reinstate Leviticus, we have a world where the Puritans real cultural heirs, the moralistic post-Protestants of academe, are trying to impose a different, consent-based set of sexual regulations  while a laddish, bro-ish and, yes, Trump-ish bachelor culture laughs their prudery to scorn.
Correct me if Im wrong, but I cant remember a single European partner opening its wallet after 1989, when Germany faced its greatest economic challenge in postwar history. Somehow, without much support from its neighbors, this country managed to reunify a prosperous West with a post-Communist East whose factories and infrastructure had been worn down by 40 years of socialist mismanagement. Not only that, it incorporated 16 million East Germans into the Western social insurance and pension system they had never paid into.

No one in Europe rushed to write checks, but they lined up to give donations of historical skepticism and political demands. In order to soothe French anxieties in particular, the German government agreed to give up its beloved, powerful Deutschmark, a currency President Francois Mitterrand of France had likened to a German nuclear force, in favor of the euro.

So its all a bit rich to hear, during the recent French elections, politicians from the left and the right malign Germany for Frances enduring economic crisis, arguing that Germanys outsize economic strength has come at the expense of its Gallic neighbor. It would be funny if it werent dangerous  the solution offered by the new, pro-Europe president, Emmanuel Macron, is to create a eurozone budget, with its own finance minister.

I firmly believe that the wounded, Brexit-crippled European Union needs an infusion of new self-confidence and resolve. But Mr. Macrons proposal is a disaster in the making. It will only further alienate Europeans from one another and weaken the bloc economically.
LONDON  I come from Manchester. I went to school there; I attended countless music gigs in the city. I have a teenage daughter who is just beginning to attend gigs herself. So of all the terror attacks of recent years, the suicide bombing of the Ariana Grande concert in Manchester on Monday night, a concert filled largely with teenage fans, cut to my heart in a particularly distressing way. Many parents must be feeling the same way.

Every terror attack is barbarous. To set out deliberately to inflict mass murder upon a group of children is truly unconscionable. The Islamic State statement claiming responsibility for the attack boasted of placing explosive devices in the midst of the gatherings of Crusaders. It would seem surreally absurd were it not so painfully raw.

Terrorist groups in the past, such as the Irish Republican Army, which bombed Manchesters main shopping center in 1996, used terror as a means to a political end. Not so with todays jihadists. For them, terror is an end in itself, whose sole aim is to inflict pain and instill fear. What else was the Manchester attack?

I have written before about the increasingly blurred lines between ideological violence and sociopathic rage. There is now what we might call a jihadi state of mind, in which some mixture of social disengagement, moral dissolution, unleavened misanthropy and inchoate rage drives some to see the most abhorrent expressions of violence as a kind of revolt.
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President Trumps first budget has two themes: redistribution and innumeracy.

Lets start with the redistribution. The budget calls for shifting many billions of dollars a year from the middle class and the poor to the very richest Americans. The very rich would receive this money through tax cuts. The rest of the country would lose out thanks to cuts in government programs that touch almost every citizen, including Social Security, Medicaid and food stamps.

On top of all of this, Jamelle Bouie of Slate writes, Trumps budget makes substantial cuts to job-training programs, rental assistance, heating assistance for the elderly, education, and projects at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as funding for rural health and substance-abuse programs.
Vermont is on the verge of becoming the ninth state to legalize the recreational use of marijuana, but, being Vermont, it is taking an earthier, grow-it-yourself approach  one that could become a model for others.

Vermont is not asking voters to approve a ballot proposal and it is not allowing for-profit businesses to grow and sell the drug, at least not right away. Instead, its lawmakers passed a bill this month that would let people 21 and older keep two flowering and four young marijuana plants at home. In addition, people 21 and older could possess up to one ounce of the drug. The bill would also create an independent commission to propose legislation that could later be used to create a regulated market for marijuana with commercial growers and retailers.

Vermonts path resembles that of the District of Columbia, where residents voted in 2014 to let people 21 and older grow up to six marijuana plants. Proponents of the home-grow model say it represents a third approach that falls somewhere between criminalizing use of the drug and creating a market in which businesses have an incentive to encourage marijuana use.

A big benefit of the Vermont bill is that it gives lawmakers time to study the effects of legalization before deciding whether to allow marijuana businesses. Governments could use that time to come up with regulations to keep teenagers and young adults from using the drug, since there is some evidence that marijuana can have adverse effects on the developing brain. This should be appealing to lawmakers who recognize the problems associated with the war on drugs but are worried that allowing commercial sales could lead to the marijuana equivalent of Big Tobacco  a powerful industry that seeks to market its products to children and that lobbies lawmakers to rescind or water down public health regulations.
My colleague Rukmini Callimachi, who covers the Islamic State, explains what we arent seeing during that time.

On todays episode:

 Britain raises its terror alert to the highest level as the Islamic State claims credit for the bombing in Manchester. Ms. Callimachi tells us what happened inside the world of ISIS in the hours after the attack.

 John O. Brennan, the former C.I.A. director, is the latest United States official to testify about Russia. His message as he realized the presidential election was under attack: Cut it out. Matt Apuzzo, who covers the C.I.A., joins to discuss.

Background reading:

 The Manchester concert bombing in pictures.

 Highlights and analysis from Tuesdays testimony by the former C.I.A. chief.

Tune in, and tell us what you think. Email us at thedaily@nytimes.com. Tweet me at @mikiebarb. And if that isnt enough, we can even text.
In 2003, Keith Rabois, a longtime Silicon Valley investor and executive, had an ambitious idea: He wanted to start a website that would instantly offer a fair price for your home. If you accepted the offer, the site would agree to buy your house immediately, closing the deal in a matter of days.

To Mr. Rabois, the plan seemed obvious: Homes are the most expensive possession many of us own, and yet they are also the most difficult to trade on  to sell in a hurry if you need to relocate or are otherwise looking for quick cash. But tech could solve that. By analyzing lots of sales data, a company could come up with an accurate price for most homes; then the start-up could buy houses quickly, charge people a convenience fee and sell the homes over a longer period of time.

There was just one problem: Back then, Silicon Valley was in the middle of a post-dot-com bust and nobody would fund such an expensive plan. So Mr. Rabois sat on the idea for more than a decade. Then in 2014, amid flusher times, he and several partners opened the home-buying company, called Opendoor. Opendoor has since raised more than $300 million in equity and has also taken out more than $500 million in debt. It plans to be in 10 markets by years end.

In the process, Opendoor also has become a model for a new kind of tech upstart: Call it the fat start-up.
Once you get a smartphone, whats the first thing you might want to go along with the device? For many people, its probably a case.

Thats because carrying a smartphone without a case is like driving a car without bumpers  and no one wants a new gadget to shatter, crack or get dented. Spending on mobile phone accessories is expected to reach $107.3 billion by 2022, according to Allied Market Research, up from about $61 billion in 2014. Protective cases are the hottest sellers in the category.

Yet heres the truth about those accessories: Some products that purport to protect your smartphones are useless. Its unclear, for one, whether a screen protector  a thin plastic or glass film for your phone display  actually prevents glass from shattering upon impact. Sales clerks at cellphone stores also often pressure people into purchasing expensive extended warranty plans for their devices, many of which can be skipped.

So heres a reality check on what does and doesnt protect your phone. To reach our conclusions, we interviewed repair and warranty experts and teamed up with The Wirecutter, the product recommendations site owned by The New York Times, which tested screen protectors and cases.
The teenage Violet (Reyna de Courcy), who is brainy but poor, doesnt realize just how much the odds are stacked against her. Violets illiterate father (Danny Wolohan) gently urges caution, though, when he suspects shes having sex. You want a baby right now to take to algebra with you? he says.

Amid the wacky hodgepodge of a dozen characters  including the weed-dealing child of privilege Albert (Ethan Dubin), whose egregiously affected speech is typical of the rich kids here  Violet and Henry take a while to emerge as the heart of this play. Smart and promising, each of them commits a youthful error.

For Henry (the excellent Ronald Peet), it was the one day of pot dealing that landed him in prison. For Violet, its getting pregnant  a development represented not by a bulging belly but by a large, pointed rock that Ms. de Courcy carries in front of her abdomen from that moment on. It is a potent image, and one of the most inventive elements of Ms. Stesss script.

Another is at the end of the first section, when a subdued scene between Violet and her friend Tina (Zoe Geltman) repeats for a couple of minutes during a set change. Violets life, too, is changing.
PM Dahal announces his resignation (With Video)

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal on Wednesday stepped down from his post, honouring the agreement reached with the ruling partner Nepali Congress (NC) before forming the coalition government.
Within one minute of being seated at Buck and Breck, a cocktail bar in Berlin, I was asked if I wanted an ashtray. It was a shocking offer for a resident of smoking-ban New York. Ashtray? Smoking? I had looked around. Yes, smokers were there, smokers with personal ashtrays.

Indeed, during a recent four-day bar crawl through Berlin, I left most bars smelling of cigarettes, a sensation that both my dry cleaner and I had almost forgotten. Smoking is one of several ways that the citys cocktail scene, while thriving and full of choice, retains roots in the past. And it does have a past. Berlin doesnt get as much press as other havens of modern mixology like New York, San Francisco and London, but several of its most prominent bars are as old or older than their counterparts in those cities.

Buck and Breck, while probably the Berlin cocktail den with the most international name recognition, is actually a bit of a newcomer. Its hard-to-find door opened in 2010, and it is about as Berlin-ish as you could imagine. Its stark, but chic; austere, but casual; serious, but hip. The bar, with its nice clean lines, is poised in the front room in such a way that the bartender cant help but be the center of attention.
Just east of Zagrebs main square, a formerly bland residential neighborhood has been transformed into the creative hub of the Croatian capital. Along its principal thoroughfare, Marticeva, and the streets around it, artsy cafes, bookstores, boutiques and design studios have moved into storefronts that once sold auto parts. The micro-cultural revolution was spearheaded in 2004 by the cafe-literary club Booksa, which drew creative types to the area. As if to confirm the neighborhoods cool factor, the Design District Zagreb festival, from June 13 to 18, is to be held there for its second year in a row.

Noel

Opened last fall, this corner restaurant serves globally inspired fare focused on seasonal ingredients; dishes have included veal liver with coconut and pumpkin agnolotti and tuna steak with hummus and bell pepper coulis. A mixologist presides over the small lounge area; check out the menu of artisanal waters and craft beers and an extensive wine list.

Popa Dukljanina 1; 385-01-4844-297; noel.hr
I never intended to be a professional beekeeper, but for my birthday, my girlfriend at the time unexpectedly got me a beehive. Shes a talented organic farmer and built me a hive herself. I have a large property in downtown Tucson, and I grow as much of my own food as I can, but the one thing I was never able to produce myself was sweetener. I had my veggies and chicken, but not honey.

Beyond honey production, how do bees enhance our travel experience?

Beehives at hotels increase the overall bee population in the area and can play a major role in combating colony collapse. They play an integral role in the development of the food we eat and the natural habitats we explore. Now, more than ever, travelers are concerned with where their food comes from and make a conscious effort to eat organic, locally sourced foods. And bee pollination is key in growing healthy crops without the use of pesticides.

How did you move into the role as the Miraval beekeeper?

I was introduced to Miraval during my time as a wine distributor. Once they discovered my passion for beekeeping, I was invited to speak with the sustainability committee about the problems that bees are encountering. It was during these discussions that we developed the beekeeping program at Miraval. The idea was that I would keep some hives on the property, which related to my wine background. I was supposed to play around with different honeys. But there was a clear interest in the community. The clientele was very engaged, so I started teaching classes on the weekends. As much as I enjoyed my career in wine, I found working with the bees meaningful, enjoyable and an activist activity.

What makes your beekeeping practice sustainable?

The way we keep bees at Miraval is beyond organic. We use natural methods in this chemically intensive industry where a number of viruses, diseases and mites afflict bees. Theres a chemical to eradicate and prevent every one of these problems. We let the bees make important decisions rather than imposing a structure.

What can we learn from bees?

We live in divided times, and bees are the picture of a harmonious society where the individual lives for the benefit of the whole. Theres a book called Honeybee Democracy about how they make decisions about resources, how theyre going to raise a new queen, if theyre going to find a new home. There are many parts of that that are analogous to humans.
Today, the Congressional Budget Office will issue important numbers about the House-passed version of the American Health Care Act, the Republican bill to repeal and replace portions of the Affordable Care Act.

Although the budget office had analyzed an early version of the bill, the House on May 4 took the unusual step of voting before the budget office could gauge how several last-minute amendments might affect the deficit or the number of uninsured.

Senate leadership has vowed to make major changes to the House bill. But a detailed accounting of the House bills effects will still guide the legislative process. As we did when the budget office first scored the Republican proposal, we sought the advice of a panel of former C.B.O. directors, consultants and other budget experts to help us predict what the budget office would say.

We also asked them the No. 1 question theyd be looking for the score to answer. Here are their big questions and best guesses at answers. They will help you read the report like an expert, too.
The new White House budget proposal is built on a deep-rooted conservative belief: The government should help those who are willing to work, and cull from benefit rolls those who arent.

That emphasis on work underlies deep cuts and proposed changes to food stamps, cash assistance and health benefits for the poor in a budget that boosts spending for the military and border security. Expect the poor to work in exchange for aid, the White House argues, and antipoverty programs will work better while costing the government less.

If that strategy sounds as if it lacks compassion, says the budget director, Mick Mulvaney, the Trump administration is trying to balance compassion for taxpayers, too.

We need people to go to work, Mr. Mulvaney said this week. If youre on food stamps, and youre able-bodied, we need you to go to work. If youre on disability insurance and youre not supposed to be  if youre not truly disabled, we need you to go back to work. We need everybody pulling in the same direction.
In Alabama, where 58 people have been put to death since Mr. Arthur was sentenced for the 1982 murder of Troy Wicker, the most pressing issue these days seems to be how long it takes to carry out capital sentences. If Mr. Arthur, 75, is executed on Thursday, his death will come one week after the Legislature gave final approval to a plan to reduce the length of appeals in capital cases.

Men dont cry, but I have, Mr. Arthur, whose case was unaffected by the measure, said in a telephone interview from the prison that houses Alabamas execution chamber. Im scared to death right now.

Mr. Arthur confessed to one murder but was given a death sentence for a second that he insists he did not commit. In regards to the latter, the state authorities contend that Mr. Wickers wife, Judy, hired Mr. Arthur, her lover, to carry out the killing so she could collect an insurance payout. Ms. Wicker, who was found guilty and spent about a decade in prison before being released on parole, ultimately testified against Mr. Arthur, who was on work release from a life sentence for another killing when Mr. Wicker was murdered. (A woman who answered the phone at a number connected to Ms. Wicker hung up on a reporter.)

Near the end of a trial in the early 1990s, Mr. Arthur proclaimed his innocence but asked for a death sentence that he said would allow him greater opportunities for appeal.

I will not be executed, Mr. Arthur said, according to a transcript of the proceedings. Im totally positive of that. I wouldnt dare ask you for it if I thought for a minute that I would be executed.
Travelers in California enjoy the isolation that comes with driving along Highway 1, a serpentine route with steep cliffs known for its spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean.

That feeling of being cut off from civilization took on a different meaning on Saturday after more than 1 million tons of rock and dirt cascaded down a slope in a landslide the likes of which local officials said they had never seen before.

The slide buried about a quarter of a mile of the highway in dirt up to 40 feet deep. The road, also known as State Route 1, was shut for about 12 miles from Ragged Point to Gorda, Calif., which is about 70 miles south of Monterey.
Good morning.

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The life sciences industry is one of Californias strongest economic engines  and its growing.

A new report by Biocom, a trade group based in San Diego, found that in the last five years, employment in the states industry grew by 10 percent to more than 360,000 jobs, many of them high-paying.

In the life sciences, research labs and the companies that spin out of them turn science into commercial applications such as gene-editing tools, medicines and fuels derived from plants.

Some other takeaways from the report:

 Californias life sciences industry has commonly been identified with San Diego and the Bay Area, but they are rivaled by two other hubs. Los Angeles County hosts more than 2,400 businesses and labs, about as many as in all of Northern California. In Orange County, the figure is about 1,300.

 In 2016, Californias life sciences were propelled by nearly $3.6 billion in funding from the National Institutes of Health. (President Trump has now created uncertainty by pushing to cut the agencys budget by nearly a fifth.)

 The average life sciences salary in California is considerable: more than $108,000.

 Job growth may begin to taper in coming years as companies increasingly rely on automation.
Mr. Landrieu left little mystery about his own journey and about how he saw the issue in New Orleans as far more than a local one about monuments and Confederate history.

We need to change, he said. And we need to change now. No more waiting. This is not just about statues, this is about our attitudes and behavior as well. If we take these statues down and dont change to become a more open and inclusive society, this would have all been in vain.

His speech has resonated nationally to a remarkable degree, reprinted in publications like The Atlantic and hailed in The Chicago Tribune as one of the great modern speeches on history and race in America. A column in The New York Times hailed Mr. Landrieu for putting some poetry back in public life and for demonstrating afresh that in language beautifully rendered, we find our humanity fully acknowledged.

Back home, the reaction to the monument removal was more mixed, with both praise and bitter denunciations, especially from critics who viewed the controversy as an unnecessary civic battle engineered by an ambitious politician with aspirations as high as the presidency.
A bag that was used by Neil Armstrong to collect rocks from the surface of the moon in 1969 will go up for public auction in New York on July 20. It is expected to fetch $4 million or more.

The bag, which still contains traces of priceless moon dust, has been on a wild ride over the past half-century  and not just to the moon and back as part of the Apollo 11 mission that took men there for the first time in human history.

Since returning to Earth, the moon bags erstwhile custodians have included a museum president who was convicted of theft; a woman in Illinois who had the good fortune to stumble upon the bag, mislabeled, at an online auction; and the NASA space center in Texas, where it was held under lock and key as the United States attorneys office fought a yearlong legal battle to transfer the bag into government custody.
PM Dahal to address nation from Singha Durbar today

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal will address the nation from Singha Durbar at 4 pm on Wednesday, his personal secretary Prakash Dahal informed.
A man in Florida who shot two of his roommates dead gave an unusual defense, the authorities say: they were neo-Nazis who had disrespected his recent conversion to Islam.

The arrest of the gunman, who said he had also been a neo-Nazi before becoming Muslim, led to the discovery that a fourth roommate had been stockpiling materials that could be used to create a bomb, according to a federal criminal complaint. That roommate, a member of the Florida National Guard, kept a picture of Timothy McVeigh, the Oklahoma City bomber, on his dresser, the authorities said.

Both men are now in custody. The accused gunman, Devon Arthurs, 18, has been charged with two counts of murder, and his surviving roommate, Brandon Russell, 21, has been charged with two counts related to the explosive material and devices.

Authorities first became involved on Friday evening when Mr. Arthurs took three people hostage at gunpoint at a head shop in Tampa, according to an affidavit from the Tampa Police. He was arrested soon after.
Conversion therapy, sometimes called reparative therapy or sexual reorientation, is rooted in Freuds idea that people are born bisexual and can move along a continuum from one end to the other. The is no single, agreed upon approach; the therapy may include the sort of thought-stopping techniques used to control anxiety and depression, as well as religious counseling.

The legislative process in some states has reflected an attempt to avoid interfering with religious liberties and parental rights by focusing only on public funds and mental health care providers. As legislators have debated the bans, many have noted during the legislative process that conversion therapy has been discredited by experts, including the American Medical Association and the American Psychological Association, and that its methods have sometimes been abusive.

Connecticuts law, for example, banned health care professionals, or anyone else engaged in trade or commerce, from efforts to change a youth, while allowing other forms of counseling that provide support in a neutral way.

A similar focus prevailed in Nevada, where the bill was passed only after legislators changed it to clarify its intent  that the law would apply only to mental health providers, and not to pastors or other religious counselors. Governor Sandoval said such clarifications were meant to avoid interference with religious liberties or rights of conscience.

When asked about that change, Senator David R. Parks, the Democratic sponsor, said if a licensed mental health provider also provides counseling as a pastor, for example, they must weigh where their professional role ends and where their pastoral duties begin, he said in an email reply to a question.

The distinction was also made in the law signed in April by Gov. Susana Martinez of New Mexico. This bill does not prohibit a minors ability to seek counsel, advice, or guidance from a counselor if they are trying to understand their feelings, nor does it prohibit religious organizations from freely practicing their religion, she said in a statement after signing the bill into law.
House Republican leaders, who pushed the bill through their chamber before the budget office could complete its final estimate, focused on the deficit reduction still on offer. The House bill would reduce federal budget deficits by $119 billion over a decade, less than the $150 billion in savings projected in late March for an earlier version of the bill, but still substantial, Republicans said.

Republicans in Congress generally focus more on reducing health costs than on expanding coverage. Their proposals will inevitably cover fewer people than the Affordable Care Act, they say, because they will not compel people to buy insurance.

But critics zeroed in on a bifurcated health care system that the bill could create: Those who are sick, at risk of getting sick or nearing retirement would pay more, while those who are young and healthy would pay less. In states that obtain waivers from rules mandating essential health coverage at uniform rates, the legislation could put insurance economically out of reach for some sick consumers.

Unless youre a healthy millionaire, Trumpcare is a nightmare, said Senator Chuck Schumer of New York, the minority leader. This report ought to be the final nail in the coffin of the Republican effort to sabotage our health care system.
Indeed, the report said, only D.E.A. agents, not the Hondurans, had the necessary equipment to command the operation and had direct access to intelligence. Rather than taking orders from Honduran police, the agents gave tactical commands to the Hondurans during missions. Accounts of all three shootings, it said, showed that agency leaders made the critical decisions and directed the actions taken during the mission.

The D.E.A. refused to cooperate with the State Department as it sought to investigate what had happened in Ahuas. Michele M. Leonhart, then the agencys administrator, told the inspector general she had approved that decision because subordinates told her there was no precedent for the State Department to investigate a D.E.A. shooting and it might compromise its investigations, the report said.

But the agencys own review was little more than a paper exercise in which a FAST supervisor conducted no interviews and merely collected written statements from agents who omitted material facts, the report said.

The D.E.A. accepted the reports observations and recommendations.

The loss of life and injuries which occurred between May and July of 2012 were tragic, Mary B. Schaefer, the agencys chief compliance officer, wrote in a response. D.E.A. acknowledges that its pre-mission preparation was not as thorough as it should have been and that the subsequent investigation lacked the depth and scope necessary to fully assess what transpired that night.

Ms. Schaefer emphasized that the agencys leadership had turned over since 2012 and that it had already made significant changes in this area over the last five years.

In particular, she disclosed, the agency has disbanded its FAST program. It had its last deployment in 2015 and was subsequently renamed. In March, its remaining personnel were folded into a program that trains agents for law-enforcement operations on domestic soil.
WASHINGTON  The House Intelligence Committee will issue subpoenas to Michael T. Flynn, President Trumps first national security adviser, the committees senior Democrat said on Wednesday, escalating Mr. Flynns troubles with Congress.

The Democrat, Representative Adam B. Schiff of California, said Mr. Flynn had declined the panels request for documents and an interview as part of its investigation into Russian meddling in last years election.

Those subpoenas will be designed to maximize our chance of getting the information that we need, Mr. Schiff told reporters during a breakfast hosted by The Christian Science Monitor. And I think we need to use whatever compulsory methods are necessary to get the information that he possesses.

Mr. Schiff said he hoped the committee would issue the subpoenas this week, before Congress leaves for a one-week recess. It was unclear whether the subpoenas would seek documents or Mr. Flynns testimony, or both.
WASHINGTON  American spies collected information last summer revealing that senior Russian intelligence and political officials were discussing how to exert influence over Donald J. Trump through his advisers, according to three current and former American officials familiar with the intelligence.

The conversations focused on Paul Manafort, the Trump campaign chairman at the time, and Michael T. Flynn, a retired general who was advising Mr. Trump, the officials said. Both men had indirect ties to Russian officials, who appeared confident that each could be used to help shape Mr. Trumps opinions on Russia.

Some Russians boasted about how well they knew Mr. Flynn. Others discussed leveraging their ties to Viktor F. Yanukovych, the deposed president of Ukraine living in exile in Russia, who at one time had worked closely with Mr. Manafort.

The intelligence was among the clues  which also included information about direct communications between Mr. Trumps advisers and Russian officials  that American officials received last year as they began investigating Russian attempts to disrupt the election and whether any of Mr. Trumps associates were assisting Moscow in the effort. Details of the conversations, some of which have not been previously reported, add to an increasing understanding of the alarm inside the American government last year about the Russian disruption campaign.
Are babies better off if they sleep in a cardboard box?

For decades, the government of Finland, which has one of the worlds lowest infant mortality rates, has given expectant mothers a cardboard box, which is filled with baby supplies and can double as a baby bed. Now American hospitals and public health groups have taken notice and begun to supply free baby boxes to parents with the goal of reducing sleep-related infant deaths.

Earlier this year, New Jersey announced plans to distribute as many as 105,000 of the boxes. Ohio will give away up to 140,000 boxes this year, and Alabama is set to give away another 60,000. And this month it was announced that hospitals and organizations in Texas would give away as many as 400,000 of the boxes. The boxes, which come filled with items such as clothes, diapers, nursing pads and a snug-fitting mattress, are given to new parents as part of an educational campaign about safe sleeping practices for infants.

But the rapid pace at which the box programs have been adopted by states and hospitals worries some experts, who say the boxes have not yet been proven to be a safe infant sleep environment or an effective tool in reducing infant mortality.

Ive been very surprised at how much enthusiasm theres been for this and how people are just jumping on this bandwagon, said Dr. Rachel Moon, chairwoman of the American Academy of Pediatrics task force on Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Theyre just assuming that since it worked in Finland that its going to be fine.
RIO DE JANEIRO  Besieged by protests, Brazils president on Wednesday deployed federal troops to restore order in the capital, Brasilia, after demonstrators calling for his ouster clashed with security forces.

Defense Minister Raul Jungmann went on national television on Wednesday afternoon to insist that President Michel Temer was only trying to restore calm in the capital by calling in the troops to patrol some areas. One of the citys iconic modernist buildings, the Agriculture Ministry, was set on fire, and other government buildings were vandalized during the mayhem. Regional officials in Brasilia put the number of protesters on Wednesday around 35,000.

A protest that was supposed to be peaceful deteriorated into violence, vandalism and disrespect, Mr. Jungmann said.

While supporters of the move say the capital must remain calm and functioning, the use of the armed forces in Brazil touches a nerve among critics of the military dictatorship that ruled the country from 1964 to 1985, a period known for human rights abuses and the restriction of civil liberties.
The United Nations said on Wednesday that the Trump administrations proposed budget cuts would simply make it impossible for the global organization to maintain essential operations.

The statement, by a United Nations spokesman, added to the growing criticism of a budget submission for the 2018 fiscal year that would reduce funding of the State Department by roughly a third and cut foreign assistance by about 29 percent.

The spending proposal, which was released on Tuesday, would reduce American financial support for the United Nations, including for its peacekeeping operations and international aid programs. The United States is the organizations biggest single donor.

The figures presented would simply make it impossible for the U.N. to continue all of its essential work advancing peace, development, human rights and humanitarian assistance, Stephane Dujarric, a spokesman for Secretary General Antonio Guterres, said in response to queries about the budget proposal.
Even if family planning stopped, habits die hard, he said. Overall, our structure is where Japan was in 1992, and our economic waning will be a long-term trend.

Other demographers strongly disagreed with Mr. Yi.

His findings have not been published in a peer-reviewed journal. Some Chinese experts said that Mr. Yi overstated the problems in the official data, perhaps to fit his longstanding criticism of Chinas family planning controls.

To report that India surpassed China as the largest population on earth, without the announcement of some agency such as the United Nations Population Division, or a serious and peer-reviewed study, is not quite professional, said Wang Feng, a sociologist at the University of California, Irvine, who studies Chinas population trends. The problem with Mr. Yis number is that it is based on a hasty and careless calculation.

He and other experts scoffed at the idea that China had essentially cooked data to create a phantom population almost as big as Henan Province, which has 94 million people.

I think that the numbers from the National Bureau of Statistics are quite reliable, said Lu Jiehua, a population researcher at Peking University, referring to the birthrate estimates.

As well, what would their motive be for faking on a major scale? Mr. Lu said. Being totally dismissive is not objective or scientific.

This debate has broad implications, but it will also be fought over seemingly slight differences in assumptions and data that population scientists use to study trends.
Report blames police weakness in Malkot shootout

The shootout that took place on the day of the first-level local election, May 14, at Malkot of Kalikot to which the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) candidate for ward chairperson lost his life was due to failure on the part of police administration to properly deal with the situation and exercise restraint, a field survey report says.
The designer Wan Yifang discovered that reality recently when local officials seized on the sewing machines in her small subsidized studio space as a violation of the buildings fire code prohibiting production.

The government doesnt really know what its doing, said Ms. Wan, who is currently looking for a new studio. Design studios are really a new thing for them. Theyve never thought about how to differentiate between large-scale manufacturers and small design studios.

Still, such drawbacks are minimal when compared with the citys relaxed lifestyle and many conveniences. The ease of communication platforms like Tencents WeChat and the frequency of flights out of Xiamen have further bridged the gap, allowing local designers to tap into what has become a fast-moving fashion revolution in China, a country that just one generation ago had little option but to wear somber-colored Mao suits.

Fashion in China moves so quickly, said Timothy Parent, founder of China Fashion Bloggers, a blog about Chinese fashion. In just a few decades, the concept of made in China has become designed in China. Instead of producing clothes, more and more people now want to create and design them.

As a result, a growing number of young Chinese fashion designers are rising to the fore. Many, like Ms. Wang and Ms. Wan, are returning home after studying abroad at prestigious institutes like Central St. Martins in London, bringing with them a unique design language that fuses a multitude of influences and cultures.

These days, Chinese designers are more international, said Mr. Zhe, who created Sankuanz in 2008 and has since mentored many young local designers. But of course, the sense of nationality  that sense of being Chinese  can be difficult to shake off.
MANILA  President Rodrigo Duterte warned on Wednesday that he may declare martial law throughout the Philippines to deal with the threat of Islamist militancy, making the remarks one day after he imposed military rule on a southern island.

Mr. Dutertes statement came after he cut short a trip to Russia on Tuesday night and announced he was placing the entire southern island of Mindanao under military control because of the growing insurgent threat there. The declaration came after Abu Sayyaf extremists backed by members of another insurgent group burned down buildings in the predominantly Muslim city of Marawi to prevent troops from arresting a top rebel commander.

On Wednesday, he raised the prospect that Islamic State-inspired rebels could gain a foothold in the north of the country. If I think that the ISIS has already taken foothold also in Luzon, and terrorism is not really far behind, I might declare martial law throughout the country to protect the people, he said, referring to the countrys largest and most populous island.

It is our constitutional duty to ensure that every family, every community, all Filipinos, are assured to live in peace and harmony, he said, while pledging to the public that there will be no abuses.
No one should be persecuted based on their sexual orientation, activity or gender identity alone, Roseann Rife, the director of East Asia research at Amnesty International, said in the statement.

What counts is their service, not their sexuality, she added.

Ms. Rife said South Korea should repeal an archaic and discriminatory provision in its Military Criminal Act that outlaws sex between gay soldiers and to get up to date when it comes to the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual and intersex people.

The South Korean military criminal code outlaws sodomy and other unspecified disgraceful conduct between servicemen, whether or not there is mutual consent and whether or not that conduct takes place in or outside military compounds. Those found to have violated the act face up to two years in prison.

In South Korea, the rights of sexual minorities are a largely taboo and politically unpopular subject. In recent years, powerful right-wing Christian groups have intensified a campaign against homosexuality, scuttling a bill that would have given sexual minorities the same protections as other minority groups.

During his presidential campaign, the countrys newly elected leader, Moon Jae-in, a human rights lawyer and liberal, disappointed rights groups who have otherwise supported him by saying that he opposed homosexuality and same-sex marriage.
TAIPEI, Taiwan  In a ruling that paves the way for Taiwan to become the first place in Asia to recognize same-sex marriage, the constitutional court on Wednesday struck down the Civil Codes definition of marriage as being only between a man and a woman.

The legislature now has two years either to amend the Civil Code or to enact laws addressing same-sex couples.

If the legislature fails to pass an amendment or legislation in the next two years, same-sex couples shall be allowed to have their marriage registration effectuated at the authorities in charge of household registration, the court wrote in a news release.

When the ruling was announced, cheers broke out among the hundreds of supporters who had gathered outside the legislature, monitoring developments on a big-screen television.
While the Conservatives will not want to be seen as taking advantage of the horror, the party was already trying before the bombing to change the national conversation, away from the U-turn by Mrs. May on social policy and toward Mr. Corbyns old sympathies with Sinn Fein and the Irish Republican Army. The right-wing press, which supports the Conservatives, published material from Mr. Corbyns decades-old file held by MI5, the domestic intelligence agency, which investigated his perfectly legal associations with Irish Republicans.

In a television interview last Sunday, Mr. Corbyn refused numerous times to specifically condemn the I.R.A.s bombing campaign in Britain; instead he insisted on condemning all the bombing by both the Loyalists and the I.R.A.

After the Manchester bombing on Monday, security will be more prominent in peoples minds, said Steven Fielding, a professor of political history at the University of Nottingham. We dont know how prominent, or for how long, but it will be closer to the front of important issues. He noted that over the weekend, as the Tories were struggling with issues over the dementia tax, there was suddenly a discussion of Corbyn and the I.R.A.

Security in general, Professor Fielding said, is already seen to be a weakness of Corbyn, who has insisted that he is not a pacifist and that he would renew Britains nuclear deterrent, even though he could not imagine ever using it.

So there can only be more questions about him after the Manchester bombing, Professor Fielding said, even if the Conservatives bend over backward not to be seen to be exploiting a tragedy for political purposes.

Professor Bale noted that attacks now on Corbyn for being soft on terrorism would probably backfire on the Conservatives for being opportunistic and in bad taste. But the right-wing news media is likely to raise the issue again as Election Day comes closer, given the Conservative strategy to make this election as much as possible about leadership and a straight choice between Mrs. May and Mr. Corbyn.

Mrs. May will, of course, have the benefit of holding office in a time of crisis, said Tony Travers, a professor of government at the London School of Economics. Criticism leveled at her that she was a Home Office P.M. and perhaps did not have the breadth to understand all the issues a prime minister must is suddenly reversed when theres a terrorist attack, when the Home Office and security are the prime interest of the state, and it fits her, he said.
 The American pop singer Ariana Grande is suspending her tour until at least June 5. It was after her concert in Manchester that the terrorist attack occurred.

View more photographs from the investigation and aftermath of the attack here.

Eight Men in Custody in Connection With Attack

At an early afternoon news conference, Chief Constable Ian Hopkins of the Greater Manchester Police said that eight men had been arrested in connection with the attack on Monday. The arrests took place in Manchester; in the town of Wigan to the northwest; and to the south, in the town of Nuneaton, which is near the city of Birmingham. A woman who was arrested on Wednesday has been released.



I want to reassure people that the arrests that we have made are significant, and initial searches of premises have revealed items that we believe are very important to the investigation, Chief Constable Hopkins said. These searches will take several days to complete, as you would expect. Therefore will there will be some disruption. However, it is very important that we continue with these searches.

 Sewell Chan

Army Bomb Experts Destroy Suspicious Package

At 10:54 a.m. on Thursday, the Manchester police announced that an army bomb disposal unit was heading toward Linby Street in the citys Hulme neighborhood, just west of the city center. Helicopters flew overhead and sirens blared; some of the commotion could be heard as far away as St. Anns Square, where Mancunians gathered to observe the national minute of silence at 11 a.m. A half-hour later, the police announced that the the incident has now been deemed safe and that the security cordon had been removed.

 Sewell Chan

A Moment of Silence for the Dead

Hundreds of people filled St. Anns Square in Manchester for a moment of silence at 11 a.m. in remembrance of the 22 people killed in the attack.
MOSCOW  Many of Russias leading cultural figures were up in arms on Wednesday after investigators raided an acclaimed theater in Moscow and took its renowned artistic director in for questioning as part of a corruption investigation.

The director, Kirill S. Serebrennikov, leads the Gogol Center, the focal point of the recent artistic reawakening in the Russian capital.

Raids at the Gogol Center and Mr. Serebrennikovs apartment took place on Tuesday, and he was released late that night after hours of questioning in connection with an investigation of a multimillion-dollar embezzlement scheme.

Actors who were rehearsing in the theater at the time of the raid there had to give up their phones and stay in the building for hours until the search was completed.
Francis left no doubt about his message in the gifts he gave to his guest, notably the essay on the importance of the environment, which stands as a rebuke to the climate change skepticism espoused by Mr. Trump. Francis also presented him with a medallion engraved with the image of an olive tree  a symbol of peace, he explained. We can use peace, Mr. Trump said. Francis replied, It is with all hope that you may become an olive tree to make peace. As he bade the pope farewell, Mr. Trump told him, I wont forget what you said.

For Mr. Trump, who came here after stops in Saudi Arabia and Israel, the visit to the Vatican capped a tour of the ancestral homes of three of the worlds great monotheistic religions. For Francis, who made his own landmark visit to Egypt last month, it was a chance to welcome a second American leader, after President Barack Obama paid his respects in 2014. Unlike that meeting, few expected a meeting of the minds. Pope Francis and Mr. Trump have diametrically opposed views on issues like immigration, climate change and arms sales. Although both appeared determined not to let politics spoil their encounter, their fraught personal history and divergent personal styles made for a loaded backdrop.

In Saudi Arabia, Mr. Trump came with a $110 billion arms deal and was embraced by a royal family eager to improve relations with Washington. In Israel, he expressed Americas solidarity with a close ally and staked his claim as a peacemaker. At the Vatican and elsewhere in Europe, however, Mr. Trump has had to overcome suspicions.

At 8:20 a.m., under an azure sky, the presidents motorcade rolled into the courtyard of the Apostolic Palace. Swiss Guards stood at attention as Mr. Trump and his wife, Melania, stepped out of a sport utility vehicle  he in a dark suit, she in a black dress with a veil on her hair. A few minutes earlier, the pope arrived in a lone blue Ford Focus.

Archbishop Georg Ganswein, the prefect of the papal household, greeted Mr. Trump and escorted him to an antechamber outside the popes office, where, after a few seconds, Francis came to greet him. Thank you so much, Mr. Trump said. Its an honor.

After posing for a picture  protocol, the pope murmured  Mr. Trump took a seat across a wooden desk from Francis. Vatican officials shooed reporters out of the room and the two men met for half an hour (the popes session with Mr. Obama lasted 20 minutes longer). Speaking to reporters later, Mr. Trump described the session as fantastic. Later, on Twitter, he wrote, I leave the Vatican more determined than ever to pursue PEACE in our world.
So, as NATO officials freely admit, there will be severe time limits, especially at a dinner Thursday night where 29 heads of state and government, plus NATOs secretary general, Jens Stoltenberg, are all expected to speak  but only for less than five minutes each. Even at that, it could be as much as two and a half hours of speechifying. There is likely to be some discussion of Afghanistan and the fight against the Islamic State, but no decisions will be made.

Before the dinner, there will be a ceremonial unveiling of two monuments in front of NATOs costly new building, which will be dedicated but is not yet ready for occupancy. That will give Mr. Trump a chance to say some public, scripted words that NATO officials, who asked not to be identified before the event in keeping with diplomatic practice, hope will contain the magic words Article 5.

As Thomas Wright of the Brookings Institution has pointed out, the crucial nuance is that Mr. Trump has never said that NATOs original mission of countering Russian power in Europe is no longer obsolete. Nor has he openly committed to the defense of the Baltic nations, for example, under Article 5, though both Vice President Mike Pence and Jim Mattis, the defense secretary, explicitly endorsed Article 5 at the Munich Security Conference in February.

NATO officials hope Mr. Trumps chance will come when he unveils a piece of twisted metal from the World Trade Center, destroyed on Sept. 11, 2001, which was the only time the alliance ever invoked Article 5  and that to defend the United States. More than 1,000 non-American NATO soldiers have died fighting in Afghanistan.

Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany, Europes most powerful figure, will unveil a chunk of the Berlin Wall, which came down in 1989, to symbolize how NATO kept the peace during the Cold War.
For Melania Trump, a Fashionable Entrance and a Special Tour

As soon as Melania Trump set foot on Italian soil on Tuesday, she began to make news. Stefano Gabbana, half of the Dolce & Gabbana brand, spared no time in noting on Instagram that the first lady had stepped off Air Force One wearing one of the labels designs. THANK YOU, he wrote.

Only Roman Catholic queens and princesses are allowed to wear white during a private papal audience, so Mrs. Trump chose a black lace dress and veil over her hair  no word yet on the designer. She also held a rosary, which she asked the pope to bless. He complied.

After the president and his entourage met with Francis, Mrs. Trump was whisked off for a private tour of the Pauline Chapel, which has frescoes by Michelangelo, and of the Sala Regia, where popes held court for centuries. Both halls are normally off limits to the public.

Mrs. Trump then joined the president for a peek at the Sistine Chapel before visiting St. Peters Basilica, which was closed to tourists until the visit was over.

Later in the day, she went to the Vatican-owned Bambino Gesu Pediatric Hospital, where she placed a wreath of flowers at the foot of a statue of the Virgin Mary, known as the Madonna of the Miracle, before briefly visiting the cardiac intensive care unit.

She spent most of her time at the hospital with a small group of young patients, greeting them in Italian, asking how they were, and apologizing for failing to speak the language well, according to reporters who were present.
Searching for sanctuary

In a striking symbolic gesture of Nepals commitment against wildlife trade and poaching, more than 4,000 animal parts, stored for about two decades after being seized from poachers, were burnt in the Chitwan National Park (CNP) on Monday.
The anniversary has been celebrated as a seminal modern moment for Jews, their return to rule over a united Jerusalem for the first time in about 2,000 years. But in recent years, the day itself has become favored more by the religious right. On Wednesday, as they do each year, young nationalist Jews paraded through the Arab Quarter singing and waving flags in front of stone-faced Palestinians, most of whom closed their shops in protest and fear.

There is no wall, said Sam Samir, 58, the Palestinian owner of a T-shirt shop, denying the Jews belief that their sacred temple once stood atop that site. Instead, Muslims revere the place as the home of Al Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock.

Even President Trump split the difference on the issues surrounding the Western Wall: It was among his first stops on his trip here this week, and he became the first sitting United States president to visit it. But he did so without Israeli officials and sidestepped the diplomatic issues around it.

The United States and most other nations have not recognized Israels annexation of territory captured in 1967, and both Israelis and Palestinians claim Jerusalem as their capital. The United States, like others, is waiting for a final deal between the two sides, which Mr. Trump says he is determined to broker.
It could raise grave doubts about the credibility of the American security guarantee and provide Russia with an incentive to probe vulnerable Baltic States, Thomas Wright, a Brookings Institution scholar, wrote last week, before Mr. Trump began his first foreign trip as president.

The NATO leaders who will meet on Thursday face other difficult questions as well, including how many troops the United States will contribute to replenish the alliances forces fighting in Afghanistan. Right now, the international security force assisting the Afghan Army has about 13,000 troops; about 8,400 of them are American. Mr. Trump is considering proposals to send as many as 5,000 more, including Special Operation forces.

Mr. Trump is scheduled to speak Thursday afternoon at NATOs new headquarters, a gleaming $1.2 billion facility that he will help dedicate with a part of the World Trade Center in New York that was destroyed in the Sept. 11 attacks.

The alliance invoked Article 5 the next day, telling the United Nations on Sept. 12, 2001, that if the attack had come from outside the United States, it would be covered by the mutual defense pact. NATO later affirmed that decision when Al Qaeda was identified as the group responsible.

By invoking Article 5, NATO members showed their solidarity toward the United States and condemned, in the strongest possible way, the terrorist attacks against the United States, the alliance says on its website.

Endorsing Article 5 would align Mr. Trump with every previous American president since the treaty was signed. All of them publicly reaffirmed that the United States would come to the aid of a NATO member that came under attack. But it would follow more than a year of criticism and complaints by Mr. Trump that NATO was taking advantage of the United States and that other member states were not pulling their weight.

In a March 2016 interview with The Times, Mr. Trump said that NATO was obsolete, that Russia was no longer the threat it had once been, that other NATO nations were not contributing their fair share, and that they were not fighting terrorism as aggressively as the United States does.
In the minds of parents and teenagers going through the college application process, May 1 is a magic date. At that point, youve sent in a deposit, bought a sticker for your car window and posted your choice on social media.

This year, however, scores of teenagers had something unexpected happen next: During the first week in May, they received text messages or emails from schools that had accepted them but had not heard back. The messages all hinted at a particular question: Might a larger discount prompt you to come here after all?

Hampshire College, Elizabethtown College, Washington & Jefferson College and Ursinus College, all private liberal arts schools, did this sort of outreach in recent weeks, as did Lawrence University, and perhaps others. For some students, such notes can be a dream come true if they make their first-choice college more affordable.

These invitations raise ethical questions in higher education: Schools are not supposed to dangle discounts in front of people who have committed to other institutions. Liberal arts colleges with flexible discounting policies may be tempted to skirt that line, given that families might worry about the value of their programs in the workplace. But late communications to applicants about financial aid, even without mentioning dollar amounts, can seem like flat-out poaching to the schools that have already admitted those students.
Below, see how the proposal would affect every aspect of government spending. Some agencies appear in multiple categories. The F.B.I. appears under both national defense and criminal investigations, for example.
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The Trump administration has been the target of full-throated resistance from women on the left, who say it could be one of the most damaging to women in recent memory. We tested these accusations by using an analysis known as gender-based budgeting, and found that the deepest cuts in President Trumps budget would be in the programs that spend more on women than on men.

A budget is, of course, a wish list and a statement of priorities, and Congress has already signaled its opposition to parts of Mr. Trumps plan. In particular, the 10-year totals we examined are their own special form of fiction. But we can look at which types of programs would be hit harder than others.

President Trumps first budget proposes cuts that disproportionately affect women, according to our examination of 12 safety net and entitlement programs. Proposed cuts in Medicaid, housing assistance and low-income energy assistance would hit women particularly hard.

Thats because in the United States, women tend to benefit from social safety net spending more than men, according to census data. The budget calls for cutting Medicaid, where women receive 69 percent of total spending, by more than $800 billion over 10 years.

The budget also proposes cuts to SNAP benefits (also known as food stamps), cash welfare and energy assistance, all programs where more than 60 percent of funds are spent on women.

Programs that tend to benefit women

There are some programs where men receive more government spending. They receive substantially more in federal government retirement, military retirement and unemployment insurance. Over all, cuts to these programs over the long term were smaller. The programs fall under mandatory spending, meaning that their funds dont need to be renewed every year by Congress. Instead, cuts would be made through the structure of the program itself. This is also true for Medicaid, Medicare and SNAP.

Programs that tend to benefit men

Social Security, where spending is split nearly 50-50, is virtually unchanged.

In addition to the large programs above, we looked at a list of smaller federal programs that womens advocates have identified as particularly critical for women.

Mr. Trumps budget proposal for 2018 left many of the existing programs unchanged. The biggest cut in percentage terms was for the Womens Bureau, a small office dedicated to promoting working women. A new program would provide six weeks of paid leave to new parents, including fathers.

Programs that address womens issues directly

Womens advocates argue that to understand the potential impact of the budget on womens health, its not enough to examine funding levels. Rules can change, too. For example, the new budget proposes a ban on Health and Human Services funding for entities that provide abortions, including Planned Parenthood. This ban would include funds from Title X, which provides money for family planning clinics, and Medicaid reimbursement for other services. So even if Title X funding remained the same, those who can benefit from it would change.

The ideas behind gender- based budgeting

Gender-based budgeting has been used over the years in 80 countries (but not widely in the United States), according to Janet G. Stotsky, a former adviser at the International Monetary Funds Office of Budget and Planning.

Gender-based analysis has demonstrated, for example, that women in Britain bore the brunt of its austerity programs and prodded San Francisco to install more street lights for womens safety.

Austria has included gender-based budgeting as part of its constitution. This year, Canada for the first time issued a gender statement as part of its budget, identifying more than 60 measures that affected men and women differently and allocating new spending for areas like child care. In Britain, the independent Womens Budget Group issues a yearly budget scorecard. In Rwanda and Uganda, budgets improved sanitary facilities for high schools because a lack of running water in bathrooms was one factor keeping adolescent girls out of school; in Mexico City, creating women-only transportation helped women get to work safely and kept them employed, Ms. Stotsky said.

Without detailed data on who benefits from different programs in the United States, our analysis leaves many questions unanswered.

It ignores taxes. The United States allows people to file their taxes jointly, making it difficult to parse how men and women fare differently under the tax code. (In other countries, for example Britain, people file independently regardless of marital status.)

Its also unclear how to distribute benefits solely by gender. For example, the Trump budget proposes $200 billion in infrastructure spending. While good roads and bridges benefit everyone, its likely that, in a male-dominated industry like construction, men will be the main beneficiaries of new jobs. But their families would benefit, too. Additionally, its unclear what the gender effects are for many of the grants the federal government provides to the states.
Three Gorkha soldiers killed in Jammu and Kashmir LoC

Three Nepalis serving in the Indian Army were killed in Naugam sector along the Line of Control (LoC) in India occupied Jammu and Kashmir on Monday night, various Indian media reported.
US gun massacres are so common they rate only one day in the news cycle. Who, for example, remembers the Orlando Pulse nightclub shootings less than a year ago--the biggest gun massacre in US history?



Many US women die from angry, armed partners

(Image by Martha Rosenberg) Details DMCA



The gun lobby and the pols in its pocket say after a mass shooting, "let's not legislate on fresh graves" to block any new gun laws in reaction to the deaths. But when the graves are no longer fresh, the press, public and lawmakers have forgotten about the bloodshed.

Last week, a gunman took the lives of an Ohio police chief and two nursing home employees at the Pine Kirk Care Center in Kirkersville, Ohio. Why? He wanted to get even with his estranged girlfriend, a nurse who worked there, and everyone else in the vicinity.

The Kirkersville nursing home shooting was eerily similar to another in 2009 in which the gunman was also seeking revenge against his estranged partner, a nurse who worked at the Pinelake Health and Rehabilitation Center Nursing Home in Carthage, North Carolina. The gunman killed eight and wounded two, including a responding police officer.

Neither events were a surprise. The Kirkersville gunman was found guilty in three separate domestic violence cases involving the nurse, Marlina Medrano, he killed. An egregious domestic abuser, he had been charged with beating, choking, kicking, stomping and attempting to run the nurse over with his car reported Campus Safety. He was sentenced to 90 days in jail for those incidents, but released less than three weeks later by Licking County Municipal Court Judge Michael Higgins. Wild guess: a woman judge would not have released him.

The Carthage, North Carolina murderer was widely known to be alcoholic and violent yet he was not a prohibited gun purchaser. In fact he used his legally purchased 12-gauge Winchester 1300 shotgun, .357 Magnum revolver and 22 Magnum semi-automatic pistol for the murders.

John Lott, the discredited pro-gun researcher, attributed the Pinelake massacre to it being a "gun-free zone." What? First of all, Lott, guns were not prohibited at the facility. (Nor did the "good guy with a gun" stop the murders.) But more importantly, how would infirm, bedridden nursing home residents defend themselves with guns?

Is Lott really saying if only the ailing and frail residents, hooked up to IVs, dialysis machines and ventilators had been armed--the murders wouldn't have happened?

Increasingly, gun-wielding domestic abusers kill everyone in proximity to their partner. In 2012, a gunman strode into an Orlando beauty salon his wife managed and fatally shot three, injuring his wife. The same year a gunman shot and killed the manager of a salon where his wife worked in Sioux Falls. Also that year, a gunman fatally shot his wife and two other women in a suburban Milwaukee salon.

Similar shootings in which bystanders were shot along with intended victim also occurred at salons in Georgia, Orange County and Miami.

The gun lobby appreciates the public's short memory of massacres. But if women regularly walked into bars and killed their husbands and everyone sitting next to him would the male-dominated gun lobby be as silent as it is about women's deaths? Or would it ask how women with histories of domestic abuse who were under orders of protection managed to get guns and kill?

(Article changed on May 25, 2017 at 20:38)
This Memorial Day, Monday, May 29, 2017, is the 100th birthday of John Fitzgerald Kennedy, the 35th President of the United States.

JFK was assassinated on November 22, 1963, as he approached the end of his third year in office. Researchers who spent years studying the evidence have concluded that President Kennedy was assassinated by a conspiracy between the CIA, Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Secret Service.

Kennedy entered office as a cold warrior, but he learned from his interaction with the CIA and Joint Chiefs that the military/security complex had an agenda that was self-interested and a danger to humanity. He began working to defuse tensions with the Soviet Union. His rejections of plans to invade Cuba, of the Northwoods project, of a preemptive nuclear attack on the Soviet Union, and his intention to withdraw from Vietnam after his reelection, together with some of his speeches signaling a new approach to foreign policy in the nuclear age (see for example, here), convinced the military/security complex that he was a threat to their interests. Cold War conservatives regarded him as naive about the Soviet Threat and a liability to US national security. These were the reasons for his assassination. These views were set in stone when Kennedy announced on June 10, 1963, negotiations with the Soviets toward a nuclear test ban treaty and a halt to US atmospheric nuclear tests..

The Oswald coverup story never made any sense and was contradicted by all evidence including tourist films of the assassination. President Johnson had ro cover up the assassination, not because he was part of it or because he willfully wanted to deceive the American people, but because to give Americans the true story would have shaken their confidence in their government at a critical time in US-Soviet relations. To make the coverup succeed, Johnson needed the credibility of the Chief Justice of the US Supreme Court, Earl Warren, to chair the commission that covered up the assassination. Warren understood the devastating impact the true story would have on the public and their confidence in the military and national security leadership and on America's allies.

As I previously reported, Lance deHaven-Smith in his book, Conspiracy Theory in America, shows that the CIA introduced "conspiracy theory" into the political lexicon as a technique to discredit skepticism of the Warren Commission's coverup report. He provides the CIA document that describes how the agency used its media friends to control the explanation.

The term "conspiracy theory" has been used ever since to validate false explanations by discrediting true explanations.

President Kennedy was also determined to require the Israel Lobby to register as a foreign agent and to block Israel's acquisition of nuclear weapons. His assassination removed the constraints on Israel's illegal activities. http://www. voltairenet.org/article178401. html

Memorial Day is when Americans honor those in the armed services who died serving the country. JFK fell while serving the causes of peace and nuclear disarmament. In a 1961 address to the United Nations, President Kennedy said:

"Today, every inhabitant of this planet must contemplate the day when this planet may no longer be habitable. Every man, woman and child lives under a nuclear sword of Damocles, hanging by the slenderest of threads, capable of being cut at any moment by accident or miscalculation or by madness. The weapons of war must be abolished before they abolish us. It is therefore our intention to challenge the Soviet Union, not to an arms race, but to a peace race - to advance together step by step, stage by stage, until general and complete disarmament has been achieved."

Kennedy's address was well received at home and abroad and received a favorable and supportive response from Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev, but it caused consternation among the warhawks in the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The US led in terms of the number of nuclear warheads and delivery systems, and this lead was the basis for US military plans for a surprise nuclear attack on the Soviet Union. http://prospect.org/ article/did-us-military-plan- nuclear-first-strike-1963 Also, Many believed that nuclear disarmament would remove the obstacle to the Soviet Army overrunning Western Europe. Warhawks considered this a greater threat than nuclear armageddon. Many in high military circles regarded President Kennedy as weakening the US viv-a-vis the Soviet Union.

The assassination of President Kennedy was an enormous cost to the world. Kennedy and Khrushchev would have followed up their collaboration in defusing the Cuban Missile Crisis by ending the Cold War long before the military/security complex achieved its iron grip on the US government. Israel would have been denied nuclear weapons, and the designation of the Israel Lobby as a foreign agent would have prevented Israel's strong grip on the US government. In his second term, JFK would have broken the CIA into a thousand pieces, an intention he expressed to his brother, Robert, and the Deep State would have been terminated before it became more powerful than the President.

But the military/security complex struck first, and pulled off a coup that voided all these promises and terminated American democracy.


No More Drug War

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First, we should define our terms. The "war on drugs" that was started by Richard Nixon in 1971 and persists to this day, refers to illegal "street drugs" -- cocaine, heroin, marijuana and variations thereof. It is not used to mean a war on legal pharmaceuticals, whose excessive and often inappropriate prescribing takes over 100,000 lives a year in our country. Ironically, prescription opioids alone took 35,000 lives last year -- about equal to traffic fatalities.

The argument to criminalize "street drugs", and severely punish their sellers and users, is largely based on the assumption that a "tough on crime" approach will reduce addiction and abuse of these dangerous substances. Criminalizing drug use consistently fails to address the health problems of addiction, and drives the drug trade underground where crime, violence and death flourish.

Our country learned this hard lesson firsthand when it prohibited the production and sale of alcoholic beverages in 1920 through the 18th Amendment to the Constitution. That led to an underworld of organized crime and illegal undercover stills making "moonshine", whose victims could hardly go for medical treatment. Considered a failure, the amendment was repealed in 1933 with the 21st Amendment.

This national experiment with prohibition verified the wise observation of the famous dean of the Harvard Law School, Roscoe Pound, who said that there were certain human behaviors that are beyond "the effective limits of legal action." In short, the law couldn't stop the addicting alcohol business; it could only drive it underground.

Legalizing the sale and possession of alcohol allowed people suffering from alcoholism to come out of the shadows and find support through thousands of successful chapters of Alcoholics Anonymous and other treatment options. Alcoholism is still a problem in our country, but it is out in the open where a rational society can address it.

Nicotine from tobacco products is one of the most addictive drugs that people can ingest. Lawmakers since the days of the Virginia tobacco growers in the 17th century have not prohibited the smoking of tobacco. For generations, smoking cigarettes and cigars was not considered harmful; it was said to help concentrate your mind on your tasks. The mass media perpetuated such false statements through ads that claimed doctors preferred Lucky Strikes because they were "less irritating."

Then the historic and widely reported US Surgeon General's Report of 1964 concluded that cigarette smoking is a cause of lung cancer and laryngeal cancer in men, a probable cause of lung cancer in women and the most important cause of chronic bronchitis. Over time, accumulating scientific knowledge connecting smoking to lung cancer and a host of other diseases began changing habits.

In 1964 about 44% of American adults smoked regularly; now it is down to 17%. Now smokers cannot indulge on airplanes, buses, trains or in schools, waiting rooms and most office buildings. Had we driven tobacco use underground, organized crime would have claimed the tobacco market and smokers and low-level dealers would have been jailed. If alcohol prohibition taught us the limitations of drug criminalization, efforts to reduce tobacco use have shown what is possible when dangerous products are taxed and regulated and consumers are educated.

So, what about "street drugs?" The drug trade is tearing Mexico apart. Just in the past few years, over 50,000 people have been slain by the fights between drug cartels and against police, judges, reporters and innocents who just happen to be in the way of the machine guns. Fear, anxiety, outright terror and political corruption grips large regions of our southern neighbor as the cartel's violently work to meet the black market demand in the US and elsewhere.

Drug dealers in the US fight each other, producing violent crimes and terrorized neighborhoods.

To suppress this drug trade the US is spending tens of billions of taxpayer dollars a year. Drug cases are clogging our court dockets and crowding out important cases involving corporate crimes and negligence. Low-level drug offenders continue to receive mandatory minimum sentences; filling our prisons and leading to the expansion of the private prison industry whose lobbyists prefer a status quo that commodifies the ruined lives who sustain their profitable inventory.

For decades, conservatives like William F. Buckley and progressives like the then Mayor of Baltimore, Kurt Schmoke, have called for decriminalization, or legalization and regulation, of illegal drugs. We don't jail alcoholics for being alcoholics, or incarcerate people for smoking highly addictive cigarettes. Their addictions are treated openly as afflictions to be treated individually and more broadly through sound public policies.

Despite the many calls for reform, the arch-reactionary Attorney General, Jeff Sessions, has recently ordered 5,000 federal assistant US attorneys to charge defendants peddling street drugs, many of whom are addicts themselves, with the most serious crimes and impose the toughest penalties possible.

Not so fast, say a growing group of liberal and conservative members of Congress. From Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) to liberal Patrick Leahy (D-VT), lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are joining together to sponsor a bill to end mandatory minimum sentences. Senator Paul said such sentences "disproportionately affect minorities and low-income communities" and will worsen the existing "injustice" in the criminal justice system, while Senator Leahy declared that as "an outgrowth of the failed war on drugs, mandatory sentencing strips criminal public-safety resources away from law-enforcement strategies that actually make our communities safer."

The bipartisan bill, S.1127, is already supported by 37 Senators and 79 members of the House. Both the NAACP and the Koch brothers support this legislation!

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Public opinion on abortion, unlike other hot social issues, has changed very little over the last 30 years. According to both Pew and Gallup surveys, most Americans think abortion should be legal under some but not all circumstances. However, a hard core of 20-30% believe it should be legal in every case, and 12-22% believe it should never be legal.

We must distinguish between abortion as a moral and as a legal/political issue. A person may be morally opposed to abortion and still accept its legality under the 1973 Roe v Wade decision. The United States is a pluralistic democracy that includes people with different moral codes. We should hesitate to use the coercive power of government to enforce a moral belief rejected by a broad sector of the American people.

The number of abortions in 2014 was 926,200, much less than the 1990 peak of 1.6 million. However, for people who see abortion as the moral equivalent of infanticide or murder, this number represents an ongoing holocaust, and Roe v Wade was an abomination.

The strictest proponent of this view is the Catholic Church: "Human life must be respected and protected absolutely from the moment of conception. From the first moment of his existence, a human being must be recognized as having the rights of a person..." (CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH, article 2270). Conservative Christian groups such as evangelicals and Southern Baptists are nearly as strict, but (inconsistently) make allowance for saving a mother's life or for rape or incest.

The opposite extreme is argued eloquently by The Nation columnist Katha Pollitt in her 2014 book Pro: Reclaiming Abortion Rights. She criticizes the apologetic tone adopted recently by abortion supporters, contrasting it with "the 1970s, when activists proudly defended 'abortion on demand and without apology'." She rejects as a patriarchal relic and an affront to human dignity any law that seeks to control a woman's body through her reproductive system.

Pollitt claims that even if we grant personhood to a fetus, a law requiring a pregnant woman to continue her pregnancy in order to keep the fetal person alive would be like a law making a mother donate her kidney to her child if that were the only way to keep the child alive. But a supporter of the Catholic position would say this is a weak analogy because abortion is a direct act of killing a (fetal) person, unlike the refusal to donate a kidney.

Here we need to look more closely at the concept of a person. Personhood signifies membership in a legal or moral community, which implies the ability to participate in that community. This in turn requires the ability to be conscious of an obligation (legal or moral) and act according to it. That's why, although we think of pets as family, we don't regard them as legally or morally guilty of their misbehaviors. However beloved, they just aren't persons.

Personhood confers not only membership, but also a special kind of value, one that is intrinsic, unconditional and equal in all persons. This is the value that our founders pointed to when they said in the Declaration of Independence: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights...." The words "respect" and "dignity" are often used to express recognition of this value.

Adherents of the extreme positions on abortion seem to believe that personhood is an all-or-nothing attribute. However, the capacity for membership in the moral or legal community is not fully developed in children--for instance, we don't expect 5-year-olds to have a full consciousness of moral or legal obligation. From birth to late adolescence, they gradually acquire the full capacity for functioning as persons, and with it the full measure of respect and dignity appropriate to adults (equally). Adults are rightly insulted when treated as children.

As extreme "pro-life" advocates point out, there is a continuous process of development from conception to adulthood. There is no yawning gap from moment to moment in the development from embryo to fetus to infant, juvenile and adult that would present a radical transition from zero personhood to being a person. Extreme pro-lifers want to see this seamless developmental continuity as a slippery slope: unless we recognize a newly conceived single-celled human "as having the rights of a person," we end up justifying infanticide and murder.

However, babies don't have many of the rights of persons. Adult parents carry them around, limit their mobility and make all kinds of decisions for them. Babies are nevertheless members of the community because (unlike fetuses) they are rapidly developing conscious personhood through interaction with other members, especially adults, a process that can't begin until birth. As nearly actual persons they are different from anything else except adult persons, and are valued accordingly.

There is nothing inconsistent in according greater rights to these nearly actual persons than to a human being not yet able to be part of the community. All the more so when this human being can exist only inside the body of the mother, often an adult with full rights.

The advocates of "abortion on demand without apology" make the same all-or-nothing error as their extreme opponents. They want to believe that the killing of a late-term fetus is no more regrettable than killing the single-celled beginning of a human life. They ignore the greater reality of personhood in a late-term fetus compared to an embryo, a reality not yet fully actual, nor as actual as in a baby, but nevertheless much greater than in an embryo.

Surely it is reasonable to claim that it's worse to kill a late-term fetus than to kill an embryo, so that the reason for a late-term abortion should be much stronger than in early pregnancy. A late-term abortion may be necessary sometimes, but it can't be dismissed as merely an episode in a woman's reproductive health-care history.
From WSWS



The Washington Post

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In editorials published simultaneously for their Sunday editions, the New York Times and the Washington Post called for caution in the anti-Trump campaign they have been spearheading with claims of nefarious connections between the Trump presidential campaign and the Russian government.

The Times editorial, headlined "Watergate? We're Not There Yet," cites comparisons between the crisis of the Trump administration and the scandal that brought down President Richard Nixon 43 years ago, only to suggest that impeachment or forced resignation is not yet the order of the day.

After repeatedly slamming Trump as a stooge of Russian President Vladimir Putin and a threat to US national security, including the publication last week of an editorial with comparisons to Watergate, the Times now counsels the Democrats to proceed cautiously and avoid "distraction." It advises leveraging the official investigations into possible collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia, along with the continuing decline in Trump's poll numbers, to "win back a majority next year in at least one house of Congress" in the 2018 mid-term elections.

The Washington Post editorial similarly suggests that the anti-Trump campaign "will require time," both for newly appointed special counsel Robert Mueller, the former FBI director, and for the various House and Senate committees investigating alleged Russian intervention into the 2016 election.

The Post editorial, under the headline "It's time to focus -- finally -- on running the country," demands that the Democrats "talk about something other than impeachment in the coming weeks," and that Republicans "face the task at which they have so far failed: governing responsibly."

The Post is more explicit about the social and class policies underlying the campaign over alleged Trump-Russia connections. It demands action on health care to reduce "uncertainty among the insurers upon which the system relies." In other words, the two big-business parties must contain their mutual mudslinging and get on with the pro-corporate austerity measures demanded by the financial elite.

Similarly, Congress must "pass a new budget and raise the debt ceiling." It must carry through "tax reform," which means cutting taxes for the wealthy and for corporations, while making sure that such actions "cannot result in higher deficits." In other words, tax cuts for the rich must be paid for by slashing social programs for working people.

Last but by no means least, the editorial cites concerns about Trump's foreign policy in relation to North Korea, Syria, the Islamic State, Iran, Russia and "other hostile powers."

Neither newspaper attempts to square the intensity of their onslaught against the Trump administration, particularly over the past two weeks, with their current declarations in favor of caution and biding one's time.

The situation could shift quickly, but the editorials from the Times and the Post reflect a broader pullback from immediate calls for impeachment and references to Watergate from within the media and political establishment. In recent days, prominent congressional Democrats such as Adam Schiff, the ranking member of the House Intelligence Committee, and Elijah Cummings, the ranking Democrat on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, have called talk of impeachment premature.

These developments underscore the fact that there is no democratic or progressive content to the opposition to Trump from within the political establishment and the capitalist state. The Democratic Party and the media are not concerned with having a fascistic-minded president and an administration packed with corporate CEOs and generals dedicated to waging war, tearing up social programs and organizing a further redistribution of wealth to the rich. On such matters, there is far more that unites the ruling class than divides it.

What are the considerations driving the warnings about proceeding too rashly on the question of impeachment?

First, the central concern of Trump's opponents within the ruling class since his inauguration has always been to force a shift in policy, particularly foreign policy. On the US war in Syria, the maintenance of the NATO alliance and, above all, aggression toward Russia, Trump was deemed to be not on message by the dominant factions of the military and intelligence apparatus.

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The Enduro World Series heads back to Ireland this weekend for round four, the Coillte Emerald Enduro.Three hundred and fifty riders will descend on Carrick Mountain for the third year in a row to race what has rightly become an EWS classic. As famous for its fans as its trails, the Irish round has become known for its electric atmosphere thanks to the thousands of spectators who line the tracks come race day. And this year theres even more reason to celebrate as local hero Greg Callaghan (Cube Action Team) leads the series, and as such will be the last man down the hill this Sunday. Having won here in both 2015 and 2016, and fresh from the win in Madeira last week, theres some heavy expectation on the young Irishmans shoulders.However, theres a host of riders trying to deny Callaghan his hat trick. Sam Hill (Chain Reaction Cycles Mavic) sits just a few points behind Greg in the series and having come second here last year its clear these tracks suit his riding style. GT Factory Racings Martin Maes could also prove a threathe placed second in Madeira and is in third position in the overall competition. And no-one would discount reigning Champ Richie Rude (Yeti/Fox Shox Factory Racing) from the mix eitherhes yet to take a win this year and will be hungry for points if he is to defend his title.In the womens race, Cecile Ravanel (Commencal Vallnord Enduro Team) is as dominant as ever. She may have had to settle for second place behind Isabeau Courdurier (Sunn) at round two in Tasmania, but she stormed to victory in Madeira to win the race by over a minute. However, Isabeau will be hot on her tail as these two continue their battle that has raged all season. Other names to watch out for include Ines Thoma (Canyon Factory Enduro Team) who lies second in the series and Katy Winton (Trek Factory Racing Team) who sits third. Israeli privateer Noga Korem came from nowhere to end up on the third step of the podium in Madeira and is definitely capable of mixing things up again this weekend.In the U21 category, all eyes will be on last years winner Killian Callaghan, who is currently tied on points at the top of the table with Vojtech Blaha. Martha Gill has a clear lead in the U21 Womens race but lost out on the win in Madeira to EWS rookie Estelle Charles, so expect some fierce rivalry between these two on Sunday.Mary Mcconneloug leads out the Masters Women with a convincing points lead but will have local riders Orla McClean and Sophie Bagnal chasing her down. In the Master Men Karim Amour (BH-Miranda Racing) leads, followed by Nigel Page (Chain Reaction Cycles Mavic) in second and reigning Champ Michael Broderick in third.The team competition is closer than ever with Ibis Cycles Enduro Race Team just out in front of Canyon Factory Enduro and GT Factory Racing.This years race also incorporates an EWS Challenger event on Saturday. The Challenger will see amateurs race four of Sundays stages to get a taser of an EWS without any of the pressure, before getting to watch the pros hit the very same trails the next day.Speaking ahead of this weeks race, Enduro World Series Managing Director Chris Ball, said: The Irish round is always one of the most exciting races of the year. It may not have the high mountains of some of our other venues, but it always brings the drama. The fans turn out in force and make this an extra special event for the ridersthe atmosphere is insane. And with Greg leading the series and last man down the hill, I can only imagine the noise levels this yearbring it on.
UML accuses govt of gerrymandering

The opposition CPN-UML has taken serious exception to the governments decision to increase the number of local federal units in the midst of the polls, charging the ruling parties with gerrymandering.
Five Brits to Watch at the 2017 World Series of Poker

May 24, 2017 Matthew Pitt Editor

The 2017 World Series of Poker is almost upon us and hundreds of budding poker players from the United Kingdom are set to jet off to Las Vegas in the hopes that they can show the world what they are made of and return home with a suitcase crammed full of dollars.

We are blessed with a wealth of talented poker players here in the U.K. so it is difficult to single out a handful of those grinders for a list on who UK & Ireland PokerNews think could excel during the 2017 WSOP. Difficult as it may be, we have compiled a list of five British pros who we think could light up Las Vegas and be reveling in glory on the streets of Sin City.

Max Silver

Max Silver

Max Silver, owner of the SnapShove app, is one of our favorite players to watch thanks to his aggressive, fearless style of play. Silver also has enjoyed an impressive record at the WSOP over the past three years, cashing a total of 18 times for combined scores of $742,120.

Silver reached the money places 10 times at the 2016 WSOP, including a 33rd place finish in the $10,000 Main Event that netted him $216,211.

Dont expect Silver to tear up trees in the early stages of the WSOP because he has informed UK & Ireland PokerNews that he doesnt arrive in Las Vegas until June 8, but will then be playing a busy schedule until the series concludes.

Simon Deadman

Simon Deadman

Simon Deadman is another player who has a solid record at the WSOP. Since 2015, Deadman has cashed in 12 WSOP events and won $531,984, with $391,466 of that total stemming from his runner-up finish in the $5,000 No-Limit Holdem Six-Handed event at the 2015 WSOP.

Anyone checking out Deadmans Hendon Mob profile will see the star has only cashed twice so far in 2017, but that only tells half of the story. Deadman and his wife, Shola, recently relocated to Las Vegas so he has a home team advantage on his side; dont underestimate the positives of being able to sleep in your own bed after a day grinding poker tournaments.

Deadman told UK & Ireland PokerNews that he plans to play pretty much everything this summer and when a player of Deadmans quality logs volume, the results tend to be positive.

Tom Hall

Tom Hall

Tom Hall may have a reputation for being a satellite tournament specialist but that hides the fact that he is a terrific multi-tournament player too. Hall is currently ranked sixth in the U.K. and 52nd in the world by the Global Poker Index and he could well be the dark horse on our list and the one who flies home with a bracelet adorning his wrist.

Six cashes worth $35,269 were what Hall had to show for his 2016 WSOP efforts. The faster structures of the WSOP events should suit Hall. The fact he flies under the radar somewhat will be another advantage in his corner.

Hall recently finished third in a tough 10,300 High Roller event at the partypoker MILLIONS for 142,000 and finished fifth in a 5,200 no-limit holdem Hyper Turbo Eight-Max in Monaco for 14,740.

Patrick Leonard

Patrick Leonard

Patrick Leonard, the partypoker ambassador, seemed like he wasnt 100 percent sure if he was heading to Las Vegas, saying he thinks he is playing and if he does head to the WSOP, hell play everything. We think the lure of the WSOP will be too strong for Leonard and hell head there and make a nuisance at the felt.

Leonard cashed three times at the 2015 and 2016 WSOP for combined scores of $111,876, and while hes yet to cash in a live event so far in 2017, he has been crushing tournaments online and therefore will be used to, like Tom Hall, the faster blind structures of the WSOP events.

Niall Farrell

Niall Farrell

Niall Farrell, ranked second in the U.K. and 17th in the world by the Global Poker Index, has enjoyed a plethora of success at the WSOP in recent years. Six cashes in 2016, six in 2015 and three in 2014 bagged the Scot $877,992.

Last year, Farrell came agonizingly close to winning a bracelet when he finished second in a $1,500 No-Limit Holdem Shootout for $163,158 and then he followed that up with an eighth-place finish in the $111,111 High Roller for $486,383.

More recently, Farrell won the partypoker WPT Caribbean Main Event for $335,000 and finished sixth in the partypoker Million North America event for CA$160,000.

You may be wondering why Charlie Carrel hasnt been mentioned in this list of five players.

UK & Ireland PokerNews reached out to Carrel and asked if he was heading to the WSOP this year and he didnt reply, possibly because he was too busy bossing the SCOOP and winning millions of dollars.

Carrel skipped the 2016 WSOP for personal reasons, but if he heads there for the 2017 series, he is sure to hit the headlines at some point. Combining his talent with the run-good hes currently experiencing is a recipe for success.
PR-Inside.com: 2017-05-24 14:06:01

SANTA CLARA, Calif., May 24, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aeris, a pioneer and leader in the Internet of Things (IoT) market, said today it and Mevia are the 2017 recipient of the "Enterprise Service Innovation" award given by Global Telecoms Business magazine. Representatives from Aeris and Mevia received the honor at a gala awards dinner Tuesday evening in London, U.K. This is the second consecutive year Aeris received this industry honor.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/452d5a3e-061c-43fb-8edc-4047ee7292eb.

Mevia provides intelligent solutions to improve the quality of medical treatments. This is done by supporting and enabling people to take the right medication at the right time. This helps improve adherence, which is one of the greatest obstacles to successful medical treatments.



Missed medication and adherence is a huge challenge globally for healthcare providers and pharmaceutical companies alike. Up to $289 billion is spent on missed medication and adherence issues in the U.S., and the global pharmaceutical market's revenue loss is estimated to be $564 billion owing to medication non-adherence, according to the IMS Health Institute.

Mevia has created technology, enabled by Aeris IoT Solutions platform, which can be adapted to work in blister packs, pill dispensers, and pill pouches, providing patient support and personal adherence feedback in real-time.

For Mevia's part, the company is trying to make it as easy as possible for the user to take the right medication dose at the right time. What Mevia does is add printed traces onto packaging so when a consumer takes out a pill they are breaking a trace. The trace feeds into an electronic device so that when the consumer takes any pill out of the package, Mevia knows exactly which one it is and when it is taken out.

Mevia then uses GSM, CDMA and LTE networks provided by Aeris to send this data in real-time from the package into Mevia's information technology system, which can connect instantly with a patient, doctor, care giver or relative in any form of communication that they prefer, including short message service, email, phone calls or push notifications via mobile app.

CLICK TO TWEET: Aeris (@AerisM2M), @Mevia earn #enterprise service #innovation #award from @GTBusiness | #IoT #medicationadherence http://bit.ly/2h6Iw5m

Supporting Quotes

Alan Burkitt-Gray, Executive Editor of Global Telecom Business and Capacity

"We had a superb range of projects nominated for this year's awards, the eleventh time Global Telecoms Business has presented our annual Innovation Awards. Each year since 2007 we've seen how the industry is getting more innovative and more imaginative about serving customers as technology advances. To get through the first hurdle and be shortlisted is already a great tribute to the quality of work here, and to go on to win an award shows an excellent level of innovation in driving demand for better quality services. Congratulations Aeris and Mevia. Men and women in the industry are making a huge difference to the world. At the GTB Innovation Awards we want to celebrate what men and women across the industry are doing to make a huge difference to the world."

Jesper Hassel, CEO, Mevia

"Mevia is honored to be recognized with Aeris by Global Telecoms Business for this industry honor. Together with Aeris, we are helping improve medical adherence and give our patients access to receive real-time, useful information no matter where they are in the world. What's great about working with Aeris is that we can set up quickly and operate easily in many different countries."

Syed Zaeem Hosain, Founder and CTO, Aeris

"Aeris welcomes the opportunity to collaborate with Mevia and tackle a huge worldwide problem involving missed medication and adherence through our Internet of Things solution platform. Our goal is to assist Mevia on their journey of turning unconnected products into connected services."

Digital Assets

Supporting Resources

About Aeris

Aeris is a pioneer and leader in the market of the Internet of Things - as an operator of end-to-end IoT and machine-to-machine (M2M) services and as a technology provider enabling other operators to build profitable IoT businesses. Among our customers are the most demanding users of IoT services today, including Hyundai, Acura, Rand McNally, Leica, and Sprint. Through our technology platform and dedicated IoT and M2M services, we strive to fundamentally improve their businesses - by dramatically reducing costs, improving operational efficiency, reducing time-to-market, and enabling new revenue streams.
PR-Inside.com: 2017-05-24 14:37:01

Supervisory Board nominates Sean Fernback (former CEO of HERE) and Kees Molenaar

Capelle aan den IJssel, the Netherlands - 24 May 2017 - AND is delighted to announce the nomination of Sean Fernback and Kees Molenaar to its Supervisory Board. Upon confirmation by the AGM, the Supervisory Board of AND will expand from three to five members. Mr. Westerhof will resign as Supervisory Board member at the end of his current term at 30 December 2017.



Sean Fernback has more than 10 years' executive experience in the mapping, location technology and navigation industry including both Consumer and Automotive sectors. During 2006 - 2013 he has worked for TomTom as Vice President Hardware Engineering and Senior Vice President Engineering & Product Development. In 2014 he joined HERE as Senior Vice President Consumer and was appointed interim CEO in 2015. He led the divesture of HERE, which was subsequently acquired by BMW, Daimler and Audi in December 2015. Sean is currently board member of Mapcode Foundation.



Kees Molenaar has broad experience with Dutch listed companies, mainly from an investment perspective and is familiar with the related governance practices. In the period 2013 - 2014 he has been active as a supervisory board member at HES Beheer, then a public company listed at Euronext Amsterdam and subsequently as CEO. In addition to HES Beheer, Kees has held different advisory and board positions for Delta Lloyd Investment funds, ING Barings, Kempen & Co. and Asterix Europe Fund. Kees is currently member of the Supervisory Board of Kempen beleggingsfondsen and Tradewind equity fund.



Rob Westerhof, chairman of the AND Supervisory Board: "I am delighted with the announcement of these nominations. Sean Fernback is a true industry expert and brings a wealth of experience and in-depth knowledge of the mapping, navigation and location spaces. Kees Molenaar has a broad experience in advisory boards and is very familiar with the Dutch corporate governance model. I am certain that they will be of great benefit to the functioning of the Supervisory Board."



The term of Mr. Westerhof ends on 30 December 2017. Mr. Westerhof has decided that this will be his last term and will stop as a member of the Supervisory board at 30 December 2017. Mr. Westerhof has served eight years as a member of the Supervisory Board of AND. The Supervisory Board has decided that after his resignation the Supervisory board will reduce from five to four members. The Executive and Supervisory Board are grateful for his many years of expert involvement at AND.



Provided that the proposed nomination will be adopted by the Extraordinary General Meeting, to be held on 7 July 2017, the Supervisory Board will consist of Rob Westerhof (Chairman), Maarten Douma, Barry Glick and Sean Fernback and Kees Molenaar (as of the date of Extraordinary General Meeting).



This is an English translation of the Dutch press release. In the event of any disparity between the Dutch original and this translation, the Dutch text will prevail.



This press release contains inside information within the meaning of Article 7(1) of the EU Market Abuse Regulation

Note for editor, not for publication. Note for editor, not for publication.

For further information, please contact Hugo van der Linde on 0031-10-8851200 or go to www.and.com

This announcement is distributed by Nasdaq Corporate Solutions on behalf of Nasdaq Corporate Solutions clients.

The issuer of this announcement warrants that they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and originality of the information contained therein.

Source: AND International Publishers via Globenewswire


PR-Inside.com: 2017-05-24 12:04:01

BearingPoints leadership in digital business innovation was recognized at this years event for Digital Excellence along with two Catalyst awards and the honoring of Andreas Polz as a Distinguished Fellow of TM Forum

BearingPoint Honored with Four Prestigious Awards at TM Forum Live! 2017

BearingPoint

Press contact

Alexander Bock

Manager Communications

Tel.: +49 89 540338029

Email: alexander.bock@bearingpoint.com

Announced to a packed audience at TM Forum Live! 2017, BearingPoint and its associated partners, Agile Fractal Grid Inc. and BT were named Smart City Innovator of the Year for their Agile Fractal Grid Smart Cities program. BearingPoint also won two Innovation Catalyst Awards, and Andreas Polz, Senior Manager at BearingPoint and CTO for Infonova R6, was honored as a TM Forum Distinguished Fellow.

Angus Ward, Partner at BearingPoint, said: We are delighted that BearingPoint won four prestigious awards at TM Forum this year. This is a record! The awards reflect our focus on enabling our clients to navigate the open digital economy.

The TM Forum Digital Excellence Awards recognize World leaders in successfully driving innovative breakthroughs with tangible impacts on business, industry and society.

The Agile Fractal Grid is a shared infrastructure program for migrating electric power distribution to decentralized control to improve reliability, resiliency, and security of electric power. Through partnering with rural electric cooperatives, the program aims to cover a large part of the US for decentralized power and enable communications services solving rural connectivity challenges. The Agile Fractal Grids platform of platforms enables a multitude of services and new business models for both consumers and businesses within a multi-sided ecosystem.

The Catalyst Awards

During the event, seven winning projects were selected from a record-breaking 32 Catalysts showcased, with BearingPoint participating in three and winning two awards. Catalysts are proof-of-concept projects developed collaboratively by TM Forum members. These projects bring together large and small companies to create innovative solutions to common challenges by leveraging key TM Forum best practices, tools and standards. Many innovative and thought-provoking proof-of-concept projects turned commercial solutions have been created by the Catalyst program.

Championed by Orange and NTT, and participants ESRI, BearingPoint, Amdocs and Symantec, the Catalyst Connected Citizens: a Green, Clean, [..] won Outstanding Contribution to TM Forum Assets. The Connected Citizens platform delivers the digital capability for multi-tenant, IoT enabled, secured smart services in todays dynamic cities. Third party players can develop digital services on top of standard APIs (Application Programming Interface) to deliver cleaner, safer, more adaptive and efficient environments for inhabitants and visitors alike.

Championed by Milton Keynes, Dublin City, Agile Fractal Grid and participants Cloudsoft, BearingPoint, BT and EXFO, the Catalyst Smart City on the Edge won Outstanding Performance in the Catalyst Program. This Catalyst applies Edge and Fog Computing principles on Smart City Data Hubs to improve efficiency of City operations by situational, decentralized decision-making and pushing intelligence from central data hub to local loop of programmable edge devices (e.g., IoT gateways and sensors).

Andreas Polz awarded as a Distinguished Fellow

Another highlight of the event saw BearingPoints Andreas Polz honored as a TM Forum Distinguished Fellow, joining the elite ranks of only 31 individuals who have helped shape the direction of TM Forums collaborative work to accelerate transformation in the communications industry over the past 28 years. TM Forums Distinguished Fellow Award recognizes individuals who have made a valuable contribution to TM Forum and the communications industry. Andreas is a Senior Manager at BearingPoint and CTO for Infonova R6, a global leader in digital ecosystem management and Business Support Systems (BSS). He joined BearingPoint in 2000 to support multiple telecom projects on three continents for many clients. He initiated the effort to create the Infonova R6 product from experiences gained in these projects and taking it to cross-industry opportunities. Andreas is specialized in value fabric based digital ecosystem platforms. Working with Standards Development Organizations (SDOs), committed to innovation in technology and business models alike, he is also co-Lead of the TM Forum Open API program. Before joining BearingPoint, Andreas spent a decade in academic research and with Siemens.

About BearingPoint

BearingPoint is an independent management and technology consultancy with European roots and a global reach. The company operates in three units: Consulting, Solutions and Ventures. Consulting covers the advisory business; Solutions provides the tools for successful digital transformation, regulatory technology and advanced analytics; Ventures drives the financing and development of start-ups. BearingPoints clients include many of the worlds leading companies and organizations. The firm has a global consulting network with more than 10,000 people and supports clients in over 75 countries, engaging with them to achieve measurable and sustainable success.

For more information, please visit:

Homepage: www.bearingpoint.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/bearingpoint

Twitter: @BearingPoint

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/201705240055

@BearingPoint honored with four prestigious awards at TM Forum Live! 2017 @tmforumorg #TMFLive
PR-Inside.com: 2017-05-24 23:09:13

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FSCwire / Press ReleaseThe following press release was disseminated by FSCwire for Bow Energy Ltd.--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---Calgary, Alberta (FSCWire) - Bow Energy Ltd. (TSX Venture:BBLS). has issued a press release with the following headline:Bow Energy Ltd. Announces Closing of Indonesia AcquisitionTo view this press release on the FSCwire website, please either click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into your browser:If you would prefer, you can also view this press release as a PDF file, please either click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into your browser:For more information on Bow Energy Ltd., or to see additional press releases issued by this company, please either click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into your browser: http://www.fscwire.com/public-company/Bow Energy Ltd.Source: Bow Energy Ltd. (TSX Venture: BBLS)Date: May 24, 2017Time: 5:08 PM EDT--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---The story mentioned above was issued on behalf of Bow Energy Ltd. and disseminated through FSCwire.About FSCwireFSCwire (a division of Filing Services Canada Inc.), is a global newswire dissemination, SEDAR, SEDI, and EDGAR / XBRL service provider.FSCwire is a full service global newswire dissemination company and is fully approved by all exchanges in Canada and the U.S. Press releases can be distributed for all sizes of public, private or not for profit companies and any other organization requiring news distribution. In addition to individual companies; public relations, communications and investor relations firms trust FSCwire to distribute press releases for their respective clients.In addition to newswire dissemination FSCwire also offers EDGAR, XBRL, SEDAR, SEDI, and additional services for publicly traded companies. For more information, please go to our website: http://www.fscwire.com Maximum News Dissemination by FSCwire. http://www.fscwire.com Copyright 2017 - FSCwire (a division of Filing Services Canada Inc.)
Dr. Kenneth Tan, co-founder of Sardina Systems, received the UK DATA ENTREPRENEUR award by the UKs premier initiative for celebrating data leadership and excellence.

PR-Inside.com: 2017-05-24 23:45:46

Press Information

Sardina Systems

Pohja puiestee 21/2-47, Tallinn 10414, Estonia



Katerina Gumenko

PR Manager

+372 61 48 032

email

http://www.sardinasystems.com





# 339 Words

Pohja puiestee 21/2-47, Tallinn 10414, EstoniaPR Manager+372 61 48 032

Tallinn, Estonia, 25 May 2017  Sardina Systems has been announced that co-founder Dr. Kenneth Tan was rewarded with the UK DATA ENTREPRENEUR title at Data 50 Awards 2017 in London, UK.The UK DATA 50 Awards event, organized by the Information Age, is the UKs premier initiative for celebrating data leadership and excellence among the sectors highest achievers. The main objective is to recognize the top individuals and companies creating business value and driving innovation from data in the enterprise.Sardina Systems is proud to have our co-founder rewarded with this prestigious title, among a list of more than 300 nominations submitted for 2017 Data 50 programme. The title is recognizing outstanding data innovation and achievements in the market.  said Anna Panchenko, VP of Marketing, Sardina Systems.The AI-driven technology in our product FishOS, churns through large volumes of operational data in driving highly efficient automation for OpenStack clouds. This enables data scientists at customers to distill insight to propel growth of their business through scalable, reliable clouds. We are able to provide customers a one-stop solution, from Concept, to Operation and Beyond. Data is now the beating heart of the British economy and the people we recognize as part of our Data 50 programme are the driving forces behind that. said Ben Rossi, editorial director of Information Age.The winners of the UK data entrepreneurs and global leaders categories of the Data 50 list for 2017, were decided by the Information Ages editorial team, while an independent judging panel met to decide the winners of the other ten Best in Class awards.For more info to go https://goo.gl/Bb5nOh or contact us at info@ sardinasystems.com About Sardina Systems:Sardina Systems ( www.sardinasystems.com) provides smart, efficient, super-scalable cloud automation technology, enabling organizations to rapidly experience the value of OpenStack cloud and maximizing the utility of their resources.Sardina Systems help customers to manage the full life-cycle of OpenStack environments, from Operation, to Deployment and Upgrade phases.Sardina Systems is headquartered in Estonia, with local presence in the UK, Germany, Romania and Russia.
PR-Inside.com: 2017-05-24 17:49:02

DANBURY, Conn., May 24, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Addivant(TM), the world leading supplier of liquid phosphite antioxidants for plastics, has announced that the European Food Standards Agency (EFSA) has further expanded the approval for the use of Addivant's nonylphenol-free stabilizer, WESTON 705, to an even broader range of food-contact applications.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/54bc7661-21ee-48f3-bd85-85e696d828c8

This expansion by EFSA increases WESTON 705's Specific Migration Limit (SML) by a factor of 2 to 10mg/kg. This makes WESTON 705 the perfect stabilization solution for the most demanding food packaging applications such as fatty food or alcohol content packaging. Tested against the newest and most stringent food-contact standards, WESTON 705 is the only antioxidant for plastics with a fully tested Non-Intentionally Added Substances profile.

"Regulatory bodies are actively restricting migration limits on all packaging components, and are using new toxicological standards that make it extremely difficult for a new additive to be launched in food-contact applications," said John Steitz, Addivant's CEO. "This expansion of the migration limit for WESTON 705 is yet another confirmation of its unique safety profile, making WESTON 705 the safest new liquid antioxidant developed over the last 20 years."

About WESTON 705

Already approved in more than 180 countries for food-contact packaging, WESTON 705 is the only nonylphenol-free liquid phosphite antioxidant alternative with food- contact approvals in the U.S., Canada, Europe, and China. This enables resin producers and packaging manufacturers to employ a single, global solution for Consumer Packaged Goods for customers looking to stay ahead of the regulatory curve. The result of more than seven years of research and investment, WESTON 705 is the most thoroughly tested new plastic antioxidant on the market today.

Addivant(TM) is dedicated to Responsible Care, the chemical industry's initiative to protect the environment; while ensuring the safety and security of our operations; and safeguarding the health and safety of our employees and neighboring communities.

To learn more about WESTON 705, visit https://www.weston705.com/

Company Contacts:

Americas: Beverly Kindermann: +1 203 702 6182

Europe: David DeCorte: +32 479 456 386

Asia Pacific: Bill Xu: +86 21 6032 6822

About Addivant(TM)

Addivant(TM) is an innovator in the field of polymer additives, developing customized solutions that provide customers enhanced application performance, safe handling, and reduction in cost of use. The company is recognized industry-wide for its extensive portfolio of specialty additives including antioxidants, light stabilizers, rubber additives, polymer modifiers, metal deactivators, polymerization inhibitors and intermediates. Addivant is an international company, with 11 plants on five continents, as well as research, manufacturing and sales facilities around the globe. Addivant maintains its global headquarters in Connecticut, USA, with regional headquarters in Al Jubail, Saudi Arabia, Basel, Switzerland, and Shanghai, China. Addivant is an independent portfolio company of SK Capital. Visit www.addivant.com for more information.

About SK Capital

Visit www.skcapitalpartners.com for more information.

ADDIVANT(TM) and WESTON are trademarks of Addivant.

Press Contact:

Joseph Grande

J. Grande Communications Inc.

mailto:joe@jgrandecommunications.com

+413.684.2463

This announcement is distributed by Nasdaq Corporate Solutions on behalf of Nasdaq Corporate Solutions clients.

The issuer of this announcement warrants that they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and originality of the information contained therein.

Source: Addivant via Globenewswire


UML stands between PM and Parliament

He will; he will not. Confusion reigned supreme the whole day on Tuesday as informationin bits and piecescame trickling in about Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahals possible announcement of resignation through an address in Parliament.
PR-Inside.com: 2017-05-24 21:03:01

PARIS, France, May 24, 2017: EURO Ressources S.A. ("EURO" or "the Company") (Paris: EUR) reports effective May 24, 2017, Mr. David Watkins was reappointed as Chairman of the board of directors of EURO by the board of directors after the shareholders meeting.

As well, EURO reports that the annual ordinary general meeting of shareholders held May 24, 2017 has determined that a dividend in the amount of 0.15 per ordinary share will be paid to the Company's shareholders. The ex-dividend date will be June 13, 2017, the dividend record date will be June 14, 2017, and the dividend payment date will be on June 15, 2017.

About EURO

EURO is a French company whose principal asset is a royalty payable by IAMGOLD Corporation ("IAMGOLD") related to the gold production of the Rosebel gold mine in Suriname (the "Rosebel royalty"). The Rosebel gold mine is 95%-owned by IAMGOLD, and it is operated by IAMGOLD. EURO has approximately 62.5 million shares outstanding. IAMGOLD France S.A.S., an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of IAMGOLD, owned approximately 89.71% of all issued and outstanding shares of EURO at May 24, 2017.

Statements Regarding Forward-Looking Information: Some statements in this news release are forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain and involve risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that future developments affecting the Company will be those anticipated by management.

Not for distribution to United States newswire services or for dissemination in the United States. The securities referred to herein have not been registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act), and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to a U.S. person absent registration, or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of, the Securities Act.

Additional information relating to EURO Ressources S.A. is available under EURO's issuer profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Requests for further information should be addressed to:

This announcement is distributed by Nasdaq Corporate Solutions on behalf of Nasdaq Corporate Solutions clients.

The issuer of this announcement warrants that they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and originality of the information contained therein.

Source: EURO Ressources via Globenewswire


PR-Inside.com: 2017-05-24 10:52:01

Jury Verdict of $256,450,000.00 against Nissan Motor Acceptance Corp. in Favor of Mike Kahns Superior Automotive Group in Lawsuit Brought by Miller Barondess, LLP

Miller Barondess, LLP

Skip Miller, 310-552-5251

smiller@millerbarondess.com

On May 22, 2017, in Nissan Motor Acceptance Corporation v. Superior Auto of Fremont, LLC, et al., Orange County Superior Court Case No. 30-2009-00305125-CU-BC-CJC, a jury awarded $256,450,000 against Nissan Motor Acceptance Corporation (NMAC). NMAC is the financing arm and a subsidiary of Nissan Motor Limited, the worldwide manufacturer of the Nissan automobile brand. The jury awarded $121,900,000 in compensatory damages; and the jury determined Nissans conduct to be so reprehensible that they found by clear and convincing evidence that Nissan acted with fraud, malice or oppression and awarded $134,550,000 in punitive damages.

This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/201705240053

The plaintiffs are the Superior Automotive Group, a group of Nissan and Toyota dealerships owned by auto dealer Michael Kahn. Superior was financed by NMAC and, in 2009, was put out of business by NMAC during the recession. The plaintiffs prevailed on claims for fraud by concealment and negligent misrepresentation. Amnon Siegel, lead trial lawyer for Superior and Mr. Kahn, said: I want to thank the jury for their hard work and diligence. After eight years, this was a hard-fought and well-deserved victory and vindication for Michael Kahn. Im happy for Mr. Kahn and his family.

The case was originally filed in 2009, tried to a jury before a different Judge in 2011 at which time NMAC obtained a $40 million judgment on its contract claim, then the fraud claims were reversed on appeal in 2014 and remanded for retrial. A copy of the California Court of Appeal opinion reversing and remanding the case for retrial is attached.

Superior Auto Group and Mr. Kahn are represented by Miller Barondess, LLP located in Los Angeles, California; their trial lawyer is partner Amnon Siegel assisted by associate Adithya Mani. Per Skip Miller, the firms managing partner, Im pleased by this result and very proud of Amnon for his hard work in bringing in this verdict; and most of all, Im happy for Mike Kahn. He finally obtained justice for what was done to him, his business and his family. Mike is a great guy, and a great car dealer, and he deserves this so he can get his life back.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/201705240053
Where people cross border to fetch water

The Gadhawa Rural Municipality-8 of Dang that lies close to the Nepal-India border is facing a critical shortage of drinking water, thus, forcing the locals to cross the border to fetch water.
PR-Inside.com: 2017-05-24 21:20:13

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FSCwire / Press ReleaseThe following press release was disseminated by FSCwire for Navasota Resources Inc.--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---Toronto, Ontario (FSCWire) - Navasota Resources Inc. (TSX Venture:NAV). has issued a press release with the following headline:Navasota Resources Announces Change of AuditorTo view this press release on the FSCwire website, please either click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into your browser:If you would prefer, you can also view this press release as a PDF file, please either click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into your browser:For more information on Navasota Resources Inc., or to see additional press releases issued by this company, please either click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into your browser: http://www.fscwire.com/public-company/Navasota Resources Inc.Source: Navasota Resources Inc. (TSX Venture: NAV)Date: May 24, 2017Time: 3:20 PM EDT--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---The story mentioned above was issued on behalf of Navasota Resources Inc. and disseminated through FSCwire.About FSCwireFSCwire (a division of Filing Services Canada Inc.), is a global newswire dissemination, SEDAR, SEDI, and EDGAR / XBRL service provider.FSCwire is a full service global newswire dissemination company and is fully approved by all exchanges in Canada and the U.S. Press releases can be distributed for all sizes of public, private or not for profit companies and any other organization requiring news distribution. In addition to individual companies; public relations, communications and investor relations firms trust FSCwire to distribute press releases for their respective clients.In addition to newswire dissemination FSCwire also offers EDGAR, XBRL, SEDAR, SEDI, and additional services for publicly traded companies. For more information, please go to our website: http://www.fscwire.com Maximum News Dissemination by FSCwire. http://www.fscwire.com Copyright 2017 - FSCwire (a division of Filing Services Canada Inc.)
Why a laggard?

The protracted debate over the lack of development and connectivity among the states of the North East region (NER) of India has once again taken centre stage. This deliberation emerges amidst three fast unfolding intra- and inter-regional scenarios.
Future Market Insights has announced the addition of the Fresh Meat Packaging Market: North America Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment 2016-2026" report to their offering.

PR-Inside.com: 2017-05-24 11:29:38

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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



Press: press@futuremarketinsights.com



Website: www.futuremarketinsights.com









email





Published by

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+1-347-918-3531

e-mail

http://www.futuremarketinsights.com







# 643 Words

616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comPress: press@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite: www.futuremarketinsights.comAbhishek Budholiya+1-347-918-3531

Future Market Insights (FMI) delivers key insights on the North America fresh meat packaging market in its latest report, titled Fresh Meat Packaging Market: North America Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment, 2016 - 2026. In terms of revenue, the North America fresh meat packaging market is expected to expand at a CAGR of 2.2% over the forecast period (20162026), owing to numerous factors, about which FMI offers thorough insights and forecasts in this report.To provide in-depth insights, a detailed consumer preference analysis was carried out at each level of the value chain, which includes film convertors, packaging equipment manufacturers, meat producers/co-packers and retailers. Some of the key highlights from the analysis include, preferred packaging technologies for different types of meat products, factors impacting purchasing decision of packaging materials and most commonly used layer types.Request For Sample@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-na-1517 Two individual markets, namely North America fresh meat packaging film and North America fresh meat packaging equipment were collectively considered to arrive at data regarding the North America fresh meat packaging market. North America fresh meat packaging film market is segmented on the basis of packaging format, meat type, packaging material, layer type and country. On the basis of packaging material, the market is segmented into PE, PVC, BOPP, PA, EVOH, PP and others. In terms of value, EVOH segment is anticipated to register a CAGR of 2.7% during the forecast period. On the basis of layer type, the market is segmented into monolayer, 3-layer, 5-layer, 7-layer and 9-layer. Among all layer type segments, 7-layer segment is anticipated to exhibit the highest revenue growth, followed by 5-layer segment over the forecast period. On the basis of packaging format, the market is segmented into MAP, VTP, VSP and others. In terms of value, MAP segment is expected to register a CAGR of 2.6% during the forecast period. On the basis of meat type the market is segmented into beef, pork, poultry and others. Among all meat types, beef segment is anticipated to remain dominant during the forecast period. On the basis of country, the market is segmented into the U.S. and Canada.A key trend defining the market is that of major players focusing towards enhancing their product portfolio and expanding their customer base by entering into strategic mergers and acquisitions. Furthermore, film convertors are also increasingly focused on downgauging and optimisation of packages size to offer eco-friendly and cost-effective solutions to meat producers, co-packers and retailers.This report assesses trends driving growth of meat packaging, and offers key takeaways that could prove substantially useful to manufacturers across different levels looking to enter into the market. The U.S. has been estimated to dominate the North America fresh meat packaging market, accounting for maximum revenue share of the market by 2016 end.Send An Enquiry@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/askus/rep-na-1517 Key players in the North America fresh meat packaging market were identified at each level of the value chain. At film convertor level, some of the key players are Bemis Company, Inc., Winpak Ltd., Sealed Air Corp. ,Berry Plastic Group, Inc., and Coveris Holdings S.A. At packaging equipment manufacturers level, some of the key players are Multivac Sepp Haggenmuller GmbH & Co.KG , Robert Reiser & Co, Harpak-ULMA Packaging, LLC, ALKAR-RapidPak, Inc., and Sealpac International BV. At meat producer level major player covered in the report include Tyson Foods, Inc., JBS SA ADR, Cargill Meat Solutions Corporation, National Beef Packing Company, LLC., and Hormel Foods Corporation. At the retailer level, some of the key players identified were Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., The Kroger Co., Costco Wholesale Corporation, Whole Foods Market IP. L.P., and Wegmans Food Markets Inc. At the retailer level, some players are focusing on private label products and regional expansion through setting up new stores. The Competitive Landscape is included to provide report audiences with a dashboard view and company share.
Sevan Multi-Site Solutions, LLC has been named one of the top 25 Best Places to Work in Illinois with 100-499 employees.

PR-Inside.com: 2017-05-24 07:51:06

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Sevan Multi-Site Solutions, LLC

1925 Forest Ave, Downers Grove, IL 60515



Keri Zeikus

Director, Human Resources

(312) 985-0968

email

http://www.sevansolutions.com





# 516 Words

1925 Forest Ave, Downers Grove, IL 60515Director, Human Resources(312) 985-0968

Downers Grove, IL  Sevan Multi-Site Solutions, LLC has been named one of the top 25 Best Places to Work in Illinois with 100-499 employees. This is the first year that Sevan has entered the Best Places to Work awards program, which began in 2006.Were delighted that our Illinois team members have helped us achieve this honor, says Jim Evans, President of Sevan. Although we have a national footprint of 220+ team members located across 31 states, one of our largest contingents is right here in Illinois. We have approximately 50 people in our Downers Grove headquarters and a number of folks who work out of home offices throughout Illinois. Evans continues: This recognition further validates our philosophy of putting employees first. We know that if we take care of them, theyll take care of our wonderful clients. In addition to offering great benefits like health insurance, job-protected parental leave, and educational assistance and expense reimbursement, Sevan also offers unlimited vacation and flexible work schedules. These benefits combined with Sevans employee-first attitude have also resulted in Sevan being nationally recognized as a Great Place to Work for the fourth year in a row by the independent analysts at Great Place to Work, the global authority on building, sustaining, and recognizing high-trust, high-performing workplace cultures. Sevan has also been nationally recognized by Great Place to Work as one of the 50 Best Workplaces for Flexibility.The 2017 Best Places to Work in Illinois awards ceremony was held on May 18. The statewide survey and awards program is designed to identify, recognize and honor the best places of employment in Illinois, benefiting the state's economy, workforce and businesses. Its promoted by The Daily Herald Business Ledger in partnership with the Human Resources Management Association of Chicago (HRMAC), the Illinois Chamber of Commerce, MRA-The Management Association, the Small Business Advocacy Council, the Greater Oak Brook Chamber of Commerce and Best Companies Group. Companies from across the state were judged via a two-part process. 25% of the evaluation was based on workplace policies, practices, and demographics. 75% was based on surveys that measured employee experience. The combined scores determined the top companies and final rankings.About SevanSevan is a certified Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB) that is committed to becoming the best in the world at delivering innovative design, program management, and construction services to companies with multiple sites. Leveraging our nationwide workforce and resources, weve helped some of the worlds most-recognized brandsincluding 7-Eleven, Albertsons, BP, Kroger, McDonalds, PetSmart Shell, Starbucks, Sunoco, and Walgreensroll out new multi-site initiatives efficiently, predictably, and transparently. Combining innovative technology with proven expertise, we optimize programs of all sizes, from new builds to rebuilds to remodels to renovations to modular construction to merchandising initiatives. Our experience spans numerous market sectors, including retail, restaurant, grocery, retail fuel and convenience stores, financial, government, as well as the healthcare, housing and hospitality industries. For more information, visit www.sevansolutions.com About Best Place to WorkFor more information on the Best Places to Work in Illinois program, visit www.BestPlacestoWorkinIL.com or contact Jennifer Aquiler at 717-909-1570 x3244.###
PR-Inside.com: 2017-05-24 23:42:14

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FSCwire / Press ReleaseThe following press release was disseminated by FSCwire for Targeted Microwave Solutions Inc.--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---Vancouver, British Columbia (FSCWire) - Targeted Microwave Solutions Inc. (TSX Venture:TMS). has issued a press release with the following headline:Targeted Microwave Solutions Enters Into Agreement With Engineering Service ProviderTo view this press release on the FSCwire website, please either click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into your browser:If you would prefer, you can also view this press release as a PDF file, please either click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into your browser:For more information on Targeted Microwave Solutions Inc., or to see additional press releases issued by this company, please either click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into your browser: http://www.fscwire.com/public-company/Targeted Microwave Solutions Inc.Source: Targeted Microwave Solutions Inc. (TSX Venture: TMS, OTCQX: TGTMF, FWB: A2ACNT)Date: May 24, 2017Time: 5:42 PM EDT--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---The story mentioned above was issued on behalf of Targeted Microwave Solutions Inc. and disseminated through FSCwire.About FSCwireFSCwire (a division of Filing Services Canada Inc.), is a global newswire dissemination, SEDAR, SEDI, and EDGAR / XBRL service provider.FSCwire is a full service global newswire dissemination company and is fully approved by all exchanges in Canada and the U.S. Press releases can be distributed for all sizes of public, private or not for profit companies and any other organization requiring news distribution. In addition to individual companies; public relations, communications and investor relations firms trust FSCwire to distribute press releases for their respective clients.In addition to newswire dissemination FSCwire also offers EDGAR, XBRL, SEDAR, SEDI, and additional services for publicly traded companies. For more information, please go to our website: http://www.fscwire.com Maximum News Dissemination by FSCwire. http://www.fscwire.com Copyright 2017 - FSCwire (a division of Filing Services Canada Inc.)
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FSCwire / Press ReleaseThe following press release was disseminated by FSCwire for Tartisan Resources Corp.--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---Toronto, Ontario (FSCWire) - Tartisan Resources Corp. (CSE:TTC). has issued a press release with the following headline:Tartisan Resources Corp. Completes the Purchase of the Ichuna Copper-Silver Property in PeruTo view this press release on the FSCwire website, please either click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into your browser:If you would prefer, you can also view this press release as a PDF file, please either click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into your browser:For more information on Tartisan Resources Corp., or to see additional press releases issued by this company, please either click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into your browser: http://www.fscwire.com/public-company/Tartisan Resources Corp.Source: Tartisan Resources Corp. (CSE: TTC)Date: May 24, 2017Time: 4:27 PM EDT--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---The story mentioned above was issued on behalf of Tartisan Resources Corp. and disseminated through FSCwire.About FSCwireFSCwire (a division of Filing Services Canada Inc.), is a global newswire dissemination, SEDAR, SEDI, and EDGAR / XBRL service provider.FSCwire is a full service global newswire dissemination company and is fully approved by all exchanges in Canada and the U.S. Press releases can be distributed for all sizes of public, private or not for profit companies and any other organization requiring news distribution. In addition to individual companies; public relations, communications and investor relations firms trust FSCwire to distribute press releases for their respective clients.In addition to newswire dissemination FSCwire also offers EDGAR, XBRL, SEDAR, SEDI, and additional services for publicly traded companies. For more information, please go to our website: http://www.fscwire.com Maximum News Dissemination by FSCwire. http://www.fscwire.com Copyright 2017 - FSCwire (a division of Filing Services Canada Inc.)
PR-Inside.com: 2017-05-24 13:30:11

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FSCwire / Press ReleaseThe following press release was disseminated by FSCwire for PJX Resources Inc.--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---Toronto, Ontario (FSCWire) - PJX Resources Inc. (TSX Venture:PJX). has issued a press release with the following headline:Vine Property Exploration UpdateTo view this press release on the FSCwire website, please either click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into your browser:If you would prefer, you can also view this press release as a PDF file, please either click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into your browser:For more information on PJX Resources Inc., or to see additional press releases issued by this company, please either click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into your browser: http://www.fscwire.com/public-company/PJX Resources Inc.Source: PJX Resources Inc. (TSX Venture: PJX, ISIN: CA72585A1093, WKN: A1JKDW)Date: May 24, 2017Time: 7:30 AM EDT--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---The story mentioned above was issued on behalf of PJX Resources Inc. and disseminated through FSCwire.About FSCwireFSCwire (a division of Filing Services Canada Inc.), is a global newswire dissemination, SEDAR, SEDI, and EDGAR / XBRL service provider.FSCwire is a full service global newswire dissemination company and is fully approved by all exchanges in Canada and the U.S. Press releases can be distributed for all sizes of public, private or not for profit companies and any other organization requiring news distribution. In addition to individual companies; public relations, communications and investor relations firms trust FSCwire to distribute press releases for their respective clients.In addition to newswire dissemination FSCwire also offers EDGAR, XBRL, SEDAR, SEDI, and additional services for publicly traded companies. For more information, please go to our website: http://www.fscwire.com Maximum News Dissemination by FSCwire. http://www.fscwire.com Copyright 2017 - FSCwire (a division of Filing Services Canada Inc.)
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.




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-- The review editors at Outside Pursuits have reviewed and chosen their 5 top picks for guided snorkel tours in Maui, Hawaii. Outside Pursuits recently announced the results of their review including the Editors' choice award for the top-rated snorkeling tour in Maui.Readers can see all of the details about the top picks here: http://www.outsidepursuits.com/ best-snorkeling- tours-in-maui/ The winners are:#1 - Editors' Choice - Molokini Snorkeling Adventure The Molokini volcano crater is one of the clearest places to snorkel we've seen in the world. Exploring the sapphire blue water, you will be amazed at the large variety of sea life. Molokini's crescent shape protects the reef from wind and waves, so the sea life is able to flourish in this environment. Breathtaking.#2 - West Maui Snorkeling Adventure This 4.5 hour tour leaves from Whaler's Village on Ka'anapali Beach and visits the best snorkeling spots for the day based on weather conditions, tides and fish movements. The trip may stop at a number of snorkeling spots depending on the captain's recommendations for the day. There are many premium snorkeling spots on Maui, and this excursion will see the best of them including: Mala Wharf, Oluwalu, Cliff House and Honolua Bay.#3 - Small-Group Molokini Snorkel and Green Sea Turtle Adventure from MauiThis snorkeling adventure will take you to some of Maui's most sought after snorkeling sites. You'll experience the Molokini Crater as well as Turtle Town and you'll have a chance to spot a giant Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle. Then you'll look for dolphins at La Perouse Bay. The boat is speedy and agile which allows snorkelers to cover more territory on this 5 hour excursion.#4 - Maui South Shore Kayak and Snorkel TourOn this tour you'll be using sea kayaks to access the reefs. You'll explore the beautiful and peaceful Makena coastline which is protected from wind and waves. This makes for great kayaking, swimming and snorkeling visibility.#5 - Mala Xpress SnorkelThis is a "walk-in" snorkeling excursion which lasts just 2 hours. You'll be guided to safely visit the Mala Wharf which is an old pier now used as an underwater fish reef and marine refuge. There you will see tropical fish, eels, starfish and turtles. Altogether you spend about an hour in the water and come into close contact with the giant green Hawaiian sea turtle or "Honu."Readers can see all of the details about the top picks here: http://www.outsidepursuits.com/ best-snorkeling- tours-in-maui/ Headquartered in Brandon FL, OutsidePursuits LLC does extensive side-by-side testing and reviews of outdoor gear, travel excursions and tours. The website is a free resource to the public useful for anyone who loves the outdoors. The website has several categories of equipment reviews, including: Scuba Diving, Biking, Camping, Hiking and Kayaking.Once the reviews are completed the results are published making it easy for the reader to decide which is best for their needs. Readers can visit the site at: http://www.outsidepursuits.com
As APS deadline rapidly approaches, more and more Arizona residents are converting to solar in order to combat huge increases in their electric bill.

By: azseo

Contact

Sandy Cordero

www.asksolarsandy.com

***@mearoon.com Sandy Corderowww.asksolarsandy.com

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-- Ask Solar Sandy (www.asksolarsandy.com)is helping Arizona residents switch to solar for their homes and businesses. With deadlines approaching Arizona residents could see major increases in their electric bill so now is the time to switch to solar if you are looking to save money.July 1st 2017 is the deadline but if Arizona residents get set up with solar before then they will be grandfathered in under the current pro solar program thus securing solar rates for 20 years. Sandy serves as your own personal solar expert ensuring that you get the best out of your solar program.Some home owners ask, "But what if I sell my home?" and the answer is the panels go with you and or you can transfer them to the new home owner just like you would water or gas. Ask Solar Sandy will show you how to have no out of pocket costs for the solar system itself or for installation of the solar lease.More information about the APS deadline for Arizona Residents will be available on the website http://www.asksolarsandy.com
"Agritech Expo Zambia lived up to its hype and scored another resounding success" says Jervis Zimba, President of the Zambia National Farmers' Union.

By: Agritech Expo Zambia

Technologies will help lift the poor majority out of poverty

Media Contact

Agritech Expo Zambia

annemarie.roodbol@ spintelligent.com

+27217003500 Agritech Expo Zambia+27217003500

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-- "lived up to its hype and scored another resounding success, thanks to the event organisers, Spintelligent, our cooperating partners, sponsors and, above all, government for the massive support." This is according to Jervis Zimba, President of the Zambia National Farmers' Union (ZNFU), theowners of the award-winning, professional outdoor farming expowhich returned toChisamba for its fourth edition last month. The event featured a record number of more than 18000 visitors, seven international pavilions and a VIP attendance that included five cabinet ministers and the Zambian President Edgar Lungu who visited the event for the third year in a row.The well-known farming equipment supplier AFGRI, the sole John Deere distributor in Zambia, was this year's platinum sponsor and headed up an impressive list of leading suppliers of agri services and products with more than 240 local and international companies that sponsored and exhibited at. The seven international pavilions showcased specialised offerings from France, the Netherlands, Germany, Czech Republic, UK, Zimbabwe and China.The event also offered free to attend workshops with practical advice as well as live demonstrations to help farmers combat challenges such as the armyworm, explore new technologies such as aquaculture as well as learn from experts on improving efficiency of operations and yields on their farms.Says the ZNFU President Jervis Zimba: "it is our belief that, which has become the biggest agricultural showpiece in Zambia, will continue unveiling new ideologies and technologies relevant to the growth of our farmers not only in Zambia, but also beyond, that will help lift the poor majority out of poverty; the push behind the creation of the expo. With this in mind, we are expecting an even biggerin 2018."More quotes from delighted participants at2017: "Agritech Expo helps us tap into valuable opportunities for us to advance agriculture in our country. I am very grateful for those who came over the boarders of our country to participate... I am here because I believe in agriculture."- H.E President of the Republic of Zambia, Edgar Chagwa Lungu "Having a French pavilion at Agritech for the first time was a great endeavour and success. I am convinced that the French pavilion in 2018 will be even better!"- Emmanuel COHET, Ambassador of France to Zambia, Special Representative to COMESA "My experience at this year's Agritech workshop has really enlightened me and availed me with information on available alternative agri techniques and products including practices to enhance productivity."- Mr Charles Mulenga, emerging small scale farmer "The 2017 Agritech Expo has been great, has lived up to the price we paid for and we have gotten over 500 orders for our products, that is a testimony it's a great place to go. This is the first time to come here and we are definitely getting a bigger space and sponsoring the commercial farmers' workshop for next year." Mwila Wando, Managing Director, Live Clean Energy, Zambia "We first participated in Agritech Expo Zambia in 2014 and have attended all editions since then and have seen the outdoor fair growing year by year! Many German companies had the possibility to introduce their products to Zambian farmers. Every year we meet new people from different regions, and all are very interested to learn more about new products and services. Many thanks to the organizer team  they did everything possible to develop the exhibition further and help the companies increase their business! We are looking forward to next year's Agritech Expo to bring even more exhibitors from Germany and other countries."- Martin Botzian, Head of Communication at DLG International GmbH, German Pavilion co-ordinating partner on behalf of the German Agricultural Society for the last four years. "Spintelligent organised a world class event, my colleagues and I were very impressed and amazed. Everything was properly arranged and organised. Please pat yourselves on your backs, you are great event organizers."- Mutinta Moonga, PR Manager, Power FM "Agritech Expo Zambia without a doubt the best organised and most pleasant one I have ever been to. Even the toilets were great - and coming from expo experience that's more or less miraculous."- Nan Bowley-Smith, AfricanFarming.comEarlier this year,won two coveted awards at the AAXO ROAR Organiser and Exhibitor Awards in Johannesburg which honour excellence in the exhibition and events industry on the continent. Agritech Expo won for Best Trade & Consumer Exhibition +12000 sqm and for Distinction in Social Responsibility.The expo has an outreach programme at the local Golden Valley Basic School, where, with the assistance of numerous event sponsors, it is assisting the school with much needed infrastructure upgrades, equipment supplies and management of the school's farm.is owned by the Zambia National Farmers Union (ZNFU) and is organised by Spintelligent, leading Cape Town-based trade exhibition and conference organiser, and the African office of Clarion Events Ltd, based in the UK. Other well-known agri events by Spintelligent include Agritech Expo Tanzania and Agribusiness Congress East Africa.The event will return to GART in Chisamba in April 2018.Website: http://www.agritech- expo.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/Agritech_ExpoFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/agritechexpozambia/LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/7477169Senior communications manager: Annemarie RoodbolMobile: +27 82 562 7844Office: +27 21 700 3558Email: annemarie.roodbol@ spintelligent.com
Cyber expert Simon Smith has doubts that the origin really is North Korea. He presents data gathered from a counter social engineering exercise that may uncover hidden treasures.

By: Simon Smith

Simon_ Smith_ eVestigator_ Metadata_ Graphical

Media Contact

eVestigator Cyber Forensic Services

forensic@evestigator.com.au

+61410643121 eVestigator Cyber Forensic Services+61410643121

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-- When Simon Smith of eVestigator first saw an image of a conversation purporting to be with the ransomware Cybercriminals, his creative mind sparked.Having no expectations, Mr. Smith wondered what would happen if we could capture as much data as we could from that piece of information. As a social engineering experiment, and in response to intelligence from the email image which appeared to be sent at 9:29 PM referencing an email from thundercrypt@tuta.io to qwe uio in the public domain  Mr. Smith decided to create a domain name with privacy called qweuio.com.This domain name was not advertised and was essentially 'unknown' and was sent to that email address in a tactful manner. Of course, it was a little seed that would sprout and one day tell us about its journey, and what it found along the way.That it did. It passed through some very interesting channels along the way. The identity of the domain was in some way advertised on Google, despite a negative robots.txt entry  however still nobody knew of this oddly spelt website so the odds were quite good that a click on the site would be from the source. There was always a possibility of an error rate, but that is noticed over time.Interestingly the first stop was a TOR exit node called EDWARDSNOWDEN2 followed by other TOR exit nodes, then some VPN's.The TOR locations may be useful for researchers later on. However, Mr. Smith, a Cybersecurity and Cybercrime social engineer from was more interested in the VPN/Proxies that took an interest in this site and encourages the community to expose the addresses behind them. Even more alarming, Mr. Smith identified what was, the first true IP addresses showing Spain and India, multiple times.Referring back to historical events, raises questions over the recent media in those two countries in relation to hacking, international arrests, or motives for researchers to look at.The raw metadata can be downloaded free from the eVestigator website. A graphical earth representation is in the final stages which show the events in a very clear timelined format.Mr. Smith urges all VPN providers to cooperate with authorities and expects a degree of error as ironically he did run into other malware companies as he was inspecting the traffic, inspecting him!Nevertheless, if you do not look or try new methods, you just might never know what information you miss.Mr. Smith has solved hundreds of Cybercrimes in Australia and across the world and has been known to crack cases with little to no evidence. He gives this data openly to researchers to combine with the other sequences of events to join further intelligence.He does however want to spread his concern that the links to potentially the US (or the Countries under those very early VPNs), India or Spain cannot go unnoticed.
Volunteers provide repairs and improvements valued at approximately $50,000.

Volunteers at the HomeAid Care Day on May19th at MUST Ministries

Contact

Cecily Stevens

***@homeaidatlanta.org Cecily Stevens

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-- HomeAid Atlanta and Community Associations Institute Georgia Chapter (CAI) partnered together on May 12 and May 19 for a large scale HomeAid Care Day event to benefit MUST Ministries' Elizabeth Inn Shelter.Over the course of the two days, volunteers tackled an extensive to-do list including pressure washing; building a custom closet; painting; replacing rotten wood on office trailers; cleaning and organizing; parking lot - repair, sealing and restriping; rebuilding a handicap ramp and stairs; landscaping with new play safe mulch on children's playground; creating a large, interactive original artwork on freshly installed concrete for children; and more.MUST Ministries' campus received much needed repairs and improvements valued at approximately $50,000. These types of savings free-up money for the programs they provide. MUST Ministries' Elizabeth Inn Shelter serves clients by providing two different programs depending on client needs: services to meet both immediate needs (food, clothing, shelter) and long-term needs such as employment assistance, support groups, and more."HomeAid Atlanta couldn't have had a better partner for the project at MUST. CAI-Georgia's Help Hands committee, led by Melanie Caceres, are an amazing group of resourceful and hardworking people. This project would not have been possible without their donations of time, talent and materials. HomeAid cannot thank CAI-Georgia enough. MUST Ministries was an incredible host for the volunteers as well," said Jean Hilyard, HomeAid Atlanta Director of Community Engagement.Howard Cox, MUST Ministries Development Officer remarked, "MUST Ministries has truly been blessed with the outpouring of support from HomeAid, CAIGeoriga, and all the volunteers who turned out to spruce up the MUST Ministries Elizabeth Inn homeless shelter campus. As our CEO Dr. Ike Reighard said during the dedication of the mural, volunteers like these are the reason MUST is able to serve over 30,000 individuals annually."MUST's Director of Facilities Operations, David Ladnak, said, "The CAI-Georgia  HomeAid Care Days had the largest impact on the campus I've seen in the five years I've been here.", founded in 2001, is a nonprofit organization that builds new lives for homeless families and individuals through housing and community outreach. HomeAid works in partnership with the building industry, as well as community building organizations, to assist people experiencing homelessness. To date, HomeAid Atlanta has completed over 76 housing, remodel and care day projects at locations that serve victims of domestic violence, teen mothers, veterans and more. HomeAid is the designated charity of the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association. Learn more at www.homeaidatlanta.org
Waukesha building and remodeling firm recognized for distinction by Milwaukee/NARI

By: Kurber Construction

Erick Kurber

Contact

Judi Murphy

Murphy Associates

***@marketingwithmurphy.com Judi MurphyMurphy Associates

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-- Kurber Construction, LLC received two Wisconsin Remodeler's Awards from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), Milwaukee Chapter. Milwaukee NARI honors the outstanding work its members have done throughout the year with the Wisconsin Remodelers Awards.Erick Kurber, President of Kurber Construction, LLC, said, "We are grateful that we have the opportunity to work with clients that help us produce award-winning work through their desire to make great spaces in their homes."Kurber Construction, LLC was recognized in the following remodeling categories: Residential Kitchen $30,000-$60,000  Silver Award; Residential Kitchen $60,001-$100,000  Silver Award.Kurber also received Best of Houzz 2017 for service and has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. A full-service general contractor working in all phases of home remodeling and building, Kurber Construction serves southeastern Wisconsin.Kurber Construction, LLC recently moved to a larger facility in Waukesha and has just celebrated their ninth year in business. For more information on design, building and remodeling services provided by Kurber Construction, contact Erick Kurber, 1416 Poplar Dr., Suite E, Waukesha, Wis. 53188. 262-442-7440 or Erick@KurberConstruction.com http://www.KurberConstruction.com
June will see the release of an examination of life after death as it is portrayed in the media, an in-depth look at Martin Luthers wife Katharina in Katie Luther, First Lady of the Reformation, and more.

Nonfiction

June 1

Martin Luther: Rebel in an Age of Upheaval by Heinz Schilling, trans. from the German by Rona Johnston Gordon (Oxford Univ., $39.95, ISBN 978-0-19-872281-6). This biography of Martin Luther by the former professor of early modern history at Humboldt University depicts him as a difficult, contradictory individual who changed history.

Living with the Living Dead: The Wisdom of the Zombie Apocalypse by Greg Garrett (Oxford Univ., $24.95, ISBN 978-0-19-026045-3). Garrett, professor of English at Baylor University, explores life after death as portrayed in popular movies, television shows, comics, graphic novels, fiction, and games.

June 6

How to Be a Muslim: An American Story by Haroon Moghul (Beacon, $17 paper, ISBN 978-0-8070-2074-6) explores the realities of being a second-generation immigrant living between cultures while in a society that fears Muslims.

The Currency of Love by Jill Dodd (Atria, $26, 978-1-5011-5037-1). First a top model in Paris and then the harem wife of a Saudi billionaire, Dodd reveals her lifes story and how she found the spiritual empowerment to walk away and start a new life "without forfeiting her independence, ambition, creative expression, and free spirit," according to the publisher.

Israel Matters by Gerald R. McDermott (Brazos, $17.99 paper, ISBN 978-1-58743-395-5). McDermott, the Anglican Chair of Divinity at Beeson Divinity School in Birmingham, Ala., examines the relationship between Christianity and the people and land of Israel.

Chasing Grace: What the Quarter Mile Has Taught Me about God and Life by Sanya Richards-Ross (Zondervan, $24.99, ISBN 978-0-310-34940-2). Five-time Olympic medalist Richards-Ross tells her story of becoming a world-class runner from Jamaica.

Real Love: The Art of Mindful Connection by Sharon Salzberg (Flatiron, $24.99, ISBN 978-1-250-07650-2). Salzberg, a meditation teacher, gives lessons in redefining and opening up limited definitions of love in order to help readers experience deeper relationships.

I Didnt Sign Up for This: Finding Hope When Everything Is Going Wrong by John F. Westfall (Revell, $13.99 paper, ISBN 978-0-8007-2807-6) blends stories about the unpredictability of life with words of encouragement to embrace the peace of acceptance, the pleasure of release, and the power of risk, according to the publisher.

June 13

Chinas Green Religion: Daoism and the Quest for a Sustainable Future by James Miller (Columbia Univ., $60, ISBN 978-0-231-17586-9). Miller, professor of Chinese studies at Queens University in Canada, makes a case for how Daoism leads to a holistic understanding of religion and nature.

June 20

The Koran in English: A Biography by Bruce B. Lawrence (Princeton Univ., $26.95, 978-0-691-15558-6). Lawrence, professor of religion at Duke University, chronicles the history of translating the Quran into English, looking at translations of the work since the twelfth century as well as the "ongoing struggle to render the Qur'an's lyrical verses into English," according to the publisher.

June 27

Katie Luther, First Lady of the Reformation by Ruth A. Tucker (Zondervan Academic, $16.99 paper, ISBN 978-0-310-53215-6) explores the life of Katharina von Bora, the wife of Martin Luther who had a career of her own as a farmer, brewer, and innkeeper.

A Fierce Love by Shauna Shanks (Zondervan, $21 paper, 978-0-3103-4753-8). Shanks tells the story of her husbands affair and how 1 Corinthians 13 helped save their rocky marriage.

Poets of the Bible: From Solomon's Song of Songs to John's Revelation, translated by Willis Barnstone (Norton, $35, 978-0-3932-4389-5) features works by Biblical poets such as David, Solomon, and Job translated in English from both the New and Old Testaments.

Fulfilled: How the Science of Spirituality Can Help You Live a Happier, More Meaningful Life by Anna Yusim (Grand Central, $27, 978-1-4555-9679-9). Psychiatrist Yusim uses scientific research to argue that fulfillment and happiness can come from spiritual practices ranging from Kabbalah to Buddhism.

Fiction

June 6

Bread of Angels by Tessa Afshar (Tyndale, $22.99 paper, ISBN 978-1-4964-2310-8) follows Lydia, a prominent merchant in 50 AD Greece who turns to the apostle Paul after a betrayal, becoming the first European to convert Christianity.

Love Story by Karen Kingsbury (Howard Books, $22.99, 978-1-4516-8759-0). The latest installment in the Baxter Family series chronicles the love story between John and Elizabeth, the matriarch and patriarch of the family.

June 13

Sweetbriar Cottage by Denise Hunter (Thomas Nelson, $15.99 paper, 978-0-7180-9048-7). This standalone novel follows Noah and Josephine whose divorce was never finalized, and when a snow storm leaves them stranded together, the pair is forced to reconcile their past and forgive one another.
At Licensing International Expo in Las Vegas, which opened its doors on Tuesday, preschool properties remained hot commodities in the publishing category. Licenses for the youngest readers are abundant on the show floor, and a number of publishers report they are adding new licenses to their preschool portfolios.

Scholastic recently signed two new preschool properties, for example. They include the Disney Junior series Molang, licensed by Licensing Worksa deal that was announced on the day before the showand the Nick Jr. series Ben & Hollys Little Kingdom, licensed by eOne. Scholastic continues to do well with its ongoing preschool publishing effort tied to Peppa Pig, according to Debra Dorfman, v-p and publisher, global licensing, media, and consumer products. Peppa Goes Swimming ranks as the companys bestselling e-book.

Meanwhile, Simon & Schuster also has added two preschool properties to its publishing program, adding Jim Henson Productions Dinosaur Train, which airs on PBS Kids, as well as Crayola. The Crayola books will focus on feelings and moods, and their connection to color. These new licenses join S&Ss other preschool book series, including PJ Masks, licensed from eOne. The TV program airs on Disney Junior and has been a leading preschool property across many product categories over the past year.

Valerie Garfield, S&Ss v-p and publisher of novelty and licensed publishing, says leveled readers have been a particular focus. Were doing a lot more [license] acquisitions specifically for Ready to Reads, she says, citing Alvin and the Chipmunks, the Harlem Globetrotters, and Ready Jet Go! as recent additions. Weve been building up our Ready to Read program and are looking for properties with high interest for younger readers, she adds. This is a new trend for us. Usually we acquire licenses for a whole slate of formats, but some licenses really lend themselves to this area. By the end of the summer, she expects to have another two to three properties signed just for the Ready to Read program.

Also on the leveled reader front, David Linker, executive editor of HarperCollins, reports that Pete the Cat, a Harper-published picture book series with a growing licensing initiative spearheaded by Merrymakers, will be the first character the company is taking into multiple levels of readers. Children can follow Pete from level 1 through level 2 and so on. Where Pete really kills it is with our leveled readers, Linker explains. Kids love him and want to grow with him.

Like many other publishers at the show, HC is meeting with IP owners to find additional properties with publishing potential. Were meeting with all the studios, all the big game producers, Linker says. HC recently added Beat Bugs, a Netflix show based on the music of the Beatles, to its roster of licenses. Other properties it holds include Angry Birds and DC Comics, as well as this years heavily licensed Wonder Woman movie from Warner Bros.

For older readers, a standout license in the past year or so has been Five Nights at Freddys, an independent videogame property that is still hotter than hot, according to Scholastic's Dorfman. A second novel is coming in June and a guidebook in August, following the publication of the first novel, Five Nights at Freddys: The Silver Eyes, last September. On the opening night of the Expo, The Silver Eyes won the 2017 International Licensing Award for Best Publishing/Social Expression/Back-to-School program.

Comic book publisher Lion Forge joined other publishers, including Albert Whitman, Scholastic, and Candlewick Press, as an exhibitor at the show. Lion Forge holds the license for the 1980s animated series Voltron, now rebooted on Netflix. The publisher was talking to licensors about other potential properties, as well as pitching its custom comic book services to attendees. Dewayne Booker, Lion Forges new-business consultant, says that the goal is for the publishers list to be about 50% licensed and 50% proprietary, with plans to eventually license some of its own properties into other products.

Although traffic was generally light on the shows first day, perhaps a function of the Expo being moved to a timeslot about three weeks earlier than in the past, many exhibitors said their meetings were productive and business was being done. I have seen some drop-in traffic that has been meaningful, says Patty Sullivan, managing partner at P.S. Ink, who oversees licensing for Highlights for Children and represents Jim Henson Productions for the publishing category. I think thats a positive trend. Drop-ins had been declining for the past few years.

The licensing business in general had a strong year in 2016, according to the International Licensing Industry Merchandisers Association, sponsor of Licensing Expo, which released its annual figures on the size of the global licensing business on Tuesday. Retail sales of licensed merchandise in all categories, including publishing, grew 4.4% to $262.9 billion globally, the organization says, with the U.S. and Canada accounting for 57.9% of the total. Licensed merchandise tied to publishing properties drove $17.5 billion in retail sales worldwide.
Afghan authorities have arrested eight people, including the son of a lawmaker, after a rock-throwing crowd forced a plane to return abruptly to Kabul to pick up two lawmakers who had missed their flight.

The May 23 incident has caused uproar among many Afghans, including politicians and people in the domestic aviation industry, who have accused the lawmakers of abusing their power.

Authorities said the Kam Air passenger plane carrying 30 passengers was landing in Bamiyan after the hour-long flight from Kabul when a group gathered on the runway and hurled rocks at the plane.

The pilots took off without letting the passengers disembark and returned to Kabul.

After refueling, the pilots then flew back to Bamiyan along with Abdul Rahman Shahidani and another lawmaker, Ghulam Hussain Naseri, who had missed the flight earlier.

Najib Danish, a spokesman for the Interior Ministry, told RFE/RL on May 24 that two security officials, including Shahidani's son and the airport security chief, were arrested. Danish said six others, mostly police officers, were also arrested and were being questioned by authorities

Osman Samadi, the CEO of Kam Air, said the incident was dangerous and risked the lives of the passengers and airport personnel. He said the Shahidani and Naseri have been banned from flying again with the private airline.

"The people working on the runway could have died," Samadi said. "The passengers onboard the plane could have been hurt. The rocks that were thrown could also have damaged the plane."

Abdul Rauf Ibrahimi, the speaker of the lower house of parliament, said those arrested had acted illegally.

"The members of parliament shouldn't abuse the authority and privileges that they have," he said.

Shahidani and Naseri, both lawmakers from Bamiyan Province, have denied the allegations.

Afghan lawmakers are routinely accused of abusing positions of power to enrich themselves or relatives.

Transparency International has ranked the country near the bottom of its annual corruption index.
The New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) is urging Azerbaijan to "immediately release" journalist Nicat Amiraslanov, who was sentenced this week to 30 days in prison on charges of resisting police.

In a May 24 statement, CPJ Europe and Central Asia program coordinator Nina Ognianova called on Azerbaijani authorities not to contest Amiraslanov's appeal of the verdict, and to "cease harassing and jailing critical reporters."

Ognianova also called on Azerbaijan to "reverse its record of jailing journalists on trumped-up, retaliatory charges."

Amiraslanov, an independent journalist from the northwestern Qazax district, was detained on May 22. The Qazax district court issued its ruling on May 23.

Amiraslanov's colleagues and friends say his arrest is retaliation by the local authorities for his reporting and Internet posts.
BRUSSELS -- When it became clear late last year that Donald Trump would be here to visit both EU and NATO headquarters, there was some concern, if not downright apprehension, in the air. This was, after all, a man who had called the military alliance "obsolete" and who appeared to support both Brexit and French far-right populist Marine Le Pen, who regards the European Union as one of the continent's big evils.

Fast-forward to the week of the U.S. president's first visit to the Belgian capital, which begins on May 24, and the Europeans seem a lot calmer.

"We have always been regarded as the little brothers in this relationship, getting lectures by the Americans on how to run the economy and the need for us to stick together and reform," a diplomat from an eastern EU member state tells me, continuing, "but for the first time, it seems like we almost have the upper hand."

While Trump might be enjoying a welcome break from the tense atmosphere in Washington, the European Union has seemed to rediscover its mojo just a few months after arguably teetering on the brink of collapse.

"Trump will find an EU that has got some of its confidence back," an EU official tells me, pointing to signs that the bloc's economic prospects are brighter than they've been in many years and that the EU seems to have weathered a migrant crisis that almost wrecked its passport-free Schengen zone back in 2015.

"Ironically, it seems like his election and Brexit have concentrated the mind in Europe -- suddenly we are more united than ever," says another European Council diplomat. The same source argues somewhat gleefully that the populist bandwagon that conquered both the United States and Britain was halted in Europe with the election of pro-EU forces in Austria, the Netherlands, and France, adding that EU standard-bearer par excellence Angela Merkel looked poised for victory in Germany in September.

'The Meeting Is The Message'

Reporters in Brussels may struggle to emerge with anything meaningful from Trump's visit.

"Damage limitation on the American side," says an EU source with insight into the planning of the meetings. The U.S. head of state will have just one hour on May 25 to squeeze in talks with EU Council President Donald Tusk, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, European Parliament President Antonio Tajani, and EU foreign-policy chief Federica Mogherini. Hardly any time for any policy decisions. Or, as one diplomat from a northern member state puts it, "the meeting itself is the message." And there are no press conferences or statements in front of cameras planned for afterward.

The same appears to be true of the NATO meeting that evening. After an opening ceremony for the new billion-euro NATO headquarters and the unveiling of a 9/11 memorial, just one working session will follow at which each of the 28 heads of state will speak for two to four minutes. As with the EU meeting, the NATO gathering is not an official summit so no agreement on any final declaration is required. And as with the EU meeting, Trump is expected to depart without a press conference. In fact, it looks like he might not face any direct questions from journalists on Belgian territory.

The NATO calm is evident, too.

"We are preparing for this meeting [just] as we are for any other meeting with a U.S. president," a NATO source says, adding, "It really isn't any surprise to us that he will ask the European allies to spend more on defense and for NATO to do more in the fight against terrorism." And Trump's demands are being addressed, at least cosmetically: European allies have promised to present plans later this year for reaching the defense-spending target of 2 percent of gross domestic product by 2024.

'Well Choreographed'

In fact, the only real decision that is likely to be made at this week's meeting is whether NATO as an organization will join the U.S.-led coalition to counter the militant group Islamic State (IS).

"Of course, we cannot prevent some late-night Twitterstorms by the president," a diplomat from a larger NATO ally concedes in a reference to Trump's penchant for communicating via his favorite social-media platform. But he quickly adds, "This meeting is well choreographed; no surprises are expected. It is for him to get to know the organization better and a good opportunity for us to show some of the transatlantic unity that might have been missing lately."

A senior diplomat with experience with both the EU and NATO tells me that, when Barack Obama came to town, staff used to make sure to reschedule their day to catch a glimpse of the U.S. leader.

"For Trump," the diplomat says, "civil servants who don't need to attend the meetings have already booked their trips far away from Brussels for the impending Ascension long weekend that coincides with [Trump's] visit."
So suddenly, the Kremlin is really worried about hackers.

No, really. I'm serious.

In an interview this week with Rossiiskaya Gazeta, National Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev, one of the most powerful figures in Vladimir Putin's inner circle, called for the international community to unite to "create a safe global information environment."

Really? Now, I wonder what the Kremlin-backed hacker groups Fancy Bear and Cozy Bear would think about that. Are they also interested in a safe global information environment?

I mean, you truly can't make this stuff up.

And it gets better.

In the same interview, Patrushev said he was deeply concerned about the danger posed by the rise of the xenophobic far right in Europe.

If he's so concerned, he probably should have a talk with his boss, who, you know, recently hosted a certain prominent leader of the European xenophobic far right in the Kremlin.

And he probably should have a little chat with Kremlin-connected oligarchs like Konstantin Malofeev, who is widely believed to be backing Europe's nationalist fringe.

So what's up here? Is Patrushev delusional? Is he clueless? No. And no.

He's cunningly duplicitous and he's following the Kremlin playbook to the letter.

First, you create a problem and blame it on somebody else. Then you express shock and horror. And then you offer your services in resolving the problem.

It's worked like a charm in the past. And we should expect this crew to keep trying it in the future.

Keep telling me what you think on The Power Vertical's Twitter feed and on our Facebook page.

NOTE TO VIEWERS: The Daily Vertical and The Morning Vertical will not appear on May 25-26, as I will be speaking at the GLOBSEC Forum in Bratislava. All Power Vertical Products will resume their regular schedule on Monday May 29.
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, said Governor Valentyn Reznichenko. Ukrainian air defense destroyed some of the drones, but others hit targets. The Russian forces also used drones in an attack on the city of Dnipro, targeting a logistics enterprise. Reznichenko said four employees were wounded, and three of them are in serious condition in hospital.

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 was 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 Ukraine will not "surrender a single centimeter of our land" in Donetsk, 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 has taken place 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, and 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 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 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 Mykolayiv 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 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
ASTANA -- Kazakh lawmakers have given preliminary approval to a controversial bill that would enable the authorities to strip "terrorists" of their citizenship.

The bill, passed by parliament in an initial vote on May 24, will become law if it is approved in two more votes and signed by President Nursultan Nazarbaev.

Under the bill, Kazakhs could be stripped of citizenship if they are convicted of organizing or joining terrorist groups, posing a threat to the Central Asian country's "vitally important interests," or plotting to kill the president, among other offenses.

Critics say the legislation might be used against many opposition politicians, some of whom have been living in self-imposed exile abroad, as the definition of "vitally important interests of Kazakhstan" is very vague.

Justice Minister Marat Bekentaev told lawmakers on May 24 that the bill has "nothing to do with politics" and "will not be turned into a political tool."

Nazarbaev, 76, has been in power since 1989, two years before Kazakhstan gained independence in the breakup of the Soviet Union.
ASTANA -- Kazakh lawmakers have given preliminary approval to controversial bills that would ban independent candidates from running in presidential elections and enable the authorities to strip "terrorists" of their citizenship.

The bills, passed by parliament in an initial vote on May 24, will become laws if they are approved in two more votes and signed by President Nursultan Nazarbaev.

Under one of the proposed legislations, only candidates for officially registered political organizations and parties would be allowed to register for presidential elections.

Currently, independent candidates are allowed to run in presidential polls.

Another bill would enable the authorities to strip Kazakhs convicted of terrorist activities of their citizenship.

The bill would target those found guilty of organizing or joining terrorist groups, of posing a threat to the Central Asian country's "vitally important interests," or of plotting to kill the president, among other offenses.

Critics say the first bill would aim to prevent politicians outside the ruling elite from taking part in presidential elections.

They say the second proposed legislation might be used against opposition politicians, some of whom have been living in self-imposed exile abroad.

But Justice Minister Marat Beketaev told lawmakers on May 24 that the bills have "nothing to do with politics" and "will not be turned into a political tool."

Beketaev claimed that independent candidates who have taken part in the country's presidential elections in the past were often "not serious."

Observers say that Nazarbaev is preparing to transfer power to a successor who would continue his policies and maintain Kazakhstans political and economic elite.

They say the president initiated the bill in order to prevent opposition figures or anyone from his own circle from taking over the oil-rich Central Asian nation of almost 18 million.

One of Nazarbaev's main political opponents, the tycoon and former banker Mukhtar Ablyazov, has said he was aiming to topple the president's government by 2020.

Ablyazov is currently living in self-imposed exile in Europe.

Nazarbaev, 76, has been in power since 1989.


Gunmen have abducted a Chinese couple in Pakistans southwestern province of Balochistan, officials say.

Police said the incident took place on May 24 when assailants ambushed the Chinese couple's car in the provincial capital, Quetta.

Balochistan government spokesman Anwar ul-Haq Kakar said men pretending to be police officers kidnapped the Chinese citizens and wounded a passerby who tried to stop them.

It was unclear whether the two Chinese were in Quetta to teach Mandarin or study Urdu.

No one has claimed responsibility for the abduction, which was confirmed by Chinese state media.

Resource-rich Balochistan has been plagued by sectarian violence, Islamist militant attacks, and a separatist insurgency that has led to thousands of casualties since 2004.

Based on reporting by AP, AFP, and Reuters
It looks like the new president of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyaev, is keeping at least one of his promises.

Not long after independent Uzbekistan's founding president, Islam Karimov, died in September 2016, his successor said one of his priorities would be better relations with neighboring Central Asian states.

Mirziyaev met with Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov at the Turkmen Caspian resort area Awaza on May 19-20, and among the many agreements they reached was one on Turkmen electricity exports to Kazakhstan and to Kyrgyzstan via Uzbekistan's territory.

That doesn't sound like much, but it reverses a nearly 15-year trend of decoupling in Central Asia.

In the Soviet-era, a Central Asian unified grid was established, drawing on power sources such as oil in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, gas in Turkmenistan, hydropower from Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, and coal from all but Turkmenistan. All five then-Soviet republics were interconnected; so, for example, southern Kazakhstan received gas from Uzbekistan.

Energy Shortages

In 2003, "neutral" Turkmenistan withdrew from the grid. In 2009, Uzbekistan withdrew, causing severe power shortages in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan.

Some believe that this was Karimov's intention -- a response to Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan very publicly forging ahead with massive hydropower plant projects on the upper reaches of rivers that flowed into Uzbekistan.

It was only one aspect of a process that saw the five countries sever many of the road, rail, and air links that had connected them for decades before independence, and devote significant funds to building up infrastructure that avoided neighbors' territories.

For the last several years, Turkmenistan has wanted to sell electricity to Tajikistan, the latter being habitually short of power in the winter due to a reliance on hydropower, and the former having gas-fired electrical power stations that operate throughout the year.

Berdymukhammedov and Tajik President Emomali Rahmon have agreed to such a deal, but that power would be most easily transferred using lines that cross some 200 kilometers of Uzbekistan's territory.

Uzbek President Karimov was reportedly unwilling to agree to that, so the Turkmen-Tajik deal never moved forward.

Tajikistan was not mentioned in reports about Berdymukhammedov and Mirziyaev's meeting in Awaza. But judging by the chummy pictures of Mirziyaev and Rahmon at the Arab Islamic American Summit in Riyadh on May 21, it probably won't be difficult now to reach a deal for the Turkmen-Tajik power transmission lines.

For Kyrgyzstan, the agreement in Awaza is a welcome surprise.

Since the early days of independence, most of the stories of Uzbek-Kyrgyz energy ties were those of Uzbekistan shutting off the gas to Kyrgyzstan, sometimes in the heart of winter and usually for political reasons, though it is true that Kyrgyzstan was almost constantly in debt for Uzbek gas supplies.

Gas has not been much of a concern for Kyrgyzstan since 2014, when Russia's Gazprom purchased Kyrgyzgaz for a symbolic $1 and pledged to spend hundreds of millions of dollars upgrading and expanding Kyrgyzstan's internal gas network.

But Kyrgyzstan is still reliant on its hydropower supplies and still short of electricity, so steady supplies from Turkmenistan during winter months would be helpful.

Kazakhstan could also use the extra electricity. It would give the Kazakh authorities extra time to bring domestic sources of power to the southern parts of the country.

Kazakhstan is still experiencing its own economic difficulties, and the government would appreciate this unexpected, if only temporary, relief on state coffers.

Hopeful Sign

The process of building and rerouting energy distribution networks from northern Kazakhstan to the south has been under way for many years and was sparked originally by the Kazakh government's desire to stop having to deal with Uzbekistan for gas supplies.

So Mirziyaev's agreement on Turkmen electricity exports represents progress in regional integration, though admittedly, he might be simply removing obstacles he inherited from the previous administration.

It is not a bold new initiative for regional cooperation. But it is a hopeful sign, especially when Mirziyaev's other moves to improve ties with Central Asian neighbors might seem guided merely by self-interest.

Mirziyaev's trip to Awaza was the second trip to Turkmenistan in less than three months; his first state visit as Uzbekistan's president was to Turkmenistan on March 6-7. Mirziyaev has also visited Kazakhstan twice -- on March 22-23 and again on April 29.

While he was generally trying to improve Uzbekistan's relations with Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan, and hopefully find new markets particularly for Uzbekistan's agricultural products, Mirziyaev was looking for supplies of oil from both countries.

Gasoline shortages have been a huge problem in Uzbekistan for many years. Uzbekistan's domestic oil production has fallen by more than 40 percent in the last 10 years, and its three operating refineries are currently functioning below capacity due to lack of oil.

Long lines at Uzbekistan's filling stations have become common and are a source of social discontent.

Mirziyaev has only been in power since September. Making gasoline consistently available at filling stations is one relatively easy way of gaining some popular support.

In March and April, Mirziyaev secured deals for oil supplies from Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, and Russia (which he visited on April 4-5). The Russian and Kazakh oil will come to Uzbekistan through Kazakh pipelines and will link up with a new Uzbek pipeline, yet to be built, and be taken to a new, fourth refinery, yet to be built, in Uzbekistan's Jizzakh region. The Turkmen oil goes to the refinery in Bukhara.

So one could say Mirziyaev's trips to Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan were at least partially motivated by the desire to resolve one of Uzbekistan's urgent domestic problems.

Mirziyaev's latest trip to Turkmenistan, however, brought a note of caution, especially for people in southern Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan who might already be imagining warm and well-lit apartments throughout winter.

Meaningless Agreements?

The electricity export deal was not the only energy agreement the two countries signed in Awaza.

Uzbekistan agreed to join the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) natural-gas pipeline project, and state company Uzbekneftegaz signed a deal to help develop one of Turkmenistan's Caspian Sea oil and gas fields.

These seem to be meaningless agreements.

TAPI is unlikely to be built anytime soon because more than 700 kilometers of the planned pipeline runs through areas of Afghanistan that are now scenes of intense fighting.

Consequently, the operating manager of the project, Turkmengaz, has not had much luck finding investors willing to pitch in some of the estimated $10 billion the pipeline will cost to construct.

The biggest obstacle to Uzbekneftegaz and Turkmennebit developing a Caspian Sea field is also financing. Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan do not currently have the large amount of money needed for such projects.

Another problem is that Uzbekneftegaz has no experience in developing an offshore field, so it is unclear what sort of role the Uzbek company could play.

Mirziyaev may well deserve credit for acting on his promise to improve ties with the neighbors. Six months into his tenure, Uzbekistan's relations with its neighboring states are already better than they were during the last 10 or 15 years under Karimov.

Most of the agreements Mirziyaev has reached with his neighbors represent efforts to address short-term political necessities; there is not much so far that suggests long-term policy changes are coming.

The Turkmen electricity exports to Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan are therefore something of a litmus test, because Uzbekistan does not receive much (only transit fees) for its part in this arrangement, and it promises to be a long-term deal.

Allowing this electricity agreement to go through and operate unhindered would demonstrate an interest in regional cooperation that Tashkent has not shown in a long time.

Thanks to Dr. Luca Anceschi from Glasgow University for his help in preparing this report.

The views expressed in this blog post do not necessarily reflect those of RFE/RL
Russian lawmakers have given preliminary approval to a bill that that would enable courts to imprison people convicted of using the Internet to encourage minors to commit suicide.

The bill was passed in the second of three votes in the State Duma, Russia's lower house of parliament, on May 24.

The bill would make attracting children younger than 18 to online games deemed to propagate suicide punishable by up to three years in prison.

Persuading children to commit suicide, via the Internet or otherwise, would carry a prison term of up to seven years in prison.

A separate bill, also approved in the second reading, obliges state media regulator Roskomnadzor to inform the Interior Ministry about websites propagating suicide within 24 hours of such websites being found.

The bills are a response to concerns about a shadowy phenomenon known as Blue Whale.

Authorities in Russia and other former Soviet republics say teenagers and younger children are being encouraged to commit suicide through participation in an online "game" driven by Russian-language hashtags, including "blue whale."

Critics of such legislation say no deaths in the region have been definitively tied to Blue Whale.

They contend that officials should be tackling factors that drive young people's interest in such games rather than tightening government control over the Internet.

With reporting by TASS and Interfax
An elite Russian university that serves as a training ground for diplomats has come under fire over its plan to grant an honorary doctorate to Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, whom rights groups accuse of a brutal campaign of extrajudicial killings targeting drug suspects.

The honorary degree from the Moscow State Institute of International Affairs (MGIMO) was set to be part of a warm welcome for Duterte this week in the Russian capital, where the Kremlin and its surrogates have embraced his apparent bid to strengthen ties with the Kremlin and pivot away from Washington.

The planned May 24 ceremony at MGIMO, where Duterte was to deliver a lecture, was called off at the last second after the visiting leader cut his trip short due to fighting on the Philippine island of Mindanao between security forces and militants with ties to the extremist Islamic State group.

But the university's decision in the first place to grant the honor to Duterte -- who has claimed that he personally killed criminal suspects -- triggered outrage and criticism both within the MGIMO community and among Russian social-media users.

"Won't it be embarrassing for foreign guests and our professors to see the portrait of this honorary doctor on the wall next to the rector's office among photographs of prominent figures in global politics," MGIMO professor Andrei Silantiev wrote on Facebook on May 23, calling the planned honor a "shame."

After news emerged that the ceremony honoring Duterte had been canceled, Silantiev added later on Facebook that the point of his original post still stands.

Fierce Criticism

Duterte, who met with President Vladimir Putin in the Kremlin on May 23, has faced fierce criticism from rights activists -- including the UN's top human rights official. They say his push to stamp out drugs with the help of security forces and volunteers has resulted in thousands of people being killed without due process.

But the Philippine president, who called then-U.S. President Barack Obama a "son of a whore" in 2016 and has criticized what he calls Washington's interference in other countries' affairs, has received positive assessments from Russian officials, state-run media, and Kremlin-connected political analysts who portray him as a leader capable of standing up to the United States.

Meanwhile, U.S. media reported on May 24 that President Donald Trump praised Duterte in an April 29 telephone call between the two leaders for doing a "great job" in combating drugs. The reports were based on a leaked Philippine transcript of the call, a copy of which was published by the U.S. website The Intercept.

MGIMO, which is run by the Russian Foreign Ministry and is considered one of the country's most prestigious universities, frequently invites visiting foreign leaders to speak at its campus. Previous recipients of its honorary doctorates include former French Presidents Nikolas Sarkozy and Jacques Chirac, former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, and current Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

'You Have To Think About Your Honor'

Yelizaveta Vereshchagina, a Moscow-based activist and 2015 graduate of MGIMO, told RFE/RL that she was relieved the ceremony honoring Duterte did not happen.

"But on the other hand, the fact that our alma mater can act like this really hurts me," Vereshchagina, a coordinator with the Moscow Open School of Human Rights, a nongovernmental organization, said in a telephone interview.

MGIMO alumnus Aleksandr Alekseyev wrote that he understood Russia, which is under Western sanctions over its annexation of Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula and backing of armed separatists in eastern Ukraine, was "looking for allies."

"But you have to think about your honor as well," Alekseyev, a 2015 graduate, wrote in a May 23 post on the Russian social-networking site VKontakte.

One Twitter user suggested the notorious Soviet serial killer Andrei Chikatilo should be "rehabilitated and handed a medal for humanism."

MGIMO scrubbed announcements of Duterte's planned appearance from its website and social-media accounts on May 24, though an archived version was still available.



'Not An Independent Institution'

It was not immediately clear if Duterte would still receive the honorary doctorate.

Viktoria Kalashnikova, a spokeswoman for the university, told RFE/RL by telephone that she could not provide any comment other than that Duterte's planned speech had been canceled.

Repeated calls to the Philippine Embassy in Moscow went unanswered on May 24, and officials there did not respond to an e-mail seeking comment.

Andrei Zubov, a historian and former MGIMO professor who was fired in 2014 over his criticism of Russia's annexation of Crimea, said it was not surprising that the university would present Duterte with an honorary doctorate.

"MGIMO is just executing the will of the Foreign Ministry," he told RFE/RL. "It's not an independent institution that can act based upon its own principles, unfortunately."
A court in Moscow has sentenced a man who took part in an antigovernment protest on March 26 to 18 months in prison after convicting him of attacking a police officer.

Aleksandr Shpakov, who was convicted on May 24, is the second person to be sentenced in connection with one of the largest protests in Russia in years.

Protesters took to the streets in about 100 cities nationwide for anticorruption demonstrations whose size and scope surprised organizers and appear to have rattled President Vladimir Putin's government.

Police detained more than 1,000 people in Moscow alone, including organizer Aleksei Navalny, an opposition politician and anticorruption activist who is seeking to run in the March 2018 presidential election.

Shpakov and three other men -- Yury Kuly, Stanislav Zimovets, and Andrei Kosykh -- were arrested on suspicion of attacking a policeman at the Moscow rally.

On May 18, Kuly was found guilty of causing bodily harm to a police officer and sentenced to eight months in a so-called colony settlement.

Based on reporting by Meduza, Interfax, and TASS
Tajik authorities have launched an "unrelenting assault" against lawyers, particularly those who took up the defense of government critics, a rights watchdog says.

In a report released on May 24, Amnesty International says lawyers in Tajikistan are confronted with significant obstacles in the exercise of their professional duty as the country is increasingly turning its back on human rights and the rule of law.

"The effect of the harassment and the persecution of lawyers in Tajikistan, combined with the recent drastic reduction in the number of the registered lawyers, is crippling for the respect for rights in the country given the essential role lawyers play in the protection of human rights and in facilitating access to justice for all," Maisy Weicherding, a Central Asia researcher for Amnesty International, told RFE/RL.

The report -- In The Line Of Duty: Harassment, Prosecution And Imprisonment of Lawyers In Tajikistan -- comes ahead of the country's Professional Day of the Lawyer on May 26.

It says there is an ongoing crackdown by the Tajik government on "virtually all forms of dissent, including persecution of those associated or perceived to be associated with various banned opposition groups and political parties," including the Islamic Renaissance Party (IRPT) and Group 24.

'Unprecedented Risks'

The report says that many of the lawyers who took up the defense of members of the opposition have themselves faced persecution, including punitive arrest and lengthy prison terms following unfair trials.

The crackdown has also seen several lawyers charged with national security-related offences, thrown behind bars, and their family members harassed and intimidated, it adds.

Being a lawyer, particularly a human rights lawyer, "comes with unprecedented risks" in Tajikistan, according to Amnesty International.

In its report, the London-based rights watchdog describes several cases of Tajik lawyers who have faced persecution over the past few years:

Buzurgmehr Yorov and Nuriddin Mahkamov defended detained IRPT officials in 2015 after the party was outlawed by the Supreme Court as a "terrorist" organization. The two lawyers have since been convicted on controversial terrorism-related charges and sentenced to terms of more than 20 years. Fearing government reprisals, few lawyers were prepared to defend Yorov and Mahkamov after their arrest. Lawyer Muazzamakhon Kadirova took up their case but she was forced to flee the country after learning she faced imminent arrest.

Human rights lawyer Shuhrat Kudratov, who has worked on a number of politically "sensitive" cases, defended Zaid Saidov, a former cabinet minister who was sentenced to 26 years in prison in 2013 on charges that included corruption and rape. The lawyer himself was imprisoned on charges of bribery and fraud that he claimed were politically motivated and linked to his work as Saidov's defense lawyer. Kudratov believed his client was targeted in retaliation for his attempt to set up a political party and run for president.

The arbitrary arrest of these lawyers and their politically motivated prosecutions have served as a warning for other members of the profession in Tajikistan, according to Weicherding.

Harassment and the persecution of the lawyers "acted as a deterrent to any lawyer who was thinking of taking up politically sensitive cases," she said. "For example, the family of Buzurgmehr Yorov have not been able to find any criminal lawyer willing to take up his defense."

The report points out that "in the context of the wider clampdown on dissent, lawyers have become increasingly wary of taking up any cases of an overtly political, or potentially political, nature, or cases that involve complaints against security services or other agents of the state, even when there are compelling allegations of torture or other ill-treatment."

Weicherding says that the Tajik government "has turned its attention to lawyers and launched an unrelenting assault that has drastically reduced their numbers and limited their independence."

Limited Access To Justice

In 2015, Tajikistan adopted amendments to the law regulating licensing requirements for lawyers, bringing the process back under the control of the Ministry of Justice, and not under the Union of Lawyers as required under international standards.

According to Amnesty International, the number of licensed lawyers in Tajikistan has fallen by more than half in the past two years  from 1,200 in 2015 to just 600 today -- consequently restricting further the already limited access to justice for all citizens in Tajikistan.

It says that in Tajikistan -- a country where fundamental freedoms barely exist and where government critics are incarcerated and independent media silenced -- lawyers play an essential role in defending those whose rights are under attack.

The rights group calls on the Tajik government "to free those lawyers currently being held behind bars after being convicted in unfair trials and to urgently review the legislation that has caused the disbarment of more than half of their profession in the past two years."

It also urges Tajik authorities to respect human rights, including those of lawyers, saying "all lawyers in Tajikistan must be able to perform their professional duties without hindrance and fear of reprisals."


ON MY MIND



In a post on Facebook yesterday, the Moscow-based playwright and journalist Natalia Antonova offered a chilling portrait of what the police raid on the home of prominent director Kirill Serebrennikov's home felt like to Russia's cultural community.



"Imagine waking up to news that Martin Scorsese is being terrorized and humiliatingly searched by the police. This is what it's like in Moscow at the moment," she wrote.

Hard to imagine, right? Well that about sums it up.



Serebrennikov is one of Russia's most renowned stage and film directors. His films have been screened at the Cannes Film Festival, the Rome Film Festival, and elsewhere.



But he is also an outspoken critic of the Kremlin and of the growing political influence of the Russian Orthodox Church. And that made him a target.



And it also sent a message. If the authorities can come after someone as beloved and prominent as Serebrennikov, then nobody is safe.



"The authorities are doing everything to make sure that everybody is on the hook," the director Vladimir Mirzoyev told Meduza in a piece featured below.



IN THE NEWS



Investigators searched a Moscow theater and the home of prominent director Kirill Serebrennikov, who has protested against the government and voiced concern about the increasing influence of the Russian Orthodox Church.



During a meeting with Vladimir Putin in Moscow, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte says his country needs modern arms to fight Islamic State militants and that he expects Russian support.

A grandson of Soviet dictator Josef Stalin, theater director Aleksandr Burdonsky, has died at age 75.



Former CIA Director John Brennan said he spoke directly to the head of Russia's main security agency last summer, complaining about the harassment of U.S. diplomats and apparent Russian efforts to meddle in the presidential election campaign.



U.S. President Donald Trump has tapped a longtime legal adviser to serve as his attorney in matters involving investigations into Russia's ties to his 2016 election campaign.



Lawmakers have approved a bill that would require Ukrainian television and radio stations that broadcast nationwide to have at least 75 percent of their programming in the Ukrainian language.



WHAT I'M READING



The Cultural Elite Reacts



Meduza has a roundup of the reactions of leading Russian cultural figures to the search of the Gogol Center theater and of prominent director Kirill Serebrennikov's home.



Fight Club



In EUObserver, Andrew Rettman looks at how Russian intelligence services are using martial arts clubs to recruit potential troublemakers in Germany and other EU countries.



Generation-U



Former Ukrainian Defense Minister Yuriy Husyev has a piece in New Eastern Europe examining Ukraine's new generation.



Putin's Trip To France



In Republic.ru, political analyst Tatiana Stanovaya previews Putin's visit to France.



And in Moskovsky Komsomolets, Yelena Yegorova looks at speculation that the real purpose of Putin's trip is to meet U.S. President Donald Trump.



Belarus And China



In a piece in Belarus Digest, political analyst Dzmitry Mitskevich looks at how Alyaksandr Lukashenka is courting China as a counterbalance to Russia.



The Georgia Satellite



In The Jamestown Foundation Eurasia Daily Monitor, Vasili Rukhadze writes that Russia is increasingly treating Georgia like a potential vassal state.



Why Putin Doesn't Tweet



Nezavisimaya Gazeta has an interview with Yevgeny Gontmakher of the Institute of World Economics and International Relations on how Russian politics is migrating to the Internet -- but Putin still refuses to use Twitter.



NOTE TO READERS: The Morning Vertical and The Daily Vertical will not appear on May 25-26, as I will be speaking at the GLOBSEC Forum in Bratislava. All Power Vertical products will resume their regular schedule on Monday, May 29.
KYIV -- Ukrainian law enforcement agents have arrested 23 former high-ranking tax-administration officials suspected of helping the government of ex-President Viktor Yanukovych to defraud the state of nearly 97 billion hryvnyas ($4 billion) in what authorities called the largest-ever operation of its kind here.

Interior Minister Arsen Avakov and Chief Military Prosecutor Anatoliy Matios told reporters that the former officials were taken into custody over the course of 454 raids in 15 regions across Ukraine on May 24. They said the operations involved 1,700 National Police officers and about 500 military prosecutors.

Matios said the raids and arrests were part of an inquiry into the operations of Ukraine's Income and Tax Ministry under its former minister, Oleksandr Klymenko. Klymenko, like his ally, Yanukovych, fled to Russia at the height of antigovernment protests in February 2014. He is believed to be living in Moscow.

Matios said Ukraine's economy had "suffered" from the activities of the Yanukovych-linked officials and warned others that this was only the "first wave" of arrests.

"During the course of the criminal investigation we foresee detaining and charging employees of the Prosecutor-General's Office, Ukraine's SBU Security Service, and employees of the state tax administration," Interfax-Ukraine quoted Matios as saying.

Avakov, who called the raid "the biggest anticorruption operation the country has ever seen," said some suspects tried to evade arrest, including one official nabbed at the airport.

Matios said some of top suspects were being brought to Kyiv by helicopter.

"The courts now will become the battleground," Avakov said.

Activists praised authorities for the arrests, but noted that the bigger challenge will likely be prosecuting them.

Ukraine, which has struggled to combat pervasive corruption since Yanukovych's ouster, has not convicted a single senior-level official accused of corruption since the pro-Western government of President Petro Poroshenko came to power in May 2014.

With reporting by Interfax-Ukraine
A man wanted in connection with the 1995 Srebrenica massacre during Bosnia's civil war has been returned to his native Serbia to face charges.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials said on May 23 that Srdjan Bilic, 44, was flown to Belgrade from Miami International Airport. ICE agents turned him over to Serbian authorities.

ICE says Bilic was a member of a Bosnian Serb army brigade implicated in genocide that took place in Srebrenica in July 1995. About 8,000 men and boys were executed, and 30,000 women and children were expelled from the area.

An international criminal court ruled the event to be genocide in 2001.

"Individuals like Bilic must face justice," said Marc J. Moore, ICE's Miami field office director.

Officials did not say where Bilic had been living or how long he was in the United States.

With reporting by AP
An online battle between one of Russia's richest men and its most prominent opposition politician is not going away.

Uzbek-born tycoon Alisher Usmanov issued his second YouTube attack on Aleksei Navalny in a week on May 24, rejecting his challenge to a public debate and calling him a "highly artistic liar."

The war of words between the Kremlin-connected magnate and one of President Vladimir Putin's most outspoken opponents comes ahead of a March 2018 election in which Navalny is seeking to run.

On May 17, Usmanov and Navalny exchanged bitter, strongly worded video salvos as they rejected a Moscow court's proposed settlement in a defamation case that the metals-to-media tycoon filed against the anticorruption crusaders.

Usmanov was back at it seven days later, issuing a new video in which he likened Navalny to one of the most unlikable figures in Russian literature: Poligraf Sharikov, the loutish dog-turned-man in Mikhail Bulgakov's 1925 novel Heart Of A Dog.

Usmanov called Navalny "not just an uneducated demagogue, but a highly artistic liar."

He noted that Navalny had declined to apologize for the report that prompted his defamation lawsuit and added: "We will meet in court."

Usmanov filed the suit against Navalny and his Anticorruption Foundation in April.

The defamation claim stems from a March 2 report by Navalny's foundation that focused on Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev and included allegations that Usmanov gave expensive property to a foundation linked to Medvedev at no cost.

In his initial video, Usmanov -- whose words and manner evoked the image of Russian crime boss for many viewers -- called Navalny a "loser" and compared him to a "puppy barking at an elephant."

He also mock spit on Navalny, a reference from a popular Soviet-era film.

Navalny fired back with his own video, calling Usmanov "a beginning blogger" and "a bribe-taker, a bribe-giver, a crook, and a fraudulent man."

The court that is handling the lawsuit has scheduled a hearing for May 30.

Navalny was among the leaders of a wave of protests in 2011-12 and has irked the Kremlin with his reports alleging pervasive corruption in circles close to Putin.

He has been campaigning for the presidential election next March in which Putin is widely expected to seek and secure a new six-year term.

Russian authorities have suggested that Navalny will be barred from the ballot due to a conviction on financial-crimes charges that the opposition leader says were fabricated by the Kremlin.

But election officials have not stated clearly whether Navalny will be allowed to run, and he has pushed ahead with his campaign.
Long-serving Uzbek Central Bank chief Fayzulla Mullajonov has died at the age of 67.

Members of Mullajonov's family told RFE/RL that he died in Tashkent on May 23 of kidney failure.

Mullajonov was buried at a cemetery in the capital on May 24. State-run media in the tightly controlled Central Asian country carried a statement by President Shavkat Mirziyaev and other officials expressing condolences.

Mullajonov had headed the Central Bank since 1991, the year Uzbekistan gained independence in the collapse of the Soviet Union.

His health had reportedly been deteriorating for the past two years, but autocratic former President Islam Karimov reportedly refused to accept his resignation even after he suffered kidney failure and was briefly in a coma.

Karimov died last year after more than 25 years in power.

News reports and sources at the bank, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly about the matter, said the bank's first deputy chairman, Saidkamol Hojaev, was named acting chairman.
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A photochrom image circa 1898 of the USS Texas second-class battleship. The Texas was the forerunner of BB-1, USS Indiana. In modern parlance, the USS Texas would have probably been categorized as a Heavy-Cruiser or Battle-Cruiser being under armored and with smaller armaments than that of a Battleship of the period. The USS Texas was the sister ship of the USS Maine which met an unfortunate end in the harbor of Havana. The Main and the Texas where not give hull designations.

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by Austin Bay May 23, 2017

Sophisticated American and Canadian energy industries have given the Free World an economic boost and a powerful diplomatic weapon.

The North American "fracking" revolution -- hydraulic fracturing to tap vast reservoirs of "tight" natural gas and oil -- has altered the world's strategic calculus.

U.S. and Canadian firms began experimenting with advanced oil and gas recovery techniques well before the "shale oil boom" made headlines. However, the development of fields in North Dakota and Texas helped develop techniques, technology and expertise. Fracking has opened previously untapped reservoirs. Frackers use improved drilling and production techniques to exploit existing fields. Information technology helps energy companies identify new oil and gas reservoirs and reduce the risks of "wildcat" oil and gas exploration.

Today, the U.S. is less dependent on foreign oil imports. Daily U.S. imports have declined, from around ten million barrels to seven million. The U.S. is now exporting energy to select markets. This is why the Trump Administration's proposed sale of half of the U.S. strategic petroleum reserve is timely. The reserve has around 700 million barrels.

The economic boon is obvious. So is the diplomatic clout.

Precisely when the U.S. and Canada supplanted OPEC as the world's oil price pacesetters is up for debate, but November 2016 to April 2017 is the time frame.

Now OPEC is struggling. Since the end of April, Saudi Arabia has called for the extension of OPEC's November 2016 oil production quotas. That deal was supposed to curb an oil supply glut by taking 1.2 million barrels a day off the market.

OPEC couldn't do it. In the past oil gluts have forced U.S. frackers to shutter expensive operations. Then OPEC could raise prices. However, U.S. fracking costs have dropped. As the glut continues, frackers are demonstrating they can adapt to lower oil prices.

Riyadh's recent lobbying has had little effect on markets. In some cases it has encountered quiet political resistance. Cash-strapped OPEC members need money now.

Several OPEC producers face internal crises that their governments believe justifies exceeding production limits. Iraq needs money to finance its war with the Islamic State. It also needs money to finance new transportation and energy-sector infrastructure.

Several non-OPEC oil exporters verbally support cartel quotas but routinely exceed production limits. For example, Russia needs cash. Oil and natural gas are the Kremlin's cash crops.

They are also Russian weapons. When his forces invaded Ukraine in 2014, Russian president Vladimir Putin believed he could dissect eastern Ukraine at little cost because European economies rely on Russian natural gas. If eastern European nations didn't capitulate to his demands, he would strangle their economies.

Poland understood the threat. The Polish government built seaport facilities to handle tankers carrying liquefied natural gas and began lobbying Washington to build new LNG export facilities to transport "fracked" U.S. gas to Poland.

As for the long term, low oil prices mean the Kremlin has less money to spend on war and weapons.

At one time Tehran could shake global oil markets by threatening to close the Strait of Hormuz, the sea lane connecting the Persian Gulf and the Indian Ocean. That gambit is no longer quite as menacing. Moreover, lower oil prices weaken Iran's religious dictatorship. They have less money for nuclear weapons and training terrorists.

Fracking and other advanced techniques have changed the ways many analysts calculate oil and gas reserves. The subject stirs intense debate. North America may have enormous reserves. 36 billion barrels is an accepted figure for current U.S. oil reserves. However, in July 2016, an independent study by Norway's Rystad Energy estimated the U.S. has 264 billion barrels in recoverable oil. Saudi Arabia has around 212 billion and Russia 256 billion.

Astonishing numbers, but other estimates are even more astonishing. Canada may have 2.7 trillion barrels in shale formations, and the U.S. two trillion.
VIENNAOPEC countries and other producers including oil giant Russia are backing prolonging last years production cut to shore up crude prices, strongly indicating that an extension is a done deal even before they meet formally on the issue Thursday.

The output reductions have been in effect since November, when the 13-country Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries agreed to cut production by 1.2 million barrels a day, while non-OPEC countries chipped in with a further 600,000-barrel reduction. That deal, which has helped push up oil prices, is due to expire at the end of June.

Saudi energy minister Khalid al-Falih noted a trend among participants to prolong the cuts for nine months. OPEC secretary general Mohammad Barkindo said there is growing consensus for an extension.

Iraqi oil minister Jabbar Ali Hussein Al-Luiebi told reporters there was already apparent unanimous consent to continue the cut that we had in November. Bijan Namdar Zanganeh, his Iranian counterpart, said: We support the proposal for nine months.

A committee of all nations participating in the cuts also recommended a nine-month extension on Wednesday. Non-OPEC countries that are part of the deal will attend the meeting, including Russias energy minister Alexander Novak.

But in the longer term, there are concerns among OPEC countries that higher oil prices may end up being counterproductive as they encourage U.S. shale gas producers to re-enter the market  a development that could weigh on oil prices.

Despite last years production cuts, oil prices have risen by less than OPEC hoped for. At around $50 (U.S.) a barrel, benchmark crude is up from the sub-$30 levels reached in early 2016. Still, prices are around half the levels reached in 2014.

Financial information firm IHS Markit sees OPEC revenues showing a modest gain this year after dropping from their peak of $1.2 trillion in 2012. But the total, it said, will be less than half the level of 2012, when prices were more than double current levels.

U.S. output since last years cut has increased by nearly a million barrels a day to 9 million barrels. That already puts American production up there with Saudi Arabia and Russia and cuts further into OPECs past ability to play a role in setting prices and supplies.

Commerzbank cited data from the U.S. Department of Energy saying U.S. production was roughly 540,000 barrels per day higher in mid-May than at the start of the year.

This offsets nearly half of OPECs production cuts, it noted.

More than 400 oil rigs are now working U.S. shale fields, an increase of more than 120 per cent compared to a year ago. And U.S. producers are poised to expand more.

With the U.S continuing to win market share by producing more oil at lower price levels, the global supply excess will take a long time to eradicate, said Fawad Razaqzada of Forex.com.

Additional psychological pressure on OPEC is coming from U.S. President Donald Trump. As part of his proposed budget, he called Tuesday for the sale of half of the countrys strategic oil reserves, which stand at 688 million barrels.

It is unclear if Congress will approve the initiative. Even if it does, the drawdown would extend over 10 years. Still, for OPEC the timing of the proposal was unfavourable, coming just two days before the ministers meet.

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LIZARD ISLAND, AUSTRALIA-Bleurgh-bla-spla-thwa.

Sputtering. Excited and tense, Ive sucked sea water into my snorkel.

Three grey silhouettes are rising to investigate clicks from the camera of Lizard Island videographer Trent Reid.

Sharks.

The boat is hundreds of metres away. I have the exact height, weight and wingspan of Olympic swimming champion Michael Phelps (really) and none of his ability, muscle tone or even one fully functioning shoulder (also, really).

Im a fish out of water. In the water. With three sharks.

The three fins circle, narrowing their arc every pass. Something bumps my ribs. Melodramatically, I accept this is it. Im lunch. The universe loves irony and my favourite movie is Jaws. Im a goner. But its only Reid, tapping my side, beckoning me to stop drifting off the reef.

Stay this side, he says, surfacing. Its not dangerous but they are stalking us.

His relaxed Aussie twang does not make this any more reassuring. He explains the sharks instinct is to lure us to deep water, where their advantage is strongest. Awesome.

Ive come to Lizard Island, the most northern resort on the Great Barrier Reefs 900 islands and the epicentre of lifeless coral, if the media reports in 2016 indicting climate change for the bleaching and death of the reef are accurate.

For Lizard Island general manager Emilio Fortini, a suave, olive-skinned Italian-Australian, those stories are somewhat of a problem. Hes fronting calls from concerned guests, asking if theres any point coming to see the reef anymore.

To counter the hysteria, Lizard plans to start offering four-night all inclusive dead zone tours from September this year. The trips, costing about $5,500 and bookable via the resort website lizardisland.com.au, will be hosted by an Australian Museum scientist and members of the Lizard Island Research Station. They aim to furnish tourists with facts and show them the reality of reef sections mistakenly declared entirely dead.

Theres no doubt the reefs state is perilous. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) says 2016 has seen the worst bleaching on record. Scientists at Lizard Islands research centre called it the worst bleaching since 2002.

Seeing is believing, so I fly to the $1,500-a-night (minimum) luxury retreat on Lizard Island to find out.

No one sleeps or reads on the plane. Glowing turquoise reefs speckle the placid blue ocean below. Its nuclear nature.

Within two hours of landing, Im hitting the water. No experience is necessary. The reef is so shallow, snorkelling is just as good as diving. I don a full-body stinger suit for protection from the tiny Irukandji jellyfish, and the sun. The latter is far more important for my Scottish skin. Im so pasty white, Im half expecting Moby-Dicks Capt. Ahab to appear on the horizon and start lobbing spears my way. The suits help the environment, too, by preventing excess globs of chemical-laden sunscreen from damaging the reef.

Mass bleaching has killed more than a third of the coral in the northern and central parts of Australia's Great Barrier Reef. (May 30, 2016)

I fall backwards off a boat into water and the reef divulges colours and vitality kept secret above the surface. Spiky bursting-yellow stag horn corals pierce retinas. Shattering blue dots cover giant clams. Rays of sunlight scintillate the aqua water.

Ive seen Grand Canyon reds. White Himalayas. New Zealand greens. Swimming the Great Barrier Reef is like seeing my first rainbow.

Delicate orange brain and wafting blue spaghetti corals conceal yellow Maori wrasse, clownfish and blue tangs. Parrotfish chip dusty lumps of coral, one colour palette eating another. Swaying schools of fish emerge and disappear at will. A flapping spotted eagle ray trawls the depths. How can all this be here?

Ive stood in mega-cities and felt small, humble. One flimsy cardboard piece of a puzzle. This is different. Im a micro-pixel on a movie screen.

The wider breadth of marine life, the extra freedom and time to explore, and the substantially smaller groups of around eight people set Lizards reef tours apart from the much cheaper (less than $200) 40-person day trips departing from the mainland. Reid takes us to a stretch of reef remote enough to be named No Name Reef. Its a snorkelling heaven, if you can afford to enter the pearly gates.

Speaking of heaven, death is close at hand, and I dont mean the sharks stalking me. Live and dead coral are neighbours. The damage is sporadic, like a hurricane hitting a city. Some homes are destroyed while others are left intact. Some corals are colourful while their neighbours are bleached, the algae evicted when the water temperature increases and the corals turn a mouldy white.

Sometimes blandness is necessary to accentuate the beautiful. Not so here. The dead coral doesnt complement or heighten the reefs esthetic. My ecstasy, seeing this wonder of the natural world, is tapered by the feeling Im telling a dear relative on their deathbed I love them, soaking in the last few moments in their company while I still can. I barely know the reef and Ive got that solemn realization of loss that hits weeks after a funeral.

The Australian Museum says the reef has lost half its coral since 1980. Last years depletion, exacerbated by the warm El Nino weather system, was no sudden phenomenon and warming water temperature is not the only thing destroying the reef. Unchecked, the polyp predator crown-of-thorns starfish can devastate swathes of coral. Cyclones have crippled parts of the reef around Lizard, especially the lagoon, where the corals are not ordinarily subject to rough conditions.

Contrary to some 2016 headlines, the reef is still alive and coral can recover, but this is the first environment Im seeing that makes me realize it might not be around for my future kids. No one can be sure if it has 10, 100 or 1,000 years left. Were in unchartered territory.

When I see the three sharks circling Reid and me, I start to think maybe Ill go before the reef. Sharks dont swim, they swagger like UFC champion Conor McGregors billionaire strut. Until we move. They dont need a Steven Spielberg movie to fear us. One swift movement and they flee.

The first glimpse of their fins makes me intensely vulnerable. I swallow seawater, excited and tense. Bleurgh-bla-spla-thwa. When another shark appears, a smaller blacktip shark, I follow him, unafraid. His black-tipped fin stands out against the bright reef.

He swaggers away to the deep blue murk. And hes gone. Faded to nothing.

David Bateman was hosted by Lizard Island resort, which did not review or approve this story.

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Canadian universities may have a more international feel this fall.

Enrolment of international students will be sharply higher, universities say, and the incoming freshmen include large numbers of high school students from the United States. With the increase coming during the first year of a contentious presidency, theres plenty of talk about the trend being an obvious reaction to U.S. President Donald Trump.

The so-called Trump effect is real when it comes to enrolment in Canada, said Alan Shepard, president of Concordia University in Montreal. Applications from international students for this coming falls semester have surged.

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But its not that simple. While plenty of students who have chosen Canada for higher education cite the political climate in the United States, admissions officers and students say economics remains the main motivation.

Maddie Zeif, 18, a high school student from Sunderland, Vt., said costs in Canada were cheaper than in the United States and were comparable even to in-state tuition at the University of Vermont. Shes going to the University of British Columbia in the fall.

At UBC, I will be right in a city, at a very large university, right on the ocean, an hour from Whistler, she said in an email, referring to the popular Canadian ski resort, and I will be paying almost the same amount as my in-state tuition without factoring in any financial aid yet.

Besides the cost and the political climate, students also say they were attracted by affordable health care, relative safety and a more relaxed atmosphere in Canada. Students from outside North America also point to the ease of immigration to Canada.

With about one million international students within its borders, the United States is still the leader in international education. Canadas international student population, though, surged 92 per cent from 2008 to 2015, reaching more than 350,000, according to the Canadian Bureau for International Education.

Final figures for this years application season are not yet available. But Canadian university officials say the early numbers suggest that Canada will be educating many more international students than ever this fall, particularly from the United States.

At Ryerson University, for example, the number of international undergraduates, including from the United States, who have confirmed that they will attend in the fall is up nearly 50 per cent over this time last year.

University of Toronto officials said the enrolment of students from the United States for this fall had doubled from last school year, with a yield  the percentage of accepted students who commit to attend  of 25 per cent compared with about 20 per cent last year.

Were going to see record numbers of students from the U.S., said Ted Sargent, a vice-president at the university, Canadas largest.

Officials at U of T said they saw a jump in enrolments from other countries, too, with an increase of 75 per cent from India and more than 60 per cent from the Middle East and Turkey.

Smaller universities like Mount Saint Vincent University in Halifax, N.S., said the number of applications from the United States had more than doubled this year.

Even though international students pay a higher rate then domestic students, tuition is still relatively cheaper in Canada than at comparable U.S. universities.

Also, the Canadian dollars weakness relative to the U.S. dollar gives students headed to Canada an instant discount of about 26 per cent.

Megan Ludwig, 23, from Prather, Calif., graduated from the University of Nevada with a bachelors degree in ecohydrology, which studies the interaction between water and ecosystems. But for her masters degree, she decided on Canada. The economics were compelling.

Canadian tuition is half the price per semester or less than most U.S. universities and scholarships for masters positions are less competitive and more widely available, Ludwig wrote in an email. She said she landed a stipend that was nearly double any of the offers she received in the United States.

Nancy Gorosh, 19, of Houston, just finished her freshman year at Concordia. Last year, she was choosing between Concordia and Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York, on Long Island. Gorosh said her tuition and fees at Concordia next year will be about $12,400 (U.S.) a year; Hofstra would have been about $44,000.

Politics is on the minds of students choosing Canada for college, but their concerns are more nuanced than a simple dislike of Trump.

I dont want to spend my college years worrying about whats going to happen if I need an abortion, Zeif said. I dont want to spend my college years worrying about what happens if I get caught with a little weed in my bag.

Ankit Saxena, a 23-year-old engineer from New Delhi, will apply to graduate programs in the fall. He said Trumps policies were one of many factors leading him to focus on Canada over the United States. He plans to apply to the University of Toronto, the University of Waterloo and the University of British Columbia, among others.

Racial discrimination is becoming a big problem, and its really scary to hear about an Indian getting shot in the U.S. every week, Saxena said.

Some students say the visa process for entering the United States is onerous, especially considering the uncertainty about how regulations might change. More than half of the international students in Canada plan to seek permanent residency, according to the Canadian international education bureau.

Marius Poyard, from France, said he had the option to pursue a masters degree in mechanical engineering at Michigan State University, Manhattan College or the Universite de Sherbrooke in Quebec. But he couldnt face the visa application process in the United States after having endured it for a summer program several years ago.

He complained about irrelevant questions asked online, the need to travel to Paris for an interview, and then a wait of hours for the interview, which consisted of a few questions he had already answered online. The Canadian process was simple, he said. Everything is on the Internet and is very fast.

But Poyard said cost was another compelling reason to choose Canada. The Universite de Sherbrooke will cost less than one-third of either option in the United States.

Sofia Solar Cafaggi, 29, of Mexico City, got her undergraduate degree at McGill University after turning down the Massachusetts Institute of Technology because of the cost. She was able to get permanent residency in Canada two years after graduating. Now shes on her way to medical school. She said she was offered a full scholarship at a school in the United States but will be going to the University of Toronto.

I can get citizenship upon graduation, whereas in the U.S. Id be an alien for another decade and would need sponsorship for residency, she said.

Jane White, of Carbondale, Ill., cited health care as a main reason for enrolling in a masters program at Nipissing University in North Bay, Ont. this fall. Under the Affordable Care Act, White was covered by her familys insurance until she was 26. At 27, shes covered by a state plan, but she worries how she will be able to pay the $300 a month she needs for her asthma medication if the rules change.

Other medications require a periodic visit to a doctor, further raising the cost.

My husband and I are both eligible for health care through the Canadian university, she said.

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TORONTOTwo women who endured years of sexual harassment as RCMP employees expressed mixed emotions as a landmark class-action suit against the force edged Wednesday toward final court approval.

Speaking after a settlement hearing, the women expressed hope their long battle would pave the way for a more hospitable RCMP workplace.

Its not a happy day based upon the fact that weve had to take this action to get change, said Linda Davidson, one of the representative plaintiffs. Thats sad. Its 2017.

Davidson and fellow plaintiff Janet Merlo were among a few dozen women who sat in the courtroom or spilled into an overflow room as lawyers urged Federal Court Judge Ann Marie McDonald to sign off on the agreement in the case.

The deal, which the government did not oppose, would see current and former female employees who were harassed each receive at least $10,000 and as much as $220,000. The settlement also calls on the RCMP to fight harassment within its ranks.

Although the government has not admitted any wrongdoing, RCMP Commissioner Bob Paulson apologized publicly last October for what the women had endured. However, both Merlo and Davidson said they have begun to doubt his sincerity in light of recent damning reports about harassment in the force.

Not only are they not changing, but they lack the will and ability to change, Merlo said. Hopefully, this court order will be what makes them change.

As many as 20,000 RCMP employees, dating back to Sept. 16, 1974, when the first female recruits were sworn in, are potentially eligible for compensation. However, the lawyers expected fewer women would actually apply.

McDonald said she would rule very shortly.

According to the agreement, women eligible for the highest level of compensation suffered ongoing intimidation and bullying, forced penetrative sex acts and other egregious harassment that resulted in suicidal thoughts or attempted suicide, sexual dysfunction or the inability to work among other severe effects.

The government has set aside $100 million for claims but the lawyers stressed there is no cap. In severe cases, relatives of claimants are each eligible to receive five per cent of the award to the claimant  to a maximum of 10 per cent that would be shared if there are more than two affected relatives.

Merlo, who called the day bittersweet, said money could never compensate for the lost careers and broken relationships, but she took comfort that other RCMP women will now benefit.

Its too bad we had to do this, Merlo said. But its good that its done.

Key among terms of the deal are provisions that shield claimants identities from the RCMP. Privacy is especially important for women who still work for the force, the court heard.

All of the information provided during the claims process, both written and oral, will be kept confidential, co-counsel Megan McPhee told McDonald. The RCMP does not receive any of the claims and has no right to respond.

Government lawyer Mitchell Taylor said a surprisingly large number of women  1,590  had opted out of the settlement, most because they said they had not suffered any harassment or discrimination.

We are proceeding nonetheless, Taylor said. We think it is a fair and proper settlement.

Merlo, now of St. Johns, N.L., was an RCMP constable from 1991 to 2010 who suffered depression, panic attacks and other health effects due to her mistreatment. Davidson, 58, now of Bracebridge, Ont., started with the RCMP in 1985. She became one of the few women to become a commissioned officer, rising to the rank of inspector. Davidson took medical leave in 2009 and retired in 2012.

The claims process is to be overseen by former Supreme Court justice Michel Bastarache, who attended Wednesdays approval hearing.

The government has also agreed to pay $12 million to the two law firms involved. In addition, the lawyers will earn 15 per cent of amounts awarded to claimants.

We believe this is a superb settlement, said lawyer David Klein, who represents Merlo It was complex, high-risk litigation.

Read more: Settlement set to be approved in harassment suit by female RCMP employees

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MONTREALAt this time last year, Madeleine Meilleur was a long-serving cabinet minister in the Liberal government of Kathleen Wynne. Over her 13 years at Queens Park she held a number of portfolios under two premiers. Her initial time in the legislature coincided with the Ontario tenure of both of Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus top aides Katie Telford and Gerald Butts.

When Meilleur left active politics last summer, she had her heart set on securing a Senate appointment. That was until it was made clear that Trudeaus more independent Senate was no place for a just-retired Liberal politician.

That is how she came to set her sights on the then-soon-to-be-vacant post of commissioner of official languages. She applied for it like anyone else. Before and during her years in politics Meilleur had been a strong advocate for French-language rights. Earlier this month her name emerged as the prime ministers choice for the post. But that is not to say that the process that led to the decision was a blind one.

Meilleur says she had chats about her application with Telford and Butts along the way. And it was Heritage Minister Melanie Joly  according to her spokesperson  who conducted the final interviews.

The official languages commissioner is one of eight agents of Parliament. The auditor general is another, as is the chief electoral officer. They report to Parliament, not the prime minister.

The collective mission of these parliamentary officers is to act as independent watchdogs in their designated areas of expertise. The term independent is an operative word in their job definition or at least it was until Meilleurs proposed nomination.

That there is less than a degree of separation between Meilleur and Trudeaus Liberal government is not in question. That closeness is unique in the history of similar appointments.

Among the half dozen that served as official languages commissioners since the post was created in 1970, only one, Victor Goldbloom, was ever active in electoral politics. The others hailed from academia, journalism or had been career diplomats.

Goldbloom had served in the Quebec cabinet of Robert Bourassa. But the parallels with Meilleur stop there for he left the national assembly more than a decade prior to his federal appointment. In the interval, he had held a number of non-partisan positions. And while Goldbloom had been a provincial Liberal MNA, it was Tory prime minister Brian Mulroney who put his name forward.

This is Trudeaus first proposed appointment of an agent of Parliament. There are more to come. At this juncture, more than half the positions are filled on an interim basis. In some instances, as in the case of the chief electoral officer, the length of the hiatus is unprecedented. Marc Mayrand left his post five months ago after having given six months notice. The government says the quest for a more arms-length, merit-based process has been slowing things down.

But there is little that is arms length in the process described by both Meilleur and Jolys office. Based on their accounts, the only feature that is more transparent than ever is the wall that should stand between government officials and the selection of independent parliamentary watchdogs.

The opposition parties have not signed off on Meilleurs nomination. They have complained to the Speaker that the prime minister ignored his legal obligation to consult them prior to making the announcement.

If and when Meilleurs name is put to a vote in the Commons, her appointment might carry only because the Liberals hold a majority. Under that scenario, things could get difficult in the Senate. Some independent senators may balk at vetting an appointment that is devoid of consensual support in the other house. It does not help that some of the associations that toil on the front of French-language rights have expressed concerns over the integrity of the process.

This comes at a time when the Liberal government has presented legislation that could clip the wings of the parliamentary budget officer. To say that there is widespread opposition suspicion that the Liberals like watchdogs best when they are on a leash  just as their predecessors did  is an understatement.

In the last election campaign, Trudeau accused Stephen Harper of having turned Parliament Hill into a partisan swamp. He said he would clean it up. It is hard to reconcile that promise with an appointment that fails the non-partisan smell test.

Chantal Hebert is a national affairs writer. Her column appears Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

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Even in Torontos tight rental market, Zenobia Omarali agreed to lower the rent for her tenant  the son of a former employee  when he moved into her spacious downtown loft two years ago.

And this past winter, when the tenant, Zeyadh Moosa, asked her to pay a pest control service to get rid of bedbugs  and replace his mattress  Omarali agreed.

She said Moosa told her the bedbugs came through the walls, and its my fault.

So she was shocked when she found out that Moosa, 26, had been subletting the unit on Airbnb for up to $200 a night.

According to Omarali, the loft consists of two units and Moosa was paying $1,600 a month for one unit and $1,000 for the upstairs unit that he was permitted to rent to a long-term tenant.

My hearts just going Oh my gosh, no wonder I had to buy a new mattress, she said of her suspicion that an Airbnb guest imported the bedbugs.

I trust all my tenants, said Omarali, a high school guidance counsellor who owns several rental properties in Toronto. When you have your own property and rent to someone else, thats a bond. When you break that bond its heartbreaking. Its not just a transaction; its more of a relationship.

Read more:

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When contacted by the Star recently and asked if he put the unit on Airbnb, Moosa said he did because he was using it to find long-term renters to help her (Omarali) fill holes in units she wasnt able to find tenants for, which I was successfully doing for her.

Moosa said he discovered the bedbugs during that time I was living there, adding its an old building.

He said his family and Omarali have known each other for almost 20 years, and said he thinks there has been a misunderstanding about this whole situation.

Omaralis story highlights a new area of concern for renters in Toronto: the business of short-term, online rentals.

Airbnb may be popular with budget travellers and hosts looking for extra cash, but such rental businesses have become a vexing issue for condominium owners, condo boards and management companies.

Theres concern over the constant arrival and departure of short-term visitors, wear and tear on buildings, insurance, legal and zoning implications and the fact that there is no way of knowing how many online, short-term rentals are in violation of condo declarations, bylaws and rules, said Toronto condo lawyer Denise Lash.

The problem is catching people, she said.

Lashs law firm has produced a practical guide to short-term stays for condo boards and owners that includes tips for residents and condo staff.

They include posting notices in elevators reminding residents of the restrictions or prohibitions, and going online to see if the unit is posted on one of many websites that offer these services.

Omarali checked online to see if the unit was posted on a short-term rental site. She also called Airbnb and asked if the unit  located at Village by the Grange on McCaul St.  was listed.

The company sent her an email that read: communicating directly with your tenant is the simplest way to address these types of complaints.

Omarali said the response surprised her.

I cant believe that Airbnb does not verify ownership or if a client can legally rent or sublease their unit, she said.

In response to questions by the Star, Airbnb spokesperson Lindsey Scully wrote in an email that the San Francisco-based company asks all its hosts to follow their local laws and to receive permission from landlords before hosting.

After getting nowhere, someone suggested Omarali search Moosas host nickname, Airbnz.

She did and found photos from the loft she bought almost two decades ago. There was also another condo unit under his host name.

I saw that he had over 140 reviews praising him for the service, the outdoor patio and convenient location, Omarali said.

Moosa said those reviews werent for her unit alone. You must understand I was brokering for other property owners and people trying to rent out their spaces, so it was not just all for one unit, he said.

Omarali said she visited Moosa at his eyewear store to ask about her concerns. Moosa told her seven people had stayed in her unit and that the reviews were for other condos he rents.

During her visit, Moosa agreed to sign a cease and desist agreement, she said. The Queen Street Loft listing has been taken off the Airbnb website.

Omarali said he told her he was unaware of the condominium corporations rules that state use of a unit for short-term leasing, whether through companies such as Airbnb or similar business enterprises, is strictly prohibited.

Omarali wants her story to serve as a cautionary tale for other condo owners  while sending a message to city officials studying short-term rental regulations that they need to do something about this Wild West, free-for-all mentality.

From now on, Omarali plans to include a no-subletting clause in her leases that explicitly says no Airbnb.

Her biggest concern, she said, is the potential for her own liability if something happens in the unit.

Its a legitimate concern. Insurance Bureau of Canadas Pete Karageorgos said she and other condo owners have good reason to be worried about the validity of their insurance coverage if a unit has been turned into a hotel and is being rented to anyone and everyone.

Tenants should also be mindful that they could incur costs if something goes wrong when a condo is occupied by a short-term Airbnb renter.

Ultimately a tenant who is trying to make a few bucks can end up being out of pocket for injuries or damages, Karageorgos said.

Condo lawyer Lash hopes the city will follow Chicagos lead by establishing a prohibited building list of properties where short-term rental activity is illegal.

Hosts and short-term rental companies found in violation are subject to escalating fines and penalties, Lash said.

Thorben Wieditz, a spokesperson for Fairbnb, a coalition of labour, tenant and resident groups pushing for regulation, said his group has heard many stories about problems with short-term rentals.

It shows that regulation is desperately needed, he wrote in an email.

Toronto city staff will present short-term regulatory options to Mayor John Torys executive committee next month.

Clarification - June 14, 2017: This article was edited from a previous version to that said Zey Moosa was currently paying $2,600 a month for the loft. The article did not make clear that the loft consists of two units and Moosa was paying $1,600 for one and was allowed to rent the upstairs unit to a long-term tenant but not to a short-term tenant.

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After a series of teachers and school workers detailed the negative impact of police officer presence in schools, the Toronto Police Services Board came to the verge of suspending the School Resource Officer program at its meeting Tuesday, pending consultation with community and education stakeholders.

Instead, the board put the controversial motion over to next months meeting  a decision made in part because Chief Mark Saunders questioned whether the civilian board was exceeding its authority by telling him where to place his officers.

Im concerned whether or not the board is crossing over into operations at this point in time, Saunders told the board amidst a lengthy debate about the program, which now sees 36 officers placed in 75 schools across the city.

According to Ontarios Police Services Act, civilian police boards can direct the police chief when it comes to matters of policy only. The day-to-day operations of the police service are controlled by the chief.

The slippery question of when a police board crosses the line between policy and operations has previously arisen at the police board amidst the heated debate over carding, the practice of stopping and documenting people not suspected of a crime.

After Saunders asked for clarification Tuesday, Karl Druckman, with the City of Toronto Legal Services Division, said there were policy aspects to the issue of where to deploy officers.

But Druckman said the board likely does not have the power to direct the chief on the precise placement of officers within the city  though board members could indicate to the chief that they want the program terminated.

The motion to suspend the officer program was moved by board member Ken Jeffers, after a half dozen deputations by members of the public, some teachers or workers within Toronto schools.

They were responding to an agenda item calling for a review of the school officer program, which has not been conducted since 2011.

Speakers told the board the presence of armed, uniformed officers in the school criminalized students from an early age, created a school to prison pipeline and had a disproportionate impact on undocumented students and racialized youth, including black students.

The School Resource Officer Program, for too many of our students, creates an unsafe environment, said James Campbell, a Toronto high school English teacher.

Katie German, who has worked in schools in Rexdale and Scarborough, said the appearance of a police car outside a school, day in and day out, sends the wrong message to both the community and to students, who she says do not understand why an officer is walking the halls in the first place.

German called for immediate independent input and oversight of the program, a common refrain made by both members of the public and the board.

In moving to suspend the program, Jeffers said he was very, very concerned and that the program needed some serious checks and balances.

Mayor John Tory, who sits on the police board, made his own motion calling for an independent review of the school officer program. He said the review should include an examination of its effectiveness, with particular attention paid to the impact on marginalized communities.

Concerns about the presence of armed officers in schools have also been raised by parents at recent public meetings on anti-black racism, Tory said.

Im not sure that its working, Tory said of the program. And I base that, yes, on some of the things that I heard today, but even as much so on the things I heard these people say (at the anti-black racism meetings.)

Saunders told the board he was already in the process of arranging an independent review of the program, potentially by researchers at Ryerson University. The previous two reviews, conducted in 2009 and 2011, were done by Toronto police.

Saunders said the board had heard only one side of the debate. Stressing that there were positive stories to be told, the chief said he hoped all voices would be heard on the issue.

In a tweet shortly after the board meeting adjourned Tuesday, Toronto Police Association president Mike McCormack called Jeffers motion to suspend the officer program myopic and a huge mistake.

Wendy Gillis can be reached at wgillis@thestar.ca

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Disgraced former Toronto District School Board education director Chris Spence said hes ready to fight against what he said is the disproportionate punishment handed down by the Ontario College of Teachers, which stripped him of his teaching licence over a highly publicized plagiarism scandal.

In a nearly half-hour long video interview conducted by former TDSB chair Bruce Davis as part of the Let Spence Teach campaign, Spence said its been a tough few years but that hes on the mend.

Spence resigned from the TDSB in January 2013 after admitting he had plagiarized in an article for the Star about the Sandy Hook school shooting. Other pieces of his writing were later found to contain passages allegedly lifted from other works; the College of Teachers revoked his teaching licence in late 2016, the first time it has stripped certification from someone because of plagiarism.

In the video posted online Tuesday evening, Spence said he takes full responsibility for the Sandy Hook piece, but repeatedly states that he didnt write it himself.

When pressed by Davis about who actually wrote the piece, Spence responded, I want to tell you, but said he signed a non-disclosure agreement with the TDSB. He referred to the agreement several times in the video, saying that should the College grant him an appeal, he will testify under oath and name the actual author of the piece.

Spence had the opportunity to defend himself during the College hearing, but said in the video he didnt at the advice of his doctors, due to medical issues.

Read more:

Chris Spence to take College of Teachers to court after losing licence

Chris Spence pleads for second chance after losing teaching licence for plagiarism

Chris Spence, former TDSB education director, stripped of teaching licence

The TDSB also signed a non-disclosure agreement saying it wouldnt pursue further discipline after Spences resignation, he said, adding he felt some sense of betrayal when the College began its hearing into the alleged plagiarism.

I resigned under the belief, under the agreement, under the understanding that there would be no further discipline, Spence said. I felt like I did the right thing by resigning, so to then hear that that agreement and understanding that was in place was, in my opinion, violated, that was disappointing.

TDSB spokesperson Ryan Bird said the board is aware of the video and is looking into the matter. He declined further comment.

Spence said he will also defend his University of Toronto thesis, which has also come under scrutiny for plagiarism. He attributed the passages in question to careless, reckless, sloppy research.

There are times in my life where Ive taken the wrong path to get to the right place, Spence said. Ive made mistakes, Ive taken full responsibility for those mistakes and I want to move on, because I believe I do have some talents and gifts that can help to support staff, students and communities (to) achieve their full potential.

Let Spence Teach co-chair Rob Davis, also a former Toronto city councillor and Toronto Catholic school board trustee, said he hopes the video will help people realize theres been an injustice done to Chris Spence; a website and GoFundMe have also been set up in support of the appeal.

He described the Colleges actions against Spence as the professional version of capital punishment.

This is a professional execution by not allowing him to be able to teach, Rob Davis said. And the things that hes alleged to have done, he clearly says hes responsible for, but the question is, is he culpable for it? And I think those are two different things.

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The Ontario Provincial Police have charged Thunder Bay Police Service Chief J.P. Levesque with breach of trust and obstructing justice.

The charges follow a five-month long investigation into allegations of criminal wrongdoing, the OPP said Tuesday.

The RCMP O-Division requested the OPP conduct an external, independent and thorough investigation, which was conducted by OPPs Criminal Investigation Branch.

The release did not state what spurred the RCMP to request the investigation nor the circumstances that led to charges being laid against 53-year-old Levesque, who has served as Thunder Bays police chief since July 2011.

In a media release, the Thunder Bay Police Services Board said it was aware of the charges but that it was to date limited information regarding the nature of these charges, adding that Levesque is on medical leave.

The public can be assured that the members of the Thunder Bay Police Service will continue to serve and protect our community, the release said. We have full confidence in Deputy Chief Hauth and our Senior Command staff to lead the TBPS through this challenging time.

Both the OPP and the police board said they will not comment further because the case is before the courts.

Levesque is scheduled to appear in a Thunder Bay court on June 13.

The charges come as the Office of the Independent Police Review Directorate, a provincial watchdog, is examining the police force for systemic racism in its handling of cases of murdered and missing indigenous people after complaints by First Nations leaders. In particular, the review is focusing on police investigations into the deaths of 41-year-old Stacey DeBungee, whose body was found in the Thunder Bay river in 2015 and those of seven indigenous students who died in the city between 2000 and 2011. The review was recently expanded to include the disappearances and deaths of a 17-year-old girl and 14-year-old boy this month.

In eight of those deaths, the bodies were recovered from city rivers.

Lawyer Julian Falconer, who is representing the DeBungee family, Nishnawbe-Aski Nation and Chief James Leonard of Rainy River First Nations in the review, told the Star on Tuesday that Levesque is entitled to the presumption of innocence, but charges aside, indigenous communities confidence in Thunder Bay police has turned into an an utter catastrophe.

All I hear from my clients is the concern that there is no investigative agency in the city of Thunder Bay that they can trust to competently investigate the deaths at the rivers because of the trail of calamities and failures by the Thunder Bay police, and this is quite apart from this current revelation, Falconer said. So as I say, if there was a crisis before, theres now a full catastrophe as theres simply no credibility for indigenous communities in relation to policing in Thunder Bay.

Falconer was also critical of the media release by Thunder Bay Police Services Board concerning the charges against Levesque, in particular the boards refusal to further comment.

Theres tremendous irony to that since the Thunder Bay Police Services Board has been conspicuous, utterly conspicuous, by their failure to make any public comment, period, in relation to the systemic review, he said. Theres true irony that they would announce today that they will still do exactly what theyve been doing all along: show an utter lack of leadership.

With files from Tanya Talaga

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City council has voted to move ahead with planning work for the relief line subway, although it remains unclear who will pay to build the vital but as-yet-unfunded transit project.

In a vote of 42 to 1, councillors endorsed a city report that gave the green light for city and TTC staff to advance the design of the first phase of the relief line, which the TTC has identified as Torontos most pressing transit priority.

In a council speech, Mayor John Tory called the vote a big step forward for the citys transit plans. However, he reiterated calls for the province to help pay for the subway, which is currently estimated to cost $6.8 billion and has no firm funding commitment from any level of government.

Tory acknowledged Queens Park has invested in Toronto transit in the past but urged them not to turn off the tap now.

As much as we may be grateful, weve moved on. And were looking to secure funding for that next wave of transit projects thats going to help us keep this city livable, build this city, accommodate the people that are coming here let alone the people who are already here, and that is led by the relief line, he said.

Earlier in the day Tory took his case directly to transit riders by handing out flyers at Pape station that urged commuters to contact their local MPPs and Transportation Minster Steven Del Duca to let them know that funding for the relief line is a priority.

The flyers included contact information for Del Duca, who is also the Liberal MPP for the riding of Vaughan.

Del Duca responded with a statement in which he claimed the Liberal government has already invested more in transit in Toronto than any other government in the provinces history.

The statement cited more than $10 billion of provincial investments in Toronto LRT projects, the Scarborough subway extension, the Spadina subway extension and the Union Pearson Express.

It also noted that the Liberals plan to increase transit funding to Toronto by doubling the citys share of gas tax proceeds by 2021. Queens Park has also allocated $150 million for relief line planning.

Weve proven time and time again that we remain steadfast in our commitment to Toronto transit, Del Duca said.

As part of the relief line report, councillors also voted Wednesday to proceed with design work for an extension of the TTCs Line 1 (Yonge-University-Spadina) subway north to Richmond Hill Centre.

The five-stop, 7.4-kilometre Yonge North extension would add passengers to already overcrowded Line 1, and it has long been the citys position that the relief line must be in place before it goes ahead. Thats because the relief line would divert riders from Line 1 by connecting the eastern arm of Line 2 (Bloor-Danforth) at Pape with the downtown core. Experts say it must be completed by 2031, which is when Line 1 is expected to reach capacity.

Earlier this month, Mayor Tory stoked controversy when he joined with mayors in York Region to advocate as a bloc for provincial funding for both the Yonge North extension and the relief line and for both projects go ahead at the same time.

Most of the Yonge North extension would be outside Torontos borders and city planners have never ranked it within the citys top 10 transit priorities. But Tory defended the alliance Wednesday, saying that banding together with politicians in the 905 to push for both projects strengthened the citys position.

(York Region politicians are) going to be supportive of a relief line. When was the last time you heard of them being supportive of a transit project in Toronto? I think thats welcome news, he said.

Councillor Josh Matlow (Ward 22, St. Pauls) moved a motion that would have halted planning for the Yonge North extension. Although the city has stipulated that the province and York Region will reimburse the TTC for any work done on the project, the councillor argued that putting Torontos transit agency to work on the project would only distract from the relief line.

We have a decision to make today. Do we focus on a key priority that all the evidence and all the experts and all of our staff say is a priority? Matlow asked, accusing the mayor of playing games with transit projects.

Please, focus on the relief line. Lets get this done.

Matlows motion failed, on a vote of 6 to 37.

The first phase of the relief line would have eight stops and be 7.5 kilometres long. Although there are no firm funding commitments for it yet, the federal government has signalled it is willing to pay up to 40 per cent of the cost of new transit projects. Tory said Wednesday he was examining a range of options that the city could use to pay for its share.

As part of the report Wednesday, council also approved a new route for the line that would see it run beneath Carlaw Ave. instead of Pape Ave. south of Gerrard St. E. City. TTC staff plan to report back in 2019 with a refined cost, design, and delivery schedule.

In an effort to ensure the Yonge North project doesnt unduly sap Toronto transit resources, councillors also voted for motions stipulating the city wouldnt allow the extension to go ahead unless the relief line has been fully funded with a firm schedule for completion and to negotiate satisfactory cost-sharing agreements with the province and York Region on the operating costs of the extension which have not yet been finalized.

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ATLANTADog bites man. Man sues dog. Dog wins.

The dog was Draco, a prized member of the Gwinnett County Police Departments K-9 unit. But on July 6, 2013, Draco bit the arm of burglary suspect Randall Kevin Jones, who later claimed the dog clamped down for what seemed like a lifetime.

Jones was taken to a nearby suburban Atlanta hospital and given stitches for the dog bite before being jailed and charged with burglary and obstruction. Two years later, he filed a highly unusual lawsuit, in that he not only sued the officers involved but also Officer K-9 Draco of the Gwinnett County Police Department in his individual capacity.

The lawsuit, alleging excessive use of force, said Draco viciously mauled Jones, tearing his flesh and permanently injuring and disfiguring him, while ... officers stood by and failed to intervene.

When a federal judge rejected Gwinnetts initial attempt to dismiss the lawsuit, the county appealed. On Friday, the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta threw out the case against Draco.

We hold that a dog may not be sued individually for negligence since a dog is not a person,  Judge Robin Rosenbaum wrote for a unanimous three-judge panel. Georgia law, she noted, does not allow such claims to be litigated against dogs.

The mere notion of allowing a lawsuit against a dog raises abundant practical issues, Rosenbaum added. How would you formally serve the lawsuit on a dog? What about the dogs retention of legal representation? How can a dog be expected to pay damages?

Draco, a Belgian Malinois, retired from the K-9 unit in mid-2014 after seven years on the force, helping officers track down suspects and find stashes of illegal drugs.

In her opinion, Rosenbaum wrote that the dogs name has long been associated with notorious characters. This includes Draco, the legislator of ancient Greece whose harsh legal code inspired the word draconian. Then theres Draco Malfoy, Harry Potters malevolent rival in the popular literary series, the judge noted. Because of what happened to Jones during his arrest, Rosenbaum wrote, And to the list of infamous Dracos, add defendant-appellant Draco.

Hes not so infamous, say Dracos fellow officers.

Hes an amazing animal, Gwinnett police spokesperson Michelle Pihera said. His K-9 handler thought the world of him.

The 11th Circuit decision also dismissed Jones claims against three police officers at the scene. The court did not address one remaining claimthat the county failed to properly train its police force, which played a role in Jones injuries.

Gwinnetts police department does not comment on ongoing litigation, Pihera said.

Jones, 43, of Flowery Branch, Georgia, was charged with breaking into his ex-girlfriends apartment in Buford and taking her TV, Playstation 3, camera and iPod Touch. The woman said she called police after arriving home and seeing Jones walk off with her TV near the apartments pool. An officer who arrived at the scene said he saw Jones jump a fence and head down a ravine near a retention pond, a police report said.

When he didnt surrender, Jones was warned that Draco would be released, the report said. When Draco eventually found Jones, he bit him on the upper left arm. Police found an iPod Touch, a Wi-Fi adapter and a TV remote in Joness pockets and soon located the other missing items, the report said.

In August 2014, Jones pleaded guilty to burglary and obstruction and was sentenced to 10 years on probation and one year in confinement, according to court records.

Attorney Debra Kay Jefferson, who represented Jones when he filed suit, acknowledged she was trying to be creative when she named Draco as a defendant.

We tried to fashion an opportunity where we could stretch the interpretation of the law and represent our client as zealously as possible, said Jefferson, who has since withdrawn from the case. He was seriously injured.

Gwinnett Countys attorneys called the claims against Draco frivolous and noted that Georgia law routinely treats a dog as the personal property of its owner.

The 11th Circuits ruling dismissed Joness excessive-use-of-force claims against three officers at the scene, including Dracos longtime handler, Scott Fransen. The officers are immune from liability on a number of grounds, one being that Jones failed to allege facts that showed the officers acted with malice toward him, wrote Rosenbaum, an appointee of president Barack Obama.

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Another terrorist attack in Europe, another round of wondering: Was it a Muslim?

The answer was implicitly confirmed Tuesday morning, when officials said the attack that killed 22 people was being investigated as an act of terrorism.

Then it was reconfirmed when the attackers name was released: Salman Abedi, 22.

Daesh (also known as ISIS or ISIL) claimed responsibility for the cowardly action that targeted young concert-goers in Manchester on Monday night.

Is Abedi an example of Islamic extremism, the term used by U.S. President Donald Trump in his Sunday speech in Saudi Arabia? Or is he an Islamist extremist, the term Trump was supposed to use, per the script of his speech that was released.

Islamic or Islamist? There is a difference, some say. Islamic extremism is guided by the religion, Islamist extremism is guided by politics in the name of that religion.

Islamic is a genuine word, says Shaykh Yusuf Badat, the vice-chair of Canadian Council of Imams. Islamist is a recently created word.

Islamism is a creation of the West, as a way to not denigrate an entire religion, whose people overwhelmingly reject extremism as do people of other faiths.

Islamic terrorism is the preferred term for those who see Islam as inherently violent.

The police chief in Manchester, England has confirmed that the suspect who carried out the bombing that killed 22 people at an Ariana Grande concert in the city was 22-year-old Salman Abedi.

For most people, including myself, the distinction between Islamic and Islamist is so fine as to be rendered meaningless.

Why mention Islam in any form at all while describing terrorists? Were the protestant KKK ever labelled a Christian terrorist group?

For Badat, the term Islamic terrorist is an oxymoron. Islam does not allow any form of terrorism. Call it violent extremism.

Those bent on describing terrorists as Islamic usually dont know anything about Islam. Fun fact: Those bent on violent atrocities in the name of Islam dont either.

Quintan Wiktorowicz, who was a security adviser in the Obama administration, spent years researching jihadist movements. He wrote this week in the Washington Post that most recruits, who are much more likely to have degrees in engineering, science and medicine than Islamic studies, know little to nothing about Islam  and at least a few had to buy Islam for Dummies to learn about their own religion.

Have you read the Quran, people frequently ask to make a point about Islams inherent violence.

To which the correct answer is, of course, Have you read the Bible?

Remember the Holy Quran Experiment of 2015? Two Dutchmen disguised a copy of the Bible as the Quran and asked people to read out verses such as, I do not allow for a woman to teach  You will have to cut off her hand  The experiment, shared on YouTube, offers a predictable yet insightful peek into peoples perceptions of Islam as an aggressive, misogynistic and homophobic religion  as decreed by its holy book. (Warning: This video contains graphic language.)

Terrorism has been made practically interchangeable with Islam, although a Georgia State University study found that out of 89 attacks in the U.S. between 2011 and 2015, only 11 were carried out by Muslims. However, news coverage was 4.5 times higher if the perpetrator was Muslim. Likewise in Europe, where Europols data shows separatist terrorism accounted for the largest proportion of the 211 attacks in the EU in 2015. On the rise there are jihadist attacks  as well as right-wing attacks.

Given the media focus, youd be forgiven for thinking the majority of terrorism attacks are carried out by Muslims against non-Muslims in western countries.

In fact, most of Daeshs terrorist attacks are carried out in the Middle East and North Africa. Sixty-seven died in two car bombings in Turkey early in 2016 then 45 in suicide bombings in June. About 140 were killed in Yemen mosque blasts in 2015. A further 21 were killed at a mosque attack in Saudi Arabia in 2015. The list is long.

Calling these terrorists Muslim or Islamic or Islamist serves no purpose other than to comfort those who seek to confirm their existing biases. Its a vicious cycle; the more interest in jihadist terrorism, the more media coverage it gets, further fuelling suspicions.

What were left with is a disparate group connected by faith forced to articulate its rejection of violence and brace for a backlash even as it grieves the loss of its own victims.

Shree Paradkar tackles issues of race and gender. You can follow her @shreeparadkar

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JEFFERSON COUNTY, MO. A 24-year-old man performed wrestling moves on his girlfriends 2-year-old daughter, who had seizures and later died at a hospital, authorities say.

Richard Gamache Jr. has been charged with abuse and neglect of a child. His bail has been set at $500,000 (U.S.), cash-only.

His girlfriend, Cheyenne Cook, 19, exchanged messages with Gamache about covering up signs of abuse, authorities say. She has been charged with endangering the welfare of a child, with bail set at $2,500.

The girl, identified by authorities only as AC, was taken to a hospital on May 16. She died on Friday. Investigators expect charges to be upgraded after the girls death.

This child was essentially tortured, Sheriff David Marshak said in a news release. Our prayers are with AC and the investigators that were intimately involved with this investigation.

Jefferson County Sheriffs deputies went to a home in the House Springs area to assist EMS workers on May 16 with a child having seizures. The call quickly turned into a child abuse investigation as there were obvious signs of trauma to the child, authorities said.

Detectives determined that Gamache had performed numerous wrestling moves including a Batista bomb as seen on television, which are believed to have caused her injuries and eventual death, according to authorities.

The move includes picking someone up by the waist who is bent over and facing someone, swinging their legs over ones shoulders and slamming them down on the ground on their backs.

Detectives found digital data documenting the abuse that Gamache and Cook exchanged, as well as communications about how to conceal signs of abuse, according to authorities.

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FORT WALTON BEACH, FLA.A quick-thinking Florida sheriffs deputy used FaceTime to track down a stolen cellphone.

In a Facebook posting, Okaloosa County Sheriffs officials said 18-year-old Chandler Ridge Carlyle took the cellphone from an acquaintance during a party last month.

The victim told deputies Carlyle asked to use his phone to call for a ride home, then left with it.

The deputy sent a text message to the phone, but didnt get a response. He then made a FaceTime call. When Carlyle answered the call, the deputy snapped a screenshot. He showed the victim, who identified the person in the photo as the one who took his phone. The deputy then compared the photo to Carlyles drivers license.

He was arrested May 21 and charged with grand theft. Court records dont list an attorney.

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MANCHESTER, ENGLANDThe investigation into a suicide blast that killed at least 22 people at a pop concert dramatically widened Wednesday, with security services on two continents rounding up suspects amid fears that the bombmaker who devised the bolt-spewing source of the carnage remains at large.

The arrests stretched from the normally quiet lanes of a northern English town to the bustling streets of Tripoli, where Libyan officials said they had disrupted a planned attack by the suspected bombers brother.

But by days end, British authorities acknowledged that they remained vulnerable to a follow-up attack, with the nations state of alert stuck at criticalthe highest possible level.

Read more:

U.K. raises terror level after concert attack in Manchester kills 22

Woman who shielded family from blast identified as one of 22 killed in Manchester attack

An armed police officer gestures to his colleague as they stand at Manchester Piccadilly railway station on Tuesday.





What we know about the Manchester attacker

Lets delete Islamic/Islamist labels for terrorists: Paradkar

Sky News on Wednesday aired two screengrabs of a man walking in Manchesters Arndale shopping centre on Friday night carrying a blue backpack with a sales tag still hanging off of it.

Sky did not say how in its report it obtained the footage.

But the broadcaster reported that police think the man is the alleged bomber Salman Albedi and the backpack played a role in Mondays attack.

In London, the sight of soldiers deploying at landmarks such as Buckingham Palace and 10 Downing Street underscored the gravity of a threat that was known in general terms before Monday nights explosion but has come sharply into focus in the 48 hours since.

The morning after the attack, police had said they believed that the suspect, Abedi, a British citizen, had carried it out alone and had died in the blast he triggered.

But in their statements Wednesday, authorities expressed growing confidence that Abediwho had recently returned from a trip to Libya and may have also travelled to Syriahad been only one part of a web of plotters behind Britains worst terrorist attack in more than a decade.

Its very clear that this is a network we are investigating, Greater Manchester Chief Constable Ian Hopkins said.

Hopkins said police were moving quickly to disrupt the group, carrying out raids across the city and arresting four people, including Abedis older brother, Ismail. A fifth suspect was later apprehended carrying a suspicious package in the town of Wigan, about 32 kilometres west of Manchester.

On Wednesday evening, authorities arrested a female suspect in Manchester and a man in the English Midlands town of Nuneaton, bringing to seven the number of people detained in Britain in connection with the blast. A raid by balaclava-wearing police at an apartment in central Manchester spawned speculation that authorities may have uncovered the location where the bomb was built, although that appeared to have been unfounded.

In conflict-scarred Libya, counterterrorism authorities said they had arrested at least two additional members of Salman Abedis family, including a younger brother suspected of preparing an attack in Tripoli.

Ahmed Dagdoug, a spokesperson for Libyas counterterrorism Reda Force, said Hashem Abedi was arrested late Tuesday and is suspected of planning to stage an attack in Tripoli.

Dagdoug said Hashem Abedi had confessed to helping his brother prepare the Manchester attack. Hashem has the same ideology as his brother, Dagdoug said.

Abedis father, Ramadan, was arrested Wednesday, although it was not clear on what grounds. Ramadan Abedi had earlier asserted that his sons were innocent, telling the Associated Press that we dont believe in killing innocents. This is not us.

He said Salman sounded normal when they last spoke five days ago. The elder Abedi said his son had planned to visit Saudi Arabia and then spend the Islamic holy month of Ramadan with family in Libya.

Dagdoug said Hashem Abedi had been in frequent contact with Salman Abedi and was aware of the plans to attack the concert. Dagdoug described Hashem Abedi as an operative of Daesh, also known as ISIS or ISIL, which has asserted responsibility for Mondays blast.

It was unclear whether investigators believed that Salman Abedis relatives were a key part of the network planning the Manchester attack. But authorities were increasingly exploring the emerging connections between Britain and Libya.

Salman Abedi, whose parents had emigrated from Libya to escape the rule of Moammar Gaddafi, was on the radar of British security services before Mondays attack.

But Home Secretary Amber Rudd, the nations top domestic security official, suggested that he was not a major focus of any inquiries, telling the BBC that authorities had been aware of him only to a point.

Rudd said that Abedi had recently returned from Libya and that that was a focus of the investigators inquiry.

Rudds French counterpart, Interior Minister Gerard Collomb, told broadcaster BFMTV that Abedi may have also gone to Syria and had proven links with Daesh.

Abedi was reported on Wednesday to have been a college dropout who had recently become radicalized. Security experts said it was unlikely that he co-ordinated the attack, and the BBC reported that he may have been a mule tasked with carrying out the bombing but had little role in creating the explosive or choosing the target.

Of particular concern to British investigators was the possibility that the bombmaker was still at large and may be planning to strike again.

In London, nearly 1,000 soldiers were sent onto the streets to help free up police. Cressida Dick, the police commissioner for Britains capital, said the troops would stay until we no longer need them.

Hopkins said there were no plans to dispatch troops in Manchester. But armed police were more visible in the streets Wednesday than usual, and Hopkins said the deployment of soldiers in London would make more police available in other parts of the country.

But despite oft-repeated statements of national resolve and a refusal to give in to terrorism, authorities were making some changes Wednesday in light of the security situation.

Parliament announced that all public tours of the Palace of Westminster would be stopped. The Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palacea popular tourist attractionwas cancelled.

Chelsea, the title-winning soccer club in Englands Premier League, called off a planned victory parade through London. The team said it would not want in any way to divert important resources.

The cancellations came as Britain continued to mourn the dead, with moments of silence and memorial services in schools, town squares and other sites.

Hopkins sad Wednesday that medical examiners had finished identifying all of the victims and that an off-duty police officer was among the dead.

Health officials said Wednesday that 20 people remained in critical care and were suffering from horrific injuries.

Mondays attack has been condemned by leaders both global and local. The mosque where the Abedi family worshippedand where Ramadan Abedi had once been responsible for issuing the call to prayeron Wednesday denounced the blast and expressed hope that Manchester can heal.

The horrific atrocity that occurred in Manchester on Monday night has shocked us all, said Fawzi Haffar, a trustee with the Manchester Islamic Center, also known as the Didsbury Mosque. This act of cowardice has no place in our religion or any other religion.

With files from The Associated Press

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VATICAN CITYHandshakes, gifts, friendly small talk and big hopes for peace. Setting aside past differences and rude comments aside, U.S. President Donald Trump and Pope Francis put a determinedly positive face on their first meeting Wednesday at the Vatican.

The two global leaders, vastly different in temperament and views of the world, talked seriously and extensively in a 30-minute private meeting about terrorism, the radicalization of young people, immigration and climate change, officials said. Details were not revealed.

But all was upbeat in public, peace the overarching theme.

Francis gave Trump a medal featuring an olive branch.

We can use peace, said the president, acknowledging the symbolism.

Read the latest news on U.S. President Donald Trump

He gave the pope a custom-bound, first-edition set of Martin Luther King Jr.s works, an engraved stone from the King Memorial in Washington and a bronze sculpture of a flowering lotus titled Rising Above.

I think youll enjoy them. I hope you do, Trump said.

U.S. President Donald Trump met with Pope Francis at The Vatican on Wednesday. The two leaders set aside their differences to broadcast a tone of peace.

The popes other gifts could be taken as offering a more pointed message, though Francis is known to give them to other visitors, too.

He gave Trump three bound papal documents that he has written that to some degree define his papacy and priorities. One focuses on the environment, demanding an end to a structurally perverse economic system that has turned Earth into an immense pile of filth. He frames climate change as an urgent moral crisis and blames global warming on an unfair, fossil fuel-based industrial model that harms the poor the most.

Trump has expressed skepticism about global warming and possible causes, and he has promised changes to spur more coal and oil production in the U.S.

The president is midway through a gruelling nine-day, maiden international journey which has included Middle East stops in the cradles of Islam and Judaism. In Saudi Arabia, he addressed dozens of Arab leaders and urged them to fight extremists at home and isolate Iran, which he depicted as a menace to the region. In Israel, Trump reaffirmed his commitment to strong ties with the longtime U.S. ally and urged Israelis and the Palestinians to work harder toward peace.

He arrived late Wednesday in Brussels.

While Trump received warm welcomes in Riyadh and Jerusalem, the reception could grow cooler now that hes reached Europe, site of widespread protests after his election. Climate change activists projected the words Planet Earth First on the massive dome of St. Peters Basilica at the Vatican Tuesday night, and protests are expected when he attends a NATO meeting in Brussels and a G-7 gathering in Sicily.

As for the Trump-Francis relationship, during the presidential campaign the pope was sharply critical of the candidate Trumps pledge to build an impenetrable wall on the Mexican border and his declaration that the United States should turn away Muslim immigrants and refugees.

A person who thinks only about building walls, wherever they may be, and not building bridges, is not Christian, Francis said.

Read more:

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Trump refuses to talk Saudi Arabias human rights record, unlike past presidents

Trump retorted that it was disgraceful for the pope to doubt his faith.

There was none of that on Wednesday.

The visit began with a handshake after each man arrived, Trump in a lengthy motorcade, Francis in a Ford Focus.

Their private meeting ended when Francis rang the bell in his study. The pontiff was then introduced to members of Trumps delegation, including his wife, Melania, his daughter Ivanka and son-in-law Jared Kushner, as well as aides Hope Hicks and Dan Scavino.

Francis had a light moment with the first lady, asking via translator, What do you give him to eat, potica? referring to a favourite papal dessert from her native Slovenia.

The first lady laughed and said Yes. She and Ivanka covered their heads in a sign of papal respect, a gesture they did not make in Saudi Arabia.

We had a fantastic meeting, the president said afterward. He tweeted later that it was the honour of a lifetime.

A statement from the Vatican said that satisfaction was expressed at their joint commitment in favour of life and that there was hoped-for collaboration on health care, assistance to immigrants and protection of Christian communities in the Middle East.

In recent days, Francis and Trump have been in agreement on a need for Muslim leaders to do more against extremists in their own communities. But there are relatively few other areas where their views align.

Trumps predecessor, Barack Obama, had a private audience with Francis at the Vatican in 2014 that lasted 50 minutes. But the timing Wednesday was tight as Francis had his weekly general audience. The thousands of pilgrims on hand forced Trumps motorcade to enter Vatican City from a side entrance rather than the grand entrance through St. Peters Square.

When Trump left, he told the pope: Thank you, I wont forget what you said.

Trump, the 13th president to visit the Vatican, also toured the Sistine Chapel.

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NEW YORKA man accused of intentionally mowing down pedestrians on a Times Square sidewalk, killing one and injuring 22 others, was indicted Wednesday by a grand jury.

Richard Rojas did not appear in court in Manhattan for the hearing. The charges have not yet been made public, but the 26-year-old Rojas was previously arrested on charges of murder and attempted murder.

An arraignment was set for July 13, and he doesnt have to enter a plea until then. His lawyer had no comment.

Read more: Man accused of mowing down pedestrians in Times Square says he tried to get mental health help

Rojas told police after his arrest May 18 that he had been smoking marijuana laced with the hallucinogenic drug PCP, according to a criminal complaint. He said he wanted to kill them all and police should have shot him to stop him, prosecutors said.

The crash killed Alyssa Elsman, an 18-year-old tourist from Portage, Michigan, and injured her 13-year-old sister, Ava. A barricade at the site of the crash has become a makeshift memorial to Alyssa Elsman, adorned with flowers, photos and handwritten messages.

Rojas has several prior criminal cases. He pleaded guilty two weeks ago to harassment in the Bronx after he was accused of pulling a knife on a notary in his home.

Youre trying to steal my identity, he said, according to prosecutors.

He also had two previous drunken driving cases.

A man steered his car onto a sidewalk running through the heart of Times Square and mowed down pedestrians for three blocks Thursday, killing a teenager and injuring 22 others, authorities said.

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TAIPEI, TAIWANIn a first for Asia, Taiwans constitutional Court ruled in favour of same-sex marriage on Wednesday, punctuating a yearslong campaign by advocates for gay rights in one of the continents most liberal democracies.

In its majority opinion, the court said a provision in the current civil code barring same-sex marriages violated two articles of the constitution safeguarding human dignity and equality under the law.

Authorities must now either enact or amend relevant laws within two years, failing which same-sex couples could have their marriages recognized by submitting a written document, the court said.

The ruling was greeted with rapturous applause outside the legislature not far from the court in the centre of the capital, Taipei, where hundreds had gathered with rainbow flags and noisemakers emblazoned with slogans in favour of gay marriage.

People like me in the position of being in same-sex relationship with children, we need this law even earlier, even faster, said Jay Lin, a father of two and the founder and director of the Taiwan International Queer Film Festival.

And so everybody here and everybody who (is) supporting this law in Taiwan and throughout the world, all be rooting for us. And we will be giving a lot of pressure to the legislators to pass this law once and for all, Lin said.

Jamie, who has been in a relationship with his partner for 22 years, said the ruling was a milestone for Taiwanese society.

I am so touched. Finally weve reached this moment. This represents Taiwans human rights. This is a step forward in human rights, said the 60-year-old retiree, who asked that only his first name be used.

A bill to enforce the ruling is already working its way through the legislature, where both the ruling and major opposition parties support legalization of same-sex marriage. Surveys show a majority of the public is also in favour, as is President Tsai Ing-wen, Taiwans first female leader.

Gays and lesbians in Taiwan have formed an effective lobby in recent years, with an annual Gay Pride march drawing tens of thousands. While some conservative religious and social groups have mobilized against same-sex marriage, their influence is much less potent than in the United States and many other parts of the world.

The need, capability, willingness and longing, in both physical and psychological senses, for creating such permanent unions of intimate and exclusive nature are equally essential to homosexuals and heterosexuals, given the importance of the freedom of marriage to the sound development of personality and safeguarding of human dignity, the court said in its ruling.

Two of the courts 15 justices filed dissenting opinions and one recused himself in the case.

Despite the spread of same-sex marriage in a few regions since 2001, gay and lesbian couples had been allowed to marry in only 22 of the worlds nearly 200 countries. In Asia, Taiwan is the first government to legalize such unions, while South Africa is the only country in Africa to allow them. More than 70 countries continue to criminalize homosexual activity.

Globally, the pace of civil rights victories has slowed against the background of a steady stream of reports of anti-gay violence and persecution.

Recent weeks have witnessed large-scale detentions of gay men in Nigeria and Bangladesh, and accounts of roundups and torture of scores of gays in Chechnya. In Indonesia, a major police raid on a gay sauna was followed two days later by the public caning of two gay men.

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BRUSSELSThe new headquarters of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization  a massive, state-of-the-art facility that cost more than a billion euros to build  was designed to help the military alliance step boldly into the future.

The building is not completely ready, but on Thursday it will nonetheless greet U.S. President Donald Trump for an ad hoc meeting where everyone hopes to hear where exactly the leader of NATOs most powerful presence stands on the alliances very existence.

The symbolism is not lost on Allen Sens, a political science professor at the University of British Columbia whose research focuses on international conflict and security.

For decades, NATO has really needed a better facility, Sens said.

Now it gets one  at the precise moment that the volatility . . . begins to suggest that divergent views and interests are beginning to cause a serious strain in the unity and the consensus of the alliance.

There is no overstating the importance of the United States to NATO, even in a forum where all 28 member nations  including Canada  have a voice in building consensus around the table.

The American contribution to NATO is so immense that it really does define what the alliance does, said Shuvaloy Majumdar, a Munk senior fellow at the Macdonald Laurier Institute.

That has always been the case; the U.S. has long called for more equitable burden-sharing when it comes to covering the cost of deterrence and collective defence. But Americas oversized role seems to bother Trump more than it did his predecessors.

On the campaign trail, candidate Trump famously described NATO as obsolete.

And while he did say last month that he had changed on his mind on that front after learning more about what NATO does, he has never explicitly endorsed Article 5  the self-defence clause that means an attack on one member generates a response by all.

There were no doubt sighs of relief among allies Wednesday when U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, travelling to Brussels with Trump, said that his country would, of course, support Article 5.

Still, they will want to hear it directly from the president, who will reportedly address the issue while unveiling a memorial at the new headquarters commemorating the invocation of Article 5 following the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

Trump remains adamant that other NATO members increase their defence spending, which is where things could get uncomfortable for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Canada spends just over one per cent of its GDP on defence, half of NATOs target, putting the country among the bottom third of allies.

The Liberal government argues that its contribution is bigger than the numbers suggest.

The Liberals point to Canadas commitment to send 450 troops to head up a multinational mission in Latvia, as part of efforts to curb Russian aggression in the Baltics, as well as the leading role it played in the NATO-led mission in Afghanistan.

Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan, who is joining Trudeau in Brussels, has said Canadians will see the results of that review June 7, although a federal official said Canada would be giving high-level briefings to some NATO partners.

Trump is also pushing for NATO to play a bigger role in the fight against the violently radical group known as the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, or ISIL.

Terrorism, which was already going to be a major theme of the Brussels meeting, is likely to get even more attention following Mondays deadly attack on a crowded concert arena in Manchester.

NATO has already recognized the threat posed by ISIL, and many members and partners  again including Canada  are already part of the U.S-led coalition in Iraq and Syria in one way or another.

A Canadian government official said Wednesday said the NATO member states are expected to produce statements on two issues: burden-sharing and some broad language on how NATO members can better co-operate to counter terrorism, including through intelligence-gathering.

These are big questions and there are other long-term issues that are expected to come up in conversation, including what to do about Russia, particularly in relation to Ukraine, but the official said a substantive communique will be saved for next time.

This time, its about reaffirming the importance of NATO to one of its core members.

UBCs Sens, however, is setting the bar even lower.

I think (everyone is) just settling for not having a disaster.

Read more: U.K. raises terror level after concert attack in Manchester kills 22

Theyre preparing to deal with a child: NATO frantically tries to Trump-proof summit

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ROMEThe bodies of at least 34 migrants, many of them young children, were recovered from the sea off Libya after some 200 migrants tumbled into rough waters when their overcrowded smugglers boat capsized Wednesday, the Italian coast guard said.

Many of the bodies are small toddlers, tweeted Chris Catambrone of the non-profit group MOAS, which was helping in the rescue effort.

MOAS tweeted photos showing survivors in orange life vests bobbing in Mediterranean waters as they awaited rescue.

The immediate intervention of the coast guard boat Fiorillo and the MOAS boat Phoenix permitted the rescue of the majority of the migrants who had fallen into the water, the Italian coast guard said in a statement Wednesday evening.

Earlier in the day, the coast guard said some 200 of 500 migrants aboard had fell into the sea, either because a big wave hit the vessel or many migrants suddenly shifted to one side.

The capsizing incident was one of several rescue operations co-ordinated by the Italian coast guard. In all, some 1,800 migrants were rescued Wednesday from unseaworthy dinghies or wooden fishing boats. A commercial tugboat and three cargo ships in the vicinity were pressed into service to save lives, along with vessels from the Italian navy, a European patrol force and non-profit vessels, the coast guard said.

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The Ontario government believes its a rail transformation of unprecedented scale. With a $21 billion price tag, the high-speed rail (HSR) will certainly be the most expensive train set any government has ever acquired in Canada. It could also be the most expensive public transport misstep.

For most intercity commuters in the Toronto-London corridor, the HSR is unlikely to offer faster door-to-door travel times than those by car. The highest achievable speeds of 250 to 300 km/h are substantially higher than the average travel speed by rail for the entire journey.

Ontarios low population densities and long distances between urban centres make it difficult to operate efficient and affordable intercity rail transport. The objective, therefore, should not be to choose prohibitively expensive high-speed trains that are likely to incur large operational losses but to improve rail transport incrementally to achieve faster overall travel times.

Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne, believes that HSR is more than a game changer. She believes the best time to build an HSR was 40 years ago. The second best time is today. Former federal transport minister, David Collenette, who advised the premier, believes HSR will yield $20 billion in overall benefits over a 60-year period.

With such a positive outlook, why would one doubt the prospects of HSR in southwestern Ontario? Well, the devil is in the details.

The Collenette report on HSR evaluated two speed alternatives: 300 km/h and 250 km/h and reached the same conclusion that almost every other report has concluded in the past 40-plus years: that trains operating at speeds higher than 300 km/h are not financially viable.

In fact, Collenette stated unequivocally that the [t]ravel demand, population densities and distances between cities along the Toronto-Windsor corridor do not support the additional cost associated with a dedicated 300 km/h HSR system. Thus, the report recommends Ontario to restrict future consideration of speeds to 250 km/h.

The Toronto to London train will travel for 184.1 km. The report claims the trains will complete the journey in 73 minutes, resulting in an average speed of 150 km/hour.

But there is a caveat. Travellers are not interested just in travel times from Union Station to a station in London or Kitchener. They are interested in the door-to-door travel times, which must include the time and effort to get to the hard-to-reach Union Station in Toronto.

Assuming it takes, on average, 35 minutes to get to Union Station from a travellers origin in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and another 10 minutes to get to the destination from the train station in London, the additional 45 minutes, when added to the 73 minutes for the haul between Toronto and London, increases the door-to-door travel time to 118 minutes, which is almost the same time it takes today to travel by car.

The proponents argue that the HSR will benefit workers who are heading to and from a destination in and near downtown Toronto because their trips may not require battling congestion in getting to and from Union station. Their argument holds merit, but it also exposes the elite downtown commuters who will disproportionately benefit from the $20 billion rail service.

For most travellers, especially in the GTAs suburbs, HSR offers limited travel time and cost benefits or added convenience.

Ontario does not require another transit authority, as the Collenette report recommends, or to spend an additional $15 million to further investigate HSR options in the corridor. Instead, it should explore options to invest most of the estimated $20 billion for HSR in improving urban transit in Guelph, Kitchener, London, and Toronto. Why? Because for reducing auto-based emissions and improving throughput capacity, public transit investments in cities carry a much higher payoff.

For intercity travel, Ontario should incrementally build Via Rails capacity and performance. This is hardly a new recommendation. Back in the 1970s, the Intercity Passenger Transport Study concluded that the most profitable strategy  involves maximizing the potential of existing facilities through alignment improvements and new locomotive technology. Such improvements will require significant funds, but not nearly as excessive as $20 billion.

Forty-plus years of feasibility studies of HSR alternatives inform us that the best time to build HSR was neither 40 years ago nor now. Billions spent to achieve faster travel times for the downtown-centric populations could be better spent on urban transit where needs are most urgent, and benefits are undeniably greatest.

Murtaza Haider is an associate professor at the Ted Rogers School of Management at Ryerson University. He is the author of Getting Started with Data Science: Making Sense of Data with Analytics.

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In 2009 the school resource officer program, which places cops in Toronto schools to protect and make connections with students, was being celebrated.

First, a study found the 22 schools assigned a police officer under the program were reporting a drop in suspensions and criminal charges against students. Then a cop who was beaten up as he tried to defend a pupil was hailed by students as a hero.

But now the program, which places 36 officers at 75 schools across the city, has come under increasing criticism and is on the verge of being axed. In fact, it came close to being cut on Tuesday after some teachers and school workers criticized it at a meeting of the Toronto Police Services Board.

The board decided to put off the decision until next months meeting only after police Chief Mark Saunders questioned whether the civilian board was exceeding its authority by telling him where to place his officers. The board is supposed to confine itself to policy, leaving daily police operations up to the chief.

Saunders may have a point on that, but any decision about the future of the program should be based on its merits, not on a turf war.

Which is why Mayor John Torys proposal for an independent review of the school officer program is the right move. In fact, Chief Saunders was already discussing that idea with researchers at Ryerson University.

Saunders should ask for a review and the board should hold off addressing the issue until results are in.

The program has never been without controversy. But the program was welcomed by some schools after the shooting death of 15-year-old Jordan Manners at C.W. Jefferys Collegiate Institute in 2007, as well as a report on school safety that revealed disturbing levels of violence and fear in some schools.

Still, a lot has changed since the program was launched in 2008, and since it was last reviewed in 2011. Indeed, rather than creating a safe environment for students, one critic at the police board meeting said it does just the opposite.

Another said having armed, uniformed officers in schools criminalizes students from an early age, creating a school-to-prison pipeline, and has a disproportionate impact on undocumented students and racialized youth.

These concerns are valid reasons to evaluate the program nine years after it was launched. But only when an independent review has been conducted can the police board make an informed decision on whether it should continue. The board should get the facts before it makes up its mind.

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Re: All seem on board high-speed rail, May 20

All seem on board high-speed rail, May 20

Having just returned from the Netherlands, I can note as a fact that Torontos UPX (Union-Pearson Express) is a toy train in comparison to Dutch service from Amsterdam, Rotterdam and other cities to Schiphol Airport. Before talking about high-speed rail service in Ontario, we need to electrify the existing GO system and replace the UPX with a longer, electrified train that serves the airport from other points within and beyond Toronto.

Having taken the UPX on my way to the airport, I noted that the tiny train was crammed with standing, rush-hour passengers, some of whom were bound for, or boarding at, the two intermediate stops at Bloor St. and Weston Rd. The diesel engine provided little get-up-and-go when leaving the stations and had to crawl over the elevated skyway approaching the airport.

If the province and city want to spend billions on a six-kilometre tunnel, the place to do that would be under Pearson airport (as at Schiphol) rather than for one station at the Scarborough Town Centre.

Joell Ann Vanderwagen, Oshawa

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Re: Terror at U.K. concert, May 23

Terror at U.K. concert, May 23

Regrettably, we are once again lamenting the tragedy inflicted on our society by a social miscreant, whatever his motivation. Equally regrettably, we are hearing that this individual was on the police radar.

So we have to ask ourselves, and those who protect us, why such individuals had not been apprehended beforehand. We dont know exactly how many latent terrorists are being watched by authorities; nor do we know how many near misses they have thwarted.

But I suspect that, in many cases, the police may have plenty of suspicions but insufficient evidence to elicit a court warrant to interrogate or detain a person of interest. Perhaps its time to lower that bar.

Considering that the safety and well-being of all Canadians are at stake, I believe that, where potential terrorism is suspected, the criteria for obtaining warrants should be relaxed to afford the authorities greater opportunity to stop such acts before they are committed.

Ronald Weir, Toronto

My heart bleeds for the innocent victims of this horrible and senseless tragedy and I proffer my deepest sympathies to them and to their anguished families.

The situation for Daesh (also known as ISIS or ISIL) must be getting pretty desperate when it must resort to murdering young girls in a pathetic attempt to terrorize Westerners.

On the contrary, this savage act of sheer barbarism will have the opposite effect, as people witness and better understand the astonishing evil exposed here, which must, for the sake of all civilized humanity, be resolutely defeated.

Michael Pravica, Henderson, Nev.

It is horrifying to hear about yet another terrorist attack that has claimed the lives of the innocent. The purpose of these heinous acts is very clear: to instill fear in the hearts of people.

Unfortunately, many people continue to get trapped by the misconception that somehow these acts are religiously motivated, which is completely false. No religion promotes such kinds of atrocious behaviour or calls for the blood of innocent people.

Rather, it is political gain that is the motive behind such extremism. We must refrain from labelling entire groups based on the actions of few, and stick together in unfortunate times like this.

Fasih Malik, Calgary

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Merck (MRK) - Get Free Report, an American pharmaceutical firm, said today that its board of directors authorized a quarterly dividend of 47 cents per share of the company's common stock for the third quarter.

The dividend will be paid on July 10 to shareholders of record at the close of business on June 15.

Earlier today, it was reported that Merck could face penalties from UK regulators after the Competition and Markets Authority released preliminary findings of a drug pricing probe into the drugmaker.

Shares of Merck were higher during afternoon trading on Tuesday.

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The border adjustment tax has generated fierce opposition among retailers, but one former executive says it could actually be the sector's saving grace.

Bill Simon, who served as president and CEO of Walmart's (WMT) - Get Free Report U.S. division from 2010 to 2014, said in a hearing before the House Ways and Means Committee on Tuesday that he supports the BAT tax, which taxes imports and exempts exports -- as long as it's implemented responsibly. And if it is, he said, it could be the help struggling retailers need.

"If we get the pieces right, we will see the rebirth of American manufacturing without severe negative impacts on important sectors like retail," he said.

The border adjustment tax, proposed in House Republicans' Better Way tax blueprint unveiled last summer as a way to raise $1 trillion in revenue, has generated fierce opposition among retailers. A group of CEOs representing companies such as AutoZone (AZO) - Get Free Report , J.C. Penney (JCP) - Get Free Report and Walgreens Boots Alliance (WAG) descended on Washington in February to express their concerns about the BAT to lawmakers, including the president. Hundreds of companies have joined Americans for Affordable Products, a coalition of firms opposing the BAT.

Target (TGT) - Get Free Report CEO Brian Cornell appeared alongside Simon at Tuesday's House hearing and issued a stern warning against the BAT. "Under the new border adjustment tax, American families -- your constituents -- would pay more so many multinational corporations can pay even less," he said.

Simon, who clarified at the outset he was representing himself and not an industry or corporation, argued that the BAT tax could actually help retailers if it boosts U.S. manufacturing enough to create jobs and boost the middle class.

"I don't want to ignore or bulldoze their concerns, because improperly implemented, it will be very, very hurtful for their industry and the consumer. But if we take the time to do the work and sit down in a group and iron out, lay out what it will look like, I think it will be very, very successful for U.S. manufacturing," he said. "Once the middle class jobs start to return to the country and the wage increases that would come with that, retail will start to see a resurgence and a period of growth."

The retail sector has fallen on tough times as of late, with once-big names such as Sears (SHLD) , Macy's (M) - Get Free Report and J.C. Penney shuttering hordes of stores as they struggle to stay afloat. Sector job loss has accelerated as almost no firm seems immune.

"Right now, the wind is coming out of retail sales because the wind is coming out of the middle class," Simon said. "But if we can rebuild a middle class through a manufacturing base, retail, in the long-run -- and I know everybody's dead -- but in the long-run, we'll be better."

To be sure, there are a number of caveats to the border adjustment tax and Simon's argument. His theory assumes the BAT will be implemented slowly and not just as a 20% tax right away. It also assumes the retail sector will make changes to adjust.

Perhaps most importantly, Simon's case assumes the BAT will actually make it somewhere legislatively. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham in February joked the measure wouldn't get 10 votes in the Senate, and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin in an interview Tuesday indicated the White House isn't exactly a fan.

"It doesn't create a level playing field," he said.
Microsoft (MSFT) - Get Free Report isn't trying to be the cool kid in Silicon Valley.

That notion may come as a surprise to consumers who've followed the tech giant's latest slate of product releases, including its newest Surface Pro, which was released on Tuesday. The $799 laptop is being pegged by many members of the tech community as a killer competitor to Apple's (AAPL) - Get Free ReportMacBook Air, thanks to its more powerful processor and supposedly longer battery life. And while Microsoft claims to not be thinking about its cool factor, the laptop is being marketed on the website with photos of young creative types.

Intentional or not, Microsoft's chief marketing officer Chris Capossela said at the JPMorgan telecom, media and technology conference in Boston on Tuesday that the company does think about brand perception, but that being cool isn't its main focus. Capossela said a lot of consumers ask him what the company is doing to make itself cool and his answer is "nothing."

"We're never going to worry about whether we're viewed as a cool company," Capossela said at the event. "...Is Microsoft Word cool? Not at all...but man is it a cool tool."

Microsoft did, however, make direct comparisons between its Surface products and the MacBook Air at an event in New York City earlier this month. Panos Panay, the company's device chief, noted that the Surface Laptop (a slimmed down version of the Surface Pro) is 50% faster than the Air and has a longer battery life than the MacBook Pro.

But Apple isn't standing still. The Cupertino, Calif.-based company is expected to update its entire MacBook line up at its Worldwide Developers Conference next month, with reports speculating that Apple might release three new models with Intel (INTC) - Get Free Report chips that make it perform faster than current models. The models aren't expected to look drastically different from the current MacBook lineup, instead featuring newer internal components.

The updated models come at a time when, by and large, the laptop market has slowed. Analysts expect 2017 global laptop shipments to fall about 2-4% year-over-year, according to market research firm TrendForce. The first quarter of 2017 was a bit brighter and, specifically, for Apple: Although the company sold 3.4 million laptops -- fewer than HP (HPQ) - Get Free Report and Lenovo -- its sales increased 15.4% year-over-year, in part due to sales of the MacBook Pro with a Touch Bar that was released in November. TrendForce didn't give numbers for how Microsoft stacked up, but the company said in its most recent earnings report that sales of its Surface computers fell 26% year-over-year to $831 million.

Amid slowing laptop sales, Microsoft has turned its focus to its other businesses, including its Azure cloud and Office 365 products, as well as other enterprise services. The company has also revised its core mission, with CEO Satya Nadella creating more of a brand focused on empowerment, Capossela explained. Nadella has revised Microsoft's mission statement to be in line with this idea, and it seems like the company has shaped its advertisements around this theme as well. The point is to have real people telling stories of how they use Microsoft, not just products that look good, he said.

"I think we're doing the right thing," Capossela added. "If people love the Surface, great, but we're not studying any metrics about being cool."

Microsoft's decades-long rivalry with Apple dates back almost as far as when the companies were founded. At one time, both tech giants were famous for trading insults: Former CEO Steve Jobs in 1995 remarked that Microsoft had "no taste" and was "unimaginative" with its ideas, while then-CEO Bill Gatestook major creditfor creating Apple's legacy Mac computer.

Microsoft seems to have bigger plans than just taking on Apple. The company also released a new version of Windows 10 as part of its Surface event in Shanghai on Tuesday, showing that the tech giant is increasing its focus on the region. The new Windows 10 is tailored for the Chinese government, which marks a resolution from an otherwise rocky relationship. China in 2014 banned Microsoft 8 from government computers due to security risks, but Microsoft's executive vice president Terry Myerson said in a blog post that the company has "earnestly" cooperated with Chinese officials to mitigate these concerns. The move comes just as Huawei released three new laptops equipped with Windows 10 on Tuesday.

Microsoft is also going after the Google Chromebook as part of its mission to regain footing in the sluggish laptop market. The new Surface Pro has several similar features to the Surface Pro 4, including a detachable keyboard and alcantara fabric, among other things. Beyond the specs, Microsoft wants the Surface Pro to become the preferred piece of hardware among educators -- a market that's currently dominated by the Alphabet (GOOGL) - Get Free Report unit's Google Chromebook.

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This is where Microsoft may be trying to tie in its vision about empowerment, as Capossela said on Tuesday that it wants young consumers to view Microsoft products as a tool to help them from grade school to their first job.

"These are the workers, CEOs and inventors of our future," Capossela explained. "It's important to have today's students using Windows, Office, Minecraft and Skype."

To be sure, Microsoft has a lot of ground to cover, as more than half of U.S. primary and secondary-school students use Google applications like Gmail and Docs, while Chromebook use continues to surge just as quickly.

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Harley-Davidson (HOG) - Get Free Report is building a factory in Thailand as the company looks to better serve its international customers, the motorcycle maker announced Tuesday.

The Milwaukee-based company said that this new factory will not affect its U.S. operations.

"Asia Pacific is a growth market for Harley-Davidson because of its expanding economy, growing middle class, positive consumer spending trends and increasing market demand for larger motorcycle sales," a spokesman for the company said, according to Fox News.

Harley-Davidson shares were up 0.5% in afternoon trading Tuesday.

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Howard Schultz, Starbucks' (SBUX) - Get Free Report executive chairman, has been fortunate enough to never have had to deal with an activist investor given the stellar return of the coffee king's stock. And that's something Schultz is totally fine with.

"But when I see Carl Icahn, I look the other way," Schultz said on Wednesday at a conference held by The Economic Club of New York.

Billionaire investor Icahn gained notoriety in the 1980s and 1990s when he launched activist campaigns against giant corporations like Apple (AAPL) - Get Free Report , Mylan (MYL) - Get Free Report and Family Dollar (FDO) .

READ MORE: Starbucks' Howard Schultz Hints He's Too Old To Run a Coffee Business Packed With Millennials

Schultz said "there are bad actors" [companies] who need to be pushed to evolve, but that most company executives, touting himself, "are the good guys." He said activist investors aren't always in the right, denouncing Pershing Square Capital Management's Bill Ackman's controversial campaign against J.C. Penney (JCP) - Get Free Report , under which the billionaire investor forced himself onto the board of directors in 2011 and overhauled the retailer bottom up.

Some companies currently up against activist investors include Buffalo Wild Wings (BWLD) from Marcato Capital Management, Whole Foods Market (WFM) from Jana Partners and Etsy (ETSY) - Get Free Reportfrom TPG Group Holdings and Dragoneer Investment Group.

Wednesday's conference was moderated by former Macy's (M) - Get Free Report CEO Terry Lundgren, who was succeeded by Jeff Gennette in April.

Schultz was the CEO of Starbucks from 1987 to 2000 and again from 2008 until his departure, also in April. He was replaced by Kevin Johnson, the company's former president and COO.

Jim Cramer and the AAP team hold a position in Starbucks and Apple for their Action Alerts PLUS Charitable Trust Portfolio. Want to be alerted before Cramer buys or sells SBUX or AAPL? Learn more now.

READ MORE: This Is What Starbucks' Howard Schultz Would Like All 2017 College Graduates to Do

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General Motors (GM) - Get Free Report said today that it would reduce the headcount at its international headquarters in Singapore in conjunction with a plan to minimize exposure in unprofitable markets, Reuters reports.

GM International, which oversees markets such as India, Southeast Asia, and South Korea, will cut its staff to about 50 employees from 180 by the end of the year.

Roughly 90 employees will leave the company by the end of June and 40 by the end of 2017.

Shares of GM were lower during the final hour of trading on Wednesday.

Stocks have rebounded following a sharp sell off last week. Jim Cramer believes the rebound is real and gives investors advice on how to play the market going forward
1. Yes. Taxpayers are funding its operation; they should have a voice in the naming process.

2. Yes. The city should operate with a spirit of inclusivity. Residents will be responsive.

3. No. Public input can be problematic; rejection of suggestions can be divisive for residents.

4. No. Residents elect council members to make decisions on their behalf. No input is needed.

5. Unsure. Its hard to say whether public input would be more of a benefit or a hindrance.

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Offer an extended call at Havana and visit to Cienfuegos on seven-, 11- and 12-day Caribbean itineraries

Holland America Line has received approval to begin sailing to Cuba from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, starting with the Dec. 22, 2017, 12-day holiday cruise aboard ms Veendam. Holland America Line becomes Carnival Corporation's third cruise line to be approved to sail to Cuba following the company's historic inaugural sailings to the island last year.

The addition of Veendam itineraries will help meet the growing demand for premium cruise experiences to Cuba. Nine seven-day itineraries will feature the capital city Havana, and three of these will add another Cuba call at Cienfuegos, known as the model of early 19th century urban planning in Cuba. The 12-day holiday cruise showcases both Cuban ports. Depending on the departure day, cruises include the Cuba ports, as well as a combination of Caribbean ports, including Amber Cove, Dominican Republic; Belize City, Belize; Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico; George Town, Grand Cayman; Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos; Key West, Florida; and Montego Bay, Jamaica.

"For many, travel is about seeking new places to explore and discovering meaningful new cultural opportunities, and Cuba is one of the most sought-after new destinations for many of our guests," said Orlando Ashford, president of Holland America Line. "We are excited to finally be able to include Cuba in our itineraries, and our guests and travel partners have been anxiously awaiting a premium cruise experience to this relatively undiscovered Caribbean treasure."

As leaders in destination immersion and experiential travel, Holland America Line adds Cuba to its itineraries in order to provide guests with a thoughtful cultural exchange experience. Most itineraries include an extended call at Havana, allowing guests the time to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site and immerse themselves in a wide array of historical and cultural adventures. Additionally, a stop at Cienfuegos presents the opportunity for a special visit to Trinidad, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Cuba's province of Sancti Spiritus.

The series of Cuban cruises will debut with the Dec. 22, 2017, 12-day holiday sailing roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale. In addition to the seven-day cruises, an 11-day spring cruise sails March 17, 2018, and also features the Cuban ports of Havana and Cienfuegos, as well as Key West, Cozumel, Montego Bay and Georgetown. The final seven-day Cuba sailing departs on April 18, 2018.

On board, the Cuba experience will be enhanced through the line's Explorations Central, or EXC, program, featuring EXC Guides who will bring the destination to life through presentations and EXC Talks that will enable guests to deepen their understanding of the Caribbean's largest island. Also enriching the Cuba experience for guests are EXC Port Maps created for the Cuban calls, EXC Encounters that will showcase the culture and history of Cuba to guests before they visit the ports, and much more. In addition, educational and cultural EXC Tours are being developed in and near Havana and Cienfuegos with a highlight being Trinidad, one of the best-preserved historic towns in the Caribbean.

Bookings for Holland America Line's cruises to Cuba will open May 26, 2017. Guests booked on Veendam's previous deployment will be given a full refund and opportunity to book on another Holland America Line voyage. Fares for Cuba cruises begin at $899 per person, double occupancy. Taxes, fees and port expenses are additional.

The visits to Havana and Cienfuegos comply with regulations of the U.S. Department of Treasury that permit travel operators to transport approved travelers to Cuba to engage in activities as defined by the U.S. Department of Commerce, Office of Foreign Assets Control. All information about special requirements for travel to Cuba is available at hollandamerica.com.

The deployment of the 1,350-guest Veendam to Cuba adds Holland America Line to the historic launch of cruises to the island nation from the U.S. by Carnival Corporation sister brands Fathom and, more recently, Carnival Cruise Line.

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Ukraine needs to implement a number of economic reforms in order to develop and increase export volumes.

Chief Economic Advisor to the Prime Minister of Ukraine Ivan Miklos said this during the III National Export Support Forum, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

"If there are no economic reforms, if reforms are not carried out, the export will not grow despite the implementation of the export development strategy," Miklos said.

He added that the structure of exports did not change for a long time due to the fact that the structure of the economy did not change. Miklos stressed that without investments there would be no growth and restructuring of the Ukrainian economy. And it is possible to attract investments, in particular private ones, only through reforming.

ish
The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has approved the Strategy for the Development of Small and Medium-sized Entrepreneurship in Ukraine until 2020 (SME 2020 Strategy).

The corresponding decision was made at the meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers on May 24.

"The SME 2020 Strategy is the result of painstaking work of the Economic Development Ministry and wide public discussion  more than 20 meetings with all the concerned parties, including the Business Association, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, international organizations. Therefore, I am sure that this document reflects the needs of Ukrainian entrepreneurs as accurately as possible today," First Vice Prime Minister Stepan Kubiv said at the meeting, the Governmental portal reports.

The strategy implementation will contribute to the consolidation of a systematic approach to the formation and implementation of the state policy in this area and the creation of favorable conditions for the development of competitive small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs).

"You all know that almost 2 million small and medium-sized enterprises account for 99.8% of the total number of enterprises in Ukraine. At the same time, the share of SMEs in Ukraine's GDP in 2015 was 59%. The strategy aims to increase the last figure to 60.5% by 2020," First Deputy Economic Development and Trade Minister of Ukraine Maksym Nefyodov commented.

ol
Volodymyr Yelchenko, Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the United Nations, at the UN Security Council briefing on Tuesday stated that the UN can benefit a lot from the use of relevant sophisticated technologies to assist its peace operations.

Among many potentials for improvement, I believe that the UN can benefit great deal from sophisticated technologies to assist its peace operations. Missing such opportunities means missing chances for peace, as has happened far too many times in the past, the Ukrainian diplomat stressed, an Ukrinform correspondent reported.

He also noted that Ukraine in the UN regularly raises the issue on the effectiveness of peacekeeping operations and it supports prioritizing missions tasks on protection of civilians

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Completion of the ratification of the Association Agreement between Ukraine and the EU can take place before the end of May.

President Petro Poroshenko said this during a working meeting in Lutsk regarding preparation of border checkpoints for visa-free regime between Ukraine and the EU, an Ukrinform correspondent reported.

"I am firmly convinced that the ratification of the Association Agreement, for signing of which the Revolution of Dignity happened three years ago, will not be stopped by anyone. And yesterday's debate in the Senate of the Netherlands confirmed that our powerful work was carried out effectively. We have the support of the Netherlands. And I hope that in May we will be able to complete the ratification of this historic document," the Head of State said.

The President noted that he unlike many Ukrainian politicians did not doubt that the European Union would grant Ukraine a visa-free regime.

ish
UNICEF/UN057343/Al-Karim

AMMAN, 24 May 2017  Violence and conflict in the Middle East and North Africa have put in jeopardy the health of 24 million children in Yemen, Syria, the Gaza Strip, Iraq, Libya and Sudan. Damage to health infrastructure is depriving children of essential health care. Water and sanitation services have been compromised, causing waterborne diseases to spread while preventative health care and nutritious food are insufficient to meet childrens needs.

Violence is crippling health systems in conflict-affected countries and threatens childrens very survival, said Geert Cappelaere, UNICEF Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa. Beyond the bombs, bullets and explosions, countless children are dying in silence from diseases that could easily be prevented and treated.

In Yemen (9.6 million children in need):

The two-year conflict has pushed Yemen to the brink of famine and plunged the country into one of the worlds worst humanitarian crises, with widespread severe acute malnutrition among children,

Salaries for health care and sanitation workers havent been paid for more than seven months,

Contaminated water sources, untreated sewage and uncollected garbage, sparked a cholera outbreak with 323 associated deaths in the last month alone.

Two thirds of the population use unsafe water,

Health care facilities are struggling to cope with the volume of patients - many of them children - amid shortages of medical supplies and clean water.

In Syria (5.8 million children in need):

More than 2 million children live under siege and in hard-to-reach areas with little to no humanitarian aid. Surgical and other lifesaving supplies are regularly removed from the few convoys that are allowed into these areas,

Many children do not have access to life-saving vaccinations and those who fall ill or are injured struggle to get treatment,

Attacks on hospitals and other health facilities have become commonplace  almost 20 per month between January and March this year. The few hospitals that are still operational function with limited staff and services.

The threat of polio  such as the outbreak that hit Syria in 2013  still looms.

In the Gaza Strip (1 million children in need):

Since the main power plant shut down on 16 April, power cuts have reduced water supply to 40 litres per person per day, less than half of the minimum international standard,

Wastewater treatment plants now deposit 100,000 cubic metres of raw sewage into the sea daily, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases,

14 public hospitals are operating for critical services only.

In Iraq (5.1 million children in need):

Water supplies in camps for the displaced around Mosul are stretched to the limit with new families arriving daily, many with malnourished children,

The widespread use of unsafe well water, with the accumulation of solid waste in and around Mosul, are exposing children to the risk of waterborne diseases,

UNICEF estimates that 85,000 children are trapped in western Mosul, cut off from humanitarian aid for the past seven months and with limited access to medical care.

In Libya (450,000 children in need):

Last year, Libya recorded 20 attacks against health facilities, second only to Syria,

Immunization programmes have been facing challenges since the conflict erupted in 2011, with suspected measles cases reported among young children,

Without new funding, over 1.3 million children wont be vaccinated against measles or rubella, putting these children  and others in the country  at risk of highly contagious and potentially fatal diseases.

In Sudan (2.3 million children in need):

Over 8,000 cases of acute watery diarrhoea have been recorded across 10 of the 18 states in just eight months, including those hosting large numbers of refugees from South Sudan.

Cases of acute watery diarrhoea are set to rise rapidly once the rainy season begins in June.

Over 200,000 children under the age of five in parts of the conflict affected Jabel Marra, Nuba Mountains and Blue Nile areas have not had access to basic health services such as vaccination, for more than four years.

Across these countries, UNICEF and its partners are working around the clock to provide vulnerable children with safe water, water treatment, medical and nutrition supplies to prevent the total collapse of essential health and water systems. But as conflicts continue, and amid a shrinking humanitarian space, challenges to reach all vulnerable children with lifesaving assistance are growing.

When children cant access healthcare or improved nutrition, when they drink contaminated water, when they live surrounded by waste with no sanitation, they become ill and some die as a result, said Cappelaere. There is very little standing between them and life-threatening illness, especially when humanitarian access is denied.

UNICEF is appealing for childrens needs to be prioritized in all conflict-affected countries through:

Unconditional and sustained access to all children in need for UNICEF and other partners to deliver humanitarian assistance and supplies, including lifesaving medical items and vaccination, water purification material and waste treatment.

Parties to conflicts should put an immediate end to attacks on health facilities. Health facilities and civilian infrastructure should be protected at all times.

Urgent funding for the health, nutrition and WASH sectors. UNICEF received only one third of its 2017 funding requirements for health, nutrition and water and sanitation in these countries.

###
Former Egyptian presidential candidate Khaled Ali and other political activists were arrested amid a clampdown on opposition activists ahead of the upcoming 2018 election, according to Amnesty International. At least 36 people in 17 cities were jailed, some in connection with comments they posted online about the elections.

"The presidential elections are not scheduled to take place until 2018, yet the Egyptian authorities seem intent on preemptively crushing any potential rivals to maintain their grip on power," said Najia Bounaim, Amnesty International's campaigns director for North Africa.

Ali, a prominent human rights lawyer, faces trial Monday for "violating public morals." The charge is related to an image of Ali, which shows him celebrating among his supporters with arms spread wide, outside the High Administrative Court after winning a case that reversed a government decision to turn over control of two islands in the Red Sea to Saudi Arabia. Ali's lawyer, Negad al Borei, told Amnesty International that he was accused of making physical gestures "that violate public morals."

If Ali is convicted, he could face up to two years in prison, a fine of 5,000-10,000 EGP ($250-$550), or both.

"Khaled Ali's arrest and prosecution was clearly politically motivated," Bounaim said. "The Egyptian authorities must drop the absurd charges he is facing and end the smear campaign against him."

Ali, who ran in Egypt's 2012 presidential election, has implied that he may run against current President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi in 2018. Ali and other political activists have been critical of Sissi on social media and other online platforms, resulting in backlash from Egyptian authorities.

In almost 30 cases, members of Egypt's National Security Agency broke into activists' homes early in the morning, detaining them for hours then questioning them without the assistance of their lawyers. The charges included accusations of "insulting the president" via social media and "misusing social media platforms."

"The wide-scale and coordinated nature of the crackdown against political activists makes it even more chilling," Bounaim said. "The authorities are shamelessly using the draconian counterterrorism law to round up young political activists for social media posts merely criticizing President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi."

In the 2014 Egyptian presidential election, Sissi won almost 97 percent of the vote against his lone opponent, Hamdeem Sabahi. During the run-up to that election, the opposition to Sissi saw aggression and the erratic arrests of Sabahi's supporters.

The Egyptian parliament has been discussing enacting a controversial bill that would require users of social media sites, such as Facebook and Twitter, to register with the government before being able to use the sites. Unwarranted use of those sites could result in prison sentences of up to six months and up to a 5,000 EGP ($250) fine.
The United Nations refugee agency reports thousands of Burundians are fleeing instability and abuse in their country as funding to support growing numbers of refugees dries up.

The UNHRC warns deteriorating political and human rights conditions in Burundi are forcing increasing numbers of refugees to flee to neighboring countries in search of asylum. The agency reports more than 410,000 refugees have fled across borders over the past two years.

UNHCR spokesman Babar Baloch says the number is expected to increase dramatically by the end of the year.

Arriving refugees continue to cite human rights abuses, fear of persecution and sexual and gender-based violence as reasons for fleeing," he said. "With no sign of improvement of the political situation, the total refugee population from Burundi is expected to grow to over half a million by the end of 2017.

Baloch warns Burundi is likely to become the third biggest refugee situation in Africa.

The UNHCR reports Tanzania is hosting most of the Burundian refugees with some 249,000 living in three overcrowded camps. Tens of thousands of others are living in Rwanda, Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo.



Shortage of funds

He says the growing exodus is occurring as funds for his agencys humanitarian operation have practically dried up. He notes UNHCR has received only two percent of the $250 million it needs.

Living conditions for refugees in neighboring countries are extremely difficult," he said. "More arrivals are overstretching the reception capacity in refugee camps Urgent funding is needed to upgrade and construct new settlements to decongest the current ones and provide basic services. Education of refugee children is also severely affected, and school classes are unable to accommodate the number of students.

Countries of asylum reportedly have been pushing some newly arriving refugees back across borders. Baloch says that is of great concern. He says the UNHCR is renewing its appeal to them not to forcibly return refugees against their will to Burundi where their lives may be in danger.
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday declared the country's restive south under martial rule for 60 days after security forces' attempt to capture a top Islamic State-linked militant leader failed, setting off clashes that left a major southern city under siege.

The Philippine military on Tuesday raided a house in Marawi city where IS leader Isnilon Hapilon was thought to be recuperating from wounds suffered in a previous clash. Hapilon is the country's most-wanted man, with a $5 million bounty placed on his head by the U.S. for alleged terrorist acts against American citizens.

"This afternoon at 2 p.m., we launched a surgical operation against Isnilon Hapilon," Lieutenant Colonel Joar Herrera, spokesman for the army division involved in the fighting, told VOA.

Fires, gunshots

Hapilon reportedly called for help from allied fighters. About 20 of them took up positions around a hospital, while others went to attack a jail several miles away. Clashes broke out in the city of 200,000, and residents were hunkered down, with a number of houses reported to be on fire as sporadic gunfire continued into the night.

"There are more or less 50 militants that are fighting," Herrera said. "Right now the Armed Forces of the Philippines are securing all vital installations. They are protecting the city center and coordinating with the community for the safety of the people."

But Philippine Defense Secretary Major General Delfin Lorenzana, who cut short a trip to Russia, told reporters in Moscow that power had been cut off in the city, and that dozens of gunmen had occupied city hall and burned a Catholic church and a college.

"The whole of Marawi city is blacked out. There is no light, and there are Maute snipers all around," Lorenzana said. Maute, one of the largest groups that operate in Lanao del Sur province, reportedly came to Hapilon's aid.

At least two soldiers and a police officer have been killed and 12 others wounded, the defense secretary said.

IS endorsement

IS has endorsed Hapilon as the leader of a loosely affiliated association of small groups that have sprouted in the last three to four years around the central and southern Philippines.

Hapilon swore allegiance to IS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in a July 2014 video, according to the U.S. State Department. His time as a leader of the brutal Abu Sayyaf group included the 2001 kidnapping of three Americans in the western Philippines, two of whom were later killed.

There are concerns that the new groups may increasingly include Southeast Asian militants who went to fight with IS in Syria and Iraq. Now they are returning to the region, seeking a safe haven where they can regroup, train and plot attacks, authorities in the Philippines told VOA.

Some already have been linked to kidnappings, bombings and attacks on security forces, and troops have found IS uniforms and insignias on slain rebels.

Herrera said security agencies are monitoring foreign fighters' movements to disrupt their plans.

Hotbed of activity

The southern Philippines, particularly the resource-rich but poverty-racked Mindanao region, has long been a hotbed of activity by the Abu Sayyaf and other fundamentalist groups.

With the help of U.S. counterterror trainers and gear, the poorly funded Philippine military has made major inroads against the Abu Sayyaf, but the emergence of the IS-linked groups over the last three or four years raises concerns about the ability to fight on multiple fronts, including a long-running insurgency by the communist New People's Army.

The Abu Sayyaf group  a splinter of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front  was founded in 1991 with funding from al-Qaida. The group is estimated to have 400 members. The United States and the Philippines have blacklisted the Abu Sayyaf as a terrorist organization because of bombings, kidnappings for ransom and beheadings.

The group has been blamed for several attacks in the country, including the 2004 bombing of a ferry in Manila Bay that killed more than 100 people.
Al-Shabab militants have attacked some 14 villages in southern Somalia, in an apparent attempt to disrupt a planned government offensive.

Most of the villages that came under attack Tuesday are located near the towns of K50 and Murri, about 50 kilometers (31 miles) south of the capital, Mogadishu.

Witnesses said teams of 10 to 12 militants attacked the villages, setting fire to houses, abducting civilians and stealing villagers' livestock.

They took with them around 25 people mainly youngsters and torched many houses to terrorize the civilians and force them to leave their residences, said Ibrahim Aden Najah, the governor of the Lower Shabelle region.

I think they know about an ongoing military preparation for an offensive by Somali National Army and the African Union to liberate the entire region. They are trying to pre-empt this offensive, he added.

Assistance requested

Sharif Hassan Sheikh Aden, the president of the South West Administration, sent a request to the federal government and the African Union mission in Somalia.

These militants continue to victimize residents in this region, who are already suffering from the impact of the drought. We appeal to the Somali government, the African Union mission in Somalia and the international community to take measures to protect these civilians from the ruthless militants and send them urgent aid too, he told reporters in Baidoa.

Suicide bomber strikes

Meanwhile, a suicide bomber has struck a police checkpoint in Somalia's semi-autonomous Puntland region, killing himself, three others and wounding five people.

The attack targeted police forces manning a security checkpoint in a busy junction in Bosasso just after the evening prayer, said a regional police commander, Abdihakim Yusuf Hussein

A suicide bomber strapped with explosives rushed toward the police at the checkpoint before blowing himself up, a witness told VOA.

The attack on Tuesday is the latest attack in an escalating campaign by al-Shabab in the city.
Venezuela has a stockpile of 5,000 Russian-made MANPADS surface-to-air weapons, according to military documents reviewed by Reuters, the largest known cache of the weapons in Latin America and a source of concern for U.S. officials amid the country's mounting turmoil.

Venezuela's socialist government, in power since 1999 after former President Hugo Chavez won elections, has long used the threat of an "imperialist" invasion by the United States to justify an arms buildup, with weapons mainly procured from Russia.

According to a Venezuelan military presentation seen by Reuters, the South American country has 5,000 SA-24 Man-Portable Air-Defense System (MANPADS) missiles, also known as the Igla-S, which are shoulder-mounted and can be operated by one person.

It was the first credible information on the total size of the arms stockpile. Public weapons registries confirm the bulk of the numbers seen on the Venezuelan military document.

First deployed by the United States and Soviet Union in the 1960s, the missiles quickly became popular with insurgent groups around the world because they are portable and effective.

Military sources and weapons experts contacted by Reuters said there were growing fears the missiles could be stolen, sold or somehow channeled to the wrong hands, given the growing civil unrest in the oil-producing nation.

There is no evidence the Venezuelan state has used or transferred its MANPADS missiles, but the CIA director said last week that Venezuela's missiles represented an "incredibly real and serious" regional security threat.

Neighbors' assertions

Colombia has in the past accused Caracas of arming guerrillas there, and officials in neighboring Brazil have voiced concerns that local drug gangs may be acquiring military weapons from Venezuela, which has been plunged into chaos by seven weeks of anti-government protests.

On Wednesday, two military barracks were attacked during a protest in the volatile western state of Tachira near the border with Colombia.

"They wanted weapons to give to terrorists," said General Jose Morantes, referring to the opposition as terrorists, a common government accusation. He added that he was increasingly worried about weapons theft.

Venezuela has a massive black market in illegal weapons, with everything from pistols and grenades to machine guns and rifles available on the streets and in its notoriously violent prisons. There are frequent official reports of military and police officials stealing weapons.

A former senior army general and minister, who asked not to be named because of the sensitivity of the information, told Reuters the MANPADS missiles were held mainly on the coast because of government fears of a U.S. attack.

He told Reuters that Venezuela also holds 1,500 launchers, or grip stocks, which are fundamental to the operation of the missiles.

The Venezuelan government and military did not respond to requests for comment.
Despite President Trumps promise to donate all profits from foreign-government sources at his Washington hotel and other businesses, recently released internal documents reveal that Trumps private company has made only a limited effort at identifying foreign funds.

An undated document sent throughout the Trump Organization, called Donations of Profits from Foreign Government Patronage, says asking guests to identify whether they are connected to a foreign government would be impractical and impede upon personal privacy and diminish the guest experience of our brand.

It is not the intention nor design of this policy for our properties to attempt to identify individual travelers who have not specifically identified themselves as being a representative of a foreign government entity, the document says.

The company pamphlet shows the ease with which foreign money could be paid into the presidents business interests. Ethics advisers have warned that such payments could be used to curry favor with the president and could run afoul of a constitutional ban.

[Read: Trump Organization document on profit from foreign-government sources]

Trump Tower in New York. (Mike Segar/Reuters)

The Trump Organization said it would track foreign-state money by reviewing three sources: direct billings to foreign governments; group, banquet and catering business with foreign governments; and payments from a reasonably identifiable foreign government entity. But that description was similarly loose. The company said state-owned and state-controlled entities in industries such as banking and defense may not be reasonably identifiable and would not be included in profit donations.

Lawyers and ethics experts have said foreign-government payments to the Trump International Hotel, a few blocks from the White House, would violate the Constitutions rarely litigated emoluments clause, which forbids foreign gifts or payments to the president. Trumps attorneys have said the constitutional ban should not apply to fair-market transactions such as stays at the hotel.

The White House on Wednesday referred questions to the Trump Organization. The company said through a spokeswoman: We take these matters seriously and are fully committed to complying with all of our legal and ethical obligations.

In a letter Wednesday to company executives, Rep. Elijah E. Cummings (D-Md.), the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, said the pamphlet showed the company had little interest in identifying foreign funds.

Complying with the United States Constitution is not an optional exercise, but a requirement for serving as our nations President, Cummings said. If President Trump believes that identifying all of the prohibited foreign emoluments he is currently receiving would be too challenging or would harm his business ventures, his options are to divest his ownership or submit a proposal to Congress to ask for our consent.

Trump has refused to divest his assets and instead placed much of his real estate empire into a trust managed by his sons and a longtime employee. The president can pull money from that trust whenever he likes, documents show.

The company sent the nine-page pamphlet to lawmakers in response to an April request for details on how the company was complying with Trumps promise, which he delivered in a January news conference at Trump Tower addressing potential conflicts of interest. In that conference, Trump attorney Sheri Dillon said he would donate foreign profits to the U.S. treasury because he wants to do more than what the Constitution requires.

[Trump outlines plan to shift assets, give up management of his company]

The pamphlet was included as part of a Wednesday letter from Cummings seeking more information on top of the meager response the Oversight Committee received from the Trump company. Cummings urged the company to provide more documents to Congress by June 2.

Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday also sent a letter to Trump, urging the president to provide a detailed accounting of any potential presents, or emoluments, he or his business had received from foreign governments.

The Democrats letter, according to an advance copy provided to The Washington Post, also sought additional information on whether Trumps business had recently had transactions with foreign agents or engaged in any new foreign deals.

The pamphlet said the company would not closely track foreign-government profits but would estimate them based on its internal revenue calculations. The money, it said, will be paid to the treasury in an annual lump sum.

Some ethics experts acknowledged the difficulty of identifying foreign cash but said the issue would continue to plague Trump if left unresolved.

While it will be difficult for the president to demonstrate compliance with [the] agreement to donate hotel profits earned from foreign governments, he needs to do so in a transparent way to help dispel the continuing concerns about conflicts of interest and the emoluments clause, said Ken Gross, a lawyer and former elections enforcement official who has advised presidential candidates from both parties. Otherwise this issue will continue to cast a cloud.

Norm Eisen, a chief ethics adviser to President Barack Obama who has joined a landmark emoluments lawsuit against Trump, said the new document demonstrates that President Trump is not even living up to the inadequate commitment that he made to segregate foreign profits at his hotels.

This comes nowhere near the standard set by the Constitution, and we look forward to litigating this matter, Eisen added. Even the defective standard they set forth is not being followed. It is another example of the contempt this administration has for American law.

[Power struggle intensifies between White House and ethics office]

Lawrence Noble, general counsel of the Campaign Legal Center, a nonprofit watchdog group, said the Trump companys response shows a complete disregard for the seriousness of the issues raised by President Trumps earning money through his hotel.

This is not a question of what is convenient for the business; it is a question of what the Constitution requires, Noble added. While the presidents promise to turn over any emoluments arising from the hotels business was totally inadequate . . . this shows that even that weak promise was a sham.

Trumps business partners have voiced their own skepticism about the pledge in recent months. Phil Ruffin, the billionaire investor who co-owns the Trump International Hotel Las Vegas with the president, said in a Forbes interview in March he did not know anything about handing over foreign profits from their hotel. Theyre not going to do that, he said.

The disclosure comes amid signs of an intensifying struggle between Trump and ethics officers and advocates inside and outside the federal government. On Monday, it was revealed that White House officials are seeking to stop the federal governments top ethics officer from getting details about waivers granted to lobbyists and other appointees working in the Trump administration.

Documents released by the Office of Government Ethics included a May 17 letter from Mick Mulvaney, director of the Office of Management and Budget, who questioned whether the Office of Government Ethics has legal jurisdiction to get information about waivers that have been granted.

In addition to the questions asked by the Oversight Committee, Democrats on the House Financial Services Committee on Wednesday asked Deutsche Bank, Trumps top lender, to supply information on whether loans made to the president and his family were tied to Russia.

Congress remains in the dark on whether loans Deutsche Bank made to President Trump were guaranteed by the Russian Government, or were in any way connected to Russia, the members wrote in a letter to John Cryan, the German mega-banks chief executive. It is critical that you provide this Committee with the information necessary to assess the scope, findings and conclusions of your internal reviews.

[Deutsche Bank agrees to pay $7.2 billion to settle mortgage-abuse case]

The letter was signed by the committees top Democrat, Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.), and the top Democrats of key Financial Services subcommittees. The Democrats complained that the GOP chair of the Financial Services Committee, Rep. Jeb Hensarling (R-Tex.), has not responded to requests to use the committees full power to investigate Deutsche Bank and the work of its Moscow office.

Deutsche Banks pattern of involvement in money laundering schemes with primarily Russian participation, its unconventional relationship with the President, and its repeated violations of U.S. banking laws over the past several years, all raise serious questions about whether the Banks reported reviews of the mirror trading scheme and Trumps financial ties to Russia were sufficiently robust, the Democrats wrote in their letter.

Deutsche Bank spokeswoman Renee Calabro declined to comment on the letter Wednesday.

Trumps Washington hotel has this year hosted a number of events sponsored by or linked to foreign governments. In February, the hotel was the site of the Kuwait Embassys National Day celebration, bringing more than 600 visitors to the hotels ballroom. The event probably earned the Trump Organization tens of thousands of dollars in revenue, based on prevailing rates for luxury ballroom space in Washington.

A communications firm working on behalf of the Saudi Arabian government also booked guest rooms at the hotel in January, according to Politico.

This week, the Trump hotel in Washington hosted the Annual Conference on U.S.-Turkey Relations, sponsored by U.S. and Turkish defense and aerospace firms, some of which are state-supported.

The event this year featured speeches from Turkish government officials, including the countrys ambassador to the United States, who defended Turkeys record on free expression and the response to demonstrators in Washington protesting against Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan during his recent visit.

The Trump companys acceptance of foreign payments also extends far beyond hotels. The Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, a state-owned entity, rents space at New York.
Man, I bet that bad boy has a story to tell, a man says after a demolition crew finds a pristine .45 automatic under an old house.

(Blue Rider Press)

Indeed, that .45 has a mean story to tell, as do other guns, guns and more guns in Stephen Hunters ambling saga, G-Man.

Hunter follows the story behind the pistol along two tracks. In the first, set in the present day, Vietnam War vet Bob Lee Swagger feels too old and too tired to start anything new. His wife urges him to write the story of his father, Earl, a decorated World War II hero, and his grandfather Charles, a rural Arkansas sheriff.

The Swagger men were a sorely troubled clan. Earls brother hanged himself. And everything Earl did, Bob suspects, was to oppose his father, whose skill with a gun made death too sure a thing. Especially disturbing to Bob is the possibility that his grandfather may have been too friendly with the mob.

As Bob mulls his familys past, an Arkansas lawyer contacts him about a steel box that turned up on what was, for generations, Swagger family land. A Colt .45 ACP automatic in the box was probably illegally appropriated. Also in the box were a cylinder that may have been a machine gun part, a $1,000 bill, a map marked with an X and a special agents badge from the Justice Department.

Convinced that these artifacts could solve the dark mysteries of the men in his family, Bob sets out in search of their meaning. Before long, he senses someone who wants this past kept quiet is following him.

Again and again, Bobs sources point to something that happened in 1934. His grandfathers exploits that year as a G-Man thus become the books alternate track. Across America, during the depths of the Depression, Charles faces off with John Dillinger, Pretty Boy Floyd and Baby Face Nelson.

Hunter renders these gun battles with great skill. The glimpses into Charless lightning fast mind are sharp, and the rendering of the gunmans whiplash moves are impressive. Hunters descriptions of the shootouts evoke the war correspondence of Stephen Crane and Ernest Hemingway:

There was probably also, if you listened close enough, the low hiss of breath, sucked hard into lungs for the enriching force of the oxygen, being now expelled as each man, seeing action on the come, tried to breathe his way toward control of the yips that coursed through hands and arms and the fear that suddenly lubricated each thought and breath.

But unfortunately, Hunter stalls the momentum of his story with an inordinate amount of detail about guns. We see how they look. We learn of their histories. We study how theyre maintained, and, again and again, were told how they work. This level of detail will, admittedly, fascinate some readers, just as surely as it will turn away others.

Equally off-putting to some readers will be the meager roles that Hunter gives women to play in his story. Baby Face Nelsons girlfriend has a feisty appeal, but she comes off as determined to stand by her man. The few other women who appear exist to give their husbands phone messages or to appear when their husbands call for a beer. One wonders why the author bothered to include them.

Hunters double-barreled finish, though, should satisfy everyone. In a series of crosscuts that ramp up to a rat-a-tat pace, the story cuts from Charles facing down Baby Face Nelson to Bob confronting men who want to keep him quiet about the past. Hunter, who garnered a Pulitzer Prize by writing film criticism for The Washington Post, then caps his tale with a perfectly chosen, ironic reference to a classic film. Its a first-rate fade-out.

Gerald Bartell is an arts writer who lives in Manhattan.


Server Tiera Price during lunch service at the Smith in Penn Quarter. The restaurants founder says he hires people based on their personalities and puts a priority on their well-being, which results in happy customers. (Deb Lindsey /For The Washington Post)

(Good)

One-size-fits-all is typically not the style of restaurant most of us are looking for, at least not until we get the text that family or friends with a catalogue of tastes are coming to town, and since we live here, we get to pick the restaurant for lunch or dinner. Or our vegetarian pal wants to meet the same night as our mutual friend the steak lover. Or there are kids or picky appetites in tow, and we dont want to sacrifice good taste just to appease them. Or (hasnt this happened to all of us?) we just dont want to think too much.

Let me throw you a strife-saver: The Smith. The massive restaurant, which follows McCormick and Schmicks in Penn Quarter, is a branch of the same-named collection of American brasseries in New York, and youll like it for more than its utility. If not every dish pleases, enough of them do, and the Smith, awash in subway tiles and smoked antique mirrors, is the uncommon restaurant where hearing no from an employee is as rare as encountering a pay phone.

Can incomplete parties be seated right away? Sure!

Can diners order a dish or two instead of everything at once, so as not to feel rushed? You bet!

Instead of asking diners whether they want still or sparkling water, servers simply deposit two gratis bottles and let customers choose. (The clear flask is plain; the green one is fizzy.) Theres not even a need to ask for salt or pepper because both stand at attention on the table.

Is that a pig I see flying outside?



Zucchini flatbread with burrata, ricotta, basil, spring onion and arugula. (Deb Lindsey /For The Washington Post)

We push ourselves to find ways to say yes,  says Jeffrey Lefcourt, the founder and managing partner of the Smith. He seems to have taken a poll to find out what diners dont like, including up-selling, then keeps such annoyances out of his restaurants.

Youre so happy to be so thoughtfully received, it hardly matters that the bread, dropped off in a white paper bag, smacks of yesterday. No big deal: Stomach space is best granted to a dip, a salad, maybe some flatbread.

The hummus is as bold with garlic and lemon as anywhere else around, speckled with toasted sesame and cumin seeds and offered with sails of whole-wheat lavash baked on site. The salads include a bowl built up with shredded kale, fluffy quinoa, dried cranberries for a touch of sweetness and Dijon vinaigrette for welcome punch. Zucchini flatbread sounds as riveting as watching paint dry  confession: zucchini and I arent friends  but the way the snack is presented here, as sheer slices of raw squash with buttery burrata, peppery arugula and garlic vinaigrette to tie everything together, makes a believer out of a skeptic. A thin crust with sufficient char makes a nice form of transportation from kitchen to table  and from plate to mouth.

Notice anything? Some of the choicest eating here is meat-free. Without making a big deal of it, the kitchen gets diners to eat their vegetables. A bowl of pearly rice decked out with kimchi, mushrooms, wilted spinach and a runny egg add up to a fine Korean bibimbap. Most creative of all is a trio of blue corn empanadas, creamy with sweet peas and goat cheese, nestled in a cast-iron skillet and enhanced with roasted jalapeno crema. Each bite yields a blip of lemon zest or mint, sometimes both, from the filling.



Cocktail offerings are displayed on a large chalkboard at the bar. (Deb Lindsey /For The Washington Post)

Spring pea empanadas with goat cheese and jalapeno crema. (Deb Lindsey /For The Washington Post)

There you go, darling, a server says, dropping off cocktails. Adult refreshments are hard to ignore. The bar, a spirited pleasure zone of tall tables and backlit flasks, promotes its drinks on outsized chalkboards with a descriptive word or two. On a hot day, Im partial to the bubbly Rose Rose, a coupe of sparkling rose, rose vermouth, a whisper of peach and a basil garnish. A hard day might call for something boozy, maybe Final Breath, coaxed from rye, green chartreuse, yuzu and absinthe. (Hard day? What hard day?)

Area restaurants with an American bent feel obliged to serve crab cakes. The Smith is no exception, and I like how the kitchen, headed by Brian Ellis, treats the subject, shaping seafood into little tots, garnishing them with apple-jalapeno chutney and affixing them to their plate with white sauce. There are oysters, too, shucked to shine.

Like I said, the Smith is all-purpose, wooing the steakhouse contingent with five cuts of beef, a choice of fries or salad and a sauce. The best deal is the bar steak for $29, featuring a juicy flatiron cooked as you ask and best flanked by some french fries, hot, crisp and served in a mound that comes close to the citys height restrictions. For $10 more, you can upgrade to a New York strip, richly beefy, nicely chewy and more decadent when topped with some herb butter.



A New York strip is one of five cuts of steak available at the Smith. (Deb Lindsey /For The Washington Post)

The pork chop is Moms cooking viewed through the lens of a committed tastemaker. (Ellis, 39, has been with the group 14 years.) Brined, grilled rib meat is oh, so tender; soft leeks, a creamy mustard sauce and whatever beans are in season transform The Joy of Cooking into the Joy of Consuming.

Its possible to have a lesser experience at the Smith. One way is to start with fried green tomatoes in a stiff and salty crust of Japanese bread crumbs. Another roadblock to pleasure is roast chicken. The two times Ive had it, the entree has been dry and compact. On its own, cod is a nice piece of fish, its whiteness in vivid contrast to an otherwise green scheme on the plate. But the entree comes with a topping of vegetables thats jarringly cold. Pastas tend to be heavy-handed.

Then theres the noise factor. Brasseries arent built to be hushed, I get it. This venue is particularly clamorous, however, given its soaring ceilings, open windows, tile floors and uncovered tables. The roar makes us eat faster, eager to take conversation elsewhere, a reaction that seems contrary to the Smiths otherwise-hospitable mind-set.

Are you listening, Mr. Lefcourt?



Vegetable bibimbap is a bowl of sushi rice topped with shiitake, spinach, edamame, kimchee and an egg. (Deb Lindsey /For The Washington Post)

He certainly understands service. The founder says he makes a point of hiring people for their personalities and putting a priority on their well-being, a philosophy that makes for happy customers, too.

Speaking of sweet, the most soothing dessert is sticky toffee pudding, flavored with dates and admittedly rich for a warm day. Billed by a server as wunderbar, black cherry pie is only a couple notches better than Hostess, although that didnt stop the chowhounds at my table from scraping its plate of all but one bite.

Next visit, Im going to go the zero-calorie route at meals end and take a picture with my pals in the photo booth parked near the Smiths (big and attractive) restrooms. The amusement costs $5 for four pictures and hangs a nice frame on a restaurant that never ceases to go the extra mile.

For stories, features such as Date Lab, Gene Weingarten and more, visit WP Magazine.

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Bill Cosby arrives with one of his attorneys, Angela Agrusa, right, for the second day of jury selection in his sexual assault case at the Allegheny County Courthouse in Pittsburgh. The case is set for trial June 5 in suburban Philadelphia. (Gene J. Puskar/AP)

The delicate issue of race has percolated beneath the surface of the Bill Cosby jury selection process, present but unspoken, ever since 100 citizens filed into a grand old downtown courthouse here early Monday morning.

It was impossible to miss that nearly half the black potential jurors settled into the same row together at the back of a large courtroom where the pool first met. Once individual questioning began, prosecutors used their first of seven possible strikes to block a black juror from being seated.

But on Tuesday, the issue of race was catapulted to the center of the trial. Defense attorneys sharply accused the Montgomery County, Pa., District Attorneys office of engaging in the systematic exclusion of African Americans from the jury, an explosive charge that prosecutors vigorously disputed and that the judge in the case ultimately rejected.

The late-afternoon showdown over race underscored one of the more complex challenges in the early stages of a case in which every detail, every nuance, every fact is under intense scrutiny. Court officials here have spent two full days trying to select 12 jurors and six alternates, but they left Tuesday night having seated just 11: seven white men, three white women and one black woman.

Cosby injected race into the case even before jury selection began. In a radio interview, days before the trial started, the 79-year-old entertainer blamed racism for the scandal that has seen him accused of sexual misdeeds by 60 women over five decades and criminally charged for allegedly drugging and sexually assaulting a woman who worked for Temple University. The alleged victim, Andrea Constand, is white  a fact noted by the judge during arguments over seating black jurors. (Cosby has denied ever sexually assaulting women.)

Legal experts have said Cosby, a pioneering entertainer who was the first African American to co-star on a network television show, would benefit from having blacks on the jury. In an interview, Jo-Ellan Dimitrius, who consulted for the defense on jury matters for the O.J. Simpson trial, said celebrity-obsessed African American men could be ideal jurors for Cosby, especially if theyd watched or listened to trials involving celebrities.

It took more than 10 hours of feuding to seat the first African American juror, a woman who appeared to be in her 20s or early 30s, who was selected midafternoon Tuesday. Prosecutors fought vigorously to keep her off the jury, with much of the arguments taking place in the chambers of Judge Steve T. ONeill, who is hearing the case.

As the day progressed, a clump of African American potential jurors began filing into a small courtroom here to be questioned. They were lumped together because the judge was calling people based on their juror number and the seating position they took in the original jury pool room, and so many of the African Americans had clustered at the back.

The fireworks began when a potential juror, a graying African American woman who complained of bad knees, strode into the room and took a seat at a long table across from ONeill. The potential jurors sit a few feet away from Cosby, and attorneys from both sides ring the table.

Nothing the woman said seemed particularly controversial. But prosecutors had something on her that they hadnt yet revealed, and Kevin Steele, the silver-haired, button-down Montgomery district attorney, moved to block her from being seated.

An air of mystery hung over the proceedings because much of the fight was taking place in chambers. But when the whole cast returned to the courtroom, defense attorney Brian McMonagle disclosed what would become a wild twist: the woman is a former Pittsburgh police detective who had been arrested. Still, McMonagle argued that she should be seated on the Cosby jury because the charges against her had been dismissed. McMonagle tried to paint prosecutors as bent on keeping African Americans off the jury.

We believe now that we are incapable of getting a diverse jury, McMonagle said in a booming voice..

Prosecutors countered by publicly disclosing that the woman had been accused of falsifying overtime records. Assistant District Attorney M. Stewart Ryan said that even though she wasnt convicted, the charges directly impact her credibility.

Ryan also said that the woman had been involved in a lawsuit against the city of Pittsburgh. The suit had been quickly thrown out, but he argued that the woman may be unfit for jury duty because she could harbor anti-government feelings.

It was enough for Judge ONeill. He sent the African American woman home.
The Changing the Guard ceremony at Londons Buckingham Palace was canceled Wednesday to redeploy police officers in the wake of Monday's deadly terrorist attack in Manchester. (Dominic Lipinski/AP)

Liz Barrett was driving with friends through the English countryside in North Yorkshire when she heard about the terrorist attack at the Ariana Grande concert at the Manchester Arena. She was visiting Britain from Chicago, and was horrified by the news.

It was the only thing on all the radio stations, she says. Her next stop on the trip will be London, before flying home from Heathrow Airport.

With the threat level in Britain raised to critical  the highest in 10 years  and soldiers deployed in the streets, Barrett says that she is curious to see what is happening in London and at the airport. But altering her travels never crossed her mind.

We didnt consider changing any plans because, honestly, I refuse to give way to those evil idiots, she says.

It has become too common a consideration: to travel or not to travel in the wake of a terrorist attack. Dan Richards, chief executive of Global Rescue, a risk-management firm focused on health, safety and travel, says that the decision depends on the individual.

I think England, Britain and most of Europe, despite the most recent attack in Manchester, are still very safe, he says.

George Hobica, founder of the travel deal site Airfarewatchdog.com, says that he hasnt seen interest in traveling to Britain falling off since the attack.

Furthermore, terrorists fervently hope that their actions will disrupt the economy and cause people to live in fear, he says. We cant accede to their wishes, and every time something like this happens, travelers keep calm and travel on, as it should be.

If you have a trip planned to England, here are some things to consider:

If you wish to cancel, did you purchase travel insurance? If you did purchase travel insurance before the attack, and you dont wish to travel to Manchester or nearby towns right now, your policy may offer you an out. Most travel insurance policies with trip cancellation benefits include coverage for a terrorist attack. This benefit allows travelers to cancel a trip if a terrorist attack occurs, says Megan Singh, spokeswoman for Squaremouth, a travelinsurance-comparison site. Singh says that in order for such an event to be covered, it usually must meet these requirements:

It occurs in or near a city listed on the travelers itinerary;

It occurs within a specific time period of the travelers departure date, usually seven to 30 days;

It has been deemed terrorism by the State Department or the U.S. government issues a travel advisory for that destination.

Some policies also require there have been no recent terrorist incidents in the same city within a specified period of time. Singh says that some policies will specify how far the coverage extends, geographically  50 or 100 miles from the city on the itinerary, for example.

Some travelers may not be aware of the distance from Manchester to other popular locations in Britain. London, for example, is more than 100 miles away. So in some cases, even if the traveler has a policy in place, depending on where and when they are going, terrorism cancellation coverage may not apply, Singh says.

If you did purchase a policy, Singh suggests calling the provider immediately to understand whats covered and find out what steps need to be taken.

If you wish to cancel and didnt purchase travel insurance, start dialing. If you think that the possibility of an attack will cast a shadow on your trip, Richards says you may want to consider your options. The last thing people should do is travel to a place and be constantly fearful if something is going to happen. Thats no way to spend a vacation, he says.

Historically speaking, some airlines, hotels and car-rental agencies have relaxed their rescheduling or cancellation policies following an attack, and action is often taken on a case-by-case basis.

For example, British Airways recently issued this statement: Following the tragic events in Manchester, we are offering a range of flexible rebooking policies to people who are affected or who are due to travel to or from the city in the coming days. We would encourage any customers with concerns about their bookings to contact us or their travel agent and we will be as flexible as possible.

United Airlines issued a statement by email: All of us at the United family send our deepest condolences to those affected by this terrible tragedy. We have issued a travel waiver that enables customers who are flying to and from airports we service in the U.K. to adjust their travel plans free of charge.

Call any businesses you have bookings with and see if theres any flexibility in your upcoming plans.

If you go, take some basic precautions. Richards points out that recent attacks in Europe have a few things in common: They tend to happen in very crowded, highly populated environments, and they tend to happen near fairly well-known landmarks within these cities.

He shares the following tips for people traveling to Britain:

Take a redundant method of communication. Cellphone service often gets disrupted following an attack or disaster, and that redundancy can act as a backup. Richards says having a phone that can also tap into a WiFi network can be helpful, and so can a satellite device. That will allow you to contact friends and family to let them know that youre okay, or that you need help.

Weigh the risks when it comes to crowds. As a tourist, avoiding densely populated areas can be rather tricky  especially if a sporting event, concert or popular museum drew you to the city in the first place. Richards says to consider your options. This is the age we live in and these environments can be soft targets, he says. And theyre not environments that can be controlled by any secure law enforcement presence. So you take risks. Are they huge risks? Well, if youre caught in one of these events, sure they are. But the likelihood is still very, very low.

Be vigilant. Always be aware of your surroundings, Richards says. That doesnt mean you need to be suspicious of everybody or fearful of everyone, but be aware of who is around you and what theyre doing. If you feel uncomfortable, leave the situation and contact law enforcement.

Have a plan. Wherever you go, discuss an exit strategy and meet up point with your travel companions. It may be an uncomfortable conversation, but it could provide needed guidance in case of an emergency.

Keep the threat in perspective. The notion of getting caught up in a terrorist attack is horrifying, but its important to remember that it is also rare. In 2013, President Barack Obama said on NBCs The Tonight Show with Jay Leno: The odds of dying in a terrorist attack are a lot lower than they are of dying in a car accident, unfortunately. The general rule is just show some common sense and some caution.

Richards points out that staying home isnt necessarily safer than traveling, particularly if you live in a large city in the United States. I guess you can crawl into bed and pull the covers over your head and youll probably be safe. But most of us dont live our lives that way, he says.

The likelihood that you come down with some sort of foodborne or airborne illness or are involved in a motor-vehicle accident or slip and fall on the way to the bathroom in your hotel room and break your ankle, all those things are much, much more likely to occur than you being caught up in a terrorist action.

Silver is a writer based in Chicago. Follow her on Twitter: @K8Silver.

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Dont talk back. Say, Yes, sir and No, sir. Dont look them in the eye. Dont make a move unless they say so. Being black is reason enough for someone to shoot you; dont give them another one.

Those are the types of instructions black parents gave to their children after Emmett Till was lynched by a group of white men in Money, Miss., in 1955. Thats what many black parents still tell their children. Only now the threat can come from the very people hired to keep them safe  law enforcement.

We keep passing on the same story, generation after generation, said Virginia Del. Jeion A. Ward (D-Hampton).

Ward has spearheaded legislation that broadens the drivers ed curriculum in Virginia to deal specifically with one area that has been fraught with danger for black motorists: traffic stops. Starting in July, students will learn about their constitutional rights as well as appropriate behavior for police and driver.

We want everybody getting the same information, everybody on the same page, Ward said.

[Drivers ed in Va.: Right of way, use of signals and how to behave with police]

Thats a start. But there are disparities in how black people are treated by law enforcement, making it hard for everyone to be on the same page. No drivers ed class will change that.

Back in 2002, researchers at the University of Colorado and University of Chicago set up a video game designed to detect implicit bias in decisions on when and whether to shoot. Participants were not only quicker to shoot African Americans than whites, they also were quicker to shoot unarmed black men than they were armed white men.

Fast forward 15 years and unarmed black people are nearly five times more likely to be fatally shot by police as unarmed white people, according to an analysis by The Washington Post.

The study by the universities also found that African Americans were just as likely as whites to shoot the unarmed black person and not the armed white person. Thats what happens when black people try to accommodate racism instead of combating it.

A national Pew Research Center survey in March found that 1 in 5 police officers said their job nearly always or often makes them feel angry and frustrated. In a country with roughly 800,000 law enforcement officers, thats a lot of angry people with a license to kill. Those officers are much more likely than their emotionally stable colleagues to be callous, distrustful, fire their weapons and agree that aggressive tactics are more useful than a courteous approach in some parts of their community, according to the survey.

Urban areas tended to get the brunt of their anger.

On any given day, a young black driver might encounter such an officer.

After learning that her 17-year-old grandson was about to get his drivers license, Ward came up with the idea of traffic-stop education when she heard what some other parents were telling their children.

One parent told her son that if a police car pulled up behind him with lights flashing, then he should drive home slowly so we can make sure youre safe,  Ward recalled.

The correct answer is to pull over and stop.

Another parent, in Alexandria, Va., reportedly told her son, If the police start swinging, drop to the ground [and] protect your head and vital organs by curling up in a ball on your knees.

[A disproportionate number of black victims in fatal traffic stops]

Wards grandson is 17 and stands 6-foot-4. The thought of police perceiving him as a threat because of his size and race was especially worrisome.

Hes the first grandson, she said. Hes carrying on the family name.

But the reality is that on any given day, the young man could encounter one of those angry or frustrated cops. That has to change. Mayors and city councils hire and oversee police chiefs. They should all be held accountable when an officer crosses the line.

Its not against the law to talk back to police. There is no need to say Yes, sir when a simple Yes will do. No bowed heads. No averted eyes. No motorist should be forced to choose between being subservient and being shot.

To read previous columns, go to washingtonpost.com/milloy.
Andrew Gifford, author of We All Scream: The Fall of the Giffords Ice Cream Empire, stands outside the building that once housed his familys ice cream parlor. While Giffords was much-loved by Washingtonians before it closed in 1985, Andrew Gifford recounts abuse as a child growing up. (John Kelly/The Washington Post)

If there was a secret ingredient in the ice cream at Giffords, it sure as heck wasnt love.

In fact, if you cherished Giffords  if youd rather preserve your happy memories of the long-gone local ice cream parlor  you might want to stop reading now. This column is going to get grim.

I had someone write me, I read your book and I was very upset you didnt have the Swiss chocolate recipe in there,  said Andrew Gifford , the 43-year-old grandson of the ice cream chains founder and author of We All Scream: The Fall of the Giffords Ice Cream Empire, a memoir published this month. That was their takeaway. There are people so blinded by what it used to be.

What Giffords used to be was one of the Washington areas favorite purveyors of high-butterfat ice cream, with locations from Bethesda to Vienna. It was founded in Silver Spring in 1938 by John Nash Gifford. After Johns death, the company went to Andrews father, Robert. In 1985, with a bogus franchising scheme collapsing around him and bankruptcy proceedings underway, Robert Gifford disappeared. He skipped town with the companys money  Andrew has heard figures ranging from $1 million to $10 million  and then lived off the grid for the next 15 years.

What that outline omits is the mental and physical abuse Andrew, an only child, says he suffered at the hands of his parents, from cruel pranks designed to scare him to beatings that drew blood.

These are things you dont talk about, Andrew said over lunch at a pizzeria next to the building on Georgia Avenue that once housed the old Giffords headquarters, now a day-care center.

Andrews parents fought with each other as much as with him, eventually separating. He writes that his mother, Barbara, a religious fanatic fascinated by Charles Manson, lashed out in a uniquely distasteful way. Andrew said that when he was 9, his mother had him smash up thermometers in empty soup cans then drove to the Giffords plant where she slipped the tainted shards into the ice cream.

Thats what she told him anyway.

I never witnessed it, Andrew said in an interview. I hope its not true.

Montgomery County Health Department records only go back to the mid-2000s, so I couldnt check for any customer complaints. Cal Headley worked at Giffords for 12 years and has known Andrew since he was a baby. (He runs York Castle Tropical Ice Cream on Rockville Pike.)

I know the parents were kind of both off the wall, Cal said. He had never heard the mercury/glass shards anecdote. He doesnt remember any complaints back then.

Maybe it was just to torture him, Cal said of Barbara telling her son she had dropped mercury into the ice cream.

I asked Andrew if by writing such a frank tell-all he has figuratively dropped mercury into the fond memories so many people have of Giffords.

I dont want to set out to ruin these wonderful childhood memories that these folks have, Andrew said. This is a private family matter essentially, but I also think nostalgias dangerous. I think embracing it in the way that some people do is a bad thing.

He felt he had to tell his familys story, even if it risked curdling the love so many Washingtonians have for Giffords.

As a tale of abuse, its very dark, he said. But, he said, I survived. Its a story of resilience.

Much of the book details Andrews hellish 10-year struggle with trigeminal neuralgia, an entangled facial nerve that causes excruciating pain. He was finally cured after an operation by, of all people, Ben Carson.

In an odd way, Andrew thinks the condition may have helped him survive his blighted past. As a young man, he was so focused on the pain that he had no time to focus on his childhood. When the pain was gone, he was in his 30s, better able to deal with the memories.

Both of Andrews parents are dead now. He lives in Bethesda and works in the publications department of a nonprofit organization. Always interested in literature, he founded a publishing house called the Sante Fe Writers Project. (Various attempts have been made by others to revive the Giffords recipes. The current Giffords ice cream on the market is made by an unrelated Maine company.)

Andrew writes in his book that his mother told him frequently that his father was sexually abused as a boy. He has no doubt his mother suffered from bona fide mental illness. I asked Andrew if hes ever been in therapy himself.

No, he said, though he did once see a psychiatrist. It was in the midst of his trigeminal neuralgia, when his insurance company thought the pain might be psychosomatic. Said Andrew: I sat down with the shrink and he said, Well, it sounds like you have issues with your parents and, by the way, Giffords Ice Cream? My parents took me there! 

For the next 40 minutes, the doctor regaled Andrew with his fondest ice cream memories.

Our entrees finished, I asked Andrew if he wanted any ice cream for dessert.

No. Its not like I have a phobia about it, he said, but I dont seek it out.

Twitter: @johnkelly

For previous columns, visit washingtonpost.com/johnkelly.
A record number of District lawmakers flew to Las Vegas at taxpayer expense for the annual conference hosted by the International Council of Shopping Centers. (Larry MacDougal/Associated Press)

Nine of the 13 D.C. Council members, along with Mayor Muriel E. Bowser and city staff, were returning Tuesday from three days of socializing and meeting in Las Vegas with real estate developers and major retailers.

A record number of city lawmakers flew to Vegas, most, if not all, at taxpayer expense, for the annual conference hosted by the International Council of Shopping Centers, which bills itself as the worlds largest gathering of retail companies.

Bowser (D) and the council members threw a party  funded in part with tax dollars  at the plush Foxtail Nightclub on Sunday night, where Bowser told retailers that the District has options and wants more.

The message was similar on Monday night at an invitation-only gathering of business leaders and developers at the rustic La Cave restaurant at the Wynn Las Vegas hotel, where Bowser made a pitch for more grocers, especially east of the Anacostia River.

Awash in a building boom and flush with millions of square feet of new retail space downtown, District leaders have not let up in their courting of national retail chains that began when the city was shunned by developers during the deadly drug wars that plagued it in the 1980s and 1990s.

Its great. D.C. has changed, and we can make a different pitch than we could make years ago, said D.C. Council member Jack Evans (D-Ward 2). It used to be that we had to tell them about the vision of what D.C. could become. Now, everybody wants to come open a store in the District.

But that turnaround  coupled with the citys staggering income disparity  is fueling questions about whether the mayor and a supermajority of the council should have traveled to Las Vegas to pitch retail executives on coming to the District.

It doesnt make any sense that elected officials need to go pitch prospective tenants, said Greg LeRoy, executive director of Good Jobs First, a watchdog group that tracks government subsidies for businesses. The decision of a national retailer is a cold, hard calculation about whether you can justify enough sales to afford the rent; thats it, its not about what politicians say.

Monica Kamen, co-director of the DC Fair Budget Coalition, echoed that concern.

Theres been a lot of development in D.C. that has led to massive gentrification and a rise in the cost of living, and we need to be looking at how we continue development without further displacing people, Kamen said, noting that the lawmakers excursion comes only a week before the D.C. Council is scheduled to vote on a $13.8 billion city budget.

A week before the budget vote, I would hope that that is where most of their focus was  on how to maximize spending for those in need . . . not in Las Vegas talking about giving away too many tax dollars to retailers, Kamen said.

Council members and representatives for the mayor defended the trip Tuesday in a series of phone interviews.

Brian Kenner, the deputy mayor for planning and economic development, who has attended the conference almost every year for a decade, said that the District has benefited from a consistent presence at the event.

The fruits are evident in the amount of retail we have gotten in D.C., Kenner said. Retailers take a long time to make decisions, not weeks or months, but years.

You can talk to one retailer and theyre downsizing and not interested, and three years later, its completely reversed. We know weve got to be here talking to retailers when they are up or down.

By several estimates, the Districts contingent of taxpayer-funded lawmakers and staffers was the largest of any city. The city had a large walk-in display area at the conference, hosted parties and receptions and was represented by 24 lawmakers and government staffers, according to a document circulated among participants.

Additional staffers and executives also traveled under the auspices of the public-private Washington DC Economic Partnership, which is partly funded by taxpayer money. The partnership paid for all attendees registration, the Districts display area, the welcome reception and other events.

Few of the nations top 20 cities sent representatives, according to lists of attendees on the ICSC website.

The full accounting of how much the trip cost taxpayers was not available Tuesday. An attorney for the D.C. Council said the request for that information would be treated under open-records guidelines, giving the council 15 days to respond. The mayors office also did not provide a breakdown and declined to identify where the mayor and her top aides stayed.

Evans, who has been attending the conference since the administration of Anthony Williams, said that the District would be foolish not to go and that the travel costs are a sound investment.

Frankly, if we werent here, we wouldnt be doing our jobs, Evans said.

He noted the Saturday announcement that popular grocery chain Wegmans plans to open a store along Wisconsin Avenue in 2022.

Weve been talking to them here for five years  and now weve got them, Evans said.

Evans said this year he and other council members met with German grocer Lidl about sites in the District and discussed with grocers Giant and Safeway how to encourage them to expand in the citys poorest areas east of the Anacostia River.

But an itinerary for the group also showed several meetings with D.C. developers, including the JBG Cos. and Hines, and with others seeking tax incentives for development around Union Market.

Along with Evans, eight other council members were on the trip: Brandon T. Todd (D-Ward 4); Kenyan R. McDuffie (D-Ward 5); Vincent C. Gray (D-Ward 7); Trayon White Sr. (D-Ward 8); Robert C. White Jr. (D-At Large); Anita Bonds (D-At Large); David Grosso (I-At Large); and Chairman Phil Mendelson (D).

The nine amount to a supermajority of the council, but Mendelson said he was never in a meeting with more than four or five at a time and the council members never held an official meeting that would violate open-meeting laws.

Its no different than when the council members are in Washington, D.C., Mendelson said. We are not required to file an open meeting notice when we go to a party in D.C.; we are not required to file one when we go to a party here.

Mendelson said he was sensitive to the perception that council members were using a lot of public tax dollars for the trip and was concerned about whether lawmakers were being careful to keep expenses to a minimum.

Council members each have an annual budget of roughly $19,000 for office supplies and nonpersonnel expenses. The money can be used for travel for both lawmakers and their staffs, and with the council session nearing an end, some council members have been known to use the majority of what is left each year on the Vegas trip.

Evans, McDuffie, Grosso, Todd, and Robert C. White Jr. brought along staff, according to the list of attendees.

McDuffie, who chairs the committee with oversight of business affairs, said it was important to have his top two staffers to organize meetings, arrange follow-ups, and visit booths of retailers when he could not.
Pam Horowitz, the widow of Julian Bond, sits outside the Chevy Chase Community Center in the District, where she, friends and the Advisory Neighborhood Commission seek to install a memorial bench for the late civil rights leader. (Sarah L. Voisin/The Washington Post)

To honor Julian Bond, the venerable civil rights leader who died two years ago, community leaders in his Northwest Washington neighborhood resolved to install a memorial bench on the avenue where he was known to sit, stroll and chat with friends and strangers alike.

In a city overrun with marble testimonials to the dead, one more tribute  a modest one, at that  did not seem like a tall order.

Or was it?

After 18 months of emails between District officials and Chevy Chase, D.C., leaders, glimmers of progress cut through the fog of bureaucratese: A location for the bench was chosen, along with an inscription, an early version of which Bond himself had dictated to his wife: Race Man on one side of the bench; Easily Amused on the other.

It was all over but the sitting, it seemed.

Julian Bond addresses the NAACPs annual convention in Detroit in 2015. (Paul Sancya/AP)

Then, a week ago, Leif A. Dormsjo, director of the Districts Department of Transportation, abruptly and ever-so-unceremoniously contradicted what his underlings had told the neighborhood.

Ive had second thoughts on the bench, Dormsjo, an appointee of Mayor Muriel E. Bowser (D), wrote in a May 18 email to a neighborhood leader. We dont install and maintain benches anywhere else. I dont think well do so in this case.

Youre not going to believe this, D.C. Council member Mary M. Cheh (D-Ward 3) recalled an aide telling her after reading the email.

It was yes, and then, out of the blue, it was no, said Cheh, who represents Chevy Chase. It has been so arduous and absurd.

Pamela Horowitz, Bonds widow who lives in Chevy Chase, described the agencys decision as disappointing and inexplicable, especially after neighborhood leaders had told her that the District had agreed to place the bench on Connecticut Avenue, outside the Chevy Chase Community Center.

Julian always wanted a bench, he talked about a bench, Horowitz said. He didnt necessarily know where the bench would go, but he walked all over the neighborhood and knew it was a possibility. A bench was a place you could go and think about things.

Her husbands idea for the inscription, she said, blended his seriousness and well-honed taste for the absurd. He couldnt have done the serious work of being a Race Man without a sense of humor, she said.

The neighborhood is already lined with more than 20 benches along Connecticut Avenue, many of which are adorned with plaques memorializing deceased Washingtonians. Yet, the entity responsible for maintaining the benches is something of a mystery, according to Cheh and other community leaders.

Terry Owens, a DDOT spokesman, could provide no immediate answer to that question, nor could he explain the agencys decision regarding a bench for Bond, the co-founder of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee and a onetime chairman of the NAACP.

Bond, who died in 2015 at the age of 75, lived in Chevy Chase for 27 years and was active in District politics, advocating for D.C. statehood in recorded advertisements that played in taxis. A familiar figure along the avenue, he liked to dine at Parthenon, a neighborhood Greek restaurant, drop in at the local Starbucks and watch movies at the Avalon Theater.

People would come up to him and say, Are you Julian Bond?! and hed say, Every day!  recalled Aviva Kempner, a documentary filmmaker and a Bond friend who resides in the neighborhood. His reputation preceded him.

After Bonds death, Kempner and others told Cheh of his fondness for the neighborhoods assortment of sidewalk benches. The council member thought that one more bench would be a suitable tribute.

But such gestures are far from simple to enact in a city in which public space is not just something to enjoy but also subject to a sheath of regulations.

First, Cheh needed an official declaration of Chevy Chases approval for a memorial, which she got when the local Advisory Neighborhood Commission passed a resolution in September 2015 declaring that it supports the installation of a bench.

If only it were so easy.

The next hurdle was determining which governmental entity would be responsible for procuring, installing and maintaining the bench, an issue that took upward of a year to resolve, according to emails provided by Chehs office.

In the last weeks of 2016, Randy Speck, the ANCs chair and a retired lawyer, wrote to Cheh that DDOT will install and maintain the bench, which would be removed from another location where they were installing a Bikeshare station.

It looks like we are making progress, at long last, Speck wrote.

By March 2017, Speck was still seeking from DDOT what he described in an email as a definitive resolution of all issues related to the bench.

As you know, our efforts to get DDOTs assistance on the project have dragged on for many months, he wrote to Todd McIntyre, chief of staff to DDOTs director.

Nine days later, after receiving no response, Speck again asked for an update.

The following morning, McIntyre wrote back that he had asked our team to install a standard black metal bench. He was awaiting a timeframe for that installation, he wrote, and promised to follow up in the next day or so.

Aides in Chehs office were so confident that one wrote to Horowitz that we are 99% of the way toward having DDOT install a bench. A week later, on March 31, the same aide wrote to Horowitz, We now have written confirmation from DDOT that a bench will be placed.

Six weeks later, they received Dormsjos email, saying there would be no bench.

They should be embarrassed by their behavior, Cheh said of DDOT.

After several inquiries this week from The Washington Post, it seemed that Dormsjo had experienced second thoughts. Again.

Owens, his spokesman, emailed The Post on Wednesday to say there had been concerns about moving forward without a plan to maintain the bench. That issue is being addressed internally and the bench will be installed.
A small Christian school in western Maryland is not backing down from its decision to ban a pregnant senior from walking at graduation next week.

Despite a public outcry and growing pressure from national antiabortion groups to reconsider, Heritage Academy in Hagerstown says that senior Maddi Runkles broke the schools rules by engaging in intimate sexual activity. In a letter to parents Tuesday evening, school principal David R. Hobbs said that Runkles is being disciplined, not because she is pregnant but because she was immoral. ... The best way to love her right now is to hold her accountable for her morality that began this situation.

Runkles, 18, is a 4.0 student who has attended the school since 2009. She found out she was pregnant in January and informed the school, where her father was then a board member, in February. Initially the school told Runkles that she would be suspended and removed from her role as student council president and would have to finish the rest of the school year at home.

After the family appealed, Heritage said it would allow Runkles to finish the school year with her 14 classmates but she would not be able to walk with the other seniors to receive her diploma at graduation. The family believes that the decision is unfair and that she is being punished more harshly than others who have broken the rules.

[At high school, a fight over photos of a pregnant teen in the yearbook]

Its because Im pregnant and you can see the results of my mistake, Runkles said in a telephone interview Wednesday. There have been kids who have broken the student code and they could have hurt people or even gone to jail and they only received an in-school suspension and theyre allowed to walk this year. The school is worried about its reputation, but I think theyre missing out on an incredible opportunity to set an example for the pro-life community and Christian schools about how to treat guys and girls like me.

The babys father is out of high school and did not attend Heritage.

Maddi Runkles, third from left, with her family: brother Evan, from left; mother Sharon; and father Scott. (Family photo)

To Hobbs, a long-time educator completing his first year as the schools principal, the decision to not allow Runkles to take part in graduation resulted from her actions. He thinks she needs to be held responsible and believes the penalty will be instructive to other students.

The breach of a standard of abstinence is a grievous choice, he said in an interview. Maddi made a grievous choice. We do believe in forgiveness, but forgiveness does not mean theres no accountability.

Hobbs said Heritage, which opened in 1969 and has 175 students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, emphasizes abstinence and tells students to maintain their purity until their wedding night.

We teach our students about the beauty of marriage and that sex inside of marriage is one of the things that is beautiful about marriage, he said.

But while the school reaffirmed its decision, antiabortion groups have rallied to support Runkles. They argue that by singling out a pregnant student, the school is making it more likely that young women will choose abortion rather than suffer embarrassment and punishment.

Its a bad decision, said Jeanne Mancini, president of the March for Life. I was horrified when I learned that they wouldnt let her walk at graduation. Usually when a woman is facing an unwanted pregnancy, especially a young woman, there is a sense of shame that comes into play and can have an impact on her decision and often does.

Mancini said that while she respects the schools code of conduct she worries about what the next pregnant student will do.

What she needs is support, and what the school is doing is really the opposite of that, she said. Its the antithesis of what it means to be Christian.

Kristan Hawkins, president of Students for Life of America, also criticized the school. By banning her and her alone, the administration and board collectively decided to make a public example of one student and has either intentionally or unintentionally communicated to the school community that pregnancy (not simply premarital sex) is a shame and should not be observed within our school community, she said in a statement.

Maddi Runkles, a senior at Heritage Academy, a private Christian school, will not be allowed to walk during the upcoming graduation ceremony because she was immoral, the school principal says. (Jessica Klick)

Runkles said her situation has drawn so much media attention in the past week, with her story being told by the New York Times, CBS and Fox, that some friends and classmates who once supported her now think she is just seeking publicity. The backlash has been severe, especially on social media, where she says strangers, acquaintances and parents of other students have attacked her.

It has really gotten out of control, Runkles said. Moms of students have tagged me and said nasty things about me. Ive had students start group messages to start nasty rumors. People saying Im just attention-seeking and spoiled.

The blowback led Runkless parents to pull Maddi and her 9th-grade brother out of the school for the remainder of the year. Her father, Scott Runkles, has resigned from the schools board and her brother will transfer to another Christian school in the fall.

While she feels that her experience at Heritage has been ruined, Runkles says she is grateful for the support from her family and the Baptist church she belongs to in Frederick. She has also become involved in antiabortion activism, taking part in rallies and speaking out against federal funding for Planned Parenthood.

I chose life and sometimes it feels like it wasnt worth it, but then its been kind of a blessing because I have a big platform to help other people, she said.

Runkles, who has been accepted to Bob Jones University, a Christian school in South Carolina, doesnt believe Heritage will change its mind about letting her walk at graduation June 2, but she said that if it does, she will take part.

I would love to attend because my best friends will be there and I want to share that with them, she said. Some people are upset because they think Im out to get the school, but Im not. I just want them to do the right thing.

Still, Runkles isnt holding her breath waiting for the school to reconsider. And she has other things on her mind. Her baby boy is due Sept. 4.
Bob Huh helps student Isaiah Wilson, right, in his Korean class at Eleanor Roosevelt High in Greenbelt. (Astrid Riecken/For The Washington Post)

When Bob Huhs students started the school year, most knew little Korean. But as the year winds down, Maerielle Batugo and others have learned the alphabet, memorized vocabulary words, formed sentences, read passages in books and performed skits.

With this, they are marking a first in Maryland.

Their school  Eleanor Roosevelt High, in Greenbelt  has become the states first public school to offer courses in Korean, and their class is leading the way. The lessons have been challenging at times, but after nine months, students are gaining a foothold.

Im going to continue it next year and am going to definitely improve, said Maerielle, 15, a ninth-grader at the Prince Georges County school. She was inspired to take the course by her affection for South Korean pop music  K-pop  and televised dramas, called K-dramas.

It made me want to learn the language, she said one day last week.

Students Rosa Ventura, right, Faridat Tijani, center, and Melissa Corpeno, left, listen to Korean teacher Bob Huh at Eleanor Roosevelt High. (Astrid Riecken/For The Washington Post)

Her enthusiasm comes amid signs that foreign-language learning is on the rise in Prince Georges and beyond. Enrollment in foreign-language programs is up in Marylands elementary and middle schools, state officials say. They also note that for the first time Maryland will this year award the seal of biliteracy to students graduating with high levels of language proficiency. Two dozen other states and the District have also adopted such initiatives.

Nationally, about 20 percent of U.S. students in K-12 schools are studying a foreign language, and parents are demanding more programs at the elementary level, said Marty Abbott, executive director of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages.

Research has pointed to cognitive advantages in early language learning and academic gains on standardized tests, she said, and a new report shows a sharp increase in demand for bilingual workers in an increasingly global society.

Her organization and others are working to raise awareness among students and parents of the benefits of picking up another language. Its hard for adult Americans to wrap their heads around it because its not the norm in this country, but it is the norm in the rest of the world, she said.

In Montgomery County, school officials already report increasing interest. More than 47,000 middle and high school students are taking foreign-language classes, a number thats up by 1,400 in three years. Two new elementary school two-way immersion programs  teaching in Spanish and English  are planned to start in the fall.

I think world languages are making a comeback, said Francoise Vandenplas, Montgomerys supervisor of world languages. People realize what an asset it is to be bilingual and biliterate in the 21st century in order to be competitive. It is not enough to speak English.

In Prince Georges, with 132,000 students, school officials say 37,000, or 28 percent, are getting foreign-language instruction. Thats up from about 35,000 last school year, and 30,000 in earlier years, said Maria Flores, supervisor of world languages in Prince Georges.

Every year, our numbers are growing, she said.

The countys embrace of Korean comes four years after it became the first public school system in Maryland to offer Portuguese, Flores said. Next year, Roosevelt will offer Korean 1 and Korean 2.

[Bilingual education: Whats available in Washington-area elementary schools?]

In Prince Georges, every high school has foreign-language courses, as do most middle schools and an increasing number of elementary schools. Korean became the school systems 12th offering, following Arabic, Chinese, Russian, American Sign Language, French, Spanish, Latin, Italian, German, Portuguese and Japanese.

For Huh, the Korean teacher, the idea has been long in the making. Having grown up in South Korea, Huh, in his 16th year as a county teacher, had thought about the possibility of teaching Korean for years, he said. The idea took shape after he arrived at Roosevelt in 2014 and noted the popularity of Japanese.

Why not Korean as well? he recalls thinking.

The class came together with the support of Flores and the schools principal, Reginald McNeill, as well as the South Korean embassy, he said. For the first year, Huh tested the waters by sponsoring a Korean club at the school. The first meeting drew 22 students, a number that grew over the school year.

Student interest was a key factor in starting up the course, said McNeill, the principal. We are a very diverse school, and we are attempting to make sure our students have all types of opportunities to learn globally and collaborate globally, he said.

Huh also sought advice in 2015 from Song Ja Johnston of Fairfax High School, who has been teaching Korean in Northern Virginia since 2002. The regions large Korean community helped nurture the development of Korean courses there. Early on, Johnston said, most of her students were Korean American. But that has shifted recently. Now I have so many ethnic groups that want to take Korean, she said.

When Huhs class got going, it was not all word drills and grammar lectures. He created learning games to get students engaged. He organized group activities. He invited guest speakers on Fridays. One visitor brought spicy stir-fried rice cakes called tteokbokki.

In mid-April, the students performed skits for a Korean showcase at Roosevelt, before an audience of more than 200. By years end, he guesses nearly all in the class will earn As and Bs. Just two of his 18 students are Korean American.

They are not only learning from me, he said. They are also really into Korean culture.

Several students attributed some of their success in the class to Huhs teaching style. He tries to make it easy and challenging at the same time, said Melissa Corpeno, 16, a junior. Im very surprised at how much I learned.

Looking back, she said: When I first started the class, I was like, Oh my God, what did I get myself into? 

Veronica Simpson, 16, says she only wishes Korean class had come sooner. Now a junior, she took Italian in ninth and 10th grades. She likes Korean so much that she will take Korean 2 next year and hopes to attend a college with Korean courses.

English is my first language, she said, and now, even though I dont know it fully, I kind of see Korean as my second language. Veronica said shes getting better at understanding K-dramas without looking at the subtitles.

She said she thinks her Korean will help as she applies to colleges in coming months. Korean, it kind of stands out, she said. She also hopes to travel to South Korea. Its the place I want to go the most, and the place I want to stay the longest.
The D.C. Education Festival in January 2014 at the Washington Convention Center was a chance for families to learn about charter schools. (Sarah L. Voisin/The Washington Post)

The D.C. Public Charter School Board approved three new charter schools this week, including an all-boys middle school and an adult education campus.

The new schools will add hundreds of charter-school seats to the city, the majority of them for middle school students.

The charter sector enrolls about 46 percent of D.C.s public education students, but enrollment in charters surpasses traditional public schools in most middle school grades.

The board on Monday approved the opening of Digital Pioneers Academy, a computer-science-focused middle school that will be in Ward 7 or Ward 8. The school is slated to open in the 2018-2019 school year.

Were excited to bring a new, innovative model to the District and play a part in making Wards 7 and 8 a model of quality education, said Mashea Ashton, the schools founder.

[Nonprofit wants 25 new or revamped D.C. city or charter schools in five years]

North Star College Preparatory Academy for Boys, a college-preparatory middle school, will also open in Ward 7 or 8 in 2018.

Charter schools have benefited from growing demand for middle school seats. About 54 percent of the citys public-school sixth-graders enrolled in charters this year. A decade ago, 30 percent of D.C. sixth-graders were in charters.

The boards approval of the new schools will initially create 205 new middle school seats. The schools plan to expand in subsequent years.

[Despite D.C.s pledges, hundreds of families a year bypass citys traditional public middle schools]

Were pleased to approve three schools that will meet the needs of our diverse student community, said Darren Woodruff, chairman of the charter board. This was a rigorous process with a high standard of approval.

The charter board also approved the opening of the Family Place, an adult school in Ward 1 that will educate 120 students in its first year.

It will offer English as a second language, workforce training and literacy development education to low-income adults who have limited English proficiency.
THE DISTRICT

Pr. Georges man is fatally stabbed

A man who was fatally stabbed during a dispute Monday evening in Southeast Washington has been identified as a 31-year-old from Prince Georges County, Md.

Whitney Jones of Riverdale was pronounced dead at a hospital a little more than half an hour after the 5:10 p.m. stabbing in the 1100 block of K Street SE, D.C. police said.

Police said they found Jones lying in the street when they arrived after receiving a report about an assault. No arrest has been made.

The street is just north of the Southeast Freeway and near the approaches to the 11th Street Bridge.

 Peter Hermann

VIRGINIA

Murder convict loses state court appeal

Charles Severance, convicted in 2015 of murder in the killings of three people in Alexandria, Va., has lost an appeal in state court.

Lawyers for Severance had argued that there were flaws in his trial and in his sentencing in connection with the slayings of Nancy Dunning in 2003, Ronald Kirby in 2013 and Ruthanne Lodato in 2014. A three-judge panel of the Virginia Court of Appeals disagreed.

Dunning was killed a decade before the other two victims, and no eyewitness connected Severance to the scene of her death. Severances lawyers say that case should have been tried separately from the other two.

However, the three judges ruled that the crimes were sufficiently similar and idiosyncratic to establish an inference that the same person committed all three murders.

The gun and bullets used were unusual, and all three crimes happened in safe neighborhoods in the middle of the day. All three victims were killed in their homes, and nothing was stolen.

Overall, the judges found there was enough evidence to convict Severance in all three slayings. Severance is serving a life sentence in prison.

 Rachel Weiner

2 students charged in Xanax incident

Two high school students were arrested and charged late last week with distributing Xanax at a Virginia middle school, officials said.

Their names were not released because they are 16 years old.

The Loudoun County Sheriffs Office said the charges stem from an incident April 21 at Potomac Falls High School in Sterling.

A school resource officer discovered that at least seven eighth-graders at neighboring Riverbend Middle School drank a liquid that contained the prescription drug Xanax. Authorities said it appeared to be a mix of water and crushed Xanax. Xanax is typically used to treat anxiety disorders.

The middle school students were examined by a school nurse and did not need to be taken to a hospital, officials said. They were sent home with their parents.

During an investigation, officials said, they found two high school students who had the Xanax drink mixture. They face charges of distribution of a narcotic on school property, authorities said.
Tensions over a long-vanished African American cemetery in Bethesda turned into a confrontation Tuesday evening at a meeting of Montgomery Countys NAACP branch.

County Council President Roger Berliner forcefully refuted charges from a community activist that planning officials attempted to cover up the existence of the post-Civil War cemetery, which documents indicate was located north of the Westwood Tower Apartments on Westbard Avenue. The site, which was paved over decades ago for use as a parking lot, is in the middle of an area targeted for redevelopment by Regency Centers, a Florida-based company that also owns the Westwood Shopping Center.

Members of Macedonia Baptist Church on River Road want to see the site excluded from construction plans because of the cemetery that was once there and any remains that may still be underground. They are calling for the cemetery to be memorialized with a museum that documents the African American community that existed in Westbard until the 1950s. Berliner and County Executive Isiah Leggett (D) have called for the dispute to go to private mediation, which could begin next week.

We are demanding justice. What weve seen time and time again is obfuscation, said Marsha Coleman-Adebayo, the churchs social justice chair. Weve seen people blocking our attempts to really get justice for our ancestors.

Coleman-Adebayo, a former Environmental Protection Agency official who won a discrimination settlement against the agency in a 2000 whistleblowing case, has led protests at council and Planning Board meetings over the cemetery issue.

Harvey Matthews, whose family once owned a farm on the site of what is now the Kenwood Station Shopping Center, looks on as Coleman-Adebayo holds a protest sign at a Montgomery County Planning Board meeting in February. (Bill Turque/The Washington Post)

Her most explosive charge is that county Planning Director Gwen Wright led a a massive coverup of the cemeterys existence in 2015 during the boards review of Westbard development plans.

Coleman-Adebayo said emails obtained through a public-records request support her allegations. But a review of the emails by The Washington Post showed nothing beyond routine discussion among Wright and her staff about when and how to brief board members.

Planning and parks department officials, who first uncovered evidence of the cemetery during research conducted in 2014, told the board about it in December 2015. The board later required Regency to remove the site from its development plans until a study is completed.

When are you going to call for an investigation of Gwen Wright and the coverup thats occurred around the cemetery? Coleman-Adebayo asked Berliner at the NAACP meeting.

Berliner (D-Potomac-Bethesda), a likely 2018 candidate for county executive who was invited by the civil rights group to speak about county affairs at its monthly meeting in Rockville, aggressively defended Wright.

I will speak plainly. You and I disagree about Gwen Wright. . . . This is a good public servant, Berliner said.

He said Coleman-Adebayos criticism was especially unfair given that Wright served as a senior planning official for Alexandria during the public-private effort to memorialize and rededicate the Alexandria Contrabands and Freedmen Cemetery, a historic African American site that was restored and memorialized during construction of the new Woodrow Wilson Bridge.

I totally support justice, but I am not going to participate in tearing down the reputation of good people who mean well and have actually made sure that our planners understand this issue and raised it explicitly, Berliner said.

When Berliner left the meeting, Coleman-Adebayo followed him, and the debate continued briefly in a light rain outside the Carver Educational Services Center.

If you become county executive, you dont keep somebody like Gwen Wright on board, Coleman-Adebayo said.

I dont believe Gwen Wright is a racist, Berliner responded.

Coleman-Adebayo brought up Wrights decision not to hire two prominent black anthropologists to study the cemetery site. Wright has said she and the two academics, Rachel Watkins of American University and Michael Blakey of William & Mary, could not agree on compensation or the scope of the work to be done.

Gwen Wright decided that she would not have anything to do with them. She wanted an all-white staff on this issue, Coleman-Adebayo said.

Berliner turned and walked toward his car.
Maya Railan, Hindu Temple volunteer

Maya Railan, 102, a volunteer at the Hindu Temple in Silver Spring, Md., died April 22 at her home in McLean, Va. The cause was respiratory failure, said a son, Vik Railan.

Mrs. Railan was born Maya Chowdhary in Tulamba, in what is now Pakistan. In 1975, she came to the United States and settled in the Washington area. She was a volunteer for disabled children in Prince Georges County Public Schools for two years.

James Cumberpatch, Air Force colonel

James Cumberpatch, 94, an Air Force colonel who served as executive officer of a fighter interceptor squadron during the Korean War and retired in 1968 as director of the Command Secretariat of the Air Force Systems Command, died April 28 at an assisted living center in Harwood, Md. The cause was cardiomyopathy, said a son, Michael Cumberpatch.

Col. Cumberpatch was born at Fort Sam Houston, into a military family. After his military retirement, he formed a project management consulting business, working mostly with private industries on jobs ranging from logging, mining and smelting to computer programming. He retired from that business in 1996. He lived in Kensington, Md., from 1960 until moving to Edgewater, Md., in 1996.

Manuel Roman, psychiatrist

Manuel Roman, 82, a psychiatrist who had private practices in Washington, Chevy Chase, Md., and Bowie, Md., died April 7 at a hospital in Washington. The cause was an acute ascending aortic dissection, said his wife, Patricia Roman.

Dr. Roman, a Bowie resident, was born in Ponce, Puerto Rico. He opened a private practice in 1962 and retired in 2014. He also had been a staff psychiatrist at St. Elizabeths Hospital in Washington, a consultant to the Peace Corps and a consultant to the Pastoral Consultation and Counseling Center of Greater Washington. He was a past president of the Suburban Maryland Psychiatric Society.

Mendelle Woodley, editor

Mendelle Woodley, 88, an editor who retired in 1991 as a section chief of the economics editing unit of the Federal Reserve, died April 4 at an assisted living center in Brookeville, Md. The cause was complications from a fractured hip, said a son, Adam Berenson.

Mrs. Woodley, a resident of Chevy Chase, Md., was born Mendelle Tourover in Washington. She had worked since 1978 at the Federal Reserve Board. Earlier, she had been an editorial assistant at the Brookings Institution and an executive assistant to a mortgage consultant.

 From staff reports
Thursday, MAY 25.

Manassas farmers market 7:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Loy E. Harris Pavilion, 9201 Center St. Also on Saturday, 7:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Prince William Lot, Prince William Street, Manassas. 703-361-6599. visitmanassas.org.

Bingo Proceeds support Veterans of Foreign Wars and Auxiliary programs and community activities. Thursday and Tuesday. Doors open 5:30 p.m. Games begin 7:30 p.m. VFW Post 1503, 14631 Minnieville Rd., Dale City. 703-670-4124. $10 minimum.

Serve Our Willing Warriors volunteer orientation Learn more about the nonprofit organization. Thursday at 6 p.m. and May 31 at 11 a.m. Warrior Retreat at Bull Run, 16013 Waterfall Rd., Haymarket. 703-220-2213. volunteer@willingwarriors.org. Free, registration required.

Books on Tap A new book club hosted by BadWolf Brewing Co. and the Prince William County Public Library System. This months book is A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman. 7 p.m. BadWolf Brewing Co., 8420 Kao Cir., Manassas. 703-367-7872. Free.

More Than A Whim Paintings by Lynn Martin. Through June 4. The Loft Gallery, 313 Mill St., Occoquan. 703-490-1117. Free.

Within the im/balance An exhibit of photographs by Rahshia Sawyer. Through June 3. Caton Merchant Family Gallery, Center for the Arts, 9419 Battle St., Manassas. 703-330-2787. Free.

Ignacio Alperin: Visual Jazz An exhibit of vibrant abstracts by the Argentine artist. Through Wednesday. Colgan Gallery, Northern Virginia Community College, 10950 Campus Dr., Manassas. 703-323-3000. Free.

Friday, MAY 26

American Legion dinner The public is invited to dinner with a different special every week. Proceeds support local veterans and the community. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Woodbridge American Legion, 3640 Friendly Post Lane, Woodbridge. 703-494-4304. vapost364.org. $5-$15.

SATURDAY, MAY 27

Yoga on the Lawn Vinyasa yoga taught by certified yoga instructor Christopher Glowacki. 9 a.m. Rippon Lodge Historic Site, 15520 Blackburn Rd., Woodbridge. 703-499-9812. pwcgov.org/ripponlodge. $5.

Canoe tour A ranger leads a guided tour on Powells Creek. 9:30 a.m. Leesylvania State Park, 2001 Daniel K. Ludwig Dr., Woodbridge. 703-583-6904. $9, registration required.

Woodbridge Beer Fest The inaugural event includes local breweries, food vendors, live music, childrens activities and more. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Stonebridge at Potomac Town Center, 15201 Potomac Town Pl., Woodbridge. 703-594-7950. $5-$79.

Movie Under the Stars Bring a blanket or lawn chair for Jaws. 7 p.m. Stonebridge at Potomac Town Center, 15201 Potomac Town Pl., Woodbridge. stonebridgeptc.com. Free.

Old Bridge Chamber Orchestra Rhapsody in Blue, a concert of American symphonic masterpieces. 7:30 p.m. Hylton Performing Arts Center, 10960 George Mason Cir., Manassas. 703-993-7759. hyltoncenter.org. Free to $20.

Sunday, MAY 28

Dale City farmers market 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Dale City Commuter Lot (behind Center Plaza Shopping Center), Dale Boulevard, Dale City. 703-670-7112 ext. 227. pwcparks.org.

Sunday breakfast All you can eat. 8-11 a.m. American Legion Post 10, 9950 Cockrell Rd., Manassas. 703-369-4900. $7.

Bird walk at Merrimac Farm Bring binoculars and cameras. 8 a.m. Merrimac Farm, Stone House, 15014 Deepwood Lane, Nokesville. 703-499-4954. alliance@pwconserve.org. Free, registration required.

Academy of Russian Ballet The ballet schools end-of-the-year recital. 3 p.m. Hylton Performing Arts Center, 10960 George Mason Cir., Manassas. 703-993-7759. hyltoncenter.org. $15-$20.

Monday, MAY 29

Park West Lions Club bingo Proceeds support local sight, hearing, community and youth projects. Doors open 4 p.m. Games begin 7 p.m. Mondays at 4 p.m. Park West Lions Club, 8620 Sunnygate Dr., Manassas. 703-392-0077. pwlions@aol.com. $10.

Bingo Proceeds support Dale City Knights of Columbus activities and charities. Doors open 6 p.m. Games begin 7:30 p.m. VFW Post 1503, 14631 Minnieville Rd., Dale City. 703-491-2378. $9 minimum.

Wednesday, MAY 31

Colonial childrens games Learn about games played during the Revolutionary and Civil wars. For children 4 and older. 11 a.m. Leesylvania State Park, 2001 Daniel K. Ludwig Dr., Woodbridge. 703-583-6904. Free.

Lifeguard job fair Must be 15 or older to apply. Applicants should be prepared to interview and take a swim test. Applications available online. 5-7 p.m. Splashdown Waterpark, 7500 Ben Lomond Park Rd., Manassas. 703-792-8200. pwcgov.org. Free.

Lake Ridge Toastmasters Club Members 18 and older develop their public speaking and leadership skills. 7:30-9:15 p.m. Tall Oaks Community Center, 12298 Cotton Mill Dr., Lake Ridge. 703-491-3020. contact-8913@toastmastersclubs.org. lakeridge.toastmastersclubs.org. $34-$64 membership fee.

 Compiled by Sarah T. Lane

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Police in Prince George's have identified the skeletal remains of Bennett Louis who was 27 when he was killed more than 30 years ago. (Courtesy of Prince George's County Police)

A picture shows a young man with deep-set eyes in a Marine uniform. He disappeared in the early 1980s.

His fate is now known, although exactly what happened to him is still a mystery. Authorities in Prince Georges County, Md., say they have identified skeletal remains found 33 years ago as those of Bennett Louis, who was 27 years old when he was killed.

A father and son out on a walk discovered the remains were in a wooded area of Beltsville in October 1984.

For decades, detectives had tried to identify him but couldnt. But using more advanced fingerprint technology at the FBI lab in Quantico, they were finally able to figure out who he was. Louiss last known address was in Jacksonville, N.C., police said, and he was originally from New Roads, La.

Louis had been shot several times and had a bullet hole in his skull, according to Prince Georges County police cold case detective Bernie Nelson. He had no identification on him.

Detectives in Prince George's County said they have now identified the Marine whose skeletal remains were found more than 30 years ago in a wooded area in Beltsville. (Courtesy of Prince George's County Police)

His remains, police said, had been left in the wooded area near Baltimore Avenue for up to three months. Authorities said his family did not know why he was in the Maryland suburbs. The last time his family reported him being alive was in 1983 in Berkeley, Calif.

With improved technology, authorities said they were able to identify Louis. The FBI was able to analyze skin left on his fingers to get fingerprints and matched him to national databases.

We have a number of Jane and John Doe cases, but we never stop identifying who they are so we can allow the families to know what happened to their loved one, Nelson said.

In Louiss case, he had told people that he planned to leave California to start a new life and his family never reported him missing, according to Nelson.

Louis served in the U.S. Marine Corps for at least three years; authorities are still working to determine what his rank was and when he served, Nelson said. Nelson said detectives are also working with the military to learn more about Louiss life.

Were still in the process of trying to obtain more information about him, Nelson said.

Louis was married at one point, but later divorced. His ex-wife has since died. There is no indication of how or why he wound up in Maryland and the Washington region.

Louis was last wearing a dark blue leisure suit with black leather zip-up boots or shoes, Nelson said.

Christina Cotterman, a spokeswoman for Prince Georges police, encouraged anyone who thinks they have information about Louis, no matter how small, to call detectives.

A lot of time has passed but our detectives can work with the smallest detail, Cotterman said.

A reward of up to $25,000 is being offered. Anyone with information is asked to call 301-772-4925.
Hollywood prides itself on realism, and even the money shown in films looks real. Nevertheless, movie money isnt for real life use, and the police in Montgomery County, Md. are trying to find someone who allegedly paid for an expensive item with stage cash.

According to the county police, a woman was bilked this month by someone who gave her what she thought were five $100 bills. In return, he got an iPhone and $50 in change, the police said.

But to her dismay, the woman found that what she had been given were not true Benjamins (as $100 bills are sometimes called) , but rather a kind that are realistic enough to suit film audiences, but are not legal tender for all debts public and private.

This is how the police told the tale on Tuesday.

On May 15, an 18-year-old woman advertised online to sell her iPhone 6. Someone agreed to buy it for $450.

(Montgomery County Police photo)

However, the supposed buyer said he had only five $100 bills, and said he would give her all five if she gave him change.

The two met in the 20900 block of Frederick Road in Germantown, where the supposed buyer handed over a bank envelope that appeared to contain the five bills. She gave him the phone and the agreed on cash, the police said.

But when she tried depositing the bills they were not accepted. On closer inspection, she saw the telltale wording : For Motion Picture Use Only. As shown in a police photo, the portrait of Franklin also seems a bit lacking.

She reported the matter to the police.

Police in Montgomery and other jurisdictions have been advising users of online sales sites on how to make safe and secure transactions.

Among the recommendations are these:

When dealing with lots of cash, dont fear to say you want to check the bills authenticity. Dont not turn over an item until you have checked. In checking, look for security features specific to each currency denomination.
Luis Daniel Torres Molina, 18, of Woodbridge was treated and released to the custody of the county jail after the officer-involved shooting. (Courtesy of Prince William County Police)

An officer-involved shooting of a Manassas teen was ruled justified by Prince William County Commonwealths Attorney Paul Ebert, authorities announced Tuesday.

The teen, 18-year-old Luis Daniel Torres Molina, was injured in the shooting early Friday morning. Police said he was treated and released into the custody of the county jail and charged with attempted malicious wounding of a law enforcement officer and felony eluding.

Police said the 18-year-old placed a fake 911 call that led to an early-morning chase. During the chase he allegedly struck a police cruiser, brandished a weapon during a confrontation and was later shot by two Manassas City police officers.

Torres Molina was struck multiple times in his upper and lower body and was flown to an area hospital with serious injuries. No one else was injured, and his current condition was not clear.

Ebert said in a press release that the shooting by officers was justified because in his opinion, the officers involved were in reasonable fear of death or serious harm when they used lethal force.

Luis Daniel Torres Molina (Prince William County Police Department )

[Fake 911 call leads to chase, police shooting of 18-year-old in Northern Virginia]

Police said that investigators recovered a BB gun from the scene and that Torres Molina had placed the call. According to a press release, the 18-year-old also provided a description of his own vehicle.

Police said the 911 call was placed around 12:40 a.m. Friday. The caller told dispatchers that a suspect was firing a weapon from a vehicle in Manassas. Officers were given the description of a black Ford Explorer with tinted windows, and when they tried to stop the vehicle, it fled.

The chase ended with the confrontation with two officers in George Hellwig Park in Manassas just after the vehicle struck a tree and light post, according to the release. Police said the driver ran from the Explorer while it was still in motion and then brandished the weapon and pointed it at the officers.

After the chase, authorities discovered that a 15-year-old girl was inside the Ford Explorer. Police said she was a runaway from Woodbridge and she was later reunited with her family.

According to the police department release, the Manassas City police departments internal affairs department will continue an independent administrative investigation into the officer-involved shooting.

Dana Hedgpeth and Justin Jouvenal contributed to this report.
Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe on Wednesday pardoned a Salvadoran woman with a conviction for a minor traffic offense, a largely symbolic move that he said he hoped would help her stave off deportation.

McAuliffe (D) acknowledged that his pardon may not spare Liliana Cruz Mendez from expulsion from the United States because she has a deportation order. But he said the gesture makes clear that the 30-year-old mother of two from Falls Church does not pose a threat to public safety.

Taking Liliana away from her kids & husband wont make VA safer, the governor tweeted. Feds need to focus on public safety threats & real immigration reform.

McAuliffe said he hoped immigration officials would take his pardon into account when considering Cruz Mendezs case.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement spokeswoman Carissa Cutrell said Cruz Mendez is subject to deportation because she is in the United States illegally, regardless of her criminal convictions. ICE took Ms. Cruz Mendez into custody based on a final order of removal issued by an immigration judge in April 2006, Cutrell said in a statement.

ICE granted Cruz Mendez two stays of deportation under President Barack Obama, which had expired. ICE agents detained her May 18 after she arrived for a routine check-in.

Her arrest comes as ICE is increasingly arresting undocumented immigrants with no criminal records or with minor infractions.

While groups that favor tougher immigration enforcement praise President Trumps efforts to deport immigrants here illegally, McAuliffe and others question the use of federal dollars to sweep up minor offenders such as Cruz Mendez, who had a misdemeanor conviction in 2014 for driving without a license. She is the mother of two U.S.-citizen children.

Cruz Mendez is being detained by ICE in Williamsburg, Va., according to CASA, a nonprofit group that represents her.

ICE has said that Cruz Mendez was first arrested by the U.S. Border Patrol in 2006 and then ordered deported two months later. Seven years later, ICE detained her briefly after she was arrested for the misdemeanor charge.

Advocates for immigrants cheered the governors action, but Republicans blasted it. The Republican Party of Virginia believes in the rule of law and that the concerns of the citizens of Virginia should come first, not those of illegal immigrants, the party said in a statement.

Fenit Nirappil contributed to this report.
Elizabeth Gooding, with her daughter Lucy, now 3. The ACLU is suing Goodings former employer, the Ocean Community YMCA of Westerly, R.I., for violating her rights to breastfeed her daughter in the on-site day care. (Family photo)

The American Civil Liberties Union of Rhode Island is suing a local YMCA on behalf of a former yoga teacher, saying the association violated her right to breast-feed her daughter in public by asking her to move away from the child-care center so that young boys would not see her.

The case against the Ocean Community YMCA of Westerly, R.I., represents one of a string of incidents at YMCAs across the country in recent years that have drawn scrutiny from breast-feeding advocates.

Elizabeth Gooding, the plaintiff in the Rhode Island case, said she is concerned there is a broader issue at YMCAs.

If a mother cannot feed her baby in the day care of a family establishment, where can she nurse? Gooding, who had been employed by the Y, said in an open letter she planned to post on Facebook on Wednesday. She said she hopes her case sets a precedent, and she called on women to gather at their local YMCAs for a nurse-in on June 11.

The YMCA should be supporting breastfeeding moms and their babies, not deterring them, she wrote.

[My rights as a mom have been violated.: Mother is asked to find private room while breastfeeding in church]

Other women who encountered challenges while breast-feeding at YMCAs in recent years have attracted headlines, including a mother at a YMCA in Oklahoma City who said she was asked to leave a womens locker room to nurse her 8-week-old; a mother at the Two Rivers YMCA in Iowa who said she was told she could not nurse by the pool during a family swim; and a Las Vegas mother who said she was told she could not breast-feed by the pool, prompting dozens of women to protest with an organized nurse-in at the Centennial Hills YMCA.

Brad McDermott, a representative of the YMCA of the USA, said the nations 2,700 YMCAs employ 250,000 employees, all but 20,000 of whom work part time or seasonally. He said incidents often occur as a result of young or part-time staffers who are not aware of their states policies or simply not exposed to breast-feeding on a regular basis.

McDermott said the national organization recommends that all the independently operated YMCAs comply with state breast-feeding laws and that member YMCAs understand the need for ongoing training. The national organization provides online resources to educate about the benefits of breast-feeding, he said.

Breast-feeding is something we actively encourage of mothers and families who are members of the YMCA, and something we support in accordance with the recommendation of the American Academy of Pediatrics, he said.

Every state except Idaho has a statute that protects a womans ability to breast-feed in public places. Rhode Island is one of a minority of states that also has an enforcement clause, which means that a plaintiff can win compensatory damages.

According to the complaint filed in Washington County Superior Court, Gooding was twice asked to move while breast-feeding her 1-year-old daughter in the day care of the YMCA.

She appealed to supervisors of the day care and was told she could not breast-feed in any public area because of concerns that young boys could see her, the complaint said.

In the first incident, Gooding said, she was told she could not breast-feed in the child-care area. In the second incident, she was asked to move to a gated area in the corner of the room.

I was not putting myself on display. I was minding my own business, Gooding said in an interview.

Gooding met with the local YMCAs president and chief executive, Maureen Fitzgerald, who told her to be more discreet, the complaint said.

The incidents occurred in 2015. Later that year, Gooding was told she could no longer bring her baby to the mother-and-baby yoga class she taught, the complaint said. She stopped working there not long after that.

The statute is quite clear and, on the face of it, the YMCA does not follow state law, said H. Jefferson Melish, the volunteer attorney for the Rhode Island ACLU representing Gooding.

The lawsuit also alleges that the YMCAs actions violate the states Civil Rights Act and constitute a form of gender discrimination.

The Ocean Community YMCA did not issue a statement to The Washington Post, but referred to a statement released by Fitzgerald to the press earlier this month, saying that the organization regrets that a former employee and member felt it necessary at this time to file a suit against the YMCA for an incident that she alleges took place almost two years ago.

The YMCA took affirmative steps at that time to address her concerns, developed a policy on breast-feeding, and provided training for its employees, the statement said.

The Ocean Community YMCA wants to assure the community that it does not restrict where members or program participants may breastfeed within the facility, the statement said.

Best for Babes, a breast-feeding rights group, has received at least six complaints to its hotline about YMCAs, more than generated by any other organization, said Michelle Hickman, director of advocacy for the group.

Volunteers with the group have compiled a list of more than 40 breast-feeding incidents at YMCAs, including those reported on social media or to news outlets or parenting blogs, dating to 2004.

Mothers said they were told they could not breast-feed in YMCA locker rooms or in child- care areas. Multiple incidents have occurred at YMCA swimming pools, Hickman said, where women have been told that breast-feeding near the pool is unsanitary and indiscreet. Such policies put women in a bind, particularly when they have other children, Hickman said.

What do you do? Leave your other children unattended in the pool, while you go inside to nurse your child?

A string of similar breast-feeding incidents at YMCAs in Canada prompted the national YMCA there to apologize and issue policy guidance in 2014 that clarifies the legal rights of women to breast-feed without being asked to cover up, move or be more discreet.

Gooding said she hopes the YMCA in the United States can make a similar policy statement.

We have to stop this whole idea that by breast-feeding we are doing something wrong, she said.
Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring talks to Alexandria police, emergency services and city officials about the opioid crisis in Alexandria, on Wednesday. (Patricia Sullivan/The Washington Post)

Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring came to Northern Virginia on Wednesday, a part of the state where the opioid epidemic has been relatively muted, to applaud efforts to prevent and treat addiction and encourage police and emergency workers to continue sharing information and strategies.

Fatal drug overdoses in the commonwealth jumped 38 percent in 2016, with about 1,100 of the 1,400 overdoses caused by opioids, heroin or prescription or synthetic fentanyl, Herring (D) told a gathering of Alexandria police, paramedics and city employees.

Although Northern Virginia is home to about 25 percent of the states 8 million residents, it accounted for about 17 percent of the opioid fatalities  189  last year.

Statewide, the numbers are so big they almost dont seem real, said Herring, who has made addressing the epidemic his signature initiative over the past four years. We have too many empty bedrooms, too many empty chairs at kitchen tables.

Herring, who is on a statewide tour to press for more attention to addiction, said the crisis has affected young and old and both urban and rural communities.

He pointed to the recent arrest of members of what local authorities called a significant heroin- trafficking ring in Alexandria.

Alexandria officials said they have set up a cross-departmental team to monitor and share data between police, parole officers, hospital and treatment programs. Over the past two years, the team has developed referral cards in English and Spanish for people who might need treatment and worked to educate the public and reduce demand for opioids.

The number of overdose deaths is not increasing in Alexandria, as it is elsewhere in the commonwealth, but we still see an ebb and flow, said deputy police chief David Huchler. We continually monitor it.

Herrings office has produced a 10-minute film When Seconds Count: How Law Enforcement Can Save a Life During an Overdose, which the attorney general is encouraging police departments to show at daily roll calls. About 18 months ago, the office created an award-winning documentary called Heroin: The Hardest Hit.

Both are available on YouTube and on the attorney generals website.

Herring has supported laws to encourage people to report overdoses in progress without fear of arrest themselves; expansion of the availability of Naloxone, which reverses overdoses, to law enforcers; and allowing probation officers to access the states prescription monitoring program to make sure their probationers are not getting unauthorized opioid prescriptions.

He also arranged for the donation of 80,000 drug deactivation kits, which safely dispose of unused prescriptions.

I want to get this turned around, but this is a problem decades in the making and its not going to turn around overnight, Herring said. I draw hope from the number of people who are now talking about this problem.

This story has been updated.
All three Democratic candidates for Virginia lieutenant governor have pledged not to take campaign contributions from utility giant Dominion Energy, another sign of how some politicians are distancing themselves from the states largest political donor.

The Democrats  former federal prosecutors Justin Fairfax and Gene Rossi and lobbyist Susan Platt  said Tuesday night that they were also skeptical about two planned natural-gas pipelines, one of which is a Dominion project and major priority for the utility.

Dominions proposed pipeline would run 600 miles from West Virginia through Virginia to North Carolina. While final approval of the project lies with federal regulators, state environmental officials appointed by the governor can deny permits for the project if they determine it would violate clean-water protections.

We have to put more emphasis on solar . . . and alternative sources of energy, Rossi said. Like his rivals, he would not go as far as refusing money from the state party or other organizations that accept Dominion cash.

Dominions role in politics came up at a lieutenant-governor candidate forum Tuesday at George Mason University, hosted by the universitys Schar School of Policy and Government and the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce. The forum featured the three Democrats and three Republicans running for their partys nominations.

The Republican candidates for lieutenant governor in Virginia: State Sen. Bryce E. Reeves (Spotsylvania), left; Del. Glenn R. Davis Jr. (Virginia Beach); and state Sen. Jill Holtzman Vogel (Fauquier). (From left: Reeves campaign; Timothy C. Wright for The Washington Post; Bob Brown/Richmond Times-Dispatch via AP)

The candidates for the GOP nomination  Del. Glenn R. Davis Jr. (Virginia Beach) and state Sens. Bryce E. Reeves (Spotsylvania) and Jill Holtzman Vogel (Fauquier)  have all taken money from Dominion in the past. They said it is up to voters to decide whether a source of campaign financing is problematic.

Some people who want to participate in the political process want to engage in the issues by standing outside and yelling, said Vogel, a campaign finance attorney for conservative groups. Other people are going to decide they are going to make a contribution.

The role of Dominion in state politics and pipelines has emerged as an issue in the 2017 election cycle.

[Dominion, Virginias power broker, suddenly in the hot seat in 2017]

Dozens of Democratic candidates running for delegate seats have pledged not to take money from Dominion, which has made $15 million in political contributions in Virginia over the past two decades, giving about equally to Republicans and Democrats, according to the Virginia Public Access Project.

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Tom Perriello is critical of the companys dominance over Virginias energy sector and has made opposition to its gas pipeline project central to his campaign.

Perriellos rival for the nomination, Lt. Gov. Ralph Northam, has accepted Dominion cash and holds stock in the company. He has repeatedly refused to say whether he opposes or supports the pipeline but has emphasized that the project needs to meet strict environmental standards. Attorney General Mark Herring (D), who is seeking a second term, has also accepted contributions from the energy company.

Dominion has defended its right to participate in politics. The companys chief executive recently sent a letter to 76,000 employees, retirees and shareholders reminding them the importance of the pipeline to the companys future and urging them to evaluate candidates positions on the subject.

The job of lieutenant governor is limited: He or she presides over the state Senate and breaks tie votes, and fills in if the governor is incapacitated. In practice, the office serves as a launchpad to run for governor.

Across party lines, candidates at Tuesdays forum were skeptical about imposing a 1 percent sales tax in the D.C. region to provide a dedicated source of funding for Metro. Republicans said they preferred finding money elsewhere in the state or Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority budgets.

Its amazing the first thing anybody wants to do is start raising taxes, Reeves said. A lot of organizations have a lot of fat and are unwilling to show you where that fat is inside your budget.

The Democrats said they want a dedicated source of revenue but stopped short of supporting the tax. They said the federal government should provide more funding.

Democrats and Republicans alike were cool to repealing Virginias right to work law barring compulsory union membership, as Perriello recently championed. The GOP field said the law was crucial to Virginias economic competitiveness, while the Democrats had little appetite to take on repeal even though they support unions.

I would support [repeal], but Im also a realist, Fairfax said. Its not something we need to fight for right now.

The realities of Virginias political environment did not stop the Democratic candidates from supporting other policies opposed by the Republican-controlled legislature, including a $15 minimum wage and expansion of Medicaid to low-income Virginia residents.

Democrats also lobbed a few shots at President Trump, who polls show is unpopular in Virginia, while Republicans never mentioned him by name.

He came out with this budget, I suspect, to distract us from the Russia investigation, Platt said. Hes cutting Meals on Wheels, student health insurance programs and student loan programs.

The Republican candidates agreed that they want to overhaul the state tax code, block the expansion of Medicaid to low-income Virginians and reduce regulations.

[Big increase in female candidates running for office in Virginia]

The only policy difference came on the thorny question of setting a floor for the regional gas tax in Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads. It was not included in a 2013 deal to raise transportation revenue but continues to be pushed by local community leaders who say they need a minimum tax level to fund transit and road projects to address congestion.

Vogel and Reeves, tax-averse conservatives who voted against the 2013 deal in the state Senate, doubted whether such a maneuver was politically feasible. But Davis said more-reliable sources of tax revenue would protect taxpayers from higher borrowing costs for the road projects.

[Post poll: Democrats have edge over GOP front-runner in governors race]

This is a protective measure, Davis said. This isnt a tax-increase guarantee.

Asked how they would work with a Democratic governor, the three Republicans touted instances when they had worked across party lines to pass legislation.

The primaries are June 13.
Al Vecchione, a television producer who helped broadcast the Senate Watergate hearings to a national audience and who later made crucial contributions that allowed the PBS NewsHour to rival commercial news programs in prestige if not in profit, died May 24 at his home in Bethesda, Md. He was 86.

The cause was lung cancer, said his daughter Julie Vecchione DeSimone.

Mr. Vecchione, an immigrants son who credited his career path to a fortuitous ride on the New York City subway, was an unlikely helmsman of the NewsHour program. Created in 1975 by Robert MacNeil, based at public televisions WNET studios in New York, and Jim Lehrer, a Texan transplant at WETA in Washington, the show aimed to upend broadcast news by focusing on a single story each night.

Originally titled The Robert MacNeil Report, it changed its name to The MacNeil/Lehrer Report in 1976, when Mr. Vecchione came on as executive producer and the program began reaching a national audience on PBS affiliates around the country.

The show became the nations first hour-long nightly news broadcast in 1983, when it doubled its length, struck out on its own and re-christened itself The MacNeil/Lehrer NewsHour. At the time, it was the only major nightly news show to be independently produced and owned by its anchors.

Al Vecchione (PBS NewsHour)

Although the programs exhaustive coverage of public affairs was sometimes criticized as dull  its anchors once quipped that the shows motto was We dare to be boring  it became a giant of public television, reaching an audience of more than 3 million people by 1990 and drawing sponsorships from PepsiCo and AT&T.

Our approach has always been to take on the serious and important issues that we think people need to know about, not the ones that will titillate them, said Mr. Vecchione, who was named president of MacNeil/Lehrer Productions in 1983 and worked on the NewsHour and related documentaries until he retired in 1996.

PBS NewsHour is now produced entirely by WETA and anchored by Judy Woodruff. Co-anchor Gwen Ifill died in November.

Mr. Vecchione was critical to the success of the show, said MacNeil, who described Mr. Vecchione as an equal partner whose skill in managing budgets and people was integral to NewsHours long-term survival.

He was the guy who gave us the confidence that we could do this, Lehrer said. He supported everything that we did and made sure that we had the resources to get it done.

The shows origins go back to 1973, when Mr. Vecchione was general manager of a short-lived news service called the National Public Affairs Center for Television.

With Lehrer and MacNeil as its lead correspondents, the outlet aired gavel-to-gavel coverage of the Senate Watergate hearings, which lasted more than 300 hours, helped trigger impeachment proceedings against President Richard M. Nixon and renewed interest in public television.

Broadcasts were carried live by some PBS affiliates and, most significantly, aired again at prime time, allowing an estimated 85 percent of U.S. households to watch some portion of the proceedings.

Although commercial networks aired parts of the hearings as well, those broadcasts ceased when star witnesses such as former White House counsel John Dean stopped taking the stand. Mr. Vecchione was adamant that his outlet continue airing the hearings, ratings be damned.

Some elements of the proceedings are less dynamic than others, he told the New York Times in November 1973, but we think that that determination is best left to historians.

Mr. Vecchione took a more active role in national politics in 1976, when he took a leave of absence to serve as a television consultant to Democratic presidential nominee Jimmy Carter. He also produced the partys national convention that summer in New York, tailoring its timing and tone for a television audience.

His attention to detail extended to the structure of the speakers rostrum, which Mr. Vecchione designed with vertical partitions as a throwback to the platform used in the partys 1924 convention, also held in New York.

If the average home viewer does not make that esoteric connection, wrote Times reporter Joseph Lelyveld, Mr. Vecchione hopes that the viewer will, at least, think of something authentically American, such as a small-town bandstand.

Alfred Thomas Vecchione (pronounced VECK-ee-own) was born in Queens on Jan. 27, 1931, the youngest of seven children. His father was an Italian-born house painter and carpenter, and his mother was a homemaker.

Mr. Vecchione at first followed in his fathers profession, painting houses while studying at Long Island University, but one day he jumped on the subway and took the train downtown in search of a better job.

I decided to get off at the 50th Street station because somebody said there were a lot of tall buildings there, and one of those tall buildings was NBC, he told Broadcasting magazine in 1990. He pounced on an opening in the networks Rockefeller Center mailroom, and  after two years of Army service in Germany during the Korean War  began working his way through the ranks of NBC.

He finished his bachelors degree in English at night, graduating in 1961, and a decade later was manager of NBCs East Coast producers when he left to join the public-television service NPACT.

Survivors include his wife of 61 years, the former Elizabeth Leitner of Bethesda; four children, Thomas Vecchione of Santa Cruz, Calif., Linda Mason of Manchester, Conn., Julie Vecchione DeSimone of Centerport, N.Y., and Allan Vecchione of Silver Spring, Md.; two brothers; one sister; eight grandchildren; and a great-granddaughter.

In the years before his retirement, Mr. Vecchione worked primarily to finance and manage documentaries for MacNeil/Lehrer Productions, including The Story of English, a nine-hour series that aired on PBS in 1986.

NewsHour remained an important, and increasingly difficult, part of his job. Growing competition from cable news networks, coupled with diminished funding for public television, led the show to consolidate its operations in Washington in 1995, the same year MacNeil retired from the program. Lehrer remained with the show until 2011.

Mr. Vecchione insisted that the show was larger than any one personality, once telling the Times: We want this program to go on long after all of us have left it.
Lower-income children would have their federal health benefits cut sharply under President Trumps proposed budget, which analysts say could reverse gains that have pushed uninsured rates for this vulnerable population below 5 percent.

The shift stems from a combination of factors, including a plan to reduce Medicaid by $1.4 trillion over the next decade and a roughly 20 percent decrease in funding for the Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP), along with proposed changes to eligibility requirements and the way federal matching funds are calculated.

Medicaid provided health benefits for 37.1 million children over the course of fiscal 2016, according to federal officials, while CHIP covered 8.9 million during that same period. Office of Management and Budget Director Mick Mulvaney said Tuesday that the administration was acting responsibly by curbing the growth of Medicaid. He did not address funding for CHIP, which covers children of the working poor.

There are no Medicaid cuts in the terms of what ordinary human beings would refer to as a cut, Mulvaney said. We are not spending less money one year than we spent before.

Several Republicans, including Senate Finance Committee Chairman Orrin G. Hatch (Utah) and House Appropriations Committee Chairman Harold Rogers (Ky.), quickly joined Democrats, medical experts and childrens advocates in pushing back. The overall budget, they said, would reduce coverage for children in families who make too much to qualify for Medicaid but not enough to afford comprehensive health plans.

What Trumps budget cuts from the social safety net In his 2018 budget proposal, Trump made many deep cuts to programs aimed at reducing poverty.



Hatch, who co-authored the CHIP-program legislation in 1997, said lawmakers were determined to preserve health insurance for such children. Everybody wants to help children, he said. We all believe in that. I think thats a natural bipartisan approach.

[Even some Republicans balk at Trumps steep budget cuts]

Trumps plan would cut CHIP spending by $5.8 billion between now and 2019, largely by eliminating the additional 23 percent federal match the Affordable Care Act gives states beyond their traditional Medicaid match. The government would also stop funding the program for children whose families earn above 250 percent of the federal poverty line  $61,500 for a family of four  affecting residents in 24 states and the District of Columbia.

In addition, states would be allowed to put more than 562,000 older children who were moved to their familys Medicaid plans under the ACA back in separate state CHIP programs. Some states are likely to charge these children modest premiums, which could lead to a loss in coverage.

Joan Alker, executive director of Georgetown Universitys Center for Children and Families, said Tuesday that Trumps proposed budget represents a very, very serious threat in the progress this country has made in covering children.

Theres no question we would make a U-turn on that progress, Alker said. Its just a question on how sharp a U-turn would be.

In some instances, a decline in federal matching funds could trigger an automatic stop in a states CHIP program. The number of children with coverage under Arizonas CHIP program, called KidsCare, dropped from about 45,000 to less than 1,000 after the state suspended it in 2010. More than 8 percent of Arizonas children were uninsured in 2015, compared with 4.8 percent nationwide.

Arizona restarted KidsCare in September, and it now covers roughly 20,000 children there. But if its federal match drops under 100 percent, Arizona law requires state officials to freeze program enrollment.

The combination of the CHIP and Medicaid cuts will be devastating, Dana Wolfe Naimark, president and chief executive of the Childrens Action Alliance, said Tuesday.

[The Health 202: Obamacare was supposed to make CHIP unnecessary]

Heidi Capriotti, spokeswoman for Arizonas Medicaid agency, said in an email that state officials do not have a position on Trumps policy proposals and we will implement any changes accordingly.

In D.C., where CHIP covers children in families earning up to 324 percent of the poverty level, the budget cuts also would translate into a loss of coverage.

Ryan Buchholz, a pediatrician at Unity Health Care who also serves as its medical director for quality improvement, said in an interview that more than 18,000 of the practices pediatric patients receive Medicaid coverage.

The loss of coverage would probably mean some children no longer coming for annual checkups  visits during which he has often diagnosed serious medical problems, Buchholz said. Six years ago, he saw a newborn who was vomiting repeatedly and realized that a narrowing in the babys stomach was preventing his mothers milk from reaching his intestine. The child, who was covered by Medicaid, had surgery and remains healthy.

Losing Medicaid, in his case, might have completely changed his life, Buchholz said. What does it say that were cutting off preventive care to kids?

Kelsey Snell contributed to this report.
PHILIPPINES

Martial law imposed on island amid clashes

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte declared martial law Tuesday on the southern island of Mindanao as security forces battled heavily armed militants linked to the Islamic State in a provincial capital.

Duterte issued the declaration in Moscow, where he was on an official visit. He also decided to cut his visit short.

Earlier Tuesday, Philippine forces clashed with militants in Marawi City, the capital of Lanao del Sur province on Mindanao, during a bid to capture Isnilon Hapilon, the leader of an Islamic State branch in Southeast Asia.

At least two soldiers and one police officer were killed and a dozen soldiers wounded, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said, according to ABS-CBN News.

He said the militants were members of the Maute group, also known as the Islamic State of Lanao.

Mindanao has been the center of a decades-old insurgency by Muslim rebel factions in the predominantly Roman Catholic country.

Hapilon, 51, is on the FBIs most wanted terrorist list, with a $5 million reward for his capture. He is under indictment in the District of Columbia for alleged terrorist acts against Americans and others.

A Duterte spokesman said that martial law would be in effect on the entire island of Mindanao for 60 days.

 William Branigin

BAHRAIN

286 arrested in raid on Shiite clerics town

Bahrain police raided a town Tuesday that is home to a prominent Shiite cleric facing possible deportation, arresting 286 people in an assault in which officers fired tear gas and shotguns at protesters. At least five demonstrators were killed.

The Interior Ministry said the operation targeting Diraz, home to Sheikh Isa Qassim and a sit-in supporting him, was to maintain security and public order. It called the area a haven for wanted fugitives from justice.

Activists shared photos and videos showing youths throwing stones and climbing on an armored personnel carrier. Gunfire could be heard in one video as smoke from tear gas hung in the air. Another showed a bulldozer smashing through the area that had hosted the sit-in.

Police arrested 286 people, including terrorists and convicted felons who hid inside Qassims home, the Interior Ministry said. It said 19 members of the islands security forces were wounded in the raid.

Amnesty International later said Qassim was not arrested.

The operation followed a Sunday court decision giving Qassim a years suspended prison sentence and seizing assets belonging to him and his ministry.

Police have besieged Qassims home town for months, tightly controlling access. Authorities stripped him of his citizenship last June over accusations that he fueled extremism. His supporters deny the allegations and called his trial politically motivated.

 Associated Press

CONGO

Ex-ministers role in violence to be probed

Authorities in Congo said Tuesday that they have opened an investigation into whether a former government minister played a role in inciting violence in the turbulent Kasai provinces that has killed hundreds in recent months, including a team of United Nations experts.

Attorney General Flory Kabange Numbi announced the opening of a probe into Clement Kanku, one of the people being investigated by the U.N. team.

The development comes after the New York Times cited an audiotape of Kanku allegedly condoning the violence.

Zaida Catalan, a Swedish Chilean national and one of the U.N. experts killed, had obtained the tape and was investigating Kankus role. Kanku on Tuesday rejected the allegations.

The bodies of Catalan, American Michael Sharp and colleague Betu Tshintela were found in March after they had disappeared. The government later obtained a cellphone video showing them being killed. It blamed the Kamwina Nsapu militia, which is active in the Kasai provinces.

 Associated Press

Gambia seizes $50 million in former presidents assets: Gambia said it has seized about $50 million in assets tied to former leader Yahya Jammeh. Jammeh has been accused of siphoning more than $50 million from the state telecom company and ordering aides to make withdrawals from the central bank. He was defeated in the December election and went into exile after a political standoff.

 From news services
BRAZIL

Federal police seek statement from Temer

Tens of thousands of protesters called for Brazilian President Michel Temers ouster on Wednesday, and federal police asked him to give a statement in a corruption probe as the pressure on the leader ratcheted up.

Scuffles broke out between police and protesters as the demonstrations neared Congress. Police fired tear gas and pepper spray, and some protesters set fires to create barricades between themselves and officers.

Temer is struggling to hold on to power after the release of a recording that appears to capture him approving hush money for a convicted former lawmaker. Brazils top court is investigating him for alleged obstruction of justice and involvement in passive corruption. The president is resisting calls to resign.

Federal police asked Temer to submit to questioning, his defense team said Wednesday.

Even before the latest scandal broke, Temers popularity was low. Several of his allies and aides also have been caught up in the wide-ranging corruption investigation.

He lost yet another aide on Wednesday when Sandro Mabel resigned. Mabel is one of four special advisers who have been linked to corruption allegations and have resigned or been fired.

 Associated Press

MEDITERRANEAN

More than 30 migrants drown off Libyan coast

More than 30 migrants, mostly toddlers, drowned Wednesday when about 200 people without life jackets fell from a boat into the sea off the Libyan coast.

The boat was near a rescue vessel when it suddenly listed and many migrants tumbled into the Mediterranean, the Italian coast guard said.

The rescue group Migrant Offshore Aid Station, which also had a ship nearby, said it had recovered more than 30 bodies.

Most are toddlers, Chris Catrambone, the groups co-founder, said on Twitter.

The coast guard called in more ships to help with the rescue, saying 1,700 people were packed into about 15 vessels in the area.

More than 1,300 people have died this year on the worlds most dangerous crossing for migrants fleeing poverty and war across Africa and the Middle East.

 Associated Press

EGYPT

Potential challenger to Sissi to stand trial

An Egyptian human rights lawyer and potential presidential candidate is to stand trial next week on a charge of offending public decency, his attorney said Wednesday.

Khaled Ali, 45, was detained Tuesday in what Amnesty International said was part of a campaign of intimidation aimed at discouraging participation in the election, to be held in 2018.

Ali was released on bail Wednesday and his trial set for Monday, attorney Malek Adly said.

The charge relates to a photograph in which Ali appears to be making a rude hand gesture on the steps of a Cairo courthouse, according to Adly. Ali denies the authenticity of the photo.

If convicted, Ali faces up to two years in prison, a fine or both. He would also be barred from running for the presidency.

Since toppling Islamist Mohamed Morsi in 2013, President Abdel Fatah al-Sissi has overseen a harsh crackdown on Islamists and secular foes. He is expected to stand for reelection.

 Reuters

4 found dead in tents on Everest: Nepali sherpas have found four climbers dead in their tents on Mount Everest, officials said, taking the death toll on the worlds highest mountain to 10 in the past month. The identities of the four remain unknown. The head of the Nepal Mountaineering Association said they may have been climbing on their own.

Indonesian province sets up anti-gay task force: Police in Indonesias West Java province said they have set up a task force to investigate activities by gay people in the province. West Javas police chief said the task force will monitor and search for locations used for parties by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. He said the task force is aimed at preventing activities such as an alleged gay sex party recently raided in the capital, Jakarta.

Islamic State claims attack in Somalias Puntland region: The Islamic State has asserted responsibility for a deadly bombing in Somalias semiautonomous state of Puntland, said to be the first time the extremist group has claimed an attack in this nation. Police said a suicide bomber struck at a military checkpoint in Bosaso, killing at least four people.

 From news services
President Richard Nixon was heading for a big reelection victory in November that would confound his critics. He had just returned from a pathbreaking visit to China and had big, transformative ideas for foreign policy. Yet he felt hounded by his enemies and a media elite that opposed him at every turn.

And there was that pesky FBI investigation into a third-rate burglary at the Watergate office building, about which the media were asking meddlesome questions. Nixon wrote in his diary after a later, revelatory Post scoop about Watergate that this was the last burp of the Eastern Establishment, recalls Evan Thomas in a recent book. Nixon was trying to do the peoples business, but he felt angry, isolated and embattled.

Then Nixon did something very stupid. On June 23, 1972, he instructed his chief of staff to contact the CIA and have its deputy director, Vernon Walters, tell the FBI to back off on its investigation: They should call the FBI in and say that we wish for the country, dont go any further into this case, period. The tape recording of this conversation became known as the smoking gun.

President Trump, its said, doesnt read presidential biographies. Thats a shame. For he appears to be making the same mistakes that destroyed Nixons presidency. Thats the thrust of The Posts big story Monday night reporting that Trump asked U.S. intelligence chiefs to challenge the FBIs investigation of possible links between his campaign and Russia.

History does not repeat, but it does instruct, writes Timothy Snyder in his new book, On Tyranny. Some people, apparently including Trump, just dont learn.

(Adriana Usero/The Washington Post)

The world is probably baffled by Washingtons obsession with the Russia scandal. Trump seems popular abroad, as Nixon was. Thats especially true in countries such as Saudi Arabia, Egypt and China where leaders are tired of being lectured by the United States and the public is fascinated by the cartoon-like big man character that Trump projects.

Give Trump credit for the unlikely foreign policy success hes had: His trip to Saudi Arabia embraced a Muslim monarchy that is trying to break with its intolerant past. He persuaded the Saudis and other Persian Gulf states to ban financing of terrorists, even by private citizens. Thats a win for good policy. Earlier, he cajoled China into playing a stronger role in dealing with North Korea. Yes, these are flip-flops  reversing his earlier, inflammatory anti-Muslim and anti-Beijing rhetoric  but so what? Theyre smart moves.

Yet no foreign or domestic success will stop the slow unfolding of the investigation that is now underway. Thats the importance of last weeks appointment of the impeccable Robert S. Mueller III as special counsel to investigate the Russia matter. The process cant be derailed now. If the president or his associates are guilty of wrongdoing, Mueller will find out. If theyre innocent, hell discover that, too. From what we know about the former FBI director, he wont tolerate leaks about his investigation.

For all Muellers probity, this investigation has an inescapable political destination. Mueller must refer any evidence of wrongdoing by Trump himself to the House of Representatives as evidence of possible high crimes and misdemeanors that might warrant impeachment. Would this GOP-dominated House begin impeachment proceedings, even on strong evidence of obstruction? Right now, youd have to guess no.

The real collision point ahead is the 2018 midterm election. This will be the impeachment election, and it may be as bitterly contested as any in decades. Trump seems unlikely to take Nixons course of resigning before the House votes on impeachment. Hell fight all the way  a combative president trying to save his mandate from what he has described as a witch hunt. This appeal would resonate with a populist base that already feels disenfranchised by jurists and journalists.

As Mueller proceeds with his investigation, the world of Washington needs to be level-headed. The politics of polarization is only beginning. Trumps war on the media and its sources will get nastier. How do citizens hold Trump accountable without the process seeming like vengeful payback from media and political elites? Graham Allison, director of Harvards Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, notes that elite opinion may already regard Trump as unfit for office, but he cautions: When I contrast this with what many fellow citizens believe about elites, yikes.

Under our Constitution, the House and Senate are prosecutor and jury, respectively, for serious presidential misconduct. But this legal process probably wont be triggered without a poisonously divisive election. If recent history teaches anything, its unfortunately this harsh fact: In the battle for Americas soul, Trump could win.

1 of 60 Full Screen Autoplay Close Skip Ad  Trumps first trip overseas as president View Photos The U.S. president started his journey in Saudi Arabia and moved on to Israel and Italy. Caption The U.S. president traveled to Saudi Arabia, Israel, Rome, Belgium and Sicily, Italy. May 27, 2017 German Chancellor Angela Merkel, left, speaks to President Donald Trump as Tunisia's President Beji Caid Essebsi listens during an expanded session at the Group of Seven Summit in Taormina, Italy. Philippe Wojazer/Reuters Wait 1 second to continue.

Read more from David Ignatiuss archive, follow him on Twitter or subscribe to his updates on Facebook.
By now youre exhausted by all the head-swiveling news  the terrorist slaughter in Manchester; the presidents trip to Everywhere; and investigation upon investigation of the possible collusion with Russia, obstruction of justice and liars by the dozen.

Which is why Im sitting in Palm Beach, Fla., practicing Lilly Pulitzers dictum: Being happy never goes out of style.

Also, President Trump is not here, which seems to please everyone given that his frequent forays to his southern White House have meant nothing but roadblocks, impenetrable traffic and lousy retail sales.

The otherworldliness of the nations most glamorous beach town makes current events seem at times remote. This sense was magnified recently by visions of Trumps sword-dancing, orb-fondling and demonstration of ugly Americanism in its latest iteration of massive wealth, arms deals and blind-eye talking  the presidents uncanny ability to see only what he chooses and to speak in terms compatible with that vision. Witness: His condemnation of Iran, which recently reelected a moderate president, while schmoozing in autocratic Saudi Arabia, whence came 15 of the 19 Sept. 11 terrorists.

(The Washington Post)

Other-awareness has never been Donald Trumps strong suit, especially as concerns his wife, Melania, who forever-famously appeared to flick away the presidents hand when he reached toward her, seemingly trying to mimic Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who was holding his own wifes hand.

Captured on film, it was the flick (or slap?) seen round the world  and in many cases, cheered. In that instant, the first lady became every American woman who donned a pink-kitten hat to protest the then-new president  and cemented her status as star of the show: Melania of Arabia, High Priestess of the Testosterone-Intoxicated, Tiny-Hands Revue. Or something like that.

All politics aside, Melania and Ivanka Trump stood as beacons of light in a part of the world that remains cloaked in the darkness of religious fundamentalism and oppression. Preternaturally beautiful, they seemed to glide as apparitions above the sea of dark suits and white robes and must have struck fear in the hearts of men whose culture demands that women be publicly invisible.

Yes, they were relegated to traditional role-playing in Saudi Arabia. Some might have wished theyd had more significant roles, though surely Melania and Ivanka were grateful to be excluded from the all-guy Toby Keith concert. Otherwise, the importance of adhering to protocol cant be exaggerated in diplomatic relations.

Many also noted that Melania Trump declined to cover her head, which isnt required of visiting dignitaries. Nor is going bareheaded considered insulting despite citizen Trumps tweet criticizing Michelle Obama when she chose to leave her head uncovered. For the record, Laura Bush didnt cover her head either while in Saudi Arabia 10 years ago, despite breathless headlines to the contrary. Both Greta Van Susteren and I were present and can attest that Bush only briefly donned a black scarf festooned with pink ribbons as a gesture of gratitude for the gift. It came from Saudi women showing their appreciation for the first ladys efforts to raise awareness for breast cancer prevention and treatment in the Middle East, where, at the time, 80 percent of women with breast cancer died of the disease.

It is true that Western women are encouraged to dress modestly, as Melania and Ivanka did. It helps that both are beautiful and have fathomless wardrobe budgets. Despite their apparent ornamentalism, theres little doubt both women made a lasting impression on Saudi women, who would have recognized and identified with their feminine power. Wordlessly, they projected strength, intelligence, grace  and a timeless wisdom that all women share.

This was also the impression of a Palm Beach image consultant I interviewed here, Susan Bigsby, who for 30 years has dressed an elite, diverse clientele  from a transgender executive to first ladies to a Syrian Muslim seeking to Westernize her wardrobe with attention to her cultural modesty. Following the petite Bigsby up and down Worth Avenue as she shopped for a client was like tracking a hummingbird on a sugar spree.

(Patrick Martin/The Washington Post)

Perfect and stunning, she said of Ivanka and Melania. Muslim women, while respecting their religion, also love glamour. You can be sure they were studying  and appreciating  Melania and Ivanka. . . . They represented the American woman with appropriateness, elegance and style.

Thus, as your long-suffering Palm Beach correspondent, I propose a toast to Americas first ladies for showing the world that despite our coarse, ham-fisted president, we have not completely forsaken class.

Read more from Kathleen Parkers archive, follow her on Twitter or find her on Facebook.
FORMER CIA DIRECTOR John Brennan told the House Intelligence Committee on Tuesday that he grew worried last year about communications between the Russians and people in Donald Trumps orbit. I encountered and am aware of information and intelligence that revealed contacts and interactions between Russian officials and U.S. persons involved in the Trump campaign that I was concerned about because of known Russian efforts to suborn such individuals, he said, adding, It raised questions in my mind about whether Russia was able to gain the cooperation of those individuals.

Mr. Brennans testimony made only more imperative a full investigation of Russias election-year hacking, any sort of Trump campaign collusion and any after-the-fact attempt to foil this question-asking. Yet even as the public case for such an investigation continues to strengthen, revelations about Mr. Trumps apparent attempts to challenge the FBIs inquiry into these questions continue to roll in.

The Post reported Monday that President Trump asked two senior intelligence officials, Director of National Intelligence Daniel Coats and National Security Agency Director Michael S. Rogers, to declare publicly that there was no evidence of collusion between the presidents campaign and the Russians. Mr. Trump did so after top FBI officials, including now-fired Director James B. Comey, reportedly refused a White House request to knock down news stories on possible Trump campaign-Russia links, and after Mr. Comey reportedly declined Mr. Trumps entreaty to end the investigation into former national security adviser Michael Flynn. Instead, Mr. Comey subsequently confirmed in public testimony to Congress that the FBI was, indeed, examining any connections between the Trump campaign and Russia. The testimony reportedly incensed the president.

Turning to Mr. Coats and Mr. Rogers in the wake of Mr. Comeys testimony, according to a senior intelligence official, was an effort to muddy the waters about what the FBI was looking at. In the telling of one former intelligence official, the president was asking them to issue false statements about an ongoing investigation.

And that is not even the most worrying interpretation. One intelligence official told The Post that the White House asked the intelligence chiefs, Can we ask him to shut down the investigation? Are you able to assist in this matter? This questioning could indicate mere confusion  or that the president was trying to pressure Mr. Comey to drop the FBIs inquiry via intelligence agencies, after direct pressure on the FBI director failed.

(Senate Armed Services Committee)

Perhaps Mr. Trump knows of no collusion with Russia and was unaware of the proper boundaries between himself and government agencies that must make their own determinations. If that were ever an excuse, it has worn thin. By the time Mr. Trump turned to Mr. Coats and Mr. Rogers, reports suggest Mr. Comey had already impressed upon him the importance of maintaining FBI independence, a sentiment Mr. Comey put into action by keeping the Russia investigation going and refusing to bow to Mr. Trump in other ways. Now that Mr. Trump has been widely rebuked for firing Mr. Comey and for other actions relating to the Russia investigation, if the president crosses a line, he knows what hes doing.
WOULD 23-YEAR-OLD Richard W. Collins III be alive today if he had been white and not black? That essentially is the question authorities must answer in determining whether to bring hate-crime charges against his alleged killer. But it is also a question that  more than ever in these unsettling times of rising racial tensions  the country as a whole would do well to confront.

Mr. Collins, an about-to-graduate Bowie State University student looking forward to a world of possibilities, was senselessly killed early Saturday morning while waiting with friends for an Uber on the College Park campus of the University of Maryland. Sean C. Urbanski, 22, a University of Maryland student, has been charged with murder in what police called a totally unprovoked attack. Mr. Collins was stabbed in the chest after apparently not following a screamed demand to step aside.

The FBI is investigating whether it was a hate crime; Mr. Urbanski is white and appears to have publicly identified with a Facebook group that posts racist material. An attorney for Mr. Urbanski said alcohol and substance abuse may have been involved. Prince Georges States Attorney Angela D. Alsobrooks is right to urge caution in speculating about possible motives. That the FBI has been called in shows authorities are serious about trying to determine if race was indeed a motive.

This is an investigation that we cannot afford to get wrong, said Ms. Alsobrooks, acknowledging how the death of this young man, recently commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Army, has unnerved the community. Adding to the anxiety is a spate of incidents in recent months in which white-supremacist fliers were posted at the University of Maryland at College Park and other campuses in the Washington region. How can such ugliness still exist? Did it play some role in the terrible events this past weekend that robbed this fine young man  and his family  of his life?

No matter the answers, Mr. Collinss murder is a senseless and horrible tragedy. But answers are needed. So, too, is continued effort against the bigotry that sadly still divides this country.
Paul Manafort speaks to reporters on the floor of the Republican National Convention at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland on July 17. Manafort this week turned over hundreds of pages of documents related to Russia to House and Senate intelligence committees. (Matt Rourke/AP)

President Trumps former campaign chairman, Paul Manafort, turned over 305 pages of documents related to the investigation of Russian meddling in the 2016 election to the House and Senate intelligence committees this week, according to people familiar with the ongoing inquiries.

Manaforts submission came in response to letters the congressional panels sent in recent weeks to a handful of Trump campaign associates with potential ties to Moscow, a sign that lawmakers were starting to dig deeper for details as newly appointed special counsel Robert S. Mueller III assumes leadership of a separate Justice Department inquiry.

Congressional staff have not fully reviewed the new Manafort documents, but people familiar with them said they include calendar entries, speech drafts and campaign strategy memos that mention Russia or individuals from Russia. They also cite some specific meetings, including two large group sessions that involved Russias ambassador to the United States  one at the Republican National Convention and the other at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington when Trump gave his first major foreign policy address.

A spokesman for Manafort, Jason Maloni, declined to provide any details on what Manafort provided to lawmakers but said the submission illustrated Manaforts willingness to work with Congress on the matter.

This is just another sign that he is following through on his commitment to cooperate with investigators, Maloni said.

View Graphic Team Trumps ties to Russian interests

Officials from the two committees declined to comment.

As Trumps campaign chairman during several key months in 2016, Manafort was tasked with managing the chaotic effort as the New York businessman shifted from being a Republican outsider to taking control of the party apparatus as its presidential nominee. He left the campaign in August after a tumultuous period during which documents surfaced suggesting he had received off-the-books payments from a Ukrainian political party. Manafort denied receiving improper payments.

Manafort once did business with a well-known Russian oligarch, Oleg Deripaska. Most of Manaforts financial dealings were with Ukrainian officials and business leaders.

As a result, there were few personal business details included in the response, one person familiar with the documents said.

The Senate letter to Manafort requested information about contacts with Russian government and business figures, according to people familiar with the request.

Manaforts response became public one day after former CIA director John Brennan told the House Intelligence Committee about the extent of Russian interference.

It should be clear to everyone that Russia brazenly interfered in our 2016 presidential election process, Brennan said at the hearing. Trump has refused to fully accept the unanimous conclusion of U.S. intelligence agencies that Russia stole thousands of sensitive emails, orchestrated online dumps of damaging information and employed fake news and other means to upend the 2016 race.

Similar letters were sent to Michael Flynn, who resigned as White House national security adviser, and Carter Page, who served briefly in the Trump campaign as a foreign policy adviser.

Flynns lawyers have said he will not provide the Senate with documents requested by subpoena saying Flynn plans to invoke his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination.

Federal inquiries have focused for some time on Page, who was the subject of a secret warrant last year issued by the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court, based on suspicion he may have been acting as an agent of the Russian government. Page has denied all wrongdoing and has said he plans to cooperate with the inquiries.
Pope Francis welcomed President Trump to the cradle of Roman Catholicism on Wednesday, delivering a message of peace even as the pontiff emphasized his role as the worlds moral counterpoint to the presidents nationalist agenda.

The two met in the popes private study for nearly half an hour, joined only by an interpreter. The pontiff, in white papal dress and a pectoral cross on a chain around his neck, sat behind a small desk while Trump, in a dark suit and navy striped tie, took the single chair across from him as if interviewing for a job.

After some initial awkwardness  Trump looked somewhat uneasy as he was kept waiting for a few seconds in the Saint Ambrose room before shaking hands with Francis, who was stone-faced at first  the atmosphere soon warmed.

The pair seemed to set aside their differences from last years campaign, with Trump appearing both presidential and deferential, while the pope, smiling slightly, seemed to be visually appraising him.

A brief Vatican communique later called the meeting cordial, and expressed hope for collaboration with the administration on health care, education and assistance to immigrants.

1 of 60 Full Screen Autoplay Close Skip Ad  President Trump shakes hands with Pope Francis at the Vatican during his first trip overseas as president. View Photos The U.S. president traveled to Saudi Arabia, Israel, Rome, Belgium and Sicily, Italy. Caption The U.S. president traveled to Saudi Arabia, Israel, Rome, Belgium and Sicily, Italy. May 27, 2017 German Chancellor Angela Merkel, left, speaks to President Donald Trump as Tunisia's President Beji Caid Essebsi listens during an expanded session at the Group of Seven Summit in Taormina, Italy. Philippe Wojazer/Reuters Wait 1 second to continue.

It said Trump and Francis had exchanged views on international affairs and the promotion of peace in the world through political negotiation and interreligious dialogue, with particular reference to the situation in the Middle East and the protection of Christian communities.

Trump and Francis spoke about how religious communities can combat suffering in crisis regions, such as Syria, Libya and areas controlled by Islamic State terrorists, according to the White House. The president told the pope that their states share many fundamental values, such as promoting human rights, combating global famine and protecting religious freedom, the White House said.

Trump later met with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican secretary of state, who raised the issue of climate change and encouraged the president to maintain the U.S. participation in the Paris climate accords, a decision the administration is debating.

We had a good exchange [about] the difficulty of addressing climate change, responses to climate change, and ensuring that you still have a thriving economy and you can still offer people jobs so they can feed their families and have a prosperous economy, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson told reporters.

Trump called the meeting great and fantastic.

[Trumps budget proposal even has GOP allies wincing]

He is something, Trump said of Francis. Were liking Italy very, very much, and it was an honor to be with the pope.

From left, Ivanka Trump, first lady Melania Trump and President Trump stand with Pope Francis during a meeting on Wednesday at the Vatican. (Evan Vucci/AP)

Once Francis rang a bell signaling that the one-on-one discussion had concluded, the pair exchanged official gifts. The pope presented Trump with a medallion by a Roman artist in the shape of an olive tree, the symbol of peace.

We can use peace, Trump said.

Later, moments before taking off for Brussels, Trump tweeted: Honor of a lifetime to meet His Holiness Pope Francis. I leave the Vatican more determined than ever to pursue PEACE in our world.

At the Vatican, Francis also offered copies of his writings on the topics of family, the joy of the gospel and care of our common home, the environment.

Well, Ill be reading them, the president said.

Trumps visit to the Vatican capped his quest this week to promote tolerance among followers of three of the worlds religions and cooperation against extremism. On his maiden foreign trip as president, Trump has addressed a summit of Muslim leaders in Saudi Arabia, and met with Israeli and Palestinian leaders in Jerusalem and Bethlehem.

Arguably the Wests most influential leaders, Trump and Francis hold divergent worldviews on everything from migrant rights to climate change.

Underscoring the differences between them, Trumps administration introduced a budget proposal Tuesday that would deeply cut assistance to the poor. Francis, meanwhile, spent Tuesday commemorating the Rev. Oscar Romero, a Salvadoran archbishop gunned down by right-wing death squads and who championed social justice and the rights of the poor.

Following their private meeting, Trump expressed gratitude for the audience.

Thank you, he said, shaking hands with the pontiff. Thank you. I wont forget what you said.

[Opinion: Does Trump need an atlas?]

First lady Melania Trump, in a black dress with a black veil, also was greeted by the pope and engaged in a brief conversation. She appeared more animated than during the earlier parts of the trip, when she gazed into the distance without expression while her husband was the center of attention.

The first lady chatted with Francis, who said something to her in English that made her laugh.

What do you give him to eat, potica? Francis asked, referring to the president and a Slovenian dessert.

The first lady, who was born in Slovenia, smiled and repeated potica.

One of the popes attendants gave Melania Trump a small object that appeared to be a rosary, as she was walking away. She turned back and asked the pope to bless it, which he did.

Before departing the Vatican, the Trumps were given a private tour of the Sistine Chapel and St. Peters Basilica, and the president held a 50-minute meeting with Parolin and Archbishop Paul Gallagher, who effectively serves as the Vaticans foreign minister.

The president later met with Italian President Sergio Mattarella at the Quirinal Palace in Rome, and with Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni at Villa Taverna.

Among the gifts Francis presented to the president was a copy of the pontiffs 2015 encyclical on the environment and its relationship to social justice. Although it predates Trumps presidency, the document seemed a message to an administration that has questioned climate change and whose economic policies are centered on profit and growth.

In it, Francis chastised the worlds leading nations for lacking the will to address man-made climate change. The warming caused by huge consumption on the part of some rich countries has repercussions on the poorest areas of the world, especially Africa, where a rise in temperature, together with drought, has proved devastating for farming, he wrote.

Trump is in the process of deciding whether to uphold the Paris climate change agreement, amid debate among his advisers. The agreement is expected to be the subject of discussion between Trump and new French President Emmanuel Macron and other European leaders when they meet in Brussels this week.

[Opinion: Melania and Ivanka show world what feminine power looks like]

The pope also gave Trump a copy of his January 2017 World Day of Peace message, saying, I signed it personally for you.

Ooh, Trump commented. Thats so beautiful.

The message noted that although the past century was marked by two world wars, today, sadly, we find ourselves engaged in a horrifying world war fought piecemeal, including the abuses suffered by migrants and victims of human trafficking; and the devastation of the environment. Echoing the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., he called for increased engagement in active and creative nonviolence.

Trump gifted Francis a first-edition set of Kings five books, which were custom-bound and accented with gold hand-tooling. Francis cited Kings march from Selma to Montgomery, Ala., in his 2015 address to a joint session of Congress.

These are books from Martin Luther King, Trump said. I think you will enjoy them.

The president also presented a handmade bronze sculpture created by Florida artist Geoffrey Smith, titled Rising Above, and designed to evoke the values of unity and resilience.

Trumps daughter Ivanka Trump, who wore a black dress and veil, and her husband, Jared Kushner, a senior White House adviser, also met the pope.

In a separate room in the Apostolic Palace, Trump introduced members of his family to Francis, and they shook the pontiffs hand. The Americans included Tillerson, national security adviser H.R. McMaster, State Department officials Margaret Peterlin and Brian Hook, as well as three longtime aides who are close to the president: Hope Hicks, his communications adviser; Dan Scavino, who manages his Twitter account; and Keith Schiller, his former bodyguard who directs Oval Office operations.

In a high-profile exchange last year, Trump and Francis traded barbs. The pope called Trumps proposal to build a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border, a rallying cry for his campaign, not Christian. Trump replied by calling any religious leader who would say such a thing disgraceful.

Nevertheless, Vatican officials  while seeking to play down a meeting that many speculated could either be very diplomatic or easily run off script  have described Wednesdays encounter as an opportunity for the U.S. president and the head of the Roman Catholic Church to find common ground.

Its in nobodys interest to try to win arguments, said a senior Vatican official who spoke on the condition of anonymity to preview the meeting. The Holy See and the U.S. government will have their differences  as they always do  but theres a whole range of issues they can work together on, and this kind of meeting can serve to get them off to a good start.

Trump was honored to go and meet the pope, adding that he has a lot of respect for Francis, a senior administration official told reporters Tuesday aboard Air Force One, as the president flew to Rome from Israel.

In St. Peters Square outside the basilica, crowds of tourists and the faithful were gathering for the popes appearance at his regular General Audience on Wednesdays.

This is a beautiful meeting, Carlos Castillo, 18, of Vancouver, B.C., said of Trumps visit. They have been criticizing each other from afar, and now they are face to face.

Herel Hughes, 24, a university student from Chicago, said, I hope the pope will be able to talk some sense into Trump.

On Tuesday night, a small number of Italians and Americans living in Rome organized an anti-Trump demonstration in Romes Piazza Bologna.

I am not a Catholic, but this pope has stood up for migrant rights, for the poor, for everything Trump doesnt, said Michele Renda, 39, who held a sign reading, Rome Resists. I think its outrageous that Trump is coming for the photo with the pope, to try to prove he is something he is not.

We in Italy, in Europe, looked up to the United States for its democracy, Renda said. But not with Trump. Not with what he stands for.

On Wednesday, police here took a zero-tolerance approach toward protesters. A group of Americans living in Rome reported in a Facebook post that their fliers, with the message Build Bridges Not Walls, were confiscated. After being briefly detained, according to their statement, authorities told them that any material that is even directly protesting Trump is prohibited in the center of Rome until he leaves the city.

Stefano Pitrelli in Vatican City contributed to this report.

Read more:

In Israel, Trump urges new Middle East harmony but faces old suspicions

What you need to know about Trumps first trip abroad
President Trump, seen here in a file photo, told Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte during an April 29 phone call that he is doing an unbelievable job on the drug problem. (Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post)

President Trump labeled North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un a madman with nuclear weapons during a private phone conversation with Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte last month, just days before stating publicly that he would be honored to meet with Kim.

In the April 29 call, Trump sought Dutertes input on whether Kim is stable or not stable and expressed some satisfaction in North Koreas recent failed missile tests, noting that all his rockets are crashing. Thats the good news, according to a transcript of the conversation made by the Philippines government on May 2 and obtained Tuesday by The Washington Post.

Duterte responded that Kim is playing with his bombs, his toys and offered that his mind is not working well and he just might go crazy one moment. That prompted Trump to point out that the United States has a lot of firepower over there, including two nuclear submarines sent by the Pentagon to the region last month.

Later in the call, Trump raised the stakes of the escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula when he observed: We cant let a madman with nuclear weapons let on the loose like that. We have a lot of firepower, more than he has, times 20  but we dont want to use it.

The focus between Trump and Duterte on North Korea comports with a brief public readout of the call from the White House on the day it took place. But the details of their conversation, first reported here, offer a deeper view of the urgency with which Trump is attempting to enlist foreign leaders to ramp up pressure on Pyongyang to halt its nuclear and ballistic missile programs.

(Sarah Parnass/The Washington Post)

[Transcript of call between Trump and Duterte]

A senior Trump administration official acknowledged that the transcript is accurate but declined to speak on the record about a leaked document from a foreign government. The Post obtained the document from a person who asked not to be identified because the transcript, labeled by the Philippines government as confidential, is not intended for public release.

Trump is rallying as much support as he can on North Korea, the administration official said, speaking on the condition of anonymity. Regional support is extremely meaningful. This is how hes trying to proactively manage a very difficult situation.

Trumps call with Duterte, during which he extended an invitation to visit him at the White House, was met with skepticism from some foreign policy analysts and human rights groups. Since taking office in June, Duterte has moved to hedge on the Philippines long-standing defense alliance with the United States by establishing closer relations with China. And his administration has overseen a brutal extrajudicial campaign that has resulted in the killings of thousands of suspected drug dealers.

Trump has not spoken out against that strategy, and in their call he praised Duterte for doing an unbelievable job on the drug problem.

Many countries have the problem, we have the problem, but what a great job you are doing and I just wanted to call and tell you that, Trump said, according to the transcript.

After Duterte replied that drugs are the scourge of my nation now and I have to do something to preserve the Filipino nation, Trump appeared to take a swipe at his predecessor, Barack Obama, who had canceled a bilateral meeting with Duterte after the Philippines leader insulted him.

I understand that and fully understand that and I think we had a previous president who did not understand that, Trump said.

On his first foreign trip this week, Trump said during a speech in Saudi Arabia that his administration will not lecture foreign governments on human rights as the United States pursues partnerships to fight terrorism.

The senior Trump administration official said that the president was not condoning Dutertes individual tactics for cracking down on illicit drugs. Rather, this was Trumps way of expressing solidarity over a common scourge, the official said.

Most of his conversation with Duterte focused on how to deal with North Korea and whether China can exert more leverage on Kims regime. Trump acknowledged after meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping in mid-April that its not so easy for Beijing to alter Pyongyangs behavior.

But when he asked Duterte whether China has power over Kim, the Philippines president responded: Yes, at the end of the day, the last card, the ace, has to be with China. Its only China.

In an interview with Bloomberg News three days after his call with Duterte, Trump said he would be honored to meet Kim under the right circumstances, opening the possibility of bilateral or multilateral talks. No sitting U.S. president has met with a North Korean leader. In another interview that week with CBS News, Trump called Kim a pretty smart cookie and expressed admiration for the North Korean leader having assumed power at a very young age after the death of his father, Kim Jong Il.

Trump told Duterte he hopes China solves the problem  But if China doesnt do it, we will do it. Duterte then offered to call Xi and emphasize the importance of altering Pyongyangs behavior.

You can tell him I am counting on him, Trump replied. I have a very good relationship with him. I had him in Florida for two days and got to know him well. He is a good guy.

On May 3, the Chinese state media reported that Xi and Duterte spoke about North Korea, among other topics.

Toward the end of the call, Trump switched topics to invite Duterte to the White House, calling him a good man.

I will love to have you in the Oval Office, Trump said. Any time you want to come  Seriously, if you want to come over, just let us know. Just take care of yourself, and we will take care of North Korea.
Its a simple question, but for Republicans in Congress, its not an easy one.

Do you trust President Trumps judgment on major decisions?

Im not answering questions like that, said Sen. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.) after hopping off an underground tram shuttling him from the Capitol to his Senate office building. Thats ah   he trailed off as he walked toward an elevator.

Four seconds later, the easygoing Arizonan picked back up: The president is overseas. I dont think were allowed to ask any questions while the presidents overseas.

Flake was one of a dozen Republicans from across the ideological spectrum asked this week to reflect on Trumps judgment. Most of them werent eager to address the subject head-on. They diverted and demurred. They paused contemplatively before answering. Some grew visibly uncomfortable. Others declared their conviction in Trump  but then qualified their words or expressed confidence in the people around him. Only one of those interviewed  Rep. Tom Cole (R-Okla.)  offered an unqualified yes regarding Trump himself.

Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) who ran against Trump and was disparagingly dubbed Little Marco by the real estate developer during the campaign, said the president has a really good team of people around. (Aaron P. Bernstein/Getty Images)

This wavering confidence, and perhaps loyalty, comes after a torrent of controversial decisions by the president and explosive revelations regarding the ongoing investigations into possible coordination between Trump associates and Russia. It also comes amid signs that members of Trumps own administration dont fully trust the presidents decisions.

When Trump revealed highly classified information to two Russian officials in the Oval Office earlier this month, senior White House officials took steps to contain the damage, placing calls to the CIA and the National Security Agency, according to a Washington Post report earlier this month.

And when Trump asked the director of national intelligence, Daniel Coats, and Adm. Michael S. Rogers, the director of the National Security Agency, to publicly deny the existence of any evidence of collusion during the 2016 election, both refused  deeming the appeal inappropriate, according to another Post report this week.

GOP lawmakers, meanwhile, have labored to project at least some semblance of unity with the White House over the first four months of Trumps presidency, in hopes of salvaging their legislative agenda.

But now, amid a Russian meddling probe that has reached a current White House official and questions about whether Trump tried to stifle that investigation, that unity appears to be faltering.

I thought the president gave a great speech in Saudi Arabia, Sen. Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) said, deflecting a direct question about the presidents judgment. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee chairman wasnt willing to comment more broadly.

Those kind of questions are not   he said, going silent for five seconds before concluding that he was facing a gotcha question.

The shift in the way Republicans talk about Trump has been incremental. They have mostly embraced the Justice Departments appointment of a special prosecutor to take over the Russia investigation, even though many spent weeks saying it wasnt necessary.

Many are still erring on the side of trying to give Trump the benefit of the doubt  and are trying to move past his controversies. But with multiple investigations into his associates and new revelations popping up faster than most lawmakers can keep up, some privately worry about how long they can sustain that posture.

One popular approach: List some facts about whether Trump can do what he is doing, rather than opine on whether he should do what he is doing.

After chewing over the question of whether he trusted Trumps judgment on big domestic and national security decisions as he descended an escalator, Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) used this strategy.

He has the responsibility and so therefore, ah, I respect the result of the election. I respect the constitutional authority that he has.

Sen. John Cornyn (R-Tex.) took a similar approach in a conversation with reporters a few steps from the Senate chamber.

Do you trust the presidents judgment right now on big national security decisions, big domestic policy decisions, in light of all of these revelations? one asked.

Well, hes president of the United States, the second-ranking Republican replied. He won the election and hes entitled to make those decisions. Ah, we need to try to work with him  and I am  to try to help him be successful.

Does Sen. James Lankford (R-Okla.) trust Trumps judgment? Not clear. But like Cornyn, he also confirmed that Trump is indeed the commander in chief.

He is the president, Lankford said. And so, he makes decisions and thats the way the American people do it.

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the whether the presidents reputation with lawmakers is deteriorating.

For some Republicans, the preferred way to discuss Trump is to talk about the people around him, rather than the president himself.

Well, hes going to have a lot of good advice over there, said Sen. Richard C. Shelby (R-Ala.), before naming some of his top national security advisers.

Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) who ran against Trump and was disparagingly dubbed Little Marco by the real estate developer during the campaign, said the president has a really good team of people around.

The Floridian said he does trust Trumps judgment. Rubio said he was impressed with the decision that Trump and his team made to launch a military strike in Syria.

But as Rubio moved toward a Capitol subway tram, he turned back over his shoulder and added: I dont think national security is the issue.

What is?

Well, I think just all of these things that are going on in the press and so forth, I think are slowing down part of their agenda, he replied. But hopefully, we can overcome that.

Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) also said she trusts Trumps judgment. And she also explained her position by crediting the advisers he has assembled.

I think President Trump has a good team around him. And I have no reason not to trust his national security decisions, she said.

Some Republicans remain staunch defenders of the president  particularly in the House, where many GOP members come from safe conservative districts.

I do trust the president on national security, Cole said without hesitation. He added that Trump is having a brilliant international trip.

Others answer the question by comparing Trump to former president Barack Obama.

I trust him much more than I did the previous president, said Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-Fla.), who praised some of Trumps foreign-policy decisions.

The question led some GOP lawmakers to fall back on familiar talking points: Hes different. His campaign was different. His presidency is different.

But its starting to sound more like a disavowal and less like a defense.

Is he an unconventional politician? Yes, he is. Thats why people chose him. They didnt want traditional politicians to get elected, said Cornyn, the Senate Republican whip.

He added: So, they got what they voted for.

Read more at PowerPost
An image provided by an activist shows Bahraini security forces during a raid on a sit-in demonstration on May 23, 2017. (AP)

A raid by government forces in Bahrain against a pro-opposition stronghold has left at least five people dead and hundreds detained in one of the deadliest crackdowns since protests erupted in 2011 against the Persian Gulf nations Western-backed monarchy.

Bahrains Interior Ministry said it carried out the raid Tuesday in the village of Duraz. It said officers came under attack, including from assailants armed with explosives. Opposition activists said that the police targeted a peaceful sit-in outside the home of Bahrains leading Shiite cleric and that the dead included an environmental activist.

Protests and clashes have flared for years in the tiny but strategic island nation between the Sunni-led monarchy and Bahrains majority Shiite population, which has complained of discrimination and other abuses. Bahrain hosts the U.S. Navys 5th Fleet.

The timing of the raid was striking, coming two days after President Trump publicly assured the king of Bahrain that their relationship would be free of the kind of strain that had occurred in the past  an apparent reference to the Obama administrations periodic chiding of Bahrain over its human rights violations.

Our countries have a wonderful relationship together, but there has been a little strain, but there wont be strain with this administration, Trump said during a photo session with the king, Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa, at a conference in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.





Trumps attendance at the Riyadh conference was largely aimed at winning back Persian Gulf allies that had bristled at President Barack Obamas outreach to Shiite power Iran.

Trumps widely anticipated speech, ostensibly about Islam and extremism, included assurances to the gulfs Sunni states that our friends will never question our support.

In Bahrain, the governments opponents viewed the conference and Trumps appearance with the Bahraini monarch as providing tacit approval for the raid on Tuesday.

The killing of five protesters is a heinous crime enabled by the unconditional support of the Bahraini rulers key allies in Riyadh, Washington and London, Sayed Ahmed Alwadaei, director of advocacy at the London-based Bahrain Institute for Rights and Democracy, said in a statement Wednesday.

This bloodshed  the blood thats on their hands  will only continue unless it is met with severe consequences from the international community, he said.

In Washington, the State Department said that it is troubled by the clashes and urged restraint on all sides. We urge the government of Bahrain to ensure those arrested are provided with access to counsel and that legal proceedings are conducted with transparency in accordance with due process, spokeswoman Heather Nauert said in a statement.

Bahrains Ministry of Information Affairs did not immediately respond to a request for more details on the circumstances that led to the deaths or about the evolving U.S. relationship with Bahrain. A government statement released Wednesday said protesters refused an order to disperse and injured security personnel. It said the deaths were being investigated by the public prosecutor.

Members of Bahrains Shiite majority have long protested what they say is widespread discrimination at the hands of the Sunni dynasty ruling the country.

Political life and sectarian relations have steadily deteriorated since the government, with help from Persian Gulf allies, quashed a Shiite-led pro-democracy uprising in 2011. Since then, Bahrains most prominent opposition figures have been imprisoned, fled the country or are facing prosecution.

Officials in Bahrain have accused Iran of inciting unrest and increasingly aiding violent attacks against Bahrains security agents.

After the raid, Irans foreign minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif, denounced Bahrain and the United States for the raid. He wrote on Twitter that it was the first concrete result of POTUS cozying up to despots in Riyadh: Deadly attack on peaceful protesters by emboldened Bahrain regime. Google it.

Read more:

Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world

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Casting himself as his nations savior, President Rodrigo Duterte said Wednesday that he was prepared to extend martial law to all of the Philippines if necessary. I will not allow the country to go to the dogs, he said.

Since winning the presidency a year ago, the words martial law have rarely been far from Dutertes lips. On Tuesday, as fighting broke out between the army and Islamist insurgents, he cut short a trip to Moscow and fulfilled his own prediction, declaring martial law across a vast swath of the southern Philippines. At least 21 people have been reported killed in the fighting.

On Wednesday, as insurgents rampaged through the city of Marawi, reportedly taking a Catholic priest and worshipers hostage and torching buildings, Duterte told Filipinos the law would be as harsh as it was under Ferdinand Marcos, the countrys longtime dictator whose martial-law-era abuses still loom large.

I will not allow abuses. The courts will stay open. But to anyone holding a gun or confronting the government with violence, my orders are, Spare no one,  Duterte said in an afternoon news conference. Regarding the Islamic State, he added, Do not f--- with me. . . . I would not hesitate to do anything and everything.

Some Philippine militants have declared loyalty to the Islamic State, but there have been no signs so far of close links or material support in this case.

Philippine troops arrive at their barracks to reinforce fellow troops after the siege by Islamist militants in the outskirts of Marawi in the southern Philippines. (AP)

Although the government has yet to specify what, exactly, comes next, the declaration of martial law across the southern island of Mindanao looks set to reshape Dutertes domestic agenda, broadening his focus from drugs to terrorism and renewing questions about his nostalgia for the Philippines authoritarian past.

Martial law could complicate an uncertain moment in U.S.-Philippine ties.

On Tuesday, The Washington Post reported new details of an April 29 call between President Trump and Duterte  details that suggest Trump is willing to work with, and even praise, Duterte despite the Philippine presidents past threats to ditch the United States as an ally.

[Think twice before casually comparing Duterte and Trump]

Relations between the United States and the Philippines were strained under the Obama administration, which criticized Dutertes tactics on reports of extrajudicial violence in his effort to root out drug dealers. After cursing President Barack Obama and vowing to align himself with China and Russia, Duterte threatened in the fall to expel U.S. Special Forces from Mindanao.

But with terrorism his new expressed target, Duterte may be more willing to work with the United States, experts said, potentially changing the dynamic among Washington, Manila and Beijing.

Though details are still spotty, official and local reports suggest the fighting that triggered the declaration of martial law on Tuesday continued through Wednesday.

Filipinos stage a demonstration against Dutertes declaration of martial law in Davao, Mindanao Island, in the southern Philippines. (Cerilo Ebrano/European Pressphoto Agency)

The clashes reportedly broke out when Philippine security personnel mounted an operation against Isnilon Hapilon, the Islamic State-endorsing leader of a militant group called Abu Sayyaf. Hapilon and his men sought backup from another Islamic State-aligned force known as the Maute group.

As of Wednesday night, these groups controlled parts of the city, having reportedly taken 14 hostages, including the Catholic priest. In his news conference, Duterte claimed a police officer was beheaded, but that has not been confirmed by local reports.

Ayeesha Dicali, a student from Marawi who was out of the area on Tuesday and Wednesday, said she had received text messages from family members who said they were trapped inside their home because of gunfights.

Dicali said she was scared  both of the insurgents and the prospect of martial law. Here, the words martial law have really negative connotations, and they remind me of what my mother told me about her life in the Marcos era, she said.

At the same time, were ambivalent, because maybe this new martial law will mean the soldiers will really respond to the crisis.

Sidney Jones, an expert on terrorism who serves as director of the Institute for Policy Analysis of Conflict in Jakarta, Indonesia, noted that the U.S. government is offering up to $5 million for the capture of Hapilon.

Even as Duterte was talking his anti-U.S. and pro-China shift, it was clear that the basic U.S.-Philippine relationship on counterterrorism wasnt affected, and information and close cooperation continued, she said.

[Why many young, liberal Filipinos support Dutertes drug war]

Duterte is the first Philippine president from Mindanao, and he pitched himself as uniquely equipped to negotiate with insurgents to end long-standing conflicts once and for all.

That hasnt happened. Since taking power, Duterte has focused on mounting  and defending  a self-proclaimed war on drugs, which has been linked to thousands of extrajudicial killings, rather than striking peace deals. He is now under pressure to produce results.

On Sunday, two days before the clashes in Marawi, he predicted that martial law may come to Mindanao. I already warned you. Please dont force my hand to kill you, he said. He is now pitching marital law as the only way to get results.

When Marcos declared martial law in 1972, ushering in more than a decade of violent dictatorship, the United States was fighting the Cold War, not terrorism. Marcos repeatedly used the alleged threat of communist takeover to shore up support in Washington, even as he committed widespread human rights abuses and, with his wife, Imelda, made off with much of the countrys wealth.



President Ronald Reagan, a friend of the couple, backed the Marcos government until just before a people power revolution ousted him in 1986.

As president, Duterte has taken a nostalgic view of the Marcos era, even giving the long-dead dictator a heros burial in Manila.

Martial law must be approved in the Philippine Congress, where Duterte enjoys wide support. The current constitution places limits on what he could do if it is approved. Still, many warned of possible abuses.

Jose L. Cuisia Jr., who served for five years as Philippine ambassador to the United States until June, said the declaration showed a president obsessed about having full control of all branches of government: executive, legislative and judiciary.

The lawlessness of President Dutertes war on drugs heightens grave concerns that his declaration of martial law in Mindanao will bring further rampant abuses, Phil Robertson, deputy Asia director at Human Rights Watch, said in a statement. We urge the Philippine government to ensure that the rights of all Filipinos are respected as it addresses violence and crime in the southern Philippines.

In the city of Cagayan de Oro, not far from the violence, Aida Ibraham, a leader of a local Muslim organization, held a candlelight vigil,

We are protesting the acts of violence committed by the attackers, she said. But we also oppose the military action and the declaration of martial law.

With this kind of escalation, its always the innocent that pay.

Rauhala reported from Beijing.

Read more:

Trump should condemn Dutertes bloody war, not invite him to the White House, critics say

Duterte plays a winning hand with foreign policy, but will his luck run out?

False prophet: Duterte, the Catholic Church and the fight for the soul of the Philippines

Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world

Like Washington Post World on Facebook and stay updated on foreign news
This is a city familiar with pain.

But what happened just after 10:30 p.m. on Monday presented a new and inexplicable horror the likes of which Manchester had never before seen: carnage inflicted by one of its own. Salman Abedi, 22, was born and bred in Manchester, the son of Libyan parents who reportedly came to Britain to escape the Gaddafi regime.

For many, there is no question that the traditional working-class stronghold will survive the latest attack with the same dogged resilience it has always shown. But in a city where community and diversity are particular points of pride, the revelation that a Manchester native was the perpetrator of the deadliest attack on British soil in more than a decade has proved a mystifying reality.

The issue of Manchester recovering is not in question, said Jim Bonworth, a retired chief inspector in the Greater Manchester Police, who was on the scene when Provisional Irish Republican Army militants set off a truck bomb in the city center in 1996. But why a 22-year-old man who was born in Manchester would want to undertake this exercise, goodness only knows.

Fate has not always been kind to Manchester.

In the 19th century, the Industrial Revolution transformed the place with rapid speed into a modern city whose prosperity ultimately depended on factories with long hours and brutal conditions. In World War II, much of that industrial juggernaut  known for its symbol, the worker bee  was reduced to rubble, destroyed by Nazi air raids.

The decades that followed were characterized by considerable economic hardship, and even by other bombings that long preceded this one. Terrorism is a familiar concept in Manchester: When IRA militants detonated the truck bomb in 1996, they injured more than 200 and ruined millions of dollars in public infrastructure.

In none of those instances, however, did the locals lose their resolve. Despite the circumstances, officials are hoping this time will be no different.

In remarks that followed the devastating news, Andy Burnham, Manchesters mayor and a member of the Labour Party, was quick to emphasize the citys ties that bind, which were on display in a Tuesday vigil where thousands gathered in the citys central square to express solidarity with the victims.

The people of Manchester, Burnham said Tuesday, gave the best possible immediate response to those who seek to divide us.

Even in the minute after the attack, they opened their doors to strangers and drove them away from danger, he said of citys population, known locally as Mancunians, in reference to the citys Roman past.

Burnham was apparently referring to reports widely circulated in British media of local Muslim taxi drivers who ferried survivors and their family members to and from hospitals free after the attack. One of these drivers, Saf Ismael, told CBS News that seeing the victims was like seeing my own daughter there.

But in the aftermath of Mondays attack, a potential backlash was a concern on the minds of many.

In the Brexit referendum in June 2016, voters in Greater Manchester overwhelmingly opted to remain in the European Union. By contrast, most voters in northern England outside the city voted by significant margins to remove Britain from the multistate bloc, many citing concerns over immigration as a principal motivation.

At the same time, however, Manchester is no stranger to the spike in anti-immigrant hate crimes that followed the referendum. Between July and September 2016, for instance, 1,033 incidents were reported in the area, according to data released by Britains Home Office. This figure was second only to that in London, where 3,356 incidents were reported in the same period, according to the data.

The initial signs this week pointed to a manifest goodwill, even as British authorities continued their probe for other accomplices they believed had helped Abedi, and the news broke that Libyan authorities had arrested his father and young brother before the latter could carry out another attack in Tripoli.

A donation page created by the Manchester Evening News, a local newspaper, raised more than one million British pounds ($1.3 million) in the first 24 hours after the attack, and tattoo parlors banded together to offer special deals on the worker bee, the citys symbol, with proceeds to benefit the families of victims.

This is kind of a knee-jerk reaction to do something positive, to give to the city in some way, said Ventnor Brewer, 37, a studio manager at Sacred Art, one of the tattoo parlors involved. You just want to feel like youre involved and contribute in some way when something like that happens.

But locals struggled to come to terms with the realization that Mondays attack was the work of at least one of their own  and the question of what, if anything, it meant to them.

On Wednesday, Sadiq Patel, 46, was escorting Renee Rachel Black, 93, into the center of town to do her shopping  for, among other things, kosher meat, she said. The two are members of an interfaith council in nearby Blackburn, said Patel, a Muslim, as they were walking arm-in-arm in Manchesters central square, where city leaders organized an impromptu memorial for the victims.

As Northerners, well just have to get on with it, Patel said.

As he spoke, a man approached him in the square, heckling him over an alleged conspiracy to show that Muslims are good people.

Read more:

Brother of Manchester bomber was planning an attack in Libya, authorities say

Manchester shows why even the best protection cant stop attacks

Some in Manchester, and beyond, see the attack as targeting women and girls

Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world

Like Washington Post World on Facebook and stay updated on foreign news
Supporters of LGBT rights react outside the Taiwanese parliament in Taipei after hearing the constitutional courts ruling on May 24, 2017. (Ritchie B. Tongo/European Pressphoto Agency)

Taiwans Constitutional Court on Wednesday ruled in favor of allowing same-sex marriage, paving the way for the island to become the first place in Asia to legalize same-sex unions and cementing its status as a beacon for LGBT rights.

The court in Taipei found that the islands Civil Code, which states that only a man and a woman can marry, violated constitutional guarantees. It gave the legislature two years to amend the Civil Code.

The decision is a victory for Taiwans LGBT activists, who have fought for decades for marriage equality, inspiring similar struggles across Asia and elsewhere.

Wayne Lin, chairman of the nongovernmental Taiwan Tongzhi Hotline Association, called the ruling a milestone for the island.

It is also a milestone for the region, gay rights activists said. Without a doubt, Taiwan is walking in front of other Asian countries on this, said Ying Xin, executive director of the Beijing LGBT Center. This is significant for all of Asia.

Supporters show their cellphone lights in the colors of the rainbow during a rally on May 24, 2017, after Taiwan's constitutional court ruled that same-sex couples have the right to legally marry, the first such ruling in Asia. (Tyrone Siu/Reuters)

[A backlash against same-sex marriage tests Taiwans reputation for gay rights]

Taiwan has long been seen as a leader on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights. While Indonesia arrests and beats gay people, Singapore criminalizes gay sex and China cracks down on LGBT organizing, Taiwan has taken steps toward equality.

Gender and sexual minorities in Taiwan still face stigma and discrimination, but school textbooks extol equality, gays and lesbians serve openly in the military, and Taipeis annual gay pride parade draws revelers from across the world.

Taiwanese often attribute the relatively tolerant atmosphere to the islands cultural mix, which includes indigenous groups, Dutch and Japanese colonizers, and folk practices carried across the Taiwan Strait from mainland China.

But a bitter backlash to the groundswell of support for marriage equality has tested Taiwans reputation for tolerance.

Over the past year, religious groups mobilized against marriage equality, claiming that same-sex marriage threatens children and families.

Led by church groups, anti-gay rights campaigners have resorted to inaccurate tropes about homosexuality, trying to link marriage rights to incest, bestiality and AIDS. At one point, one group warned that a same-sex marriage law would mean that its possible to marry a Ferris wheel.

An opponent of same-sex marriage holds a sign on May 24, 2017, reading: "Same-sex marriage is unwelcome in Taiwan." (Chiang Ying-Ying/AP)

Part of the opponents strategy was to argue that protecting the rights of gender and sexual minorities is Western, that marriage equality threatens what it means to be Chinese or Taiwanese. (Taiwan is self-governing, but China considers it a part of its territory.)

[Taiwan was already diplomatically isolated. Now Beijing wants to make things worse.]

At the last major court hearing on marriage equality, Taiwans justice minister, Chiu Tai-san, claimed that same-sex relationships are a newly invented phenomenon, unlike social norms and mechanisms formed by the people of our nation over the past thousand years.

He also asked the court to consider how legalizing same-sex marriage might complicate the rites of ancestor worship. What are we going to write on the ancestral tablets if same-sex marriage is legalized? he asked.

LGBT campaigners dismiss the notion that marriage rights are un-Chinese or un-Taiwanese  and think the ruling will bolster their fight more broadly.

China and Taiwan speak a common language, said Li Maizi, a prominent Chinese feminist and LGBT activist. This will inspire the LGBT movements push for gay marriage.



Matthew Huang, founder of an LGBT group in the Chinese city of Chengdu, said simply, Its hope.

In Taipei, activists will now turn their attention to influencing how legislators interpret the ruling and what that means for same-sex couples and families.

There is some fear among campaigners that lawmakers will appease opponents of same-sex rights by creating a special category for same-sex unions. In a news release issued after the ruling, Lin urged lawmakers to move without hesitation to amend the Civil Code to guarantee full equality.

For now, supporters of same-sex marriage are celebrating with a new, engagement-inspired slogan: Taiwan says yes!

Shirley Feng, Concong Zhang and Luna Lin in Beijing contributed to this report.

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Crowds wait outside after police evacuated the Arndale Center in Manchester, England, on May 23. Police said an arrest made there was not related to the attack the day before at Manchester Arena. (Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)

With its red brick buildings, large villas and green lawns, the Fallowfield area of southern Manchester might appear to be an unlikely location for an investigation into Britains worst terrorist attack since 2005.

But on Tuesday, police forces launched at least three operations in Fallowfield and surrounding neighborhoods in connection with the devastating attack four miles away in the north of Manchester. Authorities identified the suspected suicide attacker as Salman Abedi, a 22-year-old British citizen of Libyan descent, and Fallowfield residents said he spent time in the area with his family.

In other communities at the center of recent terrorism investigations  such as the Molenbeek district of Brussels and some Parisian suburbs  authorities have openly acknowledged problems with Islamist extremism. Poverty, crime and high unemployment in these areas have long played into the hands of radicals, they say.

Manchester is different. Suburbs such as Fallowfield are mostly culturally or ethnically diverse and wealthy, with little to suggest that neighborhoods there have dealt with extremism for years.

But even before Mondays attack, counterterrorism operations had focused on the small part of the citys south.

Mourners attend a vigil for the people who lost their lives during the terror attack in Manchester, England. (Andy Rain/EPA)

Experts say Manchesters hidden radicalization problem is not unique to the city.

What we have seen recently is the emergence of clusters where groups of people  who often live close to one another  radicalize relatively quickly, said Raffaello Pantucci, the director for international security studies at the Royal United Services Institute in London. This isnt only happening in London or Manchester, but also in much smaller towns.

[How the Manchester suicide attack unfolded]

The British government has taken action as networks of extremists have developed across the country. Over the past few years, several laws have been passed to give authorities greater powers to arrest and prosecute attack suspects. Security services say they foiled 13 major terrorism plots between 2013 and March of this year. But at times, the expansive operations have come at a high price.

In 2010, authorities in the city of Birmingham set up surveillance cameras to monitor Muslims suspected of terrorism. But critics argued at the time that the operation placed all Muslims under suspicion. By the time the project was eventually stopped, it had damaged relations between counterterrorism officers and the citys Muslim community. News of the surveillance scheme fed suspicion of authorities nationwide, officials say.

Manchester has avoided making such mistakes, said Jim Bonworth, a retired chief inspector with the Greater Manchester Police. The British police very much relies on tips by community members. We cannot afford to lose their trust.

[British prime minister raises nations threat level]

Manchesters experience shows that even praised community policing efforts struggle to prevent the radicalization of closed social circles across Britain.

In the past, such radicalization processes have often taken place in mosques, Pantucci said.

More recently, however, authorities have largely lost the ability to monitor terrorism suspects during their visits to mosques or community centers. Instead, groups of friends or acquaintances are meeting in apartments, making it nearly impossible for Britains stretched security services to monitor suspects, a dynamic that could explain the seemingly sudden emergence of groups of radicalized individuals in places such as southern Manchester.

Members of the community said they were distraught by the police operations in their districts Tuesday after the attack, which was claimed by the Islamic State.

I sometimes saw him walk into his building alone or with friends, said 32-year old Neville Edwards, a neighbor of the suspect. But nobody here ever really talked to him.

In Manchesters Libyan community, Abedi was not unknown, however.

A man who identified himself as a friend of the Abedi family said many of the Libyans who live in the area fled the government of Moammar Gaddafi and supported the uprising against his regime.

The Libyan community was standing by the rebels, he said, speaking on the condition of anonymity for security reasons.

I saw the boy here and there and we were even once on the same flight to Libya, but we werent close, he said of the suspect. I am more from his fathers generation.

We dont know what happened to him or why he committed this attack on behalf of Daesh, he said, using the Arabic acronym for the Islamic State. But we are worried that this might make us Libyans look very bad.

A taxi driver from the area said he had never seen Abedi but had witnessed the aftermath of attack. The man said he was parked outside the venue where the concert was taking place Monday night when he heard the explosion. He then picked up two survivors.

This is such a cosmopolitan city, but there are circles and groups of people which are extremely closed to outsiders, said the man, who spoke on the condition that only his first name, Jay, be used. That is where teenagers or young men and women become radicalized. If it can happen here, it can happen anywhere.

Pointing at a school in front of him, he added, Thats the school two twin girls attended until they traveled to Syria to join the Islamic State. Their case made international headlines.

Three years later, TV satellite trucks are on the same street again.

Abedi lived in the same neighborhood as the school, according to his former neighbors.

Read more:

An 8-year-old was separated from her family after the Manchester attack. She never made it out.

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President Trump speaks at the Israel Museum in Jerusalem on May 23. (Sebastian Scheiner/AP)

On his first trip to the Holy Land, President Trump scored points with the locals by paying homage to Holocaust victims and visiting some of the most important symbols of Judaism and Christianity, as well stopping briefly in the Palestinian territories.

But its what he didnt do or say that made his visit a success: He did not discuss politics.

At least not in any depth.

During his public addresses in Jerusalem and Bethlehem, Trump talked forcefully about peace but refrained from offering specifics of how it could be achieved or from berating one side or the other too harshly.

Unlike his predecessor, there were no references to Israeli settlements, an issue the Obama administration clearly deemed the main barrier to achieving peace. He also did not mention a future with an Israeli and Palestinian state side by side, nor did he bring up the status of Jerusalem.

Analysts and commentators were left Wednesday wondering what, if anything, Trump might do to resolve the decades-old conflict.

On the Israeli side, leaders celebrated Trumps vagueness. The ambiguity, they said, would give both sides the flexibility to resume negotiations and start peace-building measures.

[The contrast between the Obama, Trump visits to Israels Holocaust memorial]

Palestinians viewed Trumps meeting with President Mahmoud Abbas in Bethlehem on Tuesday as positive overall but were concerned by his failure to mention a future Palestinian state.

Israels deputy minister for diplomacy, Michael Oren, a former ambassador to the United States, said the two sides have been locked too tightly into a preset formula, with the results of negotiations determined in advance: two states built along the lines created in 1967 with some land swaps between the sides.

This president has a different approach to his predecessors, he said. His staff comes from the world of business, and they know that two people at a negotiating table have no expectations as to what the results will be.

It also opens doors to other actors like Saudi Arabia, Oren said.

Trump has said that achieving a peace deal between Israelis and Palestinians is possible. He arrived in Israel from Saudi Arabia carrying a clear message that moderate Sunni Muslim states would be willing to normalize ties with Israel if its conflict with the Palestinians is resolved.

Israeli officials received the message but indicated they were looking for the United States to put more pressure on Arab countries to accept Israel first  only then would peace with the Palestinians be a possibility.

If Israel has a strong partner in the Arab world, then we will be able to bring the change, said Israeli Intelligence Minister Israel Katz, who was privy to some of the high-level meetings with the Americans. Today the Saudis are at the center of the picture, and they need to make a decision to be a real partner.

The process with the Palestinians will only come with support of the Arab world, Katz said.

[On Israeli, Palestinian streets: Shrugs, cynicism, a dash of crazy hope for Trump visit]

In Rome on Wednesday, as Trump and his entourage began the third phase of its tour, the White House issued a statement highlighting Abbass willingness to resume negotiations immediately.

Palestinian officials seem to be reassured by this visit, but they are cautious. They are worried by Trumps language because he did not mention two states, said Ghassan Khatib, a professor of political science at Birzeit University near the West Bank city of Ramallah.

The lack of specifics in Trumps addresses allowed for alternative interpretations. Israels right-wing camp saw that as a pass to ramp up construction in Israeli settlements, Jewish communities built on land the Palestinians want for a future state.

Trump understands the connection between Jews and Jerusalem and that peace will not be achieved by creating a Palestinian state in the heart of Israel, hard-line Israeli minister Naftali Bennett told Israeli army radio Wednesday. I want to take advantage of the next few years.

Bennett said the time was ripe to build new homes in the settlements, a move that Trump had previously urged Netanyahu to slow down on for now.

Bennett is wrong, said Yaki Dayan, a former Israeli consul in Los Angeles. You heard Trump saying this would not be helpful. He does not put it as a condition, but when he says it will not be helpful, the message comes out stronger.

Daniel Shapiro, a former U.S. ambassador to Israel, said that while Trump might have appeared warm in public, in private he probably made some hard asks of both sides. More tough requests are likely to come in the future, he said.

Only in time we will find out if it all works, Shapiro said.

Read more:

Why Trumps flight from Saudi Arabia to Israel is a big deal

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A secret document that officials say played a key role in then-FBI Director James B. Comeys handling of the Hillary Clinton email investigation has long been viewed within the FBI as unreliable and possibly a fake, according to people familiar with its contents.

In the midst of the 2016 presidential primary season, the FBI received what was described as a Russian intelligence document claiming a tacit understanding between the Clinton campaign and the Justice Department over the inquiry into whether she intentionally revealed classified information through her use of a private email server.

The Russian document cited a supposed email describing how then-Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch had privately assured someone in the Clinton campaign that the email investigation would not push too deeply into the matter. If true, the revelation of such an understanding would have undermined the integrity of the FBIs investigation.

Current and former officials have said that Comey relied on the document in making his July decision to announce on his own, without Justice Department involvement, that the investigation was over. That public announcement  in which he criticized Clinton and made extensive comments about the evidence  set in motion a chain of other FBI moves that Democrats now say helped Trump win the presidential election.

But according to the FBIs own assessment, the document was bad intelligence  and according to people familiar with its contents, possibly even a fake sent to confuse the bureau. The Americans mentioned in the Russian document insist they do not know each other, do not speak to each other and never had any conversations remotely like the ones described in the document. Investigators have long doubted its veracity, and by August the FBI had concluded it was unreliable.

FBI Director James B. Comey makes a statement at FBI headquarters on July 5. (Cliff Owen/AP)

The document, obtained by the FBI, was a piece of purported analysis by Russian intelligence, the people said. It referred to an email supposedly written by the then-chair of the Democratic National Committee, Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.), and sent to Leonard Benardo, an official with the Open Society Foundations, an organization founded by billionaire George Soros and dedicated to promoting democracy.

The Russian document did not contain a copy of the email, but it described some of the contents of the purported message.

[From Clinton emails to alleged Russian meddling in election: The events leading up to Comeys firing]

In the supposed email, Wasserman Schultz claimed Lynch had been in private communication with a senior Clinton campaign staffer named Amanda Renteria during the campaign. The document indicated Lynch had told Renteria that she would not let the FBI investigation into Clinton go too far, according to people familiar with it.

Current and former officials have argued that the secret document gave Comey good reason to take the extraordinary step over the summer of announcing the findings of the Clinton investigation himself without Justice Department involvement.

Comey had little choice, these people have said, because he feared that if Lynch announced no charges against Clinton, and then the secret document leaked, the legitimacy of the entire case would be questioned.

From the moment the bureau received the document from a source in early March 2016, its veracity was the subject of an internal debate at the FBI. Several people familiar with the matter said the bureaus doubts about the document hardened in August when officials became more certain that there was nothing to substantiate the claims in the Russian document. FBI officials knew the bureau never had the underlying email with the explosive allegation, if it ever existed.

Amanda Renteria in Washington in April 2014. (Jacquelyn Martin/AP)

Yet senior officials at the bureau continued to rely on the document before and after the election as part of their justification for how they handled the case.

Wasserman Schultz and Benardo said in separate interviews with The Washington Post that they do not know each other and have never communicated. Renteria, in an interview, and people familiar with Lynchs account said the two also do not know each other and have never communicated. Lynch declined to comment for this article.

Moreover, Wasserman Schultz, Benardo and Renteria said they have never been interviewed by the FBI about the matter.

Comeys defenders still insist that there is reason to believe the document is legitimate and that it rightly played a major role in the directors thinking.

[FBI director says he feels mildly nauseous about possibility he affected election, but has no regrets]

It was a very powerful factor in the decision to go forward in July with the statement that there shouldnt be a prosecution, said a person familiar with the matter. The point is that the bureau picked up hacked material that hadnt been dumped by the bad guys [the Russians] involving Lynch. And that would have pulled the rug out of any authoritative announcement.

Other people familiar with the document disagree sharply, saying such claims are disingenuous because the FBI has known for a long time that the Russian intelligence document is unreliable and based on multiple layers of hearsay.

It didnt mean anything to the investigation until after [senior FBI officials] had to defend themselves, said one person familiar with the matter. Then they decided it was important. But its junk, and they already knew that.

An FBI spokesman declined to comment. Comey did not respond to requests for comment.

The people familiar with the Russian document spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss its contents. No one familiar with it asked The Post to withhold details about its origins to safeguard the source.

Several of them said they were concerned that revealing details now about the document could be perceived as an effort to justify Trumps decision to fire Comey, but they argued that the document and Comeys firing are distinct issues. Most of the people familiar with the document disagree strongly with the decision to fire the director, but they also criticized current and former officials who have privately cited the document as an important factor in the decisions made by Comey and other senior FBI officials. Comey told lawmakers he would discuss it with them only in a classified session.

Email not obtained

After the bureau first received the document, it attempted to use the source to obtain the referenced email but could not do so, these people said. The source that provided the document, they said, had previously supplied other information that the FBI was also unable to corroborate.

While it was conducting the Clinton email investigation, the FBI did not interview anyone mentioned in the Russian document about its claims. At the time, FBI agents were probing numerous hacking cases involving Democrats and other groups, but they never found an email like the one described in the document, these people said.

Then on July 5, Comey decided to announce on his own  without telling Lynch ahead of time  that he was closing the Clinton email case without recommending charges against anyone. Aides to Comey said he decided to act alone after Lynch met privately with Bill Clinton for nearly a half-hour on an airport tarmac in Phoenix about a week earlier  and have since said privately the Russian document was also a factor in that decision.

[The Clinton email probe: Questions and answers]

The appearance of possible conflict arising from the Phoenix meeting led FBI leadership to want to show it had reached the decision independently, without political interference from the Justice Department.

About a month after Comeys announcement, FBI officials asked to meet privately with the attorney general. At the meeting, they told Lynch about a foreign source suggesting she had told Renteria that Clinton did not have to worry about the email probe, because she would keep the FBI in check, according to people familiar with the matter.

Just so you know, I dont know this person and have never communicated with her, Lynch told the FBI officials, according to a person familiar with the discussion. The FBI officials assured her the conversation was not a formal interview and said the document didnt have investigative value, the person said.

Nevertheless, the officials said, they wanted to give the attorney general what is sometimes referred to as a defensive briefing  advising someone of a potential intelligence issue that could come up at some future point.

The agents never mentioned Wasserman Schultz to Lynch but told her there was some uncertainty surrounding the information because of possible translation issues, according to a person familiar with the discussion.

Lynch told them they were welcome to speak to her staff and to conduct a formal interview of her, the person said. The FBI declined both offers.

Ive never heard of him

Renteria, a California Democrat, first heard of the Russian document and its description of her role when a Post reporter called her.

Wow, thats kind of weird and out of left field, she said. I dont know Loretta Lynch, the attorney general. I havent spoken to her.

Renteria said she did know a California woman by the same name who specializes in utility issues. The Loretta Lynch in California is a lawyer who once did campaign work for the Clintons decades ago involving the Whitewater investigation. Bloggers and others have previously confused the two women, including during Lynchs nomination to be attorney general.

Wasserman Schultz and Benardo, the alleged emailers, were also perplexed by the Russian documents claims.

Wasserman Schultz said: Not only do I not know him  Ive never heard of him. I dont know who this is. Theres no truth to this whatsoever. I have never sent an email remotely like what youre describing.

She added that she had met Lynch, the former attorney general, once briefly at a dinner function.

Benardo said of Wasserman Schultz: Ive never met her. Ive only read about her.

Ive never in my lifetime received any correspondence of any variety  correspondence, fax, telephone, from Debbie Wasserman Schultz, he said. If such documentation exists, its of course made up.

As for Renteria, Wasserman Schultz said she knew who she was from past political work but had virtually no interaction with her during the 2016 campaign. I was definitely in the same room as her on more than one occasion, but we did not interact, and no email exchange during the campaign, or ever, she said.

When asked, the individuals named in the document struggled to fathom why their identities would have been woven together in a document describing communications they said never happened. But others recognized the dim outlines of a conspiracy theory that would be less surprising in Russia, where Soros  the founder of the organization Benardo works for  and Clinton are both regarded as political enemies of the Kremlin.

The idea that Russians would tell a story in which the Clinton campaign, Soros and even an Obama administration official are connected  that Russians might tell such a story, that is not at all surprising, said Matt Rojansky, a Russia expert and director of the Kennan Institute at the Wilson Center. Because that is part of the Kremlin worldview.

The secret intelligence document has attracted so much attention recently that Sen. Charles E. Grassley (R-Iowa) asked Comey about it during the directors final public appearance in Congress as FBI director before he was fired.

Comey said that he had spoken with the heads of the congressional intelligence committees about the document privately but that it was too sensitive to discuss it in public.

The subject is classified, and in an appropriate forum Id be happy to brief you on it, he told the Senate Judiciary Committee. But I cant do it in an open hearing.

No such briefing occurred before he was fired.

Ellen Nakashima contributed to this report.
A man is taken into custody by FBI agents on May 17 in Los Angeles. Hundreds of federal and local law enforcement fanned out across Los Angeles, serving arrest and search warrants as part of a three-year investigation into the violent and street gang MS-13. (Jae C. Hong/AP)

The Trump administrations push to deport more Central American gang members has alarmed officials here who fear that the returning gangsters could exacerbate violence in one of the deadliest countries in the hemisphere.

This year the U.S. government has deported 398 gang members to this country, compared with 534 in all of 2016, according to Salvadoran government statistics. This sharp increase in the rate of gang deportations  and the prospect of more gang roundups in the United States  has prompted Salvadoran authorities to hold emergency meetings and propose new legislation to monitor suspected criminals who are being sent home.

This clearly affects El Salvador. We already have a climate of violence in the country that we are combating, said Hector Antonio Rodriguez, the director of the countrys immigration agency. If gang members return, of course this worries us.

In tweets and speeches, President Trump has made MS-13, or Mara Salvatrucha, the leading symbol of the dangers of illegal immigration and the need for more and faster deportations. He has compared the gangs meanness with that of al-Qaeda. He promised last week that the organization will be gone from our streets very soon, believe me. Recent high-profile killings, such as that of a 15-year-old Salvadoran girl in Springfield, Va., and a string of slayings on Long Island, have fueled concerns of an MS-13 resurgence in the United States.

In El Salvador, this gang and rivals such as the 18th Street gang have terrorized neighborhoods for decades. MS-13 formed in Salvadoran immigrant communities in Los Angeles in the 1980s, building its ranks with refugees from the countrys civil war. Waves of deportations over the years helped MS-13 take root in El Salvador and grow into a powerful criminal organization with tens of thousands of members across Central America.

(Claritza Jimenez/The Washington Post)

Since President Salvador Sanchez Ceren took office in 2014, the Salvadoran government has been on a warlike footing against MS-13 and the 18th Street gang. Authorities have deployed thousands of extra police officers and soldiers to hunt down gang members and limited access to prisons in an effort to stop gang leaders from using visitors to relay orders to members on the outside. Police and soldiers have regularly been accused of human rights violations and extrajudicial killings during this offensive.

Salvadoran authorities think they have slowly been making progress. The number of homicides, which peaked in 2015 at more than 6,600, dropped by 20 percent last year and has continued to fall. Even so, El Salvador has one of the highest homicide rates in the hemisphere and gangs regularly prey on communities, kidnapping residents and demanding extortion payments.

Law enforcement officials in Los Angeles and other U.S. cities have launched raids recently to capture dozens of MS-13 and other Latino gang members. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement announced this month the arrest of more than 1,300 gang members across the country in what it described as the largest anti-gang crackdown in agency history.

Salvadorans are dreading the return of those captured in the U.S. raids.

Probably we wont feel the symptoms today or tomorrow or the next week. But probably in six months or a year well be feeling the symptoms of what these deportations are causing now, San Salvador Mayor Nayib Bukele said in an interview.

Gang members make up a small fraction of the deportee total. Salvadoran authorities say 6,922 people were brought back here from the United States in the first four months of the year, up slightly over last year.

This year the total number of deportations by United States has dropped about 12 percent, to around 56,000 people, compared with the same period last year. Officials have attributed the decline to the fact that the federal immigration court system is overtaxed.

1 of 60 Full Screen Autoplay Close Skip Ad  Trumps first trip overseas as president View Photos The U.S. president started his journey in Saudi Arabia and moved on to Israel and Italy. Caption The U.S. president traveled to Saudi Arabia, Israel, Rome, Belgium and Sicily, Italy. May 27, 2017 German Chancellor Angela Merkel, left, speaks to President Donald Trump as Tunisia's President Beji Caid Essebsi listens during an expanded session at the Group of Seven Summit in Taormina, Italy. Philippe Wojazer/Reuters Wait 1 second to continue.

But the Trump administration is clearly working to expel more gang members.

You know about MS-13? Trump said during a speech in April to the National Rifle Association. Get them the hell out of here, right?

Salvadoran officials worry that although the number of killings has fallen this year, gangs could quietly be strengthening or reorganizing. MS-13 has at least 49 cliques in El Salvador, according to Guadalupe de Echeverria, the head of the homicide and anti-gang unit at the attorney generals office. Over the years, some of these cliques have named themselves after the cities in the United States where members lived before being deported.

One important dynamic within MS-13, Echeverria said, is a recent rupture between the historic leaders, most of whom have long been imprisoned, and an offshoot known as the 503  the telephone country code for El Salvador.

They have already formed a new group, and very probably with deported people, she said. Weve already seen a certain amount of violence between them.

To prepare for moredeportations, the Sanchez Ceren administration recently proposed legislation to monitor gang members who return to the country. Under the measure, if the suspected gangster had no warrant for crimes in El Salvador, he would be asked to check in with police once a month and notify authorities whether he moved. The law also would create internment centers, possibly guarded by the military, that would be something like a halfway house for returning gang members.

Rodriguez, the head of the immigration agency, said that many gang members in the United States had fled conflicts with rivals in El Salvador.

To return, he said, some run the risk of danger for having escaped. Thats why we think there is an opportunity in the internment centers to protect them and be able to reinsert them into society.

Human rights workers here have questioned the legality of holding suspected gang members if they have not been charged or convicted of a crime in their home country.

Read more

El Salvadors conflict with gangs is beginning to look like a war

How an innocent man wound up dead in El Salvadors justice system

Behind the rise in seemingly chaotic MS-13 violence: a structured hierarchy

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It was March 2020, and the world was closing down as the COVID-19 pandemic spread. At first, the news of...
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Navios Maritime Holdings Inc. operates as a seaborne shipping and logistics company in North America, Australia, Europe, Asia, South America, and internationally. It focuses on the transportation and transshipment of dry bulk commodities, including iron ores, coal, and grains. The company operates in two segments, Dry Bulk Vessel Operations and Logistics Business. The Dry Bulk Vessel Operations segment engages in the transportation and handling of bulk cargoes through the ownership, operation, and trading of vessels and freight. This segment charters its vessels to trading houses, producers, and government-owned entities. The Logistics Business segment operates ports and transfer station terminals, as well as upriver transport facilities in the Hidrovia region; and handles vessels, barges, push boats, and cabotage business. This segment provides its integrated transportation, storage, and related services through its port facilities, cargo barges, and product tankers to mineral and grain commodity providers, as well as to users of refined petroleum products. As of December 31, 2021, the company's fleet consisted of 36 vessels totaling 3.9 million deadweight tons. Navios Maritime Holdings Inc. was incorporated in 1954 and is headquartered in Grand Cayman, the Cayman Islands.
Zagreb named top European destination

The Lonely Planet series of books is popular with travellers

Lonely Planet has revealed its top European destinations to visit in 2017, with Zagreb in Croatia taking the top spot.

According to the guidebook publisher, Gotland in Sweden, Galicia in Spain and n orthern Montenegro are the second, third and fourth best places to visit respectively this year.

And there's a surprise British inclusion in fifth spot, with the West Yorkshire city of Leeds being included.

Alentejo in Portugal, n orthern Germany, Moldova, Paphos in Cyprus and Le Havre in France round off the top 10 for this year.

Zagreb takes the top spot

According to Lonely Planet, Zagreb earned the number one spot because of its cosmopolitan and edgy atmosphere.

UK destination editor James Smart said: "From cultural adventure to spectacular scenery, Europe has something to offer every traveller.

"For Lonely Planet's Best in Europe 2017 we've compiled our hot list of destinations across the continent to visit this summer, all offering something new, exciting or undiscovered that make them worth exploring right now."

Boost for Leeds residents

The inclusion of Leeds was based on its thriving night life and growing reputation as a source of quality food and craft beer. Its urban regeneration over recent years also came in for praise, as did the northern city's cultural scene.

Mr Smart said Leeds is no longer simply defined by its industrial history.

Instead, he commented: " Leeds is now a confident, cultural hub in the north of England. With major events this year including the reopening of Leeds Art Gallery and the 50th anniversary of Leeds Carnival, there's never been a better time to head to Yorkshire and join the party."

Travel insurance reminder

All 10 of the destinations on the Lonely Planet list are capable of providing memorable holidays. But whether venturing to Croatia, France, Germany or elsewhere, tourists should always invest in quality travel insurance.

Doing so could be the difference between a relaxed holiday and a stressful trip defined by costly medical bills and flight delays.
A report in Sundays edition of the Washington Post accuses the Pentagon of operating a multi-billion dollar slush fund which it has accrued over the past seven years by overcharging the armed forces for the cost of fuel purchases. The $5.9 billion it has built up since 2010 has been used to fund military operations in Syria and Afghanistan, effectively avoiding any of the budgetary oversight requirements necessary to obtain additional funding from Congress.

The most significant expenditures from the fund identified by the Post were a total of $1.4 billion used in 2016 to maintain the United States brutal occupation of Afghanistan and the use of $80 million to train Islamist militias in Syria in 2015 with the aim of toppling the government of Bashar al-Assad in Damascus.

The explosion in spending on the Afghan war illustrates the deepening crisis of the more than 15-year-old US occupation of the impoverished, war-torn country.

Billions of dollars have been spent on waging a ruthless counter-insurgency war against the resistance of the local population to the US presence, led by the Islamist Taliban. This has included the expenditure of vast sums of money to establish and prop up a corrupt puppet regime in Kabul, which is struggling to exercise authority over more than a few major cities, is deeply reviled by wide sections of the population, and is losing ground to the Taliban. Just last month, Taliban fighters carried out their bloodiest attack on the Afghan army since 2001, killing upwards of 200 soldiers.

The $80 million redirected by the Pentagon to Syria helped continue to fund a US training program to create a Sunni militia capable of fighting ISIS and ousting Assad. The program proved to be an unmitigated disaster, managing to train only 150 of the original target of 5,000 fighters. Most of these fighters were captured by al-Qaida or other groups when they were sent into Syria, or deserted.

This setback only caused Washington to intervene even more aggressively, first by funneling aid through its Gulf allies and the CIA to Jihadi proxy forces to wage war in Syria, and later by bolstering the presence of US ground forces. Under President Trump, the number of US ground forces in Syria has more than doubled and he has relaxed restrictions on airstrikes, leading to a dramatic spike in civilian casualties.

The sharpest criticism of the Pentagons slush fund came from Navy officials, who described the surplus built up by the Pentagon as a bishops fund.

The Post noted that the Defense Logistics Agency, the body responsible for selling fuel, sets a fixed price which is often substantially higher than the commercial rate and is intended to remain in place for a year. Before 2009, no major discrepancies arose, but from 2010 onwards, the DLA began setting prices at levels sometimes $1 per barrel above the commercial rate.

A review of Pentagon purchasing data found that the branches of the armed forces had been charged $23 billion more for fuel between 2010 and 2016 than commercial airlines would have paid.

While Pentagon officials acknowledged that around three-quarters of this covered additional costs, such as specialized fuel requirements and overheads, this still left a $5.9 billion surplus. The only time Congress appears to have directly intervened was in 2015, when it requested the Pentagon to return $1 billion to reflect reduced fuel prices.

The Defense Departments use of such a fund to meet the costs of military operations is only the latest example of the increasing ability of the military-intelligence apparatus to act outside of any accountability to Congress. Despite the US gargantuan defense budget, which dwarfs those of all of its nearest competitors, the Pentagon has over recent years taken advantage of accounting methods to allocate tens of billions more in funding to military operations beyond the funds approved by Congress.

Under the Obama administration, Democrats and Republicans included a so-called parity regulation as part of their 2011 budget deal which stipulated that any increase in defense spending had to be accompanied by a corresponding rise in domestic budgets. To avoid this requirement, the Pentagon increasingly relied on Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO) funding, which is designed to cover the costs of foreign wars. Reports suggest that the Pentagon now uses $30 billion of OCO annually to supplement its base budget.

Such developments could only take place under conditions where there is a bipartisan consensus to retain the US military as a force capable of waging war around the globe. Both the Democrats and Republicans, speaking on behalf of the super-rich oligarchy in the United States, are fully committed to the increasing resort to military violence in a desperate bid to offset Washingtons economic decline and retain its hegemonic position against its geopolitical rivals in every region of the world. Under conditions in which Washington has been waging virtually uninterrupted war for a quarter-century, the maintenance of even a semblance of democratic control over the militarys operations is increasingly impossible.

President Obama initiated the US intervention in Syria, expanded the US presence in Iraq and Afghanistan, launched air and drone strikes on at least eight countries across the Middle East and North Africa, and facilitated the bloody Saudi onslaught on Yemen, where tens of thousands of civilians have died.

In a revealing finding that shows how routine the waging of war has become for the US military, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) reported that the Pentagons accounting systems do not recognize a difference between wartime operations and routine expenditure, which was traditionally covered by the base defense budget.

The GAO wrote that the Defense Department internally reallocated $146 billion in operations and maintenance (O&M) funding between 2009 and 2015, but added, [T]he effects of such realignments on base obligations were not readily apparent because DOD did not report its O&M base obligations to Congress separately from its O&M overseas contingency operations (OCO) obligations used to support war-related programs and activities.

Even greater sums of money are to be allocated to the military under Trumps budget proposal, to which the Democrats have offered virtually no opposition, of an annual defense spending increase of $54 billion, equivalent to almost 10 percent of the existing budget. Such additional funds will pay for the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East, where the US is seeking to maintain its dominance over one of the most energy-rich regions of the world against its chief rivals, Russia and China.

On Friday, Defense Secretary James Mattis put forward a plan for the waging of war by the US across a region stretching from Central Asia to West Africa. Presented as a fight against Jihadi terrorism, it is in reality only one step in the global military strategy of US imperialism, which carries the increasing risk of triggering a catastrophic world war between the major powers.
New York authorities issued an Amber Alert for 12-year-old McKenzie Wilson after she was abducted early in the morning. Police said two teenage boys were wanted in connection with the kidnapping.

McKenzie went missing from her home in Lyndon, a small town in Cattaraugus County, New York, at around 5 a.m. EDT. Police said Joshua Monette, 18, and John Harvey, 16, stole a red Chevy Silverado pickup before taking the girl, according to WHAM-TV.

Read: Teenagers Who Stole Car And Killed 6-Year-Old Charged With Capital Murder

Police said its possible the two boys took Wilson under circumstances that made them believe she was in imminent danger of serious bodily harm or death.

McKenzie was described as having straight blonde hair and blue eyes, 56 tall and about 100 pounds. The red truck had New York license plates with the tag CZA5836, an extended cab and a black bowtie on the front grill.

Both boys were believed to be armed with handguns. Monette was described as 62 and 140 pounds with short black hair and brown eyes, wearing a camouflage jacket, blue jeans, boots, a black shirt and carrying a black duffel bag. Harvey was described as having brown hair. Police said the truck was last seen traveling southeast and might be heading for the Allegany Mountains.

Police urged the public to be on the lookout for the truck and said anyone with information should call (866)NYS-AMBER or 911.

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Ancient tooth fossils found in Europe may represent a new chapter in the human origin story.

The fossils, which date back more than 7 million years, belonged to an ape-like creature named Graecopithecus freybergi, researchers hypothesized in two new papers. A lower jaw bone and upper premolar were found in Greece and Bulgaria, respectively.

The findings suggest that humans split off from great apes several hundred thousand years earlier than previously thought, according to research published this week in the journal PLOS ONE.

SEE ALSO: Humans may have lived in the Americas 130,000 years ago, far earlier than thought

If true, that would mean the first pre-humans developed in Mediterranean Europe  not in sub-Saharan Africa, which is widely considered the birthplace of early humans.

Still, the studies alone aren't enough to rewrite the story of humankind's beginnings.

"Do NOT steal my thunder," says Lucy, the early human ancestor found in present-day Ethiopia.

Image: tim boyle/Getty Images

Outside experts say they are deeply skeptical of the research. They argue the evidence is still too thin to upend decades' worth of fossil and genetic discoveries in Africa.

"The new claims about Graecopithecus need to be treated with a good deal of caution," Darren Curnoe, an associate professor at the University of New South Wales Sydney, wrote in an opinion piece for The Conversation.

"I'm open to the idea that early humans lived beyond Africa, but Graecopithecus falls well short of proving it," he said.

Many researchers assume that human and ape lineages diverged some 5 to 7 million years ago. Charles Darwin initially surmised that humans evolved in Africa, because that's the home of humans' closest ape relatives, chimpanzees and gorillas.

The oldest potential pre-human, a 6- to 7-million-year old named Sahelanthropus, was found in present-day Chad. But the Graecopithecus  nicknamed "El Graeco"  may be even older, according to an international team of researchers.

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The Bulgarian premolar dates back some 7.24 million years ago, and the Greek jaw fossil dates back 7.175 million years ago, they said.

A 7.24-million-year-old upper premolar of Graecopithecus from Azmaka, Bulgaria.

Image: Wolfgang Gerber, University of Tubingen

The teams were led by Madelaine Bohme from the Senckenberg Center for Human Evolution and Palaeoenvironment in Germany and Nikolai Spassov from the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences.

Researchers used computer tomography to take cross-sections of the two fossils. They found the roots of premolars were widely fused, a feature that is characteristic of modern humans, early humans, and several pre-human ancestors. Great apes, by contrast, have two or three separate and diverging premolar roots.

The lower jaw fossil also had additional dental root features that suggested its owner belonged to the pre-human lineage.

"We were surprised by our results, as pre-humans were previously known only from sub-Saharan Africa," Jochen Fuss, a doctoral student at the University of Tubingen in Germany who conducted this part of the study, said in a press release.

But Curnoe, the skeptical professor, said studying just one feature  dental roots  on a small number of fossils wasn't enough to prove El Graeco was on Team Human, not Team Ape.

"While our place in the tree of life is now well established  chimpanzees being our closest relatives  the beginning of the human line millions of years ago continues to be shrouded in mystery," he noted.
Sigourney Weaver, Yaphet Kotto, and Harry Dean Stanton react to the appearance of the chestburster in a screencap from Alien. (1979)

One of the most visceral shocks in movie history is the moment when a newborn alien explodes out of John Hurts torso in Alien (1979). In an homage to that scene, which uniquely combined the horrors of childbirth, parasites, and irritable bowel syndrome, the new prequel Alien: Covenant contains multiple body-bursting aliens. The effect is as gruesome and frightening as it was nearly 40 years ago, when it involved a hand puppet, gallons of fake blood, buckets of real animal organs, and a cast of genuinely astonished actors. Heres how the original chestburster scene in Alien came to be.

Watch the original scene (warning: disturbing and violent imagery):

The monstrous moment takes place at the halfway point of Alien, signaling the films shift from suspenseful sci-fi thriller into full nightmare mode. Earlier in the story, the seven-person crew of the commercial spaceship Nostromo makes a brief landing on an unknown planet in order to investigate a distress signal. There, they discover remnants of alien life, including what appear to be eggs. An insectoid creature bursts out from one of those eggs and latches on to the face of executive officer Kane (Hurt). The other crew members are unsuccessful in detaching the facehugger, but a few hours after Kane returns to the ship, it scurries away on its own, leaving the officer unharmed.

Or so it seems. Later, during a genial crew meal, Kane begins retching and then convulsing in agonizing pain. As his shipmates reach out to help him, blood suddenly spurts from his chest, and a wormlike creature with razor-sharp teeth  born from the egg laid in Kanes stomach by the facehugger  emerges from his twitching corpse. The alien hisses and runs off, as the crew (including Ripley, played by Sigourney Weaver) watches in shock.

The chestburster was a defining moment in Alien from the beginning; producers David Giler and Walter Hill have both said that the scene is what sold them on the script. Reportedly, co-screenwriter Dan OBannon was inspired by a terrible incident of food poisoning, as well as the life cycle of the parasitic wasp (whose eggs are laid inside, and then hatch out of, other living insects).

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However, the script never described the creature in detail. For inspiration, director Ridley Scott pointed concept designer H.R. Giger to a 1944 Francis Bacon painting called Three Studies for Figures at the Base of a Crucifixion. One of the [figures] has just teeth and red flesh, Giger, who is Swiss, said in a DVD featurette. [Scott] liked to have the chestburster like that. And I did some designs that looked something like chickens without feathers, that he was not happy with. In fact, Scott told Cinefex, he liked the design on paper, but when creature maker Roger Dicken constructed a model, he saw a plucked, demented turkey  all wrinkled and ancient-looking, like some malevolent Muppet. For the next version, Dicken and Scott pared the design down to the basics, including a body modeled on the sleek head of the grown alien. Finally, said Giger, we had only the head and the tail, and that was enough.

The chestburster as it appears in Alien.

When it came time to shoot the chestburster scene, excitement was in the air; everyone knew that it was a big moment. As to what, exactly, would happen, Scott kept Hurts co-stars in the dark. All it said in the script was, This thing emerges, Weaver explained to Empire magazine in 2009. The cast began their morning by shooting the start of the dinner scene, when Kane begins convulsing on the table and bleeding through his shirt. Special effects supervisor Nick Allder threaded a pipe under Hurts clothing, attached to a blood pack and a squib, in order to get the effect of spontaneous bleeding. On the first take, the explosion of blood was unexpectedly powerful, lifting up Hurts shirt  and making it look as if the creature was trying to push through from underneath. That accidental shot made the final cut.

After Scott got his shots of Kane bleeding and the crew reacting, he sent all the actors except Hurt to their dressing rooms for several hours. Were sitting upstairs and nobody knows what the hell is going on. Harry Dean [Stanton] is sitting in the hall playing his guitar, Veronica Cartwright, who played Lambert, told Empire. Meanwhile, the effects team set up the shot. A prosthetic chest was placed on the table where Hurt had been lying.

A panel was removed in the table so that Hurt could sit underneath it and put his head and shoulders through, making it look like the fake chest was part of his actual body. Also underneath the table were creature maker and puppeteer Roger Dicken; the chestburster puppet; a hydraulic ram that would push the puppet through Kanes chest; and a compressed blood machine, with hoses that would spurt blood from the body. The fake chest was packed with real animal organs, obtained from a local butcher and sanitized with formaldehyde by art director Roger Christian. Hurt was given wine and cigarettes to keep him occupied throughout the tedious setup.

An effects test for the chestburster puppet:

Finally, the actors were summoned back to the set. Everyone was wearing raincoats  we should have been a little suspicious, Weaver told Empire. By the time they take us down to the set, the entire thing is shrouded in plastic, they have huge big buckets of offal sitting around, the place smells like formaldehyde like you wouldnt believe it, Cartwright said in the 2003 DVD featurette The Eighth Passenger: Creature Design. We were all wondering what the hell was going on, Yaphet Kotto, who played Parker, told Empire. Why is the crew looking at us the way theyre looking at us right now? Why are they wearing plastic shields?

It was a much publicized fact that the cast didnt know what was going to happen, Hurt noted in The Eighth Passenger. Well, of course they knew what was going to happen; they knew that the alien was going to arrive that way. What they didnt know is that it was going to be capped with little explosives, and that when it actually burst through there would be quite a shattering explosion and that theyd all get splattered with blood and stuff.

Four cameras were running to capture the scene from every angle. There were a few false starts when the creature couldnt break through because the T-shirt wouldnt rip. (There was quite a long time as one prop man underneath the table kept pushing this alien on a stick saying, Is it coming through yet?  Can you see it? Is it coming through? Hurt joked in the featurette.)

Then all of a sudden, it worked  a little too well. As the creature burst out of Kanes chest, jets of blood squirted everywhere, startling the actors. They had instinctively leaned over Hurts body as they tried to help his character, and now they jumped back, dodging the blood. Cartwright got the worst of it, and her genuine shock ended up in the movie. They told me Id get a little blood on my face. And they had an entire jet pointed at me, she said on the Alien audio commentary. When she was hit in the face, she lunged backwards, tripped over a banquette, and flipped onto the floor (which no doubt led to the urban legend that Cartwright fainted).

After the big reveal, the creature made its getaway, puppeteered by Dicken on a wheeled dolly. And that was it. The whole scene was shot in one morning.

Much as those blood jets surprised the actors, the chestburster scene stunned audiences when Alien opened in 1979. On the DVD featurette A Nightmare Fulfilled: Reaction to the Film, actor Tom Skerritt (who played Dallas) recalled a story that Ridley Scott told him: One theater owner said that the chestburster scene really messed up our bathrooms, and said he cut it out of the film in order to cut down on clean-up. Another Alien legend says that theater audiences at an early Dallas screening began running and fainting after the chestburster scene, though former Fox exec Alan Ladd Jr. said it didnt exactly happen that way. People were too stunned at that moment  they didnt react, Ladd said in the featurette. The chestburster was just the first indication of the horrors to come, and audiences became progressively more terrified as the film went on.

The parody chestburster scene in the Mel Brooks comedy Spaceballs (1987):

Some of that primal terror is gone now, since audiences have seen the scene parodied so many times (notably by Hurt himself in Mel Brooks Spaceballs, above) and fans can purchase a cuddly plush chestburster from Thinkgeek. But the original scene still packs a (literal) gut punch. No matter how many chest-, back-, and throat-bursters Ridley Scott packs into his Alien sequels, audiences will never forget their first time.

Spoiler video! Alien: Covenant star on becoming the first facehugger victim:





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By Noah Browning DUBAI (Reuters) - Bahraini security forces on Tuesday raided the home of the kingdom's Shi'ite Muslim spiritual leader and shot dead at least one demonstrator during the operation. Ayatollah Isa Qassim was not among the 50 people arrested during the raid, but the move is likely to raise tensions in Bahrain days after U.S. President Donald Trump said Washington's relationship with the Sunni-ruled kingdom - long strained over its human rights record - would improve. "The operation in Diraz was based on intel that several fugitives connected to serious acts of terrorism and the killing of a policeman were harbored in the village," a security official told Reuters, adding that six people were arrested from the cleric's home. Bahrain's interior ministry issued a statement later saying that five people had died during the raid and 286 had been arrested. Qassim faces expulsion from the kingdom after authorities revoked his citizenship last year for alleged links to Iran and fomenting violence, charges he has denied. Rights activists say the revocation of Qassim's citizenship was part of a crackdown by the Sunni-ruled kingdom on the mainly Shi'ite Muslim opposition which had been seeking a greater say in running the country. The interior ministry said 50 people were arrested in total in the Diraz operation. Activists identified the man shot and killed by birdshot as Mohammed Zein al-Deen and said dozens more were hurt or suffered tear gas inhalation. The operation took place two days after a Bahraini court convicted Qassim of financial corruption and sentenced him to a suspended one-year jail term, but the security source said the raid did not target the cleric. Ebtasam Alsaegh, from the neighbouring village of Bani Jamra, said mosques were calling residents on to the streets to protect Qassim. "The situation is terrifying. ... It's making people really angry and the young men are taking to the streets. The mosque speakers are calling out 'God is Great', urging people to come out and protect Sheikh Qassim," she said by phone. U.S. DETENTE In 2011, Bahrain crushed an uprising by the majority Shi'ite community. The government believes the opposition seeks to overthrow it by force and says Iran has aided in deadly militant attacks on security forces. An Iranian foreign ministry spokesman condemned the raid and said the Bahraini government "will be the responsible for all consequences." Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said the raid was a consequence of Trump's visit to Riyadh over the weekend during which the U.S. leader singled out Tehran as a sponsor of militant groups, comments that aligned with the views of predominantly Sunni Saudi Arabia. Zarif tweeted: "First concrete result of POTUS (Trump) cozying up to despots in Riyadh: Deadly attack on peaceful protesters by emboldened Bahrain regime." Bahraini MP Abdullah bin Huwail said in a statement that the security operation showed the government's resolve to confront an Iranian-backed security threat. "Some areas in Diraz village had transformed into a teeming sanctuary embracing terrorists, saboteurs and fugitives from justice," said bin Huwail, the head of the parliamentary council on national foreign affairs, defense and security council. "There is no dialogue with terrorism and terrorists, especially if the goal is to advance suzerainty on the part of the Iranian regime." In Riyadh, Trump said Washington's relations with Bahrain were set to improve, after tensions with his predecessor, Barack Obama, over the kingdom's rights record. Bahrain denies any discrimination or systematic excessive use of force. Human Rights Watch condemned the Diraz raid as a crackdown on free expression. It said it was no coincidence it occurred two days after a "convivial" meeting between Trump and King Hamad. (Additional reporting by Tom Finn and Bozorgmehr Sharafedin,; Editing by Richard Lough and Jonathan Oatis)
Ilfenesh Hadera (Photo: Getty Images)

While most casting announcements happen in the trades, news of Ilfenesh Haderas biggest role to date was broken on Instagram when Dwayne the Rock Johnson wrote a post saying shed be playing his love interest in Baywatch. Smart and tougher than new rope..just the way we like em, he shared with his 87 million followers. The significance wasnt lost on Hadera  but the meaning was, at first.

Tough as new rope: I had to sit for a split second and figure out exactly what that meant. Oh, new rope. Nothings cutting through that. Hes calling me super tough. It felt great. I dont know that its entirely true. I have my moments of weakness, the actress tells Yahoo Style.

Lack of willpower isnt one of them. Hadera, a born-and-bred New Yorker, has a major soft spot for pizza and bagels  had two months to prep for wearing that signature red swimsuit. I worked at it, she says. I always went to the gym and ate pretty healthy, but I started working out with a trainer. I went to Chelsea Piers to feel my most comfortable in water. I watched the food, watched the alcohol. And folks, she feels your pain about cutting back on the libations. Its not the easiest thing to cut out, but its the easiest way to cut your calories, Hadera explains.

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For the red one-piece suit, she flew to Savanna, Ga., for a fitting, as it was custom-made for her. I felt good, she says. It was after Id already been working out for two months, so I felt strong.

Hadera felt the same way throughout the movie shoot. Never having set out to be a waif in a bikini, she says she didnt want to be skinny for the role. Rather, she says, I wanted to look like a woman who was capable of hauling a grown man out of the water. I wanted to look strong.

A post shared by Baywatch Movie (@baywatchmovie) on May 5, 2017 at 7:00am PDT

Hadera not only brings a different body ideal to the rebooted Baywatch as Stephanie Holden, but diversity as well; her character was originally played by Alexandra Paul, who is white. And the film isnt your usual all-white summer offering with a token person of color cast as the kooky best friend. South Asian superstar Priyanka Chopra is the drug-dealing villain  in a role originally written for a man. Other key roles went to Hannibal Buress and Amin Joseph.

To Hadera, none of it feels forced. Its such a wonderfully diverse cast, and doesnt need to be, she says. I was just excited to be one of the leads in the movie, period. Hadera was raised in a diverse community and is the daughter of an Ethiopian man and white woman. I dont feel necessarily that Ive been excluded because of what I look like from roles. Maybe thats naive of me. Im working, and Ive been working, says Hadera. I dont feel like Ive suffered in terms of jobs. I feel fine.

True that  shes starring in the mid-season ABC FBI crime procedural Deception, appeared on Showtimes financial series Billions, and has a recurring role on Spike Lees series Shes Gotta Have It. . I can buy another Chloe bag and not feel like I have to worry about paying rent for a few months, she says.

#Repost @KellyRohrbach  Boys drool, girls rule ???? BAES @ilfenator @alexannadaddario #BAYWATCH A post shared by Baywatch Movie (@baywatchmovie) on Apr 18, 2016 at 5:10pm PDT

Right now though, shes excited about Baywatch, which she calls a perfect escapist summer flick for these corrosive political times, regardless how you voted. As for her personal politics, just because Hadera wears a swimsuit in the movie that doesnt mean shes a pushover. Yes, she says, you can reconcile showing skin with being a strong female.

Why not? Why do the two have to be mutually exclusive? Youre a feminist, or you wear a bathing suit. Pick one, she says. I am a strong woman, and its my body and I am allowed to do this. Because this is my body and I have the right to do with [it] what I please, doesnt that make me a stronger woman?

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There has already been two coaching changes halfway through the NFL season with Indianapolis firing Frank Reich this week four weeks after Carolina did the same to Matt Rhule. The NFL had a record-tying 10 coaching changes last offseason and three-quarters of the teams have changed head coaches at least once in the past five years. Here's a look at some coaches who figure to be on the hot seat if things don't turn around in the second half of the season and some assistants who could be in line for head coaching jobs.
President Donald Trump released his $4.1 trillion budget plan Tuesday, a bundle of requests titled A New Foundation for American Greatness. Within the plan were $3.6 trillion in federal spending cuts spanning the next decade in a multitude of federal areas.

While its unclear if any of the proposals outlined in the administrations plan will go into effect, Tuesdays budget was the first step in setting spending levels for the federal government, formally outlining the strategies the administration hoped to employ in the coming years.

Some of the most major and surprising cuts and requests are listed below.

Medicaid cuts: Trumps budget, operating on the assumption that the Republican health care bill would officially pass, proposed slashing funding for Medicaid by 47 percent. The governments health program for the poor would be out $800 billion over the next ten years. Privatization of air traffic control: Trump's plan proposed creating a non-government entity tasked with managing air traffic for the entire nation. The outline said that privatizing the nation's air traffic program would reduce aviation passenger taxes and create a more efficient airspace. Cuts to the national food stamp program: The Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program, colloquially known as the food stamp program, aimed at assisting the hungry throughout the nation, would be cut by $200 billion. Food stamps are paid for entirely through federal funding, so such slashing the budget for the program by 25 percent would be significant. Call for higher road tolls: The plan would ease current rules that restrict tolling on interstate highways. It would instead transfer power to the states, allowing them to assess their transportation needs to determine whether tolls are necessary and for what amount. The budget also said it would support a switch to the privatization of construction, operation and maintenance of rest areas throughout the United States. Cuts to disability benefits: The budget would cut funding for federal disability insurance provided through Social Security program by $72 billion. White House budget director Mick Mulvaney justified the cuts in March when he said that disability insurance was not part of what people think of when they think of Social Security. Cuts to cancer research programs: In a number of areas, Trumps budget would slash funding for the nations health and science programs. The National Cancer Institutes budget would be cut by $1 billion, while the National Institute of Health budget would drop by more than $5 billion. The National Science Foundation would be hit with an 11 percent cut, eliminating $776 million in funding. The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institutes budget would be cut by $575 million, while the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases would be cut by $838 million. Many of the programs in each department are geared toward areas like cancer research and climate change research.

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Photo: Getty Images

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Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell during a Wednesday interview with Reuters in Washington, D.C. (Photo: Joshua Roberts/Reuters)

WASHINGTON  The House-passed health care overhaul would result in 23 million fewer Americans having insurance while shaving a relatively meager $119 billion from the deficit by 2026, according to the Congressional Budget Office. The bill would lower average premiums over 10 years, but potentially push people with preexisting medical conditions out of the market entirely.

The American Health Care Act (AHCA) was changed at the last minute to let states seek waivers that would allow insurance companies to sell policies that dont include some health benefits, like maternity care, and to charge more for people with preexisting health conditions. House leadership added $8 billion to the bill to fund high-risk pools for people with preexisting conditions, as a response to critics who said the legislation would price people with preexisting conditions out of the market.

But the CBO report said those funds would do little to keep down premiums for people with preexisting conditions  and noted that sicker people would not be able to afford insurance in many states. Out-of-pocket expenses for maternity care and mental health and substance abuse services could also increase by thousands of dollars each year for people who purchase insurance on the individual markets in states that take those waivers, the CBO predicted.

House Speaker Paul Ryan defended the score in a statement Wednesday, saying the CBO proved the bill achieves our mission because it would lower the deficit and premiums compared to Obamacare. Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price criticized the score as wrong in a statement.

The dismal CBO score could stir up more dissent among Senate Republicans who have spent weeks attempting to hash out their own health care deal behind closed doors.

I dont know how we get to 50 [votes] at the moment, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell told Reuters earlier Wednesday. But thats the goal.

A key moderate in the caucus, Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, released a statement that said the AHCA unfortunately would not improve health care access and urging her colleagues to find bipartisan path forward on reform. (McConnell said Tuesday he doesnt plan to reach out to Democrats on health care because they are not interested.) Unfortunately, the CBO estimates that 23 million Americans would lose insurance coverage over the next decade, and the impact would disproportionately affect older, low-income Americans, Collins wrote. In addition, for a 64-year old with an income of $26,500, the out-of-pocket premium cost could soar from $1,700 to as high as $16,100, an 850 percent increase.

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Senate Democrats wasted little time using the new CBO score to blast the AHCA. Connecticut Sen. Chris Murphy said in a tweet that the score confirms that the GOP health bill is still a humanitarian catastrophe. California Sen. Kamala Harris tweeted that the CBO had confirmed that House bill was just as terrible as we thought it was.

In March, the CBO found an earlier version of the AHCA would have resulted in 24 million fewer Americans having health care coverage and $150 billion in deficit reduction over 10 years compared with Obamacare.

That uninsured figure fueled a wave of outrage at town halls across the country in March and April, and having it back in the headlines again could be toxic for the delicate negotiations on the subject in the Senate. Democrats are likely to wield the CBO score as a potent political weapon against Republicans, with one GOP group already launching a $2 million ad buy coinciding with the CBO score release this week to defend vulnerable House Republicans from those attacks. Only 21 percent of Americans support the AHCA, according to one recent poll, and a CBO score showing millions losing coverage is also unlikely to boost the plans overall popularity.

Theoretically, I can see it scaring off lots of people, said Liz Mair, a Republican political operative, adding that GOP moderates as well as fiscal hawks could be spooked by the score.

Senate Republicans have been meeting three times a week to hammer out their own version of legislation designed to repeal and replace Obamacare. But the task is formidable, since McConnell needs at least 50 of the Senates 52 Republicans  moderates and conservatives  to agree on the politically risky plan. And so far, the Senate group has not put forward any new ideas that would result in significantly higher coverage numbers than the AHCA.

Demonstrators at the U.S. Capitol after the House passed the AHCA. (Photo: Kevin Lamarque/Reuters)

Wednesdays CBO score underscores the political risk senators are taking on health care, since it will be tough for lawmakers to defend a bill that could result in 23 million fewer people having insurance with just $119 billion in deficit savings to show for it. Fourteen million fewer people would have health care in 2018 if the bill becomes law, potentially affecting the midterm elections.

Mair predicted Sens. Rand Paul, R-Ky., Mike Lee, R-Utah, Ted Cruz, R-Texas, Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., and Ben Sasse, R-Neb., would all likely object to lower predicted deficit savings in the House bill. (Lee and Cruz are part of the 13-person Senate working group tackling the health care issue.)

Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., speaks to reporters in April. (Photo: J. Scott Applewhite/AP)

The CBO score also could lead some Republicans to decide they want to keep more of Obamacares taxes in the Senate bill in order to fund higher tax credits for people who want to buy insurance, Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., told Yahoo News before the score came out. That would potentially drive down the high uninsured number.

I think whats going to happen is theres probably a dozen Republicans in the Senate who want more subsidies for people, they want to keep more of the Obamacare subsidies, he said. But I think theyre going to find out when the CBO scores it that theres not much money they have to play with and that they would have to actually keep some of the Obamacare taxes.

But if Republicans go that route, they could lose Senate conservatives, like Paul, who were pushing for a full repeal of Obamacare.

Republican leadership in the Senate will likely dismiss any furor over the CBO score Wednesday as irrelevant, since they are crafting their own bill that will be different from the AHCA. But lawmakers say they are likely keeping many of the key aspects of the House bill  including its Medicaid cuts and tax credit structure to purchase insurance on the individual market.

When we get that score, well use that as a backdrop against which to plan some of our Senate options, Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., said Tuesday. Its instructive because theres some things well build on that the House did.

The Senate version of health care reform must achieve the same deficit reduction as the House version in order for it to pass by reconciliation, a procedure that would allow lawmakers to enact the bill on a bare majority without needing to attract any Democratic votes.

Meanwhile, Democrats are likely to seize upon the CBO score to remind their base that Republicans are attempting to push through a law that is unpopular in the polls and could result in millions of Americans losing health care.

This health care bill is morally bankrupt and a disaster for children, middle class families, seniors and individuals with disabilities, said Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa., in a statement. And all of this  the higher costs and reduced protections for families  are done in order to finance a massive tax cut for the wealthiest.

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China and Russia on Monday launched an ambitious project to jointly develop a long-haul jet to challenge Boeing and Airbus, just two weeks after the successful test flight of the first made-in-China large passenger plane.

State-run Chinese manufacturer Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) and Russia's United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) said they formally established the previously announced joint venture in Shanghai on Monday.

Plans for the wide-body jet were first unveiled last June when visiting Russian President Vladimir Putin met China's Xi Jinping in Beijing, and Chinese state media have previously quoted officials saying the project could be worth between $13 billion and $20 billion.

"The establishment of the joint-venture company symbolises the important progress made in the China-Russia long-range wide-body passenger aircraft project," COMAC chairman Jin Zhuanglong said in a statement.

"We will cooperate sincerely with UAC, unite as one, and strive to make the .... project a model of Sino-Russian cooperation."

China had already logged a key milestone in the country's ambitious journey to compete with the world's leading aircraft makers in early May with the test flight in Shanghai of COMAC's narrow-body C919 jet.

The 168-seat C919, built for shorter regional routes, represents nearly a decade of effort in a government-mandated drive to reduce dependence on European consortium Airbus and US aerospace giant Boeing.

Airbus and Boeing dominate China's market for passenger jets, which is growing in leaps and bounds as travel demand by Chinese consumers skyrockets.

Aviation analysts, while acknowledging the C919 as a technical milestone for China, have warned that it faces a tough task challenging against Boeing and Airbus, with their deep market penetration and long history of performance.

- Chinese travel takes off -

But with the China-Russia jet, which Chinese media reports say will be called the 929, Beijing will have the benefit of working with UAC, parent of passenger-jet manufacturer Sukhoi and other established Russian aviation brands.

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COMAC's statement said the aircraft will be able to seat 280 passengers and have a range of 12,000 kilometres (7,450 miles).

That would put it in direct competition with Boeing's 787 and the Airbus A350.

China's state-run Global Times newspaper late last year quoted UAC president Yury Slyusar as saying the project would be worth between $13 billion and $20 billion, with each side contributing half.

In Monday's joint statement, Slyusar said the project is "testimony to China and Russia's determination to engage in long-term cooperation".

COMAC said last year the planned jet could take its first flight in seven years, with deliveries beginning three years after that.

Previous Chinese aerospace projects have suffered lengthy delays.

China is expected to become the world's largest aviation market within several years, and President Xi has stressed the importance of Chinese-made jets handling much of that growing traffic.

Airbus has estimated China will need nearly 6,000 new planes worth $945 billion in the next two decades, with Boeing's forecast even more optimistic at more than $1 trillion.





 Agence France-Presse
Former FBI Director James Comey had lower job approval ratings than that of President Donald Trump in the latest Harvard-Harris Poll, the Hill reported Monday. The president fired Comey on May 9 over his handling of the investigation into Democrat Hillary Clintons email scandal.

According to the poll whose results were released to the Hill, 60 percent of voters disapproved of Comeys job at the bureau compared to 40 percent who approved it. Moreover, 70 percent expressed disapproval over the way Comey probed Clintons email scandal. His favorability rating was 31 percent positive compared to 39 percent negative, the Hill reported, citing poll results.

The polling on Comey shows that President Trump is more in trouble for the way he fired Comey rather than for removing him, Mark Penn, co-director of the Harvard-Harris survey, told the news outlet.

Separately, Trumps job approval rating touched a new low in the poll, the Hill reported. According to the survey, the presidents job approval rating declined to 45 percent currently from 49 percent in March.

The poll, taken at the height of the Comey frenzy, shows a weakening hand as would be expected, Penn said.

However, most of the people who voted for Trump still supported him. He is holding on to 90 percent of his voters and his ratings are still above approval ratings for both the Democratic and Republican parties, Penn said.

Furthermore, the president also had a job approval rating of 85 percent among all Republicans. About 54 percent of registered voters and 63 percent of independents maintained their disapproval over Trumps move of firing Comey.

The poll also found 59 percent of voters believed that Trump indeed asked Comey to put an end to the probe into former National Security Adviser Michael Flynns connections with Russia. However, 52 percent of voters said they did not think Russia and Trumps campaign conspired during the 2016 presidential election, which swayed the poll in favor of the 70-year-old.

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Meanwhile, Trump's critics have been calling for his impeachment due to the controversies surrounding him. About 66 percent of Democrats said in the poll they think the president will be ousted. However, most independents and Republicans believed Trump will continue to remain in the office.

Right now nearly 60 percent believe impeachment will go nowhere, though a majority of Democrats think it will and so either that will happen or there is great potential for a boomerang among non-Democrats and disappointment among the party base, Penn was quoted in the report.

Apart from this, 73 percent of voters said they wanted Robert Mueller, the newly appointed special counsel, to probe Trumps allegations that his predecessor Barack Obama wiretapped Trump Towers ahead of the 2016 election. Trump made the allegation against Obama March 4 saying he would prove the former president indeed spied on him before the voting.

The survey was conducted between May 17 and May 20. Nearly 2,006 registered voters participated in it. Thirty-six percent of the voters were Democrats, 32 percent Republicans, 29 percent independent and 3 percent others.

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The road from the battlefield to steady employment at a major company can be littered with landminesI should know. After serving for five years in the U.S. Army and making a quick detour into advertising, I eventually graduated from Columbia Journalism School and now work as a reporter and producer for Yahoo Finance. However, many veterans arent so lucky. According to a recent report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 453,000 veterans were unemployed in 2016. Of those, 36% were between the ages of 25-44.

Many new vets grapple with substandard transitional programs, predatory for-profit educational institutions that squander hard-won GI Bill benefits, and an ongoing struggle to reconcile mission-based military service with the financially-driven private sector.

Ahead of Memorial Day, I spoke with Mike Schindler, a US Navy veteran and the author of U.S. Veterans in the Workforce: Why the 7% are Americas Greatest Asset, about what companies should know before hiring veterans and why they make good employees. In our conversation and in his book, mission over money emerged as a major theme for veterans transitioning to the civilian workforce. Schindler also touched on different ways companies can utilize the unique experiences veterans bring to the table. A good company focuses on the value that a veteran brings to it, he said. Their traits, their experience, and how they can leverage that for success.
By Natalia Zinets KIEV (Reuters) - The head of a Ukrainian software firm tasked with building a landmark anti-corruption computer program is suspected of stealing Western funds from the project and funneling the cash overseas, General Prosecutor Yuriy Lutsenko said on Wednesday. The boss of the software company, Yuriy Novikov, strongly denied the accusation and a leading anti-graft non-governmental organization also expressed doubts about the case. The database of lawmakers' and officials' asset declarations was meant to be a cornerstone of the government's Western-backed reform drive. But the scheme has been mired in scandal, and activists say vested interests have tried to sabotage it. Novikov's company Miranda won the tender to create the database, but prosecutors say he subcontracted a university teacher and his students to build the software and stole the project's funding that had been given by the Danish government. "Novikov decided to embezzle the funds and evade taxation," Lutsenko told lawmakers during a report to parliament. "The funds that had been provided to Miranda were transferred to an account in Estonia through a fictitious company," he said. When contacted by Reuters, Novikov said the accusations from the general prosecutor's office (GPU) were "groundless." "Such a performance by the general prosecutor shows the prejudice and bias of the investigation and creates the means to pressure the court with the aim of obtaining beneficial judgments for the GPU," he said in emailed comments. DELAY Transparency International Ukraine also expressed doubts. "We are pretty skeptical of such statements because if they had grounds for such an investigation they would have stated it almost a year ago," TI Ukraine senior policy analyst Oleksandr Kalitenko told Reuters, referring to the period when the database first went online. The fraught launch in October, after months of delay, underscored the patchiness of Ukrainian efforts to deliver reforms promised to allies and the International Monetary Fund as part of a $40 billion bailout. Government ministries and state anti-corruption bodies have traded blame for the project's delays and software glitches. At its launch, Novikov rejected criticism of the website, saying a "fairly large" group of officials did not want the system to succeed. The scheme attracted fresh controversy when lawmakers approved legislation requiring NGOs to declare their wealth and income. Ukraine's Western backers and human rights groups said the new law could hamper the work of anti-corruption activists. On Wednesday, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Nils Muiznieks, published a letter addressed to the Deputy Head of the Administration of the President of Ukraine, criticizing the amendments. "I am concerned that the amendments enacted in March 2017 may single out anti-corruption NGOs, their staff and others working against corruption  including investigative journalists - by making them subject to additional and unnecessary filing requirements," Muiznieks wrote on May 2. (Writing by Alessandra Prentice; Editing by Matthias Williams and Gareth Jones)
Democratic legislators pressed Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos in her first public testimony since a contentious confirmation process.

DeVos was answering questions on the White House budget proposal in front of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services and Education. The budget proposal has been criticized by some for making deep cuts to public education to fund school choice voucher programs such as those that DeVos promoted in her home state of Michigan.

Rep. Katherine Clark, D-Mass., questioned DeVos closely on whether or not the federal government would withhold funding from schools that discriminate, citing the case of an Indiana charter whose policy said it could reject LGBT students or students who come from families with LGBT members.

For states who have programs that allow for parents to make choices, they set up the rules around that, said DeVos when asked if the federal government would intervene to stop discrimination.

Theres no situation of discrimination or exclusion that, if a state approved it for its voucher program, that you would step in and say thats not how were going to use our federal dollars? Theres no situation where if the state approved it you would put the state flexibility over our students? Clark pressed.

I think a hypothetical in this case, began DeVos.

Its not a hypothetical, interjected Clark. This is a real school applying for these dollars.

I go back to the bottom line is we believe that parents are the best equipped to make choices for their childrens schooling and education decisions, and too many children today are trapped in schools that dont work for them, said DeVos. We have to do something different. We have to do something different than continuing a top-down, one-size-fits all approach.

Im shocked you cannot come up with one example of discrimination that you would stand up for students, said Clark, as the committee chairmans gavel was banging to signal her time had expired.

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To take the federal governments responsibility out of that is just appalling and sad, said Rep. Barbara Lee, D-Calif., who then followed up Clarks line of questioning regarding discrimination.

I am not in any way suggesting that students should not be protected, said DeVos in response. The department is going to continue and will continue to investigate any complaints and any issues about allegations of discrimination.

Betsy DeVos at the hearing Wednesday. (Zach Gibson/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Rep. Mark Pocan, D-Wis., spoke about his belief that his home state served as an illustration of the failure of publicly funding vouchers for private schools. He cited Right Step Inc., a taxpayer-funded voucher school in Milwaukee, where only 7 percent of the students met English proficiency standards and none was at grade level in math. He asked DeVos if she would send her children to a school with those numbers. She avoided answering the question.

It is clear to me you do not have the necessary understanding of our education system between this proposed budget and your comments referring to public schools as a dead end and public school teachers being in receive mode, said Rep. Nita Lowey, D-N.Y.

When Lowey asked whether children with disabilities taking private school vouchers would be protected by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), DeVos again said it would be up to states.

While mostly supportive of DeVos, even Republicans on the committee were skeptical of some aspects of the proposed budget. Rep. Tom Cole, R-Okla., the subcommittees chairman, told DeVos he had a different point of view from the administration regarding its plans for large cuts in college financial aid programs for low-income students.

Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos testifies. (Alex Wong/Getty Images)

DeVos confirmation earlier this year was the most contentious of Trumps Cabinet. A billionaire who had given to Republican campaigns and super-PACS, DeVos January hearing drew a wave of constituent outreach to Senate offices across the country. During the hearing, DeVos seemed to not be familiar with IDEA, suggested schools might need guns in them as a defense against grizzly bears, did not understand a question referring to measuring proficiency versus growth and said no one in her family had attended public schools nor taken out federal loans.

Two Republican senators voted against DeVos, and Vice President Mike Pence was needed to break a 50-50 tie to confirm her.

I have serious concerns about a nominee to be secretary of education who has been so involved in one side of the equation, so immersed in the push for vouchers, that she may be unaware of what actually is successful within the public schools, and also what is broken and how to fix them, said Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, when she announced her opposition.

DeVos has drawn criticism for the departments proposed revamp of the student loan program. The head of the federal student loan program  James Runcie, an Obama appointee  resigned Tuesday night ahead of a House Oversight hearing on potential improper payments.

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US President Donald Trump attends the Arab Islamic American Summit at the King Abdulaziz Conference Centre in Riyadh on 21 May 2017: AFP/Getty Images

Donald Trump was the guest of honour at a summit in the Saudi Arabian capital of Riyadh last week attended by the kings, clerics and other representatives of 50 Muslim nations.

While the US president delivered what he said was a message of friendship and hope and love to the Arab world, it appears Mr Trump is not willing to put his money where his mouth is: on Tuesday his administration moved to slash its Middle East and North Africa aid budget by up to 80 per cent.

Mr Trump reiterated his desire to build a safer and more prosperous world, and strike the ultimate deal of Arab-Israeli peace during his four-day stint in Saudi Arabia, Israel and the West Bank, during which he paid his respects at Jerusalems holy sites.

But as he and wife Melania boarded Air Force One on the fourth and final day of the Middle East leg of his maiden trip abroad as president, back in Washington DC, 2018 fiscal year proposals released by the White House unveiled proposed drastic cuts to the US diplomacy and foreign aid budgets.

The plans, first announced in March, aim to reduce spending on the State Department and USAID by 28 per cent, while increasing funds for military programmes.

Under the budget proposals the Palestinian Territories would receive a 4.6 per cent rise for both the West Bank and Gaza - a total of $215m (168m) for fiscal year 2018 - and Israels current $3.1bn (2.4bn) security aid package preserved.

Syria, Iraq and Libya would also receive increased aid spending, the 400-page proposal says, as the administration seeks to more closely link aid with the US national security objectives.

Overall, though, Middle East and North African countries would see their assistance slashed by $850 million (656 million), estimates from thinktank the Project on Middle East Democracy said.

The planned budget acknowledges that US diplomacy engagement and aid programmes must be more efficient and more effective, and that advancing our national security, our economic interests, and our values will remain our primary mission, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said in a statement.

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Almost half of the money currently earmarked for economic development would be axed, while anti-terrorism and military training resources would be kept.

While Jordans King Abdullah is the only Middle Eastern leader to have been invited to meet the president in DC twice so far, Jordan - which hosts more than 1.4 million Syrian refugees - would have its aid slashed by 21.7 per cent.

Lebanon, where one in four of the population is now Syrian, would have its budget cut by 22.7 per cent, and Yemen - currently embroiled in a two-year-long civil war, and where the UN estimates more than half of the 27million strong population is food insecure - would see its aid reduced by 16.8 per cent.

Morocco would also be badly affected by a security assistance drop by 65 per cent and economic assistance cut by one third, as would Bahrain, which would see an 86 per cent drop in security assistance.

Other swingeing cuts target health programmes worldwide, which face a 25 per cent decrease in funding, as well as food security institutions, womens issues programmes and climate change initiatives.

Some of the savings will go towards a new $200 million (154 million) global military financial assistance budget to give the State Department the flexibility to shore up security where it sees fit, rather than tying the budget to loans and grants for specific countries.

Earlier this year more than 120 retired US generals and admirals wrote to Congress urging the body to fully fund diplomacy and foreign aid, arguing the functions were critical to keeping America safe.

Congress is highly unlikely to approve the Trump administrations proposals in their current form.

The budget plans have already faced bipartisan opposition among politicians. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham called the leaked documents dead on arrival".
Donald Trump's Environment advisor Myron Ebell arrives for a meeting at Downing Street in London, England: Getty Images

Donald Trumps administration is facing impending disaster because of its failure to ditch policies designed to reduce global warming, according to a former aide who is a leading climate science denier.

Myron Ebell was in charge of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) during the transition from Barack Obamas presidency to Mr Trumps and was important enough to be granted a visit to Downing Street after Republican billionaire took office.

He used the trip to trumpet the benefits of higher carbon dioxide levels and of [global] warming, saying they were completely minimised by the alarmist community  meaning virtually all scientists.

He also confidently told reporters that the US would withdraw from the Paris Agreement on climate change.

However Mr Trump has repeatedly delayed making a decision on Paris with leading figures in his administration, such as Defence Secretary James Mattis, Secretary of State and former oil industry mogul Rex Tillerson and his influential daughter, Ivanka Trump, all in favour of remaining a signatory.

Mr Ebell, who is director of the Centre for Energy and Environment at the Competitive Enterprise Institute and chair of the Cooler Heads Coalition, appears to have become frustrated at the pace of progress towards a full-scale climate denial stance, according to a recording of remarks he made to a private meeting of the conservative Jefferson Institute in Virginia in April.

The recording, obtained by Reuters, revealed Mr Ebell believed the President had made a number of mistakes that could, according to his mindset, delay cutting red tape.

This is an impending disaster for the Trump administration, he told the audience.

Mr Ebell said quitting the Paris Agreement, which commits countries to trying to keep global warming as close to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels as possible, and scrapping the EPAs recognition that carbon dioxide endangers public health were the two big outstanding issues.

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Its the first wave of things that are necessary to turn this country around, particularly in the heartland states, he said.

The new president doesnt have long before inertia sets in.

Many might have expected Mr Ebell to welcome the appointment of Scott Pruitt as head of the EPA, given his track record of repeatedly suing the agency he know runs while he was Oklahomas attorney-general and anti-scientific comments such as carbon dioxide does not have a warming effect.

However Mr Ebell described Mr Pruitt as an imperfect choice, saying his political ambition might get in the way of overturning the EPAs endangerment finding.

And Mr Trump had, apparently, been too balanced in appointing his officials.

Hes got people on different sides and they are all fighting over who gets these jobs and nobody has the clout except the president to say, Hey fix this, lets get this done, Mr Ebell said.

A spokesman for Mr Pruitt told Reuters he had been carrying out Mr Trumps executive orders and had led about two dozen regulatory reform actions since he took over at the EPA.

Contacted about his speech, Mr Ebell told the news agency: Pruitt was an excellent choice to head the EPA, and minor disagreements aside, his recent actions have made me even more confident that he will be an outstanding administrator.
The public needs a quick, transparent investigation into the presidents foreign entanglements. Robert Mueller will not be able to deliver that

The public needs a quick, wide-ranging, and transparent investigation. Photograph: Niall Carson/PA

Last week, the deputy attorney general, Rod Rosenstein, named the former FBI director Robert Mueller as special counsel to investigate any links and/or coordination between the Russian government and individuals associated with the campaign of President Donald Trump. Mueller may also examine any matters that arose or may arise directly from the investigation. He is empowered to prosecute federal cries arising from the investigation of these matters.

This is a very big deal, as you surely know if you have recently glanced in the general direction of any newspaper. Defenders of the rule of law had spent months calling for a special counsel. Finally, they got their wish: an special counsel focused on Trump and Russia. Trump responded by fuming and cowering in the White House.

Muellers appointment is a good thing. These extraordinary times call for a special counsel, armed with access to the FBIs investigatory arsenal. If crimes were committed, they must be punished. And given the extent to which the attorney general and his deputy are tainted by impropriety, only a special counsel could credibly oversee the FBIs probe.

That said, Mueller is no silver bullet. To the contrary, he is limited in ways that will prevent him from answering important questions in an open, timely, and transparent manner. Accordingly, while some have urged that congressional investigations (and calls for impeachment) take a back seat while Mueller works, that is the wrong conclusion. If anything, the appointment of a special counsel confirms the need for a vigorous, bipartisan congressional review of attacks on Americas political order.

The first limitation on Muellers inquiry is timing: it will take him 12 to 18 months, if not longer, to conduct an exhaustive investigation. Throughout that process, he will keep his timeline secret. It is absurd to expect the public to sit on its hands indefinitely  possibly through the 2018 midterm elections  waiting to learn whether the president and his staff will be charged with treason, perjury, espionage, obstruction or other crimes. The nation needs answers, and it needs them sooner than Mueller can deliver.

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This leads to a second issue: secrecy. If Mueller concludes that nobody should be charged with a crime, departmental custom dictates that he say little more. And if he does bring charges, he might reveal only the information necessary to prosecute those specific cases. In the end, even if he wanted to do so, it would be exceptionally difficult for Mueller to tell the public what he found and how he made his decisions.

Those decisions, moreover, are of a highly particular character, and that raises a third issue. As Leah Litman emphasizes at the Take Care blog: The jurisdiction of the special counsel is seemingly limited to investigations of criminal law, and applications of criminal law to whatever the facts may be. Thus, Mueller is not empowered to indict conduct  including evil, abusive, or immoral acts  unless that conduct is specifically covered by the criminal code.

This is not a free pass: there are powerful arguments that Trump has violated federal obstruction of justice laws. But to twist a cliche, when all you have is a hammer, everything either looks like a nail or falls out of focus. Mueller has been tasked with finding criminal acts. If he instead finds shocking abuses of power that do not amount to crimes, his duty is to keep silent. The public, though, has a right to see the full picture.

Yet another limit on Mueller is that he remains bound by justice department policies. This arguably, though not necessarily, includes internal precedent concluding that the president cannot be indicted while in office. It also includes a degree of oversight by Rosenstein  who, as Dan Hemel recently remarked, has not recused himself despite the fundamental principle that nemo iudex in causa sua: no man should be the judge (or the prosecutor) in his own case.

Notably, Rosenstein is empowered to request an explanation from Mueller for any decision  and to overrule that decision if he deems it inappropriate or unwarranted under established [Justice] Department practices. (In that event, Rosenstein must provide a written explanation to Congress.) It is also possible, though this is contested, that Trump could either repeal the special counsel regulations or order that Mueller be fired.

Finally, Mueller is vulnerable to attacks by Trump. As Reuters has reported, Trumps lawyers may use conflict of interest laws to stymie Muellers probe into Jared Kushner and Paul Manafort. Yes, you heard right: Trump could use conflict rules against his opponents. While irony has flowed freely since Trump took office, rarely has it been so finely distilled.

In addition, Trump has repeatedly denounced Muellers witch-hunt. As Bob Bauer observes, Trump has thus begun laying the foundation for moving against the investigation at some point in the future. Over time, such pressure might dull Muellers resolve, or his boldness.

Americans must therefore admit that the special counsel, though vital, cannot be their savior. The view that Mueller is looking into all this, and so we can return to our regularly scheduled programming, is mistaken. Instead, all eyes must now turn to Congress.

The bottom line is simple: our nation faces unprecedented questions about the presidents entanglement with a hostile foreign power  through his senior staff, his official campaign, his private bank account and his troubling reception of their envoy. These questions relate directly to a cyber-attack on the US electoral system and to Trumps own assault on the rule of law.

In confronting this threat, the public needs a quick, wide-ranging, and transparent investigation far more than it needs years of secrecy, possibly followed by an indictment. For that reason, it needs a governmental actor entrusted with broad powers  from subpoenas to sanctions to impeachment  to serve as its champion. In short, it needs the legislature.

Unlike a special prosecutor, Congress can check and balance (and remove) the president for reasons that transcend the metes and bounds of criminal law. It can consider, all at once, the panoply of Trumps abuses, from emoluments to the Comey firing to Russian electoral interference. It can render its own judgments on Trumps motivations, or can determine that no motives would justify Trumps acts. And it can mix political and legal considerations in assessing which of its powers is properly deployed to defend the constitution in this brave new world.

Perhaps most important, Congress can investigate openly and continuously, so that whatever conclusion it reaches is based on the latest information and a full airing of the evidence. We need to rid the executive branch of abuse, corruption, cover-ups, and foreign influence  and we need to do so in a way that proves to the public (and the world) that our democracy works.

It may be naive to hope that this Congress will live up to the task that history demands. But the nature of the constitution is to ask great things of fallible men and women. As Benjamin Franklin remarked, the framers gave us a republic, if you can keep it. We will soon learn if the American people and their leaders can rise to the challenge.
President Donald Trump speaks on the phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the Oval Office of the White House: (Getty Images)

Donald Trump reportedly told the president of the Philippines the United States has two nuclear submarines off the coast of North Korea.

The US leader was quoted as telling Rodrigo Duterte: We have two submarines  the best in the world. We have two nuclear submarines, not that we want to use them at all

Part of a leaked telephone transcript between the pair circulated online under a confidential cover sheet and comes amid rising tensions between the White House and Pyongyang.

A US official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, confirmed to the Washington Post that the document was an accurate representation of the interaction between the two leaders.

They also claimed the US President's private conversation with Mr Duterte indicated an attempt to collect as much regional support as possible in an effort to create a bulwark against the North Korean regime.

In the same phone call, the US President called Kim Jung-un a madman with nuclear weapons, days before stating publicly that he would be honoured to meet the dictator.

North Korea fired a medium-range ballistic missile in its latest test, and has indicated it is ready to begin mass production of the weapon, which is capable of reaching Japan and US bases.

In a show of force, the United States has sent the nuclear-powered USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier to waters off the Korean peninsula, where it joined the USS Michigan, a nuclear submarine that docked in South Korea in late April.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said he wanted to raise the issue of North Koreas militarisation at the G7 summit in Italy.

The leaked transcript emphasises the importance of China as a potential power against Pyongyang, and the Philippines president said at the end of the day, the last card, the ace, has to be with China.

North Korea continues to defy calls from the United Nations Security Council to halt its nuclear missile program, on the grounds that weapons are needed for defence against US aggression.

Mr Trump also praised Mr Duterte on an unbelievable job on the drug problem. The president of the Philippines has been accused of committing possible crimes against humanity for his governments war on drugs, which Amnesty International claims targets poor individuals.
By Stephanie Nebehay and Tom Miles GENEVA (Reuters) - Ethiopia's Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus won the race to be the next head of the World Health Organisation (WHO) on Tuesday, becoming the first African to lead the Geneva-based United Nations agency. The former health minister and foreign minister, who vowed to make universal health care his priority, won over half the votes from 189 member states in the first round and prevailed in a third-round ballot against Britain's David Nabarro. "It's a victory day for Ethiopia and for Africa," Ethiopia's ambassador to the U.N. in Geneva Negash Kebret Botora said. Tedros, as he is widely known, told health ministers at the WHO's annual assembly after his election: "All roads lead to universal coverage. This will be my central priority. "At present, only about a half of the world's people have access to health care without impoverishment. This needs to improve dramatically," he added. Six candidates sought to take the helm at the WHO, which is tasked with combating disease outbreaks and chronic illnesses. The WHO said Tedros had led a "comprehensive reform effort" of Ethiopia's health system, creating health centres and jobs. UNAIDS, the vaccine alliance GAVI, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price and the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers welcomed his appointment. "Tedros has the power to herald a new era in how the world prepares for and responds to epidemics, including building partnerships, strengthening public health systems, and developing new vaccines and therapies that are available to all who need them," Jeremy Farrar, director of the medical charity Wellcome Trust, said in a statement. Tedros will begin his five-year term after Margaret Chan, a former Hong Kong health director, steps down on June 30. Chan leaves a mixed legacy after her 10 years on the job, especially because of WHO's slow response to West Africa's Ebola epidemic in 2013-2016, which killed 11,300 people. In a last pitch before voting began, Tedros appealed to ministers by promising to represent their interests and to ensure more countries got top jobs at the Geneva-based WHO. "I will listen to you. I was one of you. I was in your shoes and I can understand you better," he said. Tedros was widely seen as having the support of about 50 African votes, but questions about his role in restricting human rights and Ethiopia's cover-up of a cholera outbreak surfaced late in the race, threatening to tarnish his appeal. "You now have a clear mandate. We welcome your promises on transparency, delivery and reform," said Sally Davies, Britain's medical chief officer. (Additional reporting by Kate Kelland in London; Editing by Ed Osmond and Hugh Lawson; Editing by Tom Heneghan)
A high school senior with a grade point average of 4.4 will not be allowed to walk at her own graduation this year. Why? You guessed it  her clavicles!

Summer, who attends Hickory Ridge High School in Harrisburg, North Carolina, was sitting in the school cafeteria last week when the school principal asked her to put a jacket on over her shirt.

The shirt  one of those convertible off-the-shoulder tops that are ubiquitous this season  was, per NBC Charlotte, partially exposing her shoulders and back.

SEE ALSO: Teen told to wear 'appropriate dress' starts 'Crop Top Day' instead

Summer told the principal that she thought her shirt was "fine," but she complied with the request nonetheless, quickly borrowing a jacket from a friend.

ok so this young lady, an HONORS student with MULTIPLE scholarships got suspended basically for the rest of her senior year because of this: pic.twitter.com/E264srpJCO  curly aliyah (@curlyaliyah) May 21, 2017

According to Summer's account, the principal then instructed her to go to the school's control room to change her clothes entirely. Because Summer has a tense relationship with the principal anyway, she refused, and said she'd need to wait to go anywhere with the principal until her mom was contacted. (Summer's mother had already instructed the school to contact her if Summer was being disciplined.)

"I stayed in my seat just like a lot of role models that I have looked up to stayed in their seats," Summer told NBC Charlotte in an interview. "I mean, you have to stand up for what you believe in."

Later, Summer was singled out after a school assembly. A school security guard informed her that, even though the school wasn't able to reach her mother, she could either change her clothes immediately or face arrest.

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Seems like ... an overreaction.

Now Summer's been suspended for "insubordination." She's also been barred from all end-of-year events  including walking at her own graduation.

After all, there's nothing more disruptive than a teenage girl's shoulders, right?
Manchester (United Kingdom) (AFP) - Worshippers at the mosque that the Manchester suicide bomber is believed to have frequented reacted with disbelief on Wednesday and pointed the finger at online radicalisation.

Elders at the Didsbury mosque, a Victorian former Methodist chapel, also voiced concern about reports of Islamophobic attacks since the bombing at a pop concert which killed 22 people.

"The horrific atrocity that occurred in Manchester on Monday night shocked us all. This act of cowardice has no place in our religion," said Fawzi Haffar, a trustee at the mosque, joined outside the building by members of the Muslim community.

After a minute's silence, he thanked those who had helped victims and urged people to contact police with any information about the attack.

The mosque is set in a leafy suburb of south Manchester popular with university students. It has operated since being bought in 1967 by donors from the Syrian community.

"It's one of the most popular mosques in Manchester because they preach nothing but love here," Javed Akhtar, a regular attendee, told AFP as police stood guard outside the red-brick building.

Akhtar said he had not come across Salman Abedi, the 22-year-old attacker, whose family emigrated to Manchester from Libya.

But he said: "It's unbelievable that you get a guy from here, who's been here, who's done such a terrible thing."

- 'Face of hate' -

The attack has prompted soul-searching in Britain's Muslim communities about homegrown radicals, as well as concerns about a possible backlash.

A woman arriving at the Didsbury mosque on Wednesday asked a police officer: "Are we all under arrest? We're all under suspicion, aren't we?"

Abedi's father had sometimes performed the call to prayer at the mosque and his brother Ismael had been a volunteer, according to media reports.

Haffar did not detail the attacker's relationship to the mosque, saying only that he had not been employed there.

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"Some media reports have reported that the bomber worked at Manchester Islamic Centre (Didsbury mosque) in the past. This is not true," he told journalists.

One senior figure from the mosque, Mohammed Saeed, told The Guardian that when he once gave a sermon denouncing terror, Abedi stared him down.

"Salman showed me a face of hate after that sermon," Mohammed Saeed said of the 2015 encounter. "He was showing me hatred."

- Digital jihad -

Since the attack, questions have mounted over how Abedi, born in Britain to a devoutly Muslim Libyan family, was radicalised and came to carry out a bombing claimed by the Islamic State group.

Azher Mahmood, a 57-year-old worshipper at the Didsbury mosque, said preachers there spoke out against radicalisation.

"They'll say stay away from ISIS (Islamic State), stay away from all these radical groups. They will preach that, tell the youngsters that," he told AFP.

"How he got radicalised I don't know. Whoever's done it I'm sure is not from this mosque."

Mahood suggested Abedi's path to extremism could have taken place online: "That's probably the worst place (for finding extremist content), I would say."

Mohammed Shafiq, from the Manchester-based Ramadhan Foundation, also pointed the finger at the internet and social media channels for radicalising young Muslims.

"I think you have to recognise and accept that the issue isn't mosques. A tremendous amount of work has gone into dealing with radicalising within mosques," he told AFP.

Extremists from the Islamic State group are distorting Islamic scriptures online to radicalise people, Shafiq said.

But he admitted more needed to be done to create dialogue with young people, whose voices have been "consistently dismissed" in everyday life.

In Didsbury, there were fears the bombing would lead to reprisals against the Muslim community.

Hours after the arena attack a man set fire to the entrance of a mosque in the Oldham area of the city, according to a video published by the Manchester Evening News.

"We are concerned about reports we are receiving about anti-Muslim acts, ranging from verbal abuse to acts of criminal damage to mosques," said Haffar.

But despite such concerns, he said the mosque remains proud to be part of the community: "Manchester is a great city with a great history and a prosperous and bright future ahead of it."
By Brendan Pierson

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Five men, including a Washington, D.C. political consultant and a federal employee, were criminally charged on Wednesday with engaging in an insider trading scheme based on leaks from within a federal healthcare agency.

Federal prosecutors in Manhattan on Wednesday announced the arrest of political consultant David Blaszczak, founder of Precipio Health Strategies; U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) employee Christopher Worrall; and Rob Olan and Ted Huber, employees of the healthcare hedge fund Deerfield Management.

Jordan Fogel, a former employee at New York-based Deerfield, who was also charged, pleaded guilty on Friday, according to a spokesman for acting U.S. Attorney Joon Kim in Manhattan.

Jordan looks forward to resolving this and moving on, said Marc Mukasey, Fogel's lawyer.

A spokeswoman for Dentons, a law firm representing Worrall, had no immediate comment. Lawyers for the other defendants could not immediately be reached.

Prosecutors said that from 2012 to 2014, Olan, Huber and Fogel schemed to get confidential information about CMS's internal decision-making from Blaszczak, who previously worked there. Blaszczak in turn got the information from his former colleague and "close friend" Worrall, prosecutors said.

CMS, part of the Department of Health and Human Services, oversees government health insurance programs. The confidential information included advance notice about rules cutting reimbursement rates for radiation cancer treatment and dialysis, allowing Deerfield to short healthcare companies affected by the cuts.

The companies included radiation oncology companies Accuray Inc and Varian Medical Systems, and dialysis companies DaVita Healthcare Partners Inc and Fresenius Medical Care, a unit of Fresenius Medical Care, AG of Germany, among others, according to the indictment.

According to a related complaint by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the scheme yielded $3.9 million in profits and at least $193,000 in consulting fees for Blaszczak's companies.

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Worrall and Blaszczak's relationship went back years, prosecutors said. In 2011, Blaszczak arranged a job interview at a private consulting firm for Worrall, and in 2014 he asked Worrall to become a co-owner of a new firm.

Prosecutors say Worrall responded, "You're like a drunk whore to me. Hard to resist. Lol. Let's talk."

The defendants are charged with securities fraud, wire fraud, conspiracy and conversion of property of the United States.

The new arrests are the latest development in a wide-ranging investigation that previously led to charges against three ex-employees of Jacob Gottlieb's Visium Asset Management hedge fund, prompting the $8 billion firm's wind-down.

(Reporting by Brendan Pierson in New York; Editing by Lisa Von Ahn and James Dalgleish)
Sen. Ben Sasse, R-Neb., finds it troubling that President Trumps former national security adviser, Michael Flynn, hasnt been more cooperative with the Senate investigation into Russias interference with the U.S. election.

Theres so much we dont know about Michael Flynn but it looks really, really troubling, and obviously Michael Flynn should be responding to the Senate Intelligence Committees subpoenas, Sasse said in a Wednesday interview with Yahoo News Anchor Bianna Golodryga. He should be turning over all documents, and the investigation should be completed in a fulsome way.

The Senate Intelligence Committee announced new subpoenas against Flynn Wednesday to compel him to hand over documents relating to his interactions with Russian officials. He rejected a similar subpoena earlier this week by invoking his Fifth Amendment right to avoid self-incrimination.

Flynn was forced to resign after just 24 days following revelations he had mislead Vice President Mike Pence about his communications with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak. His tenure as national security adviser was the shortest in U.S. history.

During the Wednesday interview, Sasse talked about the recently unveiled Congressional Budget Office score for the House health care bill; his new book, The Vanishing American Adult; and the importance of imparting good reading habits to young Americans. But the conversation returned several times to Russias interference with U.S. institutions.

He said that he was pleased Army Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster was chosen to succeed Flynn in the White House.

That guys running a good process, and theres a whole bunch of stuff where the White House doesnt have a decision-making process yet, Sasse said. But in the national security space, a lot of things are working well, and thats a tribute to the fact that the president put Gen. McMaster in there as his national security adviser.

When asked about Trumps reluctance to condemn Russian President Vladimir Putin for interfering with the U.S. election, Sasse made his position on the Russian strongman abundantly clear.

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Putin is an enemy of the American people. Putin is an enemy of free association, free speech, free assembly, free press. And these things are the beating heart of the American experiment, Sasse said.

He said the government is not the center of American life but that it should provide a framework for ordered liberty: That means celebrating free speech and a free press, as well as making it clear that Russias interests are not aligned with Americas interests.

Russia did clearly attempt to interfere in our election in the 2016 cycle, he said, and we need to dig into that in a complete and fulsome way.

Read more from Yahoo News:
Fox says report that DNC staffer had been in contact with WikiLeaks prior to his fatal shooting was not given a high degree of editorial scrutiny

In the wake of the Fox News report, law enforcement officials disputed that Richs laptop had even been in possession of, or examined by, federal authorities. Photograph: Mary Altaffer/AP



Fox News has retracted a story on the 2016 murder of Democratic National Committee staffer Seth Rich, which was roundly condemned for perpetuating conspiracy theories, while host Sean Hannity said he would cease further discussion of the subject on his show in the networks evening lineup.



Both Fox and Hannity invited a torrent of criticism for a report on 16 May that Rich, a 27-year-old staffer at the DNC, had been in contact with the website WikiLeaks prior to his fatal shooting in Washington in July of 2016. The unsubstantiated report was published and promoted on both Fox News, most heavily on Hannitys primetime show, and the networks local Washington affiliate, WTTG-TV.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Fox News said the article in question was not initially subjected to the high degree of editorial scrutiny we require for all our reporting.



Upon appropriate review, the article was found not to meet those standards and has since been removed, the statement read. We will continue to investigate this story and will provide updates as warranted.

Hours later, Hannity addressed the controversy at the top of his program and was largely unapologetic, but said he would back down from the story for the time being.



Out of respect for the [Rich] familys wishes, for now, I am not discussing this matter at this time, Hannity said.



Even so, the characteristically bombastic anchor blamed what he dubbed as liberal fascism amid a campaign targeting Hannitys advertisers in the wake of his promotion of the false report.



I promise you I am not going to stop doing my job, Hannity said. I am not going to stop trying to find the truth.

Rightwing websites and commentators have sought to tie Richs murder to the release of the hacked DNC emails ahead of the partys convention last July, as well as to Hillary Clintons presidential campaign, despite no evidence to support such a link.



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In an emotional op-ed published on the Washington Post on Tuesday, Richs family said he was in fact excited about an opportunity to join Clintons campaign on the day he was killed.



Every day we wake up to new headlines, new lies, new factual errors, new people approaching us to take advantage of us and Seths legacy, his parents, Mary Rich and Joel Rich, wrote.



It just wont stop. The amount of pain and anguish this has caused us is unbearable.

Following Hannitys broadcast, his familys spokesman said: We hope that Mr Hannity will join Fox News in their rededicated commitment to editorial integrity.

Richs case remains unresolved, but the Metropolitan police department of Washington have said the evidence suggests the murder resulted from a botched robbery.

Fox News falsely alleged federal authorities had found thousands of emails between Rich and Wikileaks, when in fact law enforcement officials disputed that Richs laptop had even been in possession of, or examined by, the FBI. Fox nonetheless continued to feature the report, which was widely characterized as an example of the fake news phenomenon.

Richs family pleaded with the network and host to suspend its promotion of a conspiracy theory.



Brad Bauman, a spokesman for the Rich family, told CNN earlier on Tuesday they were grateful for the retraction.



The family would like to thank Fox News for their retraction on a story that has caused deep pain and anguish to the family and has done harm to Seth Richs legacy, Bauman said in a statement.



We are hopeful that in the future Fox News will work with the family to ensure the highest degree of professionalism and scrutiny is followed so that only accurate facts are reported serving this case.
Greenpeace has sent a clear message to President Donald Trump during his visit to the Vatican by projecting a message in lights on to the dome of St. Peters Basilica that read: Planet Earth First.

It seemed to be a play on Mr Trumps America First slogan that has guided much of his young presidency. Climate change is one of the many issues on which Mr Trump and Pope Francis disagree.

Police allowed the lights to shine for a few moments before shutting down the peaceful protest.

The environmental campaign group's Executive Director Jennifer Morgan said: We delivered to Trump a message that his first priority must be to people and planet, not the profits of polluters. Trump cannot stop the clean energy transition and should instead focus on accelerating it.

The US is one of the largest emitters of carbon in the world, however Mr Trump hs repeatedly called climate change a hoax perpetrated by the Chinese in the past - a stance which appears to have softened a bit after his face-to-face meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

China has become a leader in renewable energy investments, which topped new money pouring into the oil and gas industry for the first time in 2015 to the tune of $350 billion.

He also appointed former Exxon CEO Rex Tillerson as Secretary of State and a known climate denier, Scott Pruitt, to lead the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

However, Pope Francis took a far different stance in his 2015 encyclical, or papal letter, in which he called for the faithful to protect the planet.

He wrote that it was a global problem which has grave implications: environmental, social, economic, political, and for the distribution of goods.

The pontiff presented Mr Trump with a copy of the encyclical as a gift during his Vatican meeting.

The president has also caused consternation for many countries in the group of seven (G7) for not making a decision on whether to keep the US in the historic Paris Agreement on climate change.

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Nearly 200 countries signed the deal in December 2015 and President Obama bypassed Congress in order to approve the deal, which took effect just days before the 2016 election.

Several alliances, including the 28-member military alliance North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (Nato) have declared climate change as a global security threat, especially in the Middle East where drought and famine are growing concerns.

The Vatican's Secretary of State brought up climate change during the meeting as well and encouraged Mr Trump to stay in the Paris Agreement. The White House said a decision whether to remain in the agreement would be made after the G7 meeting later this month in Sicily, Italy.
Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz

Starbucks (SBUX) executive chairman Howard Schultz challenged a room full of business executives on Wednesday to address the problems facing America in the current political environment.

I dont need to tell this audience that are all assembled today  whether youre Republican or Democrat or [you] voted for the president or not  we probably can all agree the country is drifting in a direction that we all need to be concerned about, Schultz said in an interview with Macys (M) CEO Terry Lundgren at a luncheon hosted by the Economic Club of New York.

And in the interest of being transparent and saying something that might be controversial, I would say the country is in need of an economic, cultural, and moral transformation.

In April, Schultz stepped aside from his role as CEO, handing the reins over to COO and president Kevin Johnson. Schultz explained that the company had reached the stage where the scale and complexity require a new generation of leadership. He said hed focus his creativity on building the companys premium brand called the Starbucks Reserve Roastery.

Additionally, Schultz has been spending time thinking about the future of the country.

I have significant concerns about the direction of the country, he said. And [were] trying to understand how we as a company can use our scale for good and leverage the fact that Starbucks is in almost every community in America. And once we do, [well] try and elevate the national discourse and the national conversation on things that create a more compassionate society and more compassionate government.

Schultz views the companys success as being defined by its culture, values, and principles. He pointed out that theres a strong focus on what he calls servant leadership. In carrying out this mission, he even leaves two empty seats at all board meetings  one that represents the customer and one that represents the employees.

I also say, culturally, weve imprinted into the management of Starbucks over many years that not every business decision is an economic decision, Schultz said. Weve always believed success in business is about the fragile balance of profit and conscience.

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This balance between social responsibility and making money is going to be more important for business leaders going forward, he explained.

We have a government thats dysfunctional and polarized and we have an administration, regardless of whether you voted for the president or not, were going down a path where many, many people are going to be left behind in this country. And what that means to me is businesses and business leaders are going to have to do a lot more for their people and the communities they serve going forward.

Schultz doesnt shy away from talking politics

Schultz is known to speak out on social issues and posting open letters on Starbucks website. Sometimes that means pushback and criticism.

I would say that leadership and moral courage is not a passive act, Schultz said. I think its very easy to lead and be courageous when the wind is at your back I want to be thoughtful, I want to be disciplined, but I want to be honest. I think probably one of the undervalued characteristics of leadership is being vulnerable, and I want to demonstrate vulnerability through transparency to our people.

Starbucks has been accused of being a political arm for Schultz.

We dont view it that way.

Howard Schultz

He added that the companys core purpose goes beyond the stock price and making money. He sees the company as having a social responsibility.

In recent years, Starbucks has taken on issues from race, guns, and veterans.

In 2013, Schultz sent a letter asking that customers no longer bring firearms to the stores. Some states allow for open carry. At the Economic Club luncheon, he clarified that Starbucks is not against the Second Amendment, and neither is he.

After Sandy Hook people were literally walking into stores with guns, Schultz said, One day, in San Antonio, somebody walked in with an AK-47. I just felt, I think this is a time where we need to have a little bit of common sense and sensibility.

Another social issue the company attempted to take on was race relations by creating the Race Together campaign in the spring of 2015.

We had a situation at Starbucks at the time that Ferguson and Oakland and Staten Island and Cleveland was going on where  and this has never happened in the history of the country  where a white customer in a southern state refused to be served by a black barista, Schultz said. And, when that was brought to my attention, I decided that this was an opportunity to try and elevate the conversation inside our company.

Within hours of launching the campaign, though, it was basically hijacked by social media users and the company lost the narrative.

Our collective responsibility

If you asked me today in my almost 40 years of being at Starbucks what I am most proud of, I would put that almost at the top of the list that we had the courage to raise the issue and discuss race in our country. I think we all need to recognize that there are things going in America today that if Martin Luther King, Bobby Kennedy, and LBJ when he signed the Civil Rights bill, if they all saw and witnessed whats happening theres a lot of issues here that I think are not being discussed at the national level.

He concluded: This goes back to what is our collective responsibility as citizens and businesses as business leaders to elevate these conversations and not ignore them because we certainly have a problem in America thats as significant today, in my view, as it was in 1968 with regards to race relations.



Julia La Roche is a finance reporter at Yahoo Finance. Follow her on Twitter.

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India has a reputation for producing the worlds best technology experts, millions of whom flock to global tech epicenters like California. But a few years from now, could a coastal region in southern India become the next Silicon Valley?

The global tech industry is undergoing a transformation. U.S. President Donald Trumps outlook on foreign workers is disrupting Silicon Valley norms. A study by the Economic Policy Institute found the majority of H-1B workers "are employed in occupations related to computers and information technology, with most of these tech workers hailing from India. CNBC reported Indian workers make up about 70 percent of foreign-born tech experts in the U.S., citing Goldman Sachs estimates in 2015. Recent rumors of massive offshoring layoffs in India gave the community a new imperative, which Quartz called a re-skill or perish mantra. But Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has a plan.

Read: Growth Of Enterprise Ethereum Alliance Foreshadows Blockchain Gold Rush

India is now investing in a domestic blockchain ecosystem, including academic training programs, initiatives at the Indian Central Bank and public support for startup accelerators. From the governments perspective, theres a huge push for a startup ecosystem, NT Arunkumar, CEO of Fintech Valley in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, told the International Business Times. Theres a concentrated effort to make a fintech valley in Andhra Pradesh.

Last year, India started a nationwide push to make digital banking more accessible and encourage unbanked citizens to join Indian financial institutions. It started with demonetization, which made most of the old rupee notes worthless and forced citizens to trade them for new currency at official banks. Quartz reported the push created 9.1 million new taxpayers, reducing Indias stockpile of unaccounted wealth. Now the government is experimenting with blockchain technology as it looks to streamline expansive financial infrastructure.

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With blockchain, how does this open up financial inclusion to so many citizens that are unbanked? Arunkumar asked. We want to accelerate financial inclusion. We cant do that unless we are all working on one platform.

There are now dozens of new blockchain firms sprouting up across India. Mumbai hosted Indias first international blockchain hackathon in May and there already are plans to host a bigger fintech event in October, a Blockchain Summit sponsored by the government of Andhra Pradesh. This is initiated by the government, but we want private sector participation, Arunkumar said. So authorities are working with Visa to make Visakhapatnam, the financial capital of Andhra Pradesh, into the regions first less cash city.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu tweeted in February that Yes Bank, one of the first Indian banks to implement blockchain technology, is keen on setting up a fintech park in the new state capital Amaravati. Indian fintech influencers aren't the only companies eyeing the prospects.

India is a very interesting market for us because there is this huge, massive amount of mobile money enablement going on right now, Stefan Thomas, chief technology officer at the fintech company Ripple Inc., told IBT. Theres interesting infrastructure in India, with the identity system that they have, where identities are actually tied to bank accounts.

India, with its $2 trillion economy including over a billion people, is also one of the worlds top remittance recipients. The World Bank reported ex-pat Indian workers sent $62.7 billion home to India in 2016. Thats why Ripples blockchain-inspired fintech solutions was a perfect fit for Indian banks like Yes Bank and Axis Bank. We dont want to stop there, Thomas said. We will expand in India. On the cryptocurrency front, Ripple has an additional partnership with the Hyderabad-based digital currency exchange BTCXIndia.

Arunkumar said government efforts are also looking into blockchain land registries and smart contracts, as well as blockchain solutions for government transparency and biometric ID cards. That blockchain biometric system, called Aadhaar, uses the basic concept of blockchain ledgers with identity keys and uses it to make ID cards that are almost impervious to fraud.

Aadhaar, which is already enrolling citizens across India, assigns each person a unique 12-digit number. The number is stored in a central database along with biometrics like iris scans and fingerprints. If an Indian resident wants to open a bank account, for example, he presents the ID card and has his iris scanned. The Harvard Business Review said this program is by far the largest and most comprehensive adoption of biometrics technology by any government in the world.

Eric Piscini, head of global blockchain financial services at the consultancy firm Deloitte, told IBT his company has a team of blockchain developers in India and sees the Indian market as ripe for fintech expansion. Working in a developing nation offers the advantage of installing the newest technology and watching regulation mature along with the industry, rather than trying to reform established infrastructure. Especially in India, the letter of credit market is very paper-based, he explained. Lets make sure every participant is receiving value from being on the blockchain.

A recent Deloitte study claimed Asia has quietly become the center of global economic growth through tech innovation. India has a layered approach for rising to the top: attracting international power players and building up local talent. Modis Digital India plan aims to overhaul the country completely by 2020. Although there have certainly been missteps, demonetization sparked demonstrations and riots across the country, the digitization efforts are quickly yielding results.

Mastercard announced earlier this year expanding digital payment options in India was one of the companys top priorities. According to the Economic Times, government initiative to support local startup hubs recently gave India the third highest number of startup incubators and accelerators in the world. And fintech is the beating heart of India's tech revolution. Just this week the Indian mobile payment startup Paytm attracted a $1.4 billion investment from Japan's SoftBank Corp.

We want to be home to the best blockchain, fintech companies, Arunkumar said. In two to five years, we see ourselves being the global hub of fintech.

Read: Fundraising With Initial Coin Offerings Hot New Trend Among Blockchain Startups

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Once again, the world has awoken to news of another terrible terrorist attack  this time in Manchester, England, where a man detonated a bomb in the foyer of an Ariana Grande concert, killing at least 22 people. And, once again, the so-called Islamic State has claimed responsibility. Amid this continuing stream of terrorist attacks around the globe associated with the Islamic State, much has been made of the phenomenon of so-called lone-wolf terrorism. From the killing of 49 nightclub revelers in Orlando, Florida, to the murder of a police officer and his partner in the suburbs of Paris to the assault on holiday shoppers at a Christmas market in Berlin, individual terrorists have wreaked havoc, seemingly removed from plotters in faraway safe havens.

During our time at the White House, the U.S. government remained intently focused on detecting and disrupting the Islamic States ability to centrally plan, resource, enable, and coordinate external attacks from its physical safe haven in Syria, but the groups unique capability to inspire attacks online became a key concern. This is largely how the Islamic State has been able to penetrate our borders: not through flows of refugees intent on conducting attacks against Americans but through the bits and bytes of todays digital age.

This is a core security problem for open Western societies: So-called lone actors may be inspired by the recruitment videos and hashtag campaigns delivered via social media by the Islamic State and other terrorist groups, but they move from inspiration to action on their own, without direct communication with terrorist groups leadership. They may respond to, for example, the generalized call of now-deceased Islamic State spokesman Abu Muhammad al-Adnani to make [Ramadan] a month of calamity everywhere for the nonbelievers, but ultimately they select their own targets, choose their own weapons, determine their own timing, and, increasingly, record their own press releases.

Is this new? Yes, but not quite in the way most people think. The Islamic State hasnt unleashed lone-wolf terrorism; instead, its unique manipulation of modern communications technologies portends the end of lone-wolf terrorism.

Understanding that claim requires understanding how the Islamic State has revolutionized terrorist recruitment, radicalization, and mobilization in our digital age. It also requires understanding why certain individuals are susceptible to this messaging  perhaps precisely because the Islamic State holds out the promise of no longer being alone. By taking up arms for its cause, getting behind the wheel of a truck, or building a pressure cooker bomb, these men become part of a community, part of something bigger than themselves, and indeed part of history  anything but alone.

Anyone exposed to mainstream media has seen elements of the Islamic States messaging campaign. Indeed, for many Americans, it was the stream of grisly beheading videos that emerged in August 2014, showing the murders of U.S. hostages, that brought the group to public notoriety. These demonstrations of purported strength  really cruelty  are part of the Islamic States recruitment plan, but that plan has another key dimension: conjuring a sense of community. Even as the group produces  with near Hollywood-quality slickness and narration  videos of barbaric violence, the Islamic State churns out equally savvy portrayals of the purported community it claims to be fostering. Part of that community is local: for instance, particular towns in Syria where foreign fighters have found new, better homes, wives, and lives. And part of that community is global: meaning that, if you embrace the Islamic State and act in its name wherever you are, you instantly find yourself with brothers, sisters, meaning, and a place in history.

In his important study of Islamic State messaging, The Virtual Caliphate: Understanding Islamic States Propaganda Strategy, Charlie Winter identified six key narratives deployed by the terrorist group: brutality, mercy, victimhood, war, belonging, and utopia. Winter emphasizes that the fifth, belonging, is one of [the] most powerful draws to new recruits, particularly those from Western states. Through their regular publication of, for example, videos and photographic reports depicting istirahat al-mujahidin  fighters relaxing with tea and singing with each other  the propagandists emphasise the idea of brotherhood in the caliphate.

The Islamic State thus offers a chance to those who feel alone  those who may lack opportunities or who may simply disagree with the politics or mores of the society around them  not to be lone actors. Indeed, as Shane Kavanaugh and Gilad Shiloach have reported for Vocativ, there is a pro-Islamic State Telegram channel dedicated to lone wolves on which the group has disseminated a handbook for lone-wolf terrorists. Of course, by communicating with fellow supporters through Telegram and sharing a handbook of bomb-making tips, the Islamic State builds a virtual community of hundreds or thousands of sympathizers and recruits. This type of broad community formation goes beyond the virtual enabling of specific plots by the Islamic State leadership that Rukmini Callimachi expertly documented in her February 2017 New York Times story, Not Lone Wolves After All: How ISIS Guides Worlds Terror Plots From Afar. Our point here is complementary to Callimachis: While some purported lone wolves actually received specific direction via encrypted messaging, even terrorists who receive no such specific direction are no longer really alone  nor do they consider themselves to be.

Of course, the Islamic State needs more from its recruits than just a feeling of oneness; it needs those recruits to act in certain specific ways that advance its strategic agenda. And that is where the Islamic State may give the lie to another traditional characterization of terrorist attacks. Experts have long distinguished between attacks directed by a group (or, more recently, attacks enabled by a group via encrypted communications) and those merely inspired by it  that is, attacks for which a terrorist groups central leadership provided particular tactical direction and those broadly consistent with a groups strategic direction but not specifically conceived or planned by the groups leadership.

But the Islamic State has defied just how much direction is needed for operatives to advance a terrorist groups objectives. It offers, in publications such as Rumiyah and the now discontinued Dabiq magazine, ideas for targets (for example, one issue of Dabiq called for attacking the Macys Thanksgiving Day parade), weapons (firearms and homemade explosives are among the easiest to obtain or assemble), and timing. But the Islamic State has, at the same time, explicitly encouraged its recruits to be opportunistic: to attack where they are, when they can, with what they have.

And that seems to be all of the direction that some of its would-be followers need. Omar Mateen, who attacked the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, might once have been categorized as a prototypical terrorist not directed by any group. To date, no information has suggested that he traveled to, trained with, or even received individualized direction from the leadership of the Islamic State, to which he pledged allegiance via a 911 call during the attack. But what further direction did Mateen need? As former President Barack Obama noted, Mateen was inspired by various extremist information that was disseminated over the internet, which, in the end, proved to be all of the direction Mateen needed to select a target, a method, and a night to slaughter 49 innocent people.

Direction from a terrorist group like the Islamic State, it turns out, is a spectrum, not a dichotomy. The capacity to seduce someone like Mateen  who seems to have felt very much alone in this world for an array of psychological and social reasons  into feeling not alone is more than a striking sociological phenomenon. It makes that capacity a very real and palpable threat.

We often hear about homegrown violent extremists, presumably meaning those who have never gone abroad to train with a terrorist group before acting in its name here at home. But what does it mean to be homegrown in todays digital age? The Islamic State brings its portrayal of the marketplaces of Raqqa in Syria directly to computers and iPhones everywhere, its attacks in the cafes of Dhaka, Bangladesh, and the streets of Nice in France directly to the Facebook pages and Twitter feeds of the whole world. The very problem, in a sense, may be that individuals like Mateen do not, themselves, feel homegrown at all; they feel grown of Raqqa and at war with their false homes of Orlando; San Bernardino, California; or wherever else they may find themselves.

To recognize that the Islamic State poses a real, persistent, and distinctive threat is by no means to concede that todays pace of terrorist attacks represents the new normal or an enduring condition. Other terrorist groups posing unprecedented challenges have been beaten back and degraded in their critical capacity to execute external operations, most notably al Qaedas core in the Afghanistan-Pakistan region. Moreover, the strategy carefully developed under the Obama administration to deprive the Islamic State of physical safe havens  in places like Mosul, Iraq, and Sirte, Libya  appears to be working, with the group having lost significant swaths of territory it once held in Iraq and Syria. At the same time, the groups loss of physical terrain has elevated the emphasis that the group places on its exploitation of virtual terrain.

Already, other terrorist groups  including al Qaedas affiliates in Yemen and Syria  have begun emulating the Islamic States manipulation of modern communications technologies to reach those who would feel alone, offer a sense of community, and provide inspiration and just enough direction to spark attacks that fulfill those groups own strategic purposes. Modern communications technologies are here to stay and will evolve into forms yet unknown. Understanding how to meet this challenge is thus critical not only to addressing the threat posed by the Islamic State today but also to anticipating and mitigating the threat posed by other groups tomorrow  and groups yet to come. Thats a shared challenge for the governments charged with keeping us all safe, as well as for the companies whose technologies are being exploited for these purposes. Its only with both sets of actors doing more that we can, collectively, undermine the false sense of belonging that the Islamic State has cultivated to such deadly effect.

Photo credit: BEN STANSALL/AFP/Getty Images
Photo credit: Instagram

From Redbook

Kim Kardashian and Kanye West have had a bit of a rough year, but they've done their best to keep the kids away from the drama - and it seems to be working, if the family's recent trip to Disneyland is any indication.

The celebrity couple took their daughter, North, and their niece and nephew, Penelope and Mason Disick, to the theme park on Monday. It's the first time the reality star and her husband have been spotted together in a month - Kanye has reportedly been recording new music in Wyoming.

Park-goers saw the casually-dressed duo in Toontown and Fantasyland. "They were just enjoying time as a family," one onlooker told E! News.

With the couple's third year of marriage approaching - their anniversary is this week - Kim recently revealed on Keeping Up With The Kardashians that against her doctors' advice, she would like 3-year-old North and 1-year-old Saint to have another sibling, and she'd like to add to her family of four in the coming year. Kris and Kourtney both offered themselves up as surrogates later on the show.

Despite her role on her family's reality show and her various business pursuits, Kim recently said her favorite job is mom. "I love being a mom! It's the most rewarding feeling! I really love every phase!" she said in an interview with mom blog Romy and the Bunnies. "Just the way my daughter laughs with me, all of the small things in life you appreciate!"

Sounds like her family's day at Disneyland was one of those small things.It's good to know that certain types of family fun are universal, no matter how hugely famous you are.

No word yet as to whether North West had more fun at Disneyland or Universal Studios.

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South Korea fired warning shots Tuesday at a flying object that entered the country's airspace from North Korea across the Demilitarized Zone, Seoul's military said.

The object had not been identified and its radar course was being investigated, the military said in a statement.

One official told AFP it appeared to be a drone.

The official gave no details, but previous drones flown across the border have been similar in size to hobby craft.

The military did not indicate whether the object had been shot down, or had gone back over the border, one of the most heavily-fortified locations in the world.

"The military is keeping tight surveillance over the North and maintaining high vigilance," the statement said.

The South's Yonhap news agency said around 90 rounds were fired from a machine-gun at the object.

Tensions are high in the region over the nuclear-armed North's weapons ambitions, and the incident comes only two days after its latest missile launch.

That saw a medium-range Pukguksong-2, which Pyongyang said used solid fuel, travel around 500 kilometres.

The North has carried out two atomic tests and dozens of rocket firings since the beginning of last year in its quest to develop a missile capable of delivering a nuclear warhead to the continental United States.

The administration of US President Donald Trump has said military action was an option under consideration, sending fears of conflict spiralling.

South Korea has repeatedly accused the North of flying suspected spy drones across the tense border.

As recently as January last year, South Korean soldiers fired warning shots at a suspected North Korean drone that crossed the western part of the border, the most sensitive part of the demilitarized zone.

In September 2015, South Korea triggered an anti-aircraft warning and sent an attack helicopter and fighter jet to track down a drone that crossed the border, without success.

A year earlier, a South Korean fisherman found the wreckage of a North Korean drone in his net near a frontline island south of the rivals' disputed Yellow Sea border.

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A few months previously, crashed drones equipped with cameras were found in three different places near the border.

After a joint investigation with US experts, Seoul said the recovered drones were flown from North Korea and had been pre-programmed to fly over South Korean military installations.

North Korea denied any involvement and accused the South of "fabricating" evidence.
Lance Armstrong and Anna Hansen, pictured in 2015, are engaged. (Photo: Neilson Barnard/Getty Images)

Lance Armstrong finally put a ring on his longtime girlfriend Anna Hansen.

The controversial cyclist, 45, shared a photo of the magic moment, which took place aboard a family boat ride in Lake Austin, Texas, as the sun set behind them. He had a grin on his face as his lady love sat on his lap. The photo was captioned, She said.. YES!!!!

She said.. YES!!!! A post shared by Lance Armstrong (@lancearmstrong) on May 23, 2017 at 8:24pm PDT

Congratulations started pouring in for the pair, who have been together for almost a decade. They met through his charity work when she was living in Colorado. They have two children, Max, 7, and Olivia, 6.

Hansen has already stuck with Lance, who was recently the target of a death hoax, through good times and bad  as he was part of one of the biggest cheating scandals in sports. The seven-time Tour de France winner turned cancer hero admitted in 2013 that he had doped for at least a decade. The last four years have been filled with legal battles, bad press, and shade from many loyal fans that he lied to over the years.

Lance, Anna, Max, and Olivia on Mothers Day:

Mothers Day bike ride  Happy Mother's Day Anna, Kik, and Mimi! A post shared by Lance Armstrong (@lancearmstrong) on May 14, 2017 at 11:55am PDT

But loyal Hansen is. In 2015, she took the blame when Armstrong drove their SUV into two parked cars after a night out in Aspen, telling police she was the driver. He was later issued a summons after Aspen police discovered the cover-up. According to the police report, Hansen explained why she did it, saying, Weve had our family name smeared over every paper in the world in the last couple of years, and honestly, Ive got teenagers, I just wanted to protect my family.

This will be Armstrongs second trip down the aisle. He was married to Kristin Richard Armstrong, with whom he has three children: son Luke, 17, and twin daughters Grace and Isabelle, 15.

He also had some celebrity romances, including brief dalliances with Kate Hudson and Ashley Olsen, and a relationship with designer Tory Burch. However, most notable was an engagement to Sheryl Crow, which he recently spoke about, calling it a good ride. Shes a great lady. Obviously, it didnt work out, but I think  and I hope  that shes happy. Im happy.

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Yes, hes happy  especially today.





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It was potentially two gaffes for the price of one on President Donald Trumps call with Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte last month.

First, Trump praised Duterte for his deadly and controversial war on drugs in remarks that stunned White House aids and human rights experts. In a private call on April 29, Trump praised Duterte for doing an unbelievable job on the drug problem in his country, referring to Dutertes violent anti-drug campaign that led to the deaths of nearly 9,000 people, many gunned down on the streets.

I just wanted to congratulate you because I am hearing of the unbelievable job on the drug program, Trump told Duterte, according to a transcript of the call obtained by the Washington Post. Many countries have the problem, we have a problem, but what a great job you are doing and I just wanted to call and tell you that.

International watchdogs and human rights groups slammed Duterte for his controversial war on drugs, in which hes encourage extrajudicial killings of users and dealers in a massive wave of violence. Hitler massacred 3 million Jews, now, theres 3 million drug addicts. Id be happy to slaughter them, Duterte said last year. (In fact, Nazi Germany massacred 6 million Jews.)

Trumps praise of Duterte sparked immediate outrage in human rights circles. To endorse Duterte is to endorse a man who advocates mass murder and who has admitted to killing people himself, John Sifton of Human Rights Watch told the Intercept. Endorsing his methods is a celebration of the death of the poor and vulnerable.

Then, Trump divulged to Duterte that he deployed two U.S. nuclear submarines near North Korean waters  a juicy nugget of sensitive information that may raise (yet more) questions about the U.S. presidents handling of classified information.

We have a lot of firepower over there, Trump boasted. We have two submarines  the best in the world  we have two nuclear submarines  not that we want to use them at all, he told Duterte, who veers wildly between cozying up to Washington and Beijing.



Trump came under fire last month for reportedly disclosing classified intelligence provided by Israel on the Islamic State to top Russian officials. The disclosure, which took place during a meeting in the Oval Office, prompted current and former government officials to question how the president handles classified information.

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Trump and Duterte also discussed the growing threat from North Koreas nuclear missile program and the countrys enigmatic leader, Kim Jong Un. He is playing with his bombs, his toys and from the looks of it, his mind is not working well and he might just go crazy one moment, Duterte told Trump.

We cant let a madman with nuclear weapons let on the loose like that, Trump replied. We have a lot of firepower, more than he has, times 20 but we dont want to use it.

Photo credit: MANDEL NGAN/AFP/Getty Images
A 5-year-old girl named Makenzie threw a glamping sleepover party, and the photos are adorably rustic-luxe.

When Makenzies mom, Shenea Richie, was looking for a fun way to spice up her daughters May 5 sleepover at their Lancaster, N.Y., home, she called her friend Theresa Thomas, who, only days prior, had launched her themed-sleepover business, Once Upon a Sleepover, in Buffalo.

Thomas, 33, is a mother of eight (including a set of 1-year-old twins) who works as a phone provisions specialist at Time Warner during the day, while operating a cake baking business at night. I decided to expand my cake business to include themed sleepovers after reading about a similar idea in Australia, Thomas tells Yahoo Style. She currently offers Star Wars, Paris, and glamping themes.

A post shared by Sleepover Specialist (@onceuponasleepover) on May 16, 2017 at 1:50pm PDT

For Makenzies bash, Thomas and her husband made most of the props  including the tents  from scratch, by working when their kids went to sleep. They also provided the invitations for Camp Kenzie hosted by Camp Counselor Shenea.

Sneak peak A post shared by Sleepover Specialist (@onceuponasleepover) on Apr 30, 2017 at 7:42pm PDT

Each girls tent came stocked with a pair of pink, fuzzy slippers, a personalized eye mask, a blue flashlight, a coloring book, and a mini lantern.

A post shared by Sleepover Specialist (@onceuponasleepover) on May 7, 2017 at 5:50am PDT

The girls snacked on cookies in the shape of feathers, dream catchers, and tents.

A post shared by Sleepover Specialist (@onceuponasleepover) on May 7, 2017 at 5:53am PDT

Personalized T-shirts and pink leggings were the perfect glamping attire.

A post shared by Sleepover Specialist (@onceuponasleepover) on May 7, 2017 at 5:51am PDT

As host, Makenzie graciously kept an eye out for bears.

A post shared by Sleepover Specialist (@onceuponasleepover) on May 6, 2017 at 10:00am PDT

A gold, glittery tent-shaped cake was served, along with pink cupcakes. The girls also took home smores kits and goody bags filled with outdoor essentials: washcloths, toothpaste, toothbrushes, bubbles, and candy.

Story continues

A post shared by Sleepover Specialist (@onceuponasleepover) on May 7, 2017 at 5:48am PDT

A smores station offered all the campfire fixings.

A post shared by Sleepover Specialist (@onceuponasleepover) on May 7, 2017 at 5:52am PDT

Read more at Yahoo Style + Beauty:

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day. For Twitter updates, follow @YahooStyle and @YahooBeauty.
Budget Director Mick Mulvaney: AP

Many supporters of President Donald Trump will be hit hardest by his administration's new budget  with $3.6 trillion proposed to be slashed from government spending over the next decade, cutting support for programmes that low-income families rely upon.

The biggest savings would come from cuts to the Medicaid healthcare programme for the poor, which are embedded in a Republican healthcare bill passed by the House of Representatives. Mr Trump wants legislators to cut at least $610 billion from Medicaid and more than $192 billion from food stamps over a decade.

However, more than half of the 10 states with the highest percentage of participants in the federal governments food stamps programme went to Mr Trump in the 2016 presidential election, according to an analysis by the Independent.

Such deep cuts to such programmes have been attacked by Democrats and even some Republicans  and they will be tough to defend when Trump officials appear on Capitol Hill on Wednesday to discuss the plan.

The budget contraction reflects Mr Trump's perception that too much of taxpayers' money is being wasted.

During a press briefing on Monday, Mr Trumps Budget Director Mick Mulvaney singled out the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the modern version of food stamps, which expanded rapidly after the financial crisis and had roughly 42 million beneficiaries in February 2017.

About 18 per cent to 20 per cent of the populations of Louisiana, West Virginia and Mississippi  all states that went to Mr Trump in the electoral college  are participants of SNAP, as of February 2017, according to the US Department of Agriculture.

I think at the height of the recession there were 47 million people on SNAP, and now theres 44 million  even though we're at supposedly near full employment, Mr Mulvaney said. So I think that raises a very valid question, which is that: Are there folks on SNAP who shouldnt be?

We need people to go to work, he later added. If you are on food stamps and you are able-bodied, we need you to go to work. If you are on disability insurance and you are not supposed to be, you are not truly disabled, we need you to go back to work. We need everybody pulling in the same direction.

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Mr Trumps budget proposal would cut funding for SNAP by $192 billion over the next 10 years, massively shifting the cost of the programme to state governments.

During a press conference on Tuesday, a reporter asked how Mr Mulvaney would respond to people who want to work but are unable to find a job.

The folks that are are out there who are on food stamps and want to work, well be able to work with them to solve the problem, Mr Mulvaney replied. They are not whats causing the difficulties in SNAP. Its the folks who are on there who dont want to work. And thats what were trying to point out to people.

Craig Gundersen, a professor of agricultural and consumer economics at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, said that more than half of SNAP participants are children.

The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, a nonpartisan policy organisation, said the full budget plan relied on gimmicks, unrealistic cuts and rosy assumptions of economic growth that would reach 3 per cent annually by the end of Mr Trump's first term.

The Congressional Budget Office projects the economy to grow at an annual pace of 1.9 per cent over that period.

The White House said its proposed tax cuts would help fuel higher growth and pay for themselves by generating an additional $2 trillion in revenue over 10 years.

Lawrence Summers, a former economic adviser to Democratic President Barack Obama, said the Trump administration was double-counting that money by saying it would help close budget deficits while also offsetting the revenue lost by cutting tax rates.

It appears to be the most egregious accounting error in a presidential budget in the nearly 40 years I have been tracking them, Mr Summers wrote in the Washington Post.

Mr Mulvaney said his office made other assumptions that were probably too conservative. We stand by the numbers, he said.

Elsewhere in the budget plan, the Pentagon would get a spending hike, and there would be a $1.6 billion down payment to begin building a wall along the border with Mexico, which was a central promise of Mr Trump's presidential campaign. Mr Trump's proposal also foresees selling half of the U.S. emergency oil stockpile, created in 1975 after the Arab oil embargo caused fears of price spikes.

Senator Bernie Sanders, who ran a populist campaign during the Democratic presidential primary, said the budget showed that Mr Trump's campaign promises to stand up for working people was just cheap and dishonest campaign rhetoric that was meant to get votes.

While the plan boosts defence spending by $54 billion, it falls short of campaign promises for a historic hike in military spending amid plans to rebuild the U.S. Navy.

That is only 3 per cent more than former President Barack Obama had sought in his long-term budget plan.

The president would reduce nearly a third of funding for diplomacy and foreign aid including global health and food aid, peacekeeping and other forms of non-military foreign involvement.

If we implemented this budget, you'd have to retreat from the world or put a lot of people at risk, said Republican Senator Lindsey Graham. This budget is not going to go anywhere.

Agencies contributed to this report
Heres a look at some of the stocks the Yahoo Finance team will be watching for you today.

Lowes (LOW) stock fell this morning. The home improvement retailer delivered first quarter earnings and revenue that came in below analysts estimates. Same-store sales were also weaker-than-expected.

Investors stocked up on shares of The Container Store (TCS). That stock surged in early trading after the storage retailer reported much better-than-expected earnings and revenue last quarter as profit more than doubled from a year ago and sales improved. The company also unveiled a restructuring plan that includes job cuts, but no word on how many positions will be eliminated.

Target (TGT) has agreed to pay $18.5 million in a settlement with 47 states and the District of Columbia related to its massive data breach in 2013.

Nvidia (NVDA) shares were higher this morning after Bloomberg reported that Softbanks tech fund amassed a $4 billion stake in the graphics chipmaker, making it the fourth-largest shareholder.

Tax season proved to be a big success for Intuit (INTU). The stock jumped in early trading after the maker of QuickBooks and other software reported first quarter earnings that topped analysts estimates. The company said results were driven by its partnerships with Uber and other gig economy related businesses.
The following material contains graphic images that may be disturbing. Parents are advised that these images may not be suitable for young children.

Ryans extraordinary story of endurance and survival began with a weekend climbing trip, and ended in a fight against death.

Ryan texted Dave, his dad, to tell him he was going on a two-day climb of Pyramid Peak in the Elks Range near Aspen, Colorado. He told Dave his return time was 8 p.m. that Sunday  if he wasnt back by then, something had gone wrong. By 7 that evening, Dave says, I was starting to get a little concerned because he always comes back hours before that time he gives. His roommates hadnt heard from him either. I got a sinking feeling in my stomach, says Daves mother, LaShawn, Because he is never late.

The sheriffs office said it was too dark to start a search that evening. The next day, search and rescue teams went out, But they couldnt send out a full-fledged team because this blizzard had come in. LaShawn and Dave immediately headed to Aspen to be on hand when Ryan was found.

By Tuesday morning, we were a wreck, Dave says. At this point, Ryan had spent two nights out in the bitter cold, with temperatures around four degrees. When I heard they had found the snow cave with his gear in it, I just lost it, admits LaShawn. It seemed to me he had to be dead.

Watch: Exclusive: Ryan's Fight for Survival After 1,500 Foot Fall!

But Ryan had survived! Now he tells the story of his fight for life. He was traveling solo and knew a big storm was blowing in on Sunday afternoon, but Thats why I was shooting for an early-morning summit, to avoid the big storm, he says. He spent the night camping near the summit, then headed for the peak early that morning  he was 40 or 50 feet from the top.

And then all of a sudden, it was all going to hell, he says. Something collapsed beneath his feet and Ryan was plunging down among the steep drop-offs. I thought inevitably I would die, he says. That was a pretty low moment. After falling 1,500 to 2,000 feet, he was able to stop himself  he was alive, but severely injured. My leg was just destroyed. My elbow was out of its socket. My helmet had a large break in it. I was spitting blood out into the snow.

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Ryan had a large snow shovel, but his phone died and he had lost one glove. His pants were soaked with icy water. I sat on my shovel and kind of used it as a rudder and a brake to start scooting my way back down, he explains. He knew he would die of exposure if he didnt get off the mountain.

If theres anybody that can survive being out there, Ryan could, says his dad. But by Tuesday morning, survival began to seem impossible to his waiting parents.

After six grueling hours, Ryan found the trail and he spent three more hours walking down the mountain before he heard someone shouting. At 4:20 we got a call, and Dave said Hes alive!, says LaShawn.

There was no way that I wasnt going to get again and see my family again, concludes Ryan.

Watch: Clinging for Life

ER Physician Dr. Travis Stork greets Ryan and his parents. When you say you fell 1,500-plus feet, thats taller than the Empire State Building, Dr. Stork notes. Granted, that wasnt a complete drop. But if you look at the mountain  1,500 feet down THAT mountain is pretty remarkable. The Aspen coroner said that in 20 years, there had been not survivors that had taken a fall similar to that. So you really are a miracle!

Ryan suffered frostbite to his right hand and was treated at by Dr. Anne Wagner at UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital but is recovering well. His elbow, however, is still swollen and has limited motion. Being a rock climber Im concerned, says Ryan. I definitely want to get back to full strength so I can get back out there and not make it more dangerous by being injured. Dr. Stork laughs, Typical climber!

Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Ryan Dellamaggiora examined Ryans elbow. With the brace, he has now and physical therapy, I think we can get him back to almost full motion, he says. I wont make any promises, but good motion  quicker and better than with surgery.

Ryan says he determined to climb Pyramid Peak  and this time, to make it to the top! You cant always predict what happens in nature, says Dr. Stork. This is clearly something you love. And to make it easier for Ryan to climb again, the North Face is donating $2,500 worth of gear to replace what he lost on the mountain.

And thats not all! Wellness Expert A.D. Dolphin, the CEO of DHerbs.com, presents Ryan with a $5,000 check to help cover his medical expenses! And DHerbs.com is also making a grant of $5,000 to Mountain Rescue Aspen, the organization that launched Ryans rescue team.

Dr. Stork asks Ryan to send The Doctors a follow-up picture -- from the top of Pyramid Peak.
A Philadelphia man imprisoned for 24 years for a crime he didn't commit was set to have a hearing Tuesday to determine when hed be released from prison. Shaurn Thomas, convicted of a murder when he was only 16 years old, was sentenced to life in prison in 1994. Since then, Thomas has maintained his innocence, a fact corroborated by the Pennsylvania Innocence Project and a private law firm.

Thomas, now 43, was finally able to clear his name after nearly a quarter of a century in prison.

Shaurn engaged in a decades long struggle to prove his innocence, attorney James Figorski of Dechert LLP said, according to NBC Philadelphia. I joined him in that struggle and many times it seemed that we would never succeed and he would remain in prison for the rest of his life.

Read: Teenagers Who Stole Car And Killed 6-Year-Old Charged With Capital Murder

The Pennsylvania Innocence Project, a nonprofit aimed at exonerating those who have been wrongfully convicted, worked alongside Thomas and Dechert LLP to convince the justice system he was innocent. The Philadelphia District Attorneys Conviction Review Unit eventually re-opened the case and in 2015, his conviction was finally dismissed after a crucial witness admitted they had lied about Thomas role in the murder.

Shaurn Thomas

Photo: Pennsylvania Innocence Project

On the night the murder occurred, Shaurn had already been detained in juvenile court elsewhere in Philadelphia after having been accused of stealing a motorcycle, according to the Pennsylvania Innocence Project. But the paperwork proving he was detained at the time and could not have committed the murder disappeared.

Thomas conviction rested on the testimony of witnesses.

He said, theres no evidence against me, other than these two people said, said Figorski. And I thought, its a murder conviction, must have been some physical evidence or scientific evidence and there wasnt.

In addition, a key witness named Ron Smith who saw the murder occur and could corroborate that Thomas was not there was never asked to testify at the trial. Smith said he was told that his testimony wasnt consistent with other witnesses and that he wouldnt be needed.

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They had formed a picture of it. How this murder happened, said Figorski, who spent 900 hours free of charge investigating Thomas case. They were sticking to that and they didnt seem to want to hear anything else that interfered with that picture.

His mother, who was with him when he was detained at the time of the murder all those years ago, corroborating his innocence, said she was glad the ordeal was finally over.

It makes me feel real good, Hazel Thomas told WTFX-TV. Real, real good, cause I finally have him back.

Thomas situation echoes that of Donte Rollins, a 29-year-old Philadelphia man who was released from jail in 2016 after nearly a decade in prison. Rollins was wrongly convicted of a shooting that left a 6-year-old boy paralyzed, until the Pennsylvania Innocence Project stepped in for him.

This is something he should never have been arrested for, Marissa Boyers Bluestine, Rollins attorney and the legal director at the Pennsylvania Innocence Project, said in December 2016. There is evidence that should have been presented at length. Its an egregious violation and his release is a longtime coming.

Bluestine spent three years working to secure Rollins freedom before he was finally released.

Related Articles
London (AFP) - At least 22 people died in Monday night's bombing attack on a Manchester pop concert, including an eight-year-old girl and several parents who had come to pick up their children.

Here is what we know so far about the victims of the terror attack, the deadliest in Britain since the 2005 London bombings:

- 'Beautiful little girl' -

Eight-year-old Saffie Rose Roussos from Leyland, a town in Lancashire, northwest England, is so far the youngest named victim.

She attended the concert with her mother and older sister. Friends said they were both being treated for their injuries in hospital.

Chris Upton, headteacher at the Tarleton Community Primary School, described Saffie as "a beautiful little girl in every sense of the word".

"She was loved by everyone and her warmth and kindness will be remembered fondly. Saffie was quiet and unassuming with a creative flair," he said.

"The thought that anyone could go out to a concert and not come home is heartbreaking."

- Worst fears confirmed -

Charlotte Campbell spent the hours after the attack desperately searching for her 15-year-old daughter Olivia, but on Wednesday she confirmed that she had died.

"RIP my darling precious gorgeous girl Olivia Campbell taken far far too soon," she wrote on Facebook, alongside a picture of her daughter.

"Go sing with the angels and keep smiling mummy loves you so much."

She had earlier appealed in the media for any news of the teenager, who had been at the concert with her friend Adam. He was being treated in hospital.

Charlotte Campbell said they had spoken at about 8:30pm, two hours before the blast, adding: "She'd just seen the support act and said she was having an amazing time and thanking me for letting her go."

- 'Always smiling, always positive'

Nell Jones was in year nine, which is usually for pupils aged 13 and 14, at Holmes Chapel Comprehensive School and Sixth Form College in Cheshire in northern England.

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"Nell was a very popular girl, always smiling, always positive," her form tutor David Wheeler said in a statement.

Her fellow students feel "like they have lost a sister, not a classmate," he said.

The school also issued a statement on behalf of the family of Freya Lewis, another year nine pupil, saying she had been "badly injured" in the attack.

"Freya has been sewn, bolted, drilled and bandaged back together," said her father, Nick Lewis.

"It is going to be a long climb but we are on the first step."

- 'Lovely young student' -

The death of Georgina Callander, believed to be 18, was confirmed by her school, the Runshaw College Sixth Form Centre in Lancashire, northwest England, where she had been studying health and social care.

Her former school, Bishop Rawstorne Church of England Academy, brought together students to pray for her and remember her life.

"Georgina was a lovely young student who was very popular with her peers and the staff and always made the most of the opportunities she had at the school," it said.

- Friends waiting for daughters -

Alison Howe, 45, and Lisa Lees, 47, from Oldham, near Manchester, were killed while waiting in the foyer to pick up their daughters, The Daily Mirror reported.

The girls, both aged 15, are believed to be safe.

Howe's stepson Jordan Howe confirmed her death on Facebook, writing: "They took a caring beautiful mum and step mother away from us all she was amazing to us all x love you loads Alison Howe xx."

The paper said Lees's brother, Lee Hunter, also confirmed her death.

- Polish couple -

A Polish couple living in Britain were also caught in the explosion as they went to collect their daughters, Poland's Foreign Minister Witold Waszczykowski said.

Polish media identified them as Angelika and Marcin Klis.

"The parents went to pick up their daughters after the concert and unfortunately this morning we received news that they did not survive the explosion," he told Poland's RMF Radio.

Waszczykowski said their daughters were not harmed.

- 'One in a million' -

John Atkinson, 26, from Bury in Lancashire, was named by friends as one of those killed.

His Facebook account has been "memorialised" -- a process made possible only by verified family members contacting the website directly.

John was "one in a million and loved by so many," wrote Hayley Turk, who organised an online fund for his family.

"A true gentleman," she added.

- Devastated family -

Kelly Brewster, from Sheffield, east of Manchester, was confirmed as one of the victims by her partner Ian Winslow, who paid tribute on Facebook.

"Kelly really was the happiest she has ever been and we had so many things planned together. My daughter Phoebe will be absolutely devastated like we all are," he said, according to media reports.

Some of those reports indicated that Brewster died shielding her 11-year-old niece from the blast.

- 'Centre of attention' -

PR manager Martyn Hett, 29, from Stockport, near Manchester, had appeared on television shows like "Come Dine With Me" and "Tattoo Fixers".

"They found my brother last night. We are heartbroken," his brother Dan wrote on Twitter.

Hett was known as a social media personality and a superfan of the long-running British soap opera "Coronation Street".

His friend Russell Hayward said: "We got the news last night that our wonderful iconic and beautiful Martyn didn't survive.

"He left this world exactly how he lived, centre of attention."
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has imposed martial law on the southern region of Mindanao to combat militants who have declared allegiance to the Islamic State group.

Here is what we know about his reasons and what happens next:

- What happened to trigger martial law? -

Duterte acted after security forces on Tuesday battled dozens of gunmen in Marawi, a city of about 200,000 people. One policeman and two soldiers died in the fighting, authorities said.

Tuesday's violence was the latest in a series of deadly clashes with militants who have pledged allegiance to the Islamic State (IS) group, and are based throughout Mindanao.

Duterte's declaration fulfilled an often-repeated promise to impose martial law to combat the IS-linked militants, whom he has said are a growing threat to national security.

But he has said repeatedly that martial law may be needed to solve many other problems, including illegal drugs.

- Who are the militants? -

Authorities said they were battling members of two of the best-known groups to have declared allegiance to IS, the Abu Sayyaf and Maute organisations.

The military said it was hunting Isnilon Hapilon, an Abu Sayyaf leader who has been named the Philippine head of IS. The US government is offering a $5-million bounty for his capture.

The Abu Sayyaf is infamous for kidnapping foreigners and killing them if ransoms are not paid. It is also blamed for the nation's worst terror attacks, including the 2004 bombing of a ferry in Manila Bay that claimed more than 100 lives.

- Is martial law necessary? -

Duterte has said repeatedly the growing influence of Islamic State was one of the nation's top security concerns, and martial law was necessary to stop it.

However Islamist militancy is not new to the southern Philippines, where a decades-long Muslim separatist insurgency claimed more than 120,000 lives.

Muslim rebels orchestrated a siege in the southern city of Zamboanga in 2013 that left more than 200 people dead, but the government of then-president Benigno Aquino did not declare martial law.

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Aquino also said he had considered imposing martial law just before standing down last year in Sulu, island strongholds of the Abu Sayyaf in the far south of Mindanao.

But Aquino said he decided against it partly because military rule could spark resentment among local people.

- What will happen under martial law? -

Martial law allows the president to "call out the armed forces to prevent or suppress lawless violence, invasion or rebellion", according to the constitution.

Duterte said Wednesday he would be "harsh" and his version of martial law would include warrantless arrests and searches, along with curfews in some provinces.

Critics fear it will give security forces cover to carry out human rights abuses, citing the experience under dictator Ferdinand Marcos a generation ago.

During the nine years of martial law under Marcos, police and troops tortured, abducted and killed thousands of people who were critical of the dictatorship, according to rights groups and historians.

"Martial law of Mr Marcos was very good," Duterte said, adding military rule in Mindanao would be similar to that under the dictator.

- What happens next? -

The constitution limits martial law to 60 days unless congress agrees to extend it.

The post-Marcos constitution also imposed safeguards on martial law, including the requirement for congress to approve its imposition and extension. The Supreme Court can also rule on its legality.

But Duterte had previously said he was prepare to ignore the constitutional safeguards.

He said Wednesday martial law would remain until there was no more terrorist threat, and that he was prepared to expand it nationwide.

"I will not hesitate to do anything and everything to protect and preserve the Filipino nation," he said.

"If it means many people dying, so be it."
During its graduation ceremony on Tuesday, May 23, Bowie State University honored a student killed last weekend. Police are investigating the death of Richard Collins III as a hate crime.

The school confirmed Collins degree to his family, seen in the first video. A moment of silence was held for Collins during the ceremony, and a chair was set aside with his robe to remember him. The moment of silence can be seen in the second video. Collins had been commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Army two days before his death on Saturday.

Police believe Sean Urbanski, 22, who is white, stabbed Collins, who is black, in an unprovoked attack. Credit: Bowie State University Student Veterans Association via Storyful
Visiting the Vatican on Wednesday, first lady Melania Trump and first daughter and presidential advisor Ivanka Trump wore long-sleeve black dresses with veils, in accordance with the traditional dress code for women at the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church.

Ivanka and Melania Trump at the Vatican. (Photo: AP Images)

The fact that the Trump women decided to conform to the fashion policies for a private papal audience meeting is somewhat surprising. Pope Francis himself has actually been vocal regarding his desire to see the Vaticans dress code eased.

And the sartorial protocols  which have for centuries asked women to wear a long-sleeve black dress and a black veil for meeting privately with the pope  have been as of late. Case in point: When the Duchess of Cornwall visited last month, she wore a pale gold dress with a hemline that covered her knees, and no veil. While this was at first seen as a faux pas, a spokesperson explained at the time that Things have become more relaxed over the last few years there are no hard and fast rules.

Previously, the only deviation from the dress code was allowed for those given a privilege du blanc  or privilege of white  in which certain royal women from certain Catholic countries are required to wear white dresses and veils for meeting His Holiness. There are now only seven women who technically qualify: Queen Sofia of Spain; Queen Paula of Belgium; Maria Teresa, Grand Duchess of Luxembourg; Charlene, Princess of Monaco; Queen Mathilde of Belgium; Queen Letizia of Spain, and Marina, Princess of Naples.

In the past, first ladies have adhered to the all-black rule; Melania Trumps predecessor, Michelle Obama, wore a black dress and black veil to meet Pope Franciss predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, in 2009. During his time in the papacy, Benedict made no indications that he wished to see the Vatican dress code amended.

Melania and Ivanka Trumps decision to follow to a now-relaxed convention is an interesting move after both opted to not wear veils while visiting Saudi Arabia last week, despite the fact that the countrys Islamic citizens are required by law to veil in public. (It should be noted that the women did not visit any specifically religious landmarks while in the kingdom; however, it is governed by Sharia law.)

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And at Yad vShem in Israel, while Melania and Ivanka Trump wore white dresses to visit the Holocaust memorial  considered by many to be a sacred site  the first ladys dress was sleeveless and showed her shoulders, something many considered inappropriate.

Also while in Israel, Ivanka opted to cover her head to visit the Western Wall, one of the most sacred sites in Judaism. Ivanka, who converted to Judaism before marrying Jared Kushner in 2009 and is raising her three children in the Orthodox Jewish tradition, also covered her shoulders and knees with every outfit change throughout the trip. Melania Trump, on the other hand, left her head bare for the visit to the holy site and wore a white suit with a low neckline and a skirt with a slit up the front.

Read more from Yahoo Style + Beauty:

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day. For Twitter updates, follow @YahooStyle and @YahooBeauty.




The Trumps have officially landed in Italy, the latest stop the president's first foreign tour since taking office, and guess what: Melania still doesn't want to hold Donald's hand.

Sad!

In the clip, Melania and Donald Trump step out of Air Force One after touching down in Rome, waving at those present for the landing. While greeting everyone, Donald Trump tried to hold Melania's hand ... except Melania rejected him, deploying the classic "oops, I'm going to brush my hair out of my eyes now" move we all know from middle school.

SEE ALSO: Donald Trump calls Manchester attackers 'evil losers'

Melania's rejection comes hot off the heels of a slightly-less-subtle hand swat delivered on a tarmac in Israel.

Melania Trump appears to swat Trump's hand away, refusing to hold it https://t.co/hTaZeBwZ1q pic.twitter.com/2IdS1iiicK  Hollywood Reporter (@THR) May 22, 2017

During that event, Donald tried to hold Melania's hand then too, but Melania noticeably swatted his hand away.
Footage appears to show Melania Trump swatting away her husband's hand as he reached for it during their trip to Israel.

The interaction unfolded between the couple as they arrived in the country on Trump's first trip abroad as president.

Read: Trump Visits the Wailing Wall During His First Tour Overseas as President

The moment quickly went viral.

Melania's reaction when Donald tries to hold her hand is all of us. https://t.co/DnT0nHvZqV  George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) May 22, 2017

Melania is kind of a boss! https://t.co/qxDa57jlsw  James Corden (@JKCorden) May 22, 2017

Melania is sick and tired y'all 



pic.twitter.com/XR57y20pc0   (@Dr_Sweets23) May 22, 2017

The first couple later held hands at the church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem as she walked down the stone steps.

Trump became the first sitting U.S. president to visit the holy Wailing Wall in Jerusalem.

Read: Trump Says He Had an 'Absolute Right' to Give Classified Intel to Russia

He will also travel to Vatican City on Wednesday to meet with Pope Francis, who has openly criticized the billionaires rhetoric and immigration plans.

He caps off his first overseas trip with visits to Rome, Brussels, Belgium and Sicily.

Watch: Trump's Ex Marla Maples Takes Selfies at Times Square After Crash

Story continues

Related Articles:
By Alex Bregman

When it comes to the investigation into Russia and the Trump White House, his name just wont go away: Michael Flynn.

So who is he and how does he fit into the Russia puzzle?

Flynn rose in the ranks in the Army, leading operations in both Afghanistan and Iraq. He then served as President Barack Obamas director of the Defense Intelligence Agency, though he was forced out after just over two years because of his management style.

Cut to 2016, when he became a vocal critic of the Obama administration and its approach to the fight against ISIS.

He told Yahoo News in 2015, I really think that hes just confused as to what the type of enemy that were facing  he really, really has it wrong.

He soon found candidate Donald Trumps ear, introducing him at rallies and even leading a lock her up chant at the Republican National Convention.

It turned out Flynn also had the ear of other leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin. He attended a dinner with Putin in 2015 celebrating the 10th anniversary of RT, the Russian TV propaganda network, an event he was paid thousands of dollars by the Russian government to speak at.

When questioned by Yahoo News Chief Investigative Correspondent Michael Isikoff at the RNC, You flew to Russia Why did you go to Moscow? Did you get paid? Who paid you? he responded: My speakers bureau. Ask them.

Later it came out that Flynn didnt disclose those payments to the Trump transition team and that he misled the Pentagon about them too.

The Trump team reportedly did know, however, about an investigation into Flynn for his work as a paid lobbyist for Turkey, and Trump himself even got a warning from Obama personally about Flynn.

Nevertheless, one week after Trumps election victory, Flynn was named his national security adviser.

Flynn wouldnt last long though, thanks to another Russia connection: a call he had with Russias Ambassador to the U.S. Sergey Kislyak on Dec. 29, the same day the Obama administration announced sanctions against the Russians for meddling in the election.

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Flynn claimed those sanctions didnt come up on the call, which wouldve been illegal, and he even sent Vice President Mike Pence out to confirm that. I talked to Gen. Flynn about that, Pence said. They did not discuss anything having to do with the United States decision to expel diplomats or impose censure against Russia.

It turns out Flynn lied to Pence and Trump had to let Flynn go. At 24 days, it was the shortest tenure for a national security adviser in American history.

Yet Trump has continued to speak highly of Flynn even reportedly suggesting to then FBI Director James Comey on the investigation into his Russia ties: He is a good guy. I hope you can let this go.

According to Yahoo News, Trump still communicates with Flynn.

At one point, Flynns lawyers offered up his testimony on Russia in exchange for immunity, saying he has certainly has a story to tell.

Despite him having said this about offering up immunity in the past about Hillary Clinton: When you are given immunity, that means youve probably committed a crime.

That offer from Flynn, however, was NOT taken up by Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, and now hes refusing to testify at all, pleading the Fifth Amendment.

So as the questions continue surrounding the Russia investigation, when it comes to one of the men at the center of it, Michael Flynn, at least you can say, now I get it.

Read more from Yahoo News:
Rob Huebel stopped by The Late Show With Stephen Colbert where he remembered the time he worked on a VH-1 prank show. He was a producer on the show and he was tasked with trying to sneak a Michael Jackson impersonator into a Yankees game to throw out the first pitch. The original concept was that Huebel and the impersonator would get into an altercation with the gate security but before they knew it the Yankees front office told them to come in. At this point Huebel said he was getting pretty nervous, particularly because the impersonator was a white German guy hiding behind a surgical mask. Huebel eventually made it into the Yankees dugout with all the stars. But his time there was short lived because one of the other producers broke down crying while talking with security and everyone involved in the prank was thrown in jail. To make matters even worse, Huebel said, "I am permanently banned from Yankee stadium. I have a thing that says, 'You may not ever go back in Yankee stadium." Don't feel to bad for Huebel tough, because he admitted, "I've been back already!"
Washington (AFP) - Can a guitar-strumming cowboy poet strike the first blow at the polls against President Donald Trump? Democrat Rob Quist reckons he can do just that, in Thursday's closely-watched special congressional election in Montana.

Quist croons at campaign rallies and writes poems for supporters. And as a first-time candidate for public office, the 69-year-old is running an unexpectedly tight race against a Republican businessman in Big Sky country.

The lead once enjoyed by Republican contender Greg Gianforte "has diminished in polling so much that it's miniscule," Jeremy Johnson, an associate professor of political science at Carroll College in the state capital Helena, told AFP.

"It's close to a toss-up."

It is the latest example of a congressional race in a traditional Republican stronghold that is far closer than expected, and will be key to determining whether rural voters, who helped send Trump to the White House, are sticking with him.

Trump carried Montana by 20 points; Thursday's vote, for the western state's sole seat in the House of Representatives, will be a nail-biter.

"Tomorrow, we have the chance to stand up and defend our values in Washington," Quist tweeted Wednesday.

Another special election, in Georgia on June 20, is also going down to the wire. Polls show Democrat Jon Ossoff with a slim lead over Republican Karen Handel, who has Trump's backing.

Both elections are to replace lawmakers who resigned in order to join Trump's cabinet.

The votes may well be bellwethers on a key issue facing millions of Americans: health care.

Quist is vehemently opposed to the Republican bill, approved by the House of Representatives last month by a 217-213 margin, that would repeal and replace Obamacare.

Gianforte wants to replace Obamacare with something better, but has said he would not have supported the Republican measure in its current form.

But The New York Times dug up an audio recording of Gianforte telling Republicans he was "thankful" that the House passed its bill.

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The Senate still needs to vote on the measure, and it is unlikely to survive as is. The renegotiated legislation will return to the House, where every vote will be critical.

- 'Huge implications' -

The series of Trump-related crises -- notably the deepening probe into his campaign's ties with Russia -- and concerns over the Republican health bill have given Quist the momentum, Johnson said.

National strategists are also paying close attention because the results could signal whether support for Trump is already waning in traditional conservative territory, or holding steady.

The Quist race suggests a nightmare scenario may be unfolding for Republicans as they try to protect their majority in the House of Representatives in the 2018 mid-term elections: conservative strongholds may prove more difficult -- and expensive -- for the party to hold in the wake of Trump assuming power.

"Everybody is trying to divine some meaning from each of these special elections," said the US Senate's number two Republican John Cornyn of Texas, adding he was acutely aware how losses in either race could imperil his party's efforts on health care.

"Obviously it would have huge implications just in terms of the numbers," Cornyn said.

Outside groups on both sides are reported to have poured millions of dollars into the Montana race.

A Democrat has not held Montana's House seat in two decades.

An April special congressional election in central Kansas was instructive: Trump carried that district by 27 points, but five months later, the Republican candidate won by just seven points.

"The eyes of the country are on Montana this week," Senator Bernie Sanders, an expert in rallying the grassroots Democratic base, told a large crowd at a recent Quist rally in Missoula.
By Gina Cherelus

NEW YORK (Reuters) - A grand jury has indicted the driver charged with killing a young woman and injuring 22 people when he careened through three blocks in New York City's crowded Times Square, prosecutors said on Wednesday.

Richard Rojas, 26, is scheduled to be arraigned on the indictment on July 13.

Authorities say Rojas drove his Honda sedan down Seventh Avenue on May 18, made a U-turn and mowed down pedestrians on the packed sidewalk for three city blocks before crashing. Alyssa Elsman, an 18-year-old woman from Michigan, was killed.

The driver was subdued by onlookers and police as he tried to flee on foot.

The charges in the indictment were not immediately made public. Rojas, who did not appear at the Wednesday hearing, was previously charged with second-degree murder, vehicular homicide and multiple counts of attempted murder.

His defense lawyer, Enrico Demarco, declined to comment after the brief hearing.

Rojas, who served in the Navy, told the New York Post in a tearful jailhouse interview last week that he had unsuccessfully sought psychiatric care, and said he had no recollection of the incident.

He was believed to be under the influence of some intoxicating substance, a police source has told Reuters, while law enforcement officials told ABC News he was apparently high on synthetic marijuana.

Rojas has had numerous run-ins with the law over the past decade, according to Navy and public court records. He has had at least four prior arrests, two for drunken driving, and one earlier this month for allegedly threatening another man with a knife outside his apartment in New York City's Bronx borough.

While serving in the Navy in 2013, he spent two months in a military jail in South Carolina, though records do not indicate why.

Of the 13 attack victims Bellevue Hospital received, nine have been released, the health provider said in a statement on Wednesday. One of the remaining patients is in critical condition, another is in serious condition and the other two are in fair or good shape, it said.

The last of six victims sent to Mount Sinai West and Mount Sinai St. Luke's hospitals was released on Tuesday, a spokeswoman said.

(Additional reporting by Laila Kearney; editing by Jonathan Oatis and David Gregorio)
Model mom Irina Shayk appears on the red carpet in Cannes, France. (Photo: Getty Images)

Model Irina Shayk hit the Cannes Film Festival wearing a canary yellow Atelier Versace gown, but her style took a back seat to her post-baby body.

Shayk, who welcomed daughter Lea de Seine Shayk Cooper on March 24 with partner Bradley Cooper, posed on the red carpet for the premiere of the Japanese film Hikari (Radiance) wearing the beaded, silk chiffon dress with a thigh-high slit. In a photo of the look posted to Instagram on Tuesday, commenters were incredulous over Shayks amazing and stunning shape.

@irinashayk wearing a fully beaded yellow silk chiffon #AtelierVersace gown on occasion of the 'Hikari (Radiance)' screening during the 70th annual #CannesFilmFestival. #VersaceCelebrities A post shared by Versace (@versace_official) on May 23, 2017 at 2:20pm PDT

The Russian model triggered similar comments in April when she posted an Instagram photo of herself wearing a black bikini and lounging in a pool. Pre-sunset, she captioned the photo adding the hashtag, Current situation.

Shayks slim figure incited speculation that the photo was an old one, with one person writing, 4 weeks after giving birth, who even has the time or effort to take an image like this right after giving birth. Another dubbed Shayks body impossible.

Pre-sunset ???????? #currentsituation A post shared by irinashayk (@irinashayk) on Apr 18, 2017 at 7:30pm PDT

Shayk clearly embraces her body in any form  in November, while pregnant, she walked the runway for Victorias Secret wearing a garter belt and several variations of a bra-and-underwear set, and in December, she channeled Demi Moores character in the film Ghost by re-creating the famous pottery scene in a video for Love magazine.

And whether shes pregnant or not, Shayk has nothing to prove.

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(Reuters) - Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey reopened late on Tuesday after being shut down when 131 people were evacuated from a United Airlines flight over flames seen emerging from an aircraft engine.

United Airlines Flight 1579, a Boeing 757, was on a taxiway bound for San Francisco at about 9 p.m. when the flames were spotted coming from its right-side engine, the Federal Aviation Administration said in a written statement.

United spokesman Jonathan Guerin said the aircraft was notified of the apparent fire by the control tower and one person suffered an ankle injury while evacuating.

Five people suffered minor injuries during the incident and travelers should expect delays through the night, an airport spokesman told Reuters in an email.

Guerin said there were 124 passengers and seven crew aboard the plane. The passengers were ferried back to the terminal and would be put on later flights, he added.

The FAA said it would investigate the incident.

Flight tracking website Flightaware.com said all inbound flights were being held at Newark until at least 11 p.m and advised passengers of delays of up to 90 minutes because of taxiway congestion.

(This story corrects headline to make clear airport reopened.)

(Reporting by Dan Whitcomb; Editing by Simon Cameron-Moore and Clarence Fernandez)
If there's one thing we know to be true in 2017, it's that every breath President Trump takes, every move he makes, Pete Souza will be watching him.

On Wednesday morning America awoke to yet another glorious Trump meme circulating, courtesy of his visit with Pope Francis, who was photographed looking less than thrilled about the president's visit to Italy.

Upon seeing the Pope look sad to be standing in the midst of this man who called him "disgraceful" back in 2016, the internet went wild. Naturally, Souza took this opportunity to highlight Obama's solid relationship with the Pope.

SEE ALSO: Pete Souza shares adorable, perfectly-timed photo of the Obamas

For reference, here is some evidence of the Pope looking straight up pissed in Trump's presence today. We can't make this stuff up.

In presence of pool reporters @POTUS said to @Pontifex it's "a very great honor." The pope did not say anything. He did not smile. pic.twitter.com/Li0uhlE7w9  Steve Herman (@W7VOA) May 24, 2017

Nice shot of a cheerful Pope Francis giving Trump the tour. 'Chairs, floor, walls ... We're done, get out.' pic.twitter.com/94Rv9U8h9t  Damien Owens (@OwensDamien) May 24, 2017

pope francis sweetie im so sorry pic.twitter.com/al5n8uk7gU  shine (@Iubesirhc) May 24, 2017

Souza must have immediately noticed that Trump's interaction with the Pope looked just a hair more somber than former president Obama's did just last year, so he raced to Instagram to remind us all.

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Captioned "Mutual admiration, 2016," the photograph showed Obama and the Pope mid-handshake with their heads bowed towards each other, and massive smiles upon their faces.

Mutual admiration, 2016. A post shared by Pete Souza (@petesouza) on May 24, 2017 at 6:55am PDT

Now sure, it appears as though Francis was not 100% sullen the entire visit and in fact, did crack a smile at one point.

Sullen Pope or Smiling Pope, The Twitter Game



Pick a photo and drive your own narrative. pic.twitter.com/Ca1LpocERB  Micah Grimes (@MicahGrimes) May 24, 2017

We'll give Trump that, but does Souza care about one contradictory photo? No. We've reached a point in time where Souza trolling knows no bounds. He can't stop trolling and he won't stop trolling.

Despite the Pope's sad, grumpy face, Trump tweeted after his visit to the Vatican to let the world know he was honored by the meeting and determined to pursue "PEACE."

Honor of a lifetime to meet His Holiness Pope Francis. I leave the Vatican more determined than ever to pursue PEACE in our world. pic.twitter.com/JzJDy7pllI  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 24, 2017

Good luck, Trump. But we have a feeling Souza's Instagram isn't going to let you have any.

The former White House photographer also recently secured a book deal with Little, Brown and Company. Souza's Obama: An Intimate Portrait, is set to be published in Nov. 2017 and will reportedly include over 300 Obama pictures, sure to delight Trump.

Yesterday at Little, Brown in NYC, looking at the first test proofs of my book along with designer Yolanda Cuomo and representatives from the printer. @yo.and.co @littlebrown Photo by @bonniebriant A post shared by Pete Souza (@petesouza) on May 20, 2017 at 9:02am PDT

As his publishing date draws near it seems like a pretty good time for Souza to troll as much as possible. After all, gotta keep the fans happy!
President Barack Obama at a news conference in December. (Photo: Pablo Martinez Monsivais/AP)

The ranking Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee Wednesday criticized the Obama administration for not responding more aggressively to Russias election hacks last year as well as other state-sponsored cyberattacks, saying its failure to do so may have sent a message they were essentially a penalty-free enterprise.

Adam Schiffs surprisingly sharp critique of the Obama administration came during a breakfast meeting with reporters in which he signaled that the House committee  like its Senate counterpart  plans to subpoena documents from Michael Flynn and his businesses. The former Trump White House national security adviser has refused requests for the documents, citing his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination.

We will be following up with subpoenas, said Schiff. We need to use whatever compulsory mechanisms are necessary to get the information that he possesses. As for granting him immunity in exchange for his cooperation, as his lawyer has requested, Schiff said the committee would require a proffer detailing what Flynn was prepared to say, although he added, You can certainly count me as very skeptical that we will get to that point.

Schiff was unusually blunt when asked about how the Obama White House responded to the intelligence it first received last summer that Russian intelligence services were engaged in a wide ranging effort to interfere with the U.S. election through cyberattacks.

The issue took on new significance this week after former CIA director John Brennan testified Tuesday that in a phone call last August he warned his Russian spymaster counterpart, FSB director Alexander Bortnikov, to cut the attacks out  a warning that was apparently ignored.

Former CIA Director John Brennan testifies on Tuesday. (Photo: Pablo Martinez Monsivais/AP)

Do you have any regrets about how President Obama handled the publicizing of Russian interference in the election before Election Day? Schiff was asked. Should he have been more forceful in his public comments?

Yes and yes, Schiff responded. He noted that, based on classified briefings they had received, he and California Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein, ranking minority member on the Senate Intelligence Committee, issued a joint statement last September saying that the Russians were making a serious and concerted effort to influence the U.S. election and that such efforts could come only from very senior levels of the Russian government.

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But, Schiff added, it was our strong preference it not come from us but from the Obama administration. Instead, the administration issued a written statement on Oct. 7 that was not accompanied by any action in the sense of the imposition of sanctions. What I was urging at the time was that first, that the administration make the attribution [that the Russians were behind the election hacks], and second, that once they did they immediately begin discussions with Europe about another round of sanctions on Russia. Because they were interfering with our elections, but they were also interfering in Europe. And what gets the Russians attention is economic pressure.

Schiff added, Theres a reason why the elimination of Russia sanctions is at the top of the Russian wish list. Anything that diminishes their economy, anything that could result in popular protests in Russia is what concerns Putin the most. His cratering economy is probably his greatest fear.

On Dec. 29, the Obama administration finally did impose a new round of sanctions over the Russian hack. But Schiff made it clear he viewed those as too little, too late. The sanctions werent imposed indeed until well after the election and very late in the final weeks of the Obama administration, said Schiff.

House Intelligence Committee ranking member Adam Schiff, D-Calif. (Photo: Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call)

Schiff said he understood the reasons the Obama White House was reluctant to respond more aggressively: Officials were concerned about it being perceived as too political and would have an impact on the election as well as concerns that it would play into a narrative that the voting was rigged. Privately, former Obama administration officials have also indicated their reluctance to act was based in large part on their assumption that Hillary Clinton was going to win the election and that she would then deal with the issue. They thought she was going to win, so they were willing to kick the can down the road, one U.S. official told NBC News last December.

But I didnt think that was the right decision at the time, and I think its even more clear now that it wasnt, said Schiff. In fact, Schiff added, subsequent events  such as alleged Russian interference in the recent French elections  have only vindicated his view.

So Ill go one step further, Schiff added. I was urging the administration at the time of the North Korea hack on Sony that it needed to do more to establish a deterrent. And I think the failure to act more aggressively with any of these cyberattacks may have sent a very unintended message that this was essentially a penalty-free enterprise.

Read more from Yahoo News:
Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud welcoming US President Donald J. Trump and US first lady Melania Trump, at the Royal Terminal of King Khalid International Airport: EPA

President Trump leaves the Middle East today, having done his bit to make the region even more divided and mired in conflict than it was before.

At the same moment that Donald Trump was condemning the suicide bomber in Manchester as an evil loser in life, he was adding to the chaos in which al-Qaeda and Isis have taken root and flourished.

It may be a long distance between the massacre in Manchester and the wars in the Middle East, but the connection is there.

He blamed terrorism almost exclusively on Iran and, by implication, on the Shia minority in the region, while al-Qaeda notoriously developed in the Sunni heartlands and its beliefs and practises primarily stem from Wahhabism, the sectarian and regressive variant of Islam prevalent in Saudi Arabia.

It flies in the face of all known facts to link the wave of terrorist atrocities since 9/11 on the Shia, who have most usually been its target.

This toxic historical myth-making does not deter Trump. From Lebanon to Iraq to Yemen, Iran funds, arms and trains terrorists, militias and other extremist groups that spread destruction and chaos across the region, he told an assembly of 55 Sunni leaders in Riyadh on 21 May.

In Israel, he informed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that President Obamas nuclear deal with Iran in 2015 is a terrible, terrible thing... we gave them a lifeline.

By furiously attacking Iran, Trump will encourage Saudi Arabia and Gulf monarchs to escalate their proxy wars throughout the central core of the Middle East. It will encourage Iran to take precautions and assume that a long-term understanding with the US and the Sunni states is becoming less and less feasible.

There are already some signs that Trumps endorsement of Sunni states, however repressive, is leading to an escalation of hostilities between Sunni and Shia.

In Bahrain, where a Sunni minority rules a Shia majority, the security forces attacked the Shia village of Diraz today. It is home to the islands leading Shia cleric Sheikh Isa Qassim, who has just received a one-year suspended sentence for financing extremism.

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One man in the village is reported to have been killed as the police moved in, using armoured vehicles and firing shotguns and tear gas canisters.

President Obama had frosty relations with the Bahraini rulers because of the mass incarceration of protesters and use of torture when the security forces crushed democratic protests in 2011.

Trump backed away from past policy when he met Bahraini King Hamad in Riyadh at the weekend, saying: Our countries have a wonderful relationship together, but there has been a little strain, but there wont be strain with this administration.

The bombing in Manchester  and atrocities attributed to Isis influence in Paris, Brussels, Nice and Berlin  are similar to even worse slaughter of tens of thousands in Iraq and Syria. These get limited attention in the Western media, but they continually deepen the sectarian war in the Middle East.

The only feasible way to eliminate organisations capable of carrying out these attacks is to end the seven wars  Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Libya, Somalia and north east Nigeria  that cross-infect each other and produce the anarchic conditions in which Isis and al-Qaeda and their clones can grow.

But to end these wars, there needs to be political compromise between main players like Iran and Saudi Arabia and Trumps belligerent rhetoric makes this almost impossible to achieve.

Of course, the degree to which his bombast should be taken seriously is always uncertain and his declared policies change by the day.

On his return to the US, his attention is going to be fully focused on his own political survival, not leaving much time for new departures, good or bad, in the Middle East and elsewhere. His administration is certainly wounded, but that has not stopped doing as much harm as he could in the Middle East in a short space of time.

Related:

Watch news, TV and more Yahoo View, available on iOS and Android.
A gynecologist is dismissing medical claims on Gwyneth Paltrows Goop website. (Photo: Getty Images)

A gynecologist, who has challenged Gwyneth Paltrows views on everything from breast cancer to tampons and nutrition, is blasting the actress again for reportedly spreading false medical information.

Jen Gunter, an OB-GYN and pain medicine physician, penned a blog post on Monday, responding to a comment Paltrow made on May 16 at Fast Company magazines A Meeting of the Most Creative Minds event in Los Angeles.

Responding to critics of her health and wellness website Goop, which is often labeled privileged and out of touch, Paltrow said, Im interested in criticism based on fact, not on projections, and If you want to f**k with me, bring your A game.

In the blog post titled Dear Gwyneth Paltrow Were Not F**king With You Were Correcting You, XOXO Science, Gunter expresses the growing exasperation from medical professionals and journalists alike at the almost constant debunking of the health advice and all around medical bullsh*t that you and your pals at Goop promote and sell. No, we dont have adrenal fatigue we have goopitis.

Gunter dismisses Goops advice for ridding the body of so-called toxins, and she takes aim at a portion of Paltrows latest book, Goop Clean Beauty, which includes a chapter on Botox, the popular anti-aging procedure that involves injecting the face with the bacterial toxin botulin, which paralyzes muscles and fights wrinkles.

Do you really think everything in the world is a toxin except alcohol and botulinum toxin? wrote Gunter. You worry so much about toxins that you constantly need to cleanse, but if someone were to get inTOXICated at your worried wellness GOOP cash grab in June youve got them covered with an intravenous.

Gunter also addresses Goops claim that theres a connection between the underwire in a bra and breast cancer by referencing a debunked 1995 book and misconstruing data on the link between breast cancer and women with bigger breasts.

Ever had a breast cancer survivor cry in your office worried that she caused her cancer by wearing bras for 20 years? Probably not, Gunter wrote. I have. When you give your platform to crackpot theories about bras and breast cancer you are literally f**king with breast cancer survivors. Is this fun for you? Is this your A game?

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She continued: This kind of fear mongering causes so much distress that researchers have to do special studies even though the idea is biologically implausible and not supported by the myriad of research already available. I can think of better ways to spend those breast cancer research dollars.

Calling Paltrows website a scare factory that makes up medical info or references so-called facts with little to no supporting data, Gunter addresses Goops claim that tampons are toxic, vegetables containing lectins (a plant protein) are dangerous, and Paltrows infamous tip on vaginal steaming, a spa treatment that involves crouching over a pot and allowing steam to cleanse your uterus.

Gunter adds, You have the gall to tell people like me that we better bring our A game when you bring ghosts and magic to the table. Literally. Then she dismisses Paltows previous advice that women use vaginal jade eggs to increase muscle tone and orgasm potential.

Yahoo Beauty could not reach Gunter for comment; however, the physician and mother, who gave birth to premature babies, first became interested in debunking erroneous medical claims when Internet searches about her childrens conditions left her feeling appalled. As a doctor, Gunter could quickly pinpoint false medical information, but wanted to inform others how to separate fact from fiction.

In a September statement to Business Insider, a Goop spokesperson said, Goop regularly shares perspectives and insights from a range of experts in health, wellness, and other fields. The thoughts shared  stimulate discussion and conversation on a variety of topics for the consideration of our readers. The person added that people should visit their physician before making any changes in [their] medical routine.

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House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis. (Photo: Andrew Harnik/AP)

House Speaker Paul Ryan said he doesnt agree with President Trumps assessment that former FBI Director James Comey is a nut job.

The Wisconsin lawmaker was responding to a recent New York Times report that Trump had boasted to Russian diplomats about firing Comey, whom he described as a nut job.

Yeah, I dont agree with that. And hes not, Ryan said Wednesday at the Axios News Shapers event in Washington, D.C.

During an onstage conversation, Axios co-founder Mike Allen asked Ryan about reports that Trump had pressured Comey to drop the FBIs investigation into his former national security adviser, Michael Flynn.

Ryan declined to comment. He said he didnt want to prejudge the outcome of three independent, ongoing investigations, being conducted by the House intelligence committee, the Senate intelligence committee and the FBI under the direction of special counsel Robert Mueller.

I like Jim Comey. I know that there are people who are on both sides of the aisle concerned about decisions he made. I think he was put into an impossible position, he said.

Trump abruptly fired Comey earlier this month. The White House claimed that Comey had disqualified himself during the campaign with his public statements about the FBIs probe into Hillary Clintons email server. But Trump contradicted that message, saying he fired Comey for being a showboat. And he reportedly told the Russian diplomats that the termination took pressure off the FBIs probe into whether Trump campaign associates colluded with the Kremlin.

For his part, Ryan on Wednesday defended Comeys conduct during the campaign. He said former Attorney General Loretta Lynchs controversial meeting with former President Bill Clinton aboard a private plane last summer placed Comey in a difficult position. The meeting, which raised questions about the Justice Departments impartiality, occurred just days before Comey announced that then-presidential candidate Hillary Clinton would not be charged for her use of a private email server as secretary of state.

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Just as this meeting angered Republicans, Comeys letter to Congress announcing that he was reopening the investigation into Clintons emails shortly before the presidential election outraged Democrats. Many Democrats, including Clinton herself, feel that Comeys letter cost her the election.

I remember getting that letter from him. I think Oct. 28 or something like that. I can remember the date, Ryan recalled. I was campaigning for some House Republicans in California at the time. That one kind of took me by surprise. And I remember thinking to myself, What an impossible, no-win position or decision he had to make.

I think the guy was forced into nearly impossible decisions. Understandably he was going to get criticized, but I think he served this country ably.

He isnt the only politician to defend Comey against Trumps reported insult. Earlier this week Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., said that Comey is in no way a nut job.

Hes a very strong man. Hes a very principled man, Feinstein said on CBS Face the Nation. I happen to believe he made a couple of mistakes. I suspect he thinks hes made a couple of mistakes.

Read more from Yahoo News:
President Trump and Pope Francis put aside their differences for their first face-to-face meeting Wednesday morning, but not before the pontiff cracked a joke about the commander in chief's waistline.

Read: Trump Visits the Wailing Wall During His First Tour Overseas as President

In a funny moment, Pope Francis spoke Italian as he asked First Lady Melania Trump, "What are you feeding him, potica?

Melania, who speaks fluent Italian, laughed and replied, "Potica," a high-calorie pastry from her home country of Slovenia that is traditionally served on Christmas and Easter.

A Vatican spokeswoman has said that whenever the pope meets someone from Slovenia, he likes to talk about the pastry.

Ivanka Trump and her husband, Jared Kushner, waited outside the Pope's office during the 30-minute private meeting. Both Ivanka and the first lady wore veils when meeting the Pontiff.

Trump later took to Twitter to post a short clip of their meeting, calling it the honor of a lifetime and how he wants to pursue peace in the world.

Honor of a lifetime to meet His Holiness Pope Francis. I leave the Vatican more determined than ever to pursue PEACE in our world. pic.twitter.com/JzJDy7pllI  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 24, 2017

When the duo left their meeting and posed for a picture together, Trump had a smile from ear to ear but the pope did not look impressed.

The image set off social media.

TFW you travel to the Vatican to meet the Pope and he calls you fat pic.twitter.com/9bx9s6RnCt  Marlow Stern (@MarlowNYC) May 24, 2017

Trump and Pope leaving room for the Holy Spirit pic.twitter.com/L66UtFChEw  Bill Corbett (@BillCorbett) May 24, 2017

Nice shot of a cheerful Pope Francis giving Trump the tour. 'Chairs, floor, walls ... We're done, get out.' pic.twitter.com/94Rv9U8h9t  Damien Owens (@OwensDamien) May 24, 2017

*record scratch*



*freeze frame*



POPE: Yep that's me. You're probably wondering how I ended up in this situation. pic.twitter.com/7RB3z2ByKL  Benjy Sarlin (@BenjySarlin) May 24, 2017

Before parting, Trump presented the pope with a gift, a series of first edition books by Martin Luther King Jr.

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The pope gave Trump some of his writings and a medal with an olive branch symbolizing peace.

"We can use peace," the president said. Before parting, Trump told the head of the Catholic Church, "I won't forget what you said."

Their warm exchange comes after their very public feud when the pope chastised Trumps proposed plans for building a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border.

He said Trump is not Christian.

I'd just say that this man is not Christian if he said it in this way," Pope Francis told reporters after visiting Mexico in February 2016. A person who thinks only about building walls, wherever they may be, and not building bridges, is not Christian."

Read: Pope Francis is the Internet's New Favorite Rapper

Trump fired back, saying: For a religious leader to question a person's faith is disgraceful.

Following his meeting with the pope, Trump then met with Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni and told the countrys leader that Pope Francis is something.

We had a fantastic meeting, Trump added. We're liking Italy very, very much and it was an honor to be with the pope.

The first family heads off to Brussels, Belgium, Thursday before returning to Italy where they will travel to Sicily on Friday and Saturday.

Watch: Melania Trump Appears to Swat Away Her Husband's Hand in Israel

Related Articles:
Photos from the highly anticipated 28-minute meeting between President Trump and Pope Francis at the Vatican have been released and from the way the Pope is looking, things went about 27 minutes and 55 seconds too long.

The image of a beaming Trump and straight-faced Pope have the internet in a frenzy, taking swings at what could possibly be going on in the Pope's head.

SEE ALSO: 8 executive orders Trump would sign if an aide forwarded him chain letters from my grandmother

The White House has not yet revealed what the president and Pope discussed during their meeting, but the two men have been at odds for over a year.

Watch news, TV and more Yahoo View, available on iOS and Android.

During the presidential campaign and throughout Trump's first months in office, Pope Francis spoke out against policies championed by the administration. In February 2016, Trump referred to the Pope as "disgraceful" following comments in which Francis claimed building walls was "not christian."

Maybe that's what this is about, then.

In presence of pool reporters @POTUS said to @Pontifex it's "a very great honor." The pope did not say anything. He did not smile. pic.twitter.com/Li0uhlE7w9  Steve Herman (@W7VOA) May 24, 2017

Whatever the case, the internet is having a field day with Upset Pope.

Trump and Pope leaving room for the Holy Spirit pic.twitter.com/L66UtFChEw  Bill Corbett (@BillCorbett) May 24, 2017

Nice shot of a cheerful Pope Francis giving Trump the tour. 'Chairs, floor, walls ... We're done, get out.' pic.twitter.com/94Rv9U8h9t  Damien Owens (@OwensDamien) May 24, 2017

LMAO! Even Pope Francis made the "Would you look at this f*cking guy" face that everyone makes when they meet Trump. pic.twitter.com/6wtdVbnbYt  Dab Aggin (@DabAggin) May 24, 2017

pope francis sweetie im so sorry pic.twitter.com/al5n8uk7gU  shine (@Iubesirhc) May 24, 2017

tag yourself I'm The Pope pic.twitter.com/82YsXNLU2I  merida (@hadelry) May 24, 2017

*record scratch*



*freeze frame*



POPE: Yep that's me. You're probably wondering how I ended up in this situation. pic.twitter.com/7RB3z2ByKL  Benjy Sarlin (@BenjySarlin) May 24, 2017

DONALD is a President destroying the EPA



FRANCIS is a Pope trying to save the Earth



They areTHE GOD COUPLE. CBS Tuesdays after Bull" pic.twitter.com/p60mxEa1ry  Jason O. Gilbert (@gilbertjasono) May 24, 2017

TFW you travel to the Vatican to meet the Pope and he calls you fat pic.twitter.com/9bx9s6RnCt  Marlow Stern (@MarlowNYC) May 24, 2017

Regular Pope But He's Upset, coming next fall to HBO.
After talks with leaders in Saudi Arabia and Israel, President Donald Trump arrived at the Vatican, Rome, along with his wife Melania, daughter Ivanka and son-in-law Jared Kushner to meet Pope Francis. The president and his team arrived just before 2:30 a.m. EDT, reports said.

The Pope welcomed Trump to the Vatican, Wednesday, indulging in handshakes before ushering the president into his study for the first face-to-face meeting of the two leaders, who have differences in opinions on several crucial issues, the New York Times reported.

Trump was also heard saying that it was "an honour to be there, while both he and the Pope shook hands. Although, the meeting with the Pope went smoothly, both the world leaders share a history of differing views on several issues.

Read: List Of World Leaders Trump Has Met Since Taking office

Climate Change is one of the core issues on which Trump and the Pope disagree upon. Trump has threatened to withdraw the U.S. out of the 2015 Paris accord on reducing greenhouse global gas emissions. He also signed an executive order in March reversing environmental regulations enacted under his predecessor Barack Obama, the Telegraph reported.

In contrast to this, the Pope believes that climate change is largely man-made, which needs to be urgently addressed. The religious leader has called for collaborative action to stop global warming and to shift away from the use of fossil fuels. In the Wednesday meeting, the Pope is likely to give Trump an English copy of his encyclical on the environment, Laudato Si (Praise Be), the Telegraph said.

The Pope, who himself belongs to an Italian family that migrated to Argentina, believes in showing compassion to refugees and migrants. Trump, on the other hand, is dedicated to halt the issuing of visas to people from several Muslim countries and also wants to build a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border.

In Feb. 2016, the Pope had reportedly said that anyone who wanted to build walls rather than bridges is "not Christian," which referred to Trump. Trump had dismissed the comments as "disgraceful" in his Facebook post and called the Pope a pawn of the Mexican government.

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The Pope, who described capitalism as "this economy that kills," is vocal about issues of social justice and has articulated Churchs suspicions about the efficacy of capitalism whereas Trump has made his fortune from investing in property and other ventures across the globe, according to Politico.

Trump wants to deduct taxes for the rich and the Pope, in contrast, has constantly warned that the excesses of the global capitalist system are leaving millions of people behind, giving rise to social tensions.

In March, the Pope reiterated his message on not to build walls but bridges.

However, despite the differences in views, the Pope said earlier this month that he would keep an open mind and not pass judgment on Trump till he hears the president's views.

"Even if one thinks differently we have to be very sincere about what each one thinks," he told reporters while flying back to Rome after a visit to Portugal, reports said.

Just hours before the religious leader's meeting with Trump, the Pope tweeted that how through dialogue, peace can be built.

Related Articles
Small talk in a foreign language; one of the many potential stumbling blocks a fledgling world leader would be well-advised to side-step on their first trip abroad.

And so it fell to Donald Trumps wife, Melania, and her pontiff host, Pope Francis, to engage in what initially appeared to be a linguistic muddle during the US Presidents Vatican visit.

Greeting the First Couple, the Pope asked Ms Trump if she fed her husband a nut-filled Slovenian cake. What are you feeding him, potica? he asked.

The pontiff was referring to a traditional sweet bread, which can also be filled with chocolate or honey, and is baked in the form of a Swiss roll.

A translator repeated the question in English and Ms Trump, who grew up in the Slovenian town of Sevnica, replied, potica, yes, before both parties laughed.

However, the Vatican initially suggested Pope Francis was not enquiring about potica, pronounced po-teet-sah, but about another bread-based food, pizza - a mistake repeated by some who watched the video.

The Vatican later clarified that he had in fact been asking about the cake, and there was no mention of whether the pontiff had been referring to the stature of Mr Trump, who at a reported 16-and-a-half-stone has previously acknowledged he "could lose a little weight".

Mr Trump met the Pope for 30 minutes on Wednesday morning, during his first overseas trip since entering the White House.

Potica roll with walnuts, a traditional Slovenian dessert (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

He was given a small sculptured olive tree and told through the interpreter that it symbolised peace.

"It is my desire that you become an olive tree to construct peace," the Pope said, speaking in Spanish.

Mr Trump responded: "We can use peace."

Pope Francis also gave Mr Trump a signed copy of his 2017 peace message whose title is "Nonviolence - A Style of Politics for Peace", and a copy of his 2015 letter on the need to protect the environment from the effects of climate change.

Story continues

"Well, I'll be reading them," Mr Trump said.

Mr Trump gave the Pope a boxed set of five first-edition books by US civil rights leader Martin Luther King.

As Mr Trump and the Pope said goodbye at the door of the study, the President said: "Thank you, thank you. I won't forget what you said."

In a statement, the Vatican said the two sides agreed on their "joint commitment in favour of life and freedom of worship and conscience.

The statement continued: "It is hoped that there may be serene collaboration between the state and the Catholic Church in the United States, engaged in service to the people in the fields of healthcare, education and assistance to immigrants."

It said talks also covered promoting peace through dialogue with people of other faiths.

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President Donald Trump met with Pope Francis on Wednesday, and somehow the pope ended up suggesting Trump is filled with nuts.

During some friendly banter, Pope Francis reportedly asked first lady Melania Trump what she feeds the 62 president.

What do you give him to eat, potica? he said, referring to a dessert from her native Slovenia. (Pronounced po-TEET-za, it was initially reported that he said pizza.)

Melania laughed in response, but if Trump had any idea what potica is, he may not have been too happy about the quip. The pope was essentially saying it looks like Trump eats a lot of cake.

Pope Francis clearly knows his way around the world of pastries, because his joke to the Slovenian-born first lady was about a Slovenian pastry. Potica is a swirled cake thats made with a yeasted dough and stuffed with numerous fillings, the most common of which is a mixture of nuts, butter, honey and sugar. Its usually reserved for the most festive occasions, so its not your typical pain quotidien of the people.

To summarize, the pope suggested that Trump looks like hes filled with yeast, milk, butter, eggs and lots of nuts. He may not be too far off.

If you want to make it yourself, we recommend baking legend Joan Nathans potica recipe from the New York Times. In the meantime, take some inspiration from the beautiful poticas made by Instagrammers around the world.

Sweet moments#sweetlife#holidaytime#potica# A post shared by Martina Razinger (@martinarazinger) on Apr 16, 2017 at 3:22am PDT

This is how we do it!! Easter breakfast with my favorite people!! @ajdamali @jasonkehl_cryptochild Thanks mom for #potica!! #lateeaster A post shared by Martina Mali (@the_double_dot) on Apr 18, 2017 at 11:49am PDT

#otok #potica #bled #kava :) A post shared by Neza Sitar (@neza.sitar) on Apr 29, 2017 at 10:06am PDT

Good to have #slovenian friend  #potica #yum #authentic #slovinia #bread  # A post shared by Sayaka Takahara    (@saya_realtor) on Apr 24, 2017 at 9:53pm PDT

 mom's potica. #easterisnotover #potica #wallnutsforever A post shared by Urska KraKra (@urskakragelj) on Apr 17, 2017 at 12:47pm PDT

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Deep cuts in the White Houses proposed 2018 budget released today would eliminate the popular Energy Star program and 50 others as part of a 31 percent decrease in funding to the Environmental Protection Agency.

Energy Star, which has enjoyed bipartisan support since it was created in 1992, reports saving consumers $362 billion on their utility bills over the past 25 years. Thats a savings of about $500 per year for a typical home that uses such Energy Star-certified appliances as refrigerators, dishwashers, washers, and air conditioners, among more than 60 others products.

President Trump's budget proposalwhich slashes goverment spending programs and agency budgetsis likely to change as Congress debates the blueprint and its own spending priorities. But scrapping Energy Star could lead to higher energy bills for consumers if appliance manufacturers stop paying attention to efficiency.

About 90 percent of consumers say they recognize the blue Energy Star symbol, according to the EPA, and almost half of all U.S. households purchased an Energy Star product in 2015. The agency says consumers have indicated they'd be willing to spend $250 to $350 more for an Energy Star refrigerator.

A joint marketing program of the EPA and the Department of Energy, Energy Star is a voluntary labeling effort to encourage energy-saving innovations and to promote products that save energy and water. To earn the designation, a product must undergo third-party certification and is subject to periodic off-the-shelf testing to ensure nothing has changed.



How Energy Star Saves

Around your home, washers and dryers, refrigerators and dishwashers, window and central air conditioners are all part of the program. So are water heaters, furnaces and other heating and cooling equipment. Investing in Energy Star appliances can lead to substantial savings for homeowners. Energy Star reports that washers, for example, use about 70 percent less energy and 75 percent less water than a standard washer from 20 years ago. Todays refrigerators use 75 percent less energy, air conditioners 50 percent less, and dishwashers 40 percent less.



A large percentage of the appliances tested by Consumer Reports are already Energy Star certifiedsomething we note on the model pages that feature our test results. All of the front-loaders in our tests are Energy Star and 80 percent of the high-efficiency top loaders. And they tend to perform well. You rarely see an Energy Star product at the bottom of our ratings, says Mark Connelly, who directs our testing labs.



Energy Star is one of the most successful public-private partnerships, says the National Resources Defense Council. Partners include manufacturers, retailers and other related business. The EPA and DOE like it because energy-efficient products reduce greenhouse gases. Manufacturers consider the bright blue star a selling point that helps their products stand out in the marketplace. Recently more than 1,000 companies signed a letter of support for the program, urging Congress to save it. And, of course, consumers like it because it cuts their energy costs.



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Eliminating public funding for Energy Star does not save moneyquite the opposite, says Shannon Baker-Branstetter, policy counsel at Consumers Union, the policy and mobilization arm of Consumer Reports. The program has been incredibly cost-effective, returning thousands of dollars to consumers for every public dollar invested.



The NRDC questions the fiscal wisdom of the proposed budget cuts. With an annual budget of $50 million, Energy Star paved the way for $34 billion in annual consumer and business savings in 2015 alone, the council reports. For every dollar Americans invest in energy efficiency through Energy Star they save, on average, $4.50 on their energy bills.



Consumers Union is asking consumers to take action by writing to their representatives in Congress. For a sample letter, see Dont Cut Energy Star.





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Copyright  2006-2017 Consumer Reports, Inc.
Being attractive is rarely seen as a negative quality, but it can lead people to have less faith in scientists' research, according to a new study.

Researchers in the study showed people photos of actual scientists, and asked the participants to rate the scientists in terms of how competent, moral, sociable and attractive they were. Results showed that the scientists rated as competent and moral, but also judged to be relatively unattractive and unsociable gave stronger impressions as people who did quality research.

"People can form an impression of a person's personality or character or even ability from a few milliseconds of just viewing their face," said Ana Gheorghiu, a Ph.D. student in psychology at the University of Essex in England and lead author of the new research, which was published today (May 22) in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Scientists. [7 Thoughts That Are Bad for You]

"I was very surprised that attractiveness could be a negative quality," she said.

That's not to say that being attractive holds no benefit for scientists. The study, which assessed people's response to photos of actual geneticists and physicists, showed that the work of people deemed to be attractive also drew more initial interest.

Snap judgements based on appearances may seem trivial, but they can carry significant implications, Gheorghiu and her co-authors wrote in their findings. This is true particularly as images of scientists become more accessible through video, news reports and social media, the authors said.

"The way scientists are perceived affects how people apply their findings to their own lives, to influence government and science policy," Gheorghiu told Live Science. "That's why it's helpful to know what biases are out there."

To find out what kinds of faces people most associate with being a "good scientist," the team assembled head shots of 600 geneticists and physicists from 400 U.S. and U.K. universities. The researchers then asked more than 3,700 participants to rate each photo according to perceived attractiveness, intelligence and sociability.

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The participants were also asked questions like how interested they would be in finding out more about each scientist's research and how much each person looked like someone who conducted "accurate" and "important" research.

The scientists who garnered the most interest in their work had faces that were judged to be competent, moral and attractive, based on the photos.

The take-home message for scientists? Being attractive can be helpful when getting people interested in your work, but not so much if you want people to value your work, the researchers said. More importantly, for scientists, the new study serves as a reminder that when communicating research to the public, perceptions are a factor, the study authors said.

"I think we've taken for granted that the communicator has a tremendous amount of power in politics and business, but we haven't really thought about this in the same way with science," said Amanda Diekman, a psychologist at Miami who studies stereotyping and who was not involved in the new study. "This shows we use the same kinds of cues when evaluating scientists and the work they do."

The results also showed that nonwhite scientists were judged to be more likely to do quality research, although Gheorghiu pointed out that the study was not specifically testing for race and the sample of photos was comprised mostly of white scientists, while the non-white scientists were mostly of Asian descent. The study also suggested that scientists who were older and male were more likely to attract interest to their work.

Of course, human attitudes can change, and a significant factor in people's shifting impressions is how scientists are portrayed in media. [Top 10 Scary Sci-Fi Series]

With the recent influx of scientist-as-hero movies ("The Martian," "Arrival" "Interstellar" and "Hidden Figures"), it's possible that views of what a stereotypical scientist looks like is broadening, Diekman said.

"I think the more representations of scientists in the media, the better," Diekman told Live Science. "Anything that fleshes out the picture of who does scientific work and that shows scientists are real people, I think, is to the good."

Originally published on Live Science.

Editor's Recommendations
Fox News host Sean Hannity said Tuesday night he will not discuss the murder of Democratic National Committee (DNC) staffer Seth Rich  at least for now. Hannity is among several other conservative journalists who support the conspiracy theory that Rich leaked thousands of emails  including the ones involving former Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton  to WikiLeaks last July and got killed in return.

Earlier in the evening, Hannity tweeted that he has huge announcement to make on his show about Rich, his future at Fox", among others. The cryptic tweet made people believe the announcement could be related to his exit from Fox News. Earlier in the day, Rich had retracted a story which claimed the late 27-year-old DNC staffer was in touch with WikiLeaks prior to his death.

Read: Seth Rich Was A 'Hero' Who Leaked DNC Emails To WikiLeaks, Kim Dotcom Claims

However, Hannitys announcement had got nothing to do with his job at the news network.

"I totally and completely understand how upset and how hard this is on this family, especially over the recent coverage of Seth's death. I've been communicating with them. I got a very heartfelt note. I also sent them a heartfelt note back," Hannity said on his show late Tuesday.

"Out of respect for the family's wishes, for now, I am not discussing this matter at this time. Let me explain this. There are so many issues here, not the least of which is the Democratic push of their Russian narrative, collusion, Trump, Trump-Russia narrative. The destroy-Trump media and Democrats, they have been pushing that tinfoil hat conspiracy with zero evidence," Hannity added.

Following the announcement, Hannity tweeted saying he is closer to the truth than ever and he was working harder. He did not directly address whether his tweet was related to Richs death. Police reports said Rich may have been was shot to death during an attempted robbery.

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Grieving Rich's death, his family issued a statement after Hannitys announcement. The Rich family thanks Sean Hannity for respecting their wished by not giving a venue to conspiracy theorists which would prolong the pain and anguish they have felt over the past week, and many months since Seths murder. We hope that Mr. Hannity will  allow law enforcement to investigate this tragedy, the statement read.

Richs parents, Mary and Joel, criticized the conspiracy theory surrounding their sons death. In an op-ed published in the Washington Post, the couple urged media personalities, who promoted the conspiracy theory, to stop causing them "unbearable" pain by endorsing such "baseless" theories.

The circumstances of what happened next are still unclear.  Law-enforcement officials told us that Seths murder looked like a botched robbery attempt in which the assailants  after shooting our son  panicked, immediately ran and abandoned Seths personal belongings, Richs parents wrote. We have seen no evidence, by any person at any time, that Seths murder had any connection to his job at the Democratic National Committee or his life in politics. Anyone who claims to have such evidence is either concealing it from us or lying.

Still, conservative news outlets and commentators continue, day after painful day, to peddle discredited conspiracy theories that Seth was killed after having provided WikiLeaks with emails from the DNC. Those theories, which some reporters have since retracted, are baseless, and they are unspeakably cruel, they added.

Hannity shared the op-ed on his Twitter account saying that as a father, this really tears at my heart.

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Brussels (AFP) - Donald Trump vowed Wednesday to use his US presidency to promote global peace after meeting Pope Francis, before heading into a high-stakes summit of the world's biggest military alliance.

Meeting for the first time, the president and the pontiff sidestepped deep differences over issues ranging from the environment to the plight of migrants and the poor.

"Honor of a lifetime to meet His Holiness Pope Francis," a star-struck Trump wrote on Twitter before leaving Rome for Brussels and the next leg of his first overseas trip as US president.

"I leave the Vatican more determined than ever to pursue PEACE in our world," the billionaire former reality TV star said.

In Brussels, a city he once dubbed a "hellhole", Trump however faced thousands of protesters ahead of his first summits on Thursday with wary leaders of NATO and the European Union.

Trump sparked fears of an end to the transatlantic alliance when he dismissed NATO as "obsolete" while on the campaign trail and mortified the EU by backing Brexit.

Trump said that the most important issue during his time in Belgium was terrorism after the "horrible situation" in Manchester, England, where a suicide bomber killed 22 people in an attack claimed by the Islamic State.

"We are fighting very hard, doing very well under our generals. Making tremendous progress," Trump told Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel.

"But when you see something like what happened a few days ago you realize how important it is to win this fight. And we will win this fight."

- 'Fantastic meeting' -

Trump had left Rome declaring his determination for peace following his keenly anticipated encounter with Pope Francis, the 80-year-old former Jesuit priest who has made championing the poor and the third world major themes of his papacy.

In their world view and tastes, the Argentine pontiff who eschews the use of the palaces at his disposal and the luxury hotel tycoon appear worlds apart.

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But despite the pope looking initially grim-faced, both men ended up mostly all smiles, relaxed and even jovial.

Accompanied by his wife Melania and daughter Ivanka, Trump met Francis in the private library of the Apostolic Palace, the lavish papal residence that the current pope eschews in favour of more modest lodgings.

"He is something," Trump later said of his host. "We had a fantastic meeting."

There was even a light-hearted moment when Francis made an apparent allusion to Trump's imposing physical size.

"What do you feed him on? Potica?" Francis asked Melania, in a reference to a calorie-laden cake that comes from her native Slovenia and is pronounced "potteezza". Reporters initially thought he said "pizza".

Trump also told the pope he was committing more than $300 million (270 million euros) to help prevent or tackle famine in Yemen and several countries in Africa.

The Vatican described the discussions as "cordial" and emphasised the two men's joint opposition to abortion and shared concern for persecuted Christians in the Middle East.

The pope presented Trump with a medallion engraved with an olive tree, the international symbol of peace.

Francis also gave Trump copies of the three major texts he has published as pope, including one on the environment which urges the industrialised world to curb carbon emissions or risk catastrophic consequences for the planet.

Trump, who has threatened to ignore the Paris accords on emissions and described global warming as a hoax, vowed to read them.

- 'An instrument of peace' -

Trump told his host as he left, "Thank you. Thank you. I won't forget what you said."

"I give it to you so you can be an instrument of peace," the pope said in Spanish. "We can use peace," Trump replied.

Trump's gifts included a collection of first editions by Martin Luther King and a bronze sculpture.

A Vatican statement on the meeting highlighted "the joint commitment in favour of life, and freedom of worship and conscience."

Afterwards, the US first couple were given a private tour of the Sistine Chapel and St Peter's Basilica.

In Brussels, Trump met Belgium's King Philippe and Queen Mathilde and held talks with Michel, while around 6,000 people rallied against his policies in the centre of the city.

On Thursday, he first meets EU President Donald Tusk and European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker, having previously backed Britain's shock Brexit vote and saying the EU was a doomed would-be superstate.

He will then hold his first summit with NATO leaders, who are holding out for a public show of Trump's commitment in return for joining the US-led coalition against Islamic State in the wake of the Manchester attacks.

Trump's Vatican visit was the third leg of his overseas trip, after stops in Saudi Arabia and Israel and the Palestinian territories.

The high-profile trip has diverted attention from Trump's domestic pressures over alleged campaign collusion with Russia.

burs-dk/bmm/pvh
A number of parents gathered inside the Manchester Arena Monday night with their children to see Ariana Grande perform, with many posing for selfies in the moments before a suicide bomber struck.

Read: 8-Year-Old Named Among Victims as Ariana Grande Says She's 'Broken' After Bombing Kills 22

There was a heartwarming father-daughter moment as one 49-year-old dad took a photo with his 14-year-old daughter.

What an incredible night! he posted on social media.

Helen Baxter took a selfie with her 13-year-old daughter, Katy, and her childs best friend. The concert tickets had been given to the children last Christmas.

Joe Nuttorn took a selfie with his daughters as thousands of other excited Grande fans filled the arena.

Moments later all those smiles would turn to horror as 22-year-old suicide bomber Salman Abedi waited for the concert to end as he unleashed carnage outside the arena, killing 22 and injuring 59.

Among the victims is 18-year-old Georgina Callander, who met Grande at a concert two years ago and treasured a photo of their meeting.

Before the concert she had tweeted her idol: So excited to see you.

The youngest victim was only 8 years old, Saffie Rousos, was still in elementary school.

Read: Manchester United: Royal Family, Celebrities Show Support for City After Attack

British Prime Minister Theresa May eloquently expressed outrage that a concert with so many young girls in attendance would be deliberately targeted.



All acts of terrorism are cowardly attacks on innocent people but this attack stands out for its appalling sickening cowardice deliberately targeting innocent defenseless young people who should have been enjoying the most memorable night of their lives, she said in a statement.

Watch: Videos Show Chaos in Aftermath of Bombing at Ariana Grande Concert in Manchester

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Carrie Fisher in Star Wars: The Force Awakens. (Photo: Lucasfilm)

Following yesterdays debut of its latest issues four cover images, Vanity Fair has now published its eagerly anticipated preview feature on Star Wars: The Last Jedi. It includes heartbreaking news for the millions of fans still grieving the loss of Princess Leia herself, Carrie Fisher.

During a discussion about how Fisher was a source of strength and support for her younger co-stars Daisy Ridley and John Boyega as they shouldered the new Star Wars trilogy, the article reveals that the yet-to-be-produced Episode IX was going to focus on Fishers Princess Leia. As producer Kathleen Kennedy recalls about completing filming The Last Jedi:

[Fisher] was having a blast. The minute she finished, she grabbed me and said, Id better be at the forefront of IX! Because Harrison was front and center on VII, and Mark is front and center on VIII. She thought IX would be her movie. And it would have been.

The Star Wars brain trust is hard at work trying to figure out how to reconfigure Episode IX in the wake of Fishers unexpected death late last year. One thing the Vanity Fair feature confirms is that Princess Leia will not be resurrected via CGI, a la her brief, youthful cameo in last years Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, with Kennedy stating flatly, We dont have any intention of beginning a trend of re-creating actors who are gone.

Mark Hamill still cant get over the loss of his co-star and dear friend, stating:

I cant say that phrase, what you just said: Carries name and then the d-word. Because I think of her in the present tense. Maybe its a form of denial, but shes so vibrant in my mind, and so vital a part of the family, that I cant imagine it without her.

As if that werent sad enough, the magazine also delivered the stunning photo of Hamill and Fisher together, below:

Fisher wasnt the only news to come out of the story. We also learned about writer/director Rian Johnsons sequel:

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The remote island of Ahch-To, where Luke has been living for years, is home to a village community populated by an indigenous race of caretaker creatures whom Johnson is loath to describe in any more detail, except to say that they are not Ewoks.

John Boyegas Finn will begin The Last Jedi recuperating from injuries suffered in his Star Wars: The Force Awakens battle with Adam Drivers Kylo Ren by spending some time in a bacta suit.

Benicio Del Toro will be playing a shady character who is never named in the movie, but whom everyone on set referred to as DJ.

Laura Dern will play a prominent Resistance officer named Vice Admiral Amilyn Holdo.

Kelly Marie Trans Rose, who we learned at Star Wars Celebration would have an integral Last Jedi role, will team up with Finn for a mission behind enemy lines.

Rose and Finn will spend at least part of their adventure at a ritzy casino city, Canto Bight, which director Johnson describes as a Star Wars Monte Carlo-type environment, a little James Bond-ish, a little To Catch a Thief. It was an interesting challenge, portraying luxury and wealth in this universe.



For more behind-the-scenes info, including an amusing anecdote from Oscar Isaac (who returns as hotshot pilot Poe Dameron) about a particularly painful scene he shot with Fisher, check out Vanity Fairs comprehensive preview here. Star Wars: The Last Jedi arrives in theaters on December 15.

Watch Princess Leia fans pay tribute to Carrie Fisher:
Stefano Gabbana often defends Melania Trump on his Instagram account. (Photo: Getty Images)

Its pretty obvious Melania Trump really likes Dolce & Gabbana. Not only is she wearing a black jacket from the fashion house in her official White House portrait, but on a recent trip abroad she stepped out in four different outfits  and counting. Just as the first lady enjoys incorporating the Italian brand into her wardrobe, Stefano Gabbana, co-founder of the label, appreciates her wearing it and shows it by sharing on Instagram.

Recently, he posted a video of President Trump and Melania, wearing a bespoke black Dolce & Gabbana coat, arriving in Rome on Tuesday. @flotus #melaniatrump ???????? Welcome to Italy ????????#ROMA #DGWoman Thank you, he captioned the short clip.

@flotus  #melaniatrump ???????? welcome to italy ????????#ROMA #DGWoman Thank you A post shared by stefanogabbana (@stefanogabbana) on May 23, 2017 at 9:59am PDT

He also shared a still of the first couple departing Air Force One, adding a message welcoming them to Italy in the caption.

@flotus  Welcome to Italy ???????? #Roma #DGWoman THANK YOU A post shared by stefanogabbana (@stefanogabbana) on May 23, 2017 at 10:46am PDT

While the posts were met with hundreds of comments praising the first lady and the designer for his creations, they received some negative feedback from some users as well. It seems that the designer noticed some of the unfavorable comments  and had something to say to those criticizing his posts.

Gabbana shared a meme indirectly telling the trolls that he does not care about their opinions.

???????????????????? to all my haters ???????????????? A post shared by stefanogabbana (@stefanogabbana) on May 23, 2017 at 7:55pm PDT

He shouted out to his haters in the caption, adding laughing emojis as well. A few hours later he posted another image of the first lady in the Dolce & Gabbana look she wore for her visit with Pope Francis on Wednesday.

@flotus  #melaniatrump #DGWoman THANK YOU  Haters!!!! Remember #boycottdolcegabbana please ???????????? remember the post Previous one A post shared by stefanogabbana (@stefanogabbana) on May 24, 2017 at 1:49am PDT

@flotus  #melaniatrump #DGWoman THANK YOU  Haters!!!! Remember #boycottdolcegabbana please remember the post previous one, suggesting those who were telling people to boycott the brand to check out the meme he had posted hours before.

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He attached the same caption to another photo featuring the first lady, President Trump, and Pope Francis.

@flotus  #melaniatrump  #DGWoman #DGStyle ???????????????? THANK YOU #boycottdolcegabbana please ???????????? A post shared by stefanogabbana (@stefanogabbana) on May 24, 2017 at 1:52am PDT

Many of his followers love the approach he takes to negative feedback from Internet trolls.

Love that you dont care about all these ignorants and their dumb comments lol. The First Lady looked gorgeous! one user wrote. She looks incredible and we love that you back down to no one! another added.

Additionally, Gabbana posted a picture featuring negative comments hes received featuring the first couple. He also pointed out that the Dolce & Gabbana account still has 13.7 million followers, despite calls to boycott on social media.

Isnt it weird? Yesterday at 11pm we had 13.7 million followers. Today at 12 AM after all the people saying unfollowing you we have 13.7 million #DGHaters #boycottdolce&gabbana #DGLAVERITA,' he captioned the image on Wednesday. The same day he shared another image of first lady and President Trump leaving Rome for Brussels.

This isnt the first time Gabbana has defended himself and the first lady. After her first official White House portrait was unveiled in April, Gabbana shared the image on his Instagram account, calling it beautiful and thanking the first lady. When some users attacked the photo  and even the designer himself  for supporting Mrs. Trump, Gabbana told them to go to hell.

Read more from Yahoo Style + Beauty:

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day. For Twitter updates, follow @YahooStyle and @YahooBeauty.




One high-school student may have saved his classmates life because hed just been instructed in the Heimlich maneuver. Would you be able to help a choking victim? Learn the signs of choking and how to respond.

The thing you have to understand is that if you have an object blocking your airway, you cant talk, explains ER Physician Dr. Travis Stork. Choking victims cant ask for help -- gestures like grabbing at or clutching the throat are signs that something might be seriously wrong.

Watch: Choking

The American Red Cross recommends a five and five technique to help a choking victim. Have them stand and bend at the waist while you deliver five back thrusts, followed by five abdominal thrusts while they stand upright, alternating until the victim can breathe or help arrives. The video above shows the correct technique.

If youre alone and find yourself choking, you can even perform the Heimlich on yourself! Find a sturdy chair and press the area below your diaphragm. You can potentially get enough air out of your lungs to expel that object, explains Dr. Stork.

Watch: Practicing the Heimlich Maneuver

We often dont think well find ourselves in an emergency situation, but thats why they call them emergencies  theyre unpredictable, Dr. Stork notes. Ob/Gyn Dr. Nita Landry adds, 95 percent of choking deaths occur in the home environment. If a family member chokes, knowing what to do can be a literal lifesaver.
Between the dresses and tuxedos, the tickets, and the ride, its easy to spend a lot of money on prom. One teacher who noticed that people were splurging on prom as opposed to, say, school supplies, expressed her opinion about it publicly  and is now being punished.

Teacher Caitlin Cormack is under fire for a Snapchat post complaining about how much money kids spend on prom. (Photo: Snapchat/news5cleveland.com)

On May 12, Caitlin Cormack, a middle school teacher in Bedford, Ohio, took to Snapchat to express her frustration with students and parents choosing to overspend on prom but not on school supplies or a tutor. These  kids and parents  not enough money for school supplies or passing grades but out here renting horses, Cormack wrote over a selfie. In the photo, she looked frustrated.

According to News 5 Cleveland, a parent confirmed that renting horses refers to the horse-drawn carriages that took some students to prom Friday night. It appears a few parents follow Cormack and complained about the post. Now shes been put on administrative leave.

The school districts superintendent, Andrea Celico, told News 5 Cleveland that the incident is under investigation and that she was disappointed in what has happened.

Celico added that Cormack is very saddened by this, and its certainly a hard lesson to learn for everyone.

So whats the big deal? I think its very disrespectful to the parents, John Bouldin, the parent of a senior at Bedford High School, told News 5. We do pay taxes in this city, so that teachers can make a nice salary to do their jobs, not to comment about our kids.

That, and its in violation of the schools social media code, which states that on social media pages, faculty and staff are viewed as representatives of the District and should operate under the expectation that their online statements are publicly viewable. Discussion of individual students  via social media is also prohibited.

While Cormack does have a great point  teens drop between $600 and $700 to go to prom, according to Yahoo Styles exclusive new Prom Across America survey  were guessing struggling department stores wouldnt be on her side, since the majority of teens across the country are still buying their prom dresses in stores, our survey found. This means prom dresses serve as a lifeboat for struggling retailers.

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Cormack could not be reached by the news outlet for comment.

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Yahoo Finance is tracking Tiffany, Fiat Chrysler, Advance Auto Parts and Intuit in intraday trading on Wednesday.

Tiffany (TIF)  Shares of the upscale jewelry maker are falling after weak quarterly sales and a surprise decline in same-store sales worried Wall Street. One big problem facing Tiffany is that the strong US dollar has triggered a slowdown in spending by tourists. Worldwide same-store sales dropped 3%, more than the 1.6% decline analysts were expecting.

Fiat Chrysler (FCAU)  The automaker responds to a civil lawsuit filed by the US Justice Department, accusing the company of cheating on government emissions tests. Fiat Chrysler said in a statement that it plans to defend itself vigorously. The suit alleges that the automaker used software to bypass emission controls in 104,000 Jeep Grand Cherokee SUVs and Ram pickup trucks.

Advance Auto Parts (AAP)  The company reported a miss on earnings and revenue in its first quarter. Advance Auto Parts posted adjusted earnings of $1.60 per share on revenue of $2.89 billion. Analysts were calling for profit of $2.16 per share and revenue of $2.95 billion. Same-store sales also disappointed investors, falling 2.7%, a bigger drop than the expected 1.2% decline.

Intuit (INTU)  The software company posted better-than-expected fiscal third-quarter earnings and lifted its guidance, driven by strong results in QuickBooks, its small business segment. QuickBooks online subscriber growth jumped 59% during the quarter to a total of 2.2 million. Revenue rose 10% to $2.54 billion.

For more on Wednesdays big stock movers, check out the Final Round, live at 4 p.m. ET, right here on Yahoo Finance.
Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers on this website.

President Donald Trumps 2018 budget blueprint calls for huge reductions to social safety net programs. In particular, it targets Medicaid, the program that provides health insurance for millions of poor, disabled, and elderly people, about 1 in 5 Americans.

Republican plans to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act already has proposed hitting people on Medicaid hard. The Affordable Health Care Act (AHCA) legislation, which the House passed earlier this month, called for $880 billion in cuts to the program. Trumps budget calls for cutting another $615 billion from Medicaid. Together, the $1.5 trillion in cuts would slash federal Medicaid funds by nearly 50 percent in 10 years.

This cuts quite a bit more in federal funding than the AHCA alone, says John Holahan, a fellow in the Health Policy Center at the Urban Institute, a non-partisan research organization. States are going to have to figure out how to make up the difference."

The budget proposal must be approved by Congress and much could change in the meantime. The Senate is working on a healthcare overhaul of its own. Democrats are opposed to steep Medicaid cuts, as are some moderate Senate Republicans, particularly those in states that expanded Medicaid.



Still, the prospect of such a massive change to the government's largest health insurance program is troubling to consumer advocates.

The proposed cuts to Medicaid would decimate the program, dramatically reducing the number of people covered and the quality of coverage for the most vulnerable Americans, says Betsy Imholz, director of special projects for Consumers Union, the policy and mobilization arm of Consumer Reports.

The budget proposal comes at a time when Americans are increasingly concerned about their ability to afford health insurance.

More than half (57 percent) of those surveyed for Consumer Reports second CR Consumer Voices Survey in March said they lack confidence they and their loved ones will be able to afford health insurance.

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And 41 percent now say they're not confident they'll have access to quality care to get the doctors, tests, treatments and medications they need. Thats up from 35 percent in the first CR Consumer Voices Survey in January.

How Medicaid Could Change

Here are five things you need to know about how the possible Medicaid cuts proposed by Trump and House Republican leadership would affect you.



1. The proposed cuts in the Trump budget and AHCA wouldn't take place until 2020.

2. How you are affected will depend on where you live. That's because under the current system, the federal government gives states money based on costs no matter how many are enrolled. The Trump budget blueprint reduces the amount given to states but lets each choose how they receive the money. States could opt to receive a limited and capped amount per person enrolled, or take a block grant and decide how to spend it. Trump and other Republicans say block grants give states more flexibility to design their own programs. But experts say it will be difficult for states to make up the shortfall from lost federal funds.

3. If enrolled in Medicaid, you might face stricter work requirements and have to cover more costs, such as higher co-pays, out of pocket. That's because the Department of Health and Human Services is encouraging states to experiment with ways to curtail costs. Under current law, several states, including Maine and Wisconsin, have already applied for waivers to make such changes, says Robin Rudowitz, an associate director for the Program on Medicaid and the Uninsured at the Kaiser Family Foundation.

It's unclear how much money such changes would save, says Rudowitz. For example, only 15 percent of Medicaid dollars are currently spent on able-bodied adults who might be subject to new work requirements, according to an analysis by the Kaiser Family Foundation and the Urban Institute.

4. The disabled and the elderly will be hit the hardest. The disabled account for 42 percent of Medicaid spending, while the elderly account for 21 percent, to pay for services such as long-term care and nursing homes. Another 21 percent of Medicaid spending provides health insurance for children.

5. It's still unknown how many Medicaid recipients might lose coverage in the end. The Congressional Budget Office's initial analysis of the AHCA passed by the House, estimated that 14 million people would drop out of the program if the bill became law. The CBO plans to issue a new analysis Wednesday meant to reflect amendments to the initial AHCA legislation. But that analysis won't take into account the proposed cuts in the Trump budget.

As a result, it's unknown how many people might lose coverage overall, says Dee Mahan, director of Medicaid Initiatives at Families USA, a non-profit focused on consumer healthcare issues. "But this is a massive cost shift from the federal government to states. States won't be able to make up all this money," says Mahan. "A lot of people will lose their coverage."





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WASHINGTON  President Trumps budget chief defended his administrations spending proposal during a Wednesday budget hearing, in which lawmakers of both parties issued pointed questions about major spending cuts to a wide range of programs.

Mick Mulvaney, director of the Office of Management and Budget, appeared before the House Budget Committee to tout Trumps proposed 2018 budget, which was formally unveiled Tuesday. That plan quickly met resistance from Republican senators, and at least two of them proclaimed it dead on arrival.

During the hearing, Republican members of the committee did not offer a full-throated endorsement of the presidents plan, but they praised certain elements, most notably Mulvaneys claim that the budget will help eliminate the federal deficit in 10 years.

For the first time since Ive been serving on the budget committee, we have a president who is willing to take action to reform government and get our fiscal house in order, said committee chair Diane Black, R-Tenn., in her opening statement. However, she also noted that the budget process is a collaborative process between Congress and the White House, and that changes will be made.

Office of Management and Budget Director Mick Mulvaney testifies before the House Budget Committee about President Trumps 2018 budget proposal. (Photo: Aaron P. Bernstein/Reuters)

It is a huge sea change that a representative of the president brings us a budget that tries to balance and does balance within 10 years, said Rep. Tom Cole, R-Okla. We can all disagree on this or that but it is fundamental for going forward.

At the same time, members also expressed concerns about funding cuts to certain programs, including the Centers for Disease Control and the National Institutes of Health.

One place where we think youre being  penny-wise and pound-foolish is the Centers for Disease Control, Cole said. Partly because we think [funding the CDC] is the right thing to do, you want good health outcomes for Americans. But also because its fiscally prudent.

Some of the committees more conservative members also questioned Mulvaneys claim that the budget would spark an economic growth rate of 3 percent without reforming spending on Social Security and Medicare, something Trump pledged to avoid during the campaign.

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You have said the foundation of your budget is 3 percent growth, and I have looked every which way and found that you cant get there, said Rep. Mark Sanford, R-S.C. Its disastrously irresponsible.

For their part, Democrats attacked Mulvaney from different angles, taking him to task over the budgets cuts to the social safety net and programs ranging from the National Endowment for the Arts to food stamps.

A budget is an expression of our values, said Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Fla. Your values and your boss values are appalling. If this is a reflection of our nations values, then we really are in a battle for the heart and soul of this country.

House Budget Committee member Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Fla. questions Budget Director Mick Mulvaney on Capitol Hill in Washington on May 24, 2017. (Photo: Jacquelyn Martin/AP)

Mulvaney disputed concerns from Wasserman Schultz and other Democrats that the budget will leave impoverished Americans without certain benefits.

We are not going to kick any deserving person off of any meaningful program, he said.

Other Democrats rebutted Mulvaneys claim that Trump had upheld his promise not to slash funding for Social Security, noting that the budget would cut Social Security Disability Insurance.

The president promised that he would not cut Social Security, Medicaid and Medicare, said Rep. Janice Schakowsky, D-Ill. And after he won the election, with the help of many older Americans, I think were seeing today a tremendous betrayal of that promise.

Mulvaney argued that SSDI gets funds from a different place than Social Security and that it was a welfare program for the disabled. He also bristled at Democrats who suggested Trump broke his promise, saying that they were being disingenuous.

Are you speaking Washington or regular language? he asked Schakowsky.

Mulvaney will appear before the Senate Budget Committee on Thursday.

Read more from Yahoo News:
Vatican City (AFP) - US President Donald Trump met Pope Francis at the Vatican on Wednesday in a keenly-anticipated first face-to-face encounter between two world leaders who have clashed repeatedly on several issues.

The private audience with the pontiff was preceded by a cordial handshake for the cameras and was expected to last around 20 minutes.

It came on the third leg of Trump's first overseas trip as president, which has already taken him to Saudi Arabia and to Israel and the Palestinian territories.

The two men had never met before Wednesday morning but they have significant history having clashed publicly over subjects ranging from migration to unbridled capitalism and climate change.

They also disagree on issues like the death penalty and the arms trade but share a fervent opposition to abortion.

Trump was accompanied for the audience by his wife Melania and daughter Ivanka, both dressed all in black, in keeping with traditional protocol that is no longer always observed by all female dignitaries visiting the Vatican.

The audience took place in the private library of the Apostolic Palace, the official papal residence that Francis does not use, having opted instead for modest lodgings in a Vatican guesthouse.

Immediately after the meeting, the 80-year-old pope was due to give his usual midweek address to the faithful on St Peter's square while the Trump couple are given a private tour of the Sistine Chapel and St Peter's Basilica.

Later in the morning, Trump, 70, will call on Italy's president and prime minister while Melania visits a children's hospital and Ivanka discusses migrant issues with members of the St Egidio religious community.

The Trump team is due to fly to Brussels on Wednesday afternoon for meetings with EU and NATO officials before returning to Italy late Thursday for the G7 summit in Sicily on Friday and Saturday.
By Amir Cohen TEL AVIV (Reuters) - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's wife, Sara, offered sympathetic words to visiting U.S. President Donald Trump and his wife Melania on Monday, telling them that people still loved them despite negative media coverage. Standing on the red carpet and chatting minutes after Trump and the First Lady had arrived at Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion airport in Air Force One, Sara Netanyahu was caught on camera exchanging a few private words with the visitors. "The majority of the people of Israel, unlike the media, they love us, so we tell them how you are great and they love you," Sara said to Trump and his wife. Trump then interjected: "We have something very much in common." Trump's presidency has received widespread negative coverage in the U.S. and international media, not least over his firing of FBI director James Comey and amid an investigation into ties between his administration and Russia. In Israel on the second leg of his first overseas trip since entering office, Trump is to hold talks separately with Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in a stopover lasting barely 28 hours. Speaking over the noise of the president's jet, Sara Netanyahu added: "I talk every place about how great you are," she said, and Netanyahu backed her up saying: "I can testify to that." Netanyahu and his wife have a tense relationship with the Israeli media, which they have both described as biased against them. In January, Netanyahu described the media as "left-wing" and "Bolshevik" and said they were out to bring him down. Testifying in a libel suit the Netanyahus filed against an Israeli journalist, Sara Netanyahu told the court: "Everything that is published about me, it's all lies, evil lies that bear no connection with who I really am ... The media uses me as a tool to try and topple the prime minister." Sara's red-carpet conversation soon began circulating on social media, along with another awkward arrival moment. As the Netanyahus strode along holding hands, as they often do, Trump, walking alongside them, reached out to grasp the First Lady's hand, but video circulated on Twitter appeared to show Melania Trump briefly flicking his hand away. (Additional reporting by Miriam Berger; Writing by Ori Lewis; Editing by Maayan Lubell and Toby Chopra)
JERUSALEM (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday that Iran must immediately stop its financial and military support for "terrorists and militias" and he reiterated that it never be permitted to possess atomic arms.

"Most importantly, the United States and Israel can declare with one voice that Iran must never be allowed to possess a nuclear weapon - never, ever - and must cease its deadly funding, training and equipping of terrorists and militias, and it must cease immediately," Trump said in public remarks at a meeting in Jerusalem with Israeli President Reuven Rivlin.

The United States brands Iran a "state sponsor of terrorism". It says Tehran's support for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in Syria's civil war, Houthi rebels in Yemen's civil war and the Hezbollah Shi'ite political party and militia in Lebanon have helped destabilize the Middle East.

Trump flew to Israel from Riyadh earlier in the day, on the second leg of his first overseas trip since entering office in January.

In his speech at Rivlin's official residence, Trump said he was deeply encouraged by his conversations with Muslim world leaders in Saudi Arabia.

"Many expressed their resolve to help end terrorism and the spread of radicalization. Many Muslim nations have already taken steps to begin following through on this commitment," he said.

"There is a growing realization among your Arab neighbors that they have common cause with you in the threat posed by Iran," Trump told Rivlin.

(Reporting by Jeffrey Heller; Editing by Luke Baker)
By Philip Pullella and Steve Holland VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - Pope Francis urged U.S. President Donald Trump to be a peacemaker at their first meeting on Wednesday after they exchanged sharp words last year, and Trump promised he would not forget the pontiff's message. Under clear blue skies, Trump received a tribute from the Swiss Guard in a Vatican courtyard when he arrived. He entered a small elevator taking him to the third floor of the Apostolic Palace and, after a long ceremonial walk past frescoed corridors, shook the pope's hand at the entrance to the private study that the frugal pontiff uses only for official occasions. Before the door of the wood-lined elevator closed, a Vatican protocol official was heard quipping to the president that it was not "like Trump Tower in New York". Francis smiled faintly as he greeted Trump outside the study and was not as outgoing as he sometimes is with visiting heads of state. Trump, seeming subdued, said, "It is a great honor." Even when the two were sitting at the pope's desk in the presence of photographers and reporters, the pope avoided the small talk that usually occurs before the media is ushered out. The two spoke privately for about 30 minutes with translators. Both men looked far more relaxed at the end of the private meeting, with the pope smiling and joking with Trump and his wife Melania. Francis's interpreter could be heard translating a comment by the pope to the First Lady: "What do you give him to eat?" Francis then gave Trump a small sculptured olive tree and told him through the interpreter that it symbolized peace. "It is my desire that you become an olive tree to construct peace," the Pope said, speaking in Spanish. Trump responded: "We can use peace." Francis also gave Trump a signed copy of his 2017 peace message whose title is "Nonviolence - A Style of Politics for Peace", and a copy of his 2015 encyclical letter on the need to protect the environment from the effects of climate change. "Well, I'll be reading them," Trump said. During his election campaign, Trump said scientific findings that human economic activity contributed to global warming were a hoax. As president, he has proposed deep cuts for the Environmental Protection Agency and the elimination of many environmental regulations. PARTING PROMISE Trump gave the pope a boxed set of five first-edition books by murdered U.S. civil rights leader Martin Luther King. As Trump and the pope said goodbye at the door of the study, Trump told him: "Thank you, thank you. I won't forget what you said." Asked how the meeting with the pope went, Trump said: "Great. He is something. He is really good. We had a fantastic meeting." A Vatican statement said the meeting was "cordial" and that the Vatican hoped there could be "serene collaboration" between the U.S. government and the American Catholic Church, including "assistance to immigrants". The U.S. Catholic Church hierarchy opposes Trump's attempt to cut federal assistance for cities that give sanctuary to illegal immigrants. It also opposes his plan to build a wall on the U.S. border with Mexico. The pope said last year a man who thinks about building walls and not bridges is "not Christian". Trump, who was a candidate at the time, responded that it was "disgraceful" of the Argentine-born pope, who represents just over half of the world's two billion Christians, to question his faith. The meeting with the pope was the third stop on Trump's nine-day foreign tour, and part of his world tour of religions after meeting leaders of Muslim nations in Saudi Arabia and visiting holy sites in Jerusalem. Trump at first did not plan to stop in Rome during his visit to Europe, which some in the Vatican saw as a snub. When he changed his mind, the Vatican squeezed him in at 8:30 a.m. on a Wednesday morning, an unusual day and an unusually early time. He later flew to Brussels where he was to meet Belgium's king and prime minister on Wednesday evening before a day of meetings with European Union and NATO leaders on Thursday. (Additional reporting by Gavin Jones and Jeff Mason in Rome, Alastair Macdonald in Brussels; editing by Mark Heinrich)
Jerusalem (AFP) - US President Donald Trump's trip to Israel and the Palestinian territories saw the unpredictable leader tightly following protocol, but a few moments provided low-scale scandal and humour.

- Empty handed -

Walking on the red carpet from the plane that had just brought them from the first leg of their trip in Saudi Arabia, Trump reached for his wife Melania's hand, who seemed to deftly yet subtly tap it away in a possible spurn captured by cameras and shared widely on social media.

- 'Recognise Jerusalem' -

Welcoming Trump at the airport were members of the Israeli government, each of whom was granted a handshake and short verbal exchange with the US president.

Education Minister Naftali Bennett took the opportunity to tell Trump that with Israel celebrating 50 years since the war in which it took the eastern sector of Jerusalem from Jordan, "now's the time to recognise Jerusalem".

"That's a good one," Trump seemed to respond to Bennett. The US does not recognise Jerusalem as Israel's capital.

- The selfie -

A scandal-plagued member of parliament from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's ruling Likud party, Oren Hazan, managed to gain access to the red carpet and greet Trump upon his arrival.

Hazan, who sued a journalist for a televised report accusing him of involvement in pimping and drugs prior to his political career, whipped out his cellphone and suggested a selfie to Trump.

A bewildered Trump agreed, although Netanyahu tried to prevent it by gently pulling down Hazan's arm. Hazan said Trump was a good sport about the whole thing, even after his camera stalled.

Hazan, a self-declared "Israeli Trump," shared the image on his social media, drawing reproach and jokes.

- 'They love you' -

As the airport ceremony wrapped up, Trump and his wife Melania chatted with Sara and Benjamin Netanyahu about their mutual affection and admiration, but also strayed into media criticism.

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"The majority of the people of Israel, unlike the media, they love us, so we tell them how you are brave and they love you," Sara Netanyahu said to Trump and his wife.

"We have something very much in common," Trump said.

"We'll talk about it in dinner," Sara Netanyahu told Trump.

"We have a lot in common, Donald and I," she told Melania Trump. "The same media."

- From the Middle East to Israel -

Speaking at the Israeli presidential residence in Jerusalem in his first stop after arriving, Trump said he and his delegation had "just got back from the Middle East," quickly correcting himself to say Saudi Arabia.

- Peach for our time -

A statement issued by the White House about Trump's visit to Israel included a title replacing the word peace with that of a fruit, so that the US president would be seeking to "Promote the possibility of lasting peach".

- 'Never mentioned Israel' -

Speaking to the press alongside Netanyahu on Monday, Trump sought to defend himself against criticism that he provided Israeli intelligence to Russia.

"I never mentioned the word or the name Israel," he said in response to a question.

"Never mentioned during the conversation," he said, as Netanyahu smiled in consternation.

"They're all saying I did, so you had another story wrong. Never mentioned the word Israel," Trump reiterated.

The Washington Post reported last week that Trump revealed what it said was highly classified information on the Islamic State group during a recent meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Moscow's Washington ambassador Sergey Kislyak.

So Trump's denial that he mentioned Israel, which was not even alleged in the Washington Post article, stirred much bemusement on social media.

- Jerusalem, where? -

The White House live feed of the president's remarks in a west Jerusalem location on Monday was identified as coming from Jerusalem, Israel.

The traditional US position on Jerusalem is that the city's status must be negotiated between the Israelis and the Palestinians.

On Tuesday, however, Jerusalem became once again a stateless city on the White House feed, leading commentators to speculate on whether they were witness to a clash of policies within the White House and State Department or simply a mistake.
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - In a call last month with the Philippines' president, U.S. President Donald Trump described North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un as a "madman with nuclear weapons" who could not be let on the loose, according to a leaked Philippine transcript of their call.

Trump told Duterte in the April 29 call that the United States would "take care of North Korea," and had a lot of firepower in the region, although it did not want to use it, according to a transcript of their conversation published by the Washington Post and the investigative news site The Intercept.

The document included a "confidential" cover sheet from the Americas division of the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs.

A senior U.S. official said the Trump administration did not dispute the accuracy of the transcript and declined to comment further.

Trump requested Duterte's help in impressing on China, North Korea's neighbor and only major ally, the need for it to help rein in Kim, the transcript showed.

"We can't let a madman with nuclear weapons let on the loose like that," Trump said. "We have a lot of firepower, more than he has, times 20, but we don't want to use it."

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The U.S. president told Duterte that Washington had sent two nuclear submarines to waters off the Korean peninsula, comments likely to raise further questions about his handling of sensitive information after U.S. officials said Trump discussed intelligence about Islamic State with Russian officials this month.

"We have two submarines - the best in the world. We have two nuclear submarines, not that we want to use them at all," Trump said.

The Philippines foreign ministry said earlier in a statement that it had no comment on news reports about the leaked transcript.

But it said that under Philippine law there was "criminal and civil liability attached to the hacking, unauthorized disclosure and use of illegally or inadvertently obtained confidential government documents."

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The ministry said it valued the need for transparency, but the release of some information could affect national security and regional stability. "As such, we appeal to the sense of responsibility and patriotism of all concerned," it added.

North Korea has vowed to develop a nuclear-tipped missile that can strike the U.S. mainland, presenting Trump with perhaps his biggest foreign policy challenge.

It has conducted dozens of missile launches and two nuclear bomb tests since the start of last year.

Trump has said "a major, major conflict" with North Korea is possible and that all options are on the table, but his administration says it wants to resolve the crisis diplomatically with the aid of tougher sanctions.

On May 1, just after the call with Duterte, Trump said he would be "honored" to meet Kim Jong Un, under the right conditions.

According to the transcript, Trump said he hoped China would act to solve the North Korea problem.

"They really have the means because a great degree of their stuff comes through China," Trump said. "They (Beijing) are doing certain things, like not accepting calls. But if China doesn't do it, we will do it," Trump said, having asked Duterte if he thought China had influence over Kim.

Trump said Kim had the "powder" - an apparent reference to North Korea's nuclear capability - "but he doesn't have the delivery system."

"All his rockets are crashing. That's the good news. But eventually when he gets that delivery system," Trump said without finishing his sentence.

While North Korea missile tests have frequently failed, Trump and Duterte spoke before an apparently successful test of a long-range missile this month.

Western experts say that test appeared to have advanced North Korea's aim of developing a missile capable of reaching the U.S. mainland, although the capability was probably still several years away.

The director of the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency, General Vincent Stewart, said on Tuesday that if left unchecked, North Korea was on an "inevitable" path to obtaining a nuclear-armed missile capable of striking the United States.

In a show of force, the United States has sent the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Carl Vinson to waters off the Korean peninsula, where it joined the Michigan, a nuclear submarine that docked in South Korea in April.

(Reporting by David Brunnstrom, Matt Spetalnick in WASHINGTON and Karen Lema in MANILA; editing by Nick Macfie and Jonathan Oatis)
Paris (AFP) - US President Donald Trump's emphatic embrace of Sunni Arab regimes and his vilification of Iran mark a stark departure from the vision of his predecessor Barack Obama in the volatile region, analysts say.

Pointedly delivering his first foreign speech in Riyadh on Sunday, Trump praised the six-state Gulf Cooperation Council, specifically Saudi Arabia, for efforts to cut off funding to extremists while lambasting Iran as the "spearhead of terrorism".

While the unpredictable Trump completed the visit to the region without committing a major gaffe, his approach "swept away the entire Obama legacy with the wave of a hand," said Thierry Coville, an Iran expert at the French Institute for International and Strategic Affairs.

"That the United States wants to restore a certain balance in its ties with Saudi Arabia, OK, but to put Iran and the IS group on the same level is false, illogical and counter-productive," Coville told AFP.

Coville said that removing human rights concerns routinely levelled at Arab states from the centre of US foreign policy was "understandable".

But he added: "Telling (Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi) that he is doing a 'fantastic' job and saying that Saudi Arabia is a 'magnificent kingdom', while forgetting that in Iran people are making the effort to get out and vote, is very dangerous."

Hasni Abidi, head of the Geneva-based Study and Research Centre for the Arab and Mediterranean World (CERNAM), also spoke of a "break in US policy".

Obama, whose secretary of state John Kerry helped broker the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, "banked on Iran's moderate forces, (while) Trump has chosen the Sunni camp, starting with Saudi Arabia, a country with unequalled financial means," Abidi told AFP.

Washington and Riyadh agreed deals totalling some $380 billion (340 billion euros).

"But the price of regaining the confidence of Saudi Arabia and the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council is to portray Iran as a threat," Abidi added.

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He noted that Washington still depends on Iran for cooperation in Iraq against IS and in Afghanistan against the Taliban, and Trump has "shown caution so far".

Coville went further, calling Trump's speech a "smokescreen" aimed at "making people forget that he is in the process of validating the nuclear accord".

He also noted that Iran Air, in Tehran's first deal with a US aviation group since the 1979 Islamic revolution, finalised in December a contract worth $16.6 billion to purchase 80 Boeing planes.

Paris-based political scientist Azadeh Kian said authorities in Tehran had not taken Trump's Riyadh speech seriously, pointing to a tweet by Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif saying that Washington was "milking" Saudi Arabia.

But she said it was "worrying, especially after an election... that showed that there is a real dynamic towards democratisation and opening in Iranian society."

- 'More hope than experience' -

Meanwhile Trump's call for Israelis and Palestinians to "make a deal" has drawn praised mixed with a healthy dose of scepticism.

Speaking in Jerusalem, the US leader offered no specifics but said he was "personally committed" to helping to resolve the decades-old conflict.

"Making peace, however, will not be easy," Trump said. "But with determination, compromise and the belief that peace is possible, Israelis and Palestinians can make a deal."

The Israeli newspaper Haaretz said Trump had "succeeded in bringing peace, which in recent years had become a dirty word, back to the centre of Israeli public and political discourse."

But it added: "Trump has the will and motivation, but for now he has no plan."

Former Middle East peace negotiator Aaron David Miller, writing in Politico last week, argued that "strange as it may seem, Trump actually has a Middle East strategy, or at least a reasonably coherent approach."

The idea is to forge a "US-Israeli-Sunni Arab entente... held together by several objectives they share in varying degrees: destroy ISIS, roll back Iranian influence, and deliver some kind of Israeli-Palestinian peace," Miller wrote.

It is a "transactional deal" in which the Arab states would help Washington revive the peace process in exchange for a much tougher US policy against Iran, he said.

However, he warned: "But Washington's approach seems driven more by hope than experience. Trump is likely to discover that the region... is more complicated than he thought."
By My Pham HANOI (Reuters) - The United States has transferred six patrol boats to the Vietnam coast guard, to help build security cooperation between the two countries, U.S. embassy in Hanoi said in a statement on Tuesday. U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed his hope for a stronger relationship with Vietnam, after the Obama administration put ties on a stronger footing amid Vietnam's territorial dispute with China in the South China Sea. The patrol boats, which were included a defense cooperation memorandum agreed in 2011, will help Vietnam in intercoastal patrols and law enforcement, the statement said. It also added that delivering these vessels deepens cooperation in the areas maritime law enforcement, search and rescue, and humanitarian assistance operations within Vietnam's territorial waters and exclusive economic zone. "Vietnam's future prosperity depends upon a stable and peaceful maritime environment. The United States and the rest of the international community also benefit from regional stability," U.S. Ambassador Ted Osius said. Vietnam is the country most openly at odds with China over the waterway since the Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte took a softer line with Beijing. China claims 90 percent of the potentially energy-rich South China Sea. Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam and Taiwan lay claim to parts of the sea, through which about $5 trillion of trade passes each year. (Reporting by My Pham; editing by Simon Cameron-Moore)
ROME (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump arrived in Italy on Tuesday ahead of meetings with Pope Francis and Italian leaders, on the third leg of his first international trip since taking office. Trump's meeting with the head of the world's 1.2 billion Roman Catholics on Wednesday comes after the pair sparred at a distance on issues including migration, climate change and Islam. Air Force One arrived from Israel at Rome's Leonardo da Vinci airport, where Trump and his wife Melania were greeted by Italian Foreign Minister Angelino Alfano. The pair were then driven to the central Rome residence of the U.S. ambassador - a post to which Trump is yet to name anyone. They had no official engagements on Tuesday evening. Trump is due to spend less than 24 hours in Italy before flying to Brussels for talks with European Union and NATO chiefs. He will return to Italy on Thursday for a summit of the Group of Seven (G7) major industrialized nations in Sicily. Officials from the other six nations have been alarmed by some of Trump's statements including his support for trade protectionism, criticism of climate change policies, and anti-migrant rhetoric. Around 100 mainly U.S. expats voiced their own concerns in a square in Rome on Tuesday evening, chanting, "Love trumps hate", "Education not deportation" and "Trump, you're fired". The former real estate tycoon started his tour of the Middle East and Europe in Saudi Arabia on Saturday. He has spent the last two days in Israel and the Palestinian Territories. The White House hopes the ambitious multi-nation trip, which ends on May 27, will shift focus away from domestic controversies and on to foreign policy. After his encounter with the pope, Trump will hold brief talks with President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni. Melania Trump is due to visit a Vatican-owned children's hospital while Ivanka Trump will meet victims of human trafficking and the Sant'Egidio community of activist Catholics. Massive security precautions have been taken in Rome, with the areas around the presidential palace, Vatican City, the American ambassador's residence and the U.S. embassy temporarily closed to traffic. (Reporting by Isla Binnie; Additional reporting by Antonio Denti; Editing by Crispian Balmer and Tom Heneghan)
By Andrew Chung WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday tightened rules for where patent lawsuits can be filed in a decision that may make it harder for so-called patent "trolls" to launch sometimes dodgy patent cases in friendly courts, a major irritant for high-tech giants like Apple and Alphabet Inc's Google. In a decision that upends 27 years of law governing patent infringement cases, the justices sided with beverage flavouring company TC Heartland LLC in its legal battle with food and beverage company Kraft Heinz Co . The justices ruled 8-0 that patent suits can be filed only in courts located in the jurisdiction where the targeted company is incorporated. The decision overturned a 2016 ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, a Washington-based patent court, that said patent suits are fair game anywhere a defendant company's products are sold. Individuals and companies that generate revenue by suing over patents instead of actually making products have been dubbed "patent trolls." The ruling is likely to lessen the steady flow of patent litigation filed in a single federal court district in rural East Texas because of its reputation for having rules and juries that favour plaintiffs bringing infringement suits. Heartland said the ruling will limit the ability to "shop" for friendly courts. "Individuals and businesses in the U.S. have been unfairly required for decades to defend patent suits in far off locales adding cost, complexity and unpredictably to the intellectual property marketplace," company Chief Executive Ted Gelov said. Kraft Senior Vice President Michael Mullen said the company was disappointed in the ruling but did not believe it would affect the outcome of its lawsuit. The dispute began when Kraft filed a patent suit involving liquid water flavourings in Delaware federal court against Heartland, a subsidiary of Heartland Consumer Products Holdings. Heartland sought to transfer the case to its home base in Indiana, arguing it has no presence in Delaware and 98 percent of its sales are outside of that state. The appeals court denied the transfer last year. Even though the lawsuit was not filed in Texas, the arguments in the case touched on the peculiar fact that the bulk of patent litigation in the United States flows to the Eastern District of Texas, far from the centres of technology and innovation in the United States. More than 40 percent of all patent lawsuits are filed in East Texas. Of those, 90 percent are brought by "patent trolls," according to a study published in a Stanford Law School journal. CONGRESSIONAL EFFORTS High-tech firms in particular have been vocal about the need for legislation to curb patent suits, including by limiting where they are filed. Recent efforts in Congress have failed. Over the years, companies such as Apple, Google, Samsung Electronics Co Ltd <005930.KS> and Microsoft Corp have been frequent targets of patent lawsuits, including in East Texas. Limiting patent lawsuits to where a defendant company is incorporated would potentially make it harder to extract lucrative settlements from businesses being sued, and easier to get cases dismissed. Such changes could potentially dissuade some cases from being launched in the first place, said Illinois Institute of Technology Chicago-Kent College of Law professor Greg Reilly, who has studied the issue of patent venue. "This is a positive step for those who think there is a problem of a lot of poor-quality patents being enforced," Reilly said. A 1990 ruling by the Federal Circuit loosened the geographic limits on patent cases and has served as a blueprint for such cases ever since. The Federal Circuit denied Heartland's transfer by relying on the 1990 ruling. Heartland urged the Supreme Court to overturn that decision, arguing that the high court's own precedent from 1957 held that patent suits are governed by a specific law allowing suits only where defendants are incorporated. On Monday, the Supreme Court agreed. Writing the opinion for the court, Justice Clarence Thomas said that, contrary to the Federal Circuit's rationale, the U.S. Congress did not change the rules over where patent suits may be filed since the 1957 decision. Justice Neil Gorsuch joined the court after it heard arguments in the case and did not participate in the decision. (Reporting by Andrew Chung; Editing by Will Dunham)
By Steve Gorman

(Reuters) - A Turkish man prompted a bomb scare aboard a weekend American Airlines flight from Los Angeles to Honolulu through a series of outbursts culminating in a desperate scuffle with crew members and fellow passengers, the FBI said in court documents filed on Monday.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation account of Saturday's disturbance was furnished in an affidavit supporting the criminal complaint against Anil Uskanli, 25, who was living in California under a temporary visa revoked after his arrest.

Uskanli, making his first court appearance since he was arrested at Honolulu International Airport, was ordered by a federal magistrate judge to undergo a psychiatric evaluation.

The proceedings against him will remain suspended until he is found mentally competent to stand trial, said Jill Otake, a spokeswoman for the U.S. Attorney's Office.

He was charged on Monday with a single count of interfering with a flight crew, an offense that carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

The FBI initially said the disturbance that Uskanli caused was serious enough for two U.S. warplanes to be scrambled to escort the passenger jet to Hawaii but provided few details of the incident until Monday.

Uskanli's brush with the law began at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) hours before he boarded American Airlines Flight 31 without any baggage checked or any carry-on items, except for a laptop.

Authorities disclosed on Saturday that he was detained and cited for trespassing after entering a restricted area at LAX - an incident airport police attributed to disorientation from drinking.

But he was allowed through security screening again, and according to the FBI was brought to the plane in a wheelchair due to his impaired condition. An FBI affidavit describes a steady escalation of bizarre, disruptive behavior from there.

LOCKDOWN OF COCKPIT

Upon boarding Uskanli sat down in first class and only took his assigned seat at the rear of the plane after several requests. Once airborne, he was observed muttering to himself and repeatedly moving his laptop between the floor space at his feet and a seatback pouch.

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In an outburst a short time later, Uskanli began yelling and pounding the lavatory walls when another passenger inadvertently walked in on him, prompting the plane's captain to lock down the cockpit.

Tensions flared anew when Uskanli, his head wrapped in a blanket, rose from his seat carrying his laptop and started walking toward the front of the plane.

In a bid to block him from the first-class cabin and cockpit, a flight attendant pushed a drink cart down the aisle then struggled to hold it in place, telling him, "you are not coming in here," as Uskanli pushed back.

Responding to her pleas for help, several passengers, including an off-duty police officer subdued Uskanli, and the officer kept him seated for the rest of the flight.

Still, crew members became worried his laptop might be a bomb, mindful of recent security bulletins identifying laptops as devices that extremists might use to smuggle explosives aboard planes.

The crew then initiated bomb-threat procedures, moving the laptop to the very back of the aircraft and packing material around it, as the pilot lowered the plane's altitude to 5,000 feet. It was then that the U.S. military was alerted and dispatched two F-22 warplanes to escort the airliner.

Ultimately, the plane landed safely, no one among the 187 passengers and crew was hurt and the laptop was found to be harmless.

(Reporting by Steve Gorman in Los Angeles; Editing by Mary Milliken)
Caracas (AFP) - Venezuela's government rallied its supporters on Tuesday in defiance of opposition protests after the death toll from weeks of clashes reached 52.

Backers of socialist President Nicolas Maduro gathered in the center of the capital Caracas, waving red, yellow and blue national flags.

The counter-rally came as violence appeared to intensify in recent days with the opposition marching daily to demand early elections.

"I call on all the people of Venezuela to take to the streets en masse with the tricolor flag of peace," President Nicolas Maduro said on television ahead of Tuesday's rally.

The government and opposition accuse each other of sending armed groups to sow violence during demonstrations.

Maduro has branded the opposition "terrorists" and is resisting their calls for a vote on removing him from power.

The opposition blames him for an economic crisis that has caused shortages of food and medicine.

A total of 52 people have been killed during demonstrations, many of them shot, public prosecutors said on Monday. Looting has broken out in various cities.

A man was set alight on Sunday at a demo by an angry crowd who accused him of thieving. Maduro claimed he was targeted for being a government supporter.

Fresh riots broke out on Tuesday evening in the capital and the western town of Barinas.

"Venezuelans awake today in mourning for those murdered in our beloved Barinas. Such viciousness against our people!" opposition leader Henrique Capriles wrote on Twitter on Tuesday.

Opposition lawmakers called a session for Tuesday to discuss the violence.
By Alexandra Ulmer and Maria Ramirez CARACAS/PUERTO ORDAZ, Venezuela (Reuters) - Venezuela's state prosecutor has panned unpopular President Nicolas Maduro's plan to create a grassroots congress, deepening a rare public split among the ruling Socialists as the death toll from two months of unrest hit 51. Chief State Prosecutor Luisa Ortega stunned the crisis-hit country in March when she lambasted the Supreme Court for annulling the powers of the opposition-led National Assembly. Since then, she has been a wild card within the publicly homogenous Venezuelan government, whose foes accuse it of seeking to dodge elections by creating a parallel assembly with powers to rewrite the constitution. Socialist Party official Elias Jaua, in charge of the "constituent assembly" project, confirmed on Monday that Ortega had written him to express her discontent in a letter that was previously leaked on social media. "It is my imperative to explain the reasons for which I have decided not to participate in this activity," Ortega's two-page missive reads. "Instead of bringing stability or generating a climate of peace, I think this will accelerate the crisis," she said, mentioning it would heighten uncertainty and alter the "unbeatable" constitution launched under late leader Hugo Chavez. Jaua acknowledged receipt of Ortega's letter, but quickly said she was merely expressing a "political opinion," without any power to change the situation. "We consider that the only organ the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela's constitution empowers to interpret the constitution is the Supreme Court's constitutional chamber," he said at a news conference, in reference to the pro-government top court. Venezuelans are scrutinizing Maduro's government and the armed forces for any cracks as protesters take to the streets daily to demand early elections, humanitarian aid to alleviate food and medicine shortages, and freedom for jailed activists. While there are no outward signs of major fissures that would destabilize 18-years of 'Chavista' rule, demonstrators have been cheered by Ortega's public dissent and by some public denunciations of officials by their relatives. RISING DEATH TOLL While anti-government protests have brought hundreds of thousands to the streets, Venezuelans are increasingly concerned about spates of nighttime looting and barricades popping up in many neighborhoods. Masked youths man roadblocks, turning back traffic or asking motorists for a monetary "collaboration" to be allowed through. The worst nighttime unrest has largely been concentrated outside the capital, however, with the jungle and savannah state of Bolivar hard-hit overnight. Some 51 buses were burned after a group attacked a transport company in the city of Puerto Ordaz, the prosecutor's office said on Monday. Barricades and clashes with the National Guard were also rippling through the city on Monday, according to a Reuters witness. There also was trouble on Monday in Barinas, the rural state where Chavez was born and which is regarded by his supporters as the "cradle of the revolution." Mobs burned the headquarters of the Socialist Party in the state capital, and clashes and looting raged throughout the day, witnesses and authorities said. Several opposition leaders have condemned the violence, but the episodes highlight the risks of protests spinning out of their control amid widespread anger at Maduro, hunger, and easy access to weapons in one of the world's most violence countries. Maduro accuses his opponents of an "armed insurrection," backed by the United States, his ideological foe. His government blames "fascist" protesters for looting and deaths in the unrest since early April. The death toll increased to at least 51 people after a policeman, Jorge Escandon, died after being injured in Carabobo state and three people died in protests in Barinas, the prosecutor's office said on Monday. Hundreds of people also have been injured and more than 2,600 arrested, with about 1,000 still jailed, according to rights groups. On Monday, opposition supporters and doctors in white robes tried to march to the Health Ministry in Caracas to demand access to proper treatment amid major shortages of medicines ranging from painkillers to chemotherapy drugs. "Today, I'm not here as a lawmaker, I'm here marching for my sister who has a cerebral tumor, a tumor that is growing again and producing paralysis, a tumor for which Venezuela used to receive medicine and the injections for this not to happen," said opposition lawmaker Miguel Pizarro. "Today I walk for my brother, who is diabetic, and who, like my mom, can't find medicine," added Pizarro, part of a new generation of opposition leaders who have been at the forefront of protests and often been tear-gassed. In a scene repeated over and over in recent weeks, security forces fired tear gas at demonstrators and clashes erupted with hooded youths who threw rocks. (Additional reporting by Andreina Aponte, Eyanir Chinea, Andrew Cawthorne; Editing by Toni Reinhold and Bill Trott)
By Alexandra Ulmer and Corina Pons CARACAS (Reuters) - Faced with mounting unrest, Venezuela's unpopular leftist President Nicolas Maduro vowed on Tuesday to push ahead in July with the formation of a "constituent assembly" to rewrite the constitution before regional elections in December. The South American OPEC member has been racked by strife, with 55 people killed during unrest in the past two months as public anger boiled over due to an economic meltdown that has left many Venezuelans scrabbling to afford three meals a day. In an apparent bid to show the government was seeking a democratic solution, the head of the pro-government electoral council said voting for a controversial "constituent assembly" would be held in late July. Regional gubernatorial elections, meant to have been held last year, would take place on Dec. 10, he said. The opposition reacted with fury, convinced that these moves were Maduro's way of clinging to power. Maduro's rivals fear that a new constituent assembly could rewrite rules or exclude opposition parties, making a sham of future elections that would likely vanquish the ruling socialists if the polls were free and fair. "Today's decision is nothing more than an evil announcement meant to divide, distract, and confuse Venezuelans further," said Congress president Julio Borges, the opposition leader whose coalition is pushing for early elections, humanitarian aid to alleviate food and medicine shortages, and freedom for jailed activists. "Today we've entered a new stage and that means more struggle and more street action," Borges said in a video on Tuesday night. Riots and looting have raised risks that protests could spin out of control, given the widespread hunger, anger at Maduro and easy access to weapons in one of the world's most violent countries. A Supreme Court magistrate decried the planned assembly, saying it was "not the solution to the crisis" and called on Maduro to "think carefully" to avoid more bloodshed. Maduro was undaunted on Tuesday, presenting the proposed 540-member "constituent assembly" as a way to defuse anti-government protests, which he says are part of a U.S.-backed conspiracy to overthrow "21st Century socialism." "Votes or bullets, what do the people want?" Maduro asked a crowd of red-shirted supporters waving Venezuelan flags at the Miraflores presidential palace. "Let's go to elections now!" he said, before detailing how the new assembly will be partially elected by votes at a municipal level and partially by different groups, including workers, farmers, students, and indigenous people. In a telling sign of internal dissent, Venezuela's state prosecutor warned that Maduro's plan for a grassroots congress risked deepening the crisis. "Persistent and increasingly violent unrest will eventually prompt key stakeholders to abandon Maduro and negotiate a rapid transition that sets a timetable for new elections; the precise timing is impossible to predict, however," the Eurasia Group political consultancy said in a note to clients on Tuesday. "DESPERATE PEOPLE" Enraged by the economic crisis and perceived lack of democratic solutions, some Venezuelans have taken out their ire by publicly shaming government officials or knocking down statues of Hugo Chavez, the late firebrand leftist leader who governed Venezuela from 1999 to 2013. In the southeastern city of Puerto Ordaz, the president of a state-run company was "kidnapped," beaten up, and stripped naked by protesters, the government said. In the lower middle-class Caracas neighborhood of El Paraiso, masked men on Monday night shot up an apartment building and parked cars in what one resident, who asked not to be named out of fear of reprisals, said was retaliation for barricades set up nearby by opposition sympathizers. Hundreds of people have been injured in the violence, around 2,700 arrested, with 1,000 still behind bars, and 335 tried in military tribunals, according to rights groups. Looting has become more frequent, with many Venezuelans reduced to surviving on basics like yucca or corn flour. In the usually calm peninsula of Paraguana, a food warehouse was looted on Sunday night. Some 17 people were arrested. "The rumors started that they were going to sell something, so everyone came out and started to beat on the warehouse door, there were a lot of desperate people, kids and pregnant women," said a local resident, asking to remain anonymous. "The neighbors knocked the door down, they destroyed everything, and made off with bags of flour and pasta. Police and National Guard had to ask for reinforcements, they threw tear gas and we heard shots." (Additional reporting by Mircely Guanipa, Brian Ellsworth, Cristian Veron, Eyanir Chinea, Andreina Aponte, Diego Ore, Maria Ramirez, and Andrew Cawthorne; Writing by Alexandra Ulmer; Editing by Andrew Hay & Simon Cameron-Moore)
An interesting trend in journalism has emerged in the past few years: Billionaire benefactors have been stepping in to support an industry flummoxed by the question of how to make enough money to survive.

At the Deadline Club journalism awards in New York City Monday night, Washington Post editor Marty Baron was asked about how important journalism  the kind that can keep a check on power  can survive without needing to be supported by these friendly billionaires. Amazon (AMZN) founder and CEO Jeff Bezos bought The Washington Post in 2013 for $250 million and has a close relationship with the media organization.

Well, theyre not all so friendly, said Baron, when asked about this phenomenon. Ours is friendly. I dont know I have an answer to that question. With respect to us, I think its important to recognize that were not being treated like a charity.

Although new and sometimes exciting non-billionaire-led publishing is being introduced, often with venture capital, much of it has been geared toward newer trends of non-news content (think lifestyle publications and articles like The only guacamole recipe Anthony Bourdain will eat), which is cheap to produce, more shareable, and delivers more tailored ad dollar potential than generalist journalism.

Reuters: Amazons Jeff Bezos bought the Washington Post in 2013.

Bezos has plenty of billionaire company in the news industry: EBay (EBAY) founder Pierre Omidyar funds the Intercept (Glenn Greenwald is co-founding editor). Rupert Murdoch owns News Corp (NWSA). Michael Bloomberg owns Bloomberg. John Henry owns the Boston Globe. Sheldon Adelson, casino magnate and CEO of Las Vegas Sands (LVS), owns the Las Vegas Review-Journal. Morningstars (MORN) founder Joe Mansueto owns Inc. and Fast Company. Mortimer Zuckerman owns U.S. News and the New York Daily News. Carlos Slim has a big stake in the New York Times, and healthcare billionaire Patrick Soon-Shiong has one in the Tronc. Russian oligarch Alexander Lebedev owns the Independentthough he may not be a billionaire anymore.

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On Tuesday evening, Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, which provides legal assistance to journalists, announced that Jeff Bezos made a $1 million donation.

Jeffs purpose is to create a sustainable business model for the Washington Post, said Baron. If it were treated as a charity and he got tired of that charity someday we would be in deep trouble. Last year was our first profitable year in a number of years and we are having a better year this year.

In Barons view, the real challenge isnt with national news organizations, which he says are beginning to find a sustainable business model. Larger national publications like the New York Times, Washington Post, and the Wall Street Journal have enjoyed a Trump bump as subscriptions have surged as the public thirsts for scoops on details of the new presidency. Smaller organizations, as the Washingtonian noted recently, arent included in this to the same degree.

Baron speaks at the Deadline Clubs awards dinner. Source: Deadline Club

Baron echoed this point, indicating that the issue is making the business model work for cities like Boston, Miami, and Los Angeles, which face online competition in a way smaller local papers do not.

The major metros have a huge business challenge in places I worked whether its Boston or Miami or Los Angelesplaces like that, said Baron. Im not sure weve figured out what that model is. However, Baron did note progress for papers in Dallas and Minneapolis, and the contributions of public radio stations and nonprofits like Texas Tribune.

Still, Baron said these journalism outlets are going to have to figure things out for themselves, and that their business model challenge is more difficult than anybody elses. Without a Bezos-type benefactor, Baron says that business model is TBD for sure.

Ethan Wolff-Mann is a writer at Yahoo Finance focusing on consumer issues, tech, and personal finance. Follow him on Twitter @ewolffmann. Got a tip? Send it to tips@yahoo-inc.com.

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Samsung has already said that it's planning a new Galaxy Note for this year, and now the upcoming phablet might have leaked online.

@Reviewer

@Reviewer

A Weibo user on Monday (May 22) posted images online of what's reportedly a dummy of the real Galaxy Note 8. While it's impossible to verify the device's authenticity, the handset in the image comes with many of the features the smartphone is expected to offer.

The images show a device with the same dual-curved Infinity Display you'd find on the Samsung Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+. And like those handsets, the physical home button has been removed in favor of a virtual home button. It also appears to come with many of the same sensors as the Galaxy S8.

While there isn't much of a difference on the front, the rear of the device, which was earlier reported on by SamMobile, shows a big difference. Rather than a single lens like in the Galaxy S8, the handset in the leaked image shows a dual-lens design. The two lenses are vertically arranged on the back and beneath them is a fingerprint sensor.

More: Galaxy Note 8 Rumors: This Could Be Hottest Phone of 2017

Samsung has remained silent on the Galaxy Note 8 beyond confirming that it plans to offer the device this year. Several reports have surfaced about the Galaxy Note 8, suggesting the device will run on the same Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 chip that powers the Galaxy S8. The smartphone's rear cameras are expected to offer 12- and 13-megapixel sensors, respectively, and the Galaxy Note 8's display might top out at 6.3 inches, making it slightly larger than the 6.2-inch display in the Galaxy S8+.

Perhaps the most important feature on customer's minds is the handset's battery. The Galaxy Note 7 was discontinued after battery failures  since then, Samsung has made strides in improving battery safety. The Galaxy S8 launched with no major battery issues, so here's hoping the same happens with the Galaxy Note 8.

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See also : Best Galaxy S8 Alternatives
An Apple iPhone 7 can be seen in this picture taken in Bordeaux, France, Feb. 1, 2017.

While Apple fans wait for the upcoming iPhone 8, the Bell reported Tuesday Apple signed a deal with Samsung Electronics for OLED panels for next years iPhone 9, the Investor said.

The iPhone 9 reportedly will come in two OLED models, a 5.28-inch version and a 6.46-inch device.

Read: iPhone 8 Price, Rumors: Goldman Sachs Predicts New iPhone Will Cost $1K, Have 3D Sensing, No Home Button

Samsung and Apple's new deal for 2018 iPhones comes after the companies recently signed a deal for the supply of 70 million OLED panels for the 10th anniversary iPhone this year, it was reported last month. Apple reportedly signed a two-year deal worth $9 billion with Samsung for the OLED panels in April. Tuesdays report said Samsungs OLED shipment will double at 180 million units for next year's iPhone lineup.

The two companies have recently signed a nondisclosure agreement on general conditions, including the screen size, sources told the Bell. Other details such as screen design and functions could be adjusted considering the phone is still under development.

It was also reported Samsung is leveling the ground at its industrial complex in Asan, South Korea, to build OLED production facilities dedicated to iPhones.

Read: iPhone 8 Release Date: Apple Could Launch Device In October, According To Supply Chain Reports

iPhone 8 Rumors, Price, Release Date

Before the iPhone 9 is released next year, Apple is expected to reveal three new iPhones this year, the iPhone 7S, iPhone 7S Plus and the iPhone 8.

The iPhone 8, which could also be called the iPhone X, iPhone Pro or iPhone Edition, is expected to come with an edge-to-edge OLED display screen. The smartphone is rumored to come with wireless charging feature and an enhanced Siri. Apple reportedly plans to boost its virtual assistant with contextual learning abilities and deep integration with iMessage and iCloud. The Siri update is expected in the upcoming iOS 11 update in September, but Apple could show a glimpse of the technology at the Worldwide Developers Conference next month.

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The iPhone 8 also reportedly will feature an embedded Touch ID on the screen display. However, a report last month said the embedded Touch ID feature was the one causing Apple the most trouble.

Apples newest iPhone is also rumored to come with a vertical dual-camera system, deviating from the horizontal positioning seen on the iPhone 7 Plus, and a 3D-sensing front camera.

The iPhone 8 is expected to be released in September; however, some reports have said the release date for the 10th-anniversary smartphone could be delayed because of key components for the rumored 3D-sensing camera. Other rumors suggest the devices release date could be pushed back until late October or November because of trouble with Apples OLED display order. Meanwhile, KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chu Kuo said the 10th anniversary iPhone could face "severe supply shortages" when it releases.

Goldman Sachs recently predicted the iPhone 8 could cost more than $1,000.

Related Articles
Samsung is unveiling its newest invention in the U.S. this coming Tuesday. The tech giant itself announced this Monday that it is going to debut its stretchable OLED display at the Los Angeles Convention Center during the Society for Information Display 2017. Sources say the Galaxy S8 maker is going to use this technology in making wearable display and many other things.

According to Korea Herald, Samsung Display has confirmed that it will be showcasing a 9.1-inch stretchable light-emitting diode panel at the display conference, which is scheduled to kick off tomorrow. This is going to be the most advanced display technology that the South Korean company is introducing into the tech industry. It has previously worked on bendable, foldable and rollable displays.

A spokesperson explained that this stretchable display panel can be transformed or physically altered not just on one side like its previous inventions. While current flexible OLED is able to be transformed in only one side, this stretchable OLED can be transformed  whether curved, bended or rolled  in both sides, above and below, the spokesperson said.

READ: Leaked case confirms Samsungs first dual-camera phone

Shedding more light on the new OLED technology, Samsung Display stated that the panel could be dented up to 12 millimeters when pressed. Interestingly, it returns to its original shape when it is let go, just like a balloon. It seems this is what consumers can expect from the prototype the firm is debuting this Tuesday. Unfortunately, the company admitted that it is still in the early stage of developing the stretchable display.

There is no timetable yet as to when the stretchable panels would be commercially available. However, sources are speculating that Samsung could be applying this to various devices including wearables, Internet of Things, artificial intelligence and even automobile display. Should Samsung really use this technology in making its wearables, consumers could see a very different next-generation Samsung Gear smartwatch in the future.

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Meanwhile, we previously learned that Samsung could be launching its first foldable phone this year. Dubbed as Galaxy X, the handset is rumored to sport foldable display, making it possible for users to transform it from being a phone to a tablet and vice versa. Industry insiders even claim that the device could come with a 5-inch display that folds out to become a 7-inch tablet screen. Samsung has yet to confirm the veracity of these rumors as of late.

READ: Samsung working on smart audio device to rival Amazon Echo?

London-based research firm IHS Markit has already shared its prediction for Samsungs flexible display business. According to the firm, this new invention just signals the continuous evolution of the flexible display market, such that the sales of flexible displays globally are expected to rise to $15.7 billion in 2020. This year, the sales are projected to reach $5.2 billion.

Apart from the stretchable OLED panel, Samsung Display is also showcasing its glassless 3D OLED during the conference. The firm has prepared a 5.09-inch prototype for this display technology. Sources say the practical applications of this technology is in 3D pop-up books, 3D games and virtual reality.

In addition to the two, Samsung is also preparing to introduce its ultra-HD liquid crystal display, which is great for augmented reality, virtual reality and holograms. The company is showing off a 1.96-inch prototype that has a UHD resolution of 3840 x 2160 and a pixel density of 2259 ppi. Comparing this to the QHD displays of 5-inch phones, this has around 780,000 pixels all in all. On the other hand, the ones on smartphones have 50,000 pixels.

Samsung Gear

Photo: Reuters/Kim Hong-Ji

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- A social media user posted a story of how he saved a young man in Tema from starvation

- The story of the good samaritan has since gone viral with over a 1000 shares

- Get more stories and videos of inspirational Ghanaians here on YEN.com.gh

Social media in Ghana has been littered with scatching comments against John Dumelos alleged gaffe with his post about a bread seller.

READ ALSO: Ghanaian bride goes the extra mile: wears 20 outfits for her wedding

But amidst the whole noise and backlash, YEN spotted the story of one Ghanaian who can only be best described as a real-life example of the Biblical good samaritan.

Nyameba Edem Kofi Yevutsey, saw a young man lying in the streets, and unlike most Ghanaians who would have walked by unconcerned, he took his time to attend to the fellow.

Nyameba Edem Kofi Yevutsey, the good samaritan / Facebook (Nyameba Edem Yevutsey)

What makes Yevutseys story more touching and endearing is how Ghanaians have created a stereotype against helping grown men lying in the middle road.

In his narrative on Facebook, Yevutsey rightly says that most Ghanaians passing by would have probably mistaken the poor man for a drunk and thus ignored him.

The starving young man lying face down in the middle of the road / Facebook (Nyameba Edem Yevutsey)

According to a post by the good samaritan on social media, which has since gone viral, he was driving by when he saw the weak man lying on the ground under the hot Accra sun.

He says, ...several people passed by him and just pulled out their phones and took pictures. Others insulted him for being a drunkard.

Yevutsey reportedly got out of his care to ask what was wrong with the fellow, and the man weakly responded, "I'm not drunk. I didn't drink any alcohol".

The policeman helping the young man / Facebook (Nyameba Edem Yevutsey)

Noticing that man was indeed in pain, Yevutsey, with the help of a policeman carried the man to a sheltered location and offered him food.

PAY ATTENTION: Get more videos and pictures on the go with the YEN mobile app

The man, after eating his fill, gave his name to the good samaritan as Isaac Boateng and proceeded to recount how he had travelled to Accra in search of greener pastures.

"His name is Isaac Boateng. A fisherman from Elmina. According to him this day when they go out to sea they don't get any fish. So out of frustration, he came to Tema to find work but after roaming through the city for a week without any success he started begging for food or asking to work - do any work for food. Most people just turned him away and others threatened him. Before he fell and collapsed on the streets of Tema community 11 before I found him he hadn't eaten for 3 days.

The young man with the food provided by the good samaritan / Facebook (Nyameba Edem Yevutsey)

Yevutsey, continued his narrative, saying that he had a hearty chat with Isaac Boateng, gave him some money for transport back to Elmina and parted ways with him.

His story has, however, resonated with Ghanaian social media, with many commending Nyameba Edem Kofi for his kind actions.

Others shared that story as a reminder to always be kind to others in dire situations.

READ ALSO: John Mahama went shopping but social media says he's copying Obama

YEN is building a platform where Ghanaians can share local news and own experiences with each other.

Witnessing an incident? Want to tell about a local problem? Know someone who is extremely talented and needs recognition?

Your stories and photos are always welcome. Send us a message via YENs official Facebook group, or contact us via info@yen.com.gh.

Source: YEN.com.gh
- Africa's first space and rocket launch pad is set to be built in Ghana

- The project is being undertaken by two Ghanaian companies

- It will reportedly cost $21 million

Click here to get the latest news in Ghana

YEN.com.gh has learnt that a massive spaceship and rocket launch pad, the first of its kind in Africa, is set to be built in Ghana.

A rocket takes off at the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida, USA

READ ALSO: These photos of Cyril's girlfriend in YOLO are making everyone breathless and it's not easy

Two Ghanaians companies, KESHE Foundation Ghana and BONADES Limited, a Construction Engineering Management (CEM) company, are behind plans to build the launch pad in Ghana.

A report by the GNA said the two companies have already conducted all the relevant feasibility and design studies and are satisfied that Ghana can host the facility.

They are, therefore, moving on to the next stage of making a presentation to foreign investors.

Click here to stay updated with YEN.com.gh news at all times with our mobile app

YEN.com.gh understands that the facility will be called the KESHE Spaceship Research Centre and will be located at the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission in Accra.

The facility will boast a clinic, administration block, research centre, factory and the spaceship and rocket launch pad.

It will cost $21 million to construct, according to the GNA report.

Share your views on this with us in the comments section below.

Do you have any tip or information for us? Do you have a story to share? Contact us on Facebook and reach us via email at info@YEN.com.gh.

READ ALSO: Here are all the powerful photos from Mahama's son's graduation

Source: YEN.com.gh
By Damali Mukhaye

Police has arrested 113 suspects for allegedly terrorizing people most especially in Kampala.

Addressing journalists at the central police station, the commandant Kampala metropolitan police Frank Mwesigwa said those arrested have been on the police watch list for a while now following reports of murder, robbery and theft.

The suspects are believed to have been terrorizing residents in the suburbs of Najera, Kira division, Makindye, Bwaise, Kalerwe, Ntinda and some parts of Mukono.

Mwesigwa says some of the tools that were recovered include one gun and pistol with bullets, a toy pistol, panga, knives iron bars and other sharp objects.

He notes that 92 people have already been tried in court and remanded to Luzira and 21 will be tried as well.
Kendallville, IN (46755)

Today

Some clouds in the morning will give way to mainly sunny skies for the afternoon. High 72F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Partly cloudy skies in the evening, then becoming cloudy overnight. Low near 45F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph.
The Philadelphia-based company that owns La Crosses Valley View Mall announced this week the property is up for sale.

PREIT, a publicly-traded real estate investment trust, owns more than 23 million square feet of retail space in the United States, including the La Crosse mall. Valley View Mall is one of two malls the company is selling. No asking price was listed. The malls owners are the third-largest property tax payers in La Crosse County with an equalized value of $67.6 million; the malls 2016 tax bill was $1.8 million.

According to the announcement, Valley View Mall and the other mall property, in Altoona, Pa., are in non-core markets for the company, and PREIT has received unsolicited interest in the two mall properties. No details on what this interest means or whether a sale is in the works were announced.

PREIT has a demonstrated record of transforming and revitalizing the traditional mall model to capitalize on new opportunities and evolving trends in the market, PREIT CEO Joseph F. Coradino said. To date, we have successfully sold 16 lower productivity malls as part of our non-core property disposition program. With these additional dispositions, we are taking further action to strengthen our portfolio amid a challenging retail climate.

Valley View Mall recently lost Macys, one of its anchor stores, as part of that companys response to a soft retail market. Herbergers, one of the anchor stores when the mall opened in 1980, announced in April it would move into the void left by Macys as part of an expansion plan.

The mall boasts more than 600,000 square feet of space and has had a 95 percent occupancy rate during the past four years, according to marketing materials from PREIT. The company describes the property at a premier shopping destination in the market that attracts customers from more than 50 miles away and boasts a number of national retailers.

The malls owners are the third-largest property tax payers in La Crosse County with an equalized value of $67.6 million; the malls 2016 tax bill was $1.8 million.
The city of Hokah has acquired property on the citys main road  the Hokah Learning Center. The La Crescent-Hokah School District sold the building to the city for $1 at the May 17 La Crescent-Hokah Board of Education meeting.

I just want to point out that as much as it would be great to get money from the sale, school board member Nate Byom said, the building will continue to be used by community education and the city of Hokah will have a great benefit by having it. Its a hard positive to overcome. Its a one-time payment versus the benefit of a greater use.

The center, 211 Main St., was built in 1958. The building has been relatively empty since 2015 when the district moved the Bluff Country Learning Center, a former alternative learning program, to La Crescent-Hokah High School.

Since the main tenants left, the building has been used occasionally for community education programs. The Hiawatha Valley Education District rents some of the space. Despite the sale, the district will still have access to the building for community education programming.

The city of Hokah approved the agreement at its May 2 meeting.

The citys bid was not the school districts only offer, Hokah resident Matt Dejarlais offered the board $25,001 for the building during public comment.

Although the offer of money was not lost on the board members who are facing budget cuts and the uncertainty of an operating levy in November, their decision to work with the city was echoed by the Hokah residents at the meeting.

There is major friction between the La Crescent-Hokah School District and the city of Hokah, said Jerry Martell, former Hokah mayor. The building would be a great asset to the city and would do a lot to fix that relationship. If you look at the last referendum the people of Hokah are not happy.

The city of Hokah previously purchased the building, according to the board.

The city of Hokah actually paid for the building in 1963, Byom said.

The building has been advertised on the districts list of reductions since March.

While the school year comes to a close and the board prepares for a summer campaigning for a November operating levy, community survey results came in.

The survey was conducted by an outside group, School Perceptions LLC, which the district hired to help target community perceptions of a levy.

The survey, which was sent out to every household in the district, received 862 responses. This is a 23 percent participation rate, something that School Perceptions Specialist Sue Peterson lauded.

We try to shoot for an 18-percent participation rate, she said.

Twenty-four percent of the survey participants were 65 and older.

Statistics show us that, that age group actively votes, she said.

The survey asked multiple questions, one of which asked people why they voted no to the November operating levy. Five percent of those who voted no in November said it was because they thought the vote was for a new building.

Overwhelmingly, 73 percent of participants believed that the district should try for another levy this November.

Peterson recommended the district try for an $839,000 levy, citing that based off the survey answers the district would probably pass.

What we do know is that people who voted to give the district more money, will still vote for a smaller levy, she said.

In Other News

The district received $1,150 worth of donations in the last month.

First-grade teacher Leah Olsons three-week yoga teacher certification trip to Thailand was approved by the board with the stipulation that she teach staff yoga methods on a staff development day next year.

The trip will be covered through a scholarship. Olson will use five of her vacation days, while the other 11 days will be covered by a long-term substitute.

Five roofing companies submitted bids for the high schools summer roofing project. The board approved Winona Heat and Vents bid at $193,810.

Vicki Shimshak will retire from the schools nutrition staff at the end of the school year after working in the district for 17 years.
Marjon Savelsbergs life mission is to protect the Eurasian eagle owl.

I want to educate people, she said. A couple friends of mine, they are tough cookies. They called me almost in tears because they found an abandoned Eurasian eagle owl nest with two dead babiesPeople were motor biking in the quarry. They had no idea that there was an eagle nest there.

Savelsberg, a trained classical musician and former special needs teacher, studies the re-introduced eagle owl species in her native Maastricht; a city in the Netherlands.

Her research on the eagle owl and its Dutch history will be the main focus of her presentation at the International Owl Center in Houston on Sunday, May 28.

The location of dinosaur remains, medieval wars and a Jewish hiding place during World War II, the regions quarries are also home to the large Eurasian eagle owl.

A pair of eagle owls were reintroduced to the Netherlands in 1997. Previously, they had disappeared toward the end of the 19th century.

In the 1960s people started to report hearing the owls, Savelsberg said. My biggest challenge and my biggest hope is that we can help them thrive.

Savelsbergs interest in owls began when she found the Houston-based International Owl Centers live camera feed. She took advantage of the time zone difference and began watching the owls when the centers workers were sleeping.

I always had a big interest in nature, she said. Because of my musical ear I found the vocalization studies fascinating.

Savelsberg ventured off and began watching owls at night at the ENCI quarry in her native Maastricht. She joined the eagle owl working group of the Netherlands in 2010.

Working as a volunteer, Savelsberg helps record vocalization data and has helped uncover more owl locations. There are 17 recognized eagle owl locations in the Netherlands.

Savelsberg credits the countrys rising population to the research done by the owl research project and local awareness.

Our rat-man of Maastricht, a pest controller  he became a Buddhist and said he could not kill rats anymore, she said. He also saw that young eagle owls were dying because of the rat poison. So, he said he will not use rodenticide anymore. It was banned by the city.

The new laws came into effect within the last five years.

After the rat-mans new tactics went into place, the citys wildlife flourished and the rat population dropped.

Now the government is thinking of implementing the ban nationwide, Savelsberg said.

Savelsberg is not new to the International Owl Center. She helped give a presentation last spring.

We like to have speakers come over and highlight what the international community is doing, said Karla Bloem, International Owl Center executive director. Its really interesting to see whats going on in the world.

Although Eurasian Eagle Owls are not native to the Minnesota region, Savelsberg will be assisted by the centers captive eagle owl Uhu at her presentation.

They are one of the biggest owl species and they are such fierce predators, Savelsberg said. When you see them with their young they are so careful. Their claws are as big as my hand but they are the sweetest moms and dads on the planet.

Savelsberg has given presentations about the Eurasian eagle owl on Dutch television and radio.

Savelsberg will give her presentation at 7 p.m.- 9 p.m., Sunday May 28, International Owl Center, 126 E. Cedar St., Houston.
Can Do Canines, a non-profit organization that trains assistance dogs for people with disabilities and provides them free of charge to those who need them, started its sixth prison training program at the Jackson Correctional Institution in Black River Falls.

Ten puppies from the P litter, which means all of their names start with the letter P, arrived to an excited group of staff and inmates ready to meet their canine companions.

Warden Lizzie Tegles said the whole institution has been dying of anticipation waiting for the dogs, who are all black lab and golden retriever mixed, to arrive.

This opens up a very different opportunity for rehabilitation, its so wonderful, Tegles said.

There was a virtual flood of applicants to join the program, so the prison went through a rigorous vetting process that led to 25 inmates paired into handler groups.

For some inmates, like David Ramos, this is the first time theyve been able to see or touch a dog in years.

Theres a lot of emotions for us right now, we really want to make sure this is successful, Ramos said.

Ramos said he applied because he wanted to start giving back to the community, but didnt think he would be picked.

It was a surprise, I really didnt feel like I would be picked because of my history, Ramos said. So Im really excited.

The program will run for 12 to 14 months where the dogs will get plenty of training during their stay before heading off to be given a career.

There are different specialties the dogs can be trained for: mobility, type 1 diabetes, vision impaired, etc. and once the dogs finish training at the prison, they will be assessed and chosen for a specialty.

I like to think of it as the inmates here bring the dogs through middle school and high school and then send them off to college, Tegles said.

It wont be just the inmates on their own though. Dyan Larson, a trainer with Can-Do Canines, will come in once a week to provide some training courses.

This venture in Jackson county isnt the first foray into Wisconsin Can-Do Canines, who are based out of Minnesota, has made.

Their first institution in Wisconsin was in Stanley, which has already trained some puppies of their own.

Before they were given their new pups, the inmates had a video conference with those in Stanley so they could get an idea of what to expect.

They really helped, Ramos said. They told us basically to just leave your ego at the door and just love.

Larson said the inmates who have been through the program before take tremendous pride in what theyve done.

On average, a fully-trained assistance dog like the ones in Jackson County could cost around $25,000, so partnerships like this benefit not only the inmates in the program, but also families in need as this allows Can-Do Canines to freely home them.

The dogs will spend most nights with the inmates in the cell, but some volunteers are needed to take the dogs home for weekends. This is so the dogs can experience things they might not in prison, such as stores or sporting events.

Larson will work with them on classes monthly to help the puppies become the best assistance dogs they can be. Potential volunteers can get more information on their website or call volunteer coordinator Laurie Carlson at 763-331-3000 x113.

Can Do Canines currently partners with three Minnesota prisons and now two Wisconsin prisons to help raise and train assistance dogs.

Tegels said, I have always believed the bond between humans and dogs was profound. Beyond providing Can Do Canines with assistance dogs for those in need, having a canine training program in the correctional environment will afford the inmate handler teams an amazing experience. They will learn responsibility, empathy and commitment from a new perspective; they will experience an unconditional bond with the dog and at the end of training when the dog leaves, they will understand the importance of doing something for the greater good and giving back to the community. Actually, Im not sure yet who will learn more, the dogs or the handlers.
Jason Hausler, Patricia Malone and Marie Ritscher have been named finalists for UW-Extension area extension directors of area nine, which includes Jackson, Trempealeau, Buffalo and Pepin counties.

UW-Extension is undergoing a reorganization process that is set to be completed by the end of the year. The area extension directors will be in charge of the entire four-county area and will be responsible for staffing, programming and working with the counties in the area.

Naming the area extension directors are the first local-level employment decisions being made in the reorganization.

The area extension directors are expected to be in place July 1 to help smooth the transition, including helping with the new contract between UW-Extension and Jackson County that needs to be completed by September for 2018.

A total of 40 people applied for the 18 areas where area extension directors will be hired.

UW-Extension is offering county government officials, Cooperative Extension employees, campus partners, tribal nation partners and county partners an opportunity to weigh-in on the candidates.

You can do so by going to blogs.ces.uwex.edu/nextgeneration/. The period to provide comments on the candidates closes May 26.

Reorganization specifics

The new UW-Extension reorganization will transition four program areas into two departments.

We found out a couple of weeks ago that they are planning on having two departments. One is going to be the Department of Ag. and Natural Resources, the other will be the Department of Youth, Family and Community Development, said Monica Lobenstein, 4-H youth development agent for Jackson County UW-Extension.

The Department of Ag. and Natural Resources will include the Agriculture Institute, Farm Management Institute and the Natural Resources Institute. Under the Department of Youth, Family and Community Development will be the Communities Institute, Youth and Families Institute, FoodWIse Institute and the Wisconsin 4-H Institute.

Each Institute will feature Centers that will include experts in specific fields. Each multi-county area will have a various array of experts from each Center and will split their time between the counties in their area.

The entire reorganization is planned to be completed by the end of the calendar year, which is posing some staffing and budget issues.

Luane Meyer, family living agent and department head for Jackson County UW-Extension, said that one-third of the counties budget on a calendar year, but most go from July to June. So the state is transitioning everyone to a calendar year budget.

This also means that all current UW-Extension agents will be signing a six-month contract for July through December and then they will begin their new contracts under the reorganization on Jan. 1.

Even though many of the current extension agents will be hired back, many are concerned about the reorganization affecting their employment. Trisha Wagner, agriculture agent for Jackson County UW-Extension, said that many agents are leaving for positions in the private sector.

For Wagner, she says many are weighing the negatives of going to a private firm as well, Yes those opportunities are definitely out there and yes they do definitely pay better, but I dont know, for me you weigh a lot of things besides pay.

Many at the county level expressed concerns about the new proposal. Karen Thayer, head of the Jackson County Extension Education Committee, is concerned that this new reorganization will encourage extension agents to move to larger cities so they dont have to travel as much.

In the district that the Jackson County UW-Extension agency is in, extension agents could have to drive to places like Alma to conduct a seminar.

The larger concern from extension agents is programming since many of them will be transitioning to new jobs at the beginning of the year.

Thats the hard part because I am usually planning for programming three months in advance, Wagner said.

UW-Extension is trying to mitigate that issue by keeping everything intact until the reorganization is complete.

They are going to keep old structures in place until the new structures are up and running, Lobenstein said.

Other concerns related to the reorganization include how the presence of 4-H will change within a county, not having an agent directly available in a county and allowing different county structures, such as IT, to work together.
The state of Ohio is a tough subject for my family. It has been a mere five months since we moved away from that state. That state is where our first child was born, where we bought our first home. It is where we triumphed as a family together, and yet where we suffered a heart-breaking loss.

It has been about 10 months since we lost our foster daughter that we had loved as our own for more than two years. It has been 10 months since she went home with her biological family.

When our beautiful little girl came into our lives at the age of five weeks, we had a problem. We didnt have a place for her to go. In Columbus it was hard to find a daycare or babysitter that would take a six week old on such short notice, so we were scrambling.

Luckily we talked with another foster parent who knew a nanny who owned her own in-home daycare, and so we were able to find someone that would watch her. This person became our best friend in Columbus and quite honestly was there for us when we needed her the most.

This week, she is bringing her family to Wisconsin and spending the weekend with us. It is the first time we will see her in more than five months.

This weekend is going to be a joyous one, full of laughter and board games. Our families seem to love the same activities and genuinely enjoy each others company.

Even with all of this excitement, there is still a rock in my stomach because a piece of Ohio is coming to Wisconsin. A piece of our baby girls story is coming to our doorstep. Even though there will be a huge hole that is filled, there will still be this void. Like something is missing.

Sometimes I wonder if the What if? will ever end, will ever get easier.

The memory of her comes up nearly every day in every situation. Just this last week, Carter went pee on the potty for the first time. I was really proud of him because he is starting to grow up.

It was a huge milestone, but I couldnt help but remember when our daughter managed that same feat for the first time.

Carter is currently going through the stage in his life where everything reminds me of our daughter. Reminds me of her at his age.

Every time I remember her, I wonder what she is doing today. What book she is reading or what trouble she is getting into.

In all honesty, the remembering was one of the reasons we had to leave. Every little piece of our house had a memory with her in it. Since we left, life has gotten easier. Not everything revives a memory anymore, but there are still those specific times that bring her back.

Even though I hate having memories of her, I still love them because they are my connection to her. They are how I remember her, in my arms as my little girl.

Steph and I are working on moving on. A pretty sobering task if you were wondering. We are getting settled into our new house, making new memories with our son in a new state. We have done a pretty good job so far of holding it in, but the feelings are still there sometimes.

That is why Im still nervous about this weekend. Still wondering what emotions are going to come to the surface. Still wondering what memories will flash like lightning bolts in my brain.

I dont know what this weekend will bring, but Im excited for all of the new memories that will be madeand some beautiful old ones to be revived.
Our state spends a great deal of money on economic development. The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) is responsible for overseeing much of the taxpayer money that goes to job creation.

A recently released audit by the nonpartisan Legislative Audit Bureau (LAB) found that WEDC cannot be certain about the number of jobs actually created or retained as a result of any awards that ended.

By law, WEDC is required to report jobs created or retained. The agency meets the requirement through reports posted on its website. However, auditors found these data inaccurate.

We found that the on-line data in January of 2017 included 183 jobs created and 1,082 jobs retained by recipients that had sold their operations in Wisconsin, ceased their operations in Wisconsin, or had withdrawn from their contracts before the contractually specified completion dates.

For example, WEDC claimed credit for retaining 340 jobs for a company that ceased operations in Wisconsin; claimed credit for creating 68 jobs for another company that sold its operations in Wisconsin; and claimed 485 jobs retained for a third company that withdrew from its contract years before it was to deliver the created and retained jobs.

In addition, auditors found WEDC double counted jobs created and retained. For example, one company received awards in both June 2012 and September 2012 for the same 305 jobs created and 284 jobs retained. Another company signed two different contracts in July of 2011 but the company claimed they would retain the same 110 jobs for both awards.

Auditors also looked at 192 contract awards made since July 2011 through the end of September 2016. Presumably, at the end of a contract one would know if the promised results were achieved. Upon review of the 192 awards, LAB found only 12.5% (24) even had an expected result of job creation or retention.

Of those 24 with expected results, three of the contracts did not actually require the company to create or retain jobs; 13 contracts ended before their completion date (meaning the requirements were not fulfilled). Of the eight contracts completed, WEDC did not collect sufficient information to verify that promised jobs were created.

Without accurate information about WEDC program results, lawmakers and taxpayers cannot know if the investment in job creation and retention was money well spent.

WEDC authorized hundreds of millions in tax credits, grants and loans since its 2011 inception. The most recent audit is the third report that raises ongoing concerns about the lack of independent verification of jobs created or retained.

Some WEDC problems were corrected, such as establishing accounting policies and procedures for the agency (the lack of which was a finding in 2013). But other problems identified in prior audits continue. For example, in 2015 auditors found WEDC kept a reserve of state money larger than necessary. In the most recent audit, auditors found WEDCs cash and investment reserves more than doubled over four years.

Prior problems with administering its loan program caused legislators to phase out any further loan activity by WEDC. In this most recent audit, the potentially uncollectable loan balance nearly tripled and auditors found a substantial rise in the loan delinquency rate.

Just days before the release of the audit, the Legislatures budget writing committee voted, along partisan lines, to restart WEDCs troubled loan program. The committee also voted along partisan lines to increase state taxpayer dollars going to WEDC.

Both of these actions should be stopped.

For nearly six years, Wisconsinites asked whether WEDC lived up to the promises made at its inception. The Legislative Audit Bureau continues to tell us that WEDC does not collect adequate information to provide lawmakers and citizens with accurate information on whether promises of job creation and retention were delivered

Most of WEDCs money is state taxpayer dollars, a precious resource that is used to fund many other programs. A dollar spent on unverified job creation/retention programs means a dollar is not available for critical investments like transportation infrastructure, public schools or local government.

It is time for all of us to demand that the Governor and the WEDC Board step up and correct the ongoing problems documented in three separate audits of WEDC over the last six years. Job creation is important, but so is the most effective and efficient investment of state taxpayer dollars.
WAUKON, Iowa -- Hedy R. Leas, 89, of Waukon died Saturday, May 20, 2017, at Guttenberg Care Center in Guttenberg, Iowa. Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at Rossville Presbyterian Church in Rossville, Iowa. Burial will be at Oakland Cemetery, Waukon. Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Martin Funeral Home in Waukon.
An active shooter drill Tuesday at the La Crosse Regional Airport took on a higher degree of urgency than most crisis exercises, coming less than 24 hours after a terrorists bomb killed 23 people in Manchester, England.

Several alarmed passengers who happened into the terminal during a lull between flights were quickly reassured that the many police and firefighters on the scene were practicing for a mass casualty incident  and the blood and gory wounds were fake.

The preparation for the drill left La Crosse police and firefighters in the dark about what type of crisis they would encounter, said Dr. Kim Lansing, a family medicine physician at Gundersen Health system and director of the Wisconsin Academy of Rural Medicine, whose students planned the drill to test the mettle of the first responders.

Gundersen Tri-State Ambulance personnel were not included because firefighters and other first responders have expanded their capabilities and training, Lansing said.

They will be literally thinking on their feet, she said. Its a little more challenging for not only that reason but also the fact that they responded to help people the shooter targeted right in the building.

There was a lot of coordinating for lots of different parts and agencies, said Melissa Hoskins, a third-year med student who was on the planning committee.

We didnt anticipate how much there would be, but it is working well, Hoskins said, shortly before loud claps from a handgun split the air as the shooter fired randomly as he ran up the stairs.

The assailant shot a TSA employee and burst through the checkpoint, wildly firing at random passengers before running down a jet way, corralling a few hostages and herding them onto an MTU bus posing as a getaway plane.

Although the response seemed slow at first, with several victims wailing for help, it quickly became apparent that was because the heavily armed first responding police units were following a protocol of clearing areas step by step before they and firefighters tended to the wounded.

The rescuers asked which of the two dozen or so casualties could walk and started them on their way so the emergency personnel could triage and care for the more severely injured. Wounds ranged from slight, perhaps ricocheting bullets, to severe, such as the backshot young man whose legs were paralyzed, to fatalities.

The female casualty impersonators, mostly students from various high schools in the county who also attend the Health Science Academy, were much more vocal than the males, who seemed too shy to act.

Raising the most hubbub  and perhaps one that closely mirrored the stress-inducing pandemonium that rescuers encounter in real-life situations  was Casey Montalvo, a junior at Central High School in La Crosse who also attended HSA classes.

Montalvo, portraying a woman who had been waiting for her daughter to arrive on a flight, writhed on the floor with severe leg wounds as she screamed that she didnt know where her daughter was.

He shot me. It hurts! I dont know where my daughter is, she hollered, prompting a passing police officer to comfort her by saying he would look for her.

When rescue workers guided out the injured passengers who were mobile, Montalvo pleaded with them not to leave her.

Come back! Help me! she demanded.

When the firefighters returned to help two men who were motionless on the floor, she said, as a real, panicked casualty might, Dont help him! Hes DEAD! Help me!

The rescuer who came to her aid and applied a tourniquet to her leg also assured her that the search was on for her daughter as he carried her downstairs and outside to the triage area.

Asked during an interview whether shes in theater, Montalvo explained that she isnt, but that she really got into the role because I love Greys Anatomy. (Indeed, her Facebook pages include a shot of her and several of her acquaintances sporting shirts that declare they are the Greys Anatomy Crew.)

She described the exercise as great for us to know and see what we have to deal with. You always have to be prepared so everyone can help.

La Crosse police cornered the assailant on the plane/bus, although one of the hostages also was shot. Eventually, police used an explosive flash device to distract and capture him.

As the exercise wound down, Dr. Lansing said, Im impressed. The firefighters did a great job with triage, staying with the injured and checking back with them. Injuries can change over time, but they kept checking.

Similarly, County Emergency Management Coordinator Keith Butler said the drill was pretty amazing, especially because it gave rescuers a feel for conditions while working inside the building.

Previous drills had been outside, he said.

The jury is still out on the overall success, as each sector involved, from TSA to police to firefighters and others will draft reports on their particular areas to be included in a final assessment, Lansing said.

Others involved in the exercise besides Gundersen Health System, the Wisconsin Academy of Rural Medicine, TSA, police and firefighters were the physician assistant program of the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, Gundersen and Mayo Clinic Health System-Franciscan Healthcare.
A judge has reversed his decision to stop work on a 7-mile stretch of a controversial high-voltage power line through northern La Crosse County.

The town of Holland last year sued to overturn the Wisconsin Public Service Commissions approval of the Badger-Coulee transmission line, arguing that the panel responsible for protecting utility consumers erred when it authorized a consortium of utility companies to build the nearly $580 million project.

The town also challenged the PSCs decision to route the line along the Hwy. 53 corridor on separate poles across the highway from another high-voltage line.

Earlier this month, Judge Todd Bjerke denied the towns primary claim but found the PSC failed to provide a rational basis for the routing. Bjerke also ordered construction of the La Crosse County portion stopped, saying the commission failed to provide supporting documents, including the environmental impact studies.

Attorneys for the PSC appealed the May 1 order, arguing it was based on misunderstandings of the facts and of his authority and that the studies had in fact been submitted to the court. They also said delays would harm Wisconsin ratepayers because the project is expected to mitigate expected overloads on the existing grid between now and 2023.

American Transmission Co., which is overseeing construction of the line, argued that stopping work now would delay the project by a full year, costing an additional $2.5 million.

In a ruling released Tuesday, Bjerke maintains the PSCs siting decision lacked any rational basis and ordered the commission to reconsider the issue.

However, he noted that the environmental studies were submitted, though he said he did not have access to them until May 2, and agreed to lift the construction ban, which he acknowledged could cost ratepayers.

Bjerke also wrote that ratepayers could lose even more if the PSC appeals his decision and loses rather than correct the matter now.

Holland town clerk Marylin Pedretti said she was frustrated by the ruling, especially as it was issued the day before a hearing where the towns attorney was prepared to argue for keeping the construction ban in place.

The town board is scheduled to meet in closed session Thursday to decide on a course of action.

Disappointing is an understatement, she said. By the time we go through the courts and everything, its going to be built.

A joint venture of American Transmission Co. and several regional utility companies, including La Crosse-based Dairyland Power Cooperative, the 180-mile line will run between the Madison suburbs and Holmen, where it will connect to another high-voltage line, CapX2020, that runs across Minnesota and western Wisconsin.

The owners say the lines will make the electric grid more reliable and provide a pipeline between remote locations with strong wind resources with population centers like Madison and Milwaukee where the energy is needed. The cost will be shared by customers in 15 Midwestern states and one Canadian province.

Bjerkes order dismayed Rob Danielson, secretary for SOUL of Wisconsin, a grassroots organization that opposed the line on the grounds it isnt needed and will be more expensive than alternatives.

While voicing concerns about fairness to electric customers and a deficient record supporting the final decision the judge disappointingly upheld the PSCs bold refusal to comprehensively evaluate how our energy dollars are spent in Wisconsin, he wrote. Energy decision-making must serve the priorities of those who pay the bills, not companies lined up to collect decades of guaranteed, high-interest profit regardless of need.

ATC began pre-construction on the La Crosse County portion of the line in April. The southernmost segment, in Dane County, is completed, while work is proceeding along I-90/94. The project has yet to secure the necessary federal wetland permits needed for much of the construction.
A city committee Wednesday selected La Crosses next fire chief.

The Police and Fire Commission unanimously confirmed the appointment of Ken Gilliam, the deputy chief of training at the St. Paul Fire Department in Minnesota, who also serves an associate dean of fire and EMS training at Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College.

The five-member commission narrowed 14 applicants to Gilliam and Brian Lee, who is a public safety promotional and professional assessment consultant, to replace retiring Fire Chief Gregg Cleveland.

Gilliam joins the 92-member agency June 19. Clevelands last day is June 30.

Every member of the fire department is excited about the selection, said Lance Tryggestad, president of the La Crosse fire union.

Police and fire commission member Doug Happel praised the experience of both finalists but said Gilliams teaching experience gave him an edge. He said the agency needs to focus on recruiting and retraining firefighters.

Gregg Cleveland has done a great job and that needs to continue, Happel said.

Gilliam said he supports improving and replacing existing fire stations and adding another to meet the citys needs. He advocates for continued training opportunities for firefighter and public safety.

Every day is a training day, he said.
Dollars to doughnuts, La Verne Jonas would have had his eyes glued to The Price Is Right Wednesday morning, if he hadnt been enduring an interview and photo shoot about his appearance on the show scheduled for Friday.

Then the phone rang, wife Madalyn answered and relayed the message to him, La Verne, you were on today.

He checked his watch, seeing that it was about 10:10 a.m., and the CBS game show starts at 10.

Wheres my paperwork? said a skeptical La Verne, not believing his ears, even though the caller was daughter-in-law Cara.

La Verne ran to another room to fetch his nondisclosure contract with the show, which forbids disclosing whether he won anything and, if so, what. If he does, he turns from a rabid fan into a YUGE loser.

Sure enough, the contract said the show was scheduled for May 26, so La Verne had reason to believe that the call might have been an April Fools joke. Just to be sure, though, he grabbed the remote and switched to the DVR, because he has recorded every show for years, including most of the four decades the 71-year-old worked at City Brewery and its predecessors before retiring in 2012.

And danged if Cara wasnt right: There was La Verne, in his specially decorated green Price Is Right T-shirt, hollering Woo-hooo and galloping down the steps to the stage when host Drew Carey blared the shows trademark Come on DOWN invitation.

Caught up in the moment, he said, There I am!

And theres Erika! he said, pointing to their daughter who lives in Los Angeles and accompanied him to the show  just as he did for her when she was on it on Christmas Eve, 2014.

This is it, he said when he saw that the show had, indeed, jumped ahead. I dont believe it. Woo-hooo!

In the couples dining area, Madalyn said, Thats a bummer. Ill be danged, murmuring that the early showing sure upset their plans to have 14 people over to the house for a party to watch the show Friday.

La Verne predicted how the first contestant would fare, as one can do when he had stood elbow-to-elbow with her. Watch, he said, as she bid $1,001 for what appeared to be a computer, undercutting other contestants bids.

The actual price was $999, so she missed the mark by a mere 2 bucks.

Came time for La Verne to square off against three other contestants vying for a three-night vacation at the Hard Rock Hotel in San Diego, including limo service, meal chits and a $200 massage.

But before that, Carey asked La Verne whether he wanted to greet anybody, at which time he saluted Madalyn back home, nursing an injured foot, their three children, four grandchildren, one great-grandson and everybody back in La Crosse, Wisconsin.

One contestant blew herself out of the water with a bid of $5,500, while the other two low-balled and La Verne guessed slightly above them at $2,003. Having bid closest to the actual price of $2,139 without going over, La Verne came home the winner. For that prize, anyway. He wasnt quite as lucky on a couple of other tries.

Its so noisy you cant hear, he said of the show, which pivots in part on whipping the audience and contestants into frenzies. They want people to be noisy.

The fact that he won the trip would have been secret until Friday, if somebody at CBS hadnt hit the wrong button  or whatever the glitch was that moved the date. Attempts to contact the right person at the production company or CBS failed as miserably as the other bidders on the show.

The Jonases  snowbirds who rent a condo in Oceanside, Calif., for four or five months during the winter  plan to take the trip next season. Daughter Erika, who lives in Los Angeles, flew Wednesday to the Twin Cities, where La Verne picked her and 18-month-old granddaughter Avelyn up to bring to La Crosse for a visit  the highlight of which was going to be the show-watching party Friday.

La Vernes, and Erikas, infatuation with the show stretches back decades, said La Verne, who has taped the lions share of the show, dating back to the Bob Barker emcee era. Those tapes came in mighty handy when he was prepping for the show and gauging price patterns, he and Madalyn said.

I like it for the chance to judge things and guess the price, not like the millionaire quiz shows where you might get only one question you can answer, La Vern explained. On this, youve got a chance, like a normal human being.

The secret to winning, he said, is staying calm and listening, and trying to hear. Stay calm and keep your wits about you.

As bummed as the Jonases are about the early showing taking some of the surprise out of their party Friday, the festivities will go on.

And the show must go on, too, for at least another 10 years, when La Verne will be eligible to compete again.

You can bet hell still have the shirt, or a revised version, because he figures that was the secret that got him picked to go on down.

La Verne credited the shirt to his son-in-law, who crafted it with a checklist of three things he does every day.

1. Have a cup of coffee.

2. Watch The Price Is Right.

3. Walk on beach.

Repeat another 44 years.

The 44 years pays homage to the fact that the show was marking its 44th anniversary when the shirt was made.

I had a good feeling about it, he said, adding that hed sure like to make an appearance in 2027.
Columnist Charley Swayne spewed a ridiculous diatribe about life under a Hillary Clinton presidency had she won (May 10 Tribune).

Im disappointed the Tribune would publish a personal rant of vile and untrue statements about a what if Clinton presidency. In Swaynes column  and elsewhere in Trumpworld  facts dont matter but lies do. It's unfortunate for this country that a serial liar like Donald Trump got elected president.

A President Clinton would have acknowledged that burning fossil fuels is destroying our planet and would have moved us toward a clean power future. Trump and his climate-change-denying supporters dont care what happens to our world. They dont care about anything in the public interest or protecting our natural environment.

This is the fundamental difference between the Democratic and Republican parties. Democrats care about everyday people and protecting our air, water and land from degradation. Republicans (most of them, anyway) care more about taking care of special interest groups and wealthy donors.

Swayne's comment that he'd like to thank Russian President Vladimir Putin for interfering in our election is un-American.

David Wulf

Onalaska
The La Crosse Tribune published a letter to the editor from Mason Schultz that said President Donald Trump must be impeached.

Schultz calls for Republicans to put country above party. Perhaps Schultz should have asked the same from Democrats when that party gave Hillary Clinton the nomination over Bernie Sanders or when interim Democratic National Committee Chairwoman Donna Brazile provided Clinton some of the questions in advance of a Democratic presidential debate.

These were just some of the facts revealed in DNC emails published by Wikileaks, none of which have disputed by any of the authors.

Schultz writes: "There has been a series of events surrounding Donald Trump that nobody seems to care about. Schultz must not be watching MSNBC, CNN, ABC News, CBS News or NBC News, which have devoted much of their programming to these topics.

I was surprised that the Tribune would publish this letter because much of it relies on reporting from anonymous sources. Former FBI Director James Comey testified under oath on May 3 that the Trump administration had not pressured the FBI to halt any investigation for political purposes. When asked on CNN; Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., said earlier this month there is no evidence of Russian collusion with the Trump campaign.

Any sane person who doesnt see the overwhelming media bias against the Trump administration is simply not paying attention.
VIVA Gallery will feature Christine Myhr as guest artist in June, opening her exhibit with a First Thursday reception on June 1. Myhr, a longtime resident of Gays Mills, paints directly from life, always seeking to capture the play of light and color in her landscape and still life paintings.

Myhr graduated in 1987 with a B.A. in art from Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minnesota In 1986, she had the unique opportunity to study abroad at The Marchutz School of Drawing and Painting in Aix-en-Provence, France. There she learned to paint in both oil and watercolor, spending a year immersed in the light, color and beauty of Provence. She also studied art history through visits to museums in Paris and painting trips to Venice, Italy. After graduating from Gustavus, she went back to France in 1989 and spent another year studying at the Marchutz School.

Her oil paintings, along with the diverse works of VIVAs other 18 member artists, will be featured at VIVAs First Thursday reception June 1 from 5-7 p.m. and will be on display throughout the month. The gallery is located at 217 S. Main St. in Viroqua. For more information about this and future First Thursday events, contact the gallery at 608-637-6918 or info@vivagallery.net.

The gallerys First Thursday reception will be followed by a 7 p.m. dinner next door at Rooted Spoon Kitchen Table. Email rootedspoon@gmail.com or call 608-632-2120 to make reservations. The Rooted Spoon cash bar will be open during the reception.
Soon we will all be celebrating the unofficial start to summer, Memorial Day. I will spend the day with a group of veterans from Mellen VFW Post 2273 visiting cemeteries across Ashland County. Im honored to join them as they quietly pay their respects and remember the men and women who answered the call, and too often lost their lives defending our freedom. I also will speak at a Memorial Day Ceremony at the Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Spooner on the Saturday before Memorial Day. Its important to find the right words. Even more important is making sure that our actions speak as loud as our words.

The same is true when it comes to honoring the men and women who lose their lives policing our streets, fighting fires and responding to emergencies. Sadly, weve lost too many good public safety professionals in Wisconsin recently. In the 25th Senate District we lost Dan Glaze, a 33-year-old Rusk County Deputy Sheriff killed in the line of duty responding to reports of a suspicious vehicle in November of 2016. Trevor Casper, a young Wisconsin state trooper was gunned down in a grocery store parking lot in 2015. Dennis Swenson, a dedicated EMT for South Shore Ambulance, died trying to save his 95-year-old mother who also perished in the fire in 2015. Dennis left behind an abundance of family and friends; he did not leave behind a family who depended on him for financial support.

Unfortunately, other public servants who lose their lives in the line of duty do leave behind spouses and children who depend on their incomes and benefits. In 2009, the Legislature passed a law that required municipalities to pay health insurance premiums for the survivors of a firefighter who dies, or has died, in the line of duty. For some reason, the law did not extend the same benefit to the surviving spouses and children of law enforcement officers, emergency medical technicians, rangers, foresters and others who lose their lives while on duty protecting the public.

Jason Zunker, a Chippewa County Sheriffs deputy and graduate of Maple Northwestern High School, died in the line of duty in 2008. He left behind a young wife, Lisa. After Deputy Zunkers loss, people in northern Wisconsin began asking: Why do we treat the surviving spouses and children of these public servants differently? It is a good question, one that should be answered by passing legislation that extends the benefit to the young children and spouses left behind when any of our public safety personnel lose their lives while on duty.

I am proud to be working with one of my colleagues, Republican State Sen. Van Wanggaard, a retired Racine Police Officer, to make this happen. I have coauthored a bill with him again this session to extend health insurance coverage for spouses and children of law enforcement officers, DNR firefighters, correctional officers and EMTs who are killed in the line of duty.

The bill passed in the State Senate, but not in the State Assembly. No one has been able to give me a straight answer as to why the Republicans who control the Assembly wont step up, pass the bill and send it to the governor. On May 19, Gov. Walker laid a wreath at a state Capitol ceremony in honor of Wisconsins fallen law enforcement officers. At a similar ceremony earlier this month in Milwaukee, he laid another wreath and said, We owe them respect and honor their selfless courage. I couldnt agree more. I believe we can and should do better than some nice words and a wreath. We should pass the bill that provides health insurance benefits to their surviving spouses and children and give the governor the chance to sign it.
Two weekends ago, I attended two college graduations.

One for my wife who got her masters degree in social work from IUPUI and the other for my sister who got her bachelors degree in Life Sciences Communication from UW-Madison.

I was proud of both of them for accomplishing this great feat, especially my wife because I know exactly what she had to give up to accomplish this goal. How much homework she had and how many hours she had to stew over it while still working a full-time job.

As I sat at the ceremonies, I was reminded of the Wisconsin Idea.

The UW System was founded on the Wisconsin Idea, which originated from the former UW-Madison president Charles Van Hise who said in 1905, I shall never be content until the beneficent influence of the university reaches every family of the state.

Since then, the Wisconsin Idea has been the guiding principle of the entire UW System.

The Wisconsin Idea is why we have programs like UW-Extension, which aims to bring research and programs from the UW System to every county in the state of Wisconsin.

Even though there are these great resources, I think there is a huge disconnect between higher education and the rest of the state.

I think higher education has a huge perception problem. They have all of these flashy buildings and well-paid professors studying things that to some people are not very useful.

The graduations this weekend were just another example of such.

The entire college graduation ceremonies were filled with pomp and circumstance and steeped in tradition. All of the graduates wore caps and gowns and all of the deans of the colleges sit on the stage in fun-colored regalia.

One of the most time-honored traditions is hooding those that received doctorate degrees. This is a process where the recipient hands a sash-type garment to another person that has a doctorate degree and then they place the sash over the recipients head. It reminded me of knighting a knight.

As I sat through this elaborate process, I had this really weird feeling. Almost like I was inferior to those that were getting hooded. It was weird to sit through that process.

Yes, I realize that these 100 people that were getting recognized had accomplished a lot, but it still gave me a pit in my stomach.

This entire part of the graduation ceremony gave the impression to me that they were better than everyone else. And more importantly, that they were unapproachable.

I find it hard sometimes to talk to professors and those with Ph.Ds. It is incredibly intimidating and quite honestly I just feel dumb standing next to them.

Sometimes I wonder if this perception is what has led to people rejecting science, whether GMOs or climate change.

I think this is sad because I think rejecting science is a huge mistake. While yes, some professors and scientists can talk way over our heads, they are still very important to us and the world. They are on the front lines of innovation and will help solve our problems as a nation.

While it may not seem like it sometimes, I think the Wisconsin Idea is at work in every corner of the state. There are professors and researchers working right now on how to spurn economic growth in rural communities.

There are others working right now on how to provide better medical care to those that live in rural communities and are far from an emergency room.

Science is a great thing and we shouldnt ignore it. Even though Universities may do a lot of weird things we dont always agree with, they also do a lot of good things we can definitely stand behind.
On Dec. 7, 1941, the radio program our family was enjoying was suspended by shocking news: We interrupt this program to bring you a special news bulletin. President Roosevelt has said in a statement today that the Japanese have attacked Pearl Harbor in Hawaii from the air.

We sat in silence for several moments, stunned. It was, as President Roosevelt would so aptly state, A date which will live in infamy.

How could this have happened without warning? Just a few days earlier a Japanese leader had been in Washington, D.C., negotiating for peace in Asia. Now Japan had destroyed much of our naval fleet and killed more than 2,400 U.S. troops.

The next day President Roosevelt signed a declaration of war against Japanand thus against Germany and Italy, Japans partners in the Axis. We were embarking on a world war. Only 23 years after the Armistice had ended a War to End All Wars, that conflict suddenly had become World War I. The new, larger war would drastically affect our lives on the Prairie for the next four years.

World War II sobered us, causing us to think seriously about our nations future. We realized that we were more vulnerable than assumed. We had thought ourselves safe, yet a small nation had flown its planes several thousand miles without detection, then ravaged our naval fleet.

At this sobering time we as a nation realized that we had not depended on God as we ought. Now we needed not only massive military power, but Gods almighty power as well, to defeat a powerful enemy on many fronts.

Ive read that church attendance increased dramatically during the war years (though sadly it began to decline after the war). Present in everyones mind were critical questions concerning the war: How will my life be affected? Will I be called to serve? How long will this last? We had not thought so soberly for a long time.

The war sobered us, and it also brought us sorrow. Many a family lost a son. Some lost more than one.

Gordon Strangstalien, a farm boy who had grown up near the Vang church (between Westby and Coon Valley), was one of the Prairies first war fatalities. Id met him once while helping Alf Lium fill silo at our farm. Gordon impressed me as a handsome, ambitious young man.

That day Gordon had told us that he would soon be entering the army. Just a few weeks later I read in the Westby Times that he had been killed in action. The thought of the great sorrow that his parents and siblings were feeling weighed heavily on me.

The sorrow of war again darkened our community at the death of Monte Nestingen, a fine young man from Westby. A pilot in the Army Air Forces, he was killed when his plane crashed during a routine flight. Montes father was the local dentist, well-known and well-liked, so the young mans death had a wide impact. For the funeral, Westby Coon Prairie Church was filled with mourners. His parents and his brother, Howard, as well as his fiance, Elaine Anderson, surely carried that sorrow the rest of their lives.

Before long, a former valedictorian from my high school, Clifford Barstad, was declared missing in action after his plane was shot down. Not knowing what actually happened to Clifford greatly compounded his parents and sisters heartache.

At Cliffords funeral the pastor preached on, ...of whom the world was not worthy (Hebrews 11:38), reminding us of what a godly young man Clifford had been. When his plane went down this man of great potential for our community and nation was lost.

The war brought double loss to the Lunde family, whose only sons Everett and Stanley were declared missing in action after their planes were downed. Their father was the butter maker at Westby Cooperative Creamery. I cannot imagine the parents sorrow over the loss of their only children, who had distinguished themselves as good students and athletes.

In addition to the loss of life, many men came home wounded in body and soul. War is brutal, even to the victors.

Despite the sorrow it brought, World War II did have a positive effect; it helped to unify our community and our nation. Whenever I was working with neighbors, the main subject of our conversation was the war. We all were focused on the same thing.

Though of eligible age, as the only son I was deferred from the draft to help my 60-year-old father on the farm. But I participated in the war effort as best I could. I prayed much for the men and women bravely serving our nation, thanking God for them and their sacrifices. And, when hauling hay or milking cows, I strived to do my best to produce food for our nation and its war effort.

On May 8, 1945, V-E Day (Victory in Europe) was declared, so the Westby churches held a united service of thanksgiving. Pastor Hammer of the Methodist church preached on the text, They shall beat their swords into plowshares (Isaiah 2:4). He began his sermon with words that I still remember: What is war? War means mud, war means blood, broken homes and broken hearts. And then he pointed out the many great sacrifices that many men and women had made for our country, and how God in His grace had permitted us to win this war in Europe and would soon give us victory over Japan. (We all hoped that, somehow, peace would replace war, and that swords would truly be made into plowshares.)

It was a great day in our nation when, finally, Japan surrendered on September 2, 1945. We called it V-J Day. Now, for a few years at least, the United States would be free from war.

A few months later I received a draft notice to join the U.S. Armys occupation of Japan. I would have to leave the farm and community I loved. That experience would change my life in a multitude of ways. But that is a topic for another column.
History buffs will have an opportunity to learn more about Retreat at the Walnut Mound Cemetery cemetery walk and fundraiser, Monday, May 29.

The walk begins at the Retreat Community Center, and highlights citizens buried in the cemetery. People who will be honored include Mary Miner, Charles and Olivia Jacobus, Wesley Sturdevant, Chester Ames and Elsie Hinderberger. Some of the people will be portrayed by their descendants. In addition, veterans will be remembered.

Joan Seymour of La Crosse grew up in Retreat and researched the people who will be featured. I knew some of these people and I still learned a lot.

Miner and her brothers started a lumber business in Retreat in the 1880s and then moved to Bloomingdale. In 1902, they moved to Forest County and then in 1920 they moved to Eugene, Oregon.

They did well there (in Eugene), Seymour said. They worked as a team. (The brothers) were lumberjacks and she did bookkeeping.

Eventually the siblings returned to Retreat and Seymour and her brothers paid students bus fare so they could attend high school in Viroqua, Miner said.

Olivia Jacobus was the daughter of LeGrand Sterling, the first settler in the town of Sterling. Charles Jacobus came from New Jersey.

They had a batch of kids, Seymour said. The kids and Charlie were mechanically inclined. The boys went to technical school. They were good, all-around helpful people. They were a family concerned about Retreat.

Sturdevant, Seymour said, started his life near Lone Rock and had a cheese-makers license. He married Virginia Sturdevant, who is now 95 years old. In 1949 they moved to Retreat and were in partnership with Olga and Melvin Seymour operating the Retreat Store.

Wesley was the main storekeeper and was well-known to help in the community, Seymour said. She said Sturdevant was instrumental in establishing a water system for Retreat because in the 1940s the only water source was at the creamery. The storekeeper collected money from residents to have a water system in the small community.

Ames earned a barbering degree from a school in Milwaukee, married and settled in Retreat. He built a barber shop that included a gas pump in front of the shop and a pool hall in back. Seymour said that during the Depression the family moved into the pool hall and moved it to the basement. In later years, he started a feed store (which he lived next door to) and was a seed corn dealer for many years.

Chester was a director of the cemetery, she said.

Hinderberger was a correspondent for the Vernon County Broadcaster for more than 40 years.

She was born by Eastman and married William Hinderberger, Seymour said. They were a cute couple.

Seymour said Hinderberger and her husband opened their home as a place where the schoolteachers could live, and she wore a lot of jewelry.

Elsie was a great cook and homemaker, she said. She took pride in keeping a neat house and would love to talk with people.

Seymour said Hinderberger was known to include two things in her correspondence for the Broadcaster  people autoed to their destinations and if there was a party, A good time was had by all.

If she saw someone drive by her house, shed call and ask, Where did you go? and when there was a new baby, she would call and get the stats, Seymour said.
Happy Memorial Day. The Memorial Day Parade will be May 29 at 10 a.m., the ceremony to follow at the Viroqua Cemetery. Barbecue lunch will be served at the Viroqua VFW from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; the cost is $10. For more information, contact the Viroqua VFW at 608-637-3212

Viroqua Farmers Market, May 26

The Viroqua Farmers Market is in full swing. Join us for a celebration of the bounty of our region every Saturday in the Western Technical College parking lot from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. until the end of October. The Farmers Market is sponsored by Western Technical College, Organic Valley, The Driftless Cafe, Proline Printing and Cowboy Davids Bake Shoppe. Please support these sponsors who help us keep costs down for vendors. The Viroqua Farmers Market is the longest running promotion of the Viroqua Chamber Main Street and is an event we are very proud of as an organization. To get involved, volunteer, become a vendor or if you have questions about the market, please call us at 637-2575. The Farmers Market accepts SNAP/EBT and Visa/MasterCard. The Wednesday market begins on June 7 from 2-6 p.m. downtown. See you at the market.

First Thursday, June 1

VIVA Gallery will feature Christine Myhr as guest artist during the month of June, opening her exhibit with a First Thursday reception on June 1. Christine, a longtime resident of Gays Mills, paints directly from life, always seeking to capture the play of light and color in her landscape and still life paintings.

Myhr graduated in 1987 with a B.A. in Art from Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minn. In 1986, she had the unique opportunity to study abroad at The Marchutz School of Drawing and Painting in Aix-en-Provence, France. There she learned to paint in both oil and watercolor, spending a year immersed in the light, color and beauty of Provence. She also studied art history through visits to museums in Paris and painting trips to Venice, Italy. After graduating from Gustavus, she went back to France in 1989 and spent another year studying at the Marchutz School. She continues to learn and grow as an artist by taking workshops, showing work at galleries and art fairs, and sharing knowledge with a wonderfully supportive community of local painters.

Myhrs oil paintings, along with the diverse works of VIVAs other 18 member artists, will be featured at VIVAs First Thursday reception from 5-7 p.m. and will be on display throughout the month. The gallery is located at 217 S. Main St. in Viroqua. For more information about this and future First Thursday events, contact the gallery at 608-637-6918 or info@vivagallery.net.

The gallerys First Thursday reception will be followed by a 7 p.m. dinner next door at Rooted Spoon Kitchen Table. Email rootedspoon@gmail.com or call 608-632-2120 to make reservations. The Rooted Spoon cash bar will be open during the reception.

Summer reading program, June 5

The McIntosh Memorial Library of Viroqua will be joining libraries all across the country by hosting a summer reading program for children. Registration for the program titled, Build a Better World will begin on Monday, June 5, near the library entrance. Registered participants will receive a reading log, activity sheet and calendar of events. Youth will have the opportunity to earn books and win door prizes by completing reading logs and attending events throughout the summer.

Starting Monday, June 12, the library will host daily activities beginning at 3:30 p.m. for youth between the ages of 6-14. The summer reading program will conclude Friday, Aug. 11.

For more information about this program please call the library at 637-7151, like the Viroqua Library page on Facebook, or view the calendar of events online at www.mcintoshmemoriallibrary.org.

Power Hour, June 5

Bring your own lunch and join us in partnership with Peoples State Bank for our series of educational Power Hour lunch events that take place at noon on the first Monday of the month at Peoples Bank in the lower level conference room.

This month, learn how to step up your businesss online presence; is your website optimized to help potential customers find you and/or important information about your business. Hear about search engine optimization, Google Analytics for measuring website traffic, utilizing online marketing tools such as Google AdWords, and more from Julie Emslie, a rural small business consultant from the Wisconsin Womens Business Initiative Corporation (WWBIC).Network. Learn. And get inspired. All over your lunch break. Free and open to the public.For more information about this series contact us at (608) 637-2575.
My webpage is out there for anyone who is interested in trout fishing. Recently I received a question from a trout angler, Ted, from Saranac Lake, in the Adirondack Mountains, of New York. He lives in upstate New York about 65 miles south of Quebec, Canada.

On May 11, Ted wrote, This seems like a silly question. But what temperature does the air have to be to get a body of water to 60 degrees?

The first thing I wanted to tell Ted is, this is not a silly question. I wish more people world ask me about water temperature because it is the greatest predictor when trout will hit your lure. My response to Ted was, Here in Wisconsin, the spring water coming out of the ground is near 48 degrees year round, the air temperature, would have to be 73 degrees. Then I told Ted about my rule of two. Take the air temperature of 73 and add it to the water temperature of 48 and you get 121. Divide 121 by two and you will get 60.5 degrees. So assuming you have, 48 degree water temperature, you will need an air temperature of 73 degrees to get the 60 degree mark in your trout stream.

I have taken the spring temperature that comes out of the ground in northern Wisconsin, when it was 10 below zero, and I got 47 degrees. And in southern Wisconsin, when the air temperature was 90 degrees above zero, and I got 49 degrees. So I say 48 degrees plus or minus two  to be on the safe side.

On May 13, Ted, sent me another question. I loved your answer. Try this question. They say fish hit when water temperature is at a certain point. Does a trout in Boston eat at a different temperature than say one in Wisconsin? I live in the Adirondacks. My nice weather is way different than someone who lives in California.

Ted, this is another could question. I have found that trout start to hit when the water temperature is at 40 degrees. And I know that the water in our lakes turns over at 38 to 39 degrees. So once above the 39 degree figure trout seem more willing to hit your lure. The next temperature range is 45 to 46 degrees. And the reason for this is that snow and ice are gone from the bank of the stream when the air temperature hits 45 degrees.

I do this experiment every four years and get the same result. Put four ice cubes in a glass of water, along with your stream thermometer, and watch as the water temperature goes down to 42 degrees and stays there until most of the ice has melted. Then your stream thermometer will rise to 44 degrees, and stay there until nearly all the ice has melted, and then it will go on a slow climb to your room temperature. So as long as there is snow or ice on the bank of the stream, regardless of what the air temperature is, the water will not go to 45 degrees.

So your good trout fishing is when the temperature in the stream is slowly rising from 45 to 65 degrees. And when the temperature gets to 67 degrees, and is still rising, quit fishing and go home, because the trout have shut down. However, if you come back for the last hour of the day, when the sun is over the hill, and the water temperature has dropped, you can catch big trout. The trout shut down at 67 degree, and up, due to a lack of oxygen in the water. And I think this happens everywhere from Virginia to California.

The reason I told Ted to quit fishing when the water temperature is 67, or above, is because a few trout will bite at any time. And if you catch a trout in the high water temperature that lacks oxygen, and you plan to release the trout, it may not survive.

Every fresh water fish is said to have a temperature range in which it prefers to feed. In July of 2001 I was fishing out of Max Michaelsons boat, in the north shore of Lake of the Woods, Canada. I thought of Max as the premier musky angler. I asked Max why he wanted to fish muskies in the second week of July. Max said, Muskies hit best when the water goes to 70 degrees and that is what the water temperature is this afternoon, so we should have good fishing. I was standing up in the boat casting a top water bait and the wind was causing a light chop on the lake. Max said, Its the first 10 feet and last 10 feet of the cast that is most productive.

The fish couldnt see me. As I made a short 40-foot cast just short of the weed bed. I reeled about 5 feet and heard the explosion as the musky hit my bait. I immediately pulled back to set the hook. It was a long and careful fight. And after a picture was taken I released the fish. The picture is still on my wall of the 52-inch musky  the largest I have caught.

For trout you want the temperature to be showing a slow rise from 45 to 65 degrees. For the muskellunge, the fish of Wisconsin, you want the 70-degree water temperature that Max Michelson, of Black River Falls, told me about.


Universities and colleges in the United States are trying new programs for international students to increase enrollment and income.

Some universities are experimenting with bringing international high school students to their campuses. These programs permit students to complete their high school diploma while earning college credit at the same time.

University campus, high school and college credit

One example of this model is at the University of Southern Maine, or USM. The program is called the International Academy. The school is expecting its first class of international high school students this fall.

Joanna Evans is the director for the academy. The program is officially a boarding school on a university campus that serves 11th and 12th grade international high school students only.

The students will take classes at the University of Southern Maine to complete their high school diploma. However, because the classes are university-level, the students will receive college credit at the same time.

According to Evans, the students they recruit will have to be very strong. Their course schedule will be the same as taking only advanced-placement courses. The goal is that, by the time they complete their high school diploma at the academy, they will be ready to start college as a third-year college student.

Their English language skills also must be strong. The Academy looks for students with a minimum Test of English as a Foreign Language, or TOEFL score of 79, or a 6.5 on the International English Testing System, or IELTS. However, there are classes available to provide additional English language training when the students arrive if they need it.

All incoming students at the academy are required to take a college writing class their first semester. If English is not their first language, they will take a class taught by instructors with a background in teaching students who speak English as a foreign language.

Although they are only high school students, the expectations are the same as for college students. Evans says that faculty are not asked to change how they teach.

Students need to be ready to take university classes, and that is the deal Evans said.

Reaching enrollment goals

When the University of Southern Maine first decided to create the academy, the goal was to increase the enrollment at the university. Enrollment was down at USM. Evans noted that any institution that offers a broad range of programming has to maintain enrollment to maintain programming.

The university also wanted to increase school revenue. For state institutions in the U.S., in-state students pay much less than out-of-state or international students.

Schools across the U.S. have found that increasing their number of international students brings in more money. International students simply pay more to enroll.

However, there are many academic benefits for students as well, Evans says.

Whats really important, in terms of offering a high-quality education, is helping students have the opportunity to work with people who come from different backgrounds, Evans said. Learning to work effectively with people who are different from themselves is a world skill, a life skill, and a 21st century skill.

By increasing the diversity in lower-level university classes, Evans explains, the American students get experience with international students, and vice-versa.

There are other schools in the U.S. with programs similar to the one at USM. Many community colleges in the state of Washington are now marketing their high school completion programs to international students.

As with USM, these programs allow students to take courses at community college campuses to complete their high school degree and earn college credit at the same time.

These high school completion programs have existed for American students for many years. However, community colleges have increased their marketing to international students only in recent years.

International academies in the U.S.

Another new trend is the presence of international academies. These schools are now setting up campuses in the U.S., but not necessarily for American students.

One such school is the Keio Academy in Purchase, New York. It was created in 1990 by the Keio Gijuku (Keio Private School System) of Japan. Keio Gijuku also operates Keio University, Japans first private institution, as well as one of its most respected.

Keio Academy is chartered by the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology. But it is also accredited by the New York State Association of Independent Schools in the United States.

Eileen Gallagher is an English teacher at Keio Academy. She said the school was primarily created to meet the needs of Japanese students living overseas. This means it is still considered to be part of the Japanese school system although it is in the U.S. Americans are allowed to attend, but they would need a qualifying level of Japanese language first.

International applications down

However, the debate over immigration in the United States can have an effect on foreign students wanting to visit the country.

International student applications are down by 40 percent across USM, Evans said. All that adds up to a very challenging year for enrolling studentsIts affected enrollment in institutions across the country.

Im Jill Robbins. And I'm Phil Dierking

Phil Dierking wrote this story for VOA Learning English. Mario Ritter was the editor.

Do universities in your country have programs like these? We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page.

______________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

advanced-placement - n. the placement of a student in a high school course that offers college credit if successfully completed.

boarding school - n. a school where students reside during the semester.

chartered - adj. allowed to work in a certain job because you have passed a test or qualified in some other way

diploma - n. a document which shows that a person has finished a course of study or has graduated from a school

enrollment - n. to be entered as a member of or participant in something

maintain - v. to cause something to exist or continue without changing

revenue - n. money that is made by or paid to a business or an organization

trend - n. a way of behaving, proceeding, etc., that is developing and becoming more common

vice-versa - adv. with the main items in the preceding statement the other way around.
Taiwans Constitutional Court ruled in support of legalizing same-sex marriage Wednesday. It marked the first such ruling in Asia.

Rights activists celebrated the courts decision. It followed years of campaigning by supporters of gay rights.

The court said current marriage laws were in violation of both the peoples freedom of marriage...and the peoples right to equality.

Taiwanese officials now have two years to make legal amendments to permit same-sex marriage, the court said.

After the courts ruling, hundreds celebrated in the center of Taiwans capital, Taipei. They flew rainbow-colored flags and shouted in support of gay marriage.

Jamie, who did not want to give his last name, has been with his partner for 22 years. He said the ruling was an important moment for Taiwanese society.

I am so touched. Finally weve reached this moment. This represents Taiwans human rights. This is a step forward in human rights, he said.

Jay Lin is director of the Taiwan International Queer Film Festival, and a father of two. He said parents in same-sex relationships, in his words, need this law even earlier, even faster.

The ruling Democratic Party, which swept national elections last year, supports the change.

Legislators will now work on a bill to enforce the courts ruling. Both the ruling and major opposition parties in the legislature support the legalization of same-sex marriage. So does President Tsai Ing-win, Taiwans first female leader.

Public opinion studies show a majority of Taiwanese support making same-sex marriage legal.

Gays and lesbians in Taiwan have formed an effective lobby in recent years. Tens of thousands of people attend Taiwans yearly Gay Pride parade.

Some conservative religious and social groups continue to push against gay rights. However, the influence of such groups is less strong than in the United States and other parts of the world.

Twenty-two of the worlds nearly 200 countries have legalized same-sex marriage. In Asia, Taiwan is the first government to legalize such unions, while South Africa is the only country in Africa to permit them.

More than 70 countries continue to criminalize homosexual acts.

I'm Ashley Thompson.

The Associated Press reported this story. Ashley Thompson adapted it for Learning English, with additional materials from Reuters. Caty Weaver was the editor.

____________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

rainbow -n. a curved line of different colors that sometimes appears in the sky when the sun shines through rain

shout - v. to say (something) very loudly

touched - adj. having emotional feelings because you are grateful or pleased by what someone has done or said

sweep - v. to win everything that can be won in (something, such as an election) in an easy or impressive way

lobby - n. an organized group of people who work together to influence government decisions that relate to a particular industry, issue, etc.

homosexual - adj. based on or showing a sexual attraction to people of the same sex
Farmers and fruit growers in the United States depend heavily on immigrants to grow and harvest their crops.

Most immigrants working on American farms are Hispanic and come from Mexico or Central America. Many of them entered the United States illegally, and have settled in rural communities across the country.

The immigrants often raise families while working in the fields. And, just like U.S. citizens, they pay taxes.

President Donald Trump has called on government agencies to increase enforcement of the nations immigration laws. His administration's policies on illegal immigration are creating fear in the agricultural industry. The industry worries about losing the workers it needs to plant, grow and harvest the crops that feed the country.

In the eastern state of Pennsylvania, fruit farmers are concerned about the administration's immigration policies. The farmers fear they will not have enough workers to stay in business.

Spring is pruning season for apple trees in Adams County, Pennsylvania. Hispanic immigrant workers care for the trees in many of the areas apple orchards.

The work takes many hours and is tiring and repetitive. Kay Hollabaugh says very few Americans are willing to do this kind of work anymore. She helps supervise her family's farm and orchard in Adams County. And, she worries that immigration officers will take her workers away.

"If my immigrant workforce is taken away, I don't have anybody to harvest my fruits and vegetables. It will be the end of our business. 75 people will not have a job and my family  who has been here for over 60 years  will lose this."

Some of the immigrants who work on the farms live in the town of York Springs. Almost half of the town speaks Spanish. But, these days, few of the people are out on the streets in this community. They are fearful because of recent arrests by immigration officers.

Arturo, a Spanish speaker, lives in York Springs. He says that things were different before; people felt more at ease.

"People would go out and walk around, they weren't afraid. Today it's very different. People are in hiding," he said. "Most of the people have left town, they've returned to their countries before anything else happens."

An estimated 800,000 workers harvest crops in the United States. About 46 percent of them are thought to be immigrants who entered the country illegally. The Associated Press says those numbers come from the U.S. labor and agriculture departments.

The Rice Fruit Company is the largest apple-packing house in the eastern United States. It prepares apples from Adams County farms for shipping to buyers across the country.

The Rice Fruit Company depends on immigrant labor to get the job done. The company employs some people from York Springs. It has 100 people working year-round  and double that number at harvest time. Most come from Latin America.

"No question about it, there's a great deal of anxiety."

David Rice is president of the Rice Fruit Company. He says that, while his employees have the required documents to work legally, there is still a climate of fear.

"It's really unfortunate because those people, very, very fine workers and very, very fine people who are contributing a lot to the local economy and an immense amount to the apple economy particularly."

The fruit industry in Adams County earns $580 million a year, according to one study. It also provides almost 20,000 jobs.

But, if immigrant workers start to leave the area, Rice says his company will be forced to reduce operations.

Rice says the company is exploring ways to reduce labor costs, including using more machinery. He said his company may also need to work with only the most profitable, efficient orchards.

The Hollabaugh fruit market has pictures of its family and workers all over the walls. Kay Hollabaugh feels a personal connection to her workers.

"When I watch on TV, a Hispanic mom or dad pulled away from their kids, I can't deal with it. I don't get it. Taking my work force away, remembering that I'm feeding everyone, along with the dairy farmers and the corn growers, and I just feel like our time and money could be so much better spent than tearing families apart and sending well-intended people home."

At a protest in the nearby town of Gettysburg, demonstrators showed their support by handing out apples picked by immigrant workers.

I'm Alice Bryant.

This story combines reports by Bill Rodgers and the Associated Press. Alice Bryant adapted the reports for Learning English. George Grow was the editor.

________________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

prune - v. to cut off some of the branches of a tree or bush so that it will grow better or look better

orchard - n. a place where people grow fruit trees

anxiety - n. fear or nervousness about what might happen

unfortunate - adj. not appropriate or desirable

packing - n. the processing of food for future sale

according - adv. as stated by or in
The prime minister of Vietnam will become the first Southeast Asian leader to visit the White House since Donald Trump became president in January.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc is expected to ask for answers about United States policy toward Chinese expansion in the disputed South China Sea.

Nguyen is also expected to discuss trade and maritime claims in the South China Sea when he meets with Trump next week.

Brunei, Malaysia, Vietnam and the Philippines claim parts of the South China Sea. China and Taiwan claim nearly all of the sea.

Former President Barack Obama helped Southeast Asian countries defend their claims to parts of the important waterway. But it is not clear whether Trump will do the same.

Concerns over South China Sea

Murray Hiebert is a senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a research group in Washington.

Being the first Southeast Asian leader to visit Washington, the Vietnamese prime minister will want to explore U.S. plans and goals for engagement with the larger Southeast Asian region. Vietnam will also want to understand U.S. policy and strategy toward the South China Sea and Chinas activities there, particularly at a time when Washington is looking to Beijing to rein in North Koreas nuclear and missile programs.

China continues to worry Southeast Asian countries by sending coast guard ships into their exclusive economic zones in the 3.5-million-square-kilometer sea. China is also building artificial islands on which it can place radar systems and military aircraft.

Last year, Obama cancelled a ban on the sale of military weapons to Vietnam. In 2014, he increased joint naval exercises with the Philippines. And he ordered U.S. ships to pass through areas of the sea claimed by China. All of these actions have angered China.

China uses historical records to support its claim to 95 percent of the Sea, which is valued for its fisheries and fossil fuels.

However, Trump is working with China to stop North Koreas nuclear weapons program. China is North Koreas top trade partner and supporter.

U.S. - China relations

Some experts say Trump may have decided that the U.S. will not become involved in any South China Sea disputes so that it can have better relations with China.

Frederick Burke is a partner with the international law firm Baker & McKenzie in Ho Chi Minh City.

They dont really need to say it, but its very important that the (Southeast Asian) region is seeing that the U.S. is still engaged.

China is trying to reduce American influence in Southeast Asia and the South China Sea. It has begun talking to leaders in each country in the region -- including Vietnam -- about ending their disputes. China sometimes offers the countries aid and investment, such as encouraging Chinese to visit Vietnam.

Last week, China and a 10-member group of Southeast Asian countries reached an agreement to prevent conflicts between ships of each country. China had delayed negotiations on the agreement, which is not yet final, for more than five years.

Brian Eyler is the Southeast Asia program director at the Stimson Center, a research group in Washington.

All the Southeast Asian states tend to play a hedging strategy with great powers. Not one state is too interested in getting too far into China or the United States or another great powers sphere of influence. There are too many lessons of history that show that thats the wrong road to go.

Replacing Trans-Pacific Partnership

The Vietnamese prime minister took office last year. During his visit, he is expected to remind the Trump administration about a U.S. promise to help clean up the toxic substance Agent Orange. American military forces used the plant-killing chemical during the Vietnam War from 1961 to 1972.

Experts believe Nguyen also will ask administration officials about a free-trade deal to replace the 12-nation Trans Pacific Partnership. Vietnam would have gained much from the agreement which would have lowered import taxes for its goods in many markets -- including the U.S.

The U.S. left the agreement in January. At the time, Trump said the U.S. would consider deals with individual countries if they were good for America.

Im Jill Robbins.

Correspondent Ralph Jennings reported this story from Taipei. Christopher Jones-Cruise adapted the report for Learning English. Mario Ritter was the editor.

We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section, or visit our Facebook page.

_______________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

engagement  n. the act or state of being involved with something

rein in  phrasal verb to limit or control (someone or something)

artificial  adj. not happening or existing naturally : created or caused by people

fishery  n. a part of the ocean where fish and other sea creatures are caught

fossil fuels  n. a fuel (such as coal, oil, or natural gas) that is formed in the earth from dead plants or animals

hedge  v. to protect yourself from (something)

strategy  n. a careful plan or method for achieving a particular goal usually over a long period of time

sphere  n. an area of influence or activity
Cook had Parkinson's disease and disclosed his diagnosis in 2017. A representative for the band says he died Tuesday at his home in Destin, Florida.
On Nov. 1, Linn Benton Food Shares warehouse in Tangent received two truckloads of food and household supplies arranged by the local branch of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Courts and lawyers frequently try to ferret out the intent of the legislature when trying to understand a statute thats not very clear. That project assumes, of course, that the legislature actually had an intent to begin with. Legislatures frequently do, at least in a sense. But sometimes they do not.

That seems to be the case with the Oklahoma Legislatures recent decision (if you can call it that) to break with almost 300 years of U.S. legal precedent and declare that in a civil case, the losing party has to pay both sides legal fees. That was (and still is) the rule in Britain and most other countries, and many believe its the best rule because it tends to deter people from filing lawsuits. Many others believe its not the best rule, because it tends to deter people from filing lawsuits. Your approach to that likely depends on your attitude toward litigation in general, or maybe just your attitude toward plaintiffs. Regardless, the rule throughout the U.S. has long been that each party pays its own legal fees, win or lose, though there are statutory exceptions. This is sometimes called the American Rule, in fact, highlighting the fact that most other countries do it differently.

Usually, if youre planning to toss a legal rule thats been around for centuries, you discuss that with other people first. But it is still unclear whether there was any planning involved in the amendment to House Bill 1470. See, e.g., Massive shift in Oklahoma legal law is a mistake, author says, The Oklahoman (May 16, 2017). The author there is state Sen. David Holt, who was a co-author of the bill but not the amendment that created the massive shift. It gives you some idea of how the process worked that a co-author of the bill is just as puzzled as everyone else about what happened.

House Bill 1470 originally was meant only to extend the statute of limitations for lawsuits alleging sexual abuse during childhood. It amended section 12-95(A)(6) of the Civil Procedure Code, which was set up like this:

Section 95. A. Civil actions other than for the recovery of real property can only be brought within the following periods  1. Within five (5) years: An action upon any contract  in writing; 2. Within three (3) years: An action upon a contract  not in writing; * * * 6. An action based on [childhood sexual abuse] [can be brought as follows:] * * * B. Collection of debts owed by inmates who have received damage awards pursuant to Section 566.1 of Title 57 of the Oklahoma Statutes shall be governed by the time limitations imposed by that section.

At the time HB 1470 passed the Oklahoma House, it only amended subsection (A)(6). But when it went to the Senate, the Judiciary Committee proposed this amendment:

C. In any action brought pursuant to the provisions of subsection A of this section, the court shall award court costs and reasonable attorney fees to the prevailing party.

That was adopted, the amended bill passed the Senate, and the governor has since signed it. So Section 95 now says this:

A. Civil actions other than for the recovery of real property can only be brought within the following periods  B. [the inmate thing] C. In any action brought pursuant to the provisions of subsection A of this section, the court shall award court costs and reasonable attorney fees to the prevailing party.

Emphasis added. So in virtually all civil actions in Oklahoma, the losing party now pays the winners attorney(s), as well as his or her own. Thats a big deal. And its not clear anyone actually meant to do it.

Obviously this was not in the original House bill. Holt, the Senate sponsor, admitted he didnt intend this result and said he didnt think anyone else did, either. He thought the intent was only to shift fees in cases involving childhood sexual abuse, the cases for which they were changing the limitations rules. But [u]pon a closer reading of the amendment, he admittedthe kind of reading they apparently didnt do before votingit seems evident that it makes all civil cases [not involving property] loser-pays. But nobody caught that.

Well, whered the amendment come from? According to The Oklahoman, Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Anthony Sykes brought the amendment to the April 11 meeting [on the bill], and staff typed it during the meeting. Did he know what he was doing? Good question. Holt thinks he didnt. I was there when the news was broken to him that this amendment went far beyond what we thought it did, Holt said, and he seemed genuinely surprised by it. Hey, Oklahoman, was he actually surprised? Sykes could not be reached for comment; he typically does not respond to media requests. Hes sticking to that policy, it appears.

Oh, how about the governor?

Gov. Mary Fallins attorneys caught [the error, if it was one] during a review. By that time, the bill had passed both the House and Senate and was just a day away from the signing deadline. Even though her staff knew about the mistake, Fallin signed the bill.

So the governor knew about the issue, believed it was a mistake and made a change nobody in the legislature had intended to make, but signed it anyway. Her press secretary said she thought the other provisions were too important to scrap.

Thats understandablethe bill was intended to help survivors of childhood sexual assault, and certainly no politician wants to be seen vetoing a bill like thatbut the upshot is that Oklahoma has largely discarded a significant legal rule thats been around for centuries, and as far as we know, not a single person in state government intended for that to happen.

It is possible that a court would look at this evidence and uphold a challenge to the new law, but most courts would be very reluctant to rewrite a statute to that extent. The governors office noted that the measure doesnt take effect until November 1, and suggested the legislature might want to consider something called a trailer bill to fix the problem in the meantime. But a spokesman for the Speaker of the House (should a Speaker have a spokesman? I dont think so) said they had to focus on the budget between now and May 26, when the legislature adjourns. That might be something the House looks at next session, the Speakers spokesman said. So, whatever.
Anil Uskanli, who authorities say inspired so much fear among flight attendants that military fighter jets were scrambled to escort the plane to Hawaii, raised a series of possible red flags between purchasing his ticket and being the first passenger to board the American Airlines flight.

Uskanli, 25, of Turkey, purchased his ticket about midnight and went through security screening at Los Angeles International Airport. About 2:45 a.m. he opened a door that led to an airfield ramp, airport police said.

He smelled of alcohol, but he wasnt intoxicated enough to be held for public drunkenness, so police cited and released him.

Uksanlis boarding pass was confiscated, and he was walked out to a public area of the airport, police said. He went back, got another boarding pass for the flight and went through security screening again.

Even though he was traveling to Hawaii, he didnt have any checked luggage or any carry-ons, other than a laptop, a phone and items in his pocket, according to an FBI criminal complaint.

Before takeoff, he sat in a first-class seat and had to be asked several times to move to his assigned seat toward the back of the plane, the complaint said.

While the six-hour flight was midair, Uskanli, with his head swathed in a blanket, tried to get to the front of the plane. When he put his laptop on a drink cart a flight attendant used to block him, flight attendants feared the computer contained explosives, prompting the captain to initiate bomb-threat procedures. Two Hawaii National Guard fighter jets escorted the plane to Honolulu, and Uskanli was arrested when it landed.

His intentions werent known, and a federal judge in Honolulu on Monday ordered Uskanli return to the U.S. mainland to undergo a competency evaluation.

Federal Public Defender Peter Wolff said he requested the evaluation in part because of the actions described in the criminal complaint and because of comments Uskanli made that Wolff declined to describe.

A Turkish interpreter spoke with Uskanli before the brief hearing. Engin Turkalp said outside court that he told her he can speak English.

Its not common practice for police to notify an airline if someone opens a door to a restricted area, like Uskanli did, Los Angeles airport police spokesman Rob Pedregon said. If he was a danger, we would not have ever let him go, he said.

Because he had walked into the restricted area at the airport and he was determined to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, crew members helped him to the plane using a wheelchair, the complaint said.

An American Airlines spokesman said, however, that it was Uskanli who requested the wheelchair at the ticket counter, then went through security and on to the gate for the flight.

At the door of the plane, flight attendants helped Uskanli, the complaint said

Passengers told the FBI that Uskanli acted strangely on the flight, including talking about being a famous actor and pounding on walls after someone walked into a restroom he had left unlocked.

Flight attendants were afraid of his laptop, the complaint said, because they are aware that laptop computers potentially pose a new threat to airplane security because they may contain explosives that are undetected by airport screening measures.

The captain initiated bomb threat procedures, and flight attendants barricaded the laptop with crew bags. An off-duty law enforcement officer sat with Uskanli for the remainder of the flight, the complaint said.

No explosives were found after the plane landed. FBI agents then interviewed Uskanli.

When I asked him if he ever had terroristic thoughts, he responded, We all have those ideas, an agent wrote in an affidavit.

The agent asked again later about terroristic thoughts. In response, Uskanli made a gun shape with his fingers and pretended to shoot her, she wrote.

He then did a gesture simulating a chopping motion toward my neck, the agent wrote.

He then told another agent, Ill kill her, get out the following day and shoot myself, according to the court documents.

The complaint said he consented to a urine test and field sobriety tests. The urinalysis was presumptively positive for benzodiazepine, a tranquilizer, and the field tests indicated possible use of stimulants or cannabis, the complaint said. Jennifer Sinco Kelleher, Honolulu, AP
As the global limelight fades from President Xi Jinpings Belt and Road summit, the main actors  Chinese state-owned companies  are warning about the political risks they face along the route.

Earlier this month Xi outlined plans to direct as much as 840 billion yuan (USD122 billion) to build roads, railways, ports and pipelines across Asia and beyond, securing Chinas central role in world trade. The plan has the countrys state-owned enterprises weighing investments in 65 participant nations, almost two-thirds of which have sovereign debt ratings below investment grade.

Chinese companies risk awareness has grown, but they still lack the ability to discern where to invest or effectively manage overseas risks, said Yin Yili, a vice president at a unit of China Communications Construction Co., one of the nations largest state-owned companies. Over these past years, weve paid a great price and suffered big losses. Weve paid a large amount in tuition fees.

The concerns highlight a major challenge of Xis signature trade-and-foreign-policy initiative: Ensuring that state companies dont become overexposed abroad at a time when they are struggling to shed costs and slash soaring debt loads at home. State-owned companies had already insured more than $400 billion in projects in the four years before Xis summit.

Some 71 percent of Chinese companies said political risk topped their concerns about investing abroad, according to a survey of 300 firms published in November by the Center for China and Globalization, a Beijing-based research institution. They cited policy changes, political unrest and government expropriation as top worries.

Yin, who heads the industrial parks department at CCCCs Industrial Investment Holding Co., said that almost two decades of foreign investment experience hasnt necessarily translated into enhanced risk-control procedures for Chinese companies. Many still lack vision, negotiation skills and local knowledge, he said, adding that they sometimes assume money can solve all problems.

A lot of times they only see a bevy of opportunities, but not pitfalls underfoot, Yin said. There are more than 200 countries and regions in the world, and not every place is worth investment.

The Belt and Road route includes volatile areas like Afghanistan and Pakistan, as well as Iraq, Syria and Yemen. African countries including Egypt, Kenya and South Africa are also on the list and scrambling to expand ties with China. Ethiopian Airlines Enterprise on Monday launched its fourth route to the country.

In 2014, protests over Chinas oil-exploration in the South China Sea forced electronics maker Midea Group Co. to withdraw investment from neighboring Vietnam, which is part of the Belt and Road Initiative. Chinas $1.5 billion Colombo Port City project in Sri Lanka has been dogged by demonstrations and briefly halted in 2015 after a new government pledged to review all deals by the previous Beijing-friendly administration.

Concerns about political risk were scarcely mentioned as Xi hosted almost 30 world leaders in Beijing on May 14-15. The presidents keynote address only referenced the need to manage broad financial risks, while the chairman of Chinas State-

owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission told reporters that political and security threats were completely controllable.

China needs to not only worry about walking into political traps leading to investment loss, but also worry about security of staff and assets, said Raffaello Pantucci, director of international security studies at the Royal United Services Institute. You are looking at parts of the world where you have politically risky and unstable governments, a variety of security threats, and a government in Beijing which has little clear skill or experience in managing these problems.

Risks were building long before Xi first outlined in 2013 the plan to recreate ancient Silk Road trading routes between Asia and Europe by land and sea. Beijing has been encouraging state companies to go out since the late 1990s, with much of that investment going toward oil and other raw materials in countries such as Venezuela, where slumping commodity prices have helped weaken the Beijing-friendly government.

More than $250 billion in Chinas overseas investments failed between 2005 and 2015, according to the China Global Investment Tracker, a database maintained by the American Enterprise Institute and the Heritage Foundation. The Center for China and Globalization, which separately analyzed 120 unsuccessful investments, found that political factors accounted for a quarter of all cases.

Such overseas investments are insured by the state-owned China Export & Credit Insurance Corp., or Sinosure, which covers government seizures, nationalization, political violence, contract breaches and payment delays because of political events. In an article published on the companys website this month, Chairman Wang Yi described Sinosure as the Belt and Road Initiatives chief brake.

Since 2013, Sinosure insured $440 billion of exports and investments in Belt and Road countries and paid out $1.7 billion in claims, Wang wrote. Projects insured included a 1,800 kilometer (1,100 mile) pipeline to Turkmenistan, a $1.6 billion power plant in Jordan and an $800 million dam in Cambodia.

Yuan Li, chairman of China Civil Engineering Construction Corp., which has more than 50 projects in Africa, said Sinosures insurance covers extreme circumstances like coups and war, but not normal political reversals.

There is a change of government almost every month, Yuan said by phone. There is no insurance on the earth catering to that. Our policy is to make friends as widely as possible, and not to get closer to any one party than the others.

Political concerns have led Chinas state companies to steer clear of some markets. Gordon Li, the overseas business director for China Merchants Groups international business department, said the company hasnt considered adding India to the 48 port projects its financing in 18 Belt and Road countries.

For us, the No. 1 consideration is political risk, Li said. Its extremely important whether the destination countries have good relations with China or not. Ting Shi, Bloomberg
Hong Kong police launched a fresh crackdown yesterday on Uber, arresting 21 drivers suspected of working for the ride-hailing giant in the Asian financial center.

Its the latest regulatory headache for Uber, which already is fighting a similar case in Hong Kong.

The drivers were arrested in an undercover operation on suspicion of carrying passengers for hire and not having third-

party insurance for their cars, said Chief Inspector Lau Tat-fai.

Lau said the 20 men and one woman aged 21 to 59 were taken into custody and their vehicles impounded.

I would like to emphasize that police are still continuing their enforcement action and I cant rule out the possibility of more drivers being arrested, he told reporters.

Lau, who did not specifically mention Uber, said anybody who assisted or instigated drivers might also be legally responsible. He called on people using smartphones to arrange rides to make sure that drivers have the proper vehicle hire permits.

We are extremely disappointed by the police enforcement today. We stand together with the 21 driver partners, Uber said in a statement, adding that it would help them and provide legal support.

The San Francisco-based tech company said it has a ridesharing insurance policy that complies with Hong Kong legal requirements and covers up to 100 million Hong Kong dollars (USD12.8 million) in liability.

Ridesharing should not be a crime. Hong Kong is an international city known for its embrace of global economic trends and new technologies but current transportation regulations have failed to keep up with innovation, it said.

In March, a Hong Kong court convicted five Uber drivers on the same charges and fined them HKD10,000 ($1,284) after they were arrested by undercover police. The company said it would stand by the five drivers, whose sentences were suspended after they launched an appeal.

In 2015, police searched Ubers Hong Kong offices and confiscated computers and documents. AP
Jaguar Land Rovers fourth-quarter profit margin improved from the preceding three months on strong demand for its sport utility vehicles in major markets including China and the U.S.

The earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization margin for Tata Motors Ltd.s luxury unit widened to 14.5 percent of revenue in the three months ended March, from 9.3 percent in the previous quarter, the company said yesterday. Profit after tax at Jaguar Land Rover unit jumped 18 percent to 557 million pounds (USD722.5 million).

Jaguar is benefiting from investments by Tata Motors and a fully overhauled product line. Sales of the British marque surged 81 percent in the quarter on demand for its F-Pace sport utility vehicle and entry-level XE sedan. The luxury units Chief Executive Officer Ralf Speth told reporters in Mumbai yesterday that he sees demand for its products sustaining momentum in China, North America and Europe.

Tata Motors American depositary receipts climbed as much as 6.4 percent in New York, the most intraday since May 31, 2016. The Jaguar Land Rover results failed to stem a profit decline at parent Tata Motors. Net income fell 17 percent to 42.96 billion rupees ($662 million) in the quarter from the year earlier.

Deliveries of the luxury unit rose 13 percent on strong demand across the product portfolio, led by sales of the F-Pace, Range Rover and Discovery Sport SUVs, the company said.

Jaguar Land Rover will spend more than 4 billion pounds in the current financial year, including on its new factory in Slovakia. The automaker has said it expects start of production at the plant in the second half of next year. Bloomberg
Japans lower house approved a bill yesterday allowing authorities to punish those found guilty of planning serious crimes, legislation that opponents say could be used to undermine basic civil liberties.

The proposed legislation, called the conspiracy bill, still requires upper house approval.

The government says its needed to fight terrorism and organized crime, especially before the Tokyo Olympics in 2020.

Lawmakers speaking in support of the legislation pointed to the explosion in Manchester, England, that killed at least 22 people as a reason for backing the bill.

But thousands of Japanese have taken to the streets to protest what they see as the latest effort to unduly increase police powers.

Opposition lawmakers referred to it as an evil law.

Japans history as a police state before and during World War II has made many here wary of granting the government powers that might impinge on personal privacy and other rights.

Hundreds of protesters rallied outside the parliament building yesterday, shouting and waving signs and banners to voice their opposition.

This will bind us so tightly. I wonder why the government and those in power need so much power over us? said Chizuko Kurata, a protester in her 70s.

A survey by the Kyodo News agency showed that public support for Prime Minister Shinzo Abes Cabinet fell slightly after the ruling coalition rammed the bill through a committee hearing on Friday. There, opposition lawmakers shouted and sought to rip documents from the hands of the committee chairman, trying unsuccessfully to block the vote after having failed to win a vote of no confidence against the justice minister.

Kyodo said 77 percent of the 1,033 respondents polled said the government had failed to fully explain the need for the bill. Opinions on the bill were almost evenly divided, however, with slightly more opposed than in favor.

The ruling Liberal Democrats ability to force through legislation with help from its coalition partner the Komeito raises hackles in harmony-oriented Japan. The two parties intend to win full passage of the bill during the current parliamentary session, and debate in the upper house is likely to be ferocious.

Abe has argued that the bill is needed for Japan to ratify a United Nations treaty on international organized crime that took effect in 2003.

But legal scholars say Japans criminal code already holds conspirators responsible for criminal acts and mandates punishments for preparing for such crimes.

In Japans case, the police already have very broad powers of surveillance. They have other broad powers related to criminal investigations and criminal prosecutions, said Lawrence Repeta, a legal scholar and director of the Japan Civil Liberties Union.

To add even more at this point would really be overkill, he said.

The U.N. special rapporteur on the right to privacy sent an open letter to Abe last week citing concerns over including 277 new types of crimes in the bill, which would revise Japans Act on Punishment of Organized Crimes and Control of Crime Proceeds.

It said the law would include offenses that have nothing to do with organized crime or terrorism, such as theft of lumber in forest reserves and violations of copyrights. It also cites planning and preparatory actions as justifications for investigations that would require significant amounts of surveillance.

Serious concern is expressed that the proposed bill, in its current form and in combination with other legislation, may affect the exercise of the right to privacy as well as other fundamental public freedoms given its potential broad application, said the letter from Joseph Cannataci, the rapporteur.

The government strongly objected to the letter, said Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, who described concerns over possible violations of privacy or other rights as utterly incorrect. Elaine Kurtenbach, Tokyo, AP
A former Philippine gaming regulator is suing Wynn Macau on the basis of what he describes as the unlawful and wrongful disclosure of his personal data to an authority outside of Macau, which subsequently tarnished his professional integrity and damaged his career.

Rogelio Yusi Bangsil Jr, a former executive at Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor), a state-owned gaming company and casino regulator, was named in a report commissioned by a U.S. law firm in 2011, regarding an improper relationship between Japanese billionaire Kazuo Okada and Philippine gaming officials.

The report, drawn up under former FBI director Louis Freeh, alleged that Okada had made unlawful payments and provided gifts to some 17 people, including Bangsil and his wife, Suzzanne, in order to earn favor with gaming regulators. A total of MOP880,000 in gifts and payments was alleged to have been provided to the 17 individuals, which included hotel stays in Macau and Las Vegas.

However, the report had relied on personal data being unlawfully transferred from Wynn Macau to a company outside of the MSAR, thereby violating Macaus Personal Data Protection Act. In 2011, the Macau Office for Personal Data Protection found the company guilty of the infraction and fined the Asian subsidiary of Wynn Resorts a sum of MOP20,000 for the unauthorized transfer of customer information.

Now, according to information leaked in a court document provided to the Times, Bangsil is suing Wynn Macau. Dated November 3, 2016, the document states that a hearing has been scheduled for June 22.

Im claiming damages that I incurred because of the police report disclosing [false] information about the hotel [room], Bangsil told the Times in a phone interview yesterday.

I am seeking an apology from Wynn. I want them to recognize that they did something wrong, he added. They paid [the MOP20,000 fine] so they recognize they made a mistake, so why are they not apologizing to the victims?

There is no truth to these allegations. They [the allegations] cut short my career and the whole family suffered because of that [] I want to be compensated for the damages they caused us  including my wife and my child.

Bangsil was a Pagcor executive in the Philippines for 26 years until he retired in 2012. He claims that the reason for his retirement was because of the damage to my integrity and my career, caused by the allegations in the report.

I contacted my lawyer to sue Wynn [Macau] on the basis of the violation because nobody [of the other 16 individuals named in the report] has come out as a victim yet, he explained, adding that as a government employee, he was formerly unable to file a lawsuit.

The Times contacted representatives of Wynn Macau to comment on the case and received the reply: We do not comment on litigation matters.

However, there may be more lawsuits to follow. Bangsil told the Times that some of his colleagues have already retired from the government and they will wait to see the outcome of the trial.

The mention of Bangsil in the report is inextricably linked to the long-standing legal battle between billionaire businessmen Steve Wynn and Okada.

Wynn Resorts, the Las Vegas-based parent company of Wynn Macau, claimed that the Japanese entrepreneurs alleged actions were a violation of the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.

Okada, who is partly based in Hong Kong, denied making improper payments to Asian gaming regulators, but that did not prevent Steve Wynn from expelling Okada from Wynn Resorts and forcibly buying back Okadas 20 percent stake in the company. Okadas share was redeemed for about USD1.9 billion, considered a 30 percent discount on its actual market value, according to The Financial Times.

The Freeh report wasnt the only incident that may have tarnished Bangsils career. In 2012, Philippine legislators called for Bangsils dismissal based on his alleged failure to spot a cheating scam at Pagcor-run casinos that cost the government USD3.7 million. Daniel Beitler with Paulo Coutinho

[UPDATED]
The principal of an Oklahoma high school apologized after its yearbook featured a quotation attributed to Adolf Hitler.

Students at Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School in Oklahoma City discovered the quote when they got the books earlier this month. Graduating seniors chose quotes to pair with their portraits.

A quote listed above Hitlers name says, If you want to shine like the sun, first you have to burn like it. Some translations of Hitlers manifesto Mein Kampf include similar wording, though the author of the excerpt is disputed.

It appeared in the yearbook directly below a quotation attributed to Anne Frank, the Holocaust diarist who perished in a Nazi death camp.

Principal David Morton sent parents a letter last week accepting blame for the gaffe and saying the school was buying stickers students could place over the offending quote. Morton could not be reached for comment yesterday.

A spokeswoman for the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City, which oversees the school, says the student who chose the Hitler quote was disciplined. The school also is reviewing its process for the student-chosen quotations.

Unfortunately, and clearly, the process failed to work in this case, Diane Clay said in an email. The school is evaluating changes.
Indonesia says several Vietnamese fishing vessels escaped its waters following a show of force by Vietnams coast guard in the South China Sea.

Indonesias Maritime and Fisheries Ministry said yesterday that Vietnam is holding an Indonesian fisheries officer, who was aboard one of the Vietnamese vessels, and Indonesia has 11 Vietnamese crew members in its custody.

According to Indonesia, the clash Sunday took place north of the Natuna island chain within Indonesias exclusive economic zone.

The ministry said five Vietnamese-flagged fishing vessels were intercepted by a maritime patrol vessel and were under its control until a Vietnamese coast guard ship rammed the fishing boat with the Indonesian official aboard, sinking it. The ministry said no one was hurt.

It said the Indonesian vessel withdrew after several more Vietnamese coast guard vessels were seen approaching on radar while an Indonesian warship was 30 minutes away.

Vietnams coast guard declined to comment.

Tensions easily flare in the South China Sea, a major global trading route. Chinas claim to most of the sea overlaps with the territorial waters of several Southeast Asian nations.

Indonesia has destroyed hundreds of vessels caught fishing illegally in its waters over the past two years, many of them Vietnamese-flagged, as part of a policy of strengthening control over the archipelago nations vast maritime territory.

Rifky Effendi Hardjianto, secretary-general of the fisheries ministry, told a news conference that ministry officials have met with Vietnams ambassador and would resolve the incident through normal diplomatic channels. Both sides agreed to avoid a repeat of the clash, he said. AP
A steely gaze from one woman. A slight, apologetic bow from another. On the first day of the biggest trial in South Korea in years, two small gestures reflect the state of a friendship that toppled a president.

Former South Korean President Park Geun-

hye was a study in determination as she strode into a packed Seoul courtroom yesterday to begin a trial that could send her to prison for life if convicted on the most serious charges.

She sat down and fixed her hard gaze on a spot in front of her. Parks face betrayed no hint of whatever emotions roiled within, even as flashes exploded and a horde of cameras zoomed in for extreme close-ups that were piped to millions of curious South Koreans.

Moments later, a confidante linked to Park for four decades  and a woman whom prosecutors say Park colluded with to bribe, extort and leak government secrets  entered the courtroom.

Choi Soon-sil ducked her head, almost shyly, in Parks direction before walking to the defendants table.

Only one person separated them, yet they exchanged no words while the cameras rolled. As Chois eyes darted around the courtroom, Parks stare did not waver.

They then had a chance to address the court. Park answered in calm, measured tones when asked for her address and occupation. Choi sobbed as she answered the basic questions.

Park then offered a firm, short denial of guilt. Choi called herself a sinner, claimed Park had been framed in a conspiracy and declared her wish that the trial truly frees former President Park of fault and lets her be remembered as a president who lived a life devoted to her country.

This will play well with Parks hardcore conservative base, which sees her as having sacrificed her private life to focus on the country after her mother and then her dictator father were killed in separate assassinations.

About 150 of her supporters gathered outside the court, weeping and screaming with outrage as Parks prison bus passed by.

For many other South Koreans, including the millions who protested as news of Choi and Parks alleged collusion broke late last year, the small gestures  of defiance from Park and anguish from Choi  will say more than any words can. Foster Klug, Seoul, AP

Park denies corruption charges

Former president Park Geun-hye denied corruption charges at the start of a criminal trial that could potentially send South Koreas first female leader to prison for life.

Police had earlier escorted Park, in handcuffs, into court for her first public appearance since she was jailed on March 31 for corruption allegations that led to her removal from office.

When Judge Kim Se-yun asked Park what her occupation was, she replied, I dont have any occupation.

Her longtime confidante and alleged co-conspirator, Choi Soon-sil, sat near Park. The two women had been friends for four decades but did not acknowledge each other.

The accused Park Geun-hye, in collusion with her friend Choi Soon-sil, let Choi, who had no official position, intervene in state affairs  and they abused power and pressured business companies to offer bribes, thus taking private gains, said senior prosecutor Lee Won-seok.

Both Park and her lawyer, Yoo Young-ha, denied all wrongdoing. Asked whether she had anything to add, Park said in a calm, measured voice, I will say afterward.
Visitor arrivals in April reached 2.7 million, representing an increase of 11 percent year-on-year and 9.7 percent month-to-month, according to data released by the Statistics

and Census Secrvice (DESC).

Overnight visitors (1,441,162) and same-day visitors (1,301,637) went up by 17.7 percent and 4.4 percent respectively year-on-year. The average length of visitors stay rose by 0.1 days year-on-year to 1.2 days, while overnight visitors and same-day visitors stayed an average of 2.1 days and 0.2 days respectively.

The DSEC data showed that visitors from mainland China increased by 7.1 percent year-on-year to 1.77 million in April and mainly came from Guangdong Province (725,648) and Hunan Province (87,911). Visitors from South Korea (64,924) and Hong Kong (608,879) surged by 48.7 percent and 25.3 percent respectively. Visitors from Taiwan (89,567) dropped by 2.8 percent.

In the first four months of 2017, visitor arrivals totaled 10.6 million, up by 6.9 percent year-on-year.

Group of doctors back to Mumbai after travel hitches

A group of 25 doctors, who were stranded in Shenzhen before traveling to Macau as part of their itinerary, left the region yesterday.

On May 16, the 25 doctors, along with their families, left for a week-long trip to Hong Kong, Shenzhen and Macau.

The trip was organized by Malad Medical Association (MMA) and was booked through Borivali-based Oppex Holidays, according to media reports.

However, the group were made to vacate their hotel rooms in Shenzhen and were reportedly forced to remain in the lobby as the tour operator failed to make payments to a Chinese travel agency.

The doctors were then asked to pay the pending amount two days after their trip began. The Chinese tour operators refused to facilitate their return to India until the fee was paid.

According to reports, there is still some money pending, yet the Chinese travel agency agreed to let them continue their return journey to India.

The group then traveled to Macau on Monday and left the MSAR yesterday.

They are in Macau and will travel to Mumbai tomorrow, an Indian official at the Consulate in Guangzhou told IANS, an Indian news agency, on Monday.

The president of MMA, Hemal Barchha, has filed a police complaint against Vinayak Zarekar, owner of Oppex Holidays.

According to the owner, there was a delay in payment to a Chinese account and he assured that he is trying to settle all dues.
The UC biology lab has dozens of aquariums and breeding tanks full of cave and surface fish, each smaller than a goldfish. Researchers use QR-code stickers to keep track of the family history of the resident fish swimming in slow circles.



The hardy fish are easy to keep because they are not picky eaters. They get a mix of foods including flakes, brine shrimp and blackworms. UC gets its study fish from natural populations maintained by colleagues and reputable breeders.



Our lab really tries to avoid taking any animals from nature, Gross said.



Mexican cavefish also are raised as a popular aquarium pet.



The skulls of all but a couple cavefish UC studied bend to the left. They seem to be right-finned, swimming in a lazy counterclockwise pattern around their aquariums in the biology lab.

You could see how asymmetry might be an advantage in navigation, Powers said.



They tend to swim in a unidirectional, circular motion around their tanks to explore their surroundings, she said. Having asymmetry in their skull we think is attributed to handedness. If their skull is bent to the left, they could be right-handed. Theyre feeling the wall to the right with their sensory structures.



This kind of asymmetry is uncommon in nature. Think of the fiddler crab with its outsized claw. Owls have asymmetrical ears  one canal placed higher on the skull than the other  perhaps to help the night predators target the faint rustling of a mouse in the dark.



In the biology lab, researchers breed surface fish with cavefish and study the resulting hybrids, recent UC graduate Shane Kaplan said. He and UC student Erin Davis co-authored the study.



The interesting genetic combinations occur in the second generation or F2 population of hybridization, he said.



You can capture the genetic diversity of the entire population, Kaplan said. Some fish look exactly like surface fish. Others look exactly like cavefish. Then youll have intermittent phenotypes. Some are pale but have eyes while others will have no eyes but are fully pigmented.



The study was funded by grants from the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation.




A high-profile Idaho attorney who has defended in state and federal courts some of the most restrictive abortion laws in the nation is among the latest attorneys to quit state employment. Former Deputy Attorney General Megan Larrondo is one of eight attorneys and a handful of other staffers who have left or are leaving the Idaho attorney generals office following Raul Labradors win over five-term incumbent Attorney General Lawrence Wasden in the Republican primary in May. More departures are expected. Labrador has promised to make the office more partisan should he win in next week's general election, and in a series of recent interviews has denigrated attorneys in the office.
TWIN FALLS  Kylea Jasper worked all night May 16 at Dennys and then took her 9-month-old son, Dylan, to a cardiology appointment the next morning before school.

It was a tiring, but fairly typical day for the 17-year-old.

Kylea graduated as valedictorian of Magic Valley High School, an alternative school in Twin Falls for at-risk students. Shes among 54 graduates.

When I think of kids who overcome obstacles and persevered, Kylea comes to mind, Magic Valley High school counselor Amy Rothweiler said. She has dealt with more stuff in her 17 years than in my 42, and nothing has ever come easy.

But Kylea has continued to fight through the challenges, Rothweiler said, and make the best of the situations shes in.

Failing grades her freshman year led Twin Falls High School to recommend Kylea attend another school.

They said I needed extra help that I wasnt getting over there, she said.

She went to Bridge Academy and took classes through an online credit recovery program called PLATO. She later enrolled at Magic Valley High, but got kicked out after getting into a fight.

I used to be a really horrible kid, Kylea said. Im not going to lie.

Once she returned to Magic Valley High after getting kicked out, she was on school probation, meaning she couldnt get into any trouble or miss classes.

Thats when I kind of had my wake-up call, she said.

But she became pregnant her sophomore year and dropped out.

For a while she worked at McDonalds. But Rothweiler talked with her every day and pushed her to come back to school.

Shes my lifesaver, Kylea said.

Rothweiler isnt the only Magic Valley High employee who has left a mark on Kyleas life.

Honestly, all the teachers here have had an impact on me, she said.

Last week, Kylea was wrapping up her final high school class, geometry, through an independent study. She received a packet of work to complete on her own, but usually came to school for three or four hours every day to get help.

Ever since her son was born, it has been a challenge staying on top of schoolwork. She said she wants to put her full focus on her son and help him become healthy.

I found myself procrastinating a lot because of my son, she said.

At 6 months old, her son was diagnosed with night terrors. He wakes up in the middle of the night screaming. And when Kylea recently took her son to the emergency room for a health issue, a doctor said he likely has a condition called cardiac edema.

He has always had breathing issues, she said.

A chest x-ray showed his lungs are really cloudy, Kylea said, and his heart may be growing too quickly. But its still unclear exactly whats going on.

Dylan had a checkup last week, where doctors decided he should visit the hospital once a week for the next month to have his heart monitored.

While worrying about her sons health, she also spends lots of time working.

Kylea covers the graveyard shift as a waitress at Dennys Mondays and Tuesdays and works the evening shift Fridays through Sundays.

She lives with her grandparents, who help out with childcare. It just makes it easier, she said.

After high school graduation, Kylea was originally planning to go into cosmetology  a topic she pursued for her senior project  but decided to hold off. Its a popular field to go into, she said, and it can be hard to find clients.

Instead, she plans to enroll at the College of Southern Idaho this fall to pursue a certified nursing assistant certification  a field with lots of job openings and a steady income she can use to support herself and her son.
TWIN FALLS  Over nearly two decades, Brent Jensen has seen the Twin Falls jazz scene grow up.

Now, you can find jazz performances at venues such as the Twin Falls Sandwich Company, Twin Beans Coffee and Von Scheidt Brewing.

But neither business was around when Jensen moved to Twin Falls 18 years ago to take a job as jazz studies director at the College of Southern Idaho.

Its Twin Falls, Idaho. Really, theres no jazz thing there unless you fabricate it, Jensen said. Now, I feel like its going pretty good.

But now, Jensen is moving on. In January, he decided he would retire from CSI at the end of this school year.

The day after the colleges two graduation ceremonies May 12, Jensen hopped in his car and drove up to the Seattle area, where he now lives.

CSI is the longest time Ive ever had a real job in my life, Jensen said. Most of the time, Ive been a freelancer.

Hes joining his wife in Everett, Wash., where she has lived for a year working as a school counselor.

The couple has owned a condominium there for a couple of years. They also have a daughter and toddler-aged granddaughter who live in the area.

Jensen wants to start a private studio to work with saxophone and jazz improvisation students. He planned to perform last week at the Ballard Jazz Festival.

On Thursday, he was watching his granddaughter and talked with the Times-News by phone as she took a nap.

Really reluctant to even take the job

Jensens predecessor, Jim Mair, oversaw the CSI jazz program for four years and was very, very popular there, Jensen said.

CSI students had just participated in the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland the summer before Jensen was hired.

But Mair left that summer to take a college teaching job in Kansas City, Mo. He gave CSI officials a short list of three or four people he suggested for the job.

Jensens name was on the list. Hed never met Mair, but the two knew of each other.

At the time, Jensen was living in Boise, working as an adjunct professor of music at Boise State University and Northwest Nazarene University.

He was also artistic director for Jazz Sundays, a jazz workshop series. Plus, he was playing a lot of gigs, including as part of wedding bands.

That summer, Jensen was working at a weeklong jazz camp in Port Townsend, Wash., when a student told him there was a message posted on the camp bulletin board: CSI called and they want to offer you the jazz job.

My resume was completely outdated, Jensen said. But he went to the CSI campus later that summer for an interview.

I was really reluctant to even take the job, he said, and he turned it down initially. The timing didnt seem right.

His wife was an elementary school counselor in Mountain Home and was carpooling from Boise. His daughter was going into fifth grade. And the family had just bought a new house.

But in less than a month, they were moving into the Russell Square Apartments on Elizabeth Boulevard as their first place in Twin Falls.

Really good students

For the first few years leading CSIs jazz program, one of the highlights for Jensen was continuing a jazz summit each January, where area high schoolers and guest artists came to perform.

It was called the CSI Blues & Jazz Summit, an event Mair had started.

The jazz summit drew large crowds of participants like the 600 student musicians from southern Idaho, Utah and Washington during the 2000 event.

In addition to leading CSIs jazz program, Jensen played saxophone around Twin Falls in venues including CSIs student union building, Twin Beans Coffee Co., Twin Falls Sandwich Co., First Fridays at Rudys  A Cooks Paradise and Java.

And he played at events like Jazz in the Canyon, later renamed to Jazz on the Canyon.

We always had something going, Jensen said. He later added: In general, I think theres more live music happening now than several years ago. Before, it was mostly karaoke.

Jensen said it wasnt in his job description to foster a local jazz scene, but he took up the cause.

During his last CSI Jazz Ensemble concert earlier this month, college students collaborated with students from Jerome and Wendell high schools.

Im hoping the new person will be able to do that, too, Jensen said, and foster outreach.

Over the years, some of his graduates have continued on to become music teachers  some, even as adjunct instructors at CSI.

I had a lot of really good students, Jensen said. I was lucky to have some pretty talented players.

Its a job that had its rewards. You feel like youve kind of passed it along to another generation, he said.

A gifted giver

CSI President Jeff Fox, whos also a jazz musician, performed hundreds of gigs with Jensen over the years.

Jensens impact is far reaching, Fox said, through the number of students he influenced and by bringing a level of understanding of jazz to the community.

Jensen was adept at the art and science of jazz, Fox said, including a vast knowledge of song forms, music theory and experimental aspects of improvisation. He called his friend a genius at the science of jazz.

He could play virtually every piece of music in any key without any music, Fox said. He had an incredible sense of humor musically that way.

And for students, he really inspired those young people to live outside the box, Fox said.

Jensen recorded several albums with Seattle-based Origin Records, with The Sound of a Dry Martini being the most well known.

Jensen also traveled across Idaho recruiting students for CSIs jazz program and adjudicating events.

He spent a lot of time trying to get young people into jazz the best he could, Fox said.

As a professor, Jensen had little patience for students who were trying to blow things off, Fox said. I appreciated that about him.

But Jensen was constantly giving back. If he made a profit on one of his CDs, hed write a check to the CSI Jazz Club, Fox said. And he focused on bringing high-quality musicians from across the United States to CSI for concerts.

Brent is a gifted giver, Fox said. He takes his talents to the people.

Jensen is always striving for excellence, he added, but can be self-deprecating and feels hes never good enough.

A couple of years ago, Jensen collaborated with other CSI fine arts professors to create the Stage Door Series, a grassroots cooperative of innovative performances.

I think Brent was a huge part of that, Fox said.

In the jazz world, Jensen is a modernist, Fox said. Thats probably the impact he had on Twin Falls more than anything. He brought that perspective. He helped people learn how to listen to music.
TWIN FALLS  Twin Falls criminal justice facilities are getting cramped.

Weve ran out of space for additional staff, so as weve added staff weve had to put another desk on top of another desk, said County Clerk Kristina Glascock, who oversees the deputy court clerks who work in the Theron W. Ward Judicial Building downtown.

And the number of court cases in that building has been going up.

Five years ago I didnt have a special prosecutor just to handle probation violations, said Grant Loebs, the countys top prosecutor. I have a person who does nothing but that now.

More cases means more hearings, which means you need a place to hold the hearings in.

The question is, looking into the future, we have two district courtrooms (now), Loebs said. Were going to need more. Were going to have a need for expansion in the jail probably in the next few years.

The James R. Munn Adult Detention Facility next to the court building has been filled almost to its 224-inmate capacity for the past couple of months, said Capt. Doug Hughes, the jails administrator  there were 223 inmates last Thursday. The county boards some inmates in other counties at a cost of $50 to $55 a day. About 87 percent of the people in the jail are felons, Hughes said, so releasing more of them isnt really an option.

If we keep going at the rate were going, eventually were going to run into a cap where we cant move any inmates and we dont have enough beds, he said. That whole crowding issue becomes a real problem when you get down to it.

A lack of beds at the jail isnt the only space issue there.

Right now our administration offices are beaten-up old trailers and Conexes, said Commissioner Terry Kramer. Its just ridiculous.

A few years ago most county government functions were moved from the old county courthouse near Shoshone Street and Fourth Avenue North to their current home in the County West building on Addison Avenue. However, the judicial building, which was built in 1967, and the jail, which was built in 1988, are still in use, and both are running out of space as the county grows and the number of cases, inmates and staff to handle it all grows too.

County commissioners have hired LCA Architects of Boise, which has a long track record of designing jails, courts and law enforcement buildings elsewhere in Idaho and in nearby states, to do a space-needs study on the two buildings. A week ago, they met with LCA Vice President Russ Moorhead to discuss the scope of the study.

Moorhead plans to interview the people who use the buildings to see what they need, look at the history of caseloads and jail populations and try to project the future space needs, and how many people will be using the buildings a few decades down the road.

Kramer said the lack of meeting spaces in the current courthouse and the design of the public spaces and crowd flows is one of the major shortfalls of the current building. Improving customer service would also have to be addressed  for example, he said, all fines are paid in the same place right now. Keeping the judges separate from the public, and the public separate from the inmates being brought in, would have to be considered as well, Moorhead said.

Those all have to be built into that infrastructure so were not remodeling this five years down the road, Kramer said.

As for the jail, Moorhead plans to study the history of the average daily population and try to project the future. One thing that makes this tricky, Kramer said, is this can depend on state policy  the jail population fell after the problem-solving courts were established, but has been going up again, which Kramer attributed partially to the 2014 passage of the Justice Reinvestment Act.

The Legislature has a lot to do with your jail population, Kramer said. You cant really foresee whats going to happen.

Its kind of like driving forward by looking in a rear-view mirror, Moorhead said. You cant do it very well, but you can do it.

The issue isnt new  the county did a space-needs study in 2006, and last year county commissioners voted to set aside $8 million for future improvements to the judicial building. The need is quite visible at the jail, where a trailer and a shipping container were attached to the front of the building more than a decade ago to serve as office space. In the back are a few more trailers used as housing for low-risk inmates. These were intended at the time as temporary fixes.

On the way to the office trailer and Conex, you pass through a break room too small for any seating  deputies typically warm up their lunches there, then go elsewhere to eat  and then past boxes of records that need to be stored for years before being destroyed and are being kept there because there isnt anywhere else to put them. Both the trailer and the Conex are cramped and showing their age  leaking ceilings, weather stripping peeling off. People who have business at the administrative trailer walk up to a small window, placed so low the people inside have to crouch to accept payments.

The trailers where some inmates are housed arent in any better shape, visibly weathered on the outside. The smell of mold hits you when you walk in. And the areas of the judicial building where the deputy court clerks spend their days arent very comfortable either, with desks pushed up against each other and little space for them to work. Glascock, the county clerk, said there isnt any room for more staff, and the courtrooms and jury rooms are too small. And many days, she said, there arent enough courtrooms for traveling judges to hear cases.

So far, the discussion has mostly been about keeping the jail and the courthouse at the same site. Moving the jail and courthouse to different places is one possibility under consideration, but this would bring added transportation expenses. Also, the county already owns lots near the current facilities, which would give more space to expand.

After the preliminary study is done, Moorhead said he would bring in a citizens committee and start public outreach efforts. Public involvement is particularly important, Moorhead said, because the project will likely need to be paid for with a voter-approved bond.

I think thats really important once you get an idea of where were going, Kramer said. If they dont get buy-in youre never going to get this thing passed.

County commissioners stressed that they would like whatever is built to last for several decades. And Kramer said the new courthouse cant be a gymnasium-looking building.

It needs to look like a court, he said. It needs to have authority and it needs to be something that youre proud of down the road.
U.S. Rep. Mike Simpson, R-Idaho:

The administration deserves credit for taking our nations fiscal crisis seriously, but I hope that in the coming years we can begin the conversation on addressing the real drivers of our debt, which remain untouched by the yearly appropriations process. Mandatory programs remain on autopilot and continue to grow, dwarfing all other government programs in terms of spending. That is why I will continue to advocate for 'going big' with a package of spending cuts paired with tax and entitlement reform, as it is the only way we will truly put our country back on solid fiscal footing.

U.S. Sen. Jim Risch, R-Idaho:

The Presidents budget proposal is merely a blueprint of his administrations priorities. As outlined in our U.S. Constitution, it is solely Congress responsibility to set our nations budget and appropriate funds. The House and Senate must now work together to introduce, debate, and pass a final budget plan. Throughout this process, I will continue to advocate for Idahos most pressing priorities.

U.S. Sen. Mike Crapo, R-Idaho:

I am aware that portions of the presidents budget call for dramatic cuts to programs affecting Idahoans and its communities. As a member of the Senate Budget Committee, I will work with my colleagues to strike a fair balance between funding necessary programs and the need to reduce ongoing deficit spending.

Lauren Necochea, director, Idaho Center for Fiscal Policy:

Idaho simply cannot afford to absorb the costs we would incur if a version of this budget is approved by Congress. This proposed budget includes historically unprecedented cost shifts to the states and unprecedented cuts to essential public services that working Idahoans rely on to make ends meet and. The tax cuts for the wealthy come at a huge cost to children, seniors, Idahoans with disabilities, and community investments that benefit all of us."
January 5, 1942  January 27, 2017

NASHVILLE, Tenn.  Wayne was born in Paso Robles, California, the first born son of Kenneth D and Marjorie Pauline (Minert) King. About a year later, Dad departed for the Philippines with the US Army and Mom loaded our oldest sister Ann, Wayne and me (Howard) into a clunky old Ford car and headed for Dads home town, Wendell, Idaho. There we waited out the war under the protective wing of Dads family.

Our first home was a little house on second Street E. where we had many wonderful neighbors (Parrs, Frenchs, Roholts, Baxters, Bradshaws). When Dad returned, he had contracted malaria. He took a position with the Gooding Agricultural Conservation Service for a few months but was unable to continue because he suffered from terrible headaches. Mom decided it was time to begin our farming career and bought 57 acres (paid $4000!) with an old house North West of town from the Culps. Grandpa King gave Dad a start in the dairy business with a heifer named Monsita and the rest became history.

It was a wonderful place for us kids (Ann, Wayne, me (Howard), Kristine, Steve, Mary Jane (who we lost when she was just two years old), Paul (who we lost in an ultralite airplane accident about nine years ago), Joe and Lucile to grow up. Wayne and I had to help Dad keep up with the work of the dairy plus helping our neighbors (Powels, Behrens, Coiners) put up hay, thrash grain, weed onions, etc. But Dad let us make a lot of our own decisions and use his tools (Wayne and I spent hours talking with Dad about the responsibilities of life, etc. while we were milking the cows, etc.) We learned to swim early on, skinny dipping in the irrigation canals with the Hoodenpyle and Alred boys.

The thing I regret most about growing up in the little community of Wendell is that so few kids have the same opportunities us King kids had! When Wayne was a junior in high school, my oldest sister, Ann, entered Dads name in a government land drawing for veterans without his knowledge (1959). A short time later, a notice came in the mail that his name was picked, number fourteenth, in a project North and West of Rupert, Idaho. Tired of the 24/7 demands of the dairy business, Dad pulled up stakes and we were off on a new adventure  new farm, school, friends (no cows)! Only being there for one year, Wayne graduated (Minidoka County High School) with the class of 1960.

Our Aunt Louise invited him to live with her family and attend Wisconsin State University-Superior. After a year there, he decided to return to Idaho and finish his education at Idaho State University with a Bachelor in Journalism. After graduation, Wayne signed up with the Marines and volunteered for the PLC (Platoon Leader Corps). While in training, he suffered a serious shoulder injury and spent the remainder of his tour in the Marine reserves.

Soon after, while working at a TV station in Wisconsin, he met a young woman named Marilyn Smisek and they were married. Wayne worked as a speech writer for Senator Brown from Ohio and then for a couple of TV and power companies before retiring near Nashville, Tennessee. He and his beautiful wife were blessed with three kids, Robin (Spokane, Washington), Sally (New York) and Tim (Virginia). Wayne loved his little church (Lebanon, TN) and was also an avid dumpster diver. Waynes final battle here on this earth was with Alzheimers. The last time I visited Wayne, he had learned the language of his diseasehe pointed at me, clicked his tongue, and smiled in recognition (he was saying I love you).

Those of us who know him will miss him terribly. His Idaho family would like to invite all who knew him to join with us on Memorial Day at the Wendell Cemetery west of town to reminisce and fill in memories that I couldnt fill in here. Hope to see you there!
WENDELL  One man died and another was injured in a rollover crash Wednesday morning south of Wendell, Idaho State Police said.

The call came in just after 7 a.m. notifying police of the one-vehicle crash at 1875 E. 3400 S. in Gooding County.

Jose Valdez, 22, of Jerome was westbound on 3400 South when his GMC Yukon drifted off the north side of the road and rolled, ISP said. The vehicle struck a power pole and fence, then came to rest on the north side of the road. Valdez was taken by ambulance to St. Lukes Magic Valley Medical Center in Twin Falls.

Valdezs passenger, Leopoldo Alvarez-Trujillo, 19, also of Jerome, was thrown from the vehicle and died at the scene, Trooper Michael Wendler said.

Neither occupant was wearing a seat belt. The accident is under investigation.
by RT

The Philippines wants modern Russian weapons to combat ISIS-linked terrorists, the countrys president Rodrigo Duterte told his Russian counterpart after declaring martial law for 60 days in the South and cutting short his trip to Moscow to deal with the crisis.

The meeting between President Vladimir Putin and Duterte was scheduled for Thursday but was brought forward to Tuesday evening after the Philippines president declared martial law and was forced to return home. The declaration followed a shootout between government troops and Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS, ISIL) aligned militants in the southern city of Marawi.

I came [to Moscow] to secure your support and to confirm our friendship, the Philippines President said as he met Putin.

Read more

Duterte expressed regret that he had to leave Russia early after ISIS units occupied the province [Mindanao], and there are still fighting and clashes there.

Duterte, who called Russia a reliable partner, also emphasized that Manila is ready to develop relations with Moscow and is looking forward to purchase Russian arms to fight terrorists in his country.

Of course, our country needs modern weapons. We had orders in the United States, but now the situation there is not so smooth, and in order to fight with ISIS, with their units and factions, we need modern weapons, Duterte told Putin.

Prior to his Mondays arrival in Russia, Duterte said Manila signaled his interest in buying small arms, helicopters and jets from Moscow to fight its drug war and terrorist insurgency.

While Washington used to supply weapons to Manila, Duterte previously said that procuring arms from the United States might be challenging because the US was heavily criticizing the alleged human rights abuses in his country.

Of course, cooperation in the military-technical field is possible, Putin told Duterte at the Kremlin, adding, that the countries have many other prospective areas of cooperation, including in the areas of power, engineering, energy and transportation.

Putin also expressed his condolences over the killing of two soldiers and one police officer after the Islamic State-aligned Maute Group of terrorists occupied parts of Marawi City.

Read more

I want to express my condolences in connection with the death of people in your country that happened as a result of the terrorist attack, Putin told Duterte, saying that he and Russian people fully understand why Duterte was forced to cut short his trip.

I want to express hope that the conflict will be resolved as soon as possible with minimum losses, Putin added.

The Russian leader also said despite Dutertes early leave, the two countries will still sign the full set of documents that had been prepared by the delegations.

Your ministers will stay here and tomorrow this package of documents which is aimed at the development of our bilateral relations, will be signed, Putin said

Duterte was also forced to cancel his Wednesday meeting with Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev because of the developments in the Philippines.

The government is in full control of the situation and is fully aware that the Maute/ISIS and similar groups have the capability, though limited, to disturb the peace, presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella told a news conference in Moscow.




The situation in Tunisia has become fragile after a protester was accidentally killed when a vehicle driven by members of the National Guard overran him according to the Interior and Health ministries.

The incident is being described as an accident by the officials, while protesters claim the victim was deliberately crushed. The accident occurred as the protesters tried to storm the El Kamour facility, and as the soldiers deployed to secure the place fired tear gases.

The 20-year old Anouar Sakrafi succumbed to the wounds that he sustained while in hospital.

National guard spokesman Khalifa Chibani, in an interview with local radio Mosaique FM, raised concerns about the incitement on social media due to calls for civil disobedience and even a coup detat. The intensity of the threat has not been determined.

The weeks-long protests have been centred in the southern region and near oil facilities, but may spread to other major cities as tensions are brewing.

The National Coordination of Social Movements is holding President Beji Caid Essebsi responsible. The Head of State is responsible for this death, for what happened in Tataouine and in other regions, especially after his speech which ordered the deployment of the military to the facilities, the group underlined. The communities were the oil stations are located have lamented that their regions have been marginalized in terms of social and economic development.

This Wednesday morning, the Governor of Tataouine has handed in his resignation allegedly for personal reasons. However, the turmoil in the region is no doubt one of the reasons of his resignation.
Reports are emerging that consultations between members of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and 11 non-members of the organization are likely to reach a deal that would extend the freeze on their output to next year.

The current agreement is expected to expire in June 2017 and the meeting to extend it will begin in Vienna on Thursday. Anonymous sources have hinted that a positive outcome is highly possible amid contestations.

Saudi Arabias Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih made remarks in support of the extension with minor changes, a proposal backed by Iraq. A source thinks that it will be a smooth meeting to garner support for such an agenda and see what happens with the US shale which will grow but will face its limits.

Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries will reportedly support the extension because they heavily depend on revenues generated from oil and gas. Another source explained that there are no surprises with regards to regional support as Iraq and Kuwait have nodded to the proposal.

Nevertheless, there are reports that the proposal has not obtained unanimous support from OPEC members but one of the delegates minimized the significance because no serious objection is expected if at all since the Saudi oil ministers view seems accurate.

Some of the non-OPEC members are also expected to support the extension according to Kuwaits oil minister Essam al-Marzouq. He stated that Falih had talked to several countries including Norway, Turkmenistan, Egypt, and they have made signs of their willingness to join the collaboration.

However, Norway has limited expectations as it stressed that it had no plan to join cuts but had a good dialogue with OPEC.

The current agreement led to reduction of production output by 1.8 million barrels per day in the first half of 2017, which has helped oil prices to increase from around $35 to $50.
Sudan has accused neighboring Egypt of fuelling the crisis in the Darfur region by providing support to the rebel group. President Omar al-Bashir, at a ceremony honoring retired army officers Tuesday in Khartoum, said the Sudanese forces have seized armored vehicles and a large number of military vehicles and machinery and that the armored vehicles came from Egypt. The two countries have been at odds over various issues and have adopted measures unsupportive of trade and movement between them.

President Bashir said the seized Egyptian armored vehicles by the Sudanese forces were used by the Darfur rebels to attack two states on Friday. Numerous photos of the alleged vehicles have surfaced on social media platforms.

Egypt has denied playing any role in the attack. Its Foreign Ministry stressed that Cairo has never intervened to destabilize the sisterly country of Sudan or harm its people. The ministry reiterated that their foreign policy is anchored in respect for international law and the principles of neighborliness and non-aggression, adding that they have special fraternal relations with Sudan.

The latest accusations come a week before the Sudanese foreign minister visits Cairo as part of efforts to smoothen relations between the two countries. It is unclear if the visit will go ahead as planned.
Chicken will be the best-positioned protein due to its low price position in times of pressure on consumer spending power but rises in production costs and the long-term impact of COVID-19 threaten to disrupt the sector, according to Rabobank.
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Farmers in Georgias top wine-making region get agricultural tips on phone

About 8,000 farmers in Georgias top wine-making region of Kakheti will start receiving agricultural advice as free text messages on their mobile phones next month.The SMSs will recommend when they should apply treatments to their crops, what kind of treatment they will need and what the dose should be. The initiative is aimed at reducing the spread of crop diseases.These SMS recommendations will be based on information obtained from 22 Austrian agrarian meteorology stations, installed on agricultural plots in all eight municipalities of Kakheti.The innovation stems from a United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) project  financed by the Austrian Development Cooperation (ADC), and the European Unions Comprehensive Institution Building Programme (CIB). The aim of the initial pilot project was to create a network of agro-meteorology stations that use data on air temperature, humidity and other factors to forecast when the risk of crop disease spread is high. Armed with this information, farmers can treat their plants according to weather conditions, and use less agrochemicals."Weather is especially important in agriculture, said Mamuka Meskhi, Assistant FAO Representative in Georgia."The same weather factors affect the plant differently in its various vegetative stages. For this reason, it is necessary to know what the weather conditions are at each stage of the plants development and how the plants react to them."The information obtained from the agro-meteorology stations will allow the farmer to save time and money and receive high quality, healthy crop, Meskhi added.Each station has 10 sensors. Every hour, they measure: Air temperature Atmospheric precipitation Relative humidity Atmospheric pressure Speed of wind Wind direction Soil temperature Soil humidity Leaf wetness Sun radiationThe National Food Agency of Georgias Ministry of Agriculture is responsible for the weather stations and for analysis and dissemination of the information received from them. The information will be processed by the Agency and disseminated to farmers from 57 villages in Kakheti."With the help of the agro-meteorology stations, we can forecast vegetable, cereal and fruit plant diseases, said Nikoloz Meskhi, head of the National Food Agencys Plant Protection Department."We will send this information to the owners of agricultural plots located within a five-kilometer radius of each weather station, and they will plan their plant treatment accordingly.At a series of presentations in all eight municipalities of Kakheti, farmers were informed about the benefits of the new system, which the Ministry of Agriculture intends to expand in the future.
Non-parliamentary opposition demands ban on selling lands to foreigners

By Messenger Staff

Several non-parliamentary opposition parties, the Democratic Movement-United Georgia among them, are demanding a ban on selling lands to foreigners. They claim that this must be written in the countrys main legal code, the constitution, which is currently being amended.The issue of selling lands to foreigners is being regulated by Georgias organic laws.Part of the majority supports the ban to be written in the amended Constitution.However, the Parliament Chair, Irakli Kobakhidze, who also chaired the Constitutional Commission, says the complete ban on selling the agricultural lands on foreigners may cause problems.He said that there were several banks in Georgia which have foreigners as co-owners or shareholders, and if a complete ban came into effect through the Constitution it would be impossible for Georgians to take loans in exchange for their lands as a mortgage downpayment.The Patriarch of Georgia has also many times warned against the selling of Georgian lands to foreign citizens.This is a very important issue and needs to be very cautiously discussed before making a final solution.There are many foreign countries - including developed countries - which refrain from selling their own lands to foreigners.It might be acceptable for an organic law to regulate the issue appropriately rather than needing to write anything new into the constitution.There are many other ways beyond selling for a foreign citizen to use land and gain profit for himself/herself and the for the state economy, such as leasing the land or similar. However, foreigners generally have greater purchasing power than Georgians, and so this economic aspect must also be considered.
The News in Brief

Sokhumi Claims Invitation to National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C.



In an interview with Sokhumi-based newspaper Abkhazia Republic, published on May 13, Abkhaz Foreign minister Daur Kove said he was invited by two United States Senators to attend the National Prayer Breakfast on February 2, but added that his visa application was denied by the U.S. embassy.



Not so long ago, I received an official invitation from two U.S. Senators to the National Prayer Breakfast having received the invitation, I filed my application documents to the American embassy, but my visa application was denied, Kove stated, without specifying the names of the two Senators.



The National Prayer Breakfast is held every year in Washington, D.C. in early February. It is organized by the Fellowship Foundation, a Christian organization based in Virginia, on behalf of the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives, and is attended by a large number of American and foreign dignitaries, including the sitting U.S. President.



In the same interview, Kove spoke on NATO activities in Georgia, saying they were damaging stability in the region. The expansion of the military presence of NATO forces [in Georgia] undermines stability in the region, as it creates military disparity and contributes to the Georgias illusions that the conflict with Abkhazia and South Ossetia can be resolved by force, he said.



Kove also criticized the Georgian governments position in the Geneva International Discussions (GID), accusing Tbilisi of having destructive stance on the issue of the non-use of force document.



The Georgian side is ready to sign the non-use of force document already today, but not with Abkhazia, but with the Russian Federation. By that, the Georgian side is misconstruing the reality, trying to present the Russian Federation as a party to the conflict, and in so doing, is intentionally forming a false image in the world community on the existence of a conflict with the Russian Federation and is sidestepping the well-known fact of Georgias aggression against South Ossetia and Abkhazia in the early 1990s, Kove explained.



Kove also dismissed Tbilisis offers of visa free travel with the European Union to be used by the residents of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali /South Ossetia, calling it yet another venturesome undertaking. The Georgian lure, which entails the application of the pseudo-attractive visa-free regime with the EU countries to the occupied territories, is doomed to fail, Kove noted. (civil.ge)







Giorgi Margvelashvili: Georgia is a European country, not a neighbour of Europe



President Giorgi Margvelashvili delivered a public lecture entitled' Security in the Black Sea as a Cornerstone of European Stability', at the Commencement University in Bratislava within his official visit to Slovakia.



According to the President's press service, Giorgi Margvelashvili spoke about the historical importance of the Black Sea region in relation to the development of Europe and noted that the future of the region is directly related to the well-being and progress of the EU member states.



According to Giorgi Margvelashvili, Georgia has been actively involved in the development of Europe for centuries; Georgia is a European country and not a neighbor of Europe.



He said Georgia was a cornerstone of the European stability of the Black Sea region, which faces various challenges but remains committed to the common European and Euro-Atlantic principles and values.



Giorgi Margvelashvili also talked about Georgia-Russian relations and the occupied regions. (IPN)




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The White House will release its taxpayer-first budget on Tuesday, which includes $1.7 trillion in cuts for entitlement spending and a 30 percent reduction in the Environmental Protection Agencys (EPA) budget.

The Trump budget proposal will balance over the next ten years by cutting both mandatory and discretionary funding for agencies such as the EPA and State Department. The budget proposal assumes that the economy will grow at three percent compared to the 1.6 percent growth that America experienced in 2016. White House staffers explained that the proposal is a post-policy budget, meaning that the budget assumes that Trump signed the health care overhaul known as the American Health Care Act (AHCA) and tax reform into law.

The budget proposal will make substantial cuts into four entitlement programs, SNAP (food stamps), CHIP (Childrens Health Insurance Program), and SSDI (Disability Insurance). The Trump budget assumes that the AHCA becomes law, which would roll back Medicaid expansion. White House staffers told Axios that the budget would cut entitlement costs through an emphasis on work requirements for able-bodied people.

The Washington Posts Damian Paletta stated , The White House also will call for giving states more flexibility to impose work requirements for people in different kinds of anti-poverty programs, people familiar with the budget plan said, potentially leading to a flood of changes in states led by conservative governors.

Josh Archambault, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Government Accountability, explained that giving states the flexibility to impose work requirements could to lead to significant changes to programs such as Medicaid or public housing assistance.

One of the encouraging things about putting this in the budget is that states will see if it works, Archambault said . States will try it.

Michael Tanner, a welfare expert at the Cato Institute, admitted that despite the United States spending roughly $700 billion a year on entitlement programs, the country does not experience significant reductions in poverty.

Tanner said , Were not seeing the type of gains we should be seeing for all that spending, and that would suggest its time to reform the system.

Although the budget will include cuts to food stamps and disability insurance, President Donald Trump told his budget director Mick Mulvaney that he does not want any cuts to Medicare or Social Security.

President Donald Trumps budget would also cut the EPAs budget by a third and slash the agencys operational budget by 35 percent. The budget would reduce environmental grant programs by 35 to 40 percent. The proposed budget for the EPA would limit the EPAs budget to $5.7 billion from roughly $8 billion.

Trumps budget cuts for the EPA coincide with the EPAs $12 million buyout and early retirement plan to reduce the agencys workforce under the Trump administration.

Trump made campaign promises to eliminate the EPA, and has already taken great strides to limit the agencys workforce. EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt dismissed half of the scientists on its Board of Scientific Counselors earlier this month.

White House staffers told Axios that the Trump budget proposal will be a victory for conservatives, much to the chagrin of moderates and Democrats.


@PatriciaMazzei

Citing "cost-cutting measures," Miami talk-radio station WIOD-AM has dropped from its lineup local host Fernand Amandi, a vocal critic of President Donald Trump, Amandi said late Tuesday.

In a statement posted to Twitter, Amandi thanked his editorial team -- and the listeners and callers who had tuned in to "Amandi On Air," the daily weekday show he began guest-hosting in late 2014. His last show was Friday.

"With your support, we succeeded in hosting one of the last forums of its kind on South Florida talk radio, spotlighting important local and national issues with a stellar line up of artists, authors, experts, journalists and newsmakers while steadfastly welcoming all callers and all perspectives against the backdrop of the most engaging and tumultuous political era in recent memory," Amandi said.

My statement below on the conclusion of our weekday NewsRadio 610 WIOD call-in program, "The Fernand Amandi Show" #ThankYouForListening pic.twitter.com/aQC5xXL4JL  Fernand R. Amandi (@AmandiOnAir) May 24, 2017

He declined to comment beyond the statement. WIOD management could not be immediately reached late Tuesday.

Amandi, a Democratic pollster with the firm Bendixen & Amandi, was the most liberal host on WIOD's lineup, which includes nationally syndicated shows by conservatives such as Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity. Amandi, who hosted weekly roundtables with local reporters, including from the Miami Herald, opened his phone lines to callers to discuss national, state and local politics, a rarity in English-language radio. In contrast, the call-in format dominates local talk radio in Spanish.

The last "Amandi On Air" show was Friday. It featured Herald opinion columnist Leonard Pitts Jr. and Republican political strategist Rick Wilson of Tallahassee, among other guests. After the show concluded, according to Amandi, he was informed by iHeart Media, WIOD's owner, of his dismissal.

Photo credit: Max Reed, Miami Herald file
@MichaelAuslen

Florida Commissioner of Agriculture and Republican candidate for governor Adam Putnam wants state lawmakers to come back to Tallahassee in a special session to finish the work on medical marijuana that they started but didn't finish earlier this month.

"I think that it's important for the elected officials to have done their job during the regular session," he said Tuesday. "Since they didn't, I think a special session is in order."

Lawmakers failed to reach agreement on sweeping legislation that would have put into state law the will of 71 percent of voters who supported medical pot. A breakdown in backroom negotiations among top members of the Legislature meant they left their regular session this year without putting a system into place, kicking the issue to the Department of Health, which Putnam and others have been critical of.

"I think for a constitutional amendment's implementation, it's important for the elected officials to do it, not the bureaucrats at the Department of Health," Putnam said.

He joins more than two dozen other Florida politicians who have called for a special session, including Democratic gubernatorial candidate Gwen Graham and possible candidate John Morgan, who were both among the first to demand a special session. House Speaker Richard Corcoran, also rumored to be considering a run for governor, said two weeks ago that he supports bringing the Legislature back.

"I watched my husband battle cancer & the effects of chemo. Patients could use medical marijuana to treat their pain," Graham tweeted early this month.

As well, 13 state lawmakers have written letters to Secretary of State Ken Detzner asking for a special session: Sens. Jose Javier Rodriguez, D-Miami; Darryl Rouson, D-St. Petersburg; Greg Steube, R-Sarasota; and Victor Torres, D-Orlando. And Reps. John Cortes, D-Kissimmee; Nick Duran, D-Miami; Katie Edwards, D-Plantation; Roy Hardemon, D-Miami; Wengay Newton, D-St. Petersburg; Kathleen Peters, R-South Pasadena; Sean Shaw, D-Tampa; Emily Slosberg, D-Boca Raton; and Carlos Guillermo Smith, D-Orlando.

If 32 members of the Legislature, Detzner's office would have to poll the House and Senate. A three-fifths majority of each chamber is required to call a special session. In addition to the 13 listed above, at least 14 other lawmakers have said on social media or in interviews with the Times/Herald that they support a special session.

The other two options, which are far more common: Gov. Rick Scott could call a special session (he has routinely said he will "consider his options"), or Corcoran and Senate President Joe Negron could jointly do so.

Photo: Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam (OCTAVIO JONES | Tampa Bay Times)
@PatriciaMazzei

Five members of Congress from both political parties took to the House floor Tuesday evening to deliver a series of related speeches denouncing the Venezuelan government of President Nicolas Maduro.

The lawmakers, two of them from Florida, urged further U.S. sanctions. Last week, the Trump administration penalized eight Venezuelan Supreme Court judges, citing their short-lived decision earlier this year to strip legislative power from the elected National Assembly.

"The situation in Venezuela is becoming more desperate by the day: the humanitarian situation is worsening, the Maduro regime continues its flagrant human rights abuses, and despite the latest round of sanctions issued by the Treasury Department, the United States needs to take more decisive steps in support of the Venezuelan people," said Miami Republican Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, who led the effort.

Also speaking were Reps. Albio Sires, D-New Jersey; Joaquin Castro, D-Texas; Mario Diaz-Balart, R-Miami, and Jeff Duncan, R-South Carolina.
The Montana Human Rights Bureau has dismissed a discrimination complaint against the University of Montana and UM Dining director Mark LoParco.

However, the bureau did not rule on the merits of the allegations that LoParco discriminated based on gender and disability.

The bureau found the complaint by Rebecca "Becca" Shern was filed too late, more than 180 days after the last alleged discriminatory action: "By statute, Montana Human Rights Bureau is required to dismiss an untimely complaint on a finding of no reasonable cause."

In the complaint, former UM Dining employees Shern and Kathleen "Kate" Slack alleged UM and LoParco, their ultimate supervisor, bullied and belittled them and other women, subjected them to misogynistic and sexist treatment, and unfairly promoted and compensated men while denying advancement to women.

The bureau received the jointly filed complaint on September 8, 2016, more than 180 days after Slack's last day at UM, too.

Bureau attorney Tim Little said Tuesday the agency did not review the full substance of the allegations in the complaint; rather, state statute requires the bureau to end an investigation if it determines a claim was submitted after the filing deadline.

"(The bureau) did not conduct a thorough investigation into the merits of the claim," Little said.

Earlier this month, Slack filed a complaint in Missoula County District Court making similar allegations against UM and LoParco.

UM counsel Lucy France earlier declined to comment.

However, LoParco has been lauded by campus officials as a "dynamo" and also honored by UM for his work in sustainability as well as by a national association for his leadership in the collegiate food industry. LoParco retires May 31 after working as head of UM Dining for 25 years.

Tuesday, lawyer Quentin Rhoades said Shern is considering legal action, and may file a complaint in District Court or a U.S. civil rights case. The Rhoades, Siefert and Erickson firm of Missoula is representing Shern.

Rhoades said the substance of any allegations would be much the same as the complaint filed with the Human Rights Bureau.

"We might stylistically approach it a little differently," he said.

Although the bureau dismissed the complaint of discrimination last month, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has yet to make a ruling on the federal claim, Rhoades said.
A slew of last-minute unsolicited robocalls and texts imploring Montana voters to support particular candidates has prompted a handful of complaints to the Montana Office of Political Practices in the final hours leading up to the statewide special congressional election.

Robocalls are illegal in Montana unless they also feature a live operator who obtains permission from the called party before the message is delivered. The Republican National Committee paid for robocalls featuring the pre-recorded voices of President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence in support of Republican Greg Gianforte, seeking to become Montanas lone U.S. congressman.

Gianforte is battling Democrat Rob Quist and Libertarian Mark Wicks in Thursday's special election to replace Interior Secretary Ryan Zinkes vacated spot.

According to the Republican National Committee, all the robocalls with Pence and Trump featured a live operator. A spokesman for the RNC said that they spent extra money to pay for live callers to comply with Montana law.

Hi, this is President Donald Trump and I know what the people of Montana really want and really care about," Trump said in the robocall. "If you don't vote tomorrow, the liberal Democrats running for Congress will decimate and dismantle all that we've done. So get to the polls and vote for Greg. That's Greg Gianforte, you'll be very proud of him for years to come. Thanks a lot!"

Montana voters also have been getting text messages from the Quist campaign. One typical transcript of the text reads:

Hi, Im ____ a volunteer for Rob Quist in MT. Im worried about the 70k Montanans who will lose their health care if Gianforte wins. Do you have any questions about the election?

Pences robocall message was similar to Trumps, except for his name in the message.

According to the RNC, a live operator would read from the following transcript before playing the message:

Hello, Im ___ calling from the Republican National Committee. May I play you a recorded message from President Donald Trump about the upcoming special election?

If the called party answers "yes," then the recorded message plays. If the called party answers "no" or gives no response, the message says: This call was paid for by the Republican National Committee, not authorized by any candidate or candidates committee. www.gop.com.

Montana Office of Political Practices commissioner Jeff Mangan said that his office has received more than 10 but less than 100 general complaints about the robocalls.

Weve gotten lots of calls, he said. But its outside our jurisdiction.

Robocalls are not under the jurisdiction of the COPP because they are classified under criminal code statute Offenses Against Public Order, Montana Code Annotated 45-8-216.

So even if the content is political, the complaints are handled by local law enforcement officials. The Missoula County Attorneys Office did not return a phone call seeking comment on Wednesday. Because this race is for a federal seat, complaints about political violations would be handled by the Federal Elections Commission.

This particular race is outside our purview, Mangan said. Weve been referring folks to local law enforcement or city attorney.
KALISPELL, Mont. (AP)  Authorities say a woman missing since March was found dead in the Flathead River in northwest Montana.

The Daily Inter Lake reports https://goo.gl/P5ghdS the body of 55-year-old Dacia Finch was recovered south of Kalispell on Sunday. She was last seen March 30, and a Flathead County sheriff's deputy found her car in a park the following day.
To say that Jim Larsons opinion of May 12 takes liberties with the truth would be a dramatic understatement.

Neither Hoiuse Bill 645 or Senate Bill 367 were infrastructure bills. They were simply needless Democrat bonding measures. Of the $80-ish million spending provided for in these bonding bills, $45 million would have been for four buildings on Montana campuses that should have been planned for in the Long-Range Building Program (LRBP) funding, not in a bonding bill. Only about $19.5 million of the $80 million would have been for projects that fit the Montana Infrastructure Coalitions definition of basic infrastructure. Deception No. 1.

Republicans, including myself, supported more than $1 billion in actual infrastructure spending. That is spending for water, sewer, bridges and road projects  not buildings that are outside the domain of true infrastructure.

The citizens of Montana are being taxed and spent into oblivion  by the same Democrats being touted by Larsons column. Bonding $80 million  which carried a nearly $37 million interest price tag on future generations  is not what the taxpayers of Montana have asked their citizen legislature to enact.

Youll hear bonding supporters talk about how businesses bond all the time, so its a smart idea. It may be a smart idea  for profit-generating businesses. Thats the difference. If the state of Montana were generating a profit from such bonding (that doesnt happen), there may have been support from fiscal conservatives. As bonding only adds to the cost and growth of state government, it is seldom a good option.

Republicans offered a compromise  overturn or reduce the gas tax (HB 473)  and wed pass the bonding bill. Since the gas tax is a $35 million-$45 million per-year forever tax, a one-time bonding bill would have made far more sense. Once again, Democrats stubbornly refused to consider this common-sense solution.

Gov. Steve Bullocks compromise, if you can call it that, was to fund a portion of the measure with new taxes, hardly a win for Montana taxpayers. And not until Day 87 did the governor offer to negotiate in good faith with Republicans. It was another classic my way or the highway offer from this administration.

One final thought. After both bonding bills failed (remember  theyre not infrastructure bills, by and large) the necessary 2/3 majority needed to pass, Bullock directed the House Democrats to kill House Bill 8, the Rural Renewal Grant and Loan program, that had been passed each of the previous 12 sessions.

HB 8 would have directed $47.6 million in repayable state loans to communities across Montana to build or improve water and sewer projects, actual infrastructure programs. Instead, Democrats voted spitefully to kill a very good piece of legislation on third reading that had been part of the infrastructure landscape in Montana each of the past 24 years. HB 8 passed second reading by a 78-22 margin. If Larson was actually being truthful about infrastructure spending, he would have included that fact in his column. An interesting omission on his part and deception No. 2.

None of the Missoula Democrats voted for HB 8 on third reading. Thats a true injustice to the people of Montana. Please call the nine Missoula Democrats who vindictively killed HB 8, a great piece of infrastructure legislation, and ask them why.
Imagine you were told, as you headed onto the field, that your team would have nearly one-third fewer players than the opposing team  and that the other team would get to set the rules that you would have to play by.

For Democrats in the 2017 Legislature, that has been our reality.

In order to get good things done, Democrats worked hard to reach across the aisle and bring others on board. And together with a group of reasonable Republicans, Democrats led the way on legislation that will benefit Montanans for years to come. Here are some of the highlights:

 Criminal justice reform: We passed the most comprehensive package of criminal justice reform legislation in a generation  more than a dozen bipartisan bills to give judges and prosecutors the tools to make our system smarter, save money and reduce recidivism.

 Earned Income Tax Credit: One of the most progressive anti-poverty tax bills in years, this credit will help thousands of working families keep more of their hard-earned money.

 Apprenticeships: We helped Montana workers and businesses with a tax credit for businesses that hire and train apprentices  and a double credit for hiring veterans in an apprenticeship program.

 Mental health and suicide prevention: We established that insurance companies must cover mental health on the same level as physical health. We also dedicated $1 million for local communities, school districts and tribes to develop their own suicide prevention programs, with particular emphasis on rural areas, Native Americans and veterans.

 Protecting public lands: Democrats worked hard to fight off some extremely dangerous legislation that would have forced Montana hunters to compete with out-of-staters for licenses.

Although we celebrate these successes, it is no secret that the state endured some serious setbacks this session. The top priority of Democrats was to pass a comprehensive infrastructure package and get people to work on important projects across the state. Although we carried and passed several important public works bills, we were not able to overcome Republican opposition to the most important infrastructure bill of the session.

Democrats made it clear we were not going to pick winners and losers or pit communities against each other. Together with reasonable Republicans, we worked out a package of critical infrastructure projects: rural water and sewer systems; improvements to dozens of K-12 schools and to Montana State University campuses in Bozeman, Billings and Great Falls; a needed water intake in Laurel; improvements to Makoshika State Park near Glendive; and a loan to finally build the long-planned Southwest Montana Veterans home in Butte.

This package passed out of the Republican-controlled Senate with the required two-thirds majority. But when it got to the House, we came up against the resistance of Republican leadership. Every single Democrat voted for infrastructure and we were ready to fight to the final day to get this done, but a Republican minority killed the bill and then voted to end the session early, leaving more than $120 million in crucial projects unfunded.

With just three more Republican votes, the entire package would have passed.

We can promise you that Democrats will continue to fight for infrastructure into 2019. In the meantime, we hope the people of Montana will reach out to lawmakers and let us know what matters to you. We want to hear your opinions. And we will work throughout the interim and beyond to make Montana a better state for all of us.
I wrote Montana Sen. Steve Daines expressing deep concern over the White House interference with a congressional inquiry of Russian meddling in the election and the firing of FBI Director James Comey.

Our senator, I believe at the time of the firing, was doing photo shoots in Big Horn County while campaigning for another monied oligarch to be the next Montana representative.

Daines' reply expressed a cavalier lack of concern, and assurance that the hearings were going just fine. A classic example of not seeing the forest for the trees.

I posit that democracy is a fragile thing and despite safeguards and our Constitution, our nation is in control of elements that not only disdain but make a mockery of 240 years of tradition, progress and rule of law.

The short-sighted and brazen partisans in control of the 2017 Montana Legislature makes one wonder, when will voters wake up?

Tim Lindeman,

Heron
As the co-owner of a regional whitewater and canoe outfitter and fourth-generation Montanan, Im concerned about President Trumps recent executive order, which threatens 27 of Americas national monuments, including the Upper Missouri River Breaks in remote north-central Montana.

Our family-owned company takes over a hundred paddlers down the Wild and Scenic Upper Missouri River, an area blessed with much of the same geology and wildlife that Lewis and Clark found when they passed through in 1805. Since the Breaks designation in 1996, our numbers have only grown. The monument benefits more than just tourists, however. It boasts some of the best big-game trophy elk and sheep hunting, and ranchers are still able to use the lands for grazing.

Most Montanans have seen that the monument is now working well. According to a 2017 Colorado College poll, more than 70 percent of us support the monument and the economic prosperity it brings to central Montana. A 2015 economic impact study conducted by BBC Research found the monument has a total impact of about $10 million per year, an amount that shows potential for growth with more marketing.

Lets preserve the monument for future generations of Americans by voicing support at monumentstoamerica.org.

Gia Randono Fairchild,

co-owner,

Lewis & Clark Trail Adventures,

Missoula
When Jimmy Ryan returned home to Montana after serving in the Korean War, he was ready to celebrate with a Montana hand-cut steak  or two. This mans affection for meat eventually turned into a career and an award-winning butcher shop, known as Ryans Grocery & Processing in the tiny, remote town of Jordan in eastern Montana.

The Air Force veteran saw the need for butchers in the region and began work in the trade, marking off several years in Billings at a packing plant. His early years also included cutting meat for the general store in Jordan, steeped in the tradition of serving the areas pioneer families everything from nails and flour to pork chops.

In 1958, the doors swung open on Jimmys own grocery store, now known as Ryans Grocery & Processing. It is safe to say that the volume of brats, snack sticks, breakfast sausage, smoked turkeys and hams offered at the back of the store is enough to make any carnivore swoon (and any pig make a run for the barn). That doesnt even begin to consider the five varieties of bacon lining the lower shelves; including peppered, cottage and, if you are lucky, cinnamon apple. The destination attracts meat connoisseurs willing to travel the off-beat path in the ingredient quest for the perfect meal, along with hunters wanting that deer or elk processed for them just so.

If you can pull your eyes away from the meat case for a moment and look up, you will see awards lining the walls just about head level  hanging from plaques, leaning on shelves and sharing space with the senior photos of the high school graduates of multiple decades. Every year, Ryans competes head-to-head with processing plants across Montana for division titles such as Grand Champion Smoked Turkey and Grand Champion Specialty Bacon. All awarded by the Montana Meat Processors Association, the holy grail of these is the Overall Grand Champion Plant award. If you would like to see what that looks like in person, the 2015-2017 plaques are proudly displayed near the case, with several others from previous years hanging above. The craft is serious business, with a new smoker capable of holding 500 pounds of hams, turkeys and other cured products serving as the crown jewel of the modern stainless steel equipment.

As business grew, a full meat processing plant less than 5 minutes away was built to the familys exact specifications in the early 80s, offering luxurious space to a dedicated dynasty of butchers. Now spanning three full generations, Jims son Ed and grandson Reid cut, smoke and wrap meat throughout the week alongside talented staff that seem more like extended family than employees.

Licensed as a Montana Custom-Exempt plant, the crew at Ryans is happy to process your own animal on the hoof (or one pre-purchased from a local rancher) into a wealth of cuts. If you are interested in buying individual finished products such as bacon, hams, prime rib, and other mouth-watering dishes, they are happy to oblige as well; all of them purchased raw via federally inspected locations and given the finishing touches in Jordan. If you would like to sample, but cannot point a car in the direction of Jordan, give the plant a call at (406) 557-2000 or the grocery at (406) 557-2744 to ship directly. And be sure to give your regards to Jimmy, who understands your hankering for a good steak ... or chop.

Bacon BBQ New York Pork Chops

Prep Time: 10 mins

Cook Time: 10 min

 4 New York (top loin) pork chops, 1 inch thick (6 ounces each)

 4 slices bacon

 4 tablespoons barbecue sauce

  cup lager beer, OR non-alcoholic beer

Wrap bacon around the edges of the pork and secure with a wooden toothpick.

Mix together barbecue sauce and beer.

Prepare a grill to medium-high heat (about 450 degrees F.). Grill chops over direct heat until the internal temperature reaches between 145 degrees F. (medium rare) and 160 degrees F. (medium), on a meat thermometer, 4 to 5 minutes per side. Brush sauce on the chops the last 5 minutes of cooking time.

Remove chops from the grill and let rest for 3 minutes.
While celebrating their 50th year of advancing fish science, members of the American Fisheries Society Montana Chapter gathered in Missoula worried that their public was wriggling off the hook.

We tend to deliver a lot of wha-wha-wha, and then a blast of data, AFS President Joe Magraf told about 400 biologists, fisheries managers and policy makers gathered at the groups annual conference on Tuesday.

We dont express things well when talking to decisionmakers. The Clark Fork River was not a place you wanted to dip your toes into 50 years ago. Now its a great place to fish. Thats what fisheries biology is all about  creating places like Missoula.

Looking back on that half-century of fisheries science, University of Montana Regents Professor Emeritus Fred Allendorf recalled how DNA analysis went from almost nonexistent to become a driving tool for biology.

It explains what happens, for example, when artificially stocked rainbow trout interbreed with native cutthroats in Montana streams. The first generation of mutts lose the cutthroats preference for sticking to the streams of their birth and instead spread to any water with good spawning habitat.

Subsequent generations produce babies that have even less cutthroat genetics, which contain the adaptive tricks cutthroats spent millennia developing to survive in mountain waters. Five generations down the line, the hybrids have lost 50 percent or more of their reproductive fitness. In other worlds, the unfit fish populations start to crash.

Allendorf said that scientific process nevertheless becomes controversial when it gets displayed as evolution. He cited public opinion surveys showing Americans ranked 33rd out of 34 developed nations for general acceptance of evolution theory, just above Turkey.

Were in a time when opinions have more effect on policy than facts, Allendorf said. This is really depressing as a science educator.

The division doesnt simply affect peoples social circles or politics, Allendorf argued. Trying to manage the rise in antibiotic-resistant tuberculosis requires an understanding of evolutionary principles. The practice doesnt only explain the past, he said, but predicts the future.

Former Interior Department Deputy Secretary Lynn Scarlett added that the public often insists on including science as part of the problem, rather than a way of solving problems.

No longer is our footprint just local or even regional, Scarlett said. Sometimes we are seeing changes to the whole planet.

But that runs into the tension between science and decisionmaking, which often drags in old tug-of-wars decades removed from the problem at hand.

People will split on whether decisions should be local or federal, public or private, carrot or stick. It gets rocky when scientists describe a challenge like managing multi-state river systems to an audience suspicious of large-scale action.

Scarlett recalled her process in getting the polar bear declared threatened under the Endangered Species Act. The decision entangled local and national opinions on the bears importance, unsettled questions about what the bear needed to persist or thrive, and vested economic interests who benefited or suffered from the bears presence. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service eventually decided to list the polar bear.

The decision survived five lawsuits, Scarlett recalled. And that was only because we made decisions on what science we used and why completely transparent.
With 2 feet of visibility in the water, the fishing is phenomenal in the Big Hole River now, say local fishing guides.

Great Divide Outfitters guide Craig Jones, in Divide, said an ice jam broke in March in the Big Hole, and that bumped up the water flow to 6,000 cubic feet per second, flushing out the river and making conditions "fantastic."

Eric Thorson, co-owner of Sunrise Fly Shop in Melrose, said Monday that both April and May were both really good for fishing in the Big Hole.

Thorson said he is catching a lot of good-sized fish, primarily brown and rainbow trout, but also brook and Westslope cutthroat and Arctic grayling.

Mark Thompson, vice president of the George Grant Chapter of Trout Unlimited, said the snowstorm that hit last week led to some muddied rivers, but not the Big Hole. He said the upper reaches have the best fishing right now.

As the snow melts, everything turns to chocolate milk, said Thompson. But in the Big Hole, theyre still fishing.

Jones said a bit of sediment is coming into the river from fields around the Melrose area, but even there, the fishing is still good.

Thorson said theres a ton of volume of water on the lower stretch of the river, so he cautioned anglers to be good at rowing.

Thorson thinks last weeks snowstorm has made things even better.

That snowstorm was substantial. It will help the long-term health of the river. It was a good snow, said Thorson.

Jen Downing, executive director of the Big Hole Watershed Committee, concurred, saying she is hopeful that this summer will not look like last year, when Big Hole irrigators voluntarily cut back on water usage as early as late June due to low flows.

Andrea Jones, with the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks, Region 3, said that with the higher flows, there could be obstacles. She recommended scouting the river before heading out.

If theres a sizeable river blockage, well post about it. If something has the potential to be dangerous, let us know so we can get the river crew on it, said Jones.
Wednesday, May 24

YMCA DINNER

The Butte YMCA will have its 110th Meeting of the Members and annual dinner at 6 p.m. in the Thornton Building ballroom. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at the YMCA, 2975 Washoe Dr.

TREE-PLANTING

District 11 Commissioner Cindi Shaw and Friends of the Urban Forestry Board invite the community to add a few trees to the Rock Park, Clark and Granite. Meet at 9 a.m. at the park. Details: Anderson at 406-723-0217 or kellee.anderson@montana.edu.

MARIAHS CHALLENGE

The annual Mariah's Challenge Scholarship Ceremony starts at 6 p.m. at the Montana Tech auditorium.

BROWN BAG LECTURE

The Butte-Silver Bow Public Archives will continue its Brown Bag Lunch series at noon with a presentation by Jim Driscoll about the history of the Butte Community Concerts Association. Guests are encouraged to bring a sack lunch. Details: 406-782-3280.

BOW HUNTING CLASS

A bow hunters' education class will be offered Wednesday through Saturday, May 24-27, at Smittys Barn, Anaconda, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Only one class is offered in Anaconda. Details: Jim at 406-559-0413, Tom at 406-210-8249, or Hardware Hanks at 406-563-7851.

CLUBS AND MEETINGS

BUTTE

Warped Weavers meet 6to 8 p.m. Wednesdays at the Butte-Silver Bow Public Library, third floor, 226 W. Broadway St. Details: 406-782-5784.

Butte Kiwanis meets at noon at Perkins. A representative from the St. James Wound Clinic will be the speaker.

Butte Sunrise Kiwanis Club meets at 7 a.m. at Perkins Restaurant. Guest speaker Cooper Fisher, marketing director at the Butte Local Development Corp., will talk about social media efforts.

Al-Anon meetings: 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Gold Hill Lutheran Church; 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, Sharing and Caring, 2100 Farragut (rear entrance).

Bingo will be played at 7 p.m. at the Elks Lodge, Montana and Galena. Players are urged to come early to get a good seat.

Overeaters Anonymous meets at 6:15 p.m. at the Gold Hill Lutheran Church, 934 Placer St. Details: 406-533-5454.
WASHINGTON  A blind spider creeping through America's judicial thicket might be heading to the Supreme Court, which will have to decide if the contentment or even the survival of the Bone Cave Harvestman spider species, which lives only in two central Texas counties, is any of the federal government's business. If it is, what isn't?

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), which administers the Endangered Species Act, is blind to the limits of its imperium, which it thinks encompasses telling John Yearwood what he can and cannot do on the ranch that has been in his family since 1871. To stymie the USFWS, Yearwood must surmount, among other things, a precedent involving Roscoe Filburn, the Ohio farmer whose 1942 loss in the Supreme Court mocked the doctrine that the federal government is one of limited, because enumerated, powers.

Filburn was minding what he thought was his business when Washington taught him that the Constitution's Commerce Clause ("Congress shall have power to ... regulate commerce ... among the several states") means that almost everything is the federal government's business. To stabilize prices, the government set production quotas not only for wheat sold into interstate commerce but for wheat consumed on the farm for animal feed. Filburn expressed his dissent by producing 269 bushels in excess of his quota and refusing to pay the fine.

His insubordination reached the Supreme Court, which by then was thoroughly deferential to the New Deal's capacious theory of federal power. The court held that Congress could regulate even Filburn's wheat that never reached interstate commerce, because that wheat "supplies a need of the man who grew it which would otherwise be reflected by purchases in the open market. Home-grown wheat in this sense competes with wheat in commerce."

Seventy-five years on, some recent decisions have brought Commerce Clause jurisprudence closer to the Framers' intention as presented by Chief Justice John Marshall in McCulloch v. Maryland (1819). The clause requires a "plain" connection, not merely attenuated chains of inferences, between a congressional act and an enumerated power. Furthermore, recent decisions require not only that a federal statute pertain to "activities having a substantial relation to interstate commerce," but also that the statute pass muster under the Necessary and Proper Clause: Congress may "make all laws ... necessary and proper" to executing enumerated powers. A statute, Justice Clarence Thomas has said, must be "appropriate," bearing an "obvious, simple, and direct relation" to an enumerated power.

A lower court has sided with the USFWS against Yearwood, dogmatically postulating that all species are "interdependent." Therefore even the tiniest bit of the ecosystem is presumptively implicated in potentially substantial effects on interstate commerce.

So, Yearwood, who hitherto made his property available cost-free to 4-H, church and military groups for camping, horseback riding and other activities, has stopped this, and even ceased clearing brush to reduce the risk of snakes and fires, lest he be subject to federal prosecution for disturbing, harming or endangering the spiders. Indeed, such is the federal government's unsleeping solicitude for the spiders, it says they must be protected from other bugs, such as fire ants. Reverence for nature evidently requires preventing natural competitions.

Alex Kozinski of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit has written that modern Commerce Clause decisions make one wonder why it is not called the "Hey, you-can-do-whatever-you-feel-like Clause." So far, the spider story  the application of the Endangered Species Act to an entirely intrastate species that is neither bought nor sold nor traded in interstate commerce  demonstrates that federal power, like kudzu, will expand everywhere and into everything until it is stopped.

The Supreme Court can stop it if the spider case gets there. The court can apply its 2005 ruling that congressional regulation of intrastate, noncommercial activity is proper only when the activity is an "essential part of a larger regulation of economic activity, in which the regulatory scheme could be undercut unless the intrastate activity were regulated." Furthermore, in 2012, while Chief Justice John Roberts was irritating conservatives as he saved the Affordable Care Act by creatively construing some of its provisions, he simultaneously held that even a necessary exercise of power under the Commerce Clause is not proper if it "would work a substantial expansion of federal authority." The blind spider might make other courts, and the rest of the government, see the Supreme Court's 1995 ruling that the government may not "convert congressional Commerce Clause authority to a general police power of the sort held only by the states."
MISSOULA  U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos will reconsider the University of Montana's application for its Upward Bound grant  after initially rejecting it and dozens of other colleges' applications based on minor formatting errors.

UM corrected the error and resubmitted its application.

In testimony Wednesday to the U.S. House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, the secretary said an additional $50 million appropriation "materially changed our available options."

"We are going to use those funds, the $50 million, to reconsider those applications that were not considered viable because of the formatting errors. So that is going to be our remedy," DeVos said in testimony available on C-SPAN.

The decision comes after mounting pressure from members of Congress, including U.S. Sens. Jon Tester and Steve Daines. Tester is co-chair of the TRiO caucus, which advocates for higher education programs serving disadvantaged students.

***

Over the last couple of months, Tester, D-Mont., repeatedly urged DeVos to consider applications based on the merits, and he said hurting Montana students and families because one page of a grant request wasn't double-spaced would be "bureaucracy at its very worst."

Wednesday, Tester said the following in a statement:

"Secretary DeVos' decision to ignore Montanans has been troubling, but I am pleased that she will reconsider this important grant application.

"Now it is critical that she does not make this mess worse by rejecting the grant. The quicker UM's grant is approved, the quicker students get the tools they need to succeed."

Daines, R-Mont., also encouraged the secretary to fix the problem for UM. In a letter to her earlier this week, he said "resolving this issue in a timely fashion is important."

In the letter, Daines said UM had not been given the chance to fix its error. He also said TRiO college affordability programs had received an additional $50 million, a "substantial increase," which should give the secretary adequate funding to review affected proposals.

"Denying applications and endangering program funding for minor formatting errors without providing an opportunity for a correction is unacceptable," Daines said in the letter; he also spoke with DeVos on Tuesday about the grant.

At UM, Upward Bound has been funded to help 75 students. Already, UM has had to shut down its summer program because of the delay.

UM had requested $1.7 million  $340,000 a year from 2017 to 2022  but the budget page of its application wasn't double-spaced as required, according to Upward Bound director Twila Old Coyote. She earlier said the budget page was the only one out of 65 pages that wasn't double-spaced.

Old Coyote could not be reached for comment Wednesday via voicemails.

***

In her testimony before committee, DeVos said the department attempted to find viable legal remedies to the formatting issue after the grant competition had closed. She also said the process opened and closed before she came on board.

"Let me just say that this issue apparently has been going on through four different secretaries unaddressed," DeVos said.

At least in recent years, UM has not encountered trouble when submitting its grant applications, according to the university.

Regardless, DeVos said in testimony the department will no longer reject any applications for competitive grants because of formatting: "This is a bureaucratic requirement that we should be rid of now, and we are."

And, she said that "with regard to this issue  which if you had any idea how much time it has chewn (sic) up internally for us, you would be amazed  but ... because of that material change, with the new appropriation, we have found a way to address that particular issue."

***

In recent weeks, Tester repeatedly pushed DeVos to review applications based on substance, not spacing. He sent a personal letter to her, signed another letter with Daines and 24 total senators from both major parties urging reconsideration, and supported a federal budget provision that encouraged the secretary to change her stance.

"For over 50 consecutive years, Upward Bound at the University of Montana has helped first generation college students earn their degrees, and that shouldn't end because of government red tape and an Education Secretary who has a lot to learn about public education," Tester said in a statement.

A news release from Tester's office said the secretary's decision on awards will be made in the coming weeks. The press office from the Department of Education did not immediately know when the agency would make decisions on grant applications.
HELENA  Dennis DeLaittre is impressed with the strength of officer Mason Moore's widow. Her ability to speak eloquently at her husband's funeral resonated with him.

I dont know where the power comes from, he said.

Broadwater County sheriff's deputy Mason Moore was killed in the line of duty last week. And as he waited for the fallen deputy's procession to arrive in his hometown of Three Forks Tuesday, Dennis DeLaittre recalled speaking at the memorial service for his son, Montana Highway Patrol trooper David DeLaittre.

I still dont know how I did it, he said as he stood alongside dozens of other community members waiting for the procession.

Mason Moore died on May 16 just down the road from a memorial park Dennis DeLaittre helped found to honor his son, who was killed in the line of duty in December 2010. The spot is just a few miles from the Moore familys home in Three Forks and not too far from the David DeLaittres childhood residence.

Its been a tough six-and-a-half years. Then to lose someone like this so close to where David was killed, he said, "it was heartbreaking.

Mason Moore, 42, and David DeLaittre, 23, were both shot and killed on the job. Mason Moore worked for the Broadwater County Sheriffs Office for the last three years.

Dennis DeLaittre, who knew Mason Moore, said he found the deputy to be a polite man with a great family.

I just cant say enough about the guy. I guess theres some truth to good guys die young, he said.

Impressed by the turnout for the funeral and other remembrances Tuesday, he said he wasnt surprised by the outpouring of support.

This community is incredibly amazing, said Dennis DeLaittre, adding that people throughout the state reached out to him after he lost his son. They were great for my family and myself.

His son was a fifth-generation law enforcement officer. The man who killed him died by suicide shortly after the shooting.

One of the men suspected in the death of Mason Moore, Marshall Barrus, died after a shootout with officers following a chase. His father, Lloyd Barrus, has been charged with 16 counts of attempted deliberate homicide and accountability to attempted deliberate homicide.

For Dennis DeLaittre, the similarities in the deaths are mind boggling. They also show the dangers of working as a law enforcement officer. He urged community members to do niceties such as waving at officers as a show of support. Something seemingly small such as pulling over when they see lights or hear sirens can do a lot, he said.

Little things could make it safer and easier for officers, Dennis DeLaittre added.
MISSOULA  President Donald Trump released his proposed budget Tuesday, which includes major cuts for federal welfare programs that support low-income Montanans.

The budget seeks to cut Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program funding (more commonly known as food stamps) by $192 billion over the next decade. In Montana, about 122,000 people benefit from the federally funded SNAP program. If realized, Trumps budget would shift the burden of funding SNAP to states.

The impact of that would be absolutely devastating, said Lorianne Burhop, chief policy officer for the Montana Food Bank Network. Her office distributes food to about 140 agencies around the state for eligible low-income Montanans. Burhop said Montanas state budget is already strained, and she doesnt think it could absorb the costs of running SNAP on its own.

In Montana, SNAP provides about $1.30 per person per meal, which can only be spent on groceries. That amount is already modest, Burhop said, and if the state were to take over funding, it would have to drop people from the service, tighten eligibility requirements, and cut benefits.

Eligibility is already strict, Burhop said. By cutting benefits or tightening eligibility, youre increasing hunger in the state.

In a statement released Tuesday, the Montana Food Bank Network urged Sen. Steve Daines, R-Mont., and Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., to reject Trump's proposed budget:

"Instead of providing support and opportunity, these cuts will push low-income Americans farther down the economic ladder by tearing down the safety net that provides a path out of hunger and poverty. We in the emergency food system would not be able to fill in the gap created by the cuts proposed in this budget. Instead, we can expect to see increases in health care costs, decreased productivity in the workforce, and worse academic outcomes for the next generation.

Every county in Montana has SNAP recipients in every county in Montana, nearly half of whom are children. As of January, 13,581 people in Missoula county used SNAP. The program brings about $170 million into Montana every year, which is spent at local grocery stores and farmers markets.

Cuts to SNAP would also place a heavier burden on the Missoula Food Bank, which might be the only option for people if they lose SNAP benefits. The Missoula Food Bank gets most of its funding from donations, and only received $103,938, or 2 percent of its revenue, from federal or state dollars in 2016.

Missoula Food Bank Executive Director Aaron Brock said cutting SNAP funding would shift the burden from the government to local donors. Demand is already growing  between 2015 and 2016, food bank visits increased by 9 percent. Brock expects this to continue should Trumps budget cuts pass.

Missoulas high housing cost is the main reason people visit the food bank, Brock said, and last year nearly 20 percent of Missoulians visited at least once for emergency groceries.

Its not like were talking about us and them, Brock said. You cant walk down the street and not interact with people who are reliant on SNAP or the food bank or other resources in order to make ends meet.

Gov. Steve Bullock issued a statement Tuesday opposing Trumps proposed budget.

Ripping essential services away from thousands of hard-working Montana families and millions of Americans in order to give tax breaks to millionaires and corporations is unacceptable and un-American, he said. This budget would destroy investments in jobs, education, infrastructure and health care, and have devastating impacts on rural states like Montana. Montanans, and all Americans, deserve better.

Missoulas food bank runs on donations and volunteers. Brock said that generosity is this communitys response to a profound need.

Norman and Phyllis Wight started volunteering at the food bank about six months ago. They wanted to use their free time for something positive. Norman said he didnt want to comment on Trumps budget, but he said the Missoula Food Bank is very important.

They feed people, Wight said, resting against a box of apples. People gotta eat.
MISSOULA  The University of Montana aims to save $4 million a year with a set of buyout offers that might be only the first round of incentives to reduce faculty, according to a higher education official.

As an incentive to retire early, UM offered 48 tenured faculty members ages 65 or older a deferred payment equal to 50 percent of their salary this school year  in addition to customary payouts and benefits.

The faculty members who opt for the buyout will have a July 17, 2017, termination date, according to the offer.

They have until May 31 to express interest in an offer; offers must be signed by July 17, and can be revoked only within seven days of signing.

The state funded a $2 million appropriation for buyouts, and the early retirement offers would cost $2 million if all 48 faculty accept, said Kevin McRae, with the Montana Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education.

UM would save $4 million year starting in the 2019 fiscal year.

"Those who are considering it now ... have the opportunity to elect the benefit or keep working," McRae said in an email. "Once that group has spoken (i.e., once all have decided for themselves), we'll know how many are going and how much we're spending on their benefit. Then, we will look at other options."

Those include offering incentives to faculty younger than 65 or other approaches, he said. UM has estimated it needs to cut an estimated 80 to 100 faculty members altogether.

The overall goal is to bring expenditures on personnel closer to the norm of 72 percent of the budget, or at least below 75 percent, McRae said. UM currently spends more than 80 percent of its $145.1 million general fund on personnel.

He said UM would not hire to fill the positions left open by faculty receiving the buyout.

"It would defeat the purpose of the plan to refill positions vacated by the retirement incentive," McRae said.

Lee Banville, spokesman for the University Faculty Association, said the union supports the buyouts as a good way to address immediate shortfalls in the budget. He said the union backs the process because it is voluntary, not one that's forced on faculty.

However, the union also has concerns the buyouts aren't strategic for the long term, he said. Some professors who accept buyouts may teach critical classes with high enrollment, for instance.

"Our hope is that any short-term benefit that they might see financially from a senior faculty member retiring isn't left as an open wound in a department that needs a person," Banville said.

UM is currently setting program priorities. Banville said if that process determines a department should scale down, and a faculty member has accepted a buyout, the outcome is a win for UM.

"But if this department needs more resources, and it's losing people through the buyouts, that could be a problem," he said.

UM could remedy the situation by filling the job with a less expensive or junior faculty member, he said, but it's unclear if that option will be on the table.

UM employs 631 faculty FTE, or full time equivalents, from its general fund, and adding too many people doesn't seem likely in the near term.

"In some departments and disciplines ... it can cost as much or more to pay a newer assistant professor than a senior full professor," McRae said.

In fact, even if UM cuts $10 million from its personnel budget, it's still not reducing the employee expenditures much below 80 percent, at only 78.5 percent. McRae said a percentage that high might be acceptable depending on other factors, such as the enrollment trajectory and tuition income.

"Sometimes, the direction we're moving in is as important or more important than the point we're at on any given day," McRae said in an email. "As long as the direction is bringing personnel expenditures downward to match revenue, and bringing enrollment up to generate revenue, the goal is obtainable."

One reason UM is offering buyouts is an enrollment decline of some 24 percent since 2010 has hurt its budget.

Even after faculty accept $2 million in buyouts, UM still will need to reduce positions in order to align personnel costs with revenue, McRae said. Some professors may choose to retire on their own or will take positions elsewhere.

"There will also be some merit to preserving some positions with junior faculty at salaries that are lower than senior faculty," he said.

"That's where the university can look at potential opportunities to use university funds for incentives and cover the costs of incentives by leaving additional vacancies unfilled or by replacing (where possible) retired faculty with new faculty at lower salaries."
To Sally Hollis and other Butte-Silver Bow workers with a hand in elections, it makes no difference that only one race is on Thursday ballots in Montana.

Same work, same money, same all the way around, Hollis, the countys clerk and recorder, said Tuesday as voting booths and tables were being set up ta the Butte Civic Center.

Just as if it was a primary or general election, all polling places and hours here will be the same as voters statewide fill Montanas lone U.S. House seat vacated by Republican Ryan Zinke earlier this year when he became U.S. secretary of the Interior.

Republican Greg Gianforte, Democrat Rob Quist and Libertarian Mark Wicks are on the ballot.

Most of the countys in-person voting will take place at the Civic Center, the polling place for most precincts. Dozens of voting booths are set up, with polls open there from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The same hours are set at the Ramsay School in Ramsay. Hours are noon to 8 p.m. at Grange Hall in Divide, the Fire Hall in Rocker and Melrose School for voters in those towns.

The Butte-Silver Bow Courthouse, 155 W. Granite, will be open for business during normal hours ending at 5 p.m. Thursday, but the clerk and recorders office will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. for people to drop off absentee ballots.

One thing has changed for this election.

People wanting to register and vote on Election Day will do so in the Civic Center annex building on the east side instead of the front lobby. They can enter through the north or west doors of the annex.

Hollis said nearly 10,000 absentee ballots were mailed and about 7,000 have been returned. But there are more than 21,000 voters registered in Butte-Silver Bow County, so turnout could still end up on the low side unless many people vote in person.

Hollis is somewhat concerned about the 18 vote-counting machines the county has at the Civic Center. They are more than a decade old and during tests last week, 12 of them didnt work properly.

Technicians made some adjustments and they seem to be working properly now, Hollis said, so she hopes they hold up Thursday night. Technicians will be on hand in case there are problems.

They are old and the 2016 election was hard on those machines because of the (high) turnout, Hollis said. You want the turnout but you have to have the machines running.

She wants to replace the old machines with one, large new model that counts ballots much faster. It costs about $120,000 but because of the need, Hollis likely will make the request as officials and commissioners craft the next annual budget over the next two months.

Several of the states most populous counties already have them, including Cascade, Flathead, Missoula and Yellowstone, Hollis said.

Hollis said she would be at the Civic Center by 4:30 a.m. Thursday and about 80 volunteers and election judges will be on hand at the polling places.

Were stretched a little thin but we will make it, she said.

Hollis and many election officials across the state wanted to conduct the special election entirely by mail, which would be much less costly. But a measure allowing that failed in the recent legislative session.

Instead of costing $50,000 to $60,000 to conduct the election by mail in Butte-Silver Bow, the tab will be $125,000 to $150,000  money that will come out of reserves.

To cut down on costs, Hollis sent out absentee ballots folded in smaller envelopes. That saved more than $30,000 alone because postage for the smaller envelopes is cheaper.

Im trying to do everything I can to save money on this election because it is not in my budget, she said.

As with every election, Hollis is encouraging everyone to vote.

We only have one congressperson for our state to represent us so I hope people will take that seriously and come out and vote, she said.
MUSCATINE  A Washington, Iowa, man pleaded guilty to sexual abuse and theft Thursday in Muscatine County District Court.

Following two separate investigations by the Muscatine Police Department, Anthony Drayton, 25, was charged with sexual abuse in the third degree and theft in the second degree.

Drayton is accused of having sexual intercourse with an underage individual and taking possession of stolen property, which was valued as more than $1,000, according to the Muscatine County Attorney's office.

Drayton will remain in Muscatine County Jail and will be sentenced on July 7.
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A man who was accused of defiling a minor and infecting her with HIV has been found guilty.

Mr Joshua Aomo Ocharo was accused of defiling the 12-Year-Old girl four times between July and September 2015 in Bokole area, Changamwe, Mombasa.

Mombasa Senior Resident Magistrate Martin Rabera said the court could not exercise mercy on the accused who deserves a deterrent sentence.

Mr Ocharo, a mechanic, was sentenced to life imprisonment after being found guilty.

The Magistrate said the accused cannot be allowed to mingle freely in the society hence the need for a harsh sentence that will prevent him from doing more harm to others.

The Court heard that the defilement came to light after the minor complained to her mother that she was not feeling well.

She was taken to a health center and upon examination was found to be HIV positive.

According to the minor, the man gave her Sh50 in the first incident, and then Sh100 on another. He also threatened her not to tell anyone.

During trial, the court was told that the accused had started taking Anti-Retrovirals (ARV) since 2010 and was aware of his HIV status when he was engaging in unprotected sex with the minor.

A counsellor told the court that the accused used to routinely collect ARVs at their facility.

The accused, in his testimony, had said that the charges were false and that he was a family man with a wife and two university going children.

He was given a right to appeal against the sentence within 14 days.
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MENLO PARK  Northern California police have arrested a FedEx driver suspected of burglarizing homes while making deliveries.

The San Jose Mercury News reported Wednesday that 57-year-old Kevin Baker is accused of burglarizing three homes in affluent suburban neighborhoods about 30 miles south of San Francisco. He remained jailed Wednesday and it's unclear if he's represented by an attorney.

Menlo Park police say the three victims turned over surveillance camera footage implicating Baker, who is charged with burglarizing their homes while make deliveries to them. Police say Baker has a criminal history of theft-related offenses.

FedEx says it's cooperating with the investigation.
As a reporter for the Napa Valley Register, for 50 years, L. Pierce Carson chronicled the evolution of an obscure agricultural valley into a world-renowned wine producer. He told the stories of the people who were drawn to it; vintners, chefs and artists, as well as those of the people who had always called it home, and always, as a former colleague, Andy Dempsky recalled, with an elegant puckishness and a twinkle in his eyes when he was up to something and loving it.

Carson died early Saturday of cancer. He was 76 and was just two weeks shy of his 50th anniversary with the Napa Valley Register.

Pierce was in the front row of life, said vintner Tim Mondavi. He was in the front row, center, and he shared it all with us, the news of the valley, the news of each other.

Carson was 26 when he arrived in Napa in 1967 to take his first civilian job as a reporter for the Napa Valley Register. Hed been serving with the U.S. Army in Vietnam, 1965-66, when he met Ross Game, an editor with Scripps Newspapers, who spent a month in the war zone.

A communications student at Temple University, Carson was editor of the American Traveler, an Army newspaper. Game, reading his work, told the young soldier to get in touch with him when hed finished his tour of duty if he wanted a job.

After Carson was discharged, he contacted Game, who said he could offer him a choice of two reporting jobs in California. One was at Lake Tahoe and the other was in a valley called Napa.

Id had enough snow, Carson explained his choice later. And this place, Napa, was close to San Francisco.

The son of Lyle and Helen Carson, he was born on Sept. 17, 1940, in Trenton, New Jersey and grew up used to traveling by train to New York with his theater-loving parents. Before Uncle Sam tapped me on the shoulder, as he described, a retail job in New York City had introduced him to wine. In Vietnam, hed lived in an apartment in Saigon and made time to explore the French restaurants of that city.

The Napa Valley he arrived in had little of that sophistication. Although a wine industry had taken root and thrived in the 19th century, Prohibition had all but destroyed it, and only a handful of wineries remained in operation. The culinary scene was typical of a small rural community, with hamburgers, pizza and a few standouts like Ruffinos Italian restaurant in Napa and Verns Copper Kitchen in St. Helena.

It was pretty, Carson said of the valley he would make his home for the next 50 years. But it was quiet.

Carsons first beat, however, was not food, wine and arts, but courts and county stories. One of his most memorable experiences, he said was when Judge Thomas Kongsgaard locked him up in a jail cell overnight so hed know what it was like to be a prisoner.

He also covered the contentious creation of the Ag Preserve in 1968, which protected the valleys agricultural lands from development. For wine coverage at the Register, Carson noted, wed write about the harvest or a calamity like frost in the vineyards, but there was no perceived need for a wine reporter.

At the time, Carson said his knowledge of wine was limited to Europe, mostly France. Working in retail on New Yorks Fifth Avenue, I had numerous opportunities to prop myself up on a bar stool of a nearby French restaurant not far from St. Patricks Cathedral.

Hed first heard of Napa wines when Brother Timothy from the Christian Brothers, then at Greystone in St. Helena, shipped wines to the Public Information Office in Vietnam while Ross Game was embedded with the troops.

But then Carson received an invitation from the new kid on the block, Robert Mondavi, who, in 1966, had opened the first new major winery in Napa Valley since Prohibition.

I cant recall if that invitation was for an event other than a tasting of Mondavi wines, Carson wrote in an article after Robert Mondavis death. I would soon learn that vintner Mondavi didnt budget for advertising  preferring instead to pull some corks and let word of mouth spread the gospel. At first, he told us he believed California wines could keep company with the best in the world. In less than a decade, he assured us that California wines  which, of course, included those made in the Napa Valley  belonged in the company of the worlds best.

Bob Mondavi took me under his wing. I didnt ask for help but I think he knew I needed it. Sure, I was a journalist, but in those early days of discovery I was covering county government. Perhaps the fact that I sat through all those rancorous hearings preceding enactment of the valleys landmark ag preserve had made an impression.

Carson eventually would become a close friend of Mondavi and his second wife, Margrit. He discovered a soul mate in Margrit Mondavi, sharing her interests in food and the arts. After Robert Mondavis death in 2008, he became her frequent escort, attending shows in San Francisco and New York.

He really in many ways, led the parade, said vintner John Shafer, founder of Shafer Vineyards. We came in 72, not too long after he arrived, very close to the beginning of our modern industry. When he came to Napa it was just a backwater with no culture.

He grew and contributed greatly to the industry. A wonderful supporter, he never would knock a winery or a music event. He was always looking for the best in everything. He was much more than a wine critic, he was a cultural icon. What he did with music and later with food, he made it his business. We liked him so much.

Always a supporter of the arts, Carson reviewed the Napa Valley Symphony, the local theater troupe, Pretenders Playhouse, and high school musicals. He was an enthusiastic supporter of the Robert Mondavi Summer Music Festival, which was established in 1969 and brought performers like Tony Bennett, Sarah Vaughan, Benny Goodman, and Dave Brubeck to the valley.

I have known Pierce since my Justin High school days, in the early 70s, when he was reporting on our theater productions, said Larry Maguire president of Far Niente Winery. Perhaps that was the most interesting thing to report on back then.

The wine and food industry was a long ways away from the worldwide acclaim that it has today, Maguire added. When wine and food finally arrived, he was there. Actually, Pierce was always there for the local vintners doing his best to help tell our stories in ways that would shine a bright light on us all. I really cant imagine a Napa Valley wine scene without Pierce. I will miss the stories that he is no longer here to tell and I will dearly miss him as a friend.

Carson covered the Great Chefs program that Margrit Mondavi created at the winery, and he became friends with culinary luminaries like Julia Child and Lidia Bastianich. He reported on the growing culinary scene in the valley, and was the first reporter to review a new restaurant, opened by a chef named Thomas Keller in the old French Laundry in Yountville.

I first met Pierce when I opened The French Laundry nearly 23 years ago, Keller said. Through our many conversations over the years, he maintained that the Napa Valley was the perfect location for a restaurant, which I always agreed with, and his tireless coverage showed a zeal for his work. Pierce has often regaled me with stories of his international travel and certain ingredients and tastes he has experienced. He did the same for Napa Valley for nearly 50 years at the Register, and he will leave behind a great legacy in sharing the stories the valley.

Journalist and cookbook author Janet Fletcher, who lives in Napa, noted, Many journalists burn out on the food and wine beat after a few years, but Pierce never lost his enthusiasm. His tireless reporting and educating helped transform Napa Valley from steak-and-potatoes country to gastronomic mecca.

Carson covered the first Napa Valley Wine Auction in 1984 and attended every subsequent auction, with the exception of one, but only because he was in the hospital after a heart attack.

As Carson became known as the man about Napa Valley, he also became a legend in the newsroom, where generations of reporters learned from his eagle-eyed editing, his buoyant joie de vivre and his not infrequent explosions of Jesus, Mary and Joseph! when he was annoyed with his computer. Young reporters also became willing chauffeurs for Carson, who didnt drive.

Kip Davis, who started as a reporter at the Register in the 1970s, said, You knew that if you drove Pierce you were going to go to a great party, or to a restaurant and have a great meal.

Carson was also notorious in the newsroom for his desk, which was buried in stacks of papers, memos, letters, reports and press releases from his long career. Jack Morgan, who was publisher of the Register from 1988 to 1994, recalled that he never tried to tell Carson what to do, except once.

He was a great reporter. I was amazed at the depth of his knowledge of the arts. But one time I told him, Youd better clean up your desk. If we have an earthquake, everything could fall on you and kill you. But he was a great guy. I really enjoyed associating with him.

When the 2014 south Napa earthquake did occur, Pierce was traveling abroad, and later, called for a dumpster to clear his work space.

An enthusiastic world traveler, Carson spent holidays in Hawaii and Mexico and was an expert at finding the best fares to Europe. He explored the wine and food of Italy, France, Germany and Spain, building a network of friends, and always bringing his adventures back to Register readers. After the fall of communism in Europe, he expanded his explorations to eastern Europe, writing about the wines of Croatia, Romania, and Hungary.

Eventually, he found his second home in Prague, the Czech Republic, and began traveling there several times a year. As he transitioned to part-time work at the Register, he rented an apartment in Prague, using it as his home base to travel throughout Europe. Always a promoter of new chefs, at the time of his death he was working on a guide to the restaurants of Prague.

Ive been to Prague many times but the first time was with Pierces expertise, said Beth Nickel. She and her husband Gil had known Pierce since they came to the valley 38 years ago to restore and reopen Far Niente Winery. He wasnt with me, but pointed out the best hotel, all the best restaurants.

He was the classiest man, she said. He wasnt just a journalist, but a friend of the house, a super supporter of all of our efforts. He was always the guy who was the most fun at the party with his Hawaiian shirts.

Brenda Speth, the current publisher of the Register, said, Pierces goal as a reporter was to let the reader experience what he experienced through his writing. This is just one of the things that impressed me about him. He would attend events, and while everyone else was heading for home, hed be back in the office late in the evening or early in the morning writing.

On a personal note, it was always fun to check in with Pierce on the next big adventure he had in his plans, especially the last couple years when he was semi-retired. One of my favorite memories was of Pierce describing looking out over the Vltava river from his apartment in Prague last winter. With a smile he said he spent the day thinking and enjoying the view.

In November 2016, he was diagnosed with cancer of the gallbladder, and after a subsequent surgery, he characteristically caught a plane to Prague where he spent the winter holidays. He also traveled to New York to see a few more shows, and to South America. He continued to write for the Register as long as it was possible.

As news of his illness spread, accolades poured into the newsroom.

He was such a wonderful man, said Michael Mondavi, the son of Robert. He championed the wines, the food, the lifestyle and the people involved in the vineyards. He always found the positive story rather than the negative. People looked forward to being with Pierce and talking to Pierce. He had better balance and judgment than anyone I know. You could trust him and tell him what you were thinking. I never had a second thought about anything being misconstrued. I think that he saw the vision that my father and family ... He was the valley crier.

Vintner Warren Winiarski recalled meeting Carson at the home of winemaking pioneers Nathan and Nellie Fay. He was present for the whole history of the modern Napa Valley. Pierce was the voice of the wine industry but for food also. When Pierce wrote about something, he always managed to get to the core of it, to reveal the whole. Pierce had had this gift of seeing the significant thing. Part of it was his love for the valley  the affection he had for the valley.

Chef Greg Cole wrote, For me and for the 32 years I have spent as part of the culinary and wine scene in the Napa Valley, the name L. Pierce Carson was always the important and relevant voice for local media. Pierce was always there to support us along our journey in this world. He wrote truthfully and in such a supportive fashion. Never one to be harshly critical, instead Pierce was there to elevate us all. It could be art, music, theater, travel, wine or food, he made the world a better place for all of us to enjoy.

Grape grower Andy Beckstoffer said, Pierce is a part of the fabric of the Napa Valley and has been since the 1970s, not only for myself but for my children. Pierce has written about everything in the Napa Valley. Pierce is what is good about journalism, he is one of us. I consider Pierce a dear friend and is an inspiration for anyone who works in journalism and at the Napa Valley Register.

He is such a Napa Valleyian, said Cindy Pawlcyn, who moved to Napa Valley in 1979 and is the owner of Mustards, Yountville and Cindys Backstreet Kitchen, St. Helena. He ate in the restaurants, he wrote about the restaurants and he encouraged the restaurants. He was very encouraging to all of us chefs.

Bill Phelps, owner of Joseph Phelps Winery, said, He was the consummate gentleman at all times, he always wrote with fairness and integrity, was always accurate in every way as far as I could tell. He was a true gentleman of the old school and represented Napa Valley as well as anyone could ... I thought he did a terrific job for 50 years.

Pierce was part of old Napa, Peter McCrea, owner of Stony Hill Winery, wrote, Ive known Pierce 40 years, something like that. Theres just nobody around who fits the mold that he did. Hell be truly missed. He was not only a good reporter, but got to be such good personal friends with so many people. There arent that many people like that who are around any more.

Vintner Miljenko Mike Grgich, of Grgich Hills Estate, wrote: I always admired and respected Pierces writing. I believe his constant support and writing about great wines in Napa is one of the reasons the Napa Valley is so well known today. Pierce will be remembered in Napa Valley for a long time.

Since the first moment I met him two decades ago, I fell in love with him, said Amelia Ceja, president of Ceja Family Vineyards. It was incredibly liberating to be around Pierce. We could have serious conversations but we never took ourselves too seriously. He was a man with so much love  for his craft, for food and wine, for art, for the evolution of Napa Valley. I think in another life he was Latino; with Pierce, every day was a celebration of food and wine and dance and music of life. What he did for the Napa Valley with his beautiful words wont be forgotten.

Doug Ernst, who became a reporter for the Register in 1978 and went on to serve as editor until 2004, said, Pierce was already a veteran reporter at the Register when I arrived in 1978. He was already famous for coming to work late and having a messy desk, but what I remember the most is how late he stayed in the office, typing his stories and making last-minute calls. I remember his great sense of humor, his willingness to laugh with others and at himself, his generosity and his great writing.

Pierce did not drive, yet he never missed an appointment or a deadline. He was a veteran of the armed services, yet a pacifist at heart. He loved people, he loved the Napa Valley and he loved writing. I envied his wide range of friends, gleaned from 50 years of relationships that grew from his reporting and truth-telling. Pierce was not afraid to tell it like it is, no matter whose ox may be gored.

Ernst described a birthday party held in his honor at Robert Mondavi Winery, where the guests ranged from superior court judges to Hells Angels. He was loved by many and an enemy of none.

Ill miss him, Ernst said. Ill remember his wit and his charm. Most of all I will miss seeing his byline in the local paper. In all the years Ive known Pierce, he seemed to be the face of the Register, always professional, showing grace under pressure and giving more than he was expected to give. He set a standard for excellence in journalism.

U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson has requested a congressional resolution honoring Carson, and the Napa Valley Vintners, which grew in membership during Carsons tenure from some 50 members to more than 500 today, presented him with a tribute theyd signed and framed that declared him a Napa Valley treasure of immeasurable importance.

He is survived by his sister, Jill, of Maine and Florida.

St. Helena Star Editor Dave Stoneberg contributed to this report.

Many journalists burn out on the food and wine beat after a few years, but Pierce never lost his enthusiasm. His tireless reporting and educating helped transform Napa Valley from steak-and-potatoes country to gastronomic mecca. Many journalists burn out on the food and wine beat after a few years, but Pierce never lost his enthusiasm. His tireless reporting and educating helped transform Napa Valley from steak-and-potatoes country to gastronomic mecca.  Cookbook author

Janet Fletcher

Many journalists burn out on the food and wine beat after a few years, but Pierce never lost his enthusiasm. His tireless reporting and educating helped transform Napa Valley from steak-and-potatoes country to gastronomic mecca.

Many journalists burn out on the food and wine beat after a few years, but Pierce never lost his enthusiasm. His tireless reporting and educating helped transform Napa Valley from steak-and-potatoes country to gastronomic mecca. Pierce was always there for the local vintners doing his best to help tell our stories in ways that would shine a bright light on us all. I really cant imagine a Napa Valley wine scene without Pierce. Larry Maguire
American Canyon robotics students are making an annual rite of passage of going to Davis each spring and coming home with a bounty of awards.

Their success each year at UC Davis C-STEM Day, where high school and middle school students from Northern California spend an entire day competing and programming small modular robots called Linkbots, has spurred education officials to add robotics next year at schools in the city of Napa.

Five years in a row now, American Canyon students have participated in C-STEM Day, demonstrating their skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). They have also racked up multiple honors during four of those five competitions.

On Saturday, 65 students from American Canyon Middle School and American Canyon High School won 16 awards for both individual and team achievement.

They did an amazing job, said ACMS teacher Tammy Lee, who launched American Canyons robotics program five years ago. We are already looking forward to CSTEM Day 2018.

The two schools sent a combined 13 teams to the 7th Annual C-STEM Day. Of those 13 teams, three were comprised entirely of female students  another achievement that made Lee proud. She has encouraged girls to get involved with robotics to expand their interests in math and science.

Girls in STEM rock! wrote Lee in an email.

ACHS teacher Scott Marsden said all of the students worked very hard, overcame adversity, and persevered.

One team (dubbed Take the L Bot) got zero points on their first attempt in front of the judges, recalled Marsden. So they worked extra hard on their second and third runs and finished in second place regionally.

Another team of ACHS students won a statewide honor, coming in first place in the Division 3 (Math 3+) robotics category.

The 7th Annual C-STEM Day, which took place on the campuses of UC Davis and UC Irvine, attracted more than 700 students from California schools. Event organizers pointed out that the first C-STEM Day in 2011 involved only 40 students, demonstrating how much it has grown since then.

Several local education leaders attended this years competition, including Napa Valley Unified School District Superintendent Patrick Sweeney, Napa County Superintendent Barbara Nemko, ACHS Principal Damon Wright and NVUSD Trustee Joe Schunk, who represents American Canyon.

Nemko said she was amazed at the poise and focus of the students.

It was crowded, and the pace was quick, she said. Teams had to solve problems in a short time, but the event demonstrated a perfect microcosm of a workplace where a team is working on the solution to a problem and has to collaborate, think critically, and make decisions about how best to spend their time.

Sweeney said the students enthusiasm was contagious.

The success of AC Robotics, which has grown to include teacher Alma Gonzalez, has not gone unnoticed by other NVUSD leaders.

NVUSD Assistant Superintendent of Instruction Elena Toscano, who encouraged Lee five years ago to start a homegrown robotics program, heaped praise on her, Marsden and Gonzalez.

Tammy, Scott and Alma are the real champions whove taken computing and robotics from concept to classroom, said Toscano. Their commitment to teaching something new means classrooms with excited, engaged and inspired students who are coding, engineering and calculating  and think its fun.

Toscano said the teachers nourished the program, growing it from an after-school club and elective to the Integrated Math I with computing and robotics class we launched this fall.

NapaLearns and the Napa County Office of Education have become generous community partners in supporting robotics, according to Toscano, who said the program will expand next year to Redwood Middle School, Vintage High School and Valley Oak High School.

We are very grateful to our families, NapaLearns and the Napa County Office [of Education] who support our young engineers, said Sweeney.

Awards from 2017 C-STEM Day:

American Canyon Middle School

Statewide Middle School Award of Achievement

Mateo Ortega

Phil Sacro

Statewide Girls Leadership Award

Mya Wright

Statewide Junior Division 1 RoboPlay Video Winners (3 of 6 categories)

Most Interesting Task

Best Overall Video

Best Custom Designed Part

Regional Division 1 RoboPlay Robotics

3rd Place

<&underline>American Canyon High School</&underline>

Statewide High School Award of Excellence

Jonathan Estrada

Katrina Cole

Malaysia Hilliard

Statewide Senior Division RoboPlay Video Winners

Best Computational Thinking

Regional RoboPlay Robotics Teamwork Award

Regional Division 2 (Math 1-2) RoboPlay Robotics

2nd place

Regional Division 3 (Math 1-2) RoboPlay Robotics

1st place

2nd place
A skilled nursing facility in Napa is being sued for elder abuse and negligent hiring and supervision following the death of one of its elderly patients.

The lawsuit alleges that the staff at Napa Valley Care Center on Villa Lane did not provide necessary care to Caroline Johnson, an 82-year-old patient who was at the facility for nine days before having a stroke and falling into a coma. Her family took her off life support two days later on May 16, 2016, according to the suit.

Johnsons daughter, Marilyn Burger Gomes of Napa, is being represented by Stephen Garcia of Garcia, Artigliere, Medby & Faulkner out of Long Beach. Garcia filed the lawsuit against the center, its managing entity and multiple employees in San Diego County Superior Court on April 27.

It is our opinion that these horrific injuries to Caroline would not have occurred had Napa Valley Care Center adhered to applicable rules, laws and regulations, as well as the acceptable standard of practice governing the operation of a skilled nursing facility, Garcia said in a press release. Instead, as is so often the case where a business puts profits over people, further injury and even tragedy occurs. Caroline was left to deteriorate and she ultimately paid with her life.

The named defendants  Petunia Holdings, LLC, and Plum Healthcare Group  have not filed responses yet, but a civil case management conference is scheduled for Dec. 15. Representatives from Napa Valley Care Center declined to comment on the case at this time.

Johnsons medical history included problems with hypertension, coronary atherosclerosis, atrial fibrillation, hypothyroidism, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Due to these conditions, Johnson had difficulty breathing and used a nebulizer every night, according to the suit. She also had a history of abnormally high blood pressure levels, spells of dizziness and minor falls and was confined to a wheelchair.

Despite these ailments, Johnson enjoyed the quality if her life and was alert, animated and energetic, according to the suit.

After experiencing difficulty breathing on May 2, 2016, Johnson was admitted to Queen of the Valley Medical Center for two or three days before being transferred to Napa Valley Care Center for rehabilitation and assistance with daily living. Staff at the center was tasked with helping Johnson with food preparation, eating, and taking medications in addition to monitoring her blood pressure levels and breathing, according to the suit.

Instead, the suit alleges that Johnson was left grasping for air without her nebulizer her first four or five nights at Napa Valley Care Center. And, the suit says, her blood pressure levels were never even assessed or documented.

Johnson was served cold, bland food and treated without dignity, according to the suit.

Once Johnson even challenged her daughter to try the food herself. The daughter then described the scrambled eggs as soggy, watery and ice, the suit alleges. When Johnson asked staff to serve her food while it was still warm, a staff member told her, Well, theyre just going to get colder if you dont eat them now, according to the suit.

The suit alleges that Johnson lost more than 10 pounds during her nine-day stay at Napa Valley Care Center.

Johnsons daughter, who visited and called often, routinely asked about her mothers health and asked care staff to arrange for her mother to see a doctor about a large bruise that was on her foot or her abnormal blood pressure levels, which Johnsons daughter tested herself, according to the suit. The daughter informed staff that bruising on her mother could be a sign of a blood clot, but, alleges the suit, staff ignored her requests.

Johnson suffered significant blood clots in her leg leaving gruesome severe bruising and suffered a traumatic stroke from which she unnecessarily and avoidably fainted into permanent unconsciousness, reads the suit. By the time Johnson was transported to the hospital on May 14, 2016, it was too late, the suit alleges. She was placed on life support.

The attending physician told Johnsons daughter that details regarding her mothers stroke, including what time it had occurred, were unknown, the suit alleges. The facility, the physician said, failed to timely transfer her mother, leaving no opportunity for treatment, according to the suit.

Johnson died from acute vascular accident, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and hypertension the very conditions for which she was admitted to the facility to address, according to the suit.

The suit alleges that staff were poorly trained and overworked.

The 130-bed facility was given two out of five stars and an overall rating score of below average based on health inspection, staffing and quality measures, according to Medicare.gov Nursing Home Compare, the official U.S. government site for Medicare.

In its most recent standard health inspection report dated April 15, 2016, inspectors found that Napa Valley Care Center had 12 health deficiencies  slightly less than the average number of deficiencies in nursing homes across California, but more than the national average. The center was rated above average in staffing and much above average in quality measures.

Garcias law firm also has two pending lawsuits against a former Napa care facility, GoldenLiving Center. The center has since changed ownership and its name changed to Napa Pulse Acute.
Enthusiastic, caring, involved and fun are some of the adjectives students use to describe Jennifer Marinace, eighth-grade English teacher at Robert Louis Stevenson Middle School.

Her colleagues in the educational community are using a different descriptor: Napa County Teacher of the Year.

Barbara Nemko, Napa County superintendent of schools, announced last week that Marinace had been chosen for the honor over three other finalists, each from the city of Napa: Kristy Lindsey of Redwood Middle School, Nanette Sauceda of Phillips Elementary School and Keith Waechtler of River School.

A photo shows Marinace holding her hand to her mouth in shock as Nemko announces her as the winner during a reception held at the Napa River Inn Plaza in Napa. The Napa County Office of Education will submit Marinace for consideration as California Teacher of the Year.

Jennifer brings talent, passion and knowledge of the craft of education to her students and colleagues daily, said Marylou Wilson, superintendent of the St. Helena Unified School District. Her calm, caring and diplomatic manner is extended to every student, every day.

The honor affirms that Marinace is onto something with her classroom climate of what she calls controlled chaos.

She likes to separate students into groups and let them explore a topic on their own instead of hearing her lecture on a topic. For a lesson on the Holocaust, shell show each group a piece of Nazi propaganda and ask them to analyze its techniques. Shell rotate around the room, encourage groups that are making the correct inferences, or nudge them in the right direction if theyre not.

She encourages us to write and share our ideas by creating a neutral environment, said eighth-grader Jeanette Ramirez, who also thanked Marinace for helping her improve her English and grammar skills and for incorporating games and fun activities into her lessons.

Her reading assignments give students the same sense of freedom. For the Holocaust project, instead of having everyone read The Diary of Anne Frank, Marinace gives each student the option of reading it or an alternative book that might better suit his or her taste and learning style. In her experience, even reluctant readers will catch the reading bug once they find a single book they love.

Her teaching philosophy is that students should have a purpose for learning.

Its not just read this, write in this style, Marinace said. Its about How can I learn about others? How can I research something that interests me?

I want them to see that they can use reading, writing, research, listening and speaking to make a difference in the world, to effect change.

That goal is reflected in eighth-grade projects like Manifest Destiny and the Immigration Challenge, which take a multi-disciplinary, multimedia approach to research and presentation. For other lessons, inspired by a school visit from Rep. Mike Thompson, students might be given the option of writing a letter to the editor or to Congress. To lend immediacy to historical research, students are invited to ponder Anne Frank today as a Syrian girl.

They have to incorporate all that research and everything theyve learned, and somehow apply it to whats happening today, Marinace said.

Marinace has been teaching at RLS since 2000. She says theres always a point in the school year  sometimes in October, sometimes not until January  when she realizes Ive fallen in love with this class.

The feeling is mutual, according to her students.

Ms. Marinace has been a great English teacher, said eighth-grader Ellie Aslanian. She is so involved with the subjects she teaches and really cares about her students. I have truly not seen many teachers who care so much about their students and truly want them to learn more. For her, teaching is not a job. It is her life, and it means so much to her.

Every morning, when I walk into first period English she always has the biggest smile on her face and talks very enthusiastically about what we are doing that day, said Sonia Haug. She is very organized in the classroom, even when theres a problem, like a website or video is down, she always comes up with something else for us to do.

In addition to teaching English, Marinace runs the eighth-grade AVID program. It helps students, many of whom are the first in their family to plan on attending college, acquire the study skills and personal support they need to prepare for high school and college.

Throughout the year, Ms. Marinace has helped us improve a lot of our English skills, said Samantha Acevedo, an AVID student. She is a great teacher, and includes in her lesson plans fun games and activities. She has helped me improve my writing skills and grammar.

Marinace is the third St. Helena teacher in seven years to win the countywide award, following St. Helena High School teachers Evan Blasingame (2011) and Chris OConnor (2015). She said the broad array of resources available to St. Helena teachers gives them an edge.

If I want to do something, I can ask for a grant from the Public Schools Foundation, I can go to the Parent Group, or I can go to my principal, she said.

The Teacher of the Year program is sponsored by the Napa County Office of Education, Napa Valley Education Foundation, NapaLearns, Rotary and Kiwanis.
Napa County grape growers owning an acre or more of vineyards will soon be voting-by-mail on whether to continue a farmworker housing assessment for another five years.

The existing, annual $10-per-acre assessment on 45,000 acres of grapes raises about $450,000 each year. This money helps run three farmworker housing centers at various locations in Napa Valley. Lodgers pay $13 a night for rent.

But the assessment expires on June 30. The proposed five-year renewal would keep the assessment in place at $10-an-acre through the remainder of the year, with possible increases in the years beyond.

The Calistoga, Mondavi and River Ranch centers each have 60 beds, for a total of 180 beds. County officials say loss of the assessment would endanger the housing program for farmers who tend Napa Countys world-famous vines.

It really would be catastrophic, county Housing and Community Development Program Manager Nancy Johnson said.

Ballots to grape growers will be sent out this week, she said. The results of the election will be announced at the July 11 Napa County Board of Supervisors meeting.

State legislation that allowed Napa County to create the assessment district caps the annual charge at $10 an acre. Whether increases can take place in coming years hinges on a bill sponsored by state Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa.

This bill winding through the Legislature would increase the cap to $15 an acre. Dodd wrote that rising costs have left the farmworker housing program with an annual deficit of $250,000 to $300,000, sapping reserves for capital needs.

Backing the Dodd bill are Napa Valley Vintners, Napa County Farm Bureau, Napa Valley Grapegrowers and Winegrowers of Napa County, as well as the Napa County Board of Supervisors.

But that proposed $15-an-acre amount is only a cap, not an amount that must be immediately imposed. Rather, a consensus among the county and major wine and farming groups calls for raising the assessment by $1 an acre next year, if the Dodd legislation passes.

Also, the consensus calls for mirroring assessment hikes with the lodging fee hikes. Thus, farmerworkers could in January see their rent also rise $1, from $13 a night to $14 a night.

On March 30, the Napa County Housing Commission discussed what would happen without the assessment and to the three farmworker housing centers.

What weve been trying to do is alleviate a paradigm of people sleeping under bridges or more often crowding into two-bedroom homes, grape grower and Commissioner Steve Moulds said.

The alternative for some farmworkers is having 12 people living in a small residence, he said.

Closing the farmworker centers would increase traffic, said Santino Garcia of the nonprofit California Human Development Corp., which manages the centers for the county. More workers would be commuting to Napa County from Fairfield and other areas.

Commissioners asked Garcia how lodgers would deal with a possible rent increase of $13 to $14 daily. Garcia said $14 a day for lodging and three meals is still a good deal.

The county is sending out just under 1,900 ballots. Grape grower votes are weighted according to how much of an assessment each grower pays. That means a grape grower paying several thousands dollars of assessments per year has a greater voice at the ballot box than a grower paying a few hundred dollars per year.

State legislation passed in 2001 authorized the Napa County to create the assessment district for farmworker housing. The Board of Supervisors created the district in 2002 and grape growers then approved the $10-an-acre assessment.

The last five-year assessment renewal by grape growers in 2012 passed with a 76 percent positive vote, with a majority vote needed, a county report said.
One of Napas largest cork suppliers is about to get even bigger.

Portocork America recently announced plans to expand its North American headquarters in the Napa Valley Gateway Business Park.

The company will invest $8 million into building a new warehouse and office facility just a stones throw from its current location.

Weve grown nearly every year in existence, said Dustin Mowe, president and CEO of Portocork America. As we grew, we didnt have enough space.

Portocork American was established in 1983, and has been at Technology Way since 1996.

Portocork and its 44 employees will move from 560 Technology Way to a new address on Gateway Road East, located on the west side of Highway 12/29 and diagonal to SpringHill Suites Napa Valley.

Portocork America bought the parcel in 2015 from the Jacuzzi family.

The company, a supplier of only natural wine corks that specializes in the ultra-premium and luxury wine market, has simply outgrown its current 43,700-square-foot space, said Mowe.

The new building, totaling approximately 55,000 square feet, wont have a dramatically bigger footprint, but it will offer much more usable space, officials said.

Thats because the ceiling of the Technology Way building isnt high enough to allow for high-density racking --stacking pallets on top of each other, said Mowe. At the new building, the company can use high-density racking to more than double the usable square footage, he said.

Among other things, the growth of the company can be attributed to investing money in new equipment and technology, specifically an eight-year project to launch new technology that inspects individual corks using gas chromatography to guarantee the closures are free of a type of naturally occurring fungus that can taint, or ruin, wine at all price ranges.

The new fungus screening capabilities has been a big buzz for the company and for sales, said Mowe.

Mowe noted that it would have been less expensive to build outside of Napa County in Fairfield, Petaluma or Benicia. But were committed to being in Napa, he said.

We chose Napa because this is where the heart and soul of our company is. This is the epicenter of the North American wine industry. If you want to be in wine youve got to be in Napa. Its ultra-important we have that presence here.

Mowe said that over the years, hes seen considerable changes to the Gateway business park.

When we moved here in 96, we were the only building on Tech Way, and now its full, he said.

There is a ton of building that has gone on down here. What were faced with now is a lack of land for building. Vacancies are nearly nonexistent. The land has been bought up and is just waiting to be developed. We bought at the right time.

What does that mean for manufacturers that need new space in Napa?

I dont know, he said. I think theyre going to have to go east or south. Or theyll have to pay more for Napa commercial space.

While Portocork is growing, some challenges remain.

The challenge for us is to be able to keep natural cork at the forefront of peoples minds when they speak of quality wines, he said.

For us our biggest threat is screwcaps, said Mowe. Such closures are significantly cheaper, he said.

People at wineries are influenced by dollars and cents. Thats going to continue to be a challenge for us. It comes down to the perceived value of wines being sealed with natural cork.

In addition, because natural cork comes from Portugal, a fluctuating exchange rate can impact business. The parent company of Portocork America is located in Portugal.

When exchange rate is not favorable compared to closures made in the U.S., it can be harder to compete with some of the alternatives, he said.

Another key issue is staffing.

Its one of our toughest challenges, retaining and keeping employees happy, said Mowe.

That can also come down to dollars and cents.

We pay pretty well, said Mowe. You have to give a little bit more to keep people for the long term. Longevity is super important. We have a ton of hourly wage employees that have been with us for over 10 years. And thats something were proud of. We think thats a key piece of what we are trying to do.

Portocork uses agencies to find staffers. But that process has also changed.

In past years, Wed get 10 people and find three that were qualified. Now we get sent 15 and have one that is qualified for what we are looking for.

With Napa County unemployment at near record lows, The bar is being raised as to what companies are willing to pay to have competent employees. Labor costs continue to rise. In Napa County, people are paying considerably more for wages. But they have to.

Portocork hopes to break ground on the new building this summer and finish construction in nine months, weather permitting, said Mowe.

We believe the future will continue to be bright for us, said Mowe, but right now we just continue to run our business as usual at our current location.
Dalton Pierceys recent letter baffles me ("Assimilation is the true enemy," May 19).

Mr. Piercey alleges I am an accomplice to the national Decolonization movement. According to dictionary.cambridge.org, Decolonization is a historical and political process defined as the release of one country or territory from political control by another country and the political independence received by European colonies (= a country or area controlled politically by a more powerful country) in Africa and Asia after World War II.

As a philosopher, I am familiar with the historical-political process of Decolonization. Many people living in the Global South have fought, both through the ballot box and on the battlefield, for political independence and liberty against imperialist colonizers under the banner of Decolonization.

However, as a privileged white cisman who grew up in Napa Valley, let me say, unequivocally, that I am not now nor have I ever been a member of the national Decolonization movement, "concealed" or otherwise. I have never been so in public or private. Rather than pleading my case further, I will reiterate a few reasons for I believe that the NVUSD Board of Trustees should vote to remove and replace the racist Indian mascot.

The Napa Valley High School Mascot Committee, which included parents and indigenous people, was commissioned to evaluate the issue and recommend a course of action for the district to take. This was an inclusive, transparent, and democratic process. The committee has carried out its commission and recommends that the school board remove the mascot.

Again, evidence reveals the harm stereotypical messaging has on the self-esteem and academic success of indigenous students, which is why groups like the American Psychological Association, also recommends that school districts dismantle mascots.

Removing stereotypical Indian mascots not only supports student success for historically marginalized students, it also prevents white and non-indigenous students from developing distorted and romanticized notions of all indigenous people.

Eric Stegman, a specialist in Native American policy at the Center for American Progress, said in a research report entitled Missing the Point that studies show that these mascots undermine the educational experience of all students, particularly those with little or no contact with indigenous and American Indian and Alaska Native. In other words, these stereotypical representations are too often understood as factual representations and, thus, 'contribute to the development of cultural biases and prejudices.'"

Bottom line: These stereotypical Indian mascots have real effects on the material conditions of indigenous students. These are conditions I will never be able to fully experience due to my privilege and personal lens.

I care about this issue because I grew up in Napa Valley and listened to the experiences of my friends and others. I support removing the mascot, not because I am an adherent to an arcane political philosophy.

I support removing the mascot because it stops real harm being perpetrated against marginalized students. Removing the mascot will contribute to the end of unrealistic and romanticized representations of other groups of people.

Alex Shantz

St. Helena
I am a member and elder of the Wintu Tribe of Northern California. My Indian grandmother, Arnie Greer Brookins, came to Napa over 110 years ago. My Indian father, Delbert Greer Brookins, was born in Napa 100 years ago; I was born in Napa 75 years ago. All of my family, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and siblings lived here in Napa.

The following is the history of our Wintu Tribe that my father taught us, most of which never made its way into history books:

The Wintu Tribe ranged from American Canyon to Mt. Shasta and Chief Solano was a Wintu.

In the mid-1700s, during the French and Indian wars, the French scalped their enemies; this was not an Indian activity.

In 1829, Andrew Jackson became President and decreed that Indians were vermin and needed to be exterminated. He decided the French way of scalping was a good thing and agreed to pay for all the Indian scalps that could be gathered.

In the 1830s, The Indian Removal Act produced the "Trail of Tears" where a great many of the Indians perished along the way.

Then there was Custer, hired to kill as many Indians as possible. That was not happening fast enough, so Buffalo Bill was hired to kill all of the buffalo, as they were the food supply for the Indians. This was followed by the settlers, the 49ers, and then the small pox-covered blankets given to the Indians.

Lastly, Indian schools were developed where Indian children were kidnapped from their families and sent to schools to become like white people. Since Indians are unable to metabolize alcohol, it was the final assault on our people.

We historically are reluctant to identify as Indians because it was, and still is, dangerous to identify as an Indian. That does not mean that we are not proud of our heritage. Now we live among you and you would never know, unless we identify ourselves.

To us, as my father advised, as long as the Napa Indian was respected and loved, then all of the above did not succeed. We are still here; despite it all, we are here and each athlete that takes the field in the Indian uniform shows that we know we are still here.

Hasteem: a greeting or "thank you" from our Wintu Tribe.

Virginia Brookins-Brown

Fairfield
The St. Helena City Council voted Tuesday to reject the Culinary Institute of Americas plan to expand its dorms on Pratt Avenue, which faced vigorous opposition from neighbors.

The 3-2 vote was without prejudice, which allows the CIA to revise the project and go back to the Planning Commission, which voted in March to reject the current design.

CIA representatives say the project is crucial to its long-term viability in St. Helena. It proposed extensive upgrades at its historic Greystone campus, an increase in enrollment and the expansion of its Pratt Avenue dorms by 123 beds, for a total of 224.

The Greystone plans drew no opposition, but neighbors criticized the dorm proposal for its size, impact on traffic and an already smelly neighborhood sewer system, and a lack of parking.

Planning Commissioners shared those same concerns, denying the project and urging the CIA to investigate building new dorms on its land surrounding Greystone, including the Carpy property just south of Greystone that the CIA acquired in 1999.

On Tuesday Councilmembers Paul Dohring, Geoff Ellsworth and Mary Koberstein voted to deny the CIAs appeal of the Planning Commissions ruling.

At first Dohring said he hoped the council could work out a solution rather than simply deny or reject the appeal, but when no compromise arose he said he couldnt support putting 224 students on the 2.6-acre Pratt property. He said hes heard many concerns from residents of the Pratt/Park/Crinella neighborhood whove already been heavily affected by the Las Alcobas hotel, and who say the traffic and parking situation around Main/Pratt has reached a crisis point.

Im sympathetic to the financial and programmatic needs of the CIA, he said. But Im also very sympathetic to the neighborhood thats been here for decades and is feeling frankly under assault.

Koberstein called the dorm proposal 10 pounds in a 5-pound sack and cited impacts on traffic, sewer, parking and noise. She said there were no legitimate grounds to grant the two requested variances, or waivers from city rules, involving the setback from Pratt and the number of parking spaces (72 instead of the required 125).

She also said its too early to conclude, as the CIA argued, that building the dorms near the Greystone campus would amount to a significant impact under the California Environmental Quality Act due to the campus historic status.

Ellsworth acknowledged the CIA is part of our family, but said that relationship is a two-way street. He said the various impacts deserve a full environmental impact report that would consider the cumulative impact on the neighborhood.

The CIA should look at building on the Carpy property instead, he said, and agreed with Koberstein that Tuesdays meeting wasnt the time to cobble something together.

Mayor Alan Galbraith and Councilmember Peter White voted in the minority. Galbraith said he didnt share concerns about the visual impact of the dorms (massing), parking and other factors, and said the number of students being requested by the CIA is vital to its overall master plan.

I think its fabulous what theyre proposing to do at Greystone, and its hugely important that we as a community do everything that we can to get those improvements done and keep the CIA here, Galbraith said. But there is a cost, and the cost is additional students at the Pratt Avenue property.

Galbraith praised the CIA for responding to neighbors by reconfiguring the plan so that the dorms closest to Pratt would be only two stories tall, with the three-story buildings farther back. He said the CIA, like other colleges, would be able to control student parking through permits and a transportation plan involving shuttles and bikes.

White said he wasnt concerned about massing either, but hoped the council could agree on a better parking solution to prevent students cars from spilling into the surrounding neighborhood. He suggested passing the Greystone component of the project and holding further discussion about the parking and sewer issues at the dorms.

He said hes always been impressed by CIA students, and called the school part of the fabric of our community.

When it became clear that the project didnt have three votes, CIA representatives asked the council to continue the matter for four weeks so they could come back with a modified project that addressed some of the councils concerns.

I think were very close to a project that could be supported, said attorney Mary Murphy, speaking on behalf of the CIA.

Brian Russell, an attorney representing the neighbors, asked the council not to delay, saying the CIA was just trying to buy time.

Theyve known the issues, theyve heard the public, theyve heard the Planning Commission, he said. If they wanted to change the project, they would have already.

Koberstein said the project shouldnt be redesigned at the council level without new environmental analysis and moved to deny the appeal without prejudice. Ellsworth seconded the motion, and Dohring cast the deciding vote.
(As delivered)

Good morning.

Tomorrow Heads of State and Government in NATO will meet here in Brussels. It will be a short but it will be an important meeting. It will bring together Allied leaders, all Allied leaders from all the 28 Allied countries, and send a strong message of unity and solidarity.

We will mark the handover of our new headquarters from Belgium to NATO with a flag-raising ceremony. This will be a historic milestone: a new home for a modern Alliance.

The site where the new HQ is located was a military airfield during both World Wars and during the construction, we found four unexploded bombs in the ground. So once a place of battle, it will become a venue for dialogue and cooperation between Allies.

We will also dedicate two memorials at our new headquarters. Chancellor Merkel will dedicate the Berlin Wall Memorial. The segment of the wall represents the victory of freedom over oppression. The freedom that Allies continue to preserve every day. And President Trump will dedicate the 9/11 and Article 5 Memorial. This fragment of the World Trade Center recalls the first time Allies invoked our collective defence clause. Symbolising solidarity and our common fight against terrorism.

Terrorists struck again this week in Manchester. This was a barbaric attack, which deliberately targeted children, young people and their families. Our meeting will show that all NATO Allies remain united in the fight against terrorism in all its forms. And in defence of our open societies. Countering terrorism is a complex challenge. It requires a coordinated response. From our law enforcement agencies, our intelligence services, our judicial systems, and sometimes our military. So it is important that we use all the tools that we have to the full.

That is why one of the two main topics we are going to discuss tomorrow will be stepping up NATO's contribution to the fight against terrorism. To deal with the root causes of terrorism, training local forces is one of the best tools that we have.

And NATO has the expertise, partnerships and staying power to make a real difference.

Today, nearly 13,000 troops from NATO and partner countries contribute to our Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan. Training the Afghan forces to secure their country and deny safe haven to international terrorists.

But the security situation remains challenging. We have recently completed our regular review of our training mission. And our military commanders have asked for a few thousand more troops. We are currently in the process of force generation and I expect final decisions to be taken next month.

All NATO Allies already contribute to the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS. And NATO supports the Coalition with information collected by our AWACS surveillance aircraft. I expect we will agree to expand our AWACS support for the Coalition. This will contribute to airspace management, making the skies safer. I also welcome that several Allies have committed air-to-air refuelling capabilities for NATO AWACS supporting the Coalition. We are still discussion whether NATO should become a full member of the Global Coalition.

The other major topic for our meeting is burden sharing. This means meeting the pledge we all made in 2014: to stop the cuts, gradually increase and move towards spending 2% of GDP on defence within a decade.

And we are making progress. After many years of decline, total defence spending by European Allies and Canada rose by billions of dollars last year. But burden-sharing is not just about spending. It's also about capabilities and contributions to NATO missions, operations and other engagements.

I expect Allies will agree to develop national plans. And to report on them every year. These plans will set out how they intend to meet all three aspects of the pledge: cash, capabilities and contributions.

We will decide that Allies will share and report on their progress every year. This will be a new tool. To ensure we keep up the momentum and live up to our commitments.

Prime Minister Markovic of Montenegro will join us tomorrow. The parliaments of all 28 Allies and Montenegro have now ratified the country's accession to NATO. This is a step forward for Montenegro, for stability in the Western Balkans and for our vision of a Europe whole, free and at peace. We look forward to formally welcoming Montenegro as our 29th Ally in early June.

Tomorrow's meeting will demonstrate NATO's ability to change as the world changes. To keep all our nations safe, as we have done since our Alliance was founded almost 70 years ago. What we decide tomorrow will build on what we have achieved in recent years. We have turned the decisions we made at the Wales and Warsaw Summits into reality. Since 2014, we have implemented the biggest reinforcement of our collective defence since the end of the Cold War. Including tripling the size of the NATO Response Force to 40,000 troops. With a 5,000-strong Spearhead Force at its core. Eight new headquarters in the eastern part of the Alliance. Four multinational battlegroups now deploying to the Baltic States and Poland. An enhanced presence in the Black Sea region. And strengthened cyber defences. We have also stepped up our cooperation with the European Union.

I welcome yesterday's US budget proposal to significantly further increase the US presence in Europe with more troops, infrastructure and exercises. I welcome this strong sign of US continued commitment to NATO and to European security. NATO is adapting to deter any possible aggression. And preserve the peace.

At the same time, we have delivered on our commitment to dialogue with Russia. With four meetings of the NATO-Russia Council in the last year. So we are delivering on both tracks of defence, and dialogue.

We have also transformed our approach to fighting terrorism. In Afghanistan, we have moved from a combat role to a training role. This has shown us the value of supporting local forces in their fight against terrorism.

NATO's strength allows us to defend our nations at home, to train partners abroad and to engage in difficult but important dialogue.

So - we have accomplished a lot. And we continue to adapt to the future. This is what tomorrow's meeting is all about.

And with that, I'm ready to take your questions.

Oana Lungescu (NATO Spokesperson): We'll start with Reuters, third row.

Q: Thanks Oana. Robin Emmott, Reuters. Secretary General, given the fact that the 28 allies of NATO are already members of the counter Da'esh Coalition, why should U.S. President Trump be won over by the decision to join the coalition as NATO? Thank you.

Secretary General: NATO plays a role in the fight against terrorism in many different ways. We are supporting already the Global Coalition to defeat ISIS. Many allies would like to see NATO as a full member of the Coalition for two reasons. Partly because it sends a strong and clear message of unity in the fight against terrorism. And especially in light of the terrorist attacks in Manchester, I think it's important that we send this unified message that we stand together in the fight against terrorism. But then NATO joining the coalition will also provide a better platform for coordinating the activities of NATO, NATO allies and other partners in the Coalition in the fight against terrorism. So it's partly a political argument which is presented by many allies that it will send a strong political message and partly a practical argument that having NATO being part of the information flows, the meetings, the consultations in the Coalition will improve the way we coordinate the efforts of NATO with other allies already being part of the Coalition.

Oana Lungescu: Lady in this first row.

Q: My name is Erin Pike from Washington DC and on the occasion of President Trump's visit tomorrow he has not yet publicly backed Article 5. Has he backed it to you privately? Do you expect him to do it here tomorrow publicly? And separate from that we also learned last week that he shared Israeli intelligence with Russian officials in the White House. You'll be discussing increased intelligence sharing tomorrow night. Are you concerned that he will betray any members of the alliance and do you expect to discuss that with him. Do you expect other heads of state to discuss that with him tomorrow? Will you put controls in place so he does not betray any members of the alliance?

Secretary General: President Trump has clearly stated his strong support to NATO and the core task of NATO is collective defence. So by expressing strong support to NATO, to our security guarantees, the United States, President Trump, his security team has also of course expressed strong support for Article 5 because Article 5, collective defence is NATO's core task. And he has stated that publicly but he also of course stated that privately in meetings with me. We spoke on the phone after he was elected twice and we met also last month in the White House discussing NATO and the whole NATO agenda. This is not only expressed by him, but is also expressed by the Vice President when he visited NATO, Secretary Tillerson, Secretary Mattis. They all expressed in meetings and publicly their strong support to NATO and the security guarantees which then of course includes collective defence and Article 5.

Second, this is a support for collective defence not only in words but also in deeds from the United States. Yesterday, the Trump Administration presented a budget where they increase funding for U. S. military presence in Europe by 40%. Which is a significant increase which comes on top of the increase we saw last year. And that enables an increase of military presence of U.S. forces, more exercises, more equipment, more training, more prepositioned supplies, weapons, ammunition, and more investments in infrastructure. So after many years of a decline in U.S. military presence in Europe we now see for the first time in many years an increase. So this is a commitment to our collective defence from the United States not only in words but also in deeds.

Intelligence. Sorry. Well, intelligence, sharing intelligence is a core activity for NATO. We have shared intelligence for many, many years in this alliance. And actually we are stepping up our sharing of intelligence because we have established a new intelligence division and I also expect us to make new decisions on how we can do even more on intelligence tomorrow when we meet the leaders. And of course I trust all allies that they are able to handle intelligence in a good way and that's what we have been able to do for many, many, many years. And we will continue to do that.

Oana Lungescu: Wall Street Journal.

Q: Mr. Secretary General you mentioned a couple of times the budget proposal from the Trump Administration. Do you think that in any way lessons the pressure on Europe to spend more on its own defence if the United States is going to provide more troops and more deterrence? And as a related matter, last year you talked about $10 billion in extra funding from European allies. What would constitute success in your mind in 2017 and beyond in terms of annual increases in defence spending from Europe.

Secretary General: Increased military presence in Europe does not weaken the need for European allies to invest more in defense. And what we saw last year was that it's not either more U.S. or more Europe. Actually in 2016 we got more of both. In 2016 was the first year after many years of decline that we saw increased European investment in defence but at the same time we saw increased U.S. presence. So based on what we saw last year it's absolutely possible to have both more U.S. and more Europe in Europe investing in defence.

So actually there's no contradiction. It's not either or. It's both. And we need both. Then we publish numbers and figures twice a year in NATO. In February in my annual report we published the estimates for 2016 for defence spending in 2016. And the estimate is $10 billion dollars. And we will have new figures, final figures in June. And in June we will also then provide estimates for 2017. I will not give you any specific numbers and I don't have a clear number which is the difference between success and not success. But I expect the European allies and Canada as a total to continue to increase defense spending moving towards the 2% target.

Oana Lungescu: Washington Post.

Q: Michael Birnbaum from the Washington Post. A related question about the U.S. defence budget. You have said a succession of U.S. officials have said that Donald Trump has said that the U.S. cannot sustain this, can't hold Europe's defence on its back. And we've heard for years now this mantra in the United States that the U.S. simply, the U.S. public will not support major defence spending here when allies aren't doing the same thing. To follow on Julian's question, it does seem like a bit of a contradiction that Trump is on the one hand saying U.S. won't, there's no political will to keep spending money on Europe along with this major increase. Are you worried that this is running beyond the political will in the United States and there actually could be a diminishing support, this could actually be damaging to U.S. support for NATO given all this talk that we're constantly hearing about declining U.S. willingness, popular willingness to spend on Europe.

Secretary General: So I would have been worried if we saw a decline in European defence spending. We saw the opposite. After many years of decline, we see now and increase. We turned a corner in 2015, which was the first year after many years of cuts that we didn't see any cuts in European defense spending. Actually saw a small increase. The in 2016 we actually saw a significant increase in defence spending in Europe. And I expect defence spending in Europe to continue in 2017 but I don't have any estimates before June. Then on top of increased defence spending in Europe we also see that European allies are also stepping up in other ways.

By for instance being in the lead nations for our new the Spearhead Force. That is something many different European allies have taken on and they are leading the Spearhead force. And U.K. and Germany are also lead nations for our Enhance Forward Presence, our battlegroups in Estonia and Lithuania. So European Allies are stepping up not only by investing more in European defence but also by providing capabilities and contributions to NATO missions and operations to our readiness and our enhanced presence in the eastern part of the alliance.

For me this is only an additional argument for the U.S. to invest in defence. And I think by showing that Europeans are stepping up it's easier to go the US Congress and ask for more. And I think actually that's what you've seen this year. Then I would also have to say that yesterday I saw new opinion poll showing that there was significant increase support for NATO in the United States. So actually the popular support for NATO had increased in the United States over the last year. That's something I welcome very much. Which I think makes it even easier to invest in our alliance. Because this alliance is important both for the United States and for Europe.

Oana Lungescu: Al Arabiya, second row.

Q: Mr. Secretary General, you said that NATO is not ready to deploy forces on the ground in Iraq and Syria. I would like to ask you what is the, what will be the NATO contribution be once you take the decision to enroll in the fight against Da'esh. And a subsidiary question: How long will you be supporting Iraq in the training mission?

Secretary General: There has been no request for any NATO combat role and there is no discussion at all about engaging NATO in a combat role in the Counter ISIL Coalition. And we have to remember also that outside the Counter ISIL Coalition. And when it comes to what NATO does in Afghanistan we have ended our combat role. We don't conduct combat operations in Afghanistan any more. We have 13,000 troops in Afghanistan but what they do is train, assist and advise. Because we strongly believe that in the long run it is more sustainable that you enable local forces, local governments, local institutions to defend their own country. To fight terrorism themselves. And to stabilise their own countries instead of NATO doing that through big combat operations with a big number of combat troops on the ground.

So that the training is really a main message from NATO because we strongly believe in enabling local forces, local governments to stabilise their own countries. So therefore it's totally out of the question for NATO to engage in any combat operations. What we are focused on both in Afghanistan and in Iraq and in Libya and other places is how can we train, assist and advise and that's what we have started to do in Afghanistan. I'm sorry that's what we do in Afghanistan and what we have started also to do for Iraqi forces, first in Jordan and now inside Iraq. There's no timetable for how long we will stay. But we will assess and see how long that will be needed.

Oana Lungescu: Jordanian News Agency.

Q: From Arab Today. The war against terrorism started seriously in 2001. At that time Al-Qaeda was in a few mountains in Afghanistan. Now terrorism and extremism is nearly everywhere, at the doorsteps of all of us. And many in the Middle East saying that the West has failed in taking out the causes and the reasons why these extreme groups and extreme elements are successfully recruiting more terrorists worldwide. By not giving just solutions for just problems like the Arab-Israeli conflict. So many believe that the more the West ignores a serious solution for the Arab-Israeli conflict, the more these extreme elements will take advantage and recruit ignorant and very simple people anywhere all around the globe. So do you think that there will be sometime soon a serious [inaudible] to try to take these recruitment tools away from these terrorist groups? Thank you.

Secretary General: I strongly believe that we need many different tools in the fight against terrorism. And one part of that effort to fight terrorism is to address the root causes, they instability, the conflicts, violence we see in many places in the world and in the wider Middle East region. And therefore I support efforts to try to find political solutions, negotiated solutions to many of the conflicts which are creating the ground for terrorism. For instance in Afghanistan the aim is to try to find a political, negotiated solution. We also support the efforts to try to find a negotiated solution to the different conflicts we see in the Middle East. So that's an important part of the efforts to address the terrorist threats. But then sometimes we also need military means and then NATO has a role to play. And that's what we have done in Afghanistan and elsewhere. So there's no contradiction between either being focused on trying to find political solutions and at the same time trying to address the military needs.

Oana Lungescu: TOLO TV, first row.

Q: Thank you. Mr. Secretary General, what do you expect from an increased, let's say 5,000 NATO and U.S. troops in Afghanistan while a big surge back in 2009 didn't produce the results expected. And now with ISIS, Da'esh very strong in Afghanistan would it encourage NATO to be involved in some sort of direct combat role against ISIS given that they are not directly related to ISIS in the Middle East? Some of them are local ISIS either from Afghanistan or Pakistan. And how would you differentiate them with the Taliban? Second question relates to Russia's reported support for the Taliban. How concerned are you about that? Thank you.

Secretary General: The situation now compared to the surge in Afghanistan some years ago is very different. And actually the purpose is totally different. Because at that time NATO and United States  the United States being part of NATO but also with their own activities and operations in Afghanistan  then we were engaged in big combat operation.

Since then we have been able to big up a strong national Afghan army and security force from almost nothing to now around 350,000 troops and policemen. So at the end of 2014 we handed over the responsibility for security in Afghanistan to the Afghan national army and defence forces. And they have proven capable, professional and they have been able to counter every time the Taliban has attacked. And they have proven also able to fight the many different terrorist groups including ISIS in Afghanistan.

So now when there is a request for a few thousand more troops it is something completely different than the surge back in 2009 and 2010. Because then it was a big surge in the combat operation. Now it is a request for a few thousand more troops to do more training and capacity building. At least in the NATO framework. And the aim of that is to for instance further strengthen the Afghan special operation forces. They are proven extremely important in the fight against Taliban and terrorist groups. To strengthen the air defences, the air force of Afghanistan. I met some female pilots trained by NATO. So Afghanistan is now developing their own air forces. And also some officers and some academies to increase modern control. All of this is about training the Afghan security forces to stabilise their own country.

We urge Russia to be part of an Afghan-led peace process. The aim is to reconcile and find a negotiated solution. And this has to be an Afghan-led peace process and of course we have seen reports but we haven't seen fine proof of direct support from Russia to Taliban so I think we should now focus on what could we do to support the peace process which should be Afghan-led.

Oana Lungescu: NPR.

Q: Terri Schultz, NPR. How do you explain to the allies that are worried about the slippery slope principle, when the war in Afghanistan started it also want a NATO-led combat role in 2001, and by 2003 it was. So you have a perfect example for those that are worried that this is the first step towards a combat role for NATO in counter-ISIS operations.

And second, how worried are you as the investigation in the United States continues, the investigation into Russian meddling now not just in the election but into the inner circle of the Trump administration? Doesn't that affect the credibility of operations here when you're working on trying to affect Russian activities and do you have evidence that there was a significant amount of influence on the Trump administration?

Secretary General: Allies, all 28 Allies decide what NATO does. And there has been, as I said, no request, no call for a NATO combat role. Actually I think we have to look, in a way, beyond the combat operation. Because the challenge is that, when Mosul is liberated, then we need some forces on the ground to be able to keep the territory and to make sure that Iraq becomes a stable country.

So what I think we have learned from Iraq, from Afghanistan, from Libya and many other countries, is that one thing is the military combat operation, but perhaps more demanding in the long run is to stabilise after the combat operations have ended. That is what NATO is focusing on when we now are engaged in training, assisting and capacity building in Afghanistan, but also focus on that in, for instance, Iraq.

So again, NATO will only do what Allies want us to do. There has been no call for a combat role. I don't see any need for a combat role, but I see a big need for NATO to do more, together with Allies and the Coalition, to build the capacity which we need in Iraq to ensure that Iraq is a stable country when the combat operations are over and ISIL is defeated.

The other that's a domestic, national issue. I will not go into the US debate related to Russia and the elections. I will only say that this has in no way affected the work in NATO, the way we work together, all allies including the United States here in NATO, and also the way we share intelligence.

Oana Lungescu: Russian media.

Q: Kommersant. First question, is there a possibility for a new NATO-Russia summit on a ministerial level, and the second, will any new proposals on the eastern flank of NATO be discussed on the upcoming summit?

Secretary General: We never suspended the NATO-Russia Council. The NATO-Russia Council can meet on different levels: ambassadorial level, ministerial level and also at the level of Heads of State and Government. And I remember when I was Prime Minister of Norway, I participated several times in NATO summits with President Putin or Prime Minister Medvedev in different formats, with them. So that is something that is still possible, but there are no plans to have such a meeting so I think we are now focused on the NATO-Russia Council meetings on the ambassadorial level, and we will have to come back to in the future when we will address possible high level meetings in the Council.

And the last question was about...?

Q: Kommersant: About will there be any new discussions about new measures to strengthen NATO's eastern flank?

Secretary General: Yes, I guess it will be addressed. Meaning that I think many NATO Allies will welcome the ability of NATO to implement, because I think we are all impressed by the way NATO has been able to adapt in a very short period of time, to implement the biggest reinforcement in our collective defence since the end of the Cold War. And we have done that since 2014.

We have implemented decisions we have made in September 2014 in Wales, and we have implemented the decisions we made in Warsaw. We are now deploying for four battalions to the Baltic countries and Poland. But I don't expect any request for any additional measures.

It is important for NATO to convey the message that we don't seek confrontation with Russia. We don't want to provoke a conflict. Actually our presence there is to prevent a conflict. And what we do is a measured, defensive response to what Russia did in Ukraine. No one discussed of having battlegroups, NATO forces, in the Baltic countries and Poland before Ukraine. So this is a direct response to Russia's actions in Ukraine.

Oana Lungescu: Georgian media.

Q: What should Georgia wait for tomorrow? Can you confirm that leaders will discuss the future of those countries aspiring NATO membership, and also will you discuss open door policy of this organisation  Ukraine and Georgia? And also, this week, NATO Parliamentary Assembly will visit Georgia and we want to hear from you the importance of this visit.

Secretary General: I expect several Allies to address the importance of our partners, including Georgia. Georgia is a key partner for NATO. We have developed a very close partnership with Georgia and we are implementing the different measures: the Substantial Package, the training centre, more activities more training and more cooperation with Georgia.

I also visited Georgia recently with the North Atlantic Council. And the NATO Parliamentary Assembly will visit Georgia in a few days. And I think the Deputy Secretary General will be there, together with the parliamentarians. So that just shows, in a way, how much contact, how much political dialogue we have with Georgia and how much practical support and cooperation.

And Georgia contributes to NATO, with forces in NATO missions and operations, including for instance in Afghanistan, and we are very grateful for all the contributions from Georgia to NATO, especially in Afghanistan.

The decisions we made on Open Door still stand, including what we decided in Warsaw on Georgia. And I think this meeting proves that NATO's door is open. Because at this meeting we welcome Prime Minister Markovic of Montenegro, and all parliaments in all 28 Allied nations, and Montenegro, have now ratified the accession treaty, so we show that the NATO door is open and we continue to work with Georgia to help implement reforms.

Oana Lungescu: ITV.

Q: Just regarding the attack in Manchester, how much do you expect what happened on Monday night to be a topic of discussion during your talks tomorrow, and how much to you think it will influence those talks? And what sort of circumstances to you see on security as a result of what happened there?

Secretary General: The attacks we saw in Manchester will be something which will be addressed I think actually by all leaders in one way or another. Because the attacks were brutal and they deliberately targeted children, young people and families. Doing something which should be absolutely safe and secure: to attend a concert.

And I think that people are also impressed and all NATO leaders are impressed by the way Manchester and United Kingdom have reacted because they stand for their open societies. They don't want to change the way they live because of the terrorist threats. And they prove that they are not willing to be intimidated and scared by this kind of brutal terrorist attack. And I know the feeling in a way that back in 2011 Norway suffered a brutal terrorist attack where also many children and young people were killed. And it's always meaningless when innocent people are killed but it's especially brutal when the lives of so young are cut off in such a brutal way as we saw in Manchester. For me this just underlines the importance of standing in the fight against terrorism.

And I know the feeling in a way that, back in 2011, Norway suffered a brutal terrorist attack where also many children and young people were killed. And it's always meaningless when innocent people are killed. But it's especially brutal when the lives of so young people are cut off in such a brutal way as we saw in Manchester.

For me this just underlines importance of standing together in fight against terrorism. Recognising, or fully acknowledging, that we need many different tools. We need to address the root causes inside our own countries, in NATO allied countries, we need political means, we need diplomatic means, we need law enforcement, we need intelligence, but we also need military means and NATO has a role to play. And I expect Allies to step up and agree to do more in the fight against terrorism, not least because of what we saw in Manchester on Monday.

Oana Lungescu: Europa Press.

Q: Anna Pisonero. The possibility to have a centre to fight terrorism. What would it exactly do and do you expect this to be agreed by leaders. And a second quick question if I may, what's the time slot that leaders will get for their interventions? Will it be the traditional three minutes, or maybe a bit less?

Secretary General: First of all, we will have a timer for the different interventions, that is something that we always have at NATO, at the different ministerials and the different summits. So to have a timer is a normal thing. The exact number of minutes, well I think I have to tell that to the Heads of State and Government first, but it's a normal procedure that we have at this meeting as we have at all our other ministerial meetings.

We have different centres of excellence addressing fighting terrorism. We are working also at establishing I know that Spain is now addressing what they can do, so we are welcoming all efforts to do more in the fight against terrorism.

Oana Lungescu: Ukrainian media.

Q: Will the issue of Minsk agreement implementation be raised at this summit? That's the first question, and the second one: the Ukrainian president has banned the access to the Russian social media in Ukraine. How do you assess this decision and whether you see, NATO sees this Russian social media as a weapon in cyber warfare?

Secretary General: I expect several Allies, and especially France and Germany being from Normandy format, to raise and also to brief other Allies on the implementation of the Minsk agreements. We have to remember that the main reason why, at least one of the main reasons why NATO is implementing the biggest reinforcement of our collective defence and increasing our presence in the eastern part of the Alliance with the four new battlegroups and other measures is because of Ukraine. So NATO has responded, and we support also the economic sanctions of the European Union, and the United States and other countries.

We are concerned about the lack of implementation of the Minsk agreements. We have seen many, many violations of the ceasefire, and we have seen that heavy weapons are not being withdrawn from the contact line.

We are particularly concerned about the international monitoring mission, the OSCE monitors, are not allowed to operate. And recently we saw one of them was killed and several were wounded. This is really hampering the efforts of the OSCE to monitor the Minsk agreements, the ceasefire, which is key to the implementation of the Minsk agreements.

We see how vulnerable many societies are against cyber-attacks. And therefore NATO has significantly increased our own cyber defences, we are also working with partners countries, including Ukraine, on how we can help them to strengthen their cyber networks cyber defence. The Ukrainian government has made clear that this decree to restrict some of the sites is an issue of security, not one of freedom of speech. And freedom of speech is part of the dialogue we have with Ukraine. It is extremely important for NATO, but it has been clearly stated by Ukrainian government this is not about limiting the freedom of speech, but it's something they've done for security reasons.

Oana Lungescu: Romanian media.

Q: If you remember in Warsaw, you talked a lot about defence and deterring, and in this context I want to know what's the stage of the discussion about Romanian and Black Sea security, because Black Sea security is still an open issue?

Secretary General: Well, we are increasing our presence in the Black Sea region, we are implementing what we call tailored enhanced Forward Presence built around a Romanian brigade but also with contributions from other countries in the region.

We are also increasing our naval presence and also having more presence in the air. I know that the United Kingdom are deploying planes to the region, conducting air policing. So NATO has increased its presence in the Black Sea region. That is one element of the adaptation of NATO. And again we are delivering.

We have implemented the biggest reinforcement our collective defence, also in the Black Sea Region, since end of cold war. We have, after many years of decline, started increasing defence spending. Romania has announced that they will reach the 2% target this year. Latvia and Lithuania have announced they will meet the 2% target next year.

And then we have stepped up our efforts to fight terrorism, by being more and more focused on training and capacity building. And we have also been able then to deliver on our commitment on dialogue with Russia.

So what we do in the Black Sea region is just one of many elements showing that that NATO has been really able to respond, to adapt and to change to a new and more demanding security environment. And that is the reason why NATO is the most successful alliance in history - is that we have been able to be united, and at the same time able to change when the world is changing. That is what we are going to address when we meet tomorrow.
Herman K. Trabish, October 13, 2016 (Utility Dive)

Editors note: The Montana settlement, like many the New Energy industries and utilities have made in recent months, is partial and tentative but represents work in the right direction.

After more than a year of contentious discussions between legislators, utility leaders and the solar industry, Montana lawmakers formed a special legislative committee  the Energy and Technology Interim Committee (ETIC)  to address how to encourage distributed solar growth without putting stress on the utility system or shifting costs to the rest of the customer base. In forming the ETIC, legislative leaders asked Northwestern Energy (NWE) and Montana Renewable Energy Association (MREA) to work together. When they submitted widely divergent cost-benefit analyses of net metering in Montana, the ETIC asked the MPSC staff, the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), and the Legislative Office of Consumer Counsel (OCC) to review the analyses.

The ETIC process five proposed bills. Amid the political turmoil, NWE CEO Bob Rowe decided to take the initiative. The Community Sustainable Energy Workshops he convened were not to deal with net metering specifically, but to engage stakeholders. As the group worked on designs for pilot projects Rowe said he would take on, the workshops turned into an opportunity for the renewables advocates to learn more about utility concerns and for the utility to learn those of renewables advocates. None of the participants interviewed by Utility Dive fully endorsed the idea that the workshops specifically advanced the ETIC process. But each said that collaboration had contributed to understanding between the utility and renewables advocates click here for more

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"There is no reported airspace violation," Indian Air Force (IAF) sources said in response to Pakistan's claim of its fighter jets having flown over the glacier which is in India's control.

Pakistani media reports said PAF fighter jets flew near the Siachen glacier on Wednesday morning.

According to Samaa TV channel, Chief of Air Staff Sohail Aman, accompanied by the PAF's top leadership, paid a visit to the forward airbase in Skardu where he met pilots and technical staff while a fighter squadron carried out higher and lower altitude flights. Aman himself flew a Mirage jet.

Skardu is around 140 km from the over-5,500 metre Siachen Glacier, once the world's highest battlefield..

The report quoting sources also said that all of the forward operating bases of the PAF have been made fully operational.

The claim comes a day after the Indian Army released a video of Pakistan's post across the Line of Control being attacked in Naushera sector of Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan denied that its post was attacked and accused India of ceasefire violation.

Last week, Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal B.S. Dhanoa had sent individual letters to over 12,000 personnel of the IAF to be prepared for operations at short notice.

--IANS ao/vd/bg

( 242 Words)

2017-05-24-19:24:20 (IANS)
Tensions escalated on Wednesday with Pakistan Air Force Chief Suhail Aman activating all forward bases in response to purported India "threats" and fighter jets flying over the Siachen glacier violating the Indian air space, a claim New Delhi has dismissed. The fresh Pakistani provocation came a day after the Indian Army said it had "proactively" dominated the Line of Control (LoC) with "punitive fire assaults" against military posts and terror launch pads. According to media reports in Islamabad, Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman along with senior PAF officers visited the Qadri Airbase in Skardu - part of Pakistan-administered Kashmir - where war exercises by fighter jet squadrons are being held at present. The air chief also took part in the exercises, flying a Pakistan Air Force Mirage fighter jet and reviewed the exercises and operational preparedness of the PAF. In an apparent response to India's aggressive LoC posture and recent reports of Indian Air Force Chief B S Dhanoa's missive to the force to be "prepared" for action at short notice, Air Chief Marshal Aman told reporters at the Skardu base that Pakistan would give a "befitting response to any misadventure by the enemy". "Pakistan has and must have zero concern over the statements of the enemy. Our response to any aggression by the enemy will be such that their future generations will also remember it," he said according to a Radio Pakistan report. The reports said he also ordered the "operation activation" of the forward posts on the nearly 780-km LoC -- the de facto border that divides Jammu and Kashmir between the two countries. Aman's visit to the Skardu base coincided with other reports in the Pakistani media that the PAF on Wednesday flew fighter jets near the Siachen Glacier - the world's highest battleground in the northern part of Kashmir where the LoC ends. Skardu is around 140 kilometers from Siachen. Samaa TV citing unnamed sources said Pakistani fighter jets "made flights near Siachen Glacier on Wednesday morning". But the Indian Air Force denied any violation of India's airspace. "There is no reported airspace violation," said an Indian Air Force official, who did not want to be identified. The strategically important Siachen Glacier and all its major passes are under Indian military control since 1984 when the two armies fought a bitter military conflict in the mountains above the unpopulated territory in the Karakoram range. The inhospitable Siachen is one of the major disputes between the two countries. India has said it was willing to bring its forces down but Pakistan has to authenticate the positions the two militaries currently hold. Pakistan has said it is willing to agree but the Indian condition should not be considered as the final endorsement of India's claim over the glacier - one of the major sources of water for Pakistan's rivers. India and Pakistan military tension went up since last year when Indian commandos carried out surgical strikes against terror launch pads killing dozens of terrorists and their sympathisers across the LoC. On May 1, India said Pakistan's Border Action Team - that comprises of militants trained by the Pakistan Army - beheaded two Indian soldiers in the Krishna Ghati sector of Poonch. The brutal incident was followed by a major assault by the Indian Army on Pakistani bunkers at forward posts in the Naushera sector across the LoC on May 9. On Tuesday, the Indian Army released a short video clip of the attack ostensibly blowing some forward posts of the Pakistan Army. --IANS sar/vsc/bg ( 594 Words) 2017-05-24-20:28:21 (IANS)
"The arms deal between the United States and Saudi Arabia not only would not contribute to security in the Middle East, but would lead to insecurity and tensions in the region," Tasnim news agency quoted the military aide to Iran's Supreme Leader Major General Yahya Rahim Safavi as saying.

Washington earns huge profit from fomenting regional insecurity and creates tensions among Muslim countries, Rahim Safavi said.

He noted that Iran's principal policy is respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of other states, stressing that regional security would materialize only through concerted efforts and direct dialogue to achieve a common understanding, Xinhua news reported.

On Saturday, the US President Donald Trump sealed a $110-billion arms deal with Saudi Arabia in Riyadh.

During his visit to Saudi Arabia on Sunday, Trump called on the regional countries to isolate Iran which he said, had "fuelled the fires of sectarian conflict and terror".

On Monday, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said that Trump's recent anti-Iran remarks and rising Iranophebia are aimed at "milking" Saudi Arabia.

--IANS vgu/

( 209 Words)

2017-05-24-05:46:20 (IANS)
The Angel Summit provides a unique opportunity for women entrepreneurs and professionals to connect and collaborate with successful leaders from a wide variety of industries and professions and discuss some of the most important issues and challenges faced by women today.

Introduced by startup and technology enthusiast Sita Pallachola, it is also designed to be a catalyst for female-led businesses and leadership with the help of industry specific mentors and funding.

The theme of this edition is "Bridge the Gap". Conversations will revolve around bridging the gap of gender diversity in the corporate and entrepreneurial world.

The final list of speakers includes the likes of Ameera Shah, Founder and CEO, Metropolis; Chhavi Rajawat, Sarpanch, Soda Village, Rajasthan; Trisha Shetty, Founder, Shesays and Rahul Narvekar, CEO, NDTV, Ethnic Retail, among others.

The event is scheduled to be held on June 10 at ACE, ISDI - One India Bulls Centre here.

--IANS ss/vm

( 201 Words)

2017-05-24-19:38:26 (IANS)
At least 24 persons were killed and eight others injured when the bus they were travelling in plunged into a deep gorge in Uttarakhand late on Tuesday, police said. The accident took place near Nalupani in Uttarkashi district when a bus full of pilgrims from Indore, Madhya Pradesh were returning from the Gangotri shrine. Three people are still missing and the eight injured, who were rescued after great efforts and difficulty, have been admitted at the Community Health Centre at Chinyalisaud, an official informed IANS. Some passengers of the ill-fated bus also fell in the Bhagirathi rover flowing below. District officials including district magistrate Ashish Srivastava rushed to the spot but owing to darkness rescue efforts were hampered. With the hill being very steep, rescue was further delayed and went on till the morning. SDRF, police and ITBP teams then went down from the other side and rescued eight passengers. Bodies have been recovered but are yet to be identified. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat has condoled the loss of lives in the mishap and has announced an ex gratia of Rs 1 lakh each for the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 each for those injured. Officials have also been asked to identify danger zones on routes of the annual 'Chaar Dham Yatra', put up speed monitors, turning warnings and put up crash barriers. --IANS md/vgu/ ( 241 Words) 2017-05-24-07:10:20 (IANS)
The West Bengal Government is enthusiastically developing the district of Purulia as a tourist destination. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had, during a public meeting in the distinct, stressed on the potential of Purulia as a destination for tourists, and the present initiatives are a result of that. A decision has been taken to develop a tourism circuit in the district by stringing together spots in the Ayodhya Hills region. As a part of that, roads have already been built connecting the spots to Jhalda, Baghmundi and Balarampur. The less-known but equally beautiful tourist spots are also in the process of being connected through roads. The State Government has also chalked out plans to build tourist resorts. Private operators are also being encouraged in these ventures. Some of the prominent tourist spots of the district, besides the Ayodhya Hills, are the Jaichandi and Garpanchakot Hills, Kashipur Rajbari, Koshjuri, Baranti Bird Sanctuary, the forst of Dandahit, Muraddi Lake, Garpanchakot, Bandwan Duarsini and Doladanga.UNI SJC KK -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0212-906186.Xml
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi Palaniswami on Wednesday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi that the Centre should reconsider its decision to introduce NEET examination in Tamil Nadu and exempt the state from it in the interest of students. Talking to newspersons after his meeting with Modi, he said exemption should be given from NEET to both government and private medical colleges and government-quota seats in Tamil Nadu. He also stressed on the need for immediate central intervention in the appointment of a Cauvery River Management Authority and setting up of a Regulatory Committee as part of implementing the Cauvery Water Tribunal decisions. Palaniswami also urged the Prime Minister to ensure that the finance ministry issue instructions to the insurance companies for quick disbursal of crop loss insurance for farmers affected by the severe drought that has hit the state this year. The Chief Minister said he has handed over a memorandum to the Prime Minister containing various demands of the state for Central help in implementing development schemes. These included immediate central approval for setting up of an AIIMS hospital in Tamil Nadu, clearance for the Rs. 14,500 crore scheme for restoration of the Cauvery bed for which the state government has sent a scheme. This should be implemented as a national scheme, he said. The Chief Minister said he urged the Prime Minister to instruct the Kerala government not to go ahead with its plans for the construction of check dams across the Bhavani river. He also wanted the Centre to advise the Kerala government to accept the Tamil Nadu scheme for diversion of surplus waters from Pamba, Achankoil and Vaippar rivers to prevent them from going into the sea which will be beneficial to both Tamil Nadu and Kerala. He said Kerala should be asked to prepare a scheme for producing hydro power from these waters. Palaniswami said the Centre should give a subsidy of Rs.500 crore for a rainwater conservation scheme to be taken up as a people's movement. The scheme involves desilting of rivers and lakes and rain water harvesting programme introduced by late chief minister J Jayalalithaa. He said the Centre has allocated Rs. 86 crore for fishermen development for which Tamil Nadu government has set apart Rs. 200 crore. --IANS sid-vsc/bg ( 391 Words) 2017-05-24-13:54:26 (IANS)
Women workers of the opposition National Conference (NC) on Wednesday protested against the award of the Army Chief's commendation card to an officer who had tied a local to the front of a jeep in Jammu and Kashmir. Led by NC legislator Shameema Firdous, the NC women activists started a protest march from the party headquarters in Srinagar. The women were soon stopped by the police. The protesting women raised slogans against the Peoples Democratic Party-Bharatiya Janata Party coalition government for overlooking human rights in the Kashmir Valley. They sought punishment for the army major who had tied Javed Dar, a shawl weaver, to the front of a jeep on April 9 in Budgam district to avoid stone pelting. --IANS sq/ruwa/bg ( 133 Words) 2017-05-24-13:58:19 (IANS)
Around 4 a.m., the vehicle, headed from Pune to Buldhana via Aurangabad, went out of control, crashed the divider and hit the truck bound for Ahmednagar on the busy Aurangabad-Ahmednagar highway, Vilas Kanawade of the MIDC Police Station here said.

All seven, including the driver, aboard the jeep died on the spot.

All the passengers, on a pilgrimage in Buldhana district, were fast asleep in the vehicle at the time of the accident. The driver of the truck fled the scene of the accident.

"As per preliminary investigations, the jeep driver apparently dozed off at the wheel as the speeding vehicle climbed onto the road divider. It then collided head-on with the truck coming in from the opposite direction," Kanawade told IANS.

Those killed have been identified as Manohar Rambhau Gaikwad (45), Gokul Rambhau Gaikwad (40), Ankush Dinkar Nemane (45), Kiran Balu Chavan (50), Swapnil Balu Chavan (17), Arun Pandurang Shinde (30) and Mubarak Abbas Tamboli (52).

They were proceeding on a pilgrimage from Pune to the mausoleum of Muslim saint Hazrat Abdul Rehman Shah, who is revered as Sailani Baba, in Buldhana.

The police are searching for the absconding truck driver, Kanawade said.

--IANS qn/in/vt

( 249 Words)

2017-05-24-15:28:15 (IANS)
Days after incident of admission test paper leak of BA (Hons) Turkish Language & Literature, the Jamia Milia Islamia University administration has handed the matter to Delhi Police. "Jamia Millia Islamia's administration has handed over the admission test paper leak case for BA (Hons) Turkish Language & Literature, 2017 to Delhi Police's Cyber Crime Branch," an official of the varsity said in a statement today. The official said Police will investigate into the case and strict action will be taken against those involved in leaking the entrance test paper of the exam that was held on May 9. The varsity has decided to conduct the re-admission test for the same on 2 July, 2017, from 0900 hrs to 1045 hrs. Fresh admit cards for the same will be issued soon, it said.UNI DS RSA 1744 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0177-906824.Xml
Armed dacoits in the name of maoists committed burglary at three houses at Rajhara Kothi under Pandwa Police Station area of the Palamu district and decamped with cash and valuables worth several lakhs. Police sources today said that the dacoits late last night struck at three homes in the village including the one belonging to the family members of Palamu zilla parishad chairperson Prabha Devi. After looting the cash and valuables the dacoits also fired in the air to scare the people. Police sources said that a group of 10 to 12 armed dacoits executed the incident in the village after taking the family members hostage on gun-point. Further probe was on.UNI XC-AK AKM 1809 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0213-906944.Xml
A man and his son were buried in the ground as result of a cave in which occurred at Indira Chowk located on Jharia-Sindri road of this district. Upon receiving the information, a rescue team and police reached on the spot. The DGMS was also informed about the incident. The painter Babloo (40) and his son Rahim (12) were buried in the ground. Miffed over the incident, the locals have blocked traffic movement on the Jharia-Sindri road. City SP Anshuman Kumar and SDO have reached on the spot. The district administration has pressed two JCB machines to dig the ground. The people alleging delay in relief and rescue measures also indulged in stone pelting and broke the windows of various vehicles. Meanwhile, additional police has been deployed in the area. On the other hand, commenting on the land cave in incident Dhanbad MP P N Singh has held the previous UPA government responsible for the incident. He said in the previous government, sand scam took place in which the CBI probe has been ordered. He alleged that Congress was responsible for cave in Jharia and said despite the area being highly unsafe, people were buying lands for building houses for which their was a need to create awareness and also the DGMS should make proper identification of such vulnerable spots.UNI XC-AK AKM 1833 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0213-907009.Xml
The government on Wednesday announced a service to digitise the process of attestation of documents for those going abroad, so that they are spared the trouble of visiting government offices for the purpose. 'e-Sanad' -- an initiative of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), in association with two other ministries -- will initially be hosting school leaving certificates with the help of Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). In subsequent phases, the portal will also host documents from central universities. 'Parinaam Manjusha', the CBSE repository of documents like mark-sheets and migrations certificates, has been integrated with e-Sanad for this purpose. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said she collaborated with the ministries of Human Resource Development (HRD) and Electronics and Information Technology to execute the task, which was close to her heart. "Every individual who goes abroad needs to get tens of certificates attested... There was such corruption that if anyone in Bangalore (Bengaluru) wanted to get his documents attested in Delhi to go abroad, there would be touts to do this for him for money," Swaraj told media. Even increasing the number of centres where one could get his certificates attested was not enough, Swaraj said, adding that she wanted "a solution under which no one was physically required to go to the office and carry papers". HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar lauded the endeavour, saying he too had been a victim of red-tapism. Minister of Electronics and Information Technology Ravi Shankar Prasad hailed the move as a step towards making India digital. Regarding formalities for passport, Swaraj said there were rules which were "impractical, obsolete, unnecessary and anachronistic". She said the number for passport applications had increased by 30 per cent since the simplification of process. CBSE Chairman R.K. Chaturvedi said individuals seeking certificates through e-Sanad for 2016 would be able to access them free of cost. To get older certificates, one would have to pay Rs 100. He said e-Sanad would be a helpful even for employers, who would be able to verify the potential employees' documents through it. --IANS vn/nir/vt ( 351 Words) 2017-05-24-19:24:18 (IANS)
The one day sitting was approved at a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal here this evening.

"The Delhi Cabinet, in its meeting chaired by the Chief Minister approved convening of the third part of fifth session of the current Delhi Legislative Assembly for a one-day sitting on May 31, for the passage of the State GST Bill," according to an official statement.

Earlier, the Government had called one day special session of the Assembly on May 9 to discuss on Electronic Voting Machines.UNI DS RSA 1913

-- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0177-907106.Xml
In a major breakthrough, police today arrested aschool principal involved in issuing fake age certificates to criminals facing murder charges and others so that they could be tried under Juvenile Justice Act. Patna Senior Police Superintendent Manu Maharaj said here that BhawaniShankar, the principal of Om Sheo Parvati Shanti Niketan School which had already been derecognised, was arrested here after it was found that he was involved in issuing fake age certificates to murder accused and others against the payment of hefty amount. Police arrested the principal from school premises on information that he waspreparing a fake age certificate. During interrogation, the principal confessed to his crime disclosing that he had issued a fake age certificate to an accused of a murder case Ravi Kumar against the payment of hefty amount. The principal had certified that Ravi along with his associates had shot dead a student of BIT, Mesra, in 2015 when was a minor so that he could be tried under juvenile justice act. SSP said the school principal had also issued a fake age certificate to another criminal Ranjeet Kumar who was an accused in the murder of a marble merchant under Beur police station in the state capital recently. He said a large number of fake age, residential and caste certificates, seals of various schools and colleges and three diaries had been recovered from the school premises. He said that the diaries contained details of people, whom he had issued certificates on monetary consideration. Mr Maharaj said Bhawani Shankar was in the shady business ofissuing fake age certificates to criminals involved in various heinous crimes llike murder, loot and kidnapping for the last several years. An intensive interrogation of the outlaw is on to nab other members ofhis gang, SSP added.UNI DH KK -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0212-907098.Xml
With a gory note etched in blood saying "M Tired of her, Catch and Hang me", the body of Dipali, the wife of Inspector Dnyaneshwar Ganore of Khar Police Station who probed the sensational Sheena Bora murder case was found at their home here on Wednesday, police said. Their 20-year old son, Siddhanth is missing since Tuesday night and is now the prime suspect in the case which has sent ripples of shockwaves in the Mumbai police force. According to officials, Dipali, 41, was found lying in a pool of blood by her husband at their Santacruz home when he returned home on early on Wednesday after night duty. "Around 3.30 am, when Ganore returned home from work, he tried to open the door but failed, and his wife' phone was unreachable. Somehow he managed to open the door and saw Dipali lying there in a pool of blood," Senior Inspector Mahadev Wavale of Vakola Police Station told media persons. Police have recovered the murder weapon, a kitchen knife, from the premises and the "note" written in blood, but the son was not present at home. Ganore immediately informed the police control which sent a team and now Vakola police are making attempts to trace Siddhanth whose phone is switched off. They are also scanning the CCTV footage of the building to establish his movements. Dipali's last rites will be performed in Nashik after the autopsy and other formalities are completed, said an official. Ganore was a member of the crack team headed by former Mumbai Police Commissioner Rakesh Maria which probed the sensational Sheena Bora murder before it was taken over by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). In August 2015, the team had arrested the victim's mother Indrani Mukerjea, her former husband Sanjeev Khanna and ex-driver Shyamwar Rai - who later turned approver and was pardoned - followed by the arrest of former media tycoon Peter Mukerjea in November 2015. --IANS qn/vd ( 337 Words) 2017-05-24-20:58:35 (IANS)
Chief Election Commissioner Nasim Zaidi today reasserted that Electronic Voting Machines(EVMs) were not tamperable and expressed full confidence that the Election Commission stand will be vindicated during the ''EVM challenge'' which will be held on June 3. In wake of complaints made by political parties on the alleged possibility of "tampering and hacking" of the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), the Election Commission on May 20 had thrown an open challenge to all the recognised national and state parties to "demonstrate" and have a try at the same at various sessions beginning June 3. In an interview to DD News today, the Chief Election Commissioner said the results of the attempt at the ''tampering'' will themselves be the judge of who was right or who was wrong. He said the Election Commission has reiterated to all its officers that election is a very serious business and nobody can take it lightly. The CEC said the country's electoral process is of gold standard. He said all the polls in future will be held with new Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) machines. '' Most important change which will come in future elections is the introduction of VVPAT,'' the CEC said. On the EVM challenge, the CEC said it should not be considered as prestige issue and it should not be treated as loosing or winning a game. He said the ''challenge'' will be a learning process for both the EC and the stakeholders which are the political parties. The CEC said that he was convinced that EVMs are tampered proof. On a question that use of EVMs has been discontinued by some countries, the CEC said in those countries private sector made the machines. He said while in India, ''our Public sector units make EVMs''. Earlier in the day, Aam Aadmi Party in a memorandum submitted to the EC urged it to reconsider the terms which it laid that the participants would not be allowed to tamper with or change the mother-board of the machines. Political parties -- especially Mayawati led BSP and Arvind Kejriwal's AAP had "contested and claimed" that the EVMs held under the ownership of EC and used in recent elections in UP, Punjab, Goa, Manipur and Uttarakhand in February-March 2017 polls were "tampered.''UNI NY-DS ADG 2134 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0099-907399.Xml
Qatar said today its state news agency had been hacked, after it reported remarks purportedly by its ruler criticising aspects of US foreign policy in the wake of US President Donald Trump's visit to Saudi Arabia.The comments attributed to Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani continued to be carried by media in some other Gulf Arab states, even after Qatar said the report was fake, suggesting renewed strains between Qatar and some of its Gulf Arab neighbours."The Qatar News Agency (QNA) website has been hacked by an unknown entity. A false statement attributed to His Highness has been published," the Gulf Arab state's government communications office said."An ongoing investigation will be put in place to look into this matter. The statement published has no basis whatsoever, and the competent authorities in the State of Qatar will hold all those (involved) accountable."Ties between Qatar and other Gulf Arab states suffered an eight-month breach in 2014 over Qatar's alleged support for the Muslim Brotherhood, an Islamist group whose political ideology challenges the principle of dynastic rule.Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have used their oil and gas revenues to influence events in other Middle Eastern countries, and rifts between them can alter the political environment in Libya, Egypt, Syria, Iraq and Yemen.The hacked report, which said Sheikh Tamim had spoken at a military graduation ceremony, cited him as being critical of renewed tensions with Gulf Arab adversary Iran.A government spokesman told Reuters the Emir had attended a graduation ceremony for Qataris doing national service, "however, he did not make any speech or give any statements".The incident happened four days after Qatar complained publicly that it was the target of "an orchestrated barrage" of criticism by unknown parties in the run-up to Trump's visit alleging the Gulf state supported terrorist groups in the Middle East.Trump met Sheikh Tamim and other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) leaders on his trip to Saudi Arabia on Saturday and Sunday, where he renewed his assertion that Iran was a leading state sponsor of terrorism.Iran denies the allegation and says Saudi Arabia, the dominant GCC power, supports militant Islamist armed groups such as al Qaeda and Islamic State. Riyadh, in turn, denies that.Arguments over the Brotherhood, the most influential Islamist group in the world, were at the heart of a rift among Gulf Arab states that in 2014 saw Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Bahrain withdraw their ambassadors from Doha. They only returned after Qatar said it would not allow itself to be used by the Brotherhood for its activities.REUTERS SV 0954 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0103-906094.Xml
United States President Donald Trump praised Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte for doing an "unbelievable job on the drug problem" during a phone conversation last month, the New York Times reported, quoting a transcript of the call.The two leaders also talked about North Korea and China's potential influence, the New York Times said, quoting parts of a Philippine transcript of the April 29 call that was circulated yesterday, under a "confidential" cover sheet, by the Americas division of the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs.According to the Times, a senior Trump administration official in Washington, who was not authorised to publicly discuss the call and insisted on anonymity, confirmed the transcript was an accurate representation of the call between the two leaders.Almost 9,000 people, many small-time users and dealers, have been killed in the Philippines since Duterte took office on June 30. Police say about one-third of the victims were shot by officers in self-defense during legitimate operations."I just wanted to congratulate you because I am hearing of the unbelievable job on the drug problem," the New York Times quoted Trump as saying, based on the transcript of the April 29 call. "Many countries have the problem, we have a problem, but what a great job you are doing and I just wanted to call and tell you that."Duterte won a May 2016 election by a huge margin and is often compared with Trump, having himself been the alternative candidate from outside of national politics.Reuters could not immediately verify the Times' account. But on May 2, after the phone call, Duterte's spokesman, Ernesto Abella, said Trump was very much aware of the criticism of Duterte, but had praised him for "doing a great job considering the weight and the enormity of the conditions in the Philippines".The end of the phone conversation, according to the Times, centred on a first meeting between the two leaders.Trump plans to attend an Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in Manila in November.In the conversation, Trump twice invited Duterte to "come to the Oval Office," the Times reported. REUTERS SV 1046 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0103-906163.Xml
US President Donald Trump arrived at the Vatican today for talks with one of his most high-profile critics, Pope Francis, after the two men exchanged sharp words during the presidential campaign last year.Under clear blue skies, Trump received a tribute from the Swiss Guard in a Vatican courtyard where he was greeted by Archbishop Georg Ganswein, the prefect of the pontifical household.Trump looked uncomfortable as he entered a small elevator taking him to the third floor of the Apostolic Palace, where he was accompanied by Ganswein and other officials along a frescoed corridor to the pope's private study.Following behind Trump were daughter Ivanka, her husband, Jared Kushner, a top White House aide, national security adviser H.R. McMaster and adviser Hope Hicks.The pope did not smile as he greeted Trump outside the study. Trump, seeming subdued, said "it is a great honour."The two men then posed for photograghs and the pope kept a stern face while Trump beamed for the cameras. The meeting began at precisely 8:33 a.m.Trump's meeting with Pope Francis, his third stop on a nine-day foreign tour due to end on Saturday, is part of his world tour of religions after meeting leaders of Muslim nations in Saudi Arabia and visiting holy sites in Jerusalem.But while his talks in Saudi Arabia and Israel were mostly friendly, the meeting between the head of the Roman Catholic Church and the thrice-married, blunt-spoken Trump could be a little more confrontational.SHARP EXCHANGESThe pope said last year a man who thinks about building walls and not bridges is "not Christian," a sharp reprimand for Trump's vow to build a wall along the US border with Mexico.Trump said it was "disgraceful" of the Argentine-born pope, who represents just over half of the world's two billion Christians, to question his faith."If and when the Vatican is attacked by ISIS, which as everyone knows is ISIS' ultimate trophy, I can promise you that the pope would have only wished and prayed that Donald Trump would have been president," Trump said during the campaign.Trump's softer stance on environmental regulations also is at odds with Francis' view that climate change is caused mostly by human activity.The Vatican also took a dim view of Trump's anti-Muslim campaign rhetoric, although Trump softened his tone considerably in a major speech in Riyadh.Francis said last week he would be "sincere" with Trump but did not want to judge him before listening to him in person.Part of Trump's motivation for meeting the pope was to dramatise how the three major religions should rally against the threat from Islamist militants."We thought that this trip was essential to put together the Muslim faith, the Jewish faith and then the Catholic faith, the Christian faith," said a senior White House official who briefed reporters on Trump's Air Force One flight to Rome."By putting everybody together you can really build a coalition and show that it's not a Muslim problem, it's not a Jewish problem, it's not a Catholic problem, it's not a Christian problem, it really is a world problem," the official said.Trump at first did not plan to stop in Rome during his visit to Europe, which some in the Vatican saw as a snub. When he changed his mind, the Vatican squeezed him in at 8:30 a.m. on a Wednesday morning, an unusual day and an unusually early time.Francis holds his weekly audience with the general public on Wednesday at 10 a.m. in St Peter's Square.After the meeting, Trump moves on to Brussels for a NATO summit, followed by the last stop on his trip, to a Group of Seven summit in Sicily. REUTERS SV 1251 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0103-906284.Xml
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte warned today he would deal harshly with militants, after declaring martial law on Mindanao island following a failed raid on a hideout of Islamic State-linked rebels.Duterte cut short a visit to Russia and placed the southern island of 22 million people under military rule on Tuesday, and said he would keep it that way for a year if necessary.Fighting abated in the mainly Muslim city of Marawi as troops sought to contain dozens of rebels of the Maute group, who escaped a botched raid yesterday on an apartment and took over streets, bridges and buildings and sought to block army reinforcements.Duterte is a Mindanao native and has long threatened martial law to destroy two groups linked to Islamic State, which he warns is trying to gain a foothold in the Philippines.He said the situation in Mindanao would be similar to the tough 1970s rule of late dictator Ferdinand Marcos, remembered by many Filipinos as one of the darkest chapters of their recent history."To my countrymen who have experienced martial law. It would not be any different from what President Marcos did. I'd be harsh," Duterte said onboard a flight back to Manila, in a video sent by his staff."If it would take a year to do it then we'll do it. If it's over with a month, then I'd be happy. To my countrymen, do not be too scared. I'm going home. I will deal with the problem once I arrive."Two soldiers and a policeman were killed and 12 people wounded in Marawi, where Maute fighters took over buildings and set fire to a school, a church and a jail.The military and government gave few details about the clashes nor did they say if any rebels had been killed.Authorities insisted the situation was under control but residents who fled told a different story and said Marawi was in the hands of the rebels, who had allowed civilians to leave."The city is still under the control of the armed group. They are all over the main roads and two bridges leading to Marawi," student Rabani Mautum told Reuters in nearby Pantar town, where some residents were leaving in overloaded trucks."I was in school when we heard gunfire ... When we came out there were blood stains in the building but we did not see dead or wounded."EXCESSIVE MEASURESCritics and even economists chided Duterte for what they saw as an overreaction in declaring martial law on an island the size of South Korea after an incident in one city.Some activists expressed concern that it would lead to human rights abuses.Martial law will last an initial 60 days. According to the constitution, Duterte has until Thursday night to explain his decision to congress.He was due back in Manila on Wednesday afternoon.Tuesday's raid was aimed at capturing Isnilon Hapilon, a leader of the Abu Sayyaf group notorious for piracy, banditry and for kidnapping and beheading Westerners.The United States has since 2001 offered a bounty of $5 million for Hapilon's arrest. The military said they believed he had was wounded during the latest fighting.The Maute and Abu Sayyaf have pledged allegiance to Islamic State, also known as ISIS, and have proved fierce opponents for the military.A photograph from one resident showed a black flag flying in Marawi that looked similar to that of Islamic State.Duterte has warned repeatedly that Mindanao, an impoverished region beset by decades of unrest by separatist and Marxist guerrillas, was at risk of "contamination" by Islamic State fighters driven out of Iraq and Syria.He has made development and foreign investment in Mindanao a priority of his presidency.Armed forces spokesman Edgard Arevalo urged the public not to be alarmed if they saw checkpoints and soldiers."This is not a reflection of a major conflict looming, but this is a reflection of the capacity of our security forces to respond to any threat," he said.He said the Maute group was showing off to Islamic State."They are merely courting the acclamation of ISIS which until now they haven't received."REUTERS SV 1325 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0103-906314.Xml
US President Donald Trump met Pope Francis at the Vatican on Wednesday during the first face-to-face meeting of the two leaders, who symbolise starkly different views of the world. Trump arrived for a short private audience at the Apostolic Palace along with his wife Melania, daughter Ivanka and son-in-law Jared Kushner. The US President was greeted warmly by Francis before they sat down for the private meeting at which only a translator was present. Trump could be heard saying it was "an honour" to be there during the meeting. At one point, the Pope jokingly asked Melania, "what she fed her husband", the Guardian reported. The seemingly genial meeting offered no hint of the rocky start to the pair's relationship last year, when the Argentinian pontiff questioned then-candidate Trump's Christian credentials, the report said. US Secretary of State Rex W. Tillerson and National Security Adviser H. R. McMaster were among Trump's delegation to the Vatican. After Trump's private meeting with the Pope, Melania and others were invited to join the pair in the papal library. Melania and Ivanka wore black dresses and veils, traditional Vatican attire for women, considered respectful, though not mandatory. After arrival, Trump was greeted by Georg Gnswein, a German archbishop and prefect of the papal household. Details of the traditional gifts exchanged by Trump and Francis have not yet been revealed, the report said. For Trump, who landed in Rome after stops in Saudi Arabia and Israel, the audience in the Vatican caps a tour of the ancestral homes of three of the world's great monotheistic religions. Trump and the Pope have diametrically opposite views on issues as varied as immigration, climate change and arms sales. Trump will later meet Italian President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni. He will then fly to Brussels for a NATO summit. Later, Ivanka is expected to visit Sant'Egidio, a Rome charity centre devoted to migrants. Melania will visit the Bambino Gesu children's hospital. At an earlier news conference, the Pope said he wouldn't judge Trump before their meeting or seek to convert him on political issues. Instead, he'd look for areas of agreement. The US President vowed to help Israelis and Palestinians achieve peace, as he ended the Middle East leg of his tour on Tuesday. Trump had begun his foreign trip with a two-day stop in Saudi Arabia over the weekend, urging Muslim countries to take the lead in combating radicalisation. He will fly to Brussels later in the day for a NATO summit, and will wrap up his tour on Friday after the G7 summit on the Italian island of Sicily. --IANS soni/bg ( 449 Words) 2017-05-24-15:14:19 (IANS)
Prime Minister of Nepal Pushpa Kamal Dahal today announced his resignation during his address to the nation, paving the way for Nepali Congress president Sher Bahadur Deuba to take over as per an understanding reached between the two leaders in August last year. Mr Prachanda, who made the TV broadcast from his office Singhdurbar, said that he would now go to the President's office to submit his papers today itself. It was decided by the ruling partiesNepali Congress and Communist Party of Nepal(Maoist Centre)last year that Prachanda would quit after the completion of the local bodies elections, and remaining provincial and central elections would be held under Deuba. The government is to be run on a rotational basis till elections to Parliament are held in February next year. Local elections were held in the country after a gap of about 20 years as due to emergency, polls could not be conducted.UNI XC NAZ RSA 1736 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0091-906808.Xml
"I may decide to expand the area to include Visayas because it is a walking distance actually," Xinhua news agency quoted Duterte as saying at the airport after cutting short his official visit to Russia.

He might also decide to suspend the writ of habeas corpus in the Visayas region, the President said, adding: "Remember this is not intended for law-abiding citizens."

Visayas region are the group of island provinces in the central Philippines.

Duterte said his martial law declaration for Mindanao, in the country's restive south, was necessary to fight militants there, CNN reported.

"I had to declare martial law in the Mindanao group of islands," Duterte said at a news conference Wednesday.

"It is our constitutional duty to enforce the law and provide security."

Duterte's order -- which covers Marawi city and the wider island of Mindanao -- came after deadly clashes broke out between Filipino government troops and Islamist militants on Tuesday, the CNN report said.

--IANS py/sac

( 201 Words)

2017-05-24-19:24:19 (IANS)
Source: Xinhua| 2017-05-23 22:55:40|Editor: An

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Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli addresses the opening ceremony of the 40th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM) in Beijing, capital of China, May 23, 2017. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)

BEIJING, May 23 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli on Tuesday called on the international community to better protect Antarctica and strike a balance between protection and utilization.

Zhang made the remarks at the opening ceremony of the XL Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM) in Beijing.

"It is in line with the interests of all humanity and our commitment to our offspring to have an Antarctica of peaceful, stable, green and sustainable development," said Zhang.

He proposed exploring Antarctica in a peaceful way with political mutual trust and shared responsibility.

Countries should abide by the Antarctic Treaty and give full play to the decision-making and coordination role of the ATCM, he said.

Zhang encouraged expansion of the areas of Antarctic cooperation via consultation on the basis of equality.

He also called on countries to consolidate protection and development of Antarctica with a balance between protection and utilization.

China is an important participant in Antarctic governance, a robust promoter of Antarctic scientific exploration, and an active supporter of Antarctic environmental protection, he said.

China attaches great importance to Antarctic development and is willing to work with the international community to improve the understanding of the Antarctic and protect and utilize the continent, he said.

The ATCM is an annual decision-making mechanism established under the the Antarctic Treaty. China acceded to the Antarctic Treaty in 1983 and became a consultative member two years later.

This is the first time China has hosted the meeting. Some 400 delegates from 44 countries and 10 international organizations are attending the meeting.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-05-23 23:00:48|Editor: An

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Rescuers work at the scene of the flooded coal mine in Qingxu County, north China's Shanxi Province, May 23, 2017. Four of 11 trapped miners have been rescued following a coal mine flood late Monday night in Shanxi Province, according to the rescue headquarters late Tuesday. Rescuers are still searching for the other seven trapped miners. (Xinhua/Cao Yang)

TAIYUAN, May 23 (Xinhua) -- Four of 11 trapped miners have been rescued following a coal mine flood late Monday night in north China's Shanxi Province, according to the rescue headquarters late Tuesday.

The four miners were lifted from the pit at around 10:20 p.m. on Tuesday and have been sent to the hospital.

Eleven miners were trapped when the flood occurred at 11:40 p.m. in a pit of Dongyu Coal Mine in Qingxu County in the city of Taiyuan, capital of the coal-rich province.

Rescuers are still searching for the other seven trapped miners. Fifteen pumps have been dispatched to help with the rescue. Rescuers have also drilled holes in flooded areas of the pit to drain water.

The coal mine is owned by the privately run Shanxi Meijin Energy Co,. Ltd.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-05-23 23:21:04|Editor: yan

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PHNOM PENH, May 23 (Xinhua) -- Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen said Tuesday that he will take part in an electoral campaign on June 2, the closing day of the two-week campaign for the June 4 commune elections.

"To show solidarity and support to the commune council candidates of the Cambodian People's Party (CPP) across the country, in the status of the CPP's president, I will join a procession during the closing of the election campaign in the upcoming time," he wrote on his official Facebook page.

"Campaigning and voting for the CPP are to continue maintaining peace and development in all fields," the prime minister said.

Twelve political parties will contest in the elections, with the ruling CPP and the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) being the main contestants in the elections, according to the National Election Committee (NEC).

The commune elections are to elect commune chiefs and councilors for the kingdom's 1,646 communes, the NEC said, adding that around 7.87 million eligible voters are expected to cast their ballots.

Held once every five years, the commune elections are seen as a bellwether ahead of the general elections in 2018.

In the last commune elections in June 2012, the ruling CPP gained 61.9 percent of the votes, compared to 30.6 percent for the opposition.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-05-24 00:11:57|Editor: Zhou Xin

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MADRID, May 23 (Xinhua) -- Atletico Madrid striker Antoine Griezmann has dropped two major hints that he is preparing to leave the club this summer.

The French international said in a TV interview in France on Monday night that there was a "six out of 10 chance" he could leave Atletico for Manchester United, Land he followed that up with stronger declarations on Tuesday.

Speaking at the launch of his autobiography "Behind the Smile" the 26-year-old, who last season scored 16 league goals for Atletico, admitted he was frustrated at Atletico going close, but failing to win major titles.

"Players always want more," he admitted, adding "if I have to change teams, I will do so without any problem."

"We have got to a Champions League final and semi-final at Atletico Madrid, we got close, but were just lacking something ... the moment has come when playing well and scoring goals is not enough. Now I want to win titles," said Griezmann.

However, the striker commented that if Atletico were to sign the players they needed to win major title he could be persuaded to stay.

"I am going to make my decision in function to what happens," he commented.

One problem Atletico have, however is that at the moment they are banned from making any new signings by FIFA due to irregularities in signing foreign players for their youth system.
Police secure the Manchester Arena in Manchester, Britain, May 23, 2017. A total of 22 people were killed and 59 others injured in a suicide terror attack at Manchester Arena Monday night. (Xinhua/Han Yan)

UNITED NATIONS, May 23 (Xinhua) -- The UN Security Council on Tuesday condemned "in the strongest terms" the barbaric terrorist attack in Manchester, Britain, while stressing the need to intensify regional and international efforts to combat terrorism.

On Monday night, a suicide terrorist attack took place at Manchester Arena at the end of a pop concert, killing at least 22 people, several of whom were children, while injuring 59 others.

In a unanimous statement, the 15-nation council expressed its solidarity to Britain in their fight against terrorism and stressed the need to intensify regional and international efforts to overcome terrorism and violent extremism.

The council members also underlined the need to bring the perpetrators of these acts to justice and urged all states to cooperate actively with the British government and other relevant authorities in this regard, according to the statement.

The so-called Islamic State terrorist group has claimed responsibility for the attack.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-05-24 03:19:16|Editor: yan

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UNITED NATIONS, May 23 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations on Tuesday mourned the death of blue helmets in Mali, a UN spokesman said.

"Two peacekeepers from the UN Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) have been killed this morning in an ambush five kilometers from Aguelhok, in the Kidal region," said Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, at the daily news briefing.

Another peacekeeper was wounded in the attack, said Dujarric.

The Head of MINUSMA, Mahamat Saleh Annadif, stressed that the current wave of indiscriminate attacks against civilians, Malian forces and international forces over the past few weeks aimed to undermine efforts for the peace and stability of Mali, said the spokesman.

The Secretary-General extends his condolences to the families of the fallen peacekeepers, said Dujarric, adding that the UN chief would speak Tueday afternoon at the High-Level Political Session of MINUSMA's Force Generation Conference.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-05-24 03:24:23|Editor: yan

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MINSK, May 23 (Xinhua) -- Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko strongly condemned the terrorist act at the Manchester Arena in Britain, the presidential press service said on Tuesday.

Lukashenko expressed condolences to Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain, families and friends of the victims of the terrorist attack in Manchester.

The president said Belarusian people share the grief and pain of the families of the victims, and mourn together with the people of the United Kingdom.

"We strongly condemn the terror attack as well as all forms of terrorism, extremism and religious radicalism," Lukashenko stressed.

Lukashenko also added that the intimidation of the society cannot serve as a tool for achieving any goals.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-05-24 03:44:36|Editor: Zhou Xin

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RIO DE JANEIRO, May 23 (Xinhua) -- Real Madrid have agreed to sign Brazilian teenager Vinicius Junior from Rio de Janeiro giants Flamengo, the Spanish club said on Tuesday.

The deal will take effect in July next year but the 16-year-old will remain at Flamengo until July 2019, according to a Real Madrid statement.

Media reports said the Spanish champions agreed to pay 46 million euros for forward, who made his first-team debut for Flamengo earlier this month.

Vinicius Junior has made 19 appearances for Brazil's national under-17 team and scored 17 goals.

Real Madrid warded off interest in the Brazilian from a raft of other clubs, including Barcelona, Chelsea and Manchester United.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-05-24 03:44:37|Editor: yan

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MADRID, May 23 (Xinhua) -- Spain received arms sale income of over 4 billion euros (4.47 U.S. dollars) for the first time ever in 2016, online newspaper The Diplomat reported Tuesday.

The Spanish government authorized the export of defense material that was up 8.9 percent year on year from 2015.

Last year saw the Spanish Foreign Ministry authorize a total of 550 different operations for the sale of arms.

Britain was the principal market, with 33.2 percent of all of the sales, followed by Germany, France and Italy with 19, 4.6 and 3.4 percent respectively.

As well as sales to NATO countries, Spain also sold to the Persian Gulf, where Saudi Arabia purchased weapons technology to the value of 116.2 million euros, the UAE paid Spain 26.7 million euros and Bahrain spent 19.1 million on Spanish weaponry.

Spain also earned 219.3 million euros from weapons sales to Egypt and 52.7 million from Iraq and despite diplomatic tension between the two nations. Venezuela paid Spain 2.6 million euros to modernize vehicles, a light aircraft and software for radar.

The report adds that the sale of products and technology of so-called double use, which can be adapted for military purposes, had a value of 265.9 million euros with the United States as the main destination, followed by Iran.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-05-24 03:59:49|Editor: yan

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QUITO, May 23 (Xinhua) -- Around 179 special guests, including 11 heads of state, have confirmed presence at Wednesday's transfer of power ceremony between President Rafael Correa and his successor, Lenin Moreno, official sources confirmed Tuesday.

The ceremony will see Moreno officially take power, after winning the second round of presidential elections on April 2. Correa, who has led the country for 10 years, will step down. Moreno formerly served as Correa's vice-president from 2007 until 2013.

The handover of power will take place at 10 a.m. at the National Assembly. At 7 p.m., Moreno's cabinet of 23 ministers will be sworn into office on the Plaza Grande, outside the government office building.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-05-24 04:04:53|Editor: yan

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ANKARA, May 23 (Xinhua) -- Two dismissed educators on a 76-day-long hunger strike have been arrested by an Ankara court on Tuesday, state-run Anadolu Agency reported.

The two educators, professor Nuriye Gulmen and primary school teacher Semih Ozakca, were arrested over charge of "membership of a terror organization" on Tuesday, a day after both were detained from their homes in the capital Ankara.

Selcuk Kozagacli, the lawyer representing the educators, said they were asked about the "actual motive" behind their hunger strike in court.

However, the lawyer also said the two educators were fighting for the right to return to their job positions, which they lost in the mass government layoff after last year's failed coup.

The two educators are among more than 100,000 public employees who have been dismissed from their position under state of emergency after last July's failed coup attempt.
The file picture shows that residents walk and receive cardiovascular disease prevention information inside a "Giant Heart", as part of the commemoration of World Heart Day, at San Martin Square, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on Sept. 29, 2014. (Xinhua/Martin Zabala)

SAN FRANCISCO, May 23 (Xinhua) -- A new study by researchers at the University of California, San Francisco, indicates that postmenopausal women who reached menopause at an earlier age or who never gave birth may be at higher risk for heart disease.

Published online in Journal of the American College of Cardiology (JACC), the study of more than 28,000 women without heart disease over an average of 13.1 years suggests that for every additional year at which a woman entered menopause, the risk of heart failure decreased by about 1 percent.

In addition, while only 5.2 percent of the women were hospitalized for heart failure during the study, those who never gave birth were 2.75 times more likely to develop diastolic heart failure.

In the study, senior author Nisha Parikh, assistant professor of cardiology at UCSF, and her colleagues examined possible associations among total number of live births, age at first pregnancy lasting at least six months and total reproductive duration from first menstruation to menopause with incidents of heart failure.

They used data from postmenopausal women in the Women's Health Initiative (WHI), an observational study and clinical trial of nearly 162,000 women in the United States from 1993-1998. A subset of 28,516 participants without cardiovascular disease was studied from enrollment through September 2014. The average screening age was 62.7 years, average first menstruation and menopause was 12.6 and 47.1 years, respectively, and average live births was 3.3.

The researchers found that short total reproductive duration was tied to an increased risk of heart failure, which also was found to be related to an earlier age at menopause and more pronounced in women experiencing natural, rather than surgical, menopause. Women who never gave birth were at an increased risk for diastolic heart failure, but this relationship was not due to infertility.

"By investigating the particular factors that affect women's risk of developing heart disease, we hope to help all health care providers who take care of women better understand how to assess their patient's risk of cardiovascular disease and to provide counseling and risk factor modification," lead author Philip Hall, cardiology fellow at UCSF, was quoted as saying in a news release.

Noting that why this occurs is unclear, the researchers said more research is needed to determine possible mechanisms that link endogenous sex hormone exposure during a woman's reproductive years to heart disease after menopause. "We suspect that factors leading to later menopause aside from estrogen, which is higher in women before menopause, may help protect women from developing heart failure," said Parikh. "There also are many reasons why women might not ever give birth, but are there identifiable reasons that explain why never giving birth is associated with heart failure? We believe future studies could lend insight into these areas."
Source: Xinhua| 2017-05-24 09:02:07|Editor: Liangyu

Yemenis gather in front of a graffiti wall as activists draw anti-cholera graffiti during a campaign in Sanaa, Yemen, on May 23, 2017. According to the latest statistics released by the Yemeni Ministry of Health on Sunday, a total of 315 people died in the last three weeks from the cholera epidemic, and suspected cases have increased up to 29,000 cases in 18 of Yemen's 23 provinces since April 27. (Xinhua/Mohammed Mohammed)
Source: Xinhua| 2017-05-24 09:22:43|Editor: Liangyu

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ISLAMABAD, May 24 (Xinhua) -- Pakistani army said late Tuesday that it has shelled Indian posts and caused "substantial losses" on the Indian troops and their posts along the Line of Control (LoC), dividing Kashmir.

The Indian army had also earlier said it has shelled at and damaged Pakistani posts along the LoC, to stop militants from crossing into the Indian-controlled Kashmir.

Pakistan military's spokesman quickly dismissed the Indian claims as "totally baseless and misleading."

"In wake of Indian aggression, a befitting and stern response was mounted on Indian posts causing substantial losses to military men and material," the spokesman said in a statement.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-05-24 09:37:50|Editor: Liangyu

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MANILA, May 24 (Xinhua) -- Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said on Wednesday that he would be harsh in dealing with terrorists in the country.

In an interview posted by Communications Assistant Secretary Mocha Uson on her blog, Duterte said he has decided to cut short his visit to Russia and head home to personally deal with the problem.

"Let me just tell everybody that I have declared martial law in Mindanao," he told Uson on the plane.

"Martial law is martial law. I will be harsh," Duterte said, adding that the martial law he imposed Tuesday night is no different from the one in the 1970s.

He said he has to impose martial law "to preserve the Republic of the Philippines and the Filipino people."

At 10 p.m. local time on Tuesday, Duterte placed the entire Mindanao island, including the island provinces of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi in the southern Philippines under martial law after a firefight happened between the government troops and some 100 Maute fighters, a band of loose armed group with alleged link to the Islamic State militants.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-05-24 10:23:14|Editor: Zhou Xin

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CANBERRA, May 24 (Xinhua) -- American online retail giant Amazon is a step closer to making its long-awaited Australian debut, after Australia Post revealed it was in "advanced talks" to secure the lucrative contract to deliver goods to millions of Australian consumers.

Earlier this month, Amazon confirmed to the Australia market that it was actively pursuing land on which to house its goods storage and distribution center. But on Wednesday, Australia's government-owned postal service confirmed it was in advanced talks with the retail chain about securing a deal by July.

Australia Post chief operating officer Bob Black told News Corp that his company, and its express delivery subsidiary StarTrack, has an 82 percent share of the local goods delivery market, and said Amazon was close to signing a deal which would open the door to a revolution in online shopping for Australian consumers.

"We are talking to them now; we will continue to talk to them," Black said.

"When there is a memorandum of understanding between both of us, we will obviously publicize that. But we hope to have something agreed in the next two months. Amazon is a significant inbound international customer for us already."

In the United States, Amazon currently uses postal companies UPS and Fedex, but it is reportedly pursuing the option to set up its own delivery service, something which could save the company more than a billion U.S. dollars per year.

Black said he expects a similar development in the Australian market, but admitted it was likely well down the track, opening the door for Australia Post and StarTrack to carry the load for a significant amount of time.

"At some point (Amazon) will set up their own distribution network here," Black said.

"But we think they will have grown the market here by then. We want to be able to provide a high level of service at good value for money and give them some great distribution value-add for them to rely on."

It's expected that Amazon could secure a share of up to 4 billion AU dollars (2.99 billion U.S. dollars) in the Australian market once it arrives.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-05-24 10:33:20|Editor: Zhou Xin

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MELBOURNE, May 24 (Xinhua) -- Children who grow up in poorer homes are more likely to experience puberty earlier than their peers, an Australian study has found.

The study, published by the Murdoch Children's Research Institute (MCRI) on Wednesday, found that boys in disadvantaged homes were four times as likely to being puberty at 10 or 11 years old, while girls were twice as likely.

Researchers surveyed the parents of 3,700 children who were part of the Growing Up Australia program on how their children were maturing and the age at which they started to show signs of puberty.

Ying Sun, a visiting academic at the MCRIs from China and lead author of the study, said that 19 and 21 percent respectively of all boys and girls surveyed showed signs of puberty at age 10 or 11 but boys from disadvantaged home were 4.2 times more likely to be part of that group than boys from a favorable background.

She said that the difference could be attributed to the bodies of children from poorer families perceiving themselves to be in a dangerous environment.

"I look at it as an evolutionary point," Sun told Xinhua on Wednesday.

"I think humans are very sensitive to our early childhood environment... and when we feel we are in a dangerous environment our body tells us to fasten our speed of maturation to produce more kids to ensure our genes are passed on to the next generation."

The research has prompted concerns for children growing up in lower socio-economic areas, with early puberty being linked to a series of health complications later in life.

"Early maturation not only links with emotional, behavioral and social problems during adolescence, it also carries several risks for later life such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and especially reproductive tract cancers, that is the most important thing," Sun said.

Researchers were able to identify children from disadvantaged homes by gathering data on the annual income going into the household where they were raised.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-05-24 10:43:26|Editor: Zhou Xin

Flowers are placed on the Hollywood Walk of Fame star of Roger Moore in Los Angeles, the United States, on May 23, 2017. Moore, best known for his movie role as James Bond, died of cancer at the age of 89 in Switzerland where he lived, his family said in a statement on Tuesday. (Xinhua/Zhao Hanrong)

UNITED NATIONS, May 23 (Xinhua) -- British actor and United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) ambassador Roger Moore, whose death was announced on Tuesday, "was one of the great champions for children," said UNICEF Executive Director Anthony Lake.

"With the passing of Sir Roger Moore, the world has lost one of its great champions for children -- and the entire UNICEF family has lost a great friend," said Lake. In his most famous roles as an actor, Sir Roger was the epitome of cool sophistication; but in his work as a UNICEF ambassador, he was a passionate and highly persuasive advocate for children, Lake said.

"He once said that it was up to all of us to give children a more peaceful future. Together with Lady Kristina, he worked very hard to do so," he added.

Moore, best known for his movie role as James Bond, died of cancer at the age of 89 in Switzerland where he lived, his family said in a statement on Tuesday.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-05-24 11:23:35|Editor: Zhou Xin

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KATHMANDU, May 24 (Xinhua) -- The Nepali government has decided to award the contract of developing Budhigandaki Hydroelectric Project to China Gezhouba Group Corporation (CGGC), a cabinet minister has said.

A cabinet meeting of Nepal Tuesday approved the Energy Ministry's proposal to let the Chinese developer build the storage type project located at the country's central and western districts -- Gorkha and Dhading under engineering, procurement, construction and finance (EPCF) model of project development, according to Energy Minister Janardan Sharma.

Minister Sharma told Xinhua on Tuesday evening that the decision was taken to ensure that the country's important project is built in time.

While it is the government's decision in principle, there are a lot of steps to be taken before the decision is implemented. First of all, the Nepali government and the Chinese company will have to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the issue.

The Tuesday's cabinet meeting also approved the draft of MoU forwarded by the Energy Ministry which will be signed with the Chinese developer.

The MoU will pave the way for a further concrete agreement in the future, according to Nepali officials.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-05-24 12:54:00|Editor: MJ

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NAY PYI TAW, May 24 (Xinhua) -- The second meeting of the 21st Century Panglong Peace Conference of Myanmar kicked off in Nay Pyi Taw Wednesday, nine months after the first in August 2016.

The five-day Panglong conference meeting is aimed to unite all ethnic nationalities and build a democratic federal union through dialogue.

Some 1,400 representatives from the government, the parliament, the military, invited political parties, ethnic armed organizations and civil society participated in the meeting.

President U Htin Kyaw and two vice presidents, State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi, speakers of both Houses, Commander-in-Chief of the Defense Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Chairman of the Union Solidarity and Development Party U Than Htay and Chairman of the Kayin National Union (KNU) Saw Mutu Sae Poe, who represents the ethnic armed groups attended the opening ceremony.

The 15 ethnic armed organizations, present at the event, include eight signatories and seven other non-signatories to the Nationwide Ceasefire Accord (NCA).

The seven non-ceasefire signatories, also known as Northern Alliance, include Kachin Independence Organization (KIO), the United Wa State Army (UWSA), Arakan Army (AA), Kokang's Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) and Ta,ang National Liberation Army (TNLA).
Source: Xinhua| 2017-05-24 13:12:08|Editor: Liangyu

Models present creations of school uniforms at a school uniform design contest in Hunan Arts and Crafts Vocational College in Yiyang, central China's Hunan Province, May 23, 2017. The design contest, displaying 114 school uniforms from 19 series, kicked off here Tuesday. (Xinhua/Li Ga)
Source: Xinhua| 2017-05-24 13:14:34|Editor: MJ

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by Xia Lin

MEXICO CITY, May 23 (Xinhua) -- Anti-corruption actions have swept Latin America, especially in recent months, with top officials probed or detained over regional behemoth enterprise Odebrecht's chain bribing.

Investigations have produced hundreds of charges, and the related dirty money ever flowing underground in Latin America was estimated at billions of U.S. dollars.

With officials questioned or captured one after another, countries in Latin America are taking efforts to establish better justice and equality.

TOP LEADERS TAINTED

Brazilian President Michel Temer was accused of corruption and obstruction of justice. This week he was widely asked to resign. He denied all accusations and refused to step down.

The depth of the investigation shows that the ongoing campaign has aimed for the top-notches, mirroring courage to weed out the roots of the continental scourge.

"Some cases have huge sway, related with top regional leaders and radiating all across Latin America. Like Odebrecht, its dirty deeds have caused such (political) losses to the region that we can't even estimate them in all," Marcos Fernandez, professor at Mexico's Monterrey Institute of Technology and High Education, told Xinhua.

Former Panama President Ricardo Martinelli is wanted in connection with Odebrecht, but now at large in Miami.

Odebrecht tainted three former presidents of Peru and a dozen officials in Colombia and Panama. In its home country Brazil, nearly 100 prominent businessmen and politicians have been convicted, while scores of sitting federal congressmen as well as one-third of President Temer's Cabinet are being investigated.

"Corruption turns global and stealthy, making us feel hard to figure out its scope and expense. In most cases, underground financial services are active to help laundry or transact money. You just can find no way to spot all their criminal details," added Fernandez.

BETTER JUSTICE AND EQUALITY EXPECTED

With fugitive former governors of Veracruz and Tamaulipas nailed down last month in Guatemala and Italy respectively, Mexico highlighted its determination to tighten the ruling party's discipline and systemize anti-graft laws and regulations.

Since July 2016, all government employees have been asked to report their assets, and auditing agencies become capable of censoring financial transactions in the states of Mexico.

"Mexico has been establishing its national anti-corruption system to coordinate investigation and punishment. The graft-beating agencies are trained to carry out laws and stipulations accurately, so that they can find legal support anytime necessary," said Fernandez.

Analysts and experts expect regional governments to establish better justice and equality by fighting corruption and adjusting their ruling systems.

"Corruption is a problem that is affecting us as a region -- not only in our region, because we also see that throughout the world. We have to rethink how we are behaving like society, like human," said Ines Tello, a judicial consultant in Peru.

"The legal frame needs to be fortressed. National anti-graft system, judicial independence, governance in accordance with law and more supervision by outside elements, especially news media, all combined, will surely be strong enough to ward off corruptors," said Fernandez.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-05-24 13:19:36|Editor: Zhou Xin

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KABUL, May 24 (Xinhua) -- An Afghan politician and former member of Wolesi Jirga or Lower House of parliament was injured after unknown armed men opened fire on his car in Kabul city Tuesday night, local media reported on Wednesday.

"Unknown armed men opened fire on the car of Najibullah Kabuli, a former member of Wolesi Jirga, on Tuesday night and injured him," Tolo television channel reported in its news bulletin.

Leader of a small political party - Masharikat Millie or National Participation, Kabuli, often advocated tough stance against anti-government militants.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-05-24 13:29:41|Editor: Zhou Xin

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GHAZNI, Afghanistan, May 24 (Xinhua) -- At least 10 militants had been killed Wednesday outside Ghazni city, the capital of eastern Ghazni province, a police official said.

According to police official Bashir Ahmad Taraki, Taliban militants launched a coordinated attack on security checkpoints in the outskirt of Ghazni city, triggering heavy firefight which lasted for several hours.

However, he added that the attacking militants fled away after leaving 10 dead bodies.

One policeman sustained injuries in the conflict, the official admitted. Taliban militants haven't commented.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-05-24 13:29:42|Editor: An

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by Xinhua writers Xu Liyu, Liu Xiuling

BEIJING, May 24 (Xinhua) -- For Japanese ballerina Yoko Morishita, performing "The White-Haired Girl" went way beyond an intriguing mix of Western art and a Chinese story.

In Morishita's words, playing the lead role in the ballet is her very own way of expressing repentance over Japan's war past and her gratitude for the amicability of the Chinese toward her and the Japanese people at large.

The 69-year-old internationally acclaimed ballet dancer and her husband, Tetsutaro Shimizu, co-director and choreographer of Japan's Matsuyama Ballet Troupe, have taken their signature work to Beijing and Shanghai on their China tour this month.

This year marks the 45th anniversary of the normalization of relations between China and Japan.

The ballet company, founded by Shimizu's parents, Masao Shimizu and Mikiko Matsuyama, started adapting the Chinese story after they watched a film of the same name, a gift for Japan from then Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai more than six decades ago.

The film, set in the early 1940s, tells the story of a peasant girl named Xi'er, who fled to live in hiding in a mountain after she was forced to work day and night as a slave in a landlord's home following her indebted father's death.

Masao Shimizu, an architect by training, described himself as "a Japanese who loves China and Chinese culture the most."

Indeed, the couple, their son and daughter-in-law have left an indelible mark on the friendship between the Chinese and Japanese and over time built a special bond between the two peoples.

Mikiko Matsuyama was invited to China and attend the National Day parade and celebrations in 1955, when Zhou Enlai asked her to perform "The White-Haired Girl" in China on her next tour.

The couple brought the dance to China for the first time in 1958. The ballet troupe in following tours traveled to Beijing, Shanghai, Chongqing and Wuhan, attracting large audiences every time. Chinese leaders were among the audiences and met with members of the ballet company.

Last year, Yoko Morishita took her fellow dancers to Yan'an, the "Red Cradle" of the Chinese revolution in northwest China in a visit she hoped would help them better understand China.

For the dancers and choreographers, young and old, atonement is what it is all about.

"When on earth do we Japanese speak out our gratitude and repentance?" All ballerinas said in chorus at the end of the ballet show at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Friday.

Their message was well received, drawing applause among Chinese viewers.

Speaking to reporters, Morishita said everything she did was for the good of Chinese-Japanese friendship. "It's gratitude and repentance," she said.

Her husband agreed. "Touching the hearts of Chinese spectators with the ballet 'The White-Haired Girl' -- it is our way of atonement," he said.

This time, Morishita and her husband were joined in Beijing by Tian Hua, the Chinese actress who starred in the film "The White-Haired Girl."

"Anyone who has no respect for history is not living a significant life. The Matsuyama Ballet Troupe respects history," Tian said.

The two hugged upon meeting, flanked by a group of young Japanese ballet dancers who had trained and performed with Morishita.

Performing in China, Morishita said, brings "unparalleled happiness" to her.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-05-24 13:34:47|Editor: Zhou Xin

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SYDNEY, May 24 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena kicked off his visit to Australia on Wednesday, aiming at boosting trade and cooperation.

Australia imports around 171 million Australian dollars (127.38 million U.S. dollars) of Sri Lankan goods every year, with apparel, rubber products, clay construction materials and the nation's renowned teas making up the majority of purchases.

For the Sri Lankans, 218 million Australian dollars (209.34 million U.S. dollars) of cargo is imported annually from Australia, with the most popular items including dairy, vegetables, paper, animal feed and lentils.

"Our deep and enduring friendship is anchored in shared history as commonwealth countries and through our shared interests as Indian Ocean nations," Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said in a statement.

Discussion will focus on new ways to kickstart more diverse cooperation areas like education, defence, science, technology and broader economic development.

Also said to be high on the agenda are talks focused on combating people smuggling operations in the Indian Ocean.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-05-24 13:34:48|Editor: Zhou Xin

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UNITED NATIONS, May 24 (Xinhua) -- The UN Security Council on Tuesday condemned "in the strongest terms" a terrorist attack that killed two Chadian peacekeepers in Mali.

"The members of the Security Council called on the government of Mali to swiftly investigate these attacks and bring the perpetrators to justice,"said the 15-nation council in a unanimous statement.

While expressing concern about the security situation in Mali, the Security Council urged Malian parties to fully implement their peace agreement without further delay.

The two peacekeepers were killed in an ambush against the mission, known as MINUSMA, 5 km from Aguelhok in Mali's northeastern Kidal region on Tuesday morning, said the United Nations.

Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims, a new alliance of al-Qaida, has claimed responsibility for the attack.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also slammed the attack, saying the "attacks against MINUSMA will not weaken the determination of the United Nations to support the implementation of the peace agreement."

Mali has suffered instability for years and the country's peace process has been slow and fragile.

MINUSMA, the most dangerous active UN mission, is tasked to support and monitor the implementation of a peace deal in Mali. It has become a frequent target of terrorist attacks.

Earlier this month, an attack against MINUSMA killed a Liberian peacekeeper and injured several others.

Mahamat Saleh Annadif, head of MINUSMA, said the current wave of indiscriminate attacks against civilians, Malian forces and international forces over the past few weeks were aimed to undermine efforts for the peace and stability of Mali.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-05-24 13:34:50|Editor: An

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BEIJING, May 24 (Xinhua) -- China's Finance Ministry on Wednesday dismissed a decision by international rating agency Moody's to downgrade China's long-term local currency and foreign currency issuer ratings.

Moody's said early Wednesday that it had downgraded China's long-term local currency and foreign currency issuer ratings to A1 from Aa3 and changed the outlook to stable from negative.

The downgrade is based on the "pro-cyclical" rating approach which is "not appropriate," the Ministry of Finance (MOF) said in a written statement.

Moody's said China's economy-wide leverage will increase further over the coming years, planned reform program is likely to slow, but not prevent, the rise in leverage, and sustained policy stimulus will contribute to rising debt across the economy.

"These viewpoints overestimate the difficulties facing the Chinese economy and underestimate the capabilities of China to deepen supply-side structural reform and expand overall demand," the MOF said.
By Will Koulouris

SYDNEY, May 24 (Xinhua) -- The Torch High Technology Industry Development program will bring eight, lucky Queensland entrepreneurs to China, as part of a long-term partnership strategy with Australia in the fields of science, technology, and innovation.

The chosen recipients were announced Wednesday at a special ceremony in Brisbane, with representatives from the Queensland government and China's Ministry of Science and Technology congratulating the successful companies.

Queensland Minister for Innovation, Science and the Digital Economy Leeanne Enoch said in a statement that the aim of the partnership is for the participants to take advantage of the burgeoning science and technology sectors in both countries.

The eight recipients received funding under the first round of the government's 480,000 AU dollars (357,594 U.S. dollars) Commercialization Partnership Program (CPP)

"The CPP is the product of our very strong relationship with China's prestigious Ministry of Science and Technology which leads and funds science and technology development in China through the Torch High Technology Industry Development program," Enoch said.

One of the lucky few chosen was Ocean Organics, a company from the Queensland city of Alexandria Hills, who are developing ways to extract pharmaceutical, and skincare benefits out of dried seagrass.

The founder of the company, Ross Meaclem, told Xinhua on Wednesday that he was "excited" for the opportunity that the Torch program would provide his company through partnership with China, and looks forward to establishing mutually beneficial outcomes with businesses in the Chinese market.

"I have done everything I can do within my financial means, and I just need a partner to fund it into market, hopefully a Chinese company," Meaclem said.

With his company focussing on natural healthcare solutions, as their products are derived from seagrass extracts, Meachem said there was great potential for his product within the Chinese market.

"Seagrass is a flowering plant, and herbal medicines are big, big business now," Meachem said.

Meachem said that the placement within the Guangdong High-Tech Industrial Park during the course of the program, will allow him to engage, and build his businesses in China, through establishing cooperation and exchanges with local companies who can share their expertise.

One of the other chosen start-ups, Applied Matter Systems, will be travelling instead to the Guangzhou Industrial Business Incubator, and founder David Inderias said the opportunity provided by the Torch High Technology Industry Development program was a "dream come true."

"This is an opportunity to commercialize on a scale we only previously imagined," Inderias said.

"We are applying technology honed in Queensland, on the world stage in China."

Current businesses that are found within the Torch precincts totalled 11.9 percent of the Chinese GDP in 2015, while also accounting for roughly 18.5 percent of exports to overseas markets.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-05-24 13:39:56|Editor: An

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NEW DELHI, May 24 (Xinhua) -- The death toll in a fatal bus accident in the Indian hilly state of Uttarakhand has risen to 24, a senior police official said Wednesday.

"We have recovered three more bodies from Bhagirathi river where the ill-fated bus fell late Tuesday evening after the driver lost control of the speeding vehicle in Dharasu town in the state's Uttarakasi district," he said.

The official added: "Three more persons are still missing and rescue operations are on to trace them. Eight injured people are currently undergoing treatment at various state-run hospitals, where the condition of two are said to be serious."

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed grief over the tragic incident. Modi has also announced a compensation of 200,000 rupees (3,000 U.S. dollars) for the family of those killed in the accident.

The accident occurred around 6:00 p.m. local time Tuesday when the bus plunged into a deep gorge that flows into Bhagirathi river. It was carrying a group of pilgrims, mostly from the central state of Madhya Pradesh, who were returning to Rishikesh from Gangotri, a Hindu holy place.

The state is popular with religious tourists, attracting hundreds of thousands every year.

Madhya Pradesh's Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and his counterpart in Uttarakhand, Trivendra Singh Rawat, have both condoled the loss of lives and announced compensation for the family of those killed as well as the injured.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-05-24 13:45:02|Editor: An

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RIO DE JANEIRO, May 23 (Xinhua) -- Brazil's Santos secured top spot in their Copa Libertadores group on Wednesday with a 4-0 victory over Sporting Cristal of Peru.

David Braz netted a brace while former Brazil international striker Ricardo Oliveira and Vitor Bueno were also on target at Estadio Vila Belmiro.

The result meant Santos ended the group stage with 12 points from six matches while Sporting Cristal finished last in Group B with just two points.

Meanwhile Brazil's Chapecoense clinched a dramatic 2-1 home victory over Zulia of Venezuela thanks to stoppage time goals from Arthur Girotto and Andrei.

Juan Arango opened the scoring at Arena Conda but the visitors lost their way after the 71st-minute dismissal of Hector Bello for a second yellow card.

Chapecoense, who were virtually wiped out by a plane crash last year, finished third in Group G with seven points, meaning they are eliminated from the tournament.

But the club is hopeful of winning an appeal against a points deduction for fielding a suspended player in their 2-1 win over Argentina's Lanus last week.

A decision in Chapecoense's favor would see them advance to the knockout stage of South America's premier club competition.
MOSCOW, May 24 (Xinhua) -- Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has asked his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, for arms to fight Islamic militants in the Asian country.

"Our country needs modern weapons to fight against ISIS. We had certain orders in the U.S., however, the situation is not very good now. I came to Moscow to ask for your help and support," the Kremlin quoted Duterte as telling Putin in a meeting on Tuesday.

Duterte stressed that Russia is a reliable partner, and he offered to continue their friendship.

"We need to improve trade exchange between the two countries," the Philippine leader said.

Putin noted that Moscow and Manila have many bilateral projects, including power engineering, defense cooperation, and transport infrastructure.

Duterte arrived in Moscow on Tuesday for a four-day official visit, but was forced to cut short his trip as fighting broke out in the southern Philippine region of Mindanao.

Putin said he hoped the conflict in the Philippines would be resolved "with minimum losses."

Duterte's delegation remained in Moscow to sign bilateral agreements on Wednesday, Russian media reported.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-05-24 14:05:09|Editor: Zhou Xin

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SUVA, May 24 (Xinhua) -- Fiji's President Jioji Konrote Wednesday called on employment and labor ministers in the region to work closely with each other to develop the labor sector.

At the International Labor Organization (ILO) High Level Tripartite Dialogue on Future of Work in the Pacific held in Suva, the Fijian president highlighted the importance of this forum in achieving the UN's sustainable development goal.

"The current Future of Work Dialogue over the next two days is an opportunity for us as Pacific Island nations to have our say and contribute as a region to the global discussions on Future of Work," he told the ministers.

"As Pacific Island countries, discussions on the future of work in the Pacific is important for us to be able to add our voice to the international agenda on transformational changes in the world of work and to address our commitments to decent work and achieving social justice," Konrote said.

The ILO event is also expected to address the Future of Work through interventions in crosscutting issues such as gender, women, youth, disabled persons, and extending social protection and social dialogue with the tripartite constituents, namely governments, employers and workers.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-05-24 14:42:02|Editor: Liangyu

Rescuers search for trapped people at the site of a house collapse in Xindi Township of Wuzhou, south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, May 24, 2017. A rain-triggered house collapse happened Wednesday morning. Two of the seven people who were buried in debris have been confirmed dead and the other five were receiving medical treatments in hospital. (Xinhua/Li Zhengwen)
Source: Xinhua| 2017-05-24 15:18:40|Editor: An

British armoured vehicles participate in the final battle of the annual Spring Storm military exercise in Tapa, northern Estonia, on May 23, 2017. Some 9,000 military personnel of the Estonian defense forces as well as allied forces join the exercise from May 8 to May 25. (Xinhua/Sergei Stepanov)
Source: Xinhua| 2017-05-24 15:15:38|Editor: MJ

Phone photo taken on May 24, 2017 shows the wreckage of a police vehicle at an explosion site in Garissa, Kenya. At least three police officers were killed and two others injured on Wednesday when their vehicle ran over an improvised explosive device (IED) in Garissa county, Kenya. (Xinhua/Ingati Stephen)

GARISSA, Kenya, May 24 (Xinhua) -- At least three police officers were killed and two others injured on Wednesday when their vehicle ran over an improvised explosive device (IED)in Garissa county, Kenya.

The police officers were traveling to Liboi town at the border between Kenya and Somalia from Kulan area when their vehicle was hit by the IED, according to a local government official named Mohamud Saleh.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-05-24 15:35:53|Editor: ying

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NEW DELHI, May 24 (Xinhua) -- Indian military Wednesday intensified search operations to trace missing Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter jet with two pilots on board.

As the search enters second day on Wednesday, rescuers have not been able to find out the missing jet so far.

The fighter jet belonging to Indian airforce went missing Tuesday after taking off from the Tezpur Indian airforce base in northeastern state of Assam.

According to officials, the fighter jet was on a routine training sortie and lost radio contact with the airbase.

"A massive search operation has been launched to trace the fighter jet and missing pilots," a defense spokesman said. "Help from civil administration has also been sought for the search and rescue effort."

Meanwhile, a local news agency reported that rescue mission for the missing Sukhoi-30 aircraft has been halted for bad weather conditions in the area.

The Sukhoi-30 is a Russian-made twin-engine supersonic fighter jet.

In March this year, a Sukhoi crashed in Rajasthan's Barmer. Since the induction of Sukhoi-30 fighter planes into Indian airforce in 1997, seven have crashed.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-05-24 16:01:19|Editor: Mengjie

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BEIJING, May 24 (Xinhua) -- China has made strides in poverty relief since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) in late 2012, paving the way for the government to achieve its goal of eradicating poverty by 2020.

Following are some facts and figures on China's fight against poverty, a key part of its mission to build a moderately prosperous society in an all-round way by 2020.

-- During the 2013-2016 period, 55.64 million rural people, or more than 10 million each year, were lifted out of poverty in China.

-- During the same period, the income of rural residents in poor areas grew faster than the national average rate.

-- In 2016 alone, China brought 12.4 million rural people above the poverty line, beating its target of lifting more than 10 million people out of poverty every year from 2016.

-- By the end of 2016, there were 43.35 million people still living below the nation's poverty line of 2,300 yuan (about 334 U.S. dollars) in annual income in 2010 constant prices.

-- The central government has allocated 196.1 billion yuan of special poverty relief funds over the past four years, representing annual average growth of 19.22 percent, Mo Jiancheng, an inspector under the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, said in March this year.

-- In 2016, combined poverty relief funds from the central and provincial budgets exceeded 100 billion yuan for the first time. The central government allocated 66.7 billion yuan, up 43.4 percent year on year, while provincial government spending rose more than 50 percent to top 40 billion yuan.

-- As of the end of 2016, outstanding loans from financial institutions for poverty alleviation totaled 2.5 trillion yuan, with 818.1 billion yuan in new loans in 2016.

-- Chinese authorities have stressed the use of targeted and precise poverty relief measures, creating different policies for different regions according to their needs. These policies include developing business, relocating the poor, compensating peasants in ecologically fragile areas, promoting education and improving social security.

-- China also encourages developed regions in the east to help less developed ones in the west better address poverty, with hundreds of poor counties in the east and west having formed partnerships.

-- About 775,000 officials had been dispatched to villages by the end of 2016 under a CPC program to send officials to the countryside to aid poverty relief.

-- Tens of thousands of Party and government offices, enterprises and public institutions have participated in helping villages nationwide shake off poverty.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-05-24 16:06:23|Editor: Mengjie

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ASHGABAT, May 24 (Xinhua) -- Wang Chen, vice chairman of China's National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee highlighted the fruitful China-Turkmenistan cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative during his visit to Turkmenistan on May 22-24.

At the invitation of the Turkmen Parliament, Wang made the tour and met separately with Akdzha Nurberdyeva, chairperson of the Turkmen Parliament, and Kasymguly Babayev, chairman of the Turkmen Democratic Party, in Ashgabat, capital and the largest city of Turkmenistan.

During their talks, Wang said that thanks to the long-term China-Turkmenistan friendship, bilateral cooperation, with broad prospect for further development, has reapt bumper harvest under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative in recent years.

The two countries have conducted long-term strategic cooperation in such areas as energy and transportation, he said.

Wang also called for concerted efforts to implement the consensus reached by the two heads of state, so as to further advance bilateral strategic partnership.

The NPC stands ready to promote friendly contact and exchanges in legislation and supervision with the Turkmen Parliament so as to creat a favorable cultural, legal and social environment for practical cooperation between the two sides, he said.

For their parts, the Turkmen side said this year marks the 25th anniversary of the establishment of China-Turkmenistan diplomatic relations.

Mutually beneficial cooperation has helped promote Turkmenitan's economic growth, they said, adding that the Turkmen Parliament supports the government in pursuing friendly policies towards China and participating actively in bilateral cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative.

The Belt and Road Initiative, first proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2013, comprises the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, with the aim to build a trade and infrastructure network connecting Asia with Europe and Africa along the ancient Silk Road routes.

During his visit, Wang also laid flowers at the Memorial Hall of Saparmurat Niyazov, the late first president of Turkmenistan.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-05-24 16:21:39|Editor: ying

Lee Nak-yon, the prime minister nominee of the Moon Jae-in administration, swears an oath during his confirmation hearing at the National Assembly in Seoul, South Korea, May 24, 2017. Lee Nak-yon, an incumbent governor of South Jeolla province, was named as the first prime minister of the Moon government earlier. (Xinhua/Lee Sang-ho)

SEOUL, May 24 (Xinhua) -- South Korean President Moon Jae-in on Wednesday appointed two high-level security advisors who will be tasked with assisting the president to draw up security and foreign policies.

Presidential spokesman Park Su-hyun told a press conference that Moon named Lee Sang-chul, a professor at Sungshin University in Seoul, as the first vice chief of the National Security Office of the presidential Blue House.

Kim Ki-jung, a political science professor at Yonsei University in Seoul, was appointed as the second vice chief of the National Security Office.

The newly appointed first vice chief was an expert on national defense who studied issues on the denuclearized Korean Peninsula, a peace regime and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK)'s nuclear program, the spokesman said.

Lee will double as the secretary general of the National Security Council (NSC). He will help President Moon draw up policies on security strategy, national defense reform and arms control.

Kim was an academic who studied the Korean Peninsula's peace issue for long, the spokesman said. During the presidential campaign, he served as an assistant to Moon on security and foreign affairs issues.

Kim will be tasked with establishing policies on foreign affairs, unification, intelligence convergence and cyber security.

On Sunday, President Moon named Chung Eui-yong, a career diplomat and former ambassador to Geneva, as the head of the National Security Office.

Spokesman Park told reporters that diplomatic and defense experts were appointed to lead the National Security Office as the DPRK's nuclear issue is a diplomatic matter requiring an international cooperation.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-05-24 16:26:44|Editor: Mengjie

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HOHHOT, May 24 (Xinhua) -- Archeologists in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region recently found cave painting of human hand prints that they estimate to date back to the Paleolithic Era.

It has been proposed that the painting, in Alxa Right Banner, were part of a primitive religious ritual. The new discovery will be used to inform research into the ancient people who once lived in the region, local cultural relic bureau director Fan Rongnan said Wednesday.

The painting was composed of 14 hand prints of a brownish red hue, the coloring made from a combination of germanium powder, animal blood and water. The paint was dispensed into bone-blow pipes and applied to the cave walls in this manner, according to Fan.

So far more than 30,000 collections of cliff paintings have been found in Alxa Right Banner, offering precious material for Chinese archeological and anthropological research.

Hand-print cliff paintings have been discovered in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Yunnan Province and Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-05-24 16:46:59|Editor: Lu Hui

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BEIJING, May 24 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping said Wednesday that he hoped China-Germany people-to-people exchanges would advance bilateral ties and China-Europe relations.

Xi made the remarks in a congratulatory message to the first meeting of the China-Germany people-to-people exchange dialogue, held Wednesday in Beijing.

Hailing the long-lasting friendship and the deepened pragmatic cooperation since the two countries established diplomatic relations 45 years ago, Xi noted the bilateral ties had entered a mature development phase.

"Cooperation in people-to-people exchanges in recent years has pulled the hearts of the two peoples closer," Xi said.

Xi hopes that the China-Germany people-to-people exchange dialogue will help enrich communication, widen exchange and deepen cooperation between the two countries.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-05-24 17:12:21|Editor: Mengjie

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BANGKOK, May 24 (Xinhua) -- Thailand's National Farmers Council (NFC) has called on the government to seek ways to export fresh pineapple to China, according to a statement released on Wednesday.

NFC Chairman Praphat Panyachatrak suggested the Ministry of Commerce expand the Chinese market for Thai pineapple, especially for the "Super Sweet" MD2 hybrid, which can remain fresh for a relatively long period of time.

Praphat said the Chinese market is interested in buying the MD2 variety and prefer to consume it as fresh fruit.

Thailand has produced an estimated 1.9 million tons of pineapple per year, most of which are canned for export rather than being provided as fresh fruit.

The pineapple growers had been largely concerned over possible losses due to a surplus in supply without knowing in advance an exact volume of demand from the canned pineapple producers.

Thailand's major pineapple plantations are located in Prachuap Khiri Khan, Ratchaburi, Chonburi, Rayong and Trat provinces.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-05-24 17:12:22|Editor: Mengjie

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BEIJING, May 24 (Xinhua) -- Chinese authorities have found a number of companies faking monitoring data, during recent air pollution inspections.

The Ministry of Environmental Protection reported four cases where automatic monitoring facilities malfunctioned or companies interfered with data collection, according to its website.

In Tangshan, north China's Hebei Province, inspectors found that a steel company was pumping fresh air and nitrogen into pipes to dilute sample smoke collected by automatic monitoring facilities, creating fake results.

The density of a pollutant reported by the monitoring equipment in another company in Tangshan was almost half the actual level, indicating malfunction of the facility.

China's central government is fighting pollution and environmental degradation as decades of growth have left the country saddled with smog and contaminated soil.

The inspection teams have been conducting on-site checks in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region and nearby areas, where smog has raised widespread concern.

The inspection teams will hand over issues uncovered to local authorities for further investigation.
LUSAKA, May 24 (Xinhua) -- At least 17 people died while 48 others were injured when a bus travelling from capital Lusaka lost control and overturned, Zambian police said on Wednesday.

Esther Mwaata-Katongo, the police spokeserson said the accident happened around 9 p.m. on Tuesday after the driver of the bus, which was traveling from Lusaka to the eastern region, failed to negotiate a curve, causing the bus to overturn.

Among the dead were three juveniles, six male adults and eight female adults while the driver of the bus was among the injured, she added.

She further said all the injured people have been admitted to two local hospitals.

Accidents involving public buses are common in Zambia.

Last year, the government banned public vehicles from traveling at night to reduce road carnages.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-05-24 17:32:33|Editor: Mengjie

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LOS ANGELES, May 23 (Xinhua) -- After over 24 hours of searching, a missing Chinese female hiker was found dead Tuesday noon at the base of a frozen waterfall on Mt. Whitney in eastern California, according to a report by the Inyo County Sheriff.

Dongying Qiu, 27-year-old, is believed to have fallen approximately 60 feet (18 meters) from the top of the waterfall through a snow chute. The waterfall is located on the southwest side of Outpost Camp, about a quarter mile (400 meters) off trail.

"This is an incredibly tragic situation and based on the extreme snow conditions in the backcountry, this could have happened to anyone," stated Inyo County Sheriff's Corporal Nick Vaughn.

The entire search crew and the Inyo County Sheriff's Office extended their condolences to Qiu's family and friends at this difficult time, added Vaughn.

Qiu was part of a three-person hiking group that set out to hike Mt. Whitney on May 21. After reaching Trail Crest, she decided to head back to the trailhead at Whitney Portal alone. Qiu's companions could not locate her when they returned to Whitney Portal around midnight. The search and rescue started on Monday around 9 a.m. (16:00 GMT).

Mt. Whitney lies on the boundary of Sequoia National Park and Inyo National Forest and stands at 14,494 feet tall (4418 meeters). Easy accessibility makes it a prime destination for hikers and climbers.
NEW DELHI, May 24 (Xinhua) -- The Indian Air Force on Wednesday denied reports of any air space violation by Pakistan over the Siachen Glacier in the disputed region of Kashmir.

According to Pakistani media, its head of Air Force, Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman, visited the Qadri Airbase in Skardu near the Siachen Glacier earlier in the day, where war games were being held by Pakistani fighter jet squadrons.

But senior defense sources in Delhi said that there has been no air space violation by Pakistan over the Siachen Glacier.

Islamabad's move came a day after the Indian Army released a video clip of Pakistani bunkers being targeted by Indian armed forces at forward posts in Naushera sector across the Line of Control - the military boundary between India and Pakistan in Kashmir.

In the video clip provided by the Army, heavy artillery bombing on Pakistani bunkers can be seen, which destroyed some of Pakistani posts.

However, Pakistan has denied it, saying that Indian claims "are false."

The Siachen Glacier is located in the eastern Karakoram range in the Himalaya Mountains, just northeast of the point NJ9842 where the Line of Control between India and Pakistan ends.
TOKYO, May 24 (Xinhua) -- Japanese financial regulators raided the Tokyo headquarters of a state-linked bank on Wednesday over shady loans provided under a scheme to assist crisis-hit companies.

State-backed lender Shoko Chukin Bank, known for dealing with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), was found by the the Financial Services Agency (FSA) as well as the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry to have been extending emergency loans in an improper manner while maintaining a problematic organizational system.

The Financial Services Agency headed up the on-site inspection Wednesday and is looking into those responsible for the bank extending emergency loans to firms and companies that did not fulfill the criteria as set under the state-backed scheme.

Those with knowledge of the matter said Wednesday that the FSA spearheaded the raid amid concerns that the bank itself would not be able to conduct a sufficient probe into its banking irregularities by itself.

In addition, the bank's most senior position has been held by retired officials from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, and concerns were voiced about the bank's ability to conduct its own objective investigation.

The bank's officials are suspected of routinely altering loan application documents to ensure that low interest loans could be approved for the SMEs applying for them across the country.

While a third-party panel set up by the bank itself came to the conclusion that forging loan applications were not based on executive orders and the bank had conducted no systematic coverups of the shady deals, the dodgy practices have since been found to be endemic in the bank's business culture.

The probe into the state-backed bank has found that the bank has approved inappropriate loans solely to achieve its own lending targets and had fabricated documents at its branches nationwide in an attempt to conceal the fraud.

Officials from the FSA are currently questioning the bank's staff to determine if the bank's management was involved in the fraudulent practice.

The bank has already been on a watchlist and was issued an improvement order by the agency and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Ministry of Finance on May 9 after revelations of the shady loans came to light.

The bank could face serious additional administrative punishments if new cases of fraud are turned up by Wednesday's raid.
MANILA, May 24 (Xinhua) -- Philippine President Rodrigo Dutete said on Wednesday that he is mulling placing the Visayas region in the central Philippines under martial law after declaring Mindanao under martial law.

"I may decide to expand the area to include Visayas because it is a walking distance actually," Duterte told a news conference at the airport after cutting short his official visit to Russia.

He might also decide to suspend the writ of habeas corpus in the Visayas, the president said.

"Remember that this is not intended for the law-abiding citizens," Duterte said.

Visayas region are the group of island provinces in the central Philippines.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-05-24 18:28:22|Editor: ying

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ADDIS ABABA, May 24 (Xinhua) -- The African Union (AU) has congratulated Tedros Adhanom, the former Ethiopian Minister of Health, and Minister of Foreign Affairs, on his historic win as the first World Health Organization (WHO) Director General from Africa.

Adhanom emerged victorious in a tough election against two strong candidates; Sania Nishtar from Pakistan and David Nabarro from Britain, noted a statement from the pan-African bloc later Tuesday.

Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the AU Commission, has warmly congratulated Adhanom on his election as the first ever Director-General of the WHO from the African region.

"The world has chosen a consummate global health statesman with a strong track record of embedding global public health and health security as a vital cornerstone of human development," said the Chairperson of the AU Commission.

Adhanom was recently at the helm of drafting the AU Agenda 2063, which represents the strategic framework guiding Africa's development priorities for the next 50 years, while serving as Chair of the Executive Council of the AU, said the statement.

Mahamat wishes Adhanom a successful tenure at the helm of WHO robustly working towards a better, healthier future for all people around the globe.

The AU Commission affirms its support of Adhanom's priorities which include WHO reform; universal health coverage; health security; women, child and adolescent health; and the health impacts of climate and environmental change, said the statement.

The AU Commission Chairperson has also thanked African Ministers of health for their united and steadfast support for Adhanom during the campaign.

Meanwhile, Mahboub Maalim, Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), has warmly congratulated the newly elected Director General of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom, who happens to be the first African to officiate at the prestigious position.

"It gives me a great pleasure to congratulate you, on behalf of IGAD and on my own, upon your historic election as the head of the WHO. Your victory is a symbol of an ever African rising unity in the international arena," said Maalim in his congratulatory message.

Adhanom has proven himself an accomplished statesman who will be in the best position to fulfill his mandate as the new head of WHO, said a statement from the East African regional bloc.

Maalim wishes Adhanom a most successful tenure in his new endeavor, and reassures him of IGAD support.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-05-24 18:28:23|Editor: ying

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BEIJING, May 24 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday called for efforts to build the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy into a strong and modern force to lend support for the realization of the Chinese dream of national rejuvenation and the dream of a strong army.

Xi, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), made the remarks on Wednesday during an inspection of the PLA Navy headquarters.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-05-24 18:48:42|Editor: ying

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ISLAMABAD, May 24 (Xinhua) -- At least two foreigners were abducted in Pakistan's southwest Quetta city on Wednesday, local Urdu TV channel Geo reported.

Police confirmed the kidnapping but did not reveal the nationalities of the abducted foreigners.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-05-24 18:53:46|Editor: ying

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HO CHI MINH CITY, May 24 (Xinhua) -- The first metro route in Vietnam's Ho Chi Minh City will be extended to the two neighboring provinces of Binh Duong and Dong Nai.

The metro route will be lengthened by 2 km to a depot in Binh Duong, and then the extension will be divided into two sections which head further to Binh Duong and Dong Nai, Ho Chi Minh City-based Management Authority for Urban Railways said on Wednesday.

Construction of the original route, which stretches nearly 20 km from Ben Thanh to Suoi Tien area in the city, including 2.6 km going underground, started in 2012, and is scheduled to become operational in 2020.

Total investment for the metro project is nearly 2.5 billion U.S. dollars. Cost for the route's extension is estimated at 100 million dollars.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-05-24 18:58:49|Editor: ying

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TOKYO, May 24 (Xinhua) -- The Japanese government on Wednesday maintained its overall assessment that the economy here is recovering at a moderate rate although consumption is still showing signs of weakness.

Exports have been recovering and the employment situation is improving, the Cabinet Office said, while also retaining its views on all other components in May, including capital expenditure and consumption, which it said has been picking up "as a whole" but still lacking momentum.

"The economy is in moderate recovery, but delays in improvement can be seen in some parts," the Cabinet Office said in its monthly economic report on Wednesday, providing the same assessment for the sixth successive month.

Japan's economy is showing embryonic signs of recovery owing to increased exports as global demand picks up, which in turn has buoyed factory output and capital expenditure here.

The economy grew an annualized real 2.2 percent in the January-March quarter, marking the fifth successive quarter of expansion, the latest figures showed.

The preliminary reading for gross domestic product (GDP) in the first quarter came in ahead of median economists' estimates for an expansion of 1.7 percent and follows a 1.4 percent annualized rate of expansion logged in the previous quarter, the Cabinet Office said recently.

Private consumption, a key component of the country's GDP, was up 0.4 percent and solid exports also contributed to the expansion, the office said.

According to the most recent figures from the Finance Ministry, Japan booked a trade surplus of 481.75 billion yen (4.3 billion U.S. dollars) in April, owing to ongoing growth in exports to Asia.

Exports were up 7.5 percent in the recording period on year to 6.33 trillion yen and imports gained 15.1 percent to 5.88 trillion yen.

Trade with China was robust, with Japan logging a deficit for a second straight month at 243.04 billion yen. Exports to China leapt 14.8 percent to 1.19 trillion yen, while imports in the same period grew 7.5 percent to 1.43 trillion yen.

As for trade with the United States, the surplus stood at 586.74 billion yen, which comprised of exports gaining 2.6 percent to 1.23 trillion yen and imports jumping 9.8 percent at 645.49 billion yen in the recording period. (1 Japanese yen = 0.0089 U.S. dollar)
Source: Xinhua| 2017-05-24 18:58:50|Editor: ying

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BEIJING, May 24 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday exchanged congratulations with Marguerite Pindling, governor-general of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, on the 20th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

In his congratulatory message, Xi said the Bahamas is an important partner for China in the Caribbean region.

China-Bahamas relations have greatly developed over the past two decades, with practical cooperation yielding results in various fields, Xi said.

"I attach great importance to the development of China-Bahamas ties, and is willing to work with you to promote bilateral friendly cooperative relations so as to better benefit the two countries and two peoples," said the Chinese president.

For her part, Pindling said that bilateral ties have strengthened over the past two decades since the two countries established diplomatic ties, bringing tangible benefits to the two peoples.

The Bahamas expects to strengthen cooperation and deepen relations with China, said the Bahamian governor-general.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-05-24 19:03:54|Editor: Zhou Xin

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte holds a press conferences at Manila International Airport in Manila on May 24, 2017. Rodrigo Duterte warned on Wednesday that he is considering placing the entire country under martial law, saying the militants might continue to sow more terror not only in southern Philippines but also in other parts of the country. (Xinhua/Wang Yu)

MANILA, May 24 (Xinhua) -- Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte warned on Wednesday that he is considering placing the entire country under martial law, saying the militants might continue to sow more terror not only in southern Philippines but also in other parts of the country.

Duterte declared on Tuesday night martial law for 60 days on the island of Mindanao and nearby island provinces of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi after clashes between the army and militants with alleged links to Islamic State (ISIS) in Marawi, provincial city of Lanao del Sur on the island of Mindanao in southern Philippines.

Duterte made the declaration while on an official visit to Russia, which he was forced to cut short after the Marawi City violence broke out around Tuesday afternoon.

At a news conference shortly after arriving from Russia, Duterte said that he is considering expanding the scope of martial rule to nearby Visayas region and even the entire country, including the main Luzon island.

"If I think that the ISIS has already taken foothold also in Luzon, and terrorism is not really far behind, I might declare martial law throughout the country to protect the people," Duterte said.

"I may decide to expand the area to include Visayas because it is a walking distance actually," Duterte said, referring to the proximity of the Visayas region to Mindanao.

He added he might also decide to suspend the writ of habeas corpus in the Visayas. "Remember that this is not intended for the law-abiding citizens. We are the least of your worries," he said.

Visayas region is a group of island provinces in the central Philippines, just above Mindanao Island in the southern Philippines.

Duterte said he is eyeing imposing a curfew in certain areas in Mindanao, including Lanao del Sur, Lanao del Norte, Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat, North Cotabao and maybe in Zamboanga City. He said he will decide after the cabinet meeting later Wednesday.

"I will not hesitate to do everything to protect and preserve the Filipino people," Duterte said.

Meantime, the government said thousands of Marawi residents have fled to avoid the conflict. At least 800 of those who evacuated are now staying in the provincial capital.

Some reportedly fled to nearby Iligan City and towns. A local official said at least four villages are now affected by the violence.

Duterte said there is compelling reason to declare martial law in Mindanao group of islands, saying the series of terrorist acts committed by the Maute group continued and resulted in the deaths of many people including policemen and soldiers.

Military spokesman Col. Edgard Arevalo said that five army soldiers and two police officers have so far been killed and at least 33 soldiers wounded in the ongoing sporadic fighting. He said 13 Maute members have also been killed.

Duterte said these atrocities continued even after he placed the Philippines under a state of national emergency in September last year following the deadly bombing in Davao City, his home city.

"We are still in the state of emergency, sporadic skirmishes with the Maute group continue, showing the group's capability to sow terror and unleash harassment and inflict destruction not only in Lanao del Sur but also in other parts of Mindanao and even in the Visayas," Duterte said on the news conference.

"I do not know how many buildings were destroyed. But the chief of police, while he was heading home, was stopped in a checkpoint manned by the terrorists, and I think (the terrorists) decapitated him right there and then," he said.

"These things government cannot allow. It is an open defiance and the violence, the atrocities continue," Duterte said, adding "the government must put an end to this."

Duterte added, "I can not gamble with ISIS because they are everywhere, and you know what is happening or you must be very aware of what happened in the Middle East."

Duterte vowed to be harsh in enforcing the law this time.

"I had to declare martial law in the Mindanao group of islands for a period of not exceeding 60 days, effective as of May 23, 2017," he added.

He said the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus is likewise suspended in Mindanao for the duration of martial law.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-05-24 19:03:56|Editor: ying

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ISLAMABAD, May 24 (Xinhua) -- A court in Pakistan on Wednesday ruled that an Indian woman, who had involved in a controversial marriage with a Pakistani man, can return to her country, court officials said.

During a brief hearing on Wednesday morning, the court obtained Dr Uzma's travel papers from her husband Mohammad Tahir Ali and handed them to her.

Uzma refused to meet her husband when judge Mohsin Akhtar Kayani asked her that she can meet her spouse in the court's chamber. Tahir had requested the court he wanted to talk to her wife separately as the Indian embassy officials may have "misled her."

The court ordered the Interior Ministry to provide security to the Indian woman up-to Wahga border.

The court asked Dr Uzma if she wants to live with her husband but she refused and said her daughter is sick and she wants to return to India.

The judge argued that the court cannot force wife and husband to live with each other and that Uzma is an adult and can make decision on her own choice.

Uzma's visa expires on May 30, according to her lawyers and diplomats of the Indian High Commission, who would regularly attend the court's hearing.

Uzma had reportedly engaged to Tahir Ali in Malaysia last year, where he was a taxi driver. On May 1 she crossed over via Wahga border and was married to Tahir in the town of Dagar in Khyber Pakhtunkhw province on May 3.

On May 5, the couple travelled to Islamabad apparently to apply for an Indian visa for Tahir in the Indian High Commission (IHC). But Uzma never came out of the IHC, and has stayed there since then.

On May 8, she filed a petition in the Islamabad High Court, stating that she was drugged and forced into the marriage, and that she didn't know Tahir Ali was already married. Tahir denied the charges and said both had agreed on marriage in Malaysia.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-05-24 19:14:03|Editor: ying

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ISLAMABAD, May 24 (Xinhua) -- The Pakistan military said on Wednesday that two more hardcore terrorists involved in committing heinous offences relating to terrorism have been executed.

Eight were sent to gallows last week as executions of the convicts in terrorism-related cases have been stepped up after the Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa signed execution orders of 30 hardcore terrorists last month.

An army statement said the terrorists were involved in committing heinous offences relating to terrorism, including attack on the 2014 Army Public School Peshawar, killing of innocent civilians, attacking Armed Forces of Pakistan and Law Enforcement Agencies.

The statement identified convict Taj Muhammad as an active member of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), who was found guilty of "harbouring suicidal bombers, which were later on used in attack on Army Public School Peshawar, causing death of 151 persons including 125 children, injuries to 147 persons and killing a civilian."

The other convict Attaullah was also an active member of the TTP and involved in attacking Law Enforcement Agency which resulted in death of several soldiers and injures to an officer and a soldier.

Both had admitted their offences before the magistrates and the trial courts, the statement from the army's Inter-Services Public Relations said.

The parliament extended the period of military courts for two more years after its two-year term was expired earlier this year. All major political parties had joined hands to approve extension of the military courts.

The army courts were set up after the terrorist attack on an army school in December 2014 for the speedy trial of the terrorism-related accused.
Source:Xinhua| 2017-05-24 19:22:01|Editor: Mengjie

Fishermen work at a scallop processing line in a cooperative in Changdao County, east China's Shandong Province, May 24, 2017. The harvest season of scallop arrived in late May in the county. A fishery cooperative covering the scallop industry chain was founded to increase fishermen's income and resist market risks. (Xinhua/Guo Xulei)
Source: Xinhua| 2017-05-24 19:19:08|Editor: ying

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TEHRAN, May 24 (Xinhua) -- Iran has discovered a new gas field in the Persian Gulf basin to south of the country, Press TV reported on Wednesday quoting an Iranian energy official as saying.

The gas field, named Sepand, is close to the giant South Pars natural gas field which is shared with Qatar, the unnamed official with the National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC) said.

Sepand holds 1.5 trillion cubic feet of gas of which about 792 billion cubic feet is recoverable, the official added.

It is still unclear if Sepand was shared with Qatar, the official said, adding that it is independent from South Pars.

The South Pars/North Dome field is a natural gas condensate field located in the Persian Gulf. It is the world's largest gas field shared between Iran and Qatar.

According to the International Energy Agency, the field holds an estimated 1,800 trillion cubic feet (51 trillion cubic meters) of in-situ natural gas and some 50 billion barrels of natural gas condensate.

"One of the most important features of the new field (Sepand) is that it has a wide horizontal natural gas structure," the NIOC official said.

The drilling operation would soon start in the field, he added.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-05-24 19:19:10|Editor: Mengjie

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BEIJING, May 24 (Xinhua) -- By 2020, the scale of China's satellite navigation business will surpass 400 billion yuan (58 billion U.S. dollars), said an official at an academic conference on Wednesday.

Ran Chengqi, an official at Beidou Navigation Satellite System, told the Eighth China Satellite Navigation Conference that the Beidou System would account for 240 billion to 320 billion yuan of the market in 2020.

According to Ran, over 30 million chip modules of the system were sold in April, while its high-precision board cards and antennas were exported to more than 70 countries and regions, over 30 of which are along the Belt and Road.

The Beidou System made people's lives easier through aided driving, accurate farming and intelligent real estate management, said Ran.

Also at the conference, it was announced by Wang Li, chairman of China Satellite Navigation System Committee on Tuesday, that China will launch 18 Beidou navigation satellites by 2019.

Six to eight Beidou satellites will be sent into orbit in the second half of 2017, said Wang, citing that the system will be able to provide services for the Belt and Road countries by 2018.

By 2020, the Beidou satellites will form a complete global satellite navigation system, Wang added.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-05-24 19:24:16|Editor: ying

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JAKARTA, May 24 (Xinhua) -- Indonesia and Switzerland plan to cooperate in manufacturing vaccines and drugs, a statement from Indonesia's Health Ministry said here on Wednesday.

Indonesian Health Minister Nila F. Moeloek met with her Swiss counterpart Alain Berset in Geneva on the sidelines of the 70th World Health Assembly meeting in Geneva.

Both of them saw that the two nations have high potentials to develop cooperation in the health sector.

The government of Switzerland will support Indonesia to fight the neglected tropical diseases, including malaria and leprosy, and combat drug abuse as Switzerland has a successful experience in fighting such danger, said Berset.
U.S. President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump (L) participate in a wreath-laying with Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu(R) at the Yad Vashem holocaust memorial in Jerusalem May 23, 2017. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

JERUSALEM, May 24 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump ended a short visit to Israel and the Palestinian territories on Tuesday, leaving several question unanswered regarding American policy in the region.

The issues discussed included the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the Iranian nuclear deal as well as the Syrian war.

However, the outcome of talks between Trump and both Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas remains a mystery.

Trump was warmly welcomed in both Jerusalem and Bethlehem.

Nonetheless, behind the statements and photo-ops, as Air Force 1 left Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion airport, it was still unclear whether things will actually change on the ground.

In his keynote speech just before his departure, the American leader emphasized his support for Israel, neglecting to mention certain recent prevailing catch phrases.

As for Netanyahu, this comfortable speech guaranteed his political stability.

There was no demand from Israel to facilitate the establishment of an independent Palestinian state and no mention of curtailing settlement construction.

If the head of the Israeli coalition government will not be forced to take painstaking measures to resume negotiations with the Palestinians, he guaranteed his government's longevity.

On the other hand, Trump's campaign promises made prior to his election also vanished.

There was no mention of the highly controversial pledge to move the American embassy to Jerusalem.

In fact, no explicit recognition was mentioned of Israel's sovereignty over both sides of the city - an Israeli desire not shared by the majority of the international community.

Dr. Ronen Zeidel, a Middle Eastern affairs expert from the University of Haifa, says Israelis continuously make mistakes.

"Israelis do not understand that an election candidate is not a president - it is not the same person even if he has the same name."

In the immediate aftermath of the speech, right-wing members of Netanyahu's government chose to ignore Trump's Jerusalem omission and focused instead on his blind spot regarding the two-state solution.

Naftali Bennett, Netanyahu's senior coalition partner, leads the Jewish Home party.

While shaking Trump's hands at the welcome ceremony, the right-wing education minister reportedly asked the U.S. president to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's undivided capital.

"If Trump was serious, it is only a matter of time before Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu clashes with his coalition partner, Bennett," said Yaki Dayan, a former Israeli consul general in Los Angeles.

Hours after landing in Israel, Trump made a historic visit to the Western Wall in Jerusalem's old city.

Israel's control over that part of the city has not been internationally recognized since it was captured by Israel during the 1967 war.

Trump's visit to the old city, donning the traditional Jewish skullcap, resting his hand on the wall in prayer, can be interpreted by some as a de-facto recognition of Israeli sovereignty.

It was the first time for a sitting U.S. President to visit the site. And yet, Palestinians consider East Jerusalem as their future state's capital city.

Ambassador Ron Prosor, Israel's former envoy to the United Nations (UN) today heads the Abba Eban institute of International Diplomacy at the Interdisciplinary Center Herzliya.

He also attaches great importance to Trump's Western Wall visit.

"Symbolism is important, (but) it goes beyond symbolism. It shows the bond. It sends the message that there is no gap between Israel and the United States," says Prosor.

The morning following Trump's departure, several Arab media reports stated that he was expected to announce a new peace plan involving separate deals on core issues.

There have been no official confirmations of this report as yet.

In reality, Israeli channel 10 began their morning newscast by saying "Israel still does not understand what will be the American administration's next step."

"Netanyahu has no interest in shaking things up. Israel has never been in a better geopolitical position," says Dr. Zeidel, adding that the odds are slim for renewing the stalled Israeli-Palestinian peace process.

Zeidel thinks this is where the interests of both the Israeli and American leaders converge.

Trump "will not do anything. He will not put too much pressure; he will not intervene. His real interests are elsewhere."

Ahead of the visit, the Israeli cabinet approved a series of confidence-building measures towards Palestinians intending to pacify the Trump administration.

The package included economic steps aiming to improve Palestinian lives of West Bank and Gaza Strip residents.

"Aside from this, Netanyahu will not be required to take further steps in the short term," believes Dayan.

Several members of Netanyahu's government believe that Israel currently has received the green light to increase settlement construction.

While international law considers Israeli West Bank settlements illegal, the issue seems to have been suspended during the visit, whereas it held center stage in the past.

Freezing settlement construction was a Palestinian precondition to resuming negotiations with Israelis.

This is an issue on which both administrations may clash in the future, but for now it seems a honeymoon period exists between the two.

Netanyahu will have a difficult time disregarding Trump as he did his predecessor U.S. President Barack Obama.

The positive relationship between the two may eventually harm Netanyahu's political survival.

"Israel has to secure its borders and ensure that Jerusalem remains its eternal capital," says Ambassador Prosor.

This may ultimately lead to a faceoff between the White House and Netanyahu.

And yet, the main obstacles toward peace between Israelis and Palestinians still exist.

The change is perhaps in Trump's new attitude, his lack of attention to detail but enthusiasm to strike a deal.

For now, however, several questions remain unanswered.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-05-24 20:09:50|Editor: Mengjie

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ISLAMABAD, May 24 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese embassy in Pakistan on Wednesday confirmed the kidnapping of two Chinese nationals by unknown gunmen in the country's southwest Quetta city earlier in the day.

An official from the Chinese embassy told Xinhua that they are trying to know more details about the incident and about the abducted persons. Meanwhile they have urged the Pakistani side to rescue the abductees as quickly as possible, said the official.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-05-24 20:19:58|Editor: ying

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PARIS, May 24 (Xinhua) -- Risks of terrorist attacks remained "at very high level" in France where Islamic State militants had struck the country several times since 2015, Prime Minister Edouard Philippe said on Wednesday.

"The terrorist threat carried by Daesh (Islamic State) remains at a very high level in France," Philippe warned after a defense council at the Elysee Palace.

"The threat is based on the IS incitement of its affiliates living in each country to commit isolated actions and on the infiltration into France or Europe of operational individuals to form terrorist cells," he told reporters.

With vigilance already increased at high level, the prime minister added that "instructions to strengthen security had been given to the prefects."

In the wake of Manchester bombing which left 22 victims, French government is seeking to prolong the state of emergency, imposed after Nov. 2015 series of shootings and bombings, to until Nov. 1.

Reiterating "full determination to ensure the safety of the French," Philippe said to maintain border control and anti-terrorism security alert system to guarantee calm at home.

France remains in a state of emergency and on high alert over possible terrorist attacks due to its military intervention in Syria, Iraq and the Sahel region.

It has already deployed 10,000 of gendarmes and police units to protect public places and sensitive sites after a group of terrorists killed 130 people in the venues of Paris two years ago.

However, several more attacks have occurred since, with the bloodiest on Bastille Day last year in Nice where a man drove his truck into a crowd, killing 86 people.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-05-24 20:30:03|Editor: ying

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MOSCOW, May 24 (Xinhua) -- Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) on Wednesday started a six-day anti-terrorist exercise in Crimea, RIA Novosti news agency reported.

About 2,000 people, including combat swimmers and paratroopers, participate in the two-stage drill.

The FSB drill is expected to involve aircraft, vessels, armored vehicles and drones, according to the report.

The drill will be conducted in Russia's territorial waters off the western coast of the Crimean Peninsula in the vicinity of the Ukrainian border.

Crimea left Ukraine and re-joined Russia in 2014 following a local referendum. Kiev believes the peninsula is illegally annexed and remains part of Ukrainian territory.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-05-24 20:50:18|Editor: Mengjie

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BEIJING, May 24 (Xinhua) -- China's top discipline watchdog has exposed seven cases involving officials who have violated the eight-point rules on frugality.

The officials were found to have been involved in cases of accepting bribes, and use of public funds for banquets and traveling, among other misdeeds, according to a statement released by the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) on Wednesday.

The individuals include a former senior official with the Changsha Municipal CPC Committee in central China's Hunan Province, and the chairman of the board of China SDIC International Trade Co. Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of the State Development and Investment Corp., and their punishments ranged from intra-Party warning to dismissal, it said.

The CCDI also warned officials against misbehavior during the upcoming Dragon Boat Festival holiday.

The CCDI established a monthly reporting system in August 2013 to monitor nationwide implementation of the "eight-point rules," which were introduced on Dec. 4, 2012 by the CPC to reduce bureaucracy, extravagance, and undesirable work habits.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-05-24 20:55:24|Editor: ying

Nepalese Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal (C) attends a press conference at Prime Minister's office in Kathmandu, Nepal on May 24, 2017. Nepalese Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal announced his resignation from the post at a special address to the nation on Wednesday afternoon. (Xinhua/KATHMANDU)

KATHMANDU, May 24 (Xinhua) -- Nepalese Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal announced his resignation from the post at a special address to the nation on Wednesday afternoon.

With this, Dahal's 10-month-long tenure has come to an end. His stint began on Aug. 4 last year following the resignation of then Prime Minister K.P Sharma Oli.

In his state address, the prime minister, who is better known as "Prachanda," said his party will continue alliance with Nepali Congress, the largest party in the Parliament, to form the new government.

The prime minister said he stepped down from the post to pave the way for Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba to become the next prime minister of the country, honoring a pact between the Nepali Congress party and the CPN (Maoist Center) signed in August last year.

Dahal said his stint was successful on multiple fronts including holding a historic local body polls on May 14 after a hiatus of 20 years in the Himalayan nation.

Dahal said the first round of local body polls was a major step to implement the new constitution promulgated in September 2015 as well as institutionalizing the federal democratic republic secular status achieved through peoples' long democratic struggle.

Dahal, a former rebel leader who served as the 39th prime minister of Nepal, said the post-earthquake reconstruction process has gained momentum, providing relief to tens of thousands of people during his tenure.

The prime minister said his government was successful in ending the crippling power outage which had been affecting daily life of people for years.

In his state address, Dahal claimed that his government was able to achieve economic growth of 7.5 percent, which was rare in the country's history.

Mentioning a Memorandum of Understanding signed between Nepal and China under the Belt and Road Initiative earlier this month, the prime minister said, "Nepal has become a partner of the Belt and Road Initiative and I believe that it will greatly help to bolster socio-economic development of the country."

The prime minister's resignation has come just three weeks ahead of second round of local body polls slated for June 14.

"I believe that the next round of local body polls will be held in a peaceful manner like in the round that witnessed the overwhelming participation of people. I feel honored to hold such a historical local polls during my tenure," he said.

Officials say it will take at least the next two weeks to form a new government as per the constitutional provisions.

This was the second time Dahal served as the prime minister of the Himalayan nation since his Maoist party joined the mainstream politics in 2007 after signing the peace deal with the then government, ending the 10-year armed conflict that started in 1996.

Dahal served as the prime minister for the first time from 2008 to 2009.

Dahal ended his nearly three-decade-long underground politics in 2006 when his party and other mainstream political parties launched a successful people's movement to overthrow the former King Gyanendra Shah's direct regime.

The Dahal-led Maoist was able to become the largest force in the Nepalese Parliament in 2009.

However, his party emerged as the third largest party in a defeat in the Second Constituent Assembly elections due to split within the party.

Dahal was born into a high Brahmin caste family on Dec. 11, 1954 in Kaski district, some 140 km west of capital Kathmandu.

A former school teacher, Dahal was once a brilliant student and gained a bachelor's degree in agriculture.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-05-24 21:05:36|Editor: ying

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by Martin Banks, Zheng Jianghua

BRUSSELS, May 24 (Xinhua) -- On Thursday, fresh from a tour in the Middle East, U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to arrive in Brussels to meet with another, less controversial Donald -- Donald Tusk, president of the European Council, and Jean-Claude Juncker, president of the European Commission.

It will be the first time Trump meet with the heads of EU institutions. After the meeting, he is set to attend a NATO summit Thursday afternoon.

Trump had once called Brussels a "hellhole," cheered for Brexit, and dismissed NATO as "obsolete" -- all of which raised questions in Europe about his commitment to transatlantic alliances.

The notion that the EU may not be able to rely on the cooperation of the U.S. administration is, for some, quickly looking like a new reality. Trump's appointment of several controversial figures to his cabinet highlights this concern.

Several European leaders also rejected Trump's anti-Muslim and much-criticized travel ban amid concern over his commitment to transatlantic values.

The ban, on refugees and citizens of seven Muslim-majority countries, saw European capitals scramble to determine how it would affect their dual nationality citizens.

Despite such pessimism, there are, however, hopes that Trump's visit to Brussels may pave the way for improved EU-U.S. relations in the coming weeks and months.

Senior EU figures are hoping that the visit and face-to-face meetings could be a good opportunity to take the first, tentative steps to heal a rift in relations which, for some, reached a nadir when Washington failed to sign the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, the landmark transatlantic trade deal.

Prof. Ted Malloch, the man widely tipped to become the next U.S. ambassador to the EU, believed that the time is ripe to re-evaluate key U.S. assumptions about Europe.

This means, he said, that the United States should reappraise its entire relationship with Europe and its future union or disunion.

"The long-held State Department view, since (former Secretary of State) Dulles, has been that the best way to achieve peace in Europe is by uniting it. The Franco-German relationship was at the center of such thinking. No one wants Europe to fail or instantly disintegrate. But the question today is what kind of Europe, and what kind of union, do we want?"he asked.

Trump, more recently, has appeared to soften his tone on the EU.

In a meeting on April 20 with Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni, he said that a strong Europe was "very important" to him and the United States. Trump also called for "balanced, reciprocal" trade relations with Italy.

Such remarks present a vivid contrast to his earlier statements during the election campaign, when he praised Brexit and labelled the EU a "vehicle for Germany."

Norbert Roettgen, the chair of the German parliament's foreign affairs committee, said Europeans need to propose "projects of common interest" to Trump and preserve "Western unity" on Russia.

However, he admitted, "It is difficult to forge a relationship with this U.S. president."

Failure to build bridges during this week's trip could indirectly benefit Britain, which is seeking new, post-Brexit trade deals, according to Emma McClarkin, British Conservative Party politician and member of the European Parliament.

"The UK and the USA have an opportunity to work together to show that when there is common ground and a willingness to pursue trade negotiations, trade deals can be concluded quickly to benefit both sides." she said.

But Denis Macshane, Britain's Europe minister under Tony Blair, believed it is still very much in the interests of both Brussels and Washington to ensure that the current gap in transatlantic relations does not become a potentially highly damaging schism.

MacShane said, "Trump has u-turned on so many of the extravagant campaign declarations he made about foreign policy. There has to be hope that like every previous occupant of the White House since the 1940s, he will recognize that a partnership between America and Europe makes strategic sense and corresponds to domestic political priorities in the United States."

Macshane noted that Europe is united against the Islamic State after the attacks on Paris, Berlin, Stockholm and now Manchester, while Trump faces endless domestic political problems rather like former President Richard Nixon did.

"But also like Nixon, this does not mean his foreign policy cannot achieve objectives that Europeans seek to support," said MacShane.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-05-24 21:30:53|Editor: ying

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NAIROBI, May 24 (Xinhua) -- The UN World Health Organization (WHO) plans to intensify efforts to eradicate cholera deaths in Somalia, officials said on Wednesday.

WHO Consultant on Health Emergency Planning and Implementation Khalif Bile Mohamud told journalists in Nairobi that since January, there have been 40,000 cases of the infectious diseases that have resulted in 700 deaths in Somalia.

"Through an integrated disease surveillance approach, we hope to reduce fatality rate to less than one percent of confirmed cholera cases," Mohamud said during a media roundtable on the pre-famine situation and impacts in the Horn of Africa region.

The Horn of Africa nation is currently in the midst of a severe drought and 6.2 million people are in need of humanitarian aid.

When infected by cholera, individuals present symptoms in a matter of hours and patients could lose lives in two days if they don't receive the right medical intervention.

About two months ago, the WHO launched a cholera vaccination campaign targeting individuals above six months old in the Horn of Africa nation.

Mohamud said that the immunization campaign, coupled with improvement in access to water and clean sanitation has led to a drastic reduction in cholera deaths.

"The success of eradicating a public health emergency is not determined by the size of the hazard but the effectiveness of the response," he added.

In order to ramp up the fight against cholera, the UN's health agency has established 83 treatment facilities.

The cholera treatment units have been specially designed to provide support to patients with severe cases of cholera.

Mohamud noted that medical facilities have achieved WHO human resource capacity standards in order to provide the most effective treatment.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-05-24 21:40:55|Editor: ying

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DAR ES SALAAM, May 24 (Xinhua) -- Tanzanian President John Magufuli on Wednesday ordered Minister for Energy and Minerals Sospeter Muhongo to resign after a report showed he was implicated in mining firms' undeclared mineral sand exports.

The report revealed that the undeclared mineral sand exports led to tax evasion by the mining firms.

Magufuli said the report revealed that mining firms, including Acacia Mining, cheated over mineral sand exports for smelting abroad, making the east African nation to lose millions of U.S. dollars.

Magufuli asked the minister to resign when he was reacting to recommendations made to him in the report by a special committee he formed in March to investigate on how mineral sand was transported abroad by mining firms for smelting without paying due taxes.

"Professor Muhongo is my friend but I want him to reconsider his position. I am advising him to step down," said Magufuli shortly after he had received the report.

The president also dissolved the Tanzania Mineral Audit Agency (TMAA) Board of Directors and suspended the agency's Chief Executive Officer, Dominic Rwekaza, for what he termed as negligence.

The report revealed that Acacia Mining declared the presence of gold, copper and silver in its mineral sand exports but did not declare other precious metals in the consignments, the president said in a televized address.

Mining accounts for about 4 percent of Tanzania's gross domestic product.

Acacia's share price fell by more than 14 percent after the announcement, its biggest fall since March 3.

Acacia, majority owned by Barrick Gold, has three Tanzania gold mines that also produce copper. It is also exploring in other parts of Africa.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-05-24 21:45:58|Editor: ying

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KIEV, May 24 (Xinhua) -- Ukrainian Agriculture Minister Taras Kutovyi said Wednesday that he has left his post to pursue a career in the private sector.

"I have a desire to return to business and work for attracting investment," Kutovyi said on Facebook.

The resignation has not affected the work of the ministry, which is functioning in the regular mode, he added.

On late Tuesday, the Ukrainian Agriculture Ministry said Kutovyi has submitted his resignation, without giving reasons behind his decision.

Kutovyi, 41, was appointed as Ukraine's agriculture minister in April 2016. Before his appointment, he had served as the chief executive in a string of Ukrainian investment companies and as president of Raiz, an agricultural giant in the country.

The ministry has listed the introduction of agricultural subsidies for small farmers, the expansion of Ukraine's food export markets, and a 49.5-percent investment increase in the agricultural sector as Kutovyi's main achievements as agriculture minister.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-05-24 21:51:02|Editor: Mengjie

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ISLAMABAD, May 24 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese embassy in Pakistan on Wednesday confirmed that two Chinese nationals were kidnapped by unknown gunmen in the country's southwest Quetta city earlier in the day.

An official from the embassy told Xinhua that they are trying to know more details about the incident as well as about the abducted persons, adding that they have urged the Pakistani side to rescue the abductees as quickly as possible.

The kidnappers forced the abductees into a vehicle on gunpoint and drove away, local media quoted Deputy Inspector General of Quetta police as saying.

The kidnapped including a man and a woman were returning from a restaurant when the incident happened in Jinnah Town area of Quetta, the capital city of the country's southwestern Balochistan Province, local Urdu TV Aaj reported.

The kidnappers were initially taking away three Chinese including two women and the man, but a passerby helped one of the women escape, local reports said.

The passerby got injured in a shootout, who has been shifted to a nearby hospital where police recorded his statement for investigation.

Balochistan Chief Minister Sanaullah Zehri took notice of the incident and directed police to search the abductees. A search operation has been kicked off in the area.

He further directed to design a standard operating procedure for ensuring the security of foreigners working in the province.

On his direction, a heavy contingent of police has been deployed at all entry and exit points of the city for checking.

No group has claimed responsibility for the kidnapping yet.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-05-24 21:51:05|Editor: ying

A soldier from the Armed Forces of the Philippines conducts a checkpoint in Lanao Del Sur Province, the Philippines, May 24, 2017. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said Wednesday he is mulling placing the Visayas region in the central Philippines under martial law after declaring Mindanao under martial law. (Xinhua/Stringer)

MANILA, May 24 (Xinhua) -- Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte warned on Wednesday that he is considering placing the entire country under martial law, saying the militants might continue to sow more terror not only in southern Philippines but also in other parts of the country.

Duterte declared on Tuesday night martial law for 60 days on the island of Mindanao and nearby island provinces of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi after clashes between the army and militants with alleged links to Islamic State (ISIS) in Marawi, provincial city of Lanao del Sur on the island of Mindanao in southern Philippines.

Duterte made the declaration while on an official visit to Russia, which he was forced to cut short after the Marawi City violence broke out around Tuesday afternoon.

At a news conference shortly after arriving from Russia, Duterte said that he is considering expanding the scope of martial rule to nearby Visayas region and even the entire country, including the main Luzon island.

"If I think that the ISIS has already taken foothold also in Luzon, and terrorism is not really far behind, I might declare martial law throughout the country to protect the people," Duterte said.

"I may decide to expand the area to include Visayas because it is a walking distance actually," Duterte said, referring to the proximity of the Visayas region to Mindanao.

He added he might also decide to suspend the writ of habeas corpus in the Visayas. "Remember that this is not intended for the law-abiding citizens. We are the least of your worries," he said.

Visayas region is a group of island provinces in the central Philippines, just above Mindanao Island in the southern Philippines.

Duterte said he is eyeing imposing a curfew in certain areas in Mindanao, including Lanao del Sur, Lanao del Norte, Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat, North Cotabao and maybe in Zamboanga City. He said he will decide after the cabinet meeting later Wednesday.

"I will not hesitate to do everything to protect and preserve the Filipino people," Duterte said.

Meantime, the government said thousands of Marawi residents have fled to avoid the conflict. At least 800 of those who evacuated are now staying in the provincial capital.

Some reportedly fled to nearby Iligan City and towns. A local official said at least four villages are now affected by the violence.

Duterte said there is compelling reason to declare martial law in Mindanao group of islands, saying the series of terrorist acts committed by the Maute group continued and resulted in the deaths of many people including policemen and soldiers.

Military spokesman Col. Edgard Arevalo said that five army soldiers and two police officers have so far been killed and at least 33 soldiers wounded in the ongoing sporadic fighting. He said 13 Maute members have also been killed.

Duterte said these atrocities continued even after he placed the Philippines under a state of national emergency in September last year following the deadly bombing in Davao City, his home city.

"We are still in the state of emergency, sporadic skirmishes with the Maute group continue, showing the group's capability to sow terror and unleash harassment and inflict destruction not only in Lanao del Sur but also in other parts of Mindanao and even in the Visayas," Duterte said on the news conference.

"I do not know how many buildings were destroyed. But the chief of police, while he was heading home, was stopped in a checkpoint manned by the terrorists, and I think (the terrorists) decapitated him right there and then," he said.

"These things government cannot allow. It is an open defiance and the violence, the atrocities continue," Duterte said, adding "the government must put an end to this."

Duterte added, "I can not gamble with ISIS because they are everywhere, and you know what is happening or you must be very aware of what happened in the Middle East."

Duterte vowed to be harsh in enforcing the law this time.

"I had to declare martial law in the Mindanao group of islands for a period of not exceeding 60 days, effective as of May 23, 2017," he added.

He said the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus is likewise suspended in Mindanao for the duration of martial law.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-05-24 21:51:09|Editor: ying

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DAMASCUS, May 24 (Xinhua) -- At least 16 people were killed Wednesday by U.S.-led airstrikes on positions of the Islamic State (IS) group in Syria's northern city of Raqqa, a monitor group reported.

The airstrikes targeted areas west of Raqqa, said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

Earlier in the day, the Observatory said that 16 civilians have been killed over the past 24 hours as a result of explosions of mines in Raqqa countryside.

Raqqa, the de facto capital of the IS, has been the target of the U.S.-led coalition, which is backing the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces in their push against the IS in Raqqa countryside.
Newly elected Director-General of World Health Organization (WHO) Tedros Adhanom waves during the 70th World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, May 23, 2017. Tedros Adhanom, 52-year-old former health minister and foreign minister of Ethiopia, was elected on Tuesday as new Director-General of the World Health Organization, UN's health agency. (Xinhua/Alain Grosclaude)

ADDIS ABABA, May 24 (Xinhua) -- The African Union (AU) has congratulated Tedros Adhanom, the former Ethiopian Minister of Health, and Minister of Foreign Affairs, on his historic win as the first World Health Organization (WHO) Director General from Africa.

Adhanom emerged victorious in a tough election against two strong candidates; Sania Nishtar from Pakistan and David Nabarro from Britain, noted a statement from the pan-African bloc later Tuesday.

Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the AU Commission, has warmly congratulated Adhanom on his election as the first ever Director-General of the WHO from the African region.

"The world has chosen a consummate global health statesman with a strong track record of embedding global public health and health security as a vital cornerstone of human development," said the Chairperson of the AU Commission.

Adhanom was recently at the helm of drafting the AU Agenda 2063, which represents the strategic framework guiding Africa's development priorities for the next 50 years, while serving as Chair of the Executive Council of the AU, said the statement.

Mahamat wishes Adhanom a successful tenure at the helm of WHO robustly working towards a better, healthier future for all people around the globe.

The AU Commission affirms its support of Adhanom's priorities which include WHO reform; universal health coverage; health security; women, child and adolescent health; and the health impacts of climate and environmental change, said the statement.

The AU Commission Chairperson has also thanked African Ministers of health for their united and steadfast support for Adhanom during the campaign.

Meanwhile, Mahboub Maalim, Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), has warmly congratulated the newly elected Director General of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom, who happens to be the first African to officiate at the prestigious position.

"It gives me a great pleasure to congratulate you, on behalf of IGAD and on my own, upon your historic election as the head of the WHO. Your victory is a symbol of an ever African rising unity in the international arena," said Maalim in his congratulatory message.

Adhanom has proven himself an accomplished statesman who will be in the best position to fulfill his mandate as the new head of WHO, said a statement from the East African regional bloc.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-05-24 22:11:20|Editor: Mengjie

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KUALA LUMPUR, May 24 (Xinhua) -- Hengyuan Refining Company, previously known as Shell Refining Company before it was acquired by a Chinese company from Shell, is looking for options to export to China.

The refiner would leverage the knowledge of its major shareholder, China's state-owned Shandong Hengyuan Petrochemical in the Chinese market to find the right customers there, Hengyuan managing director and executive director Maarten Stals told reporters after the group's annual general meeting and extraordinary meeting on Wednesday.

Hengyuan Refining Company's complex oil refinery in Port Dickson is the second largest refinery in Malaysia. The refinery has a licensed production capacity of 156,000 barrels per day. Currently, about 90 percent of the group's refined products and liquefied petroleum gas are sold in Malaysia. Singapore is the group's major export market, accounting for about 10 percent of the group's revenue.

Meanwhile, Maarten is optimistic on the group's outlook following the management transition as the group is looking for more strategic opportunities with the strong support from Shandong Hengyuan Petrochemical.

"I am quite optimistic in the sense that our people are really engaged after the transition. They are positive about the (management) changes," Maarten said, adding the company is also seeking to reduce its material cost through its Chinese shareholder.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-05-24 22:16:22|Editor: Mengjie

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MACAO, May 24 (Xinhua) -- Residents of China's Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) are advised to be alert and vigilant towards own safety when planning to travel to or in Britain, the SAR's tourism emergency office said on Wednesday.

Tourism Crisis Management Office of Macao said in a latest statement that due to current security situation in Britain, it issued class one travel alert to those who plan to travel to or in this country.

The office said according to Macao travel agencies' feedback, there is no report on any Macao tourist group being affected by the blast that had killed at least 22 people Monday night. It added that it has not received any request for information or assistance from Macao residents for now.

The statement reminds Macao residents who require assistance to call the Tourism Hotline +853 28333000, or the Chinese Embassy and Consulate Generals to Britain.

They can also dial a 24-hour hotline +86 10 12308 set up by Chinese Foreign Ministry's global emergency call center for consular protection and services for Chinese nationals, the office said.

Tourism Crisis Management Office set up three classes of travel alert for its residents to consider safety measures. Class one is the start level, under which Belgium, France, Israel, Nepal, Tunisia and Britain are listed at the moment.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-05-24 22:21:26|Editor: ying

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NEW DELHI, May 24 (Xinhua) -- At least two persons were killed and eight others injured after a private mini-bus rolled off the road and overturned in the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh Wednesday, a senior police official said.

"The accident occurred in the hilly state's Solan district this afternoon when the driver of the bus lost control of the vehicle while negotiating a curve. The bus was carrying some 17 passengers," he said, on condition of anonymity.

While two persons were killed on the spot, those injured have been admitted to a local hospital, the official said.

A probe has been ordered into the incident, he said, adding that prima facie it seemed to be the fault of the driver who was speeding.

"Eye-witnesses told us that the mini-bus was travelling at a high speed," the official added.

The hilly state, which is popular with tourists, witnesses accidents often.

Last month, at least 44 people were killed when a bus in which they were travelling plunged off a mountain road in Himachal Pradesh and fell into a river.

Road accidents are common in India, often due to poor driving or badly maintained roads and vehicles. More than 400 people are killed in accidents on Indian roads every day, according to official statistics.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-05-24 22:26:28|Editor: ying

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ABUJA, May 24 (Xinhua) -- Three female suicide bombers blew up themselves after a failed attack on a village near Nigeria's northern Maiduguri city late Tuesday, local police confirmed on Wednesday.

The trio quickly detonated the explosives wired round their bodies, killing themselves only, after they were sighted and accosted by security operatives, Victor Isuku, a police spokesman said.

They had attempted to attack Mamanti village in Molai area of Maiduguri, Isuku told reporters.

Terror group Boko Haram, which is blamed for thousands of deaths and displacement of 2.3 million people since 2009, is suspected to be responsible for the failed attack.

Maiduguri, the birthplace of the terror group and capital of the northeastern state of Borno, had served as the armed group's headquarters and spiritual base for several years until the Nigerian military cleared their largest training camp last December.

On May 19, three suspected suicide bombers also blew up themselves following a foiled attack at the University of Maiduguri.

Government forces are intensifying aerial and ground patrols in the northeast region.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-05-24 22:26:29|Editor: Mengjie

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BEIJING, May 24 (Xinhua) -- Moody's Investors Service on Wednesday downgraded China's long-term local currency and foreign currency issuer ratings from Aa3 to A1 but changed the outlook from "negative" to "stable," a move experts said showed apparent miscalculations.

The rating agency said in a statement that the downgrade reflects expectations that "China's financial strength will erode somewhat over the coming years, with economy-wide debt continues to rise as potential growth slows," adding that ongoing reforms may not curb further material rise in economy-wide debt.

Moody's expected Chinese government's direct debt burden to rise to 40 percent of its gross domestic production (GDP) in 2018 and edge closer to 45 percent in 2020.

The above assertion, however, failed to recognize China's 36.7-percent increase in government debt in 2016, which is moderate compared to the previous year.

It also turned a blind eye on the advancement in the country's supply-side structural reform and Beijing's tightening control in issuing government debt, which will both contain government debt within a reasonable scale.

Li Fan, senior dealer with Bank of China, dismissed Moody's downgrade as one-sided views. He said credit default swap for China's five-year government debt maintains at around 80 basis points this year -- the figure once jumped as high as 150 basis points in previous years.

This indicates, Li said,that the global market acknowledges China's economic fundamentals are improving and the credit risks are reducing.

Secondly, Moody's estimation that relevant reforms in China may not be effective and that the Chinese economy will continue to slow underestimates the Chinese government's ability to deepen supply-side structural reform and moderately expand domestic demand.

The Chinese economy maintains a stable and positive momentum into 2017,with first quarter GDP up to 6.9 percent, further accelerating growth rate by 0.2 percentage points year on year.

Thirdly, Moody's conclusion that rises in commercial bank loans, bonds issued by Local Government Financing Vehicles, as well as investments by state-owned enterprises will lead to increase in indirect and contingent liabilities. This again shows the agency's lack of knowledge in Chinese laws and regulations and is thus incorrect.

Experts said bringing down China's sovereign debt rating while upgrading the outlook is more of a technical operation by which Moody's aims to showcase its rating's balance and fairness.

Western institutions and media reports have since last year repeatedly referred to China's credit risks. In March 2016, Moody's revised down China's sovereign rating outlook to "negative," but China's economic performance turned out to be much better than projected.

Some analysts say though Western rating agencies have long had more influence in credit consulting market, methods of their ratings are defective to make results doubtful.

First of all, their overestimating institutional factors led to a stronger subjectivity with the qualitative analysis accounting for too much, they says. This enables a discrimination against emerging market economies and developing countries.

For example, in 2007, their ratings for emerging market economies were between 8 and 12 grades lower than those developed countries with similar debt levels, Cheng Weili, deputy research fellow with the economic outlook section of China's State Information Center, told Xinhua.

The gap was narrowed down by only two grades by 2015, Cheng added.

Secondly, an overdependency on historical data and a heavy procyclicality in their ratings have made foresighted early warnings unlikely, according to the analysts.

Experts cite Moody's A1 rating, its fifth high grade, for Greece until the end of 2009 after the breakout of global financial crisis in 2008, which failed to signal the European debt crisis.

However, China may see in Western agency credit ratings alarms for risk controls.

In past years, China has adopted a range of measures to manage debt risks, including building related early warning mechanism and debt supervision system, and completing local government bond swaps, among others.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-05-24 22:26:30|Editor: Mengjie

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PUTRAJAYA, Malaysia, May 24 (Xinhua) -- China's Information and Communication Technology (ICT) giant Huawei has trained over 200 Malaysian college graduates to better prepare for the digital economy, officials said here Wednesday.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the Graduate Employability program jointly held with Huawei, Deputy Minister of Higher Education Yap Kain Ching said the Chinese company has helped local students fit the national digital economy agenda.

"Our Malaysian youth need to learn and acquire technology skills in order to be valuable and relevant for workforce. Our training program with Huawei equips the youth with hands-on skills which are very relevant to the job scope requirements," said Yap.

As part of the program, the graduates were awarded the Huawei Certified Entry Networking Technician (HCENT), an internationally recognized entry level certification of fixed broadband network skills.

Over the course of five days with 12 training sessions, the program equipped local graduates with industry-relevant practical knowledge and skills possessed primarily for the development and implementation of Fixed Broadband Backbone (FBB). These trainees also had the opportunity to participate in a soft-skill session which involved the role play of customer management.

Some 240 local participants were certified as skilled technicians. Among them, 94 percent out of 163 ready-to-work participants have become employed or decided to pursue their further study.

Abraham Liu, Huawei Technologies Malaysia's CEO, said it was the company's aim to help local talents to align the ICT education with the real-life requirements of the ICT industry.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-05-24 22:31:34|Editor: ying

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DUBAI, May 24 (Xinhua) -- The United Arab Emirates (UAE) said Wednesday that it stands with Bahrain and vowed support to the Gulf states' "security measures" after scores of people were killed Tuesday, UAE state news agency WAM reported.

The UAE ministry said in a statement "the security and stability of sisterly Bahrain is an integral part of the security and stability of the UAE and the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC)."

Founded in 1981, GCC is a political and economic union of the six Gulf Arab states including Bahrain and the UAE.

The statement said the UAE rejected any "pockets" supporting "chaos and terrorism in Bahrain which is supported externally."

Bahrain's Ministry of the Interior said on Tuesday five people were killed and eight others injured during a "security operation" in the village of Deraz, home to the Shiite cleric Issa Qasim in the north of the country.

Over 60 percent of Bahraini nationals are Shiite while the ruling family and the minority of Bahraini nationals are Sunni Muslims.
File photo taken on Oct. 2, 2015 shows a scene of a suicide bomb attack in Maiduguri city, northeastern Nigeria. (Xinhua/Olatunji Obasa)

ABUJA, May 24 (Xinhua) -- Three female suicide bombers blew up themselves after a failed attack on a village near Nigeria's northern Maiduguri city late Tuesday, local police confirmed on Wednesday.

The trio quickly detonated the explosives wired round their bodies, killing themselves only, after they were sighted and accosted by security operatives, Victor Isuku, a police spokesman said.

They had attempted to attack Mamanti village in Molai area of Maiduguri, Isuku told reporters.

Terror group Boko Haram, which is blamed for thousands of deaths and displacement of 2.3 million people since 2009, is suspected to be responsible for the failed attack.

Maiduguri, the birthplace of the terror group and capital of the northeastern state of Borno, had served as the armed group's headquarters and spiritual base for several years until the Nigerian military cleared their largest training camp last December.

On May 19, three suspected suicide bombers also blew up themselves following a foiled attack at the University of Maiduguri.

Government forces are intensifying aerial and ground patrols in the northeast region.
Mary McCartney/MPL Communications

Paul McCartney is among the many people sending out condolences to the victims of the terrorist attack that happened Monday night in Manchester, U.K., outside of a concert by pop star Ariana Grande.

In a message posted on his social media sites, McCartney says, "Like everyone else my family and I were shocked to hear about the terrible news from Manchester. All that's left to do is send heartfelt sympathy to the families of the victims and Ariana Grande. Praying that something like this never happens again. Love to everyone."

According to Manchester police, 22 people were killed and 59 injured in the suspected suicide bombing.

In other news, McCartney has penned a tribute to one-time James Bond actor Roger Moore, who died Tuesday at the age of 89. Moore starred in seven Bond films, including 1973's Live and Let Die, the theme song for which was co-written by McCartney and his late wife, Linda, and performed by their band Wings.

"Roger was a great man and of course a great James Bond who I was lucky to work with during the time of Live and Let Die," writes Sir Paul. "He had a heart of gold, a great sense of humour and will be missed by the many people who loved him."

"Live and Let Die" was a #2 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 and was nominated for an Academy Award for best song.

Copyright  2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-05-24 22:41:39|Editor: MJ

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Chinese President Xi Jinping (R, front), who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, shakes hands with delegates to the 12th Party congress of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy, during an inspection of the PLA Navy headquarters, in Beijing, capital of China, May 24, 2017. (Xinhua/Zha Chunming)

BEIJING, May 24 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday called for efforts to build the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy into a strong and modern force to lend support for the realization of the Chinese dream of national rejuvenation and the dream of a strong army.

Xi, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), made the remarks during an inspection of the PLA Navy headquarters.

Xi expressed congratulations on the 12th Party congress of the PLA Navy,met delegates to the congress and conveyed greetings to all navy members.

Noting that the navy is a strategic military service concerning national security and overall development, Xi asked naval authorities to build a world-class force by promoting political awareness, reforms and rule of law.

Xi visited the navy's operational command center, where he greeted via video navy officers who were performing duties at sea.

He first talked with members of flotilla 150, which was in an overseas journey of good-will visit. The members told Xi that they had visited five countries in more than one month and were warmly welcomed by the host countries. Xi asked them to pass on friendship and contribute to world peace.

Xi also talked with staff who were carrying out a patrol mission aboard ship 538.

"You continuously fight wind and waves. Thanks for your hard work!" Xi said. "I hope all you comrades perform duties loyally and merit the trust of the Party and the people."

After hearing a report on naval work, Xi said a strong navy is a symbol of a world-class army and is a pivot for building the nation into a great maritime power.

He asked navy authorities to advance the transformation of the PLA Navy and focus on combat capabilities.

He said the navy should improve overall fighting capacity by combining the "mechanization and informationization," promoting both offshore and high sea forces and balancing operations on the water surface, below the sea and in the air.

Innovation is key to improving and transforming the navy, according to Xi. He noted the transformation must be carried out in accordance with the law.

The navy must resolutely safeguard the CPC Central Committee's authority and unwaveringly stick to the Party's absolute leadership, Xi stressed.

He called for efforts to thoroughly purge the pernicious influence of Guo Boxiong and Xu Caihou, former corrupt senior CMC officials, and promote the anti-corruption drive.

He asked naval authorities to improve their own abilities while training a large number of capable military staff.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-05-24 22:46:44|Editor: yan

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NAIROBI, May 24 (Xinhua) -- A Kenyan expert has forecast merger transactions between companies to continue rising in the local market on an election year.

Bernard Musyoka, Partner and an expert on Mergers and Acquisitions at MMC Law Africa said on Wednesday that improved infrastructure, large pool of skilled workers and youthful population are the biggest attraction to Kenya.

"It is expected that the upward trend on the number of mergers and acquisitions in Kenya and in the region shall continue. However, this is also subject to certain enabling factors such as stability especially following the general election that is coming up in August and a friendly regulatory environment," Musyoka said in Nairobi.

He said Kenya's mature corporate market, intense competition from global players following globalization of trade, increased cash flow in the market and demand for expert and experienced human resource personnel by local firms will be the key drivers to activities in the mergers and acquisition market.

He said the 2007/08 post-election violence resulted in a dip on the number of mergers and acquisitions in Kenya.

However, after conducting peaceful elections in 2013, the mergers and acquisitions market in Kenya became vibrant once again.

"Since then, there has been sustained beehive of activities in recent years in the mergers and acquisitions scene in Kenya," said Musyoka.

A report by research and auditing firm, PwC, ranks Kenya ahead of South Africa and Nigeria, as a destination most preferred by Chief executives of big African companies in growth plans to highlight the country's attractiveness.

According to the report, 14 percent of CEO's interviewed said Kenya was the most important place for their organization compared to 13 percent for South Africa and 11 percent for Nigeria.

Over the year 2017, the market will see more equity transactions in financial services, information, and communication technology, renewable energy, and education.

Africa has recorded one of the world's fastest growing economies and this has played a key role in attracting investors, especially private equity funds, to invest in the region and Kenya.

Rise in consumer spending and natural resource discoveries in African countries, such as Kenya also have largely contributed to increased activities in private equity and maturity of local corporate markets.

"Local business owners have slowly realized the importance of bringing other more experienced partners into the business, hence partnering with stronger brands," said Musyoka.

Over the last few years, multinationals have been picking Kenya as a launch-pad into Africa, Kenya's strategic location in the region being a major pull factor.

This has intensified competition from global players who now have access to the Kenyan market following the globalization of trade.

"To stay competitive, such businesses need, among others, a strong capital base, hence, being more susceptible to mergers in search of capital injections," said Musyoka.

One of the key drivers in the mergers and acquisitions in the recent years is the availability of cheap money circulating in the global economy compounded with the need for decent returns, which arguably exists in Africa (including in Kenya) compared to other regions.

Most Kenyan businesses have suffered stunted growth due to lack of adequate skills, lack of corporate governance, mismanagement and generally lack of experience in running large businesses creating pressure for partnerships.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-05-24 22:51:48|Editor: An

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HONG KONG, May 24 (Xinhua) -- In view of the latest situation in Britain, the government of China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) issued on Wednesday an Amber Outbound Travel Alert (OTA) for the country.

"Residents who plan to visit the United Kingdom or are already there should monitor the situation, exercise caution, attend to personal safety, avoid travelling to places with large gatherings of people and pay attention to advice of the local authorities," a spokesman of the Hong Kong SAR government said.

The announcement came after the British authority raised the country's terror threat to critical, the highest level, after a Monday suicide bombing at the Manchester Arena left 22 people dead.

The Hong Kong SAR government said its Security Bureau will closely monitor the situation in Britain, and will issue updates through media and the bureau's mobile app and OTA webpage (www.sb.gov.hk/eng/ota).

Residents who need assistance while in Britain may call the 24-hour hotline of the Assistance to Hong Kong Residents Unit of the Hong Kong SAR government's Immigration Department at (852)1868, or contact the Chinese Embassy in Britain at the consular protection hotline: (44) 20-7436 8294/20-7631 1430, it said.

Hong Kong residents are encouraged to use the online Registration of Outbound Travel Information service (www.gov.hk/roti) of the Immigration Department to register their contact details and itinerary when outside Hong Kong, it said, adding that the information provided allows the department to disseminate practical information to them through appropriate means, including SMS on mobile phones, on a timely basis when necessary.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-05-24 22:51:52|Editor: An

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BEIJING, May 24 (Xinhua) -- China on Wednesday congratulated Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on his election as the new director-general of the World Health Organization (WHO).

Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang made the remarks at a daily press briefing.

Tedros, 52, a former health minister and foreign minister of Ethiopia, elected at the 70th World Health Assembly in Geneva, will succeed outgoing WHO chief Margaret Chan, whose tenure ends in June.

Tedros is the first African WHO director-general, Lu said, noting his suitability for the position.

"China believes that Tedros will play an important role in improving global health," Lu said. "China is willing to support and cooperate with the work of the new director-general of the WHO."

Tedros will become the eighth director-general of the UN agency founded in 1948.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-05-24 22:56:58|Editor: An

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BEIJING, May 24 (Xinhua) -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, has called both sides across the Taiwan Strait a "community of shared destiny that cannot be prised apart."

Xi made the remarks in a congratulatory letter, made public Wednesday, to the Association of Taiwan Investment Enterprises on the Mainland (ATIEM) on its 10th anniversary.

The Chinese mainland has become a popular destination for Taiwan compatriots to invest, start businesses and live since the 1980s, when the door between the two sides was reopened, Xi said.

Economy on either side is an integral part of economy of the Chinese nation, he said in the letter.

It is the common aspiration of compatriots on both sides to improve their well-being and kinship and take national destiny into their own hands, he added.

"We are willing to share the mainland's development opportunities with Taiwan compatriots first, and welcome Taiwan compatriots to invest here," Xi said.

The mainland will continue to make it easier for Taiwan compatriots to study, work, start businesses and live on the mainland, said Xi, promising concrete measures to protect their rights and interests.

Xi expressed his hope that ATIEM will continue to adhere to the one-China principle, unite Taiwan compatriots and contribute to peaceful development of cross-Strait relations and the great revival of the Chinese nation.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-05-24 23:17:20|Editor: yan

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KIEV, May 24 (Xinhua) -- The conflict between government troops and pro-independence rebels in eastern Ukraine has left thousands missing, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said Wednesday.

"Three years after the start of the conflict in eastern Ukraine, several thousand people are still missing, although the exact number is not known," the ICRC said in a statement.

According to the statement, over 600 cases of missing persons are currently registered with the ICRC, with around half of them being civilians.

Formally, 410 Ukrainians are listed as missing by the country's State Security Service.

Last month, Vadym Chernysh, Ukrainian minister responsible for dealing with issues concerning areas that slip beyond Kiev's control, said that the number of people on both sides of the contact line whose whereabouts are unknown may be as high as 4,000.

The conflict in eastern Ukraine, which has been underway since April 2014, has claimed some 10,000 lives.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-05-24 23:22:27|Editor: MJ

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Chinese Premier Li Keqiang meets with German Vice Chancellor and Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel, who is in Beijing to attend the first meeting of the China-Germany people-to-people exchange dialogue, in Beijing, capital of China, May 24, 2017. (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei)

BEIJING, May 24 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Wednesday met with German Vice Chancellor and Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel, pledging to further advance bilateral ties.

Li is scheduled to visit Germany and Belgium from next Tuesday to Friday. During the visit, he will attend an annual meeting between the Chinese premier and the German chancellor in Germany and the 19th China-EU leaders' meeting in Belgium.

Li said it is significant to both countries, Europe and the world for China and Germany to maintain a stable and healthy bilateral relationship.

He said he hoped his upcoming visit to Germany would help enhance political mutual trust, explore potential in cooperation, intensify people-to-people exchanges, and send a strong message to the world that China, Germany and Europe support economic globalization, free trade and investment and regional stability under the current unstable international circumstances.

Li called on China and Germany to treat each other equally, respect each other's core interests and major concerns, properly solve differences and forge ahead bilateral ties so as to benefit the two peoples.

Gabriel, who is in Beijing to attend the first meeting of the China-Germany people-to-people exchange dialogue, said a stable bilateral relationship is worth cherishing.

This year marks an important year in the history of bilateral ties with frequent high-level exchanges between the leaders of both countries, providing a good opportunity to enhance cooperation, he said.

The successful first meeting of the people-to-people exchange dialogue Wednesday morning opened a new chapter of bilateral exchanges and cooperation, he said.

Germany looks forward to Li's visit, said the vice chancellor, adding that the country is willing to deepen cooperation with China in various fields and is committed to building a multipolar world of free trade.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-05-24 23:27:30|Editor: An

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Zhang Dejiang (R, front), chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, meets with a delegation of the Hong Kong-based Chinese General Chamber of Commerce (CGCC), in Beijing, capital of China, May 24, 2017. (Xinhua/Ma Zhancheng)

BEIJING, May 24 (Xinhua) -- China's top legislator Zhang Dejiang on Wednesday met with a visiting delegation of the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce of Hong Kong.

Zhang, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, the top legislature, called on the chamber to hold to its principles of patriotism and loving Hong Kong.

He urged the chamber to give full support to the chief executive and the government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) in their administration according to law.

After hearing reports from the delegation, Zhang said that under central government support, the Hong Kong SAR government has united and led people from all walks of life to carry out the "one country, two systems" principle and the Basic Law, cope with various challenges, and maintain prosperity and stability, since Hong Kong returned to the motherland 20 years ago.

Zhang said that the central government has always paid high attention to Hong Kong and cared about its development.

He expressed his hope that Hong Kong society will build consensus, seize opportunities, perform national development strategies, achieve better development and create new glory.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-05-24 23:37:42|Editor: yan

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JAKARTA, May 24 (Xinhua) -- Some people could be killed and injured as bombs exploded in Indonesia's capital Jakarta on Wednesday evening, local TV One reported.

An eye witness said that the bombs exploded twice near a bus stop facility in Kampung Melayu at about 9 p.m. local time (1400 GMT).

Several parts of human body and organs were found at the scene, the television reported.

"The first explosion was very hard and the second one was rather low. I saw several parts of bodies and organs," said an eye witness to the television.

"I saw some victims were rushed to hospitals," he added.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-05-24 23:37:45|Editor: An

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ON BOARD SHIP XIANGYANGHONG 09, May 24 (Xinhua) -- China's manned submersible Jiaolong plans to descend to 6,300 in the Mariana Trench, the world's deepest known trench, on Thursday.

Thursday's mission will be Jiaolong's second dive in the Mariana Trench this year, which is expected to take less than 10 hours.

The submersible will collect seawater, rocks and samples of marine life,and also conduct observation, measurement and photography near the seabed.

Chinese scientists plan to carry out a total of five dives in the Mariana Trench.

The first dive took place on Tuesday, with Xinhua News Agency journalist Liu Shiping descending inside the submersible along with scientists to 4,811 meters below the sea's surface.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-05-24 23:37:47|Editor: An

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HANGZHOU, May 24 (Xinhua) -- China's eastern city of Hangzhou, capital of Zhejiang Province and location of the 2016 G20 summit, will expand e-payment service to the city's nearly 5,000 buses by the end of June.

Passengers, both local and non-local, will be able to pay via Alipay, the payment system of China's e-commerce powerhouse Alibaba.

Alipay has reached a cooperation agreement with Hangzhou Public Transport Group Co., Ltd. and Hangzhou Citizen Card Co., Ltd., according to Alibaba's financial affiliate Ant Financial.

Hangzhou started piloting the mobile payment service on 20 buses in August 2016 before the G20 summit.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-05-24 23:37:49|Editor: yan

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BERLIN, May 24 (Xinhua) -- German lawmakers decided to abort plans to conduct an official visit to Turkey on Thursday.

The last-minute decision to cancel the official visit came after Germany was informed that the officials would not be granted access to the Turkish parliament or allowed to hold meetings with Turkish officials.

The purpose of the visit was to meet with parliamentary officials as well as other key social figures such as human rights lawyers and artists in Turkey to understand and discuss the new Turkish referendum and the ramifications it would have both in Turkey and for the EU.

Claudia Roth, Vice President of the German Parliament who was to head up the German delegation, told the media at a press conference on Wednesday: "Yesterday we received information that it is currently not considered opportune, at the very highest Turkish level, to conduct political talks with the Turkish parliament."

The cancellation is just one of the latest political moves that are causing escalating tensions between the two nations. "This amounts to a refusal to political dialogue," Roth added.

Earlier this month, Turkey refused German officials to entry into the Incirlik airbase where German troops are stationed.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-05-24 23:42:54|Editor: yan

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BERLIN, May 24 (Xinhua) -- The German federal government gave 9.3 billion euros (10.4 billion U.S. dollars) to German states to help deal with refugees, it was reported Wednesday.

This is the result of a report on federal support measures for states and their use of the funds, German newspaper Rheinische Post reported, adding the federal cabinet would approve the report Wednesday.

The German government spent 5.5 billion euros on refugees whose asylum applications were not yet recognized, and an additional 2 billion euros flat-rate payment for integration to the states.

The German state North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) spent the most on refugees awaiting an asylum decision at 1.2 billion euros.

The number of refugees arriving in Germany continues to decline. Chancellery Minister Peter Altmaier, the refugee coordinator of the federal government, said Wednesday: "The landings from Turkey to Greece have been drastically declining for more than a year. At the moment, the dynamism of influx in the Libya-Italy route is more likely to see a decline rather than increase."

In the first quarter of 2017, more people had arrived via that route than a year ago. In May, however, the figures were "significantly lower, although the weather conditions were good. Our efforts to improve the situation in Libya, Mali and Niger seem to bear fruit", said Altmaier.

"Our goal is to keep people from drowning in the Mediterranean, and this can best be achieved if no one leaves in the first place," Altmaier said.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-05-24 23:47:59|Editor: yan

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JAKARTA, May 24 (Xinhua) -- Three people were reported to be killed and some injured as bombs exploded in Indonesia's capital of Jakarta on Wednesday evening, a local TV reported.

Three policemen were among the injured, Metro TV said.

An eye witness said the bomb exploded twice near a bus stop in Kampung Melayu at about 9:00 p.m. local time.

Several parts of human body and organs were found in the scene, an eye witness named Ryan told the television.

"The first explosion was very hard and the second one was rather low. I saw several parts of bodies and organs," said Ryan.

"I saw some victims were rushed to hospitals," he added.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-05-24 23:48:01|Editor: yan

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GENEVA, May 24 (Xinhua) -- Newly-elected World Health Organisation (WHO) Director-General, Tedros Adhanom, highlighted on Wednesday the importance of treating health as an inalienable human right.

Referring to his year-long campaign, Tedros told the press that "what came out very clearly was people identifying health as a rights issue."

Tedros was chosen as WHO's next leader by delegates participating in the ongoing 70th World Health Assembly (WHA).

"What the world promised in 1948 is true today but still half of the population doesn't have access to health care," he added.

Tedros pledged to make universal health coverage the centerpiece of his five-year mandate, reminding that public health should be understood as a way to development.

The Ethiopian said that this entailed addressing financial barriers, promoting access to drugs as well as protracted regional discrepancies in the quality of care and diagnosis provided around the world.

He also called for the full implementation of WHO's health emergencies program and International Health Regulations (IHR).

On an organizational level, the 52-year-old said that he would do his best to ensure that all relevant stakeholders, including staff, governments and partners, are aligned in their vision and understanding of international health priorities.

He further indicated that he would put an end to any policy which hindered the full, unimpeded implementation of universal health coverage.

Tedros, who will take over from incumbent WHO head Margaret Chan on July 1, served as Ethiopia's foreign minister from 2012 to 2016, and minister of health from 2005 to 2012.

He has also chaired the board of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, the Roll Back Malaria Partnership board, and co-chaired the board of the Partnership for Maternal, New-born and Child Health.

Tedros beat Britain's David Nabarro and Pakistan's Sania Nishtar after three successive rounds of voting.

In the final ballot, where a simple majority is required to select a winner from the two remaining candidates, delegates cast 133 votes in favor of the Ethiopian to Nabarro's 50.

This is the first time an African has been appointed as WHO director-general.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-05-24 23:48:02|Editor: yan

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MOGADISHU, May 24 (Xinhua) -- At least five people were killed and an unknown number injured in a massive car bomb explosion targeting a restaurant near the sea port in Mogadishu on Wednesday.

Police said they have established the death of five people and were still combing through the scene to piece together the incident.

An incinerator at the scene is still burning and police say it could cause further damage.

"So far five people have died in the incident. The bomb went off near a place where oil is being sold. The incinerator is still on fire and it poses another risk," Farah Mohamed, a police officer at the scene told Xinhua.

Residents reported hearing a huge explosion near the port followed by plumes of smoke.

"There was a huge blast around the seaport area and we could see smoke rising into the sky," Said Sheikh told Xinhua.

The Islamist group Al-Shabaab, which previously vowed to continue the fight against the new Somalia government, has not claimed responsibility for the latest attack but has always staged such deadly attacks before.

The militants stepped up their onslaught on the government after being forced out of the capital and other major urban areas in Somalia by national and African Union forces.

Targets have included hotels, military checkpoints, and the presidential palace.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-05-24 23:48:04|Editor: yan

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PHNOM PENH, May 24 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia has invited all diplomatic missions and foreign non-governmental organizations to send their representatives to observe the commune elections to be held on June 4, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement on Wednesday.

Among the international observers are representatives from the International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP), the statement said.

"Cambodia highly values the involvement of the international community, including ICAPP in the country's election observation process, with the strong conviction that it will contribute in the election's credibility," it said.

It added that the Cambodian government encouraged foreign governments and international organizations from around the world to send observers for this election.

According to the statement, over the past decades, Cambodia's democracy has become vibrant and strong, and the upcoming elections will be conducted with the strong commitment of the Cambodian government and the National Election Committee (NEC) for a free and fair condition.

Twelve political parties will contest in the elections, with the ruling Cambodian People's Party (CPP) and the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) being the major contestants in the elections, according to the NEC.

The commune elections are to elect commune chiefs and councilors for the kingdom's 1,646 communes, the NEC said, adding that around 7.87 million eligible voters are expected to cast their ballots.

Held once every five years, the commune elections are seen as a bellwether of the party's support ahead of the general elections in 2018.

In the last commune elections in June 2012, the ruling CPP gained 61.9 percent of the votes, compared to about 30.6 percent for the opposition.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-05-24 23:48:07|Editor: An

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BEIJING, May 24 (Xinhua) -- China's centrally administered state-owned enterprises (SOEs) performed well in the first four months of 2017, with their profits and operating income both posting brisk increases.

Combined profits of the country's 102 central SOEs rose 18.1 percent year on year to 445 billion yuan (about 64.7 billion U.S. dollars) in the first four months, the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission (SASAC) said Wednesday in a statement.

Among the 102 industry titans, 98 reported profits over the period, said the SASAC.

The total business revenue of these 102 SOEs topped 8 trillion yuan over the period, up 18.6 percent year on year, it said.

Stable production and sales growth were reported among companies in traditional sectors such as electricity, oil, and coal in the first four months, it added.

All Chinese SOEs administered by different levels of governments, including central SOEs, made combined profits of 825 billion yuan from January to April, up 24.8 percent year on year, the Ministry of Finance said in a separate statement Wednesday.

The rate outpaced the combined business revenue growth by all SOEs at 17.5 percent year on year to 15.6 trillion yuan over the period, said the ministry.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-05-24 23:53:09|Editor: An

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BEIJING, May 24 (Xinhua) -- Experts are amazed at China's scientific and technological progress as the country's manned submersible Jiaolong successfully launched an exploration mission at the Mariana Trench in the northwestern Pacific Ocean.

China, they said, is much more advanced in science and high-tech and has shown its mettle in these sectors that have been surging forward rapidly and benefiting developing countries in particular, which prefer to buy Chinese technology due to cheaper prices.

The experts' response came as Jiaolong completed the first of a series of divings into the Mariana Trench, the world's deepest trench known so far, on Tuesday.

"China is now one of the major contributors to science and technology in Bangladesh and many countries across the world," said Masud Ahmed, principal of Marine Fisheries Academy in Bangladesh.

He said Jiaolong once again demonstrated China's commitment to the development of science and high-tech.

"We've seen in the past few decades significant advancements in the fields of science and technologies coming out of China," Ahmed said, adding that it was very impressive that the submersible is able to navigate such deep waters.

Expecting Chinese researchers to have "the highest global recognition," Ahmed said, "We won't be surprised if we see that many Chinese scientists are getting even Nobel Prizes."

Mohammad Shahjahan Siddiqui, a professor at Dhaka's Daffodil International University, said it is good to see that China can now make sophisticated equipment.

"China is going to have the third (largest) airplane industry after the United States and France. She has already proved her ability to challenge the West on technology," Siddiqui said.

Jiaolong dived 4,811 meters beneath sea level and stayed there for over three hours in the latest mission, which altogether lasted nearly nine hours.

Scientists brought back samples of sea water and sediment from near the seabed, and made high-definition photographs and videos. They also tested the submersible's technical equipment, including mechanical arms.

Being able to get down there, either by humans or robots, is the key for deep ocean exploration, said Jian Lin, a Chinese-American marine geophysicist who is currently aboard the international scientific drilling vessel JOIDES Resolution in the South China Sea.

Jiaolong, with a crew of three, is now the manned submersible that can go the deepest in the world's oceans, allowing scientists to explore their wonders and surprises, he said.

The mission, which has also taken Jiaolong to the Yap Trench, is the third and final stage of China's 38th oceanic scientific expedition that started on Feb. 6 and is scheduled to finish on June 18. The two previous stages were successfully completed in the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea, respectively.

Named after a mythical dragon, Jiaolong reached its deepest depth of 7,062 meters in the Mariana Trench in June 2012.

The return of Jiaolong to the Mariana Trench brings new opportunities for scientific discoveries and increasing knowledge of the alien ocean depths, Lin said.

Meanwhile, Michael Perfit, a professor at the University of Florida who has participated in over 20 oceanographic research cruises and taken more than 35 dives in the deep-sea submersible ALVIN, called Jiaolong's dive at the Mariana Trench an "exciting development."

"Being able to dive deeper than the existing human occupied research submersibles (have done before) opens up new avenues and areas for research," he said.

"We know so little about these regions in terms of their morphology, biology, chemistry and geology. Because of the great depths (pressures) in all of the oceanic trenches, any information we can get whether it is geophysical, geochemical or by remote vehicle is important for us to understand the processes that take place on more than 60 percent of Earth that is largely unaccessible," he added.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-05-24 23:53:11|Editor: MJ

Phone photo provided by Kenya Police Service shows a damaged vehicle at the site of a roadside blast in Mandera, Kenya, May 24, 2017. At least five security officers were killed and an unknown number of others injured on Wednesday after a vehicle they were traveling in was hit by an explosive device in Mandera County near the Somalia border. (Xinhua)

MANDERA, Kenya, May 24 (Xinhua) -- At least five security officers were killed and an unknown number of others injured on Wednesday after a vehicle they were traveling in was hit by an explosive device in Mandera County near the Somalia border.

Mandera East Deputy County commissioner Lawrence Omondi said the deceased were part of Governor Ali Ibrahim Roba's security team and were escorting him for a political campaign in Lafey when the incident happened.

The governor's vehicle and others had bypassed the scene before the explosion.

Omondi said a team of police officers and Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) soldiers have been dispatched to the scene to pursue the attackers and investigate the attack.

Governor Roba later confirmed the officers were killed in the attack.

"Unfortunately I lost five of my security officers including my personal bodyguard at an attack on my convoy between Arabia and Fino at around 1 PM.," Roba said in his Facebook post.

Some police officers on the ground refused to divulge more details on the incident amid conflicting reports on the status of the injured officers with some colleagues saying a few had life threatening injuries.

"They were part of an escort team on the governor and the incident happened far away. We are yet to get more details on the nature of their injuries," said an officer in Mandera Town.

Roba's car was not affected. Witnesses said the police car was badly damaged in the blast.

Mandera County has been scene of vicious attacks since 2014 where dozens of non-locals were killed in commuter buses and at a quarry site. Al-Shabaab militants later claimed responsibility for the massacre which they said was in retaliation for the mistreatment of Muslims and raids on mosques in the coastal city of Mombasa.

The county and other parts of northern Kenya have been subjected to successive explosive attacks by Al-Shabaab operatives in the country following the onslaught by Kenyan soldiers on the Al-Shabaab in southern Somalia.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-05-25 00:08:20|Editor: yan

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MANAMA, May 24 (Xinhua) -- Altogether 31 policemen were injured in a major security operation in Duraz village, southern suburb of capital Manama, in which a total of 386 individuals were arrested.

Another five were killed in the operation conducted on Tuesday, who were among the group that attacked policemen.

"A total of 386 individuals were caught in the Duraz operation, some of whom were wanted in serious crimes," Public Security chief Major General Tariq Al Hassan said in a press conference on Wednesday.

"One of the men involved was sentenced to 111 years," he added.

He said police warned all the people gathered in Duraz to leave within 48 hours ahead of the operation, stressing they were not required to be there after the court verdict in Shaikh Isa Qassim's case.

Shaikh Isa Qassim is a top Shiite cleric who was sentenced to one year suspended jail term on charges of money laundering and collecting funds illegally, who resided in Duraz.

"We wanted to conduct the operations earlier but it was postponed until a verdict was announced in the case," he said. "It was important to maintain law and order because the place had become a hotspot for fugitives and outlawed individuals."

Maj. Gen Al Hassan said 31 policemen were injured in the operation during the violent encounters with village protestors, who refused to follow order and used firebombs, knifes and axes.

He stressed some policemen were in critical condition. "Police will continue to be deployed to ensure security situation remains stable in the area."
Source: Xinhua| 2017-05-25 00:08:22|Editor: An

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BEIJING, May 24 (Xinhua) -- Shared bikes will be banned from military areas in Beijing starting Thursday, a military officer said Wednesday.

The off-limits zones include restricted military areas and hospitals, residential areas, and sanitariums administrated by the military in Beijing.

"Bike sharing has brought new problems to the management of military areas, such as illegal parking and entering and exiting without approval," said the officer with the training management department of the Central Military Commission.

"The army's image would be tainted once misuse like bike refitting or damage is found in military areas," the officer said.

Shared bikes are being moved away from military zones, and inspections will be carried out by the department.

The Ministry of Transport on Monday released draft rules requiring local governments to strengthen oversight of the sector.

Bike-sharing services took off in Chinese cities in the past two years. They allows riders to hire bikes for about one yuan (about 15 U.S. cents) per hour via a mobile app, and drop them off for the next user.

The service has reduced traffic congestion and cut auto emissions, but haphazardly parked bikes often block sidewalks, causing complaints.

There were 18.9 million users of shared bicycles nationwide at the end of 2016. The number is expected to hit 50 million by the end of this year, according to the China E-Commerce Research Center.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-05-25 00:08:25|Editor: yan

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TEHRAN, May 24 (Xinhua) -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani reiterated on Wednesday that Iran is "heedless" of what the "enemy" says and will continue its missile program.

"Remarks by enemy about Iran's missile power result from their ignorance," Rouhani was quoted as saying by Tasnim news agency.

"The enemy thinks that our power is restricted only to missiles, while our power lies in this nation's faith," he said at a cabinet meeting.

The president stressed that missiles are one of Iran's needs, and Iran would manufacture whatever it needs without paying any attention to others' remarks.

On Monday, Rouhani said that Iran would continue test of its missiles anytime if there was a "technical need," and it would not seek the permission of any other country to do so.

"Our missiles are for defense and peace," Rouhani said, adding that the U.S. expectations from Iran to halt its defensive missile program is "an illusion."

Earlier on Saturday, the U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said in Saudi Arabia that he hoped the re-election of Rouhani would put an to end to Iran's ballistic missile tests.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-05-25 00:08:26|Editor: yan

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BRUSSELS, May 24 (Xinhua) -- NATO leaders will address the alliance's role in the fight against terrorism and burden-sharing at the upcoming summit amid persistent disagreements on these two issues across the bloc.

Speaking in Brussels on the eve of U.S. President Donald Trump's visit to the city, NATO secretary general Jens Stoltenberg said on Wednesday that the Manchester terror attacks underlined the need for the western alliance to "do more" in the fight against terrorism and the attacks would be discussed at the NATO leaders' meeting on Thursday.

He said at a press conference at NATO's headquarters that "NATO has a role to play here and I expect NATO allies to commit to step up and agreeing to do more."

"I expect NATO allies will send a clear message of unity in the face of such terrorism and that we will stand together to fight this," Stoltenberg told reporters.

Trump is scheduled to meet EU leaders Thursday, including European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and European Council President Donald Tusk, before attending the NATO summit.

Stoltenberg sought to dispel lingering doubts about the U.S. president's commitment to the alliance that he once called "obsolete."

The Trump administration has made NATO spending a centerpiece of his foreign policy, as the president complained throughout his campaign that U.S. allies had been taking advantage of American largesse. NATO members agreed in 2014 to increase their defense spending to 2.0 percent of gross domestic product (GDP).

Stoltenberg said Trump and his security team had stated that the U.S. was strongly committed to NATO, adding that, "I hope and I expect that he will reiterate his strong commitment to NATO."

Regarding the other major topic of burden sharing, Stoltenberg pointed out defense spending among NATO's European allies was rising "after many years of decline."

But he stressed that Europe's security was not a "question of either/or."

He added, "We need both American and European investment in NATO."

Looking ahead to Trump's visit, UK Conservative foreign affairs spokesman Charles Tannock said: "President Trump is known to like doing business face-to-face and this trip has been his first opportunity to meet EU leaders on their own soil."

"Hopefully, both sides took the chance to set aside the rhetoric, sound each other out and lay the foundations of a strong political and security relationship. It is much easier to reach an understanding when you are in the same room, not hailing each other across the Atlantic."

"Trump has admitted to changing his mind about international bodies like NATO and I believe he will also learn from EU leaders that the EU can be a reliable ally and partner for the United States and that its prosperity and stability is very much in America's interest," Tannock said.

Giovanni Grevi of the European Policy Centre, said, "Trump's nationalist political instincts are at odds with what the EU stands for. However, given the breadth and depth of transatlantic ties, both Washington and Brussels have an interest in taking a pragmatic approach to mutual relations," adding that Trump has toned down his anti-EU rhetoric since taking office.

"However, Europeans struggle to detect any coherent approach by the Trump administration to Europe," said Grevi.

"There is much uncertainty as to what Trump will say in Brussels this week, but it is very likely that the transatlantic partnership will become a more transactional and selective one over time. In particular, trade and climate change may prove divisive issues down the line," said Grevi.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-05-25 00:13:32|Editor: An

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Visiting president of China's Xinhua News Agency Cai Mingzhao (C) and general director of Vietnam News Agency (VNA) Nguyen Duc Loi (2nd L), view the editors' office of VNA in Hanoi, Vietnam, on May 24, 2017. Cai Mingzhao signed a cooperation agreement with Nguyen Duc Loi here on Wednesday to deepen cooperation between the two news agencies. (Xinhua/Le Yanna)

HANOI, May 24 (Xinhua) -- Cai Mingzhao, president of China's state news agency Xinhua News Agency, signed a cooperation agreement with Nguyen Duc Loi, general director of Vietnam News Agency (VNA) here on Wednesday to deepen cooperation between the two news agencies.

According to the agreement, the two news units will exchange Chinese and English news and photos for free, and further their cooperation in multimedia, video news and social media. Both sides agreed to provide news products on matters of importance that happen in China and Vietnam to ensure the accuracy and comprehensiveness of their reports.

The two news agencies will also provide assistance to their correspondents in each other's country and offer favorable conditions for their long and short-term work.

Visits and exchanges between high-level officials, journalists, editors and staff are promised based on the agreement. Training on reporting, technology and language will also be held for each other's staff.

Xinhua and VNA have always kept a good relationship, said Cai, adding that the two sides can deepen their communication and cooperation in face of challenges brought about by the fast development of internet technology, so as to contribute to pushing forward the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between China and Vietnam.

Loi, for his part, hoped that the two news agencies would strengthen their cooperation in staff training and information exchanges.

The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit 2017 will be held in Vietnam later this year, and VNA will provide convenience and assistance to Xinhua and its reporters then, Loi said.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-05-25 00:23:40|Editor: Liu

Photo taken on May 22, 2017 shows the first freight train of China Railway Express departing from the city of Shenzhen to European countries at Yantian Port in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province. Freight train X8428, with a total travelling length of 9900 kilometers and bound for Minsk of Belarus, departed from Shenzhen's Yantian Port on Monday, marking the opening of a new Sino-European freight train route starting from Shenzhen. (Xinhua/Mao Siqian)

BEIJING, May 24 (Xinhua) -- China's southern city of Shenzhen launched its first Europe-bound freight train on Monday, becoming the 29th Chinese city to introduce rail service to Europe.

The train, which was loaded with goods worth 8 million U.S. dollars, including high-tech electronics, will arrive in Minsk, capital of Belarus, in 13 days.

The Shenzhen-Minsk freight train has turned the coastal city, a high-tech hub in the Pearl River Delta, into a bridge between the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road and the Silk Road Economic Belt.

"Goods such as rice and fruit from ASEAN countries like Vietnam and Laos can first be transported to Shenzhen by sea and then to Russia and Belarus by freight train," said Li Wenhai, deputy director of the Guangzhou cargo transport center under the Guangzhou Railway Corporation.

On Friday, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region launched its first freight train with cargo bound for India. The train set off from the regional capital, Urumqi, and will deliver goods to Lianyungang in east China's Jiangsu Province, where they will be shipped to India.

The booming international rail cargo service is a boost to trade between China and countries along the Belt and Road.

On May 14-15, Beijing held the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, with leaders of participating countries pledging to build an open economy, ensure free trade and support the Belt and Road Initiative to enhance connectivity.

At the meeting, China vowed to provide massive financial support for Belt and Road construction and take new measures to strengthen cooperation with countries along the routes.

The cooperation momentum is continuously growing.

Shanghai Free Trade Zone (FTZ) will set up a service center to help companies break technical barriers to trade with Belt and Road countries, FTZ authorities said Monday.

The service center will help Chinese companies learn more about markets along the Belt and Road and set up a new cooperative model of connectivity, according to the Shanghai FTZ administration.

The first crude oil from Myanmar had reached China via the China-Myanmar crude oil pipeline, China National Petroleum Corporation announced on Friday.

The 1,420-km-long cross-border pipeline is part of the China-Myanmar oil and gas pipeline project.

Strengthening financial connectivity is an important key to Belt and Road development.

China Construction Bank's branch in Warsaw of Poland opened on Monday. It is the fifth branch of the Chinese bank in Europe.

So far, 13 Chinese commercial banks have joined a global payment innovation initiative to offer faster, more transparent and traceable cross-border payments for Chinese companies.

The initiative was launched in December 2015 by SWIFT, a global member-owned cooperative that provides financial messaging services. Since then, nearly 110 banks operating across more than 200 countries and regions, including almost all Belt and Road countries, have joined the initiative.

Belt and Road countries have huge potential for development. Chinese companies have been making robust investment abroad in sectors such as manufacturing and service industries, said Long Guoqiang, deputy head of the Development Research Center of the State Council.

Total trade between China and other Belt and Road countries exceeded 3 trillion U.S. dollars between 2014 and 2016, and Chinese investment in these countries surpassed 50 billion dollars.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-05-25 00:49:02|Editor: yan

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LONDON, May 24 (Xinhua) -- A fifth man was arrested on Wednesday by police hunting the network behind the Manchester Arena bombing which left 22 dead.

Local police confirmed the fifth man was arrested in Wigan, a town within the Greater Manchester area.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-05-25 00:54:09|Editor: yan

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KABUL, May 24 (Xinhua) -- The 16th "Chinese Bridge," the Chinese proficiency contest for foreign students, was held in Kabul on Wednesday.

Contestants Ahmad Walid Ahadi from Confucius Institute at Kabul University and Maryam Nekqadam from Marefat won the first prize. They will represent Afghanistan for the final game in China later this year.

Altogether 12 students from Kabul University and Marefat took part in the contest.

There are three sections in the contest themed "Dreams Enlighten Future," namely Chinese speech, knowledge about China, and China-related talent show.

In his eloquent speech, Ahadi expressed his dream to become a diplomat and act as a bridge for China-Afghanistan friendship, which won warm applause. Contestants performed Wushu, paper-cutting and Chinese writing, which was a big feast for the audience.

"In the backdrop of the Belt and Road Initiative, by teaching students Chinese language and culture as well as China's economic development especially the achievement since the reform and opening up, we hope to facilitate the bilateral exchanges," said Li Huiyang, head of the Confucius Institute at Kabul University.

Founded in 2008, the Confucius Institute at Kabul University has enrolled 321 students, 246 of whom have won the scholarships to study in China. It cooperates with Marefat, a famous private school in Afghanistan to further promote the Chinese language teaching and Chinese culture.

The Chancellor of Kabul University, Minister Adviser in Higher Education Affairs Hamidullah Farooqi and Chinese Ambassador to Afghanistan Yao Jing attended the event.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-05-25 00:54:10|Editor: yan

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LONDON, May 24 (Xinhua) -- A fifth man was arrested on Wednesday by police hunting the network behind the Manchester Arena bombing which left 22 dead.

Local police confirmed the fifth man was arrested in Wigan, a town within the Greater Manchester area.

The arrest came after police made another three arrests, bringing the total now being held to five.

Media in Britain also reported Wednesday that the brother of suicide bomber Salman Abebi has been held by police in Tripoli.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-05-25 01:04:14|Editor: yan

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VIENTIANE, May 24 (Xinhua) -- Members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and dialogue partners on Wednesday committed to enhance their cooperation efforts in combating transnational crimes in a bid to maintain security at and across borders in the region.

The 17th Senior Officials Meeting on Transnational Crime (SOMTC) and its related meetings kicked off Wednesday in Lao capital Vientiane in support of ASEAN-centered regional and international cooperation efforts.

The meeting was attended by delegates from 10 ASEAN member countries and dialogue partners including China, Japan, South Korea, India, the European Union, Australia, New Zealand, Russia, Canada and the United States.

The meeting aims to enhance cooperation in combating transnational crime by improving security at borders and immigration checkpoints across the ASEAN region.

In his opening remarks, Lao Minister of Public Security Major General Somkeo Silavong said the meeting was important to review the past implementation of cooperation among ASEAN and its dialogue partners.

"We will also discuss the future plan for enhancing cooperation on transnational crimes to ensure it declines in its entirety," he was quoted by Lao state-run media Vientiane Times as saying, adding that transnational crimes remain a threat for socio-economic development as well as the public and societal security across the region.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-05-25 01:04:16|Editor: yan

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HELSINKI, May 24 (Xinhua) -- Pirkanmaa District Court of Finland on Wednesday dismissed the charges against Iraqi twin brothers, who were suspected of participation in a massacre in Iraq in 2014, Finnish media reported.

The two men, now in their mid-20s, were arrested in December 2015, a few months after arriving as asylum seekers in Finland. Since then, they have been investigated on suspicion of taking part in executing 11 prisoners in June 2014 as members of the so-called Islamic State militant group.

During the trial starting in December 2016, defense lawyers argued that the key evidence, images from an IS propaganda video, was unreliable, because it was difficult to identify the persons shown on the video. In addition, the lawyers said that the authenticity of the Iraqi documents was doubtful, according to Finnish national broadcaster Yle.

The court, therefore, believed that the evidence was not enough for a conviction, and found the twins innocent on all charges and freed them with immediate effect.

The state prosecutor Tom Laitinen had demanded to give life sentences to both of the defendants for terrorism-related murder and war crimes. He told Yle on Wednesday that prosecutors are considering whether it is needed to appeal against the verdict to a higher court.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-05-25 01:04:17|Editor: yan

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HARARE, May 24 (Xinhua) -- Armed conflicts and bouts of xenophobia have prevailed in Africa over the years, and as the continent commemorates its continental day on Thursday, May 25, the call to silence the gun on the continent gets louder.

While African diplomats want the people to uphold the pan-Africanist values of the founding fathers of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) in 1963 and harp on solidarity, thousands of people continue to be killed or maimed or displaced in conflicts across the continent.

The OAU is predecessor to the African Union (AU), which aspires for peace, shared prosperity and well-being, unity and integration on the continent, among other values.

Yet more than 15 countries are embroiled in one form of conflict or the other, with wars in Somalia and South Sudan claiming the highest numbers of fatalities in 2017.

Armed conflicts in Africa are concentrated in four regions - North Africa and the Sahel, West Africa, the Horn of Africa and the Great Lakes.

According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, in late 2015 about 16 million people in Africa were either displaced or forced to flee to other countries.

About 10.7 million of them were internally displaced persons while the remaining 5.2 million were people that fled their home countries mainly to seek refuge in neighboring countries.

Zimbabwe has since the beginning of 2016 granted refugee status to about 900 people who have been displaced by conflict in neighboring Mozambique, while about 3,500 others are staying with relatives along the border.

One of the inmates at Tongogara Refugee Camp in eastern Zimbabwe, Tendai Ndlovu (34), told Xinhua recently that she was happy to be living away from the ravages of war.

However, poor living conditions worried her.

"We are facing a shortage of food, water, clothes, blankets and cooking utensils. Our children are not going to school and we do not have any piece of land to till," she said.

The camp accommodates about 10,000 refugees from the DRC, Mozambique, Burundi, Rwanda, Somalia, Cote d'Ivoire, Mali, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda and Sudan.

In South Africa, bouts of xenophobic attacks continue to take place on migrants from across the continent going to that country in search of greener pastures.

More than 200 foreign nationals, mainly blacks, have fallen victim to xenophobic attacks in no less than 15 incidents since 1994, with African leaders urging the South African government to ensure the attacks do not continue.

The theme of the African Union for 2017 is "Harnessing the demographic dividend through investments in youths" and dovetails with the continental body's Agenda 2063 which places importance in investing in youths through education, skills development and entrepreneurship.

Agenda 2063 seeks to ensure that all African countries enjoy some form of industrialization by the year 2063, leading to continental socio-economic transformation.

Zimbabwe's Foreign Affairs Minister Simbarashe Mumbengegwi said the theme would be discussed in detail at the AU ordinary session in July to come up with specific measures to harness the youth demographic dividend.

"It is necessary that as we celebrate this day our youth are encouraged to rekindle the spirit of unity, togetherness and solidarity as demonstrated by our founding fathers," he said in a statement to mark Africa Day.

However, it has generally been the youths who have been leading xenophobic attacks in South Africa and also engaging in acts of political violence in other countries.

Mumbengegwi said Agenda 2063 spelt out the need to silence guns by the year 2020 as a fundamental base for development on the continent.

"Peace and security are prerequisites for successful implementation of Agenda 2063. It is imperative to mobilize adequate resources to strengthen Africa's peace and security architecture," he said.
Russian President Vladimir Putin (R) shakes hands with Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, May 23, 2017. (Kremlin Photo)

MOSCOW, May 24 (Xinhua) -- Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has asked his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, for arms to fight Islamic militants in the Asian country.

"Our country needs modern weapons to fight against ISIS. We had certain orders in the U.S., however, the situation is not very good now. I came to Moscow to ask for your help and support," the Kremlin quoted Duterte as telling Putin in a meeting on Tuesday.

Duterte stressed that Russia is a reliable partner, and he offered to continue their friendship.

"We need to improve trade exchange between the two countries," the Philippine leader said.

Putin noted that Moscow and Manila have many bilateral projects, including power engineering, defense cooperation, and transport infrastructure.

Duterte arrived in Moscow on Tuesday for a four-day official visit, but was forced to cut short his trip as fighting broke out in the southern Philippine region of Mindanao.

Putin said he hoped the conflict in the Philippines would be resolved "with minimum losses."

Duterte's delegation remained in Moscow to sign bilateral agreements on Wednesday, Russian media reported.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-05-25 04:01:29|Editor: yan

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COTONOU, May 24 (Xinhua) -- Benin's official Lazare Sehoueto is expected on Thursday in Abuja, Nigeria, to discuss optimization of economic ties.

Industry, Trade and Artscraft Minister, Lazare Sehoueto, will lead a delegation from Benin's Chamber of Industry and Trade to that effect, source close to the ministry on Wednesday said in the economic capital Cotonou.

This is part of initiative of Benin's government intended to strengthen diplomatic actions between the two countries.

During his visit, Lazare Sehoueto will attend a colloquium devoted to the development of trade exchanges in Nigeria through the discovery of economic opportunities to support sustainable development in the country.

Benin's delegation will seize the occasion to exhibit to Nigerian economic actors as well politic authorities business opportunities imbedded in the governmental action in Benin.

The cooperation between Benin and Nigeria has grown steadily since 1970. This is based on, notably, mutual assistance cooperation as well as political, economic, technical, scientific, security and cultural cooperation agreements.
Photo taken on March 22, 2014 shows Swallow's Nest in Yalta, Crimea. (Xinhua/Lu Jinbo)

MOSCOW, May 24 (Xinhua) -- Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) on Wednesday started a six-day anti-terrorist exercise in Crimea, RIA Novosti news agency reported.

About 2,000 people, including combat swimmers and paratroopers, participate in the two-stage drill.

The FSB drill is expected to involve aircraft, vessels, armored vehicles and drones, according to the report.

The drill will be conducted in Russia's territorial waters off the western coast of the Crimean Peninsula in the vicinity of the Ukrainian border.

Crimea left Ukraine and re-joined Russia in 2014 following a local referendum. Kiev believes the peninsula is illegally annexed and remains part of Ukrainian territory.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-05-25 05:27:20|Editor: yan

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By Stefania Fumo

TAORMINA, Italy, May 24 (Xinhua) -- The Sicilian town of Taormina was under tight security Wednesday ahead of a two-day summit of the Group of Seven (G7) industrialized nations.

The 43rd gathering of the G7 -- Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Britain and the United States, plus the EU -- will take place here on May 26-27.

The seaside town, famous for its Greek theatre from the 3rd century BC, was being heavily and visibly patrolled by machine-gun touting soldiers and members of Italy's various police forces.

"The soldiers have been here since February," said cab driver Nunzio Priolo, 50, a native of the nearby town of Naxos. "They're everywhere -- on the ground, in the sky, at every corner."

"On the security level, we're 100 percent," he said.

However, he deplored the timing of the summit, which falls at the beginning of the tourist season. "They're not letting us work," said Priolo, noting that normally at this time of the year, there would be cruise ships in the harbor.

But the harbor is empty, and the historic town with population of 11,000 nestled between the Etna Volcano and the sparkling blue Mediterranean has been cordoned off into three concentric areas culminating in a maximum security area into which only some media outfits are allowed.

Upon arrival at the nearby Catania's Fontanarossa Airport, journalists were greeted by an impressive apparatus aimed at making sure no one who didn't belong could gain access to the restricted areas where the G7 leaders and their entourages might be found.

Military buses were on hand to ferry reporters from the airport to carefully delineated "media areas".

Over 7,000 units from the state police, the Carabineri military police, the finance guard, and the army have been deployed at sensitive sites across the country ahead of the G7, with an additional 2,900 personnel deployed in Taormina itself, according to the Interior Ministry.

Interior Minister Marco Minniti put the Strategic Anti-Terrorism Analysis Committee (CASA) in charge of coordinating intelligence exchange between secret services and "national and foreign police forces" for the occasion, according to a ministry statement.

Indeed, security was moved to the top of the agenda of the summit itself after a terrorist attack on a concert venue in the British city of Manchester killed at least 22 people, many of them children and teens, on Monday night.

Leaders are set to tackle foreign policy and security issues, followed by global relations, human mobility, food security, and gender equality.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-05-25 05:42:26|Editor: yan

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VALLETTA, May 24 (Xinhua) -- Maltese Tourism Minister Edward Zammit Lewis said on Wednesday that the Mediterranean needs to strengthen its appeal for Chinese tourists.

He was speaking at a master class entitled "Attracting Chinese Tourism in the Mediterranean", organized by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNTWO).

He added that it was significant this was taking place within the context of the EU-China Tourism year for 2018.

During this event the participants discussed the potential offered by the rapidly developing Chinese outbound tourism market, and what the Mediterranean countries need to do to strengthen their potential in the Chinese market.

Zammit Lewis added that there is a need to formulate realistic and workable ways of developing and projecting a Mediterranean brand in China.

"We need to be on the right 'Chinese tourist track', with the necessary infrastructure in place, have businesses and staff geared up to deal with Chinese visitors, and have the product that this market wants," he said.

"Aspects such as relevant product development, language training, and a stronger understanding of specific needs are considered imperative for attracting tourists from China," added the minister.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-05-25 05:47:31|Editor: yan

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BUCHAREST, May 24 (Xinhua) -- Romanian Prime Minister Sorin Grindeanu said on Wednesday that his country shared the vision on the future of the European Union (EU) with Estonia, upholding the importance of consensus and inclusiveness.

Meeting with his visiting Estonian counterpart Juri Ratas, Grindeanu expressed Romania's support "for the ambitious agenda of the Estonian presidency," in the context of Estonia's takeover of the presidency of the EU Council in the second half of this year.

"We agreed to enhance coordination between our countries from the perspective of the Romanian Presidency in the first semester of 2019," the Romanian prime minister told a joint press conference, stressing that "fellowship and the inclusiveness in the reflection process of the EU future are of major importance to us."

"The result of European debates must be to the benefit of all Member States, without any fragmentation," affirmed Grindeanu.

Talking about Brexit, Grindeanu underlined that Romania supports the EU unity in future negotiations.

"The rights of Romanians living, working or studying in the UK are a matter of major concern to us. One of our important goals in the context of Brexit is to protect their rights and ensure that they are not discriminated against," said the prime minister.

Juri Ratas emphasized that Romania has the entire support of Estonia for its Schengen area accession bid.

He presented the priorities of Estonia during the tenure at the EU's Council helm, stressing that the Estonian Presidency will focus on an open, innovative European economy, a reliable, secure Europe, a free of charge digital movement and a sustainable increase of the European economy.

The main goal is to maintain the EU unity and advance our common cause, Juri Ratas added.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-05-25 06:07:44|Editor: yan

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LONDON, May 24 (Xinhua) -- A man in connection with the Manchester bombing attack has been arrested by police, according to a police statement released on late Wednesday.

The suspect was arrested at an address in Nuneaton, Warwickshire, following searches connected to the attack, police said.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-05-25 06:12:48|Editor: yan

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TUNIS, May 24 (Xinhua) -- Tunisian Prime Minister Youssef Chahed declared on Wednesday an anti-corruption war across the country, a day after several Tunisian leading businessmen suspected of corruption were arrested.

"It is a single choice to take the war against corruption," he said in a brief statement to the reporters at the government headquarters in Tunis.

"The state will continue its war to the end. Tunisians are called more than ever to be united," Chahed added.

Several influential figures in the business world and a few officials in the public services including the Tunisian Customs, were arrested on Tuesday evening, local media reported, citing officials on condition of anonymity.

The arrests came under a state of emergency starting from November 2015, they said.
The file photo taken on March 2, 2017 shows that U.S. President Donald Trump leaves after delivering remarks aboard the pre-commissioned U.S. Navy aircraft carrier Gerald R. Ford in Newport News, Virginia, the United States. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu)

WASHINGTON, May 24 (Xinhua) -- The latest and most advanced U.S. aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, left Norfolk naval station for acceptance trial, local media reported Wednesday.

The first-of-its-class warship will conduct test operations at sea, ensuring that it was built according to contract specifications, local WAVY TV cited navy officials as saying.

The acceptance trial, the last phase before the deliverance of the ship to the Navy, will be overseen by the Navy's Board of Inspection and Survey.

Acting Navy Secretary Sean Stackley predicted earlier this month that the aircraft carrier, hull numbered CVN-78, will soon enter service upon completion of its acceptance trial.

The USS Ford completed its shipbuilder's trial in April.

Construction of the USS Ford began in 2005 and was originally set to be completed in September 2015, but saw its construction delayed and its cost raised to 12.9 billion U.S. dollars, up two billion dollars from its original cost.

The USS Ford is the first of a new class of supercarriers. Boasting the most advanced weapons in the world, it is part of a push from the U.S. government to bolster its naval power.
Source: Xinhua| 2017-05-25 06:32:54|Editor: Hou Qiang

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MADRID, May 24 (Xinhua) -- Spain and Vietnam on Wednesday agreed to increase bilateral trade to 5 billion euros (5.6 billion U.S. dollars) by 2020, the Spanish State Secretary for Trade, Maria Luisa Poncela, said here Wednesday.

She made the statement in a press conference attended by visiting Vietnam's Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade, Cao Quoc Hung, and representatives of some Vietnamese firms on the occasion of the Vietnam-Spain business forum on Wednesday.

She said Spain sees Vietnam as a loyal partner with political stability and willing to integrate its economy into the global economy, adding the bilateral trade reached approximately 2.7 billion euros in 2016.

"Our firms are committed to the country's economic development" she said, explaining that Spanish firms supervise the construction of the motorway between Hanoi and Lao Cai, among other examples that involve air trafficking control systems and airport equipment.

The forum was held on the occasion of the Vietnam Day in Spain that included different cultural activities to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the bilateral relations between the two countries. (1 euro= 1.1 US dollars)
Pilots warn LIAT, turbulance ahead

LIALPA said its relationship with LIAT (1974) Ltd is strained and at an all-time low.

Since late 2012, the Association has engaged LIAT in negotiations for a new salary structure for its ATR- 72 aircraft (not covered under the current MOA) and general salary increases.

After years of stalling and legal maneuvering by LIAT, including the Company filing legal action in both the High and Industrial Courts, the Association in the spirit of fostering and maintaining a good relationship with LIAT accepted the Companys salary package offer in January 2017.

We accepted this deal on the premise that the pilots would make this a one-off concession to ensure the survival of the Company. Yet LIALPA alleged that to date LIAT has not honoured this agreement with LIALPA and has even gone so far as to reject our Attorneys suggestion to seek a Consent Order from the Industrial Court to formalize the agreement (for years 2012-2017) and pave the way for its implementation.

In light of the aforementioned it is our view that LIAT continues to act in bad faith. This is also evident by the Companys insistence to unilaterally impose, yet another salary deferral program on the pilots even though the Association has publicly objected and rejected this program. The union said it had made its position very clear to LIATs Board of Directors and Shareholders at a widely-publicized meeting in Barbados on April 4.

The union accused LIATs management of ignoring the fact that the matter is now before the Industrial Court for determination.

As a result of LIATs actions and the volatility of this situation, LIALPA would like to once again make a final appeal to LIAT to honour its agreement with the pilots by June 17, in order to avoid any further escalation of this matter.

Failure to do so would leave the Association with no other choice but to act, so as to protect the interest and rights of its membership.

We trust that LIAT would change its present course and respect the basic principles of industrial relations and collective bargaining.
Retiree beaten, stabbed and partially burnt

We heard nothing, absolutely nothing. This has shocked the entire village. Len always had a smile when he met you. He was a darling. If he walked the road and saw you sad or looking worried, he would try to get you to smile. That is the type of man he was, said a resident. At about 2 pm on Monday, a female friend paid Fortune a visit only to find a section of his Ibis Street house burnt. When she entered the bedroom, the woman saw Fortunes body and contacted police.

Fortune, a retiree of the Agriculture, Land and Fisheries Ministrys Forestry Division lived alone.

The house was ransacked and police believe he fought with robbers who overpowered and killed him. Police said his body was placed under a mattress which was then set on fire.

An autopsy at the Forensic Science Centre in St James yesterday revealed Fortune died as a result of multiple stab and blunt force trauma injuries. A resident said she last saw him alive on Saturday evening and added that his death was nothing short of, horrifying. He didnt deserve that. He was a retiree who lived alone and kept to himself. It is hard to see an innocent man go in such manner. Here is a quiet place, stated one of Fortunes neighbours.

Insp Banwarie together with PC Bahjan and others from the Point Fortin CID visited the scene. No arrests has been made and Insp Corrie of the Homicide Investigations Bureau (Region III) is continuing investigations
Accused: I like them lil children

He appeared in court on a charge of indecent exposure in front of the Coffee Boys Anglican Primary School on Cooper Street at 11.15 am on Monday. Court prosecutor PC Cleyon Seedan said that PC Tidd and other officers were on mobile patrol on Cooper Street when they saw the accused fondling himself in front of the school.

PC Seedan said that when PC Tidd approached Julien, the latter quickly pulled up his pants. Told of the offence he had committed, the court heard, Julien told PC Tidd, I like them lil children. When the officer attempted to arrest him, Julien pulled away violently and ran.

Other officers pursued and he was held a short distance away.

Julien was taken to the San Fernando Police Station where he was charged with indecent exposure, resisting arrest and escaping lawful custody. Attorney Chantal Paul told Magistrate Antoine that her client has two children and is in a common- law relationship. The attorney submitted that at the time when police had arrested him, Julien was urinating and pulling up his underwear and pants. Magistrate Antoine referred the attorney to a case where on March 17, another magistrate jailed Pauls client for 60 days for committing a similar offence (indecent exposure) at a girls primary school on Drayton Street.

Magistrate Antoine pointed out that in November, Julien was charged with possession of marijuana and larceny. Paul submitted that Juliens use of drugs may be contributing to his current state of mind leading him to commit such acts. Asked whether he has a history of mental illness, attorney Paul said Julien was evaluated twice and found to be of stable mind.

Magistrate Antoine ordered another evaluation at St Anns. He is to be brought back to court on June 8 for sentence.
Attorney charged with drunk driving

Dave Maharaj, 50, of London Street, San Fernando was arrested on Monday in Marabella at about 6 pm.

He appeared yesterday in the Traffic Court, before Magistrate Natalie Diop, who read the charge to him that on Monday, he drove a vehicle while the alcohol in his breath exceeded the legal limit  35 microgrammes per 100 millilitres of breath  by 155 microgrames.

Maharaj pleaded not guilty and his attorney Ainsley Lucky, asked the magistrate to grant bail. Magistrate Diop asked Lucky what his clients occupation was and he replied, Hes an attorney, your worship. Lucky said Maharaj has no previous conviction except a pending maintenance case.

Court prosecutor Sgt Kassieram Lutchman did not object to bail.

Magistrate Diop granted Maharaj own bail in the sum of $500 and fixed August 11, as the date when a trial date will be set.

As Maharaj left the courthouse, he took off his white shirt and placed it over his head to avoid being photographed.
Valencia squatters look at legal options

Charmaine Harridan, whose home was demolished, told Newsday she visited Ramdeens Woodbrook office yesterday with three other affected residents. She said they were only able to meet with him for a short time, as he was called away on other business.

We gave him all relevant documents and he said he wanted to present the matter in court before Friday. People are going in groups because they represent different areas, Harridan said. Asked if she was seeking compensation for damage, Harridan said, no.

I am not asking for any compensation.

If the court wants to offer compensation that is fine but if they say no, then I will have to go with that. All I want to know is if I could rebuild on the land, because I was given permission to do so in the first place. Harridans three-bedroom house was bulldozed in an exercise which saw several other houses similarly destroyed.

Justice Frank Seepersad, in an emergency sitting on Sunday, granted an interim conservatory order restraining the commissioner from demolishing any more homes occupied by squatters. This after attorneys for two squatters  Annesa Maharj and Ashminee Joseph  filed a suit against the commissioner.

The women say they have occupied land at Pine Lane for over 30 years.
New prison for Tobago

Yesterday, Minister of National Security Edmund Dillon, Ag Police Commissioner Stephen Williams and Prisons Commissioner Cecil Duke, went to Tobago to meet Tobago House of Assembly Chief Secretary Kelvin Charles and the THA executive.

This was the first meeting Chief Secretary Charles has held with Minister Dillon and National Security jefes since assuming office following the THA elections earlier this year.

Dillon said an overcrowding problem at the Bacolet prison was noted and with the Hope Estate already made available to the Prison Service, he is hoping construction of a new prison will begin shortly.

He said the Bacolet prison should have been shut down ages ago owing to numerous, chronic problems.

Dillon said two new police stations are being built in Tobago and special focus will be paid to getting the tourism sector to work closely with law enforcement to ensure visitors are well-protected when they visit the sister isle.
Police Manpower audit, a complex task

The seven-member committee was appointed by Cabinet on January 10, with a mandate to review the efficiency and effectiveness of the police service and make recommendations where needed.

At a news conference at the Ministry of National Securitys Office of Law Enforcement Policy on London Street in Port-of- Spain, Deosaran said the committee recognises the challenge of its task. In the last four months, apart from data collection and reviewing numerous reports, its members interviewed close to 50 key stakeholders, including Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Roger Gaspard, the Police Social Welfare Association executive and Ag Commissioner of Police Stephen Williams.

Deosaran said 20 more interviews are to be done. He said the committee hopes its reaching out would inspire the community to rise to that civic expectation, not so much as a favour, but in its own self-defence. He urged the public to tell the committee about any concern they have regarding police integrity and/or police response, as this would better help members to understand the relationship between police numbers, resource allocation and performance.

The committee will seek to examine the extent to which the current manpower strength generally serves the citizenry, examine the structure and operations of the service with regard to professional integrity, efficiency and community partnerships and consider the processes used for promotion, discipline and appointment in terms of fairness and accountability.

Vice chairman of the committee Jacqueline Wilson said the committee would be gathering information through an internal and external approach. Deosaran said the committee is expected to submit a final report to the Prime Minister and Cabinet before December 31.
800 Municipal cops coming

Moses, who is also Foreign and Caricom Affairs Minister, made this disclosure as he informed the Senate, the Government does not intend to re-introduce community comfort patrols. He told senators, This programme did not achieve its objective and was found to be extremely costly and ineffective. Moses said the additional Municipal Police officers will assist in strengthening community safety and security. In addition, he said officers formerly involved in comfort patrols could be used to,  focus on core policing activities like the investigation of offences. Noting the need for a visible police presence in certain communities, Moses said mobile and foot patrols have been amplified in those areas. High priority has been placed on policing the Northern and Central Police Divisions, which have seen an increase in joint army police operations, the minister said. Moses also said the manpower of the Police Services Homicide Bureu has been increased as well as the training of its officers.

He said the Police Services Cold Case Unit has also been strengthened, with additional investigators. Later in the sitting, Moses said police do receive training for dealing with people who are mentally ill. He did not share a claim from Opposition Senator Wade Mark that the ministrys parliamentary secretary, Glenda Jennings Smith, reportedly said police were not trained to handle these people.
Lee hits Govts nothing committees

It is quite disturbing that after 20 months in office, within an economic climate that has seen vulnerable energy markets coupled with consistent contractions of the economy the Minister of Trade (Paula Gopee- Scoon) has now seen the importance of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and Diversification.

The questions must be asked, what has the Minister of Trade been doing in the past 20 months, Lee said in a press release.

He accused Gopee-Scoon of trying to re-invent the wheel regarding foreign direct investment, regarding an inter ministerial committee she recently launched to boost the non-energy sector.

It was simply a task of this administration seeking to continue with these plans and improving upon the framework which was laid.

However from day one this Government has failed to be aggressive, innovative or even diligent to work towards encouraging Foreign Direct Investors into Trinidad and Tobagos economy. Lee said that while in 2015, half of FDI entering the Caribbean came to TT, in 2017, Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley said TT had earned small amounts of FDI, which Lee estimates to be $50 million.

Rather than FDI to provide jobs, foreign exchange and economic diversification, Lee accused government of incompetence and lacking vision, leading the nation into an abyss of economic stagnation.

Given the number of committees this Government has enacted to mask its incompetence and inability to deliver timely development they should be known as the Committee Government, he stated.

He hit government for a loss of 21,000 jobs, borrowing billions without creating revenue- earning measures, allowing the economy to be downgraded to junk status and sitting idly by as TT plunges headfirst into a crime catastrophe.
Senators discuss Parliamentary self-regulation

However, they disagreed on the approach.

Gopee-Scoon said it is not something to be rushed to a Joint Select Committee (JSC) while Mahabir said there is merit in this avenue. They both made contributions yesterday on a motion, put forward by Opposition Senator Wade Mark, which called for the establishment of a JSC to consider and report, within three months, a legislative formula for Parliamentary autonomy.

Responding to Marks remark about, the Parliament being a plaything of the executive, Gopee- Scoon said, I too felt the wrath, the big stick of the executive.

Not the bungalow. In 2015, prior to a change in government, Gopee-Scoon said, she was chosen to represent the then Opposition on a mission to Malta. Air travel tickets bought and hours before she was due to travel, Gopee- Scoon said she was informed she was no longer going to Malta. I had bathed already, packed. Parliament gave me my cheque the day before and a bag with wrapped gifts, she said. Gopee-Scoon said she called to speak with the then House Speaker (Senatyor Mark), but was told she could not speak with him.

When I probed a little deeper as to where this was coming from, I was told the Prime Minister (Kamla Persad-Bissessar) said I was not to go, she said. This, Gopee-Scoon said, was the Executive treating Parliament as its plaything and hijacking the work of the Parliament. I felt it. It was wrong.

There was a cost attached to it. It was not only financial...

it was diplomatic, Gopee-Scoon said.

We have to fix these things. We have to be treated with respect.

This must not happen again. This Government, she said, is not afraid of parliamentary autonomy. While saying three months is not sufficient to deal with the issue of parliamentary autonomy, Gopee-Scoon said Parliament is due to go on recess at the end of June. She asked that the motion be amended. For his part, Senator Mahabir said there is a need to look at an autonomous Parliament with its own financing and a committee to which parliamentarians can plead their case, so the situation raised by Gopee-Scoon, will not occur again.

On his personal experience, Mahabir said he was invited to a parliamentary conference on economic development in London.

The organisers would have defrayed part of the cost, once he committed to making a presentation.

Government, Mahabir said, was not sending a representative and the Oppositions representative was not going.

Mahabir was willing to go. He made overtures to the government to help fund his participation. He was denied.

Mahabir said there was merit in having a JSC meet in public with stakeholders and although Parliament will go on recess, he said there was a mechanism to allow for work from one session to be carried over to the next.

Mahabir said the current state of the Red House and Presidents Residence, could have been remedied if Parliament had complete autonomy.
Mark: Parliament should fire PMs

As he noted the country will celebrate 55 years as an independent nation in August, Mark lamented that the Parliament continues be treated as the plaything of the Executive and viewed as another government department or ministry.

Referring to the Governments legislative agenda, Mark said it was instructive that one of the bills listed was the Houses of Parliament Services Authority Bill. However, he claimed that while the Peoples National Movement (PNM) gave a commitment to parliamentary autonomy in its 2015 general elections manifesto, Attorney General Faris Al Rawi was holding secret meetings with other entities seeking to give them the kind of autonomy which the Parliament needs.

After saying Parliament must be able to approve its own budget without interference from the Finance Minister and hire its own staff, Mark claimed a parliamentarian was recently denied permission to attend a conference overseas.

He argued it was wrong for Parliament to be waiting for a green light from any Cabinet to be given the things it needs. Boasting that the Houses Standing Orders were changed under the PP, Mark predicted the Parliament would have already been autonomous if the PP was still in office.

Noting that the restoration of the Red House is now being overseen by a Cabinet committee chaired by Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley, Mark said former Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar would have left that exercise under the Parliaments control. Citing parliaments in other Commonwealth countries, Mark said the Kenyan parliament approves all Cabinet ministerial posts. He warned the Government that if the motion lapses when the Parliament prorogues, he will bring it back.

Pointing at the government and opposition benches, Mark claimed transparence in governance only happens when, we are there (in government) and they (PNM) are here (in opposition).
Imbert: Kamla is mistaken

He continued, We cant see how any reasonable person could object to this. Imbert also pointed out,  There is no injunction in place restraining property owners from submitting forms and/or documents on a voluntary basis. Persad-Bissessar said the Opposition United National Congress (UNC) believes this is a shameless attempt to hoodwink citizens into voluntarily submitting themselves to a valuation process in the face of a strong legal challenge which seeks to have the Court declare that the entire process is unconstitutional and illegal. On Monday, the Court of Appeal said it would hear the States appeal of Justice Frank Seepersads ruling to stop the property taxs implementation, on June 6.

Hours after the court made that decision, Attorney General Faris Al Rawi said the States lawyers are confident ,the constitutional basis for the property tax legislation is sound in law and will stand up to judicial scrutiny. Persad-Bissessar claimed the Finance Ministrys advice to property owners,  borders on contempt, and is a clear violation that breaches both the spirit and letter of the Courts Order. She reiterated the Oppositions call to property owners not submit valuation forms. Persad-Bissessar alleged the information in those forms could give the Government, an unfair advantage over them when the Court is yet to rule on the legality and validity of the process being utilised. She warned that, citizens would be helping the Government to dig their own property tax graves.

After reiterating the UNCs claim that the Property Tax Act violates citizens fundamental rights, Persad- Bissessar quipped, Mr Imbert is not immune for prosecution for contempt of court if necessary.
AG hits Qatar documentary

He added that despite a two-hour long interview with journalist Juliana Ruhfus, none of his interview was used in the final footage and this led to a skewed view of Trinidad and Tobagos national-security capacities.

At the beginning of the documentary, they pointed out that Trinidad, while having a crime problem, did not have any measures to effectively treat with crime and violence. However, for two hours I made myself available to the interviewer where I discussed the counter-terrorism activities that we (the Ministry of National Security) and the legislative framework that we have in place to arrest fighters from returning to Trinidad. I also provided evidence to refute the claims of Trinidad being the highest contributor to FTFs (Foreign Terrorist Fighters) in the Western Hemisphere. Overall the image provided of Trinidad was far from what it actually is. Former Minister of National Security Gary Griffith, who was briefly featured in the documentary, also expressed his dissatisfaction with the interviewers portrayal of Trinidad as a hotbed for international terrorism, adding that such misinformation is likely to hurt potential investors and trade.

It was obvious that there was a preconceived objective to label this country as a hub for terrorist activities.

Out of the 25-minute documentary, only two minutes were used to give the perception that the documentary was balanced, whilst the majority of the other 23 minutes comprised the views on the other side, from some of those who became terrorists, to those who are sympathetic, supportive and are even persons of interest.

There are over 30,000 Foreign Terrorist Fighters from over 73 countries and many of these have returned to their homeland to wreak havoc. Many have been able to do so in Europe and Asia. However, only 70 individuals of these 30,000 are confirmed TT nationals. Just because 70 naive young men left here, never to return, cannot make us a hub for terrorist activities. The documentary, entitled Caribbean to the Caliphate: People and Power focuses on the motives of some Trinidadian Muslims who have migrated to Iraq and Syria to join radical Islamist groups, and features several Trinidadians who have become part of the ongoing conflict.

Last year, Shane Crawford made headlines when he became the first confirmed Trinidadian-born ISIS fighter in Syria. Since then several others have attempted to migrate there to take part in the fighting.

In April, 12 Trinidadians who were detained in Turkey attempting to enter Syria, were deported because of suspicions that they were set to join ISIS
Garcia: Bring EFCL evidence

Garcia made this statement in response to a question from Opposition Senator Wade Mark in the Senate. Referring to a May 21 Sunday Express article in which the claims were made, Garcia said, At this stage, the matter can only be treated as allegations in the absence of fact.

If Senator Mark can provide me with hard facts that are in his possession, I will be very happy to ensure that an investigation is conducted. Mark asked Garcia if he was disputing or dismissing the article.

The minister reiterated, At this stage they are only allegations, I have no evidence. Mark then asked Garcia if he was prepared to initiate legal action against the Trinidad Express, for falsely misleading the nation on this matter. Senate President Christine Kangaloo disallowed that question, telling Mark it did not arise.

Later in the sitting, as he opened debate on a motion on parliamentary autonomy, Mark called for the EFCL to be brought before the Joint Select Committee (JSC) on State Enterprises to answer the questions which Garcia did not.

The chairman of that JSC, Independent Senator David Small, was not in the Parliament Chamber when Mark made the call.
Several Medersas, mostly dating back to the fourteenth century, have been rehabilitated in the frame of the rehabilitation program of the old medina of Fez and will thus play again the role that was theirs in the past as educational institutions, specializing in Islamic religious sciences, Islamic law and Classical Arabic.

King Mohammed VI, Commander of the Faithful, chaired, on Tuesday at the Qarawiyyin library in Fez, the presentation ceremony of the rehabilitation program of these Medersas that have been re-opened to accommodate students and teachers of Al Qarawiyyin University.

The decision to re-open the Medersas was made by the King in June 2016. He had then ordered to use these historical buildings to accommodate the Al Qarawiyyine University students in their final year.

During the ceremony, Minister of Endowments and Islamic Affairs, Ahmed Toufiq, pointed out that, in accordance with the royal guidelines, three Medersas, namely the Mohammedia, the Seffarine and the Bouaanania have already opened their gates to 105 Al Qarawiyyin University students.

Other institutions are being refurbished part of the Medersas rehabilitation program, namely the Mesbahiya, the Sbaiyyine and the Sahrij Medersa, which will also provide dormitories to students.

The Sahrij Medersa will be reserved for students enrolled in the Moroccan calligraphy Department of Al Qarawiyyin.

Once the program completed, some 134 rooms will be available for Al Quarawiyyin University students.

Ahmed Toufiq also announced that a new post-graduate course, the Upper Alimiya course, was created part of efforts to enable the Qarawiyyin University to promote its authentic curriculum, namely in terms of programs relevance, and scientific competitiveness at national and international level, and in line with the institution restructuring, supervised by the Sovereign.

Another landmark monument that was open to the public after refurbishment is Dar al Mouaqquit, a tower used to monitor the astronomical map. It serves as an observatory for the astronomer in charge of observing the lunar crescent and the establishment of prayer times. The institution, built during the reign of Merinid Sultan Abu Inan, displays in a museum wing ancient Moroccan and Arab astronomical instruments, enabling thus Moroccans and foreign visitors to discover the Kingdoms scientific heritage.

After the presentation ceremony, the Sovereign visited the Medersa Mohammadia, built by the late King Mohammed V, the Seffarine, Mesbahiya, and Sahrij Medersas dating back to the merinids era and Dar Al Mouaqqit.

King Mohammed VI, who is keen on preserving the architectural style and characteristics of the medina of Fez, listed by the UNESCO in 1981 as World Heritage, launched in 2013 a large-scale rehabilitation program of the ancient medina of Fez founded by Idriss II in the 7th century.

Under the program, twenty-seven monuments and historical sites, dating back to the tenth and eleventh centuries, have already been renovated at a cost exceeding $30 million.

All these institutions will bolster the status of the city of Fez, as the countrys academic and spiritual capital, and enrich the material and immaterial heritage of the North African country.
Attijariwafa Bank, la Caisse Centrale de Garantie and le Groupe Credit Agricole du Maroc have all won 2017 African Banker Awards in various categories.

Attijariwafa Bank has been awarded the trophy of Best Regional Bank in North Africa, la Caisse Centrale de Garantie has obtained the Financial Inclusion Award, while le Groupe Credit Agricole du Maroc has gained the title of Socially Responsible Bank of the Year

These awards were handed over to the winners at a ceremony during the Annual Meetings of the African Development Bank (AfDB) held in Ahmedabad, India, on May 23.

The African Bankers awards include several prizes for the best retail bank in Africa, the best investment bank, the best banking innovation, Deal of the Year (Debt/Equity/Infrastructure).

Five other categories including individual recognitions are chosen by multilateral agencies, international experts and the editorial board of African Banker.

These categories are Best Regional Banks in Africa (North/East/Southern/Central/West), Finance Minister of the Year, Central Bank Governor of the Year, Lifetime Achievement Award, and African Banker Icon.

The President of Afreximbank, Dr Benedict Oramah has been named Banker of the Year. Nigerian bank, GT Bank beat off competition from five shortlisted nominees to win the coveted African Bank of the Year Award.

The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to an institution for the first time, as opposed to an individual. This is recognition to the outstanding contribution to African banking that Citi as an organization has done since it has started operating in Africa and in shaping some of Africas leading bankers, many of them having led the growing number of African financial institutions across the continent.

Waheed A. Olagunju, the acting CEO and Managing Director of Bank of Industry was honored with this years African Banker Icon award, which recognizes a banking career that spans over two decades.

Senegals Amadou Ba won the Finance Minister of the year award. He has managed to successfully steer the Senegalese economy which is today one of the best performing in Africa.

The African Central Bank Governor of the Year accolade was awarded to Mauritius Rameswurlall Basant Roi. Mauritius today is one of Africas leading financial capitals and this is largely the work of the Governor. Its financial services sector is one of the strongest in Africa and it has thriving capital markets.
The agreements signed between Morocco and Nigeria to build an offshore gas pipeline has effectively buried plans to achieve the Trans-Saharan Gas Project that was mulled in 2002 to bring Nigerian gas to the Mediterranean through Niger and Algeria.

Former Algerian Interior Minister and ex-Ambassador, Abderrahmane Meziane Cherif bemoaned that his country has been outperformed by Morocco in Africa where the Kingdom has joined words into action by planning to build the African Atlantic gas pipeline, a gigantic project he likened to the building of the Channel Tunnel linking France to England.

As a fruit of an intensive Moroccan involvement in Africa, this project has buried the plan to achieve the Trans-Saharan Gas Project, he said, noting that Morocco secured the necessary financing of what he called a pharaonic project from sovereign funds and international bodies.

Moroccos economic breakthrough in Africa and its largescale investments stand in stark contrast to Algerias resounding failures at the economic and diplomatic levels in Africa, deplored the former Algerian minister.

 In front of these setbacks, a legitimate question emerges: why Algeria, a leading gas producer, falls short of carrying out projects that it previously undertook? he wondered, adding that Algerian officials are incapable of explaining why large-scale projects such as the Trans-Saharan gas pipeline has been abandoned.

Cherif pinned the failures of his country on the corruption prevailing within Algerias main source of revenue, the state-owned oil and gas company Sonatrach. Yet, he turned a blind eye on the geopolitical causes that left Algeria unwilling to carry out the Trans-Saharan project.

Security conditions in northern Nigeria, Niger and the Algerian south, the supposed route of the Trans-Saharan Gas pipeline remain volatile with the presence of terrorist groups taking advantage of porous borders and attacking pipelines and gas installations. This adds to the unfeasibility of the Algerian project and gives credence to the Atlantic gas pipeline project to channel gas through offshore pipelines.

Algeria has also shown indifference to the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline because it does not want to offer its main client, Europe, an alternative source of gas. Algeria nurtured the hope of becoming Russias Europe to the South.

On the other hand, several reports by international think tanks warned that Algerias domestic consumption of gas is on the rise coupled with a falling production. The countrys export capacity is steadily decreasing making it an unreliable gas supplier. Therefore, the Moroccan-Nigerian pipeline will offer Europe a much needed new source of gas that will reduce European countries dependence on Russian and Algerian gas.
Gonzo MultimediaThe 1971 British documentary Extremes and its soundtrack, which features a few early tunes by Supertramp, will be released as a DVD/CD package on June 30.

The film, directed by Tony Klinger and Mike Lytton, takes a candid look at various societal nonconformists, including hippies, Hell's Angels members, drug addicts, alcoholics and others.

The Extremes soundtrack includes three songs that also appeared on Supertramp's self-titled 1970 debut album -- "Surely," "Am I Not Like Other Birds of Prey" and "Words Unspoken" -- as well as tunes by lesser-known acts Arc, Crucible and Mark McCann. The album has long been out of print and has never been issued on CD.

The DVD/CD set also will include a booklet with a variety of photos from the movie's set, as well as sleeve notes penned by Klinger. You can order the Extremes package at GonzoMultimedia.com.

Here's is the full list of songs on the Extremes soundtrack:

"An Ear Ago" -- Arc

"Great Lager Street" -- Arc

"Box Man" -- Crucible

"Black Rose" -- Mark McCann

"Refrigerated Warmth" -- Mark McCann

"Let Your Love Run Through" -- Arc

"Hit It" -- Crucible

"Surely" -- Supertramp

"Am I Not Like Other Birds of Prey" -- Supertramp

"I'm a Perfectly Happy Man" -- Arc

"Words Unspoken" -- Supertramp

"Elvish Queen" -- Crucible

"We Gotta Watch Out" -- Crucible

Copyright  2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
She estimates she browses through a few hundred SL images on Flickr a day, and cherishes the gems she comes across: When I find something really new or a picture that evokes an emotional reaction. They are wonderful and make it worth paging through all the tits and d**s.

It was July 2007 and I was laid up with an injury to my leg, as she puts it. The doctor said I had to staff off my feet for a few weeks. Randomly browsing games to play while she was recovering, she wound up trying Second Life. [It] was completely unexpected and so different. I made friends right away. The first person I met in SL, a woman from Latvia, is still a friend, though she does not log on often.

As you can tell by her smart analysis of SL images , Cajsa has a real life artistic background, competing in several national level contests and even winning a scholarship to the Art Institute of Chicago, one of the very best art colleges in the world.

Cajsa Lilliehook is a longtime SL blogger and Flickr maven whose ongoing series of posts, What I Like, are indispensable guides to Second Life screenshots as an art form on Flickr -- so Im very proud to say shell also soon be contributing to New World Notes, delving deeper into this massive and consistently impressive genre of virtual world imagery. ("Cajsa", by the way, is pronounced "Cai" as in "Cairo" and "zha" as in "Asia".)

How she discovered SLs art scene

I was hired to clean up prim trash at Vicious/Hypnoz, a club managed by be blog partner, Gidge Uriza. The owner allowed people to rez, but that meant someone had to clean up because people were lazy and left their unpacking boxes everywhere. Gidge hosted a monthly event on the sim, inviting artists to exhibit their work in the square. I would help look for ideas of whom to invite. At first, it was most sculptors like Phrost Whiteberry and elros tuominen whose kinetic sculptures were very popular. I started a photo studio with a friend and joined Flickr and just started seeing great photos.

Her RL background as an artist

Less than you probably think. You could say it all began with Masterpiece, that board game where you auction paintings. We didn't play Monopoly when I was little, we paid Masterpiece. I coveted Pollack's 'The Grayed Rainbow' and would always lose because I would bid far too much for it. It made me interested in art.

I took art for six years in junior and senior high school and I was good at it. My art teacher was Terry Gilliam's college roommate which might seem beside the point, except he had that same quirky love of the bizarre and this dry reserve that made him a much loved teacher. His own art was a kind of physical expression of Gilliam's drawings. He would make shadowboxes with gold-plated dog biscuits, hot pink Mobil Oil deer and found objects he altered one way or another. He made out of the box art in a box, you might say. He and his wife were co-teachers. She was a potter and I hated working with clay, so she had less influence on what I liked to do, but she was the one who rigorously pushed theory and composition while he said we had to learn the rules in order to break them.

He entered my work in several showings at colleges and so on. I had three paintings exhibit in a national juried show of high school artists and from there I won a scholarship to the Chicago School of Art. But, I was more interested in politics than art so I took a different direction, but never lost my interest in art. So I have continued to read books about the lives of artists, art and composition and go to galleries and showings. So, I guess I would say I had a good grounding in high school and from there, as an autodidact.

There are also artists in my family. My mother was a homegrown Grandma Moses type of painter. My sister is a well-known folk artist whose work is in the National Museum of Folk Art. My nephew is a painter who's had several showings, though he work is hard to describe. He paints with brush strokes that make the picture change depending on where you view it. It can only be appreciated fully in person. Two of my great-nieces are professional photographers, one a studio photographer and the other a fashion photographer.

Cajsas first post for NWN coming soon. Until then, be sure of course to follow her on Flickr.
Hey, it could happen! Photo: Mike Groll/AP/Corbis

Fed by health-policy chaos in Washington and dissatisfaction with aspects of both Obamacare and its proposed GOP replacements, New York and California are taking steps toward state-based single-payer health insurance systems that would provide universal coverage without insurance premiums, deductibles, or co-pays.

In New York last week the State Assembly passed a single-payer proposal for the third consecutive year. Prospects for Senate passage have gone up significantly thanks to backing from the Independent Democratic Caucus that often holds the balance of power in the Republican-controlled chamber.

In California, Democratic supermajorities in both legislative chambers have enhanced prospects for single payer among other progressive priorities, and a new bill has already cleared one hurdle in the lower chamber of the legislature. It gained some fresh attention recently when the nations most prominent single-payer proponent, Bernie Sanders, visited California and urged the state to show some leadership by adopting the new system.

The Democratic governors of both states are not yet onboard, however. Californias Jerry Brown, a single-payer proponent back during his presidential campaign of 1992, fears the revenues wont be available to support a shift to that model today. New Yorks Andrew Cuomo has been less forthcoming, but it is widely believed his interest in a possible 2020 presidential run would keep him from vetoing legislation popular with the progressives he would need to win over.

There are a lot of questions about how to design a state-based single-payer system that are being answered in various ways. The New York bill contemplates that all existing federal health-care dollars will be pooled in the state trust fund that would pay for services and insulate patients from virtually all out-of-pocket costs. Assuming Obamacare is not repealed, its possible the state could get megawaivers to use both Obamacare individual insurance subsidies and Medicaid for a new system. But there is no existing federal authority for turning over Medicare dollars, or for letting states abolish the private insurance that underlies Medicare Advantage plans. The more such problems persist, the less the new system can really be described as providing single payer as opposed to a public option that supplements existing public and private insurance sources.

The bigger problem politically is the sticker shock associated with the new taxes that would be needed to implement single payer. That is what killed Vermonts tentative experiment, abandoned by Democratic governor Peter Shumlin in 2014, and probably what ensured the defeat of Colorados 2016 single-payer ballot initiative, which lost by nearly a 41 margin. You can tell people all day long that the taxes will be paid by the wealthy (new taxes on capital gains and dividends and a progressive payroll tax are the heart of New Yorks financing proposal), or that higher taxes will be more than offset by the end of premiums and other out-of-pocket costs, and lower costs for businesses that would no longer have to provide employer-sponsored insurance  but the idea of large tax increases remains daunting. The move would nearly double New York taxes according to a friendly analysis. When a similar estimate emerged in Vermont, that was what convinced Shumlin to call it off. And now an official estimate from Californias Democratic legislature has equally bad news for those hoping to enact single payer without a big tax increase:

The pricetag is in: It would cost $400 billion to remake Californias health insurance marketplace and create a publicly funded universal heath care system, according to a state financial analysis released Monday.



California would have to find an additional $200 billion per year, including in new tax revenues, to create a so-called single-payer system, the analysis by the Senate Appropriations committee found. The estimate assumes the state would retain the existing $200 billion in local, state and federal funding it currently receives to offset the total $400 billion price tag 



The cost is higher than the $180 billion in proposed general fund and special fund spending for the budget year beginning July 1.

There is also a certain plan-meets-expectations problem with the single-payer cause. Its best-polling description, Medicare for all, sounds intuitively good. But the most common versions of single payer are not really Medicare for all insofar as Medicare depends on premiums, co-pays, deductibles, and private supplemental insurance, and is only available for the most part to people who have paid into the system for many years. It is really difficult to design a truly universal system that functions exactly like Medicare, and if you could, it might not be affordable without additional subsidies.

In other words, single payer is popular because it sounds very simple and equitable  especially when compared to Obamacare, the catch-as-catch-can system Obamacare replaced, and the dog-eat-dog system most Republicans prefer as Obamacares replacement. It may be what any sane and progressive community would adopt if it was creating a health-care system from scratch. But it is a lot more complicated in practice than in theory, and getting from here to there, a state at a time, wont be easy. And it does not help that Donald Trump and a Republican Congress, for all their dysfunction and all their theoretical commitment to federalism, could yet come down on the state-based single-payer parade with an emphatic hell no!

Still, the popularity of single payer makes it difficult to resist for Democratic pols, especially in states where Republicans really dont have the power to stop them. At this last weekends California Democratic convention, numerous speakers were interrupted or shouted down by protesters (mostly organized by the California Nurses Association) demanding stronger support for the single-payer bill in the legislature. It will be interesting to see if Jerry Brown chooses to cap his (cumulative) 16 years as governor by disappointing them.
Give me strength, O Lord. Photo: Evan Vucci/AFP/Getty Images

President Donald Trump swung by the Vatican to meet with Pope Francis on Wednesday, the last stop in his tour of the center of the three big monotheistic religions. The meeting between His Holiness and a man who once bragged on tape about groping a woman was bound to be a bit awkward, especially given that candidate Trump made the Pope a campaign target after Francis offered some thinly veiled criticism on his immigration policies.

But, at least for Trump, their first face-to-face meeting was fantastic  though it appeared to begin a little uncomfortably, as Twitter has pointed out. (Protocol, Pope Francis murmured before the shot, says the New York Times.)

Pope Francis (R) poses with US President Donald Trump (C), US First Lady Melania Trump and the daughter of US President Donald Trump Ivanka Trump (L) at the end of a private audience at the Vatican on May 24, 2017. Photo: Evan Vucci/AFP/Getty Images

The press pool also noted that Pope Francis didnt quite match Trumps eagerness, at first:

Trump: it's "a very great honor."



The pope: Did not say anything. He did not smile. (via pool) pic.twitter.com/sNf3oYrfDI  Jennifer Bendery (@jbendery) May 24, 2017

But Trump was a gracious and deferential guest, says Politico. The Pope, meanwhile, joked with Melania about what she feeds her husband. It is pizza, by the way.

According to the Vatican, the president and the Pope discussed health care, education, immigration, and the promotion of peace in the world. The two exchanged gifts, with Pope Francis dropping a few big hints with his presents: a medal with an olive branch to symbolize peace (we can use peace, Trump acknowledged); a signed copy of his World Peace Day message; and a set of the Popes writings, including Laudato Si, the 2015 encyclical on the environment and climate change. Ill be reading, Trump told him.

The Pope's gifts to Pres Trump included a St. Francis peace medallion. pic.twitter.com/JcFnBWMuvP  Mark Knoller (@markknoller) May 24, 2017

In return, Trump gave Pope Francis a set of first-edition Martin Luther King Jr. books. I think you will enjoy them, Trump explained.

The entire meeting lasted less than 30 minutes, with Trump telling the Pope, I wont forget what you said. Trump later told reporters that Pope Francis was something.
Flynn. Photo: Win McNamee/Getty Images

The House Intelligence Committee is planning to subpoena Michael Flynn as a part of its investigation into Russian interference in last years presidential election, Representative Adam Schiff said Wednesday.

The committee first sought the former national security advisers voluntary cooperation, but he declined. We will be following up with subpoenas, and those subpoenas will be designed to maximize our chance of getting the information that we need, Schiff said at a breakfast in D.C.

Flynn has already refused to comply with the Senate Intelligence Committees subpoena for documents outlining his contacts with Russian officials, invoking his Fifth Amendment protection against self-incrimination. The committees leaders responded by issuing two new subpoenas directed at Flynns businesses, which Senator Mark Warner, the ranking member, believes do not have the ability to plead the Fifth.

At Wednesdays event, Schiff also said that the House Intelligence Committee is trying to obtain audio recordings of President Trumps private meetings in the White House, if such recordings exist, with an eye toward substantiating reports that he asked former FBI director James Comey to end the Russia probe. If all of this is part of a pattern of interference by the White House or worse, we have to find out, Schiff said.
Make Big Government Great Again. Photo: Joe Raedle/Getty Images

The Trump administration has unveiled its vision for the federal budget  and that vision involves slashing more than $1 trillion from programs that aid low-income Americans so as to finance massive tax cuts for the very rich.

The presidents budget cuts funding for Medicaid, the Childrens Health Insurance Program, benefits to the disabled, nutritional assistance, and loan subsidies for non-affluent college students, while abolishing the tax on inherited estates worth over $5.3 million and radically reducing the tax rates on capital gains and income paid by the wealthiest people in America.

There are intellectually honest ways of defending such a budget. For example, the billionaire hedge-fund manager who bankrolled Trumps campaign reportedly believes that human beings have no inherent value other than how much money they make, if someone is on welfare they have negative value, and the government violates natures sacred hierarchy when it helps the weak people get strong, and makes the strong people weak by taking their money away.

Granted, the premises that inform these beliefs are likely based in libertarian delusions about the nature of property and the state. But still: If the Trump administration argued that the governments role was to promote laissez-faire eugenics by rewarding the strong and punishing the weak, then its budget would be a coherent expression of its values.

But in a democratic society, such forthright endorsements of social Darwinism dont sell. And in post-financial-crisis America, subtle ones dont either: Last year, Paul Ryan was forced to apologize for saying that America was divided between makers and takers, while a reality star who promised to protect entitlements, condemned traitorous elites, and extolled the virtues of the forgotten man became the GOP standard-bearer.

So, when Mick Mulvaney defended the administrations budget on Monday, he did so in utilitarian terms.

Were not going to measure our success by how much money we spend, but by how many people we actually help, the director of the Office of Management and Budget explained.

The notion that one can achieve the greatest good for the greatest number by redistributing resources from the many to the few is bizarre, but widespread. The Trump budget reflects the longstanding premise of American conservative economic thought: Government assistance to the poor perpetuates poverty by increasing dependence; slashing taxes increases productivity, efficiency, and economic growth; and economic growth will do far more to improve the lot of the poor than government handouts ever could.

There was never much empirical support for these ideas. But when Americas top marginal rate was 70 percent and our welfare system had yet to be reformed  which is to say, when Ronald Reagan was elected  they had a patina of plausibility.

Today, they have none.

An overwhelming body of research has established that government transfers from rich to poor effectively reduce poverty, while regressive tax cuts do not reliably spur economic growth.

By themselves, these findings would be damning enough to the conservative project. But new research also suggests that well-designed social-welfare programs dont merely alleviate the deprivations of the vulnerable  they also increase productivity and entrepreneurship. Which is to say: Government handouts generate the economic benefits that conservatives attribute to regressive tax cuts.

Heres a quick review of recent findings from economic research that demonstrate the Trump budgets intellectual bankruptcy.

The War on Poverty worked.

The cornerstone of the conservative case for slashing the safety net is that the welfare state fails on its own terms. Paul Ryan has repeatedly declared that Lyndon Johnsons War on Poverty  the complex of Great Society programs that include food stamps, Medicare, and Medicaid  has failed. In 2014, the speaker lamented that the government keep[s] dumping money into programs we know wont work. Mick Mulvaney echoed this sentiment in defending the administrations budget priorities, explaining that anti-poverty programs have failed to meet their objectives.

Its true that the War on Poverty did not eradicate all material deprivation in the United States. But it absolutely did decrease that deprivation. A 2013 study by Columbia University economists found that Americas poverty rate has fallen by 40 percent since the mid-1960s, when the Great Society programs were introduced. And the primary driver of that precipitous decline was the War on Poverty:

Our estimates  show that historical trends in poverty have been more favorable  and that government programs have played a larger role  than [previous] estimates suggest  Government programs today are cutting poverty nearly in half (from 29% to 16%) while in 1967 they only cut poverty by about one percentage point.

The Great Society did not fail to eliminate poverty because welfare programs backfire by breeding dependency  it failed because those programs werent generous enough.

Regressive tax cuts do not reliably increase economic growth.

The Trump administration doesnt know much about its own tax package. But it knows this: The plan isnt about cutting taxes on the rich, but rather, about growing the economy and creating jobs.



At times, the administration has baldly lied about the distributive implications of its tax plan, with Steve Mnuchin insisting that the abolition of the Estate Tax and reductions to the rates on capital gains and income would somehow produce no absolute tax cut for the upper class. More often, the White House has dismissed the relevance of distributional concerns, insisting that returning trillions to the rich will produce a boom in productive investment that will benefit all.

This is a bizarre proposition, given that American corporations and high-net-worth individuals are already sitting on large stockpiles of cash  which the former have been reluctant to invest in new enterprises, and the latter have largely plowed into bidding up the price of desirable real-estate.

But its also bizarre since weve run this experiment before, many times, on both the state and federal levels. And it doesnt work.

In 2012, economists Michael Ettlinger and Michael Linden sought to measure the efficacy of the supply-side tax policies pursued under Bush and Reagan, by comparing Americas economic performance in the wake of each presidents tax cut, against its performance in the wake of Bill Clintons 1993 tax increase.

Since the 1993 tax increases were passed 10 quarters into an economic expansion, we compared performance for all three eras starting 10 quarters into their respective expansions, and then going forward five years from that point, or  in the case of the 2000s  until the expansion ended in December of 2007, the researchers explained.

This analysis found that during the supply-side expansions, growth in investment, productivity, employment, middle-class income, and the overall economy were all weaker than they were following Clintons job-killing tax hike. Whats more, during Reagans supply-side expansion, hourly wages actually fell.

This is not a perfect experiment. A real-world economy is full of uncontrolled variables. But when this formula has been tried on the state level  in Kansas, Louisiana, Alabama, Maine, Montana, North Carolina, and Ohio  the results have been lackluster, at best.

Income inequality stymies economic growth.

As of this writing, the Trump administration still hasnt found the chutzpah to claim that its budget will somehow reduce inequality. But then conservatives have long derided the lefts obsession with inequality as a function of economically illiterate envy. Heres George Will rehearsing the argument in a 2015 column:

The best way to (in Barack Obamas 2008 words to Joe the Plumber) spread the wealth around, is  to leave it in the hands of the wealthy. Personal consumption absorbs a small portion of their money and the remainder is not idle. It is invested by them, using the skill that earned it. Will it be more beneficially employed by the political class of a confiscatory government?

The idea that the wealthy possess unique insights that make them better arbiters of how money should be invested than pointy-headed bureaucrats can be refuted with three words: Donald J. Trump.

More substantively: A 2014 study from the International Monetary Fund found that societies with lower inequality tend to experience faster and more durable growth, while redistribution appears generally benign in terms of its impact on growth. A study from the OECD released that same year showed that income inequality has a negative and statistically significant impact on medium-term growth.

High inequality has also been linked to adverse health outcomes for the poor, declines in the responsiveness of democratic government, and the erosion of social trust.



Government handouts promote self-sufficiency and strong families.

The Trump budget cuts $192 billion from food stamps, and enables states to implement work requirements that would deny food assistance to the unemployed. Paul Ryan summarized the logic behind these reforms when he lamented that Democrats offer people a full stomach and an empty soul. By depriving the poor of the unique motivational power of malnutrition, conservatives reason, food stamps consign many of their beneficiaries to meaningless lives of soul-crushing parasitism.



But if Republicans want to increase Americas labor-force-participation rate, recent research suggests theyd be better off increasing the availability of nutritional assistance than cutting it. As the New York Timess Neil Irwin explains:

[T]he food stamp program was introduced gradually in the United States from 1961 to 1975. Hilary Hoynes of the University of California, Berkeley, Diane Whitmore Schanzenbach of Northwestern University and Douglas Almond of Columbia University have found that low-income children who benefited from the program were healthier and more likely to be working decades later than otherwise similar children in counties where the program arrived later.

A separate 2015 study from the National Bureau of Economic Research found that direct, unconditional cash assistance to low-income families with small children was associated with higher educational attainment and employment rates for those children by age 25.

Ironically, that study suggested that those handouts produced improved outcomes by fostering the very family values that Republicans often champion as povertys panacea: Greater family income correlates with decreased marital stress and increased parental involvement and supervision. Families that received unconditional cash payments, in NBERs study, reported significantly better parent-child relationships than those who did not.

It is true that some safety-net programs disincentive work. In some cases, this is irrelevant to the programs purpose  Social Security might decrease the labor-force participation of septuagenarians, but thats kind of the point. In other cases, as with unemployment insurance, the disincentive effect may be a genuine concern worth addressing through better policy design. But the idea that there is a strong correlation between government assistance, in the aggregate, and heightened rates of unemployment and dependence is a baseless myth.

Anti-poverty spending increases productivity and entrepreneurship, and grows the supply side of the economy.

A core tenet of the trickle-down gospel is that economic managers should focus on increasing the supply side of the economy: Rather than boosting demand by subsidizing the consumption of the poor and middle classes, the government should focus on increasing the nations productive capacity  and it should do that by freeing up investment capital through tax cuts.

As weve seen, theres little reason to think that works. But there are effective ways to increase supply: The expansion of the Earned Income Tax Credit in 1993 added 460,000 women to Americas labor force, according to Jeffrey Grogger of the University of Chicago. Child-care subsidies have (predictably) produced similar effects. And, as already mentioned, investments in cash, food, and educational assistance to low-income children in early childhood appear to add workers to tomorrows economy, thereby increasing Americas productive capacity and economic growth.

But investments in social welfare dont just increase supply  they also facilitate innovation. As Walter Frick, senior associate editor of the Harvard Business Review, has written:

Entrepreneurs are actually more likely than other Americans to receive public benefits, after accounting for income, as Harvard Business Schools Gareth Olds has documented. And in many cases, exanding benefit programs helps spur new business creation.



Take food stamps. Conservatives have long argued that they breed dependence on government. In a 2014 paper, Olds examined the link between entrepreneurship and food stamps, and found that the expansion of the program in some states in the early 2000s increased the chance that newly eligible households would own an incorporated business by 16 percent.



 In another paper, Olds looked at the creation of the Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP), which offers publicly funded health insurance for kids whose families dont qualify for Medicaid. By comparing the rate of entrepreneurship of those who just barely qualified for CHIP to those whose incomes just barely exceeded the cutoff, he was able to estimate the programs impact on new business creation. The rate of incorporated business ownership for those eligible households just below the cutoff was 31 percent greater than for similarly situated families that could not rely on CHIP to care for their children if they needed itThe mechanism in each case is the same: publicly funded insurance lowers the risk of starting a business, since entrepreneurs neednt fear financial ruin.

All that said, Frick does concede that poorly designed welfare programs can inhibit entrepreneurship. For example, With food stamps  there has been a push to tie benefits to finding and holding a job, which actually does raise a barrier to starting a business.
Liebermans weeklong dream of being Americas most unlikely FBI director may be over. Photo: Zach Gibosn/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Former senator Joe Lieberman is reportedly President Trumps top pick to replace James Comey as FBI director, possibly because Trump understands that he needs someone whos seen as a bipartisan. On paper, Lieberman appears to fit the bill, as he was the Democratic vice-presidential nominee in 2000 before shifting to the right and backing Republican John McCain in the 2008 presidential race.

However, Democratic senators have come out against Lieberman, mostly because he has no relevant qualifications for the position, and partly because his selection would raise a conflict of interest. Since leaving office in 2013, Lieberman has worked as senior counsel at the New Yorkbased law firm Kasowitz, Benson, Torres & Friedman, which has frequently represented Trump. Per Newsweek:

The firm has represented Trump in matters for years. Last October, Marc Kasowitz, a partner at the firm, threatened The New York Times with legal action after the newspaper published pages from Trumps 1995 income tax return. Later that month, Kasowitz wrote a letter to Times demanding the retraction of an article about two women who claimed Trump had touched them inappropriately. The Times did not retract the article.



Kasowitzs relationship with Trump goes back further. In 2006, Trump had the lawyer sue an author who had written that Trump was worth less than $1 billion. The lawyer has also reportedly helped Trump keep divorce records sealed, helped with a case against Trump University and sued Hong Kong businessmen on Trumps behalf regarding a New York City property. The Wall Street Journal has called Kasowitz Donald Trumps go-to guy for his toughest legal battles. David Friedman, another partner at the firm, has represented Trump in bankruptcy proceedings.

Some have argued this shouldnt be an issue, since Lieberman didnt work on any Trump-related cases, and the firm employs around 270 lawyers. However, on Tuesday Trump made the ethics concerns about Liebermans Kosowitz connection even more relevant. According to the Washington Post, hes tapped Marc Kasowitz to act as his private attorney in matters related to the probe of his campaigns alleged dealings with Russia.

As the Post explained last week, the appointment of former FBI Director Robert Mueller as special counsel in the Trump-Russia probe created a more urgent need for the president to hire an outside legal team, as his predecessors have done in similar situations:

Trumps need for a private attorney is viewed as a high priority because he so far has been relying on government lawyers, including his White House counsel, who could eventually be called to testify about their private conversations with him. Such conversations are not considered privileged, unlike what Trump experienced as a corporate executive working with hired legal counsel.

Hiring Kasowitz is a characteristically unorthodox move by Trump, as National Law Journal put it. Hes known for handling a mix of complex, high-stakes civil disputes in New Yorks state courts, so hed likely need to bring on other attorneys with more experience in criminal defense and constitutional issues. There are also other potential conflicts of interest. Trump just made Kasowitz partner David Friedman the U.S. ambassador to Israel. Kasowitz also represents OJSC Sberbank of Russia, the nations largest bank, which is currently facing charges in U.S. federal court for allegedly conspiring with granite company executives to raid a competitors assets.

But none of that compares to the prospect of Trump receiving legal advice on the Russia probe from the former boss of the man leading the investigation. That scenario is so outrageous that it suggests the pushback against Lieberman prompted Trump to select one of the other three finalists for FBI director.

Then again, were only discussing this because Trump fired Comey after he revealed he was looking into his campaign, then suggested on several occasions that it had everything to do with the Russia probe. Anything is possible.
Trump at the Trump in D.C. Photo: Shawn Thew - Pool/Getty Images

In early January, Donald Trumps personal lawyer promised that the Trump Organization would donate hotel profits from foreign governments to the U.S. Treasury. It was Trumps way of trying to relieve concerns about receiving foreign emoluments without giving up his stake in his company. This way it is the American people who will profit, the lawyer said.

Less than six months later, the Trump Organization has said it does not plan to fulfill that promise. The announcement comes by way of a newly released pamphlet from the Trump Organization that implicitly calls the original promise a big dumb idea.

The problem begins with identifying who is a representative of a foreign government, the pamphlet says. That would require asking every guest of Trump hotels, along with guests of affiliated bars, restaurants, and spas, if they represent a foreign government. And that would impede upon personal privacy and diminish the guest experience of our brand, the pamphlet says.

So instead, the Trump Organization will only include obvious payments from foreign governments when making its donation. Profits that are more difficult to link to a foreign government  those from state-owned businesses that isnt obviously state-owned, for example  would remain with the Trump Organization. The burden of flagging payments from foreign governments, the Trump Organization appears to be suggesting, is on foreign governments, not the company itself.

As Maryland representative Elijah Cummings, the ranking Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, wrote in a letter to the Trump Organization, thats a woefully inadequate setup. Under the policy outlined in this pamphlet, foreign governments could provide prohibited emoluments to President Trump, for example through organizations such as RT, the propaganda arm of the Russian government, he wrote. Those payments would not be tracked in any way and would be hidden from the American public.

Further rankling Cummings is the Trump Organizations plan to estimate foreign profits, rather than tracking them so an exact amount can be donated. The pamphlet calls the idea of tracking these payments impossible without an inordinate amount of time, resources and specialists.

Of course, Trump has another option that requires him to neither keep nor break his promise. He could divest from his company like he should have in the first place and relieve all worries about constitutional violations  at least when it comes to emoluments.
Obama never appreciated his human-rights abuses. Photo: Ted Aljibe/AFP/Getty Images

Back in April, the White House said that during a phone call with President Rodrigo Duterte of the Philippines, President Trump extended an invitation to the White House to Duterte, and they discussed the fact that the Philippines is fighting very hard to rid its country of drugs. The brutal crackdown on both drug dealers and drug users has reportedly killed more than 7,000 people since it was implemented a year ago, with many innocent people targeted.

Now we know what Trump found commendable about this widely condemned slaughter. According to a transcript of the call obtained by the Intercept and the Washington Post  which was produced by the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs and confirmed by a senior Trump administration official  this is what Trump said to Duterte, following some small talk about how neither man sleeps much:

TRUMP: I just wanted to congratulate you because I am hearing of the unbelievable job on the drug problem. Many countries have the problem, we have a problem, but what a great job you are doing and I just wanted to call and tell you that.



DUTERTE: Thank you, Mr. President. This is the scourge of my nation and I have to do something to preserve the Filipino nation.



TRUMP: I understand that and fully understand that and I think we have had a previous president who did not understand that, but I understand that and we have spoken about this before.

Indeed, when Obama offered some mild criticism of the policy, urging Duterte to fight addiction the right way rather than indiscriminately killing people, the Philippine president called him the son of a whore who should go to hell.

Trumps vague praise for Dutertes policy fits with his tendency to fawn over strongmen and ignore their human-rights abuses  to their faces, at least. The rest of the call involves Trump trying to get Dutertes read on North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. Whats your opinion of him, Rodrigo, Trump asks. Are we dealing with someone who is stable or not stable?

Duterte says, His mind is not working well and he just might go crazy one moment, and expresses concerns that Kim could start a nuclear war.

We have a lot of firepower over there, Trump reveals. We have two submarines  the best in the world  we have two nuclear submarines, not that we want to use them at all.

Later in the call, Trump adds, We cant let a mad man with nuclear weapons let on the loose like that. We have a lot of firepower, more than he has, times 20  but we dont want to use it.

Three days after the call, Trump raised the possibility of direct talks with Kim, saying he would be honored to meet him under the right circumstances.
As Trump prepares to meet with Pope Francis, hes not raging against immigrants, refugees, and Muslims. Photo: Silvia Lore/NurPhoto via Getty Images

In addition to whatever else is produced by his first overseas trip as president, Donald Trump is getting an education on reacting to breaking news quite literally on the fly.

Trumps first opportunity to respond to the horrific news of the suicide bombing in Manchester occurred in Bethlehem, literal birthplace of the Prince of Peace, and a place where he happened to be meeting with Palestinian Authority president Mahmoud Abbas. His response was a bit goofy (he repeatedly referred to the then-unknown perpetrators of the massacre as evil losers, presumably the worst insult he could think of) but did not mention radical Islamic terrorism  the term he kept insisting Barack Obama use  or even Islam.

After a visit to Israels Yad Vashem Holocaust museum, where he succeeded in appropriately confining his remarks to the Holocaust, Trump made some general statements of remorse about the Manchester attacks during an event with Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem. There were no bursts of Trumpian wrath toward Muslims, immigrants, refugees, or weak-kneed liberals, either.

By the time Trump arrived in Italy today, in preparation for a series of meetings at the Vatican, his tweets were echoing comments from Pope Francis, who called the Manchester atrocity barbaric and expressed heartfelt solidarity with all those affected by this senseless act of violence.

We stand in absolute solidarity with the people of the United Kingdom. pic.twitter.com/X6fUUxxYXE  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 23, 2017

No thundering against the horrific Islamic menace, no chastening of European or American progressives for letting down the gates to terrorists.

Again, Trumps reactions were probably tempered by the fact that he was about to meet with a global leader who has vocally disagreed with his tendency to scapegoat immigrants and refugees, and with his Islamophobic gestures as well.

There is no telling what Donald Trump will say when he returns to America. But for now, hes on his better, if not best, behavior.
Hundreds of nude photos of female service members and other women were shared in a Facebook group. Photo: Getty Images

Back in March, a Facebook group whose members included more than 30,000 active-duty and retired male Marines, Navy Corpsman, and British Royal Marines was busted for sharing hundreds of nude photos of active female service members, as well as other women. The group, called Marines United, was dismantled, but others quickly sprung up to take its place.

The whole thing led to a military investigation and a heated hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee, where General Robert Neller, commandant of the Marine Corps, promised to do better. And on Wednesday, the backlash continued with the House of Representatives unanimously passing a measure to ban nude-photo sharing in the military altogether.

Under the measure, the Uniform Code of Military Justice would be amended to specifically outlaw sharing the types of images in Marines United, according to The Hill. Anyone who violates the rule, which still needs to be approved by the Senate, would be subject to punishment by court martial.

Representative Martha McSally, a Republican from Arizona and a retired Air Force colonel, introduced the measure. The Neanderthals who committed these acts are not emblematic of the vast majority of decent and honorable service members, she said. However, the notion that any service member would think it is acceptable to upload, view, or comment on nude photos of their fellow service members is a serious problem that must be fixed.

The new rule comes after U.S. Navy regulations were updated to ban sharing photos with the intent of humiliating, harassing, or threatening the subject. But California representative Jackie Speier used the scandal to call for even more thorough legislation. A federal law is needed to provide a single, clear articulation of the elements of this crime to ensure that Americans in every part of the country  civilian and military  are protected, she said.
When you dont want to talk about it. Photo: 2017 Getty Images

Sean Spicers tenure as White House press secretary has been bleak from the very start. He barely decorated his office. He chews and swallows 35 pieces of gum every morning. He routinely embarrasses himself in front of reporters and the American people on behalf of his megalomaniac boss. And the latest indignity he suffered is enough to almost make you feel sorry for him.

CNN broke down how the staff and family members allowed into Donald Trumps meeting with Pope Francis gave a glimpse into what the presidents inner circle and its pecking order looks like at the moment. For Spicer, its not great:

Spicer, for example, is an assistant to the President  the top-ranking title for White House aides  and Catholic, but was informed before the meeting there wasnt room for him on the roster.



Spicer did not respond to a request for comment.



Asked about Spicer not being included in the group that met the Pope, a source close to the White House said: Wow. Thats all he wanted, adding it should very much be seen as a slight.

Someone please check and see how many pieces of gum Spicer has in his mouth at the moment.
Photo: Camille Tokerud/Getty Images

A friend of mine jokes that I accumulate older women with weekend homes the way other people do spare change. I dont actively seek them out (and I certainly dont treat them like spare change), but Im not immune to their charms. I grew up with two sisters who are 10 and 14 years older than me. By the time I was in high school, they felt less like siblings and more like a pair of super-cool aunts. If one bought me peach-flavored wine coolers for my first senior party, the other picked me up afterwards. They had style in spades and great taste in music, both of which they tried diligently to pass on to me in the form of hand-me-downs and mixtapes, with varying degrees of success. They offered guidance with the perspective of age and I took it gladly, with none of the teenage skepticism I typically reserved for anyone older than me.

Because they were my sisters, I saw them intimately despite the distance between our ages: as adults in their thirties who had professional success but still stayed out dancing until all hours of the night, spent money with equal responsibility and abandon, and, to put it most bluntly, took their sweet time growing up. They were grown-ups who managed to be as real and three-dimensional to me as my friends my age. I couldnt wait to be them.

Now, in my early thirties, Ive found myself with a number of close friends who were well on their way to graduating high school by the time I was born. Brandon is a former boss 17 years my senior. We surf together in Montauk. Sarah Gray is my older sisters age and lives upstate. We spend winter weekends in bed together reading gossip magazines and summer ones drinking rose at the local swimming hole. For my friend Juliannas 45th birthday this past November, a group of us ranging in age from 29 to 52 spent a long weekend in South Carolina. The only time age came up was during a conversation about skin serums.

I may have reason to be more comfortable with a friendship age gap than others, but I am certainly not alone. Take, for example, Amanda Keiser, 33, and Ruth Abram, 71, who met through their husbands  both lawyers  last year. Their first date was a long weekend trip to Ruths home upstate, an admittedly daunting proposition for two women almost 40 years apart in age. We were both sort of like, Oh, a whole weekend, huh? Amanda recalls. But right after they picked us up from the train station, Ruth started talking about a seance she went to. Thats when I realized, okay, this is going to be cool.

Cross-generational friendships are more common in women than men, but only because friendships are, too. Male friendships tend to revolve around activities, while women prioritize emotional connection. So in order to foster an intergenerational friendship, not only do men have to find a common activity to do together, they have to make sure that its also open to a wide range of ages. Women can simply catch up over coffee.

Men also tend to have fewer friends to begin with and are worse at maintaining the ones they do. Women struggle with friendship maintenance in our late 20s and 30s (especially working mothers) as studies show thats when most of our time and energy is spent on our careers and family, but make up for it by redoubling our efforts in our 40s and 50s. Its a literal life-stage, The Wall Street Journal reports, in which women begin to plan the next chapter of their lives [and] turn to friends for guidance and empathy.

Feminist cultural critic Joan Morgan, who counts 33-year-old professor Dr. Treva Lindsay amongst her closest friends, thinks there might be a simpler explanation. Women, in general, have the ability to value peoples humanity at any age, she tells me. There isnt really a point at which we render people useless because they get older. And we dont necessarily dismiss them because theyre younger.

Stylist Patricia Field agrees. I never think about age. My whole life has been with younger people. I like being around them. She first met her close friend Sandy Armeni in Greece ten years ago, when she was 65 and Sandy just 19. I liked her energy from the beginning. The two grew so close they eventually lived together, first for seven months in Pats apartment while Sandy looked for her own place, and then another five months in Sandys while Pats was being renovated. We never fought, Sandy says. Not in her big house or at my tiny place. We spent a lot of time cooking at home, drinking, smoking cigarettes, and talking about life.

My older friends are opinionated, smart, culturally-aware, and incredibly open-minded. They share what another friend Gina Pell would say is a Perennial mindset. Gina is the co-founder of The What and a successful entrepreneur several times over. We first met seven years ago, when I was 26 and she was 42. She was sharp and witty and she ordered white wine at lunch. She treated me like her professional equal, something that meant a lot to me at a time when I was a young person who had recently been given a lot of responsibility and was feeling decidedly in over my head. Having friends of all ages helps me to integrate all the pieces of myself, she says. They help me remember who I was, who I am, and who I might someday become.

Last fall, an essay she wrote on her frustration with generational segmentation went moderately viral after she coined the term and suggested grouping people by what they care about rather than their age  that there was a far more valuable cohort to be found in people of all ages who  know whats happening  stay current with technology, and have friends of all ages. For Gina, cross-generational friendships are just a part of her life. Ive always had a wide range of friends and bonded with everyone, from 8 to 98. I think because of social media, were just seeing it more.

But why now? Cross-generational relationships arent new. Go back a few generations and it wasnt uncommon for people to live their entire lives in familial communities with lots of opportunity for intergenerational interaction. In many places, thats still the case. But theres a difference between proximity and choice. And thats where the internet comes in.

If, for the last few decades, technology has been one of the markers we used to define generations  the personal computer and Facebook (millennials), smartphones (Generation Z), records and televisions (Baby Boomers), typewriters and cassette tapes (Generation X)  its also made connecting them even easier. We make friends out of common interests. And those interests have never been more communal.

According to Dr. Andrea Bonior, a licensed psychologist and adjunct professor at Georgetown University whos literally written the book on friendship, we also make friends through repeated contact. It breeds familiarity. And we tend to feel more positively about people after we are more familiar with them. Technology both opens up that process (to friends we meet online, say) and enhances it. Digital platforms allow us to follow up and build on something, so that you dont have to start from scratch every time you see somebody. You can actually grow the conversation.

And as much as we complain that digital connectivity has blurred the line between our work and personal lives right into oblivion, in many instances, its also encouraged us to consider our co-workers  our most common source of intergenerational exposure  our friends. Twenty years ago, you might have had a senior colleague that you really liked, but the boundaries between work and home were stronger, Dr. Bonior points out. Now youre working longer hours alongside them, and emailing or texting with them on weekends. Theres that whole proximity thing again. Throw in the fact that office culture has grown significantly more casual, particularly in media and technology, and the intergenerational groundwork has been laid.

Culturally, were also doing things later  getting married, having children, going back to work, changing careers  if were doing them at all. And that variance means a lot more opportunity for intergenerational intermingling: A 48-year-old and a 30-year-old could meet picking up their toddlers from the same daycare. That life stages no longer align along generational divides has given us yet another opportunity to bond.

Kate Gardiner, 31, and Susan McPherson, 52, met through a womens networking platform called The List (of which I am also a member.) Susan was one of the first people to reach out and say Hi, this is what I do with my life  what do you do with your life? How can I help you? Kate tells me over the phone. The pair struck up a friendship through professional projects, but grew closer in their attempts to navigate the notoriously choppy waters of New Yorks dating scene. Ive been single in New York for six years, Kate says. So when Susan was coming back on the market, she was like, how the fuck do I do this?

If I didnt have Kate, I dont know how I would keep current on all the dating stuff, Susan laughs, before adding, a little more earnestly: We all want to find the fountain of youth and there is something intoxicating about being around the energy that young people have. Its a magical, magical feeling.

Perhaps most importantly, theres a desire  stoked by the giant orange-haired elephant in the room  to connect with other women not just regardless of age, but because of it. Adoara Udoji, a 52-year-old media executive, tells me shes been inundated with conversations on the topic. Ive always had friends of different ages, but Ive never had as many women reach out to me about their desire for intergenerational friendship as I have post-election. There was so much shock in terms of the demographics  both generationally and then the gap between white women and women of color. I know so many women who are deeply involved in politics who are like, We dont have any young women in our life. We need to know what theyre thinking.

So Adoara teamed up with a friend  a 25-year-old one  to do something. The pair are currently planning an all-ages brunch. Were going to sit women at tables with all different age groups. Were going to get them talking to each other.

My friends and I havent shared any life transitions. In fact, Id go so far as to say we bonded in spite of them. Im 33, in a committed relationship but unmarried. I own a dog but rent my apartment, and wake up hungover most Sundays. And as someone who is ambivalent at best about having children, I think a lot about how my life might change if I had them, or what my weekends will look like if I ever officially settle down. Like my sisters before me, I am taking my sweet time growing up. I like my life as it is now  I like who I am now  and part of what I fear about getting older is losing that clarity. But thanks to the friendship these women have given me, I feel like Im getting a little peek at what my life could look like, especially in instances where the path Im pondering (in my case, not having children) is a little less traveled.

When I see Brandon celebrate her 50th birthday with a surf trip to Rincon, I dont just think: I want that. I think: I can have that. When I see the way Sarah Gray balances her success and ambition with her ability to just turn everything off and have fun, I think: I can do that, too. And when I see how Julianna takes the resources  time, energy, money  that often go towards raising children and instead dedicates them to her friends and family, I think about all the different ways women can be fulfilled and choose to fulfill others. And that its my choice to make.
The Guardian's Live Report



- reliable info for anyone who wants to be up to date. - reliable info for anyone who wants to be up to date.

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I'm watching Sky News, is The Guardian better?



/clueless swede

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they're both good choices, as is the bbc

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they're probably the same. the only benefit of the guardian is that they usually confirm all of the info before publishing, whereas news channels will say "we are having reports that this is happening" without the info being confirmed.



it's not a big deal if you're following along though!

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i've never watched sky news so i can't compare but i read the guardian a lot and they have rly good content and no paywall





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American here, don't have much experience with Sky News but the Guardian and the BBC have been my go-to. (I'm actually beginning to really like the BBC for US news too, because our reporting is a mess right now, but that's only semi-related, heh)

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That's reasonable. I hope she gets the help she'll need. Poor girl

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I can't blame her. What a world we live in.

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<3 good for her, I really hope she has good support system surrounding her



The pictures of the missing people are so heartbreaking, the little 8-year old girl :( I can't imagine what her family is going through.

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I really can't blame her for this. I appreciate other fans are gonna be upset that things aren't going ahead but hopefully they can understand that this is not about them.

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Hope you're okay today. Everyone is jumpy at work (council) and we got evacuated when fire alarms went off and two engines arrived but it turned out to be a scare.



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just upset and in shock I guess. I was pretty worried when I heard about the arndale earlier, I'm glad that people evacuated safely and nothing happened.



my dad works right near the town hall, I'm assuming the whole area is on edge today. is it busy in the city? I know transport has been severely disrupted and people were told to avoid the area.

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There was a girl at my med exams this morning waiting for our stations to start talking to another girl about how she can't wait to go see Ariana Grande in Portugal in a few weeks.... I was sat there thinking "hmmmm sis".



Supposedly the Children's Hospital was temporarily evacuated? I was at my exams at Oxford Road Campus, but my neighbour told me when I got back. And walking past MRI A&E there were sooooooo many camera crews and satellite dishes and all sorts around 2pm :/

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personal care is more important

i hope se has all support needed

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I was at the concert last night. We were under lock down at a nearby hotel until this morning. I'm physically okay but last night was the worst experience I ever had or could have imagined having. I can't put it into words. I feel so much guilt for being alive and well when others have were not so lucky. I hope the people that are still missing are found and that everyone can find peace at their own pace. I can't blame Ariana or her team for this decision. It's traumatizing. The concert was beautiful, the way it ended is beyond cruel

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glad to know you're okay <3 I can't begin to imagine what you're going through but I'm here if you need to talk.

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thank you!

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So sorry you had to go through that. I can't even imagine.

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I'm glad you're as okay or as okay you can be at the moment and I really hope you have friends and family you can talk to or just sit quiet with if that's what you need. I can only imagine what you went through or what you're going through right now but remember how strong you are <3 You deserve to be ok and you most definitely deserve to be alive.

<3 Don't feel guilt bb, I understand why you would feel that but please don't.I'm glad you're as okay or as okay you can be at the moment and I really hope you have friends and family you can talk to or just sit quiet with if that's what you need. I can only imagine what you went through or what you're going through right now but remember how strong you are <3 You deserve to be ok and you most definitely deserve to be alive.

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sorry you had to go through that...stay strong

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I'm so sorry you had to go through that. Reach out if you need to, there's no shame in asking for help. <3

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Glad you're safe. Please consider getting professional help when you're ready. Survivors guilt can really fuck a person up and of course there's PTSD as well.

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I went through something similar, but not as big and bad as this, a few years ago, so I know how you feel. I'm glad you're okay.

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I'm glad you're okay!!! I hope that you have a good support system around you to deal with this.

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condolences that you had to go through that

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Do not feel guilty at all, no one deserved to die. I'm glad that you are safe, and am wishing for others to be as well. <3

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I'm so sorry you had to go through that and thank fucking god you made it out safely



Edited at 2017-05-23 12:18 pm (UTC)

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goodness



I'm glad you're ok and hope you can heal yourself.

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I'm so sorry you were there and had to experience that. I'm sorry you're feeling guilt too; you don't need to but it's an understandable response. I'm glad you're physically okay and I hope you can get back on track after going through something that awful. I'll keep you in my thoughts!

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I can't even begin to imagine what you're going through, but I'm glad you're safe.



<3 <3 <3 <3

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I'm glad you're safe! I'm sorry that you had to go through that and that something that should have been a fun experience was ruined by this senseless act. I can't even imagine how you feel. Stay strong. I know it's easier said than done but you have no reason to feel guilty. and please don't be afraid to ask for help. <3



Edited at 2017-05-23 12:41 pm (UTC)

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Glad you're physically OK and I hope you have support to help you mentally process what happened. I'm so sorry you had to go through that. Like you, I'm hoping that those missing are found and that people are able to heal from this horrible tragedy. Lots of love to you <3

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I am so sorry you're going through this. Survivor's guilt is real and it can be crippling. I hope you are able to get help to move through this difficult time. I am so thankful you are physically okay.

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survivor's guilt is terrible and really hard to get over. i'm sorry <3 the only advice i can give you is to just try and believe you lived for a reason - not that they died for a reason, but that you lived, and then try and do things to make a difference in someone else's life. it helps a lot.



i'm glad you're ok.

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omg i'm glad you're okay and fuck, reading your thoughts on it makes my heart hurt more :(

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jfc i'm so sorry you had to go experience that.

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i'm glad you're ok. & i'm so sorry you've had to go thru that.<3333

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I hope that you can find peace soon. I'm sorry for what you've experienced.

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I'm so sorry the outcome of what was supposed to be a beautiful, fun experience was so drastically altered. You've experienced a lot. I hope you're surrounded by love. I hope time allows you to feel okay in being here

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You have nothing to feel guilty for. Glad you're safe <3

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I'm so glad you're safe and I'm so sorry you went through that. 

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To echo everyone else, I'm glad that you physically are ok and that you made it out safely. It's truly a gruesome experience and I can't imagine having to go through something of that magnitude with so many people still unaccounted for. It's easier said then done, but you have nothing to feel guilty over. I'm just sorry that a concert that should have been a fun, elevating experience had to end in such a way.

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I'm glad you're ok and I can't imagine how scary it must've been :( I'm sorry you had to go through this, stay strong bb <3

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Glad you're safe, bb. <3

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I'm glad you're ok! Stay strong and take care bb

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I'm glad you're safe.

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Glad you're OK, I can't imagine how terrifying that must have been.

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glad you're safe, every life is amazing.

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I'm glad you're okay. Please seek out help if you need it.

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I'm glad to know you're okay as well. *hugs* bb.

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So happy you are safe. I'm so sorry you had to go through all of that.

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Hug to you sis. Take care of yourself.

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Glad you're okay. I can't imagine what it feels like going through this.

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I have no words to say that haven't already been said but I have love to give if you needed it 

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so much love to you. <3

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I know it's easier said than done not to blame yourself, but please don't feel guilty. There's no shame in reaching out to friends/family or even a professional if you need it. Glad you're okay and I wish you all the best in healing <3

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I'm so, so sorry this happened to you. You are loved.

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I'm sorry you'd to experience this. *hugs*

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Stay strong, you aren't guilty of anything.

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i'm so sorry you went through that and sincerely hope you'll be able to begin healing <3

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Sending you love and prayers. 

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I'm so sorry that you had to experience that but I'm so happy that you're safe<3

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I'm so glad you're okay, and I am so sorry you had to experience that. I'm a message away if you need a listening ear. *HUGS*

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Take the time you need bb, and definitely talk to friends and fam and reach out to professional help if you feel you need it. It can take time to get over something like this, from experience at 7/7, and it can hit you in weird ways and a weird times later down the line sometimes.



So just take care of yourself kk? And if you ever need to chat, PM me any time at all. So glad you're safe. Manchester love <333

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im so sorry you had to go through that, and im glad youre okay!

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I was present for the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan, living and working right on the Tohoku coast. I witnessed the whole thing, lost my apartment (and the neighborhood it was in) and had to live in a wrecked town for a week after. Disasters, natural or manmade, leave their mark on you, and you'll be a long time dealing with this. Take care of yourself, take one step at a time, and do what you need to. You have an injury right now, a psychic injury, and don't let anyone tell you what you should be feeling. You'll find your footing again.

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Hugs (if you want them). Glad you're safe.

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I'm so glad you are okay. It's a terrible tragedy, your feelings are understandable

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dont feel guilty at all, and glad ur ok<3

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Sending love your way.

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That's probably for the best. I can only imagine how traumatic it would be to just move on and stand on a huge stage only days after having to live through something so horrible... I hope she manages to heal and move past this.

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I really hope she and all the families and all the other living victims are as okay as they can be in a situation like this. No one should have to go through this sort of thing and especially not kids.

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reuters are saying is have claimed responsibility

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is = islamic state

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completely understandable, i hope she as well as everyone can recover from this soon.



apparently there has been an arrest by the manchester police.

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there have been two arrests, one is a 23 year old man in chorlton in the southern area of the city and that is in connection with the attack.



somebody else has been arrested in relation to an incident at the arndale centre an hour or so ago, a major shopping mall not far away from the arena. it's not believed to be related but it happened so recently it's impossible for anybody to be sure either way.

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yeah, the arrest of the 23 year old was what i was just reading about. I initially read that it was suspected to be a possible suicide bombing, has there been any confirmation about that? I havent been able to read the news too closely today and can't find anything that confirms or denies that.

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They said the second arrest isn't related to last nights incident

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understandable, i can't even imagine the state she's in. i think she mentioned once she suffers from anxiety? the guilt will probably be too much as well

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I can't even imagine how this poor girl must be feeling

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Edited at 2017-05-23 12:07 pm (UTC) And of course it was the Islamic State

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What a surprise

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and via their news site they said that what's coming for the worshippers of the cross is going to be much worse

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Five years after Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto made campaign promises to open his countrys oil reserves to foreign interests, a private well been has drilled in Mexico for the first time in nearly 80 years. Londons Premier Oil Plc, Houstons Talos Energy LLC and Mexicos Sierra Oil & Gas began offshore drilling on the joint venture on Monday, according to a statement by Premier. It marks the first private exploration in Mexican waters since the country nationalized its oil industry in 1938.

The last time foreign interests invested in Mexican oil, it did not have a happy ending. Then-President Lazaro Cardenas seized their assets, created the nationalized oil monopoly Pemex, and banished all foreign competitors. Now, nearly 80 years later, Mexico is re-opening its largely untapped, massive oil and gas reserves, and foreign companies are eagerly accepting the invitation.

The Zama-1 well is being installed in the Sureste Basin off the shores of Tabasco, and according to estimations in Premiers report, contains between 100 million to 500 million barrels of crude oil. The three companies won the rights to begin drilling back in 2015 when Mexico opened their oil reserves to foreign auction. This is sure to be the first of many such ventures, as companies from Malaysia, China, Norway, the U.K., France and the U.S. also won rights to drill in Mexicos first international deep-water offshore auction back in December, which awarded rights to 14 oil exploration areas in the Gulf of Mexico.

Elaine Reynolds, an analyst for Edison Investment Research Ltd., said that all eyes will be on Zama-1 as it begins production. As the first non-Pemex well to be drilled since the opening up of Mexican waters as part of the countrys energy reform process, this well will be keenly watched by the industry." Drilling is expected to be completed within 90 days, with a price tag of $16 million fronted by Premier.

Related: OPEC Deal: 9-Month Extension Looking Increasingly Likely

Mexico is hoping that revolutionizing their oil industry by opening it up to the global market and private interests will revitalize what has been a long slump in oil production. They estimate that the move will bring in an estimated $40 billion in investments to push Mexican oil to full production capacity over the next 35 to 50 years, as much as 900,000 barrels a day.

Within weeks of President Pena Nieto's August 2014 announcement that Mexico was opening their oil industry to the private sector, the U.S. Energy Information Administration boosted Mexicos oil and gas projections by 25 percent. As foreign interest in Mexicos vast untapped reserves began pouring in, the EIA readjusted by a whopping 75 percent.

In the years between those projections and this weeks drilling of Zama-1, development has faced some serious speed bumps, with the global crash of crude prices after OPEC flooded the market in November 2014 and major policy reform needed to reverse 8 decades of public oil in Mexico. But now, as the market is recovering and development is finally beginning to get underway, a black gold rush is sure to follow.

The International Frontier Resources Corporation, a Canada-based oil development company, estimated that untapped Mexican reserves could aggregate as much as 115 billion barrels. According to the CIAs 2016 World Factbook, Mexico has less than 10 billion barrels of proven reserves, meaning that if the IFRCs estimates are correct, Mexicos new proven reserves would skyrocket to 125 billion barrels, more than the United States, the UAE, Russia, and Kuwait. Related: Is Canadas Oil Production Ready For A Resurgence?

It must be noted that not everyone is excited about the new influx of industry money and drilling developments. There has been widespread backlash from environmental groups including Greenpeace, who have expressed concern over exploitation of Mexicos natural resources and loudly criticized the UK for investing $1bn in Pemex and other fossil fuel companies. There is also great concern about the embrace of oil instead of a step towards more renewable resources in Mexico, home to some of the worst air pollution in the world.

As part of the push for foreign investors, in January, Mexico also removed fuel subsidies to make the market more attractive to private companies and combat the plummeting peso. The result, however, has been an enormous increase in gas prices and even less support on the ground for Mexicos new investor-friendly policies.

Despite public outcry, however, 125 billion barrels is a number that will not be ignored. Zama-1 may be the first private drilling experiment in 80 years, but it will certainly not be the last.

By Haley Zaremba for Oilprice.com

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Those who watched The Space Between Us would surely have a fresh memory of the plane that Gary Oldmans character flew from the ground into space. The plane probably used plasma jet engines and they are being developed on Earth right now. Still, to make that plane a reality will take quite some time.

A team of researchers from the Technical University of Berlin spoke to New Scientist about their plasma jet fuel engine that can propel a plane into the air, to the edge of space, using nothing but electricity and air. Well, nothing but is a bit too mildly put, as the electricity that the engines would use will have to come from somewhere, like a battery.

The leader of the team told New Scientists Sandrine Ceurstemont that We are the first to produce fast and powerful plasma jets at ground level. These jets of plasma can reach speeds of up to 20 kilometres a second. Berkant Goksel, from Technical University of Berlin, added that We want to develop a system that can operate above an altitude of 30 kilometres where standard jet engines cannot go.

This is certainly an ambitious goal, and the first step seems promising. Plasma jet engines use electricity to generate electromagnetic fields, which then compress a gas into plasmathe fuel in the heart of a star. This makes them extremely powerful, but also confined to labs because so far, they have all been designed to work in the vacuum of space or in very low pressures near the edge of the atmosphere. Related: Oil Prices Spike On Strong Crude Inventory Draw

Goksels team developed an engine that can work in the air, which was a major accomplishment, but the practical application of the invention is still years away. The engine that the team developed is actually an assembly of mini thrusters of 8 cm in length. An average airliner would need 10,000 of them to fly, and installing so many thrusters would be a challenge. Yet at most, only 1,000 of the mini thrusters would be required for smaller planes, which is why the team is targeting these for further tests.

The more serious problem is the supply of electricity. Whatever the size of the plane that will go to the edge of space thanks to the plasma jet thrusters, it will need to carry with it a battery, or as one Israeli researcher said, a small electrical power plant. Related: OPEC Monitoring Committee Proposes Nine-Month Extension

Todays batteries are not up to this task. For example, a Tesla Model S battery weighs about half a ton and has a capacity of 85 kWh. The battery provides the energy for the 380-horse power electric engine. The engine of a Boeing 747-400, on the other hand, has a power that equals more than 95,000 horse power. In other words, for the plasma jet technology to become commercially viable, another invention is needed: a lightweight, super energy-dense battery that can be mounted on the aircraft.

For Goksel, there are alternatives, such as solar panelsagain a challenging optionor wireless transfer of energy to the planes engine. The researcher, however, is pinning most of his hopes on advancements in compact fusion reactors. This could solve the battery problem by going around it. However, even large-scale fusion reactors are not yet a viable alternative to traditional fission reactors, let alone compact ones. So while the hype is well deserved, a replication of Gary Oldmans plane journey into space is still years away.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

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Ive written a lot recently about the surge in private equity for natural resources. With PE firms in the energy space being particularly dominant  holding an estimated $156 billion in funds for global projects.

And this week, one major investment group cut a unique deal to deploy those funds. With the terms suggesting some interesting shifts underway in how these buyers pursue new assets.

The investor is Carlyle Group. And the target is not a buyout  but rather a joint venture, with major U.S. shale player EOG Resources.

Carlyle announced Monday that the group will contribute $400 million to a JV with EOG. With these funds to be used to advanced drilling and development of specific acreage  in this case, EOGs lands in the Marmaton oil play of Oklahoma.

The target in this case is interesting  with Marmaton being a relatively unknown play. But the most notable feature of the deal is Carlyle taking a direct interest in wells alongside EOG, as a participating partner.

Thats a departure for Carlyle and energy private equity groups in general. With such investors usually injecting funds into E&Ps at the corporate level  or in rarer cases, buying out acreage 100% and then launching new companies to develop it.

The new joint venture model for Carlyle appears to be coming with a few twists. With the investment group saying its working interests in the Oklahoma lands will largely revert to EOG after certain performance milestones are met. Related: Saudi Arabia Signs $50 Billion Worth Of Oil Deals With The U.S.

The idea boils down to this: Carlyle kicks in funds, gets in as a partner, makes money during initial flush production of wells, then gets out by returning the working interests to EOG. With Carlyle stating that its expected timeline for the whole operation is four years.

Such a model could certainly work. But it entails different risks than energy PE normally takes on  such as the possibility that wells dont perform as expected, and payback isnt achieved in the target period.

That change in behavior in turn suggests that private equity is stepping out in its search for new investments. Signaling that the market may be getting too crowded to find more-traditional buying opportunities.

If so, we could see cashed-up PE groups getting more aggressive and desperate over the coming months. Watch for further unusual deals  or perhaps investments in further-afield locations than weve seen in recent years.

Heres to joining the party.

By Dave Forest

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In the end, the OPEC Vienna meeting - which technically won't conclude until tomorrow - was anticlimatic, with the recommendation by Joint OPEC-Non-OPEC Ministerial Monitoring Committee in line with what was "trial ballooned", and leaked in advance:

The JMMC considered several scenarios presented by the JTC regarding the extension of the Declaration of Cooperation and decided to recommend that the production adjustments of the participating countries be extended for nine months commencing 1 July 2017. In this regard, the JMMC should continue monitoring conformity levels as well as market conditions and immediate prospects, and recommend further adjustment actions, if deemed necessary.

As such, OPEC and non-member producers are likely to "clinch" a deal on Wednesday extending output cuts by nine months in hopes of clearing the huge global stock overhang and prop up the price of crude.

(Click to enlarge)

In advance of the formal recommendation, there was a lot of noise as OPEC summits tend to create, and non-stop headlines from all the newswires. Distilling it down, Saudi ally Kuwait signaled on Wednesday OPEC could discuss deepening the cuts, in what would come as a positive surprise for market bulls, but hopes quickly faded after a key committee recommended keeping the curbs unchanged. Two OPEC sources told Reuters the ministerial committee comprising OPEC members Algeria, Kuwait, Venezuela, current OPEC president Saudi Arabia and non-OPEC producers Russia and Oman recommended keeping the cuts "at the same level."

Also according to Reuters, Saudi Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih gave the thumbs up when asked whether the committee had agreed on a nine-month extension. Most other OPEC ministers including Iraq's had already voiced support for extending cuts by none months.

One potential last minute wildcard is Iranian Oil Minister Bijan Zanganeh, who clashed with Saudi Arabia in many previous OPEC meetings, and has so far kept a low profile, saying extensions of six or nine months were possible. Zanganeh is due in Vienna later on Wednesday. As a reminder, Iran has already received an exemption slightly to raise output, which has been curtailed by years of Western sanctions. Iran's production has been stagnant in recent months, suggesting limited upside potential at least in the short term.

"Before the end of the year, prices may go above $55 a barrel," Algerian Energy Minister Noureddine Boutarfa told Reuters before the committee meeting, saying an extension by nine months should help clear the glut by the year-end. Of course, they may also plunge to $45 or lower, where they were as recently as two weeks ago following the violent liquidation of all of Pierre Andurand's long oil positions at steep losses.

Justifying the extension, Saudi Arabia and Russia said that prolonging output curbs by nine months rather than the initially planned six months would help speed up market rebalancing and prevent crude prices from sliding back below $50 per barrel, even though as we showed last week, the math behind a 9 month extension still does not work out.

Despite the seeming consensus, a gray cloud lingered throughout the Vienna meeting, with one main question unanswered: is OPEC still the "marginal price setter", or has OPEC lost control of the market and the "war with shale", as the following recent chart from Goldman recently suggested:

(Click to enlarge) Related: Iraq Could Make Or Break The OPEC Deal

Some quickly came to the cartel's defense: "OPEC has already achieved a lot. They stopped the oil market surplus from building even before they started cutting," said Gary Ross, head of global oil at PIRA Energy, a unit of S&P Global Platts.

Others, however, such as Erik Norland, senior economist at CME Group, unloaded on OPEC telling Bloomberg that "OPEC is in a terrible bind, theyve lost control of the market, theyve lost control of prices and are trying to figure out the least bad option."

His complaints should be familiar: the increase in non-OPEC production, particularly in U.S., has cost the group market share while deeper output cuts would worsen that situation. Norland sees OPECs extension of cuts priced in, even as U.S. production is likely to increase further, with significant downside risk: It wouldnt surprise me to see oil prices re-testing $40 or $35 a barrel.

He also predicts that OPEC is more likely to cheat on cuts in 2H, despite strong compliance so far, citing a natural tendency of OPEC members, especially Iraq to fib. He also predicted that barring any major supply disruptions, he sees lower prices, though sees risk from political disturbances in producing nations.

Calling it fundamentally bearish but geopolitically bullish is probably the right combination."

Finally, while the probability is small, there is a modest chance of surprise in tomorrow's final statement and according to Reuters, a substantial additional cut was unlikely, one OPEC delegate said, "unless Saudi Arabia initiates it with the biggest contribution and is supported by other Gulf members".

However, this is where our "math", and Norland's skeptical assessment come into play: "Production cuts cause higher prices which will incentivize more production for the U.S. shale oil and reduce the impact of the production cuts. So it's a bit cyclical," said Sushant Gupta, research director for consultancy Wood Mackenzie. Related: Saudi Finance Minister: I Wouldn't Care If The Oil Price Is Zero"

Judging by the commentary from OPEC members, a surprise cut is unlikely. Algeria's Boutarfa said he believed stocks remained stubbornly large in the first half of 2017 because of high exports from the Middle East to the United States. "Thankfully, things are improving and we started seeing a draw in inventories in the United States," Boutarfa said, adding he believed that inventories should decline to their five-year average by the end of 2017.

There is one problem: it's not the U.S. where the marginal demand is currently set, but China, and as we reported last night, Chinese demand may be about to fall off a cliff if early indications that China's Strategic Petroleum Reserve is approaching capacity are confirmed. Should that be the case, some 1.2 million in oil demand is about to be eliminated overnight, forcing OPEC to quickly sit down again and hammer another, far deeper production cut. For now, keep an eye on the price of crude - should the recent jerk higher start to fade as the "news is sold", OPEC will be forced back to the drawing board on very short notice.

By Zerohedge

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The Saudi Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman unveiled the nations ambitious Vision 2030 in an interview with Al-Arabiya in April. The roadmap lays out a wide variety of economic reforms that will transition Saudi Arabia away from oil and into a broader array of investments.

While Saudi Arabias economy is currently suffering from an 18-month decline in oil prices and soaring unemployment rates, they are planning for a future in which they wont have to worry about the price of oil at all. Speaking of the plans outlined in Vision 2030, Saudi finance minister Mohammed Al Jadaan told CNN, "We will not really care much whether the price is 40, 45, 50, 55 at that time because we have gone significantly out of our way to be independent of the oil price...We are planning to totally [end] that dependency that we have been living for the last 40, 50 years. Hopefully by 2030, I wouldn't care if the oil price is zero."



Vision 2030 proposes an economic restructuring that would in theory add 6 million non-oil jobs by 2030 and generate $100 billion per year in additional non-oil revenue by 2020 by reducing subsidies for gasoline, electricity and water and introducing a new value-added tax as well as initiatives to foster more non-oil industries like mining and military hardware. They have also suggested grandiose ideas to create the worlds biggest IPO for Aramco (the worlds biggest oil company) and to establish the worlds biggest sovereign-wealth fund worth over $2 trillion to invest in a wide variety of assets. Related: Kuwait: Deeper Cuts Are On The Table

These proposals, groundbreaking in their extent, are especially radical in a country relying on oil for 90 percent of its GDP. Whether these ambitious goals are realistic for Saudi Arabia, whose national deficit is expected to reach 13.5 percent of GDP this year after over a year of decreasing oil prices, remains to be seen.

The 30-year-old Prince bin Salman also announced that he believed the plan could be realized even sooner, eliminating Saudi Arabias oil dependency by 2020, in a statement that the Economist referred to as manic optimism among the youthful new policy-setters of the royal court.

While the Vision 2030 roadmap is full of general policy suggestions and enterprising statements of intent, it lacks clear directives and detailed strategies. Saudi policy-makers have been promising logistics for months, but have yet to release anything of the sort.

For decades, any efforts to wean the Saudi economy off of oil has been met with opposition ranging from disinterest to disdain. If Vision 2030 is to have any success, it will rely upon bin Salmans ability to mobilize Saudi youth and instill a desire to work within new fields. As the youngest defense secretary in the world with a youthful outlook and a strong presence in social media, bin Salman may just have the sway it takes to realize this endeavor.

Diversifying Saudi Arabias economy could also be the answer to the nations growing youth unemployment. Timothy Callen, the assistant director for the Middle East and Central Asia department at the IMF, says that reducing unemployment among young Saudis will be one of the economys biggest challenges this year, with the rate already at 12 percent for nationals and 33.5 percent for youth and climbing steadily in conjunction with more and more young people entering employment age. Related: OPEC Optimism Lifts Oil Prices To One-Month High

Saudi authorities have said that they hope the reforms proposed in Vision 2030 will decrease unemployment just 7 percent, with the amount of women in the workforce increasing from just 22 percent to 30 percent stemming from increased education and employment opportunities. The Al-Bayan Center for Planning & Studies has criticized the modesty of these goals in comparison to the brash ambition of Vision 2030 as a whole, arguing that the hesitancy to establish the requisite social and political reforms that will inevitably support economic reform questions Saudi Arabias ability to diversify the economy and attract necessary foreign investment.

By 2030, the same year that bin Salman claims that Saudi Arabia will have broken up with oil, some experts predict that youth unemployment will increase to over 42 percent as the population continues to boom. These are two vastly different foresights for Saudi Arabia, but one thing is certain: the country will need more than just a vision to secure a brighter future.

By Haley Zaremba for Oilprice.com

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Chinas biggest oil and gas state company, CNPC, is willing to spend US$2 billion on the development of Block 58 in southern Peru. The news was reported by Perupetros head, Rafael Zoeger, at a news conference.

The Chinese major will start development of the field this year, planning to drill 60 wells to tap into an estimated 3.9 trillion cu ft of natural gas. This represents 27.7 percent of Perus current gas reserves. Block 58 is located near Perus biggest gas deposit, Camisea. Production from Block 58 is slated to begin in 2023.

The Chinese company also has a 46.2-percent interest in another adjacent field, Block 57, operated by Spains Repsol, whose gas reserves are estimated at 2 trillion cu ft..

According to Zoeger, the gas produced by CNPC in Block 58 will be transported to the Peruvian coast and used for power generation, and, possibly as feedstock for a petrochemical plant that is yet to be built. If the plant is not built, the gas will be exported.

Peru is a modest oil producer, with daily output at 38,290 bpd as of end-2016 but it has the third-largest gas reserves in South America, at 426.1 billion cu m as of 2014. Oil reserves are estimated at 170 million tons.



Related: Saudi Arabia Signs $50 Billion Worth Of Oil Deals With The U.S.

The country has the only gas liquefaction terminal on the continent, in Pampa Melchorita. Earlier this year, the operator of the facility, Peru LNG, loaded the first cargo bound for Europe since 2010. The cargo was the first of 401 to be received by the UK.

For CNPC, the investment in the Peruian oil and gas block is the latest move in a large-scale international expansion with a special focus on South America, as China grapples with depleting fields at home and much higher production costs than the government is comfortable with.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

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Iran has discovered a new gas field close to the giant offshore field South Pars in the Persian Gulf, Iranian media reported on Wednesday, quoting an unnamed official with the National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC).

According to Press-TV the field, called Sepand, has 1.5 trillion cubic feet of sweet gas, of which about 792 billion cubic feet could be recoverable.

The new field is independent from South Pars, which Iran shares with Qatar, the NIOC official told media. It is not yet clear if the newly discovered gas field is also shared with Qatar, according to the official.

One of the most important features of the new field is that it has a wide horizontal natural gas structure, the official was quoted as saying.

According to the NIOC representative, Iran would soon begin drilling an exploration well at the new field.

Just last month, Irans President Hassan Rouhani announced the start of phases 17-21 at the South Pars gas fielda development stage worth US$20 billion. Rouhani told media that gas output from the field had reached 570 million cu m and that Iran had plans to overtake Qatar as gas producer.

Currently, Iran produces 885 million cu m of gas dailyalmost the same as Qatarbut most of it is being consumed domestically. Oil fields need gas injections to increase output, so much of what Iran is producing from its gas deposits is being used to stimulate oil production. According to BP data, gas exports have yet to become viable given the current level of domestic natural gas consumption.



Related: Iraq Could Make Or Break The OPEC Deal

Still, Iran has ambitions to become a major gas exporter, beginning with 50 million cu m daily to neighbor Iraq, as soon as the latter arranges payments for the exports.

According to the EIA, reserves at the South Pars field account for almost 40 percent of Irans total natural gas reserves, and the field is also estimated to hold 17 million barrels of condensate in place.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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Although it is now a foregone conclusion that OPEC will extend the production cuts for at least some period, the cartel members are still debating how long the extension would be, Irans Oil Minister Bijan Zanganeh said on Wednesday, suggesting that not all oil producers are on board with the Saudi-Russian proposal for a nine-month extension a day before the OPEC meeting on Thursday.

All agree...to maintain OPECs production ceiling, [but] the term is not clear, Irans ISNA news agency quoted the minister as saying on the sidelines of an Iranian cabinet meeting in Tehran.

Maybe three months, six or nine months, Zanganeh said.

According to ISNA, Zanganeh said that Iranwhich was allowed to slightly raise output while other members had to cutwould not cut its own oil production.

The comments by the Iranian minister come after Saudi Arabias Oil Minister Khalid al-Falih was quoted as saying that he did not expect any opposition within OPEC to a nine-month extension, following a visit to Iraq, where OPECs no.1 and no.2 were said to have agreed on the need of a nine-month extension.

On Tuesday, Kuwaiti Oil Minister Essam al-Marzouq said that OPEC and non-OPEC signatories to the deal would discuss whether the production cut deal should be extended by six or nine months, because there isnt a unanimous unconditional support for a nine-month extension.



Related: Saudi Finance Minister: I Wouldn't Care If The Oil Price Is Zero"

We have agreed on the six months. Some of the countries have agreed to six months subject to a revision in November for an additional three months, according to al-Marzouq.

OPEC is not ruling out any option for discussion at the upcoming meeting on Thursday, including considering deeper cuts, al-Marzouq said on Tuesday.

On Wednesday, he was of the same opinion, telling reporters that all options are still open, including steeper cuts.

Judging from the comments of OPEC ministers, the cartels de facto leader Saudi Arabia expects a smooth meeting without much opposition to a 9-month extension, while other cartel members may need convincing to sign up to cutting for another nine months.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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The CEO of Nigerian oil company Oando says the worst of the west African countrys output disruptions are over as the twice-attacked Forcados pipeline returns to full capacity by the end of June.

National production will touch 2.2 million barrels per day by June as well, Pade Durotoye told reporters at the Africa Independents Forum in London on Wednesday.

"We think that the worst is behind us," he said. "Before the end of June, we will have Forcados back, which would take us comfortably back to 2.2 million bpd."

The first cargo from the 400,000 bpd Forcados export line loaded on the 15th of May, according to EP Mag, though Shells force majeure on the facility remains in place.

Separatists operating from the Niger Delta spent the better half of 2016 attacking oil facilities in the region to protest Lagos negligent attitude towards the residents of the land used to generate a majority of government revenues. Earlier this year, President Muhammadu Buharis administration launched a diplomatic strategy to engage leaders from the Niger Delta in order to find a peaceful solution to the regions grievances, including the possible legalization of makeshift refineries that currently process stolen oil.

Attacks by groups like the Niger Delta Avengers (NDA) and other affiliates have slowed in recent months, allowing to Forcados pipeline to be repaired and oil output to recover. As the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) prepares to review the terms of its November deal that cut output by 1.2 million barrels per day, the bloc may be compelled to revoke Nigerias exemption. Iraqi Oil Minister Jabar Al Luaibi made such a suggestion earlier this week, though his Nigerian counterpart said the country would be pursuing another six-month exemption.

The indications that I have so far is that there is a willingness to extending [the exemption], Nigerian oil minister Ibe Kachikwu told reporters in Houston. I expect we will get OPEC exemption but one year from now will it be renewed? I am not too sure.

By Zainab Calcuttawala for Oilprice.com

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My dad always told me, A year is a lifetime in politics. With 531 days to go until the midterm elections, there is plenty of time for things to change. However, the early warning signs are there for a blue wave. If Republicans wish to prevent a political bloodbath, they must correct course now and turn the national political tide before it is too late.

Democrats won two special legislative elections last night that got virtually no press coverage. In New York, Democrats won a special election for the 9th Assembly District, pulling off the upset in a seat that voted for Trump by 13 points in 2016. In New Hampshire, A Democrat won a seat in Wolfeboro that voted for Trump by 7 points. This seat has never before been held by a Democrat. Until now.

Just around the corner are three special Congressional elections: Georgia, Montana, and South Carolina. There is plenty of time for Republican prospects to improve but also enough time for things to get much worse. Recall early in 2010 when Scott Brown won a major upset in a special U.S. Senate election. That was the first sign of the red wave that swept the 2010 midterms. David Jolly won in 2014, laying down a marker for another very Republican midterm election.

I want to be very clear. Just because Democrats flipped a couple of traditionally red state legislative seats doesnt mean there is a blue wave coming. If Democrats walk away from the Georgia 6th with a win Republicans should start working overtime to correct the national political environment. If Democrats notch a win in Montana, its time to sound the alarm. If Democrats win in South Carolina, Republicans should put on their red elephant swim trunks because theyre going to get drenched.

Reagan Knopp is the Editor-in Chief of Oregon Catalyst.
Case of Kulbushan Yadav in court of ICJ 24 May, 2017 By Asif Haroon Raja

Related News Terrorism an American concept, says Fazl UK-based terrorists biggest threat to US: CIA Related Articles Progress achieved by Pakistan in counter terrorism

By By Asif Haroon Raja Quetta Church Attacked by Daesh and BNA

By By Zaheerul Hassan Related Speakout More on this View All Terrorism an American concept, says Fazl

UK-based terrorists biggest threat to US: CIA

Musharraf rules out military solution of terrorism

Pakistan's stability synonymous with world security: President Zardari

Pakistan will fight terrorism with iron fist, says Gilani

U.S. Deputy Secretary of State to visit Pakistan next week

US should not underestimate strength of Muslims: Afgan Related News Poll Do you think recent suicide blasts are a reaction against Lal Masjid operation? Pakistan is on the hit list of India, Afghanistan and USA supported by NATO and Israel since 2002. The enemies of Pakistan have been using Afghanistan as a major base of operation for their covert operations. RAW had established its forward network in the northwestern Pakistan with the help of its proxy TTP and its affiliates, which destabilized FATA and parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa including the capital city of Peshawar. Pakistan security forces fought the paid proxies in South and North Waziristan and other tribal agencies of FATA as well as Swat from 2003 till 2008.



Pakistan had to again launch major operations in Buner, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Malakand, Bajaur, and South Waziristan in 2009, and later in Khyber Agency, Kurram Agency, Orakzai Agency and Mohmand Agency in 2010/11. Later on, a big operation was launched in North Waziristan in June 2014 to recapture the last stronghold of TTP under Hakimullah Mehsud and flush out over 60 terrorist groups including foreign groups.



By mid-2015, the entire northwestern belt was cleared of the foreign aided proxies and they had to take shelter in Kunar, Nuristan and Nangarhar in Afghanistan. The runaway militants of TTP, Jamaat-e-Ahrar and Lashkar-e-Islam are still carrying out terror attacks inside Pakistan duly abetted, equipped, funded and guided by RAW and NDS and backed by CIA.



India has also been making use of Iranian soil for undertaking sabotage and subversion in Baluchistan and Karachi and for that purpose RAW had stationed a serving Navy officer of the rank of Commander, Kulbushan Sudhir Yadav at Chahbahar as a businessman under a fake name of Mubarak Hussain Patel in 2003. He had been given Indian and Pakistani passports. He had lived in Karachi for some time in 2004 and had made trips into Baluchistan several times to provide funds and assign tasks to the terrorists. Sea routes were used to supply arms and explosives.



He had succeeded in establishing RAW network in the two regions with the help of Baloch rebellious groups namely BLA, BRA, BLF in Baluchistan and MQM, Lyari gang and fishermen in Karachi. From 2013 onwards, he was made the overall in-charge of carrying out subversive war in Pakistan and mandated to accelerate separatist movement in Baluchistan, make Karachi



lawless, torpedo Gwadar seaport and scuttle CPEC. Kulbushan was a state actor deputed by the Indian State to wage war against Pakistan and for this purpose he was given $400 million.



Reportedly, he was linked with Iranian military intelligence. It otherwise doesnt stand to reason that he hoodwinked the state machinery of Iran since 2003 by pretending to be a businessman and making frequent trips to Pakistan and kept his activities hidden. Indo-Afghan-Iran strategic economic partnership signed in Chahbahar in 2016, Indias financial support to build Chabahar seaport and connect it by road and rail with Afghanistan, and Irans serious reservations over Gwadar seaport are strong indicators that Iran could have closed its eyes to the subversive war launched by RAW from its soil to emasculate Gwadar by bleeding Baluchistan and Karachi.



Indo-US-Afghanistan nexus supported by others have been constantly building a narrative against Pakistan to project it as a double dealer and involved in abetting terrorism in Afghanistan, Indian Occupied Kashmir (IOK) and India. The trio has been projecting Pakistan responsible for their failings in Afghanistan and portraying itself as victims of terrorism. Taking advantage of the diplomatic clout and military and economic power, they have been able to sell their stories to the world community and hide their collective crimes against Pakistan and Indian crimes in IOK.



One reason that they succeeded in building perceptions and portraying Pakistan in poor light was Pakistans utter failure to build a counter narrative to convey its side of the story and highlight aggressiveness and terrorism of enemies in disguise of friends. India besides lumping all terror attacks in India from 2001 to 2008 in the basket of Pakistan, it carried out false flag operations in December 2001, November 2008, Gurdaspur, Udhamphur in 2015, and Pathankot, Uri in 2016, in its bid to depict Pakistan as a terror abetting state.



Pakistan on the political and diplomatic fronts remained passive, defensive and apologetic thereby giving a distinct edge to India. Instead of building a counter narrative it preferred to do American bidding and kept doing more and more hoping that its obedience would please Washington. Similar approach was adopted towards India as well as Afghanistan to keep the two appeased.



Pakistans Foreign Office and Embassies couldnt achieve much in exposing Indias real face after it started to break all records of human rights violations and atrocities against hapless Kashmiris. The 22-member team sent by Pakistan to western capitals in September 2016 failed to convince anyone that India is the villain of peace in the region and no peace is possible unless the 70-year old dispute of Kashmir is resolved amicably as per UN resolutions.



Kulbushan in Pakistans hands exposes the smokescreen of deceit, lies and deception of India and lays bare its ugly face for the first time, but for unknown reasons, our policy makers failed to capitalize on the biggest prize the Army had bagged in Baluchistan on March 3, 2016.



Although his twice video recorded detailed confessions, and statements made by over 200 of his connections in Baluchistan and Karachi who had been arrested were handed over to the US and the UN, but unlike India which makes hue and cry and sours its lungs to prove its fake stories as true, Pakistan didnt make any worthwhile noise to drumbeat this huge catch in the world.



However, Pakistan achieved commendable results on the military and intelligence planes and thwarted dangerous designs of enemies of Pakistan. Intelligence based targeted Rangers Operation backed by Army launched in Karachi in September 2013 smothered the militancy and fascism espoused by MQM under Altaf Hussain. MQM stands split into four factions and Altaf completely isolated. Semblance of order has been restored in Karachi.



Likewise, a similar operation by Frontier Corps backed by Army in Baluchistan broke the back of the separatist movement supported by foreign powers and Baloch rebels are returning home in droves while Baluchistan is being developed at a fast pace to remove its socio-economic grievances.



These achievements made by Pakistan when seen in the backdrop of worsening security situation in Afghanistan and not so happy internal situation of India, and with Kulbushan as well as spokesman of TTP Ehsanullah Ehsan in Pakistans hand, it has made things extremely dismal for India.



Kulbushan being a naval serving officer was tried in FGCM by the Army and on April 10, 2017 he was awarded death sentence. Although his trial was kept



secret, the accused was given facility of defence counsel and all norms of justice were fully met.



Within 40 days of the date of verdict (20 May 2017), convicted Kulbushan can appeal to the High Court, but he has not made any appeal. Option of Supreme Court is also open to him. He can also seek mercy petition from the President to convert his sentence to life sentence.



India kept trying to gain consular access to Kulbushan by quoting 2008 Indo-Pak consular access agreement, but never owed up that he was working for RAW against Pakistan. India couldnt explain why he was issued a Pakistani passport and why he was operating under a cover name of Mubarak Hussain. India didnt agree that he was arrested in Baluchistan and maintains that he was abducted from Iran. India denies Kulbushan is a RAW agent and a serving officer, but at a belated stage admitted that he is a retired naval officer.



While Pakistan has been giving consular access to India for Indian spies in its custody, India never reciprocated. Since he was a spy, he was fomenting terrorism and working on an agenda to detach Baluchistan from the body of Pakistan, hence consular access was not granted to India, particularly because of extremely hostile posture of India and Kulbushan not requesting for consular access.



To maximize pressure on Pakistan and force it give consular access to Kulbushan, RAW master minded the kidnapping of a Pakistani retired Army officer Lt Col Habib in April 2017. He was kidnapped from Nepal and taken to India after luring him by offering a lucrative job in Nepal. A fake employment company posing to be based in London performed the gory act. This act was undertaken to project him as an ISI spy operating against India from Nepal and then using him as a bargaining chip to release Kulbushan.



Additionally, besides keeping the LoC and working boundary in Kashmir sector turbulent through constant ceasefire violations, India provoked Kabul to create a situation at Chaman crossing point by firing at the census team and disrupting the census process.



Already irked by border management process and return of Afghan refugees and staggered by Taliban offensive, Afghan border force fired indiscriminately on May 5, 2017 from the two border villages and caused civilian casualties. Besides the forceful military response action by Pakistan military, the two border crossing points at Chaman and Torkham were closed, and are still closed.



As if this provocative act was not enough, Iran was elbowed to warn Pakistan in reaction to a border incident on April 27. Iranian Army Commanders stern warning on May 8 was so timed that it gave an impression as if Pakistan was now faced with three dimensional threat and that except for China all its neighbors accused Pakistan of terrorism and were hostile toward it.



Internally, other than the Panama leaks case, Dawn leaks case was played up by opposition parties and paid media to create rift between the army and the govt. Issuance of a tweet by DG ISPR in response to a notification issued by the PM House, saying that, the notification is incomplete and not in line with the recommendations of the investigating team and hence is rejected, sent the opponents of Nawaz Sharif (NS) into raptures. They wishfully thought that finally the two titans have locked their horns and downfall of NS was within grasping reach.



Media created a hype and it put the PM in an awkward position. Once the notification was duly corrected to the entire satisfaction of the GHQ, the latter fittingly withdrew the tweet and the tense matter was amicably resolved. However, sudden diffusion of Dawn leaks case came as a bolt from the blue for the opponents of NS and the media, and their guns started to target the Army Chief and senior leadership of Army, saying that it was an abject surrender and a compromise on national security. Social media, particularly retired army officers played an anomalous role. They went two steps ahead of the anti-Army brigade in besmirching the image of Army Chief. None was interested in national security; their target was NS.



It was under such murky internal political conditions and blame game that India suddenly decided to approach the International Court of Justice (ICJ). For India, Kulbushan has suddenly become enormously important since his execution will put a confirmatory stamp on Pakistans stance that India has been fomenting terrorism in Pakistan. Except for Yadavs immediate family,



none in India has any love lost for Kulbushan. They are cursing him for putting India in a very embarrassing situation.



In reality, India wants to save its face and image and not Kulbushan. After a lapse of one year, there was a sudden upsurge of love for him and Sushma Swaraj declared him the son of Mahabharat and warned that India will go to any extent to get him released. Probably Iran has been taken in the loop and it is demanding consular access for Kulbushan on the plea that he had planned to target Pak Embassy in Tehran.



India filed a case in ICJ on May 10, 2017. It accused Pakistan of violating the Vienna Convention by failing to provide Kulbushan consular access, as well as breaking international human rights law. New Delhi also appealed to the ICJ to impose emergency measures to suspend Kulbushan execution until the legal battle in ICJ has concluded and urged The Hague Court to use its jurisdiction and authority to get Kulbushan released.



ICJ promptly accepted the case on the same date, and in great haste affixed the date of hearing on May 15. Pakistan decided to contest the case in ICJ although many advised that Pakistan was not legally bound to do so in the light of Indo-Pak consular bilateral agreement in 2008, which overrode obligations under Vienna Convention.



More so, ICJ has a poor history of dispensing justice or exercising its authority effectively. In 1999, when it approached ICJ regarding the downing of Navys Atlantic Reconnaissance aircraft inside Pak territory, India refused to accept its jurisdiction and the ICJ could do nothing. USA thrice rejected decisions of the ICJ when Paraguay, Germany and Mexico had approached the court to stay the death sentences awarded by the US Courts and to provide consular access to the accused. So was the case with China when it refused to honor the verdict of ICJ in favor of Philippines on its navigational rights in South China Sea.



Pakistan maintained that the ICJ need not intervene as it had adhered to a 2008 bilateral treaty with India that supersedes the Vienna Pact by stating that the right to consular access can be waived where national security is at risk. Islamabad also noted that Kulbushan sentence remains subject to appeal to higher courts in Pakistan (40 days from the date of award of death sentence, ie, 20 May 2017), and he is in no immediate danger of execution.



It described Indias decision to take its case to the UN court as political theatre.



The panel of judges headed by Justice Ronny Abraham heard the arguments of both sides on May 15 and reserved its judgement till next hearing. On May 17, at 3 pm Pakistan time, Judge Ronny said, The mere fact that Mr. Kulbushan Yadav is under a death sentence and might therefore be executed is sufficient to demonstrate the existence of a risk of irreparable prejudice to the rights claimed by India. Therefore the court was satisfied of the urgency of the case. He granted stay on verdict of death sentence till finalization of the case and final verdict. The ICJ ruling did not favor the arguments of either side but was meant to prevent Pakistan from taking any irrevocable steps before the court can decide whether it has jurisdiction in the case and, later, which side is right or wrong.



Since the announcement of provisional order, Indian leaders and Indian media are blowing trumpets of victory and are terming it as Indias biggest diplomatic triumph. Taking advantage of the misgivings aired by politicians, pseudo intellectuals, legal fraternity, former judges and TV anchors in Pakistan, India is conveying to the world that Pakistan has been soundly beaten and that the right of hanging Kulbushan has been snatched away from its hands.



Barrister Khawar Qureshi who represented Pakistan at ICJ, has been maliciously targeted by Indian media and unfortunately Pak media has joined the chorus to demean him.



It must be known that all international institutions are funded and controlled by USA and are under the influence of Israel as well. ICJ falls in this category. Since India is strategic partner of USA and Israel, therefore it will be logical to assume that the case of India will be dealt by ICJ in accordance with wishes of India and not otherwise. This has already become obvious after seeing the speed with which the case of India was accepted by ICJ and provisional relief given to India in one hearing. The judges rejected the plea of Pakistan saying it had prima facie jurisdiction under Article 1 of Optional Protocol to Vienna Convention to hear the case.



Irrespective of the limitations of ICJ, so far the case is open and no one has won or lost the case. Like the Panama case, which was not a legal but purely a political case in which political vendetta was glaringly visible, ICJ case concerning Kulbushan is also political in nature. It is more inclined toward political point scoring and has little element of law. Barrister Khawar has rightly stated that India is chanting hollow slogans on its imaginary victory at Hague and befooling its people.



Opponents of NS helped by media are spinning stories that ground is being smoothened to release Kulbushan and quote NS-Sajjan Jindal secret meeting in Murree. NS is being dubbed as a security risk on account of his soft approach towards India because of his business interests. They are lambasting him for not mentioning the name of Kulbushan for once and not giving a befitting reply to bellicose statements made by Modi and other Indian leaders against Pakistan. They say that the govt made little efforts to expose the ugly face of India after the arrest of Kulbushan and that Pakistan should not have gone to the ICJ since ICJ jurisdiction hinges on mutual consent of both parties.



Denial of consular access to India for Kulbushan is seen as a mistake. Some went to the extent of saying that NS passed on letter signed by Kulbushan to Jindal asking Indian govt to take up his case in ICJ.



Swayed by Indian propaganda, they say Barrister Khawar was weak and didnt fight the case properly.



TV anchors and so-called analysts have been painting disconsolate scenario as if everything has been lost because of poor handling of the case. They misled and stimulated the sentiments of the public rather than carrying out objective and dispassionate assessment of law.



It must not been forgotten that all stories pasted on social media are manufactured in Pune city in India. These conspiracies theories and cooked up news are further spiced by their spooks in Pakistan and elsewhere. Juicy stories are easy to sell. Fun starved public already immersed in socio-economic problems eagerly buy the scandalous stories since they have no stamina to listen to factual stories devoid of juice. Pak social and electronic media toe the line of Indo-US-Western media and go a mile ahead in further scandalizing the invented stories to tarnish the image of the govt and premier institutions. This practice has been going on since the expansion and



liberalization of electronic media in Pakistan in 2002/03. News on social media are mostly fabricated or mixed with half-truths.



My Detached Views



We tend to forget that Kulbushan was tried in FGCM and given death sentence after his confessional statements of his direct involvement in spying and terrorism in Pakistan on two occasions, and that so far Pakistan has not relented and has borne the pressure of India to give consular access.



To meet the norms of justice, the convict has the right to appeal in apex courts and then to the President of Pakistan. This process has yet not been completed which takes 150 days as per Army Act. As such, if ICJ has asked Pakistan to delay his hanging till completion of full hearing, nothing unusual has happened.



ICJ didnt rule that Kulbushan must not be hanged. It only desired deferment. India sought his release, but it failed. India is trying to hide its embarrassment behind media war as it had done in Kargil conflict.



The main case is yet to start and Pakistan has a very strong case while India is on a very weak wicket since it is defending terrorism.



India will have to prove that Kulbushan was not a serving officer, and not involved in spying and terrorism, and why was he given two names and a fake identity. It cannot prove any.



Once the case opens up for full hearing, it will for the first time unravel all the misdoings of India starting from 1970.



The ICJ cannot terminate the death sentence of Kulbushan. The ICJ can at best rule against death sentence and may convert it into life sentence, but cannot pronounce him not guilty and release him.



Pakistan is not honor bound to obey ICJ ruling and will go by the ruling of FGCM and Supreme Court.



Pakistan has not violated Vienna Convention in denying consular access because this is an exceptional case involving integrity and national security of Pakistan.



Besides the two confessional statements of Kulbushan, Pakistan has ample documentary and video evidences. So why so much of victory celebrations in



India and why the pall of gloom and hue and cry in Pakistan when the court battle has yet not started??



In my view India has been trapped and Pakistan has a great opportunity after the temporary setback in the ICJ.



India has itself terminated the bilateral policy which it has been using since 1972 to thwart resolution of Kashmir dispute and opened up multilateral approach for Pakistan.



India has internationalized the Kulbushan case (a bilateral dispute) by taking it to the ICJ. They have done it, what we couldn't do. "Lo Aap Apne Daam main Sayyad Aa Gaya" (The hunter has fallen into his own trap).



Pakistan must now capitalize on this opportunity and drag India in the ICJ and other international forums, and prove to the World that India is involved in the state sponsored terrorism in Pakistan.



Based on the precedence and moral authority of the Kulbushan case, Pakistan should take one by one, many of the human rights violations in Kashmir to the ICJ, and expose Indian atrocities.



Pakistan must expose to the World that India is the originator of cross border terrorism and sponsorship of terrorism is the "State Policy" of India.



Pakistan has a strong case, we have an opportunity, and we must exploit it. We have the capability, diplomatic skills and the expertise to make up for the opportunities we lost in the past because of our policy of appeasement and apologetic stance.



After all, havent our diplomats successfully blocked Security Council seat to India despite support of world powers to India? Havent we become a nuclear power despite all the odds and have protected it and further strengthened it? Pakistan has won 26 elections out of 28 at international forums in the last few years in spite of outright hostility of India and USA? Havent our security forces and intelligence agencies reversed the dangerous tide of terrorism that had engulfed Pakistan and had nearly sunk it? It was a near impossible feat which no other country including USA has achieved.



Havent we upturned the sunk economy and overcome energy crisis to a great extent when it seemed impossible in 2013? CPEC has been made operational since last October. This year industrial zones will be built in each province and 10,000 MW additional electricity will be added in the national grid by end 2017 to overcome energy crisis.



While Pakistan military is giving a robust response to Indias aggression along the LoC in Kashmir, and has achieved spectacular results against



foreign sponsored terrorists, Pakistan has improved its macroeconomic indicators and GDP has reached 5.30 %. It has improved its image and has successfully freed itself from the strategic encirclement and web of isolation weaved by India and its strategic partners.



CPEC is the mainstay of Chinas One-Belt-One-Road (OBOR) concept which is based on 6 economic corridors and Pakistan is the hub of CPEC. The success of OBOR in general and CPEC in particular was visibly seen in the recently concluded summit in Beijing which was attended by representatives from over 150 countries.



Installation of former army chief Gen Raheel Sharif as head of 41 Muslim States Alliance and the summit in Riyadh, attended by Donald Trump are reasons for Pakistan to feel good and proud that its importance cannot be overlooked. All these developments are much to the chagrin of India.



With all these spectacular achievements under our belt, there is simply no reason for us to feel upset and gloomy. Let's push them, we can do it.



Harmony between civil and military relations from June 2013 onward was one reason for achieving tangible results. All state institutions, legal fraternity, judges, civil society, political and religious parties and Ulema will all have to stay together and put up a united front to beat India.



Electronic and social media and doomsayers will have to change their stance from negativity to positivity or else be disciplined.



The writer is retired Brig, war veteran, defence analyst, columnist, author of five books, Vice Chairman Thinkers Forum Pakistan, Director Measac Research Centre. Takes part in TV talk shows, attends seminars and delivers talks. asifharoonraja@gmail.com
Govt not to make Dawn Leaks report public: Chaudhry Nisar 24 May, 2017



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Woke Bingo ISLAMABAD: The government does not intend to make the Dawn Leaks inquiry report public, said Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar at a meeting with members of the Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE), All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS) and Pakistan Broadcasters Association (PBA).



Talking about DG ISPRs tweet wherein he had rejected governments notification regarding Dawn Leaks, Nisar said the army was under the impression that former minister for information Pervaiz Rasheed was being given a clean chit and that he would probably assume his office again. He said the dust settled when the army was assured that there will be no clean chit for Pervaiz Rasheed.



The minister said during negotiations with the army following the DG ISPRs tweet, the government wanted the army to apologise or at least express regrets over the tweet, but the matter finally settled with the withdrawal of the tweet.



Nisar said Pervaiz Rasheed admitted to him that when Cyril Almeida approached him to confirm the story and repeated exactly what was discussed in the meeting, he was shocked as to how the contents of the meeting had reached Almeida. Rasheed said Almeida knew the contents of the meeting as if he actually attended the meeting.



The interior minister said Almeida also contacted Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif to confirm the story but he rubbished the report.



The minister said that Pervaiz Rasheed initially denied his participation in the meeting but when the records were checked, it was found that he was in attendance. With Pervaiz Rasheeds involvement in the matter proven, Rao Tehseens only fault appeared to be the fact that he wasnt able to stop the story from being published, the minister said.



Nisar said action was being taken against social media users for maligning Pakistan Army, adding that two persons from the government  one from PM Houses social media team and other from Punjab CMs team  were also among those arrested.



He said the government was doing everything under its legal authority to stop abuse of social media. He said the government was trying to make the social media giants like Facebook and Twitter to set up offices in Pakistan and help the government remove controversial content from the social media.



In his press conference shortly after the meeting, Nisar said he wants to steer the social media in right direction, adding that social media will not be blocked but only objectionable content will be acted against.



He also hinted at cracking down against the objectionable social media accounts by intercepting the phone numbers they are linked with.



Nisar for the first time made it public that the government had its own de-radicalisation centres and was willing to talk to non-ideological terrorists whose only motive might be to fight for the money. It is through these de-radicalisation centres, he said, that these terrorists will be brought back to the national mainstream.



The minister said he knew how the blasphemy laws were being abused to settle personal scores, adding that it was absolutely necessary to verify the matter before booking anyone under the said laws. He said the government was working to stop misuse of the blasphemy laws.



Briefing on the national security, the minister said that as many as 90 million dubious SIM cards had been blocked so far. He said the government was working on a national security code of conduct whose details will be made public in due course of time.



The minister said it was difficult to reason with Iran when they believed everything was being done deliberately. He said former army chief General (r) Raheel Sharif had informed Tehran about Kulbhushan Jhadev but they later denied of having any knowledge about the matter.



The government does not intend to make the Dawn Leaks inquiry report public, said Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar at a meeting with members of the Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE), All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS) and Pakistan Broadcasters Association (PBA).



Talking about DG ISPRs tweet wherein he had rejected governments notification regarding Dawn Leaks, Nisar said the army was under the impression that former minister for information Pervaiz Rasheed was being given a clean chit and that he would probably assume his office again. He said the dust settled when the army was assured that there will be no clean chit for Pervaiz Rasheed.



The minister said during negotiations with the army following the DG ISPRs tweet, the government wanted the army to apologise or at least express regrets over the tweet, but the matter finally settled with the withdrawal of the tweet.



Nisar said Pervaiz Rasheed admitted to him that when Cyril Almeida approached him to confirm the story and repeated exactly what was discussed in the meeting, he was shocked as to how the contents of the meeting had reached Almeida. Rasheed said Almeida knew the contents of the meeting as if he actually attended the meeting.



The interior minister said Almeida also contacted Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif to confirm the story but he rubbished the report.



The minister said that Pervaiz Rasheed initially denied his participation in the meeting but when the records were checked, it was found that he was in attendance. With Pervaiz Rasheeds involvement in the matter proven, Rao Tehseens only fault appeared to be the fact that he wasnt able to stop the story from being published, the minister said.



Nisar said action was being taken against social media users for maligning Pakistan Army, adding that two persons from the government  one from PM Houses social media team and other from Punjab CMs team  were also among those arrested.



He said the government was doing everything under its legal authority to stop abuse of social media. He said the government was trying to make the social media giants like Facebook and Twitter to set up offices in Pakistan and help the government remove controversial content from the social media.



In his press conference shortly after the meeting, Nisar said he wants to steer the social media in right direction, adding that social media will not be blocked but only objectionable content will be acted against.



He also hinted at cracking down against the objectionable social media accounts by intercepting the phone numbers they are linked with.



Nisar for the first time made it public that the government had its own de-radicalisation centres and was willing to talk to non-ideological terrorists whose only motive might be to fight for the money. It is through these de-radicalisation centres, he said, that these terrorists will be brought back to the national mainstream.



The minister said he knew how the blasphemy laws were being abused to settle personal scores, adding that it was absolutely necessary to verify the matter before booking anyone under the said laws. He said the government was working to stop misuse of the blasphemy laws.



Briefing on the national security, the minister said that as many as 90 million dubious SIM cards had been blocked so far. He said the government was working on a national security code of conduct whose details will be made public in due course of time.



The minister said it was difficult to reason with Iran when they believed everything was being done deliberately. He said former army chief General (r) Raheel Sharif had informed Tehran about Kulbhushan Jhadev but they later denied of having any knowledge about the matter.
Photographer Mathias Depardon, who was arrested and detained by Turkish police on May 8, has begun a hunger strike to protest his detention, Reuters and other news outlets report.

Depardon, a French citizen based in Istanbul, was arrested while on assignment for National Geographic photographing in the town of Hasankeyf. An order for Depardons deportation was issued on May 11, but he remains in detention in a jail run by the National Department for Migration.

Reporters without Borders (RSF) reports that Depardon began his hunger strike on May 22.

RSF has called Depardons arrest completely unjustified. According to RSF, Hasankeyf police said they had arrested Depardon on suspicion of propaganda for a terrorist organization. His photos of members of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), which is banned in Turkey, had been published in French media.

Erol Onderoglu, RSFs representative in Turkey said, The absurd charges brought against him seem designed solely to justify his arbitrary arrest after the event. We call for nothing less than his complete release, without prosecution or expulsion.

At the time of his arrest, Depardon was working in Hasankeyf on a story for National Geographic about how the historic town could be damaged if a proposed dam is built.

Committee to Protect Journalists calls Turkey the worlds leading jailer of journalists, with 159 journalists currently in jail.

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HUDSON FALLS  A Hudson Falls man faces numerous charges after an alleged domestic violence incident that ended with a foot chase in traffic, police said.

Isaac D. Jones, 21, was arrested after a 7 p.m. Tuesday call to police about an argument on Main Street, according to Hudson Falls Police.

Jones allegedly took a cellphone from a 1-year-old child who was with the woman and smashed it in front of the woman and child, violating an order of protection, Hudson Falls Police Sgt. Ryan Woodward said.

Officers arrived and Jones ran south on Route 4, nearly causing accidents as he ran in and out of traffic, and police eventually caught him near Washington County Municipal Center.

He was charged with felony criminal contempt and misdemeanor counts of criminal mischief, resisting arrest, endangering the welfare of a child and obstructing governmental administration and non-criminal disorderly conduct, police said.

Jones was being held pending arraignment Wednesday. Woodward made the arrest.
The Memorial Day weekend will feature plenty of parades, celebrations and memorial services, most of them scheduled for Monday. Here is a look at local Memorial Day observances:

Monday

Argyle

The parade will start at 10 a.m. at the coin-operated laundry on Route 197 and proceed to the American Legion hall for a short ceremony.

Bolton Landing

The parade will begin at 10 a.m. at Rogers Park, proceed to the monument for a memorial service and then on to Veterans Park for ceremonies.

Cambridge

The parade will start at 10 a.m. It will form at Academy Street and end at Cambridge Central School. There will be a brief ceremony at Memorial Park. World War II veteran Clarence Haskell will be the grand marshal. Prior to the parade, services will be held in Eagle Bridge at 7:30 a.m., Woodlands Cemetery at 8 a.m. and St. Patricks Cemetery at 8:30 p.m.

Fort Ann

The Fort Ann American Legion Parade starts at 10 a.m. at Fort Ann Central School. The parade route will go from Catherine Street to Charles Street to Route 4 to Village Park. There will be a ceremony in the park with speakers. After the ceremony, the parade will reassemble on Route 4 and march back to the school.

Fort Edward

The parade will form at the Washington County Municipal Center and start at 2 p.m. Marchers will go down Route 4 and the parade will end at State Street Cemetery.

Glens Falls/Queensbury

The annual parade, a collaborative effort by the city of Glens Falls and the town of Queensbury, will be held beginning at 10 a.m. and will proceed north on Glen Street from Maple Street to Crandall Park, where the remembrance ceremony will be held. In case of rain, the ceremony will be held in the Fire Road ice rink.

Granville

American Legion Post 323 and VFW Post 1653 will put on the Memorial Day events. They will start with a prayer and 21-gun salute at the monuments on the front lawn of the high school at 8 a.m. VFW and American Legion members will lay wreaths, play taps and perform a 21-gun salute at Elmwood Cemetery at 9 a.m. and at Mettowee Cemetery at 9:30 a.m. The parade will start 10 a.m. at the corner of Pine and North streets and move down Main Street to Veterans Memorial Park. Marchers will make stops along the route to lay wreaths and say prayers, including one at the World War II clock on Main Street and another on the Main Street bridge. Another ceremony will take place at Veterans Park. Keith Koster of the American Legion will speak at the park. In case of rain, the park ceremony will be moved to the American Legion hall on Columbus Street.

Hadley/Lake Luzerne

The William J. Varney American Legion Post 862 will host a parade at 11 a.m. Anyone interested in marching should meet at the Four Corners in Hadley at 10:45 a.m. There will be a short ceremony at the Bridge of Hope and then a ceremony at the Lake Luzerne Cemetery. This years grand marshal will be John Cronkhite, a Navy veteran who was involved in expeditions in Cuba and Lebanon. Refreshments will be served at the American Legion post hall following the ceremonies.

Hartford

The Hartford parade is scheduled for 6 p.m. It will start at Hartford Central School and end at the town highway barn. An actor portraying Abraham Lincoln will recite the Gettysburg Address. There will also be a takeout chicken barbecue dinner at the Hartford Methodist church, starting at 1 p.m. The Civil War Enlistment Center will be open during the day. There will be a "Honk For Hartford" banner at Monument Square and residents there will try to get cars and trucks to honk their horns.

Hudson Falls/Kingsbury

The Kingsbury portion of the parade will start at 9 a.m. at Franklin Street near the high school and will include a memorial service at the Moss Street Cemetery. There will also be a service at the veterans memorial at Juckett Park at 10:10 a.m.

The Hudson Falls parade will start at 11 a.m. on Park Street and will proceed to Union Cemetery for ceremonies. Kenneth Williams will be the grand marshal. The family of Kevin Kimmerly, who was killed in action in 2003 in Baghdad, will be in the parade. A youth award will be given to Alvin Peachman. Rachel Hall, the Washington County dairy princess, will also take part.

Lake George

The Fort George Alliance will hold its fifth annual Memorial Day Remembrance by the grave of the Four Unknown French & Indian War Soldiers at Fort George, located within the Lake George Battlefield Park. The event is at 10:30 a.m.

In a brief ceremony, the fallen will be honored with a wreath laid by the gravestone dedicated to the Four Unknown French & Indian War Soldiers, representing all who fell during 1755s Battle of Lake George and who lie at rest in unknown graves in the area. Parking will be free.

Long Lake

Long Lake American Legion Post No. 650 will host a parade beginning at 8:30 a.m. from the Long Lake Town Hall. The Honor Guard will march to the Long Lake Bridge to commemorate those lost at sea and then return to the Doughboy Monument and Town Hall. At 9 a.m., the parade will re-commence and go to the Long Lake Cemetery for a ceremony and speech, continuing on to the Vietnam Memorial at South Hill Road and Deerland Road.

The guest speaker for the Long Lake Memorial Day ceremony is Command Sgt. Major Christopher Reeves, senior non-commissioned officer for the 91st Military Police Battalion at Fort Drum. Reeves has been in the Army for 22 years. He has been deployed to Operation Iraqi Freedom for three rotations.

North Creek

North Creek American Legion Post 629s Memorial Day Parade will step off from the Johnsburg Central School to the Veterans Memorial at 9:45 a.m. The ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. Following the ceremony, refreshments will be offered at the North Creek firehouse. In the event of rain, the ceremony will be held in the school.

Salem

Events are being coordinated by American Legion Post 812 and will begin with a ceremony at the Shushan Memorial monument at 9 a.m., and the parade will start at the Salem Courthouse Community Center at 10 a.m. The parade will march to the Archibald Street bridge for a service, then to the Revolutionary War Cemetery. Services will also be held at the Civil War Monument at the Evergreen Cemetery and Catholic Cemetery.

Schuylerville

The Saratoga National Cemetery Honor Guard Association will take part in the Memorial Day ceremony at the Saratoga National Cemetery on Duell Road, beginning at 11 a.m. The ceremony will be conducted at the main flagpole location. The ceremony will take place regardless of weather conditions.

Stillwater

Saratoga National Historical Park, located on routes 4 and 32 in Stillwater, will offer special living history programming and readings that honor Americans who fought and died in the 1777 Revolutionary War Battles of Saratoga. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is free. It will include living history activities that showcase aspects of militia soldier life at Saratoga in 1777.

South Glens Falls

In memory of deceased loved ones, the Rev. Joseph Manerowski, pastor at St. Marys Church in Glens Falls, will celebrate Mass at 8:05 a.m. at St. Marys Cemetery in South Glens Falls.

Stony Creek

The parade is scheduled for 3 p.m. at Green Meadows Park.

Warrensburg

Warrensburg American Legion Post 446 will hold its annual parade beginning with a Navy ceremony at Veterans Park on River Street at 7:30 a.m. This ceremony honors all veterans who were lost at sea in service to their country. The parade will start at 9 a.m. It will form at the elementary school on Elm Street and proceed north. There will be a stop at Floyd Bennett Park to place a wreath. The parade will continue to Warrensburg Cemetery, where the roll call and rifle salute will be held.

Whitehall

The American Legion will host the annual Memorial Day parade. The days celebration will start with Mass at Our Lady of Angels Cemetery at 8 a.m. The parade will start in front of the American Legion post on Main Street at 10 a.m., heading north, then down Clinton Avenue onto Broadway, onto Poultney Street and down Williams Street. A remembrance ceremony will be held at the park. Conrad Peterson, a World War II Marine Corps veteran, will be the grand marshal.

Tuesday

Corinth

The parade will start at 6 p.m. on Palmer Avenue and end at the Corinth Fire Department. It will stop at the judges platform so the high school band can play and units can be judged. It will continue on Palmer Avenue, down Main Street, turn on Maple Street and continue to the firehouse. The grand marshal will be Korean War veteran Earl Seelow.
QUEENSBURY  A high school senior is facing discipline after he released 10 mice into a school hallway Tuesday.

Unfortunately, when you have panicked students and panicked mice, some of the mice were trampled, said high school Principal Damian Switzer.

A couple of mice were rescued by students, who took them home, he said. The rest died in the incident.

Thats the disturbing part of it. Innocent animals were harmed, he said.

The mice were deliberately released during the passing period, when the hallway was crowded with students.

The student involved has not been named. He is 18, and the Sheriffs Office was informed so it could consider animal cruelty charges, Switzer said.

No charges have been filed yet.

Other students were horrified by the way the mice died. The senior class leaders met with Switzer and explained that it was not the senior prank.

He acted independently, Switzer said. The students are understandably upset that mice were trampled.

The boy was suspended immediately.

Switzer is now working with him in an effort to teach him to treat animals better.

Get the student to reflect  do you understand the animals were most likely going to be harmed? he said.

The student must research the topic of animal cruelty and may be required to do community service involving animals. He also may be required to write an apology letter to the student body, Switzer said.

Hes going to be held accountable, Switzer added. Ultimately, you want to hold students accountable for their poor decisions, but you also want them to learn something.

The students presence at graduation is also in jeopardy, but Switzer declined to say whether the boy was being banned because it could identify him.
QUEENSBURY  Three people suffered minor injuries in a five-car crash on Bay Road near Walker Lane Tuesday afternoon, according to the Warren County Sheriffs Office.

Thomas Becker, 19, of Argyle, was driving his 2006 Honda SUV south on Bay Road when he attempted to stop, but his foot foot slid from the brake pedal onto the accelerator, making his vehicle lunge forward, striking a 2005 Toyota van operated by 70-year-old Gansevoort resident, Jacqueline Gallagher, according to police reports.

Gallaghers van was pushed into a 2012 Honda sedan driven by Rachael Patten, 55, of Hudson Falls. Pattens car was pushed into a 2011 Jeep SUV driven by Edith Hill, 56, of South Glens Falls. Hills vehicle was pushed into a 2007 Suzuki van operated by Nichole Howe, 46, of Pottersville.

Patten, Howe and a passenger in Howes vehicle, Lillian Lang, 67, of Paradox, were transported to Glens Falls Hospital with minor injuries.

The accident, which was reported at 3:21 p.m., was investigated by Patrol Officer William St. John.

The Sheriffs Office was assisted at the scene by the Queensbury Central Vol. Fire Company, the Bay Ridge Rescue Squad, Glens Falls EMS, and Moreau Rescue Squad.
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Worksafe, a California-based worker advocacy group, released a report Wednesday showing that injury rates at the company's Fremont manufacturing facility were higher than the industry average in 2014 and 2015. The report also calls into question Tesla's claim that injury rates have fallen between 2016 and 2017.

Tesla has not disputed that its incident rate was above the industry average between 2013 and 2016, but has said injury rates have fallen since then.

The report follows a February blog post published by Jose Moran, a Tesla factory employee, detailing injury rates and long work hours at the Fremont plant as part of a unionization effort with the United Auto Workers.

"We may have had some challenges in the past as we were learning how to become a car company, but what matters is the future and with the changes we've made, we now have the lowest injury rate in the industry by far," a Tesla spokersperson told Business Insider. "Our goal is to have as close to zero injuries as humanly possible and to become the safest factory in the auto industry."

The findings

Worksafe compiled data from Tesla's OSHA Form 300, an injury and illness record-keeping form that companies are legally required to submit to the US Department of Labor.

The organization then compared the data to the industry average provided by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics and found:

Worksafe also analyzed Tesla's DART rate, which refers to "serious nonfatal injuries" that result in leaves of absences, restricted duty, or job transfer. It found:

For 2016, Worksafe did compile Tesla's TRIR (8.1) and DART (7.3), however, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics has yet to release industry-wide averages for last year.

In a blog post, Tesla said it has made changes to improve factory conditions, like reducing the number of hours employees work and hiring an ergonomist to redesign equipment to prevent on-site injuries.

These changes have resulted in a 52% reduction in DART incident rates and 30% reduction in recordable incidences between the first quarter of 2016 and first quarter of 2017, Tesla claims.

Worksafe said it doesn't have "sufficiently reliable data" to assess that claim.

The group claimed, however, that Tesla's 2017 first-quarter rates may be lower because the Fremont factory was shut down for 10 days in February to prepare for Model 3 production.

"Moreover, one quarter is not a sufficient length of time to accurately identify a meaningful and lasting trend in injury reduction," Worksafe wrote in its report.

Model 3 ramp-up

The UAW called Worksafe directly and asked it to analyze incident rates for the report released Wednesday, Doug Parker, the executive director of Worksafe said on a press call with journalists.

The report's publication comes less than a week after The Guardian published a bombshell report detailing grueling work conditions at Fremont where employees regularly pass out.

Three Tesla human resources executives have left the company since details of the unionization effort surfaced in February, BuzzFeed News first reported. Tesla announced the departure of Arnnon Geshuri, its VP of human resources since 2009, in a blog post Tuesday.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has called reports of excessive injuries at the Fremont plant "disingenuous or outright false."

But Musk softened his tone somewhat when interviewed by The Guardian, saying he slept in the Fremont factory in 2016 because he knew employees were having a tough time.

"I knew people were having a hard time, working long hours, and on hard jobs. I wanted to work harder than they did, to put even more hours in," Musk told The Guardian.

Worksafe's Parker said Tesla needs to address issues at the Fremont plant before ramping up production for the Model 3. Tesla has an ambitious goal of increasing production to 500,000 vehicles a year starting in 2018, a five-fold production increase.
Those killed by suicide bomber Salman Abedi at an Ariana Grande concert include a serving police officer and an eight-year-old girl. Several teenagers were also caught up in the blast.

Moving tributes have been paid to the 22.This is a full list of victims:

15-year-old Megan Hurley was named as the final victim of the terror attack on Thursday, according to the Telegraph. She was from Halewood and a neighbour said the family is "devastated."

Elaine McIver

McIver was the police officer killed in Monday's incident, Greater Manchester Police confirmed on Thursday. She attended the Manchester Arena event with her family.

McIver was an officer for Cheshire Police and was off-duty at the time of the attack. In a statement, her family said: "Elaine just loved life, and had a major love of music. Despite what has happened to her, she would want us all to carry on regardless and not be frightened by fear tactics, instead she regularly urged us all to rise up against it."

Her partner, Paul, was also seriously injured in the blast.

Courtney Boyle and Philip Tron

Boyle attended the concert with her mother's partner, Tron. Their families paid tribute to them in a statement released by Great Manchester Police.

Courtney's mother and Tron's partner, Deborah Hutchinson, said: "My stunning amazing beautiful daughter. You were my rock, you made me so proud with all you had achieved and my gorgeous crazy Philip, you made my world a happy place and now you are both my angels flying high in the sky."

Wendy Fawell

Falwell, a teacher from Yorkshire, was waiting outside the Manchester Arena after dropping off her children. Her children are safe.

Her school, St Oswald's Primary, confirmed the news of her death on Twitter. "It is with deepest sadness that I confirm that our former colleague Wendy Fawell was killed in the Manchester bombing. RIP, Wendy," it said.

Eilidh Macleod

The 14-year-old Scottish girl's parents confirmed her death on Thursday.

"Words cannot express how we feel at losing our darling Eilidh," they said, according to the BBC. "Eilidh was vivacious and full of fun. She loved all music whether it was listening to Ariana or playing the bagpipes with her pipe band."

She was at the concert with her friend& Laura MacIntyre, who is in a serious condition in hospital.

Sorrell Leczkowski

Another 14-year-old, this time from Leeds. Her death was confirmed by her grandfather Michael Healey in a statement through Greater Manchester Police.

"Sorrell was only 14, but she was our rock, she kept us all grounded. She was such a clever, talented, creative girl, there was nothing she couldn't do," he said.

The BBC reported that Leczkowski had gone to Manchester Arena with her mother and grandmother to collect her sister. Her mother and grandmother were injured, the latter seriously, while her sister was unharmed.

Chloe Rutherford and Liam Curry

The families of Rutherford, 17, and Curry, 19 released a joint statement on Thursday morning. The pair were at the Grande concert together. "They wanted to be together forever and now they are", the statement said.

Kiss attended the concert with her daughter. "Excited girlies ready to watch Ariana," she wrote on Facebook prior to the gig on Monday.

Her niece, Laura Murray, confirmed the news on Facebook. She said: "It's true thank you everyone for your help we are all heartbroken."

Nell Jones

The 14-year-old's cousins appealed for information, but the head teacher of her school confirmed her death. Holmes Chapel Comprehensive School's David Wheeler said: "Nell was a very popular girl, always smiling, always positive."

51-year old Jane Tweddle-Taylor was from Blackpool. She reportedly went to the arena with a friend to pick up the friend's daughter. She was a receptionist at South Shore Academy School in Blackpool.

Martyn Hett

The 29-year-old was not seen or heard from following the blast.

Friend Russell Hayward announced on Twitter that Hett was among those killed.

He said: "We got the news last night that our wonderful iconic and beautiful Martyn didnt survive. He left this world exactly how he lives, centre of attention."

Olivia Campbell

Campbell went to the concert with her best friend Adam Lawler, who was treated in hospital. The 15-year-old's phone was not ringing and calls to hospitals proved fruitless. Her mother Charlotte confirmed her death on Wednesday morning.

Alison Howe and Lisa Lees

The friends were waiting in the foyer of Manchester Arena to collect their 15-year-old daughters when they were caught up in the suicide bombing. News of their death was confirmed on Facebook.

"They took a caring, beautiful Mum and step mother away," Howe's stepson Jordan said on Facebook. Lees' brother Lee Hunter wrote: "Gone but never forgotten. I love you Lisa and I'll miss you so much."

Kelly Brewster

Brewster's boyfriend Ian Winslow confirmed the news of her death on Facebook. She attended the Grande concert with her sister, Claire, and her niece, Hollie Booth, who were both injured in the attack, according to The Mirror.

"Not sure how this works but it isn't good news. Kelly Brewster wasn't one of the unidentified hospital patients. She has sadly passed away in the terror attack yesterday," he said. "Kelly really was the happiest she has ever been and we had so many things planned together."

Angelika and Marcin Klis

Sky News reported on Wednesday morning that the husband and wife died in Monday's attack. The news was confirmed by the Polish foreign minister, Sky said. The Klis' daughter, Alex, had appealed for information on Facebook.

Georgina Callander

Callander was named as the first victim of the attack. Friends of the 18-year-old said she was one of the first people rushed to hospital after the attack. She died with her mother at her bedside in hospital, according to a close friend.

Runshaw College Sixth Form Centre, where Callander was studying, confirmed her death on Facebook. "It is with enormous sadness that it appears that one of the people who lost their lives in Mondays Manchester attack was one of our students here at Runshaw College," it said.

Saffie Rose Roussos

Eight-year-old Rose Roussos attended the Grande gig with her mother, but the pair were separated, according to reports.

"Saffie was simply a beautiful little girl in every aspect of the word. She was loved by everyone," said, Chris Upton, headteacher at Tarleton Community Primary School.

John Atkinson
Trump praised Duterte for doing "an unbelievable job on the drug problem" in the Philippines, according to the transcript cited by The Washington Post. The US president's comments raised some alarm because Duterte's regime has made a publicly hailed the killings of thousands of suspected drug dealers.

Many countries have the problem," Trump told Duterte regarding illegal drug-dealing. "We have the problem, but what a great job you are doing and I just wanted to call and tell you that, Trump said.

Extrajudicial executions have been running rampant in the country since Duterte assumed office in 2016, sparking an outcry from US allies, such as the European Union, to halt the violent campaign that has seen at least 4,500 deaths in the last five months alone.

The apparent warming relationship between Trump and Duterte is a stark contrast to interactions between the Philippine president and former President Barack Obama.
LONDON  US officials appear to have leaked crucial information about the Manchester terror attack to the media before it had been confirmed by UK authorities  potentially jeopardising an ongoing investigation.

The police and Downing Street had refused to comment on the identity of the Manchester terror attacker on Tuesday afternoon, despite US news outlets widely identifying a suspect by name.

The Associated Press confirmed earlier reports on US TV news channels that US officials had named the suspect as Salman Abedi, 22, before either Greater Manchester Police or Downing Street had confirmed it.

Reports of the attacker's identity, the death toll and the fact that they were a suicide bomber all made their way onto US news channels before any official confirmation from UK authorities.

The reports led to concerns that the leaks could have potentially jeopardised the ongoing investigations into the attack. The US media reported the information before police made their first arrest, and while they were still conducting raids on houses in Manchester. It is not clear which branch of the US government the leaks came from  NBC's report cited only " late last night and this morning.

The Prime Minister's spokesperson was asked during a press briefing this afternoon whether Downing Street was concerned that information passed to the US had apparently been leaked without their consent by US officials.

Reporters asked whether the prime minister was confident that she could trust that such sensitive information could be passed to the White House in future.

The spokesperson replied simply that they "would not comment on leaks."

Asked to confirm the name of the suspect, they replied: "Greater Manchester Police said that confirmation would take place after formal ID had been confirmed and that is where we are." GMP confirmed the name late Tuesday afternoon.

UPDATE:

Britain condemns US for leaking intelligence on Manchester terror attack

The Prime Minister spoke to Donald Trump on the phone in the aftermath of the attacks. "She took a call from Trump shortly after Cobra meetings," the spokesperson said. "He expressed his condolences and condemned what he said was a terrible attack. They agreed they had to work together to tackle the ideology behind the terrorist attacks.

The spokesperson told reporters that May had also spoken to the leaders of France, Italy and Australia, who expressed their condolences and promised to work together with Britain to tackle terrorism.

The PM has spent the afternoon speaking to emergency services in Manchester and also took part in a private visit to Manchester Childrens' Hospital to see those affected by the attack.

The spokesperson confirmed that the PM had been up through the early hours of this morning before speaking to Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn. "She spoke with the leader of the opposition Jeremy Corbyn at around 4 in the morning," the spokesperson confirmed.
2. The first employee hired to work on the Oculus Rift at Oculus VR  the virtual reality headset company Facebook paid $2 billion (1.5 billion) for  is quitting. "Chris Dycus, employee number 1, out," he wrote in a Facebook post on May 15.

3. Google DeepMind beat world Go champion Ke Jie in China.Go is an ancient two-player board game that was invented in China some 3,000 years ago.

4. Facebook responded to the leak of its moderator rules. "We get things wrong," admitted Monika Bickert, the company's head of global policy management.

5. Apple is working on a technology that will increase the iPhone's internet speeds.An application for an experimental license to use new 5G wireless technology, called millimeter wave, was signed on Tuesday by Apple and made public by the FCC.

6. Google's parent company Alphabet is sitting on a potentially huge self-driving car business, Morgan Stanley analysts wrote in a research note.They peg Waymo, Alphabet's self-driving car division, as a potential spin-out company worth at least $70 billion (54 billion).

7. Instagram is copying yet another feature that Snapchat pioneered. It's the ability to see crowdsourced photos and videos from a specific location or event, like a concert or daily highlights from New York City.
Her company, MALZ Promotions will also handle all aspects of event direction, show production and selection of Ghanas next representative to the international pageant.

The former Miss Universe 2004 said As a former titleholder, the Miss Universe experience taught me a great deal and has shaped me to be the woman I am today. I am very passionate about building and maintaining the reputation of the Miss Universe Ghana pageant in my role as National Director. I am also extremely motivated to offer the same opportunities that I was given to other young Ghanaian women.

READ ALSO: Victoria Lebene Model breaks up with veteran actor Kofi Adjorlolo

The Miss Universe Organization is built on a foundation of inclusion and continues to celebrate the diversity of women. Ten thousand young women around the world participate in Miss Universe pageant events annually.

The mission of the organization is to provide the tools which help women to be their personal best. Self-confidence is the key. Every woman should have the confidence to stand up in any situation and declare, I am confidently beautiful!

Many contestants and titleholders that have gone through the Miss Universe system have cultivated their personal career goals and advocated for humanitarian issues with careers in government, business, finance, broadcasting, and film and television.

READ ALSO: 5 celebs who have openly declared they love sex

Participating in Miss Universe taught me how powerful I am as a woman, and through it I have become resilient and capable to do all things I put my mind to. As they say, Once a queen, Always a queen and as a former Miss Universe winner, I will continue to represent Ghana at the highest level wherever I go in the world, adds Donkor.

Menaye has also developed and founded the luxury Italian skincare brand SHE-Y which uses ethically-sourced Shea butter from Ghana. SHE-Y plays a part in creating more job opportunities in Shea Butter production and donates a percentage of sales towards The Menaye Charity Organization which provides free quality education for hundreds of less fortunate children at The Menaye School of Hope.
I am extremely proud and excited to announce my role as the new National Director for Miss Universe Ghana. I will be working diligently with my team to make sure we make Ghana proud. Watch this space and follow @missuniverseghanaorg in the upcoming weeks for more information and details. #Godisthereason#LetsmakeGhanaproud #mugo2017#doyougotwhatittakes#GhanasNextSweetheart  she posted.

According to Mrs Muntari her experience as a former title holder gives her the opportunity to make Ghana proud and shape the pageant

As a former titleholder, the Miss Universe experience taught me a great deal and has shaped me to be the woman I am today. I am very passionate about building and maintaining the reputation of the Miss Universe Ghana pageant in my role as National Director. She explained.

The Miss Universe brand over the years has faced a lot of controversies from court cases to accusations of sex from organisers, bribery and changes in the representatives at the final stages. Menaye Donkor Muntaris appointment thus offers the brand a chance to redeem its image.

I am also extremely motivated to offer the same opportunities that I was given to other young Ghanaian women, adds Menaye.

Menaye Donkor Muntari first got in the limelight when she won the 2004 edition of the Miss Universe Pageant and went on to represent Ghana in Ecuador. Despite not winning the crown, she was adjudged as one of the 5 top beautiful faces in the competition. Menaye Donkor is married to Black stars player, Sulley Ali Muntari with whom he has a son.

Miss Universe International is one of the worlds most popular pageants rivalling the likes of Miss World and Miss Earth. The pageant is a platform for unearthing talents and winners have gone to become top models in the world.
Organizers, Empire Ghana, have confirmed Kojo Cue, Article Wan, B4 Bonah, Lil Win, and Kwame Eugene as supporting acts for Saturdays event at the Accra International Conference Centre.

This years already has an impressive headliner list in Shatta Wale (Ghana), Davido (Nigeria), M.anifest (Ghana) and Falz (Nigeria) as well as Tiwa Savage (Nigeria).

Tickets for this years concert are selling for GHC 150, GHC 200 and GHC 300 respectively. Selling points are Starr FM (Ring Road), Live FM (Adabraka), uniBank branches at the Accra Mall, Kokomlemle, and at the World Trade Centre, near the National Theatre in Accra. Hotline: 0577619555.

In its 7th year, the Ghana Meets Naija concert is the biggest in the region. It brings together artistes from Ghana and Nigeria for a nights celebration of music themed along battle lines. This years is themed around an election where the four main acts: Davido, Shatta Wale, M.anifest and Falz are being voted for in a special text-in exercise that will see a commissioner in the person of female rapper Eno, crown the eventual winner.
The un-posted allied health workers who have been picketing at the Health ministry were given clearance and are yet to be employed.

The coalition of un-posted allied health professionals on Monday, May 22, 2017 slept at the compound of the Ministry of Health in Accra at the mercy of mosquitoes.

READ MORE: Government asks nurses for more time to address unemployment challenges

The nurses kept vigil at the premises of the Ministry as part of moves to impress on government to secure financial clearance for their employment.

Deputy Health Minister Tina Mensah made the announcement on Tuesday evening that the Finance Ministry has given them the clearance.

The aggrieved nurses blamed the government of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for failing to effect clearance for their postings after the completion of their national service in August 2016.

According to the unemployed nurses, they have not been employed since they left school about two years ago and thereby making life unbearable for them.

The President of the group, Solomon Yeboah said the Deputy Minister Mrs. Tina Mensah has promised them but nothing has been heard from the ministry.

He said "This has become necessary following the 'neglect' of the promise made by the Hon. Deputy Minister [Mrs Tina Mensah] to provide us with evidence of our financial clearance with date of immediate postings on Monday, 15th May, 2017.

READ ALSO: Unemployed nurses sleep at Ministry of Health

"We state without any equivocation that we are not leaving the Ministry of Health and shall continue to the Flagstaff House premises when necessary until we see an evidence-based satisfactory of our financial clearance.
The ex-convict, who is currently in custody, identified Abass, Akwasi, and Kolo as his accomplices.

READ MORE: 5 notorious armed robbers arrested in Cape Coast

The robbery incident happened on Monday, May 22, after which police upon tip off arrested him.

A search and investigations by the police on the suspect retrieved a locally manufactured pistol, two Nokia mobile phones, 10 BB live cartridges and a ladys wrist watch.

The police also retrieved GH52 from the suspect.

Ken Yeboah, the Ashanti regional police commander addressing the media said the suspect admitted to the crime and was subsequently identified by his victims.
These immigrants are beneficiaries of a 90- Day amnesty by the Gulf Country in March to all undocumented immigrants to ease their exit out of the country without embarrassment or fines.

READ MORE: 100 Ghanaians deported from USA

The Amnesty is a part of a campaign, A Nation Without Illegal Expatriates meant to rid the country of the numerous people that have travelled from Africa and other nations to seek employment.

The Embassy has made all arrangements concerning flights and ticketing at a discounted cost of SR50 as against SR200. In a Press release issued by the Embassy, they admonished all Ghanaians illegally residing in the country to take advantage of the amnesty to evade further consequences.

Both the Embassy and the Consulate should not be blamed for any unforeseen occurrences after the expiration of the General Amnesty program given that the Mission does not have any more resources to troubleshoot self-inflicted consular problems, it added.

According to the Ghana Embassy, the number of illegal immigrants trooping their offices to leave the country via the pardon are unbelievable.

They have therefore strictly cautioned all Ghanaians especially young who are duped by connection men and promised luxurious living to desist from making any intention to travel there.

They added that unskilled workers only get to work as chaperones and housekeepers under very gory conditions which are opposite what is promised to them.

The team of Ghanaians who are about 20 different teams would be leaving the country by the end of June.
However, he commiserated with the UK following the terror attack which left 22 dead and 59 injured.

The former President in a tweet said "I stand in solidarity with the UK. My thoughts are with the families and victims of the Manchester terror attack."

Police in Manchester, England, said at least 22 people were confirmed dead including an 8-year-old girl and dozens injured in the suspected suicide bombing on Monday night at a pop concert by US star Ariana Grande in Britain's deadliest extremist attack in 12 years.

Police said the situation was being treated as "a terror incident until police know otherwise."

Several world leaders have condemned the bombing.

The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the bombing.

This IS group in a published statement said:
He said President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo must bring officials of the past government to book.

READ MORE: Minister commits to resolving chieftaincy disputes

According to him, "Money stolen from the people must be returned to the people. Same applies to every member of the NPP, as well as any other public officials or individuals who enriched themselves through fraudulent, criminals and avaricious means."

The former Communications Advisor in a Facebook post said corruption in any form can be deadly, hence the need to punish culprits in the previous administration to deter government officials from doing same.

In a a response to an earlier post, he wrote: "Anyone who stole Ghana's money in the NDC administration must be called to account. Money stolen from the people must be returned to the people. Corruption in any form and by anyone is deadly in the long run to our people and disastrous for our quest to achieve rapid progress.

READ MORE: Chief of Staff petitioned over asset recovery taskforce

"We must shed light on these matters and expose what is wrong so that what is right can thrive. This should serve as a deterrent to those in positions of authority today.

"We  as a society  must also desist from promoting, defending, and honouring criminals, thieves, and robbers, just because they appear to share some of their loot with manipulated minds and unprincipled goons.
Alhaji Umar Alhassan is being pressurised by some residents of his constituency to resign for allegedly being a citizen of the United States.

Earlier, a group calling itself In Defense of Zabzugu said documents available to it revealed the MP has a U.S passport which contradicts the Constitution.

Article 94 of the Constitution spells out the qualification and eligibility criteria for MPs. Nationality and age are two key qualifications for an MP.

Article 94 (2) states: "A person shall not be qualified to be a Member of Parliament if he - (a) owes allegiance to a country other than Ghana."

However, the plaintiffs, Nikimola Jacob Makinye and Moponyaw Godwin want the court to remove Alhaji Alhassan Umar from Parliament and declare the seat vacant.

They are seeking a declaration that "the defendant, who owes allegiance to a country other than Ghana, is disqualified from holding the office of Member of Parliament of Zabzugu in the Republic of Ghana."

The plaintiffs, in their statement of claim "On 3 November, 2000 the defendant was convicted in the United States for a traffic offence of overspeeding."

It said the MP relocated to Ghana about eight years ago and worked at the Ministry of Communications as a management consultant.
The downward review follows the Defence Ministers order for a probe into the cost of the project which was initially estimated at $6 million. The Minister during a tour of the site said the cost was outrageous.

Subsequently, the investigation has led to a review bringing the cost to $4.5 million.

However, Major Rtd Oduro said his Ministry will push for a further reduction in the cost of the cemetery.

We thought it was on the high side so we called the contractor and the other stakeholders, who came and briefed us. Yesterday they met us at the Ministry of Defence and the amount has been cut to $4.5 million. The contractors have reviewed the cost of the project. Some other changes have been made and that made it go down, as we were told the other day.

Major Oduro said his Ministry had value for money on its mind and we think that construction of this small project should not cost so much.
"So, not for my sake, but for America's sake: As someone who has devoted your entire life to public service, in your own words, please tell my constituents ... why they should care," about the investigations, Democratic Rep. Danny Heck of Washington asked Brennan. "Why do you care, sir?"

"Because for the last 241 years, this nation and its citizens have cherished the freedom and liberty this country was founded upon," Brennan said. "Many, many Americans, brave Americans over the years, have lost their lives to be able to protect that freedom and liberty," and that of other countries around the world.

"Our ability to choose our elected leaders as we see fit is, I believe, an inalienable right that we must protect with all of our resources and all of our authority and power," Brennan added. "And the fact that the Russians tried to influence that election so that the will of the American people was not going to be realized by that election, I find outrageous and something that we need to, with every last ounce of devotion to this country resist, and try to act to prevent further instances of that."

"And so therefore," he continued, "I believe that this is something that's critically important to every American. It's certainly very important to me  for my children and grandchildren  to make sure that never again will a foreign country try to influence and interfere in the foundation stone of this country, which is electing our democratic leaders."

Watch below:

The investigations surrounding Russia's interference in the 2016 election, and whether any associates of President Donald Trump were involved, picked up steam over the last two weeks, after the president abruptly fired FBI Director James Comey. He had been spearheading the FBI's investigation into the Trump campaign's ties to Russia.
LONDON  Greater Manchester Police raided buildings across the metropolitan area on Wednesday as officers investigated what they said was the terrorist network of Salman Abedi, who detonated a fatal bomb in the Manchester Arena on Monday night.

"I think it's very clear that it's a network that we are dealing with," Chief Constable Ian Hopkins said on Wednesday afternoon.

Abedi killed 22 and injured at least 64 when he detonated an improvised bomb in the foyer of the arena, in central Manchester, where the pop star Ariana Grande was performing. The 22-year-old was radicalised during trips to Syria and was known to British intelligence services, officials said.

On Tuesday, Abedi's brother, 23-year-old Ismail Abedi, was arrested in Chorlton, in south Manchester, in connection with the attack. His younger brother, Hashem Abedi was arrested by Libya's counterterrorism unit for allegedly "planning to stage an attack" in Tripoli, Libya, where his father Ramadan Abedi was also detained, according to the Washington Post.

Late Wednesday, police surrounded a large block of flats in Blackley, and arrested a woman in the raid. For a brief period residents were prevented from entering or leaving their homes and a small detonation was heard  probably from the police entering the apartment.

A fourth man, who was carrying a suspicious package, was detained in Wigan on Wednesday evening. Police continue to search for the person who made the bomb.

Home Secretary Amber Rudd told Sky News that Abedi, a Mancunian of Libyan descent, was known "up to a point" by British spies and that "it seems likely" he wasn't acting alone. "The security services will know a lot of people  it doesn't mean they are expected to arrest everybody they know," Rudd said. "But it is somebody who they had known before." Dominic Casciani, a BBC home affairs correspondent, said "members of the public called an anti-terrorism hotline" about Abedi's views "several years ago." It is unclear if Rudd was referring to this.

"We are furious. This is completely unacceptable. These images leaked from inside the US system will be distressing for victims, their families and the wider public. The issue is being raised at every relevant level by the British authorities with their US counterparts."

The Manchester Islamic Centre has condemned Abedi's "horrific atrocity" and called on anyone in the community who may have any information about the attack to contact the police, according to The Guardian.

Thirteen victims of the Manchester Arena attack have been named

Britain's terror threat has been raised to "critical" for the first time in 10 years, and armed troops are supporting police on the streets

The general-election campaign will resume on Thursday

The father of Salman Abedi has claimed he is innocent

Amber Rudd condemned US officials for leaking intelligence on the attack

A man with a knife was arrested at Buckingham Palace

"Broken" Ariana Grande has suspended her world tour

Who was Salman Abedi?

Abedi died as a result of the bomb. His ID was found at the site of the attack, The New York Times reported, citing a US law enforcement official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the investigation is ongoing.

Frank Gardner, a BBC security correspondent, said Abedi was thought to be acting as a "mule" and that his explosive device, described as highly sophisticated, was made by someone else.

Salman Abedi, also known as Salman Ramadan Abedi, is believed to have traveled to Manchester from London by train a few days before the attack, Reuters reported. ISIS on Tuesday said a "caliphate soldier" was responsible for the attack. The police have not found any evidence to support the terrorist group's claim.

Several images of Abedi were published on Wednesday morning.

Abedi was born in Manchester in 1994. He was one of four children to parents who fled to Britain from Libya at the height of the Gaddafi regime, the BBC reported.

Abedi attended school in Manchester and went to Salford University before dropping out before the second year of his business and management degree program. He left the UK for a period, reportedly to Libya, but returned days before the attack. The Financial Times reported that he was involved with gangs and turned to radical Islam in recent years.

The Sun published the first image of Abedi on Wednesday. It said he was "suspected of receiving terror training in Syria" making trips to the war-torn country without alerting authorities. French intelligence also suggests he went to Syria, according to reports.

Abedi was registered at several addresses in Fallowfield, a suburb of Manchester known for its big student population. He did not make a "strong impression" on those around him, according to an Associated Press report, and was hardly known to staff at Salford University.

Alan Kinsey, who lives across the street from Abedi's residence, told the AP he had seen "a lot of different people living there" in the past, but in the past six or so months he had seen only one young man in his 20s. Kinsey said another young man in a Toyota would often pick up Abedi, who would get home late.

Kinsey added that he thought Abedi "worked in a takeaway or something" because of his late hours.

House search

Law-enforcement officials entered Abedi's home on Tuesday afternoon after setting off a controlled explosion to get in, The Guardian reported.

"It was so quick," Simon Turner, another of Abedi's neighbours, told the AP. "These cars just pulled up and all these police with guns, dogs, jumped out of the car and said to us, 'Get in the house now.'"

The pictures below show forensic investigators investigating a home in the Fallowfield area of Manchester:
"Real medieval bigotry, a witch hunt, burning on fire," that spokeswoman, Maria Zakharova, said in the interview, which was promoted by the Russian Embassy on Twitter. "Total nonsense."

As it was later reported, Trump revealed highly classified information about an ISIS plot to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Russian Ambassador to the US Sergey Kislyak during that Oval Office meeting. The source of the intelligence, which was later reported to be Israel, had not given the US permission to share it. Trump tweeted the day after the news broke last week that he "wanted to share with Russia ... facts pertaining to terrorism and airline safety."

"Humanitarian reasons, plus I want Russia to greatly step up their fight against ISIS & terrorism," Trump said in the tweet.

Late last week, The New York Times reported that Trump told Lavrov and Kislyak in that meeting that his firing of FBI Director James Comey, whom he called a "nut job," had taken "great pressure" off him. Comey was overseeing the FBI's investigation into whether Trump's campaign colluded with Russian officials during the 2016 presidential election.

The meeting, which took place the day after Trump ousted Comey, initially came under fire when the only media allowed inside was a Russian state photographer. Kislyak's presence in the meeting wasn't known until that photographer posted his shots from the event, sparking a controversy over the secrecy of the diplomatic discussion. Kislyak's participation was not noted in the White House readout of the meeting.
Through a Freedom of Information Act request, the publication obtained a letter from Mick Mulvaney, the head of the Office of Management and Budget, to Walter Schaub, the head of the OGE. The letter asked Schaub to withdraw a request he sent to federal agencies to obtain copies of all the waivers the administration had given.

The Trump administration claimed in the letter that Schaub did not have the legal authority to demand the waivers. Painter said that wasn't good enough.

"Is there any rationale that wasn't purely a legal argument?" Richard Painter, Bush's chief ethics lawyer from 2005 to 2007 who is now a University of Minnesota law professor, told Business Insider. "What's a rationale that is not a legal argument? I haven't heard it."

"So was there any good policy reason not to share waivers with the Office of Government Ethics?" he said.

Several former lobbyists and industry lawyers now hold administration jobs. The Times reported that Trump had hired ex-lobbyists at a rate that far surpassed his predecessor, Barack Obama, despite pledges to the contrary. Schaub, who was appointed to his role by Obama and is in the last year of his five-year term, told The Times the White House request was "extraordinary" and he had "never seen anything like it."

Without the waivers, the OGE, which provides ethical oversight of the executive branch, would have no way to know whether any former lobbyists were violating ethics statutes or had been excused by the White House. In a statement to The Times, the White House said the Obama appointee's request for the waivers was partisan politics.

Trump made ties between politicians and lobbyists a sticking point of his campaign, frequently promising to "drain the swamp" in Washington. In late January, he signed an executive order that barred former lobbyists from working on matters that involved people and issues they worked with or on previously. In that order, Trump, like Obama before him, provided the option for himself to issue waivers to lobbyists as he sees fit. But that executive order did not contain language that made the waivers public.

Painter, who supported Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton during the 2016 election, said the executive order also did not say whether those waivers were confidential.

"You know, if the president wants to revise the ethics executive order" to say they are confidential, they "still should be shared by the Office of Government Ethics," Painter said. "But then the office would have to not disclose them ... But the order did not say that the waivers were confidential."

"And so, in any event, it is critical to OGE's function ... that it knows what's going on in the agencies, including in the White House, with regards to ethics compliances and waivers," he added. "It's clearly within OGE's statutory mandate to gather this information. So, what is the reason for withholding it? There's no reason whatsoever for trying to keep the ethics waivers secret from the Office of Government Ethics. There's no justification for that. So I don't know why they're doing it."

The OGE, under the laws Painter referenced, has authority to make such a request of federal agencies. The Times reported that it is debated whether the White House itself is a "federal agency" that falls under the same requirements. Regardless, the letter from Mulvaney to Schaub made it clear the administration was halting the OGE's request for copies of the waivers issued throughout the administration by June 1 across the executive branch.

"This data call appears to raise legal questions regarding the scope of OGEs authorities," the letter said. "I therefore request that you stay the data call until these questions are resolved."

The Office of Management and Budget also falsely claimed in a statement that the letter obtained by The Times was "leaked." It was obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request.

On Monday, Schaub wrote a letter to Mulvaney rejecting the White House's request that the OGE suspend its initial request for the waivers.

"The unusual nature of your letter highlights OGE's responsibility to lead the executive branch ethics program with independence, free from political pressure," Schaub wrote. "Accordingly, OGE declines your request to suspend its ethics inquiry and reiterates its expectation that agencies will fully comply with its directive by June 1, 2017. Public confidence in the integrity of government decision making demands no less."

"OGE is exercising its authority and independence appropriately," he later wrote. "OGE's April 28, 2017, directive is supported by ample legal authority and compliant with applicable procedures. I want to assure you that a request from the Director of the Office of Management and Budget is not something that I decline lightly."

In a call with Mulvaney on Monday night, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer asked the director to fulfill Schaub's request.

"There is absolutely no excuse for the administration to keep these waivers from the OGE or the American people," the New York Democrat said in a Tuesday statement on the call. "I also expressed to Director Mulvaney my deep frustration with President Trump's failure to keep his promise to 'drain the swamp,' and he assured me that he would take my concerns under consideration  I hope they make this change for the good of our country."

Paul S. Ryan, the vice president of Common Cause and former executive director of the Campaign Legal Center, called the move to block Schaub's request "an outrage and part of a disturbing pattern."

"OGE was created in the wake of the Watergate scandal to monitor ethics compliance, but the Trump administration is denying it the ability to do so," he said in a statement. "The OGE is charged with ensuring government compliance with ethical standards and it must be allowed to perform that duty. This is the latest example in a long line of troubling moves by the Trump administration to conduct the business of government in secret."

During the campaign, Trump made uprooting the Washington establishment and pointing out his opponents' ties to lobbyists central to his message, particularly in the later weeks of his quest for office when he introduced the slogan "drain the swamp."

He claimed that opponents such as Gov. John Kasich of Ohio, Sens. Marco Rubio of Florida and Ted Cruz of Texas, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and former Gov. Jeb Bush of Florida were all compromised by the influence lobbyists held over them.

"Crooked Hillary Clinton is bought and paid for by Wall Street, lobbyists and special interests," Trump tweeted in July. "She will sell our country down the tubes!"

"I am self-funding my campaign and am therefore not controlled by the lobbyists and special interests like lightweight Rubio or Ted Cruz!" he wrote last February.

And in June 2015, he wrote: "Remember, politicians are all talk and no action - they will never be able to MAKE OUR COUNTRY GREAT AGAIN! Controlled by lobbyists & donors."

Asked if the administration's refusal to provide the waivers violated Trump's ethics-related promises during the campaign, Painter said "of course it does."
According to blog Stella Dimokokorkus, Moji Olaiya's brother Femi travelled to Canada to get the baby.

"...her brother has picked up the baby from her friend's place in Canada since the week she was supposed to be buried according to Muslim rights but left with the baby when the burial did not hold," a source told the blog.

It seems there is a communication gap between the family of the deceased actress and the organising committee set up to bring her remains back to the country.

Yesterday, May 23, 2017, actress Funke Adesiyan criticized celebrities she has called 'social media mourners' over the death of actress Moji Olaiya.

Adesiyan spoke out against certain celebrities who only mourned the death of Moji Olaiya on social media but have not contributed a kobo to her funeral arrangements.

"Life is funny. People are really not worth the trouble. The essence of being part of an association, group et al is so you can be there for one another in matters related to you all" she wrote on her Instagram yesterday, Tuesday, May 23, 2017.

The remains of Moji Olaiya will be brought back to Nigeria by top Nigerian politician Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
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The launch held at the prestigious Eko hotel, Victoria Island Lagos on Wednesday, May 23, 2017.

The event was attended by dignitaries from Turkey and Nigeria such as founder and Chairman of Hayat Holding, Mr. Yahya Kigili, CEO of Hayat Kimya, Mr. Avni Kigili, Honorable Commissioner of Commerce & Industry, Ogun State, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru, and the MD Hayat Kimya Nigeria Ltd., Mr. Hakan Misri.

The Molfix diapers, global flagship baby diaper brand was launched in Nigeria in 2015. Molfix has been a verified success as it rapidly attained the position of strong number two brands in the diaper category despite the tightly contested market space.

The Institute for Government Research Leadership Technology also awarded the brand with Best Baby Diaper of the Year at the African Product Awards 2016. Indeed, Molfix has made both Consumers and Customers Happy today, Happy tomorrow with its consistent high quality and availability.

Now, with the launch of these two high quality tissues brands, Papia and Familia, the company now has three products on offer in Nigeria. The launch of the new products coincides with the completion and launch of Hayat Kimyas $100million ultra-modern factory in Agbara.

The largest tissue manufacturer of Africa, Middle East, and Eastern Europe with 420.000 tons capacity per year, Hayat Kimya introduced its luxury tissue brand Papia is introduced with high quality 3-ply toilet paper and kitchen towel.

Familia is positioned as a high quality but affordably priced family tissue. It contains no artificial whiteners, is full to the touch, and made of 100% pure cellulose. The unique composition of Hayat Kimya tissue brands makes them environment-friendly, such that it decomposes when disposed in water.

The product launch opened with a business meeting where Hayat Kimyas trade partners were introduced to the new products followed by a photo and video session with Nollywood actress, Funke Akindele then rounded up with a Gala dinner night with a grand performance by Tubaba.

Mr. Hakan Misri, MD, Hayat Kimya Nigeria, briefly outlined the stages that culminated in the product launch. He went on to thank the various state and federal agencies which helped the company achieve this feat, while extolling the virtues of Hayat staff in Nigeria.
The Cable reports that the deportees arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMlA), Lagos around 5:50 am, today.

Comprising of 30 males and five females, the deportees were reportedly brought back aboard a chartered Titanic Airways aircraft with registration Number: G-POWO.

Spokesman of the Lagos airport police command, Joseph Alabi, confirmed the development.

Officers of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) and the police reportedly received the deportees.

Officials of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) were also on ground to receive them.

The Cable reports that the deportees were each profiled by the immigration authorities and given a stipend to facilitate their transportation to their respective states.
Augustine, a father of two, resides at No. 11/13, Kolawole Adekunle St., Ajah, Lagos.

My wife is quarrelsome and quick to violence, especially when she demands for money or anything and l dont respond to on time, he said.

The petitioner told the court that he married the respondent after six months of courtship on his return from the United States.

There has been no peace of mind in this marriage: She is a party freak and does not have any iota of respect for me, he said.

Augustine also alleged that the respondent engages in lesbianism with her friends.

I see all sorts of pictures of naked women with my wife sent to my phone by her friends and informing me about their acts of lesbianism and asking me to stay away from her, he said.

The petitioner told the court that on two different occasions, he moved out of his house due to threats to his life.

Whenever we have any misunderstanding, she always threatens to kill me."

The stress is unbearable; there is no longer peace of mind in this loveless marriage, he said.

The petitioner also alleged that his wife reported him at a police station and when he was summoned, the respondent demanded to be paid off by her husband as she was fed up with the marriage.

My wife demanded for a sum of N5 million, a car, N100,000 monthly allowance for the children and to be responsible for the childrens school fees."

 l agreed to these and I gave her all that she requested for, he said.

She moved out of the house sometimes in October 2016 and had refused me access to the children till date.

The petitioner, who described his wife as a troublesome and mischievous person pleaded with the court to dissolve the marriage because he was no longer interested in the union.

He also prayed the court to grant him access to his two children.

The respondent was, however, not present during the proceedings in court
Mukaila, 28, and Luqman, 42, whose addresses were not provided, are facing a two-count charge of stealing and conspiracy.

They, however, pleaded not guilty.

According to the prosecutor, Sgt. Emmanuel Ajayi, the accused committed the offences on May 16 at the companys premises on Obagun Street, Mushin, Lagos.

The prosecutor said that the accused stole five higher notebooks, 36 pieces of 40 leaves exercise book, 24 pieces of 20 leaves exercise book and18 pieces of drawing book, all valued at N8,000.

A guard, who alerted the manager about what they did, searched the truck and discovered the books, he submitted.

He said that the offences contravened Section 285 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015 (Revised).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Section 285 prescribes a three-year jail term for stealing, while Section 411 stipulates two years imprisonment for conspiracy.

The Magistrate, Mrs E.A. Azeez, admitted each of the employees to bail in the sum of N10, 000 with one surety in like sum.
The presiding judge, Mr Abubakar Sadiq, passed the sentence when Garba pleaded guilty to a charge of theft.

He also ordered the recovered purse to be returned to the owner.

The judge advised the convict to be of good behaviour and desist from committing crimes after his stay in prison.Garba, of no fixed address, was charged under Section 287 of the Penal Code for stealing.

Earlier, the prosecutor, Mr Dalhatu Zannah, told the court that one Mrs Yusuf Katumi of opposite Zuma Guest Inn, Pipeline, Jiwa, Abuja, reported the matter at Life Camp Police Station on May 16.

The prosecutor said Garba committed the offence at about 4.30 p.m. at Life Camp Junction on the same date.

He said the complainant and her two children were trying to board a cab at Life Camp junction when the convict criminally removed her purse from her handbag.

The prosecutor said the convict stole the purse containing N1,180 and flash drive valued N4, 000 and ran away, adding that the complainant raised alarm and the convict was caught with the stolen purse.
In her native Ghana, some men have hurt her so much and when she met a Nigerian man who pretended to love her for who she is, she thought she had found her bone at last.

Little did she know that George was married with a family back home in Nigeria while he was just having fun with her in Accra.

Read her story here:

"My name is Cordelia, a 38-year-old woman from Accra in Ghana. I have been following the way you treat people's problems and the advice fellow readers give and I hope my own will not be different.

I do not know if I am jinxed or under a curse because of my single status despite doing everything possible to keep the men that come my way.

All my younger ones have gotten married and I get embarrassed every time they send me an invitation card to grace their weddings.

I have a very good job, live in my own house and even if I will say so, I am a nice person. I do not look for anyone's trouble and whenever I am in a relationship, I do everything to make the man happy and comfortable.

I have had to spend my money on my lovers thinking I was investing in our future together only to end up being jilted and dumped in very callous ways.

I remember the first man I loved with all my heart and hoped to settle down with. There was nothing I did not do for from setting him up in business, paying for his sibling's school fees, taking care of his poor parents and all that.

I even rented an apartment for him since he did not want to move in with me but in the end, he got another woman pregnant and got married to her.

I was so hurt that I decided to stay off men for a while but when the pressure got so much from my family, I decided to try again but it ended up with the same result.

The last one was when I met a Nigerian guy who worked with a telecommunication company in Accra. At the initial stage, George was the perfect gentleman and worshiped the ground I walked.

He showed me he loved me so much and was willing to anything for me. To reciprocate, I gave him access to my home, cars, bank accounts and my body because I thought this was the man.

I introduced him to all my friends and my family members and when he proposed marriage to me, I was over the moon with joy.

I wore the ring he gave proudly and told everyone that since Ghanaian guys did not find me worthy, my Nigerian man was there for me.

The only snag was that George refused to allow me to go with him to Nigeria to see his people anytime he was traveling. He kept telling me that things were not done that way where he came from. he assured me that we would go to meet his family at the right.

But how stupid I was to believe him because I was to find out the hard way that George was married and had three children.

I got to find out the truth the hard way. I had gone to Tema to oversee a job for two weeks and while away, I kept calling George, urging him to come over and be with me but he was giving me one excuse or the other.

When I could not take staying away from him for too much, I decided to surprise him one weekend and went to Accra without informing him.

As I drove into his compound, I had this strange feeling that something was wrong. As I rang the doorbell, I was still not feeling comfortable. My fears were confirmed when a woman opened the door, carrying a child who could not have been more than a year.

I initially thought she could be one of George country women who had come to see him but when she asked me who I was looking for, I saw a look of defiance in her eyes as if telling me the house belonged to her.

I told her I was looking for my fiance George. She just laughed and asked me if George had told me he was married with kids.

Then from the inside, I heard George call out the woman to find out who was at the door. When he came into the sitting room and saw me, he just stood there and stared at me.

I did not wait for any explanation as I left hurriedly, tears threatening to burn my eye sockets. I knew I had been taken for a ride yet again by someone I thought was the one God had sent to me.

Since this happened three months ago, I have been wondering if I am not destined to get married. Can someone help me out?

Cordelia."

The teaser for the day was:

How Nigeria voted:

She should pray to God to give her a man that will love her truly - 46%

She should not be too desperate to get married - 15%

She has allowed her frustration to push her into the wrong hands - 7%

She should love herself first and hope for the best man - 37%
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the recent outbreak of the disease, especially in the northern parts of the country has claimed over 813 lives.

A check by NAN in some of the public and private institutions shows that where the vaccine is available, it is administered on those who craved for it at a cost between N11,300 and N13,000.

The health facilities visited include Akerele Primary Health Centre, EKO Hospital, Havana Hospital, Maternal and Childcare Centre (MCC) and Randle General Hospital, all in Surulere.

Others are the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja, Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Ebute-Meta, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi-Araba and Gbagada General Hospital, Gbagada.

At the EKO and Havana Hospitals, two major private hospitals in Surulere, the vaccine was available at the cost of between N11,500 and N13,000 respectively.

In some government-owned hospital in the economic capital of the nation, it costs between N2,500 and N7,150.

A patient at the Havana Hospital, Mrs Uche Ifeajuna, said that the vaccine was a necessity to prevent meningitis, especially for those who frequently travelled to the northern part of the country.

She said: I had to pay the N13,000 to be protected from the disease; however, this is because I can afford it.

But, what happens to those at grassroots who cannot afford private hospitals and they need to get the vaccine?

It is the governments responsibility to ensure that it provides the vaccine.

The vaccine should be made available and accessible, especially at the Primary Health Centres (PHCs), she said.

At the Federal Medical Center, Ebute-Meta, the vaccine was readily available for those who wanted to take preventive measures against meningitis at a cost of N2, 500 for a shot.

During the visit to the facility, the majority of patients waiting to take the shot were members of the National Youth Service Corps programme posted to northern part of Nigeria.

A healthcare worker told NAN that a vial of the vaccine was usually administered to a batch of 10 people.

At LASUTH, the vaccine is available at a cost of N7, 150 per shot but at Maternal and Childcare Centre (MCC), Surulere, it is not available.

A healthcare worker at the centre, who did not give his name, said that patients were referred to either EKO or Havana hospitals for the vaccine.

At LUTH, the vaccine was also not available though an official who spoke anonymously said that orders had been placed for it.

Also at the Primary Health Centre, Akerele, the vaccine was not available.

Mrs Ifeoma Ananaba, a patient at the PHC, told NAN that she could not afford to take the vaccine at a private hospital as it was costly there.

I take all my vaccines, including my childs at the PHCs, but we have not taken the meningitis vaccine because they do not give it at the PHC that I use.

I call on the government to make it available at the PHCs because it will encourage many people who cannot afford it to go and have it.

Even at lower cost, it should be introduced as part of the recommended vaccines for the routine immunisation, she said.

Another patient, Mrs Veronica Essien, who also confirmed the high cost of the vaccine in private hospitals, urged the government to make it available at the PHCs.

According to her, she and low income earners like her would be able to afford it at the PHCs if it is introduced.

The PHC is where I go to most of the time; I go there to see the doctor when I have very slight illnesses and also get my children immunised there.

It is a place that I have learnt over time to be comfortable with because it is closer to my home.

The government should make all recommended vaccines available at these centres if it truly wants to curb various diseases in the state and the country, she said.

The people who spoke to NAN urged the Federal and Lagos State Governments to make the meningococcal vaccines available at various health facilities to enable more people access it.

NAN reports that since the outbreak of the disease early this year, the Federal Government has continued to impor the meningococcal vaccine in million of doses which were distributed to states.
The agency disclosed this in a statement issued by Ms Samantha Newport, Head of Communications, UNOCHA Nigeria, which was made available to newsmen on Tuesday in Abuja.

Newport said the NHF has received $24 million in contributions and pledges.

She said UNOCHA thanks the generous support of Sweden, Germany, Norway, Belgium, the Republic of Korea, Luxembourg, the Arab Gulf Program for Development, Malta and Sri Lanka.

She added that the fund allows donors to pool their contributions for a stronger and timelier response to the needs of those most affected by the ongoing crisis in the North East.

This year, the UN and partners are aiming to reach 6.9 million people with life-saving aid in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe, which are most affected by the humanitarian emergency in Nigeria, she said.

The statement also quoted Mr Peter Lundberg, the Deputy Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, saying that the appeal for 2017, detailed in the Humanitarian Response Plan, is for 1.05 billion dollars.

Lundberg said it is the fourth largest single-country appeal globally, stressing: We need to do more, we need to do it quicker and we can always do better.

Funding for the Nigeria appeal this year is pivotal, and I am delighted that donors are fulfilling commitments to the new fund, which will help us respond quicker to new priorities.

But we need to step up our collective response  the $1 billion appeal is still only 20 per cent funded and millions need help in what is Africas worst humanitarian crisis.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the NHF was launched during the Oslo Humanitarian Conference on Nigeria and the Lake Chad Region in February.

The fund is managed by the UNOCHA.

UNOCHA plays a vital role in ensuring an effective, coordinated, prioritised and principled humanitarian response in Nigeria.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres made the proposal to the UN General Assembly to address a major shortfall in the $400 million needed to help Haiti recover from the epidemic.

Cholera was introduced by infected Nepalese UN peacekeepers who were sent to Haiti after the devastating 2010 earthquake. More than 9,500 people have died of the disease.

The $40.5 million would be drawn from unspent funds from the UN peacekeeping mission's budget for 2015-2016 and would provide a major boost to the effort to help Haiti recover from the outbreak.

Only seven countries have so far contributed to the fund - Chile, France, India, Liechtenstein, South Korea, Sri Lanka and Britain - for a total of $2.67 million.

Canada and Japan have separately granted $8.5 million to help Haiti.

Guterres intends to appoint a high-level envoy to develop a fundraising strategy that would draw contributions from countries but also from other sources.

The General Assembly will next month discuss the proposals to raise funds for Haiti.
CMTCMT is cueing up the superstar pairings for its 2017 awards show.

Florida Georgia Line will team up with pop phenomenon The Chainsmokers at the Wednesday, June 7 event, while Lady Antebellum will collaborate with R&B legends Earth, Wind & Fire. Keith Urban and Carrie Underwood will take the stage together as well.

FGL does Last Day Alive on The Chainsmokers #1 album, Memories Do Not Open, while Lady A is planning a decades-spanning performance with their CMT Crossroads co-stars. Keith and Carrie, of course, have a top-15 hit with The Fighter.

Blake Shelton, Brett Eldredge, Luke Bryan, Miranda Lambert and Thomas Rhett have already locked in their spots on the show that airs live from Nashvilles Music City Center at 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday, June 7. Nashvilles Charles Esten will host the 2017 CMT Music Awards.

Copyright  2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
There have been unconfirmed reports that a section of the Nigerian Army were plotting to overthrow President Buharis government.

This might have been fuelled by Buratais warning to officers and men of the Army not to get involved in Politics.

The Chief of Army Staff also revealed that some politicians have been approaching Army officers.

Speaking to members of the Osun state House of Assembly, Aregbesola urged the lawmakers to issue a statement commending the Army chief for his brave move.

The Governor also called on the military authorities to investigate and bring all alleged coup plotters to book.

According to Daily Post, Aregbesola said I have also made the strident call for a political system and practice that is best suited for our clime, which will bring inclusion and amount to real political empowerment for all the people.

I have, after our revered leaders, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Chief Bola Ige, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and others, all convinced federalist, argued that for a plural society like ours, true federal practice is a minimum condition of statehood.

We are so diverse as a people that anything short of true federalism is an invitation to chaos.
The witness, Mr. Johnson Ejohwemu, was on Wednesday, May 24, testifying as the fourth prosecution witness in the ongoing trial of Dokpesi alongside Daar Investment and Holdings Limited.

He said Dokpesi lodged the people in the hotel in February 2015.

According to him, he was then the Chief Accountant of Top Rank Hotels Limited, Area 11, Garki branch, Abuja, where the ex-councillors were lodged.

Ejohwemu said he was the Chief Accountant of the branch of the hotel from 1999 till March 2017.

Dokpesi and his company are being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on six counts bordering on the sum of N2.1 billion which they allegedly received from the Office of the National Security Adviser between January and March 2015.

Sambo Dasuki, the embattled ex-NSA was said to have overseen the disbursement of the funds to PDP politicians across the country for campaigns and other 'operations' ahead of the 2015 presidential election.

The EFCC accused Dokpesi and his company of money laundering and other charges relating to procurement fraud.

ALSO READ: Arms Deal Fraud - US court battle gives clues to scandal

Dokpesi allegedly received the sum of N2.12 billion from ONSA to push former president Goodluck Jonathan's presidential media campaigns.

Dasuki allegedly gave the money to Dokpesi as payment for a "purported contract on presidential media initiative."

The prosecution witness, Ejohwemu, who was led by the prosecutor, Mr. Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), said Dokpesi issued a cheque of N6 million to Top Rank Hotels to cover the accommodation and feeding of some former councilors.
"I thought that he was being genuine with me during our business dealings," Mrs Abubakar said while being cross examined in the ongoing fraud trial against a pastor, Nsikakabasi Akpan-Jacobs, Abdulmalik Ibrahim and Dana Motors Ltd.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had slammed the accused with a 15-count charge bordering on conspiracy, stealing and fraudulent conversion of property worth N918 million belonging to THA Shipping Maritime Services Ltd.

Amos Ibe, the defence counsel to Akpan-Jacobs, while cross examining Mrs Abubakar, questioned why she used different monikers in company documents relating to the fraud.

"Before I start cross examining you Ma, should I refer to you as Your Excellency?

"Why was the name Florence Doregos used in the petition from the EFCC which is exhibit one, as well as other fake names in documents you used to transact business with the first defendant?," Mr. Ibe queried.

Replying, Titi said: "I am Her Excellency forever, it was under my instruction and direction that the petition was written.

"My name is Florence Doregos, my name is Titi Amina Atiku Abubakar, the Mrs in the petition is a mistake made by my Lawyer.

"Florence is my name and it was easy for me to use Doregos while I was in state service.

"The name of my biological father is Dorego Albert, we are from Ilesha but I have cousins who are from the Republic of Benin.

"I can choose Doregos, I can choose Albert as my surname, they are all my names, even Dino Melaye, his name is Daniel but he calls himself Dino.

"I can twist my name anyhow I want."

Responding to Mr. Ibe's questions about her identity when she married the former Vice-President, she said "I married my husband at the Ikoyi Registry in 1971.

"I was a Christian before I married my husband, Angelina is my baptismal name, Florence is my confirmation name.

"When I got married to my husband, I converted to Islam and I have been called Amina Titilayo, Titilayo was what I was called at home," she said.

Mr. Ibe, however, still questioning Mrs Atikus real identity, told her that a book written in honour of her husband titled 'Atiku: The Story of Atiku Abubakar,' claimed that she was from a Local Government Area in Adamawa.

"I am from my husbands Local Government Area by virtue of marriage.

"Whether Im from the moon o, thats not the matter on ground," she said.

Mr. Ibe sought to tender the book written in honour of the former Vice-President to the court but it was rejected by Justice Oluwatoyin Ipaye.

"The document does not fall under the definition of a public document under the Evidence Act, it is a private document, it is therefore rejected," Justice Ipaye said.

NAN reports that THA Shipping Maritime Services Ltd, a company created in 2000 belonged to Mrs Atiku, Akpan-Jacobs and Fred Holmes.

ALSO READ: Atiku Abubakar urges FG to scrap 36 state structure

She was allegedly to be the majority shareholder with 49 per cent shares, while Holmes and Akpan-Jacobs each had 25 per cent shares.

Mr. Akpan-Jacobs, who also doubled as the companys Managing Director and Secretary, was accused to have gone to the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and altered the share holding in his favour and forging the companys board resolution.

He allegedly under the new share arrangement allotted 70 per cent shares to himself and 15 per cent shares each to Titi and Holmes.

According to the EFCC, welding a fraudulent shareholding power, Mr. Akpan-Jacobs sold a property belonging to the company to Dana Motors Nigeria Ltd for N918 million.

The property is located at Plot C63 A, Amuwo-Odofin Commercial Layout along Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, Lagos.

During Tuesdays proceedings, the defence disputed Mrs Abubakars claims that she invested over N1.2billion in the business transactions with the defendants.

"Your petition stated that you invested over N200 million and in another document it stated that you invested over N1.2billion, which fact is correct?

"Do you have accounting reports, did you hire an auditor to look at the accounts, how did you arrive at N1.2billion?

"N200 million is the money I spent in building the bonded terminal, by the time it was ready, it was worth N1.2billion.

"Akpan-Jacobs never gave me any records, I was in the state service, I did not get any auditor, Akpan-Jacobs has the evidence of the money I spent, I didnt know that our business transactions will become a court case," she said.

Mrs Abubakar, while in the witness box, accused Mr. Akpan-Jacobs of using her company property as a collateral for a bank loan that he sought when he wanted to run for the Akwa-Ibom governorship election.

"He used my bonded terminal as a collateral for a loan when he wanted to run for governorship of Akwa-Ibom, when he couldnt refund the money the bank wanted to acquire the bonded terminal, he sold it to Dana Motors Ltd,

"I was the largest shareholder of THA Shipping Company with 49% of shares, my German partner Fred Holmes had 26% and Akpan-Jacobs has 25%.

"Akpan-Jacobs never contributed a dime to the company, I couldnt be involved in all the documentation because I was in service.

"He did the registration and promotion of the company, he brought all the papers to me at the villa to sign, he later fraudulently changed the shareholding powers of my shipping company to favour himself.

"He gave me 15 percent, Holmes 15 percent and he took 70 percent shareholding power for himself.

"I never entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with him to sell the company, that is why Im in court, when he couldnt repay the loan, he sold the company to Dana Motors Ltd.

"When the fraud happened, we initially agreed to settle out of court, but instead of settling, he went to sell the cranes and the company, giving the EFCC N16 million which I received," she said.

Mr. Akpan-Jacobs lawyer asked the court to cancel the next court date slated for May 24 for continuation of the trial on the grounds of his Ill health.

"My Lord, I ask for the previously adjourned date of May 24 to be vacated because I am currently battling ill health," Mr. Ibe said.

Babatunde Sonoiki, the EFCC counsel however, opposed Mr. Ibes request.

"There have been four adjournments at the cost of the plaintiff, she flies in at great risk to her safety from Abuja for every court date and she is supposed to be helping to take care of a newborn of one of her children.

"We have another witness who has travelled on four occasions for 15 hours by road from Yola and the case keeps being adjourned, I will like to request for a cost of N750,000 from the defendants to cover the financial expenses of the plaintiff," he said.
The minister also called on Nigerians to pray for Buhari and not to make wrong insinuations about his health.

Adewole also said that there is no cause for alarm, adding that Nigerians should respect Buharis choice to go abroad for treatment.

According to Daily Post, he said One thing we must realise is that health is a complex issue. Theres what we call patient-doctor relationship; there is also a bond between the patient and the doctor and these are things we cant play with.

I used to have patients in Ibadan and they still call me, and say we will like to see you. Then I have to say no to them because Im no longer available and ask, why cant you see somebody else? But many of them are reluctant to do so. Thats the complex thing about health.

We should give him (Buhari) that choice. What we really wish is for Mr. President to be well and hearty.

However, this is also a complex country, so I am not too happy about some of the insinuations, because we should pray for our leaders. We should continue to pray for him. There is no cause for alarm.

He (Buhari) came back (referring to the previous medical vacation) and told us that he was ill and that he was treated. When we have that type of leader, I think we can go to sleep.
Adesina stated this at a media chat with State House correspondents to mark two years of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration on Tuesday in Abuja.

According to him, what the Chief of Army Staff, Maj.-Gen. Tukur Burutai, said about the issue was a routine warning that goes to military officers.

The presidential aide addressed the correspondents alongside the Senior Special Assistants to the President on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu and Mr Laolu Akande (Office of the Vice-President).

Adesina said: The Army has spoken and let us take that position. What the Chief of Army Staff said was a routine warning that goes to military officers, dont hobnob with politicians and the army has explained the position.

Lets take that position and not stretch it beyond what the military has said because they are the ones that can give us the definitive position and they have spoken on it.

The presidential spokesman also debunked the assertion that the ruling party had failed in fulfilling its political obligations and promises to the electorate in view of the reported hardships being experienced by a cross section of Nigerians.

He maintained that it was unfair to assess the performance of the Buharis administration within its first two years.

People can always express their opinions, there is liberty on that but you dont have a scientific survey that has given you the percentage of people that believed that the APC has failed.

The second point is that, when a government via a party is voted into office, it is voted for a four year term under our own democratic arrangement.

When you have spent two years which is like a midterm, the first half of a game, you dont then determined that it has succeeded or it has failed.

No. You can be accused of being atomistic using a small part to determine the whole. You cant write the report card of this administration when it is just hitting the half way mark, that will not be fair.

This administration will take Nigeria far beyond how it met it. So if anybody says APC has failed just tell them is too early in the day because is a four year-term and this is just two years. You dont reach definitive conclusions in two years," he addded.

Malam Garba Shehu, who spoke on the Human Rights records of the Buharis administration, said the records were impeccable.

He said The Human rights records of this administration are impeccable, there are unimpeachable. I think we should avoid speaking in general terms.

The thing to do is to pin point specific cases to buttress assertions that people make and then we can tackle them.

As we speak to you now, we are not aware that the administration of Muhammadu Buhari is in breach of the constitution of Nigeria with regards to the protection of the rights of Nigerians.

Journalists in this country ought to bear testimony on this, there is no single journalist that has been expelled from his duty because he has reported or failed to report, there is no single journalist who is in government detention because they have expressed some views that the government does not like.

According to Shehu, the Buharis administration is complying with the decision of the courts of the land.

I assure that if anybody tries to do otherwise the president will not allow him to get away with it," he added.

Laolu Akande, who spoke on alleged weak prosecution of corruption cases across the country, said: The truth of the matter is that our criminal justice system does need a profound and deep reform.

The important thing is that this government is working on it. As a matter of fact now, the Acting President has put together a national coordination prosecution team for all the prosecution trying to see how in the medium term we can bring some progress.

But also working on judicial sector reforms on the long term on criminal justice system to strengthen both the investigation and prosecution at the courts.

And I know it is going to take a while for us to address it, he said.

On food security, Akande revealed that the government had recorded tangible achievements in the nations agricultural sector.

According to him, the committee on food crisis is still working, while the government has reduced importation of food items especially rice.
Owoseni announced the arrest when he visited the area, following a bloody clash that left the police officer and two other men dead during a festival on Saturday.

The police commissioner warned members of the community, including traditional rulers, against causing breach of public peace.

We will make sure there is no reprisal attacks in the community but the traditional heads need to do something to stem the crisis.

Elders in this community should be ashamed of themselves.

The police helped you to settle clashes but you went ahead to kill an inspector, Owoseni said.

He charged religious leader to always preach peace among their adherents so as to stem the crisis

You should always use your wisdom and position to calm the community.

The Police will continue to do its best in chasing militants away from your community.

But you are starting an internal fight instead of joining hands with us to combat them," he added.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the clash started when some youths from Ilagbo community and Oriyanrin town fought during the Kilajolu festival at Ilagbo.
George Turnah is being prosecuted over an alleged fraud of over N3 billion.

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) brought the accused to court on Wednesday, May 24.

Turnah, alongside seven firms, were arraigned on 12 counts bordering on obtaining by false pretense, money laundering and abuse of office to the tune of N3, 094, 268, 235.69 (Three billion, ninety-four million, two hundred and sixty-eight thousand, two hundred and thirty-five naira, sixty-nine kobo).

The accused had served as a former Special Adviser on Youths to the ex-managing director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Mr. Bassey Dan-Abia.
Mrs Mazari made this disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Daura on Wednesday.

She said that seedlings, fertilisers and insecticides would be provided for the women farmers, who were registered for the forthcoming wet farming season.

According to her, the programme will be formally inaugurated this week in Maiadua Local Government while the scope will be expanded later to accommodate more farmers.

Zakiya said that in the last one year, no fewer than 100 women in Daura zone, had been empowered with cash donation of N10,000 each to enable them establish small scale businesses.

She added that thousands of women had been provided with two goats each to enable them achieve self reliance and sustainability, stressing that each of the beneficiaries received a she goat and a he goat.

The governors wife reiterated the commitment of Gov. Aminu Masari administration to promote the welfare of women through job creation and agriculture.
They also said the Osun government and the hospital are making it difficult for them to do a second autopsy to confirm the hospitals result.

The late Senators family also alleged that the hospital has still not given them the result of the autopsy which they requested for since April 23, 2017.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Dr Deji Adeleke said The Chief Pathologists claim that the Adeleke family is not entitled to the autopsy report because the instructions to conduct the autopsy were given to him by his boss and not directly by the family, is unethical, unprofessional and utterly ridiculous, to say the least.

The Adeleke family will like to put it on record that the Osun State Government-owned Ladoke Akintola Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, has also refused to release the remaining sample of tissues removed from the body of our departed hero, Senator Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke, for the conduct of the autopsy that would have allowed the family to seek the conduct of a second autopsy from an ethical, professional and non-political medical facility outside Osun State.

The Adeleke family will like to state again that the family has been unjustifiably denied the report of the autopsy and the remaining sample of tissues taken from the body of late Senator Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke by the Osun State Government-owned LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Osogbo.
The Accountant-General, Mr Ahmed Idris, who represented the Minister of Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun, told journalists in Abuja that the N415.7 billion was distributed under four sub-heads.

The distributable revenue for the month is N272.1 billion. The sum of N6.33 billion was refunded by NNPC. There is also a proposed distribution of N20.42 billion from the excess Petroleum Profit Tax.

Also, exchange gain of N38.5 billion is proposed for distribution. Therefore, the total revenue distributable for the current month, including VAT of N81.2 billion is N415.7 billion, she said.

Adeosun said government generated N177.7 billion as mineral revenue, which showed a reduction of N50 billion from the N228.5 billion generated in March.

Similarly, in April, the non-mineral revenue also reduced by N6.6 billion, from the N103 billion the country generated in March.

The minister said after deducting cost of collections to the revenue generating agencies, the federal government got N124.4 billion, states N63.1 billion and local government councils N48.7 billion.

In addition, she said N22 billion was given to the oil producing states based on the 13 per cent derivation principle.

On the balance of the excess crude account, the minister said the account currently stands at 2.45 billion dollars.

Despite the increase in revenue generated for the month, the federal government drew attention to the decrease in crude oil export volume.

Adeosun said that despite government effort, crude oil production still suffered setbacks.

She said there were continued leakages arising from sabotage of oil pipelines.

Also, the Chairman, Forum of Finance Commissioners in Nigeria, Mr Mahmoud Yunusa said states were also committed to increasing their internal revenue generation in line with the federal governments recovery and growth plan.
The minister has chosen to discharge that duty by questionable means. The results have been largely uninspiring, so much that poor communication is now accepted as one of the biggest failings of the Buhari administration.

Since the earliest months, two main themes have become obvious in Mohammeds press conferences and statements.

When backed into a tight corner, he is quick to pass the blame and play the victim.

In the months since he took on the role, his major points of call have been the presidencys performance in key areas and the presidents health.

While the economy still tries to emerge from its first depression in 25 years, President Muhammadu Buhari has spent a large part of the last five months on medical leave in London, as he tries to recover from a mystery illness. In both regards, there are serious questions to answer.

Instead, in press conferences and interviews, when asked for comments on these issues, Mohammed suggests a picture where the opposition and its supporters are the enemy and the members of the Buhari administration are saints, complete with halos and golden robes.

He answers questions with rhetorical pleas for mercy, whether hes asking why the media ignores the factors that the administration blames for its poor start or explaining how questions about the president's health are a distraction.

A good example is when a delegation of the National Council of Womens Societies visited him at his office in Abuja. When asked questions about the welfare of the nations citizens, he answered simply, We are very concerned about the welfare of Nigerians and we are not sleeping; many of our critics have been unfair to us because many of them know that we did not invent the problems we are facing today

In other situations, Mohammed makes veiled attempts at inspiring or appealing to populist sentiments.

Where he has the opportunity to clear the air with facts and credible, timely information, he tries to curry favour with the masses by saying things that suggest that they are being manipulated or misinformed by the media and everyone except the Buhari administration.

Lai Mohammed's rhetoric is designed to suggest that the government has a monopoly of affection; that it is the only entity, human or otherwise, that cares and knows what is best for Nigeria and its people.

Others like every political entity in the opposition are either part of the problem or like the media, sensationalists who only start conversations regarding the presidency's actions to create a distraction from the work in progress.

It sounds too much like the early stages of an abusive relationship.

In November 2015, when the Treasury Single Account was launched, it met criticism from a large number of people who did not understand the need or the idea behind unifying the governments accounts.

To clear the air, Mohammed issued a statement, saying it is understandable that the psyche of those who are making the frivolous allegations concerning the TSA has been badly affected by the impunity that permeated the country under the immediate past administration

But the lies that have been wilfully disseminated by scandalmongers over the TSA cannot and will not fly", he added, "because it was precise to put an end to such impunity that Nigerians voted massively for President Muhammadu Buhari, who has an unblemished reputation for integrity, due process, transparency and the rule of law

It would have been easier to just explain what the TSA was and why Nigeria needed it at that point in time.

Mohammed occupies a position where, thanks to Buharis absence, he has become the main mouthpiece of this administration. The manner he has chosen, however, shows something more than ineptitude.

In a nation where more than half the population is under the age of 30, it shows a lack of understanding of how young people acquire information in the digital age and how that access to information is inspiring a level of enlightenment that has increased what people expect of their leaders.

This, in itself, goes to a larger problem that has been the bane of successive administrations and is a cross that Nigerians have had to bear for decades.

An Information Minister like Lai Mohammed is what happens when the ruling class personalises their claim to power, over too many years.

As the world has learned and (continues to see) in the case of Donald Trump, a lack of experience can be disastrous when one holds important political office. But you find that age is not experience, and knowledge quickly becomes obsolete if one does not stay updated and in touch with things.

And no, appointing 17 30-year-old Special Assistants does not count.

Theres also a sense of aloofness; a tendency to act as if being in office or the political class gives you access to some truths or secrets of the world that remain the same, regardless of quickly the world develops.

It is why the Minister for Science and Technology, Ogbonnaya Onu thinks its a good idea to appear in front of pressmen with little more than the news that Nigeria will begin to manufacture match-sticks and pencils in two years.

It is why with the president away with doctors in London, Mohammed thinks it is fine to give non-answers and vague statements as if it is the responsibility of the populace to prove or discover the true state of the presidents health and not the other way around.

The Nigerian ruling class, in 2017, discharges their duties by doing the exact same things that their peers did in the decades before them. It would seem that for them, the biggest evidence of staying abreast of the times is opening a twitter account.

Nigeria's biggest problem is the culture of political actors in the corridors of power.

The simple reason why every successive government seems eerily like the one before them is because the same set of people have been in those corridors since a few years after the nation gained its independence.

This group of people is referred to by most political scholars and commentators as the class of 1966.

In January 1966, 22 notable Nigerian leaders including the Prime Minister, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, the Premiers of the Northern and Western Regions, Ahmadu Bello and Samuel Ladoke Akintola were killed in a coup led by a majority of mutinous soldiers, led by MajorChukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu and Major Emmanuel Ifeajuna.

A number of soldiers, particularly from the Northern Region, were not enthused about this and in July 1966, they launched the counter-coup that put Yakubu Gowon in power.

Of the 32 soldiers that planned and executed that coup, four became head of state in the years that followed; General Sani Abacha, General Ibrahim Babangida, Brigadier-General Murtala Mohammed and Muhammadu Buhari, (twice as a general in 1984 and a civilian in 2015).

Although he was not a part of the team, a certain Olusegun Obasanjo was a friend of that class, and in time, after Murtala Mohammed, he got his own taste of power.

There are familiar names among the remaining officers. Many like John Shagaya, Paul Tarfa, John Nanven Garba and the more prominent Theophilus Danjuma have held various senior executive and legislative posts in successive governments; the rest have spread their tentacles and established themselves in various levels of power.

The team that plotted the coup on July 29, 1966, has not left the corridors of power since then.

Renowned economics professor and former Presidential candidate, Pat Utomi chooses to explain that they got into power with a huntsman mentality; a view that led them to view the coup as a triumph that they were entitled to.

Nigeria has suffered state capture since 1966 and the group of soldiers who ceased the Nigerian state that year, retain a firm grip 50 years after, he writes in the Sahel Standard.

The culture of the class of 66 drove us, first hesitantly, then with deliberate speed into the cusp of a failing state In my view, the class of 1966 cannot help itself. It was socialised into a view of triumph as the Hunt. The hunter mindset is kill and share

For them, the benefit of that victory was to divide and conquer with this new power that they had acquired.

The class of 1966 has never given room for any disruption or change in the power system or how it is distributed.

Save for military coups that were literally power plays between its members, any signs of disruption in the power system have been few and far between. Access to power has been so stringently restricted that a place at the federal seat is only possible on their terms.

This is not to say there have been no crises of legitimacy, but where they have threatened the existing order, powers in the back seat have installed fillers or at least, influenced the election of more familiar surrogates  Shehu Shagari in 1979, Umar Musa Yaradua in 2007 and Goodluck Jonathan in 2011.

For context, its been 51 years since that day in July.

The worldview and how things work have changed vastly in that time; while each member of that class, their ideals, power blocs, policies and objectives have stayed with them, as half a century has passed by.

It is no coincidence that most of the countrys most ambitious projects became par for the course in other countries decades ago.

In recent years, Nigeria has shown bright signs in certain fields largely thanks to the tenacity and hard work of young people. There is much expectation for the role that the young generation, particularly millennials, can play in the nations growth.

One problem, however, is that the almost ever-present nature of the class of 66 has created a fear to speak truth to power and a generation that will rather look away in hope than fight for change.

Massive internet penetration among the youth population and the quick adoption of social media also mean that a majority of young people are simply more capable of creating hashtags on Twitter than making practical moves towards demanding greater inclusion and a say in how they are governed.

President Buharis health and the absence of any clear alternatives in 2019 have set the scenes for a power struggle between the familiar suspects. Such that in the past few days, various rumours, including some that feature a coup, have circulated online and offline.

Regardless of what happens in the lead up to the next presidential elections, there is an ideological void that will be filled by whoever steps up to the plate.

As things stand, the Nigerian political scene offers very limited options. Since the ruling All Progressives Congress got out of the opposition and into power in 2015, the People's Democratic Party that it made the swap with has become all but a shell of itself, destroyed from within by power struggles, decampment, scandals and finger-pointing.

With it, other parties have faded into limited relevance. The implication that there are no alternative ideologies or beliefs that the disgruntled, dissatisfied or those with the desire to upset the existing structure can pitch their tents to.

It is clear that there are young Nigerians who can take up the mantle at various levels of government to inject much-needed stimulus, and innovation into the countrys systems and structures.
The groups National Chairman, Eze Akueze Ikegwuruka, told newsmen in Port-Harcourt on Tuesday that NLNG had allegedly refused to accept amended NLNG Act 2004.

He said the amended NLNG Act (Fiscal Incentives, Guarantees and Assurances) was passed into law by the House of Representatives on May 9, 2017.

According to him, the Act mandated NLNG to remit three per cent of its annual budget to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for development of the Niger Delta.

TROMPCON is surprised that NLNG has clung to some sections of its Act of 2004  which has since expired  to refuse to meet its statutory obligations to the NDDC.

We consider it shameful that NLNG will be campaigning against the best judgment of members of the National Assembly knowing that when Niger Delta sneezes; the country catches cold.

NLNG must comply with Section 14(1)(b) of the NDDC Act which stipulates that three per cent of the total annual budget of any oil producing company operating onshore and offshore goes to NDDC.

While we acknowledge the fact that Section 2 of the NLNG Act gave NLNG tax relief period; these fiscal incentives are clearly for a period of 10 years, he said.

Ikegwuruka pointed out that NLGN had enjoyed tax haven for almost 18 years  eight years more  since the company started operation in the area in September 1999.

He said the multinational firm had dangled carrots of growth and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to the Federal Government with intent to continue with old guarantees and assurances that have expired.

The TROMPCON chairman refuted claims that removal of the guarantees and assurances in the NLNG Act 2004 was erroneous.

ALSO READ:Militants write open letter to Buhari

TROMPCON believes that the huge error  which the House of Representatives graciously corrected  was the special exemption granted in perpetuity to NLNG by Section 9.

Also, the exemption granted are in Clauses 2, 3, 6 and 15 of the NLNG (Fiscal Incentives, Guarantees and Assurances) Act 2004, he said.
This is following the motion made by the Deputy Majority Leader, Senator Bala Ibn NaAllah titled: Urgent need to investigate the alarming rate of rape and sexual assault against women, children and vulnerable people across the country.

He said The Senate notes the frightening increase in cases of sexual violence, notably rape, where more than half of the victims are minors, children below the age of consent.

The Senate further notes that in most of these cases, the perpetrators are usually familiar neighbours, employers of labour and close family members; and it is concerned that the activities of these sexual predators constitute a serious security threat to the larger segment of our society and are severely underreported.

Adding that The Senate is disturbed that on a nearly daily basis, our newspapers are awash with reports of rape and other sexual violence. It observes that these acts portray the country in a bad light and are alien to both our cultural and religious orientation as a people.

Giving his support to the motion, Sen. Ben Bruce said most rape cases are not reported.

He said A few years ago, we heard of a report from Lagos State which basically said rape was the number one crime in Lagos; not armed robbery or assassination. Boko Haram is occupying too much space in the media, yet it is not the number one crime. The number one crime in Nigeria today is rape.

The Senators also called on the law courts to enforce penalties on sexual offenders to deter others.

According to Punch, the Deputy Minority Whip, Senator Abiodun Olujimi also said More than anything else, there is a mental situation attached to anyone that rapes a woman, a child or anybody. The issue of paedophiles now abounds in Nigeria; people who are raping underage children and it affects all us because anyone raped gets disoriented. They lose it all, and that is not fair.

Somehow, the people who are supposed to enforce our laws on rape are complicit in this matter. If not, where have they been when all these are happening in the Centre of Excellence, Lagos; Abuja, Kaduna and Kano. People are being raped on a daily basis and people are turning their eyes away from these heinous crimes.

The Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu also called on rape victims to take the bold step and report to the relevant government agencies.
A source at the commission also said That the State Assembly stopped the investigation just two weeks after its commencement is like giving us the go ahead to continue where we stopped.

The Chairman of the commission, Muhyi Magaji Rimin Gado said Our commission is empowered by section 6 of our laws to investigate whoever, no matter his position and as for this matter what I will say is that we have not destroyed our evidence. We have them intact, but I will not make further comments.

According to Premium Times, the commission has also obtained two court orders to empower it to look into the allegations against the monarch.

This is coming after the Kano State House of Assembly dropped the investigation of alleged corruption levelled against Sanusi.

Reports say the Acting President, Yemi Osinbajo and some prominent figures in the North talked to the lawmakers to sheath their swords.
The trailer offers a closer look at Donald Glover's character and Spider-Man's Stark Industries suit.

Tom Holland, who leads the cast as the titular character, made his debut as the web-slinger superhero in "Captain America: Civil War."

About Movie

Thrilled by his experience with the Avengers, young Peter Parker (Tom Holland) returns home to live with his Aunt May. Under the watchful eye of mentor Tony Stark, Parker starts to embrace his newfound identity as Spider-Man.

He also tries to return to his normal daily routine - distracted by thoughts of proving himself to be more than just a friendly neighborhood superhero.

Peter must soon put his powers to the test when the evil Vulture emerges to threaten everything that he holds dear.

The upcoming Marvel superhero film also stars Marisa Tomei as "Aunt May asthe adoptive mother of Peter Parker, Robert Downey Jnr as Iron Man, Donald Clover, Abraham Attah, Michael Keaton, Logan Marshall-Green, Kenneth Choi and Zendaya.
The State Governor, Nyesom Wike had on Monday, May 22, accused Amaechi, his predecessor, of founding the cult group to frustrate the efforts of his government ahead of the 2019 general election.

But Amaechi described the allegation as "gubernatorial madness", stressing that Wike will face the wrath of the law when he leaves office.

The minister also said the Governor will ultimately face the wrath of God, from whom he (Wike) has no constitutional immunity protection.

A statement issued by Amaechi's media office on Tuesday and obtained by Premium Times was entitled "Again, Governor Wike Goes Mad."

It said Wike has continued to display "his exclusive and uncommon strand of gubernatorial madness when he attempted to link his mentor, benefactor and predecessor Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, as a sponsor of cultists in Rivers State."

The statement said Wike's latest allegation against Amaechi fits the Governor's "style and pattern of distraction and obfuscation- tell a lie to distract, and then tell another lie and another lie to distract our attention from the previous lie, creating an endless web of lies, confusion and deception."

"Sadly, this is the kind of irresponsible, reckless, disgraceful garrulous, scallywag conman that presides over the affairs of Rivers State."

ALSO READ: Amaechi says Wike wants to see his political downfall

It added that Wike is an attention seeker and always wanting to be seen in the media to be "exposing and fighting" Amaechi.

"However, we will burst his bubble this time and will not indulge him or dignify his crass stupidity," it said.

"If he has any sense, Wike ought to know by now that no one takes him seriously anymore, especially whenever he makes those cooked-up vile, malicious allegations against the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi.

"This his new concocted story is not any different from the previous numerous false allegations he has made against Amaechi," the statement said.

Wike had previously accused Amaechi of being the owner of the $43 million found in an Ikoyi, Lagos apartment by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The Governor alleged that Amaechi stole the money from Rivers State coffers and kept it in the apartment.

It later turned out that the money belonged to the National Intelligence Agency (NIA).
Amaechi and other nominees will be honoured for their individual contributions to the development of Rivers.

Other persons on the list of 29 people include former presidents, Goodluck Jonathan and Yakubu Gowon and late activist, Ken Saro-Wiwa.

The awards ceremony will expectedly hold on May 27 in Port Harcourt, the state capital, according to Premium Times.

The governors decision to honour Amaechi comes as a surprise because the two have been at loggerheads for more than three years.

Wike served as Amaechis Chief of Staff from 2007 to 2011, but the duo fell out after Wike was appointed into Jonathans cabinet.

The two have been engaged in several verbal wars, the latest being Wikes allegation that Amaechi had created a new cult in the state.

Amaechi said in response that Wike had gone mad again.
Lamido made this known at a dinner organised in Abuja for the 36 states and six zonal chairmen of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The former Governor also called on the Party leaders to make sure they pick the right candidate to fly the PDPs presidential flag.

Lamido also said For now, what we are doing is internal; that is why I believe I have to start from home. I am aware a lot of people are likely to indicate interest in running on the platform of our great party. Please, we must make sure we go for the best.

After series of consultations across the length and breadth of Nigeria, when the time comes, I will be offering myself for the presidency. I may not be the only aspirant, but please, when the time comes, only the best should be allowed to emerge on the platform of our great party, the PDP. Lamido had, in January this year, declared that no matter the level of oppression and intimidation, if God wishes for him to be president in 2019, nobody would stop him.

Adding that Those in power today must know the same God that made Balewa, Ironsi, Gowon, Murtala, Shagari, Buhari, Babangida and Jonathan presidents can do the same for me if He so wishes.

All the coercion and intimidation were because of my aspiration, and I must tell them that no matter what, if Allah has destined that I will be president, they cannot stop me because that will amount to fighting the will of God.

Leaders should beware of the consequences that follow tyranny, impunity and abuse of human dignity.

Sule Lamido was sentenced to prison on Tuesday, May 2, 2017, after being accused of conducts capable of breaching peace.
"It is quite likely that a meeting with Turkish President Erdogan will take place on the sidelines of the summit," Steffen Seibert told a news conference Wednesday, adding that this was "the plan" but still subject to bilateral discussions.

If a meeting were confirmed, "there are of course a lot of topical issues that the chancellor would like to address", in particular "the right of German parliamentarians to visit our soldiers", Seibert said.

Ankara last week banned German MPs from visiting the Turkish base of Incirlik, where German soldiers are deployed as part of the international coalition against the jihadist Islamic State group in Syria.

The relationship with Turkey is one of Germany's most important outside Europe, in part due to its three-million-strong ethnic Turkish population, the legacy of a massive "guest worker" programme in the 1960s and 1970s.

But ties between the NATO allies have been badly strained especially since a failed coup in Turkey last year, and have worsened over multiple issues including a referendum campaign to expand Erdogan's powers.

Relations plunged further after Turkey imprisoned Deniz Yucel, a German-Turkish journalist with Die Welt, on terror charges earlier this year.

Ankara was angered after Germany granted political asylum to some Turkish military officers accused of involvement in the attempted putsch.

Germany has stationed 250 military personnel flying Tornado surveillance missions over Syria and refuelling flights for partner nations at the Incirlik base.

Amid the heightened tensions, a German parliamentary delegation has called off another planned Turkey trip, saying Wednesday that Ankara had made clear they were not welcome.
Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda's call comes amid an upsurge of attacks on civilians and UN peacekeepers, as well as renewed fighting between factions of the Christian anti-Balaka coalition and the mainly Muslim ex-Seleka rebels.

"Violence and clashes between armed groups in several parts of the Central African Republic (CAR) have increased in the last months," Bensouda said in a statement.

"These reported crimes may fall under the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court and must immediately stop," she said from the ICC's Hague-based headquarters.

A UN official said fighters used mortars and grenade launchers 10 days previously in an assault in Bangassou near the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo. The southeast town had until then mainly been spared from violence.

The offensive left at least 115 people dead including a Moroccan peacekeeper.

Five other peacekeepers -- four Cambodians and a Moroccan -- died on May 8 when their convoy was ambushed not far from Bangassou, in the deadliest attack so far on the UN mission.

Fighting erupted in two other towns -- Alindao and Bria -- that have left scores dead but those clashes were among factions of the anti-Balaka coalition and ex-Seleka rebels, officials say.

In Bangassou, the attack blamed on anti-Balaka rebels targeted the UN's MINUSCA base before turning onto Muslims.

Control of resources in the area -- which is rich in diamonds, gold, coffee and cattle trading - may have played a role in fighting, deputy UN envoy Diane Corner said last week.

Hundreds of reinforcements were sent to Bangassou to restore calm, and Corner said the situation remained "extremely fragile."

The United Nations has 10,000 troops and 2,000 people serving in its MINUSCA force in Central African Republic, which descended into bloody sectarian fighting after the 2013 overthrow of leader Francois Bozize.

Bozize, a Christian, was ousted in March 2013 by mainly Muslim Seleka rebels, triggering the worst crisis since independence from France in 1960.
The troops were patrolling on foot near Aguelhok, which is close to the border with Algeria, when they were attacked, according to a statement from the multinational UN force, MINUSMA.

A military source told AFP that the soldiers belonged to Chad's contingent.

Stationed in Mali since July 2013, MINUSMA has just over 12,000 military and police personnel working on what is considered the UN's most dangerous active peacekeeping deployment.

The attack was the latest in "a wave of violence in the last weeks," MINUSMA chief Mahamat Saleh Annadif was quoted in the statement as saying.

A UN peacekeeper from Liberia was killed and nine others injured early this month in a rocket and mortar attack near Timbuktu.

The attack, like many others in the last weeks, was claimed by a powerful jihadist alliance, the Group to Support Islam and Muslims (GSIM), a fusion of three Malian jihadist groups with previous Al-Qaeda links.

It is headed by Malian jihadist Iyad Ag Ghaly, a former leader of the Islamist group Ansar Dine.

Mali's north came under attack from jihadist groups linked to Al-Qaeda in 2012 who hijacked an ethnic Tuareg-led rebel uprising.
The group's self-styled news agency Amaq claimed the "martyrdom-seeking operation with an explosive vest" in a statement carried by the SITE Intelligence Group.

The suicide bomber detonated his explosives vest at a checkpoint late Tuesday in the semi-autonomous region of Puntland.

"Security forces stopped the suspect when he approached but he detonated himself leaving five people dead. One of the security officers and four civilians were killed in the blast," said local police official Mohamed Dahir Adan.

The blast occurred near a hotel often used as a meeting place for local officials, witnesses said.

"I think the bomber was trying to target the hotel but he was stopped at the checkpoint close to the hotel and he decided to detonate his explosives," said witness Awke Mohamed.

Puntland set up its own government in 1998, but unlike neighbouring Somaliland, it has not declared full independence.

The region has often come under attack by Al-Qaeda-linked Shabaab militants, and is also home to a breakaway group of fighters which have declared allegiance to IS however have failed to gather much support.

The militants are led by former Shabaab cleric Abdiqadir Mumin who switched allegiance from Al Qaeda to IS last year and was named a "global terrorist" by the US State Department in August.

Aside from issuing occasional promotional videos, the group seized the small fishing town of Qandala before being ousted by Puntland forces in December.

Mumin was born in Puntland and lived in Sweden before moving to the UK in the 2000s, where he was granted British citizenship.

In London and Leicester, he developed a reputation as a firebrand preacher at extremist mosques and in videos posted online.

Monitored by MI5, Britain's domestic intelligence agency, Mumin is thought to have known Mohamed Emwazi, the IS executioner nicknamed 'Jihadi John', and Michael Adebolajo, one of two people convicted over the 2013 murder of British soldier Lee Rigby in London.

In 2010, Mumin travelled to Somalia to join the Shabaab -- which both Emwazi and Adebolajo had unsuccessfully tried to do.

He initially served as an imam and propagandist before taking control of the Puntland faction of the Shabaab and later defecting to IS with a handful of fighters -- despite lacking battlefield experience.

Observers say his supporters are mostly made up of members of his own Majerteen clan, and the very existence of Mumin's group is attributed to complex local clan rivalries.

The International Crisis Group estimated in November that his group counted some 200 members and warned the threat of IS could not be "dismissed as insignificant".
"Father Chito Suganob and others were in the Cathedral of Our Lady Help of Christians when members of the Maute fighting group forced their way into the Cathedral, taking with them Fr. Chito and others as hostages," Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines president archbishop Socrates Villegas said in a statement.

"They have threatened to kill the hostages if the government forces unleashed against them are not recalled."

Duterte announced on Tuesday night that martial law had been imposed across the southern region of Mindanao, after Islamist militants rampaged through the city of Marawi and engaged in deadly clashes with security forces.

The fighting in Marawi, a mostly Muslim-populated city of 200,000 people, erupted on Tuesday afternoon after security forces raided a house where they believed Isnilon Hapilon, a leader of the infamous Abu Sayyaf kidnap gang and Philippine head of the Islamic State group, was hiding.

The United States regards Hapilon as one of the world's most dangerous terrorists, offering a bounty of $5 million for his capture.

More than 100 gunmen responded to the raid by burning buildings and conducting other diversionary tactics, according to Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana.

Security analysts say Hapilon has been trying to unite Filipino militant groups that have professed allegiance to IS.

These include the Maute group, named after two brothers who lead it and which is based near Marawi.

"We call on the Maute group that claims to bear arms in the name of a Merciful and Benevolent God  the very same God we Christians worship and adore  to do the One God true honour by the mercy and benevolence that are two of our Gods most exalted attributes," Villegas said in the statement.

"At the time of his capture, Fr. Chito was in the performance of his ministry as a priest. He was not a combatant. He was not bearing arms. He was a threat to none. His capture and that of his companions violates every norm of civilised conflict."
The measure was passed a week after Ukraine blocked Russia's most popular social media networks and a top internet search engine in a self-proclaimed effort to prevent Kremlin propaganda from reaching the crisis-torn former Soviet state.

Ukraine's Verkhovna Rada parliament passed the TV quotas bill by an overwhelming 269-15 margin.

"Once again, the Verkhovna Rada has demonstrated that it is a Ukrainian Verkhovna Rada, one eliminating the remnants of the Soviet imperialist past," parliament speaker Andriy Parubiy said after the vote.

Most people in Ukraine speak both languages but Russian is used more often in the east while Ukrainian is preferred in the west.

Ukraine came under intense criticism from free speech advocates and domestic users for prohibiting the Russian equivalent of Facebook and other popular internet services and sites.

But nationalists and senior politicians saw it as a proper response to an information campaign that Russia is waging alongside the ground offensive it is backing in Ukraine's separatist east.

The three-year conflict has killed more than 10,000 people and turned Moscow and Kiev into sworn foes.

Kiev has been gradually expanding its list of outlawed Russian goods and Russians barred from entering the country for either voicing support for the Kremlin's March 2014 annexation of Crimea or the self-proclaimed independence of Ukraine's separatist fiefdoms.

Numerous Russian television series and movies have already been thrown off the airwaves and banned at cinemas. Ukraine has also blocked the import and sale of some books.

Ukraine's free speech and information policy committee chief Viktoriya Syumar said the bill she co-wrote was in complete agreement with existing European standards.

"Such laws exist in a number of European countries," she told lawmakers.

"Totalitarianism only existed when Ukrainian was banned from use in our land," she added in reference to the Soviet practise of forcing other republics to speak Russian.

"This law will work for Ukraine, for Ukrainian culture and for Ukrainian performers, actors, directors and everyone who respects their country," she said.

The bill makes an allowance for local channels to only show half of their broadcasts in Ukrainian.

President Petro Poroshenko is expected to sign the measure because his parliamentary faction backed the bill.

The legislation is also expected to prompt an angry response from Russia.
The explosion Monday in the British arena, which killed 22 people moments after the US pop idol left the stage, comes a year and a half after another assault claimed by the Islamic State group devastated a rock show at the Bataclan in Paris.

With extremists looking for maximum public impact, the blast at the Manchester Arena was especially grisly as Grande's fan base is full of young girls, with an eight-year-old among the confirmed victims.

The assaults come after a decade of soaring growth across the Western world in live music, which has far surpassed sales of recordings as the key money-maker for artists.

Share prices of Live Nation, the concert giant behind Grande's tour, slumped by nearly one percent Tuesday on security jitters after a year in which their value jumped by nearly half.

Joe Reinartz, news editor at the live music industry publication Pollstar, said he expected more parents to think twice about taking children to concerts or other crowded places.

"Right now the answer it's just too early to tell and nobody has a crystal ball," Reinartz said of the Manchester attack's impact on live music.

But he added: "I would say that there would probably be an immediate impact on all public gatherings of a massive size in the near future."

Young fuel growth

Live music is hardly the only target. Recent mass-casualty attacks in the Western world have included trucks slamming into pedestrians on the Nice promenade and a Berlin Christmas market, and a gun attack inside a gay nightclub in Orlando.

James Donio, president of the Music Business Association, a US-based trade group, said it was human nature for parents to want to protect their children but also noted that foolproof security in and around venues was impossible.

"This is the world we have been living in for a few years," he said. "You cannot say that you're going to have a guarantee of nothing happening or being completely safe, which is sad."

"We're about keeping the music playing and encouraging people to enjoy what music brings to the world.

"If that means that has to be balanced with waiting in a longer line to get in, that's part of what we have to do as fans."

Young people, although not necessarily pre-teens, have been at the forefront of live music's expansion with summer festivals becoming a rite of passage for millennials of sufficient means.

Analytical firm IbisWorld estimates that live music is a $28 billion a year industry in the United States alone, with growth averaging five percent annually for the past five years.

Security already tight

Security was already stepped up around the world following the Bataclan attack, with major venues setting up control rooms and promoters meticulously sifting through bags -- raising questions on how the Manchester assailant evaded detection.

Daniel Colling, director of the 6,000-capacity Zenith in Paris, said the concert hall has ramped up both security personnel and screening since the November 2015 assault on Paris.

"If new attacks hit concert halls, we will have to worry about a reduction in attendance, especially for shows that reach audiences made up of families, the young and foreigners," he said.

Many concert promoters declined to discuss in depth the impact of the attack, feeling it was insensitive to talk business after so much human suffering.

Michael Dugher, chief executive of the British industry umbrella group UK Music, said that music "has the power to bring people together and is so often a celebration of peace and love."
The first of the 22 people killed to be named was an eight-year-old girl.

The attack was the deadliest in Britain since July 7, 2005, when four suicide bombers inspired by Al-Qaeda attacked London underground trains and buses, killing 52 people and wounding 700 more.

David Videcette, a former Metropolitan Police detective who investigated the London attacks, told AFP that the jihadist group would have carefully chosen the target in Manchester.

"I think it is a deliberate ploy on their part to gain a level of anger and disgust from the general public that would be directed towards other Muslims because that assists them in their recruitment drive," said Videcette, who now writes thrillers based on his experiences.

The Manchester bombing was also, he suspects, timed to coincide with the fourth anniversary of the hacking to death of soldier Lee Rigby by two jihadists in London.

It also fell exactly two months after the car and knife attack near the British Houses of Parliament.

The message from them is that "we can do this at will, we can do it where we want and we can do the type of thing that we choose to do and you can't stop us," Videcette said.

In a statement released through its social medial channels, IS said one of its "soldiers" had carried out the bombing in which he killed himself.

'Unbearable' target

Yves Trotignon, a former agent in France's foreign intelligence service DGSE, drew parallels between the Manchester attack and two atrocities in France last year -- the lorry attack that killed 86 people on the Nice seafront and the murder of elderly priest Jacques Hamel near Rouen.

"What is extremely shocking in this attack is the target," he said. "All the security services fear an attack against a target that the public find unbearable.

"It's the Nice attack, with children crushed and killed. Or it's the killing of Father Hamel, which caused deep shock."

British Prime Minister Theresa May called the Manchester attack "appalling and sickening" but stressed that it must not be allowed to divide the country.

After attacks using trucks in Stockholm and Berlin in the last six months, western Europe saw a return to the use of explosives to cause carnage in Manchester.

The fact that it was the first large-scale bombing in Britain since the 2005 London attacks is significant, Videcette said.

"It is a step change for two reasons -- first it bucks the trend and second, there is the level of expertise involved in building an improvised explosive device that is viable from scratch without getting detected by any of the safeguards we have put in place since 2005," he said.

Shashank Joshi, senior research fellow at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), said however that while the type of attack and its target were unusual for Britain, they were unexceptional when placed in an international context.

He said targeting concertgoers brought to mind the November 2015 attack on the Bataclan music hall in Paris that killed 90 people "and in that sense it represents a generic attack on a soft target of the type we have seen again and again in Europe in recent years".

"It is particularly offensive to our sensibilities but we have to avoid over-interpreting this without more information. Prior attacks have also killed children and targeted civilians," he said.

"We have seen terrorist attacks across the world and targeting children is just one more choice on that spectrum.
On May 25, Markovic will sit on the leaders' table at a NATO summit in Brussels and a few days later, his country of 620,000 people should formally become the alliance's 29th member.

The process has riled Moscow, which has long considered Montenegro's predominantly Slavic Orthodox population to be within its sphere of influence.

But the accession is expected to pass without the chaos that some had feared on the streets of the ex-Yugoslav republic, where NATO membership remains a divisive issue.

In 2015, news of Montenegro's accession spurred sometimes violent protests in the capital Podgorica, organised by pro-Russian opposition parties.

Much of the scepticism stems from NATO's bombing of Serbia and Montenegro in 1999 during the Kosovo war.

But after Montenegro declared independence from Serbia in 2006, closer ties with the West were hotly pursued by former premier Milo Djukanovic, who dominated the country for a quarter century until stepping down at the end of last year.

Russian Senator Alexey Pushkov wrote on Twitter that the military value of Montenegro was "zero".

But according to Srdjan Vucetic of the Centre for International Policy Studies, "its political and strategic import is considerable".

"Viewed from the Kremlin... any gain for NATO is a loss for Russia," he wrote.

Adriatic domination

With Montenegro on board, NATO now controls all of the Adriatic coast.

And the presence of its troops in Kosovo and Bosnia "indicates that the alliance remains ready to engage if armed conflicts were to recur," in the Balkans, wrote Janusz Bugajski at the Center for European Policy Analysis, a US think tank.

Only Serbia and Macedonia keep their distance from NATO -- the latter is formally a candidate to join, but the process has not advanced since 2008.

After US President Donald Trump last month signed off on Montenegro's accession, Russia slammed the process as "deeply erroneous" and harming stability in the Balkans.

But the pro-Russian opposition in Podgorica has been weakened by the indictment of its leaders, Andrija Mandic and Milan Knezevic, over an alleged coup plot in October.

Montenegrin officials asserted that "Russian state bodies" were involved in the attempted power grab that aimed to prevent NATO accession -- by overthrowing and even assassinating Djukanovic.

His opponents point to persisting mysteries around the plot, alleging that the whole affair was a political set-up to weaken them.

Judicial authorities have never explained how they got wind of the conspiracy, foiled just ahead of a general election that was narrowly won by Djukanovic and his allies.

The defence for some of the 23 accused, most of them Russian-speaking Serbs, further noted that police have never produced the weapons intended for use in the attack.

Yet many details have been disseminated to Western media who are "keen to take the Podgorica government's version of events at face value," said Marcus Tanner, an editor at the Balkan Investigative Reporting Network.

Turning west

Moscow's wine blockade -- officially over sanitary failings -- prevents Montenegrin exports worth an annual 1.7 million euros. This is nothing compared to the 450 million euros that make up Montenegro's total foreign trade, most of which is with the European Union.

The country is an official candidate to join the 28-member bloc, and it joined forces with the EU in 2015 by imposing sanctions against Russia over the Ukraine conflict.

"We are not dependent on Russia or Serbia, we are on our way to the EU and NATO, whether they like it or not," said Dragan Petrovic, an economist, 45.

The crucial tourism sector seems more delicate: one in three visitors is Russian, according to the Montenegrin statistics office. In April, Moscow denounced "an increase in anti-Russian hysteria" in Montenegro.

But in 2016, when the crisis was most acute, Russian visitors were up four percent from the year before to 317,000, according to Montenegro's national tourism organisation.

And Russian bookings for this summer are already up by two to three percent.

"There has not been and there is no Russophobia," insisted Oleg Tretyakov, a 45-year-old lawyer living in Montenegro along with 12,000 other Russians.

Russian citizens hold some 70,000 properties and injected 52 million euros in the country in 2016.

Marat Gelman, the Russian director of an art centre in Montenegro's coastal town of Kotor, said deteriorating relations between Moscow and Podgorica had adversely effected local Russians' business interests.
But there is also anger among conservative groups who have staged mass rallies against a change in the law as the debate divides society.

Campaigners for and against gay marriage are expected to gather in central Taipei on Wednesday afternoon.

The decision itself will be posted online by the judiciary at 4:00 pm (0800 GMT).

A panel of 14 grand justices will make the ruling in a case that centres on whether Taiwan's current law is unconstitutional.

Taiwan's pioneering gay rights campaigner, Chi Chia-wei, is one of the petitioners who has brought the case to the constitutional court.

After 30 years of activism, Chi, 59, told AFP he is "100 percent confident" the ruling will go in his favour.

He urged the judges to allow gay couples to register to marry the next day if they approve a change in the law, rather than giving the government a longer timeframe to implement the decision.

At the heart of the case is a clause in Taiwan's Civil Code that an agreement to marry should be made between a man and a woman.

Chi wants the court to rule on whether that contravenes elements in Taiwan's constitution which guarantee equality and freedom of marriage.

The decision is binding, so a ruling in his favour would pave the way for same-sex unions to be legalised.

The other party bringing the case is the Taipei city government, which has been rejecting marriage applications by same-sex couples and is seeking clarification of the law.

A majority of at least 10 judges need to agree on the ruling.

For the first time ever, the judiciary will release the decision simultaneously in Chinese and English, an indication of the level of international interest.

The ruling is likely to reverberate around the region, with calls for marriage equality rising in a number of countries, including South Korea and Japan.

Taiwan is seen as one of the most progressive societies in Asia when it comes to gay rights, and momentum has been gathering since President Tsai Ing-wen -- who has openly supported marriage equality -- came to power last May.

The legislature has also made more progress than ever, with proposals to amend the Civil Code, passing the first reading in December.

However, as well as huge pro-gay marriage rallies, hundreds of thousands have gathered to demonstrate against legalising same-sex unions.
Finding Peace of Mind: Discover These Five Places in Europe to Unwind
Iowa Quad-City companies and communities are invited to join the State of Iowa this fall on a trade and investment mission to Israel aimed at building new relationships between the two.

Sponsored by the International Trade Office of the Iowa Economic Development Authority, or IEDA, the trade mission will be Sept. 6-13 to Jerusalem and Tel-Aviv. It is anticipated Iowa's new governor, Kim Reynolds, will lead the mission, IEDA officials said.

"The delegation will be a mix of those supporting the governor's official delegation and some companies looking for their own personal agenda to further their sales or partnerships," said Peggy Kerr, IEDA's international marketing manager.

She estimated between 20 and 30 participants will join what would be the first Iowa governor-led mission to Israel.

Tina Hoffman, IEDA's marketing and communications director, said the state has been conducting various trade missions for years. "Israel is fairly new for us, we've been in China and Japan... But we're always looking for those new emerging markets."

As part of its role, the state will arrange one-on-one appointments in Israel for the participating Iowa companies. "That is part of why we do these  to connect Iowa companies with companies in other countries," she said.

Kerr said Israel's entrepreneurial and startup culture is attractive to Iowa companies looking to expand. In addition, the mission coincides with WATEC Israel 2017 - the Water Technology & Environment Control Exhibition & Conference, Sept. 12-14. "So it's an opportunity for communities in Iowa to learn what Israel has done in the areas of water treatment and water quality."

The United States is Israel's largest single-country trade partner. Cut diamonds, high-technology equipment and pharmaceuticals are among its leading exports, according to IEDA. Its major imports include crude oil, grains, raw materials and military equipment. Israel also is known for its successes in overcoming the limitations with its water resources.

Hoffman said there has been interest from many partners and companies across Iowa. But the mission is of particular interest to the America Israel Economic Forum Quad-Cities.

The nonprofit organization has been working to forge more business relationships and partnerships between Israel and the Quad-Cities. The forum is an extension of the America Israel Economic Forum in Chicago, the educational arm of the American Israel Chamber of Commerce, also in Chicago.

"We'd like to have at least three companies from the Quad-Cities go (on the trade mission), because our overall goal is to get three joint ventures or companies located here, or Quad-City companies located there," said Tom McGovern, chairman of the Quad-City forum.

McGovern, who plans to make the trip, said Iowa companies involved in cyber security, water, agricultural technology or advancing manufacturing "could benefit from working with Israeli companies."

Currently, he said there are no Israeli companies with operations in the Quad-Cities. "We're excited that the State of Iowa is willing to work with Israel and help develop commerce between (the two)," he added.

Kerr pointed out that "building relationships does take time, it is not an immediate return. It may take months, years after the trade mission to culminate a transaction."
The lineup for the first-ever Turnbuckle Comedy and Music Festival at Codfish Hollow Barn on Friday and Saturday, turned out to be much more comedy than music.

Forty comedians, 30 of whom are from Iowa, are set to take over two stages at the Maquoketa venue.

The fest also includes five music acts and one slot dedicated to professional wrestling (SCW Wrestling will put on four matches on Saturday).

That mix brings a brand new flavor to Codfish Hollow, said Dan Bush, one of the fests organizers.

Its the fun of doing something thats never been before, Bush said. Theres something like 18 shows a year at Codfish Hollow and theres not going to be anything else like this."

Still, he said, starting a comedy fest has been a tough sell for those used to exclusively seeing music at the barn.

Last week, organizers cut ticket prices, originally set at $55 per day or $80 for a weekend pass, to $25 per day. Tickets are available at codfishhollowbarnstormers.com.

Some people have been caught off guard by it, Bush, who co-owns Triple Crown Whiskey Bar & Raccoon Motel and Analog Arcade Bar in Davenport, said. Were taking a gamble. No matter what happens, were not going to regret that gamble.

Sean Moeller, a Davenport-based concert promoter who also helped put on the fest, offers this advice: Just give it a chance.

We wanted to put together the most fun weekend ever; we wanted to see people smile for two straight days, Moeller said. Theres nothing like laughing until it hurts -- you just cant beat it.

You may know not know all of the names, but I really think its going to be one of those weekends that years from now, youll be sad if you missed it.

Stand-up comedians from the Quad-Cities, such as Bobby Ray Bunch, are thankful Bush and Moeller took the risk.

Its the best comedy show thats ever come to this area, Bunch, of LeClaire, who will perform on Friday, said. There are festivals that have been going on for 10 years that dont have this caliber of talent.

That includes headliners Kyle Kinane and Nick Thune, both who have appeared on several Comedy Central programs. Thune has appeared in movies such as Knocked Up and Unaccompanied Minors. Kinane, who Bush counts as his favorite comedian of all time, is also set to perform at the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Fest in Manchester, Tennessee, in June.

We had a short list of people we wanted and everyone said yes, Bush said. Its our dream festival.

Turnbuckle isnt the only comedy event in the area: Others include the Beast Village Comedy Festival in Des Moines as well as Green Gravel Comedy Festival and Floodwater Comedy Festival in Iowa City.

Luke Swanson, a Quad-City native who will return to his hometown area to perform at Codfish Hollow this weekend, said Turnbuckle stands out from those.

He said the longer sets, which range from 15 minutes to an hour, set Turnbuckle apart from other comedy showcases where performers typically have less than 10 minutes to tell their jokes.

With full sets, you have time to get to know someone, Swanson, 37, said. You get a look at the thoughts they have throughout the day and what theyve been up to and you get to laugh along with them.

That, along with the background of gravel roads and rural Iowa landscape, is shaping up to make Turnbuckle an experience you wont get anywhere else, he said.

Comedy is very intimate, he said. With music, there is a script youre following and there are songs youve heard before. Comedy is different because it really surprises you. Its funny because its wrong and not expected.
Q. I have been curious as to why Stanley Liggins wears dark glasses when he appears in court? I would presume it is due to a medical condition.  Susan, Davenport

A. Quad-City Times reporter Tara Becker has been covering the Stanley Liggins trial. She said, "Stanley (Liggins) had written to the judge earlier this year. He says in the letter that he wears the glasses because he has glaucoma, and he also had his left eye removed about 20 years ago."

To read the full letter, visit qctimes.com/askthetimes.

Follow-up file:

A reader from Muscatine questioned the accuracy of information provided by Stuart Schmitz, state toxicologist for the Iowa Department of Public Health, in Ask the Times on May 20.

"Please note the limestone dust is different than silica dust. You may google it.

"'Occupational exposures to respirable crystalline silica are associated with the development of silicosis, lung cancer, pulmonary tuberculosis, and airway diseases.'"

"National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH)

"'But I live on a farm, along a gravel road ... It's always dusty ...'

"'Respirable crystalline silica is a much more hazardous occupational exposure than limestone dust,' according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The current maximum recommended exposure limit for respirable limestone is 100 times higher than for respirable crystalline silica  and OSHA has proposed further cutting the silica limit by one-half.

"The information that you provided is inaccurate."  Dyrk, Muscatine, Iowa

A. We contacted Stuart Schmitz for a response. He said, "Yes, silica dust is much more hazardous than limestone dust. The current standards for respirable silica dust are 100 times more protective than for respirable limestone dust. Silica is a harder material than limestone with the potential for more jagged, cutting edges that would do greater damage to the interior of the lungs. Limestone has some solubility, while silica is insoluble in water. All this would contribute to the greater hazard potential of silica when compared to limestone when inhaled."

When asked about his statement in the May 20 Ask the Times column, Schmitz said, "My recommendation would essentially be the same for limestone. City and county officials should be aware of the OSHA and NIOSH standards for limestone dust of 5 mg/m3 for the respirable portion of the limestone dust and should require these standards to be enforced for the workers and require some type of controls to prevent excess exposure of limestone dust to the public. The health impacts from short-term exposure to limestone dust will not be long-term health impacts, but there will be short-term health impacts such as eye and lung irritation. People will underlying respiratory issues and the very young and very old will be impacted to a greater degree. These adverse impacts should lessen and individuals should recover after exposure to the dust stops."
Two Davenport teens charged in the fatal shooting of 17-year-old Akeim Hill earlier this month will be arraigned on charges of first-degree murder and first-degree robbery on June 8.

On Wednesday, prosecutors filed a two-count trial information, which is the formal charging document, against James McKay Bailey Jr., 17, and Joseph Roosevelt Howard-Rogers, 16.

Bailey, who remains in custody in lieu of bond, will be in court May 30 for a bond review. Howard-Rogers remains in custody on a $500,000 cash-only bond.

Just before noon May 12, police were called to Kirkwood Boulevard and Bridge Avenue for a report of a man who had been shot.

A wounded Hill, 17, was found in the car and taken to Genesis Medical Center-East Rusholme Street, Davenport, where he died.

Police say Bailey and Howard-Rogers met Hill in a vehicle parked in the 700 block of East 10th Street near Sylvan Avenue earlier that day. A fight broke out between the three, and Hill was shot twice, according to police.

First-degree murder under Iowa law normally carries an automatic sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole, and first-degree robbery normally carries an automatic sentence of 25 years in prison of which 70 percent, or 17 years, must be served before parole is granted.

However, the Iowa Supreme Court has determined that people younger than 18 cannot be sentenced to life in prison without parole, that because they are juveniles, they must be given a chance at being paroled.
Iowas court offices, which include the clerk of courts and juvenile court services, will be closed Friday while employees take an unpaid furlough day because of state budget cuts.

County courthouses will remain open and county services will be available.

The order that came down from the Iowa Supreme Court applies to all court personnel, except judges and magistrates, and will affect 1,446 employees.

Court Communications Director Steve Davis said he did not know exactly how many employees will be affected in the 7th Judicial Court District, which includes Scott, Clinton, Cedar, Jackson and Muscatine counties.

Court administrator Kathy Gaylord referred questions to Davis.

The court said in a news release that the initial appropriation for the fiscal year ending June 30 for judicial branch operations was $5 million less than the amount needed to maintain the same level of service to Iowans in the 2016 fiscal year.

The Iowa Legislature in January 2017 passed and the governor signed Senate File 130, which appropriated an additional $3 million from the 2017 operating budget of the Iowa Judicial Branch, according to the release.

The furlough day is expected to result in a statewide reduction of $364,573.

Davis said only one furlough day has been scheduled for this fiscal year. No decisions have been made regarding furloughs in the next fiscal year, he said.

The last court closure because of furloughs was in May 2010.

To further balance the budget, the court also established a hiring freeze for all vacancies in the judicial branch; will hold open judicial vacancies for an average of six months; will reduce travel by 10 percent; will reduce furniture and non-IT equipment by 50 percent; will shift some funding for IT operations to the Court Technology Fund; and will institute a moratorium on expansion of specialty courts. Specialty courts include drug and mental health courts.

The 2017 budget requires Supreme Court approval before a judicial district may eliminate any specialty courts, Davis said.

-- Tara Becker
A virtual reality tool to help high school students decide on their future careers was introduced Tuesday at Assumption High School, Davenport.

Assumption received a $25,000 STEM, or science, technology, engineering and math, grant, and has used the funds to help develop the software and to acquire Oculus Rift hardware.

Ultimately, any student in the nation can download the career exploration tool and virtually visit work sites across the United States.

In a news conference at Assumption, five students, most of them seniors, put on the VR headsets and sat at computer monitors to demonstrate the software.

The teens had a choice of videos on various careers, including some from professionals in the Quad-Cities. They included Dr. Myra Daniels, who works in family medicine at Genesis Health System; John Maxwell, owner and farmer at Cinnamon Ridge dairy farm in Donahue; and Dr. Jennifer Ewoldt, a veterinarian in Eldridge.

Those professionals, and dozens of others, are now part of the new VR program. The app is available for free on the Google Play store and can be found by searching "VR STEM Career Exploration." A version for iPhones will be available on Apples app store beginning in June.

Victory VR traveled to visit with experts in traditional and non-traditional STEM careers. Assumption, armed with the grant received last year, has approached, especially, upperclassmen with the technology.

Jared Grubbs, 18, a senior from Davenport, enjoys the online experience, he said. Once he puts on the headset, Grubbs, son of Steve Grubbs, company founder, said he is "totally immersed in sight and sound."

He likes to take field trips and said it's possible to do online without actually getting permission slips and taking a bus to a site. Grubbs will graduate from Assumption this weekend and plans to attend Iowa State University, Ames, and major in engineering.

Abbey Heinrichs, 18, also from Davenport, said the technology is "so realistic, it's amazing." Heinrichs also will attend Iowa State next year and said she will probably major in child development and family services.

The president of the Quad-City Engineering and Science Council, Chris Courmeyer, is in business development for Victory VR. Assumption was selected for the award, she said, made possible by grant from the Iowa Governor's STEM Council.

"The tools that Assumption uses will give the students more access to STEM career options," Courmeyer said.

Wendy Martin, the school's science teacher, said personal visits from people in various professions are a traditional way to find out about various careers. But through the online program, students also can see the people working at their jobs.

"This is a step up," Martin said of the software.

"It is really exciting," she said. "The kids will be more interested if they can actually see and hear what the people do."

The videos are made with Go Pros, used by Victory VR personnel. About one-third of the professions are local, but the company traveled across the nation to make the videos.

In a typical video, Sam Genson said, Steve Grubbs will interview a person in a specific profession, asking them what they do, specifically, and what advice they could offer someone investigating the career. Genson is media relations director at Victory VR.

The high school VR curriculum will be fully developed in another 18 months, Genson said. Middle school programs, for students in grades 5-8, are to be finished for the 2017-18 school year.
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If you are one of the nearly 3,000 people who attended elementary school at Davenport's Sacred Heart Cathedral, your last chance to see the historic school is coming up.

The 100-year-old building, dedicated in 1915, is expected to be demolished later this year as a new diocesan center addition to the cathedral takes shape. The spot where the school is now will be converted to parking.

To mark the transition and to salute all the learning and memory-making that occurred at the school, a committee of parishioners and former students has organized a free cookout/picnic reunion for 3-7 p.m. Saturday, June 24, the day after the Feast of the Sacred Heart.

Any former student, faculty or staff member or volunteer of the school at 422 E. 10th St. is invited to attend, said Jim Tiedge, one of the organizers.

Attendees will be able to tour the school beginning at 3 p.m. and celebrate Mass in the cathedral at 4 p.m. A free picnic will follow, served in tents set up on the grounds. The school's cornerstone also will be opened.

Tour evokes memories

Walking into the school one day last week, former student Marry Kellenberger was immediately struck by the aroma.

"It smells the same," she said.

As she, Tiege and former student Evie Plambeck made their way through the three floors, gym and auditorium, they recalled their time there.

Sacred Heart was a place of learning and strict discipline by the nuns, but also a place for fun and where a sense of family prevailed, said Kellenberger, who is helping Tiedge with the reunion.

The school was staffed by members of the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, headquartered in Dubuque. With as many as 50 students in one classroom, they had to be strict.

"They knew how to teach so you'd learn and retain, Kellenberger said. We had spelling tests once a week, and you'd better get at least 90 percent. If you got in trouble with the nuns, you did not go home and tell your parents, because then you were in trouble with them.

You knew many of the people throughout the school, as most students had brothers and sisters in other grades. But ... everyone knew you, too, so if you got in trouble, it didn't take long for word to reach your parents ears.

She shuddered as she walked past the administrative office on the second floor.

"That is not where you wanted to be," she said.

The auditorium was, as Tiedge said, "state-of-the-art for an elementary school." It has theater-style seating for about 350, a curved stage hung with a huge curtain painted with a mural, a dome in the middle of the ceiling and much decorative molding, painted blue.

Looking out a window, Kellenberger noted that the playground was a magnet for neighborhood kids. They shot baskets, jumped rope and played hopscotch before and after school and again after dinner "until the street lights came on." That was their signal to return home, Kellenberger said.

And there were activities specific to a Catholic school, with an annual ceremony called May crowning in which a student would place a crown on a statue of the Blessed Mother and others would lay flowers at the feet, with lots of singing.

The first Friday of each month was observed as a special day with hot chocolate and sweet rolls in the gym after Mass and before school.

People attending the reunion are invited to bring their own memories, as well as any memorabilia, such as trophies, ribbons, medals or pictures, and there will be some mementos for sale, such as wood boards with cloak room hooks. Proceeds will go to the building project.

School history

Sacred Heart has been educating students in various buildings since 1856, according to a parish history.

The present school was dedicated in 1915 and operated almost 90 years until 2004 when the school merged with Holy Family Catholic School to become All Saints Catholic School, now located at 1926 Marquette St. In 2005, St. Alphonsus School also joined.

"We had to do it," Tiedge said of the merger. "There wasn't really a choice. And it has turned out to be a fabulous move. That's almost a miracle what happens over there," he said, referring to All Saints.

The high-time enrollment was 495 in 1956, according to a parish history. This was a time when the baby-boom generation filled the desks, Tiedge said.

When the school closed, total enrollment was around 110, and one of Tiedge's grandchildren was in a class with only nine students, he said.

The brick building was designed by noted Quad-City architect Arthur Ebeling. Since closure, the classrooms have been used for religious education, and the gym and auditorium have served parish functions. But its lack of handicapped accessibility reduced its usefulness.

Some people say it's too bad the building is coming down, but "you'd have to put two different elevators in it to accommodate all the floors," Tiedge said. "What are you going to do?"

"People say, 'In other countries, they would use these buildings,' and that's true, but the reality is that other countries don't have the handicapped accessibility issues and codes that we do."
1. Patchy fog starts our Wednesday

A good Wednesday to all. Here's how our weather picture is shaping up today, according to the National Weather Service.

Today we'll see patchy, dense fog between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. There's a 40 percent chance of showers with thunderstorms also possible after 1 p.m. Otherwise it will be mostly cloudy with a high near 65 degrees. Winds will be from the north.

Tonight there's a 20 percent chance of showers before 9 p.m. Skies will be mostly cloudy with a low around 48 degrees.

Thursday will be mostly sunny with a high near 73 degrees and a low around 55 degrees.

A flood watch continues for the Mississippi River in the Quad-Cities. The Mississippi is currently at 12.6 feet. Flood stage is 15 feet. The river is expected to rise to flood stage Sunday night and continue rising to 15.7 feet Tuesday.

2. 7th Avenue lane closures in Moline

The city of Moline reports that Valley Construction is performing water main replacement work in the 2100 block of 7th Avenue which is restricting traffic to one lane in both directions.

The project is expected to be complete June 2.

3. Group fights for Veterans Memorial Park development

Bill Churchill has a deep personal understanding of the sacrifices members of the armed forces have made and continue to make.

The Vietnam War veteran, member of the honor guard and 42-year educator was not even given the option of finishing the semester at Illinois State University before being drafted for service.

Now, as the president of Friends of Veterans Memorial Park, Churchill feels compelled to stand up for another cause: future development of the Davenport park at 315 S. Marquette St.. Read more.

4. Aging Lock and Dam 15 guidewall being repaired

Aging infrastructure at Lock and Dam 15 in Rock Island is undergoing unscheduled maintenance to repair a concrete guidewall.

According to a news release issued Tuesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island District, mobilized a maintenance crew to address structural concerns on the downstream guidewall.

Aaron Dunlop, operations project manager for the Rock Island Districts Mississippi River Project, said four monoliths making up a portion of the guidewall are being demolished as the failing concrete is creating risk to the navigation system.

The demolition work began Saturday and will continue for about two weeks. The demolition should not affect barge traffic because the work being done is on the back side of the guidewall, outside of the navigation channel. Read more.

5. A look back at the Quad-City Times of yesteryear

In December 2016, Doug Lamberts uncle, Theodore "Ted" Bowman, died in Billings, Montana, at the age of 96. While cleaning out his house, Lambert found a case with a dozen older-style 8 MM films believed to be from the 1940s and 1950s and an old Bell & Howell movie projector.

Bowman made the two films during his years in the printing room at The Democrat, a predecessor of the Quad-City Times. The Quad-City Times had the two 8mm films digitized in order to share them with our readers. Watch the videos.

6. Nombo's comfort foods join food truck scene in the Q-C

For most of her adult life, Missy Carter did what was expected. She went to college and got big girl jobs in private security and real estate. In the back of her mind, Carter knew she wanted something more.

As it turns out, she wanted to open a food truck offering tastes learned from her mom. She officially opened Nombos Grub Truck on March 4 and has been steadily serving comfort foods  including a variety of macaroni and cheese dishes, tacos, tamales and desserts such as strawberry shortbread donuts  since. Read more.
So it has come to this: A Russian government-funded propaganda outfit schooling the Trump administration on the cruelty of its proposed federal budget.

Mick Mulvaney, President Trump's budget director, unveiled Trump's ghastly 2018 budget proposal Monday afternoon in the White House briefing room, and one point of pride was that it proposed that the child-care tax credit and the earned-income tax credit -- benefits for working families -- be denied to illegal immigrants. "It's not right when you look at it from the perspective of people who pay the taxes," Mulvaney declared.

But Andrew Feinberg, a reporter with Russia's Sputnik news outfit, pointed out that many of the children who would be cut off under Trump's proposal are U.S. citizens. "Whether they're here illegally or not," Feinberg noted, "those families have American-citizen children."

Mulvaney, who probably didn't know he was being interrogated by Sputnik, argued back, saying that Feinberg wasn't duly considering taxpayers and that "we have all kinds of other programs" for poor kids.

At this, another reporter in the room interjected: "You're cutting that, too."

It was a bizarre scene: An organization financed by Vladimir Putin's regime, in the White House, lecturing a Trump administration official. (Maybe they aren't "colluding" after all.) But Trump's budget is such that it leaves this White House's credibility on a par with (or perhaps below) that of a Russian propaganda outfit.

The budget claims it balances the budget over a decade without touching Social Security and Medicare, while spending more on national security, the border, infrastructure and more.

How? The budget would eviscerate aid to the poor, and it makes preposterous assumptions about future growth. In other words -- a cruelty wrapped in a lie. Mulvaney acknowledged it's a "fair point" that Congress will ignore the proposal. But this outrage deserves attention.

Trump, who once vowed "no cuts" to Medicaid, would now cut Medicaid by more than $800 billion, denying support to 10 million people. He lops a total of $1.7 trillion off that and similar programs, including food stamps, school lunches and Habitat for Humanity.

Mulvaney, in defending the budget, made a frank admission: "This is, I think, the first time in a long time an administration has written a budget through the eyes of people who actually are paying the taxes. Too often in Washington I think we often think only on the recipient side."

Exactly. The rich pay the most in overall taxes (even if not by percentage), and they get the lion's share of benefits from Trump's budget. The poor and working poor pay little or nothing in federal income taxes -- and they would get little or nothing.

But even taking all benefits from the poor and the working class wouldn't make a budget balance, particularly if Social Security and Medicare aren't chopped. Even Mulvaney said he was "honestly surprised" he could balance the budget. How? By making magical assumptions.

Mulvaney said the annual growth the Obama administration and Congressional Budget Office forecast was "pessimistic." A better word might be "responsible," but the Trump administration realized what Mulvaney called an "ugly truth": "You can never balance the budget at 1.9 percent" growth.

And so -- voila! -- the Trump administration assumes 3 percent growth for the next 10 years, a level not seen in decades. Magical assumptions make budgets magically balance.

Many of the press corps regulars were traveling, so Brian Karem, from the Montgomery County Sentinel in Maryland, called out the first question: "What about critics who say this budget is incredibly hardhearted, especially for the least of our brothers?"

Mulvaney said it was "hardhearted" to take money from taxpayers for ineffective programs.

CNBC's John Harwood asked about Trump's promise not to touch Medicaid. Mulvaney's response was about Obamacare.

Another reporter asked whether there would be anything to replace cuts to medical care for pregnant women or preventive-care services. "The short answer is I don't know," Mulvaney said.

The budget director employed creative euphemisms, saying cuts to food stamps were part of a "cost sharing" plan with states. But he wasn't really fooling anybody -- certainly not the man from Sputnik. Feinberg, an American, explained while smoking a Camel outside the briefing room that he was a freelancer who took the job because it was a paying gig. He filed two items for Sputnik, including one noting that Trump's budget would deny tax credits to "parents who aren't legally in the United States even if their children are American citizens."

Feinberg's reports were true. It's the Trump budget assumptions and justifications that amount to propaganda.
Whenever I mention that the news media leans ridiculously far to the left, that it has lost half the country with its attitude and that the tone of the coverage of President Donald Trump is over-the-top hostile, I get the same darn reaction.

The eye roll.

That big Anderson Cooper CNN eye roll, often accompanied by a few theatrical sighs.

And when I leave the newsroom, it gets even worse on social media.

But now Harvard University's Shorenstein Center on Media, Politics and Public Policy has come out with a study of media coverage of the Trump White House in its first 100 days.

It is astonishing because it comes from Harvard, not exactly the bedrock of American conservatism.

The study found that in Trump's first 100 days in office, the tone of the news coverage of the president has been a whopping 80 percent negative to 20 percent positive.

CNN and NBC struck a 93 percent negative tone on their Trump stories, with only 7 percent positive. CBS was third in the anti-Trump race, with a 91 to 9 ratio. And the pro-Trump Fox News? That network was 52 percent negative to 48 percent positive.

So what does fair and balanced really mean, anyway?

"It confirms what most people understand," said Tom Bevan, publisher and co-founder of RealClearPolitics, one of the go-to websites for media and political junkies.

Bevan spoke as a guest on "The Chicago Way" podcast that I co-host with WGN-AM radio producer Jeff Carlin.

"The response will be that Trump is deserving of this kind of coverage because he's conducted himself inappropriately, and these are self-inflicted wounds, and the press is doing nothing but covering him and his actions. But that's a little bit disingenuous," Bevan said.

"I think Trump has been treated unfairly by the press in his first 100 days. Everything he does is seen as a five-alarm fire."

Trump bears some of the blame for this. He mocked the media, called journalists "the enemy of the people," and went to Washington with much vulgar bragging, essentially promising he'd kick the political establishment right in the private parts. And telling the Russians that former FBI director James Comey is a "nut job" doesn't help.

And now the establishment kicks back.

Many Beltway journalists are essentially establishment creatures, gatekeepers for the political ruling class, members of that class and fierce guardians of their place in the empire. The political class sees Trump and the 62 million Americans who voted for him as the stuff they scrape off their shoes.

While Trump's 80-20 negative coverage ratio is amazing, Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush also received much negative coverage in their first 100 days, at about 60-40 ratios.

So how was President Obama covered in his first 100 days? With a 60-40 positive to negative ratio, according to the Harvard study.

"That's a significant shift, a significant difference," says Bevan. "I think this is reflective of the fact that the media does root from the press box, and they do cheer for certain personalities, and they do cheer against others."

I have my own memory of the media's tone after Obama took office. It wasn't merely positive, it was adoring, gushy, in the way a small child looks up to a beloved parent, or a dog to the master who gives it biscuits.

It was as if the media were hugging a magical unicorn. Obama wasn't only given the benefit of the doubt. He was handed the Nobel Peace Prize though he hadn't done anything to earn it. And critics were trashed as nothing but racists.

Obama controversies, from his administration's gun-running scandal in the "Fast and Furious" debacle to using the Internal Revenue Service as a weapon against conservative groups, were covered, somewhat. But generally, the tone was muted, respectful, nothing like it was for Trump or the Clintons.

Later, in Hillary Clinton's failed 2016 campaign, leaks of Democratic National Committee email -- whether hacked by the Russians or not -- demonstrated collusion between journalists and Democrats. But that cozy relationship has never properly been addressed, and that avoidance undermines the credibility of journalism as the media challenges Trump.

"Because of the way the press covered Obama, they lost so much credibility," Bevan said. "And because they did not take these things seriously, the IRS scandal, Fast and Furious, you could go down the list of where they turned the other cheek. ... And now where they're giving Trump the third degree on everything, that makes the contrast all that much greater.

"So you have a certain segment of the public, the people who voted for Trump, who literally do not trust what the media says."

And the divide between rigidly defined political tribes, one courted by the media, the other dismissed by it, grows even wider.

"It's not good for journalism, and it's not good for the country," said Bevan.

Agreed. But I don't see it changing any time soon. Do you?
Its not just Iowa Republicans excited about the transfer of power happening Wednesday at the state Capitol.

They see Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds transition to the governors office bringing a fresh face and new voice to the conservative leadership Republicans believe the state has enjoyed since Gov. Terry Branstad returned to office for a second stint in 2011. Branstad is stepping down to become ambassador to China.

I think there is a potential for having our cake and eating it, too, Republican Party of Iowa Chairman Jeff Kaufmann said, looking ahead to the 2018 governors race. Having the consistency of leadership that Gov. Terry Branstad has provided, but at the same time, she is clearly a fresh face. And lets face it, Republicans are breaking the glass ceiling. Again.

That was a reference to the 2014 election of GOP Sen. Joni Ernst, the states first female federal officeholder.

Iowa Democrats see opportunity, too, and are wasting no time in attempting to define Reynolds as the opposite of a fresh face, someone who has stood side-by-side with Branstad to promote and defend policies that arent working for Iowans, they say.

Shortly after Branstad was confirmed Monday as ambassador by the U.S. Senate, Iowa Democratic Party Chairman Derek Eadon issued a statement accusing the lieutenant governor of having a purely partisan agenda that jeopardized Iowas future.

Kim Reynolds record as lieutenant governor raises serious warning signs for Iowans, Eadon said. As she becomes governor, Iowa voters will hold her accountable for her record.

The best predictor of what Reynolds will do as governor is her record of championing the same policies as Branstad that are out of touch with working Iowans, Iowa Democratic Party Vice Chairwoman Andrea Phillips said Tuesday in Cedar Rapids.

The things shes chosen to speak out on  defunding Planned Parenthood, underfunding education  are increasingly partisan, Phillips said during visits with reporters as part of the state partys effort to define Reynolds as she takes over.

And Tuesday, Progress Iowa, a liberal advocacy group, launched its own attack on the governor-in-waitings failed priorities.

The Reynolds record has resulted in one disaster after another for Iowans, said Matt Sinovic, Progress Iowa executive director. Reynolds has made clear her failed priorities: fiscal irresponsibility that created a budget mess, undercutting our public schools and relentlessly attacking Iowas working families.

The Iowa GOP isnt idly standing by.

Kaufmann promised the partys support will transfer seamlessly from Branstad to Reynolds. The party is planning an inaugural celebration fundraiser June 2 in Des Moines.

Although he promises the state Republican Party will be neutral if there is a GOP primary for the gubernatorial nomination in 2018  Cedar Rapids Mayor Ron Corbett, a former speaker of the House, is considering it  Kaufmann speaks optimistically of Reynolds being elected to a full term. He thinks her experience in local and state government  she served four terms as Clarke County treasurer before being elected to the Iowa Senate in 2008  will help her in 2018.

We will have an incumbent who has learned from the best, he said. At the same time, Kim Reynolds will have her own team, her own set of goals.

Phillips likes the activity and enthusiasm shes seeing at the grass roots.

The 2016 election was a wake-up call for Iowa Democrats, she said.

The enthusiasm is different from the enthusiasm you see when youre out knocking doors during a campaign, Phillips said. This is people showing up, new people never involved before and asking, How can I get involved?

I think were well-positioned for 2018.
Area communities and the Black Hills National Cemetery will host Memorial Day programs on Monday, May 29.

Black Hills National Cemetery's Memorial Day Programs will honor those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation.

Beginning at 11 a.m. on Monday, a program sponsored by the South Dakota American Legion, will feature Rod Martin of Piedmont. Martin is the 2009-2010 SD American Legion State Commander.

At 1 p.m. there will be a ceremony sponsored by the Oglala Sioux Tribe. The keynote speaker will be Troy Scott Westin, Oglala Sioux Tribe President.

Memorial Day is a United States federal holiday observed on the last Monday of May (May 29 in 2017). Formerly known as Decoration Day, it commemorates U.S. service members who died while in the military service. First enacted to honor Union and Confederate soldiers following the American Civil War, it was extended after World War I to honor Americans who have died in all wars.

The VA operates 134 national cemeteries and 33 soldiers lots and monument sites in 40 states and Puerto Rico. More than 4 million Americans, including Veterans of every war and conflict, are buried in VAs national cemeteries. VA also provides funding to establish, expand, improve, and maintain 100 Veterans cemeteries in 47 states and territories including tribal trust lands, Guam, and Saipan. For Veterans not buried in a VA national cemetery, VA provides headstones, markers or medallions to commemorate their service. In 2015, VA honored more than 353,000 Veterans and their loved ones with memorial benefits in national, state, tribal and private cemeteries.

Following are area services planned for Memorial Day

BELLE FOURCHE

This years Memorial Day Services will be held at Memorial Hill, Pine Slope Cemetery, Belle Fourche, on Monday, May 29 at 9 a.m.

The Memorial Day Address will be given by Gold Star father Gail Arnold.

Music will be by the Brass Quintet, Master of Ceremonies is Major (Ret) Mike Reade, Invocation and Benediction will be by Pastor Del Neumeister.

Karlee Gusso will sing the National Anthem which follows the welcome by Mayor Gloria Landphere.

The Rifle Squad Salute will be done by the SD National Guard.

NEWELL

The NVN area will hold special Memorial Day Services at Vale Cemetery, 9:30 a.m.; Wilson Cemetery, 10 a.m. and Hope Cemetery at 10:30 a.m.

Special speaker this year is Greg Todd who is a member of the VFW and American Legion.

STURGIS

The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame in conjunction with the Sturgis Chamber of Commerce will host an Honor Ride on Memorial Day beginning at 9:30

a.m. on Monday, May 29 at the museum.

There will be special groups and speakers and ride to the Black Hills National Cemetery.

Each rider will receive a Museum Patch and Pin

RIDE SCHEDULE: Memorial Day May 29th 9:30-9:45 a.m. donuts and coffee; 9:45-10 a.m. Bike lineup in museums parking lot; 10 a.m. Boy Scouts will present our

nation's colors and recite the Pledge of Allegence; 10:10 a.m. Blessing of Bikes by Auggie Minzlaff; 10:25 a.m. Sturgis Police escort to National Cemetery; 11 a.m.

National Cemetery Memorial Day Ceremony; Noon, all riders head up Vanocker Canyon to Mount Rushmore turn-out (more details coming soon). $10 Fee pays for

Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame Patch and Pin.

MILITARY PERSONNEL LISTED AS WAR CASUALTIES

BUTTE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA

The following names were taken from a master list of over 2,800 South Dakotans who are recorded as war casualties. The list was compiled by the South Dakota

Department of Military and Veterans Affairs in Pierre and the data was obtained from several sources including: The Doane Robinson's Encyclopedia of 1925, the

book "South Dakota in WWII", from the Records of the Office of the Secretary of Defense, and from information provided to us by relatives, friends, etc.

While every effort has been made to make this listing as accurate as possible, it is quite possible that there may be some errors. If you notice that our records are not

correct, such as the omission of an individual's name, we would appreciate receiving copies of old newspaper articles, casualty reports, etc., so we can make the

appropriate corrections.

World War I

James Black

Harold D. Blackwell

Ernest C. Bunny

John F. Ellison

Chas. E. Gass

Emil Gurwell

G.A. Hetland

Bert Howard

Oscar Iverson

Charles O. Leonard

Waxy Miller

Alfred J. Nive

Leslie Osgood

Harry Osloon

Matt Emil Pale

Carl Peck

Reuben L. Peck

Leon A. Rathburn

Frank Ross

Chris F. Roth

Luoma Salmon

M.W. Woodward

World War II

Charles E. Bader

Alfred E. Brammer

Lon F. Brown

William H. Conner

Frank O. Dinkins

Gordon L. Hanes

Harold L. Johnson

Waine W. Kayras

Charles W. Kirk

Edward Kling

Robert K. Magee

Francis E. Mitchell

Leonard Nedella

John Rothermel, Jr.

Carl H. Scheidegger

John Scholl

David O.E. Simpson

Lennis C. Smith

Orville G. Westre

Korea

Milford D. Richards

Vietnam

Lelund Morris Kahler

MEADE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA

World War I

Earl Babcock

Albert Bachand

Lewis C. Bailey

Julius Bruhn

Max Buker

Robt. Cowen

Edward Dillehe

Frank Fox

Raymond Goiens

Glenn Hampton

Horace H. Hussey

Chris Johnson

Joe Kammerer

Wm. R. Matson

Frank May

Ole Olson

John B. O'Shea

Vernon L. Roberts

Joseph Ruttenbucker

Park N. Suddeth

James Taylor

William H. Taylor

Robert L. Vernon

Elton W. Weldin

World War II

Robert G. Anderson

Donald E. Antrim

Leo Bestgen

Otto G. Bestgen

Herbert E. Brandt

Leonard Conkle

Alexander H. Darg

Albert J. Delker

Frank A. DePuglio

Theodore Eyl

George Fenner

Claire L. Grams

George M. Hale, Jr

Alvin G. Harwood

Maxwell Huffman

Kenneth M. Jones

John J. Kerper

Samuel F. Linn

William G. Mance

Stanley M. McKay

Glen R. Nuzum

Oran F. Petrich

Gayhard J. Reede

Edward G. Schomer

Glen L. Smith

Archie E. Snoddy

Korea

William Vandervoort John C. Yuill, Jr

Vietnam

Leo Allen Bauer

Richard Ray Maynard

Donald Warren Ollila

Earl John Overacker

Lester Arthur Watson

War on Terrorism

Brett Lundstrom

Christopher Soelzer
Local fire departments are gearing up to support the Muscular Dystrophy Association with the annual Fill the Boot campaign to help kids and adults with muscular dystrophy, ALS and related muscle-debilitating diseases.

Continuing a more than 60-year tradition, firefighters will hit the streets and storefronts with boots in hand seeking donations to MDA from pedestrians, motorists, customers and others.

Rapid City Fire Department Fill the Boot dates are May 24-26 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Rapid City Wal-Mart stores, Family Thrift Centers at Baken Park and on East St. Patrick Street, and other locations.

Firefighters from the Box Elder, Black Hawk and North Haines departments will be collecting donations at Sams Club in Rapid City and locations in Box Elder and Black Hawk on Saturday, May 27.

Contributions help fund research, support groups and the building of care centers. Donations also send South Dakota kids to MDA summer camp at Camp Courage at no cost to their families, and support MDAs mission.
PIERRE | A state legislator who works for the accounting firm that audited Mid-Central Educational Cooperative during the past decade is praising the state government agency that stepped in to conduct a financial investigation.

Rep. Kyle Schoenfish, R-Scotland, said the private firms 10 employees have great confidence in Auditor General Marty Guindon and his incredible staff at the South Dakota Department of Legislative Audit.

Schoenfish previously declined to talk about the matter. He commented this week, through Facebooks messenger service, in the wake of Guindons department releasing two documents Friday.

The reports issued by DLA should answer questions the public may have, Schoenfish said.

One was a special review that showed Mid-Central mishandled several federal grant programs during the past decade. The other was legislative auditors single-year report for 2015. They found multiple misrepresentations of finances at the Platte cooperative that totaled more than $1 million.

The documents identified multiple people, including at least six by name. Two allegedly altered contracts in September 2015. Others allegedly engaged for years in misappropriation of GEAR UP and other grant funding that caused nearly $1.4 million to disappear.

Because of the accounting firm I work for, (Schoenfish & Company) and their role and assistance to state agencies in bringing accountability to Mid Central and the fact that their lead auditor Randy Schoenfish is an expert witness in related court proceedings it would be inappropriate to discuss specifics of this matter, Schoenfish commented through Facebook.

Randy Schoenfish is the father of Rep. Schoenfish. Legislative auditors limited their probe somewhat.

Our review did not involve determining whether crimes were committed as that is the responsibility of law enforcement agencies," Guindon said in the report. "Additionally, our review did not involve evaluating whether state and federal programs administered by MCEC were effective in achieving expected results and outcomes.

Guindon said the objective was to determine whether funds received by Mid-Central had been adequately accounted and spending was properly supported by documents. Legislative auditors looked at records from 2007 through 2015.

Mid-Central used the final 10 pages in the state agencys documents to deny responsibility. The cooperative pointed the finger at Scott and Nicole Westerhuis, the married couple who were business manager and assistant business manager.

The Westerhuises and their four children died in a series of slayings, followed by a massive fire that destroyed their home, in the early hours of Sept. 17, 2015.

State investigators eventually pinned the killings on Scott Westerhuis. They said he committed suicide after lighting the house afire.

State prosecutors subsequently charged three employees who worked at the cooperative during the years when crimes allegedly occurred.

They are Stacy Phelps of Rapid City, who was the cooperatives outreach coordinator; Dan Guericke of White Lake, who was the cooperatives director; and Stephanie Hubers of Geddes, who was an assistant business manager.

Phelps resigned from the state Board of Education on Oct. 2, 2015, two weeks after the Westerhuis deaths.

Another state board member also worked for the cooperative through a contract arrangement: Kelly Duncan, who now is a dean at Northern State University in Aberdeen. Duncan, who continues on the state board, hasnt spoken publicly about the matter.

Board members representing 13 school districts comprise Mid-Centrals governing board. They voted last year to disband Mid-Central on June 30, 2017.

Twelve districts subsequently formed a new cooperative named Core. They are Armour, Burke, Colome, Corsica-Stickney, Gregory, Kimball, Mount Vernon, Plankinton, Platte-Geddes, Wessington Springs, White Lake and Wolsey-Wessington.

Ethan is a Mid-Central member but hasnt joined Core.

Recently, Core took over Dial Corporation, a statewide distance education program, from Mid-Central.

Core members had decided last year they would base their cooperative in Platte. They have been negotiating to buy Mid-Centrals building in Platte.
PIERRE | Black Hills residents who generate power on their own for their homes argued in vain Tuesday against an effort by a local power company to reduce how much it pays to people who create their own electricity through solar or other means.

The South Dakota Public Utilities Commission unanimously approved a 17 percent reduction Tuesday in the rate that Black Hills Energy pays to small electricity producers.

Richard Bell, an environmental engineer, lives in the 1200 block of Clark Street in Rapid City. He has solar photovoltaic panels atop his garage. He is one of 35 small producers who receive credits on their electricity bills from Black Hills Energy for the electricity they supply to the company.

After a decision by the Public Utilities Commission in Pierre on Tuesday, Bell and the others will now get less from Black Hills Energy, which had requested a reduction in the rate it pays people who generate their own power.

Bell said his motivation to install solar wasnt just reducing how much he pays for power.

It has many other benefits besides giving me a little bit of cash back on my utility bill, Bell told the commission. Im passionate about making this.

Bell decided to intervene in the generation-credit rate case after he received a form letter dated Jan. 30, 2017, from Jason Keil, regulatory manager for Black Hills Energy.

The company and Bell worked out a nondisclosure agreement that allowed him to see otherwise-confidential data that Black Hills Energy provided to the commission.

Bell warned that a credit reduction might cause small producers to drop out.

Many more people are going to go off the grid altogether if theyre going to be compensated at such a low rate, Bell said.

The commission voted 3-0 to accept Black Hills Energys proposal to reduce the generation credit rate to 2.75 cents per kilowatt-hour. The current rate is 3.32 cents. The reduction takes effect June 1.

I think were where we need to be for today, Commissioner Chris Nelson said.

Joining Bell at the witness table was Jay Davis, a Rapid City lawyer who has a renewable-energy system on his house and receives generation credits from the company.

Davis said he invested roughly $11,000 to install the panels and received a 30 percent federal credit.

We wanted to set a good example for the rest of the community, a positive and forward looking example, he said.

Davis noted that he put rooftop solar on his house in Aberdeen during 1980, using a home-built design based on plans provided from the commission.

He said the commission staffs current memo was insulting and displayed a policy bias that was anti-solar and anti-wind.

Meanwhile on Tuesday, commissioners also discussed setting separate credit rates for wind and solar in the near future.

The decision to base the credits differently by energy source would come no later than 2019.

The commission requires that the Rapid City company report every two years, or sooner, on production from small generators.

The different rates would be based on natures power. Wind can blow 24 hours a day. The sun doesnt shine at night.

But Nelson also wanted to start talking about setting generation credit rates by source. He praised Bell for bringing the concept to the commission.

Commissioners Gary Hanson and Nelson said Black Hills Energy should broaden its electricity sources. About 90 percent comes from burning coal.

Commission analyst Pat Steffensen recommended that Black Hills Energys request be granted. He explained the steps taken by the company to assure the commission staff that the proposed credit reflected the avoided cost.

Yeah, I feel its solid, Steffensen said.

Davis explained that he pays 9.98 cents per kilowatt-hour for electricity at his house but gets 3.32 cents credit for the electricity produced by the solar system on his house.

Worse, he said, the company charges $9.25 monthly because he is a customer and another $12.99 per month in cost adjustments.

Keil, the regulatory manager, said coal usage of 90 percent reflects what the company filed with the commission. Lisa Seaman, the companys manager of resource planning, said she doesnt see Black Hills Energy reducing dependence on coal very much.

Not in the near term, she said.

Todd Brink, the companys associate general counsel, was listening on the telephone. He said two solar projects would add 40 megawatts of solar over the next few years.

Commissioner Hanson contrasted Black Hills Energy with Xcel Energy, which he said is pursuing significant renewable energy in the northeast corridor of South Dakota. Hanson said he would be really surprised if more utilities didnt do the same.

Theres definitely going to be some real significant need for renewable energy in the long term, Hanson said.

Seaman said she didnt separately analyze the production from the 35 small generators, such as Bell and Davis. Because theyre so small, in this case, we didnt, she said.

Right now, the utility has enough electricity without the 35 to meet the needs of customers, according to Seaman, so the 35 werent considered.

Nelson saw her point. I understand theyre not firm (producers). You dont know if theyre going to be there or not, he said. But, he added, the company needs to start taking the small producers into consideration in the future.

Nelson turned his attention to Bell and asked about a term  block chain technology  that Nelson said was new to him. Bell used the phrase in his filing.

Its a disruptive technology that will be coming, Bell said. He said its essentially bitcoin, a global currency. From the research Ive done, its just a matter of time before that happens.

Nelson agreed with Bells suggestion there be different credit rates for solar and wind. Thats something, to me, that we seriously need to look at, Nelson said.

Bell said that hed already held up the companys docket for 90 days and therefore was letting go of the idea of separate credits for solar and wind, at least for now, but he might be back in two years.

I think you and I are on the same page with that, Nelson said.

Bell said South Dakotas voluntary goal by utilities is 10 percent for renewables. Black Hills Energy is at 0.19 percent.

Seaman agreed with Nelsons statement that the cost eventually flips in favor of renewables. But it does take some time, she said.

Hanson told Bell and Davis: I would do what you are doing if I wasnt living in a 115-year-old home that is shaded by trees.

He would like to see utilities reduce fossil-fuel usage and favors a transition to renewable energy in responsible fashion.

But, Hanson added, somebody has to pay for the infrastructure whether or not there is electricity flowing through the wires.

The grid still has to be there. The highway for the five oclock traffic still has to exist, he said.

The four  Seaman, Keil, Bell and Davis  sat in a row as the commission voted unanimously to accept Black Hills Energys proposal. Then the four shook hands, and while the meeting continued, they walked out, together.
In his continuing crusade to weaken programs that help the poor, President Donald Trump's budget agenda wants Rapid City Area Schools to lose a significant chunk of Title I funding.

Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, enacted in 1965 as one of President Lyndon Johnson's "War on Poverty" initiatives, provides direct federal money to schools and districts with significant concentrations of students from low-income families. As Trump's proposed budget would cut Department of Education funding by about 14 percent, or about $9 billion, programs like Title I will follow suit, right down to the local level, with Rapid City public schools losing about $600,000 from a $4.5 million annual grant. This is in keeping with President Trump's budget, which will slash funding from 12 cabinet departments and increase it for three, Defense, Homeland Security, and Veterans Affairs.

As a disabled vet, I cheer the support for my brethren, but in the much bigger picture, I don't like this particular prioritization. When it comes to veterans and defense, reducing support for our many economically disadvantaged children seems like a tough way to help our vets  and certainly a questionable method of paying for a defense establishment that already spends more than the next seven countries combined. I wish the White House and our congressional reps would consider what we'd lose here in Rapid City (as well as every other school district in the state) if Trump's budget materializes (the whole thing requires congressional approval.) Professional training and technology spending would be most immediately affected, taking away the extra attention and assets that are probably needed to give these disadvantaged kids an extra boost in school.

Longitudinal (read: follow-up) studies are probably impossible to find at a local level, but researchers have seen some correlation between Title I spending and individual achievement on a national scale. Studies on academic success are a mixed bag, but a most interesting conclusion was reached in 2015 at the University of California, where researchers followed participants into their adult economic outcomes and found positive correlations between Title I funding increases and "higher earnings and work hours, reductions in incarceration" and reductions in poverty rates. The Trump administration, focused as it is on "jobs, jobs, jobs" should take note. The link between poverty and poor academic achievement is a long standing reality in the world of public education, but as Trump, who "loves the poorly educated" should know, when it comes to economic success, the effects of good character are as meaningful as the effects of education. If the researchers are correct, Title I and its strategies for developing self-motivation may have as much, possibly greater, impact on the former than it does on the latter.

The pedagogical magic of that connection may be unclear, but it seems to be there just the same. It would be a shame to weaken an opportunity like that for South Dakota's neediest kids.
Rosneft raises damage claim against AFK Sistema to $3 billion

MOSCOW, May 24 (RAPSI)  Russias oil giant Rosneft has increased its damage claim in a lawsuit against AFK Sistema holding company from 106.6 billion ($1.9 billion) to 170.6 billion rubles ($3 billion at the current exchange rate), RIA Novosti reported Wednesday citing spokesperson of Rosneft Mikhail Leontyev.

The plaintiff revised the claim damage upwards taking into account currency fluctuations, according to the companys representative.

In early May, the Commercial Court of the Republic of Bashkortostan registered the lawsuit lodged by Rosneft and Bashneft demanding 106.6 billion rubles from Sistema and set the hearing for June 6.

Press service of Rosneft earlier said that the claim is connected with alleged siphoning of assets. Actions of AFK Sistema allegedly led to decrease of assets at this sum.

According to AFK Sistema, the plaintiffs demands are illegal and groundless.

Bashneft was controlled by the government of Russias Bashkortostan region until 2003, when a major stake was sold to companies affiliated with Ural Rakhimov, son of the former head of Bashkortostan Murtaza Rakhimov.

The company was privatized in 2009, when Russian oil-to-telecoms conglomerate Sistema gained control of it.

A court in Moscow ruled that Bashneft had been privatized in violation of law. The Prosecutor General's Office brought a suit to return a 71.6 percent stake in Bashneft to the government. The Moscow Commercial Court ruled on October 30, 2014, in favor of the Prosecutor General's Office.
Russian business ombudsman proposes to expand powers of prosecutors and Supreme Court

MOSCOW, May 24 (RAPSI, Oleg Sivozhelezov)  The Presidential Commissioner for Entrepreneurs Rights Boris Titov has proposed, among other measures, to expand powers of the Supreme Court and prosecutors in criminal cases, RAPSI learnt during the conference at Civic Chamber of the Russian Federation.

On Wednesday, Titov presented an analytical report for the Russian President on the state of criminal legislations execution in regulation of entrepreneurial activity. The document contains statistical data proving conclusions on rising level of pressure against business caused by rising number of launched economical criminal cases. In addition, the rising number of detained defendants in criminal cases in a sphere of entrepreneurial activity also contributes to the increased pressure.

The report reads that, among other reasons causing negative effects in relations between business and law enforcement, are the lack of a clearly formulated state policy in the sphere of criminal legislation and bias towards prosecution during review of the cases by courts. There is also a problem of lack of supervision over investigation, mass violations of procedural legislation, lack of independence of experts, other flaws in legislation and law enforcement.

The Commissioner proposes to humanize the criminal legislation in multiple way, including expanding institution of closure for criminal cases after the damage is repaid by a defendant. Another measure is to decriminalize some instances of entrepreneurial activity without proper licensing, excluding production of alcohol, tobacco and some other products.

In order to improve the situation with pressure against business as well as all citizens under prosecution, the business ombudsman proposes to expand powers of the Supreme Court regarding its right to review and cancel sentences issued with violations. Other measures include expansion of prosecutors supervision over investigation. According to Titov, procedural standards related to economic crimes should be separated into a special part of the Criminal Code and a special body for investigation of these crimes should be created. Finally, he proposes to improve the state of qualification for judges.
Russian businessman detained on charges of causing $16 mln damage to managing company

MOSCOW, May 24 (RAPSI, Lyudmila Klenko)  Moscows Presnensky District Court has ordered the detention of ex-owner of Russias fieldstone manufacturer Pavlovskgranit, Sergey Poymanov, who stands charged with abuse of office resulted in inflicting a 930 million ruble damage ($16.5 million) to a managing company, the courts spokesperson Anastasia Pylina told RAPSI on Wednesday.

The businessman will remain in jail until July 7.

Reportedly, Poymanov stripped share of Pavlovskgranit-Invest managing company in the capital of PNH Limited in 2011. As a result, the managing companys equity stake initially decreased from 100 to 40 percent, and then to 1 percent.

Later, the businessman allegedly ordered the head of Pavlovskgranit-Invest to sign a contract with Rosgranit company on the sale of 150 railway vehicles worth 257.3 million rubles ($4.5 million). However, the sum was not paid in full and Pavlovskgranit-Invest therefore lost 170 million rubles ($3 million). General damage caused to the company was estimated at 930 million rubles, according to Kommersant newspaper.

Moreover, Poymanov is involved in a criminal case over resale of a batch plant in the city of Voronezh that led to a damage amounting to 10 million rubles ($177,300).

As previously reported, in November 2016, the U.S. company PPF Manegment LLC filed a lawsuit with the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York on behalf of Poymanov and his ex-wife Irina Podgornaya seeking to collect $750 million from Russias Sberbank, Sberbank CEO German Gref, Promsvyazbank and several other individuals and companies. The plaintiffs demanded $500 million in compensation for the loss of control over Pavlovskgranit and $250 million in compensation for moral damages.

The Moscow Commercial Court declared Poymanov bankrupt on July 21, 2016. Pavlovskgranit-Invest managing company was declared bankrupt 4 years earlier.
Prosecutor asks court to sentence participant of rally to 2 years in penal colony

MOSCOW, May 24 (RAPSI, Yevgeniya Sokolova)  A prosecutor has asked the Tverskoy District Court of Moscow to sentence a participant of an unauthorized March 26 rally in Moscow, Alexander Shpakov, charged with violence against representative of authority, to two years in a penal colony, RAPSI learnt in the court on Wednesday.

Shpakov has admitted guilt in full and the case is being reviewed under special procedure without reviewing the evidence.

According to investigators, Shpakov punched a police officer in the face trying to open a door of a bus containing people arrested during the unauthorized rally on March 26.

Earlier, the court has sentenced one of the participants, Yury Kuliy, to eight months in a penal colony.

According to the numbers reported by the Main Directorate of the Interior Ministry for Moscow, about 500 people were arrested on March 26 during the unauthorized rally. Overall number of people present in the area at the time was estimated at as high as 8,000 people. One of the police officers received injuries, a criminal case was launched over this incident.

According to the Russian opposition politician Alexey Navalny, arrested during the rally, Moscow authorities refused to greenlight the rally in the citys center and proposed alternative areas only a day before it was to take place. Navalny said that in this case Russian legislation allows organizers to hold an event at the area, which was listed first.
Lawyers do not rule out defamation lawsuit in relation to Prevezon case

MOSCOW, May 24 (RAPSI)  Natalya Veselnitskaya, the managing partner of Camerton Consulting law firm, does not rule out possibility of filing a defamation lawsuit against Hermitage Capital Management CEO William Browder and a number of mass media outlets in relation to the so-called Prevezon case.

We consider all of the grounds for filing lawsuits not only against Browder, but also against Mr. Cherkasov, Mr. Firestone and mass media outlets, including Novaya Gazeta, Veselnitskaya told journalists at the press-conference over settlement between authorities of the United States and a group of companies under control of Russian businessman Denis Katsyv.

The case against Prevezon was initiated yet in September 2013, when the U.S. authorities filed a complaint seeking to forfeit certain properties owned by 11 companies running elite real estate in New York. The complaint alleged that the proceeds from a $230 million tax fraud revealed by lawyer Sergey Magnitsky working for Firestone Duncan, which, among others, cooperated with Hermitage Capital Management, were laundered through various shell companies in Russia and abroad. Prosecutors claimed that some of that money was then transferred through Moldovan shell companies to Prevezon Holdings, which in turn used those, commingled with funds from other defendant companies, to purchase an array of New York real estate.

The entities affiliated with Cyprus-based Prevezon Holdings Limited are owned exclusively by Denis Katsyv, the son of former Moscow Region Transport Minister Petr Katsyv.

The partner of Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan LLP, Fate Gay, representing interests of Katsyv, said that, while she did not take part in negotiations between U.S. authorities and Prevezon, she believes that authorities were interested in the settlement from the start. Veselnitskaya added that there was no investigation into the alleged fraud because the whole case was built on the statements of Browder, as indicated by the testimony of one of U.S. special agents.

According to the press-release of the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Southern District of New York, Prevezon Holdings agreed to pay $5,896,333.65 as part of the settlement. Fate Gay noted that settlements conditions do not constitute admittance of guilt.
Ex-regional governor arrested in absentia on corruption charges

MOSCOW, May 24 (RAPSI)  The Sverdlovsk Regional Court issued an arrest warrant for ex-governor of Russias Chelyabinsk Region Mikhail Yurevich, who stands charged with taking 26 million rubles ($460,300 at the current exchange rate) in bribes, in absentia, attorney Igor Trunov told RAPSI on Wednesday.

On May 12, a district court in Yekaterinburg dismissed investigators motion to arrest Yurevich in absentia. The ruling was appealed by prosecutors.

Investigators claim that Yurevich received bribes regularly. Their amount was estimated at 26 million rubles.

Moreover, he allegedly instigated Oleg Grachev, who had been appointed to the position of the First Deputy Governor of the region, to spread libel about ex-chairman of the Chelyabinsk Regional Court Fyodor Vyatkin.
Federation Council approves bill on supervision of released convicts

MOSCOW, May 24 (RAPSI)  The Federation Council has approved a bill envisaging post-prison supervision over criminals, who had served terms for serious crimes including terrorism and extremism, the statement of Russias upper house of parliament reads on Wednesday.

The State Duma passed the draft law on May 17.

According to the legislative initiative, compulsory administrative supervision would apply to individuals of majority age convicted of committing serious and particularly serious crimes of a terrorist and extremist nature, connected to infringement on life of law enforcement officers, public officials and persons executing justice or investigation, after their release.

Such measure would also touch people sentenced to imprisonment for murder, tortures, involvement of children in a criminal gang or committing serious and particularly serious crimes as well as causing grievous bodily harm if the crime had been committed on grounds of political, ideological, racial, national and religious hatred and enmity or animosity against any social group.

Convicts without a permanent home or place of temporary residence and child molesters would be also supersized after their release from prison.

Police officers would be authorized to make a search for people, who failed to arrive at the place of administrative supervision or left it without permission.

Amendments are proposed to the Penal Code, federal laws On Police, On Administrative Supervision over Persons Released from Places of Confinement and the Administrative Court Procedure Code.
Greg Gianforte, the Republican candidate for Montana's lone U.S. House seat, urged Ravalli County voters to get out and cast their ballots at a rally Tuesday in the Gas and Grub parking lot.

Gianforte and his Democratic opponent, Rob Quist, face off on Thursday, May 25, in the special election to fill the seat vacated when Rep. Ryan Zinke was named Secretary of the Interior.

Gianforte rode in on a horse-drawn wagon with members of the Ravalli County Republican Women and received a warm welcome from a crowd of about 60 people. Many supporters at the event wore the Make America Great Again hats made famous by Donald Trump in the 2016 presidential election.

Gianforte spoke individually with supporters before giving his stump speech.

Ive had the chance to sit down across kitchen tables with folks and hear about their hopes and dreams for their families in this state, Gianforte said. Its given me the background to be a strong voice for all of Montana back in Washington, DC.

Gianfortes speech ticked off traditional Republican talking points such as pledging to lower taxes, provide adequate funding for the military and protect peoples right to own guns. But nothing he said received a stronger response than a denunciation of his opponents support of sanctuary cities.

We need to enforce the rule of law and we need secure borders, Gianforte said.

Gianforte closely aligned himself with President Trump throughout the speech and promised to work with him in Washington. He used catchphrases such as drain the swamp and make America great again,'' and touted his own negotiating skills as one of his strong suits.

For Gary Mason, a retired auctioneer and utility company worker from Corvallis, Gianfortes support for President Trump is a major reason he has his vote.

Weve got good things going on in Washington so weve gotta capitalize on that momentum, Mason said. What Trump has done in the last few days in the Middle East is incredible. Nobodys brought people together like Trump has.

Mason said he finds Gianforte to be trustworthy and hes advocated for him as much as possible.

Terry Nelson, the president of the Republican Central Committee, helped organize the event.

His people called and said, Greg will be there, can you set something up? I think its wonderful that he came to Hamilton and we hope people get out and vote, Nelson said.

Despite only planning the event for about four days, the organizers managed secure donations to provide hamburgers and hotdogs free of charge for attendees.

Pat Earnest of the Ravalli Republicans said she thinks Gianforte came back to Hamilton as a thank you to all the people from the county who have helped his campaign.

Theres a lot of people whove worked very hard for him in Ravalli and this meeting is kind of a Hey, its time to vote, Earnest said.

Ravalli was also one of the counties in which Trump significantly out-performed Gianforte in the 2016 election, rolling up bigger margins in the presidential race than Gianforte got in the governor's race.

A Democrat has not won Montanas single seat in the House of Representatives since 1994, but according to the Cook Political Report, an independent non-partisan newsletter, the campaign has tightened significantly in the last few weeks.

Despite closely aligning himself with Trump, Gianforte said he will remain independent-minded if elected to the House and broke from Trump on the recent passage of the American Health Care Act.

I would not have voted for it. Ive been very clear, I think we need to repeal and replace. But if I cant guarantee to the people of Montana that it will protect people with preexisting conditions, lower premiums, and protect rural access, I won't vote for it. We just dont have the data to vote on that bill, Gianforte said.

Rob Quists wife and daughter, Bonnie and Halladay , will be at the Mine Shaft Pasty Co, 111 N 2nd St, Hamilton from 9:30a.m. to 11 a.m. Wednesday to talk about health issues affecting Montana women.

Hamilton voters can cast their ballots in person Thursday at the Ravalli County Fairgrounds in the Floral/Commercial building.
America must return to conservative principles of less government,reduced taxes, less spending and a balanced budget! Cut,cap and balance!
KATHMANDU, May 24: The government is estimated to present the budget of over Rs 120 billion for the fiscal year 2017-18, which is more by 15.2 billion than the current fiscal year's budget.

The government is preparing to present a new budget on coming May 29, Monday by giving continuity to existing programs.

As per the constitutional deadline, the government shall present the budget on Jestha 15 in the Nepali calendar every year and in line with the constitutional provision.

Finance Minister Krishna Bahadur Mahara is preparing to present the statement of the estimated income and expenditure for a new fiscal year.

According to Chief Economic Advisor at the Ministry of Finance, Prof Dr Punya Prasad Regmi, social and economic development along with the implementation of federalism will be the focus of a new budget.

Business community are encouraged with the ending of energy crisis at home and the work progress regarding the projects of national pride implemented by the government is satisfactory, he said.

Investors from home and abroad are seen positive towards investing in the projects of national pride here with the creation of atmosphere conducive to this regard.

The government has no plan in making any changes to the existing tax system. RSS
Kathmandu, Nepal : Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal addresses the nation form his office at Singhadurbar on Wednesday.

Earlier it was scheduled to address the nation form the parliament. But it could not happened due to the obstructions from the main opposition party CPN UML.

During his addresses prime Minister Dahal highlights the activities accomplished by the government.
Kathmandu, Nepal: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has resigned from the post. Prime Minister Dahal announced his resignation by addressing the nation through the televise address on Wednesday.

Earlier, Prime Minister Dahal had planned to address the nation through the parliament. But it could not happen due to the obstruction from the main opposition CPN UML.

The UML has been obstructing the parliament in the pretext of protesting the government decision to increase the number of local units in Terai districts.

During his address Prime Minister Dahal briefed the nation about the achievements made by the government during his tenure.

Prime Minister Dahal highlighted the building up social harmony between Tarai, Hill and the Mountain and improving trilateral relations among Nepal, India and China as of the major achievements of the government.
You must have previous service to the organization, natch. There are four positions open: Directors-at-Large (three openings) and Vice...
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The Lompoc Unified School Districts financial state  both currently and what can be expected in the near future  will be among the primary 
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ABC/Randy HolmesRivers Cuomo stars in a Japanese commercial for the clothing brand Uniqlo. The ad, which is streaming now on YouTube, finds the Weezer frontman strumming an acoustic guitar and singing in Japanese.

Also in the commercial is Cuomo's Scott & Rivers band mate Scott Murphy. Scott & Rivers released their sophomore album of songs sang almost entirely in Japanese last month.

In other Weezer-related news, actor Finn Wolfhard, who plays Mike Wheeler in the hit Netflix sci-fi series Stranger Things, sings and plays along to Weezer's breakthrough single "Buddy Holly" on this week's episode of Lip Sync Battle. You can watch a clip of the performance now on YouTube, and the full episode airs this Thursday on Spike.

Earlier this year, Weezer released a new single called "Feels Like Summer," which will appear on the band's forthcoming 11th studio album. The band will be hitting a few music festivals this summer, including Boston Calling, Firefly and Forecastle.

Copyright  2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
This well-established Blog is worth visiting on a regular basis for a wealth of information of interest to Armenian nationals and to the Armenian Diaspora world-wide. Although it has a particular role in promoting international recognition of the Genocide, the Blog encompasses much more and includes many articles of general appeal to all those concerned with Armenian affairs. Much of the content is difficult or impossible to find elsewhere and the long list of links provided gives easy access to a plethora of material on social, political, religious, educational and cultural matters, and many news items from around the world.




Many of us have come to terms with the fact that the government is watching us all the time, around the clock, wherever we are. And a new lawsuit is accusing a BART app of adding to the unstoppable list of gidgets and gadgets that monitor our every move.

The BART Watch App was launched in 2014 to enable BART's passengers report criminal or suspicious activity to BART police. Users can even upload photos or message in real-time with law enforcement. It turns out, tho, that when the app is downloaded and set up, it collects the user's phone identification number, known as International Mobile Equipment Identity number and periodically transmits the user's precise location.

Had Albany resident and BART rider Pamela Moreno known that the app was going to access that info, reports KRON 4, she never would have downloaded BART Watch. So now she's suing BART in a lawsuit filed on Monday in the U.S. District Court in Oakland.

According to the Chronicle, the lawsuit claims that the app was "programmed the app to secretly collect transit users' unique cellular identifiers, periodically monitor users' locations, and track the identities of anonymous reporters." According to Moreno's lawyers, the app violates California's Cellular Communications Interception Act, Consumer Legal Remedies Act and constitutional right to privacy.

What does Moreno want? She wants BART Watch to stop with this info gathering and she wants unspecified monetary damages for users of the app.

@Jeanma69026400 Report smoking on the train quickly and discreetly using the BART Watch App at https://t.co/xUJXoZd7wi.  SFBART (@SFBART) April 25, 2017

BART spokesperson Alicia Trost told ABC7, "BART does not use ELERTS system to randomly track users. An app's user location information is available only if the user selects the option to share their location information. And then, BART only receives the user's location when the user is reporting an incident."

San Francisco Business Journal reports that BART has seen an increase in robberies of 45% from last year. (We cover BART crime all the time.) Maybe the app just wants to track BART Watch users' location so they can send the cops to the right place? If you call 911, they track where you're calling from, right? That's part of the deal.

For example, say you're riding on BART and see someone masturbating which IS A THING. Then you open up BART Watch and it can pinpoint exactly where you and the masturbator are located. Or it could, until someone files a lawsuit about their privacy.

That's not to say that BART Watch is effective.

What about homelessness? I used the BART Watch app to move a rowdy person taking up 4 seats during the morning comm. No one came. #AskSFBART  Joe King (@jaalemen) May 23, 2017

This is a very concerning privacy breach. Consumers are generally unwilling to offer their information for this to build a database. The people of California feel very strongly about their privacy, and we are looking forward to our day in court to be able to address these issues, lawyer Eve-Lynn Rapp told the San Francisco Business Times.

BART has 60 days to respond to the complaint. In the meantime, here's our guide to the safest and most dangerous BART stations.

Related: BART Faces Tough News Cycle With Alleged Sexual Battery, $1.2 Million Judgement, Possible Corporate Sponsors For Stations
Anyone whos endured any portion of a weekly San Francisco Board of Supervisors meeting knows that these are godawfully long and dull affairs during which no sentient human could ever avoid the temptation to check Twitter, Facebook, or the other time-killing delights the world wide web has to offer. The Supervisors themselves are not immune to this! Turns out the the Supes surf the Internet during these six- to eight-hour meetings too, and a fascinating report from the Examiner details the in-meeting web browser histories of each supervisor while they whittle away the time while waiting for these tedious proceedings to end.

In fairness, the Examiner analysis only covers one night of Board meetings on February 28, 2017  so we cannot generalize this information into regular, everyday web-surfing habits. Most notably, District 11 Supervisor Jane Kim was confronted with a family emergency that night and needed to book a red-eye flight that evening. If thats the case, her repeated visits to Kayak.com and Priceline.com are totes justifiable and its pretty commendable she even stayed for the whole meeting. Further, this data only includes web-surfing on city-issued laptops, not smartphones,



Nonetheless, we are still inclined to snoop! Thanks to information gleaned from an Examiner public records request, these are the websites each supervisor visited during the seven-hour, 43-minute meeting on February 28.

President London Breed (District 5)

While the Board President visited approximately 23 separate URLs from Nordstrom.com, her Facebooking was far more prolific (370 visits, mostly toward the end of the meeting). She did, however, avoid Twitter and bullshit ass blog 48 Hills.

Sup. Aaron Peskin (District 3)

Peskin clicked on 48 Hills, though, visiting 28 of the blogs unique URLs. He also clicked on more than 70 SFGate links, 50 SF Examiner links, and four SFist links (Fist pump! Fist pump! Fist pump!)



Sup. Sandra Lee Fewer (District 1)

Fewer is more of a foodie, with primarily food sites and blogs in her browser history. These included multiple visits to the Gary Danko website (whoa, how much are we paying these people?) and additional visits to FoodNetwork.com, AddaPinch.com, Epicurious, Food.com, and NoBiggie.net. She also read a few articles about divesting from the Dakota Access Pipeline, which is legislation that she sponsored at the Board level.



Sup. Jane Kim (District 6)

As noted earlier, Sup. Kim logged numerous visits to Priceline, Kayak, and Southwestern Airlines. She also logged two visits to Shopify.



Ahsha Safai (District 11)

Fitzgerald Rodriguez describes Sup. Safais browsing history as click-happy on Trump news, mostly on SFGate, and notes that Safai uses Yahoo Search. Supervisor, that means Putin probably has everything on you. Everything.



Sup. Malia Cohen (District 10)

Sup. Cohen clicked on a measly ten Facebook links.



Sup. Katy Tang (District 4)

Per the Ex, Tang mostly visited news articles about political appointments, but also read an Uber blog post about Getting SF Ready to Go Back to School. (In February?)



Sup. Norman Yee (District 7), Sup. Jeff Sheehy (District 8), Sup. Hillary Ronen (District 9)

Supervisors Yee, Sheehy, and Ronen all went nearly eight hours appearing to be very professional and checking only that nights Board agenda online.



Sup. Mark Farrell (District 2)

But the prize for illusion of work ethic goes to Sup. Mark Farrell, who had adjusted his privacy settings so that he registered no browser history. Oh, if only he could have been Hillary Clintons campaign chairperson.

Related: City Hall Gets Lazy With Board Of Supes Class Photo, Photoshops Peskin In




Everyone agrees that it's never too early to begin a child on social media.

The San Francisco Business Times brings us news of ELFKINS, a Sean Parker-backed toy robot designed to safety introduce children to the wonderful world of social media. Elfkins will be available in September and will cost a very reasonable $149.99.

Basically, Elfkins' ears light up when it (he? she?) has a message for the kid. The messages can be from parents or other pre-approved people in the child's Elfkins network. Messages can end with fun animations like a high-five or blowing a kiss. Kids can send Elfkins messages back, again within the family's vetted community of fellow Elfkins users. Behold:





Meet the ELFKINS from Patrick Chiang on Vimeo.

Designed by San Mateo-based Empath Interactive Inc. and funded in part by Parker, the robot is designed so that kids aren't forced into an attentive social media interaction, like Skyping with a grandparent. The youngling can send robotic messages whenever they feel like it  and check their robot's ears for a glowing message alert when they feel like it, not necessarily when a controlling adult wants them too.

"They can express themselves in that moment, whenever they want, and get it off their chest," Empath Interactive CEO Patrick Chiang told the Biz Times.

Chiang continued, "Our longer-term vision is to help kids develop these relationships, help families and friends connect within the constraints of modern society and allow parents to shepherd their kids into their digital lives."

DigitalTrends dives into the robot's privacy features, explaining "Users who haven't received an invite from Elfkins admins  parents, in most cases  can't see photos or messages. All conversations are encrypted, and deleted after four weeks. And Elfkins toys only store the last recorded message."

This robot would actually be great for parents who might be divorced or families who have a frequent traveling parent. But kids still need to talk to grandma on Skype because it took her forever to learn it and no one has the patience to explain a talking robot to her.

Related: Delivery Robot Named Carry Spotted 'Learning The Sidewalks' Of The Mission
Olympic gold medalist, Grand Slam-winner, and certified nail technician Serena Williams has accepted a position on the board of SurveyMonkey and will indeed be settling down in the Bay Area with her husband, Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, as

SFist surmised last month.

"I have been really interested in getting involved in Silicon Valley for years, so I have been kind of in the wading waters. Now, I am jumping into the deep end of the pool. When I do something, I go all out," Williams said in an interview with Associated Press.

We've been wondering if Williams was considered a move here for awhile now, after her recent engagement to Ohanian and recent pregnancy announcement. Remember back in February when she surprised players on Dolores Park's courts with an impromptu match? Heaven.

According to Williams, her main priority is to help tech companies diversify their workforce. "Change is always happening; change is always building," said Williams. "What is important to me is to be at the forefront of the change and to make it easier for the next person that comes behind me."

The 35-year-old mom-to-be hasn't made it clear just exactly how she plans to help solve the tech world's diversity problem, but it's a glaring problem. According to numerous that SurveyMonkey provided to AP, the company employs about 650 workers and only 27 percent of technology jobs are filled by women. 14 percent of its total payroll consists of African-Americans, Latinos or people identifying themselves with at least two races.

My first move as board member of @SurveyMonkey is to make a poll (obvi)! Im curious about you - take my survey! https://t.co/4P9qekGsex  Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) May 24, 2017

But in a proactive move, Williams has already posted a SurveyMonkey survey, asking, "This position gives me a new platform in Silicon Valley, and I have a lot to say. What are the important issues youd like me to focus on first?"

Answer choices are breaking down barriers, training for excellence, competitive fire, organizational strength and agility, and other. (Breaking down barriers, obvi.)

She's also posted a survey asking us if we think she's having a boy or a girl. (A girl, God willing.)

According to the AP, Williams's connection to SurveyMonkey "came through her friendship with Sheryl Sandberg, Facebook's chief operating officer and another member of SurveyMonkey's board. Sandberg's husband, Dave Goldberg, was SurveyMonkey's CEO before he died in 2015 while the couple was vacationing in Mexico."

In fact, Fortune reports that Williams met SurveyMonkey's current CEO Zander Lurie at a dinner party hosted by Sandberg. Lurie told TechCrunch that Williams's "voice on the board sends a strong message to our company, investors, and the industry. We want change agents at our table."

As for her reason for choosing to serve on the board of this company, Williams explains to TechCrunch, "Like SurveyMonkey, I'm driven to ask what's happening, and why. We also share a fierce commitment to letting all voices be heard."

Related: Serena Williams Announces Engagement To Reddit Co-Founder In Reddit Post
20-year-old Nolan Bruder of Crescent City, way up in Northern California, was sentenced last week in a sordid case involving his teenage sister and some very potent marijuana. Calling to mind the Brock Turner rape case at Stanford, which made national headlines because of what many saw as lenient sentencing for the college swimmer, Bruder was sentenced to the minimum of three years, with the judge suspending all but 240 days, meaning that he will spend less than a year in jail. As ABC affiliate KRCR reports, Del Norte County Judge William Follett said in court that he believed that the stigma associated with the conviction and the requirement of registering as a sex offender was punishment enough for Bruder.

Bruder was accused of, and confessed to, drugging and raping his 16-year-old sister, and both his booking date and his court appearance reportedly happened last Wednesday, May 17, but the incident occurred last summer. Bruder and his younger sister were doing "dabs," i.e. concentrated doses of marijuana that are heated and inhaled, and in a pre-sentence statement obtained by Heavy.com the sister said that Bruder got her so stoned she "no longer recognized him as her brother," and after his repeated requests to have sex, "eventually it got to the point where I couldnt say no anymore, like, I didnt know how to. So I ended up having sex with him." The girl apparently reported the incident to a counselor at a boarding school she attends out of state.

Bruder pleaded guilty to the rape of an intoxicated person, and Judge Follett's rationale for the lenient sentencing included the fact that both parties were very young and very high, and that Bruder was not likely to be a repeat offender. He also noted the fact that the sister took her own pants off in the incident.

District Attorney Dale Trigg tells KRCR he "could not disagree more with" the sentence, and he had been pushing for the Probation Department's recommendation of six years in jail. "The message that this sends to our community is that sexual predators who get their juvenile siblings stoned enough can have sex with them without any meaningful consequence," Trigg says. "That is not the message I want to send to our community."

He added, "This defendant took advantage of a position of trust as this victim's big brother. He knew she didn't want to have sex with him. She told him that repeatedly. So he got her stoned on dabs he gave her until she didn't even recognize him in order get what he wanted."

Trigg and Deputy DA Annamarie Padilla invoked the Brock Turner case in court, and a new state law that disallows probation in rape cases. Padilla said of the judge's decision, via the Crescent City Times, "Under this interpretation of the law, a perpetrator at a college party who chooses to forcibly rape a conscious victim will go to prison. However, a different perpetrator at the same party who chooses to watch and wait for a victim to pass out from intoxication before sexually assaulting her may get probation."

In the wake of the decision, a petition has been launched to remove Judge Follett from the bench.

Previously: Brock Turner Is Now The Literal Poster Child For Sexual Assault


The family of Piseth Chhay, missing now for ten days, fears the worst but is still holding out hope that he may be found alive. The 48-year-old San Francisco man, a father of two boys and a full-time driver for Uber, disappeared along with his Mercedes SUV on Mother's Day. His cellphone was turned off and remains missing, along with his keys, but the car was discovered last weekend on a Bayview street, completely stripped, including its tires. As of Tuesday, SFPD officers served a search warrant in the vicinity of the car, according to KRON 4, though it's unclear if the warrant was served at any particular address. Police would only confirm that dogs were used as part of the search.

The search was completed at 8:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Sfpd serves search warrant in search for missing Uber driver Piseth Chhay. Cleared search around 8:30 tonight. pic.twitter.com/EyfNsHl7w6  Jean Elle (@nbcjeanelle) May 24, 2017

Chhay's wife, Rattana Kim, appeared on camera in the KRON 4 video above with her two sons, tearfully pleading for her husband to return home safe. The discovery of the car on Saturday, she says, "it points... to foul play for me."

Kim also spoke to NBC Bay Area, saying that the car being in the Bayview "means my husband didn't leave on his own. My husband wouldn't abandon his car in that area."

"They taking my husband they taking my life. He's my life. I'm dying slowly." #Piseth Chhay is still #missing pic.twitter.com/NhQLqeCrV0  Lisa Amin Gulezian (@LisaAminABC7) May 21, 2017

The only clue that the family has had so far as to what might have happened to Chhay was that he told a relative that an Uber passenger had left their phone in his car the day before his disappearance, and that he wanted to return it. On the Sunday that Chhay went missing he was not driving for Uber, and had said he was heading to a friend's house.

According to an earlier report from ABC 7, that same passenger may have tracked Chhay down at his home, though that part of the story seems off if Chhay had also talked about returning the phone himself. Friend Brendan Tang said to ABC 7, voicing his own speculation, "I don't know if he was set up in any way. He's driving a Mercedes."

SFist has reached out to Uber to find out if they've been working with the SFPD on the investigation, and I'll update this post if we learn more.

Update: An Uber rep has confirmed that the company is aware of the case and has promptly cooperated with police requests for information. The company also urges anyone with information about the case to please contact police.

Previously: Missing Uber Driver's Car Found Stripped In Bayview
 Expand Vandoliers w/ Driveway Thriftdwellers @ Club Garibaldi, 5/30, 8 p.m. Photo credit: Cameron Gott

Two huge casts of Milwaukee musicians come together to pay tribute to John Lennon and Bob Dylan at some of this weeks many fundraisers for great causes.

Thursday, May 25

Wildhoney w/ Calliope and Haunter @ Cactus Club, 9 p.m.

For a band influenced by the fast, aggressive energy of 80s post-punk, Wildhoney are shamelessly pop-forward. Their fuzzed-out guitar parts invite frequent comparisons to shoegaze bigwigs like Cocteau Twins, Stereolab and My Bloody Valentine. Unlike typical shoegaze, though, Wildhoneys tunes are melody-driven and accentuated by vocals that stickthese are songs you can actually sing along to. If their performance Thursday matches the vigor of their studio tracks, youll get some head-banging in at the very least. Milwaukee acts Calliope and Haunter open.

Friday, May 26

Travis Scott w/ Khalid @ The Rave, 8 p.m.

Whether or not youre familiar with rapper-producer Travis Scott, youve likely heard his work before. In addition to topping charts in 2016 with his sophomore effort, Birds in the Trap Sing McKnight, which features collaborations with Young Thug, The Weeknd and Toro y Moi, among others, Scott has produced tracks for music industry gods like Kanye West and Rihanna. Hes in the middle of whats been an eventful tour. Earlier this month, he was arrested after an Arkansas concert for disorderly conduct, inciting a riot and endangering the welfare of a minor; then on Sunday, he set a world record for performing the same song, Goosebumps, a mind-numbing 15 times in a row, breaking Kanye West and Jay Zs old record (they once played a song 12 times in a row).

WebsterX w/ Milwaukee Medley @ Turner Hall Ballroom, 8 p.m.

With his sputtery, expressive flow and ear for cloudy, psychedelic beats that make up their own rules as they go along, WebsterX has been one of Milwaukees most distinctive rappers for a while now. This spring, he released his debut album, Daymares, through the Chicago label Closed Sessions (home to acts like Jamila Woods, Kipp Stone and Kweku Collins). Its the perfect showcase for his anxious, moody raps and an early frontrunner for Milwaukee rap album of the year. For this belated release show, hes rounded up a huge cast of local rappers hes calling Milwaukee Medleyfeaturing Boodah Darr, Klassik, Zed Kenzo, Mic Kellogg, Munch Lauren, Kane and Taj Raiden.

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Laurel & the Love-In w/ Dead Fortune and Pistols at Dawn @ Up & Under Pub, 10 p.m.

Nashville groove masters Laurel & the Love-In want to kick off your summer with some heartfelt soul. The groups latest album, Dont Love Nobody, certainly has the potential to soundtrack a night of dancing and debaucheryits old-timey, rock n roll vibes are instantly familiar and warm, but pack a Southern punch in the same vein as Alabama Shakes. Theyre joined on this bill by Milwaukees Dead Fortune and Pistols at Dawn.

Stooki Sound w/ Joker, Siphonic and Essence @ The Miramar Theater, 9 p.m.

The global trap scene is in the midst of rapid evolution, as artists have taken to fusing Southern rap music with electronica to create a subgenre of remixes. London electronic duo Jelacee and DJ Lukey, otherwise known as trap aces Stooki Sound, are at the forefront of this trend. Stooki Sounds take on trap is backboned by bass-heavy, electronic dance beats designed to make crowds wild out. The duo even has a song called Lifes a Mosh Pit and has been known to join in on the moshing at their shows.

Saturday, May 27

Blonde on Blonde Revisited: Bob Dylan 76th Birthday Tribute @ Linnemans Riverwest Inn, 8:30 p.m.

Each year, Linnemans Riverwest Inn hosts a handful of fundraising shows paying tribute to some of rocks great songwriters. This weekend alone itll host two: On Saturday, John Sieger, Peter Roller, Chrissy Dzioba, Matt Davies, Devil Met Contention and others will perform one of Bob Dylans most beloved albums, Blonde on Blonde, for a fundraiser for the Alzheimers Association. On Sunday, the venue will host its annual Peace Through Music John Lennon tribute, where a massive cast including The Cavewives, Acoustic Blu, Sam Llanas, The Fatty Acids, The Hanson Family, Im Not A Pilot, Grasping at Straws, Mike Plaisted, Litmus Vinyl, The Tritonics, The Fainting Room, Myles Coyne and many others will raise money for Wisconsins Anti-Violence Effort.

Milwaukee Punk Fest Presents: These Doors Stay Open @ The Local, 5 p.m.

These Doors Stay Open is the second show in a series of four intended to help Milwaukee Punk Fest raise $5,000 for Planned Parenthood throughout 17. While it is advertised as a show, the event is really more of a festivalits two stages will feature 13 punk acts from around Wisconsin and Michigan, including Green Bays This is Gonna Tickle and Menominees Four 5 Dive. Guests can also enjoy an 1800s-style photo booth and food from the Filipino food truck Lumpia City.

Sunday, May 28

Tony Bennett w/ Antonia Bennett @ The Riverside Theater, 7:30 p.m.

As anybody who has ever seen VH1 knows, music history is packed with great comeback tales, but few have been more remarkable than Tony Bennetts. Popular throughout the 50s and 60s, the pop and jazz crooner fell upon hard times commercially and personally in the 70s as he struggled to contemporize his sound for rock audiences. Broke and rejected, he nearly died from a cocaine overdose in 1979. But he rehabilitated his image in the 80s and by the 90s was widely regarded as a national treasurepraised for reintroducing the classic American Songbook to younger audiences. Bennett celebrated his 85th birthday in triumph in 2011, as his Duets II album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard charts, making him the oldest artist ever to reach that position. He repeated that achievement in 14 with his collaborative record with Lady Gaga, Cheek to Cheek, netting him another Grammy for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album.

Vintage Car Show and Veterans Benefit @ Five OClock Steakhouse, noon-4 p.m.

Five OClock Steakhouse has organized this afternoon of cars and music to benefit two outstanding local veterans organizations: the Milwaukee Homeless Veterans Initiative and DryHootch Milwaukee. In addition to old cars, there will be prizes, a raffle, music from Sacred, NO/NO, Killer Clowns and Stories For Strangers. All guests who contribute the suggested donation of $20 will receive a $20 gift certificate for Five OClock Steakhouse in return.

Dan Whitaker & The Shinebenders and JP Cyr & The Midnightmen @ Kochanskis Concertina Beer Hall, 2 p.m.

The South Sides favorite concertina bar hosts this Honky Tonk Matinee, a daytime bill featuring a pair of lively, foot-stomping country acts. Dan Whitaker & The Shinebenders hail from Chicago, where for 16 years theyve been putting a punky spin on some of Nashvilles signature sounds. Milwaukees JP Cyr & The Midnightmen draw from a similar pool of rockabilly, honky tonk and Western swing sounds. The bill runs from 2-6 p.m. and costs $8, so you can easily be home in time for dinner.

Tuesday, May 30

Vandoliers w/ Driveway Thriftdwellers @ Club Garibaldi, 8 p.m.

On their debut album, Ameri-Kinda, Texas alt-country revivalists Vandoliers paired ripping rock n roll with slick honky tonk tempos. Just a year later, theyve returned with The Native, an album that further expands their sound to include all things Texasfrom roadhouse rock to Western swing to Tejano. The songwriting is as indebted to the Lone Star State as the music, with songs about dive bars, pool halls, forgotten towns and the destinations that might lie beyond the vast spans of highway that line the state. The group is joined on this bill by Milwaukee country rockers Driveway Thriftdwellers.
 Expand Feminism on Tap, 5/25 from 5-7:30 p.m. @ TGas (4120 Seventh Ave., Kenosha)

Every week, the Shepherd Express will serve as a clearinghouse for any and all activities in the greater Milwaukee area that peacefully push back against discriminatory, reactionary or authoritarian actions and policies of the Trump administration and other activities that seek to thwart social justice. We will publicize and promote actions, demonstrations, planning meetings, teach-ins, party-building meetings, drinking/discussion get-togethers or any other actions that are directed toward fighting back to preserve our liberal democratic system.

Thursday, May 25

Feminism on Tap, 5-7:30 p.m. @ TGs (4120 Seventh Ave., Kenosha)

Kenoshas Drinking Liberally chapter is hosting Feminism on Tap, a happy hour with rotating hosts that provides a fun collaborative space for womens rights advocates and community members to develop ideas.

Saturday, May 27

Peace Action Wisconsin: Stand for Peace, noon-1 p.m. @ Corner of LaFayette Hill and Lincoln Memorial Drive

Every Saturday, from noon-1 p.m., concerned citizens join with Peace Action Wisconsin to protest war. Signs will be provided for those who need them. Protesters are encouraged to stick around for conversation and coffee afterwards.

These Doors Stay Open (Part 2), 5 p.m.-2 a.m., @ The Local Club Anything (807 S. Fifth St.)

MKE Punk Fest is presenting a benefit show for Planned Parenthood with the goal of raising $5,000 for the womens health organization. Urban Descent, TIGT, BxUxDx, Four 5 Dive and many more will perform. Doors open at 5 p.m., with the show starting at 6. There is a $5 or more suggested donation. The event is 21+.

Wednesday, May 31

Refuel the Resistance, 5-8 p.m. @ Bounce Milwaukee (2801 S. Fifth Court)

Every Wednesday, Bounce Milwaukee offers a space to organize, as well as a free drink to anyone who brings evidence of resistance in the past week, including protest signs, an email to an elected official or a selfie at the capital.

To submit to this column, please send a brief description of your action, including date and time, to savingourdemocracy@shepex.com. Together, we can fight to minimize the damage that this administration has planned for our great country.


If artflourishes in times of tension, the Donald Trump presidency should give rise tomasterpieces. Trumps regressive policies, including stripping healthcarerights, defunding Planned Parenthood, closing borders and reforming theAffordable Care Act, have catalyzed protesters and performers alike.

Milwaukeemusicians DJ Hostettler and Anthony Weber responded by curating Unpresidented, an anti-Trump compilationthat allies Midwest bands against discrimination and political corruption. Theheated compilation is the pumped-up sequel to last years Unintimidated: Wisconsin Musicians Against Scott Walker. The album features a wide range of music from noise rock to power pop and from hip hop tofolk.

Werevery supportive and excited about the idea of documenting discontent,Hostettler says. You know, letting listeners know that there are people outthere that are just as fed up as them and have elected to make a difference insome small way.

Unintimidated isnot only meant to rally around but also to give immediate aid to Milwaukeelocals who are directly affected by Trumps policies. All proceeds go toPlanned Parenthood of Wisconsin and soup kitchens in Milwaukee. Hostettler andWeber raised about $3,000 for these organizations with last years compilationand aim to outdo that number this year.

Withhelp from Howl Street Recordings in Milwaukee, 16 bands recorded tracks for thecompilation over the course of one jam-packed weekend. Each band had a mere twohours of studio time in order to give the compilation extra urgency.Additionally, 11 other bands submitted tracks they had previously recorded. Thefinished product showcases 27 original compositions by Ahabs Ghost, PaperHolland, Sex Scenes and Joshua Wayne Hensley of TheRutabega, among others. We were actuallykind of adamant about making sure that [the songs] were all originals,Hostettler said. We wanted the bands expressing themselves with their ownunique voices.

Theidea for a protest compilation came from Hostettler and Webers frustrationwith the concept of internet slacktivismwhere rants, article shares and otherexpressions of discontent garner likes but ultimately make no realdifference. We felt like the best way to take our anger about the status quoand do something constructive with it was to recruit all of our friends andbands to record protest music, which is something that we feel has kind offaded to the wayside over the past few decades, Hostettler says.

Ofcourse, a wide range of national artists have been pushing back againstAmericas defective political climate through song, from hip-hop outfit A TribeCalled Quest with We the People to pop icon Katy Perry with Chained to theRhythm. Unpresidented doesnt justwant to soundtrack history, though; it wants to make a tangible difference inpeoples lives. Ultimately, with a musical compilation full of protest musicthat hopefully raises maybe a couple grand for Planned Parenthood or whoever,we understand that amounts to a small drop in the bucket as far as making adifference goes, Hostettler says. But I hope that, if anything, [Unpresidented inspires people] to addtheir own drop into that bucket, because one small person cant make adifference, but a large number of people who band together can. This is ourlittle piece of that.

Youcan stream and download Unpresidented at unintimidatedscottwalker.bandcamp.com.
The summer movie season is always eagerly anticipated and even more eagerly forgotten, but the disaster known as the summer of 2016 will leave a lasting scar: Ghostbusters; Suicide Squad; Ghostbusters; Independence Day: Resurgence; people Tweeting about Ghostbusters; The Legend of Tarzan; and lets not forget Ghostbusters. But summer hope springs eternal, and West Coast film critic Daniel Barnes managed to find 10 highly anticipated films that might just make for a better season this year.

Wonder Woman (June 2)

Finally! A female superhero movie helmed by a female directorwas that really so difficult? Beyond checking off overdue boxes and rubbing Marvels nose in it, Wonder Woman could break out of the comic book bubble of bland mediocrity, if only because the character is more identified with bravery and sincerity than with wisecracking smugness or goth mopey-ness. It helps that the demi-goddess warrior princess is played by real-life demigoddess warrior princess Gal Gadot.

It Comes at Night (June 9)

Nobody watched Trey Edward Shults brilliant debut film Krisha, but apparently the right nobodies watched it, because it won the 28-year-old director a two-picture deal with highly respected indie outlet A24. This follow-up is a horror movie, and after seeing Shults turn a Thanksgiving family dinner into hell on earth, it will be fascinating to watch him plant two feet in the genre.

Baby Driver (June 28)

After a number of aborted projects, including a famously failed attempt to make Ant-Man, Edgar Wright finally delivers his first film since 2013s The Worlds End. Ill take anything we can get from the maniacally creative Wright at this point, even if this romantic action musical looks like the sort of film that talented directors make when they have no idea what to make.

The Beguiled (June 30)

Im not usually stoked about remakes, especially a remake of a good film like Don Siegels kinky 1971 drama The Beguiled, but Im very curious to see a female take on this somewhat misogynist material. It will also be interesting to see if Sophia Coppola can snap out of her funk and invest the film with some of the old Lost in Translation spark.

A Ghost Story (July 7)

David Lowery provided one of last summers pleasant surprises with Petes Dragon, a project conceived as a cynical CGI remake, but imbued with love and optimism and old-school Disney magic (no wonder it tanked). His follow-up film, a supernatural love story starring Casey Affleck as a white-sheeted ghost trying to connect with his wife, received wide acclaim at Sundance.

Dunkirk (July 21)

Christopher Nolan is practically the only auteur permitted to make money-is-not-object, off-brand blockbusters anymore. That sucks, if only because Nolan seems inclined to make the sort of movies an important director is supposed to make (pretentious space epics and bloated World War II anything) rather than following his Memento muse. Still, this story of the Allied evacuation is probably our best chance for non-superhero-related IMAX awesomeness this summer.

Atomic Blonde (July 28)

A longtime stunt coordinator and one of the creative forces behind John Wick, David Leitch officially steps behind the camera with Atomic Blonde, starring Charlize Theron as an undercover agent kick-punching her way through a buffet line of Cold War-era stooges. Leitch has Deadpool 2 lined up for next year, so hopefully we get one decent genre film out of him before that abomination kills us all.

Detroit (August 4)

Kathryn Bigelow reteams with The Hurt Locker and Zero Dark Thirty screenwriter Mark Boal for her first film in five years, a visceral ensemble piece about the 1967 Detroit riots featuring John Boyega, Anthony Mackie and John Krasinski. Sparked by racial injustice and inflamed by police brutality, the riots seem like the sort of historical event tailor-made for Bigelows brand of compellingly problematic cinema.

Wind River (August 4)

This is the second directorial effort from Taylor Sheridan, but the barely released 2011 genre film Vile was made before he became Wunderkind Screenwriter Taylor Sheridan, the Oscar-nominated scribe behind Sicario and Hell or High Water. Now there are legitimate expectations for this low-key mystery about a murder on a Native American reservation.

Logan Lucky (August 18)

Steven Soderbergh is very bad at retirement. He claimed to call it quits following 2013s Behind the Candelabra, but he has been working non-stop ever since, most notably on his Cinemax show The Knick. And now he even manages to beat the already overhyped Oceans Eight to the punch with his own heist movie, starring Channing Tatum and Adam Driver as brother thieves.
 Expand Photo credit: Gage Skidmore

David Clarke says hes about to be promoted to a big, important job in the Trump administration that could possibly spread the public destruction from Clarkes apparent abusive personality disorder far wider than his job as Milwaukee County Sheriff.

Thats frightening since the most recent horrific consequence of Clarkes cruel policies was the dehydration death of a mentally ill Milwaukee County Jail inmate after Clarkes jailers shut off water to the mans cell to punish him for his annoying irrational behavior.

Clarkes unfitness for public office has been well documented in this column and elsewhere. Clarke has a lucrative moonlighting career in right-wing media entertaining white extremists who cheer an African American official for viciously attacking other black politicians and all those bothersome black demonstrators protesting deadly police shootings and other racial inequities.

Conscientious Milwaukee leaders and citizens are simply relieved that Clarke may soon be leaving local law enforcement regardless of the problems he might create in Trumps government. Thats constantly on the verge of destruction anyway from the actions of all its other unqualified misfits including the president himself.

Ive written plenty about the damage Clarke has inflicted on the lives of other human beings. With his merciful exit, I still remember the early days when many people thought Clarke would be a much better, more decent public official than he turned out to be.

I met Clarke in 2002 shortly before most people ever heard of him. It was at a public forum on policing. Clarke went out of his way to introduce himself to me and profess admiration for my work. That was about to end.

Not long after, Republican Gov. Scott McCallum named Clarke sheriff to replace Lev Baldwin, whod resigned in the midst of the Milwaukee County pension scandal, fleeing with a big chunk of money.

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A rare African American appointed by a Republican who immediately declared he would run as a Democrat. A department outsider promising to dismantle embarrassing Baldwin excesses that included an airplane and a boat. What was not to like? Little did we know.

Democrats were encouraged that Clarkes first campaign strategist beginning immediately (Theres a New Sheriff in Town) was Bill Christofferson, whod run high-profile Democratic campaigns for Sen. Herb Kohl and Mayor John Norquist. He looked me in the eye and lied to me when he asked me to do that campaign, Christofferson wrote later. Who would have guessed that he would turn out to be an egomaniac who would run the department like Captain Queeg of the U.S.S Caine, lashing out and punishing anyone who dares to disagree with him?

Clarkes Political Dirty Trick

Clarke wasnt remotely a Democrat. Running as one was a political dirty trick to win election in low-turnout Democratic primaries with the votes of some black Democrats and many right-wing Republicans. Republicans had no reason to run a strong challenger against Clarke in the higher turnout general elections.

It didnt take long after that first election for Clarke to begin showing his extreme right-wing politics. I watched his actions and views grow increasingly outrageous over the years. One of our most memorable encounters was on my friend Eric Vons radio show where Clarke and I debated an op-ed column hed written for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel advocating destruction of Gov. Tommy Thompsons W-2 welfare reform because it was socialist coddling of the poor.

There were many problems with Thompsons workfare program depriving poor women of assistance to feed and clothe their children, but excessive kindness was not one of them. And Tommy Thompson was one of the worst socialists ever.

My wife, Kit, was the citizen representative on the Milwaukee Community Justice Council with Clarke and other officials controlling the criminal justice system including the mayor, county executive, district attorney, police chief, chief judge and others. All but Clarke supported ways to reduce racial disparities and over incarceration while increasing community safety.

The more Clarke appeared on right-wing talk shows, the more cruel and inhumane his political views became. Now theyve reached the point Clarke thinks hes on the brink of achieving his dream of a national pulpit from which to bask in the applause of a riveted nation. That is, of course, an absurd fantasy version of what is far more likely to be total evaporation into an enormous, anonymous federal bureaucracy.

The last-minute revelation of a plagiarized masters thesis is unlikely to cause Clarke any problems. This administration plagiarized the first ladys speeches from Michelle Obama. Clarke would have a far bigger problem in a Trump administration with Trump himself. The only real talent Clarke has developed in politics is his ability to create a public spectacle by calling attention to himself with ridiculous, bombastic pronouncements.

In Trumps presidency, only one man is allowed to attract the national spotlight by doing that.
It may come as a surprise to many craft beer devotees, but not so long ago craft beer really wasn't that much of a thing in Iowa - certainly not in western Iowa.

When I moved to Sioux City in 1997, Killian's Irish Red was one of the fanciest beers that was available on a regular basis. Oh, you could find Guinness on tap at a couple of places in town, but that beer seemed to sell so slowly that freshness was always in doubt.

Getting a good beer - and certainly anything other than the small handful of emerging national craft brands - meant brewing it yourself or making a road trip to John's Grocery in Iowa City by way of Millstream in Amana or to the two brewpubs in Des Moines.

In Sioux City, as I am sure was the case in the rest of the state, a meager craft beer culture wasn't for lack of trying.

RASCALS, Sioux City's home brewing and beer appreciation club, had a small but very dedicated membership. 4th Street Brewing Company, Sioux City's first modern era brewpub, opened in 1998 but closed in 2002.

Forward to 2007.

Eleven Iowa breweries are scheduled to pour a total of 40 different beers at the 3rd annual Festival of Iowa Beers hosted by Millstream Brewing in Amana. More importantly - and behind he scenes - the seeds of what was to become the Iowa Brewers Guild were planted.

Meeting notes and references go back to 2007 and 2008, J. Wilson, the guild's Minister of Iowa Beer, wrote in an e-mail.

"[It was] informally around picnic tables/bar stools before before the Festival of Iowa Beers and the like, legend has it" Wilson, wrote.

The El Bait Shop - A Des Moines beer bar that now has 220 beers on tap - is voted "Best New Bar 2007" in a Des Moines poll.

Peter Ausenhus and Margaret Bishop open Worth Brewing Company in Northwood. Not the smallest town in Iowa to have a brewery at that time, but indication that locally-focused breweries were not just for the "big city".

In hindsight, something was clearly happening in Iowa's brewing scene.

When I hit the send button to launch the first post on the Journal's Sioux Brew blog 10 years ago today, it was with the premonition that something good seemed be building in Iowa's craft beer industry and that maybe the seeds of a craft beer culture were starting to germinate in Iowa and the midwest.

While sitting around a table drinking beers with co-workers, I said aloud there just might be something to writing about beer, especially local beer.

Indeed.

It's been great fun writing, taking photos and being witness to the changes that have happened in Iowa's beer industry.

Early writings included beer reviews (mostly of midwestern craft brands, since Iowa-brewed beers were't then sold in Sioux City), craft beer-centric press releases and Associated Press stories, the then-weekly Sioux Brew Quiz and news from Iowa breweries gleaned from phone calls and regular trips to Des Moines and Cedar Rapids. Most popular were simple listings of new craft beers available in town and the "Pass the Mash" columns of miscellaneous beer musings.

However, there was no better beer story than in 2010 when Iowa's brewers won a statehouse battle allowing them to make "high alcohol" beer.

It was a story I told by way of a barrel of barleywine that was brewed in Des Moines, but destined to be sold in Nebraska had the law not been changed.

Although earlier efforts to change the law withered, the seeds sown around those picnic tables in 2007 and 2008 bore fruit in 2010 with the signing of Senate File 2088 and again that year with the formal incorporation of the brewers guild.

In 2008 there were 18 breweries in Iowa. In 2010, when the law changed, there were about 21. Now? About 75 with 80 "right around the corner," according to Wilson.

Those numbers impress.

But, more impressive? Thirteen of those 18 breweries (which includes four Granite City locations) are still in business today. They include the state's first modern era brewery, Millstream (1985), and the first modern era brewpub, Front Street Brewery (1992).

Today, fans of flavorful beer no longer have to be content with a limited selection. A walk down the beer aisle of almost any grocery or convenience store shows options - many from local breweries - only dreamed of 10 years ago.

Thanks to all of Iowa's breweries - as well as those in Nebraska and South Dakota - for their help in making the past 10 years of writing about beer more fun than I could imagine.

Because, You know, there just might be something to writing about beer.

Cheers!
SIOUX CITY | In the aftermath of a horrific terrorist bombing attack Monday that killed at least 22 people in a concert in England, Sioux City officials continue to proceed with plans this year to add metal detectors for concerts and other events that routinely draw several thousand people.

The concerts are an important social outlet for fun, and people shouldn't have to worry about being safe in the live music venues of the Tyson Events Center and Opheum Theatre, said Irving Jensen Jr., of Sioux City, who serves on the city's Events Facilities Advisory Board, or EFAB.

Jensen said Tuesday he has no concerns about possible attacks when he's at local concerts, while adding, "I doubt that the people in Manchester, England, had it in their mind either."

Security concerns get brought up in nearly every EFAB meeting, he added.

In response to concert promoters requiring increased security for big-name acts, the city agreed to add portable walk-through metal detectors at the Tyson and Orpheum, said Erika Newton, director of the citys Events & Facilities Department.

The city's fiscal year 2017-18 budget includes $100,000 for walk-through metal detectors at the Tyson as part of the venue's maintenance improvements. That should be at least 12 detectors in the two venues by the fall months, Newton said.

"We have to have enough so we have coverage of all points of entry and backstage," she said.

Event staff currently use wands to check for security. The addition of metal detectors at each entrance may slow the rate of entry into the venues.

Newton said the detectors likely would be used for concerts and other major shows but would be optional for some other events.

"We want to make sure that the artists and the 5,000 fans who are coming are protected...People expect that the place they are going is safe. That's what we have to ensure," Newton said.

Newton said while no shows have declined to perform at the Tyson because of the lack of walk-through metal detectors yet, some have said they would not return unless security was increased.

"The metal detectors are a big issue in terms of booking shows," she said.

Grande performed in Omaha in February, where several thousand people were wanded before they could enter the CenturyLink Center.

Police in Manchester said Tuesday they had arrested a 23-year-old man in connection with the apparent suicide bombing at the end of the show. The house lights went on, and one attendee called the rush of concertgoers after the explosion "a stampede."

Grande, who had just left the stage, was unhurt, taking to Twitter to say: "From the bottom of my heart, I am so, so sorry. I don't have words."

Top U.S. intelligence officials have not yet verified the Islamic State terrorist group is responsible for the attack in Manchester, England, but called the deadly incident a stark reminder of how serious the terror threat remains.

-- The Associated Press contributed to this article.
Re-creating a restaurant dish is something many people would like to do, but it can be tricky.

One reason is that a lot of restaurants dont want to give up their secrets. But sometimes, you get lucky.

Todays Yucatan Shrimp is one such dish. While on a trip to Ft. Myers Beach, Fla., our group shared this dish at Doc Fords Rum Bar & Grille. For those who know the area, this Doc Fords restaurant sits just under the Mantanzas Pass Bridge that connects San Carlos Island to the mainland. Its near the shrimp docks, so its no surprise the menu has several shrimp dishes.

At Doc Fords, Yucatan Shrimp is described on the menu as shrimp in a dressing of real butter, mild Colombian chilies, fresh cilantro and key lime juice.

Real butter? Is there any other kind? And the mild Colombian chilies stem from Sambal Oelek Ground Fresh Chili Paste. (Look for it in the ethnic aisle near the Asian ingredients. Huy Fong Foods is one common brand with the green cap and the gold label.)

This dish, of course, was delicious.

I called the Ft. Myers Beach restaurant and spoke with executive chef Greg Nelson, who created the dish. He told me that people frequently request the recipe for Yucatan Shrimp.

Its the sauce that totally makes the dish, Nelson says. You can put (the sauce) on pasta, you can serve it with chicken or on chicken tenders. Its good on toast in the morning.

This shrimp dish consists of peel-and-eat shrimp drenched in the citrusy, spicy, buttery, rich sauce. Once you taste it, you get citrus from the lime, a kick from the chili paste and a bite from the garlic. But everything is well balanced.

An Internet search turned up a recipe the New York Times adapted several years ago in a feature on Doc Fords. With a few tips from Nelson, I came close  very close  to duplicating the dish I remembered having at the restaurant. The staff loved it.

The secret is in the sauce, not in how you cook the shrimp, says Nelson, who suggests using wild-caught shrimp and cooking them with their shells on.

Theres a lot of flavor in the shell, Nelson says.

Its also a dish where dipping a piece of crusty baguette in the juicy and buttery broth is a must. You will use every last piece of bread to soak up the sauce. I guarantee it.

Serve this dish as an appetizer to share or in individual portions or as a main dish over rice or pasta.

The best part of it is when you first take the shrimp, suck the juice out of the shell before peeling, Nelson says. Thats the best flavor youre going to get.
SIOUX CITY | A Sioux City mental health counselor's license has been suspended indefinitely because of accusations he had romantic relationships with two of his clients.

The Iowa Board of Behavioral Science ordered that Mark Garlick must return his mental health counselor license to the board on June 17. He has until then to transition his clients to new providers.

The board brought seven charges against Garlick in November, and Garlick waived his right to a hearing in front of the board before the settlement agreement and final order was entered.

Charging documents said that Garlick began a romantic relationship with one client about one year after providing the counseling.

Another client told Garlick she had feelings for him, and he continued to provide counseling to her while not documenting her romantic feelings, documents said. Garlick made remarks of a sexual nature to the second client during sessions and communicated outside of sessions. Documents say he hugged, kissed and touched the client and also accepted gifts from her.

In its May 17 order, the board said that Garlick may request reinstatement of his license after one year, but only after undergoing a comprehensive mental health and boundaries evaluation. He also must pay a $1,000 civil penalty.
ONAWA, Iowa | A 22-year-old Onawa man is facing an attempted murder charge after authorities say he drove another man into the country and beat him in the head with a tire iron.

Reinrick Tevin James Gashe was arrested Tuesday and charged with attempted murder in connection to the incident, which occurred around 6 p.m. Monday. He is being held in the Monona County Jail on $50,000 bond.

According to court documents, Gashe was driving a vehicle with another man, Dion Sonny Robinson, also of Onawa, riding as a passenger. Documents say Gashe took the vehicle into the country in the area of 230th Street and Locust Avenue east of Onawa, an area surrounded by fields, and told Robinson to exit the vehicle. Gashe then struck him in the head with a tire iron, documents said.

Robinson was able to flee the scene and was taken to the hospital with head injuries, according to court documents. Before he left the scene, Gashe told him, "If I catch you, I am going to beat you to death," documents said.

Monona County Sheriff Jeffrey Pratt said authorities located Gashe at his residence and arrested him. Pratt declined to release the extent of Robinson's head injuries. He said Robinson and Gashe were acquainted with one another.

The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation is assisting the Monona County Sheriff's Office in the ongoing investigation of the incident.
ROCK RAPIDS, Iowa | A 19-year-old Rock Rapids man is facing a sexual abuse charge after police say he had sex with a 14-year-old girl at a party in December.

Trysten Lee Robinson was charged Tuesday with third-degree sexual abuse, according to a news release from the Lyon County Sheriff's Office.

Court documents say on Dec. 17, Robinson was hosting a small party at his home and, among the attendees, had invited the 14-year-old girl, who came with another underage person. Documents say the victim and her fellow attendee were given alcohol upon arriving.

Late at night, or in the early morning hours of the following day, documents say Robinson took the girl upstairs to his bedroom and performed a sex act.

Robinson was arrested Tuesday following an investigation into the incident. He is being held in the Lyon County Jail on $15,000 bond.
SIOUX CITY  The unemployment rate in the Sioux City metro dropped to 2.9 percent in April, the lowest monthly rate in 16 years.

A total of 2,700 people were unemployed in the Sioux City Metropolitan Statistical Area in April, down 400 from the month of March, when the jobless rate stood at 3.4 percent, according to Iowa Workforce Development.

The last time the monthly local unemployment rate was below 3 percent was October 2001, according to state agency. The lowest rate on record dating back to 1990 was 2 percent in October 1999, at the tail end of the Gateway boom of the 1990s.

The Sioux City metro is defined as Woodbury and Plymouth counties in Iowa, Dakota and Dixon counties in Nebraska, and Union County in South Dakota.

With the latest drop in the local unemployment numbers, the Sioux City MSA rate is 0.2 percent lower than Iowas statewide average of 3.1 percent, which is at its lowest since February 2001, according to Cory Kelly, communications director of Iowa Workforce Development.

Kelly noted that employment in metro Sioux City is up 1,000 jobs from March. The leisure and hospitality and the professional and business services sectors each added 300 jobs, although the former area still provides 700 fewer jobs than it did a year prior.

That is a core component of the unemployment rate there  the growth in those two sectors, Kelly said. We didnt see any change in government, manufacturing and trade, no changes in transportation and warehousing.

The falling unemployment comes as Seaboard Triumph Foods recruits more than 1,000 workers for the first shift of its $300 million pork plant, set to begin operations in late July.

Kelly pointed out is that the local job market had about 2,600 fewer jobs in April than it did a year ago, a leading factor in the month's historically low unemployment rate.

You combine that with low unemployment rate in general across the state and you have an environment, which, you are where you are, he said.

Areas with low unemployment rates are often considered to be a double-edged sword, depending on perspective, Kelly noted.

When the unemployment rate goes down in an area, theres often a correlation and a leading indicator in an increase in wages in an area, so the lower the unemployment rate goes, the more employers have to pay their employees to recruit and retain skilled talent, he said.

Depending on how you look at it, that can be a positive or a negative for the environment," he continued. "As a negative, it makes it more challenging for employers to recruit and retain those skilled employees; however, as a benefit, it affords new employees a higher rate of pay for the work that they are doing.
Davarsie Gantt, 24, was spotted walking in Morningside and was later arrested in the 3800 block of Gordon Drive, a press release said.

Gantt was wanted by the Iowa Department of Corrections for absconding from the Residential Treatment Facility in Sioux City. Gantt was sentenced to spend time in the treatment facility after a second conviction of failing to register as a sex offender.
SIOUX CITY | Woodbury County Board of Supervisors Chairman Matthew Ung is vacationing halfway around the world, but he's not letting that prevent him from participating in weekly board meetings.

A week ago while on vacation to China, Ung used teleconferencing to hear the May 16 supervisors meeting proceedings and vote. In spite of the 13-hour time difference, Ung joined the other four county supervisors back in downtown Sioux City.

In one funny passage, Ung referenced that he is east of the International Date Line, which is located halfway around the world from the prime meridian. That date line demarcation runs between North America and Asia in the Pacific Ocean, so he was one day ahead of the supervisors back in Iowa.

Amid a short pause on a meeting topic, Ung said, "I am waiting for you. Technically, I am in the future."

Ung was referencing the short delay of a few seconds for him to be heard back in Sioux City. He said that technological glitch was a small price to pay, in carrying out his quest to not miss meetings. If Ung can't be there in person, he has used teleconferencing to take part, he told the Journal via messaging from China.

"Skype with WiFi has worked the best, but I've had to use prepaid phones or an international calling plan as backup a few times when signals drop," Ung said.

Ung also teleconferenced into the Tuesday county board meeting. Past county supervisor Jackie Smith did that before she left the board in 2016, and current Supervisor Jeremy Taylor has too while at a conference in Dallas.

Taylor said he's wanted to call into supervisor meetings when away over the past two years on military service training, but scheduling for that hasn't worked out.

"I felt that if I could be there even telephonically that it was right to weigh in and be kept informed when an obligation made it so that I could otherwise not attend," Taylor said.

Through his teleconferencing on the China trip and others in the past, Ung said he's only missed one meeting in two and a half years as a supervisor. That occurred in April 2015, when he was on the annual lobbying trip by the Siouxland Chamber of Commerce in Washington, D.C.

"Some people call this a part time job, but I want to put in full time effort and serve diligently my constituents. Honestly I've thought of it more as a good habit, although I realize now it's a good record to have. Unless it's humanly impossible to attend or call in, I won't miss a meeting," Ung said.

While the supervisors meetings begin at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, with the time difference, Ung had to get started when it was 5:30 a.m. on his Wednesday. He said the early time isn't a problem.

"If I'm on vacation, I'll try to plan ahead to make sure I have the meeting time free enough to call in," Ung said.
DAKOTA CITY | An Arkansas woman has been placed on probation for charges related to a high-speed chase that ended near South Sioux City.

Shelbi Nichols, 23, of Bonnerdale, Arkansas, was sentenced Tuesday in Dakota County District Court to two years probation. She also must pay $6,000 in restitution to the owner of the stolen vehicle she was driving.

Nichols pleaded guilty in April to possession of stolen property and operation of a motor vehicle to avoid arrest.

Nichols was the driver of a car involved in a Feb. 14 chase that began in Washington County north of Omaha and headed north. The chase ended on U.S. Highway 77 between Dakota City and South Sioux City after the car was disabled by spike strips that flattened three of the car's tires. The car had been reported stolen in Arkansas.

Nichols' passenger, Dusty Nash, 31, of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, has pleaded not guilty to possession of a stolen property, criminal impersonation, obstructing a peace officer and open alcoholic beverage container.
OMAHA | A Winnebago, Nebraska, woman has pleaded not guilty in connection with the death of a Winnebago man.

Natasha Wolfe, 38, entered her plea Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Omaha to one count of accessory after the fact in the April 23 death of William Redhorn Jr., 32.

Wolfe is accused of kicking Redhorn once in the ribs during the fight in which her son, Jeremiah Wolfe, is charged with placing Redhorn in a fatal headlock. After the fight, Natasha Wolfe allowed her son and Lawrencia Merrick to come to her house and wash their blood-covered clothes.

According to court documents, Jeremiah Wolfe placed Redhorn in a headlock until he was unconscious during a fight. Merrick punched and kicked Redhorn during the fight, court documents said. Both told authorities Redhorn's death was an accident.

An autopsy determined Redhorn's cause of death was strangulation and that head trauma could have been a contributing factor.

Jeremiah Wolfe, 19, and Merrick, 21, both of Winnebago, pleaded not guilty Monday to second-degree murder.
It may come as a surprise to many craft beer devotees, but not so long ago craft beer really wasn't that much of a thing in Iowa - certainly not in western Iowa.

When I moved to Sioux City in 1997, getting a good beer - certainly anything other than the emerging national craft brands - meant brewing it yourself or making a road trip to John's Grocery in Iowa City by way of Millstream in Amana or to brewpubs in Des Moines.

In Sioux City, as I am sure was the case in the rest of the state, the meager craft beer culture wasn't for lack of trying.

Forward to 2007.

The 3rd annual Festival of Iowa Beers is held by Millstream Brewing in Amana. More importantly the seeds of what was to become the Iowa Brewers Guild were planted.

"[It was] informally around picnic tables/bar stools before before the Festival of Iowa Beers and the like legend has it" J. Wilson, the guild's Minister of Iowa Beer wrote.

The El Bait Shop - A Des Moines beer bar that now has 220 beers on tap - is voted "Best New Bar 2007" in a Des Moines poll.

Peter Ausenhus and Margaret Bishop open Worth Brewing Company in Northwood. Not the smallest town in Iowa to have a brewery at that time, but indication that locally-focused breweries were not just for the "big city".

In hindsight, something was clearly happening in Iowa's brewing scene.

When I hit the send button to launch the first post on the Journal's Sioux Brew blog 10 years ago, it was with the premonition that something good seemed be building in Iowa's craft beer industry.

Drinking beers with co-workers, I said aloud there just might be something to writing about beer, especially local beer.

Indeed.

It's been great fun writing, taking photos and being witness to the changes that have happened in Iowa's beer industry.

Early posts included beer reviews, craft beer press releases and Associated Press stories, a then-weekly Sioux Brew Quiz and news from Iowa breweries gleaned from phone calls and trips to Des Moines and Cedar Rapids.

However, there was no better beer story than in 2010 when Iowa's brewers won a statehouse battle allowing them to make "high alcohol" beer.

It was a story I told by way of a barrel of barleywine that was brewed in Des Moines, but destined to be sold in Nebraska had the law not been changed.

While earlier efforts to change the law withered, the seeds sown around those picnic tables in 2007 and 2008 bore fruit in 2010 with the signing of Senate File 2088 and again that year with the formal incorporation of the brewers guild.

In 2008 there were 18 breweries in Iowa. In 2010, when the law changed, there were about 21. Now? About 75 with 80 "right around the corner," according to Wilson.

Those numbers impress.

But, more impressive? Thirteen of those 18 breweries (which includes four Granite City locations) are still in business today. They include the state's first modern era brewery, Millstream (1985), and the first modern era brewpub, Front Street Brewery (1992).

Today, fans of flavorful beer no longer have to be content with a limited selection. A walk down the beer aisle of almost any grocery or convenience store shows options - many from local breweries - only dreamed of 10 years ago.

Thanks to all of Iowa's breweries - as well as those in Nebraska and South Dakota - for their help in making the past 10 years of writing about beer more fun than I could imagine.

Because, You know, there just might be something to writing about beer.

Cheers!
SIOUX CITY | Sioux City Fire Rescue has fielded dozens of calls by parties interested in selling fireworks within city limits in recent weeks.

Now, with the city's permitting process in place, the department is preparing for the influx of applications from prospective vendors.

How soon that application process can begin, however, depends on when the state of Iowa opens its state license application process. That's because a requirement of the city's permitting process will be proof the vendor has also applied for a state license.

As of Wednesday afternoon, the Iowa State Fire Marshal had not posted a license application to its website. The state fire marshal's office did not immediately return a call requesting comment.

"As soon as the state puts something out there, we're ready to go," said deputy Sioux City Fire Marshal Ryan Collins. "We're gearing up."

In accordance with the new state law, the sale of fireworks will be allowed from permanent buildings from June 1 to July 8 and from Dec. 10 to Jan. 3. Sales out of temporary structures, such as tents and stands, will be allowed from June 13 to July 8.

According to a new city ordinance approved Monday that laid out the city's rules for selling and discharging fireworks, Sioux City will limit fireworks sales to property in Fire Zone 3 -- a zone excluding downtown -- that is zoned either general commercial or business park.

Sioux City Fire Rescue laid out the new permitting requirements Tuesday in a news release. To apply, prospective vendors will need to submit a $500 application fee as well as site and floor plans of the structure. Sellers must also have proof of liability insurance separate from building property insurance, showing coverage of fireworks sales in a per occurrence amount of $1 million and an aggregate amount of $2 million.

Sioux City Fire Rescue will perform a site inspection on the property and ensure it meets all specifications. Three or four members of Sioux City Fire Rescue's Fire Prevention Bureau will carry out the inspections. How much strain that will put on the bureau's manpower -- one of the worries expressed by department officials -- remains to be seen.

Collins said the vendors' state application can be finalized once they receive approval from the city.

Vendors wishing to apply for fireworks sales permits in Sioux City will eventually be able to find applications online at sioux-city.org/fire or at the Police/Fire Headquarters, 601 Douglas St. Vendors must submit separate applications for the summer and winter sales periods.
The gravity of the existential threat we face from Islamic Jihad is truly of epic proportions. It is essentially a battle pitting free-civilized man against a totalitarian barbarian. What is at stake is the struggle for our very soul - namely who we are and what we represent. The lives that were sacrificed for individual rights and freedoms that we've come to cherish are being chiseled away from right under our noses by the stealth jihadists. And many of us are in denial and totally clueless.



The left's appeasement and pandering to evil is nothing new. What makes their utopian delusions so infuriating and unpardonable is that it is not only they who will have to pay the consequences, and deservedly, so, they are thwarting and undermining our best efforts at resistance and are thus dragging us down in the process as well.







By Peter Lancz,, the head of the Raoul Wallenberg World Campaign Against Racism.
Craig Ronald Milligan, 21, of St. Leonard, MD passed away on May 19, 2017. Born February 27, 1996 in Prince Frederick, MD, he was the son of Ron and Cindy Milligan of St. Leonard, MD. He was the youngest of three children.



Craig attended Calvert Middle and Calvert High School and worked in the construction field. He was a very outgoing and friendly person. Craig had a way of making everyone laugh and have fun with his goofy sense of humor. Craig accomplished many things and each was an adventure. His infectious smile will never be forgotten. He enjoyed fishing and boating on the Patuxent River and Chesapeake Bay, working on his trucks, hosting bon fires for his friends and riding dirt bikes and four wheelers. His son Curtis, was his pride and joy and he loved spending time with his family and friends. Craig was a loving father, son, brother, and grandson and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.



Craig is survived by his parents, Ron and Cindy Milligan of St. Leonard, MD; his son, Curtis Milligan; his sisters, Julia (Milligan) Humke of McKinney, TX and Colleen Milligan of California, MD; maternal grandmother, Joan Wooten of St. Leonard, MD; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Ray Wooten, and his paternal grandparents, Frances and George Milligan.



A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Friday, May 26, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. at Serenity Farm, 6932 Serenity Farm Road, Hughesville, MD 20637. Arrangements by Rausch Funeral Home.
PRINCE FREDERICK, Md.

Disclaimer: In the U.S.A., all persons accused of a crime by the State are presumed to be innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. See: so.md/presumed-innocence. Additionally, all of the information provided above is solely from the perspective of the respective law enforcement agency and does not provide any direct input from the accused or persons otherwise mentioned. You can find additional information about the case by searching the Maryland Judiciary Case Search Database using the accused's name and date of birth. The database is online at so.md/mdcasesearch . Persons named who have been found innocent or not guilty of all charges in the respective case, and/or have had the case ordered expunged by the court can have their name, age, and city redacted by following the process defined at so.md/expungeme.

(May 24, 2017)The Prince Frederick Barrack of the Maryland State Police (MSP) released the following incident and arrest reports.OPEN WARRANT, POSSESSION OF HEROIN: On 5/9/2017 at 1:41 am, Corporal Esnes performed a traffic stop after following the car into the Holiday Inn parking lot on Merrimac Dr. in Prince Frederick. The driver, Bonita R. Brooks, 38 of Prince Frederick was arrested for possession of heroin and prescription medications for which she did not have a prescription. The passenger, Chazze L. Hall, 26 of Huntingtown was placed under arrest for an open warrant through the Calvert County Sheriff's Office. Both Brooks and Hall were incarcerated at the Calvert County Detention Center.POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA: On 5/11/2017 at 6:35 am, Trooper First Class Barlow stopped a vehicle on White Sands Dr. in Lusby for traffic violations. An odor of raw marijuana was emitting from inside the vehicle. Investigation revealed 31.8 grams of marijuana. A passenger, Wayne M. Louis Jr., 35 of Lusby advised the marijuana was his and he was arrested and incarcerated at the Calvert County Detention Center.POSSESSION WITH INTENT TO DISTRIBUTE MARIJUANA: On 5/12/2017 at 2:14 am, Trooper Jones stopped a vehicle south of Chaneyville Rd on Rt. 4 in Owings for traffic violations. The odor of burnt marijuana was emitting from inside the vehicle. A probable cause search revealed several small plastic bags of raw marijuana that had been prepared for distribution, a metal grinder and a glass smoking device. Zachary A. Ellwood, 24 of Huntingtown was arrested and incarcerated at the Calvert County Detention Center.DUI, POSSESSION WITH INTENT TO DISTRIBUTE HEROIN: On 5/12/2017 at 9:44 am, Trooper First Class Barlow responded to a single vehicle accident on Ponds Wood Road in Huntingtown . Russell W. Gribble, 35of Chesapeake Beach was taken to the hospital for injuries. A search based on Controlled Dangerous Substance and Paraphernalia in plain view was conducted. Numerous plastic baggies prepared for distribution were located throughout the vehicle as well as a digital scale and prescription pills. Upon discharge, Gribble was incarcerated at the Calvert County Detention Center.POSSESSION OF ECSTASY: On 5/14/2017 at 10:23 pm, Trooper First Class Davis stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation on Rt. 4 near HG Trueman Rd. in Lusby. While talking to the driver, several criminal indicators were observed and a K-9 scan was requested. The K-9 scan revealed a positive indication of Controlled Dangerous Substances. A probable cause search was conducted and 94 pills of Ecstasy-MDMA were located along with a digital scale. The driver, Tremaine J. Berry, 27 of Lexington Park was arrested and incarcerated at the Calvert County Detention Center. A passenger in the vehicle was found to be in possession of a small amount of marijuana and received a civil citation and was released.POSSESSION OF HEROIN: On 5/15/2017 at 2:27 pm, Trooper First Class Davis responded to a broadcast for a person having distress in the Bucket's Liquor Store parking lot in Lusby. Brandy M. Staples, 30 of Lusby, was located and was slurring her speech and her movements were delayed. A plastic straw was observed on the center console. A probable cause search revealed quantities of heroin. Staples was arrested and incarcerated at the Calvert County Detention Center.POSSESSION OF HEROIN: On 5/16/2017 at 10:32 am, Trooper First Class Matthews conducted a traffic stop at Rt. 4 south of Rt. 231 in Prince Frederick for traffic violations. John F. Marshall, 34 of St. Leonard, was visibly showing several criminal indicators and a K-9 scan was requested. The K-9 scan was positive and a search was conducted. Heroin was located in the vehicle. Marshall was arrested and incarcerated at the Calvert County Detention Center.THEFT FROM A VEHICLE: On 5/17/2017 at 9:56 am, Sergeant Bennett received a report of a theft of a vehicle registration tag. The complainant advised the tag was removed from the vehicle parked at the residence on Cassell Blvd. in Prince Frederick. The tag, MD 9CV4939 has been entered into METERS/NCIC.POSSESSION OF COCAINE: On 5/19/2017 at 9:42 pm, Trooper Stull stopped a vehicle on Rt. 4 south of Sherry Lane in Prince Frederick for traffic violations. Russell C. Tayman, 21 of Lothian demonstrated behavior that indicated an attempt to conceal something. A search was conducted and Cocaine was located. Tayman was arrested and incarcerated at the Calvert County Detention Center.PUBLIC INTOXICATION: On 5/20/2017 at 5:55 pm, Trooper Backus responded to Merrimac Ct. in Prince Frederick to check on the welfare of an unconscious individual. John F. Brady, 52 of St. Leonard was located partially lying in the roadway on Merrimac Court. Brady was arrested for being intoxicated and causing a public disturbance and was incarcerated at the Calvert County Detention Center.POSSESSION OF COCAINE: On 5/22/2017 at 12:17 am, Trooper First Class Robinson responded to Project Echo in Prince Frederick for a trespassing complaint. Cynthia M. Bobick, 37 of Bowie, had been asked to leave the property by the manager and refused. When the manager contacted the police, Bobick left. She was located, stopped by police and advised on behalf of Project Echo, not to return to the property. A short time later, the manager called stating that Bobick had returned. Troopers located Bobick and while conducting a search incident to the arrest located cocaine. She was arrested and incarcerated at the Calvert County Detention Center.Nathan C. Beck, Jr., 23, of Newark, DE, arrested on 05/09/2017 @ 11:52 am by TPR. P. KaitzDaria S. Moasser, 25, of Huntingtown, arrested on 05/09/2017 @ 07:03 pm by TPR. R. BackusRussell W. Gribble, 35, of Chesapeake Bch, arrested on 05/12/2017 @ 09:45 am by TFC S. BarlowAaron P. McCready, 23, of Linthicum Hgts, arrested on 05/17/2017 @ 05:39 pm by TPR. P. KaitzJuvenile, 17, of Owings, arrested on 05/20/2017 @ 10:59 pm by TPR. P. KaitzTeffren T. Jones, 31, of Huntingtown, arrested on 05/21/2017 @ 01:38 am by TFC K. Robinson
Deandre Marcus Smith, 20, of Waldorf and John Edward Hall, 72, of Drayden.

LA PLATA, Md.

Disclaimer: In the U.S.A., all persons accused of a crime by the State are presumed to be innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. See: so.md/presumed-innocence. Additionally, all of the information provided above is solely from the perspective of the respective law enforcement agency and does not provide any direct input from the accused or persons otherwise mentioned. You can find additional information about the case by searching the Maryland Judiciary Case Search Database using the accused's name and date of birth. The database is online at so.md/mdcasesearch . Persons named who have been found innocent or not guilty of all charges in the respective case, and/or have had the case ordered expunged by the court can have their name, age, and city redacted by following the process defined at so.md/expungeme.

Ja'Shon McKay, 20, of La Plata and Francis Diamonte Thompson, 19, of Nanjemoy.

(May 24, 2017)The Charles County Sheriff's Office released the following incident and arrest reports.CCSO DETECTIVES CHARGE SIX SUSPECTS IN HOMICIDE CASE: Detectives assigned to the Charles County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigations Division have charged six suspects in connection with the fatal shooting of Samuel Keith Gemeny, 35, of Waldorf. The homicide occurred on May 16 in the 3400 block of Promenade Place in Waldorf. Gemeny was shot inside his apartment during a dispute about property. The suspects were arrested on May 17 and charged with first-degree murder, home invasion, armed robbery, and other related crimes: Dominic Xavier Daniel, 24, of Waldorf; Dominique Ariel Grant, 28 of Waldorf; Gabrielle Marie Ditella, 19, of Costesville, PA; Andrew Loren Webb, 24, of Waldorf; Morgan Tyrone Rich Jr., 27 of Waldorf and Jared Jacob Hayes, 31, of Waldorf.VANDALISM: On May 22, during the daytime hours, unknown suspect(s) vandalized several areas of the skate park located at 1019 St. Charles Parkway in White Plains. Officer J. Ryan is investigating.THEFTS FROM AUTOS: On May 20, officers responded to the 2000 block of Wedgewood Place in Waldorf for the report of thefts from autos. Investigation showed unknown suspect(s) broke into two cars in the neighborhood and stole money and other items. Officer D. Spencer is investigating.STOLEN MOTORCYCLES: On May 19 at 12:42 p.m., officers responded to the 6000 block of Suzanne Drive in Waldorf for the report of two stolen motorcycles. One motorcycle is a white Kawasaki with Florida tags and the second motorcycle is an orange and black Honda with unknown tags. It was not clear when the thefts occurred. Officer D. Spencer is investigating.MAN CHARGED WITH POSSESSION OF DRUGS AND HANDGUN: On May 17 at 7:08 p.m., officers initiated a traffic stop in the area of Hunt Place and Bannister Circle in Waldorf. As officers approached the car, an odor of marijuana was detected. Further investigation showed the driver was in possession of a loaded handgun, seven ounces of marijuana, two grams of cocaine, and drug packaging materials., was charged with possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance and illegal possession of a handgun. Cpl. P. Morgan, III made the arrest.CCSO INVESTIGATING TWO VEHICLE FATAL CAR CRASH: On May 22 at 9:48 a.m., officers responded to Olivers Shop Road between Route 6 and Wheatley Road for the report of a crash. A preliminary investigation revealed the driver of a Nissan sedan was travelling south on Olivers Shop Road when she lost control and struck a Chevrolet truck which was travelling north. The driver of the Nissan, Shaina Honeycutt, 22, of Bryans Road, was pronounced deceased at the scene. There were no other occupants in the car. The two occupants of the Chevrolet were transported to a hospital with non-life threatening injuries. The CCSO Traffic Operations Unit is investigating.MAN CHARGED WITH POSSESSION OF CHILD PORNOGRAPHY: On May 10,, was arrested and charged with multiple counts of possession of child pornography. The investigation was initially started last year when the Center for Missing and Exploited Children became aware of an unknown person downloading child pornography in the Charles County area. They contacted detectives with the CCSO. In March of 2017, CCSO investigators identified Hall as a suspect. A search warrant was conducted and several laptops were seized. While the computers were being analyzed for evidence, Hall fled the state. It was learned that Hall had returned to Maryland and detectives were able to obtain an arrest warrant. A second search warrant was obtained and Hall was located in St. Mary's County. During the search, additional evidence indicative of possession of child pornography was located. Hall is currently being held at the Charles County Detention Center. Det. K. Gross is investigating.BURGLARY: On May 11, officers responded to a gas station in the 11000 block of Crain Highway in Glasva for the report of a burglary. Investigation showed someone broke into the building and stole cigarettes. Pfc. T. McKimmie is investigating.RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY: On May 10 at 11:21 a.m., officers responded to the 5100 block of Marbury Run Drive in Marbury for the report of a burglary. Investigation showed unknown suspect(s) stole tools and other items from a shed. Officer A. Singh is investigating.SUSPECTS IN CITIZEN ROBBERY CHARGED: On May 5 at 7 p.m., detectives arrested, in connection with a citizen robbery that occurred on April 19 at 3:03 a.m. in the parking lot of a gas station in the 8100 block of Marshall Corner Road in White Plains. On that day, two males assaulted a woman and stole money from her purse. One of the suspects,, was arrested on the scene. McKay was later identified as a suspect and subsequently arrested. Both suspects were charged with robbery and first-degree assault. Det. J. Feldman is investigating.ROBBERY / CRIME SOLVERS OFFERING CASH REWARD: Charles County Crime Solvers is offering a cash reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to the arrest of the suspects involved in a commercial armed robbery. On May 4 at 6:08 p.m., officers responded to Modell's Sporting Goods in the 3000 block of Festival Way in Waldorf for the report of a theft in progress. Investigation showed three females and a male entered the store carrying large hand bags and a back pack. Upon entering, the suspects quickly grabbed large quantities of clothing and stuffed them inside their bags. An employee observed the suspects and called 911. The suspects sprayed the employee with pepper spray before fleeing to a tan-colored car in the parking lot. Anyone with information is asked to call Detective M. Kelly at (301) 609- 6471. Tipsters wishing to remain anonymous may contact Charles County Crime Solvers by calling 1-866-411-TIPS, texting CHARLES + the tip to CRIMES (274637) or submitting tips online at tipsubmit.com CRUELTY TO ANIMALS / CRIME SOLVERS OFFERING CASH REWARD: On May 2 between 8:30 and 9:00 p.m., a pet cat was found injured in the 5200 block of Colebrook Street in La Plata. The owner originally thought the cat had been struck by a car, but doctors at the emergency animal clinic discovered the cat had been shot with a high-powered pellet gun. The cat's leg was shattered and eventually had to be amputated. He is still being treated at the clinic. Maximus is a 12-pound cat who was found by a park police officer when he was a kitten and weighed less than two pounds. He was small and jumped into the officer's car while she was on a call. The officer kept the kitten after no one claimed him, and she and her 10-year-old daughter have cared for him ever since. Anyone with information about this case is asked to call Charles County Animal Control, Officer Gustafson, at (301) 301-609-3431. C harles County Crime Solvers is offering a cash reward for information leading to the arrest of the suspect(s). Tipsters wishing to remain anonymous may contact Charles County Crime Solvers by calling 1-866-411-TIPS, texting CHARLES + the tip to CRIMES (274637) or submitting tips online at tipsubmit.com
WASHINGTON

(May 24, 2017)The U.S. Department of Defense recently announced the following contract awards that pertain to local Navy activities., is being awarded amodification to a previously awarded firm-price-incentive-firm target contract (N00019-09-C-0022) to incorporate an early warning self-protection 6th sensor engineering change proposal into three low-rate initial production (LRIP) II and seven LRIP III P-8A Multi-mission Maritime aircraft. Work will be performed in Jacksonville, Florida, and is expected to be completed in June 2018. No funds will be obligated at time of award. The, is the contracting activity., is being awarded afirm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract to provide original equipment manufacturer engineering and logistics support for the KC-130J aircraft AE2100D3 engines for the Marine Corps and the government of Kuwait under the Foreign Military Sales program. Work will be performed in Indianapolis, Indiana (75 percent); Iwakuni, Japan (6 percent); Cherry Point, North Carolina (6 percent); Miramar, California (6 percent); Fort Worth, Texas (3 percent); Al Mubarak Airbase, Kuwait (2 percent); and Newburgh, New York (2 percent), and is expected to be completed in May 2022. No funds will be obligated at time of award; funds will be obligated against individual delivery orders as they are issued. This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to 10 U.S. Code 2304(c)(1). The, is the contracting activity (N00019-17-D-0091)., is being awarded amodification (P000010) to a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N00019-15-D-0026) to exercise an option in support of the Contracted Air Services (CAS) program. The CAS program provides contractor owned and operated Type III High Subsonic and Type IV Supersonic aircraft to Navy fleet customers for a wide variety of airborne threat simulation capabilities. Work will be performed in Newport News, Virginia (44 percent); Point Mugu, California (37 percent); and Atsugi, Japan (19 percent), and is expected to be completed in May 2018. Fiscal 2017 operations and maintenance (Navy) funds in the amount of $1,470,727 will be obligated at time of award, all of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The, is the contracting activity., is being awardedfor firm-fixed-price delivery order N0001917F4002 against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N00019-15-G-0014) for the procurement of spare and sustainment parts required to maintain the RQ-21A Blackjack unmanned aerial system in support of Marine Corps fleet operations. Work will be performed in Bingen, Washington, and is expected to be completed in November 2017. Fiscal 2015, 2016 and 2017 procurement (Marine Corps) funding in the amount of $8,049,709 will be obligated at time of award, $1,174,705 of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The, is the contracting activity., is being awarded acost-plus-fixed-fee, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract. This contract provides for specialized engineering and technical services in support of the development and operation of state-of-the-art air vehicle dynamic simulations and architecture, collision avoidance systems algorithm design, engineering analysis, and system acquisition in support of current and future piloted and desktop engineering simulation capabilities, aircraft trainer devices, and Department of Defense manned aircraft and unmanned air vehicles. Work will be performed in Patuxent River, Maryland, and is expected to be completed in May 2022. No funds are being obligated at the time of award, funds will be obligated on individual task orders as they are issued. This contract was competitively procured via an electronic request for proposals; two offers were received. The, is the contracting activity (N00421-17-D-0031)., were awarded afirm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity, multiple award contract for metal weapons containers. These metal weapons containers support shipboard storage of munitions for Navy and Marine Corps operators. The ceiling of $9,818,000 will be shared between the three contractors. Under the terms of the contracts, multiple award contract holders will compete for individual delivery orders during the base year and four one-year option periods, if exercised. If all options are exercised, the contracts will have a shared ceiling of $49,090,000. Work will be performed in Cadillac, Michigan; Antlers, Oklahoma; and Accident, Maryland, and is expected to be completed by May 2022. Fiscal 2017 other procurement (Navy) funding in the amount of $3,000 will be obligated at time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Federal Business Opportunities website, with four offers received. The, is the contracting activity. (Awarded May 12, 2017), is being awardedfor modification P00017 to a previously awarded fixed-price-incentive contract (N00019-15-C-0002) for the procurement of three low-rate initial production Lot 2 MQ-4C Triton unmanned aircraft. In addition, this modification provides for one main operation control station, one forward operation control station, trade studies, and tooling. Work will be performed in San Diego, California (42.9 percent); Red Oak, Texas (11.3 percent); Baltimore, Maryland (11.3 percent); Salt Lake City, Utah (8.7 percent); Bridgeport, West Virginia (6.3 percent); Indianapolis, Indiana (3.7 percent); Palmdale, California (2.2 percent); Moss Point, Mississippi (1.6 percent); Santa Clarita, California (1.2 percent); Montreal, Quebec, Canada (0.9 percent); Vandalia, Ohio (0.5 percent); Medford, New York (0.3 percent), and various locations within the continental U.S. (9.1 percent). Work is expected to be completed in April 2021. Fiscal 2016 and 2017 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $303,936,000 will be obligated at time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The, is the contracting., is being awarded ancost-plus-fixed-fee delivery order (N0001917F1024) against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N00019-15-G-0057). This order provides for the management, sustainment and upgrade of the Tactical Tomahawk Weapons Control System (TTWCS) software product baseline and the required system and software documentation for the Navy and the government of the United Kingdom. This order also includes TTWCS discovery/re-work for v5.5, TTWCS v5.4.2 system development activity (SDA), TTWCS v5.6.0 SDA, TTWCS v5.6.1 SDA, continue v5.4.0.2 security and sustainability builds, and continue requirements definition, design, and development for build v5.7. Work will be performed in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania (98 percent); and Patuxent River, Maryland (2 percent), and is expected to be completed in January 2018. Fiscal 2017 operations and maintenance (Navy); fiscal 2017 research, development, test and evaluation (Navy); fiscal 2017 other procurement (Navy); fiscal 2017 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy); and foreign military sales funds in the amount of $8,501,430 will be obligated at the time of award, $280,454 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This order combines purchases for the Navy ($6,401,430; 75 percent); and the United Kingdom ($2,100,000; 25 percent) under the Foreign Military Sales program. The, is the contracting activity., is being awardedfor modification 00013 to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-14-C-0037) to exercise an option for the manufacture, assembly, inspection, test and checkout of the advanced arresting gear for the CVN 80 shipset, including installation and checkout spares, repairs, technical data, and drawing changes. Work will be performed in San Diego, California (55.5 percent); Tupelo, Mississippi (10 percent); Boston, Massachusetts (9 percent); Cameron, Texas (4.8 percent); Aston, Pennsylvania (3.2 percent); Seattle, Washington (2.3 percent); Green Bay, Wisconsin (2.1 percent); Nazareth, Pennsylvania (2 percent); Rialto, California (1.8 percent); Vista, California (1.4 percent); Trafford, Pennsylvania (1.1 percent); Guilford, Connecticut (0.8 percent); Manchester, Connecticut (0.8 percent); Williamstown, Massachusetts (0.8 percent); York, Pennsylvania (0.7 percent); Eden Prairie, Minnesota (0.6 percent); Randolph, New Jersey (0.5 percent); Manson, Ohio (0.4 percent); Chula Vista, California (0.4 percent); Cincinnati, Ohio (0.4 percent); Santa Fe Springs, California (0.4 percent); Cleveland, Ohio (0.3 percent); Romulus, Michigan (0.3 percent); Fort Smith, Arkansas (0.3 percent); and Mosheim, Tennessee (0.3 percent). Work is expected to be completed in September 2027. Fiscal 2017 shipbuilding conversion (Navy) funds in the amount of $4,000,000 are being obligated at time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The, is the contracting activity., is being awarded amodification to a previously awarded cost-plus-incentive-fee contract (N00019-14-C-0002) to provide additional funding for affordability-based cost reduction initiatives in support of low-rate initial production Lot 9 F-35 Lightening II Joint Strike Fighter. Work will be performed in Fort Worth, Texas (30 percent); El Segundo, California (25 percent); Warton, United Kingdom (20 percent); Orlando, Florida (10 percent); Nashua, New Hampshire (5 percent); Nagoya, Japan (5 percent); and Baltimore, Maryland (5 percent), and is expected to be completed in December 2020. Fiscal 2016 aircraft procurement (Air Force, Marine Corps, and Navy) funds in the amount of $137,834,819 are being obligated on this award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This modification combines purchases for the Air Force ($110,267,856; 80 percent); Marine Corps ($22,554,788; 16.4 percent); and the Navy ($5,012,175 (3.6 percent). The, is the contracting activity., is being awardedfor delivery order 0050 against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N00019-15-G-0026) in support of the E-2D Advanced Hawkeye aircraft. This order includes preliminary testing, identifying integration differences between the Embedded National Tactical Receiver (ENTR) (V2) and the E-2D Universal Serial Bus ENTR (V4), and updating the Tactical Receiver Segment software to the latest version. Work will be performed in Melbourne, Florida (99 percent); and Patuxent River, Maryland (1 percent), and is expected to be completed in September 2018. Fiscal 2015 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $7,584,417 are being obligated on this award, all of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The, is the contracting activity.
Check out the latest news from around the world!

Texas Set to Pass Transgender Bathroom Law for Schools

(AP) A transgender "bathroom bill" reminiscent of one in North Carolina that caused a national uproar now appears to be on a fast-track to becoming law in Texas, though it may only apply to public schools.

A broader proposal mandating that virtually all transgender people in the country's second-largest state use public restrooms according to the gender on their birth certificates sailed through the Texas Senate months ago. A similar measure had stalled in the House, but supporters late Sunday night used an amendment to tack the bathroom restrictions onto a separate and otherwise unrelated bill covering school emergency operation plans for situations such as natural disasters.

Republican Rep. Chris Paddie authored the hotly debated language, saying it had "absolutely no intent" to discriminate. Under it, transgender students at public and charter schools would not be permitted to use the bathroom of their choice, but could be directed to separate, single-occupancy restrooms.

"It's absolutely about child safety," said Paddie, from the East Texas town of Marshall. "This is about accommodating all kids."

His change passed 91-50. Final House approval should come Monday, sending the modified bill to the Senate, which should easily support it. Texas' legislative session ends May 29, but that's plenty of time - even if the bathroom bill is scaled-back enough to only affect the state's roughly 5.3 million public school students, and not the general public.

"This amendment is the bathroom bill and the bathroom bill is an attack on transgender people," said Rep. Joe Moody, an El Paso Democrat. "Some people don't want to admit that because they are ashamed, and this is shameful."

Indonesia Police Arrest Dozens in Raid on Jakarta Gay Sauna

(AP) Indonesian police detained dozens of men including several foreigners in a weekend raid on a gay sauna in the capital, another sign of growing hostility to homosexuality in the world's most populous Muslim nation.

Police spokesman Argo Yuwono said 141 men were detained for questioning in the raid Sunday evening on the gym and sauna in north Jakarta. Police say the sauna was the venue for a sex party promoted as "The Wild One."

Homosexuality is not illegal in Indonesia, but police said the country's pornography laws had been violated. Ten people will be charged, police said, including the sauna's owner, several staff including strippers, a gym trainer, receptionist and security guard, and two visitors to the club who allegedly performed oral sex. If found guilty, they face penalties of up to 10 years in prison and fines.

As media waited for a police news conference on Monday afternoon, some of the arrested men were put on display, their faces covered by black ski masks. Last month, police in Surabaya, Indonesia's second-largest city, arrested 14 men at what they alleged was a sex party and forced them to have HIV tests.

A coalition of legal aid and criminal justice reform groups condemned the raid and "arbitrary" arrests. It said police further violated the rights of those arrested by photographing them naked and facilitating the spread of those images on social media.

The group, which is providing legal representation, said in a statement that some of the men were brought to a police station in north Jakarta naked, and that others were stripped at the station.

Lithuania Accepting Gay Refugees from Chechnya as US Closes Door

(EDGE) As gay men seeking to escape kidnapping and torture in Chechnya are reportedly being denied visas from the State Department of the United States as well as many European Union countries, Lithuania has announced that it will open its doors to refugees.

According to The Spokesman-Review, two Chechens were granted visas from Lithuania this week.

The announcement from Lithuanian Foreign Minister Linas Linkevicius that "Two natives of Chechnya who suffered persecution because of their sexual orientation" would be granted visas, came on Wednesday on International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia. He called on other European Union countries to accept gay Chechen refugees as well.

News that Lithuania is opening its doors broke the same day that BuzzFeed published a report that the United States was denying visas to gay men looking to flee violence or death in the republic.

Russian LGBT Network spokesperson Svetlana Zakharova told Buzzfeed that "negotiations have been difficult" with countries that could take refugees. In an email, she said that her organization was informed that "the US is not going to issue visas for people from Chechnya."

Meanwhile, the situation for gay men in Chechnya is becoming increasingly dire. In late April, Pink News reported that Chechen president Ramzan Kadyrov reportedly said he intends to eliminate all gay men in the mostly Muslim republic by Ramadan, which begins May 26.
This past month, the South Florida LGBT community came together at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino to celebrate the memory of Harvey Milk at its annual Diversity Honors dinner.

Its a special event that has grown in stature and size each year, largely due to the generous and continuing support of the good people at the Hard Rock. Its demonstrative evidence that we are a part of the larger community we live in, not apart from it.

The Diversity Honors is the one event that unites leaders of Broward, Dade, and Palm Beach with our clothes on, celebrating distinguished leaders like the retiring Congresswoman Ileana Ross-Lehtinen, or a youthful transgender star like Jazz Jennings.

Our newspaper celebrated this event with three different covers, showcasing the diversity of those recognized, including Tiffany Arieagus of Broward, and Tony Plakas of Palm Beach.

This evening in May has each year brought recognition to credible stars of our rainbow in each of the South Florida communities. But so many prominent people come to the dinner, running and managing the program has become a task in and of itself.

This year, to speed things up, organizers determined there would be fewer speakers. They also determined that no one would stand on the dais and recognize table by table, every celebrity or elected official who appeared.

The best laid plans of mice and men often go astray. One of the moderators, Nancy Brinker, went off script. On an evening when no one was being singled out, she chose to celebrate the attendance of a former congressman, Mark Foley. It was not the best choice. Ms. Brinker made news where there had been none.

You see, while Foley has done much to reclaim his reputation, and has appeared now at many LGBT functions, he was disgraced as a congressman a decade ago for a scandal involving teenage pages. He was not the smartest person to introduce at a dinner honoring an international human rights icon. Apparently, Foley was there as Nancy Brinkers guest, who gave him an inappropriate, off-script, shout out.

Though she is on the board of the Harvey Milk Foundation, Brinker herself is controversial, for positions she previously supported with the Susan G. Komen Foundation. When this introduction led to a Facebook brouhaha, generating over 100 comments from many community leaders, this controversy was justly given life in the two-page spread SFGN did on the dinner.

Lee Rubin, who has played a leadership role in the South Florida LGBT community, was one of the voices who protested the introduction. But he was not alone. When you get posts as well from Cleve Jones, the man who created the AIDS quilt, you have a legitimate debate and an honest news story to cover. Our reporter, Tucker Berardi, did just that. He did his job well.

The irony is that instead of focusing our article on the dinner which was so grand, our newspaper had to focus at least in part on what happened because of this gaff. If you are a journalist, and a plane crashes, you dont write about the 99 that landed.

Nancy Brinker should never have been the issue of our news story on Diversity Honors, but her introduction of Mark Foley created the distraction that made it news, not us. People wound up debating her career, which has not been nearly as bad as some have suggested.

Nancy Brinker has raised billions for breast cancer. She has been a United States ambassador to Hungary. She continues to raise fortunes for Lambda Legal. She has been given the Medal of Freedom by President Obama. Years ago, she created a stir by getting in the center of a debate about reversing the funding of Planned Parenthood. But lets not eat our own. She has done some good.

Mark Foley is a man who used to win awards from the LGBT community. He served in Congress from 1995 until 2006, representing the 16th District of Florida as a member of the Republican Party, before resigning due to an underage sexting scandal. He sent sexually explicit emails to teenage boys who had formerly served and were at that time serving as Congressional pages. FBI and FDLE investigations ended with no criminal findings.

Foley entered the real estate business in Palm Beach and came out publicly, revealing he had a long-time relationship with a Palm Beach dermatologist, Layne Nisenbaum, until Nisenbaum's death in 2012.

After several years removed from the public eye, Foley resurfaced as a supporter of Donald Trump during the 2016 presidential election, appearing behind him in a crowd at one of his rallies. It raised a few eyebrows, like when Bill Maher hosted Foley as a guest on his HBO show.

There, now you know why Nancy Brinker and Mark Foley were on the cover of SFGN two weeks ago. When our reporter arrived at the Hard Rock for Diversity Honors, our Executive Editor had no intention whatsoever of having either sidelights featured as the main attraction on SFGNs front page four days later.

They did that on their own.

The front page of SFGN was shaped by the events they created. We just did our job as a newspaper. We cant just celebrate the glossy; we must print the gory. We report the wins, the warts, and the wounds. So, it goes. That is the role of a NEWS-paper.

Having said all this, let me go back to the first paragraph of this story. Diversity Honors is a spectacular event, generously supported by the grace and generosity of the Hard Rock Casino & Hotel. Dont get distracted. It honors and celebrates genuinely good and great people who do so much to enrich our lives. Lets not eat our own.

The funds raised at the event support not only the global human rights efforts of the Harvey Milk Foundation, but the amazing outreach of the Pride Center at Equality Park. Both groups are led by wonderful men, Robert Boo and Stuart Milk, who each day work so hard at advancing the dignity and honor of our community. Gentleman like this define our community.

Thank you again for attending and supporting the event. Thank you to the Hard Rock for underwriting it. Thank you, Lee Rubin, for pointing out the flaws, and thank you Mark Foley, for being there. Gay rights are human rights, and they dont belong to liberals or conservatives alone. They belong to us all.
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Coffee can be fruity, spicy, or even herbaceous, flowery, and tangy. There are 110 possible description notes to refer to a cup of coffee. Thats according to the Specialty Coffee Associations Flavor Wheel, which was rebooted in 2016.

The new wheel updates and codifies a lexicon of coffee flavors and aromas to help turn the subjective impressions of coffee descriptors into objective prose. But what if we could use our own emotions to describe a cup of coffee?

Brazilian researcher Emilia Ricardi has tried to create a new emotion-based lexicon of human responses to coffee inspired by the SCA Flavor Wheel. Using these words, she hopes to better describe our habits and feelings surrounding coffee consumption.

According to Ricardi, who is working towards a Masters degree in the Faculty of Food Engineering (FEA) at Unicamp University of Campinas, Brazil, the studies that relate emotions to the experience of consumption are trending in sensory science, as the measurement of feelings surrounding food and drink consumption inspires marketing and development of new products.

The study idea came from the fact that coffee consumption is [undergoing] a significant change, and the use of emotions is a [new] way to evaluate the consumer experience, Ricardi says.

In Ricardis study, seven samples of leading coffee brands/producers in the country were tested, including traditional, superior, and gourmet types of coffees. An initial round of testing created a quantitative descriptive analysis (that used descriptive panels to measure a products sensory characteristics) to get to the sensorial profile of these selected coffees. They varied from earthy, mellow, and nutty to less complex and sour.

The emotional descriptors were first cataloged with 60 volunteers using the free-association techniquethey had to describe which feelings came to mind when tasting the different coffees. Later, the terms were grouped into a list of 26 words (e.g. awake, happy, pleased, satisfied, sociable, and relaxed). Ten more terms were then included from references from US studies already conducted in the area (among them: guilty, disgusted, bored, worried, and wild).

The final list of 36 emotion terms was presented to 124 consumers ranging from 20 to 49 years old by the check-all-that-apply (CATA, or checklist) method, for each of the seven coffees. The results were then assessed from the relations between the emotions and the coffee samples for each of three identified consumer clusters.

Ricardi sorted the groups into three different clusters of coffee consumer behavior: the first one preferred strong-tasting cups, the second one looked for coffee beans with light to medium roasts, and the third cluster encompassed people who enjoy many different types of coffee.

The Brazilian consumers who participated in the study mainly used terms related to energy and wellness to describe their feelings regarding drinking coffee, such as warmed up, awake, stimulated, satisfied, fine, and full of beans. The cluster which preferred superior/gourmet coffee was comprised of people not older than 29 (80% of the group), which was telling.

We can say thatnew coffee shops [are] influencing the taste and habits of this generation, making young people prefer superior or gourmet coffees, Ricardi says. On the other hand, the elder generation seems to prefer more traditional coffee, something that reminds them of the days of yorewhen their mothers and grandmothers used to always have a coffee pot warming up in the wooden stove. Some of the terms related to their experience included nostalgia and saudadea common Portuguese word close in meaning to yearning.

Ricardi adds that millennial-aged consumers (even in Brazil) are driving a shift in coffee consumption away from traditional brands and seeking higher-quality beans: their thirst for coffee is helping to push global demand to new heights.

She points out that despite the importance of emotions for the food industry, especially for the younger generations (much more intensely connected with what they buy/eat/drink), little is known about how the food itself is emotionally associated with consumers.

With our study, we were able to show that emotion words help qualify consumers experience regarding food and drinks, mainly coffeesomething that the market should be more aware of, she concludes.

Rafael Tonon is a freelance journalist based in Brazil. Read more Rafael Tonon on Sprudge.
Winning awards is something Al Libfeld has done over and over again in the sport of harness racing thanks to the countless champions hes been involved with, but more recently the principal and co-founder of Tribute Communities was honoured with the BILD Lifetime Achievement Award.

Established in 1980, the BILD Awards recognize excellence and innovation in the design, construction, sales and marketing of new homes in the Greater Toronto Area. The Awards are presented by the Building Industry and Land Development Association.

All companies featured at the BILD Awards are members in good standing of the Association. Nominations are submitted by any member organization and entries are evaluated by impartial expert judges. Winners are announced at an exclusive gala every April.

Al Libfeld, whose Ariana G was named Canadas Two-Year-Old Trotting Filly of the Year in 2016, is the principal and a co-founder of Tribute Communities. As the company's president, he brings a wealth of knowledge garnered from years of experience in residential, commercial and industrial development.

He began his career in 1974 with the start of his acoustics and drywall business. His projects included more than 20,000 homes, shopping malls, high-rise apartments, and industrial buildings. In 1983, he moved on to pursue a career building Tribute Communities.

Al, who, along with partner Marvin Katz, was honoured with the Armstrong Breeder of the Year Award at last years OBrien Awards, very active in the new home and land development industry. He is the former Chairman of the Tarion Warranty Corporation and served on its Board of Directors for 11 years. He is also a past president of the Ontario New Homebuilders' Association which has more than 4,000 members.

Giving back to the community in which he works and builds is fundamental for both Al and Tribute Communities. Al belongs to many community charities including Reena, an Ontario-based organization that helps those with developmental disabilities realize their full potential. Tribute has also supported organizations such as the Ajax-Pickering Hospital by donating funds towards the building of a new Birthing Centre and dedicating the Concert Recital Hall at York University. Al also volunteers his time and lends his reputation to BIDD (Building Industry for Durham Deeds), a Durham based organization he co-founded and operates, which has raised over $1.7 million dollars for local Durham Region charities.

When asked about Tributes success he responds "Of all the factors contributing to the success of Tribute Communities, I have no hesitation in putting teamwork at the top of the list. He is proud to say that Tribute Communities has the finest team in the industry. "I owe our success and achievements to the vibrant synergy of minds and hearts - working together as a team to take Tribute Communities to even greater heights of excellence." Over the years this teamwork has resulted in impressive achievements in all sectors of the company - from land development and design to building and sales/ marketing. He does not believe in rigid hierarchies. Instead, he encourages the free flowing exchange of ideas and policies.

Tribute Communities was the 2005 inaugural winner of the J.D. Power and Associates Award among builders in Toronto for Highest in Customer Satisfaction and won this award for a second time in 2010. Tribute has also always been ranked in the top three since J.D. Power launched the new home buyers' satisfaction survey. In addition, the company won multiple Tarion "Builder of the Year" awards of excellence, affirming them as the name to trust when choosing a new home builder.

Most recently in 2016 Tribute won The Tarion Home Owner's Choice Award for Large Volume Builder. In 2010, along with De Beers, the worlds leading diamond company, Tribute received the coveted Ontario Business Achievement Award in the category of Desjardins Award for Large Business given out by The Ontario Chamber of Commerce. This followed after winning at the Ajax Pickering Board of Trade.

Al Libfeld's leadership, his management team and all of his team members are passionate about building great communities and embody the core values that define the company.
Skippin By, forced to go a fast first half by Yes You Can, held off that foe by three-quarters of a length at the wire to emerge triumphant in the $16,500 featured mares pace Tuesday night at The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono.

Matt Kakaley got away fourth with the daughter of Shadow Play, then made a quarter-move, which turned out to be an elongated one as Yes You Can also sought the top past the :27 quarter. Yes You Can did make the lead in front of the stands and then yielded to Skippin By, but not before forcing a :54.4 half.

Unusually for Pocono, the third quarter (:28.1) was the slowest in the race, which meant that Skippin By, after reaching the three-quarter pole in 1:23, still had plenty in the tank, and the favoured winner of over $700,000 career wise was good enough to thwart the potential pocket rocket in winning for trainer Ron Burke and the ownership of Burke Racing Stable LLC, Weaver Bruscemi LLC, Wall Brothers Stable, and Bruce Soulsby.

There was a pair of $16,000 paces for distaffs in the co-featured position. The quicker went to the Rock N Roll Heaven mare Angels Rockn Pink, who quarter-moved for driver Marcus Miller and went on to a 1:52.2 victory by 2-1/2 lengths for trainer John Butenschoen and Crawford Farms Racing.

In the other, the Well Said filly I Wish You Well tied her 1:52.3 lifetime best set last week, rallying from the pocket to catch odds-on Miss Jones by 1-1/4 lengths for trainer/driver Pat Lachance and the ownership of Luc Ouellette Incorporated and Alan Alber.

(PHHA/Pocono)
The 2017 edition of the Molson Pace, slated for this Friday May 26 at The Raceway at Western Fair District, will feature some of the sports top free-for-all pacers.

One of the new faces joining this years field is Bit Of A Legend N, who will make his first trek to Canada for trainer Peter Tritton.

The New Zealand-born son of Bettors Delight will line up from the coveted rail with regular pilot Jordan Stratton in the bike.

The draw couldnt have worked out any better, Tritton said from his home base in Pine Bush, New York. I think most trainers would want the rail and now its up to the horse to deliver.

Tritton, a native of Australia, has spent more than 15 years in the US and will also be making his first trip to Canada.

Its something Im definitely looking forward to it, he said. There have been a few times in the past Ive meant to come, but it never worked out. My family and I are looking forward to the trip.

The veteran conditioner, who races primarily at Yonkers, has found a strong niche for recruiting horses from Down Under (Australia & New Zealand) that fits his program in New York.

Standout horses that have found their way in the Tritton barn include Moss Dale Connor N, Mackenzie N, Texican N and Sell A Bit N, just to name a few.

Ive been very fortunate to have a great relationship with agent Peter Larkin for the past 35 years, Tritton said. He recruits the horses and Ill go ahead and look them up with owner Harry Von Knoblauch. He knows the horses have to fit my program at Yonkers and weve had quite a bit of success over the years.

Bit Of A Legend N is one horse that Tritton has become very fond of since arriving on North American soil a few seasons ago.

The 35-time winner has more than $1.5 million earned lifetime and captured the 2016 final of the Levy against the best free-for-all pacers in North America on a half-mile track. He capped off last season with more than $723,000 earned.

I shouldnt say he was a pleasant surprise how good he turned out, because I knew he was very talented, he said. I just didnt think hed be this good.

Hes so professional and very easy to drive, Tritton continued. Hes has just a pleasant horse and his manners are perfect. I cant fault him in any way.

Tritton will once again be handing the driving assignment to young driver Jordan Stratton.

The young reinsman will also be making his debut in the Molson Pace.

Jordan use to drive for me a little a few years ago and we had some luck, said Tritton. I wanted a driver that would commit to driving all my horses, because I didnt like using different drivers every week. Jordan agreed and I think it has worked out well for everyone.

Tritton admits it wont be an easy task on Friday.

I think its an excellent looking field, he said. I wouldnt say there is a standout and that should mean a great finish. Were looking forward to the experience in Canada.

The field for this years Molson Pace will line up as follows:

1. Bit Of A Legend N ($1,525,011)  Jordan Stratton

2. Rockin In Heaven ($548,971)  Trevor Henry

3. Clear Vision ($2,703,859)  Brett Miller

4. Fool Me Once ($963,778)  Doug McNair

5. Evenin Of Pleasure ($773,857)  Sylvain Filion

6. Sunfire Blue Chip ($1,181,939)  Mark MacDonald

7. Rockin Ron ($665,988)  Matt Kakaley

8. Night Pro ($738,432)  Bob McClure

(The Raceway at Western Fair District)
Dresden Raceway kicks off another year of family fun and harness racing action this Sunday afternoon with a 1:30 p.m post time and new features for 2017.

"We are so excited for another great year of racing," said Dresden Ag Society President, Lucille Laprise. "Dresden Raceway has something for everyone and we have something fun booked every race day this season including lots of prizes and giveaways as well as a theme for everyday."

The theme days include Opening Day with special welcome back prizes as well as many other days including B.I.A./OLG Day, Fathers Day/Horsemans Hall Of Fame Day, The Little Green Jug/Dresden Lumberkings Day, Canada Day, Dresden Derby/Hat Day, Legion/Bring A Friend Day, Kids Day, Horsemans Memorial Day and Fan Appreciation/Closing Day.

Its so amazing watching the families come to the track and see the kids eyes light up when they get to see a horse just a few feet away. This is the best value for your dollar that you can find in Chatham-Kent. Where else can you spend a full afternoon full of excitement and giveaways for no cost? said track announcer/publicist Gary Patterson.

"We have some amazing horsemen that put a great product on the track every week," continued Patterson. "This is a special place as generations of families have enjoyed the racing for the last 128 years. It is tradition for so many families to come at least once during the racing season and make a day of it."

For those that can't make it to the track, Dresden will offer live video streaming for the 2017 season.

"It's putting us on a whole new platform," Laprise told The Chatham Daily News. "We just want to keep up with the times."

Laprise also mentioned that the track will honour the late Mark Austin during the Fathers Day/Horsemans Hall Of Fame Day card.

Mark was really a well-liked and well-respected horseman, Laprise said. He went on to do some really big things with some great horses.

(with files from Dresden)
Pavone, King: POTUS 'Gift' to Pope a Sign of the Times

Contact: Leslie Palma, 347-286-7277ATLANTA, May 24, 2017 / Standard Newswire / -- Father Frank Pavone, National Director of Priests for Life , America's largest religious anti-abortion ministry and Evangelist Alveda King who heads up Civil Rights for the Unborn for the organization have a message for America regarding President Donald Trump's gift of books by Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. to Pope Francis on the POTUS tour to the world's most renowned seats of religious power."How appropriate that two world leaders who seek peace should pause again in the shadow of another leader who showed everyone how to make it happen," said Father Pavone. "Dr. King said that injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. Both the President and the Pope have warned the world about the ongoing injustice of abortion, which, as President Trump pointed out in the third presidential debate, rips babies out of the womb. Both the President and the Pope know that peace demands an end to that violence," said Father Pavone.Evangelist King, prolife niece of MLK who gifted President Trump with a "King Family Tribute" book during her visit with POTUS at the National Museum of African American History and Culture earlier this year said: "It's interesting how things come full circle. I gifted President Trump with a King book; he gifted the same to the Pope. The Pope has often noted the teachings of MLK in his work. When I first met Fr. Pavone in NY at a prolife rally in the 1990s he was quoting MLK's Christmas sermon.""... When we truly believe in the sacredness of human personality, we won't exploit people, we won't trample over people with the iron feet of oppression, we won't kill anybody." Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. 1967 Christmas SermonCiting what she calls "fake news examples," King points out that President Trump's Mexico City Policy redirection of funds away from abortion providers outside of America and back to life affirming programs in America is not robbing the poor as some media suggests. "President Trump is redirecting our funds while draining the swamp. By cutting abortion funds, and redirecting public assistance away from entitlement to empowerment, POTUS is helping everyone ; not robbing the poor as some media reports. Now our families can begin to breathe again and work again and live in dignity. I'm just glad that in the midst of all of the 'fake news' President Trump has delivered something real again with this MLK book gift; the six principles and steps to nonviolent conflict resolution espoused by my Uncle Rev. MLK are always good for America and the world."Fr. Pavone added: "It is no accident that the President's first trip is to the key religious centers in the world. He is convinced that peace in the world depends upon religious leaders and their people freely and vigorously practicing their faith. Both he and the Pope have warned against the abuse of religion, which happens when people invoke God's name as a cover for violence."Both Pavone and King are prayerful and supportive of President Trump's agenda to address the problem of abortion in America and are in favor of a "sanctity of life" agenda; "from the womb to the tomb," they agree. In agreement with her colleague Janet Morana, author of RECALL ABORTION , Evangelist King, a post abortive voice for life is a "women's advocate supporting good health, safety and equality for all females, including the little girls in the womb. Abortion is not health care. Abortion kills babies, hurts and sometimes kills their mothers. How can the dream survive abortion?"As American voices for life, Pavone and King advance the sanctity of life message from a Bible perspective. "When POTUS says we are all Americans, and our blood runs red, that's true. Acts 17:26 says that God created all humanity as 'one blood.' Uncle MLK said 'we must learn to live together as brothers [and sisters] or perish as fools.' It's time for us to lead the way. AMERICA RETURN TO GOD Deuteronomy 30:19  "Choose life, so that you and your descendants might live!"
Covenant Journey Arrives During Celebration of Jerusalem

Contact: Liberty Counsel, 407-875-1776, Media@LC.org; Press Kit



JERUSALEM, Israel, May 24, 2017 /Standard Newswire/ -- Today Israelis celebrate Jerusalem Day, the 50th anniversary commemorating the reunification of Jerusalem and the establishment of Israeli control in the aftermath of the June 1967 Six-Day War. As part of the celebrations taking place this week in the capital, thousands of Israelis will participate in a march that will begin in the center of town and lead into the Old City.



Covenant Journey students, led by Mat Staver, Founder and President of Covenant Journey, Chairman of Christians in Defense of Israel and Founder and Chairman of Liberty Counsel, will arrive during the celebrations in Jerusalem tomorrow and visit Beit She'an, Mount Carmel and Mount Megiddo. These 44 college-age leaders from 30 different colleges and universities will continue the journey on Friday by following the footsteps of Jesus at the Mount of Olives, Gethsemane, the City of David and the Western Wall.

The Covenant Journey ministry was featured recently on the Why Israel Matters original television series on Trinity Broadcasting Network. The "Footsteps" episode, hosted by Mat Staver, provides a glimpse of the Covenant Journey experience in the Holy Land for these Christian students who are leaders on their college campuses and in their communities.

Covenant Journey provides a life-changing experience with the primary goals to strengthen students' Christian faith and equip them to be goodwill ambassadors for Israel. Qualified students pay $500 and the rest of the trip is underwritten, including air fare from New York, hotels, three meals a day, luxury tour bus, entrance fees, expert guides, spiritual leaders and expert speakers. Covenant Journey students have come from over 230 private and public colleges and universities, including Ivy League schools, such as Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Columbia, Dartmouth and more.

"It is an incredible opportunity for these Covenant Journey students to be in Jerusalem this week as the Old City celebrates its reunification," said Staver. "Since we landed in Israel on Monday, their eyes and hearts have already been opened in new ways to ancient and modern Israel. It will be an especially significant time as we follow in Jesus' footsteps leading up to His death and resurrection. They have already fallen more in love with their Savior and the Jewish people," said Staver.

Covenant Journey is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) ministry affiliated with Liberty Counsel. For more information, visit www.CovenantJourney.org or call 407-875-1967.
'Changing Hearts and Closing Prisons:' Oil Industry Veteran Finds Rich New Field to Harvest

Contact: Darin Campbell 512-785-8350; Press kit HOUSTON, May 24, 2017 / Standard Newswire / -- Oil industry veteran David Howell is working a rich new harvest fieldsaving souls and reducing the prison population through a graphic guidebook, allowing public funds to be diverted to other pressing needs.Photo: David Howell in front of the pipes he salvages.Mailing copies of his How To Be a Child of God to prisoners for just 54 cents a copy offers a remarkable 7,000-to-1 return on investment, according to Howell. That's because keeping someone from returning to prison by helping them find new life and hope as a Christian saves around $31,000 a year in incarceration costs.With a record 2 million-plus people currently behind bars in the United States, Howell now wants to expand the reach of his Prison Evangelism project by distributing an additional 600,000 free copies of How To Be a Child of God to prison chaplains nationwide. Doing so responds to Jesus' admonition in Matthew 25 for his followers to remember those in prison, who have an extremely high conversion rate when presented with the gospel."Imagine the impact we can have, not only on individuals and their families, but on society as a whole, as they find new purpose and power for living and put prison behind them," Howell said.Prison Evangelism research on distribution to date shows that one in 10 people who reads the 52-page booklet makes a commitment to Christ. That means if the national campaign saw a similar response and those impacted did not return to prison, the saving to taxpayers would be $2.1 billion annually. Additionally, the reduced inmate population would be equivalent to closing 60 prisons.The owner of Houston-based pipeline consulting firm Pipeline Equities, who began working in the oil and gas fields as a 14-year-old "roughneck," Howell has been active in sharing his faith since becoming a Christian in 1984. That decision "turned my life around," forsaking drinking and wayward living, he said.Involved in a wide range of other ministries at Houston's Second Baptist Church, Howell created How To Be a Child of God in 2010 to pass out to people he met. Asked to provide some copies for use in prisons, he was amazed by the response. Letters began to come in from prisoners transformed by what they read. Among them was a man in jail in Midway, Texas, who wrote how the book touched his heart. "This book has been an inspiration to me. It opened my eyes to some great things and I soaked it all up like a sponge. I've finally put my life in His hands after all I've been through. Now I'm growing spiritually every day," he said.Since then, Howell has printed and distributed more than 110,000 copies to prison chaplains across the country, including 25,000 in Spanish. The book has been translated into a dozen languages, and turned into a 20-minute online video ( www.howtobeachildofgod.com ). He has also produced two popular follow-up books in similar style, Seeking God Through Prayer & Meditation and Fully Alive and Finally Free.Howell credits the impact of the publications, written at a sixth-grade reading level, to their simple language and the emphasis on being transformed by the resurrection power of Jesus Christ. Additionally, as a standalone piece that can be reread and studied by prisoners who may be isolated or have time on their hands, it self-directs the reader into making a commitment to Christ without requiring others' involvement."These are people who have come to an end of themselves, and that is where all of us must come before we are willing to accept the need for a power greater than ourselves," said Howell.John Salmon, chaplain at Diboll Correctional Center in Diboll, Tex., said that How To Be a Child of God had been "very popular" with the men there. "They actually read it," he wrote. "And you know what happens when people expose themselves to the Word of God."George Hanson put copies out for chapel services at the Price Daniel Unit in Snyder, Texas, "and they flew out of the door," he said.Having poured more than $300,000 of his own money into the project, Howell formed Prison Evangelism as a nonprofit a couple of years ago. Now 77, with three granddaughters and a great-grandson, he said, "I know that this is the reason God is keeping alive, for this project. It is what he designed and created me to do."Prison Evangelism ( www.prisonevangelism.com ) is a faith-based nonprofit committed to transforming and rehabilitating offenders through the distribution of "How to Be a Child of God" and other evangelistic and discipleship materials designed to help prisoners find new purpose and power in life through a relationship with Jesus Christ.To schedule an interview with David Howell, contact:Darin CampbellInChrist Communications(512) 785-8350
The essential component of totalitarian propaganda is artifice (het toepassen van kunstgrepen. svh) . The ruling elites, like celebritie...
The world's largest amphibious aircraft, AG600, passed its first official low-speed taxi trial at Zhuhai Jinwan Airport on May 20. Only late last month, the aircraft performed well in its initial ground taxi test.

The latest tests cover taxing, turning, braking, and radio communication. The low-speed taxi tests will be followed by medium- and high-speed examinations and are key steps toward the maiden flight.

Huang Lingcai, general designer of the AG600, called the first-day results satisfactory within a full range of normal parameters. In all, there are 20 exam periods over ten days, weather permitting. The aircraft maiden flight is expected to take place in July, according to Huang.

AG600 in low-speed taxi test

Designed by the Aviation Industry Corp of China (AVIC), manufacture of the AG600 rescue aircraft was conducted under the coordination of China Aviation Industry General Aircraft (CAIGA) in Zhuhai Aviation Industrial Park near the airport in Jinwan.

Rescue craft lifts off

Development and manufacture of the aircraft had to be approved by the State Council. It is the first large special-use airplane made in line with the regulations of China's civil aviation. It also is the world's largest amphibious aircraft.

The medium- and high-speed taxi trials, including both land and water takeoffs and landings, will all take place in Jinwan.

AG600 readied for maiden flight [Photos courtesy hkzs1958]




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BlackBerry Ltd is working with at least two automakers to develop a security service that would remotely scan vehicles for computer viruses and tell drivers to pull over if they were in critical danger, according to a financial analyst.

The service, which would also be able to install security patches to an idle car, is being tested by luxury automakers Aston Martin and Range Rover, Macquarie analyst Gus Papageorgiou said in a note to clients sent late on Monday.

Auto security is among several areas that BlackBerry is betting will boost its revenue after the Canadian company lost its dominance of the smartphone market to Apple Inc and others over the past decade. John Wall, the head of BlackBerry's QNX division, and company spokeswoman Sarah McKinney both declined to comment.

Matthew Clarke, a spokesman for Aston Martin, said in an email he was not aware of the company testing such a product. Representatives with Range Rover's parent company, Jaguar Land Rover, could not be reached for comment.

The service could be launched as early as next year, generating about $10 a month per vehicle for BlackBerry, according to Papageorgiou, who has followed BlackBerry for more than 15 years. Vehicles increasingly rely on dozens of computers that connect to each other as well as the internet, mobile networks and Bluetooth communications systems that make them vulnerable to remote hacks. "

Although a connected, more software-centric automobile offers tremendous advantages to consumers, it also opens the doors to hackers," Papageorgiou wrote in his note. Automaker interest in cyber security has risen dramatically since 2015, when two hacking experts uncovered vulnerabilities in Fiat Chrysler vehicles that led to a U.S. recall of 1.4 million autos.

Reuters
IANS

China Light & Power has offered to join hands with the Haryana government in setting up a Rs 500-crore renewable energy project in the state's Jhajjar district. The offer was made during Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar's meeting with the senior management of the company in Hong Kong on Wednesday.

Khattar, who is leading a nine-member delegation to project Haryana as a preferred investment destination, had meetings with the captains of industry and leading investors in Hong Kong. Khattar and his delegation arrived in Hong Kong after having similar meetings in Singapore.

A state government spokesman said here that global biggies, including United Technologies, Carrier, Everstone Logistics and CISCO have evinced keen interest in making investments in such fields as logistics, development of smart cities and sustainable solutions and setting up skill development centres in Haryana.

China Light & Power officials who met Khattar included CEO Richard Lancaster, Chief Financial Officer Geert Peters and Managing Director India Rajiv Mishra. "They discussed a proposal for setting up a renewable energy project at Jhajjar with an investment of Rs 500 crore. They were told that a very good opportunity awaited them to utilize non-arable land in the state for setting up projects," the spokesman said.

A team from United Technologies also met the Chief Minister and discussed a proposal for developing smart city sustainability solutions relating to building security and controls. Carrier made a proposal to set up a skill development centre in Haryana jointly with the state government for providing skill training to the youth. The key sectors for which the investment scope is being explored include skill development, healthcare, infrastructure, transport, smart cities and renewable energy.
tech2 News Staff

Facebook is working behind the scenes to transform the telecommunication industry. The company is not directly trying to enter the market to compete with other rivals. Instead, the company is working on collaborating with all the telecom hardware vendors, service providers, and other stakeholders to solve the major problem that has plagued the telecommunication industry since the beginning. The problem we are referring to is the price factor when it comes to the telecom industry. Telecom operators admit that it is really expensive to set up or expand the network to new areas because of the cost of the equipment used in setting up a base station.

According to a report by the Business Insider, the entire project started from an impromptu It can't be so difficult to build our own system by one of the engineers sitting on the couches in the Facebook headquarters at Menlo Park, California. The idea started from merely an experiment about how can a group of Facebook engineers build a network with cheap off-the-shelf parts. The team started working on the project despite initial reservations by Hans-Juergen Schmidtke, the director of engineering at Facebook. The group wanted to build a White-Box which refers to an assembled system. They successfully hacked together a white-box in one of the hackathons at Facebook, the team worked and made a working prototype in three months.

Voyager

The breakthrough came when six months later, Facebook announced the launch of Voyager. This launch was surprising for the telecom industry as this meant that the social media giant is taking control of the hardware, in addition, the control of software platform. Immediately after the launch of Voyager, telecom companies across the globe like Telia, Orange, Equinix and MTN started testing Voyager on their networks. The interesting thing about this launch is that the company made the design open source for anyone on the internet to get started with the design just like the OpenCellular project. This introduced the concept of Open Source hardware on the internet which is almost like Open Source Software but for hardware.

Open Source hardware

Open Source hardware has opened new possibilities for the company in addition to the benefits of designing the hardware. Anyone with expertise in network design or hardware manufacturing can take a look around at the hardware and help improve the design by contributing their input. Small scale companies can also take the design and roll out their hardware leveraging the core design made by Facebook. The part where the hardware is designed using existing parts available for retail means that these companies dont have to worry about custom hardware that is expensive and hard to come by.

The entire concept of community that is actively contributing to improving the hardware means that more and more talented people can help Facebook. This means that the social media giant does not need to actively invest in research and development of specialized hardware because the hardware is built that way. It has manufacturers on contract standing by to sell the hardware based on improved designs.

BIY- Build it yourself

Facebook is no stranger to building something in-house and it has been designing and building its own IT hardware for years. The hardware has ranged from servers, storage systems, hard drives, to data centres. These systems have been cheaper, easier to maintain and efficient than the conventional things sold by companies like Cisco, EMC, HP, and Dell. The important thing to note here is that this is not an isolated case and major technology companies like Google and Amazon build their own hardware instead of relying on hardware from other companies.

Collaboration

Voyager was a turning point for Facebook which pushed at the formation of Telecom Infrastructure Project (TIP). TIP is a consortium that Facebook launched at Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2016 to take control of the technology that is use3d to support its users while uploading photos, videos, and status updates. TIP is a spiritual spin-off of Open Compute Project (OCP) which essentially serves the same role as TIP about taking charge of the telecommunication technology.

OCP has gathered a cult-like following and companies from across the board were forced to join the collective to collaborate by the competition created. The sheer level of competition that OCP created along with the cult was when the network engineers working for Apple quite their jobs when Apple refused to join the OCP to let its engineers collaborate with others.

However, the formation of TIP after the launch of Voyager made the telecommunication industry wary of Facebooks moves. Despite the successful example of OCP, telecommunication industry had not collaborated together to find solutions to problems that were plaguing the industry. Facebook has maintained its stance that it has no plans to enter the industry as a competitor. It only wants to fix the problems that are stopping telecom industry from connecting more people to the internet by pushing the boundaries of the internet to underdeveloped countries.

The company has signed up a number of partners ranging from South Korea Telecom, Deutsche Telekom, Nokia over last one year to join the TIP.

Hacking old problems

The interesting part about going about building cheaper hardware under TIP is to remove all the complex functions of the hardware and baking it all in the software. This technique is called as Software-defined networking and the telecom service providers have been using it through Network Function Virtualisation. Both these techniques are not new but it is a new way to make computer networks.

The biggest problem that comes with such efforts is the fact that each company holds valuable intellectual property (IP) and it's not safe to share closely guarded ideas and secrets to engineers from other companies. To fix that problem, TIP has established a known way known as Reasonable And Non-Discriminatory Terms (RAND) to share this information. This means that the companies will pay a tiny amount of fees to the company that holds the IP for its use as long as the fees are reasonable and it is available to everyone without any preference.

Problems

One important thing to note is that despite all these checks and balances to encourage innovation, some key issues remain. One of the main issues that TIP cant resolve is the fact that the collective group is still new in comparison to OCP for instance.

The basic problem that plagues the idea is the fact that this model works in collaboration. There are companies that are a part of the group but have not done any active contribution in terms of ideas to the group. The group cant function properly if the participants are not willing to participate and only choose to stand on the side observing everything else.

Another thing that cant be fixed is the constant threat to telecommunication industry by Facebook if the company decides to enter the industry as a competition. But the important thing to note here is that despite the fear, the group will be beneficial to everyone who is involved in the collaboration and the effort to resolve problems that affect the entire industry.
PTI

The government clarified that US-based electric car major Tesla will not have to source local components if it plans to set up a manufacturing unit in India. The government responded to apprehensions expressed by Tesla founder Elon Musk that the company would have to source a certain percentage of local components to set up plant here. The commerce and industry ministry through its 'Make in India' Twitter handle stated that the foreign direct investment (FDI) policy does not mandate any such minimum sourcing of components by manufacturers.

.@elonmusk With respect to news reports on launch plans of Tesla in India being delayed, please note some key clarifications#MakeInIndia pic.twitter.com/9RFICGM9Kk  Make in India (@makeinindia) May 23, 2017

As per the policy, after manufacturing in India, a foreign investor is permitted to sell its products in any manner - wholesale, retail or e-commerce. "FDI policy also permits wholesale of imported goods in India without sourcing conditions," the ministry said. It is only for retail trading of goods that sourcing conditions are mandated. Such norms are not applicable to manufacturers as goods are produced in India, it added Musk in his tweet has said: "Maybe I'm misinformed, but I was told that 30% of parts must be locally sourced and the supply doesn't yet exist in India to support that".

@TheAvinashSingh Maybe I'm misinformed, but I was told that 30% of parts must be locally sourced and the supply doesn't yet exist in India to support that.  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) May 22, 2017

Last year in April, the company had stated that it planned to enter India with its Model 3 in 2017. In a visit to the company's plant last year, Minister of Road, Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari had offered Tesla land near major Indian ports to facilitate exports to South and South East Asian countries while asking the company to make India its Asia manufacturing hub.

@goel_ishan Hoping for summer this year  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) February 7, 2017

In September 2015, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had visited Tesla's facility in San Jose and showed keen interest in some of their path breaking inventions, particularly in the renewable energy sector which can have multiple applications in remote rural areas. If a foreign company wants to open wholly-owned single brand retail stores in India, it has to mandatorily source 30 per cent of the value of goods from India.
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U.S. President Donald Trump's plans for sharp cuts to corporate taxes will lead Israeli technology companies, a lynchpin of Israel's economy, to consider shifting their domicile to the United States, industry and accountancy executives say.

Israel's technology industry is one of the world's largest behind Silicon Valley, accounting for about 14 percent of the country's economic output, 50 percent of industrial exports and about 10 percent of its workforce.

But with Trump aiming to lower the U.S. company tax rate to 15 percent from 35 percent as part of reforms designed to repatriate more than $2 trillion of profits kept overseas by U.S. firms, the United States would suddenly look more attractive as a base for Israeli businesses.

Many Israeli high-tech companies have operations in the United States but research and development centers in Israel. Some are incorporated in Israel, where the top corporate tax rate is 24 percent, and others in the United States.

Though it is by no means certain that Trump will deliver on the proposed tax cuts, given troubles experienced in pushing through other measures, Israeli software testing company Qualitest is already eyeing a potential move.

"Once the tax goes below the rate in Israel, then these companies will prefer to shift all or some of their operations from Israel to the U.S. to enjoy the tax benefits," said Qualitest co-founder Ayal Zylberman, noting that Qualitest has 800 of its 3,800 employees in the United States.

"We will probably shift our delivery centers," he told Reuters, adding that Qualitest could save a few million dollars a year. Israel also plans to lower its company tax rate next year, but only by one percentage point to 23 percent. "If the U.S. drops its tax to 15 percent, then Israel is less attractive for high-tech companies and start-ups," said Doron Sadan, head of the tax department at accountancy firm PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) Israel.

"You will have more start-ups in the U.S. and less and less acquisitions (of Israeli firms) by multinationals." It is not only technology companies that would be affected, given that the United States is the dominant market for many Israeli businesses across multiple sectors.

"If the taxes in the United States are reduced to a level of 15 percent we will see more tech companies incorporate as a U.S. parent company," said Sharon Shulman, tax managing partner at Ernst & Young Israel. In such a scenario, investment in their Israeli operations is likely to shrink.

"If you see a shift of start-ups to the United States over time ... we will start losing talent to the United States," Shulman added Israel's Finance Ministry said it is studying the potential effect of the U.S. tax plan on Israel's economy.

Shulman said the uncertainty is already starting to take a toll. He has a client who is selling intellectual property from the United States to Israel but is delaying the deal to examine the tax implications.

Reuters
100 copies HSC answer scripts at RU hall 3 members probe body formed

RU Correspondent :



The intermediate and secondary education board, Rajshahi on Tuesday noon formed a three members' probe body to investigate into the incident of seizing hundred copies answer scripts of recently held Higher School Certificate Examination-2017.

The body was also asked to submit its report within seven days.

Controller of Rajshahi board of intermediate and secondary, Tarun Kumar, told New Nation that a three members' probe body, headed by Professor Habibur Rahman, principal of Rajshahi New Govt. Degree Collage, has been formed to investigate into the incidents.

Earlier on Monday afternoon, Rajshahi University authorities seized the hundred copies answer scripts from Munnujan Hall of the university and handed over to the board. Sources said, those answer scripts were given to the female student by Professor Abul Kalam of New Govt. Degree Collage in Rajshahi.

who gave those transcripts to his relative, Md Masudul Hasan, lecturer of Shah Makhdum Collage in Rajshahi and also director of Mp3 BCS centre, Rajshahi Univeristy branch .

Masud gave those papers to one of his student who again gave those papers to his female friend to evaluate those papers.




Soil digging from Wapda dam in Khulna rampant

Ahsanul Amin George, Khulna :



Allegation of digging soil from Wapda embankment adjacent to the river 'Atai' at Hazigram village in Digholia upazila of Khulna district was brought against a brick kiln named 'Sun Bricks'.

Due to digging soil from the embankment by the brick field, the Wapda embankment might be collapsed and as such many a villages might be flooded, apprehended the people of the locality.

It is mentionable in this connection that Taka 70 thousands were fined to the owner of the brick field Parvez Aktar by a mobile court launching a drive recently for proving the allegation of using soil by digging from the Khas land of the Water Development Board (WDB).At the same time, the court also directed fill the dug place within 20 days. But this order of the court was not yet abode by the authorities, sources said.

Sources of the Land office said, 'Sun Bricks', the above-mentioned brick kiln authorities has been making bricks by digging soil from the Wapda embankment since the last some years which is nothing but the violation of law. Being informed the matter, the WDB authorities (Khulna Branch-1) serve an urgent notice to the owner of the brick field recently which is signed by the sub-assistant Engineer Md. Tariqul Islam. In the notice it is directed to stop digging soil from the embankment and to fill soil at the places where it was dug. Besides, on April 26,2017, the authorities of WDB requested the concerned police station to take lawful steps against the authorities of the brick field. On the other hand, the local people submitted a mass petition to the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) on April 16,2017.

Being informed all the allegations, a mobile court led by assistant commissioner of land (AC, land) Bishnupada Pal was conducted in the brick-field on April 30, 2017 while the owner was fined taka 70 thousands and directed to fill the dug places within 20 days. But the authorities of the brick kiln did not pay any heed to the court's order still.

Local people apprehended that the embankment might be collapsed due to frequent soil-digging by the authorities of the brick field. As such the local people submitted another allegation to the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) on May 21,2017 demanding exemplary punishment to the authorities of the brick kiln.

Abeda Sultana, a female member said, Nobody should dig soil from the embankment for any purposes, it is illegal and unlawful, so far as I think.

Gazi Ziaur Rahman, UP chairman said, for the greater interest of the villagers, the brick field should be refrain from digging soil from the embankment, we hope that the authorities of the brick field will consider the matter for the interest of the local people.

Bishnupada Pal, AC, land of Digholia upazila said, I have heard the matter of not filling up of the dug places by the authorities of the brick field.

Necessary lawful steps will be taken later on after discussing the matter with the Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO).

Parvez Aktar, owner of the brick kiln said, the dug places will be filled up automatically by falling silt, so it is not necessary to fill the dug places now, he added.

It is mentionable in this connection that most of the brick kilns of Khulna district have been devouring wood violating environmental law. There are 142 brick fields at nine upazila areas of Khulna district. Among them 11 have no release letters of the Environment directorate and 8 brick kilns are running with old chimneys, sources said.

It is alleged that some influentials have built brick fields where wood and lead have been being burnt violating the environmental law and as such the environment is polluting alarmingly.

According to the environmental law, brick kilns must be built beyond at least three kilometers away from the locality. But it is found that moist of the brick kilns were built upon crop lands at all nine upazila areas of Khulna district. Some influential persons have built brick fields by grabbing lands beside the rivers.


Suu Kyi seeks to revive peace process with ethnic groups

Myanmar\'s State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi speaks during the opening ceremony of the second session of the 21st Century Panglong Union Peace Conference at the Myanmar International Convention Centre in Naypyitaw, Myanmar, on Wednesday.

Reuters , Yangon :

Myanmar's leader Aung San Suu Kyi opened a new round of talks with some of the country's myriad ethnic groups on Wednesday, looking to revive a stuttering peace process after a tough first year in power that saw the worst fighting with rebels in years.

The conference comes amid continued tensions between ethnic armed groups, the military and Nobel Peace Prize winner Suu Kyi, and analysts said it was unlikely to see any new groups join a landmark ceasefire accord negotiated by the previous administration.

Ending decades of near-perpetual civil war is Suu Kyi's stated No. 1 priority - a goal she sees as key to unlocking the resource-rich country's potential and guaranteeing basic development for its more than 50 million people.

In an opening speech, Suu Kyi urged the gathered rebel representatives to join the National Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) negotiated by a quasi-civilian transitional government that took office after the end of junta-rule in 2011.

She said the NCA was not a goal in itself, but a first step towards deepening dialogue.

"We recognise that ceasefire negotiations can address surface problems, but only political dialogue can address underlying grievances," Suu Kyi told the delegates gathered in the capital Naypyitaw.

The 71-year-old de facto leader of the country said that the "door to dialogue" with groups that have not yet signed the peace deal remained open, pledging she would strive to bring them "under the NCA umbrella".

Some representatives of ethnic armed groups have complained in the past that Suu Kyi has taken a top-down approach to the process, unilaterally dictating the agenda, often ignoring their grievances and siding too closely with the military.

While several groups that have recently clashed with government forces, and whose attendance had been in doubt, joined the negotiations, a handful of other important groups pulled out at the last minute, local media said.

Among issues on the agenda are whether the states that make up Myanmar would be allowed to draft their own constitutions and the status of religion.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang told reporters in Beijing that China supported all efforts to bring about peace and ethnic reconciliation in Myanmar and called for all sides to resolve their differences peacefully via talks.

Several large rebel groups operate on the rugged Myanmar-China border and Beijing's special envoy, Sun Guoxiang, has quietly urged them to attend the conference, amid a warming of relations between the two countries.

Myanmar army chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing told the conference that signing up to the NCA did not amount to surrender by armed groups, and pledged the military would play its part in seeking solutions to end conflicts.

But he also warned the groups against pushing for too much autonomy and going beyond the contours of the federal state.

"Such acts go against the desires and interest of the people who have high expectations of the democracy cause and peace process," he said, adding that the military would "have to face any organization committing destructive acts in line with its responsibility".

Several conflicts have reignite since Suu Kyi took power, displacing an estimated 160,000 people, according to data from the United Nations.

A coalition of four rebel groups comprising one of Myanmar's most powerful militias, the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), staged attacks on security forces in the north of the country in November.

In the spring, fighting with Kokang rebels in the hills along the Chinese border sent about 20,000 refugees fleeing to China's Yunnan province.

The conflict in northwestern Rakhine state, where an army crackdown on Rohingya Muslim insurgents forced 75,000 people to flee to Bangladesh amid allegations of widespread atrocities, is separate from the peace process and will not be discussed at the five-day conference.




Pope urges Trump to use his presidency for peace

Pope Francis shakes hands with US President Donald Trump during a private audience at the Vatican.

AFP, Vatican City :

Pope Francis urged Donald Trump to use his US presidency for peace as two leaders who have sparred repeatedly through the media finally met in a Vatican encounter that ended in broad smiles, for the cameras at least.

Trump's audience with the pontiff, a keenly-anticipated highlight of his first overseas tour, lasted just under half an hour and concluded with both men in apparently jovial mood.

The Vatican described the discussions as "cordial" and stressed the two men's joint opposition to abortion and shared concern for persecuted Christians in the Middle East, while making no mention of their profound differences on climate change.

Smiling broadly as he first shook hands with the initially grim-faced pope, Trump was heard to say, "it is such an honour to be here." As he left, he told his host: "Thank you. Thank you. I won't forget what you said."

The pope presented Trump with a medallion engraved with an olive tree, the international symbol of peace.

"I give it to you so you can be an instrument of peace," he said in Spanish. "We can use peace," Trump replied.

In a lighter moment, Francis referred to Trump's imposing bulk by asking his wife Melania, "What do you feed him on? Potica?" - a reference to a calorie-laden cake from Slovenia, Melania's country of birth.

Trump presented the pope with several gifts, including a collection of first editions by Martin Luther King and a bronze sculpture of a flowering lotus.

Francis gave Trump copies of the three major texts he has published as pope, including one on the environment which urges the industrialised world to act urgently on climate change or risk catastrophic consequences for the planet.

Trump, who has threatened to ignore the Paris accords on lowering carbon emissions and described global warming as a hoax, vowed: "Well, I'll be reading them."

In the last year, the two men have swapped jibes and debated on subjects ranging from migration to unbridled capitalism, as well as the environment.

A Vatican statement highlighted "the joint commitment in favour of life, and freedom of worship and conscience." Since his November election, Trump has pleased the Catholic hierarchy by axing rules protecting tax-funded financing of family planning clinics that offer abortions.

Melania, who is a Catholic, and daughter Ivanka were both dressed all in black with lace veils, in keeping with traditional protocol that is no longer obligatory for visiting female dignitaries.

The audience took place in the private library of the Apostolic Palace, the lavish papal residence that Francis does not use, having opted instead for modest lodgings in a guesthouse for visiting clerics.

Afterwards, the Trumps were given a private tour of the Sistine Chapel and St Peter's Basilica and Donald called on Italy's president and prime minister.

Melania visited a children's hospital and Ivanka met members of the St Egidio religious community. Team Trump team flies to Brussels on Wednesday afternoon for meetings with EU and NATO officials before returning to Italy for the G7 summit in Sicily on Friday and Saturday.

Francis and Trump's past spats include the pope describing plans for a border wall with Mexico as not Christian and Trump evoking a possible Islamist attack on the Vatican which would make the pontiff glad to have him as president.

But there have also been conciliatory moves. In 2013, Trump tweeted that "the new pope is a humble man, very much like me" while Francis had promised to judge the man not the image.

Wednesday's meeting nevertheless provided a reminder of their differences of style, Trump arriving at the Vatican in a jumbo-sized SUV that couldn't have been further removed from the modest Fiats and Fords Francis prefers.

Trump's Vatican visit was the third leg of his overseas trip, after stops in Saudi Arabia and Israel and the Palestinian territories.

"No president has ever visited the homelands and holy sites of the Jewish, Christian, and Muslims faiths all on one trip," said US National Security Advisor HR McMaster, describing Trump as bringing "a message of tolerance and of hope to billions."

The high-profile trip has temporarily diverted attention from Trump's domestic pressures over alleged campaign collusion with Russia.

With his poll numbers at a record low, he will be hoping for a boost after rubbing shoulders with the popular pope.

On the eve of the talks, environmental Greenpeace pulled off a publicity coup by projecting the slogan "Planet Earth First" onto the dome of St Peter's.

And in a letter to Francis, Maya Foa, director of the British judicial rights group Reprieve, said Trump's stance on the death penalty and the use of torture "violates the sanctity of life that people of all faiths and none hold so dear."


Nazrul : Lover of humanity

Mohammad Shafiqul Islam :

Nazrul once said, "Even though I was born in this country (Bengal), in this society, I don't belong to just this locale. I belong to the world". He may be considered a pioneer in the post-Tagore scene. He was by nature and conviction a people's poet. His work, full of vitality, brought a new note of robust optimism in Bengali literature.

Nazrul was keenly sensitive to the ongoing social injustice. His songs and poems are full of hope for the exploited and oppressed. He advocated the ideal of equality in a very vigorous manner. His works honestly represent the life he led -- his struggles with poverty, his intense patriotism, and bohemian life. The 'rebel poet' was crowned in 1972 as the National Poet of Bangladesh.

Nazrul made his mark as a revolutionary poet through poems such as Bidrohi (Rebel) and Bhangar Gan (The Song of Destruction). Nazrul's writings explored themes such as love, freedom, and revolution; he opposed all forms of prejudice, particularly fundamentalism and gender discrimination. The patriotic stance expressed in his publications like the Dhumketu (Comet), got him incarcerated, but even there he wrote fiery pieces such as Rajbandir Jabanbandi (Deposition of a Political Prisoner). He is best known for his songs, in which he pioneered new forms such as Bengali ghazals. Nazrul wrote and composed nearly 3000 songs, which constitute the body known as Nazrul Sangeet.

Nicknamed 'Dukhu Miah', Nazrul began attending the maktab, where he studied the Quran and other scriptures, Islamic philosophy and theology. After the sudden death of his father in 1908, at the age of ten, Nazrul had to start working to support his family. He later became the muezzem at the local mosque, leading the community prayers.

Unable to continue paying fees, Nazrul left his school and joined a group of kabiyals. Eventually he took up a job at a bakery and tea stall in the town of Asansol. In 1914, Nazrul joined the Darirampur School in Trishal, Mymensingh district. He spent several years there. Amongst other subjects, Nazrul studied Bengali, Sanskrit, Arabic, Farsi literature and classical music under teachers who were impressed by his dedication and skills.

Nazrul read extensively and was deeply influenced by Rabindranath Tagore and Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay, as well as the Poet Moulana Rumi and Hafiz. His first prose work, Baunduler Atmokahini (life of a Vagabond) was published in May, 1919. His poem Mukti (Freedom) was published by the Bangla Musalmaan Shahitya Potrika (Bengali Muslim Literary Journal) in July 1919.

Settling in Kolkata in 1920, Nazrul joined the staff of the Bangiya Musalmaan Shahitya Samiti (Bengali Muslim Literary Society). He published his first novel Bandhanhara (Liberated) in 1920. The initial works received critical acclaim, giving the young poet his first taste of fame.

In October 1921, Nazrul went to Shantiniketan with Muhammad Shahidullah and met Rabindranath Tagore. Despite many differences, Nazrul looked up to Tagore as a mentor and the two remained in close association. In 1921, Nazrul got engaged and married to Nargis, niece of a well-known Muslim publisher Ali Akbar Khan, in Daulatpur, Comilla. But on June 18, 1921, the day of the wedding, Nazrul suddenly left without any explanation.

Nazrul catapulted to fame with the publication of Bidrohi in 1922, which remains his most famous work. At the time of publication, no other poem since Tagore's Shonar Tori had met with such spontaneous acclaim and criticism for the radical approach. Set in a heroic meter, the verse invokes images from Hindu, Muslim and Greek mythology.

Published in the Bijli magazine, the poem caused a popular sensation. Nazrul stormed into Tagore's residence, jokingly declaring, "Gurudeb, I have come to finish you off". The rebellious language and theme found resonance with public consciousness of the time. Nazrul explores a synthesis of different forces in a rebel, destroyer and preserver, expressing rage as well as beauty and sensitivity. Nazrul followed up, and his first anthology of poems, Agnibeena in 1922, which enjoyed astounding and far-reaching success. He also published his first volume of short stories, the Byathar Dan (Gift of Sorrows) and Yugbani, an anthology of essays.

A political poem published in Dhumketu in September 1922 led to a police raid on the magazine's office. Arrested, Nazrul entered a lengthy plea before the judge in the court.

On April 14, 1923 he was transferred from the jail in Alipur to Hooghly in Kolkata. He began fasting to protest mistreatment by the British jail superintendent. Nazrul broke his fast more than a month later and was eventually released from prison in December 1923. Nazrul composed a large number of poems and songs during his imprisonment and many of his works were banned in the 1920s by the British authorities. The poet became a critic of the Khilafat struggle, condemning it as a hollow, fundamentalist movement. His starch earned him the fury of thousands of conservative Muslims.

It was during his visit to Comilla in 1921, when Nazrul met a young Hindu woman, Pramila Debi. They married on April 25, 1924. Pramila belonged to the Brahmo Samaj, which criticised her marriage to a Muslim. Nazrul in turn was condemned by Muslim religious leaders and continued to face criticism for his personal life and literary work.

Nazrul professed faith in the absolute gender equality, a view his contemporaries considered revolutionary. In his poem Nari (Women), Nazrul repudiates what he sees as the long-sanding oppression of women, proclaiming their rights. He stunned the society with his poem Barangana (Prostitute), in which he addresses a prostitute as 'mother'. Nazrul explored woman's emotions eloquently in many of his popular songs like Mor Ghumoghore Elay Monohor.

Nazrul was shaken by the death of Rabindranath Tagore on August 8, 1941. He spontaneously composed two poems dedicated to Tagore's memory, one of which was Rabihara. Within months, Nazrul's physical condition worsened and he gradually began losing his ability to speak. His behaviour became erratic and spending recklessly, he found himself in financial difficulties. He became embittered by the sudden loss of his active life.

He was living a reclusive life with no care in a shabby, overcrowded cottage in Calcutta. West Bengal government did not even arrange a bed in any recuperative home for the poet who was suffering from irreversible brain damage. On June 30, 1962 his wife Pramila died. Nazrul remained in intensive medical care. He soon succumbed to his long-standing ailments on August 29, 1976. In accordance with a wish he had expressed in one of his poems, he was buried next a mosque on Dhaka University campus.

Nazrul remains a symbol of youth, valour, creativity, liberation and indomitable human spirit, and most importantly, an ardent lover of humanity.
Nazrul : The great composer

Mobarak Hossain Khan :

I am speaking of our National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam, one of the pioneers of modern Bengali song. Classical music was always confined within the four walls of Ghorana. Classical musicians were always reluctant to teach classical music to anyone outside the family. The durbars of kings and emperors were the seat of classical music. Classical music used to be practiced in their durbars. As a result, it was almost unknown to the common people. It was incomprehensible to them. It was Nazrul who realised this fact that if classical music was not presented in the milieu of common people, they would never be able to appreciate the inner appeal of classical music. Nazrul himself was trained in classical music. But he was a man with modern thinking. He created a new trend in the modern song by mixing a flavour of modernism in classical music. Nazrul was, thus, a poet and musician of a transitional period. He gave a new direction to the modern Bangla song. He wrote:

With the late Monsoon's light clouds wanders my mind,

Toward Malabika's home along the Reva's lonely shore.

My mind is propelled by the lazy wind like a light-winged bird.

My pining darling cries alone her hair loosened.

Looking now at the cloud now at the river

Where the dark village-girl wipes her tears unseen,

Where alone my beloved sits by the window thither goes my mind. (Translated by Abu Rushd)

Kazi Nazrul Islam enriched the treasure of Bangla songs. He wrote innumerable verse-lyrics and at the same time rendered them into melody. Sometimes, he tuned them in Bhatiali, sometime in Jari, sometimes in Sari. He composed many Jari, Sari, Bhawaiya, Bhatiali, Marfati and Murshidi songs. He also composed 'Ragprodhan gaan' or semi-classical songs, based on Ragas and Raginis. Nazrul joined a Leto in his teens. This troup had definite influence in moulding the future course of life of the poet. He introduced varieties in his songs. He brought foreign tunes in his songs. He could mix both the tunes of the country with that of other countries easily, because he knew both the systems. His indigenous songs composed on the tunes of Bhatiali, Bhawaiaya, Jari-Sari, and Murshidi were popular, so were his compositions based on different Ragas like Imon, Belawal, Jayjayanti, Jaunpuri, Tori, Behag, Darbari, Piloo, Chayanot, Khambaj. He also adapted Arabic and Persian tunes to his compositions.

Ghazal, which was invented in Persia and was popularised by the great maestro of music Hazrat Ameer Khasru, took a new shape in the form of Bangla Ghazal in the hands of Nazrul Islam. Nazrul composed many songs to the tune of ghazal. He gave a radiance to this new form of song. The theme of ghazal is the love or separation and pang of the hero and heroine. In Nazrul's composition the touching eagerness and pleasing natural beauty of ghazal was manifested. Nazrul Islam was also equally adept in composing love songs. He wrote:

You are beautiful, so I keep looking at you, my darling

is that a crime?

The chokori cries out seeing the moon

but the moon doesn't mind.

I watch and watch the flowers blossoming

The flowers don't say that it's a mistake.

the chatokini sheds its longing tears for the cloud

the cloud doesn't protest.

The sunflower knows it will never get the sun

yet, naively, it keeps looking at its god,

and is happy.

I received my eyes to behold your captivating look,

O Beautiful!

Let that desire be fulfilled, o my darling! (Translated by Sajed Kamal)

Nazrul's main intention was to give novelty and variety, in both his versification and tune, and this was his uniqueness and excellence. Nazrul created varieties of tunes with the union of different Ragas and Raginis. He also composed songs in different Ragas. Jogia, Darbari Kanara, Malkaush, Hindol ragas were embodied in his compositions.

Nazrul also composed numerous songs to suit the religious festivals of the Muslims. The universal image of Islam was unfolded in those songs. Nazrul wrote songs on the occasion of each and every Muslim festival. He enriched the treasure of Bengali songs with his compositions like Marfati, Murshidi, Marsia, Hamd and Naat, lyrics on Hajj, Zakat, Namaj, Roja and Eid. He wrote:

Bright as the crimson sun in the lap of dawn

rocks a radiant full moon in mother Amina's bosom.

Come, one and all, look at that glorious sight and rejoice.

All through the entire creation reverberates a single question:

Who has arrived?

With Kalima Shahadat on his lips who has arrived?

The angels gaily sing:

Peace and God's blessings be upon him,

for him they fling wide open all the doors of Paradise.

(Translated by Kabir Chowdhury)

Nazrul Islam's patriotic songs are tremendously popular. He wrote songs against the colonial rule. His songs infused a new ray of hope in the minds of the people of the then British Bengal. It gave a sense of direction to the oppressed people. It awakened the nation from its deep slumber. He also sang fiery songs. He stood by the labourers, coolies and farmers. His songs were a thunderous protest against the oppression and tyranny. He wrote in the tune of patriotic song:

Destroy those iron gates of prison, demolish the blood stained stony altars

of chain worshipping!

O youthful Shiva

blow your horn of universal cataclysm!

Let the flag of destruction

rise amidst the rubble of prison walls of the Fast!!

Let's see

you shake up the foundation

of that terrible prison.

Kick - break the locks!

All those prisons

set them on fire,

burn them down, uproot them forever!! (Translated by Sajed Kamal)

Nazrul's pen does not stop here. He took a vow to awake each man and woman of the country with the cut spark of revolution. He then introduced a new type of song which was written in harmony with the marching tune of the soldiers.

Nazrul also took a noble penance to create something new. He created ragas: Nirjhorini, Minakshi, Banakuntola, Sondhya Maloti, Dulonchampa etc. which speak of his creativeness. He also composed songs keeping in resonance with different rythms.

His magic compositions attract all classes of listeners. He composed songs in the rhythms of Ektala, Trital, Kaharba, Teora, Dadra, Khemta, Jhaptal etc. Nazrul Islam also recorded a number of songs in his own voice.

No other poet, could write such a large number of songs in Bangla in the past and probably none will, in the future. Kazi Nazrul Islam wrote more songs than any other of his contemporary poets.

Like his diversified life Nazrul Islam also illuminated the music world with variegated compositions. Nazrul, in the world of music, is unique, extraordinary and a great poet for all time. The poet, though said he will be no more in the world in his song mentioned below, yet he will be remembered for his great contribution in Bangla literature and music for ever :

"When I'll be no more and say good bye. I know my memory will get erased forever.

When he is in front the mirror reflects his shadow the shadow disappears as soon as he goes away.

Who remembers whom in this world's play-house.

the sea heaves under the caressing moon,

the desert is desperate with thirst.

When the sun rises who remembers the moon,

the human mind like the river builds on the other shore

when this shore destroys.

Your wedding-bower will be built o'er my grave, my darling

Alas! my craving mind can't get rid of its pain. (Translated by Abu Rushd)
National Poet : Dream to materialise

M. Mizanur Rahman :

IT is our privilege that Kazi Nazrul Islam was made the National Poet of the People's Republic of Bangladesh. Nazrul's song Chal-Chal-Chal was adopted as the national military song of Bangladesh.

On December 15, 1929, Kazi Nazrul Islam was given a rousing reception led by the noted Bengali scientist Acharya Profulla Chandra Ray, eminent litterateur S. Wazed Ali, and the legendary Commander-in-Chief of the Indian National Army, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose at Calcutta Albert Hall, and was declared as our 'National Poet.' That was the time when the people of India were struggling for independence from imperialist ruler. Nazrul was fighting against the rulers vehemently through his rebellious poems and songs, and he always professed humanism against tyranny and misrule.

In 1971, our patriotic freedom-fighters were inspired and invigorated by Nazrul's rebellious poems and songs during the Great War of Liberation. Nazrul's inspiring patriotic poems and songs speak up against all sorts of tyrants and exploiters of the people.

After the independence of Bangladesh, most governments came to power with the solemn promise to give succor to the impoverished and war-torn people of Bangladesh, and to root out all evils in society to make it a corruption-free and exploitation-free state.

But those people in power could not ensure exploitation and corruption free society and the people suffered in all respects.

Kazi Nazrul Islam had lashed those impostors long ago in his poem Raja-Proja (king and subjects):

"Friends, this is what happens.

The people fought the enemies and came out victorious

But the victory was declared in the name of the king!

The people used to procure provisions, remunerations and uniforms

For government employees

But they are not the employees of the people,

They are the employees of the king!

Oh what a farce of justice!

We have to salute our paid servants!

Oh look here, look here at the face of "The Public Servants!"

Turn the wheel of the time,

One and a half crore thieves

ride on the shoulders of one and a half crore human beings! ..."



But Nazrul never gave up hope. He said:

"Not to be disappointed, yet we are hoping for the day that is not so far away

when the voice of the king would let us hear the victory of the subjects!"

(Sorbohara, Raja-Proja,p.19, 3rd edition, Calcutta.)

Of course, this poem was composed to portray the behaviour of the alien British Raj and its government servants.

Till now, in political processions, Nazrul's voice is echoed in chorus. Every citizen of a sovereign country must have his/her social, political as well as economic rights. The people without human rights are said to be no less than slaves. Nazrul raised his mighty voice against such slavery. He dreamt of free Bangladesh. While appreciating the freedom fighters he said: "Till today the sons of Bengal are sacrificing their lives for freedom with extreme courage and determination that would be written in history in golden letters." And he advised us: "Teach these ideals to the Bengalis and their children:

"Ours is sacred Bangladesh -- this is for the Bengalis. We will beat down and expel all the alien thieves and robbers, we don't fear ..." (Navayug, 3 Baisakh, 1349BS).

Moreover, Nazrul wanted those dedicated patriotic souls to engage themselves in building the nation, with dignity of labour and justice and fair-play, and to be above all temptation and allurement.

"Those people whose entire hearts and souls are wetted with love of the soil,

The rudder of the vessel of this earth would remain under their control."

We remember our National Poet who prayed:

"Give us strength and courage and tolerance

And give us heart, O God!

Give life to the dead, put infinite strength and courage

In those fearing hearts,

O God, the Omnipotent.

Give us health, give us longevity

With ever fresh light and air,

And make our free mind, and give us accurate knowledge,

O God, the Omnipotent.

Give us divine grace in our body,

Give us bliss, and peace at home always,

Give us virtue of sacred love

And welfare-oriented devotion

So that we can keep our head aloft

And remain straight beyond any fear of proscription.

Whatever we want, we must earn it by our labour

But not by drawing gifts or begging alms from anywhere,

O God, the Omnipotnet."

Thus, Kazi Nazrul Islam became the symbol of love, beauty, truth and welfare of all. He had given us proper way to come forward towards working for the benefit of the people, where the each individual must have his/her due share.

One must not get involved in any activity that is detrimental to the national cause. Rather anything that goes against the interests of the country must be removed to improve the state of a nation.We must pay proper respect to our poet. His words are beneficial to our national cause and must be given due value.

A nation that does not pay proper respect to its National Poet fails to achieve its ends. So, against the backdrop of social, political and economic perspective of Bangladesh the importance of Kazi Nazrul Islam is immense.

Not fear or frustration, but the practice of love and amity between people is much more effective. The principles of justice and fair-play would do a lot to eradicate the root cause of corruption from the body of the nation.

Our poet taught us ideals akin to ideals of Islamic equality, seems to be the panacea.

"None is high or low, all men (and women) are equal,

And none is either king or subject of anyone.

We all share happiness and sorrow equally.

None has the right to hoard.

Would some shed tears

To put light on to another's room

To enlighten the fate of the few

Keeping the millions remained ill-fated?

It is not the law of Islam."

Nazrul had his humanity in the light of Islamic liberalism. "Love for humans is the best prayer of Allah." He said: "When you do not expect sorrow, pain, torment and indignity for yourself, you must not wish them for your brothers. Do not take your meal keeping your neighbours starving."

We cannot avoid our duty and responsibility by only observing the birth and death anniversaries of our National Poet, because we cannot evaluate him this way. He must be brought to the fore of the national importance in social, political and economic perspectives, so that in words and deeds the nation becomes inspired with his ideals. In memory of the poet, let our all welfare-oriented works speed up.

"I sing of equlity-that there is no great and magnanimous thing than the human.

Irrespective of countries, nations, and faiths,

He exists as the relative of the human beings in each and every abode

For all times for all countries ..."

This 'He' is the Creator of this universe. He is never anyone's monopoly.

'He' is Divine Truth and Beauty of Nazrul. The poet was confident in the existence of this Beauty in himself. Our movement is fulfilled with the existence of that Divine help. We should not fall in the trap of the devil Satan.

Nazrul did never believe in distinctions between human beings on the perception based on different faiths. That is why the language of his poems and songs of equality speak of humanity.

"I sing of equality,

Where every barrier has been shattered and converged in oneness.

Where Hindu-Bouddha-Muslim-Christian converged in oneness.

O stupid, O foolish and weak-minded person,

Learn truth which is greater than scriptures.

Nothing sort of Kaba-Mandeer is better than this (Human) heart ..."

In the poem 'God' Nazrul said:

"He is revealed in everything everywhere among everyone

Having seen me I came to know of my Creator."

Nazrul composed the poem 'Khaled' in which he reproached the bigots who stand on the way to progress.

"When the world is on the progressive way,

We are sitting still researching

The Feka and the Hadith for edict

Of divorcing wife."

It is evident that where hypocrisy prevails in the name of religion, falsehood raises its head against truth and beauty, Nazrul is there in his rebellious mood to stamp out the liars and hypocritic bigots in order to save the nation.

He sang for everyone's welfare for waking up the people with rejuvenation, expecting great and prosperous future for coming generations.

"Let's have victory to peace, victory to equality,

Victory to truth -- let's have that victory.

Let all evils, all torments, all disturbances,

All persecutions, all cowardliness, falsehood

And frustrations wipe out. Let all wants,

Diseases, sorrows and unnecessary hatred go.

Let's win victory over death gaining immortality.

Let the weak become strong and fearless.

There shall not be any disorder in this orderly life.

Let the prison be shattered, let's cross the persecuted

World of desert barriers, and let this world become sweet

And fully of love. Let's have victory, victory and victory only."

And with this end in view let us have our Bangladesh free from all evils like corruption, falsehood, hypocrisy, and superstition, and let us win the victory for the well-being and happiness of the people of Bangladesh by implementing the ideals of equality, exploitation- free society. -the great ideals of the National Poet.



(Poems and prose from Nazrul as quoted above are translated from Bengali into English by the author of this article).
Fire drill held at Shah Amanat Airport





A fire drill was held on the premises of Shah Amanat International Airport here on Tuesday with a view to building capacity of its staff as well as passengers to deal with any fire-related incident. Bangladesh Civil Aviation Authorities hosted the mock emergency exercise in the afternoon.

During the fire drill, volunteers who played as the representatives of Air Force, Bangladesh Army, Bangladesh Navy, Coast Guard personnel, Police, Ansar members and BNCC personnel displayed their skills in dousing a fire, rescuing trapped people and providing first aid for the injured people.A total of 57 volunteers took part in the drill.

Airport Manager Wing Commander Riajul Kabir delivered the greeting speech while Member of Bangladesh Civil Aviation Authority Air Commander M Mostafizur Rahman addressed the event and conveyed thanks to the participants as the chief guest.


Passing out parade held at Naval Academy

Chittagong Naval Area Rear Admiral M Abu Ashraf reviewed the parade and took salute of the march past of direct entry officers of Bangladesh Navy held at Bangladesh Naval Academy premises in Chittagong on Wednesday.

Passing Out Parade of Direct Entry Officer 2017/A Batch of Bangladesh Navy was held on Wednesday at Bangladesh Naval Academy premises in Chittagong, says an ISPR release.

Commander Chittagong Naval Area Rear Admiral M Abu Ashraf graced the ceremony as the Chief Guest. He reviewed the parade and took salute of the impressive march past. Through this Parade, 15 Direct Entry Officers of 2017/A Batch graduated after completing their 6 months training and were decorated with their rank badges.

Direct Entry Officer Sumaiya Afreen was adjudged as the Best Direct Entry Officer of the course and awarded with 'Bir Sreshtho Shaheed Ruhul Amin Gold Medal.

After reviewing the parade, the Chief Guest attended the Epaulette Wearing Ceremony. Higher dignitaries, senior military and civilian officers, parents and guardians of the passing out batch were also present during the parade.
PIO seeks effective media role in branding PM's 10 spl initiatives

Principal Information Officer ( PIO) Kamrun Nahar speaking as Chief Guest at a view exchange meeting with the journalists at Chittagong Circuit House yesterday.

First ever woman Principal Information Officer (PIO) of Ministry of Information Kamrun Nahar sought effective role of media to help the branding of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's 10 special initiatives to make Bangladesh as a middle-income country by 2021.

She said media could play a vital role in motivating people for branding and implementing 10 special initiatives of Bangabandhu daughter Sheikh Hasina.

She made the call at a view-exchange meeting with journalists on "Prime Minister's 10 Special Initiatives" held at local circuit house this afternoon. Press Information Department (PID) organised the event yesterday.

While talking to journalists, Kamrun Nahar said the main objectives of the function were to make the common people aware of the Prime Minister's 10 special development initiatives taken to uplift the living standard of the people in the country.

Implementation of the Prime Minister's 10 special initiatives has already turned Bangladesh into a role model in upgrading life standard of the common people, she said.

"If the 10 special initiatives of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will be implemented successfully, the life standard of common people will be more developed," she added.

Bureau chiefs, senior reporters and correspondents from different media houses took part in the discussion and assured the government of cooperation to attain the goals.

With Deputy Commissioner of Chittagong Zillur Rahman Chowdhury in the chair, Deputy Director of the PID Fazle Rabbi delivered the greeting speech.

Deputy Director (Local Government) of Chittagong Divisional Commissioner office Mizanur Rahman, President of Chittagong Union of Journalists Reaz Haider Chowdhury, General Secretary of Chittagong Press Club Suklal Das and Civil Surgeon of Chittagong Dr Mohammad Azizur Rahman addressed the function as special guests.

Stressing on proper implementation of the PM's special initiatives, Zillur Rahman Chowdhury said the common people should be made aware of the successes of the 10 special initiatives to inspire them in building a middle income nation by 2021 and developed country by 2041.

Mizanur Rahman, in his speech, narrated the Prime Minister's 10 special initiatives of 'Ektee Bari, Ektee Khamar' project, Asrayan Prokalpo, Digital Bangladesh, Education Assistance, Women Empowerment, Electricity for All, Poverty Alleviation, Social Safety-Net, Power Generation, Road Communication Investment Development and Environment Protection.

He discussed the successes already achieved under these initiatives in alleviating poverty, improving livelihoods, ensuring shelters for the homeless people, education, women empowerment, power generation, reaching health services and other fields.

Dr Azizur Rahman narrated the epoch-making successes achieved in community clinic, mental health, education, health and digitization and ICT sectors.


Kumaratunga calls on PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina presenting the book titled Unfinished Biography of Bangabandhu to former Sri Lankan President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga when she made a courtesy call on her at Gonobhaban yesterday. PID photo

Former Sri Lankan President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga made a courtesy call on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at Gonobhaban here on Wednesday.

After the meeting, PM's Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim said they discussed various matters relating to mutual interests and different aspects of their political parties.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, also the president of Bangladesh Awami League and Chandrika Kumaratunga, former chairman of Sri Lankan Freedom Party, shared their political experiences as both the parties have many commonalities.

Founder of the both parties- Father of the Nation of Bangladesh Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Sri Lankan leader Solomon Bandarnaike-were brutally assassinated and both the organizations were subject to repression and torture for a long time.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina informed Chandrika of various aspects of Bangladesh's society saying every people irrespective of their religious belief are living peacefully and participating together in every festival.

The prime minister said her government has successfully resolved the ethnic problem in the Chittagong Hill Tracts without intervention of any third party.
President for launching social resistance against corruption



President M Abdul Hamid has asked the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to launch awareness campaign and social resistance against corruption at all levels.

"There is no alternative to build awareness at all levels, including grassroots, to prevent corruption . . . Social resistance will help reduce all sorts of corruption," the President said when a four-member delegation of the ACC, led by its Chairman Iqbal Mahmood, submitted its Annual Report-2016 to him at Bangabhaban here on Wednesday afternoon.

Abdul Hamid also advised the ACC delegation to take necessary steps for proper and timely settlement of corruption-related cases after conducting appropriate investigation. President's Press Secretary Joynal Abedin told the news agency.

The anti-graft commission chief apprised the President of the overall activities and outcome of the commission in last one year seeking his (President) supports and directives to gear up the activities of the commission as the national anti-graft watchdog commission.

Iqbal Mahmood said the ACC received total 12,990 graft allegations in 2016, and of them, the Commission initiated probes into 1,007 allegations while 5, 88 allegations were sent to departments or ministries concerned for taking necessary departmental action in this regard.

The ACC chief said the commission filed 359 graft cases in 2016.

"Besides, the ACC filed a total of 13 trap cases and arrested corrupt individuals red-handed while taking bribe through arranging 'trap' against them," he mentioned.

Mahmood said the ACC endorsed charge sheets in 535 cases last year while its total 300 cases were disposed in 2016.

He said the ACC made 65 recommendations in its annual report asking to take steps to check graft in country's 10 sectors including education and health.

About the prevention activities of the ACC, Mahmood said the Commission has formed 21,000 Satata Sanghas (integrity units) at secondary schools and madrasas across the country to keep the future generation away from corruption.
Protecting children from downing-deaths

Dr. Md. Shairul Mashreque :

I wrote a lot about Child Safety drawing the attention of the Government and NGOs. My works touching upon this problem appeared in journals and vEnglish Dailies. Even then I have to prepare a write up as I feel it incumbent upon me to warn the parents or guardians of the children advising them to take care of their safety and security. The government and NGOs and mull steps to protect the children. Much depends on the seriousness of the parents. Mothers should not allow her child to go outside all the time. Accidents may occur if the mother remains callous not noticing where her child is going and where he is moving. Her child, boy or gir,l may go near burning furness or near tank or trekking far to be kidnapped or moving recklessly to be run over by vehicles.

There are plenty of tragic stories about the accidents of the children. There recurring tragedies are attributed to the stoic indifference of the parents. I suggest if any boy or girl at the early stage wants to go to school he or she should be accompanied his or her mother vor father or any reliable family member.

Of late there has been a phenomenal increase in the deaths of the children by accidents like running over by a vehicle, death after being raped, drowning etc.

Very recent tragedies V have been reported by a news paper:

Lamiya, 10, daughter of Harun-or Rashid, Yasmin Khatun, 11, daughter of Sontu Miah, students of Chuadanga Provati School, drowned in the river around 5:00pm while they were taking bath, said Abdus Salam, a deputy-director at Chuadanga Fire Service, reports UNB.On information, divers from the fire service station rushed to the spot and recovered the bodies in the evening,

In fact Drowning has become a major cause of child accident. As has been reported by a newspaper(23rd May 20017):

Two cousins drowned in a pond at Purbo Adharmanik Godarpar village in Raowjan upazila of Chittagong district on March 4. Quoting locals, police said Juboraj Barua, 6, son of Suman Barua drowned in a pond when he was playing with his cousin Deboraj Barua, 07. Deboraj, son of Bhutan Barua, went to save his brother and he drowned too. Later, they were rushed to a local hospital where the attending doctors declared them dead.

Father of the victims Suman and Bhutan are siblings. In another incident, two minor sisters drowned in a pond in Mohammadpur area in the capital in December in 2016. Experts said drowning is one of the leading causes of death of children in Bangladesh. They termed drowning 'a silent killer' of children, aged between one year and 18 years in the country.

They said, in Bangladesh, around 18,000 children die every year from drowning. Proper steps should be taken to save lives from now on, they said.

A study shows that more than 18,000 children, mostly 1-4 years of age, die each year from drowning in Bangladesh. "Children in Bangladesh, who cannot swim, are 4.5 times more vulnerable to drowning than those who can swim in this riverine country," the study revealed.

It said more than 12,500 children die from drowning before they celebrate the fifth birthday, while the rest 5,500 die between the age of 5 and 17 years. According to an independent survey of the UNICEF, creating social awareness, giving training on how to swim and installing bamboo-made fences around the ponds can significantly reduce deaths in drowning. A report in the Health Ministry bulletin says that cases of drowning of children aged 0 to 18 top the chart.

The number of children drowning is far more than the deaths from measles, bronchitis, diphtheria and tuberculosis.

Child health experts said one of the objectives of the MDGs is reducing infant mortality. But the number of drowning is a huge obstacle to attaining that goal. People concerned feel that increased parental awareness, capacity building of parents, effective social and family security and lessons in swimming could bring down the mortality rate. Although these deaths occur throughout the year, their incidence is highest during the monsoon. The chance of such deaths increases with the proximity of water bodies to the household. Children playing in the inflated rivers, canals, ponds, ditches and other water bodies die frequently. Apart from this, a lot of children die where settlements are near the river or ocean. During full and blue moon the waters rise. Many children die then. Besides, children also die during tidal surges, because children are the least capable of coping with those adversities. In the tidal surge of 1970 of the 1.2 million people died, half were children. In the 1991 tidal surge the proportion was the same.

The experts said conducting awareness campaigns, increasing knowledge and efficiency among the parents for looking after their children, ensuring effective family and social security as well as giving training on how to swim could reduce the children's death risk.

The Guardian reports about hidden tragedies

When water is all around you, how do you keep your children safe? That is the question haunting the village of Mubarakpur in Netrakona district, northern Bangladesh.

On 12 February, Sabuj Mia, a local farmer, came home to find his six-year-old daughter Sumaiya floating face down in the backyard pond. She had slipped while plucking fruit from a jujube (red date) tree that grew close to the water. The little pile of jujubes Sumaiya had picked lay at the foot of the tree. She did not know how to swim. At midday there had been nobody in the house to hear the child's frantic splashing after she fell into the pond.

As the Mias buried their daughter, their neighbours shared the couple's grief. Almost every household in Mubarakpur has lost children to drowning in the past few years. Mia's cousin and nextdoor neighbour Abdus Samad lost his only son Ibrahim, aged 18 months, last year when the toddler walked out of the house and fell into a roadside ditch.

Two houses down, Ishraq Ali and his wife Dilara are still grieving the loss of their daughter Nazma who drowned two years ago at the age of five.

"There are ponds everywhere," says Sabuj's wife Sabina Begum. "During the monsoon there is water all around. We have to tend to the cattle or go to work in the fields. But there is always a terrible worry in the back of our minds about the children."

Mubarakpur is not an isolated case. Bangladesh, a country crisscrossed with rivers and canals, has one of the highest drowning rates in the world. More than 17,000 Bangladeshi children drown every year - nearly 50 a day, according to the Bangladesh health and injury survey, conducted in 2003.

A report by Unicef and the Alliance for Safe Children (Tasc) has found that the cause of death in roughly one in four children who die between one and 10 years of age is drowning. This makes drowning the leading killer of children in Bangladesh, overtaking diseases such as diarrhoea and pneumonia.

"It's a hidden epidemic," said Dr Jahangir Hossain, programme co-ordinator for the Centre for Injury Prevention and Research, Bangladesh (CIPRB). "Proportionate to population, more children die from drowning in Bangladesh than in any other country. But most of the programmes combating child mortality are focused on infectious diseases. Drowning hardly gets a mention in national policy circles."

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In the past few years, communities have started to fight back. Several NGOs and civil society organisations have set up swimming programmes for children. The most successful has been the SwimSafe initiative, backed by Unicef. Developed jointly by Tasc and the Royal Life Saving Society Australia, and implemented in Bangladesh by CIPRB and others, SwimSafe employs community-based instructors to teach children how to swim and rescue others.

"It's like a vaccine for drowning," says Salem Mia, the co-ordinator for SwimSafe in Netrakona. "People used to scoff at us. They took swimming for granted. But many children nowadays don't pick up the skills until adolescence and many die an unnecessary death."

Since its inception in 2006, SwimSafe has trained more than 200,000 children. The Unicef/Tasc study found that drowning death rates for children aged four and older who participated in SwimSafe were reduced by more than 90%. In the past three months, the programme in Netrakona district has selected and trained 96 community swimming instructors (CSIs).

Jhuma Begum, an undergraduate student at a local college, will be paid a nominal amount of Tk100 (80p) per trainee, but she says it is about more than money. "People in the community know me now. And I'm happy I'm doing something for others," she says.

A group of 15 children glide about in the water using bright-yellow kickboards and practising rescuing each other with long bamboo poles.

"I know how to swim!" exclaims Eva Khatun, aged four, as she emerges dripping from the water and runs to greet her family. "It's good that the girl has learned [to swim]," says her father, Rafiqul Islam, a local trader. "My wife and I will be less worried now when we leave her at home."

SwimSafe is one component of a larger child injury prevention project, explains Amy Delneuville, child protection specialist with Unicef in Bangladesh. "Drowning and other injuries usually take place during the day when parents are busy with their work and siblings go to school," she says.

"Unsupervised children wander off and fall into local water hazards. To prevent this, we are piloting bamboo fencing of ponds, community awareness and village daycare centres that provide supervised care for children."

The Unicef/Tasc study found that in villages with daycare facilities, death rates from drowning have dropped by 80% among children under four.

Golam Mustafa, joint secretary of the Bangladesh Swimming Federation says SwimSafe should be scaled up to national level. "The government should embrace these interventions and make it part of the country health sector programme," he says. "We need to do more to teach children a culture of water safety."

In Mubarakpur, Sabina Begum says she is waiting for the day her surviving daughter, two-year-old Saleha, can start taking swimming lessons. "What happened to me - I don't want this to happen to any other mother," she says.



(Dr. Md. Shairul Mashreque, Chittagong University)
Mother, daughter raped in Sylhet, rapist at jail

Staff Reporter :

A teenage girl was raped twice to thrice every day by a Bangladeshi expatriate for 17 days while her mother was violated by the same man for years.

The 12-year old girl gave a harrowing account of how a Bangladeshi expatriate kept her confined in his house and raped her for 17 days, Police said.

The traumatized child told a Biyanibazar court that her rapist Sarwar Ahmed, 38, threatened her and forced her to keep silent, said our local correspondent quoting the court police.

"He threatened and raped me for 17 days," the child told the court on Monday. Before it, the girl's father filed a case with Bianibazar Police Station against Sarwar on May 22, said Bodruzzaman, Inspector (Investigation) of the police station.

At the same time, the child's mother also had been deflowered by Sarwar for years. Both of them worked as the domestic help at Sarwar's house, the Police official said.

Police sought 5-day remand for Sarwar and everything will be cleared after interrogation under custody, the Inspector said.

"I heard that the violated woman was admitted to One-stop Crisis Center of Osmani Medical College Hospital (OMCH) in sylhet," he said.

Biyanibazar Police Sub-Inspector Mokhlesur Rahman, who is investigating the case, said that Sarwar had physically and sexually abused the child numerous times.

"She was raped twice or thrice a day in captivity," he said. The victim has been currently admitted at OMCH's One-Stop Crisis Centre.

Child rape incidents have increased worryingly in Bangladesh in recent months.

The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) arrested accused Sarwar on Sunday from Biyanibazar and rescued the victim, said RAB-9 Senior Additional Superintendent of Police Moinuddin Chowdhury.

He said the victim and her mother were domestic help at Sarwar's Sylhet residence, the RAB official said.

When the child's mother learnt about her ordeal, she tried to go back to their village with her daughter. But Sarwar assaulted the woman leaving her critically injured. She was admitted to Osmani Medical College Hospital (OMCH).

RAB raided Sarwar's house after the mother informed them about her daughter's situation.
Getty Images via ABCShawn Mendes says that he's "gutted" -- that's British for "extremely upset" -- by the Manchester bombing that killed 22 people after an Ariana Grande concert on Monday. But, he says, his concert in Paris tonight will go on as scheduled because he doesn't want anything to get in the way of the happiness that music brings to people.

"I've never felt so gutted in my entire life," Shawn writes. "I can't seem to comprehend exactly what has happened. I just want to send my love to everybody affected by this & to Ariana and the team. I can't image what they are going through."

He continues, "Concerts are events people should never be afraid to attend, they are places for love and complete happiness & I am so sorry that things took an opposite direction...I hope I speak for every artist by saying that we will not stop spreading positivity and love through music no matter the situation."

The organizers of Shawn's concert at the AccorHotels Arena in Paris tonight say they will "strengthen the security measures outside the venue."

Two years ago, an Eagles of Death Metal show in Paris was attacked by terrorists, who killed 89 people in the audience.

Copyright  2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
Water experts didn't tell the truth: Minister

Staff Reporter :

Water Resources Minister Anisul Islam Mahmud has said that no water experts gave genuine information on the recent disaster in the country's northeastern haor belt.

The Minister also blamed the media for not providing accurate information in this regard.

He was speaking at an event presenting the findings of a research study on river erosion forecast, at the CIRDAP auditorium in the city on Wednesday.

"Actually, the experts did not tell the truth about the disaster. Besides, the media did not give accurate information over the issue. Instead, they only reported corruption of the Water Development Board (WDB) in the construction of dams," the Minister said.

Expressing dissatisfaction, he said, "I have watched the talk shows in the televisions where most water experts said hundreds of crores of taka had been looted in embankment construction in the haors whereas only Tk 20 crore was allocated for repairing the embankments."

He blamed heavy rainfall for the haor disaster. "The second heaviest rainfall recorded in India's Cherrapunji area this year. The height of haor dams are six and a half meters but water flowed above seven meters. So the excessive rain is the main culprit behind crop damage and calamity," Anisul Islam Mahmud further said.

Interestingly, top officials at the WDB and the Ministry of Water Resources on May 4 admitted to the Anti-Corruption Commission that there were massive corruption and irregularities in constructing and maintaining dams in the country's haor belt.

Being summoned by the ACC, four officials, including Director General of WDB Jahangir Kabir, Additional Director General Abdul Hai, Superintendent Engineer Harun-ar Rashid and Joint Secretary of Water Resources Ministry Khalilur Rahman went to the ACC headquarters at Segun Bagicha.

A high-profile team of ACC led by its Director General Md Munir Chowdhury quizzed the four officials for over three hours in connection with massive financial corruption, negligence and delay in constructing dams.

The officials during the interrogation also confessed their incapability in completing the embankment projects in the haor areas, particularly in Sunamganj district, in due time.

The ACC DG said, "During the interrogation, the officials, including WDB DG Jahangir Kabir, confessed to their irregularities and negligence in constructing dams, which caused unprecedented flash flood damaging crops on several lakh hectares of land."

"The enlisted contractors were also involved in the large-scale financial corruption. The accused persons would have to face punishments for their misdeeds as per the country's existing law," Munir Chowdhury further said.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina while visiting Sunamganj on April 30 warned of stern action against the persons involved in any corruption and irregularities in constructing dams in the haors.

This year, 'boro' corps in the vast wetlands of Kishoreganj, Sylhet, Sunamganj, Habiganj, Moulvibazar and Netrokona went under deep water following the collapse of embankments making the farmers totally helpless.
90pc people have faith in judiciary:CJ

Court Correspondent :

Chief Justice Surendra Kumar Sinha said Wednesday that more than 90 percent people of the country have faith in judiciary as the judges work in a disciplined way.



He was presiding over a seven-member bench of the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court and on the occasion he responded to a comment of Attorney General Mahbubey Alam this way during the hearing on the appeal filed on behalf of the state against a High Court verdict that scrapped the 16th amendment of the constitution.



The 16th amendment had empowered the parliament to remove the Supreme Court judges for their incapacity or misbehaviour.



While placing argument during the hearing, the attorney general said a mass hearing should be held on people's perception about court.



The AG, however, prayed to the SC to uphold the 16th amendment saying that the law for executing the amendment will be formulated after the judges examine it.



The seven-member bench of the Appellate Division started the hearing on Monday. After Wednesday's hearing the apex court fixed Thursday for resuming the hearing.



Earlier on Tuesday, the Chief Justice observed that the state is trying to tighten its grip on the apex court after the lower ones.



"You've taken the lower courts under your clutch and now you're trying to take the Supreme Court, too," he told the Attorney General. About law minister's comment that the judiciary is independent and the salaries of the judges have been hiked, Chief Justice Sinha questioned, "Has the judiciary become independent with an increase in the salary scale?"



The Attorney General said the independence of the judiciary will not be hampered through the implementation of the 16th Amendment to the Constitution.



He also said the amendment was brought to return to the spirit of the original Constitution of 1972 and empower people through MPs to impeach the judges. "As per the Constitution, people are the owner of absolute power and the MPs represent them in Parliament. That doesn't mean that the SC judges will be impeached after the MPs raise their hands. There're legal proceedings," the state chief law officer added.



At one stage, the Chief Justice said, "Why did the government keep article 70 in the Constitution?" Mahbubey Alam said the article was included in the national charter to avoid 'Horse Trading'. Later, SK Sinha said the MPs cannot perform their duties independently. "As a result, you can't keep trust on your party's MPs."



Mentioning that the socio-economic structure of the country has changed a lot, he said the thinking and sprit of 2017 will differ from that of 1972. "Changes should be brought to the Constitution with the change of society," he added.

The Attorney General also raised the question over the jurisdiction of the SC lawyers to file writ petitions.



In reply, the Chief Justice said SC lawyers are the conscious citizens of the country. They have the right to file writs. "You (Attorney General) say that SC lawyers don't have any right to file writ petition. So, will I myself file writ?" he said.



Mentioning one of the HC judges' comment that MPs have criminal records, the Attorney General said if his statement is not true, a complaint should be lodged to the President to remove him.
Poet Nazrul's birth anniv today

UNB, Dhaka :

The 118th birth anniversary of National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam will be celebrated on Thursday.

Born on May 25, 1899 at village Churulia in

Burdwan district of West Bengal in India, Nazrul through his fiery poems had inspired people to fight against injustice and repression of the colonial rule.

The government and different socio-cultural and political organisations have taken elaborate programmes to observe the day.

This year, the central programme of Nazrul's birth anniversary will be held at Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the capital at 3:30pm.

President Abdul Hamid is scheduled to attend the inaugural session as the chief guest. The inaugural ceremony will be chaired by Cultural Affairs Minister Asaduzzaman Noor while Nazrul Institute trustee board president Professor Rafiqul Islam and poet's granddaughter Khilkhil Kazi will be present as special guests.

The theme for this year's birth anniversary celebrations of the poet has been styled as "Anti-colonialism and Anti-imperialism Soldier Nazrul".

Professor Soumitra Shekhar will deliver a memorial lecture on the theme at the inaugural session to be followed by a colourful cultural event.

The Cultural Affairs Ministry and its associate organisations will pay tributes to the poet placing wreaths at his grave beside the Central Mosque of Dhaka University.

Besides, Dhaka University will organise a daylong programme to celebrate the 118th birth anniversary of National Poet.

DU teachers, officers, employees and students will gather at 6:15 am at the foot of the Aparajeya Bangla, in front of the Arts Building while a rally, led by DU Vice-chancellor Prof Dr AAMS Arefin Siddique, will march to the poet's majar located by the university's Central Mosque at 6:30 am. The vice-chancellor will place wreaths at the grave.

Later, a commemorating meeting will be held on the premises of the grave with DU VC in the chair.

The Rabindra-Nazrul cultural festival will be organised at 7pm at the initiative of Dhaka University Club on its premises.

Nazrul Institute and Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy are also scheduled to hold discussions and cultural programmes on the day.

Nazrul Institute will organise an exhibition on the day showcasing his books, memorial posters and souvenirs.
CCC Mayor Sakku gets permanent bail

Court Correspondent :

The Metropolitan Senior Special Judge Court of Dhaka yesterday (Wednesday) granted permanent bail to

Monirul Haque Sakku, the newly-elected Mayor of Comilla City Corporation (CCC), in a graft case filed by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). Judge Md Kamrul Hossain Molla of the court passed the order.

Before it, on May 9, the court granted bail to Monirul Haque till May 24 in the graft case filed on charge of concealing information about his wealth.

The court has meanwhile transferred the case to Special Judge Court-8 of Dhaka and fixed June 12 for hearing on framing charges in the case.

On May 7, 2008, Shahin Ara Mamtaz, Assistant Director of ACC, filed a case against the Comilla Mayor and his wife Afroza Jesmin on charge of concealing information about their wealth worth about Tk 120 million and amassing wealth of Tk 40.57 million illegally.
The Undead Archives

I have finally salvaged my pre-Blogger TDR archives and added them into Blogger. They are almost totally in the form of one giant post for each month. And the formatting strayed from the originals. Sorry. But historians everywhere can rejoice that this treasure trove of my thoughts is restored to the world.
Panelists at the League of Women Voters' Healthcare Forecast event say the Affordable Care Act has helped more than 70,000 people in the seven-parish area get health coverage, which has helped stabilize finances of many area hospitals.

Wikimedia

The much-maligned Affordable Care Act has helped more than 70,000 residents in a seven-parish area around Lafayette gain health care coverage, many for the first time in their lives, according to panelists in the Lafayette League of Women Voters' Acadiana Healthcare Forecast event held on Monday.

Brian Burton of Navigators for a Healthy Louisiana  a coalition of health information and education providers  told the 30 or so people who attended the event that numbers compiled by his organization through May 15 show that the ACA has brought a significant increase in the number of people in those parishes having health insurance coverage.

"If you look at the seven parishes in the area  Acadia, Evangeline, Iberia, St. Landry, St. Martin, Vermilion and Lafayette  you'll see that the number of people with coverage is significantly higher," Burton said. He distributed a flyer that showed that 17,305 individuals and families have found coverage through the health insurance marketplace established under ACA. Another 55,690 individuals have signed up to participate in Medicaid expansion, which only became available in Louisiana at mid-year in 2016 after Gov.John Bel Edwards authorized the state to join the program.

Nearly half (8,414) of the marketplace policy buyers were in Lafayette Parish. The ACA provides insurance premium subsidies based on a household's income level in relation to the poverty income level. The subsidies start at the poverty level and extend up to 400 percent of that level. The annual poverty income level is $12,060 for individuals and $24,600 for a family of four, according to information provided on the Healthcare.gov website.

By comparison, Lafayette Parish accounts for about one-third of the participants in Medicaid expansion in the seven parishes. People who live at or below 138 percent of the federal poverty level are eligible to enroll in Medicaid expansion.

Linda Hawkins, a retired federal worker who is the LWV's point person on healthcare, said that with Medicaid expansion now accessible in Louisiana, the percentage of Louisiana residents without healthcare coverage has fallen to just above 10 percent. "I can't recall a time where it's ever been that low," Hawkins said.

The great uncertainty hanging over all of this are the ongoing attempts in the Congress to replace the ACA with the American Health Care Act. The House has passed its version of the bill, but issues remain. Bloomberg News has reported that House leaders have not sent the bill to the Senate yet, pending the Congressional Budget Office's analysis of the budget implications of the bill.

The legislative strategy agreed upon by Republicans in the House and Senate is to allow a maneuver called reconciliation, which would limit debate on the bill and would allow for speedier passage of the bill on the Senate side. In order to enable that process, the bill must meet certain revenue and tax parameters.

The CBO is expected to issue its analysis of the bill this week. If the analysis finds the bill does not meet the Senate parameters, the House might have to revise and revote on the bill yet again.

The initial form of the bill that failed in March would have caused 24 million Americans with coverage to lose it, including many with health coverage through their jobs. The CBO's analysis of that bill showed that 600,000 Louisiana residents would have lost access to health coverage had it become law.

Kathy Hebert, who runs University Medical Center and Clinics for Lafayette General Medical Center, says the entire process is shrouded in uncertainty. "We're just watching at this point," Hebert said. "I really can't speculate about the impact of the bill."

Hawkins was not as reticent. She said the most troubling part of the bill that passed the House is the way the federal government achieves savings.

"What they essentially do is propose to make Medicaid a block grant program, give the money to the states and let them figure out how to spend it," Hawkins said. "Another thing that the law would do is leave it to states to set the provisions of insurance coverage, unlike now where you have uniform policy standards across the country."

Hawkins said that the block grant idea might work in some states that are well-off but not in states like Louisiana where budgets are constrained.

"If the federal government gives states the choice over what to fund and what not to fund, I can tell you right now  based on what we've seen happening here for the last five years  that our legislators are going to choose not to fund the things that are made optional for them," Hawkins said.

Burton said that the basic difference between the ACA and the AHCA is simple to discern.

"Under the ACA, the patient is at the center of the law, that's why there are things included in it like quality measures, wellness programs and free annual exams," Burton said. "The AHCA appears to put insurance companies at the center and that makes a big difference."

In matters closer to home, Hawkins and Landry differed sharply on their analysis of the public-private partnerships that are now running what were hospitals that were part of the LSU Hospitals System.

Hebert says services provided have expanded under the partnerships and the number of patients being treated has increased as well.

"At the time the partnerships began, UMC was down to 15 in-patient beds," Hebert said. "We're up to 52 now. The number of emergency room visits that ended without a patient seeing a provider has dropped from 16 percent to half a percent."

Hawkins said the state has given up transparency with the pubic-private partnerships and the ability to control costs.

"We've gone from 12,000 employees at Louisiana Department of Health to 5,000 today. We've essentially got contractors evaluating contractors," Hawkins said. "There is little actual monitoring of performance going on and we have no transparency."

Hawkins also lamented the fact that the Jindal administration shattered a system that was able to coordinate care among its members, an advantage that was squandered when the system was subdivided among the private contractors. Hawkins predicted that if the state was struck by a large hurricane the costs of dismantling that system would become apparent.
Private school families may be breathing a sigh of relief after legislation to repeal income tax credits and deductions for families with children attending nonpublic schools hit a roadblock in the House Ways and Means Committee.

House Bill 202 by Rep. Mark Abraham, R-Lake Charles, was deferred by committee vote Monday, and likely will not reappear during this session. Abrahams measure proposed cancelling income tax credits and deductions available to families with students enrolled in private elementary and secondary schools.

Under the existing programs, families are eligible for an $18 tax credit per enrolled child per year and can deduct up to $5,000 in tuition and fees from their taxable income annually.

Abraham said that amounts to roughly $35 million in lost revenue for the state which, he said, would be better spent supporting job training programs Louisianas two- and four-year colleges.

I just so happen to believe that these dollars make more sense as a return on investment than the $200 that your child would get for attending a private school. Its just a question of priorities.

Abraham authored a complementary bill, House Bill 184, to provide for the creation of the Louisiana Jobs Now fund to bolster STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) programs and certificate programs using funds originally tied to the private school tax credit and deduction. That bill is up for consideration on the House floor.

Louisiana Conference of Catholic Bishops Executive Director Rob Tasman said creating jobs to spur the economy was a noble cause, but Abrahams legislation wanted to take money from the wrong pot.

Many hard-working families put their children through private schools while also paying taxes to support their public schools, he said. Its presumptuous to assume what the cost savings mean to private school families, Tasman argued, and the money recouped from the state can make a difference for families paying fees and additional school costs.

I cant help but feel like its pickpocketing parents who choose to send their children to nonpublic schools.
Exact numbers have not been released, but thankfully the impact is nowhere near as bad as the rampant speculation.

The future of Fugro USA Marines Lafayette operations was all the buzz at the Lafayette Economic Development Authoritys May 9 Job Fair. The rampant speculation had it that the company division, which employs approximately 135 local workers  many of those jobs dependent on a vibrant oil and gas industry  was sending most of its Lafayette workforce to Houston.

Thankfully, thats not happening, but a memo spelling out a realignment currently underway for the local Fugro operations indicates there will be job losses in Lafayette. That means yet another blow to the Lafayette MSA, which has already lost 6,500 jobs (2,200 direct energy positions) since March of last year and a whopping 23,500 jobs (9,500 in energy) since the price of oil took a nosedive in 2014, according to the Louisiana Workforce Commission. The MSA also takes in St. Martin, Iberia, Acadia and Vermilion parishes.

In an effort to develop and strengthen the companys asset integrity business and improve customer satisfaction, according to a May 10 memo by Blaine Thibodeaux, managing director of the Lafayette office for Fugro USA Marine, one of the company's service lines is being consolidated in Houston. We are maintaining a Fugro Resources & Logistics Office here in Lafayette as well as our R&D team and Geophysical group in Lafayette, Thibodeaux writes.

The transfers are part of a company-wide reorganization.

In a followup phone call with ABiz, Thibodeaux says his division is being downsized by approximately 20 percent through transfers and layoffs, but he was unable to put a specific time frame on when the workforce reduction will be finalized. Ten employees have already been offered transfers to Houston, he says.

Fugro USA Marine, located at 200 Dulles Drive, is a part of a Netherlands-based multinational public company providing geotechnical, survey, subsea and geoscience services mostly to oil and gas entities. It also serves power, building and infrastructure, and mining companies. The group previously operated locally as Fugro Chance, a name that reflected its 1992 purchase of the then-35-year-old Lafayette-based survey company, John E. Chance & Associates.

[Editor's Note: The name of the company division has been corrected from an earlier version referring to it as Fugro Chance. The story has also been updated with new details from Thibodeaux.]
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CARBONDALE  Susan Zeder, the author of the "Ware Trilogy" plays, which follows a family living in Ware, Illinois, will host a workshop ahead of the showing of the third installment of the trilogy, "The Edge of Peace," at The Varsity Center.

The workshop will focus on the first two pays in the trilogy, "Mother Hicks" and "The Taste of Sunrise." Zeder will lead attendees through writing exercises as they watch readings from the two plays.

The workshop will be from 2 to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, July 29, in the Arnold Theater inside The Varsity Center. "The Edge of Peace" shows that night at 7:30 p.m.

Attendees may purchase tickets to the workshop for $20 ($10 for Stage Company members); tickets for the workshop and the show are $35 ($25 for Stage Company members). Attendees can also have dinner with Zeder after the workshop in The Varsity Center's gallery, from 5:15 to 7 p.m., for $25. Attendees can buy the entire package, including the workshop, show and dinner, for $50 ($40 for Stage Company members).

Reservations for the workshop may be made at stagecompany.org or by calling 618-549-3465. Dinner reservations may be made by emailing Kevin Purcell at kevinpur470@msn.com.

Zeder has been recognized nationally and internationally as one of the leading playwrights for young and family audiences; she is a six-time winner of the Distinguished Play Award by the American Alliance of Theatre and Education.
MURPHYSBORO  A man accused of firing his gun into the air during the Easter 2016 shooting incident in Carbondale that left a popular musician dead has been sentenced to 30 months probation.

Dwayne John Dunn Jr., 21, of St. Louis, was also sentenced to pay a $5,000 fine and to complete 200 hours of public service in the next 24 months.

Dunn, who pleaded guilty in March to reckless discharge of a firearm, was charged with firing a Smith & Wesson handgun into the air in a residential neighborhood in Carbondale on March 27, 2016, endangering the safety of those standing nearby.

Dunn is one of four people accused of being involved in the shooting incident that resulted in the death of a bystander, local musician Tim Beaty.

Associate Judge Ralph Bloodworth accepted the defenses recommendation in the sentencing; Jackson County Assistant States Attorney Mark Hamrock, who served as prosecutor, had recommended 18 months in prison.

Carbondale Police Department Sgt. Anthony Williams, who was involved in the investigation into the incident, testified in Jackson County Circuit Court Wednesday morning.

According to Williams testimony, officers responded to a report of shots fired in the early hours of March 27, 2016, in the 400 block of West Walnut Street. Upon their arrival, there were as many as 200 people out on the street.

Dunn had traveled to Carbondale from Cape Girardeau  where he was attending Southeast Missouri State University  in a car with three other people, including an individual named Charles Saulberry.

Williams said Dunn told police that he had stopped at a gas station on his way to Carbondale to find out whether he could legally carry a gun in Illinois by looking it up on his phone. When he found out he couldnt, he put his magazine clip in his pocket and his firearm in the trunk of the car.

Later that night, Dunn said in his interview with police, he and his friends were at a house party on West Walnut Street. A fistfight broke out at the party, and at least two shots were fired inside the house.

Dunn said that he and many other partygoers fled outside and that he saw two individuals firing weapons across the street. He and the others with him were fleeing to their car, which was parked at the First Presbyterian Church. On their way there, Dunn claimed, multiple people attacked Saulberry. Dunn ran to the car, hit the trunk release button, grabbed his gun and returned to where Saulberry was being battered. He realized his magazine clip was no longer in his pocket and fired a round in the air to scare Saulberrys attackers.

In an initial interview with police on March 27, 2016, Williams said, Saulberry confirmed this version of events. But in a subsequent interview on April 20, 2016, Saulberry gave police a different statement: he said Dunn fired his gun before they reached the car. Saulberry said he was beaten after the shot was fired because his attackers believed he was the shooter.

Williams said Saulberry decided to revise his statement after his father told him to tell the truth.

Mr. Dunn is not quite the hero he wants to present himself as to this court, said Hamrock.  Its his actions that accelerated the level of danger in that area.

Dunns attorney, David Lawler, emphasized the fact that his client had willingly cooperated with the police and had given them total access to his cellphone.

I didnt come down here with the intention to use my gun, Dunn said in a statement. I normally carry my gun with me wherever I go for protection.

Dunn said he just wanted a chance to pursue his career and finish his schooling, and that he would be on the straight and narrow path from now on.

Knowing what I know now, going through this process, it wont happen again, Dunn said.

Although Bloodworth sentenced Dunn to the minimum penalty carried by the Class 4 felony, he said gun violence is an increasingly prevalent problem in the region.

Im not buying the hero argument that weve heard this morning.  It was a bad choice, and I think you understand that, Mr. Dunn, Bloodworth said.

As a convicted felon, Dunn will not be allowed to legally own a gun. Bloodworth said he would not be able to possess even a bullet. Dunn will be allowed to leave the state of Illinois so that he can continue working in Missouri.

This puts the ball in your court. There can be no slipups, Bloodworth said.

John Ingram and Travis Tyler, both 22 and of Cape Girardeau, are charged with first-degree murder in the shooting incident and have pleaded not guilty to those charges. They will appear in court Friday for a status hearing.

Williams said that Dunn, Tyler and one other person visited a shooting range together on Feb. 17, 2016. Dunn maintained that although he and Tyler knew each other, they did not travel to the house party together on March 27. Dunn also claimed he was unable to identify the two individuals who were firing their weapons across the street from the party.

A fourth suspect in the shooting, Daniel D. Holmes, 22, of Carbondale, remains at large.
A Murphysboro man on Wednesday was sentenced to 18 months in prison on a felony charge of possession of a controlled substance.

Jackson County State's Attorney Michael C. Carr said in a news release that Orlando T. Jarrett, 24, was sentenced the Illinois Department of Corrections after pleading guilty to the charge of unlawful possession of a controlled substance, a Class 4 felony.

On March 9, deputies from the Jackson County Sheriffs Office transported Jarrett from the Sparta Police Department, where he had been arrested on three outstanding Jackson County warrants for probation violations. Upon arrival at the Jackson County jail, Jarrett confessed to the deputies that he was concealing Xanax, a controlled substance, on his person. Jarrett voluntarily turned over 78 pills to the deputies before being confined in the Jackson County jail.

Jarrett was sentenced to serve 18 months in the Illinois Department of Corrections followed by one year of mandatory supervised release.

This matter was investigated by the Jackson County Sheriffs Office. Assistant States Attorney Mark Hamrock was responsible for the prosecution of this case.

 The Southern
SPRINGFIELD  Senate Democrats added spending to a budget plan Tuesday to lure more Democratic support before voting to approve a $5.4 billion tax increase without a single Republican "aye."

With eight days remaining before the General Assembly's scheduled May 31 adjournment, Democrats said they couldn't wait any longer to approve a plan and give the House time to weigh in. Approving a budget after that date would require a three-fifths majority.

Illinois has been without a budget since summer 2015. It's the longest any state has gone without an annual spending plan in modern history. The fiscal year will end June 30 with a deficit pushing $6 billion. The state was behind on paying $14.4 billion in bills as of Tuesday.

A fiscal outline influenced by Republicans failed to attract a single GOP vote last week. So Democrats decided to go it alone and replaced previous spending cuts on Medicaid, retiree health insurance and revenue sharing for local governments. They approved increasing the personal income tax rate from 3.75 percent to 4.95 percent and passed a $37.3 billion spending plan, which they noted is the same amount Rauner proposed in February while still reducing spending by $3 billion.

The legislation's sponsor, Democratic Sen. Toi Hutchinson of Olympia Fields, noted that with no action, the mountain of past-due bills could grow 70 percent by next year.

"Please explain to me what the income tax will be with $24 billion in backlog," Hutchinson said. "Junk-bond status. No capital bill. No roads. No infrastructure, no school repairs, no nothing. If you're waiting for a better deal with the tax payments, somebody better start telling the truth."

But Republicans were still pressing for a trade-off under which they would support the tax increase in return for Democrats supporting Gov. Bruce Rauner's call for freezing local property taxes and reducing costs in the workers' compensation program. In a "Facebook Live" appearance at noon, Rauner continued to beat the drum.

"You're delivering a punishing tax increase and making the wrong people pay," said GOP Sen. Kyle McCarter of Lebanon.

Southern Illinois lawmakers were not pleased.

The Senate majority advanced an unbalanced budget based on the largest tax increase in Illinois history," Sen. Paul Schimpf, R-Waterloo, said. "That same proposal is also balanced on the backs of our public service workers, by short-changing this years pension payment. This was a huge tax increase without pro-growth reforms. The Senate majority acted in a way that breached our good-faith negotiations. I urge my Democrat colleagues to come back to the negotiating table to support the job-growing reforms that are essential for a truly balanced budget.

Senator Dale Fowler, R-Harrisburg, also called out a lack of compromise.

For the 16th time, the Senate majority passed yet another unbalanced and possibly unconstitutional budget proposal," Fowler said. "Illinoisans demand better than more of the same tax and spend proposals The Senate majority budget did nothing to address much-needed, pro-growth reforms to entice businesses to come to Illinois.

Democratic Senate President John Cullerton of Chicago said after the vote that Republicans rejected his best offer last week  a two-year freeze on property taxes. He ticked off votes on education funding changes, an overhaul of pension funding and other Rauner demands that were approved last week. He said property taxes and workers' compensation are still in play. He acted baffled that Republicans would so soundly reject a fiscal blueprint they so heavily influenced.

"This is a product of negotiations with Republicans," Cullerton said. "The taxes are the product of negotiations with Republicans. The only thing missing are Republican votes."

Senate Republican Leader Christine Radogno of Lemont, who has been out front for five months in negotiating pieces of the so-called "grand bargain" with Cullerton, listened to the budget debate from her office, her spokeswoman said. In a statement, she said she hopes the House "can approach it in a bipartisan manner and make further progress."

In addition to the income tax hike, the state's 6.25 percent sales tax would be expanded for the first time to services such as dry cleaning and laundry, storage units, vehicle maintenance and tattoos and piercing. The latest version removes other personal services, landscaping and home maintenance.
On Memorial Day, Americans remember those who died while in service to the country. In the past five years, a large proportion of these deaths have been suicides.

Popular media often link military suicide with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which does indeed have a documented association with thoughts about suicide. However, clinicians who work with veterans have identified an additional cluster of symptoms that are related to both military deployment and suicide risk but do not fit the criteria for PTSD.

These symptoms fit with what has been called moral injury.

What is moral injury?

Moral injury can occur when a personal moral code  ones understanding of whats right  is violated. Most of us develop this code in childhood based on instructions from parents, teachers and religious leaders.

This sense of morality can incorporate fundamental values of religious and legal doctrines such as Thou shalt not kill and Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Most of us occasionally stray from what our code says is right, but military service  especially in combat zones  can expose people to situations in which every available choice has morally fraught results.

One combat veteran who served in Afghanistan, for example, shared with my psychology of war class an experience in which he shot and killed a child soldier who was about to fire on his men. He knew he had made the right choice, but the responsibility for a childs death was still a heavy moral burden.

The moral conflict created by the violations of whats right generates moral injury when the inability to reconcile wartime actions with a personal moral code creates lasting psychological consequences.

Psychiatrist Jonathan Shay, in his work with Vietnam veterans, defined moral injury as the psychological, social and physiological results of a betrayal of whats right by an authority in a high-stakes situation. In Achilles In Vietnam, a book that examines the psychological devastation of war, a Vietnam veteran described a situation in which his commanding officers used tear gas on a village after the veteran and his unit had their gas masks rendered ineffective due to water damage. The veteran stated, They gassed us almost to death. This type of friendly fire incident is morally wounding in a way that attacks by an enemy are not.

Psychologist Brett Litz and his colleagues expanded this to include self-betrayal and identified perpetrating, failing to prevent, bearing witness to, or learning about acts that transgress deeply held moral beliefs and expectations as the cause of moral injury.

Guilt and moral injury

A research study published in 1991 identified combat-related guilt as the best predictor of suicide attempts among a sample of Vietnam veterans with PTSD. Details of the veterans experiences connected that guilt to morally injurious events. As the authors noted,

One man, for example, shot and killed a woman who was advancing toward his patrol and did not heed his order to stop. She turned out to be wired with explosives, but the veteran ruminated about whether he could have stopped her by firing a warning shot or wounding her in the legs.

A more recent study of active-duty service members found that the connection between guilt and suicidal thoughts was strongest among those with combat exposure. Another review of research concluded that service members who committed acts that violated accepted bounds of behavior were more prone to substance abuse and suicidal behavior.

Can moral injury be healed?

The truth is that military engagement will always involve morally problematic actions. However, healing from moral injury is possible.

Mental health treatment can help. Preliminary evidence suggests that cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) modified to treat issues related to moral injury can reduce depression as well as guilt- and shame-related thoughts. Treatment can come in other forms as well. Psychotherapist Edward Tick, for example, organizes trips to Vietnam for U.S. veterans to meet their Vietnamese counterparts, for the healing of decades-long wounds.

However, we dont need to be trained therapists to make a difference. Everyday social connections can also help the morally injured heal. In his dissertation, the second author of this article conducted a series of interviews with veterans exposed to potentially morally injurious events and found consistent differences between those with higher levels of depression and suicidal thoughts and those with fewer symptoms. Veterans who werent doing so well felt isolated and lacked support by friends, by family and by peers. Veterans with few symptoms felt supported by family, friends, peers and by their community. Thats the rest of us.

When we discover that someone has a military background, replacing the perfunctory Thank you for your service (which rarely leads to a meaningful exchange) with questions that start a conversation can create a new connection. The hopes, dreams, insecurities and mistakes of those who have served may be somewhat different based on their military background; many wont be different at all.

More positive social connections arent just psychologically healthy for veterans and their families. They are good for all of us, on Memorial Day and every other day of the year.
COLUMBIA  A white supremacist petitioned a court for mercy, asking the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Tuesday to overturn his conviction and death sentence for killing nine black worshippers in a racist attack at a Charleston church.

The notice filed by attorneys for Dylann Roof was an expected move in what's expected to be years of appeals in his federal case. Earlier this month, the federal judge who presided over Roof's trial rejected his first appeal, ruling that the conviction and death sentence for the June 2015 massacre at Emanuel AME church should stand.

Roof, 23, was sentenced to death earlier this year. Authorities have said the self-avowed white supremacist opened fire during a closing prayer of the Bible study session.

In his initial appeal, Roof argued that his crime didn't fit the definition of interstate commerce needed to make a federal case because he bought the gun and bullets in South Carolina and did not travel out-of-state to the church.

U.S. District Judge Richard Gergel ruled that Roof had used a telephone to call the church, GPS to find it and that the bullets and gun were manufactured in a different state.

Roof's appeals come as no surprise. According to recently released transcripts of hearings to determine his competency to stand trial, Roof told his lawyers that he'd go through the appellate process to drag his case out as long as he could.

With the passage of time, Roof said, he expected white supremacists to take over the U.S. within several years, pardon him for the killings and make him governor of South Carolina.

"He has no intention of waiving his appeals because this will give enough time for the world to turn upside down," defense attorney David Bruck said, according to a court transcript.

There's no timeline for Roof's federal appeal. He remains in custody on federal death row in Terre Haute, Indiana.
COLUMBIA  A Republican South Carolina lawmaker charged with lobbying for clients while in office said Tuesday outside a courtroom that his prosecution was a politically motivated feud. Inside the courtroom, his lawyers argued to kick the prosecutor off the case.

Former Majority Leader Rick Quinn Jr. pointed out that Solicitor David Pascoe, elected as a Democrat, has indicted only four Republican lawmakers during a nearly three-year investigation into Statehouse corruption. He called Pascoe "a Democrat prosecutor who wants to be the Republican attorney general."

"If Mr. Pascoe really believed there was illegal activity, I'm curious as to why he hasn't indicted Democrats who did the very same thing I did as majority leader  not the least of which is reporting. We all report the same," Quinn said.

Inside the courtroom, Quinn's lawyers were trying to get a judge to remove Pascoe from the case, arguing the prosecutor saw documents seized in a raid on a business run by Quinn's father that were from the father and son's attorneys  communication that is constitutionally protected from law enforcement in a criminal case.

Pascoe vigorously denied looking at anything he was not supposed to see.

The argument came in a case that has seen one conviction and three pending trials and has been filled with political intrigue. The millions of dollars collected and spent by the Quinns on clients' behalf have become central to the probe. Richard Quinn Sr., a veteran GOP strategist, owns consulting and marketing firms. Rep. Rick Quinn, also a political consultant, owns a direct-mail business. The Quinns have long contended they keep their businesses and clients separate. But last week's indictment against Quinn Jr. alleges he has an economic interest in all of them. His father has not been charged.

A longtime client of Quinn Sr. is Attorney General Alan Wilson, who turned the investigation over to Pascoe in 2014 when then-House Speaker Bobby Harrell was indicted because he was worried about a conflict of interest. Wilson unsuccessfully fought to get the probe back under his control when Pascoe sought to expand it to other lawmakers.

"I believe my family is a victim of really a feud between the two of them," Quinn Jr. said.

The younger Quinn was indicted on two counts of misconduct in office last week. Pascoe said in court Tuesday the Quinns' firms accepted nearly $4.6 million from huge South Carolina companies and institutions including utility SCANA, the University of South Carolina and the State Ports Authority and didn't report the income and lobbied on the company's interests while voting on their behalf.

The indictments also said when Quinn was majority leader from 1999 to 2004, he sent more than $270,000 in business from the House Republican Caucus to his and his father's firms. Quinn's lawyers said he sought opinions from the attorney general and House lawyers who said that activity was legal.

Pascoe argued to stay on the case. The State Law Enforcement Division agent who supervised a raid on the Quinns' business in Columbia in March testified he told any agent who saw a document that looked in any way like it was addressed to or came from a lawyer to give it to him and he sealed it in an envelope.

Pascoe said he assigned two other solicitors that haven't been associated with the case so far to work on a "taint team" to review the documents so he wouldn't see anything he shouldn't.

Questioning from Quinn lawyers indicate they think SLED agent Richard Gregory was sloppy and Pascoe saw documents between them and the Quinns. The hearing will continue Tuesday afternoon.
COLUMBIA (AP)  South Carolina senators approved legislation to keep state government running if legislators can't agree on a budget before the fiscal year starts.

The Senate approved the continuing resolution 40-0 Tuesday without debate.

Senate President Pro Tem Hugh Leatherman says it's "simply to have a backstop" and he doesn't expect it to be necessary.

Before the regular session ended May 11, legislators created a three-day special session starting Tuesday.

Without a budget to vote on, a mostly empty House met for less than 15 minutes. Speaker Jay Lucas recommended representatives not return until there's agreement.

A legislative panel failed to reach a compromise last week between the chamber's $8 billion proposals. It met briefly in public Tuesday afternoon.

The fiscal year's July 1 start is still more than five weeks away.
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By Azernews





By Sara Israfilbayova

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries will gather in Vienna on May 25 to mull together with non-OPEC oil producers extension of the production cuts put in place in November as a way to shore up prices, which have been choppy this month.

Russia and Saudi Arabia has already announced that they are eager to extend oil production cuts through the first quarter of 2018. Following this announcement, a number of OPEC and non-OPEC producers began signaling support to the initiative.

Now the oil exporting countries are discussing the prolongation of the oil cut agreement for the entire 2018, said Noureddine Boutarfa, Algerias Energy Minister.

"We have many options, not only for nine months ahead, but the whole next year," he said.

"But the main proposal concerns the extension for nine months," Boutarfa said, adding that everything will depend on the data on oil reserves.

Ecuador Oil Minister Carlos Perez also confirmed that OPEC and other oil-producing countries would discuss a six- or nine-month extension to output cuts and probably choose the latter.

"Six and nine months are both proposals on the table ... we will support the majority, probably the nine months," Perez, whose country is in OPEC, told reporters after arriving in Vienna on Tuesday.

Saudi Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih earlier won support from OPEC's second-biggest and fastest-growing producer, Iraq, for a nine-month extension and said he expected no objections from anyone else.

Iraqs Oil Minister Jabbar Al-Luaibi said almost all countries participating in the cut had agreed to extend it, though there was no consensus yet on how long the extension should be. Some ministers say nine months, some ministers think six months, al-Luaibi said.

Irans Oil Minister Bijan Namdar Zangeneh announced on May 24 that Iran agrees with the extension, but the negotiations are focused on the period of extension, Shana reported. The country was the only OPEC member allowed to increase its output under the supply cut deal.

Azerbaijan, whose participation in joint oil production cuts is defined at 35,000 barrels per day, also supports prolongation. Energy Minister Natig Aliyev underlined Azerbaijans readiness to further take steps for achieving stable oil prices.

The statements of top energy officials about prolongation pushed up the price of oil.

Today, the price for July futures of Brent crude oil has increased by 0.22 percent to $54.27 per barrel, meanwhile, the price for July futures of West Texas Intermediate (WTI) has grown by 0.17 percent and stood at $51.56 per barrel.
By Azernews





By Sara Israfilbayova

The trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Mexico has doubled since 2014, the Mexican embassy said in a statement issued on the second anniversary of the activity of Ambassador Rodrigo Labardini in Baku.

Labardini is the first ambassador of Mexico in Azerbaijan. Labardini took the office after 8 months since the opening of diplomatic representation of this Latin American country in Azerbaijan.

The embassy stressed that the opening of the embassies of both countries greatly contributed to the growth of bilateral trade. Since the opening of the embassy in 2014 and in 2015, the volume of bilateral trade increased threefold and reached $22 million. In 2016 similar figures were observed. In turn, bilateral tourism in the same period tripled, the statement reads.

However, the current trade turnover indicators still do not correspond to the potential that exists between the two states, according to the embassy.

The embassy further highlighted that Mexico for the first time took part in the Azerbaijan International Food Industry Exhibition in 2017, where 16 categories of Mexican products, including ground chili, sweets with chili, fruits, drinks, beans, and also Mexican beer, tequila and mescal, were presented.

Besides, various Mexican films have been screened in Baku, while some of them have been translated into the Azerbaijani language.

2016 saw exhibitions of Mexican artists in Baku and in the regions of the country. Such exhibitions were organized in Ganja, Mingachevir, Gabala and Shamakhi. Currently, works of Mexican sculptor Jorge Marina are on display at the Heydar Aliyev Center. The exhibition, which opened in October 2016, will last until the end of August 2017.

The embassy stated that it will further actively promote bilateral relations, developing friendship between Mexico and Azerbaijan.

In December 1991, Mexico recognized the independence of Azerbaijan. On 14 January 1992, both nations established diplomatic relations.
By Azernews





By Laman Ismayilova

Azerbaijan's National Art Museum will open its doors to a new photo exhibition on May 30.

The spring exhibition is dedicated to Azerbaijan's majestic nature.

"Azerbaijan is a unique country with contrasting natural areas. Here you can see an amazing variety of landscapes: deserts, steppes, tropical plantations, rocky gorges, seashores, plateaus and much more," the organizers say in a message.

The project aims to showcase the beauty and diversity of Azerbaijan's nature through photography, to promote interest in the region's tourism potential and to draw attention to landscape photography as a genre of art.

The exhibition will present fifteen works of photographers Rustam Huseynov Ilkin Kangarli, Emil Gazi, Denis Svechnikov. Specifically for the project, the artists spent several months in the country's regions, "hunting" for the best moments of Azerbaijani spring.

The exhibition which will run June 2 is curated by Rustam Huseynov. Entrance is free.
By Azernews





By Laman Ismayilova

A new hall Memory of Motherland was opened at Shaki`s "Yukhari Bash" State Historical-Architectural Reserve.

The hall presents an exhibition of mini layouts of Shaki`s historical-cultural monuments, including the Palace of Shaki Khans, Albanian Kish temple, fortress "Gelersan-Gerarsan" ("Come and see") and other historical monuments.

Famous public and art figures, as well as residents of Sheki attended the opening ceremony, Azertac reported.

The visitors had a chance to travel through time to discover the architectural treasuries of the region.

Known for its beauty and charm, Shaki is a unique place that has preserved the culture of urban planning inherent to medieval towns. For centuries this beautiful city, which is located along the route of the ancient Silk Road, was an important center of art and commerce.

It was one of the biggest cities of the Albanian states in the 1st century. The main temple of the ancient Albanians was located there.

Rare historical and architectural monuments of the city - caravanserais, mosques, minarets, walls, bridges, etc. indicate ancient architectural style of Sheki.

The palace of Shaki Khans is one of the most precious pearls of this unique place. The maples in the palace's yard are even older than buildings there.

Ashagi and Yukari Caravanserais built in the 18th century are an exotic venue for tourists.

Sheki is home to a number of ancient arts. Tinners, potters, hatters and musical instrument makers are working there. Shebeke ornament is one of the ancient arts in Sheki, what made Sheki famous around the world.

Rich flora and fauna are "must-see" for any tourist traveling through the countryside in Azerbaijan. The region is famous for its nuts, hazelnuts, chestnut, apple, raspberry, strawberry and some herbals.

Shaki wines are very popular outside the country. The region produces red and white wines. The region has its own unique and rich cuisine.




By Azernews





The leaders of numerous countries have congratulated Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on the Republic Day, May 28.

May 28, 1918, marks the establishment of the ADR, the first independent republic and democratic state on the East. Although it existed for only 23 months, it brought about great progress in foreign policy, and introduced Azerbaijan to the international community.

To appreciate the historical significance of this event not only for Azerbaijan, but also for the entire Islamic world, it is enough to recall that at that time there were only seven independent Muslim states in the world - Turkey, Persia, Afghanistan, Emirate of Bukhara, and three small monarchies of Inner Arabia.

Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King of Saudi Arabia wished in his message lasting development and prosperity to the brotherly government and people of Azerbaijan.

On behalf of the people and government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and on my own behalf, I extend to Your Excellency my warmest congratulations on the occasion of the national holiday of your country  Republic Day.

I wish you robust health and happiness, and the brotherly government and people of Azerbaijan lasting development and prosperity. Please accept, Your Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration, the message reads.

President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Mamnoon Hussain in his message stressed that Pakistan highly values its relations with Azerbaijan, which are rooted in our common faith.

The strong cooperation between our two countries in multifaceted areas including political, economic, culture, energy, connectivity and defense is indeed a reflection of the strong bonds between the governments and people of our two countries. I sincerely hope that bilateral relations will continue to strengthen further to the mutual benefit of the two brotherly countries, the message reads.

President of India Pranab Mukherjee, in turn, hailed the Indian-Azerbaijani relations.

It is indeed a matter of satisfaction that the long-standing friendly relations between India and Azerbaijan have been strengthened and deepened in a wide range of areas. I am confident that our joint efforts to further expand our bilateral cooperation will pave the way for our closer partnership in new areas of our common interest, the message reads.

Earlier, President of the Federal Republic of Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier , Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia Peter Cosgrove, King of Sweden Carl Gustaf, King of Norway Harald V, King of the Netherlands Willem-Alexander, King of the Belgians Philippe, Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Elizabeth II, Muhammad bin Nayef bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud, Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Interior of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Muhammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Deputy Crown Prince, Second Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister of Saudi Arabia also sent a congratulatory letter to President Ilham Aliyev.
By Trend





Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov has left for a working visit to New York, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry reported on May 24.

Mammadyarov will take part in an event timed to the 25th anniversary of Azerbaijans establishing relations with the UN.

The Azerbaijani foreign minister will also hold a number of meetings with UN officials within the framework of the visit.
L-R: Chili and T-Boz of TLC; ABC RadioTonight's episode of Hollywood Medium With Tyler Henry shows the 21-year-old clairvoyant making a supernatural connection with late TLC member Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes.

Another TLC member, Tionne "T-Boz" Watkins, also sits in the room during the haunting moment.

In a clip of the episode, Tyler Henry asks T-Boz, "There is a reference to South America and South American countries. Do you know if she had visited at any point Central America from your knowledge?" T-Boz replies, "Honduras."

Lisa Lopes was killed in a car accident in the Central American country in 2002.

Tyler also references the accident and says that, according to a message from Lisa, her death could have been avoided if she was in a different country, particularly in the United States.

To find out what else Tyler reveals to T-Boz, tune in to Hollywood Medium with Tyler Henry tonight at 8 p.m. on E!.

Copyright  2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
By Azernews





By Kamila Aliyeva

The Islamic Republic of Iran, a country with the largest natural gas reserves in the world after Russia, strives to sell its natural gas in the European markets.

From the EU point of view, Iran could contribute directly or indirectly to the diversification of natural gas supplies to Europe, a source in the European Commission told Trend on May 24.

The source noted that the supply of Iranian gas to Europe could be provided by connecting Iran to the Southern Gas Corridor, designed to bring Azerbaijans Shah Deniz gas to Europe.

"The launch of the Southern Gas Corridor will provide Iran with an excellent opportunity to enter the EU gas market," the source said, further adding that the Iranian gas supplies to Europe in the form of LNG are possible.

The source noted that the Iranian LNG can increase the liquidity and availability of gas on the world market, and thereby increase the availability of supplies and reduce prices.

Besides, the source added that the issue of how to supply gas to Europe - through pipelines or through LNG should be decided by Iran itself.

Iran's proven reserves amount to 33.5 trillion cubic meters of gas. However, the country lacks necessary export infrastructure to realize gas sales. Under sanctions, Iran was banned from the global financial system, preventing the development of its oil and gas fields and necessary infrastructure.

Currently, Iran considers exporting its gas in LNG form as well. To date, Iran does not have the capacity to liquefy gas, but the country is negotiating with foreign companies to implement such projects.

The country has a semi-finished LNG plant, suspended mid-2000s due to sanctions, but hasnt re-launched the plant yet. The capacity of project is 10.4 million tons per year of liquefaction of natural gas. It has costed $2.5 billion and needs further $5.5-9.5 billion to be completed.

Moreover, there is no transit gas pipeline connecting Iran with the EU. Iran has two main options to deliver its gas to Europe which are to either construct new pipeline via Turkey or build a connector to the Trans-Anatolian pipeline - TANAP (Turkish leg of the Southern Gas Corridor).

Given the damages caused by sanctions on Irans energy sector and the delays in the development of its gas fields in the Persian Gulf, Iran needs at least 5-6 years to prepare its exports to Europe, for the construction of new pipelines and development of new fields.

Irans gross gas output stands at 285bn m3/yr. However, it plans to increase this volume to about 440 bcm/y by 2021 after full operational of South Pars and starting gas production from other projects like Kish gas field.
By Azernews





By Laman Ismayilova

There's no better place to experience Azerbaijan's natural beauty rather than in Ganja, one of the country's stunning regions.

Locating some 375 km away from Baku, Ganja is significant to the politico-economic and cultural life of the country since the earliest of times. The city was also the capital of Azerbaijan, when the country first declared its independence in 1918, thus playing a leading role in the history of the country.

With about 313,300 residents, city has many amenities that offer a wide range of cultural activities, drawing both from a rich local dramatic portfolio and an international repertoire.

The region is famous for its nature, namely Goygol Lake and reserve. A large mountain lake surrounded by the mountains of the Lesser Caucasus was formed at a result of a devastating earthquake that destroyed the mountain Kapaz in the 12th century.

Ganja River which originates in the Caucasus Mountains is especially beautiful in spring. As the snow melts, wonderful scenery with the lots of grass opens to us.

Photos: Azertac




Compareit4me.com, a leading comparison site in the Middle East, has raised $3.5 million from its existing investors, including STC Ventures, Wamda Capital, Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority and Saned Partners, in its latest phase of funding.



The money raised is part of an initial closing ahead of a larger, Series B round of funding to be concluded in the coming months. It will be used to help the company expedite the growth of its fast-growing insurance business in the UAE and wider Middle East, the company said.



Since launching the UAEs first online car insurance comparison portal in March 2016, compareit4mes insurance business has grown to a levels where it sells $1.5 million worth of insurance policies per month, with the company expecting that number to reach $5 million per month by the end of 2017.



The majority of the new investment has come from existing investors STC Ventures, managed by Iris Capital, and Wamda Capital, which first backed compareit4me in the companys Series A in 2015, with both doubling their investment in the business through this latest round of financing. The round also includes further investment from Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority and Saned Partners. To date, compareit4me has raised over $9 million in total.



As of April 2017, compareit4mes year-on-year growth in insurance policy sales reached 600 per cent, making the company, by a considerable margin, the largest insurance aggregator in the UAE and one of the countrys top insurance distributors, it said.



And with sales five to seven times greater than those of its nearest competitor, over that same period, compareit4me has seen GMV (the total value of policies sold) growth of over 400 per cent, it added.



Progress in the insurance business has been such that we have already outgrown the office we took on last year for our state-of-the-art call centre. As we continue to expand the call centre, we will soon be moving into a much bigger office to accommodate our growing staff of agents, said Samer Chehab, COO of compareit4me.com.



With the launch of online insurance comparison in Saudi Arabia imminent for compareit4me, the company is looking to capitalise on pent-up demand for the ability to compare prices and buy policies online, he said.



As we saw when we launched car insurance comparison in the UAE, and as our growth numbers prove, there is so much demand among consumers to arrange insurance online. In the UK, well over 50 per cent of policies are bought online, whereas the Middle East figure is a fraction of that. Well be working to change that as we launch in new markets and consumers realise the benefits of comparing and buying policies online, said Jon Richards, CEO of compareit4me.com.  TradeArabia News Service




Al Maha Arjaan by Rotana, a leading hotel apartment in the capital city of the UAE, has announced the completion of its Dh50-million ($13.6 million)renovation project.



The completed renovation showcases a modern four-star deluxe hotel offering an exciting remodelling of 288 guestrooms, the main lobby, recreation centre, meeting space and new restaurant concept.



Nadim El Zyr, general manager, said: With respect to its location, facilities and services, Al Maha Arjaan by Rotana has always been an iconic hotel in Abu Dhabi. The renovation project was an important step for our owners and for Rotana to provide new levels of accommodation and facilities to our loyal guests and visitors to the city.

The massive renovation project was concluded in three phases, starting with Cafe 302, which was launched in July 2016. Cafe 302 is a welcoming and trendy place to catch up with friends that serves buffet breakfast, a la carte lunch and dinner, takeaways from the deli counter and premium retail items from across the world.



The second phase saw the completion of the 260-sq-m meeting space and the redevelopment of the leisure facilities. The improved state-of-the-art meeting facilities are complemented with elegant interiors. The progressive banquet spaces are ideal for small and medium sized events. Bodylines Fitness and Wellness Club, Al Maha Arjaans recreation facility has a renewed poolside with Italian marble flooring and new cabanas. Four new massage treatment rooms, an inviting relaxation area, and upgraded gym have been instilled as a part of this project.



The final and most significant phase of the renovation were the rooms and suites, which boast a complete make-over. Each room includes new furniture, decor and carpet in contemporary colours and monochrome designs imported from Italy and the UK. Additionally, all rooms and suites have been technologically modernised with new 50-inch TVs, enhanced wi-fi coverage, and new kitchen appliances in the suites. The enriched ambiance creates the perfectly warm and comfortable environment for guests.



We understand our guest mix and took their needs into consideration early on in the planning. We will certainly try our utmost best to provide our valuable guests a pleasurable experience to remember at the all new Al Maha Arjaan by Rotana, said El Zyr.



Strategically situated at the intersection of Fatima Bint Mubarak and Hamdan Street, the hotel is nestled in a vibrant neighbourhood. - TradeArabia News Service


Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services (DCAS) has inked a four-year agreement with the municipal authorities for installation of Dubai Lamps in all its buildings.



Said to be the world's most energy-efficient LED (light emitting diode) lamp, Dubai Lamps saves 90 per cent of electricity bill compared to the conventional lamps due to its life span of 25,000 hours, reported state news agency Wam.



The agreement comes as part of the government's ongoing efforts to promote the Dubai Lamp initiative of Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, it stated.



Hussain Nasser Lootah, the director-general of Dubai Municipality, and Khalifa bin Dari, the executive director of DCAS signed the deal aimed at booting co-operation on energy conservation.



Under this agreement, Dubai Municipality will co-ordinate with DCAS in installing the lamps in its buildings and facilities, as well as help conduct studies to evaluate the savings achieved through the installation of Dubai Lamps in its projects, it added.
The UAE's tile market is poised for solid growth mainly driven by the construction activities linked to the Dubai Expo 2020, said an industry expert, citing a report.



In the UAE, demand for tiles is predicted to grow by 12 per cent, thanks to the ongoing hotel and tourism projects, which currently amount to a pipeline valued at $8.1 billion to 2020, according to the 2015 Frost and Sullivan report, Tiles and Ceramics Market Assessing Growth Trends and New Opportunities in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).



The UAEs continued construction boom ahead of Expo 2020, has driven demand for ceramic tiles to increase by almost 70 per cent, said the expert.



With almost 40 per cent of tiles imported from overseas, this poses huge opportunities for international manufacturers to win contracts on prestigious UAE projects, said the experts ahead of a major industry event in the Indian state of Gujarat.



As the largest exporter of tiles to the UAE, India is well positioned to build on its already strong business ties with the country and, between November 14 to 19, buyers from the UAE will have the chance to visit the second largest manufacturer of tiles in the world at the Vibrant Ceramics Expo and Summit 2017.



An initiative of Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, the exhibition will be held in Indian cities of Gandhinagar and Ahmedabad, with business leaders from the booming local ceramic industry welcoming a delegation of buyers from the UAE.



The hosted programme will offer three nights accommodation, meals, local transportation and a helicopter tour of the factory for international delegates, said the organisers.



It is the latest in a series of trade partnerships between the two countries, which are expected to achieve trade exchanges worth $100 billion by 2020.



In January 2017, 14 strategic partnerships were signed for transport, energy, shipping and trade, between Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of UAE Armed Forces and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.



The high-profile event is being organised in association with the Morbi Ceramics Associations.



Spread over 50,000 sq m area, the expo will host more than 250 exhibitors, over 400 brands and thousands of sizes and designs under one roof, with offerings to outshine the value of china and the style of Italy.



Gujarat happens to be worlds second largest tile manufacturing zone. The Indian ceramic tile industry is estimated to be of 240 billion ($3.7 billion), of which 40 per cent has been organized and 60 per cent has been unorganized.



Gujarat is leading the tile production industry by a significant margin, with the cumulative investment in Gujarat alone currently standing at 80 billion ($1.2 billion).



CEO of Vibrant Ceramics Expo and Summit 2017 Sandip Patel said: "The exhibition will showcase the latest technology, ceramic tiles, sanitary-ware and bath-fittings, while technology transfer, investment, joint ventures and networking will be key highlights at the conference."



"Vibrant Ceramics is one-of-a-kind initiative that aims to unify the key players in the ceramics industry. We hope to get great participation from UAE, as it is our first step towards a fruitful association with UAE," he added.-TradeArabia News Service
Iranian and European companies signed a contract valued at 3 billion ($3.35 billion) to build a petrochemical plant in the Assalouyeh region of southern Iran, said a report.



The funds are expected to be spent towards building a plant that will make two types of polymers for the first time in Iran, Adel Nejadsalim, CEO of the Persian Gulf Petrochemical Industries Company (PGPIC), was quoted as saying in an Iran Daily News report, citing Fars News Agency.



Nejadsalim noted that the two types of polymers will meet international standards.



He added that currently the joint petrochemical project is undergoing feasibility studies and further details about the type of partnership with the European company, production capacity, etc. will be announced following the completion of the negotiations.



Iran expects to draw $10 billion in foreign investments for petrochemical projects, added the report.
Honeywell has announced a new Connected Freight solution that gives shippers and logistics companies the ability to monitor shipments of high-value and perishable goods, helping prevent costly damage and loss.



The new solution, developed in collaboration with Intel and third-party logistics companies, provides real-time information about the location and condition of critical freight while in transit. The solution was introduced during a recent Honeywell Safety and Productivity Solutions launch event, said a statement from the company.



The announcement comes as the Middle East continues to focus on developing its transport and logistics sectors in line with the regional economic diversification agenda, it said.



The development of world-class infrastructure that maximises efficiency and creates high-quality services for end users is at the heart of this ambition, it added.



Edmond Mikhael, general manager for Honeywell SPS in the Middle East, Turkey and Africa (Meta), said: Our company is developing a range of connected supply chain solutions that leverage technology and data to make supply chains more efficient, better able to adapt to rapid change, and in turn, support the Middle Easts economic growth.



For an important and growing sector in the region, the convenient cloud-based solution allows shippers, logistics providers, retailers and others faced with a host of costly freight challenges, such as theft, damage, spoilage and delays, with detailed analytics. This enables customers to plan, anticipate and react immediately to incidents that occur during shipment, he said.



Real-time shipment information is critical, for example, when shipping perishables and goods that require uninterrupted refrigeration, such as pharmaceuticals, or high-value equipment that is sensitive to vibration or shock, said a styatement.



Chet Hullum, general manager for industrial solutions at Intel, said: After assessing our internal supply chain needs and the needs of the industry, we forged a unique collaboration with Honeywell.



Together, we've customised our connected logistics platform technology to deliver an IoT offering that solves real logistics problems, he said.



Thanks to data accessibility, shippers and carriers will be able to establish a more reliable supply chain network by having deeper visibility and information on shipments, he added.



Honeywells Connected Freight solution consists of cost-effective sensor tags that sense a range of environmental conditions, such as temperature or vibration. The tags can be affixed to pallets or individual packages. The sensor data is captured by a mobile gateway placed inside a truck or shipping container and then transmitted via cellular networks to a cloud-based command-and-control platform, it said.



Users can establish alerts based on temperature, shock, tilt, humidity, pressure and intrusion detection. The solution can alert manufacturers of high-value, highly sensitive technology if equipment has been damaged while being loaded or unloaded, or if it may have been stolen. The cloud can also store data for compliance and audit needs, and provide predictive and reactive analysis, such as which routes to avoid, it added.



Honeywell developed the technology with Intel and three prominent third-party logistics companies: DHL, Expeditors and Kuehne + Nagel.



Martin Kolbe, chief information officer at Kuehne + Nagel International AG, said: We chose Honeywell and Intel to partner in the development of Connected Freight because of their expertise and competence in this kind of technology.



We have used our competence as a global provider of logistics services and our expertise in supply chain management in order to co-develop this new technology, he said.



We understand and anticipate the need for real-time data to inform customer actions during transportation very well. Armed with the Connected Freight solution, we can offer a variety of new services tailored to our customers specific needs. There are ongoing trials of the technology with one of our customers in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industry, which is of strategic importance for us, he concluded.



In addition to Connected Freight, Honeywell unveiled a range of connected solutions for truck drivers, delivery workers and field technicians to improve productivity and ensure compliance with regulations, it stated.  TradeArabia News Service
Agility, a leading global logistics provider, has announced a settlement in the criminal case involving the US government food-supply contracts that the company held from 2003 to 2010 (the Prime Vendor Contracts).



In the criminal portion of the case, Agility agreed to plead to a misdemeanour in connection with a single invoice valued at KD167 ($551), said a statement from the company.



The misdemeanour is a minor offense, unrelated to any of the original criminal charges, requiring Agility to pay a maximum of KD167 ($551) in restitution, but no criminal fine, it said.



Agreement to settle the criminal portion of the case is conditional upon Agility signing a separate agreement with the US Department of Justice resolving the pending civil case captioned United States of America, ex rel, et al. v. the Public Warehousing Company, et al., Case No. 1:05-cv-02968-TWT. Any agreements will be subject to final District Court approval.



A settlement, once finalised, will resolve all outstanding criminal issues with the US government in connection with the Prime Vendor contracts for Agility, its affiliates, employees, directors, and officers. The civil proceedings with the US Department of Justice in connection with the Prime Vendor Contracts remain pending, it added.



Separately, Agility also entered into settlement agreements with the Defense Logistics Agency resolving all pending and potential administrative claims between Agility and DLA involving the Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals, and resolving Agilitys suspension from federal government contracting, said a statement.



The DLA agreements are conditional upon Agility signing a further settlement agreement with the US Department of Justice resolving the pending civil case, it said.



These agreements, once made effective, will allow Agility to resume pursuit of new US government contracts. Under the terms of the settlement, the US government has agreed to remove Agility and its subsidiaries and affiliates from the list of suspended companies on its System for Award Management (SAM) database, formerly known as the Excluded Parties List System (EPLS), within 60 days, it stated.  TradeArabia News Service
Dubai Maritime City Authority (DMCA), the government authority of the maritime sector in Dubai, today (May 24) hosted a high-level delegation from the Ajman Tourism Development Department (ATDD), to discuss experience on maritime sector.



The meeting was a part of its efforts to share its pioneering experience at the national level to position the UAEs maritime sector at the highest levels of competitiveness, inclusiveness and excellence in the global maritime industry, said a statement from DMCA.



The session highlighted the achievements in enhancing the attractiveness of the local maritime tourism and the development of visiting yacht policies in Dubai, it said.



This reflects DMCAs keenness to reinforce the concept of government integration to make the maritime sector a key player in building a competitive, diversified and sustainable economy that will bring prosperity and wellbeing to present and future generations, it added.



DMCA officials highlighted the most successful instances from Dubais maritime sector which has resulted in it being ranked as the 10th in the list of the world's top maritime capitals of 2017 and 5th among the worlds most competitive and attractive maritime clusters.



The meeting focused on the best ways to improve maritime tourism by leveraging Dubais experience which has taken quantum leap in the development of the maritime sectors legislative, legal, financing, maritime, logistics and operational services, addressing the present and future requirements.



Ali Al Dabbous, executive director of operations, DMCA, welcomed officials from the ATDD. He stated that the visit will enable them to learn from Dubai's pioneering march to become the world's leading maritime tourism destination, said a statement.



Al Dabbous emphasised the importance of joint cooperation with the ATDD and all federal government bodies in accomplishing the vision of the UAEs leadership in enhancing the historical role of the maritime sector in the economic and cultural development of the nation.



He said: We are committed to disseminating our successful experience across the UAE by promoting knowledge-sharing channels and sharing our best practices as well as global standards.



This will enable our strategic partners in the government sector to follow our path in improving maritime safety and enhancing operational efficiency within the maritime tourism sector as one of the most important components of the maritime clustering, he added.



It will help them build an integrated, secure and supportive maritime environment for the growth and diversification of the national economy. Dubai's success in competing with the world's largest maritime clusters puts us at the forefront to render our expertise in supporting national endeavours to promote the UAE as a world-class maritime tourism destination, concluded Al Dabbous.  TradeArabia News Service
Audemars Piguet, Swiss luxury watchmaker, has officially inaugurated its first boutique in Amman, Jordan during a private event last week.

Located in Luxury Vista, Aritiria Street, the space reflects the brands global retail concept, with an elegant design that captures the 142-year old manufactures core values: origins, artistry and extraordinary relationships.

The blend of wood, metal and idyllic landscapes of Le Brassus, immerses clients in the Vallee de Joux in Switzerland, birthplace of Audemars Piguet, and invites them to discover the brands heritage, craftsmanship and watchmaking expertise.

Timepieces from all major collections will be showcased - including emblematic models as well as pieces from the new collection - for watch enthusiasts and collectors to enjoy in the new Swiss watchmakers Home away from Home.

On the occasion of the opening, Audemars Piguet launched its 2017 Royal Oak Chronograph collection in the Middle East. All seven models within this years new range of Chronographs feature a fresh, two-tone dial design with several new yet subtle details: chronograph counters of increased size that expand at 9 oclock and 3 oclock, shorter but wider hour markers, additional luminescent coating for better readability of the hour and new typeset and transfers. The date window has also been re-located between the 4 and 5 oclock positions.

These design details are showcased in a wide combination of finishes, including 4 pink gold versions with pink gold bracelet or alligator strap and a choice of brown or blue Grande Tapisserie dials, and steel versions with stainless steel bracelets offered with a choice of black, silver or blue Grande Tapisserie dials.

It is an honour to strengthen our regional presence with the opening of our first boutique in Jordan. Together with partners Time Center, we look forward to spreading awareness about Swiss watchmaking and our know-how within the Kingdom, as well as our quest to continue paving the way for future innovations, said Nicolas Garzouzi, CEO Middle East, Audemars Piguet. - TradeArabia News Service
Sir Roger Moore best known for playing James Bond on screen, has died at the age of 89," reported BBC, citing his family.



He played the famous British spy in seven Bond films including Live and Let Die and A View to a Kill. The actor took the character of James Bond in a more humorous direction than his predecessor Sean Connery.



Confirming the news on Twitter, Moore's family said he had died after "a short but brave battle with cancer".



The statement, from his children, read: "Thank you Pops for being you, and being so very special to so many people."



"With the heaviest of hearts, we must share the awful news that our father, Sir Roger Moore, passed away today. We are all devastated," they said in a Twitter post.



He is survived by his three children and wife Kristina Tholstrup. The veteran star will have a private funeral in Monaco in accordance with his wishes, his children said.



Moore's Bond was calm and suave - a smooth operator who could seemingly get himself out of a tricky situation with ease. His big hits include Moonraker, Octopussy and Live and Let Die.



Along with his famous Bond role, he was also known for TV series The Persuaders and The Saint, said the BBC report.



Moore was also well known for his humanitarian work - he was introduced to Unicef by the late Audrey Hepburn and was appointed as a goodwill ambassador in 1991.



Russell Crowe led the tributes to the actor on Twitter, writing simply: "Roger Moore, loved him."



Michael Caine said: "I am truly sad and think I will be in tears if I talk about him. Roger was the perfect gentlemen, adored by all his friends."



Duran Duran, who sang the Bond theme song for A View To A Kill, simply tweeted: RIP Roger.



In a statement, fellow Unicef ambassador and actor Ewan McGregor said: "Thank you, Roger, for having championed so tirelessly the rights of all children for the last 26 years. You've shown that we all have the power to make a change to the lives of the most vulnerable children."
InfoFort, an Aramex company and leading information management solution provider in the Middle East and Africa, has unveiled a new logo designed using the recently launched Dubai typeface.



In homage to the emirates vision to become a leader in innovation and smart technology, InfoFort announced that it has also adopted the Dubai Font for use across its entire internal and external communications materials.



The font, created by The Executive Council of Dubai, in collaboration with Microsoft, was officially introduced to the public on April 30 by the Crown Prince of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum.



As a homegrown UAE company with a clear global footprint, InfoFort is proud to be aligning its brand and communications with the vision of Dubai. The Dubai Font presents a unique way of expressing our core values, while driving our strategy to embrace innovation, digital transformation, and commitment to deliver value to our clients, said Abed Shaheen, CEO of InfoFort.



According to Shaheen, the re-branding and adoption of the new logo also reveal InfoForts pioneering spirit that is central to its vision and based on three main pillars: Data; Technology; and Analytics.



InfoFort began its operations in Dubai, in 1997, and today has operations in 25 cities across the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. - TradeArabia News Service
The Mathaqi App, one of the leading online platforms for ordering home-cooked meals in Saudi Arabia, won an award for tech innovation at the recent KSA Enterprise Agility Awards 2017, held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.



The event was organised by BNC publishing, said a statement.



The awards were presented by Ghassan Al-Sulaiman, governor of the General Authority for SMEs and organised by Entrepreneur Mena, a division of BNC Publishing, celebrate enterprise leaders and individuals who have distinguished themselves by demonstrating innovation and outstanding business conduct, it said.



Through this win, Mathaqi has been recognised as an industry innovator, which has made a significant contribution to helping productive families market their food products and increase their income. This in effect, solves one of the problems faced by the country related to unemployment, as the platform encourages production among family members, it added.



The award-winning app offers more than 18 different cuisines for lunch and dinner, with details of each dish, along with the chefs profile also provided, to authenticate its home-cooked quality.



The well-designed and user-friendly Mathaqi mobile application is available on iOS and Android platforms. Once downloaded, users can register themselves by filling out basic details such as name and contact number. After ordering food from the daily changing menu, customers can also determine the time and place to get their food delivered.



Nouf Alsaleem, founder of Mathaqi App, said: We are really happy for this recognition and we consider this as an encouragement and furthering our objectives to develop the technology innovation within the entrepreneurship ecosystem in the kingdom.



It is an honour to receive the Best Mobile App Innovation award from an organisation which is a source of inspiration and information for millions and is considered the voice of entrepreneurship around the world, she said.



All credit goes to our team, mentors and partners for their role in our success and for helping us achieve this, she added.



Alsaleem said: We provide a perfect blend of authentic food with authentic recipes, with a wide variety of cuisines and the expertise of carefully selected home chefs.



She further added: All chefs are trained in processes of food safety and they prepare food in limited quantities, as they would for their own households.



The objective of Mathaqi is delivering home-cooked meals right to your door, Alsaleem concluded.  TradeArabia News Service
Leading global business aviation company Deer Jet presented the worlds first 787 Dream Jet at the Doha International Airport on May 15, marking its Middle East debut.



The flying visit is part of a series of showcases across the globe in Deer Jets Dreams Encounter the World tour of key international charter destinations.



Established 22 years ago as the very first business jet operator in China, Deer Jet has been dedicated to serving the global premium business travel market, including Middle East royal families since 2013. Deer Jet is set to serve the market across the GCC and wider Middle East region, with buyers from Qatar, the UAE and Saudi Arabia expected to be key markets for the company.



According to research by industry expert Hardy Sohanpal, in collaboration with Wealth-X and WingXAdvance, the Middle East has over 5,975 ultra high-net-worth (UHNW) individuals (defined as having at least $30 million in assets) with a combined net worth of $995 billion, further underscoring the companys decision to target the region.



Frank Fang, vice president of Deer Jet, said: We are delighted to bring this unique aircraft to Doha. Its showcases the signature service of Deer Jet which is inspired by the values of performance, elegance and distinction. With the 787 Dream Jet, we are proud to serve discerning business and leisure travellers in the Middle East and we recognise this market as one of the largest in the world for premium travel. Our goal is to provide the best flying experience for our customers and make travel an art.



In May 2016, Deer Jet took over the operation of the worlds first BBJ 787 VVIP, and made its maiden flight to Hong Kong in September. Deer Jet has branded the aircraft as 787 Dream Jet, and launched a renewed brand philosophy of Making Travel an Art, as it builds on its reputation as a world leading service provider for premium business travel.



With the 787 Dream Jet as its flying platform, Deer Jet has chosen the best pilots and first class stewards to deliver ultimate services and a superior travel experience for travellers. Pilots have over 2,000 hours international flight experience, plus more than 10,000 total flying hours. A total of 12 pilots from almost 1,000 flying 787s for HNA Group have been selected to be part of the Dream Team.



Deer Jets Dream Team stewards use seven-star hospitality standards, as true inflight butlers, evoking different feelings for the variety of customers they serve, in any given flight. In line with this the style and colour of cabin is frequently changed. Deer Jet curated spaces are decorated with hand-picked amenities and bespoke collections of precious crystals, cushions, silverware, and porcelain.



This new service in the Middle East market is just the first step for Deer Jet as we eye further expansion in the region. A growing generation of Premium travellers are looking to maximise their leisure time in the most opulent surroundings, not only do we make premium travel a slick and less time-consuming process, we also do it in superior style, added Fang.



The B787-8 Dream Jet can fly continuously for 18 and a half hours, or 16,000 kilometres, so given the geographical location of Doha, the Dream Jet can reach any major city in the world, non-stop. This is in part due to the aircrafts fuselage, which is made from carbon fibre material, making it lighter and more fuel efficient. Prices start from $70,000 per hour.



The Dream Jet also offers a more comfortable and healthier flying experience. Newly circulated clean air is accelerated in the cabin, ensuring a healthy environment for passengers as dust and any bacteria is filtered during the process of airflow.



Ammar Al Mahmoud  UAS senior director of Charter, Deer Jets partner in the Middle East said: Most conventional passenger jets have a cabin pressure of around 7,500 to 8,000 feet above sea level, which Boeing says contributes to passengers feeling unwell in flight. The 787s cabin pressure is set to 6,000 feet at the height of 30,000 feet. Tests have proved that between sea level and 6,000 feet people remain perfectly comfortable on board even on an 18-hour journey.



Deer Jet is also launching exclusive, bespoke travel packages aboard the 787 Dream Jet starting with the Hong Kong to Tahiti Dream Journey. It features a seven-night charter package including complimentary accommodation at the Presidential Suite of St. Regis Bora Bora Resort. It plans to add more itineraries in the future as part of its goal to create seamless travel to fulfil its vision of Making travel an art, through best-in-class service inspired by Deer Jets values of elegance, performance and distinction.



The aircraft is operated on the Guernsey aircraft registry (2-DEER), under the AOC of BAS Guernsey. The aircraft resides at Hong Kong International Airport and is operated by Deer Jets subsidiary, Hong Kong Jet. Dubai and Riyadh are slated as the next stops for the Dream Jet. - TradeArabia News Service


The hotel industry in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) posted growth in the three key performance metrics during April 2017, according to data from STR, a hotel data benchmarking firm.

April marked the first month since September 2014 that the Middle East registered year-over-year increases in each of the three key performance metrics with occupancy rates going up 7.3 per cent to reach 75.7 per cent, and average daily rate (ADR) jumping 2.8 per cent to $176.6. Revenue per available room (RevPAR) also climbed 10.3 per cent to $133.75.



Kuwait reported the highest occupancy growth, going up 16.2 per cent to 69.5 per cent with ADR inching up 1.2 per cent to KWD69.84 ($229.6). RevPAR moved up significantly, showing an increase of 17.6 per cent to KWD48.53 ($159.6).



This was the first month of ADR growth for Kuwait hotels since July 2016. STR analysts note that daily results showed considerable year-over-year increases in occupancy during the first 10 days of the month as Saudi Arabia school holidays drove an increase in leisure travelers to Kuwait.



Oman also recorded a significant increase in occupancy, going up 15.4 per cent to 68.1 per cent, while ADR jumped 5.7 per cent to OMR67.06 ($173.5). RevPAR climbed 22.0 per cent to OMR45.69 ($118.2).



Performance was boosted by the Oman Pediatric & Neonatal Conference, held from April 13-15 in Muscat. Omans RevPAR increased more than 40 per cent each day during the event. For the entire month, hotels in regional Oman managed to outperform the capital by posting 43.6 per cent growth in RevPAR. STR analysts attribute this to a significant increase (up 91.5 per cent) in group demand (bookings of 10 or more at once).



Hotels in the UAE experienced considerable uplift in transient demand as occupancy rates went up 7.2 per cent to 83.5 per cent and ADR rose 6.3 per cent to Dh705.32 ($191.9). RevPAR moved up 13.9 per cent to Dh588.64 ($160.2). At the market level, Dubai recorded a 17.6 per cent increase in RevPAR, compensating for a 6.5 per cent RevPAR decline in Abu Dhabi. Significant growth was seen in the upscale and upper midscale classes.



In Africa, occupancy rates jumped 5.3 per cent to 58.2 per cent while ADR climbed 11.6 per cent to $108.4. RevPAR made a significant move up, registering a 17.6 per cent increase to $63.11. - TradeArabia News Service
Airbus has added Planet Communications Asia Public to its channel partner programme for Skynet 5 military satellite communication services and expanded the partnership with Speedcast.



Under this channel partner agreement, both PlanetComm and Speedcast will be offering Skynet X-band and UHF services as part of their extensive satellite communications portfolios.



Speedcast has been delivering tactical secure communications services to the Australian and New Zealand governments since September 2016 and the partnership has now been extended to cover customers in the Philippines. In addition, on behalf of Airbus, Speedcast manages the Asia anchor station facility for the Skynet 5A military satellite, based at Speedcasts teleport in Adelaide, Australia.



The newly signed partnership with PlanetComm covers Thailand, and expands their product offering into the military market. PlanetComm are one of the leaders of telecommunications and digital TV technologies in ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) region and have over 20 years of experience in delivering resilient communications.



Airbus continues to work with service providers to develop new partnerships to deliver highly resilient Skynet military satellite communication services to the Asia Pacific region, following the move of its Skynet 5A satellite from 6 East to 95 East to provide global X-band and UHF coverage in this region. Since the move of Skynet 5A in September 2015, Airbus Defence and Space has signed 10 channel partner agreements with companies in the Asia Pacific region and in the USA.



Richard Franklin, head of Secure Communications at Airbus Defence and Space, said: It is a really positive step to further increase our relationship with SpeedCast, and also PlanetComm within countries that can really benefit from the unique capabilities of the Skynet fleet.



The relocation of Skynet 5A was initiated to extend the X-band coverage and services from 178 West to 163 East, including the Indian Ocean and Western Pacific region. The Skynet network now offers global military coverage, expanding core service reach for the UK military and augmenting coalition capabilities in the region.



PlanetComm is truly honoured to become an authorised Airbus Channel Partner, said Trevor Thompson, president and chief technology officer, PlanetComm.  Since the relocation of Skynet 5 to 95  East, which is ideally suited for Thailand and Southeast Asia in achieving high earth station look angles, we have been actively promoting Skynet-5s X-Band and UHF satcom services to the Thai Defence Forces and Government agencies. We are pleased that we have now formalized our business relationship and can continue to actively promote Airbus Skynet services in Thailand.



We are proud to expand our service agreement with Airbus into this new region, said Andrew Burdall, executive vice president, Enterprise & Emerging Markets, Speedcast. The extension is a testament to the hard work and dedication the Speedcast and Airbus teams have put into creating a trusted partnership.



Airbus owns and operates the hardened Skynet X-band satellite constellation of seven satellites and the ground network to provide all Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS) communications to the UK Ministry of Defence. The contract also allows other NATO and allied governments such as members of the five-eyes community (besides UK, the US, Australia, New Zealand and Canada) to use the Skynet system to augment their existing services.



Military and governmental users worldwide benefit from the unique expertise developed by Airbus in the field of satellite communications. Besides covering the complete range of frequency bands (L, C, Ku, Ka, X and UHF), the company provides military satellite communications to some of the most high-tech armed forces in the world. - TradeArabia News Service


Continuing its expansion in the GCC, Swiss-Belhotel International (SBI) has entered into a management agreement with Omniyat Real Estate to operate two new properties in Kuwait.



Both Swiss-Belboutique Bneid Al Gar and Swiss-Belresidences Al Sharq are under development and are expected to open in 2018.



Laurent A. Voivenel, Swiss-Belhotel Internationals senior vice president, operations and development for the Middle East, Africa and India, said: We are very proud to debut the Swiss-Belboutique and Swiss-Belresidences brands in Kuwait that is one of the key growth markets for us in the GCC. The hospitality Industry in the country is witnessing a remarkable growth at the moment and we are truly grateful to Omniyat Real Estate for having given us this great opportunity.



The steady growth of tourism in Kuwait, with a vision to welcome 440,000 visitors annually by 2024 is fuelling demand for quality hotels. Dr. Abdullah Abdulsamad Marafi, owner and general manager, Omniyat Real Estate, said: We are very pleased to partner with a reputed operator like Swiss-Belhotel International who is well-placed to meet the needs of the domestic market in accordance with the best international standards. Both Swiss-Belboutique Bneid Al Gar and Swiss-Belresidences Al Sharq are being developed for discerning domestic and international travelers looking for world-class accommodation in Kuwait.



The government is making huge investments in enhancing tourism infrastructure as well as developing new leisure and lifestyle attractions. Gavin M. Faull, chairman and president of Swiss-Belhotel International, said: It is the perfect time for us to enter Kuwait when the country is evolving into a multifaceted destination with the development of diverse attractions for both corporate and leisure visitors. This has significantly pushed the demand for quality hotels and represents a brilliant opportunity for Swiss-Belhotel International to grow our footprint in the country. We are confident both Swiss-Belboutique Bneid Al Gar and Swiss-Belresidences Al Sharq will add tremendous value to our growing presence in the region while further strengthening our international portfolio.



Swiss-Belboutique Bneid Al Gar will be a comfortable and stylish address for both business and leisure travellers offering a home-away-from-home experience. Featuring 58 rooms equipped with top-notch facilities, the hotel enjoys an exceptional location in Kuwait City with no other international hotel brand having a presence in the area. Included in its facilities will be a multiple choice of leisure and recreation facilities such two superb restaurants, lobby cafe, spa, health club and swimming pool.



Swiss-Belresidences Al Sharq will serve as a great base for corporate travellers being strategically located in the business district near Souq Sharq. It will offer guests a choice of 68 one and two bedroom hotel apartments with fully-equipped kitchen facilities. The hotel will also feature an all-day-dining restaurant, a deli corner in the lobby, kids club and a swimming pool.



Kuwait is pressing ahead with multiple plans to boost tourism that will see billions of dollars being invested in projects such as the expansion of Kuwait International Airport, reaching 25 million passenger capacity annually by 2025; and development of cultural attractions like Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Islamic Centre. According to figures from the World Travel and Tourism Council, travel and tourism investment in Kuwait is set to rise 1.5 per cent per annum over the next 10 years to KWD135.6 million ($445.9) in 2027. Performance is forecast for strong recovery in 2017 with continued growth until 2026, reaching values of KWD501.3 million ($1.6 billion).



Corporate travellers accounted for 70 per cent of total visitor arrivals in Kuwait in 2016. However, Kuwait is actively working to diversify its guest segmentation in order to secure the projected levels of growth over the coming years. Leisure travel spending is expected to rise by 4.5 per cent per annum reaching KWD1,939.1 million ($6.3 billion) in 2026, following an annual growth rate of 8.7 per cent.



Laurent said: We expect to see a corresponding diversification in hotel stock as more leisure, health and wellness tourists discover the countrys unique offerings. With 14 trusted brands, we cater to every market segment and are eager to capitalise on Kuwaits growth trajectory. - TradeArabia News Service
Tristan de la Porte du Theil has been appointed general manager of Dukes Dubai Hotel and Residences on the Palm Jumeirah.



Du Theil, who joins from Tonino Lamborghini Hotels & Resorts, in China, boasts an extensive CV, with a considerable knowledge of the luxury market in China and South East Asia  two key feeder markets for the new Dukes Dubai hotel.

He is no stranger to opening hotels, having previously been involved in the launch of two hotels in China while, over the last seven years, he has opened and overseen renovations at numerous restaurants, bars and other stand alone, independent and branded food and beverage operations in Thailand and throughout Cambodia and China.



Debrah Dhugga, managing director, Dukes Dubai, said: Tristan is a really solid operator, with true international five-star hotel experience and brings exciting leadership to Dukes Dubai."



A graduate of Swiss hospitality school Glion Institute of Higher Education, Du Theil holds Bachelor degrees in Hospitality and Tourism Management and International Hospitality Management.



He said: The five-star luxury market in Dubai is extremely competitive but we aim to carve out a niche with our warm, welcoming contemporary product, combined with classical British service standards, that the award-winning Dukes London has excelled at for many years,



I am also impressed with Dukes food and beverage offering. Quite apart from the exceptional F&B teams, we not only have the long-established West 14th  a Dubai institution when it comes to steak  but we are also home to the first multi-award winning Khyber (Indian restaurant) outside of Mumbai.



Elsewhere we have our signature Great British Restaurant (GBR), for which we have capitalised on one of the most significant trends to hit F&B over recent years  the re-emergence of British culinary classics. We have also exported the signature Dukes bar to Dubai, along with a traditional menu.



Owned by luxury hospitality developer Seven Tides, Dukes Dubai is located on the west trunk of the stunning Palm Jumeirah, and marries Arabian luxury and British charm to reimagine one of the most successful heritage brands to come out of the UK.



Dukes Dubai comprises 279 guestrooms and 287 fully furnished apartments  including 64 suites and the womens only Duchess Floor  along with a private beach club, and spa. - TradeArabia News Service
Jean Boulle Luxury announced the launch of the worlds first aircraft finished with the Sun King Natural Gem Diamond Coating at Ebace in Geneva.



The Bombardier Global Express was painted by STTS, an expert in global aerospace painting and sealing. The launch follows the agreement with AkzoNobel to produce aviation grade coating for the private and commercial jet markets announced earlier this month.



Jean Boulle Luxurys patent pending Sun King Natural Gem Diamond Coating has been applied to super cars produced by some of the worlds foremost luxury car marques with the result of dramatically altering the luxury vehicles visual appearance whilst maintaining full functional capabilities. Jean Boulle Luxurys proprietary technique involves transforming ethically sourced natural diamonds into a finish that guarantees the highest quality and brilliance within precisely defined tolerances.



Bertrand Boulle CEO of Jean Boulle Luxury said: This is the first plane in the world to be covered in natural gem diamonds resulting from much hard work in both the development and certification processes. The visual impact on this demanding application is simply stunning. We are delighted to showcase our product with STTS which has demonstrated effectively how the Sun King Natural Gem Diamond Coating works on a large scale.



Frans Groot from STTS said: We are proud to be working with Jean Boulle Luxury on this innovative natural gem diamond coating solution. - TradeArabia News Service


Meet award-winning artisans and buy their products at Kerala Arts and Crafts Village
Bring water along with a yoga mat and drum if you have one. No drum experience is needed and beginners can learn. Nikki Allen is the primary Tuesday yoga teacher this summer. Participants must sign a release and children must be supervised.
Gold prospectors meet

The Casper Chapter of the Gold Prospectors Association of America will have its monthly meeting at 7 p.m. on Wednesday at the Wyoming Oil and Gas Conservation Commission Building, 2211 King Blvd. Enter through the east door. Members and guests are welcome. The speaker for this month will be Red Wilcox. Red is the co-inventor of the Gold Cube, Gold n Sand suction dredge and the Banjo Pan. He will give a product demonstration and talk about new products. A general club business meeting will follow this presentation. For more information about the GPAA or the Casper chapter, or about prospecting in general, call Eric Weaner at 513-259-7902 or visit the clubs webpage at caspergpaa.org or email the club at caspergpaa@gmail.com.

County Republican women meet

The next Natrona County Republican Womens (NCRW) meeting is 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Ramada Plaza, 300 F St. This is the kickoff for the years philanthropy project, Wreathes Across America. The goal is to place a wreath on every veterans grave at Oregon Trail Cemetery, the only veterans cemetery in Wyoming. Join for a light meal, learn how to volunteer and /or make a donation.

Menu is barbecue pork sandwich, Caesar salad or chefs choice.

County Dems meet

On Thursday, the Natrona County Democratic Party will meet at 6:30 p.m. at the IBEW Hall to organize several high-profile and profitable summer events and activities. Projected activities include Parade Day, road trips and the Casper eclipse happenings. Collaboration with other county and the Wyoming State Democrats organizations will be explored. Participation at the Pig Roast in Thermopolis featuring Martin OMalley will be among the collaborative actions on the agenda. Other agenda items will be the office operation and the Financial Audit Review Committee report of its findings and recommendations.

Potluck begins at 6:30 p.m., with the party providing the main dish and attendees bringing sides and sweets. At 7 p.m., a business meeting will follow. For more information, call the office at 234-1992.

Corvette Cruise and Dine every Tuesday

Cruise and Dines sponsored by the Central Wyoming Corvettes (a nonprofit organization) are every Tuesday night through Nov. 7. Bring your Corvette and meet at Whites Chevrolet at 6 p.m. and take a short cruise with several other Vettes to a local restaurant for dinner. Guests or new members are always welcome. See us on Facebook or visit our website.

Womens networking meets

The Heart Link Network is a womens networking event held monthly, every second Tuesday (June 13, July 11) from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Ramada Plaza, 300 W. F St. Pre-registration is a must. The cost is $20 per person and the meal is included. For more information and to register, please call Amy Lund at 262-7475 or visit www.82601.theheartlinknetwork.com.

Central Wyoming Corvettes meets monthly

Central Wyoming Corvettes (a nonprofit organization) meets the second Thursday of every month (June 8, July 13, Aug. 10) at the Holiday Inn East restaurant with dinner at 6 p.m. and the meeting at 7 p.m. This is a group of people who over the years have donated thousands back to the community by sponsoring fun car events. Guests or potential new members are always welcome. See us on Facebook or visit our website.

Elks lodge closed

The Elks Lodge will be closed May 27, 28 and 29 for the Memorial Day weekend.

Iron Elk poker run set for June 10

The fifth annual Iron Elk Motorcycle Poker Run for Casper Elks Lodge members is June 10. Registration starts at 8 a.m. at the Casper Elks Lodge, and get your first card. Cost is $30 per hand per person. Details at the lodge. For more information or to RSVP by email, casperelks@bresnan.net, 234-4839, or Rob at 406-425-0325.

Ice cream in the park

Central Wyoming Corvettes is hosting Ice Cream in the Park from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 10 at Washington Park. If you bring a Corvette, you will get a free ice cream cone. Guests or new members are always welcome. See us on Facebook or visit our website.

Stammtisch plans for summer

The German-speaking group Casper Stammtisch will be on pause until June 14.

Sommer im Park mit Musik, informal potluck picnics, are planned at 6:30 p.m. at Washington Park near the lower playground on the following dates:

June 15, 22, 29 and July 13, 20, 27 (no meeting July 6).

This is an opportunity to share food, recipes, and conversation, even if you dont bring a dish to share. The event will be canceled if it rains.

The group will again pause in the month of August.

Elks fishing derby

Elks Fishing Derby is June 23 to 25 at Alcova Lake first shelter past the Marina. Tickets are $20. It starts at noon on June 23 and ends at noon on June 25. Tickets must be purchased by noon June 24 to participate in the Derby. Friday night dinner is bacon-wrapped pork loin, cost is $10. Saturday night catfish dinner is in the derby ticket. Also, there will be bacon-wrapped jalapenos and pickled eggs for sale. Please bring a covered dish to share. Kids are $5, which includes hot dogs. Dance to GTO on Saturday night. Rules and more information will be at the Casper Elks Lodge and in the Summer Corral. Members and guests only. For more information, call 234-4839.

Casper site of state history trek

The Natrona County Historical Society will host the Wyoming State Historical Societys 2017 Trek on the weekend of June 25-27. This years trek will begin at the Wyoming Veterans Memorial Museum on Friday afternoon with guided driving and walking tours of the World War II Casper Army Airbase (todays Casper airport). The Friday evening program is at the Casper Country Club. Saturday includes a bus tour to the Salt Creek area in Midwest, Edgerton and Teapot Dome. Saturday afternoon is a walking tour of the Sandbar area in downtown Casper, followed by an evening country dance at the BannerRanch. Sunday begins at Fort Caspar Museum and the Trek concludes with optional driving tours to Hells Half Acre or the Tom Sun Ranch. Registration is $80 per person, including all tour guides, museum admissions and meals Friday night, Saturday and Sunday morning. Room blocks with special rates available have been reserved through the Ramkota, Courtyard Marriott and Quality Inn.

Whites All Chevy Car Show, AutoCross

Central Wyoming Corvettes (a nonprofit organization) is hosting The Whites all-Chevy Car Show at Whites Chevrolet on June 24. The car show will be open to all Chevys. Registration starts at 9 a.m., and the car show runs from 10 a.m. to noon. All proceeds go to local charities. The Shriners will be providing food and there will be door prizes. Guests or new members are always welcome.

On June 25, a Low Speed AutoCross will be held. This event will be open to Corvettes and the first eight non-Corvettes. The entry fee is $30 for each set of three races or $75 for the day. Registration starts at 8 a.m. with the first car out at 9 a.m. Helmets and closed-toe shoes are required, and all cars must pass technical inspection. See us on Facebook or visit our website.

NARFE social June 27

Casper Chapter #358 of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE) will have a no-host Social Meeting at noon on June 27, 2017. The meeting will be held in the meeting room at the Casper Senior Center, 1831 E. Fourth St.

What is PFLAG?

PFLAG is the nations largest family and ally organization. Uniting people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) with families, friends, and allies, PFLAG is committed to advancing equality through its mission of support, education, and advocacy.

The Casper PFLAG chapter has been helping families and providing a safe place for LGBTQ youth and adults for over 20 years. If you are a parent, youth, or adult looking for information or support, please call Ruth Ann Leonard at 265-5449.

Civil Air Patrol meets

Civil Air Patrol meets from 7 to 9 p.m. the first Tuesday of the month at Casper National Guard Armory, 5905 CY Ave. For more information, call 259-0855.

Follow community news editor Sally Ann Shurmur on Twitter @WYOSAS
Hospice needs volunteers

Would you like the opportunity to truly make a difference in someones life? Choose how you would like to give back, whether being a companion to patients, helping run the Memory Lane Boutique or sitting vigil through patients last hours. Join the next Volunteer Training Program beginning June 6 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Please call Tammy at 577-4832 or go to cwhp.org and fill out an application.

Hospice boutique accepting donations

Memory Lane Boutique at Central Wyoming Hospice and Transitions is in need of donations for its inventory. Items accepted include furniture, jewelry, household goods, knickknacks, craft supplies, toys and sporting goods. Donations may be dropped off from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 319 S. Wilson. The public is invited to shop during the same hours.

Would you host a hockey player?

The Casper Coyotes are preparing for the next season already and that means finding loving families to host young men, ages 17 to 20 years old from across America and foreign countries. The boys arrive in August and stay until March or April. They should have a room of their own and become a part of your family. Their expenses are paid. Team rules are simple, and you add family rules. Interested? Call a veteran of hosting: Joe at 315-1987.

Volunteer for family event

Its time for the fifth annual HUD Fathers Day event. Wyoming Food Bank of the Rockies is in search of volunteers to help with set up, distribution, and clean up for our mobile pantry assisting single fathers in Natrona County. Come join us in Washington Park on June 17 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information or to sign up as a volunteer, contact Ashley Nickolai at 265-4016 or anickolai@foodbankrockies.org.

Quilts of Valor every Wednesday

The Central Wyoming Chapter of Quilts of Valor meets from 1 to 4 p.m. Wednesdays to sew at the Central Wyoming Senior Services Center, 1831 E. Fourth St. Quilts of Valor are made by volunteers. Donated fabrics, supplies or monetary donations are appreciated. The group makes all quilts for service men and women who have been touched by war. Our chapter awards quilts to veterans who reside in the Central Wyoming region. Dues are $5 per year and new members are always welcome. If you have any questions, please contact Yung Hui Torske at 258-5578, Sandy Elliott at 307-5540331 or any chapter member.

Theater appreciates donation

Casper Theater Company would like to send a huge thank you to Karen and Jims Restaurant (soon opening as The Office Bar and Grill) for donating all of their tableware and flatware. As the theater proceeds through its season, it will have all of our own table settings for its dinner theater. The theater wants Karen and Jim to know how very grateful it is to be the recipient of their generous donation. Karen and Jim have a history of donating to the community and without generous people like them in our community, a huge contingent of nonprofit organizations would not be where they are today. So thank you Karen and Jim, you are so very much appreciated!

Donate blood, win a Harley

Blood donations tend to drop as the school year winds down and summer vacation season kicks into high gear, but every day patients need blood in hospitals across Wyoming and beyond. Donors who make time to give blood at United Blood Services (UBS) community donor centers in Cheyenne or Casper or a UBS blood drive in Wyoming during May and June are automatically entered to win prizes, including a Harley-Davidson motorcycle as a special thank you for helping ensure patient needs continue to be met.

In all, five names will be drawn during a Facebook live event on Wednesday, July 12. The grand prize is a Harley-Davidson Fat Boy. Four finalists will receive a $100 gas gift card.

Donors must be age 18 or older by the drawing date to be eligible to win. Donors who are 16 or 17 will instead be entered to win an iPad mini 4 tablet. Twenty will be awarded to donors who give in May and another 20 for those who come in during June.

Official entry rules are available at unitedbloodservices.org/wy.

Whole blood donors are eligible to give blood every eight weeks and are encouraged to donate at least three times each year to help UBS meet the needs of patients.

Donors can save time and fill out their Fast Track Health History Questionnaire online at unitedbloodservices.org the day of their donation. To donate blood, volunteers must be at least 16 years old (16 and 17-year-old donors need a minor donor permit which is available online) and be in good health.

Find the hero in you. To make an appointment call 877-827-4376 or visit unitedbloodservices.org. Walk-ins are also welcome.

Scarves for Special Olympics

Special Olympics Wyoming invites those who knit and crochet to make scarves for the Wyoming Special Olympics athletes to wear at State Winter Games in February 2018. Please use black, gray and white in the scarves, which should measure approximately 6 by 60 inches in any pattern. The deadline to receive the scarves is January 2018. Please send scarves to Special Olympics Wyoming, attn. Scarf Project 2017, P.O. Box 624, Jackson, WY 83001. There is more information available at www.sowy.org/other-fundraisers.

Support team hosts reception

J.R.s Hunt For Life is having a reception at Metro Coffee from 6 to 8 p.m. June 5. Many of J.R.s professional outdoor photos will be on display for the month of June and for sale by ordering. There will be free bracelets, decals to purchase, free signup for J.R.s Hunt, a hunting giveaway and other things. This is all for suicide prevention and awareness.

Food of the month

Wyoming Food for Thought Project has announced its food of the month suggestions for the nearly 1,000 weekend food bags its volunteers prepare for food-insecure school students in Natrona County each week. Often, schools, churches and other groups designate certain collection days for a specific type of food as a donation.

The suggested food items may be taken to program headquarters at 900 St. John, but its best to call ahead to make certain someone is there to receive it.

May, tuna; June, peanut butter; July, pork n beans; August, mac n cheese; September, Chef Boyardee products; October, cereal; November, soup; December, chili.

For more information, call Cassandra at 337-1703.

Disabled vets need volunteer drivers

The Disabled American Veterans need volunteer drivers to take veterans to their medical appointment at the VA hospital in Cheyenne. The volunteer driver will transport them in a VA vehicle. If you are interested, please call the DAV transportation office in Cheyenne at 307-778-7577 for further information.Follow community news editor Sally Ann Shurmur on Twitter @WYOSAS
Wednesday support meetings

Alcoholics Anonymous: 6:30 a.m., 917 N. Beech; 8:30 a.m., 500 S. Wolcott; 10 a.m., 328 E. A; noon, 500 S. Wolcott; 2 p.m., 917 N. Beech; 5:09 p.m., 917 N. Beech; 5:30 p.m., 328 E. A; 6 p.m., 456 S. Walnut; 7 p.m., 500 S. Wolcott; 8 p.m., 328 E. A; 8 p.m, 328-1/2 E. A, closed; 8:23 p.m., 719 3rd St., Evansville. Douglas: 7:30 p.m., 628 E. Richards (upstairs in back). Unless otherwise noted, all meetings are open. Casper info: 266-9578; Douglas info: (307) 351-1688.

Al-Anon: Stepping Stones to Recovery, 303 E. 2nd St., First United Methodist Church, east doors, downstairs, room 12. 7 p.m.

Narcotics Anonymous: noon, 500 S. Wolcott, 12-24 Club; 8 p.m., 302 E. 2nd St., Methodist Church, enter east side. Web site: http://www.urmrna.org.

Nicotine Anonymous: noon, 500 S. Wolcott, 12-24 Club. Info: Pam M., 577-0518.

OIF/OEF Support Group: 6:30-8 p.m., Casper Vet Center, 1030 N. Poplar St., Ste. B. All OIF/OEF Veterans are invited to attend. No need to pre-register. Info: 261-5355.

Teen Addiction Anonymous: 7- 8 p.m., 12-24 Club Teton Room. Info: 258-7439.

TOPS #35 Weight Loss: 6:45 a.m., First Christian Church, 520 CY Ave. Weight Loss Support Group, Weigh-in is from 6:30 a.m.-8 a.m. Info: 258-2063 or 234-5644.

TOPS #162: 8:30 a.m., United Methodist Church, 1880 Poplar. Anyone interested is invited to join. Info: 472-4926.

Caps 4 Kids

Attention all knitters and crocheters: The next gathering of Caps 4 Kids will be Wednesday at Central Wyoming Senior Services, 1831 E. Fourth St.

Choose your favorite yarn to make into stocking caps for kids of all ages to be distributed next fall when our cold weather returns. We begin to gather at 12:30 or 1 p.m., and stitch and visit until mid-afternoon, however long your schedule permits.

Please contact the Senior Center at 265-4678 if you need additional information. They will forward your request to one of our members.

Learn password management

The Natrona County Library will offer a Password Management class from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Save time, increase security, and reduce stress by learning how to store and retrieve password and identity information securely using a password manager. Call 577-READ x2 or email reference@natronacountylibrary.org for more information.

Pulled pork at the Elks

Wednesday Night Special at the Casper Elks Lodge is pulled pork with mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, corn and roll. All you can eat for $7, children 5 to 12 are $3. Serving from 6 to 7 p.m. or until gone. Members, significant others and guest accompanied by a member. For more information, call 234-4839. Th menu is subject to change. All proceeds go to the Elks Charities.

Community impact at Pizza Ranch

Pizza Ranch, 5011 E. Second St., hosts Community Impact nights from 5 to 9 p.m. normally on Mondays and Wednesdays. Members of nonprofit groups bus tables for tips, and 20 percent of meal tickets from diners who mention the group are donated as well. Dine-in, delivery or pickup orders qualify. Wednesdays nonprofit is Verda James PTO.

County Republican women meet

The next Natrona County Republican Womens (NCRW) meeting is 5:30 p.m. at the Ramada Plaza, 300 F St. This is the kickoff for the years philanthropy project, Wreathes Across America. The goal is to place a wreath on every veterans grave at Oregon Trail Cemetery, the only veterans cemetery in Wyoming. Please join us for a light meal, learn how to volunteer and /or make a donation. Menu is barbecue pork sandwich, Caesar salad or chefs choice.

Gold prospectors meet

The Casper Chapter of the Gold Prospectors Association of America will have its monthly meeting at 7 p.m. at the Wyoming Oil and Gas Conservation Commission Building, 2211 King Blvd. Enter through the east door. Members and guests are welcome. The speaker for this month will be Red Wilcox. Red is the co-inventor of the Gold Cube, Gold n Sand suction dredge and the Banjo Pan. He will give a product demonstration and talk about new products. A general club business meeting will follow this presentation. For more information about the GPAA or the Casper chapter, or about prospecting in general, call Eric Weaner at 513-259-7902 or visit the clubs webpage at caspergpaa.org or email the club at caspergpaa@gmail.com.

Entries due for youth fast pitch tourney

The fourth annual Casper Summer Kickoff Fast Pitch Tournament is set to take place on June 3-4. All entry fees are due by May 24. All games will take place at the North Casper Softball Complex. The tournament offers a three-game guarantee in 10 & under, 12 & under, 14 & under and 16 & under divisions. The $300-per-team entry fee is payable to the Casper Recreational Leagues Association. Team registrations and entry fees are accepted at the Casper Recreation Center, 1801 E. Fourth St., Casper, WY 82601. Registration is also available at www.crlasports.com. Team entries should include the team name, desired division of play, a team contacts name, address and phone number. If additional information is needed, contact the City of Casper Recreation Division at 235-8383.
The Casper Police Department is requesting a modest budget increase for training programs to help educate a largely inexperienced officer corps and improve retention.

A lot of the older officers may have five years, six years of experience, Interim Chief Steve Schulz told City Council at its Monday budget session.

Schulz said that necessary training included not just firearms and vehicle training but writing reports and responding to distinct types of crime like sexual assault, an issue that came to the fore after several women complained publicly about how CPD handled their cases.

Officers also need to be taught specialized investigative techniques like analyzing blood spatter at crime scenes and doing work that the overworked state crime lab can take months to complete.

Schulz requested a $46,000 increase in travel and training, which would bring the total set aside for those items to $110,000.

Youre going to get better cases in the long run, Schulz said.

While CPD was one of the few city departments requesting more funding this year, Council members were largely receptive to the request, and several suggested that Schulz amend his proposed budget to request more money for training.

Councilman Chris Walsh, a former police chief, said that six-figure amount was roughly equal to his budget for training several years ago, when the department was smaller.

Two years ago, CPD received $79,687 for training. But that amount was cut in last years budget as part of a city-wide effort to reduce costs in light of the statewide economic decline.

Department faces poaching

Schulz, who took over for ousted Chief Jim Wetzel in early May, brought several senior members of the police department to Mondays budget session.

Lt. Rich Brown, who oversees some patrols, said Cheyenne was actively working to recruit Casper officers by offering a one-time signing bonus. But that effort, Brown said, was only one example of the difficulties CPD faces in retaining experienced officers.

Its defense, attorneys... and just other companies, Brown said. We have to worry about the civilian market.

The Casper Police Department has seen an exodus of senior officers over the last 10 years, losing an average of 10 to 12 officers annually, Brown said, which adds up to an entire patrol team lost per year.

Schulz said the retirements and resignations have slowed but that training is important for retaining talent and replacing some of the skills lost when experienced officers leave for other jobs.

Under Wetzel, the department began allowing officers with three years of experience to train their younger colleagues  down from the previous five-year requirement.

Were at a point where we have babies training babies, said Lt. Shane Chaney. You really dont get your feet under you until youre an officer for five, six years.

The picture CPD command staff painted of a relatively inexperienced department at risk of being poached alarmed council members and spurred the calls for Schulz to request more money.

Brown said midsize departments spend up to $300,000 on training each year and that Casper could receive top training for $200,000.

Thrifty request?

You came in too cheap, man, newly appointed Councilman Dallas Laird told Schulz. I think they should submit their real request.

Can I get a new police station, too? Schulz asked to laughs.

The departments strategic plan, released last month under Wetzels leadership, requested funding for a new police station. But in light of a request for city agencies to cut spending, Schulz did not include capital construction in his proposed budget.

Laird said that by requesting less than was necessary for premier training, Schulz was risking larger costs to the department by risking more officers leaving, leading to more recruitment costs.

The councilman offered an analogy involving the 1980s fast-food industry. Laird said that many restaurant chains reduced the size of their meals to save money before facing a backlash famously spoofed in the Wheres the beef? Wendys TV ad.

Laird said he wanted CPD to be like McDonalds, which held out despite its cost-cutting competitors.

They didnt cut it down to where the lady is saying, Wheres the beef!? Laird said.

Councilwoman Amanda Huckabay said she understood that Schulz offered a proposal that took into account the weak economic climate in Casper and the request to look for savings.

She added that despite the public scrutiny of the department over both the handling of sexual assault cases and leadership questions  both of which Huckabay has been vocal on  Schulz shouldnt shy away from requesting a meaningful budget increase.

Asking for a substantial amount of money might not look like the best choice, Huckabay said. I look at it as the opposite.

Public safety needed to come first, she emphasized.

Schulz said some of the training funds would be dedicated to sexual assault courses to teach officers consistent, victim-centered responses.

The rest of the police departments budget request would include an additional $2,000 each for radio and evidence supplies, offset by a $4,000 reduction in other supply spending.

Schulz asked for a $5,000 increase for the Public Safety Communication Center  emergency dispatch for Casper  also offset by an identical reduction in office supplies.

City Council began hearing from departments about their proposed budgets on Monday. Those presentations will continue on Wednesday and Thursday, at which point Council members will offer feedback and request changes to the budget.

City staff will redraft the proposed budget to include those changes before the budget is approved in late June. The new fiscal year begins on July 1.
Casper residents will no longer need permission to park their cars in the parkway  the strip of land running between streets and sidewalks.

City Council informally agreed on Tuesday to do away with the current permitting system, which requires a $25 payment to park on the land.

Shelley LeClere of the citys code enforcement division said that while the permit requirement has been on the books for decades, it recently came to light due to a dispute between neighbors that spurred the police to begin ticketing cars on the parkways without permits. That, in turn, caused local musician Chad Lore and other local residents to speak out.

Ive parked in the same spot without incident for 17 years, Lore told Council at a meeting last week. Now all of a sudden, out of nowhere, we have to move our cars or pay the city?

LeClere said the issue of permits for using the parkways emerges every few years when neighbors become angry at one another for something related to parking and cause a stir. It always dies down, she said, but the code enforcement division has hoped in the past that the spats would rise to Councils attention so that the body would amend the ordinance.

I do not believe the $25 permit process is worth the citys time, LeClere said.

Council members agreed.

If we say its OK if you give us the $25 and we know it makes sense not to park on those roads, why dont we just allow it? Walsh asked, referencing the fact that people often use the parkways on busy streets like 12th and 13th for safety reasons, due to the heavy traffic or because their homes lack driveways.

Changing the ordinance raised several questions, including whether it would allow anyone to use the parkways as opposed to just the homeowner.

Councilman Dallas Laird favored giving exclusive rights to public parking to the person who lived behind the parking spots.

I think there should be an ordinance that says the space in front of your house is yours, he said. I hate when people park in front of my house.

When Walsh, a former police chief, suggested that would lead to a tremendous waste of police resources as they adjudicated disputes, Laird said residents could handle it themselves.

Still becomes an issue, Interim Police Chief Steve Schulz noted.

But because the parkway belongs to the city, ceding control of it to homeowners without a permitting process would be akin to gifting public property to an individual  a cumbersome process.

Instead, the panel agreed to simply remove the permit requirement entirely and opening parkways for public parking.

Because the decision took place at a Council work session, city staff must now draft an actual ordinance amendment to be debated and voted on at an official meeting.

The change may also include a provision allowing homeowners to put gravel on the parkways to avoid parking in mud.

While LeClere said while paved or graveled parkways are ideal for parking  and in fact she prefers when they are paved  city law currently forbids the practice.

Weve toyed with the fact that if youre going to [park there] you should concrete or asphalt that  you shouldnt be allowed to park in the mud or grass, but theres three or four places in the code that say you cant do that, she said.

Another concern is that when a driveway doesnt provide a curb cut for accessing a parkway, driving over curbs to access the strip of land slowly breaks down the curb and can lead to flooding.

(Despite it being city property, homeowners are technically responsible for the sidewalk and parkways in front of their homes including repairing the curb if necessary.)

But after Finance Supervisor Connie Arnold said that only about 10 people currently have parkway parking permits, despite it being a widespread practice, Council members agreed to simply strip away the regulation.

The decision is likely to make people like Lore very happy.

Its called the parkway, he said last week. Not the do-not-parkway.
Thursday support meetings

Alcoholics Anonymous: 6:30 a.m., 917 N. Beech; 8:30 a.m., 500 S. Wolcott; 10 a.m., 328 E. A; noon, 500 S. Wolcott; 2 p.m., 917 N. Beech; 5:30 p.m., 328 E. A; 7 p.m., 500 S. Wolcott, closed; 8 p.m., 328 E. A; 8 p.m., 4600 S. Poplar, closed; 8 p.m., 917 N. Beech. Douglas: 7:30 p.m., 628 E. Richards (upstairs in back). Unless otherwise noted, all meetings are open. Casper info: 266-9578; Douglas info: (307) 351-1688.

Al-Anon: 7 p.m., 500 S. Wolcott, Ste. 200. Douglas: 5 p.m., Congregational United Church, 405 N. 6th St.

Narcotics Anonymous: Noon, 500 S. Wolcott, 12-24 Club; 8 p.m., 4700 S. Poplar (church basement). Web site: http://www.urmrna.org.

Ascension Day celebration

Thy Kingdom Come, a global prayer movement inviting Christians to pray for more people to know Jesus Christ, holds Beacon Events from May 25, Ascension Day, through June 4, the Day of Pentecost.

The first event, at the office of the Episcopal Diocese of Wyoming, 123 S. Durbin in Casper, will be a celebration of Ascension Day at 5:30 p.m. This Beacon Event is hosted by St. Stephens Episcopal Church and St. Marks Episcopal Church in Casper and Christ Episcopal Church, Glenrock. All are invited.

During the service, the desire to care for all children in Wyoming will be carried out by making a donation to Diaper Days, hosted by St. Marks each month. Donations of diapers, size 3 or 4, or cash are welcome at the event.

For more information on Thy Kingdom Come, go to www.thykingdomcome.global. For more on this Beacon Event, contact the Rev. Kay Flores at the Episcopal Diocese of Wyoming at 265-6516.

Muni ladies golf pairings

May 25, play of the day, Tin Cup; Park and Links, 9 a.m. start. Please check in 15 minutes prior to tee time. For changes or additions, please call pro shop at 233-6620. Pairings by flight: Park #1, Marsh, Balas, Pfiefer; Links #9A, McCarrel, Haydel, Wheatley; Links #9B, Bain, Meyer, Schneider; Links #8A, Fancher, Sanford, Ortiz; Links #8B, Boyle, Hill, Warren; Links #7A, Farmer, Stolte, Santoni; Links #7B, N. Clark, Chadwick, TBA; Links #6A, Hansen, G. Clark, TBA.

Eclipse lecture series

The upcoming total solar eclipse will be the topic of a talk by Rod Kennedy, Casper Planetarium Educator. As part of the Natrona County Library and Casper Planetariums Eclipse Lecture Series, the talk, titled Eclipse 101, will be held at 6:30 p.m., in the librarys Crawford Room. The lecture is open to the public and free of charge. Kennedy will discuss what causes eclipses, how to view them safely, and the factors that help predict them. He also will talk about how the August eclipse will appear in Wyoming. Call 577-READ x2 or email reference@natronacountylibrary.org for more information.

County Dems meet

The Natrona County Democratic Party will meet at 6:30 p.m., at the IBEW Hall to plan and organize for several high profile and profitable summer events and activities. Projected activities include Parade Day, road trips and the Casper eclipse happenings. Collaboration with other county and the Wyoming State Democrats organizations will be explored. Participation at the Pig Roast in Thermopolis featuring Martin OMalley will be among the collaborative actions on the agenda. Other agenda items will be the office operation and the Financial Audit Review Committee report of its findings and recommendations.

Potluck begins at 6:30 p.m., with the party providing the main dish and attendees bringing sides and sweets. At 7 p.m., a business meeting will follow. For more information, call the office at 234-1992.

Historical society meets

The Natrona County Historical Society will meet at 7 p.m., at the Oil and Gas Commission Building. The speaker will be Janie Wait, president and director of marketing at Intermountain Record Center, Inc., who will talk about preserving and restoring historical documents. Wait recently won SBA Wyoming Small Business Person of the Year.

NCHS graduation Thursday

The Natrona County School District has set the graduation ceremony dates for the senior classes of 2017. The dates are as follows:

Natrona County High School, Thursday, May 25, 7:30 p.m., Casper Events Center; Roosevelt High School, Friday, May 26, 3 p.m., Casper Events Center; Kelly Walsh High School, Friday, May 26, 7:30 p.m., Casper Events Center; Midwest High School, Sunday, May 28, 2 p.m., Wheeler Concert Hall, Music Building, Casper College.

NCSD sought out opportunities to move the graduation ceremonies away from Memorial Day. Moving the ceremonies away from Memorial Day was a community and district priority. NCSD worked collaboratively with Spectra, the management company of the Casper Events Center, to select alternate dates for the ceremonies. NCSD is thankful for the partnership with Spectra, the feedback regarding graduation dates received from the public, and the flexibility of our high schools, students and parents in selecting these dates.
Soon-to-be vacant Grant and Mills elementary schools have yet to be sold, officials said, and no hard timeline exists to remove the buildings from the Natrona County School Districts books.

The districts board of trustees voted in November to close and eventually sell Grant and Mills, along with the old Roosevelt High School, North Casper Elementary, the Fairgrounds Center and the Star Lane Center. Officials cited declining elementary enrollment, the buildings deterioration and dwindling funds as reasons to close the facilities.

Grant will be appraised twice, officials have said, following district policy. But that process has yet to begin because the district is respectfully waiting for the Grant community to finish the academic year before the building is placed on the market, spokeswoman Tanya Southerland said.

She said she isnt sure how quickly the sales process will begin after classes finish in early June. In addition to obtaining appraisals, officials have to sort through equipment in the building that may be repurposed elsewhere in the district.

District business manager Dennis Bay said Mills has been appraised, but the district is in a holding pattern as it irons out easement details.

Bay said that Star Lane will be occupied next year, so the district will take no steps to sell it during that time.

Initially, district officials said they hoped to have Grant sold  or, as a last resort, demolished  by September. That timeline has become more fluid.

In January, officials announced that Roosevelt, which was already vacant, had been sold for $426,000 to the Casper Housing Authority, which plans to turn it into a one-stop shop for veterans care. The Fairgrounds Center was sold to Alliance Church for an undisclosed fee over $566,000.

It had previously been announced that Mills students would be moving to the new Journey Elementary School. More than half of Grants students will also attend Journey, officials have said.Follow education reporter Seth Klamann on Twitter @SethKlamann
Chad Sharpe, the first principal of the new Pathways Innovation Center, is leaving the school for personal reasons, the Natrona County School District announced Tuesday.

Sharpe will return to a classroom elsewhere in the district next year, spokeswoman Tanya Southerland said. Other than to describe the situation as family-related, she declined to give specifics. Sharpe has already left Pathways, but Southerland said she could not offer any details.

We want to recognize Chad and celebrate his work in leading the start-up of (Pathways), setting into motion the many wonderful educational opportunities (high school) students will be afforded now and into the future, she said in an emailed statement.

Its unclear who will take charge of the institution next year. Principal Shawna Trujillo of Roosevelt High School, which shares a campus with Pathways, is acting leader for the remainder of this school year, Southerland said.

As it finishes its first year, Pathways is at roughly a quarter of its enrollment capacity. Officials have stressed that they arent panicked about the situation and that theyre developing a plan to increase the $42 million facilitys student population.

Southerland said Sharpe stepping down didnt cause concern for the landmark projects future.

I would not say that there is concern there, she said. We obviously want to celebrate the work Principal Sharpe did in leading up to (the school opening). We have faith in current high school administrators, as well as Principal Trujillo.
STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, Colo.  The allure of doughnuts was far too much for one Steamboat Springs resident.

Todd and Kim Robertson awoke early Monday to a black bear trying to break into their doughnut delivery vehicle. The bear was so determined to enter the car, it ripped off its back bumper.

Kim Robertson said the bear was no doubt attracted to the scent of doughnuts pouring out of the couple's Ford Focus.

The Robertsons own Moose Watch Cafe in downtown Steamboat. They use the vehicle to make wholesale doughnut deliveries around town.

Todd Robertson said there were no doughnuts in the vehicle, which was parked in their driveway, at the time of the bear encounter. But even the leftover smell appeared to attract the animal.
Some state officials want clarification on the law that specifies how election complaints are investigated, as a GOP grievance bounces among various Wyoming offices, each declining to look into the case.

In October, the Wyoming GOP asked the Wyoming Secretary of States office to look into whether progressive organizations illegally coordinated with a handful of Democratic legislative candidates campaigns.

The Wyoming Hunters and Anglers Alliance and Women Lead Wyoming  part of a dark money group called Forward Wyoming Advocacy  sent campaign mail praising the Democrats and denouncing their Republican opponents. The groups and Democratic candidates have said they did not coordinate.

The complaint has twice been at the Secretary of States office, twice at the Wyoming Attorney Generals office and once with the Albany County Attorney.

And officials are saying its the perfect example of why the law needs to specify who investigates election complaints.

Wyoming Secretary of State Ed Murray, the states chief election official, said he personally has not handled the complaint because he is a Republican and wants to avoid the appearance of a conflict of interest. Instead, he directed his staff to work on the issue, he said.

However, he sees a need for strengthening election statutes so future complaints are resolved faster, he said. Its only fair to the people who submit complaints and those who are accused of violating the law.

Murray disagreed with the Attorney Generals opinion that the matter belonged with the Albany County attorney because the hunters and womens groups are based in Laramie.

I support the idea of a statewide clearinghouse of complaints of this nature, he said. That would provide some uniformity.

Lawmakers may address the issue during the summer, said Rep. Dan Zwonitzer, chairman of the House Corporations, Elections and Political Subdivisions Committee.

Legislative leaders assigned the committee to study campaign finance and oversight laws, Zwonitzer said.

Theres many to tackle, he said about the election statutes.

Zwonitzer was hoping an election task force could study the laws and recommend changes. Personally, he said, hed like the Secretary of States office to have more enforcement authority. The secretarys staff works to comply with the election statutes each campaign cycle, and it would be appropriate for them to enforce the law, he said.

The Wyoming Democratic Party did not have a comment at this time on whether the law should be changed, said its executive director, Aimee Van Cleave.

Mitch Edwards, the attorney for the Wyoming Republican Party, also said that the law could be clarified.

Admittedly, certain statutes could be cleaned up to remove excuses to pass on the enforcement role and make enforcement roles clearer as between county attorneys, district attorneys and the attorney general, he said.

However, any future law change would likely not alter the status of the GOPs complaint, since it was filed last year, he noted.
HELENA, Mont.  Campaign spending ahead of Thursdays special election to fill Montanas only U.S. House seat continued to surge deep into record territory, with at least $17 million flowing into the race from the campaigns and outside groups hoping to influence the nationally watched contest.

The sum is especially remarkable  or alarming  because of the 85-day campaign period for a special election to replace Ryan Zinke, who resigned his congressional post to become President Donald Trumps Interior secretary.

The congressional race two years ago, which until now was the states most expensive congressional race, generated about $9 million in spending for a campaign that spanned primary and general elections.

The campaign committees for Democrat Rob Quist and Republican Greg Gianforte have raised at least $10 million combined, while outside groups have spent more than $7.1 million thus far.

The Quist campaign announced Tuesday that it had topped $6 million in contributions, noting that it had generated about $1 million in small donations over the past five days  a period that overlapped the visit of Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders over the weekend.

That amount could not be immediately verified because it had not yet been reported to the Federal Elections Commission.

Gianfortes campaign said it has raised about $4.6 million, including a last-minute loan of $500,000 from Gianforte. He had previously lent his campaign $1 million.

The combined total in direct contributions is a record haul for a Montana congressional race.

There isnt much competition for dollars right now, said Denise Roth Barber, the managing director of the Helena-based National Institute on Money in State Politics. With the exception of the race in Georgia, these candidates are not competing for money with other competitive races in other parts of the country. So theres a lot of money to be given.

The Montana race is also being closely watched by national groups, she said, as a possible harbinger of things to come  not only in the Georgia special election in June, but also in next years wider battle over Congress during the Trump era.

Most of that money coming into the race has been used to finance a barrage of advertising on radio and television, much of it negative.

Libertarian Mark Wicks has yet to file a fundraising report with the FEC.

The money flowing into the campaign from independent outside groups, which can spend unlimited amounts of money, has mostly benefited Gianforte. Groups supporting the Bozeman entrepreneur have spent more than $6.3 million, according to FEC records, including $2.4 million from the Congressional Leadership Fund.

The fund has also spent heavily to influence another special congressional election in Georgia, as have the Republican Party committees.

The Republican National Committee and the National Republican Congressional Committee have combined for more than $3.1 million.

While Quist has gotten most of his money from individual donors, he has also benefited from independent campaign committees, such as Planned Parenthood and the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee which was responsible for about half of the roughly $800,000 in spending on Quists behalf.
Curious about Arizonas craft-beer scene, but not so wild about driving in the summer heat from one brewery to another?

Then head over to the the Reid Park for Brew at the Zoo, taking place from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, June 17.

The 21-and-older event last year drew more than 2,000 people. It gives participants the opportunity to sip samples from more than 35 Arizona brewers.

This event sells out every year so go online to reidparkzoo.org to order your $45-per-person tickets.

Discounts are available for zoo members and designated drivers and your admission gets you 16 tasting tickets to brewers who are more than happy to talk about their creations.

There also will be pub-style food available for purchase  where else can you buy nachos next to a lion enclosure?  including honey beer brats served with house-made chips; and teriyaki chicken kabobs served with cucumber and red onion quinoa.

You can also splurge for the ultimate beer adventure: the $100 Long Necks VIP package, which includes early admission at 6 p.m., a behind-the-scenes tour of the giraffe barn, special giraffe feeding, 18 tasting tickets, a souvenir T-shirt and a $10 food voucher.

Proceeds from Brew at the Zoo, presented by Reid Park Zoo, Craft Tucson and Lloyd Construction, support the Zoo Project Fund used to help the zoo continue to improve and build new animal habitats and other projects.

Also on the June 17 lineup is a performance by R&P Music Factory and a chance to meet the zoos animal ambassadors up close.

The zoo also has launched its Summer Safari, which continues with different themes from 6 to 8 p.m. Fridays through Aug. 4.

This Friday, May 26, is all about Big Cats.

The Summer Safari, presented by Tucson Medical Center, features live music, family-friendly animal features, special dining options and gift shop discounts, as well as childrens events, camel rides and animal encounters.

Admission is $9 adults, $7 seniors and $5 for children 2 to 14; member discounts are available.

Meanwhile, on the western edge of Tucson, the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, 2021 N. Kinney Road, has resumed its Cool Summer Nights program from 5 to 10 p.m. Saturdays through Sept. 2. Regular admission rates apply.

Saturday, May 27, is all about Creatures of the Night. Visit desertmuseum.org for the rest of the summer lineup.

The museum turns 65 in September.
Fifty years ago, theater in the Old Pueblo was about to take a giant leap.

In the summer of 67, Sandy Rosenthal mounted the first play for a new company, Arizona Civic Theatre, today called Arizona Theatre Company.

Two plays filled those summer months  tickets were a pricey $10.

ATC no longer has summer productions, with the exception of the companys Summer on Stage plays, performed by students in the program. But were lucky; other theaters have kept us townies in mind.

Among the offerings over the Summer of Love, 50 years later:

The Gaslight Theater is toward the end of its run of The Curse of the Pirates Gold, which closes June 4. Then itll fill our hot months with a superhero: Spider Guy. Be prepared to boo and cheer. It runs June 8-Aug. 27 at The Gaslight, 7010 E. Broadway. thegaslighttheatre.com or 886-9428.

Laughter is also in order with Winding Road Theatre Ensembles production of News of The World & Other Stories, a theatrical presentation of short stories by the wonderful writer Ron Carlson. This one ends May 28, so hurry. Its at the Cabaret Theater at the Temple of Music & Art, 330 S. Scott Ave. windingroadtheater.org or 401-3626.

Live Theatre Workshop rarely lets up  it keeps weekends hopping almost all year round. Right now, Annapurna, is on stage, a tender and sometimes funny story about a woman who tracks down her ex-husband with an eye toward helping him through his illness, and maybe resolve some issues in the process. It continues through June 10. Opening June 15 is the giddy musical Youre a Good Man, Charlie Brown, based on Charles Schultzs much-loved Peanuts characters. That continues through July 1. On July 13, the company opens the tender Bernard Slade play, Same Time, Next Year, about a 25-year-long love affair. That will wind up Aug. 19. Finishing out the summer and taking us into the fall is Theresa Rebecks comedy Seminar, about a group of aspiring novelists who sign up for writing classes with an international literary figure. That runs Aug. 24-Sept. 23. Live Theatre Workshop is at 5317 E. Speedway, livetheatreworkshop.org or 327-4242.

If you head down to Green Valley, you can catch the Andrew Lloyd Webber/Tim Rice musical, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, which was first staged in 1970, three years after the Summer of Love. The Biblical story never rocked this hard. Its June 16-25 at the Community Performance and Art Center, 1250 W. Continental Road. performingartscenter.org or 399-1750.

Roadrunner Theatre Company intends to keep the laughs coming this summer It stages Neil Simons Gods Favorite June 9-July 2. Its all about a man who is a success in business, but miserable at home thanks to snarly kids and a demanding wife. And Aug. 4-27, the company will mount the musical Triumph of Love. Its described as Deception, cross dressing and mistaken identities. Hey, well bite. Roadrunner is at 8892 E. Tanque Verde Road, roadrunnertheatrecompany.org or 207-2491.

You like your theater interactive, you say? Tucson has a couple options: The Murder at the Magic Show, which combines a three-course meal with magic, comedy and a murder mystery, is Saturdays at Five Palms Steak and Seafood, 3500 E. Sunrise Drive. fivepalms.com or 861-4800.

And The Dinner Detective Interactive Murder Mystery Show will serve dinner while you help solve a murder. Its Saturdays at the Hilton Tucson East, 7600 E. Broadway. 1-866-496-0535.

And dont forget the kids:

The Christian Youth Theater is staging the irresistible James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl, who is dark and funny and a favorite among kids. It continues through May 28 at Crowder Hall in the University of Arizonas Fred Fox School of Music. Youll find that in the UA Fine Arts Complex near East Speedway and North Park Avenue. Cyttucson.org or 751-7510.
We've collected a few front pages from newspapers.com to give you a look at some May 24 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.
The Tucson City Council is sending a clear message to the University of Arizona  the schools proposed dorm must adhere to local zoning laws.

The council unanimously voted this afternoon to send a letter to the Arizona Board of Regents, the UA and its private partner in the dorm project, American Campus Communities, telling them their current proposal is probably illegal.

The proposed six-story dorm would span an entire city block between East Drachman and Mabel streets and North Fremont and Santa Rita avenues, north of East Speedway. The University of Arizona only owns a portion of the proposed development.

The university has told neighbors that a 1,000-bed dorm and associated buildings do not need to adhere to local zoning rules because it is a state-run entity. The location, however, is outside the UAs campus boundaries.
A former Sonoran official and his wife were detained Monday in Tucson, more than one year after Mexican authorities charged them with corruption.

Roberto Romero Lopez and his wife, Monica Robles Manzanedo, were taken into custody by Homeland Security Investigations, part of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, in connection with administrative immigration violations.

It is unclear the type of immigration violation at issue. Mexican media reported the couple used tourist visas to live in Tucson, but those visas expired.

The Mexican federal prosecutors office said in a news release Romero Lopez and Robles Manzanedo are fugitives who should be returned to Mexico. A Mexican federal judge issued arrest warrants for them in connection with charges of influence-peddling and making false declarations to authorities. Their arrest was the result of an Interpol alert.

The Mexican federal prosecutors office plans to ask for the couples immediate deportation or extradition to Mexico after they are processed by U.S. immigration agencies.

Romero Lopez was the secretary of government, which is considered the second-most powerful position in the Sonoran state government, in the administration of former governor Guillermo Padres Elias, who held office from 2009 to 2015.

Padres Elias is in prison as he awaits trial on charges of organized crime, money laundering and tax evasion, according to Mexican media reports. The Padres administration is accused of misappropriating more than $1 billion in public funds.

Romero Lopez and Robles Manzanedo, a former state legislator, face corruption charges related to the use of public funds to benefit their farm in southern Sonora, according to news outlet Proyecto Puente.

In July 2015, Mexican authorities found that the family had diverted part of the San Miguel river to protect their crops, which caused the flooding of dozens of homes in a nearby community, Proyecto Puente reported.

A Mexican federal judge issued arrest warrants in February 2016 for the couple and another former official of the Padres administration, according to the news service Notimex. Sonoran authorities also accused the couple of illicit enrichment.
No, private megadorms cant be dropped into a Tucson neighborhood without a rezoning process.

Of course they cant, but unfortunately that actually had to be said.

The Tucson City Council sent the University of Arizona and private developers a message Tuesday by approving a legal letter from City Attorney Mike Rankin. It will say that the proposed Honors College dormitory must go through a rezoning, no matter what machinations the UA and developer American Campus Communities go through to avoid it.

This is important not just for this case but as a precedent with important timing. Dr. Robert Robbins is poised to take over as UA president in about a week, on June 1, and he will be the lucky recipient of the opportunity to spend around $200 million on constructing what will likely be two new research buildings.

Its a good time to lay down some ground rules for the growing UA domain in the heart of the city.

The dorm project would house 1,000 students in the UAs Honors College and also have classrooms, office space, a recreational center and a four-story parking garage. It would be between East Drachman and Mabel streets and North Park and Santa Rita avenues, north of East Speedway  outside of the existing campus boundaries.

The trick at the heart of the project is this: The developer, Austin, Texas-based American Campus Communities, owns part of the land on which the project would be built. The university owns the other part. Under the proposed deal, the UA would take ownership of all the land, but it would make a ground lease with the developer, which would then build and operate the dorm.

That would allow the university and developer to evade zoning codes, because the university, as a state entity, is not subject to them.

That could make a big difference in an old neighborhood that has been steadily encroached on by the university for years. Its a typical old central Tucson area of old, low houses and newer, bigger apartments. But the dorm would be of a completely different scale  up to six stories high  a little city unto itself.

Its right across the street from me, Grace Rich, president of the North University Neighborhood Association, told me. If it goes in, My life is toast.

While this project alone could disrupt Richs life and her income  she rents a unit of her duplex  it also would set a dangerous precedent that could be replicated all around the university area, or anywhere in the city.

Its worth noting that the new, nine-story Banner University Medical Center building is nearby and went through the tough work of dealing with neighbors and winning a rezoning.

Council member Steve Kozachik, who works for the university, has been standing up for the neighborhoods on this issue.

My concern about this is this is a replicable model anywhere in the city, when the state finds a willing private property owner who will sell them their ground, pulling it out of the standard zoning process, he said.

Its the model that really is troubling to me  theyve crafted an end-run around the public rezoning process because its not convenient.

That, of course, is not how the university views the project. UA spokesman Chris Sigurdson issued a statement after Tuesdays City Council vote saying:

We continue to work with the neighborhood association and with homeowners in the project area to describe the project concept, our need for an honors college residence hall and how it would manifest in the neighborhood. Moving forward we certainly would work in close cooperation with the city and the residents and comply with all applicable laws.

That phrase applicable laws is really the central issue here  what laws apply?

That matters more now because the university is poised to come into $400 million for maintenance and construction of new buildings. This is thanks to the bill that Gov. Doug Ducey signed into law Monday, which allows for $1 billion in bond funding for the states three universities.

We believe well get about $400 million of bonding authority, give or take, the UAs chief financial officer, Gregg Goldman, told me earlier this month. Roughly $200 million will go to deferred maintenance and renewal, $200 million toward research infrastructure.

The likelihood is the $200 million for new construction will be enough to pay for two new research buildings, Goldman said.

He acknowledged the new university president will likely set priorities that help determine how the money is spent. Thats as it should be.

But you would also think that Robbins doesnt want a community-relations mess on his hands when he starts his new job.

The best way to avoid that would be to build trust by committing to following the rezoning process for a private megadorm in an off-campus neighborhood. Thats a good precedent.
Gov. Doug Ducey says he believes in First Amendment rights for high school journalists, but only if they are supervised  and can be overridden  by school principals and administrators.

Im a believer of course in free speech and have been supportive of the First Amendment, the governor told Capitol Media Services on Tuesday, less than 24 hours after vetoing legislation that would have limited the ability of school officials to censor what their students write. But Ducey said there are limits to those constitutional rights.

These are minors, he said.

We believe that some supervision and making certain that the principal is in charge of a school and the schools direction is important, Ducey continued. And thats what resulted in the veto.

The governors move disappointed Sen. Kimberly Yee, R-Phoenix  and not only because she shepherded her legislation through the Senate without any dissent and picked up 41 votes in support in the 60-member House.

It was Yees personal experience as a student journalist in 1991 at Greenway High School in Phoenix, having her stories and cartoons quashed by administrators, that first sparked her interest. In fact, she even convinced the state Senate the following year to enact legislation protecting student publication rights.

That 1992 measure died when it could not clear the House. So Yee, now the Senate majority leader, decided it was time to try again.

I know Kimberlys history on this personally, Ducey said. But that happened over 20 years ago.

Nor was the governor persuaded by the reporting done earlier this year by students at Pittsburg High School in Kansas who found out that advanced degrees claimed by their new principal came from a university that apparently was not accredited. She subsequently quit.

Im certainly aware of the Kansas issue, Ducey said. But I dont know we need to be solving Kansas issues in Arizona.

But there was testimony earlier this year that there is a problem in Arizona, not just from student journalists but also faculty.

Peggy Gregory, who advises the student paper at Greenway High School, told lawmakers about an incident where students were working on a news story about a testing program the district liked. That article, she said, quoted a teacher who was critical of that testing.

Gregory said the school superintendent instructed the principal to tell her to kill the story  or lose her job. Censorship aside, Gregory said these kinds of situations undermine what she and other journalism teachers are trying to teach.

If theyre only allowed to publish puff pieces, how will they ever learn the power of the press to bring about change, to challenge ideas, to take the responsibility of their words, and to take up the mantle of the great journalists who have preceded them? she asked.

We dont want administration to censor stuff, the governor said. These kids enjoy the same First Amendment rights that you and I do.

Well, not exactly.

In 1969, the U.S. Supreme Court declared that student press freedom was protected by the First Amendment. But in 1988 the court partly reversed itself, ruling that public school newspapers do not have the same level of constitutional rights as other publications.

The bottom line, Ducey said, is his belief there needs to be someone to second-guess the judgment of writers who could be as young as 14.

We just wanted to make sure there would be adult supervision and that we wouldnt strip teachers or principals of authority, the governor said.

That is the misperception of how journalism works in schools, Yee said.

Of course there is adult supervision, she continued. You have a certified teacher as the journalism adviser and you often have an assistant, who is also an adult.

And Yee insisted that the language of her legislation was broad enough to give some oversight even to principals and school officials.

As approved, her legislation required each school governing board to adopt written content standards or guidelines for school-sponsored media. And the measure allowed school officials to kill stories that create imminent danger of inciting students to violate the law or district regulations or materially and substantially disrupts the orderly operation of the public school.

Yee said those provisions likely would have given administrators the ability to quash even embarrassing stories.

She said that language resulted in the Arizona School Boards Association deciding not to try to kill the legislation. But ASBA lobbyist Chris Kotterman said many local board members still had concerns.

It would hamper their ability to prevent the publication of material that they thought was problematic, he said. And that is their right under the (1988 Supreme Court) case.

The easiest thing to do, Kotterman said, was simply stay out of the fight.

Ducey said hes willing to consider a similar bill next year  but only if its scope is limited.

If this had been something for college students or above it would have been an easy signature, he said.
Tucsons largest school district is officially setting out on a search for a new leader.

The governing board gave Nicholas Clement of the Arizona School Boards Association the green light Tuesday night at a board meeting to put the call out for candidates by next week.

A successful candidate will be highly visible, collaborative in leadership as evidenced by involvement in the community schools and district worksites, a draft of the posting said. The new leader should have the ability to build strong, cooperative relationships with all stakeholders in the school system.

The new superintendent will be paid a base salary of between $180,000 and $230,000 to oversee more than 47,000 students in 89 schools and programs.

We need to stay competitive even with neighboring districts, Adelita Grijalva, a board member, said. That range is comparable to other superintendents in similar-size districts in the Phoenix area, Clement told board members at the meeting.

Board member Rachael Sedgwick said shed hoped to cap the salary at $180,000, especially because of the states constrained budget for education.

Three months ago, the former TUSD chief resigned after some board members dissatisfied with his performance sought to remove him in a weeks-long effort. He was paid a base salary of $270,000.

The board struggled for a month to hire an interim with a top candidate pulling out last minute. On March 28, it named Gabriel Trujillo, an assistant superintendent with the district, as the interim.

According to a tentative timeline for the search, which the board also approved Tuesday night, TUSD is hoping to screen applicants and identify who will be reviewed by the board in July. Finalists are scheduled to be announced on Aug. 8, but thats subject to change.

An 11-member committee will be formed to screen the candidates. It will be tasked with identifying top candidates to be forwarded to the governing board. Clement, the consultant, recommended that teachers, principals, parents, business owners, support staff and foundation members be included in that committee.
U.S. Rep. Martha McSally on Wednesday morning announced she has canceled a telephone town hall later today that was set to give constituents a chance to talk to her directly about health-care legislation.

In a brief statement, McSallys office said the congresswoman was traveling to Tucson because a man described as a father figure is gravely ill.

The man who has been a father figure in Rep. McSallys life for the last 20 years took a turn for the worse this morning in his battle against cancer and his health is rapidly deteriorating, read the statement from her spokeswoman, Kelly Schibi.

Rep. McSally has to urgently fly back to Tucson this afternoon. She regretfully will have to reschedule the health care telephone town hall for the next available date. Due to this emergency, the Congresswoman will also miss votes on Wednesday and Thursday. Rep. McSally has already informed the Speaker of this unfortunate circumstance. She appreciates her constituents understanding during this difficult time.

The forum was scheduled nearly three weeks after McSally, a Republican, voted in favor of the revised American Health Care Act, which narrowly passed on a party-line vote.

Several groups have staged protests outside her Tucson office since that vote.
The Tucson City Council signaled Tuesday it will fight the UA on any end run around local zoning rules in its plans to build a new 1,000-bed honors dorm.

If the University of Arizona and its private partner, American Campus Communities, want to build the project along three city blocks just north of campus boundaries, they will have to immediately begin to work within the city zoning regulations, a letter drafted by City Attorney Mike Rankin stated.

The council voted unanimously to send that letter to university officials, the Austin, Texas-based student housing developer, and the governing body of Arizonas public university system, the Board of Regents.

The proposed six-story dorm would span a city block between East Drachman and Mabel streets and North Fremont and Santa Rita avenues, north of East Speedway. The UA owns only a portion of the proposed development, with ACC owning the rest of the property.

Chris Sigurdson, a university spokesman, said the UA is continuing to work with the neighborhood association and with homeowners in the project area.

Moving forward, we certainly would work in close cooperation with the city and the residents and comply with all applicable laws, he said.

However, all applicable laws is a hotly contested term as the university may not be legally obligated to follow the citys zoning rules as a state-run entity.

City Councilman Steve Kozachik said ACC attempted to go through the regular zoning process four years ago, showing a nearly identical proposal to area residents in 2013. It faced stiff resistance for a six-story dorm and several other buildings.

Kozachik said he believes the project coming out of the university is a second attempt to move forward with the project without a public process.

The project might not look the same if it went through the zoning process, he said, adding that plans to open the dorm in the fall of 2018 are ambitious. They need to go through the process like everybody else does, he said.

Mayor Jonathan Rothschild said he hopes the councils action on Tuesday will at least spark a dialogue between city and university officials on the proposal.

Diana Lett, neighborhood preservation committee chair for the Feldmans Neighborhood Association, said she was pleased the city has stepped in.

Simply put, she said, there is a right way and a wrong way to work with the neighborhood on new projects.
Tucson Police Assistant Chief Ramon Batista was selected police chief of Mesa, the city manager announced Wednesday, May 24.

Batista, a native Tucsonan who grew up on the south side and was hired by TPD 31 years ago, will officially begin his new job in July, said Steven Wright, a Mesa spokesman.

Batista's pay range will be between $143,000 to $192,545, Wright said.

"The chief of police is one of the most important leadership positions in the city overseeing a department of nearly 1,200 sworn and civilian employees," said Mesa City Manager Chris Brady in a news release.

"Assistant Chief Batista was chosen because I believe he is the best fit for our community and organization at this time," said Brady, who made the selection after months of interviews and forums with police, community members, business and civic leaders, including those in Tucson.

The other finalist was Mesa interim Police Chief Michael Dvorak.

"I grew up on Tucson's south side," said Batista in an interview Wednesday morning. "My mom worked multiple jobs to send her three children to private school," said the assistant chief who attended St. John the Evangelist Catholic School and graduated from Salpointe Catholic High School.

"I love Tucson and working at TPD has taught me a lot," said Batista who climbed the ranks as a patrol officer, including working at the academy, traffic, and undercover narcotics. We are always looking to doing our jobs better and looking at other departments across the country and bringing their top programs here to see if it works. Not everything works, it all depends on the community," said Batista.

Batista said TPD was ahead of the curve when 21st Century Policing came of age, and it validated programs the department had in place and commanders are working to make better.

Batista oversees the investigative services bureau, which includes detectives, the crime lab, the evidence section and the crime scene unit. When he was promoted bureau chief in 2014, he commanded the field services bureau with oversight of the city's 235 square miles, four patrol divisions and more than 600 personnel.

He said working in Tucson's diverse community has prepared him to lead police in Mesa, which also has a nationally recognized department. Batista said, like TPD, the Mesa Police Department has its own academy and crime lab. "Mesa's elected officials are very supportive of the department and public safety. I want to take our engagement to new levels and have a dialogue and reach out to people who are not so believing or so trustful of police," said Batista.

As Mesa Police Chief Batista will lead a department of 773 sworn officers and 427 civilian employees. The department's annual budget is $176 million.

The city of Mesa will have a news conference in June to introduce Batista to the community, said Wright.
Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images(WASHINGTON) -- The budget released by the White House Tuesday contains proposed changes for the program that provides access to food for Americans who otherwise might not be able to afford it.



And anti-hunger advocates aren't pleased. Lucy Melcher, associate director for advocacy with the anti-hunger group No Kid Hungry, argues that the proposed cuts are devastating to a program that research shows lifts people out of poverty.



The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, more commonly known as food stamps or SNAP, is the hunger safety net for Americans in poverty or out of work. Americans who make up to 130 percent of the poverty level, which is a monthly income of $2,600 for a family of four, are eligible for food stamps.



More than 44 million Americans participated in the food stamp program in 2016, according to the USDA. The number of people using the program increased during the economic recession and have fluctuated since 2010.



The decreased proposal in Trumps budget is based on their estimate that fewer people will be on food stamps next year, but it also includes reforms that estimate it would reduce funding for SNAP by $190 million over the next ten years.



That much bigger cut is proposed under legislation that the administration plans to bring to Congress. The changes would tighten requirements for waivers that allow people who are considered capable of working but cant find a job to stay on the program.



More than 75 percent of households who participate in SNAP have worked a job in the year before or after the receive benefits, according to the USDA. They are limited to three months of benefits unless they get a waiver from the state, such as if they live in an area where there are not enough jobs available. The administration was not clear on how it's proposal would restrict these waivers but it could mean that people who are capable of working but can't find a job have a harder time qualifying for benefits.



Office of Management and Budget director Mick Mulvaney said the cuts were an effort to get more people back to work, saying that people that needed food stamps during the recession are still on the program.



If youre paying for it isnt it reasonable for you to at least ask that question arent there people on that program who shouldnt be on there? Mulvaney asked during a briefing with reporters on Tuesday.



But No Kid Hungry's Melcher said the budget doesnt invest in programs to help people find work or help people

You are instead pulling the rug out from people and leaving them with no safety net to provide for their most basic needs, Melcher said.

BREAKING: @WhiteHouse budget CUTS critical programs that feed hungry kids. This is not right. Lrn more: https://t.co/FDywe0Mgdb #NoKidHungry pic.twitter.com/CJoGRiLUKt  No Kid Hungry (@nokidhungry) May 23, 2017

The White House also proposed cuts to the Meals on Wheels program operated through the Department of Health and Human Services in its earlier budget proposal, which led to backlash and a surge in donations to the program.



That legislative proposal also proposes that states cover up to 25 percent of the cost of SNAP programs over the next 10 years, which would ultimately cut about $190 million from the program.



Acting Deputy Secretary Michael Young said he did not know if USDA had reached out to states for input on whether they could take on more of the cost of providing food stamps.



Some states that supported Trump in the election had the highest percentages of their populations receiving SNAP benefits in the 2016 fiscal year, according to data from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, including Louisiana, West Virginia and Mississippi.



Of the 26 states, plus Washington, D.C., whose populations receive SNAP benefits at a rate higher than the national average, 18 chose Trump over Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton.



USDA Sec. Sonny Perdue said just last week that he did not think the administration planned any changes to the SNAP program.



As far as Im concerned we have no proposed changes, you dont try to fix things that arent broken and when the motto is 'do right and feed everyone,' I view that as very, very inclusive, Perdue said in a hearing with the House Agriculture Committee last week.



Michael Young said much of the budget was put together before Perdue was confirmed on on April 24.



Members of Congress have emphasized that the presidents budget is just a starting off point and rarely passes as is. Melcher said No Kid hungry will be working with members of Congress to restore funding for food stamps.



We plan to work closely with congress to make sure cuts of this level never see the light of day, she said.

Copyright  2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
Help India!

By Mirza Mosaraf Hossain, Twocircles.net

The 2012 data released by National Crimes Record Bureau had one surprising, albeit slightly unbelievable number: West Bengal, with 2.14 crore Schedule Castesthe second highest population of Scheduled Castes in India had recorded just 85 incidents of crimes against SC in 2012. Experts argued that one of the reasons was that the 34-year reign of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) had empowered the Dalits in the state, while others argued that the local police would not register the caste of a person in normal disputes. Others believed that this statistic showed that the use of SC/ST (PoA) Act was not as strong as other states. As expected, the Left leaders took this opportunity to show that their party had indeed done commendable work relating to end of caste-related atrocities.

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However, for the Dalits of West Medinipur, these statistics and numbers are of little importance: for past two years, they are being discriminated against, barred from entering shops and the children have been stopped from even sitting next to caste Hindus in schools and tuitions. Take the example of Das Rui village of Narayanagarh block, West Medinipur district, inhabited by the Rui Das (Mochi/shoemaker) community. They have been at the receiving end of boycotts ever since a local festival, Shitala Puja, was organised two years ago. During the celebrations, a boy from the shoemaker community participated in distributing meals to the devotees with his other caste Hindu friends. This did not go down well with the caste Hindus of the area and as a result, 15 shoemaker families were ostracised from all sorts of facilities in the village. They were not allowed to enter shops, take drinking water, the roads to their homes roads were blocked and students from the community were not even allowed to sit and eat next to upper-caste students in schools and tuitions. The upper-castes even threatened to rape women if they came outside their home.

Vijay Das, a resident of the village and also a victim of this incident, said, Our birth has turned to be a curse to us. We also want to live with the same honor and dignity that other sections of society enjoy. He also said, the upper caste people of the village attacked us in front of the police and district administration. But when we asked the police to protect us, the police said they did nothing, whats the point of protection? When he was asked why the police or local political representatives are taking any step against the accused, he blamed the political gains of the leaders, as they are only 15 families and they are more than 11o families.

Lakshmi Karikar, a student of 2nd year of Belda college, was financing her studies by taking tuitions. But she was forced to quit after her students, who are from upper caste families of the village, stopped taking tuitions from her as she was from a lower caste.

Even after such discriminations came out in common knowledge, the police and other local administration did not come forward to solve this tension, as has been quoted by Kolom, a regional Bengali newspaper. In an attempt to put pressure on the authorities to act against this discrimination, the victims approached All India Matua Mahasangha, a religious and social organization for this cause. Dr. Suresh Chowdhury, the general secretary of the organization, said we landed a deputation to the District Magistrate after being failed by the local police, B.D.O to take actions against this grave issue. Members of the organisation took out a protest march in the West Medinipur district, asking the authorities to take action. We will approach the top ministers of West Bengal government, and if needed even the Rashtrapati Bhavan if the district administration fails to provide justice to the victims and arrest the culprits, as has been ensured by the A.D.M in time of receiving our deputation
Help India!

By Muddassir Ahmad Qasmi

Mumbai: A grand function of 17th convocation of Markazul Maarif Education and Research Centre (MMERC) was held in its campus at Mumbai and it was presided over by the grand Mufti of Maharashtra, Mufti Azizur Rahman Fatehpuri.

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In the function all the Madrasa graduates who completed their two-year Diploma in English Language and Literature (DELL) course in MMERC, Mumbai were conferred Diploma certificates by the dignitaries and intellectuals of the city and in addition to it some of the graduates were awarded with precious prizes for their outstanding performances in academic as well as extracurricular activities.

Speeches delivered by some of the passing out graduates on Importance of Education in Islam and Our Responsibility and How to Make the New Generation a Good Preacher of Islam were highly appreciated by audience.

The chief guest of the program Afroz Shah, a well-known advocate of Bombay High Court and the Champion of the Earth award winner from Environment Protection of UNO, presenting heartfelt congratulation to MMERC graduates said, Today community, country and world need such ulama whose characters and ethics are as white as white-dress and by the grace of Allah Almighty you are adorned with such qualities therefore you should enter in the practical field without any hesitation and fear. Moreover, you do not need to come under any kind of pressure because you have ample knowledge of the glorious Quran and Hadith that have the true power to lead and guide the world.

Maulana Muhammad Burhanuddin Qasmi, the director of MMERC and editor of Eastern Crescent, in his farewell speech addressing the graduates said that you will have to be always mindful about three points: (1) this institution is established by Muhsin-e Millat Maulana Badruddin Ajmal Al-Qasmi and his sincere colleagues, particularly, to serve Islam therefore, you have to be extra cautious in this regard as service of Deen is not limited to Masjid and Madrasa rather it has numerous branches of services that must be taken care by you enlightened people. (2) You are a young blood that is a great strength but you must remember only emotion is not enough in practical fields, therefore, you need to do your work with wisdom and good plan and for that you will have to take guidance from your experienced elders. (3) Though you have gained certificate today for discharging your duties but for achieving honor in the eyes of public and acceptance in the eyes of Allah (swt), you will have to prove yourself practically.

Maulana Muddassir Ahmad Qasmi, the National Coordinator of DELL course and Assist. Editor of Eastern Crescent, informing the audience said, This year, 23 meritorious madrasa graduates have completed their Diploma Course and out of them twenty are given in-campus placements by MMERC in different institutions or organizations for teaching and preaching purposes and remaining three will continue their education in prestigious universities of India and abroad. He further said, Alhamdulillah, 95% of MMERC graduates are purely associated with different religious missions in India and in other 17 different countries of the world.

The president of this gala function Mufti Azizur Rahman Fatehpuri addressing the pass out ulama said, Sincerity is a must for any religious work, therefore, wherever you go, do your respective works with utmost sincerity. Encouraging the graduates he further said, You have added one more feather of modern education in your crown while you were already well-versed in religious education, now, you have double responsibilities on your shoulders. So do not become only a man of words but utilize your inner power too for getting desired goal and fulfilling the cherished dream of this institution. More importantly, keep in touch with public because evil powers always try to detach ulama from public for spreading averseness towards Deen. The grand of Mufti of Maharashtra further added, Remember that competent ulama should work as per the demands of time.

The lecturers and officials of MMERC Professor Ahmad Kamal Khusro, Maulana Atiqur Rahman Qasmi, Maulana Aslam Javed Qasmi and Mufti Jaseemuddin Qasmi contributed their best to add on to the magnificent Convocation program and making it a great success.
Help India!

By Siddhant Mohan, TwoCircles.net

Kulbhushan Jadhavs case in International Court of Justice (ICJ) is being heard and in a promising move, the ICJ stayed the execution of Kulbhushan Jadhav. This decision by ICJ is a huge setback for Pakistan and moreover, it has given hope to India.

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Indias is being represented in ICJ by Harish Salve, who is a senior lawyer in Supreme Court of India, and has already served Solicitor General of India for three years. But this time, Harish Salve has earned fame for charging Rs 1 as his fee. It has no doubt made him famous; otherwise it is less expected from the current tech-savvy and Whatsapp-dependent Nationalist guns of India to have ever heard of Harish Salves name.

But it is for sure that Salve, who has been representing Mukesh Ambanis Reliance Industries Limited, Tata group of companies including Ratan Tata himself, Vodafone and Salman Khan, has created a new and useless debate at least in South Asia regarding the fee of lawyers when it comes to Nations Pride.

Kulbhushan Jadhavs case was going peacefully and India was moving towards a victory until BJP tried to hijack the lawyer, case and country and even tried to put the discussion as another BJP versus Congress fight. The BJP alleged that UPA government had dropped Harish Salves name for Khawar Qureshi in 2004 over a case with Enron. Notably, Khawar Qureshi is Pakistans counsel in ICJ in Kulbhushan Jadhavs case. This allegations comes as a half truth as Indian media is hiding too many details of the same, making it to look like UPA ditched National Hero Harish Salve. The Indian government, in 2004 did not want Salve to leave the case but instead asked him to become Qureshis deputy, which Salve refused.

However, according to Salve and other people related to the case, Salve was planned to be the Chief Counsel in the Indias case and his demotion was carried out in later days. And the step to demote Salve was not UPAs sole decision, it was was recommended by Fox and Mandal, an international law firm which was working closely with Indian Government in Dabhol Power Project case.

Last week, when news outlets were impatiently running stories about injustice to Salve, Salve refused to comment on such stories. But it bothered very less to outlets and several of them were already running flashes like Desh ka Dushman, Congress ka Dost? (Indias enemy, a friend of Congress?), to instigate and spreading the hate against Congress even more.

Moreover, terming Khawar Qureshi as Indias enemy or Terrorist seems to be a hurried decision for now. Because Qureshi is not just some ordinary figure who was just appeared in sessions court. In fact, Khawar Qureshi is the youngest lawyer to have appeared in the International Court of Justice and his first appearance in ICJ was way back in 1993 when he fought the case for Bosnia against a genocide case against the erstwhile Yugoslavia.

According to Chambers and Partners (2014), Qureshi is known to deliver and is particularly good at difficult cases. He is part of the team and very flexible. As such hes completely what the modern barrister should be likeHe is a very powerful advocate who works incredibly hard and gets on top of both the legal issues and the facts, says Chambers and Partners, an international law firm based in London with lawyers in 180 jurisdictions around the world.

The same Chambers and Partners wrote about Qureshi in 2008, a barrister with phenomenal integrity who is effortlessly able to cross jurisdictions. Legal 500, an international encyclopedia for law firms and lawyers wrote about Khawar Qureshi in 2006, Solicitors identify Khawar Qureshis PIL background mixed with first-rate commercial expertise. In this respect he has won further admiration for handling cases of commercial and international law elements in their entirety. His strong domestic and international profile has won him a role as treasury counsel in the UK and advisory mandates from foreign states.

Notably, Qureshi is a Queens Council at Serle Court Chambers and McNair Chambers Qatar. And with the nature of cases Qureshi has fought and legal practices he has done, one could clearly say that Qureshi is not much a Pakistani Lawyer because he was constantly presenting before international courts representing various countries other than Pakistan, UK being a major one.

The hate-mongering against Khawar Qureshi just because he has a nationality of Pakistan, is doing more harm than good. Qureshi, who is no longer representing the Jadhavs case in ICJ, has also rubbished the media reports and allegations that he charged Euro 720,000 for representing the case. He termed it as non-sense allegation and said, My fees were not even 10 percent of what the Indian propaganda suggests. I cancelled another professional commitment with another government to travel to Pakistan urgently. I gave a 30% reduction on my fees besides covering the cost of two of my juniors fees. By dealing more emotionally with the Salve, Qureshi and nationalism, India is stepping its foot in a more illogical zone, which if ICJ acknowledges, it will be a more open forum for Pakistan to discuss Kashmir conflict in the international court.

Not that Salve is a figure who does not have his own share of controversies. His role as amicus curiae in Gujarat Riots case was also questioned by civil rights group. In 2009, Citizens for Justice and Peace (CJP), accused Salve for being unfit to be amicus curiae in Gujarat riots case due to his attitude towards the complaints filed by CJP. In simple terms, the job of an amicus (friend of court) is to help the court with objective and impartial analysis so that justice is served and public interest prevails. In such a role, amicus Salve not only helped the Supreme Court in investigation but he also handpicked officers to be part of the Special Investigation Team.

But riots victims from Gujarat raised their concerns and complaints in the court over the role and functioning of SIT. They alleged that SIT have not gone after the top government functionaries and officials on whose orders riots were staged, but rather booked small level Police officers over the incident. For instance, an inspector was held responsible in the Gulbarg Society massacre for entire police failure while just departmental action was issued against top-ranked officials. This explains why Salve was one of the most favorable man in the eyes of the then Gujarat Government, and now Narendra Modi-led Indian Government.

Moreover, Salve was also accused of lobbying for Eros Energy in setting up a 25 MW power plant in Gujarat after investigative magazine Tehelka dug out the email exchanges between Eros Energys Kishore Lulla, Harish Salve and top officials of Gujarat government. CJPs Kamini Jaiswal, who is also a Supreme Court lawyer, also accused Salve role back in 2009 as amicus curiae because beside being amicus curiae in the case, Salve was also Gujarat Governments counsel in Ishrat Jahans encounter case. Seeing the light of such allegations against Salve, retired Supreme Court judge PB Sawant too raised question over Salves appointment as amicus curiae in Gujarat riots case.

Salve was also accused of not consulting Gujarat riot victims when it came to replacement of two SIT officers  Geeta Johri and Shivanand Jha  and moving to appointing new officers on the recommendations of SIT Chairman Raghavan.

Moreover, Salves career as a lawyer is not free controversies. Appearing before the court in favor of big corporate houses, politicians and film stars, Salve is said to charge Rs 10-20 lakh per court appearance. He represented bollywood star Salman Khan in the famous hit-and-run case in which Salman Khan killed a man who was sleeping on footpath. He lost Vodafones $ 2.5 billion tax case against Indian Government in Bombay high court but got success later in Supreme Court. The elite legacy of Salve took him to temporary residence in London to study and focus more on the Vodafones case.

It must be noted that the appointment of Salve for Rs 1, is not a big thing and it is not an official announcement. Various Indians have served various positions inside and outside of country over the same fee. But it is the discussion which got pace after Kulbhushan Jadhavs case appeared in International Court of Justice. It is good that India is fighting hard to save a life of one individual, but it is more open secret that foolishness of getting into emotional zone will certainly give edge to Pakistan on certain issues. One of them Pakistan is already shouting, Vienna convention does not applies over spies.
Help India!

By Siddhant Mohan, TwoCircles.net

In April this year, the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) and Human Rights Watch (HRW) declared that religious freedom in India is at stake. Now, another US body, Alliance for Justice and Accountability (AJA), has released a comprehensive report on minority rights violation in India on NDA governments three-year anniversary and this report follows a similar theme to that of the USCIRF and the HRW.

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The report, which can be read here, was launched in Washington DC and the panelists at the briefing included Jennifer Prestholdt (Deputy Director, The Advocates for Human Rights), veteran journalist Kannan Srinivasan, and Ajit Sahi (Advocacy Director, Indian American Muslim Council).

The report mentions that human rights abuses against Indias social and religious minorities have been on the ascendance since the BJP government came to power. This grim reality is already being acknowledged within India as well as internationally.

AJA talks about the inability of Indian government in dealing with the anti-minority violence and said that government action seem to actually protect the perpetrators. It said, The Government of India has not demonstrated a sense of urgency to adequately investigate and effectively prosecute perpetrators of human rights violations against members of minority groups, the report said.

The report marks the custodial torture and deaths separately, Since the BJP formed the federal government in 2014, there has been an uptick in the practice by the police and law enforcement of arbitrary and unlawful detention; torture, and cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment of terrorism suspects in police custody; extrajudicial killings; harassment of human rights defenders at the behest of the political executive; framing and arrests of innocents from the social and religious minorities; and fabrication as well as destruction of evidence.

It further said, The most egregious human rights violations perpetrated by the police include illegal detention of suspects and torture of detainees, arrestees and convicts, as well as extrajudicial killings, called encounter killings. These encounter killings are staged by the police who insist that those killed had taken the first shot. Not only have torture and the killings spiraled, the government has refused to act against their perpetrators.

In the past too, Human rights experts have reported increased police harassment, arbitrary arrest, and detention of Muslims based on the pretext of their purported involvement in terrorist activities and the recent report by AJA acknowledges such cases in a comprehensive manner. It said, Even though Indian law does not sanction torture it is most widely used. Beatings at police stations as also in prisons have caused hundreds of deaths of detainees, accused or convicts. Even though confessions given to police officers are not admissible as evidence in the court, except for under special laws, the practice of using torture to force confessions to the police goes on. Allegations that the police use torture to extort money have also been made.

The report also mentions draconian laws which have caused huge human rights violations in the past. These laws include the AFSPA, the National Security Act (NSA), the Public Safety Act (PSA), the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), the Maharashtra Control of Organized Crimes Act (MCOCA) and the Chhattisgarh Special Public Security Act (CSPSA).

Report separately highlights the Hindutva organizations such as RSS, VHP, Hindu Yuva Vahini and Bajrang Dal and writes, These organizations have long been involved in organized violence against the minorities often causing deaths of their victims. Thousands of VHP and Bajrang Dal members have been accused for decades for such attacks, but few are ever prosecuted and even fewer convicted.

The report does not only focuses over Muslims, but also talks comprehensively about Christians, Sikhs, Dalits and Tribals whose rights are being violated, and even crushed, since NDA came in power in 2014. Various episodes of anti-minority violences like Gau-raksha, Ghar-Wapasi, Love-Jihad have also been discussed in details. The report does not stops at minority rights, but also talks about misuse of FCRA laws, restriction of freedom of expression, attacks on Human rights activists. The report also makes 29-points recommendation to Indian government which ranges from implementing DK Basu guidelines for arrests and detention to legislate punishment for sectarian violence by Individuals or groups.

Ajit Sahi, the new advocacy director at IAMC, said at the launch, The release of this report is a plea to the international community for help in influencing the government of India to safeguard the rights of lower castes and religious minorities.
Help India!

New Delhi, (IANS): The Congress party on Wednesday demanded that the Uttar Pradesh government set up a special court and chargesheet those accused in the Saharanpur violence and that Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is duty bound to provide protection to Dalits affected in the caste clashes.

The Congress Scheduled Castes department chairman K. Raju said the state administration should understand that they are duty bound to immediately provide relief, rehabilitation and compensation to the Dalit victims under the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act 1989.

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Raju said: Though hundreds of upper caste youths have committed such atrocious acts on Dalits, so far only 32 have been arrested.

All the accused should be arrested and the UP government should set up a special court to deliver the judgment within 120 days. A special set-up of the public prosecutor has to be appointed and chargesheet against the accused has to be filed within 60 days of the incident. We demand an independent probe, said Raju briefing mediapersons.

The UP government has to understand that there is a provision which provides protection, safeguard to Dalits and they are duty bound to implement that legislation. They are duty bound to respect the Constitution and provide the rehabilitation and protection, and punish the accused, he added.

The Congress party also demanded that the Chief Minister should immediately convene a meeting of the Vigilance and Monitoring Committee to ensure that such incidents are not repeated.

Saharanpur is declared an atrocity-prone district which means that the administration ought to be on alert to make sure that atrocities (on Dalits) do not happen.

What is worrisome in Saharanpur is that the administration is silent and has been a mute witness. They have not prevented or stepped in to ensure that the law is activated, said Raju.

The party also demanded that action should be initiated against the administration, the Police and the District Magistrate for their failure to prevent occurrence and recurrence of caste clashes.

Whoever has failed to discharge their duties should be punished. We are demanding that cases must be booked against the District Magistrate and the Superintendent of Police for dereliction of duty, said Raju.

The party also demands that the Chief Minister should act in a manner to instill confidence among the Dalit victims and make sure that the witnesses are also protected.

A certain section of the society in UP believe that after Yogi Adityanath became the Chief Minister, they have got licence to indulge in hooliganism, oppress the Dalits, commit atrocities, said Raju.

They are confident that law will not be initiated against them because they think that the Chief Minister will provide them all necessary protection to allow them to commit any kind of atrocities on Dalits, which is a very sad story, he added.

Asked if Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi would visit Saharanpur, Raju said he would visit at an appropriate time. We dont believe in instigating violence. We will look for appropriate time, he said.

A day after clashes between Dalits-Rajputs left one dead, the situation in a violence-hit village in Uttar Pradeshs Saharanpur district remained tense but under control on Wednesday, an official said.

At least six persons were injured, one of them from gunshots, as caste tension flared again in Shabbirpur village and surrounding areas in Saharanpur district after BSP supremo Mayawatis visit on Tuesday.
Help India!

Hyderabad, (IANS): After former Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa, BJP President Amit Shah also seems to have landed in a controversy reportedly for eating food prepared by non-Dalits at community lunches with Dalits during his visit to Telangana.

Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao on Wednesday claimed that Shah, during his visit to Nalgonda district of Telangana, ate food cooked elsewhere and by non-Dalits.

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Shah, during his three-day visit which concluded on Wednesday, ate food with Dalits during Saha Pankti Bhojanam or community lunch in two villages.

Rao told reporters here that the Bharatiya Janata party (BJP) chief during his visit to Teratpalli village ate food cooked in a nearby village Kammavarigudem under the supervision of a forward caste party functionary.

The Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) chief said in Peddadevupalli village, Shah had food which was brought from a hotel.

Rao also said that while Shah and other BJP leaders were having lunch on the table, Dalit workers of the party were standing behind them.

Karnataka BJP leader Yeddyurappa had food reportedly brought from a hotel during his visit to the house of a Dalit in Chitradurga district of the state last week.
Help India!

Lucknow, (IANS): Under attack from the opposition for caste clashes in Saharanpur district, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday appealed to the states people not to pay heed to statements aimed at inciting them.

Some forces are out to create disturbances in the state as they are unable to digest the welfare steps of the state government in public interest, the Chief Minister said in a statement here.

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Such people, he said, were out to disrupt communal harmony and peace in Uttar Pradesh.

The Chief Minister said these forces will be defeated at all costs with the help and support of the people.

Yogi Adityanath said those guilty in the Saharanpur clashes would be identified and dealt with strictly.

He reiterated that his government did not discriminate for or against anyone and did not represent any caste, religion or community and only followed the guiding principle of sabka saath, sabka vikas.

Twenty-five persons were arrested and four top officials suspended on Wednesday over the Saharanpur violence, a day after clashes between Dalits and Rajputs left one dead.

Sources said that Yogi Adityanath had taken a grim view of the caste clashes and ordered the suspension of District Magistrate N.P. Singh, Senior Superintendent of Police Subhash Chandra Dubey, a Sub-Divisional Magistrate, and a police Circle Officer.

On May 5 also, a clash had occurred between the two communities when protests were raised over loud music played in connection with the celebration of Maharana Pratap Jayanti in Shabbirpur village. One person was killed and 16 others were injured in that clash.
Did anyone else see the poem Tony Walsh read out during tributes to the victims of the Manchester attacks? It was brilliant. He captured the resilience and bravery of an iconic and historic British city whilst reading out his passionate poem in response to this cowardly event. I was so moved and the overwhelming solidarity so many Brits have shown since the attacks has been remarkable. I am so proud to be British because of it. Who do ISIS terrorists think they are by bombing a concert full of innocent children? Manchester has survived so much and they will not surrender to 'evil losers', as President Trump referred to them as.

This is a city that has been on the receiving end of countless terrorist atrocities, particularly from the IRA. It endured the Manchester Martyrs, an arson in 1920, a series of explosions in 1939, the Blitz and the Luftwaffe during the Second World War, two IRA bombs in 1992 and the 1996 Manchester bombing. And yet, every time this industrial magnet has persevered. I will not say people must go on, for that would be insensitive to those who have lost so much already. But ISIS is mistaken if they truly believe one city can be cowed and intimidated by their calculated bombings intended to disrupt life as we know it.

They have not succeeded, and if history is to teach us anything, they never, ever will.

These moments test our strength as a nation, and Britain has remained defiant. The whole world has united behind this island. We must not allow these cowards to alter our way of life and prevent us from enjoying every minute of it. Terrorism never wins.
I love social media, I think it is so useful in many ways that I cannot contemplate life without it anymore. Yet when it comes to atrocious events like the Manchester attacks, it brings out the worst in people. The responses to Ariana Grande's tweet offering her condolences to the victims of the bombing are vile. The fact that one Twitter user went as far to suggest that she was involved in the attack is atrocious. Love her or hate her, Tuesday 23rd 2017 should not have been about scoring points, but remembering those who perished at the Manchester Arena and those still missing.

Ariana Grande has certainly made some controversial remarks in the past about her home country. It is no secret that celebrities produce silly comments and that many of them are detached from reality. Indeed one could argue that their influence is waning after their overwhelming support for remaining in the EU and Hillary Clinton failed to prevent Brexit and Trump respectively. These attacks should not stifle free speech, for that is what the attackers possibly want. But this is not the time to highlight celebrities' hypocrisy over their liberal views.

We are all united in our grief over the victims, both dead and hopefully still alive. This should be the focus of people's social media statuses, people like 8-year-old Saffie Rose Roussos who lost her life whilst living it to the full.

Georgina Callander was a passionate Ariana Grande fan, and she perished watching the popstar she loved. There are appeals spreading throughout social media pleading for help to find those still missing. 59 people were injured, fighting for their lives. What about them? Have they been forgotten as people take to their keyboards to blame Miss Grande?

It is disappointing that during moments like this, people use them for their own political or personal capital. Voltaire once said he would die for people's right to free speech, but he wouldn't just detest what many social media users have said if he were alive today; he would condemn it. He'd probably wonder what society has come to with a new generation of keyboard warriors.
As the Election Battle-Buses rev up in this The First full week of campaigning, two parties have already hit the slippery slope without an obstacle in sight. Strange that both Jeremy Corbyn and Nicola Sturgeon spoke at a very wintery Trade Union meeting in the Scotish Highlands yesterday - not at the same time of course to avoid bloodshed, yet both bluffed and blustered probably leaving even themselves unsure of their intent?

Labour

In Aviemore, the Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn had a perfect opportunity to lay out, with some real passion this time, what he really felt after his lacklustre TV appearance on Sunday morning.

Yet nothing about Europe, or NATO, and certainly nothing about Trident which effects Scotland's job prospects? Instead, he pandered to the whims of the trade-unions, a topic on which most of those who support him have heard more than enough already. Where were his sweeping statements about progress, the way forward, or what are we actually going to do to revive the UK's manufacturing industries? He did not even mention Brexit until he released a statement this morning, (Tuesday) saying that he would guard the rights of all EU citizens residing in the UK after we are out. More importantly, he would repeal government legislation, stay in the single market and transport relevant EU laws to the UK.

Well, why did we come out of Europe then?

Of course just to stick the boot in a bit harder, Tony Blair - unable to just shut up, the duplicitous ex-politician, PM and Labour leader, urged labour voters to vote tactically for Conservative candidates whilst he himself was going to still vote Labour, no matter how badly they were doing in the polls.

It leaves one wondering if Blair has some ulterior motive? Perhaps he will invest some of his considerable wealth in getting together with other disaffected 'remainders,' in setting up a new political party that will take the steam out of 'Old Labour,' when the popular vote collapses in 7 weeks time?

SNP

Well now, there is something you can be sure Nicola Sturgeon did not see coming.

A woman who is so full of her own agenda that she forgets that voters have one too. It appears that Scotland as a whole are none too pleased with her constant rant of; independence, independence, independence! In a surprise poll - well to her at least - overall support for 'Scotsit,' currently stands at 40% with only 26% of all voters wanting a new referendum any time soon. She must also be reeling from the fact that the Conservatives under Ruth Davidson are picking up a lot of support from the undecided, with as many as 12 Scottish seats in contention. Some voters appear to have been left bewildered by Sturgeon's battle-cry of old, that the SNP were, 'Stronger for Scotland.' when the SNP are only stronger for the SNP and their ultimate goal of Independence.

So a little excitement in a stilted campaign. One can only hope there are lots more to come...
Trump in Riyadh

In Riyadh I watched Donald Trump do a little dance, shake a little sword and accept a big cheque in return for American-made weapons of mass destruction. Then it was off to bang his head against a wall in Jerusalem, mumble a few platitudes about the intractable Israeli-Palestinian conflict, before heading off to the Vatican to meet the Pope.

I confess, at one point, as Donald Trump emerged from the dark interior of air force one and felt the full force of the Middle Eastern sun on his brow, I wondered whether he was wearing enough sunblock.

It was difficult to tell. Why do the little things attract so much of our attention? They do, don't they?

Allies and enemies in the war on terror

Enough of the incidental, lets talk about the big stuff. Actually, Im not going to talk I am going to ask a question, You can offer answers I'll never hear, nod in agreement, or shake your head in disbelief.

Trump has just visited Saudi Arabia to create an alliance with the Gulf states to fight against terrorism. Why is he forming an alliance with states accused of supporting terrorism to fight terrorism?

John Podesta wrote in a leaked State Department email: We need to use our diplomatic and more traditional intelligence assets to bring pressure on the governments of Qatar and Saudi Arabia, which are providing clandestine financial and logistic support to Isis and other radical groups in the region.

OK lets leave that question aside for a bit.

Trump went on to criticise Iran for sponsoring terrorism - not Saudi Arabia or Qatar but Iran. On his visit to Jerusalem, the President said to the Israelis, that there was a growing realisation among your Arab neighbours that they have common cause with you in the threat posed by Iran.

Heres where I get confused. Werent the men responsible for 9/11 Saudi nationals and not Iranians?

Oh, and arent the Iranians fighting ISIS and other Sunni extremists in Syria and Iraq?

Andrew Curtis in his documentary Bitter Lake offers some answers. At the end of the Second World War, Franklin D. Roosevelt and King Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia struck a deal in which America would be guaranteed Saudi oil in return for protection and wealth.

According to Curtis, Abdulaziz said to Roosevelt, 'We will take your technology and your money but you must leave our faith alone Bitter Lake 15.10. The faith that the West has left alone is Wahhabism, a strict, puritanical form of Islam; a faith intolerant of unbelievers and other more moderate Muslims - you may have heard of it.

Since then, successive American Presidents have ignored the threat of Wahhabism, a faith which has spawned the ideology behind ISIS. Trump appears to be continuing in the same vein. He too is happy to do a little dance, accept money for arms, and turn a blind eye to intolerance.

Today Air Force One flies the President to the Vatican City, I wonder whether the Pope will take his confession.
The attack at the Manchester Arena was a terrible event. It was a crime. It was committed by people who do not deserve our respect in any way, shape, or form.

And yes, it was a terror attack, because it was designed to create fear - all the more so, perhaps, because there were many children present at that particular concert. All the more so, perhaps, because an attack at a music event, particularly, causes the musician/s playing to blame themselves - people died because they came to see them, after all.

But we should not "stand with" Manchester, or any other target of terrorism.

The problem with the rush to react, across social media, with 'we're standing with...' banners, and sentiments of moral outrage, and racial hatred, is that it exempts us from taking a good, long look at what causes Terrorism, beyond the racist rhetoric of "Muslim scum" - as many Muslims have said, those who commit terrorist atrocities are not Muslims. Muslims, as we saw after the Manchester Arena incident, are often among the first to help, even when they're not directly involved: they're the taxi drivers turning off their meters to get people away. They're the restaurants offering free meals. The hotels offering free accommodation.

Yes, non-Muslims are helpers, too - but, as we've seen from many other incidents over the years, most recently, and most close to home for the UK, in the murder of MP Jo Cox, non-Muslims are terrorists, too.

But we don't get outraged about that.

Because we haven't identified what we stand against, and so we often don't see the things we should be outraged about.

When we don't know what we're fighting against, we become an easy target. When we choose the symptom, rather than the cause, as the focus of our hatred, we've already lost the war.

I do not stand with Manchester.

I stand against hatred and intolerance - the hatred and intolerance that is promoted by Wahhabism, the radical, militant version of Islam exported from Saudi Arabia, and the hatred and intolerance of the racist reactions to any terrorist attack committed by those with non-white skin.

I stand against demonisation - the demonisation of democracy and free thought, and the demonisation of people who have done nothing wrong other than have darker skin than some would like, and been raised, or chosen, to follow a religion that is not Christianity.

I stand against the silencing of people who make observations that have a ring of unpleasant truth - that a terrorist attack such as that at Manchester, at this particular time, was an opportune event for a Prime Minister under pressure in the run up to a General Election that she only called to boost her support.

And I stand against the refusal to engage with those who are not wealthy. Saudi Arabia is pandered to, courted, and indulged, despite the undesirable version of Islam it promotes, because its leaders are rich.

Young British Muslims are ignored and rejected by the British government, primarily because they are from impoverished, inner-city, working-class backgrounds.

When you are young, and particularly when you are male, being accepted, valued, and listened to are important. If the only people offering that are promoting extremism and intolerance? Yes, you're probably going to end up agreeing with their principles, rather than those of the country that doesn't even notice your existence, because you can't "give it" anything - "anything", in this case, being money. Or oil.

I stand against Britain's obsession with courting those with wealth, and its rejection of the young and the poor.

Terrorism isn't just bombs and vitriol.

Terrorism is telling people they don't matter because they don't have financial influence.

Terrorism is using the media to whip up hatred and disrespect of and against groups of people you, as the government, have decided are undesirable - the poor, the unemployed, the disabled.

Terrorism is reacting to unpleasant observations not with simple disagreement, but with demands for retractions and apologies.

Terrorism is taking away funding for, and thereby access to, the arts, and the creative expression and sense of unity and purpose they offer.

I do not stand with Manchester, or anywhere else that has been and will be attacked, threatened, challenged, and wounded. I stand against terrorism, in all its forms. And so must all of us, if we are to have any hope of avoiding another Manchester.

Terrorism is Evolving

Manchester Terror Attack
Youngae Song is an award-winning contemporary Artist who moved from South Korea to America in 2004 and presently resides in New York. Youngae has enjoyed more than a dozen solo shows featuring her bright abstract paintings which have proven to be popular in China, India, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, Uzbekistan and the United States.

Youngaes art features three-dimensional elements and bold brushstrokes. She is inspired by memories, landscapes and everyday objects. Her paintings have become so popular that they are on permanent display at Korean city halls, libraries, and prosecutors offices.

She is currently the president of Korean American Contemporary Arts Ltd (KACAL) which is a non-profit organization that assists artists.

Youngae Song was happy to discuss her life and her career in an exclusive Interview.

Art

Blasting News (BN): What inspired you to become a career artist and how did you get your artwork exhibited?

Youngae Song (YS): As a child, I always had flowers and trees in my house in Sangdo dong Seoul, in Korea. My sister and I would go to the back of a nearby mountain where, in the spring, azalea, forsythia, and royal azalea rosebuds would bloom. There was a village that was on the mountain where the fragrance of lilacs and acacia was abundant. Due to the beautiful nature that surrounded me, I started drawing scenes of the village and towns on the mountain.

Still to this day, I carefully observe the four seasons.

One day for example, I was walking to the park and saw various kinds of flowers. It was like a painted autumn landscape displayed before me. The very clouds in the sky grant me sensitivity and inspiration. Nature gives us wonder and joy. No matter the situations in our lives, nature remains unaffected and it enriches our life, as if it was the mother of our home.

The word of God also inspires me; with prayer and reflection.

I had a solo exhibition with the theme being Good Land. So far, Ive had eleven solo exhibitions and 300 group exhibitions.

BN: Your work is very colorful so what mediums do you use and do you have any favorite color combinations?

YS: Deep orange, red, purple, gray.

Green and blue are some of my favorite color combinations but all colors are beautiful. I like to use bright primary colors, but I also like to use black and white. I use oil and acrylic, gel stone powder, leaves, and gypsum powder. Mesh and fabrics for collage, dripping, spreading, scraping and sandpapering. Color composition overcoat metier color if I work on a texture of a shape.

Galleries

BN: In how many countries have you shown your art in and are you now represented by any galleries?

YS: My work has been exhibited in Korea, Japan, China, Taiwan, India, Uzbekistan, and the USA. I took home an Asian Artist Award in Japan and Taiwan. 1st Tashkent Biennale, I was invited by the representative artists of Korea in 2002.

In 2006, I was invited to the gallery for a solo exhibition. In 2013, I also was invited to the Yegam Gallery. In 2014, I held a solo show at the Andree Zarre Gallery in Chelsea and participated in the NYC Affordable Art Fair. I am currently preparing to exhibit in LA and NY in 2017 and 2018.

BN: You currently have art in a show at the Demouzy Gallery in Rockville Center, Long Island so how did you find out about this venue?

YS: Director Dong Hee Lee of H.O.V art invited me. Demouzy Contemporary Gallery is wonderful, and I was glad to have met Reine Emeish and have my contemporary work shown there.

BN: What are the most rewarding things about being a professional fine artist and what is coming up next for you?

YS: The reality in which we live in is sometimes challenging. I work on the messages of hopes and dreams and not on frustrations of suffering and despair. The theme of my work is Good Land. I am fortunate enough to be able to pray with patience and because of that I am ecstatic and very blessed.

I try to channel my feelings of gratefulness for being alive and free. I hope people who appreciate the artworks I display in my galleries understand and sympathize with the message of hope. I am filled with positive energy and hope to share that with people, it is that which leaves me feeling so accomplished and rewarded.
The Trumps are about to spread their wings a little, or perhaps a lot more; they are planning to expand the family conglomerate of businesses further. Donald Trump had already done the unexpected by winning the 2016 election when he effortlessly wrenched the Oval Office from the Democrats Hillary Rodham Clinton. This shows that the Trumps can achieve anything they set their mind to. And while the business of real estate is their leading portfolio, they have shown that anything is possible when it comes to the powerful billionaire family.

Trump conglomerate of businesses to expand in U.S.A.

Moreover, the Trump team as we know are the brains behind their successful business model and heading this business savvy group is Donald Trump, the United States President. And his older children; Donald Trump Jr. Ivanka and Eric working closely alongside him. It is quite evident that President Trump had trained the apprentices-turned-bosses very well. Because now that he has taken up the mandate to be the 45 President of the great United States of America his children are busy keeping their conglomerate of lucrative businesses running smoothly.

This helps the senior Trump to concentrate better on the task of steering the American economy while he sits in the White House for the next four years.

And while Ivanka has been busy in the Oval Office helping the President, his other children are busy adjusting to the challenges of their fathers presidency.

The boys are busy keeping things afloat as well as seizing other opportunities that have opened up since their father started out on the campaign trail. The commander in chief took over the reins of the country from ex-President Barack Obama on January 20th, 2017.

And with his accomplishment of winning the White House, several opportunities have since opened up for the Trumps.

The Trump boys will target Republican states

Now the astute business family had set their eyes on the expansion of the Trump legacy to all the American states where their father had received favorable acceptance during the campaign and election period.

In a recent interview, Donald Trump Jr. stated that the expansion into the states where Donald Sr., won the November 2016, the election is naturally easier to establish their new undertakings.

And while Donald Trump Sr., had pledged that he will not conduct any international deals while he is running the US economy, their business had slowed down quite a bit. So now his apprentices-turned-bosses are busy planning a push into the local market with two new hotel chains. The Trump boys have planned to build a four-star facility as well as another reasonably priced budget-friendly lodging that will target travelers, who are more budget-minded
Sean Christopher Urbanski, age 22, remains jailed. He is accused of fatally stabbing Richard Wilbur Collins III, age 23, near a bus stop on the Campus Park at the University of Maryland around 3 a.m. on Saturday. Urbanski made his first appearance in the case at a bond hearing on Monday afternoon.

Patrice E. Lewis, District Court Judge, Upper Marlboro, ordered the accused to remain in jail. He is held at Prince Georges detention center. He stands charged with first- and second-degree murder.

Urbanski allegedly approached Collins and was yelling at the 23-year-old to step left if he knew what was best for him.

When he was told no, Urbanski continued approaching, then, stabbed Collins in the chest one time with a folding knife. Not only were there witnesses to the attack, surveillance cameras also captured it.

After 911 was called and officers responded, they discovered Collins on the sidewalk and seriously wounded. He was taken to the hospital  where he soon died.

Bail denied at pre-trial hearing

Judge Lewis, during the short bail hearing, said the evidence was clear and convincing that accused is an absolute danger to the community. She also noted the random nature of the attack  since anyone in the universe, who uses that same bus stop, could have been attacked.

Assistant state attorney, Prince George County, Joseph Ruddy, said there was absolutely no contact prior to the attack between the victim and the suspect, who is a student at the University of Maryland and from Severna Park, MD.

Defense attorney requests release

William C. Brennan, Jr., Urbanskis defense lawyer, was denied a request that the judge set bail, release his client, put him house arrest, monitor him through GPS, and order him to treatment for substance abuse. Brennan asserted that his client was intoxicated when Collins was attacked. Brennan also told the judge that his client has no criminal record.

He was confident that his proposal for release would assure Urbanski would appear for court.

Urbanskis parents were at the hearing and did not speak on their sons behalf. They left the courtroom with Brennan. They declined to comment about their sons alleged online activities and membership in the Facebook group Alt Reich Nation.

Investigating possibility of hate crime

While authorities investigate whether the killing of Collins was a hate crime, State Attorney Angela Alsobrooks, Prince George County, said it will likely require more than the accuseds alleged membership in the racist Facebook Group to charge Urbanski, who is white, with a hate crime.

Whether the accused will be charged with a hate crime is pending the outcome of the investigation involving campus and Prince George County authorities, along with the FBI. She said that they are not even close to concluding that the murder of Collins, who was black, was a hate crime.

Collins, of Owings, MD, would have graduated today with a business degree. He was a member of Bowie State Universitys ROTC chapter and, on May 18, was commissioned to join the Army. Alsobrooks said that Collins represented the very best of this community.
President Donald Trump arrived at the Vatican for the third stop of his first foreign trip while in office and was received by Pope Francis. The Meeting appeared to be stiff and strained, which is understandable considering the sharp exchanges the two men have had over immigration. But the mood brightened considerably when the two men exchanged gifts, according to the Washington Examiner.

The president and the pope met in private in the latters private study. Witnesses suggest that Pope Francis was stone faced which the media was let in after the conversation.

Some surmise that the conservation focused on immigration, an issue on which the two have decidedly different views.

The president and the pope have clashed on immigration

Pope Francis has, in the past, attacked President Trumps stance on immigration, suggesting that anyone who focuses on building walls and not bridges is not a Christian. Trump had responded with his characteristic anger that for a religious leader to call into question his faith was disgraceful. The president also suggested that the pope had not considered his arguments for restricting immigration in the United States, such as how crime, drug trafficking, and economic degradation, caused by unrestricted immigration in his view, need addressing.

The mood brightens when gifts are exchanged

However, when President Trump presented the pope with an original bronze statue and a first edition, signed complete works of Dr. Martin Luther King, the mood lightened. The pope responded with a number of signed documents, Amoris Laetitia, Evangelii Gaudium and Laudato Si' as well as this year's World Day of Peace message about nonviolence.

Both men expressed appreciation of the others gifts.

Diplomatic mission accomplished?

President Trump was likely not able to win Pope Francis over, at least entirely, to his views on immigration. But, at least in the area of optics, he seems to have won the day. He was seen being received by the leader of one of the largest Christian denominations on the planet and taken with all seriousness.

He was also seen behaving with all due diplomatic decorum, contrary to expectation by many of his political enemies. On top of successful stops in Saudi Arabia and Israel, President Trump has fulfilled, President Trump has fulfilled his goal of being taken seriously on the world stage. Next, comes meetings with the Italian president and prime minister, a NATO meeting in Brussels, then a G7 meeting in Sicily. Trump will return home, still at the center of multiple scandals, with some much needed foreign street cred.
Roger Moore is known for playing the secret agent James Bond and also known for playing Simon Templar on TV. He was born in London on October 15, 1927 and was the only child of a housewife and a policeman. He is survived by his fourth wife, Kristina Tholstrup, whom he married in 2002. Prior to his cancer illness, Moore had a series of childhood diseases. He was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 1993, and in 2003 Moore collapsed on stage while appearing in a Broadway production.

Moore also wrote a book about the filming of "Live and Let Die" that is based on his diaries.

On October 16, 2012, "Bond On Bond" was published to tie in with the 50th anniversary of the James Bond films.

Family announces death on social media

The family stated on Moores official Twitter account "It is with a heavy heart that we must announce our loving father, Sir Roger Moore, has passed away today in Switzerland after a short but brave battle with cancer."

"The love with which he was surrounded in his final days was so great it cannot be quantified in words alone," said his three children Deborah, Geoffrey and Christian. Moore's private funeral will be held in Monaco as he wishes.

Roger Moore, best known for playing James Bond, has died at the age of 89 pic.twitter.com/A6YiwzwGdJ  Sky News (@SkyNews) May 23, 2017

Moore will be remembered as a passionate actor in his films and television shows.

His work in UNICEF is considered to be his greatest achievement. In 2003, he was promoted to Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire for services to UNICEF and Kiwanis International, a United States-based, non-profit educational organization.

The stars state their tributes

Many are saddened by Moores death, especially his friends in the showbiz.

The stars also paid tributes on their social media accounts.

Michael Ball said,"My dearest uncle Roger has passed on. What a sad, sad day this is. Loved the bones of him. Generous, funny, beautiful and kind."

Mia Farrow wrote: "Few are as kind & giving as was Roger Moore. Loving thoughts with his family & friends," while Boy George added, "RIP Sir Roger Moore.

He was the king of cool."

Duran Duran, who sang the Bond theme song for "A View To A Kill," tweeted, "RIP Roger."

Fellow UNICEF ambassador and actor Ewan McGregor said, "Thank you, Roger, for having championed so tirelessly the rights of all children for the last 26 years."

Moore told NPR in 2014 that he did not believe that death was the end, "My attitude about death is, going into the next room, and it's a room that the rest of us can't get into because we don't have the key," before continuing, "But when we do get the key, we'll go in there and we'll see one another again, in some shape or form, or whatever."
After the suicide bomber involved in the Manchester attack was identified, a decision has been taken by Britains Prime Minister Theresa May to put the country on the highest level of alert. She deployed the military to assist the police because of apprehensions of another imminent terrorist attack, due to fears that the attack at the venue of the Ariana Grande's concert could be part of a broader conspiracy. ISIS has claimed responsibility.

Reasons for suspecting a recurrence

According to New York Times, the retrieval of the I-card of the 22-year-old suspect suicide bomber led the police to zero in on his residence.

Subsequent interaction with his neighbors elicited some vital information. A senior member of the Muslim community in Manchester revealed that the suspect had been barred from the mosque in 2015 because he had expressed his support for the Islamic State. At that time he became a person of interest to the intelligence agencies.

In addition to the above, a senior United States official provided additional information that the suspect had travelled several times to Libya. He was born in Britain but his parents hailed from Libya, hence such visits would appear to be normal. Chief Constable Ian Hopkins of the Greater Manchester Police has indicated that investigation into attack in the Ariana Grande program was going on to determine whether it was a loner at work or whether it was part of a network.

In the opinion of security experts, the use of an IED in the attack showed that there are possibilities of more such bombs made at the same time. Hence, the national threat level has been raised from severe to critical since possibilities of future attacks remain high and the police would not like to get caught on the wrong foot.

ISIS claims responsibility

The Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the suicide bombing at the Ariana Grande pop music program. It sent out the message via social network platforms. Once it was clear that they were behind the attack, the next action was to raise the threat level and hand over further monitoring to the Joint Terrorism Analysis Center.

The change in the threat level would imply availability of additional resources and support to the police. In the opinion of an expert, plenty of planning had gone into the suicide bombing in Manchester and it had all the marks of professionalism.

This was the third time that Britain had raised the threat level to critical. The first time it was in 2006 and it was about a plot to blow up an aircraft with liquid bombs. The next time it was in 2007 on ground and involved a S.U.V. at an airport.

Britain has faced terrorist attacks in the past and in spite of precautions and safety measures, the suddenness of such attacks take the security machinery by surprise. There is no apparent solution except to maintain constant vigil and remain alert to abnormalities that could provide clues to some unpleasant incidents ahead.
China will ease restrictions on foreign investment, including a further opening-up in sectors such as services, manufacturing and mining, according to a news release issued after a key Party meeting on Tuesday.

A revised version of the Catalog for the Guidance of Foreign Investment Industries was approved at the Tuesday meeting of the Communist Party of China Central Committee's Central Leading Group for Deepening Overall Reform.

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, presided over the meeting, the 35th of its kind.

The move was made as utilization of foreign capital in the first four months of 2017 reached 286.4 billion yuan ($41.6 billion), a slight drop of 0.1 percent year-on-year, according to the Ministry of Commerce. During the same period, China saw 9,726 new enterprises built with foreign investment, a year-on-year increase of 17.2 percent.

The country should press ahead with opening up priority areas by expanding the use of negative lists, according to the official release of the meeting. Negative lists are those where foreign investment is not permitted  other areas are understood to be open to investment.

This year's revision of the catalog is an important measure for advancing a new round of high-level opening up, the news release said. The goal is to maintain the continuity of the country's policy for encouraging foreign investment, it said.

The meeting also took up environmental policy, approving a pilot plan for transregional environmental protection bodies, such as in the region of Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei province and adjacent areas. Such pilot plans should focus on tackling prominent air-quality and environmental problems, exploring the best ways to build transregional environmental protection bodies, and deepening coordination for jointly preventing and controlling pollution in such areas, the release said.

Unified planning, standards, evaluation, monitoring and law-enforcement should be achieved to shape a new landscape for governing the environment in the region.

Xi highlighted the significance of effectively implementing pilot plans for the overall reform of the country.

Brave steps and exploration are encouraged to generate more solutions that can work nationwide and thus boost reform in a broader sense.

The Tuesday meeting also approved a guideline regarding marine areas and uninhabited islands.
BEIJING -- China will closely coordinate with the United States to prepare for the upcoming first round of the China-US diplomatic and security dialogue to ensure its success, Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi said Saturday.

Yang made the remarks in a phone conversation with US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson.

Tillerson said the United States will coordinate with China in preparation for the dialogue and he hopes the talks will yield positive results.

Since Chinese President Xi Jinping and his US counterpart, Donald Trump, held meetings in April at Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, China-US relations, guided by the consensus reached by the two leaders, have made important and positive progress, Yang said.

Yang urged the two countries to continue high level official contact and execute the 100-day plan for economic cooperation established between the two countries. He called on both sides to continue to work closely on international issues.

Yang and Tillerson also exchanged views on international and regional issues of common concern such as the Korean Peninsula situation.
Absolute "winning" or "losing" is unlikely to occur in modern international relations, and concession is necessary during exchanges between countries, a senior Chinese diplomat said on Monday.

Fu Ying, chairwoman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the National People's Congress and chief expert of the National Institute for Global Strategy of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, was speaking in Beijing at the release of a report calling for win-win development of China-US ties.

The report, written by Chinese think tanks, says both China and the United States fully understand the danger of the so-called Thucydides trap- when an established power is threatened by a growing power-and that they need to overcome challenges to achieve a win-win outcome.

It suggests that both countries should work toward maintaining lasting stability around the world, and that they should avoid strategic misjudgments and cultivate "a habit of cooperation".

Fu, also former vice-foreign minister and former ambassador to countries including the UK and Australia, said nations shouldn't want only wins and refuse to give way during international negotiations, and that China proposes a win-win approach.

She likened such an approach to "winning 180 degrees in a circle, which has of 360 degrees, and giving the other side opportunities to win the other 180 degrees".

"Maybe the benefit won't be shared in an absolutely equal manner every time. It's OK to maintain a general balance".

The six-chapter report was conducted under a research project by the National Institute for Global Strategy and the US-based Center for Strategic and International Studies.

At the end of November 2015, the National Institute for Global Strategy mulled over the idea of starting the project, which aims to conduct in-depth research over the status quo and examine the future of China-US ties to help when making decisions and to provide information for the public good.

The project tries to discuss how to achieve a win-win outcome when facing difficulties and differences, said Fu.

More than 40 scholars from China and the US have participated in the project. The US-side will issue in June a report it made under the project.
President Xi Jinping led condolences from world leaders when he contacted Queen Elizabeth II on Tuesday after the deadly explosion in Manchester that killed 22, in addition to the suicide bomber, and injured 59.

Flowers as a tribute for victims of Monday's suicide bombing at Manchester Arena in the English city of Manchester are seen in front of the British embassy in Berlin, Germany May 23, 2017. [Photo/Agencies]

Xi expressed deep sadness over those who lost their lives and offered his sympathy to the relatives of people who were killed or injured.

At this difficult moment, the Chinese people firmly stand by the British people, Xi said.

Premier Li Keqiang also sent a message of condolence to British Prime Minister Theresa May on Tuesday.

May described the attack as Britain's worst-ever terror attack. The bomber died in the attack. Police said they had arrested a 23-year-old man in Manchester in connection with the bombing but gave no further details.

The suicide bomber, named by police as 22-year-old Salman Abedi, born in Manchester, triggered an improvised explosive device in the midst of a crowd of young pop fans and their parents at Manchester Arena, in the center of the city, as United States pop star Ariana Grande finished a sell-out show attended by many teenagers.

Manchester medical staff said 12 children under the age of 16 were among the 59 injured. The dead included an 8-year-old girl, Saffie Rose Roussos, a pupil at Tarleton Primary School, in Lancashire.

Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable Ian Hopkinson told reporters: "We believe it was one man, acting alone, who used an improvised explosive device. We believe he is amongst the dead."

Queen Elizabeth II sent her "deepest sympathy" to Manchester bombing victims, adding that the whole nation had been "shocked". The queen and members of the royal family observed a minute's silence at Buckingham Palace in memory of the 22 lives lost.

On Tuesday evening, thousands attended a vigil for the victims in Albert Square, in front of Manchester's imposing Victorian town hall building. Other vigils were being planned across the country.

May chaired a meeting of COBRA, the country's emergency committee, and later told reporters: "This attack stands out for its appalling, sickening cowardice. We struggle to understand the warped and twisted mind that would bring carnage to young children. Terrorists will never win  our country and our way of life will always prevail."

In London, police authorities said additional armed officers would be on the streets of the capital as a precaution.

In Manchester, hospitals swung into mass-casualty mode as medical staff from surrounding areas volunteered to help. Paramedics at the scene also treated a number of walking wounded, police said.

UK Home Secretary Amber Rudd issued a statement saying: "This was a barbaric attack, deliberating targeting some of the most vulnerable in our society  young people and children out at a pop concert.

"The public should remain alert, but not alarmed. The great city of Manchester has been affected by terrorism before. Its spirit was not bowed; its community continues."

Eyewitnesses in Manchester spoke of bodies strewn on the ground, covered in blood.

Islamic State claimed responsibility for the bombing, describing the perpetrator as a "soldier of the caliphate", but there was no evidence there was any direct link or prior knowledge among the terror group about the attack or the attacker.

May and fellow politicians agreed to suspend general election campaigning ahead of the June 8 vote.

The UK's official terror status level, as laid down by the intelligence services, is "severe", which means an attack is highly likely. The highest level is "critical", indicating an attack is expected.

Andy Burnham, the recently elected mayor of Greater Manchester, said it was "an act of evil. It has been a very dark night. Manchester people will come together. We will not let this divide us".

The BBC said a number of people and local hotels had offered temporary accommodation to concert goers, and taxi drivers were offering free transportation.

Manchester Arena can hold up to 18,000 people. It is regularly used to stage concerts and Grande, a 23-year-old reality TV star, is part-way through a UK tour. Her management said she was not injured in the blast, which came just after she finished her last song. She sent out a message on Twitter to say she was "broken" by the blast and the deaths.

"I have no words," she said.

Her fans are mainly young teens and pre-teen girls.

Pictures on social media and news websites showed young girls, some wrapped in blankets, others bloodied and bandaged, being helped by emergency medical teams.

Police closed off central Manchester and the main railway station, Manchester Victoria, which is right next to the arena, was closed and train services suspended.

Twenty-year-old Jess, who was at the concert with her sister, Hannah, 17, described to Manchester Evening News the moment she heard the huge explosion.

"We had just come through the main doors near the McDonalds and we'd stopped just a few meters away," she said. "I just heard this blast and knew straight away what it was. My sister was on the floor face-down. She had been thrown down, a few people had. I don't know how I wasn't."

Gary Walker, from Leeds, was with his wife in the foyer, waiting to pick up his two daughters who were at the concert.

He told BBC Radio 5 Live: "I was waiting for the kids to come out. We heard the last song, and quite a few people were flooding out and then, suddenly, there was a massive flash and then a bang and smoke. I felt a bit of pain in my foot and my leg. My wife said I need to lie down'. I lay her down, she'd got a stomach wound and possibly a broken leg. I was about three meters from the actual explosion."

Zhang Yunbi in Beijing contributed to the story
Foreign Minister Wang Yi urged Seoul to work with Beijing to "pull out the thorn" hurting their relations amid the two nations' efforts to improve ties jeopardized by the deployment of a US missile defense system.

The Republic of Korea's new government, led by President Moon Jae-in, dispatched a special envoy to visit China last week immediately after Moon took office, which Wang said showed the country's desire to improve ties with China.

Unlike its predecessor, the ROK's new government wants to face the problems that affect Sino-ROK relations, rather than evade them, Wang said in a news release during his visit to the West African country of Cote d'Ivoire.

The minister's remarks came at a time when China and the ROK are seeking to properly handle disagreements over the deployment of the US Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system. Beijing has firmly opposed its deployment because THAAD could harm China's strategic security interests.

Wang called on the ROK to seize the opportunities presented by the current positive interactions between the two countries, take practical measures, and pull out the thorn in the throat of Sino-ROK relations.

The ROK's new government understands China's concerns on safeguarding legitimate interests, and is seeking solutions in a positive manner to handle the THAAD system, Wang said.

Wang urged Pyongyang not to further violate United Nations Security Council resolutions following its latest intermediate-range ballistic missile test. All related parties should maintain restraint and not be influenced by any single incident, he said.

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea launched a Pukguksong-2 missile on Sunday, saying it met all technical requirements and could now be mass produced.

"The situation on the Korean Peninsula is still not calm with new events occurring. We urge the DPRK not to do anything to again violate the UN Security Council resolutions," Wang said.

He asked related parties to act with restraint and stick to the objective of denuclearization, strictly implement Security Council resolutions on Pyongyang, and solve the issue through peaceful dialogue and consultations.

Wang also agreed with the proposal by the new government in Seoul that sanctions and dialogue be carried forward at the same time.

"We think it is fair and reasonable, and it is also what the UN Security Council has advocated."

China and Russia reaffirmed they will never allow any conflict or war to happen on the Korean Peninsula, and oppose any party's position that could intensify tensions. The affirmation was made at a meeting between Assistant Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou and Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Igor Morgulov in Moscow on Monday.

Both sides called for honest efforts from related parties to ease the current tensions and restart dialogue, and reiterated opposition to THAAD deployment in the ROK.

Wang Junsheng, an Asia-Pacific studies researcher at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said seeking dialogue on the peninsula's nuclear issue is increasingly the consensus of the international community.

"However, if Pyongyang keeps developing its nuclear and missile programs, related parties including China have no choice but to put more pressure on it," he said.

Contact the writers at anbaijie@chinadaily.com.cn
Flowers and messages are left for the victims of the Manchester Arena attack in central Manchester, Britain May 23, 2017. [Photo/Agencies]

LONDON - The suicide bomber who caused carnage at the Manchester Arena was named by police late Tuesday as Salman Abedi.

Abedi, 22, was killed as he detonated an improvised explosive device on late Monday night when thousands of fans were leaving a concert at the Manchester Arena.

A total of 22 adults and children were killed in the explosion and another 59 were injured.

Manchester chief constable Ian Hopkins did not give details of the suspects address or any further information about him.

But Hopkins said a 23-year-old man had been arrested in the city as part of the investigation into the atrocity. Meanwhile, two houses in Manchester were also being searched.

Hopkins also appealed to drivers to hand police any video material from car dash board cameras recorded in the city center area between 8 pm and 11 pm local time Monday night.
Chengtao Jin (left), district chief of the Shangcheng District in Hangzhou, and Greenwich, Connecticut, First Selectman Peter Tesei display the signed sister-city agreement between Greenwich and Hangzhou on Tuesday at the Greenwich Town Hall. Paul Welitzkin / China Daily

When China was considering cities to host leaders of the world's 20 major economies at last year's G20 Summit, it chose Hangzhou in Zhejiang province. And when Hangzhou was looking for an American city to study in setting up a global financial center for the country's fledgling hedge fund industry, officials selected Greenwich, Connecticut.

On Tuesday, officials from Hangzhou and Greenwich extended the relationship by agreeing to sister-city status. Greenwich First Selectman Peter Tesei and Chengtao Jin, district chief of the Shangcheng District in Hangzhou, signed papers that will strengthen economic and cultural ties.

"Greenwich is our example to learn from especially about public services," Jin told those gathered at Greenwich Town Hall.

Tesei acknowledges that hedge funds represent a direct correlation between the areas, but he hopes the sister-city arrangement can help to diversify the relationship.

"We want to build off of that foundation (hedge funds) and create a greater knowledge in China about all that Greenwich has to offer as well as learn more about Hangzhou," he said.

In 2013, a group of Chinese journalists visited Greenwich to gather information to begin replicating a financial center similar to Greenwich in a site between the Qiantang River and Jade Emperor Hill in the village of Yuhuang Shannan, about an hour from Shanghai via high speed train.

It now hosts more than 1,000 hedge and private equity funds overseeing a combined $84.2 billion (580 billion yuan) of assets. The affluent town of Greenwich, located about 35 miles from New York City, is home to 380 hedge funds managing about $350 billion in assets.

Bruce McGuire of the Connecticut Hedge Fund Association said the sister-city pact is the beginning of the relationship between the Connecticut hedge fund industry and the China hedge fund industry.

"We also hope to establish better relationships with investors in China, particularly high net-worth individuals and institutional investors who want access to high-quality American investment talent," he said.

McGuire said the hedge fund industry is "vitally important" to Connecticut's economy. "About 45 percent of total tax receipts that go to fund the state of Connecticut come out of Fairfield County," McGuire said. "And a big percentage of that is coming out of Greenwich, and a big percentage of that comes from those in the hedge fund industry."

paulwelitzkin@chinadailyusa.com
BGI, a global genomics organization, will create a West Coast Innovation Center to develop technologies and collaborative projects in life sciences, global health and related fields.

The BGI Global Innovation Center will be co-located in Seattle and San Jose, California, as an ecosystem of innovation in the two high-technology clusters that will promote cross-sector collaboration, BGI announced on Friday.

In San Jose, the BGI facility already has a lab and has hired more than 100 employees where they plan to explore and develop the next-next-generation sequencing technologies.

In Seattle, BGI, which is headquartered in Shenzhen, in South China's Guangdong province, has multiple partnerships with several research institutes in the area, including UW Medicine and the Allen Institute for Brain Science.

BGI also has a long-term partnership with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, focused on projects and strategies to apply genomic tools to improve global health and agricultural development.

"The idea is to promote the partnership between researchers in China and the US," said Jian Wang, BGI's founder and chairman. "We want to work more closely to provide health care communities in both countries with new tools for preventing and fighting disease.

"The center demonstrates BGI's commitment to international collaboration and to aligning interests and partners to drive innovation," said Wang, adding that BGI intended to support a number of research initiatives, such as precision medicine and population health efforts at the University of Washington.

"With the partnership between UW Medicine and BGI, more innovations in research, education and healthcare will be developed between Seattle and Shenzhen to benefit the health of people worldwide," Wang stated.

Wang visited the West Coast last week to launch the center, while joining 140 of the world's top business and technology leaders at the Microsoft CEO Summit. This year the 21st annual CEO Summit took place in Redmond, Washington, from May 16 to 18, drawing more than 140 CEOs and leaders from leading companies and organizations representing more than 35 countries.

At the Belt and Road Forum held earlier last week in Beijing, Wang also emphasized BGI's focuses on global innovation, sustainable development and how to empower global partners with the establishment of global innovation centers and educational facilities.

"The Seattle hub will focus on precision medicine and feature collaborations with our local partners," said Yiwu He, CEO of BGI Groups USA.

lindadeng@chinadailyusa.com
LeEco's LeSee Pro concept car on display at the 2017 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Nevada. AFP

Chinese technology company LeEco announced on Tuesday that it will lay off approximately 325 people in the US, two days after its founder Jia Yueting stepped down as CEO of its publicly traded arm Leshi on Sunday.

"The challenges with raising new capital have made it difficult in the past few months to support all of our business' priorities. As a result, the capital we do have will have to be highly focused resulting in a significant restructuring and streamlining of our business, operations and workforce," the company said in a statement.

May Zhu, a San Jose, California-based spokeswoman for LeEco, declined to provide the company's current US headcount. But CNBC cited an unnamed source as saying that only 60 employees will be left after the cut and the current headcount in the US was more than 500.

A current employee at the San Jose campus, who asked to remain anonymous, said employees had been leaving the company continually since early this year.

As a result of a severe cash crunch stemming from overextension into various business ventures, LeEco said it has to "take a phased approach to the US market".

Under the restructuring, LeEco will focus on the Chinese-speaking community to watch the company's Chinese content library. Last week, the company "finalized on-shoring our customer care call center" to enhance the customer experience, according to the statement.

LeEco started out in China in 2004 as a streaming website known as Letv. It now makes TVs, smart phones, electric vehicles, electric bicycles and virtual-reality headsets, with a mission to "remove the barriers between screens".

Looking to expand into the US market, LeEco opened North American headquarters in San Jose in April of last year with 250 employees. Shawn Williams, chief administrative officer of the San Jose campus, said at the opening event that 800 more staff would be hired.

The company scrapped its ambitious plans one after another shortly after a high-profile launch event in San Francisco last October marking the company's formal entry into the US.

A month later, Jia issued a letter to employees saying the company had "blindly sped ahead" into new markets and was bleeding cash.

Earlier this year, LeEco dropped plans to buy US TV-maker Vizio for $2 billion, and Faraday Future, an electric vehicle startup primarily backed by LeEco, also ended talks with the city of Vallejo, California, in March for a planned second factory on a 157-acre site on the city's Mare Island.

The electric-vehicle startup reportedly failed to pay the primary contractor of a 3 million-square-foot factory in North Las Vegas under construction at a cost of around $1 billion late last year.

Nevada state Treasurer Dan Schwarz told China Daily in an earlier interview that he believed "Jia doesn't have any money" and "Leshi isn't making money".

Last month, the company said it had less than $15 million in sales in the US in 2016 - far short of its goal of $100 million.

The company also reported it sold the 49-acre Santa Clara property to Chinese developer Genzon Group, less than a year after buying the site from Yahoo for $250 million.

liazhu@chinadailyusa.com
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The National Assemblys Economic Committee on Monday agreed to streamline existing legal regulations to better recover bad debts and restructure credit institutions.  Photo Maritime Bank

HA NOI  The National Assemblys Economic Committee on Monday agreed to streamline existing legal regulations to better recover bad debts and restructure credit institutions.

During the meeting, the Governor of the State Bank of Viet Nam Le Minh Hung, on behalf of the Prime Minister, presented a report on the draft resolution on fixing bad debts by credit institution. He also presented amendments to the Law on Credit Institutions for consideration and approval.

The draft resolution comprises 18 articles regarding the rights of legal lenders, the development of debt markets, the settlement of guaranteed assets and other topics.

Chairman of the NAs Economic Committee Vu Hong Thanh said that the committee basically agreed with the Governments report on the need to settle bad debts and further restructure the system of credit institutions during the 2016-20 period.

The committee stressed the need to streamline laws to build a system of financially healthy credit institutions that operate under international rules.

It asked compiling agencies to continue reviewing draft law regulations to ensure that they are synchronous with the Constitution and relevant laws.

Once the resolution is approved by the Legislature, the Government affirmed that it would focus on improving legal documents, mechanisms and policies for restructuring credit institutions and settling bad debts.

The Government would also improve plans to fix weak banks in line with market rules in an expeditious, sweeping and cautious manner to safeguard the banking system and depositor interests.

According to Governor Hung, after four years implementing a project on settling bad debts of credit institutions, the entire system of credit institutions recovered VN611.59 trillion (US$26.82 billion) of non-performing loans (NPLs). Of that total, over 56 per cent were settled by the institutions themselves, and the remaining were sold to the Viet Nam Asset Management Company (VAMC) and other individuals and institutions.

The results of settling bad debts have helped credit institutions expand loans to the economy, especially to priority and strategic sectors. It has contributed to removing difficulties in production and business, thereby promoting economic growth," Hung said.

However, the restructuring of ailing CIs and settlement of bad debts still faced difficulties, Hung said, adding that total NPLs of the entire credit institutions system until March 31, 2017 were VN160 trillion, equal to 2.56 per cent of the institutions total outstanding loans.

According to Hung, because of inadequate legal regulations, there remain obstacles to speeding up the restructuring of ailing banks and settlement of bad debts.

For example, the law on the handling of mortgaged assets to recover debts still has many inadequacies related to the confiscation of mortgaged assets, especially land, which limits the progress and effectiveness of debt settlement.  VNS




HCM CITY  There are some positive signs for rice exports after a period of lull, the Viet Nam Food Association has said.

According to Huynh The Nang, its chairman, the Philippines plans to import 250,000 tonnes to augment its buffer stock for the lean months.

Bangladesh plans to import around 600,000 tonnes, including 50,000-100,000 tonnes of white rice and the rest parboiled rice, to offset crop damage caused by torrential rains.

Some companies have won tenders to export 40,000 tonnes of the grain to Malaysia, he said.

Viet Nams exports recovered somewhat in April after a big slump in the first quarter, according to a report by the association.

Exporters shipped 509,628 tonnes last month for free-on-board value of US$228.9 million, a year-on-year increase of 14.6 per cent in volume and 9.75 per cent in value.

Export earnings in the first four months were $701.1 million, a 10.62 per cent fall.

China was the biggest buyer of Vietnamese rice in the first four months followed by the Philippines, Cuba, Ghana, and the Ivory Coast.

Exports of high-grade white rice surged, accounting for nearly 33 per cent of total exports.

Exports of glutinous and Japonica rice also went up sharply in the first four months, but shipments of low-and medium-grade varieties plunged.

The association said the number of export contracts signed in April increased significantly after prices fell, making Vietnamese rice more competitive than others.

Thailands rice inventories have fallen and prices have risen, which could bring back last years price gap of $40 per tonne with Vietnamese rice, according to the association.

Government-to-government deals are expected to shrink to very low levels as commercial export contracts dominate.

According to the Department of Crop Production, farmers in the Cuu Long (Mekong) River Delta had sown 950,000ha of summer-autumn rice.

Nang said in some areas farmers had begun harvesting, and enterprises keep a close eye on harvests to buy paddy in time to meet new import demand.

According to rice traders in ong Thap Province, a kilogramme of OM5451 and OM4900 paddy in the field costs VN5,200-5,300, VN250  VN300 higher than a year earlier.  VNS
A NANG  Budget carrier VietJetAir plans to launch a new route from the central city of a Nang to Osaka, Japan later this year, becoming the second budget airline to offer the new air route.

An official from VietJetAir confirmed to the Viet Nam News that the new route will help lure more Japanese tourists and investors to a Nang and destinations in central Viet Nam.

He said the airline had been completing procedures to launch the flight soon.

According to the citys tourism department, low cost carrier Jetstar Pacific will officially launch its a Nang-Osaka in September, and booking will be opened next month.

The department said VietJetAir, who launched a a Nang-Seoul route last week, will operate the a Nang-Incheon with daily flight from May 31st.

VietJet Air plans to launch flights from a Nang to South Koreas Daegu City on 15 June, with seven flights per week.

In 2014, the national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines officially launched the first direct flight connecting Narita Airport, Tokyo, and a Nang with seven direct flights per week.

The number of Japanese tourists to a Nang is expected to grow 15 to 20 per cent due to the launch of direct flights.

More than 400,000 Japanese tourists visited the city last year.  VNS
HA NOI  Shares declined on Tuesday after bank stocks, which had fueled market momentum in the previous session, tumbled unexpectedly as investors sought to earn from short margins.

The benchmark VN-Index on the HCM Stock Exchange lost value for the first time in the last three days, dropping 0.43 per cent to close at 740.93 points. The southern market index increased 2.34 per cent in the last two sessions.

On the Ha Noi Stock Exchange, the HNX-Index inched down 0.88 per cent to end at 91.90 points.

Only one of nine listed banks maintained growth on Tuesday, while seven fell.

Two of the three biggest listed lenders by market value and total assets including Vietcombank (VCB), Vietinbank (CTG) decreased by 0.8 per cent and 2.6 per cent, respectively. BIDV (BID) was the only gainer with modest growth of 0.8 per cent.

The banking sector recorded an average loss of 1.72 per cent, data on vietstock.vn showed.

On Monday, the Government submitted a new resolution on bad debts to the National Assembly, which is expected to facilitate and speed up the process of settling bad debts. Many analysts predicted another rising wave for bank stocks.

This did not happen as investors increased selling on bank stocks to make quick profits.

The market is in the correction stage after a strong rally on Monday. Declining liquidity and widening negative market breadth show investors caution about over-excitement of yesterdays trade, analysts at BIDV Securities Co wrote in a Tuesdays report.

These analysts predicted the VN-Index would continue to test the support threshold of 740 points and likely move around this level in the coming sessions.

The VN-Index expanded 3.2 per cent this month and 11.4 per cent this year.

According to Vietnam Investment Securities Co, many stocks have risen excessively in the short term which lifted the VN-Index to a 10-year peak and surpassed its real value. The brokerage firm said this upward momentum was pushed up by high leverages and cautioned it could create pressure of massive selling when the market corrected down.

On the positive side, growth of large-cap shares such as dairy giant Vinamilk (0.5 per cent), local brewer Sabeco (0.8 per cent) and the largest mobile phone retailer Mobile World Group (0.4 per cent) cushioned the market.

Liquidity declined with a total of 327.6 million shares worth a combined VN5.4 trillion (roughly US$240 million) traded in the two markets, down 10.4 per cent in volume and 21.7 per cent in value compared to Mondays figures.

Foreign investors continued to comb local shares but their net buy value decreased by a substantial 72 per cent from the previous session, reaching VN135 billion in the two markets.  VNS
HA NOI  Japanese businesses have expressed interest in investing in organic agriculture and agricultural tourism in the Mekong Delta province of An Giang.

Toshitsugu Hagihara, general director of Hagihara Company, one of Japans leading businesses in organic agriculture, told local leaders at a meeting on Tuesday in An Giang that his company wants to grow musk melon in glasshouses in the province using cutting-edge Japanese technologies.

The company will analyse soil samples from An Giang and then propose a suitable cultivation process, and later send experts to the region to teach specialised farming techniques to local farmers, Hagihara said.

If it is effective, the company will build factories to process the farm produce, and push agricultural products grown in An Giang into the Japanese market through supermarket chains.

Although An Giang has favourable conditions for organic agriculture, local farmers have yet to fulfil the requirements for organic agriculture, he said.

Koichiro Abe, director of Raycean Company, said Raycean and Hagihara are confident of becoming An Giangs important and long-term partners in organic agriculture and agricultural tourism, which will help raise the competitiveness of local farm produce.

Vuong Binh Thanh, chairman of An Giang Provinces Peoples Committee, assured the Japanese companies that local authorities would do their utmost to help the businesses with legal procedures, promotions and technology transfer.

A low-cost labour force and low production costs would be the advantages of setting up business in An Giang, he pointed out, despite the regions limitations in infrastructure.

A project to transfer technologies between An Giang and Hagihara is expected to be implemented this year, under which four musk melon farms will be set up in Tinh Bien, Chau oc, Chau Thanh and Thoai Son districts.  VNS
ONG NAI  The southern province of ong Nai has attracted around US$483 million in foreign direct investment (FDI) in the first four months of this year, which is funding 26 new and 38 existing projects.

The FDI projects investors are spread across 45 countries and territories, mainly from Asian countries such as South Korea, Japan, Taiwan (China) and Singapore, the provincial Department of Planning and Investment said. Some funds have come from the British Virgin Islands and Germany as well.

Both Pou Phong Viet Nam Ltd Co, which has invested in a $55 million project, and Powerknit Viet Nam Ltd Co, which has launched a $60 million project, have got funds from the British Virgin Islands. Long Thai Tu fabric company from Korea contributed another $50 million to its ongoing project in the province.

The department said all projects are in the high technology and support industry, which need limited labourers and cause no environmental damage.

ong Nai is now home to 1,692 projects worth $30. 8 billion, including 1,275 projects worth $25.9 billion.

In 2017, so far, 15 domestic-funded projects with a total investment of VN6.92 trillion ($3.04 billion) have received licences. Another VN604 billion has been injected into five ongoing projects.  VNS
CAN THO  Solutions to develop nearly 7,000 new enterprises by 2020 were top of the agenda of a meeting organised by Can Tho Citys Peoples Committee and relevant agencies on Tuesday.

Can Tho City, currently, has more than 6,900 enterprises with total registered capital of VN55.5 trillion (US$2.47 billion), creating jobs for over 101,500 workers. On average, each enterprise has registered capital of over VN8 billion.

To implement Governments Resolution 35, Can Tho City targets to have 13,800 enterprises by 2020. Of the total, 6,900 enterprises will be newly-established and some 20-25 per cent of them will apply high technologies in production.

The enterprises are expected to help increase the contribution of enterprises to the citys Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) to 50-60 per cent and create over 210,000 employees of whom 40 per cent will be female.

Last year, there were 1,100 enterprises set up in Can Tho City and more than 400 enterprises were established in the first four months of 2017. Thus, from now until the end of 2020, to achieve the set target, each year, Can Tho City needs some 1,700 newly-established enterprises.

Nguyen Phuong Lam, deputy director of the Viet Nam Chamber of Commerce and Industrys Can Tho branch, said that for developed countries, for every 10-15 people, there is one enterprise, but in Viet Nam the ratio is 1:248.

In the Mekong Delta region, the ratio of enterprises to the population is only half that of the whole country, which is some 450 people per enterprise, but Can Tho City, with more favourable conditions, has some 250-300 people per business.

Lam said the citys target of new businesses by 2020 is achievable, provided that the city continues to improve its investment climate, including its provincial competitiveness index.

According to Lam, among Mekong Delta localities, Can Tho City currently has the best conditions for business development, but the city still lacks leading enterprises to create a driving force for small and medium-sized businesses.

In the long term, Can Tho needs to focus on developing startups, meaning businesses with new innovations and creativity, rather than establishing new ones in the normal sense, Lam stressed.

Besides this, the city should also pay attention to seeking investment from businesses from other localities, such as from HCM City, Lam said, adding that the municipal authorities need to create good conditions for university graduates to start their own business.

Tran Quoc Ha, director of the State Bank of Viet Nams Can Tho branch, said the citys information e-portal should set up a forum for startups, providing information about the citys startup policy so that all individuals know and participate.

The city also needs a resolution served as the basis for implementing its startup plan, Ha said, stressing the importance of having a very specific policy for commercial banks to join hands in the programme.

Can Tho also needs concrete policies and directions to develop enterprises in the fields of information technology and automation, Ha added.

Nguyen Van Hong, director of the provincial Department of Planning and Investment, said the city could reach the target of newly-established enterprises, but the number of new businesses set up according to the nature of startups  i.e. be creative and apply new technologies -- is not many.

This is the most challenging issue that Can Tho City and many other places in the Mekong Delta are facing, Hong said.  VNS
HA NOI  Representatives from different Vietnamese enterprises committed to fulfill their responsibility to protect wildlife at a workshop held today in Ha Noi.

The workshop, titled Enterprises lead corporate social responsibility to integrate zero-tolerance to wildlife consumption, was organised by the Wildlife Trade Monitoring Network (TRAFFIC) and the Viet Nam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI).

The event was sponsored by Save the Rhino International as part of an initiative, which was launched in 2015, to reduce the demand for rhino horns in Viet Nam.

Representatives from different enterprises, including Artex Import-Export Joint-stock Company for Fine Arts, Manulife Vietnam, Son Ha Investment and Commerce Co Ltd and North Tribeco Company, signed a commitment to join hands to precent illegal trade and consumption of animal parts, including rhino horns.

A recent survey conducted by TRAFFIC showed that the main group consuming rhino horns in Viet Nam was prosperous entrepreneurs. TRAFFIC, therefore, collaborated with VCCI and other social organisations to encourage the participation of enterprises to create positive results to change the groups actions.

Madelon Willemsen, country director of TRAFFIC Viet Nam, said the participation of entrepreneurs played an important role in preventing illegal trade of wildlife.

She also expressed hope that more and more enterprises would join the effort.

Madelon congratulated entrepreneurs attending the workshop as they were the vanguards in protecting nature, especially wild animals.

During the workshop, representatives were supplied with information related to the illegal trade and consumption of wild animals, as well as initiatives to ease the problem in Viet Nam. The representatives also studied the importance on protecting wild animals from extinction.

Le Thi Thu Thuy, deputy director of the Assistance Centre for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises under VCCI, said VCCI is very happy as enterprises signing the commitment will become ambassadors to combat illegal trade and consumption of wild animals the next time.

Following the workshop, these enterprises will spread the message on setting up regulations for their employees, customers and partners to not engage in consumption of wild animals, she said.

TRAFFIC is working with social organisations, including VCCI, to prevent the illegal trade of wild animals through this initiative to reduce the demand for rhino horns in Viet Nam.

The demand for rhino horns in Viet Nam and other Asian countries is the main reason for the increasing number of rhinos being hunted in Africa, according to TRAFFIC.

With this initiative to change consumers action, TRAFFIC and VCCI are hoping to encourage the enterprise communitys participation in creating a new social conception, in which there is no compromise that could lead to illegal trade of wildlife.  VNS
HCM CITY  Vietnamese residents aged 16 to 35 are encouraged to compete in the Bong Lua Vang (Golden Rice), a national amateur traditional music contest launched by Radio the Voice of HCM City People (VOH).

The participants will perform vong co (nostalgic tunes) and cai luong (reformed theatre) plays, two of the regions most popular forms of traditional music.

Began in 1993, the contest has brought together new talents and fans of cai luong music.

It has also offered quality theatre performances for millions of viewers, mostly poor farmers, around the country.

Ten finalists will compete for different prizes, including First Prize worth VN70 million (US$3,000), Favourite Performer and Youngest Talent.

The audiences will vote for the winners.

The five-month contests selective rounds will begin next week in HCM City, Ha Noi, and provinces such as Long An, Tien Giang, Can Tho, Binh Duong and Khanh Hoa.

The event will air every Friday and Saturday at 8am and 6pm at on VHO and 10 provincial radio stations.

Our contest, Golden Rice, has attracted more than 15,000 contestants in the past 24 years. Many winners have become professional artists working for leading traditional art troupes in the region, said Le Cong ong, director of VHO and member of the contests organising board.

Although facing challenges, we have tried our best to keep the contest popular because we hope to attract young people who want to learn about traditional music."  VNS
LONDON  British actor Roger Moore, who played James Bond for more than two decades with a suave wit, died Tuesday aged 89, drawing tributes for his portrayal of the womanising super-spy, and for his charity work.

"It is with a heavy heart that we must announce our loving father, Sir Roger Moore, has passed away today in Switzerland after a short but brave battle with cancer," his children said in a statement on Twitter.

"We are all devastated," Deborah, Geoffrey and Christian said. "Thank you Pops for being you, and for being so very special to so many people."

Moore shot to fame as the smooth-talking adventurer Simon Templar in British television show The Saint in the 1960s, and also starred alongside Tony Curtis in The Persuaders in the 1970s.

But it was not until 1973, at the age of 45, that he won the role that would come to define him, as Ian Flemings fictional secret agent James Bond.

His debut as 007 in "Live and Let Die" was followed by six more Bond films, bowing out with 1985s A View to a Kill.

Known for his ironically raised eyebrow and deadpan quips, Moores take on Bond was more tongue-in-cheek than that of his macho predecessor Sean Connery.

"Im not that cold-blooded killer type. Which is why I play it mostly for laughs," he once said.

But with seven appearances as the character he fondly called "Jimmy Bond", he outgunned Connery and all the other actors to have played the role.

Fellow Bond star Pierce Brosnan, who portrayed the agent in four films from 1995 to 2002, described Moore as "magnificent".

"You were a big part of my life," Brosnan said on Instagram.

"You were a magnificent James Bond and one that led the way for me, the world will miss you and your unique sense of humour for years to come," he said.

Charity fundraiser

Moore was also one of the last of the old-school movie stars, who counted Frank Sinatra and David Niven among his friends and lived in luxury in Switzerland and the French Riviera.

In later years he became known for his humanitarian work, notably through his activities as an ambassador for the United Nations Childrens Fund.

Moores children said he considered the UNICEF work  for which he was awarded a knighthood in 2003  his "greatest achievement".

But acting was never forgotten.

"The affection our father felt whenever he walked onto a stage or in front of a camera buoyed him hugely and kept him busy working into his 90th year, through to his last appearance in November 2016 on stage at Londons Royal Festival Hall," his children said.

"The capacity crowd cheered him on and off stage, shaking the very foundations of the building just a short distance from where he was born."

They said their thoughts were with his fourth wife, Kristina, adding that there would be a private funeral in Monaco.

My Word Is My Bond

Born Roger George Moore, on October 14, 1927 in the south London neighbourhood of Stockwell, he was the only son of a police constable and his wife, and had a happy childhood.

"Ive not done badly for a boy from Stockwell, where I used to gaze at the silver screen in wonderment, little realising Id be a part of this magical world," he wrote in his autobiography, My Word Is My Bond.

Debonair and self-effacing, Moore had found his own humorous way to sum up his last appearance as Bond, which came when he was 57.

"The girls were getting younger and I was just getting too old," he said at a ceremony to award him a star on Hollywoods "Walk of Fame".

Paying tribute, Oscar-winning actor Russell Crowe remarked on Twitter: "Roger Moore, loved him."

Pinewood Studios, the British filming location west of London for most of the Bond films, described Moore as a "force of nature", adding that "his humour and spirit will be missed by all of us".

Actress and activist Mia Farrow tweeted: "Few are as kind and giving as was Roger Moore."

And at the Cannes Film Festival, British actress Kristin Scott Thomas said: "I am very sad today because Roger Moore has died, he was a wonderful man."  AFP
National Assembly (NA) deputies said promulgating the Law on Support for Small-and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) was an urgent task during a discussion on the draft law yesterday.  VNA/VNS Photo An ang

HA NOI  National Assembly (NA) deputies said promulgating the Law on Support for Small-and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) was an urgent task during a discussion on the draft law yesterday.

During the second day of the ongoing 3rd session of the 14th NA, deputies agreed that the bill was badly needed to support SMEs for general economic growth after listening to a report presented by head of the NA Commission for Economic Affairs Vu Hong Thanh.

Thanh reported on adjustments to the draft law following consideration of opinions contributed by NA deputies at the previous session late last year.

The new draft law includes a criterion on revenue when defining a small-and medium-sized enterprise, with the revenue level between VN200-300 billion (US$8.9 million  $13.4 million) whilst reducing the number of employees from 300 to 200 and replacing the criterion on the average number of employees with one on the number of employees with social insurance.

The promulgation is necessary and pressing. However, the draft law falls short of specific regulations stipulating how small-and medium-sized enterprises are to be assisted, said Deputy Vo Thi Nhu Hoa of a Nang City.

Hoa said there should be specific regulations so once the law was issued it would help create full and synchronous policies and is applied immediately.

The assistance must be based on the real demand of enterprises rather than what the State can support. If we have many policies but few resources, the policies will be ineffective.

The draft law stipulates many areas of assistance such as: access to credit; tax and accounting assistance; production area; and market expansion among others, but they are quite general.

Support for SMEs is necessary to aid their development. Nevertheless, support contents in the draft law are still too general, without specific implementation mechanisms and procedures, said Deputy Vo inh Tin of ak Nong Province.

Some regulations mention conditions SMEs must meet to be supported, not procedures and relevant authorities who will examine and assess eligible enterprises.

If the law is promulgated, it will be difficult for SMEs to determine what resources or preferential treatments they will enjoy, he said. In other words, they will have to wait for guidelines.

Some deputies also said the law should specify the role of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Vietnam Association of Small and Medium Enterprises in supporting SMEs.

Deputy Nguyen Van Than of Thai Binh Province said without specific regulations, it would be difficult to determine who is responsible for supporting SMEs.

Supervision work

During a group discussion yesterday morning on the NAs proposed supervision work in 2018, NA Vice Chairman Phung Quoc Hien said it was necessary to focus on overseeing the use of Official Development Assistance (ODA) capital as the oversight has been lacking, vov.vn reported.

In regard to supervision of the equitisation of State-owned enterprises, Hien said it was also necessary to supervise operation of State-owned enterprises after equitisation, including wholly State-owned and privatised ones. Additionally, he said, the implementation of policies facilitating the development of private businesses should also be supervised.

Discussing the supervision of State-funded investment projects, Auditor General of the State Audit Office of Viet Nam, Ho uc Phoc noted that 12 loss-making projects had been made public but it was unclear how many more there are.

He suggested that supervision be conducted on ODA-using build-operate-transfer projects if problems were detected and commercial banks.

Supervising projects at risk of making loss is one matter of great public concern. So it is necessary to add this to the supervision work of [the NA], said Deputy Nguyen Huu Cau of Nghe An Province.

Deputy Vu Thi Luu Mai of Ha Noi said there were numerous issues in need of supervision regarding the management and use of capital from Government bonds and foreign loans in building infrastructure.

Additionally, Hanoian deputy Tran Thi Quoc Khanh said the Law on Information Technology and the Law on E-Transactions have never been overseen by the NA despite being passed more than ten years ago.

These laws strongly facilitate administrative reform, especially in the era of the Industrial Revolution 4.0, the vov.vn quoted her as saying.

Currently, ministries, sectors and localities design and invest into their own projects without linkages, which is extremely wasteful.

Today, NA deputies will discuss the draft law on revising and amending some articles of the Penal Code which took effect in July 2016.  VNS
Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (R) receives OFID Director-General Suleiman Jasir Al-Herbish in Ha Noi yesterday.  VNA/VNS Photo Thong Nhat

HA NOI  Viet Nam welcomes technical support from the OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID) via official development assistance and preferential loans.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc made the remarks when talking about Viet Nams high demand for infrastructure development at a meeting with OFID Director-General Suleiman Jasir Al-Herbish in Ha Noi yesterday.

The PM lauded the signing of a US$21.8 million loan agreement between the Finance Ministry and OFID on Monday for the construction of am Vac Bridge in the northern province of Vinh Phuc. He noted that the two sides had implemented many effective joint projects in Viet Nams remote areas.

He asked the OFID to continue financing projects in Viet Nam, adding that the Government is willing to work with the fund in designing programmes in line with OFID funding criteria and the countrys growth strategy.

Stressing that Viet Nam wants to develop the private sector, the PM called on the OFID to create favourable conditions for the sector to access the funds capital. He suggested holding discussions on the matter and assigned the Finance Ministry to work on the cooperation.

For his part, Suleiman Jasir Al-Herbish said his current visit reflected the OFIDs willingness to expand co-operation with Viet Nam in any field at any time within its capacity.

Noting that 2018 would mark 40 years of collaboration between the OFID and Viet Nam, he said the joint work had produced sound outcomes and revealed that the organisation was studying a number of projects in the country.

The OFID hoped the Prime Minister would direct relevant agencies to prepare all needed procedures for joint projects so that they could be signed right after being approved by the OFID executive board, he said. The OFID Director-General said his organisation had a private sector department that could work with the Vietnamese Finance Ministry on cooperation between OFID and Viet Nams private sector.  VNS
The National Assembly (NA) plans to approve 19 laws, debate another 16 draft laws, three resolutions and conduct supervisory acts on two special subjects and consider and make decisions on various significant policies in 2017, reports to the ongoing session of the 14th NA on Tuesday morning say.
HA NOI  A forum was held in Ha Noi on Tuesday with a view to providing Australia with an insight into the real situation of Viet Nams energy industry.

The forum also aimed at helping domestic firms explore the possibility of co-operation with Australian partners.

Energy security is a priority of both the Vietnamese and Australian governments. The two countries have been enhancing their partnership in industry, education-training and research on energy.

At the forum, co-organised by the Vietnamese Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Australian Embassy, representatives from Australian agencies, organisations and businesses shared their experience and latest technologies in energy.

Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Ho Thi Kim Thoa said Australias strengths in the fields of coal and gas with modern technologies can help Viet Nam ensure energy security and protect the environment. Hence, the two nations hold great potential for co-operation in the sphere, she noted.

Janelle Casey, commercial counsellor of the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade), expressed hope that through the event, the two sides would understand co-operation opportunities better and promote linkages in energy, trade and investment.

According to a report released by the Ministry of Industry and Trade, commercial electricity growth has been on the rise over the past 15 years. Demand for electricity has also strongly increased, growing by 13 per cent in 2006-10 and 11 per cent in the last five years. It is estimated that the countrys electricity demand will grow some 10 per cent in the next 10 years.

To ensure energy security, Viet Nam has shifted from being an energy exporter to an importer. The country is projected to import 17 million tonnes of coal, accounting for 31 per cent of coal demand, to generate electricity in 2020.

Meanwhile, Viet Nam is also considering the possibility of increasing electricity imports from neighbouring countries such as Laos.  VNS
HA NOI  Vietnam News Agency (VNA) and Xinhua News Agency of China need to increase news on political and socio-economic issues and promote the image of the people, culture and business climate in the two countries, contributing to deepening the friendship, understanding and trust between the Vietnamese and Chinese people.

President Tran ai Quang made the suggestion during a meeting with visiting Xinhua President Cai Mingzhao in Ha Noi yesterday.

He highlighted new developments in the Viet Nam-China relationship in recent years, saying that the two sides established and added more vital mechanisms on bilateral cooperation across fields at all levels.

Co-operation between the two countries press agencies has been strengthened, helping enhance mutual understanding between their people, he said.

President Quang congratulated VNA and Xinhua on the signing of a new co-operation agreement, which defines priorities for their communication links in this new context.

He expressed his belief that co-operation among press agencies of the two countries in general and between VNA and Xinhua in particular, will continue expanding in the digital era.

The increased affiliation between the two news agencies complies with the press development trend and the Viet Nam-China Comprehensive Strategic Cooperation Partnership, he noted.

As Viet Nam hosts the APEC Year 2017 with about 200 meetings, the President suggested the agencies enhance links in popularising information on APEC co-operation.

For his part, Xinhua President Cai Mingzhao said his agency treasured President Quangs recent visit to China, and constantly reported on the activities of the Vietnamese delegation.

Briefing the host on Xinhuas operations in Viet Nam and highlighting the long-lasting relations between Xinhua and VNA, the Chinese official said that the two agencies signed many information cooperation agreements, thus providing timely and exact information on achievements in bilateral ties, contributing to practically bolstering the Viet Nam-China Comprehensive Strategic Co-operation Partnership.

He affirmed Xinhua and VNA defined their responsibility of creating good public opinions for the development of relations between the two Parties, States and peoples.

Xinhua commits to increasing information on the cooperation between the two nations and experience of each country in the reform process, and upholding its role in tightening the bilateral friendship, he said.

Aware of the importance of information work during the APEC Viet Nam Year 2017, he said his agency will send more correspondents to Vietnam to cover APEC events during the year.

Co-operation agreement

The Viet Nam Central Committee and VNA General Director Nguyen uc Loi and Xinhua President Cai Mingzhao yesterday signed a new agreement to enhance their co-operation in the digital age.

This is the fourth agreement between VNA and Xinhua which aims to create a legal foundation for the two news agencies to expand collaboration in new communication areas besides maintaining traditional cooperation activities.

Earlier, Loi and Cai Mingzhao held talks to review the agencies cooperation in the past and set forth orientations for future links.

Welcoming the Xinhua Presidents visit to Viet Nam from May 23-27, the VNA General Director expressed his sincere thanks to Xinhua for its support and assistance of VNA over more than half a century.

Both host and guest held that VNA and Xinhua are restructuring to take advantage of information technology advances to continue maintaining the key role of the national news agencies in the Vietnamese and Chinese press systems.

The two sides agreed that in the current context, the two news agencies should adapt to the communication environment in the digital age, expand cooperation in modern media areas and share new working methods in order to better meet the requirements of press agencies and the public.

VNA and Xinhua set up ties in the early years of the 1950s. Since then, the two news agencies have seen effective cooperation in various fields such as information sharing, exchange of high-level delegations and reporters, support for each others resident bureaus and correspondents, and coordination at regional and international press forums, among others.  VNS
HA NOI  Many key routes in Ha Noi have been downgraded due to ineffective maintenance work, posing high risks of traffic accidents.

On Thang Long Boulevard, a gateway to the west of the city, as many as 36 instances of the road subsiding and cracks were found on the 30-kilometre-long route.

A representative of Ha Noi Construction Investment JSC, one of two companies in charge of managing the route, said that the company was responsible for 21 kilometres of the route, and more than 8,500 square metres was damaged by the subsidence.

Notably, there was a 250 metre long subsidence, causing difficulties for vehicles on the route.

Other routes such as part of National Highway No6 passing Ha Noi, Thanh Tri Bridge, Thang Long Bridge, and Belt Road 3, have been downgraded due to holes and waste dropped along the routes.

Lieutenant Colonel o Trong Tuan, deputy head of the city Police Departments Traffic Police Office No4 said that management units have repaired many parts of the routes, but there was a series of subsidence on Thanh Tri Bridge and Belt Road 3, posing traffic safety concerns.

On Thang Long Bridge, the road surface has holes, despite the ministry spending hundreds of billions of ong on renewing the surface, he said.

In addition, waste has been left along the routes. Domestic waste, building waste and rain water have been seen along Phap Van-Cau Gie and Thang Long boulevard. This has hurt the beauty of the city, he added.

Nguyen Van Nhi, deputy director of Traffic Construction No2 JSC, the unit in charge of managing the boulevard, said that the routes were being damaged by too many vhecicles using the road and severe weather.

Ineffective repair and maintenance work also contributed to the situation. The Ministry of Transports Highway Road Management Department has checked the maintenance of the road surface on the Belt Road 3 and Thang Long Boulevard and found that it failed to meet the ministrys standards.

Experts said that one of the biggest difficulties was a lack of capital for repairs and maintenance. For examples, there were seven subsidences on Thanh Tri Bridge, but the citys Department of Transport Ngo Manh Tuan said that they could only afford to repair three.

To ensure traffic safety, Nguyen Quoc Tung, head of the Highway Road Management Department has asked the citys Department of Transport to work with agencies to strengthen maintenance work on the key routes of the city.  VNS
The HCM City authorities plan to build a bridge across the Vam Thuat River to link districts 12 and Binh Thanh, according to the citys Department of Transport.  Photo tuoitre.vn

HCM CITY  The HCM City authorities plan to build a bridge across the Vam Thuat River to link districts 12 and Binh Thanh, according to the citys Department of Transport.

The entire project includes a road and bridge 2.7km in length.

The bridge, to be 376m long and 18m wide, will cost VN2.1 trillion (US$ 92.6 million).

The bridge will allow easier access to National Highway No.1, Ha Noi Highway and National Highway No.13.

The Department of Transport has assigned the Urban Traffic Management Unit No. 3 to be responsible for building the temporary bridge across the Vam Thuat River to link districts Go Vap and 12.

The bridge linking districts 12 and Binh Thanh is expected to help traffic congestion and road accidents in the city.  VNS
HA NOI  A survey by the Viet Nam General Confederation of Labour (VGCL) conducted in March and April on 2,500 workers revealed that labourers work overtime for the extra money, not because they want to.

They want the extra money because their basic salary is not enough to cover their living expenses, the survey said.

Vu Minh Tien, deputy head of the Institute for Workers and Trade Unions at the VGCL, said this is revealed when comparing overtime payments between workers in the mining industry and in the electronics industry.

Miners, who have a basic salary of VN5.2 million (US$230), make an average of only VN257,000 ($11) of overtime pay.

Meanwhile, for those working in the electronics industry, whose average basic salary is only VN4.2 million ($186), average payment for overtime was VN1.3 million ($57)

We can clearly see that at the end of the day, the total incomes of the two groups are approximately the same  about VN5.4 million for the mining group and VN5.5 million for the electronics group. But those in the electronics industry, who have lower basic salary, have to work more extra hours, Tien said.

The survey also showed that more than 48 per cent of those working in the electronics industry said they want to work overtime, while only 9 per cent of those in the mining industry wanted to.

Tien added that a salary survey by the confederation earlier this year revealed that most workers didnt want to work overtime.

But 35 per cent of those asked said they wanted to work overtime because they can have the overtime meals, Tien said.

Nguyen Thi Oanh, 25, a worker from Bac Ninh, said after five years working at a garment factory, she now earns VND4.5 million (US$200) a month.

I am forced to work overtime to make ends meet, Oanh said.

I work 12 hours a day, and when Im finished Im always exhausted and just want to go home to sleep, she said.

Profit versus workers health

Mai uc Chinh, deputy chairman of the VGCL, emphasised that many studies have proved that working too many extra hours seriously affects workers health and their productivity.

They can become fatigued and lose concentration, resulting in lower productivity and working quality. More seriously, working too many extra hours are more prone to heart diseases, headaches and bone diseases, Chinh said.

He mentioned female worker in the aquaculture processing industry who have to stand for their entire shift.

When they begin working, their veins are as small as the top of a chopstick. When they finish their shift, their veins are as big as a finger. There are many female workers who have to cut off their boots after work to take them off, he said.

Chinh said many enterprises proritise profits and increase overtime. Along with this, substandard working conditions contribute to negative impacts on workers health.

Many companies do not invest in modern and advanced technology to improve productivity but continue making labourers work overtime to meet their deadlines, he said.

In draft revisions to the 2012 Labour Code, the Ministry of Labour, Invalid and Social Affairs proposed that Vietnamese employees overtime be capped at 400 hours per year.

The latest proposal came at the request of many enterprises whove argued for several years that more overtime is needed to improve production efficiency, increase workers incomes and raise the competitiveness of the Vietnamese labour market.

The current limit is 200 extra hours per year, per worker. In some areas like textiles and garments, leather, aquaculture processing, telecommunications, water and power supplies, overtime is capped at 300 hours per year.--VNS
Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc sent a message of condolences to his British counterpart Theresa May over the explosion in Manchester on Monday that killed at least 22 people and injured many.  Photo VNA/EPA

HA NOI  Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc sent a message of condolences to his British counterpart Theresa May over the explosion in Manchester on Monday that killed at least 22 people and injured many.

Foreign Minister spokesperson Le Thi Thu Hang yesterday stressed that "Viet Nam strongly condemns any terrorist attack in any form and believes that all terrorist acts must be severely punished".

She also offered deep sympathy to the UK Government, people and families of victims of the attack.

The spokesperson said so far there had been no reports of Vietnamese nationals affected by the explosion, citing the Vietnamese Embassy in the UK.

She added that the Embassy was keeping close contact with local agencies to monitor the situation and would be ready to provide support in case any Vietnamese citizens need help.

Vietnamese nationals who need help can contact the Embassys hotline at +44 - 742 363 8350 or the emergency switchboard for citizen protection at +84  981 84 84 84 to receive support.  VNS
HCM CITY The HCM City Tourism Association has urged the Government to extend the visa waiver for tourists from five Western European countries -- France, Italy, Germany, the UK, and Spain.

A visa waiver programme for the five countries ends next month, Nguyen Thi Khanh, deputy chairwoman of the association, said.

But it should be extended by five years to June 30, 2022, she said.

The visa-free policy should be for five years instead of one to enable travel firms to organise promotion and marketing campaigns in the five markets, she told a meeting with the city Peoples Council on Tuesday (May 23).

Besides, the maximum stay per entry for these tourists should be doubled to 30 days, she said.

The longer stay would be of help to tourists besides boosting their spending in the country, she said.

Neighbouring countries have simplified their visa procedures to attract more international visitors, she added.

The number of tourists from the five countries rose by 12 per cent year-on-year in the first quarter to more than 240,000, according to statistics released by the Viet Nam National Administration of Tourism. VNS
QUANG NAM  The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment is considering extending the deadline for the closure of Bong Mieu gold mine to the end of this month.

If Bong Mieu Gold Mine Co Ltd failed to comply by then, the ministry would select a unit to implement the mine closure, deputy minister Nguyen Linh Ngoc said.

In a report sent to the Government, the ministry said it conducted an inspection following allegations of illegal land exploitation at Bong Mieu gold mine, located in Phu Ninh Districts Tam Lanh Commune of the central province of Quang Nam.

Inspection revealed that the total exploited area was 385ha. Of this, 230ha was open cast, 100ha was underground, and the rest a waste disposal site. Its mining capacity was 180,000 tonnes of ore per year, with an average of 2.8gm gold per tonne of ore.

As per the companys report, the exploited output between 2005 and 2013 was around 829,950 tonnes of primary ore. From November 2013 to March 2014, the mine halted operations and resumed its activities on September 2014 . The company has not reported its output since then.

During its operations, the company fulfilled its obligations under the law on mining. As required, its environmental impact assessment report was approved by the provincial Peoples Committee. The company spent US$230,580 and $18,650 on recovering the environment around the gold mine in Ho Gan and Nui Kem areas, respectively. It also contributed around VN240 billion ($10.56 million) to the local budget, to upgrade and repair roads, bridges, and clean water systems.

However, there had been several violations as well, the report said. The company had not submitted a report on the results of exploration and upgrading the reserve in the area to the National Mineral Reserve Assessment Council for approval. It had not provided information on mineral mining rights, and had not yet paid fee for geological surveys to the State budget. In particular, a tax report showed that since May 2012, the company stopped paying tax worth around VN95 billion ($4.18 million).

In July 2016, the ministry ordered the company to stop exploitation and close the gold mine.

In its report, the ministry also said that illegal mining for gold had occurred mainly in mountainous areas such as Nam Giang, Phuoc Son, Bac Tra My and Phu Ninh districts, leading to fatal accidents, environmental pollution, loss of cultivated land for locals, and public disorder. As of April 2013, around 15 cases of violations had been reported in the province, which claimed 21 lives.

Over the years, the provincial Peoples Committee sent many reports on drastic steps to be taken to stop illegal gold mining in the area. From 2011 to 2015, the provincial police organised 2,066 inspections, investigated 2,033 cases, prosecuted 40 suspects for violating regulations on exploitation of natural resources, and charged VN33.5 billion ($1.47 million) in fines.  VNS
THUA THIEN-HUE  The Ministry of Health is conducting tests on seafood samples collected from the central provinces, which were affected by the Formosa toxic spill, to determine if they are safe for consumption.

Nguyen Thanh Phong, director of the ministrys Food Safety Department, was quoted by online newspaper Infonet as saying that the collection and testing of fish samples from the provinces of Ha Tinh, Quang Binh, Quang Tri and Thua Thien-Hue are underway.

Tests are being conducted after Deputy Prime Minister Truong Hoa Binh last week demanded clear information on the safety of consuming deep-sea seafood, after the toxic spill by Hung Nghiep Formosas steel plant in Ha Tinh in April last year.

Information from the ministry is expected to help the Government determine whether to lift the soft ban on catching deep-sea fish, which has impacted thousands of fishermen in the region for almost a year.

If the tests are clear, it will reassure consumers and help resolve the problem of low sale of seafood in the regions markets.

Two months after the Formosa environmental disaster, in June last year, the ministry announced that fish in the regions ocean was safe for consumption. However, days later, it issued a list of 154 deep-sea fish that could not be consumed.

Unable to distinguish between deep-sea fish and others species, people from the region stopped buying seafood.  VNS
UNITED NATIONS  The UN is proposing that US$40.5 million from the unspent budget of the UN mission in Haiti be poured into a special fund to help its cholera victims, according to a report released Tuesday.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres made the proposal to the UN General Assembly to address a major shortfall in the $400 million needed to help Haiti recover from the epidemic.

Cholera was introduced by infected Nepalese UN peacekeepers who were sent to Haiti after the devastating 2010 earthquake. More than 9,500 people have died of the disease.

The $40.5 million would be drawn from unspent funds from the UN peacekeeping missions budget for 2015-16 and would provide a major boost to the effort to help Haiti recover from the outbreak.

Only seven countries have so far contributed to the fund - Chile, France, India, Liechtenstein, South Korea, Sri Lanka and Britain - for a total of $2.67 million.

Canada and Japan have separately granted $8.5 million to help Haiti.

Guterres intends to appoint a high-level envoy to develop a fundraising strategy that would draw contributions from countries but also from other sources.

The General Assembly will next month discuss the proposals to raise funds for Haiti.

Former UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon was forced to apologise to the Haitian people for the cholera outbreak, but the UN insists it is not liable for the damage.  AFP
DUBAI  Five people were killed in Bahrain on Tuesday when police opened fire on a protest by supporters of a top cleric in a Shiite village, the interior ministry said, in the latest unrest to hit the Sunni-ruled Gulf state.

"Five deaths have been registered among the outlaws" in Diraz, near the capital of Manama, where the police opened fire to disperse the sit-in outside the home of cleric Isa Qassim, the ministry said in a Twitter message.

Witnesses had earlier told AFP that several civilians were wounded when police officers fired at demonstrators throwing stones and Molotov cocktails at security forces.

"A total of 286 arrests were made, including fugitives that had escaped from Jau Prison," the ministry said.

"Several terrorists and convicted felons were also apprehended with a large number of them hiding in the residence of Isa Qassim," it added.

Qassim is considered the spiritual leader of Bahrains majority Shiite community.

A US State Department official said Washington was "concerned" by the reports of protesters killed and was following events in Bahrain very closely.

"We urge restraint on all sides in responding to todays developments and call on all parties to contribute to a climate conducive for dialogue and reconciliation," the official told AFP.

Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said the deadly crackdown by Bahraini forces on protesters was the "first concrete result" of

US President Donald Trump "cozying up to despots" in Saudi Arabia.

A blank cheque for repression

In a meeting with Bahrains King Hamad in Saudi Arabia at the weekend, Trump made a clear break from previous US policy.

The US leader told the king on Sunday it was "a great honour to be with you" and said there "has been a little strain but there wont be strain with this administration."

The Britain-based Bahrain Institute for Rights and Democracy (BIRD) said Trump had "effectively (given) King Hamad a blank cheque to continue the repression of his people."

It said the US had "blood on its hands" for supplying arms to Bahrain despite what it called an "intensified repressive campaign on civil society in Bahrain."

The kingdom has been rocked by unrest since 2011, when local authorities backed by a Saudi military force crushed Shiite-led protests demanding a constitutional monarchy and an elected prime minister.

Earlier Tuesday, BIRD had announced one death as the police moved to disperse the long-running protest.

Amnesty International identified that protester as Mohamed Zayn al-Deen, 39, and said he had died of birdshot wounds to the head.

The human rights watchdog called for an independent investigation into the security forces use of "excessive force" against protesters it said were mostly peaceful.

Stripped of citizenship

Bahrain police arrested 50 "fugitives," including prison escapees "convicted over terrorism" charges, the Nahrain interior ministry said earlier.

Several members of the security forces were injured, it added.

The Bahrain authorities have accused Qassim, sentenced Sunday to a suspended one-year jail term for illegal fundraising and money laundering, of serving "foreign interests" and promoting "sectarianism and violence. "

A court last year stripped him of his citizenship, sparking repeated sit-ins outside his residence in Diraz.

Bahraini authorities have also accused Iran of fomenting unrest in the kingdom, ruled for more than two centuries by the Sunni Al-Khalifa dynasty.

Tehran has denied any involvement.

The governments clampdown on dissent has drawn harsh condemnation from international rights groups and governments.

Pictures posted on Twitter by opposition groups showed demonstrations that purportedly broke out in nearby Shiite villages protesting the crackdown in Diraz.

Rights concerns

The tiny Gulf state is a key regional ally of the United States and is home to its Fifth Fleet, but the administration of former president Barack Obama frequently scolded Manama over rights concerns.

Manama has imprisoned dozens of Shiites accused of taking part in demonstrations and stripped at least 316 Bahrainis of their nationality since 2012, according to Amnesty.

BIRD says Manama has escalated its repression since mid-2016.

A court last year ordered the dissolution of the kingdoms main opposition group Al-Wefaq after authorities accused it of "harbouring terrorism."

An 18-year-old Bahraini died in March, nearly two months after he was shot in the head fleeing a raid on Qassims house, Amnesty said.

Bahrains parliament in March voted unanimously to grant military courts the right to try civilians charged with any act of "terrorism."

Rights activists fear Qassim could be among the first to face court-martial.  AFP
Julia Ross, who becomes dean of the College of Engineering at Virginia Tech on July 31, has been named the Paul and Dorothea Torgersen Dean of Engineering by the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors.

The Paul and Dorothea Torgersen Deans Chair in Engineering was established in 2006 by Eric E. Schmidt, chairman and chief executive officer of Google, to honor the Torgersens for their many years of service to Virginia Tech. Paul Torgersen was dean of the College of Engineering from 1970 to 1990 and president of the university from 1993 to 2000. Torgersen died in 2015.

The deans chair provides discretionary funds for engineering deans to use in developing outstanding academic programs. Ross will become the second engineering dean to hold the chair, succeeding Richard Benson, who left Virginia Tech last year to become the president of the University of Texas at Dallas.

Ross currently serves as dean of engineering and information technology at University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). When she becomes dean of the College of Engineering at Virginia Tech, she will hold tenured appointments in the departments of chemical engineering and engineering education.

Since joining the UMBC faculty in 1995, Ross has served in various roles, including chair of chemical, biochemical, and environmental engineering, and supported inter-institutional research initiatives as a special assistant to the provost.

Her research focus centers on the role of fluid mechanics in infection formation in the cardiovascular system. During her career, Ross has received $12.9 million in external funding with a personal share of $9.97 million.

Her grant activity includes a $3 million grant from the National Science Foundation/Research on Learning in Formal and Informal Settings (NSF/DRL) for Engineering Teacher Pedagogy: Using INSPIRES to Support Integration of Engineering Design into Science and Technology Classrooms, and a $2.97 million NSF/DRL grant titled An Examination of Science and Technology Teachers Conceptual Learning through Concept-Based Engineering Professional Development.

Ross is the principal investigator leading the INcreasing Student Participation, Interest, and Recruitment in Engineering and Science (INSPIRES) K-12 initiative. The program, which is funded by the National Science Foundation, partners with Baltimore County Schools to develop and implement an innovative curriculum that exposes high-school students to engineering earlier in their educational careers through existing science and technology classes.

In October, Ross was elected to the executive committee of the Global Engineering Dean's Council, where she will serve a three-year term and work closely with engineering deans from around the world to advance engineering education, research, and service globally.

Ross is a Fellow of the American Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering. In 2013, she received the American Council on Education fellowship, the nation's premier higher-education leadership development program preparing senior leaders to serve American colleges and universities.

Ross holds a bachelor's degree from Purdue and a doctoral degree from Rice University, both in chemical engineering.
WATERLOO  Aldi Foods is marking its 30th anniversary in Waterloo-Cedar Falls with a reconstruction and expansion of its Waterloo store, according to city building records.

City officials have issued a permit for the Germany-based chain, which has its U.S. headquarters in Batavia, Ill., to demolish and rebuild a larger store at its current location at 1918 Schukei Road near Crossroads center.

Demolition was underway Tuesday, and the new store is anticipated to be open late this fall, according to Matt Lilla, Faribault, Minn., division vice president for Aldi.

The new store will be almost 19,800 square feet, about 5,000 square feet larger than the current store. The permit issued for the project has valuation of $1.2 million, which typically covers construction costs and not equipment and other improvements.

The renovated Waterloo store will have five aisles and about 12,500 square feet of selling space, compared to the previous stores layout, which featured four aisles and 10,000 square feet of selling space, Lilla said.

In February, Aldi announced plans to spend $1.6 billion to remodel or expand more than 1,300 stores across the U.S. by 2020, in addition to previously announced plans to open 650 new stores by 2020.

Stores are being remodeled and expanded with a focus on fresh items, including more robust produce, dairy and bakery sections, according to a company press release, with a number of recently introduced items, including gluten-free foods, organic items and a line of baby products.

Remodeled stores will also feature a modern design, open ceilings, natural lighting and environmentally-friendly building materials  such as recycled materials, energy-saving refrigeration and LED lighting, company officials said.

No information was immediately available on a demolition or construction schedule.

Aldi has been in Waterloo-Cedar Falls since 1987. The reconstruction and expansion is believed to be the most extensive work for the Waterloo Aldi since it relocated from its original site on La Porte Road and built the current store in 1995.

Regular Aldi shoppers are encouraged to patronize the Cedar Falls store, at Holiday Plaza, 6322 University Ave., during the Waterloo stores construction. At this time, we dont have updates to share regarding our Cedar Falls location, Lilla added in response to whether the Cedar Falls store would be similarly expanded.
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Quota members

to volunteer

WATERLOO  Members of Quota International of Waterloo, a nonprofit organization serving Black Hawk and contiguous counties with many projects, will volunteer at the Northeast Iowa Food Bank at 1605 Lafayette, Waterloo, today and Tuesday.

Scheduled times are from 5 to 7 p.m. today and Tuesday.

Speechmasters

plan to meet

CEDAR FALLS  Waterloo Speechmasters will meet at the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa, 3117 Greenhill Circle, Cedar Falls, from noon to 1 p.m. June 1, 15 and 29, and July 6 and 20.

Walk-in guests are welcome.

A Toastmasters club is where members develop prepared speaking, impromptu speaking, listening, constructive feedback, leadership and marketing skills. For more information, check waterloospeechmasters.toastmastersclubs.org.

Blood drive set

in Cedar Falls

CEDAR FALLS  An American Red Cross community blood drive is set for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Sartori Memorial Hospital west dining room.

Schedule an appointment at redcrossblood.org or (800) 733-2767.
DES MOINES  Kim Reynolds, assuming all goes as planned, will be Iowas governor before lunch today.

It is a moment that has been years in the making.

Reynolds has prepared for this since early December, when Gov. Terry Branstad accepted the offer to become the next U.S. ambassador to China.

But in many ways, Reynolds has been preparing for this since 2011, when she joined Branstad in the governors office as his lieutenant.

Todays been an emotional day for me, Reynolds said Tuesday. Just because Ive really enjoyed serving with Gov. Branstad. Weve been a team and partners, and weve had fun, and weve worked hard, and hes been a great mentor, somebody I go to for advice and counsel. So itll be different.

But, you know, Im excited and ready also to pick up the mantle and continue to lead Iowa.

Branstad resigns as governor and is sworn in as ambassador at 10 a.m. today at the Iowa Capitol. Shortly after, the 57-year-old Reynolds, a former county treasurer and state legislator, will stand in the Capitol Rotunda, take the oath of office to become Iowas 43rd governor  the first woman to hold the title  and deliver her first address to Iowans as their new leader.

Reynolds will serve as governor for the remainder of Branstads four-year term, which ends shortly after the 2018 election.

Im very excited to leave the governorship in the hands of a very dedicated public servant who has worked diligently and been a great partner of mine, Branstad said Tuesday. I have no doubt that she will lead the state to bigger and better things in the future, and I know nobody thats ever been as well prepared to take over the responsibilities of the chief executive of the state as Kim Reynolds.

One of Reynolds first critical decisions as governor will be whether to appoint a replacement lieutenant governor.

The states attorney general recently gave a formal opinion state law and the state Constitution do not give a replacement governor the authority to name a replacement lieutenant. Reynolds could name a lieutenant in spite of the opinion, which could bring a lawsuit.

Reynolds said she will announce her decision Thursday.

We anticipate, and Iowans expect, a smooth transition, Reynolds said.

Reynolds will spend Thursday and Friday attending events throughout the state. The state Republican Party has scheduled an inaugural celebration for June 2.

Several significant issues will greet Reynolds as soon as she becomes governor.

The states human services department is under fire after the death this month of a teenage girl adopted out of the state foster system, the second such death in the past eight months. At least one Democratic legislator has called for the removal of department director Chuck Palmer.

Reynolds on Tuesday expressed confidence in Palmer and did not say whether she would make changes in leadership at any state agencies.

First of all, Chuck has done a great job, and I certainly appreciate his service to the state, Reynolds said. But were going to be making those announcements in the days ahead.

Other issues likely to dominate Reynolds attention in the coming months:

Taxes

Since taking control of both chambers of the Legislature and the governors office in November, Republicans have indicated an interest in approving tax cuts. Budget constraints prevented action this past session.

Reynolds has been mum on specific plans she may have, but shes become more vocal in recent weeks about a push next session for tax cuts that would benefit individuals and businesses.

Budget

Lawmakers were told before the start of this years session they would need to cut more than $110 million from the current state budget, which required mid-year reductions to government agencies. A budget projection in March forced lawmakers to tap into a rainy day fund to offset another shortfall of about $130 million. It translated into a stagnant state budget of roughly $7.2 billion that led lawmakers to make cuts to several agencies, including the board that oversees the states three public universities.

Reynolds will face questions over whether she might restore some of the cuts in the future.

Water quality

After last-minute disagreements between the Republican-controlled House and Senate, lawmakers failed to approve a bill this year to provide a funding plan for water quality initiatives in the state. The issue dominated the 2016 legislative session amid a lawsuit filed by a Des Moines water utility that accused three Iowa counties of wrongly allowing runoff from farms to enter the water that the utility cleans for distribution. The lawsuit was dismissed this year.

Abortion

Republicans this year approved the creation of a state-run family planning program that excludes organizations that perform abortions, including Planned Parenthood. GOP lawmakers also passed legislation that bans most abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy. A provision in the new law that requires a 72-hour waiting period before a woman can get an abortion is on hold amid a legal challenge.

The legislative moves were major wins for conservatives in the state, though Planned Parenthood and Democrats have voiced concern over the impact to health care in rural Iowa. Reynolds, who spoke at an anti-abortion rally at the Capitol this year, will be expected to push for more restrictions.

Although she has not made it official, Reynolds almost surely will run for re-election in 2018. She has been raising money  her campaign account had more than $1 million at the end of 2016  and she speaks about leading Iowa in ways that could not be contained to a 19-month interim tenure.

Well make that decision down the road. There are so many things were focusing on right now, Reynolds said. Theres a lot of time to make that announcement. But I dont anticipate going anywhere for a long time. I want to continue to build on what weve been doing.

It appears likely Reynolds will face a primary challenge from fellow Republican Ron Corbett, the outgoing mayor of Cedar Rapids who has been on a book tour of the state laying the groundwork for a gubernatorial campaign.
WATERLOO  A forum meant to be informational about immigration laws ended up being a nearly two-hour long fact-checking session about those laws and local policies.

Is Waterloo a sanctuary city? No. Can people here illegally benefit from welfare programs? Mostly no. Does crime get out of hand when immigrants come into a community? Hardly.

One question went unanswered  and wasnt the purview of the forum  is what a comprehensive immigration system should look like in the United States.

Each of those questions, and more, were discussed at the Waterloo Public Library on Tuesday night.

There is an extreme divide in our community. If you dont feel it, youre fooling yourself. People are being pitted against each other, said moderator Teresa Culpepper. I think what an amazing and beautiful community we have, but I also know  I live in a very racist community, and what breeds racism is division.

The forum was first in a series of conversations the Waterloo Commission on Human Rights is sponsoring. The next will focus on mental health.

The panelists, however, learned more than halfway through the forum that many attendees came because of a headline on a KWWL news story, Waterloo to explore idea of sanctuary city.

It became clear during the informational meeting that explore did not mean any changes are planned. To the panelists, the forum was meant to explore in the sense of discussion.

Several audience members  about 70 people attended  made clear they had no interest in becoming a sanctuary city.

Panelists Waterloo Police Chief Dan Trelka and Black Hawk County Sheriff Tony Thompson explained they were not planning on working to change current policy.

Both insisted the city and county are not sanctuary communities. They said they work with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Thompson explained the county does not hold anyone without justification, but they work well with ICE.

Were a country of laws, but also were a community of priorities, and Im more concerned about that gang member shooting at another gang member than I am, quite frankly, about somebodys immigration status unless that person who is in this country illegally is breaking some of our local laws, Trelka said.

Lisa Munoz, of Cedar Valley Advocates for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, also clarified there are two social safety net-type benefits people living here illegally can get: emergency medical care and a K-12 education. She said all the others, like Medicaid or food stamps, they would not qualify for.

Gunda Brost, a local immigration attorney, added the U.S. Constitution gives rights to everybody on U.S. territory regardless of immigration status. She also noted being undocumented is a civil offense, not a criminal one.

And on crime, Thompson said immigrants in the community commit less than one-tenth of 1 percent of the crimes here. Panelists also noted undocumented immigrants are more likely to be victims of crimes or afraid to come forward because they fear being deported.

Though there appeared to be agreement by the end of the meeting among attendees about concerns over divisions in the community, one exchange in the midst of the discussion highlights the work yet to do.

Ruth Williams, of Waterloo, raised concerns  thinking the city planned to become a sanctuary city  about single, Muslim men from Somalia coming here to commit crimes. Umaru Balde, of Waterloo but a native of Guinea-Bissau, said hed spent time among Minnesotas Somali community and encouraged everyone to visit.

Interact with people, and get to know them. If you are afraid of Somalis, please visit the Somali side of Minnesota and see how they live their lives. Shake hands with one of them and see who these people are. Were all, as human beings, we fear what we dont know, Balde said.
Pate will speak

in Cedar Falls

CEDAR FALLS  Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate will be the keynote speaker at the June 2 meeting and luncheon of the Republican Women of Black Hawk County.

Pate will provide details about the voter ID bill recently passed by the Legislature and signed by Gov. Terry Branstad.

The luncheon will be at the Clarion Inn, 5826 University Ave., Cedar Falls. The event begins at 11:15 a.m. and concludes at about 1 p.m. Reservations are required by calling 268-0547 or 296-2363 no later than Tuesday.

Republican Women of Black Hawk County, founded in 1938, is a nonprofit organization educating and empowering women for better government. RWHBC does not endorse candidates, but provides a forum for all Republican candidates and Republican elected officials.

2,000 turn out

to shred papers

WATERLOO  Veridian Credit Union held a free Community Shred Day on Saturday at five Veridian branches across Iowa, including Waterloo. Approximately 2,000 people shredded nearly 50,000 pounds of unwanted, sensitive documents in mobile shred trucks from On-Site Information Destruction Inc.

The shredded material will be recycled into commercial grade paper towels, toilet paper and other paper products, saving an estimated 421 trees.

Preschool days

off change in fall

WATERLOO  This fall preschool students who attend Becker, Cunningham, Elk Run, Highland, Irving, Kittrell, Lincoln and Orange will have Mondays off instead of Wednesdays, as was past practice, for staff professional development.

Parents of preschoolers should start planning now for the Tuesday-Friday school week.

For more information, call Larry Martin at the Education Service Center at (319) 433-1837.

Evansdale plans

citywide sales

EVANSDALE  The annual Evansdale citywide garage sales are planned for June 9-11.

Maps with sale locations will be available by June 7 at City Hall, the Evansdale Public Library, local stores and at www.evansdale.govoffice.com.
Donald Trump offered America a deal: He may cut ethical corners and trash democratic norms, but he would fix the country. After all, the argument went, things could hardly get worse.

They could. They did.

There are serious arguments to be made about the moral bankruptcy of Trumpism, with particular attention to its divisiveness, dehumanization and contempt for the weak. But let us, for a moment, set aside morality for effectiveness, as much of the voting public seemed to do last November. By this standard, how should Trump be judged?

The president could not hold up his end of the strongman deal. Trump is the advocate of power politics who knows nothing about the exercise of power. He is the Machiavellian minus instinct, skill and strategy.

We already have a good idea how historians will recall the first portion of Trumps presidency. When American intelligence services reported Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election, Trump accused them of incompetence and compared them to Nazis. As the FBI pressed its investigation of ties between Russia and Trumps circle of advisers, Trump fired the director of the FBI and threatened him in public. Never has an American president mocked and attacked the intelligence and law enforcement communities in this way.

These agencies are not the deep state. They are just the state. Trump was accustomed to belittling and demeaning individuals. It is harder to do with institutions that possess a strong sense of identity and purpose  and possess contemporaneous meeting notes. Tactics appropriate to land-development deals were never going to work on professionals who weaponize information for a living. Trumps foolish alienation of these agencies is at the root of every damning revelation that led to a special counsel  except those revelations made by Trump himself on Twitter.

By all accounts, these early moves against intelligence services and law enforcement were not the result of strategy. It makes no rational sense to invade laws empire with forces so weak. Instead, Trump has been a victim of his own troubled inner life. It is difficult to master others when you are mastered by self-destructive compulsions of revenge. He who wishes to be obeyed, said Machiavelli, must know how to command. That is impossible without command of self.

Leadership also requires the ability to critique the self  the kind of mental self-distancing that allows for reflection. A man incapable of blaming himself for anything is a man incapable of learning or changing. To adapt Helen Caldwells formulation, Trump is not above reproach; he is above self-reproach. This is a serious disability in a leader, who must be able to adjust quickly and adapt personality to reality.

Trump now faces three interrelated crises: A newly empowered investigation at the Justice Department of Russian influence (and parallel congressional inquiries). The matter of possible obstruction of justice by the president or others in the FBI investigation. And the question of basic presidential competence  rooted in a fear that Trump cant be trusted with classified information or national security decisions. While talk of impeachment is premature  and invoking the 25th Amendment is a pipe dream  the future of the Trump administration will depend on the resolutions of these issues.

Those conclusions will not, in all likelihood, be primarily legal. Impeachment involves a political judgment. If there is plausible evidence people in Trumps circle were complicit in tainting the outcome of a presidential election; Trump improperly attempted to impede or shut down the investigation; and Trump has badly compromised the security of the country, the case for high crimes and misdemeanors is made. All that would remain is for Democrats to win control of the House of Representatives in 2018, since Republicans are unlikely to show political courage on a sufficient scale.

And why not? Because Trump can carry their policy agenda? That hope is in ruins. Because he has shown loyalty to them? No, Trump made the Republican Party the target of his populism. Because a collapsing political roof might crush them as well? That is the likeliest reason. But it lowers the sights of politics to mere survival. Is that really how elected Republicans want their service remembered?

Ultimately, the ethical aspect of politics cant be ignored. In conflicting assertions between Trump and former FBI Director James Comey, who will trust the presidents veracity? Who can depend on the presidents word and character? And who will stand for the integrity of our political system against tremendous political pressure? The largest questions are always moral.
Despite President Donald Trumps reluctance to get deeply involved in the Syrian civil war, the United States now finds itself in the middle of an escalating battle in the countrys south that last week led to a clash between the U.S. military and Iranian-backed pro-government forces. If he can seize the opportunity, Trump could deal a blow to Iranian regional influence and help save Syria in the process.

To hear the Trump administration tell it, the coalition airstrike May 18 near the al-Tanf base on Syrias border with Jordan and Iraq was a one-off event. A statement from U.S. Central Command said pro-regime forces had crossed into an established de-confliction zone, posing a threat to opposition forces and the U.S. troops who are training them.

But the skirmish near al-Tanf was not an isolated incident. According to officials, experts and rebel leaders on the ground, an ongoing and rapidly accelerating confrontation in that area was triggered by an offensive by Iranian-backed militias. Iran is trying to establish strategic control over territory creating a corridor from Lebanon and Syria through Baghdad to Tehran.

If successful, the Iranian campaign would drastically reshape the regional security situation, harm the fight against the Islamic State in the nearby city of Deir al-Zour and directly undermine U.S. efforts to train and equip an indigenous Sunni Arab fighting force, which is essential to establishing long-term stability.

In short, its a fight the United States cannot and should not avoid. Its also an opportunity for Trump to accomplish what his administration says it wants to do in the Middle East: Push back against Iranian aggression and expansionism.

So far, the White House doesnt see it in that light. An official told me the decision to strike regime and Iranian-backed forces last week was made by military commanders on the ground, not by the White House. The commanders have the authority to strike whenever they believe U.S. troops are under threat, the official said, stating there has been no change in U.S. policy in Syria.

There was no large, big-picture change that resulted in this scenario, the official said.

The strikes did change Tehrans calculus. The Middle East Institutes Charles Lister said the bombs hit a militia backed by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Forces called Kataib Imam Ali. After the strikes, the Iranian FARS news agency reported Iran will send 3,000 Hezbollah fighters to the al-Tanf region to thwart a U.S. plot.

A Syrian opposition rebel leader who works with the U.S. military said while there are a mix of regime, Iranian and militia forces fighting in the area, the Iranians are in command of the campaign. Their first goal is to establish control over a security triangle that would give them free movement between the eastern Syrian towns of Palmyra and Deir al-Zour and Baghdad.

The Iranians second goal is to block the U.S.-supported rebels in al-Tanf from Deir al-Zour. If the rebels take the city from the Islamic State, it would be a huge boon for the Sunni opposition to the regime of Syrian President Bashar Assad.

Two Syrian rebel groups opened up a front against the Iranian-backed forces about two weeks ago, in response to the Iranian campaign, the rebel leader said. One of them is working directly with the U.S. military. The other is supported by the military operations center led by the CIA and allies in Jordan.

Even absent public acknowledgment from Washington, the rebel groups believe they have tacit support from the United States to prevent Iran and the regime from taking over the area. That belief is uniting rebel groups on the ground, who have long wanted to fight Iran and the regime, in addition to the Islamic State.

Those who support the Syrian opposition in Washington are also noticing a shift in the U.S. approach toward confronting Iran in Syria. Whether that represents mission creep or a deliberate change in approach on a policy level is unclear  and ultimately irrelevant. Perhaps by accident, Trump is moving toward a Syria policy that is tougher on Iran and the Assad regime, and its having real effects on the ground.

The United States has two major adversaries in Syria, that is Iran and ISIS. Both represent huge risks to U.S. national security and interests in the region, said Mouaz Moustafa, executive director of the Syrian Emergency Task Force.

The battle for Syrias south is on, and the Trump team must decide if the United States will play a decisive role. Trump could fulfill his promises to thwart Iran and bring greater stability to Syria  if he acts fast.
Q. Regarding Cedar Falls School District adding classrooms to Aldrich: How can the school district change the recently passed referendum monies and reallocate them to the school? Will The Courier continue to cover these changes to keep us informed?

A. Nothing in the approval from voters stops the district from making design changes to any of its three projects. Voters gave approval for issuing $32 million in bonds on the projects, but the specifics are set by the Board of Education as designs are developed and bids are received. The Courier will cover all board action on this and strive to keep residents as informed as possible on the details.

Q. Is Matt Lauer getting divorced? I called this in weeks ago, and you won't answer.

A. We did answer -- it was in the April 6 paper. There was a report of his divorce on a tabloid cover, recently, we know, but as far as we can tell, there's no reliable confirmation of that at all.

Q. What do the initials "LLC" mean?

A. It stands for "Limited Liability Company." According to the Small Business Administration, "(LLC) is a hybrid type of legal structure that provides the limited liability features of a corporation and the tax efficiencies and operational flexibility of a partnership."

Q. Why did Tamron leave the "Today" show?

A. Hall left the show at the beginning of February after being told former Fox News star Megyn Kelly would be taking over her slot in the fall.

Q. Do the stars and pros on "Dancing with the Stars" use self-tanning lotion, or is it a spray? What brand is it?

A. According to interviews with show staff, the dancers use a combination of spray tan and lotion. There is a brand of "DWTS" tanning sprays and lotion by Norvell available for sale -- you can order it online if you don't find it anywhere locally.

Q. Is LifeLock identity protection a legitimate company?

A. It is a legitimate company and earns a B+ in the Better Business Bureau Accreditation system. But the company has had to settle claims with the Federal Trade Commission and, according to PC magazine, "The bigger issue with LifeLock is how quickly its price tag adds up when you have more than one person to protect in your household."

Q. Is there any place I can write to in Edinburgh, Scotland, to find out about my relatives?

A. We think you'll have more luck with online research. According to the National Library of Scotland, the volume of requests they receive means "We cannot carry out extensive family history research on your behalf." Some of the most useful websites are www.scotland.org or www.nls.uk, the site for the National Library. If you need help with computer work or in getting started, you might want to check with the Northeast Iowa Genealogical Society; members meet most months on the third Tuesday of the month and provide a Friday afternoon helping session in the Genealogy/History room at the Waterloo Public Library. You can contact the group at NEIGS, P.O. Box 2274, Waterloo 50704-2274 or neigsinfo@gmail.com.

Questions are taken on a special Courier phone line at 234-3566. Questions are answered by Courier staff and staff at the Waterloo Public Library.
iStock/Thinkstock(MANCHESTER, England)  The frantic search for clues about Salman Abedi, the suspected Manchester Arena bomber, and his possible connections to ISIS is underway.



Police say they conducted a pair of raids on Tuesday, one in the Whalley Range neighborhood, in which they scoured the suspects home, the other in nearby Fallowfield, which police said included a controlled explosion to enable safe entry. Authorities also took one man, identified by neighbors as the bombers older brother, into custody outside a local grocery store.



The portrait emerging of the alleged bomber, who is believed to have detonated an improvised explosive device that killed him and 22 people and injured dozens more outside an Ariana Grande concert on Monday night, is one of a potentially disaffected young man who grew up in an area identified as a hotbed for jihadi recruitment.



Abedi, 22, was described as the son of a family who emigrated from Libya and, according to Robin Simcox, a terrorism and national security analyst at The Heritage Foundation, one of the hundreds of young men known to British counterterrorism authorities as potential threat.



Abedi was a terrorist suspect in the U.K., MI5 were aware of him, Simcox told ABC News. They were aware that he posed a potential threat but they didnt think he posed an imminent threat that he proved himself to do in Manchester.



A photo of Abedi was first published on the front page of the British newspaper The Sun.



In recent years, Abedi took business classes at the University of Salford in Manchester, where he registered for classes this year, a university spokesperson told ABC News, but hasnt attended any classes and was not well-known socially.



A senior counterterrorism official told ABC that one reason Abedi may have dropped out of college is because he recently traveled outside the United Kingdom to Libya and possibly other countries, "it seems, to get some skills, though Syria did not appear to be one of his destinations.



Abedi, the official said, was on the radar of British security officials but time ran out on the surveillance clock without Abedi doing anything nefarious, so authorities apparently moved on. It is unknown, the official added, whether Abedi made the device on his own or if he had help.



Mohammed Saeed, the imam of the local Didsbury Mosque and Islamic Centre, where Abedi sometimes worshipped, told ABC News that Abedi became angry with him after he gave a sermon in 2015 in which he criticized ISIS.



"He was showing me hate, he hated me basically," Saeed said. "I was shocked, shocked and angry. All innocent lives matter.



The neighborhood, around an area called Moss Side, just a few miles from the concert hall, is considered by police to be a hot bed of ISIS recruitment, according to Dr. Alexander Meleagrou-Hitchens, the research director of the program on extremism at The George Washington University.



Moss Side is very well known, Hitchens told ABC News. A lot of people with petty criminal pasts, involvement in gangs, getting involved instead with ISIS later on.



According to Matt Olsen, the former director of the National Counterterrorism Center and an ABC News contributor, the most pressing questions have yet to be answered.



The investigators need to focus and are focused on who else may be involved, where did this individual learn to build a device like this, to carry out an attack like this, Olsen said. The real question is, is there a cell that goes beyond this individual.



Copyright  2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
Focusing on the world of wines, beer, and spirits that we experience through our travels at WineCompass.com and theCompass Craft Beverage Finder.
May 24, 2017 | By Benedict

With most additive manufacturing businesses using up their energy at RAPID + TCT earlier this month, this hasnt been the busiest week for 3D printing. Nonetheless, here are a few of the smaller announcements that caught our eye over the last few days. ViscoTec, Nano Dimension, and Onshape all feature.

1. ViscoTec announces expansion of Business Development Additive Manufacturing department

ViscoTec, a high-viscosity fluids company headquartered in Toging am Inn, Germany, announced on Tuesday that its Business Development Additive Manufacturing department has been given an expansiona move that was actually completed at the start of the year. Established in 2015, the department has grown in importance over the last two years.

ViscoTecs 3D printing product range includes print heads as well as feed systems for single and dual-component fluids with different viscosities. All systems are based on the endless piston principle, which purportedly guarantees a shear-sensitive, pressure-stable, and pulsation-free material application.

The company says its technology allows for the 3D printing of abrasive, partly highly-filled media, with ViscoTec print heads able to be integrated into many existing 3D printer systems.

We still see tremendous potential in this area, commented Georg Senftl, Managing Director of ViscoTec. Over the last few years, we have had a lot of exciting projects in 3D printing, which we were able to achieve and shape with our technologypartly already in the development phasewhich was a great advantage for us.

We were able to refine our technology, especially for additive production, and to adapt our print heads perfectly to the given conditions. The market is changing very quickly and we want to respond as quickly as possible. For this reason, we expanded the department in January.

2. Nano Dimension supplies DragonFly 2020 PCB 3D printer to solar energy company

A 3D printer company selling one of its printers to another company isnt usually headline news. But with Israeli innovator Nano Dimension, every move marks a significant step in 3D printed electronics history. The companys latest deal involved selling one of its DragonFly 2020 3D printers to an unnamed solar energy company based in Israel.

The renewable solar energy company becomes the latest in a (short) line of Nano Dimension beta customers who have been testing out the groundbreaking 3D printer ahead of an anticipated general release. Nano Dimension says this small group of customers will have the chance to strengthen their in-house innovation capabilities using the machine.

The companies pay to lease the 3D printer from Nano Dimension, providing feedback to the manufacturer on how the printer is performing.

Previous beta customers have included an Israeli defense company and Syqe Medical, an Israeli company best known for its medicinal cannabis inhaler.

3. Onshape launches new learning center for full-cloud CAD

Onshape, a company known for its 3D CAD platform for Agile Product Design, today introduced a self-guided online Learning Center aimed at experienced engineers and designers that allows them to speed up their transition from traditional desktop-installed CAD to full-cloud CAD. Onshape says access to the Onshape Learning Center is free for all annual Professional Plan subscribers.

The new Learning Pathways introduced by Onshapeone for CAD and one for Data Managementare broken down into short introductory courses with practice exercises that CAD professionals can complete at their own pace. Onshape says the Learning Center was created as an alternative option to Onshape's live interactive Overview Training, which is comprised of four daily two-hour online sessions with an Onshape instructor.

Even though Onshape has a very quick learning curve for anyone with a 3D parametric CAD background, we're finding that giving customers a crash course in how full-cloud CAD differs from installed file-based CAD gets them up and running faster versus them trying to learn it by themselves, commented David Katzman, Director of Onshape Customer Success. The Learning Center is the ideal place to make sure your design team is production ready.

Upcoming self-guided courses will address advanced topics such as In-Context Editing and Simultaneous Sheet Metal Tools. Onshape also notes that CAD professionals will receive a completion certificate after finishing each Learning Pathway.

4. ORNL shows off 3D printing tech to Secretary of Energy

Secretary of Energy Rick Perry visited the Oak Ridge National Lab on Monday with Senator Lamar Alexander. During the visit, Perry saw the Manufacturing Demonstration Facility, where the lab keeps its 3D printers, and took a ride in the labs 3D printed excavator as well as a 3D printed electric car.

But the visit wasnt all about having fun with 3D printing projects. Perry also attempted to reassure ORNL staff that the laboratory would not be subject to severe cuts, emphasizing the commitment of our congress to the national labs and the vision they have.

What's going on right behind us at this 3D printer and its application? The defense of our country, the economics of our country, Perry said. All are, in some form or fashion, being exhibited here, around this facility. I will be a strong advocate for not only the funding of this but, obviously, the expansion of that in the places that it makes sense.

President Trumps widely criticized budget contains cuts to the Energy Department's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, which accounted for $116.9 million of ORNL funding in 2015.

Senator Alexander added that he would make sure [the Senate supports] the materials research and the nuclear research and innovations likeadditive manufacturing.

Posted in 3D Printing Technology

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May 24, 2017 | By Benedict

California-based 3D printing company Dagoma has launched a Kickstarter campaign for its new NEVA delta 3D printer. The campaign has already raised over $95,000, more than double its $50,000 campaign goal.

Well heres a novel way to sell your new 3D printer: let it do the talking for you.

The Kickstarter for Dagomas new NEVA 3D printer is remarkable for a couple of reasons. One, its doubled its $50K goal in a day or so, and two, the entire spiel is written from the point of view of the printer.

Yes, from the opening Hello, Im NEVA, right up to referring to the Dagoma team as its parents, this unusual Kickstarter is written like a 3D printers personal plea for adoption.

And its worked too: over 300 backers have already pledged their support to the project, most of them opting for the early bird deals on the printer.

Of course, that could also have something to do with the printer itself. Dagoma says its new machine is the easiest and most affordable 3D printer ever. And while thats a difficult assertion to test, the printer certainly has a lot going for it in the simplicity stakes.

For example, the machine has just one button, a 3-in-1 switch lets you power the printer up or down, start a print, and pause a print. It also has a tap extruder that helps users insert and remove filament easily, as well as an end-of-filament detection system for avoiding air printing.

The Kickstarter campaign also highlights other advantages of NEVA, such as the printers robustness. Do not just focus on my beauty, I am also very strong, the printer says, looking you directly in the eye. I am also very robust and I resist shocks.

Perhaps more important still is the NEVAs print quality: 50-200 micron layer heights, if Dagoma is to be believed, with print speeds of up to 80 mm/s. This printing takes place on a build area measuring 18 cm in diameter and 20 cm in height.

Keeping with the simplicity theme, the NEVAs dedicated Cura slicing software was purportedly conceived and imagined so that a child can use it. That means everything is automatic bar print quality, fill rate, and filament type settings. Perhaps not ideal for advanced makers then, but certainly appealing to the novice.

It seems I'm the most fantastic and humble delta 3D printer, NEVA adds, almost contradictorily. I'm the only one 50% printedand I'm printed locally.

If that wasnt clear, it means that the NEVA is being made in both France and the U.S., with a good chunk of that assembly involving 3D printed parts. However, despite the 3D printed elements, the printer is not available in kit form, instead coming fully assembled.

Dagoma also says it is working with 3D printed prosthesis organization e-NABLE, though it is not clear in what capacity.

While all of the earliest bird deals for the NEVA have been snapped up, there are still 100-odd early bird offers ($299) up for grabs. This package comes with the 3D printer, an SD card, a spatula, 250 g PLA filament, and a BuildGrip printing surface.

Estimated delivery is August 2017.

Posted in 3D Printer

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AC Grayling in Prospect:

War, then, has changed in dramatic respects, technologically and, consequentially, in character too. But in other fundamental respects it is as it ever was: people killing other people. As Theodor Adorno said, thinking of the development of the spear into the guided missile: We humans have grown cleverer over time, but not wiser. Every step of this evolution has raised its own ethical questions, but the next twist in the long story of war could very well be autonomous machines killing peoplesomething that could well necessitate a more profound rethink than any that has been required before.

As well as posing their own particular ethical problems, past advances in military technology havevery ofteninspired attempts at an ethical solution too. The 1868 Declaration of St Petersburg outlawed newly-invented bullets that split apart inside a victim. The 1899 Hague Conference outlawed aerial bombardment, even before heavier-than-air flight had become possibleit had in mind the throwing of grenades from balloons. After the First World War, chemical weapons were outlawed and following the Second World War much energy was devoted to attempts at banning or limiting the spread of nuclear weapons. When Bashar al-Assad gassed his own people in Syria, President Donald Trump enforced the worlds red line with an airstrike.

So, just as the continuing evolution of the technology of combat is nothing new, nor is the attempt to regulate its grim advance. But such attempts to limit the threatened harm have often proved to be futile. For throughout history, it is technology that has made the chief difference between winning and losing in warthe spear and the atom bomb both represent deadly inventiveness prompted by emergency and danger. Whoever has possessed the superior technology has tended to prevail, whichif it then falls to the victors to enforce the rulespoints to some obvious dilemmas and difficulties.

More here.
En espanol | The Trump administration today released a federal budget proposal that would cut more than a trillion dollars over 10 years from Medicaid, the nations largest source of health care coverage, which provides a lifeline for children and adults with disabilities and low-income seniors. Under the presidents proposal, Medicaid would face a $600 billion decrease. Thats in addition to the more than $800 billion cut in the American Health Care Act (AHCA) passed this month by the House of Representatives.

The budget, released while President Trump was in the Middle East on his first foreign trip as president, also would shrink funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP), Social Security disability, environmental protection, and housing and transportation assistance.

At the urging of the presidents daughter Ivanka Trump, the budget proposes spending $25 billion over the next 10 years on paid parental leave, a new initiative.

Members of both parties in the House and the Senate have strongly opposed trimming Medicaid in the past.

Many of the other cuts also face strong bipartisan opposition on Capitol Hill. For example, Rep. Tom Cole (R-Okla.), chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies, has sharply criticized the cuts earmarked for the NIH and CDC.

White House Budget Director Mick Mulvaney reiterated the administrations view that the AHCA does not go far enough on Medicaid. We go another half a step further and ratchet down some of the growth rates that are assumed into AHCA, he said in a call with reporters on Monday.

During todays press briefing, Mulvaney said that were no longer going to measure compassion by the number of programs or the number of people on those programs, but by the number of people we help get off of those programs.

AARP staked out a strong position against the presidents budget.

AARP opposes the budget proposed today because it explicitly harms the very people we are counting on the President to protect, said AARP Executive Vice President Nancy LeaMond in a statement. Todays budget proposes to cut Social Security benefits, as well as funding for critical health, hunger, housing and transportation assistance to low and middle income seniors. The budget sends a powerful message to older Americans and their families that their health and financial security is at risk.

AARP sounded a positive note on the administrations parental leave initiative. We do want to acknowledge the Administrations paid leave proposal, LeaMond said. Although it must be improved so that it addresses the workplace needs of family caregivers, we hope that it leads to a national conversation about ways to support family caregivers in the workplace.

The budget assumes economic growth reaching 3 percent a year by 2021, a figure widely seen as unrealistic.

The budget also includes a dramatic decrease in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as food stamps. If you are on food stamps, we need you to go to work, said Mulvaney. If you are on disability and should not be, we need you to go back to work.

The presidents budget is the first step in a lengthy process. Congress will set its own priorities as it develops its own budget resolution.
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En espanol | The Department of Labor says it wont further delay a federal rule that requires financial advisers to make the interests of their clients the top priority when providing retirement advice.

This so-called fiduciary rule took effect last year, but financial professionals had until April 10 to comply. President Trump in February asked the Labor Department to review the rule, which postponed the compliance date until June 9.

In an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal today, Labor Secretary Alexander Acosta says the agency found that it has no legal basis to change the deadline.

AARP and other consumer advocates support the fiduciary rule, arguing that investor retirement accounts such as 401(k)s and IRAs have been shortchanged by hidden fees and commissions. A 2015 report by the White House Council of Economic Advisers found that these fees cost IRA investors alone $17 billion a year.

Many advisers already meet a fiduciary standard, and many more firms, agents and brokers have spent considerable time and money complying with the fiduciary rule, says Nancy LeaMond, AARP executive vice president. All retirement investment advisers should meet this standard.

Its a big win for the American consumer, says Scott Puritz, managing director of Rebalance IRA, a Maryland investment management firm that acts as a fiduciary for its clients.

Registered investment advisers already must adhere to a fiduciary standard of putting the interest of their clients before their own. But brokers have had only to make sure their recommended investments are suitable based on a clients age and risk tolerance  a much lower standard set by the security industrys self-governing body. These suitable investments can include higher commissions and fees.

Although courts have upheld this rule as consistent with Congresss delegated authority, the fiduciary rule as written may not align with President Trumps deregulatory goals, writes Acosta in the Journal. This administration presumes that Americans can be trusted to decide for themselves. However, the Labor Department plans to continue to gather public comments on the rule.

The financial industry largely opposes the rule, saying that advisers might have to charge more for their services. That would make professional advice unaffordable to small investors, advisers say.
Get AfricaFocus Bulletin by e-mail! Format for print or mobile Nigeria: Corruption Undercuts Boko Haram Fight AfricaFocus Bulletin

May 24, 2017 (170524)

(Reposted from sources cited below) Editor's Note "Nigeria's corrupt elites have profited from conflict; with oil prices at a record low, defence has provided new and lucrative opportunities for the country's corrupt kleptocrats. Former military chiefs have stolen as much as US $15 billion  a sum equivalent to half of Nigeria's foreign currency reserves  through fraudulent arms procurement deals." - new report on "Weaponizing Tranparency" This new report, excerpted in this AfricaFocus Bulletin, was released earlier this month by Transparency International, Transparency International Defence and Security and the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre in Nigeria: Entitled "Weaponising Transparency: Defence Procurement Reform as a Counterterrorism Strategy in Nigeria," it stresses that considerable progress has been made by the Buhari administration in its campaign against corruption, but that corruption is still pervasive, not least in the military. This corruption, the report argues, is one of the major impediments to an effective counterinsurgency campaign against Boko Haram. Both topics, corruption and Boko Haram, are frequent themes of both national and international coverage of Nigeria. But this report is distinctive in closely linking the two issues, and in presenting specific proposals to strengthening anti-corruption efforts aimed at arms procurement in particular. For a press release on the report, launched on May 18 in Abuja, visit http://tinyurl.com/mel4ozo Notably, the report has received wide press coverage in Nigeria, but little international attention and virtually no international news coverage, although it includes the point that Nigeria's international partners share the blame for enabling such corruption. For previous AfricaFocus Bulletins on Nigeria, visit http://www.africafocus.org/country/nigeria.php ++++++++++++++++++++++end editor's note+++++++++++++++++ Weaponising Transparency: Defence Procurement Reform as a Counterterrorism Strategy in Nigeria In Partnership With

Transparency International (TI; http://www.transparency.org)

Transparency International Defence and Security (TI-DS; http://ti-defence.org)

Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC; http://cislacnigeria.net/) May 2017 [full report, with other related coverage, available at http://allafrica.com/view/group/main/main/id/00051928.html; Direct link to full report: http://tinyurl.com/lozqbah] Executive Summary Defence sector corruption is a major threat to Nigeria's internal security and political stability. Largely unaddressed, it has weakened Nigerian counterterrorism capacity whilst strengthening Boko Haram. Nigeria's corrupt elites have profited from conflict; with oil prices at a record low, defence has provided new and lucrative opportunities for the country's corrupt kleptocrats. Former military chiefs have stolen as much as US $15 billion  a sum equivalent to half of Nigeria's foreign currency reserves  through fraudulent arms procurement deals. Defence sector corruption in Nigeria has enabled the political elite to accumulate and distribute political patronage. Longstanding military exceptionalism meanwhile, has justified weak and compromised oversight of securityrelated spending and excessive secrecy. By far the most significant corruption opportunities are those exploited through inflating procurement contract values and creating "phantom" defence contracts. Such contracts are used as a vehicle for money laundering: facilitated via weak or corrupted Nigerian banks, illicit financial flows are often hidden in property in the UK, United States, South Africa and Dubai. President Buhari's government has taken significant steps to identify and prosecute individuals involved in security sector corruption. And the campaign to focus international attention on returning stolen assets has been powerful. But however effective these efforts are, they will not be enough to win the long fight against corruption. The reality is that Nigeria's attempt to secure the repatriation of large quantities of illicitly laundered assets from places like the UK makes a better media headline than it does anti-corruption strategy. With the President's first term ending in 2019, the window of opportunity for far reaching change is closing rapidly. Only a holistic reform agenda can deliver the deep, systemic changes and improvements in transparency and accountability needed to prevent the next US $15 billion quietly leaving Nigeria through the back door. Ex-Air Force Chief of Staff Adesola Amosu was arrested

by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in 2016, and his trial is still ongoing. Photo credit: Premium Times Introduction Violent extremism thrives as a result of exploitative governing structures and state predation. Terrorist groups motivated by radical political and religious ideologies have destabilized Syria, Afghanistan, Libya, Iraq, Somalia, Nigeria, and other weak or misgoverned states. These groups have been able to co-opt disaffected populations by leveraging popular antipathy toward corrupt governments, often by presenting their own radical agenda as having greater moral value and popular legitimacy than the secular governments they seek to destroy. Predation by these regimes  whether it takes the form of elite corruption, security force abuses, or ethno-religious chauvinism  serves to validate extremist narratives about the immorality of secular governance. The Boko Haram insurgency is now entering its fifteenth year, fed by the notorious levels of public sector corruption that have eroded the Nigerian state's legitimacy. Politicians compete for private control of national coffers, rather than delivering public goods based on the growing needs of Nigeria's booming population - on track to be the third largest in the world by 2050. Yet for the vast majority, corruption remains endemic and systemic, warping the social contract between the government and citizens. Patronage - not performance - is the ticket to advancement. Securing a prosperous future for nearly 180 million people will be tough. The continent's largest economy has, since 1970, suffered from the largest per annum illicit financial outflow on the continent as corrupt actors seek to exploit banking loopholes to launder and hide their unlawful assets. An estimated US $217.7bn was illegally transferred out of Nigeria between 1970 and 2008. The same study estimated that illegal transfers from the African continent have tripled since 2001. Across the board, public sector corruption is undermining the state's ability to address Nigeria's many challenges: socioeconomic underdevelopment, unemployment and insecurity. Nowhere is the failure of governance more evident than in the northeast, a region that was already impoverished even before it was devastated by Boko Haram. The conflict has displaced over 2.6 million people and killed as many as 50,000 since May 2011. Corruption has been particularly destructive in the defence and security sector. Overlooked in peacetime, defence sector corruption has devastating real world consequences when conflict flares. With lower oil prices, corrupt elites have increasingly exploited alternative illicit revenue streams. The secret nature of defence and security budgets has made them the easiest and most lucrative opportunity to exploit. While Boko Haram has constructed a conflict economy geared around pillage, racketeering, and kidnapping; senior players in the Nigerian security sector have also profited from the insurgency. Extra-budgetary spending on counterterrorism has dramatically increased throughout 2014 and into 2015, and with it the scale and scope of corrupt opportunities in the defence sector. Corruption has hollowed out the Nigerian Army, the largest in West Africa, and compromised the integrity of the country's Navy, which has been implicated in the theft of millions of barrels of crude oil in recent years. The result has been a corrupt war economy that incentivises high- ranking officials and security personnel to perpetuate conflict for personal gain. War has been a boon to Nigeria's corrupt. Since coming to power in May 2015, President Buhari has taken some bold action in tackling defence sector corruption. Central to his approach have been two ad hoc, temporary audit committees: one investigating spending by the Office of the National Security Adviser and one investigating defence arms and equipment procurement. Taking on the defence establishment was a significant move: the evidence uncovered by these probes revealed that several of the country's former military chiefs, using dozens of companies, together stole as much as US $15 billion. President Buhari's anti-corruption drive is a rare example of senior Nigerian defence and security officials being exposed to criminal investigation. By signalling that military impunity is not without limit, it is undoubtedly a positive step forward. The approach has been coupled with a determined attempt to see the return of Nigeria's stolen wealth. During the London Anti-corruption Summit in May 2016, President Buhari demanded the return of illicitly laundered assets from the UK. The point was powerfully made, but sadly, the chances of success are slim. Asset recovery is a lengthy and resource heavy procedure. The UK performs relatively well compared to international peers, but even at the highest estimate, asset freezing and repatriation are tiny in relation to the vast scale of theft. Over the past 12 years, UK enforcement agencies have prosecuted just a handful of cases  three state governors  and repatriated only a few million pounds to Nigeria. This is a fraction of what has surely been stolen. The extent of misappropriation of public funds by former General Sani Abacha is notorious. Listed as one of the top four most corrupt world leaders, during five years in office Abacha is estimated to have embezzled between US $2 and 5 billion. Despite unprecedented cooperation between UK, USA, Swiss and Nigerian authorities to return these stolen assets, the case is on-going 19 years after Abacha's death. Abacha and these three governors all plundered defence and security budgets. Nigeria suffers from the continent's highest illicit financial flows because it offers the most opportunities for corruption. To stop today's assets being misappropriated, defence sector reform must be an equal priority to enforcement and repatriation, or Nigeria's leaders will always be chasing the past. Since independence, every civilian and military administration has come to power promising to root out corruption. Without progressing its approach to anti-corruption reform, Nigeria's current and future governments will at best be destined to the same media headlines as its predecessors. 1. The context for defence sector corruption "Corruption in Nigeria is not mindless...it is calculated and systematic." former Central Bank Governor Lamido Sanusi Political patronage With evidence uncovered by the two ad hoc audit committees established by President Buhari, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Nigeria's main anticorruption agency, has indicted over 300 individuals and companies for defence sector procurement theft and misappropriation. Fifty-five people, including former government ministers, military chiefs, state governors, and bankers were reported by the committees to have stolen 1.34 trillion naira ($6.8 billion) over a seven-year period in the shape of arms equipment deals. A further $2 billion was allegedly stolen from the National Security Budget under the watch of National Security Advisor, Colonel Sambo Dasuki. What these investigations illustrate is a system of kickbacks, where billions of dollars were diverted from procurement spending, through the use of 'briefcase' companies, in order to fund the ruling party's supporters and ensure electoral success for the People's Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2015 general elections. 11 The amounts stolen are shockingly bold. Yet the misappropriation of budgets to buy political support is not new. Successive Nigerian leaders, both civilian and military, have built governmental power structures around the country's main income stream: oil. And until recently oil revenues have typically accounted for up to 70 per cent of government revenues - feeding powerful patronage networks. Obasanjo did not even appoint an oil minister, preferring to supervise the ministry directly himself. Successive administrations have maintained the same structure: former PDP president Goodluck Jonathan, a civilian, appointed his close ally Diezani AlisonMadueke as Oil Minister. Madueke  who has recently been charged with money laundering  was described by one Nigerian Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) official as, "the oil institution." The drop in Nigeria's state oil revenues has hit oil sector rents hard, and this has led Nigeria's corrupt elites to raid defence and security sector budgets to maintain their power bases. With defence budgets forming close to 20 per cent of total government spending in 2017, the sector offers lucrative rewards to Nigeria's corrupt elite. Much of this has been hidden through large value contracts. According to the former Head of the Bureau for Public Procurement (BPP)  the agency established to monitor, oversee and set standards for government procurement spending  90 per cent of bribes in Nigeria occur through procurement. Both the size and opacity of the defence sector has made it an attractive veil for fake corporate activity. While some of this money is stolen for individual profit, a great deal is dispersed through complex patronage networks. As former Central Bank Governor Lamido Sanusi phrased it, "corruption in Nigeria is not mindless...it is calculated and systematic." Sustaining political patronage is a system, a system that was previously predominantly funded by the oil sector but is now increasingly relying on plundering of the defence and security budget. Former President Goodluck Jonathan expended unprecedented amounts of patronage, even beyond historical norms, to improve his electoral chances. One former adviser observed that President Jonathan and his allies acted "with a siege mentality" within an unstable PDP. The oil and defence sectors were exploited to record levels in order to sure up an extensive patronage network and safeguard President Jonathan's political future. These kleptocractic networks have yet to be disabled. Kleptocratic capture of the defence sector What is overwhelmingly clear from the results of the ad hoc audit committee investigations is the extent of unmonitored, systemic control over the defence sector by senior government elites. The lack of clear separation between the executive and the military is a long running problem. Despite the formal end of military rule in 1999, the military has played a significant role in political life. With control of the armed forces and a monopoly on access to arms, military generals have the power to protect access to resource rents and ensure their place within the ruling elite. Kleptocratic capture of the defence sector rests on three pillars: capture of defence budgets and income, capture of defence spending and procurement, and capture of senior military posts. Facilitating this capture are powerful senior figures  godfathers  who select and appoint personnel to defence sector positions, in order to operationalise systemic control over security finances. The system facilitates control from the highest levels of the political party to the lowest levels of the military. Appointments can also be used as political bargaining chips: former President Jonathan cemented a pre-election political alliance with former head of state Ibrahim Babangida by appointing Aliyu Mohammed  a long-time Babangida loyalist, ex-Army chief, and NSA to two presidents  as minister. As one Nigerian Army officer put it, the "selection of officials [both civilian and military] is done politically and based on who is who. Even when personnel are picked to oversee certain aspects that involve anything in procurement, it is done based on the gain expected or to be reaped by the 'godfather' who does the selection." Among the rank-and-file, chronic pay shortfalls, inadequate training, and dilapidated facilities create powerful incentives for corruption by undercutting the overall professionalism and morale of the military. As the military's esprit de corps has eroded, so too has its sense of purpose and focus on its core missions. Over time individual officers and soldiers have come to prioritise their own personal wellbeing - or even their mere subsistence - over the needs of the service. Perceiving themselves to be victims of corrupt behaviour, such as the skimming of allowances or embezzlement of essential operational funds, many have lost faith in the legitimacy of the system and the patrimonial guarantees made to them when they joined it. Excessive secrecy In any country, a proportion of spending must remain confidential for security reasons; typically 15 per cent, including among states in conflict. Yet Nigeria classifies nearly all defence contracts and budgets, and considers any broadlydefined security-related matter 'secret' by definition. Even according to the Nigerian government, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) ranks among the agencies least compliant with the 2011 Freedom of Information (FOI) Act. Civil society, meanwhile, ranks the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) among those security agencies most resistant to disclosing information in response to FOI requests. These opaque habits are cultural remnants of the decades Nigeria spent under military rule that have been preserved by contemporary military and civilian leaders keen to forestall outside scrutiny of their activities. As a result, Nigeria ranks among those countries at the highest risk of corruption due to the overclassification of budget data and weak oversight of secret budgets. This culture of secrecy is often openly hostile or vengeful towards journalists and civil society. In December 2015, soldiers reportedly perpetrated gross human rights violations during two separate military crackdowns in Zaria and Onitsha. In response to these allegations the Nigerian Army has labelled its critics as "unscrupulous and unpatriotic". Meanwhile President Buhari's government has failed to take any action to hold the military to account for incidents such as the deaths of several thousand detainees  due to starvation, torture, and disease  at the Giwa Barracks military prison between 2011 and 2014. Similarly, in June 2016 Nigeria's Minister of Defence condemned media reports about the Chief of Army Staff's links to high-end property in Dubai describing them as "disgruntled and unpatriotic elements" and warning the media that they should show more "professionalism [when reporting on] security and defence related matters". In September 2016, military soldiers and officers of the State Security Services allegedly stripped and beat ten journalists and media workers with barbed wire before arresting them. The Nigerian military's hostile response to scrutiny reinforces the perception that it is distinct from other state institutions and can play by a different set of rules. Moreover, there has been a long standing culture among senior officers that rank has its privileges and that promotion to top echelons comes with the prerogative to use one's position for personal gain. This heavily undermines public trust. Military exceptionalism Despite Nigeria's 1999 return to democratic rule, the oversight exercised by civilian officials and other watchdogs over the military and security agencies remains very weak. Weak accountability has enabled powerholders along the entire defence spending chain to misappropriate state funds, from the Presidency down to unit commanders at ground level. Although the Senate and the House of Representatives have several security committees (National Security and Intelligence, Defence, Army, Navy, Air Force, and Police Affairs), members of these panels rarely undertake in-depth oversight activities. With defence sector spending shrouded in secrecy, entities such as civil society groups, media organisations, the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), the Auditor General of the Federation, and National Assembly committees are similarly unable to marshal sufficient information to play watchdog, even if they have the formal legal authority to do so. By establishing two ad hoc investigatory committees to audit the ONSA and past defence procurement, President Buhari has attempted to sidestep existing undeveloped or ineffective oversight institutions. Official announcements from the Presidency declared the probe would investigate contracts entered into from 2007 to 2015, but critics claim that current ruling party members implicated in fraud have been allowed to pay to evade charges, while opposition supporters have been held without bail and charged. Whether or not accusations over political manipulations are true, the reality is that these ad hoc bodies lack the legitimacy and credibility to be a successful long-term solution. The acquiescence of international partners International military partners have a part to play and have done precious little to disincentivise Nigerian security-sector corruption. By failing to integrate effective anti-corruption measures into their security engagement policies, partners are inadvertently diminishing the impact of their military assistance. US military and police aid to Nigeria, totalled US $45.4 million from 2010 to 2014, but was just a small fraction of the more than US $2 billion in security funds that was allegedly stolen by Nigeria's previous National Security Advisor  who for three decades enjoyed a close relationship with Washington. Key international suppliers of Nigerian military hardware are facilitating fraud by agreeing to uncompetitive or unorthodox contracts. In 2013, Nigeria officials reportedly skimmed US $20 million from an internet surveillance contract directly awarded to an Israeli company in defiance of public procurement competition rules. Likewise, a former air-force chief admitted embezzling millions via seven arms contracts directly awarded to a Ukrainian company. International partners are missing opportunities to encourage reform. The United States' efforts to sell 12 A-29 Super Tucano light attack aircraft to the Nigerian Air Force  whose last three chiefs, along with other senior officers, are currently on trial for embezzlement and procurement fraud  looks like business as usual. Contracts such as this are opportunities to prompt change, yet it is not at all clear that the Nigerian Air Force has become more transparent about its finances and procurement; and the senior air force officer invited to Washington in July 2015 to discuss the Super Tucano sale, has since been charged with corruption. The widespread use of both international and Nigerian agents to facilitate such deals also increases opportunities for inflating contracts and paying bribes, as illustrated by the recent investigation into Rolls-Royce. Although this case is a good example of how strong, coordinated international enforcement efforts can make businesses accountable for unethical conduct. Disrupting financial crime The most effective action against asset flight is to prevent it occurring in the first place; and here the Nigerian and international financial sectors could play a much greater role. Recent evidence from the Presidentially-appointed ad hoc Audit Committees has shown that stolen funds often pass through multiple accounts before being moved offshore beyond the reach of domestic authorities. As facilitators of corrupt funds, both Nigerian and international banks need to raise their standards of governance and control. Those that repeatedly fail should be sanctioned or shut down. But this is not currently happening: Skye Bank has been consistently implicated in the EFCC's corruption and fraud prosecutions, such as the current N22.8 billion trial of three former air force chiefs and an Air Force Director of Finance for money laundering. Skye Bank has been indicted alongside the defendants, yet the Central Bank of Nigeria has not used its sanctioning powers to hold board members to account. Instead, the Central Bank allowed board members to announce they had "voluntarily resigned" - despite evidence of gross insider malpractice, including by the Chairman Tunde Ayeni. Ayeni is a close associate of President Jonathan and convicted PDP governor Diepreye Alamieyeseigha. Whilst chair of Skye Bank, Ayeni was also chair of Joint Aviation Services Limited - a briefcase company involved in bidding for inflated defence procurement contracts - highlighting the high level of elite control of defence spending and money laundering. AfricaFocus Bulletin is an independent electronic publication providing reposted commentary and analysis on African issues, with a particular focus on U.S. and international policies. AfricaFocus Bulletin is edited by William Minter. AfricaFocus Bulletin can be reached at africafocus@igc.org. Please write to this address to suggest material for inclusion. For more information about reposted material, please contact directly the original source mentioned. For a full archive and other resources, see http://www.africafocus.org
The French parliament will be asked to extend by several months emergency powers introduced in 2015 to counter the threat of terrorist attacks, President Emmanuel Macron said on Wednesday after talks with security chiefs.

Emergency rules giving French police wider search and arrest powers were introduced after Islamist gunmen and suicide bombers killed 130 people in and around Paris in November 2015.

Macron, who reviewed national security with defence chiefs following Monday nights suicide bomb attack on a concert venue in northern England, said he would ask lawmakers to extend the special powers  due to expire in mid-July  until Nov. 1.

The attack in Manchester, claimed by ISIS, killed 22 people and wounded dozens more. It struck a chord in France where more than 230 people have died in the past two years in attacks by Islamist terrorists.

Three weeks into his presidency, and facing parliamentary elections in June, Macron will want to be seen as being decisive in dealing with the threat of attacks after his presidential rivals portrayed him as weak on security matters.

A statement by the Elysee palace said Macron told his government to devise additional measures for countering the security threats beyond the emergency powers and produce a draft bill to put to parliament in the coming weeks.

He also gave instructions for a task force comprised of all the French security services to be swiftly established to coordinate actions against attacks.

Earlier, Interior Minister Gerard Collomb said French authorities had learned from British investigators that the suspect in the Manchester bombing, British-born Salman Abedi, had travelled to Libya and probably Syria.

Today we only know what British investigators have told us  that someone of British nationality, of Libyan origin, suddenly, after a trip to Libya and then probably to Syria, becomes radicalised and decides to carry out this attack, Collomb told BFMTV.

Asked if he believed Abedi was supported by a network, Collomb said: That is not known yet  but maybe. In any case, (he had) links with Daesh (ISIS) that are proven.

The Manchester attack had parallels with the November 2015 ISIS attack on the Bataclan concert hall in Paris  one of several bombings and shootings on the same night in the French capital. Islamic State also claimed responsibility for the Paris attacks.

The performance of Frances intelligence services have come under close scrutiny since the November 2015 attacks, and Collomb said that Britain could just as easily have been the target then as well.
Note: We miss Dan's voice every single day at AofA. Here is a post he wrote about Columbia Professor, autism/vaccine "debunker" and icky bottomed Ian Lipkin in April, 2016.

By Dan Olmsted

A while back -- on September 4, 2008, in fact -- I wrote a post titled "Letting the MMR Off the Hook" that began: "The last time I saw Ian Lipkin was at the IOM Environment-and-Autism workshop last year. He was spending a lllloooottttttt of time describing some gizmotron that could do something or other to analyze some stuff that might hold clues to autism." I never published it. I'm not sure why, but I did make a note to myself that I was being "deliberately provocative," so perhaps I decided to hold off.

That, anyway, was my impression of Dr. Lipkin, and the bzzz-bzzzt-bzzzt at the meeting was that Lipkin, a professor of epidemiology and director of the Center for Infection and Immunity at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health -- it takes half an hour just to say the title! -- was hogging the microphone to promote, as I put it, some gizmotron, complete with a slide presentation. For all the world he looked like a salesman raising money for his lab, which sources report that in private conversations seems to be what he cares about.

I went back and found that column this week after picking up my Wall Street Journal on Monday at Starbucks and nearly spitting up my Venti Hazelnut Pike when I got to the Op-Ed page and found, by W. Ian Lipkin, "Anti-Vaccination Lunacy Won't Stop." The professor wants you to know that he was a major player in getting Robert De Niro to pull the plug on Vaxxed at the Tribeca Film Festival.

"I am among those Mr. De Niro consulted. In a 45-minute conversation with him, I recommended that the festival withdraw the film from the 'documentary' category and not screen it."

Why not just title the column "I, Ian"? 45 minutes with a big star! And a star so famously inarticulate that a glossy magazine once titled its interview with him "Fifteen Mumbling Minutes With Robert Di Niro." I am guessing, but I bet Rankin spent a llllloooottttt of time talking.

In the WSJ article, Lipkin also manages to call attention to a study he and colleagues did in September 2008 (hence the column I was writing back then), which supposedly absolved the MMR of any involvement with autism. "We tested Mr. Wakefield's two major findings. ... In our peer-reviewed study ... we found that only 20 percent of children fit the Wakefield model in receiving MMR vaccine before onset of GI disturbance and autism."

This study caused a lot of consternation at the time, not least because another author of the study, Mady Hornig, made extravagant claims about those findings and also because Hornig had long seemed sympathetic to vaccine safety concerns around not just the MMR but thimerosal. She authored the famous mouse study that showed auto-immune-susceptible mice given thimerosal chewing on each other and otherwise behaving like out-of-control autistic mice might be expected to behave.

I included her in that 2008 column, too, noting: "The last time I saw Mady Hornig she was giving me a llllooonnngggg disquisition on exactly how the measles virus could mess up kids in a way that, I swear I'm remembering this correctly, leads to autism."

And I still remember it. She was telling me how the MMR could cause autism! She was doing vaccine lunacy! We were sitting in a round glass restaurant on top of a hotel in Crystal City, Virginia, talking above karaoke, one tune being "Brown-Eyed Girl" (How's that for recall!). There was a terrible storm that I decided to leave in the middle of, and ended up at a close-by friends' house waiting it out. I, Dan Olmsted, am a trained observer. I remember these things. (And here's a what-the-heck: Back in 2005, after the Times ran its infamous Parents-vs-Science takedown of the vaccine-autism concerns, Hornig and Lipkin were among those paying a visit to the public editor to complain. Who looks a little looney now?)

So when the MMR study came out and Hornig was fronting for it, I got the feeling it was a ticket back to respectable mainstream scientism. Mark Blaxill and I addressed it in our book, The Age of Autism, in 2010.

--

The Hornig study was by all accounts carefully done and the reported results valid. In the press release announcing the publication, however, Hornig went further, claiming, The work reported here eliminates the remaining support for the hypothesis that autism with GI complaints is related to MMR vaccine exposure. We found no relationship between the timing of MMR vaccine and the onset of either GI complaints or autism. In our view, this claim was an exaggeration. In her study, only five of the twenty-five children developed these symptoms after the MMR vaccine and therefore, only these five were comparable to the 2002 Wakefield study. In contrast to her public statement, her new study effectively confirmed that results from an earlier study from the laboratory of Professor John OLeary were correct, and identical to the results obtained by the participating laboratories, which included Wakefields original collaborator, as well as the CDC and Columbia lab. Far from repudiating Wakefields findings, it provided support for the reliability of the original analysis.

--

As I look back at my e-mail traffic from the time, this observation was a pretty civil distillation of what most people in the vaccine safety community considered a stab in the back. The operative phrase was "selling out."

"Just thinking out loud," one e-mailer said. "Its a big claim to make for a little study. The evidence is what it is. But Hornig makes a grandiose claim. Its kind of embarrassing, like the way she overstated her mouse findings (one mice ate through the 'scalp' not, as Mady said in talks, the 'skull' of its cage mate). Mady is a good scientist and does thorough work and we should respect it. But shes way out of her depth as a big picture interpreter."

Right on cue, the Forbes headline read: "U.S. study claims to clear MMR vaccine of autism link."
MAY 22, 2017, UK TIMES: Anti-vaccine film Vaxxed will be given Cannes screening

By Oliver Moody, Science Correspondent

A documentary in which the disgraced former doctor Andrew Wakefield alleges that a link between vaccines and autism has been covered up by the US government is to be shown at the Cannes film festival this week.



First of all, any news outlet the describes 'Vaxxed' as "anti-vaccine" is either out to discredit it, OR ELSE the source has NEVER SEEN THE FILM.

In truth, 'Vaxxed' is a frightening documentary about corruption at the highest levels of U.S. health care.

This is DESPICABLE REPORTING. The Times should be ashamed. There is NOT ONE WORD about the story in 'Vaxxed.' This is a hit piece on ANDREW WAKEFIELD.

There is such fear that the public will see 'Vaxxed' and understand the full extent of the corruption and cover-up involving U.S. health officials who assure us constantly that every vaccine is safe for every child.

Oliver Moody is a reporter who has made up his mind (or was told what to write) WITHOUT EVER INVESTIGATING THIS STORY. I'm sure he has NEVER SEEN 'VAXXED.'

How does this man call himself a reputable journalist? This is a witch-hunt. And as more and more people wake up to what the press is doing, they will share the blame with all the health officials for the damage damage done to children around the world.
Aiken, SC (29801)

Today

Rain showers in the morning will evolve into a more steady rain in the afternoon. High 66F. Winds NE at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall around a half an inch. Higher wind gusts possible..

Tonight

Cloudy with periods of rain. Potential for heavy rainfall. Low near 65F. Winds ESE at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall near a half an inch.
A new analysis of global airport wildlife seizure and trafficking data reveals that criminals are exploiting air transport to smuggle protected and endangered animals and animal products on commercial flights.

The report, Flying Under the Radar: Wildlife Trafficking in the Air Transport Sector, analyses airport seizures of ivory, rhino horn, birds and reptiles from January 2009 to August 2016.

Collectively, these four categories account for about 66% of all trafficked wildlife, according to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and serve as indicators for wider trends within illicit wildlife trafficking.

The illegal trade of wildlife is the fourth largest black market in the worldworth in the region of $20bn annuallyand impacts more than 7,000 species of animals and plants. Criminal organisations involved in wildlife trafficking are often directly connected to other trafficking networks, including the smuggling of narcotics, arms and people.

The seizure data in the survey indicates that wildlife traffickers moving ivory, rhino horn, reptiles and birds by air tend to rely on large hub airports all over the world.

According to the report, the country with the most reports of wildlife trafficking in the air transport sector was China  largely due to its role in the ivory trade  followed by Thailand and the United Arab Emirates.

The US ranked tenth by number of air seizures. Overall, 114 countries had at least one instance of wildlife trafficking in the air transport sector during the period covered by the report.

Ivory and rhino horn trafficking routes appear fairly concentrated in Africa and Asia, although the products often transit through countries in the Middle East and Europe. Reptile and bird trafficking routes, by contrast, appear geographically diverse, with concentrations in North America, Europe, the Middle East and South Asia.

The study was produced by C4ADS as part of the USAID Reducing Opportunities for Unlawful Transport of Endangered Species (ROUTES) Partnership.

Michelle Owen, the ROUTES Partnership lead, said: This analysis provides a global perspective on what many in the airline industry are already seeing at the regional level: transport infrastructure is being abused to facilitate the trafficking of wildlife.

There are a variety of low-cost and high-impact solutions available that airports and airlines can take to help address this issue. ROUTES is developing resources to raise awareness and build capacity within the air transport sector, and to support leaders within the transport industry who have made commitments to assist with tackling wildlife trafficking.



Flying Under the Radar outlines more than a dozen data-based recommendations for preventing wildlife trafficking through the air transport sector. These include creating awareness among personnel and passengers, training air industry staff, strengthening enforcement seizure protocols and reporting and sharing seizure information.

Wildlife seizure data is vital to identifying, understanding and combatting wildlife trafficking in airports around the world, says author Mary Utermohlen from C4ADS.

Still, its important to recognise that seizure data of any kind only provides a partial window into the true nature of trafficking activity. What seizures cant show are the patterns and routes associated with trafficking activity that is not detected, seized or reported by enforcement authorities.

Jon Godson, assistant director of environment at IATA, said: Airlines are rarely informed if there has been a wildlife seizure from a passenger or cargo shipment carried by their aircraft. Data like this can demonstrate not only high risk routes, species and concealment methods but also the truly global nature of this exploitation.

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In a monthly meeting on pending arms-related projects, presided over by Defense Minister Han Min-koo, the military decided to launch the Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) program next year via both the country's own R&D and overseas purchase, according to the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA).





It is aimed at upgrading the Mode 4 in use by South Korea's armed forces to the Mode 5 with better anti-wiretap and anti-jamming functions, it said.

"The size of the program is estimated at 2.5 trillion won (US$2.2 billion)," Kim Si-cheol, DAPA's spokesman, told reporters later in the day.

"It is scheduled to run through 2026," with much of the planned procurement expected to be done between 2021-2023, he said.

The military has yet to decide details on procurement methods, which would depend on various types of the system, he said, adding either Foreign Military Sales (FMS), based on government-to-government contacts, or commercial deals can be an option in case of overseas purchases.

Once the capability improvement program is completed, the military will be able to carry out more effective combined operations with an improved identification system and survivability, added the agency.



(Source: Yonhap)
May 24, 2017

When the Egyptian parliament convened its inaugural session on Jan. 10, 2016, Egyptians had hoped the new legislature would fare better than its predecessor, the Islamist-dominated assembly, which was dissolved by court order in June 2012 after the Supreme Constitutional Court deemed the election process unconstitutional. Just weeks before the new parliaments inauguration, Sameh Seif Al Yazal, a former intelligence officer who is now deceased, announced the formation of the In Support of Egypt Coalition  a parliamentary majority bloc that made no secret of its support for President Abdel Fattah al-Sisis policies. Skeptics warned that with no real opposition in parliament, it would be no more than a rubber stamp legislature, heavily tilted toward the regime.

Despite the warnings, few Egyptians were prepared for what was to come.

From the onset, disappointment set in when the lawmakers were shown on state TV waving to the cameras and bickering among themselves. Controversial lawmaker Murtada Mansour drew fiery rebukes from fellow parliamentarians when he refused to take the constitutional oath, saying he did not agree with the wording. The session was plunged into chaos minutes after it had started, and the lawmakers voted against live coverage of future proceedings.

In the short span of the last 16 months, at least two lawmakers have been dismissed after their referral to disciplinary committee hearings  a move that critics said was aimed at rooting out any real opposition that may have existed. Member of parliament Mohamed Anwar El Sadat, who had his membership revoked in February for allegedly leaking classified information to foreign entities, is a prominent dissenter. Parliamentarian Tawfiq Okasha, who was dismissed a year earlier, had ruffled feathers on several occasions by criticizing state institutions, and in particular security agencies, on his TV talk show on Al-Faraeen channel.

In early May, four South Sinai deputies resigned en masse on grounds they have not been able to deliver on their campaign promises and provide services for the citizens who voted them in. While they have been persuaded by the parliament speaker to stay on, they have vowed to walk out again if things do not change.

Rather than play its prescribed watchdog role, Egypts House of Representatives has hastily endorsed a number of contentious laws issued by presidential decree during the more than three years in which Egypt was governed without a parliament.

Many of the laws passed since January 2016 share the common attribute of assisting the authorities in rolling back the freedoms won in the January 25 uprising, lamented prominent human rights lawyer Bahey El Din Hassan, the director of the Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies, who has had his assets and those of his organization frozen under a restrictive nongovernmental organization law issued in November.

The law, which subjects the work and funding of civil society organizations to control by security agencies, is the most draconian in the countrys history, he told Al-Monitor. It assists in closing what little space was available for political and civic activism under the [Hosni] Mubarak regime.

Another contentious law, the judicial authority law, passed in April, grants the president the power to appoint the countrys heads of judicial bodies. The legislation has met with stiff resistance from the State Council and other judicial bodies that say it violates the constitution and undermines the independence of the judiciary.

The disputed laws have sparked an outcry from activists on social media. Meanwhile, a series of equally questionable draft laws proposed by some members of parliament in recent months has aroused dismay among broad swaths of the Egyptian public.

In September, member of parliament Elhamy Agina stirred an uproar after suggesting that Egyptian women should undergo female genital mutilation "to curb their sexual appetites as many Egyptian men are sexually weak." Agina also called for female students to undergo virginity tests before their admission into universities. His comments prompted outrage among human rights campaigners who called for his prosecution. Agina was referred to a disciplinary committee hearing that recommended his dismissal. Yet he has not been ousted.

In April, another member of parliament suggested controlling social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter by requiring users to register with a government authority and pay monthly registration fees. A third lawmaker has, meanwhile, recommended a one-year ceiling for engagement periods before the wedding, imposing fines on people who cancel the engagement without a legitimate excuse or couples that remain engaged for longer than the one year permissible by the law.

And just when Egyptians thought the legislators recommendations could not get more absurd, a member of parliament this week suggested a bill imposing harsher penalties on parents who give their children Western names. Bedr Abdel Aziz, the parliamentarian who authored the bill, told Al-Monitor that imposing hefty fines on violators was a means of preserving our Arab, Islamic identity.

Some of the recently proposed bills are so outrageous that Zainab Mohamed, a physician, told Al-Monitor, Reading about the draft laws, I thought it was fake news from a satirical news publication like The Onion. She said that the proposed draft laws serve as a distraction from more serious issues such as the ongoing economic crisis and recent terrorist attacks.

While acknowledging that some of the proposed bills are irrational, member of parliament and film director Khaled Youssef denied this was part of a plan to distract the public from everyday problems. The proposed bills merely reflect the parliamentarians own socio-cultural background and education that have shaped those legislators views and determined their priorities, he explained.

Responding to criticism that the legislature has focused on trivial matters instead of tackling societys more pressing problems, member of parliament Kamal Amer, who chairs the Defense and Security Committee, argued that some critical issues are currently under review by the assembly  like the much-needed anti-corruption draft law and another bill to protect places of worship. Moreover, a proposed bill to counter the surge in population is currently under study, Amer noted, adding, We are looking into what incentives we can offer to promote family planning.

While the proposed reforms cited by Amer seem relevant, Amer himself has not escaped controversy. A draft law he proposed earlier this month has been the subject of much critical debate. It would impose prison sentences of up to three years and fines of up to 100,000 Egyptian pounds ($5,500) for insulting the president and state institutions. Human rights campaigners fear the law would be used as yet another tool to stifle dissent.

With parliament now well into its second year, many disaffected Egyptians say the new legislature is far from meeting their expectations. What parliament? retorted human rights lawyer Hassan. The members of parliament were all handpicked by the intelligence services, he told Al-Monitor, citing a testimonial published on social media networks by liberal politician Hazem Abdel Azeem on Jan. 1, 2016, that unveiled the alleged interference by the intelligence services in the parliamentary vote to guarantee two-thirds of parliamentary seats.

The president held the legislative powers for three years when there was no parliament; he still holds that power today, said Hassan.
May 23, 2017

CAIRO  Gamal Talaats daughter suffered from lack of oxygen at birth, which caused severe disabilities in her hearing and body movement. While this brought much pain and shock to the family, it led Talaat, a former army officer, to launch a project to help thousands of women around Egypt.

Talaats initiative, called el-Masryeen Awla (Egyptians First), started in 2006 in public parks where he taught women  with or without disabilities  to earn a living through handicrafts. Since 2014, the project has continued in training centers in Cairo and in Giza, which have 200 trainers and 400 trainees.

I had the means to send my daughter to a hospital and care for her. But then I started thinking about what I could do for others who were not as fortunate  people with disabilities, people with economic needs, women, widows and divorcees who have no income. After I retired, I felt it was my duty to do something that could help them, Talaat told Al-Monitor.

Then Talaat, who holds the honorary military title of fighter, started on a long battle to reach Egyptian women in need and arm them with skills to turn their homes into small factories of production.

His passion for handicrafts, inherited from his grandfathers who made Pharaonic souvenirs, provided him with a starting point. As he modestly began to teach handicrafts to people in need at public parks, word of mouth on his efforts spread in many cities and he traveled around, reaching more and more people.

The second phase of his project came with El-Masryeen Awla centers in 2014, where he offered courses in Cairo and in Giza on making jewelry, leather products, Pharaonic and folkloric antique reproductions and designing and sewing clothes. The courses are free and past trainees help teach new ones. Talaat has around 200 female trainers who give courses to newcomers on various handicrafts.

Ghada Hassan, 41, a widow, mother and a trainer at the Cairo center, said her participation in the initiative changed her life.

"When my husband fell ill, I had to go find a job as we had no other income. Mr. Gamal trained me on all the handicrafts here. I learned how to sew clothes and make jewelry, as well as Pharaonic souvenirs. I produced many different products and sold them, Hassan told Al-Monitor.

After her husbands death, Hassan became one of the trainers. Before coming here, my life was very monotonous, but now I feel very happy when I make something with my hands, earn money for what I make and teach others to do the same, she said.

Soha Ali, 52, trains others in khayamiya (Egyptian tent making) at the center. A former teacher, she combined teaching with handicrafts.

"I was trained by my mother in handicrafts. So I found it a good opportunity to practice teaching, a work that I love, and teach other trainees in the center," Ali told Al-Monitor.

Hemat Mohamed, 44, one of the trainees, told Al-Monitor that she is very excited to use her time to make accessories. I have a table in my bedroom where I put all of my materials such as beads and chains and make necklaces and rings, Mohamed, a housewife with two boys, told Al-Monitor.

Some of the trainees bring friends and family as well: Wafaa Mohamed, 40, a Nubian housewife, told Al-Monitor that she will bring her daughter to the courses so they can work together to make Ramadan lanterns known as fawanis.

For Talaat, empowering women economically at home is a way to economic prosperity and social stability. In order to make this society peaceful and to eradicate terrorism, people regardless of age and sex should have a job and economic power. This would prevent them from being the prey of extremist groups, said Talaat.

The idea is very simple: Your factory is at your home. Each woman only needs a 1-meter size table at her home where she can work on it to create products. Even the children can be integrated into the task, so that the familys energy is tuned to producing something and growing a business rather than spending time and energy watching TV or browsing the internet aimlessly, he said.

Talaat has taught over 40,000 women during the past 11 years. According to statistics by the Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics, women are the heads of over 18% of Egyptian households. However, other recent official statistics show that Egyptian female breadwinners represent over 30% of households.

The government's decision to float the pound in 2016 has brought a new opportunity to Talaats project. The prices of many imported products dramatically increased due to the increase of the US dollars value, making Egyptian-made products more affordable by comparison.

In 2015, the government had banned importing Pharaonic souvenirs; most of them in the local market were imported from China. In a separate decision in the same year, the government also banned the import of fawanis to save the Egyptian products.

Talaat said, "There are many products that we used to import when we should have made them here. These products include Pharaonic and folkloric statues and other souvenirs, as well as Ramadan lanterns. We demanded the ban of such imported products and the government accepted our demand two years ago, Talaat said.

"We are now working on enhancing artificial leather products so we can demand the banning of importing these products also," said Talaat. In the coming months, he and his trainees will launch a new fashion line. Not surprisingly, it will be called "The Fighter.
May 24, 2017

In the hours after the May 22 terrorist bombing in Manchester that claimed at least 22 lives, Iranian media sought to cover developments second by second and published analyses about it.

On May 23, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Ghassemi said, We believe that the roots and the ideological origin of the terrorist incidents in Irans Mirjaveh and the UKs Manchester are one and the same, referring to a recent attack in the southeastern border district of Mirjaveh in which 10 Iranian soldiers were killed by the terrorist group Jaish al-Adl, which is allegedly funded by Saudi Arabia.

Meanwhile, both Reformist and conservative print and online media in Iran notably tied the bombing in Manchester to US President Donald Trumps recent high-profile trip to Saudi Arabia.

Under the headline Dancing in Riyadh, the Death Concert in Manchester, conservative newspaper Javan noted Trumps visit to Riyadh and his signing of a $110 billion arms deal with Saudi Arabia, writing May 24, Many of the Western experts have repeatedly warned about the US and Europes support for terrorism in the Middle East, and have asked the leaders of these countries to cut their ties with terrorism in Syria and Iraq. The newspaper added, The European countries are the main supporters of takfiris in the Middle East, and have ignited the sectarian war in the region through their military aid to these [terrorist groups], but they havent been immune from the terrorist attacks, and hundreds of their nationals have been killed or injured.

Moreover, hard-line Kayhan daily argued May 24, The United States, France and England have supported the takfiri terrorist groups in West Asia, and have led thousands of families to lose [their children], but these terrorists have now  turned into pythons and are returning to the Western countries, group by group  and the occasional attacks in France, England, Belgium and America are signs of this.

Of particular note, the US presidents trip to Riyadh appears to have stirred enough anger among usually bitterly divided Iranian media to foment unity in coverage and editorial lines. In this vein, Reformist Etemaad daily  which usually, like other Reformist media, adopts a stance opposed to their conservative rivals  wrote May 24, Trumps speech [in Riyadh] and his harsh criticism against Iran was welcomed by Saudi Arabia and its partners, but this should make the Americans concerned.

Etemaad added, Pressuring Tehran will allow Trump to at least distance US policies away from Iran symbolically, and will also increase his popularity among [US] Republicans, but this is also dangerous [for the United States] as it will potentially lead to the scrapping of the nuclear agreement with Iran, reduce the intensity of the fight against Daesh [Islamic state] and the US drowning more in the regional clashes in the Middle East.

Furthermore, referring to the May 19 presidential elections in Iran, Reformist newspaper Aftab-e Yazd wrote, Trump, [Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu and Saudi Arabia didnt think that Hassan Rouhani would be re-elected in Irans elections, and they hoped that his [conservative] rival [cleric Ebrahim Raisi] would win, and now they believe that they have lost an opportunity for creating a crisis for Iran. The recent explosion in Manchester once again proved to Trump that it is Saudi Arabia and not Iran that is the terrorist and is spreading war and bloodshed. Therefore, it is in the interest of Trump to return to his [previous] anti-Saudi stances [as during his campaign] instead of visiting Saudi and speaking against Iran.

In this vein, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif recently questioned whether Trumps anti-Iranian rhetoric during his regional tour is a genuine policy shift. Zarif posted a tweet May 21, saying, Iran  fresh from real elections  attacked by @POTUS in that bastion of democracy & moderation. Foreign Policy or simply milking KSA of $480B?
May 24, 2017

The latest round of Syria peace talks in Astana concluded May 4 with Russia, Iran and Turkey  the three guarantors of the cease-fire  agreeing on a plan to establish de-escalation zones in Syria. The initiative, which was first put forward by Moscow with the declared aim of securing the fragile truce and making it easier to concentrate on the political process, sparked different reactions by the various involved parties.

Although UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura commended the agreement as an important, promising, positive step in the right direction, the United States presented a more cautious approach, saying that more details are needed to judge the exact nature of the plan. On the other hand, while the Syrian government declared its full support for the Russian initiative, the main coalition representing the Syrian opposition in Astana refused to accept it, expressing reservations about its noninclusive territorial scope and also the role of Iran as one of the peacekeepers.

Meanwhile, although Iran as a signatory to the May 4 agreement has officially accepted Moscows plan and committed to actively take part in its implementation, there has not yet been any detailed statement by the Iranian side regarding what Tehran really thinks about the requirements and possible effects of the de-escalation zones or why Iran has decided to support the idea. The question of Irans position is important considering that for a long period of time it had persistently opposed the idea of creating any safe zones or no-fly zones on Syrian territory. So what convinced Tehran to reconsider its position?

Before going into detail, it could be argued that Iran shared the very same logic that pushed Russia to raise such an idea. In fact, in the aftermath of the US missile attack on a Syrian air base on April 6, Russia came to the conclusion that the probability of a more active US policy in Syria is growing high and that it is thus better to act before it becomes too late.

The American attack sparked renewed debate on the possibility of the establishment of safe zones in Syria by the United States and its regional allies. Some regional states  including Turkey  even publicly urged more US involvement in this regard. Thus, raising the idea of creating de-escalation zones  as a modified, detoxified version of the safe zones under the direct control of Russia itself  could be seen as a pre-emptive act by the Russians to prevent the United States and its allies from taking a step harmful to Russian interests. Since support for the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has been the fundamental shared interest of Iran and Russia in Syria, the initiative should be welcomed in Tehran. This primary logic aside, there are some points relating to the May 4 initiative that could actually serve Irans interests.

First and foremost, by raising it within the framework of the multilateral talks on Syria, Russia has tried to consolidate and empower its own initiative as an internationally recognized agreement. In this vein, after the recent talks in Astana, Moscow asked the UN Security Council to endorse the May 4 initiative, hereby further underlining its international aspect. Since one of the key positions of both the Syrian opposition and its foreign backers has been objection to Irans military presence in Syria, the international aspect of the May 4 agreement and the fact that it names Iran as one of the peacekeepers could justify the presence of Iranian troops in Syria on the international stage. This is, in fact, the main reason behind the Syrian oppositions objection to any Iranian role in the process.

Second, by seizing the opportunity to play an active role in establishing and monitoring the de-escalation zones, Tehran could enhance its international posture, proving that, as it has persistently declared, it is genuinely committed to preserving the cease-fire and facilitating the political process. Through this, the path would be paved for Iran to have an active role in any future political process on Syria.

Third, considering the overall developments on the battlefield, cooperation with the other peacekeeping forces from Russia and Turkey as well as their obligation to prevent clashes between the Syrian army and the armed rebels, Iran could avoid fighting on two fronts at the same time  namely, both with the armed rebels and with the more extremist and terrorist groups. This, in turn, could reduce the human cost of the Syrian war for Iran and help it concentrate more on fighting the Islamic State and the other terrorist groups that are considered to be more immediate threats to Iranian interests.

Fourth, given the locations of the four de-escalation zones proposed by Russia, in a line stretching from the northwest to the southwest of Syria, it could well serve Irans key interests to preserve its access to Lebanon through Syria  mostly to support Hezbollah  and allay concerns that rebels will seize these strategic areas. In fact, by establishing the de-escalation zones, the conflict would be frozen in the said zones  which is completely in line with Irans interests.

Finally, entering actual military cooperation with Moscow and Ankara in Syria could add a more serious, operational dimension to the so-called Russian-Turkish-Iranian axis on the Syrian issue. At a time when Turkey is becoming more and more dissatisfied with the US support for Syrian Kurds  whom Ankara considers terrorists  reinvigorating the aforementioned axis could prevent Turkey from taking radical steps, at least in the areas where Iranian interests are at stake.

All in all, although the establishment of safe zones in Syria was never part of Russia's and Irans plans, it seems that at the current juncture it is not only the best approach for Moscow and Tehran to preserve their core interests in the country, but it could also act as a factor that brings the two countries even closer together.
May 24, 2017

President Donald Trumps visit to the Middle East May 20-23 has revamped US policy in the region and established two main positions: first, that Washington stands behind a coalition of Sunni Arab states allied against an expansionist and subversive Iran and radical Islamist organizations; and second, that the United States will act vigorously to bring about Israeli-Palestinian negotiations on an agreed solution to the historic conflict between the two peoples.

The day Trump was elected, but before the results were known, I wrote in Al-Monitor about a missile attack by Houthi rebels, Iranian proxies, from the Red Sea coast. I ended it on the following note: Even if the next US administration preserves the nuclear agreement, the United States cannot remain indifferent to the new threat posed by Iran to the freedom of navigation between Asia and the West. Lets hope that the role the United States assumes in this struggle will be consistent and leading, rather than transitory and marginal.

Trump left no doubt that he would work to fulfill this modest wish during his visit to Saudi Arabia by unreservedly supporting the alliance of Arab states seeking to repulse the radicals in the Muslim world. In regard to Israeli-Palestinian negotiations, Trump clearly wants to be an honest broker. He is a friend of Israel and is committed to its security, but he does not accept the right wings ideological premise of Israels biblical right to absolute ownership of the entire Land of Israel. He also does not accept the rights claim that Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas does not want peace and is not a partner for making peace.

For the past five years, I have been urging the establishment of a defense pact between Israel and the Arab states that are as fearful as it is of Irans imperialistic policies. Such a pact should be a part of any Israeli-Palestinian agreement. The proposed pact would lend security significance to the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative and make Israel more secure and defensible without controlling another nation.

Such a pact would also enable Israel to place its defensive capabilities at the disposal of states in the region with which it will be at peace. The direct route that Air Force One took in transporting Trump from Riyadh to Tel Aviv symbolizes the axis that a consistent US policy in the region could promote. Still, the obstacles standing in the way of the deal that Trump says he seeks are almost all to be found in the domestic political arenas in Jerusalem and Ramallah.

Abbas opponents could derail a US initiative, despite it being the last chance for realizing their peoples national dream. Hamas opposes an agreement with Israel based on religious and ideological reasons, but judging by past experience, given diplomatic progress and an economic upturn, Hamas' influence on the Palestinian public will wane. The bitter and miserable experience of the organizations rule over Gaza, which marks the 10th anniversary of it in June, has done nothing for its prestige.

On the other hand, the hunger strike by Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails, led by jailed Fatah leader Marwan Barghouti, demonstrates that the threat to Abbas lies within his own camp. With determined leadership, however, and efforts to contain his opponents in a bid to take advantage of the historic opportunity presenting itself, Abbas can prove to Trump and to the entire world that this time, the Palestinians have no intention of blowing their chances.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus problems at home are just as complex. Two-thirds of the prime ministers governing coalition would like to see a US initiative fail. Some openly admit it. Netanyahu has been careful not to clash with the Republican president, but a clash with his right-wing political base is no less daunting for him.

Numerically speaking, there is a majority in the Knesset to provide political and parliamentary backing for talks with the Palestinians, but it is highly doubtful whether Netanyahu has the political courage of the late Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, who withdrew from Gaza and parts of the northern West Bank in 2005. Netanyahu would prefer to undermine any initiatives by setting embarrassing conditions for Abbas, especially forcing him to make certain declarations, conditions for which Netanyahu could mobilize sufficient Israeli public support and thereby place the ball in the Palestinians' court.

This will be the test of the Israeli opposition: Will it toe Netanyahus line and blame the Palestinians for the failure of a US-backed diplomatic initiative, or will it confront him courageously? In the final analysis, the decision will be up to the people of Israel, who need someone to tell them the truth and not what the polls indicate they want to hear.
May 24, 2017

When Gen. Khalifa Hifter was about to launch Operation Karama (Dignity) in Benghazi, he appeared to be signing his own death warrant when he appeared on TV on May 17, 2014, making an announcement in which he declared war on terror, suspending the interim constitution and suspending the government and the elected General National Congress. No one took him seriously then, and his operation seemed like another episode in Libyas sporadic mini-wars.

At the time, Benghazi, in eastern Libya, was dominated by different Islamist militias accused of killing over 200 military officers, journalists and civil activists, as well as well-known female activist Salwa Bugaighis on June 14, 2014, right after she cast her vote for the 2014 general election. Back then, Hifter was embarking on what appeared to be an impossible mission to rid Libyas second-largest city of radical groups once and for all.

The coalition Hifter opposed included Ansar al-Sharia Brigades, listed by the United Nations as a terror group and implicated in the killing of US Ambassador Chris Stevens in Benghazi in September 2012. The coalition also included hard-line Islamist militias such as Libya Shield 1, Rafallah al-Sahati Brigade, 17th February Brigades and Benghazi Revolutionary Shura Council. Benghazi was a dangerous city for almost any security official and police officer, and as a military officer himself, Hifter knew that he may also be an assassination target.

However, three years on and Operation Dignity is being celebrated, at least in eastern Libya, as a successful military operation that has so far liberated most of Benghazi, except for small neighborhoods by the seafront. In the meantime, Hifter has transformed himself from a small warlord into an important player in Libyas chaotic political scene  however controversial he has been. He is now a make-or-break player in shaping the countrys future.

Being a career soldier, Hifter figured that his best chance to succeed is to reorganize the remnants of the Libyan Armed Forces (LAF) that survived the eight-month NATO air campaign in 2011, to oust longtime leader Moammar Gadhafi. He started out with a few soldiers and a couple of professional officers who share his fear that they could well be on the assassination list unless they organize themselves into a fighting force.

Hifter reorganized units of LAF, and to help tap into the hundreds of former regime officers  living in hiding or exiled abroad, mainly in Egypt  he pushed the Tobruk-based parliament, which is backing him, to legislate a general amnesty law. This legislation offered amnesty to all former politicians and military cadres who do not have any criminal charges against them.

This was a clever move that earned Hifter wider public support across the country. More importantly, it enabled him to enlist the services of hundreds of well-trained officers from all over Libya, including cities and tribes associated with the former regime of Gadhafi. Today, LAF is truly representative and inclusive of all Libyans without the biases associated with militia formations on ideological, tribal or regional lines.

Many former officers and soldiers simply wanted to go back to their barracks, but not under militia rule, particularly in western Libya, and Hifter has been able to provide that conclusive mechanism. He even reinstated high-ranking officers who have all but been excluded from any official military duties since the regime fell in October 2011.

Today, Hifter leads a sizeable military force that is not only inclusive, but also one that has been able to bring its cadres together once again with one aim to fight terrorism and stabilize the country enough to complete its transition to stable democracy. At least, this is what Hifter has been saying all along.

His forces have recently scored well in their efforts against terror groups, particularly in Benghazi, and already have bases in Zintan and Wershafa in western Libya, as well as in the southern region.

Politically, Hifter has gained the trust of important regional countries including neighboring Egypt and the United Arab Emirates, as well as Russia. This is crucial for rebuilding a professional LAF capable of carrying out its duties.

On the third anniversary of Operation Dignity, Hifter chose to demonstrate a real show of force with a full military parade during a graduation ceremony of new recruits, including some 400 new officers and over a thousand soldiers. The celebrations were a message that he will continue his mission once described as suicidal.

In his speech to mark the anniversary, Hifter spoke of building professional armed forces that welcome its cadres, regardless of their backgrounds and loyal only to the country, promising not to leave the capital Tripoli at the hands of militias, as he put it.

It seems Hifter is undoubtedly moving ahead and his eyes are set on Tripoli, which is currently under the control of different militias, most of whom are his sworn enemies. It remains unclear if he is willing to use force to take the capital or perhaps find a negotiated way to bring about reconciliation  however difficult that seems to be. On May 2, Hifter met with Fayez al-Sarraj, the UN-backed prime minister, in Abu Dhabi and agreed to cease violence and encourage negotiations.

Whether Hifter is another Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in the making  preparing to change his military outfit to a civilian one  or the savior of a shattered country, remains far from crystal clear yet; but for a man like him, the gamble is huge because the stakes are so high.
May 24, 2017

With Turkeys President Recep Tayyip Erdogan poised to meet with NATO leaders in Brussels today at the alliances yearly summit, local authorities fearing violence between his critics and supporters banned rallies near the Turkish leaders hotel.

Brussels Mayor Yvan Mayeur told Belgian television, We noticed that the Turkish protests became violent recently. He also touched upon the mayhem unleashed by Erdogans security detail in Washington last week. Brussels is home to thousands of Turks and Kurds with sharply differing political views, so clashes were likely.

A rally organized by Erdogans supporters in Place Stephanie on Wednesday was canceled by Belgian officials. The crowd was expected to chant slogans in favor of reintroducing the death penalty.

Capital punishment is a red line for the European Union, and EU leaders warn that reinstatement would kill Turkeys faltering bid for full membership of the Western club once and for all.

Erdogan is expected to meet with European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and European Council President Donald Tusk on Thursday on the sidelines of the NATO gathering. He will likely press the Europeans to help Turkey in its fight against terrorism, update its customs union with the bloc and open new negotiating chapters or policy areas in Turkeys accession talks, which began in 2005 when Erdogan was still on the path of democratic reform.

Turkeys relations with Europe have since soured over the EUs perceived objections to letting in a large, mainly Muslim country. Turkeys creeping authoritarianism, which sharply accelerated following the failed July putsch, has made things a lot worse.

Human rights advocates are urging the EU to use the meeting with Erdogan to bring up the plight of tens of thousands of people who are in pretrial detention for alleged ties to Fethullah Gulen, the Sunni cleric who is accused of plotting the coup, or to the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party.

More than 100,000 civil servants have been sacked on similar grounds without the right to appeal. Only today, more than 200 municipal workers, military officers and members of the judiciary were detained for their alleged ties to the Fethullah Terror Organization.

Meanwhile, over 100 journalists continue to languish in prison on an array of thinly supported terror charges, making Turkey the biggest jailer of journalists worldwide.

In a blistering statement, New York-based Human Rights Watch called on the EU to put human rights firmly back in the picture as it renegotiates its existing customs union, which entered into force in 1995.

The group said it had documented a pattern of police torture and ill-treatment of detainees since the coup, and that Presidents Juncker and Tusk should convey the message that with Turkeys EU accesson stalled, deeper economic cooperation under a new possible customs union will depend on Erdogan ending the deplorable crackdown in Turkey and taking steps to uphold human rights and the rule of law.

The conventional wisdom remains that for as long as the EU needs Turkey to serve as a holding pen for millions of Syrian and other migrants seeking refuge in Europe, it will continue to humor  and pay  Turkey.

Thus, the EU cannot afford to freeze the accession talks as demanded by some extreme right-wing European politicians, who overtly oppose Turkeys membership.

However, former EU ambassador to Turkey and current senior fellow at Carnegie Europe Marc Pierini warns that Turkey should not be too complacent. Ankara should understand that the EU will not trash its own values when it come to defending human rights and promoting democracy in Turkey, he wrote in a recent policy brief.

Joost Lagendijk is a former member of the European Parliament now working as an independent analyst in Turkey. He told Al-Monitor that he expects Erdogan to give up on the membership talks with the EU because they are going nowhere. Instead, Erdogan will likely opt to revamp Turkey's customs union with the bloc that gives Turkey regulated access to the European market. Lagendijk said, My guess is this green light on negotiating a new customs union from which Turkey will benefit strongly will be given soon after the German elections in September.

Lagendijk concluded, Despite some occasional criticism on specific European actions, Erdogan will not rock the boat too much, because he realizes the Turkish economy needs European trade and investments to be able to continue growing.
May 23, 2017

The Donald Trump administration is seeking deep cuts in US assistance for Arab states as part of its proposed budget for the State Department and foreign aid.

The budget blueprint released May 23 would slash security assistance to vulnerable countries, including Tunisia and Lebanon, by more than 80% compared with fiscal year 2016, according to an Al-Monitor analysis (see chart below). Economic and development aid would also take a beating, dropping by almost half in Egypt, for example.

Overall, bilateral assistance to Middle East and North African countries would be cut by about $850 million, according to the Project on Middle East Democracy (POMED). Several countries would lose traditional military aid entirely while retaining some security assistance through anti-terrorism, law enforcement and military training funds.

The biggest sources of those cuts include zeroing out military aid to US allies on the front lines of fighting [the Islamic State], including $400 million for Iraq, Lebanon, and Tunisia, zeroing out $160 million in emergency food aid to Yemen, slashing nearly $200 million in economic aid to Jordan and Tunisia, and halving $30 million in democracy funding for Iran, Cole Bockenfeld, the deputy director for policy at POMED, said in an email. Eliminating funding for these objectives would be dangerously short-sighted and directly undermines the president's stated goal of countering terrorism in the region.

The cuts are in keeping with the presidents promise to put America First, even though less than 1% of the budget is spent on foreign aid. The new fiscal year starts Oct. 1.

This years budget request addresses the challenges to American leadership abroad and the importance of defending our national security interests, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said in a statement. It acknowledges that US diplomacy engagement and aid programs must be more efficient and more effective, and that advancing our national security, our economic interests, and our values will remain our primary mission.

Congressional Democrats and not a few Republicans have promised that the bill is dead on arrival. Those critics argue that foreign aid strengthens US allies and can help avoid costly military action.

The Trump administrations budget cuts would be devastating to Americas national security and our leadership role in the world, House Foreign Affairs Committee ranking member Eliot Engel, D-N.Y., said in a statement. Congress should reject them without question.

Sen. Ben Cardin, D-Md., the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, echoed the thought.

What is most perplexing about the administrations combined 31.7% gutting of international affairs spending is that, from Defense Secretary and former Gen. James Mattis on down, senior military officials consistently speak about how important the State Department and the US Agency for International Development are to their work, he said. This slashing of our foreign operations and assistance makes the world more dangerous for America and Americans and is a slap in the face to all the American personnel who work every day to keep this country safe and build a better world.

Its not just Democrats who have concerns.

The chairman of the Senate Appropriations panel on foreign aid, Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., told reporters May 23 that he foresaw a lot of Benghazis in the making if the budget were adopted. Congress has long blamed inadequate diplomatic security and the deteriorating economic and political situation in Libya for the death of US Ambassador Chris Stevens and three other Americans in 2012.

Other hard-hit countries include Morocco, which would see security assistance drop by 65% and economic assistance fall by 33% compared with fiscal 2016, and Bahrain, which would see an 86% drop in security assistance. Fiscal 2016 is the last year for which final spending figures are available.

Military aid could be further curtailed by the administrations effort to replace military aid grants with loans. The administration argues that a loan dollar stretches further than a grant dollar, but an internal State Department memo obtained by The Wall Street Journal raised concerns that many eligible countries may not want the loans at all.

Grant funding for key strategic partners would continue under the Trump budget, however. These include Israel and Egypt, which are set to receive $3.1 billion and $1.3 billion, respectively, in foreign military financing (FMF) funding in fiscal 2018.

In addition, the foreign military financing assistance budget would be supplemented by a $200 million global fund to meet needs as they arise.

In fiscal 2018, foreign military funding will consist of country programs, as well as a global fund, which will be allocated during the year of appropriation to provide the department with the flexibility necessary to meet pressing security challenges, budget documents state. This $200.7 million will be used as either loans and/or grant assistance to partners around the world. Where possible and appropriate, the US government will seek to utilize loans to solidify partner-nation commitments and leverage US assistance to the greatest effect.
May 23, 2017

Anger over the thuggish behavior of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogans security guards who brutally assaulted protesters outside the Turkish ambassadors residence in Washington shows no sign of abating as more US lawmakers call for the administration to take action against them.

In a letter dated May 19 addressed to Secretary of State Rex Tillerson on behalf of 28 members of the House, Carolyn B. Maloney, a Democratic representative for New Yorks 12th congressional district, said that the Turkish security guards should be arrested, prosecuted and jailed. Maloney noted that the guards had kicked men and women crouched on the ground and disregarded numerous commands by police to cease and desist.

Maloney cited incredibly disturbing video footage documenting the violence around Sheridan Circle. She urged Tillerson to "use all tools at your disposal so that these men are denied diplomatic immunity and prosecuted to the fullest extent of U.S. law.

In an interview with Fox News May 21, Tillerson called the incident simply unacceptable. He reminded the audience that the State Department had summoned the Turkish ambassador, Serdar Kilic, to discuss the matter. He said, There is an ongoing investigation  we'll wait and see what the outcome of that investigation is.

It's probably too late for justice. The security detail, two members of which were reportedly detained and then freed after invoking diplomatic immunity, flew home with Erdogan. At best, those who are positively identified as having engaged in the beatings may be denied future entry to the United States.

Several administration officials speaking to Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity claimed that Tillerson has developed an antipathy for the Erdogan government following his trip to Turkey in late March. He saw their real face and he doesnt much like them, said one of the sources.

Relations between the NATO allies sunk to new lows after President Donald Trump authorized the Pentagon to directly arm the Peoples Protection Units (YPG), the Syrian Kurdish militia that is the United States premier partner in the fight against the Islamic State in Syria.

Turkey, however, labels the group a terrorist entity because of its ties to the Kurdistan Workers Party, which is waging a bloody campaign for self-rule inside Turkey.

Erdogan had been hoping to persuade Trump to sever all ties with the Syrian Kurdish outfit during a 23-minute face-to-face meeting in the White House earlier that day, but failed.

In an apparent tit for tat, the Turkish Foreign Ministry summoned the US ambassador to Ankara, John Bass, on May 22 over what it termed the aggressive and unproffessional [sic] actions taken, contrary to diplomatic rules and practices, by US security personnel toward Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglus own security detail, which apparently was also present at the scene.

The Foreign Ministry repeated the trope being propagated in the pro-Erdogan Turkish media that the violence had erupted because of the inability of US authorities to take sufficient precautions at every stage of the official program.

New footage analyzed by the investigative journalists collective BellingCat suggests that Erdogan may have sanctioned the attacks, which left nine protesters, including two women, hospitalized.

The images show one of Erdogans guards leaning into his Mercedes Benz after it pulls into the residence driveway. The guard then appears to signal fellow members of the security detail and pro-Erdogan picketers to descend on the protesters, who were chanting Baby killer Erdogan and Long live the YPG. A gray-faced Erdogan is then seen emerging from the car.
The Greek word Sozo, a common theme in the New Testament, means "to save" or "to rescue." When Sozo Children executive director, Suzanne Owens, decided to leave her job in mortgage banking to begin a life in ministry, she had no idea how much the word would come to mean. Sozo Children began when two recent college graduates in Owen's ministry went to Uganda as missionaries. While there, they noticed the children at the orphanage they were working with were being underfed and abused. News got back to the Owens, and that's when she decided to step in.

The first Sozo Children home was founded in May of 2010 with 17 children and three Ugandan staff members. Since then, the organization has expanded into a full non-profit with four homes, housing 80 children. Sozo also supports 40 more children who do not live in the homes but receive assistance with academic and medical costs. In 2015, the non-profit opened Sozo Trading Co., a thrift marketplace in Avondale that supports the ministry. We sat down with Owens to find out more about how her dream to help Ugandan children turned into a multi-faceted non-profit.

Birmingham magazine: How did you make this dream become a reality?

Suzanne Owens: It was just saying "yes" to something that, if we would have gone through it logically, we would have said there's no way we can do this. It was truly through God just allowing us to say "yes." It started with just one home, now we have four. We've purchased 28 acres of land, put three wells on the property, fenced it in, and roofed it. Now, we're in the process of working with contractors to build the roads, the plumbing, and the electricity system. We're raising money for what we call the Village Project, which is an initiative to transform this community that we've become so invested in through worship, water, and walls.

BM: What is your main goal for the children there?

SO: We have 16 Ugandan staff members, so our main goal is to allow the Ugandan moms and dads to raise the kids in their culture so they can affect change and be leaders in their country. We're not trying to Americanize them, because we want them to give back to their community. Our youngest child is a year old; the oldest are in their early 20s, in university, in an apprenticeship, or doing a vocation. So, we don't phase out at a certain age. If we can equip you and get you ready to do life, that's the goal. We treat them like we would our own sons or daughters.

BM: What were some obstacles you faced in starting Sozo?

SO: As we've matured and grown, we've had people try to shut us down on that side [in Uganda] by bringing police and probation officers, but they always ended up becoming good friends and helping us get approved through the ministry or government there. On this side, it's more of how to run a non-profit and how to make sure we're staying true to our mission and being obedient in what we're supposed to do with what God's given us.

BM: What advice would you offer to other entrepreneurs or non-profits?

SO: We saw a need and we went after a need. From what I hear, with non-profits, your first two years, you go off passion. I wish I would have done a little more in the beginning on the true business part of it. We did take care of all the things we needed to do to be a legal entity, but just business and strategic plans--things that we're still working on seven years later--I wish we would have looked at, then. So, I would say, do a non-profit, but try to do all the business stuff at the same time.

BM: How did Sozo Trading come about and what is its relation to the non-profit?

SO: The store opened two years ago in June. When we first started, we were working out of my house. People would donate clothes, and we would send them to Uganda whenever we had a team go. At our second annual dinner, a good friend of mine said, "You need to open a thrift store." He planted the seed, and it stayed on my mind because we kept getting more and more stuff--so much that we had to rent an office space. I started thinking about it more, and just another God thing--we had a donor that believed in that vision and said, "Let's make it a reality." We were given this spot in Avondale for the store.

The dream of the thrift store is to talk about sustainability, so the heart of our store is that. Inside one section we sell products from ministries where women and men are trying to support their families by making a craft. We not only worry about Uganda, but we've had other people that we've met that work with ministries in Haiti or India or Guatemala and we allow them to put their things in the store to help with their ministries, as well.

BM: How has the community responded?

SO: With the trading company, we get people in every day that say "We didn't know this was here," "We love it", and "It's so cool." The only negative we hear about Sozo is people saying, "Why do you go across the world to help people?" And we don't apologize for that, because we didn't ask for this to happen. We happened upon a situation where we felt like we couldn't turn our back on helping the orphans. But we feel like the thrift store has kind of opened an avenue to be involved and give back to our community, as well as give back overseas.

Details

Find out more about Sozo at sozochildren.org and sozotrading.org.

--Photo by Kelsey Freeman

This story appears in Birmingham magazine's May 2017 issue. Subscribe today!
A fast-growing manufacturing company in Madison County will launch its first retail store this year at Bridge Street Town Centre in Huntsville.

Redline Steel CEO Colin Wayne Erwin said he signed a letter of intent last week to open Redline Decor in the Bath & Body Works space in August at Bridge Street. Erwin, 27, plans to gather analytics and data from the Bridge Street location to franchise the retail model across the U.S.

"Out of every retail environment in Huntsville, Bridge Street was the only place I was interested in," he said. "We've actually been working on this process for about six months now and finally found what was a good fit for us."

Bath & Body Works is in the process of moving to a larger space next to Lucky Brand Jeans, with a projected opening of June 30. In the meantime, Bridge Street spokesman Van Geroux said the existing location will remain open until the new store construction is complete.

Erwin, who anticipates a three-week buildout at Bridge Street in July, will hire 10 employees for Redline Decor. All merchandise will be manufactured at Redline's 50,000-square-foot facility on 295 Cochran Road in Huntsville.

Redline Steel, open since early 2016, currently offers direct-to-consumer online sales and custom orders. Touch-screen kiosks will be available at Bridge Street to allow customers to create and order monograms. They will then be able to pick up the item in-store or have it shipped to their home or business.

"We'll be selling all home decor items," Erwin said. "That includes steel, wood and we will eventually offer canvas as well."

Erwin hopes to launch 10 Redline Decor franchises in the U.S. 18-24 months after the Bridge Street location opens. He has had several potential partners contact him about the franchise, but he said he is being selective about who he brings on board.

Under the Redline umbrella, Erwin operates Redline Steel, Redline Wood and will debut Redline Canvas in late 2017 or early 2018. He also owns Integrity Driven Nutrition, a supplement company.

Erwin is a well-known fitness model who was seriously injured during a rocket attack in Afghanistan in 2012. Since Erwin broke into the modeling industry in 2013, he has appeared on the covers of dozens of magazines and romance novels and gained millions of followers on social media.

"I think the modeling was a great segue into creating a platform that now I can go direct to market with," he said. "I look at longevity as a whole so I want whatever I'm involved with to have a long-term lasting effect. I can't control the market but I can control myself and what I put into it daily."

Redline is on track to generate over $12 million in revenue this year and become an Inc. 500 company by 2019, Erwin said. The company, which employs nearly 40 workers, will have more than 100 employees by the year's end.

The company also plans to build a new 125,000-square-foot facility by spring 2018. Erwin is working with Samples Properties agent Wes Kendall to find a site.

Erwin credits much of Redline's success to Chief Operations Officer Brad Ferch, who started at the company doing general labor but has moved up the ranks. Although he had several six figure contracts, Erwin said he has put modeling on hold for now to pursue his dream of being an entrepreneur.

"I wanted to jump in with both feet and hope I swim," he said. "With the entrepreneur mindset, I'm going to control my own destiny."
A Walker County teenager was killed Tuesday in a single-vehicle wreck near Parrish, Alabama State Troopers said.

Troopers said the 15-year-old, whose name was not released, died after a 2006 Chevrolet Impala left Alabama 269, struck a utility pole and then a tree at 2:28 p.m. Troopers said the victim was a passenger in the vehicle.

The 17-year-old driver was transported to Walker Baptist Medical Hospital in Jasper. The driver's condition is unknown at this time.

The wreck remains under investigation by Troopers.
Former Alabama House Speaker Mike Hubbard today appealed his conviction on 12 felony ethics charges to the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals.

The appeal asks the five-judge court to enter a judgment of acquittal or order a new trial, saying that the convictions resulted from expanded interpretations of the ethics law, not what the Legislature intended in enacting the law.

In June 2016, a Lee County convicted Hubbard on charges involving the use of his position as speaker for personal gain.

Lee County Circuit Judge Jacob Walker sentenced Hubbard to four years in prison. Hubbard has remained free on bond during the appeal.

The former speaker has denied wrongdoing.

Hubbard's attorneys requested oral arguments in the case, saying that was warranted because of the importance of the legal issues, including several issues of first impression on the interpretation of Alabama's ethics law.

The appeal brief, more than 100 pages, raises numerous issues.

The appeal says prosecutors creatively expanded the actual meaning of the state ethics law to convict Hubbard. It challenges the expert testimony of former Alabama Ethics Commission Executive Director Jim Sumner, as the defense team had earlier. And it raised the issue of whether Walker properly investigated a claim of possible juror misconduct made by a juror after the trial.

"It's rare that you've got a case where you've got this many good issues to argue," Hubbard attorney Bill Baxley said.

Baxley said prosecutors and a key witness were allowed to pitch to the jury their own interpretation of the ethics law, not what it actually says.

"And Mike Hubbard did everything he could to follow the law as it was written," Baxley said.

The state attorney general's office, which prosecuted Hubbard, declined comment today on his appeal today.

Hubbard's lawyers said that he would appeal the night of his conviction.

Today was the deadline to file the appeal brief. Prosecutors will have six weeks to file a response with the court.

Hubbard was convicted on 12 counts in a 23-count indictment.

Hubbard's lawyers had previously raised many of the issues they raise in the appeal, at least in some form.

The appeal challenges the conviction count-by-count.

Here are some of the arguments, in part.

Count 5: The jury found Hubbard voted for legislation with a conflict of interest when he voted for the state General Fund budget in 2013. The budget had a clause to make American Pharmacy Cooperative Inc., the only company Medicaid could use as a pharmacy benefit manager if it chose to use one. At the time, APCI was paying Hubbard's company, Auburn Network, under a consulting contract for work outside Alabama.

Hubbard's former chief of staff, Josh Blades, testified during the trial that he advised the speaker not to vote on the budget because of the potential conflict. But Hubbard voted for the budget, having already announced his intention to have the APCI language removed from the budget, the appeal says.

"So even before voting on the House bill, Hubbard knew and intended that the language in question would be taken out - that it would not become law," Hubbard's lawyers wrote in the appeal.

Counts 6 and 10: Hubbard was convicted for receiving a "thing of value" from APCI and from Edgenuity, an education software company. The companies are "principals" under the ethics law because they hire lobbyists. The ethics law prohibits officials from receiving a "thing of value" from principals. Both companies paid Hubbard's Auburn Network under consulting contracts.

Hubbard's lawyers assert that he relied on advice from the Ethics Commission concerning consulting contracts, although he did not receive a formal opinion and did not seek advice on all of the contracts, according to testimony.

The appeal says the Edgenuity contract, like the APCI contract, limited his work to matters outside Alabama.

"There is no evidence that either APCI, or Edgenuity, intended to be paying Hubbard to use his governmental authority in Alabama in any way on their behalf," the appeal says.

On count 11, the jury found that Hubbard used his public office for personal gain through Auburn Network's contract with Capitol Cups, a drinking cup company owned by Robert Abrams. Abrams testified during Hubbard's trial that he hired Hubbard to help market his cups because of Hubbard's connections in college athletics, not because he was speaker.

"Hubbard did not use his office to obtain the consulting contracts; that is clear from the testimony, and any contrary assertion by the prosecution would be mere speculation," Hubbard's lawyers wrote in the appeal.

On counts 12 and 13, the jury found that Hubbard broke the ethics law by representing Abrams' business interests before the governor's office and the state Department of Commerce in exchange for pay, the Capitol Cups contract.

In the appeal, Hubbard's lawyers say Hubbard sought meetings with the governor's office and the Department of Commerce about state assistance for another Abrams business, a medical product manufacturer. Those efforts were independent of Auburn Network's contract with Capitol Cups and were intended to help a "substantial employer" in Hubbard's district, his lawyers said in the appeal.

Counts 16, 17, 18 and 19: Hubbard was convicted for accepting "a thing of value," -- a $150,000 investment -- from each of four "principals" under the ethics law. The investments, made in 2012, were for preferred stock in Craftmaster Printers, partly owned by Hubbard and at risk of bankruptcy at the time.

In the appeal, Hubbard's lawyers assert that investments were not "a thing of value" under the ethics law because the four "principals" paid full value under the same terms as other Craftmaster investors.

"These investors were offered the same equity at the same price as was offered to other potential investors," the appeal says. "Other investors, who were neither principals nor lobbyists, entered into the same investment."

The four "principals" were former Business Council of Alabama Chairman Will Brooke; Sterne Agee Group Inc., and/or James Holbrook, an executive with the company; Great Southern Wood President Jimmy Rane; and Hoar Construction President Robert Burton.

Hubbard's appeal says that Brooke, Rane and Burton are not "principals" as defined in the ethics law. It says lobbyists represent their organizations, not the three as individuals, and says they made personal investments from their own funds.

The prosecutors attempted to expand the definition of principal "to encompass some unknown range of high-level officials or employees of that entity," the appeal says.

Count 23: Hubbard was convicted for accepting a second "thing of value" from Brooke in the form of financial advice. That advice was the idea for the investment plan for Craftmaster Printers. In the appeal, Hubbard's lawyers say it was not illegal for Hubbard to seek and receive that advice because Brooke is not a "principal," and because it was allowed under a "friendship" exception in the ethics law. "Brooke had given similar help to other friends," the appeal says.

Sumner testimony: In the appeal, Hubbard's lawyers said Walker improperly allowed former Ethics Commission Executive Director Sumner to testify about the intent and meaning of the ethics law.

"It is never proper to apply a criminal law beyond what its text actually says, or to rely on a presumed legislative 'intent' or 'purpose' that is not found in the text," Hubbard's lawyers wrote.

Hubbard's lawyers assert that Sumner's testimony was wrong on certain points about the ethics law, including the definition of "principal."

Hubbard's lawyers also objected to Sumner's testimony during the trial. They wanted to question former Gov. Bob Riley, a Hubbard ally, about the intent of the ethics law, but Walker did not allow that.

Juror misconduct: In the appeal, Hubbard's lawyers said Walker failed to properly investigate a juror's claims of hearing other jurors express a bias against Hubbard during the trial, before all the evidence was in.

The defense also objected to not learning about the juror's concerns until after the trial.

"There is absolutely no reason why the trial court should have kept this from defense counsel," they wrote in the appeal brief.

They said the Court of Appeals should reverse Hubbard's conviction because of what they called Walker's failure to properly investigate the juror's concerns.

Walker held a hearing on the matter after the trial and determined that juror's claims failed to show prejudice by the jury.

This story was corrected at 7:13 p.m. on May 29 to say that Mike Hubbard did not consult with the Ethics Commission on all of his consulting contracts, according to testimony.
Authorities are on the scene of a deadly crash in Blount County, at least the fourth traffic fatality since Sunday.

The crash happened about 9:30 a.m. on Alabama 79 near Fairview Church Road just south of Cleveland. Four injuries have been reported, including the fatality.

Senior Trooper Chuck Daniel said one child was pronounced dead at the scene. Another child about the same age was taken to Children's of Alabama with serious injuries. An infant was also taken to the hospital but appears to be OK. The driver of the vehicle carrying the three children was airlifted to UAB Hospital with serious injuries.

The driver of the other vehicle has also been hospitalized.

On Sunday, two people were killed including a young child. Alabama State Troopers identified the adult victim as Grady Leon Goodwin, 79, of Oneonta. A 3-year-old boy was also killed in the crash, but troopers no longer release the names of juvenile victims.

That wreck - a head-on collision - happened just after 6 p.m. on the 24000 block of Alabama 79 in the Dallas community. Law enforcement officials said they were first told that three people were injured, and that two of them were unconscious. Goodwin was pronounced dead on the scene. Two others were transported by separate helicopters and the little boy died a short time later.

Senior Trooper Chuck Daniel said Goodwin was driving a 2001 Chevrolet pickup truck that collided head-on with a 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by 39-year-old Heather Heaton of Warrior. Heaton was taken to UAB Hospital. The extent of her injuries wasn't made available. The 3-year-old boy in Heaton's vehicle was taken to Children's of Alabama, where he was pronounced dead.

Another fatality happened in Blount County Tuesday night.

This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
Two families  one Greek, one Iraqi  come together in a Lesbos hotel, looking for stability amid their own crises.

Lesbos, Greece  Upstairs in the Blue Star hotel, Iman* cooks a large pasta dish and makes tea; a luxury after going without her own stove for more than a year. After dinner, the Alsamaray family* disperses.

Khalil, Imans husband, catches up on the latest news from the familys hometown of Mosul, Iraq. Jamil, 13, goes out, while his sisters Amani and Aliya, 10-year-old twins, lie in bed and watch YouTube videos until they fall asleep.

The family had lived for 10 months in an overcrowded migrant centre in Lesbos, Greece until January, when they moved in to the hotel as part of a United Nations initiative to place vulnerable refugees in better housing during the winter.

Since 2015, more than a million refugees have come through Greece, often on their way to western Europe. Like the Alsamarays, thousands remain stranded until their asylum claims are processed; they find themselves in a crisis within a crisis, fleeing violence only to often spend more than a year in a country stretched thin over the past decade by a financial crisis.

READ MORE: Greece  the fishermen of Lesbos saving refugee lives

While their refugee guests dine upstairs, the Makris family tries to wind down after a long day. They clear the table from the catering delivered to feed asylum seekers and hotel owner Dimitrios Makris fields calls. Theres a long list of tasks to be completed in time for the tourist season, even if in recent years fewer tourists have been arriving.

At a time of unprecedented economic strife when Greeks are struggling to get by, the refugee crisis adds to the pressure on Greece  while also providing some locals with much-needed income.

Inside these crises, the Alsamarays and the Makrises each fight to survive. Both families know that life can be upended overnight and what it means to be exiled, and both fear their best days are behind them. But, at least for a moment, under one roof, they also give each other what they desperately need: a measure of stability among the uncertainty.

The Alsamaray family: I forgot the fear when I saw Greece

Amani and Aliya are typical pre-teens, sassy and busy developing their sense of style. They love pinks and purples, wear skinny pants, and worry about their long brown hair being messed up after wearing a hat.

And they love Mytilini, the capital of Lesbos about 10 kilometres from their home at the Blue Star hotel.

We love the people, the shopping, the coffee, Aliya says. Although the twins complain they hardly visit because their parents wont let them go alone.

As the girls adapt to their new world, their parents look to their old lives.





In Iraq, we had jobs, my house was good, and we had a car, says 33-year-old Iman. She was a preschool teacher and Khalil was a mechanic.

But after the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS) took over Mosul  Iraqs second city  in 2014, everything changed. Women had to be covered all in black; men couldnt smoke; if you were Christian or another religion, you had to convert.

A year later, ISIL executed one of Khalils brothers in the middle of the street, accusing him of defying ISIL rules about travelling to Baghdad, and forced the family to watch.

In February 2016, the Alsamarays fled to Turkey, intent on finally reaching Sweden, where another of Khalils brothers has sought asylum.

After multiple attempts to cross, and a one-month stint in Turkish detention, they arrived in Lesbos nearly two months later.

Greece represented a new life. When their rubber boat reached Lesbos, Iman cried because she thought they were going to be safe. I forgot the fear when I saw Greece, she says.

But as days turned into months at the refugee camp near the village of Moria, that happiness turned into despair.

Moria camp  a former prison surrounded by chain-link fences and barbed wire  was initially a reception centre to process migrants and asylum seekers, but it became a long-term housing facility. There was no privacy in the crowded centre; the Alsamarays shared a room with six other families.

Khalil was afraid for the familys safety and Iman was always sick. With little to keep people busy, many of the men drink to pass the time. Frustrated locals complain of petty theft. There have been fires and sometimes fights break out.

Human rights groups note a rise in suicide attempts and self-harming in the housing facilities, including by children. In January, Iman was at the doctors when her neighbours brought in her daughter Aliya. She had tried to kill herself with a knife.

She witnessed the brutal killing of her uncle in Iraq and has serious suicidal thoughts, weight loss, depression and suicidal attempts, a doctors note from January 17 reads. She needed immediate care and a safe place to live.

READ MORE: Why some refugees in Greece are being driven to suicide

Every time Aliya saw people leave the camp for Athens or another country, she cried, Iman says  afraid that, if they werent leaving, it meant they would be deported and that she would have to face ISIL again.

Even now, just driving by the camp is a trigger. Please dont take me to Moria, please dont take me to Moria, Aliya pleads if they pass the camp.





Moving to the hotel meant they have the sea in their backyard, a park and a puppy to play with.

Inside the small hotel studio, the twins decorated the headboard of their bed with stickers and lined it with stuffed animals. In the other room, they have their own kitchen and table where the family can eat together and a private bathroom.

The twins also picked up fishing. Every morning they run to the back of the hotel, retrieve spools of fishing line hidden in the rocky harbour, and mix old pitta bread softened with sweet milk which they use as bait.

As the twins fish, they glimpse the snow-capped mountains in Turkey, where they pray never to return, and the ferries heading to Athens, where they hope their journey to a new life will begin.

Amani and Aliya are enjoying a bit of normality, but the Blue Star isnt home and the Alsamarays have learned over the past few years that circumstances can switch in a moment.

A lesson many Greeks know all too well.

The Makris family: I want to stay here, but how can I find the money?

For Dimitrios and his family it was never a question of whether they should host refugees.

While some hotel owners worried about the wear and tear in the rooms or a potential backlash from tourists, for the Makrises it was a humanitarian issue.

Forty-seven-year-old Dimitrios grandparents fled their home in 1923, when more than a million Greeks were expelled from Turkey and nearly half a million Muslims were sent the other way.

While they were growing up, Dimitrios and Toula heard stories about their grandparents; how they had lost their transportation business between Greece and Turkey, a big ship and a large home; how they arrived in Germany with only a small suitcase.

Forty years later, Dimitrios parents had to leave Greece to become guest workers in Germany, where they lived for 15 years, raised their daughter Toula, had Dimitrios, and slowly built up hotels in Lesbos. Before the economic crisis, Dimitrios and his family had expanded their business ventures in Lesbos, including other hotels, a restaurant by the sea, a nightclub, an internet cafe, and a crepe shop.

Because Lesbos traditionally relied mostly on Greek tourists visiting the islands historic churches and thermal springs, when the economy tanked, Lesbos was one of the first places to be hit, as many tourists  Greek and foreign  stopped coming.

It was like a domino effect, says Dimitrios. Every year we would put more money into the businesses because we expected things would be better the following year, but things only got worse.

In 2009, he closed the nightclub. Other businesses followed one by one until 2011, when Dimitrios and his wife Michelle left for Germany to find work that would keep the familys two hotels open; finding jobs as waiters in a banquet hall in Frankfurt. They returned to Greece last year to help run the hotel business again.

When refugees recently started arriving in Lesbos, the family opened their doors. They invited refugees inside to rest, they made them cups of tea and fed them.

IN PHOTOS: Lesbos  The refugee crisis in 2015; the island today

The already hard conditions in the camp became worse in the harsh winter. Some people sleeping in tents burned cardboard, plastic and scraps of wood inside the tents for warmth. In November, a woman and child died after a gas canister attached to a hot plate exploded inside their tent. In January, another three men would die and a fourth was left in critical condition in another incident  the cause of death is not yet clear.

When snow fell in January, Dimitrios drove to the camp in Moria to pick up families and take them to the hotel.





Since January, the Blue Star has hosted 60 people through the UNHCR and the Greek non-profit Iliaktida. The UN pays between 20 and 28 euros ($21.8 and $30.6) per person per day, depending on the type of catering. While it helped offset some of the losses from tourism, Dimitrios says it is still a relatively small amount of money.

Dimitrios says he is not sure how much longer he can afford to stay, as Greece remains mired in economic strife and the tourists remain scarce. Yet another Greek default may loom, while there is little sign that austerity will be eased. Perhaps he will have to return to Germany again to work.

From one side of the hotel, thick olive groves dot the landscape. On the other, there is deep blue sea.

I want to stay here, but how can I find the money? asks Dimitrios.

Leaving the hotel

Inside the Blue Star hotel, both families say they consider each other friends. But the language barrier keeps them from really getting to know one another.

As much as Greeks sympathise with refugees, still they see them as different. The refugees have usually heard about Greeces economic troubles, but to them it is abstract. They look around and all they see are people who have what they dont.

Many Greeks worry about the impact of refugees. Since 2015, the municipality of Lesbos has spent more than five million euros ($5.5m) on refugee-related expenses, a source in the Ministry of Digital Policy, Telecommunications and Media told Al Jazeera. Lesbos municipality opened a cemetery, a migrant centre to house asylum seekers, and the hospital had to take thousands more patients.

Some locals are also concerned about what will happen as the refugees move on. Fewer people are coming since the EU-Turkey deal. The number of refugees stranded in Lesbos dropped to below 3,000. While placing refugees in hotels was only a temporary solution, hotel owners in places such as Mytilini or other cities where migrants are hosted also benefited from the aid workers and government officials who came to help.

Placing refugees in hotels is only a temporary solution, and asylum seekers are being sent to apartments, to the mainland or to other migrant centres; hosting refugees is not a long-term business model.

The future is investments from the Greek government to renovate the thermal baths, to encourage investment, says Dimitrios wife Michelle.

IN PICTURES: Life in Greeces Elliniko refugee camp

The refugees are meant to leave Dimitrios hotel as the UN refugee agencys programme is ending; the Alsamarays are supposed to go to Kara Tepe, a camp ran by the municipality of Lesbos.

The UNs refugee agency says Kara Tepe offers a safe environment for families.The conditions at the facility are adequate and services are available on site, including medical and psychosocial support, spokesman Leo Dobb says. The bathrooms are shared, though, and Iman will have to give up her stove.

The family refuses to go. Iman says they feel that her daughters psychological concerns should have been enough to get the family transferred to an apartment.

I cannot continue to see my children in this situation, Iman says. Im tired.

*The Alsamaray family have been given pseudonyms to protect their childrens identities.
US President Donald Trump called Jerusalem the capital of Israel on December 6 and began the process of moving his countrys embassy to the city.

The move sparked global condemnation from world leaders.

Israel occupied East Jerusalem at the end of the 1967 War with Syria, Egypt and Jordan; the western half of the holy city had been captured in the 1948 Arab-Israeli war.

Israels occupation of East Jerusalem effectively put the entire city under de facto Israeli control. Israeli jurisdiction and ownership of Jerusalem, however, is not recognised by the international community, including the United States.

The status of Jerusalem remains one of the main sticking points in efforts to resolve the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

International community position

Under the 1947 UN Partition Plan to divide historical Palestine between Jewish and Arab states, Jerusalem was granted special status and was meant to be placed under international sovereignty and control. The special status was based on Jerusalems religious importance to the three Abrahamic religions.

In the 1948 war, following the UNs recommendation to divide Palestine, Zionist forces took control of the western half of the city and declared the territory part of its state.

During the 1967 war, Israel captured the eastern half of Jerusalem, which was under Jordanian control at the time, and proceeded to effectively annex it by extending Israeli law, bringing it directly under its jurisdiction, in a breach of international law.

In 1980, Israel passed the Jerusalem Law, stating that Jerusalem, complete and united, is the capital of Israel, thereby formalising its annexation of East Jerusalem.

READ MORE: Who owns Jerusalem?

In response, the UN Security Council passed Resolution 478 in 1980, declaring the law null and void. The illegal Israeli annexation of East Jerusalem violates several principles under international law, which outlines that an occupying power does not have sovereignty in the territory it occupies.

The international community officially regards East Jerusalem as occupied territory.

Moreover, no country in the world recognises Jerusalem as Israels capital, with the exception of the US and Russia, the latter which announced its recognition of West Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, and East Jerusalem as the capital of the future Palestinian state.

As of now, embassies in Israel are based in the commercial capital, Tel Aviv, although some countries have based their consulate offices in Jerusalem.





Palestinians in Jerusalem

Despite Israels de facto annexation of East Jerusalem, Palestinians who live there were not granted Israeli citizenship.

Today, some 420,000 Palestinians in East Jerusalem have permanent residency ID cards. They also carry temporary Jordanian passports without a national identification number. This means that they are not full Jordanian citizens  they need a work permit to work in Jordan and do not have access to governmental services and benefits such as reduced education fees.

Palestinian Jerusalemites are essentially stateless, stuck in legal limbo  they are not citizens of Israel, nor are they citizens of Jordan or Palestine.

Israel treats Palestinians in East Jerusalem as foreign immigrants who live there as a favour granted to them by the state and not by right, despite having been born there. They are required to fulfil a certain set of requirements to maintain their residency status and live in constant fear of having their residency revoked.

Any Palestinian who has lived outside the boundaries of Jerusalem for a certain period of time, whether in a foreign country or even in the West Bank, is at risk of losing their right to live there.

Those who cannot prove that the centre of their life is in Jerusalem and that they have lived there continuously, lose their right to live in their city of birth. They must submit dozens of documents including title deeds, rent contracts and salary slips. Obtaining citizenship from another country also leads to the revocation of their status.

In the meantime, any Jew around the world enjoys the right to live in Israel and to obtain Israeli citizenship under Israels Law of Return.

Since 1967, Israel has revoked the status of 14,000 Palestinians, according to Israeli rights group BTselem.





Settlements

Israels settlement project in East Jerusalem, which is aimed at the consolidation of Israels control over the city, is also considered illegal under international law.

The UN has affirmed in several resolutions that the settlement project is in direct contravention of the Fourth Geneva Convention, which prohibits an occupying country from transferring its population into the areas it occupies.

READ MORE: What are illegal Israeli settlements?

There are several reasons behind this: to ensure that the occupation is temporary and to prevent the occupying state from establishing a long-term presence through military rule; to protect the occupied civilians from the theft of resources; to prevent apartheid and changes in the demographic makeup of the territory.

Yet, since 1967, Israel has built more than a dozen housing complexes for Jewish Israelis, known as settlements, some in the middle of Palestinian neighbourhoods in East Jerusalem.

About 200,000 Israeli citizens live in East Jerusalem under army and police protection, with the largest single settlement complex housing 44,000 Israelis.

Such fortified settlements, often scattered between Palestinians homes, infringe on the freedom of movement, privacy and security of Palestinians.

Though Israel claims Jerusalem as its undivided capital, the realities for those who live there cannot be more different.

While Palestinians live under apartheid-like conditions, Israelis enjoy a sense of normality, guaranteed for them by their state.
Controversial Sheriff David Clarke of Milwaukee County says he will join Trumps Department of Homeland Security.

A provocative African-American sheriff, David A Clarke of Milwaukee County, has announced that he will accept a position as an assistant secretary in the US Department of Homeland Security.





Although he is registered and has run campaigns as a Democrat, Clarke is a staunch supporter of Republican President Donald Trump and his views align with conservative rightists.

Clarke, who often wears a cowboy hat or elaborate military insignia, has become a regular guest at right-wing media outlets and often rails against abortion, the Black Lives Matter movement, gun control and Muslims.

Speaking to a local radio programme recently, Clarke claimed he will be working in Homeland Securitys department for partnership and engagement.

But the Department of Homeland of Security said on its official Twitter account that the appointment is yet to be official.

Sr. positions are announced when made official by the Sec. No such announcement w/ regard to the Office of Public Engagement has been made.  Homeland Security (@DHSgov) May 17, 2017

If the appointment moves forward, Clarke will join the swath of Trump-appointed officials who aim to introduce increasingly hardline right-wing policies, including Attorney General Jeff Sessions, Trumps chief strategist Steve Bannon and Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos.

Asked whether his controversial opinions would inform his approach to the job, Clarke told Al Jazeera: Assistant Secretaries do not set policy or agency direction. They carry out policy and directives handed down by the Secretary of DHS.

So what are Clarkes views on some of the most pressing issues facing the US?

Black Lives Matter

Clarke has on several occasions attacked the popular civil rights movement Black Lives Matter (BLM), which spread across the country in recent years in response to the disproportionate levels of police violence targeting African Americans.

Proclaiming that the US was in a state of civil war in a July 2016 op-ed in the political news publication The Hill, Clarke decried BLM as a revolutionary Marxist force that seeks guerrilla urban warfare against police.

He condemned former president Barack Obama for not declaring BLM an enemy of the state and likened the group to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS).

READ MORE: Will killings by police rise in Trumps America?

In response to Clarkes announcement, BLM co-founder Patrisse Cullors pointed out that at least four people have died in Milwaukee jails under his watch and that he has continually worked to increase policing in communities of colour since assuming the country sheriff position in 2002.

If true, it would represent an overt attack against Black Lives Matter and black and brown communities across the country and the globe by the Trump administration, Cullors wrote.

Civil liberties

Clarke has advocated expanding the scope of the Guantanamo Bay prison and suspending habeas corpus, effectively introducing limitless detention without charges.

We are at war. Homegrown radicalisation has the enemy inside our borders, Clarke wrote in his new book, as reported by Milwaukees Journal Sentinel in November.

Islamist radicalised Americans are not criminals; they are enemy combatants.

Is the FBI afraid of charging Americans giving aid or support to ISIS with Treason? They forfeit their US citizenship and held at Gitmo.  David A. Clarke, Jr. (@SheriffClarke) December 18, 2015

He urged law enforcement to scoop them up, charge them with treason and, under habeas corpus, detain them indefinitely at Gitmo [Guantanamo Bay].

Gun control

Clarke, who often boasts of his membership of the National Rifle Association (NRA), a pro-gun lobby group, has lashed out at Democrats who push measures to tighten the restrictions on owning and carrying firearms.

Speaking at the NRA Leadership Conference in May 2016, Clarke argued that all civilians should carry a weapon for self defence.

Dont ever let anyone tell you to outsource your safety to the government, he proclaimed. Defend yourself in ways [that are] more advantageous to you, then dial 911.

Campaigns and groups that advocate gun control point out that firearms are the number one means by which most homicides are committed.

In 2016 alone, there were 477 mass shootings in the US, according to Mass Shooting Tracker, a group that monitors such incidents. At least 604 people were killed in those attacks.

READ MORE: What is the alt-right and what does it stand for?

In a joint statement by Everytown for Gun Safety and Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, the two pro-gun control groups decried Clarkes reported appointment.

Sheriff David Clarkes reported appointment to the Department of Homeland Security is just the latest gift to the gun lobby  a continuing return on the NRAs more than $30m investment into the Trump campaign, said John Feinblatt, president of Everytown for Gun Safety.

In the same statement, Shannon Watts, founder of Moms Demand Action, said Clarke endorses the NRAs extremist agenda.

She said those policies put communities of colour, women and children at increased risk  and policies that our army of volunteers will fight tooth and nail against in our nations Capitol and in statehouses across the country.
Eastern Ghouta, in northern Damascus suburbs, has been partially besieged by the Syrian government since 2013. It has an estimated population of 400,000, according to a report by Netherlands-based Siege Watch.

In 2013, the Syrian government banned civilians from going into or out of the enclave, allowing only some food deliveries to be received or sold.

Eastern Ghouta is one of the three cordons around the capital Damascus, the southern suburbs to the south, and Western Ghouta (Daraya and Moadamiya) to the southwest.

Erbin is one of the 22 communities located in Eastern Ghouta. The towns civilians, markets, hospitals and schools have come under Russian and Syrian air attacks. Erbin has been a stronghold for major rebel groups, including Jaish al-Islam, al-Rahman Corps and al-Qaeda-linked Levant Liberation Committee (Hayat Tahrir al-Sham) during much of the six-year conflict.

Civilians live in harsh conditions in Eastern Ghouta, sometimes with no water, electricity or public services to help facilitate their daily lives.

But people have managed to adapt and create their own way of living, such as making use of the towns rich trees for food, manually pumping water from existing wall pipes.

An agreement, signed by Russia, Turkey and Iran in the Kazakh capital of Astana last week, called for a cessation of hostilities between rebel groups and forces fighting on behalf of the Syrian government in four de-escalation zones located mainly in opposition-held areas of the country.

Eastern Ghouta was one of these areas.

The plan specifies that a six-month renewable truce should take effect on May 6 and that Assads air force would halt all flights over the de-escalation areas.

It also stressed that hostilities will be controlled between the parties, including the use of any types of weapons. Unhindered, immediate and safe humanitarian access will be provided under the supervision of the Syrian government, the document said.

Erbins residents have no choice but to sit and wait for their fate.
Unfortunately, there is not much to celebrate on the 26th anniversary of Eritreas independence.

Twenty-six years ago today, Eritreas 30-year war of independence against Ethiopia ended with Eritrean freedom fighters marching to the capital, Asmara. Unfortunately, it took less than a decade for the grand hopes and ideals that Eritreans initially had for the future of their country to evaporate into thin air.

The international media has limited access to the country and, as a result, their coverage of Eritrea is limited to a shallow narrative focusing on indefinite military conscription and refugees.

But the Eritrean story is far more complicated than these one-dimentional labels.





After independence the country gradually descended into a fiefdom, serving as a grand laboratory for the negligent and oppressive government experiments of President Isaias Afwerki and his clique. Over the past two and a half decades Eritrean authorities have been accused of a variety of abuses. These accusations culminated in a report by the the UN Commission of Inquiry on Human Rights in Eritrea in 2016, which declared the Eritrean state guilty of crimes against humanity.

As a result of short-sighted economic policies, the country has been mired in abject poverty. Citizens are left with two options  flee at any cost or stay and slowly rot in their homeland. In a country that is not even close to supporting itself on local commodities, importation of goods has been outlawed since 2003. The ruling party (PFDJ) and its organs are allowed to import and ration basic food items  they ration chewing gum at the partys stores and alcoholic drinks at bars.

There is no rule of law or constitutional underpinning in the country. The president long ago shelved the national constitution that was ratified in 1997 after a four-year drafting process. Yet, in his Independence Day address in 2014, he announced that another constitution would be drafted. This ended up being just another excuse to buy time and divert attention from the countrys problems.

A prison state

Eritrea has devolved into a prison state where military commanders maintain underground prison centres to extort money from innocent citizens. More than 360 prison facilities operate in this small country with a population of fewer than five million people.

Apart from the extortionary prison centres, the other means of generating money is human trafficking, with some Eritreans paying as much as $6,000 to be smuggled out of the country.

IN PICTURES: The Eritreans fleeing to Ethiopia

This is a nation ranked last (No 180) eight years (2009-2016) in a row on the Reporters Without Borders World Press Freedom Index, and named the most censored country on earth by the Committee to Protect Journalists.

As they have done for many years, Eritrean authorities continue to ruthlessly restrict and punish both independent and state journalists. Denial of freedom also extends to religious practices, where all Protestant denominations of Christianity have been banned since 2002. State interference also extends to the Coptic Orthodox Church, which is supposed to be permitted to operate in the country. The churchs 3rd Patriarch, Abune Antonios, was ousted and placed under house arrest in defiance of Pope Shenouda III of the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria in 2007.

Apart from the trivial exercise of democracy in schools (electing class monitors), free elections have never been permitted in Eritrea. From the smallest unit to the highest ministerial level, all officials are appointed, not elected. by

Education in tatters

Although Eritrea boasts about expanding basic education and building schools, various factors effectively have turned the schools into ghost houses. Some schools operate with a single teacher who is expected to do all the teaching as well as covering administrative chores. Eritrea has been applauded for achieving some of the UNs Millennium Development Goals, yet most Eritreans who can afford it seek basic medications in neighbouring countries. All private clinics have been banned since 2010. Most government clinics and hospitals are regularly short of basic supplies, and patients are often asked to get intravenous drips and other medical supplies from private pharmacies.

Construction of new houses has been outlawed since 2005 despite acute shortages, and so is fishing in coastal areas where locals depend on it for their food and livelihood.

In a society that places a high value on education, the state wages a systematic war against education.

This started in 2001 when the regime ordered most teachers to work on national service salary, and the decline was exacerbated two years later when the government moved the final year of secondary school to a military training centre, Sawa, where students combine military training with regular studies. As another impediment to education, the only university in the country, the University of Asmara, was closed in 2006, replaced by underequipped, semi-military colleges.

With the systematic discouragement and prohibition of business, construction, private clinics and the university, much of the countrys productive human resources and capital have fled. As a result, many of the remaining citizens, those with a small amount of capital, have started investing in farms that arent reliant on imported goods. Yet, the state makes this difficult, too, by frequently fixing prices and confiscating privately owned tractors during the high season.

Apart from the trivial exercise of democracy in schools (electing class monitors), free elections have never been permitted in Eritrea. From the smallest unit to the highest ministerial level, all officials are appointed, not elected.

Recycling state propoganda





The national media ceaselessly recycle state propaganda. Print and online media have deteriorated into private photo albums of the president, while the national TV station, ERI-TV, is essentially a giant selfie-stick for the president.

Recently, hype has been generated about the booming mining sector in Eritrea, yet every day the country is being pushed closer to abject poverty. Eritreas share of mining income and the way it is spent is closely controlled by the president and his close associates.

While every Eritrean state action since independence has disregarded the rule of law and worsened living conditions, the negative effect of these policies has intensified since 2012. In addition to the regular military conscription, the regime decreed a popular army programme that requires all civilians between the ages of 18 and 70 to be armed and available to perform free manual labour at a moments notice.

These draconian policies were coupled with local currency redemption at the beginning of 2016. According to the new policy, Eritrean nationals can withdraw no more than 5,000 Nakfa (about the cost of a months rent for a two-bedroom house in the capital) in a single month from their savings. This rule is in effect despite the fact that the nations economy absolutely relies on cashflow.

READ MORE: Exiled Eritreans campaign for freedom of journalists

With the resulting severe lack of currency flow and other extreme restrictions, prices for most items have been skyrocketing. Yet the government, in an attempt to balance the market, forces local farmers in Eritrea to sell their products at fixed prices. For example, during the most recent Easter holiday, police were deployed to the marketplace to make sure consumable products such as tomato and onions were being sold at fixed prices.

While the opposition to the Eritrean government from the international community and the Eritrean diaspora has gradually been increasing, geological developments in the region have been strenghtening the regimes hand. At a high cost to local residents who have been pushed away from fishing and other jobs in the port of Assab, Eritrean authorities have leased that port to the United Arab Emirates for coalition forces to conduct their joint military operation against Yemen. Another island has been leased to Egypt to destabilise Ethiopia. Apart from President Afwerki and his group, nobody in Eritrea benefits from such dealings.

For the past three to four years, the president has been isolating himself and growing increasingly paranoid, depending more and more on his military and security forces. Afwerki has launched poorly planned and researched capital projects that drain material resources and manpower from the small nation. A blatant example of this is the many dam projects for which the whole nation is required to provide free labour and the president serves as site manager. He moved his office to the construction site and handles daily presidential tasks from his new location.

This is the exceedingly gloomy situation in which Eritrea found itself while celebrating its hard-won independence. Happy Independence Day, Eritrea  anyways.

Abraham T. Zere is a US-based Eritrean writer and journalist who is serving as the executive director of PEN Eritrea in exile. Among others his articles  that mainly deal with Eritreas gross human rights abuses and lack of freedom of expression  have appeared on The Guardian, The Independent and the Index on Censorship Magazine. Follow him on Twitter: @abraham_zere

The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial policy.
When President Donald Trump followed through on his campaign promise to pull the United States out of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), the global foreign policy establishment was appalled. Pundits accused the president of abandoning Asia, and many predicted that China would quickly fill the gap left by a retreating America.

Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull went so far as to publicly invite China to take Americas place in the agreement. China did not respond. And Japan declined to go ahead with any agreement that did not include the US. Japans President Shinzo Abe said that a TPP without the United States would be meaningless.





So much for Asia being pulled into Beijings orbit as a result of Trumps policies.

Four months later, political pundits have shifted from arguing that Trumps hostility toward China could lead to a full-scale Pacific war to worrying that Trump is too close to China. They fret that Trumps Asia policies are sowing anxiety and confusion in the region, undermining American credibility and calling into question long-standing commitments.

Is Trump abandoning US allies or courting World War III? As with everything Trump, the truth can be hard to find behind all the smoke and mirrors. Only this time the confusion isnt coming from the presidents Twitter account. Its coming from Trumps critics. They dont seem to be able to accept the possibility that Trumps Asia policy may be working after all.

Better Together

The US-China relationship is the single most important international relationship in the world. Together the US and China make up 36 percent of the worlds economy, and American supply chains are deeply embedded in China. In a real economic sense, China isnt in the far east at all. Its in the far west of an integrated Pacific world.

Though many Asians have concerns about Chinas aggressive geopolitical maneouvring in the South China Sea, no one in Asia wants conflict between China and the US. After all, when elephants fight, its the grass that gets trampled. And that holds for economic conflict every bit as much as for a shooting war.

OPINION: Trumps greatest deal

Thus Asia breathed a sign of relief on May 11 when the Trump administration announced a wide-ranging deal to unclog many of the sticking points in the US-China economic relationship. At first glance the deal appears underwhelming: it covers a seemingly random set of issues ranging from chicken and beef to credit cards and rating agencies to genetically modified seeds. In return the US at long last has accepted Chinas One Belt, One Road Asian infrastructure initiative.

When Xi travelled to Mar-a-Lago in April, he was playing a high-stakes game in Trump's house, and as any casino owner knows, the house always wins. Against all expectations, Trump's Asia policy is working. It's time for the pundits to admit it. by

Dig down into the details, and it becomes clear that the deal focuses on practical bread-and-butter issues that matter to US companies. It is nothing like the TPP, a mammoth trade and investment treaty that was designed to set the terms for the 21st-century Pacific economy. Trumps China deal sticks to expanding opportunities for big American companies to make money in China.

That may disappoint human rights activists, who want the United States to apply pressure on China to improve its abysmal human rights record, but it is likely to please Americas Asian partners, who prize stability above all else. There is little appetite in the region for tension between the United States and China.

Chinas ambassador to the United States, Cui Tiankai, traces all of this to Trumps meeting with Xi at the Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida in April. Hes probably right. In just two months, Trump and Xi have settled a host of long-festering trade issues, swept aside tensions over One Belt, One Road, and come to terms on North Korea. So much for World War III.

The Korean Conundrum

Just before the Mar-a-Lago summit, Trump famously warned that if China is not going to solve North Korea, we will. He went on to explain that trade is the incentive. It is all about trade. Two months later we have a quiescent North Korea and a US-China trade deal. It seems Trump was playing it straight all along.

China continually urges restraint in responding to North Koreas provocations, and it now seems clear that China is working behind the scenes to ensure that the North Korea issue does not spiral out of control. Chinas levers of influence over North Korea are opaque but very real. If there was a deal between Trump and Xi to keep North Korea quiet, Xi certainly seems to be holding up his end of the bargain.

When Xi traveled to Mar-a-Lago in April, he was playing a high-stakes game in Trumps house, and as any casino owner knows, the house always wins. Against all expectations, Trumps Asia policy is working. Its time for the pundits to admit it.

Salvatore Babones is a comparative sociologist at the University of Sydney. He is a specialist in global economic structure.

The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial policy.
Italian Coast Guard launches major rescue operation with about 700 people saved, many of them children.

About 1,000 asylum seekers stranded in the Mediterranean after setting off from Libya prompted a massive rescue effort with hundreds being saved.

Four Italian Coast Guard ships went out to recover the asylum seekers on Tuesday from at least 11 rafts and barges trying to reach European shores. Joining the Italians were vessels belonging to the UNs Save the Children, the SOS Mediterranee, and the German NGO Jugend Rettet.

According to reports by the Jugend Rettet, its crew witnessed shots fired from a ship with Libyan Coast Guard markings in the direction of one raft. A photo posted on Twitter suggests the Libyan Coast Guard boarded one raft and held passengers at gun point.

Jugend Rettet also said several boats were pushed back into Libyan waters, which would represent a violation of the non-refoulement principle. Under this principle of international law, asylum seekers are not to be returned to a country where they face danger of persecution.

SOS Mediterranee reported that 700 people had been safely rescued and taken aboard. Many were children, it said.

The head of the United Nations refugee agency, Filippo Grandi, urged Libyan authorities to free all asylum seekers and refugees from its detention centres, describing the conditions as shocking.
UK home secretary says suspected bomber likely did not act alone as soldiers take on guard duties at key public sites.

Britains home secretary has said the man suspected of killing at least 22 people and wounding dozens at a concert arena in Manchester city likely did not act alone.

Amber Rudd told public broadcaster the BBC on Wednesday that suspected suicide bomber Salem Abedi, a 22-year-old Briton, had been known to security services up to a point.

Her comments came as security was being tightened and police were investigating a network over the attack, which was carried out at the Manchester Arena on Monday evening.

Officials are examining Abedis trips to Libya as they piece together his allegiances and try to foil any new potential threats.

READ MORE: Manchester attack  Defiant residents stage vigil

The suspect apparently detonated a device in the foyer of the concert venue, following a performance by Ariana Grande, an American pop star.

British news media said the youngest victim, Saffie Rose Roussos, was eight years old.

Nearly 3,800 soldiers have been deployed on Britains streets, taking on guard duties at sites such as Buckingham Palace and Downing Street to free up police to focus on patrols and investigation, Rudd told the BBC.

Police and intelligence agencies detained two more suspects on Wednesday  one in the town of Wigan, west of Manchester  in connection with the attack. The sixth arrest was of a female suspect.

Brother arrested

The latest arrests take the total number in the UK to six, including Abedis brother Ismail.

We have made an arrest in Wigan this afternoon in connection with the investigation into the horrific incident at Manchester Arena, a spokeswoman for Greater Manchester Police said.

When arrested, the man was carrying a package which we are currently assessing.

In a related development, Libyan authorities announced on Wednesday the arrest of Abedis younger brother, Hashem Abedi, and his father, Ramadan Abedi, in Tripoli.

A counterterrorism force known as Rada detained Hashem Abedi on Tuesday evening, Ahmed Bin Salem, a spokesperson, told Reuters news agency.

The rest of Abedis family is also thought to be in Libya.

Earlier in the day, police in Britain raided and searched a property elsewhere in Manchester where Ismail Abedi is thought to have lived.

Ian Hopkins, chief constable of Greater Manchester Police, said: I think its very clear that this is a network that we are investigating.

And as Ive said, it continues at a pace. Theres extensive investigation going on and activity taking place across Greater Manchester, as we speak.

READ MORE: UK politicians suspend campaigning after attack

Authorities have raised the terrorism threat to critical amid concerns that Abedi may have had accomplices who are planning another attack.

Al Jazeeras Barnaby Phillips, reporting from Manchester, said it was a sophisticated attack  the first successful bomb in the UK for 12 years  and that, as Abedi had only recently returned from Libya, it was unlikely he would have had time to make the bomb himself.

So, if he was carrying a bomb which had been made by somebody else, then [the questions are] who is that other person, where is he or she at this point in time, and what might they be planning to do, he said.

All of those are alarming questions for the British authorities and they help explain why the threat level has been raised to critical, why there are now British soldiers on the streets.

Abedi was born in Britain, grew up in Manchesters southern suburbs and attended the local Salford University for a time.

Police on Tuesday raided his house, using a controlled explosion to blast down the door.

Neighbours recalled him as a tall, thin young man who often wore traditional dress and did not talk much.

Theresa May, Britains prime minister, chaired a meeting on Wednesday of her emergency security cabinet group to talk about intelligence reports on Abedi and concerns that he might have had outside support.

Frances interior minister said on Wednesday that Abedi is believed to have travelled to Syria and had proven links with the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).

Gerard Collomb told BFM television that British and French intelligence have information that Abedi had been to Syria.

ISIL responsibility claim

ISIL, also known as ISIS, has claimed responsibility for the attack on its social media channels, saying one of the caliphates soldiers placed bombs among the crowds.

However, British officials have not confirmed Abedis links to ISIL or other armed groups.

In addition to those killed in Monday evenings concert attack, Manchester officials have raised to 119 the number of people who sought medical treatment after the attack, including those who travelled to hospitals on their own.

Jon Rouse of the Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership said on Wednesday that 64 people remain hospitalised,





Officials said 20 of them are being treated for critical injuries.

Many of those still hospitalised had serious wounds that will require very long term care and support in terms of their recovery, Rouse said.

Officials said all those hospitalised had been identified.

Al Jazeeras Phillips, reporting from Manchester on Wednesday, said there is anger in the city over the attacks.

What is more of a danger is division and communities turning against each other. Ive heard small scale anecdotal stuff to that effect, he said.

But the overall impression Ive had here is of a city doing its absolute best at a time of agony and grief to pull together.

Speaking to Al Jazeera, Andy Burnham, Manchesters mayor, said: The people of Manchester are bigger than that, they are better than that. They know what the purpose of terrorism is  to divide  and they wont let that happen.

So there are grounds for hope and the message I will be repeatedly putting out in the next few days is that this man was a terrorist, an extremist. Not a representative of the Muslim community.
Human rights group calls for the release of Ahmad Qatamesh, a prominent writer jailed without charges or trial.

The international rights watchdog Amnesty International has called on Israel to immediately release a Palestinian writer who has been jailed without charges or trial.

Israeli forces arrested 66-year-old Ahmad Qatamesh on May 14 during house raids across the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem.

Last week, he was placed under a three-month period of administrative detention, a practice in which Israel imprisons Palestinians without charge or trial, often based on secret evidence. An Israeli military court has yet to approve that order.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Magdalena Mughrabi, Amnestys deputy director for the Middle East and North Africa, called Qatamesh a prisoner of conscience.





The group said he was detained solely due to his non-violent political activities and writing and to deter activism by other Palestinians.

Qatamesh is an influential author, writer and professor whose lectures are widely attended in the West Bank. He is well known for his solidarity activism on behalf of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jail.

Ahmad Qatamesh shouldnt spend a single minute more behind bars, let alone be detained for three months without charge or trial, Mughrabi said.

He is a prisoner of conscience and should be released immediately and unconditionally.

In the statement, Mughrabi also called for Israel to end its cruel use of administrative detention altogether.

Instead of indefinitely detaining Palestinians without charge or trial, Israel should end its use of administrative detention, which inflicts huge emotional suffering on detainees and their families, placing them in a permanent state of uncertainty, she said.

At time of publication, the spokesperson for the Shin Bet, the Israeli intelligence agency, had not replied to Al Jazeeras request for a comment.

READ MORE: Israel jails writer Ahmad Qatamesh without charges

According to The Times of Israel, the Shin Bet has accused Qatamesh of membership in the leftist Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP).

Suha Barghouti, his wife, rejects those claims, believing instead that he was targeted for his vocal support of Palestinians on hunger strike in Israeli jails for the last 38 days.

The Palestinian Maan News Agency estimates that 1,300 Palestinians are currently fasting behind bars, while Israeli media outlets have put the number in the high hundreds.

Barghouti told Al Jazeera that Israeli intelligence has summoned her husband for interrogation several times in the past year, often warning him to not speak too provocatively in support of prisoners rights and other struggles.

He says he will go on for his life telling his opinion, she said earlier this week. We dont know yet what is happening or why, but I think [it happened] because he is campaigning for the prisoners and is very active.

She added: The Israelis believe targeting intellectuals and civil society is the most effective way.

Years behind bars

Qatamesh has been arrested by Israel time and again. Of the more than 13 years he was behind bars, at least eight and a half were under administrative detention.

He was first jailed in the 1970s for charges related to alleged involvement in the PFLP.

In 1992, Israel arrested him yet again and placed him under administrative detention for more than six years. In his book I Shall Not Wear Your Tarboush, Qatamesh wrote about torture and rights violations he says he endured during that period.

He was arrested yet again in April 2011 and placed under administrative detention for more than two-and-a-half years. In 2013, Amnesty International deemed him a prisoner of conscience while he was still behind bars and called for his release.

READ MORE: What it means to be a Palestinian prisoner in Israel

Alaa Tartir, programme director at Al-Shabaka: The Palestinian Policy Network, also believes that Israel targeted Qatamesh to quell solidarity with the ongoing mass hunger strike.

As a brutal military occupation regime, [Israel] reacts violently [to the growing solidarity], he told Al Jazeera by email, arguing that it is using protests for the hunger strike as a pretext to carry out yet more arrests.

Qatamesh, a prisoner of conscience according to Amnesty International, was targeted by Israel in an attempt to silence such voices and limit their public influence.

Of the more than 6,300-plus Palestinians in Israeli jails, an estimated 500 are administrative detainees, according to Addameer, a West Bank-based prisoners rights group.
Amnesty International urges the US and other countries to stop arms transfers that could fuel atrocities.

The US army has failed to monitor over $1bn worth of arms and other military equipment transfers to Kuwait and Iraq, Amnesty International says in a report citing a 2016 US government audit.

The now-declassified document by the US Department of Defence (DoD) audit, was obtained by the rights group following Freedom of Information requests.

The audit reveals that the DoD did not have accurate, up-to-date records on the quantity and location of a vast amount of equipment on hand in Kuwait and Iraq.

Some records were incomplete, while duplicated spreadsheets, handwritten receipts and the lack of a central database increased the risk for human-error while entering data.

READ MORE: ISIL wont be defeated on the battlefield

This audit provides a worrying insight into the US armys flawed  and potentially dangerous  system for controlling millions of dollars worth of arms transfers to a hugely volatile region, says Patrick Wilcken, Amnesty Internationals Arms Control and Human Rights researcher, in the report.

The rights group says in the report that its own research has consistently documented lax controls and record-keeping within the Iraqi chain of command, which had resulted in arms winding up in the hands of armed groups such as the Islamic State of Iraq and Levant (ISIL).

After all this time and all these warnings, the same problems keep occurring, Wilcken said.

Irresponsible transfers

The military transfers were part of the Iraq Train and Equip Fund (ITEF), a programme that appropriated $1.6bn to provide assistance to military and other security services associated with the government of Iraq, including Kurdish and tribal security forces.

The transfers included small arms and heavy weapons, machine guns, mortar rounds and assault rifles.

This effort is focused on critical ground forces needed to degrade and ultimately defeat ISIL [also known as ISIS] in Iraq, secure its national borders and prevent ISIL from developing safe havens, the DoD said in a report justifying ITEF.





If support is not provided American interests in the region would be undermined.

In response to the audit, the US army has pledged to implement corrective actions.

This occurred during the Obama administration as well, and groups such as Amnesty International repeatedly called on irresponsible arms transfers to be tackled, as the weapons were not only falling into the hands of groups like ISIL but also pro-Tehran Shia jihadists fighting for the Iraqi government, Tallha Abdulrazaq, a security researcher at the University of Exeter, told Al Jazeera via email.

While ISIL certainly needs to be fought, if this is achieved by hurling arms at groups that are just as extreme as the militant group, how does that resolve the situation?

Amnesty International has urged the US to comply with laws and treaties to stop arms transfers or diversion of arms that could fuel atrocities.

This should be an urgent wake-up call for the US, and all countries supplying arms to urgently shore up checks and controls, Wilcken said.
Two explosions strike bus station in Indonesias capital, killing three police officers and wounding 10 people.

Suspected suicide bombers killed three Indonesian police officers and wounded 10 people in twin blasts near a bus station in the eastern part of the capital.

The explosions went off minutes apart on Wednesday night at Jakartas Kampung Melayu terminal, police said.

Initially I heard a loud bang I thought it was burst tyre. I saw many people gathered and taking pictures with their mobile phones. I approached them to find out what happened and I saw a severed arm on the street, said fruit seller Ardi Maulana.

Police spokesman Setyo Wasisto said three officers were killed and 10 people wounded and are receiving medical care. Five were police and five were civilians.

There were two blasts at around 9pm, close to each other, there are three victims, Andry Wibowo, East Jakarta police chief, told TV station MetroTV.

From the damage I can see the explosions were pretty big.

Another witness, Sultan Muhammad Firdaus, told local television station Kompas TV he had heard two explosions.

I was on a flyover and then I heard the first explosion, he said. There was a 10-minute gap between the two explosions.

Indonesia has long been fighting armed groups but in recent years hundreds have flocked to fight for Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) in Syria and Iraq.

In 2016, a gun-and-suicide attack in Jakarta left four attackers and four civilians dead in the first assault claimed by ISIL, also known as ISIS, in Southeast Asia.

This is the biggest attack in the capital since last year, Al Jazeeras Step Vaessen said, reporting from Jakarta. Police say they were on high alert after the attack in Manchester and they were expecting something. They only didnt know what was going to happen and where.

Authorities in the worlds biggest Muslim-majority nation are increasingly worried about a surge in radicalism, driven in part by a new generation of fighters inspired by ISIL.

While most of the attacks have been poorly organised, authorities believe about 400 Indonesians have gone to join the group in Syria, and could pose a more lethal threat if they come home.

Indonesia has suffered a series of attacks in the past 15 years, including the 2002 Bali bombings that killed 202 people, mostly foreign tourists.

A sustained crackdown weakened the most dangerous networks, but the emergence of ISIL has proved a potent new rallying cry for armed groups.
Visit comes after public disagreements between the two men over climate change, immigration and refugee policy.

Pope Francis has welcomed US President Donald Trump at the Vatican, in a meeting that comes against a backdrop of disagreements on a range of issues, including immigration, climate change and refugee policy.

The two mens world views collided head-on early last year, when Francis was sharply critical of Trumps election campaign pledge to build an impenetrable wall on the Mexican border and his declaration that the United States should turn away Muslim immigrants and refugees.

READ MORE: Pope offers strong words of support to immigrants in US

A person who thinks only about building walls, wherever they may be, and not building bridges, is not Christian, Francis said at the time. The pontiff has been a vocal advocate for immigrants and aiding refugees, particularly those fleeing the violence in Syria, deeming it both a moral imperative and Christian duty to help.

Trump hit back by calling Franciss comments disgraceful for doubting his faith.

But despite their previous disagreements, Al Jazeeras James Bays, reporting from Rome, said that many expect a pretty standard meeting between a head of state and the pontiff.

On Wednesday, Trump will be given a tour of the Vatican after he arrives and will then first meet the pope in his library. The two men will then be left alone with a translator to hold a private discussion before emerging again to exchange gifts and farewells.

Trumps visit to the Vatican has met a number of smaller protests. Climate change activists projected the words Planet Earth First on the massive dome of St. Peters Basilica at the Vatican on Tuesday night as Trump arrived in Rome.

Protests are also expected on Wednesday in Rome and later in the week when Trump travels to Brussels for a NATO meeting and Sicily for a G7 gathering.

The visit to the Vatican is part of Trumps first foreign trip as US president and comes after stops in Saudi Arabia, Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories.
The Philippine president has threatened to impose martial law nationwide to combat a serious threat in the southern region of Mindanao after fighters there beheaded a police officer and took churchgoers hostage.

The ongoing violence has forced thousands to flee the city of Marawi, located about 816km south of the capital Manila.

I will not hesitate to do anything and everything to protect and preserve the Filipino nation, Rodrigo Duterte said on Wednesday after arriving back in Manila from his trip to Russia.

READ MORE: Children and Dutertes drug war  Lessons from the past

I might declare martial law throughout the country to protect the people.

Duterte declared martial law on Tuesday in Mindanao  which makes up roughly one-third of the Philippines and is home to 20 million people  in an immediate response to the attacks by the fighters.

The military claimed to have killed at least 13 fighters, members of groups that have pledged allegiance to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, known as ISIS) group.





The roughly 100 attackers roamed through Marawi, killing five soldiers, taking a priest and an unspecified number of other people hostage from a church, setting fire to buildings and flying black ISIL flags, according to Duterte and his aides.

Duterte said the fighters beheaded the local police chief after capturing him at a road checkpoint.

Local television station GMA News also published exclusive images of nine civilians, who were reportedly killed by the armed fighters.

ABS-CBN television channel also quoted the interior ministry as saying that the fighters managed to take control of the city jail and freed 107 prisoners.

The violence first erupted on Tuesday after the army raided the hideout of Isnilon Hapilon, a commander of the Abu Sayyaf group.

Abu Sayyaf then called for reinforcements from an allied group, the Maute, and dozens of fighters managed to enter Marawi, home to about 200,000 people.

In ensuing clashes with the attackers, security personnel lost three of their comrades.

The attackers reportedly burned a Catholic church, the city jail, and two schools, as well as occupied the main streets and two bridges leading to Marawi.

READ MORE: Peace is still possible in Dutertes Philippines

Archbishop Socrates Villegas, president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, said the fighters forced their way into the Marawi Cathedral and seized a priest, 10 worshippers and three church workers.

They have threatened to kill the hostages if the government forces unleashed against them are not recalled, Villegas said in a statement.

[The priest] was not a combatant. He was not bearing arms. He was a threat to none. His capture and that of his companions violates every norm of civilised conflict.

Al Jazeeras Jamela Alindogan, reporting from Mindanao on Wednesday, said there is an exodus of thousands of residents from Marawi.

People have been walking for hours to try to escape the violence and get out of a city that was once the most peaceful in the southern Philippines, she said.

Abu Sayyaf and Maute have been blamed for bombings, attacks against government forces and kidnappings. They have also beheaded hostages.

Mindanao emergency

Tuesdays emergency declaration of the military rule in Mindanao took immediate effect and will last for 60 days, according to Ernesto Abella, Dutertes spokesperson, said from Russia, where Duterte was on a scheduled four-day official visit.

This is possible on the grounds of the existence of rebellion, Abella said.

Duterte had earlier hinted declaring martial law in Mindanao on May 19, saying: If I declare martial law in Mindanao, I will solve all that ails the island.

READ MORE: Inside Abu Sayyaf  Blood, drugs and conspiracies

Steven Rood, of the Asia Foundation, said there are several restrictions under the countrys current post-dictatorship constitution.

There is a time limit of 60 days, the courts continue to operate, the legislature is still there  so there has been an attempt to soften the effects of martial law, he told Al Jazeera from Manila.

On the other hand, the persisting violence in Mindanao hasnt been soft, and so particularly strong-willed people such as the president often think of something forceful like martial law.
Detention follows complaint that Ali made an obscene hand gesture outside a Cairo court in January, his lawyer says.

A prominent Egyptian opposition leader was detained on Tuesday for offending public decency amid what rights lawyers say is a wave of arrests of potential presidential candidates one year before an election.

Khaled Ali, a human rights lawyer who ran in Egypts 2012 presidential vote, was questioned by the prosecution and ordered detained for 24 hours pending investigations, lawyer Gamal Eid told Ahram Online.

Ali, who has suggested he might run against President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi in an election slated for 2018, was the main lawyer to bring a case against the government after it agreed to hand over two Red Sea islands to Saudi Arabia in April last year.

The agreement to transfer the islands of Tiran and Sanafir sparked rare protests in Egypt, which bans all but court-approved demonstrations.

READ MORE: Egypt court voids block on islands transfer to Saudis

Ali is being sued by a private citizen over a photograph in which he appears to make an obscene hand gesture while being lifted up by a crowd following his victory in the aforementioned case, according to his lawyer.

Ali denies the authenticity of the photo.

His detention order follows a spate of recent arrests that rights lawyers say has been directed at opposition figures in Egypt who have indicated they could run against Sisi next year.

Eight members of Alis left-wing Bread and Freedom Party (BFP) have been detained since April on charges including misusing social media to incite against the state and insulting the president, according to the partys legal adviser.

Egypts interior ministry denies the arrests are politically motivated.

WATCH: Is Egypt using passports to punish its opponents?

Sisi overthrew democratically elected President Mohammed Morsi, of the Muslim Brotherhood, in mid-2013 following street protests against his rule.

He has since launched a persistent and extensive crackdown and has declared the Muslim Brotherhood a terrorist organisation.

He went on to win a presidential vote in 2014, but has not said whether he will seek re-election when his current term ends in 2018.
European Court for Human Rights finds lack of commitment in Romania to address domestic assault despite legal framework.

A previous version of this article wrongly stated "EU court" in the headline. The European Court for Human Rights is part of the Council of Europe, not the European Union as the acronym suggested.

A victim of domestic violence, Angelica Balsan, has been awarded $11,000 in compensation from the Romanian government in a court ruling that says authorities failed to protect her.

Balsan was abused by her husband a total of eight times during their marriage, through the divorce, and after it. Her injuries, documented in medical and police reports, necessitated between two and 10 days care in a hospital each time.

The European Court for Human Rights (ECHR) said although there was a legal framework in Romania  the authorities had failed to apply the relevant legal provisions in her case.

Such an approach  was inconsistent with international standards on violence against women, the ECHR ruled.

READ MORE: Want to end sexual violence against women? Fix the men

Quoting official statistics, the ECHR stated domestic violence is perceived as normal in the EU member state by about 60 percent of Romanians. The court also blasted authorities for not fully appreciate[ing] the seriousness and extent of domestic violence in the country.

Some legal improvements were adopted in Romania such as shortening the timeframe to get a restraining order against aggressors to just three days.

But the Eastern European country still faces grave shortages in shelters for the abused. The majority of facilities for victims of domestic violence are run by NGOs, despite repeated pledges from authorities to address the issue.
The police officers were on patrol when their vehicle was hit a by a landmine laid by armed group al-Shabab.

At least three Kenyan police officers have been killed when their vehicle hit a landmine near the countrys eastern border with Somalia, according to a senior official.

The officers were part of a three-vehicle early morning patrol heading to the border town of Liboi when their truck hit an improvised explosive device (IED), North Eastern regional commissioner Mohamud Ali Saleh told the Reuters news agency.

Somalias al-Shabab armed group claimed responsibility for the attack.

We destroyed the police car. Some died and others were injured, Abdiasis Abu Musab, al-Shababs military spokesperson told Reuters news agency.

The Kenyan Red Cross said on Twitter eight officers had been wounded.

Al-Shabab, which is fighting to overthrow the internationally recognised Somali government, has launched a series of deadly incursions in neighbouring Kenya, which has contributed troops to the Somalia-based African Union peacekeeping force.

The latest attack came just a day after Joseph Bionnet, inspector general of police, warned that some members of the armed group had sneaked into Kenya and were planning attacks.

The militants have found it difficult to carry out attacks as they used to because all the entry points along the border have been closed. They have now resorted to planting IEDs at selected roads just to target our security officers, Saleh said.

Repeated attacks in Kenya by al-Shabab have killed hundreds of people in the past few years and hurt the countrys vital tourism industry.
Emmanuel Macron also preparing new security measures and legislation having studied new terrorist threat

Frances new president is seeking to extend the countrys state of emergency until at least November 1, according to a statement from the presidents office.

Emmanuel Macron also asked his government to prepare draft legislation to reinforce security measures permanently beyond the state of emergency, the announcement on Wednesday said.

If approved by parliament, it would be the sixth such extension. Human rights groups have previously raised concerns over the emergency rule, arguing that it diminishes civil liberties.

The move comes as Macron, who was elected in a May 7 vote, settles into office, and follows an attack in neighbouring Britain two days earlier.

On Monday, a suicide bomber in the northern city of Manchester detonated his vest at a concert arena after a performance by the American pop star Ariana Grande, killing at least 23 people, including himself.

France has been in a state of emergency, which gives sweeping powers to the police, since November 2015, when at least 130 people were killed in coordinated attacks.

The country has suffered several attacks since then, including a truck-ramming assault that killed at least 86 people in Nice last year.

Macron made the decision after a security meeting on Wednesday in which top officials studied the implications of this new terrorist attack on measures of protection to ensure the security of our compatriots.
A priest and several churchgoers have been taken hostage by fighters in Marawi City, on the Philippine island of Mindanao, as thousands of residents fled ongoing unrest that prompted President Rodrigo Duterte to declare martial law in the southern region.

As the violence continues, Duterte said on Wednesday that he will consider expanding his martial law order throughout the country in order to protect the people.

The violence erupted on Tuesday after the army raided the hideout of Isnilon Hapilon, a commander of the Abu Sayyaf group, which has pledged allegiance to ISIL. Abu Sayyaf fighters called for reinforcements from an allied group, the Maute, and dozens of gunmen managed to enter Marawi, home to about 200,000 people.

Clashes between security forces and about 100 fighters ensued, leaving at least three members of the security forces dead. The attackers reportedly burned a Catholic church, the city jail, and two schools, as well as occupied the main streets and two bridges leading to the city, located some 816km south of the capital, Manila.

READ MORE: Peace is still possible in Dutertes Philippines

Archbishop Socrates Villegas, president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, said fighters had forced their way into the Marawi Cathedral and seized a priest, 10 worshippers and three church workers.

They have threatened to kill the hostages if the government forces unleashed against them are not recalled, Villegas said in a statement.

[The priest] was not a combatant. He was not bearing arms. He was a threat to none. His capture and that of his companions violates every norm of civilised conflict, he added.

The husband of a woman being held hostage said he was worried about his wife, a secretary at the cathedral, because she does not have her medicines for a heart problem.

I hope they free them, including Father Chito and my wife and their companions, because they are innocent, Jaime Mayormita told Manilas DZMM radio.

The man said when he last called his wife, someone else answered her phone, telling him to ask the military not to go near the area.

Mayormita added he had not been able to contact his wife since then.

Officials were not available for comment on the report of hostage-taking.

Ill be harsh

The emergency declaration of the military rule took immediate effect and will last for 60 days, according to presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella, who made the announcement on Tuesday from Russia, where Duterte was on a scheduled four-day official visit.

This is possible on the grounds of the existence of rebellion, Abella said.

After cutting his trip to Russia short, Duterte said he may also declare martial law elsewhere in the Philippines if attacks continue.

He assured the public he will not allow abuses under military rule, even as he repeatedly said he will deal with terrorism harshly.

To those who have experienced martial law, it would not be any different from what president [Ferdinand] Marcos did, Duterte said. Ill be harsh.

If it would take a year to do it, if its over within a month, then Id be happy, he added.

Duterte had earlier hinted our declaring martial law in Mindanao on May 19, saying, If I declare martial law in Mindanao, I will solve all that ails the island.

READ MORE: Inside Abu Sayyaf  Blood, drugs and conspiracies

Steven Rood, of the Asia Foundation, said that there are several restrictions under the countrys current post-dictatorship constitution.

There is a time limit of 60 days, the courts continue to operate, the legislature is still there  so there has been an attempt to soften the effects of martial law, he told Al Jazeera.

On the other hand, the persisting violence in Mindanao hasnt been soft, and so particularly strong-willed people such as the president often think of something forceful like martial law.

Rood said, however, that martial law alone will not ease the situation.

Shooting to kill wont be a solution; there needs to be a much broader attempt to address the issues that are being raised by average people in Mindanao that sometimes can feed this disconentent.

Thousands flee

Al Jazeeras Jamela Alindogan, reporting from Mindanao, said that for many locals, the situation was reminiscent of the martial law imposed four decades ago.

For many who have lived through the dark years of martial law in the 1970s, this is like a living reminder of what they went through, Alindogan said.

For the young ones, who have only heard about this, this whole rebellion in Mindanao started during the martial period, and this rebellion has held back the region for decades.

She also said there was an exodus of thousands of residents from Marawi.

People have been walking for hours to try to escape the violence and get out of a city that was once the most peaceful in southern Philippines, Alindogan said.

Abu Sayyaf and Maute have been blamed for bombings, attacks against government forces and kidnappings in the Philippines. They have also beheaded hostages .

Photos posted on social media by Marawi residents showed armed men roaming the city with the black flags of ISIL.

Please pray for us here, said Mohammad Abedin, president of the Lanao Del Sur Medical Society in Marawi. We can see houses burning and we dont have electricity now.
Mayors spokesman confirms deaths of eight people, including a mother and her son, in explosion near police checkpoint.

A bombing claimed by the al-Qaeda-linked al-Shabab group has killed eight people and injured 15 more in the Somali capital, according to a spokesman for Mogadishus mayor.

Bombings are a near-daily occurrence in Mogadishu. Most are claimed by al-Shabab, an armed group that is fighting to overthrow the UN-backed government and drive out the African Union peacekeeping force that supports it.

We have confirmed that five civilians, including a mother and her son, have died, said Abdifatah Omar Halane, spokesman for the Mogadishu mayor, referring to Wednesdays bombing.

A Reuters news agency reporter at the scene saw burned bodies and a wrecked car near a damaged police checkpoint outside a restaurant near Mogadishus port.

OPINION: From a fishing village to al-Shababs most wanted

A spokesman for al-Shababs military operations admitted that one of the groups fighters was killed in the incident.

One mujahed [fighter] was martyred after he targeted security officials with his car bomb, Sheikh Abdiasis Abu Musab told Reuters.





Since withdrawing from Mogadishu in 2011, al-Shabab has lost control of most of Somalias cities and towns. But it still retains a strong presence in parts of the south and centre.

Somalias government recently declared a new offensive against al-Shabab, which has targeted military facilities, hotels and the presidential palace in recent months in Mogadishu.

Also on Wednesday, eight Kenyan security officers were killed on the Kenyan side of the Somali border in two separate roadside bombings.

Al-Shabab claimed responsibility for the first attack but could not be reached for comment on the second.

Adding to the violence, a small armed group in the north of Somalia has split from al-Shababs campaign and declared allegiance to the Islamic State of Iraq and Levant (ISIL, known as ISIS) group.

That group claimed responsibility for a bombing in the northern city of Bosasso that killed five people on Tuesday.

Somalia has been mired in civil war since 1991. It is also suffering from a regional drought that threatens to tip its population of 12 million into famine.
Beijing rejects ratings agencys assessment, saying it overestimated the risks to the Chinese economy.

International ratings agency Moodys on Wednesday cut Chinas credit rating for the first time in nearly 30 years over concerns about its growing debt mountain.

The one-notch downgrade, to A1 from Aa3, comes as China, the worlds second-biggest economy, grapples with the challenges of rising financial risks stemming from years of credit-fuelled stimulus.

The downgrade reflects Moodys expectation that Chinas financial strength will erode somewhat over the coming years, with economy-wide debt continuing to rise as potential growth slows, the agency said in a statement, while also changing its outlook for China to stable from negative.

Chinas foreign ministry rejected Moodys assessment.

It said in a statement that the downgrade  the agencys first for the country since 1989  overestimated the risks to the economy, underestimated Beijings industrial reform and financial strength and was based on inappropriate methodology.

Estimates of Chinas total non-government debt have risen from the equivalent of 170 percent of annual economic output in 2007 to 260 percent last year.

Over the same period, Chinese economic growth fell from 14.2 percent to 6.7 percent in 2016, though that still was among the worlds strongest. The finance ministry noted the growth rate ticked up to 6.9 percent in the quarter ending in March and said tax revenue rose 11.8 percent in the first four months of the year.

READ MORE: Chinas economy  Back to reality

Chinas leaders have identified the containment of financial risks and asset bubbles as a top priority this year.

Beijing is trying to steer the economy to slower, more sustainable growth based on domestic consumption instead of investment and exports. But growth has repeatedly dipped faster than planners wanted, raising the risk of politically dangerous job losses. Beijing has responded by flooding the economy with credit.

The planned reform program is likely to slow, but not prevent, the rise in leverage, Moodys said.

The importance the authorities attach to maintaining robust growth will result in sustained policy stimulus, given the growing structural impediments to achieving current growth targets. Such stimulus will contribute to rising debt across the economy as a whole.

READ MORE: Whats behind Chinas stock market meltdown?

While the downgrade is likely to modestly increase the cost of borrowing for the Chinese government and its state-owned enterprises (SOEs), it remains comfortably within the investment grade rating range.

Chinas Shanghai Composite index fell more than one percent in early trade before paring losses, while the yuan currency in the offshore market briefly dipped nearly 0.1 percent against the US dollar after the news.

The Australian dollar, often see as a liquid proxy for China risk, also slipped.

Moodys said it expects the governments direct debt burden to rise gradually towards 40 percent of GDP by 2018 and closer to 45 percent by the end of the decade.
Delegates seek to revive countrys faltering peace process amid some of the worst violence in years.

Myanmars leader Aung San Suu Kyi has opened a new round of talks aimed at reviving a stuttering peace process after months of intense regional fighting.





Hundreds of representatives from some of Myanmars biggest ethnic groups gathered in the capital city of Naypyidaw on Wednesday for a five-day conference.

The discussions are Suu Kyis second attempt to end fighting in the countrys troubled frontier regions, where various ethnic groups have been waging war against the state for almost seven decades.

The previous round of negotiations, which took place in August 2016 and was organised by the Suu Kyis National League for Democracy (NLD), was welcomed with great optimism by many, including the then United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.

But the latest talks have been met with some scepticism as there has been little progress since Suu Kyi took power more than a year ago.

Al Jazeeras Florence Looi, reporting from Naypidaw, said a major obstacle at the talks will be a landmark ceasefire accord  known as the National Ceasefire Agreement (NCA)  that was negotiated by the previous administration.

Only eight ethnic armed groups have signed the deal, Looi said. Those who havent signed will only be able to attend this round of talks a special guests, not as participants.

READ MORE: The trouble with Aung San Suu Kyi

Richard Horsey, a Yangon-based analyst and former United Nations diplomat, told the Reuters news agency that its unlikely that any new groups would sign the NCA, but they will discuss a set of potential consensus points.

Sai Kyaq Nyunt, a member of the Shan National League for Democracy, told Al Jazeera that without full participation from all ethnic groups, important issues should not be decided.

Mg Mg Soe, an ethnic affairs analyst, said, however, that the most important thing in the current situation is to be able to hold a meaningful conference.

Among the groups attending the talks as special guests are seven that have refused to sign up to the government-backed ceasefire.

READ MORE: Myanmars democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi has lost her voice

Representatives from all seven, including the United Wa State Army  Myanmars largest nonstate armed group  Kachin Independence Army (KIA), the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), the Arakan Army (AA), the Shan State Army-North (SSA-N), the National Democratic Alliance Army, and the Taang National Liberation Army (TNLA), touched down in Naypyidaw on Tuesday after weeks of fraught negotiations.

Three of those groups  the AA, TNLA and the MNDAA  were previously excluded from peace negotiations.

The United Nationalities Federal Council (UNFC), another coalition of armed groups, has refused to attend saying it had not been granted an equal place at the table.

Many armed groups have complained that Suu Kyi has not listened to their concerns and is working too closely with the military, which ran the country with an iron fist for almost half a century and was widely loathed by rebels.

When Suu Kyi took charge of the peace process last year, she dismantled a peace centre set up by the previous government that was leading talks with the rebels. Some observers say the move undermined the trust built up over the years.

They should do more informal meetings. And the peace brokers between the groups, I think the government should recognise them and expand their role, Aung Thu Nyein of the Myanmar-based Institute for Strategy and Policy said, referring to informal peace negotiators.

READ MORE: UN to urgently probe crimes against Rohingya Muslims

Among issues on the agenda for the peace talks are whether the states that make up Myanmar would be allowed to draft their own constitutions and the status of religion, a move that some say is a historic milestone for Myanmar.

In a way, it is a historic milestone in the post-colonial history of Myanmar and represents a new level of federalism, Angshuman Choudhury from the Delhi-based Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies said.

It is a strategic move by the union government to appease powerful ethnic constituencies and  prevent outright secessionism.

Renewed violence

The talks come as violence in the northeast reaches its worst point since the conflict-ridden 1980s.





I want to hope for the best. But this is not an easy process, an ethnic Shan woman told Reuters in Yangon. No side wants to change their current position and lose or reduce their power and opportunities.

Hundreds of thousands of people have been forced to flee months of heavy fighting between the army and rebel groups, many of them crossing into neighbouring China.

The violence has destroyed much of the fragile trust minority voters placed in Suu Kyi in the 2015 vote, and her NLD party has suffered several losses in recent by-elections.

The conflict in northwestern Rakhine state, where an army crackdown on what the government calls armed men has forced 75,000 Rohingya Muslims to flee to Bangladesh amid allegations of widespread atrocities, is separate from the peace process and will not be discussed at the conference in Naypyidaw.
Dahals departure from government follows threat by opposition Communist UML party to block his speech in parliament.

Nepals Maoist prime minister has resigned, leaving a leadership vacuum just weeks before the second round of local elections.

Pushpa Kamal Dahal took office only nine months ago. The municipal and village assembly vote is the first in the past two decades.

His exit from government on Wednesday was somewhat expected under a power-sharing deal with the Nepali Congress Party.

It came earlier than predicted though after the Communist UML opposition party threatened to block Dahals speech in parliament, saying the government had created local and municipal bodies without due legal process.

Dahals final month in office was marked by a clash between his government and the chief of the Supreme Court over the appointment of a new police chief.

I have decided to fulfil the commitment made to the Nepali Congress when I became prime minister, he said, reading from a statement.

I am going to the president to tender my resignation right now.

It was not Dahals first resignation. In 2008, he quit as head of government in protest when the president reinstated the army chief Dahal had fired.

Local elections

A new government, which would be Nepals 25th in the past 27 years, will be responsible for completing the remaining phase of the local polls  a precursor to national elections due to be held by the end of the year.

Sher Bahadur Deuba, 70, the head of the Nepali Congress Party, is due to replace Dahal, who will stay on as caretaker prime minister until a new leader is picked.

The two parties agreed to switch prime ministers after nine months, after which Deuba would become Nepals leader.

READ MORE: Nepal  Waiting for the disappeared

However, the formal choice of a new leader could take several days as politicians are required to take a week to agree on a consensus candidate before legislators are asked to elect a successor in a parliament where no party commands an absolute majority.

If the power-sharing deal is to be respected, the two parties do have enough votes in parliament to obtain the simple majority vote needed to form a new coalition government.

Nepal is recovering from devastating earthquakes two years ago in which 9,000 people were killed.
President presents plans for a new popular assembly, a move decried by the opposition as a tactic to cling onto power.

Venezuelas President Nicolas Maduro has pressed ahead with a plan to create a popular assembly with the ability to rewrite the constitution, drawing instant criticism from the opposition.

Maduro says the grassroots body is needed to bring peace to Venezuela, where nearly two months of anti-government protests have left more than 50 people dead, but opponents view it as a cynical tactic to buy time and avoid a general election.





At an open air rally before thousands of red-shirted supporters, Maduro on Tuesday signed a document formally establishing the terms for electing members of a constituent assembly that will be tasked with drafting a new constitution.

Votes or bullets, what do the people want? Maduro asked the crowd, presenting the proposed 540-member body as a way to defuse increasingly violent protests, which he says are part of a US-backed conspiracy to overthrow 21st Century socialism.

Lets go to elections now! he said, before detailing how the new assembly will be partially elected by votes at a municipal level and partially by different groups, including workers, farmers, students, and indigenous people.

READ MORE: New Venezuela clashes after man set ablaze

The head of the pro-government electoral council said on Tuesday voting for the constituent assembly would be held in late July.

Regional gubernatorial elections, meant to have been held last year, would take place on December 10, he added.

Evil announcement

The opposition-controlled National Assembly promptly rejected Maduros plan.

The Venezuelan people do not want a fraudulent Madurist constitution and we will not accept it, opposition leader Henrique Capriles tweeted.

Maduros rivals fear that a new constituent assembly could rewrite rules or exclude opposition parties, making a sham of future elections that could vanquish the ruling socialists if the polls were free and fair.

Todays decision is nothing more than an evil announcement meant to divide, distract, and confuse Venezuelans further, said Congress President Julio Borges, the opposition leader whose coalition is pushing for early elections, humanitarian aid to alleviate food and medicine shortages, and freedom for jailed activists.

Today weve entered a new stage and that means more struggle and more street action, Borges added

A Supreme Court magistrate decried the planned assembly, saying it was not the solution to the crisis and called on Maduro to think carefully to avoid more bloodshed.

Venezuelas state prosecutor also warned that Maduros plan also risked deepening the crisis.

WATCH: What can be done to rescue Venezuela?

The opposition is demanding elections to remove Maduro from power. They blame him for an economic crisis that has caused shortages of food, medicine and basic supplies.

Maduro accuses protesters of seeking a violent coup and says he is the victim of a US-backed capitalist conspiracy.

Hundreds of people have also been injured in the violence, around 2,700 arrested, with 1,000 still behind bars, and 335 tried in military tribunals, according to rights groups.
DIA chief says if left unchecked, its only a matter of time before Pyongyang can strike the US with a nuclear missile.

North Korea  if left unchecked  is on an inevitable path to obtaining a nuclear-armed missile capable of striking the United States, a senior US defence official says.

The remarks by Defence Intelligence Agency Director Lieutenant-General Vincent Stewart at a Senate hearing on Tuesday are the latest indication of mounting US concern over Pyongyangs advancing missile and nuclear weapons programmes, which the North says are needed for self-defence.

US lawmakers pressed Stewart and Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats to estimate how far away North Korea was from obtaining an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) that could reach the United States.

They repeatedly declined to offer an estimate, saying doing so would reveal US knowledge about North Koreas capabilities, but Stewart warned the panel the risk was growing.

READ MORE: North Koreas nuclear weapons  Here is all we know

If left on its current trajectory the regime will ultimately succeed in fielding a nuclear-armed missile capable of threatening the United States homeland, Stewart said.

While nearly impossible to predict when this capability will be operational, the North Korean regime is committed and is on a pathway where this capability is inevitable.





The UN Security Council was to meet on Tuesday behind closed doors to discuss Sundays test of a solid-fuel Pukguksong-2 missile, which defies Security Council resolutions and sanctions. The meeting was called at the request of the United States, Japan and South Korea.

John Schilling, a missile expert contributing to Washingtons 38 North think-tank, estimated it would take until at least 2020 for North Korea to be able to develop an ICBM capable of reaching the US mainland and until 2025 for one powered by solid fuel.

But Coats acknowledged gaps in US intelligence about North Korea and the thinking of its leader Kim Jong-un.

He cited technological factors complicating US intelligence gathering, including gaps in surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), which rely on assets such as spy satellites and drone aircraft.

We do not have constant, consistent ISR capabilities and so there are gaps, and the North Koreans know about these, Coats said.

Washington has been trying to persuade China to agree to new sanctions on North Korea, which has conducted dozens of missile firings and tested two nuclear bombs since the start of last year.

READ MORE: War with North Korea would be tragic: US military chief

Last month, US President Donald Trump called North Korean leader Kim Jong-un a madman with nuclear weapons during a telephone call with Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, according to a transcript of a April 29 conversation released by US media on Tuesday.

We cant let a madman with nuclear weapons let on the loose like that. We have a lot of firepower, more than he has, times 20. But we dont want to use it, Trump said, citing two nuclear submarines the Pentagon sent to the area.

Transcribed by the Philippine government, the conversation was released by The Washington Post and The Intercept.

Trump also queried Duterte about whether he believed Kim was stable or not stable. The Philippine leader responded their North Korean counterparts mind is not working and he might just go crazy one moment.

Kim has a dangerous toy in his hands that could create so much agony and suffering for all mankind, Duterte added.

But Trump appeared reassured that North Koreas recent missile tests had failed, saying all his rockets are crashing. Thats the good news.

Turning to China and its ability to counter the nuclear threat, Trump pressed Duterte to call Chinese President Xi Jinping to exert pressure.

I hope China solves the problem. They really have the means because a great degree of their stuff come through China, Trump said. But if China doesnt do it, we will do it.

Duterte agreed. However, he cautioned: The other option is a nuclear blast, which is not good for everybody.
Investigation launched into cyberattack by hackers who posted fake reports on the countrys official media platforms.

Qatar has begun an inquiry into a cyberattack by hackers who posted fake remarks on its official media platforms by its ruler purportedly criticising US foreign policy.

The incident comes just days after President Donald Trump met Gulf Arab leaders in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The Qatar News Agency (QNA) website has been hacked by an unknown entity. A false statement attributed to His Highness has been published, a government statement early on Wednesday said.

Qatar will track down and prosecute the perpetrators, the statement said.

In addition, the hacked Twitter account contained a false story in Arabic apparently from the countrys foreign minister, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, about Qatar withdrawing its ambassadors from several nearby countries.

Government Communications Office Statement Regarding Hacking of #Qatar News Agency: pic.twitter.com/gRH56n9vEm       (@QatarEmb_London) May 24, 2017

Despite robust denials by Qatar, throughout Wednesday official media in Saudi Arabia and the UAE ran the remarks falsely attributed to Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on QNA platforms.

An official in the Qatari foreign ministry expressed surprise at the position of some media and satellite channels.

Authorities in Saudi Arabia and the UAE blocked the main website of Al Jazeera late on Tuesday.

Regulators and government officials in the UAE did not respond to media requests for comment.

Al Jazeera has said it is studying the reports our channels and digital platforms have been blocked in certain countries in the region.

The Doha-based media network has maintained that it is an independent news service giving a voice to everyone in the region.

The fake report said Sheikh Tamim, in a speech at a military graduation ceremony, was critical of renewed tensions with Iran, expressed the need for contextualising Hezbollah and Hamas as resistance movements, and suggested that Trump might not last long in power.

Reuters news agency quoted a Qatari government spokesman as saying that while Sheikh Tamim had attended a graduation ceremony for Qataris doing national service, he however did not make any speech or give any statements.

Investigation launched

Sheikh Saif bin Ahmed Al Thani, director of Qatar governments communications office, issued a statement saying authorities had launched an investigation.

The statement published has no basis whatsoever and the competent authorities in the state of Qatar will hold all those [who] committed [this] accountable, he said.

The government said the state TV footage posted online were fake videos.

No group has claimed responsibility for the incident.

Qatar, however, has been targeted by hackers before. In May 2016, hackers leaked sensitive information involving thousands of bank customers.

Recently, Qatar issued a statement condemning an orchestrated barrage of opinion pieces by anti-Qatar organizations criticising it.
Judges on the island say current laws violate constitutional rights, but conservatives angered by ruling.

A top Taiwan court ruled in favour of gay marriage on Wednesday, a landmark ruling that paves the way for the island to become the first place in Asia to legalise same-sex unions.

Twelve of 14 judges in the court, known as the Judicial Yuan, said current marriage laws violate the constitutional rights of same-sex couples.

It gave Taiwans government two years to implement the ruling.

Video posted to social media showed crowds cheering and waving rainbow flags outside parliament in Taipei after the announcement was made.

Activists were already optimistic the decision would go in their favour.

But conservative groups had staged mass rallies against a change in the law.

#Taiwan rules that Article 972 of the Civil Code, which states that marriage is between a man and a woman, is unconstitutional #loveislove  Ministry of Culture  (@CulturalTaiwan) May 24, 2017

At the heart of the case was a clause in Taiwans Civil Code that an agreement to marry should be made between a man and a woman.

This violated the constitutions guarantees of freedom of marriage and peoples equality, the court said.

WATCH: Demanding gay rights in Taiwan (2:29)

Chi Chia-wei, a 59-year-old gay rights campaigner who brought the case to the constitutional court, had urged judges to allow same-sex couples to register to marry the next day if they approved the change.

The Taipei city government, which also launched a case, had been rejecting marriage applications by same-sex couples and was seeking clarification of the law.

Al Jazeeras Adrian Brown, reporting from Taipei, said: Taiwan has in a sense become a beacon of gay rights.

He added that conservatives were likely to protest against the proposed change of law over the next two years and to call for a referendum.

They are angry and disappointed, Brown said. They say its time for all Taiwanese people to have their say in this debate, and claim a cultural convention is under attack.

Historic day in Asia

Lawyer Huang Di-ying said the courts decision was historic.

It will be a barometer of human rights protection in the region as Asia follows the United States and Europes steps to recognise same-sex marriages, he said.

Momentum for same-sex marriage had been gathering since President Tsai Ing-wen, Taiwans first female leader who supported the change of law, came to power last May.

However, in addition to sizeable pro-gay marriage rallies, hundreds of thousands have gathered to demonstrate against legalising same-sex unions.

Family conflicts will increase and the whole definition of marriage will be changed, said Andrew Chang, spokesman for the Alliance of Religious Groups for the Love of Families Taiwan, an anti-gay marriage group.

Ancestral lineage and family structure will all be disrupted, he added, saying he believed having sex with someone of the same gender was unnatural and harmful.
Both the railroads and the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way  Employes Division say the extension will help all parties make the best decision on how to proceed with the outstanding tentative labor agreements.
According to Angeliki Frangou, chairman and CEO of the Piraeus-based ocean carrier, thanks to a recovering market, Navios is positioned to enjoy substantial free cash flow from an increase in charter rates.



Navios Maritime Holdings Inc. had a net loss of $48.7 million in the first quarter of 2017 compared with a loss of $7.5 million in the same 2016 period. The company had revenue of $95.3 million in the first quarter of 2017 compared with revenue of $101.5 million in the first quarter of 2016.

Angeliki Frangou, chairman and chief executive officer, said she was pleased with our results for the first quarter of 2017 in which adjusted EBITDA was $17.5 million compared with $30.6 million in the first quarter of 2016.

She said the company had net cash from operating activities of $28.6 million. We also ended the quarter with $138.2 million in cash, while having no committed growth capex or any significant debt maturities until 2019. In a recovering market, we are positioned to enjoy substantial free cash flow from an increase in charter rates.

Navios Maritime Holdings is a focused on transshipment of dry bulk commodities such as iron ore, coal and grain and is a diversified company that directly controls 66 modern dry bulk vessels and manages almost 200 vessels in its broader fleet. It is a general partner in Navios Maritime Partners, a publicly-traded master limited partner partnership which owns and operates container and dry bulk vessels.

In the first quarter Navios Maritime Holdings entered into an agreement to acquire the 14-ship fleet of Rickmers Maritime Trust (RMT) and has formed a new company, Navios Maritime Containers Inc., for that purpose.

Navios Partners will invest $30 million and receive 40 percent of the equity, and Navios Holdings will invest $5 million and receive 6.7% of the equity of Navios Containers.

Other Navios companies include: Navios Acquisition Corp. which owns and operates petroleum products and chemical tankers, and Navios Maritime Midstream Partners L.P. which owns and oerates crude oil tankers, and Navios South American Logistics, which owns and operates vessels and terminal in the Hidrovia region

river system in South America and in the cabotage trades on the east coast of

South America.

Frangou said the companys fleet size provides purchasing power and cost savings opportunities. Our operating leverage allows our costs to be substantially below the average of the listed peers, savings that accrue directly to our stakeholders. The strength of Navios Holdings sponsorship allowed Navios Partners to grow significantly by raising $100 million in the first quarter and entering into an agreement to acquire the RMT fleet. In addition, it allowed Navios Containers to raise $75 million of gross equity proceeds in its initial capitalization.

She also noted that Navios Holdings also agreed to acquire control of the FSL Trust, a Singapore-based business trust that owns 22 vessels (five containerships and 17 tankers), subject to various conditions.


Many were waiting for President Trumps trip to Israel to decide whether Mr. Trumps pledges of friendship and support for Israel were as real today as what had been enunciated during his presidential campaign. Some had suggested that Mr. Trump had been deep-stated by those within the establishment who were ambivalent regarding the important alliance between our country and Israel.

The results are in.

During the last three days, Mr. Trump has made trailblazing and unprecedented gestures before the entire world demonstrating an unequivocal bond and affection for the Jewish people and for the Jewish State.

In his visit to Saudi Arabia, while addressing the assemblage of those representing most of the Arab world, Mr. Trump declared words that previous leaders may have believed but were afraid, unwilling, or hesitant to utter. The President adamantly spoke to them about a State of Israel, a state that he admires, and went further in affirming Israeli sovereignty by speaking of its prime minister, mentioning his name, Benjamin Netanyahu. Israel was no longer allowed to be the elephant in the Islamic room, but something that for the first time in their midst was mentioned as a reality, a sovereign nation, and an entity with which America is proud to be in association.

He mentioned in his public speech to them that from Saudi Arabia, he was traveling directly to Israel. Direct travel to Israel was something that heretofore was not permitted by the Saudis, and it constituted a challenge from Mr. Trump to them, namely, that Israel must be for them a connection, a destination. This took great courage; but more so it demonstrated that for Mr. Trump Israel is a country with which he is proud to be associated with, and its recognition as a Jewish state is an incontrovertible basis for Arabic and Muslim participation in the goals of his administration and the contours of global reality.

Upon President Trumps arrival in Israel, one was moved by the unquestionable warmth, something personal, between himself and Mr. Netanyahu and between their wives, Melania and Sara. There appears to be real friendship and affection, born of his regard for Israel as a land rooted in a righteous and sacred destiny. It is rooted in Mr. Trump's respect for those nations willing to stand up and stand out in the fight against the scourge of Islamic terrorism. Respect and affection, mind and heart.

Mr. Trump was the first acting president to visit the Western Wall in Jerusalem, treating it not as simply an historic museum piece but with an immediate reverence and sacredness. It is obvious he believes in the Israeli narrative. He speaks of defending the Jewish people and the Jewish State, equating them within a singular destiny. Everything in his trip to Israel resonated and evinced respect, regard, and affection.

On his White House website, he spoke of visiting Jerusalem, Israel. Until now, American administrations have spoken of Jerusalem in a way detached from the State of Israel. Indeed, the Obama administration, under the leadership of Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, pleaded with the Supreme Court not to identify on passports Jerusalem with the country of Israel. This week, Mr. Trump dissented: No more; Jerusalem is, for Mr. Trump's America, part of Israel. In his remarks he spoke of Jerusalems eternal association with the Jewish people. He went further and personalized his defense of the Jewish people and Israel by declaring that never again would the Jewish People or the State of Israel fear for the future; never, as long as there is a Donald J. Trump.

In a few days, and with bold and dramatic gestures, Mr. Trump upended the last eight years of Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, who spent most of their time harassing Israel, bashing its prime minister, promoting the Palestinian Arabs as a cause and "narrative" that always seemed more important than the lives of Israelis. Yes, Israeli children were being killed, but....

Whereas Obama and Clinton seemed to wish to distance themselves and seemed embarrassed in association with Israel, Mr. Trump made it clear that as an American he and our nation feel closer to the ideals and perseverance of Israel than almost any other nation in the world. Mr. Trump didnt merely recite pretty words, but conveyed sincerity and an affinity with Israel and the Jewish people that we have never before seen by any president.

I have felt that Mr. Trump at this moment in our history is the best leader we have to lead our country forward and to right the wrongs of the past eight years. Second to that, as a Jew, and as someone who is in Israels corner, there is no question that Mr. Trump is an extraordinary gift. Jews who care about the protection of Jewish children, which is of great concern to Mr. Trump, and the survival of Israel, should do everything in their power to support this extraordinary friend.

Those Jews who have spent the last eight months, and even today, trying to bring down this great friend of the Jewish people and Israel are demonstrating that Israel, the protection of Jewish children, and the needs of the Jewish people are not priorities to them, rather a distant third or fourth in importance. Their priority and obsession #1 have evolved over the years to leftwing politics, the hegemony of the Democrat Party, and faddish political correctness and mores: identification with political leftism. They have sold their soul to the devil of leftism and have redefined Jewishness in a manner that none of their forefathers ever could have envisioned... nor would they have understood or respected.

Rabbi Aryeh Spero is spokesman for the National Conference of Jewish Affairs and is author of Push Back: Reclaiming our American Judeo-Christian Spirit.
In the wake of the horrific Manchester bombing, which targeted young girls and killed 22 while injuring many others, President Trump took to the world stage to suggest that the perpetrators are "evil losers."

"I won't call them monsters, because they would like that term," Trump said. "They would think that's a great name. I will call them from now on losers, because that's what they are. They're losers. And we'll have more of them. But they're losers. Just remember that."

As with anything Trump says or does, his words have drawn feedback ranging from "sounds like a 3rd-grader" to "near perfect."

Ben Shapiro (of whom I'm a big fan) argues the latter, in favor of Trump's new moniker for Islamic terrorists.

"[W]e have to stop using the language of strength to describe those who act out of weakness," Shapiro writes. "If you have to blow up 13-year-old girls listening to teeny pop material, you're not a powerful 'monster.' You're a worm, a piece of human refuse."

True enough. But it's his next thoughts that struck me:

We should describe terrorists with contempt, not build them up in their own minds. Islamic terrorists feed off the notion that the West lives in fear of them. We live in fear of the things they will do, obviously, but we don't live in fear of them  because they're ridiculous and puny human beings.

I've mulled over that statement and concluded that it doesn't make a lot of sense. Islamic terrorists are defined by what they do (or will do), and what they do (or will do) is what we fear. Hence, we actually fear Islamic terrorists. And that's totally rational.

He continues:

Ridiculous and puny human beings can harm innocent people, too. But handing them an unearned moniker like "monster"  scary by nature  is counterproductive, and boosts egos where no boost is necessary.

I found this to be a curious line of thought from someone whose most famous quip is "facts don't care about your feelings."

To modestly amend that phrase, facts don't care about Islamic terrorists' feelings.

Why, exactly, should the president (or anyone else, for that matter) be shaping his words based upon how Islamic terrorists might feel after hearing them?

Shapiro is correct about no ego boost being necessary, of course. Islamic terrorists are convinced of Muslims' superiority on this Earth, convinced of their superiority among Muslims for their willingness to commit murderous jihad, and convinced of their heavenly reward for having done so.

In short, they couldn't be more emboldened than they are. So why should we fear that Muslim terrorists might have their egos boosted based upon what the president says of them?

But "good for Trump," Shapiro concludes. "Trump knows well how to demean people, make them feel smaller. And Islamic terrorists should be scorned, derided, mocked, and treated as small. They're not martyrs, they're not warriors, they're not victims. They're evil losers."

There's a problem of context here, at least in consideration to the "facts" before Islamic terrorists' feelings are considered.

"Loser" is a broad term. Most people have a family member, for example, whom society at large might label a "loser" for his inability to hold a job, mooching off other family members' generosity, or problems with drugs or alcohol. Very few people have family members who would detonate explosives near large numbers of innocent people to kill them and thereby earn a ticket to Muhammad's promised paradise of virgin girls, wine, and fish livers.

What Trump did with his "evil losers" comment was to make his condemnation of the very specific, very malignant threat of Islamic terrorism as boilerplate as the insults that he routinely bandies about on Twitter.

As Trump's Twitter feed proves, compiled by Jessica Estepa at USA Today, "loser" is a word that Trump employs to describe pretty much anyone or anything he doesn't like  everyone and everything from Mark Cuban, Rosie O'Donnell, Cher, HuffPo, and CNN to Karl Rove, George Will, Jonah Goldberg, Michelle Malkin, Ted Cruz, and the GOP.

Again, it's a problem of context. Losers, Islamic terrorists may very well be. But that's not the salient distinction. They are Islamic terrorists and murderous jihadists who target innocent life, leaving myriad atrocities akin to the Manchester bombing in their wake. And I'd much rather our president continually speak in those more specific terms when addressing America and the rest of the world.

Again, I'm a big fan of Ben Shapiro. But in the context of his podcast's "good Trump/bad Trump" segments, this "evil losers" description of murderous Islamic terrorists should be filed nearer to "bad Trump."
President Trump stole the show  and for good reason! Unlike his weak and unprincipled predecessor, whose tour of Mideast lands sent a message of personal support and national lameness to enemies of the U.S., President Trump focused on new alliances against terror, demonstrated unprecedented support for our allies, and left a trail of palpable inspiration everywhere he went. Respect for America as a superpower force for justice was the flashing image left in the minds of the president's host countries.

One of the major detractors of the President's Mideast tour de force is freshly re-elected Iranian president Hassan Rouhani. Attacking President Trump's firm pledge that Iran must never develop a nuclear weapon, and his condemnation of Iran's sponsorship of terrorism, Rouhani shockingly remarked:

Who can say regional stability can be restored without Iran? Who can say the region will experience total stability without Iran? ... Who fought against the terrorists? It was Iran, Syria, Hezbollah and Russia. But who funded the terrorists? Those who fund terrorists cannot claim they are fighting against them[.] ... The Iranian nation has decided to be powerful. Our missiles are for peace and for defense[.] ... American officials should know that whenever we need to technically test a missile, we will do so and will not wait for their permission. America's dream on ending Iran's missile program will never come true.

Rouhani's assertion that the organs of terror are really the ones stopping terrorism, and that the U.S. and its allies are actually the ones funding terrorism, reveals quite a bit about Rouhani as a "moderate" and a reliable leader, to put it mildly.

Liberal news media are fawning all over the Rouhani election victory as a win for freedom and reform. I am all for freedom and reform, and it would be great if Rouhani accomplishes this in the Islamic Republic of Iran, but it is this same Hassan Rouhani under whose rule the Iranian nuclear program stepped into high gear, Iranian-backed terrorists launched attacks throughout the globe, and Iranian-supported Houthi proxy militias overtook Yemen and toppled its government in 2015 (while President Obama did nothing to stop it  as usual). It was under Rouhani that Iran smuggled al-Qaeda terrorists into Syria and weapons to Hezb'allah and Hamas. It was under Rouhani that Iranian hackers, backed by the Iranian government, launched attacks on Western energy companies in the Persian Gulf in October of 2012. So too for the terror attacks in Bahrain, Bulgaria, India, and Kenya during the past five years, all sponsored by Iran under Rouhani's presidency.

Iran's foreign ministry spokesman accused President Trump of spreading "Iranophobia" during the president's recent Mideast visit. Truth be told, there is more than ample reason for the entire world to have "Iranophobia," and the responsibility for this well established fear sits directly in the lap of "moderate" Hassan Rouhani.

Avrohom Gordimer is a senior rabbinic fellow at the Coalition for Jewish Values, a public policy institute reflecting traditional Jewish thought. He serves on the editorial board of Jewish Action magazine, is a staff writer for the Cross-Currents website, and is a frequent contributor to Israel National News and a host of other publications. He is a member of the Rabbinical Council of America and the New York Bar, and he works as an account executive at a large Jewish organization based in Manhattan. The views expressed in the above article are solely those of the writer.
Could a TV scriptwriter make up a more obvious jihadist than the Manchester bomber, Salman Abedi? According to my reading of a Daily Mail article, this guy was so off the charts and stereotypically bad that it probably took more effort to keep him in Britain than it would have to deport him. Is any U.K. jihadist ever deported? For anything?

Consider the points made in this Daily Mail report .

Abedi was the son of refugees from Libya. (Who fled Libya? Jihadists. Why? Gaddafi cracked down on jihadists. Why would the U.K. take people fleeing from Gaddafi when so many would be jihadists or sympathizers?)

Once in the U.K., the dad was allowed to work in airport security.

The dad goes back to Libya to fight Gaddafi, on the side of the jihadists.

Abedi is known to U.K. security services.

Abedi is believed to be connected to an ISIS recruiter, Raphael Hostey.

Abedi recently returned from a three-week trip to Libya.

Some neighbors say he had the "face of hate" when growing up.

His mother told people she was concerned about her son's radical views.

His wife was reported to a counter-terrorism unit.

He was known at his mosque as a troublemaker, uncooperative.

He objected to anti-ISIS statements made at his mosque.

He had grown a beard.

His brother posted pro-ISIS comments online.

This guy checks every single jihadist box. When people like this are allowed to walk the streets  there's a report that there are 3,500 Abedis roaming free in the U.K.  the public can be excused for assuming that a suicide bombing at a pop concert is the "new normal."

It certainly seems normal to me. It would be abnormal for the U.S. to implement a commonsense immigration policy, or to deport Islamist preachers promoting sharia. But it is normal, as per Tucker Carlson's report this evening, for the U.S. immigration authorities to find homes for M18 gang members in communities around the country.

"Normal" is the perfect word to describe the terror threat in the West, because the threat of terror is average and expected. When I heard about the Manchester bombing yesterday, it felt as though we were going back to normal.

It is not productive to fantasize about our governments in the West finally waking up to the threat. "Tipping point" analyses are pointless. When you have government agencies seeped for decades in multicultural religion and diversity dogma, it will take decades, if ever, to reach a stage when bad people are tossed out.

Maj. Hasan presented his views in a PowerPoint presentation to other officers, on an American military base, eight years after 9-11 and eight years ago. Has the U.S. military changed its personnel policies since Hasan killed 13 fellow soldiers? Or would today's military turn a blind eye to a "We love death more than you love life!" presentation?

Asking the question is painful, because the answer is far from certain. Those in charge haven't convinced me that the term "counterterrorism" has a fixed, settled, and dependable meaning. It mostly refers to plans, organizations, and people. It doesn't refer to a consequence or an end point the way that "J. Edgar Hoover and his G-men" meant that die-hard, ruthless criminals were marked for death.

Americans are taught that Hoover was the enemy, and Bonnie and Clyde were cool. The jihad will be with us for our lifetimes. Admitting it is to accept the truth.
President Trump never promised to use the court system to "make America great again," but he should have.

If the Justice Department had taken Lois Lerner to court and she had been convicted, she would have lost her pension. Among the reasons civil servants are so enamored of their federal jobs is because they can look forward to retiring early and comfortably, unlike the proletariat, who must now work themselves unto death. Had she been convicted, Lois would have become a shining example of what happens to leftist ideologues when they replace pure thoughts about serving their country with ideology about what is best for the ordinary folk. Civil servants should have a conscience, but not political penchants. If conscience seizes them, they can report wrongdoing within the system or become public whistleblowers. However, behaving as did Lois Lerner makes the government a tool of the left and the powerful interests that support it. Using the government institutions to suppress people with whom she disagreed was a political act. No civil servant should have a God-given right to act on his political convictions and, in so doing, lord it over others.

The problem with President Trump not resorting to the use of the court system to prosecute members of the conspiratorial Obama claque is that we fall into the leftist ideological trap of degrading the use of law as a support for our hard-won civilization. The proper leftist sees "law" as an obstacle to the implementation of cultural Marxism. Among early Marxists, law was seen as a tool of the capitalist class for suppressing the downtrodden workers. Today, such claims would elicit snickering from everyone who is not a Marxist. So they repress their irrational but still strongly held beliefs. Rather, when in power, the left quietly ignores the law and depends upon its positions to impose its will. A drugged quiet is a requirement for the use of the left's power, because it saves leftists the energy of having to defend their machinations. Quiet rots the public disapproval of their activities. The opposition loses steam as promises are made to investigate this or that alleged act, because collective memory is short, perhaps only 24 hours. In that way, there do not have to be any arrests, charges, firings, or withholding of salaries. The single most dramatic and heavy-handed characteristic of the Obama administration was its policy of not imposing any consequences for violations of law or corrupting the foundational institutions of America.

In summary, people should not be able violate the law without consequences. Notwithstanding the successful appointment of Justice Neil Gorsuch, if President Trump continues allowing courts to wither from lack of use, the left will have won a massive victory. He may lose some future battles in the third branch of government, but he will have retained the brilliant structure of our Constitution. Let us at least try to lock Lois up.
President Donald Trump, speaking in Riyadh, named Iran as a source of terrorism and destruction in the Middle East. At the same time, he politely but firmly demanded that the Sunni Arab establishment take responsibility for its role in the spread of jihadist ideology and jihadist terror.

Wahabi ideological purity backed by Saudi and Qatari oil money set the stage for the rise of Islamist warfare just as much as Iranian ideological purity plus oil money did.

There is no neat separation between Sunni terror and Shiite terror, between ISIS and Hezb'allah, between Iran and Hamas. Shiite Iran and Sunni Qatar  staunch enemies to one another  both fund Hamas. Sunni rivals Qatar and Saudi Arabia both fund radical Syrian rebel groups. The Kurdish war against ISIS runs into Turkey's war against the Kurds, which supports Bashar Assad's war against Syrian Sunnis, which is supported by Shiite Iran, which is an ideological and religious enemy of Sunni Turkey.

With admirable firmness, President Trump placed the burden of counter-jihad squarely on those who fomented it, nurtured it, paid for it, and in many cases venerated it:

The nations of the Middle East cannot wait for American power to crush this enemy for them. The nations of the Middle East will have to decide what kind of future they want for themselves, for their countries, and for their children. It is a choice between two futures  and it is a choice America CANNOT make for you. A better future is only possible if your nations drive out the terrorists and extremists. Drive. Them. Out. ... Muslim nations must be willing to take on the burden, if we are going to defeat terrorism and send its wicked ideology into oblivion. The first task in this joint effort is for your nations to deny all territory to the foot soldiers of evil. Every country in the region has an absolute duty to ensure that terrorists find no sanctuary on their soil.

Saudi Arabia's King Salman appeared to understand that the president was talking to the Sunni Arab world and that it is in trouble.

He denounced terrorism, including Sunni terror groups; agreed to work to curtail terror financing; and promoted economic advancement, including for women, as a means to stem radical inroads. He said the word "Israel" without venom or irony. None of these is a traditional Saudi position, so their official appearance reveals how much the king fears for the future of his country and the region  and how much the Sunni states want the U.S. to bail them out of a world they made but no longer control.

This brings us to Saffie Rose Russos, an 8-year-old girl who died in a suicide bombing along with 22 other young people at a pop concert in Manchester (U.K.). The bomber was 23-year-old Salman Abedi, known to British authorities prior to the attack. The bomb was filled with nails and screws  a Palestinian tactic first seen during the so-called "second intifada" and adopted widely by Sunni terrorists.

It wasn't in "the region." It wasn't on Arab soil. King Salman couldn't have stopped it if he wanted to. Jihadist terror is no longer controllable at the source  both Sunnis and Shiites have exported their murderous ideology to the rest of us.

Manchester was only the latest outrage. Terror attacks in Stockholm, London at Westminster, Paris at the Louvre, Normandy, five attacks in Germany in one week, Nice, Brussels, Paris  and Boston, Orlando, and San Bernardino  have Sunni connections and left hundreds dead. The U.S. has had 60 Islamist plots since 9-11, according to the Heritage Foundation, 49 of which can be called "home-grown," proving that Islamic radicalization can take place far from the countries of its origin, but not far from its intellectual wellspring.

Trump's pitch for Sunni Arab allies was neither obsequious nor condescending:

America is a sovereign nation and our first priority is always the safety and security of our citizens. We are not here to lecture  we are not here to tell other people how to live, what to do, who to be, or how to worship. Instead, we are here to offer partnership  based on shared interests and values  to pursue a better future for us all.

In other words, he said, we will protect ourselves, but without the "nation-building," "regime change," or "democracy promotion" that were the failed policies of prior administrations. But if long and costly military campaigns in Afghanistan and Iraq have not turned the tide, what help will we provide to Sunni states that are at best ambivalent and at worst complicit?

The brutal murder of Saffie Rose Russo should be a trumpet blast, reminding us that the enemies of 2001  as well as the enemy of 1979  are still with us. They are the conjoined twins of Sunni and Shiite fundamentalism.
My wife, jokingly, has always said she could kill me inconspicuously if I got out of line by using the various Oleander trees around our property. She's right. Deer stay away from it; its why I grow it around my property. They don't eat it. And neither should you.

I suspect that if you used only a few ground up leaves, perhaps you could survive, but too many, and it's game over. Pokeberry bush is another one that grows regularly around here. Its bright purple berries are said to be a tonic for arthritis if swallowed whole without breaking their skin, but the berries are also potentially lethal, or so the legend goes, if you masticate them before swallowing. I tried some berries last year. Besides being sour and off-putting, I was fine, but I bet if I ate too many or just enough, there would be at the very least stomach wretching at some point. I reckon it would be the perfect thing for someone with Munchausen-by-Proxy.

The Democratic Party sees its base as requiring a low-grade fever at all times. Poison, or a close approximate, carefully metered out in a low enough dosage, is just the trick to keep your patient, constituent voter in dizzying dependency, a cocoon of infantile thrall to your attendant power. Too much razor in the apple could slice the esophagus, but tiny particles of pulverized glass slowly introduced into one's gym water might cause bloody stool once in awhile.

If you aren't bleeding, you aren't a good Democrat. You must be kept alive but injured at all times. Wounds must be nursed, then re-opened again, over and over. Dependency is cultivated.

Man's instinct is to be free, but the Democratic Party knows how easy it is to domesticate its livestock. Cages. Leashes. Reverse-spiked choke collars. And as long as the feedbag is strapped on their heads, they will follow you anywhere.

Lyndon B Johnson knew this like the back of his racist hand. You prolong suffering by catering to it. Then you reward the victims for their fealty. They in turn reward you back by voting for their obedient loyalty. The needs are artificially created by programs for the sole purpose of indoctrinating and enslaving, in some cases entire cities, and owning entire generations of loyally impoverished classes. Like giving candy laced with trace amounts of methadone to your future drug-buying clients. Not enough for parents to detect while the child buzzes around the neighborhood.

We don't need to go into LBJ's sickening outspokenness about race. Democrats themselves are very open about it even today. They are addicted to it, and it pays well and also secures power. They have no shame. The entire Democratic Party has become a crack house, and Democrats have peddlers in the media giving out free needles.

Munchausen by proxy. For the sadist, it ensures that you will always be around and also that you will be the one in control. You also get a nice sense of being perceived as "taking care of someone" and being "compassionate." For the masochist, the Democrat voter must first be thoroughly deranged, have low self-esteem, welcome constant abuse, blame others, and be vindictive. It is established in hatred and continues in despair. The hatred is the controlling part, the despair in the dependent.

Woodrow Wilson was a eugenics fan, a Darwinian disciple and believer in might and power  essentially, a sadist. FDR was none too dissimilar. Everything God-awful emanated from these chain-smoking social wardens, as government was now poised to invade every aspect of society over the sacred liberty of the individual, turning the country into a debt prison.

Independent people require no caretakers. The question is, can we retrieve that part of ourselves as a culture that has been lost to the Democrat machine? Or will the Draino introduced into our soup by Nurse Ratchet burn an unfixable and permanent hole in our stomach lining?
(ANSA) - Washington, May 24 - In his meetings with President Sergio Mattarella and Premier Paolo Gentiloni, US President Donald Trump "thanked Italy for its contribution to the efforts in the fight against terrorism, specially for its participation in the global anti-ISIS coalition and its active role in Iraq and Afghanistan," the White House said Wednesday. The US president also complimented Italy on its "important diplomatic efforts to end the violence in Libya". In their meetings, the leaders "discussed the alliance between the USA and Italy, and also priorities in the area of cooperation for defence, the fight against terrorism and the efforts to deny terrorists safe havens from Mali to Libya, from Iraq to Afghanistan".

They also discussed "the objectives of the G7 summit, where the heads of State and government from the world's strongest economies can forge a consensus on today's most urgent diplomatic and economic issues".

Trump also "reaffirmed transatlantic unity in holding Russia responsible for its actions in Crimea and eastern Ukraine" and "stressed the importance of convincing Russia to meet its commitments according to the Minsk Accords," the White House said.


(By Denis Greenan).



ROME - Many children were among the over 30 dead in a migrant shipwreck off the coast of Libya Wednesday, one of the latest in a string of such disasters to hit desperate refugees and migrants seeking a new life in Europe.



The toll from the Italy-bound migrant shipwreck off the Libyan port of Zuara has risen to 31 and could go higher, Coast Guard sources said Wednesday. Thirty of the 31 bodies have been transferred to the ship Fenix and the remaining one onto the ship Fiorillo, as a search continued in the area.



The Coast Guard is coordinating 14 ships across the central Mediterranean where fine weather has helped make migrant traffic "intense", the sources said.



"An unspecified number of children have drowned too," the Coast Guard sources said, adding that more children were probably missing from the wreck.



Several children, "perhaps as many as a dozen", were among the victims, rescuers said.



At least 156 people have gone missing in the Mediterranean since last Friday, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) said. It said that with 34 migrants drowned off Libya Wednesday, some 1,500 people had died in the Med this year, 1,400 of them on the Libya-Italy route.



The Italian Coast Guard said around 1,800 migrants had been rescued today.



Meanwhile Libya "saved and arrested" another 237 migrants in the seas off its shores, Libyan Navy spokesman, Admiral Ayob Amr Ghasem, told reporters.



Some 50,000 migrants have landed in Italy in the first months of this year, most from Syria, Eritrea, Nigeria and Somalia, the head of the department for civil liberties and immigration, Gerarda Pantalone, told the parliamentary anti-mafia commission Wednesday. "The situation has got worse with the (good) weather," she said, adding by way of comparison that in the whole of 2013 there were 2,000 arrivals and 103,000 in 2015.



Migrants leaving their homes because of conflicts have "gradually" been joined by those seeking a better life, so-called economic migrants, she said.


50,000 migrants landed in Italy this year Immigration dept head tells parliamentary anti-mafia panel

(ANSAmed) - ROME, MAY 24 - Some 50,000 migrants have landed in Italy in the first months of this year, most from Syria, Eritrea, Nigeria and Somalia, the head of the department for civil liberties and immigration, Gerarda Pantalone, told the parliamentary anti-mafia commission Wednesday. "The situation has got worse with the (good) weather," she said, adding by way of comparison that in the whole of 2013 there were 2,000 arrivals and 103,000 in 2015.



Migrants leaving their homes because of conflicts have "gradually" been joined by those seeking a better life, so-called economic migrants, she said. (ANSAmed).




ISIS-linked jihadists get 6 yrs on appeal Planning to hit NATO base

(ANSAmed) - MILAN, MAY 24 - A Milan appeals court on Wednesday gave two ISIS-linked jihadists who planned to hit the NATO base at Ghedi near Brescia six years each for international terrorism.



The Ghedi base is the base for anti-ISIS Tornados. Tunisian Lassaad Briki and Pakistani Muhammad Waqas were arrested in July 2015 after being caught on wiretaps talking about attacks in Italy. They also took propaganda selfies and made threats on the Web, the court found.



The two supporters of ISIS also made threats against landmarks in Rome and Milan.



The pair had created a Twitter account called 'Islamic_State in Roma' and planned terrorist actions, posting messages with photos of famous Italian sites in the background.



"We are in your streets. We are everywhere. We are locating targets, waiting for time X," read some of the messages, written in Italian, Arabic and French.



Some were written on scraps of paper and held up before a camera with Rome's Colosseum and Milan's Duomo as well as its bustling train station in the background, implying these were terrorist targets.



"People of Rome, the choice of whether to die is up to you," they said.



As part of the investigation, police acquired wiretaps of conversations between the men, who communicated in Italian as that was they only language they had in common.



They allegedly discussed how to make a home-made bomb as set out in a jihadi manual titled How to Survive in the West, prosecution documents showed Wednesday. (ANSAmed).




ROME - The crew of a Libyan speedboat fired shots at migrant boats during a rescue operation, said an NGO working in migrant rescue operations in the central Mediterranean on Wednesday.



The German NGO, Jugend Rettet, also posted a photo in which it said "an armed man can be seen".



"The situation was under control until the first shots were fired and refugees were beaten," said the post on Facebook, quoting Jonas, 25, captain of the organisation's rescue ship Iuventa.



"About 100 people panicked and jumped from the boats to reach the Aquarius and us. Two of the refugee boats were towed back to Libya by the crew of the speedboat. We can not say whether and how many dead there were in the shooting. We had to be careful not to get a bullet ourselves. We are speechless against this crude violence," said Jonas.



A post from yesterday on the Facebook page of Jugend Rettet said rescue crews from three ships "whilst rescuing people from at least 11 boats with approximately 1000 persons onboard, witnessed multiple (gun)shots".



"These were fired from a ship with the label of the Libyan Coastguards and were seemingly aimed at the people on the boats.



Furthermore several boats were pushed back into Libyan waters by Libyan Coastguards. This is a violation of the non-refoulement principle - thereby of human rights," the post said.



In eight separate rescue operations on Tuesday coordinated by the Italian Coast Guard's Central Operations Center in Rome, the Iuventa (Jugend Rettet's rescue ship) and the ships Vos Hestia of Save the Children and Aquarius of SOS Mediterranee rescued about 1,000 migrants from six rubber boats and two small boats that were in the central Mediterranean headed for Italy.

Libyan Coast Guard rails against NGO, 'prove accusations' . 'Instead of waging war, collaborate with us'

CAIRO - The spokesman of the Libyan Navy, Admiral Ayob Amr Ghasem, has challenged the German NGO Jugend Rettet to produce ''incontrovertible'' evidence of the accusations that he called ''illogical'' that the Libyan Coast Guard had shot at boats carrying migrants. In statements to ANSA, the spokesman said that if the NGO really wanted to advance ''the interest of migrants'', they should ''cooperate with us'' and not ''wage war'' on the Libyan Coast Guard. ''Why would we have shot at boats if we are the ones that always save them?'' the admiral asked, saying that a rescue had been carried out on Tuesday. ''Why do they declare war on us?'', Ghasem asked, adding that ''they should instead cooperate with us if they actually want to work in the interest of the migrants.'' Some ''biased organizations'', the spokesman claimed without giving names, instead help human traffickers create a ''dream of emigrating'' to Europe to profit from it.
EU 'has no info on' Libyan coast guard shooting at migrants But calls for respect of human rights

(ANSAmed) - BRUSSELS, MAY 24 - Foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said Wednesday that the EU had no direct information on reports that the Libyan Coast Guard had shot at boats carrying migrants earlier in the day.



The claim had been made by the German NGO Jugend Rettet, which works in migrant rescue operations in the central Mediterranean. A post from yesterday on the Facebook page of Jugend Rettet said rescue crews from three ships "whilst rescuing people from at least 11 boats with approximately 1000 persons onboard, witnessed multiple (gun) shots".



However, as always, Mogherini said, the EU calls upon the Libyan Coast Guard to respect human rights. The work that the EU is involved in alongside the Libyan Coast Guard through the EU Naval Force Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR Med), also known as Operation Sophia in collaboration with the UN and NGOs, she said, ''includes a strong human rights component and especially as concerns women, respect for whom is important not only at sea but also on the ground'', in the lengthy sections that they travel to get to the Libyan coast. (ANSAmed)
Halting migrant flows 'impossible', Libyan ambassador 'More you invest in neighbors' futures, the safer you will be'

(ANSAmed) - ROME, MAY 24 - Libyan ambassador to Italy Ahmed Safar noted Wednesday that the one in every seven people are in movement according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and that thus ''no one can stop a phenomenon like that of migration''.



He was speaking at a roundtable discussion on migrants at the Libyan Academy of Rome held as part of Africa Day (May 25) celebrations.



However, he added, one can intervene to make it beneficial ''for the country of departure, the one that receives the migrants and for the migrants themselves''. ''The more you invest in your neighbours' futures,'' he added, ''the safer you will be.'' Greater investment is needed, he said, as well as a new narrative, since ''not all African migrants are headed towards Europe. They are also headed for (places like, Ed.) China and Saudi Arabia.'' (ANSAmed).




Kosovo's Haradinaj vows new army in 3 months if elected PM Belgrade against creation of armed forces in Pristina

(ANSAmed) - PRISTINA, MAY 24 - Ramush Haradinaj, former Kosovo prime minister and former leader of the Kosovo Liberation Army (UCK) has said that Kosovo will have an army within 90 days of his being sworn in as PM if he wins the June 11 elections.



Serbia accuses the UCK of war crimes.



In statements to Kosovo's RTK television station, Haradinaj said that he would seek to convince Serbs in Kosovo that having a regular army is in their interest.



Belgrade strongly opposes the idea of transforming the current security force of Kosovo into regular armed forces, saying that it would destabilize the situation in the region. Haradinaj was released last month by French authorities after being arrested in January. France refused to extradite him to Serbia, where he is accused of crimes against the Serbian civilian population during the armed conflict in the late 1990s.



Early elections in Kosovo are planned for June 11 and Haradinaj is one of the candidates for prime minister.



(ANSAmed).




ROME - Only a few of the centers for migrants in Libya are under government control, Ambassador to Italy Ahmed Safar said Wednesday at a roundtable discussion in Rome's Libyan Academy.



And thus, he said, ''the situation is not the best''. The diplomat was responding to statements by United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, after his visit two days prior to Tripoli, where he met with refugees and migrants in some of the main Libyan detention centers.



Grandi said that he was ''shocked'' by what he saw. Safar replied by saying that ''Grandi visited one of the 32 detention centers in Libya'' and that international organizations working in the country ''can help to resolve some problems''.



What doesn't help, however, he said, is simply writing reports about the situation and saying that things are not as they should be.



''We already know this,'' he said. International organizations can instead, he said, ''train, if necessary, staff on respect for human rights or to better manage the centers''.
New Balkan tensions focus of Brussels and Rome meetings Prime ministers to dine with Mogherini, Alfano to host FMs

(ANSAmed) - BELGRADE, MAY 24 - Two parallel meetings to be held Wednesday in Brussels and Rome by EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini and Italian Foreign Minister Angelino Alfano, respectively, will focus on recent developments in the situation in the Western Balkans and especially concerns over new ethnic tensions and conflicts in the region.



Mogherini will hold a working dinner in Brussels with the prime ministers of Serbia, Montenegro, Macedonia, Kosovo, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and Albania, while Alfano will meet in Rome with the foreign ministers of those six Balkan nations.



The meetings are also being held in light of the 2017 Western Balkans Summit scheduled for July 12 in Trieste, hosted by the Italian presidency of the so-called "Berlin Process" initiative for European integration of the Western Balkans countries. The upcoming summit is intended to strengthen cooperation and integration among the region's countries in order to counteract increasingly evident signs of destabilization, which are dangerous for the entire continent and which Mogherini noted during her tour of the region last March. A de facto suspension of the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue has revealed heightened tensions between Serbia and Kosovo, while in Macedonia the political crisis has reignited sparks in tensions with ethnic minority Albanians.



Problems with the workings of state institutions in Bosnia-Herzegovina remain chronic, with a recent hardening of positions between the Serbs and Muslims, while relations between Serbia and Croatia have further deteriorated.



The imminent accession of Montenegro to NATO has strongly irritated Russia, which doesn't intend to give up its influence in the Balkans and doesn't see an enlargement of NATO towards its borders as a positive development.



All of this concerns the European Union, which is interested in speeding up the integration process for countries in the region, essential for ensuring peace and stability in Europe.(ANSAmed).




YEREVAN, MAY 24, ARMENPRESS. The visit of delegation of German lawmakers led by Bundestag's Vice President Claudia Roth to Turkey was cancelled for unknown reasons, Deutsche Welle repprts.

The lawmakers will hold a press conference on May 24 during which they will explain the reasons of cancelling the visit.

The German delegations visit to Turkey was scheduled on May 25-28. They planned to meet representatives of ruling and opposition parties, political figures, as well as NGO and media representatives in Turkey.
YEREVAN, MAY 24, ARMENPRESS. The UK Specialist Operations branch within London's Metropolitan Police Service have arrested a 37-year-old terrorist suspect at London Stansted Airport before he could board a flight to Turkey.

Officers from the MPS Counter Terrorism Command arrested a 37-year-old man at Stansted Airport last night (Tuesday, 23 May) prior to him boarding a flight to Turkey.

He has been arrested on suspicion of preparing for acts of terrorism contrary to Section 41 of the Terrorism Act 2000.

The man has been taken to a south London police station where he is being detained under the Terrorism Act.

Officers are now searching two residential addresses in north London.

This arrest is linked to travel to Syria.

This is not linked to the terrorist incident in Manchester, Scotland Yard said in a statement.
YEREVAN, MAY 24, ARMENPRESS. Speaker of the Parliament of Armenia Ara Babloyan sent a congratulatory letter to Peoples Artist of Armenia Ruben Aharonyan, fist violinist of the Borodin Quartet of Moscow, on the occasion of his birthday, press service of the Parliament told Armenpress.

The letter reads:

Thanks to your talent and through your high performance world music treasures, including Armenian music, are in constant journey throughout the world, giving the audience a lot of subtle feelings and emotional moments. You have been the first violinist in the Borodin Quartet of Moscow for many years, the virtuosity of which gives new life to the classic art masterpieces.

Speaker Babloyan wished Ruben Aharonyan health, creative enthusiasm and new achievements.
YEREVAN, MAY 24, ARMENPRESS. Salman Abedi, the 22-year-old British man believed to have killed 22 people in a suicide-bomb attack in Manchester Arena, had ties to al Qaeda and had received terrorist training abroad, a U.S. intelligence official told NBC News on Tuesday as the United Kingdom raised its terrorist threat level to the highest category.

The U.S. intelligence official, who has direct knowledge of the investigation, said Abedi, whose family is of Libyan descent, was identified by a bank card found in his pocket at the scene of the explosion after an Ariana Grande concert at Manchester Arena, NBC reported.

The highest threat level, which is decided by the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre - a group of experts from the police, government departments and agencies - has only been reached twice before.

22 people died when a suicide bomber detonated and IED in Manchester Arena, England, during a concert of US pop star Ariana Grande. More than 50 people have been injured.
YEREVAN, MAY 24, ARMENPRESS. On May 25, in accordance with the arrangement reached with the authorities of the Republic of Artsakh, the OSCE Mission will conduct a planned monitoring of the Line of Contact between the armed forces of Artsakh and Azerbaijan, to the west of Seysulan settlement of the Martakert region, press service of the Artsakh Foreign Ministry told Armenpress.

From the positions of the Defense Army of the Republic of Artsakh, the monitoring will be conducted by Field Assistant to the Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office (CiO) Mihail Olaru (Moldova) and Personal Assistant to the OSCE CiO Personal Representative Simon Tiller (Great Britain).

The authorities of the Artsakh Republic have expressed readiness to assist in conducting the monitoring and to ensure the security of the OSCE Mission members.
YEREVAN, MAY 24, ARMENPRESS. In the scope of a regional tour to the South Caucasus, a Foreign Affairs Committee delegation, led by its Chair David McAllister (EPP, DE), will be in Armenia on 24-25 May, the EU Delegation to Armenia told Armenpress.

The 8 Members of the European Parliament are to take stock of a recent deal on a new EU-Armenia agreement.

During the visit the delegation will meet President Serzh Sargsyan, Parliament Speaker Ara Babloyan, Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian, civil society representatives, as well as will lay a wreath at the Genocide Memorial and visit Yerevan Regional State College N:1, which is funded by the EU.




YEREVAN, MAY 24, ARMENPRESS. Chief of Traffic Police Egor Karapetyan addressed a call on the occasion of Last Bell urging the graduates to refrain from temptation of driving a car, the Police told Armenpress.

May 26 is the Last Bell traditional ceremony which is being held in our schools. I once again remind and call on particularly the graduates to refrain from temptation of driving a car.

I urge the parents not to provide vehicles to minors.

The Police will ensure public order and safety of all festivities.

We once again congratulate our graduates and wished them all the best, Karapetyan said in a statement.
YEREVAN, MAY 24, ARMENPRESS. The Republican Union of Employers of Armenia (RUEA) celebrated the 10th anniversary of its establishment with presentation and a forum on May 24, reports Armenpress.

The event was attended by Ministers, representatives of state structures.

During the presentation representatives of various companies, as well as Syrian-Armenian refugees presented their exhibits.

Our Union was established with 120 members, but today we have more than 13.000 members. This means that the interest towards our Union has been increased. We are cooperating with all countries of the world and this year we assumed the chairmanship at the International Coordinating Council of Employers' Unions (ICCEU). Within the frames of this event chairmen of employers union arrived from different countries to Armenia, RUEA President Gagik Makaryan said, adding that a business forum has been organized during which a number of socio-economic issues will be discussed.

Acting Minister of Nature Protection Artsvik Minasyan attached importance to the Unions green economy principle. It is very important to be able to make many principles adopted in the world a reality. Environment and natural resources are foundations of our countrys socio-economic development. The green economy principle is welcomed, and the Ministry is ready to cooperate with the Union on this path, Minasyan said.

Deputy Minister of Economic Development and Investments Tigran Khachatryan stated that the Ministry constantly cooperates with the Union, and the goals the Union set before it are among the priorities of the Ministry.

The Republican Union of Employers of Armenia (RUEA) was established on November 15, 2007. It unites 9 territorial and 10 sectoral unions and has 13.000 members, including SMEs and individual entrepreneurs. RUEA is a member of International Organization of Employers (IOE) since April 2011.
GYUMRI, MAY 24, ARMENPRESS. Aurora Prize-2016 Laureate Marguerite Barankitse and Aurora Prize-2017 nominee Tom Catena visited the Armenian city of Gyumri, reports Armenpress.

Firstly they visited Gyumris Holy Martyrs Catholic Church.

Marguerite Barankitse prayed for recovery of all patients in the Church and then performed a song dedicated to St. Mary.

As a Christian, I must say that love will save the world. The fact that this city has been destroyed during the earthquake, but now we are here in this Church, is the victory of this love. I know you had the courage to pass this painful and tragic page. I know that Charles Aznavours famous song dedicated to memory of earthquake victims was born in this city, Marguerite Barankitse said.

Dr. Tom Catena, who also is well-known in the world for his great humanitarian activities, talked about the difficult and responsible work as being a doctor. He thanked the 3 Armenian doctors who departed for Sudan to substitute for him while he is in Armenia. Dr. Tom Catena is the sole doctor permanently based in Sudans Nuba Mountains, home to 750,000 people.

I could not be here if Armenian doctors didnt come to Sudan, since there is a lot of work to do. I am very grateful to the Armenian doctors who came and replaced me, Tom Catena said.

Armenuhi Mkhoyan
Georg Buchner died in 1837 with his masterpiece unfinished  a masterpiece because its unfinished, perhaps. The text of Woyzeck is incomplete, the scenes disordered. Based on a real-life murder, it gives naturalism a swerve, and the holes and fractures have lured many subsequent theatre artists. (The one that sticks with me is Robert Wilsons collaboration with Tom Waits: stylised, scarlet-drenched music theatre.)

Jack Thorne, by his own admission, isnt a holes kind of writer, and his new version for Londons Old Vic diligently fills in the gaps. Time (May 1981) and place (with the British army in West Berlin) are defined; Frank Woyzecks foster-care childhood (bruised by abuse and neglect) and his unhappy army career (including a calamitous tour of Belfast) are detailed. We learn how he met his girlfriend Marie, why theyre together, about her background too. Even colleagues, captain and the captains wife bring their backstories to the table.

Thorne also makes the main location ickily present  the meat flat above a butchers shop that is all that Woyzeck and Marie can afford, raising their baby within the flesh stench. But Tom Scutt  who previously designed a production of Bergs operatic version teeming with seamy detail  creates a queasily mobile setting. The stage is defined by ranks of panels, descending from above or sliding in from the sides  depending on Neil Austins keening lighting, theyre textured like concrete breezeblocks or muffled with padding. They might be forbidding sections of the Berlin Wall; theyre each as anonymous as a brigade drill; theyre grim and grey as the cold war city, an east-west fracture to be policed just as Woyzeck polices his own increasingly untenable fracture.

The slabs start monolithic but dont hold up. Their surface rends, revealing a flare of blood-red wound, or a sanguine rip of offally tubes and lumps. Visceral is an overused critical adjective, but thats precisely what we see here.

A history of violence

In Joe Murphys production, it makes for an expressively un-expressionist reading. And this chimes with Thornes desire to foreground what he says is often described as the first working-class tragedy  because too much abstraction might aestheticise or distract from a hero pinioned by class. Steffan Rhodri and Nancy Carroll could hardly be more posh as the quixotic captain and his rorty wife  barking their lines and stabbing their superiority like fish knives. Theirs is the voice of assurance  Woyzecks, as John Boyega plays him, the wondering tone of someone trying to fit in.

Woyzecks mind and body become public property  marshalled by the army, meddled by the doctor, helplessly nurtured by Sarah Greens Marie. Boyegas quietly muscled bulk is perfect for the role  hes a big man and a quiet one, a strong man and a softie. He holds a history of violence that makes him more likely to slam his head into a wall than flare outwards. Its striking in this production  and in a play which places its heros physical and psychic being under such relentless scrutiny  that no one mentions race. Its up to us to notice that hes the only non-white character, and to wonder what part, if any, that plays in his distress. It also means the final scene, of harm and self-harm, may play out with unspoken echoes of Othello  another warrior hero whose virtues are warped by the world and turned against themselves.

Its a rare silence in a version that fills silences, that makes the fragments fit. Incompletion makes Buchners play seem arrestingly current; filling the gaps as Thorne does describes a palpable progress into torment.

Follow David on Twitter  @mrdavidjays
IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad says main focus would be on services and offerings in digital space.

Mumbai: By 2020 which is five years from now, India's digital economy will grow to $1 trillion mark, according to IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad. A report in The Times of India says Narendra Modi government has hired McKinsey & Co to monitor and spur growth of India's digital economy.

At present, turnover of three major segments stands at $280 billion. Prasad said government's main focus would be on "services and offerings in the digital space over coming years". Priority will be given to startups, new-age IT solutions, financial technologies and cyber security, he added.

"Apart from McKinsey , we will also take the support of Niti Aayog to measure state-level preparedness around digital services and delivery," TOI quoted Prasad as saying.

Prasad also set aside speculations to alley fears over massive job cuts in India's IT sector saying "these fears seem to be highly exaggerated". According to him job there was no major impact on opportunities in IT industry, instead it was the pace of growth that has come down.

"Hiring is still a reality, and it's only the nature of business that is changing," he added.
Eighteen blasts had rocked the city on July 26, 2008 in which 56 people were killed and over 150 injured.

Ahmedabad: The city crime branch sleuths have arrested an accused, wanted since nine years in connection with the 2008 Ahmedabad serial bomb blasts case, from Kozhikode in Kerala, a senior official said on Wednesday.

The accused, Shoaib Pottanikal, was arrested by a team of Ahmedabad crime branch sleuths, Kerala police and intelligence officials from Kozhikode soon after he landed at the airport in Ahmedabad on Tuesday, Joint Commissioner of Police J K Bhatt said.

"Shoaib, one of the 18 absconding accused in the 2008 Ahmedabad serial bomb blasts case, was arrested from Kozhikode airport after he landed there from abroad. He had escaped overseas after the blasts, following which a Red Corner notice was also issued against him," Bhatt said in Ahmedabad.

He said Shoaib knew Sainuddin and Sarfuddin, the two persons arrested for allegedly providing electronic chips used in making bombs for the 2008 blasts, and helped the operatives of Indian Mujahideen and banned outfit SIMI for getting in touch with them with an intention to make bombs.

Yasin Bhatkal, one of the main accused in the case, had also told the crime branch sleuths about Shoaib's role after he was brought in Ahmedabad on a transfer warrant from Tihar jail on March 31, 2017, Bhatt said.

Shoaib (49) hails from Malappuram in Kerala where his father has a rice mill. He comes from a well-to-do family, the JCP said. However, the police official did not disclose where Shoaib had escaped and from where he was coming to India when he was arrested, saying it could not be revealed due to the ongoing investigation.

"Since the last six to eight months we had stepped up the lookout for the absconding accused, including Shoaib. The local police and intelligence officials were also keeping a tab on Shoaib's close friends and relatives. Upon learning that he was expected to come to his hometown and land at Kozhikode airport, a team of crime branch officials went there and with the help of local police, we arrested him," Bhatt said.

He will be produced before a court in Ahmedabad on Wednesday for remand. So far, 79 accused have been arrested in the case and a chargesheet has been filed against them.

With Shoaib's arrest, the number of people being held has gone up to 80. The city crime branch had recently brought in Ahmedabad Yasin Bhatkal, one of the main operatives of Indian Mujahideen, for questioning in connection with the 2008 city serial blasts case.

Bhatkal is presently in the custody of the National Investigation Agency (NIA). Eighteen blasts had rocked the city on July 26, 2008 in which 56 people were killed and over 150 injured.
Social media went berserk on Monday over Rawals tweet suggesting Roy should be used as a human shield by the Indian Army in Kashmir.

Paresh Rawals tweet calling for author Arundhati Roy to be tied to an Army jeep instead of a stone-pelter was based on a fake news article. (Photo: File)

New Delhi: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP and actor Paresh Rawals tweet calling for author Arundhati Roy to be tied to an Army jeep instead of a stone-pelter was based on a fake news article, it has emerged.

The news in question said that Arundhati Roy had given an interview in Srinagar.

According to a report in The Wire, Rawal's tweet was linked to a Facebook post by 'The Nationalist', which said, 70 lakh Indian Army cannot defeat Azadi gang in Kashmir: Arundhati Roy gives statement to Pakistani newspaper!

The source of the Facebook post was postcard.news, a right-wing fake news site, which ran the story with the same headline on May 17.

"This lady who calls herself a journalist and Human Rights Activist has been standing up for terrorists since decades. Recently she has given an interview to Pakistan newspaper The Times of Islamabad, blasting the government of India for taking action against terrorists," the article said.

It also carried that she said, "India cannot achieve its objective in the occupied Valley even if its army deployment rises from 7 lakh to 70 lakh, further adding that Kashmiris have remained committed with their anti-India sentiments from many years."

The story was carried by many news agencies including NewsLaundry, Republic TV, TV18 and Fair Observer. But NewsLaundry and Fair Observer later apologised to its readers for not verifying the reports before publishing.

In an interview to The Wire, Arundhati said that the report was all nonsense and that she had not been to Srinagar recently or had made any such statements as carried by the news site.

Paresh Rawal had kicked up a storm on Twitter when he said that author Arundhati Roy should be tied to an Indian Army jeep instead of a stone pelter. "Instead of tying stone-pelter on the Army jeep tie Arundhati Roy," Rawal tweeted.

Social media went berserk on Monday over Rawals tweet suggesting Roy should be used as a human shield by the Indian Army in Kashmir.

Instead of giving in to Rawal's negative comment, Roy dismissively said, I would be mortified if those people liked me.

Roy has been widely known for her anti-establishment views and her sharp censure of the Indian government for its handling of political turmoil in areas like Kashmir and Bastar.
Special judge VV Patil directed the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to file its reply by May 29.

Mumbai: Areeb Majeed, who was arrested in 2014 on his return from Syria where he had allegedly joined the terror outfit Islamic State, on Tuesday moved a bail application before a special NIA court.

In his bail plea, Majeed said the court had dropped an important section under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) against him and there was a considerable delay in the commencement of trial.

He also said that the entire case against him was based on circumstantial evidence and added that there were around 140 witnesses against him and many of them were foreigners, hence the trial would not conclude soon.

Special judge VV Patil directed the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to file its reply by May 29.

Last month, the court had framed charges against Majeed under sections 16 (punishment for terrorist act) and 18 (punishment for conspiracy) of the UAPA and section 125 (waging war against any Asiatic power in alliance with the Government of India) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

However, Majeed had pleaded innocence to the charges framed against him.

In February this year, the court had dropped section 20 of the UAPA (being a member of terrorist organisation), saying that ISIS was not declared a terrorist organisation prior to February 16, 2015, (when case was registered) so the charge against the accused for commission of an offence punishable under section 20 of the UAPA cannot be framed.

Majeed, who hails from neighbouring Thane, had landed in Mumbai on November 28, 2014, from Turkey, following which he was detained by the security agencies and later arrested.

A case under sections of the UAPA and section 125 of the IPC (waging war against a country which has friendly ties with India) was registered against ISIS, Areeb and three others.

According to police, these four engineering students had flown to Baghdad on May 23, 2014, as a part of a group of 22 pilgrims to visit religious shrines in Iraq.

After returning to India, other pilgrims had told the police that Areeb, Fahad, Aman and Shaheen had gone to Fallujah.

On August 26, 2014, Shaheen Tanki called up Areeb's family and told them that their son had become a 'martyr' while fighting for ISIS in Syria. Areeb's family had even performed 'janaza-e-gayabana' (prayers for the departed soul in absence of the body) in Kalyan.

However, later Areeb returned and was arrested.
Narendra Kumar from Lakshmipur was picked up by the CISF personnel on Tuesday morning.

Kudankulam nuclear power plant (KKNPP), a Indo-Russian joint venture, is operating two units of 1000 MW each and has been provided a thick layer of security. (Photo:

Chennai: A 25-year-old man hailing from Uttar Pradesh was on Tuesday arrested for allegedly trying to enter the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant in Tirunelveli district, the police said.

Narendra Kumar from Lakshmipur was picked up by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel on Tuesday morning for allegedly trying to enter the plant, police said.

"They (CISF officials) picked up the man at around 7.30 AM and handed him over to us," an official at the Kudankulam police station said.

"He has been arrested," the official told PTI.

Kudankulam nuclear power plant (KKNPP), a Indo-Russian joint venture, is operating two units of 1000 MW each and has been provided a thick layer of security.
Govt hopes for faster FDI inflow, empowers ministries to give nod.

New Delhi: In a significant move in sync with the governments aim to make India an investment destination with greater ease of doing business, the Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved the abolition of the 25-year-old Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB), which vets foreign direct investment proposals of various ministries with total foreign equity inflow upto Rs 3,000 crore.

Finance minister Arun Jaitley told reporters after the Cabinet meeting that the FIPB will now be replaced by a new system under which the proposals will be approved by the ministries under a standard operating procedure approved by the Cabinet.

This will cut down the time ministries take to clear FDI proposals, as they had to send them for FIPB clearance. Mr Jaitley said proposals on sensitive sectors will need home ministry clearance, while other pending cases lying with FIPB will be sent back to the ministries.

Explaining the rationale, Mr Jaitley said around 90 to 95 per cent of FDI proposals came under the automatic route, thus it was decided to shorten the procedure given the governments pledge to make doing business easier. At present only 11 sectors, including defence and retail trade, need government approval for getting FDI.

The FIPB was set up in the early 1990s under the PMO after economic liberalisation was ushered in. It was shifted to the department of industrial policy and promotion in 1996, and then came under the department of economic affairs of the finance ministry in 2003.

FDI proposals with equity inflow of over Rs 3,000 crore need approval by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs. The finance minister had said in his Budget speech on February 1 that the FIPB will be scrapped.

The FIPB is headed by the secretary, department of economic affairs, and includes the commerce secretary, DIPP secretary, MEAs secretary (economic relations) and the secretary, overseas Indian affairs ministry.
Cipla had conducted clinical trials in Uganda and Kenya and had already been supplying the drug pellets outside India.

Earlier, the drug regulator had rejected Ciplas application to register an HIV drug pellet formulation, which is used for treating children with HIV below three years of age.

New Delhi: India may get a new paediatric drug for treating children with HIV with the new drugs advisory committee likely to expedite the approval process for Ciplas lopinavir-ritonavir pellets in a crucial meeting on Thursday.

Earlier, the drug regulator had rejected Ciplas application to register an HIV drug pellet formulation, which is used for treating children with HIV below three years of age. While the company sought a waiver for clinical trials among the Indian paediatric population, the drug regulator rejected their plea, following unavailability of trials on Indian population. Cipla had conducted clinical trials in Uganda and Kenya and had already been supplying the drug pellets outside India.

However, in a meeting by the subject experts committee to be attended by oncologists, peadiatrics, gastroenterologists etc, the drug combination of lopinavir-ritonavir drug with available data will be re-examined. If the experts are satisfied, the product will go for final testing and the Drug Controller General will approve it soon. However, if more data is needed, it will be referred to the technical advisory committee of experts, said a senior official.

Its approval, as per experts, could be a game changer in fight against the deadly virus and will be help avoid the shortage of paediatric formulations for HIV in the country, which was witnessed by the National Aids Control Organisation recently, which ran out of stock of lopinavir and ritonavir syrup, as Cipla Ltd, the sole supplier, phased out production of the syrup in 2015 and replaced it with pellets. The pellets are yet to get approved in the country.

Following the shortage, guardians of more than 600 HIV-infected children wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the ministry of health and family welfare highlighting the issue of shortage of syrup since January.
Sources said both factions of the AIADMK have pledged support to the NDA presidential candidate.

New Delhi/Kolkata: West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday to discuss issues related to West Bengals development. Sources said the Trinamul Congress supremo was also likely to discuss the coming presidential elections in July, for which the Opposition is trying to put up a consensus candidate, with Mr Modi.

Sources said both factions of the AIADMK have pledged support to the NDA presidential candidate. With this, the NDA is closer to securing the numbers to be able to get its candidate elected as President.

The Opposition parties are due to go into a huddle at the Parliament House complex on Friday to discuss a consensus candidate for President, Before that meeting, Ms Banerjee will meet Congress president Sonia Gandhi.

The Opposition parties are considering the names of former West Bengal governor Gopalkrishna Gandhi, former Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar, NCP supremo Sharad Pawar and JD(U) leader Sharad Yadav in this regard. Several parties also support the re-election of President Pranab Mukherjee.

Ms Banerjee, who flew to New Delhi from Kolkata on Wednesday, said she would meet the Prime Minister to discuss projects for West Bengal, including the pending Deocha-Panchami coal block, the Ganga Action Plan and the need for more Central funds for several projects. She will meet Mr Modi at 3.30 pm Thursday. This will be their second meeting in the past two and a half months.

The West Bengal CM will meet Mrs Gandhi at 1 pm on Friday. The West Bengal Congress unit has expressed its unhappiness at this bonhomie between the two. State Congress chief Adhir Chowdhury even shot off a letter to the Congress president alleging how party workers are the targets of atrocities by the Trinamul Congress.

In another significant development, the West Bengal BJP has said it will organise a law-violation programme  Lalbazar Abhijan  in Kolkata on Thursday, the day Ms Banerjee will meet Mr Modi. State BJP chief Dilip Ghosh, however, said there were several past instances of the two meeting on development issues. He said the BJPs movement against the Trinamul government will remain unaffected.

Meanwhile, both AIADMK factions have pledged their support to the NDA presidential candidate. While chief minister Edapaddi Palaniswami, who heads the larger faction, is understood to have pledged his support during a meeting with the PM on Wednesday, former CM O. Panneerselvam, who leads the other faction, met Mr Modi last week and offered support to the NDAs candidate for the presidential elections in July.

The ruling NDA will need help from friendly parties like the AIADMK to secure the 51 per cent in the electoral college needed to win. The NDA has about 48.5 per cent as of now. Regional parties like the AIADMK, YSR Congress, Telangana Rashtra Samiti and Biju Janata Dal together have about 12 per cent, which the BJP hopes to add. YSR Congress leader Jaganmohan Reddy had also recently met the Prime Minister and offered his partys support.
Political mercury shot up when sharecropper Bigul Kisan was roughed up by hired and armed goons of a local jotedar.

Hoy Naxalbari noy beshyabari, ekta bechhe nitey habey (Either Naxalbari or brothel, you have to choose one), quipped legendary playwright and drama director of yesteryears Utpal Dutt in chaste Bengali during the sanguinary beginning of the Naxalbari stir, which exploded on May 25, 1967 when the police (read state) went berserk killing nine adivasi women and children.

Egged on by a handful of suave Maoist ideologues, peasants belonging to the class of the wretched of the Earth in and around Naxalbari in the foothills of Himalayas and tea estate workers around in Darjeeling districts were up against the repressive jotedars and snatch the latters lands, held beyond the statutory upper ceiling.

Political mercury shot up when sharecropper Bigul Kisan was roughed up by hired and armed goons of a local jotedar. The retaliation was violent clashes and forcible seizure of land and confiscation of foodgrains by armed militants of the kisan committee. Resistance from jotedars and their hirelings collapsed. On May 23 peasant militants killed inspector Sonam Wangdi with poisoned arrows at Jharugaon village. Followed a series of snatching of firearms and ammunition at Naxalbari, Kharibari and Phansidewa from the houses of jotedars, raided by armed peasants. Peoples courts set up and verdicts like brutal execution and heavy monetary fines were issued. All this forced the frightened landlords and their hirelings to flee their hearth and home, thanks to villagers refusal to cooperate with the police in their combing operations.

A huge fillip came from the Radio Peking broadcast on June 28, 1967: A phase of peasants armed struggle led by the revolutionaries of the Indian Communist Party has been set up in the countryside in Darjeeling district of West Bengal state of India. This is the front paw of the revolutionary armed struggle launched by the Indian people... On July 5 Peoples Daily, organ of the Communist Party of China carried an article, captioned Spring Thunder over India, stating: A peal of spring thunder has crashed over the land of India. Revolutionary peasants in Darjeeling area have risen in rebellion. Under the leadership of a revolutionary group of the Indian Communist Party, a red area of rural revolutionary armed struggle has been established in India. The Daily termed it as a revolutionary storm of the Indian peasants in the Darjeeling area.

The rest is history. The CPI(M), the largest constituent of the United Front government with its central committee member and national leader of All India Krishak Sabha Harekrishna Konar as the minister of land and land revenue, chucked out top leaders of armed revolt, including CPI(M)s West Bengal state committee member Sushital Roy Chowdhury, Charu Mazumdar, Kanu Sanyal, Jangal Santhal and Souren Bose. The UF government, mainly under the pressure of CPI(M) and Bangla Congress, went on a repressive mode on July 19, pressing into action a large number of paramilitary forces, mainly of Eastern Frontier Rifles that resorted to a ruthless cordoning and combing operations. Hundreds of militants were beaten up with over 1,000 arrested, including Mazumdar and Santhal. Tribeni Kanu, Sobhan, Ali Gorkha Majhi and Tilka Majhi embraced martyrdom.

The prairie fire had spread to Assam, Bihar, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and Punjab. Hundreds of CPI(M) members joined the new wave inspired by the ideology of Mao Zedong. Naxalbari Aid Committee was set up and thereafter the All India Coordination Committee of Communist Revolutionaries was formed in 1967 with the aim of a national revolution through armed struggle. Mazumdar, known as CM inside the party, emerged as the chief ideologue after the third Indian communist party  Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) was born at a massive rally in Calcutta on May Day 1969 with Mazumdar as the general secretary, but at the cost of a split. Nagi Reddy, Asit Sen, Promode Sengupta and a few other leading comrades refused to join the new party as they thought it was premature. Mazumdar electrified the gathering in the name of Mao Zedong. But his slogans such as Our victory is inevitable as the chairman of China is our chairman too reflected an unbridled sycophancy of Mao. Whether this was one of the reasons for decimation of Naxalism, inflamed by CM, is for the historians to judge.

But CM wasnt the lone worshipper of Mao. His ideological critique in the CC, Sanyal, too used to address Mao as Chairman Mao as infallible, illumined by the thought of our beloved leader and great teacher, Chairman Mao. Both the top leaders never critically judged Maos slogan. Political power grows out of the barrel of a gun, discordant with the outlook of Mao, miles away from Marxs libertarian temper. The heroic peasants opposed this armed rule with armed revolt. So the culture of sycophancy overshadowed the party. Numerous graffitis with quotations from Chairman Mao were a proof.

Naxalite brass and their fellow travellers often claim that hundreds of brilliant students joined the armed struggle at the call of CM, as if this gravitation by academically meritorious youth justified CM and his sycophancy towards Mao. Only at the fag end of CMs life, CPI(ML) members came to learn that CPC rejected the CM line. The first premier of Communist China, Zhou Enlai in a lengthy interview to Bose who secretly visited China, criticised the slogan, suggesting that the path of revolution be independently scripted by the party concerned and masses. Condemned was also CMs line of individual terrorism. He infamously issued a sermon: 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. This rejection was a partial endorsement of Sanyals critique of CM, in his well-known Report on the peasant movement in the Terai Region written and circulated in October 1968, (rewritten in 1973) but never discussed in the AICCCR or CPI(ML) during CMs lifetime.

Ashim Chatterjee, the lone living member of the first CC of CPI(ML), states that Sanyal played a far more important role than CM in the evolution of Naxalbari struggle which was to happen irrespective of CM. He stresses the difference between CM and Sanyal from those days they were at loggerheads to each other. Sanyals difference with CM was more than implicit in his report on the peasant movement in the Terai region, circulated in 1968, but never discussed.

In 1963, when the ultra left-liners of undivided CPI were imprisoned at Dum Dum jail after the Chinese aggression into the Indian territory in October 1963, CM proposed that prisoners observe the anniversary of Chinese Revolution but it was rejected on tactical grounds. CM said aloud, I consider myself as a member of Communist Party of China, a statement he made several times despite opposition from Sanyal, Bose and others. Strange enough, Naxalite factions like CPI(ML), Liberation and CPI (Maoist) cultivate personality cult of Mao and CM. Polymath and Marxian scholar of international repute, Pradip Baksi, termed this as slavish mindset.

CMs call for turning the 1970s into a decade of revolution ended in a damp squib.

The writer is a Kolkata-based journalist specialising in Left politics and history and the politicoeconomics of Indias neighbours
Some vested interests are trying to disrupt social harmony and his government was committed to maintaining peace, Adityanath said.

UP government has announced Rs 15 lakh as compensation to the next of kin of those killed in caste violence. (Photo: File/PTI)

Lucknow/New Delhi: Two more people were killed in caste-related violence in Uttar Pradeshs riot-hit Saharanpur district on Wednesday, taking the toll to three in the past 24 hours.

Reacting swiftly and angrily to reports of fresh violence and rising tension in the district, chief minister Yogi Adityanath replaced the districts top civil and police officials, and urged people not to pay heed to rumours.

Some vested interests are trying to disrupt social harmony and his government was committed to maintaining peace, he said. Internet services have been banned in Saharanpur.

District magistrate N.P. Singh and SSP Subhash Chandra Dubey were suspended for their failure to control the situation, as were an SDM and a circle officer. Pramod Kumar Pandey has been appointed the new DM of Saharanpur, while Babloo Kumar will take over as the new SSP of the trouble-torn district. Over 30 protesters who joined in the violent clashes have been arrested.

The Saharanpur caste clashes are being seen as a major law and order challenge for the two-month-old Yogi Adityanath government in the state.

The Rapid Action Force (RAF) has been deployed and state home secretary Mani Prasad Sharma said a close watch was being kept on the area. IG (Special Task Force) Amitabh Yash, ADG (Law and Order) Aditya Misra and DG (Security) Vijay Bhushan were flown to the violence-hit region on Tuesday night.

Tensions have simmered in Saharanpur for a month now, with violent clashes reported between dalit and Rajput groups. On Tuesday, some unidentified people set fire to about 12 houses belonging to Rajputs in Shabbirpur ahead of BSP supremo Mayawatis arrival.

Soon after Ms Mayawati finished addressing a rally in Shabbirpur, the village where clashes between the two communities began earlier this month, leading to the death of a dalit man, a sword-wielding mob attacked a vehicle with BSP supporters in it. The police said the attackers also fired guns, killing a 24-year-old dalit man and injuring four others.

As word spread, dalit groups allegedly rioted and threw stones, forcing shops and markets to close. Ms Mayawatis visit to the district was prompted by the massive rally organised by the Bhim Army at New Delhis Jantar Mantar on Sunday to protest against the caste violence in Saharanpur.

The Uttar Pradesh government blamed Ms Mayawatis visit on Tuesday for the violence. But its the sudden rise of the Bhim Army, also accused of orchestrating the violence, that is emerging as a major cause of concern for the UP administration.

This Jatav-Dalit outfit, led by Chandrashekhar Azad, is rapidly moving into the space created by the BSP. Mr Azad, sources said, has gone underground.

Blaming BSP president Mayawati for triggering a fresh bout of violence in the communally-sensitive district, a UP government statement said: It was expected that the visit of the former chief minister would help restore peace in Saharanpur, but this has not happened and it is sad. Peace had been restored in Saharanpur but the former chief ministers visit led to tension, followed by the unfortunate incident where one person has died.

Ms Mayawati, in a press statement, blamed the BJP for encouraging casteist violence and disturbing harmony in Saharanpur.

UP DGP Sulkhan Singh told reporters: I may not allow politicians to visit Saharanpur till the situation returns to normal completely.

The spiral of violence in the district began from Shabbirpur village, home to around 600 dalits and over 900 thakurs. Dalit victims of the clashes say upper caste thakurs prevented them from installing a statue of B.R. Ambedkar on the premises of the Ravidas temple in the village.

The first incident on Wednesday was reported from Mirzapur village at around 5 am. It was case of mistaken identity. Thakurs attacked two people sleeping in a brick kiln in Mirzapur with sharp-edged weapons, presuming them to be Dalits.

Nitin and Yashpal, both belonging to the Prajapati caste, sustained serious injuries. Nitin died on the way to the hospital while Yashpal was admitted in critical condition. In the second incident, a Thakur youth was shot at by unidentified persons.

UP government has announced Rs 15 lakh as compensation to the next of kin of those killed in caste violence. The injured will be given Rs 50,000 each as compensation.
According to Nadir Patel, Canada continues to welcome record numbers of Indian nationals for study, tourism, business, and visiting friends.

Image of Vancouver International Airport, where TS Dhillon was denied entry into Canada. (Photo: Facebook)

New Delhi: After a retired officer of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) was denied entry into Canada by immigration officials, High Commissioner of Canada Nadir Patel said the language in the document produced by the officials "does not reflect the government of Canada's policy toward India or any particular organisation, including the Central Reserve Police Force of India. The Central Reserve Police Force plays an important role in upholding law and order in India".

Regretting any "inconvenience that may have been experienced by this individual and their family", he said, from time to time, with such a large number of applications, oversights on visa applications can happen.

"In situations where established procedures may not have been followed, a review takes place to avoid any reoccurrence," he said.

According to Patel, Canada continues to welcome record numbers of Indian nationals for study, tourism, business, and visiting friends and family.

"Over the past year, over 300,000 Indian nationals have applied to visit Canada," he said.

He also said Canada values its relationship with India, based on shared values of democracy, pluralism, human rights and rule of law.

Patel said Canada's privacy laws prevent him from commenting further.

A retired inspector general of the CRPF was denied entry into Canada with airport authorities saying he served in an organisation that allegedly engaged in "terrorism" and "gross human rights violations", prompting a strong reaction from India.

TS Dhillon landed in Canada with his wife on May 18 and was put on the return flight to India on May 20.

His wife was, however, allowed to proceed to her destination in Canada.

"I landed with my wife in Canada on May 18 as I had a family event to attend. But the Canadian border agency at the airport did not allow me to enter the country.

"I told them that I am a retired senior officer of the Indian police, the CRPF. But, they did not heed to my statements and instead talked to me very rudely and in an unpleasant manner. They told me that my force had indulged in human rights violations," Dhillon told PTI.

External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Gopal Baglay termed the characterisation of a reputed force like the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) as "completely unacceptable".

"We have seen the news report regarding denial of entry by Canadian authorities to a senior retired Indian Police Officer. Such a characterisation of a reputed force like the

CRPF is completely unacceptable. We have taken up the matter with the Government of Canada," Baglay said.

He was a "prescribed senior official in the service of a government that, in the opinion of the Minister, engages or has engaged in terrorism, systematic or gross human rights violations, or genocide, a war crime or a crime against humanity", a document given to Dhillon at the airport read.

Dhillon retired from the Central Reserve Police Force as an Inspector General (IG) in 2010.

He was a national level shooter and instrumental in setting up infrastructure for the shooting discipline during the 2010 Commonwealth Games held in the national capital.

Dhillon said he had a valid visa for Canada till 2024 but despite that he was not allowed to enter the country.

"I was finally put on a plane back to India on May 20. I feel bad that the Canadian authorities, at the lower levels, are trying to antagonise a uniformed force of India and the men and women who have given their blood and sweat for the security of the country.

"The authorities should apologise," he said.

The officer said while his wife was allowed to enter Canada, he had to leave with a heavy heart, from a country he has visited many times in the last 30 years.

Ties between India and Canada are witnessing a strain in the recent past.

Earlier this month, India had indicated that it had raised with Canada the presence of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at a recent event in Toronto where two legislators, who had authored a motion in the Ontario Assembly calling the 1984 anti-Sikh riots as "genocide", were felicitated.
The BJP chief minister asserted that his government was not going to compromise on the territorial integrity of the state.

Guwahati: Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal said here on Wednesday that his government was ready to hold talks with the anti-talk faction of the United Liberation Front of Asom (Independent), but within the framework of the Indian Constitution.

Talking to reporters on the completion of one year in office, Mr Sonowal said, We are willing to resolve the conflict situation through talks with any group, but it is possible only within the framework of the Indian Constitution.

The outlawed Ulfa (I) has been harping on three pre-conditions: that talks be held on the issue of sovereignty, that they take place outside India and under the supervision of the United Nations.

The BJP chief minister asserted that his government was not going to compromise on the territorial integrity of the state.

Mr Sonowals first call for talks with Ulfa (I) goes against the policy decision of the home ministry  not to hold talks with any insurgency/rebel groups indulging in violence.

Summarising his one-year tenure, Mr Sonowal reiterated his governments commitment to provide corruption free governance in the state.

We are following the policy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi  zero tolerance on corruption, he said while pointing out how his government has started to wage a war on corruption.

We have succeeded in unearthing many scams of the previous government, he said, referring to cases like the cash-for-job scam in the Assam Public Service Commission, the Rs 2,250 crore scam in the state social welfare department, and the Rs 700 crore Assam agricultural department scam which came to light after he became the chief minister. All these scams took place during the previous Congress government.

Asserting that a lot more is yet to be done to tackle corruption, Mr Sonowal said that after his governments initiative to remove all illegal check gates, corruption in government departments and extortion had shown a dip and that there has been a visible jump in the tax collection. In 2016-17, we could increase the tax revenue by 20.5 per cent to Rs 12,800 crore from the 2015-16 collection of Rs 10,106.05 crore  implying that this Rs 2,700 was draining out of the system, he said.

Explaining how, thanks to the vigilance department, his government has succeeded in tightening some loopholes, Mr Sonowal said, In the last one year, the non-tax revenue collection has also registered a jump from Rs 27.41 crore to Rs 3,500 crore. My government has spent Rs 1,502 crore under MNREGA in the last one year, against Rs 620.90 crore spent by the previous government in 2015-16.

Flanked by leaders of alliance partners AGP and BPF, Mr Sonowal also clarified that there were no issues in the alliance.

We are together to take the state to a new height, Mr Sonowal said, while reiterating his governments commitment to implementing the Assam Accord and updating the National Register of Citizenship in Assam.
Piyush Goyal objects to presence of media persons.

Delhi BJP President Manoj Tiwari speaks to the media after submitting a letter of complaint to the Election Commission, accusing the Aam Aadmi Party of corruption in New Delhi. (Photo: AP)

New Delhi: The last day of the Delhi BJPs executive committee meeting on Tuesday was marred by a major goof-up with Union power minister Piyush Goyal objecting to the presence of media persons who had been invited by the state unit to cover the function.

An embarrassed Delhi BJP president Manoj Tiwari tried to convince the minister to allow the media persons to cover the function as they had been officially invited by the partys local unit. However, Mr Goyal insisted that the purpose of his address would be lost in the presence of media persons as he intended to mentor the party workers.

Our party is in power. So, refrain from leaking information to media because such persons are soon exposed, Goyal was quoted as saying by a senior party leader who attended the meeting.

Within a few minutes of his address, Mr Goyal asked whether mediapersons were present in the auditorium. When Mr Tiwari and others informed him about the presence of media, Mr Goyal said that talking to the party workers at the executive meet will be lost in their presence and asked them to leave the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry auditorium where the second day of the two-day executive committee meeting was held.

However, upon Mr Tiwaris request, the Union power minister agreed to speak about the achievements of Narendra Modi government and later on had a closed door talk with the workers. Amid this confusion, the journalists had left their seats and left the auditorium even as some local leaders were seen requesting them to stay.

While the media persons walked out of the auditorium, Mr Goyal was heard saying that it was okay if they were leaving. He said that he was unaware of the presence of media in the meeting. Notably, a Delhi BJP invite sent to the media persons yesterday stated that his (Mr Goyal) session (is) open to media.

Mr Goyal reached an hour late for the open session that was scheduled at 1 pm. Before his arrival, BJPs national general secretary Dr Anil Jain addressed the partys executive committee members in the presence of the journalists.

Party sources present during Mr Goyals address told this newspaper that the Union power minister talked about the ongoing conflict between the top leadership in the party and advised that the differences should be discussed within the party forum and not with the media or on the public platform.
The police found Rs 75 lakh stashed in the car. Suspecting Naxal links, PSI Kurkure later informed Aheri police station.

The three tendu leaves contractors were thoroughly interrogated about the cash and also Naxal literature recovered from their vehicle. (Photo:PTI)

Nagpur: In the biggest haul in recent years, the Gadchiroli police has arrested three tendu leaves contractors for carrying cash to the tune of Rs 1.76 crore which they were to deliver to Naxalites.

The trio identified as Pahadiya Tampla (35), Ravi Tankam (45), and Nagraj Putta (37) were arrested at Alapalli Road by Aheri police of south Gadchiroli in the early hours of May 23.

A police patrol of Pranhita headquarters of Aheri led by PSI Milan Kurkure spotted a four-wheeler without number plate and intercepted the unregistered vehicle, leading to seizure and arrests.

The police found Rs 75 lakh stashed in the car. Suspecting Naxal links, PSI Kurkure later informed Aheri police station.

The three tendu leaves contractors were thoroughly interrogated about the cash and also Naxal literature recovered from their vehicle. On Tuesday, they admitted that Rs 1 crore and one lakh cash had been hidden somewhere in the forest.

The remaining amount was also recovered from the spot. The three were produced before a local court on Tuesday and remanded to police custody till May 28. They confessed that they were headed for Korchepalli near Damrancha to deliver the cash to Naxals.

Sub-divisional police officer (SDPO) Gajanan Tempe is supervising the investigation, Gadchiroli police PRO Tejaswi Patil on Wednesday told The Asian Age.

The link between tendu leaves contractors and Naxals is well known, police sources said.

A Naxalite who surrendered to the police, Manik Taram, in an earlier interview revealed that Naxals got Rs 70 per bag of tendu leaves from contractors. Taram, hailing from Chichgarh Dalam, had surrendered to the Deori police station.
Also, the farmers were apprehensive about the functioning of the pumps.

Mumbai: Almost two and a half years since the state government approved the installation of 10,000 solar pumps for farmers, only 2,450 solar pumps have been installed till March. The scheme  which is among the many ambitious projects that were announced by chief minister Devendra Fadnavis immediately after coming to power  has failed to get the desired response from farmers, as its solar pumps are costlier than those from neighbouring states. Also, the farmers were apprehensive about the functioning of the pumps. The government had also decided to install community solar pumps so that their maintenance would be easier, but this pilot project failed to take off.

We have installed 2,450 solar pumps till March 30 this year. The process is a little slow, but the target will be achieved soon. The state government had already given its approval for the installation of 7,540 solar pumps, and permission for 2,460 others was given on Tuesday. Earlier, the solar pumps were mostly intended for farmer suicide-prone districts such as Akola, Amravati, Washim, Buldana, Yavatmal and Wardha. Now other districts have been included in the project, an energy department official said.

Farmers will have to pay Rs 25,000 to get a cross subsidy for solar pumps, which would otherwise cost Rs 3.5-4 lakh. Sixty per cent of the pumps cost will be borne by Mahadiscom, 30 per cent by the Centre and five per cent by the state and end user. The official added that the cost is one of the reasons for the poor response.

The state government wants to replace 36,00,000 electricity pumps with solar pumps over the next few years. However, this will place a huge burden on the state exchequer, as solar pumps are cross-subsidised.
One of them sent a msg that said bomb instead of Bombay; GRP says nothing suspicious.

Two of the six accused who were detained.

Mumbai: The Vashi government railway police (GRP) around 5 pm on Tuesday released six youths who were detained after one of them had sent an ill-crafted message to a friend the previous day that contained a single word  bomb instead of Bombay  as it did not find any reason to detain them.

On reaching Panvel on Monday, one of boys had sent a message to his friend in Kerala saying bomb, instead of Bombay, said a GRP official. The phone was switched off thereafter, he further added.

He added that the boys had alighted from the Netravati Express in Panvel and travelled to Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) to catch a train that would take them to Ratnagiri.

Alarmed, the friend who had received the message called the RPF helpline, the CST

GRP detained them but the case was transferred to Vashi where they were held.

Five of the boys  Yunish K.K. (26), Mohammad Adish (20), Mohammad A. Siddiqi (20), Yonish U.S. (21), and Abdul Rauf Mohammad (21)  along with two others, including minor, had gotten off at Panvel around 3 pm.

They were detained an hour later at CST after the Railway Police Force, GRP and Anti-Terrorism Squad had jointly traced the boys to Panvel, sources said.

Stating that the boys had been detained for questioning, ADG GRP Jeet Singh said, There nothing suspicious about them so they have been released.

GRP sources said there was not enough reason to detain them further, as they had already been in custody for more than 18 hours.
Dnyeshwar Ganore found his wife Dipali Ganore, 42, lying in a pool of blood, when he returned home from work.

Dnyeshwar Ganore found his wife Dipali Ganore, 42, lying in a pool of blood, when he returned home from work. (Representational image)

Mumbai: The wife of a police inspector who was part of the team that investigated the Sheena Bora murder case was found stabbed to death at her residence in Mumbai. Police suspect missing son to be behind the murder.

Dnyeshwar Ganore found his wife Dipali Ganore, 42, lying in a pool of blood, when he returned home from work.

According to Mumbai Police press note, Dyaneshwar tried to open the door but failed, so he tried his wife's phone. But it was not reachable. When he somehow managed to open the door, he found Dipali's body on the floor in a pool of blood.

According to a report in Hindustan Times, Ganore found his wife's body with a smiley drawn in the blood next to her with the words, "Tired of her. Catch me and hang me".

Police suspect that it was written by their 21-year-old son, Siddhanth, who is missing.

As per the report, Siddhanth was constantly scolded by his mother for getting bad grades and had refused to give him pocket money.

Siddhanth who had dropped out of an engineering course and was studying at National College.

His friends said that he has been keeping aloof for the last two months and was also very little on social media.
Minister Patil refutes Khadses comments that govt work has slowed down.

Mumbai: As the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is all set to start its four-day Shivar Sampark Yatra today to reach out to the public, internal strife in the party has come to the fore. Revenue minister Chandrakant Patil dismissed the comments of former minister Eknath Khadse, who had said the party was resorting to the yatra as its developmental works were slowing down. Calling the comments Mr Khadses personal opinion, Mr Patil also denied that there would be mid-term polls as predicted by the senior BJP leader on Tuesday.

The BJP, as part of the Shivar Sampark Yatra, aims to reach 25 lakh farmers in the next four days. However, the internal bickering in the party threatens to overshadow the partys outreach programme. Mr Khadse, who had to resign over allegations of corruption in June 2016, predicted mid-term polls in the state while addressing party workers in Dhule in north Maharashtra.

The ousted ex-minister, who is said to be sulking, also called BJPs ambitious Shivar Sanwad Sabha as an attempt to counter the growing perception that the state governments developmental works were slowing down.

As part of the yatra, BJP is planning to hold 4,000 corner meetings. Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, state president Raosaheb Danve and all ministers, MLAs, MLCs, MPs and other district level leaders will address these rallies. The yatra will end on May 28.

In an apparent effort to stop Mr Khadses statement from hurting the partys outreach programme, Mr Patil said, There is no question of mid-term polls, this could be Mr Khadses personal opinion, said Mr Patil. He also denied that the state governments work is getting slowed down. People are happy and these rallies are to inform people about the governments decision, said Mr Patil.

Internal rumblings

Internal bickering in state BJP is a well-known fact. After Mr Khadse resigned in June 2016, all competitors for the chief ministerial post are said to be disturbed. Ministers such as Pankaja Munde, Vinod Tawde even state B JP chief Raosaheb Danve are reportedly feeling sidelined. Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis is seen to have managed to take all the credit and focus for governmental work as well as BJPs success in local body elections.

App power

The BJPs central leadership has created a mobile app in which all district-level leaders are asked to upload photos and videos of the rallies they are supposed to address. This is an internal app and BJP sources said that each district chief and general secretary is asked to download it in his/her mobile. All senior leaders including ministers, MPs, MLAs, MLCs and other organisational leaders are asked to address rallies. Photos and videos of these rallies will be uploaded on the app.
Police sources said Mr Ganore, who returned from his duty at 4.15 am, had rung the doorbell but got no response.

Mumbai: A Khar police inspectors wife, Deepali Ganore (42), was found murdered at their Santa Cruz residence early on Wednesday with a message scribbled in blood and a smiley found close by reading, I am tired of her. Catch me and hang me.

Ganores 21-year-old son, Siddhant, who dropped out of an engineering course and was a college student at National College in Bandra, has been missing since Tuesday evening and the police suspect he could be the culprit. The police has registered a case of murder against an unknown person, and is simultaneously looking for Siddhant. Siddhant had left his mobile phone at home, which is making the polices task of identifying his location difficult.

The deceaseds husband, Dnyaneshwar Ganore (49), was part of the police team that had detected and probed the April 2012 Sheena Bora case before the case was transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Mr Ganore, who is posted at the Khar police station, had returned home at 4.30 am to find his wifes body lying in a pool of blood with her throat slit.

Police sources said Mr Ganore, who returned from his duty at 4.15 am, had rung the doorbell but got no response. He then knocked on the door loudly and tried to call his wife, but she did not respond.

The killer scribbled a message in blood with a smiley that read: I am tired of her. Catch me and hang me.

Growing suspicious, he accessed the duplicate key hidden in a shoe rack outside the house and opened the door.

Police inspector Sanjay Pawar, who is the investigating officer on this case said that a kitchen knife that was used as a murder weapon has been sent for analysis at the Forensic Laboratory, Kalina to check for the murderers fingerprints. We are also checking the CCTV footage to see the accusers movement and establish the time of murder. Their sons phone has been found at the murder scene. We have sent it to the experts to unlock it, said Mr Pawar.

Police sources said that prima facie it seems the son has murdered his mother, with whom he had constant fights over his bad grades and his dropping out of the engineering course. Mr Ganores neighbours refused to comment on the incident.

The deceased was declared dead on arrival at V.N. Desai Hospital and was later shifted to Cooper Hospital for a post-mortem. Mr Ganore left with her dead body for their hometown in Nashik on Wednesday morning itself.

Death in Mumbai

May 23

11.30 am: Dnyaneshwar Ganore leaves for work from Prabhat Colony. His wife and son are alone at home.

May 24

4.15 am: Ganore returns from his duty and rings the bell.

4.30 am: He accesses the duplicate key and opens the door to find his wife lying dead.

4.45 am: Ganore alerts the police control room. The police arrives at the spot within 10 minutes.
Saudi Arabia was one of only three states, alongside Pakistan and the UAE, to recognise the emirate of Afghanistan.

Quite apart from the monumental hypocrisy of US President Donald Trump and his secretary of state, Rex Tillerson, standing on Saudi soil while berating Iran for its human rights deficiencies and sponsorship of terrorism, their timing was appalling.

After all, the Iranian electorate had just a few days earlier turned out on a scale much larger than its American counterpart to return the reformist-minded Hassan Rouhani to power in a hotly contested presidential race. Sure, Iranian democracy is deficient in many ways and Mr Rouhanis room for manoeuvre will continue to be constrained by the very nature of the theocratic state. Yet the contrast with Saudi Arabia is nonetheless stupendous.

There are few parallels, even among its closest allies, to the kingdoms disrespect and distaste for human rights. And as for sponsorship of terrorism, it isnt necessary to repeatedly cite the fact that 15 of the 19 hijackers who perpetrated the atrocities of Sept 11, 2001 were Saudi nationals in order to make the case for its key role in disseminating the retrograde ideology that facilitates Salafist violence.

After all, long before 9/11, Pakistan was among the earliest beneficiaries of Saudi munificence when a chain of madressahs sprang up in the 1980s to indoctrinate Afghan refugees, and in due course spawned the Afghan Taliban. When the latter eventually conquered Kabul, apparently with plenty of Pakistani assistance, it was considered a huge success. Saudi Arabia was one of only three states, alongside Pakistan and the UAE, to recognise the emirate of Afghanistan.

It was quick to recant in the wake of 9/11: alienating the US had never been on its agenda. Lest we forget, though, Osama bin Laden was a Saudi gift to the Afghan jihad. The US was keen on a member of the royal family, someone who could be designated as a prince in its propaganda, to join the anti-Soviet crusade. Understandably, no prince  and there have always been plenty of those, given how prolific Ibn Saud and his progeny have been in terms of progeniture  was keen to volunteer. The scion of a leading industrialist family would have to do.

Its also worth recalling that when Sudan offered to hand Bin Laden over to the Saudi authorities, they demurred. That is how he ended up back in Afghanistan. The rest, as they say, is history.

It did not end there, though. Many of the home-grown terrorists who have perpetrated deadly violence in countries such as France and Britain have been associated with Saudi-financed mosques and preachers. The trend is unlikely to be coincidental, yet all too many Western countries besides the US continue to pander to the Saudi regime. The weapons the Saudis and their collaborators have deployed in claiming huge numbers of civilian lives in Yemen, perhaps the poorest Arab state, originate from Britain and France as well as the US.

There is little evidence that Iran was particularly keen on the Houthis when the Saudis embarked on their assault against Yemen. Things may have changed somewhat in the interim, but one constant has been the bolstering of Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, an outfit that hates the Houthis as much as Riyadh does.

And as far as Syria is concerned, its all very well to criticise Iran for standing by the despicable regime of Bashar al-Assad, but are the outfits that Saudi Arabia and its Gulf mates, notably Qatar, have allegedly been backing any less atrocious? Their attitude towards Christians and other minorities is, if anything, considerably worse.

As a sponsor of instability in the region, Riyadh deserves considerably more credit than Tehran. And on the domestic front, Iran, for all its severe limitations, is almost libertine in comparison with Saudi Arabia.

What other country beheads people with such gleeful abandon? Or constrains womens rights to quite the same extent?

We are frequently bombarded with news reports suggesting that Saudi Arabia is changing. King Salmans favourite son, the deputy crown prince, is said to be a would-be reformer. Women may soon be permitted to drive. Hurrah. Even cinemas might be allowed. Yippee. But the most intriguing aspect of the coming transformation, necessitated by the sharp decline in oil revenues, will be the dismantling of the welfare state that has hitherto constrained open dissent to a considerable extent.

Of course, theres no holding back on investments in weaponry, as Mr Trump was delighted to note: $110 billion can immediately be spared, with further hundreds of billions over the coming decade  a massive investment in America, its [military] industry and its jobs, as the US President so eloquently put it. And as we all know, the only deity he worships is Mammon.

But his unequivocal commitment to the Middle Easts sectarian hostilities means the region could be paying for it for a very long time to come.

By arrangement with Dawn
It is interesting that while the Indian firing took place on May 9, the announcement was made a fortnight later, on May 23.

For the first time, the Indian Army claimed on Tuesday that on May 9 it had shelled across the Naushera sector at the Line of Control and destroyed Pakistani Army posts used to infiltrate terrorists. Visuals of fairly heavy shelling were shown on television screens. Pakistan said the claim was false, but that isnt the point. The thing to note is the Indian announcement that it would resort to punitive fire assaults. In the past, shelling across the LoC came as retaliation when Pakistan broke the November 2003 ceasefire pact. Such exchanges were typically confined to small arms.

On this occasion, though, India used heavier weapons. Pakistan called the incident false as it is yet to work out how to respond. If it accepts the Indian claim, and doesnt retaliate, it will appear weak before its public.

It is interesting that while the Indian firing took place on May 9, the announcement was made a fortnight later, on May 23. The time gap hasnt been explained. Perhaps an immediate disclosure would have implied that the Indian action was in retaliation for the beheading of two Indian soldiers by Pakistan on May 1, while India is now openly declaring that it is starting a new pattern of seeking to inflict punishment for Pakistan infiltrating terrorists into J&K.

The Indian Army routinely used to return fire before the Narendra Modi government took office, and sometimes engaged in cross-LoC operations as well, like the much-hyped surgical strike of September 2016. But these werent mostly publicised. The intention was not to enter an escalatory spiral that could spin out of control.

However, this government, seized by the desire to take credit for every situation, wants to appear strong in the public eye and seeks to give wide publicity to military actions against Pakistan in particular. For this reason, it is more than likely that the real reason for the May 9 firing across the LoC with medium-level weapons was to dispel the notion of weakness after the beheading, which had caught the government short. Indeed, the government was subjected to withering comments by the families of the slain soldiers and these were shown on television.

The surgical strike was intended to be a deterrent, but Pakistan and its army of terrorists were not deterred and attacks (even on our military establishments) continued. On May 20-21, eight days after the cross-LoC firing, a strong infiltration bid was prevented by Indian troops.

It is evident this is why deterrence has been given up as the rationale behind Indian military retaliation and the doctrine of punitive action taken up. The shelling with heavier weapons is not a one-off event. Only time will tell, though, if this has been considered from all angles.
Chinese telecoms giant Huawei plans a global expansion into computers, it said on Tuesday, posing a fresh challenge to established PC players in a market that has suffered two years of falling sales volumes and pressure on margins.

At a news conference in Berlin, the Shenzhen-based company introduced its first line-up of three personal computer models, including a 15.6-inch screen notebook, a 2-in-1 tablet and notebook hybrid and an ultra slim, metallic 13-inch notebook.

Initially, Huawei plans to target the premium-priced consumer market, competing with Lenovo, HP and Dell, which together sell more than 50 percent of all PCs. To a lesser extent, it will also go up against Apple's high-end, but shrinking, Mac computer business.

Huawei's Matebook X is a fanless notebook with splash-proof screen and combined fingerprint sign-on and power button, priced between 1,399 and 1,699 euros ($1,570-$1,900). Its Matebook E 2-in-1 hybrid will run from 999 to 1,299 euros while the Matebook D with 15.6-inch display is priced at 799 to 999 euros, it said.

Overall, PC market sales volumes dropped 8.3 percent in 2015 and a further 3.7 percent in 2016, according to research firm Gartner, which has predicted a flat outcome this year and increasing market consolidation through 2020.

"From Huawei's perspective, we see opportunities in the PC market's decline," Cheng Lei, senior marketing manager for the PC business, said in a phone interview of the cost-savings and design and manufacturing benefits it gets from its smartphone business.

Huawei, the world's top maker of wireless and fixed-line telecoms equipment, emerged two years ago as the world's No. 3 smartphone maker after Samsung and Apple, displacing Lenovo, which remains focused on its computer business.

Huawei's new PCs all run seventh generation Intel microprocessors, Microsoft Windows 10 software and in-house developed software to automate data transfers between Huawei smartphones and its new computer models, Lei said.

Huawei said it aimed to offer the new PCs in 12 countries in Europe, North America, Asia, and the Middle East in early June.

On Monday, HP, the No.2 PC maker behind China's Lenovo and ahead of No.3 Dell, introduced three new consumer models with mostly similar hardware specifications that boasted short-term pricing discounts and a bundle of popular third-party software.

LONG-TERM PLAY

In recent years, the big three PC makers have grabbed most of the growth and market share at the expense other, declining brands, thanks to their diversification and strong position in the commercial PC market. Lenovo and HP each hold around 20 percent while Dell has a 15 percent share globally.

Business PC replacement demand remains stable, Gartner data shows, offsetting shrivelling consumer PC demand in recent years as users rely on bigger-screen smartphones and tablets and cloud data storage instead of new PCs for their basic computing needs.

"If you are in a good position in the business market, you will have more opportunities to increase share," said Gartner consumer and small business devices analyst Mikako Kitagawa.

Huawei plans to keep its PC portfolio simple at first, by focusing on premium consumers while putting off any decision on a move into commercial PCs. "We are now quite confident and will try to expand in new segments in a couple of years," Lei said.

"Our investment in the PC industry is not short-term," the Huawei executive said. "We will have a long-term investment, not only in marketing but in R&D (research and development)."

But Huawei, which has a history of subsidising its entry into new product markets with profits from its network business, two months ago pledged to scale back on heavy marketing in its phone division in favor of more profitable overall growth.

In March, Huawei reported flat net profits for 2016 of just over $5 billion on revenue of more than $75 billion.

Huawei also must contend with a slowing smartphone market. Last year, phone shipments fell 1.6 percent, Gartner estimates, and while they are tipped for modest growth of 3.5 percent in 2017, they now count on replacements instead of new users.

A year ago, Chinese smartphone rival Xiaomi offered its first laptop aimed at mid-priced consumer users, priced around $525, in one of the most competitive segments of the business.

Gartner's Kitagawa said PC-dependent firms had struggled to continue to invest as unit volumes decline and profits shrink compared with the industry levels of 10 or 15 years ago.

"The new vendors already expect they aren't going to make a lot of money," she said. "They have a different mentality".
Augmented reality is seeing strong gains among Americans thanks to social networks like Snapchat, Instagram and Facebook, a market research firm said Monday.

A new report by eMarketer said some 40 million Americans will engage with augmented reality monthly in 2017, up 30 percent over last year.

Virtual reality is also growing, but at a slower pace, according to the researchers.

The report said growth in augmented reality is being fueled by Snapchat Lenses, Facebook Stories, and Instagram Stories, while virtual reality usage is driven by 360-degree videos on social networks.

"Users of Snapchat Lenses comprise the vast majority of our AR estimates," said eMarketer forecasting analyst Chris Bendtsen.

Lenses is the system enabling users to add special effects to video messages sent over Snapchat.

"Snapchat growth will continue to contribute to AR users in the future, but in the next several years eMarketer also expects Facebook and Instagram Stories to be significant growth drivers of AR usage," Bendtsen added.

Facebook Stories and Instagram Stories offer "filters" which allow users to add special effects to photos and videos, a feature widely seen as copying Snapchat's augmented reality offerings.

Augmented reality gadgetry overlays holograms on the real world in view, while virtual reality devices such as those from Facebook-owned Oculus and Sony's PlayStation unit immerse users in fantasy worlds, often for gaming.

The research firm said that by 2019, the number of augmented reality users is expected to top 54.4 million, or nearly one in five Internet users.

Virtual reality, meanwhile, has been slower to catch on and will not reach mass adoption in the US in the foreseeable future, according to eMarketer.

The group said 22.4 million people in the US will use some form of virtual reality monthly in 2017, double the number from 2016.

The category is being driven mainly by 360-degree photos and videos on Facebook and YouTube.

The gaming industry is driving the growth of virtual reality headset usage, according to eMarketer, which said around 2.9 percent of the US population will use a VR headset this year, a figure expected to grow to 5.2 percent by 2019.
'I said American voters would be outraged by any attempt to interfere in the election,' Bernana added.

Washington: Former CIA director John Brennan said Tuesday that he warned Russia last summer against meddling in the US presidential election but the Russians went ahead and did it, anyway.

"It should be clear to everyone that Russia interfered in our 2016 presidential election process," Brennan said in testimony to the House Intelligence Committee, which is investigating possible collusion between Russia and President Donald Trump's campaign.

"And that they undertook the activities despite our strong protests and explicit warning they not do so," said Brennan, who served as CIA director from 2013 until January of this year when Trump took office.

Brennan told how he called the head of the Russian intelligence service, the FSB, on August 4 of last year.

"I said that all Americans, regardless of political affiliation or whom they might support in the election, cherished their ability to elect their own leaders without outside interference," Brennan said.

"I said American voters would be outraged by any attempt to interfere in the election," he added.

Brennan's interlocutor denied any Russian interference but said he would pass on the warning to President Vladimir Putin, the ex-CIA chief said.

Brennan reiterated that the CIA detected in 2016 possible signs of collusion between Trump associates and Russian officials.

Those contacts are now being investigated by committees in both chambers of the US Congress and by recently appointed special counsel Robert Mueller, a former FBI director.

"I encountered and became aware of information and intelligence that revealed contacts and interactions between Russian officials and US persons involved in the Trump campaign," Brennan said.

He said he did not know if this amounted to outright collusion. "I know there was a sufficient basis of information and intelligence that required further investigation" by the FBI, he added.

Trump vehemently denies any collusion and says he is the victim of an unprecedented witch hunt.

Brennan also addressed news reports that Trump, in an Oval Office meeting this month with the Russian foreign minister and ambassador, shared highly classified information provided by a US ally about an Islamic State group plot to bring down civilian airliners with bombs hidden in laptop computers.

Brennan said that if these reports are true, Trump violated two intelligence protocols. First, he said, such intelligence is not shared with ambassadors but rather through intelligence channels.

And before such intelligence is shared, the country that provided it must be warned so as not to jeopardize sources or methods, Brennan said.

"It appears, at least from the press reports, that neither did it go in the proper channels nor did the originating agency have the opportunity to clear language for it," Brennan said. "That is a problem."
New Delhi conducted a highly publicised operation against militants across the Line of Control, official added.

Washington: India is moving towards isolating Pakistan diplomatically and is considering punitive actions against Islamabad for its alleged support to cross

border terrorism, a top American defence intelligence chief has told lawmakers.

"India has sought and continues to move to isolate Pakistan diplomatically and is considering punitive options to raise the cost to Islamabad for its alleged support to cross-border terrorism," Lt Gen Vincent Stewart, Director, Defense Intelligence Agency told members of the powerful Senate Armed Services Committee during a Congressional hearing on worldwide threats.

His statement came a day after Indian Army launched "punitive fire assaults" on Pakistani positions across the Line of Control, inflicting some damage.

India, he said, is modernising its military to better posture itself to defend New Delhi's interests in the broader Indian Ocean region and reinforce its diplomatic and economic outreach across Asia.

Bilateral relations between India and Pakistan worsened following several terrorist attacks in India, he said.

"Continued threat of high level terror attacks in India, violence in Kashmir and bilateral diplomatic recriminations will further strain India-Pakistan ties in 2017," he said.

Following a terrorist attack on an Army base Kashmir last September, New Delhi conducted a highly publicised operation against militants across the Line of Control, he added.

"In 2016, Indian and Pakistani forces exchanged some of the heaviest fire in years along the Line of Control in Kashmir, and each expelled a number of the other's diplomats amid growing tension," Stewart said.

He also told lawmakers that in 2017, Islamabad is likely to slowly shift from traditional counterinsurgency operations along Pakistan's western border to more counter terrorism and paramilitary operations throughout the country, which have had some success in reducing violence from militant, sectarian, terrorist, and separatist groups.

"Anti-Pakistan groups probably will respond to this sustained pressure by focusing their efforts against soft targets," he said.

Noting that Pakistan's nuclear stockpile continues to grow, Stewart said the US is concerned that this growth, as well as an evolving doctrine and inherent security issues associated with Pakistan's developing tactical nuclear weapons, presents an enduring risk.

"Islamabad is taking steps to improve its nuclear security and is aware of the extremist threat to its program," Stewart said.

Observing that China has long identified the protection of its sovereignty and territorial integrity as a "core interest," he said in the South China Sea, China has embarked on a multi year, whole-of-government approach to securing sovereignty, principally through maritime law enforcement presence and military patrols.

In 2016, China rejected the international arbitration ruling on its excessive South China Sea claims, built infrastructure at its man made outposts on the Spratly

Islands, and for the first time, landed civilian aircraft on its airfields at Fiery Cross Reef, Subi Reef, and Mischief Reef.

"China will be able to use its reclaimed features as persistent civil-military bases, which will enhance its presence and its ability to control the features and nearby

maritime space. Beijing recognises the need to defend these outposts and is prepared to respond to any military operations near them," he told the lawmakers.

Stewart said a key component of PLA strategy in a regional contingency is planning for potential US intervention.

The PLA Rocket Force has given priority to developing and deploying regional ballistic and cruise missiles to expand its conventional strike capabilities against US forces and bases throughout the region.

"In addition to the Rocket Force's fielding of an anti ship ballistic missile, China is fielding an intermediate range ballistic missile capable of conducting conventional and nuclear strikes against ground targets in the Asia-Pacific region as far away as Guam," he said.
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Seven countries sign MoU to curb financing of groups like LeT, Haqqanis.

Washington: The US and six Gulf countries have joined hands to curb financing of dreaded terror groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba, the Haqqani network and Taliban.

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) in this regard was signed by the US and six members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in Riyadh on the sidelines of the historic visit of President Donald Trump, US department of treasury said.

The six countries along with the US are Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

With this, the US and six GCC countries are confronting new and evolving terrorist networks including ISIS, Al-Qaeda, Hizballah, Lashkar-e-Taiba, the Taliban, and the Haqqani Network, the department of treasury said after the agreement was signed to establish Terrorist Financing Targeting Center (TFTC).

This collaboration will also address a host of other transnational thr-eats emanating throughout the Middle East, including from Iran, the Assad regime, and the situation in Yemen, it said.

This new Terrorist Financing Targeting Center will enhance existing tools and cooperation with partners in the Gulf to forcefully address evolving threats, treasury secretary Steven T Mnuchin said.

Treasury will offer the vast expertise of our Office of Terrorism and Financial Intelligence to this creative new effort. We will co-chair the TFTC with Saudi Arabia, and will work collaboratively with the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council to counter these global terror networks, he said. Gulf countries are a major source of funding major terrorist organisations across the globe.
The identities of the dead climbers in the tent were still unknown Wednesday and other rescuers were heading there to learn more details.

Mt. Everest, in middle, altitude 8,848 meters (29,028 feet), is seen on the way to base camp. (Photo: AP)

Kathmandu (Nepal): A government official and a rescue coordinator say four bodies have been found inside a tent at the highest camp on Mount Everest.

Tourism Department official Hemanta Dhakal said the four bodies were found by a team of rescuers who were there to recover the body of a Slovak mountaineer who died over the weekend.

The identities of the dead climbers in the tent were still unknown Wednesday and other rescuers were heading there to learn more details. Mingma Sherpa of Seven Summit Treks, who was coordinating the recovery of the Slovak climber's body, said the Sherpa rescuers found the four bodies on Tuesday night.

Six climbers have already died on the world's highest mountain this year attempting to reach the 8,850-meter (29,035-foot) summit.
He resigned while addressing the nation from his office in Singhadurbar on Wednesday evening.

Kathmandu: Nepal's Maoist prime minister resigned Wednesday as part of a planned handover to a former political foe who will be the impoverished nation's tenth leader since the end of the civil war in 2006.

Pushpa Kamal Dahal, who led the decade-long Maoist insurgency before entering politics, is expected to be succeeded by three-time former prime minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, who heads the main party in the current coalition government.

"I announce my resignation from the post of the prime minister today, right now, with a pledge to continue being active for the upliftment of the country and the people as a politician, parliamentarian and a citizen," Dahal said in a televised speech in which he catalogued his government's achievements.

Dahal, who still goes by his nom de guerre Prachanda, or "fierce one", had promised to step down after holding local elections as part of the agreement that brought him to power last August.

Local elections were held in three of the country's seven provinces 10 days ago.

Deuba's appointment is expected to be confirmed in a parliamentary vote within the next 10 days.

Dahal, 62, came to power after withdrawing support from the then-government and realigning his Maoist party with Deuba's centre-right Nepali Congress.

It was an uncomfortable alliance -- at the height of the civil war Deuba, then prime minister, had announced a five million rupee ($50,000) bounty for Dahal's capture, dead or alive.
The court said that if parliament does not make the change within 2 years, same-sex couples could register to marry regardless.

Activists addressing the crowd said they must now fight to ensure the government implements the ruling. (Photo: AFP) (Representational Image)

Taipei: Taiwan's top court ruled in favour of gay marriage Wednesday, a landmark decision that paves the way for the island to become the first place in Asia to legalise same-sex unions.

Crowds of supporters cheered, hugged and wept as the court said that current laws preventing the practice "violated" the constitution's guarantees of freedom of marriage and equality. It gave the government two years to implement the ruling.

Momentum has been growing behind the push for equal marriage rights, with Taiwan's president Tsai Ing-wen openly supporting the campaign.

But there has also been anger among conservative groups, who have staged mass rallies against any change in the law.

The constitutional court said that if parliament does not make the change within two years, same-sex couples could register to marry regardless, based on its interpretation.

"The current provisions of the marriage chapter do not allow two persons of the same sex to create a permanent union of an intimate and exclusive nature for the committed purpose of managing a life together. This is obviously a gross legislative flaw," it said in a statement.

The decision to allow gay marriage would contribute to social stability and protect "human dignity" it added.

Hundreds of gay marriage supporters who had gathered outside parliament in central Taipei erupted at the news, with some breaking down in tears.

Activists addressing the crowd said they must now fight to ensure the government implements the ruling.

"I hope the law can pass by the end of the year," said Bubu Chen, who had an unofficial marriage ceremony with his partner in 2013.

Some campaigners fear that opposing voices in parliament may try to delay the process of changing the law.

Outside Taipei's main judicial headquarters, angry anti-gay marriage protesters beat drums shouting "unfair justice" and "sinners", calling for the head of the judiciary to step down.

A panel of 14 grand justices made the ruling -- a majority of 10 was needed. Only two judges dissented.

The court said the physical and psychological need for permanent unions was "equally essential to homosexuals and heterosexuals, given the importance of the freedom of marriage to the sound development of personality and safeguarding of human dignity".

Taiwan's pioneering gay rights campaigner, Chi Chia-wei, was one of the petitioners who brought the case to the constitutional court, culminating some 30 years of activism.

The other petitioner in the case was the Taipei city government, which has been rejecting marriage applications by same-sex couples and is seeking clarification of the law.

The ruling is likely to reverberate around the region, with calls for marriage equality rising in a number of countries, including South Korea and Japan.
Visa of Indian national married to a Pakistani to expire on May 30.

The Islamabad high court ruled that Dr Uzma should be provided security to facilitate her travelling.

Islamabad: A Pakistani court on Wednesday enabled an Indian woman, who controversially married a Pakistani man, to return to her country.

The Islamabad high court ruled that Dr Uzma should be provided security to facilitate her travelling.

During a brief hearing on Wednesday, the court obtained Dr Uzmas travel papers from her husband Mohammad Tahir Ali and handed them to her.

Dr Uzma refused to meet her husband when judge Mohsin Akhtar Kayani asked her if she wanted to meet her spouse in the courts chamber.

Tahir Ali had told the court that he wanted to talk to his wife separately as the Indian high commission officials might have misled her.

The court ordered the interior ministry to provide security to the Indian woman up to Wagah border.

The court asked Dr Uzma if she wanted to live with her husband but she refused and said her daughter was sick and she wanted to return to India.

The judge argued that the court could not force wife and husband to live with each other and that Dr Uzma was an adult and could take decisions on her own.

Dr Uzmas visa expires on May 30, according to her lawyers and diplomats of the Indian High Commission.

She had reportedly got engaged to Tahir Ali in Malaysia last year, where he was a taxi driver.

On May 1, she crossed over to Pakistan via Wagah border and was married to Tahir Ali in the town of Dagar in Khyber Pakhtunkhaw province on May 3.

On May 5, the couple travelled to Islamabad reportedly to apply for an Indian visa for Tahir Ali in the Indian High Commission. But Uzma never came out, and has since stayed there.

On May 8, she filed a petition, stating she was drugged and forced into the marriage, and that she didnt know Tahir Ali was already married.

Tahir Ali denied the charges and said both had agreed on marriage in Malaysia. This was the second marriage of both as they had children from other spouses.

Meanwhile, Pakistan minister for planning and development Ahsan Iqbal said that alleged Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadhav would be punished according to the law and the Constitution of the country.

All political parties are united on the issues of national security. All parliamentarians have taken oath for upholding Pakistans interests first, he said.

Mr Iqbal said action had been taken against those who created rift in civil and military relations.
Pope Francis and Trump also disagree on issues like the death penalty and the arms trade but share a fervent opposition to abortion.

Pope Francis meets with President Donald Trump and First lady Melania Trump, at the Vatican. (Photo: AP)

Vatican City: US President Donald Trump met Pope Francis at the Vatican on Wednesday in a keenly-anticipated first face-to-face encounter between two world leaders who have clashed repeatedly on several issues.

The private audience with the pontiff was preceded by a cordial handshake for the cameras and was expected to last around 20 minutes.

It came on the third leg of Trump's first overseas trip as president, which has already taken him to Saudi Arabia and to Israel and the Palestinian territories.

The two men had never met before Wednesday morning but they have significant history having clashed publicly over subjects ranging from migration to unbridled capitalism and climate change.

They also disagree on issues like the death penalty and the arms trade but share a fervent opposition to abortion.

Trump was accompanied for the audience by his wife Melania and daughter Ivanka, both dressed all in black, in keeping with traditional protocol that is no longer always observed by all female dignitaries visiting the Vatican.

The audience took place in the private library of the Apostolic Palace, the official papal residence that Francis does not use, having opted instead for modest lodgings in a Vatican guesthouse.

Immediately after the meeting, the 80-year-old pope was due to give his usual midweek address to the faithful on St Peter's square while the Trump couple are given a private tour of the Sistine Chapel and St Peter's Basilica.

Later in the morning, Trump, 70, will call on Italy's president and prime minister while Melania visits a children's hospital and Ivanka discusses migrant issues with members of the St Egidio religious community.

The Trump team is due to fly to Brussels on Wednesday afternoon for meetings with EU and NATO officials before returning to Italy late Thursday for the G7 summit in Sicily on Friday and Saturday.
Theresa May placed UK on its highest level of terror alert for the first time since June 2007.

A banner by Manchester United fans for the victims of the Manchester terror attack on May 22, reads: 'your hate makes us stronger' in the streets of Stockholm, Sweden, prior the Europa League final against Ajax Amsterdam. (Photo: AP)

Manchester: Britain ordered soldiers to key sites Wednesday and raised the terror alert to its highest level of critical, meaning more attacks may be imminent, even as officials identified the suspected bomber as 22-year-old Salman Abedi. Security services believe he did not act alone.

Prime Minister Theresa May placed UK on its highest level of terror alert for the first time since June 2007, when it was sparked by an attack on Glasgow airport.

Ms May said a new attack may be imminent and stressed that the soldiers would remain under police command.

Nearly 1,000 soldiers are being deployed on Britains streets to support the police. Armed troops are taking on duties for guarding high profile buildings and embassies, freeing up armed police officers to join counter-terrorism duties.

The Palace of Westminster has been closed to the public till further notice and Changing of the Guard, a military ceremony in front of Buckingham Palace popular with tourists, was cancelled on wednesday. The Houses of Parliament also suspended all public events.

Abedi, a Manchester-born man of Libyan origin who may have been radicalised in Syria, recently dropped out of college.

Security services believe that he was likely to have had help from others in staging the Manchester concert suicide bombing that killed 22 people, including one girl aged just eight and a female police officer, and injured 64.

Home secretary Amber Rudd said, (Mondays attack) was more sophisticated than some of the attacks weve seen before, and it seems likely  possible  Abedis father and younger brother were arrested in Libyas capital Tripoli on Wednesday, on suspicion of links with the Islamic State group which claimed responsibility for the attack on Tuesday.

Abedi, Ms Rudd said, had been on the radar of the intelligence community before the attack late Monday at the concert by US pop star Ariana Grande.

Investigators are trying to piece together the last movements of Abedi, whose parents had reportedly fled the regime of Muammar Gaddafi.

After arresting a 23-year-old man on Tuesday from south Manchester, where Abedi lived, police said they had arrested four more men on Wednesday.

Police on Tuesday staged an armed raid on a Manchester address believed to be where Abedi lived, carrying out a controlled explosion to gain entry.
China's curt reaction came amid a growing discord between the 2 nations on many issues, including Dalai Lama's recent visit to Arunachal.

Beijing: China said on Wednesday it has no information on the missing Indian Air Force Sukhoi fighter jet with two pilots on board and asked India to stick to the arrangements reached between the two sides to maintain peace.

"For the situation you mentioned, I have no relevant information to offer at the moment," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang told reporters when asked about the missing Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter jet and whether China would assist India in finding the plane that took off from the Tezpur base in Assam for a routine training sortie nearly 24 hours ago.

The fighter plane has since been untraceable. "We have been following the situation in South Tibet (Arunachal Pradesh) very closely," he said, apparently referring to reports that the jet was flying over the area before it was reported missing.

At the same time, he referred to the border dispute between India and China, saying that "first of all on the eastern section of the India-China border, China's position is consistent and clear."

"We hope India can stick to the arrangements reached between the two sides and avoid disrupting peace and stability at the border areas," Lu said.

China's curt reaction came amid a growing discord between the two countries on a host of issues, including the recent visit of the Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama to Arunachal Pradesh, which Beijing considers as Southern Tibet.

The India-China border dispute covers the 3,488-km-long Line of Actual Control. While China claims Arunachal Pradesh as Southern Tibet, India asserts that the dispute also covers the 'Aksai Chin' area, which was occupied by China during the 1962 war.

Two days ago another spokesperson of the Chinese foreign ministry said there was "no change" in China's stand on India's membership bid into the Nuclear Supplies Group (NSG).

That statement came ahead of the 48-member elite grouping's plenary meeting scheduled next month in Bern, Switzerland. China has also repeatedly blocked India's efforts to impose a UN ban on Pakistan-based JeM leader Masood Azhar.

Last week, India boycotted China's Belt & Road Forum in Beijing over concerns emanating from a project under the ambitious initiative that runs through Gilgit and Baltistan in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

India opposes the USD 46-billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and boycotted the event over sovereignty concerns, though 29 heads of state and government attended the BRF.
Many unresolved issues exist in today's Chinese Church. In their account, read by an actor because Beijing prevented them from attending the symposium, four priests talked about their activities under military control, of being taken into custody, placed under house-arrest, detained, forced to face internal scandals and attacks, as well as dual identity bishops, confused relations between China and the Vatican, not to mention a lack of religious freedom.

Vatican City (AsiaNews)  The symposium China: The Cross is Red by AsiaNews held this afternoon at the Pontifical Urbaniana University heard about the many problems priests face in China. These include military" control of religious activities, CCTV cameras on each church to monitor priests and worshippers, detentions, house-arrests, and imprisonment; plus "internal" problems to the Church, including "grave moral scandals involving superiors" and "vicious attacks among brothers". They also include the "dual identity" of some bishops (endorsed by the Holy See but with leadership roles within the Chinese Patriotic Catholic Association), and the longstanding issue of diplomatic relations between China and the Vatican.

Davide Ferrari, a 34-year-old actor, director and author from Pavia read the stories provided by four clergymen, three underground priests from central, northern, and eastern China and one official priest from southern China. AsiaNews had invited them to the symposium but Chinese authorities did not grant them the required visas, so they could not leave. However, they still wanted their voice to be heard at the symposium, and so sent a written account of their pastoral experience.

According to one priest from central China, the situation of the local Catholic Church is "increasingly complicated and difficult". Notwithstanding some differences between dioceses, they "are all in the same boat, which is under the control of the Chinese government." Political authorities, he noted, exhibit two contradictory aspects: [they] want to show the world that there is freedom and democracy in China" but "control those anybody they want." The Catholic Church in China is thus treated as an object and is blocked, controlled, and spied upon on by those in power."

Before any religious activity, the clergyman goes on to say, military patrols join police, and priests and bishops are questioned. "If the religious activity is important and solemn, like an episcopal ordination, they block roads and streets, even residential quarters." There are "cameras on every church," and government officials "caught going to church" are penalised in terms of their career. "All dioceses in China find themselves in this condition." There are also prelates and priests "under the thumb of the Chinese government" who "always say what Communist authorities like to hear. Some bishops and priests also indulge in the materialistic world."

A priest in the North spoke about "external and internal" suffering. The former involves "being taken into custody, house arrest, detention, indoctrination". The latter refers to the inner sufferings "caused by the internal situation of the Church, i.e. by the grave moral scandals involving superiors and backstabbing among brothers." In the 1990s, "we had a strong desire for faith" whereas now our efforts are dedicated, not just to rebuilding the Christian community, but also to facing off political intrusions. Whilst experienced difficulties hint at an agreement and a diplomatic recognition between China and the Vatican, "it is too naive and childish" to think that that is possible since Beijing "has always meant religion to be 'Chinese.

The priest in eastern China, a member of an underground community, mentioned the "dual identity" of some bishops (i.e. having Holy See approval but also tasks within the Chinese Patriotic Catholic Association). "Catholics who really care about the relationship with the Holy Father and who love the Church do not like bishops with a dual identity, he explained. [...] In some places, bishops were bravely faithful at the beginning, but subsequently abandoned their principles, accepted compromises, joined the Patriotic Association, co-celebrated Mass with illegitimate bishops." The crucial point, he said, is that "there is no real religious freedom in the country" and the relationship between representatives of the underground Church and those of the official Church remains ambiguous.

Finally, a priest in southern China, from the official Church, described a "sense of alienation" with respect to the underground community. Although priests do not "play any official role [...] we have to put up with charges of treason and disloyalty." He cited as an example "Mgr Thaddeus Ma Daqin, who had contacts with the Patriotic Association for many years, but resigned on 7 July 2012 when he was ordained bishop. With his public coming out, Mgr Ma Daqin showed his faith. The Chinese need faith, and the true light," the priest said.
AsiaNews editor welcomes participants to the Symposium China: the Cross is the Red." The Patriotic Association shows off its power, claiming for example the right to appoint bishops. Sometimes underground Christians turn inward. Perhaps, diplomatic agreements and relations are not so important. Despite its atheist government, 85 per cent of Chinas population adheres to some kind of faith.

Rome (AsiaNews)  "Whilst the Patriotic Association shows off its absolute power over clergymen, temporarily arresting some of them, or forcing illegal bishops and those in communion with the Holy See into joint celebrations between, Pope Francis has proposed a prayer for the Church in China," said Fr Bernardo Cervellera, editor of AsiaNews and missionary with the Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions (PIME), as he inaugurated the Symposium China: the Cross and the Red.

In his address to the participants gathered in the Great Hall of the Pontifical Urbaniana University in Rome, he stressed that the day of the conference, 24 May, was chosen on purpose as it is the World Prayer Day for the Church in China.

Although the "optimist party" appears to be getting stronger in anticipation of a positive outcome to talks between the Holy See and the Chinese government over episcopal appointments, Fr Cervellera called on those present not to forget the ongoing persecution of the Chinese Catholic Church, most notably with regards to the martyrs who shed their blood for evangelisation, and the suffering underground Catholics have to endure.

"Despite fears of chaos due to the presence of important political figures", Fr Cervellera said at the start that the request to hold the symposium "also came from our superior general, Fr Ferruccio Brambillasca, in order to use this venue as the launch of a book by Fr Sergio Ticozzi, PIME, titled Sfide passate e presenti. Missionari del Pime in Cina (Past and Present Challenges. PIME missionaries in China), published on this occasion in a special edition."

He noted that it was Pope Francis who mentioned "the World Day of Prayer for the Church in China established by Benedict XVI ten years ago." In his Letter to Chinese Catholics in 2007, the pope emeritus "addressed all Catholics without distinction, to comfort them in their faith, offer them guidelines to reconcile the official and underground communities, and open a dialogue with Chinese authorities in truth and charity."

"Let China rest assured, Benedict wrote in point 4 of the Letter, that the Catholic Church sincerely proposes to offer, once again, humble and disinterested service in the areas of her competence, for the good of Chinese Catholics and for the good of all the inhabitants of the country.

According to AsiaNewss editor, one important question is worth asking: "Should there still be an underground and illegal Church, unrecognised by the government?" For him this is an "grave problem, because according to information coming from China, the Religious Affairs Ministry and the Chinese Patriotic Catholic Association are using carrots and sticks to get underground priest to register" with the authorities.

Among underground Catholics, "sometimes an attitude of closure leads to the idea that state recognition with the freedom to evangelise is all but impossible. This leads to estrangement and mutual condemnation. By contrast, the Letter reiterates dozens of times the urgency of a dialogue full of love, of desire for reconciliation and mutual forgiveness."

Contrary to "some Christian media and groups who often play Pope Francis against Benedict XVI, it seems to me that they are working and pointing towards the same goal: using prayers to Our Lady of Sheshan for Chinese Catholics to engage in reconciliation and mutual love as well as face together the task of evangelising a powerful but also so fragile China."

Fr Cervellera spoke about many attempts to bring the Church's mission to China, starting with Mother Teresa, who was repeatedly turned away, and Fr Alberic, "who shed his blood in a tributary of the Yellow River." Today "in China, at least 10,000 women follow Mother Teresa's rule in a sort of third order". And that is not all, "officially atheist China is actually a country where 85 per cent of the population adheres to some kind of faith."

For the editor, the many testimonies of "sorrow, control, abuse, persecution, but also loyalty to the Lord, to his Church and to the Pope" show that "diplomatic agreements and relations are perhaps not so important. At one time agreements were sought and sealed to help religious freedom and Church evangelisation. Now, according to some media, they seem to have become an end in itself, an empty point of arrival."

In conclusion, "The point is that whilst we Catholics discuss agreements and diplomatic relations, the Church in China needs bishops, seminar teachers, books, training, aid, and witnesses," Fr Cervellera said. In his view, there are "two ways to live solidarity with the Chinese Church. The first is through charity and prayer, as did some sick people who could not come to this symposium, but offered instead their illness and suffering for the good of Chinese brothers and sisters. The second is the witness of PIME and many other missionaries who risk their life to proclaim the Gospel even in China. How beautiful! We should pray for this; may vocations to the mission to China appear and grow out of this symposium. Let us entrust all these intentions to the Mother of God of Sheshan, Queen of China."
Gray pragmatism is rooted in Deng Xia Pings maxim It doesn't matter whether a cat is white or black, as long as it catches mice. Today this means it is impossible to distinguish white from black, what is true from what is false. Heroes of the faith are thus challenged by wolves in sheeps clothing.

Rome (AsiaNews)  Mgr Savio Hon Tai Fai, secretary of the Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples, centred his address at the symposium on Catholics in todays China, faced with a major threat to their faith, namely what he calls a gray pragmatism, which has grown along with economic reform".

This is best exemplified by the notion of "growth at all costs", well encapsulated in Deng Xiaopings famous maxim, It doesn't matter whether a cat is white or black, as long as it catches mice". This means that what works is true, a largely applied utilitarian principle that is at the root of gray pragmatism, which no longer distinguishes white from black, or what is true from what is the false. As social contexts end up unfortunately influencing the Church, Pope Benedict XVI offered some enlightening points in his 2007 letter to clarify certain ambiguities that are irreconcilable with doctrine.

For Mgr Savio Hon, ten years after the papal call, the latter has been eclipsed by gray pragmatism, as shown by some of the examples he cited, like a discussion between Martha, a newly baptised woman, and her parish priest. The latter asked her to deck out the church for the visit of an illegal and excommunicated bishop who was bringing large gifts. When she objected, he said that he needed the gifts, and told her to go to confession to fix everything.

In another case, a nun confessed all her uneasiness in a letter about the "sad story" of a pro-government bishop who was not only "incompetent" and greatly criticised for his "non-transparent" administration, but was also known for sexually harassing "young sisters". "We cannot tell civilian authorities because they are in favour of him".

The problem is that such a bishop is not an isolated case, said Mgr Hon. There are others. "Sometimes there are greedy wolves in sheeps clothing," he said. "I wonder if easy legitimation of an illegitimate bishop is not a form of complicity in dressing up a wolf in sheep's clothing."

A priest told the prelate that one day some officials had invited him to dinner at a restaurant to ask him why he had not submitted to the illegitimate bishop. They even tried to explain to him that the question of illegitimate consecration did not exist because self-selection and self-consecration were part of Zhongguo Tianzhujiao (the Chinese religion of the Lord of Heaven), a practice that goes back more than sixty years, unchanged by the Yi Hui Yi Tuan (one association and one conference*). The priest told the officials that he obeyed only his bishop, but the latter told him that the authorities could recognise him as a bishop coadjutor, but that obedience was not due to him. And that is not all. They also told him that the Vatican would soon legitimate all illegitimate bishops. "After all, dont you see in which direction the wind is blowing?" they told him as a provocation.

The priest's answer was exemplary. "Many in the clergy, including bishops, are waiting to see which way the wind is blowing. I never stop loving my homeland and I respect those who rule us, but I love God first of all and in matters of faith I obey the pope. The Church cannot be led by organisations that embrace principles that are incompatible with its doctrine. Whether the Church is reliable or falls depends on the strength of faith and not on the direction in which the wind is blowing. Should I lose my faith, I should not even believe in myself as a priest and believer."

During his address, Mgr Hon cited the case of another priest who was taken into custody and asked similar questions. Telling the public to rethink his premise in which he mentioned Pilate's cross-examination of Jesus, who told him, misunderstood, that his kingdom was not of this world.

The two talks between officials and priests touch a question that Pope Francis holds dear. The good shepherd the Church needs is the one who gives his life for his flock. A shepherd does not let himself be distracted by the affairs of the world. "No room should be given to gray pragmatism or careerism," Mgr Hon said.

Many missionaries came to China for this mission, he said. "One of the most significant groups is PIME, as Father Sergio Ticozzi's book shows," he added. "They shed blood and sweat to make fertile the land in which the seeds of the Gospel can grow. In difficult times, there have always been great examples of people bearing witness, sometimes going so far as enduring a martyrs death."

When Pilate said to him, Then you are a king? Jesus answered, You say I am a king. For this I was born and for this I came into the world. Such a statement remains unchanged, it accompanies us, and has become the two pillars in Christian life, namely truth and love, said Mgr Hon, following Pope Francis. The kingdom of Christ is not of this world. Before us who evangelise in any part of the world, there is a mission of love, not of power; therefore, we are "in the world but not of the world."

* Chinese Patriotic Catholic Association (CPCA) and the Chinese Catholic Bishops Conference (CCBC)
"The Holy See is working for the Church in China," said Card Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Holy See, in his greetings at the AsiaNews symposium China: The Cross is Red. For Mgr Savio Hon, secretary of the Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples, gray pragmatism is "a great threat to faith" since it is based on the principle that what works is true.

Vatican City (AsiaNews)  "The Holy See is working for the Church in China," said Card Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Holy See, in his greetings at the AsiaNews symposium "China: The Cross is Red," held at the Pontifical Urbaniana University on the day the universal Church has dedicated to the Chinese Church.

At the opening, AsiaNews editor Fr Bernardo Cervellera said that Mgr Peter Shao Zhumin, underground bishop of Wenzhou (Zhejiang, holds a special place in the local Church. At present, he is in the hands of the police. This underscores how we should not forget the current persecution of the Chinese Catholic Church even though the ostensibly stronger "optimist party" sees a positive outcome to talks between the Holy See and the Chinese government over episcopal appointments. This is made that more evident by the martyrs who shed their blood for evangelisation, not to mention the suffering of underground Catholics.

After ten years, Pope Benedict XVIs Letter to the Chinese Catholics, which Pope Francis cited recently, is still relevant. In it, the pope emeritus said, Let China rest assured that the Catholic Church sincerely proposes to offer, once again, humble and disinterested service in the areas of her competence, for the good of Chinese Catholics and for the good of all the inhabitants of the country. Speaking to underground and official Catholics, the letter reiterated dozens of times the urgency of a dialogue full of love, of desire for reconciliation and mutual forgiveness."

During the meeting, some participants, including Mgr Savio Hon, secretary of the Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples, spoke of the "military" control imposed on religious activities, of CCTV cameras on every church to monitor priests and worshippers, clergymen taken into custody, subject to house arrest, and detention, plus "internal" problems to the Church, including "serious moral scandals involving superiors" and "backstabbing brothers."

Others also mentioned the "dual identity" of some bishops (endorsed by the Holy See but with important roles in the Patriotic Association), as well as the longstanding issue of diplomatic relations between China and the Vatican. If for the optimist party, these have been just around the corner for many yeas; for others, it is hard to see any light at the end of the tunnel or even their necessity to solve the problems of the Chinese Church.

In his address, Richard Madsen, sociologist of religion of the University of San Diego (California), noted that, in spite of official figures, tens, perhaps hundreds of millions of Chinese adhere to some form of faith. This is why religious sentiments have survived in China, despite the vigorous attempts to eradicate them. In his view, Marxist ideology was too thin to substitute for the multiple dimensions of Chinese culture. Marxism and capitalist consumerism tried to flatten such "multidimensionality" but failed.

Catholicism, like other forms of Christianity is "an integral part of Chinese social ecology," Madsen adde. And Xi Jinpings plan for great renaissance of the Chinese people [. . .] under a common culture is but a blend of homogenized traditional values and Marxist ideology, under the control of a unitary state. Despite the Communist leaders goal of sinicising Christianity, such a one-dimensional, rigidly unified culture [. . .] would only superficially cover the dynamic diversity of multi-dimensional Chinese lives.

Mgr Savio Hon Tai Fai, secretary of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, stressed in his presentation the tragedy of intra-Catholic divisions caused by the state, as illustrated by the stories of some priests. For example, when asked to submit to an unlawful bishop one clergyman said, I never stop loving my homeland and I respect those who rule us, but I love God first of all and in matters of faith I obey the pope. The Church cannot be led by organisations that embrace principles that are incompatible with its doctrine.

Nevertheless, for Mgr Hon, one great threat to the faith is "gray pragmatism", i.e. the idea that "what works is true". The issue, he noted is a question that Pope Francis holds dear. The good shepherd the Church needs is the one who gives his life for his flock. A shepherd does not let himself be distracted by the affairs of the world. "No room should be given to gray pragmatism or careerism," Mgr Hon insisted.

The symposium served as the venue for Fr Gianni Criveller to present Sfide passate e presenti. Missionari del Pime in Cina (Past and present challenges. PIME missionaries in China) by Father Sergio Ticozzi. Fr Criveller has studied the Sinic world for decades, including Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, and the People's Republic of China. He teaches Theology of mission at Holy Spirit Seminary College of Theology and Philosophy in Hong Kong.

Fr Ticozzis book covers 150 years of exciting and complex yet painful history involving 263 missionaries from the Pontifical Institute of Foreign Missions (PIME) on mainland China. What struck Fr Criveller is the missions "awesome" start. In just 12 years, the number of faithful doubled, schools were founded, seminaries were open and the poor were helped. As is often the case in the history of the Church, charity opened the door to evangelisation. This history continued even after the Communist's takeover and the expulsion of missionaries.

There is continuity in the life of the 'Christianities' founded by PIME, which must not be underestimated or concealed, he said. The fate of Chinese priests and believers was even more painful than that of missionaries. Their detention and their humiliation has lasted longer and has been more devastating." Their suffering is described as "an obvious thing," a path to "let the facts speak for themselves". Thus, contrary to what some saw as the "end of religions and Catholicism in China," Catholic communities had resisted and were growing again.

Criveller himself cited at least 20 members of PIME who devoted themselves to the study of the situation, and mentioned the contacts with the "old missions, not in order to go back to the past, but to support instead brothers and sisters in their effort to rise again.

The symposium ended with a prayer that the number of those who want to evangelise in China may grow.
The clashes took place in Diraz, near Manama, home of Shiite leader Sheikh Isa Qassim. Police opened fire on demonstrators, who responded with rockets and Molotov cocktails. Analysts and experts point out the coincidence between the raid against Shiite opponents and the meeting between King Hamad and Trump in Riyadh.

Manama (AsiaNews / Agencies) - Five demonstrators dead and dozens of injured is the latest outcome of yesterday's riots in Bahrain, a Shiite-majority village, between residents and security agents. The violence broke out in Diraz, near the capital Manama, the village of the Shiite leader and spiritual leader of the main opposition party Sheikh Isa Qassim.

Local sources report that the police opened fire on demonstrators, triggering an escalation of tension. According to the authorities, the security forces have been stifling an outbreak of protests in the area for months.

New violence is likely to worsen divisions between the ruling Sunni dynasty and the majority Shiite Muslim population. In a note the Interior Ministry reports the arrest of numerous "fugitives" and confirms the five deaths among "outlaws".

The raid comes two days after the meeting between Bahrain Hamad Ben Issa al-Khalifa and US President Donald Trump on an official visit to Riyadh (Saudi Arabia) and a one-year prison sentence (suspended sentence) handed down to Sheikh Qassim for corruption. Last year the authorities had deprived him of his citizenship because he would have used his position and his role to "serve the interests" of "foreign" powers.

Hence the decision of his supporters to repeatedly promote demonstrations and protest marches near his home, forcefully repressed by the authorities. The agents used bullets and tear gas, on demonstrators who responded by throwing stones and Molotov bombs. According to the Bahrain Institute for Rights and Democracy (Bird) group based in London, one of the victims is the environmentalist Mohammed Khadim Zain al-Din.

Local politicians and analysts point to the proximity between the raid promoted by the authorities against the protesters and the meeting between Trump and King Hamad. A timing "that cannot be chance", considering the statements of the White House tenant that relations between Manama and Washington will not be "tense" as they were under Obama. The predecessor had repeatedly criticized the Sunni Arab leadership for the numerous human rights violations.

Bahrain is a Gulf monarchy ruled by a Sunni dynasty in a country where the majority of the population (at least 60-70%) is Shia and want constitutional changes and social and economic rights.

In 2011 in the wake of the Arab Spring, riots broke out that the king of Bahrain  a US ally supported by Riyadh  put down with Saudi military aid.

Last year, authorities arrested and condemned Shiite activists and religious leaders and suspended the activities of Al-Wefaq, the leading Shi'ite opposition group. The accusation is of "terrorism, extremism and violence" as well as links to a foreign power (in short Iran).
by Victoria Ma

The Bishop of Wenzhou (Zhejiang) had been kidnapped even before Easter. Pilgrimages continue to Sheshan: at least 80 groups - about 17,000 people - have arrived so far. Penance, prayer and recitation of the Rosary for the Church in China. Readings of Benedict XVIs Letter to Chinese Catholics.

Shanghai (AsiaNews)  Prayers for the return of Bishop Peter Shao Zhumin of Wenzhou (Zhejiang) continued today, May 24 feast day of Our Lady Help of Christians, as well as the World Day of Prayer for the Church in China.

Bishop Shao has been called by the religious affairs officials on May 18, Since then, it has not been seen. On May 22, he asked for a backpack with wine to celebrate Mass. Today, a Wenzhou source told AsiaNews, the whereabouts of Bishop Shao is not known.

Bishop Shao, who is not recognized by the Chinese government, was named by the Holy Father to lead the diocese of Wenzhou. Bishop Shao was last detained during Holy Week in April, but returned after Easter.

In Sheshan, pilgrims continued to pray at the Marian shrine since April 29. There have been at least 80 registered groups of pilgrims from Shangahi diocese and other dioceses, totaling 17,000 pilgrims, visiting the Marian shrine in Sheshan from April 29 to May 29, , according to a notice issued by Shanghai diocese.

Other dioceses included Handan and Xingtai (Hebei); Wenzhou (Zhejiang), Changzhi and Taiyuan (Shanxi); Tianshui (Gansu); Mindong (Fujian); Tianjin; Guizhou; and Suzhou (Jiangsu).

Pilgrimage groups to Sheshan pilgrimage site must be led by a priest, and have to apply beforehand.On May 10, the Shanghai diocese held its dioceses pilgrimage at Sheshan. Hundreds of priests, sisters, seminarians, Church staff members and parishioners took part in the pilgrimage. The Catholics gathered and prayed at the Three Saints Pavilion. It was presided over by Father Lu Qinglin, the dean of Punan deanery of Shanghai.

Father Lu, in his homily, told the faithful to pray fervently and entrust their prayers to the Blessed Mother and ask Saint Joseph to help the Church in China, especially Shanghai diocese. The Mass continued at the Basilica, and was presided over by Father Wu Jianlin of Shanghai and concelebrated with more than 40 priests.

As this year marks the centenary of Our Lady of Fatima, the faithful were reminded to do penance, to pray for world peace and to recite the rosary every day.After the Mass, Father Wu led the Catholics to pray the Prayer to Our Lady of Sheshan, composed by emeritus Pope Benedict XVI in 2007.

This May, many Catholics posted on wechat this Prayer Our Lady of Sheshan and the full text of Pope Benedicts Letter to the Catholics in China, and calling the others to re-read and reflect on the papal letter.

On May 17, 17 sisters of the Presentandine Sisters Convent of Shanghai Diocese made their vows  13 with perpetual vow and 4 first vow  before Father Wu at the Assumption of Our Lady Church in Qibao, Shanghai.
by Kamran Chaudhry

The place of worshipp will be built at the Faisalabad University of Agriculture. The project was approved after three years of discussion. The founding stone lain on May 18th. The structure will cost about 65 thousand euros, of which more than 25,000 donated by the diocese. Catholic professor: "It is not a favor of the administration. In all universities there should be churches, temples and gurdwara. "

Faisalabad (AsiaNews) - Faisalabad, Pakistani Punjab, will soon be home to the countrys first Catholic university chapel. After three years of discussion, the project was approved by the University of Agriculture Faisalabad (Uaf), a training institute where many Christian students are enrolled and where at least 300 followers of Christianity work.

Last May 18, Msgr. Joseph Arshad, bishop of Faisalabad, laid the foundation stone in the presence of hundreds of pupils. Speaking to AsiaNews, the prelate expresses the joy of a very significant moment, given the violence against minorities also carried out within universities. "This is unprecedented, the first such example of its kind. This rare example of interfaith harmony will deliver a better image of our country. Other universities should do the same", he said.

At the ceremony were also Iqrar Ahmad Khan, Uaf's vice-chancellor, five priests and several professors. Bishop Arshad reports that discussions with university administration "have been going on for some time, but the work never started. Now, minority students will eventually have their own place of worship. "

The project will cover 0.125 acres [just over 500 square meters] and will cost 7.6 million Pakistani rupees [nearly 65 thousand euros], including 3 million [more than 25,000 euros] donated by the diocese of Faisalabad. The vice-rector Khan, of Islamic faith, states: "The plan of the project has already been approved. The goal is to celebrate Christmas in the Christian building. "

The encouraging example of Faisalabad comes at a time marked by terrible violence against minorities and against secular thinkers, often motivated by blasphemy. In fact accusations of this led hundreds of students to lynch their colleague Mashal Khan, a student at Mardan University, in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province . He was tortured and killed for alleged offenses against the Prophet Muhammad.

Catholic professor Anjum James Paul, president of the Pakistan Minorities Teachers' Association, points out "Government functionaries should punish these non-state actors without any compromise. Folk and cultural programs are the part and parcel of extracurricular activities. We condemn religio political parties bent upon anti culture agenda. We appreciate UAF administration but it was not a favor. Religious freedom is our constitutional right and all universities should have churches, temples and gurdwaras".
Today, Abbas and US President Donald Trump met. The president of the Palestinian Authority calls for the end to the occupation and settlements. For Trump, the problem is terrorism. In the West Bank strikes are held in support of prisoners on hunger strike for more than a month. Leadership, not weapons, is needed, according to Bernard Sabella. Understanding the causes of terrorism is needed to defeat terrorism.

Bethlehem (AsiaNews/Agencies)  This morning, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas held a press conference in Bethlehem with his US counterpart Donald Trump.

The president of the Palestinian National Authority said that the conflict is not between religions, instead, Our real problem is with the occupation and the settlements and Israel's failure to recognize the state of Palestine.

The Palestinian leader went on to mention our Palestinian prisoners who have been on hunger strike for more than a month.

For his part, Trump insisted on the importance of defeating the terrorists whom he called "evil losers" reiterating his commitment to trying to achieve a peace agreement between the Israelis and the Palestinians". To achieve this, "I intend to do everything I can to help them achieve that goal.

The statements came at the end of a private meeting between the two leaders. Yesterday, Trump had met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

In the press conference with Netanyahu, the central topic was Iran. As he said during his visit to Saudi Arabia, Trump noted that the Iranian regime is threatening the region and causing so much violence and suffering."

His visit with the Palestinian leader comes at a time of rising tensions over the ongoing hunger strike by at least 1,300 Palestinians held in Israeli jails.

Yesterday, Palestinians called for a general strike at 11 am. This is the first time this kind of action has been taken since the first intifada. Stores were closed in Jerusalems Old Town. People joined the hunger strike for 12 hours, from 10 am to 10 pm.

Scores of protesters also took to the streets of the West Bank and Gaza, especially near Bethlehems basilica of the Nativity. At least 20 were injured in clashes with the Israeli army in Ramallah and Hebron districts.

Speaking to AsiaNews, Bernard Sabella, a Catholic member of Fatah and executive secretary of the Department of Services to Palestinian Refugees in the Middle East Council of Churches, said that today's meeting is "proof that we are willing to sit and talk to get the 'Agreement of the century' if our Israeli counterparts will do the same."

"Yesterday I stayed home. Jerusalem was all closed, he said. This strike was a message to Trump, a way to support the prisoners, who ask nothing impossible, only that their human dignity is respected."

"We condemn terrorism, Sabella said reacting to Trump's remarks. What happened last night in Manchester is horrible; it is a terrible thing for everyone, for the people killed, for the families involved.

Still, We have to confront terrorism, not just by selling weapons, but also by dealing with the causes; understanding what makes young people become terrorists and prevent it from happening; ensuring that we stop seeing each other as enemies and begin to see each other as people."

"What we need now is not a weapon agreement (Trump recently signed a billion-dollar arms deal with Saudi Arabia) but political leadership; creating an atmosphere of trust, not [build] tools of war," he said.

The hunger strike, which began on 17 April, is now in its 37th day. The health conditions of the strikers are rapidly deteriorating. Hebrew-language media report that about 70 prisoners have been moved to Israeli civilian hospitals because of their worsened conditions.
Too often people of different religions have too little time to talk, but Studying for two years with monks gave me a chance to ask topical questions without fear of being misunderstood. "Those who are in contact with Buddhism should not emphasise theory or theoretical concepts, but rather communicating the Christian experience [. . .] and the ways to reach it." Interfaith dialogue is fundamental to the life of the Church in Thailand. The challenges of the future include the call to grow freer from influences and be more and more the clear voice and image of its Lord."

Bangkok (AsiaNews)  Fr Daniele Mazza is a priest with the Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions (PIME) who has devoted his mission in Thailand to interfaith dialogue. He is the first missionary to earn a Master's Degree in Buddhism at the prestigious Mahachulalongkorn University, a reference point for the education of Theravada and Mahayana monks.

AsiaNews spoke to Father Daniele to ask him about his academic experience, his mission and the life of the Catholic Church in Thailand. The full version of his thoughts will be published in the August-September issue of AsiaNews magazine (in Italian).

When, some years ago, PIME missionaries in Thailand decided to have a full-time priest devoted to interfaith dialogue, Fr Daniele Mazza immediately offered himself. The clergyman asked to enrol in a Master programme in Buddhism at the Mahachulalongkorn University, an institution run by the Thai Sangha, the countrys Buddhist order, which educates more than 27,000 monks (and a few hundred lay people) from across Thailand and neighbouring countries like Laos, Vietnam, Myanmar, Cambodia, China, Taiwan, Sri Lanka, India, etc. "It was an amazing experience, which left me a lot, Fr Daniele said.

One of the things the missionary came away with was a deep friendship with people he met along the way, crucial for his work of dialogue. "Too often people of different religions have too little time to talk. The context and limitations of a conference prevent us from developing certain topics and impose certain limits on speech and communication. Studying for two years with [Buddhist] monks gave me however the chance and the time to develop deep bonds of appreciation. In the end, my companions and I felt we were free to ask topical questions without fear of being misunderstood. I have really experienced what Pope Francis calls the dialogue of friendship, which requires time and patience."

Another important experience for Fr Daniele was vipasyana meditation, which he practiced in the woods on two occasions, for 15 days each. This religious practice is very important in Buddhism, but difficult and very "risky" for a Christian. "Quite a few priests and missionaries have abandoned the priesthood and the Christian faith after these experiences. I tried to go through it with profound sincerity and humility," the priest said.

From this experience in meditation Fr Daniele learnt something useful for his missionary life. "Practicing Buddhist doctrine through meditation has made me go further, not only in my way of communicating my experience to others, but also in how to get others to undergo it."

Asked about the methods of effective dialogue with Buddhists, the PIME missionary highlighted two possible paths. The first concerns content. "Those who are in contact with Buddhism should not emphasise theory or theoretical concepts, but rather communicating the Christian experience (which includes so many sub-experiences) and the ways to reach it." Father Daniele has personally experienced this method successfully. During his studies, he was asked to teach a course in Christianity for one semester to the monks in the Comparative Religions department.

"At the end of the course, I took the monks to my parish for a 'taste' of the Christian experience. I took them to a centre for disabled children, to slums to visit old and sick people, to Sunday Mass and a sharing of the Word of God." Speaking of this, the monks greatly appreciated listening to the experience of the other given as a gift. "We do not share experiences," the monks told Fr Daniele. Regarding Sunday Mass, they appreciated the sense of family in the small community in the Bangkok Parish, whilst visiting the sick and the elderly helped them understand why Jesus went to find people.

The second path to dialogue Fr Daniele mentioned regards the mode of dialogue. "The success or failure of dialogue depends greatly on the context we can create between us and the method used. At present, we use the instrument of conferences and symposia but, as I have said, they are too short. Is it possible to generate longer experiences?"

Interfaith dialogue is a fundamental part of the life of the Catholic Church in Thailand, a country in which different ethnic groups and cultures coexist. Catholic communities in the North are characterised by many conversions among tribal people. According to Fr Daniele, "the challenge is to make sure that the various tribes do not turn inward, setting up their own church, but form instead a single family transcending cultural differences." Another challenge is to "preserve the richness of their cultures, without focusing only onto their past, but also without rejecting their roots". In Bangkok, the challenge is to revitalise the work of evangelisation to reach all those living on the geographical and social periphery who are kept on the margins by the life of a megalopolis.

Lastly, with respect to the future challenges of the Catholic Church, Fr Daniele noted that "In recent years, the Thai government has been giving great importance to all religions in ways it has never done before. The government believes that religions must play a key role in shaping minds and contributing to national unity. Such openness by the authorities is one of the signs of the times that Thai Church is trying to meet responsibly. This is a delicate and difficult task to which the Church is called upon in order to make its humble contribution and in which it is called to grow freer from influences and be more and more the clear voice and image of its Lord."
He had abandoned university, and according to some, had become radicalized. His father and brother were well-known in the mosque for their service and volunteerism. Great gathering places appear increasingly "vulnerable".

Manchester (AsiaNews / Agencies) - Salman Abedi, 22, born in Manchester of Libyan origin, is the suspected suicide bomber who two days ago killed 22 people and injured another 59 at the end of a concert by popstar Ariana Grande at the Manchester Arena .

The young age of the suspect mirrors the young age of the victims. These include an eight-year-old girl, Saffie Rose Roussos, and a 18-year-old girl, Georgina Callander. Another young man named as one of those killed is John Atkinson, 28 years old. Among the injured there are at least 12 children under the age of 16.

Last night, thousands of people from across the religious spectrum participated in a prayer and silence vigil in honor of the victims at the city hall.

Salman Abedi had been an economics student at Salford University before dropping out. Born to a devoted Libyan Muslim family, Salman Abedi attended a non-central mosque, the Didsbury Mosque where his father Ramadan was well-known because he sometimes sang the prayer. His brother Ismael was also known for his volunteer work. Testimonies of the mosque's frequenters speak of him as a very composite and jovial boy, but others say that he has become overwrought in recent times. According to the Financial Times, Salman was known to public security and in recent months had moved towards Islamic radicalism. Abedi had returned from Libya only a few days ago.

According to police, the young man used a handmade bomb mixed with metal pieces to cause maximum damage, massacring people at the end of the concert and ending his own life. According to security cameras, Abedi had placed the explosive in a rucksack that he placed on the ground before the explosion.

Security analyst Nicholl Kit says "several aspects suggest that the attack was meticulously planned and probably involved more than one person."

Many wonder if security was sufficient, as places for large gatherings appear increasingly vulnerable.

Police arrested another 23-year-old man at Chorlton, near Manchester, suspected of connection with the attack.
Private interview lasts 30 minutes. Francis gifts Trump the message for the World Peace Day this year, titled "Nonviolence, a style of politics for peace", pointing out some of its themes to the president. "This, he said, is for you so you can be an instrument of peace." "We can use peace," replied the president.

Vatican City (AsiaNews) - "Political negotiation and interreligious dialogue, with particular reference to the situation in the Middle East and the protection of Christian communities" were among the items discussed by Pope Francis and US President Donald Trump, received this morning in the Vatican.

The issues surrounding the first international voyage of the American president, who arrived in Rome after being in Saudi Arabia, Israel and Palestine, were also part of the 30-minute "cordial talks" between Trump and Francis. Both of whom, according to a Vatican note, " satisfaction was expressed for the good existing bilateral relations between the Holy See and the United States of America, as well as the joint commitment in favour of life, and freedom of worship and conscience. It is hoped that there may be serene collaboration between the State and the Catholic Church in the United States, engaged in service to the people in the fields of healthcare, education and assistance to immigrants.

Trump had arrived at 8.20 pm in the courtyard of St. Damasus in the Vatican, greeted by an honor guard of the Swiss Guard, by the prefect of Papal House Georg Ganswein and some gentlemen. The president, along with his wife Melania  wearing a black dress and veil, according to the Vatican protocol - was accompanied, in procession, to the private library. Francis met him in the adjacent hall and greeted him with an "welcome". Trump was also accompanied by his daughter Ivanka - also in black and wearing a veil - with her husband Jared Kushner and a delegation of nine other people, including Secretary of State Rex Tillerson.

At 8.31 the private talks began. "I speak spanish," Francis began, flanked by his interpreter, Msgr. Mark Miles. The private interview lasted half an hour, up to a minute after nine o'clock.

Then came the presentation of the official delegation. The first to be presented to the Pope was the first lady Melania, a Catholic, of Moldovan origin, who was blessed with an object in his hand.

At the exchange of gifts, the Pope presented, the three programmatic documents of his Pontificate to Donald Trump: Evangelii gaudium, Laudato si and Amoris laetitia and also the medallion with the olive branch, explaining that it represents a "symbol of peace." In this regard, he also gifted him the message of the World Peace Day this year, entitled " pointing out some of its themes to the president. "This, he said, is for you so you can be an instrument of peace." "We can use peace," replied the president, who gave the Pope a casket, saying containing Martin Luther King's books. I think youll like them, I hope so. "

The audience, with the exchange of gifts and the greeting of the delegation, lasted a total of 40 minutes. "I will not forget what he told me." These are the words with which the American President took his leave of Pope Francis.

Before the meeting today, relations between Pope Francis and President Trump were not particularly friendly. During his visit to Mexico in February 2016, Francis had said that "a person who thinks only of building walls and not bridges is not Christian." A phrase referring to the then candidates program of building a wall Between the United States and Mexico. Trump replied by saying that "the Pope is a very politicized figure. And he does not understand the problems we have Americans with immigration. "A few days later he had argued," If Isis ever attacked the Vatican, the Pope should hope and pray that Donald Trump is president. "

For his part, in an interview with Spanish El Pais, speaking of Trump Francis said in January,: "We will see, we will see what he does and then we will evaluate, always concrete: Christianity is either concrete or not Christianity ... Concrete things, and from the concrete we draw consequences, we are losing our sense of concreteness. "The concept was reiterated on May 14, when returning from Fatima, when he said:" We'll talk, say what we think, listen to each other. I never make a judgment on a person without listening to them. "

Trump said, "I can not wait to talk to Pope Francis," and yesterday, on the flight that took him to Rome, he was "honored" by the Pope's invitation, adding: "I have a lot of respect for him".

After meeting with the Pope, Trump met with Card. Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State, accompanied by Msgr. Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States.
A Malaysian terrorist suspect deported from Turkey to Kuala Lumpur was among 17 people arrested in Interpols recent cross border operation to combat terrorism and crime in Southeast Asia.

Interpol, on its website, said Operation Sunbird III involved the police, immigration and maritime authorities of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) countries working to screen passports against the international police organisations global databases at 35 land, air and sea border points.

Some eight million searches were conducted during the operation from March 28 to April 5, resulting in 17 arrests and the recovery of 110 passports listed in Interpols Stolen and Lost Travel Documents (SLTD) database.

An Italian passport listed as an SLTD was intercepted in Bali by Indonesian immigration. It was being used by a Sri Lankan suspected of purchasing the passport in Kuala Lumpur from a criminal organisation.

Funded by the Canadian government, Operation Sunbird III was conducted under the umbrella of Interpols Capacity Building and Training unit and Integrated Border Management Task Force, in cooperation with Asean, Aseanopol, and the United Nations.

Interpol Capacity Building and Training director Harold OConnell said the purpose of Operation Sunbird III was to improve cooperation between law enforcement agencies to combat the ever-evolving threats arising from terrorism "by equipping the officers with the necessary skills and knowledge."

Operation Sunbird III was the first major activity under Project Sunbird, the second phase of a multi-year programme to develop the counter-terrorism skills of law enforcers in the region.

In the first phase of the programme, which concluded in March, law enforcement, border and immigration agencies, forensic experts, investigators and national decision-makers underwent specialised training in forensic techniques, counter-terrorism investigative skills and Interpols data sharing mechanisms.

One of the projects priorities is to ensure that police have the necessary policing capabilities, competencies and mechanisms to effectively prevent and investigate crime, with Project Sunbird facilitating secure information sharing among Asean countries on terrorist fighters travelling in Southeast Asia.

The High Commissioner of Canada to Singapore, Nancy Lynn McDonald, said: This project builds upon previous Canada-Interpol partnerships focusing on intelligence gathering and criminal analysis in Southeast Asia.

"With the use of new and emerging technologies by terrorists for the purposes of recruitment, radicalisation and training, such as the use of social media, it is even more incumbent upon the law enforcement community to work collaboratively to address these threats.

The 10 Asean members are Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

South-east Asia appears ripe for the taking because of the region's sizeable Muslim population, the success the group has enjoyed so far in winning over sympathisers, and the presence of established radical leaders and militant groups like Abu Sayyaf in the Philippines.

ISIS has ambitions of establishing a caliphate in the region, and is taking targeted steps to court supporters.

It has set up a South-east Asian unit, Katibah Nusantara, which, besides fighting in the frontlines, has produced propaganda videos in Malay and Bahasa Indonesia - featuring Malaysian, Indonesian and Filipino fighters.

A media agency linked to ISIS last year published a Bahasa Indonesia newspaper called Al Fatihin. This was banned in Singapore, with the Ministry for Communications and Information citing the publication's "clear intention to radicalise and recruit South-east Asians to join ISIS".

ISIS has also rallied various militant groups in the region. More than 30 such groups from South-east Asia, mostly from Indonesia, have pledged allegiance or expressed their support for ISIS.

In addition, the return of battle-hardened South-east Asian fighters has raised concerns that they will tap on their experience in Iraq and Syria to mount attacks on home soil.

Singapore, with its status as a financial hub and its participation in the US-led global coalition against ISIS, is a valuable target.

Terror attacks have already rocked Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines, and "sooner or later, somebody will break through", said Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong last year.

Jasminder Singh, a senior analyst with the International Centre for Political Violence and Terrorism Research at S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS), said: In September we heard Indonesia has 500 plus (fighters), with 40 only being identified.

"So that becomes a problem. And in Indonesia with the two recent demonstrations in Jakarta, there was actually talk on social media that the returnees have taken part in these demonstrations.

Malaysian authorities said more than 100 Malaysians have joined IS in Syria since 2013. About 20 of them have been killed. At least 50 others want to return home but are unable to because their passports have been revoked or destroyed.

Mindanao in Southern Philippines has been highlighted as one possible location for the returning fighters to regroup.

There, IS has appointed an Emir  Hasilon Apilon  to head the Philippine IS unit, called Khatibah Al-Muhajir. Apilon is a leader of an Abu Sayyaf faction that has pledged allegiance to IS.

This is in addition to Khatibah Nusantara  the IS-wing in Syria and Iraq made up of Southeast Asian fighters. Its leaders include Bahrum Naim from Indonesia and Wanddy from Malaysia. They have allegedly orchestrated the attacks in their respective countries.

Recruitment will definitely continue. What is the next monster after IS? And we have so many groups. We cannot forget the AlQaeda Jabhat Al-Nusrah, Ajjnat Arsham  (these) were the initial groups the Southeast Asian fighters joined. Would these groups then go back to recruit more fighters for IS? said Singh.

This would pose a challenge for Southeast Asian governments. To counter terrorism, they must then have in place strong surveillance and a good legislation  and, more importantly, policies to actually tackle and counter these issue that have gained prominence in the region.
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Officials in Australia have been promising to make applying for visas and citizenship faster and more efficient but now it appears that people may have to wait longer.Cutbacks at the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) means fewer staff working on visa and citizenship applications, it has been confirmed.DIBP secretary Michael Pezzullo admitted that he can give no guarantees that waiting times will not rise as more staff are working on counter terrorism. He told a Senate committee that 355 staff have gone from the visa and citizenship section since the beginning of the financial year.But he added that it was not just staff shortages that could impact the application process as there has also been an increase in the number of visa applications and he reckons this will have a bigger impact than staff cuts.'At a human level, you don't want anyone to wait for a government decision any longer than is absolutely necessary. If some folks have to wait a little bit longer then so be it,' Pezzullo said.'In a circumstances of constrained resources which applies to all Government departments because the Government's got a strategy around deficit and debt reduction, all agencies have to then make choices about potentially growing some areas and then cutting other areas,' he explained.Pezzullo indicated that combating terrorism is seen as more important than visa processing times and even if more funds were available he was unsure the money would be used to improve visa and citizenship processing times.He explained that protecting the border is paramount. 'If requires allocating a disproportionate amount of resources to those functions, even if I get an extra dollar, you shouldn't assume I would put that into visa processing,' he added.Pezzullo also confirmed that his department would need to make nearly $1 billion dollars in savings over the next four years. This comes at a time when it is spending $257 on new headquarters in Canberra.The DIBP currently leases more than 100,000 square meters of office space spread across 12 buildings and four suburbs in Canberra and leases are due to end progressively between 2017 and 2020. Pezzullo said the move will ultimately save 236 million over 30 years.The confirmation that applications could be slowed comes just a few weeks after Immigration Minister Peter Dutton said visa processing would become more efficient.
Photo courtesy of Mex Rent A Car

Mex Rent A Car has launched a new website.

This new site has the ability of offering multi-products based on the destination. In other words, to reserve for a location in Mexico, the product is strictly inclusive, but to reserve for a U.S. location, the product offered is basic. It also takes into consideration the destination behavior and rental requirements.

The website is also responsive and focused on having a better mobile experience, according to the company.

The new website is a reflection of the disruptive vision that Mex Rent A Car prints in each of its transactions, strengthening ties with customers and always looking to generate a positive impact on the mobility experience, said Juan Carlos Morga, Mexs chief commercial officer. Based on data science, we adapt to the market needs where we have presence.

Our new website allows us to offer our users a better experience to connect with OTAs and other online resources easier and to be more prepared for future challenges, said Christian Reveles, Mexs chief technology officer.
Apple and Nokia have settled an eight-year legal dispute over intellectual property Tuesday. Now that the companies worked things out, Apple announced it entered into a multi-year patent license deal with the Finland business.

Nokia led the sale of cellphones for years before Apple launched the first iPhone in 2007. In 2009, Nokia filed a lawsuit accusing Apple of not paying licensing fees when the California tech giant made use of its technologies and patents. Among these included the patent for battery life conservation, lost phone recovery, voice recognition and the reduction of hardware components so a mobile phone remains lighter without sacrificing functionality. Both companies were still in a legal battle until December 2016, as per Motley Fool.

Apple, however, confirmed the settlement and the new agreement with Nokia in a statement published on the company's official site. Nokia's Chief Legal Officer, Maria Varsellona, said the company forged a "meaningful agreement" with its former adversary. Apple CEO Jeff Williams, on the other hand, stated his company is looking forward to business expansions with Nokia.

The new agreement will have Nokia laying the network infrastructure for Apple in terms of providing products and services. Apple, on the other hand, will be selling Nokia's Wirthings digital health products, such as the blood pressure monitor and movement tracker, in its online and retail stores.

Apple and Nokia also agreed to hold regular executive conferences to discuss future business endeavors. The companies forged a commitment to strengthen its partnership, which should benefit not just its operations but also its customers.

Nokia has also been developing new cloud computing products that Apple could get first dibs, according to Inc. Analysts say the resolution of the dispute and the new partnership benefits Nokia most financially. For now, however, it's still too early gauge the full impact of the collaboration. Learn more about Apple and Nokia's new deals in the video below.
Price action during todays morning London session was rather wonky since the Aussie and the Kiwi outperformed despite the risk-off vibes and the commodities rout. The pounds price action was a bit wonky as well, given that it got slapped broadly lower, even though there were no direct catalysts.

GFK German consumer climate: 10.4 vs. unchanged at 10.2 expected

BOC rate decision and statement later

FOMC meetings minutes will be released later

Major Events/Reports

Commodities clobbered some more, but oil recovers

Commodities got another beat-down during todays morning London session. However, oil benchmarks were able to resist and even managed to post some modest gains.

Base metals got no love.

Copper was down by 0.89% to $2.573 per pound

Nickel was down by 1.98% to $9,157.50 per dry metric ton

Precious metals got hit again, despite the risk-off vibes.

Gold was down by 0.28% to $1,251.95 per troy ounce

Silver was down by 0.31% to $17.086 per troy ounce

Oil benchmarks went against the bearish flow by printing gains.

U.S. WTI crude oil was up by 0.08% to $51.51 per barrel

Brent crude oil was up by 0.22% to $54.27 per barrel

Market analysts blamed todays commodities rout, base metals especially, on Moodys China downgrade.

As for oils recovery, that was attributed to officials statements from Kuwait and Algeria that are supportive of extending OPECs oil cut deal by nine months.

Skittish day in Europe

Most European equity indices opened on a downbeat note. And overall sentiment didnt really improve from there, since European equity indices were poised to close in the red for the day.

The pan-European FTSEurofirst 300 was down by 0.08% to 1,540.09

Germanys DAX was down by 0.21% to 12,633.00

The blue-chip Euro Stoxx 50 was down by 0.20% to 3,590.50

Market analysts are still blaming the risk-off mood on news from earlier about Moodys downgrading Chinas sovereign credit rating.

However, its also possible that were seeing the usual skittishness ahead of top-tier items, given that the FOMCs meeting minutes will be released later.

Major Market Mover(s):

AUD & NZD

The Aussie and the Kiwi outperformed during todays morning London session, which is rather weird because the risk-off vibes and commodities rout would usually mean bearish pressure on the two higher-yielding comdolls. Weirder still is that most Kiwi and Aussie pairs have already erased their earlier losses due to Moodys China downgrade. Heck, some were even printing gains for the day already, so the Aussie and Kiwis strength during the session was not just due to profit-taking.

AUD/USD was up by 17 pips (+0.23%) to 0.7475, AUD/JPY was up by 10 pips (+0.12%) to 83.58, AUD/CHF was up by 26 pips (+0.36%) to 0.7303

NZD/USD was up by 24 pips (+0.34%) to 0.7032, NZD/CHF was up by 31 pips (+0.46%) to 0.6870, NZD/JPY was up by 18 pips (+0.23%) to 78.62

GBP

The pound showed weakness during the session, even though there were no apparent catalysts. Could be just technicals, since many pound pairs are actually range-bound if you also consider price action from the earlier session.

GBP/USD was down by 7 pips (-0.06%) to 1.2964, GBP/NZD was down by 73 pips (-0.39%) to 1.8431, GBP/AUD was down by 51 pips (-0.29%) to 1.7340

Watch Out For:
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Orlando Baking Co. is planning to roll out bread containing hemp.

When it comes to hemp as a food ingredient, most people think of Colorado and other areas where a new generation of Doobie Brothers is a mile high and living off the land. Nobody would consider that an Old World bakery like Cleveland-based Orlando Baking Co., known for its signature ciabatta bread, would be planning to roll out bread containing hemp. But the bakery is doing just that.

Orlando Baking is working with the Cleveland Clinics Wellness Institute, which helped develop and certify Orlando Bakings True Grains line as part of the clinics Go! Well program. To expand this line of probiotic bread, Orlando Baking turned to its sales team to scout out trends.

We saw that hemp and chia seed have taken off during the past three-plus years, said Meredith Long, marketing manager. Internally the company went back and forth on the concepts because hemp has such a stigma to it.

We think that such concerns will go away, and people will be able to differentiate hemp from the 1960s and look at it instead as a protein-packed, high-density nutrient, said Nick Orlando Jr., vice-president of sales and marketing. Introduced five years ago, True Grains is geared toward younger, college-aged and senior-living consumers, Ms. Long said.

Thats because the younger market seeks more natural ways of promoting individual health while the more mature shoppers search for natural solutions to their existing health concerns. As a result, universities, hospitals, assisted-living centers and other large institutional food service companies provide one outlet while retail offers endless opportunities. In the long run, the key involves educating consumers, which the bakery does though social media and targeted email blasts.
The NASA team took the campaigns to Isiolo where they got 10 MCAs and others leaders jumping from Jubilee to NASA. Led by the Former Parliament Deputy Speaker Farah Maalim who will vie for the Garissa Township MPto unseat Adan Duale said that the people of Isiolo and North-Eastern, in general, are in NASA to stay.A huge crowd came to listen to all principles in their agenda of uniting Kenyans and provide their promises to the people of Isiolo.For a county plagued with poor education facilities, perennial drought, and border insecurity - a NASA government pledges equitable infrastructure investment, adequate devolved funds and a secure, stable place to live."We remain sensitive to the pastoralist economic mainstay in the region and commit to offering extension services and source markets so that the residents can live a decent life from their historical socio-economic activities." said the NASA flag bearer Raila Odinga.The huge crowds praised the NASA coalitions as the only future and hope for Kenya than Jubilee. Jubilee government has failed through massive looting and lie to the public through their heads of departments and ministry as depicted in Isiolo.
President Uhuru Kenyatta and DP president William Ruto today engaged the opposition in a war of words regarding the so-called propagandas being spread by the opposition, NASA. The Deputy president William Ruto said that the opposition has no agenda only to secured posts because they are jobless.Speaking in Lamu, the president acknowledges his government as the best government that has ever been in Kenya. The government claimed to provide electricity in Lamu as they were using a generator. The president said since they come to office they have been able to construct more than 6000Km of roads as the opposition leader was the minister of roads without even a single Kilometer of tarmac.The president wished the Muslims happy and successful Ramadhan as it will start in a weeks time. The president urged the Muslims to pray for the country during this electioneering period. The president and his deputy will have a four-day visit to the coast and are expected to visit counties of Kwale, Taita Taveta, Kilifi and Tana River.
A 41-year-old St. Petersburg middle school teacher is facing child molestation charges.

Meadowlawn Middle School teacher Joseph Zavalnak arrested

Charged with five counts of lewd and lascivious molestation

3 victims, girls between ages of 12 and 18

According to St. Petersburg police, Meadowlawn Middle School teacher Joseph Zavalnak has been arrested and charged with five counts of lewd and lascivious molestation.

Police said there are three victims - all girls that were between the ages of 12 and 18 at the time of the incidents. Two of the incidents occurred at the end of 2016, and the investigation led to another incident in 2013.

Authorities said no further details would be released due to the nature of the charges.
A man was found covered in blood in a canal early this morning in a possible shooting under investigation.

Beaumont Police received "an unknown call involving a man with a gun" in the area of Magnolia Street and Trinidad Street at about 3 a.m., Officer Haley Morrow said in a press release.
A new payment rule prevents nurse anesthetists from getting paid in a dozen states, according to a lawsuit from the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists, Cook CountyRecord reports.

Here's what you should know.

1. The AANA filed a complaint against Medicare Administrative Contractor Novitas Solutions. The association is seeking declaratory and injunctive relief.

2. Novitas issued the rule which stops the payer from reimbursing nurse anesthetists in 12 states if they treat Medicare beneficiaries suffering from chronic pain.

3. An attorney representing AANA said to the Cook CountyRecord that Novitas arbitrary decision is limiting patients access to pain care.

4. The AANA attorney said Novitas questioned the nurse anesthetists' qualifications in treating these patients.

5. Novitas is requiring nurse anesthetists to get training to be eligible for reimbursement for these procedures, although Novitas claims the payer in unaware of such relevant training.

6. AANA says if other Medicare Administrative Contractors create rules similar to Novitas, access to care could drop drastically.

A Novitas Solutions spokesperson said to Becker's the company does not comment on pending litigation.
A contract dispute between Health Net and Arizona-based Dignity Health has left approximately 5,000 Arizonans without coverage, The Arizona Republic reports.

Here's what you should know.

1. The hospital and payer had a three-year contract which expired May 20.

2. Despite several months of negotiations, the payer and hospital have yet to come to terms, the Republic reports. Neither side offered The Republic a potential timetable.

3. The hospital argues reimbursement rates are a point of contention.

4. Health Net provides insurance to 598,000 state residents. The dispute affects those beneficiaries that go to a Dignity Health facility. The payer said it would reach out to the affected parties.

5. This is the second dispute the state has dealt with this year. The Republic reports a similar dispute between UnitedHealthcare and Northwest Healthcare of Tucson temporarily disrupted coverage for thousands of Arizonans. The parties settled the dispute approximately a week afterwards.
The Green Mountain Care Board put the decision about approving a new ASC in Vermont on hold since January as the board was short two members. However, the decision may come soon as Governor Phil Scott appointed new board members, the Burlington Free Press reports.

Mr. Scott appointed Sen. Kevin Mullin, R-Rutland, and Maureen Usifer, a former chief financial officer at Seventh Generation, to the board. Mr. Mullin will serve as board chairman and Ms. Usifer will be on the board of directors.

In April, the Green Mountain Care Board held a hearing for Green Mountain Surgery Center which a group of independent physicians proposed more than two years ago. The physicians' ASC would cost $1.8 million to build and would offer orthopedic and spine procedures among others.

Among those opposed to the center includes Vermont Association of Hospitals and Health Systems. The health system CEO wrote a commentary against the ASC in April, saying the state's "highly regulated hospitals" are dedicated to providing high quality care at low costs and hospitals abide to state and federal regulatory requirements.

In his commentary, the CEO said the community does not need the ASC. He cited a report a healthcare management firm conducted saying there is ample space available in the community to offer surgeries to residents for at least another 20 years. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Vermont, the state's largest insurance company, supported Green Mountain Surgery Center in March.
A man crashed a stolen pickup truck into Saint Vincent Surgery Center in Erie, Pa. on May 22, according to Go Erie.com.

Here are four key notes:

1. The suspect allegedly hit a pedestrian before crashing into the surgery center, according to police.

2. The crash occurred after 4 p.m.

3. Zdzislaw Chorazy, MD, a Saint Vincent urologist, said to Go Erie.com, "It sounded like someone up in the surgery center had dropped a huge tray."

4. The suspect is undergoing treatment for non life-threatening injuries at UPMC Hamot in Eerie. Police say he faces various charges.
Aaron Eichorn serves as the CFO of University Health System, a nonprofit system based in Shreveport, La.

Mr. Eichorn oversees revenue cycle management operations at the $600 million UHS, which is the clinical partner and hospital for the LSU Health Shreveport School of Medicine. The system includes the LSU Health Sciences Center campus in Shreveport, a 457-bed academic medical center in Shreveport and University Health Conway in Monroe, La.

He also serves as a director with New York City-based Alvarez & Marsal Healthcare Industry Group. Previously, he was CFO and vice president of finance for Pittsburgh-based Allegheny Health Network's more than 650-member multispecialty physician group in Pennsylvania.

Mr. Eichorn recently answered questions from Becker's Hospital Review about his greatest challenges as a revenue cycle leader and how he would improve the revenue cycle process.

Note: Responses have been lightly edited for length and clarity.

Question: What's your favorite part about being a revenue cycle leader of a healthcare system?

Aaron Eichorn: My favorite part is generating collections and ensuring we maximize our payer mix and our rates and reduce our denials. This work directly drives the initiatives the organization can launch. If we want to build a new medical office building or a new ambulatory surgery center or expand or buy new equipment, my contribution is so important. The second half of my job is the day-to-day operations, the blocking and the tackling. To pay our bills and keep the lights on, I've got to do a better job in an era of declining reimbursement and greater challenges.

Q: What is the biggest challenge you're facing as a revenue cycle leader?

AE: Both of the hospitals we manage are in Louisiana, which just underwent Medicaid expansion. So we've had hundreds of thousands of people that were previously uninsured now on Medicaid. It's the challenge of enrolling them, it's the challenge of getting pre-authorizations, avoiding denials and managing the utilization of those patients. All these people suddenly have access to care, and we've got to make sure we can get them in and treat them effectively and get paid.

Q: What is one of your goals this year?

AE: Imagine someone sold milk in a grocery shop and you told them, "Five percent of the milk bottles you sell you're not going to get paid for." A grocer would look at you like you're nuts. If you provided somebody with a bottle of milk, of course you should get paid. Yet in healthcare we struggle with the denial rate. So one of my goals is we want to have a 20 percent improvement in our denial rate this year, despite Medicaid expansion. Even though the workload on my team has almost doubled this year, we want to improve our denial rate.

Q: What is one thing you'd do to improve the revenue cycle process?

AE: One thing is to make more information and the administrative work available online. For example, with pre-authorizations, we still have phone calls to make, we still have an inordinate amount of paperwork to fill out. We're not taking advantage like the private sector does of using the internet. For example, you come in for care at a doctor's office and you have a certain amount of your deductible or coinsurance you haven't met yet. We should be able to check online and get the right answer in seconds, not guessing how much money you owe. We should be able to find out online in a second whether you're pre-approved rather than doctors doing peer-to-peer reviews that take up an inordinate amount of physician time. There's got to be a way to leverage the internet to improve the cycle. If it were up to me, if there was a way to do that, I'd do it. I just don't know the payers are motivated to build that infrastructure.
The Congressional Budget Office released its cost estimates for the House-approved American Health Care Act on Wednesday.

Here is how seven healthcare groups reacted to the CBO score.

American Medical Association President Andrew Gurman, MD, said the CBO score shows changes to the AHCA "offered no real improvements."

"Millions of Americans will become uninsured  with low-income families on Medicaid being hit the hardest. We urge the Senate to ensure that any changes made to current law do not cause Americans to lose access to affordable, meaningful health insurance coverage."

American Hospital Association President and CEO Rick Pollack spoke in favor of maintaining coverage for vulnerable Americans.

"The latest CBO estimates on the impact of the American Health Care Act only reinforce our deep concerns about the importance of maintaining coverage for those vulnerable patients who need it. In the absence of any other government estimate, the CBO analysis will inform policymakers about financial and coverage impacts. As we have said, any health reforms must be guided by ensuring that millions of people across the country don't lose access to their healthcare coverage. We cannot support legislation that the CBO clearly indicates would jeopardize that coverage for millions of Americans. We continue to urge the Senate to work together in a manner that provides coverage to those who need it and ensures that the most vulnerable are not left behind."

Association for Community Affiliated Plans CEO Margaret Murray said the CBO score confirms the AHCA would have a negative affect on healthcare and insured people who gained coverage under the ACA.

"This bill would force states to choose between denying care to people who need it and vastly expanding their budgets.

It phases out the federal match for the Medicaid expansion and deliberately adds red tape and layers of bureaucracy for people who seek access to Medicaid coverage, which leads to enrollment churn in the program.

There are opportunities all around us to improve the healthcare system. We hope the deliberations in the Senate represent a fresh start, and look forward to engaging in more productive bipartisan conversations to enhance quality, preserve access and control costs."

Association of American Medical Colleges President and CEO Darrell Kirch, MD, said the CBO score "emphasizes the need for the Senate to take a different approach to improving our healthcare system."

"A plan that will result in an additional 23 million uninsured people, combined with a Medicaid cut of $834 billion over 10 years, will cripple the healthcare safety net designed to help the most vulnerable patients  many of whom depend on the nation's teaching hospitals and physicians for their care.

We urge the Senate to take an approach to health care reform that commits to high-quality, affordable, comprehensive coverage for at least as many people as are currently insured, including maintenance of the Medicaid expansion and protections for individuals with preexisting conditions. The AAMC stands ready to engage with the Senate to find ways to improve health care for all Americans."

Robert Wood Johnson Foundation President and CEO Richard Besser, MD, spoke in favor of the health insurance coverage Americans gained under the ACA.

"The prospect of 23 million Americans losing health insurance coverage is a significant step backward for the health of our citizens.

Health insurance lets people get the care they need when serious illness or injury strikes, while avoiding potentially ruinous debt. No one in our society should be forced to choose between getting needed care and keeping the lights on.

The research is clear. People who lack health insurance often live sicker lives and die sooner than those with insurance. They receive needed care later, if at all, and are more likely to skip important preventive care."

Physicians for Reproductive Health consulting medical director Anne Davis, MD, expressed opposition to the AHCA.

"Today's report from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office shows that this new AHCA still takes insurance for millions of families off of the table. Comprehensive reproductive healthcare would still move out of reach, especially for millions of low-income people, because of this bill's attacks on Medicaid, Planned Parenthood and abortion coverage. This report confirms that Congress isn't interested in addressing the vocal, widespread opposition from patients, families and doctors across the country. We are sounding the alarm: the AHCA will do harm, and it won't keep Americans healthy."

American Osteopathic Association's Senior Vice President of Public Policy Laura Wooster said the CBO score confirms potential negative affects of the AHCA.

"Not only does the CBO score again confirm that millions will lose coverage, it confirms that many states would opt out of essential health benefits including mental health, substance abuse services and maternity care. This means that many plans in those states will no longer offer coverage for those services, and even if they do, enrollees will now be subject to lifetime and annual limits that previously had been banned under the ACA."
Democratic Montana Gov. Steve Bullock vetoed the state legislature's healthcare price transparency measure, according to KPAX.com.

Mr. Bullock said Senate Bill 362 could increase healthcare costs instead of lowering them as intended. The bill calls for providers and payers to release costs for specific healthcare procedures and for insurers to create online price comparison tools for consumers.

However, Mr. Bullock said developing the technology would lead to increased costs for patients. "Peer-reviewed medical and scientific studies show that online pricing tools are not used, and when they are, drive costs up," his veto message reads.

"I appreciate the Legislature's work to control costs and improve quality for [healthcare] consumers," he wrote. "Unfortunately, in its current form, it does not advance Montanans' ability to make healthcare decisions in a cost-effective manner."

SB 362, sponsored by Sen. Ed Buttrey, R-Great Falls, passed the state House and Senate with reasonably large margins, according to the report. The Montana legislature could override the veto with a two-thirds vote in each branch.
New York City-based St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center will pay $387,200 and implement a corrective action plan as part of a HIPAA settlement to resolve allegations it inappropriately handled a patient's sensitive health information.

St. Luke's  one of New York City-based Mount Sinai Health System's seven hospitals  operates a center that provides comprehensive health services to patients with HIV, AIDS and other chronic diseases. HHS' Office for Civil Rights received a complaint in September 2014 alleging a staff member at the center disclosed a patient's protected health information to his employer, including HIV status, sexual orientation and physical abuse, among other sensitive information.

In its investigation, OCR found the staff member inappropriately faxed the patient's PHI to his employer, rather than delivering it to the requested personal post office box. OCR also discovered the center was responsible for a related privacy breach nine months prior. However, St. Luke's failed to address vulnerabilities in its compliance program to prevent future impermissible disclosures following this incident, according to OCR.

"Individuals cannot trust in a healthcare system that does not appropriately safeguard their most sensitive PHI," said OCR Director Roger Severino. "Covered entities and business associates have the responsibility under HIPAA to both identify and actually implement these safeguards."

St. Luke's emphasized its focus on patient privacy and security in a statement to Becker's Hospital Review. "We are working with HHS to meticulously review privacy and security protocols, ensuring all necessary safeguards are in place," according to the statement. "Compliance with [HIPAA] is a core tenet of our work and we will continue to remain committed to attaining the highest levels of success in this regard."

Click here to view the HHS release.
James Weinstein, MD, is set to retire from his role as president and CEO of Lebanon, N.H.-based Dartmouth-Hitchcock and Dartmouth-Hitchcock Health June 30, after six years at the helm of the only academic medical center in the state.

Speaking at the healthcare symposium Thursday at Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management in Evanston, Ill., Dr. Weinstein's comments pertained to D-H but often spanned to cover the big picture of healthcare and its faulty system in America. He is a vocal advocate for change in healthcare delivery and payment, as well as macro-level improvements to improve access to care and reinforce healthy behaviors.

"I think the country is missing an opportunity," he said. "The current president talks about rebuilding infrastructure of America  it's an interesting thought. If we had to redesign healthcare today with a whiteboard, it wouldn't look anything like it looks now."

Dr. Weinstein, a spine surgeon and author of Unraveled: Prescriptions to Repair a Broken Health Care System, spoke about how the government, businesses, industry leaders and communities can rethink the current models of healthcare to better focus on equity versus "brick and mortar solutions that don't address the social and economic issues of our times." Here are nine of his strategic ideas for improvement, bricks and mortar aside:

1. Mandate the transparency of cost and outcomes. Dr. Weinstein likened the healthcare industry to a dysfunctional airline in which passengers are expected to board a plane that lacks instrument panels, flight attendants and a destination. Passengers simply board and see where they'll end up.

For many patients, this reflects the care experience  except instead of instrument panels or destination, they lack information about procedure prices, a surgeon's track record for patient outcomes or a distinct role in decision-making. "How many of you have physicians who can tell you outcomes for procedures they offered to you that they've performed for patients like you?" In a room of roughly 110 people, nobody raised their hand.

Dr. Weinstein said greater transparency will also catalyze greater efficiency and standardization from physicians. "These are smart people, they went through medical school. They will appreciate the data if they believe it, and building data systems they trust is the solution for that."

2. Focus on the top 5 percent of healthcare utilizers. Healthcare spending is noticeably imbalanced in the United States: Approximately 5 percent of the population accounts for nearly 50 percent of the spending in a given year. At the same time, half the population accounts for about 3 percent of healthcare spending.

This disparity has repercussions for national spending and debt. Last summer, HHS released projections that healthcare spending will grow at a faster rate than the national economy over the coming decade, and spending was slated to hit $3.35 trillion in 2016 alone. "Let's take care of those chronic conditions for the population that is aging and responsible for 50 percent of costs," said Dr. Weinstein. "Medicare is a national program  if you spend more money in Texas, that's less money to spend somewhere else."

3. Continue with value-based payments, but adjust for social determinants upstream. Dr. Weinstein does not think the industry is moving quickly enough from fee-for-service to value-based care models and payments. He said aspiration to become a healthcare system that rewards quality, not quantity of procedures, exists, "but it's kind of a low bar right now," said Dr. Weinstein. "It's still about money. It's always about money."

He argued for maintenance or proliferation of value-based payment, along with more programs that take socioeconomic factors into account when evaluating a healthcare provider's quality of care and the health of an individual. "Social issues account for most of the problems in this country, and we tend to avoid them," he said.

He mentioned 2008 data from Baltimore's health department that identified a 20-year gap in life expectancy for individuals living in the city's Hollins Market and Roland Park neighborhoods. More recently, in a national data analysis, researchers identified a spread of 20.1 years between U.S. counties with the longest and shortest typical life spans based on life expectancy at birth.

Dr. Weinstein's idea to account for social factors is in the early stages with the Accountable Health Communities Model, a program from the CMS Innovation Center that premiered this year. Its 32 participants will test whether systematically identifying and addressing Medicare and Medicaid patients' health-related social needs through screenings, referrals and community navigation services will influence healthcare costs and reduce healthcare utilization.

4. Revise or eliminate the Social Security max tax. Last summer, the Obama administration released findings that projected the Social Security program would reach insolvency by 2034, with tax collections then sufficient to pay only three-fourths of promised benefits through 2090.

Viewing this through a macro-level lens, leaving retirees to live and maintain their health with only a portion of benefit payments will have major repercussions on the U.S. economy, healthcare system and retirees' quality of life. Even more, healthcare costs are already slated to take up a growing portion of Social Security benefits. In 2016, the average woman could spend an estimated 70 percent of her retirement check on healthcare costs, according to a study by the Nationwide Retirement Institute. Although healthcare costs don't take quite as big a chunk of pie for the average man, he still uses nearly half of his benefits to cover medical expenses.

In 2016, the maximum taxable earnings for Social Security was $118,500; in 2017, the cap is $127,200. There is an economic debate about the merits of raising or eliminating this restriction. Max tax supporters say the upper limit was designed to assure no one contributed directly more than the value of the protection he or she received, whereas opponents to the max tax say eliminating it would generate more revenue for Social Security, shore up the federal social insurance program and level the playing field between high-earners who comply with a fixed tax limit despite growing income.

Dr. Weinstein sits in the second camp: "I can pay more." To prevent Social Security from insolvency and maintain full payments to seniors, Dr. Weinstein advocated for modification to the limitations on maximum taxable earnings that would enable high-earners to contribute more.

5. Require those who make more than $100,000 annually to contribute more toward health insurance. Salary-based premium models were rare until about 2010-11, when more companies and corporations began linking employees' premiums to their salaries under the ACA rule that required employers with at least 50 workers to offer affordable health insurance or pay penalties. Dr. Weinstein contends for the fairness of this dynamic, which is not widespread but more popular in the financial services industry.

6. Perform preventive or routine care visits remotely. Dr. Weinstein pointed to the 50 percent of the population that incurs roughly 3 percent of healthcare costs as a prime audience for remote preventive or wellness care. As for routine care or management of chronic conditions, his organization has employed a tech-driven strategy to meet patients where they are.

D-H launched ImagineCare, a 24/7 remote care management service patients can access through equipment mailed to their doorstep, texting and other virtual interactions with providers. The program is highly coordinated, intensely personalized and accounts for patients' physical, mental and emotional health. "ImagineCare is with you 24/7," said Dr. Weinstein. "We can monitor your blood pressure every day, five times a day, versus you coming in to the doctor three times a month."

7. Partner with industry and consumer groups for artificial intelligence, data analytics and predictive modeling. It takes a village in healthcare today, and hospitals alone will not make the most of technological advancements and breakthroughs. D-H partnered with Microsoft to create ImagineCare. Dr. Weinstein mentioned a host of other activities that require collaboration between healthcare providers and innovators.

For example, artificial intelligence has ignited new capabilities for personalized medicine, meaning patients can receive treatments based on their unique genetic defect or mutation. This is entirely impossible without technology, for comparing cancer cells to healthy cells and identifying that one genetic defect is like "finding that one red brick in Manhattan," said Dr. Weinstein. "No human can do that  you need technology tools."

8. Pharma repatriation should be tied to multibillion dollar endowments to support medications for those who can't afford them. President Donald Trump's plan to incentivize companies through tax breaks to return corporate profits they've stored overseas to the U.S. was a signature of his campaign. Dr. Weinstein said if this plan is enacted, pharmaceutical companies should establish endowments with the savings incurred from the tax breaks to help to fund drugs and medications for individuals who cannot afford them.

9. Consider social determinants of health when rebuilding America's infrastructure. Dr. Weinstein believes a modernized infrastructure that accounts for social determinants of health will "pay big dividends." These determinants include access to: public transportation, media and technology (including the internet), safe and barrier-free spaces for exercise, and healthy food options, among many others. "If we do rebuild the infrastructure of America, this is an opportunity," he said.
Diagnostic radiologists see the most unique Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries each year of any specialty, according to a recent study form the Harvey L. Neiman Policy Institute.

The study compared 56 specialties on Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries in 2013 and found diagnostic radiologists served an average of 3,150 beneficiaries annually, more than any other specialty. Cardiologists, cardiac electrophysiologists, dermatologists and urologists rounded out the top five. Interventional radiologists ranked No. 8.

"All too often, radiology is thought of as a non-patient facing profession. This single snapshot of imaging utilization demonstrates radiologists to be leaders in current patient care orchestration," lead author Kristina Hoque, MD, PhD, a neuroradiology fellow at Los Angeles-based University of Southern California, said in a press release.

The study is based on the Medicare Physician and Other Supplier Public Use File.

More articles on integration and physician issues:

JAMA: Is there really a physician shortage?

WellCare to provide $180k in scholarships to University of Kentucky medical, nursing students

Imposter syndrome, sexism and the pay gap: Insights from 'Letter to a young female physician'
The Texas House tentatively approved a bill that will eliminate Maintenance of Certification requirements for physicians, according to a report from The Texas Tribune.

The bill was passed by the Senate in April. Once approved, physicians in Texas will no longer have to undergo the MOC program to obtain or renew their medical license with the Texas Medical Board, and hospitals and payers cannot use MOC in selecting physicians, payment and contract negotiations or credentialing, according to the report.

The Texas Medical Board is in support of the legislation. It sees MOC as an unnecessary regulation that adds burden and expense to physician practice, according to the report. The Texas Hospital Association, however, opposes the legislation, saying it poses a threat to patient safety and quality, according to the report.

Physicians would still be required to comply with Continuing Medical Education requirements, according to the report.

Read the full story here.

More articles on integration and physician issues:

JAMA: Is there really a physician shortage?

WellCare to provide $180k in scholarships to University of Kentucky medical, nursing students

Imposter syndrome, sexism and the pay gap: Insights from 'Letter to a young female physician'
WellCare of Kentucky, a subsidiary of Tampa, Fla.-based WellCare Health Plans, will provide $180,000 to fund two scholarships for students at the Lexington-based University of Kentucky College of Medicine and the College of Nursing who plan to work in underserved areas across the state.

The WellCare Physicians for the Commonwealth Program will award 20, one-year scholarships worth $5,000 each to incoming medical students who demonstrate interest in serving underserved populations across the state.

The second scholarship will benefit nurses enrolled in the university's doctorate in nursing practice program who plan to practice primary medicine or behavioral health in rural Kentucky. The scholarships will be used to cover the entire five-semester program for up to 10 students.

"We know that access to doctors, nurses and other healthcare providers directly affects health outcomes," said William Jones, president of WellCare of Kentucky. "When healthcare is in short supply or located far away, people are less likely to get routine screenings, tests and vaccinations  the type of care that can catch problems early or even prevent illness altogether. Anything we can do to encourage more providers to locate in underserved areas will be a direct benefit to the health of our state."
A Virginia judge on Monday sentenced Malachi Love-Robinson  who was accused more than once of practicing medicine without a license as a teenager  to 10 years in prison, reports the Sun Sentinel.

Mr. Love-Robinson's sentencing was for charges related to forgery and providing a false statement to obtain credit, to which he pleaded guilty. However, the judge immediately suspended nine years of the term on two fraud charges. Circuit Judge Charles Sharp warned Mr. Love-Robinson to stay out of trouble, as his suspended prison sentence requires he maintain 10 years of "good behavior." Subsequent arrests could result in a longer prison sentence, according to the report.

After serving what will add up to a one-year sentence, the now-20-year-old Mr. Love-Robinson will face prosecution on 14 felony charges in Palm Beach County, where he was arrested for allegedly pretending to be a physician and treating patients. There, he is charged with crimes punishable by up to 90 years in Florida state prison, according to the report.

Here are seven things to know about Mr. Love-Robinson's sentence and future legal proceedings.

1. Mr. Love-Robinson has been in custody since he was arrested Sept. 9 after he allegedly tried to purchase a $35,000 Jaguar from a Virginia car dealership. Authorities say he used his godmother's name and Social Security number on a car loan application without her permission, and also used her credit card to buy $1,200-worth of iPads and a cellphone, according to the Sun Sentinel. Instead of going to trial, he pleaded guilty to one count of false statement to obtain credit and uttering, a type of forgery charge.

At the time of his arrest, Mr. Love-Robinson was out on $26,000 bail after he was arrested in Florida in February 2016 and charged with practicing medicine without a license.

2. He was first busted in January 2015 after portraying himself as a physician at West Palm Beach, Fla.-based St. Mary's Medical Center for a month. There, he wore a white coat with the hospital's logo and the word "anesthesiology" embroidered on it. Sebastian Kent, MD, an OB-GYN, finally ousted him. No charges were filed against him at the time. After the incident, Mr. Love-Robinson's mother came to the scene and told police her son had not been taking his medication for an undisclosed illness. The hospital released a statement saying he "never had contact with any hospital patients and did not gain access to any patient care areas of the hospital at any time."

3. Mr. Love-Robinson was arrested in February 2016 and charged with practicing medicine without a license. After opening his own clinic in West Palm Beach along with an investor, he allegedly performed physical exams and gave people medical advice, including an undercover police officer. At the time, Mr. Love-Robinson had a five-star rating on Healthgrades.com, based on two reviews. His profile on the website said he was 25 and practiced three specialties: naturopathy, psychology and mental health. He also claimed to hold a PhD, an "HHP-C" and an "AMP-C."

4. In addition to posing as a physician, Mr. Love-Robinson faces charges of grand theft for cashing checks he allegedly stole while making a house call with an 86-year-old patient in Florida. Prosecutors say Mr. Love-Robinson depleted her checking account to make $34,504 in credit card and car loan payments, according to the Sun Sentinel.

5. Mr. Love-Robinson has pleaded not guilty to charges including practicing medicine without a license, practice of neuropathy without a license and grand theft, according to the report.

6. Before his latest arrest, the Florida trial for the charges related to posing as a physician was postponed to give Mr. Love-Robinson's attorney time to explore whether an insanity defense was viable. However, the attorney subsequently withdrew as counsel for the defendant, saying an ethical issue prevented him from staying on the case.

7. Mr. Love-Robinson will have a status hearing on all of the charges pending against him June 21.
Despite the kidney pain that sent David Priestman to a Manchester, England, hospital Monday night, he voluntarily discharged himself to allow victims of the terrorist attack at an Ariana Grande concert that evening to use his bed, reports the Daily Mail.

Mr. Priestman, a former soldier and father of two young girls, posted on Facebook that evening: "I'm giving up my hospital bed on my ward for somebody who needs it, already [Wythenshawe Hospital] is filling up with people sadly injured last night. Stay Strong Manchester Unite As One And Come Together As One."

Mr. Priestman said he learned of the attack at Britain's Manchester Arena after checking Facebook on his phone. The hospital began filling up with victims, and he described the environment as resembling a "warzone."

The attack was perpetrated by a suicide bomber who detonated an improvised bomb at 10:33 p.m. local time, according to NBC News. The bomb exploded in the foyer of the arena just after the concert ended. Twenty-two people, including children, were killed, and at least 59 others were wounded. ISIS claimed responsibility for the attack, but a connection to the Islamist group has not yet been confirmed.

Although nurses advised him to stay in the hospital, Mr. Priestman left Tuesday morning. He is now recovering at home.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas City (Mo.) will not sell individual ACA health plans in the payer's 32-county service area in Missouri and Kansas for 2018.

Danette Wilson, president and CEO of BCBSKC, said the payer lost more than $100 million on its individual health plan business through 2016.

"This is unsustainable for our company," Ms. Wilson said. "We have a responsibility to our members and the greater community to remain stable and secure, and the uncertain direction of this market is a barrier to our continued participation."

BCBSKC projects its decision will affect more than 67,000 individuals. The insurer's exit could leave 25 counties without an insurer participating in the ACA exchanges for 2018, according to The Wall Street Journal.
Researchers said the White House's proposed funding cuts to global AIDS treatment programs, if approved, could lead to at least one million deaths, reports The New York Times.

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Here are six things to know.

1. The United States helps fund AIDS treatment and research internationally through various initiatives. One of these initiatives is the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief. Additionally, the Global Fund partnership provides nearly $4 billion annually to combat AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria.

2. In total, the United States pays $6 billion each year for programs that purchase antiretroviral drugs for more than 11 million people worldwide with HIV, which causes AIDS, according to the report.

3. However, President Donald Trump's administration has proposed at least $1.1 billion in cuts to global AIDS treatment programs, Jen Kates, a vice president at the Kaiser Family Foundation, told NYT.

4. Regardless of whether funding cuts were approved, people who currently receive drug treatments through the programs would maintain them, Hari Sastry, director of the State Department's Office of U.S. Foreign Assistance Resources, told reporters, reports NYT. No further details were provided as far as how these patients would stay on treatment if the funding cuts gain approval, the report states.

5. Mr. Sastry also told reporters this week the White House planned to make sure America was "focusing our efforts in the 12 high-burden countries to achieve epidemic control," reports NYT. Pepfar currently provides financial support to combat AIDS in more than 60 countries, many of which are in Africa.

6. Based on an amfAR calculation cited by the NYT, the proposed cuts to global AIDS programs could result in more than one million lives lost and more than 300,000 children becoming orphans.

Read the full report here.
Female radiologists make the most on average of any physician specialist where more than 1 percent of all specialists are female, according to the Medscape Female Physician Compensation Report 2017.

Here is the breakdown of specialist compensation for female physicians:

1. Radiology: $344,000

2. Dermatology: $339,000

3. Cardiology: $327,000

4. General surgery: $315,000

5. Oncology: $312,000

6. Gastroenterology: $308,000

7. Anesthesiology: $308,000

8. Emergency medicine: $303,000

9. Plastic surgery: $301,000

10. Ob/gyn: $270,000

11. Ophthalmology: $267,000

12. Pathology: $264,000

13. Critical care: $264,000

14. Nephrology: $229,000

15. Psychiatry: $212,000
In 2006, neurosurgeon James Holsapple, MD, raised concerns with his former hospital, University Hospital in Syracuse, N.Y., about a new practice in his department to double-book surgeries. He was allegedly pressured to resign, and then sued the hospital under New York's whistle-blower statute for lost wages.

New York Supreme Court Justice James P. Murphy sided with him in a bench trial, adding a new layer to the debate over concurrent surgeries, according to The Boston Globe.

Here are five things to know about the case:

1. After training at University Hospital, Dr. Holsapple joined its ranks and rose to the associate professor position. In 2006, the hospital recruited a complex spine specialist and gave him permission to oversee concurrent surgeries in adjoining operating rooms, a practice to which Dr. Holsapple objected and "raised immediate concerns."

2. Dr. Holsapple lodged several complaints against the practice and was stripped of appointments at the hospital such as quality assurance officer and residency coordinator, which cut his salary. Dr. Holsapple alleged the change was made due to his complaints about the double-booking policy.

3. In 2009, Dr. Holsapple left University Hospital to join Boston Medical Center, where he is now chief of neurosurgery. After leaving the institution, the New York State Department of Health investigated University Hospital and found the hospital violated state regulations associated with the concerns Dr. Holsapple raised.

4. The judge awarded Dr. Holsapple $88,277 in lost wages and his award could exceed $150,000 after adding in estimated interest.

5. Massachusetts General Hospital has come under fire over the past few years for their policy allowing concurrent surgeries and not informing patients. The U.S. Senate Finance Committee seeks to restrict the practice as well, and per a pending Board of Registration in Medicine rule, surgeons may be required to document each time they enter or exit the operating room in the future.
Jaclyn Janine Renfrow, MD, spoke about her research, "Tracking Career Paths of Women in Neurosurgery," at the 2017 American Association of Neurological Surgeons Annual Scientific Meeting, held April 22 to April 26 in Los Angeles.

The research involved reviews of AANS and American Board of Neurosurgery databases from 1964 to 2013 for female neurosurgery graduates.

Here are six insights:

1. Researchers identified 379 female neurosurgery residency graduates in the timeframe, with 70 percent earning ABNS certification.

2. Of the female residency graduates, 27 percent underwent fellowship training. Pediatric neurosurgery represented the most common fellowship path among the graduates.

3. After training completion, 26 percent entered academic medicine. The female neurosurgeon career paths were as follows:

 Attained assistant professor rank: 46 percent

 Attainted associate professor rank: 36 percent

 Attained full professor rank: 18 percent

4. The study revealed the proportion of women in private versus academic settings is quite similar to the distribution of male neurosurgeons.

5. Female neurosurgeon leadership in the academic environment still remains low.

6. Researchers concluded the proportion of female neurosurgery residents is slowly rising.
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According to reports, a suspected suicide bomber and a police officer were killed in explosions near a bus station in the eastern part of the Indonesian capital, Jakarta on Wednesday. There were two blasts in Kampung Melayu that went off five minutes apart late in the evening, and some people, including police officers, were wounded and were taken to a nearby hospital, police said in a statement.
A court in Islamabad on Wednesday ordered the release of 350 Indian fishermen, who were jailed for illegal fishing. Judicial Magistrate Malir Salman Amjad Siddiqui in his order told the Interior Ministry to release the fishermen at the earliest. The judge said that the eight months spent in a Pakistani jail by the fishermen had been considered their punishment.
Pakistani media on Wednesday reported that the Pakistani government had made 'all of its forward operating bases fully operational'. Notably, the bases have been revived a day after the Indian Army launched 'punitive fire assaults' across the Line of Control. The Pakistan media also reported that Pakistan Air Force fighter jets flew close to the Siachen glacier.
Co Tyrone meat firm Dunbia is coming together with Irish firm Dawn Meats in a new joint venture.

Dawn Meats has agreed a strategic partnership with Dungannon firm Dunbia to establish a majority owned joint venture in the United Kingdom comprising the UK operations of both organisations, it has been announced. Dawn will separately acquire Dunbias operations in the Republic of Ireland.

The deal is subject to approval by the relevant competition authorities.

In the Republic, Dawn Meats will have nine facilities (including five abattoirs), following the addition of two complementary Dunbia facilities.

The combined UK businesses will trade as Dunbia and will deliver enhanced scale and market presence to better serve existing farmer suppliers and customers of both organisations across the retail, manufacturing, wholesale and food service sectors.

Dunbias chief executive Jim Dobson will be chief of the new Dunbia JV, and Dawn Meats chief Niall Browne, will be executive chairman. The joint venture will be run from Dunbias existing headquarters in Dungannon, Northern Ireland.

Jim Dobson of Dunbia said: This is the right strategic partnership for Dunbias staff and customers, and sees us joining with a company with a shared heritage of excellence in the production of premium beef and lamb products. The new UK joint venture confirms our future as a leading supplier in the UK market. In a consolidating industry this deal makes strategic sense for both companies, our customers and our farmer suppliers.
The Chinese market could be worth billions to Northern Ireland and Britain, but companies here are failing to crack the cultural cues, according to a business tycoon due to speak at an international tech event in Belfast next month.

Sir Richard Heygate, who was part of the team who invented the first 'online' cash point, spoke to the Belfast Telegraph ahead of his appearance at this year's Digital DNA.

As a Brexit supporter, the businessman - who spent much of his childhood and working life in Northern Ireland - says leaving the EU is nothing to be feared and presents the opportunity for a new business revolution.

"It really is the wild west out there and China has a culture of innovation. In the industrial era, there was a lot of economic activity between the UK and Asia.

"Tech firms have a hard time in this place. It takes around five years to get a product ready for market, but at around year three they start to run out of money and that's when they need help the most.

"There's a big move towards innovation in China. But, I've learned in the past that I don't want to work with start-ups - I need developed companies that have a genuine innovation that's going to change the market - someone with a cure for cancer, or something innovative in agriculture or healthcare that's developed and ready to get to market. The potential of the Chinese market is massive, because they are so focused on making a lot of money quickly, the deals are in the millions. It can be very hard to talk to a Chinese company about a small firm with maybe 12 employees, that's going to make a lot of money in a few years."

He is one of the top speakers at this year's Digital DNA 2017, which is taking place on June 6 and 7 in St George's Market in Belfast.

Sir Richard founded 88 Initiative four years ago along with business partner Yingni Lu to connect UK businesses with Chinese professionals to help secure market access in Asia and build a good working relationship with companies on the ground.

The aim of the firm is to build new relationships between the UK and China and also sees him work with Asian firms interested in the UK market.

"It's like Brexit, but the other way around. There's a real push on innovation, driven from a presidential level. China has been locked into its own market now and it's trying to get out and reach beyond that now," he said.

Sir Richard began his career at IBM, where he led the team that developed the world's first ATM.

The first one was used by Lloyds Bank, which was founded by his ancestor Sampson Lloyd and later expanded by his grandfather Howard Lloyd, in the 19th century.

Sir Richard was born in England but lived in Northern Ireland for much of his childhood and adult life.

"There's an important thing called culture in Asia - it's everything down from the way you shake their hand to how you give them your business card to taking a photo of them afterwards. There's a word 'Guanxi' in China which roughly means, 'I won't do business with you unless I trust you'. Unless you're trusted you won't go anywhere in Asia."
Northern Ireland has the highest level of public spending of any region in the UK, new figures have shown.

According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), an average of 14,020 per head was spent in Northern Ireland in 2016. That's significantly higher than other regions, such as London at 12,690.

The lowest expenditure was in the South East and East of England at 10,580 and 10,590 per person.

The least revenue was raised in Northern Ireland at 15.9bn, which equalled approximately 8,580 per person.

One economist says the figures highlight Northern Ireland's position as a "big deficit" economy.

Ulster University's Esmond Birnie said: "Tuesday's figures from the ONS confirm this. Northern Ireland has a relatively high level of public spending and also a relatively low level of tax raised.

"By implication there is a gap which can only be made up by a substantial fiscal transfer from the Exchequer, about 10bn annually over each of the last three years according to the ONS data.

"We should not underestimate how important this fiscal transfer is to the Northern Ireland economy - it has always dwarfed any net transfer of EU funds into the region and if the transfer was not available there would be a massive slump in both private and public sector activity.

"The ONS figures show only three of the UK regions do not have a fiscal deficit and Northern Ireland's is the largest in proportional and per capita terms."

The latest figures from the Office for National Statistics are described as "experimental".
The chief executive of Standard Life has said he is confident the group's merger with Aberdeen Asset Management will gain shareholder approval, despite governance concerns over the 11 billion tie up.

Keith Skeoch told the Press Association that unease over the joint chief executive structure and a bumper 16 member board has not resulted in a "sizeable shareholder push back".

"From everything I can see today, this deal is going to happen. There are always questions (from shareholders), but I wouldn't say having joint CEOs or the board's composition are the dominant issues. And the chairman has made it absolutely clear that over time the board will reduce in size.

"We haven't had any serious or sizeable shareholder push back, but I've learnt not to be complacent," he said.

The combined entity, to be called Standard Life Aberdeen, will be headed up by Mr Skeoch and Aberdeen boss Martin Gilbert.

Mr Skeoch said that it was "abundantly clear" that both men would be required at the helm in order to "get things done".

Eyebrows have also been raised over the proposed bonus structure that will see chief investment officer Rod Paris eligible to earn 865% of his 450,000 base salary.

But Mr Skeoch brushed aside these concerns, pointing to the 97% approval rate Standard Life has secured for its remuneration policy over the past three years.

Shareholders in both firms will vote on the deal on June 19, with Standard Life requiring 50% investor approval for the deal and Aberdeen 75%.

As well as institutional shareholders, Standard Life will also have to convince a sizeable number of retail investors, which make up half of its share register.

Totalling 1.2 million people, these individual shareholders are spread across the UK and Mr Skeoch admits that Standard Life must do more to engage with them ahead of the vote.

"By and large, they are supportive, but we do need to do work to get the message out about the strategic logic of the deal and the financial benefits that follow for them as shareholders. There are some retail shareholders who are very engaged and very vocal, others less so," he added.

The deal also faces regulatory scrutiny, with the Competition and Markets Authority on Monday launching an investigation to ascertain if the tie up could harm competition within the industry.

If it gets the green light, the merger will create Europe's second-biggest fund manager with 670 billion under management.

The tie-up, which was agreed in March, is targeting cost savings of 200 million a year, with around 800 jobs expected to be lost over a three-year period from a global workforce of 9,000.

On Brexit, Mr Skeoch confirmed that Standard Life plans to set up an EU subsidiary in Dublin to cater for its 500,000 customers in Ireland, Germany and Austria.

Aberdeen already has a distribution company in Luxembourg.
The Ulster Unionist Party's Tom Elliott is likely to lose his Fermanagh South Tyrone seat at Westminster, research from Lucid Talk has shown.

That is set to be the only change from the 2015 election following next month's snap General Election. The Belfast based company has used its computer systems based NI Westminster Election Seat Predictor model (last used very successfully for the GE 2015).

Flashback to Assembly election results in your constituency



North Antrim - East Antrim - South Antrim - North Belfast - East Belfast - South Belfast - West Belfast - Strangford - South Down - Lagan Valley - Upper Bann - Newry and Armagh - Fermanagh & South Tyrone - West Tyrone - Mid Ulster - East Londonderry - Foyle - North Down

So what does the model currently show (see table below).

Interestingly, the model previously predicted (i.e. before the results from this poll were inputted into the model) that Sinn Fein and the UUP were exactly equal at 50% each for the Fermanagh and South Tyrone seat  However, now Sinn Fein have gone back up again to 55% and have become, once again, the slight favourites to regain this seat from the UUP. For this seat i.e. Fermanagh and South Tyrone the Unionists are running one agreed candidate (i.e. Tom Elliott for the UUP) with the support of the DUP. We see after this polls results were inputted into the model that the Sinn Fein chances in this seat have now gone up slightly to 55% - but basically this means the UUP and Sinn Fein are both on a knife-edge as to who will win this seat.

This move back up again to 55% for Sinn Fein chance is not surprising, taking into account that our recent 2017 pre NI Assembly election polls, and the NI Assembly election itself, all showed and produced a strong Sinn Fein performance. Remember the data from our polls and the recent elections are the key inputs into our computer-based seat predictor model. However, this rating may change again after our 3rd and final pre-election poll. Perhaps whats keeping the Sinn Fein rating for this seat at only 55% is that we also have a weighting built-in to our predictor model which favours the outgoing MPs  these outgoing MPs (in this case the UUP's Tom Elliott) always have an advantage in Westminster first-past-the-post elections.

East Belfast is showing as a DUP hold, but now at a probability of only 60% - down 5% from the last run of our predictor model. This is again lower than expected for an outgoing MP (Gavin Robinson) and for someone from NIs largest party. However, the model has probably been impacted by the Alliance Partys strong showing in the recent 2017 NI Assembly election and in recent LT polls. Alliance are the main challengers for this seat with their party leader Naomi Long the candidate  a 60% DUP win is by no means certain, and its significant that this has dropped from 65%. Well see what the last run of our seat predictor model says for this seat at the start of June.

Similarly, Alasdair McDonnell, who is defending the marginal South Belfast constituency for the SDLP, comes in at 60% probability, which is down 5% from his 65% score in the last seat predictor model, reflecting how tight this seat may be in the end, with strong challenges to the SDLP from both the DUP and Sinn Fein.

Foyle and South Down also show drops for the SDLP reflecting that they are being seriously challenged in these seats by Sinn Fein, particularly in South Down where the drop a chunky 15% from our last seat predictor model run. However, the SDLP still remain the slight favourites to hold both these seats, but may have to depend on some Unionist tactical voting.

The UUP have dropped a sizable 15% in South Antrim from 75% (last seat predictor model) to 60%, showing that Danny Kinahan (who is defending this seat for the UUP) is facing a strong challenge from the DUPs Paul Girvan. However, Kinahan still is the slight favourite here, helped also be the fact that hes the out going MP (always an advantage). But again it will be key to see what the model says about this seat in the last pre-election run of the seat predictor model at the start of June  Kinahan cant afford this 60% score to drop any further.

Expand Close Pollster Bill White predicts the winners and losers in Northern Ireland for next month's General Election / Facebook

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Whatsapp Pollster Bill White predicts the winners and losers in Northern Ireland for next month's General Election

Not surprisingly, 10 of the 18 seats are showing win-probability scores of 100% for the named political party e.g. North Antrim for the DUP, West Belfast for Sinn Fein etc. Unless something dramatic happens we dont see these scores changing for any of these 10 seats.

Our next, and final pre-election seat predictor run will be published 5th-6th June i.e. 2-3 days before the actual election.

This computer based predictor model used by Lucid Talk is constantly being improved and enhanced, and were again hopeful that it will be able to closely predict this upcoming Westminster election in NI.

The model uses the last three major NI election results: UK (NI) General Election 2015, and the NI Assembly Elections 2016 and 2017, and also the most recent LT polling (i.e. this poll), as data input to the model.

The model also considers and weighs-in factors such as the outgoing MP, and what poll participants believe will be the results in each seat (i.e. apart from what way they will be voting themselves in their own seat) i.e. our Wisdom of Crowds poll question.

The model then predicts the likelihood in % terms, of seats being won by the various parties, broken down by the 18 Westminster constituencies. Weve run the model, using the 3 most recent NI elections and LT polls (as per above), and it generated the results shown in the enclosed table (see above). This is our Version 2  Poll 2 table, and we will re-run the seat predictor model again after the last pre-Westminster election poll  1st to 3rd June (i.e. using that polls data as the main input to the model)  this will enable tracking of trends up or down for each of the political parties in each of the 18 NI Westminster constituencies as the campaign progresses. Comparisons are shown against our Poll 1 Table (published 2nd May  see LT website for report). As such, the seat predictor model should get more accurate, and up-to-date, as the campaign progresses, as it will be using/analysing the latest poll data.

Bill White, is Managing Director of Belfast based LucidTalk Polling and Market Research. You can follow LucidTalk on Twitter at @LucidTalk.
A serial flasher has narrowly avoided prison for exposing himself to two female students.

Jason Leonard Shaw (47), of Great Northern Street, Belfast, was handed a one-year sentence suspended for three years after he pleaded guilty at the city's Crown Court to a single charge of exposure last year.

Judge Geoffrey Miller QC warned Shaw: "If you commit any further offences after today's date you will be put in custody for this offence.''

Prosecuting lawyer Simon Jenkins told the court that at 2.45am on September 25, 2016, two female Spanish students were walking to Elmwood Hall when they saw a man "standing at the bus stop when he pulled down his underwear and exposed himself''.

The court was told the students contacted Queen's security staff who alerted the PSNI. Police found Shaw in the grounds of a chapel at Derryvolgie Avenue.

The court heard Shaw has 41 previous convictions - 20 related to indecent exposure or exposure offences.
Bonfires are a tradition ahead of the 'Twelfth of July'

A boy is in a critical condition in hospital after apparently coming into contact with hazardous material believed to have been dumped at a bonfire site in Northern Ireland.

Police and health officials have issued a warning to the public after barrels containing the substance were left at the site at Glenwood Street, close to the Shankill Road in north Belfast.

A spokeswoman for the Belfast Health Trust said the boy was in a critical condition.

Children in unionist neighbourhoods across Northern Ireland build bonfires through the early summer ahead of lighting them on July 11 to usher in the main event in the Protestant loyal order marching season, the "Twelfth of July".

Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) Superintendent Andrea McMullan said: "We are concerned that a number of other young people in the area could have potentially come into contact with this substance and are asking parents and guardians whose children may have visited this bonfire site to closely monitor them.

"The symptoms, which may include redness of the eyes and sore throats, coughing and breathing difficulties, can take up to 36 hours to become visible and I would encourage anyone who has concerns about their children to seek medical advice immediately.

"Any clothing or skin that may have been exposed should be washed to remove residual chemicals that may be left on them."

Democratic Unionist councillor Frank McCoubrey said there was "no excuse" for using bonfire sites as a dumping ground.

"In this case a child has been hospitalised because of whatever substances were dumped at this site," he said.

"I would appeal for anyone who witnessed the material being left at the site to pass on any information to the police.

"My thoughts are with the child and hope they make a full and speedy recovery."
Belfast City Council has set aside 50,000 to assess the safety of headstones on graves - and has already deemed nearly 700 memorials across the city unsafe.

In response to a Freedom of Information request from the Belfast Telegraph, it revealed it has already spent more than 6,000 of ratepayers' cash on warning signs, tape, wooden stakes, tools and equipment at Roselawn, Balmoral, Shankill and Clifton Street cemeteries as part of its memorial safety programme.

The council says that the aim of this programme is "to ensure that our cemeteries are safe places for all those who work in and visit them".

So far, a total of 673 headstones have been found 'unsafe' at Roselawn Cemetery, as well as nine at Balmoral Cemetery, one at Shankill Graveyard and three in Clifton Street Cemetery.

To date, the council has spent 1,346 on warning signs.

The cost for the wooden stakes used is 3,175.50, the purchase of tools and equipment totals 1,378.38 and the cost for rolls of blue cordon tape used is 135.

The money to fund the memorial safety programme is drawn from the existing parks and cemeteries operational budget.

The council said: "A budget of 50,000 has been allocated to the memorial safety programme for the financial year 2017/18. Any expenditure for warning signs, rolls of blue tape and making 'temporarily' safe those headstones inspected and found to be unsafe will come out of this budget."

At Roselawn Cemetery, the plots affected are to the right of the entrance, where there is a sea of blue tape and wooden posts with triangular black and yellow warning signs that state: "This memorial has failed a regulatory test and is deemed unstable. Please do not touch."

Families whose loved ones are buried at Roselawn Cemetery have described the council's actions as "upsetting".

Expand Close Some of the affected graves in Roselawn Cemetery Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph / Facebook

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Whatsapp Some of the affected graves in Roselawn Cemetery

Journalist Stuart Bailie, whose father's memorial was deemed "unstable", said that the process had been managed with a "complete lack of sensitivity and humanity".

"This brings a lot of heartbreak - you want the council to be looking out for everybody's well-being but I don't think they have shown any regard for the well-being of families, and it seems a lot more families are about to be affected," he said.

"The irony is that we are having to pay for it, and it's so distressing.

"I finally got a letter about my father's grave on May 10, five or six weeks after I had discovered the tape and wooden stakes around the grave.

"It was very formal and in corporate language, and it didn't explain what was wrong - it just said the grave was unsafe.

"I would like them to do a budget for courtesy, to have another staff member making sure the phone is answered and letters are issued quickly.

"It doesn't seem to be a priority, there's a complete lack of sensitivity and humanity.

"If there is an unsafe grave and it could cause serious injury then that's fine, but I don't know why so much work is going on in part of Roselawn, why it has been declared a disaster zone and very little elsewhere.

"My dad's grave has been fixed, but all the graves around it have been taped off and have stakes around them and it looks like an industrial wasteland, ugly and hideous.

"It just seems to be overzealous health and safety in that part of the graveyard and I'm sure there are other priorities in Belfast."

Earlier this month, the Belfast Telegraph revealed that families seeking to make repairs to graves are having to pay a 16 access fee on top of repair charges.

The one-off sum is paid to receive a 'memorial permit' to allow work to be undertaken on an already existing headstone.

"As well as the emotional distress there is a financial pressure of having to find around 100 for repairs and access out of your budget," Mr Bailie added.

"Even if they waived that fee it would help, but it is a farce and a fiasco.

"From the get-go it has been heavy-handed and that continues."

When asked if it was prepared to waive the 16 memorial permit access fee, the council said: "We cannot comment on this at the moment - the fee is part of the policy."

It said that the inspection at section D of Roselawn, which declared 673 memorials to be unsafe, is now complete and officers are inspecting section C.

The council added: "We started the process in section D - the oldest part of the cemetery.

"It is a process; we are now in section C and will then move to section E and then section F.

"We aim to send letters out within 10 days of identifying a memorial as unsafe.

"However, we are finding it difficult to contact many grave owners because unfortunately they are now deceased and we have no updated point of contact information. The letters are then delayed going out.

"As soon as families contact us to update the point of contact information the letter is sent out."

The council apologised for any distress caused to relatives due to the project.

It said: "This was not the intention, and we apologise if this caused any distress.

"However Belfast City Council is responsible for overall safety in all our cemeteries, including risks from unstable memorials.

"Following a series of incidents throughout the UK regarding falling headstones (most notably the death of an eight-year-old boy in Scotland in 2015) we were urged by the Health and Safety Executive (along with all UK councils) to inspect memorials in our cemeteries."
A PSNI canine has been crowned best police dog in the UK for the second year in a row.

The top dog and his handler were awarded the title at the National Police Dog Trials in England at the weekend.

The prestigious canine competition includes the most skilled four-legged police dogs from all over the United Kingdom.

Police Dog Mike and his handler, Constable McCrea, also won last year when Northern Ireland hosted the trials.

They are the first team to retain their title in 20 years.

A post uploaded to the PSNI Instagram page, stated that there was "exciting news" to share with thousands of followers, and followed it up with: "Our fantastic PD Mike and his handler won the 57th National Police Dog Trials (NPDT) 2017 in Avon and Somerset for the second time over the weekend.

"PD Mike and (his) handler also won last year whenever we hosted the trails.

"They are the first team to retain their title in 20 years."

Over a three-day course the dogs were taken through a variety of scenarios reflecting the work they and their handlers experience in real life.

Tests covered everything from chasing and detaining a criminal armed with a gun to searching for an item in a property, as well as obedience and agility skills.

The PSNI dogs live permanently with their handlers, even after they retire, and form a close bond with them.

Superintendent Mark Sellers, Head of Tri-Force, Wiltshire Police, said: "Police dog teams are a crucial part of any Police Service and play a key role in supporting local policing and keeping our communities safe.

"The trials give our handlers and dogs the opportunity to promote their incredible skills and to share best practice in the areas of safety and control and efficiency."

Last year's event, held at Stormont, saw dogs and their handlers travel to Belfast from all over the UK.

Speaking to the Belfast Telegraph last year following his first win, Constable McCrea revealed that Mike was his first police dog.

"They trained me as a handler at the same time," he said.

He added that it showed how comprehensive the PSNI dog training was.

"We had good support from the training team and we have to put the training in ourselves."
Funeral of Caitlin White at Drumalane Church in Newry, Co. Down. The 15-year-old died in Portadown on Sunday of a suspected drug overdose.

Funeral of Caitlin White at Drumalane Church in Newry, Co. Down. The 15-year-old died in Portadown on Sunday of a suspected drug overdose.

Funeral of Caitlin White at Drumalane Church in Newry, Co. Down. The 15-year-old died in Portadown on Sunday of a suspected drug overdose.

Funeral of Caitlin White at Drumalane Church in Newry, Co. Down. The 15-year-old died in Portadown on Sunday of a suspected drug overdose.

Funeral of Caitlin White at Drumalane Church in Newry, Co. Down. The 15-year-old died in Portadown on Sunday of a suspected drug overdose.

Funeral of Caitlin White at Drumalane Church in Newry, Co. Down. The 15-year-old died in Portadown on Sunday of a suspected drug overdose.

Funeral of Caitlin White at Drumalane Church in Newry, Co. Down. The 15-year-old died in Portadown on Sunday of a suspected drug overdose.

Funeral of Caitlin White at Drumalane Church in Newry, Co. Down. The 15-year-old died in Portadown on Sunday of a suspected drug overdose.

Funeral of Caitlin White at Drumalane Church in Newry, Co. Down. The 15-year-old died in Portadown on Sunday of a suspected drug overdose.

Funeral of Caitlin White at Drumalane Church in Newry, Co. Down. The 15-year-old died in Portadown on Sunday of a suspected drug overdose.

Funeral of Caitlin White at Drumalane Church in Newry, Co. Down. The 15-year-old died in Portadown on Sunday of a suspected drug overdose.

Heartache among mourners as Caitlin White is laid to rest Close

Hundreds of mourners gathered in Newry on Wednesday to say a final farewell to tragic school girl Caitlin White.

Crowds of young people waited out the church of the Assumption ahead of the tearful service.

Caitlin took ill in Corcrain Community Woodland at the weekend.

Emergency services were alerted at around 6pm on Saturday.

She died shortly after being rushed to Craigavon Area Hospital.

Detectives investigating her death have now arrested three teenagers, and following searches officers recovered a quantity of suspected Ecstasy.

Yesterday afternoon a 15-year-old male was arrested and was taken into custody for questioning. He was released on bail on Wednesday morning pending further policy enquiries.

Two other males, aged 19 and 17, were arrested on Monday evening and have since been released on bail while the enquiries go on.

Police have continued to appeal for information and warned the community of the dangers of drugs.

Craigavon Senior High School pupil Caitlin had been out with friends who regularly gather at Corcrain Community Woodland.

Speaking on Monday, her devastated mother Teresa told the Belfast Telegraph: "My heart is broken for ever.

"She was my world and they took her away from me."

Caitlin had been due to take a GCSE exam on Monday.

The school announced the test would go ahead as planned and that it would be providing support to pupils.

It has been reported that Caitlin was particularly fond of creative subjects and had started work on a new art project last week.

"This is a tragic loss to the pupil's family and to our school community," a statement from her school said. "In response, the school has implemented a plan which will give pupils the opportunity to talk through their thoughts and feelings with trained staff from the Education Authority critical incident response team. "A letter will be sent by the school to parents, informing them of this tragic incident and providing information on the support services available through the school."

Friends of the teenager have been leaving flowers and messages at the scene of her collapse in the wood.

Her funeral took place in Drumalane Church in Newry followed by burial in Cloughoge cemetery.
The Education Authority (EA) has apologised after children waiting to find out which school they will attend in September did not receive letters.

Tens of thousands of P7 pupils and their parents were eagerly awaiting letters from Friday to Saturday to find out if they had gained a place at their college of choice.

However, for 30 families the agony was prolonged when their letters did not arrive.

The letters were re-sent by recorded delivery and were due to arrive yesterday.

An EA spokesman said that its officers are currently investigating the cause of the delay.

"On Friday 19 May, as part of the post-primary admissions process, schools issued letters to parents to confirm Year Eight places for over 21,000 pupils for September 2017," the EA said in a statement.

"EA issued letters to the parents of 120 pupils who were unplaced, providing further information on the next stage of the process.

"These letters were also issued on 19 May for delivery to parents on Saturday 20 May.

"Unfortunately, a number of these letters were not delivered as planned. Duplicate letters have been sent by recorded delivery to be received on Tuesday 23 May."

The EA told the Belfast Telegraph that it had not heard anything to suggest the letters had not been received on the second attempt, adding that 30 letters were re-sent.

The body, which delivers education services across Northern Ireland, has also apologised to the parents who could not contact a helpline to get information about the process.

"The EA helpline received a high volume of calls on Saturday," it explained.

"We apologise to anyone who was not able to get through."

One parent, Michael Holden - whose son attends Killinchy Primary School - told the BBC his family were left "in limbo" all weekend after they did not receive a letter on Saturday.

He claimed that between himself and his wife they made about 300 attempts to get through on the emergency hotline.

Mr Holden said it was "constantly engaged".

"When we eventually did get through, it said the mailbox was full and simply disconnected the line," he said. "No principal in our area was given the result either, so the primary schools weren't given the information so they weren't able to assist any parent."

The Co Down man said that he and his family cannot understand why the system is not made simpler.

"The whole thing is just absolutely shocking.

"In the day of technology, why they can't offer alternatives, that we could log into a system and view the result," he said.

"It's ridiculous."

The EA, headed by its chief executive Gavin Boyd, became operational on April 1, 2015, replacing Northern Ireland's former five education and library boards.
Church leaders have expressed their "heartfelt sympathy" to the victims of the Manchester bombing and their families.

Presbyterian Moderator Dr Frank Sellar said that "we can little comprehend the searing pain and loss that so many families are experiencing in coming to terms with yesterday evening's atrocity in Manchester".

"Wicked deeds deliberately inflicted on innocent people, especially where children and the young are involved, seem to cut the deepest, and I offer our support and heartfelt sympathy to everyone mourning the loss of loved ones, and those hoping for good news."

Church of Ireland Primate Archbishop Richard Clarke conveyed his sympathy to the Bishop of Manchester, the Rt Reverend David Walker, conveying his "deep sadness". He also sent assurances of his prayers and those of people here for all those caught up in "this terrible event."

Candles were lit in St Anne's Cathedral in Belfast, and special prayers were said. The outgoing Dean of Belfast, the Very Reverend John Mann, said: "Our hearts go out to all the families involved, and our prayers are with them today, and will be in the coming days as this devastating attack brings such sorrow to so many.

"As we pray daily for the evil of this world to be abated, and human beings of all races, nations, creeds and religions to find the common goals of peace and justice, we pray for the perpetrators of violence, that their hearts may be turned to healing and building up, and life, rather than destruction and death."

Catholic Primate Archbishop Eamon Martin said: "Such a violent and brutal attack inflicts terror and long-lasting trauma on children and families and leaves a wound that can only be healed by compassion, love and solidarity.

"We are praying for the dead, the injured and for all affected by the bombing. Such an awful attack challenges us all to resolve personally to build peace, solidarity and hope everywhere.

"Only in this way can the hearts of those who plan and perpetrate such violent and pointless attacks be changed."

Methodist Church President, Rev Bill Mullally said that he was "appalled."

He said: "Our thoughts and prayers are with those families and friends who have had loved ones killed and injured, and with those who are still waiting for news of loved ones. In this time of distress, may we continue to seek peace and unity among all peoples."
A cuddly toy left near the scene of the Manchester massacre

A 19-year-old man has been charged over comments he posted on social media about the Manchester bombing.

He was arrested on Tuesday evening in north Belfast under the Malicious Communications Act, a PSNI spokesperson said.

He has been charged with the improper use of public electronic communications network.

He is expected to appear before Belfast Magistrates' Court on Monday June 19.

All charges will be reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service.

Twenty-two people died and scores were injured when a suicide bomber attacked fans leaving an Ariana Grande concert at the Manchester Arena on Monday night.
Victor Barker, whose 12-year-old son James was killed in the Omagh bomb, has spoken out following the Manchester Arena attack.

He was speaking on Wednesday morning on BBC Radio Ulster in response to the deaths of 22 people, many of them children and teens, in Monday night's bomb at the Manchester Arena.

Mr Barker said the terrorist attack "brings back the horror the 15th and 16th of August 1998 very much, to many of the families, I think, who have either lost children or family members or suffered horrific injuries in the Omagh bomb."

Recalling the hours between learning that a bomb had gone off in Omagh and finding out his son had died, he said: "Whenever I do have a nightmare, it's normally about those two days and the mere shock of knowing, when I got to the leisure centre, that I was asked immediately to identify James, what his hair colour was, whether he had any identifying body features.

Expand Close Meeting: Victor Barker, whose son, James, died in the Omagh bombing / Facebook

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Whatsapp Meeting: Victor Barker, whose son, James, died in the Omagh bombing

"At that moment, I knew, really suspected, that he was no longer with us. But we didn't actuallly find out until much later when we were taken to the temporary mortuary.

"Those few hours were just unbelievably difficult for everybody that was involved.

"I think it must be horrendous for parents that have children that have gone to the concert who weren't there and that have had to find the news out subsequently because it is such a shock and it is totally unexpected. "

Coping, he continued, ""is not a word I would really use. You have to deal with the situation as best you can. "

He did this by simply remembering the good things about James and his life and the times we had together.

No forgiveness

When asked if he could ever forgive his son's killers, Mr Barker replied: "Probably not. I don't think any human being has the right to take any other human being's life in the way that this was done, certainly in the way it was done in Manchester.

"I think you have to learn to accept that people have a very different perspective of what is right and wrong in these situations.

"And I suspect that this poor man has been brainwashed to a degree that he cannot differentiate between right and wrong.

"I think Islam has got to sit up and really look very, very carefully at the way these people are indoctrinated, and particularly in those Imams and mosques where they know people are being manipulated.

"They should stand up and deal with it.

"I think they have a lot to answer for.

Following the attack on Manchester Arena on Monday night, Harun Khan, Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain, said that attack was horrific and criminal, and he called for the perpetrators to "face the full weight of justice in this life and the next".

He said: My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. I understand teenagers and children have been caught up in what the police has confirmed to be a terrorist attack. This is horrific, this is criminal. May the perpetrators face the full weight of justice both in this life and the next.

"I pay tribute to the police and emergency services who have worked valiantly to save lives last night. They were helped by civilians who rushed into offer their support. I urge all those in the region and around the country to pool together to support those affected.
The Police, the Northern Ireland Fire & rescue Service and the Ambulance Service are in attendance this evening at a 'HazMat' alert at a bonfire in the Glenwood Street area of west Belfast. Forensic experts are examining containers near the edge of the bonfire.

Police are urging parents to monitor their children after hazardous material was dumped on a Belfast bonfire which its thought left a nine-year-old boy in hospital critically ill.

A young boy is fighting for his life in hospital after coming into contact with the chemicals.

Emergency services are investigating the dumping of the substance after a concerned parent contacted police about the material after their young son was taken to hospital. He is in intensive care in a critical condition.

On Wednesday evening, police issued a public health warning after consultation with health officials.

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Superintendent Andrea McMullan said: A young boy is currently receiving treatment in hospital after it is believed he came into contact with this hazardous substance at the site.

We are concerned that a number of other young people in the area could have potentially come into contact with this substance and are asking parents/guardians whose children may have visited this bonfire site to closely monitor them.

The symptoms, which may include redness of the eyes and sore throats coughing and breathing difficulties can take up to 36 hours to become visible and I would encourage anyone who has concerns about their children to seek medical advice immediately. Any clothing or skin that may have been exposed should be washed to remove residual chemicals that may be left on them.

Police said officers and the Fire Service attended the bonfire site in Glenwood Street on Wednesday. It has been reported that a number drums were dumped at the site.

It's thought they may contain industrial cleaner for patios and driveways.

It is not known if the boy came into direct contact with the material, however, he is being treated in hospital for respiratory problems and police are following a line of enquiry that the chemicals are the cause.

Belfast Lord Mayor Brian Kingston said he was deeply shocked at the incident.

"The police, Fire Service and council have secured the site and the material is being taken away. Obviously our thoughts are with the boy and his family, but this is very concerning," he said.

"I have worked with the council on removing hazardous materials - including tyres - which have been illegally dumped on bonfire sites in the past.

"This is shocking but sadly an example of the many hazardous materials dumped on bonfires which should be disposed of legally and properly. It's irresponsible.

"I will be urging the council and the authorities to identify those responsible."

DUP councillor Frank McCoubrey also condemned those behind the dumping.

He said, As we approach the summer young people are beginning to gather material at bonfire sites. There is absolutely no excuse however for anyone to use a bonfire site as a dumping ground for hazardous materials or to dispose of tyres.

"In this case a child has been hospitalised because of whatever substances were dumped at this site. I would appeal for anyone who witnessed the material being left at the site to pass on any information to the police.

"My thoughts are with the child and hope they make a full and speedy recovery.

Inspector Laura Kelly added: We received a call from a member of the public earlier today, who was concerned that their young son, who is currently receiving treatment in hospital, may have come into contact with some sort of substance at the bonfire site.

"We immediately began an investigation into this incident and are working with our Fire and Rescue Service colleagues and partner agencies to identify the source of these containers and have them safely removed.

I would appeal to anyone who may have any information about the material which has been left at this site to contact police on 101 quoting reference number 296 of 24 May 2017. Alternatively, information can be given anonymously by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."
Pacemaker Press Belfast 23-05-2017: Belfast city councillors pictured signing a Book of Condolences, that was opened up for the victims of last night's bomb attack in Manchester, at Belfast City Hall. Picture By: Arthur Allison.

Pacemaker Press Belfast 23-05-2017: Belfast City Council Councillor Billy Hutchinson pictured signing a Book of Condolences, that was opened up for the victims of last night's bomb attack in Manchester, at Belfast City Hall. Picture By: Arthur Allison.

Pacemaker Press Belfast 23-05-2017: Deputy Lord Mayor Councillor Mary Ellen Campbell pictured signing a Book of Condolences, that was opened up for the victims of last night's bomb attack in Manchester, at Belfast City Hall. Picture By: Arthur Allison.

Sinn Fein leader in Northern Ireland Michelle O'Neill signs a book of condolence for Manchester victims at Belfast City Hall. Michael McHugh/PA Wire

Some of the people who gathered at the War memorial in Derry to express their solidarity with people of Manchester. Picture Martin McKeown. Inpresspics.com. 23.05.17

Some of the people who gathered at the War memorial in Derry to express their solidarity with people of Manchester. Picture Martin McKeown. Inpresspics.com. 23.05.17

A silent vigil took place in Belfast city centre in memory of the victims of the bomb attack in Manchester. Picture By: Arthur Allison.

Pacemaker Press Belfast 23-05-2017: A silent vigil took place in Belfast city centre tonight in memory of the victims of last night's bomb attack in Manchester. Picture By: Arthur Allison.

Pacemaker Press Belfast 23-05-2017: A silent vigil took place in Belfast city centre tonight in memory of the victims of last night's bomb attack in Manchester. Picture By: Arthur Allison.

People gather for a vigil outside Belfast City Hall, after a 23-year-old man was arrested in connection with the Manchester concert bomb attack. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday May 23, 2017. The attack killed 22 people, including children, and injured dozens more in the worst terrorist incident to hit Britain since the July 7 atrocities. See PA story POLICE Explosion. Photo credit should read: Michael McHugh/PA Wire

Pacemaker Press Belfast 23-05-2017: A silent vigil took place in Belfast city centre tonight in memory of the victims of last night's bomb attack in Manchester. Picture By: Arthur Allison.

People gather for a vigil outside Belfast City Hall, after a 23-year-old man was arrested in connection with the Manchester concert bomb attack. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday May 23, 2017. The attack killed 22 people, including children, and injured dozens more in the worst terrorist incident to hit Britain since the July 7 atrocities. See PA story POLICE Explosion. Photo credit should read: Michael McHugh/PA Wire

Pacemaker Press Belfast 23-05-2017: A silent vigil took place in Belfast city centre tonight in memory of the victims of last night's bomb attack in Manchester. Picture By: Arthur Allison.

A silent vigil took place in Belfast city centre tonight in memory of the victims of last night's bomb attack in Manchester

Belfast City Hall illuminated in the colours of Union flag after the Manchester concert bomb attack. Pic: David Young/PA Wire

A silent vigil has been held in Belfast to remember the Manchester bombing victims.

A small group held posters professing "we stand together" outside the gates of City Hall.

Political and church leaders in Northern Ireland also expressed sympathy.

Amnesty International director in the region Patrick Corrigan said: "Tonight's vigil outside City Hall is really a spontaneous response by members of the local community and really it is an opportunity to stand in solidarity with the citizens of Manchester from the citizens of Belfast.

"To say we share your pain, and it is a response that is about a sense of community, a sense of humanity and the simple message tonight is, we stand together."

Belfast City Hall was lit in the colours of the Union flag last night to show solidarity with the victims.

Extra security was introduced for a show by broadcaster and physicist Professor Brian Cox in Belfast's SSE Arena last night.

Cox said he was left devastated at the attack on his home town of Manchester and urged people to "deal kindly with one another".

The stargazer began his Belfast show by paying tribute to the victims, reading an extract from Carl Sagan's 1994 book Pale Blue Dot.

"Look again at that dot. That's here. That's home. That's us. On it everyone you love, everyone you know, everyone you ever heard of, every human being who ever was, lived out their lives," he said.

Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Previous Next Close Saffie Roussos (8) and Georgina Callander (18) who died in the Manchester Arena terror attack People attend a multi-faith vigil in St Ann's Square, Manchester, to remember the victims of the Manchester terror attack. PA Muriel Billington, 85 and her daughters (names not given) during a vigil at St Ann's Square in Manchester, after a suicide bomber killed 22 people leaving a pop concert at the Manchester Arena on Monday night. PA Belfast City Hall illuminated in the colours of Union flag after the Manchester concert bomb attack. Pic: David Young/PA Wire PA A woman looks at flowers in St. Ann's Square, close to the Manchester Arena where a suicide bomber killed 22 people leaving a pop concert at the venue on Monday night. PA A silent vigil took place in Belfast city centre in memory of the victims of the bomb attack in Manchester. Picture By: Arthur Allison. Pacemaker Press Belfast 23-05-2017: A silent vigil took place in Belfast city centre tonight in memory of the victims of last night's bomb attack in Manchester. Picture By: Arthur Allison. Pacemaker Press Belfast 23-05-2017: A silent vigil took place in Belfast city centre tonight in memory of the victims of last night's bomb attack in Manchester. Picture By: Arthur Allison. Some of the people who gathered at the War memorial in Derry to express their solidarity with people of Manchester. Picture Martin McKeown. Inpresspics.com. 23.05.17 Some of the people who gathered at the War memorial in Derry to express their solidarity with people of Manchester. Picture Martin McKeown. Inpresspics.com. 23.05.17 Some of the people who gathered at the War memorial in Derry to express their solidarity with people of Manchester. Picture Martin McKeown. Inpresspics.com. 23.05.17 People gather for a vigil outside Belfast City Hall, after a 23-year-old man was arrested in connection with the Manchester concert bomb attack. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday May 23, 2017. The attack killed 22 people, including children, and injured dozens more in the worst terrorist incident to hit Britain since the July 7 atrocities. See PA story POLICE Explosion. Photo credit should read: Michael McHugh/PA Wire PA People gather for a vigil outside Belfast City Hall, after a 23-year-old man was arrested in connection with the Manchester concert bomb attack. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday May 23, 2017. The attack killed 22 people, including children, and injured dozens more in the worst terrorist incident to hit Britain since the July 7 atrocities. See PA story POLICE Explosion. Photo credit should read: Michael McHugh/PA Wire PA People gather for a vigil in Albert Square outside Manchester Town Hall in Manchester after attack at concert. Photo credit should read: Joe Giddens/PA Wire PA Members of the public gather to attend a candlelit vigil, to honour the victims of Monday evening's terror attack, at Albert Square on May 23, 2017 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images) Getty Images People from Manchester Sikh Community carry "I love MCR" banners as they arrive to attend a vigil in Albert Square in Manchester, northwest England on May 23, 2017, in solidarity with those killed an injured in the May 22 terror attack at the Ariana Grande concert at the Manchester Arena. Twenty two people have been killed and dozens injured in Britain's deadliest terror attack in over a decade after a suspected suicide bomber targeted fans leaving a concert of US singer Ariana Grande in Manchester. British police on Tuesday named the suspected attacker behind the Manchester concert bombing as Salman Abedi, but declined to give any further details. / AFP PHOTO / Ben STANSALLBEN STANSALL/AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images A couple embrace under a billboard in Manchester city centre, Tuesday May 23, 2017, the day after the suicide attack at an Ariana Grande concert that left 22 people dead as it ended on Monday night. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth) AP BERLIN, GERMANY - MAY 23: Flowers lay in shape of a heart in front of British Embassy on May 23, 2017 in Berlin, Germany. An explosion occurred at Manchester Arena as concert goers were leaving the venue after Ariana Grande had performed. Greater Manchester Police are treating the explosion as a terrorist attack and have confirmed 22 fatalities and 59 injured. (Photo by Steffi Loos/Getty Images) Getty Images Flowers are left in St Ann's Square, Manchester, the day after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving a pop concert in Manchester. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday May 23, 2017. See PA story POLICE Explosion. Photo credit should read: Martin Rickett/PA Wire PA Retail staff hug each other after being evacuated from the Arndale Centre shopping mall in Manchester, northwest England on May 23 AFP/Getty Images Saffie Rose Roussos, (8) was killed in the attack. Collect/PA Wire PA First victim to be named - Georgina Callander. She is pictured with Ariana Grande in 2015. Pic: Instagram Georgina.Bethany Tributes left outside St Ann's Church in Manchester, the morning after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving a pop concert, at Manchester Arena. PA Tributes left outside St Ann's Church in Manchester, the morning after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving a pop concert, at Manchester Arena. PA Police evacuated the Arndale Centre on May 23, 2017 in Manchester, England. Getty Images A girl wearing a t-shirt of US singer Ariana Grande carrying balloons from the Ariana Grande concert AFP/Getty Images MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 23: Armed police patrol the Arndale Shopping Centre after the terrorist attack, May 23, 2017 in Manchester, England. An explosion occurred at Manchester Arena as concert goers were leaving the venue after Ariana Grande had performed. Greater Manchester Police are treating the explosion as a terrorist attack and have confirmed 22 fatalities and 59 injured. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images) Getty Images People look out of the windows of a building opposite the Arndale Centre as the shopping mall is evacuated in Manchester, northwest England on May 23, 2017. Twenty two people have been killed and dozens injured in Britain's deadliest terror attack in over a decade after a suspected suicide bomber targeted fans leaving a concert of US singer Ariana Grande in Manchester. / AFP PHOTO / Ben STANSALLBEN STANSALL/AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images Manchester United's Wayne Rooney stands alongside team-mates for a minute silence in memory of the victims of the Manchester terror attack during the final training session at the AON Training Complex in Carrington, ahead of the Europa League Final against Ajax. PA Prime Minister Theresa May addresses the media in Downing Street, London, after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving a pop concert in Manchester. PA A woman wearing a T-shirt of US singer Ariana Grande near the Manchester Arena in Manchester AFP/Getty Images Ariana Grande concert attendees leave the Park Inn Hotel where they were given refuge after last nights explosion at Manchester Arena on May 23, 2017 in Manchester, England. Getty Images Armed police close to the Manchester Arena, the morning after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving a pop concert in Manchester. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday May 23, 2017. See PA story POLICE Explosion. Photo credit should read: Danny Lawson/PA Wire PA Screen grabbed image taken from the Twitter feed of Ariana Grande after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving her pop concert in Manchester. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Tuesday May 23, 2017. Some 59 people were also injured in the blast when the attacker detonated an improvised explosive device at the Manchester Arena. See PA story POLICE Explosion. Photo credit should read: Ariana Grande/Twitter/PA Wire NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used in for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder. PA Mother Amy Trippitt (right) and her daughter Grace, who attended the concert at Manchester Arena last night, leave the Park Inn hotel in the city the morning after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving the pop concert. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday May 23, 2017. See PA story POLICE Explosion. Photo credit should read: Danny Lawson/PA Wire PA Mother Amy Trippitt and her daughter Grace, who attended the concert at Manchester Arena last night, leave the Park Inn hotel in the city the morning after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving the pop concert. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday May 23, 2017. See PA story POLICE Explosion. Photo credit should read: Danny Lawson/PA Wire PA Police close to the Manchester Arena the morning after a terrorist attack at the end of a concert by US star Ariana Grande left 22 dead. PA PA Greater Manchester Police chief constable Ian Hopkins speaks to the media in Manchester where he said that the death toll from the Manchester bomb attack has risen to 22 with 59 injured. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday May 23, 2017. See PA story POLICE Explosion. Photo credit should read: Peter Byrne/PA Wire PA Police forensic investigators walk along a bridge linking Victoria Station with the Manchester Arena where a suspected terrorist attack at the end of a concert by US star Ariana Grande left 19 dead. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday May 23, 2017. See PA story POLICE Explosion. Photo credit should read: Danny Lawson/PA Wire PA Fan leaves the Park Inn hotel in central Manchester, England, Tuesday, May 23, 2017. Over a dozen people were killed in an explosion following a Ariana Grande concert at the Manchester Arena late Monday evening. (AP Photo/Rui Vieira) AP BEST QUALITY AVAILABLE Picture taken with permission from the twitter feed of @Zach_bruce of people running through Manchester Victoria station after an explosion at Manchester Arena. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Tuesday May 23, 2017. See PA story POLICE Explosion. Photo credit should read: @Zach_bruce/PA Wire NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used in for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder. PA Emergency services at Manchester Arena after reports of an explosion at the venue during an Ariana Grande gig. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday May 23, 2017. See PA story POLICE Explosion. Photo credit should read: Peter Byrne/PA Wire PA Emergency services at Manchester Arena after reports of an explosion at the venue during an Ariana Grande gig. [Photo: Peter Byrne/PA Wire] PA FILE - In this Aug. 28, 2016 file photo, Ariana Grande arrives at the MTV Video Music Awards in New York. Police say there are "a number of fatalities" after reports of an explosion at an Ariana Grande concert at Manchester Arena in northern England on Monday, May 22, 2017.. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP, File) Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP A fan is comforted as she leaves the Park Inn hotel in central Manchester, England Tuesday May 23 2017. Over a dozen people were killed in an explosion following a Ariana Grande concert at the Manchester Arena late Monday evening. (AP Photo/Rui Vieira) AP A fan leaves the Park Inn hotel in central Manchester, Britain, Tuesday, May 23 2017. An apparent suicide bomber set off an improvised explosive device that killed over a dozen people at the end of an Ariana Grande concert on Monday, Manchester police said Tuesday. (AP Photo/Rui Vieira) AP Fans leave the Park Inn hotel in central Manchester, England Tuesday May 23 2017. An apparent suicide bomber set off an improvised explosive device that killed over a dozen people at the end of an Ariana Grande concert on Monday, Manchester police said Tuesday. (AP Photo/Rui Vieira) AP Armed police (left) at Manchester Arena after reports of an explosion at the venue during an Ariana Grande gig. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Monday May 22, 2017. See PA story POLICE Explosion. Photo credit should read: Peter Byrne/PA Wire PA Flowers left close to the Manchester Arena, the morning after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving a pop concert in Manchester. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday May 23, 2017. See PA story POLICE Explosion. Photo credit should read: Danny Lawson/PA Wire PA / Facebook

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"There is perhaps no better demonstration of the folly of human conceits than this distant image of our tiny world. To me, it underscores our responsibility to deal more kindly with one another, and to preserve and cherish the pale blue dot, the only home we've ever known."

He said the events in Manchester had "deeply shocked him and his crew". They had been in the city the day before the attack.
The Republic stands by the UK following the Manchester terror attack, the country's Foreign Affairs Minister has said.

Charlie Flanagan said he was shocked and horrified by the killings and added: "We stand by our nearest neighbour, the UK, especially due to the strong links between our country and the city of Manchester."

Mr Flanagan said consular staff in Britain are not aware of any Irish citizens caught up in the terror attack. A helpline was being manned in Dublin for anyone with concerns about Irish people affected on +353 1 4082000.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny said he was heartbroken for all those affected by the attack.

"The vile acts carried out in Manchester are a reminder of the depravity of the views held by the few," he said. "Those beliefs have no place in our society.

"My thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families and all those affected by this atrocity. I am heartbroken for all."

President Michael D Higgins offered sympathies on behalf of Irish people and wrote to the Queen and the mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham to express condolences.

"This cowardly attack on innocent citizens will have appalled all those who care for democracy, freedom and the right to live and enjoy the public space," he said.

"Manchester has been home to the Irish and so many nationalities for centuries and at this terrible time I want to send the people of this great and welcoming city not only our sympathy but our solidarity."
Undated handout photo issued by Holmes Chapel Comprehensive School & Sixth Form College of Nell Jones, 14, who died after a suicide bomber killed 22 people leaving a pop concert at the Manchester Arena on Monday night. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Wednesday May 24, 2017. See PA story POLICE Explosion Nell. Photo credit should read: Holmes Chapel Comprehensive School & Sixth Form College/PA Wire NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used in for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder.

Martyn Hett is reported to have been among the 22 who died in the Manchester Arena bomb. Picture from Twitter.

Greater Manchester Chief Constable Ian Hopkins during a vigil in Albert Square, Manchester, after a 23-year-old man was arrested in connection with the Manchester concert bomb attack. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday May 23, 2017. The attack killed 22 people, including children, and injured dozens more in the worst terrorist incident to hit Britain since the July 7 atrocities. See PA story POLICE Explosion. Photo credit should read: Martin Rickett/PA Wire

Libyan media is reporting that Hashem Abedi, the younger brother of Manchester suicide bomber Salman, has been arrested by the Special Deterrence Force in Tripoli.

It comes as police revealed an off-duty officer was among the victims of the Manchester Arena bomb attack on Monday.

Greater Manchester Chief Constable Ian Hopkins said: "Very sadly I can confirm one of the victims is a serving police officer. In respect of the family's wishes I will make no further comment at this stage."

The BBC reported that the officer was with her husband and two children.

All three were injured, the husband critically, the corporation said. Sources said the family are from Cheshire.

Mr Hopkins said all the victims will not be named until post mortems have taken place, a process which he said could take up to five days given the number of victims.

He said he has spoken to the families of all the 22 killed in the blast.

The police chief described the pace of the ongoing investigation as "intense" and "continuing at a fast pace".

A raid was taking place at an address in central Manchester on Wednesday afternoon.

Mr Hopkins said there are currently four people in police custody.

Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Previous Next Close Saffie Roussos (8) and Georgina Callander (18) who died in the Manchester Arena terror attack People attend a multi-faith vigil in St Ann's Square, Manchester, to remember the victims of the Manchester terror attack. PA Muriel Billington, 85 and her daughters (names not given) during a vigil at St Ann's Square in Manchester, after a suicide bomber killed 22 people leaving a pop concert at the Manchester Arena on Monday night. PA Belfast City Hall illuminated in the colours of Union flag after the Manchester concert bomb attack. Pic: David Young/PA Wire PA A woman looks at flowers in St. Ann's Square, close to the Manchester Arena where a suicide bomber killed 22 people leaving a pop concert at the venue on Monday night. PA A silent vigil took place in Belfast city centre in memory of the victims of the bomb attack in Manchester. Picture By: Arthur Allison. Pacemaker Press Belfast 23-05-2017: A silent vigil took place in Belfast city centre tonight in memory of the victims of last night's bomb attack in Manchester. Picture By: Arthur Allison. Pacemaker Press Belfast 23-05-2017: A silent vigil took place in Belfast city centre tonight in memory of the victims of last night's bomb attack in Manchester. Picture By: Arthur Allison. Some of the people who gathered at the War memorial in Derry to express their solidarity with people of Manchester. Picture Martin McKeown. Inpresspics.com. 23.05.17 Some of the people who gathered at the War memorial in Derry to express their solidarity with people of Manchester. Picture Martin McKeown. Inpresspics.com. 23.05.17 Some of the people who gathered at the War memorial in Derry to express their solidarity with people of Manchester. Picture Martin McKeown. Inpresspics.com. 23.05.17 People gather for a vigil outside Belfast City Hall, after a 23-year-old man was arrested in connection with the Manchester concert bomb attack. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday May 23, 2017. The attack killed 22 people, including children, and injured dozens more in the worst terrorist incident to hit Britain since the July 7 atrocities. See PA story POLICE Explosion. Photo credit should read: Michael McHugh/PA Wire PA People gather for a vigil outside Belfast City Hall, after a 23-year-old man was arrested in connection with the Manchester concert bomb attack. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday May 23, 2017. The attack killed 22 people, including children, and injured dozens more in the worst terrorist incident to hit Britain since the July 7 atrocities. See PA story POLICE Explosion. Photo credit should read: Michael McHugh/PA Wire PA People gather for a vigil in Albert Square outside Manchester Town Hall in Manchester after attack at concert. Photo credit should read: Joe Giddens/PA Wire PA Members of the public gather to attend a candlelit vigil, to honour the victims of Monday evening's terror attack, at Albert Square on May 23, 2017 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images) Getty Images People from Manchester Sikh Community carry "I love MCR" banners as they arrive to attend a vigil in Albert Square in Manchester, northwest England on May 23, 2017, in solidarity with those killed an injured in the May 22 terror attack at the Ariana Grande concert at the Manchester Arena. Twenty two people have been killed and dozens injured in Britain's deadliest terror attack in over a decade after a suspected suicide bomber targeted fans leaving a concert of US singer Ariana Grande in Manchester. British police on Tuesday named the suspected attacker behind the Manchester concert bombing as Salman Abedi, but declined to give any further details. / AFP PHOTO / Ben STANSALLBEN STANSALL/AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images A couple embrace under a billboard in Manchester city centre, Tuesday May 23, 2017, the day after the suicide attack at an Ariana Grande concert that left 22 people dead as it ended on Monday night. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth) AP BERLIN, GERMANY - MAY 23: Flowers lay in shape of a heart in front of British Embassy on May 23, 2017 in Berlin, Germany. An explosion occurred at Manchester Arena as concert goers were leaving the venue after Ariana Grande had performed. Greater Manchester Police are treating the explosion as a terrorist attack and have confirmed 22 fatalities and 59 injured. (Photo by Steffi Loos/Getty Images) Getty Images Flowers are left in St Ann's Square, Manchester, the day after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving a pop concert in Manchester. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday May 23, 2017. See PA story POLICE Explosion. Photo credit should read: Martin Rickett/PA Wire PA Retail staff hug each other after being evacuated from the Arndale Centre shopping mall in Manchester, northwest England on May 23 AFP/Getty Images Saffie Rose Roussos, (8) was killed in the attack. Collect/PA Wire PA First victim to be named - Georgina Callander. She is pictured with Ariana Grande in 2015. Pic: Instagram Georgina.Bethany Tributes left outside St Ann's Church in Manchester, the morning after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving a pop concert, at Manchester Arena. PA Tributes left outside St Ann's Church in Manchester, the morning after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving a pop concert, at Manchester Arena. PA Police evacuated the Arndale Centre on May 23, 2017 in Manchester, England. Getty Images A girl wearing a t-shirt of US singer Ariana Grande carrying balloons from the Ariana Grande concert AFP/Getty Images MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 23: Armed police patrol the Arndale Shopping Centre after the terrorist attack, May 23, 2017 in Manchester, England. An explosion occurred at Manchester Arena as concert goers were leaving the venue after Ariana Grande had performed. Greater Manchester Police are treating the explosion as a terrorist attack and have confirmed 22 fatalities and 59 injured. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images) Getty Images People look out of the windows of a building opposite the Arndale Centre as the shopping mall is evacuated in Manchester, northwest England on May 23, 2017. Twenty two people have been killed and dozens injured in Britain's deadliest terror attack in over a decade after a suspected suicide bomber targeted fans leaving a concert of US singer Ariana Grande in Manchester. / AFP PHOTO / Ben STANSALLBEN STANSALL/AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images Manchester United's Wayne Rooney stands alongside team-mates for a minute silence in memory of the victims of the Manchester terror attack during the final training session at the AON Training Complex in Carrington, ahead of the Europa League Final against Ajax. PA Prime Minister Theresa May addresses the media in Downing Street, London, after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving a pop concert in Manchester. PA A woman wearing a T-shirt of US singer Ariana Grande near the Manchester Arena in Manchester AFP/Getty Images Ariana Grande concert attendees leave the Park Inn Hotel where they were given refuge after last nights explosion at Manchester Arena on May 23, 2017 in Manchester, England. Getty Images Armed police close to the Manchester Arena, the morning after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving a pop concert in Manchester. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday May 23, 2017. See PA story POLICE Explosion. Photo credit should read: Danny Lawson/PA Wire PA Screen grabbed image taken from the Twitter feed of Ariana Grande after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving her pop concert in Manchester. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Tuesday May 23, 2017. Some 59 people were also injured in the blast when the attacker detonated an improvised explosive device at the Manchester Arena. See PA story POLICE Explosion. Photo credit should read: Ariana Grande/Twitter/PA Wire NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used in for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder. PA Mother Amy Trippitt (right) and her daughter Grace, who attended the concert at Manchester Arena last night, leave the Park Inn hotel in the city the morning after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving the pop concert. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday May 23, 2017. See PA story POLICE Explosion. Photo credit should read: Danny Lawson/PA Wire PA Mother Amy Trippitt and her daughter Grace, who attended the concert at Manchester Arena last night, leave the Park Inn hotel in the city the morning after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving the pop concert. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday May 23, 2017. See PA story POLICE Explosion. Photo credit should read: Danny Lawson/PA Wire PA Police close to the Manchester Arena the morning after a terrorist attack at the end of a concert by US star Ariana Grande left 22 dead. PA PA Greater Manchester Police chief constable Ian Hopkins speaks to the media in Manchester where he said that the death toll from the Manchester bomb attack has risen to 22 with 59 injured. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday May 23, 2017. See PA story POLICE Explosion. Photo credit should read: Peter Byrne/PA Wire PA Police forensic investigators walk along a bridge linking Victoria Station with the Manchester Arena where a suspected terrorist attack at the end of a concert by US star Ariana Grande left 19 dead. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday May 23, 2017. See PA story POLICE Explosion. Photo credit should read: Danny Lawson/PA Wire PA Fan leaves the Park Inn hotel in central Manchester, England, Tuesday, May 23, 2017. Over a dozen people were killed in an explosion following a Ariana Grande concert at the Manchester Arena late Monday evening. (AP Photo/Rui Vieira) AP BEST QUALITY AVAILABLE Picture taken with permission from the twitter feed of @Zach_bruce of people running through Manchester Victoria station after an explosion at Manchester Arena. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Tuesday May 23, 2017. See PA story POLICE Explosion. Photo credit should read: @Zach_bruce/PA Wire NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used in for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder. PA Emergency services at Manchester Arena after reports of an explosion at the venue during an Ariana Grande gig. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday May 23, 2017. See PA story POLICE Explosion. Photo credit should read: Peter Byrne/PA Wire PA Emergency services at Manchester Arena after reports of an explosion at the venue during an Ariana Grande gig. [Photo: Peter Byrne/PA Wire] PA FILE - In this Aug. 28, 2016 file photo, Ariana Grande arrives at the MTV Video Music Awards in New York. Police say there are "a number of fatalities" after reports of an explosion at an Ariana Grande concert at Manchester Arena in northern England on Monday, May 22, 2017.. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP, File) Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP A fan is comforted as she leaves the Park Inn hotel in central Manchester, England Tuesday May 23 2017. Over a dozen people were killed in an explosion following a Ariana Grande concert at the Manchester Arena late Monday evening. (AP Photo/Rui Vieira) AP A fan leaves the Park Inn hotel in central Manchester, Britain, Tuesday, May 23 2017. An apparent suicide bomber set off an improvised explosive device that killed over a dozen people at the end of an Ariana Grande concert on Monday, Manchester police said Tuesday. (AP Photo/Rui Vieira) AP Fans leave the Park Inn hotel in central Manchester, England Tuesday May 23 2017. An apparent suicide bomber set off an improvised explosive device that killed over a dozen people at the end of an Ariana Grande concert on Monday, Manchester police said Tuesday. (AP Photo/Rui Vieira) AP Armed police (left) at Manchester Arena after reports of an explosion at the venue during an Ariana Grande gig. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Monday May 22, 2017. See PA story POLICE Explosion. Photo credit should read: Peter Byrne/PA Wire PA Flowers left close to the Manchester Arena, the morning after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving a pop concert in Manchester. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday May 23, 2017. See PA story POLICE Explosion. Photo credit should read: Danny Lawson/PA Wire PA / Facebook

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A number of names of victims emerged across Tuesday and Wednesday, including a Polish couple and teenager Olivia Campbell.

Angelika and Marcin Klis have been confirmed as among those who died on Monday.

Polish Foreign Minister Witold Waszczykowski said the couples two girls were safe after the explosion that also left 64 injured.

He told a Polish radio station: "The parents came after the concert to collect their daughters and unfortunately we have information that they are dead. The children are safe."

Another Polish citizen was wounded in the attack and has undergone surgery in a hospital. He is a father but no further details about his identity have been released.

A spokesman for the country's foreign ministry said "at least two people have died and one person has been injured" but could not confirm any further details.

And the mother of 15-year-old Olivia Campbell has paid tribute to her precious daughter as she revealed she had died in the Manchester Arena bombing.

The family of the teenager, from Bury, Greater Manchester, had spent Tuesday frantically searching for her, hoping that she was one of the dozens of injured people injured in the blast receiving treatment in hospital.

But in the early hours of Wednesday Charlotte Campbell revealed her daughter had died in the blast.

Earlier it was confirmed that missing Stockport man Martyn Hett was also mong the 22 dead.

The 29-year-old's family had been appealing for information about their son who had been missing since the Ariana Grande concert on Monday night which ended in tragedy.

Martyn had been at the concert with a friend but the Manchester Evening News reported that he went to the bar around 20 minutes before the explosion and did not make contact again afterwards.

His friend Ryssell Hayward said: We got the news last night that our wonderful iconic and beautiful Martyn didnt survive. He left this world exactly how he lived, centre of attention.

Im in a really bad way so please forgive if I dont reply. Thankfully I have his wonderful family and amazing friends to keep each other strong.

I love you, I always will. x

An eight-year-old girl and a college student were the first people to be named as victims of the Manchester terror attack on Tuesday as the UK came to terms with the atrocity.

Saffie Roussos (8), who was killed in the attack, was described by the headteacher at her school in Preston as a "beautiful little girl".

Another victim was named by her college as Georgina Callander (18), who was studying health and social care at Runshaw College in Leyland, Lancashire. And tributes have been paid to 26-year-old John Atkinson from Bury, who was named by friends on Facebook as an apparent victim.

At least 22 people have been killed and up to 120 injured after a suspected terrorist attack at the Manchester Arena.

Fifty-nine people were taken for treatment at eight hospitals across Greater Manchester. A further 60 were treated as 'walking wounded'. It is understood that 20 of those being treated in hospital are "critically ill".
People pause in front of candles set up in front of floral tributes in Albert Square in Manchester, northwest England on May 23, 2017, in solidarity with those killed and injured in the May 22 terror attack at the Ariana Grande concert at the Manchester Arena.

This is the first photo of Manchester Arena suicide bomber Salman Abedi.

As victims of the attack fight for their lives in hospitals across the city, reports suggest that Abedi travelled to Syria and had "proven" links with Islamic State. Police have confirmed that three people have been arrested in connection the atrocity.

France's interior minister Gerard Collomb told French television that both British and French intelligence services had information that Abedi had been in Syria. The disclosure came as Home Secretary Amber Rudd confirmed the UK security services had been aware of the British-born 22-year-old.

Read More: Bomber was not acting alone says Amber Rudd

"We do know that he was known up to a point to the intelligence services," she told Sky News.

"I am sure that we will get more information about him over the next few days and the next few weeks."

Missing Stockport man Martyn Hett has become the fifth victim of the attack. The 29-year-old's family had been appealing for information about their son who had been missing since the Ariana Grande concert on Monday night which ended in tragedy.

Ariana Grande's concerts at London's 02 Arena on Thursday and Friday have not yet been postponed or cancelled although the venue said it is in contact with promoters about a final decision.
A barman from Londonderry caught up in the Manchester Arena bombing on Monday night has said he is lucky to be alive after the bomb exploded just yards away from him.

Andy Breslin was one of a number of people from Northern Ireland who witnessed the terror of Monday night's attack at an Ariana Grande gig.

Andy, from Ballyarnett in Derry, works in a bar in the Manchester Arena, close to where the bomb detonated.

The 26-year-old said that when his bar was rocked by the explosion at around 10.30pm, he hid behind the bar, fearing a gun attack was inevitable.

"It was the loudest thing I ever heard. I got my staff around the back of the bar, locked the door and turned off the lights," he said.

"I knew straight away it was an explosion, the noise was deafening and the noise of all the people running and screaming was really horrendous. I wanted to keep my staff safe as the fear was that there might be someone with a gun coming next.

"Some people were saying the explosion was a firework but it was far, far too loud for that. The announcer started saying, 'Everybody calm down, everything is fine' - but we could all smell smoke by this stage and the place was becoming cloudy with dust and smoke."

Andy said the sound of screaming will haunt him forever. When he ventured out to see if it was OK for staff to leave he was met with a horrific sight.

"When I came out of the bar there was one girl being attended to by paramedics," he said. "She was conscious but her face was just covered in blood. It is honestly the scariest thing I've ever experienced. I didn't know what to do.

"As we walked out of the arena we were still unaware of how serious it actually was. Some people were still screaming but others were calm. The bomb went off literally just around the corner from my bar. I must walk past that area at least five times every night. I am so lucky to be alive.

"I didn't know anyone had died until I got home and switched on the news. There were so many people who lost their lives, a lot of them so young. It's heartbreaking, so very sad. I feel awful for their families, my heart goes out to them."

Sean Woods from Ardmore in Co Londonderry, whose daughter Niamh was also inside the Arena, spent two agonising hours not knowing if she had escaped or if she was among the dead and injured.

Mr Woods said: "I turned on the news and couldn't believe what was unfolding in front of my eyes. I just went into a sheer panic which got worse when I couldn't reach Niamh. I went upstairs and woke her mother but I couldn't even speak to tell her I was crying so much.

"We watched the television and tried to get through to anyone who may have seen Niamh but it was two hours later before we finally got connected.

"Niamh rang me on her friend's phone and told me how she had been locked inside a room inside the arena because she was helping to count the cash.

"She heard the explosion and then seconds later she could see all these young children and their parents running past, covered in blood and terrified.

"They were locked inside the room with no way out, petrified that there would be a second bomb and they would die.

"She was still terrified and crying when she was speaking to me even though at that stage she was back at her student accommodation. She just said, 'Daddy come and get me' - so that is what we are going to do."

Another Derry native, Emmett McGilloway, described the moment he felt the ground shake beneath him as the bomb exploded.

Emmett, now a student in Manchester, was at his part time job as a suite attendant inside the arena when he was caught up in the atrocity.

With no way to let his family back home know he was safe, Emmett posted on Facebook, writing: "The whole ground shook and everyone just started running. It was surreal, shocking experience. I can't believe it.

"Scariest night of my life."

Employees at the arena are not permitted to have mobile phones with them while on duty but Emmett did manage to get in touch with his father Paul in the early hours.

Mr McGilloway, who was in Barcelona on holiday, said he was never so glad to hear his son's voice. "Emmett rang us on a friends phone around 2.30am and he was in a bad way, he was clearly in shock and upset. It was very hard on me as his father to hear my son so upset and not be close enough to him to give him a hug. I think we are going to get Emmett back home even just for the weekend or else we will go and see him. We just want to be with him. We are so grateful to have him safe and sound," he said.
Flowers left close to the Manchester Arena, the morning after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving a pop concert in Manchester. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday May 23, 2017. See PA story POLICE Explosion. Photo credit should read: Danny Lawson/PA Wire

Armed police (left) at Manchester Arena after reports of an explosion at the venue during an Ariana Grande gig. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Monday May 22, 2017. See PA story POLICE Explosion. Photo credit should read: Peter Byrne/PA Wire

Fans leave the Park Inn hotel in central Manchester, England Tuesday May 23 2017. An apparent suicide bomber set off an improvised explosive device that killed over a dozen people at the end of an Ariana Grande concert on Monday, Manchester police said Tuesday. (AP Photo/Rui Vieira)

A fan leaves the Park Inn hotel in central Manchester, Britain, Tuesday, May 23 2017. An apparent suicide bomber set off an improvised explosive device that killed over a dozen people at the end of an Ariana Grande concert on Monday, Manchester police said Tuesday. (AP Photo/Rui Vieira)

A fan is comforted as she leaves the Park Inn hotel in central Manchester, England Tuesday May 23 2017. Over a dozen people were killed in an explosion following a Ariana Grande concert at the Manchester Arena late Monday evening. (AP Photo/Rui Vieira)

FILE - In this Aug. 28, 2016 file photo, Ariana Grande arrives at the MTV Video Music Awards in New York. Police say there are "a number of fatalities" after reports of an explosion at an Ariana Grande concert at Manchester Arena in northern England on Monday, May 22, 2017.. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP, File)

Emergency services at Manchester Arena after reports of an explosion at the venue during an Ariana Grande gig. [Photo: Peter Byrne/PA Wire]

Emergency services at Manchester Arena after reports of an explosion at the venue during an Ariana Grande gig. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday May 23, 2017. See PA story POLICE Explosion. Photo credit should read: Peter Byrne/PA Wire

BEST QUALITY AVAILABLE Picture taken with permission from the twitter feed of @Zach_bruce of people running through Manchester Victoria station after an explosion at Manchester Arena. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Tuesday May 23, 2017. See PA story POLICE Explosion. Photo credit should read: @Zach_bruce/PA Wire NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used in for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder.

Fan leaves the Park Inn hotel in central Manchester, England, Tuesday, May 23, 2017. Over a dozen people were killed in an explosion following a Ariana Grande concert at the Manchester Arena late Monday evening. (AP Photo/Rui Vieira)

Police forensic investigators walk along a bridge linking Victoria Station with the Manchester Arena where a suspected terrorist attack at the end of a concert by US star Ariana Grande left 19 dead. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday May 23, 2017. See PA story POLICE Explosion. Photo credit should read: Danny Lawson/PA Wire

Greater Manchester Police chief constable Ian Hopkins speaks to the media in Manchester where he said that the death toll from the Manchester bomb attack has risen to 22 with 59 injured. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday May 23, 2017. See PA story POLICE Explosion. Photo credit should read: Peter Byrne/PA Wire

Police close to the Manchester Arena the morning after a terrorist attack at the end of a concert by US star Ariana Grande left 22 dead. PA

Mother Amy Trippitt and her daughter Grace, who attended the concert at Manchester Arena last night, leave the Park Inn hotel in the city the morning after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving the pop concert. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday May 23, 2017. See PA story POLICE Explosion. Photo credit should read: Danny Lawson/PA Wire

Mother Amy Trippitt (right) and her daughter Grace, who attended the concert at Manchester Arena last night, leave the Park Inn hotel in the city the morning after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving the pop concert. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday May 23, 2017. See PA story POLICE Explosion. Photo credit should read: Danny Lawson/PA Wire

Screen grabbed image taken from the Twitter feed of Ariana Grande after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving her pop concert in Manchester. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Tuesday May 23, 2017. Some 59 people were also injured in the blast when the attacker detonated an improvised explosive device at the Manchester Arena. See PA story POLICE Explosion. Photo credit should read: Ariana Grande/Twitter/PA Wire NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used in for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder.

Armed police close to the Manchester Arena, the morning after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving a pop concert in Manchester. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday May 23, 2017. See PA story POLICE Explosion. Photo credit should read: Danny Lawson/PA Wire

Ariana Grande concert attendees leave the Park Inn Hotel where they were given refuge after last nights explosion at Manchester Arena on May 23, 2017 in Manchester, England.

A woman wearing a T-shirt of US singer Ariana Grande near the Manchester Arena in Manchester

Prime Minister Theresa May addresses the media in Downing Street, London, after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving a pop concert in Manchester.

Manchester United's Wayne Rooney stands alongside team-mates for a minute silence in memory of the victims of the Manchester terror attack during the final training session at the AON Training Complex in Carrington, ahead of the Europa League Final against Ajax.

People look out of the windows of a building opposite the Arndale Centre as the shopping mall is evacuated in Manchester, northwest England on May 23, 2017. Twenty two people have been killed and dozens injured in Britain's deadliest terror attack in over a decade after a suspected suicide bomber targeted fans leaving a concert of US singer Ariana Grande in Manchester. / AFP PHOTO / Ben STANSALLBEN STANSALL/AFP/Getty Images

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 23: Armed police patrol the Arndale Shopping Centre after the terrorist attack, May 23, 2017 in Manchester, England. An explosion occurred at Manchester Arena as concert goers were leaving the venue after Ariana Grande had performed. Greater Manchester Police are treating the explosion as a terrorist attack and have confirmed 22 fatalities and 59 injured. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)

Tributes left outside St Ann's Church in Manchester, the morning after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving a pop concert, at Manchester Arena.

Tributes left outside St Ann's Church in Manchester, the morning after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving a pop concert, at Manchester Arena.

First victim to be named - Georgina Callander. She is pictured with Ariana Grande in 2015. Pic: Instagram Georgina.Bethany

Retail staff hug each other after being evacuated from the Arndale Centre shopping mall in Manchester, northwest England on May 23

Flowers are left in St Ann's Square, Manchester, the day after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving a pop concert in Manchester. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday May 23, 2017. See PA story POLICE Explosion. Photo credit should read: Martin Rickett/PA Wire

BERLIN, GERMANY - MAY 23: Flowers lay in shape of a heart in front of British Embassy on May 23, 2017 in Berlin, Germany. An explosion occurred at Manchester Arena as concert goers were leaving the venue after Ariana Grande had performed. Greater Manchester Police are treating the explosion as a terrorist attack and have confirmed 22 fatalities and 59 injured. (Photo by Steffi Loos/Getty Images)

A couple embrace under a billboard in Manchester city centre, Tuesday May 23, 2017, the day after the suicide attack at an Ariana Grande concert that left 22 people dead as it ended on Monday night. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

People from Manchester Sikh Community carry "I love MCR" banners as they arrive to attend a vigil in Albert Square in Manchester, northwest England on May 23, 2017, in solidarity with those killed an injured in the May 22 terror attack at the Ariana Grande concert at the Manchester Arena. Twenty two people have been killed and dozens injured in Britain's deadliest terror attack in over a decade after a suspected suicide bomber targeted fans leaving a concert of US singer Ariana Grande in Manchester. British police on Tuesday named the suspected attacker behind the Manchester concert bombing as Salman Abedi, but declined to give any further details. / AFP PHOTO / Ben STANSALLBEN STANSALL/AFP/Getty Images

Members of the public gather to attend a candlelit vigil, to honour the victims of Monday evening's terror attack, at Albert Square on May 23, 2017 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

People gather for a vigil in Albert Square outside Manchester Town Hall in Manchester after attack at concert. Photo credit should read: Joe Giddens/PA Wire

People gather for a vigil outside Belfast City Hall, after a 23-year-old man was arrested in connection with the Manchester concert bomb attack. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday May 23, 2017. The attack killed 22 people, including children, and injured dozens more in the worst terrorist incident to hit Britain since the July 7 atrocities. See PA story POLICE Explosion. Photo credit should read: Michael McHugh/PA Wire

People gather for a vigil outside Belfast City Hall, after a 23-year-old man was arrested in connection with the Manchester concert bomb attack. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday May 23, 2017. The attack killed 22 people, including children, and injured dozens more in the worst terrorist incident to hit Britain since the July 7 atrocities. See PA story POLICE Explosion. Photo credit should read: Michael McHugh/PA Wire

Some of the people who gathered at the War memorial in Derry to express their solidarity with people of Manchester. Picture Martin McKeown. Inpresspics.com. 23.05.17

Some of the people who gathered at the War memorial in Derry to express their solidarity with people of Manchester. Picture Martin McKeown. Inpresspics.com. 23.05.17

Some of the people who gathered at the War memorial in Derry to express their solidarity with people of Manchester. Picture Martin McKeown. Inpresspics.com. 23.05.17

Pacemaker Press Belfast 23-05-2017: A silent vigil took place in Belfast city centre tonight in memory of the victims of last night's bomb attack in Manchester. Picture By: Arthur Allison.

Pacemaker Press Belfast 23-05-2017: A silent vigil took place in Belfast city centre tonight in memory of the victims of last night's bomb attack in Manchester. Picture By: Arthur Allison.

A silent vigil took place in Belfast city centre in memory of the victims of the bomb attack in Manchester. Picture By: Arthur Allison.

A woman looks at flowers in St. Ann's Square, close to the Manchester Arena where a suicide bomber killed 22 people leaving a pop concert at the venue on Monday night.

Belfast City Hall illuminated in the colours of Union flag after the Manchester concert bomb attack. Pic: David Young/PA Wire

Muriel Billington, 85 and her daughters (names not given) during a vigil at St Ann's Square in Manchester, after a suicide bomber killed 22 people leaving a pop concert at the Manchester Arena on Monday night.

People attend a multi-faith vigil in St Ann's Square, Manchester, to remember the victims of the Manchester terror attack.

British ministers have voiced their fury to American counterparts after photographs apparently showing bloodstained fragments from the Manchester concert bomb were leaked to the US press.

The pictures appeared in the New York Times (NYT) just hours after Home Secretary Amber Rudd issued a plea to US authorities not to leak, sparking fury in Whitehall.

The disclosure is regarded as "completely unacceptable" by Britain, both because of the distress it may cause families of those killed or injured and because of the risk it could complicate ongoing investigations into the atrocity.

The row - which goes to the heart of the close intelligence-sharing relationship between the transatlantic allies - provides an awkward backdrop to Theresa May's meeting with President Donald Trump at the Nato summit in Brussels on Thursday.

A Whitehall source said: "We are furious. This is completely unacceptable.

"These images leaked from inside the US system will be distressing for victims, their families and the wider public.

"The issue is being raised at every relevant level by the British authorities with their US counterparts."

The leak comes after the name of the Manchester Arena bomber emerged in the US media on Tuesday hours before it was confirmed by UK police, who had earlier urged reporters not to publish speculation about the suspect's identity.

Ms Rudd said on Wednesday morning she was "irritated" by the early release of Salman Abedi's name and had made "very clear" to American counterparts that no further leaks should happen.

The Home Office declined to respond to the new leak, but pointed reporters to Ms Rudd's earlier comments in a clear indication that her stance had not changed.

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A Downing Street spokesman made no comment.

The new pictures show torn scraps from a blue Karrimor rucksack as well as screws and nuts used as shrapnel and a metal item which the newspaper suggests could have been part of the bomb's detonator.

The NYT described them as "law enforcement images" but did not make clear how they had been obtained.

The nature of the photographs - one of which includes a ruler placed alongside the detonator - allowed no doubt that they were taken as part of the forensic investigation of the scene, and are not snapshots taken by members of the public.

The paper also published a map showing the location of the victims of the bombing, positioned in a circle around the site of the explosion in the arena foyer, as well as what is thought to be Abedi's torso some distance away.

Britain's intelligence links with the US are among the closest in the world, and information is routinely shared by security and intelligence agencies as part of the special relationship between the transatlantic allies.

The Home Secretary said she did not believe that the Americans had compromised the investigation.

But she added: "Quite frankly, the British police have been very clear that they want to control the flow of information in order to protect operational integrity, the element of surprise, so it is irritating if it gets released from other sources and I have been very clear with our friends that that should not happen again."

Congressman Adam Schiff, a senior member of the House Intelligence Committee, said: "If we gave up information that has interfered in any way with their investigation because it tipped off people in Britain - perhaps associates of this person that we identified as the bomber - then that's a real problem and they have every right to be furious."

The row is a fresh source of embarrassment for the US, a week after the Prime Minister was forced to give assurances that Britain still has confidence in the special relationship amid concerns relating to Mr Trump's disclosure of classified information to senior Russian officials.

Sixth arrest

A woman has been arrested in connection with the Manchester bombing after armed police swarmed a block of flats in the north of the city.

Residents heard a "huge bang" as officers carrying firearms raided an address in Blackley on Wednesday evening.

Greater Manchester Police said: "A search was carried out and a woman has been arrested in connection with the investigation into the Manchester Arena incident."

Alex Finnie, 54, said armed police and "men who looked like soldiers" were involved in the swoop, which he believed was on the 12th floor.

He heard a noise which sounded like windows being blown out as police entered the flat.

He then saw a woman with dark hair and wearing a blue shirt with her hands cuffed behind her back and pressed up against a window.

He told the Press Association: "When the bang went I heard screaming and shouting and then they took the woman out.

"She was facing this way out the window and a couple of minutes later two armed police took her away.

"After the first one I heard loud banging on another door but on the same floor."

The woman was driven away in a police van, he said, adding that armed police were preventing residents from accessing the floor.

Resident Chris Barlow said there was a "huge bang" and "huge police presence".

"There was about 30 people on the street - they said there's been an explosion at the flats, a bomb or explosion," he told the Press Association.

"There's CTU (counter terrorism unit) special forces - I spoke to one officer and they said they blew the door in and took a couple of people away."

James Mooney, 27, said his sister was inside her flat on the 12th floor and had not been in touch since the "bang" sounded at around 6.50pm.

"I was on the phone to her," he said.

"There was a big bang and she went 'oh no' and she dropped her phone or something."

The family have been unable to get hold of Louise, 34 - but said police did not appear to think there was reason for them to worry.

"I told them my daughter is in there and they just said they would update us in a bit," father John Mooney, 53, said.

Police remain posted outside the building, with officers only allowing residents to access the last stretch of road leading to the block.

Read more:
Pacemaker Press Belfast 23-05-2017: A silent vigil took place in Belfast city centre tonight in memory of the victims of last night's bomb attack in Manchester. Picture By: Arthur Allison.

Pacemaker Press Belfast 23-05-2017: A silent vigil took place in Belfast city centre tonight in memory of the victims of last night's bomb attack in Manchester. Picture By: Arthur Allison.

Pacemaker Press Belfast 23-05-2017: A silent vigil took place in Belfast city centre tonight in memory of the victims of last night's bomb attack in Manchester. Picture By: Arthur Allison.

Victims of the Manchester terror attack are remembered at a vigil in the citys Albert Square last night

A silent vigil took place in Belfast city centre tonight in memory of the victims of last night's bomb attack in Manchester

Thousands of people gathered in the centre of Manchester in a show of defiance, declaring they will not be afraid in the wake of the terror attack.

Crowds spilled from Albert Square on to nearby roads, standing together in an act of solidarity, and showing that the city "always pulls together".

Senior figures including Home Secretary Amber Rudd, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron and Speaker John Bercow joined Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham on stage before mourners began laying flowers and lighting candles.

The crowd erupted into applause as the vigil began, and Lord Mayor of Manchester Eddy Newman said it was a chance to "express solidarity" with the victims. He thanked the emergency services, prompting a rapturous response from the emotional crowd.

The square later fell silent as they remembered the lives of those who died.

Greater Manchester Police's Ian Hopkins said: "As your Chief Constable of Greater Manchester and as a father I cannot begin to imagine how anyone can carry out such an unthinkable act - murdering 22 people and injuring 59 - and my thoughts and those of my colleagues are very much with their families at this incredibly difficult time."

Mr Hopkins added: "Last night, in the most atrocious circumstances, the people of Greater Manchester showed the world how much we care.

"How much we care about each other and how much we were prepared to help those in need.

"And I've heard some tremendous stories of doctors coming in to support, and police officers, ambulance workers giving up their days off, turning up to help those in need."

Mr Hopkins thanked those who had worked "tirelessly" through the night, "members of the public for their solidarity" and "the rest of the world for holding us in their thoughts".

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"We must all stand together and not let the terrorists defeat us, not let them stop us going about our daily business and create fear, and we must all live in harmony with each other as we stand together and defeat terrorism," he said.

Poet Tony Walsh performed a touching ode to Manchester called This Is The Place, which sparked ripples of laughter, lightening the mood as the sun beamed on the Town Hall.

He described the city as "ace", hailed its "brilliant music" and said Mancunians "make people laugh" and "welcome".

In a poignant moment he referred to the "Mancunian way to survive" and "northern grit", and said: "In the face of a challenge we always stand tall."

Members of the public wept as they laid flowers and lit candles.

Lu Bowen (40) brought flowers to lay as a mark of respect, and said it has been a "horrific" day.

Standing alongside her teenage daughter Lucy, she said: "We felt we wanted to show a sense of solidarity and commitment that Manchester always has.

"When the chips are down, Manchester always pulls together."

She said some of her friends felt nervous about coming into the city, adding: "I felt it was very important to prove that I won't be beaten, intimidated."

by staff reporter
Suspected Manchester suicide bomber Salman Abedi was not acting alone, Home Secretary Amber Rudd has revealed.

Ms Rudd said on Wednesday morning that it "seems likely" that others were involved.

She also revealed that Abedi was known to the authorities.

It is somebody that they had known and Im sure when this investigation concludes well be able to find out more," she said.

Abedi, who was born in Manchester to parents of Libyan origin, is believed to have travelled to Syria and had "proven" links with Islamic State, France's interior minister has said.

Read More

Gerard Collomb told French television that both British and French intelligence services had information that Abedi had been in Syria.

The disclosure came as Home Secretary Amber Rudd confirmed the UK security services had been aware of the British-born 22-year-old.

"We do know that he was known up to a point to the intelligence services," she told Sky News.

"I am sure that we will get more information about him over the next few days and the next few weeks."

Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Previous Next Close Saffie Roussos (8) and Georgina Callander (18) who died in the Manchester Arena terror attack People attend a multi-faith vigil in St Ann's Square, Manchester, to remember the victims of the Manchester terror attack. PA Muriel Billington, 85 and her daughters (names not given) during a vigil at St Ann's Square in Manchester, after a suicide bomber killed 22 people leaving a pop concert at the Manchester Arena on Monday night. PA Belfast City Hall illuminated in the colours of Union flag after the Manchester concert bomb attack. Pic: David Young/PA Wire PA A woman looks at flowers in St. Ann's Square, close to the Manchester Arena where a suicide bomber killed 22 people leaving a pop concert at the venue on Monday night. PA A silent vigil took place in Belfast city centre in memory of the victims of the bomb attack in Manchester. Picture By: Arthur Allison. Pacemaker Press Belfast 23-05-2017: A silent vigil took place in Belfast city centre tonight in memory of the victims of last night's bomb attack in Manchester. Picture By: Arthur Allison. Pacemaker Press Belfast 23-05-2017: A silent vigil took place in Belfast city centre tonight in memory of the victims of last night's bomb attack in Manchester. Picture By: Arthur Allison. Some of the people who gathered at the War memorial in Derry to express their solidarity with people of Manchester. Picture Martin McKeown. Inpresspics.com. 23.05.17 Some of the people who gathered at the War memorial in Derry to express their solidarity with people of Manchester. Picture Martin McKeown. Inpresspics.com. 23.05.17 Some of the people who gathered at the War memorial in Derry to express their solidarity with people of Manchester. Picture Martin McKeown. Inpresspics.com. 23.05.17 People gather for a vigil outside Belfast City Hall, after a 23-year-old man was arrested in connection with the Manchester concert bomb attack. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday May 23, 2017. The attack killed 22 people, including children, and injured dozens more in the worst terrorist incident to hit Britain since the July 7 atrocities. See PA story POLICE Explosion. Photo credit should read: Michael McHugh/PA Wire PA People gather for a vigil outside Belfast City Hall, after a 23-year-old man was arrested in connection with the Manchester concert bomb attack. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday May 23, 2017. The attack killed 22 people, including children, and injured dozens more in the worst terrorist incident to hit Britain since the July 7 atrocities. See PA story POLICE Explosion. Photo credit should read: Michael McHugh/PA Wire PA People gather for a vigil in Albert Square outside Manchester Town Hall in Manchester after attack at concert. Photo credit should read: Joe Giddens/PA Wire PA Members of the public gather to attend a candlelit vigil, to honour the victims of Monday evening's terror attack, at Albert Square on May 23, 2017 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images) Getty Images People from Manchester Sikh Community carry "I love MCR" banners as they arrive to attend a vigil in Albert Square in Manchester, northwest England on May 23, 2017, in solidarity with those killed an injured in the May 22 terror attack at the Ariana Grande concert at the Manchester Arena. Twenty two people have been killed and dozens injured in Britain's deadliest terror attack in over a decade after a suspected suicide bomber targeted fans leaving a concert of US singer Ariana Grande in Manchester. British police on Tuesday named the suspected attacker behind the Manchester concert bombing as Salman Abedi, but declined to give any further details. / AFP PHOTO / Ben STANSALLBEN STANSALL/AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images A couple embrace under a billboard in Manchester city centre, Tuesday May 23, 2017, the day after the suicide attack at an Ariana Grande concert that left 22 people dead as it ended on Monday night. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth) AP BERLIN, GERMANY - MAY 23: Flowers lay in shape of a heart in front of British Embassy on May 23, 2017 in Berlin, Germany. An explosion occurred at Manchester Arena as concert goers were leaving the venue after Ariana Grande had performed. Greater Manchester Police are treating the explosion as a terrorist attack and have confirmed 22 fatalities and 59 injured. (Photo by Steffi Loos/Getty Images) Getty Images Flowers are left in St Ann's Square, Manchester, the day after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving a pop concert in Manchester. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday May 23, 2017. See PA story POLICE Explosion. Photo credit should read: Martin Rickett/PA Wire PA Retail staff hug each other after being evacuated from the Arndale Centre shopping mall in Manchester, northwest England on May 23 AFP/Getty Images Saffie Rose Roussos, (8) was killed in the attack. Collect/PA Wire PA First victim to be named - Georgina Callander. She is pictured with Ariana Grande in 2015. Pic: Instagram Georgina.Bethany Tributes left outside St Ann's Church in Manchester, the morning after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving a pop concert, at Manchester Arena. PA Tributes left outside St Ann's Church in Manchester, the morning after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving a pop concert, at Manchester Arena. PA Police evacuated the Arndale Centre on May 23, 2017 in Manchester, England. Getty Images A girl wearing a t-shirt of US singer Ariana Grande carrying balloons from the Ariana Grande concert AFP/Getty Images MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 23: Armed police patrol the Arndale Shopping Centre after the terrorist attack, May 23, 2017 in Manchester, England. An explosion occurred at Manchester Arena as concert goers were leaving the venue after Ariana Grande had performed. Greater Manchester Police are treating the explosion as a terrorist attack and have confirmed 22 fatalities and 59 injured. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images) Getty Images People look out of the windows of a building opposite the Arndale Centre as the shopping mall is evacuated in Manchester, northwest England on May 23, 2017. Twenty two people have been killed and dozens injured in Britain's deadliest terror attack in over a decade after a suspected suicide bomber targeted fans leaving a concert of US singer Ariana Grande in Manchester. / AFP PHOTO / Ben STANSALLBEN STANSALL/AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images Manchester United's Wayne Rooney stands alongside team-mates for a minute silence in memory of the victims of the Manchester terror attack during the final training session at the AON Training Complex in Carrington, ahead of the Europa League Final against Ajax. PA Prime Minister Theresa May addresses the media in Downing Street, London, after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving a pop concert in Manchester. PA A woman wearing a T-shirt of US singer Ariana Grande near the Manchester Arena in Manchester AFP/Getty Images Ariana Grande concert attendees leave the Park Inn Hotel where they were given refuge after last nights explosion at Manchester Arena on May 23, 2017 in Manchester, England. Getty Images Armed police close to the Manchester Arena, the morning after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving a pop concert in Manchester. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday May 23, 2017. See PA story POLICE Explosion. Photo credit should read: Danny Lawson/PA Wire PA Screen grabbed image taken from the Twitter feed of Ariana Grande after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving her pop concert in Manchester. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Tuesday May 23, 2017. Some 59 people were also injured in the blast when the attacker detonated an improvised explosive device at the Manchester Arena. See PA story POLICE Explosion. Photo credit should read: Ariana Grande/Twitter/PA Wire NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used in for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder. PA Mother Amy Trippitt (right) and her daughter Grace, who attended the concert at Manchester Arena last night, leave the Park Inn hotel in the city the morning after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving the pop concert. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday May 23, 2017. See PA story POLICE Explosion. Photo credit should read: Danny Lawson/PA Wire PA Mother Amy Trippitt and her daughter Grace, who attended the concert at Manchester Arena last night, leave the Park Inn hotel in the city the morning after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving the pop concert. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday May 23, 2017. See PA story POLICE Explosion. Photo credit should read: Danny Lawson/PA Wire PA Police close to the Manchester Arena the morning after a terrorist attack at the end of a concert by US star Ariana Grande left 22 dead. PA PA Greater Manchester Police chief constable Ian Hopkins speaks to the media in Manchester where he said that the death toll from the Manchester bomb attack has risen to 22 with 59 injured. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday May 23, 2017. See PA story POLICE Explosion. Photo credit should read: Peter Byrne/PA Wire PA Police forensic investigators walk along a bridge linking Victoria Station with the Manchester Arena where a suspected terrorist attack at the end of a concert by US star Ariana Grande left 19 dead. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday May 23, 2017. See PA story POLICE Explosion. Photo credit should read: Danny Lawson/PA Wire PA Fan leaves the Park Inn hotel in central Manchester, England, Tuesday, May 23, 2017. Over a dozen people were killed in an explosion following a Ariana Grande concert at the Manchester Arena late Monday evening. (AP Photo/Rui Vieira) AP BEST QUALITY AVAILABLE Picture taken with permission from the twitter feed of @Zach_bruce of people running through Manchester Victoria station after an explosion at Manchester Arena. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Tuesday May 23, 2017. See PA story POLICE Explosion. Photo credit should read: @Zach_bruce/PA Wire NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used in for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder. PA Emergency services at Manchester Arena after reports of an explosion at the venue during an Ariana Grande gig. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday May 23, 2017. See PA story POLICE Explosion. Photo credit should read: Peter Byrne/PA Wire PA Emergency services at Manchester Arena after reports of an explosion at the venue during an Ariana Grande gig. [Photo: Peter Byrne/PA Wire] PA FILE - In this Aug. 28, 2016 file photo, Ariana Grande arrives at the MTV Video Music Awards in New York. Police say there are "a number of fatalities" after reports of an explosion at an Ariana Grande concert at Manchester Arena in northern England on Monday, May 22, 2017.. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP, File) Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP A fan is comforted as she leaves the Park Inn hotel in central Manchester, England Tuesday May 23 2017. Over a dozen people were killed in an explosion following a Ariana Grande concert at the Manchester Arena late Monday evening. (AP Photo/Rui Vieira) AP A fan leaves the Park Inn hotel in central Manchester, Britain, Tuesday, May 23 2017. An apparent suicide bomber set off an improvised explosive device that killed over a dozen people at the end of an Ariana Grande concert on Monday, Manchester police said Tuesday. (AP Photo/Rui Vieira) AP Fans leave the Park Inn hotel in central Manchester, England Tuesday May 23 2017. An apparent suicide bomber set off an improvised explosive device that killed over a dozen people at the end of an Ariana Grande concert on Monday, Manchester police said Tuesday. (AP Photo/Rui Vieira) AP Armed police (left) at Manchester Arena after reports of an explosion at the venue during an Ariana Grande gig. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Monday May 22, 2017. See PA story POLICE Explosion. Photo credit should read: Peter Byrne/PA Wire PA Flowers left close to the Manchester Arena, the morning after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving a pop concert in Manchester. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday May 23, 2017. See PA story POLICE Explosion. Photo credit should read: Danny Lawson/PA Wire PA / Facebook

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The blast, at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester Arena on Monday night, killed 22 and injured 64.

Just four of the victims have been named so far including eight-year-old Saffie Rose Rousses, Olivia Campbell (15), John Atkinson (28), and Georgina Callander - thought to be 18.

According to Reuters, the Polish foreign minister has said that two Polish people who went missing after the attack are among those killed.

Ariana Grande has spoken of her devastation at the attack at her concert
The brother of the alleged Manchester bomber had links to the Islamic State group and was aware of his brothers plans, a Libyan security force said.

The Special Deterrent anti-terror force said in a statement on its Facebook page that the arrest of Hashim Abedi took place in Tripoli as he was receiving cash transferred from his brother Salman.

British authorities have identified 22-year-old Salman Abedi as the suspected bomber in the attack at Manchester Arena on Monday night.

The forces statement says: The brother was aware of all the details of the terrorist attack.

The Libyan security force claimed that Hashim Abedi told authorities that both he and his brother belonged to IS.

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The Facebook statement says Hashim left Britain for Libya in April.

Meanwhile, the father of the alleged Manchester arena attacker has denied that his son is linked to militants or the suicide bombing that killed 22 people.

Ramadan Abedi said he spoke to his 22-year-old son Salman Abedi five days ago and he was getting ready to visit Saudi Arabia and sounded normal.

He said that his son visited Libya a month and a half ago.

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The elder Abedi told The Associated Press by telephone from Tripoli: We dont believe in killing innocents. This is not us.

He said his other son, Ismail, was arrested in England on Tuesday morning.

He said Salman was planning to head from Saudi Arabia to Libya to spend the holy month of Ramadan with family.

Mr Abedi fled Tripoli in 1993 after Muammar Gaddafis security authorities issued an arrest warrant and eventually sought political asylum in Britain.

Now, he is the administrative manager of the Central Security force in Tripoli.
Rolf Harris embraced children and fans in a "fraternal or brotherly" way, his former tour manager has said.

Kenneth Jeacle, tour manager for Harris between the mid-1980s and mid-1990s, was asked by prosecutor Jonathan Rees if he had ever seen Harris pull a young girl or boy onto his lap at an autograph session.

Speaking via video-link from Australia, he told Southwark Crown Court: "Sure I have, but not as you describe it. I have seen and witnessed Mr Harris conversing with children at the instigation of the minder at the time, parent or guardian, whatever.

"They would at times be encouraged by their parents to perhaps sit on his knee or perhaps give him a kiss on the cheek, or the parent would ask would he kiss the child, which he would always comply.

"But there were never, shall I say, incidents in my presence that Mr Harris would be the instigator of touching a child and or adult and draw him towards him. Mr Harris's attitude in these incidents was always that people would approach him.

"He would then perhaps open his arms and embrace them but in, shall I say, a fraternal or brotherly style or manner."

Asked by Stephen Vullo QC, defending, if he had ever seen Harris act inappropriately with his fans, he replied: "Categorically, never. Mr Harris was, in my presence, constantly respectful of children and parents alike."

Mr Vullo told the jury yesterday that the 87-year-old entertainer will not give evidence as part of his defence case.

He denies four charges of indecent assault against three women between 1971 and 1983.

The Australia-born former television star sat in the dock with a hearing aid for the second time since he was freed from HMP Stafford on Friday.

David Patience, for the defence, read out a list of statements from people who attended the three events the complainants allege they were assaulted at. Many of them denied seeing or hearing anybody upset or anything of concern taking place.

The trial continues.
People running through Manchester Victoria Station following the explosion at the Manchester Arena

Salman Abedi, the 22-year-old named as the suicide bomber behind Monday's terror attack on Manchester Arena, was born in the city and is believed to be of Libyan descent.

Abedi was registered as living at Elsmore Road in the city as recently as last year - where police raided a downstairs red-bricked semi-detached property on Tuesday as they hunted those thought to be behind the blast.

Neighbours recalled an abrasive, tall, skinny young man who was little known in the neighbourhood, and often seen in traditional Islamic clothing.

It was unclear whether he lived alone at the address, where a flag - possibly Palestinian - was occasionally seen flying from an upstairs window.

Neighbours said the young man had many visitors, one man dropping by regularly to pick him up in a Toyota Yaris.

Abedi is thought to have been of Libyan origin and born in Manchester.

He is thought to have lived at a number of addresses in the area, including one in Wilbraham Road, where plain clothes police made an arrest on Tuesday.

Abedi is registered as having lived with his mother Samia Tabbal, father Ramadan Abedi and a brother, Ismail Abedi, who was born in Westminster in 1993.

He is thought to have a younger brother, named as Hashim Abedi, and a sister Jomana, whose Facebook profile suggests she is from Tripoli and lives in Manchester.

A childhood friend of Ismail, who asked not to be named, described Salman as "normal" and said his family were known to the Libyan community in the city. He told the Press Association: "Ismail's brother was kind of like a normal guy. I've never chilled with his brother. I know his name is Salman and I say 'hi' to him and talk to him.

Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Previous Next Close Saffie Roussos (8) and Georgina Callander (18) who died in the Manchester Arena terror attack People attend a multi-faith vigil in St Ann's Square, Manchester, to remember the victims of the Manchester terror attack. PA Muriel Billington, 85 and her daughters (names not given) during a vigil at St Ann's Square in Manchester, after a suicide bomber killed 22 people leaving a pop concert at the Manchester Arena on Monday night. PA Belfast City Hall illuminated in the colours of Union flag after the Manchester concert bomb attack. Pic: David Young/PA Wire PA A woman looks at flowers in St. Ann's Square, close to the Manchester Arena where a suicide bomber killed 22 people leaving a pop concert at the venue on Monday night. PA A silent vigil took place in Belfast city centre in memory of the victims of the bomb attack in Manchester. Picture By: Arthur Allison. Pacemaker Press Belfast 23-05-2017: A silent vigil took place in Belfast city centre tonight in memory of the victims of last night's bomb attack in Manchester. Picture By: Arthur Allison. Pacemaker Press Belfast 23-05-2017: A silent vigil took place in Belfast city centre tonight in memory of the victims of last night's bomb attack in Manchester. Picture By: Arthur Allison. Some of the people who gathered at the War memorial in Derry to express their solidarity with people of Manchester. Picture Martin McKeown. Inpresspics.com. 23.05.17 Some of the people who gathered at the War memorial in Derry to express their solidarity with people of Manchester. Picture Martin McKeown. Inpresspics.com. 23.05.17 Some of the people who gathered at the War memorial in Derry to express their solidarity with people of Manchester. Picture Martin McKeown. Inpresspics.com. 23.05.17 People gather for a vigil outside Belfast City Hall, after a 23-year-old man was arrested in connection with the Manchester concert bomb attack. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday May 23, 2017. The attack killed 22 people, including children, and injured dozens more in the worst terrorist incident to hit Britain since the July 7 atrocities. See PA story POLICE Explosion. Photo credit should read: Michael McHugh/PA Wire PA People gather for a vigil outside Belfast City Hall, after a 23-year-old man was arrested in connection with the Manchester concert bomb attack. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday May 23, 2017. The attack killed 22 people, including children, and injured dozens more in the worst terrorist incident to hit Britain since the July 7 atrocities. See PA story POLICE Explosion. Photo credit should read: Michael McHugh/PA Wire PA People gather for a vigil in Albert Square outside Manchester Town Hall in Manchester after attack at concert. Photo credit should read: Joe Giddens/PA Wire PA Members of the public gather to attend a candlelit vigil, to honour the victims of Monday evening's terror attack, at Albert Square on May 23, 2017 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images) Getty Images People from Manchester Sikh Community carry "I love MCR" banners as they arrive to attend a vigil in Albert Square in Manchester, northwest England on May 23, 2017, in solidarity with those killed an injured in the May 22 terror attack at the Ariana Grande concert at the Manchester Arena. Twenty two people have been killed and dozens injured in Britain's deadliest terror attack in over a decade after a suspected suicide bomber targeted fans leaving a concert of US singer Ariana Grande in Manchester. British police on Tuesday named the suspected attacker behind the Manchester concert bombing as Salman Abedi, but declined to give any further details. / AFP PHOTO / Ben STANSALLBEN STANSALL/AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images A couple embrace under a billboard in Manchester city centre, Tuesday May 23, 2017, the day after the suicide attack at an Ariana Grande concert that left 22 people dead as it ended on Monday night. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth) AP BERLIN, GERMANY - MAY 23: Flowers lay in shape of a heart in front of British Embassy on May 23, 2017 in Berlin, Germany. An explosion occurred at Manchester Arena as concert goers were leaving the venue after Ariana Grande had performed. Greater Manchester Police are treating the explosion as a terrorist attack and have confirmed 22 fatalities and 59 injured. (Photo by Steffi Loos/Getty Images) Getty Images Flowers are left in St Ann's Square, Manchester, the day after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving a pop concert in Manchester. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday May 23, 2017. See PA story POLICE Explosion. Photo credit should read: Martin Rickett/PA Wire PA Retail staff hug each other after being evacuated from the Arndale Centre shopping mall in Manchester, northwest England on May 23 AFP/Getty Images Saffie Rose Roussos, (8) was killed in the attack. Collect/PA Wire PA First victim to be named - Georgina Callander. She is pictured with Ariana Grande in 2015. Pic: Instagram Georgina.Bethany Tributes left outside St Ann's Church in Manchester, the morning after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving a pop concert, at Manchester Arena. PA Tributes left outside St Ann's Church in Manchester, the morning after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving a pop concert, at Manchester Arena. PA Police evacuated the Arndale Centre on May 23, 2017 in Manchester, England. Getty Images A girl wearing a t-shirt of US singer Ariana Grande carrying balloons from the Ariana Grande concert AFP/Getty Images MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 23: Armed police patrol the Arndale Shopping Centre after the terrorist attack, May 23, 2017 in Manchester, England. An explosion occurred at Manchester Arena as concert goers were leaving the venue after Ariana Grande had performed. Greater Manchester Police are treating the explosion as a terrorist attack and have confirmed 22 fatalities and 59 injured. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images) Getty Images People look out of the windows of a building opposite the Arndale Centre as the shopping mall is evacuated in Manchester, northwest England on May 23, 2017. Twenty two people have been killed and dozens injured in Britain's deadliest terror attack in over a decade after a suspected suicide bomber targeted fans leaving a concert of US singer Ariana Grande in Manchester. / AFP PHOTO / Ben STANSALLBEN STANSALL/AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images Manchester United's Wayne Rooney stands alongside team-mates for a minute silence in memory of the victims of the Manchester terror attack during the final training session at the AON Training Complex in Carrington, ahead of the Europa League Final against Ajax. PA Prime Minister Theresa May addresses the media in Downing Street, London, after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving a pop concert in Manchester. PA A woman wearing a T-shirt of US singer Ariana Grande near the Manchester Arena in Manchester AFP/Getty Images Ariana Grande concert attendees leave the Park Inn Hotel where they were given refuge after last nights explosion at Manchester Arena on May 23, 2017 in Manchester, England. Getty Images Armed police close to the Manchester Arena, the morning after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving a pop concert in Manchester. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday May 23, 2017. See PA story POLICE Explosion. Photo credit should read: Danny Lawson/PA Wire PA Screen grabbed image taken from the Twitter feed of Ariana Grande after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving her pop concert in Manchester. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Tuesday May 23, 2017. Some 59 people were also injured in the blast when the attacker detonated an improvised explosive device at the Manchester Arena. See PA story POLICE Explosion. Photo credit should read: Ariana Grande/Twitter/PA Wire NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used in for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder. PA Mother Amy Trippitt (right) and her daughter Grace, who attended the concert at Manchester Arena last night, leave the Park Inn hotel in the city the morning after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving the pop concert. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday May 23, 2017. See PA story POLICE Explosion. Photo credit should read: Danny Lawson/PA Wire PA Mother Amy Trippitt and her daughter Grace, who attended the concert at Manchester Arena last night, leave the Park Inn hotel in the city the morning after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving the pop concert. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday May 23, 2017. See PA story POLICE Explosion. Photo credit should read: Danny Lawson/PA Wire PA Police close to the Manchester Arena the morning after a terrorist attack at the end of a concert by US star Ariana Grande left 22 dead. PA PA Greater Manchester Police chief constable Ian Hopkins speaks to the media in Manchester where he said that the death toll from the Manchester bomb attack has risen to 22 with 59 injured. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday May 23, 2017. See PA story POLICE Explosion. Photo credit should read: Peter Byrne/PA Wire PA Police forensic investigators walk along a bridge linking Victoria Station with the Manchester Arena where a suspected terrorist attack at the end of a concert by US star Ariana Grande left 19 dead. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday May 23, 2017. See PA story POLICE Explosion. Photo credit should read: Danny Lawson/PA Wire PA Fan leaves the Park Inn hotel in central Manchester, England, Tuesday, May 23, 2017. Over a dozen people were killed in an explosion following a Ariana Grande concert at the Manchester Arena late Monday evening. (AP Photo/Rui Vieira) AP BEST QUALITY AVAILABLE Picture taken with permission from the twitter feed of @Zach_bruce of people running through Manchester Victoria station after an explosion at Manchester Arena. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Tuesday May 23, 2017. See PA story POLICE Explosion. Photo credit should read: @Zach_bruce/PA Wire NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used in for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder. PA Emergency services at Manchester Arena after reports of an explosion at the venue during an Ariana Grande gig. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday May 23, 2017. See PA story POLICE Explosion. Photo credit should read: Peter Byrne/PA Wire PA Emergency services at Manchester Arena after reports of an explosion at the venue during an Ariana Grande gig. [Photo: Peter Byrne/PA Wire] PA FILE - In this Aug. 28, 2016 file photo, Ariana Grande arrives at the MTV Video Music Awards in New York. Police say there are "a number of fatalities" after reports of an explosion at an Ariana Grande concert at Manchester Arena in northern England on Monday, May 22, 2017.. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP, File) Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP A fan is comforted as she leaves the Park Inn hotel in central Manchester, England Tuesday May 23 2017. Over a dozen people were killed in an explosion following a Ariana Grande concert at the Manchester Arena late Monday evening. (AP Photo/Rui Vieira) AP A fan leaves the Park Inn hotel in central Manchester, Britain, Tuesday, May 23 2017. An apparent suicide bomber set off an improvised explosive device that killed over a dozen people at the end of an Ariana Grande concert on Monday, Manchester police said Tuesday. (AP Photo/Rui Vieira) AP Fans leave the Park Inn hotel in central Manchester, England Tuesday May 23 2017. An apparent suicide bomber set off an improvised explosive device that killed over a dozen people at the end of an Ariana Grande concert on Monday, Manchester police said Tuesday. (AP Photo/Rui Vieira) AP Armed police (left) at Manchester Arena after reports of an explosion at the venue during an Ariana Grande gig. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Monday May 22, 2017. See PA story POLICE Explosion. Photo credit should read: Peter Byrne/PA Wire PA Flowers left close to the Manchester Arena, the morning after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving a pop concert in Manchester. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday May 23, 2017. See PA story POLICE Explosion. Photo credit should read: Danny Lawson/PA Wire PA / Facebook

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"He was always friendly, nothing to suggest (he was violent). He was normal, to be honest."

According to the man, Ismail teaches Arabic classes at a mosque in the area, which his father was also said to visit.

Abedi was a student at Salford University.

It is understood Abedi was not known to have participated in any clubs or societies during his time in higher education, and never met with the resident imam.

He did not live in university accommodation, had not been in any trouble at the university and was not on any radar for pastoral or social care.

Salman Abedi "probably" attended the Manchester Islamic Centre, also known as the Didsbury Mosque, officials at the mosque said. Fawaz Haffar, a businessman and trustee of the mosque, said he did not know the bomber or recall seeing him at the mosque.

But he said he "probably" did attend there, given his father used to perform the azan, the call for prayer before 1,000 of the faithful, and his brother attended as a volunteer at the mosque until recently.

Mr Haffar stressed the mosque was what he called a moderate, modern, liberal mosque, and he is a member of an organisation liaising with police, the Independent Advisory Group.

Besieged by reporters at the mosque, Mr Haffar said it was likely Salman Abedi had attended the mosque.

Abedi was named after armed officers carried out a raid on the red brick semi in south Manchester where he was registered as living.

Police performed a controlled explosion there yesterday afternoon. Detectives are working to establish whether he was working alone or as part of a network.

The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the Monday night carnage, although it often claims attacks that it did not carry out.

A top US intelligence official, Dan Coats, said the claim had not been verified by his government.
The Sultan of Oman Qaboos bin Said Al Saidat helped with the negotiations.

An Australian citizen kidnapped in Yemen last year has been released following assistance by the sultanate of Oman, the Australian Foreign Ministry has said.

Oman's Foreign Ministry said the country helped free the Australian citizen with the assistance of Yemeni tribal leaders.

Its statement, carried by the state-run Oman News Agency, said the Australian had been "missing" in Yemen.

It said the Australian government requested Oman's assistance in facilitating his safe passage.

The man was not named in either statement and it was not immediately known whether a ransom had been paid.

Over the past months, several videos had surfaced online purporting to show an Australian kidnapped in Yemen.

In footage seen in January, the man gives his name as Craig McAllister while a rifle is seen pointed at his head.

He says his captors will kill him if their demands are not met. The man does not say who his captors are or specify their demands.

At the time, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Canberra, Australia, only said it was providing consular assistance to the family of an Australian man kidnapped in Yemen.

Yemeni security officials said Mr McAllister was taken in early October in the capital, Sanaa, but that his captors remain unknown.

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said on Wednesday the Australian was "safe and well" following "months of patient work" by the Australian government.

Ms Bishop also expressed appreciation for the efforts of Oman's ruler Sultan Qaboos bin Said, whose country located the missing Australian citizen and facilitated his passage into Oman.

Australia's government, along with many others around the world, strongly discourages its citizens from travelling to Yemen.

The war-torn nation on the southern tip of the Arabian Peninsula is facing more than six years of political turmoil and a Saudi-led war against Yemen's Shiite rebels known as Houthis.

Militant groups such as al Qaeda and the Islamic State group have taken advantage of the chaos, seizing territory and launching attacks.

There have been multiple kidnappings of foreigners in Yemen by various factions over the past years, demanding payment in exchange for a release.

Oman has played a mediating role in the region, and is not part of the Saudi-led coalition of Arab countries bombing the Houthis.

The country has helped facilitate the release of other hostages in Yemen, including two US citizens who were flown to the sultanate in October following negotiations between Omani officials and Yemeni authorities in Sanaa, which is controlled by the Houthis and their allies.

Oman, a US ally, maintains warm relations with nearby Iran.

The country was also credited last year with helping to secure the release of a French-Tunisian woman working for the Red Cross who had been kidnapped by armed men in Yemen and held for nearly a year.

AP
People look at flowers outside the Town Hall in Albert Square, Manchester after a suicide bomber killed 22 people

The brother of the alleged Manchester bomber had links to the Islamic State group and was aware of his brother's plans, a Libyan security force said.

The Special Deterrent anti-terror force said in a statement on its Facebook page that the arrest of Hashim Abedi took place in Tripoli as he was receiving cash transferred from his brother Salman.

British authorities have identified 22-year-old Salman Abedi as the suspected bomber in the attack at Manchester Arena on Monday night.

The force's statement says: "The brother was aware of all the details of the terrorist attack."

The Libyan security force claimed that Hashim Abedi told authorities that both he and his brother belonged to IS.

The Facebook statement says Hashim left Britain for Libya in April.
Police near the scene of the blast on Monday night in Manchester

Almost a decade and a half ago I co-produced a documentary series on the history of paramilitary bombings during the Troubles.

It allowed me to pose a question that has nagged away at me for years when covering conflicts in Northern Ireland and the Middle East.

Finally I got to ask one of the men who blew up large areas of Belfast from the 1970s this: why, despite a history of hunger striking, from Terence MacSwiney to Bobby Sands, did any strand of Irish republicanism never produce a suicide bomber?

This conundrum had puzzled me long before 9/11.

I had encountered families of suicide bombers long before that world-changing day in southern Lebanon, and watched their videos of sons and brothers immolating themselves in explosions at Israeli army checkpoints.

And while in the Shia Muslim redoubts of south Lebanon, my mind often turned to home, to the question of why the cult of martyrdom and death running through republican history did not produce the Irish suicide bomber.

When I finally got to pose that question, the Provisional IRA's one time 'Engineering Officer' in Belfast looked at me as if I wasn't wise. With brutal frankness he said any recruit who volunteered to blow themselves up at an Army or RUC checkpoint would be sent packing, probably to the nearest psychiatric care centre.

Pressed on why his comrades had starved themselves to death in the Maze while the organisation refused to countenance the suicide bomb, the IRA man made a simple point: "In the hunger strike there was always, right close to the end, a back door to life again. But once you push the button on a suicide belt then it's over."

Bombs, especially homemade ones, have a habit of being highly unstable, unpredictable and indiscriminate weapons of war. In the Troubles they were used with criminal disregard for civilian life, from the slaughter in Dublin in 1974, to Bloody Friday in Belfast and Omagh in 1998.

Even in the era before the suicide bomber, explosive devices posed nightmarish challenges for police trying to clear the danger zones.

Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Previous Next Close Saffie Roussos (8) and Georgina Callander (18) who died in the Manchester Arena terror attack People attend a multi-faith vigil in St Ann's Square, Manchester, to remember the victims of the Manchester terror attack. PA Muriel Billington, 85 and her daughters (names not given) during a vigil at St Ann's Square in Manchester, after a suicide bomber killed 22 people leaving a pop concert at the Manchester Arena on Monday night. PA Belfast City Hall illuminated in the colours of Union flag after the Manchester concert bomb attack. Pic: David Young/PA Wire PA A woman looks at flowers in St. Ann's Square, close to the Manchester Arena where a suicide bomber killed 22 people leaving a pop concert at the venue on Monday night. PA A silent vigil took place in Belfast city centre in memory of the victims of the bomb attack in Manchester. Picture By: Arthur Allison. Pacemaker Press Belfast 23-05-2017: A silent vigil took place in Belfast city centre tonight in memory of the victims of last night's bomb attack in Manchester. Picture By: Arthur Allison. Pacemaker Press Belfast 23-05-2017: A silent vigil took place in Belfast city centre tonight in memory of the victims of last night's bomb attack in Manchester. Picture By: Arthur Allison. Some of the people who gathered at the War memorial in Derry to express their solidarity with people of Manchester. Picture Martin McKeown. Inpresspics.com. 23.05.17 Some of the people who gathered at the War memorial in Derry to express their solidarity with people of Manchester. Picture Martin McKeown. Inpresspics.com. 23.05.17 Some of the people who gathered at the War memorial in Derry to express their solidarity with people of Manchester. Picture Martin McKeown. Inpresspics.com. 23.05.17 People gather for a vigil outside Belfast City Hall, after a 23-year-old man was arrested in connection with the Manchester concert bomb attack. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday May 23, 2017. The attack killed 22 people, including children, and injured dozens more in the worst terrorist incident to hit Britain since the July 7 atrocities. See PA story POLICE Explosion. Photo credit should read: Michael McHugh/PA Wire PA People gather for a vigil outside Belfast City Hall, after a 23-year-old man was arrested in connection with the Manchester concert bomb attack. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday May 23, 2017. The attack killed 22 people, including children, and injured dozens more in the worst terrorist incident to hit Britain since the July 7 atrocities. See PA story POLICE Explosion. Photo credit should read: Michael McHugh/PA Wire PA People gather for a vigil in Albert Square outside Manchester Town Hall in Manchester after attack at concert. Photo credit should read: Joe Giddens/PA Wire PA Members of the public gather to attend a candlelit vigil, to honour the victims of Monday evening's terror attack, at Albert Square on May 23, 2017 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images) Getty Images People from Manchester Sikh Community carry "I love MCR" banners as they arrive to attend a vigil in Albert Square in Manchester, northwest England on May 23, 2017, in solidarity with those killed an injured in the May 22 terror attack at the Ariana Grande concert at the Manchester Arena. Twenty two people have been killed and dozens injured in Britain's deadliest terror attack in over a decade after a suspected suicide bomber targeted fans leaving a concert of US singer Ariana Grande in Manchester. British police on Tuesday named the suspected attacker behind the Manchester concert bombing as Salman Abedi, but declined to give any further details. / AFP PHOTO / Ben STANSALLBEN STANSALL/AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images A couple embrace under a billboard in Manchester city centre, Tuesday May 23, 2017, the day after the suicide attack at an Ariana Grande concert that left 22 people dead as it ended on Monday night. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth) AP BERLIN, GERMANY - MAY 23: Flowers lay in shape of a heart in front of British Embassy on May 23, 2017 in Berlin, Germany. An explosion occurred at Manchester Arena as concert goers were leaving the venue after Ariana Grande had performed. Greater Manchester Police are treating the explosion as a terrorist attack and have confirmed 22 fatalities and 59 injured. (Photo by Steffi Loos/Getty Images) Getty Images Flowers are left in St Ann's Square, Manchester, the day after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving a pop concert in Manchester. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday May 23, 2017. See PA story POLICE Explosion. Photo credit should read: Martin Rickett/PA Wire PA Retail staff hug each other after being evacuated from the Arndale Centre shopping mall in Manchester, northwest England on May 23 AFP/Getty Images Saffie Rose Roussos, (8) was killed in the attack. Collect/PA Wire PA First victim to be named - Georgina Callander. She is pictured with Ariana Grande in 2015. Pic: Instagram Georgina.Bethany Tributes left outside St Ann's Church in Manchester, the morning after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving a pop concert, at Manchester Arena. PA Tributes left outside St Ann's Church in Manchester, the morning after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving a pop concert, at Manchester Arena. PA Police evacuated the Arndale Centre on May 23, 2017 in Manchester, England. Getty Images A girl wearing a t-shirt of US singer Ariana Grande carrying balloons from the Ariana Grande concert AFP/Getty Images MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 23: Armed police patrol the Arndale Shopping Centre after the terrorist attack, May 23, 2017 in Manchester, England. An explosion occurred at Manchester Arena as concert goers were leaving the venue after Ariana Grande had performed. Greater Manchester Police are treating the explosion as a terrorist attack and have confirmed 22 fatalities and 59 injured. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images) Getty Images People look out of the windows of a building opposite the Arndale Centre as the shopping mall is evacuated in Manchester, northwest England on May 23, 2017. Twenty two people have been killed and dozens injured in Britain's deadliest terror attack in over a decade after a suspected suicide bomber targeted fans leaving a concert of US singer Ariana Grande in Manchester. / AFP PHOTO / Ben STANSALLBEN STANSALL/AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images Manchester United's Wayne Rooney stands alongside team-mates for a minute silence in memory of the victims of the Manchester terror attack during the final training session at the AON Training Complex in Carrington, ahead of the Europa League Final against Ajax. PA Prime Minister Theresa May addresses the media in Downing Street, London, after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving a pop concert in Manchester. PA A woman wearing a T-shirt of US singer Ariana Grande near the Manchester Arena in Manchester AFP/Getty Images Ariana Grande concert attendees leave the Park Inn Hotel where they were given refuge after last nights explosion at Manchester Arena on May 23, 2017 in Manchester, England. Getty Images Armed police close to the Manchester Arena, the morning after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving a pop concert in Manchester. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday May 23, 2017. See PA story POLICE Explosion. Photo credit should read: Danny Lawson/PA Wire PA Screen grabbed image taken from the Twitter feed of Ariana Grande after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving her pop concert in Manchester. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Tuesday May 23, 2017. Some 59 people were also injured in the blast when the attacker detonated an improvised explosive device at the Manchester Arena. See PA story POLICE Explosion. Photo credit should read: Ariana Grande/Twitter/PA Wire NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used in for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder. PA Mother Amy Trippitt (right) and her daughter Grace, who attended the concert at Manchester Arena last night, leave the Park Inn hotel in the city the morning after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving the pop concert. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday May 23, 2017. See PA story POLICE Explosion. Photo credit should read: Danny Lawson/PA Wire PA Mother Amy Trippitt and her daughter Grace, who attended the concert at Manchester Arena last night, leave the Park Inn hotel in the city the morning after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving the pop concert. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday May 23, 2017. See PA story POLICE Explosion. Photo credit should read: Danny Lawson/PA Wire PA Police close to the Manchester Arena the morning after a terrorist attack at the end of a concert by US star Ariana Grande left 22 dead. PA PA Greater Manchester Police chief constable Ian Hopkins speaks to the media in Manchester where he said that the death toll from the Manchester bomb attack has risen to 22 with 59 injured. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday May 23, 2017. See PA story POLICE Explosion. Photo credit should read: Peter Byrne/PA Wire PA Police forensic investigators walk along a bridge linking Victoria Station with the Manchester Arena where a suspected terrorist attack at the end of a concert by US star Ariana Grande left 19 dead. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday May 23, 2017. See PA story POLICE Explosion. Photo credit should read: Danny Lawson/PA Wire PA Fan leaves the Park Inn hotel in central Manchester, England, Tuesday, May 23, 2017. Over a dozen people were killed in an explosion following a Ariana Grande concert at the Manchester Arena late Monday evening. (AP Photo/Rui Vieira) AP BEST QUALITY AVAILABLE Picture taken with permission from the twitter feed of @Zach_bruce of people running through Manchester Victoria station after an explosion at Manchester Arena. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Tuesday May 23, 2017. See PA story POLICE Explosion. Photo credit should read: @Zach_bruce/PA Wire NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used in for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder. PA Emergency services at Manchester Arena after reports of an explosion at the venue during an Ariana Grande gig. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday May 23, 2017. See PA story POLICE Explosion. Photo credit should read: Peter Byrne/PA Wire PA Emergency services at Manchester Arena after reports of an explosion at the venue during an Ariana Grande gig. [Photo: Peter Byrne/PA Wire] PA FILE - In this Aug. 28, 2016 file photo, Ariana Grande arrives at the MTV Video Music Awards in New York. Police say there are "a number of fatalities" after reports of an explosion at an Ariana Grande concert at Manchester Arena in northern England on Monday, May 22, 2017.. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP, File) Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP A fan is comforted as she leaves the Park Inn hotel in central Manchester, England Tuesday May 23 2017. Over a dozen people were killed in an explosion following a Ariana Grande concert at the Manchester Arena late Monday evening. (AP Photo/Rui Vieira) AP A fan leaves the Park Inn hotel in central Manchester, Britain, Tuesday, May 23 2017. An apparent suicide bomber set off an improvised explosive device that killed over a dozen people at the end of an Ariana Grande concert on Monday, Manchester police said Tuesday. (AP Photo/Rui Vieira) AP Fans leave the Park Inn hotel in central Manchester, England Tuesday May 23 2017. An apparent suicide bomber set off an improvised explosive device that killed over a dozen people at the end of an Ariana Grande concert on Monday, Manchester police said Tuesday. (AP Photo/Rui Vieira) AP Armed police (left) at Manchester Arena after reports of an explosion at the venue during an Ariana Grande gig. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Monday May 22, 2017. See PA story POLICE Explosion. Photo credit should read: Peter Byrne/PA Wire PA Flowers left close to the Manchester Arena, the morning after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving a pop concert in Manchester. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday May 23, 2017. See PA story POLICE Explosion. Photo credit should read: Danny Lawson/PA Wire PA / Facebook

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Inadequate or inaccurate warnings led to mass casualties during the Troubles, such as at Omagh, where the bombers cynically tried to catch the police in the blast as they evacuated the centre of the town.

Now try to imagine you are a police officer having to cope with something even more lethal and deadly in the 21st century - the no-warning, self-immolating bomber who thinks he will ascend to paradise after the blast.

There has been some criticism levelled at Manchester police for allegedly failing to clear the area around the concert that led to so much terrible carnage on Monday night.

For those of us who lived and survived the Troubles here, this charge against the Manchester officers is wholly unjustified.

They faced as their colleagues do - not only all over Britain but across the world - an opponent who, unlike the IRA or UVF, knows no boundaries when it comes to inflicting mass casualties.

It was hard enough for police forces on both sides of the border to clear areas where bombs were hidden, even with coded warnings, in the tragic years between 1969 and 1997.

It is infinitely harder now to counter the threat of an even more determined, fanatical enemy in this century.
Sinn Fein leader in the North, Michelle ONeill, speaks to the media after signing a book of condolence at Belfast City Hall which was opened up for the victims of the bomb attack in Manchester

Sinn Fein's northern leader is delusional if she thinks people don't see through her 'that was then, this is now'' whataboutery, writes Eilis O'Hanlon.

The late Cardinal Cahal Daly called it "the commonest form of moral evasion in Ireland today". He was referring to whataboutery, the familiar practice of deflecting criticism of acts of violence by groups with which one agrees by immediately pointing to acts of violence by those with whom one disagrees, and loudly demanding: "What about this? What about that?"

Like all good definitions, though, it's become misused, to the point where anyone who exposes the hypocrisy of certain speakers when they condemn violence, despite having enthusiastically supported it in the past, is also accused of engaging in whataboutery, when all they're actually doing is struggling to reconcile two entirely contradictory points of view.

That tendency has emerged again following the terrorist attack at the Ariana Grande concert in the Manchester Arena on Monday night, which killed 22 people. Sinn Fein's Gerry Adams called it a "shocking and horrendous attack on children and young people". The party's Northern Ireland leader Michelle O'Neill signed the book of condolence at Belfast City Hall, calling the attack "unthinkable", and saying she'd watched events unfold with "shock and horror".

"I condemn it," she added, with none of the ifs and buts that generally accompany such statements.

O'Neill did all this only weeks after attending yet another commemoration for Provisional IRA members killed on so-called active service. Defending that decision, the Co Tyrone woman described those who died at Loughgall as "Irish patriots".

The terrorists that Michelle O'Neill proudly celebrates murdered children too, and far more than were killed in Manchester. The "patriots" whose memory she venerates indiscriminately slaughtered people quietly going about their business in public places.

Just because the men she celebrates did it for a united Ireland, and the Manchester bomber most likely for a worldwide Islamic caliphate under Sharia law, doesn't make it any more acceptable.

The only difference is there was no 24-hour news back then, and certainly no social media. Atrocities did not unfurl in real time; people at home didn't see the full horror for themselves. If they had, the IRA may have been shamed into stopping sooner.

Irish republicans would have us believe that their terrorism was different. That their bombs were nicer. They look at the suicide bombers and insist: "We're not like Themmuns." Are they sure about that?

Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Previous Next Close Saffie Roussos (8) and Georgina Callander (18) who died in the Manchester Arena terror attack People attend a multi-faith vigil in St Ann's Square, Manchester, to remember the victims of the Manchester terror attack. PA Muriel Billington, 85 and her daughters (names not given) during a vigil at St Ann's Square in Manchester, after a suicide bomber killed 22 people leaving a pop concert at the Manchester Arena on Monday night. PA Belfast City Hall illuminated in the colours of Union flag after the Manchester concert bomb attack. Pic: David Young/PA Wire PA A woman looks at flowers in St. Ann's Square, close to the Manchester Arena where a suicide bomber killed 22 people leaving a pop concert at the venue on Monday night. PA A silent vigil took place in Belfast city centre in memory of the victims of the bomb attack in Manchester. Picture By: Arthur Allison. Pacemaker Press Belfast 23-05-2017: A silent vigil took place in Belfast city centre tonight in memory of the victims of last night's bomb attack in Manchester. Picture By: Arthur Allison. Pacemaker Press Belfast 23-05-2017: A silent vigil took place in Belfast city centre tonight in memory of the victims of last night's bomb attack in Manchester. Picture By: Arthur Allison. Some of the people who gathered at the War memorial in Derry to express their solidarity with people of Manchester. Picture Martin McKeown. Inpresspics.com. 23.05.17 Some of the people who gathered at the War memorial in Derry to express their solidarity with people of Manchester. Picture Martin McKeown. Inpresspics.com. 23.05.17 Some of the people who gathered at the War memorial in Derry to express their solidarity with people of Manchester. Picture Martin McKeown. Inpresspics.com. 23.05.17 People gather for a vigil outside Belfast City Hall, after a 23-year-old man was arrested in connection with the Manchester concert bomb attack. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday May 23, 2017. The attack killed 22 people, including children, and injured dozens more in the worst terrorist incident to hit Britain since the July 7 atrocities. See PA story POLICE Explosion. Photo credit should read: Michael McHugh/PA Wire PA People gather for a vigil outside Belfast City Hall, after a 23-year-old man was arrested in connection with the Manchester concert bomb attack. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday May 23, 2017. The attack killed 22 people, including children, and injured dozens more in the worst terrorist incident to hit Britain since the July 7 atrocities. See PA story POLICE Explosion. Photo credit should read: Michael McHugh/PA Wire PA People gather for a vigil in Albert Square outside Manchester Town Hall in Manchester after attack at concert. Photo credit should read: Joe Giddens/PA Wire PA Members of the public gather to attend a candlelit vigil, to honour the victims of Monday evening's terror attack, at Albert Square on May 23, 2017 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images) Getty Images People from Manchester Sikh Community carry "I love MCR" banners as they arrive to attend a vigil in Albert Square in Manchester, northwest England on May 23, 2017, in solidarity with those killed an injured in the May 22 terror attack at the Ariana Grande concert at the Manchester Arena. Twenty two people have been killed and dozens injured in Britain's deadliest terror attack in over a decade after a suspected suicide bomber targeted fans leaving a concert of US singer Ariana Grande in Manchester. British police on Tuesday named the suspected attacker behind the Manchester concert bombing as Salman Abedi, but declined to give any further details. / AFP PHOTO / Ben STANSALLBEN STANSALL/AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images A couple embrace under a billboard in Manchester city centre, Tuesday May 23, 2017, the day after the suicide attack at an Ariana Grande concert that left 22 people dead as it ended on Monday night. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth) AP BERLIN, GERMANY - MAY 23: Flowers lay in shape of a heart in front of British Embassy on May 23, 2017 in Berlin, Germany. An explosion occurred at Manchester Arena as concert goers were leaving the venue after Ariana Grande had performed. Greater Manchester Police are treating the explosion as a terrorist attack and have confirmed 22 fatalities and 59 injured. (Photo by Steffi Loos/Getty Images) Getty Images Flowers are left in St Ann's Square, Manchester, the day after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving a pop concert in Manchester. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday May 23, 2017. See PA story POLICE Explosion. Photo credit should read: Martin Rickett/PA Wire PA Retail staff hug each other after being evacuated from the Arndale Centre shopping mall in Manchester, northwest England on May 23 AFP/Getty Images Saffie Rose Roussos, (8) was killed in the attack. Collect/PA Wire PA First victim to be named - Georgina Callander. She is pictured with Ariana Grande in 2015. Pic: Instagram Georgina.Bethany Tributes left outside St Ann's Church in Manchester, the morning after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving a pop concert, at Manchester Arena. PA Tributes left outside St Ann's Church in Manchester, the morning after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving a pop concert, at Manchester Arena. PA Police evacuated the Arndale Centre on May 23, 2017 in Manchester, England. Getty Images A girl wearing a t-shirt of US singer Ariana Grande carrying balloons from the Ariana Grande concert AFP/Getty Images MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 23: Armed police patrol the Arndale Shopping Centre after the terrorist attack, May 23, 2017 in Manchester, England. An explosion occurred at Manchester Arena as concert goers were leaving the venue after Ariana Grande had performed. Greater Manchester Police are treating the explosion as a terrorist attack and have confirmed 22 fatalities and 59 injured. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images) Getty Images People look out of the windows of a building opposite the Arndale Centre as the shopping mall is evacuated in Manchester, northwest England on May 23, 2017. Twenty two people have been killed and dozens injured in Britain's deadliest terror attack in over a decade after a suspected suicide bomber targeted fans leaving a concert of US singer Ariana Grande in Manchester. / AFP PHOTO / Ben STANSALLBEN STANSALL/AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images Manchester United's Wayne Rooney stands alongside team-mates for a minute silence in memory of the victims of the Manchester terror attack during the final training session at the AON Training Complex in Carrington, ahead of the Europa League Final against Ajax. PA Prime Minister Theresa May addresses the media in Downing Street, London, after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving a pop concert in Manchester. PA A woman wearing a T-shirt of US singer Ariana Grande near the Manchester Arena in Manchester AFP/Getty Images Ariana Grande concert attendees leave the Park Inn Hotel where they were given refuge after last nights explosion at Manchester Arena on May 23, 2017 in Manchester, England. Getty Images Armed police close to the Manchester Arena, the morning after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving a pop concert in Manchester. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday May 23, 2017. See PA story POLICE Explosion. Photo credit should read: Danny Lawson/PA Wire PA Screen grabbed image taken from the Twitter feed of Ariana Grande after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving her pop concert in Manchester. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Tuesday May 23, 2017. Some 59 people were also injured in the blast when the attacker detonated an improvised explosive device at the Manchester Arena. See PA story POLICE Explosion. Photo credit should read: Ariana Grande/Twitter/PA Wire NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used in for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder. PA Mother Amy Trippitt (right) and her daughter Grace, who attended the concert at Manchester Arena last night, leave the Park Inn hotel in the city the morning after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving the pop concert. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday May 23, 2017. See PA story POLICE Explosion. Photo credit should read: Danny Lawson/PA Wire PA Mother Amy Trippitt and her daughter Grace, who attended the concert at Manchester Arena last night, leave the Park Inn hotel in the city the morning after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving the pop concert. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday May 23, 2017. See PA story POLICE Explosion. Photo credit should read: Danny Lawson/PA Wire PA Police close to the Manchester Arena the morning after a terrorist attack at the end of a concert by US star Ariana Grande left 22 dead. PA PA Greater Manchester Police chief constable Ian Hopkins speaks to the media in Manchester where he said that the death toll from the Manchester bomb attack has risen to 22 with 59 injured. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday May 23, 2017. See PA story POLICE Explosion. Photo credit should read: Peter Byrne/PA Wire PA Police forensic investigators walk along a bridge linking Victoria Station with the Manchester Arena where a suspected terrorist attack at the end of a concert by US star Ariana Grande left 19 dead. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday May 23, 2017. See PA story POLICE Explosion. Photo credit should read: Danny Lawson/PA Wire PA Fan leaves the Park Inn hotel in central Manchester, England, Tuesday, May 23, 2017. Over a dozen people were killed in an explosion following a Ariana Grande concert at the Manchester Arena late Monday evening. (AP Photo/Rui Vieira) AP BEST QUALITY AVAILABLE Picture taken with permission from the twitter feed of @Zach_bruce of people running through Manchester Victoria station after an explosion at Manchester Arena. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Tuesday May 23, 2017. See PA story POLICE Explosion. Photo credit should read: @Zach_bruce/PA Wire NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used in for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder. PA Emergency services at Manchester Arena after reports of an explosion at the venue during an Ariana Grande gig. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday May 23, 2017. See PA story POLICE Explosion. Photo credit should read: Peter Byrne/PA Wire PA Emergency services at Manchester Arena after reports of an explosion at the venue during an Ariana Grande gig. [Photo: Peter Byrne/PA Wire] PA FILE - In this Aug. 28, 2016 file photo, Ariana Grande arrives at the MTV Video Music Awards in New York. Police say there are "a number of fatalities" after reports of an explosion at an Ariana Grande concert at Manchester Arena in northern England on Monday, May 22, 2017.. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP, File) Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP A fan is comforted as she leaves the Park Inn hotel in central Manchester, England Tuesday May 23 2017. Over a dozen people were killed in an explosion following a Ariana Grande concert at the Manchester Arena late Monday evening. (AP Photo/Rui Vieira) AP A fan leaves the Park Inn hotel in central Manchester, Britain, Tuesday, May 23 2017. An apparent suicide bomber set off an improvised explosive device that killed over a dozen people at the end of an Ariana Grande concert on Monday, Manchester police said Tuesday. (AP Photo/Rui Vieira) AP Fans leave the Park Inn hotel in central Manchester, England Tuesday May 23 2017. An apparent suicide bomber set off an improvised explosive device that killed over a dozen people at the end of an Ariana Grande concert on Monday, Manchester police said Tuesday. (AP Photo/Rui Vieira) AP Armed police (left) at Manchester Arena after reports of an explosion at the venue during an Ariana Grande gig. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Monday May 22, 2017. See PA story POLICE Explosion. Photo credit should read: Peter Byrne/PA Wire PA Flowers left close to the Manchester Arena, the morning after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving a pop concert in Manchester. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday May 23, 2017. See PA story POLICE Explosion. Photo credit should read: Danny Lawson/PA Wire PA / Facebook

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Isis may carry out more of what the IRA used to call "spectaculars". Even so, homegrown jihadists would have to significantly intensify their operations to come anywhere near to matching the more than 2,000 killed by republicans and more than 1,000 by loyalists.

How do Michelle O'Neill and Gerry Adams have the gall to express sympathy for a city which the republican movement itself devastated with the largest bomb in Britain since the Second World War, showering people more than half a mile away with glass and debris?

That a warning was given that day in 1996, and the area evacuated in time, is no excuse. It was pure luck that no one died. Only a sick mind expects credit for luck.

"Martin McGuinness was not a terrorist," declared Adams during a graveside oration for the former Deputy First Minister. But what was the proxy bomb that murdered civilian chef Patsy Gillespie and five soldiers if not an act of terrorism? What were Claudy, Enniskillen, Bloody Friday, Harrods, Brighton, Warrington?

Michelle O'Neill and Gerry Adams should feel disgraced that the republican movement whose memory they paint in rosy colours was an early adopter of the nail bomb, as witnessed to barbaric effect in Hyde Park, years before Monday's bomber, who used the same type of device to kill and maim, was probably even born.

The dead are no less dead because the cause in whose name they were murdered is one that Sinn Fein shares. They may delude themselves that the IRA didn't target civilians, but its volunteers were prepared for civilians to die, and were reckless with innocent life.

Only last year, former hunger striker Pat Sheehan - who was jailed as a teenager for trying to bomb a cash and carry store, of all things - said that moving on from the past "may mean an apology" for the 1996 attack in Manchester, but he added that the British government would need to accept its responsibility for conflict in Northern Ireland in return.

That's not how repentance works. You're either sorry or you're not. Turning an apology into a negotiation is politics, not ethics, and that's what is once again on display this week from Sinn Fein.

Politicians who supported terrorist violence in the past, and condemn it when it happens now, just expect us to be too polite and diplomatic to point out their hypocrisy.

At the very least, they should answer why the violence which they backed is any less reprehensible, because you can't take the credit for moving away from violence without also accepting it was wrong in the first place.

Why keep bringing this up? That's what some people will say, frustrated that those who suffered at the hands of terrorists in Northern Ireland won't conveniently shut up and let those who supported it then, and continue to justify it in retrospect, reap the electoral benefits of joining the chorus of condemnation.

It's because of a suspicion that they're not being honest, and not saying what they really think.

The same goes for Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, who cosied up to Sinn Fein for decades, and now fervidly rewrites history to make it seem as if he was a behind-the-scenes negotiator for peace.

It also goes for Dianne Abbott, who's lined up to take charge of tackling terrorism as Home Secretary in any Labour government after June 8, who once hailed the fight for Irish unity as "our struggle", saying "every defeat for the British state is a victory for us all."

Like Adams and O'Neill, they cry foul when their past words are thrown back at them, as if it's unfair to expect them to either withdraw or stand over them.

What really goads them is that they can't. It's their own words that are the problem, not the fact others refuse to forget.

"When you're in a war situation, I'm not saying ethics are put on hold, but I think you have a different template." That's what Pat Sheehan once said.

Those who bombed Manchester this week, 21 years after the IRA set the same example, would totally agree.

Republicans were far closer to Themmuns than they like to believe.
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte walks past an honor guard at Manila International Airport after arriving on a flight from Moscow, May 24, 2017.

Islamic State-linked gunmen on the run from Philippine forces abducted a Catholic priest and three others Wednesday, officials said, as President Rodrigo Duterte threatened to expand martial law he imposed a day earlier in the countrys south.

Sporadic clashes went on for a second day around the southern city of Marawi, with many of its 200,000 residents fleeing the violence,after dozens of suspected Muslim extremists occupied a hospital, burned buildings and battled government troops.

By Wednesday evening (local time), the death toll from two days of clashes stood at 13 militants, five soldiers and one policeman. More than 30 government troops were wounded, the military said.

Violence broke out Tuesday after a joint police and military team was sent in the area to arrest Isnilon Hapilon, a senior commander of the militant Abu Sayyaf Group who earlier pledged allegiance to the extremist group Islamic State (IS).

Hapilon (alias Abu Musab) is listed on the FBIs list of most wanted terrorists and the U.S. State Departments Rewards for Justice Program offers up to $5 million for information leading to his capture.

Officials said about 100 members of the Maute group, which was blamed for a September bombing that killed 15 people in another southern Philippine city, backed up the militants.

The gunmen set fire to at least three establishments, including a university, and stormed the Cathedral of Our Lady Help, taking with them a local priest identified as Chito Sagunob and several others, said Manila Archbishop Socrates Villegas.

They have threatened to kill the hostages if the government forces unleashed against them are not recalled, he said.

We beg every Filipino to pray fervently for Father Chito and for other hostages. As the government forces ensure that the law is upheld, we beg of them to make the safety of the hostages a primordial consideration, Villegas said.

Jesus Dureza, a senior presidential adviser, said about 1,000 extra soldiers were deployed to the region Wednesday to double the force of the troops already operating there.

Expect that there will be more presence of the military in the area. Its not only directed at the Maute terror group but all private armed groups as well to those all groups that will fight against the government, Dureza told BenarNews.

Shortened Moscow trip

Duterte cut short his official trip to Russia on Tuesday night, when he announced that he was placing the entire island of Mindanao under military control before flying back to Manila.

In a video message, Duterte sought to calm fears, even as he compared his move to that of late President Ferdinand Marcos, who ruled the Southeast Asian country with an iron fist for two decades.

It would not be any different from what President Marcos did, Duterte said. Id be harsh.

He said he had been saying in the past not to force my hand into declaring martial law. But now, I have to do it to resolve the crisis in the Philippines, Duterte said.

My countrymen, do not be too scared. Im going home. Im cutting my visit here to be with my countrymen. I will deal with the problem once I arrive, Duterte said. Let me just tell everybody that I have just declared martial law for Mindanao.

His spokesman Tuesday night said the military rule would be good for only 60 days, but Duterte said he was prepared to extend it to a year.

Addressing reporters upon arriving Wednesday, he said he might extend martial law to include the central Visayas region, and perhaps the whole country if warranted.

I may declare martial law throughout the country to protect the people, Duterte said, and stressed he may even empower civilians to carry firearms and for the police to shoot to kill if they catch anyone violating martial law.

Under martial law, he said he does not need to secure search warrants or warrants of arrest.

Lawmaker, lawyers react

Edcel Lagman, a member of Congress who was detained during martial law, said he would fight to have the order revoked.

If the Congress does not revoke the declaration of martial law, the Supreme Court may review the sufficiency of the factual basis of the proclamation of martial law or the suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus, he said.

The National Union of Peoples Lawyers said it was raising serious concerns on what appears as a sledgehammer, knee-jerk reaction to the declaration of martial law in the entire Mindanao island.

The recent incidents in Marawi do not justify the shotgun declaration of martial law. It is not the appropriate solution to the current conflict situation, it said.

During his two decade in power, much of it under martial law during the 1970s and early 80s, Marcos used military rule to quell what he said was a communist insurgency, ushering in human rights abuses and extrajudicial killings.

He was forced into exile in Hawaii in 1986 after a people power revolution toppled his government. He died in exile in 1989.

Violence continues

On Wednesday, sporadic violence around Marawi continued, with thousands seen rushing out of the city to safety.

In Manila, military spokesman Col. Edgard Arevalo said the situation in Marawi, about 1,170 km (730 miles) south of the countrys capital, had stabilized with security forces in full control.

The armed men were not ISIS but members of a local terrorist group, he said, using another acronym for IS.

The news being circulated by these terrorists and their sympathizers are spurious and are meant to spread lies and disinformation. It is propaganda to attract foreign terrorists support and recognition, he said.

Follow on forces are under way as we speak to further ensure that we will keep the grip of the situation, he said.

The military earlier said it launched the operation with the police Tuesday night in hopes of arresting Hapilon. It is believed that Maute militants are protecting him.

Both the Maute group and Abu Sayyaf have pledged allegiance to IS and vowed to carry out attacks across the Philippines, Asias bastion of Catholicism with more than 80 percent of the population belonging to the faith.

The Maute group was also responsible for a bombing at a night market in Davao City in September that killed 15 people, as well as an attempt to bomb the U.S. Embassy in Manila last year.
People gathering at Narathiwat City Hall display a portrait of the late Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej a week after his death, Oct. 20, 2016.

Police in Thailand are holding a 14-year-old boy and five other people on suspicion of burning a portrait of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej and violating the countrys strict royal defamation laws, officials and human rights groups said Wednesday.

The Thai military arrested the six suspects in northeastern Khon Kaen province about a week ago and later transferred them to police custody, a policeman assigned to the area told BenarNews on condition of anonymity.

The six, who include two other teenagers and two suspects age 20, were charged with arson and violating section 112 of the criminal code, the countrys royal defamation law which is known as Lese-Majeste.

They were detained for more than seven days. We had to bring them out for interrogation and put them right back into detention, the officer said Wednesday in a phone interview.

Scores of people have been arrested on suspicion of violating Lese-Majeste during the three years since the military seized power in a coup and later imposed restrictions on free speech and public gatherings. Under the law, those convicted of posting online content deemed as offending the monarchy or committing other perceived slights against Thai royals can face 15 years in prison.

In the case in Khon Kaen, police identified the suspects as Abhisit Chailee, 14; Jirayut Sinpho, 18; Ratthathammanoon Srihabutr, 20; Akkharapong Ayukong, 18; Settha Thepnarong, 20; and Preecha Ngamdee, 45. All six are residents of Chonnabot, a district in Khon Kaen.

New York-based Human Rights Watch (HRW) said Abhisit and three others have been in custody since May 15 while police said others were detained on May 18.

Military authorities transferred the suspects to a detention facility at the 11th Army Circle Camp in Bangkok for questioning without access to legal counsel or their families, HRW alleged in a statement issued Tuesday when it demanded the 14-year-olds immediate release.

The secret detention of a 14-year-old boy in a Thai military camp should set off alarm bells, especially since no improvements have come following past reports of military abuse, said Brad Adams, HRWs Asia director.

None of the four youths arrested should have been denied access to a judge and placed in an incommunicado military detention, whatever the charge against them.

Sorawut Wongsaranon, a spokesman for Thai Lawyers for Human Rights, a local NGO, told BenarNews it was trying to contact the detainees relatives to provide legal aid.



We have not seen them yet but have sought information in the Isan [northeast] region, Sorawut said.

Police said the suspects confessed to being hired for 200 baht (U.S. $5.80) to burn the portrait of the king who died in October 2016 after ruling Thailand for 70 years.

On Wednesday, Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha told reporters that the person responsible for hiring the suspects might be living outside the country.



Adults should not support children doing such a thing, Prayuth said, pointing out that groups could blame Thailand for human rights abuses and child abuse.

He said there was a network that would hire people to commit such acts.

Since Prayuth took control of the government following a bloodless coup on May 22, 2014, more than 80 people have been arrested for allegedly violating Lese-Majeste.

The junta-backed National Legislative Assembly has also passed other laws aimed at gagging dissent in the country.
Moncks Corner, SC (29461)

Today

Cloudy with periods of rain. Potential for heavy rainfall. High around 70F. Winds ENE at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall near an inch..

Tonight

Periods of rain. Potential for heavy rainfall. Low 68F. Winds SE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Rainfall may reach one inch.
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The criteria for the Administrative Staffs annual Dr. Michael R. Ferrari Award include innovation and initiative, high performance and building relationships with the University community. Jeffery Jackson, the 2017 winner of the top administrative staff award, exhibits all those and more, according to his nominators.

Jackson, assistant vice president for student career success and director of the Career Center, received the award, which comes with a $1,000 cash prize and a reserved parking spot for a year, at the spring reception hosted by Administrative Staff Council.

Jeff truly embodies all three attributes of this prestigious award, wrote Danielle Dimoff, associate director of the Career Center. He is known for his energetic and optimistic attitude when working through student concerns, while demonstrating a sense of compassion toward every individual. He is an innovative leader who goes above and beyond the responsibilities of his position. He is a relationship builder who strives to strengthen University partnerships with stakeholders. He is a strategic thinker who approaches each new challenge as a new opportunity. Above all, he is an educator who recognizes and cares about the success and future of Bowling Green State University.

Jackson has been involved with creative new approaches to ensure the career readiness of BGSU graduates, Dimoff said. These include partnering with the Office of Pre-Major Advising to support students through the Deciding Student Program with such activities as Major Match-Up, the Career and Life Planning course and numerous others. He also helped develop the Falcon Internship Guarantee Program, designed to prepare first-year students experiential learning opportunities. And along with that, he created the Falcon Internship Guarantee Ambassador and Career Center Student Ambassador programs, which provide students opportunities to serve their peers while gaining leadership experience.

Students who have served as Career Center Student Ambassadors report how much they gained from it, and several have gone on to pursue careers in higher education.

These activities and more reflect Jeffs efforts to support students in not just finding a job, but finding a fulfilling career path, Dimoff said.

Jackson has taken the lead on enhancing partnerships between employers, students, faculty and staff members across the country. He created and implemented the Employer Symposium to bring these groups together and engage in meaningful dialogue on career-related topics, Dimoff said. He also served as project director for three Ohio Means Internships and Co-ops grants totaling over $2.8 million in funding, which he oversaw for BGSU and partner institutions.

On campus, he has brought a more inclusive approach to Career Center events and opportunities, noted nominator Sheila Brown, associate director of the Office of Multicultural Affairs. Under his leadership, employees from every department have been invited to participate in the Career Expos and job fairs, she said. This has not only raised awareness tremendously among the University community but has also enhanced the success of the events by drawing upon the talents of everyone from graduate students to faculty to administrative and classified staff members, all in a spirit of camaraderie and community.

Among those is the computer science department. Dr. Joe Chao, department chair, said that since Jackson came to the Career Center in 2013, he has partnered with computer science on many events and initiatives, from faculty involvement in the career fairs to connecting the department with employers to individual student concerns.

He has also made a great effort to serve as a role model for students of color and to support the creation of groups such as KINGS (Knowledge Is Necessary for Growth and Success) and We Got Each Other, a weekly dialogue series for young African-American men. Jackson recruited male staff and community members to serve as speakers and mentors.

Said Dawn Chong, director of Student Employment Services, Hes been a tireless advocate for the students we serve. Ive seen him spend countless hours attending functions given by both the University community and the Career Center. As we all know, academics is only one way of the ways students will be impacted while attending BGSU; working with and encouraging them to be their best selves can profoundly affect their futures.

Jacksons care for students extends to international students and BGSU students going abroad, said Dr. Marcia Salazar-Valentine, director of International Programs and Partnerships (IPP). He worked with IPP to develop a yearly presentation to international students to provide a customized session to prepare for their job searches in the U.S. He also customized information for international students attending the Career Fair to help them easily identify companies willing to hire international students, both steps that demonstrate to the students the care BGSU has for them, she said. Likewise, he has been active in developing internships abroad for BGSU students.

He is student-centered, open to new initiatives that will benefit them, and willing to reach out to or respond to those who want to collaborate with him, Salazar-Valentine said.
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For Immediate Release, May 23, 2017

Lawsuit Targets Trump's Climate-change Censorship

WASHINGTON The Center for Biological Diversity today sued the Trump administration to uncover public records showing that federal employees have been censored from using words or phrases related to climate change in formal agency communications.

Today's lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C., seeks to require four federal agencies to release climate-censorship records, in compliance with the Freedom of Information Act. The Department of Energy, Environmental Protection Agency, Department of the Interior and Department of State have failed to provide records requested by the Center or indicate when they might do so, violating deadlines established under the law.

The Trump administration's refusal to release public information about its climate censorship continues a dangerous and illegal pattern of anti-science denial, said Taylor McKinnon at the Center. Just as censorship won't change climate science, foot-dragging and cover-ups won't be tolerated under the public records law.

The Center on March 30 filed Freedom of Information Act requests for all directives or communications barring or removing climate-related words or phrases from any formal agency communications. The records requests followed news reports that federal agencies had removed climate information from government websites and instructed Department of Energy staff to avoid using the phrases climate change, emissions reductions and Paris agreement.

The Center has filed identical requests with the Council on Environmental Quality, the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

On March 23 the Center joined conservation biologist Stuart Pimm and the Center for Media and Democracy in a separate Freedom of Information Act request to prevent the administration from removing hundreds of environmental data sets on government websites.

Under the Freedom of Information Act, when federal agencies receive requests for the same records three or more times, they must make the records freely available to the public on their websites  a rule known as the Beetlejuice provision.

Records responsive to the Center's climate censorship requests will be made available to the public and the media.

Download today's complaint here.

Download one of the original requests here.

The Center for Biological Diversity is a national, nonprofit conservation organization with more than 1.3 million members and online activists dedicated to the protection of endangered species and wild places.
It can be tough to be a vegetarian. You have to work harder than everyone else to make sure youre getting all the nutrients your body needs. So, when its time to take a
The new partnership will also offer Crick researchers access to AstraZeneca compounds and a range of technology platforms.

The Francis Crick Institute has signed a new research agreement with global biopharmaceutical company AstraZeneca. The five-year initiative will see researchers from AstraZeneca and the Crick collaborate on early-stage research that could translate into new treatments and health innovations in the future.

The combination of AstraZeneca's expertise in developing new medicines and the Crick's strength in discovery science will maximize the potential to make breakthroughs neither partner could alone. The joint goal is to stimulate and accelerate basic research into the understanding of human health across a range of cancers, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.

The new partnership will also offer Crick researchers access to AstraZeneca compounds and a range of technology platforms. Crick projects that receive funding through the partnership could see scientists from AstraZeneca join the team at the Crick and vice versa. Knowledge exchange between participants will be at the heart of the collaboration, and it will create opportunities for postdoctoral researchers in both industry and academia to learn from each other.

Accelerating translation for health and wealth is one of the Crick's strategic priorities and this new agreement with AstraZeneca reflects that goal.
LAGOS, Nigeria - Nigerian CIOs should look at how they can use the next wave of social, mobile, analytics and cloud technologies (also known as the Third Platform), to deliver personalised experiences that are tailored to new working styles across social and mobile as well as the expectations of the connected customer, says Magnus Nmonwu, regional director for Sage in West Africa.

Magnus Nmonwu

The IDC CIO Summit took place in Lagos mid-May and focussed on how the next wave of social, mobile, analytics and cloud (SMAC) technologies will unleash innovation and productivity in the enterprise by delivering better employee and customer experiences.

Says Nmonwu: These technologies empower people by making apps, services and information accessible everywhere (mobile), collaborative and easy-to-use (social) and tailored and responsive to their needs and context (analytics). In the background, the power of the cloud makes it affordable and easy to deploy the latest applications and solutions to users wherever they are.

Its all being made possible by growing Internet penetration, with more than 90 million Internet users in Nigeria looking to organisations to provide them with digital services and experiences.

Todays business management solutions are tailored to the needs of a digital native accustomed to WhatsApp, Netflix and Snapchat rather than a worker used to email and old-fashioned ERP.

Analytics tools democratise data

Analytics tools give managers and leaders access to real-time data about the businesss performance on their mobile devices for strategic decision-making. But they also extend data to everyone in the business, explains Nmonwu. At an operational level, the combination of big data and machine learning will allow companies to tailor customer and employee experiences to the needs of different segments to optimise sales and productivity.

Paired with the Internet of Things, advanced analytics and machine learning are bringing about the fourth industrial revolution. Connected devices and sensors, cloud computing, advanced robotics, intelligent software, and a range of other technologies are enabling companies to produce complex products in a smooth, automated process using specialist robots with very little human input.

In this environment, analytics is used to forecast issues such as machine errors or supply chain interruptions so that quality levels and uptime remain high. The Nigerian CIOs role will be about managing the challenges and opportunities presented by digital transformation and the Internet of Things. Expect this trend to bring the same level of disruption to old-style industries such as mining, manufacturing and construction as the internet has already brought to banking, media and retail.

*Sage is a sponsor at the IDC CIO Summit series in Lagos and Johannesburg which have already taken place this May; and Nairobi which will take place on 14 June and Mauritius on 16 August 2017.
Finland is the best country for love-making, stated in this campaign video that has gained a million organic views in Finland alone.

The uniqueness of the Finnish love-making culture starts with liberal education on intimacy and gender equality, but is also affected by a relaxed attitude towards nudity and being comfortable with ones own body (and each other).

Being the 100th anniversary of Finland's independence, the brand behind the campaign, Sultan, is also celebrating its 50th anniversary, and therefore all that is wonderful about Finnish sex.

The condom brand has put together a kit for romancing the Finnish way, including the likes of salty liquorice, woolen socks, a flashlight, mosquito repellent and a seat cover.
Now in its seventh year, it had more than 200 delegates, representing the countrys top companies and brands. Cushman & Wakefield Excellerate sponsored the conference.

Top speakers

Nomzamo Radebe, CEO of JHI Properties, a division of Cushman & Wakefield Excellerate opened the conference. Knowledge is power. This statement dates back to 1957 and could not be truer than in todays rapidly changing world; particularly so in the retail space. Importantly, Albert Einstein declared that information was not knowledge. So, as we deliberate at this years conference it is vital that we see research not as a tool for gathering information, but as a means of developing knowledge that can be used  in this case the retail environment  to serve our target audience better. We are proud to be the official sponsors of this years event and we look forward to sponsoring the 2018 Research Conference as well.

Other speakers included the duo from PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), Claudia De Gouveia-Macedo, strategy and transformation manager and Joven Pillay, customer and digital consulting leader presented a thought-provoking discussion on Retail in 2030. Technology will dominate retail in 2030 and the presenters shared a closer look at the 2030 shopper, shopping centres and retailers and what would be required to offer a 360-degree interaction with a brand, store or product to customers  an evolution of todays version of the omnichannel approach.

Technology is here to stay and as customer trends evolve, the way retailers approach them need to evolve too, says Odette Schwegler, founder of Bl!nk Pictures. She took delegates through content marketing and taking it to the next level. We need to do away with traditional media platforms and provide the customer with the creative freedom to share their interaction with your brand and products in ways not explored as yet.

One of the omnipresent themes was knowing ones customer and the different techniques used to get to know them. The more one is informed about customers, the more equipped one is to cater for their needs. Kate Snyder, head of anthropology at Instant Grass International, says, This is true among millennials and how they shop and influence their peers to also support a specific brand or company. Retailers need to know who these customers are, what they like, who they like and what makes them happy.

SACSC president, Jeff Zidel expressed how tumultuous the past year had been in terms of the economy but also how steadfast the shopping centre and retail industries had been in order to cope with these challenges. The Research Conference has definitely grown in leaps and bounds. In spite of the challenges, the industry has advanced progressively and research-driven decisions have been crucial to paint a clear picture of the market and empower the retail and property industry, he concluded.
#WhenIGrowUp: How to become a FAN-shionista

The brand-new Johannesburg-based fashion design college, Fashion Academy Network (FAN), has opened its admission doors for its first intake of students in 2018. Headed up by directors Dr Braam Kruger, Kgomotso Moloantoa and Julian Smith, the dedicated fashion school aims to offer its students focused, personal attention as it guides them through all facets of the fashion world.

Here, Moloantoa, marketing director for FAN and previously fashion editor for "O" and True Love magazines, shares with us what students can expect from the Academy... and what, in turn, will be expected from them. What is the official graduate qualification of this course? What is the official graduate qualification of this course?

Moloantoa: It is the aim of the Fashion Academy Network to offer a Bachelor of Fashion Degree under the auspices of the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA), the Council for Higher Education (CHE) and the Government Department of Higher Education & Training (DHET).

What are the entry requirements? What are the entry requirements?

Subject to institutional admission requirements, the minimum admission requirement to a Bachelors degree programme is a National Certificate (Vocational) Level 4 issued by Council for General and Further Education and Training. The minimum legislative requirements for admission to a Bachelors degree include the achievement of: Three fundamental subjects between 60 - 69% (including English as the language of learning and teaching at FAN), three vocational subjects from the designated list between 70 - 79%.

Who is the course accredited by? Who is the course accredited by?

FAN is engaged in the process of accreditation with the Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education.

What should potential candidates know before applying? What should potential candidates know before applying?

Once you are selected, candidates will be invited for an interview and will have the opportunity to present their creative sketches which should consist of three to six pieces. This can include fashion designs; mixed media collages; photographs; digital media images; sewn items; and accessories created by hand.

Who should apply for this course? Who should apply for this course?

It is open to young individuals with an understanding and passion for fashion as well as the economic impact of the industry in South Africa and the world over. A limited number of participants will be selected annually, ensuring focused and personal attention during their studies at FAN.

What aptitudes should a good student have? What aptitudes should a good student have?

Aptitude requires desire (passion) for all things related to fashion such as:

the ability to create new concepts for products (creativity), garment technology - making patterns for the garments they design,

marketing their ideas to selected target markets,

running their own fashion business, and

collating and the dissemination of fashion information.



They may well be more interested in some aspects than others - this is fine as there is ample room for specialization in the industry.



They should be adequately literate in English as all our facilitation is in English. It is the LOLT (language of learning and teaching).

How are you engaging with youth to introduce them and draw their interest to a career in the industry? How are you engaging with youth to introduce them and draw their interest to a career in the industry?

FAN is launching the Paper dress competition this year in which Grade 12 students are invited to create a fantasy dress made entirely out of various types of paper. The winning dress will be selected and appear on the FAN website and across all our social media. The winning school will be awarded art supplies from Herbert Evans and tickets to Fashion Week. The FAN Paper dress competition will be an ongoing annual event.



We primarily engage the youth through Career Day Expos as well as school visits and discussions, where we often use our promotional materials or FAN PowerPoint presentations contextualising the reasons for young people to engage with the fashion industry.

What unique opportunities do you offer your students? What unique opportunities do you offer your students?

FAN sponsors and selects the top four students to travel to New York during their second year of study.



One bursary is available per annum, on merit.



Third year participants manage operations of the FAN retail space, in which their own designs are sold, thus building a customer base for their own labels.



Participants that have completed their three-year tenure can continue to sell their garments through the FAN retail space, thereby continuing to create their own independent income.



Students work with merit is presented to the fashion media at Fashion Week.

What, if anything, do students find surprising about entering this field of study? What, if anything, do students find surprising about entering this field of study?

Students often find that a career in fashion, from being a student to a fashion professional, requires a high level of diligence and effort to make it.

What is usually the most difficult part/subject of this course? What is usually the most difficult part/subject of this course?

The fashion course is multifaceted and depending on the individuals aptitude and interest, they will find their balance. Often students find Pattern Construction to be tricky but other students find business studies and its accounting to be tricky. But with the training and support provided by established lecturers and fashion experts, our students should have no difficulty. We have also consciously reduced the amount of homework given to allow the students time to relax and for their creative juices to flow.

Which careers could graduates expect to go into after completing this course?

Couture fashion designer



Ready-to-wear pattern maker and designer



Fashion trend forecaster - Retail store buyer



Fashion journalist



Costume designer



Accessory designer - Shoe or handbag designer



Fashion magazine stylist - Wardrobe consultant



Event planning and fashion show producer



Boutique manager/owner



Fabric research and development specialist



Production manager - Brand manager/marketing



Fashion blogger - Fashion illustrator



Fashion agent - Retail product merchandiser

Anyone interested in applying for 2018 can visit www.fan-jhb.com for more information.
Colonialism brought large-scale farming to Africa, promising modernisation and jobs - but often dispossessing people and exploiting workers. Now, after several decades of independence, and with investor interest growing, African governments are once again promoting large plantations and estates. But the new corporate interest in African agriculture has been criticised as a  land grab .

Small-scale farmers, on family land, are still the mainstay of African farming, producing 90% of its food. Their future is increasingly uncertain as the large-scale colonial model returns.

To make way for big farms, local people have lost their land. Promises of jobs and other benefits have been slow to materialise, if at all.

The search is on for alternatives to big plantations and estates that can bring in private investment without dispossessing local people  and preferably also support peoples livelihoods by creating jobs and strengthening local economies.

Two possible models stand out.

Contract farming is often touted as an inclusive business model that links smallholders into commercial value chains. In these arrangements, smallholder farmers produce cash crops on their own land, as outgrowers, on contract to agro-processing companies.

Then there is growth in a new class of middle farmers. These are often educated business people and civil servants who are investing money earned elsewhere into medium-scale commercial farms which they own and operate themselves.

So what are the real choices and trade-offs between large plantations or estates, contract farming by outgrowers, or individual medium-scale commercial farmers?

These different models formed the focus of our three-year study in Ghana, Kenya and Zambia. Evidence suggests that each model has different strengths. For policy makers, deciding which kind of farming to promote depends on what they want to achieve.

Plantations are enclaves

Our cases confirm the characterisation of large plantations as being enclaves with few linkages into local economies. They buy farming inputs from far afield, usually from overseas, and in turn send their produce into global markets, bypassing local intermediaries.

Plantations are large, self-contained agribusinesses that rely on hired labour and are vertically-integrated into processing chains (often with on-farm processing). Theyre usually associated with one major crop. In Africa, these started with colonial concessions, especially in major cash crops such as coffee, tea, rubber, cotton, and sugarcane. Some of these later became state farms after independence while others were dismantled and land returned to local farmers.

Many plantations do create jobs, especially if they have on-site processing. Plantations may also support local farmers if they process crops that local smallholders are already growing. For example, we found an oil palm plantation in Ghana that buys from local smallholders, giving them access to processing facilities and international value chains they would otherwise not reach.

But, typically, plantations have limited connections into the local economy beyond the wages they pay. Where production is mechanised, they create few jobs, as we found in Zambia: the Zambeef grain estate employs few people, and most of these are migrants whose wages dont go into the local economy. And the jobs that are created are invariably of poor quality.

The main story is that plantations take up land and yet often dont give back to the local economy. In the cases we researched, all the plantations led to local people losing their land. For instance, the establishment and later expansion of the 10,000-hectare Zambeef estate led to forced removals of people from their cropping fields and grazing lands.

There are some benefits from plantations and estates. But, given more than a century of bad experience, it may be time to concede they seldom  if ever  live up to their promises.

Contract farming brings benefits for some

Contract farming has a long history in Africa, dating back to colonial times. As with plantations, these arrangements were largely for the major cash crops, including cocoa, cotton, tobacco and sugarcane.

Contract farmers are smallholders who enter into contracts with companies that buy and process their crops. Sometimes members of outgrowers households might also get jobs on larger nucleus estates run by the companies. Whether or not they benefit, or get mired in debt and dependence, depends entirely on the terms of these contracts. Our study looked at contract farming in Ghanas tropical fruit export sector, in French bean production in Kenya and in sugarcane farming in Zambia.

Contract farming has been hailed by some as the win-win solution, enabling commercial investment for global markets without dispossessing local farmers. Farmers farm on their own land, using their own family labour, while also accessing commercial value chains  rather than being displaced by large farms. But we found that this is not necessarily the case. Crucially, there are different kinds of arrangements that determine who benefits.

In Kenya, contract farmers are poorer than most farmers around them. For them, farming on contract provides a crucial livelihood, especially for poor women, who cultivate French beans for the European market and combine this with seasonal jobs on big farms.

In one Zambian block scheme all outgrowers gave up their land to Illovo, a South African company that grows sugarcane. The company pays them dividends. Here, the landowners, typically the old patriarchs, benefit from cash incomes. Young people lose out: they neither inherit the land nor control the cash incomes.

Contract farming clearly provides one effective avenue for smallholders to commercialise. It means, though, that smallholders take on both the risks and the benefits of connecting to commercial value chains.

Medium-scale farming: a promising option

Between the large plantations and the small contract farmers is another model: medium-scale commercial farms owned by individuals or small companies. We studied areas where medium-scale farms were dominating: mango farmers in Ghana, coffee farmers in Kenya and grains farmers in Zambia. While this kind of medium-scale farming also has colonial origins, the past two decades have seen massive growth in new middle farmers. Many of them are male, wealthy, middle-aged or retired, often from professional positions.

The medium -scale commercial farming model has a lot to offer. We found that they create more jobs and stimulate rural economies more than either big plantations or smallholder contract farmers. Yet cumulatively, such farms may threaten to dispossess smallholders, just as the big colonial and more recent plantations and estates have done.

The push behind the explosion of the middle farmers in the countries we studied has been investment by the educated and (relatively) wealthy. In Ghana in particular, we found, their expansion has displaced smallholders. Cumulatively, even modest-sized farms have led to substantial dispossession and reduced access to land.

Their informal employment patterns mean poor working conditions and few permanent jobs. But, unlike the plantations, these farms are well connected with the local economy. Building on social networks, these middle farmers often buy inputs and services from local businesses. At least some of their produce is sold into local markets.

Winners and losers

While policy choices are of course political, they can and should be informed by research about the implications of these different pathways of agricultural commercialisation. What is clear from our research is that different kinds of commercial farming will have different effects on the economy. Its not just about efficiency. Ultimately, its about who wins and who loses.

This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.
The Constitutional Court has ruled that back pay was a judgement debt and therefore not prescribed in the recent case of National Union of Metal Workers of South Africa obo Moses Fohlisa & 41 Others/Hendor Mining Supplies (A division of Marschalk Beleggings).

Background

Hendor Mining Supplies (the employer), dismissed 42 of its employees for participating in a strike on 1 January 2007. When Numsa and the dismissed employees took the employer to the Labour Court to challenge the fairness of the dismissals, the court ordered that the employees be reinstated, in accordance section 193(1)(a) of the Labour Relations Act, 1995.

Section 193(1)(a) provides:

If the Labour Court or an Arbitrator appointed in terms of this Act finds that a dismissal is unfair, the Court or the arbitrator may - (a) order the employer to reinstate the employee from any date not earlier than the date of dismissal.

Following judgment in the court, the employees were requested to report for work on 23 April 2007. When returning to work on such date, the employer refused to reinstate the employees, pending the outcome of an appeal to the Supreme Court of Appeal. After the employer was unsuccessful in its appeal to the SCA, the employees were reinstated on 29 September 2009. Upon reinstatement, however, the employer refused to pay the employees back pay from 1 January 2007 to 28 September 2009.

The employer ignored a letter from the employees' attorney, which demanded payment of remuneration for a period of 1 January 2007 to 28 September 2009.

The employer based its argument on the fact that back pay from 1 January 2007 to 28 September 2009 had prescribed. The court held that the back pay was a judgment debt and only prescribed after 30 years. The Registrar of the court issued a writ of execution in respect of this arrear remuneration. The employees sought a declarator from the court that the employer was liable to pay the employees' remuneration of the dates above.

On appeal to the Labour Appeal Court, it was held that the claim for back pay for 1 January 2007 to 22 April 2007 was a judgment debt and had not prescribed. The LAC however, declared that the arrear remuneration for the 23 April 2007 to 28 September 2009 period had prescribed.

Constitutional Court appeal

The employees sought leave to appeal from the CC, where the court was asked to grapple with whether the prescription period in respect on the unpaid remuneration was three years or 30 years. Put differently, the CC was required to determine whether the 23 April 2007 to 28 September 2009 remuneration constituted a judgment debt.

Judgment

Although the court was split in its decision, the court found that the arrear wages were due in terms of the reinstatement order, which constitutes a judgment debt and only prescribes after 30 years.

Madlanga J held that 'reinstate' means to put an employee back into the same job or position s/he occupied before the dismissal, on the same terms and conditions. The obligation comprises of two prongs, which are bound inextricably and are not mutually exclusive. The court found that for the intervening period before reinstatement, the obligation to reinstate and effect the concomitant payment could only be a judgment debt, as the order of the courts did not reinstate the employees, but it was the employer who ought to have.

As reinstatement only took place on 29 September 2009, the entitlement to back pay flows from a contractual obligation, which flows from the contracts of employment and arose on reinstatement. Only upon reinstatement, was payment for the intervening period due to the employees.

The court held that the employer was ordered to pay the employees, their weekly wages plus any other amount (like 'leave pay' and 'leave enhancement pay') not forming part of the wages, which the employee would have been entitled to from 1 January 2007 to 15 April 2007, with interest of 15.5% per annum, calculated from 16 April 2007 to date of payment.

Further, the employer was liable to pay their weekly wages, plus any other amount not forming part of their wages to which the employee would have been entitled to from 16 April 2007 to 28 September 2009, together with interest of 15.5% per annum calculated from the dates on which their weekly wages and other amounts would have been due to date of payment.

The matter was dismissed with costs in the LAC and the CC and that of two counsel.

Employer lesson

Employers should tread carefully in refusing to reinstate employees. If the employer fails to do so, it may be liable for back pay with interest, even for back pay not envisaged in the arbitration award. This may potentially cripple the business operations financially, in instances where the matter involves a number of employees in a prolonged litigation process.
Earlier this week, the Zenex Foundation and the Western Cape Dept of Education launched a high school project focused on improving maths, science and English at 10 disadvantaged schools in the metropole north and east education districts in the Western Cape.

The Zenex Foundation will invest over R24 million in these two districts, from 2017 until 2021 to overcome the scarcity of South African skills in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) fields.

Western Cape MEC for Education, Debbie Schafer, said, As a government, we are working hard to improve the literacy and numeracy skills of all our learners and encourage more of our learners to take mathematics and science, which are gateway subjects for the economic development of our province. If we achieve this objective, we will improve the quality of the whole system, improving learner performance and retention in all grades and ultimately better outcomes in the National Senior Certificate.

We believe that this project has the potential to make a significant positive contribution to one of South Africas challenges  the lack of quality passes and low participation rates of disadvantaged black learners in the important subjects and careers requiring mathematics and science at university, said Adv Thandi Orleyn, chairperson of the Zenex Foundation.

Participating schools

The selected schools in the Metro East are:

Iqhayiya Secondary School



KwaMfundo High School



Luhlaza High School



Manyano High School



Masiyile High school

In Metro North, they are:

Bardale High School



Manzomthombo High School



Mfuleni Secondary School



Ravensmead Secondary School



Sinenjongo High School

Four levels of assistance

The project will work at four levels in the 10 schools.

The first involves training and mentoring school managers; the second level provides subject content and pedagogical training and inclassroom support to mathematics, science and English teachers; the third level sees it working directly with learners to provide additional academic support. The learner support will be a blend of face-to-face teaching methods with modern technology to ensure learners prepared for the skills required in the 21st century. The learners will also participate in academic learner camps and Mathematics and Science Clubs

The fourth level involves tertiary access support to learners through career assessments and guidance to guide learners in their study choices. Learners will receive assistance with university and bursary applications and life skills to bridge school and university study.

Partnerships deliver

Partnerships are key to the Zenex Foundations work and this project involved adopting partnerships at a number of levels, which are pivotal to its success. The Foundation is in partnership with three experienced education organisations to implement the project to deliver an integrated model of support in their respective areas of specialisation.

The University of Cape Towns Schools Development Unit (UCT-SDU) to support school leaders and teachers; The Siyavula Trust will deliver the supplementary learner support through a technology-assisted mathematics and science programme and Tsebo Education Network (TEN) will provide the tertiary access support. The Foundation has established close working relationships with the district, which provides guidance and support for the project and has played a leading role in securing buy-in from schools. The partnership with the district is critical to enhance chances of success and sustainability of the Project.

We partner with the Western Cape Department of Education on a range of educational initiatives and this project has the potential to increase the number of Black learners who achieve quality results in mathematics and science and access to university, concludes Adv. Orleyn.

We are pleased to partner with the Zenex Foundation in implementing this innovative programme. We are confident that our schools and learners will benefit in this partnership, concludes Schafer.
With an internet penetration rate of approximately 27% in Africa, there is still a lot to be achieved, but this is an opportunity for tourism businesses to harness and benefit from. Players such as Jumia Travel are already in the forefront.

According to its CEO Paul Midy, the company is keen on using technology to revolutionise how people travel. This is for instance, through incorporating Revenue Management Systems which create a smooth booking process for both the customers and hotel partners.

Image by Rawpixel.com

Moreover, speaking on 16 May at the recently concluded Indaba 2017 travel show in Durban, South Africa, Midy stressed that using technology to connect African nations through tourism will grow the continents economy and improve its competitiveness with other global tourist destinations. 64% of money spent in Africa for travel and tourism is spent by Africans. Therefore, investors should focus more on the one billion people on the continent, and grow domestic tourism, he said.

But challenges abound, such as the high cost of travel in Africa, as well as the difficulties of acquiring visas to travel within the continent. It is for this reason that the Jumia Travel boss echoed sentiments by South African President Jacob Zuma, who during his official opening of the Indba show called upon African governments to ease visa regulations for Africans, in a bid to create a seamless travel experience and make Africa a destination of choice in the world.

According to UNWTO, global tourism recorded its seventh successive year of sustained growth since the global financial crisis in 2016. Each year, over one billion people now travel around the world, with global international tourist arrivals registering an average 4% growth. Africa enjoyed an 8% increase in international tourist arrivals to reach 58 million in 2016, a double-fold growth rate with more potential for both tourism and economic development.
A passenger train scheduled to operate on the standard gauge railway has the capacity to ferry 1,200 passengers per trip, according to Kenya Railways.

Image: SGR Kenya

Managing director, Atanas Maina, said only one train would operate between Mombasa and Nairobi from 31 May 2017.

Daily trip

President Uhuru Kenyatta is expected to launch the service that is aimed at reducing travel time and congestion on roads between the capital and Mombasa Island.

The train, Maina said, will operate one daily return trip between Mombasa and Nairobi. The frequency, he added, may be reviewed depending on passenger demand.

Speaking to the Daily Nation by phone, the MD said Kenya Railways would announce the fares before the inaugural trip.

The train schedule will also be made public ahead of the inauguration next week.

Cargo

"We expect president Kenyatta to officially launch the passenger train services next week so that Kenyans can begin to enjoy modern rail transport," he said.

The head of state is also expected to flag off the cargo train on 30 May 2017. Cargo train services, however, will take off in January next year, according to Kenya Railways.

"For freight, we plan to introduce the train services in January next year since we are still doing trial operations," Maina said.

For the passenger train, travellers will choose between economy and first class while a premier business class service is planned to start in December this year.

Stopovers

"We expect efficiency, safety and cost-effective services when the passenger train operations are introduced next week," he said.

Travellers will reportedly travel faster between Mombasa and Nairobi on rail compared with road.

Kenya Railways has put travel time at five hours, compared with more than eight hours it takes a bus to cover the over 400 kilometres between Nairobi and Mombasa.

Apart from the main railway stations in Mombasa and Nairobi, there will be seven stopovers on the route: Mtito Andei, Emali, Kibwezi, Athi River, Miaseni, Mariakani, and Voi.

Maina said the standard gauge railway infrastructure and state-of-the-art facilities had attracted businesses and industries along the line between Mombasa and Nairobi.

"There is a lot of business interest in service provision, accommodation and catering as well as manufacturing along the railway line," he said.
South Africa's only national multi-marque Concours, taking place at Sun City from 3-6 August 2017, will see top classic cars showcased to an international judging panel.

According to Concours South Africa organiser, Paul Kennard and his team of judges, the presence of international judges and a high degree of overseas interest will raise the bar for the standards of classic car restoration in South Africa.

Judging panel

Heading up the judging panel once again for 2017 is the curator of the Franschhoek Motor Museum, Wayne Harley, who has been steeped in the classic car ethos for decades, and has also witnessed some of the worlds great Concours D Elegance events in Europe.

The fact that our classic cars are located thousands of kilometres away from the hotbed of the classic car arena, in Europe and America, will have no bearing on the standards of judging. The fact is, 99,9% of our cars have their roots outside of Africa, and we need to be getting our cars up to international standards. And, judging by last years event, we are not far off that. The world is a small place now. Parts and knowledge are only a click away!

Every car will be judged on its merits, not what it cost, or how many horses it has under the hood. If the guys have done their homework, and their presentation is top class, you can have a situation where, indeed, a humble Beetle may just blow a Porsche away, for overall honours, says Harley.

Age and scarcity obviously play a part in judging, and this is why we have added extra classes this year. We have also created separate classes for restored cars and preserved cars. This is not to make our lives as judges easier, but to be fair to the participants, concludes Harley.

"A motoring tapestry"

Says Kennard: We are hosting a special conference on international classic car values on the Thursday at Sun City, to kick off the weekend. South Africa is very much part of the global classic car community now, with lots of interest in our wealth of classic cars here, which have been preserved over the past 100 years.

Of course, winning an award at Concours South Africa can only add an appreciable value to an individual car. But we see the impact of Concours South Africa as much broader than merely adding to a cars price tag. We are staking our claim in the international classic car community, exposing the world to our unique motoring history here which over the past century has seen cars from Europe and the USA, as well as locally-developed unique models, create a motoring tapestry that is unique in the global arena.

Event details

Concours South Africa will run over four days at Sun City, starting with an international conference on Value in the Classic Car Market held on Thursday, 3 August 2017. Final judging will be held on Sunday, 6 August 2017 when the winners will be announced at a prize giving.
Former finance minister Pravin Gordhan - an MP and a member of the public enterprises committee - said on Tuesday, 23 May, members of the Eskom board "have let SA down more often than not", and the time might have arrived for them to resign or be dismissed.

Gordhan's hard-hitting statements were made in an engagement of the committee with public enterprises minister Lynne Brown, Eskom chairperson Ben Ngubane and members of the Eskom board.

Gordhan also called for a judicial committee of inquiry into developments at Eskom and a thorough forensic audit as to how decisions are made at the utility, which he said was far too important to become a personal toy in the hands of a few individuals.

He said the Eskom board sometimes acted with "extreme arrogance" which was "remarkable" when they were supposed to be serving a state institution.

The former minister's comments were made during question time after Brown had made her statement about withdrawing her opposition to a court application by the DA to have Eskom CEO Brian Molefe's appointment set aside.

Gordhan asked the board members who had instructed them to rehire Molefe, even though he said he did not believe he would get a truthful answer. He said parliament needed to investigate whether the board had been forsaking its fiduciary duties and acting recklessly.

He also asked Brown if she had sought legal opinion about what she could or could not do regarding the reappointment of Molefe - an issue that was a labour-relations matter.

Gordhan wanted to know why Brown did not litigate on the matter and simply gave in.

The R30m payment to Molefe, which Brown said she wanted to avoid paying by getting him re-employed, was "a drop in the ocean", said Gordhan, making a comparison to what was currently being stolen.

He said there was context to the rehiring of Molefe, which could not be seen as an isolated incident. Parliament also needed to get to the bottom of Molefe's role at Transnet "to connect all the dots", and find out who did what, and in whose interests.

In a scathing attack, Gordhan said Eskom was abusing state resources and was unwittingly or wittingly - and there was evidence that it was wittingly - seeking to capture Eskom for the benefit of a few.

Gordhan referred to a growing "don't care" attitude about the abuse of state resources and reports about this trend, as those involved knew they were protected.

Source: BDpro
Executive Director Lean Muller has recently been appointed as the new head to direct Fairtrade Label in accomplishing the vast goals it has set for 2017. The NGO aims to raise awareness and develop the local market for Fairtrade products, with a special focus on local and African goods. We talked to Terblanche about her role and what Faitrade has planned for the year ahead.

Lean Muller

Whats new with Fairtrade SA?

Fairtrade Label South Africas vision is to be the leading organisation promoting sustainable production of commodities, as well as the sustainable consumption thereof. A ground-breaking consumer campaign, Labelwise, was launched in October 2016 with partners Marine Stewardship Council, Forest Stewardship Council and Fair Trade Tourism. Recognised as some of the worlds most credible eco and social labels, the collaboration was aimed at helping everyday shoppers identify products that are kind to our planet and foster a more ethical society, simply by making them aware of the different sustainability labels that exist.

This year we will launch a call to action with the Labelwise campaign  challenging consumers to ask their schools, universities, workplaces and local government: Are you Labelwise?" Whether youre looking for anything from paper to loo roll, coffee to wine, seafood to holiday destinations, our ultimate goal is to increase the South African demand for environmentally sustainable and ethical goods and services.

What is Fairtrades vision for 2017? Is there any particular sectors/areas you will be focusing on?

We have a strong focus on the wine sector this year. South Africa is the largest producer of Fairtrade certified wine globally, producing more than 66% of the worlds Fairtrade wine. This presents a unique opportunity for social development and transformation initiatives in South Africa. In 2015, farm workers and smallholder farmers in South Africa (across the fruit, wine, sugar and tea sectors) earned over R19m in development premium through local and international sales, with only R5m in premium generated in South Africa.

Our vision is to grow this figure by creating more awareness for the producers and workers on the local market. We will also be announcing a new wine offer this year, making it more attractive for Fairtrade certified farms to label not only for export but also in the local market.

Whats on your wishlist for brand objectives for 2017?

With the support of the Switch Africa Green fund, we launched a subsidisation model to improve Fairtrade certification accessibility for SMMEs. Despite making a substantial contribution to GDP and employment, South African SMMEs are the most vulnerable to market challenges  with an estimated 70% to 80% of SMMEs failing within the first five years of operation. Fairtrade certification provides SMMEs with access to both local and international sustainable markets through Fairtrade labelling, and to marketing services by Fairtrade.

Successful promotion of sustainable consumption and production in South Africa cannot bypass the development of SMMEs, which have the potential to supply the market with Fairtrade products. Our wish is to empower more SMMEs to access Fairtrade markets, leading to increased supply and sales of Fairtrade products in South Africa and increased social, environmental and financial returns for Fairtrade beneficiaries.

Image Supplied

What do you see currently as the main challenges and or opportunities for your brand sector?

The main challenge in our sector is the current lack of retail support, as seen by the limited shelf space allocated for Fairtrade certified products. Should retailers stock more ethical products, consumers have greater access to sustainable products and this, in turn, would provide a much bigger incentive for more producers to certify and label Fairtrade.

The majority of South Africas bigger retailers pursue token sustainability agendas and do not make any real commitment to sustainable and ethical trade. Fairtrade provides a credible and effective means to achieve corporate sustainability goals - with more retailers supporting and promoting Fairtrade, it will provide more opportunity for Fairtrade certified business to sell their products, and more premium would go back to the small producers and farm workers.

There is also very low consumer awareness of the dominant role the retailer plays in the supply chain. If more consumers challenge their supermarkets to stock eco/social labels, retailers will be under more pressure to respond. We have seen time and again that the South African consumer can play a powerful role in holding retailers to account  we just need more of that fervour and action to support our cause.

Fairtrade gives the consumer a very easy way to make a difference with their shopping basket; it offers a meaningful and transparent way of directly supporting small producers and farm workers in South Africa.

What do you love most about the South African consumer and how they interact with and support Fairtrade? And, what is the greatest challenge the South African consumer presents?

The South African consumer can be a critical consumer provided they are informed about the products they buy, hence we drive consumer education campaigns that focus on the importance of sustainable consumption and production. Our Fairtrade consumer base is incredibly loyal and will go out of their way to buy ethical products. They will also challenge retailers, restaurants, hotels and other outlets if the Fairtrade products are not on offer  which is what Fairtrade really needs. We need civil society to help us drive our mission for more fair, equitable and sustainable trade.

One of the greatest challenges we are faced with are the high levels of poverty and inequality in South Africa. It seems superfluous to be marketing fair and sustainable products in a country where so many people live beneath the poverty line, but if more middle-class consumers can buy fairly traded products, it directly translates to more income and better working conditions for the poor smallholder farmers and farm workers. Fairtrade gives the consumer a very easy way to make a difference with their shopping basket; it offers a meaningful and transparent way of directly supporting small producers and farm workers in South Africa.

What inspires you personally and how do your passions and inspirations link to the work youll be doing at Fairtrade?

I am a passionate South African who believes in equality and building a better society for all through my work. I was very fortunate to have worked on pioneering social, environmental and enterprise development projects, seeing the impact of thoughtfully designed conservation, education and sustainability programmes first hand.

South Africans have so much talent, heart, and potential, but unequal access to resources and education make it hard for the majority of our population to break free from the poverty cycle. It is imperative that we look at all sectors of society to align their business, social and personal activities towards a more equal and just system.

I see Fairtrade with its mission of promoting ethical trade, as a meaningful way of creating this change. I firmly believe that mobilising producers, consumers, retail and government to endorse and support ethical trade, is a way to a more equal and empowered nation, as well as a more green economy. Fairtrade presents the opportunity for retailers and corporates to conduct business in a fair and ethical way, it offers small producers access to global markets, empowerment for rural farm workers, and the consumer can make an easy choice to promote sustainable livelihoods with their shopping basket.
From riveting short films to Spiderman karaoke at SXSW

Dominique Swiegers at the 2017 SXSW festival in Texas.

A creative boost, a sensory overload and a good old kick up the bum, all rolled up into one Texan adventure. This interactive, film and music festival was, pardon the cliche, a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Every keynote and every nook and cranny of Austin had enough energy to charge a creative army.

This is how two-time Pendoring Prestige Award winner Dominique Swiegers, King James copywriter, describes her learning experience at the SXSW festival in Texas earlier this year. After the King James Cape Town team won the Pendoring Prestige Prize (including a R100,000 study trip) for the second consecutive year in 2016, she was fortunate enough to be the chosen one to attend SXSW in Austin in March this year.

Pinpointing what the highlights of this festival were, is, however, a tall order. So basically, Im just going to play an internal game of eeny, meeny, miny, moe to choose which experiences to share in this article. Here goes...

In a talk by Gareth Edwards, director of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, what stood out was this: we all reach an age (no need for mentioning numbers), where we feel what the hell have I accomplished, really?! We face one of two choices: dwell on this or stop moaning and start making. Just create, is what I took from this directors humble keynote. Do whatever it takes to make the things you want to make. Also, collaborate. Yup, it sounds like cheesy talk. Its a basic word, but it comes with a magnitude of power.

And it certainly stuck its neck out in many talks over the week. While we all know collaboration in our agencies leads to wonderful work, we sometimes just need a little reminder. We need to step on the collaboration Lego block, if you will, say, 'ouch,' there it is, and remind ourselves that its essential. Its what leads to the wow stuff. The stuff we all strive to produce.

Tell a good story. Whether its through words, pictures, online, on the big or small screen, heck, or on the back of a juice bottle. Just tell a good story. A real one. The kind that gets people hooked like kids on sugar and grown-ups on carbs. Leave your audience wanting more and more and then some. But bury the stereotypes. Do it right. In SA, do it in vernac, why not. Create authentic, thought-provoking, hilarious content that gives you hoendervleis. Wagner Moura, lead in the series Narcos, the VEEP cast and writers, SoulPancake (Rainn Wilson's [a.k.a. Dwight from The Office] media and production company) and even the spray-painting geniuses at Castle Hill Graffiti Park reminded me of what it means to be a good storyteller.

Stimulating panel discussions were the order of the day.

National Geographic and NASA speakers, for me, highlighted the importance of being bold as a creative. Making brave choices that are of course right for your brands - then fighting tooth and nail for it. I sat there in a comfy chair listening to the woman who created the first underwater robot camp for girls and thought, Dont be afraid to go to weird places in your mind, you can always come back. Rather explore than be safe.

But one things for sure, procrastinating wont get you your next accolade. 5,000 short films were submitted to SXSW; 13 were selected. Rather be one of the 5,000 that tried than the person who earns a black belt in thumb twiddling. I was reminded that fear is not a creatives bestie, its the enemy. And in a country bursting with hungry creative doers who might just beat you to the punch, its better to be on the conceptual front foot.

Like the rock band who had the balls to cover Snoop Dogg in that one bar that one night... and who nailed it. Or the guy singing karaoke in a Spiderman costume on the corner that one day.

SXSW was a lesson in standing up and creating the work that makes others go: Man, I wish I did that.




The ANC has described presentations by Eskom and by Public Enterprise Minister Lynne Brown to Parliament on Tuesday as "incoherent", disingenuous and amounting "to perjury".

In yet another rebuke over the handling of the reappointment of Eskom CEO Brian Molefe, the party called on the government and Parliament to "act decisively" to deal with the "irrational and untenable situation".

Lynne Brown, public enterprises minister. Source: Miningmx/Martin Rhodes

"According to the incoherent version tabled today, Mr Molefe had never resigned from Eskom but rather was on unpaid leave", spokesperson Zizi Kodwa said in a statement.

"This is in direct contradiction to Mr Molefe's own statement when he left the utility, where he said, 'I have, in the interests of good corporate governance, decided to leave my employ at Eskom from January 1 2017. I do so voluntarily "' and Minister Brown's letter dated November 30 2016, where she approved the appointment of Mr Koko as acting group CEO following 'the resignation of Mr Brian Molefe'.

Kodwa said the ANC agreed to Molefe's nomination to Parliament on the strength of Brown and Molefe's comments at the time.

As an MP, Molefe was legally not allowed to be employed by the utility.

"Not only are these latest developments disingenuous to say the least, they amount to perjury," Kodwa said.
Women's Month is not important if it means we only pay attention to women's issues for 31 days of the year." - Moyin Oloruntoba

2017 marks the 61st anniversary of the Womens March and August in South Africa has evolved into the month dedicated to all matters feminine.

As media mogul Moyin Oloruntoba commented during last years Women's Month interview with Bizs Ruth Cooper: Womens Month is not important if it means we only pay attention to womens issues for 31 days of the year.

We couldnt have put it better, which is why we dedicate not only the whole month, but also the entire year to the awesome women that shape our industries.

Last year Bizcommunity showcased nearly 100 women achievers and influencers including entrepreneurs such as Ntombenhle Khathwane, TBWA\Hunt\Lascaris ECD Jenny Glover, digital doyenne Natasha Fourie and more across 18 industries from marketing, media and digital to automotive, healthcare, finance, CSI and more.

Recognising Top Women of 2017

A highlight of Women's Month coverage this year will be the media partnership with the Standard Bank Top Woman Awards, a glittering event recognising female achievers within both the private and public sectors.

So not only will August offer a comprehensive expose of what women have achieved in the past year within our African business communities, but also showcase exclusive individuals, issues, content and social media activity associated with this prestigious event.

In South Africa it all started with the Womens March to the Union Buildings back in 1956, when an estimated 10,000 to 20,000 women marched from across the country to Pretoria to hand over thousands of petitions protesting the pass laws.

60,5% of Bizcommunitys 464,000 readership are women, but Women's Month content is certainly not relevant exclusively to women!

Grab this opportunity to reach this B2B market, have your brand associated with high-value content throughout August, own a year-long presence in Bizcommunity's Women's Month Special Section archive and more special August perks.

To secure your sponsorship of Women's Month and the Bizcommunity Women's Month Special Section call 0860 812 000, or for more information and specials contact moc.ytinummoczib@selas.




LAGOS, Nigeria: Strategies for achieving improved broadband access across the African continent were discussed by experts at the International Telecoms Week conference in Chicago, recently. They highlighted the need to accelerate investment in Africa to facilitate the continent's broadband data explosion.

(L-R): Nic Rudnick, CEO, Liquid Telecoms; Uche Ofodile, Regional Head, Africa Express Wi-Fi, Facebook; Artur Mendes, CCO, Angola Cables; Funke Opeke, CEO, MainOne; Chris Wood, CEO, WIOCC and Chris George, Strategic Initiatives, Google, at the 2017 International Telecoms Week, held in Chicago, this past week.

Based on the theme Achieving A Connected Continent: Leading The Data Explosion Across Africa, the expert panel session with participation from Google, Facebook, WIOCC, Liquid Telecom and Angola Cables, discussed strategies for achieving improved broadband access across the continent. The session reviewed the state of broadband infrastructure and data traffic trajectories in different countries on the continent and made comparisons to other markets globally.

This included areas in which investments had been made, such as submarine cables, data centres, and access networks including 3G4G and FTTH networks, as some of the elements that have accelerated the growth in data traffic on the continent.

The consensus was that the data explosion will need to be driven by further investment in local networks to reach more end users rather than new submarine cables. The session revealed that while most African submarine cable systems had the capability to deliver 100 GBPS wavelengths, Africa has not utilised near enough capacity to saturate those systems. According to the panelists, for broadband to become more pervasive, there is need for continued investment and innovative business models to aid the rapid deployment of Access networks across the continent.

Regulatory environments

Facebooks regional head, Africa for Express Wifi, Uche Ofodile, shared the companys experiences working with carriers to jointly make infrastructure investments. He highlighted its initiatives in Uganda, where it is working with Airtel to deploy fibre backhaul, but noted that demand and favourable regulatory environments informed their decisions to invest.

The need to go beyond mobile infrastructure was also highlighted by the CEO of Liquid Telecom, Nic Rudnick, whose company just completed its acquisition of South African operator, Neotel for $429million.

As consumers in Africa start to use the internet for content, TV and on-demand services, mobile will have its limitations, not just in terms of technology, but also in price. We need to look at other technologies to achieve cost effectiveness.

The panelists assessment of data centre growth in Africa also indicated that uptake is not as rapid as experienced in other parts of the world and that most of the content consumed in Africa is hosted in Europe.

Data centre operators, MainOne and Liquid shared their experience that initial demand on the continent has been driven by enterprises and financial institutions, as against other geographies where OTT players are the biggest data centre players.

We do not see any of these OTTs hosting their services from Africa. We are not seeing meaningful investments coming into Africa (from OTT players) and with the sizeable population of the continent, we need to see them play a larger role in the African ecosystem, the panel concluded.

For the sixth year in a row, MainOne raised Africas profile as a target for broadband investment at the recently concluded global telecoms conference, International Telecoms Week in Chicago, USA, where it hosted an over-subscribed Africa Panel Session.

The session which was a gathering of major international and African carriers, data centre operators, mobile network operators and content distribution companies, provided a platform for players to share perspectives on the opportunities and challenges across the region with a global audience. The discussions also focused on infrastructure challenges as well as regulatory and economic constraints that impede faster proliferation of broadband access across the continent.
We are a full-service Market Research Agency and now part of SA's leading Management Consulting firm IQbusiness. We use technology and a deep understanding of human motivations to uncover powerful insights to help our customers to grow.
Since the second session of the 21st-Century Panglong Conference will mainly discuss papers submitted by the national-level political dialogues, they will [likely want to] sign the papers submitted to the conference as part of a Union agreement. But national-level political dialogues have not yet been held in Rakhine or Shan states. Since the desires and views of ethnic people who have not signed the NCA are not included yet, its impossible for us to sign, Lieutenant Colonel Sai Nguen, secretary and spokesperson of the RCSS, told KIC News.

He added that the Union government has not permitted the RCSS to hold a Shan ethnic-based dialogue despite a proposal to stage an event in the state capital, Taunggyi. The RCSS was advised to instead hold a dialogue in an area under its control, but due to difficulty identifying a venue, the event has been delayed.

Among the eight ethnic armed organizations that have signed the nationwide ceasefire agreement (NCA), the three Karen armed groups led by the Karen National Union (KNU), the Chin National Front (CNF), the PaO National Liberation Organization (PNLO) and the All Burma Students Democratic Front (ABSDF) have held ethnic-based national-level political dialogues, while the Arakan Liberation Party (ALP) and the RCSS have not.

The ALPs vice chair Khaing Soe Naing Aung expressed confusion about the intent of the peace conference since not all the signatory groups have been able to stage the preparatory dialogues, and some of the non-signatories do not seem to have been invited.

What can we submit to the second session of the 21st-Century Union Peace Conference if we havent held a national-level political dialogue? Theres nothing to submit, he said. He floated the idea that the ALP could skip the conference, but said it will attend out of respect to the other signatory groups and the ideas they plan to present.

Members of the RCSS also aired concerns that the conference will not represent the full scope of public concerns and needs, as only some of the signatory groups can even submit papers.

Twenty-seven representatives from the RCSS will nevertheless attend the Union Peace Conference, which will be held in Nay Pyi Daw from May 24-28.

Around 900 representatives have been invited to the conference. Although the government said non-NCA signatory groups will be extended invitations as special guests, a spokesperson from the Taang National Liberation Army (TNLA) said that most of the Northern Alliance members, including itself, the Arakan Army, and the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army have not been invited.

The United Nationalities Federal Council (UNFC), a coalition of ethnic armed groups, held an emergency meeting in Chiang Mai, Thailand to decide whether or not it will attend the conference.

Translated by Thida Linn

Edited by Laignee Barron
The Kayin (Karen) State temporary shelter began housing thousands of people last September when fighting erupted between a splinter faction of the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA), the Tatmadaw and a border militia. Donations to the camp have been dwindling since the start of this year, with the food stocks fully depleted of everything except rice by April. The 5,000 families still living there are desperate for alternative sources of food and supplies. But now even the physical shelter may let them down.

The buildings need to be repaired since we are in the rainy season. Nobody can live here if they are not repaired, said Saw Paing, an officer from the camp.

He added that the families at the shelter want the state government to assist with the repairs, but so far, no official help has been forthcoming.

We need food rations as well as buildings to stay in. Monks have bought us some leaves, but its not enough [to fix the roofs], he said.

Displaced families say they fear returning home to their villages which have been riddled with landmines. But each day out of the past eight months that theyve remained at Myaing Gyi Ngu, living there gets harder.

I have no one to depend on. I have small children so I cant go out and search for wood and bamboo. When I was living in our village, I bought earrings for my children. Now I have sold them for food and medicine. Of course if I buy the bamboos and leaves to repair the roof of my hut I will have nothing to eat except rice and salt when my money runs out, said Naw Lah, a resident of Mae Tha Wor Village who is staying at Myaing Gyi Ngu.

Translated by Thida Linn

Edited by Laignee Barron
The FPNCC is led by the powerful United Wa State Party (UWSP). Its other members are the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO), the Shan State Progress Party, the National Democratic Alliance Army (NDAA) the Taang National Liberation Army (TNLA), the Arakan Army (AA) and the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA).

It seems that there will be restrictions on the participation of the seven northern rebel groups, but they are invited to attend the opening and closing ceremonies. We had invited the UNFC to attend every day of the conference, but they declined to come, said Dr Aye Maung of the Union Peace Dialogue Joint Committee (UPDJC).

The United Nationalities Federal Council (UNFC) is the other major rebel bloc in the country. Its leadership declined to join the peace conference without the rights of full participants.

They offered us a special invitation, which might sound nice, but is really just another way of saying observer. Weve decided that we will not attend if there is no equality in negotiations, said Nai Hongsar, vice chairman of the UNFC.

In a statement issued the day before the conference began, the UNFC said that although its members would not attend, they continued to support political dialogue in the name of building a federal democratic union. The statement said that the council supports the spirit and framework of the negotiations, known as the 21st Century Panglong Peace Conference.

The weeks before the peace conference saw a hectic reshuffling of rebel alliances, as former coalition members found themselves at odds over participation in the conference. Of the seven members of the UNFC, twothe KIO and WNOhave chosen to leave the group, and twothe KIO and SSPPhave joined the FPNCC, in the case of the SSPP, without leaving the UNFC.

By Mon News Agency
In recent days, with the slight increase in global oil prices, domestic fuel prices have risen again because they have not yet purchased as much oil...
How Hyperthyroidism Affects Your Heart Wellness ians-Lekhaka

People with higher levels of thyroid hormones may be more likely to develop cardiovascular conditions such as heart attacks, strokes, new research showed.

Atherosclerosis, hardening and narrowing of the arteries silently and slowly blocks arteries, putting blood flow at risk and thus increase the risk of heart diseases.

"Coronary heart disease and stroke remain a leading cause of mortality worldwide, despite advances in prevention and treatment. Therefore, identifying additional modifiable risk factors for atherosclerosis of major importance," said lead author Arjola Bano, doctoral student at Erasmus University in Netherlands.

The findings revealed that higher free thyroxine (FT4) levels hormones produced by the thyroid gland are primarily responsible for regulation of metabolism in patients elevated their risk of atherosclerotic morbidity and mortality.

"The study suggests that thyroid hormone measurement can help identify individuals at risk for atherosclerosis and may have future implications for the prevention of atherosclerotic morbidity and mortality," Bano added.

For the study, presented at the annual meeting ENDO 2017 in Orlando, US, the team included 9,231 people with an average age of 64.7 years.

Bano and team explored the association between thyroid function and subclinical atherosclerosis, atherosclerotic events (fatal and nonfatal coronary heart disease or stroke) and atherosclerotic mortality (death from coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular or other atherosclerotic disease).

The researchers also accounted for the possible influence of age, gender, body mass index, total cholesterol, triglycerides, systolic blood pressure, diabetes, alcohol and tobacco intake, and the use of antihypertensive and lipid-lowering drugs in their statistical analyses.

Over a median follow up of 8.8 years, 1,130 atherosclerotic events and 580 atherosclerotic deaths occurred in the study population.

With Inputs From IANS

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Story first published: Tuesday, May 23, 2017, 15:26 [IST]
Canada NewsWire

NEW YORK CITY, May 23, 2017

Launch Celebration to be held June 9, 2017 following Global PR Summit New York

NEW YORK CITY, May 23, 2017 /CNW/ - The Organization of American Women in Public Relations (Women in PR USA) is pleased to announce the New York City Chapter launch celebration will be held on June 9, 2017 at Novotel Times Square, following Global PR Summit New York by P World.

Organized by a team of experts in public relations, the event will look at What's Next for Women in the USA's PR Industry, discuss misconceptions and redefine perceptions for our field.

Speakers Include: Deirdre Breakenridge, CEO of Pure Performance Communications; Rebekah Iliff, Chief Strategy Officer, AirPR; Shannon Furey, Public Relations Director at M studio; Natasha Koifman, President, NKPR Inc.

"Women are a driving force in PR. We are not just sitting back on the sidelines and watching change. We are making change happen. The launch of the New York City Chapter of Women in PR USA marks growth and commitment, and a goal to continually advance our roles in the profession," states Deirdre Breakenridge, CEO, Pure Performance Communications.

The organization was developed to enable groups of women leaders in public relations to come together to share ideas, contacts and experiences, and to advocate for major issues directly affecting women working in the PR industry today.

"Our collective goal for Women in PR USA is to educate the PR leaders of tomorrow about where the industry is going, key technological changes, and traditional PR beliefs that need an upgrade," explains Rebekah Iliff, Chief Strategy Officer, AirPR. "PR isn't what it used to be, and part of our job as organizational leaders is to support one another in moving the conversation forward."

The expansion of the organization in the USA marks an important milestone in efforts to educate women in public relations and to help them advance in the field across North America. One of the main goals when forming this organization was to provide a place for women to thrive earlier in their careers and to strengthen the capabilities of established PR leaders.

Now more than ever, fostering growth and mentorship plays a guiding role in the longevity of our industry. "The success of our company has been a result of being able to evolve and adapt in a constantly changing landscape," explains Natasha Koifman, President, NKPR Inc. "On a global level, we are in the midst of an incredible shift because of social media and advances in technology."

The organization aims to become an important source of information for women in the field, a key player in the rapidly changing industry, and a global champion of women.

"Women in PR USA is focused on elevating women and comprised of dynamic, industry-leading PR professionals. True success comes only when we support one another," says Shannon Furey, Public Relations Director, M studio. "We are working to close the industry's leadership gap and support the next generation of women PR leaders."

Date: June 9, 2017Time: 5:00 pm - 8:00 pmLocation: Novotel Times Square New YorkCost: $79.99 - $149.99Tickets: http://womeninpr.com/event/american-women-in-public-relations-official-launch-reception/

Exhibitor Tables: Showcase your products and services at the Women in PR USA event. A limited number of applications for exhibitor tables are being accepted. You can purchase your table online here.

For more information, visit www.womeninpr.com

The Global PR Summit New York is happening from June 8-9, 2017 at One World Trade Center followed by the Women in PR USA launch reception at Novotel Times Square New York. Use code PRNY20 to claim your 20% exclusive discount to the Global PR Summit New York.

Social Media

Join the conversation online:#WomeninPRUSATwitter: @WomeninPRUSAFacebook.com/WomeninPRUSALinkedIn Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/8445471 Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/WomeninPublicRelations/

SOURCE The Organization of Canadian Women in Public Relations
British Prime Minister Theresa May raised the UK's terror threat level from severe to critical on Tuesday evening, meaning that another attack in the UK could be imminent. Critical is the highest of the five levels devised by the intelligence services.

May's announcement, made in a live television statement, follows a suicide bombing at Manchester Arena on Monday evening which killed 22 and injured 59 at the end of a pop concert starring US star Ariana Grande. Many of the dead were children.

The UK's terror threat level is now at its highest since 2014, as the British police continue to investigate links between suicide bomber Salman Abedi and terror groups.

"It is a possibility that we cannot ignore that there is a wider group of individuals linked to this attack," May said.

Raising the level to critical means that military personnel could be deployed to support armed police officers.

"The change in the threat level means there will be additional support available to the police as they work to keep us safe," she said.

cecily.liu@mail.chinadailyuk.com


The Hornet fighter. A file photo

JACKSONVILLE (BNS): Boeing has been awarded a contract by the US Defence Department to upgrade additional F/A-18 Hornet and Super Hornet fighters of the US Navy and Marine Corps.



The $238 million contract was awarded on May 5, Boeing announced on May 22. It is an extension of a previous contract.



The work at the company's Cecil Field facility will keep the aircraft modern and mission ready.



"Our mission is to support the Navy's effort to improve readiness," said Boeing F/A-18 Sustainment program director Travis McBurnett.



"Since 1999, the Boeing Cecil Field team has returned 880 modified or repaired F/A-18s to the Navy and Marines. We look forward to delivering many more in the coming years," the official said.




Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Chancellor Angela Merkel. A file photo.

NEW DELHI (PTI): India and Germany are set to ink a series of agreements to further deepen ties in key areas of trade, investment and energy, besides exploring ways to step up defence cooperation during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's two-day visit to Berlin beginning Monday.



In their talks, Modi and German Chancellor Angela Merkel are also likely to deliberate on a number of pressing global issues including the situation in South China Sea, China's 'Belt and Road' initiative and the growing threat of terrorism, German envoy Martin Ney said on Tuesday.



He said there will be a series of "substantial" MoUs and joint declarations to ramp up cooperation in a wide-range of ares, adding the fourth Indo-German inter-governmental consultations, to be co-chaired by Modi and Merkel, will be a milestone in bilateral ties.



Identifying terrorism as a major challenge, Ney said Germany stands side by side with India in fighting the menace and noted that his country has been sharing intelligence with the Indian government.



On defence cooperation, he said Germany is ready to conclude a government-to-government agreement with India in defence procurement, adding it will be discussed by the two sides.



"India is a strategic partner for Germany. Of course, we have our export control regimes and they will continue to govern our dealings in export.



"India is a strategic partner and providing stability in Asia and there is no reason why G-to-G approach should not make further progress," he said, while referring to Germany's defence products.



He said the Prime Minister will be in Berlin in the afternoon of May 29 and will have a bilateral dinner meeting with Chancellor Merkel in an "extremely light set up". German ministers will also hold separate bilateral meetings with their Indian counterparts.



On May 30, Modi will be officially welcomed with military honours which will be followed by a plenary session where all matters of importance will be deliberated upon. It will be followed by signing of MoUs.



Modi and Merkel will also have a luncheon meeting with business tycoons after which the Prime Minister will inaugurate the Indo-German business forum. Modi will be recieved by the German President before he departs for Spain.



In their talks, the issue of India's NSG bid is also likely to figure, with Ney asserting that Germany supports New Delhi accession to different export control regimes including the NSG, Australia Group and the Wassenaar Arrangement.



Replying to a question on Kashmir, he said it is a domestic issue.



Ney said education, vocational training, renewable energy and railways are the other sectors where both sides are likely to ramp up engagement.



He said Germany is aware of India's efforts to ensure ease of doing business and promotion of trade and investment is a priority area. Ney said German companies have invested a whopping Rs 53,000 crore in India since 2010.



The volume last year was Rs 8,121 crore. A total of 1,800 German companies are operating in India.



Referring to South China Sea dispute, he said both India and Germany are striving for rules based international order and that both countries are for freedom of navigation in international waters.



He said safety of sea lanes is "very central" for free trade and growth of economies and added that security and stability in the Indian Ocean region was very important.



"Germany is highly interested in Indian Ocean Region," he said.



On Afghanistan, he said, Germany is with India in ensuring stability in the war-ravaged country. He also said both India and Germany have been striving for reforms in the UNSC.




File picture of Indian Air Forces Sukhoi 30 aircraft. A Su-30 jet with two pilots on board has gone missing after taking off from Salonibari air force station in Assam's Sonitpur district on Tuesday. Photo: PTI.

TEZPUR/GUWAHATI (PTI): A Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter jet of the Indian Air Force with two pilots on board went missing after taking off from the Tezpur IAF base in Assam during a routine training sortie on Tuesday.



A massive search operation, also involving helicopters, has been launched to trace the plane and the pilots, aged between 25 and 30, Defence spokesman Lt. Col. Sombit Ghosh of the Army's IV Corps told PTI.



The identity of the two pilots has not been disclosed.



The fighter jet had taken off from the IAF station on the outskirts of Tezpur town at 10.30 am and it lost radar and radio contact around 60 km northeast of the airbase, the officer, whose Corps is based in Tezpur, said.



An IAF statement that the plane was part of a two- aircraft formation.



Sonitpur Deputy Commissioner Manoj Kumar Deka told reporters that the airforce station had informed him that the last radar and radio contact with the plane was made at around 11.10 am when it it was flying over Dubia in Gohpur sub- division of Biswanath district, adjacent to Sonitpur district.



The Air Force, after making a thorough search on its network, informed the deputy commissioner about the aircraft going missing. He then alerted Biswanath district authorities.



Deka said he has asked all sub-divisions in his district and requested officials in Biswanath district, bordering Arunachal Pradesh, besides village headmen to provide information about the missing aircraft.



At present, two squadrons -- around 36 aircraft -- are deployed at Tezpur for guarding the frontiers in Arunachal Pradesh with China. The planes were stationed at the airbase on June 15, 2009.



A Sukhoi aircraft had touched down at an advanced landing ground at Pasighat in eastern Arunachal Pradesh last year.



The Sukhoi-30 is a Russian-made, twin-engine supersonic fighter jet meant for all-weather, air-to-air and air-to- surface missions. The first batch of the planes was inducted by the IAF in the late 1990s.



A frontline aircraft of the IAF, Su-30 has several versions. Su-30 MKI is being built under licence by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited for the Air Force. The plane can fly at a maximum speed of nearly 2,500 km per hour.



Since their induction, seven crashes have taken place. An inquiry into the plane accidents has primarily indicated technical failure as their cause.



The last Sukhoi accident occurred on March 15 when a Su- 30 MKI had crashed in Rajasthan's Barmer, hours after a Chetak helicopter crash landed and toppled in Kaushambi near Allahabad.



On May 19, 2015, a SU-30 had crashed in a paddy field in Nagaon district in Assam during a routine training mission but the two pilots had ejected safely.


Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 24/05/2017 (1996 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Tiffany Green was days away from returning to Canada from her travels in Bali when she broke her back in a biking accident.

Green, 32, had just completed Blissologys yoga teacher training on the Indonesian island and extended her holiday to enjoy the tropical surroundings before returning to Brandon.

She decided that she was just going to take the opportunity because she saved all her money and got herself all the way there, to really take in the environment, said Tiffanys older brother, Scott Green. She had met a lot of wonderful people locally and wanted the opportunity to get to know them a little bit better and explore the local area there.

Submitted Tiffany Green, 32, is pictured recently in Bali where she was attending yoga teacher training. She was in a serious bicycle accident a few days before she was to return home and is now in hospital.

On Sunday, she was biking back to her homestay after enjoying a meal at a cafe. Her brother said she was riding down a hill when she encountered a sharper turn than she was expecting.

She basically went over the front of the handle bars and landed on her shoulder and the rest of her body bent back overtop of her, Scott said.

She was thrown into a rice paddy field in a remote area. Realizing she would not be seen by passersby, she managed to drag herself to the road.

She was in excruciating pain, Scott said. Fortunately, once she got out of the ditch, it was only a few minutes before she was spotted, and assisted by locals. There was no ambulance in the area, so she had to take a 30-minute taxi ride to the nearest hospital.

Once there, it was determined she had a spinal injury, but funds had to be paid upfront in order to receive any medical attention. Scott said his sister does have some insurance coverage, but a lot of it would be reimbursed after the fact. A friend assisted Tiffany in getting things moving at the hospital.

They had a specialist come in and discovered she had, on a minor scale, fractured her scapula, which left her shoulder unusable, and then they discovered that she had two fractured upper lumbar vertebrae, Scott said.

A CT scan revealed Tiffany would not require surgery. She will, however, need a back brace to stabilize the spine. It is expected that she will have to wear the brace for four months.

Her twin sister, Tara Green, is heading to Bali to be with Tiffany during this difficult time. She will escort her home when Tiffany is able to travel. Scott hopes that will happen within the next two weeks.

Close friend Christopher Schneider set up a GoFundMe campaign on Monday. In 21 hours, the fund surpassed $8,000.

I was feeling pretty helpless, this happened around the world, said Schneider, who is an associate sociology professor at Brandon University. I knew shes well-liked of course, shes very well connected, and thought Id start this GoFundMe campaign and see what happens  and the response has been overwhelming.

He has since increased to goal to $10,000, and as of Tuesday afternoon, it was sitting at nearly $9,200. Funds collected will go toward expenses related to the accident, such as travel and rehabilitation, as well as assistance during time off work.

The GoFundMe campaign is all about Tiffany and the Green family in their time of need, Schneider said. It is so heartwarming to see the community rally around Tiffany in response to her terrible accident. The community response speaks volumes to how well-loved Tiffany is in Brandon and far beyond.

To find the online support page, visit GoFundMe.com and search Tiffany Greens Medical Expenses.

The Brandon Sun reached Tiffany on Tuesday via social media. From her hospital bed in Bali, she expressed her gratitude for all the love and positive energy thats coming in from all around the world.

She said was she was at a loss for words, and is overwhelmed by the kindness and support. Donations are coming in from not only Manitoba, but around the globe.

Tiffany lives in Alexander and is a pet care attendant at The Paw Resort and Wellness Centre. She is known as a compassionate person and animal lover who is committed to a vegan lifestyle.

Shes always been a very empathetic individual, shes always been very compassionate, Scott said. Its so heartwarming for her to feel that come back to her.

Tiffany travelled to Bali in early April, where she was enrolled in 200-hour yoga teacher training. Located in the coastal Canggu region, the training spanned a five-week period. Her return flight was originally set for this Friday.

The local yoga community is also stepping up to help. The Zen Zone is holding Tadasana for Tiffany, a donation yoga class on Friday at Princess Park from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. In case of poor weather, it will be held at the studio at 346 10th St.

Inspire You Studio, at 435 Rosser Ave., is offering karma yoga classes the next two Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., with donations to also go to Tiffanys expenses.

Shes got a long way to go when she comes home, said Gillian Cockburn, yoga instructor at Inspire You Studio. I know that everybody in the yoga community in this town  were all sending so much love and best wishes to her. You can practically feel that energy being sent over there to her. I just know thats what everybodys feeling.

 jaustin@brandonsun.com

 Twitter: @jillianaustin
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 24/05/2017 (1996 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Fifty years ago, the first heart transplant was successfully completed in South Africa; it was around that same time that Frank Watt of Alexander became a nurse. Watt will be honoured with the Distinguished Service Award for his five decades of service from Brandon East Progressive Conservative MLA Len Isleifson today.

Watt explained that he was first intrigued by nursing when his childhood neighbour was sick in the old Assiniboia Hospital. Having taken notice of the surroundings, the nurses roles at the hospital, and with a special focus on geriatric care, he started to take a serious interest in caring for others.

Help other people is my motto, Watt said.

Tim Smith/The Brandon Sun Frank Watt, who continues to work as a nurse at the age of 74, is receiving the Distinguished Service Award today in Winnipeg.

During his 52 years of service, Watt has worked at the Assiniboine Hospital, which used to be at Richmond Avenue and 10th Street, and for the Brandon Regional Health Centre at the Assiniboine Centre.

At 74 years young, Watt continues to work as a nurse.

Although he has a passion for helping anyone in need, Watt enjoys caring for Brandons eldest citizens most of all.

I wouldnt go as far as to say theyre neglected, but they arent often recognized, and kind of have a lonely life. Watt said.

The practice of nursing has evolved so much in five decades that Watts almost cant think of an aspect that hasnt changed. From the introduction of crash carts and intercoms to advancing drugs and monitoring systems, he was there for it all.

Perhaps the most obvious transition in the practice of nursing was the switch to disposable equipment. Fifty years ago, nurses were responsible for washing and sterilizing items such as bedpans, and needles. Today, bedpans are made of disposable plastic.

You did work harder in terms of cleaning things like equipment, Watt said.

He also explained that the nursing community was shocked with the introduction of CPR.

To get everybody educated in using it, and when they should use it, was big because we had never heard of anything like it before, Watt said.

Another aspect of not only nursing but society as a whole that has changed significantly is the way death is handled.

Fifty years ago it was common for elderly patients who got sick, or who were unwell, to prepare to pass away in their homes. This is different from today, where an elderly patient will likely stay in the hospital until their passing. Today, hospitals and medical professionals are much more equipped to treat terminal illnesses, and to make patients as comfortable as possible as they near their end of life.

We have different methods of saving or continuing a persons life now, Watt said. Whereas in the old days, there were hardly any interventions that could save or continue a life.

Watt also says he has seen aspects of his job modified and changed over the years, only to come back around to the initial practice he was familiar with.

I think theyve gone through three or four (types of) thermometers in my time. Watt said. I guess they were handier as time went on, but at the end of the day, a temperature is a temperature.

Of all the new methods, devices, and concepts that came in and out of practice over the years, there is one that has been the most valuable and impactful to Watt in his career.

Palliative care has come into being, and it was a great advancement. he said. At first, doctors were very hesitant to give patients too much medication for pain. As time has gone on, theyve become quite liberal, which is a wonderful thing in keeping the patient comfortable, and keeping them from lingering in misery.

Of all the changes modern medicine has seen, and the constant evolution of the practice of nursing, theres only one thing Watt said hasnt changed: the fundamentals.

Patient care and doing everything we possibly can to make patients comfortable, that has continued. Were all there for the same reason; to help these patients, and keep them comfortable, clean, and fed.

While today there are significantly fewer male nurses than female, in 1965 a male nurse was nearly unheard of. Stigmas existed that men couldnt provide proper patient care, and that they didnt have the same nurturing abilities required to be a nurse.

I always got along with the girls, Watt said. I wouldnt say I felt inferior to the girls, but some of the guys did at times.

After 50 years of service, Watt had some advice for young men and women who are working toward a degree in nursing.

You have to be thoughtful and empathetic, he said. But you have to be a special kind of person to be a nurse.

Watt will be presented with the award from Isleifson today in Winnipeg.

His story and dedication of providing patient care, reassurance and companionship to his patients made a significant difference in the patient experience. Isleifson said. Caring for those who are experiencing the health-care system at a time when they are not in the best health, takes a special person.

 The Brandon Sun
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 24/05/2017 (1996 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

With its roof partially caved in and several walls ready to tumble down, building owner Jordan Ludwig said that the tear-down of the historic structure at 1421 Pacific Ave. wasnt much of a choice.

Its a shame to lose a building that has some history in downtown Brandon, but its been so neglected for so many years, he said as a demolition crew worked at knocking down the structure on Tuesday, adding that it was definitely a safety hazard.

The building has changed hands a number of times since it was built in the early 20th century, but initially served as a Maple Leaf Milling Co. flour mill, Ludwig said, adding that a rail line used to come right off its north side, hence the buildings long shape.

Tim Smith/The Brandon Sun Demolition work on the vacant building at 1421 Pacific Ave. is done by Ballingall Brothers Ltd. on Tuesday.

The building was $23,000 deep into property tax arrears when the City of Brandon auctioned it off in 2015.

It changed hands again this spring, when Ludwig purchased the dilapidated structure, which was located next door to his business, Brandon Business Interiors Ltd.

Despite the structure being boarded up, Ludwig said that people had been prying up the boards in order to enter the building, which was of concern.

An eyesore and safety hazard for years, he said that the first order of business was to tear it down; a process that was well underway on Tuesday, with the vast majority of the structure beaten down to rubble by mid-afternoon.

Satisfied that the buildings tear-down would do the community some good, Ludwig said that his plans for the propertys future are up in the air.

Hed like to have the property developed as a commercial storefront, however, plans for the effort are currently in their infancy, with a number of hurdles that will need jumping through.

Ludwig said that while hed like to see it developed as soon as possible, those timelines are often dictated by people other than me.

 tclarke@brandonsun.com

 Twitter: @TylerClarkeMB
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 20/05/2017 (2000 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Further details are now available surrounding the discovery of guns following a high-speed chase last week.

They were revealed during a bail application made by a man accused of possessing the firearms.

The discovery comes after a string of shootings in the city last fall, followed by a number of police raids in which guns have been seized.

We have seen in Brandon in the last, almost a year now, an increase in the number of guns that are being found on Brandon streets, Crown attorney Kaley Tschetter said in Brandon provincial court during the hearing.

The latest search in which guns were found is linked to a high-speed police pursuit through business and residential areas in the citys north end on the afternoon of May 11.

A man and woman were arrested after an SUV crashed into a cement barrier near the First Street bridge.

The investigation, however, led police to a city home where they arrested another man and seized four guns, although one of them  a handgun  turned out to be a BB gun.

What wasnt previously revealed publicly until Thursdays bail hearing was that the accused and the guns were found at the home of another man who is facing charges after being stopped last month in a car that contained $40,000 worth of crystal meth.

That homeowner isnt charged in relation to the guns, and theres no evidence to suggest that they were his. And, the man charged in relation to the guns doesnt face any drug charges.

The allegations havent been proven against the men, and they are presumed innocent.

As part of the investigation into the chase, police were on the lookout for a large pickup truck that they found parked outside an east-end home.

They set up surveillance on the truck, and were watching when the suspect walked out of the home and over to the vehicle.

The man was peacefully arrested beside the truck for unauthorized possession of a firearm.

Tschetter said the suspect immediately advised police that his girlfriend was inside the home and there was an assault rifle on the couch.

Police were told that the mans girlfriend and the homeowner had nothing to do with that gun, nor any of the ones later found in the home during a search.

Officers cleared the home and found the .22-calibre assault rifle on the couch, as they were told. A 20-round capacity magazine was in the gun, and a live round in its chamber.

The homeowner, meanwhile, was on a bail order in relation to his drug charge that allowed police to search his home. He consented to the search. During that search police also found a rifle and a shotgun in a car parked in the attached garage.

Police also learned, by running the trucks vehicle identification number, that it had been stolen from Prince Albert, Sask.

The suspect accused of having the firearms was under a court-ordered lifetime ban on possessing guns.

Defence lawyer Andrew Synyshyn said the accused and his girlfriend were moving to Brandon from Saskatchewan and knew the man who lived at the city home.

Thats why they were there at the time.

John Louis Siwak, 31, of Saskatoon is charged with 13 weapon offences and one count of possession of a motor vehicle obtained by crime.

Judge Donovan Dvorak denied his release and Siwak will appear in court again on June 5.

 ihitchen@brandonsun.com
Opinion

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 24/05/2017 (1996 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

WINNIPEG  Its easy to chastise governments for broken promises and voters these days are used to a few of them emerging after every election. For many voters across Canada, a promise to change our voting system figured prominently during the 2015 federal election, with a campaigning Justin Trudeau infamously declaring that the first-past-the-post system was dead. Now, two years into his mandate, electoral reform seems to be abandoned at the roadside.

Is the promise of a more equitable, fairer and more proportional method of electing our government truly dead? Does the chance to change our politics for the better disappear with an announcement in the foyer of the House of Commons? You might be surprised to learn that next week our MPs will vote to decide whether to move forward on electoral reform, or leave it in the dust.

Acting on this cornerstone campaign promise, Trudeau established a House of Commons special committee on electoral reform  composed of MPs from all five parties  tasked with assessing the options for reform. While the new mandate letter given to Democratic Institutions Minister Karina Gould in February falsely states otherwise, the report found an appetite among Canadians for a change to our electoral system.

The committee released a 300-plus-page report, Strengthening Democracy in Canada: Principles, Process and Public Engagement for Electoral Reform, which illustrates clear consensus among experts that our system should be more proportional, consensus among Canadians on the need for more government co-operation across party lines and consensus among parties on a process for changing the system.

On May 31, the all-party committees report on democratic reform will be voted on in the House of Commons, to determine whether the issue will be carried forward into action or abandoned as Trudeau has indicated is his preference. As the prime minister is fond of saying, it is the responsibility of our MPs to be the voice of our communities in Ottawa.

With more than 80 per cent of the Liberal caucus consisting of newly elected MPs, one would hope they will take the time to engage their communities ahead of this pivotal vote.

While Trudeau was able to pull a 180 on the promise to change our electoral system, that doesnt mean we should allow our MPs to do the same. Many Liberal MPs adopted and were elected on this promise as well. MPs across party lines are feeling the pressure to carry through on this monumental promise in the upcoming vote, from Skeena New Democrat MP Nathan Cullen, who is holding consultations and town halls across the country on the topic, or Winnipeg Centre Liberal MP Robert-Falcon Ouellette, who sent out a newsletter to constituents promoting electoral reform the same week in February as Trudeaus announcement.

Another Liberal MP wrote an article publicly apologizing to his constituents for the broken promise. It is clear interest in the topic is not dying as the government moves to advance its agenda.

Defying the voting patterns of cabinet is often seen as an act of defiance, but has been increasingly common under the Trudeau government as MPs have felt the confidence to express their views and the wishes of their communities. Weve seen this precedent on such issues as the vote on Genetic Testing Bill S-201, where Liberal backbenchers defied cabinets instructions to pass the bill.

Many voters chose the Liberals because of their support for electoral reform, recognizing that casting a ballot for the Liberals could better reflect their own beliefs down the line. Some even voted strategically to remove Conservative MPs with the hope a new government would introduce a new electoral system that would eliminate the need for strategic voting next time around.

All Canadians deserve the opportunity to vote for the policies and visions that appeal to them with the expectation that their choices will be represented on the floor of Parliament.

The vote to reopen the electoral reform debate at the end of this month can bring us one step closer to a better form of representative democracy. All of our MPs, particularly Liberals who adopted this promise, need to listen to the wishes of their constituents and remember that acting on electoral reform is part of their mandate.

Thats why Leadnow is reaching out to people across the country ahead of this crucial vote on May 31. We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to change our system for the better. The next week presents a critical window of opportunity for all of us to remind our MPs they were elected to fulfil their election promises, even if their leader chooses not to stand by those commitments.

Drop by your MPs office or give them a call, write a letter and tell a friend to do the same. But most of all, remind them that when the 2019 election comes around, youll remember how they voted in the House of Commons on May 31.

 Laura Cameron is a graduate student in the masters of indigenous governance program at the University of Winnipeg. Joseph Wasylycia-Leis is a community organizer who is passionate about public engagement and social change. Their column recently appeared in the Winnipeg Free Press.
Opinion

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 24/05/2017 (1996 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Upgrade needed for traffic lights, too

Since an upgrade is scheduled for 34th Street and Victoria Avenue, the design of the traffic lights should be changed. Turning lights should be installed for all four turns. Cars will turn when the green arrow comes on. At the end of the green arrow, the arrow should turn red. The red arrow would eliminate any turns on yellow lights against motorists trying to make the yellow from the opposite direction. I have witnessed two accidents at 34th and Victoria. In both accidents, the motorists were turning left on to 34th, during the yellow light, and hit by an eastbound motorist on Victoria trying to make the yellow light. The result is a safer intersection for minimum cost.

Everything is on the rise except seniors income

A lot has been said concerning the high raises given to police and firefighters. As a retiree collecting my CPP, I see first-hand the raise in CPP each year. The raise level is a way below what city council OKs each anniversary of the contracts. Seniors living in their own homes are facing raises for city employees, resulting in raising property taxes at a far higher rate of increase than CPP and OAS yearly increases.

Oh boy, these worms are so gross!

Went for a walk on my lunch hour and came back to the office not realizing that I had worms crawling all over my sweater. Disgusting! They are crawling all over the downtown area. The city should have been spraying sooner. Winnipeg was all over this weeks ago!

A question for Manitoba Hydro

Why are you asking for a 7.9 per cent increase for electrical rates and decreasing natural gas rates by 3.1 per cent effective May 1, 2017? You are placing all of the burden on your electric ratepayers and none on your natural gas ratepayers to correct Manitoba Hydros financial mess. Many rural customers do not have access to natural gas, therefore no choice for heating energy. We are all Manitoba Hydro energy customers therefore we all should be required to shoulder the burden. Remember, not all of your financial mess can be blamed on your electrical operations!

Make Brandon stand out

Just giving a thumbs up to Come On Brandon, Shine Some Light On Our City. We have often wondered when is the city going to finish displaying our Brandon signs on the highways. They need to be showcased to draw attention to them and not just stuck in a ditch along the road. Perhaps if they were elevated on a foundation and with possibly some evergreen trees behind and with some lights so they could be seen at night  that would all definitely help. They are an attractive sign but need to be eye-catching!
By Padraig Hoare

Dublin and Galway will get 50 new jobs after travel software company OpenJaw announced expansion plans today.

A wholly owned subsidiary of Chinese technology firm TravelSky following a recent acquisition, Irish-founded OpenJaw Technologies plans to double its global workforce from 230 to 450 employees in the next three years, with at least 50 of the jobs located at the companys offices in Dublin and Galway.

It is all the more remarkable considering the company was formed in 2002 by three Irish entrepreneurs in a one roomed office. It was bought by TravelSky last year.

Recruitment has already begun in earnest, with bosses saying they are in the market for the best of Irish talent.

The jobs announcement was made at OpenJaws travel retailing summit at Dublins Mansion House, attended by executives from the worlds leading airlines and travel companies.

The company delivers eCommerce Technology to the worlds leading travel brands and supports them become online retailers.

Clients include British Airways, Iberia, Cathay Pacific, Hainan Airlines, Four Seasons Hotels, Avis Budget Europe and Air Miles.

The company services its global customer base from regional offices in Galway, Krakow, Madrid and Hong Kong. A major research and development centre in China will open in June.

Kieron Branagan, CEO of OpenJaw Technologies, said: Our intention to expand our workforce globally, is directly linked to the tremendous growth we are experiencing in Asia, especially in the domestic Chinese market. Our relationship with TravelSky has given us proprietary access to the Chinese market and were already live with four Chinese carriers and we have another four in development. Ireland is a great location from which to attract key talent into our business. As part of this recruitment campaign, we are looking for a wide range of talent including travel tech specialists and software engineers.

Recruitment for the positions has already started.
Irish travel software company, OpenJaw Technologies, is to double its global workforce from 230 to 450 employees in the next three years.

The wholly owned subsidiary of Chinese technology firm, TravelSky, said at least 50 of the jobs will be created at the companys offices in Dublin and Galway.

OpenJaw delivers eCommerce Technology to the worlds leading travel brands, including British Airways, Iberia, Cathay Pacific, Hainan Airlines, Four Seasons Hotels, Avis Budget Europe and Air Miles.

The company is headquartered in Dublin on Ormond Quay and, following its acquisition by TravelSky last year, it became the only travel tech company to gain access to the Chinese market.

The company services its global customer base from regional offices in Galway, Krakow, Madrid and Hong Kong. A major R&D Centre in Dalian, China will begin operations in June of this year.

Kieron Branagan, CEO, OpenJaw Technologies, said: "Our intention to expand our workforce globally, is directly linked to the tremendous growth we are experiencing in Asia, especially in the domestic Chinese market.

"Our relationship with TravelSky has given us proprietary access to the Chinese market and were already live with four Chinese carriers and we have another four in development.

"Ireland is a great location from which to attract key talent into our business. As part of this recruitment campaign, we are looking for a wide range of talent including; travel tech specialists and software engineers."

Speaking at the announcement, Martin Shanahan, Chief Executive of IDA Ireland, said: "The decision by OpenJaw to expand here in Ireland and internationally, is a major endorsement of Ireland as a leading location for global software companies. OpenJaw will act as a reference company of IDA Ireland when encouraging Chinese FDI into Ireland."
By Padraig Hoare

Aer Lingus will fly its newest aircraft -- a 313-seater Airbus A330-300 -- on its maiden voyage from Dublin to New York City today.

The aircraft, named St Carthage after a sixth century Irish bishop, cost in excess of $200m.

Aer Lingus now has a fleet of 63 aircraft, of which 15 will service its longhaul network.

The airline will operate its largest ever transatlantic schedule this summer, flying to 11 North American destinations with a total of 2.5 million transatlantic seats on offer, including a new direct service to Miami from Dublin starting in September.

New route Miami joins Aer Lingus existing transatlantic routes Boston, Chicago, New York, Orlando, San Francisco, Washington and Toronto from Dublin and Boston and New York from Shannon, as well as Los Angeles, Newark and Hartford.

Aer Lingus has acknowledged that Norwegian Air and Wow Air will provide stiff competition, especially in Cork and Shannon Airports.

Norwegian will make history in July when a transatlantic flight will take off from Cork Airport for the first time. It will fly to TF Green Airport in Providence, Rhode Island, an hours drive from Boston in Massachusetts.

Norwegian boss Bjorn Kjos insists low-cost long-haul flights are sustainable as long as passenger demand is there.
One Last Time was one of the final songs performed by Ariana Grande before the fatal terror attack took place at Manchester Arena last night, writes PamRyan.

Afterward, 22 people died and 59 were injured, including children.

In honour of those killed during the incident, the pop star's fans have been sharing videos online of her singing One Last Time with concertgoers last night, who are now feeling overwhelmed by its poignant relevance today.

The crowd was singing "One Last Time" w/Ariana moments before everything happened..my heart hurts #PrayForManchester https://t.co/bMo2dXBKy7  Jords (@iBiebTeam) May 23, 2017

Took this of Ariana singing One Last Time, 1 hr before the incident. So upsetting that there are people that didn't make it home #Manchester pic.twitter.com/vIVHjqN2rQ  kye. (@itsmekye) May 23, 2017

This is how I want to remember last night.The whole crowd singing one last time together #ManchesterBombing #PrayForMancester #ArianaGrande pic.twitter.com/h8gqQXFAnl  Billie Preston (@billepreston) May 23, 2017

Families are still searching for their missing loved ones, many of whom are children and young teenagers.

Anyone with concerns for Irish friends or family who may be caught up in the events taking place in Manchester can contact the Irish Embassy there on 02072352171, or call the Dublin line on +353-1-4082000.
A man has been arrested in Belfast in relation to a Facebook post about the Manchester bomb attack.

The 19-year-old is accused of making malicious remarks about the concert arena outrage.
Campaigners for the unemployed say people are still struggling to find work despite a drop in jobless figures.

Figures released by the Central Statistics Office yesterday show that the unemployment rate now stands at just over 6%.
A judge has told former banker and bankrupt Sean Fitzpatrick he is a free man after directing a jury to find him not guilty of fraud.

The ex-chairman of the defunct Anglo Irish Bank had been on trial for the last 126 days accused of "artificially reducing" personal loans for a few weeks around the end of the financial year so their full value was not shown in accounts.

After the longest criminal trial in Irish history, the former bank boss, who always denied wrongdoing and pleaded not guilty, returned to the Circuit Criminal Court in Dublin for one last time on Wednesday morning to hear the formal acquittal.

The Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement (ODCE), set up in 2001 to crack down on white collar crime, has said it fully accepts a judge's criticism of its investigation into the former Anglo chief's loans.

The watchdog accepted witnesses were coached when giving statements during the investigation and that their evidence was contaminated.

Judge John Aylmer told the jury that he would not repeat a lengthy ruling he gave in their absence on Tuesday when he told Mr Fitzpatrick he would be acquitted.

"The prosecution having confirmed that there is nothing else against you, you are free to go," the judge told the former bank boss.

Mr Fitzpatrick, who was supported in court by his daughter Sarah, said: "Thank you."

The ex-banker, who built Anglo over 30 years to become one of the biggest lending institutions in Ireland, declined to comment on the case as he left the courts but said he celebrated the verdict on Tuesday night.

"I've said everything I had to say yesterday, thank you very much," he said.

"I don't want to be rude but I'm not going to speak or make any comment."

After being told on Tuesday that he would be acquitted, Mr Fitzpatrick described the trial as very long, tiring and difficult.

The 68-year-old of Whitshed Road, Greystones, Co Wicklow had pleaded not guilty to more than two dozen offences under company law including making a misleading, false or deceptive statement to auditors and furnishing false information between 2002 to 2007.

Judge Aylmer gave the jury a brief outline of why he was directing the not guilty verdict.

"If any of you have been reading the newspapers or the internet contrary to my admonitions I can forgive you in that regard," he said.

"I've made a decision in a matter of law that the prosecution has not established a sufficient case to go to the jury."

The judge said: "The thrust of what I've decided is that there was an investigation of the charges against Mr Fitzpatrick which fell short of that which an accused person is entitled to."

He added: "There are shortcomings in the evidence in relation to each of the charges which meant that there was an insufficient case."

The jurors, who heard the case over eight months, have been excused from jury service for life.

The ODCE said it accepted witnesses from auditors Ernst and Young were coached while making statements and their evidence was contaminated.

The former banker's acquittal sparked criticism from opposition politicians over the handling of the investigation, including a call for the head of the agency Ian Drennan to resign.

The Director of Public Prosecutions, which does not normally discuss the outcome of cases, declined to comment.

This was the second time Mr Fitzpatrick stood trial over his personal loans from Anglo.

The first case collapsed in 2015 after it was disclosed that documents held by the ODCE had been shredded by one of its officials.

Mr Fitzpatrick was previously found not guilty by a jury after being charged over multi-million loans that Anglo gave to major clients, known as the Maple 10, to buy shares in the bank as its stock market price collapsed.

Anglo went bust eight years ago and cost the Irish state about 29 billion.
The family of a woman who was killed in a freak Luas accident have settled their High Court action for 548,000, writes Ann O'Loughlin of the Irish Examiner.

Yao Webster (aged 35) was on her way to work in Ushers Island post office, and may have stopped to tie her lace, when the crash happened at the junction of Abbey Street and Jervis Street around 8.45am on April 7th 2014.

Yao Webster.

A Luas tram, which was travelling on the red Line towards Tallaght, collided with a silver BMW car coming from the direction of the quays towards Parnell Street.

After being hit by the tram, the car spun out of control and into Ms Webster who was on the footpath outside the Leprechaun museum.

The car had broken a red light, Hugh OKeeffe SC, for Robin Webster, husband of the deceased, told the court today when asking it to approve a settlement of the proceedings.

It seemed death was instantaneous but, after being advised about the extent of Ms Websters injuries, her husband and parents had decided against seeing her body, counsel outlined.

Mr Webster (aged 44), a software developer of Eden Grove, Donabate, Co Dublin, had sued Quentin Hannezo, of Hapenny Bridge House, Lower Ormond Quay, driver of the BMW, and Transdev Dublin Light rail Ltd, trading as Luas, over the accident.

The settlement is against the defendants but it includes an indemnity in favour of Transdev.

The bulk of the 548,000 goes to Mr Webster and his daughter while his wifes parents, who live in China, will get 20,000. The deceased was their only child.

Outlining the case, Mr OKeeffe said Mr Webster met his wife when she came here to study English and they married in August 2003. Both worked and Ms Webster had various jobs.

At the time of the accident, she was a post office assistant in Ushers Quay.

Mr Webster suffered a severe grief reaction but did his best to maintain his daughters routine after the accident, counsel said.

Her parents remain in contact with their grandchild and Mr Webster hoped she would learn Mandarin and Chinese customs.

Mr Justice Kevin Cross approved the settlement as a very good one for this tragic and difficult case.

After the settlement, Mr Webster's solicitor Dermot McNamara said the case highlighted the potential danger for motorists approaching Luas crossings.

He said a momentary lapse in concentration by the motorist in this case proved to be "devastating" for the Webster family.

Chloe had lost her mother, Mr Webster lost his wife and her parents in China lost their only child, he said.
Labour's new Bill to close the gender pay gap will apparently 'take a carrot and not a stick approach'.

The Government has decided to support the Bill through the second stage in the Seanad today.
Irish film director Neil Jordan has settled his High Court action over a fall in front of a Dublin Bus in the city centre, writes Ann O'Loughlin.

Dublin Bus and one of its drivers had both denied liability over the incident, which involved no contact between the bus and Mr Jordan.

No details of the settlement, reached after day long talks between the sides, were disclosed.

The 67-year-old director, with an address at Sorrento Terrace, Dalkey, Co Dublin, sued over the incident at Dawson Street on April 19 2013.

Mr Jordan, who had had cruciate ligament surgery the previous week and was using a walking stick, was attempting to cross the pedestrian crossing at the top of Dawson Street.

He said he had a pedestrian light which was green so he walked across the road.

He claimed, as he approached the other side of the road, suddenly and without warning, he was caused to fall to the ground when a bus came around the corner and drove at him in an aggressive manner before it suddenly stopped.

He claimed he tried to get out of the way of the bus and fell as a result.

He claimed he suffered personal injuries, loss, damage, inconvenienced and expense due to alleged negligence and breach of duty on the part of the defendants.

His case was listed for hearing in the High Court personal injuries list today.

After several hours of talks between the sides, a settlement was reached and Ronnie Robbins SC, for Mr Jordan, secured various orders including an order for Mr Jordans costs.

Mr Jordan was in court throughout the day while the talks continued between lawyers for the sides.

A native of Sligo, Mr Jordan won an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay for The Crying Game in 1993. His 1996 film Michael Collins was re-released on March 18th 2016 for its 20th anniversary.

In previous media interviews, he claimed he experienced serious difficulty landing work for some time after the accident.

I couldnt move out of my house for about a year and for another two years I was kind of incapable  my movement was very restricted so I had to stop making films, he said.
Families bereaved by the Omagh bomb have supported an appeal for money for the Manchester victims.

The 1998 blast was the single most bloody attack of the Troubles and killed 29 people after a dissident republican car bomb exploded on a busy shopping street.

Michael Gallagher lost his son Aiden, 21, and extended the hand of friendship across the Irish Sea.

Mr Gallagher said: "We know many of the trials and tribulations that the families affected by the Manchester bomb will go through.

"In a situation that is totally despairing I think there is great hope in the fact that the people of Manchester from right across the communities of all religions have come together, have sent a very positive message and not allowed this individual, whether working alone or with others, to poison the community by bringing out racial hatred which these things often do.

"I think that is a very powerful message."

He said he coped with his own tragedy by focusing on the goodness of his murdered son, a young mechanic and only son who had gone to a shop to buy some clothes, rather than concentrating on those responsible.

The bomb devastated Omagh town centre just months after the 1998 Good Friday Agreement sealed the North's emergence from conflict.

It was blamed on the Real IRA and in 2009 four men were held responsible in a civil case brought by families of the victims.

Mr Gallagher said he felt helpless in recent days, being unable to attend rallies in Manchester to show solidarity.

"Generally the families that have not been affected would not be listening to news and keeping a close eye as we would on what is happening.

"It is important that they concentrate on the wonderful people that they lost and what I have found in my experience I had to dig very deep inside my soul to have the strength to carry on and it was all the good things, all the good people I met in life, the good person that Aiden was, that is what gave me the strength and energy to go forward."

Michael Gallagher.

He said the Omagh families had supported an appeal for money for the families and hoped others would too.

"This is something that has been thrust on a family who never in their wildest dreams could ever imagine, their lives being turned upside down by their children going to a concert.

"So it is difficult but I would say, don't concentrate on the individual who committed this atrocity because that is exactly what they want you to do.

"They want hatred to build up inside people and cause community strife and that is the last thing we need.

"We need to show a united front that our democracy, our freedom and our humanity will not be affected by their acts no matter how brutal they are."
A father-of-two with more than 100 criminal convictions is facing sentence for repeatedly snatching phones from women while he cycled past them on Dublin streets, writes Tom Tuite.

Gary Moles, 25, from Tulip Court, Darndale, Dublin pleaded guilty today to phone thefts on dates in February, March and April this year. He was warned by Judge Anthony Halpin that given the nature of the crime he faces jail unless he can come up with compensation.

The thefts happened at Dorset Street, Nearneys Court and Parnell Square East in Dublin city-centres north side. Dublin District Court heard that Moles, who has 101 prior criminal convictions, snatched smart-phones worth in total about 1,600 from three womens hands and cycled off with them.

Judge Anthony Halpin described his actions as a pretty nasty crime, going around on a bike stealing phones.

The person has no chance of getting the phone back, he [Moles] is on the bike cycling away. It is not just the phones, it is the peoples lives, they have Facebook and all their numbers, said, adding, he has 101 previous, when does the penny drop?.

His prior offences included theft, drugs and motoring offences, the court was told.

Defence solicitor Stephanie OMeara said the 25-year-old has had a problem with tablet and cannabis abuse and would benefit from support services. His second child was born recently, the court also heard.

Judge Halpin asked for a pre-sentence report on Moles to be prepared by the Probation Service and he also asked gardai to obtain victim impact reports.

Moles, who did not address the court, was granted legal aid and was remanded on bail to appear again in four weeks.
Ariana Grande's concerts at London's O2 Arena on Thursday May 25 and Friday May 26 have been cancelled.

Grande's gig in Manchester on Monday night was the location of an attack by a suicide bomber, killing 22 people and injuring dozens more.
The mother of popstar Ariana Grande proved herself to be a bit of a hero on the night of the Manchester Arena bombing.

On that fateful night, when a suicide bomber detonated a bomb in the foyer of the Manchester Arena at the end of a concert by Ariana Grande, Joan Grande rushed a number of fans to safety by taking them backstage.
Comedian and radio presenter Al Porter is headlining a charity gig in support of Amnesty International Ireland.

The comedy gig: 'Al Porter & friends' is taking place at Vicar St on Saturday June 24 to mark celebrations during Dublin LGBTQ Pride.

Executive Director of Amnesty International Ireland Colm OGorman said:"Were delighted to be coming back to Vicar Street for a great night of comedy, featuring Al Porter, Alison Spittle, Linda Martin, The Sugar Cubes and others."

"Together, were hoping to raise much needed funds to support Amnestys human rights work. We are so grateful to all of the wonderful performers and everyone involved who continue to support us and give freely of their time."

Tickets are 25 and they go on sale, tomorrow, Thursday May 25, at 9am through www.ticketmaster.ie and usual outlets nationwide.
Stop the clock, this is top class, Irish showbiz news.

Kim Kardashian's best mate, Jonathan Cheban is coming to Ireland to co-host TV3's Xpose show.

The 'Keeping Up with the Kardashians' star will join Karen Koster, Glenda Gilson and Cassie Stokes this Thursday and Friday to discuss fashion, style, beauty and celebs.

The former Celebrity Big Brother housemate told TV3: "Ive done lots of TV is the US and the UK but never in Ireland so I cant wait."

According to TV3, Jonathan is the first of a list of high profile guest presenters that will be gracing our screens during Xpose over the next few weeks.

Tune in tomorrow to Xpose on TV3 at 7.30pm or on 3e at 8.30pm.
Update 1.20pm: Salman Abedi perpetrated the worst outrage Britain has seen in a decade just days after returning from Libya, according to reports.

The 22-year-old's visit to his family's native country fuelled concerns he was preparing for Monday's deadly assault under the guidance of hardened jihadists.

The Times reported the Manchester-born bomber spent three weeks in the war-torn north African nation before the attack on Manchester Arena, in which he was killed.

A friend told the paper: "He went to Libya three weeks ago and came back recently, like days ago."

Both Islamic State (IS), who claimed responsibility for the atrocity, and al Qaida have a presence in Libya, but the possibility remains that Abedi travelled to their heartland in Syria for training.

Prime Minister Theresa May said on Tuesday night it was possible he had planned his deadly attack with a "wider group of individuals".

Born and raised in Manchester, Abedi grew up in a Muslim household - but matured into a university dropout with an appetite for bloodshed.

He was registered as living at Elsmore Road as recently as last year, where police raided a downstairs red-bricked semi-detached property on Tuesday.

Neighbours recalled an abrasive, tall, skinny young man who was little known in the neighbourhood, and often seen in traditional Islamic clothing.

He is thought to have lived at a number of addresses in the area, including one in Wilbraham Road, where plainclothes police made an arrest on Tuesday.

Abedi previously lived with his mother Samia Tabbal, father Ramadan Abedi and a brother, Ismail Abedi, who was born in Westminster in 1993.

He is thought to have a younger brother, Hashim Abedi, and a sister Jomana, whose Facebook profile suggests she is from Tripoli and lives in Manchester.

A family friend, who asked not to be named, said they were known to the Libyan community in the city and described Abedi as "normal".

He told the Press Association: "He was always friendly, nothing to suggest (he was violent). He was normal, to be honest."

Abedi is believed to have attended the Manchester Islamic Centre, also known as the Didsbury Mosque.

Here, he reportedly caught the attention of one imam whom he stared down during a sermon denouncing terrorism.

"Salman showed me a face of hate after that sermon," Mohammed Saeed told The Guardian of the 2015 encounter.

"He was showing me hatred."

Fawaz Haffar, a businessman and trustee of the mosque, said he "probably" did attend there, given his father used to perform the call to prayer and his brother Ismail attended as a volunteer until recently.

He said: "I see him (the father) praying but I don't know really who he is. I see him sometimes raising the azan, or call to prayer, but that was a long time ago.

"As far as I knew he went back to Libya when things were much better over there, to work over there.

"He was devout as far as I know. He had three sons, one of them is detained, one of them is a suspect and the third one I have no idea who he is."

He said the mosque is moderate, modern and liberal and that he is a member of an organisation liaising with police, the Independent Advisory Group.

Abedi studied business and management at Salford University two or three years ago, a source said, but dropped out of the course and did not complete his degree.

The source said Abedi began his course in 2014 and attended lectures for two years but then stopped going.

He would have graduated this summer.

He did not live in university accommodation, had not been in any trouble at the university and was not on any radar for pastoral or social care.

It is understood Abedi was not known to have participated in any clubs or societies during his time in higher education - and never met with the resident imam.

Dr Sam Grogan, the university's Pro-Vice Chancellor Student Experience, said: "All at the University of Salford are shocked and saddened by the events of last night. Our thoughts are with all those involved, their families and their friends."

Libyan refugee Abdalraouf Abdallah was sentenced to five-and-a-half years in jail last year after helping Muslim convert and former RAF Iraq War veteran Stephen Gray try to get to Syria.

Abdallah, wheelchair-bound after he was shot in Libya in 2011, lived in Westerling Way, Moss Side, a short drive from Abedi's Elsmore Road address.

Abdallah came to the UK with his family as refugees in 1993.

Gray, who lived at nearby Whitnall Street in the city, was jailed for five years for terror offences, after he twice attempted to join jihadis in Syria.

Abedi was a pupil at Burnage Academy For Boys between 2009 and 2011, the school said.

In a statement, it said: "We are a Manchester school. We feel the pain that Manchester feels. We stand shoulder to shoulder with our fellow Mancunians against terrorism in all its forms. Our deepest condolences go to all who have been affected by this outrage."

Update - 10.17am: Bomber Salman Abedi reportedly knew a fellow Mancunian who was once described as an "inspirational figure" for would-be jihadis.

Raphael Hostey left the UK in 2013 and became known as Abu Qaqa in his capacity as an IS fixer, encouraging other young Britons to join the terror group.

Describing him during the trial of another radicalised Briton who had hoped to travel to Syria, a judge said: "He has become an inspirational figure, encouraging others to travel and join in with Jihad."

Abedi may previously have been in contact with Hostey, it has been reported.

Hostey, who studied at John Moores University in Liverpool and was married with a child, was believed to have been killed in a drone strike in 2016.

He was part of a network of four young Muslims from the north-west who left Britain for Syria more than three years ago.

Mohammed Javeed and Khalil Raoufi, then aged 21 and 20 respectively, left together, while Nur Hassan, 21 at the time, departed the UK around a month later.

Following a second meeting of the Government's emergency committee Cobra on Tuesday Theresa May said "it is a possibility we cannot ignore that there is a wider group of individuals linked to this attack".

Update - 9.10am: The Manchester bomber Salman Abedi is believed to have travelled to Syria and had "proven" links with Islamic State, France's interior minister has said.

Gerard Collomb told French television that both British and French intelligence services had information that Abedi had been in Syria.

Mr Collomb said: "We only know what the British investigators have told us.

"He was a British national of Libyan origin, he grew up in Great Britain.

The first picture of #ManchesterAttack suspect Salman Abedi pic.twitter.com/Ij6eJCiIxJ  Sky News (@SkyNews) May 24, 2017

"All of a sudden he travelled to Libya and then most likely to Syria, became radicalised and decided to commit this attack."

When Mr Collomb was asked whether there was a terrorist network, he replied: "We don't know yet (if there's a network). In any case, links with Daesh (Islamic State) are proven."

Ms Rudd confirmed Abedi had recently returned from a visit to Libya, where his parents are reported to now live, and said the nature of the attack suggested he may have had support.

"It was more sophisticated than some of the horrific events that we have seen in the past or in other parts of Europe so people are reasonably wondering whether he did this on his own," she told BBC Breakfast.

She said the deployment of troops would enable the police to step up security at various high profile events over the coming days, including the Great Manchester Run.

Ms Rudd urged the public to be vigilant but to carry on with life as normal, saying people should be "alert, not alarmed".

"We must not let these sorts of events stop our way of life," she said.

Earlier: Manchester bomber Salman Abedi was known to the intelligence services "up to a point", British Home Secretary Amber Rudd has said.

The British Government raised the terrorism threat level to "critical" - the highest possible rating - on Tuesday amid fears another attack is imminent.

Ms Rudd disclosed that the intelligence services had been aware of British-born Abedi, who is reported to have recently returned to the UK from a visit to Libya.

She told Sky News: "We do know that he was known up to a point to the intelligence services".

Ms Rudd refused to be drawn about the nature of the information held by the intelligence services about Abedi.

"I am sure that we will get more information about him over the next few days and the next few weeks," she said.

She said the threat level would remain at a heightened state while the investigation into the attack continued.

"It is an ongoing operation which means that the investigation is continuing to find leads," she said.

"So until we can be reassured that there is no continued activity around this operation, that is entirely safe around this operation, then it is right that we are at this heightened state of alert.

"It is operationally driven, it is intelligence-driven and we must make sure that we allow our counter-terrorist police, our police and our intelligence services to get on and do their job and this helps give them the space to do just that."
A college has promised to fully support one of its students after confirming that both of her parents were killed in the Manchester bombing.

Alex Klis, 20, made a desperate appeal for help to find her parents Angelika, 39, and Marcin, 42, after the attack on Monday night.

It is thought the couple, from York, had gone to collect their daughter from the arena concert and were waiting for her when the bomb was detonated.

On Wednesday, York College confirmed that Mr and Mrs Klis were among the dead.

College principal and chief executive Dr Alison Birkinshaw said: "Everyone at York College is shocked and saddened to learn that the parents of one of our students, Alex Klis, both died during the Manchester attack.

"This is devastating news for Alex and her family, the whole college and the wider community.

"We are in touch with Alex and will do whatever we can to support her and her family.

"The college has also arranged counselling and other support for students and staff affected by the news and will work with the wider networks in the city to do whatever is needed to help all those affected."

Dr Birkinshaw added: "Our thoughts and prayers are with Alex and her family, and York College students and staff will do whatever we can to help and support Alex at this awful time."

Alex Klis took to Facebook on the early hours of Tuesday morning saying she was looking for her parents.

She wrote: "Anyone who is in any safe place or hospital in Manchester, if anyone comes across my parents please please let me know as they've been missing ever since the attack."

Crowdfunding to Alex Klis and her family, who tragically lost both her parents in the Manchester Arena attack https://t.co/UNhLwbc3oI  aswan  (@aswanrosamarie) May 24, 2017

Mr and Mrs Klis are believed to be the Polish couple referred to by Poland's foreign minister, Witold Waszczykowski, when he told a radio station on Tuesday: "The parents came after the concert to collect their daughters and unfortunately we have information that they are dead. The children are safe."

Online appeals have been started to help Alex and her younger sister, Patrycia.

It has been reported that family members from Poland are travelling to York to help. Mr Klis is understood to have worked as a taxi driver.
Donald Trump arrived in Brussels as thousands of demonstrators took to the streets and the Belgian prime minister said he spoke with the US president "without taboos".

Mr Trump, who a year ago said Brussels had turned into a "hellhole", oozed charm as he met with Belgian King Philippe and moved onto a powwow with top ministers on the eve of a Nato summit, the main event of his two-day stopover in Belgium.

Prime Minister Charles Michel said he insisted that Mr Trump should unequivocally back the Paris Agreement on climate change and honour the US commitment to multilateral trade agreements, two issues about which Mr Trump has raised doubts.

"It was a discussion without taboos. There was no diplomatic language. The messages were direct from both sides," Mr Michel said of their meeting.

Climate change will take centre stage at a G-7 meeting in Sicily on Friday, and Mr Trump has yet to clearly commit to respecting the landmark Paris Agreement aimed at controlling global warming.

Mr Trump and Mr Michel said they were on the same page when it came to terrorism, once again an immediate topic in Europe in the wake of the Manchester attack this week.

"We will win. 100%," said Mr Trump, whom Mr Michel called an ally in the global fight against terror.

About a mile away, thousands of protesters shouting "We don't want Trump! We don't want Trump!" were not as kind towards the visiting president.

They harangued Mr Trump on everything from his plans to build a wall on the US-Mexican border to his treatment of women and promotion of the coal industry.

"We are here today because we are against sexism. This is my main reason, and I find Trump really horrible," demonstrator Dorien Vanden Boer said.

The route of the marchers stayed away from the US Embassy and the Royal Palace, where Mr Trump was holding meetings.

He had a light schedule in Brussels on Wednesday before talks with European Union top officials scheduled for Thursday morning and a full summit of Nato leaders in the evening.

Mr Trump plans to fly to Sicily late on Thursday.

AP
The National Museum of Australia launched a new exhibit on Wednesday, marking the 50-years since the 1967 referendum,

Taking its title from the civil rights anthem of the same name, A Change Is Gonna Come looks at nine decades of Indigenous activism in Australia.

Speaking at the launch was referendum activist Ray Peckham. Credit:Rohan Thomson

At the referendum, 90 per cent of Australians voted to have Aboriginal people counted in the national census and allowed the federal government to legislate laws on behalf of Aboriginal people.

Parliament could then tackle Indigenous issues directly, where as before it had been up to the states, who had done little to affect such change.
David Eastman's planned mammoth retrial for the shooting death of former Canberra police chief Colin Winchester has been pushed back and will not start until 2018, more than six months after the case was expected to begin in the ACT Supreme Court.

Eastman, 71, was set to face a jury for the second time from July to fight allegations he gunned down Mr Winchester, in a fresh trial estimated at six months and with more than 300 witnesses.

David Eastman on his way into court in 1995. His retrial won't begin until 2018.

That trial has now been vacated and the case has been delayed until February next year.
A government watchdog has agreed to investigate alleged nepotism and misuse of public funds inside the Australian National University School of Music.

The investigation, by the Commonwealth Ombudsman, is in response to a complaint made under public interest disclosure laws by a former head of the school, Professor Peter Tregear, who resigned in 2015.

Professor Andrew Podger conducted an independent review into the school of music in 2016. Credit:Elesa Kurtz

The allegations to be investigated were outlined in a letter to the professor from the Ombudsman's office dated February 13 this year.

They include a possible conflict of interest, the promotion and preferential treatment of staff, and claims an academic's salary was paid for from an account connected with an ACT government grant.
A federal court has blocked efforts to cut power price rises which will leave households facing a 'price spike' that could run into hundreds of dollars a year, one consumer group has warned.

After protracted legal action, the Australian Energy Regulator lost on nearly all counts when it sought to restrain spending by power companies. It had argued that the NSW electricity distribution businesses - the poles and wires companies such as Ausgrid and Endeavour Energy - were inefficient.

The decision has national ramifications since it will affect the regulator's dealings with the power industry in all other states. It is also a windfall for the investors who have paid the NSW government billions of dollars to acquire control of Ausgrid and Endeavour over the six months or so.
Major Australian banks have been under pressure to rule out funding Adani's controversial Carmichael mine, but the former CEO of Australia's second-biggest miner says the Indian giant does not need their money anyway.

Speaking at a business lunch in Brisbane, former Rio Tinto chief executive Sam Walsh described the idea the company needed australian banks to get the Galilee Basin project off the ground as a "furphy".

Former Rio Tinto chief Sam Walsh has been enmeshed in Rio's bribery scandal in West Africa. Credit:Robert Shakespeare

"I don't believe Adani actually needs any finance from any Australian bank," he said, adding finance would likely come from overseas.

Resources Minister and apparently soon-to-be former Westpac customer Matt Canavan branded the company "wimps" after it ruled out funding the mine after intense lobbying from Adani opponents, who also cast doubt on its financial viability.
"Rio actually lost half of the deposit, because we weren't willing to play any of these games," he said. "That's currently going through arbitration and now it's in the courts and we'll let others decide all of that. But time and time again we had deposits that either just sat there for years, waiting for a brown paper bag that wasn't going to appear or we had the deposits taken away from us." Mr Walsh refused to go into detail about what happened, citing the ongoing arbitration, but said the FBI and other agencies discovered that "something nefarious had happened". "It was actually extraordinary that half the deposit would suddenly be taken away from us and given to a company that hadn't mined an ounce of iron ore in their history," he said. The former Rio boss said a $US10.5 million payment to consultant Francois de Combret at the centre of the investigations was payment for lobbying. "It was for work that he did acting as a lobbyist, ... helping us to put a new state agreement into place," he said. "This is a document two inches thick and it was a couple of year's work."

Mr Walsh declined to guarantee that none of the $US10.5 million payment ended up as a bribe but said he did not think the French banker was "that sort of gentleman". Mr De Combret's contract "specifically stated that this (Rio Tinto) code of conduct, which prohibits bribery, that that would be followed", Walsh said. Alpha Conde, the African country's president and a school mate of de Combret, was "masterminding" the discussions and a man of "impeccable qualities", Mr Walsh said. In an address on 'leadership' Mr Walsh said there were three key areas of focus: firstly, making the tough calls, secondly delivering value in everything you do and finally, seeking to adapt and thrive, via personal development and reinvention. "Don't fall into the trap of thinking that answering emails all day or using 'WhatsApp' is adding real value," he said.

"Leadership is all about: leading by example, motivating, engaging, involving and communicating. Ensuring there is clear accountability and ability to make the tough calls early are other defining characteristics." Walsh also recalled the intense financial pressure Rio was under when he took the reins at the start of 2013, which prompted him to take the company back to the basics. "When you become a chief executive you have to very quickly decide whether it's time for an evolutionary or revolutionary re-focus. I definitely wanted to move with revolutionary speed, but at the same time the company didn't need a wholesale reinvention," he said. "It needed leadership." This involved bringing back "the operating discipline we were recognised for. A reset, to play to our traditional strengths", he said. Prior to joining Rio, Walsh had worked in the auto industry, which taught him that the customer "really is king", how to be truly competitive, how supply chains work, and the like.
NSW construction union boss Brian Parker and nine other officials face heavy penalties after being found liable for unlawful industrial action at Sydney's Barangaroo site where they intimidated a female police officer and called Lend Lease employees "dogs" and latte-sipping "c---s".

The Federal Court on Wednesday found the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union NSW and its members breached workplace laws by striking at the building site on July 24 and 25 in 2014 after the suspension of union delegate, Peter Genovese. Mr Genovese was suspended after he allegedly pushed and verbally abused a Lend Lease employee.

CFMEU officials face heavy penalties after being found liable for unlawful industrial action at the Barangaroo site. Credit:Peter Braig

Federal Court Justice Geoffrey Flick on Wednesday found CFMEU NSW secretary Mr Parker and other union officials co-erced workers into unlawful strikes that saw about 1000 construction workers walk off the job at the $6 billion Barangaroo project.

During the height of the dispute, union officials were reported calling Lend Lease employees "dogs", "lower than a paedophile grub" and latte-sipping "soft c---s".
The ACT government exhibits a fine sense of irony about motherhood. Encouraging the idea that killing and cruelty to animals and their dependent young is what Australians do with our wildlife, it announced  this time around Mother's Day  the next in its "culls" of kangaroos in reserves and sanctuaries.

Kangaroos find shelter in reserves (and on rural residential properties) against a background of shooting and persecution. Commercial shooting for pet food and skins happens in our region. State and federal governments enable this. Well over a million kangaroos are killed nationally every year.

The ACT government says Canberra's grasslands are threatened by growing eastern grey kangaroo populations. Credit:Mark Graham

The commercial kill is limited only by whether shooters can actually find animals (which desktop formulas say exist), and whether a disapproving international community can be convinced to buy the carcasses. Some graziers continue to kill kangaroos because they believe they are competitors for grass. We have all seen death by dogs, fences and car strike.

The grassy woodland habitat shared by small native animals  which the ACT says it wants to save by killing kangaroos  is covered by more roads, housing and other development on a daily basis. When remaining grass gets higher and poses a fire risk, heavy-footed cattle are brought in to those same grasslands.
One would think the media would be wary of airing the shocking views of someone whose credentials are tough to verify. But for conservative media  and their audiences  the prospect of a self-proclaimed Muslim leader saying headline-friendly anti-Muslim things was too good to resist.

The Australian National Imams Council, which represents Imams across Australia, has said they do not recognise Tawhidi as an Imam, Sheikh or Muslim leader. His claims of being threatened by Muslims for his opinions have not been backed up by police.

The self-styled "imam of peace", Mohammad Tawhidi, is not recognised as a sheikh, imam or any kind of religious authority by the Australian National Imams Council. Credit:YouTube

Earlier this week, the ABC's Media Watch turned its attention to Mohammad Tawhidi, a self-described "imam of peace" who has built a significant media profile thanks to his strange stances on issues affecting Australian Muslims.

It's the latest example of a weird, perverse phenomenon that's come to occupy an outsized place in our national conversation. We have a bad habit of suspending our critical faculties when we're presented with someone whose age, gender, sexuality, race, religion, political orientation or other cultural marker is seemingly at odds with their opinions, especially when those opinions are as loud and provocative as possible.

In a media environment increasingly dominated by outrage and political division, being a self-defined contrarian has become a sure-fire way to secure TV appearances, column inches and just enough cheap notoriety to keep your name in lights.

The US election last year saw plenty of people using this strategy to make a name for themselves. Lynette Hardway and Rochelle Richardson, two black women from North Carolina who style themselves Diamond and Silk, vaulted to national prominence in conservative circles and gained breathless international coverage for their support of Donald Trump on their YouTube channel. They've since parlayed their heightened profile into a full-blown media career, complete with their own range of merchandise.

David Frum, a conservative political commentator who wrote speeches for George W. Bush and agitated for the invasion of Iraq, has reinvented himself in the Trump era as a sage defender of American democracy to the delight of US liberals.

Closer to home, the Australian contrarian menagerie is full of superficially interesting characters who become pretty stale once the gag becomes familiar. Think Caleb Bond, whose shtick is being a very young conservative who speaks, thinks and dresses like an old man; Daisy Cousens, the self-described former feminist-turned-"men's rights" agitator; and Mark Latham, the former Labor leader gone right-wing in all the worst ways.
A week ago Sunday night, two different contests were underway. In California, lawyers for the state of Hawaii prepared to argue in the US Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit against President Trump's executive order banning nationals from six Middle Eastern countries from entering the country. In Las Vegas, five immigrant women were vying for the title of Miss USA.

On the surface, beauty pageants might appear to have little in common with immigration policy. But pageants are actually a vehicle for reflecting and defining what it looks like to be American, and their demographics over time can help explain what the executive order is really about.

Donald Trump posing with women from several of the pageants he owned in 2006. Credit:AP

Beauty pageants typically bring to mind frivolous women, regressive notions of femininity, and controversial, often insipid answers to interview questions. That's not entirely off base. But in the United States, their history is also inherently political and, more specifically, racial.

In her book Pageants, Parlors, and Pretty Women, historian Blain Roberts notes beauty pageants emerged in the South during Jim Crow as a way to assert white superiority. White Southerners created an entire cosmetics industry equating beauty with whiteness and trained a string of winning Miss Americas who embodied their racial ideal in a national representative. The Miss America pageant, which started in 1921, lifted its official rule that contestants be "of the white race" in 1950, but state and local pageant officials continued to enforce it: Miss Black America emerged as a secondary pageant in 1968 to protest the exclusion of black women. (The first black contestant, representing Iowa, competed in the Miss America pageant in 1971.) Later, with an influx of immigrants in the 1960s and 1970s as a result of relaxed immigration laws, pageants for other ethnic groups, such as Miss India USA and Miss Chinatown USA, offered foreign-born citizens avenues to recognise within their own communities a beauty ideal that was rejected by the mainstream culture.
The Turnbull government is staring down claims there is a $2 billion "black hole" in the revenue its new bank tax will raise, after federal Labor cited figures from the big four banks and industry estimates to attack the levy.

Labor has said it will back the new tax, which is supposed to raise $1.6 billion in its first year, and $6.2 billion over four years.

The ALP has hammered the government over its revenue forecasts after Westpac, Commonwealth Bank, ANZ and NAB released estimates that suggested $965 million would be raised, after tax, in the first year of operation. Macquarie, the only bank yet to release an estimate of what it will pay, is not expected to make up the shortfall.
The Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet paid $1.3 million through recruitment firms to the company at the centre of what is allegedly one of the largest tax frauds in Australian history, a Senate estimates committee has heard.

On Tuesday night, the committee was warned of a government-wide payroll exposure to Plutus, the company that allegedly defrauded the Tax Office of $165 million in just 11 months, after a directive from the Department of Finance for all government agencies to check their books.

The committee heard the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet had 11 information and communications technology contractors paid through the company allegedly run by Adam Cranston, the son of the Australian Taxation Office Deputy Commissioner Michael Cranston.

"During the course of the day we have confirmed the number that we now understand have been affected are 11," said the department's chief financial officer, Charlotte Tressler.
Liberal senator Eric Abetz has demanded SBS managing director Michael Ebeid hand over emails detailing his decision to support a corporate campaign for marriage equality.

The freedom of information request, which was rejected by SBS, became the subject of an intense exchange when Senator Abetz grilled the openly gay SBS boss at Senate estimates on Wednesday.

The controversy related to a letter to Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, signed by almost three dozen prominent business leaders, calling on him to legalise same-sex marriage. It sparked a fierce backlash from Coalition conservatives including Senator Abetz and Immigration Minister Peter Dutton.
The Prime Minister, Mr Holt, the Country Party Leader, MrJ. McEwen, and the Leader of the Opposition, Mr, E.G. Whitlam, all backed the proposal to increase the size of the House of Representatives and to peg the size of the Senate. However, in the days before the referendum it became obvious that they would have no chance against the appeal to the prejudice of the average Australian against any more politicians. No doubt Both Mr Holt and Mr Whitlam argued hard that the proposal of the three major parties to determine the number of members of the House of Representatives by dividing the population of each State by not less than 85,000 and in keeping the size of the Senate at 60, would result in the long run in fewer politicians. This argument was based on the claim that Parliament has always possessed the power to enlarge the House of Representatives as long as the size of the Senate is increased on a 2-1 ratio.

The second part of the referendum dealing with Aborigines was never in doubt. The Constitution, as it stood, provided that Aboriginal natives should not be counted in a census. The reason for this was that, at the turn of the century when the Constitution was framed, there was a great practical difficulty of counting the Aboriginal population at that time. However, in 1967, this is no longer a serious difficulty, and all political parties thought that the provision was completely out of harmony with Australian national attitudes and modern thinking. Emphatic

In addition, the Aboriginal section of the referendum provided for the dropping of a few words from Section 21, sub-section xxVI, which gives the Commonwealth power to make laws for the people of any race; other than the Aboriginal race, in any State, for whom it is deemed necessary to make special laws. All parties were influenced by the widespread impression which exists that the words "other than the Aboriginal race in any State" were discriminatory. The Australian people gave them their full backing today, when asked to do so. The voting in the other States against the breaking of the nexus was emphatic from the start of counting. In Tasmania, the majority against it rose quickly to three to one, and looked like remaining so throughout the count. Similarly Victoria, Queensland, South Australia and later Western Australia came out emphatically against the proposal.

Many members of the three major parties who were so keen to increase the size of the House of Representatives and peg that of the Senate, are convinced that this part of the referendum was lost when Sir Robert Menzies retired in January last year. Full power Sir Robert introduced legislation for the referendum in November, 1965, and it was universally believed that the Yes vote might have been carried if he had put his full prestige behind it. However, he refused to remain in politics long enough to do so, and the present Prime Minister, Mr Holt, dodged the issue by putting off the original referendum for 12 months. The delay and the departure of Sir Robert proved fatal.

Today's vote against a move to increase the size of the House of Representatives was so emphatic that it will be many years before any government attempts to make the change. Parliament possesses full power to increase its size, as long as the 2-1 ratio between the House of Representatives and the Senate is maintained. However, both the Government and the Opposition both claimed emphatically during the campaign that the size of the Senate would have to be increased by a minimum of 24 to 84 to avoid permanent deadlocks. This would mean increasing the size of the House of Representatives to 168 and this could not be possibly justified until towards the turn of the century, when the population will have increased to the 20 million mark. The immediate problem now facing the Prime Minister is the long-overdue redistribution of the electoral boundaries of the seats in the House of Representatives.

There will be 123 voting seats in the new parliament in 1970 as well as the ACT and the Northern Territory. Refusal The ACT already possesses a vote and the NT will probably given one by 1970. The refusal of the Australian people today to agree to increase in the size of the Lower House means that NSW will lose one house in the parliament, giving that state 45 seats. How The Sydney Morning Herald reported the 1967 referendum (May 29 1967)

Canberra - Sunday The Prime Minister, Mr Holt, said today that Saturday's nexus referendum vote was not so much against the breaking of the nexus as against more politicians. He said that no matter how ill-advised the Government regarded this view, it must accept it as representing a strong persuading force at least during the present Parliament. Mr Holt said the outcome of the referendum left some difficult problems. Ian Fitchett, the Herald's Political Correspondent, says the resounding defeat of the nexus referendum must lead to a serious clash of the Liberal and Country parties over redistribution. Only NSW had a majority of votes in favour of the proposal to break the requirement that the Senate must have half as many seats as the House of Representatives.

The other States rejected it by majorities as high as three to one. Disparities Mr Holt said there was general agreement that there must be a redistribution of electorates before the next general election. Due to rapid growth in outer suburban areas of the capital cities, there were gross disparities between electorates in the same State and even in the same city. There was an overwhelming case for a redistribution which would produce a more equitable balance.

One consequence of the varying rates of growth of population in different parts of the Commonwealth could be an actual reduction of seats in one or more States and, despite the degree of tolerance permitted to Redistribution Commissioners, in rural representation. There were problems which the Cabinet would have to study closely. Mr Holt said the adverse vote on the nexus proposal, while not altogether surprising, was disappointing. He had said before the poll that a majority for No would be a victory for prejudice and misrepresentation against calm reasoning and good sense. He still held that view, and the voting details tended to confirm it.

In NSW, where political forces and Press, generally speaking, declared their support for a Yes vote, a majority for Yes appeared to have been obtained. On the other hand, where Press and political forces waged a campaign of misrepresentation based on prejudice, there had been a strong No majority. It was never difficult to whip up opposition on the slogan, "No more politicians." The fact that the proposal put forward meant something very different was either ignored, or imperfectly perceived. Concern It seemed clear that in the smaller States there was a fear that their role in the Federation would be diminished in a larger House of Representatives and an unchanged numerical strength in the State.

"We attempted to meet this understandable concern by pointing out that each representative from the smaller States in the House of Representatives had voted in support of this proposal, and a large majority of senators from the smaller States had similarly supported it," Mr Holt said. "In fact, there was a unanimous majority in the House of Representatives in support of the Yes proposal; there was an overwhelming majority, 45-7, in favour of it in the Senate." Delighted On the Aborigines question, Mr Holt said he was delighted with the overwhelming vote in every State favouring the elimination of those references in the Constitution which smacked of discrimination. The grant of power to the Commonwealth which followed from the vote would enable it to play a useful part in ensuring justice and social acceptance for Aborigines.

The vote would not only help the Aboriginal, it would contribute to Australia's international standing by demonstrating to the outside world its overwhelming desire to give full acceptance to the Aboriginal people within its community. Tonight Mr Holt left for talks in Washington, London and Ottawa. He is expected to return about June 18. Record Yes on second issue The sweeping majority of more than 10-1 in favour of the referendum on Aborigines yesterday was the biggest Yes vote in the history of Commonwealth referendums. Only 9.03 per cent of the people voted against counting Aborigines in the census and allowing the Commonwealth to legislate for them.

The previous greatest majority was in a 1906 referendum which allowed Senate and House of Representatives elections to be held at the same time. Then the majority for was four to one with all States in favour. Despite the overwhelming majority vote on Saturday there were pockets of opposition to the Aborigines question, particularly in Western Australia, where the vote against was 18.56 per cent. 29 per cent In the Western Australian electorate, of Kalgoorlie more than 28 per cent of all votes cast opposed the proposal.
The Australian Federal Police has been notified that the online editor of the Australian conservative journal Quadrant wrote an opinion piece saying that, "had there been a shred of justice", the Manchester blast would have "detonated in an Ultimo TV studio".

He added that, if such an attack took place, "none of the panel's likely casualties would have represented the slightest reduction in humanity's intelligence, decency, empathy or honesty".

The piece, written by Quadrant's online editor, Roger Franklin, was posted on Tuesday night as coverage continued of the terrorist attack in Manchester that has so far killed 22.

The contentious passage was later amended to begin: "What if that blast had detonated in an Ultimo TV studio?" and it remains on the journal's site, entitled "The Manchester Bomber's ABC Pals".
A sea of flowers at Martin Place formed a makeshift memorial in the days after the siege. Credit:Getty Images He said police would now operate under a "different philosophy" and be more ready to shift from negotiation to a pre-emptive strike. But he cautioned against expecting such strikes would save all hostages. "Early engagement doesn't mean there will be less lives lost," he said. "It may be different lives." Hostages escape from the Lindt cafe during the siege. Credit:Andrew Meares Delivering his findings in Sydney on Wednesday, Mr Barnes was at pains to say police were not at fault over the deaths of Mr Johnson, the cafe manager, and barrister Katrina Dawson.

"All of the blame for those rests on the shoulders of Man Monis," the coroner found. NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller says criminals no longer "stay in their lanes". Credit:Daniel Munoz Mr Barnes said police displayed "inspiring" bravery when they entered the cafe thinking the gunman had a bomb. But "mistakes cannot be papered over if outcomes are to be improved," he said. Monis, a refugee from Iran, assumed "wildly different guises" during his nearly two decades in Australia  including "a devout cleric, a Greek businessman and an aspiring bikie"  before he took 18 people hostage on December 15, 2014. Out on bail, in part due to errors by police and public prosecutors, Monis created a kind of torture prison in the cafe, alternately feigning concern for the hostages and threatening to shoot them, Mr Barnes found.

Throughout the day, senior police said negotiators were working with Monis. But the coroner found negotiators made no progress and failed to reassess as the siege stretched over 17 hours. A consultant police psychiatrist over-stepped his role, setting negotiation strategy and providing "erroneous" advice on Islamic State, the coroner found. The negotiators and the psychiatrist had advised "negotiations were progressing, that the stronghold was calm, that Monis' behaviour was not consistent with Islamic State methodology  he was merely 'grandstanding', and, towards the end of the night, [Monis] was beginning to 'settle'," the coroner found. "Police commanders underestimated the threat Monis posed." In addition to this "flawed advice", police were operating under an entrenched philosophy of "contain and negotiate" that led them to hang back from a surprise assault on the cafe, known in police parlance as a "deliberate action".

Fears that Monis had a bomb in his backpack played on their minds. However, Mr Barnes said the decision "to enter the stronghold at a time of their choosing would have increased the chance of surprising the hostage taker and thus reducing the risk to the hostages." Without a deliberate action plan in place, police were left to keep negotiating while preparing for an emergency. Mr Barnes also found commanders had "insufficient guidance" to help them decide when the emergency action threshold had been reached. Ms Dawson was killed by police bullet fragments after a tactical assault team shot Monis dead. Mr Barnes found neither of the two officers who fired their weapons had shot excessively. But the assault team had used "an unnecessary and excessive" number of "flash-bangs" or distraction devices.

Ms Dawson's parents, Alexander and Jane, and her brothers, Angus and Sandy, were in court for the findings. So, too, was Mr Johnson's partner, Thomas Zinn, and his parents, Ken Johnson and Rosie Connellan. Lindt hostages Louisa Hope, her mother Robin, and Paolo Vassallo were also present. The coroner will release on Monday the submissions of the families, who have publicly condemned police for not entering the cafe earlier. Mr Zinn said on Wednesday the inquest had amounted to "one shocking discovery" after another. Loading
An Indian national found guilty of the murder of her former lover's fiancee has had her conviction quashed and will face a retrial.

Manisha Patel was found by a jury in July 2015 to have fatally stabbed Purvi Joshi, 28, in a unit in Bestic Street, Kyeemagh, in Sydney's south, in the early hours of July 30, 2013.

She was sentenced in September 2015 to a maximum term of 24 years in jail, with a non-parole period of 18 years.

On Wednesday the NSW Court of Criminal Appeal upheld Ms Patel's appeal against the conviction and ordered a new trial.

Ms Patel appeared in court via video-link from Silverwater Women's Correctional Centre.
Uber drivers will not have to install security cameras in their vehicles after moves by the Katter's Australian Party failed.

But the industry will be reviewed in 18 months, with the effectiveness of security cameras to be under the spotlight.

The second stage of ride-sharing reforms has passed Queensland Parliament. Credit:AP

The Transport and Other Legislation (Personalised Transport Reform) Amendment Bill passed on Wednesday night, with bipartisan support.

Member for Mount Isa Robbie Katter moved several amendments, including mandatory security cameras, commercial-grade GPS and a duress alarm for the driver in both taxis and ride-sharing vehicles; new insurance rules; and specialised number plates for ride-sharing vehicles.
It's partly thanks to a financial literacy program at her school, Collingwood College, but the year 10 student says her financial literacy lessons started at home.

Malaz does not yet have a job, but she understands the basics of tax, online banking and is starting to learn about superannuation.

Malaz Mohamed-Bakhit, 15, understands the basics of tax, online banking and is starting to learn about superannuation. Credit:Jason South

Malaz Mohamed-Bakhit was 13 when she started reading and interpreting payslips for her mother.

Malaz's Eritrean mother occasionally called on her daughter's English skills to help make sense of her payslips, and to help her set up online pay transactions when she started working in childcare.

"We both learnt from it," Malaz said.

But Malaz is in the minority, with the latest Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) report on financial literacy finding that only 15 per cent of Australian 15-year-olds are able to detect a scam financial email and only about 37 per cent can read a payslip.

The study compares the performance of students from 15 OECD countries. Australian 15-year-olds are equal fifth in the world, with the Netherlands, scoring an average of 504 in the PISA test, above the OECD average of 489.

Australian students performed worse than those in China, Belgium, Canada and Russia, but better than those in the US, Poland, Italy, Spain and Lithuania.
A man has been sentenced to seven years' jail for fatally punching his former partner when she tried to leave him.

Lindsay Masatora struck nurse and mother-of-four Amanda Dawson, 58, twice in the head in a carpark in Traralgon, in the state's south-east, on October 10, 2016.



He was likely angered because she had ended their relationship, the Supreme Court heard on Wednesday.

Credit:Vince Caligiuri

Ms Dawson drove to a carpark in Traralgon and was seen beckoning to Masatora, 57, to return to the car. Later, he stood next to the car, shouting at her, then struck her twice in the head.

He hesitated briefly before calling 000 as she became unconscious, the court heard. She died a few days later.
The executive director of a pearling company has blamed himself for not training staff on how to retrieve injured divers in 2012 when a 22-year-old employee died off Western Australia's north coast.

Victorian man Jarrod Hampton was an experienced scuba diver but was on only his second day of drift diving for Paspaley Pearling Company on April 14, 2012 when he got into trouble off Eighty Mile Beach and was pulled to the surface unconscious.

Jarrod Hampton died while working as a pearl diver off Broome. Credit:Facebook.

Skipper Ronald Watson jumped into the water to bring him back to the boat and the crew then struggled to get him up the ladder because the deck was high.

Mr Hampton's colleagues tried to revive him on deck for about 50 minutes but were unsuccessful and a post-mortem concluded he had drowned.
A group of students at Wesley College won't step into a classroom for ten weeks - all in the hope of real world experience.

Year 8 students are taken away from the traditional classroom structure as part of the school's Katitjin program and are sent into the city as a way to develop life skills.

Out of the classroom and into the real world Credit:Nine News Perth

"The home base is the WA Rowing Club and has been since inception. Students are expected to find their own way there, no lifts from mum or dad," said Deputy Head Nathan Jessup.

One of the major projects of the Katitjin program is a photography exhibition to help raise awareness on homelessness.
Bangkok: The United Nations children's agency UNICEF has revealed that as many as 150 children under five are dying each day in Myanmar, while 30 per cent suffer from moderate or severe malnutrition.

In a shock report the agency says war, poverty and under-development in remote parts of Myanmar are preventing children from reaping the benefits of reforms since the country began opening to the world in 2010 after half a century of military rule.

"For an estimated 2.2 million children the promise of peace remains unfulfilled, leaving their hopes for a better future blighted by poverty, lack of opportunity and the ever-present fear of violence," UNICEF says in the just-released report.

The agency says optimism following the signing of a national ceasefire by ethnic armies in 2015 and the election of Aung San Suu Kyi's government in 2016 have been tempered by slower-than-expected progress on economic reforms.
US President Donald Trump's entry in the guest book at Israel's national Holocaust memorial was strangely upbeat, self-referential and written in his signature all-caps: "IT IS A GREAT HONOR TO BE HERE WITH ALL OF MY FRIENDS - SO AMAZING & WILL NEVER FORGET!"

The brevity and tone of the note may have been a function of the hurry the President was in during his time at the site, known as Yad Vashem, which he visited on Tuesday.

Packing so much into just 27 hours in Israel left only half an hour for the memorial, a customary stop on US presidential visits, which precluded him from getting a full tour of the museum.

Trump had already come under fire for that perceived slight to the memorial before his one-sentence missive started raising eyebrows and making headlines.
London and Tripoli: The younger brother and father of the suicide bomber who killed 22 people at a concert venue in Manchester have been arrested in Tripoli on suspicion of links with Islamic State, a spokesman for a local counter-terrorism force said on Wednesday.

The arrest came as police in the UK arrested five men and said they were investigating a "network", adding further weight to suspicions that 22-year old suicide bomber Salman Abedi did not act alone when he unleashed his deadly violence on concert-goers on Monday night.

The Libyan counter-terrorism force, known as Rada, detained Hashem Abedi, who was born in 1997, on Tuesday evening, spokesman Ahmed Bin Salem told Reuters.

Hashem Abedi had been in touch with his brother, Mr Bin Salem said.
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It was another thrilling episode of Brooklyn Paper Radio as hosts Gersh Kuntzman of the New York Daily News and Brooklyn Paper editor-in-chief Vince DiMiceli were joined by Politico reporter Dana Rubinstein, whose ground-breaking reporting on CitiBikes in New York City has revealed many things to many readers and, specifically, Gersh Kuntzman.

You know, I did not know that CitiBike had to pay for the space all its docking stations it takes up, Kuntzman said. Until I read about it in a story by Rubinstein.

But Rubinstein, a former Brooklyn Paper reporter, noted that others had written that, and Gersh missed it.

The big news is it is expanding to Staten Island and the Bronx, she pointed out.

DiMiceli wondered if the service pays the city only for the spaces on metered streets, a question Rubinstein said she would look into.

I that is why I am a good editor, DiMiceli said. Because that is the first question I would have asked.

It was agreed upon by the talkers that the reason for the proposed expansion is the threat of competition by so-called dock-less bike rental services  Uber-like services that promise to rent bikes without having to build a place to house them when they are not being used  looking to move into the city, a move that would make it more difficult for CitiBike to turn a profit.

So it is the threat of competition that is driving this change, DiMiceli pointed out.

Also on the show, the boys unveiled a new segment  Johnny on the Spot  during which they asked millennial producer Johnny (or Jimmy, or whatever his name is) what was going on in the news. Alas, he was unsure.

Finally, the boys previewed Johnnys new show on CNG Radio, The Johnny and Hersh Show, an obvious rip-off of the original title of Brooklyn Paper Radio, The Vinny and Gersh Show.

It took me a while to find a person named Hersh to make this happen, the producer said.

That show will debut later this month or early next month.

Brooklyn Paper radio is recorded and podcast live every Tuesday at 10 am  for your convenience  from our studio in Americas Downtown and can be found, as always, right here on Brook lynPa per.com , on iTunes, and on Stitcher.
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78th Precinct

Park Slope

Whats the opposite of an olive branch?

Police busted a man suspected of beating a guy with a tree limb in Prospect Park on May 9.

The victim told police he was near Ocean and Parkside avenues in the park at 3:20 pm when a stranger matching the suspects description cracked a branch over his back.

Youre fired

Cops arrested a worker at a Flatbush Avenue clothing boutique for allegedly pocketing cash from the register in a spree that began on March 13.

The shop owner told police his employee, 21, routinely pilfered the cash drawer of the fashion store near Atlantic Avenue, amassing an illicit $2,263 off his bosss back.

At least he brushes

Police nabbed an alleged crack head suspected of stealing $56 worth of toothpaste from a Flatbush Avenue pharmacy on May 10.

An employee told police the suspect fled with 12 stolen tubes of Colegate from the drugstore between Prospect and Park places at 5 am, but cops were able to spot him following a brief search later that day, and the witness was able positively identify him.

Upon his arrest, police searched the man and uncovered a pipe covered in crack residue, cops said.

Free pass

A restaurant owner has refused to press charges on the alleged drunk suspected of unintentionally smashing a Sixth Avenue eaterys door on May 13.

The restaurateur told police the suspect inflicted $300 worth of damage to the side entrance of his eatery between Fifth and Sixth avenues at 10:10 pm, but that he didnt mean to and was also very drunk.

At any rate, the suspect seems to have done more damage to himself than the door, and was taken to Methodist Hospital following his accident, cops said.

Punch-drunk penny pincher

Investigators have given up the hunt for the miserly merrymaker who stiffed the bar at a Flatbush Avenue diner on May 8.

A server told police she poured the jerk $79 worth of booze inside the eatery near Atlantic Avenue at 5:05 pm, but the louse only left $30 on the bar when he fled with his ill-gotten buzz.

The wrong foot

A thief stole more than $300 worth of socks and sneakers from a Flatbush Avenue chain store on May 12.

An employee told police that the suspect grabbed four pairs of shoes and three pairs of socks from the retailer near Atlantic Avenue at 2:55 pm, before slinking out with his ill-gotten footware.

Shattered

Some jerk busted a mans car window on Grand Army Plaza on May 3.

The victim told police he parked his 2003 Ford between Eastern Parkway and Flatbush Avenue at 11:30 pm, and returned the next morning to find his front passenger-side window smashed.

 Colin Mixson
Nearly 80 PA people have been charged for Jan. 6 riot. Three are dead.
The Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) is delighted to welcome two new independent merchant members in Northern Ireland.

The first local independent merchant in Northern Ireland to sign up is B J Mullen & Sons, based in Moy, County Tyrone, Northern Ireland. B J Mullen was founded in 1977 and is in its third generation of family ownership, employing 20 people.

Shane Mullen, director of B J Mullen, said: We are excited to be joining the BMF as a smaller independent and we are looking forward to working with the BMF in all areas, but especially training and health and safety.

Kellys Point also joins, covering South Down and South Armagh areas, leading into southern Ireland, and employing around 30 staff.

Kenny Toner, general manager of Kellys Point, said: We are delighted to be joining the BMF as the latest local independent merchant in Northern Ireland. We are looking forward to building upon the already strong relationships enjoyed with our suppliers and customers.

John Newcomb, BMF managing director, said: I am delighted B J Mullen and Kellys Point see the value in being part of the BMF. We are looking forward to working with them both.
Families need help: Donate and Give a Christmas

During the holiday season, in partnership with NJ 211, we are pleased to offer the Give a Christmas program to Burlington County residents.
Hollywood superstar is in India to promote his latest film, the Netflix satire "War Machine".

Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan will be moderating a special chat session here with Pitt, in which the two actors will discuss the project.

In the movie, the 53-year-old actor plays a US General posted in Afghanistan.

Directed by David Michod, of "Animal Kingdom" fame, the Netflix Original film is inspired by the book "The Operators: The Wild & Terrifying Inside Story of America's War in Afghanistan" by late journalist Michael Hastings.

An investment in the range of $60 million also makes it Netflix's biggest-budget feature to date.

Pitt's character is loosely based on General Stanley A McChrystal, a retired United States Army general best-known for his command of Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC).

His last assignment was as Commander, International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) and Commander, US Forces Afghanistan.

Hastings's blistering profile on McChrystal led to his firing by Obama.

Pitt's company Plan B is also one of the producers of the film.

The first big-budget Hollywood movie on Netflix will be released on May 26.
Infosys, Indias second-largest software exporter, rewarded its top employees with significant salary hikes last year. Total compensation, including performance-based stock units for nine leaders, grew nearly 60 per cent on an average at a time when the industry is experiencing the slowest growth in a decade.
In a letter to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India recently, Reliance Jio Infocomm accused Bharti Airtel of introducing discriminatory tariff plans in the marketplace and using misleading advertisements to promote its services. To many, it was nothing but round two of a bruising telecom battle that began when Reliance Jio entered the market nine months ago doing much the same that it now accuses competitors of doing: Undercutting rivals and offering freebies to consumers.

While Jio had a free run till March this year notching up over 100 million subscribers in the process, experts say that sanity in terms of pricing and promotions will eventually prevail. But for the moment, the price and discount focused Indian customer is forcing brands into one of the biggest battles for market share.

There will likely be a spike in consumers switching across all mobile carriers. As a result, they (mobile carriers or telecom operators) will be making quick reactive decisions based on the competitive scenario, Paul Moore, director, global, Kantar Worldpanel ComTech, part of the WPP Group, said. Mobile carriers will place more emphasis on products and services to add value and lock in users, he says.

Kantar Worldpanel ComTech is the largest continuous consumer research mobile phone tracking panel in the world and India is the nineteenth addition to the list of markets tracked, indicating its importance, Moore says. Most telecom majors are already beginning to indulge in reactive decisions, offering tariff plans based on lifestyle, usage, occupation, gender and age. The spending pattern of subscribers has come sharply into focus, he says, as most players determine which plan will suit the consumers need.

There is a reason why telcos in India are doing this, he says. Average monthly spend on mobile services is lowest in India vis-a-vis the Comtech panels other markets, which includes the US, UK, Brazil, Spain, Argentina, Russia, Germany, Italy, France, Australia, China and Japan.

Moore says Indias average monthly spend stands at merely $2.5 or Rs 161 based on the current exchange rate ($1 = Rs 64.55). Compare this with Chinas average monthly spend and it stands at $8.7 or Rs 562, Brazils $7.6 or Rs 491 and Mexicos $10.7 or Rs 691.

Also, India remains a largely pre-pay market at 92.5 per cent versus the UKs 17.7 per cent and USs 31.3 per cent, according to the report, driving down the ability to derive significant revenue from subscribers. Whats more? Despite India being the worlds second-largest smartphone market after China, smartphone penetration is actually lower than many other markets including the US, UK, China, Brazil and Mexico.

Moore says that Indias smartphone penetration in 18 out of 22 telecom circles surveyed by the research agency as part of its 20,000-strong Comtech consumer panel stands at 46.5 per cent, the balance 53.5 per cent belongs to feature phones. Countries such as the UK are miles ahead, with smartphone penetration at 87.2 per cent, the US with 75.1 per cent and China, 79.3 per cent. Developing markets such as Brazil and Mexico too are better off with smartphone penetration at 68.1 per cent and 68.8 per cent respectively.







Clearly, despite all the potential that India displays in the telecom and smartphone market, incumbents in both domains, say experts, have much work to do to convert this potential into a viable business proposition. While there are signs of improvement: The Rs 16,000 and above handset models in India have reported good growth in recent quarters, average spend on a handset in the country, according to the Kantar Worldpanel Comtech, is only $109 or Rs 7,042, which is less than half the Rs 16,000-price point. This means that most handset buyers in India still prefer lower-priced models as opposed to higher-priced ones, putting pressure on existing brands to help consumers trade up, experts tracking the mobile phone market said.

Most smartphone brands from Apple to Samsung, LG to Lenovo are responding to this challenge by focusing on pricing across the value chain. While Apple in particular continues to see good traction for its premium products, thanks in part to the huge brand equity it enjoys in the marketplace, the company has turned its attention to lower-priced models too to improve shares. In recent quarters, the worlds most-admired tech brand has dropped prices of older models, offered discounts on newer upgrades and is also readying plans to introduce locally assembled iphones in India in a month.

Rival Samsung, on the other hand, is plugging gaps in its portfolio, both at the upper and lower ends, to ensure competitors do not shake it off its pedestal of being the leader in the 113-million-unit domestic smartphone market. Currently, Samsung is the leader in the domestic smartphone market with a share of 26 per cent for the March 2017 quarter in terms of shipments, according to a study by Counterpoint Research. It has a tough and gruelling road ahead as it will need to run harder to keep its spot in the sun.
nformation Technology

is in the process of registering as a union.

FITE has been organising protests against job layoffs by information technology (IT) .

The joint commissioner of labour (conciliation), office of the Commissioner of Labour, Chennai, met not only the Cognizant employees who filed the complaint, but also the company management to inquire into the matter.

FITE is consulting with legal experts on how to go ahead with the case and whether it would require a registration as a union to file a collective petition. The for
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Indian seafood exporters will move the United States International Trade Commission (USITC), a quasi-judicial federal agency with broad investigative responsibilities on matters of trade, for complete waiver of after five years.

Recently, the commission had voted against revoking the existing orders on imports of frozen warm water shrimps from India jolting the $4.7 billion seafood here.
Nvidia has become one of the leaders of the charge by chipmakers to provide the underpinnings of machine intelligence from data centres to automobiles.
Staying connected with loved ones back home while travelling abroad used to be an expensive affair. However, the situation has changed drastically now, thanks to affordable starting at Rs 499 a day.
In what will be its next step to reach, land on and explore the Moon, the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) is gearing up to launch its space science and planetary exploration mission, Chandrayaan-2, on a GSLV MKII launch vehicle, in the first quarter of 2018.
Bollywood actor and BJP MP has deleted his controversial tweet suggesting that instead of a Kashmiri stone-pelter, author Arundhati Roy should be tied to an Army jeep.

"Instead of tying (a) stone-pelter on the Army jeep, tie Arundhati Roy," wrote on the micro-blogging site, triggering an online outrage. Roy has been a vocal supporter of Kashmir separatist campaign and alleged human rights abuses in the state.





Twitter message asking to delete his tweet

However, the tweet is no longer visible in Rawal's account.

It came days after an Army Major in Kashmir trussed up a civilian, Farooq Dar, on his jeep bonnet using him as a human shield against a stone-pelting mob. The incident sparked a huge uproar, particularly after the officer was commended by Army chief General Bipin Rawat for his counter-insurgency service in Jammu and Kashmir.

Rawal's tweet came after the Pakistani media reported that Roy had said that the "Indian aggression in the Kashmir was shameful and that New Delhi's "oppression cannot subdue Kashmiri struggle."

However, the news could not be verified and was reported to be a "fake news".
Once a frequent high-flyer who could boast of the rich and famous as friends, controversial self-styled godman rose to prominence due to his proximity to former prime minister P V Narasimha Rao, died Tuesday in a hospital at the age of 66.

Chandraswami, the bearded draped-in-silk man with a heavy gold amulet around his neck and a tilak prominent on his forehead, has always been in the eye of a storm, be it arms deals, FERA violations, blackmail, cheating or fraud. He first gained fame as an astrologer.

The alleged role of in the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi also came to light in a report submitted by the M C Jain judicial commission, which went into the aspect of conspiracy behind the killing of the former prime minister. Gandhi was killed by a LTTE 'human bomb' in Sriperumbudur, near Chennai, on May 21, 1991.

was last in the news in 2014 when the Delhi Police probed a complaint by a businessman that he was robbed off gemstones worth Rs 3 crore at the tantrik's ashram in Qutub Institutional Area in Delhi.

The self-proclaimed faith healer and preacher was said to have been Narasimha Rao's spiritual adviser. Soon after Rao became prime minister in 1991, Chandraswami built an ashram known as Vishwa Dharmayatan Sanathan in Qutub Institutional Area. The land for the ashram was stated to have been allotted by Indira Gandhi.

Chandraswami, whose real name is Nemi Chand and is a Jain by religion, is said to have dispensed spiritual advice to the Sultan of Brunei, Sheikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa of Bahrain, actress Elizabeth Taylor, British premier Margaret Thatcher and arms dealer Adnan Khashoggi among other famous figures. He also counted some heads of state and government as his close friends.

The Congress in submissions before the Jain Commission in 1997 accused Chandraswami of having financed the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi after playing a key role in the conspiracy jointly hatched by various terrorist outfits in London and executed by the LTTE.

In its report, the Jain Commission dedicated a volume to his alleged involvement. The Enforcement Directorate also investigated his alleged role as financier of the killing.

In May 2009, the Supreme Court granted Chandraswami permission to travel abroad, lifting a ban on overseas travel imposed as a result of his alleged involvement in the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi. In June 2011, the Supreme Court fined Chandraswami, for violating the Foreign Exchange Regulation Act, a sum of Rs 9 crores.

Chandraswami has been accused repeatedly of financial irregularities. In 1996 he was arrested on charges of defrauding a London-based businessman of $100,000. He has faced charges for repeated violation of the Foreign Exchange Regulation Act. An income tax raid on his ashram is reported to have uncovered original drafts of payments to Adnan Khashoggi of $11 million.

His father came from Behror in Rajasthan and worked as a money lender. He moved to Hyderabad when Chandraswami was a child.

According to published documents, Chandraswami was attracted to tantric studies from an early age. He left home when still young to become a student of Upadhyar Amar Muni and the tantrik pandit Gopinath Kaviraj. He later lived in the jungles of Bihar where he spent time in meditation. He claims that after four years he obtained extraordinary powers called siddhis.

Late British premier Margaret Thatcher was also said to have held secret meetings with Chandraswami in London when the Tory leader was in the opposition.

The Iron Lady, who was renowned for her no-nonsense direct approach, conversed with Chandraswami in 1975 in her Commons office.

And the future prime minister was so impressed with his apparent powers that she agreed to his request to wear a special red dress and a battered talisman around her wrist to a second meeting.

There, it is claimed the bearded guru correctly predicted that she would come to power within four years and remain there for more than a decade.

Details of the extraordinary meetings were revealed by former diplomat Natwar Singh, who was present when they took place.
A special CBI court hearing the 1992 demolition cases is likely to frame additional charges on May 26 against L K Advani and other BJP leaders, following the Supreme Court order restoring the serious criminal conspiracy offence against them.

The special court will frame the charges after the accused appear before it in person, CBI counsel Lalit Singh said.

The court has fixed tomorrow for framing of charges in the other case in which Mahant Nritya Gopal Das, Mahant Ram Vilas Vedanti, Baikunth Lal Sharma alias Prem Ji, Champat Rai Bansal, Dharma Das and Satish Pradhan are accused, he said.

The court today granted bail to Pradhan, a former Shiv Sena MP, after he surrendered here.

Special CBI court judge S K Yadav granted him bail on two sureties of Rs 20,000 each and a personal bond of the same amount. The other five accused had been granted bail on Saturday by the special court, which began day-to-day hearing in the politically sensitive case on May 20 after a Supreme Court direction.

After demolition of the in Ayodhya on December 6, 1992, two FIRs were registered in connection with the incident.

While the case of 28 accused was taken up in Lucknow CBI court, six of them died. Advani and seven other were chargesheeted in Raebareli court. Two of them - VHP leaders Ashok Singhal and Giriraj Kishore - died pending trial.

The Supreme Court had on April 19 directed that former deputy prime minister Advani, Union Minister Uma Bharti and BJP veteran Murli Manohar Joshi will face trial on conspiracy charges. It had also transferred their case from Raebareli to Lucknow.

Besides the three BJP leaders, the conspiracy charge would be invoked against Vinay Katiar, Sadhvi Ritambara and Vishnu Hari Dalmia, who were being tried at Raebareli.

It directed the special court to start proceedings in the matter within a month and deliver its verdict within two years.

The apex court had dubbed the demolition of the medieval era monument as a "crime" which shook the "secular fabric of the Constitution" and allowed CBI's plea for restoration of serious offence of criminal conspiracy against the VVIP accused.

In its 40-page judgement, it had termed the Allahabad High Court's February 12, 2001 verdict dropping the conspiracy charge against Advani and others as "erroneous".

The matter is likely to have political implications, particularly against 89-year old Advani, reported as being a front-runner for the post of the President.

The apex court had also come down heavily on the CBI for the delay of 25 years in the trial.

It said, "The accused persons have not been brought to book largely because of the conduct of the CBI in not pursuing the prosecution of the aforesaid alleged offenders in a joint trial, and because of technical defects which were easily curable, but which were not cured by the state government."



While a charge sheet in the Lucknow court was filed in October 1993, a supplementary charge sheet was filed in November 1996. A supplementary charge sheet was also filed in May 2003 in Rae Bareli court.

Issuing a slew of directions, the apex court had said the proceedings in the case against Advani and five others in the court of the special judicial magistrate at Raebareli will be transferred to the court of additional sessions judge (Ayodhya Matters) at Lucknow.

It had said additional charges will be framed under Section 120-B (conspiracy) and the other provisions of the penal code mentioned in the joint charge sheet filed by the CBI against the accused.

The apex court had directed the Lucknow court to take the hearing of the case on a day-to-day basis after the proceedings were transferred from Raebareli and additional charges were framed.

The trial will be resumed from the stage at which they were both at Raebareli and Lucknow, the court had said.

"There shall be no fresh trial. There shall be no transfer of the judge conducting the trial until the entire trial concludes. The case shall not be adjourned on any ground except when the sessions court finds it impossible to carry on the trial for that particular date", it had said.
Amid heightened tension with India, (PAF) chief on Wednesday warned that his forces will respond to any aggression by the "enemy" in a manner that their future generations will also remember it.

Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman emphatically said that Pakistan will give a befitting response to any misadventure by the enemy, Radio Pakistan reported.

Talking to reporters at Qadri airbase in Skardu, he said the country should have zero concern over the "statements of the enemy."



"Our response to any aggression by the enemy will be such that their future generations will also remember it," he said according to the report.

PAF chief made the remarks after taking part in Air Force exercises and flying a Mirage fighter jet during his visit to Skardu. He also reviewed the exercises and operational preparedness of the PAF.

His visit coincided with reports in Pakistani media that the Air Force on Wednesday flew fighter jets near the Siachen Glacier  the world's highest battleground.

The in New Delhi denied that the Pakistani fighter jets violated the Indian air space.

Tensions between India and Pakistan have run high since the attack on an Indian army base in Uri in September last year in which 18 Indian soldiers were killed by militants based in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Ten days after the attack India launched "surgical strikes" there to destroy "terrorist launchpads".

More recently, the Indian Army on Tuesday announced that it launched "punitive fire assaults" on Pakistani positions across the Line of Control (LoC) earlier this month, inflicting some damage. The action was taken in response to the beheading of two Indian soldiers in Kashmir by Pakistani special forces.

On Wednesday, PAF chief said the PAF was fully prepared and capable of defending the country's frontiers.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday arrested B Madan of Vendhar Movies in Chennai under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) for allegedly cheating public to the tune of Rs 91 crore in the in 2016.
Not just Germany, Spain and Russia, Prime Minister will also visit France in a hectic weeklong tour across Europe from 29 May to 3 June.
True religion never divided a society on caste basis but denying social justice to the deprived was due to the feudal system, said Tibetan spiritual leader on Tuesday.

"A religion does not divide society into upper and lower castes. Religion has nothing to do with it (division). Denying social justice on caste basis is from Aour feudal system," he said at a seminar on B R Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution.

Admitting that social justice was being denied on caste basis due to the feudal system that still existed in society, he said caste-related injustice could be removed through education.

"Inferiority complex among sections of society can be eradicated only through education. A sense of equality facilitates self-confidence. Equality can be achieved through self-confidence and hard work," he reiterated.

The also called for efforts to revive ancient Indian values and knowledge as they were more relevant to modern times.

"Ancient values and knowledge side by side with modern science are useful to society," he asserted.

Noting that Buddhism, like other religions, had different philosophies originating from various schools of thought, he said wonderful people conveyed a common message of love and compassion though they come from diverse faiths.

"Any activity that brings happiness is a positive karma and that which makes uncomfortable is a negative karma," he added.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Opposition Leader in the Lok Sabha Mallikarjuna Kharge were present on the occasion.

The seminar on "Ambedkar Jnana Darshana Abhiyana on Eradication of Caste System and Counter Revolution" was organised by the Karnataka Social Justice Department to commemorate Ambedkar's 125th birth anniversary.
Saharanpur, a district known for its woodcraft products in western UP, is in the news for two caste and communal incidents, involving clashes with Dalits. The ongoing Dalit protest in the district, which has now reached the capital New Delhi, suggests a new phase in Dalit politics in UP, closely related to the declining fortunes of the BSP, and efforts by the BJP to bring the Dalits into the ambit of its more socially inclusive Hindutva strategy.
Fake news about a non-existent interview supposedly gave during a recent trip to Srinagar that never happened is responsible for BJP MP and actor Paresh Rawals outrageous tweet against the author which ignited a Twitter war between his supporters and those who denounced him for advocating violence.
leaned to whisper in the ear of the man sitting cross-legged and barefoot next to him, the one clad in saffron robes with a long beard and squinty gaze. It was late in the afternoon of March 23, 2014 in New Delhi and the start of national elections was a fortnight away.
Carmakers sales to fleet owners and cab aggregators such as Ola and Uber have come to a halt in top markets like Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai.

The road transport offices (RTOs) in these and some other cities have stopped registering taxis without the speed governor following a notification by the Union road transport ministry early this month.

The notification mandates taxis to have the speed governor, which restricts speed to 80 km per hour and helps in controlling fatalities arising out of crash accidents.

Of the three million passenger vehicles sold in the domestic market last year, nine per cent is estimated to have come from sales to fleets and cab aggregators. The share varies from company to company. The countrys largest carmaker, Maruti Suzuki, is estimated to get about six per cent of its sales from cab aggregators.

Registration of vehicles in the taxi and cab segments is facing issues. Earlier, the rule of the speed governor was for only commercial transport vehicles. Now taxis have also been included.

It is affecting everybody, said Jnaneswar Sen, senior vice-president (sales and marketing), Honda Cars India.

The Amaze, Hondas compact sedan, gets close to one-fifth of volumes from the taxi segment.

The Union ministry of road transport had mandated the speed governor for heavy commercial vehicles in August 2015 but it exempted lighter vehicles used as taxis and cabs. An order of the Karnataka High Court early this year termed the exemptions illegal, following which the ministry came up with a fresh notification early this month to provide for this addition in the Central Motor Vehicle Rules.

Subsequently transport commissioners in various states issued orders to RTOs to register only such cars as taxis that have the speed governor.

The industry is learnt to be in discussion with the ministry to seek a postponement. The carmaker has to fit the speed governor. The procurement and fitment could take time as we were not prepared for this sudden requirement. There will be some impact on sales, said an official at Hyundai.

The companys Xcent sedan gets large volumes from the taxi segment. Many taxi associations are opposing the decision as the speed governor means an additional cost of almost Rs 10,000.

Road accidents in the country are estimated to have taken 146,000 lives in 2015. An analysis of the accident data reveals that about 1,374 accidents and 400 deaths take place every day on Indian roads and this translates into 57 accidents and loss of 17 lives on average every hour.

Among other initiatives, the government has mandated the use of air bags in all new cars that will be launched from October this year and imposed crash test norms on vehicles.
The Centre is looking to restrict the influx of low-quality, cheap solar panels, a major component in the industry that is experiencing a fall in tariffs, from China. The government is designing standards for solar panels, which would also help it identify domestic and overseas suppliers. "We are looking at tighter quality control so that we get good quality equipments for our solar programme. There will be a process to maintain tighter standards to maintain efficiency," said a senior government official.
The Union Cabinet on Wednesday "took note" of the Defence Ministry's proposed Strategic Partnership model for encouraging indigenous manufacturing in the field of defence, Union Minister said.

Jaitley, who holds both the Finance and Defence portfolios, briefing journalists after a meet of the Union Cabinet said there has been an opinion for a long time that domestic manufacturing in defence should be pushed.

"Cabinet took note of this proposal which deals with encouraging Make in India in relation to defence manufacturing," Jaitley said.

He said since the government was the only buyer in the field of defence, surety of order is required to build capacity in the private sector in defence manufacturing.

"You don't set up a manufacturing facility if you are not sure of an order, that is the rationale behind the model," Jaitley said.

He also said it will "coexist" with capacity building in Defence PSUs.

The Defence Ministry finalised the Strategic Partnership model at a meeting of the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) on May 20.

The policy envisages the establishment of long-term strategic partnerships with qualified Indian industry majors, wherein the Indian industry partners would tie up with global original equipment manufacturers, to seek technology transfer and manufacturing know-how to set up domestic manufacturing infrastructure and supply chains in defence manufacturing.

Jaitley said four sectors have been finalised for the model at present - fighter aircraft, helicopters, submarines and armoured vehicles.
The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved a policy providing preference to domestically manufactured goods for government procurements, in a major step to boost the governments initiative. It also approved the abolition of the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB), which has, for 25 years, been the single-point window for clearing foreign direct investment (FDI) proposals requiring government nod.
The Union government is planning to create two new entities under the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI)  likely in the form of special purpose vehicles that will remain attached to the parent organisation  to focus on international projects and expressways.
On a November evening last year, bang in the middle of his five-year term, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation, announcing that Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes would be taken out of circulation.
Select multilateral institutions such as the UN, World Bank, International Monetary Fund will continue to enjoy exemption from import duties under the upcoming goods and services tax (GST) regime by way of refunds but not all projects funded by them may enjoy the same facility.
Nitin Gadkari, the Union minister of road transport and highways, and shipping, says he would like to speed up the pace of work in the government. So, while he talks to Megha Manchanda & Jyoti Mukul for an interview, he keeps a meeting of officials going simultaneously. What he shares is a lunch and the news that his ministry is set to enter the Guinness Book of Records for awarding 16,800 km of projects in a year. Edited excerpts:
If you ever wanted to work with one of the worlds largest employers, heres the chance. The Railway Recruitment Cell (RRC) of Bhubaneswar has made public the notification for hiring the capable apprentices for 588 posts in various departments or disciplines. The candidates who are eligible for the apprentice program can submit their applications online from May 18, 2017 (Thursday at 11:00 hrs) to June 17, 2017 (Saturday till 17:00 hrs).





Name of the Railway Unit Number of Post Carriage Repair Workshop, Mancheswar, Bubaneswar 97 Khurda Road Division 30 Waltair Division 461 TOTAL 558
The Central Board of Secondary (CBSE) on Wednesday remained undecided on releasing the Class 12 board results despite a prolonged meeting with Minister of Human Resource and Development (MHRD) Prakash Javadekar and other officials.
The CBSE board exams for Class 10 and Class 12 were conducted from March 9. The Class 10 exam was taken by 8,86,506 students and the Class 12 exam by a total of 10, 98,981. The number of students for Class 10 had an increase of 15.73% and 2.82% for Class 12 more than those of last year, respectively.
Ria Money Transfer, which is a subsidiary of Euronet Worldwide, has expanded its business partnerships in India, intensifying competition in the money remittance market. Ria has announced new strategic partnerships with three cash remittance payout agents- Paul Merchants Ltd, Weizmann Forex Ltd and Transcorp International Ltd. Ria also has exisiting partnerships with Punjab National Bank and Kotak Mahindra Bank as well as other non-bank financial companies (NBFCs) including Manappuram and Mini Muthoot. Ria claims to be the worlds third largest money transfer company after Western Union and MoneyGram. This comes at a time when the money transfer market is evolving from wire transfers to mobile applications.
PM condoles the loss of lives in a bus accident in Uttarkashi; announces ex-gratia relief for the victims of accident

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, has expressed pain over the loss of lives in the bus accident at Uttarkashi in Uttarakhand.

My prayers and solidarity with those who lost their loved ones in the unfortunate bus accident in Uttarkashi. May the injured recover soon., the Prime Minister said.

The Prime Minister has announced an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakhs from PMNRF for the next of kin of those killed and Rs. 50,000 for those seriously injured in the bus accident.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
President of India writes to Queen Elizabeth II conveying condolences on loss of lives in terror attack in Manchester

The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee has written to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom, conveying condolences on the loss of lives in the terror attack in Manchester.

In his message, the President said, We are deeply shocked by terror attack in Manchester. India condemns this heinous attack in strongest terms. We stand in solidarity with the people and the Government of the United Kingdom in this difficult hour.

This is not an attack just against the UK and its people; it is an attack against the humanity and the values that we all live for.

These repeated terror attacks are a grim reminder, yet again, of the need for us to intensify the global fight against terrorism. India is fully committed to working with the UK and the international community in defeating these evil forces.

The people of India join me in conveying our sincere condolences for those whom we have lost. Our prayers are also with the injured. I wish them a speedy recovery".
The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee has extended his greetings and felicitations to the King and people of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan on the eve of their Independence Day (May 25, 2017)..

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In a message to His Majesty King Abdullah II, the King of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the President has said, On behalf of the Government and the people of India and on my own behalf, it gives me great pleasure to extend warm greetings and felicitations to Your Majesty and to the people of Jordan on the occasion of your Independence Day..

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India and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan share warm and friendly relations. Over the years, our bilateral ties have been further strengthened. The recent visit of Chief of the Royal Court of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan was an important step in this direction. Both our countries are committed to expand bilateral trade and enhance our economic cooperation. The US$ 860 million joint venture project in the fertilizer sector is a landmark initiative. We hope to see many more such fruitful partnerships in the coming years. .

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Please accept, Your Majesty, my best wishes for your good health and success and for the progress and prosperity of the friendly people of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan"..

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After the horror of the Manchester Arena attack, the 2017 general election campaign has been paused, on the agreement of all parties, as the UK tries to come to terms with a terrorist incident. And rightly so: this is not the time for party politics.
US President met Pope Francis at the Vatican on Wednesday during the first face-to-face meeting of the two leaders, who symbolise starkly different views of the world.

Trump arrived for a short private audience at the Apostolic Palace along with his wife Melania, daughter Ivanka and son-in-law Jared Kushner.

The US President was greeted warmly by Francis before they sat down for the private meeting at which only a translator was present.

Trump could be heard saying it was "an honour" to be there during the meeting. At one point, the Pope jokingly asked Melania, "what she fed her husband", the Guardian reported.

The seemingly genial meeting offered no hint of the rocky start to the pair's relationship last year, when the Argentinian pontiff questioned then-candidate Trump's Christian credentials, the report said.

US Secretary of State Rex W Tillerson and National Security Adviser H R McMaster were among Trump's delegation to the Vatican.

After Trump's private meeting with the Pope, Melania and were invited to join the pair in the papal library.

Melania and Ivanka wore black dresses and veils, traditional Vatican attire for women, considered respectful, though not mandatory.

After arrival, Trump was greeted by Georg Ganswein, a German archbishop and prefect of the papal household. Details of the traditional gifts exchanged by Trump and Francis have not yet been revealed, the report said.

For Trump, who landed in Rome after stops in Saudi Arabia and Israel, the audience in the Vatican caps a tour of the ancestral homes of three of the world's great monotheistic religions.

Trump and the Pope have diametrically opposite views on issues as varied as immigration, climate change and arms sales.

Trump will later meet Italian President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni. He will then fly to Brussels for a NATO summit.

Later, Ivanka is expected to visit Sant'Egidio, a Rome charity centre devoted to migrants. Melania will visit the Bambino Gesu children's hospital.

At an earlier news conference, the Pope said he wouldn't judge Trump before their meeting or seek to convert him on political issues. Instead, he'd look for areas of agreement.

The US President vowed to help Israelis and Palestinians achieve peace, as he ended the Middle East leg of his tour on Tuesday.

Trump had begun his foreign trip with a two-day stop in Saudi Arabia over the weekend, urging Muslim countries to take the lead in combating radicalisation. He will fly to Brussels later in the day for a NATO summit, and will wrap up his tour on Friday after the G7 summit on the Italian island of Sicily.
A man carrying a knife was arrested near in London as Britain raised its terror threat level to "critical" after the Manchester terror strike that killed 22 people.

The man was detained on The Mall, the street that leads up to the Palace, after Metropolitan Police officers on patrol in the area stopped and searched him.

"Patrolling officers detained and searched a man in The Mall. A knife was recovered and the man was arrested on suspicion of a possession of an offensive weapon. He has been taken into custody at a central London police station. The incident is not believed to be terrorism related," a Met Police statement said.

The arrest came as the British capital went on high alert, with many of its prominent landmarks  including the Palace, Downing Street and Houses of Parliament  under additional security in the wake of the suicide bombing at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester on Monday night.

The Met Police said it has increased police numbers and operations across London with immediate effect as Army troops arrived in the city as part of Operation Temperer, triggered last night when British Prime Minister Theresa May raised the country's threat level from "severe" to "critical".

Met Police Commander Jane Connors, leading the London policing operation, said: "The reality is that we must be prepared to be able to respond to and deal with armed and deadly attackers, so we must be in a position to respond with firearms officers who will use force to stop those attackers in their aim.

"That is why are we have increased the number of firearms who are on duty, both out walking and in roaming patrols, at fixed points and carrying out a range of operations."

"We are using every tactical option  not just through the use of armed officers but ongoing work by the Counter Terrorism Command; working with partner agencies and gathering community intelligence."

The force said that as a highly visible deterrent and disruptive tactic officers will be making more use of stop and search; vehicle checkpoints and automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) technology.

Operations for upcoming events are also under review and there will be additional security arrangements put in place.

Specialist officers who are experts in protective security arrangements are advising businesses, event organisers and venues across London.

With the UK's threat level at its highest, 984 military personnel have already been deployed across the country.

As many as 3,800 will be available to back up police operations in following waves of deployment, UK Home Secretary Amber Rudd said.

In London, the Changing the Guard at the Palace was cancelled and Parliament was closed to its regular public tours.

The public galleries at the Old Bailey criminal court in London were also shut down.

Troops are likely to be on duty at this weekend's FA Cup final at Wembley stadium and the Twickenham rugby premiership final in London.

According to reports, the suicide bomber  Libyan-origin Salman Abedi  had travelled from London to Manchester by train just before blowing himself up, killing 22 people and injuring 119 .

It has led to fears he may have had bomb-making links in the British capital.
A January 2017 Pew survey showed that Americans rate terrorism as the top priority for the Trump administration and Congress. They put the issue ahead of the economy, education, jobs and health care costs.
In claiming responsibility for the attack in Manchester at an Ariana Grande concert on May 22, the group has sunk to a new low.
Editors note: The Islamic State has claimed responsibility for an attack at the Manchester Arena that claimed at least 22 lives and hospitalized 59 more people. One victim was just eight years old. The mayor of Manchester called the attack an evil act.
With the drama over Melania swatting off Donald Trump's hand in Riyadh still going viral on the social media, the first lady has done it yet again.

As the U.S. President along with wife Melania landed in Rome, the former's hand was ignored yet again by the first lady.

After waving at the crowd, President Trump reached out for Melania's hand, when she whisked it away to tuck her hair.

The President then touched her on the back to hide the fumble - triggering sniggers and instantly generating memes on Twitter.

The episode was almost a repeat telecast of what had happened in Israel a couple of days ago. While walking down the red carpet at Israel's Ben Gurion airport with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara, the President had tried to hold the Melania's hand, only to be swatted away in full view of cameras.

giving "talk to the hand" a whole new meaning.  John from Woo-ston (@StrictlyJohnD) May 23, 2017



Meanwhile, former White House photographer Pete Souza took to Instagram to remind how the previous presidential couple held hands as he posted a photo of former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama from 2015.

Holding hands. A post shared by Pete Souza (@petesouza) on May 23, 2017 at 7:53am PDT

The click showed the Obamas holding hands during an event at the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, marking the 50th Anniversary of the Selma to Montgomery civil rights marches.
Salman Abedi, the suicide bomber who killed 22 people in an attack in a pop concert in Manchester, was a business student who dropped out of university.
A South Korean military court has sentenced an army captain to a suspended prison term for having sex with a fellow male soldier.

Human rights groups have criticised the ruling as regressive, saying it further intimidates the country's already persecuted sexual minority groups.

The lawyer of the captain said Wednesday it's unclear whether his client would appeal his six month prison sentence that was suspended by a year because he felt tormented by the legal process. He will be dishonorably discharged if the ruling stays.

The captain was arrested last month amid allegations by a watchdog that South Korea's military was hunting down and prosecuting gay servicemen. South Korea's army has denied such claims.

The military penal code makes homosexual activity punishable by up to two years in prison.
US President Donald Trump asked lawmakers on Tuesday to cut $3.6 trillion in government spending over the next decade, taking aim at healthcare and food assistance programs for the poor in an austere budget that also boosts the military.

Republicans who control the US Congress  and the federal purse strings  will decide whether to make politically sensitive cuts, and the proposal is unlikely to be approved in its current form.

Although it is not expected to survive on Capitol Hill, the proposal puts numbers on Trump's vision of a government that radically cuts assistance to lower-income Americans.

The biggest savings would come from cuts to the Medicaid healthcare program for the poor, which are embedded in a Republican healthcare bill passed by the House of Representatives.

Trump wants lawmakers to cut at least $610 billion from Medicaid and more than $192 billion from food stamps over a decade. He seeks to balance the budget within 10 years.

The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, a nonpartisan policy organisation, said the plan relied on gimmicks, unrealistic cuts and "rosy assumptions" of economic growth that would reach 3 per cent annually by the end of Trump's first term.

The Congressional Budget Office projects the to grow at an annual pace of 1.9 per cent over that period.

The White House said its proposed tax cuts would help fuel higher growth and pay for themselves by generating an additional $2 trillion in revenue over 10 years.

Lawrence Summers, a former economic adviser to Democratic President Barack Obama, said the Trump administration was double-counting that money by saying it would help close budget deficits while also offsetting the revenue lost by cutting tax rates.

"It appears to be the most egregious accounting error in a presidential budget in the nearly 40 years I have been tracking them," Summers wrote in the Washington Post.

Mick Mulvaney, Trump's budget office director, said his office made other assumptions that were probably too conservative. "We stand by the numbers," he said.

Federal aid to states would shrink by 3 per cent, though the cuts would fall most heavily on states that backed Trump's Democratic rival Hillary Clinton in the 2016 election. States that voted for Clinton would collectively face a drop of 4.8 per cent, while those that backed Trump would see assistance cut by 1.2 per cent.

There is some new spending in Trump's plan for the financial year 2017-18, which starts in October.

The Pentagon would get a spending hike, and there would be a $1.6 billion down payment to begin building a wall along the border with Mexico, which was a central promise of Trump's presidential campaign.



Trump's proposal foresees selling half of the US emergency oil stockpile, created in 1975 after the Arab oil embargo caused fears of price spikes. The announcement surprised oil markets and briefly pulled down US crude prices.



Republicans are under pressure to deliver on promised tax cuts, the cornerstone of the Trump administration's economic agenda.

But the effort has stalled as the White House grapples with the political fallout from allegations of Russian meddling in the 2016 US election.

Mulvaney said the plan is the first one in a long time to pay attention to taxpayers.

"You have to have compassion for folks who are receiving the federal funds, but also you have to have compassion for the folks who are paying it," he told reporters.

Republican leaders in the House said lawmakers would be able to find common ground with the budget plan.

Republican Voters

Senator Bernie Sanders, who ran a populist campaign during the Democratic presidential primary, said the budget showed that Trump's campaign promises to stand up for working people was "just cheap and dishonest campaign rhetoric that was meant to get votes," Sanders told a news conference.

While the plan boosts defence spending by $54 billion, it falls short of campaign promises for a "historic" hike in military spending amid plans to rebuild the US Navy.

That is only 3 per cent more than former President Barack Obama had sought in his long-term budget plan.

The president would reduce nearly a third of the funding for diplomacy and foreign aid including global health and food aid, peacekeeping and other forms of non-military foreign involvement.

"If we implemented this budget, you'd have to retreat from the world or put a lot of people at risk," said Republican Senator Lindsey Graham. "This budget is not going to go anywhere."

Trump upheld his promise  for the most part  that he would not cut Medicare and Social Security, two expensive safety-net programs that deficit hawks have long targeted for reforms.

Those programs may not come out of Capitol Hill unscathed, however. House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, a fellow Republican, said lawmakers would have to reform both programs to save them.

The White House proposed changes that would require more childless people receiving help from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, better known as food stamps, to work.

Most government departments would see steep cuts, particularly the State Department and the Environmental Protection Agency.

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said the budget plan will boost economic growth by fostering capital investment and creating jobs for workers who gave up their job hunts during tough times.
Selling holiday packages and foreign exchange is a routine business for something it has been doing for decades. But over the last several months has had to plot a new route to make its way across a familiar world of holiday travel. In line with changes in customer behaviour and with the growing shift towards digital bookings, has ramped up its online presence and repositioned itself as a hybrid, rather than a pure brick and mortar, entity.
A handful of corporate titans, young entrepreneurs and researchers on Wednesday got an opportunity that even some students of Harvard Business School do not get. They got a crash course in business and economics from .
Reliance Infrastructure (RInfra) on Wednesday said that RInfra InvIT has received the final approval from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) to float its Rs 2,500 crore plus Initial Public Offering (IPO).

Sources told IANS that the proposed IPO is expected to be launched in two weeks' time.

"RInfra InvIT has received the final observation letter from the Sebi for its proposed IPO of units representing an undivided beneficial interest in the Trust. The proposed issue size is Rs 25,000 million with an option to retain over-subscription up to 25 per cent of the issue size," the company said in a statement in Mumbai.

Reliance Nippon Life Asset Management is the investment manager to the InvIT. Axis Capital, DSP Merrill Lynch and UBS Securities are acting as global coordinators and book running lead managers.

SBI Capital and Yes Securities are acting as book-running lead managers.
Brazil and Australia now have something to worry about as Chinese President Xi Jinping gave a nod to U.S. beef import following the first meet with U.S. President Donald Trump, in April.

China has lifted its ban, placed in 2003 over worries about mad cow disease, on the cheaper U.S. imported beef. Before the ban, U.S. imported beef constituted two thirds of imported beef in China.

Beside the beef industry, several other areas were relaxed to conducted economical exchanges with the United States.

People.cn reported President Trump's excitement about the development as he took to Twitter, saying: "This is REAL news."

China stands as the fastest-growing market for beef consumption, and also the world's second largest beef importer. People.cn reported that China imported 825,000 tons of beef in 2016, at a cost of $2.6 billion.

China's domestic produce of beef comes at a steeper price as compared to the current imports from Australia and Brazil.

The chairman of Inner Mongolia Kerchin Cattle, China's largest beef producer reportedly does not expect the U.S. beef to impact much on the domestic produce.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A bank robbery by two suspected militants in Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian district was successfully foiled on Wednesday.

The unarmed militants bid to rob Jammu and Kashmir Bank were successfully thwarted by the bank's security guard who threw chilli powder at them when they were trying to snatch his rifle.

The militants later fled the spot.

Meanwhile, the police has arrived at the spot and the investigation is underway.

The incident comes days after terrorists in Pulwama secotr's Nehama Kakapora area looted a bank.

On May 1, terrorists attacked a cash van of Jammu and Kashmir bank and shot dead five policemen and two bank security guards in Damhal Hanji Pora area of Kulgam district in south Kashmir.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Patiala House Court will on Thursday hear the bail pleas of five new accused in connection with the alleged irregularities pertaining to the Urban North Coal Block in Madhya Pradesh.

Earlier on Tuesday, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) filed another chargesheet against former MP Naveen Jindal and five others in connection with the same.

Taking cognizance of the chargesheet, the court issued summons to Jindal, four individuals and the Jindal Steel and Power Ltd (JSPL) company, asking them to appear on September 4th.

The CBI has chargesheeted the accused under sections of criminal conspiracy and cheating of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

Last month, the CBI filed a chargesheet against Jindal Steel's advisor Anand Goel, Gurgaon-based Green Infra's vice-president Siddharth Madra, Mumbai-based KE International's Chief Financial Officer Rajeev Aggarwal, Nihar Stocks Limited Director B.S.N. Suryanarayan and Mumbai's Essar Power Limited Executive vice chairman Sushil Kumar Maroo.

The court was hearing the case related to the allocation of Jharkhand's Amarkonda Murgadangal coal block to Jindal Steel and Gagan Sponge.

The CBI had sought more time from the special court to examine evidence in the coal block allocation scam.

The CBI also stated that hard disks and letters were sent to the Central Forensic Science Laboratory and opinions of handwriting and computer experts were also being sought.

Earlier, Union Human Resource and Development (HRD) Minister Prakash Javadekar and Minister of State for Home Affairs Hansraj Ahir had filed a plea asking for a re-investigation in the matter.

The plea was filed in response to the closure report sought by the two Union Ministers.

The Supreme Court had earlier asked the duo for their final submission in the case. On not being satisfied with the closure report, the two leaders sought for a re-investigation.

The scam dates back to 1993 when the Centre allocated coal blocks to private companies during 1993-2010.

However, the apex court had in 2014 termed these allocations 'illegal'.

It was on the complaint filed by Javadekar and Ahir in 2012 that the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) ordered a CBI probe into the matter.

Earlier in 2014, the apex court set up a special CBI court to try all the cases filed in the coal allocation scam.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A recent United Nations report has said that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) might create geopolitical tensions with India and ignite political instability as the India-Pakistan dispute over Kashmir is a matter of concern.

The report titled 'The Belt and Road Initiative and the Role of Escap' and released by the UN's Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (Escap) also feared that Afghanistan's political instability could limit the potential benefits of transit corridors to population centers near Kabul or Kandahar.

The report was prepared at China's request and covers the six economic corridors spanning Asia, Europe and Africa under the umbrella of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

The report also states that CPEC could serve as the "driver for trade and economic integration" between China, Pakistan, Iran, India, Afghanistan and the Central Asian states.

CPEC holds the promise of closer trade, investment and energy cooperation between the two countries, as it creates alternative maritime trade routes for China and its trading partners, it said.

Recently, India had also refused invitation to attend China's ambitious One Belt One Road Summit held this month as opposed to the inclusion of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) under the OBOR initiative as a part of the project passes through disputed Kashmir region.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The political bureau of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI-M) on Wednesday condemned the attacks on Dalits in Saharanpur which has resulted in one of them being killed.

"Stop atrocities on Dalits in Saharanpur. The CPI (M) strongly condemns the murderous attacks on Dalits in Saharanpur which has resulted in a Dalit youth being killed and many seriously injured. Certain upper caste elements sporting the colours of the 'Hindu Yuva Vahini' have launched these attacks on people returning from a meeting addressed by Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo Mayawati," the statement read.

It further stated that the attacks have come in the wake of earlier assaults on Dalits in Shabbirpur wherein houses were burnt, properties were destroyed and many persons suffered injuries.

"The steady deterioration in the situation is a result of the support upper caste perpetrators of violence are receiving from the state government and the lack of will displayed by the administration for taking action against them," the statement added.

The CPI-M demanded firm action against all those involved in the atrocities against Dalits.

"The administration has to provide full protection to vulnerable people and adequate compensation must be paid to those who have suffered losses. The administration must withdraw false cases implicating Dalits and their leaders," the statement read.

It also said that the Uttar Pradesh Government must give up its partisan stance and ensure that rule of law prevails in Saharanpur.

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The Delhi High Court on Wednesday issued a notice to the Centre, the Delhi Government and the Delhi University (DU) over the plea seeking preference in admission in the DU for the students domicile in Delhi.

The next hearing will be on July 20.

Reportedly, MP Sahib Singh Verma and Delhi MLA Manjinder Singh Sirsa met with DU Vice-Chancellor Yogesh Tyagi to urge him to fix at least 70 per cent quota for city students in the university.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led Delhi government last year raised the issue of fixing quota for students with the Delhi domicile in DU, but the university had rejected the proposal.

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Amjad Shoaib, an ex-ISI official and a retired Lieutenant General of the Pakistan Army, has acknowledged India's claim that Kulbhushan Jadhav was captured from Iran.

This revelation by an ex-ISI official is damaging for Pakistan and shows the real face of that country's armed forces establishment, the civilian government and the ISI who have connived to tarnish the image of India globally.

This negates Pakistan's claims that Jadhav was caught in Pakistan on charges of spying.

India has repeatedly maintained that Jadhav was on business trip to Iran and Pakistan had captured him from there and planted a false case against him.

This admission by the ex-ISI official can now possibly be used by India as a strong argument at the next hearing of the International Court of Justice.

Jadhav,a former Indian Navy officer ,was given the death sentence by a military court in Pakistan on April 10 for alleged "espionage and subversive activities".

The ICJ had on May 18 stayed the execution of 46-year-old Jadhav, who was sentenced to death last month by a Pakistan military court that convicted him of alleged spying and subversive activities.

Pakistan raised the confession statement of Jadhav as a base of its argument and accused India of using the ICJ for its political theatrics. India termed that the confession of Jadhav was forcibly taken by the military while in captivity and he was tried by a military court in Pakistan.

Pakistan's counsel Khawar Qureshi while presenting Islamabad's stance in the ICJ on death sentence handed to Jadhav said that the former naval officer entered Islamabad through Iran using a fake passport.

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At least four climbers including a woman mountaineer were found dead inside their tent at a high altitude camp on Mt Everest, taking this year's death toll of the spring climbing season to at least nine.

The expedition officials on Wednesday said that Sherpa climbers spotted four bodies - two Nepalis and two foreigners - at camp IV on Tuesday while they were searching for another body to recover, reports the Himalayan Times.

"Sherpa climbers from Seven Summit Treks who were there to recover the body of a Slovak mountaineer spotted four more dead bodies inside a tent," Managing Director at Seven Summit Treks Mingma Sherpa quoted the rescuers as saying over the phone.

The rescuers said that the cause of death could be suffocation inside the tent.

At least six Sherpa climbers were there to recover the body of 49-year-old Slovakian solo climber Vladimir Strba who died at Camp IV on Sunday afternoon, he said, adding that Slovak's body was being brought to Camp II.

Earlier, an American climber Roland Yearwood died of altitude sickness near South Col on Sunday while Sherpa climbers recovered the body of Indian climber Ravi Kumar on on Monday.
Pakistan Super League (PSL) chairman Najam Sethi has vowed that he will try to bring at least eight matches in Pakistan in the upcoming edition, unlike the second season of the tournament, in which only the final was staged in Lahore.

Sethi further revealed that two double headers will be held in both Karachi and Lahore this time.

"This time around we are going to hold eight matches in Pakistan. Two double headers will take place in Karachi and two double headers will take place in Lahore," the Express Tribune quoted the PSL chief as saying.

Last time around, Pakistan successfully hosted the PSL final which saw Peshawar Zalmi thrashing Quetta Gladiators by 58 runs in front of a jam-packed Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

Heading into the final, Quetta Gladiators' frontline foreign picks - England's Kevin Pietersen, Luke Wright and Tymal Mills, and South African Rilee Rossouw --all refused to travel Pakistan citing security concerns.

As a result, Quetta was forced to sign back-up foreign players who failed to gel well enough with the side in time.

However, Sethi believes this time around though, there will be no such problem as playing in Pakistan would now be part of the players' contract.

"All players featuring in the third edition of the PSL will be obliged to play in Pakistan. It will be part of their contract that they will be playing here," said Sethi.

He further revealed that the foreign players are expected to receive 50% above their usual fee for the match in Pakistan as added incentive, or 100% if they are icon players.

"So if a player was getting let's say $10,000 for that match, then he will be getting $15,000. It is just a way to sweeten the deal for them," Sethi explained.

Last month, Sethi had announced that six teams will play in the next edition of the country's lucrative T20 tournament.

Reflecting on the same, the PSL chairman said that the bidding process is already underway.

"We had a total of six eligible bidders for the five teams when we began two years ago. It is a measure of how far the league has come that this time around we have 30 bidders for one team," he added.

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Sir Roger Moore, the iconic Hollywood star, died yesterday after a short "but brave battle with cancer," according to a statement by his family members.

The news of Moore's death has met with an outpouring of grief from celebrities on social media.

Hollywood celebrities like Daniel Craig, Pierce Brosnan, Russell Crowe and more extended their mourning on the star's death.

Here are some Tweets by celebs:

The 'Trumbo' star Bryan Cranston took twitter and wrote, "Saddened @sirrogermoore passed today. Had a great chat about acting & life 6 mo. ago. Generous and kind. RIP Mr. Bond."

Daniel Craig, who played Bond in last four films tweeted, "Nobody Does It Better - love Daniel," alongside a photo of Moore.

Another 'James Bond' actor, Pierce Brosnan also took to his Facebook page and shared a heartfelt message, which read, "Dear Sir Roger Moore, It is indeed with a heavy heart that I hear the news of your passing this morning. You were a big part of my life, from The Saint to James Bond.. .you were a magnificent James Bond and one that lead the way for me, the world will miss you and your unique sense of humor for years to come. My sincerest condolences to your family and children. RIP."

The Oscar-winning actor Russell Crowe also tweeted, "Roger Moore ,loved him."

Actress-turned-activist Mia Farrow expressed her thoughts by saying, "Few are as kind & giving as was Roger Moore. Loving thoughts w his family & friends. He will be missed too by UNICEF."

Duran Duran, the iconic band which performed the title song for Moore's final Bond film, 'A View To Kill' paid tribute by posting the movie's poster and captioned it, "#RIP Roger."

The actor's family confirmed the news of his death through his Twitter handle. The post read, "With the heaviest of hearts, we must share the awful news that our father, Sir Roger Moore, passed away today. We are all devastated."

The actor was best known for being the third actor to play the British secret agent 'James Bond' in seven feature films between 1973 and 1985.

Some of his best movies include - 'The Spy Who Loved Me', "Live And Let Die', 'For Your Eyes Only.

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A recent study has revealed that the health effects of a particular food product cannot be determined on the basis on the individual protein, fat and fibre content, instead it should be evaluated with other item eaten at the same time.

According to the University of Copenhagen researchers in Denmark, the composition of a food can alter the properties of the nutrients contained within it, in ways that cannot be predicted on the basis of an analysis of the individual nutrients.

Yoghurt and cheese have a different and more beneficial effect on bone health, body weight, the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, than would be expected on the basis of their saturated fat and calcium content.

First author Tanja Kongerslev Thorning said that when we eat, we do not consume individual nutrients, we eat the whole food - either alone or together with other foods in a meal. It is therefore, obvious that we should assess the food products in context.

There are interactions between the nutrients in a food that are significant for its overall effect on health.

Thorning explained that almonds, which contain a lot of fat, but release less fat than expected during digestion, even when chewed really well. The effects on health of a food item are probably a combination of the relationship between its nutrients and also of the methods used in its preparation or production. This means that some foods may be better for us or less healthy than is currently believed.

The expert panel behind these conclusions consists of 18 experts in epidemiology, food, nutrition and medical science.

Discussions focussed on dairy products and on how the complex mixture of nutrients and bioactive substances, such as minerals and vitamins, can affect digestion and ultimately change the overall nutritional and health properties of a particular food.

Researcher Arne Astrup concluded that the example of cheese is good to illustrate that a food's health effects cannot be judged by single nutrients.

Astrup added that all the positive effects are due to a complex interaction between beneficial bacteria, minerals and bio-active cheese ingredients.

The findings appeared in journal of Clinical Nutrition.

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The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has allowed Indian national Uzma, who has accused her Pakistani husband of marrying her at gunpoint, to return to India and has also ordered police to provide her security till the Wagah Border.

An Islamabad High Court bench, headed by Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani, returned Uzma her original immigration form, which her husband Tahir had submitted to the court on Tuesday, reports Geo News.

Tahir also expressed his desire to meet Uzma in private, which the later refused.

Justice Kayani remarked that if Uzma does not want to meet Tahir, then she won't be forced.

On May 19, Uzma had submitted a 6-page reply to the High Court and reiterated her earlier claims and said that she was forced to sign the Nikkahnama [marriage papers].

The reply also claimed that Tahir's affidavit was based on lies. The reply also requested that Uzma is allowed to travel to India as her visa will expire on May 30.

Earlier, while recording her statement before the Court of a Judicial Magistrate Uzma (20) also alleged that she was sedated, assaulted, tortured mentally and physically by the man in Pakistan who had invited her to visit his family in Pakistan.

Uzma, who hails from New Delhi, also stated the she had taken shelter in High Commission of India of her own accord and would stay there till she is sent back to India with security.

The case came to the forefront after her husband claimed that Indian High Commission has stopped her wife from leaving the premises during their visit to apply for visa on May 7.

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Jammu and Kashmir Minister Priya Sethi on Wednesday asserted that Army Major Gogoi's intentions were correct and only aimed at saving the local people.

"Gogoi's action should be supported as he was only trying to minimize the causalities," Sethi told ANIwith regard to Major Gogoi's decision to have a Kashmiri tied to the front of a jeep to stop protesters from stone pelting.

Sethi refused to comment on former Chief Ministr Omar Abdullah's statement.

Omar Abdullah tweeted, "In future please don't bother with the farce of a military court of inquiry. Clearly the only court that matters is the court of public opinion."

"And international conventions like the Geneva/Vienna ones only count when India can accuse others of violations. Do as we say not as we do," he added.

Major Leetul Gogoi had tied up a civilian, Farooq Ahmad Dar, on his jeep's bonnet as a shield to prevent mobs from attacking Election Commission staff in Jammu and Kashmir's Budgam last month

Yesterday he said that he had caught Dar instigating a group of stone-pelters therefore decided to make him an example to others from doing the same.and could have been their leader.

The officer has been awarded a Chief of Army Staff's (COAS) Commendation Card for his sustained distinguished service in counter-insurgency operations in Jammu and Kashmir.

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The internet connects people and things around the world. Optical cables placed along the ocean floor provide more than 99 percent of international communications.

Together with NTT group companies, NTT Communications has recently outfitted the new submarine cable-laying vessel, Kizuna, to strengthen its underwater cable-laying and maintenance capabilities.

The Kizuna prides itself with the capability to enable easy maneuvering and stable fixed point positioning in the ocean using DPS (dynamic positioning system).

Its advanced design comprises two azimuth propellers, and an electric propulsion system, to allow lateral movement and the capability to turn in a small radius.

Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) equipped with a jet cable laying system and with a maximum operating depth of 2,500m allows rapid laying and maintenance of undersea cables.

The capabilities of the cable-laying vessel gained attention as it can perform different tasks on the ocean, particularly when the unprecedented earthquake struck Japan in March 2011.

Kizuna is the first submarine cable-laying vessel equipped for the dual purpose of serving as a disaster-relief ship in the case of major natural disasters.

Kizuna has been designed to assist during disaster recovery operations, for example through the rapid shipment of containers and other supplies.

The vessel can also transport disaster recovery vehicles and emergency cellular network base stations, as well as satellite communication facilities and temporary accommodation for employees working in disaster zones.

Takeshi Kawamoto, Captain, Navigation group, NTT World Engineering Marine Corporation, "In this way, we train every day to build and operate reliable communication cables that will withstand disasters. In addition, we want to protect the relationship of Japan with the rest of the world, maintain security, and protect the bonding with the rest of the international community."

A clock is indispensable for everyday life.

Aoyama Times and Images Museum', a unique clock museum has opened in Aoyama, Tokyo.

Chiharu Kamise, Director, CASA D' ANGELA, Aoyama Times and Images Museum, "This museum has collected items that mainly fit these three categories: beautiful clocks, unusual clocks, and interesting clocks. Some broken watches I repaired are exhibited here. This is a very unusual watch with a Ferris wheel on top. It is a German watch made in the 1930s. Because it requires power as a clock, it has a pretty strong spring, and has a slightly different mechanism from ordinary clocks. This clock is called the Vienna Clock and was made in Vienna, Austria. It's called the GRANDE SONNERIE, which means it announces the time automatically every hour and every 15 minutes. There is a doll called the Automata here, and when the bell rings, the arm of this doll moves like this. In the 19th century, when there was no electric light, when you pull this cord in the middle of the night, it becomes a mechanism to tell the hour and the minute by the sound. This is a very rare item."

While looking at the watches made using various mechanisms, it can easily make the viewers forget the time.

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Angry police aspirants on Wednesday staged a massive demonstration outside Vidhan Sabha here, against the alleged irregularity in the recruitment of constables in the Uttar Pradesh police.

"We have been tortured. We thought him as a guardian and we went to Yogi Adityanath ji but the police is beating us up now. We wanted to demonstrate a very peaceful protest but the police are resorting to violence. We have been betrayed," said a protestor to ANI here.

"We were going to the Vidhan Sabha to protest. But the police charged baton on us. They are not letting us have a peaceful protest," said another protestor.

It has been alleged that discrimination has been committed in calling the candidates for the recruitment.

Earlier this month, the Uttar Pradesh Police Recruitment and Promotion Board (UPPRPB) has released an employment notification inviting candidates to apply for the positions of Computer Operator.

The candidates will be selected on the basis of an online written exam and typing test.

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Seven people were killed after a deadly collision between a car and truck in Aurangabad late last night.

The injured have been rushed to the nearby hospital for treatment.

The police reached the spot and launched an investigation to ascertain the cause of the accident.

More details awaited.

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The UK terror threat level has been raised to its highest level from severe to 'critical' after the Manchester Arena bombing that claimed 22 lives and injured several others, signifying that another attack may be imminent.

British Prime Minister Theresa May, after chairing a meeting of the government's emergency Cobra committee, announced that the country's terror threat level has been raised to its highest level based on evidence gathered during the investigation of the deadly attack at a Manchester Ariana Grande concert.

She said the military personnel will help armed police officers in guarding key sites.

Prime Minister May has also triggered "Operation Temperer", an emergency plan to put thousands of soldiers on the streets in response to a major terrorist threat, local media reports said.

Former Prime Minister Tony Blair had also deployed soldiers in response to a terrorist threat when he had sent tanks and 450 members of the armed forces to guard airports in 2003 after warnings of a plot to bring down an airliner.

Telegraph quoted May as saying that the police had asked for military support and Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon has approved the request.

'Critical' threat level means that a terror attack could happen on British soil 'imminently'.

The Guardian quoted Scotland Yard assistant commissioner Mark Rowley as saying that the doubt about whether a wider group was involved in the led to the decision to raise the threat level.

The suicide bomber, who killed 22 people at the deadly Manchester Arena, has been identified as 22-year-old Salman Abedi, Telegraph quoted Manchester Police Chief Constable Ian Hopkins, as saying.

"Priority is to continue to investigate whether he was acting alone or working as part of a wider network," he added.

There were also reports that Islamic State group has claimed responsibility of the attack.

Meanwhile, the Greater Manchester Police have arrested a 23-year-old man in connection with the Manchester Arena bomb attack on Tuesday even as Prime Minister May condemned the "sickening cowardice" of the perpetrator.

The police detained a man in the south of the city after raiding a flat in a newly-built four-storey block of apartments in Carlton Street in Whalley Range in an operation linked with the attack.
A complaint has been registered with the Income Tax (IT) investigations wing against former Karnataka chief minister H.D. Kumaraswamy in a money laundering case on Wednesday.

The complaint acknowledged by the department accused the former chief minister and former prime minister H. D. Deve Gowda's family of indulging in money laundering.

The IT also questioned the various investments made by his family members in India and countries abroad.

Reportedly, last week Kumaraswamy appeared before a Lokayukta Special Investigation Team after he was issued a notice to appear in connection with the Janthakal case.

On March 29, the Supreme Court asked the Special Investigating Team (SIT) of the Karnataka Police to probe allegations against two former chief ministers N. Dharam Singh and H. D. Kumaraswamy in connection with an iron ore mining case.

The apex court, however, granted relief to former chief minister, S M Krishna in the case.

The apex court also stayed all High Court proceedings and asked all not to pass any order on it.

This has been another trouble to Kumaraswamy after illegal mining case summons.

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Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal reportedly submitted his resignation to President Bidhya Devi Bhandari on Wednesday, thus paving the way for Nepali Congress Chief Sher Bahadur Deuba to become the next premier as per an understanding the two leaders had reached in August 2016.

The ruling parties -Nepali Congress and CPN(Maoist-Centre)-Prachanda entered into an understanding according to which Prachanda was supposed to quit the top post for the NC President to lead the coalition government.

It will take over two weeks for the new Prime Minister and Cabinet to take over .

President Bidhya Devi Bhandari will call upon all the parties to form a consensus if there is a failure to form a new government on the basis of majority.

Initially, the prime minister was to address the parliament yesterday and announce his resignation, but it was postponed because of the adjournment of the House after the main opposition CPN-UML's lawmakers obstructed the House meeting.

CPN-UML's lawmakers are protesting against the government's decision to increase the number of local units in Tarai districts .

There is wide spread speculation that the CPN- Maoist Center will betray the Nepali Congress if the opposition CPN- UML (Communist Party of Nepal- Unified Marxist Leninist) leaves the post of Mayor of Bharatpur to the Maoist Center.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal's daughter Renu Dahal is vying for the post of mayor.

It is said that the CPN-Maoist Center will endorse CPN-UML candidate Bamdev Gautam, former minister for home affairs in the K P Oli led cabinet, as next Prime Minister.

This was rejected Maoist Center Spokesperson Bhusal, who claimed that Maoist Center will support a Nepali Congress led government.

"Whatever the talks about the agreement for the exchange of post of Bharatpur Mayor post for Maoist Center with the post of Prime Minister for CPN-UML is false. Maoist Center will go with the government formed under the leadership of Nepali Congress and there is no doubt that we will support Nepali Congress in forming new government," Bhusal stressed.

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Pakistan Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman on Wednesday said Pakistan's befitting response to India's alleged aggression in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) will be remembered by its future generations.

"Our response to any aggression by the enemy will be such that their future generations will also remember it," Radio Pakistan quoted him, as saying at the Qadri Air Force base in Skardu after witnessing fighter plane exercises.

He added that the nation should have zero concern over statements of the enemy in an apparent reference to India.

He noted that the production of JF-17 fighter jets has been enhanced three times and added that the fighter jet has been further improved as per modern standards.

Air Chief Marshal Aman's statement comes days after media in India reported that Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal B S Dhanoa had written letter to 12,000 officers of the Indian Air Force (IAF), asking them to be prepared for operations at a very short notice.

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Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edapadi K Palaniswami met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday to seek Centre's intervention on the setting up of the Cauvery River Management Authority and seeking relief for farmers.

Palaniswamy' visit came days after the rival AIADMK faction led by O. Pannerselvam meet with the Prime Minister demanding the same.

"Clearance for the Rs 14,500 crore scheme for the restoration of the Cauvery bed for which the state government has sent a scheme. This should be implemented as a scheme, he said.

When he was asked about the possible tie up with the BJP for the upcoming local body elections in Tamil Nadu, Palaniswamy said, "No such political discussions took place with the Prime Minister."

Besides this, Palaniswami said he has handed over a memorandum to Prime Minister Modi containing various demands of the state for Central help in implementing development schemes.

"I have urged the Prime Minister to ensure that the finance ministry issue instructions to the insurance companies for quick disbursal of crop loss insurance for farmers affected by the severe drought that has hit the state this year," he said.

The chief minister said he has asked for Centre's approval to set up N AIIMS hospital in Tamil Nadu.

The demands included immediate central approval for setting up of an AIIMS hospital in Tamil Nadu, clearance for the Rs 14,500 crore scheme for restoration of the Cauvery bed for which the state government has sent a scheme. This should be implemented as a scheme, he said.

Palaniswami said he urged the Prime Minister to direct the Kerala government to not to go ahead with its plans for the construction of check dams across the Bhavani river.

He said that he has urged the Centre to convince the Kerala government to accept Tamil Nadu's plan for diversion of surplus waters from Pamba, Achankoil and Vaippar rivers to prevent them from going into the sea which will be beneficial to both states.

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Rebutting Karnataka minister R. Roshan Baig's objecting to the chanting of "Jai Maharashtra", Shiv Sena leader Neelam Ghore on Wednesday asserted that those who follow rules and decorum in life are the ones who face consequences.

"In this country, people who follow rules and decorum in life are the ones who face consequences, and the ones who do not even remain present for the anthem in Srinagar, are free birds. Just because the state wants people to make Marathi compulsory, the opposition wants to isolate and punish them on their thinking. Sometimes, they also want to disrobe their prestige and honour," Ghore told ANI.

Taking a jibe at the Congress, Ghore said it is the responsibility of the grand old party to prevent its ministers from making unjustifiable statements or committing such acts.

"So whatever Baig has said is not at all legal, it is his vindictive nature that he has expressed. As a member of Shiv Sena- I request President and Prime Minister to look into this matter. The government of Maharashtra has already given letter to Chief Minister of Maharashtra but because K'taka CM and Baig belong to congress it is the responsibility of the grand old party's high command to see to it that such an act should not be done by the ministers again," Ghore said.

Earlier this day, Baig had also allegedly said that Karnataka government was intending to bring in a new legislation to check "anti-Karnataka activities" by elected representatives.

The matter was raised in the Maharashtra Legislative Council on Monday by Shiv Sena legislator Dr. Neelam Gorhe following which the state government assured to take it up with Karnataka Chief Minister, K Siddaramaiah.

The Leader of the Upper House Chandrakant Patil said that he had discussed the matter with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

Meanwhile, political parties and organisations in Mumbai, Pune, Kolhapur and other parts of state protested against Baig's statement.

Activists of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena in Thane painted 'Jai Maharashtra' on buses plying to Karnataka.

Swabhiman Sanghtana workers defaced the board of Karnataka Sangha Hall and wrote 'Jai Maharashtra' on it. Shiv Sena activists in Pune's Swargate, too, painted the slogan on buses plying to Karnataka.

Sainiks in Kolhapur painted slogans - 'Jai Maharashtra, Jai Shivaji, Jai Bhawani' - on at least seven buses plying from Kolhapur to Belgaum.

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The Philippines may be put under martial law to tackle the threat of Islamic State, said President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday.

Duterete on Tuesday placed southern island of Mindanao under military rule where the Muslim rebel groups have unleashed terror and beheaded a policeman and killed three other security force personnel. Duterte cut short his visit to Russia to deal with the violence in the city of Marawi, where the rebel groups have pledged allegiance to Islamic State (IS).

As the frightened people continue to flee Marawi, Duterete today said he might declare martial law throughout the country to protect the people and preserve the nation.

Duterte assured the public he will not allow abuses under martial rule.

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Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte has declared martial law in entire southern region of Mindanao following deadly clashes erupting between government troops and Islamist militants on Tuesday, local media reports said.

Duterte had to curtail his visit to Russia over the situation in the southern province of Mindanao.

The state-run Philippines News Agency quoted Duterte's spokesman Ernesto Abella as saying that the martial law will be in effect for 60 days to suppress lawless violence and rebellion and for public safety.

Two soldiers and a police officer were killed during the clashes between government forces and the Maute group, an Islamist militant organisation based in Mindanao.

Terrorism has been a persistent problem in the southern Philippines, where Maute and militant group Abu Sayyaf are based.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday called on British Prime Minister Theresa May to express solidarity over the recent Manchester terror attack.

"Called @Number10gov @theresa_may to express our solidarity with UK after the terror attack in Manchester. We stand together against terror," he tweeted.

Earlier, the Manchester Police arrested the fifth man in the deadly Manchester Arena Attack.

Britain's internal intelligence outfit MI5 and the police are now engaged in trying to establish whether Manchester terror attack suicide bomber Salman Abedi worked alone or was part of wider network that helped him to acquire the bomb.

Although the Islamic State has claimed responsibility for Monday night's attack, the police have not confirmed the background of the attacker or if he had links to ISIS ,The Independent has reported.

Abedi was a British and grew up in tight-knit Libyan community that was known for its strong opposition to Colonel Muammar Gaddafi and his regime.

Police and MI5 have said that they will thoroughly investigate some of the important questions related to the attack and the attacker that claimed 22 lives and left another 59 injured.

1) How he acquired the explosives

2) How the suicide bomber managed to get training to assemble and detonate

3) How he selected his target and whether he had obtained ID to access a vulnerable area close to the arena.

4) Identifying the persons who have been radicalised or inspired by the jihadists ideology through social media.

5) Any terror network operating in the country

The police and security services will be given time and all the resources they need to establish these facts. Officials described it as the largest and deadliest attack in 12 years, since more than 50 people died in the London tube and bus bombings in July 2005.

Prime Minister Theresa May said the attacker "deliberately chose the time and place to cause maximum carnage and to kill and injure indiscriminately". The

Police have concluded that the latest blast has also shown an area of expertise compared to recent attacks, such as at Westminster in March, where the attacker used his car and a knife.

Andrew Parker, the head of the MI5 has said "Everyone in MI5 is revolted by the disgusting terrorist attack in Manchester and Our teams have been working with the police through the night to assist the investigation.

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Prime Minister would be undertaking a four-nation visit to Germany, Spain, Russia and France from May 29 to June 3 to consolidate bilateral relations and invite investments in India.

On May 29, Germany Chancellor Angela Merkel will host Prime Minister Modi at her official Meseberg Country Retreat where the two leaders would discuss issues of mutual interest.

On May 30, Prime Minister Modi and Merkel would hold the fourth India-Germany Intergovernmental Consultations.

Both leaders would also be addressing a business event where top CEOs from both the sides would be present.

Later in the day, Prime Minister Modi will pay a courtesy call on Germany President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.

"India and Germany enjoy a strategic partnership. The upcoming Prime Minister's visit will give further boost to this special relationship," an official release said.

From Berlin, Prime Minister Modi would be travelling to Spain on 30 May on an official visit.

The following day he would meet with Spain President Mariano Rajoy and discuss bilateral and other issues of mutual interest. As part of the programme, Prime Minister would be calling on King Felipe VI of Spain.

He would also have a Round-Table interaction with leading Spanish business leaders who are keen to invest in India.

"Prime Minister's visit to Spain will add further strength to the existing warm and friendly India-Spain bilateral ties," it said.

From June 1, Prime Minister will be in for a two day visit for holding the 18th India-Russia Annual Summit in St. Petersburg with the Russian President Vladimir Putin. It is the first time that the Annual Summit will be held in Russia outside Moscow.

Following the summit, the Prime Minister, for the first time, will participate in the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum on June 2 as Guest of Honour.

Russia was the first country with which India instituted Annual Summits.

This had followed the Declaration of Strategic Partnership between India and the Russian Federation in October 2000 in New Delhi. Since then annual Summits have been held regularly every year.

At the bilateral Summit in St. Petersburg on June 1, the leaders are expected to review the entire gamut of India-Russia bilateral relations and review the progress made since the last summit held in Goa on October 15, 2016.

On June 2, Prime Minister Modi will visit Paris.

On June 3, he will hold official talks with France President Emmanuel Macron and discuss issues of mutual interest with a view to further strengthen India-France strategic ties.
Head of the Roman Catholic Church Pope Francis today welcomed U.S. President Donald Trump to the Vatican for their first face-to-face meeting.

Trump arrived at the Vatican after stops in Saudi Arabia and Israel.

The two leaders have diametrically opposing views on issues as varied as immigration, climate change and arms sales.

According to the New York Times, yesterday Cardinal Peter Turkson, a top Vatican official with close ties to Francis, acknowledged the differences in a post on Twitter: "Pope Francis & Pres Trump reach out to Islam- to exorcise it of rel. Violence. One offers peace of dialogue, the other security of arms," he wrote, in an apparent reference to the $110 billion weapons sale that Mr. Trump concluded with Saudi Arabia.

In February last year, Pope Francis responded to a question about the President's hard line against immigrants and his desire to build a wall along the border with Mexico, telling reporters, "a person who only thinks about building walls, wherever they may be, and not building bridges, is not Christian."

Trump, a candidate at the time, swiftly returned fire. "For a religious leader to question a person's faith is disgraceful," he said at a campaign rally in South Carolina.

"No leader, especially a religious leader, should have the right to question another man's religion or faith. If and when the Vatican is attacked by ISIS, which as everyone knows is ISIS' ultimate trophy, I can promise you that the pope would have only wished and prayed that Donald Trump would have been president," he continued.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
President Pranab Mukherjee has written to Dr. Krishan Kant Paul, the Governor of Uttarakhand, conveying his condolences on the loss of lives due to a bus accident in Uttarakhand on Wednesday.

At least 21 pilgrims were killed while seven others have been injured in a bus accident near Dharasu in Uttarkashi district.

In the message, the President said, "My thoughts and prayers are with those affected by the accident. I am sure that the State Government and other agencies are taking necessary steps to provide all possible help to the bereaved families who have lost their near and dear ones as well as medical assistance to the injured. Please convey my heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased. I wish speedy recovery to those injured".

Earlier today, Prime Minister Modi condoled the deaths and tweeted, "My prayers and solidarity with those who lost their loved ones in the unfortunate bus accident in Uttarkashi. May the injured recover soon."

Prime Minister Modi also announced ex-gratia of Rs. two lakh for the kin of each of those killed in the tragic bus accident. The funds would be released from the Prime Minister's Relief Fund (PMNRF). "The Prime Minister has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the next of kin of those killed and Rs 50,000 for those seriously injured in the bus accident in Uttarkashi from PMNRF," a statement from the PMO said.

The bus carrying 28 pilgrims from Indore, Madhya Pradesh was returning from Gangotri when it fell into Bhagirathi River.

The accident occurred around 6 p.m. on Tuesday near Dharasu when the pilgrims were returning from Gangotri. All 21 dead bodies have been recovered.

While, the injured have been admitted to district hospital at Uttarkashi and Community Health Centre (CHC) Chinyalisaur.

The cause of the accident is said to be separation of the tire from the bus due to which driver lost control over the vehicle and it fell into the gorge. Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat has also expressed deep grief over the accident.

He announced ex-gratia of Rupees one lakh to the next of the kin of the deceased and 50,000 to the seriously injured. He has also directed a magisterial probe into the accident.

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After Indian opener Rohit Sharma guided Mumbai Indians to yet another Indian Premier League (IPL) title, his wife Ritika Sajdeh has congratulated him and the entire team on bringing the cup back home.

Posting a picture of her with Rohit on her Instagram account, Ritika said that she has seen him going through possibly the hardest six months of his life and coming out stronger, faster and more determined than ever.

"It's not just because you captained your team to yet another IPL title, but the fact that I've seen you go through possibly the hardest 6 months of your life and come out stronger, faster and more determined than ever. You're the strongest person I know and I am so so so proud of you. Congratulations to you and all your boys on bringing the cup back home @rohitsharma45," she wrote.

Rohit might be a proud captain after having inspired Mumbai Indians to a one-run win over Rising Pune Supergiant in the summit clash to take the trophy home for the third time, but he had headed into the tournament after four-month injury break and was out of action since November 2016.

Sharma was forced to rule himself out of India's Test, ODI and T20 triumphs against England, having undergone a thigh surgery in London after suffering an injury in the final ODI against New Zealand last year. Rohit was also not included in the team for the lone Test against Bangladesh which India won by 208 runs.

He was also not picked up for the first two Tests of the four-match series against Australia that followed.

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Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) S Dubey on Wednesday assured that 24 people have been arrested so far in connection with the clashes between two communities in Saharanpur yesterday.

The fresh clashes occurred yesterday after Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) Chief Mayawati's visit to the violence-hit area, in which one person was killed and several injured.

The state government also announced to give compensation of Rs. 15 lakhs to relative of a person who was killed during this incident.

SSP Dubey claimed that police and Uttar Pradesh Provincial Armed Constabulary or Pradeshik Armed Constabulary, (UP-PAC) or just (PAC) is also deployed in the affected area.

On May 5th, one person was killed and 16 people, including a head constable, were injured in clashes between Dalits and Rajputs in Shabbirpur and Simlana villages.

Reports said that the police stopped the Maharana Pratap procession after some Dalits informed the police. This angered Rajputs, who allegedly resorted to violence.

However, BSP chief Mayawati said the state government has till now not provided relief and compensation to the victims of the violence.

She announced that the BSP would provide assistance of Rs. 50,000 to those whose houses have been burnt and Rs. 25,000 to those who have been injured in the violence.

"This is not right as it is the party of all communities. We want to create an equal society in the country. The party follows the path shown by Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar. The BSP maintained the brotherhood and didn't let a single communal riot to take place during its rule," said Mayawati.

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Samajwadi Party leader Ram Gopal Yadav on Wednesday expressed grief over the fresh violence reported from Saharanpur, while accusing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of dividing Uttar Pradesh people based on caste identities.

Speaking to ANI here, Yadav said, "The BJP strategy consists of of polarization and seeking political advantage. The Saharanpur incident is one of the side effects of it."

Claiming that the BJP government is responsible for the recent incident in Uttar Pradesh, Yadav urged the former to stop such cases of violence in their regime.

The fresh clashes occurred yesterday after Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) Chief Mayawati's visit to the violence-hit area, in which one person was killed and several injured.

The state government also announced to give compensation of Rs. 15 lakhs to relative of a person who was killed during this incident.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) S Dubey has assured that 24 people have been arrested so far in connection with the clashes.

Dubey also claimed that police and Uttar Pradesh Provincial Armed Constabulary or Pradeshik Armed Constabulary, (UP-PAC) or just ( PAC) are also deployed in the affected area.

On May 5th, one person was killed and 16 people, including a head constable, were injured in clashes between Dalits and Rajputs in Shabbirpur and Simlana villages.

Reports said that the police stopped the Maharana Pratap procession after some Dalits informed the police. This angered Rajputs, who allegedly resorted to violence.

However, BSP chief Mayawati said the state government has till now not provided relief and compensation to the victims of the violence.

She announced that the BSP would provide assistance of Rs. 50,000 to those whose houses have been burnt and Rs. 25,000 to those who have been injured in the violence.

"This is not right as it is the party of all communities. We want to create an equal society in the country. The party follows the path shown by Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar.

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Young Vabilisetti Mohan Abhyas of Hyderabad has put forth an exemplary example to others that nothing is impossible if you have the zeal to work hard.

Mohan who recently secured the All India sixth rank and South India first rank in Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Mains 2017 belongs a low income earning family that is engaged in the 'samosa making' business.

"I credit my success to my parents. It might be a small thing for students like me, but for my parents it is a great achievement. After all the hard work they have done for us, they deserve it," Mohan told ANI.

Mohan who wants to become a scientist like his ideal, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam thanked his teachers for teaching him well.

Mohan used to manage his studies and make samosas simultaneously.

He said, "With the annual income of Rs. one lakh we could only afford school fees and two meals."

He wants to peruse his research work in physics and will opt for top Indian Institute of Technology (IITs) based on his preference and other conditions.

Subba Rao, Mohan's father, said, "We have worked very hard for our son's studies. My daily income is 500 rupees and within that income we had to manage everything.

Delighted by his son's achievements, Rao said he wants to see him become a scientist someday.

Mohan also holds to his credit a first rank in Andhra Pradesh Engineering Agricultural and Medical Common Entrance Test (EAMCET), a fifth rank in Telangana State Engineering, Agriculture and Medical Common Entrance Test.

Proving determination and hard work are sole ingredients for success, Mohan is a true inspiration for other students from financially weak backgrounds.

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At the eighth high-level international security conference in Russia, President Vladimir Putin emphasized that regional and global security issues should be addressed without actions breaching sovereign interests.

Putin's address was delivered by Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev in the Tver Region, wherein it was specifically pointed out that" an effective solution to such large-scale and complex tasks requires the coordination of all members of the community's efforts."

The conference will include sessions that will look closely at the issues of combating international terrorism, security problems in Europe and Asia-Pacific region, role of defence agencies in enhancing security in different regions of the .

Counter-terrorism and counter radicalism in the Middle East, security of information space, BMD implications, and security in Central Asia will also be in the spotlight of separate discussion sessions of the Forum.

"At the same time, it is extremely important that measures to ensure regional and global security are undertaken on the basis of consolidated approaches while strictly observing the principles and norms of international law. Actions that infringe on the legitimate interests of sovereign states, as well as the practice of double standards, are categorically unacceptable,"Sputnik quoted Putin's message, as stating.

Representatives of more than 90 countries took part in international high-level security meeting in the Russian region of Tver.

Delegates consists of security council secretaries, presidential aides, ministers and intelligence officials .The eight international high-level meeting on security issues kicked off on Tuesday in Zavidovo national Resort in Tver region and will last through Thursday.

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Members of Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's family have raised questions on the Joint Investigation Team (JIT) formed to securitize the allegations against the family in regard to the Panama paper leaks.

Hussain Nawaz, the Prime Minister's eldest son has expressed misgivings over officers who may hinder the JIT findings and prove to be partial and unfair to the family.

Nawaz has reportedly requested two officers be dismissed from the probe team to ensure upright and unbiased investigations.

Talal Chaudhry, leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has also conveyed the party's reservations on the JIT, reported the Dawn.

Beside Nawaz, another member of the family has filed complaint against JIT, citing misbehavior. This complaint was filed by the PM's cousin Shafi to the JIT's head Wajid Zia against some of the JIT members after his interrogation.

The complaint has been forwarded to the Supreme Court for perusal.

Quoting sources, the Express Tribune reported that Shafi, is a key witness in the probe, and has been interrogated by a six-member JIT. However, during the investigation he was given a hard time by some JIT members.

The Express Tribune also reported sources that the PM's son was also considering moving a plea raising objections over the methods being employed to investigate.

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After Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was denied a speech at the American-Islamic summit on counter-terrorism, the Pakistan media frowned over the development, branding it as 'national humiliation'.

"The PM was effectively gagged at the American-Islamic summit on counter-terrorism. It also represented a national humiliation", said The Daily Times adding that no opportunity was given to Pakistan to present its case within the context of the country being a victim of regional instability and terrorism.

What angered Islamabad further was the fact that U.S. President Donald Trump in his speech at the event said India was one of the countries which had suffered due to terrorism, while ignoring Pakistan.

"No one was interested in what Pakistan had to say. Quite possibly, they have heard it all before. Of this, Nawaz should be in no doubt. Trump's singling out India as a victim of terrorism while failing to mention Pakistan - at all - was not a case of simple veering from the script by an exhausted president. It was a signal to Islamabad of where the US stands on current South Asia power imbalances," said the Daily Times.

Meanwhile, Pakistan based publication The Nation in an article titled 'Frontline state mortified at anti-terror summit' called the Riyadh summit a disaster for Pakistan, because while the country had lost over 70,000 civilians and over 6,000 soldiers to terrorism, Trump did not mention the country even once.

The article added that even though there was almost no possibility of a Sharif-Trump meeting, the Pakistan Foreign Office kept hyping it up.

All that Prime Minister Sharif could manage was a brief encounter with Trump and exchanged pleasantries.

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At least six Tamil Nadu fishermen were apprehended along with a boat by the Sri Lankan navy near Neduntheevu island, last night.

The fishermen were apprehended by the Lankan Navy near Delft island.

The fishermen have been taken to Kankesandurai Naval camp for investigation.

Earlier, this year former Tamil Nadu chief minister O. Panneerselvam had written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to take up the issue of apprehension of the state's fishermen by Lankan Navy at the "highest diplomatic level," besides ensuring their safety and security.

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Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao has sought an apology from Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shah for his remarks on the funds given to the state by the Central Government.

Questioning the accuracy of the figures provided by Shah on the funds given to the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS)-ruled state by the Centre, Rao unraveled the amounts the state had received.

The Telangana Chief Minister also offered his resignation, if found wrong.

"Amit Shah spoke of the Centre giving additional Rs. 20,000 crore annually to the state. I challenge him to show even Rs. 200 being given," Rao said.

"Amit Shah said a lot of funds are given to Telangana. He kept attacking us with blatant lies. He should apologise to people," he further said.

Continuing his tirade against the BJP president, Rao said that the food eaten by Shah at SC colonies during his three-day visit to Nalgonda was prepared somewhere else under the supervision of a forward caste party functionary.

At another place in Peddadevupalli village, Shah had food being cooked at a hotel.

Rao further said that while Shah had food sitting on table, Dalit workers of the party stood behind him.

Last week, another BJP leader Yeddyurappa received flak for allegedly eating 'idlis' from a nearby hotel and not the food prepared by the Dalit family, whose home he visited.

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U.S. President Donald Trump held a private telephonic conversation with Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte during which he labeled North Korean leader Kim Jong-un a "madman with nuclear weapons."

According to the Washington Post, President Trump even sought Duterte's input on whether "Kim is stable or not stable" to which Philippine counterpart allegedly said "Kim who is playing with his bombs, his toys," and "his mind is not working well and he just might go crazy one moment."

Trump reacted saying "We can't let a madman with nuclear weapons let on the loose like that" then pointed out that the United States has "a lot of firepower more than he has times20--" including "two nuclear submarines" but we don't want to use it , according to the transcript of the conversation made available by the Philippines government on May 2 .

Trump told his Philippine counterpart that Washington has sent two nuclear submarines to waters off the Korean Peninsula.

The phone call was held on April 29.

President Trump met President Xi Jinping on April 7 and asked China to exert more pressure on North Korea and if it dosen't work, the U.S. will act alone.

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Turkey has begun the trial of more than 200 suspects including senior military officers accused of plotting and orchestrating 2016 failed coup.

The hearing did begin, but prosecutors are calling for their life sentences, and among them are President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's aide-de-camp, the former head of Turkey's air force, and 26 former generals, colonels and majors.

Erdogan's government claims that the July 15 coup attempt was orchestrated by the U.S.-based Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen.

Gulen, who lives in self-imposed exile in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania, has been named in the indictment, but he denies his role in the failed coup.

Around 1,500 security personnel were deployed for security at the trial, state-run Anadolu news agency reported, which was held in a purpose-built courthouse in Sincan on the outskirts of the Turkish capital.

More than 240 people, many of them civilians, were killed in the failed coup on July 15, 2016, when a group of rogue soldiers commandered tanks, warplanes and helicopters, bombing the parliament and attempting to overthrow the government.

At the start of the hearing, families of the victims attending the trial screamed at the defendants, and one woman in the courtroom, whose son was killed during the coup, broke down.

"Kill these traitors, the murderers of my son," she screamed before fainting. The judge called for a medical team to be brought into the courtroom.

From a total of 221 defendants, more than 200 are from the military and more than half of those were officers who held ranks from captains up to generals. All but 12 of the suspects, who are still at large, appeared in court. Gulen, who is among the defendants, is among those being tried in absentia.

The coup-related trials taking place across Turkey, are expected to last until June 16.

More than 47,000 people have been arrested on suspicion of links to the Gulen movement and around 1,50,000 civil servants, teachers, judges, prosecutors, police and soldiers in an unprecedented crackdown under a state of emergency that was imposed in the wake of the coup attempt.

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Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim and U.S. Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley discussed the Syrian refugee crisis during their meeting on Tuesday.

Citing Prime Ministry sources, Anadolu news agency reported that the pair discussed facilities and services provided to foreign nationals, especially Syrians, who take refuge in Turkey.

"We had a constructive meeting with Turkish Prime Minister Yildirim," Haley tweeted alongside a photograph of her meeting with the Turkish Prime Minister.

The head of Turkey's Disaster and Emergency Management Authority Fuat Oktay, and the U.S. ambassador to Turkey John Bass also attended the meeting.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday announced ex-gratia of Rs two lakh for the kin of each of those killed in the tragic bus accident in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand.

The funds would be released from the Prime Minister's Relief Fund (PMNRF).

"The Prime Minister has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the next of kin of those killed and Rs 50,000 for those seriously injured in the bus accident in Uttarkashi from PMNRF," a statement from the PMO said.

At least 21 pilgrims were killed while seven others have been injured in a bus accident near Dharasu in Uttarkashi district last evening.

Prime Minister Modi condoled the deaths and tweeted, "My prayers & solidarity with those who lost their loved ones in the unfortunate bus accident in Uttarkashi. May the injured recover soon."

The bus carrying 28 pilgrims from Indore, Madhya Pradesh was returning from Gangotri when it fell into Bhagirathi River.

The accident occurred around 6 p.m. yesterday near Dharasu when the pilgrims were returning form Gangotri.

All 21 dead bodies have been recovered.

The injured have been admitted to district hospital at Uttarkashi and CHC Chinyalisaud.

The cause of the accident is said to be separation of the tire from the bus due to which driver lost control over the vehicle and it fell into the gorge.

Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat has expressed deep grief over the accident.

He announced ex-gratia of Rupees one lakh to the next of the kin of the deceased and 50,000 to the seriously injured. He has also directed a magisterial probe into the accident.

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The Indian government has done more than expected for Uzma, said Wasim Ahmad, brother of Uzma, who got permission from the Islamabad High Court to return to India.

Talking to ANI, Ahmad expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Indian government, and especially to External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.

"We are very happy that my sister would be soon coming back to India. The government has done for us more than expected. On our one request, Sushma Swaraj did what seemed impossible to us," said Ahmad.

He said that the Indian Embassy treated Uzma with full care. She took shelter in the Indian High Commission in Islamabad on May 5, 2017.

"The Indian Embassy in Pakistan kept my sister as own child. They would phone us to keep abreast of latest developments of the case," said Ahmad.

He added that he had no words to thank the government, Swaraj, and Indian High Commission in Pakistan.

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has allowed Indian Uzma, who has accused her Pakistani husband of marrying her at gunpoint, to return to India and has also ordered police to provide her security till the Wagah Border.

On May 19, Uzma had submitted a 6-page reply to the High Court and reiterated her earlier claims and said that she was forced to sign the Nikkahnama [marriage papers].

The reply also claimed that Tahir's affidavit was based on lies. The reply also requested that Uzma is allowed to travel to India as her visa will expire on May 30.

Earlier, while recording her statement before the Court of a Judicial Magistrate Uzma (20) also alleged that she was sedated, assaulted, tortured mentally and physically by Tahir who had invited her to visit his family in Pakistan.

Uzma, who hails from New Delhi, also stated the she had taken shelter in High Commission of India of her own accord and would stay there till she is sent back to India with security.

The case came to the forefront after her husband claimed that Indian High Commission has stopped her wife from leaving the premises during their visit to apply for visa on May 7.

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With the drama over Melania swatting off Donald Trump's hand in Riyadh still going viral on the social media, the first lady has done it yet again.

As the U.S. President along with wife Melania landed in Rome, the former's hand was ignored yet again by the first lady.

After waving at the crowd, President Trump reached out for Melania's hand, when she whisked it away to tuck her hair.

The President then touched her on the back to hide the fumble - triggering sniggers and instantly generating memes on Twitter.

The episode was almost a repeat telecast of what had happened in Israel a couple of days ago. While walking down the red carpet at Israel's Ben Gurion airport with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara, the President had tried to hold the Melania's hand, only to be swatted away in full view of cameras.

Meanwhile, former White House photographer Pete Souza took to Instagram to remind how the previous presidential couple held hands as he posted a photo of former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama from 2015.

Holding hands. A post shared by Pete Souza (@petesouza) on May 23, 2017 at 7:53am PDT

The click showed the Obamas holding hands during an event at the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, marking the 50th Anniversary of the Selma to Montgomery civil rights marches.

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Apex industry body ASSOCHAM has mooted a proposal to the newly elected government of Punjab for announcement of comprehensive industrial policy to bring back the glory of 'Sher-E-Punjab' hub for small medium enterprise (SMEs) and value addition to agriproducts.

The policy should focus on activities relating top reservation, farm products, horticulture, livestock products like milk and other dairy items, cotton and textiles etc. which have strong backward and forward linkages in the state's economy.

According to the paper, Punjab needs to promote less-water guzzling crops like pulses, oilseeds, cotton, maize, millet, vegetables and fruits - by providing improved seeds and ensuring that farmers get a fair price for these crops through a market support mechanism. The area under paddy cultivation should be reduced and high value crops like cotton, fruits, vegetables, canola, menthe, turmeric etc. should be grown to raise their share of cropping area from 3.4%.

Ad-hoc policies like ban on export of food grains, limits on private stocking and tax on purchase of food grains (14.4%) should be revisited and withdrawn wherever possible. The fertilizer subsidy policy needs to be revisited to achieve balanced use of nutrients and subsidy should be transferred directly to the farmers.

Incentivise technology like direct seeding of paddy and drip irrigation which saves 30-50% of water. More investment needed in production and promotion of organic manure, bio-pesticides to cut down use of chemical pesticides linked to the spread of cancer. Also, Implement National Policy for Crop Residue 2014 which suggests suitable legislation, adoption of technical measures and training on crop residue management to eliminate crop residue burning.

To reduce farmers' indebtedness, private moneylenders should be registered and regulated and instead of debt waiver schemes, state should find ways to expand institutional credit facilities; APMC Act should be amended to allow farmers to sell directly to food processing industry while ensuring that no hoarding of essential items take place. Punjab should join National Agriculture Market which provides e-mandis across the country to ensure better price realisation and soil testing facilities

The financial incentives - like exemption or concessions in stamp duty, property tax etc. - should be extended to existing units which are fighting for survival. Also bring parity in tax structure and match financial incentives offered by rival states like Himachal Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh to become more competitive, adds paper.

Develop labour intensive technologies suitable for growth of MSMEs and support with adequate infrastructure to overcome problems of poor labour productivity and obsolete technologies. The state needs to take advantage of natural resources to promote farm products, horticulture, livestock products, manufacturing of textiles, machinery, motor vehicle, food processing etc. since these have strong linkages with the state's economy, noted the ASSOCHAM study.

The power policy should be reviewed. Octroi and cow cess should be withdrawn and cheaper power available to new industries should be extended to the existing ones. IT and ITeS industries should be developed in Amritsar, Jalandhar and Ludhiana as proposed and fast-tracked.

A petrochemical hub around Bhatinda's refinery and bio-technology parks and incubators in and outside Mohali should be developed as new growth drivers. Single-window and IT-enabled mechanism should be set up for administrative clearances, extending various services and availing various incentives, adds the joint study.

Fiscal Incentives for Industrial Promotion 2013 should be amended to provide incentives to proposed ITeS hub in Jalandhar which has necessary infrastructure. There is a huge potential for financial services -capital market services, private banking to HNIs, brokerage and insurance etc. The state should take help of financial institutions to spread financial literacy.

The state has no clear and defined health policy despite the alarming level of cancer and drug addiction and high cost of hospitalisation etc. The health expenditure needs to go up to Rs 5,000 per capita by 2030 from current level of Rs 1,015 (2014-15).

The public health infrastructure needs drastic restructuring at sub-centre, PHC and CHC levels to ensure adequate healthcare coverage, including treatment for cancer and drug addiction.

IT solutions should be developed to check rampant absenteeism of medical personnel and to record and report health transactions. The curriculum and vocational training programme for tourism should be developed at school level particularly targeting high dropouts in districts of Pathankot, Muktsar Sahib, Fatehgarh, Mansa and Sangrur.

The state needs to set up skill development/training institutes either on its own or with private participation since the current skilling programme has been taken over by industries for in house training and is not benefitting general labour force. A strategic road-map needed for skill development in districts with low penetration of vocational education-Gurdaspur, Sangrur, Barnala, Muktsar, Jalandhar and Mohali.

More funds should be mobilised to set up commercial dairy farms, poultry farms etc. and provide marketing infrastructure to help such farms garner maximum benefits rather than middlemen. Proposed district haatcentres in Amritsar, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Patiala, Ferozpur and Mohali should be completed on a priority basis.

The state should focus on building a dedicated rail freight corridor and add more dry ports for a double-digit growth; Need to step up efforts to induct IT into agriculture and agri-processing. Policy should be changed to provide free power to only small and marginal farmers, while power to middle and big farmers could be charged at market rates (or slightly subsidized). In addition to renewable energy like solar power, plans should be worked out for harvesting bio-energy to use bio-mass generated.

Total number of housing shortage is 7,46,798 units which includes shortage of urban housing of 2,80,050 units. A perspective plan for housing should be made at the state and city levels to address the shortfall in housing; about 20-25% of developed land in urban areas should be reserved for urban poor. To prevent slum formation, industries and builders should be persuaded to provide reasonable accommodation equipped with basic services to their workers.

The state's growth is driven by the services sector which has grown disproportionately. Interestingly, however, analysis of sub-sectoral data shows that the only sub-sector which has been growing is banking and financial services. The rest are slowing down, including trade and hotel which contributes the most (23.5%) to the services sector. The banking penetration is high but there is a potential for expanding financial services like capital market services, private banking to HNIs, brokerage and insurance services etc. The state would do well to focus on financial literacy with the help of banks and other financial institutions.

Tourism is another area which has huge potential but remains neglected. Health services too have been neglected which is strange given the high incidence of drug addiction and cancer and high cost of hospitalisation. The health infrastructures like PHCs and CHCs, availability of doctors etc. have witnessed sharp decline. There is a need to substantially increase public investment in health but the new government should better form a comprehensive health policy for the state first.

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Bharat Forge was up 3.08% to Rs 1,076 at 14:23 IST on BSE after net profit rose 25.32% to Rs 207.50 crore on 10.67% growth in total income to Rs 1205.37 crore in Q4 March 2017 over Q4 March 2016.

The result was announced during market hours today, 24 May 2017.

Meanwhile, the S&P BSE Sensex was down 66.53 points or 0.22% at 30,298.72.

On the BSE, 1.68 lakh shares were traded on the counter so far as against the average daily volumes of 87,639 shares in the past one quarter. The stock had hit a high of Rs 1,092.20 and a low of Rs 1,040.20 so far during the day.

The stock had hit a 52-week high of Rs 1,175 on 3 May 2017 and a 52-week low of Rs 686.80 on 24 June 2016. It had underperformed the market over the past one month till 23 May 2017, sliding 3.15% compared with the Sensex's 3.41% rise. The scrip had also underperformed the market over the past one quarter, declining 2.48% as against the Sensex's 5.1% rise.

The large-cap company has equity capital of Rs 46.56 crore. Face value per share is Rs 2.

Bharat Forge's Chairman & Managing Director B.N. Kalyani said that in Q4 March 2017, the company continued to witness sales growth, strong profitability and reduction of debt. The increase in sales was broad-based across segments and geographies, he said.

Looking ahead into FY 2018, the company expects its performance to be better than the underlying market demand, driven by improvement in North American market across sectors, ramp up of passenger vehicle business and increasing share of business from new sectors, Kalyani stated.

Bharat Forge's board at its meeting held today, 24 May 2017, recommended a final dividend of Rs 5 per share for the year ended March 2017.

Bharat Forge is the flagship company of Kalyani Group. It is a global provider of high performance, innovative, safety & critical components and solutions to various industrial sectors including automotive, oil & gas, power, construction & mining, aerospace and rail & marine.

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Of Rs 2.5 per share

Hinduja Global Solutions announced that the Board of Directors of the Company at its meeting held on 22 May 2017, inter alia, have recommended the final dividend of Rs 2.5 per equity Share (i.e. 25%) , subject to the approval of the shareholders.

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It is asserted that the employment potential and prospects in the IT and related sectors are robust and promising. Some of the reports to the contrary in the media space are highly exaggerated and unfounded.

Indian IT sector employment prospects, both in the near and long-term are expected to be broadly positive and encouraging for the future. India IT companies currently serve two thirds of the fortune 500 companies and have created 40 lakhs direct jobs in India

To present an objective and realistic potential of the employment scenario, the Ministry apart from its own feedback, has taken note of projections by NASSCOM, the principal Industry body, as well as of other well-known independent organizations and consultants working in this field.

NASSCOM has confirmed that the industry continues to be a net hirer and reports that:

2.5-3 million new jobs will be created by 2025.

In FY 2017, the industry added 1,70,000 new jobs. NASSCOM has already publicly contradicted reports of large scale layoff

IT industry added 600,000 in last three years and today, boasts of a total employee base of 3.9 million.

TeamLease analysis for 2017-18 reports that IT sector hiring sentiments is positive and is up by 4% in October 2016 to March 2017, compared to the previous six-month period.

The TeamLease analyses also indicates that e-commerce and technology startup sector hiring sentiments has increased by 2%, with projected 14.94% job growth. (This is despite recent challenges in these sectors.)

Recruitment and staffing firm Randstad projects (in December 2016), a cumulative growth rate of 9% in the IT / ITeS job market.

The Indian technology startup sector will offer strong and growing employment prospects to Indian IT professionals. According to NASSCOM, in 2016, Indian technology startups employed 95,000 to 100,000 IT professionals, across more than 4,750 startups (including ecommerce and hyperlocals).

India's domestic IT market offers strong prospects for industry growth (consequently employment), even if global markets were to face challenges.

India's total software product market grew at 9.5% in FY2017 to reach USD 7 billion. (Exports grew 7.8% to reach USD 2.3 billion.) In comparison, the domestic market grew much faster, at 10.4%, reaching USD 4.8 billion.

India's overall domestic IT/BPM sector is expected to grow at 8.5% from USD 35 billion in 2016 to an anticipated USD 37 billion in 2017.

Other shining sectors of employment in the overall of IT Industry under Digital India, include, the following:

CSC has generated 10lakhs local level employment by way of village level entrepreneurs.

Total employment in IT/ITES Industry employees is 4 millions as direct employment and 1.3 Crores as indirect employment.

State-owned Software Technology Park of India (STPI) has generated 50% of the employment generated by the Indian IT/ITES industry.

It is to be noted that out of 56 STPI centres, 48 are located in tier-ii and tier-iii location, benefitting the qualified youth of such locations.

To further promote the job creation, MeitY has come up with India BPO promotion scheme with an aim to provide employment to 1.45 lakh persons, mostly in the small towns. More than 48 thousand BPO seats in 2017-18 year. It is a matter of assurance that BPO through tendering has been finalized and is in its process of being set up in towns like Imphal, Guwahati, Siliguri, Patna, Muzaffarpur, Samastipur, Gazipur, Unnao, Amravati etc

To encourage Northeastern part of India, MeitY has a separate Northeast BPO promotion scheme with 5000 seats and having employment potential of 15000 persons. This would go a long way to help the employment scene in northeast region of India.

In Mobile phone manufacturing, 72 new mobile manufacturing units started only in last 30 months. It has created 1 lakh direct and 3 lakh indirect jobs in India. All major brands like Apple, Samsung etc. in the ICT sector are manufacturing or ready to manufacture in India.

The emerging and promising digital economy in the country is going create a very powerful potential for job creations.

The Govt is encouraging greater stress on cyber security and this will lead to greater focus on innovation, research and thus significant potential for job creation.

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Sales rise 4.01% to Rs 34.79 crore

Net profit of Fortis Malar Hospitals declined 74.44% to Rs 0.34 crore in the quarter ended March 2017 as against Rs 1.33 crore during the previous quarter ended March 2016. Sales rose 4.01% to Rs 34.79 crore in the quarter ended March 2017 as against Rs 33.45 crore during the previous quarter ended March 2016.

For the full year,net profit declined 54.74% to Rs 2.82 crore in the year ended March 2017 as against Rs 6.23 crore during the previous year ended March 2016. Sales rose 8.45% to Rs 140.56 crore in the year ended March 2017 as against Rs 129.61 crore during the previous year ended March 2016. ParticularsQuarter EndedYear EndedMar. 2017Mar. 2016% Var.Mar. 2017Mar. 2016% Var.Sales34.7933.45 4 140.56129.61 8 OPM %-1.243.17 -0.634.61 - PBDT1.342.93 -54 7.9813.35 -40 PBT0.352.14 -84 4.0410.19 -60 NP0.341.33 -74 2.826.23 -55

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To provide a digital solution for business and retail banking

Intellect Design Arena has signed a 10 year deal with one of Australia's 'Big Four', to implement its integrated trade finance, treasury and retail remittance solutions for the Bank's corporate and retail customers in one of its offshore regions.

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Intellect Design Arena gained 2.15% to Rs 118.70 at 11:10 IST on BSE after the company said that it has signed a ten year deal with one of Australia's big four bank.

The announcement was made during market hours today, 24 May 2017.

Meanwhile, the S&P BSE Sensex was up 137.91 points or 0.45% at 30,503.16. The S&P BSE Small-Cap index was up 71.68 points or 0.49% at 14,841.54.

On the BSE, 56,993 shares were traded on the counter so far as against the average daily volumes of 1.6 lakh shares in the past one quarter. The stock had hit a high of Rs 121.50 and a low of Rs 115.80 so far during the day.

The stock had hit a 52-week high of Rs 233 on 28 July 2016 and a 52-week low of Rs 107.75 on 15 February 2017.

The stock had underperformed the market over the past one month till 23 May 2017, falling 6.18% compared with Sensex's 3.41% gains. The scrip had also underperformed the market in past one quarter, advancing 1.84% as against Sensex's 5.1% rise.

The small-cap company has equity capital of Rs 50.90 crore. Face value per share is Rs 5.

Intellect Design Arena said that it has signed a ten year deal with one of Australia's 'Big Four', banking firm to implement its integrated trade finance, treasury and retail remittance solution for the bank's corporate and retail customers in one of its offshore regions.

The bank has also entrusted Intellect with solution's maintainence and technical support-beginning a ten year relationship between the two firms.

Intellect Design Arena reported net loss of Rs 24.93 crore in Q4 March 2017, compared with net loss of Rs 21.59 crore in Q3 December 2016. Net sales rose 8.88% to Rs 135.99 crore in Q4 March 2017 over Q3 December 2016.

Intellect Design Arena is a digital technology product solutions provider to the banking and insurance industry.

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Shares of nine metal and mining companies fell by 0.68% to 3.36% at 14:10 IST on BSE after global credit rating agency, Moody's Investors Service cut China's sovereign credit rating for the first time in nearly three decades.

Meanwhile, the S&P BSE Sensex was down 2.65 points or 0.01% at 30,362.60.

Bhushan Steel (down 2.62%), Vedanta (down 3.36%), Tata Steel (down 1.11%), NMDC (down 3.48%), Hindalco Industries (down 2.19%), Steel Authority of India (down 2.94%), JSW Steel (down 1.94%), Hindustan Zinc (down 2.97%) and National Aluminium Company (down 0.68%) edged lower. Jindal Steel & Power rose 3.71%.

The S&P BSE Metal index had underperformed the market over the past one month till 23 May 2017, rising 0.34% compared with Sensex's 3.41% gains. The index had also underperformed the market in past one quarter, dropping 6.59% as against Sensex's 5.1% rise.

The downgrading of the China's credit rating has worried the metal investors globally and domestically.

Moody's Investors Service cut China's sovereign credit rating for the first time in nearly three decades, citing expectations that the country's financial strength will deteriorate in the coming years as debt keeps rising and the economy slows.

In a statement today, 24 May 2017, Moody's said it downgraded China's rating to A1 from Aa3, while changing its outlook to stable from negative. In March of last year, it cut China's outlook to negative from stable. Moody's last cut its China credit rating in November 1989, not long after the bloody crackdown on mass protests in Beijing's Tiananmen Square rocked the nation. Moody's now rates China's credit alongside that of countries such as Japan, Saudi Arabia and Israel.

China is the world's largest consumer of steel, copper and aluminum.

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Sales decline 12.40% to Rs 145.48 crore

Net profit of Novartis India declined 87.25% to Rs 2.91 crore in the quarter ended March 2017 as against Rs 22.83 crore during the previous quarter ended March 2016. Sales declined 12.40% to Rs 145.48 crore in the quarter ended March 2017 as against Rs 166.08 crore during the previous quarter ended March 2016.

For the full year,net profit declined 71.14% to Rs 57.22 crore in the year ended March 2017 as against Rs 198.29 crore during the previous year ended March 2016. Sales declined 4.86% to Rs 656.22 crore in the year ended March 2017 as against Rs 689.77 crore during the previous year ended March 2016. ParticularsQuarter EndedYear EndedMar. 2017Mar. 2016% Var.Mar. 2017Mar. 2016% Var.Sales145.48166.08 -12 656.22689.77 -5 OPM %-4.077.69 -3.954.96 - PBDT8.5033.71 -75 95.32240.66 -60 PBT7.1632.60 -78 91.73237.17 -61 NP2.9122.83 -87 57.22198.29 -71

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Held on 24 May 2017

The Board of Directors of Vitan Agro Industries at its meeting held on 24 May 2017 approved the following items -

1.It was discussed and decided by the Board to not proceed with Consolidation in the Face Value of Shares from Rs. 1/- to Rs. 10/- for the time being.

2.With the permission of the Chairman, the item w.r.t. shifting of Registered Office from the State of Tamil Nadu to the State of Maharashtra was discussed and the Board concluded that the Registered Office shall be shifted from the State of Tamil Nadu to the State of Maharashtra subject to shareholders' approval (viz Postal Ballot) and requisite approval of Registrar of Companies & Regional Director, Southern Region, Ministry of Corporate Affairs.

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Voltas surged 9.41% to Rs 448.30 at 10:12 IST on BSE after consolidated net profit rose 22.1% to Rs 200.47 crore on 8.5% growth in net sales to Rs 1998.31 crore in Q4 March 2017 over Q4 March 2016.

The result was announced after market hours yesterday, 23 May 2017.

Meanwhile, the S&P BSE Sensex was up 105.85 points or 0.35% at 30,471.10.

On the BSE, 7.39 lakh shares were traded on the counter so far as against the average daily volumes of 1.15 lakh shares in the past one quarter. The stock had hit a high of Rs 451.25 so far during the day, which is a record high. The stock hit a low of Rs 421.40 so far during the day.

The stock had hit a 52-week low of Rs 287 on 22 November 2016. It had underperformed the market over the past one month till 23 May 2017, sliding 1.12% compared with the Sensex's 3.41% rise. The scrip had, however, outperformed the market over the past one quarter, advancing 14.84% as against the Sensex's 5.1% rise.

The large-cap company has equity capital of Rs 33.09 crore. Face value per share is Rs 1.

Voltas' board at its meeting held yesterday, 23 May 2017, approved a proposal to enter into a joint venture arrangement with Arcelik A.S., a company incorporated in Istanbul, Turkey, for establishing a joint venture company (JVC), to tap the fast growing consumer durables market in India. The proposed JVC, subject to certain closing conditions, would be engaged in the business of refrigerators, washing machines, microwaves and other white goods/domestic appliances in India.

Voltas' board recommended a dividend of Rs 3.50 per share for the year ended 31 March 2017.

Voltas is an air conditioning company and one of the world's premier engineering solutions providers and project specialists.

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Three men were arrested in the south of Manchester city on suspicion of being connected to the attack that hit a concert in the city, British police said on Wednesday.

On Monday evening, 22-year-old Salman Abedi detonated a bomb as fans were leaving an Ariana Grande concert at Manchester Arena, killing 22 people and injuring at least 64.

"Three men have been arrested after police executed warrants in South Manchester in connection with the ongoing investigation into Monday night's horrific attack at the Manchester Arena," said Greater Manchester Police in a statement.

Abedi's 23-year-old brother was arrested on Tuesday.

Interior minister Amber Rudd told press that it was likely that Abedi was not working alone and that he was up to a point known to British secret services, BBC reported.

The country's terror threat alert was moved up to its highest "critical" level, meaning more attacks may be imminent.

The Defence Ministry said the change of guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace and tourist visits to Parliament would be cancelled until the threat level was lowered.

Investigations were ongoing to discover potential motives behind the attack, which was been claimed by the Islamic State terror group.

--IANS

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The AAP on Wednesday took a dig at the National Democratic Alliance government's three years in office at the Centre and said the ruling BJP had only spread fear and hatred since May 2014.

The Aam Aadmi Party said the three years of governance could be summed up in the slogan of 'Dehshat se ha ha kaar, teen saal jumla sarkar'.

"They came to power with tall promises, but how many of these have been fulfilled in three years?" AAP leader Sanjay Singh asked.

The Bharatiya Janata Party's main slogan was 'Sabka saath sabka vikas' (everyone's cooperation and everyone's development), but there has been violence against the Muslims, Dalits, youngsters, women, and universities, he told the media here.

"(Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister) Yogi Adityanath came up with the promise of 'Ram Rajya', but Saharanpur has been burning for the past one month and one death was reported there even yesterday (Tuesday)," Sanjay Singh added.

The AAP leader said all this started off with the death of Hyderabad University's Dalit research scholar Rohit Vemula.

"As a young Dalit student, Vemula had to face neglect to such an extend that he was forced to commit suicide," he added.

The AAP leader said that Akhlaq of Gautam Buddh Nagar in Uttar Pradesh was lynched by a mob over beaf consumption allegations; Pehlu Khan was beaten to death in Rajasthan, and four Dalit youths were stripped and flogged in Gujarat's Una -- all in the name of cow protection.

"If the Prime Minister and his ministers are busy speaking about their achievements, they should answer these questions also," Sanjay Singh said.

As for how could Modi or the Centre be held responsible for law and order in states, the AAP leader said: "In all these states, votes were asked in the name of Modi; (hence) he has the responsibility to maintain law and order."

Asked if the BJP's governance is bad, how come the party had won assembly elections, AAP leader Ashutosh asked: "If winning elections is a measure of good governance, how come people like Mohammad Shahabuddin win elections from Siwan while being in jail?"

On the Electonic Voting Machines (EVMs) controversy, Sanjay Singh showed a picture of two youths purportedly with an EVM connected to a computer, at their Varanasi home, and asked why the government is not inquiring into the matter.

"The Election Commission says their machines are kept under high security and no one can access it. And this (picure) is from the Prime Minister's own constituency," the AAP leader said.

He said the party hasn't decided on participating in the Election Commission's EVM hacking challenge from June 3.

"If anyone wants to hack an EVM, will they hack it according to guidelines set by the EC?" he asked.

Sanjay Singh said that the EC should organise a hackathon in which hackers get unlimited access to EVMs.

"According to the current EC guidelines, only the BJP can hack it. Or may be it can be done using cow urine or black magic," Sanjay Singh quipped.

--IANS

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After former Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa, BJP President Amit Shah also seems to have landed in a controversy reportedly for eating food prepared by non-Dalits at community lunches with Dalits during his visit to Telangana.

Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao on Wednesday claimed that Shah, during his visit to Nalgonda district of Telangana, ate food cooked elsewhere and by non-Dalits.

Shah, during his three-day visit which concluded on Wednesday, ate food with Dalits during 'Saha Pankti Bhojanam' or community lunch in two villages.

Rao told reporters here that the Bharatiya Janata party (BJP) chief during his visit to Teratpalli village ate food cooked in a nearby village Kammavarigudem under the supervision of a forward caste party functionary.

The Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) chief said in Peddadevupalli village, Shah had food which was brought from a hotel.

Rao also said that while Shah and other BJP leaders were having lunch on the table, Dalit workers of the party were standing behind them.

Karnataka BJP leader Yeddyurappa had food reportedly brought from a hotel during his visit to the house of a Dalit in Chitradurga district of the state last week.

--IANS

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Cambodia has deported 1,025 illegal foreigners, including 226 female, to their countries in 2017, an immigration official said on Wednesday.

Major General Uk Heisela, chief of the investigation department of the General Department of Immigration, said the illegal immigrants with 35 nationalities had been expelled from the country during the January-May period after they lived and worked here without passports or valid visas.

"Around 712 (or 69 per cent) of the deportees are Vietnamese," Xinhua news agency quoted him as saying.

Under Cambodia's immigration law, any alien living in the country without valid documents such as passports, visas or work permits are subject to deportation.

--IANS

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Tech giant Microsoft has announced a new custom version of Windows 10 which is ready for Chinese government agencies to use.

The Windows 10 China Government Edition is based on Windows 10 Enterprise Edition, which already includes many of the security, identity, deployment, and manageability features governments and enterprises need.

"The China Government Edition will use these manageability features to remove features that are not needed by Chinese government employees like OneDrive, to manage all telemetry and updates, and to enable the government to use its own encryption algorithms within its computer systems," said Terry Myerson, Executive Vice President, Windows and Devices Group, in a blog post.

The company also announced that Lenovo will be one of the first OEM partners to preinstall Windows 10 China Government Edition on new devices.

"Windows 10 is the most secure version of Windows ever, and we are humbled that governments around the world like the US Department of Defence, the Australian Health Department, and the Italian Ministry of Defence are choosing Windows 10 for their security, and now the Chinese government has a version of Windows created specifically for it," added Myerson.

--IANS

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A complaint has been filed before the National Commission For Women (NCW) against Bollywood actor and BJP MP Paresh Rawal for his controversial tweet suggesting that instead of a Kashmiri stone-pelter, author Arundhati Roy should be tied to an Army jeep.

The complaint was filed by Gaurav Gulati, an advocate, who has requested the NCW to take action against Rawal for outraging the modesty of Roy and journalist Sagarika Ghosh.

"Instead of tying (a) stone-pelter on the Army jeep, tie Arundhati Roy," Paresh Rawal wrote on the micro-blogging site, triggering online outrage. Roy has been a vocal supporter of the Kashmir separatist campaign.

However, the tweet is no longer visible in Rawal's account.

But Gulati, in his complaint said that the cheap comment not only seems to be outrageous and anti-women but also shows the actor's mindset towards suppressing the freedom of speech and the press.

Gulati stated that Rawal also agreed with a tweet from another user who suggested Ghosh's name in the absence of Roy and he tweeted "we have wide variety of choices!.".

"The comments are a kind of criminal intimidation and insults the modesty of women," Gulati said.

--IANS

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The Left Front and the Congress on Wednesday expressed their apprehension over West Bengal Chief Minister's scheduled meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, pointing out she was earlier in the NDA and also a member of the Atal Bihari Vajpayee's cabinet.

The Modi-Mamata meeting on Thursday coincides with a protest march to the Kolkata police headquarters organised by the Bharatiya Janata Party's state unit.

"Modi and didi (elder sister, as Banerjee is affectionately called) are two flowers from the same stalk. She has been in the union cabinet during the BJP government earlier. Vajpayee had also visited her residence when he was the Prime Minister," said state Congress leader Manoj Chakravborty.

"She always does what suits her interest," he said.

Left Front legislature party leader Sujon Chakraborty wondered why Banerjee is not accompanied by her ministers and officials if she wanted to raise issues concerning the state.

"For raising issues concerning Bengal, she should have taken her aides. She says she wants to talk about central grants which her state is not getting. Then the Finance Minister and departmental officials should have accompanied her. If the CM is going without them, then one has to understand 'dal me bohut kuch kaala hai'," said Chakraborty.

The state BJP, however, said they were least concerned over the meeting.

"We aren't concerned over who is talking to whom on what issue. Such things happen.

"The BJP in West Bengal and its workers have started a struggle, which people of the state trust and support. Their trust is out strength and so we are marching to Lalbazar," said state party chief Dilip Ghosh.

On the other hand, the Trinamool pooh poohed the snide remarks of the Congress and the Left.

"We have always fought against communalism. We have never bowed our head. We will continue our fight. The Left and the Congress don't have have any programmes. When we oppose the BJP, then also they ask us why we are doing it," said Trinamool Secretary General Partha Chattjerjee.

Earlier in the day, Banerjee said she has sought an appointment with Modi to discuss the Ganga erosion issue, problems of other rivers and non-receipt of central grants.

It was later learnt, that the two leaders would meet on Thursday.

--IANS

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Organisational revamp in the Congress will be effected soon in the poll-bound states of Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh, a senior party leader said on Wednesday.

"The party re-organisation is on. Three election-bound states have undergone a revamp. New teams will be announced for Himachal, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh. Meetings with various leaders are on and new teams will be announced soon," he added.

Elections in Himachal Pradesh are expected by the year-end. Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh will go to polls next year.

The Congress leader said appointment of some new Pradesh Congress Committee Presidents is on the cards. "You'll see more of announcements in the days to come," he said.

He said he had no idea when the next Congress Working Committee meeting will be held.

"After the organisational polls, to be completed by October 15, a plenary has to be convened. Before that, it is mandatory for the CWC to meet."

Earlier reports said senior Congress leader Kamal Nath could be appointed to head the party unit in Madhya Pradesh.

Earlier, Avinash Pande was made in charge of party affairs in Rajasthan, where assembly elections are due next year.

The Congress has appointed new party in-charges in Gujarat and Karnataka, where elections will be held in 2017 and 2018 respectively.

Senior leader Digvijaya Singh was removed as Congress General Secretary in-charge of Karnataka as well as Goa, and replaced by party MP K.C. Venugopal, who was also elevated as General Secretary.

All India Congress Committee Secretary A. Chella Kumar has been made in-charge of the party in Goa.

Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has been appointed as the in-charge of Gujarat Congress.

--IANS

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A CRPF Inspector General, deputed in the northeast, has alleged that the death of two suspected members of a Bodo militant group in a gunfight with security forces in Assam in March was "a staged gunfight". The Home Ministry has sought the clarification over the issue.

In his 13-page report, Rajnish Rai, a 1992-batch Gujarat cadre Indian Police Service officer, alleged that the gunfight carried out by the Assam Police, the Army, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), its jungle warfare unit CoBRA and the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) on March 29-30 in Simlaguri area of Chirang district was a "fictitious account" of the operation to conceal pre-planned murders of the two National Democratic Front of Bodoland-Songbijit (NDFB-S) insurgents.

Rai, in his April 17 report, said the two insurgents were killed in custody and it was presented as some brave act of professional achievement.

A Home Ministry official said the ministry has sought a report to CRPF Director General Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar over the allegation made by the IG-rank official of the three-lakh strong force.

Bhatnagar said the police were already investigating the case.

"The IG had sent the report when my predecessor was in charge. The state police is investigating the matter. So there is no need for any other immediate action," he said.

Rai, deputy chief of the CRPF formations in the northeastern states, has said that he had conducted a "discreet" inquiry over the matter on his own.

He had also sent the report to the Assam Chief Secretary and chairperson of the Unified Command of security forces, the CRPF headquarters here, the chief of the Army's Assam-based 4 Corps and the Director General of the SSB.

Rai has identified the two killed NDFB-S insurgents as Lucas Nazary and David Islary.

The forces, the IG said, have mentioned in the FIR that the two were killed in an exchange of fire, but as multiple security forces are involved in the incident, "it is necessary to entrust the investigation of this matter to an external independent agency for an unbiased, impartial and thorough investigation".

"The security forces involved in the joint operation must truly reflect how systems and processes have weakened over a period of time, resulting in commission of such unlawful acts in a planned and coordinated manner," he said.

"It is absolutely necessary that urgent systemic reforms be initiated to prevent such wrongdoings in future," Rai said in his report.

--IANS

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Decoding the Arhar dal's (pigeon pea) genome, a staple legume, has paved the way to correct issues of affordability, production and availability of the nutrient-rich crop in India, a scientist said on Wednesday.

"This plant can fix nitrogen from air naturally and enrich soil fertility in a sustainable manner. The benefit is...it has more than 20 per cent protein content. It is highly nutritious for people. It is important for nutrition security. What crop can one find better than pigeonpea," Visva Bharati University Vice Chancellor Swapan K. Datta, also a noted crop scientist, told IANS.

"This crop -- Arhar or Tur dal -- can provide nutrition to the people and at the same time it can be grown in dry and low water condition. So, this is a tropical crop suitable for India and for dry conditions," he said.

Datta is one of the authors of a study that re-sequenced the genome or DNA of 292 pigeon pea varieties (Cajanus Cajan -- commonly called Arhar or Tur dal in India) and discovered new traits, such as resistance to various diseases that affect the crop and its insensitivity to photo-period, which is the duration of daylight hours required for reaching maturity.

The nine-country sequencing project was led by Hyderabad-based International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) and included researchers from Visva Bharati of Santiniketan, among others.

Datta said discovery of new traits would lead to the development of higher-yielding varieties of the crop.

"The yield is always below one tonne per hectare. The potential yield can be between two and three tonnes per hectare. In certain areas, such as Andhra Pradesh, the yield can be higher," he said.

Datta said the genetic breakthrough could overcome the chink in the chain related to the crop.

"Affordable price, production and availability...these are missing," he said.

"We are importing pulses (around five million tonnes) and we are spending several thousand crore. In fact, before Independence or early Independence period, our per capita consumption of pulses was much higher than today," he explained.

In FY17, the total import of pulses increased 19.9 per cent to 5.67 million tonnes, which, along with 22.14 million tonnes of crop, has improved the availability for the year by around 27.8 million tonnes, against the average normal consumption of 24 million tonne.

"Even though the government is importing pulses, the price is so high. At the same time, per capita availability of the pulses is lower than pre- or early post-Independence period," he said.

The new study published in Genetics journal is the first to provide genetic evidence that pinpoint its domestication roots to Madhya Pradesh.

"It shows that diversity has emerged from across the world, although the origin of this crop is from India, particularly Madhya Pradesh," Datta said.

"One of the breakthroughs that came from the paper shows that its photo-insensitive trait has been identified. This means high-yielding pigeon pea varieties can be cultivated much more widely... They can be grown across the country wherever there is a suitable place and wherever there is a need," he said, adding the discovery could also aid patent bid.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Rome, May 24 (IANS/AKI) Defence, counterterrorism cooperation and the IS jihadist group were the focus of US President Donald Trump's talks in Rome on Wednesday with Italian head of state Sergio Mattarella and Premier Paolo Gentiloni, the White House said in a statement.

The closed-door talks "discussed the alliance between the United States and Italy, as well as priorities in the areas of defence cooperation, counterterrorism, and efforts to deny terrorists safe havens from Mali to Libya to Iraq to Afghanistan," the statement said.

During the talks, Trump thanked Italy for efforts in fighting terrorism, especially its participation in the US-led global coalition against IS, in which 68 countries are taking part.

He also thanked Italy for "its active role in Iraq and Afghanistan" and praised its "important diplomatic efforts" to end the violence in conflict-wracked Libya, the statement added.

The White House said Trump also "reaffirmed transatlantic unity" on the need to "hold Russia accountable" for its 2014 annexation of Crimea and the continuing conflict in eastern Ukraine, according to the statement.

Trump also stressed the importance of convincing Russia to fulfil its commitments under the Minsk Agreements (a ceasefire deal between the Ukrainian army and Russian-backed separatist rebels signed in Minsk in February 2015), said the statement.

Also on the agenda in Trump's meetings with Mattarella and Gentiloni was the G7 Summit taking place in Taormina, Sicily on Friday and Saturday, the statement concluded.

International issues were also on the agenda at a private meeting between Trump and Pope Francis earlier on Wednesday, the Vatican said.

Trump's talks in Rome with top officials came during the third leg of Trump's first official trip abroad since taking office.

The four-nation tour, aimed at uniting Muslim, Jewish and Catholic leaders in the fight against Islamist terrorism, has included stops in Saudi Arabia, Israel and the Palestinian territories.

Trump's nine-day trip also includes a one-day visit to Brussels on Thursday, where he will attend a NATO summit.

The deadly bombing of Britain's Manchester Arena this week will bring new urgency to Trump's push for NATO allies to commit to a greater role in counterterrorism and the fight against IS in Syria and Iraq, according to observers.

--IANS/AKI

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A day after journalists protested against "police barbarism" on their fraternity members during a political event here, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday said a section of the should not politicise the matter.

"I will not answer the question," Banerjee said when asked if action will be taken against police officers who beat up journalists covering the 'March to Nabanna' (state Secretariat), organised by 11 Left-aligned peasant organisations on Monday.

Referring to a Bengali daily, a visibly annoyed Trinamool Congress supremo said here: "First ask your people (journalists) to behave properly. Tell them not to do politics."

While police claimed only three persons were injured, journalists present at the Monday event put the figure at over 20. Some journalists were taken to hospital after the incident.

A large number of city journalists and electronic camerapersons on Tuesday participated in a silent protest march from Rabindrasadan in south Kolkata to the city police headquarters Lalbazar in central part of the metropolis.

They also submitted a memorandum to Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi to seek his intervention in stopping such assaults.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
At least five persons have been killed and dozens injured as police in Bahrain opened fire at supporters of the country's prominent Shia cleric, Ayatollah Isa Ahmed Qassim, officials said.

Over 280 Isa Qassim supporters were also detained during the police action in Duraz, about 15 km from here, on Tuesday, as they protested against his imprisonmenet, Efe news reported.

The indicted cleric's followers fought back with "hand grenades, iron bars, and bladed weapons and axes, which resulted in the injury of 19 security men," Bahrain's Interior Ministry said in a statement.

The 286 people arrested, included terror "fugitives" who had managed to escape from Jau prison, the officials said.

"It is unfortunate that these young people fall victim to these acts, which are incited from abroad," the Interior Ministry added.

In a statement, the Human Rights Watch NGO, however, described the operation as a "strategic show of strength aimed at ending a peaceful and legitimate protest".

The NGO said the violence by the Al Khalifa government raised questions as it came two days after King Hamad's meeting with US President Donald Trump.

Isa Qassim's supporters have been holding a permanent sit-in in Duraz for 11 months in front of the residence of Isa Qassim, who was sentenced to one-year suspended prison on May 21. He was also fined $256,000.

The court confiscated his assets, including $9 million and two buildings. It found him guilty of illegally accumulating about $10 million for the purpose of provoking social unrest in the country.

The authorities had previously stripped Isa Qassim of his Bahraini nationality in June 2016 and then dissolved his political party, Al Wefaq.

Clashes between the police and protesters spread to other areas as well.

According to the Interior Ministry statement, security forces would remain deployed in the area where the sit-in camp was located, previously described as a "meeting ground for fugitives".

The majority of the Shia community in the country has made numerous protests in support of the cleric and against the Bahraini Sunni monarchy.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Google on Wednesday announced that it has shortlisted six Indian startups for the fourth class of Google Accelerator Programme that will kick-off from July 17 at the Google Developers Launchpad Space in San Francisco.

With this batch, a total of 26 Indian startups have so far joined the launchpad accelerator programme from India.

"These startups were shortlisted from hundreds which applied this year, based on their unique value proposition and use of latest technologies like machine learning and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to build high-impact solutions," Paul Ravindranath G., Programme Manager, Google India, said in a statement on Wednesday.

The programme will include two weeks of all-expense-paid mentorship bootcamp.

This batch of startups will gain from Google's new curriculum that will help the startups to dig deeper into machine learning and AI and help them leverage Google's latest technologies to scale their apps.

In the six-month programme, these startups will undergo intensive mentoring from 20-plus teams across Google and mentors from top technology companies in the Silicon Valley.

Additionally, they will receive equity-free support and credits for Google products. After returning from San Francisco, these startups will work closely with Google in India.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
On Wednesday, Google announced that it will mentor six more Indian start-ups in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) at its developers' launchpad in San Francisco from July 17.

"Six Indian start-ups have been selected for the two-week mentorship bootcamp to help them learn more on AI and ML by leveraging our latest technologies to scale their apps," said Google in a statement.

The six start-ups - EdGE Network, Fast Filmz, IndiaLends, RailYatri, Recipe Book and SigTuple will join their counterparts from Asia, Africa, Europe and Latin America for the fourth class Google Accelerator Programme.

With the latest batch onboard, 26 Indian start-ups have so far participated in the accelerator programme.

"The start-ups were short-listed for their unique value proposition and use of AI and ML to build high-impact solutions for internet users and the government's flagship initiative Digital India. We look forward to working with them over the next six months," said Google India Programme Manager Paul Ravindranath in the statement.

EdGE Network provides human resource solutions using AI; Fast Filmz offers super app for super fans of South Indian movies; IndiaLends is a credit underwriting and analytics platform for unsecured consumer lending; RailYatri is an intelligent, big data platform for long-distance travellers; Recipe Book provides intelligent solutions in food and retail and SigTuple is a smart screen solutions provider.

The start-ups also include B2B firms that use AI or ML for image recognition capabilities to aid medical diagnosis, providing solutions for talent acquisition and workforce optimisation.

In the six-month programme, the start-ups will undergo mentoring from Google teams and mentors from top technology firms and venture Capitalists) in the Silicon Valley.

In addition, the start-ups will receive equity-free support and credits for Google products. On return, they will work with Google's Indian subsidiary.
A team of Sherpas on Wednesday retrieved the body of Indian mountaineer Gautam Ghosh who died of high altitude sickness last year while ascending Mt Everest, the world's highest peak.

At least eight trained Sherpas from Seven Summit Treks (SST) recovered the body of Ghosh, a climber from West Bengal, from the Balcony area on Wednesday, the company's Managing Director Mingma Sherpa told the Himalayan Times.

The West Bengal government, in coordination with the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu, employed the SST team for retrieving the bodies of Paresh Nath and Gautam Ghosh which were lying above 8,000 metres in the mountain's 'death zone', Mingma Sherpa added.

The team has retrieved Ghosh's body and descended to Camp IV, according to him.

"The Sherpas will attempt to bring Paresh Nath's body to Camp IV tomorrow (Thursday)," Mingma Sherpa told the newspaper.

In the last season, the rescuers had only traced the body of Paresh Nath but they couldn't locate Ghosh in the 'death zone'.

Among the four climbers of their team who went missing on May 21 last year, Sunita Hazra was located the next day and taken to hospital but another climber, Subash Paul, died while being rescued.

Ghosh's family and friends have already arrived in Kathmandu to receive the body.

"After retrieving Nath's body, both will be airlifted to Kathmandu from Camp II," Mingma Sherpa said, adding that the Sherpa team would also try to recover another climber, Ravi Kumar's, body from South Col next week.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani reiterated on Wednesday that Iran is "heedless" of what the "enemy" says and will continue its missile programme.

"Remarks by enemy about Iran's missile power result from their ignorance," Rouhani was quoted as saying by Tasnim news agency.

"The enemy thinks that our power is restricted only to missiles, while our power lies in this nation's faith," he said at a cabinet meeting.

The President stressed that missiles are one of Iran's needs, and Iran would manufacture whatever it needs without paying any attention to others' remarks.

On Monday, Rouhani said that Iran would continue test of its missiles anytime if there was a "technical need", and it would not seek the permission of any other country to do so.

"Our missiles are for defence and peace," Rouhani said, adding that the US expectations from Iran to halt its defensive missile programme is "an illusion."

Earlier on Saturday, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said in Saudi Arabia that he hoped the re-election of Rouhani would put an to end to Iran's ballistic missile tests.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' on Wednesday announced his resignation during a televised address.

The move paves the way for Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba to become the next Prime Minister, as part of an agreement.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' on Wednesday announced his resignation, in keeping with his agreement with the Nepali Congress, which had propped up his coalition government since last August.

Nepali Congress leader Sher Bahadur Deuba, who has also been the Prime Minister earlier, is likely to succeed him.

Prachanda, who made the announcement of his resignation in a televised address to the nation from his office, said it would end "a long drought of trust in Nepali politics".

There were several examples in Nepal's that leaders made commitments but never honoured them, he said.

"But today I am going to set an example and as per the accord reached with Nepali Congress, I am going to announce my resignation," he said.

Prachanda had earlier decided to announce his resignation in Parliament but changed his mind after the main opposition Communist Party of Nepal-Unified-Marxist-Leninist obstructed the house proceeding on Tuesday against the government decision to increase local units in various Tarai/Madhes districts. That would bring the Madhes-based parties in the local polls scheduled to take place in June 14.

After approving the resignation, President Bidhya Devi Bhandari will call on political parties to form a new government on the basis of two-thirds majority as per the constitutional process. If parties fail to garner two-thirds votes, the President will call for formation of the new government on the basis of majority votes.

It is likely that Deuba will contest for the Prime Minister's post on the basis of majority votes on the support of Prachanda's Communist Party of Nepal-Maoist Centre and take over probably by the end of next week.

He is likely to hold the second round of local polls on June 14 and will stay in power in February until periodic elections take place.

The agreement between Prachanda and Deuba was to run the government on a rotational basis until the next parliamentary elections in February 2018. Prachanda was to hold office till local polls are held and remaining two elections -- provincial and central -- were to be conducted under Deuba.

In his address, Prachanda said he was leaving as a "successful Prime Minister", highlighting the achievements of his government in ten months in office. The achievements included balancing ties with India and China, ending years' long power outrage and some good beginning in the fields of economy, health, infrastructure, education and, most importantly, holding the local elections which was considered challenging and crucial.

In his second stint in power, Prachanda was elected the 39th Prime Minister after forging alliance with the Nepali Congress on August 3, 2016.

He had become Prime Minister for the first time in August 2008 after his party emerged as the largest political party from the Constituent Assembly elections in the same year.

After then President Ram Baran Yadav turned down the Cabinet decision to remove the then army chief Rookmangud Katawal and ordered Katawal to remain in the office, Dahal had resigned on May 4, 2009.

Nepal held the first phase of local elections on May 14 in three provinces, mostly in hills, where the CPN-UML is reported to be ahead.

The second phase is to be held in four provinces, mostly in the plains known as Tarai or Madhes, where the number of local bodies is almost twice as those that went to polls in the first phase.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Former President Barack Obama, Democrat Hillary Clinton and her husband and former President Bill Clinton have expressed their support for the victims of the terror attack in Manchester, northern England, that left 22 persons dead.

"Our hearts go out to those killed and wounded in Manchester. Americans will always stand shoulder to shoulder with the people of the UK," Obama tweeted on Tuesday.

Police named 22-year-old Salman Abedi as the suspected bomber behind the attack at Manchester Arena after an Ariana Grande concert that also injured 59 others on Monday night.

The Islamic State militant group has claimed responsibility for the second assault in Manchester in the last 20 years.

Former Secretary of State and 2016 presidential nominee Hillary Clinton said she was angered by the attack that claimed the lives of several children.

"Outraged and angry about this cowardly terror attack on a crowd of young people. Sending sympathy and strength to victims and people of Manchester," Hillary Clinton said.

Bill Clinton tweeted: "Senseless and vicious acts of terror will never drive us apart and will always be met with strength. Praying for the victims in Manchester."

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Pakistan parliament's national security panel has expressed its disappointment over the government's explanation about the performance of the country's legal team in alleged Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadhav's case at the ICJ.

The committee on Tuesday discussed the Jadhav case after the International Court of Justice on May 18 directed Pakistan to stay the Indian national's execution till the court delivers its final order, Dawn online reported on Wednesday.

Jadhav has been awarded death sentence by a Pakistani military court on charges of espionage and waging war against Islamabad.

Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua and Attorney General Ashtar Ausaf Ali, who will represent the Pakistani side at the ICJ, testified before the committee.

The panel will convene its next meeting on May 30 for further deliberations on the issue and reviewing preparations for the June 8 hearing at the ICJ.

India had instituted proceedings against Pakistan for violating Article 36 of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations by denying consular access to Jadhav, who Pakistan says was arrested from Balochistan.

India has maintained that Jadhav, whose family stays in Mumbai, was doing business in Iran and abducted from that country.

The panel on Tuesday severely criticised the government for poor handling of the case by the legal team at the ICJ. Lawyer Khawar Qureshi represented Pakistan in the previous hearing at the Hague-based tribunal.

Speaker Ayaz Sadiq told the media after the meeting that the members were dissatisfied with the responses by the government officials.

He said the legal team would go fully prepared to the Hague for their next appearance in the case.

The members regretted that the government officials, who appeared before the parliamentary body, were either unprepared or were reluctant to share information.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
As the controversy over the crackdown on online anti-army campaigners heats up, the Pakistani government has decided to draw red lines for the social service providers in the country.

"There will be no restrictions on social media, but there will be red lines in accordance with the law and Constitution of the country," Dawn online quoted Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan as saying on Tuesday.

The announcement came after Khan's meeting with a delegation of the All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS), the Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE) and the Pakistan Broadcasters Association (PBA).

The minister said nothing illegal was being done and advised critics not to create hurdles or hurl threats.

He said the country's social, moral and cultural values and law and dignity of the people were under attack. "Those attacking our values will be brought to book."

Referring to the posts on social following the withdrawal of an ISPR tweet rejecting Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's directive for forming a probe committee regarding a Dawn report, the minister said such posts were unacceptable, particularly at a time when a "war against terror is being waged" to secure the country's future.

Khan said action would be taken against individuals belonging to any political party or group, including the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-N, if they were found to be behind the malignant campaign.

The minister said he would ask the National Assembly Speaker to convene a meeting of political parties to seek their views on the proposed standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the social service providers.

He said systems of different countries were being examined to follow the best practice with respect to the code of conduct and SOPs for the service providers.

He said the government supported freedom of expression but it was not at all applicable to those attacking values, decency and the law.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K. Palaniswami on Wednesday urged the central government to urgently attend to nine issues related to the southern state.

In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the text of which was released to the media here, Palaniswami drew the former's attention to pending issues like approval for the state's Bills seeking exemption from National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) for state government seat quota; setting up of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS); release of pending claims under the National Agriculture Insurance Scheme (Rs 168.66 crore) and the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), among others.

Palaniswami also sought the central government's clearance for Rs 14,500 crore for the National Project for Improvement and Rehabilitation of Irrigation systems in the Cauvery Basin.

Palaniswami said the project will bring benefits for around 6.5 lakh hectares of agricultural land.

The other issues raised by Palaniswami in his letter are: construction of dams/check dams across Bhavani river by Kerala; interlinking of peninsular rivers (Pamba-Achankoil-Vaippar link); central government support for Kudimaramath, an age-old practice of people's participation in management of water resources; release of pending grants to Tamil Nadu; and release of boats belonging to Indian fishermen by Sri Lanka.

In another letter, Palaniswami invited Modi as the chief guest at a function to unveil a portrait of late Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa in the assembly chamber in July 2017.

Palaniswami also invited Modi for the valedictory event of birth centenary celebrations of AIADMK founder and late Chief Minister M.G. Ramachandran proposed to be held here between December 15 and 31.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Vatican City, May 24 (IANS/AKI) Pope Francis held a private meeting with US President Donald Trump at the Vatican on Wednesday, which covered international affairs, interfaith dialogue, healthcare and assistance to immigrants, the Vatican said in a statement.

The two leaders had an "exchange of views" on several unspecified international issues, and spoke of the need to continue good bilateral relations, the statement said.

They shared a commitment to "life, and freedom of worship and conscience" and expressed hope that they can collaborate "in service to the people in the fields of healthcare, education and assistance to migrants".

The "cordial discussions" included the need for political negotiation to resolve conflicts and build peace in the world, interreligious dialogue, especially in the Middle East, and the protection of Christian communities, the Vatican stated.

Pope Francis, one of Trump's most high-profile critics, did not smile as he greeted a beaming Trump outside the study. Trump, seeming subdued, said "it is a great honour" before heading into the potentially awkward audience.

Trump, who arrived at the Vatican with a convoy of at least 50 cars amid a security lockdown, was accompanied to the audience by his wife Melania and daughter Ivanka, wearing black dresses and veils, his son-in-law Jared Kushner, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and National Security Advisor H.R. McMaster.

After their meeting, the leaders exchanged gifts. Trump gave the Pope a boxed set of writings by civil rights leader Martin Luther King, while Francis gifted Trump a signed copy of a message he delivered for World Peace Day, along with some of his writings about the need to protect the environment. "Well, I'll be reading them," Trump told him.

Following their private meeting, Trump expressed gratitude.

"Thank you," he said, shaking hands with the pontiff. "Thank you. I won't forget what you said."

Trump later called the meeting "great" and "fantastic".

"He is something," Trump said of the Pope. "We're liking Italy very, very much."

Later, moments before taking off for Brussels for NATO Summit, Trump tweeted: "Honour of a lifetime to meet His Holiness Pope Francis. I leave the Vatican more determined than ever to pursue PEACE in our world."

Trump also met the Vatican's Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, and its Secretary for relations with states, Paul Richard Gallagher, the Vatican said.

Pope Francis and Trump, who have expressed radically different views on climate change, migration, capitalism and relations with Islam, had a public spat last year during the US presidential campaign, when Francis called Trump's plan to build a wall along the border with Mexico "unchristian".

Trump retorted that it was "disgraceful" of the Pope to doubt his religious faith.

Pope Francis said last week he would be "sincere" with Trump but did not want to judge him before listening to him in person.

Trump was also due to tour the Sistine Chapel and St Peter's Basilica with Melania, a Catholic during his Vatican visit. Melania was then slated to visit the Vatican-owned Bambin Gesu pediatric hospital, while Ivanka and her husband took part in a roundtable on human trafficking at the Community of St Egidio Catholic charity.

The US President was later scheduled to meet Italy's head of state Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni before flying to Brussels to attend a NATO summit there on Thursday.

Trump will then return to Italy to attend the G7 summit in Taormina on the island of Sicily on Friday, the last leg of his first overseas trip as US president.

The four-nation tour, aimed at uniting Muslim, Jewish and Catholic leaders in the fight against

Islamist terrorism, has included stops in Saudi Arabia, Israel and the Palestinian territories.

--IANS/AKI

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' on Tuesday deferred his planned resignation from the top post, adding to political uncertainties in Kathmandu.

Earlier in the day, Prachanda informed his cabinet colleagues that he will put in his papers to pave way for Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba to become the next Prime Minister.

On the other hand, Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Marxist-Leninist leader K.P. Oli said in Parliament that the Prime Minister cannot resign in the middle of local elections and should continue until the second phase of elections on June 14 is completed.

A meeting of Prachanda, Oli and Deuba, called by Speaker Onsari Gharti to sort out the stand-off, could not make headway as Oli remained adamant on his stand.

Parliament is slated to meet at 11 a.m. on Wednesday and Prachanda has called for a meeting of top political leadership ahead of the house meeting.

The proposed resignation of Prachanda was to honour an accord signed in August last year when Prachanda was elected the Prime Minister with Deuba's support.

Both Prachanda and Deuba had agreed to run the government on a rotational basis until elections to Parliament were held in February 2018, as per constitutional obligations.

According to the agreement, Prachanda was to remain in office till the local elections were held whereas polls at the provincial and central levels were to be conducted under Deuba as the Prime Minister.

Earlier in the day, Cabinet members posed for group photos in anticipation of their last day in office before Prachanda's address to Parliament.

However, the main opposition Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Marxist-Leninist did not allow the normal functioning of Parliament.

The party opposed the move to change the demarcation of local bodies in the Terai (plains) region, dubbing it against the election Code of Conduct.

In a bid to address the grievances of agitating Madhes-based parties and to ensure their participation in second phase of local polls on June 14, the Prachanda-led government had increased the numbers of local units in Terai region in proportion to the population.

Oli questioned how the numbers could be increased when only first phase of elections was over. "It is illegal and anti-constitutional," the CPN-UML leader said.

Local elections in the first phase were held on May 14 in three Nepal provinces, mostly in the hills. The second phase is scheduled for June 14 in four provinces, mostly in the plains.

The numbers of local bodies going to polls in the second phase are almost double of the first.

(Anil Giri can be contacted at girianil@gmail.com)

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Rajasthan Agriculture Minister Prabhulal Saini on Wednesday said the state was not ready to introduce genetically modified (GM) mustard and was doing well with normal seeds.

"There is a debate going on over this issue at the international level. We will wait for the results," he said on the sidelines of a three-day Global Rajasthan Agritech Meet here.

Saini said GM mustard research will not be happening anytime soon in Rajasthan.

He said while the productivity of GM mustard is said to be 16 quintals per hectare, Rajasthan is already producing 28-30 quintals with normal seeds.

"So why should we do away with our traditional seeds? The oil content in our mustard is 40-42 per cent, the highest in the country," he said.

On the central government push for the GM crop, he said agriculture is a state subject under the Indian Constitution.

"It is up to the Rajasthan government to decide which crop should be grown here and which shouldn't be," the Minister said.

"Even if the central government takes a call to introduce GM mustard, we will protest and tell them we are not in a hurry to introduce it."

Saini said many countries had rejected the GM crops.

"Currently, our stand is that we will never have trial runs for GM crops in Rajasthan unless there is a global consensus on its safety," he said.

"We will wait and see what decision is taken at the national and international levels."

The Minister said his views were not that of an expert but of a farmer.

"If we play with nature, we won't benefit from it," he said.

On May 11, the Union Environment Ministry's Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) gave a positive recommendation to GM mustard. However those opposed to it urged the Union Environment Minister against the crop, claiming tests were rigged.

The approval is now with the Environment Minister and if approved, GM Mustard could be the first genetically modified food crop to be cultivated in India.

(Vishav can be contacted at vishav@ians.in. He is in Kota at the invitation of the Global Rajasthan Agritech Meet.)

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who has reiterated time and again the necessity to rein in speed driving, on Wednesday expressed grief at the loss of lives in a bus accident in Uttarakhand.

She urged people to drive safe.

"Saddened by deaths of 22 pilgrims. My condolences to bereaved families. Road accidents are a big killer of our nation. Safe Drive, Save Life," Banerjee said on Twitter.

At least 24 persons were killed and eight injured when the bus carrying pilgrims from Indore, Madhya Pradesh, plunged into a deep gorge late on Tuesday.

The accident took place near Nalupani when they were returning from the Gangotri shrine.

Banerjee's Trinamool Congress government is set to bring in a new law to curb speed driving which has made headlines for several deaths in the state.

The new law proposes a five to ten-fold hike in penalties for first-time traffic offenders.

While denouncing the menace of speed racing/driving/biking, Banerjee had earlier said the bikes of offenders may be impounded.

Last year, Kolkata police issued the "No Helmet No Petrol" notification.

According to the rules, a biker without a helmet or one with a pillion rider not wearing the headgear will not be able to purchase any fuel from a fuel pump in the city.

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Seven persons in a Bolero jeep were killed after the driver nodded off at the wheel, crashing the vehicle into a divider and then ramming into an oncoming truck near Dhangarwadi here early on Wednesday morning, the police said.

Around 4 a.m., the vehicle, headed from Pune to Buldhana via Aurangabad, went out of control, crashed the divider and hit the truck bound for Ahmednagar on the busy Aurangabad-Ahmednagar highway, Vilas Kanawade of the MIDC Police Station here said.

All seven, including the driver, aboard the jeep died on the spot.

All the passengers, on a pilgrimage in Buldhana district, were fast asleep in the vehicle at the time of the accident. The driver of the truck fled the scene of the accident.

"As per preliminary investigations, the jeep driver apparently dozed off at the wheel as the speeding vehicle climbed onto the road divider. It then collided head-on with the truck coming in from the opposite direction," Kanawade told IANS.

Those killed have been identified as Manohar Rambhau Gaikwad (45), Gokul Rambhau Gaikwad (40), Ankush Dinkar Nemane (45), Kiran Balu Chavan (50), Swapnil Balu Chavan (17), Arun Pandurang Shinde (30) and Mubarak Abbas Tamboli (52).

They were proceeding on a pilgrimage from Pune to the mausoleum of Muslim saint Hazrat Abdul Rehman Shah, who is revered as Sailani Baba, in Buldhana.

The police are searching for the absconding truck driver, Kanawade said.

--IANS

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Congress President Sonia Gandhi has invited prominent opposition leaders for a luncheon meet at her residence on Friday, when the issue of selecting a consensus candidate for the presidential election is to be discussed.

According to senior leaders there will also be an informal meeting before the lunch. CPI leader D. Raja confirmed he would attend, while JD-U leader K.C. Tyagi said senior leaders of the party will be present.

Opposition party leaders, including Communist Party of India-Marxist leader Sitaram Yechury, are expected to attend.

Meanwhile, West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee is also coming to Delhi and will be meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday.

Banerjee will also meet leaders of all major parties to build a consensus on the joint candidate for the presidential election.

Among the names doing the rounds as the opposition's consensus candidates are of former Governor Gopalkrishna Gandhi and former Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar.

Banerjee met Congress President Sonia Gandhi last week and conveyed that her party was in favour of a consensus candidate for the presidential election.

The term of President Pranab Mukherjee ends in July. The ruling BJP-led National Democratic Alliance, which has clear edge in the presidential election, has not given any inkling so far on its choice of candidate.

Gandhi has been contacting leaders opposed to the ruling BJP to evolve a consensus.

She has spoken to Samajwadi Party leader Mulayam Singh Yadav and RJD chief Lalu Prasad and met JD-U leader and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar, CPI-M leader Sitaram Yechury and National Conference leader Omar Abdullah.

The Congress chief is also expected to meet Bahujan Samaj Party supremo Mayawati.

DMK leader Kanimozhi had invited Sonia Gandhi for her father and DMK chief M. Karunanidhi's 94th birthday celebrations in Chennai on June 3, when another meeting of opposition leaders is likely to take place.

--IANS

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Noting the CAG report, which cited faults in the Vizhinjam port project agreement, may not have studied all documents, Kerala's former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy on Wednesday welcomed his successor Pinarayi Vijayan saying that the government auditor's remarks would be looked into.

"Do not know how the CAG has come out with certain remarks, which are contrary to the facts of the agreement. But, I have heard that Vijayan saying that it would be looked into as the remarks of a serious nature. I fully welcome it and I request Vijayan to do it at the earliest and without delay," Chandy told reporters here.

The CAG report, tabled in the assembly on Tuesday, finds faults in the agreement, but Chandy said it appears that the CAG could have possibly not looked into it with all the supporting documents.

"We followed the Planning Commission of India's guidelines in the agreement. Moreover the government order which my government came out with in 2014 clearly highlights each and every aspect. And most importantly there has been no change effected in the agreement after we put up the pre-bid qualifying conditions," he added.

Chandy also said he does not know why the CAG failed to give the state government a chance to appear before it.

"The process of CAG report is the assembly's Public Accounts Committee will look into it, but then it could be delayed. And now I welcome Vijayan's statement that they will have a relook into it. This project is hugely beneficial for Kerala and the state interest was not compromised at all," he added.

The Chandy government in 2015 inked the agreement for the Rs 7,525 crore Vizhinjam project with Adani Ports, which was the lone bidder and sought Rs 1,635 crore as grant for it. It had committed that the first phase of the port would be operational in 1,000 days, from the date of the commencement of work that began in 2015.

According to the agreement, Adani would operate the port for 40 years, extendable by 20 more years, while the state government would get a portion of the revenue from the port after 15 years.

Chandy noted that this this dream port project of Kerala became a reality after 25 years and only on the fifth attempt. "On four previous occasions starting from 1991 and in successive governments of K.Karunakaran, A.K. Antony, myself in 2005, and V.S. Achuthanandan failed to find a port builder...," he said.

Incidentally, Achuthanandan on Monday had demanded a white paper on the project, saying the agreement is "not in the interest of Kerala".

Raising the issue through a submission in the assembly, the veteran Communist Party of India-Marxist leader said that just because the Chandy government went ahead and placed this project before Adani Ports, there is need for a re-look at the agreement.

The proposed Vizhinjam Port is to be completed in three phases. Once completed, the port would enable ships with a capacity of even 18,000 TEU (20-feet equivalent units) to dock.

The proposed port, located close to the busy international shipping route, is envisaged to handle 4.1 million containers annually.

--IANS

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Three Delhi Police personnel were suspended from service and a Home Guard relieved of his duties for allegedly brutally assaulting and giving third-degree treatment to a property dealer, a police officer said on Wednesday.

Those suspended are Assistant Sub Inspector Satish Kumar, Head Constable Ratan Singh and Constable Kailash Singh, all posted in Prashant Vihar police station of west Delhi.

"After they were accused of brutally assaulting property dealer Amit Jindal in police custody, we suspended the three and initiated a departmental inquiry against them. The victim's family members had lodged a complaint against them," Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Rishi Pal said.

Home Guard jawan Ajay Kumar, who was also with them in the alleged torture of the property dealer, has also been relieved of his duties, according to the DCP.

Amit, 30, had on Saturday accused four policemen of brutally assaulting him after his car accidentally hit a patrol motorcycle in Rohini area.

The victim said he was returning home after attending a function around 1.30 a.m. on Friday when his car hit the police motorcycle in Rohini's Sector 11 -- the locality where he resides.

"Amit stopped and stepped out of his car to help Ajay who was riding the bike. In the meantime, Ratan and Satish arrived on the spot and caught hold of him. They later took him to the police station where he was given third-degree treatment at night," Pal said.

Demanding suspension of the accused policemen, some local residents from Rohini also protested before the Prashant Vihar police station.

--IANS

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Three Indian Army soldiers of Nepalese origin, who were killed in a gunbattle with militants in Jammu and Kashmir, were cremated in an army cantonment in Himachal Pradesh on Wednesday, officials said.

Families of Havildars Girish Gurung and Dambar Bahadur and Rifleman Rabin Sharma, who were killed in a gunfight in Nowgam sector of Kashmir's Kupwara district, reached 14 Gorkha Training Centre in Subathu in Solan district where the soldiers were cremated with full military honours, an official told IANS.

Subathu is around 50 km from the state capital.

The soldiers, who belonged to 14 Gorkha Training Centre, were martyred while fighting with militants on May 21. Four militants were also killed in the army operation that lasted over two days along the Line of Control.

Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Dhani Ram Shandil and Bharatiya Janata Party Member of Parliament Virender Kashyap were among those who attended the cremation.

Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh and Governor Acharya Devvrat have expressed grief over the death of the soldiers. The Chief Minister said the supreme sacrifice of the soldiers would be remembered by the country.

--IANS

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Star Indian surfers including Ishita Malviya and Dharini Selvakumar will be seen riding the waves for the top slot in their respective categories during the second edition of the Indian Open of Surfing, which gets underway at Sasihithlu beach here from Friday.

Besides Malviya and Selvakumar, the other big Indian names in the premier competition include Sinchana Gowda, Aneesha Nayak, Manikandan and Sekar Pitchai along with Tanvi Jagadish.

The Indian surfers are expected to face stiff competition in their respective categories from their Australian, US and French counterparts in the three-day event.

Tanvi is a top-ranked Stand Up Paddler and will be the surfer to look out for at the event. She had recently achieved major international glory by emerging third in the Stand Up Paddling event at the West Marine Carolina Cup in the US.

Tanvi has been the national champion in the SUP surfing and SUP racing since 2014, and the 17-year-old Mangalore girl has been making waves on international shores as well.

Ishita Malaviya is India's first professional female surfer, who began surfing in 2007 after meeting a German exchange student.

She currently runs a surf club named the Shaka Surf Club as well as a camp called Camp Namaloha in Karnataka.

The 23 year-old Manikandan has achieved quite a lot in the sport of surfing. Coming from a small fishermen family in Tamil Nadu, he took up surfing about 10 years ago.

Murthy Megavan is India's top male surfer while Dharani Selvakumar, a computer science engineering graduate, turned his hobby into a profession.

The 23-year-old Dharini was the national champion at the Indian Open of Surfing in 2016.

Though the competition will see a few international surfers like Maldivian surfer Ismail Miguel in the open category, it will be interesting to see how the Indian surfers will raise the standard of the competition.

--IANS

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US President Donald Trump reassured British Prime Minister Theresa May that the resolve will "never waiver" in the face of terrorism, following a multiple-death bomb attack in Manchester.

Trump on Tuesday spoke with May via phone during his visit in Jerusalem, Israel, and offered US aid in the investigation into the attack, which the two leaders called "wanton and depraved", Xinhua news agency cited a White House statement.

On Monday night, a suicide terror attack took place at Manchester Arena at the end of a pop concert, killing at least 22 people, several of whom were children, while injuring 59 others.

British police arrested a 23-year-old in connection with the attack. The so-called Islamic State terrorist group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Trump said he looked forward to seeing May in person this week and discussing Americas "unbreakable commitment" to Britain and the ways both countries can work with allies and partners around the world to defeat terrorism.

--IANS

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Two persons were killed and three others injured as a DTC bus rammed into two e-rickshaws and an auto-rickshaw near the Azadpur Metro station here on Wednesday.

Those killed were Harsh, 15, of Mangolpuri, and Devender, 45, of Shalimar Bagh area. The three injured were admitted to a nearby hospital.

Driver Ranvir Singh, 55, fled the spot but was arrested in the evening.

"Prima facie, a tyre of the low-floor Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) bus burst after which the driver lost control over the vehicle," Deputy Commissioner of Police Milind Mahadeo Dumbere told IANS.

The driver was sent for medical test to find whether he was inebriated, Dumbere added.

The DTC bus was going from Delhi University north campus to Azadpur when the accident occurred.

--IANS

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British actor and United Nations Children's Fund (Unicef) ambassador Roger Moore, whose death was announced on Tuesday, "was one of the great champions for children", said the organisation's Executive Director Anthony Lake.

"With the passing of Sir Roger Moore, the world has lost one of its great champions for children -- and the entire Unicef family has lost a great friend," Xinhua news agency quoted Lake as saying.

In his most famous roles as an actor, Roger was the epitome of cool sophistication; but in his work as a Unicef ambassador, he was a passionate and highly persuasive advocate for children, Lake said.

"He once said it was up to all of us to give children a more peaceful future. Together with Lady Kristina, he worked very hard to do so."

Moore, best known for his movie role as James Bond, died of cancer at the age of 89 in Switzerland, where he lived.

--IANS

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The Income Tax Department officials have conducted searches at the residences and other properties of many senior administrative officers in Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday, an official said.

The searches were simultaneously conducted in Meerut, Lucknow, Noida, Greater Noida, Baghpat and Delhi.

Of those searched, two are Indian Administrative Service and three are Provincial Civil Services (PCS) officers.

According to reports, there were IT raids on the house and establishments of Hriday Shankar Tiwari, Health Director of Uttar Pradesh; S.K. Singh, Special Secretary, Prisons; and former Ghaziabad District Magistrate Vimal Sharma, currently posted as the CEO of Greater Noida Authority.

His Public Relations Officer Rajesh Sharma has also been reportedly searched by IT sleuths, as has been retired IAS officer Girija Shankar Tripathi.

The Meerut residence of IAS officer Vimal Sharma's wife Mamta Sharma has also been raided, an official said.

--IANS

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Imagine your government required you to consent to ubiquitous stalking in order to participate in society -- to do things such as log into a WiFi hotspot, register a SIM card, get your pension, or even obtain a food ration of rice. Imagine your government was doing this in ways your Supreme Court had indicated were illegal.
After the West Bengal police lathi-charged journalists and Left Front supporters during a rally in Kolkata, there was a series of protests from the Fourth Estate, angry citizens as well as Opposition parties. A day after the lathi-charge, the state police went into damage control mode. Not only did it approach journalists, photographers and cameramen during their protest march with the utmost politeness, it also put up posters to smoothen ruffled feathers. A banner in Paschim Medinipur district, for instance, reads: We are with you... Press is the watchdog of society.
The stock on Wednesday gained four per cent on strong March quarter results, which beat expectations on all fronts. After falling year-on-year (y-o-y) for the past five quarters, revenue, led by higher volumes and realisations, grew 11.6 per cent over a year in the quarter to Rs ,183 crore, compared to the consensus estimate of Rs 1,067 crore.
gave investors more than a reason to cheer. On Tuesday, not only did it post stellar results for the March quarter (Q4) but also announced the formation of a joint venture (JV) with Turkey-based Ardutch to launch a host of consumer durables products. While has maintained a lead in the domestic air-conditioners (AC) market despite stiff competition, investors have always felt it needed to diversify into other products. The JV, analysts believe, is a step in that direction and channels the company's cash kitty in productive avenues. They say the expansion opens up new growth opportunities. Credit Suisse upgraded the stock to outperform after its results, citing stronger sales and margins. All this pushed up the stock to a new 52-week high of Rs 451.25 in Wednesday's trade.
Two senior former Army officers have backed the award of a commendation card to Major Leetul Gogoi, who had tied a man to a jeep in Kashmir as a shield against stone-pelters, but a retired general said the move was unbecoming of the force's traditions.

Gogoi, a Major in the 53 Rashtriya Rifles, has been honoured with the Army Chief's commendation card for his "sustained efforts in counter-insurgency operations".

Major Gen (retd) Ramesh Chopra came out in support of Gogoi's action.

"With his innovative thinking, he saved lives of people and that has to be appreciated. I give him full marks for his presence of mind," Chopra said.

However, Lt Gen (retd) H S Panag, former GOC-in-C, Northern Command, criticised the move, saying Gogoi's action was unbecoming of the traditions of the Indian Army.

"IA (Indian Army) traditions, ethos, rules & regulations swept away by the 'mood of the nation'! I stand by my views even if I am the last man standing!" Panag tweeted.

Col Anil Kaul (retd), who had served in the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) in Sri Lanka, said Gogoi deserved more than a commendation card because of his "out-of-the-box thinking".

"He saved lives of people without even firing a bullet despite being attacked by stone-pelters. His act should be applauded and he should be given a Shaurya Chakra," Kaul said.

Gogoi, who hails from Assam, had yesterday said that about 1,200 stone-pelters had surrounded a small group of security personnel at a polling booth in Utligam village of Budgam district on April 9. He claimed that if he had ordered firing, there could have been at least 12 casualties.

The mob, which included women and children, was threatening to set ablaze the polling booth, he claimed.

Amidst the mob, Gogoi claimed, he saw a man who appeared to be the "ring leader" as he was "instigating" the stone-pelters at Utlgam on the day of bypoll to the Srinagar Lok Sabha constituency.

He said the idea of tying the man, who was later identified as Farooq Ahmad Dar, to the jeep had struck him suddenly as a means to evacuate the polling staff and the paramilitary personnel, besides avoiding any casualties.
A week-long trip to the Space Application Centre of the Indian Space Research Organisation in Ahmedabad by 20 winners of Young Astronomer Talent Search 2016-17 has concluded.

Twenty school students from across Odisha were declared winners and sent to ISRO as an appreciation of their effort. The journey concluded yesterday with their return from Ahmedabad, a release said.

YATS is an initiative of Tata Steel, organised in collaboration with Pathani Samanta Planetarium, under Science and Technology Department, Odisha Government which is aimed at creating awareness about astronomy and space science among students, a Tata Steel release said.

It provides an opportunity to the students in rural and remote areas of the state to exhibit their talent and come to the forefront in the field of astronomy, it said.

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Three more persons were today arrested in the UK in connection with the Manchester concert terror attack that killed 22 people, bringing the total number of men in custody to four.

A 23-year-old man was arrested on Tuesday in the wake of the attack on Monday night, carried out by a bomber identified as 22-year-old Libyan-origin Salman Abedi. The BBC has reported that the man arrested on Tuesday is Abedi's brother Ismail.

"Three men have been arrested after police executed warrants in South Manchester in connection with the ongoing investigation into Monday night's horrific attack at the Manchester Arena," a Greater Manchester Police statement said.

UK Home Secretary Amber Rudd said on Tuesday that Abedi was known to security services "to a point" and it is believed intelligence agencies had dug into his connections with the Al Qaeda and Islamic State (ISIS) in his parents' homeland of Libya.

Manchester-born Abedi went to school locally and then studied business management at Salford University, before dropping out from the course.

He made several trips to Libya, where it is thought his immigrant parents had returned in 2011 following Muammar Gaddafi's overthrow.

Mohammed Saeed El-Saeiti, the imam at the Didsbury mosque where Abedi's brother Ismail had been a Quran teacher, branded the attacker as someone filled with hate.

"Salman showed me the face of hate after my speech on ISIS," he said.

Meanwhile, eight-year-old Saffie Roussos, 15-year-old Olivia Campbell, 28-year-old John Atkinson, 18-year-old Georgina Callander and 32-year-old Kelly Brewster are among the first of the 22 victims of the attack to be named.

Two Polish parents were also killed while collecting their daughters from the venue, the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs has said.

Foreign Minister Witold Waszczykowski told a Polish radio station: "The parents came after the concert to collect their daughters and unfortunately we have information that they are dead. The children are safe."



The Polish Foreign Ministry, which did not name the couple, said: "We share the pain of the family and the loved ones of the victims and express our most sincere condolences."



A vigil was held in Manchester's Albert Square on Tuesday evening as a show of support for victims and their families.

Greater Manchester Police has asked people to remain vigilant and report anything suspicious to the Anti-Terrorist Helpline.

Deputy Chief Constable Ian Pilling said British Prime Minister Theresa May's announcement of raising the threat level to its highest at "critical" will provide the force with additional resources to conduct their investigations.

"We are continuing to work with the national counter-terrorism policing network and UK intelligence services as part of the response to dealing with the tragic events," he said.
A Pakistani court has sentenced 350 Indian fishermen for fishing inside the country's territorial waters after they entered a guilty plea and ordered their repatriation, according to a media report.

Judicial magistrate Salman Amjad Siddiqui visited the district jail in Malir yesterday to indict 350 fishermen, who have been detained since January 27, Dawn newspaper reported.

When the magistrate read out the charges against them, all the fishermen pleaded guilty of fishing inside Pakistani territorial waters, it said.

The court then took a lenient view and convicted the fishermen for a period they have already spent in detention and also directed the jail authorities to approach the department concerned to make arrangements for their repatriation.

The Maritime Security Agency had detained the fishermen along with their 60 boats after finding them fishing inside Pakistani territorial waters in the Arabian Sea in separate actions taken between January 27 and May 4 this year.

The cases were registered against them at the Docks police station.

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Google today said six Indian startups have been shortlisted for the fourth class of Google Accelerator Program.

It said they will be joining startups from all over Asia, Latin America, Africa and Europe at the Google Developers Launchpad Space in San Francisco.

With this batch, a total of 26 Indian startups have so far joined the launchpad accelerator program from India, it said in a release.

Google said the fourth class will kick off from July 17, 2017 and will include two weeks of all-expense-paid mentorship bootcamp.

This batch of startups will gain from Google's new curriculum that will help the startups to dig deeper into machine learning and AI (Artificial Intelligence)and help themleverage Google's latest technologies to scale their apps, itsaid.

"These startups were shortlisted from hundreds of startups who applied this year based on their unique value proposition and use of latest technologies like machine learning and AI to build high impact solutions that are solving for the Indian context, focusing on new internet users and digital India," Paul Ravindranath G Program Manager GoogleIndia said.

In the six months program, the startups will undergo intensive mentoring from 20+ teams across Google and mentors from top technology companies and VCs in Silicon Valley.

Additionally, they will receive equity-free support and credits for Google products.

Post their return from San Francisco they will continue to work closely with Google back in India.

Google said the shortlisted startups include companies that cover optimization of financial services ranging from loans, credit cards, upto date information platforms for train journeys, online video platform focussing on content fromIndian cinema focusing on South of India to the unique implementation of AI to aid discovery of recipes for cooking.

The list also includes B2B companies that use AI or ML for various applications be it image recognition capabilities to aid medical diagnosis by analyzing visual data, providing solutions for talent acquisition and workforce optimization,it added.

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Six miners were killed in a flash flood at a coal mine in northern China, officials said today.

They said five miners were rescued from the flooding in Dongyu Coal Mine near Taiyuan, capital of the coal-rich Shanxi Province.

The rescue operation ended today and the survivors were being treated, state-run Xinhua agency reported.

Officials said there were 11 miners when the flooding occurred yesterday.

It was not clear what caused the flooding.

China, the world's largest coal producer, witnesses frequent accidents at mines. In March, 17 miners were killed when a lift used to move workers collapsed in northeastern Heilongjiang province.

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: Leading Tamil actor Kamal Haasan today congratulated the CPI(M)-led LDF government for providing "good governance" and hoped Kerala will set an example to neighbouring states in various fields.

In an e-mail message to Vijayan, Haasan said: "I am happy to celebrate one year of good governance along with the people of Kerala.. Wish and hope Kerala sets an example for the neighbouring states to follow in many more fields."



The actor said he was happy to celebrate the occasion with the people of Kerala.

The government headed by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will be completing one year in office tomorrow.

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The definitive anti-dumping (ADD) duties imposed on import of hot-rolled (HR) and cold-rolled (CR) flat steel products are likely to create a more stable operating environment for domestic flat steel players, ICRA said today.

With a view to protect the domestic flat steel manufacturers, the government recently imposed a five-year definitive anti-dumping (ADD) duties on import of HR and CR flat steel products.

"The long tenure of ADD regime is likely to create a more stable operating environment for domestic flat steel players," the rating agency said in a statement.

The definitive ADD has been fixed at a level which is the difference between the product's landed value and a given threshold (fixed at USD 489/MT for HR coils, USD 561/MT for HR plates/sheets, and USD 576/MT for CR coils).

"This is expected to prevent the landed cost of imported flat steel from falling below this threshold, thereby protecting domestic players from the volatility in international steel prices to an extent," it added.

During 2015-16, domestic steel players were at the receiving end due to cheaper imports from countries like China, South Korea, Japan, Russia and Ukraine.

Jayanta Roy, Senior Vice President and Group Head, Corporate Sector Ratings at ICRA, said: "Flat steel products covered under the ADD regime had contributed around 60 per cent to India's cumulative steel imports between FY2015 and FY2017 and, therefore, the current measure is expected to keep India's steel imports under check in coming years."



Global trade action on dumping of steel has been led by the European Union (EU) and the US, both countries putting in place import barriers on multiple steel products not only from China, but also from many South-East Asian countries, including Japan and South-Korea.

Indian steel makers have generally not been at the receiving end of these measures thus far, which presents opportunities for domestic mills to increase their market share globally, especially in the EU region, which remains India's largest destination for steel exports.

However, Roy added, "There is significant overcapacity in the global steel industry, and any softening of international prices like in the recent past may affect domestic prices too, if exports are non-remunerative, leading to price-based competition in India, especially given the slackness in domestic demand."



The Union Cabinet on May 3, 2017, cleared the National Steel Policy (NSP) 2017, which aims at increasing the crude steel capacity to 300 MT by 2030-2031 from the current capacity of 128 MT, ICRA said.

"Given the weak financial health of many domestic steel players, this seems a tall order. In this context, the definitive ADD and the government's efforts towards sorting out of stressed assets assume significance, since, in the current scenario, lenders may not have the appetite to extend fresh funds to the stressed steel sector players," it added.

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The Punjab and Haryana High Court has told Congress veteran Motilal Vora that he can approach it for relief if the Enforcement Directorate tries to arrest him in connection with alleged money laundering in land allotment to Associated Journals Limited (AJL).

The court refused to entertain for now a plea by the 86- year-old national treasurer of the Congress to restrain the agency from arresting him.

It appears that there is no intention of ED to arrest him, a division bench comprising Chief Justice Shiavax Jal Vazifdar and Justice Anupinder Singh Grewal said yesterday, adding that his prayer for interim relief will not been taken up at this stage.

"In case any attempt is made to arrest him (by ED), he can file an application before the court," the bench observed.

The case would now come up for hearing on July 19.

Vora had been questioned by the Enforcement Directorate after he was summoned in his capacity as the Chairman and Managing Director of the AJL in connection with alleged irregularities in allotment of the plot to the company, which is the publisher of the National Herald newspaper, in Panchkula, Haryana, in 2005.

The agency had, last year, filed a criminal complaint and booked former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, AJL officials and others on charges of alleged money laundering, taking cognisance of a Haryana State Vigilance Bureau FIR.

Vora and AJL had moved the HC seeking quashing of the enforcement case investigation report registered by the ED.

The CBI in April this year registered a case of criminal breach of trust by a public servant, cheating and criminal conspiracy against Hooda, the then Haryana Urban Development Authority (HUDA) chairman, an ex-officio post held by him as the CM, and four other top officials of HUDA.

Hooda had termed the action as "political vendetta" and said there was no wrongdoing.

The plot had been initially allotted to AJL in 1982.

After the expiry of the lease period in 1996, the then Haryana Vikas Party government led by Bansi Lal took back its possession. It was re-allotted to AJL under the regime of Congress-led by Hooda after the party came to power in 2005.

It was alleged that the act by the then HUDA chairman and the officials had caused a huge financial loss to HUDA as the plot should have been sold through open auction instead of being alloted again to AJL.

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Army officers are free to take decisions in a "war-like" zone, Defence Minister Arun Jaitley said today, amid raging controversy over a Major tying a man to a jeep in Kashmir purportedly as a shield against stone pelters.

Without specifically mentioning Major Leetul Gogoi's action, he said, "Well, military solutions are to be provided by military officers. How a situation is to be dealt with when you are in a war-like zone... We should allow our army officers to take a decision.

"They don't have to consult members of Parliament as to what they should do under such circumstances."



Jaitley was responding to a question on the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, a day after the Army went public on fire assaults on Pakistani posts along the LoC.

The Indian Army yesterday said it launched "punitive fire assaults" on Pakistani positions across the Line of Control, inflicting "some damage", days after two of its troopers were beheaded.

It also released a video of the military action which showed some structures in a forested area crumbling in a heap under the impact of repeated shelling.

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At least 20 migrants including young children drowned today when they fell off an overloaded vessel in the Mediterranean, the Italian coastguard and a humanitarian worker said.

"There's a critical situation today. About 200 people fell into the water and for the moment we have 20 bodies," a coastguard spokesman told AFP.

The migrants were on a wooden boat carrying between 500 and 700 people and were just 20 nautical miles off the Libyan coast when the accident happened.

The crew of the Phoenix aid boat, chartered by the Maltese NGO Moas, had begun the rescue and were distributing lifejackets when many of those on deck fell into the water, perhaps knocked off balance by a wave.

"It's not a scene from a horror movie, it's a real-life tragedy that is taking place today at the gates of Europe," said Chris Catrambone, Moas co-founder, who was aboard the Phoenix and published photos showing dozens of migrants in the water.

With the help of an Italian coast guard ship and several commercial ships, rescuers raced to drag as many people as possible from the water, while a helicopter and military aircraft dropped lifeboats.

"There are still about 30 corpses floating in the area, many are young children," Catrambone added.

In total, about 15 relief operations were underway Wednesday off Libya, the coast guard said without being able to give a total for the number of migrants involved.

Yesterday, they coordinated the relief of about 1,500 migrants, while their Libyan counterparts intercepted 237 others.

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Armed men today looted about Rs four lakh in cash and gold ornaments from a bank at Buguda area of Odisha's Ganjam district.

Sub divisional police officer, Bhanjanagar, Utkal Keshari Das said the four to five looters stormed Utkal Grameen Bank's Manitara branch and terrorised the people in it by exploding bombs and blank firing. They also assaulted the bank's security staff and its employees and then took away the cash from the counters and and gold ornaments from the lockers.

The looters decamped in three motorcycles waiting outside the bank immediately afterwards. Four persons were waiting for them, he said.

"They took around 10 minutes to loot the money and the ornaments and fled the spot immediately afterwards," the bank branch manager Sishir Nayak said.

As per preliminary estimates the looted cash was about Rs 4 lakh but he value of looted gold was yet to be ascertained, he said.

Police were alerted at Buguda, Jagannath Prasad and Belaguntha areas and patrolling has been intensified. "We are also scrutinising the CCTV footage," Das said.

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Shah Rukh Khan has a plan for Brad Pitt -- he is going to make the Hollywood star with two left feet, dance.

On a visit to India to promote his latest film, the Netflix satire "War Machine", Pitt told Shah Rukh at a special chat session here he could neither dance nor sing like Bollywood stars.

"I can't dance..." Pitt, 53, told Shah Rukh, who replied, "We will make you dance... We make everyone dance in Bollywood."



Shah Rukh was a part of a special session with Pitt and the movie's director David Michod, in which the two actors discussed the project and their journeys in films.

Shah Rukh, 51, revealed he became Pitt's fan after watching the 1995 film "Twelve Monkeys" and also praised his performance in "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button".

"I am a fan of 'Twelve Monkeys'. That's when I became (Pitt's) fan," he said.

When Pitt asked SRK, "How much time it takes to complete a film in India?", Shah Rukh said, "40 days... And more if there is a problem."



Pitt, who recently went through emotional turmoil after Angelina Jolie filed for divorce citing "irreconcilable differences", said he was "lucky" to have sailed through tough times.

"I try to reinvent (myself). I am lucky to have survived my mistakes," he said.

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Brazilian army troops were deployed today to secure government buildings after a protest erupted into violent confrontations with police and assaults on several ministries, Defense Minister Raul Jungmann said.

"At this moment, federal troops are already here (in the foreign ministry)," Jungmann said in a brief televised statement. "And next, there are troops arriving to secure all the ministerial buildings.

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Facing flak from opposition over vacancies in the National Commission for Minorities (NCM), the Centre has appointed five members to the panel.

The NCM, which has the responsibility of protecting interests of the minority communities, was left with no member in March this year.

All its seven members, appointed by previous Congress- led UPA-II government, had retired between September 9, 2015 and March 9 this year.

According to sources in the Union Minority Affairs Ministry, social activist from Uttar Pradesh Gayarul Hasan will be the chairperson of the Commission.

Activist and BJP leader from from Kerala George Kurian, former Maharashtra minister Sulekha Kumbhare, Jain representative from Gujarat Sunil Singhi and Vada Dasturji Khurshed, chief priest of Udvada Athornan Anjuman, are the other members of the panel.

The process to appoint two more members of the panel, which is expected to be functional in a day or two, "is on", the sources added.

This is for the first time that a Jain member will be part of the panel after the community was notified as 'minority' in January 2014.

"So far the tradition was that the Commission had a retired judge or bureaucrat as its chairperson or member.

"It is perhaps for the first time that all the members are social activists who know the ground realities," the sources said.

When asked, Minister of State for Minority Affairs (Independent Charge) Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi confirmed the development.

"These are very capable people. We hope they will do justice to the issues relating to minorities," Naqvi added.

The alleged delay in filling the vacancies in the Commission was raised by the opposition to attack the government during the last Parliament session.

The NCM was set up under the National Commission for Minorities Act, 1992 to look into complaints from members of five religious communities -- Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists and Zoroastrians (Parsis).

The panel has seven members, including its chairperson and vice chairperson.

Besides NCM, 15 states, including Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Maharashtra and Assam, which are home to sizeable minority populace, have set up commissions at their respective levels.

Aggrieved persons belonging to these communities may approach the state minorities commissions concerned for redressal of their grievances or send their representations to the NCM after exhausting all avenues of remedies available.

The functions of the state commissions, inter-alia, are to safeguard and protect the interests of minorities provided in the Constitution and laws enacted by Parliament and state legislatures.

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China and Arab countries today signed a declaration on using Chinese navigation system BDS, a rival to US' Global Positioning System (GPS).

China's BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS) is compatible with other satellite navigation systems and aims to provide services to Belt and Road countries and regions from the end of 2018, completing deployment of 35-satellite constellation around 2020 to provide global services, state- run Xinhua agency reported.

"The declaration will provide policy support for satellite navigation cooperation on both sides," said Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Zhang Ming at the first forum on BDS cooperation between China and Arab countries.

The report, however, did not name the Arab countries.

Zhang hoped that with the aid of delegates a "space silk road" could soon be built to help China-Arab cooperation.

Wang Li, chairman of the China Satellite Navigation System Committee, said that based on present cooperation and the needs of Arab countries, both sides agreed to boost major project cooperation and conduct joint research on satellite navigation application in fields like intelligent transportation, land mapping, precision agriculture and public security.

The forum also featured training sessions on the BDS.

A second forum on BDS cooperation between China and Arab countries will be held in an Arab country in 2019.

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Some police officials reportedly attending the marriage of a woman, whose family members are said to be distant relatives of underworld don Dawood Ibrahim, here recently has caused a flutter.

Taking cognisance, city police commissioner Ravindra Singhal today ordered an internal inquiry against the concerned police personnel.

Some personnel attached to Bhadrakali police station in Old City area reportedly attended the marriage ceremony held at a posh mall in Mahatma Nagar area on Monday.

The invitation for the marriage was reportedly given to the police personnel by some Muslim clerics.

The bridegroom is the son of a former local corporator.

Some politicians, including MLAs and corporators, reportedly attended the function too. However, police commissioner Ravindra Singhal said he could not confirm this though he conceded that the invitation was indeed sent to some politicians.

"The invitation for the marriage was sent to some police officials of Bhadrakali police station and also to some corporators, political personalities, MLAs etc.," he told PTI.

Singhal, however, didn't specify the exact number of police personnel who attended the marriage.

According to sources in local police, an ACP-rank officer also attended the function.

Singhal said the statements of the police personnel who attended the marriage are being recorded.

"It will take two days to complete the internal enquiry against the officials as some of them are on leave," he said, adding that the police force was also busy in providing bandobast in Malegaon in the district where municipal corporation elections were held today.

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A Delhi court has acquitted a woman and her alleged lover of charges of murdering her younger brother, who was purportedly opposing their relation.

Additional Sessions Judge Manoj Jain freed north-west Delhi resident Varun Chauhan and Navpreeta Kaur, sister of victim Tejyash, saying the prosecution has not been able to prove its case to the hilt.

The judge also said it was court's duty to ensure that mere suspicion does not take the place of legal proof.

"Distance between 'may be' and 'must be' is quite large and divides vague conjectures from sure conclusions. In a criminal case, the court has a solemn duty to ensure that mere conjectures or suspicion do not take the place of legal proof," the court said.

"The distance between 'may be' true and 'must be' true, must be covered by way of clear, cogent and unimpeachable evidence produced by the prosecution and, in the instant case, prosecution has not been able to cover such distance and has not been able to prove its case to the hilt," it added.

The court said the prosecution story was replete with infirmities and suspicions and all the links were not proved in the desired manner.

According to the prosecution, on July 22, 2014, Tejyash's mother found him lying in a pool of blood and called the police. He was taken a hospital where he was declared dead. Tejyash was preparing for class XII examination.

The parents suspected Chauhan, Kaur's friend who wanted to marry her, to be behind the murder as almost a month before the incident, he had allegedly threatened Tejyash for opposing their marriage.

The police had claimed that Chauhan had confessed to the crime and also said it was Navpreeta who had helped him enter the house to murder her brother.

During the trial, both the accused persons denied the allegations. Navpreeta said Chauhan was just a friend and she had no intentions to marry him.

The court also said "since the house was left unlocked and unattended, anyone could have gone inside for committing any offence.

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The USD 50 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) traversing through PoK might create "geo-political tension" in the region by igniting further tensions between India and Pakistan, a UN report has warned.

The report released by the UN's Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) said that the project could also fuel separatist movement in Pakistan's Balochistan province.

"The dispute over Kashmir is also of concern, since the crossing of the CPEC in the region might create geo-political tension with India and ignite further political instability," said the report on China's ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

The report prepared at the request of China also cautioned that the instability in Afghanistan could cast a shadow over viability of the CPEC over which India has already raised protests with China and boycotted the last week's BRI summit in Beijing.

"Afghanistan's political instability could also limit the potential benefits of transit corridors to population centres near Kabul or Kandahar, as those routes traverse southern and eastern Afghanistan where the Taliban are most active," the report said.

The report also covered other economic corridors of the BRI including the Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar Economic Corridor (BCIM).

According to the report, while the CPEC could serve as the "driver for trade and economic integration" between China, Pakistan, Iran, India, Afghanistan and the Central Asian states, it could also cause many problems within Pakistan and reignite separatist movement in the country due to opposition in Balochistan.

"However, social and environmental safeguards are a concern. The CPEC could lead to widespread displacement of local communities. In Balochistan, there are concerns that migrants from other regions of Pakistan will render ethnic Baloch a minority in the province," it said.

Further, concerns exist that the CPEC will pass from the already narrow strip of cultivable land in the mountainous western Pakistan, destroying farmland and orchards.

The resulting resettlements would reduce local population into an "economically subservient minority", it said.

"In addition, Hazaras are another minority of concern. If the benefits of the proposed CPEC are reaped by large conglomerates, linked to Chinese or purely Punjabi interests, the identity and culture of the local population could be further marginalised," the report cautioned.

"Marginalisation of local population groups could reignite separatist movements and toughen military response from the Government," it said.

About the BRI, it said, the scale of the BRI both in terms of geographical coverage and its cross-sectorial policy influence will shape the future of global development and governance.

"It brings wide-reaching implications for China, for the countries it links across the Asia-Pacific and for the global economy," it said.

"In order for the full potential of the BRI to be realised there are several prerequisites. It should be founded on principles such as trust, confidence and sharing benefits among participating states."



It should play a positive role in the response to climate change over the coming decades, promoting low carbon development and climate resilient infrastructure, the report said.

"Lastly, to be effective and deliver results in a timely fashion, it should go beyond bilateral project transactions to promote regional and multilateral policy frameworks," it said.

"The BRI will serve the interests of China and the countries along its corridors more effectively if it is shaped as a collective endeavour and is well integrated into existing regional cooperation initiatives," it said.

To this end, the BRI needs to co-opt and engage Asian sub regional platforms to ensure that it reinforces regional plans of connectivity and prioritises the missing transport links along corridors, particularly those in the China-Central-West Asia and the China-Indo-China-Peninsula corridors, it said.

Shamshad Akhtar, former governor of State Bank of Pakistan, who heads the ESCAP wrote the foreword for the report.

In her foreword Akhtar said, "our analysis confirms the benefits the BRI could bring are significant. The BRI could help raise economic output levels by an average of 6 per cent in participating countries. If these countries lowered border transaction costs and import tariffs, the difference the BRI could make would be greater still.

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The Delhi government has decided to substantially increase the list of developmental activities that can be taken up by the city's MLAs using the welfare corpus meant for SCs and STs.

The decision to raise it from the existing five to 27 was taken at a cabinet meeting presided over Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal here today. The fund can be used by MLAs in areas where the SC/ST population is over 33 per cent.

Rajendra Pal Gautam, who has recently taken over charge of the SC/ST and Social Welfare Departments, said the government has also decided to tweak the way the fund can be used.

Under the existing arrangement, a city MLA has to approach the SC/ST department seeking fund for works such as repair or construction of community bathrooms, drains or pavements, unmetalled (kuchha) roads, community centres and approach roads.

"But now the list has been expanded significantly. Works related to libraries, schools and skill development centres among several others can be undertaken using this fund," Gautam told PTI.

Another issue the MLAs intending to utilise this fund were facing revolved around the limited number of agencies that were authorised to take up work.

Only the Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (DSIIDC) or the Flood Control and Irrigation Departments could take up work using the welfare fund, which is around Rs 50 crore in the current financial year.

This, he said, was giving rise to situations where the municipal corporations were objecting when a road under its jurisdiction was to be repaired citing the Delhi Municipal Corporation Act.

"After the changes, if a road that is to be repaired is owned by the MCD, then the area MLA can approach it and the civic body can use the welfare fund to get the work done on its own," Gautam said.

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To tackle the Delhi government's apparent "disconnect" with the people, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal today asked all his ministers and officers to open their doors to the public for an hour on weekdays.

Aam Aadmi Party chief Kejriwal has issued a note to Chief Secretary M M Kutty directing him to make a formal arrangement for the meetings that would address people's grievances.

The move followed complaints to AAP ministers, including the CM, that officers were not accessible to the people, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia told reporters here.

The public meets are a part of an outreach programme that seeks to bridge the gap between the people and AAP, which faced defeats in recent state assembly elections and a rout in the Delhi civic polls held last month.

"During our visits (to parts of the city) in the past few days, people complained of a disconnect between the government and the masses," Sisodia said.

It was in view of this that the CM had ordered an hour- long meeting every day, he said.

"Ministers and officers will meet the people without prior appointments from 10 AM to 11 AM in their respective offices from Monday to Friday," Sisodia said.

He said it had been noticed that when officers were accessible, the number of public grievances tended to drop.

The Deputy CM said the decision would not be applicable to the government's field staff such as doctors and teachers.

"The CM has directed the chief secretary to ask officers not to schedule their meetings between 10 AM and 11 AM so that they can address people's grievances. Exceptions will only be granted if an officer is on leave," he said.

In his note to the chief secretary, Kejriwal said if officers had to leave their seat for an emergency, they should seek permission from their senior officer on the phone, who in turn would inform the office of the minister concerned.

Kejriwal said a record should also be maintained of the grievances and of action taken.

Asked about an earlier AAP government decision ordering officers to meet people from 12 to 1 PM, Sisodia said the government would "effectively" implement its new decision.

A senior government official said if needed, the Cabinet would pass a proposal on a structure for such meetings.

Sisodia said the government did not apprehend a "huge rush" in government offices because of the public meetings.

"We have not centralised the public meeting at one place. If someone has a grievance related to the office of a sub- divisional magistrate, they would meet the SDM concerned," he said.

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Egypt's President Abdel-Fattah el- Sissi denied allegations today by Sudanese President Omar al- Bashir that Egyptian armored vehicles were used by rebels in recent attacks in the Darfur region.

El-Sissi said in a press conference at the presidential palace that Egypt is committed to a policy of "no interference in the affairs of others."



"We wouldn't conspire against anyone, especially not our family and neighbors," El-Sissi asserted during the press conference, held jointly with visiting Austrian Chancellor Christian Kern.

Bashir had said in a televised speech at the Sudanese Defense Ministry on Tuesday that Sudanese forces that repelled two attacks on Saturday in the Darfur region and confiscated Egyptian armored vehicles.

Bashir lamented Egypt's alleged role in the attack, adding that it has not supported the Sudanese government's long-standing battle with rebels "even with one bullet."



Foreign Ministry spokesman Ahmed Abu Zeid said in a statement posted on the ministry's Facebook page that Egypt respects Sudan's sovereignty and has never taken part in efforts to destabilize the country.

Tension has grown between the neighboring North African countries recently, mainly fueled by a border dispute over a patch of territory on the Red Sea coast known as the Halayeb Triangle.

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Two environmental activists today climbed on a tree here to protest hacking of trees for a metro -related project.

Abhay and Aarti Tamore, members of the Aarey Conservation Group (ACG), were protesting hacking of trees in South Mumbai, where work is underway on a third corridor of Mumbai Metro.

In a bid to stop the contractor from hacking trees, the duo climbed on a tree, forcing him to stop the work.

Abhay and Aarti were briefly detained by police.

Other protesters assembled at the spot shouted slogans against the contractor and Mumbai Metro, alleged the tree feeling was not within stipulated norms.

"The trees are being cut haphazardly without following the guidelines of the Supreme Court. This work has to be done in consultation with a committee which has not been formed yet," Aarti told PTI.

Aarti, an IT professional, said like-minded people would approach the Bombay High Court on Friday for a direction to stop disorderly cutting of trees.

Meanwhile, ACG alleged its members are not being allowed by the contractor to see the documents related to tree hacking.

Amrita Bhattacharjee, a member of ACG, said, "The contractor has claimed they have got orders to hack trees but they are not showing documents to anyone.

"The track record of MMRDA (Mumbai's town planning agency) regarding compensatory plantation is very dubious and we do not believe on them," she said.

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The father of the 22-year-old Briton who police say bombed a concert in Manchester insisted today that his son was innocent and just had been preparing to go on a pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.

Ramadan Abedi, 51, also known by his nom de guerre of Abu Ismail, spoke to The Associated Press by phone from the Libyan city of Tripoli. He confirmed that his other son, Ismail, had been arrested yesterday around Manchester by British authorities in the concert attack probe.

"We don't believe in killing innocents. This is not us," the senior Abedi said. "We aren't the ones who blow up ourselves among innocents. We go to mosques. We recite Quran, but not that."



Authorities say 22 people died and nearly 120 were wounded in the bombing at an Ariana Grande concert.

He said last time he spoke to the 22-year-old Salman was five days ago as he was getting ready for a trip to Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah, a smaller pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca.

"Last time I spoke to him, he sounded normal. There was nothing worrying at all until two days ago (when) I heard the that they suspect he was the bomber," Abedi, the father of six children, said.

He said Salman visited Libya a month and a half ago and only returned to Manchester after winning a cheap ticket to Umrah. He said Salman, who was in his second year of studying economics, was planning to return to Libya to spend the holy month of Ramadan with the family. He denied that his son had ever been to Syria.

The senior Abedi worked as a security officer under dictator Moammar Gadhafi's rule. In 1993, he fled the oil-rich North African country to Saudi Arabia after he was accused of helping Islamists by tipping them off before police raids. He denied having ties to any of Libya's militant groups, including the Libya Islamic Fighting Group, which was linked to al-Qaida.

"This is nonsense," he commented, adding that under Gadhafi, "anyone who went to a mosque raised question marks."



After less than a year in Saudi Arabia, Abu Ismail said he fled to the UK, where he sought political asylum and lived there for 25 years.

In 2011, Abedi returned to Libya during the mass uprising that descended into a civil war and ended with Gadhafi's ouster and death. Libya since then sank into lawlessness, with rebels turning into militias and undermining successive transitional governments.

The Abedi family, however, is a close friend to the family of al-Qaida veteran Abu Anas al-Libi, who was snatched by US special forces off a Tripoli street in 2013 then died in US custody in 2015. Al-Libi was on the FBI's most wanted terrorist list and was accused of having links to the 1998 bombings of two American embassies in Africa.

The wife of Abu Anas told the AP that she went to college in Tripoli with Abu Ismail's wife, who was studying nuclear engineering. The two women also lived together in the U.K. For years before they returned to Libya.

Even though the senior Abedi denied that he was a member of the Libyan Islamic Fighting group, former Libyan security official Abdel-Basit Haroun told the AP that the elder Abedi was a member in the 1990s of the group, which had links to al-Qaida.

Although the LIFG disbanded, Haroun says the father belongs to the Salafi Jihadi movement, the most extreme sect of Salafism and from which al-Qaida and the Islamic State group both hail.

The elder Abedi has been appointed administrative manager of Tripoli Central Security forces, which answers to the UN- backed government.

"My message to the world is that there are hidden hands that want to tarnish the image of Muslims who live in the west," he said.

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Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, who completed one year in office today, said he put fight against corruption at the top of the list of achievements of his government.

Development and industrial sector initiatives, increasing revenue receipts, border security, transformation of the education sector were among the other major achievements of the BJP-led government, he told reporters here.

The government's "zero tolerance" of corruption has unleashed an "uncompromising war" to root out social evils from the administrative machinery of Assam.

He said it had resulted in the arrest of the chairman and two other members of Assam Public Service Commission on corruption charges, besides three Assam Civil Service officers in connection with the 'cash for job' scam in the APSC and 21 government officials of various departments while taking bribes.

The government drive had also yielded Rs 52.15 lakh of bribe money, Rs 3.37 crore in cash and gold ornaments valued at Rs 1.75 lakh.

The other achievements during the year were ensuring health for all, initiatives to promote digital transactions following demonetisation, promoting tourism, push for a green and pollution free Assam, drives against encroachment, implementation of Assam Accord and Swacch Bharat Mission.

He said the administration has brought back work culture in the government offices and five lakh government employees working sincerely for eight hours a day will bring further development to the state.

On the insurgency issue, Sonowal said his government had "zero tolerance" to militancy. "But whoever or whichever militant group is interested to talk for peace with the government within the constitutional framework are always welcome".

On development initiatives, Sonowal said Rs 1502.47 crore of MGNREGA fund was utilised during 2016-17 compared to Rs 620.90 cr in 2015-16, 1.76 lakh houses were completed against 71,826 the previous fiscal, 1218 villages electrified compared to 942 and 930 km road was constructed under PMGSY against the target of 750 km.

The union ministry of road transport, highways and shipping has approved projects worth Rs 1.26 lakh crore for improvement of surface and water communication in Assam, Sonowal said adding Assam government has signed an MoU with the Inland Waterways Authority and National Highway Authority of India for dredging 841 km of Brahmaputra from Sadia to Dhubri.

On the initiatives taken in the industrial sector, he said investments of Rs 6500 crore has come to the state with companies such as Patanjali, Dabur, Hindustan Unilever and others starting production in their new units in the state employing around 40,000 people.

The other initiatives include opening of the skill development department, adoption of The Assam Ease of Doing Business Bill, land bank for allotment to investors and Sarothi: CM Start Up Fund to support young entrepreuneurs.

In the education sector, Sonowal said 12033 teachers were appointed against regular vacancies and 687 on contractual basis, free text books were provided to 52.23 lakh elementary school level students and 7.66 secondary level students, examination fee waiver as well as higher secondary first and second year admission fee waiver for poor students.

For ensuring health for all, he said a cancer hospital was started in Gauhati Medical College Hospital and bhumi poojan was done for construction of three new medical colleges at Nagaon, Dhubri and North Lakhimpur. Besides, health insurance scheme for BPL people, Chief Minister's free diagnostics services were introduced.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi would would lay foundation of AIIMS at Chansari near here on May 26.

Sonowal said in compliance with the Gauhati High Court order his government carried out eviction drive in Kaziranga and freed 750 acres from encroachers. It also freed 15th century Vaishnavite Satras (monastery) land across the state from encroachment besides constituting a high level committee to examine the issue of land rights to indigenous people of the state.

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A Finnish court today acquitted twin Iraqi brothers accused of war crimes over their alleged role in a 2014 massacre of up to 1,700 unarmed recruits by the Islamic State group in Iraq.

The court in Tampere, in southwestern Finland, said there was not enough conclusive evidence for a conviction.

The two men, born in 1992, came to Finland as asylum seekers in September 2015 and were arrested three months later.

The prosecution had sought life terms in prison for the brothers' alleged role in the massacre of unarmed, mostly Shiite military recruits who were captured outside the Camp Speicher military base near Tikrit in northern Iraq.

One of the two brothers was accused of appearing in a propaganda video later released by IS, where he is seen shooting dead at least 11 prisoners who had been forced to lay down in a pit for execution.

The twins look so much alike that the prosecutor was unable to identify which of the two appeared in the video, and had opted to charge them both for an unspecified number of murders.

But the court found that the IS propaganda video and the Iraqis who testified against them did not constitute conclusive proof, the Finnish agency STT reported.

The twins, who pleaded not guilty, were immediately released and are expected to resume their applications for asylum.

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Industry body CII today welcomed the government's move to abolish the Foreign Investment Promotion Board saying it will boost FDI inflows into the country.

"The momentous initiative (scrapping of FIPB), which is a follow-up of the measure announced in the Union Budget, would streamline the process of FDI approvals, and thereby boost FDI flows into the country, adding to growth and employment," CII Director General Chandrajit Banerjee said.

He said the move would take Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows to greater heights, and reinforce the attractiveness of India as a viable business destination.

"The bold step of dismantling of FIPB, with only 11 sectors now needing approval, along with decisions such as a single window to clear FDI proposals, reflect the government's commitment to reforms and reassures investors that ease of doing business remains a high priority," Banerjee said.

Besides, the industry body said the forging of strategic partnership for defence under the 'Make in India' initiative, cleared by the Cabinet today, will give a fillip to indigenisation of India's defence industry and pave the way for greater transfer of technology from foreign firms to domestic partners.

The Union Cabinet today approved winding up of the 25- year-old Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB), which has been vetting FDI proposals requiring government approval. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in his Budget speech on February 1 had announced the scrapping of the inter-ministerial body, which comes under the ministry's Department of Economic Affairs.

FIPB was constituted under the Prime Minister's Office following economic liberalisation in the early 1990s. Currently, only 11 sectors, including defence and retail trading, require government approval for FDI.

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Former AIIMS director M C Misra has been awarded the honorary fellowship of the prestigious Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, a first for an Indian doctor in the last five years.

Set up in 1505, the Royal College is one of the world's oldest and largest surgical establishments.

"It is with great pleasure, we write on behalf of Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh to invite you to accept the award of fellowship ad hominem (Honorary fellowship)," stated a letter to Misra by the organisation.

The institute has an international network with a membership of around 20,000 in almost 100 countries.

Misra, a renowned surgeon, retired on January 31 this year after serving as the director of AIIMS for over three years.

Misra also served as the chief of AIIMS Trauma from June 2008.

In his 39-month tenure, Mishra contributed to the Apex Medical Sciences University of India. He also led AIIMS delegations to the EAS Round Table Conference on Trauma Care, the World Trauma Congress and the 2 AIIMS-FAM conferences in New Delhi and Paris.

He is credited with the creation of the new departments of Rheumatology and Burns and Plastic Surgery. He also played a significant role in the Digital AIIMS project.

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A German parliamentary delegation has called off a Turkey trip, saying today that Ankara had made clear they were not welcome amid a festering bilateral row.

A foreign ministry spokesman said Berlin "regrets and laments" the fact the trip wouldn't go ahead, calling it "another missed opportunity" for dialogue.

The lawmakers had been told a visit would "not be opportune", that they would not be invited to official talks or the Turkish parliament and have no security detail, said the Greens Party's parliamentary vice president Claudia Roth.

She charged that Turkey effectively blocking the planned four-day trip from Thursday was a "new escalation" in bilateral tensions and "a de facto cancellation of political dialogue," in comments to national agency DPA.

The four-member group had planned to visit Ankara, Istanbul and the Kurdish-majority eastern province of Diyarbakir.

Ties between the NATO allies have been strained especially since a failed coup in Turkey last year, and have worsened over multiple issues including a referendum campaign to expand President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's powers.

Relations plunged further after Turkey imprisoned Deniz Yucel, a German-Turkish journalist with Die Welt, on terror charges earlier this year while Germany granted political asylum to some Turkish military officers accused of involvement in the attempted putsch.

In another spat, Turkey has repeatedly refused to allow German lawmakers to visit the Incirlik military base near Syria, which is used by the international coalition fighting the Islamic State group.

Berlin has warned it could move its 250 military personnel stationed at the base, flying Tornado surveillance missions over Syria and refuelling flights for partner nations battling IS jihadists, to another location in the region, likely Jordan.

The relationship with Turkey is one of Germany's most important outside Europe, in part due to its three-million- strong ethnic Turkish population, the legacy of a massive "guest worker" programme in the 1960s and 1970s.

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The process of honouring eminent persons from different walks of life with Padma awards for 2018 has begun with the Home Ministry inviting nominations.

The last date for receipt of the nominations for the top civilian honours for 2018 is September 15, 2017, according to a notification issued by the home ministry.

The awards seek to recognise work of distinction and exceptional achievements in different fields and disciplines such as art, literature and education, sports, medicine, social work, science and engineering, public affairs, civil service, trade and industry.

The nominations or recommendations for the Padma awards will be received online only on the Padma portal designed by the ministry which is available on the address www.Padmaawards.Gov.In.

Nominations are invited every year from all state governments, union territories, ministries, departments of the central government and individuals.

Recommendations can be made by state governments, UTs ministries, departments of the government of India, Bharat Ratna and Padma Vibhushan awardees, central and state ministers, chief ministers and governors of state, Members of Parliament, etc.

The nominations are placed before the Padma awards committee, constituted by the Prime Minister every year.

Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri awards for the year 2018 will be announced on the eve of the Republic Day next year.

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India has scrapped the 25-year old foreign investment advisory body FIPB as it looks to attract more FDI by providing quick approvals under a single- window clearance system.

The Union Cabinet today decided to abolish the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) -- an advisory body comprising of secretaries to various departments for vetting of foreign direct investment (FDI) applications and making recommendations to the government.

The approvals would be handled independently by administrative ministries of different sectors, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said after the Cabinet meeting.

The FIPB was set up after India embarked on its first market reforms in 1991. It was initially constituted under the Prime Minister's Office and subsequently shifted under the Department of Economic Affairs in the Ministry of Finance.

Industry experts termed the move as "administrative clean-up" by removing repetitive steps for approval. This would result in investors having to deal with only a single authority.

In two previous tranches of FDI liberalisation, the BJP- led government has already ensured that more than 90 per cent of total FDI inflows are now through the automatic route.

Also, the FIPB has put in place e-filing and online processing of FDI applications.

When asked how the timelines would be fixed for deciding cases in absence of the FIPB, Jaitley said "this came up for discussion and the Cabinet Secretary will be sorting out the time mechanism".

However, he added that the government would try to approve the FDI proposals immediately.

"Henceforth, the work relating to processing of applications for FDI and approval of the government thereon under the extant FDI Policy and FEMA shall now be handled by the concerned ministries/departments in consultation with the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP)," he said.

The DIPP will also issue the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for processing of applications and decision of the government under the extant FDI policy, he added.

Jaitley said the move will make India more attractive destination for foreign investors and will result in more inflow of FDI.

The move will provide ease of doing business and will help in promoting the principle of 'Maximum Governance and Minimum Government'.

Proposals in sensitive sectors will require the home ministry's approval.

On the proposals pending with the FIPB, he said they will go back to the ministries concerned.

The FIPB was constituted under the Prime Minister's Office following economic liberalisation in the early 1990s.

Currently, only 11 sectors, including defence and retail trading, require the government approval for FDI.

Currently, about 91-95 per cent of FDI is coming through the automatic route.

There would also be a provision for quarterly review of pending FDI proposals by the DIPP and the department of economic affairs.

Foreign investment proposals above Rs 5,000 crore would continue to be cleared by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs.

Meanwhile, the DIPP in a series of tweets stated that rejection of FDI proposals would be made difficult and concurrence of the DIPP would be mandatory.

"Imposition of conditions other than those provided in the FDI will also require DIPP's concurrence. Retail, NRI and issue of shares against non-cash consideration proposals for FDI would have to be approved by the DIPP," it said.

Further, it added that all FDI from Pakistan and Bangladesh would require government approval.

FDI proposals in private security agencies and manufacture of small arms would be approved by Ministry of Home Affairs.

"Foreign investors will find India more attractive destination and this will result in more inflow of FDI. The move will provide ease of doing business and will help in promoting the principle of maximum governance and minimum government," the commerce ministry said.

Inflow of foreign direct investment into India increased by 9 per cent to USD 43.48 billion in 2016-17.

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Hauz Khas Village, a hub of commercial establishments, is under the radar of the Delhi High Court for illegal construction and encroachments.

Following PILs on the unlawful existence of restaurants, pubs, fashion studios, bars serving liquor without licence, art galleries and other buildings in the village, a bench of Acting Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice Rekha Palli today asked the authorities to explain how these establishments could run without permit.

It issued notice to the Centre, Delhi government, Delhi Police and South Delhi municipal corporation, in whose area the village falls, to file their status report. It asked the authorities to ensure strict enforcement of law in the area.

It also asked the police and chief fire engineer to inspect the village and submit a report whether any emergency vehicle can enter in an emergent situation.

The court also asked concerned officials to carry out a survey and find the exact number of restaurants operating illegally without the approval from the corporation.

The petition filed by Pankaj Sharma, social activist, has alleged that there are over 120 restaurants and pubs running without building plan approval from the South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) in the last 10 years.

Another plea by advocate Anuja Kapur said that such pubs and bars do not have no objection certificates (NOC) from the authorities concerned, leading to violation of the law.

Kapur alleged in her plea that the cops are not seen in that area, due to which several other illegal activities are carried on by the pub owners.

While seeking direction to impose a complete ban on such pubs and bars, the plea alleged that their owners were running those activities in connivance with the local police.

She also claimed she had written to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and senior police officials but no action was taken against the violators.

"The restaurants are not only operating without legal permission, but are violating the instructions of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) barring any construction within 100 metres of its protected monuments," the plea by Sharma added.

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The Madras High Court today stayed an appellate tribunal for money laundering cases order for release of Rs 3.63 crore, seized by the Enforcement Directorate from two Mumbai firms in an alleged money laundering case.

The PMLA tribunal had ordered the release of the money saying that out of nearly Rs 4.61 crore, seized by the ED, Rs 3.63 crore of Mangal Bullion was not involved in the money laundering and had directed its forthwith release to the firm.

The bench of justices M M Sundresh and R Mahadevan stayed the ATFE's order for four weeks on a plea by the ED, which had challenged the release of the money to the firm with links to Sukash Chandrasekar, allegedly involved in a slew of crimes.

Sukash is also involved in the bid to bribe an Election Commission official on behalf of AIADMK (Amma) leader T T V Dhinakaran, who was arrested last month by Delhi Police.

Earlier, on a complaint by Canara Bank, Chennai, the Central Crime branch of Tamil Nadu had on March 19, 2013 lodged an FIR against a bank official and two directors of M/s Future Techniks Pvt Ltd for duping the bank of Rs 19.21 crore.

During investigation, the involvement of the prime accused Sukash Chandrasekar and others had came to light.

Sukash was arrested in a joint operation by Delhi and Chennai police during July-August 2013 at Delhi. Sukash had allegedly transferred several tranches of money to Mangal Bullion Private Limited.

The ED had attached accounts of Mangal Bullion and Mangal Royal alleging money laundering.

Both the Mumbai firms had moved the tribunal against the attachment of their account with the tribunal ordering the release of Rs 3.63 crore on their plea.

Central government standing counsel G Hema, representing Joint Director of Enforcement Directorate, Chennai, submitted that amounts totalling Rs 19.22 crore were transferred by Future Techniks as agreed between Sukash Chandrasekar and businessman Ajit Jain for sharing the proceeds of crime in the ratio of 60 and 40 percent respectively.

The burden had devolved on the companies to prove that the amounts disbursed by Future Techniks as stated by Sukash were not at the instance of Mangal Royal Jewels and Mangal Bullion with regard to their commercial dealings with other companies, the ED added.

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The Delhi High Court today asked the authorities to demolish the illegal construction inside the Amir Khusro Park here and restore it to its original position.

While directing the demolition, a bench of Acting Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice Rekha Palli said no illegal construction in the city will be spared.

"Law is same for everyone, as to whoever is before us. It has to be complied. Delhi's Master Plan has notified everything whether its a graveyard, ground or houses to be built. So it has to be strictly abided by every citizen of Delhi," the bench said.

It said that old structures will be preserved but only those which have complied the law, while the remaining ones will have to go. "This court will not allow anyone to take law in their hands," the bench added.

The court's observation came during the hearing of a plea by an NGO which has moved the court against removal of a night shelter inside the Amir Khusro Park bordered by Lala Lajpat Rai Marg and Lodhi Road in South Delhi.

The NGO said the shelter houses 50-60 children and around 60 women, who were left homeless after the demolition carried out by the authorities in pursuance to a high court order.

The court refused to stay the demolition and directed the authorities to ensure that all the homeless are accommodated in another shelter home located in the vicinity.

It said "everyone who is in Delhi should have a roof over their heads. You cannot leave anyone on road."



The bench, however, made it clear to the authorities and the encroachers that the park has to be preserved and no one will be allowed to do any illegal construction inside it.

The court had refused to grant relief to a man against an anti-encroachment drive in parks of the national capital, observing that "squatters" cannot be allowed to stay inside.

The high court had last month issued directions to the authorities to remove encroachments inside and around the 12.8-acre historic park.

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Actor Sean Bean says he would like the character of Ned Stark to be "resurrected" on hit TV series, "Game of Thrones".

The 58-year-old actor says he would be happy to reunite with the cast of HBO's fantasy epic show, reported The Independent.

"I'd like to see Ned Stark, the character I played in 'Game of Thrones', resurrected," says Bean.

The actor played the Lord of Winterfell who gets beheaded for "treason" by the then newly-crowned king of Iron Throne, Joffrey Baratheon.

Bean says he would want to come back to life just like Jon Snow.

"They brought Jon Snow back, so couldn't they bring Ned Stark back, too? You should tell the producers that!" he says.

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When Bengal-based artist Ganesh Haloi was uprooted from his birth place -- Jamalpur in Bangladesh, his artistic journey took a turn for the better, with his vision manifesting on to the canvas.

Haloi, who moved to Kolkata after partition in 1950, was later commissioned by Archaeological Survey of India to make copies of murals at Ajanta Caves.

Now, 27 of his selected works, both paintings and sculptures, have made their way to the ongoing Documenta 14 -- one of world's prestigious art events being held both in Athens in Greece and Kassel in Germany.

Haloi says his migration from his native place left an indelible mark on his imagination.

His intimate artistic practice which developed over the years, reflects his unique connection with abstracts that are an outcome of a profound study of ancient architecture and traditional arts of Bengal.

For him, memory has always proven to be crucial and enabled him to paint beautifully on canvas during periods of anxiety and pensiveness.

Largely influenced by nature, his simple gouache on paper is symbolic of the timeless struggle he faced while establishing himself as an artist.

"I try to capture the outside world as I see through my eyes since multiple memoirs of my life have always served as an inspiration for me. As a child, I suffered the anguish of being uprooted from my place of birth and that is why my childhood has found way in my works," Haloi told PTI.

The 81-year-old says his experience at Ajanta influenced him deeply, with Buddhist philosophy gradually creeping into his compositions.

"I try to paint a land that is my own. My land...With my rules. It is the struggle to create this land that makes the process of painting interesting for me. The space tension with the object has to be maintained during the course of my work," he says.

Haloi, who has been a member of the Society of Contemporary Artists since 1971, doesn't like his artworks being labelled as mere abstracts.

He says that he captures the reality of what he sees around.

In vibrant hues of greens and blues, one can see images of fields, fish jumping out of water and kites flying in sky, which are reminiscent of his days spent on the banks of the Brahmaputra in Jamalpur.

In one of his works, he paints boats against a dark blue backdrop -- a representation of how the sea tones transform by the night.

"I used sit on the banks of the river and observe the water and the marshy lands. I used to hear these strange voices and always wondered where they were coming from. Perhaps, that is how I was drawn to abstracts," he says.

It was during the last summer when Adam Szymczyk (artistic director of Documenta 14) witnessed Haloi's work during an exhibition organised by Akar Prakar gallery in Kolkata.

"Szymczyk then decided to showcase my works in this two- city exhibition in Europe... It was a happy moment," says Haloi.

Natasha Ginwala, who has curated Haloi's show at Documenta, has also showcased his works at an exhibition in London.

"I have been privileged to work closely with Haloi while exhibiting his works in Berlin, London and now at Documenta 14 in Athens and Kassel. While working with him, I developed an understanding of his sources of inspiration and his unique methodology in the lively use of gouache and ink," says Ginwala.

In Athens, the curator will be showcasing his paintings close to nature while in Kassel a different set of works exposing Haloi's relation with land and geography will be displayed.

"In Athens, we are exhibiting his recent paintings and two sculptures at the Athens Conservatoire (Odeon), a space that is filled with sonic experience and the teachings of music, with artistic works that also consider rhythm notation and the exhibition itself as an immersive and improvised score.

"In Kassel, we will be exhibiting a different set of paintings that expose his relation to land and the geography as an abstract condition. This spatial relation builds through earth tones and pigments shaping and outlining a range of luminous greens, browns and terracotta reds," she says.

His paintings will be showcased at the Hessisches Landesmuseum - a multidisciplinary museum between June 10 and September 17 in Germany.

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Israel's defense minister appears to have confirmed that his country's intelligence was leaked by President Donald Trump during a meeting with Russian officials this month.

When asked about the affair in a radio interview, Avigdor Lieberman said Israel made a "specific correction" in its dealings with the US.

It was the first comment by a senior Israeli official on the matter. US officials have said Trump shared Israeli intelligence in a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

"Everything we needed to clarify with our friends in the United States was done," Lieberman said in an Army Radio interview. "We made clarifications."



He provided no further details, but touted "unprecedented" intelligence cooperation with Washington.

The scandal, which broke a week before Trump traveled to Israel as part of his first trip overseas in office, threatened to derail the visit. Trump said while visiting Israel this week that he didn't mention Israel by name in the meeting.

"I never mentioned the word or the name Israel," Trump told reporters in a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday in Jerusalem. He appeared to inadvertently confirm that he shared classified Israeli intelligence with Lavrov and Russian Ambassador to the US Sergey Kislyak on May 10.

Last week, Israeli officials downplayed the damage caused by the president's disclosure of classified intelligence with senior Russian officials. Lieberman tweeted at the time that intelligence sharing with the US remained strong. Some former Israeli officials, however, expressed concern that the incident might cause a "loss of faith" between the two allies and reluctance by Israel to share information with the new administration.

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Jammu and Kashmir police today constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to trace a constable who went missing from Kupwara district 10 days ago.

Constable Sameer Kumar has not reported for duty since May 14 and a missing report stands lodged in Sherghari police station in this regard, a police spokesman said.

An investigation was going on to trace the missing constable, he said.

The order for setting up of the SIT was issued by Inspector General of Police, Kashmir.

"Following the directions, Senior Superintendent of Police Srinagar Imtiyaz Ismail Parry constituted the team headed by SDPO, Shaheed Gunj, Amrit Pal in order to expedite the tracing of missing constable," the spokesman said.

Posted in Srinagar, the constable had gone to Kupwara along with his uncle Head Constable Dileep Kumar.

According to reports, after dropping his uncle at district police lines Kupwara, the constable reached Yonsoo bridge at Chogal, Handwara, and "jumped into the Puhroo river reportedly under the influence of liquor," a police official said.

All angles are being looked into, the spokesman said, adding that marine commandos of the navy have also been pressed into service along with the police to trace him.

Earlier, Kashmiri Pandits, suspecting foul play, held a demonstration in Jammu to protest against the police failure to trace the constable.

National Conference leader and former MLC Vijay Bakaya expressed concern over the "mysterious disappearance" of the cop and called for putting the "factual position" in public domain to offset apprehensions.

"There is genuine anxiety among the people about the missing constable, who want truth to be brought to fore," said Bakaya, a former chief secretary of Jammu and Kashmir, in a statement here.

He regretted that there was no assurance from the police department that the investigation was going on.

"It appears that the matter is not being taken with the urgency and seriousness it deserves," he said, expressing his solidarity with the family and all the well wishers of the young constable.

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Private carrier Jet Airways today announced the introduction of its third daily non-stop service to London Heathrow from the city, starting October.

The new flight will boost Jet's passenger and cargo capacity between India and the United Kingdom by almost 33 per cent, the airline said in release here.

The service enhances onward connectivity over London Heathrow to North America with partners Delta Air Lines and Virgin Atlantic, it said.

The airline said it will now offer improved connection time and 13 destinations over London to North America including Atlanta, Boston, Detroit, Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis, Newark, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Seattle, Salt Lake City and Washington (Virginia).

"Jet Airways is delighted to offer a third non-stop service between Mumbai and London Heathrow. The new frequency will enable us to offer our guests seamless connectivity with partners Delta Air Lines and Virgin Atlantic over London with a single baggage drop and through check-in," Jet Airways Chief Commercial Officer Jayaraj Shanmugam said.

According to the airline, the air travel between India and the UK has shown a steady annual growth of nearly 10 per cent over the last few years.

The new flight will boost Jet Airways' passenger and cargo capacity between India and the United Kingdom by almost 33 percent, allowing the airline to capitalise on the growing round-the-year demand being witnessed from EU and non-EU countries to India and other emerging economies, the release said.

The service, to be operated by a Boeing 777-300ER, will also expand cargo capacity and promote greater access, right from India, SAARC and ASEAN region to London Heathrow facilitating carriage of commodities, it added.

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Bemused at the Mumbai authorities' decision to enforce a speed limit of 80 kmph despite the city traffic barely letting one drive beyond 50 kmph, the Bombay High Court has deferred the hearing on a plea against fitting speed governors in taxis.

A vacation bench of justices P D Naik and M S Karnik deferred till June 12 the hearing on a petition by Mumbai tax drivers' union challenging Maharashtra government's order to install speed governors in their vehicles by June 30.

"The present traffic conditions in Mumbai anyway permit speed till 50 kmph only. The government has still kept the limit till 80 kmph," quipped Justice Naik.

The Taximen's union had approached the high court early this week after the state transport commissioner's office issued a circular to Regional Transport Offices last week directing them not to give clearances to any taxi undergoing the annual fitness test, unless it has installed a speed governor.

The speed limit of 80 kmph will apply to black-and- yellow taxis, mobile app-based cabs and tourist taxis, small tempos and pick-up vans weighing less than 3,500 kg.

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Notwithstanding rain in some areas, dry and hot condition prevailed in most parts of Bihar today.

Patna recorded 0.6 mm rain during the day, Bhagalpur registered 11.8 mm and Purnea 0.4 mm, while Gaya saw trace, a met office bulletin said.

But the meagre rainfall did not have much impact on hot condition.

The maximum temperature was 41 degrees in Patna, 41.8 degrees at Gaya, 40.8 degree at Bhagalpur and 37.2 degree celsius in Purnea, the bulletin said.

The state weather office forecast mainly clear sky in Patna and Gaya tomorrow and possibility of rain in Bhagalpur and Purnea.

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Ahead of the Opposition's huddle to decide on a consensus candidate for the presidential poll, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi tomorrow to seek more funds for her state for tackling the financial crisis and Ganga erosion.

During her stay in the capital, Mamata is also likely to meet Congress president Sonia Gandhi.

The chief minister will meet the prime minister tomorrow, said a close aide of Mamata.

Her meeting with Modi comes in the backdrop of Mamata, known for taking a strong position against the BJP, intensifying efforts for a joint candidate for the presidential race.

Before leaving for the national capital, she told reporters in Kolkata, "... I will discuss the Ganga erosion problem and will ask for funds to deal with the problem of river erosion."



Mamata has been seeking loan waiver for her state for long.

Opposition parties are slated to meet on May 26 here to decide on a candidate. President Pranab Mukherjee's term ends on July 24 and the election has to take place before that.

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The Maratha community in has decided to hold its "biggest" silent march in Mumbai on August 9 to press for their various demands, including reservation.

This planned rally would mark the completion of the one year of the Maratha Kranti Muk Morcha, the silent marches taken out by the community, as the first such rally was taken out on August 9 last year in Aurangabad, followed by other cities across the state.

One of the organisers of the Maratha Kranti Muk Morcha, Sanjeev Bhor Patil, said, "We will hold the biggest rally on August 9 this year in Mumbai. It will start from Jijamata Udyan in Byculla and end at Azad Maidan."



The Sakal Maratha Samaj, an umbrella organisation of several Maratha groups, will organise the event.

"As the first Maratha Kranti Muk Morcha was held on August 9 last year, the community members decided to hold the biggest rally in Mumbai on the same day this year," he added.

The Marathas have been holding silent marches in different parts of the state to press for their demands, including punishment for culprits in Kopardi rape and murder case, quota in education and government jobs, Amendment in SC, ST (Prevention of Atrocities Act) to stop its misuse, loan waiver to farmers to curb suicides, and guaranteed rate for agricultural produce.

According to Bhor Patil, before the march, a meeting will be held in Kopardi village in Ahmednagar district on July 13 in memory of the Kopardi gang-rape and murder victim.

"A meeting will take place in Kopardi village of Karjat tehsil in Ahmednagar on July 13. A girl from Maratha community was raped and murdered on that day last year, which triggered an outrage among the Marathas and led to the silent marches. The meeting will be held in her memory," Bhor Patil said.

A member of the organising committee, Nanasaheb Patil said, "The code of conduct for the rally will be the same as it was in the past. There will be no slogan-shouting and everyone will march silently and peacefully."



Another member, Rajendra Kondhare, said the community has submitted a list of 20 different demands to the state government.

A meeting will also be held in June on Raigad fort, where the members would take a pledge to continue the struggle for the welfare of the community.

"We will meet on Raigad fort on June 6, the anniversary of the coronation ceremony of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj," Shantaram Kunjir, member of the Sakal Maratha Samaj, said.

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The Uttar Pradesh government will launch a massive immunisation campaign in 38 eastern districts of the state to protect children from the deadly encephalitis disease that has been claiming hundreds of lives annually.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will flag off the campaign in Kushinagar tomorrow.

"Yogi Adityanath first raised the issue of encephalitis in 1998 in Parliament and after becoming the chief minister of the state he is fully committed to its eradication and a massive immunisation drive will be conducted in 38 eastern UP districts between May 25 and June 11," the state's health minister Siddhartnath Singh told newspersons here.

Children up to 15 years of age will be included in this campaign, the minister said, adding that the chief minister will lauch it from a 'malin basti' (slum area) in Kushinagar, while other cabinet ministers and senior leaders will shoulder the responsibility in other districts.

The minister said the drive will cover over 88 lakh children for which the central government has provided one crore vaccines.

Though vaccines are available for Japanese Encephalitis, there is no such vaccine for checking acute encephalitis syndrome (AES) and better hygiene is the only way to ward it off, the minister said, adding that a 'swachta abhiyan' (cleanliness drive) will also be run alongside.

"The chief minister has sought help from MPs, MLAs, ministers and other people's representatives to join the campaign by issuing an appeal," Singh said.

Some 40,000 children have died of the disease in the past four decades in the region.

The minister said that about 85 per cent cases of Japanese Encephalitis and AES are reported among Dalits and minorities.

He took the opportunity to target the opposition parties by saying it would have been better if those shedding tears over Saharanpur caste clashes had got themselves associated with this campaign, a reference to BSP supremo Mayawati who visited the spot yesterday.

He said the state goverment has taken the Saharanpur incident very seriously and sent four senior officials with the instructions to return only after normalcy is restored.

The chief minister has made an appeal to the people to maintain peace and has also sought cooperation from opposition parties, he added.

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German Chancellor Angela Merkel is planning to meet Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at a NATO summit tomorrow in Brussels, her spokesman said.

"It is quite likely that a meeting with Turkish President Erdogan will take place on the sidelines of the summit," Steffen Seibert told a conference today, adding that this was "the plan" but still subject to bilateral discussions.

If a meeting were confirmed, "there are of course a lot of topical issues that the chancellor would like to address", in particular "the right of German parliamentarians to visit our soldiers", Seibert said.

Ankara last week banned German MPs from visiting the Turkish base of Incirlik, where German soldiers are deployed as part of the international coalition against the jihadist Islamic State group in Syria.

The relationship with Turkey is one of Germany's most important outside Europe, in part due to its three-million- strong ethnic Turkish population, the legacy of a massive "guest worker" programme in the 1960s and 1970s.

But ties between the NATO allies have been badly strained especially since a failed coup in Turkey last year, and have worsened over multiple issues including a referendum campaign to expand Erdogan's powers.

Relations plunged further after Turkey imprisoned Deniz Yucel, a German-Turkish journalist with Die Welt, on terror charges earlier this year.

Ankara was angered after Germany granted political asylum to some Turkish military officers accused of involvement in the attempted putsch.

Germany has stationed 250 military personnel flying Tornado surveillance missions over Syria and refuelling flights for partner nations at the Incirlik base.

Amid the heightened tensions, a German parliamentary delegation has called off another planned Turkey trip, saying today that Ankara had made clear they were not welcome.

A foreign ministry spokesman said today that Berlin "regrets and laments" the fact the trip wouldn't go ahead, calling it "another missed opportunity" for dialogue.

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The International Yoga Day event here on June 21 is likely to witness participation of Muslims in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"At least 300 Muslim men and women will participate in the International Yoga Day celebrations, which would be held in Lucknow's Ramabai Ambedkar Maidan. The number of participants may go up," Mahiraj Dhwaj Singh, national co-convener (organisation) of Muslim Rashtriya Manch for UP and Uttarakhand told PTI today.

Spokesperson of All India Shia Personal Law Board Maulana Yasoob Abbas when contacted said, "We are open to the idea of participation in the International Yoga Day celebrations. We are exploiting all the options in this regard."



Syed Babar Ashraf, president of Sada-e-Sufiyaain Hind was of the view that if yoga is good for an individual's health, then it must be practiced.

"We are all for yoga and will participate in the International Yoga Day festivities. Problem arises when religion is mixed with yoga. As far as we are concerned, there is no problem with yoga," he said.

On May 14, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath reviewed the preparations for the event, which will be held on June 21.

Prime Minister Modi along with 55,000 people are likely to participate in the event.

A UP government spokesperson today said that Rajnath Singh met Adityanath to discuss and review the preparations of the International Yoga Day. Union Ayush minister Shripad Yesso Naik was present at the meeting.

Adityanath said that for convenience of ordinary citizens, LED screens will be installed at different parks in the city, so that they could also participate simultaneously.

He also issued directions to hold a 28-day workshop for the participants prior to the International Yoga Day.

The Union Ayush Ministry had proposed Lucknow as the venue for the main function for IDY celebrations this year. Earlier, the government was considering Bhopal, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Ranchi and Bengaluru as possible venues for the event.

The Union Ayush Ministry is also planning to organise a major yoga event in at least one city in each of the districts across the country.

The ministry zeroed in on Lucknow as the possible venue at a review meeting for the June 21 event.

The official website of the Ayush ministry on its webpage pertaining to IDY also requests the people visiting the page to make the following pledge -- "I pledge to make Yoga an integral part of my daily life."



So far, 30.46 lakh visitors have pledged to make Yoga an integral part of their daily life.

The first IDY celebration was organised at Rajpath in New Delhi on June 21, 2015 in which representatives of 191 countries had participated. Last year, the main function took place in Chandigarh.

The United Nations General Assembly, heeding to a call by Prime Minister Modi, had made a declaration in December 2014 to observe June 21 as IDY every year.

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Nepal Prime Minister Prachanda is likely to resign today, paving the way for Nepali Congress chief Sher Bahadur Deuba to take over as per an understanding the two leaders had reached in August last year.

The prime minister is scheduled to address the nation from his office in Singhadurbar this evening during which he is expected to resign.

The prime minister was to address the parliament yesterday and announce his resignation, but it was postponed as the speaker adjourned the House after the main opposition CPN-UML's lawmakers obstructed the House meeting, protesting against the government's decision to increase the number of local units in Tarai districts.

As leaders from ruling and opposition parties could not develop a consensus on resuming House meeting despite holding several rounds of talks, the speaker postponed the parliament meeting.

As per an understanding reached between ruling parties -- Nepali Congress and CPN (Maoist Centre) -- Prachanda was supposed to quit the top post, paving the way for NC President to lead the coalition government.

The pact was to run the government on a rotational basis until elections to the parliament are held in February 2018.

Prachanda was to hold office till local polls are held and remaining two elections - provincial and central - were to be conducted under Deuba.

Millions of Nepalese on May 14 voted in the country's first local-level polls in two decades as the Himalayan nation took a crucial step towards cementing democracy amid political turmoil.

Local-level elections could not be held after 1997 largely as a result of the decade-long Maoist insurgency that claimed more than 16,000 lives in Nepal.

The elections should be held in every five years but due to the political instability, they were halted since May 1997.

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Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' today resigned after a brief stint of nine months, honouring a power sharing understanding with the ruling coalition partner Nepali Congress to hand over the country's leadership to the largest party in Parliament.

His resignation has cleared way for his former political rival and Nepali Congress president Sher Bahadur Deuba, who is expected to take over as the prime minister.

Prachanda announced his resignation while addressing the nation in a live telecast from his office at Singha Durbar here. He said that he would go to the President's Office to submit his resignation today itself.

"I announce my resignation from the post of the prime minister today," the 62-year-old Maoist leader said as he highlighted the achievements made by his government.

The prime minister said that he has followed a balanced foreign policy and succeeded in normalising relations with the neighbours as well as building confidence.

It was Prachanda's second stint as the Prime Minister. He was elected as the 39th prime minister of Nepal after forging alliance with the Nepali Congress on August 3, 2016.

He is the only communist leader to become the Prime Minister of the country twice.

During his first tenure as the prime minister from 2008 to 2009, Prachanda was not on good terms with India.

However, during his second tenure Prachanda had chosen India as his first overseas destination rather than China.

Indo-Nepal ties, which were strained during Prachanda's predecessor K P Oli's regime, also improved under the Maoist leader's second stint.

Prachanda's successor Deuba's appointment is likely to be confirmed in a parliamentary vote within the next 10 days.

The Nepali Congress - the largest party in Parliament - and constituents of the United Democratic Madhesi Front, the Federal Alliance and some other parties had helped Prachanda in securing 363 votes in the 595-member House to form the government comfortably in 2016.

During the formation of the government, the Chairman of CPN (Maoist Centre) had reached an understanding with Deuba that he would step down as prime minister and hand over the leadership to the Nepali Congress after nine months.

The pact was to run the government on a rotational basis until elections to the parliament are held in February 2018.

Prachanda was to hold office till local polls are held and remaining two elections - provincial and central - were to be conducted under Deuba.

Millions of Nepalese on May 14 voted in the first local- level polls in two decades as the Himalayan nation took a crucial step towards cementing democracy amid political turmoil.

Local-level elections could not be held after 1997 largely as a result of the decade-long Maoist insurgency that claimed more than 16,000 lives in Nepal.

The elections should be held in every five years but due to the political instability, they were halted since May 1997.

Prachanda, who led the Maoists during the armed struggle from 1996 to 2006, is credited with transforming the rebel movement into a political party after a 2006 peace deal.

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The National Green Tribunal has slapped a fine of Rs 1.5 lakh on Uttar Pradesh-based industrial unit after its chemical factory was shut down following a gas leak a year ago.

A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar directed the Garhmukteshwar-based unit Thermo Plus Technology which was shut down by the UP Pollution Control Board, to deposit the amount with the board in three weeks.

The order came on a plea filed by Hapur resident Krishankant Singh Hoon and other people living in the Luhari Mustafabad village, seeking damage and compensation due to the leakage of harmful gases from the chemical factory.

While Rs one lakh will be deposited by the unit with the state pollution control board, the remaining amount would be distributed as compensation among the victims of the gas leak who had approached the tribunal for relief, it said.

"The respondent unit shall abide by its statement. In the event of non-payment of environmental compensation, the same will be recovered by the SDM of the concerned area as arrear of land revenue," the bench warned.

The counsel for the unit told the bench that the industry has been lying closed since May 31, 2016, after the district administration "forcibly" shut it down following the gas leak.

He said its machinery has been partly dismantled and the premises will not be used for manufacturing of acetic acid and related chemicals.

The petition, filed through advocate Rahul Choudhary, has also sought a health survey of the area affected by the leak with respect to long term impact of inhaling polluted air and provide proper medical assistance to the villagers.

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Top leaders of several opposition parties will go into a huddle on Friday at a luncheon hosted by Congress president Sonia Gandhi where they would explore the possibility of fielding a joint candidate for the presidential election.

Sources in these parties said the meeting is likely to be held in Parliament House complex and would be attended by leaders like West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, her Bihar counterpart Nitish Kumar, CPI-M's Sitaram Yechury, RJD supremo Lalu Prasad and JD(U) veteran Sharad Yadav, who is himself a possible contender for the top constitutional post.

Banerjee, who is also the TMC chief, is already in the national capital, and is likely to meet Sonia Gandhi separately tomorrow.

Sources said invitations have been sent to JD(U), CPI, CPI-M, SP, DMK, NCP, RJD, TMC, besides some other big and small regional parties.

The main opposition Congress is seeking a larger unity among non-NDA parties ahead of the presidential election which could be taken forward to the upcoming assembly polls in states like Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh and Karnataka, besides the Lok Sabha elections in 2019.

Ahead of Friday's meeting, a series of parleys have already happened between these leaders on the issue of putting up a joint opposition candidate to take on the official NDA nominee.

Efforts are on to bring arch political rivals in Uttar Pradesh-- Samajwadi Party and Bahujan Samaj Party--together on a common opposition platform ahead of the presidential poll.

Several names have been doing the rounds of political circles as probables, including Gopal Krishna Gandhi, a grandson of Mahatma Gandhi and former West Bengal Governor, Sharad Yadav, a former JD(U) president, ex-Speaker of the Lok Sabha Meira Kumar and NCP chief Sharad Pawar. The NCP leader has, however, ruled himself out of the race.

Despite the parleys unanimity has so far eluded these parties.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has also mooted a second term for incumbent Pranab Mukherjee and suggested that the ruling BJP should try and build a consensus on him.

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The O Panneerselvam-led Puratchi Thalaivi Amma faction of the ruling AIADMK held a meeting here today, on a day when leader of the party's Amma camp and Chief Minister K Palaniswami met Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Panneerselvam chaired a meeting of AIADMK MPs and MLAs who had joined his camp, besides other senior leaders.

The former chief minister said party founder late M G Ramachandran's birth centenary celebration was discussed at the meet.

Incidentally, Palaniswami, who met Modi in Delhi this morning, has invited the Prime Minister to attend the valedictory of the ongoing MGR birth centenary celebrations in December as the chief guest.

He has informed the PM that the state government was holding the celebrations in a grand and befitting manner throughout 2017 across Tamil Nadu which would culminate with the valedictory in December.

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The Islamabad High Court today allowed an Indian woman, who has sought refuge at the Indian mission here after accusing a Pakistani man of forcibly marrying her, to return to India, a media report said.

Uzma, in her early 20s, had travelled to Pakistan earlier this month. She has said that Pakistani national Tahir Ali "forced" her to marry him at gun point.

Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kiyani was hearing pleas filed by Uzma and Ali. While Uzma had requested to be repatriated to India, Ali had asked to be allowed to meet his wife.

The HC assured Uzma, who hails from New Delhi, that she was free to return to India at any point and would be escorted to the Wagah Border with police security, Dawn newspaper reported.

During the hearing, the judge asked Uzma if she wished to speak to her husband but she refused.

She has alleged that her travel documents were stolen by Ali.

Uzma had petitioned the court on May 12 with the request and had submitted a medical report, showing that her daughter was suffering from thalassemia - an inherited blood disorder characterised by abnormal hemoglobin production - and she urgently needed to return to India.

Uzma and Ali reportedly met in Malaysia and fell in love, after which she travelled to Pakistan on May 1 via the Wagah Border. The two contracted nikkah (marriage) on May 3.

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Pakistanis in the port megacity of Karachi have been banned from swimming in the sea for six months, authorities said today, after a recent spate of drownings as residents sought relief from the scorching heat.

Rescue workers and media have reported some 15 cases of drowning at beaches along the city's Arabian Sea coast over the past week, including eight yesterday alone, alarming authorities as summer intensifies.

"The six month ban has been imposed on swimming, wading or diving in the sea to ensure the safety of public," a government statement said.

Karachi's beaches are popular with its population of roughly 25 million people, many of whom suffer from power outages and water shortages in the sweltering summers.

The city is a sprawling metropolis with few green areas and, while it often enjoys cooling sea breezes, has scant facilities for coping with intensely hot weather.

In 2015, more than 1,200 people died as June temperatures reached 45 degrees Celsius.

But safety standards on the beaches are low, with the few lifeguards on duty often unable to exert any authority.

"In absence of any effective guards at the beach, it is in the interest of the people to stay away from the beaches to prevent any untoward incident," said Anwer Kazmi, a spokesman for the Edhi Foundation, the ambulance service which takes responsibility for the bodies of drowning victims.

Dozens of people drowned off the Karachi's shore in 2014 after defying a ban on swimming during the monsoon season, which comes later in the summer, bringing with it rougher seas.

The bathers were among thousands who had taken to the beaches to celebrate the Eid-ul-Fitr holiday marking the end of the holy fasting month of Ramadan.

This year the swimming ban comes just days ahead of Ramadan, during which millions of devout Pakistanis abstain from food and drink from sunrise to sunset, compounding the health risks Karachi's residents already face in the heat.

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The controversial tweet by veteran actor-BJP MP Paresh Rawal on author Arundhati Roy is missing from his Twitter wall.

Earlier this week, Rawal kicked up a row with remark that author Arundhati Roy should be tied to an army jeep instead of a stone-pelter, a reference to an incident in Kashmir where a protester was used as a shield by security personnel to prevent a mob from attacking them.

"Instead of tying stone pelter on the army jeep tie Arundhati Roy!" he had tweeted.

The 66-year-old actor-politician, however, told PTI that he has not deleted the post.

"They (Twitter) said you delete your tweet and we will activate your account. But there is no way I am going to delete the tweet. No, I haven't deleted the tweet."



When asked if his Twitter account is still active, Rawal said, "It's active, but it's blocked kind of a thing. The moment I delete the tweet it'll be active."



Rawal claimed that he received an SMS from "somebody, who said Twitter head of India is some guy who doesn't have any sympathetic view about India. I don't know whether that is right or wrong."



The politician said his is a "chosen case" as a lot of people have posted "abusive" material on Twitter in the past but no action was taken against them.

The reports of the Rawal having deleted the tweet are doing the rounds with a letter purportedly from him reading: "With this letter, I inform to all my supporters and citizens of this country that I am being coerced to delete something I tweeted on May 21, or else Twitter would block my account."



When contacted, Twitter India declined to comment "on individual accounts".

"We do not comment on individual accounts but what we can say is that our rules are clear and we enforce them. We want people to feel safe expressing diverse opinions and beliefs but we draw the line when it comes to behaviour that crosses the line into abuse, including behaviour designed to consciously harass, intimidate, or silence another person's voice."



The company said it would not shy away from suspending anyone's account if they violated their polices.

"Those that violate our policies may find their account temporarily locked and/or be subject to permanent suspension. We encourage anyone who spots someone engaging in abusive behaviour to report the content in-app or file a report here.

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Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today assured a delegation of Nalco employees to take up the matter relating to the Navratna company's disinvestment with the Centre.

"The chief minister has told the employees that he will take up the issue related to Nalco's disinvestment with the Centre," an official release issued by the chief minister's office said.

Earlier, a delegation of Nalco employees, who have been agitating against the Centre's decision to disinvest 9.1 per cent of government share from the Navratna company, met Patnaik at the state secretariat.

While thanking Patnaik for allocating the Potangi mines in favour of Nalco, the employees said disinvestment of Nalco is not in the interest of the state as well as its employees.

Meanwhile, different trade unions and employees' associations under the banner of the NALCO Coordination Committee have opposed the Centre's decision.

The Centre has put its stakes on sale for both institutional buyers and retail investors to meet its target of Rs 72,500 crore disinvestment plan for the 2017-18 fiscal. It expects to raise Rs 1,300 crore out of Nalco stake sale, the agitating employees said.

The members of the Coordination Committee are now protesting against the stake sale move at the Smelter and CPP Plant, Angul arguing that the company will be financially weakened following disinvestment and will open scope for privatisation.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to hard sell investment opportunities in India in view of several reforms undertaken by his government during his visit to Germany, Spain, Russia and France beginning May 29.

Announcing the six-day visit of the prime minister, the external affairs ministry in a press release listed out various business events where Modi will be interacting with top industry captains of these countries.

On May 29, Modi will be hosted by German Chancellor Angela Merkel at her official Meseberg Country Retreat where the two leaders will discuss issues of mutual interest. It will be followed by more formal engagement on May 30 when the two leaders will hold the 4th India-Germany Intergovernmental Consultations (IGC).

Modi along with Merkel will also jointly address a trade event on May 30 where top CEOs from both the sides will be present.

The prime minister will pay a courtesy call on German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, the ministry said, adding "India and Germany enjoy a strategic partnership. The upcoming Prime Minister's visit will give further boost to this special relationship."



In Spain, which is Modi's second port of call, he will meet President Mariano Rajoy on May 31 and discuss bilateral and other issues of mutual interest. He would also call on King Felipe VI of Spain.

"He (Modi) would also have a round-table interaction with leading Spanish business leaders who are keen to invest in India. Prime Minister's visit to Spain will add further strength to the existing warm and friendly India-Spain bilateral ties," the ministry said.

From Spain, Modi will travel to St Petersburg in Russia on June 1 where he will hold the 18th India-Russia annual summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

They are expected to review the entire gamut of India- Russia bilateral relations and review the progress made since the last summit held in Goa on October 15, 2016.

It is the first time that the annual summit will be held in Russia outside Moscow.

"Following the summit, the prime minister will participate, also for the first time, in the St Petersburg International Economic Forum on June 2, 2017 as Guest of Honour," the MEA said.

The prime minister will also visit Paris on June 2 and 3 where he will hold official talks with French President Emmanuel Macron and discuss issues of mutual interest with a view to further strengthen India-France strategic ties. This is Modi's first meeting with Macron, who was elected as French president earlier this month.

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Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi today stepped up efforts to strengthen the tribal fora in the party as he interacted with tribal leaders from across the country and heard their problems and grievances.

According to sources, Gandhi held "free and frank" exchange of views with Congress tribal leaders and heard them patiently to evolve means to protect their interests.

Around 100 party leaders including sitting and former MPs and MLAs, past and present ministers from various states and other leaders representing the tribal community attended the meeting. The leaders from the North East will have a separate meeting with the Congress vice president.

"Very useful meeting with tribal leaders of the Congress. Discussed issues of tribal welfare and ways to protect the interests of tribal communities," he tweeted after the almost four-hour meeting.

Sources said Gandhi is mulling setting up a separate tribal affairs department besides the Scheduled Castes department.

Kishore Chandra Deo, who was a tribal affairs minister during the UPA regime, also attended the meeting. He said the party vice president spent a lot of time and heard the problems faced by tribals.

"It was a good meeting as there was a free and frank exchange of views. Based on the discussions that took place, the party will move further and strengthen the tribal fora in the party both at the central and state level," Deo told PTI.

He said the leaders expressed the view that all the initiatives taken during the UPA regime for tribal welfare had been lost.

"Everything pertaining to tribal welfare has come to a halt under the NDA government, as it is felt that the initiatives taken during the UPA rule have not been taken forward," he said.

Deo also said that many steps taken during UPA tenure to improve the conditions of tribals, besides ensuring fixed minimum price for non-timber forest produce have not been taken forward.

The Congress leader said the forest rights act passed under the UPA rule has not been pursued further due to resistance from state forest departments and various vested interests.

He also said that progress on changes in guidelines and rules to protect rights of tribals have also not been pursued. He also sought changes in the mining and minerals policy to protect tribal interests.

Another Congress leader said Gandhi wanted to know about the problems suffered by tribals under the current regime and their perception about the party and the impediments they face in their growth in various states.

He said Gandhi sought to know if the party was taking up their concerns in the right manner and wanted to hear them out directly.

Deo said this government had even reduced the sub-plan allocations for the tribal sector and not much was invested in improving the education and health of tribals across India.

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The Shiv Sena today asked Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to reach out to Marathi-speaking people in Karnataka in the backdrop of the controversial comments made by a minister in the neighbouring state against chanting of "Jai Maharashtra" slogan there.

Senior Karnataka minister R Roshan Baig had reportedly said on Friday that elected representatives found chanting the "Jai Maharashtra" slogan stand to lose their elected post in the southern state.

Baig had also allegedly said that Karnataka government was intending to bring in a new legislation to check "anti- Karnataka activities" by elected representatives.

"With folded hands we request Maharashtra Chief Minister to show a trailer of 'Baahubali 2' to the Karnataka government (display the strength of Maharashtra)," the Sena today said in an editorial in party mouthpiece 'Saamana' after Fadnavis had made a reference to the blockbuster film in the Maharashtra Legislature on Monday, while attacking the opposition.

"If he (Fadnavis) is proud of being a Marathi, he should himself go to Karnataka and give the Marathi-speaking people there some solace," the edit said.

The Sena also alleged that atrocities are being committed on Marathi-speaking people in Karnataka everyday and Maharashtra government was watching all this as a mute spectator.

"By making such comments, Baig has insulted the freedom of speech of people there and since the matter is sub-judice, he has insulted the Supreme Court as well," it said.

"The matter now is not limited to Marathi identity alone but has now become an issue of national integrity," it added.

Maharashtra has been demanding inclusion of Belgaum and other Marathi-speaking areas, currently located in Karnataka, in the state.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra Revenue Minister Chandrakant Patil has written to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, calling Baig's statement as "unconstitutional" and has also threatened legal action.

He further said, "if such unlawful acts by a responsible minister are initiated, the government of Maharashtra will initiate legal action to protect the constitutional rights of the affected citizens.

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The AAP today asked the Election Commission to reconsider the terms set for next week's EVM challenge and allow it to be an open 'hackathon' where tampering of any kind can be demonstrated.

An AAP delegation, which visited the Election Commission, told the poll panel that it would be "worrying" if the event disallows tampering of the Electronic Voting Machines.

"We would like to strongly urge you to reconsider the terms of the EVM challenge. Please do not set any such rules and regulations and allow it to be an open hackathon where tampering of any kind can be demonstrated on the machine," AAP's national secretary Pankaj Gupta said in a letter to Chief Election Commissioner Nasim Zaidi.

The AAP, along with other parties, have pointed to tampering of EVMs as a major reason behind their defeat in recent state assembly and civic body polls. The AAP also "demonstrated" in the Delhi Legislative Assembly how EVMs can be "tampered" with.

Gupta also alleged that the tampering with the motherboards in the EVMs was the reason behind BJP's wins in the recent assembly and civic body polls.

In response to the allegations, the EC organised an EVM challenge on June 3 in which political parties can test machines deployed in recently held assembly polls.

The challenge would be open only to national and state parties which contested assembly polls in five states -- Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Manipur, Goa and Punjab. They would not be allowed to change the motherboard of EVMs and take the machines home to prove at a later date that they can be tampered with.

The Commission said with a changed chip, an EVM would no longer be the "ECI-EVM" but simply a look-alike.

"This is not an issue related to just one party, it is a question of safeguarding democracy in this country. We urge you to take the right decision in the long-term interests if this nation," Gupta said.

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Reliance Infrastructure InvIT Fund has received market regulator Sebi's approval to raise Rs 2,500 crore through an initial public offering.

Anil Ambani Group flagship RInfra had filed revised draft papers with Sebi last month for its proposed InvIT Fund IPO, scaling down the issue size to Rs 2,500 crore from Rs 3,000 crore earlier.

The InvIT Fund has received final "observation" from Sebi for its proposed IPO, which is necessary for any company to launch public offer, RInfra said in a statement today.

The initial public offer comprises units aggregating to Rs 2,500 crore with an option to retain over subscription of up to 25 per cent of the issue size in accordance with the InvIT Regulations.

Last December, RInfra had filed draft papers with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) to garner Rs 3,000 crore through InvIT.

Infrastructure investment trust (InvIT) are debt instruments which can be traded in the market and can act as investment vehicles for the sponsors.

Listing of instruments enables promoters to monetise completed assets and raise funds for other long-term projects.

RInfra will be the sponsor of InvIT Fund and Reliance Nippon Life AMC will be its investment manager.

The issue is being managed by Axis Capital, DSP Merrill Lynch, UBS Securities, SBI Capital Markets and Yes Securities.

So far, IRB Infrastructure Developers' infrastructure investment trust IRB InvIT Fund and India Grid Trust, an InvIT sponsored by Sterlite Power Grid Ventures Ltd, have hit the market for IPOs.

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The fresh caste violence in Saharanpur in Uttar Pradesh that left one youth dead sparked a political slugfest today with BSP chief Mayawati putting the blame on the BJP government and a senior state minister accusing the opposition party of "shedding tears".

One person was killed and four others were injured yesterday as fresh violence erupted in Saharanpur, which has been witnessing inter-caste clashes since last month.

The Yogi Adityanath government also came under attack from the CPI(M) which accused it of backing upper caste "perpetrators" of the violence and asked it to give up its "partisan" stand to ensure that law prevailed in Saharanpur.

As the caste clashes posed the first major law and order challenge for the Bharatiya Janata Party(BJP) government after it assumed office on March 19, Mayawati alleged that casteist forces in the BJP and RSS have been given a free hand to misuse official machinery in order to harm social amity and brotherhood.

"After having damaged the communal atmosphere to gain political and electoral victory, the casteist, mischievous and criminal elements in the BJP and RSS are now bent upon unleashing casteist violence," the Bahujan Samaj Party(BSP) chief said in a party release issued in Lucknow. During her visit to Saharanpur, she had accused the ruling party of failing to stop its own brigade from attacking weaker sections.

In the statement, she also alleged that the administration was hand in glove with BJP and RSS leaders.

At a press conference on immunisation campaign in Lucknow, Siddharth Nath Singh, who is the state's health minister and also the official spokesperson, returned the fire and targeted the opposition parties.

He said it would have been better if those shedding tears over Saharanpur caste clashes had got themselves associated with the immunisation campaign, in an apparent reference to Mayawati. He, however, did not take her name.

He said the state government has taken the Saharanpur incident very seriously and sent four senior officials with the instructions to return only after normalcy is restored.

The chief minister has made an appeal to the people to maintain peace and has also sought cooperation from opposition parties, he said.

The CPI(M) condemned the "murderous" attacks on dalits in Saharanpur and demanded that the state government take firm action against those allegedly assaulting the community members.

"The situation is totally deteriorating and the atrocities on Dalits and Muslims are taking place right in front of the eyes of the police.

"It is a clear case of complete absence of governance," CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury said in New Delhi.

The CPI(M) politburo, in a statement, attributed the "steady" deterioration in the situation to the state government allegedly not showing the will to act tough against the upper caste "perpetrators."



"The CPI(M) demands firm action against all those involved in the atrocities against the Dalits. The administration has to provide full protection to the vulnerable people," the party said.

In her statement, Mayawati alleged that it was because of the neglect of the administration that BJP supporters targeted Dalits and indulged in violence after she left Saharanpur yesterday leading to the death of one person.

"Ever since BJP came to power in the state, law and order and crime control has deteriorated as in other BJP-ruled states and the saffron brigade has got a free hand to carry out communal and casteist activities to harass people... everyone needs to remain vigilant," she said.

"The Dalits are demanding their constitutional rights but casteist forces in the BJP and RSS are out to crush them," she said, adding that those who had condemned Dalit icons all their lives are today out to proclaim themselves as the saviours of Dalits and backwards for the sake of votes.

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Violence erupted in this volatile Uttar Pradesh district for the second day today as unidentified gunmen shot and seriously injured a member of the upper-caste Thakur community, which is embroiled in a bloody conflict with Dalits.

The incident took place on Janta road in Janakpuri area. Pradeep Chauhan was shot at near Punwarka block by some motorcycle-borne men, SP Prabal Pratap Singh said.

Chauhan was rushed to the district hospital, from where he was referred to a speciality centre.

Members of the Thakur community protested against the incident outside the district hospital.

Earlier in the day, some persons attacked two men while they were sleeping near a brick kiln in Mirzapur village, the police said.

Nitin was shot at, while Yashpal was severely beaten up by the attackers. They have suffered serious injuries and have been admitted to the district hospital.

The police, however, said the incident cannot be linked to the ongoing caste violence.

Meanwhile, a four-member team led by Home Secretary Mani Prasad Mishra and comprising ADG (Law and Order) Aditya Mishra, IG STF Amitabh Yash and DG (Security) Vijay Bhushan arrived here today.

The ADG told PTI that the police are closely monitoring the situation and keeping a tight vigil on inflammatory messages on social media.

Aditya said he met those injured in the violence and recuperating in the district hospital and assured them of the best treatment possible.

He said there is a trust deficit among the people of different communities and the administration is working to reduce it.

The official warned of strict action against those trying to take the law into their hands.

Some unidentified persons had yesterday set fire to at least 12 houses of Thakurs in Shabbirpur village ahead of the arrival of Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati there.

A mob later attacked a group of people returning from a rally of Mayawati, killing Ashish (24), who hailed from Sarsawa town, on the spot and injuring four others.

The Uttar Pradesh government has announced Rs 15 lakh as compensation to the family of the man and Rs 50,000 each to those injured.

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Mayor Kamaljeet Sehrawat today directed the South Delhi Municipal Corporation to make the civic area open defecation-free by June 30, even as the SDMC claimed that 92 of its wards have achieved that goal.

Sehrawat, who represents Dwarka-B ward, was elected unopposed to the post on May 19, and that day had said that sanitation would be her "first priority".

"The SDMC has been able to provide to all households in 92 wards, access to either a single toilet or community toilets within 500 m of their settlement, and has also ensured that all commercial areas in the wards have access to public toilets within a distance of 1 km.

"Further all schools have certified that students enrolled there have access to toilets and are routinely using the facilities at schools and at homes," the civic body said.

In a statement today, the BJP-led municipal body, claimed that it had "fulfilled all prescribed parameters needed for declaration of a ward as ODF (open defecation-free) by a specific urban local body under the Swachh Bharat Mission."



The SDMC made public its preliminary resolution declaring its 92 of the 104 wards as ODF.

"The corporation is all set to issue a public notice to invite feedback, suggestions, comments and objections from the residents of these 92 wards within 15 days of publication of the notice.

"In case, no objection is lodged in response to the public notice, the SDMC will announce its final resolution for further transmission to the state government, which will certify the claim of the corporation through an appropriate third-party verification process before finally according the status of ODF to the (areas falling under) the SDMC," Municipal Commissioner Puneet Kumar Goel was quoted as saying in the statement.

The residents can submit comments or objections through email (dirdemscc@gmail.Com) and telephone (no. 22235253), the civic body said.

The mayor said the SDMC first identified a number of "open defecation hot spots" for ensuring sanitation access to all residents.

Recently, it also brought in a policy, whereby women and children can access for free toilet facility in hotels, eateries and restaurants.

Sanitation is a major governance issue in Delhi and the BJP, which has been ruling the MCD for the last 10 years, has faced criticism from residents and opposition parties for "lack of cleanliness" in the city.

The Aam Aadmi Party and the Congress have continuously attacked the BJP-led corporations, alleging that the three civic bodies have turned the city into a "mound of garbage".

The civic bodies had faired poorly in the Swachh Bharat survey which was released recently by the Centre. In the 'Swachh Bharat' reckoning of 434 cities for 2016-17, areas falling under the three municipal corporations were ranked low -- the EDMC (196), SDMC (202) and NDMC (279).

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A herd of goats owned by Samajwadi Party MP Chowdhary Munawwar Salim were allegedly stolen from his farm in Madhya Pradesh's Vidisha, most which were later traced by the police in a nearby forest.

Police launched the search for the goats after the MP's brother filed a complaint of theft.

Police said the thieves may have abandoned the goats and fled after they were spotted by some villagers while leading the herd.

The police in Vidisha, located about 50 kms from the state capital Bhopal, swung into action immediately after Salim's younger brother Mubassar Chowdhary lodged the complaint on Monday.

Salim, a Rajya Sabha member from Uttar Pradesh, is a resident of Vidisha.

"Mubassar Chowdhary, the younger brother of Rajya Sabha member Munawwar Salim, registered a complaint that 23 goats went missing from their farm at Berkhedi on Sunday night. We recovered 17 of them within 24 hours," Vidisha's Civil Lines police station in-charge H S Rajawat told PTI.

The goats were found in a forest in Murwara village, about eight kms from the farm, said Rajawat, who led the search team.

"We were able to trace 17 goats from the forest near village Murwara on Tuesday evening. The carcasses of three goats were found in the area. It seems that dogs killed them. Now, only three goats are missing," he said.

"The thieves probably fled for fear of getting caught after the villagers spotted them," he said.

Appreciating the swift action by police, Chowdhary thanked the City Superintendent of Police Nagendra Pateria.

The MP said he was fond of rearing goats and dogs.

"These are Alwari goats, which are very young and beautiful. The police and people helped a lot to track them. The person who stole them must also be fond of rearing. I am happy that most of them were finally found," Salim added.

Notably, in 2014, seven buffaloes were stolen from a barn owned by SP leader Azam Khan in Rampur district of Uttar Pradesh, following which dog squads, crime branch sleuths and police personnel were put on the job to find them.

The bovines were traced after an intensive overnight search and some persons were nabbed in connection with the case.

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Senior BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi today alleged widespread corruption in the MLA Housing Co-operative and demanded that Chief Minister Nitish Kumar immediately dissolve the co-operative.

He alleged that the Housing co-operative is headed for long time by RJD President Lalu Prasad's favourite Jaiprakash Narain Yadav.

Lalu Prasad's private secretary for long and now a MLA Bhola Yadav has been made its Secretary to maintain "stranglehold" of that party on the Housing co-operative, Sushil Modi alleged in a press statement here.

Former Bihar minister Jaiprakash Narain Yadav is presently RJD MP from Banka.

"All these have been done to allot plot to people associated with RJD and cover up past misdeeds in the co-operative," Sushil Modi, a former Deputy Chief Minister of the state, said.

He demanded Chief Minister Nitish Kumar immediately dissolve the co-operative and appoint an Administrator in the body.

He also urged the CM to make public all documents related to allotment of plot under the co-operative public.

The senior BJP leader asked the incumbent President of MLA Co-operative to release list of all the beneficiaries.

"He shall make public to how many people plot has been alloted despite having house in Patna and how many have been given more than one plot in violation of rules," he demanded.

Sushil Modi, who is leader of opposition in the state Legislative Council, said as per the 2015 voters list of 663 members MLA Housing Cooperative, his name figures at 384 position "but I have never been invited for the meeting or informed about its election."



"Election is held in the Co-operative by calling handful of pliant members," he alleged.

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Tractors and Farm Equipment Ltd.,(TAFE) today unveiled a mobile-application based aggregator platform, JFarm Services App, aimed at facilitating hiring of tractors and farm machinery for farmers in Rajasthan.

The city-based company launched the JFarm Services App during a Global Agritech Meet held in Rajasthan, a press release said.

The mobile application available on Google Play Store is free and will connect Custom Hiring Centres in Rajasthan and operated by tractors and equipment owners directly to farmers who need farm mechanisation services and solutions.

"This service will foster digital empowerment of Indian farmers while creating a breed of new rural entrepreneurs and significant job opportunities," the press release said.

In the pilot phase, the company said it added over 450 Custom Hiring Centres and connected over 25,000 farmers.

"With the JFarm Services mobile app, TAFE aims to empower the farming community by creating a viable model for the farmers and custom hirers to conduct transactions in a fair manner," TAFE, Chairman and CEO, Mallika Srinivasan said.

"These initiatives are directed towards building a sustainable livelihood for farmers, while preparing them to remain self-sufficient by increasing farm productivity," she said.

In the first two years of operations, TAFE President and COO, T R Kesavan said, through the JFarm Services aggregator, the company plans to enrol 10,000 to 15,000 custom hiring centres and reaching out to five lakh farmers.

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Tractors and Farm Equipment Ltd (TAFE) today announced the launch of 'JFarm Services App', a mobile app through which farmers in Rajasthan can place orders for renting tractors and modern farm machinery.

The JFarm Services App, unveiled at the Global Rajasthan Agritech Meet (GRAM) in Kota, is available on Google Play Store for free, the company said in a statement.

The mobile app connects Custom Hiring Centres (CHCs) operated by tractors and equipment owners directly to farmers, who need farm mechanisation services, thereby facilitating a fair and transparent rental process while focusing on quality, dependability and timely delivery, it said.

The Chennai-based company through this app plans to enrol 10,000-15,000 CHCs in the first two years of operation and positively impact the farming community by reaching out to 500,000 farmers, its President and COO T R Kesavan said.

Commenting on the launch, TAFE Chairman and CEO Mallika Srinivasan said: "With the JFarm Services mobile app, TAFE aims to empower the farming community".

Out of the 95 CHCs allotted through subsidy to TAFE, 38 have been identified across six zones in the state - Bharatpur, Jodhpur, Jaipur, Jalore, Kota and Sikar.

JFarm Services - the aggregator platform in its pilot phase has enrolled over 450 CHCs and suppliers and has connected them to over 25,000 farmers.

JFarm Services will also be available to farmers on call through a dedicated toll-free number 1800-4-200-100.

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A 14-year-old boy has been detained in a Thai army prison under a draconian and increasingly wielded royal defamation law, Human Rights Watch said today, as it decried the secrecy surrounding the latest series of arrests.

The law in Thailand forbids any criticism of the monarchy and punishes transgressors with up to 15-years in jail for each offence.

Use of the law has skyrocketed since an ultra-royalist junta seized power in 2014.

There have been a flurry of cases in recent weeks, many linked to social media posts about Thailand's new king Maha Vajiralongkorn, who ascended the throne late last year.

Royal insult cases are typically shrouded in secrecy with media forced to heavily self-censor details. But the latest detentions have been especially opaque.

Thai human rights groups and local media say a group of between four to seven people, including a minor, were arrested in northeastern Thailand on 15 May for allegedly burning a portrait of Vajiralongkorn's late father Bhumibol Adulyadej.

Thai Lawyers for Human Rights, which often provides legal representation to lese majeste suspects, said the group were taken from Khon Kaen province to a notorious army prison on a Bangkok barracks and that they had been held incommunicado since.

Thai police, military and junta spokespeople all declined repeated AFP requests for comment on the case.

In a statement on Wednesday, Human Rights Watch said their researchers had confirmed the names of four of the suspects -- 14-year-old Abhisit Chailee, Jirayu Sinpho, 19, Akkharapong Ayukong, 19, and Ratthathammanoon Srihabutr, 20.

Brad Adams, the group's Asia Director, said the latest arrests "should set off alarm bells".

"None of the four youths arrested should have been denied access to a judge and placed in an incommunicado military detention, whatever the charge against them," he said.

Thailand's junta has awarded itself powers to secretly detain anyone for up to seven days, but the current group has now been held for at least 10 days without access to lawyers or family.

More than 100 people have been charged with lese majeste since an army coup three years ago.

Late last year the United Nations' rights body warned Thailand's widespread use of the law "may constitute crimes against humanity".

But there has been no let up in its use. Thailand has seen an uptick in cases since the December ascension of Vajiralongkorn, who has yet to attain his father's popularity.

Earlier this month, seven people were arrested for allegedly sharing Facebook posts written by an exiled dissident academic. They were held incommunicado for days before appearing in court to be charged.

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Tibetans look to India with great hope, 17th Karmapa Ogyen Trinley Dorje today said as he praised the country for giving Tibetans a home and protection.

The 31-year-old Karmapa, who is recognised by the Dalai Lama, arrived at the McLeod Ganj headquarters of the Tibetan government-in-exile in 2000 and now lives in Dharamshala.

The head of the Karma Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism, who had dramatically escaped to India through Nepal at the age of 14, is here for the launch of his book 'Interconnected'.

"India has been kind in extremely important ways to the Tibetan people, offering us protection and a home. Tibetans look to India with great hope, and we are grateful for all the care we have received," the Tibetan Buddhism's third-highest spiritual leader told PTI.

His book, released in New Delhi in April, is described as an attempt at understanding the current trend towards isolationism, offering a path towards a more compassionate society in a dangerous era of "post-truth" and polarising conflict.

"This compelling and wise book serves as a roadmap for creating a more compassionate global society - starting with oneself," a statement by his publishers said.

He founded Khoryug, an eco-monastic movement which has mobilised 55 Buddhist monasteries and nunneries across the Himalayan region.

"His current initiative to grant full ordination to nuns in his lineage is a ground-breaking first step toward creating equal spiritual opportunities for women in Tibetan Buddhism," a statement said.

The Karmapa, an artist, poet and composer, has also created a new theatrical form that combined Tibetan opera with modern theatre.

Many of his poems have been set to music, and he has been working to revive the performance of the sacred "doha" songs associated with the Buddhist lineage he heads.

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US President Donald Trump praised his Philippine counterpart Rodrigo Duterte over his immensely polarizing drug war, which has killed thousands of people, reports said yesterday.

During an April 29 call that focused mostly on North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile program, Trump congratulated Duterte on doing an "unbelievable job on the drug problem."



Trump also extended an invitation for "good man" Duterte to visit the White House "anytime you want to come," before the two leaders are set to meet in the Philippines in November.

"Many countries have the problem, we have a problem, but what a great job you are doing and I just wanted to call and tell you that," Trump said, according to a transcript made by the Philippine government and released by The Washington Post and The Intercept.

Duterte responded by saying drugs are the "scourge of my nation now and I have to do something to preserve the Filipino nation."



In an apparent dig at his predecessor Barack Obama -- who had canceled a bilateral meeting with Duterte after the Philippine president insulted him -- Trump then said: "I understand that and fully understand that and I think we had a previous president who did not understand that."



Police have reported killing about 2,700 people since Duterte took office at the end of June and immediately launched his war on drugs.

Unknown assailants have killed more than 1,800 others, while about 5,700 other violent deaths are under investigation, according to police data.

Partly in response to American criticism, Duterte has loosened the Philippines' traditionally strong ties with its ally.

Duterte has instead embraced China, which has supported his drug war and sought to deepen economic ties by providing billions of dollars' worth of investments and aid to the Philippines.

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Donald Trump vowed today to use his US presidency to promote global peace after meeting Pope Francis, before heading into a high-stakes summit of the world's biggest military alliance.

Meeting for the first time, the president and the pontiff sidestepped deep differences over issues ranging from the environment to the plight of migrants and the poor.

"Honor of a lifetime to meet His Holiness Pope Francis," a star-struck Trump wrote on Twitter before leaving Rome for Brussels and the next leg of his first overseas trip as US president.

"I leave the Vatican more determined than ever to pursue PEACE in our world," the billionaire former reality TV star said.

In Brussels, a city he once dubbed a "hellhole", Trump however faced thousands of protesters ahead of his first summits on Thursday with wary leaders of NATO and the European Union.

Trump sparked fears of an end to the transatlantic alliance when he dismissed NATO as "obsolete" while on the campaign trail and mortified the EU by backing Brexit.

Trump said that the most important issue during his time in Belgium was terrorism after the "horrible situation" in Manchester, England, where a suicide bomber killed 22 people in an attack claimed by the Islamic State.

"We are fighting very hard, doing very well under our generals. Making tremendous progress," Trump told Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel.

"But when you see something like what happened a few days ago you realise how important it is to win this fight. And we will win this fight."



Trump had left Rome declaring his determination for peace following his keenly anticipated encounter with Pope Francis, the 80-year-old former Jesuit priest who has made championing the poor and the third world major themes of his papacy.

In their world view and tastes, the Argentine pontiff who eschews the use of the palaces at his disposal and the luxury hotel tycoon appear worlds apart.

But despite the pope looking initially grim-faced, both men ended up mostly all smiles, relaxed and even jovial.

Accompanied by his wife Melania and daughter Ivanka, Trump met Francis in the private library of the Apostolic Palace, the lavish papal residence that the current pope eschews in favour of more modest lodgings.

"He is something," Trump later said of his host. "We had a fantastic meeting."



There was even a light-hearted moment when Francis made an apparent allusion to Trump's imposing physical size.

"What do you feed him on? Potica?" Francis asked Melania, in a reference to a calorie-laden cake that comes from her native Slovenia and is pronounced "potteezza". Reporters initially thought he said "pizza".

Trump also told the pope he was committing more than $300 million (270 million euros) to help prevent or tackle famine in Yemen and several countries in Africa.

The Vatican described the discussions as "cordial" and emphasised the two men's joint opposition to abortion and shared concern for persecuted Christians in the Middle East.

The pope presented Trump with a medallion engraved with an olive tree, the international symbol of peace.

Francis also gave Trump copies of the three major texts he has published as pope, including one on the environment which urges the industrialised world to curb carbon emissions or risk catastrophic consequences for the planet.

Trump, who has threatened to ignore the Paris accords on emissions and described global warming as a hoax, vowed to read them.

Trump told his host as he left, "Thank you. Thank you. I won't forget what you said."



"I give it to you so you can be an instrument of peace," the pope said in Spanish. "We can use peace," Trump replied.

Trump's gifts included a collection of first editions by Martin Luther King and a bronze sculpture.

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Two Chinese, including a woman, were abducted today by gunmen from the volatile Balochistan province, an incident that may raise concerns in China over its massive investment plans in Pakistan.

The two were abducted from Jinnah Town area of provincial capital Quetta, Dawn Online reported.

According to witnesses, the unidentified men tried to abduct three of the foreigners, two women and one man. However, one of them managed to escape.

The report said that abductors forced the two into a vehicle at gunpoint and drove away.

A passerby was injured after one of the abductors opened fire at the scene.

Police and Frontier Corps personnel reached the scene of the abduction to initiate an investigation.

Jinnah Town is one of the affluent residential areas of the city.

Balochistan Chief Minister Nawab Sanaullah Zehri has ordered an immediate inquiry into the abduction. He directed the Balochistan Inspector General of Police to take immediate steps for an early recovery of the Chinese workers.

Chinese interest in Balochistan has spiked in recent years after the announcement of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which plans to connect Pakistani port of Gwadar to Xinjiang in China.

In the past, China has asked Islamabad to improve security, especially in Balochistan, where China is building a new port and funding roads as part of the CPEC.

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Two Maoist supporters were today arrested from Chhattisgarh's Rajnandgaon district, police said.

Gangaram Dhurve and Naresh Porte, both sympathisers of Naxals, were apprehended when a joint team of security forces was carrying out a search operation in Bakarkatta police station area, a local police official told PTI.

The composite squad of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and district force had lunched the operation in the interiors of Bakarkatta, around 150km from Raipur, he said.

Maoist pamphlets and banners were recovered from their possession, he said.

The two were allegedly engaged in arranging food and commodities of daily use for the rebels besides extending help in putting up posters and banners for Maoists in the area, the official said.

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The United Nations has raised questions about the Democratic Republic of Congo's probe of the murder of two UN experts investigating mass graves, saying it appeared to have been done in haste.

Congolese authorities on Saturday said they had completed a 10-week investigation and that two men will face trial for the murders of American Michael Sharp and Swedish-Chilean Zaida Catalan in central Kasai province.

"That seems to have been done with quite a bit of rapidity," said UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric yesterday, adding that the Kinshasa government had yet to share the findings of its investigation with the United Nations.

Following a closed-door meeting on the murders, the UN Security Council expressed "concern about the closure of the investigation by the Congolese authorities," said Uruguay's Ambassador Elbio Rosselli, the council president.

"People who are involved may not have been properly identified," Rosselli told reporters, adding that there should be more information-sharing between Kinshasa and the United Nations to shed light on the killings.

Swedish and US investigators are also looking into the case.

A board of inquiry set up by the United Nations will present a report in late July.

France urged UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to set up a special investigation -- a measure that would go beyond the board of inquiry to establish the facts.

"There are still too many grey areas concerning the murder of the two experts," French Ambassador Francois Delattre told AFP, adding that the Congolese decision to wrap up the investigation was "premature."



During the closed-door session, diplomats expressed frustration with the lack of cooperation from Congolese authorities with the other investigations.

"It's been obvious in the last couple of days that more needs to be done to ensure that this is done in a proper manner," Swedish diplomat Carl Skau told reporters.

Sharp and Calatan were shot dead in March while they were investigating mass graves in Kasai. The bodies were found weeks later. Catalan had been decapitated.

In Kinshasa, the Congolese public prosecutor said earlier that he was investigating allegations that former development minister Clement Kanku may have been linked to the murders.

In a telephone conversation with an alleged militia fighter, Kanku -- now an opposition MP -- seems to be discussing setting fire to a town as well as killing officials, according to a report by The New York Times.

Kasai has seen a major spike in violence since September, when government forces killed Kamwina Nsapu, a tribal chief and militia leader who had rebelled against President Joseph Kabila.

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The CPI(M) today condemned the "murderous" attacks on Dalits in Uttar Pradesh's Saharanpur district and asked the state government to take firm action against those allegedly assaulting the community members.

The Left party accused the Yogi Adityanath-led state government of backing upper caste "perpetrators" of the violence and asked it to give up its "partisan" stand to ensure that law prevails in Saharanpur which has been witnessing caste conflicts since last month.

The party's fresh attack on the BJP-led state government comes at a time when violence erupted in the volatile UP district for the second day as unidentified gunmen allegedly shot and seriously injured a member of the upper-caste Thakur community, which is embroiled in a bloody conflict with Dalits.

"The situation is totally deteriorating and the atrocities on Dalits and Muslims are taking place right in front of the eyes of police. It is a clear case of complete absence of governance," CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury said.

The CPI(M) politburo, in a statement, attributed the "steady" deterioration in the situation to alleged lack of will shown by the government in acting tough against the upper caste "perpetrators".

"The CPI(M) demands firm action against all those involved in the atrocities against the Dalits. The administration has to provide full protection to the vulnerable people," the party said.

The Left party also asked the government to offer adequate compensation to those who have suffered losses due to the violence and withdraw false cases implicating Dalits and their leaders.

Some unidentified persons had yesterday set fire to at least 12 houses of Thakurs in Shabbirpur village ahead of the arrival of Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati there.

A mob later attacked a group of people returning from a rally of Mayawati, killing Ashish (24), who hailed from Sarsawa town, on the spot and injuring four others.

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The Trump administration has proposed to reduce its developmental assistance to India from $85 million in 2016 to a mere $33.3 million in 2018.

A major portion of the proposed developmental assistance to India is the US Agency for Development-led global health programme, which again has dropped from $35.5 million in 2016 to $19.6 million for the next fiscal beginning October 1, 2017.

In the budget proposal, the US' financial assistance to India for military education and training has been slightly increased from $1.2 million to $1.3 million, whereas the financial assistance towards counter- terrorism cooperation has been retained at $2 million.

Overall, US President proposed a massive reduction in American aid to South Asian countries.

In his maiden annual budget, he has chopped off foreign military financing to all countries in South Asia except for Pakistan.

Afghanistan, where US has stationed more than 8,000 troops and where the Trump Administration is considering sending more soldiers on the ground, has managed to retain largest level of American funding for the fiscal year 2018.

According to the annual budget proposals sent by the State Department to the Congress, the entire foreign assistance to South and Central Asian countries have been reduced from about $2 billion in 2016 to $1.4 billion in 2018.

Of this, Afghanistan alone accounts for more than half $782 million for the fiscal year 2018.

For Bangladesh, the State Department has reduced the financial assistance from $210 million in 2016 to $138 million in 2018.

A major chunk (USD95 million) of assistance to Bangladesh is towards strengthening of democracy and economic development of this South Asian country.

Maldives, which is facing extinction from the dangers of climate change, has received a massive cut in developmental assistance from $3.3 million in 2016 to a mere 440,000 in 2018, as per budgetary State Department proposals.

Nepal too is off the Trump's list of Foreign Military Financing as the budgetary proposal for 2018 indicates the figure to zero as against $18 million in 2016.

But it has maintained the same level of assistance towards military training and education: $0.8 million in 2016 to $0.9 million in 2018.

Sri Lanka is another country where Trump has proposed a massive budgetary cut in its financial assistance which has come down from $42.5 million in 2016 to a mere $3.3 million in 2018.

Most of the funding ($2.8 million) would towards peace and security including combating weapons of mass destruction, and stabilisation operations and security sector reform.

Military training and education accounts for another half a million USD, according to US budgetary papers.
Minister of State for Shipping Pon Radhakrishnan today said he would be "happy" if actor Rajinikanth joins politics and "doubly happy" if he joins the BJP.

Talking to reporters here, he said, "I will be happy if actor Rajinikanth enters politics and doubly happy if he joins the BJP."



He also said he expected Rajinikanth to take a "good" political decision at this juncture when the state was in a "dilemma."



To a question on the possibility of Rajinikanth being declared as chief ministerial candidate of the BJP, Radhakrishnan said, "No doubt Rajinikanth is a popular man with charisma, but it is for the party to decide who will be the chief minister."



Referring to the farmers' problem, the senior BJP leader said, "It is for the state government to resolve the farmers' problem."



The Centre had already granted Rs 1,242 crore for drought relief, he claimed.

"I think the farmers' association leader Ayyakannu has joined hands with the Dravidian parties for agitating against the Centre," he alleged.

Alleging that VCK leader Thol Thirumavalavan was encouraging and instigating casteist forces, Radhakrishnan said he (Thirumavalavan) had no moral authority to say that Rajinikanth should not join the BJP and encourage communal forces.

People from all religions and communities were members of the BJP, he said.

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By Alex Lawler, Rania El Gamal and Ahmad Ghaddar

VIENNA (Reuters) - OPEC is likely to extend production cuts for another nine months, ministers and delegates said on Tuesday as the oil producer group meets this week to debate how to tackle a global glut of crude.

OPEC's top producer, Saudi Arabia, favours extending the output curbs by nine months rather than the initially planned six months, as it seeks to speed up market rebalancing and prevent oil prices from sliding back below $50 per barrel.

On Monday, Saudi Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih won support from OPEC's second-biggest and fastest-growing producer, Iraq, for a nine-month extension and said he expected no objections from anyone else.

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries meets in Vienna on Thursday to consider whether to prolong the deal reached in December in which OPEC and 11 non-members, including Russia, agreed to cut output by about 1.8 million barrels per day in the first half of 2017.

The decision pushed prices back above $50 per barrel, giving a fiscal boost to major oil producers. But it also spurred growth in the U.S. shale industry, which is not participating in the output deal, thus slowing the market's rebalancing.

Saudi Arabia's Gulf ally Kuwait said on Tuesday not every OPEC member was on board yet for an extension to March 2018, but most ministers and delegates in Vienna said they expected a fairly painless meeting.

Ecuador Oil Minister Carlos Perez said OPEC and other oil-producing countries would discuss a six- or nine-month extension to output cuts and probably choose the latter.

"Six and nine months are both proposals on the table ... we will support the majority, probably the nine months," Perez, whose country is in OPEC, told reporters after arriving in Vienna on Tuesday.

Asked whether deeper cuts would be discussed, he said: "Not at this point, I don't think so."

Noureddine Boutarfa, energy minister of OPEC member Algeria, said OPEC was discussing a possible nine-month extension, with curbs kept at the same level as under the group's existing deal.

"Right now we are talking about nine months," Boutarfa told reporters in the Austrian capital. Falih also arrived in Vienna on Tuesday but made no comment to reporters.

"The Saudi oil minister's view seems accurate and no serious objection is expected if at all," said one OPEC delegate, who asked not to be identified as he is not allowed to speak to the media. "No surprises," said a second delegate.

UPSIDE SURPRISE

Many OPEC meetings in recent years witnessed bitter fights between Saudi Arabia and its rival Iran, OPEC's third-largest oil producer.

Tehran has kept relatively quiet in the past few weeks, saying it saw a need to extend cuts. Iran is emerging from a presidential election won by the incumbent, Hassan Rouhani.

"It has been some time since we had such a strong consensus going into an OPEC meeting," BNP Paribas's commodities strategist Harry Tchilinguirian said.

"Despite a supply cut extension being factored in by the market, oil prices have made only modest progress. It may take more than an extension to rekindle bullish spirits," he added.

Oil prices initially fell 1 percent on Tuesday after U.S. President Donald Trump proposed to sell half of the United States' Strategic Petroleum Reserve in the next 10 years as well as to speed up Alaskan exploration.

By 1550 GMT, Brent crude was up 13 cents at $54.00 a barrel as most analysts said the sale would not affect immediate OPEC efforts.

Two OPEC sources said a one-year extension was also an option, though others said most discussions were centring on nine months due to weak seasonal demand in the first quarter.

Saudi's Falih said on Monday he expected the new deal to be similar to the old one, "with minor changes".

"He (Falih) has talked to several countries including Norway, including Turkmenistan, including Egypt, and they have made signs of their willingness to join the collaboration," Kuwait's oil minister Essam al-Marzouq said on Tuesday.

Norway's oil ministry said later on Tuesday it had no plan to join cuts but had a good dialogue with OPEC.

Deutsche Bank said the market had priced in a nine-month extension.

"The inclusion of smaller producing non-OPEC countries such as Turkmenistan, Egypt and the Ivory Coast would be a negligible boost, in our view," Deutsche said. "A deepening of cuts, though, has more potential to provide an upside surprise."

(Additional reporting by Ernest Scheyder; Writing by Dmitry Zhdannikov; Editing by Dale Hudson)

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
It is vacation season and airlines are in on the laid back vibes of the summer. With people planning their summer retreats, the airline service providers have gone ahead to offer some sweet deals on air tickets, saving some hassle in the vacation plans.

Here's a list of airlines offering cheap air tickets and their plans:

Spicejet

The airline is celebrating its 12 years in the airline industry with '12th Anniversary Sale', which offers flights tickets at a base price of Rs 12. Surcharges and taxes have to be paid in addition to this amount. One-way tickets can be brought under this sale from May 23rd to 28 this year or flights scheduled for June 26 2017 to March 28, 2018.

Purchasing tickets also makes buyers eligible for a lucky draw where 12 of them can free tickets and other benefits.

Indigo

Taking the sale game a notch ahead, Indigo is selling tickets for a basic fare of Rs 11. Along with this, the airline is also providing air tickets for all inclusive fare of Rs 899. The sale is applicable for non-stop flights across This offer is valid only on non-stop flights from Agartala, Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Bagdogra, Bengaluru, Chandigarh, Chennai, Coimbatore, Dehradun, Delhi, Goa, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Jammu, Kochi, Kolkata, Madurai, Mangalore, Mumbai, Patna, Port Blair, Pune, Srinagar, Varanasi and Visakhapatnam only.

Jet Airways

Jet Airways is selling air tickets for Rs 1079 on select domestic routes. The booking period will go on from May 24, 2017 to May 26, 2017 for flights taking off between June 15, 2017 and September 20, 2017.

(As seen on Cleartrip)


Indian e-commerce giant Flipkart and technology-enabled logistics firm Rivigo have made it to the list of top 40 brands globally. The two companies were featured in "Interbrand breakthrough brands", a report published by Interbrand, which is a part of the Omnicom Media Group.

Bangalore-based Flipkart, frequently referred to as 'The Amazon of India', has become a hallmark of growth in Asia, the report said.

"Flipkart has changed the retail landscape in India, providing access to goods in both urban and rural communities at prices that were once unimaginable. The brand is also investing in payment and retail tech across the continent, making it one of the region's biggest Breakthrough catalysts. Recently receiving $1.4 billion from companies including Tencent, eBay, and Microsoft and taking control of eBay India, the brand is set to break through globally," the report added.

"India's logistics brand Rivigo isn't just about logistics: it's about people. The brand improves the working lives of the humans behind its delivery fleets by using big data, IoT sensors, and AI to monitor and manage driver stress and fatigue. With a team of top data scientists, Rivigo is creating systems that increase distance covered and improve turnaround times up to 70 per cent-driving productivity for both its people and its clients," Interbrand said in its report.

The 2017 report was released in partnership with Facebook, the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and Ready Set Rocket recognizes 40 next-generation, disruptive brands divided according to their valuations.

The report cited a rising middle class in countries like India behind success of quality-focused brands Bira 91 and Paper Boat. "Consumers are also shifting toward brands that prioritize craftsmanship and personalization, with an authentic and differentiated story," it said.

Interbrand's 2017 report chose 40 brands out of over 350 nominations. The study was restricted to brands that are less than 10 years old.


Liquor baron Vijay Mallya's options of evading legal proceedings in India are diminishing by the day.

After receiving a fresh letter from Interpol in this connection, the Enforcement Directorate is now preparing a reply for issuing Red Corner Notice against him. Sources said Interpol had refused to issue Red Corner Notice against Mallya in 2016 saying there is no extradition request or trial pending against him. On receiving regret from the Interpol, Enforcement Directorate had asked the international policing agency to review its decision.

CBI sources said recently the Interpol has sent a fresh letter seeking more information about the wilful defaulter of Rs 9,000 crore to the banks. CBI is the nodal agency for Interpol in India. Since the request had been placed by ED, its officials are now busy preparing a reply to those Interpol queries. This time ED is at a strong footing as CBI has already filed charge sheet against him in Rs 900 crore IDBI bank loan case.

Morever, his extradition proceedings are also pending in Westminster Court in London. These two facts will now strengthen ED's request. Earlier this month an Indian delegation led by CBI additional director Rakesh Asthana and officers of ED visited London to provide evidence against Mallya to Crown Prosecution Service, which will now argue the case for Mallya's extradition on June 13 on behalf of the Indian government. Hearing for former liquor baron Vijay Mallya's extradition had been postponed from May 17 to June 13.

The CPS will argue on behalf of the Indian authorities at Westminster Magistrates' Court in London. However if Interpol issues a global wanted notice against Mallya, then he cannot travel to any other country from the UK.

Currently, he is on a conditional bail from the Westminster Court and cannot leave the country. Mallya's extradition is already under process in the UK. However, the Red Corner Notice from Interpol would be significant for future purposes, sources said. His extradition has also been discussed by India and the UK. Sixty-year-old Mallya had fled to London on diplomatic passport last year.



In association with Mail Today


CBSE class 12th results are unlikely to be declared today due to the Delhi High Court order on marks moderation, though there is no official confirmation on the same.

On Tuesday, the Delhi High Court told the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) not to scrap the marks moderation or grace marks policy this year.

With this order, it may be understood that the CBSE may defer the declaration of results as the marks have been awarded without implementing moderation policy and they have to be re-accumulated after the court order.

Earlier, many reports claimed that the results will be declared on May 24 or May 25.

Now, the board has not issued any date of the release of results on its official website. When declared, the results will be available at www.cbse.nic.in and cbse.examresults.net.

The CBSE board exams were delayed a bit due to the assembly polls held earlier this year.

This year, nearly 11 lakh students appeared for the CBSE Class 12 exams while close to 9 lakh students appeared for Class 10 exams.

As reported by CNN-News18, the CBSE schools association head in Karnataka, M Srinivasan said that the results are unlikely to be declared on Wednesday as the results have been tabulated without moderation and would have to be re-tabulated after the court order.

According to the official circular, a student must get 33 marks out of 100 marks to pass the examination. Of 100 marks, 50 marks will be for board exams and remaining 50 for internal assessment/practical. A student must get 33 marks on both board exams and practical exam to pass the subject.

On Tuesday, in a major relief to students who have just taken Class 12 examinations, the Delhi High Court directed the CBSE to follow its 'moderation policy' of giving grace marks to students for difficult questions.

The court asked the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) to continue with the policy which was in place when the examination forms were submitted last year.

A bench of Acting Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice Pratibha M Singh passed the interim order on a PIL filed by a parent and a lawyer contending that the policy should not be done away with this year, as decided by some states, since it would affect the students of Class 12, particularly those who have applied for admissions abroad.

The petition had said that the policy was changed by way of a notification by CBSE after the exams for the year were held and hence would have a drastic impact on the students.

Yesterday, the high court had termed as "unfair and irresponsible" the CBSE's decision to scrap its 'moderation policy' under which grace marks are given to students in exams for difficult questions and had asked why it cannot be implemented from next year.

The decision of the CBSE, which would come into effect from this year, "would have a drastic effect on the students," the court had said.

It had also asked the Board why it cannot implement the change in policy from next year as the results of the 2016-17 exams are expected to be announced in a few days.
State-owned BSNL today started satellite phone service through INMARSAT which will be initially offered to government agencies and later opened for others citizen in phased manner.

The service will cover areas where no networks are present and be provided by INMARSAT which has 14 satellites.

Agencies handling disasters, state police, railways, Border Security Force and other government agencies will be given the phones in the first phase, Telecom Minister Manoj Sinha said at the service launch.

"Later people while travelling in flight and on ships will be able to use it," he added. BSNL Chairman and Managing Director Anupam Shrivastava said: "We are starting satellite mobile service today with voice and SMS." Satellite phones in India are presently provided by Tata Communications, which inherited the licence from Videsh Sanchar Nigam Limited (VSNL) (now Tata Communications Ltd).

"The services of TCL will be phased out by June 30, 2017," Shrivastava said.

There are 1,532 authorised satellite phone connections that can operate within the country and a majority of them are used by security forces.

TCL has also issued 4,143 permits to maritime community for use of such phones at ships. International Mobile Satellite Organization (INMARSAT) was set up under aegis of United Nations in 1979 and India was one of the founding members. India had set up one gateway required for satellite phone service in Pune under VSNL.

There are security concerns on some satellite phones used by paramilitary forces that were supplied by foreign operators. "All the connections will be transferred to BSNL. The call rates will be determined by BSNL. It should be in the range of Rs 30-35 per minute," INMARSAT India Managing Director Gautam Sharma said.

Telecom regulator Trai has said there is a possibility that communication through such phones of being monitored by foreign agencies as their gateways are located outside India, it added.

Also, a foreign operator who has provided these terminals to security agencies did not carry any valid licence in the country.

Defence forces did not opt for satellite phones from the foreign operators because of security and espionage concerns. Other security agencies have been demanding for a long time for establishment of a new gateway in the country which can support new generation handsets for land mobile connections. Lot of CEOs of multinational companies need to be connected round the clock.

The new services will be provided through a miniature handset and people will not need to carry large equipment in bag at their back.


Moody's Investors Service yesterday changed Airtel credit outlook to negative from stable, as pressure on earnings is likely to continue, with Reliance Jio trying to increase its subscriber base by offering low tariff. Moody's, however, affirmed 'Baa3' rating on the company because of its leadership position, strong spectrum portfolio, execution of and ongoing commitment to debt reduction along with capital of Rs 8,800 crore in unrestricted cash, investments and receivables related to the residual portion of tower sale proceeds to be received in coming quarters.

"Moody's Investors Service has affirmed Bharti Airtel Ltd's (Bharti) Baa3 issuer rating and senior unsecured debt ratings, as well as the Baa3 ratings on the senior unsecured notes issued by Bharti Airtel International (Netherlands) BV...At the same time, Moody's has changed the outlook on the ratings to negative from stable," Moody's said in a statement. Credit rating of company reflects its ability to pay debt or raise funds based.

Moody's said that it expects intense price competition over the next several quarters in the Indian telecoms sector, as operators, such as Bharti, implement plans and tariffs to protect and grow their market shares. "We expect Bharti's profitability to remain under pressure as competition remains at heightened levels over the near-term, as such, we believe that a permanent reduction in leverage to levels more appropriate for the Baa3 rating --such that adjusted debt to EBITDA trends ratio to 3x by June 2017 -- is unlikely," Moody's Vice President and Senior Credit Officer Annalisa Di Chiara said.

Moody's said intense competition will persist over the next 12 months as it expects Reliance Jio will remain aggressive in acquiring new subscribers and growing the data market. "Bharti's ability to expand profitability for its core Indian mobile operations relies on the company retaining its higher average revenue per subscribers, while increasing the pace of subscriber acquisitions organically and through acquisitions," Moody's said.

The factors that worked for Bharti retaining 'Baa3' rating included its ability to increase revenue market share for its India mobile services from to 33.1 per cent in December 2017 from 31.6 per cent in December 2016. "Downward rating pressure could arise if competition intensifies further in any of its key markets, but particularly for the Indian wireless business, such that its key operations and/or subsidiaries report contracting EBITDA or margins above our expectations," Moody's said.

Upwards ratings pressure on Bharti Airtel is unlikely, given the negative outlook. However, the outlook could be revised to stable if Bharti's overall credit profile strengthens, such that adjusted debt to EBITDA ratio is sustained at, or below 3 times, the statement said.


Nokia and Apple have settled their numerous legal disputes after signing an agreement to work together.

Nokia, once the world's No. 1 cellphone maker and now a networks provider after selling its ailing mobile phone sector to Microsoft in 2014, described the pact as "meaningful."

Maria Varsellona, Nokia's chief legal officer said the agreement "moves our relationship with Apple from being adversaries in court to business partners working for the benefit of our customers."

The two companies have been involved in a number of patent infringement claims over the years.

Nokia, which owns a huge portfolio of patents, said it will receive an up-front cash payment from Apple, with additional revenues during the term of the agreement.

Nokia didn't reveal the terms of the deal as it's confidential.


Attorney Shannon Demler represents 16-year-old Jayzon Decker, whose case was recently moved into the adult court system in front of Judge Brian Cannell. Decker has been charged in connection with the shooting of Deserae Turner.

LOGAN  A judge has refused to set bail and set a trial date for Jayzon Decker, the alleged co-conspirator in the shooting of Deserae Turner. The judges ruling came a day after another judge also refused to allow Colter Peterson to be released on bail.

Decker appeared in 1st District Court Wednesday afternoon for the bail hearing. His attorney, Shannon Demler, argued the 16-year-old boy is guaranteed the right to have bail set under the Utah and United States Constitutions. He said the defendant never had a gun and never contacted the victim. He also noted that Decker had been a model inmate at the Juvenile Detention Center since being arrested.

Cache County Attorney James Swink disagreed, noting that Juvenile Court Judge, Angela Fonnesbeck had previously ruled that Decker was a danger to the community and should be held without bail. He read from her ruling that even though the defendant didnt have the gun or pull the trigger, he was the one who first suggested that he and Peterson kill Turner. The ruling also noted that the defendant wasnt any less culpable than the shooter.

Judge Brian Cannell cited Judge Fonnesbecks ruling that there was clear and convincing evidence that Decker would be a danger to the community if released. He ordered the defendant to remain in detention and set a jury trial for January 8. The trial is expected to last eight-days.

Authorities said Decker and Peterson concocted a plan to kill Turner while playing video games and discussing their desire to get rid of her. She was found with a gunshot wound to the head, early in the morning of February 17. She had reportedly been left to die in a dry canal east of Sky View High School. Both 16-year-olds are charged with attempted aggravated murder, attempted burglary and four charges of obstructing justice.

During Wednesdays hearing, Demler told the court he expects to file a motion requesting that the trial be moved to another county. He said the motion would be filed shortly.

On Tuesday, Judge Kevin Allen refused to set bail for Peterson. He also scheduled his trial to begin November 1.

<hr /><p style=text-align: center;>will@cvradio.com
Andrew Lesky is taken out of 1st District Court following his sentencing on Tuesday. Lesky was sentenced to 30 years to life in prison for aggravated assault, illegal possession of a firearm, and two counts of aggravated kidnapping.

LOGAN  The jury trial for Andrew Lesky, accused of lying under oath, has been postponed after the defendant filed a motion to recuse the judge and prosecutor in the case. The 46-year-old former Idaho man allegedly lied during the two-and-a-half-week jury trial for assaulting his ex-girlfriend and her then boyfriend.

The one-day trial was expected to begin Wednesday morning in 1st District Court. Lesky is charged with three counts of giving false or inconsistent material statements, a second-degree felony.

Prosecutors claim, during Leskys assault trial, he told the jury that he didnt purchase or have a gun when he confronted the victims in October 2014. He also allegedly lied about when his relationship with the victim began.

During the October trial, the victims described how Lesky approached them while they were outside their Logan apartment. He brandished the handgun and told the couple to go inside. When they refused, he pulled out a knife and attempted to stab the man, cutting his clothing. A jury of five women and three men found him guilty. He was later sentenced to prison.

Court records show, last month Lesky filed two motions to recuse Judge Brian Cannell and state attorney Spencer Walsh. He claimed that because of their involvement in the trial, it is impossible for them not to be prejudiced and biased. The motion has been sent to the presiding judge, Judge Thomas Willmore, who will hear arguments in the motion on June 14.

Lesky still faces a list of other charges, including burglary, a second-degree felony, aggravated assault, damaging the jail and theft, all third-degree felonies and 17 misdemeanors.

<hr /><p style=text-align: center;>will@cvradio.com
| BY Ricki Green |

Eighties icon Pac-Man is making the leap from the video game screen to Instant Scratch-Its tickets under a new arcade-inspired game being launched by the Lott  Australias official lotteries. The launch is being supported by a campaign created by Y&R Brisbane.

For the first time, Instant Scratch-Its players can dodge the ghosts and weave through the iconic Pac-Man maze for the chance to win from a prize pool of $9 million, including three top prizes of $100,000.

The six-week marketing campaign commences Sunday 4 June 2017. This will include Snapchat, social media and digital videos, along with billboards, shopping centre videos, and full bus wraps.

The campaigns two 10-second Snapchat ads mark the first time Instant Scratch-Its has used this social platform as a marketing channel.

The new game is part of Instant Scratch-Its ongoing brand repositioning that highlights how Instant Scratch-Its deliver little moments of joy that brighten up Australians lives every day.

Instant Scratch-Its brand portfolio manager Nada McNamara said the Pac-Man Instant Scratch-Its game and associated campaign aimed to showcase the brands playful and fun personality.

Says McNamara: Australia has had an enduring love affair with Pac-Man since the arcade game that was first released in Japan in May 1980  just a few years after Instant Scratch-Its were first launched Down Under.

With a renewed love of all things 80s at the moment  from the reunion of Bananarama to the eras metallic ruffles and shoulder pads  we expect the power of Pac-Man to exceed all previous successes weve had using licenced properties on Instant Scratch-Its tickets.

The iconic appeal of Pac-Man is a great way to introduce Instant Scratch-Its to new and infrequent players, particularly adults in their 20s, 30s and 40s who fondly remember Pac-Man from their youth.

For the marketing campaign, we wanted to take Pac-Man to the next level so many of our digital assets will show the animated Pac-Man leaping from the video screen onto an Instant Scratch-Its ticket and into our everyday lives.

McNamara said the launch of the Pac-Man Instant Scratch-Its game was part of a concerted strategy to develop new games and tickets aligned to customers needs.

Our strategy moving forward is based on ensuring Instant Scratch-Its meets peoples needs. We know from our recent consumer research that our customers are in different mindsets when they are playing different types of tickets and we need to develop Instant Scratch-Its games that align with these.

Creative agency: Y&R Brisbane
Education Minister Yvette Berry will on Thursday announce $85 million over four years for refurbished learning and teaching areas at the Woden School, better heating and cooling at Melrose High School, a new front office and school administration area at Malkara School, and capacity and school administration area upgrades at Garran Primary among other projects.
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He said the man had been trying to kill himself and had not been motivated by ACL activities or political messages, including its high-profile opposition to same-sex marriage laws in Australia.
Mathieu-Pierre Macintosh, who was last seen by his father in September 2013, abducted by his mother who is believed to be in France or Belgium. He was last seen by his father when he was nine. An aged-progressed photograph shows what he would look like now at 13. Photo: Supplied
Birmingham's public face is only one aspect of a very complex job. Ministers play diverse roles. They must deal successfully with their department, operate with authority within cabinet, carry the day in the parliamentary chamber, lead a team of staff within their own office, manage relationships with stakeholders behind closed doors, and be an effective local MP. They must also be persuasive within their party room, deal sensitively with the parliamentary crossbench and survive the machinations of their party's factional and organisational politics. That is a demanding list and few ministers are good at everything. One of Birmingham's weaknesses is that he doesn't appear to have consulted as widely as he should have before the education funding changes were announced.
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.
A Matter of Faith Lessons from the Heart

Our society is filled with hundreds of oftentimes competing beliefs about life, culture, likes and dislikes, and faith, just to...

We are not alone Lessons from the Heart

When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, The moon and the stars, which You have ordained, What...
You may have to do a double take or even a triple take when reading this headline because it sounds absolutely impossible. However, its not, it is a true story that happened a few days ago in Memphis, Tennessee.



Fox 13 Memphis reports that late at night when the owners of a Ford Taurus were out eating dinner, a highly-intoxicated man made himself comfortable on the 14-inch wide trunk lid of the sedan and promptly passed out.

Carl Webb and his wife returned to their car late at night and jumped in without noticing the man and swiftly embarked upon a journey that is almost hard to believe.

For 14 miles, Webb drove the Taurus with no clue that the passed-out man was hitching a free ride and for much of the drive, was traveling at 65 mph along the interstate.

Noticing the man curled up on the car, a local police officer pulled over the Ford and informed Webb and his wife of the bizarre scenario.

The officer came up and he said, Mr. are you aware theres a body on your trunk?, and that did not register. He goes, Mr. Im not messing with you. Theres a body on your trunk. So I got out. We walked around and sure enough there he was still hanging on, still unconscious, just lying there, Webb told reporters.

The drunken man was eventually woken from his slumber and put in the back of a police cruiser. It isnt known if he has been charged with any offenses.

VIDEO
Hong Kongs police force arrested 21 Uber drivers on Tuesday for illegal car-hiring as part of a general clamp-down again Uber operations in the Asian metropolis.



The local police said they began an undercover operation for Uber in May before arresting 20 men and one woman for illegally driving a car for hire and driving without third-party risk insurance, Reuters reports.

I would like to stress that our law enforcement action is ongoing and we do not rule out further arrests, said Lau Tat-fai, a chief inspector of police in the Kowloon West district.

We would like to say to the operator of the mobile phone application, as a responsible organization, you need to ensure cars for hire are equipped with a permit as required by Hong Kong laws. This is a basic responsibility to passengers and (shows) respect for Hong Kong laws, Lau added.

An Uber spokesman said that the company was extremely disappointed by this police action. We stand together with the twenty-one driver partners and their families, and will continue to provide assistance, including legal support, during this difficult time, the spokesman said.

Uber also said that it has a ridesharing insurance policy of up to HK$100 million per trip for riders and third-parties, complying this way with Hong Kongs insurance regulations.

Ridesharing should not be a crime. Hong Kong is an international city known for its embrace of global economic trends and new technologies, but current transportation regulations have failed to keep up with innovation, Uber said in a statement.

A court last March found five Uber drivers guilty and fined them with $1,287 each, along with revoking their driving licenses for a year, but the punishment was suspended upon the drivers appeal. Back then Uber said that it would help these drivers to appeal their court case.

PHOTO GALLERY
A motorcyclist in the U.S. has been lucky to walk away after rear-ending a car that cut in front of him on a motorway.



Captured by the bikers helmet camera, the unfortunate series of events starts after he approaches traffic while travelling along the motorways carpool lane. Out of nowhere, a blue Toyota Camry pulls out in front of him before he slams into it.

The biker then flips onto the Camrys rear window and furiously bangs on the window in his attempt to get the driver to stop. Eventually, after traveling for a few hundred feet, the car comes to a stop. Understandably, the biker is quite shocked as to what happened and lets his frustration out on the driver.

Perhaps even more interesting than the crash itself is the response of the driver. He appears totally emotionless and simply mutters I am so sorry before being instructed by the biker to pull off to the side of the motorway. His smartphone can also be seen resting on his lap, perhaps because he was using it at the time of the collision.

VIDEO
Production of the new Ford Fiesta has begun in the companys factory in Cologne, Germany.



Ford has invested 293 million euros in new production processes at the facility to build their new model, with the company claiming that a new Fiesta will roll off the line every 68 seconds.

Europes top selling car demonstrates Fords latest product strategy, with the new Fiesta being available in four distinct versions  the sporty ST-Line, the sophisticated Vignale and Titanium, the Active pseudo-crossover and the range-topping Fiesta ST, with the latter two coming next year.

We have taken this iconic small cars lovable, fun and sporty-to-drive character to the next level, with a greater choice of models than ever and with advanced technologies and features that small-car customers could only have dreamed of just a few years ago, said Jim Farley, executive vice president and president, Europe Middle East and Africa, Ford Motor Company.

The new generation of the Ford supermini is longer and wider than its predecessor, with the company also claiming a significant improvement in the overall quality of the new Fiesta, with tighter panel gaps and a cabin that wants to rival the best in this area.

There is also a really wide range of driver assistance systems as well, including Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection, Active Park Assist with Perpendicular Parking, Cross Traffic Alert, Adaptive Cruise Control, Adjustable Speed Limiter, Blind Spot Information System, Distance Indication, Driver Alert, Lane Keeping Aid, Lane Keeping Alert, Forward Collision Warning and the list goes on.

The available range of engines has been simplified, with three-cylinder petrol and four-cylinder diesel units. The range-topping Fiesta ST will be powered by a turbocharged three-pot 1.5-litre petrol unit with a cylinder deactivation feature that makes 197hp (200PS), giving it a 0-62mph in 6.7 seconds along with CO2 emissions of just 114g/km.

PHOTO GALLERY
There are plenty of racing schools you can go to across the United States to learn how to drive fast. Few of them are as well established or as well known as Skip Barber, but the latest word has it that the entire company has gone belly-up.



According to The Drive, the network of advanced driving schools has filed for bankruptcy under Chapter 11 in the Southern District of New York after accruing tens of millions in debt  estimated to range from $10 million to as much as $50 million.

The largest creditors appear to be the tracks where the school offers its programs, each of which is owed tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars in track rental fees. Somewhat ironically among them is Lime Rock Park in Connecticut, which just so happens to be owned by Skip Barber himself  unlike the school that bears his name and from which he divested controlling interest in 1999.

In addition to the $1.2 million owed to Lime Rock, the Skip Barber Racing School reportedly owes another $240k to Road Atlanta, $170k to Laguna Seca, $112k to Mid-Ohio, $105k to Palm Beach raceway, $56k to VIR, and nearly $30k to Willow Springs.

The company also offers classes at Atlanta Motorsports Park, the Autobahn Country Club, Carolina Motorsports Park, the National Corvette Museum, Pittsburg International Race Complex, Roebling Road, and Thompson Speedway. (Barber Motorsports Park in Alabama has no affiliation, but has been home to a Porsche driving school.)

Count against those and other liabilities the companys $5.3 million in assets, which are assessed to include $1.5 million worth of cars, another $1.6 million in parts, and a $2 million valuation on intellectual property (including the brand name and training techniques).

Given those figures, it seems likely that another investor will buy the companys assets in order to help court-appointed bankruptcy administrators pay off some of the liabilities and relaunch the school under new ownership. But the school as so many  from Marco Andretti to Jerry Seinfeld  have known it until now appears to be over and done with.

Photo Gallery
Chinese regulators have given the go-ahead for Volkswagen to form a joint venture with local company Anhui Jianghuai Automobile Group (JAC Motor) to produce electric vehicles in the nation.



Reuters says that Chinas top state planner, the National Development and Reform Commission, has given approval for 100,000 fully-electric vehicles to be built by VW-JAC Motor in a deal worth approximately 5.1 billion yuan ($740 million) annually.

Volkswagen already has two joint ventures in China, one with China FAW Group Corp and another with SAIC Motor. It says some final details need to be completed before it can sign its joint venture with JAC Motor but the latest deal forms part of the brands rapid push to become the market leader for electric vehicles.

According to VW, it wants to sell 400,000 all-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles in China by 2020 in an attempt to meet strict local fuel economy and emissions regulations.

PHOTO GALLERY
A few years ago, Aston Martin was simply trundling along with very few exciting models and an outdated range. In recent years, things have started to change with all-new models, hardcore, driver-focused variants and the finest of them all, the track-only Vulcan.



Limited to just 24 units worldwide, the Vulcan acts as the British marques answer to the McLaren P1 GTR and Ferrari FXX K but ditches hybrid-assisted grunt in favor of pure, unadulterated V12 fury, making for a rather special machine, as Jeremy Clarkson discovered in his review of the car during the first season of The Grand Tour.

Although Clarksons review of the model only took place at the small test track of the Amazon show and not a wide racetrack where its performance could be fully explored, it is pretty obvious that the raw character makes it feel even more special than the figures suggest.

The engine in the front of Astons wild creation is a naturally-aspirated 7.0-liter V12 that delivers 820 hp at 7,750 rpm and 575 lb-ft of torque at 6,500 rpm. Coupled to this engine is a six-speed sequential transmission that wouldnt be out of place in a Le Mans racing car, helping to create a vehicle that feels every bit as special as it does fast.

VIDEO
Photo: Sovereign Health

Is mental health care affordable?

I recently read an article about a U.S. national survey conducted during the summer with some interesting results concerning peoples perceptions of mental-health care in that country.

Just over 2,000 people aged 18 and older completed this survey for the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention, and 90 per cent of them said they viewed physical and mental health as equally important.

This is an encouraging finding and shows some progress has been made in battling stigma surrounding mental illness and its treatment. It has not been many years since a large segment of society viewed mental illness and mental health care with suspicion.

A third of those surveyed said they had been diagnosed with a mental health condition at some point, but almost half (47 per cent) said they thought they may have had a mental health condition. More than 10 per cent said they had missed work due to anxiety or depression.

Unfortunately, in spite of the prevalence of mental health issues and the perception of its importance, more than 40 per cent said they thought mental health care is not affordable for most people and 31 per cent viewed it as not accessible.

On the topic of suicide, more than half of respondents said they were affected by suicide in some way.

A majority said they believed measures to improve affordability and access to care, training for health care providers; research, and education could help to reduce the number of suicides.

Although this is an American survey and its easy to brush off issues of affordability and access when comparing our countries, I believe these perceptions are quite prevalent in Canada as well.

I often speak with people who say they delayed treatment for their mental illness because they thought they would not be able to afford it. Many are still surprised when I explain that psychiatric care is covered in our basic provincial health care.

This indicates we still have some distance to go in raising awareness about mental health care here in Canada.

This is not to say we have no issues with affordability or access here. Although visits with a psychiatrist are covered by our MSP, prescription medication is often only covered for those with extended health care plans. Many of the newer medications take years to be included in Pharmacare benefits in B.C.

When psychiatric medication is needed, it can be quite expensive. We do have some prescription coverage for low income Canadians, but costs for even regular working Canadians can be prohibitive in some cases.

Psychological testing may not be covered or easily accessible and counseling services are often not covered.

We have room for improvement when it comes to mental health care affordability and access.

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.
Photo: Contributed The Peachland library is closed for repairs after a vehicle crashed into it.

The Peachland branch of Okanagan Regional Library is temporarily closed for repairs.

After an incident involving a car, the building sustained a significant amount of external and internal damage requiring structural evaluation. Okanagan Regional Library is working closely with the building owner to ensure the library will be up and running as quickly as possible.

The library is taking the unexpected incident as an opportunity to update the branch.

The library should fully reopen in late June.

Since the accident, residents have been travelling to Summerland and Westbank for their library services.
Photo: Facebook Leslie McCulloch and Rebekka White were charged with producing an analogue of fentanyl.

A man who pleaded guilty in March to possession and production of a fentanyl-like drug has changed his lawyer ahead of sentencing, and his new lawyer has "additional issues" with the case.

Leslie McCulloch, 38, pleaded guilty to production of acetylfentanyl and possession for the purpose of trafficking in February, after his business on Auburn Road in West Kelowna was raided in March 2016.

Acetylfentanyl is an analogue of fentanyl, described by the American Drug Enforcement Agency as similar to fentanyl." The drugs still falls under the Canadian Controlled drugs and Substances Act.

After pleading guilty, McCulloch was released on $15,000 bail and remains under electronic monitoring.

He was back in Kelowna court Tuesday to confirm that a pre-sentence report has been completed and to put his new lawyer, Paul Gracia, on record as his counsel.

Gracia told the court he has yet to read the pre-sentence report, but he has additional issues with the case that he needs to investigate.

We do require additional time to research those issues, more than to just read this PSR (pre-sentence report), Gracia said.

McCulloch's file will be back before the court on June 12 to schedule a future sentencing date, if all goes well, according to the Crown.

McCulloch's girlfriend, 27-year-old Rebekka White, was also in court Tuesday, facing charges of production of a controlled substance, possession for the purpose of trafficking and two charges of possession, stemming from the same raid.

She also remains out of custody on bail, and will also be back in court on June 12.

British Columbia has been going through an illicit drug crisis for more than a year, largely fuelled by the introduction of fentanyl into street drugs. In 2016, 914 people died from illicit drug overdoses, up 80 per cent from 2015. Of those 916, 48 were from Kelowna.

In February, a Metro Vancouver drug dealer, who grew up in Kelowna, was given a 14-year sentence for trafficking fentanyl.
I am bringing to your attention the current state of the IHA Intensive Case Management Outreach facility located at 437 Martin St in Penticton. I am a resident of Penticton and chose to live in the downtown area of the city. This site is a disaster and IHA gets a fail for providing services here. This place has degenerated into a unsupervised illegal drug consumption site. Individuals that utilize services, obtain needles, and inject drugs in plain sight. I get a front row view of this almost daily. Individuals are living at the back of this building and some are not IHA customers many are. There are laws that prohibit this I am told, why are they not enforced? I have witnessed individuals using the area as a toilet almost daily. When this clinic opened to much fanfare, we were told that this type of situation would not happen. I can state, it has and continues to. There are other business in this complex who have employees that must run the gauntlet of drug intoxicated often dangerous individual in performing of their jobs.

I would like to also point out the proximity of a high school to this location as well as a a facility that hosts many childrens functions.

The drug dealers travel between a known drug house in Penticton and the IHA site daily, all hours of the day. Illegal drugs are consumed in plain sight. I have brought this to attention of the City of Penticton, (Mr. Mayor does not respond to emails), all of city council, (only 2 had the decency to even acknowledge me), the RCMP, Mr. Ashton, who despite being re-elected can't bother to respond, IHA, who can only deflect responsibility and the property owner who could care less as he gets his rent every month. As public officials, you all should be ashamed of yourselves.

This site, is becoming the epicentre for drug use in this city. The RCMP have attended this location upwards of 30 times in the past several month. I do not think having to watch addicted individuals openly use illegal drugs in public is acceptable and I am no longer willing to accept this. If the purpose of this facility is to provide services to individuals who want assistance I would like to know how IHA purposes how are those individuals supposed to get off the drugs if the addicted and dug dealers use this publicly funded as a place of business?

There was obviously very little consideration for the residents of this area when this site was selected to provide this service. When this site was chosen and the individuals that truly needed assistance to better themselves would finally have a safe location to access services, I for one was very happy to see that that occur. Instead, now the criminal element and the mentally ill addicted who do not want and will not accept services, now have a place to call their own where they are free to do crime, use illegal drugs and essentially do whatever they please with no fear of consequences.

I am respectfully asking that anyone of you come down to this site one day and take a look around. Often there are individuals under the influence of illegal drugs in front and around this location all hours of the day and night. As a result of this type of behaviour, we can no longer have our grandchildren in our home as they have already had to witness drug usage and public nudity.

If any of you do not feel that this is a justified concern, that is up to you. If you choose not to respond, again, your choice. I feel that as a citizen of this country, I have no rights.

Dan Shewfelt
Photo: CTV Vancouver

An animal advocacy group is offering a $1,000 reward to help identify the person responsible for snaring a river otter in West Vancouver, leaving the creature suffering for days.

The adult female otter was found injured near Ambleside Pier on Sunday.

Laurie Simington and Lorrie Cole rescued the animal. The pair operate SNAPPS (Squamish Neighbourhood Animal Partnership and Protection Society).

Wire was seen cutting into the flesh on the otter's neck, and the group believes it had been suffering for up to two weeks.

"The pain she must have endured is unfathomable," Fur-Bearers executive director Lesley Fox said in a news release. "There is absolutely no reason that such agony should be endured."

The animal is being treated with antibiotics and is eating, and the Fur-Bearers said there is a chance the animal will eventually be able to be released back into the wild.

It's possible the wire was being used for a legal, legitimate purpose, "by all accounts it looks and acts like a snare used out of season," Fox added.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the B.C. Conservation Officers Service.

-with files from CTV Vancouver
Contributed

The young girl pulled off a Richmond dock by a sea lion over the weekend is being treated for a minor flesh wound.

The communications manager at Vancouver Aquarium's Marine Science Centre said staff have talked with the girl's family, but would not give further details.

Officials have not identified the girl or her family, but a post on the social media site Weibo appears to be from her mother: "My little treasure is OK. All we lost are two pairs of sunglasses."

The girl was wounded Saturday evening at Steveston wharf when the sea lion dragged her off the dock, into the water.

 with files from CTV Vancouver
Photo: City of Vernon Illustration of proposed building for Legion site.

Granny nannies would be a key part of a proposed 70-unit seniors supportive care facility on 31st Avenue in the downtown where the old Legion building now stands.

This is a unique project, Kerry Collier, an Alberta professor who is working with the development group, said of the $12.5 million plan. It's almost a pilot project for affordability.

During a meeting Tuesday, city council was asked to approve changes to allow the building to go from four to six storeys and for a reduction in underground parking spaces from 84 to 55.

Parking isn't going to be an issue, Collier insisted. The issue is getting the density to pay for staffing...It's basically bums in beds.

Large suites will have a den where a live-in caregiver or family could stay.

There is going to be a radical change in seniors' housing and this building is one of them, Collier said, adding that a so-called granny nanny would be able to provide food and cut down on the cost of food services.

Coun. Scott Anderson expressed some concern with the reduction in parking spaces, especially if an extra person would be staying in the suites.

This sounds as if we need more parking, Anderson said.

But the typical granny nanny is a foreign worker, Collier explained.

They can't afford to drive....What's paramount is good city access to bus service, he replied. We do have adequate parking. I'm just a little concerned about the (space for) scooters.

Only 15 spaces have been set aside for scooters.

Meanwhile, Bob Maddigan, an Edmonton developer involved in the project told council the Legion building was built in the 1940s and it was a good thing it was going.

There are some things in that building that should not be in the downtown, Maddigan said. It's time to get rid of it.

The old building has turned into an eye sore in recent years and was the site of an arson last July.

The variances were approved by council.
Photo: Contributed

One of the most hotly contested riding in the province continues to be a nail biter.

A recount is being done in Courteny-Comox for frontrunners Jim Benninger of the Liberals and Ronna-Rae Leonard of the NDP.

Elections BC has put Leonard ahead by 101 votes, but there are still almost 1,000 absentee ballots to count. The next update is expected at 10 a.m. Wednesday.

Recounts are also being done in 13 other ridings.
Photo: Twitter

While they are battling flooding in the Okanagan, B.C. Forestry crews are fighting flames near Mt. Robson Park.

According to a Twitter post from B.C. Forestry, crews are at the scene of a 15-hectare fire east of Tete Jaune Cache near Mt. Robson Park.

There is no word if any structures are threatened by the flames.
Photo: Thinkstock.com

RCMP in Surrey responded to a drive-by shooting overnight.

Police responded to a report of gunshots near a townhouse complex in the area of 75th Avenue and 140th Street. A vehicle was struck, however there were no injuries.

It's not yet known if the shooting was targeted, says Sgt. Dale Jackson.

The Surrey RCMP General Investigation Unit is investigating and has released the scene.



Anyone with information is asked contact Surrey RCMP at 604-599-0502, or CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Photo: The Canadian Press Tourists stop to take photos on the dock at Steveston Harbour.

Jocelyne Dramisino says she made her little cousin watch a hair-raising online video before taking her to a Vancouver-area wharf on Tuesday where days earlier a sea lion yanked a young girl off the dock and into the water.

"I wanted ... to make sure that she was a little bit smarter than other people have been in the past so that that would not happen to her," Dramisino said during a visit to Steveston Harbour in Richmond.

The video shows a young girl leaning over the edge of a dock, giggling at an adult male California sea lion swimming less than a metre away. The girl sits down on the guard rail before the animal grabs her dress and pulls her backwards into the water. A man jumps in and lifts her to safety.

A spokeswoman for the Vancouver Aquarium said in an email that the girl's family contacted the facility and is getting the appropriate medical treatment after she received a superficial injury.

Dramisino said she would still bring visiting friends and family to the harbour, but it's important to keep a distance from wild animals.

"They are not our cats and dogs that we have at home," said Dramisino, who lives in North Vancouver. "Although they do seem friendly and they look cute, they are wild animals, and they are more vicious than you probably would tend to think."

The sea lion appears to have been drawn to the dock on Saturday by adults who were reportedly throwing bread crumbs into the water.

In an interview with the CBC, the father of the girl pulled into the water denied that anyone in the family was feeding the animal. Identified only by the family's surname, he said his daughter was too close to the sea lion and that she learned her lesson the hard way.

Since the incident, the Steveston Harbour Authority has plastered the dock with warning signs telling people not to feed the wildlife and to be careful around the water's edge.

A Fisheries and Oceans Canada note warns that people found disturbing a marine mammal can faces fines of up to $100,000.
Photo: BC Hydro Windstorm causes outages across Southern Interior.

Last night's wind storm caused numerous outages across the Southern Interior, Lower Mainland, Vancouver Island and Central Interior.

According to BC Hydro's power outage list just after 7:30 a.m., a total of 16,188 customers were without power in the Thompson/Shuswap region and 2,472 customers were suffering an outage in the Okanagan/Kootenay region.

In Salmon Arm, hundreds of people remain without power.

According to a statement on the utility's website: "BC Hydro crews and contractors have made steady progress through the night and continue to work to restore remaining affected customers. Please continue to check back for the latest info. Thank you for your patience."

In all, according to a BC Hydro statement, about 210,000 in affected areas were left without power. More than 184,000 customers have been reconnected.

"There are currently less than 30,000 customers without power."
Photo: Bruce Borrowman Fire could be seen from Lumby on Tuesday night.

UPDATE: 4:30 p.m.

Rain, wet snow and a cooler temperature have helped control a wildfire just over two kilometres away from Lumby.

The BC Wildfire Service reports the Cooper Creek wildfire is "being held."

"There is no smoke that can be seen from the village," said Lumby Fire Chief Tony Clayton. "Yesterday you could see the smoke and the flareups."

Clayton said he had heard from the forests ministry there had been rain and wet snow at the site of the fire.

UPDATE: 1:05 p.m.

An evacuation alert affecting 30 residences along Cooper Road and Hurt Road in response to a wildfire in the Cooper Creek area has been cancelled, according to the North Okanagan Regional District.

The BC Wildfire Service reports the wildfire is 4.1 hectares in size.

Original Story: 8 a.m.

More firefighters from the BC Wildfire Service were being sent Wednesday to the Cooper Creek wildfire burning two kilometres northwest of Lumby.

Some were already on the scene, said Max Birkner, fire information officer.

Smoke had died down, but the wildfire continued to burn and an evacuation alert for 30 residences in the area remained in effect, said the village's fire chief.

Visible smoke has died down but we are still getting some winds, said Fire Chief Tony Clayton.

An evacuation alert was issued last night for homes along Cooper and Hurt roads.

Structural protection specialists are coming out again and will be evaluating people's property, Clayton said.

The fire chief said the blaze was not a threat to the village at this time.

The wildfire erupted early Tuesday evening and could be seen by villagers  first as smoke and then flame as it sparked trees in the hills.

The B.C. Wildfire Service responded to the fire Tuesday night with a helicopter and airtankers. Retardant was being laid down on the north and east flanks.

"More elaborate mapping of the fire has been done and it is still estimated to be four hectares in size," Birkner reported.

"This is a developing situation," Birkner said, referring to the windy conditions overnight. "If aircraft are needed we will put them on."
Photo: Brennan Scott High waves at Vernon Yacht Club Tuesday evening.

The winds have died down, and now the reports of damage are coming in.

A powerful storm churned up Okanagan Lake, which was already at flood levels in some areas, causing damage and flooding to many lakefront home owners.

David Wright lives on Willow Shore Road in the Head of the Lake area north of Vernon, and he said despite their best efforts, waves crashed over barriers and flooded several homes.

We lost the battle in the storm, all our houses are under water now. Many people got evacuated last night. The waves were just too much to handle, even though we had been working hard for weeks (with) thousands of sand bags laid down. The whole community had banded together and worked endless days to try and protect our homes, said Wright Wednesday morning.

Wright said some people who lived on higher ground rode the storm out, while others evacuated their homes.

It was so fast and furious with the waves, he said. The waves were insane, don't think I have seen them that high in years, if ever.

Residents in the Okanagan Landing area also took a beating from the wind and waves with reports of destroyed docks and other damage coming in.
Photo: CTV A large tree smashed down onto a BC Hydro truck in Vancouver during Tuesday's storm.

A BC Hydro technician is unhurt, but his truck was crushed by a falling tree while he tried to restore power in a Vancouver neighbourhood as a windstorm tore across southern British Columbia late Tuesday.

Hydro spokeswoman Mora Scott says the worker was in the vehicle when the tree came down, but the truck's boom absorbed most of the impact and the worker was able to escape the shattered cab.

The incident happened at the height of the storm, which BC Hydro says knocked out power to 210,000 customers on the Lower Mainland, Sunshine Coast, parts of Vancouver Island and the Southern Interior.

Scott says power was restored early Wednesday for about 184,000 customers, but another 30,000 remain without electricity, including in some of the hardest hit areas like 100 Mile House, Clearwater, Salmon Arm and Enderby.

She says crews are working as fast as possible to reach and repair many of the Interior locations, but there is no estimate when power will be restored.
Photo: Google Maps

A washout has forced closure of the Brenda Mines exit off the Okanagan Connector.

In a brief statement, DriveBC says the exit is closed in both directions until further notice.

Originally, the notice indicated the highway was also closed, however, that has since been rescinded.
Photo: CTV Jim Benninger, BC Liberal candidate for Courtenay-Comox

The New Democrats are widening a lead in Vancouver Island's crucial Courtenay-Comox riding, where the results could determine the next British Columbia government.

The latest Elections BC absentee ballot count has NDP candidate Ronna-Rae Leonard ahead of Liberal candidate Jim Benninger by 148 votes.

The race between Leonard and Benninger has swung back and forth, since election night on May 9 when Leonard held a 13-vote lead.

The gap in the popular vote is also closing between the two major parties, showing the Liberals with 40.36 per cent support compared with the New Democrat's 40.28 per cent.

At stake is a one-seat Liberal majority if Benninger wins, but if Leonard wins, there could be a Liberal or NDP minority government with the support of three Green members in the 87-seat legislature.

A judicial recount remains a possibility depending on the final outcome or the ability of either the Liberals or NDP to convince a judge to order a recount.

The standings on election night were: 43 Liberals, 41 New Democrats and three Greens. A majority government would be 44 seats.

Liberal and New Democrat negotiating groups have met separately with a Green team since the election in an effort to reach a political co-operation agreement that would either support the Liberals to govern or allow the NDP to form a government.

Green Leader Andrew Weaver has said the Greens want party status even though they don't have the required four seats. The Greens also want to reform the current first-past-the-post electoral system and want changes to B.C.'s campaign finance system that currently allows large donations from corporations, unions and individuals.
UPDATE: 2:30 p.m.

The Tronson Road boat launch has been temporarily closed due to debris buildup following yesterday's wind storm.

City crews are removing debris today and expect the boat launch to be open by 6 p.m. tonight.

Boating on Okanagan and Kalamalka Lakes is strongly discouraged while while they remain at flood levels.

Docks were lost and tree branches fell in the Landing and further afield along Okanagan Lake Tuesday night.

On Wednesday morning, City of Vernon workers at Kin Beach cut damaged tree branches and cleaned up others that had fallen during the storm, as high winds continued to batter the almost invisible line of beach.

While the Vernon Yacht Club's moorings took a battering during the windstorm, they held up and no damage was reported except a broken water line, according to a member of the club.

Other members showed up to survey the scene and check their boats.

A number of private docks were lost along Okanagan Landing Road.

Some men were seen struggling in the waves to secure docks while other people were at sand piles, bagging sand to fill breached positions.

Further along, near Harbour Heights Road, Ryan Danchuk surveyed the damage to his new build right on the lake.

We had built a three-foot sandbag wall all along the perimeter of the property and then about 6 p.m. the weather changed and the waves came up, said Danchuck. They just totally destroyed the sandbag wall in about 15 minutes.

Danchuk, his family and friends scrambled to put plywood sheets and sandbags against the glass doors of his unfinished house to keep the water out.

I've lived on the lake my whole life and I've never seen anything like this....We're just going to keep on keeping on.
Like communities up and down the Valley, the Okanagan Indian Band is keeping a close eye on the lake and the weather.

Tuesday's wind storm flooded several homes in the Head of the Lake area and more than 100 others are threatened by the rising waters.

The area was one of the worst hit by yesterday's storm.

A handful of people have been evacuated due to the rising water.

OKIB Chief Byron Louis said plans are in place to evacuate other people if necessary, adding so far there are 115 homes at risk by the flood waters.

We had approximately 200,000 sandbags being filled, said Louis on Wednesday. We're looking at 750 residents along Okanagan Lake on reserve lands that could be affected.

Louis is also keeping an eye on what is happening in the South Okanagan.

He said the amount of water let out of Okanagan Lake in the South Okanagan impacts the North Okanagan.

It's affected by the Similkameen River that can act like a dam on the lower Okanagan and it can start backing water up into Osoyoos Lake and if that happens it's going to have a chain reaction all the way up the Valley. The river in Washington State can only hold so much water, so we could be in this all through June, said Louis.

Other concerns the band has are septic fields and holding tanks. Many homes in the area are on septic and Louis has concerns about the flood waters washing all that material into the lake.

A public information meeting will be held at at Head of the Lake Hall, 118 Head of the Lake Rd. Thursday, May 25 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
I was quite surprised to see that 1/3 of the people ticked diplomacy.

Diplomacy: the art and practice of conducting negotiations between nations.

Isis is not a Nation.

There never will be a diplomatic solution when you are dealing with terrorists. Most countries in the world will not even reply to terrorists who kidnap nationals and demand ransom.

The Islamic terrorists, Isis, and their affiliates burn people in cages, drown people in cages, encourage suicide bombs, and murder anyone in their way.

You cannot stop that thinking sitting at a United Nations board table.

Ken Warren
Photo: Twitter MP Terry Beech announces protected marine area off Vancouver Island.

The federal government is taking the first step in protecting an area that contains rare, chimney-like hydrothermal vents off British Columbia's coast.

The Ministry of Fisheries and Oceans announced Wednesday the Marine Protected Area would cover an area twice the size of New Brunswick, or about 140,000 square kilometres, west of Vancouver Island to the edge of Canadian waters, 200 nautical miles off the coast.

The vents, which were only discovered in 1982, release minerals from the Earth's crust and are home to a variety of unique sea life and plants that have adapted to the harsh conditions created by the warm or saline water.

The ministry says it intends to create the Marine Protected Area by 2020, but there are many hurdles to overcome first.

It says final boundaries and activity restrictions still need to be worked out and there will be consultations with local, provincial and indigenous partners.

The area would also protect a seamount, or an underwater mountain, that rises more than 1,000 metres from the sea floor.
Cemex USA recognised for land stewardship

24 May 2017

Cemex USA has been recognised by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department for its ongoing commitment to sustainability and land stewardship with the 2017 Lone Star Land Steward Award for the Trans Pecos Ecoregion.



The award recognises Cemex, the El Carmen Land & Conservation Co LLC and part owner of the ECLCC, Josiah Austin, for their dedication to excellence in wildlife and natural-resource management through work in Texas at the El Carmen Nature Reserve, a private trans-boundary conservation area in the Big Bend region that comprises five different ecosystems and is home to a myriad of plants, birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians.



Cemex wants to ensure we preserve the unique landscape at El Carmen, and we strive for sustainability in everything we do, Cemex USAs Regional President-Texas Region, Scott Ducoff said. We are constantly committed to conserving the land so species that rely on it can do so for decades to come.



El Carmen stretches from Texas into Mexico and is the result of conservation agreements between Cemex and adjoining landowners on both sides of the border. The award from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department recognises the continuing efforts to restore lands and native wildlife in the US part of El Carmen along with the commitment to protect the vital wildlife corridor and bird migration route between two countries.



The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has honoured with the awards those who show dedicated stewardship of land for more than two decades.

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UkrCemFor 2017 underway

24 May 2017

The VII International Conference UkrCemFor 2017 is underway at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Kiev, Ukraine, bringing together key players from the domestic and European cement industry to discuss market developments, technology advances and industry best practices.



Organised by Ukrcement, the association of cement producers of Ukraine, the meeting has been tailored to focus on the growth of the local cement market, as well as discuss new construction projects both at home and abroad, European regulations and guidelines, quality standards, modern raw material and finish cement quality control technology and market protection against counterfeit products.



Participants include representatives from the German Cement Federation VDZ, the World Bank, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), as well as producers, equipment suppliers and research institutions focussed on the cement industry.

The speaker programme includes leading figures from the business arena, economists, government officials and industry leaders. Speakers include: Volodymyr Omelyan, Minister of Infrastructure of Ukraine, Pavlo Kachur, chairman of Ukrcement, Miguel Machado, development director of CRH Ukraine, Volodymyr Shulmeyster, First Deputy Minister of Infrastructure of Ukraine (2014-16) and Volodymyr Shulmeyster, First Deputy Minister of Infrastructure of Ukraine (2014-16), to name a few.





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The Tennessee Supreme Court has reversed a decision of the Court of Appeals, which declined to award attorneys fees on appeal in a post-divorce proceeding.

In the underlying final divorce decree of the parties in this case, the husband and wife were parties to a marital dissolution agreement, which contained a provision for the award of attorneys fees to the prevailing party in subsequent legal proceedings. The matter before the Supreme Court arose out of a post-divorce proceeding in which the wife prevailed at trial and on appeal. As the prevailing party, the wife requested an award of attorney fees from the trial court and the Court of Appeals pursuant to a statutory provision, as well as the parties marital dissolution agreement.

The trial court awarded attorneys fees to the wife, and those fees were affirmed by the Court of Appeals. The Court of Appeals, however, declined to award attorneys fees to the wife on appeal based on the statutory provision, Tennessee Code Annotated section 27-1-122. It did not address whether the wife was entitled to attorneys fees on appeal pursuant to the parties marital dissolution agreement. Following the Court of Appeals denial of the wifes petition to rehear, the wife appealed to the Supreme Court on the sole issue of whether she was entitled to appellate attorneys fees under the marital dissolution agreement.

In a unanimous opinion authored by Chief Justice Jeffrey S. Bivins, the Court determined that, although the Court of Appeals has discretion to award attorneys fees pursuant to certain statutory provisions, it has no discretion to award attorneys fees when the parties have a valid and enforceable marital dissolution agreement which requires an award of reasonable attorneys fees to a prevailing or successful party. Rather, the Court of Appeals must apply standard rules regarding contractual interpretation and enforcement.

The Supreme Court did not consider the validity or enforceability of the marital dissolution agreement because that issue was not raised on appeal. Rather, it considered whether the fees sought by the wife on appeal were within the scope of the marital dissolution agreement. The Court held that, because the wife was the prevailing party, she was entitled to attorneys fees on appeal. Accordingly, the Court reversed the decision of the Court of Appeals and remanded the case to the trial court for determination of the appropriate amount of fees incurred in the appeal to the Court of Appeals and to the Supreme Court.

To read the Supreme Courts opinion in Elizabeth Eberbach v. Christopher Eberbach, authored by Chief Justice Jeffrey S. Bivins, go to the opinions section of TNCourts.gov.
Attorney General Herbert H. Slatery III announced Wednesday Tennessee has joined 46 other states and the District of Columbia in an $18.5 million settlement with Target Corporation to resolve the states' investigation into the retail company's 2013 data breach. The settlement represents the largest ever multistate data breach settlement.

The states' investigation, led by Connecticut and Illinois, found that in November 2013 cyber attackers accessed Target's gateway server through credentials stolen from a third-party vendor. The credentials were then used to exploit weaknesses in Target's system, which allowed the attackers to access a customer service database.

The cyber-attack exposed customer information including names, telephone numbers, email and mailing addresses. The attackers also gained access to payment card information including card numbers, expiration dates, CVV1 codes, and encrypted debit PINs.

The data breach affected more than 41 million customer payment card accounts and contact information for more than 60 million customers. An estimated 770,000 Tennesseans were impacted by this attack.

Customers need to know their personal information is secure when they shop, General Slatery said. For companies, protecting their customer data should be as important to the transaction as the sale itself. The key to this settlement is taking steps to prevent future cyber-attacks.

In addition to monetary payment to the states, the settlement agreement requires Target to develop, implement and maintain a comprehensive information security program and to employ an executive or officer who is responsible for executing the plan. The company is required to hire an independent, qualified third-party to conduct a comprehensive security assessment.

The settlement further requires Target:

To maintain and support software on its network;

To maintain appropriate encryption policies, particularly as pertains to cardholder and personal information data;

To segment its cardholder data environment from the rest of its computer network;

To undertake steps to control access to its network, including implementing password rotation policies and two-factor authentication for certain accounts.

As part of the settlement, the state of Tennessee will receive $311,616.

In addition to Tennessee, other states participating in this settlement include Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and West Virginia and the District of Columbia.
Erlanger Health Systems air medical program, LIFE FORCE, held a ceremony to honor local EMS heroes who have gone above and beyond the call of duty in the inaugural Call of the Year awards during national EMS Week. LIFE FORCE flight crew members and awards committee selected outstanding calls in the categories of Medical, Pediatric and Trauma.

Medical Call of the Year was awarded to Scott Garrison and Myron Schroepfer of Hamilton County EMS and Larry Robbins of the Hamilton County Sheriffs Office.

The patient suffered a heart attack while hunting alone in the woods. He was several miles away from help and traveled as far as he could. When he spoke with dispatch he was asked to fire his gun in order to help rescuers locate him. This gave a general direction, but he was not located until the responders heard him whistling in response to their calls as he was too weak to respond otherwise. The first responders perseverance to find his location and provide medical care before transport helped to keep the patient alive.



LIFE FORCE 2 crew members nomination for Pediatric Call of the Year recognized Jamie Hillis Parsley and Greta Stone of Dekalb County EMS and the St. Thomas Dekalb Emergency Room for their quick response and treatment of a 2-year-old child with inhalation burns from a house fire. This is a difficult diagnosis as the evidence of injury is not an immediate wound one can see with the naked eye. These EMS workers and Emergency Department personnel did not cease until the patient was stabilized.

Trauma Call of the Year went to Tim Nelson and Whitney Howard of AMR McMinn County and Paul Johnson, Brad Johnston, Brian Greenlaw, John Amos and Will Davis of the McMinn county Sheriffs Office. These first responders applied lifesaving tourniquets to a patient injured in a motor vehicle accident. The patient suffered multiple broken bones, a severe head injury and near amputation of both legs. Without this teams forethought and instinct to apply tourniquets, the patient would not have survived.

Erlangers Dr. Lisa Smith recognized the first responders who worked the Woodmore bus crash in November of 2016. Hamilton County EMS, Puckett EMS, Angel EMS, Chattanooga Police Department, Chattanooga Fire Department, CHI Memorial Hospital Ambulance Service, Southeast Ambulance Service and Bradley County EMS were are given a token of appreciate with the deepest gratitude and honor for their service in a tragic time for the area. Working together, these departments were able to save many lives that day and honor those lost.

The Erlanger Regional Operations Center (EROC) was dedicated in memory of the late Dr. James Creel with his family present to witness the honor. Dr. Creel will always be remembered as a pioneering physician and visionary leader in the Emergency Medicine community. He impacted thousands of lives as a leader, teacher and medical professional. Dr. Creel was ABEM certified for more than 30 years and certified in Undersea and Hyperbaric medicine. He was instrumental in designing and developing both an Emergency Medicine Residency and EMS Fellowship training and was the Medical Director of Pre Hospital and Disaster Medicine, EROC and Tennessees Region 3 Regional Medical Control Center at Erlanger. He held many leadership positions at Erlanger and within the community. From 2010 to 2012, he served as Medical Director of Puckett EMS and has served as Medical Director of Hamilton County EMS for the past 28 years. He laid the foundation for our current EMS system through vigilant training and support for our local EMS personnel.

EMS Week, May 21-27, honors the first responders, EMS workers and Emergency Medicine personnel in the nation. These men and women are responsible for delivering top-notch care to patients in their time of need. Erlanger is fortunate to work with these professionals, both on their team and in partnerships around the region. This year's theme is "EMS Strong: Always in Service."
The LIFTLightweight Innovations for Tomorrow national manufacturing institute, along with Tennessee Tech University iCube, the Tennessee STEM Innovation Network, the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers and the Foundation for Kentucky Industry, is proud to announce the winning schools of the 2016-2017 MakerMinded competition. Eight schools in Tennessee and Kentucky are being recognized for excellence in advanced manufacturing and STEM learning through their participation in MakerMinded, a new online STEM learning and competition platform.

These students are our future leaders in advanced manufacturing, said Lawrence E. Brown, executive director, LIFT. Through MakerMinded, they are not only learning foundational STEM skills, but getting hands-on experience in great manufacturing careers in their communities.



MakerMinded was launched at the start of the 2016 school year to impassion students about advanced manufacturing and provide them with transformational learning experiences that set them on track towards 21st century manufacturing careers. The platform provides access to a diverse range of national and local STEM and advanced manufacturing programs, including manufacturing facility tours, gaming activities, project-based learning, and competitions.



The first year impact of MakerMinded is powerful evidence of the magic that happens when you inspire young people, said Emily DeRocco, LIFTs Education and Workforce Director. In less than one year, over 2000 students at over 200 schools across Kentucky and Tennessee completed over 1900 STEM programs, gaining foundational technical and employability skills that will poise them for success in the high-tech manufacturing industry. LIFT and its partners are awarding the top six schools in



Tennessee, which competed from October to May, and the top two schools in Kentucky, which competed from February through May. These schools will receive Virtual Reality Learning Systems to give their students additional hands-on exposure to STEM and advanced manufacturing technology and careers.

The following top Tennessee schools will be awarded today at the Tennessee STEM Innovation Summit in Murfreesboro, Tennessee:



STEM School Chattanooga  Hamilton County Department of Ed (Chattanooga, TN)

Heritage High School  Blount County Schools (Maryville, TN)

Cookeville High School  Putnam County School District (Cookeville, TN)

White Station Middle School  Shelby County Schools (Memphis, TN)

Rose Park Middle School  Metro Nashville Public Schools (Nashville, TN)

Maxine Smith STEAM Academy  Shelby County Schools (Memphis, TN)

When we give schools the innovations and tools to succeed, we are ensuring successful futures for students, said Wes Hall, executive director, Tennessee STEM Innovation Network. MakerMinded is a gamechanger that is increasing students access to the real-world STEM experiences and skills they need to realize great careers.

Leading Kentucky Schools will be celebrated at a special ceremony at the Kentucky Association of Manufacturers Innovation Summit on June 1, 2017. These schools are:

Trigg County High SchoolTrigg County Public Schools (Cadiz, KY)

Turkey Foot Middle SchoolKenton County Schools (Edgewood, KY)

Kentucky Lieutenant Governor, Jenean Hampton, will give out the awards to Kentuckys winning schools on June 1. Im so proud of these students and am excited for their future, said Lt. Gov. Hampton. Im confident their energy, passion, and knack for STEM will translate into talented employees as well as remarkable leaders.

The 2017-2018 MakerMinded competition in Kentucky and Tennessee will begin in August, 2017. In partnership with Battelle and the Ohio STEM Learning Network, LIFT will launch MakerMinded in Ohio in August.
Media Invite





UPDATE: Due to overwhelming response, the Army Open House 2017 public days will now be extended to 29 May 2017, Monday from 9am to 8pm!





The last Army Open House (AOH) was held at F1 Pit Building 5 years ago and come this 27/28 May 2017 weekend, it makes a rousing return - bigger and better than before!





Army Platforms Display

Battlefield Zone

Battle Rides

Soldier Strong Obstacle Course

Dynamic Defence Display Show

10am & 3pm on Saturday & Monday

10am & 4pm on Sunday

7.30pm on both days

NS50 Showcase

Steady pom pi pi

Kids Zone

Other Activities on Level 2

Click to enlarge

Useful Information

Army Open House 2017

Army Open House 2017 promises to be a fun and immersive showcase of the latest military vehicles, weaponry, action-packed activities... including a heartfelt tribute to 50 years of National Service, in recognition of those who have served National Service over the years.In fact, the organisers have intentionally made it accessible to everyone from all walks of life - whether you are a toddler, teen, young working adult, parent or senior citizen. And trust me when I say the entire area that AOH covers is HUGE with both outdoor and air-conditioned (phew!) areas.Here are the happening stuff that you can expect at AOH 2017:Located right in front of the F1 Pit Building is a long stretch of military vehicles on display.Featuring the Singapore Army's latest gadgets, weapon systems and of course all the fighting machines that kids (and adults) love, this is the perennial favourite for many to go trigger-happy with the camera.As an added bonus, most of the vehicles at the Static Display also allow the public to climb onboard for a closer look. Kids will love the experience, especially when they get to sit in the cockpit of this Apache attack helicopter!Boasting a firing range and urban course, this is where the public can get hands-on with military weapons such as firing the SAR21 rifle or the anti-armour system Matador. There is no clear-cut minimum age, but kids generally have to be able to lift the weapon as a prerequisite.Okay, this will definitely be one of the hottest activity of AOH 2017 as the public will be able to hop on six types of warfighting vehicles.There will be four land vehicles to choose from, the Terrex Infantry Carrier Vehicle, Bronco ATTC, Light Strike Vehicle and Peacekeeper Protected Response Vehicle (below photo).Water rides include the Light Amphibious Resupply Cargo vehicle (LARC V) and the M3G, a self-propelled military raft utilised by the Singapore Armys Combat Engineers.I got a chance sail down the waters of Marina Bay on the M3G military raft, and I can imagine how much this will thrill the kids!At the previous AOH, queues for the military vehicles got unbearably long so for this year's edition, visitors will just need to head to the Battles Rides Registration tent to register for a ride of their choice at a selected timing. Then they will have to make their way to the chosen ride at that timing - much like Disneyland's Fastpass.The Battle Rides have a minimum height of 1.2m, and covered shoes are a MUST when going for the rides.For the first time, there will be a obstacle course which requires participants to clear 7 obstacles. The beauty of the obstacle course is it is suited for BOTH parent and child, with obstacles catering to adults and kids positioned side by side so that they will be able to clear them together.First up, scale up the... which will definitely bring back (painful?) memories of the old Standard Obstacle Course (SOC).Next, do thewhere participants will be required to carry a 15kg or 20kg sandbag (6kg or 8kg for kids) to and from a distance of 10m.Then, traverse from one end of the tyres to the opposite end, one after the other at theThe obstacle course then gets more physical with the, where participants must get across from one end to the other using the overhead bars. For kids, there is a lower swing bar.is next and as the name implies, adults get to flip a 3-tonner tyre for a distance of 10m. That's 101kg worth of tyre in case you are wondering.Kids have it relatively easier - flipping a land-rover tyre.. The bane of my SOC while I was in the army eons ago, adults will have to climb up a 3.5m-high rope while kids have the luxury of going up a rope ladder.The final obstacle will see parent and child pulling themselves up on an inclinedand heading down the other side. Very fun!The highlight of AOH 2017, the show will take place at the seating stands area in front of the Flyer. The 30-minute show will be held twice each day during the weekend atand. Seating capacity is 3,000 and is at a first-come-first-served basis.The show kicks off with a display by military dogs who are put through their paces by their handlers.The adrenaline then pumps up a few notches after that, with a mighty display of the Army's armoured vehicles, such as the Terrex infantry carrier vehicle and the Leopard 2 armoured engineer vehicle.A terror drill, simulating a bomb situation, will also be held during the show, involving the Special Operations Task Force for the first time. And if you are a fan of the Red Lions, be sure to look up into the sky at some point during the show too!At, there will also be awhich will showcase the SAF Central Band, MP Drill Squad and the SAF Music and Drama Company.To celebrate 50 years of National Service, an experiential exhibition where visitors can learn about the evolution of NS over the past 50 years, as well as achievements of our national servicemen in defending and safeguarding Singapore has been set up at the F1 Pit Building.Other than the fact that it is entirely air-conditioned (yay!), the exhibition is one of the most interactive and immersive I have experienced. Consisting of three zones, visitors will be able to have plenty of photo opportunities like these 2 trick art installations of recruits doing log PT and recruits toss their jockey caps into the air after the Passing Out Parade.While the first zone captures the spirit of Basic Military Training (BMT) over the years, the second zone zooms in on the operations and capabilities of the SAF and Home Team. Do check out the ultra-cool interactive table and dress up in virtual combat gear there!The final zone is a place for pledges and self-reflection, which calls for all Singaporeans to renew the commitment to Singapore and National Service.Oh, and see if you can spot our contribution too!Remember what I said about AOH 2017 being suitable for everyone, from the young to the pioneer? Fret not if you child is not able to go on the Battle Rides or try out the firing of the weapons due to height restrictions. Just head up to the second level of the F1 Pit Building for one designed specially for kids. Plus, it's all air-conditioned!Here, kids will be able to dabble in Art & Craft activities, don kid-sized army uniforms, experience camouage face painting, and even try a mini obstacle course! By the way, I think the low wall is super cute.Can't hit the 1.2m height for Battle Rides? Younger kids can go on a kiddy version ride of their own here!Visitors can also try their hand at virtual war games in a room located just beside the Kids Zone.If you are game enough, you can even try flying a drone indoors or use night vision goggles to navigate a darkened course at the Night Walk Zone.So if you are planning to head down to AOH 2017 with the family this weekend, here are a few tips:- AOH is open on 27 and 28 May from 9am to 8pm, admission is FREE.- There is only ONE entry point and 3 exit points. The entrance is located just before the Singapore Flyer (bottom right in the map below).- NO parking available onsite at F1 Pit Building. Nearest parking is at Flyer, or Marina Square.- Food and drinks are sold onsite, in an huge air-conditioned tent.- Toilets are available at the F1 Pit Building.- It can get really hot so bring plenty of water and sunblock.- For a chance to win exclusive AOH souvenirs, download the Army Open House 2017 mobile app via the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Play an Army Hunt game where you can hunt for army vehicles scattered around AOH (like Pokemon Go) for a chance to redeem gifts! The app also provides news and contains a map of the various exhibits at Army Open House 2017.- If you cannot make it to AOH 2017 this weekend, it will travel to the heartlands on a smaller scale at the following locations and dates:(open field beside Punggol MRT Station): 2 - 4 June 2017 (10am - 10pm) &(open fields beside Jurong East MRT Station): 9 - 11 June 2017 (10am - 10pm).F1 Pit Building27, 288 & 29 May 20179am - 8pmFREE. All rides and activities are FREE.
Five Minutes With Damien Geter Audio Article Vocalist, composer and Richmond Symphony artist in residence Damien Geters musical roots sprouted when he was a boy in the Matoaca District of Chesterfield County, where he was raised and...
G2 Crowd, a Chicago-based platform that aggregates reviews of business software, has raised $30 million in Series B funding, the company announced Wednesday.

Accel, a Bay Area venture firm that has backed companies including Facebook and Groupon, led the round with participation from LinkedIn and Chicago-based Pritzker Group Venture Capital. The founders of G2 Crowd, including chairman Godard Abel , also invested in the round. The company has raised $45 million to date.

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CEO Tim Handorf said G2 Crowd will use the funding to expand its platform, which includes customer reviews and proprietary reports on enterprise software such as Chicago-based ActiveCampaign and e-commerce giant Shopify.

"Truth be told, we were not looking for the funding," Handorf said. "However, when Accel approached us, we saw a tremendous opportunity to scale what we're doing and to bring (business-to-business) transparency to more people."

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Transparency, he said, means not censoring reviews or allowing brands to promote or remove certain ones. Handorf said that helps G2 Crowd maintain the trust of its users.

He said the platform has collected more than 170,000 reviews since launching in 2012. Those reviews are available free to anyone who wants to read them and help G2 Crowd attract about 1 million visitors per month to its website. Customers can purchase packages for additional research and insights, Handorf said.

The site features nearly 30,000 products, but G2 Crowd does not have data or reviews for all of them, Handorf said. He plans to invest in gathering data and soliciting reviews on all of the products the site lists.

Handorf said he also wants to build out ways for G2 Crowd to pull in data on those products and serve it to users so they can use it as they make software buying decisions. That includes tracking how certain products or features are trending, as well as incorporating "social signals" such as a company's ratings on Glassdoor.

G2 Crowd has nearly 100 employees, mainly in its Chicago headquarters. It also has a sales and marketing office in San Francisco, to serve what Handorf said is a large customer base on the West Coast. Handorf said he plans to hire steadily in the coming years. He projected headcount would pass 150 by the end of 2017, stretch to 350 within two years and reach 1,000 in about five years.

Handorf said he plans to keep most of those jobs in Chicago, where he praised the talent pool and universities. He said he also plans to add employees in San Francisco, and sees potential for expanding into Europe and Asia. Currently nearly one-third of G2 Crowd's website visitors are international, he said.

'We think the key to our business is becoming the No. 1 brand or trusted authority in B2B reviews," Handorf said.

aelahi@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @aminamania
Ride sharing and driverless cars inevitably will change the Chicago region the way that railroads and highways have, says Marshall Brown, associate professor of architecture at the Illinois Institute of Technology and co-director of the Driverless City project.

But how exactly will this happen, and how might citizens influence the process?

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Brown will be a panelist on the June 22 forum on harnessing technology for future mobility by the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning. It's the latest in a series of community input efforts to spur discussion on five trends and how Chicago can prepare for them as CMAP prepares to develop its 2050 regional plan.

Brown discusses how the convergence of technologies may improve how we get around as well as our society and economy.

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Q: What does the convergence of these technologies mean for urban planning and architecture?

A: Whether it's the wheelbarrow, chariot, horse and buggy, train or automobiles, we've seen that our ability to get around more easily and quickly shrinks places, because the time to get between them shrinks. That also tended to mean the increasing spread of the urban environment.

I'm talking about a multi-centered region; Peoria, Naperville, Schaumburg, the Loop, Wrigleyville, Beverly. This process started 100 years ago when trains arrived, then automobiles. We can reasonably expect these technologies will intensify that spread and decentralization.

Q: How would that affect Chicagoans specifically?

A: Low-income people who currently rely on the bus with the train to go from the South Side of Chicago to jobs in Schaumburg or Naperville  which is very slow  now have access to things like ride-sharing, which is increasingly affordable and more flexible than a bus or train without owning a car. That's the bright side.

The dark side we see already: Longer commutes for everyone. Are taxi drivers being put out of work? Are Uber and Lyft drivers going to be replaced with autonomous vehicles?

Q: What does that mean for emerging architecture and urban planning models?

A: The question is when cars can park themselves. Parking lots and structures could potentially take up much less space but also be much more concentrated. In places like downtown Chicago, your car could drop you at your high-rise in the early evening, go sleep in Indiana at night and pick you up in the morning.

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It's also a question of when cars can come indoors more, like grocery stores you can drive through. Will you need a garage attached to your house anymore? Maybe you can use that space for something else.

Whether or not these things can actually happen, we're starting at a point where they're at least imaginable.

Q: What do residents need to understand about the future of mobility?

A: The question always comes to me, "What is this technology shift going to do to me," as if the technology somehow controls us. The decision that's important to have is not what will technology do to us? It's how do we want our cities, suburbs and region to change, and how do we leverage the technology to get there?

Whether or not we allow people to be replaced with robots is our choice. People can vote with their feet and their wallets about what they want and don't want in this digitized society.

Q: How can we plan ahead, since technology changes so quickly?

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A: That's a challenge for planning agencies. They like to make their plan for next 20 to 50 years based on data. There's not enough data or information yet about how these technologies perform that are now being deployed.

We're in a situation where we're going to have to start using our imagination again and start taking risks. You very rarely hear politicians talk about imagination, and it's even more rare to hear them talk about risk. With leveraging technology, we're going to have to get used to it again.

Q-and-A's are edited for clarity and length.

Kate MacArthur is a freelance writer.

Twitter @KateMacArthur




The Duchossois family announces its donation of $100 million to University of Chicago Medicine to research how the immune system, bacteria in the body and genetics can work together to keep people healthy. It is the largest single gift to University of Chicago Medicine in its history. (Phil Velasquez/Chicago Tribune) (Phil Velasquez/Chicago Tribune/Chicago Tribune)

A prominent Chicago-area family is giving $100 million to University of Chicago Medicine to research how the immune system, bacteria in the body and genetics can work together to keep people healthy.

The donation from the Duchossois family is the largest single gift to University of Chicago Medicine in its history. The family has given smaller amounts to University of Chicago Medicine in the past but, with this gift, the family hopes to help spark a transformation in medicine.

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Half of the gift comes from Craig Duchossois, chairman and CEO of The Duchossois Group, and his wife, Janet. The other half is from The Duchossois Family Foundation, which is made up of family members spanning three generations and includes patriarch Richard Duchossois, the chairman of Arlington International Racecourse, who started building his fortune making freight cars.

The family wants to help researchers expand their work when it comes to wellness  not just treating diseases after they take hold, said Ashley Duchossois Joyce, president of the foundation and a granddaughter of Richard Duchossois.

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"A lot of the time, with illnesses and disease, we prolong death, and wouldn't it be a cool concept if we could prolong life and a healthy life?" Duchossois Joyce asked.

Researchers plan to use the money to investigate how bacteria and other microorganisms in the body  known as the microbiome  interact with the immune system and genes to keep people healthy.

They hope their work might one day lead to ways to prevent food allergies; ways to use foods and probiotics to prevent obesity; ways to use probiotics and prebiotics to improve the effectiveness of cancer drugs and antidepressants; and an understanding of how judicious use of antibiotics might lessen the effects of Alzheimer's disease, among other things.

Duchossois family members, like many people, have experienced severe food allergies, asthma and cancer firsthand, Duchossois Joyce said. "Wouldn't it be wonderful if someday those did not exist?" she said.

T. Conrad Gilliam, dean for basic science in the university's Division of the Biological Sciences, called the family's decision to focus on the microbiome "prescient."

"It ... appears that the microbiome affects nearly every organ and possibly every disease, so this is why we liked the family's idea that rather than try to go after each of these diseases, let's focus on how the microbiome can be manipulated to maintain a person's health," said Gilliam, who will lead efforts to launch the project.

The project will be called The Duchossois Family Institute: Harnessing the Microbiome and Immunity for Human Health.

Craig Duchossois said the family's decision to direct the money to University of Chicago Medicine was an easy one.

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The family began contributing to University of Chicago Medicine after Richard Duchossois' wife, Beverly, was treated for cancer at what was then called the University of Chicago Hospital. She died of cancer in 1980.

Before this gift, the family had given $37 million to University of Chicago Medicine, including $21 million in 1994 that was used to establish the Duchossois Center for Advanced Medicine. That unit has outpatient specialty clinics, diagnostic centers and treatment facilities.

The institute won't be housed in a new, dedicated building but will rather consist of faculty, staff and new labs that will be located in existing spaces tailored for the new research programs, Gilliam said. The $100 million will fund the work for about 10 years, after which the institute is supposed to become mostly self-sustaining.

The institute will work with the university's Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation to bring breakthroughs to market by partnering with industry, venture capitalists, government agencies, philanthropists and the public. Intellectual property will be licensed and could possibly be spun off for business development.

Craig Duchossois said any money made will be reinvested into the institute's work.

"If we achieve our goal of being self-sustaining, this is going to provide a platform for research of wellness for generations to come," Craig Duchossois said.

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Chicago-area hospitals and medical programs have received a number of large gifts over the years.

The Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research has donated $118 million to University of Chicago Medicine since 2006, mostly to support cancer research.

Also, Shirley and Patrick Ryan, founder and former chief executive of Aon, donated millions of dollars to the new Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Streeterville, which opened in March, replacing the old Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago. The hospital has not disclosed the amount of that gift, but said it was the largest donation it ever received.

Northwestern University Trustee and alumnus Louis A. Simpson and his wife Kimberly K. Querrey donated $92 million to Northwestern to support biomedical research programs at the university's medical school. A new biomedical research center, now under construction on Northwestern's Chicago campus, will be named the Louis A. Simpson and Kimberly K. Querrey Biomedical Research Center.

The largest gift ever received by the University of Chicago was $300 million from investment entrepreneur David Booth in 2008. The University of Chicago's Booth School of Business is named after him.

lschencker@chicagotribune.com

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Twitter @lschencker
In this July 30, 2013, photo, people walk along a corridor at the headquarters of Johnson & Johnson in New Brunswick, N.J. (Mel Evans / AP)

Johnson & Johnson will pay $33 million to Illinois and at least 40 other states to settle allegations that a subsidiary falsely claimed it was following federal manufacturing practices  a situation the states said led to the recall of common drugs including Tylenol, Motrin, Benadryl and Sudafed.

Illinois' portion of the settlement is more than $1 million, which will go to the state, according to the Illinois attorney general's office.

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The states alleged that Johnson & Johnson subsidiary McNeil-PPC committed consumer fraud by selling drugs that it falsely claimed were manufactured following federal practices. The Food and Drug Administration found some facilities didn't comply with the practices between 2009 and 2011, according to Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan's office.

Between 2009 and 2010, there were reports of foreign material, particulate matter or contamination in some of the drugs, according to Madigan's office.

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McNeil-PPC pleaded guilty in 2015 to introducing adulterated infants' and children's over-the-counter drugs into interstate commerce. At the time McNeil-PPC paid a criminal fine of $20 million and forefeited another $5 million.

Medications that were recalled included Tylenol, Tylenol for children and infants, Motrin, Benadryl, St. Joseph aspirin, Rolaids and Zyrtec, according to the complaint Illinois filed against the company.

Johnson & Johnson said in a statement Wednesday that it was "pleased" to finalize the settlement, and noted the drugs were recalled voluntarily. McNeil-PPC did not admit to any wrongdoing as part of the settlement.

"Those recalls were precautionary and not undertaken on the basis of any health or safety risks to consumers, and we remain committed to providing consumers with safe and effective over-the-counter medicines," Johnson & Johnson said in the statement.

lschencker@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @lschencker
Fast-food workers and supporters from across the U.S. demonstrate May 24, 2017, in Oak Brook as McDonald's held its annual meeting. The protesters gathered outside McDonald's corporate headquarters to call for a higher minimum wage. (Alyssa Pointer / Chicago Tribune/Chicago Tribune)

McDonald's annual shareholder meeting Wednesday attracted hundreds of protesters outside the burger giant's Oak Brook headquarters, but inside, the meeting produced few surprises.

In brief remarks before taking questions from the crowd, CEO Steve Easterbrook said the company has a "restless energy" to move forward with its plan to improve customer traffic and overall growth, focusing on digital, delivery and "Experience of the Future," McDonald's name for its renovated restaurants with kiosk ordering and table service.

Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 13 Demonstrators hold signs May 24, 2017, as they march down Jorie Boulevard in Oak Brook toward McDonald's corporate headquarters. Fast-food workers and supporters from across the nation gathered outside McDonald's shareholders meeting to call for a raise in the minimum wage and a union. (Alyssa Pointer / Chicago Tribune)

The chain said last week it has expanded delivery through UberEats to about 1,000 restaurants nationwide, including almost 270 in Chicago.

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According to preliminary voting results, all the proposals put forth by shareholders failed, including requests to put a franchisee on McDonald's board, phase out routine antibiotic use in pigs and cows in the company's supply chain, eliminate the use of polystyrene-based foam drink cups in restaurants overseas, set a lower threshold to call special shareholder meetings, and increase transparency on McDonald's charitable contributions.

Just 1.3 percent of shareholders voted in favor of giving franchisees, which operate almost 90 percent of McDonald's restaurants, the right to elect a board member, McDonald's said. About 30 percent voted in favor of McDonald's developing a plan to phase out antibiotics in beef and pork, as it has done with chicken. And 47 percent of shareholders voted in favor of the proposal that would have made it easier to call special meetings.

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That measure, which came the closest to approval among the shareholder proposals, would have lowered the ownership threshold at which a group of shareholders could call a special meeting to 15 percent of outstanding shares, down from the current 25 percent. It was proposed by shareholder activist John Chevedden, who said in a regulatory filing that dozens of Fortune 500 companies have a special-meeting threshold of 10 percent.

McDonald's largest shareholder is the Vanguard Group, which owns a 6.9 percent stake, according to FactSet.

All of the company's director nominees and all of its own proposals, including its executive compensation structure, were approved. McDonald's CEO Steve Easterbrook's total compensation nearly doubled to $15.4 million last year, his second full year in the top job.

The meeting is expected to be the last at McDonald's Oak Brook headquarters as the world's largest burger chain prepares to move to downtown Chicago next spring.

The annual meeting has attracted protesters in recent years who support a higher minimum wage. This year, supporters of the Fight for $15 movement were joined by groups opposed to President Donald Trump.

The Oak Brook Police Department said there were about 300 protesters outside the meeting, and there were no arrests, citations or tickets issued.

Fight for $15 organizers say the demonstration in Oak Brook was echoed by worker protests in about a dozen cities.

sbomkamp@chicagotribune.com

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Protesters with the Service Employees International Union, calling for better wages for airport workers, are arrested May 24, 2017, in the street near Willis Tower in Chicago. (Kristen Norman / Chicago Tribune)

United Airlines CEO Oscar Munoz said Wednesday he wants the fallout from an incident where a passenger was dragged from a flight last month to be "a constant reminder of what we can do better on."

Videos of the passenger, Dr. David Dao, being pulled from a plane at O'Hare International Airport after refusing to give up his seat to make way for airline employees quickly went viral. Consumers were outraged at Dao's treatment and United's response, and legislators threatened new regulation.

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But six weeks later, the airline's shareholders appear to have put the incident in the rearview mirror.

Investors didn't ask a single question about the incident at the airline's annual meeting Wednesday in Chicago, a meeting in which Munoz noted the airline's stock rose 70 percent over the last year and hit a new all-time high on May 9. That was exactly one month after Dao's flight. It has since increased slightly.

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Munoz said the incident hasn't affected bookings. United boarded 7.6 percent more passengers in April than the same month last year, a significantly larger increase than those reported by competitors American Airlines and Delta Air Lines, which were up 0.8 percent and 1 percent, respectively. May travel statistics haven't been released.

As the airline works to implement policy changes promised in response to the dragged-passenger incident, it is turning its attention to a new challenge: preparing for a possible U.S. ban on laptops and tablets on flights from Europe.

In March, the U.S. announced large electronic devices would be banned from airline cabins on flights from eight countries, in response to fears those devices could hide bombs, and reportedly is considering expanding the ban to flights from Europe.

Munoz said his biggest concern was making sure the airline had a "heads up" that would give it time to prepare.

The airline has received "constant updates" from government officials, Munoz said, though the timing or scope of any potential ban isn't clear.

"There will be repercussions, there will be people concerned, there will be delays as we do whatever is required.  But compliance with anything safety-oriented, we really can't argue that," Munoz said.

United is preparing as if the ban would affect airports throughout Europe, including establishing procedures for handling passengers' devices and making sure it has enough employees on hand as travelers adjust to new rules, said United spokeswoman Megan McCarthy.

Most of the questions Munoz faced at the meeting came from airline food-service and other airport workers employed by United vendors, who also protested outside the airline's headquarters Wednesday morning, pushing for higher wages and better working conditions.

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Munoz said he "wants to get more facts" and said United has limited power to change vendors' compensation. "I can't control that as much as you would like me to," he said.

lzumbach@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @laurenzumbach
When legal gun owners are charged with domestic battery, their constitutional right to bear arms may end up in the hands of a local judge.

Police officers are no exception, though policies and rules often apply to them beyond the laws that govern everyone else.

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The ongoing case of Aurora Police Officer Brian Shields illustrates the predicament of law enforcement officers who have been charged, but not yet convicted of a violent domestic crime.

On desk duty since early April, when he was charged through the Kane County Sheriff's Office with two misdemeanor counts of domestic battery, Shields has asked the court to return the FOID card and gun he had to give up as a condition of bond.

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Federal law bans people convicted of qualifying offenses, including felonies and misdemeanor domestic violence, and anyone subject to a domestic violence protective order; from gun possession. Illinois prohibits people convicted of domestic battery and "substantially similar offenses" from obtaining a FOID card.

While there's no special class for police officers, conflict exists among federal laws, and the court does have some flexibility, said former U.S. Assistant Attorney Jeff Cramer.

A 1996 amendment to the Federal Gun Control Act removed an exemption for law enforcement officers convicted of qualifying misdemeanors. However, under another federal statute, a police officer convicted of a qualifying felony or subject to an order of protection may still be able to carry a service revolver while on duty.

In a section of its website last reviewed in September, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives stated that officers subject to restraining orders could legally use guns on the job.

International Association of Chiefs of Police policy dictates that officers arrested on allegations of domestic violence have their weapons confiscated. Further, the association mandates that officers convicted of domestic violence crimes are to be fired.

What happens in between the arrest and the ruling, however, is largely up to local authorities, said Oak Brook Police Chief James Kruger, president of the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police.

Unless an alleged domestic offender is court ordered not to have contact with a relative or household member, the defendant can legally use their own guns with a valid FOID card.

If a judge lifts a no-contact order or allows an officer to have firearm privileges back, there's still a question of how the law enforcement agency decides to handle the case internally.

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While the association's position is that police departments should err on the side of caution, and in most cases officers charged with domestic violence are given administrative duties, that's at the discretion of each chief, Kruger said.

"There's a greater civil rights or personal rights issue because at that point, if an officer is accused, would they have any of their rights diminished more than any other citizen?" Kruger said. "I think police officers are held to a higher standard and certainly in our profession, personal conduct does affect professional conduct and professional standing. What the court should do is a different question."

Cramer, who was a prosecutor for the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Illinois from 2000 to 2009 and now works for the Berkeley Research Group, said in his experience, judges usually lean toward taking away firearms from domestic defendants, including cops.

"If they're just taking complaints, they don't need a gun," Cramer said. "With some exceptions, it's got to be case by case."

Further, Cramer said, different factors come into play depending on who owns an officer's weapon. For example, police departments may continue to withhold guns they own or place restrictions on an officer during shifts, but can't control officers' off-duty use of their own guns.

Aurora police officers own their own guns, spokesman Dan Ferrelli previously said. Ferrelli last week declined to say whether Shields would be allowed to return to patrol if a judge decided he could use a firearm again.

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In an email, Ferrelli confirmed Shields was still on restricted duty, but said it would be inappropriate to elaborate on the case as it involves an open internal investigation.

While patrol officers do need guns to perform their jobs, most departments put officers facing charges on desk duty anyway, Cramer said.

"I'm hard pressed to imagine a case where an officer has a pending criminal case for domestic violence and is allowed to go out on calls which could include domestic violence," Cramer said. "That's just absurd."

Cramer said officers working with gangs or drugs might feel the need to carry while off duty, because at the end of the day they're still police officers facing people upset with them for bringing charges. However, those cases are exceptions for the court to consider, he said.

In Shields' case, conditions of bond function as an order of protection, banning him from contact with his accuser and an address. While a judge initially denied a separate order of protection because it was redundant with the conditions of bond, Shields is scheduled for an order of protection hearing Wednesday, when the judge may also hear the order to amend conditions of bond to allow him to have his FOID and gun back.

On principal, if domestic violence has been alleged, and a court found one person shouldn't have contact with another, it's reasonable to make sure the defendant isn't armed, Cramer said. But if the protective order is lifted, "then there is absolutely nothing under the law requiring a defendant to turn over" a firearm, he said.

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hleone@tribpub.com

Twitter @hannahmleone

hleone@tribpub.com

Twitter @hannahmleone
MANILA, Philippines  Muslim extremists abducted a Catholic priest and more than a dozen churchgoers while laying siege to a southern Philippine city overnight, burning buildings, ambushing soldiers and hoisting flags of the Islamic State group, officials said Wednesday. President Rodrigo Duterte declared martial law in the southern third of the nation and warned he would enforce it harshly.

The violence erupted Tuesday night after the army raided the hideout of Isnilon Hapilon, an Abu Sayyaf commander who is on Washington's list of most-wanted terrorists with a reward of up to $5 million for his capture. The militants called for reinforcements from an allied group, the Maute, and some 50 gunmen managed to enter the city of Marawi.

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"We are in a state of emergency," Duterte said after landing in Manila from a visit to Moscow, adding that skirmishes were continuing. "I have a serious problem in Mindanao and the ISIS footprints are everywhere."

He said he may declare martial law elsewhere in the Philippines if militants expand their attacks.

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Archbishop Socrates Villegas, president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, and Marawi Bishop Edwin de la Pena said the militants forced their way into the Marawi Cathedral and seized a priest, 10 worshippers and three church workers.

The priest, Father Chito, and the others had no role in the conflict, Villegas said.

"He was not a combatant. He was not bearing arms. He was a threat to none," Villegas said of Chito. "His capture and that of his companions violates every norm of civilized conflict."

Villegas says the gunmen are demanding the government recall its forces.

Duterte declared martial rule for 60 days in the entire Mindanao region, the restive southern third of the Philippine archipelago. He had vowed to be "harsh."

"I warned everybody not to force my hand into it," Duterte said on a plane en route to the Philippines on Wednesday. "I have to do it to preserve the republic."

Martial law allows Duterte to harness the armed forces to carry out arrests, searches and detentions more rapidly. He has repeatedly threatened to place the south, the scene of decades-long Muslim separatist uprisings, under martial law. But human rights groups have expressed fears that martial law powers could further embolden Duterte, whom they have accused of allowing extrajudicial killings of thousands of drug suspects in a crackdown on illegal drugs.

Details from inside Marawi were sketchy because the largely Muslim city of more than 200,000 people appeared to be largely sealed off and without electricity.

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"The whole of Marawi city is blacked out, there is no light, and there are Maute snipers all around," Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said late Tuesday in Moscow, where he was accompanying Duterte on an official trip. Duterte cut the trip short and headed back to the Philippines.

Lorenzana said dozens of gunmen occupied city hall, a hospital and a jail and burned a Catholic church, a college and some houses in an assault that killed at least two soldiers and a police officer and wounded 12 others.

Hapilon, an Arabic-speaking Islamic preacher known for his expertise on commando assaults, pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group in 2014. He is a commander of the Abu Sayyaf militant group and was wounded by a military airstrike in January.

Troops sealed off major entry and exit points to prevent Hapilon from escaping, military chief of staff Gen. Eduardo Ano told The Associated Press by telephone late Tuesday from Moscow, where he was accompanying Duterte.

"We will conduct house-to-house clearing and do everything to remove the threat there. We can do that easily," Ano said, but added it was more difficult in an urban setting because of the need to avoid civilian casualties.

He said the group erected Islamic State flags at several locations.

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Duterte met late Tuesday with Russian President Vladimir Putin and said he is counting on Russia to supply weapons for the Philippines to fight terrorism.

"Of course, our country needs modern weapons, we had orders in the United States, but now the situation there is not very smooth and in order to fight the Islamic State, with their units and factions, we need modern weapons," he said, according to Russian state news agency Tass.

While pursuing peace talks with two large Muslim rebel groups in the south of this predominantly Roman Catholic nation, Duterte has ordered the military to destroy smaller extremist groups which have tried to align with the Islamic State group.

The Maute group is one of less than a dozen new armed Muslim groups that have pledged allegiance to the Islamic State and formed a loose alliance with Hapilon reportedly designated as the alliance's leader.

The Maute has been blamed for a bombing that killed 15 people in southern Davao city, Duterte's hometown, last September and a number of attacks on government forces in Lanao, although it has faced setbacks from a series of military offensives.

Last month, troops backed by airstrikes killed dozens of Maute militants and captured their jungle camp near Lanao del Sur's Piagapo town. Troops found homemade bombs, grenades, combat uniforms and passports of suspected Indonesian militants in the camp, the military said.

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Associated Press writer Jim Heintz in Moscow contributed to this report.
Geof Benson, executive director of the Dunes Learning Center, holds a Pekin duck Saturday at Chellberg Farm in the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. The learning center, in a partnership with the park, is bringing animals back to the farm. (Amy Lavalley / Post-Tribune)

As Bruce Rowe approached Chellberg Farm, he spotted the farm's new steer, dubbed No. 1.

"It's nice to see animals again," said Rowe, supervisory ranger and public information officer for the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, home to Chellberg Farm.

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Around 2008, the farmer caring for the animals at Chellberg retired and park officials decided they didn't have the resources to care for animals with park staff, Rowe said. A couple of years ago, the park put out a request for proposals to lease animals for the farm but after getting only one response, the plan fell through.

Through a partnership with the Dunes Learning Center, also housed within the park's confines, Chellberg Farm is once again home to farm animals. Also assisting with the project is a wide array of community partners and volunteers.

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Bringing the animals back teaches valuable lessons to the community about where their food comes from and sustainability, said Rowe and Geof Benson, the learning center's executive director.

"We're hoping this is going to work. We have a year under our belt with the chickens so we're easing back into it and trying to make it sustainable," Benson said, adding educational programs at the learning center are enhanced by the return of the farm animals, as are park programs for visitors.

"Everybody just likes it better with the animals here. It's more alive," he said.

The chickens returned last spring, with the assistance of Westville High School students who provided additional chickens this year.

The farm has 29 chickens and, thanks to the help of other partners, three Pekin ducks, named Huey, Duey and Louie; the steer; and a billy goat named Diane.

At noon Saturday, rangers will host a 90-minute hike to the Bailly Cemetery before exploring the interiors of the Chellberg Farmhouse and the historic Bailly Homestead from 1:30 to 4 p.m.

The animals will return to their owners in October and come back to the farm in the spring. An assortment of volunteers care for them while they're at the park, Benson said, though there aren't enough resources to house the animals year-round as there was when a farmer was available to care for them.

"It won't ever be the way it was," he said, adding more animals may be added in the future. "These are not props. They are live animals. They really help with the experience and make it real."

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Visitors to the historic farm, which hosts Maple Syrup Time each March, have said it seemed dead without the animals, Rowe said.

"It certainly brings the farm back to life and it will increase the attendance here," Rowe said, adding one of the things that was lost when the farm stopped housing animals was people who had volunteered to assist with them for years, and those folks may begin to return to help out.

The animals also help people reconnect to the farm, a place some families have been visiting for generations, he added.

In recent years, Sunset Hill Farm County Park in Liberty Township also has phased in a growing number of farm animals, including chickens and goats, to give visitors a sense of what the property was like when it was a working farm.

"It's a similar thing. It connects people to where their food comes from," Benson said.

The feed buckets in the hen house are labeled with green and yellow Dunes Learning Center stickers, and three types of hens  Rhode Island red, barred rock and bantam white cluck in the hen house and the adjacent fenced yard.

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Diane, the billy goat, rests its head on the threshold for the barn door and basks in the sun while No. 1, the steer, wanders in and out of the barn. The ducks, unlike the hens, are skittish when Benson enters their pen in the barn and crowd in a corner.

A billy goat peers out of the barn and into the sun recently at Chellberg Farm at the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore where, though a partnership with the Dunes Learning Center, animals are returning to the farm. (Amy Lavalley / Post-Tribune)

Volunteers in the hen house use a Google calendar to record the time and date they stop by for egg collection, as well as how many eggs they collect and other details, such as weather collections.

"It's been really fun," Benson said. "We're tying science to the egg collection."

More assistance is still needed to continue the program's success, Rowe said. Visitors can leave donations in a box at the Chellberg homestead when it's open, and also can call Rowe or J.P. Anderson at 219-395-1882 to volunteer or donate.

"We don't want the animals or the public to be endangered so we're going slow," he said. "So far, so good."

Amy Lavalley is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
If the roadways seem a little crowded for the Memorial Day holiday weekend, it's because a million more people will be using the nation's highways than in 2016, according to AAA.

AAA is projecting that a total of 39.3 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more between Thursday and Monday, 1 million more than in 2016. The auto club group said this marks the third consecutive year of growth in Memorial Day travel.

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Of that 39.3 million, 850,000 are Hoosiers and most of those -- 770,000 -- will be traveling on roads and highways, AAA says.

While Indiana highway officials are taking some measures to help make the road trip less frustrating for the first holiday of the summer, the sheer number of vehicles and construction roadblocks on some of the state's busiest highways could result in delays and frayed tempers.

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Doug Moats, a spokesman for Indiana Department of Transportation's LaPorte District, said work on many highways will be suspended at noon Friday until sunrise Tuesday.

He said barrels and equipment will be pulled back where possible.

"Also, wherever possible, road restrictions will be removed to ease traffic flow for the influx of holiday drivers," Moats said.

The greatest backups and delays, Moats said, will take place along Interstates 94 and 65, where larger projects are underway and where some closures and restrictions will remain for safety's sake.

The project "Restore 94" is taking place along Interstate 94 in Indiana, from the Illinois state line to Michigan state line, resulting in periodic lane closures and some delays. It includes pavement upgrades, bridge rehabilitation work, drainage improvements and traffic and safety enhancements.

The I-65 expansion project involves adding one travel lane in each direction from Indiana 2 to U.S. 30. Work also will be done on overpasses and bridges over the interstate.

A word of caution: Moats said typically, Friday afternoon and Monday evening will be the busiest travel times on Northwest Indiana roads as people head to and return from their weekend destinations.

Moats suggested motorists use the link, http://pws.trafficwise.org/pws/ to aid in their travel plans.

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"Motorists can click to see where there (are) backups and delays. Also, you can utilize this site to see where our active road construction projects are. Delays, backups and construction sites are easy to locate as they are depicted with a caution sign," Moats said.

There is some good news for those taking the Indiana Toll Road. Toll Road spokesman Dylan Souza said work on nine or 10 interchanges, the majority of paving and 14 bridges will be completed on Memorial Day weekend

Still, Souza said construction crews most likely will be working through the weekend on bridges that are expected to open in time for the next summer holiday, the 4th of July, with some minor paving work to be done as well.

The "80/90 Push Project," a 2-year, $200 million project, includes rehabbing pavement and bridges within a 73-mile segment of the toll road from Lake Station to Elkhart.

"The expected spike in Memorial Day travel mirrors the positive growth seen throughout the travel industry this year," said Vicky Evans, assistant vice president, travel sales department, AAA.

"Higher confidence and falling gas prices have bolstered consumer spending, leaving many Americans with more money to spend on travel this Memorial Day," Evans said..

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She said so far this year, travel bookings with AAA in Illinois and Indiana are up 27 percent over the same period last year..

While gas prices continue to be low in Indiana, at an average price of $2.25 a gallon, about even with prices last year, nationwide, drivers will pay the highest amount for gas during the Memorial Day weekend since 2015, AAA said. The average gas price nationally is $2.34 a gallon, according to AAA.

Karen Caffarini is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
Having declared himself the most mistreated politician in history during his commencement address at the Coast Guard Academy last week, President Donald Trump left the country. After the political chaos of recent days, he likely needed a change of venue, and everyone else in Washington welcomed a chance to catch their breath. Plenty of others will be holding theirs, however, given the places the president has gone and the groups he will address.

On Sunday, Mr. Trump addressed a meeting with leaders of some 40 Muslim countries with words the White House previewed as "an inspiring, direct speech on the need to confront radical ideology and the president's hopes for a peaceful vision of Islam." Whatever long-term inspiration comes from that talk will depend on the willingness of everyone present to work hard.

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To date, Mr. Trump has given no indication that he understands Islam in any substantive way or fully grasps the political landscapes of Muslim countries. Alternatively, Muslims outside the United States have heard Trump blame them for most of the world's current problems and chafed under his attempt to ban them from entering the U.S. To get a sense of this rift, imagine Jane Fonda addressing the National Rifle Association.

Another likeness may offer promise. Trump wouldn't welcome comparisons with Richard Nixon these days, but Nixon, the sworn enemy of communism, went to China and a remarkable thaw ensued. Perhaps Trump's reputation will allow him to accomplish something analogous. Observers worldwide won't exhale, however, until this attempt at inspiration concludes without a fabled, off-script remark that insults Islam and, even if it doesn't trigger mayhem, requires months or years of feather-smoothing.

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On Monday and Tuesday, Trump visited Israeli and Palestinian leaders, perhaps to explain, among other things, his recent statement to visiting Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas that the troubles going back millenniums are "frankly, maybe not as difficult as people have thought over the years."

More presidential naivete? Perhaps. But maybe he'll soon announce he has negotiated the personal purchase of both nations, which will become part of the global Trump empire. Any other solution sounds frightfully more difficult.

With that mess fixed, the president will proceed to meet with Pope Francis on Wednesday in the Vatican. The two have sparred with words ever since Mr. Trump announced his plan to build a wall. Francis observed that "anyone who thinks only about building walls instead of bridges is not a Christian," and Trump responded by calling the pope's words "disgraceful." In his recent commencement address, the president said he would "talk with Pope Francis about the contributions of Christian teachings to the world."

The tone and substance of such a conversation will depend entirely on who talks and who listens. A scenario in which Trump schools Francis on Christian teachings and their ongoing significance in the world is unimaginable. While the alternative seems equally implausible, Mr. Trump might just this once listen attentively to some quiet, serious talk about mercy, truthfulness and the basic importance of caring for the poor.

If he can't bear Francis' words, he could heed his own. Trump's commencement address last week concluded with a story about Coast Guard personnel who risked their lives in dangerous seas to rescue a Vietnamese fisherman from a burning, sinking ship. "You're the answer to my prayers. God sent you," the fisherman said. Any citizen, soldier, senator or president who risks life, fame or fortune to assist those in danger is an answer to prayer and heeds the call of true religion.

On that, the pope and president could concur.

Fred Niedner is a senior research professor at Valparaiso University.
Alex Klein, who was hired as principal oboe of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra first in 1995 and again in 2016, has been denied tenure.

It is unclear as yet when Klein's final CSO performances will be, although it's expected that ongoing negotiations with management could result in his continuing to draw a salary through the conclusion of the orchestra's summer residency at the Ravinia Festival in August.

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Klein, who is considered one of the top orchestral and solo oboists in classical music, is in the first year of a probationary term as CSO first oboe, a term that began when his present contract took effect last Aug. 4. CSO principal trumpet Craig Morris left the orchestra in 2003 after failing to achieve tenure in the two probationary years he held the first chair, as successor to the legendary Bud Herseth.

Candidates for tenured positions in the CSO are subject to evaluation during their probation period by a tenure review committee of orchestra members, but the decision as to who is hired as a permanent member rests squarely with Music Director Riccardo Muti.

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The committee's recommendation, and Muti's decision not to reengage Klein, came in April. Orchestra officials told him April 14 he was being denied tenure, one day before the contractual deadline for management to inform him of his status. Klein chose to remain in the orchestra rather than accept the option of resigning.

Alex Klein of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in 2016. (Abel Uribe / Chicago Tribune)

Klein met several weeks later with Muti, CSO Association President Jeff Alexander and Terryl Jares, president of the Chicago Federation of Musicians.

Muti declined comment, and Alexander did not return repeated requests for comment.

Klein wrote in an email earlier this week that he must refrain from speaking publicly while "some issues (are) discussed." For weeks he has campaigned vigorously to rally support among his colleagues and outside the orchestra. A number of CSO members have lobbied on his behalf to management.

The matter has been an open secret for more than a month on the U.S. symphony orchestra musicians' grapevine but only surfaced publicly in recent days.

The Brazilian-born Klein was first hired as CSO principal by then-music director Daniel Barenboim in 1995.

He has since drawn considerable media attention for his long battle with focal dystonia, a neurological condition affecting two fingers of his left hand. The condition curtailed his playing ability so severely, he said, that he was forced to resign as a tenured member of the CSO in 2004, after nine seasons in the first oboe chair.

Since then, he has succeeded in keeping his focal dystonia at bay through adjustments to his playing technique, he explained in a 2016 interview with the Tribune.

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Following a successful re-audition for his former post in 2016, the CSO rehired him, and he resumed playing first oboe with the orchestra on a probationary basis in late summer of last year.

Klein has not performed with the CSO since a children's concert on April 28. Since then, his chair has been filled by the assistant principal oboe and guest principal oboists from other orchestras.

In an email Klein sent to CSO colleagues on April 16, he wrote that "recent developments (have) left me and my family stunned." He raised the possibility of taking the matter to court as "the only recourse I have to protect my civil rights, short of a way to review the entire process through dialogue and understanding, and above all respect for what I am going through.

"I have no trouble leaving the orchestra due to the consequences of focal dystonia," he continued, "(but) not like this." He concluded by writing, "If the orchestra decides I am a burden, I will again leave."

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"Illumination" is among the tens of thousands of photos in the #AiWeiwei exhibit at the Museum of Contemporary Photography. (Ai Weiwei Studio)

More images than usual are on view at the Museum of Contemporary Photography right now, each the product of Ai Weiwei. Shot from 1983 through 2016, they form a dizzying spectacle, covering the gallery's three levels like wallpaper. It's inconceivable to take them all in, and it's equally impossible to remain unmoved by their variety, relevance, narcissism, bravery, stupidity, tenacity and breadth.

The photographs number more than 30,000 in total, after all.

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Ai, widely considered the most famous living Chinese artist, was born in 1957 in Beijing but grew up in exile, where his father, a renowned poet, had been sent to do manual labor as part of the Cultural Revolution. He is known in the art world primarily as a sculptor who deals with Chinese culture and its objects in equal parts wit and criticism: coolly smashing a 2,000-year-old Han Dynasty urn, dismantling and eccentrically rebuilding Qing- and Ming-period furniture, repainting Neolithic vases in bright colors, assembling dozens of clunky worker bicycles into a single interconnected loop.

These artworks and other projects, like the Bird's Nest stadium he co-designed for the Beijing Summer Olympics in 2008, pop up here and there throughout "#AiWeiwei." The exhibition, though titled in reference to Ai's extraordinarily successful use of social media for both political and artistic campaigns, acts as a de facto retrospective for viewers able to sift through its multiple categories of images, knowing where to zoom in and where to zoom out.

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Different strategies of looking are required. A grid of 684 selfies can be absorbed almost atmospherically but not Ai's sensitively edited record of Beijing life in the 1990s. The 41 framed photographs in which he flips the bird at monuments from the Sydney Opera House and the Three Gorges Dam to, most recently, Trump Tower, is as juvenile as it is gratifying in its unstinting condemnation of all symbols of authority.

"#AiWeiwei" also offers a lesson in the way that taking pictures has changed since Ai first began carrying a camera around to document his everyday life in New York's East Village, where he lived from 1983 to 1993, before returning to China to help care for his ailing father. The entire third floor of the MoCP is devoted to a selection of these prints, most of which had not been developed until the early 2000s. They provide a raw glimpse into an era when the Bowery was lined with toothless old men, Allen Ginsberg lived around the corner and visiting Chinese poets slept on the floor of Ai's shabby apartment.

Amid this bohemian chronicling, Ai began to capture riots and protests, both for their messages and as evidence of police brutality, taking images that sometimes made it into city newspapers or the courts. Ai calls this "photo activism," and the bulk of "#AiWeiwei" fits this label, though their form has shifted greatly in recent years with the introduction of digital photography, the internet and the ease with which an individual can create and distribute media, even in a country where expression is as tightly controlled as it is in China.

Chinese censorship has played a decisive role in the past decade of Ai's life: the deletion of his popular blogs, where from 2006 to 2009 he posted information not available in the official press; the police beating he suffered for his involvement in uncovering and publishing the names and numbers of students who died when their schools collapsed during the Sichuan earthquake; his subsequent secret detainment and house arrest; the constant surveillance of his correspondence and his movements; and the confiscation of his passport beginning in 2011, which rendered him unable to travel internationally or to exhibit in China.

Each of these moves by the government spurred a creative countermove by Ai, including the mischievous series "Photographs of Surveillance." He turned the tables on undercover agents tasked with following him by questioning them and taking their picture. He hung festive red paper lanterns on the security cameras mounted around his home/studio. He went live with a 24/7 webcam that, in documenting every minute of his life, created a parody of the monitoring he was being subjected to.

Upon the return of his passport in 2015, Ai moved his family and studio to Berlin. Since then he has made the worldwide refugee crisis the focus of his work, journeying with a team to migrant camps to bear witness, conduct interviews and ultimately create a documentary film scheduled for release later this year. An entire gallery at the MoCP is wallpapered with 16,276 images shot on his smartphone throughout these travels. It's unclear how much they can really mean: Showing such an unfathomable number of small pictures, with only the most general context, might be putting too great a faith in the power of quantity.

Also in that room is a seriously misguided nine-minute video of Ai adrift in the Aegean Sea on a raft abandoned by refugees who had most likely drowned. Here  but amazingly, only here  does Ai let himself get in the way of what needs to be expressed, seen and felt.

Everywhere else, Ai's self-image allows for a crucial modeling of liberty and defiance in the face of censorship and neutrality. Selfie culture may have found a worthy hero.

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"#AiWeiwei" runs through July 2 at the Museum of Contemporary Photography, 600 S. Michigan Ave., 312-663-5554, www.mocp.org.

Lori Waxman is a freelance critic.

ctc-arts@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @chitribent

Twitter @chitribent

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Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 122 Sophie Turner as Jean Grey, anger management student, in "Dark Phoenix." The film, the latest in the "X-Men" franchise, costars James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender and Jessica Chastain. Read the review. (Twentieth Century Fox)
As if extracted from amber, a new story has been reanimated from the fossilized brain of Michael Crichton. Recently "discovered" in the late author's archives (Crichton died in 2008), "Dragon Teeth" is a light historical novel that bears all the narrative traits of its techno-thriller ancestor, "Jurassic Park." It's a fun and diverting romp through the Old West in search of dinosaur bones.

The story centers on William Johnson, the handsome, cocksure son of a wealthy Philadelphia shipbuilder. In 1876, William is goaded by a rival into passing up a cushy vacation in Europe for a hardscrabble expedition on the American frontier with paleontologist Othniel Marsh.

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Crichton is splicing strands of history and fiction here. Marsh was an actual legend in the field; his many discoveries - and rich uncle, George Peabody - gave rise to Yale's Peabody Museum of Natural History. In "Dragon Teeth," Marsh enlists William as his team's photographer. But the mercurial professor suspects that the young man is a spy dispatched by his archenemy, Professor Edward Drinker Cope.

Cope, also a towering real-life figure of early paleontology, discovered hundreds of prehistoric species, and he and Marsh fought bitterly in the late 1800s during a period of rich fossil discovery - the Bone Wars - that ultimately ruined both men.

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Early in "Dragon Teeth," Marsh's suspicions about William get the better of him, and he abandons the young man in Cheyenne. It appears the Ivy Leaguer's adventure has come to an end, but Cope arrives on the scene and invites William to join his own expedition headed for the Montana Territory.

Eventually, of course, William will find himself alone and imperiled, venturing through lawless, hostile territory over unforgiving terrain. Is the spoiled tenderfoot hard enough?

"Dragon Teeth" is filled with colorful Wild West characters, including Morgan and Wyatt Earp, and Crichton writes vividly, offering several suspenseful, racing passages. One of the most memorable arrives when William and the rest of Cope's team narrowly escape a buffalo stampede: "They eventually could see nothing, and could only listen to the thundering hooves, the snorting and grunting, as the dark shapes hurtled past them, ceaselessly."

The novel also touches on the debate between science and religion. By the campfire on the night of a particularly momentous paleontological discovery, Cope finds his faith shaken. "Religion explains what man cannot explain," he says. "But when I see something before my eyes, and my religion hastens to assure me that I am mistaken, that I do not see it at all ... No, I may no longer be Quaker, after all."

But the best thing about "Dragon Teeth" might be the escape it affords us from such philosophical complexity. One night, William tries to explain the importance of his discovery to a hotel clerk. "These bones are valuable to science," he insists.

"We're a long way from science," the clerk replies. "Just get 'em out of here."

Dragon Teeth

By Michael Crichton

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Harper. 295 pp. $28.99






A statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee is removed from Lee Circle on May 19, 2017, in New Orleans. Lees was the last of four monuments of Confederate-era figures to be removed under a 2015 City Council vote on a proposal by Mayor Mitch Landrieu. (Scott Threlkeld/AP )

Some diehard defenders of the Confederacy are swearing that they'll never spend another nickel in New Orleans.

No more Mardi Gras for these rebels. Bourbon Street will have to party on without them. They'll get their po' boys somewhere else, thank you.

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"Boycott NOLA!" is their battle cry. And their chief enemy?

Mitch Landrieu.

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Landrieu, known in the boycott camp by names like "moron" and "monster," is officially known as the mayor of New Orleans.

A few days ago, as the last of the city's four giant Confederate statues came down, Landrieu, who is white, gave one of the great modern speeches on history and race in America, a speech that's as significant in Chicago as it is along Lake Pontchartrain.

"Profound," tweeted Cory Booker, the African-American U.S. senator from New Jersey.

I hadn't planned on reading it. Who reads a whole speech? By a mayor, any mayor anywhere?

But after the accolades kept floating past on social media  "stunning," "moving," "must-read"  I clicked on the speech out of curiosity. I've been thinking about its eloquence, power and humility ever since.

I grew up in the South, surrounded by "rebel" flags and the legends of Confederate "heroes." I learned, as other white children did, that cheering for the Confederacy was an act of local pride, a defiance of the Northern invaders, a way to honor the valiant dead. Slavery was a side story.

It's a measure of the era's segregation that I don't know what black children were taught.

I was fortunate to have parents who didn't share the prevailing racial bigotry, but even so, the paraphernalia of the Confederacy was so ubiquitous that I didn't recognize it for what it was. Only after I left the South, at the end of eighth grade, did I grasp the full nature of those statues, flags and legends, the history they represented and perverted.

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The perversion of history is a major point of Landrieu's speech.

"These statues are not just stone and metal," he said. "They are not just innocent remembrances of a benign history. These monuments purposefully celebrate a fictional, sanitized Confederacy; ignoring the death, ignoring the enslavement, and the terror that it actually stood for."

The statues were erected, he said, some years after the South was defeated in the Civil War, under the influence of "The Cult of the Lost Cause."

"This 'cult' had one goal," he said, "through monuments and through other means  to rewrite history to hide the truth, which is that the Confederacy was on the wrong side of humanity."

Many Americans, wherever they live, don't know as much as they think they do about American history. Many don't recognize that Northerners collaborated in and profited from the slave economy. Many prefer not to admit that the legacy of slavery continues to permeate every corner of our country. It's not just a Southern thing.

But the South, which is also a land of deep beauty, confronts our shared past in a unique way, in the form of flags and statues that warp history.

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"To literally put the Confederacy on a pedestal in our most prominent places of honor is an inaccurate recitation of our full past," Landrieu said.

He pointed out that New Orleans was once America's largest slave market, but there are no slave ship monuments on its soil, no prominent markers on public land to commemorate the lynchings and slave blocks.

"So for those self-appointed defenders of history and the monuments," he said, "they are eerily silent on what amounts to this historical malfeasance, a lie by omission."

Like many white Southerners, Landrieu had to grow into this understanding, despite growing up in a family that fought for civil rights. He had to see the problem before he could see what needed to change.

"I must have passed by those monuments a million times without giving them a second thought," he said. "So I am not judging anybody, I am not judging people. We all take our own journey on race."

Then he talked about the friend who asked him to imagine an African-American parent trying to explain to a child who the Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee was and why he had a statue in the city.

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"Can you look into that young girl's eyes and convince her that Robert E. Lee is there to encourage her?" he asked. "Do you think she will feel inspired and hopeful by that story? Do these monuments help her see a future with limitless potential? Have you ever thought that if her potential is limited, yours and mine are too?"

Our racial problems, north, south, east and west, go far beyond Confederate statues, but removing them from glorified display isn't a loss of history. On the contrary, history is corrected and amplified.

"Mitch Landrieu destroys New Orleans," tweeted a member of the Boycott Nola brigade on the day of Landrieu's speech.

"#NOLA is officially dead to me," tweeted another.

I think it's time for the rest of us to go spend some tourist dollars in New Orleans.

mschmich@chicagotribune.com

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Twitter @MarySchmich
Some 25 years after a new kind of public school entered the national education landscape  "charters" run by private groups and set free from bureaucracy  Chicago has become the center of a shake-up in the still-evolving charter school movement.

The immense freedom that came with setting up charter schools is increasingly under fire, spawning union drives, potential strikes and pushback over pay and working conditions that are reshaping the way charter schools were expected to operate, usually in a nonunion environment.

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A pro-labor town, "Chicago has become the epicenter of charter union organizing in the country," said Andrew Broy, president of the Illinois Network of Charter Schools.

Late Wednesday, the city was on the brink of becoming the site of the first charter school strike in the country, according to national and state charter officials and teachers unions. But a tentative settlement was reached between teachers and officials at Passages Charter School in the North Side's Edgewater community.

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That agreement came after at least two other charter school networks in the city also threatened strikes in recent months. Both were averted.

The labor challenges illustrate the strong push to bring traditional public school working conditions into charter schools, such as pay schedules that provide raises for years of experience and academic credentials. Historically, charter schools have not had to set up that kind of salary schedule, but unionized charters are now bargaining to establish those pay systems for teachers.

It's part of a strategy that Karen Lewis, the Chicago Teachers Union president, supports as a way to change charter schools while keeping them in the mix in Chicago Public Schools.

"It's not about destroying charter schools," Lewis said. "Charter schools are here; they're not going anywhere. So the key is, how do you make them a bitter pill to their management companies? It's the management companies we have the issues with, not the charter teachers, not the students, not the parents. The key is, organize people to fight for fairer conditions of work, and then that's good for everybody."

The CTU, which represents traditional public school teachers, is a close ally to the separate union representing charter schools. That union is the Chicago Alliance of Charter Teachers and Staff, a branch of the American Federation of Teachers and a statewide affiliate of the Illinois Federation of Teachers.

Chris Baehrend, president of Chicago ACTS Local 4343, said, "A growing number of teachers are coming to a realization that when they are organized, we are in a better position to protect conditions in the classroom."

The charter union is now working to bring Chicago's most prominent network under its wing: the Noble Network of Charter Schools. That network enrolls some 12,000 students at 17 campuses, and boasts prominent backers including Gov. Bruce Rauner, the billionaire Pritzker family and Chicago Board of Education President Frank Clark.

The network's CEO and superintendent, Michael Milkie, has said Noble will respect its teachers' rights to "organize or not to organize," while saying a union contract could eliminate the flexibility often touted by the independently-run schools.

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As it stands now, the Chicago charter union said it represents about 1,000 teachers at 32 charter schools in Chicago, which is about 25 percent of charter schools citywide. That's double the national percentage: About 12 percent of charter schools nationwide are under a collective bargaining agreement, according to Aviva Bowen, spokeswoman for the Illinois Federation of Teachers.

And nationally, AFT represents 231 charter schools around the country in 15 different states, she said.

Still, there are nearly 6,700 charter schools across the country, according to the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools, a movement that has blossomed since the early 1990s, when Minnesota became the first state to enact a charter school law in 1991 and the first charter school opened in 1992.

The idea was to loosen bureaucratic rules and laws and allow for innovative ways to increase student achievement. That could mean everything from longer school days and school years to creative curriculum to hiring  and more easily firing  teachers. Nonprofits and other private management organizations would manage the schools, and money for the programs would flow from regular school districts to charter schools.

The new schools were a panacea for some parents unhappy with neighborhood schools but unpopular with some traditional educators and teachers unions.

Illinois enacted a charter school law in 1996 and the state now has 145 charter schools, according to the national charter alliance, which tracks the numbers in each state. Outside of Chicago, in 2016-17, there were charter schools in Carpentersville, East St. Louis, Grayslake, Normal, North Chicago, Peoria, Richton Park, Rockford, Springfield and Waukegan, according to the Illinois State Board of Education.

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But the bulk of charters sprang up in Chicago, where Mayor Rahm Emanuel has made the schools a cornerstone in efforts to improve the public school system. Meanwhile, charters have provided city families an alternative but have also sparked controversy on everything from how well charters do academically compared with traditional schools and how much money is spent.

There appears to be wide agreement that charter school teachers do not earn what traditional teachers earn in CPS, with differences in the thousands of dollars. There are various reasons for the lower pay, both union and charter officials say, including the way state law set up how charters would be funded and the hiring of less experienced teachers who have lower salaries than veterans.

The salary issue has been paramount in the drive to unionize charters, union officials say, and the latest dispute over salaries played out in the case of Passages, a charter school of less than 500 students that has about 34 teachers.

Robert Bloch, the CTU's attorney who has been working with the charter union in negotiating with Passages, said "unionized charters are creating a more hospitable environment for teachers," and that a traditional pay schedule that takes into account years of experience and education credentials is a key benefit for teachers.

"I think charter teachers need unions. They kind of get abused a bit," Bloch said.

At the nonprofit Asian Human Services, which operate Passages, Chief Financial Officer Nikita Johnson-White acknowledged that Passages teachers have been paid less than regular CPS teachers.

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The tentative agreement provides substantial raises for teachers, according to the charter union, whose members are expected to vote on the deal in coming days.

Johnson-White said the charter school was operated earlier by a management firm that did not have a specific salary schedule for teachers. Records show the firm got a fee of nearly $180,000 in the year ending June 30, 2016. The management contract was "terminated" in July 2016, according to the charter school's most recent financial audit.

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Now teachers are employees of Asian Human Services, Johnson-White said, and the nonprofit has recognized that some teachers were underpaid and should get raises.

The charter union noted in a press release that "the tentative agreement also makes major strides in critical non-economic issues including increasing teacher voice in decisions that affect students, providing safe and healthy working and learning conditions, and putting in place a fair and collaborative teacher evaluation system. Class size limits are held to 28 students, and the agreement includes language that provides for more meaningful prep time for teachers."

Those are some of the elements common in traditional public schools, and charter union president Baehrend said the drive will continue to incorporate salary schedules and important non-economic elements in charters.

"The stronger we get, the more we're going to demand the stuff that makes our (charter) schools work well," Baehrend said. "No one wants anyone to strike. But we want teachers to have a say in their schools."

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Tribune reporter Elyssa Cherney contributed.

drado@chicagotribune.com

jjperez@chicagotribune.com
New Bar Association to Serve Assyrian-Americans Elects Officers

Chicago (AINA) -- A new bar association for lawyers who serve Illinois' Assyrian-American population has elected its first board of officers.

The Assyrian-American Bar Association (AABA) elected the following officers to two-year terms: President Tony S. Kalogerakos, Vice President Christina Abraham, Treasurer Joy Mkrdichian, Secretary Phillip Rehani, and Law School Liason Mark Ishu. The group began organizing in 2016.

The Association was founded to promote the highest standards of competence, professionalism and integrity among Assyrian-American attorneys in their service to Assyrian-American communities and cultivate a strong network of Assyrian attorneys with a comprehensive range of legal expertise.

The new Assyrian-American Bar Association also plans to host legal seminars on topics of particular interest to the community and mentor Assyrian-American youth who aspire to join the legal profession.

Assyrians are the descendants of one of the earliest civilizations in the Middle East and have a history spanning almost 7,000 years. Although the Assyrian empire ended in 600 B.C., the Assyrian descendants of this empire maintain the Assyrian culture, language, and heritage in nations including Iraq, Iran, Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey and United States. About one third of the world's roughly 4.5 million Assyrians live in diaspora. The Chicago area is home to approximately 100,000 Assyrian-Americans.

"I am humbled and honored to serve as the first President of the Assyrian-American Bar Association," said Kalogerakos, founder and principal attorney of Injury Lawyers of Illinois & New York. "This Association will serve an important need. With everything that is going on with our Assyrian community, there is a critical need for a trusted information source that can provide guidance on human rights and immigration issues, among others."

Assyrian-American attorneys have been practicing law in Illinois for many years, noted Robert Benjamin, a partner of Golan, Christie and Taglia. Benjamin was an early supporter of creating a bar association for Assyrian-American lawyers.

"Over the years, the number of attorneys of Assyrian descent who have chosen a career in the law has grown," he said. "We felt it was appropriate for us to launch an association to support their growth as professionals. In the coming years, I am looking forward to assisting in the development of these professionals and overcoming the challenges all lawyers face in the everyday practice of law."

Headquartered in Chicago, the AABA plans to open offices in New York, California, Arizona, and Washington, D.C., by the end of 2018.
The Chicago Board of Education on Wednesday unanimously signed off on a series of changes to high school graduation requirements that make one credit each in biology, chemistry and physics  plus a financial literacy course  compulsory.

Those new requirements are in addition to a previously announced plan requiring students, beginning with current high school freshmen, to provide a plan for life after high school in order to graduate. That measure, so far the most controversial of the series of changes, was also approved by the school board Wednesday.

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The new requirements are part of an emerging strategy for high schools that includes a new application process, which will match students to a high school using a list of their preferred buildings and a computer algorithm.

It's not clear how CPS will be able to implement the science curriculum plan. Just two-thirds of district high schools offer the science courses that will be required, officials acknowledged to reporters Tuesday.

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It's also not known how much money the financially distressed district would have to invest in capital expenses such as upgraded classroom laboratory space to make the plan work. Teachers may need additional certifications to teach new science courses, officials said.

It will often be up to principals facing slim budgets to prioritize spending in their schools to comply with all the new requirements, officials said.

Chicago Public Schools Chief Education Officer Janice Jackson told reporters Tuesday that schools will have some flexibility in the types of science classes they offer. There are traditional physics courses, for example, as well as what are known as "conceptual physics" classes, Jackson said.

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"We know that there are some schools who will have to change their course sequence, which will mean that students will need some additional support, all students, not just students with disabilities, will need some additional support in order to access this curriculum," Jackson said Tuesday.

"If we believe there's a doctor at Bowen, if we believe there's a doctor at these other schools, then we should be preparing students for that," she said.

Students who enter high school in 2018, the Class of 2022, will be the first to have the new science requirements.

Students who enter high school starting in the 2017-18 school year will have to take a pass/fail financial education course. The new requirements extend to the district's independently operated charter schools, officials said.

Under current requirements, students must earn one credit in biology and a total of two credits in some combination of chemistry, earth and space science, environmental science and physics.

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jjperez@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @PerezJr
The Federal Trade Commission filed a civil suit against him in 2003. The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation suspended his loan originator registration in 2010.

But it took until Mark Steven Diamond - who also went by the name Mark Stevens - was accused of stealing a total of $10 million of equity in the homes of at least 122 elderly victims before he was arrested on Monday and, on Tuesday, upon appearing in federal court, was charged in connection with wire fraud and engaging in a financial scheme, according to FBI Special Agent Garrett Croon, a media coordinator for Chicago.

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"Diamond caused certain elderly homeowners to execute reverse mortgage loan documents, despite the fact that they were disabled or otherwise unable to understand the reverse mortgage loan documents," said Kelly Popovits, a special agent with the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General.

Diamond, 60 and of Chicago, is suspected of working with at least five co-conspirators, officials said, defrauding seniors by fraudulently obtaining home loans in their names and keeping the profits.

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A judge determined Tuesday that he is to be held until his next hearing, investigators said.

"Diamond knowingly participated in a mortgage fraud scheme by using a name and registration number belonging to another loan originator for compensation or gain due to the fact that Diamond's registration was expired," Popovits wrote in an affidavit meant to establish probable cause to arrest Diamond.

The main focus of the investigation was into reverse mortgages, Popovits wrote, as she explained what they are and who is eligible.

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"A reverse mortgage loan is available to homeowners age 62 or older and allows the homeowner to borrow the equity in their home minus fees and costs. It may only be secured by a primary residence for which all title holders are borrowers and are age 62 or over. To be eligible, borrowers must receive reverse mortgage counseling explaining the fees, costs, and ramifications of getting a reverse mortgage. Reverse mortgage payouts can be in the form of a line of credit or lump sum, with limits on the size of the lump sum payout," she wrote.

To circumvent rules limiting reverse mortgage lump sum payouts, investigators said, Diamond falsely represented to the reverse mortgage lenders that he had already made the promised home repairs and was entitled to be paid directly by the reverse mortgage lender, including by preparing loan applications which falsely represented that a fictitious entity was a creditor of the elderly homeowner, filing false liens against the elderly victims' homes, and submitting false payoff letters, according to the 72-page affidavit.

The victims of the scheme mainly were seniors on Chicago's West Side, officials said.

The investigation involved: "Reviewing records, including records of victims, reverse mortgage lenders, title companies, the Cook County Recorder of Deeds, numerous financial institutions, the Federal Reserve, telephone companies, the Secretary of State of (both) Illinois and Indiana, the Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation and HUD, as well as documents, including affidavits of victims, filed in civil suits against Diamond," Popovits wrote.

She added that the oldest victim was 98 and outlined the way he is alleged to have carried out the scheme. Authorities said Diamond:

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Falsely promised elderly homeowners that he would make certain home repairs. The type and cost of the home repairs that he falsely promised to make were a function of the amount of equity that he calculated would be available in the form of a payout from a reverse mortgage loan secured by the victims homes. The greater the equity available to the elderly homeowner, the more repairs he would falsely promise to make and the more he would charge.

Falsely represented that he had been sent by the city and that the home repairs would not cost the elderly homeowner any money, such as by falsely promising that the repairs would be paid for through a government program, including a free Chicago porch repair program.

Falsely represented to the elderly homeowners that they needed to sign certain documents to start the repair work and caused them to do so without the elderly homeowners knowing that they were obtaining a reverse mortgage loan.

On occasions in which family members were opposed to the elderly homeowner dealing with him or obtaining a reverse mortgage loan, he would return to the home to speak to the elderly homeowner at a time when the opposing family members were not present.

Caused the reverse mortgage counseling to be conducted over the telephone and then participated in the counseling by coaching or posing as the elderly homeowner or causing others to pose as the elderly homeowner.

kdouglas@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @312BreakingNews
Four teenage boys were shot over four hours in Chicago, including a 16-year-old killed in the South Shore neighborhood, according to police.



The 16-year-old was shot in the head around 9:20 p.m. Wednesday in the 7700 block of South Marquette Avenue on the South Side, police said.



Officers responding to a call about gunfire found the boy on the ground outside, police said. He was taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 10:11 p.m., according to the Cook County medical examiner's office.

The boy was identified as Alandis Allison, of the 7700 block of South Kingston Avenue, according to the medical examiner's office.



On the West Side, two other boys, 14 and 17, were shot around 1:15 a.m. Thursday in the Little Village neighborhood, apparently with a rifle, police said.

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Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 11 A Chicago police officer examines a truck driven to Mount Sinai Hospital with a 14-year-old boy and 17-year-old boy who were shot near 25th Street and Trumbull Avenue early on May 25, 2017. (Armando L. Sanchez / Chicago Tribune)

The boys were in a maroon truck near 25th Street and Trumbull Avenue when another vehicle pulled up and someone opened fire, police said. The older teen was wounded in the back, and the other boy was wounded in the foot.



They were taken to Mount Sinai Hospital, where their conditions were stabilized, police said.



Rifle casings could be seen near the intersection where the shooting took place. Less than two miles away at Mount Sinai, officers surrounded the truck that was pocked with several large bullet holes.

On the West Side just before 10:50 p.m. Wednesday, another 14-year-old boy was seriously wounded in the South Austin neighborhood, police said.



He was walking in the 200 block of North Lockwood Avenue when someone opened fire, hitting him in the chest. He was taken in serious condition to Stroger Hospital.

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Earlier Wednesday, a Chicago police officer shot and seriously wounded a man in a stolen car after the driver pinned the officer against another car, police said. The shooting happened about 11:15 a.m. in the 1600 block of North Leclaire Avenue. One officer was taken to Advocate Lutheran General Hospital to be treated for a broken leg, and another officer suffered minor injuries.



In other shootings:



 Around 11:05 p.m., a 42-year-old man was shot in the leg following an argument with another man in the Lawndale neighborhood, police said. He was standing in the 3900 block of West Grenshaw Street when the other man pulled a gun and shot him. The 42-year-old man was stabilized at Stroger Hospital.



 In the Little Village neighborhood, a 27-year-old man was shot about 10 p.m. He was walking in the 2100 block of West 21st Street when the gunman approached and shot him twice in the chest and twice in the left arm. The man was taken to Stroger Hospital, where he was stabilized.



 About 5:40 p.m., an 18-year-old man was shot in the back while driving in the 4000 block of West Palmer Street in the Hermosa neighborhood, police said. He saw a man armed with a gun hanging out of the passenger side window of a black car and then heard gunshots. He went to Presence Saints Mary and Elizabeth Medical Center, and he was transferred in serious condition to Stroger Hospital.



 In the Chicago Lawn neighborhood about 1:15 p.m., a 37-year-old man was shot in the 6000 block of South Fairfield Avenue. He was shot multiple times inside a home and was taken in serious condition to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, police said.



 About 12:55 p.m., a 41-year-old man was shot in the leg in the South Shore neighborhood in the 2900 block of East 79th Street. He was taken in good condition to Northwestern Memorial Hospital, police said. A gunman was in custody and a weapon was recovered from the scene, authorities said.



 In the Gage Park neighborhood about 12:50 p.m., a 25-year-old man was critically wounded in the 2600 block of West 54th Street, police said. The man was standing on a sidewalk when the driver of a red minivan got out and fired three times, hitting him in the upper right back and left hip area, police said. He was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital.
A man charged with murdering his cousin in a suburban motel told authorities that the shooting happened after the victim "challenged my manhood," prosecutors said in court Wednesday.

Deon H. Moore, 34, told authorities that his gun went off by accident while he was fighting with his cousin after the two had been drinking together at a Motel 6 in Elk Grove Village, Cook County prosecutors said during Moore's bond court appearance.

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But authorities said those claims didn't match the physical evidence and have charged Moore with first-degree murder in the death of Larry Moore, 33, of Chicago.

In addition to a gunshot wound to the neck, Larry Moore also suffered broken bones in his face and head lacerations, which authorities allege were caused by Deon Moore pistol-whipping his cousin.

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Authorities said Larry Moore's autopsy suggested he was still breathing after the attack. They allege that Deon Moore allowed his cousin to expire while he waited in the motel room before fleeing.

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Authorities believe the fatal altercation occurred sometime after midnight Saturday but that the suspect didn't leave the motel until about about 10 hours later. The homicide went undiscovered until a motel maid found Larry Moore's body in the room on Sunday morning, authorities said.

In setting a $4 million bond for Deon Moore, Judge Joseph Cataldo noted the length of time the defendant stayed in the room with the body, as well as the fact that a firearm was used and that Moore allegedly removed evidence before leaving.

The gun has not been recovered; authorities said Moore first told them he threw it into Lake Michigan but later changed his story and said he left it in a duffel bag on an "L" train.

Authorities said Deon Moore spent Sunday morning at Larry Moore's family's home, grieving his loss with other relatives.

Larry Moore had been living at the motel while working at a local factory, officials said. Just last week, he had pleaded guilty to a domestic battery charge and was sentenced to court supervision, according to court records and officials.

Deon Moore, who has addresses in Chicago and Kankakee, previously spent time in prison for a having a firearm as a felon, according to prosecutors. He also has previous arrests for unlawful use of a weapon and manufacture and delivery of a controlled substance, officials said.

George Houde is a freelance reporter. Freelance reporter Brian L. Cox contributed.
Video obtained by the Chicago Tribune shows footage at the time of the April 10, 2017, fatal shooting of Cook County Associate Judge Raymond Myles in Chicago's West Chesterfield neighborhood. (Chicago Tribune)

A grand jury has formally indicted the man held in the fatal shooting of Cook County Judge Raymond Myles, prosecutors said in court Wednesday.

Earl Wilson, 45, pleaded not guilty to 27 counts of first-degree murder, attempted murder, aggravated battery, armed robbery and unlawful restraint.

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Wilson's co-defendant, Joshua T. Smith, 37, believed to be the getaway driver, was previously indicted on two counts of first-degree murder and one count each of armed robbery and aggravated unlawful restraint, authorities said.

Prosecutors have said Myles, 66, was shot multiple times when he intervened as Wilson robbed the judge's girlfriend at gunpoint outside the judge's Far South Side residence. Smith allegedly remained in the car during the attack.

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Wilson planned for weeks to rob Myles' girlfriend, even staking out the judge's home to learn her schedule, according to prosecutors.

Early on the morning of April 10, Smith drove Wilson to Myles' home and waited for the woman, prosecutors have said. When she came out, he shot her in the left thigh and took her gym bag, prosecutors said. Apparently hearing the gunfire, Myles emerged onto the rear porch and confronted the gunman.

Myles, a judge since 1999, was shot five times, including a graze wound. His girlfriend, 52, survived.

The brazen attack, believed to be the first fatal shooting of a Chicago-area judge in more than three decades, touched off a massive investigation.

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Police have said video surveillance in the area of the judge's home in the West Chesterfield neighborhood played a crucial role in identifying the getaway car used in the attempted holdup and its license plate.

Judges from DuPage County have been brought in to handle the case because of Myles' long and extensive ties to the Leighton Criminal Court Building, where Wilson and Smith would go on trial.

The Tribune has reported that police are looking into whether the judge's girlfriend was targeted for personal reasons. Smith is related to a former husband of the judge's girlfriend. She ended that marriage two years ago after discovering he might be a bigamist, and he later secured an emergency order of protection against her after alleging she had threatened to shoot him, court records show.

Police also are investigating the possible involvement of yet another person in the plot, law enforcement sources have told the Tribune.

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Wilson has a criminal record dating to the early 1990s, Cook County court records show. He was sentenced in 1992 to 18 years in prison after pleading guilty to attempted murder and home invasion for stabbing a former girlfriend two years earlier, according to the records. He was released from prison in 2004.

mcrepeau@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @crepeau
The Chicago Teachers Union said on Tuesday that its members lodged a vote of "no confidence" on the leadership of district chief Forrest Claypool, a symbolic effort union President Karen Lewis expanded into a referendum on Mayor Rahm Emanuel.

Lewis, during remarks at a City Club of Chicago luncheon on Tuesday, repeated the union's calls for new revenue to fund Chicago Public Schools, now that city and school district officials have laid out plans to stay afloat by adding as much as roughly $900 million in short and long-term debt to the system's already substantial burdens.

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"Having productive talks with your lending partners is not advocating for the schools our students and their communities deserve," Lewis said. "And a no-confidence vote in the CPS CEO is a proxy vote for the man who appointed him, because the issues plaguing our schools are indicative of the problems facing our city. There is a lack of vision among Chicago's leadership."

Lewis also took aim at Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner, who is routinely blamed by Emanuel, Claypool and city leaders for the state's education funding problems and a budget impasse in Springfield that has held up millions of dollars in grant payments to CPS.

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Emanuel and Claypool have both sought to direct the union and public's ire toward the governor's office and Springfield, where legislators have continued to fail at passing a state budget. The district has also re-filed a lawsuit that targets how Illinois funds teacher pensions, after a Cook County judge rejected the district's claims last month.

The CTU's vote on Claypool's tenure, taken during the past week, follows a February vote by the union's governing body that called for Claypool's "immediate resignation." The union's House of Delegates at the same time denounced budget cuts and layoffs implemented by the city amid ongoing budget turmoil.

CTU members were asked to sign a sheet indicating whether or not they have confidence in Claypool. Union leaders said more than 14,000 no-confidence votes had been counted by Tuesday afternoon, when the results were delivered to Emanuel's City Hall office. The union, which claims about 24,000 active members, said that not all ballots had been counted, and that only about 150 members expressed confidence in Claypool.

"We call on Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel to fire Forrest Claypool," CTU Vice President Jesse Sharkey said. "His leadership has been a disaster, he's undermined the very confidence in the public school system which we need to carry forward in the important work of educating the children of Chicago."

Claypool has described the union's latest vote as "a sideshow," while defending the as-yet-unsuccessful lawsuit his administration continues to pursue against the state over education funding.

"CPS' financial crisis is rooted in racially discriminatory state funding  to the tune of $500 million a year  and it's shocking that Karen Lewis' top priority is anything other than holding the Governor accountable for that injustice," Claypool said in a statement Tuesday.

Emanuel has said Claypool enjoys the mayor's "complete confidence."

"Of course the Mayor has confidence in Forrest," spokesman Adam Collins said Tuesday in a statement. "Rather than pick fights here in Chicago, it would be a lot more productive if CTU would stand with us in Springfield as we continue to fight against the Governor and for fair education funding."

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The CTU has voiced concern about the direction of the district's special education program under Claypool's leadership, and also fears that CPS will eliminate school clerk positions while rolling out a program that will make teachers responsible for filling out time sheets.

"He's a proxy," Lewis said of Claypool during a press conference that followed her City Club speech.

Asked why the vote wasn't taken on Emanuel, Lewis said, "What could we do about that right now?"

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"We'll put pressure on him in a couple of years, right?" she said, indicating the union will again go after the mayor in the 2019 election.

"We've got to figure some way around all this. But our real initial target has to be the guy in the governor's mansion, right? He has to come up off of the budget impasse piece."

Lewis gave a tacit endorsement to CPS Chief Education Officer Janice Jackson, saying she "absolutely" could work with the young, African-American executive seen by many inside the district as a natural successor to Claypool.

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"I would like someone I could work with, that's what I'm thinking. It doesn't matter, quite frankly at this point who that is, but it needs to be somebody we can work with," Lewis said.

"She's very accessible and, I think, if she wanted the job, you know, right on, Mazel Tov to her," the union head said of Jackson.

jjperez@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @PerezJr
Metra wants to increase service at the Hyde Park and Pullman neighborhood stops along the Metra Electric District line, but would cut some trains on the line's Blue Island and South Chicago branches.

Proposed schedule changes would provide train service every 20 minutes or less between Millennium Station downtown and all three Hyde Park stations at 51st/53rd Street, 55th/56th/57th Street and 59th Street until 7 p.m. weekdays. Midday trains currently run as much as an hour apart.

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The proposed changes were announced at the commuter rail service's monthly board meeting Wednesday. They will be discussed at public meetings in June, and Metra said it would consider public input before finalizing the schedule.

Metra officials said ridership at the Hyde Park stations has increased about 7.6 percent over the past three years. More service demand is anticipated because of planned residential development in the area, Metra said. Another coming attraction is the Obama Presidential Center in Jackson Park.

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Ridership on the Metra Electric Districtline has fallen nearly 14 percent, or 1.4 million passenger trips over the past six years, though it has the system's newest cars and runs the most trains. Metra CEO Don Orseno said the changes would be revenue neutral and would put more trains where they are needed.

"We've heard for several years we needed more service in the Hyde Park area," Orseno told reporters. Hyde Park service would increase to 18 inbound trains from as few as nine and 18 outbound trains from as few as seven between 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. during the week

The changes also would improve midday service to hourly from every two hours at South Side stations between the 63rd Street stop and Kensington, including the newly rehabilitated 111th Street/Pullman Station near the Pullman National Monument, Metra said.

The change would eliminate a nearly one-hour gap between two inbound early morning trains from University Park.

The new schedule cuts what Metra calls "lightly used" trains on the Blue Island and South Chicago branches, mostly in the early morning and late evening. Metra said the trains to be eliminated carry fewer than 10 passengers per day.

Metra also would eliminate Saturday service on the Blue Island branch, which does not have Sunday service. Metra said the Saturday inbound Blue Island trains carry fewer than 100 total passengers all day.

Metra said that Blue Island and South Chicago branches have seen ridership decline 17.5 percent and 11.2 percent, respectively, over the last three years.

Rush-hour service on the branch lines would remain mostly the same, said Dan Miodonski, Metra's supervisor of schedules and service.

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The proposed changes were greeted with enthusiasm by state Rep. Barbara Flynn Currie, a Democrat whose district includes Hyde Park. "My community has been advocating for increased service on the Metra Electric line for years," Currie said in a statement from Metra.

However, some South Side residents expressed concern to board members about any cutbacks in service to areas that already have seen disinvestment and have high unemployment.

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Hyde Park activist Roger Huff said the idea of moving trains and service to Hyde Park and away from the branch lines is "robbing Peter to pay Paul."

A coalition of South Side and south suburban groups have been pushing Metra to look into the costs of turning the Metra Electric District line into a rapid transit line with more frequent stops, enabling low-cost transfers between CTA and Pace, and allowing the use of a single public transit card.

Public meetings on the the proposed changes will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on the following dates: June 19 at the South Shore Cultural Center; June 20 at the Flossmoor Village Hall; June 21 at the Blue Island City Hall; and June 22 at the Polsky Exchange at the University of Chicago. Comments can be sent to medschedulerevisions@metrarr.com.

Also on Wednesday, the board approved about $66 million in construction and other contracts, which include contracts to rebuild 11 bridges on Metra's Union Pacific North Line between Addison Street and Balmoral Avenue in Chicago and to complete the Ravenswood station.

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Metra continues to search for a replacement for Orseno, who plans to retire in mid-December. Orseno said Metra has received 150 to 200 applications for the job, and conducted its first applicant interview Wednesday morning. He said Metra hopes to have somebody in place in mid- to late-September, to allow time for a smooth transition.

mwisniewski@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @marywizchicago
The family of a Naperville high school student who committed suicide after being called into a dean's office for a disciplinary matter filed a lawsuit Wednesday against the school district and the city's Police Department, accusing them of breaking the law by interrogating the teen without first notifying his parents.

The lawsuit, filed in DuPage County Circuit Court, also alleges that the school and Police Department caused 16-year-old Corey Walgren "extreme, intolerable and excessive emotional and psychological distress" during their interrogation of him less than two hours before his death.

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Corey, a junior at Naperville North High School, was summoned to administrative offices Jan. 11 to meet with Dean Stephen Madden and Naperville police Officer Brett Heun, who is assigned to the campus. The two questioned Corey about an allegation that he had a video of a recent sexual encounter with a female classmate on his phone and that he had played the recording for friends.

Heun and Madden  who are also named as individual defendants in the lawsuit  accused Corey of possessing child pornography and threatened him with placement on the state's sex offender registry, according to the lawsuit.

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The recording they sought, however, ended up being a video file with no discernible images. Police described it as "very dark" and "more of only audio." Nothing can be seen in the recording, Walgren family attorney Terry Ekl said.

"The extreme, intolerable and excessive fear and psychological distress suffered by Corey, including but not limited to the fear of incarceration and social embarrassment and shame, was objectively obvious and apparent to (Madden and Heun)," the lawsuit states.

The lawsuit seeks more than $5 million.

The Walgren family has repeatedly said they do not blame the female classmate for reporting the matter and that they are concerned about her well-being. The classmate was welcomed at and attended Corey's wake, his parents said.

Naperville District 203 officials, who had not yet seen the lawsuit, released a statement saying the district was "incredibly saddened by Corey's death" but believed it handled the situation appropriately.

"At the outset of this incident, we worked to ensure a thorough and fair review of the facts, and involved the appropriate school and law enforcement officials," the statement said. "Our main concern with any matter involving students is fairness, discretion and objectivity. The school district feels confident that we handled this issue appropriately and engaged the right officials pursuant to the protocols and procedures that govern student affairs."

The city of Naperville also has said the officer who questioned Corey acted properly.

"This has been a tragic event for everyone involved and our community," city attorney Mike DiSanto. "Given that this matter involves minors, we ask the community to show patience and respect throughout the legal process. We are confident the school resource officer followed proper policies and procedures."

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In a statement to the Tribune earlier this week, Naperville police Chief Robert Marshall called Corey's death a tragedy but said the officer who questioned him acted properly.

"At the time of the incident, the Police Department determined that the school resource officer followed proper policies and procedures," Marshall said.

The lawsuit, however, alleges Heun and Madden illegally questioned Corey.

Illinois law requires police to "immediately make a reasonable attempt to notify the parent" after a minor is taken into custody. Unless a juvenile believes that he is free to stop the questioning and walk out of the room, according to legal experts, he is considered to be in police custody.

"Under the circumstances, a reasonable person in Corey's position would objectively consider himself still in custody and not free to leave that office," the lawsuit states.

Heun and Madden spoke with Corey for 18 minutes, according to police reports, before calling his parents, Doug and Maureen Walgren. Once they reached Maureen Walgren, Heun talked to her on a speakerphone with Corey in the room. He told her that her son was being investigated for "child pornography" and could end up being placed on the sex offender registry, Maureen Walgren said.

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The officer then told Maureen Walgren he intended to download items from Corey's phone and needed her consent, according to the reports. Walgren, a nurse, said she would leave work immediately and be at the school within 50 minutes.

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After the phone call ended, the officer and the dean walked Corey to an office waiting area and told him to sit down. The two then went to speak with Principal Stephanie Posey, leaving Corey to wait for his mother.

Left by himself, Corey walked out of the school a few minutes later and headed toward a downtown Naperville parking garage. He climbed to the fifth floor and then committed suicide by plummeting 53 feet to the ground.

His mother, who had arrived at the school to find Corey missing, was in her car just a few blocks away searching for Corey when he fell.

Despite the allegations of child pornography, police never intended to pursue charges, records show. Rather, they indicated authorities wanted to handle the matter in a way that ensured Corey understood the seriousness of his actions and how it affected his classmate.

"I think they wanted to scare him straight," Maureen Walgren told the Tribune in story published earlier this week. "Instead, they scared him to death."

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sstclair@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @StacyStClair
Chicago mayor Rahm Emanuel speaks at a press conference in his press office at city hall in Chicago on Friday, April 28, 2017. (Chris Sweda / Chicago Tribune)

Six black aldermen who are supporters of Mayor Rahm Emanuel held a news conference Wednesday to thank the mayor for hiring two African-Americans to key administration posts.

Aldermen Carrie Austin, 34th; Walter Burnett Jr., 27th; Derrick Curtis, 18th; Emma Mitts, 37th; Michelle Harris, 8th; and Michael Scott Jr., 24th, said they wanted to give the mayor credit for quickly dealing with recent revelations of racist emails at the Water Department by replacing the commissioner with Randy Conner, an African-American. And they said they appreciated Emanuel naming Samantha Fields to be budget director after Alexandra Holt announced she was leaving.

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"These are two of the most powerful and biggest departments in the city of Chicago," Burnett said.

The aldermen went on to remind Emanuel to do more to elevate black candidates.

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"We want to give credit where credit is due, because we don't want it to end here. We want this to be the beginning, not the end," Burnett said. "We need more African-Americans in high-level spots."

The assembled aldermen almost always vote with Emanuel. And Burnett said, "Right now, today, I would support him" for re-election if Emanuel decides to run. "Hopefully he will continue to keep my support as time goes on," Burnett said.

The group as a whole stopped short of offering an endorsement to Emanuel's re-election, but Austin said that as of now she, too, is in his corner.

Emanuel has been trying to rebuild support among African-American voters after he and his administration were much criticized for how it handled the shooting of black teen Laquan McDonald by white police Officer Jason Van Dyke, who eventually was charged with murder.
Darnell Hopkins, 63, of South Holland shoots a gun during a class at Glenwood Gun & Pistol Range in Glenwood on Jan. 5, 2016. There are currently no commercial gun ranges in Chicago, but a new proposal easing some of the restrictions on gun ranges in the city might change that. (Zbigniew Bzdak / Chicago Tribune)

Welcome to Clout Street: Morning Spin, our weekday feature to catch you up with what's going on in government and politics from Chicago to Springfield. Subscribe here.

Topspin

Eased gun range zoning laws, tighter valet parking regulations and limitations on when Chicago cops can board airplanes are all set for a vote Wednesday at the monthly City Council meeting.

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The new gun range rules would allow ranges in more parts of the city, where there now are none. A vote was put off last month, but it's now expected to pass, given that a federal appellate court deemed the current regulations too strict.

Under the other measures also slated for a vote: Valet stations would have to open and close within a half-hour of a business's hours of operation, and city workers could only board planes to respond to a crime or medical emergency, a move made in response to last month's infamous dragging incident on a United Airlines plane.

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Some aldermen, meanwhile, are trying to resurrect a languishing ordinance to require more oversight of the Chicago Housing Authority.

And Mayor Rahm Emanuel is expected to introduce appointments to three cabinet posts, openings created by a budget department departure and a water department scandal.

Aldermen are introducing measures to crack down on sham massage parlor owners running places of prostitution and impose big fees on developers who don't make half of their housing units affordable along the 606 trail. (Hal Dardick)

What's on tap

*Mayor Emanuel will preside over the Chicago City Council meeting and hold a news conference afterward.

*Gov. Bruce Rauner has no public schedule.

*The Chicago City Council meets at 10 a.m. Watch live here.

*The Illinois House and Senate meet.

*Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle will give remarks at an interfaith memorial service at Chicago Temple. She said recently that she'll run for another term in 2018.

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From the notebook

*Dems keep heat turned up on President Donald Trump: Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., on Tuesday released a letter she sent to the National Security Agency director, Adm. Michael Rogers, asking whether security sweeps were conducted  and whether any listening or recording devices turned up  after Trump's Oval Office meeting May 8 with two Russian officials.

Duckworth, in a letter Monday, noted the U.S. news media was barred from covering Trump's meeting with the Russian foreign minister and its ambassador to the U.S., but a photographer from a Russian state-sponsored media outlet was allowed in.

The U.S., she wrote, "must counter the hostile actions of the Russian government and its authoritarian allies, such as Syria and Iran."

She also said she was "alarmed and frustrated" by reports that Trump during the meeting divulged highly classified intelligence to the visiting Russians.

News accounts say Trump told the Russians about intelligence indicating Islamic State operatives had determined how to plant and mask an explosive inside the battery of a laptop computer, increasing the chances a bomb could be secreted past screeners onto an airplane. The intelligence reportedly was given to the U.S. by Israel.

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Rogers, by the way, is no stranger to Chicagoans. He's a 1977 graduate of New Trier High School in Winnetka. (Katherine Skiba)

*Tuition help proposed: Nearly two years into the state's historic budget stalemate, several House Democrats unveiled a plan Tuesday to provide tuition assistance to Illinois college students that could cost hundreds of millions of dollars in its first year.

The proposal could create a grant capped at $4,000 annually for students who maintain a B average or better, whose family income is less than $125,000. To qualify, students would have to be enrolled continuously at a state university or community college and pledge to remain in Illinois for at least two years after graduating.

The bill also could create a fund for universities to tap into for faculty recruitment and retention and establish a debt relief program for those who have graduated. Under this program, the state would take on eligible students' private loans, and those students would repay the state at no interest.

"We believe that this program is a rational response to the crisis that we are seeing," said Rep. Christian Mitchell, D-Chicago. "It is a real investment not just in individual students but in community areas where the institution of higher education really is the economic hub of the entire town and where, without these universities, you will start seeing towns outside of Chicago die."

Students could use the proposed programs, though, only if lawmakers agreed to pay for them. That might be a big ask given the state's fiscal woes. The grant program would cost about $300 million in the first year, said state Rep. Lou Lang, D-Skokie.

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He said the programs won't be a budget item for next year and wouldn't kick in until the 2018-19 school year.

Lang said there are uncertainties, including what the state's budgetary pressures will look like a year from now. But he said students who work hard and want to go to college should receive help.

"When we get to next year's budget, when it comes time to talk about funding this, we will have to come to grips with this as a General Assembly as to what to do and how to do and how much to fund it," he said. (Haley BeMiller)

What we're writing

*Speaker Madigan back in shadows this spring after millions of dollars of Rauner attacks.

*Illinois Senate Democrats pass tax hikes despite likelihood they won't become law.

*CTU issues vote of no confidence in CPS CEO Claypool.

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*Cubs to pay $1 million for Wrigley Field security cameras.

*Ald. O'Shea targets prostitution at Chicago massage parlors.

*Quigley says Russia probe is "in its infancy."

*Check to Ald. Ervin displayed to jurors at fraud trial.

*Target agrees to $18.5 million settlement with Illinois, 47 other states over 2013 data breach.

*Willowbrook rejects "gun-try club" despite changes to plan.

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What we're reading

*"They scared him to death": School disciplinary incident ends with a Naperville teen's suicide.

*Apple flagship, Mag Mile offices selling for $370 million.

*Inside the building that Epstein built.

Follow the money

*Track Illinois campaign contributions in real time here and here.

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Beyond Chicago

*Manhunt for Manchester concert terrorist bomber accomplices.

*Ex-CIA boss Brennan troubled by Trump team's Russia contacts.

*Trump trip: Touts Israel-Palestine peace, but same obstacles remain.

*Fox News retracts unfounded story about DNC staffer's death.
A day after Illinois Senate Democrats approved a massive tax hike and budget package, Republicans responded Wednesday with heated political warnings aimed at Speaker Michael Madigan and House lawmakers, as well as Democratic candidates for governor.

In an example of how the scheduled final days of the spring legislative session are intertwined with the upcoming 2018 election, the Illinois Republican Party launched a pair of robocalls critical of Democrats. One of the calls went to voters statewide, and another was targeted to 19 House districts held by Democratic lawmakers.

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The state GOP is heavily subsidized by Gov. Bruce Rauner, and the calls focused on two of the governor's key issues: criticizing Madigan and ensuring a property tax freeze be part of any final deal to end the state's historic budget impasse.

The statewide robocall went even further, contending the action of Senate Democrats was being abetted by two Democratic primary candidates for governor, while not mentioning state Sen. Daniel Biss of Evanston, who actually voted for it.

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The tax plan, a female narrator says in the statewide call, is "part of a scheme pushed by House Speaker Mike Madigan and Democrat candidates for governor like Chris Kennedy and J.B. Pritzker. They've said Illinois' top priority should be raising taxes by billions without reforms."

Kennedy and Pritzker did not directly address the action of Senate Democrats but instead faulted Rauner for not cooperating in coming up with a state budget.

At issue was the passage Tuesday of the tax-and-spending package entirely on the strength of the votes of Senate Democrats, who control the chamber. The proposal would boost personal and corporate income taxes and extend the state sales tax to some services and raise $5.4 billion over a 12-month period.

The package also includes a $37.3 billion state spending authorization for the budget year that begins July 1.

While Madigan has borne the brunt of Rauner's ire for years, there's little indication that his House Democratic majority would actually take up the Senate-passed plan in its entirety.

Instead, state Rep. Greg Harris, the Chicago Democrat who is a key House budget negotiator, said there were a number of concerns about the Senate proposal. That includes savings assumed from a pension overhaul that has yet to pass the House and contract changes for the state's largest employee union, which is the subject of an ongoing court battle. If those changes fail to become reality, Harris said the Senate's budget plan has a "hole" of nearly $2 billion.

Harris said another "threshold decision" centers on the Senate's proposed income tax hike that would raise the rate for individuals from 3.75 percent to 4.95 percent. The income tax hike would be retroactive to Jan. 1 and would result in an even larger chunk being withheld from paychecks for the rest of the year.

"I don't know what our caucus will say when they understand how do you collect six months of income tax in the first month of a new budget year," Harris said.

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On the House floor Wednesday, Democratic state Rep. Jay Hoffman of Swansea, called on Rauner to come to the bargaining table. While House Democrats maintain Rauner should not make other items a prerequisite to a budget, Madigan named Hoffman and several other loyalists to negotiate with Rauner over his wish list.

Hoffman lamented that the administration has not made efforts to jump-start those talks, saying an attempt to schedule a meeting last week with Rauner's chief of staff was canceled.

"You know, it makes me so angry, I feel like throwing my papers in the air, punching them, and running for Congress," Hoffman said. That was a reference to Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Bost, whose rants over gun regulations and pension changes as a state lawmaker were used in attack ads as he sought higher office.

Hoffman did run for Congress in 1996 and lost by about 1,300 votes to Republican U.S. Rep. John Shimkus of Collinsville.

Taking a swipe at political ads in which Rauner calls for Democrats to end their "duct tape solutions" to the state's problems, Hoffman said of the governor, "It's time to put your duct tape away, it's time to stop the political games, it's time to roll up the sleeves of your plaid shirt and sit down and negotiate with us and do the people's business."

House Republican leader Jim Durkin of Western Springs dismissed Hoffman's comments as "theater," saying "he's a little off in his facts."

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Durkin noted the Democrats' long control over the legislature and contended they have for years failed to do the hard work necessary to address the state's financial problems.

"Quite frankly, you guys couldn't balance a budget out of a wet paper bag," Durkin said.

rap30@aol.com

mcgarcia@chicagotribune.com
SPRINGFIELD  For much of Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner's term, longtime Democratic House Speaker Michael Madigan was a highly visible and very vocal critic.

Though Madigan historically has operated behind the scenes to take down opponents without much fanfare  it's not for nothing he earned the nickname "The Velvet Hammer"  he took a different approach to combating the former private equity investor turned politician.

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Capitol news conferences became the norm, even if the speaker said virtually the same thing each week, decrying Rauner's agenda as "extreme." Madigan granted radio and TV interviews, calling on Rauner to be "reasonable" and set aside the "non-budget" items he's made a condition of a deal. The reserved Madigan, known for his steely stare, even headlined a major union rally, highlighting his "epic struggle" with Rauner and pumping his fist in the air as thousands of state workers booed the governor on the front lawn of the state Capitol.

That's all stopped in recent months, as Madigan once again has retreated into the shadows of state government.

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Gone are the lengthy news conferences, replaced by an occasional statement sent out by aides. Instead of appearing on public television after the governor's big speeches, top deputies are dispatched to offer a rebuttal. And Madigan has rarely been seen on the House floor this session, though the Southwest Sider did preside over the chamber during a visit by the Cubs' World Series trophy.

The shift in strategy comes after Rauner and the Illinois Republican Party he heavily funds have spent tens of millions of dollars painting Madigan as the all-powerful being who's the source of the state's deep financial problems. They claim his recent disappearance as a victory of sorts, saying their efforts not only helped the GOP pick up four House seats in November to eliminate Madigan's veto-proof majority but also effectively have made Madigan poisonous to the state Democratic Party he controls.

"Here's a guy who has gotten his way by ruling with an iron fist, and I would say in the last election, that backfired on him," said Rep. Grant Wehrli, a Republican from Naperville. "He was blamed for a lot of problems; that politically takes its toll. But personally it takes its toll. No one wants to be known as the villain."

"If he is removed from the arena, he is not there to take the blame," Wehrli added.

A Madigan spokesman chalked up the speaker's different approach to being about time management.

"I don't know about strategy as much as utilization of time," spokesman Steve Brown said. "There are a limited number of hours in the day  and I am not sure his public statements have really changed, and so why would you use your time to repeat yourself?"

Indeed, when Madigan broke his relative silence in a recent interview with a WGN-AM 720 radio host, the speaker repeated many of his familiar talking points.

"The historic fact is that Gov. Rauner  Gov. Rauner  hijacked the Illinois budget-making process in order to leverage the implementation of his agenda," Madigan said. "I did not propose holding hostage the budget-making process, I did not propose that. Gov. Rauner proposed it, he's done it for two years."

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Rauner, too, has tweaked his communications strategy, taking reporters' questions less frequently and instead relying on more controlled environments to get his message out. The governor appears monthly on Chicago Public Radio and conducts livestreamed Facebook events where his staff chooses the topics.

That's the venue the governor chose Tuesday when he framed up his ideas on the end of session, again calling for lawmakers to take up his push for a property tax freeze. The Facebook appearance came as Senate Democrats were weighing a budget proposal that included an income tax hike but no moratorium on property taxes.

Rauner took a not-so-veiled shot at Madigan, saying there are people who've controlled the Democratic Party for 35 years who "created the system and they have no interest in changing it."

"Not even a little bit," Rauner said. "Because that would admit that they have failed, that would admit that they needed to change  and they don't want to acknowledge that."

While Democrats remain united in trying to place responsibility on Rauner for the budget stalemate, a divide has emerged as to the best way to push back.

Initially, many Democrats were content to let Madigan do the fighting on their behalf, confident Rauner would cave in the face of opposition from the longtime speaker. Any notion of a short-term battle with a new and inexperienced chief executive has morphed into a yearslong war that's frustrated lawmakers who have little to show for it when they return home.

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Some rank-and-file Democrats have since come forward with their own plans, saying they've long been frustrated by the stalemate driven by political and personal differences between leadership. Though they avoid blaming Madigan by name, they say they worry House Democrats have not done enough to counter Rauner's claims that they are simply protecting that status quo in the face of change, which the governor says is needed to get a budget deal and move the state forward.

"I think the speaker had a very clear strategy that he executed very well for the past few years, which was to demonstrate how harmful the governor's Turnaround Agenda would be, and to build public support against it and to repudiate it in the legislature," said Rep. Will Guzzardi, D-Chicago. "But I don't view that as enough.

"We have done a good job of saying 'no' and not a particularly good job of articulating our values and visions," Guzzardi added.

Still, the ideas put forth by Guzzardi and several colleagues have languished. They include populist proposals that speak to core Democratic Party principles, including raising the minimum wage and curbing tax breaks for corporations.

As Madigan has fallen back, Democrats and Republicans in the Senate spent much of the year trying to strike a sweeping agreement to end the impasse. That's taken some of the budget pressure off Madigan, though that's about to change as lawmakers enter the final week of spring session.

Senate President John Cullerton and Republican leader Christine Radogno cut Rauner and Madigan out of their talks, citing their long-running standoff that saw budget negotiations implode in December. Rauner has since inserted himself in the process, demanding, among other things, a property tax freeze in exchange for an income tax hike to help the state dig out of the red.

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Cullerton argues there's not enough support from Democrats for a property tax freeze, which they say would harm local governments and school districts that rely on the money. As a result, major portions of the framework stalled, and Democrats pushed through their own spending plan Tuesday that calls for hiking income taxes and expanding the state sales tax.

With time running out, the question now is how Madigan will approach the budget in the House. He issued a statement after Tuesday's vote saying the Senate budget will be "thoughtfully considered" by House Democrats "as part of our efforts to pass a full-year balanced budget that will end the budget impasse."

For the last two years, House Democrats passed spending plans that were billions of dollars out of balance. Only one of those plans made it to Rauner's desk, in 2015, and he vetoed out all of the spending save that for elementary and secondary schools. Last year, Senate Democrats staged a revolt against Madigan's habit of running a budget through the House at the last minute, opting for an overtime session. That left an opening for Rauner to label the entire Democrat-controlled legislature a "stunning failure."

Weeks later, Rauner and lawmakers struck a deal on a six-month budget that expired in January. Madigan tried to cast it as evidence the two sides could work together if Rauner would drop his legislative demands. Rauner said Democrats simply were eager to move into campaign mode ahead of the 2016 election.

Madigan has yet to reveal how he will proceed this time around. Though he maintains a budget should be considered separately from the governor's economic proposals, Madigan recently named several of his top deputies to negotiate on those items with Rauner.

Rauner's office has said it's skeptical of that offer and has not engaged. Madigan has tried to keep the focus on Rauner, penning a letter that was signed by all 67 House Democrats encouraging the governor to "accept this good faith offer of cooperation, so we can again resume working to end this destructive impasse."

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Meanwhile, Madigan's appropriations chairs have spent the last several months quietly drawing up various potential spending proposals. Rep. Greg Harris, D-Chicago, said the House has developed a series of "principles" to guide the decision-making process. They include passing a balanced budget  which he says will require tax hikes and spending cuts  paying down the state's massive backlog of bills, making full required pension payments, addressing growing debts related to employee health care and increasing funding for elementary and secondary education.

"It's going to be a lot of tough decisions," said Harris, Madigan's budget point-person. "We are certainly looking at income tax, we are very much looking at corporate loophole tax closures."

The dual paths of calling on Rauner to negotiate while also privately drawing up plans affords Madigan some protection against attacks that he's not willing to bargain should House Democrats ultimately decide to once again go it alone on a budget plan.

Republicans, though, argue it isn't enough for Madigan to simply go through the motions, saying it's clear that he's still pulling the strings even if it's now from behind a curtain.

"We are not going to get a budget until speaker Madigan fully engages in this process," said Wehrli, the Naperville Republican. "He has removed himself from the arena because he is more concerned with political self preservation than actually getting the job done."

Rauner has even gone so far as to blame Madigan for attempting to derail the Senate efforts  something Senate Democrats previously have tried to pin on the governor.

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"I'm very proud of the Senate Democrats and Republicans who are working hard," Rauner said recently on WBEZ-FM 91.5. "And in the meantime, Speaker Madigan and his caucus have been sending over special interest groups to attack."

"He's refused to negotiate. He's refused to compromise," Rauner said of Madigan.

Democrats counter that for all the Republican rhetoric about Madigan's control over his members, it's Rauner who demands loyalty and has stood in the way of GOP members cutting a deal.

"Despite the fact that he wants to blame everyone and everything but himself for this not being finished, he has the supreme responsibility to get this ball to the goal line," said Rep. Lou Lang, a Skokie Democrat who serves as deputy majority leader. "He is the governor of the state of Illinois and he has a greater responsibility than simply running around the state blaming everybody for his own failures."

And why is it Lang delivering that message instead of Madigan?

"It may well just be that the speaker has decided that the message is being sent pretty well by the members of his caucus and he is probably content with that," Lang said.

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mcgarcia@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @moniquegarcia
Director of National Intelligence Daniel Coats testifies before the Senate Armed Services Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., on May 23, 2017. (Melina Mara / The Washington Post)

WASHINGTON  The nation's top intelligence official declined to comment Tuesday on a report in The Washington Post that President Donald Trump had urged him to deny publicly the existence of any evidence of collusion with Russia during the 2016 presidential campaign.

Director of National Intelligence Daniel Coats, noting that he is the president's principal intelligence adviser, said, "I have always believed that ... it's not appropriate for me to comment publicly on any of that."

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He added, "So on this topic, as well as other topics, I don't feel it's appropriate to characterize discussions with the president."

Coats spoke at a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee.

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The Post reported Monday that Trump made the request of Coats after then-FBI Director James Comey disclosed March 20 that the bureau was investigating potential coordination between the Trump campaign and Russian officials.

Coats declined to speak publicly on the matter, deeming the request inappropriate, current and former U.S. officials said.

Trump, they said, also sought the cooperation of National Security Agency Director Michael Rogers. Like Coats, Rogers declined to make such a public statement, again believing that the request was inappropriate.

Asked by Sen. Jack Reed, D-R.I., whether, hypothetically, it would be appropriate for a president to make such a request, Coats replied, "Any political shaping of ... intelligence would not be appropriate." He said, "I have made my position clear on that to this administration, and I intend to maintain that position."

Reed also asked about another allegation in the Post article, which stated that senior White House officials sounded out top intelligence officials about the possibility of intervening directly with Comey to encourage the FBI to drop its probe of Michael Flynn, Trump's former national security adviser.

"Are you aware of any other contacts, not just yourself personally, but to others in the intelligence community to conduct an activity?" Reed asked Coats.

"I am not aware of that," he replied.

Coats indicated that he would cooperate with the Russia probe being led by special counsel Robert Mueller. Under questioning by Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., Coats said that if asked, he would provide details of his conversation with Trump to Mueller.

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He also said that if he is called before an investigative committee, such as the Senate Intelligence Committee, "I certainly will provide them with what I know and what I don't know." He said the Trump administration has not directed the Office of the Director of National Intelligence to withhold information from members of Congress conducting oversight.

Separately Tuesday, leading Democratic senators were withholding votes for Trump's nominee to lead the Treasury Department's terrorism and financial crimes division, to protest the administration not producing records related to their probe of the Trump campaign's alleged ties to Russian officials.

Top Senate Banking Committee Democrat Sherrod Brown of Ohio and top Senate Intelligence Committee Democrat Mark Warner of Virginia complained during a committee confirmation vote for Sigal Mandelker that the administration is being too lackadaisical about producing documents that lawmakers have requested to supplement their probe of Russian meddling in the 2016 elections.

The Wall Street Journal reported this month that the Treasury Department's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) would share records with the Senate Intelligence Committee as part of its investigation. Warner and committee Chairman Richard Burr, R-N.C., had sent a letter April 26 requesting documents, including alerts of possibly suspect transactions known as "flash notices" and information prepared in relation to terrorism or money laundering cases known as "314(a) requests."

"While the committee has received some documents from Treasury, the information received thus far is insufficient, and we have expressed this concern," Warner said Tuesday, after the vote to recommend Mandelker's nomination to the full Senate. The vote was 16 to 7, with Warner, Brown and several other Democrats voting no - "a step I wouldn't otherwise take," Warner stressed, had the Treasury Department better complied with the request for information.

Coats told lawmakers that he did not have any documents describing his conversation with the president.

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Senators also expressed concern about Trump's sharing of classified intelligence on an Islamic State bomb plot with the Russian foreign minister in his visit to the White House this month. Heinrich noted that Coats earlier in the hearing said leaks jeopardize lives. "If the president held any other position, what he said [to the Russians] could be considered the mother of all leaks," he said. He asked Coats, "Was it dangerous for the president to share that information?"

Coats deflected, saying he was not in the room for the discussion. "I've been on travel," he said. "I have not discussed this with the president."

Heinrich replied, "I find that troubling."

Coats also admitted that he "can't specifically describe" the process by which the intelligence community determines what intelligence can be shared with a foreign government. "I'm new to the job. Weeks in," Coats protested. He also said that he "was not aware" of whether Trump had cleared the intelligence for sharing.

The Washington Post's Adam Entous and Karoun Demirjian contributed to this report.
Rep.Mark Warner, D-Va., right, and Rep.Richard Burr, R-N.C., speak to reportersregarding actions the Senate Intelligence Committee is taking to obtain information from former National Security Adviser Michael Flynnon May 23, 2017. (Michael Reynolds / EPA)

WASHINGTON  The Senate Intelligence Committee is issuing two new subpoenas for information from former national security adviser and retired Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn's companies and challenging his lawyer's refusal to comply with an existing subpoena for documents detailing his contacts with Russian officials, committee leaders announced Tuesday.

"A business does not have the right to take the Fifth," Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., the committee's lead Democrat, told reporters as he and chairman Richard Burr, R-N.C., pledged to "keep all options on the table."

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Burr and Warner announced they would subpoena documents from the two Flynn businesses they were aware of - Flynn Intel LLC and Flynn Intel Inc., both based in Alexandria, Virginia.

They are also sending a letter to Flynn's lawyers challenging them on "whether Flynn can take the Fifth as it relates to document production," and itemizing more specifically what documents they want Flynn to furnish.

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The moves stop short of seeking a citation of contempt against Flynn for failing to comply with the committee's subpoena - for now.

"We've taken actions that we feel are appropriate right now," Burr said. "If in fact there's not a response, we'll seek additional counsel on how to proceed . . . at the end of that option, there's a contempt charge."

Tuesday's moves come after Flynn's lawyers told Intelligence leaders in a letter Monday that Flynn would invoke his right against self-incrimination because the documents the committee was requesting were "testimonial" in nature. They argued the request for records of calls between June 16, 2015, and Jan. 20, 2017, was especially broad. Flynn's lawyers also said Flynn had "more than a reasonable apprehension that any testimony he provides could be used against him."

Committee leaders were frustrated with that response and changed the request in a seeming attempt to call Flynn's lawyers' bluff.

"We've been very specific in the documents now that we have requested from General Flynn," Burr said.

Warner and Burr initially responded to the letter from Flynn's lawyers Monday by pledging to "vigorously pursue General Flynn's testimony and his production of any and all materials pursuant to the Committee's authorities."

Flynn's testimony is not the only testimony they are seeking.

Warner also said Director of National Intelligence Daniel Coats and National Security Agency Director Michael Rogers "owe the committee some explanation" about the conversations they had with President Donald Trump in which, as The Washington Post reported, he asked them to pressure then-FBI Director James Comey to drop his investigation into alleged links between Trump's campaign and transition teams and Kremlin officials.

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"We did ask all of these nominees that, as we move forward with the Russia investigation, that they would fully cooperate," Warner said. "If we have the president trying to interfere and ask ODNI Director Coats and Admiral Rogers to back off the Russia investigation, that seems clearly a subject that Rogers and Coats would then owe the committee some explanation."

Warner added that he expected Comey would testify publicly before the Intelligence Committee sometime during the week after Congress's week-long Memorial Day recess.

But the more urgent matter at hand is what to do about Flynn.

Committee members met behind closed doors Tuesday afternoon and discussed their options. But not all members see eye to eye.

While Warner and Burr have indicated that holding Flynn in contempt is an option that remains on the table, others are not so sure.

"He has the right to use his Fifth Amendment rights," said Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., a committee member.

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Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, another panel member, said that if Flynn "had just refused to turn over documents without invoking his constitutional rights, then my approach would be to explore a contempt-of-Congress citation." But, she added, "I'm very respectful of their privilege not to incriminate themselves, and so I think we have to proceed carefully."

While plenty of witnesses invoke the Fifth Amendment to avoid giving testimony, some senators and legal experts are skeptical that the Fifth Amendment can be applied to a request for documents.

It is also unclear how much the recent appointment of Robert Mueller III as special counsel will affect the committee's ability to compel Flynn's testimony and production of documents. Flynn's attorneys cited Mueller's appointment as a reason against complying with the subpoena, concluding in a letter to Burr and Warner that it raised the chances Flynn's testimony could be used against him, "giving rise to a constitutional right not to testify."

Regardless, committee members seem to be aware that if they want to procure information from Flynn, they are in for a fight.

"I think he will fight things tooth and nail," said Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-N.M. "And that probably is indicative of the level of trouble that he's in."

The Washington Post's Ed O'Keefe and Matea Gold contributed to this report.
President Donald Trump labeled North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un a "madman with nuclear weapons" during a private phone conversation with Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte last month, just days before stating publicly that he would be "honored" to meet with Kim.

In the April 29 call, Trump sought Duterte's input on whether Kim is "stable or not stable" and expressed some satisfaction in North Korea's recent failed missile tests, noting that "all his rockets are crashing. That's the good news," according to a transcript of the conversation made by the Philippines government on May 2 and obtained Tuesday by The Washington Post.

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Duterte responded that Kim is "playing with his bombs, his toys" and offered that "his mind is not working well and he just might go crazy one moment." That prompted Trump to point out that the United States has "a lot of firepower over there," including "two nuclear submarines" sent by the Pentagon to the region last month.

Later in the call, Trump raised the stakes of the escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula when he observed: "We can't let a madman with nuclear weapons let on the loose like that. We have a lot of firepower, more than he has, times 20 - but we don't want to use it."

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The focus between Trump and Duterte on North Korea comports with a brief public readout of the call from the White House on the day it took place. But the details of their conversation, first reported here, offer a deeper view of the urgency with which Trump is attempting to enlist foreign leaders to ramp up pressure on Pyongyang to halt its nuclear and ballistic missile programs.

A senior Trump administration official acknowledged that the transcript is accurate but declined to speak on the record about "a leaked document from a foreign government." The Post obtained the document from a person who asked not to be identified because the transcript, labeled by the Philippines government as "confidential," is not intended for public release.

Trump is "rallying as much support as he can on North Korea," the administration official said, speaking on the condition of anonymity. "Regional support is extremely meaningful. This is how he's trying to proactively manage a very difficult situation."

Trump's call with Duterte, during which he extended an invitation to visit him at the White House, was met with skepticism from some foreign policy analysts and human rights groups. Since taking office in June, Duterte has moved to hedge on the Philippines' long-standing defense alliance with the United States by establishing closer relations with China. And his administration has overseen a brutal extrajudicial campaign that has resulted in the killings of thousands of suspected drug dealers.

Trump has not spoken out against that strategy, and in their call he praised Duterte for doing an "unbelievable job on the drug problem."

"Many countries have the problem, we have the problem, but what a great job you are doing and I just wanted to call and tell you that," Trump said, according to the transcript.

After Duterte replied that drugs are the "scourge of my nation now and I have to do something to preserve the Filipino nation," Trump appeared to take a swipe at his predecessor, Barack Obama, who had canceled a bilateral meeting with Duterte after the Philippines leader insulted him.

"I understand that and fully understand that and I think we had a previous president who did not understand that," Trump said.

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On his first foreign trip this week, Trump said during a speech in Saudi Arabia that his administration will not "lecture" foreign governments on human rights as the United States pursues partnerships to fight terrorism.

The senior Trump administration official said that the president was not condoning Duterte's "individual tactics" for cracking down on illicit drugs. Rather, this was Trump's "way of expressing solidarity over a common scourge," the official said.

Most of his conversation with Duterte focused on how to deal with North Korea and whether China can exert more leverage on Kim's regime. Trump acknowledged after meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping in mid-April that "it's not so easy" for Beijing to alter Pyongyang's behavior.

But when he asked Duterte whether China has "power over" Kim, the Philippines president responded: "Yes, at the end of the day, the last card, the ace, has to be with China. It's only China."

In an interview with Bloomberg News three days after his call with Duterte, Trump said he would be "honored" to meet Kim "under the right circumstances," opening the possibility of bilateral or multilateral talks. No sitting U.S. president has met with a North Korean leader. In another interview that week with CBS News, Trump called Kim "a pretty smart cookie" and expressed admiration for the North Korean leader having assumed power "at a very young age" after the death of his father, Kim Jong Il.

Trump told Duterte he hopes "China solves the problem . . . But if China doesn't do it, we will do it." Duterte then offered to call Xi and emphasize the importance of altering Pyongyang's behavior.

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"You can tell him I am counting on him," Trump replied. "I have a very good relationship with him. I had him in Florida for two days and got to know him well. He is a good guy."

On May 3, the Chinese state media reported that Xi and Duterte spoke about North Korea, among other topics.

Toward the end of the call, Trump switched topics to invite Duterte to the White House, calling him a "good man."

"I will love to have you in the Oval Office," Trump said. "Any time you want to come . . . Seriously, if you want to come over, just let us know. Just take care of yourself, and we will take care of North Korea."
WASHINGTON  Education Secretary Betsy DeVos refused to say Wednesday whether she would block private schools that discriminate against LGBT students from receiving federal dollars, explaining that she believes states should have the flexibility to design voucher programs and that parents should be able to choose schools that best fit their children's needs.

DeVos returned frequently to the theme of what she called a need for more local control in her first appearance before Congress since her rocky confirmation hearing in January.

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Fielding questions from members of a House Appropriations subcommittee, she said that states should decide how to address chronic absenteeism, mental health issues and suicide risks among students and that states should also decide whether children taking vouchers are protected by federal special-education law.

Researchers have found that many states allow religious schools that receive taxpayer-funded vouchers to deny admission to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students or children with LGBT parents.

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Asked by Rep. Katherine Clark, D-Mass., whether she could think of any circumstance in which the federal government should step in to stop federal dollars from going to private schools that discriminate against certain groups of students, DeVos did not directly answer.

"We have to do something different than continuing a top-down, one-size-fits-all approach," DeVos said.

Democrats immediately criticized DeVos' philosophy, saying the nation's top education official must be willing to defend children against discrimination by institutions that get federal money. "To take the federal government's responsibility out of that is just appalling and sad," said Rep. Barbara Lee, D-Calif.

DeVos pushed back against the notion that the Education Department would be abdicating its authority. "I am not in any way suggesting that students should not be protected," she said.

Liz Hill, a DeVos spokeswoman, said later Wednesday that panel members had asked questions about a voucher program that doesn't exist yet and about topics not covered under federal law. "There seems to be a fundamental misunderstanding about the Federal and State roles in education. When States design programs, and when schools implement them, it is incumbent on them to adhere to Federal law," Hill said in an email. "The Department of Education can and will intervene when Federal law is broken."

DeVos traveled to Capitol Hill to defend a spending plan that has drawn criticism from both ends of the political spectrum.

President Donald Trump has proposed slashing $10.6 billion from federal education initiatives, including after-school programs, teacher training, and career and technical education, and reinvesting $1.4 billion of the savings into promoting his top education priority: school choice, including $250 million for vouchers to help students attend private and religious schools.

The administration is also seeking far-reaching changes to student aid programs, including the elimination of subsidized loans and Public Service Loan Forgiveness and a halving of the federal work-study program that helps college students earn money to support themselves while in school.

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In her opening remarks Wednesday, DeVos said that while the size of the proposed cuts to K-12 and student financial programs "may sound alarming for some," the president's budget proposal reflects a push to return more decision-making power to states and more educational choice to parents.

"We cannot allow any parent to feel as if their child is trapped in a school that is not meeting their needs," DeVos said.

Democrats predictably attacked the administration's budget proposal as an effort to undermine public schools and low-income students' ability to attend college.

"This budget reflects the views of an administration filled with people who frankly never had to worry about how they were going to pay for their children going to college," said Rep. Nita Lowey, N.Y., the ranking Democrat on the Appropriations Committee. "And yet I'm most upset that this budget would undermine our public education system and the working families who depend on them."

Several Republicans praised DeVos, particularly for her push to expand school choice.

"I've always made known my preference for giving parents the choice of where to send their students, because in the end the parents are the taxpayers. The parents are the ones who probably know best," said Rep. Andy Harris, R-Md.

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But GOP members also displayed their share of skepticism about the administration's proposed cuts.

Rep. Tom Cole, R-Okla., chairman of the education subcommittee, questioned the proposal to dramatically cut college financial aid programs such as work-study and college-access programs for low-income students. "Frankly, I will advise you," Cole said, "I have a different point of view."

Another key Republican, Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen, N.J., chairman of the Appropriations Committee, emphasized that it is members of Congress and not the president who hold the power of the purse and will ultimately design the federal budget.

Declaring "awe" for special-education teachers' hard work, Frelinghuysen also questioned whether the administration had proposed adequate funding for students with disabilities. DeVos seemed open to devoting more money, calling it a "matter for robust conversation."

A 1975 federal special-education law promised that Congress would pay 40 percent of the cost of providing additional services to students with disabilities. Lawmakers have never come close and in 2017 are footing only about 15 percent of the cost. The Trump administration is proposing to hold funding at that level.

Critics said they are hopeful that Congress will reject many of Trump's ideas, as lawmakers did this month when they reached a bipartisan deal to fund the government through September.

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But even in that scenario, Trump's proposal creates damaging uncertainty for school districts and students seeking to pay for college, said John King, who served as President Barack Obama's education secretary and now helms the nonprofit group Education Trust.

"The administration has framed the conversation as a conversation about cuts rather than a conversation about investment," King said. "We should be talking about investing more."

While the administration's proposed cuts have been embraced by fiscal conservatives who argue that Education Department programs need to be trimmed or eliminated, some conservatives are also troubled by the administration's proposal to invest new money in school choice, saying that represents an unwelcome expansion of the federal footprint in education.

"As much as I want to see every single child in America have school choice, it is just not appropriate for the federal government to be using new dollars and new programs to push states in that direction," said Lindsey Burke, an education policy expert at the conservative Heritage Foundation. "You need local buy-in for these school-choice options to really be supported and viable in the long run."

Trump and DeVos are seeking to increase the federal investment in charter schools by 50 percent, bringing the total appropriation to $500 million per year. They also want to establish a new $250 million fund to expand and study private-school vouchers, and they want to dole out $1 billion in grants to school districts to adopt policies that allow tax dollars to follow students to the public school of their choice.

In a speech Monday night, DeVos called the push for school choice "right" and "just" and an opportunity to "drag American education out of the Stone Age and into the future." She referred to her critics as "flat-earthers" and said that while the federal government would never force states to adopt choice-friendly policies, those who opt out are making a "terrible mistake."
It's a simple question, but for Republicans in Congress, it's not an easy one.

Do you trust President Donald Trump's judgment on major decisions?

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"I'm not answering questions like that," said Sen. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., after hopping off an underground tram shuttling him from the Capitol to his Senate office building. "That's ah . . . " he trailed off as he walked toward an elevator.

Four seconds later, the easygoing Arizonan picked back up: "The president is overseas. I don't think we're allowed to ask any questions while the president's overseas."

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Flake was one of a dozen Republicans from across the ideological spectrum asked this week to reflect on Trump's judgment. Most of them weren't eager to address the subject head-on. They diverted and demurred. They paused contemplatively before answering. Some grew visibly uncomfortable. Others declared their conviction in Trump - but then qualified their words or expressed confidence in the people around him. Only one of those interviewed - Rep. Tom Cole, R-Okla. - offered an unqualified yes regarding Trump himself.

This wavering confidence, and perhaps loyalty, comes after a torrent of controversial decisions by the president and explosive revelations regarding the ongoing investigations into possible coordination between Trump associates and Russia. It also comes amid signs that members of Trump's own administration don't fully trust the president's decisions.

When Trump revealed highly classified information to two Russian officials in the Oval Office earlier this month, senior White House officials took steps to contain the damage, placing calls to the CIA and the National Security Agency, according to a Washington Post report earlier this month.

And when Trump asked the director of national intelligence, Daniel Coats, and Adm. Michael S. Rogers, the director of the National Security Agency, to publicly deny the existence of any evidence of collusion during the 2016 election, both refused - deeming the appeal inappropriate, according to another Post report this week.

GOP lawmakers, meanwhile, have labored to project at least some semblance of unity with the White House over the first four months of Trump's presidency, in hopes of salvaging their legislative agenda.

But now, amid a Russian meddling probe that has reached a current White House official and questions about whether Trump tried to stifle that investigation, that unity appears to be faltering.

"I thought the president gave a great speech in Saudi Arabia," Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., said, deflecting a direct question about the president's judgment. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee chairman wasn't willing to comment more broadly.

"Those kind of questions are not . . . " he said, going silent for a five seconds before concluding that he was facing a "gotcha" question.

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The shift in the way Republicans talk about Trump has been incremental. They have mostly embraced the Justice Department's appointment of a special prosecutor to take over the Russia investigation, even though many spent weeks saying it wasn't necessary.

Many are still erring on the side of trying to give Trump the benefit of the doubt - and are trying to move past his controversies. But with multiple investigations into his associates and new revelations popping up faster than most lawmakers can keep up, some privately worry about how long they can sustain that posture.

One popular approach: List some facts about whether Trump can do what he is doing, rather than opine on whether he should do what he is doing.

After chewing over the question of whether he trusted Trump's judgment on big domestic and national security decisions as he descended an escalator, Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., used this strategy.

"He has the responsibility and so therefore, ah, I respect the result of the election. I respect the constitutional authority that he has."

Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, took a similar approach in a conversation with reporters a few steps from the Senate chamber.

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"Do you trust the president's judgment right now on big national security decisions, big domestic policy decisions, in light of all of these revelations?" one asked.

"Well, he's president of the United States," the second-ranking Republican replied. "He won the election and he's entitled to make those decisions. Ah, we need to try to work with him - and I am - to try to help him be successful."

Does Sen. James Lankford, R-Okla., trust Trump's judgment? Not clear. But like Cornyn, he also confirmed that Trump is indeed the commander in chief.

"He is the president," Lankford said. "And so, he makes decisions and that's the way the American people do it."

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the whether the president's reputation with lawmakers is deteriorating.

For some Republicans, the preferred way to discuss Trump is to talk about the people around him, rather than the president himself.

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"Well, he's going to have a lot of good advice over there," said Sen. Richard C. Shelby, R-Ala., before naming some of his top national security advisers.

Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., who ran against Trump and was disparagingly dubbed "Little Marco" by the real estate developer during the campaign, said the president has a "really good team of people around."

The Floridian said he does trust Trump's judgment. Rubio said he was "impressed" with the decision that Trump and his team made to launch a military strike in Syria.

But as Rubio moved toward a Capitol subway tram, he turned back over his shoulder and added: "I don't think national security is the issue."

What is?

"Well, I think just all of these things that are going on in the press and so forth, I think are slowing down part of their agenda," he replied. "But hopefully, we can overcome that."

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Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., also said she trusts Trump's judgment. And she also explained her position by crediting the advisers he has assembled.

"I think President Trump has a good team around him. And I have no reason not to trust his national security decisions," she said.

Some Republicans remain staunch defenders of the president - particularly in the House, where many GOP members come from safe conservative districts.

"I do trust the president on national security," Cole said without hesitation. He added that Trump is having a "brilliant" international trip.

Others answer the question by comparing Trump to former president Barack Obama.

"I trust him much more than I did the previous president," said Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, R-Fla., who praised some of Trump's foreign-policy decisions.

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The question led some GOP lawmakers to fall back on familiar talking points: He's different. His campaign was different. His presidency is different.

But it's starting to sound more like a disavowal and less like a defense.

"Is he an unconventional politician? Yes, he is. That's why people chose him. They didn't want traditional politicians to get elected," said Cornyn, the Senate Republican whip.

He added: "So, they got what they voted for."
President Donald Trump has retained the services of a trusted lawyer, Marc Kasowitz, to help him navigate the investigations into his campaign and Russian interference in last year's election, according to people familiar with the decision.

Kasowitz, who has known Trump for decades, has represented Trump in numerous cases, including on his divorce records, real estate transactions and allegations of fraud at Trump University. He is a partner at Kasowitz, Benson, Torres & Friedman in New York.

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With the appointment last week of a special counsel to probe Russian meddling in the election and possible collusion with the Trump campaign, the stakes have raised considerably for the Republican president and his associates. Trump has repeatedly denied that he did anything improper and has said that he has been told he is not under investigation.

The White House had no immediate comment on Kasowitz's hiring. Those who confirmed the decision requested anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the move.

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In recent days, Trump has been looking at pulling together a unit of lawyers outside the White House to guide him as he responds both to the ongoing federal probe and congressional investigations. It was not immediately clear Tuesday night if Kasowitz would be working with other lawyers that have been considered for such a team.

According to several people familiar with the deliberations, other attorneys under consideration have included Robert Giuffra Jr.; Reid Weingarten; and Theodore Olson.

Even as Trump travels abroad this week, the Russian probe has continued to make headlines.

On Tuesday, former CIA director John Brennan testified in the House that he had alerted the FBI to a troubling pattern of contacts between Russian officials and associates of the Trump campaign last year, shedding new light on the origin of a criminal probe that now reaches into the White House.

A potential complication for Kasowitz is that former senator Joseph Lieberman, Trump's leading candidate to head the FBI, is currently a senior counsel at his firm.

Were Lieberman officially chosen to run the FBI, and Kasowitz chosen to help with Trump's legal advice, both men - the one leading the organization investigating possible Russian collusion and the one offering Trump legal counsel on that very issue - would hail from the same firm, a likely conflict of interest.

The Washington Post's Robert Costa contributed to this report.
U.S. intelligence services say Russian officials zeroed in on Paul Manafort and Michael Flynn in an attempt to influence Donald Trump, according to a New York Times report. (AP)

A new report says U.S. intelligence services obtained information during the 2016 presidential election that showed senior Russian officials discussing how to influence Donald Trump through his campaign advisers.

That's according to The New York Times, which cites three current and former American officials. The report Wednesday says the Russians zeroed in on Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort and Michael Flynn, a former head of U.S. military intelligence who was a key Trump campaign adviser.

The report says the Russian officials thought Manafort and Flynn could be used to influence Trump's views on Russia. The Times says some of the officials bragged about ties to Flynn. Others thought they could use Manafort's association with former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych, who led a pro-Russian political party, to their advantage.

Meanwhile, subpoenas for Flynn piled up Wednesday as the House intelligence committee pressured Flynn to cooperate with its investigation into Russia's meddling in the 2016 presidential election.

The prospect of new congressional subpoenas came one day after the committee's Senate counterpart served its own subpoenas to Flynn's businesses. The FBI also faced a deadline Wednesday to turn over memos written by former FBI Director James Comey detailing his discussions with Trump. One memo reportedly shows Trump pressuring Comey to shut down the bureau's investigation into Flynn's Russia ties.

Also on Wednesday, former Trump campaign foreign policy adviser Carter Page told The Associated Press he will testify next month before the House intelligence committee.

A day earlier, former CIA Director John Brennan told a House committee that he had seen intelligence that "revealed contacts and interactions" between Russian officials and Americans "involved" in the Trump campaign  a cause for concern in case the Russians could get the Americans to cooperate.

During a breakfast Wednesday, Rep. Adam Schiff of California, the House intelligence committee's top Democrat, told reporters that Flynn declined to turn over records to the committee, and he said it will be "following up with subpoenas." Schiff said the subpoenas will likely go out this week. He did not elaborate on what materials the committee was seeking.

The attempts to compel Flynn to produce documents were just another sign of the intense focus on Trump's former national security adviser, who was fired in February after the White House said he misled administration officials, including Vice President Mike Pence, about his contacts with Russian officials.

In addition to the congressional scrutiny, Flynn is currently a target of an FBI counterintelligence investigation, a federal probe in Virginia and a Defense Department inspector general's inquiry into the propriety of foreign payments he accepted.

In a letter to the Senate committee on Monday, Flynn invoked his Fifth Amendment protection from self-incrimination in deflecting the panel's subpoena for a wide array of documents and information related to his contacts with Russians.

Flynn's attorneys argued that the Senate's request was too broad, and if Flynn were to comply, he could be confirming the existence of some documents and, in effect, providing testimony that could be used against him. They also said an "escalating public frenzy" against Flynn and the appointment of a special counsel had created a legally perilous environment for Flynn to provide the information.

In response, the Senate intelligence committee on Tuesday sent a letter narrowing its request for documents. It also issued subpoenas seeking documents from two of Flynn's businesses Flynn Intel Group Inc., a consulting firm owned by Flynn and his business partners, and Flynn Intel Group LLC, a company he used for other projects, such as his paid speeches.

Flynn could choose to contest the congressional subpoenas seeking his business records, but legal experts said he would not prevail.

Solomon L. Wisenberg, a Washington defense lawyer who worked as a prosecutor during the Starr investigation of President Bill Clinton, said both of Flynn's corporate structures would likely have to turn over all business records sought by the committee. "The Fifth Amendment privilege does not apply to business entities, period," he said, adding that both Supreme Court and District of Columbia Circuit Court rulings would weigh on the committee's side.

If the FBI misses its deadline to turn over memos and other materials documenting Comey's interactions with the president, Rep. Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah, has said he would subpoena them, if necessary. Chaffetz is the chairman of the House government oversight committee.

The FBI declined comment.

Meanwhile, Page said Wednesday that details are still being worked out about his testimony before the House intelligence committee next month. Page said he expects to testify sometime during the week of June 6 and wants at least part of his testimony to be public. ABC News first reported Page's planned testimony.
President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump (L), followed by White House senior advisor Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump, make their way to board Air Force One before departing from Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv on May 23, 2017. (Mandel Ngan / AFP/Getty Images)

Ever since President Donald Trump took office, people have been struggling to explain his administration's sometimes sharp departures from American norms. Theories have ranged from personality disorders to alarms about the potential birth of an American autocracy.

Let me suggest another: kleptocracy. The Trump administration, its personnel and early practices, resembles nothing so much as a kleptocratic network of the type seen in many developing countries and post-Soviet states. No, I am not implying that Trump is about to turn the U.S. into a banana republic. But Americans would do well to scrutinize nascent changes in the ways the most powerful sectors of our society are interacting.

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I have spent the past decade studying corruption overseas. The problem has gained more attention of late, toppling governments even in modern, prosperous countries like Brazil and South Korea, and figuring prominently in the 2016 U.S. election campaign. Some 60 to 70 nations by my count can be classified as systemically corrupt.

By "corruption," I do not mean cash in the proverbial envelope, or opportunistic self-dealing by some public officials, or cracks in the system that venal businessmen and drug dealers can exploit. I am talking about places where corruption amounts to the operating system of sophisticated networks, structured to a greater or lesser degree, which can be remarkably successful. Not at governing in the interests of their people, of course. But that's not their objective. Their objective is making money.

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One feature of these networks is their horizontal integration. Americans can get into heated arguments about which is more pernicious, the public or the private sector. But we presume there is a distinction between the two. In kleptocracies, that line is rubbed out.

In Afghanistan, for example, where I lived when I began thinking about all this, one of then-President Hamid Karzai's brothers, Mahmoud, was part owner of the country's largest private bank, which processed all U.S. payments to Afghan soldiers and police. It proved to be a Ponzi scheme, with a hole in its books equaling about 6 percent of the country's gross domestic product.

Mahmoud Karzai has not been prosecuted for the alleged $23 million in fraudulent loans he received, and his brother the president thwarted the central bank governor's effort to have some bank shareholders' assets frozen overseas. Mahmoud also owned one of his nation's biggest cement factories, and a stake in a firm that won millions of dollars in U.S. contracts.

Similarly, Azerbaijan's ruling Aliyev family owns no fewer than 11 banks and consortiums that straddle energy, real estate, infrastructure contracting and tourism. In Honduras, as I discovered during a year-long investigation, the overlap between private and public sectors is less absolute. But two banks control about half the financial industry. Members of a tight-knit clique of families in charge of them and several smaller banks, as well as the energy and fast-food sectors and much of the market in contracting public works, operate hand-in-glove with the administration of President Juan Orlando Hernandez and have regularly held top government positions.

A common trend in all these places is how family members serve as ligaments binding the intertwined systems together. Note also the economic sectors that feature. Energy is ubiquitous  be it national oil companies like Azerbaijan's Socar, or Nigeria's NNPC, which was hemorrhaging about a billion dollars a month in 2013 and 2014, or the private companies that populate the value chain. In Honduras, which lacks fossil fuels, the network of elites dominates solar and hydropower generation.

Banking is another favorite business of kleptocracies. In Tunisia under President Zine El Abedine Ben Ali, who was toppled early in the Arab Spring, private banks would make unrecoverable loans to the ruler's inner circle and were then bailed out by the central bank.

Luxury real estate and infrastructure also offer choice opportunities for money laundering and looting public coffers, through self-dealing procurement and contract fraud. Even fashion crops up frequently. Gulnora Karimova, the infamous daughter of Uzebek strongman Islam Karimov, had a fashion company that was suspected by human-rights advocates as serving as a cover for a sex-trafficking operation.

The role of the members of these integrated networks who hold public office is to retool government agencies and institutions to serve network purposes. This is often done with devilish creativity. One of Tunisia's major exports are succulent Deglet Nour dates. Date palms grow in desert oases irrigated by the national water department. Members of Ben Ali's network would approach the highest-quality producers and announce the below-market price they intended pay for their yield. If a farmer balked, his water was cut. There and elsewhere, tax authorities have been made to serve disciplinary functions, brandishing potentially bankrupting audits like a whip.

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Of all government functions, though, the institution that kleptocratic networks absolutely must capture in order to survive is the justice system. It's not merely that corrupt leaders need to protect themselves. It's that their networks are held together by a bargain. Subordinate members funnel a part of their take upward to their seniors. This goes for everything from "petty" bribes extorted by cops or teachers at street level up to public procurement fraud on multimillion-dollar contracts. In return, those at the top guarantee impunity down the line. If the deal is violated, the system collapses.

For example, in Afghanistan, when an official from the presidential palace was arrested on suspicion of influence peddling, Karzai ordered him released within hours. Asked by ABC's Christiane Amanpour, he practically boasted about it. "Yes, yes, absolutely I intervened. Not only I intervened, but I intervened very, very strongly."

Legal professionals who display the least independence are circumvented or cast aside. An avalanche of new legislation in Egypt pushed by the government of Abdel Fattah el-Sissi, a former armed forces commander in chief, is reducing the jurisdiction of civilian courts in favor of military tribunals. In a 2009 Honduran version of Richard Nixon's "Saturday Night Massacre," Hernandez, who was then president of Congress, fired four Supreme Court justices out of five. And, in every country I have studied, public prosecutors and police investigation units are special targets.

The reverse also holds: In Brazil, Guatemala and South Korea, where corrupt leaders have recently been ousted, independent justice professionals were central to the events.

In cases where kleptocratic networks can't actively weaponize state agencies, they disable or cannibalize them. The most spectacular recent examples were the hollowing out of the militaries of Iraq, Nigeria and Ukraine, which collapsed under the attacks of far weaker adversaries in 2014. In those cases, the forces were largely being pillaged for their budgets. Environment ministries, such as in Honduras, see their staffs and budgets slashed to prevent them from interfering with network operations. The most attractive revenue streams are often connected to land use and natural resources.

Another feature of these kleptocratic networks is that, like the globalized business conglomerates or drug cartels, they are transnational. The small Eurasian state of Moldova is a case in point. Its banking sector is effectively part of Russia's kleptocratic network, allegedly providing money-laundering services to the tune of billions per year. Turkish business interests are deeply embedded in Azerbaijan. And Central American business-government networks are working on an integrated grid that will create an almost infinite sweetheart market for electricity generated in violation of environmental laws.

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Two conclusions emerge from this analysis.

First, it is impossible to operate in economic sectors controlled by such networks  in places like Azerbaijan, the Philippines, Kazakhstan or Turkey  without becoming entangled. That means either receiving favors  such as cut-rate prices on things like land, utilities or hard-to-get permits  or participating in money laundering, or submitting to a pay-to-play bargain, effectively paying bribes. Or all of the above.

Second, networks are stubborn, flexible, resilient structures. In case after recent case, sanctioning a top network member, even bringing down a government, has failed to eradicate the network and its practices. In Brazil and Guatemala, rival strands, alike in practices, have taken the place of disgraced kleptocratic cliques. Egypt's military network seemed content to decapitate itself, throwing former President Hosni Mubarak to the mob, only to better reconstitute in the years since the 2011 revolution. Even Tunisia's trajectory could best be described as restoration, not transformation.

The lesson for Americans is this. These networks are like weeds, and it takes far more than the punishment of a few crimes, even spectacular ones, or the removal of a few people to fully uproot their tendrils from the economic and political institutions we hold dear.

Washington Post

Sarah Chayes is a senior fellow in the democracy and rule of law program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Her book "Thieves of State: Why Corruption Threatens Global Security" won the 2016 LA Times Book Prize.
U.S. Reps. Edward Boland, front, Jack Edwards, second from front, and others listen to the White House tapes in 1974. The tapes were definitive proof of President Richard Nixons participation in the Watergate scandal. ( Getty )

The media have been making frequent Watergate comparisons in recent days. A president who fires the man in charge of investigating him, rages against White House leaks and blames journalists for most everything  it's tempting to see similarities between Donald Trump and Richard Nixon. While the Watergate scandal that forced Nixon to resign in 1974 resembles in some ways the current investigations into possible ties between Trump's campaign and Russia, the analogy isn't perfect. Here are seven important differences in context and actions between the Trump and Nixon presidencies.

1. Nixon's knowledge: Nixon had already served eight years as vice president and six years as a senator and congressman before he became president. He knew how to use the levers of power in Washington, and he let H.R. Haldeman, his chief of staff, run a tight ship. This experience and disciplined White House team helped Nixon win re-election and survive in office for more than two years following the Watergate break-in.

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Trump came to the White House with no government experience, nor did top advisers Steve Bannon and Jared Kushner. While Nixon was a student of history, Trump is not known for reading books about history or anything else. This lack of historical understanding, Washington savvy and discipline have left Trump and his team ill-equipped to contain controversies.

2. Congressional control: During Nixon's presidency, the opposition Democrats controlled both the U.S. Senate and the House of Representatives, allowing them to hold public hearings into Watergate. The Senate Select Committee on Presidential Campaign Activities, led by Democratic Sen. Sam Ervin of North Carolina, exposed the existence of secret White House tapes that led to Nixon's downfall. The House Judiciary Committee voted in favor of impeachment, prompting Nixon's resignation.

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In contrast, the current GOP majority in Congress has mostly backed Trump. Although House and Senate committees are looking into Russian interference in the 2016 election, the pace of hearings has been slow.

3. Restless Republicans: Despite the current GOP majority, Trump has shakier support from his fellow Republicans than Nixon did through most of his presidency. GOP senators and congressmen consistently backed Nixon for the first year following the Watergate break-in. Sen. Howard Baker of Tennessee, the ranking Republican on the Ervin committee, secretly let the White House know what was going on behind the scenes with the committee during the early days of its investigation. Baker and other Republicans began to challenge Nixon only after evidence of a cover-up began to build during the Ervin committee hearings.

Trump has never received such solid Republican support. Some GOP senators have raised alarms about Russian influence in the election and questioned White House actions. John McCain of Arizona, Lindsey Graham of South Carolina and Marco Rubio of Florida  perhaps not coincidentally all men Trump insulted during the campaign  have spoken of their concerns about the evidence linking Trump's team with Russia. It would take only three Republicans to side with the Democrats to have a Senate majority in favor of intensifying the investigations.

4. Accelerated news cycle: The Watergate revelations began as a trickle from reporters Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein in The Washington Post. Few other news organizations did much digging for more than four months after burglars were discovered at Democratic National Committee headquarters. The White House press corps focused on the administration's denials rather than investigating fresh leads. Readers who cared about the scandal had to wait until the next morning's newspaper to learn about the latest developments. Much of the nation didn't pay attention until a broadcast on the "CBS Evening News" with Walter Cronkite devoted nearly 15 minutes to Watergate in late October 1972. The New York Times only sporadically covered the story until it assigned ace investigator Seymour Hersh to the Watergate beat in early 1973.

The coverage of Nixon seems leisurely now compared with the 24-hour news cycle created by cable news, the web and social media. The competition for scoops means the public is besieged with constant updates on Trump's controversies. This rapid pace of news gives the White House little time to react before the next media bombshell hits.

5. Media fragmentation: In the early 1970s, there were few national media options. Once the three TV networks, major newspapers and Time and Newsweek magazines finally intensified their Watergate coverage in 1973, most Americans followed along.

Now the growth of cable news shows and digital media allows people to pick and choose what they consume as they remain in their own media bubbles. This fragmentation helps Trump maintain a base of loyal supporters who distrust the mainstream media and can find a multitude of sources that downplay the controversy.

6. Trump's tweets: Nixon relied on press secretary Ron Ziegler and other Republican surrogates to defend his presidency and attack journalists who were investigating Watergate. Only during rare news conferences and special addresses did Nixon publicly mention Watergate, allowing him to stay above the fray for months following the break-in.

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In contrast, Trump dives into the middle of the fray. He uses Twitter constantly to deny wrongdoing, denounce reporters and attack opponents, sometimes offering accounts of events that differ from what his aides previously said. His tweets energize his base of supporters while undermining the consistency of his defense.

7. Smoking gun: The Watergate investigation gained steam when the Senate's Ervin committee discovered the existence of Nixon's secret White House tapes in the summer of 1973. These tapes were the smoking gun that proved Nixon had illegally asked the CIA to stop the FBI's Watergate investigation. They confirmed his active role in the cover-up and forced his resignation.

Trump has hinted that he's recorded conversations, but so far there's no proof of any tapes that disclose criminal conduct. Unless a smoking gun like this appears, Trump may be able to avoid Nixon's fate while his administration continues to be rocked by turmoil.

Jon Marshall is the author of "Watergate's Legacy and the Press: The Investigative Impulse" (Northwestern University Press, 2011) and an assistant professor at Northwestern University's Medill School.
Turkey is important strategically in addressing Middle East extremists, but that concern should not override violations of the U.S. Constitution in our country, nor should we ignore the growing authoritarianism in that country, which contributes to extremism. The United States should refuse any further official visits between the two countries until the Turkish government offers a formal apology for the incident and recompenses the victims of this attack for their injuries. And future relations between our countries should be conditioned on the gradual restoration of democratic norms and principles by the Erdogan government.

The world appears to be making a pronounced reversal back to strongman leadership in nations that formerly aspired to become members of the group of advanced democracies. While we shouldnt ignore Turkeys geographic importance, failure to hold Erdogan at all accountable for violence in our country would set a poor example. If we believe the U.S. continues to be a model for other countries, we need to speak up when our fundamental values are violated at home. To do otherwise is to give up the claim to leadership in the world.

 Chris Naylor, Deerfield
Illinois Department of Children and Family Services investigators are overwhelmed by high caseloads and are being pressured to quickly close their abuse probes, even when they have not performed basic tasks like contacting police and doctors, according to several experts and lawmakers who spoke Tuesday at a joint House-Senate hearing in Springfield.

Front and center at the 90-minute hearing was state child welfare director George Sheldon, who faced intense criticism about the recent deaths of youth who had been the subject of DCFS investigations as well as the agency's failure to protect vulnerable children and their families.

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The hearing was prompted by a May 11 Tribune report on three Cook County cases in which children died of beatings or starvation shortly after DCFS closed investigations into mistreatment in their homes, as well as the case of 17-month-old Semaj Crosby, who was found dead last month in her Joliet Township home after the agency closed four neglect probes, and was in the midst of two more.

At the hearing Tuesday, the agency revealed it had conducted several additional probes involving other youth in the same house.

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State Rep. Mary Flowers, D-Chicago, said she also was troubled by the Tribune's account of a new DCFS program called Blue Star that offers overtime pay to Cook County investigators who significantly boost the percentage of cases they close within 14 days.

"Enough is enough," Flowers said. "Our families are suffering."

Sheldon defended the agency but acknowledged that investigations sometimes failed and children were harmed because his workers often were not communicating properly with each other or with outside agencies and private contractors.

"We've got to do a better job of coordination," Sheldon said at the hearing.

Sheldon's testimony came as he continues to weigh whether or not to leave the agency. Last week a Florida nonprofit offered him its top job with a $210,000 annual compensation, but Sheldon said he needs until the end of this month to make up his mind.

In addition to headlines about child deaths, he is facing state ethics probes into DCFS contracts that benefited his friends and political associates in Florida, the Tribune has revealed.

At Tuesday's hearing, Sheldon said that the Tribune reports prompted him to ask the agency's general counsel to review whether Illinois laws should be changed to enable DCFS to retain records of past unproven allegations. The agency currently must expunge and shred most investigators' files if it determines there is no credible evidence of abuse or neglect. That handicaps investigators because patterns of mistreatment may only emerge by analyzing the information in those "unfounded" cases, Sheldon said.

"How can our workers have a full view of what is going on in a family?" he asked, noting that Florida and most other states keep records in unfounded cases.

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Heidi Dalenberg,general counsel for the ACLU of Illinois and cooperating counsel in a three-decade-old consent decree governing DCFS, expressed frustration that Sheldon was proposing new laws and a smorgasbord of improved technologies and programs. She said the agency is simply failing to conduct thorough investigations and ensure children are safe.

"It is this kind of flailing about that is not helpful," Dalenberg said at the hearing. The agency's entrenched problems cannot be repaired "by leaping to the first easy solution."

Illinois Department of Children and Family Services investigators have 60 days to complete abuse and neglect probes, but the agency is pushing Cook County workers to close cases more rapidly and focus on the most serious allegations of harm. Some workers say this could put children at risk. (Tribune Graphics)

'Overwhelmed' by cases

Danielle Gomez, a supervising attorney for the Cook County Public Guardian's Office, which represents state wards in juvenile court, detailed a litany of recent investigations she said were botched when DCFS did not interview key witnesses or gather critical evidence. In one case the agency investigator interviewed youth in front of the alleged perpetrator, she said.

"We are seeing this a lot ... I could go on and on," Gomez said.

DCFS investigators told her staff that they were "overwhelmed" by high caseloads, Gomez added, saying: "They are sometimes in tears about the things they are unable to do, about the pressures on their caseloads."

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Stephen Mittons, a 22-year child protection investigator who heads the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 2081 union representing those workers, underscored that point with caseload statistics from March. Eleven of the 15 investigators in Rockford had caseloads well over the limit of 12 cases per investigator mandated by the federal court consent decree, Mittons told legislators.

"It's the same all over the state," he added. "We are short-staffed and carrying high caseloads. ... I am sitting on 25 investigations and just received my 18th investigation for this month."

One of the lawmakers questioning Sheldon, state Rep. La Shawn K. Ford,D-Chicago, separately introduced a house resolution asking the state auditor general to assess the agency's protocols for investigating reports of abuse and neglect. That proposed audit would review DCFS investigations within the past five years.

"We have to find out why DCFS closes so many cases so fast. They are closing cases too soon," Ford told the Tribune outside the hearing. The death of Semaj Crosby "tipped the scales. DCFS seems to be a pool of trouble," Ford said.

Despite high-profile child deaths and repeated warnings about high caseloads, DCFS was failing to improve, said the agency's Inspector General Denise Kane. "There are organizational flaws."

Area residents and neighbors pray for 17-month-old Semaj Crosby outside the house where she was found dead, in the 300 block of Louis Road Thursday, April 27, 2017, in Joliet. Semaj was reported missing Tuesday and was found dead inside the home about midnight Thursday. (John J. Kim / Chicago Tribune) (Chicago Tribune)

Crosby investigation

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In a Joliet courtroom Tuesday, a DCFS attorney said the agency will give some cases in Will County a second look in the wake of Semaj's death.

The agency plans to review a random portion of the 110 cases where children remain under their parents' care but still require services, said Susan Barker, an attorney representing the agency. DCFS typically contracts with outside agencies to provide those services. In Will County, the agency works with Aunt Martha's and Children's Home + Aid.

Barker told Will County Judge Paula Gomora that the agency plans to do a quality assurance review of 10 to 30 percent of the cases each of those outside agencies handles for DCFS.

Sheldon said at the Springfield hearing Tuesday that he had received his agency's internal Quality Assurance Review and recommendations about Semaj's case, and will release it shortly, after consultations with the Will County State's Attorney.

"The more information that is out there, the more we can learn from these kinds of situations and the more we can make changes," Sheldon added.

While declining to provide details of that internal report, Sheldon noted that DCFS had opened abuse and neglect investigations that referenced five children at Semaj's home  three youth, including Semaj, belonging to Sheri Gordon, and two others belonging to a relative who lived there.

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The residents at the home were being contacted by at least four units of government, state Sen. Pat McGuire, D-Joliet, said at the hearing, including DCFS and an agency contractor, Will County probation services and the region's special education cooperative.

But DCFS had no process to amass and compile reports from those various government agencies, and was not communicating with them.

DCFS had a total of 11 abuse or neglect investigations into that household, DCFS Senior Deputy Director for Operations Michael Ruppe said at the hearing, including probes into an aunt of Semaj's and another adult resident. Those investigations were handled by at least four different DCFS workers, Ruppe added.

Sheldon said: "When you're not connecting these cases and you have five persons going out ... each person doesn't necessarily know what the other person did."

Sheldon said he was working on a technology overhaul that would improve communication between workers, but he and Ruppe declined at the hearing to say when those upgrades might be implemented.

Flowers said that Tuesday's hearing was just the first of several she plans through the summer "or maybe longer."

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As the hearing closed, she addressed her final comments directly to Sheldon.

"This one is on you  whether you leave or whether you stay, this agency is supposed to work," Flowers said. "This needs to be fixed, and the hurt and the pain and the suffering families are going through needs to stop."

Tribune freelancer Alicia Fabbre contributed to this report.

dyjackson@chicagotribune.com

gmarx@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @poolcar4

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Twitter @garyjmarx
"Orange Is the New Black": Season 5  Netflix original (June 9) (Jojo Whilden / Netflix)

There's so much to do outside this summer but we won't judge you for camping out on the couch, blasting the AC and binging on season 5 of "Orange is the New Black," which returns to Netflix on June 9. After all, this is your last call to watch "Honey, I Shrunk the Kids," "The Little Rascals" or "This Is Spinal Tap," all which leave the streaming site next month.

Here's a rundown of what is coming and leaving Netflix in June.

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Jump to titles leaving Netflix

What's coming to Netflix

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June 1

1 Night (2016)

13 Going on 30 (2004)

Amor.com (Love.com)

Arrow: Season 5 (2016)

Burlesque (2017)

Catfight (2016)

Catwoman (2004)

Chingo Bling: They Can't Deport Us All Days of Grace (2011)

Devil's Bride (2016)

Full Metal Jacket (1987)

How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)

Intersection: Season 2 (2016)

Kardashian: The Man Who Saved OJ Simpson (2016)

Little Boxes (2016)

Mutant Busters: Season 2 (2016)

My Left Foot (1989)

Off Camera with Sam Jones: Series 3 (2015)

Playing It Cool (2014)

Rounders (1998)

Spring (Primavera) (2016)

The 100: Season 4 (2016)

The Ant Bully (2006)

The Bucket List (2007)

The Queen (2006)

The Sixth Sense (1999)

Vice (2015)

West Coast Customs: Season 3 (2013)

Yarn (2016)

Young Frankenstein (1974)

Zodiac (2007)

June 2

Comedy Bang! Bang!: Season 5, Part 2 (2016)

Flaked: Season 2  Netflix original

Inspector Gadget: Season 3  Netflix original

Los Ultimos de Filipinas (2016)

Lucid Dream  Netflix original film

Saving Banksy (2014)

The Homecoming: Collection (2015)

June 3

Acapulco La vida va (2017)

Blue Gold: American Jeans (2017)

Headshot (2016)

Three (2016)

Tunnel (2016)

War on Everyone (2016)

June 4

TURN: Washington's Spies: Season 3 (2016)

June 5

Suite Francaise (2014)

June 6

Disturbing the Peace (2016)

Dreamworks' Trolls (2016)

June 9

My Only Love Song: Season 1  Netflix original

Orange Is the New Black: Season 5  Netflix original

Shimmer Lake  Netflix original film

June 10

Black Snow (Nieve Negra) (2017)

Daughters of the Dust (1991)

Havenhurst (2017)

Sword Master (2016)

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June 13

Oh, Hello On Broadway  Netflix original

June 14

Quantico: Season 2 (2016)

June 15

Marco Luque: Tamo Junto  Netflix original

Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.: Season 4 (2016)

Mr. Gaga: A True Story of Love and Dance (2015)

June 16

Aquarius: Season 2 (2016)

Counterpunch  Netflix original

El Chapo: Season 1 (2017)

The Ranch: Part 3  Netflix original

World of Winx: Season 2  Netflix original

June 17

Grey's Anatomy: Season 13 (2016)

Scandal: Season 6 (2016)

The Stanford Prison Experiment (2015)

June 18

Shooter: Season 1 (2016)

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June 20

Amar Akbar & Tony (2015)

Disney's Moana (2016)

Rory Scovel Tries Stand-Up For The First Time  Netflix original

June 21

Baby Daddy: Season 6 (2017)

Young & Hungry: Season 5 (2017)

June 23

American Anarchist (2016)

Free Rein: Season 1  Netflix original

GLOW: Season 1  Netflix original

Nobody Speak: Trials of the Free Press  Netflix original

You Get Me  Netflix original film

June 26

No Escape (2015)

June 27

Chris D'Elia: Man on Fire  Netflix original

June 28

Okja  Netflix original film

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June 30

Chef & My Fridge: Collection (2014)

Gypsy: Season 1  Netflix original

It's Only the End of the World (2016)

Little Witch Academia: Season 1  Netflix original

The Weekend (2016)

Whats leaving Netflix

June 1

D2: The Mighty Ducks

Honey, I Shrunk the Kids

Heterosexual Jill

House of Wax

Kidnapped

Knuckleball!

Las magicas historias de Plim Plim: Season 1

L'Auberge Espagnole

Serendipity

The Black Power Mixtape 1967-1975

The Blair Witch Project

The Good Guys: Season 1

The Hustler

The Little Rascals

The Prince & Me

The Teacher Who Defied Hitler

The Three Musketeers

The Way of the Dragon

This Is Spinal Tap

Two Step

We Are the Giant

June 6

Private Practice: Seasons 1  6

June 8

Xenia

June 9

4:44: Last Day on Earth

Farewell Herr Schwarz

Free the Nipple

Remote Area Medical

Secrets: The Sphinx

Tough Being Loved by Jerks

June 14

Bob the Builder: Season 1

Boys Of Abu Ghraib

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June 15

The Lazarus Project

Eat. Watch. Do. Weekly What to eat. What to watch. What you need to live your best life ... now. >

June 16

Jane Eyre

June 19

Daddy's Home

Grand Piano

The Right Kind of Wrong

June 23

Jimmy Goes to Nollywood

June 24

Agent F.O.X.

Breath of the Gods

Dragon Guardians

June 29

CSI: NY: Seasons 1 - 8

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June 30

Killer Couples: Season 1

Killer in the Family: Season 1

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Arturo Morales and his teacher at Cowherd Middle School in Aurora, Jenna Hogg, look at some of his artwork. (Sarah Freishtat/The Beacon-News )

One resident of the neighborhood around Cowherd Middle School in Aurora is working to beautify the area, and has drawn middle school students into the effort.

Alex Perez, who works for the city and lives in the area, is looking to kick off the effort by cleaning up trash and putting a mural, designed by a Cowherd student, at a neighborhood business.

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"It just really kills me because I grew up in that neighborhood myself," Perez, 25, said. "It's always been somewhat trashy, and it's just become normalized."

Part of his effort included a mural contest at Cowherd, which seventh-grader Arturo Morales won with a sketch of a cougar, Cowherd's mascot. His drawing will go up at the Oxie Valley Electric Supply building on Liberty Street.

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Arturo submitted three drawings into the contest, two cougars and a sketch of downtown Aurora, and students voted on the entries, said his teacher, Jenna Hogg. Arturo's win was announced over the school speaker and he was recognized at a faculty and staff meeting, she said.

"Having something good come from Cowherd, and for the rest of the community to share, too, is just, it's really exciting," Hogg said.

Arturo's strength is in drawing faces and cartoons, Hogg said. He enjoys drawing characters from the Dagedar game, trolls and portraits of members of the Latin American pop band CNCO.

Arturo said he was happy that his sketch would be seen.

Perez hopes the mural brings pride and attention to the community.

Perez said he sought a grant several years ago to cover beautification efforts, but didn't receive it. Instead, he decided to scale down the project, cut costs, and see what he could accomplish.

He reached out to Oxie Valley Electric, solicited material donations and set up an online fundraiser.

He said he intends to match a portion of the money raised, which is set to cover the cost of an artist to blow up and digitize Arturo's sketch, graffiti-proof laminate for the panels and other supplies. He is also working with an Aurora church, he said.

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Perez proposed an annual competition with Cowherd and a nearby elementary school, swapping out the mural each year. The mural this year is set to be printed on panels.

Raymond Gunderman, owner of Oxie Valley Electric, said the mural "sounds like an excellent idea." He said the area behind the building is often tagged, and there isn't much back there anyway. The mural could help brighten the area.

"I'd be tickled to have them put it on the back of the building," he said.

Perez said he would like to get the trash cleaned up in June, and have funding raised by July. The mural could go up at the beginning of August, though the time line isn't concrete, he said.

Perez said he is hoping to replicate the neighborhood cleanup and murals throughout the community. One person can make a difference, he said, and he wants to be that person.

"I felt like I was disrespecting my community by enjoying the life that I have without contributing and giving back," he said.

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sfreishtat@tribpub.com

Twitter @srfreish
After a quarterly test showed higher-than-normal radium levels in its water, Oswego's Well 4 is back in compliance with state standards.

Oswego officials announced the well is back in service after receiving an Illinois Environmental Protection Agency notice that the test results were in compliance with drinking water regulations.

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Radium is a naturally occurring radioactive element that is present in varying amounts in rocks and soil in the earth's crust. Small amounts can also be found in groundwater supplies, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health.

In Illinois, high radium levels occur primarily in the northern third of the state, department officials said. The public health department said radium in water may pose a hazard to human health for drinking or cooking. However, most of the ingested radium is passed through the body.

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Village officials informed residents April 22 that although it was not an "emergency" situation and water customers were not at immediate risk, the EPA did require that the village temporarily take the well out of service.

The village increased pumping of drinking water from its seven other wells that tested below the Illinois EPA threshold for radium during the past 27 days.

While radium exposure carries some degree of risk, the Illinois EPA has established a maximum contaminant level of 5 picocuries per liter in public water supplies. In the case of Well 4, last month's test registered at 5.7 picocuries per liter.

The new results indicated a combined radium level of 5 picocuries per liter, bringing the annual average to 4.3 picocuries per liter, the village said.

Oswego contracts with Water Remediation Technology, which removes radium from the village's public water system with filtration technology in place since 2005, village officials said.

Oswego's Utilities Division is responsible for changing out the filter.

"Over time, the filter becomes less effective and must be changed out. This did not happen in a timely fashion and resulted in higher levels of radium released into the water," according to the village.

Village officials said Oswego took immediate corrective action and has developed a protocol to ensure that the problem doesn't happen again.

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The village has also hired consulting firm Baxter & Woodman to conduct an independent audit of the operating procedures of the utilities division. The Chicago-based firm will supply an engineer with expertise in the field to review the village's monitoring system.

"This person will review what we are doing in the (Utilities Division) to determine what, if any, changes need to be made to our procedures," said Jennifer Hughes, Oswego public works director.

Hughes said the village's water system operated throughout the last month with no issues.

"During the period that Well 4 was out of service, the remainder of the system provided clean, safe drinking water. The system operated properly and without issues," she said.

Linda Girardi is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.
Four people are in custody in connection with a robbery Wednesday at a Verizon store in Oak Lawn, police said.

The suspects were apprehended following a vehicle pursuit that culminated with a crash in the vicinity of 115th Street and Pulaski Road, near Marist High School in Mount Greenwood. The high school, which was scheduled to let out early Wednesday due to exams, delayed dismissals and initiated a temporary lockdown, school officials said.

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The incident started just before 11 a.m., when three individuals entered the Verizon store at 9621 South Cicero Ave. in Oak Lawn, allegedly forced an employee to surrender his phone and made off with a "large quantity" of new cellphones, police said.

Police identified and located the suspects' vehicle and followed it to the intersection of 115th Street and Pulaski Road, where it crashed into another vehicle and became disabled, authorities said. At that point, the four people in the car fled on foot into the neighborhood.

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Three people were apprehended shortly after the alleged incident and another person was taken into custody later, police said. No one was injured in the robbery.

Marist High School officials were notified of the incident around 11:30 a.m. when Alsip police, who also responded to the robbery and subsequent pursuit, contacted them about a suspect who was at large in the area of the school, Marist spokeswoman Patti Arvesen said.

After conferring with the Chicago Police Department, which responded to the campus, and the school's internal security staff, Marist went on lockdown and delayed dismissal, she said.

Marist Principal Larry Tucker kept parents, faculty and staff informed during the course of the lockdown until police deemed it safe to dismiss students, just after 1 p.m., Arvesen said.

All after-school activities were held as scheduled.

zkoeske@tribpub.com

Twitter @ZakKoeske
A man previously described as the ring leader of a criminal enterprise that illegally took possession of several homes in the Chicago area has been sentenced to 14 years in prison, according to the Cook County state's attorney's office.

David Farr was sentenced Monday by Cook County Circuit Court Judge Alfredo Maldonado. He had been convicted last Sept. 30 of felonies, including theft of over $1 million and financial institution fraud.

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Felonies against Farr and three other men had been announced by authorities almost two years ago, who said they illegally took possession of 14 vacant homes around the city and lived in them or rented them out to others.

Eight of the homes were in the Beverly and Morgan Park communities on the city's Southwest Side, and some of those homes that were occupied have since been sold and have families living in them, while some are still on the market, 19th Ward Ald. Matt O'Shea said Tuesday.

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"It's a relief," he said.

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Farr, 47, also was known as Fahim Ali, and he and the others targeted homes, including upscale properties in O'Shea's ward, that had been vacated due to foreclosures.

They were familiar enough with the system that they obtained through the county bogus documents that made it appear they were the rightful owners, frustrating efforts by police to kick them out of the single-family homes, according to O'Shea.

At the time charges were announced, the state's attorney's office said the men identified themselves as "Moors," a segment of an anti-government group known as Sovereigns or Sovereign Citizens that doesn't acknowledge governmental or law enforcement authority.

The men allegedly entered the houses illegally, changed the locks and then filed fraudulent documents with the county recorder's office purporting to own the homes, officials said.

The state's attorney's office said at that time that efforts to evict tenants from the houses were unsuccessful because police were given authentic-looking documents and tenants had rental agreements.

mnolan@tribpub.com

Twitter @mnolan_J
In an increasingly competitive market for transportation, distribution and logistics firms, Northern Builders Inc., has hired Cushman and Wakefield, a global real estate firm, to spur development at its Cherry Hill Business Park in New Lenox and Joliet.

Sean Henrick, executive director at Cushman and Wakefield, said they are now seeking tenants for a 171,000 square foot speculative building to open later this year, and once that is occupied, there will be another 202,500 square foot building, both to be located just north of the Michael's distribution center in the park.

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The Cherry Hill Business Park, is a 500-acre development that sits between Gougar and Cherry Hills Roads, and between I-80 and the Canadian National Railroad, that is about half built out with companies, such as Michaels, Centrella Grocers, Navistar, Hickory Farms and Comm Scope (formerly Andrew Corporation).

A new business has not been developed here since 2009-10, said Henrick, adding that companies have already expressed interest in buying or leasing the new warehouse.

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While the companies Cushman and Wakefield are courting are confidential, Henrick said there will be an "aggressive" marketing strategy, with new site plans for the business park.

His firm also will market the 15 pads that are ready, and can accommodate structures between 30,000 and 1.5 million square feet.

"It's been awhile since they got a deal here, and that's part of the reason we got involved. We need to communicate about what is available here," he said, citing the "great location" with two interstates  355 and 80  less than two miles from the park.

The firm has landed some big deals in the I-80 corridor, including an e-commerce business, he said.

"It is a very competitive market," Henrick said. They are competing with CenterPointe Intermodal Center and Laraway Crossings in the Joliet/Elwood area, and the Heritage Crossings business park in Lockport.

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"A whole bunch of companies are really seeing the I-355 corridor as a great way to get around, and we are playing off that," he said.

Cherry Hill has the land for up to 5.4 million square feet of additional space, he said, and as existing industrial parks in the region built out, firms are looking for a place to go. It is one of the only regional land sites that can satisfy a 1.5 million-square-foot requirement, he said.

"We expect to see another good company moving into our area in near future. We have a great track record in Will County," Henrick said.

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In 2016, Cushman and Wakefield completed nearly 4,800 industrial lease and sale transactions globally, totaling nearly 185.8 million square feet with an aggregate value over $6.2 billion, according to a news release.

Northern Builders' Matthew Grusecki, senior vice president said in the news release that the 90-year-old company's vision was to create a "true business park environment with its own identity in lieu of constructing one-off buildings in an industrial-zoned area."

slafferty@tribpub.com

Twitter @SusanLaff
A 15-year-old male was fatally shot Monday in Chicago Heights, according to the Cook County medical examiner's office.

The youth died of a gunshot wound to the chest, the medical examiner reported Tuesday following an autopsy.

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Details of the incident were not immediately available. Police initially said Monday that they were responding to a possible shooting in the 1600 block of Aberdeen Street in Chicago Heights, and several police vehicles converged on that location Monday afternoon.

mnolan@tribpub.com

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Club One in Dolton was the scene of a shooting early May 14, 2017, in which five men were wounded, police said. (Frank Vaisvilas / Daily Southtown)

Dolton will seek to revoke the liquor license of a nightclub where five people were shot on Mother's Day, Mayor Riley Rogers said.

Rogers, who also serves as liquor control commissioner, said that the village would hold a public hearing on the matter in the coming days.

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Following the hearing, Rogers, as liquor commissioner, will rule on whether Club One should be fined or have its liquor license suspended or revoked.

Club One, 14112 South Chicago Road, has been closed since May 14, when five people were shot  four inside the club and one outside  just before 3 a.m. following an argument on the nightclub's second floor, police said.

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All five of the shooting victims  one of whom was also a gunman  were hospitalized with serious injuries. One of the victims, who claims to have suffered permanent injuries and disfigurement as a result of the shooting, has already sued the club's owners.

The police investigation into the shooting remains ongoing, and while arrests have yet to be announced, village officials said last week that they were "imminent."

Dolton village attorney John Murphey said Tuesday that he'd been instructed by the mayor to prepare charges against the club, but must wait until the police investigation concludes to do so.

Once prepared and filed, the charges will form the basis for the village's case for license revocation and set the public hearing process in motion, officials said.

By law, a liquor control commissioner cannot fine a licensee, or suspend or revoke a liquor license, without first holding a public hearing where the licensee is afforded the chance to appear and defend himself.

The licensee can challenge a commissioner's decision by appealing to the Illinois Liquor Control Commission, Murphey said.

Rogers was noncommittal about taking Club One's license when asked during a news conference the day after the shooting, saying, "I'm not here to put anyone out of business," but has apparently since decided to press on with revocation.

He said Saturday that village officials last week sent a letter to the club's attorney asking for the voluntary surrender of the liquor license, and that he's committed to holding a public hearing on the matter if they do not voluntarily relinquish it.

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When asked what sparked his apparent shift in thinking, Rogers said, "It's what's required as liquor commissioner," and noted that the sentiment of trustees, some of whom have come out in favor of closing the club, also played a role.

Mucho Gusto LLC owns the club and its principal Robert Terzich holds the business and liquor licenses, Rogers said. Terzich, a former state legislator who has donated to the mayor's political campaign, is not involved in the management of the club or its day-to-day operations, the mayor said. Terzich could not be reached for comment.

Rogers said the club was under new management as of January, following the eviction of its previous tenants, but that he did not know the identity of the management team.

Trustee Duane Muhammad, who has been critical of the mayor and previously pressed him to provide more information on the club's managers, said Tuesday that thus far the mayor had not been forthcoming with that information. Rogers could not be reached for comment on late Tuesday afternoon to respond to Muhammad.

Muhammad, who supports a public hearing on the matter, said that if Club One's license hasn't already been revoked by June 5, the date of the next village board meeting, that trustees intend to vote to rescind its license at that point.

zkoeske@tribpub.com

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The school bus aide who allegedly slapped a six-year-old autistic child is no longer employed by Lincoln-Way Area Special Education District 843, said school board President Ron Lullo.

The alleged incident happened on April 25 when the bus was enroute to Cherry Hill School in New Lenox, which contracts with 843 for bus service for its special education students.

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New Lenox District 122 Superintendent Peggy Manville said at that time the Cherry Hill staff was prompted to ask for a video from the bus after they saw the aide carrying the student off the bus. According to school procedures, the school's staff is supposed to unload students from the bus, not the aide.

When 843 officials viewed the video they saw the aide "interact" with the student and reported it to District 122, Manville previously said.

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District 122 contacted the student's parents, who then asked police to investigate.

New Lenox Deputy Police Chief April DiSandro previously reported that they saw "snippets" of the video, which indicated that the aide "definitely hit the child."

DiSandro said police have concluded their investigation and turned it over to the Will County State's Attorney's office for review. Chuck Pelkie, spokesman for the state's attorney's office said the case is "still under review."

The District 843 board is comprised of representatives from its five member school districts.

Lullo represents Lincoln-Way High School District 210 on the 843 board.

slafferty@tribpub.com

Twitter @SusanLaff
Steger resident Sara Ishmael snapped this photo of a large bird that appeared in her yard late last week. She said some of her friends tried to catch it but the bird was too fast for them. (Sara Ishmael\Handout)

Steger resident Kate Pohrte remembers first spotting the village's most notorious recent resident roughly a mile southwest of the intersection of Chicago and Steger roads.

"It was something you don't see every day," she said of the large bird believed to be a wild turkey.

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Pohrte said Monday that she first saw the bird across 37th Street, "hanging around in their yard" around 8:30 a.m. May 18.

Realizing the presence of a free-range turkey was "definitely cool news," Pohrte and others took to social media. Word spread and the bird became a local attraction, she said. "Even the police stopped and were laughing and taking pictures."

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By Saturday, however, officers had tired of fielding calls from concerned residents who wanted the bird relocated. Police took to social media to announce the Illinois Department of Conservation had advised them "to just leave the turkey alone ... the bird will relocate to another area when it is ready.

"This is a wild bird just like any other bird," the post continued. "Give it its space and use caution around it."

Meanwhile, the bird crossed Stella Boulevard, heading to the yards of Grecia Rojo and Sara Ishmael.

Rojo said the bird made its presence known to her early one morning when she went outside to check why her dog was barking.

"He was trying to get in my yard. It was the weirdest thing ever," she said.

Separated from her small dog by a chain link fence, the turkey "came back twice," acting "like he owned the yard. He wouldn't let me get in my yard. He was all tough; it was hilarious," she said, particularly when her dog would try to catch it.

Rojo discovered the bird was roosting on her fence and "would literally stay there all night, even though it was raining."

Ishmael, speaking Monday, said a couple of her friends tried to catch the bird, "but they couldn't.

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"She ran away from them," she said, adding, "I say 'she' because my father said it looks like a hen turkey, not a tom."

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources says the eastern wild turkey is one of six recognized subspecies of turkey in the United States and the only subspecies found in Illinois.

The state agency describes females as typically 2.5 to 3 feet tall, weighing 8 to 12 pounds.

"Both sexes have dark, iridescent feathers that display shades of bronze, red, purple, blue and green," the IDNR Web site states. "However, hens have an overall lighter appearance because their breast feathers are tipped with brown."

The IDNR site noted turkeys are known to move into urban areas from open lands.

That pretty much describes the area where the bird appeared  on the village's Will County side near the point where Halsted Boulevard becomes Stella Boulevard and a few blocks inside Steger village limits, with acres of open land between it and Crete, to the south.

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But not everyone agrees the bird is a turkey.

Steger Deputy Police Chief Patrick Rossi, for one, said a flock of turkey vultures hangs out a few blocks to the west of that area, and he wondered if the bird had strayed from there.

Whatever the bird is, no one seems to have seen it lately.

Ishmael last saw it Friday, setting on a fence.

"She didn't seem to be threatened or afraid, but she was shivering. You could tell she was wet."

Rojo recalled her encounter with the bird as a once-in-a lifetime experience. "I had never seen a turkey in my life," she said, beaming at the memory.

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Dennis Sullivan is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
I think income inequality is the single most important issue of the moment.

I read through the 23 online comments on Sunday's Daily Southtown editorial about raising the minimum wage. There are a lot of people who think poor people are just lazy.

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"If you're getting paid $8.25 (an hour), you're obviously in a low or no skill job," one commenter wrote. "If you only have little to zero skills, it's not my responsibility to pay more, just because you screwed up in school or cut classes."

I think eying current events through the lens of income inequality offers perspective about where we are and where we're headed.

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Economists have noted for some time that the gap between the rich and poor is growing. The National Bureau of Economic Research, in December, published research by Thomas Piketty, Emmanuel Saez and Gabriel Zucman showing average income for the bottom half of Americans has remained stagnant at $16,000 a year since 1980.

Thirty-five years ago, the top 1 percent earned 27 times more than the bottom 50 percent, they found. Today, it's 81 times as much.

Many point out that historically, really rich people who spent more of their incomes grew the economy by creating more demand for their products and services.

They often cite the example of Henry Ford, who in 1914 famously began paying workers $5 a day  twice the going rate. Others correctly point out that Ford's intention for paying higher wages was to increase productivity and reduce high employee turnover.

Growing the middle class was a beneficial, though unintended, consequence of Ford's higher wages.

Historically in America, income inequality was worst right before the Great Depression. Wage disparity was significantly reduced from the 1930s through the 1970s, but is now approaching record levels.

Some people foresee ominous consequences ahead. One is Nick Hanauer, a 1 percenter who was an early investor in Amazon and who sold one of his companies to Microsoft in 2007 for $6.4 billion.

Hanauer wrote a warning to his "fellow plutocrats" in a 2014 piece in Politico, comparing the situation in America today to conditions that led to the French Revolution in the late 1700s.

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"If we don't do something to fix the glaring inequities in this economy, the pitchforks are going to come for us," Hanauer wrote.

"No society can sustain this kind of rising inequality. In fact, there is no example in human history where wealth accumulated like this and the pitchforks didn't eventually come out."

However, most wealthy elites don't think like Hanauer. Money is power, and it's in the nature of rich people to want to hold on to both. That brings us to President Donald Trump's 2018 budget proposal, unveiled Tuesday.

Trump wants lawmakers to cut $3.6 trillion in spending over the next decade, Reuters reported. Trump wants to cut $800 billion from Medicaid and more than $192 billion from food stamps over the next 10 years.

The Associated Press reported Republicans in Congress gave the proposal an "icy reception" and quoted several GOP legislators as saying Congress would never approve such draconian cuts.

Democrats, of course, criticized the plan. U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly, of Matteson, issued a statement Tuesday calling the budget "awful."

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"It takes food out of the mouths of babies, takes heat away from seniors and takes the security of crop insurance from our farmers," Kelly said. "It's awful for the families struggling to make ends meet."

The nonpartisan National League of Cities said the budget would devastate smaller communities.

"No community in America would be better off with this budget, and it could bankrupt smaller cities and towns," NLC President Matt Zone, a Cleveland council member, said in a statement issued Tuesday.

"It does nothing to create jobs in our communities, and violates the president's core campaign promise to lift up Americans in communities across the nation."

Daily Southtown Twice-weekly News updates from the south suburbs delivered every Monday and Wednesday >

While the budget proposes slashing funding for programs that help the poor, it also seeks to cut taxes for the wealthy.

"Trump announced a tax overhaul that would reduce or eliminate trillions of dollars in taxes that are paid primarily by the wealthy, including the estate tax and the marginal rate on ordinary income paid by the richest taxpayers," the Washington Post's Max Ehrenfreund wrote on Tuesday.

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The transfer of wealth to the rich from the poor would be in addition to the redistribution of funds proposed under the Trumpcare overhaul that passed the House.

Low- and middle-income people can't seem to catch a break. The rich have powerful tools at their disposal. The likelihood of Trump's drastic cuts becoming reality may be slim, but I think it's equally unlikely that income inequality will lessen any time soon.

Americans might rise up with pitchforks, as Hanauer warns, but I think they're more likely to realize the consequences of worsening income inequality and elect representatives willing to do something about it.

mailto:tslowik@tronc.com

Twitter @tedslowik
Retired dentist and Rotarian Greg Karr (center) attends a Tuesday dedication of the Peace Pole he designed and built that now stands in Elgins Veterans Memorial Park. (The Courier-News/ Mike Danahey)

Dodging raindrops, Elgin Rotary Club members dedicated a Peace Pole Tuesday afternoon that now is part of the city's Veterans Memorial Park along the Fox River.

Mayor Dave Kaptain told the crowd the location was a fitting one, as those who served in the military "fought to bring peace to everyone."

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Alan Kirk, President of the Elgin Rotary Breakfast Club, said that the Rotarians had been looking to put up a Peace Pole for about 15 years, at the urging of club member Ben Henrikson. According to Kirk, the Rotary's breakfast group has about 20 members, while a group that meets at noon has 65 members.

The Rotarians also donated money for creating Veterans Memorial Park, near Gail Borden Public Library, which was built in phases this decade. When Henrikson and other Rotarians approached the committee involved with the park project, they unanimously agreed to place a Peace Pole there, City Councilman Rich Dunne said.

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Elgin's Peace Pole was designed and built by retired dentist Greg Karr, who has been with the Elgin Rotary Breakfast Club since it chartered in 1989.

Prior to the dedication, Karr explained that the Peace Pole concept originated in 1955 with Masahisa Goi of Japan, who founded the World Peace Prayer Society. The first Peace Poles erected outside Japan went up in the 1980s, Karr said, and today there are more than 100,000 such poles up in about 180 countries, including one at the North Pole.

Each pole has the phrase, "May Peace Prevail On Earth" inscribed on it in a country's primary language, Karr said. Karr's pole also has that phrase written in braille and in Potawatomie on separate sides along with other symbols.

Karr said that while Peace Poles originally were made of wood, he decided to use steel and stone for his design. That design is a four-sided metal cage holding 196 stones, each etched with the code for each of the countries in existence on Earth, Karr said.

Karr said it took about 10 years, on and off, to create his piece, with part of the delay due to battling an illness. Karr's friend David Reich, who is a welding instructor at Elgin Community College, was of great assistance in constructing the Peace Pole.

Karr said the most challenging part of the project, which he built in his garage, was finishing the stainless steel from the material used, which was raw from the mill.

The pole also was to have a spire on top of it that would represent the world's seven continents, which didn't quite work.

"It just looked ugly," Karr said.

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Putting his creation up in the park took about five hours Saturday and involved the help of several friends and family members, Karr said.

When speaking to those assembled for the dedication, Karr said, "This was a group effort, and it is a big part of my life."

mdanahey@tribpub.com
In a reversal of prior public hearings on the Elgin Math and Science Academy, the majority of public speakers at Monday's School District U46 board meeting spoke against the charter school proposal.

With U46 school board members meeting to discuss the current draft of the charter school contract, to be voted on a later date, some in the public questioned the use of tax dollars and what they saw as a flawed proposal to justify Elgin's first charter school.

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"Three minutes isn't sufficient to address the grave concerns of this proposed contract you will be discussing (tonight)," said Larry Bury, a U46 resident and member of the district's Citizens' Advisory Council.

Bury said it would likely be more than the $4.5 million estimated cost to run EMSA annually. The cost of the school did not sit well with Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford, of Elgin, who also voiced her disapproval.

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"What budget lines in the U46 budget will be the sources of the $4.5 million or more that will be paid to the charter every year," she asked.

Megan Larson of South Elgin expressed her disappointment over the lack of school bus transportation provided by EMSA or U46 to take students to and from school.

"If this charter is truly meant to serve students from 11 communities within U46 targeting 60 percent at-risk student body, and the facility is located outside district boundaries, they need to provide transportation," she said. "Families of at-risk students work, many of those jobs are shift work with no set schedule, making it impossible to transport students twice a day, especially far distances."

"A refusal to provide transportation results in either a very limited pool of students, or families with the wealth or means to provide twice-a-day transportation," she said. "This is a very elite population."

Only Elgin Charter School Initiative president Kerry Kelly spoke on behalf of her group Monday, which on prior meetings had several speak in support. She said the board and the public knew where her team and supporters stood on the school.

Kelly defended EMSA, saying they were open to answering questions regarding their proposal. She noted they had support from the Illinois Board of Education, lawmakers, and hundreds of local residents.

"Who will look these children in the eye and tell them they are better served in their mobile classrooms and overcrowded schools?" she asked. "Who will deny these children our STEM-based education and focus, which will provide a pathway to U46 academies and future STEM fields? This opportunity could be lost forever."

raguerrero@tribpub.com
While eating lunch Tuesday at North Chicago City Hall, Ralph Degollacion and Lake County Board Chairman Aaron Lawlor struck up a conversation.

Degollacion, 30, of the Philippines, was visiting as part of the American Council of Young Political Leaders initiative, an exchange program sponsored by the U.S. State Department, and Lawlor is an alumnus of the program himself.

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Back at home, Degollacion works on health policy as part of a nonprofit called HealthJustice Philippines. He said his group was considering a push to raise the smoking age in the country to 21.

Lawlor smiled. He told Degollacion that Lake County, too, is working to raise the local smoking age to 21. They began to compare notes.

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Such interactions are an example of why young people in politics and related industries participate in the program  to learn how government and problem-solving works in other parts of the world and to exchange ideas that might be useful back home. Degollacion's group of delegates is in the United States for five weeks, he said, and on Tuesday, North Chicago hosted them as the only Lake County city on their itinerary.

"What are other countries doing similar to what I do back in the Philippines?" Degollacion asked, explaining what he hoped to take away from his trip. He was in America for the second time, but he was very young and visiting family the first time, he said, and doesn't remember it very well.

Also part of the delegation was Muzammil Hairiri, of Malaysia, a trainee associate at the law firm Abdul Raman Saad & Associates; Nurul Komalasari, an Indonesian state auditor; and Arinah Said, of Malaysia, a senior associate at the accounting firm Ernst & Young. Participants are generally between 25 and 40 and are mid-level professionals with leadership potential in government or the private sector, according to the State Department's website.

The visitors saw the North Chicago City Council chambers and toured the city's Fire Department, Police Department and water plant, said North Chicago Chief of Staff Deb Waszak, who participated in the program, as well, visiting Thailand in 2008. The delegates were particularly impressed with the water plant, Waszak said.

"Every one of them said they don't have those types of water treatment facilities in their countries," Waszak said. "And they have to drink bottled water."

The delegates also visited Crystal Lake in McHenry County and are staying in Chicago, where they're paired with employers relevant to their jobs back home.

"It's exciting," Waszak said of hosting the group in North Chicago. "It's a tremendous opportunity to share ideas and experiences with each other."

North Chicago Mayor Leon Rockingham Jr. and Wadsworth Village President Glenn Ryback also had lunch with the delegates.

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"It is always a good thing to interact between countries," Rockingham said.

Through the program, Lawlor visited Nepal in 2010 and East Timor earlier this year, and he helped host Vietnamese visitors who visited Chicago during the summer. The trips are funded by the State Department along with private donations, Lawlor said.

Lawlor said his two trips opened his eyes to two nations in need of stronger local government. Nepal, for example, lacked properly enforced building codes, Lawlor said, leaving the country vulnerable to an earthquake that struck in 2015.

"It was really interesting to see the role we play and how it's taken for granted sometimes," Lawlor said. "It just doesn't exist in some places around the world."

lhammill@tribpub.com

Twitter @lucashammill
Today's politicians missing something important

I often read about politicians and their partisan and petty behavior. When I was 10 years old, our fifth-grade teacher took the class on a field trip. We visited the state Capitol. The building was grand and quite impressive. My 10-year-old imagination told me that the men and women who occupied that building were just as majestic as the building itself. In 1963, many of those men and women were majestic. The Democrats and Republicans disagreed on issues, then just as they do today. The difference was that these leaders were friends after work. Petty behavior was rare.

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In the election of 1960, when Nixon lost to Kennedy, the investigation showed that Kennedy's people had cheated grandly. Nixon had all the evidence needed, but refused to put the country through such a nightmare. Nixon was a flawed human being, but he did the honorable thing for us, the American people.

In 1974, under the cloud of Watergate, Nixon resigned from office to spare the American people more torment. Nixon was a Quaker by faith. He put God and country before his own petty self-interest. Can you think of a politician today who would do such a thing?

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Politicians were far from perfect in those days. However, they had something politicians today do not have - honor and the fear of God. George Washington said, "Do not let anyone claim to be a true American if they ever attempt to remove religion from politics."

Are today's politicians petty, unpatriotic and without noble hearts because so many of them remove God from their politics and from their lives?

Sadly, the poet Henry David Thoreau's words are applicable to today's politicians: "They created a lot of grand palaces here, but they forgot to create the noblemen to put in them."

Charles Danyus, Round Lake Beach

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Submit letters to the editor via email to suburbanletters@tribpub.com. Please include your name and town of residence for publication. Please include phone number and email address for confirmation. Letters should be no more than 250 words.
Darth Vader, Imperial stormtroopers and Boba Fett were among the familiar faces on hand as Lake County headed out on Monday, May 22, to see "5-25-77," an independent film that was shot in and around Lake County over the last 13 years. (Dan Moran\News-Sun )

Seventeen years ago this spring, filmmaker Patrick Read Johnson ("Baby's Day Out") sat over lunch at Ofelia's Azteca Restaurant in Waukegan and spoke with barely bridled enthusiasm about an autobiographical screenplay called "5-25-77."

"We're looking for funding, and we'll be out talking to Dreamworks and Zoetrope and Miramax," he said that afternoon in April of 2000. "If I have it my way, we'd film it all here (in Lake County), and it would be a complete community effort."

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Fifteen years after pre-production shots took place during Scoop the Loop 2002, and 13 years after principal photography took place in and around Lake County, that community headed out to see the little film that could as it finally chugged its way atop the mountain on Monday night at the Genesee Theatre in Waukegan.

Perhaps appropriately, the record will show that the film endured one final delay, with the lights finally dimming a good 25 minutes after the posted start time of 6 p.m.

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"I'm gonna vamp a little bit, because there's something going on up in the (projection) booth," Johnson said, standing with microphone in hand in front of the big screen. "But it's all fine. Really. Pay no attention to the flames and smoke."

For those of us who have followed the twists and turns that this truly independent film took on its path to reality, it would have come as absolutely no surprise if a minor disaster really did strike and the show had not gone on.

But after Johnson thanked a healthy number of individuals in the crowd  reported by the Genesee at nearly 800 people, most of whom sat in classic style in the balcony  it was, at long last, time to watch Johnson's autobiographical tale of life in Lake County during the weeks and hours leading up to the release of a little-known film called "Star Wars."

Two hours and change later, here's one verdict: "5-25-77" is a good professionally hand-crafted movie that could have been a very good wide-release film if Dreamworks, Zoetrope, Miramax or any studio had the foresight to predict the latest wave of "Star Wars" nostalgia. This is film that should have been supported in time for the 30th anniversary, but the 40th will have to do.

The lead performance by a then-young John Francis Daley  a few years removed from his breakout role on "Freaks and Geeks" and a few years before his long run on "Bones"  is rock solid and makes the whole better than than the sum of its parts. As Pat Johnson, a creative soul from a bent-but-not-broken home in 1970s Wadsworth, Daley captures a young dreamer's mix of confidence and awkwardness as he navigates the final weeks of high school and lays grand plans for his future.

And veteran character actor Austin Pendleton, who's been stealing scenes since "What's Up Doc?" in 1972, steals some more laughs as an acerbic but still optimistic Hollywood veteran who gives Pat Johnson a tour of what's possible.

The narrative neatly captures a snapshot of the mid- to late 1970s, when movies were starting to take on blockbuster status and fans were becoming fanatics. Johnson's script takes pleasure in both mocking and revering the complexities of "2001: A Space Odyssey," the music from which dominates a WLS Musicradio soundtrack that could have beaten "Guardians of the Galaxy" to the punch.

The overall experience is as occasionally rough around the edges as you might expect from a production that had to shut down more than once over finances. Scenes that rely heavily on special effects come off as either charming or unfinished, depending apparently on the time and resources available to them.

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But it must be noted that Monday's audience didn't seem to care about the missed opportunities. Laughter was frequent, and usually earned. A buzz of excitement filled the grand old movie house every time a familiar Lake County location popped on screen  from McClure's Garage on Old Grand Avenue to the El Rancho Motel on Route 41.

True, a locally critical eye might notice that passing shots of what was then Marriott's Great America feature rides that had yet to be installed in 1977, including the American Eagle, Raging Bull and Goliath. Nit-pickers might also note that the Genesee Theatre marquee is the multicolored 2004 retro design, not the stoic Plitt Theatres version with "Genesee" in four-foot letters.

On the other hand, filming took place so long ago that we see the actual remnants of Lakehurst Mall. With the old Warren Township High School having burned down in 1984, Johnson was wise to shoot scenes at Waukegan High School's 1970s-era Brookside Campus, complete with Neil Flynn ("The Middle") as a bemused, no-nonsense principal.

All told, Johnson's labor of love is a postcard to both his idealistic youth and his north Lake County roots. What will become of it after playing a schedule of one-night-only screenings at 32 locations around the country (see the list at http://5-25-77themovie.com) this week? It might catch fire in some way, this being the age of on-demand media.

Even if "5-25-77" is never heard from again, it will always have a moment from Monday night: When the credits started to roll, the applause was as sincere and sustained as you will ever hear at a movie. It is fair to say that after 17 years in the making, that applause was deserved.

danmoran@tribpub.com

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Twitter @NewsSunDanMoran
Rhonda Morkes Dehn, center, owner of Morkes Chocolates in Long Grove, setsout freshly made chocolate and sprinkled doughnuts during the Long Grove Chocolate Fest. (Mark Kodiak Ukena / Pioneer Press)

In what could turn out to be a yummy food fight for consumers of chocolate, two chocolate makers soon will compete for business in Long Grove.

One business, the Long Grove Confectionery Company, has an established history in the village and has started recently moving to a new location within Long Grove, while the other, Morkes Chocolates, is looking to expand its footprint in the Chicago area once it opens its third, Chicago-area location.

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Morkes Chocolates owner Rhonda Morkes Dehn cautioned that a new turf war for chocolate likely won't start up any time soon in Long Grove, but the business is eager to see how customers in the area respond to the second chocolate maker in town.

"It's different enough to work," Dehn said of her recipes and creations. "We'll have to see what the customers want."

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Based in Palatine, Morkes Chocolates is moving into the red building within Fountain Square in downtown Long Grove that, for 42 years, was the home of the Long Grove Confectionery Company.

But the Long Grove Confectionery decided to close the retail location and relocate a few feet away in downtown Long Grove to a storefront that should be more visible to customers traveling through the village, Mary Prekop, director of brand, web and retail sales at the Long Grove Confectionery, has said.

While making their first appearance in Long Grove during the three-day Chocolate Fest over the past weekend, workers with Morkes Chocolates realized their upcoming move to town may require an adjustment period, Dehn said.

Since the business set up a tent in front of their new building, which still has an exterior sign displaying Long Grove Confectionery, many visitors to the Chocolate Fest mistook Dehn and her staff.

On a cold, windy and rainy afternoon May 19, Jane Wakitsch, who will manage the new Morkes location, found herself directing some visitors to Long Grove Confectionery tent as a result.

"This is going to be an education for people, I guess," Dehn said.

But as the weather cleared by May 21, the chocolate maker saw a "crazy" amount of sales, she said. And the customers were the ones who really drew the business to the Long Grove area, she said.

"What we really noticed was that the customers were the nicest people," Dehn said.

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Once it opens in Long Grove later this summer, Morkes Chocolates will offer chocolates for sale at the basement of the new location along Robert Parker Coffin Road. But the upper floor could serve as a spot for customers and their families.

Dehn said she plans on placing kid-sized confection equipment on the top floor and opening it for "candy camps," where children can learn how chocolate is made and taste their own creations.

Long Grove Confectionery, meanwhile, doesn't plan to re-open in Long Grove until renovations at the new location along Old McHenry Road are complete later this fall, Prekop has said.

"It was a very hard decision to make, but it was one we knew we wanted to make," she said in March after the business decided to relocate. "Our intention was not to stay in the basement any longer."

The story of Morkes Chocolates began in 1920, when Dehn's grandfather started a chocolate factory on Chicago's near southwest side. But the family later moved it to Palatine in 1968, Dehn, a native of Oak Park, said.

The youngest of seven children, Dehn grew up in the chocolate business, she said.

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Today, Morkes offers a range of chocolates, from novelty creations shaped like human brains or trophies to traditional candies filled with caramel, toffee, cream or fudge centers, along with caramel apples and cider-spice doughnuts, Dehn said.

rwachter@pioneerlocal.com

Twitter @RonnieAtPioneer
Edward Klein has been in custody since witnesses said he shot an Amtrak conductor May 23 at the train station near downtown Naperville. (Naperville Police Department photos)

The Wisconsin man charged with shooting and gravely wounding an Amtrak conductor last week in Naperville is due back in court Thursday, where his attorneys are seeking to have him examined to evaluate his mental fitness.

According to court files, the public defender representing Edward Klein has filed a motion requesting the evaluation. The matter will be up before DuPage County Judge Daniel Guerin.

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Klein, 79, a resident of an independent living center in suburban Milwaukee, has been in custody since last week when he was charged in the attempted murder of Michael Case. The Homewood resident was shot once as he stood on the rail platform at the train station north of downtown Naperville.

Case required emergency surgery and was initially listed in critical condition, but his status has been upgraded to serious, Edward Hospital spokesman Keith Hartenberger said Wednesday. At Klein's bond hearing last week, prosecutors said the bullet fired by Klein struck Case in the torso and damaged internal organs.

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Klein was traveling May 16 from Kansas City back to Milwaukee and, according to authorities, tried to get off the train at its scheduled stop in Naperville. But Amtrak personnel, aware that Klein needed to switch trains at Union Station in order to return home, closed the train's door to keep him from leaving.

The retired federal law enforcement agent then retrieved a revolver he was carrying before leaning out a train window and shooting Case, authorities said.

"I had built up all this anger, and I blew him away," Klein reportedly told police.

Other passengers said Klein had exhibited disturbing behavior prior to the shooting and had caused a disturbance in Kansas City, when the Chicago-bound train was late getting into the station.

At his hearing Friday, Klein seemed unable to grasp the severity of the situation. He said several times that he would be leaving the following day, and he turned down the services of the public defender's office, saying he would not need counsel because he would be going.

The judge, however, appointed the public defender's office to represent Klein, who is being held in lieu of $1.5 million bail.

"After meeting with our client, we had immediate concerns about his fitness to stand trial," Assistant Public Defender Jennifer Maples said Wednesday.

The public defender's office decided to ask that Klein's court date be moved up to begin the process as soon as possible. He was not scheduled to appear in court again until June 12.

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If Klein were to be examined and found mentally unfit, he would likely be sent to a secure facility, like the Elgin Mental Health Center, to receive treatment. The court would receive periodic updates on his condition, and if doctors later determined Klein was mentally fit, then the criminal court proceedings against him would proceed.

Klein formerly worked as an officer with the Federal Protective Service, which is overseen by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in Washington, D.C.

Case's wife, Sara, spoke briefly last week about his condition and the shooting's effect on her and her family.

Clifford Ward is a freelance reporter. Naperville Sun reporter Bill Bird contributed.
Naperville Fire Department Chief Mark Puknaitis displays the new PulsePoint Respond app on his cell phone in this photo from 2016. The app aims to have people trained in CPR and AED step in and help people during medical emergencies. (Bill Bird/Naperville Sun )

The Naperville Fire Department received an International Association of Fire Chiefs' 2017 Heart Safe Community award Monday for developing programs and services for victims of sudden cardiac arrest.

Naperville won the award for cities with a population of 100,000 or more, a department news release said. The organization also recognizes one department with a population of 100,000 or less.

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Naperville fire officials accepted the award during the International Association of Fire Chiefs Fire Rescue Med conference in Nevada.

The department was cited for its "aggressively implemented creative approaches" in helping Naperville residents and visitors prevent and survive heart attacks, according to the release.

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Those approaches have included a CPR/AED program taught throughout the city by the department's firefighter-paramedics; the placement of defibrillators in public buildings, parks and other "target locations" where large numbers of people congregate; the implementation of the "Pulse Point" app, which alerts people who know CPR to emergencies where they might be able to help before paramedics arrive; and the recent implementation of the "E-Bridge early notification application" with Edward Hospital.

E-Bridge is a smart phone application that alerts the hospital while paramedics are still on the scene of a medical emergency. It gives emergency room personnel more time to prepare for a patient's arrival, "even preregistering the patient to allow hospital staff to take the patient directly into treatment," the release said.

E-Bridge also can "send secure images and messages directly to the emergency room physician with future capability of sending short video," the release said.

The fire department last year had "an overall Return of Spontaneous Circulation (ROSC) rate of 26 percent in the field, which is above the national average," according to the release.

"Additionally, of the patients who achieved ROSC, six were discharged from the hospital with no neurological deficit," the release said. That represented a survival rate of 10.2 percent, "which is above the national average of 8.2 percent," the release said.

Winning the Heart Safe Community award was "a direct result of the innovation, passion and hard work of the members of the Naperville Fire Department," Chief Mark Puknaitis said.

The award recognized the department's "outstanding efforts to not just meet the needs of the community, but also to enhance the quality of life for its citizens and visitors," he said.
The first time I heard about "13 Reasons Why" was when I walked into the living room and my two teenage kids were watching episode three. At the time, I had no idea what the new Netflix drama series was about, or that it had graphic scenes about bullying, substance abuse, drunk driving, rape and suicide.

Both of my kids seemed captivated, their jaws were on the ground, and they looked scared and upset. After a couple minutes, I hit the exit button. I decided the three of us needed to have a talk before I committed to letting them continue watching what I learned shortly after was a controversial show.

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A few days later, I received an email that was sent out to parents by my daughter's middle school principal warning us that our kids are watching "13 Reasons Why" and encouraging us to talk to them about it.

If you're not familiar with the plot, "13 Reasons Why" tells the story of 17-year-old Hannah Baker, who commits suicide and leaves behind 13 cassette tape recordings explaining the reasons why she killed herself to certain kids in her school who were negative influences in her life and/or who she felt wronged her.

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To learn more about the effects "13 Reasons Why" can have on kids and for tips on how to talk to them about the show, whether they watched it behind your back or if you are watching it together, I reached out to Dori Mages, a North Shore-based licensed clinical social worker who focuses on children and teens.

JP: What is the youngest age appropriate for watching the show?

DM: I wouldn't put an age on it, but rather I would look at the maturity level of the viewer. He or she should be mature enough to be able to see the impact of the choices that were made and be able to think about better alternatives. In other words, they should use critical thinking skills instead of just watching it out of curiosity.

JP: Who should not watch the show?

DM: Those who have risk factors of experiencing a negative impact as a a result of viewing the show. That includes kids and teens with depression, substance abuse struggles, those who are easily influenced by peers, kids who have experienced self-harm behaviors or suicidal thoughts, or kids who are victims of bullying and don't have positive coping skills.

JP: What are some things parents should look for in determining if their child is depressed and/or contemplating suicide?

DM: Look for changes in the child; a change in hygiene, a change in eating habits, poor appetite, not engaging in activities they normally enjoy, not spending time with friends, less of an interest in school, not wanting to go to school, physical ailments such as stomach aches or headaches, increased use of alcohol or drugs. Are text messages from friends dropping off? Are their grades going down? Are they often sad, irritable, or moody? Of course, most teenagers can be moody so don't panic right away as this behavior can be normal for a teen.

JP: What are some questions about the show or conversation starters with kids that might be beneficial?

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DM: Some questions you could ask your kids are: What other options did Hannah have? What could she have done that was an alternative to suicide? What about the other kids who saw what was going on? What were their responsibilities? Dig deep. This is a good opportunity to teach kids to act on doing the right thing, no matter how difficult that might be. Also, ask your kids about what they would do if they were in Hannah's shoes: What would you do if someone posted a picture of you and made up a story? How would you handle it? What would you be thinking? Most kids won't experience all of the really bad things that happened to Hannah, but as less serious things happen, it's a good lesson in teaching them to address the issues before they get out of control, to reach out to a parent or a teacher or another adult that they trust, and to be persistent until someone hears your story.

After watching most of the episodes, I think producers of "13 Reasons Why" got some things right and they got some things wrong. It scares me to think that vulnerable adolescents might think it's cool to do what Hannah did and then copycat her actions. On the other hand, kids might learn from the show and make better choices when things get rough at school.

Being an adolescent isn't easy and kids sure can be mean at times. I can say that from firsthand experiences, both from being a kid and from seeing it with my own children. As a parent, I believe the most important thing we can do to ensure the health and safety of our children is to keep the lines of communication open at all times. Listen, actually hear them, try not to judge, and of course, let them know every single day, at least 13 reasons why we love them.

Jackie Pilossoph is a freelance columnist for Chicago Tribune Media Group. She is also the creator of her divorce support website, Divorced Girl Smiling. Pilossoph lives in Chicago with her two children.
Academia Institute of Language and Culture, at 308 Madison St. in Oak Park, opens June 5. The cultural institute will offer language and other programming for children, teens and adults. (Caitlin Mullen / Pioneer Press)

A new Madison Street business aims to offer children, teens and adults cultural education close to home.

Academia Institute of Language and Culture, at 308 Madison St. in Oak Park, opens its doors June 5. An open house is scheduled for June 11.

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The institute, which kicks off programming with summer camps for children, plans to offer language classes for children in nine different languages, according to the Academia website.

Adult courses will cover topics like neuroscience of social justice, classical music, art history, spoken word and conversational Spanish through film. Adult classes launch in six-week camps this summer, said Corinne Moran, director of adult curriculum and seminars.

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Kaycee Militante, director of children's curriculum development and educational standards, said courses are crafted individually and purposefully, not based on prepackaged curricula, and those being hired as teachers have the same mindset.

"I meet people who are really excited about teaching," Militante said.

Militante said Academia hopes to meet the need for language courses closer to home, since many local families travel to Chicago to find what they're looking for. The institute also will offer early childhood education for children, with language immersion programs and international preschool.

"I know there's a need in Oak Park for further education in foreign language," Militante said.

She looks forward to promoting hands-on learning within small classes.

"The best learning takes place when the students are the ones that take the lead," Militante said. "I think bringing in brilliant people who are passionate about their content will make it very exciting for the kids."

The space on Madison Street features several classrooms of varying size, Militante said, with a front lobby area that allows for lounging. Militante and Moran said they hope to see the business add to the new energy within that corridor of Madison Street.

Moran said there's not many local opportunities for intellectual stimulation for adults. She's excited to see staff come up with intriguing programming and develop courses that are of current interest, which will be structured differently from college courses.

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"The idea of having adult courses, I think, was quite new," Moran said. "I think Academia is trying to bring learning opportunities from the city to us out west in Oak Park.  I think it's quite an innovative institute."

Militante also said the institute aims to be family-friendly, with childcare available during adult courses.

Oak Park resident Anne Pezalla, whose two children are enrolled in summer programming, appreciates the flexibility and high quality instructors the institute will offer, and said her daughter already expressed interest in Mandarin classes in the fall.

"I'm very excited to have found Academia," Pezalla said in an email.

For more information, visit www.chicagoacademia.com or call 708-401-0888.

Caitlin Mullen is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
Ascension School teacher Kathleen Douglass recently received a 2017 Heart of the School award from the Archdiocese of Chicago.

According to a press release from the archdiocese, Heart of Excellence award winners like Douglass "foster the highest quality of teaching and learning in their classrooms. Through rigorous 21st century instruction, awardees demonstrate an ability to motivate each student to reach his or her greatest academic potential." Douglass, 30, of Chicago, teaches fourth grade at the Oak Park Catholic school; she was one of 18 educators to receive the award from the diocese this year. She answered a few questions for the Oak Leaves on May 18.

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Q: What's your teaching background?

A: I've worked at Ascension for six years. I've been teaching for eight. My first four years here, I taught first grade. When there was an opening in fourth grade, I made the switch. I'm wrapping up my second year with fourth grade. My first job, I taught second grade in Riverton, Utah. I'm very lucky to work with Mary Jo Burns, Ascension's principal. She's been an amazing principal.

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Q: What does receiving this award mean to you?

A: I was just completely surprised. Hearing how exciting it was for our school  it was very touching, seeing how many people were thinking of me. Our faculty is unbelievable. That's why I was so surprised. We care about our kids so much. And that's the community here at Ascension. Everyone gives and helps and contributes as much as they can. I'm so appreciative and grateful to be a part of this community. I can see why people love Oak Park.

Q: What's the best part of the job? What do you enjoy most about teaching fourth-graders?

A: I've got to be cheesy and say the kids are the best.  They're really coming into their own personalities. They still like to have fun, they're happy to be here every day. I do love teaching science. I think they realize how much is out there. Fourth-graders, they are dynamite.

Caitlin Mullen is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
The city of Park Ridge is a step closer to possibly joining a host of other suburbs that have voted not to follow Cook County's new laws on minimum wage and sick leave.

The four present, voting members of the Park Ridge City Council reached a consensus Monday to "opt out" of requiring business owners to follow the county ordinances, which establish a higher minimum wage than the state of Illinois and require business owners to provide sick leave for eligible employees.

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Second Ward Ald. Nicholas Milissis and 4th Ward Ald. Roger Shubert were absent from Monday's meeting.

"The market will decide what we need to pay people," said 3rd Ward Ald. Gail Wilkening. "I don't want to hurt the little guy. I don't want to hurt the small business person who might be forced to let some people go. And of course, any kind of increase will go into their bottom line. They'll have to increase their prices, and it gets passed on anyway."

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Wilkening added: "Anything Cook County wants, I usually don't want."

The City Council is expected to formally vote on a measure stating the city will not follow the county laws during the next regular council meeting, which is scheduled for June 5.

The county's minimum wage ordinance, passed by the Cook County Board in October, calls for gradual increases in employee minimum wage until it reaches $13 per hour by July 2020. The first increase, requiring employers to pay workers over age 18 at least $10 per hour, is scheduled to occur July 1.

The current state of Illinois minimum wage is $8.25 per hour.

The ordinance related to sick leave requires employers to provide workers with up to five paid sick days per year, based on the number of hours worked.

Park Ridge City Attorney Julie Tappendorf said home-rule communities like Park Ridge can take action to avoid following the county ordinance and continue to adhere to state and federal laws related to minimum wage and sick leave.

So far, at least 20 Cook County home-rule suburbs have voted to opt out, said Mike Suppan, manager of human resources for the city of Park Ridge. These communities include Arlington Heights, Barrington, Buffalo Grove, Elmwood Park, Harwood Heights, Mount Prospect, River Forest, Rosemont, Schaumburg and Wheeling.

Niles and Des Plaines are also considering whether to opt out, Suppan said.

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Employers within municipalities that do not take action or do not have home-rule authority will be required to follow the county's laws on minimum wage and sick leave.

Representatives of four Park Ridge businesses addressed the City Council on Monday, each urging aldermen to make Park Ridge an "opt out" community.

"These ordinances are an overreach of the Cook County Board," said John Bredemann of the Bredemann auto dealerships in Park Ridge.

Paul Balazs, who owns Vive Therapeutic Message with his wife, Geri, said his business would be impacted by the added administrative costs associated with the sick leave requirement. He estimated this increase at 6 to 7 percent.

"For a small business, that's a lot to absorb," Balazs said.

Sheila Duda, owner of Tea Lula, said her employees are already paid above $8.25 per hour, but she, too, urged the council not to follow the county's ordinance.

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"We'd have to sell really expensive tea" if Park Ridge followed the county's ordinance, Duda said.

In 2015, the city of Chicago, which borders Park Ridge, began raising its minimum wage, with a goal of reaching $13 per hour in 2019. On July 1, Chicago's minimum wage will go from $10.50 per hour to $11 per hour, according to the city's website.

There is also a bill in the Illinois House calling for the state-wide minimum wage to be gradually raised to $15 per hour.

Dino Vlahakis, co-owner of the Pickwick Theatre, said Chicago's rising minimum wage could result in more employers choosing to open just over the border in Park Ridge.

"If we opt out, it's going to be a big benefit to our city," Vlahakis said. "You're going to see a lot more businesses coming to Park Ridge."

jjohnson@pioneerlocal.com

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Twitter: @Jen_Tribune
Violetta Todorova is bringing European performance experience to her appearance Friday at the South Shore Orchestras Primal Roots concert at the Memorial Opera House in Valparaiso. ( Memorial Opera House )

The South Shore Orchestra launches its 13th season with a richly textured "Primal Roots" concert at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Valparaiso's Memorial Opera House.

"All the music is very powerful emotionally," said Troy Webdell, the orchestra's conductor and music director.

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Webdell said the offerings swing "from intense to sublime, almost."

Philip Glass' "Symphony No. 10" is "rhythmically intense" and has "primal rhythms throughout," he said.

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About 60 musicians will perform in the orchestra, which will accompany violinist Violetta Todorova as she performs Ottorino Respighi's "Concerto Gregoriano."

Todorova is a native of St. Petersburg, Russia, and serves as concertmaster of the Fort Wayne Philharmonic.

"She's a wonderful violinist," said Webdell, orchestra director at Taft Middle School in Crown Point.

Respighi's concerto offers a true test of a violinist's skills.

"It has many challenges associated with it, definitely," said Todorova, who plays a vintage Italian violin. "There are some very fast passages in the third movement."

Running about 30 minutes, "Concerto Gregoriano" is a full-bodied work.

"It's contemplative, it's melodic," the violinist said. "It is very much a romantic concerto."

The South Shore Orchestra touts the work as having a "haunting" sheen.

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Entrusted with interpreting the concerto's layers in her featured performance, Todorova brings a wealth of experience to the opera house stage.

As a teen, she performed in Finland and Sweden, and also demonstrated her skills in Estonia as a youth.

Although she started out learning the piano, a change in instruments would enter the picture.

"I realized that I could express myself much better and much freer with the violin," the Fort Wayne resident said.

Todorova had performed in most of the major concert halls of St. Petersburg by the time she was 11. Those appearances included an arena engagement as a soloist performing buoyant music by Antonio Vivaldi.

Similarly striking, Dmitri Shostakovich's "Festive Overture" is being rolled out Friday for the South Shore Orchestra's concert.

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"It's bold, but it's also very celebratory," said Webdell, who also is going to guide the orchestra in other performances for its 13th season.

On Sept. 8, an overseas atmosphere is on tap as classical Spanish guitarist Isabel Martinez joins the "Passports" concert. The musical menu is featuring the U.S. premiere of Spanish composer Anton Garcia Abril's "Concierto Mudejar." On Sept. 7, the orchestra will bring Martinez to Valparaiso's Don Quijote Spanish restaurant for a solo guitar recital as part of a night steeped in Spanish culture.

The orchestra will switch tones at the Memorial Opera House with its Dec. 15 "Holiday Pops!" concert.

Group rates are available for the "Primal Roots" performance Friday, according to ticket information on the Memorial Opera House's website.

Bob Kostanczuk is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.

South Shore Orchestra presents 'Primal Roots'

When: 7:30 p.m. Friday

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Where: Memorial Opera House, 104 E. Indiana Ave., Valparaiso

Tickets: $21 adults; $18 students, senior citizens, military

Information: 219-548-9137; www.memorialoperahouse.com
Hammond is launching a new program to support residents who want to join the police department.

The Common Council on Monday passed an ordinance to use a portion of the city's riverboat gambling funds to support a scholarship program for Hammond residents to attend the Northwest Indiana Law Enforcement Academy.

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The program, dubbed Academy Bound, will sponsor Hammond students to attend the academy, if they have been residents of the city for three years and agree to remain such for three years following their graduation from the institute.

City attorney Kristina Kantar said the program is designed to support potential new recruits to replace officers as they retire, and attract a more diverse pool of applicants, who might not be able to pay for the costs of attending the Northwest Indiana Law Enforcement Academy.

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"A lot of people don't have $4,500," Kantar said.

Kantar said the scholarship money would only be available when there's a vacancy at the Hammond Police Department.

Councilman Robert Markovich, who ultimately voted in favor of the ordinance, questioned the allocation of the riverboat funds into the new scholarship program and away from infrastructure and other public safety uses.

"It's in my opinion the correct us of gaming dollars," Councilman David Woerpel said.

In other business, the council began considering amendments to the scope of the Hammond Human Relations Commission to include sexual orientation and gender identity. The nine-member commission, first created in 1970, is tasked with resolving discrimination issues in Hammond, according to the city.

"This ordinance was last amended in 1986," said Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr., in a statement. "Since then, we have worked diligently to ensure that the rights of all our residents are protected regardless of their sex, race, religion, abilities, sexual orientation or gender identity."

"The City of Hammond is a welcoming city that will not tolerate discrimination against any person or group," McDermott added.

clyons@post-trib.com

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Twitter @craigalyons
Paul Dawley, left, and Hannah Misch, summer interns with the Porter County Department of Development and Storm Water Management, check the condition of a culvert May 19, 2017, in the Lakewood Terrace subdivision north of Valparaiso. (Amy Lavalley / Post-Tribune)

Paul Dawley and Hannah Misch spent an unseasonably cool, damp morning checking out a culvert in a subdivision north of Valparaiso.

Though it's hardly a glamorous summer job, their task recording Porter County's stormwater infrastructure and its condition is crucial as the county moves forward with stormwater improvements, and provides them with much-needed experience in learning the ins and outs about how that infrastructure works.

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The county's Department of Development and Storm Water Management and Highway Department are sharing eight summer interns who collectively attend Valparaiso University, Purdue University and the University of Notre Dame. The majority of them are majoring in civil engineering.

The last time the county had summer interns, said Bob Thompson, director of the development and storm water management department, was more than 20 years ago, when he worked for the county's highway department.

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Two of the interns, he said during a recent Board of Commissioners meeting, will work with the county's geographic information system team while the other six fan out into unincorporated parts of the county, collecting data on the county's highways and drainage and inputting it in real time on iPads.

"The whole idea of this is to get this all into our GIS so the information is a click away," he said before introducing the interns to the commissioners.

At the Lakewood Terrace subdivision off of Calumet Avenue north of Valparaiso, Dawley, a sophomore at Purdue from Crown Point, and Misch, a senior at Valparaiso University from Wheatfield, examined the condition of the culvert as well as the water flowing into it.

"We now have the means to afford the interns and a big reason for it," said county engineer Mike Novotney, adding the county's stormwater fee, which went into place in January of last year in unincorporated parts of the county, is funding both the interns and projects that will be prioritized as a result of the work that they do.

The college students will work 40-hour weeks through mid-August at $12 an hour, he said, and the majority of them will be assessing stormwater infrastructure, including culverts, as well as surface inlets and catch basins, as well as the county's roads.

"One of the challenges we have is we don't have good mapping of where all the (stormwater) infrastructure is," Novotney said, adding mapping and assessing the infrastructure provides the information his department needs to determine what needs to be repaired or replaced.

"It's going to give us that data that we will have in GIS," he said, so if a resident calls with a complaint, the department's staff can bring up the location and see if there's a problem.

The interns started work the week of May 15, and Dawley and Misch, both civil engineering majors, said the experience would be invaluable.

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"I am certainly considering something in the environmental engineering realm and that definitely has to do with water treatment," Dawley said, adding he was interested in the design process and working with the public, "and looking at infrastructure systems and how all that comes together."

Misch has an environmental engineering minor and said she wanted to get out of her comfort level, since she's done work in construction management and wants to do more environmental work.

"I want to turn everything into functional wetlands and clean the stormwater," she said.

The internship program is unique, Novotney said, in that it touches on everything from design of stormwater systems to implementation, troubleshooting and after care.

In addition to collecting data, the interns will go to construction sites and on other field trips to get the full range of the process.

"They're working for us but we do want them to achieve some of the things they're looking for," he said.

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Amy Lavalley is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
A resolution that would have been a first step toward members of the St. John Town Council becoming eligible for retirement benefits  a move residents called too costly  is being dropped, a council member said.

Earlier this month, the council proposed a resolution that would explore making the board's five members eligible for benefits through the Indiana State Retirement System, even potentially making those benefits retroactive to when they were first elected.

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The council was preparing to vote on the resolution during its meeting Thursday night, but Councilman Mark Barenie, the board's vice president, said the exploratory measure will be dropped.

"To my knowledge, we are no longer exploring the proposal," Barenie said. "So it's dead."

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The resolution, as initially proposed, would include the members in the Public Employees Retirement Fund starting in January 2018, pending approval from the state retirement system. The town would cover the 3 percent contribution to the retirement plan.

The council was clear the resolution was exploratory, Barenie said, and just the first step in a multistep process.

Barenie said he thought the ordinance needs more consideration before the board moves forward with any proposal. He said he was happy to explore the matter.

"I would rather let it sit for the next council," Barenie said. "It is no longer being considered."

Many residents in St. John were quick to decry the proposal, citing the amount of money the move could cost taxpayers.

The St. John Homeowners Association circulated a petition against the resolution. The major argument is against the amount of money that would be needed to cover the move, considering enrollment in the retirement system would be retroactive.

"As you can see, this will be a huge financial obligation for our citizens," the petition read. "Also, future council members will be required to participate in PERF (Public Employees Retirement Fund) as well because discontinuing participation in the future would result in steep penalties from PERF."

Gerald Swets, president of the St. John Homeowners Association, said many residents opposed the measure because of the cost to the town, which bore the whole retirement contribution, especially given that it would be retroactive.

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"I think it just shows true greed on their part," Swets said.

Outside of government, people have to pay for their retirement plans and the Town Council proposed one the taxpayers would cover, he said.

"I think they were just trying to line their own pockets at the taxpayers' expense," Swets said.

Swets said he thought the possibility the town would drop the proposal was because of pressure from the community. He said residents put signs in their yards in opposition, and copies of the resolution went out on social media.

The association will present the petition in opposition to the proposal at the meeting Thursday night, Swets said.

"Just because it's voted down now doesn't mean it won't come back in October," Swets said. Residents want to make sure the proposal doesn't just go away, Swets said, but stays gone.

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"We need to make sure it's not coming back again," Swets said.

clyons@post-trib.com

Twitter @craigalyons
Notre Dame graduates walk out of Notre Dame Stadium in protest as Vice President Mike Pence speaks at the 2017 commencement ceremony Sunday, May 21, 2017, in South Bend, Ind. (Robert Franklin/AP )

Did you commend or condemn those University of Notre Dame graduates who walked out on Vice President Mike Pence during their own commencement ceremony Sunday?

Did they properly exercise their right to free speech and public protest? Or did they brazenly, wrongly, even immaturely behave disrespectfully to our country's second in command and, in a sense, our very nation?

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I just happened to be in the South Bend area on Saturday night for a family gathering. That campus and the surrounding region were abuzz with contentious chatter about what those grads were preparing, and promising, to do.

How many would take part? Would they actually go through with their highly publicized threat? How would Pence respond publicly? How would university officials respond?

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Since Sunday, several readers have contacted me, reflecting passionate feelings from both points of view on the walkout. Plus, my social media sites have exploded with differing opinions on this high-profile situation.

"Couldn't we put on our good manners for just one day?" asked one reader. "When you are old and remembering this special day, you have to remember you walked out on the VP of the United States. Something to be proud of?"

"Last I knew, students at Notre Dame pay a tuition a very high tuition," countered another reader. "I think they have every right to walk out of an elective speech. Civics 101."

There seems to be no middle ground or gray area with this issue. You either support the grads' decision and their symbolic action or you don't. Period. Similar protests  silent or screaming  will surely play out in coming months and years in defiance of the Trump administration's policies and executive orders.

Regardless of their walkout on Pence's speech, those grads received their diploma and were allowed to graduate from the university. The rest of us are not so fortunate. We remain left behind in two schools of thought regarding Pence and his political views.

Organized by a student activist group at Notre Dame called "We Stand For," the protest was in defense of "the marginalized people affected by Pence's politics, both on this campus and throughout our nation," according to the Facebook post published by the group before the ceremony.

"We invite all students, faculty, and families who will be attending the Commencement ceremony to walk out with us as we take back our graduation and show our dissatisfaction with the University's selection of Mike Pence as honored speaker," the group wrote on social media.

Pence's predictably vanilla-flavored commencement speech was quickly melted by the graduates' quiet defiance when he took the podium. I do, however, give him credit for once again showing tact in yet another contentious atmosphere. Our former governor obviously understands that he may be the next president of our country, one way or another, and he's doing everything he can to ensure his chances.

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Kudos to Pence (whom I have never voted for or supported) for using his commencement speech to advocate for free speech on college campuses across America. In his address, Pence called the country's current atmosphere of policing free speech "destructive of learning and the pursuit of knowledge."

Some of the students who didn't walk out on Pence didn't hesitate to openly boo those grads who did walk out, which I also quietly applauded. I believe the entire exchange served as an apt microcosm of our country's ongoing turmoil.

In fact, I thought that day played out perfectly, as if scripted in a patriotic play.

Think about it: our nation's vice president, who happens to be our state's former governor, returned home to speak about free speech at such a fabled university. His mere presence there (regardless of his speech's content) prompted a peaceful protest illustrating our country's deeply-felt discord and, in a way, what our country stands for.

There was no violence. No rioting. No injuries. No deaths.

With so much bloodshed taking place at universities across the country, this protest was a thing of beauty in America the Beautiful.

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Without paying a dime in tuition, all of us were taught a valuable (and hopefully memorable) lesson by that revered university, located just an hour away from most of us. It doesn't matter whether or not we're highly educated. Or Catholic. Or Christian. Or even fans of Notre Dame (which I'm not).

All that matters is that we're all Americans, and that we're all attentive students to this notion of a nation. We're not supposed to agree on everything, yet we can still come to class every day and discuss, debate or yell at each other about our disagreements. And then return to our homes without getting detention, suspension or expulsion.

Isn't that, in part, what our founding fathers had in mind when crafting the tenets of our fledgling country?

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Critics of those protesting Notre Dame graduates claim they turned their back on their country, serving as an indictment on today's educational system. Critics claim instead of confronting an issue, too many students these days are running away from it, or in this case, walking away from it.

I disagree.

Those grads chose to walk out on their own commencement, something they've surely looked forward to for many years. Something they worked hard for the privilege of attending, and exiting early on principle.

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That day may likely be the pinnacle of their life. Or their defining moment, so far anyway. They believe they stood up for what they felt was the right cause. They want to be on the right side of history when looking back on it someday.

Regardless how you feel about those graduates or Pence's politics, we shouldn't walk out on the lesson they taught us that day.

jdavich@post-trib.com

Twitter@jdavich
Pueblo judge orders competency evaluation in election tampering case

A judge has issued a gag order in the election tampering case of Richard Patton and ordered Patton to be evaluated for competency to stand trial.
China and India are increasingly consuming global brands and foods in tandem with their rapid development. The two countries are, after all, the largest and fastest growing economies in the world, and account for one-third of the worlds population. Together, they also host two of the worlds most rapidly developing consumer markets.

Key drivers shaping this consumer market growth is the increasing GDP and greater consumer spending power in these countries, which in turn facilitate rapidly changing lifestyles, a growing aspirational middle class, and rising interest in health and wellness.

This provides a tremendous boost to the F&B industry; presently, China accounts for a US$700 billion market-share in the global F&B market and India provides a US$400 billion F&B market.

This article is a brief consumer study to dive deeper into what is fueling the F&B market in China and India, and to offer insights that will help brands strategize more effectively.

Market Structure

While their respective F&B markets offer great potential for growth, businesses entering China and India must take into account the differing structural and cultural factors that shape their respective consumer demand.

This is key to the success of F&B brands; China and Indias consumer markets are constantly evolving and companies need to be sensitive and responsive to the local environmental, social, and economic factors that impact consumption trends.

For instance, both China and India have a burgeoning middle class population with rising levels of personal disposable income; yet, the pattern of personal consumption expenditure (PCE) on F&B items greatly varies in the two markets.

While Indians spend more on food than China overall, the personal consumption expenditure on packaged food is greater in China than in India. Similarly, the market for both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages is bigger in China.

Chinese and Indians also show a great variation in their food taste and degree of preference for Western food products. One company that has benefited from and tapped into this consumer insight in China is Brolos. The company utilized its Australian heritage to bring its lobster brand to life in the Chinese marketplace.

On the other hand, in India, consumer food preferences are strongly influenced by religious requirements, such as halal and vegetarianism or region-specific factors; that is, consumption preferences vary from one state to another. Foreign brands in India, therefore, need to customize their products based on local ingredients and cuisine specialties to cater to the diverse food preferences.

For example, the American heritage brands Kentucky Fried Chicken and McDonalds have managed to retain a strong hold in the Indian market by offering a menu that is suited to the tastes and predilections of every Indian customer.

Connected consumers are increasingly aware of food scandals as well as the benefits of healthy eating. However, the drivers and motivation for healthy eating differ in China and India. In China, thanks to traditional Chinese medicines influence, health is the foundation for all that they do, whilst in India, health is more aspirational. This difference means that brands need to have two distinct strategies for the two markets around what drives consumers to be healthy.

To illustrate, the two countries portray unique preferences in terms of their Liquid Delivery Needs. For China, we identified a focus on key words such as nutrition, balance, and feeding the body, which translate to a desire for more premium waters, RTD teas, probiotics, and fruit juices. For Indian consumers, it was more about rejuvenation, refreshment, and coming alive; materialized in a desire for more herbal, citrusy, and berry flavoured carbonated drinks.

RELATED: Brand Equity and IP Considerations for your F&B Company in China

Food safety and regulations

Both countries food safety and regulation also inform consumption habits and preferences, having undergone rapid development in the last few years.

With the increasing Chinese appetite for imported food products and food safety scandals on the rise, China has introduced series of amendments under its 2015 National Food and Safety Law. These amendments give broader regulatory powers to authorities, and seek to introduce special measures concerning health foods, medical foods, baby foods, and GMO foods, bringing them within the remit of the Food Safety Law.

To avoid fines, forfeiture of benefits, revocation of license and other severe penalties, companies exporting F&B products to China must ensure that their food products comply with the national food standards.

For example, food products entering China must display an ingredient list that marks clear differentiation between raw material and food additives. Importers should check the list of approved food materials by the Chinese government, and verify whether the component ingredients are classified as a food or as a drug. Thus, companies should keep up to date with all food related notices released by Chinas National Health and Family Planning Commission.

In India, the food regulations are more complicated and ambiguous. The central food regulating agency, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), categorizes foods into two types, standardized and non-standardized. The former types of food do not need approval before manufacture, import or sale, whereas non-standardized food types are not uniform or completely formulated.

Further, food items imported and distributed in India need to conform to the FSSAI regulations for packaging and labeling. These regulations require product labels to specify ingredients as well as additives, in order of their composition by weight and volume, which for alcoholic beverages is not always possible. Another requirement for food products is to have inseparable labels and not detachable stickers.

Challenges

While both China and India offer vast opportunities in the F&B industry, brands entering their respective markets need to be conscious of potential challenges. The most important of these relate to the complicated regulatory framework and stringent food laws in these countries, and their infrastructure and pricing strategies employed by domestic players.

To be successful in these markets, F&B companies need to be sensitive to sociocultural and other factors shaping consumption trends. This is where direct market research becomes important as engaging with consumers on the ground offers crucial insights that enable companies to create or customize products that can satisfy consumers rapidly evolving needs and preferences, and also stay price effective.



About Us China Briefing is published by Asia Briefing, a subsidiary of Dezan Shira & Associates. We produce material for foreign investors throughout Asia, including ASEAN, India, Indonesia, Russia, the Silk Road, and Vietnam. For editorial matters please contact us here, and for a complimentary subscription to our products, please click here. This article was co-authored by Dezan Shira & Associates and the Silk Initiative: Dezan Shira is a full service practice in China, providing business intelligence, due diligence, legal, tax, IT, HR, payroll, and advisory services throughout the China and Asian region. For assistance with China business issues or investments into China, please contact them at china@dezshira.com or visit www.dezshira.com. The Silk Initiative is a business strategy and marketing mix innovation consultancy specializing in the food and beverage space. They provide a range of brand strategy, consumer insight, business intelligence and creative execution strategies to clients ranging from global food and beverage giants to SMEs. Need help making sense of the complexities of the China and Asia market? Contact them at info@thesilkinitiative.com or visit www.thesilkinitiative.com.

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This Dezan Shira & Associates 2017 China guide provides a comprehensive background and details of all aspects of setting up and operating an American business in China, including due diligence and compliance issues, IP protection, corporate establishment options, calculating tax liabilities, as well as discussing on-going operational issues such as managing bookkeeping, accounts, banking, HR, Payroll, annual license renewals, audit, FCPA compliance and consolidation with US standards and Head Office reporting.

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Dezan Shira & Associates
Organizers announced that the Fifth China Xinjiang International Dance Festival at a press conference in Beijing, May 24, 2017. [Photo/ China.org.cn]

Organizers announced on Wednesday in Beijing that the Fifth China Xinjiang International Dance Festival will be held in summer.

The festival is sponsored by the Ministry of Culture, the State Council Information Office, and Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region government and will take place from July 20 - Aug. 5.

Themed with "The China's Dream - The Colorful Silk Road," the event will invite top dance groups and troupes from Xinjiang local areas, other Chinese cities and international community including Russia, Egypt, Uzbekistan, Poland and Pakistan to perform more than 60 shows during the 17 days when the festival is held.

The China Xinjiang International Dance Festival has already become a known cultural brand after four editions were held, said Aierken Tuniyazi, vice chairman and standing member of the CPC committee of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region.

He added the festival displays the charms of Xinjiang's culture, enhances the exchanges and cooperation among countries and promotes the friendship among peoples along the Belt and Road Initiative countries, since the most well-known route of the historical Silk Road ran through the territory of Xinjiang from the east to its northwestern border.
From applications that are already a part of many people's everyday lives, such as Siri, smart TVs and Google translation, to more futuristic incarnations like self-driving cars and robots at the beck and call of their human masters, artificial intelligence, or AI, is shaping up to be a revolutionary force likened to the steam engine and electricity.

A fleet of Baidu self-driving cars during a road test in November, 2011 [Photo/VCG]

Partly fueled by apocalyptic movies like Terminator, however, are the concerns over the rise of machines. Even Elon Musk, the chief executive of Tesla, once compared developing AI to "summoning the demon."

That fear is not dominant among Chinese people.

In The Age of Artificial Intelligence: Impact and Implications published on May 22 by Jinri Toutiao, China's top news and information mobile application that uses AI technology to offer personalized content, the index of Chinese confidence about AI is 83 out of 100, which means an optimistic and rational attitude to the next big thing in technology.

When asked whether they support the development of AI, 51.3% answered in the affirmative, 28.68% chose "supportive with reservations," while 15.77% said the pace should be slowed and more investments made in preparation for AI gone out of humans' control. A mere 2.4% staunchly opposed AI.

As for their biggest fear over the advent of AI, more than half cited social crisis caused by AI becoming its own master.

Still, people are eager to see AI in the driver's seat; the report shows that Chinese view self-driving cars being developed by Google as the hottest AI product. Baidu, China's leading search engine, is also betting on autonomous driving. Ramping up its challenge to Google and Tesla, Baidu opened up its driverless car technology for auto makers to use in April.

By 2020, the company expects to have polished technology that allows its self-drive cars to navigate highways and open city roads. Baidu is actually the top name on the most watched AI company list for Chinese speakers in the report, followed by such tech giants as Google, Alibaba, Xiaomi and Huawei.

According to the report, automobiles are only the third most promising industry for AI application, the first and second places going to finance and digital sectors. On the more immediate survey of the AI-related topic you care most about, "Which jobs would be taken over by AI" understandably took the top place.

According to a survey by AI Era, an AI-focused think tank, there were about 200 AI startups in China as of September 2016. Most of them were formed after 2010 and 70% of those companies engaged in research in visual and voice recognition, with some of the breakthroughs in facial recognition technology made by Chinese companies.

The momentum of AI growth in China is boosted by the government's ambition. The Chinese government has identified AI as a field of strategic importance and in the country's latest five-year plan (2016-2020), intelligent manufacturing and robots are among the key innovation projects.

With a bright future of AI in China all but certain, it's necessary to take the confidence in the technology with a pinch of salt and address the real concern over the wider ramifications of the technology as is reflected in the Toutiao report. The rapid automation of factories and warehouses, for example, has rendered large numbers of employees redundant. How to blunt the impact of AI applications for the vulnerable, both on the factory floor and beyond, should be pushed higher up on every tech-driven government's agenda.
Zhangye, located in the ancient Hexi Corridor, a plain shaped by earth movements on the Tibetan and Inner Mongolian Plateaus, is working to revive its past glory by holding trade fairs focusing on green agriculture and tourist programs.

The "Silk Road International Ecological Industry Expo for Green Organic Products (Zhangye) Trade Fair" will last for four days from September 1.

Speaking at a press conference in Beijing on May 23, Zhengye Vice Mayor Chen Hua said: "Learning from past fairs, we are experienced, resourceful and fundamentally capable of hosting one of the most outstanding international trade fairs of its kind, creating a platform for the development of the economic highlands in the Western region."

With its advantageous natural conditions, Zhangye contains agrarian land covering roughly 7,508 hectares, where the soil is both fertile and less-polluted than other parts of the country. As a result of huge differences in temperature, the grain crops, corn, potatoes and herbs growing there face little threat from pests, so that use of pesticides can be reduced to the minimum.

More than 110 agricultural production and processing bases in the city have been granted access to foreign markets, including warrants from Russia and some Central Asian countries for self-conducted trade. The cooperation with countries lying west to the city is starting to pick up.

Besides, never has the city lacked attraction for its natural resorts and historic sites, such as, the world-renowned Danxia landform, one of the world's 22 most impressive sights listed by the American Huffington Post, the old sites of the Great Wall both built in Han (202 BCE-220 CE) and Ming (1368-1644) dynasties and the biggest clay-made sleeping Buddha in Asia housed in the only remaining temple built in the Western Xia Empire (1038-1227) across the country.

"Those are all the lively, dynamic and profound historic legacies, not only witnessing the vicissitudes of history for the splendid growing of civilization but also underscore Zhangye's strategic role in the newly-proposed Silk Road Economic Belt," Chen said.

The trade fair undertaken by Beijing Exhibition Co. Ltd. will have space for 700 stands this year.

The previous three trade fairs attracted 1,200 companies from Iran, Nepal, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Russia in particular, with agreements signed worth 2.08 billion yuan (US$290 million).
China's Finance Ministry Wednesday dismissed a decision by international rating agency Moody's to downgrade China's credit ratings.

The downgrade was based on the "pro-cyclical" rating approach which is "inappropriate," the Ministry of Finance (MOF) said.

Moody's said that it had downgraded China's long-term local currency and foreign currency issuer ratings to A1 from Aa3 and changed the outlook to stable from negative.

The rating agency attributed the decision to expectations that China's economy-wide leverage would increase further over the coming years, planned reform program would likely slow, but not prevent the rise in leverage, and sustained policy stimulus would cause rising debt across the economy.

"These viewpoints, to some extent, overestimate the difficulties facing the Chinese economy and underestimate the capabilities of China to deepen supply-side structural reform and expand overall demand," the MOF said.

China's economy started strongly in 2017. Gross domestic product grew 6.9 percent in the first quarter, above the full-year target of 6.5 percent and the 6.8-percent growth in the fourth quarter of 2016.

For the first four months, fiscal revenue jumped 11.8 percent, compared to 8.6 percent for the same period last year.

The MOF pointed to the strong performance as an effect of ongoing supply-side structural reform.

"China's economy is expected to maintain steady and relatively fast growth thanks to the deepening reforms in state-owned enterprises, finance, taxation and pricing, in addition to the implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative," the MOF said.

The ministry also refuted Moody's expectation that China's government debt-to-GDP ratio would rise to 40 percent in 2018.

"China's government debt risks are controllable overall, with a debt ratio of 36.7 percent in 2016, well below the 60-percent warning line of the European Union and lower than those of other major developed or emerging economies," the MOF said. "Government borrowing will be under strict control under the backdrop of supply-side structural reform. And expected medium-to-high GDP growth in the coming years will also provide fundamental support for reining in local government debt risks."

The ministry said it was unlikely for China's government debt risks to see major changes in 2018-2020, compared to 2016.
China's Ke Jie, currently the world's No. 1 Go player, said it was an honor to challenge Google's artificial intelligence bot AlphaGo, and he would spare no efforts to try and win the following two games after losing the first round of the three-game match on Tuesday.

China's Ke Jie makes a move in a match with Google's AlphaGo in Wuzhen, Zhejiang Province in eastern China, May 23, 2017. [Photo/Xinhua News Agency]

Given the opposing performances in the first game, Ke felt the only way to win would be to detect any weaknesses in AlphaGo's program, as relying on the usual tactics would not work.

"I used to think that it must have weak points, but now I'm convinced that its understanding of the Go game and its judgment during matches are vastly superior to human beings," Ke said when interviewed after the first game.

In the match, AlphaGo made an unexpected and novel move. "It's very unlikely for human players to think that way," Ke said. "The single move served multiple purposes, so I totally deserved to lose."

Ke's view was shared by Nie Weiping, another Chinese Go master and former world champion. "AlphaGo's strategic thinking is far superior to human," he said. "Ke just played into its hands."

Ke lost to the AlphaGo by half a point, which is regarded as the slightest of losses in Go term, but Nie believed the result was controlled by AlphaGo. "I felt its aim was to win safely, so it only made simple moves, which was not the best it could achieve," Nie said. "Although it won with a slight advantage, this was obvious, and the result was unchangeable."

AlphaGo has made constant improvements after defeating South Korean Go legend Lee Se-dol in March last year. According to Google's research team, the AI bot has accumulated enough experience from playing humans and is devising its own tactics. Engineers are also working on programs to enable it to make multiple plans following a single move, thus increasing, and, indeed, controlling its chances of victory.

Ahead of time, Ke had been confident of beating AlphaGo; however, after their first meeting, he joked that he had changed his mind and preferred to stick to playing humans. "The more you play with a computer, the more likely you will lose. Eventually, your chances to win will approach zero. It's too desperate. However, my chances to win would be much higher if my opponent is another human being."

Ke's second match with AlphaGo will be held on Thursday.
Chinese President Xi Jinping Tuesday stressed the importance of pilot reform while calling for more reform practices that could be replicated and promoted.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks at the 35th meeting of the Central Leading Group for Deepening Overall Reform, which he heads.

Li Keqiang, Liu Yunshan and Zhang Gaoli, all members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and deputy heads of the leading group, also attended the meeting.

A guideline on deepening reform of the educational system was adopted at the meeting, aimed to cultivate students' abilities in lifetime learning and creative thinking, as well as the ability to adapt to the times.

Educational reform should update the methods of school running as well as management mechanisms to promote comprehensive development, according to a statement issued after the meeting.

In a separate topic, the leading group called for enhanced efforts to allow foreign investors easier access to China's key sectors via a "negative list" approach.

The statement outlined several sectors that should further open to foreign investment, including services, manufacturing and mining.

The leading group also urged standardization of Chinese firms' overseas operations, urging the formation of a supervision system featuring clear demarcation of rights and obligations and effective risk control.

According to the meeting, a long-term supervision and early warning system should be established to keep an eye on resources and environmental constraints on economic development. Environmental monitoring should be conducted in a scientific way with collection of reliable data.

The leading group also vowed to push for establishment of the personal information and asset system, and introduce information rating and a traceable security mechanism to ensure that personal information is safe and used properly.

To improve air quality in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region with coordinated efforts, the leading group called for efforts to conduct a pilot program on setting up a cross-region environmental protection agency.

Environmental regulation in the region should apply unified standards, assessment, monitoring and law enforcement.

With the principle of prioritizing environmental protection and proper use of resources, the leading group called for use of market-based and paid-use mechanisms to develop maritime areas and uninhabited islands. Certain such regions that need special protection are prohibited from development.

The statement also said time has been ripe to officially establish the system of public interest litigation by prosecutors after nearly two years of pilot reform.

In July 2015, the Supreme People's Procuratorate began the pilot program that allowed prosecutors in 13 provincial divisions to institute public interest litigation in civil and administrative cases.

So far, prosecutors have filed public interest lawsuits related to environmental protection, food and drug safety, state assets and state land use.

Abundant case samples and rich experience have been gained and the procedural mechanism well tested, according to the statement, which called for legal guarantees for procuratorates to file such litigation.
Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli (L) addresses the opening ceremony of the 40th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM) in Beijing, capital of China, May 23, 2017. [Photo/Xinhua]

The Chinese government reiterated its commitment to the peaceful development and research of Antarctica as the 40th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM) opened in Beijing Tuesday.

This is China's first time hosting the meeting, an annual decision-making mechanism established under the Antarctic Treaty.

Peaceful, stable, green and sustainable development of Antarctica is in line with the common interests for mankind and a strong commitment to future generations, said Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli when addressing the opening ceremony.

China acceded to the Antarctic Treaty in 1983 and became a consultative member two years later.

In the past three decades, China has sent nearly 6,000 professionals to Antarctica since the nation dispatched its first Antarctic expedition team in November 1984.

Chinese leaders have stressed on various occasions the need to better protect and research Antarctica due to its special location and environment. To review its progress on Antarctica, China on Monday published the first full report on its study and use of the region over the past 30 years, titled "China's Antarctic Activities."

According to the report by China's State Oceanic Administration, the country has so far opened four research bases -- the Great Wall station, Zhongshan station, Kunlun station and Taishan station -- and established the Polar Research Institute of China in Shanghai in addition to sailing the icebreaker Xuelong (Snow Dragon).

The number of papers on Antarctic studies published by Chinese scientists and included by the Science Citation Index (SCI) has risen from 19 in 1999 to 157 in 2016, leading China to rank among the top 10 countries.

China has a relatively short history of study in Antarctica, but the progress it has achieved, especially in the past few years, has been huge, said Qin Weijia, director of the Chinese Arctic and Antarctic Administration.

China also raised its financial inputs in Antarctic research. In the past 15 years from 2001 to 2016, China invested 310 million yuan (about 45 million U.S. dollars) in related projects -- 18 times the total for the years 1985 to 2000.

Antarctic research has remained one of the most difficult topics due to the lack of research data, said Qin.

China is not yet a global leader in Antarctic research, Qin said, but as the country grows in technology and overall national power, it is willing to contribute more to a better understanding of Antarctica.

China pays close attention to cooperation and sharing of information in the study of Antarctica. The Chinese National Arctic and Antarctic Data Center has provided data for more than 100 international projects and more than 10 countries.

"In past years, China has cooperated with more and more countries in various aspects such as policy making, expeditions and scientific studies," said China's Vice Foreign Minister Liu Zhenmin.

According to "China's Antarctic Activities," from 2016 to 2020, China plans to elevate its Antarctic activities to a higher level, including installing new Antarctic stations and deploying new and advanced icebreakers.

"Down the road, China is willing to join hands with the rest of the international community in understanding, protecting and using Antarctica," said the report.

Some 400 delegates from 44 countries and 10 international organizations which have signed the Antarctic Treaty attended the 40th ATCM in Beijing.
A top Taiwan court ruled in favor of same-sex marriage on Wednesday, a landmark ruling that paves the way for Taiwan to become the first place in Asia to legalize same-sex unions.

The court said Taiwan's current Civil Code provision, which does not allow two persons of the same sex to marry, is in violation of both the people's freedom of marriage and the people's right to equality as guaranteed by its Constitution.

The court rules that the authorities concerned shall complete the amendment of relevant laws in accordance with the ruling within two years. If the amendment of relevant laws is not completed within the two-year time frame, then two persons of the same sex may apply for marriage registration.

The case was brought by gay rights activist Chi Chia-wei after the Taipei city government rejected his and his long-time partners application to marry in 2013.
Wu Juan (front), a barge-woman from Zhouzhuang, sings Chinese tunes and rows along a canal with a gondolier in Venice, Italy, on July 21, 2015. During the Expo Milan 2015, China's Zhouzhuang holds a seminar in Milan and an event called "A Tale of Two Cities" in Venice to introduce Chinese culture of "Water Town". [Photo/Xinhua]

A lot has been said and written about China's transformation from a largely rural and stagnant economy into a global economic powerhouse. This transformation has not only produced prosperity for the Chinese people but has also greatly benefited many other nations by expanding international trade, economic cooperation and investment.

However, much less attention has been paid to the cultural enrichment China has brought to the world, with an ever-growing number of young people who, especially in America and Europe, study Mandarin at school and choose Chinese Studies in their tertiary education, making China increasingly relevant in global culture.

One wonders now how such a refined and rich culture could go scarcely noticed for thousands of years. Of course, apart from Imperial China's self-complacent isolationism, there were compelling reasons like geographical distance and natural barriers that separated and "protected" China from the West.

There were a few notable exceptions two of which left an indelible mark in the history of the relations between Western and Chinese cultures. One was the renowned Marco Polo, a Venetian merchant who travelled to China in the 13th century and wrote a famous book that first introduced the West to Chinese civilization.

The other was Matteo Ricci, a highly educated Catholic priest who, four centuries ago, spent half of his life in China, becoming a scholar of that same civilization and a pioneer in the dialogue between Chinese and Western cultures.

They were both Italian and Italy is today one of the major European countries where the study of Mandarin in high schools is seeing rapid growth, being incorporated into the national curriculum and the national examination system. To gain a certificate of secondary education, Chinese language students have to pass a test in written and oral Chinese and also Chinese history.

Graduate and post-graduate courses in Chinese Studies are now provided by four Italian tertiary institutions  the University of Milan, the Ca Foscari University of Venice, the Sapienza University of Rome and the Orientale University of Naples; however, more universities are expected to follow suit.

The boom of Chinese studies is backed by a large organization called Intercultura which offers students the opportunity of spending an entire school year in China or shorter study periods in the summer. The number of applications increases every year and China is now the second main destination after the United States for student exchange programs.

For its part, China has been reinforcing this trend through the Confucius Institute program which is overseen by Confucius Institute Headquarters.

Eleven Confucius institutes have been opened in conjunction with local affiliate educational institutions and universities. The related Confucius Classroom program partners with local secondary schools or colleges to provide teachers and resource materials.

This support for Chinese studies abroad complements China's "Peaceful Development" strategy and the "Beijing Consensus" model, a concept based on a "win-win" approach to both economic and cultural co-operation.

On the strength of its ascendancy as the second largest world economy and the largest contributor to the global GDP, China is now undertaking a colossal project designed to create a global network of land and sea routes reaching Europe via Asia and other parts of the world as well.

The Belt and Road Initiative is inspired by the ancient Silk Road that Marco Polo followed eight centuries ago and Italy, as a natural and historical European terminal of the project, is keen on being part of it. That Italy was the only major Western country sending its head of government, Paolo Gentiloni, to attend the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing on May 14-15, signalled its determination to lead the European Union into concrete forms of cooperation.

Elenoire Laudieri Di Biase ( Twitter account: @ElaudierLaudier ), sinologist from the university of Ca' Foscari and Melbourne University, Australia, is an expert on international diplomacy and psychoanalysis. Senior analyst on China at the Nato Defense College Foundation.

Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors only, not necessarily those of China.org.cn.
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Venezuela's prosecutor-general announced on Tuesday four people have been killed in the western state of Barinas during protests against President Nicolas Maduro, taking the death toll since April 1 to 53.

While no specifics were provided about the incidents leading up to the deaths, the authorities announced they were investigating the death of Freiber Perez, 21, "who was shot last night (May 22) during a protest."

An inquiry has also been launched into the death of Miguel Bravo, 25, "during a protest which happened last night in Socopo."

Two other deaths were confirmed as being Alfredo Carrizales during a protest in the capital of Barinas state, as well as Adonis Perez, 22 years old.

On Monday, the prosecutor-general of Venezuela already confirmed the death of a young 19-year-old man, Yorman Bervecia, in the Barinas town of Los Pozones.

This brings to 53 the number of deaths in Venezuela during protests against President Nicolas Maduro, who is accused by the opposition of being the cause of the country's political, economic and social crisis.
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At least 21 people were killed and six others injured after a bus carrying Hindu pilgrims skidded off a mountainous road and into a deep gorge in northern Indian state of Uttarakhand Tuesday, officials has said.

The accident took place in the evening near Dharasu village in Uttarkashi district, about 116 km north of Dehradun, the capital city of Uttarakhand.

"This evening, a bus carrying pilgrims skidded off the road near Dharasu here, killing 21 people and injuring six others," Ashish Kumar Srivastava, deputy commissioner of Uttarkashi told Xinhua over telephone. "The rescue operations are going on at the spot to locate survivors."

According to Srivastava, the injured were immediately sent to Chinyalisaur hospital.

"The injured ones rescued from the spot are in the state of shock and undergoing treatment at hospital here," he said. "We cannot ask them questions at this point of time about how many people were in the bus at the time of accident."

Officials said the victims hail from central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh and were returning back after performing Char Dham pilgrimage.

"The ill-fated bus was returning from Gangotri and was travelling towards Chinyalisaur, when it fell into a 250-meter deep gorge," police said.

Authorities have rushed police teams, disaster response personnel, besides paramilitary troopers, to the spot to carry rescue work.

The cause of the accident was being ascertained, police said.
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University of Maryland graduate Yang Shuping delivers a speech during the graduation ceremony on May 21, 2017. [Photo/weibo]

A Chinese student posted an apology on Sina Weibo on Monday after the speech she delivered at a graduation ceremony at the University of Maryland on Sunday in the United States went viral, triggering accusations of dishonesty and betrayal by some Chinese.

In her speech, Yang Shuping started by saying that whenever anyone asked her why she came to study at the University of Maryland, she always replied: "Fresh air."

The audience erupted in laughter.

"Five years ago, as I stepped off the plane from China, and left the terminal at Dallas Airport, I was ready to put on one of my five face masks. But when I took my first breath of American air, I put my mask away," she said.

Yang went on to say that the air she breathed in the US "was so sweet and fresh and utterly luxurious".

"I grew up in a city in China where I had to wear a face mask every time I went outside; otherwise I might get sick," Yang said, describing her hometown as heavily polluted.

Many Chinese students in the US believe that some facts Yang cited in her speech were somewhat stretched.

Yang, it was later revealed, is from Kunming, in southwestern China's Yunnan province, where air quality is better than most cities on average.

Student rebuttals

"I also come from Kunming, which is famous for its good climate and weather," Zhang Jun, a PhD student at the University of Maryland, posted on his Facebook page on Sunday. "Contrary to what she claimed, Kunming's air is near the top of most major cities in China. From my experience in the last few years, Kunming's air quality on average is at least as good as Washington, DC."

Some Chinese students also expressed disappointment in the way Yang characterized China in her remarks.

Northwestern University graduate student Zhang Lemeng said, "China certainly has its problems, but a lot of them result from objective factors instead of system failures."

There were 2,197 students from China at the University of Maryland in the 2016-17 academic year. Yang was one of few chosen to speak at the commencement ceremony.

He Jiang, a doctoral student in biochemistry, became the first Chinese citizen to deliver a graduation speech at Harvard University in 2016. In his speech, which went viral and received extensive praise in China, He talked about the importance of bringing advanced science and technology to underdeveloped areas, such as the rural villages of China.

Later on Monday, Yang posted an apology on her Sina Weibo account: "I was just sharing my experience as an international student in the US with no intention to deny or belittle my country or my hometown. I'm sorry about what I did and will learn from the mistake."

University responds

The University of Maryland released a statement on Monday on its website saying it supports Yang's right to share her views.

"The University believes that to be an informed global citizen it is critical to hear different viewpoints, to embrace diversity, and demonstrate tolerance when faced with views with which we may disagree. Listening to and respectfully engaging with those with whom we disagree are essential skills, both within university walls and beyond," the statement said.

The Chinese Students and Scholars Association of the University of Maryland, also made a statement on its Sina Weibo account on Monday, saying that Yang's speech only represented herself, as most Chinese students in Maryland are proud of China's great achievements and are also bothered by Yang's views.

The association said the public should maintain a rational attitude.
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Myanmar State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi on Wednesday called for taking time and perseverance for the government, the armed forces, ethic armed groups and political parties to reach consensus with understanding and trust on the path of national reconciliation.

She made the call at the opening session of the second meeting of the 21st Century Panglong Peace Conference of Myanmar which kicked off here Wednesday, nine months after the first in August 2016.

Aung San Suu Kyi said the peace conference has reached a stage of discussing the basic principle of federal system and will open a new historical page of political dialogue which the people are desirous of.

She outlined three main objectives of the conference to be pursued - emergence of a union based on democracy and federal system; signing of the Nationwide Cease-fire Accord (NCA) by those yet to do so, followed by political dialogue to achieve eternal peace; open coordination on the path of national reconciliation efforts without exerting pressure and force politically to reach agreements that can be accepted by all parties.

The Myanmar state counselor said the conference is to further discuss the 41 basic principles submitted group-wise through national-level political dialogue and last agreed by the Union Peace Dialogue Joint Committee (UPDJC).

She also called for marching forward to overcome challenges with Panglong spirit that may be encountered in the course of peace pursuit.

Some 1,400 representatives from the government, the parliament, the military, invited political parties, ethnic armed organizations and civil society participated in the five-day meeting.

President U Htin Kyaw and two vice presidents, State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi, speakers of both houses, Commander-in-Chief of the Defense Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Chairman of the Union Solidarity and Development Party U Than Htay and Chairman of the Kayin National Union (KNU) Saw Mutu Sae Poe attended the opening ceremony.

The 15 ethnic armed organizations, present at the event, include eight signatories and seven non-signatories to the Nationwide Cease-fire Accord (NCA).

The seven non-ceasefire signatories, also known as Northern Alliance, include Kachin Independence Organization (KIO), the United Wa State Army (UWSA), Arakan Army (AA), Kokang's Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) and Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA).
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NEW DELHI, May 24 (Xinhua) -- One person was killed and several others injured in caste clashes in India's northern state of Uttar Pradesh, officials said Wednesday.

Violence broke out in Saharanpur district, about 711 km northwest of Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh.

"Last evening, a truck carrying Dalit community members was attacked reportedly by Thakurs (belonging to upper caste). In the clashes, a Dalit man was killed and two others were critically injured," a police official said.

According to locals, the Dalits were returning after attending a rally of their leader and former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati.

Mayawati heads India's Bahujan Samaj Party, a party that has support base in Uttar Pradesh and following among millions of low-caste Dalits.

Tensions between the two communities were triggered over reports that a group of Dalits allegedly threw stones at the homes of a few Rajputs in Shabbirpur ahead of the rally.

Reports said fresh clashes broke out Wednesday morning when two Dalit youth were attacked with knives.

Casteism, though prohibited in India's constitution, is deep-rooted in the Indian society, especially in smaller towns and villages.

Authorities have rushed five additional contingents of police to contain the situation. Enditem
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SEOUL, May 24 (Xinhua) -- South Korean President Moon Jae-in on Wednesday appointed two high-level security advisors who will be tasked with assisting the president to draw up security and foreign policies.

Presidential spokesman Park Su-hyun told a press conference that Moon named Lee Sang-chul, a professor at Sungshin University in Seoul, as the first vice chief of the National Security Office of the presidential Blue House.

Kim Ki-jung, a political science professor at Yonsei University in Seoul, was appointed as the second vice chief of the National Security Office.

The newly appointed first vice chief was an expert on national defense who studied issues on the denuclearized Korean Peninsula, a peace regime and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK)'s nuclear program, the spokesman said.

Lee will double as the secretary general of the National Security Council (NSC). He will help President Moon draw up policies on security strategy, national defense reform and arms control.

Kim was an academic who studied the Korean Peninsula's peace issue for long, the spokesman said. During the presidential campaign, he served as an assistant to Moon on security and foreign affairs issues.

Kim will be tasked with establishing policies on foreign affairs, unification, intelligence convergence and cyber security.

On Sunday, President Moon named Chung Eui-yong, a career diplomat and former ambassador to Geneva, as the head of the National Security Office.

Spokesman Park told reporters that diplomatic and defense experts were appointed to lead the National Security Office as the DPRK's nuclear issue is a diplomatic matter requiring an international cooperation.
Logo of China Life insurance is seen on a door at its branch in Beijing, March 24, 2016. [Photo/Agencies]

Insurer pays $950m to get 95% stake in commercial realty projects

Chinese leading insurer China Life Insurance (Group) Co said on Tuesday it is buying 48 commercial properties in the United States with total value of $950 million.

China Life Investment Holding Co Ltd, an alternative investment and management company and unit of China Life, is buying a 95 percent stake in the real estate projects from ElmTree Funds LLC, a private-equity firm based in the city of St Louis.

China Life said ElmTree would retain a 5 percent stake and continue to manage the properties together.

The 48 customized commercial properties are scattered throughout the US in 21 states and include logistics centers, office buildings and healthcare facilities. Tenants include GE, FedEx, Caterpillar and T-Mobile.

The business model of ElmTree has been to develop properties and lease them to single tenants on a long-term basis.

"The real estate properties have a steady cash flow and can generate good returns, with a rate of return usually higher than landmark office buildings in major global cities," China Life said in a statement.

ElmTree Funds Managing Principal Jim Koman told The Wall Street Journal that in general, properties in off-the-beaten-path locations produced yields that are more than 3 percentage points greater than yields from trophy buildings in top locations.

"We're seeing more and more foreign capital coming into secondary and tertiary markets all across the country," said Koman.

"China Life's latest investment is a typical example of Chinese insurers going abroad to optimize their asset allocations," said Hao Yansu, director of the school of insurance at the Central University of Finance and Economics.

Hao said Chinese insurance companies have strong financial strengths and more knowledge of the international market and overseas investments, aiming to better allocate their assets, are becoming increasingly popular with them.

Chinese insurers preferred to invest in real estate projects because they have the potential to appreciate in value and are easy to cash out. Acquiring financial institutions is also a popular strategic move, Hao added.

In 2015, China Life made its first US deal, joining Ping An Insurance to buy a majority stake in a Boston development in the city's popular Seaport District.

Hu Yuanyuan contributed to this story.
As'ad's Bio

As'ad AbuKhalil, born March 16, 1960. From Tyre, Lebanon, grew up in Beirut. Received his BA and MA from American University of Beirut in pol sc. Came to US in 1983 and received his PhD in comparative government from Georgetown University. Taught at Tufts University, Georgetown University, George Washington University, Colorado College, and Randolph-Macon Woman's College. Served as a Scholar-in-Residence at Middle East Institute in Washington DC. He served as free-lance Middle East consultant for NBC News and ABC News, an experience that only served to increase his disdain for maintream US media. He is now professor of political science at California State University, Stanislaus. His favorite food is fried eggplants.
Guangzhou-based company to start building $1 billion plant in South Carolina next year

Guangzhou Vanlead Group Co, one of China's leading radial tire producers, expects the construction of its $1 billion plant in the US state of South Carolina to start in the first half of next year.

The group also plans to set up a research center in Europe and a joint research facility in Akron, Ohio, which is seen as the "Silicon Valley" of the rubber industry, said Fu Shoujie, chairman of Vanlead.

The US tire plant will mark a major step in Vanlead's effort to build its brand globally. In 2016, Vanlead became the first Chinese tire company to pass the tests of German testing company TUV Rheinland. Two series of tire products and a production line were tested.

The first phase of the US project, involving an investment of $600 million and to be located in Orangeburg county, will have a capacity of producing 6 million sedan tires annually.

It is expected to create about 1,200 local jobs. The second phase will be devoted to truck tires, said Fu.

"In the fiercely competitive tire market, only prestigious brands find room for development, and a brand can be enhanced only in a high-end market."

The US, the largest tire market in the world, saw sales of 290 million light-duty vehicle tires in 2015, more than half of which were imported.

Imports from China stood at 18.2 million tires last year, sharply down from 56.7 million tires in 2014, due to higher taxes on such imports resulting from anti-dumping and anti-subsidy cases.

Although labor and construction costs in the US are higher, cheaper land, electricity and gas lower the overall cost of tire making, compared with production costs in China, Fu said.

South Carolina is home to an assembly plant of German automaker BMW AG and more than 200 auto part suppliers.

Among the prominent labels are French tiremaker Michelin and German auto parts supplier Robert Bosch GmbH. The state boasts strong industrial and technological strengths, and efficient labor force.

With a plant in the US, Vanlead would be able to get closer to its consumers, better understand market demand and enhance its product quality, said Xu Wenying, secretary-general of the China Rubber Industry Association.

The US plant can also help safeguard the company from high anti-dumping duties, which have been levied on Chinese tire companies in recent years, she said.

For Chinese tiremakers, severe competition in the domestic market has created a need to invest overseas.

That has become a trend. A number of projects have come up or are coming up in some Southeast Asian countries, Xu said.

Around 590 million car tires were produced in China last year.

Vanlead's tire subsidiary was founded in 1988. It produces 16 million tires a year, exporting 52 percent of them and supplying 30 percent to car producers such as Dongfeng Peugeot Citreon Automobile Co, JAC Automobile Co and GAC Honda Automobile Co.

Wang Ting contributed to this story
Australia has cemented closer economic ties with China in a shift of policy that should open up new infrastructure projects and funding opportunities.

The national government in Canberra is hoping the Belt and Road Initiative will stimulate growth during a time when prospects for the global economy remain uncertain.

"While there is a downside risk looming over the global economy, there is also potential in other areas and regions," said Peter Jolly, global head of research at National Australia Bank. "The Belt and Road Initiative has upside potential for the global economy in the coming few years."

During the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing this month, Australian Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Steven Ciobo described the initiative as a "win-win opportunity".

This was a major change of heart from the Canberra government which agreed to closer collaboration with China in crucial sectors at the two-day gathering.

Both countries have always had strong economic ties.

In the period between 2015 and 2016, Australia's trade in goods and services was worth nearly A$670 billion ($501 billion) and was a crucial component of the country's economic prosperity, according to the Australian government website.

"Australia is a great champion, as it always has been, of free and open trade," Jolly said. "Anything encouraging more trade will be good for us."

The shift in its Belt and Road policy will help Canberra as it grapples with major infrastructure projects worth $45 billion.

Even though the Australian government has pledged a record $60 billion to fund development, overseas investment will still be crucial.

"Much of the money may not come from national coffers but from private investment, especially foreign capital in Australia's home region of Asia," said John Barry, head of capital financing for Asia at NAB in Hong Kong.

"It has long played a leading role in the country's development."

Naturally, this makes the Belt and Road Initiative, which aims to improve connectivity among Europe, Asia and Africa through infrastructure and investment, a funding fit for Australia.

Ciobo made that clear, saying that Canberra envisages future collaboration projects involving trade and infrastructure opportunities.

Coupled with this latest development, Australia hopes to secure a free trade agreement with the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

After Ciobo wrapped up his trip to Beijing, he headed to Hong Kong to hold talks with Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Gregory So.
The 2017 (China) Eurasia Commodity and Trade Expo will be held this August in the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, attracting domestic and foreign leaders, as well as thousands of entrepreneurs from home and abroad.

The China Eurasia Expo serves as an important platform for China to establish diplomatic relations with neighboring countries, as well as a platform to build the Silk Road Economic Belt. It promotes communication and cooperation between the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region and its surrounding countries.

From 2014, the central government decided that the China Eurasia Expo will be held in even-numbered years, and its twin expo, the China Eurasia Commodity and Trade Expo, be held in odd-numbered years.

Since its launch in 2011, the China Eurasia Expo and the China Eurasia Commodity and Trade Expo have received high attention from the Chinese government. With guidance from the government and support from ministries such as the Ministry of Commerce and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the China Eurasia Expo has been held successfully five times, and the China Eurasia Commodity and Trade Expo was a success in 2015.

Up to 30 domestic and foreign leaders and heads of international organizations, as well as over 1,100 Chinese and foreign ministers, have participated in the expos. The volume of contracts signed through the expos amounts to 1 trillion yuan ($145 billion), and the total volume of foreign trade transactions is $30 billion.

"The Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region is located in the core region of the Silk Road Economic Belt. It is the transportation hub, as well as the center of finance, medical treatment, culture and science and technology of the area. The 2017 (China) Eurasia Commodity and Trade Expo will promote foreign investment, and demonstrate the achievements the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous has made ever since reform and opening-up," said Huang Sanping, director of the committee of the 2017 (China) Eurasia Commodity and Trade Expo.

Liu Qiurong, vice secretary-general of the Association of China Commercial Enterprise Management, said that the expo will accelerate the pace of building the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region as the core region of the Silk Road Economic Belt and promote the connectivity and interaction between China and its neighboring countries, as well as the provinces within the nation. It will make great contributions to China's development in economy, social issues and culture.

The 2017 (China) Eurasia Commodity and Trade Expo will be held Aug 24 to 28 and will feature aspects of textiles and garments, food and beverage, agricultural products and tourism and sports, as well as intelligent life.
China rebutted international rating agency Moody's downgrading of the country's credit rating on Wednesday, saying the company overestimated the difficulties facing the world's second-largest economy and underestimated the effect of its restructuring reforms and financial strength. Analysts said Moody's has been too pessimistic to appropriately assess China's debt management.

Moody's Investors Service announced its downgrading of China's long-term local currency and foreign currency issuer ratings to A1 from Aa3 and changed the outlook to stable from negative.

"The downgrade reflects Moody's expectation that China's financial strength will erode somewhat over the coming years, with economywide debt continuing to rise as potential growth slows," according to a Moody's statement. "While ongoing progress on reforms is likely to transform the economy and financial system over time, it is not likely to prevent a further material rise in economywide debt, and the consequent increase in contingent liabilities for the government."

Moody's said the change to a stable outlook "reflects our assessment that, at the A1 rating level, risks are balanced".

China's Ministry of Finance said Moody's used "inappropriate methods" that kept it from reflecting China's real financial situation.

The ministry criticized Moody's failure to give enough weight to reforms. China has made much headway in economic restructuring, with a focus on reduction of excessive production capacity and cutting corporate and government debt. It has also seen higher-than-expected year-on-year GDP growth of 6.9 percent in the first quarter of 2017, firming market expectations that it will meet its GDP growth target of about 6.5 percent this year.

"Although its rating was downgraded today, there's not much of a problem in the Chinese economy," said Lu Feng, an economics professor at the National School of Development, Peking University. "China's economy has become much more resilient."

"Moody's overestimates difficulties ... and underestimates the government's ability to deepen supply-side structural reform and appropriately expand overall demand," the finance ministry said.

The National Development and Reform Commission said on Wednesday that China's total debt level is about 256 percent of GDP, lower than that of major developed economies, which is 279 percent on average, according to the Bank for International Settlements.

It also said in a statement that China's overall debt situation is stable and controllable. China has a high savings rate and the proportion of its foreign debt to overall debt is low, indicating a low possibility for China encountering a systemic debt crisis, it said.

Moody's said China's direct government debt burden could rise gradually toward 40 percent of GDP by 2018 and closer to 45 percent by decade's end. "That is too pessimistic," said Huo Zhihui, deputy director of rating technology at China Bond Rating Co. "Our estimates show that China's overall debt ratio will not reach 40 percent because China has imposed strict restrictions on government debt issuance," he said.

Huo said China's overall direct government debt ratio has dropped to 36 percent from 39 percent in 2014 and, given strict control of debt, the possibility is slim that the ratio will rise significantly.
During the Spring Festival holiday in early February, I spent a few days at my home village in Henan province in Central China, and happily noticed how much the village and its residents have changed.

The villagers were traditionally known for the virtues of toiling and saving, among others, and actually they still are in some sense. However, their perception of thrift has somewhat changed with their growing exposure to the outside world, particularly among the younger generation, as they are not only more capable of making money, but are more ready to spend.

This change has been evidenced in the sudden surge in the number of automobiles they now own and drive.

Three years ago, one of my nephews, who was then running a small private kindergarten, was the only one to own a van and was much envied among fellow villagers. But in just three years, it seemed that cars have emerged out of nowhere. During the festival, I learned that the number of vehicles had risen to 15 in the village, which is home to around 120 families. My fellow villagers said that the most popular automobiles are less-expensive models of vans and SUVs, which on average cost around 100,000 yuan ($14,500) or less.

My village may not be typical enough to represent the countryside, but it could at least be a telling sign pointing to a growing rural auto market, particularly in the grain-producing central region of the country.

From one to 15, this is remarkable progress, and the number is still growing.

But compared with the national average of 36 vehicles per 100 households at the end of 2016 according to the National Bureau of Statistics, this means there is huge growth potential in automobile ownership in my home village and probably the entire countryside. And the rising disposable income of rural residents, as well as the growing desire of the younger generations for better and more convenient lives, are encouraging villagers to catch up.

There are good reasons for this growth.

With rural residents opting to go to cities for permanent or seasonal employment, they are now financially capable of affording a car. Also, the conditions for vehicle use in the rural areas have improved. The roads are better, mainly cement and asphalt, or at least with a hard surface. Gas stations, mostly small and private ones, have sprouted along the roads, and I noticed that more were under construction along the roads and in the towns on my way home. Vehicle repair and maintenance services have also become more readily available.

The improving conditions for motorists bode well for auto sales in rural areas. Furthermore, the government's strategy of building a consumption-driven economy is also fueling the growth of rural auto sales.

In the period from 2009 to 2010, the government introduced a policy of providing incentives to buyers in a bid to stimulate rural automobile purchases. The results were very encouraging: 13.65 million vehicles were sold in 2009 in the country, surging 46.15 percent year-on-year, This trend continued in 2010, making China the world's largest auto market.

And now the China Automobile Dealers Association, which sees the potential of the rural market, is calling on the government to reinstate such a policy to reinvigorate and boost rural auto purchases.

Actually, as a growing number of cities, particularly big ones such as Beijing and Shanghai, as well as provincial capitals, have imposed curbs on car purchases, the vehicle sales growth there has been slowed, forcing automakers and dealers to seek new growth engines from the vast rural market, which still has massive growth prospects.

China is by far the world's largest car market, and automakers the world over are betting their future on the country. Now they are shifting gear toward China's rural areas, which could probably become the next big thing for automakers and the auto industry.
By Yang Jun and Zhang Jie in Guiyang | chinadaily.com.cn | Updated: 2017-05-24 09:16

Guizhou's big data exhibition center in Guiyang, May 23, 2017. [Photo by Zhang Jie/chinadaily.com.cn]

Guiyang, capital city of Southwest China's Guizhou province, is actively building a security framework to protect big data.

After the ransomware virus Wannacry hit computers across the world, cybersecurity has become a hot topic.

In order to resist hackers, the city has planned a '1+1+3+N' top-level design, Guiyang's vice mayor Xu Hao said at a news conference on Tuesday.

Guiyang has achieved the first '1' to become a big data security pilot city.

The second '1' is about establishing a security-testing site to examine different big data products, technologies and services.

The '3' means the city will create a big data security situation reaction center, supervision center and innovation center.

According to Xu, the big data security situation reaction center is ready for the 2017 China International Big Data Expo to be held in Guiyang on Thursday.

The 'N' means numerous big data security and cyberspace security platforms for different areas and industries will be built in Guiyang in the future.

The heads of Guiyang's government bodies will take charge of their institutions' cyberspace security management from June this year, Xu said.

Since 2015, a big data expo has been held in Guiyang each year.
BEIJING - Chinese President Xi Jinping Tuesday stressed the importance of pilot reform while calling for more reform practices that could be replicated and promoted.Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks at the 35th meeting of the Central Leading Group for Deepening Overall Reform, which he heads.Li Keqiang, Liu Yunshan and Zhang Gaoli, all members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and deputy heads of the leading group, also attended the meeting.A guideline on deepening reform of the educational system was adopted at the meeting, aimed to cultivate students' abilities in lifetime learning and creative thinking, as well as the ability to adapt to the times.Educational reform should update the methods of school running as well as management mechanisms to promote comprehensive development, according to a statement issued after the meeting.In a separate topic, the statement said time has been ripe to officially establish the system of public interest litigation by prosecutors after nearly two years of pilot reform.In July 2015, the Supreme People's Procuratorate began the pilot program that allowed prosecutors in 13 provincial divisions to institute public interest litigation in civil and administrative cases.So far, prosecutors have filed public interest lawsuits related to environmental protection, food and drug safety, state assets and state land use.Abundant case samples and rich experience have been gained and the procedural mechanism well tested, according to the statement, which called for legal guarantees for procuratorates to file such litigation.
China will launch about 30 satellites before the end of 2020 for its domestically developed Beidou Navigation Satellite System, a senior project official said.

Ran Chengqi, director of the China Satellite Navigation Office, told an audience at the Eighth China Satellite Navigation Conference, which opened in Shanghai on Tuesday, that most of the new satellites to be lifted during the coming three and a half years will be third-generation Beidou satellites.

More than 3,000 officials, experts and company representatives from China, the United States, Russia and other nations, as well as international organizations are taking part in the three-day industry conference, one of the largest in the field.

Beidou is the fourth navigation satellite system in the world, following the GPS system in the US, the GLONASS system in Russia and the Galileo system of the European Union.

"We plan to launch six to eight third-generation Beidou satellites to medium Earth orbits this year. In 2018, we will launch about 10 satellites to the same orbits and another to a geostationary orbit," Ran said. "In 2019 and 2020, we will send six third-generation Beidou satellites to medium Earth orbits, three to inclined geosynchronous satellite orbits and two to geostationary orbits."

The third-generation Beidou satellite will be the latest generation in the space-based network. Satellites in this generation will be capable of providing global coverage of positioning and navigation services.

China has launched five experimental satellites since 2015 to test and verify the technologies to be used on the third-generation Beidou satellites. They have now finished in-orbit tests and will soon start positioning and navigation operations, according to earlier reports. The first third-generation Beidou satellite is scheduled to blast off around July, Chinese media have reported.

Yang Changfeng, chief designer of the Beidou system, said compared with current Beidou satellites, the new-generation ones feature better accuracy, stability and signal clarity. They will also have better compatibility with GPS, GLONASS and Galileo.

In addition, two second-generation Beidou satellites will be launched in 2018 to improve the system's regional service in the Asia-Pacific region, Ran said.

So far, 23 satellites have been launched for the Beidou network, the first in 2000 and the most recent in June last year. The system began providing positioning, navigation, timing and message services to civilian users in China and parts of the Asia-Pacific region in December 2012.

Most of the shared bicycles in Chinese cities now employ Beidou-based positioning services, Ran said.

More than 4 million taxis, long-distance buses and cargo trucks nationwide have been equipped with Beidou devices. And about 40 percent of smartphones in the Chinese market are able to access the services, he said.

zhaolei@chinadaily.com.cn
China's southernmost city - Sansha, Hainan province - will celebrate its fifth anniversary in July and will soon have a new Party chief and mayor.

Tian Xiangli, deputy secretary of the Politics and Law Committee of the Communist Party of China's Hainan Provincial Committee, has been nominated Party chief of Sansha, which was established in July 2012, according to an announcement on Monday.

Tian, 54, a native of Jiangsu province, has a master's degree in law and an MBA.

For mayor, the nominee is A Dong, 46, a native of Liaoning province and a Hui ethnic official who has a doctorate in human geography. He is currently deputy Party chief and publicity chief of the city.

The announcement was released for public review. If no one raises concerns about the nominations, the two will be appointed.

Xiao Jie, 56, the first and current Party chief and mayor of Sansha, has been elected to the Standing Committee of the Hainan Provincial CPC Committee and appointed secretary of the Hainan Provincial CPC Committee's Politics and Law Committee.

The city was established to administer the Xisha, Zhongsha and Nansha islands and their surrounding waters in the South China Sea.

With an area of more than 2 million square kilometers, Sansha has the largest sea area and the smallest land area of any city in China. It also has the smallest population of any prefecture-level city in the country - a little over 2,000.

Sansha, which is nicknamed the "city of spray" because of its proximity to the sea, is becoming a major tourist attraction comparable to the Maldives.

Over the past five years, the city government, based on Yongxing Island, the largest Xisha island, has made remarkable progress in infrastructure, transportation and protection of local ecological systems, as well as in the improvement of people's living environment, promotion of tourism and maritime search and rescue.

The city's search and rescue center rescued 113 people last year, saving both lives and assets. The center mobilized 13 vessel trips and six air flights in 21 emergencies, securing a 99.1 percent success rate, the center said.

mazhiping@chinadaily.com.cn
A damaged truck is moved from a tunnel on the highway linking Zhangjiakou and Shijiazhuang in Hebei province on Tuesday. Zhu Xudong/Xinhua

SHIJIAZHUANG - Twelve people were killed and 15 others were injured after a crash triggered by two trucks in Hebei province on Tuesday morning.

The crash happened at around 6:20 am when an oil tanker rear-ended a coal truck in a tunnel on the highway linking the cities of Zhangjiakou and Shijiazhuang, according to the Laiyuan county government.

A subsequent explosion and fire engulfed the scene. Twelve people died as a direct result of the crash, and 12 residents were injured when their homes caught fire. Nine vehicles were damaged.

All the injured are being treated in hospital.

Zhao Kezhi, Party chief of Hebei, demanded that authorities launch an investigation to find the cause of the accident.

Xinhua - China Daily
Mike Kimel | May 24, 2017 9:07 am



From a story in The Globe and Mail

The 22-year-old Mr. Abedi was identified Tuesday by Manchester police as the suspected bomber. British media reported that he was born in Manchester to parents who fled the violent repression of Moammar Gadhafis Libya. Little else is known about Mr. Abedi  British authorities have been tight-lipped about the investigation and only released Mr. Abedis name after it was leaked by U.S. officials  but his profile as the child of Muslim immigrants is similar to that of other recent Islamic State and al-Qaeda devotees who have brought terror to the cities of Europe. Second-generation immigrants born in France to parents who had immigrated from Algeria carried out the Charlie Hebdo massacre in the centre of Paris in 2015. The Belgian-born children of Moroccan immigrants masterminded the shooting and bomb attacks on the Bataclan nightclub and Stade de France later the same year. All five perpetrators of last years bombings of the Brussels airport and subway had a similar profile. If the story of radicalization and Islamism in Europe is about anything, its about second-generation immigrants, children of immigrants who feel culturally dislocated  a sense of dislocation related to being brought up in Western culture and finding something doesnt quite fit, said Shashank Joshi, a senior fellow at the London-based Royal United Services Institute for Defence and Security Studies.

Of course, it isnt just Europe. Think Omar Mateen, Syed Farook, Nidal Hasan, Nadir Soofi, and add to them any number of individuals raised in the US who made their way to fight for ISIS or Al Shabaab.

One would think that the children of immigrants would be particularly unlikely to want to cause to harm to their country. Their parents, after all, got lucky when they were able to come here. That is something they should know and a message they should pass on to their children. (Those feelings are something to which I can attest; on my fathers side, I am a second generation immigrant.)

But that decency and gratitude is clearly more than some people will show to their compatriots. And that is becoming more and more of a problem, particularly now that the terrorists have become vile enough to directly target children.

(Before you decide this is something we brought on ourselves by provoking people through our behavior abroad, bear in mind two things. The first is that pacifist countries like Sweden get the same treatment we do. The second is that Osama bin Laden told us a decade and a half ago that one of his goals was the liberation of al Andalus.)

Of course, none of this is to say that we dont have atrocities committed by people who arent 2nd-gen-immigrants. We do, and too many at that. No decision made at the INS in the last few decades would have saved Americans from Dylan Roof or John Allen Muhammad. On the other hand, without the signature by an immigration officer a generation ago, Omar Mateens 49 victims would still be alive.

Now, we have the population we have. The next Mateen is already in the US, and the next Abedi is already in Europe, and they will kill more of us, and more of our children. But there is another Mateen and another Abedi that are a little farther out. They havent been born yet, and their parents are currently somewhere far away. For the sake of our descendants we had better figure out how to recognize not just those evil enough to perpetrate callous acts of violence, but also those who dont have the decency to teach their children not to be evil themselves. And we damn well better make sure we dont let them into the country.
A builder finishes a brick wall in Fangjia Hutong in Beijing on Tuesday. Xin Wen / For China Daily

Police and demolition workers descended on a spot in Beijing known for its bars, restaurants and boutique stores on Tuesday, as the city continues its crackdown on illegal structures.

Urban management crews arrived in the morning along Fangjia Hutong, close to the Lama Temple in central Beijing, and began to brick up the door and windows of buildings earmarked for closure.

Notices placed at each end of the alley stated that the action was aimed at eliminating hidden dangers, improving residential quality and promoting the capital's image.

"We received the announcement earlier, and the business owners nearby all knew what was going to happen, but we still can't decide who to talk with about this," said Li Qian, the owner of Ramo, a Western-style restaurant.

She said she rented the building three years ago. The original door in the rear, became the door to the kitchen after renovations.

According to the city, properties along the alley should conform with property ownership certificates.

Jiang Shuo, 28, who has run a tiny clothes store in Fangjia Hutong for seven years, was resigned to closing her business on Tuesday.

"I have all the operating licenses and tax registration permits, but when the rule came out about the property certificates I had no option but to comply," she said, explaining that she had moved the original door because of the tight space.

An official at the Andingmen subdistrict office of the Dongcheng district government said the main reason for the action was to "recover the original appearance of the hutong, which is an integral part of the capital's traditional culture".

The alley is the latest in a series of high-profile locations that have seen demolitions in recent weeks, following Sanlitun, Baochao Hutong and Dongsi. The work is part of a yearlong campaign to remove illegal buildings.

According to data from the Beijing Municipal Development and Reform Commission, more than 40 percent of the work has been completed.

The authorities say owners of ground-level homes across the city have knocked down walls and made other illegal alterations to be able to rent space to businesses. This, they say, has created safety risks and crowding in some areas.

The city allocated 10 billion yuan ($1.45 billion) for the campaign, which experts said will include reorganizing and upgrading residential retail businesses, Beijing Business Today reported.

Jiang Chenglong and Xin Wen contributed to the story.
A medical worker at the First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College opens a glass vial of atropine to save a poisoned patient in the early hours of May 19, 2017. [Photo from the Web]

Medical staff at a hospital in Shantou, South China's Guangdong province, opened 8,000 bottles of atropine by hand in one night to save a severely poisoned person, China Central Television reported on Monday.

The patient was sent to the intensive care unit of the First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College on the evening of May 18. The patient fell into a coma after drinking DDVP, a type of insecticide.

As atropine, an antidote for phosphate poisoning, is stored only in small doses, and a large amount of the medicine was needed to treat the patient, eight medical workers in the hospital opened 8,000 small bottles of the medicine using only their hands in about 12 hours. Many of them broke their fingers from opening the glass bottles, according to the report.

Without enough atropine in stock, the hospital also had to turn to other hospitals to receive more supplies.

Atropine is an affordable medicine used to treat certain types of nerve agents and pesticide poisonings. A member of the medical staff said it is a common practice to open the atropine bottle by hand, but the case in question is rare because of the sheer amount of atropine urgently needed.
BEIJING -- China's anti-pornography office said Wednesday it would blacklist anchors who had spread pornography during live streaming, as supervision of the sector tightens.

Anchors on the blacklist will be barred from the whole industry, according to a statement from the National Office Against Pornographic and Illegal Publications.

The office urged operators of live streaming platforms to vet their content more completely, and to immediately block any streams found to be at fault.

Live streaming platforms have been closed or given fines for broadcasting pornography this year, with more than ten under criminal investigation.

"Although a majority of these platforms have not been operating for very long, they have made a lot of money and had an adverse social impact," the statement read.

This behavior gravely challenges the law and social morality, it added.
Gao Yuan looks at photos he's taken during the past 38 years in Beijing, May 23, 2017. [Photo/VCG]

It has been 38 years since Gao Yuan shot his first photo for tourists at Tian'anmen Square in Beijing. He was 17 years old at the time.

In these decades Gao has shot nearly 700,000 portraits at the square in China's capital city. He's also witnessed many changes, from black white to color photos, from formal wear to ripped jeans, from getting a photo a month after it was taken to getting it quickly done. If each of those pictures was six inches long and they were laid in a line on the ground, their total length would wrap around Tian'anmen Square's perimeter 40 times.

But for Gao, it's a pity that he still has nearly 1,000 pictures that were never claimed. Some of the people who posed for the shots had given him a wrong mailing addresses; others had to hustle for their tourist bus before getting the photographs back. Gao has been trying to get in touch with then. He even turned to Weibo, China's Twitter-like social media platform, for help.

"Some of them may not have another chance to come to the square, so my photo means a lot to them," Gao said in an interview with the Beijing News. He said he would always keep the pictures in the hope of finding their owners.
BEIJING -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, has hailed both sides across the Taiwan Straits as a community of shared future that cannot be prised apart.

Xi made the remarks in a congratulatory letter, made public Wednesday, to the Association of Taiwan Investment Enterprises on the Mainland (ATIEM) on its 10th founding anniversary.
China extends warm congratulations to Tedros Adhanom on his election as the new director general of the World Health Organization, Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said on Wednesday.

Adhanom was elected on Tuesday at the 70th World Health Assembly in Geneva. He served as Ethiopia's foreign minister from 2012 to 2016, and minister of health from 2005 to 2012. Adhanom will begin his five-year term on July 1.

Noting that Adhanom is the first WHO director general from Africa, Lu said that his rich experience and qualifications made him an appropriate candidate.

China believes that Adhanom will "play an important role in promoting global health" during his term, Lu said.

China will support and work in a cooperative way with the WHO director general, he added.

Zhou Jin contributed to this story
Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, has called both sides across the Taiwan Straits a community of shared destiny that cannot be prised apart.

Xi made the remarks in a congratulatory letter to the Association of Taiwan Investment Enterprises on the Mainland on its 10th anniversary on Wednesday.

Xi said he hopes the association will continue to uphold the one-China policy, unite Taiwan compatriots and forge ahead, to maintain cross-Straits peaceful development and make new contributions to achieve the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

Since the 1980s, when the door was reopened between the mainland and Taiwan, the mainland has become a place where Taiwan compatriots can invest and make their home, Xi said in the letter.

"We would like to share development opportunities with Taiwan compatriots and welcome them to do business in the mainland. We will continue to study and release more favorable policies to benefit Taiwan compatriots in the mainland, to bring convenience for them to study, work, start businesses and live in the mainland. We will also protect Taiwan compatriots' legal rights," Xi said.

Yin Cunyi, professor at the Institute of Taiwan Studies of Tsinghua University, said the greeting "shows that the mainland highly values the Taiwan business community, which has made great contributions to cross-Straits relations".

Yin said they can benefit from close cooperation with the mainland. "Some Taiwan companies have grown bigger and bigger thanks to the vast mainland market and favorable policies."

Economic development cannot last long without a stable environment, Yin added.

"That the Democratic Progressive Party refused to recognize the 1992 Consensus, which embodies both sides belonging to one China, has hampered the political foundation for cross-Straits peaceful development. It has brought a negative influence to cross-Straits economic development," he said.

The DPP's refusal has led to the interruption of official cross-Straits communication channels since June.

In a meeting with about 400 ATIEM delegates on Wednesday, Yu Zhengsheng, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, said the mainland always has clear and consistent Taiwan policies and measures.

The mainland encourages economic and social engagement between both sides, and welcomes and supports Taiwan compatriots seeking development in the mainland, he said.

The mainland sticks to the 1992 Consensus and firmly opposes "Taiwan independence", backs deepened economic and social cooperation, works to improve the well-being of compatriots on both sides of the Straits and strives to achieve the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, Yu said.

Zhang Zhijun, head of the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, praised Taiwan businesspeople and lauded the association's contributions to the mainland's economic and social development as well as the peaceful development of cross-Straits relations.

Wang Ping-sheng, ATIEM chairman, said: "I am looking forward to peaceful cross-Straits development. Under the foundation of the one-China policy, we can enhance cooperation and continue to help each other."

ATIEM, a nongovernmental social organization established in 2007, consists of about 300 Taiwan enterprises and business associations across the mainland.
President Xi Jinping, who also is chairman of the Central Military Commission, greets officers of the People's Liberation Army Navy on Wednesday during his visit to naval headquarters in Beijing. ZHA CHUNMING / XINHUA

President calls commanders patrolling at sea from headquarters

President Xi Jinping on Wednesday urged the Navy to accelerate reforms and strive to become a strong and modern force.

The People's Liberation Army Navy is a strategic combat force that has great importance in national security and overall development, he said during a visit to Navy headquarters in Beijing.

A strong and modern navy is a crucial symbol of a world class military, as well as the strategic support for a maritime power, said Xi, who is also chairman of the Central Military Commission.

He has required the Navy to be more combat-oriented and insist on live drills and joint exercises. The Navy should improve its systematic combat capability on all fronts, from digitization to far-seas operations, and to be more innovative and train more high quality talent, he said.

Xi also has required the Navy to absolutely uphold the leadership of the Communist Party of China and tighten its grip on corruption.

Since late 2012, Xi has shown that he cares deeply about the Navy, attending many related events, according to the Ministry of Defense. During Wednesday's visit, Xi met with representatives attending the Navy's 12th Party congress as well as many senior naval officers.

At the naval command center, Xi called to send his regards to officers onboard the PLA Navy Task Group 150  a trio of Chinese warships that is conducting goodwill visits around the world and is now on a four-day visit to Bangladesh. The task group has visited five countries since departing Shanghai on April 23.

Xi also called the No 538 frigate, patrolling in the Yellow Sea, to learn of their routine combat readiness duties. "You have battled through winds and waves, fighting hard constantly. We thank you for your hard work," Xi told the commander. "We hope our comrades will continue to carry out their duties diligently, and live up to the expectation of the Party and the people."

In a decade, the Navy added 100 advanced ships and submarines and a large number of new aircraft. It commissioned about 40 new ships in the past two years, and is believed to have developed several new-generation nuclear submarines, according to the Navy. It now has a carrier battle group built around CNS Liaoning. A new aircraft carrier  Type 001A  was launched on April 26, too.

Major General Ma Gang, a professor at the PLA National Defense University, said the Navy has become a representative of the military due to extensive interactions and exchanges with other militaries.

"China's marine interests are growing fast, and it needs a strong Navy to safeguard those interests. A modernized navy also allows China to shoulder more responsibilities, such as peacekeeping and escort missions, and maintain regional and world peace."
Playground, directed by Cui Hao, is performed by students from Peking University. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Jin Shifei, then a freshman majoring in computer science and technology at Tsinghua University, walked by the student canteen and was intrigued by groups of students handing out brochures about different campus clubs to recruit new members.

"I was attracted by the students of the drama club immediately because their voices were much louder than those of the other students," recalls Jin.

He joined the drama club and started from scratch to learn about theater. Recalling his first experience with drama, he says that it was full of surprises.

"Before university, I had no idea about what I was going to do in the future. With the drama club, I discovered a passion for the arts and decided to pursue drama as a lifelong career," says Jin.

That was back in 2005. Jin is now 29 and working with renowned Chinese theater director Tian Qinxin. But over the past decade, Jin has become a major promoter of his old drama clubthe Tsinghua drama troupe established in the 1920s.
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The B-25 bomber is one of the most iconic aircraft of World War II, with nearly 10,000 of the famous warbirds conducting a variety of missionsfrom bombing to photo reconnaissance, to submarine patrols, and the historic raid over Tokyo.

The project is a collaborative team of marine scientists, archaeologists and volunteers who have combined efforts to locate aircraft and associated MIAs from World War II.

TWO B-25 bombers associated with American servicemen missing in action from World War II were recently documented in the waters off Papua New Guinea by Project Recover.

PNG was the site of military action in the Pacific from January 1942 to the end of the war in August 1945, with significant losses of aircraft and servicemen, some of whom have never been found.

Project Recover is comprised of scientists from Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California San Diego and the College of Earth, Ocean, and Environment at the University of Delaware and members of the non-profit organization BentProp Limited.

In February, a Project Recover team set out on a mission to map the seafloor in search of missing WWII aircraft, conducting an official archaeological survey of a known B-25 underwater wreck and interviewing village elders in in the immediate area.

In its search of nearly 10 square kilometres, Project Recover located the debris field of a B-25 bomber that had been missing for over 70 years, associated with a crew of six missing airmen.

"People have this mental image of an airplane resting intact on the sea floor but the reality is that most planes were often damaged before crashing or broke up upon impact.

After soaking in the sea for decades they are often unrecognisable to the untrained eye, often covered in corals and other sea-life," said Katy O'Connell, Project Recover's Executive Director, who is based at the University of Delaware's College of Earth, Ocean, and Environment.

"Our use of advanced technologies, which led to the discovery of the B-25, enables us to accelerate and enhance the discovery and eventual recovery of our missing servicemen."

Project Recover blends historical and archival data from multiple sources to narrow underwater search regions, then surveys the areas with scanning sonars, high definition imagers, advanced diving, and unmanned aerial and underwater robotic technologies.

"The latest discovery is a result of the dedication and fervent efforts of everyone associated with Project Recover," said Dan Friedkin, chairman and CEO of The Friedkin Group and a member of the Project Recover team who provides private funding for the organization.

"We are encouraged at the progress that is being made as our search efforts expand and remain committed to locating the resting places of all U.S. servicemen missing since World War II."

In addition to searching for missing aircraft, Project Recover also conducts archaeological surveys of sites that are known, but not yet documented, like the site of a B-25 bomber that was discovered in Madang Harbour.

"While well known to locals and scuba enthusiasts for over 30 years, this particular B-25 had never been officially surveyed," said Andrew Pietruszka, a Scripps Oceanography scientist and Project Recover's underwater archaeologist.

Of the six crew associated with the aircraft, five survived the crash but were taken prisoner by the Japanese. The remaining crewmember went down with the plane and is still listed as missing.

"Our team of divers and scientists conducts site surveys to fully document the wreckage. That documentation can then be used by the US government to correlate soldiers still missing in action with the aircraft site we discovered, and to evaluate that site for the possible recovery of remains," said Pietruszka.

While speaking to village elders about the two B-25 cases, Project Recover team members were told about local terrestrial burial sites and an additional aircraft that had crashed on land.

"Any find in the field is treated with the utmost care, respect and solemnity," said O'Connell. "There are still over 73,000 US service members unaccounted for from World War II, leaving families with unanswered questions about their loved ones. We hope that our global efforts can help to bring closure and honour the service of the fallen."

The mission to Papua New Guinea kicked off Project Recover's second year of formal operations and was made possible by a substantial financial commitment from Friedkin in 2016. Friedkin's continued support is helping sustain ongoing missions, while enabling the organization to innovate its technology and broaden its search and discovery efforts to focus areas around the world.

Among other missions around the world, Project Recover plans to return to Papua New Guinea later this year to focus on other cases of interest and further explore leads that developed from the February 2017 mission.
Students prepare for the national college entrance examination in Tianshui, Gansu province.[Photo/VCG]

To study at elite Chinese institutions such as Peking University and Tsinghua University is the dream of many students taking the upcoming annual national college entrance examination. But two young people spurned that chance, when they discovered it wasn't quite what they expected.

Two years ago, Zou Yingjie and Wang Chenqi, both from Wuhan, in Hubei province, dropped out of Peking University and Tsinghua University, respectively, after they found that they had no interest in their majors. They sat the college entrance examinations again last year and later were admitted to Peking University to pursue new majors.

Taking the college entrance exam again is by no means new for under performing students. But Zou and Wang's actions have drawn both criticism and praise from the Chinese public.

Supporters applaud the two students for daring to chase their goals.But others say the attention is undeserved: These two students are grownups, entitled to make any life decision they want. Some criticize the students for being too capricious.

Dropping out of China's top universities is risky and may not have been worthwhile. Are they justified in going back for a second try at the national college entrance examination, just because they want to switch majors?

YES

Everyone has the right to choose the major he or she likes.

1. The education system doesn't allow most students to change their majors at will, so we shouldn't blame those who are willing to take a risk and retake the college entrance exams to pursue a better, more fulfilling career path.

2. The major a student chooses may probably decide the direction of his or her future career. If students don't like what they're studying, they won't make much of a contribution to that field. It would be a loss for the students personally and for society as a whole.

3. Many students dread the national college entrance examinations because it is seen as a make-or-break moment. But these two students prove that life is full of chances and changes. They serve as an example of the power of courage in changing lives.

NO

They have wasted educational resources and time.

1. The number of students those two top universities enroll is strictly regulated every year. By dropping out after studying for a period of time, these two students have actually wasted educational resources, which could have been provided to other applicants.

2. To drop out of university and take a second shot at the national college entrance exam is a risky decision. What if they had failed and couldn't go to their ideal university? Whether it's worthwhile to spend more years on the exam also remains questionable.

3. The two students wasted time and resources because they didn't think thoroughly about their majors when they first applied to go to college. Their actions should serve as a warning to other young people, instead of being seen as an admirable feat.
Alumni young and old, and students from home and abroad, of Zhejiang University attend ZJU's 120th anniversary on May 21 in Hangzhou.[Photo by Zhou Lichao/provided to China Daily]

Chinese tea culture study, molecules and chemistry will be the focus of a series of international collaborations by Zhejiang University with some of the world's prestigious universities.

The plans were released on Saturday during the University Presidents Summit in Hangzhou, the capital city of East China's Zhejiang province.

Presidents and leaders from more than 110 universities participated, including 30 from abroad, in a celebration of the university's 120th anniversary.

Established in 1897, Zhejiang University has a long history, rich culture and many academic achievements, with "Seeking Truth and Pursuing Innovation" as its motto.

"Building a network of global links and integrating into the international innovation network are important for us," said Wu Zhaohui, president of Zhejiang University.
About

The China International Big Data Expo was the first exhibition in the world with a theme centered on big data.

After three consecutive years, the expo has become a grand and global gathering for the big data industry.

To be held this year from May 25-28, the International Big Data Expo 2017 ("Big Data Expo" for short) will host seven themed forums where featured enterprises will demonstrate their latest products and technologies.

In addition, "Two Summits", "One Exhibition and One Contest", and "Serial Activities" will be rolled out during the Expo.
A device designed to gather data, including water temperature, salinity and depth, is readied for use on May 22, ahead of submersible Jiaolong's planned deep dives. Liu Shiping / Xinhua

On May 18, the Ministry of Land and Resources announced that it had achieved success in drilling fire ice, or methane hydrate, from the seabed in the Shenhu area of the South China Sea. Methane hydrate is akin to methane gas trapped in ice-like crystals; it produces high amount energy when burned and its chemical reaction produces nothing but dioxide and water.

Since methane hydrate is both clean and energy-intensive and is considered the fuel of the future, many media outlets used big, bold headlines, such as "China makes technological breakthrough" and "New energy source found for China" to report the find.

In fact, it would not be an exaggeration to say China has indeed achieved a great technological breakthrough in the field.

Many countries, including the United States and Japan, have long been conducting research on methane hydrate, but extracting it from the bottom of the sea has been a common problem plaguing all of them. But, according to reports, the Chinese team succeeded in drilling methane hydrate for nearly eight successive days, with the average daily extraction exceeding 16,000 cubic meters, which is a big breakthrough.

However, it is too early to say a new energy source has been found. The world's total methane hydrate reserve is estimated to be about 21,000 trillion cubic meters, which if extracted could meet the world's energy need for 1,000 years. But the successful test drilling of methane hydrate does not mean it can be extracted for industrial use.

To extract enough methane hydrate for everyday use, the drilling technology must be successfully transferred from the laboratory to the industry. And for that, the two main challengesenvironmental risk and economic costhave to be overcome.

Methane hydrate is formed under high pressure and low temperature at the bottom of the sea, and it decomposes into methane and water when extracted from the seabed. That's disastrous for the environment because methane is one of the worst greenhouse gases. If methane is released in large volumes into the atmosphere, it will cause temperatures to rise further and intensify climate change.

Besides, the process to extract methane hydrate is very expensive as it involves highly advanced equipment and massive manpower. Considering that 1 cubic meter of methane hydrate provides the same amount energy that 164 cubic meters of natural gas does, the cost of using methane hydrate as an energy source is way too high.

Therefore, China has to solve many problems before it can use methane hydrate as a source of energy. But it can be said that China has taken the first big step toward solving those problems.

China's technological breakthrough is important because it shows the way researchers across the world should take. It also raises hopes that one day we can drill methane hydrate as a source of energy. With China achieving initial success in the field, researchers worldwide are expected to pay more attention to the subject, and if they make concerted efforts to find ways to extract methane hydrate without causing environmental damage, it can be used as energy earlier than thought.

Besides, at present studies on methane hydrate exploitation are sponsored mainly by states and the researchers hardly work with each other. With China taking lead in the field, hopefully international cooperation in research will become a possibility.

The author is the dean of China Institute for Studies in Energy Policy at Xiamen University. The article is an excerpt from his interview with China Daily's Zhang Zhouxiang.
Zhang Qingzhao, who featured on an Interpol list of China's 100 most-wanted fugitives was repatriated from the Caribbean state of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines on Feb 6, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua]

The success of the Belt and Road Initiative, proposed by President Xi Jinping, depends on efficient and timely completion of projects, which in turn hinges on the honesty of the people entrusted with executing the major tasks in the projects.

China, in fact, has done more in the past three years to bring corrupt officials to justice than was seen during the previous 30 years. And China's unprecedented crackdown on corruption will, to a very large extent, ensure people honestly and sincerely execute the projects not only along the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road but also under other programs.

However, care needs to be taken to ensure the anti-corruption campaign doesn't slow down the speedy pace of decision-making in China. Officials are human and thus cannot be infallible.

It's a good sign that the Party and the government have begun to emphasize the importance of being sincere for those holding responsible positions. But officials need to be secure that the unintentional minor mistakes they make, or the problems caused by circumstances beyond their control, will not be used by the higher authorities to punish them.

Of course, those officials making too many bad or late decisions should be assigned to perform other, lesser, tasks, while efficient officials should be rewarded. Also, the government should issue clear guidelines for recruitment, promotion and evaluation of officials and other personnel. Only with such supplementary measures to ensure timely and high-quality implementation of decisions and policies can the anti-corruption campaign achieve total success.

China has punished far more dishonest officials than India, but this is reflective of the different political systems in the two countries. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi shares President Xi's views that improving governance is a prerequisite to boosting economic performance and improving public welfare.

Apart from making concerted efforts to hold corrupt officials to account, the Indian government is also harnessing technology, especially information and communications technology, to curb corruption in the administrative machinery. The more processes go online the more transparent they will become and the greater will be the degree of honesty in the implementation of policies.

China has become a global internet power thanks in part to giants such as Baidu and Alibaba. It is therefore in a position to use digital systems to promote speed along with honesty in decision-making on a much larger scale than India, where internet coverage and bandwidth are still below desirable standards. Modi has initiated several changes in the administration, though, by appointing personnel from the private sector to administrative posts.

In India, many officials still believe that they are the masters of the people.

In much the same way in China, because of the strong actions taken by the Chinese leadership with Xi at its core against even very high-level officials found guilty of corruption, the false pride of some officials is waning. The officials have realized their duty is to serve the people and not be served by the people. And the introduction of strict accountability criteria for high-level officials has been a welcome side effect of China's anti-corruption campaign.

Overall, the use of technology and the strengthening of the accountability system will ensure a better future for China and India both. Certainly the road ahead for them is hard and long. But China and India have to walk that road to fulfill the historical task as the two fastest growing developing countries.

And hopefully, rather than being rivals like the European powers in the previous centuries, China, India and the United States will learn from the European Union member states how to work together for the benefit of the entire international community.

The author is a professor of geopolitics at Manipal University, India.
Ke Jie (left) plays against Google's AlphaGo in Wuzhen, East China's Zhejiang province, on May 23, 2017. [Photo/VCG]

AlphaGo, an artificial intelligence program, defeated China's top go player, 19-year-old Ke Jie, on Tuesday, the first day of five-day Future of Go Summit in Wuzhen, East China's Zhejiang province. The best-of-three contest now seems tilted in favor of AlphaGo, as many go experts feared.

This is not the first time that AlphaGo, developed by Google Deep Mind, is facing a human opponent. In March 2016, AlphaGo scored a 4:1 victory against world champion Lee Sedol of the Republic of Korea. And in January this year, it won 60 matches in a row against top human players from China, the ROK and Japan on several online go platforms.

In the intervening four months, developers at Google have further improved AlphaGo. That's why the majority of observers are not confident about Ke winning the contest against AlphaGo. When Ke confirmed via his social media micro blog account that he would take on AlphaGo at the May 23-27 go summit in Wuzhen, one of the best comments in the more than 4,600 "likes" was: "Ke, you are facing mission impossible; we are proud of you!"

Some people are worried that if AlphaGo wins against another top-ranked go player, it would lend further credence to the belief that AI can be superior to the best human brains. They even fear that if AI continues to develop at this pace, it might rule over humans in the future.

Such fears seem exaggerated. The Google-developed neuronal network featuring "deep learning algorithm" has been used to build AlphaGo. Essentially, AlphaGo is an imitation of the human brain in terms of learning ability. And it imitates the human brain better than other AI devices.

AlphaGo is almost unbeatable in go because of its fast computing ability, which allows it to review many moves and manuals within a very short time. But AIs are still incompetent when it comes to creative thinking.

In February 1996, the "Deep Blue" developed by IBM defeated then world chess champion Garry Kasparov. Since AlphaGo was developed about 20 years later and since go involves many more possibilities than chess, it is much more improved version of Deep Blue and has faster computing speed and more complicated algorithm.

What should truly arouse our concern is the competition in AI technology among different countries. As a highly advanced technological product, AI is a key index of a country's technological development. On April 1, iimedia.cn, a domestic technological website, released its 2017 China Artificial Intelligence Industry Report, which said the country's AI industry grew by 43.3 percent to 10.06 billion yuan ($1.46 billion) last year. This year the growth rate is estimated to be as high as 51.2 percent.

In late February, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology announced the "10 Breakthrough Technologies 2017" in its Technology Review, which included reinforcement learning, self-driving cars as well as paying with your face. Several domestic companies, such as iFly Tek, Alibaba and Baidu, have been conducting research in these areas. Also, the State Intellectual Property Office received 29,023 applications for patents related to AI technology last year.

That means China is doing well in AI research. But the problem is that only a few of the research results have been put into practical use. In the United States, universities, research institutions and enterprises have formed a "positive circle" to work with each other to turn creative ideas into innovative technologies to ultimately create revolutionary products.

China has many talented and hard-working researchers. It also has excellent entrepreneurs who strive to make breakthroughs in different fields. The need therefore is to link the two so that path-breaking research can be used to make innovative products.

The author is a writer with China Daily.

zhangzhouxiang@chinadaily.com.cn
President Xi Jinping chairs the Leaders' Roundtable Summit at the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing, on May 15, 2017. [Photo by Xu Jingxing/chinadaily.com.cn]

Since President Xi Jinping proposed the Belt and Road Initiative more than three years ago, China has made cooperation with the economies along the Belt and Road a top priority.

Last year, China's non-financial direct investment in the economies along the Belt and Road reached $14.5 billion, accounting for 8.5 percent of China's overall foreign investment. And in the first quarter of this year, China's non-financial direct investment in those economies increased 5.4 percent year-on-year to reach $2.95 billion, which was 14.4 percent of China's total non-financial direct overseas investment during the period.

Till now Chinese enterprises have established 56 economic and trade cooperation zones, and invested more than $18.5 billion in 20 economies along the Belt and Road, generating about $1.1 billion in tax revenues and creating 180,000 new jobs in the host economies.

But Chinese enterprises also face many problems in Belt and Road ventures. Last year, Chinese enterprises' contract value for construction projects along the two routes was 47.7 percent of their total contract value for overseas construction projects, which shows Chinese enterprises' direct investment along the Belt and Road is still insufficient.

Besides, China's manufacturing sector is not so enthusiastic about investing abroad. Chinese enterprises' investment in the manufacturing sector overseas was $31.1 billion last year, or 18.3 percent of overall Chinese investment aboard, which is lower than the ratio of foreign investment in China's manufacturing sector.

There is need for China's manufacturing enterprises to more actively participate in the Belt and Road Initiative, and deepen investment cooperation with the economies along the two routes to help China's manufacturing sector to truly "go global" and cultivate new economic growth poles.

China's policy orientation and the pressure of domestic market will ultimately prompt Chinese enterprises to more seriously take part in the Belt and Road Initiative. The central government's guideline on promoting cooperation in international production capacity and equipment manufacturing encourages Chinese enterprises to participate in 12 sectors, including chemical engineering, power generation and automobile.

The central government has also provided multi-channel support for international production capacity cooperation at the diplomatic and economic levels. And deeper international production capacity cooperation will facilitate the implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative.

Chinese enterprises have achieved initial success in reducing overcapacity. In the first quarter of this year, the rate of capacity utilization of industrial enterprises above the designated size rebounded to 75.8 percent, but it was still lower than the reasonable level. Many industries, in fact, still face the problem of overcapacity.

In general China's manufacturing sector lacks investment opportunities, which prompts Chinese enterprises to seek investment opportunities abroad. Therefore, the economies along the Belt and Road have become the Chinese manufacturing sector's new focus for investment.

Many manufacturing projects have started in the economies along the Belt and Road. For instance, Geely Auto has established six knockdown plants in countries such as Egypt and Sri Lanka, and its new complete knockdown plant in Belarus will start operation later this year. And many Chinese iron and steel companies, including Metallurgical Corporation of China and Magang (Group) Holding, are seeking investment cooperation in iron and steel production in Kazakhstan.

Moreover, the economies along the Belt and Road provide great investment space for Chinese manufacturing enterprises. In general, these economies are at the early stage of industrialization with a relatively weak industrial base, which can hardly meet domestic market demand. And to expedite the pace of their industrialization, these economies are offering some preferential policies to attract foreign businesses and investment, which is an attractive proposition for China's manufacturing enterprises.

Liu Xingguo is a researcher at the Chinese Enterprise Confederation, and Shen Guiping is a PhD candidate at the Business School of Central University of Finance and Economics.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi meets with Lee Hae-chan, special envoy of the President of the Republic of Korea (ROK) Moon Jae-in, in Beijing, capital of China, May 18, 2017. [Photo/Xinhua]

Things became so ugly between Beijing and Seoul during the last days of the Park Geun-hye presidency that every sign of warmth evaporated. All because of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense anti-missile system the United States and Republic of Korea militaries rushed into the country amid the political vacuum prior to the general election following Park's impeachment.

Now that the new administration in Seoul has displayed a change of approach to bilateral ties, as well as an awareness of the damaging potential of THAAD, a thaw may be around the corner.

On the heels of a fence-mending trip to Beijing by a ROK presidential envoy, it has been reported that Chinese travel agencies may soon restart ROK-bound group tours.

On Monday in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire, responding to a media query, visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi urged Seoul to take advantage of the positive interaction following the envoy's visit, and "remove the thorn stuck in the throat of bilateral relations".

There is no bigger thorn than THAAD choking the relationship. Its removal, however, will take a lot more than the porous pretext the previous administration employed for its deploymentthat THAAD is indispensable for the ROK's national security.

To what extent the system would be able to defend Seoul from Pyongyang's missiles aside, two things are obvious: THAAD cannot protect Seoul from Pyongyang's overwhelming artillery firepower and it compromises Chinese security.

Deploying THAAD is a no-win decision. Its only proven effect thus far has been estranging Beijing from Seoul, which would otherwise have been able to collaborate well in dealing with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea based on a shared belief that sanctions and dialogue should be pursued simultaneously. Their lack of united efforts has allowed the latter to conduct two more successful missile tests in disregard of international protests and sanctions.

A peaceful resolution to the DPRK's nuclear program would do away with the most-feared threat to the ROK's security and make THAAD redundant. The only sensible way to achieve that is for Beijing and Seoul to coordinate, cooperate and show solidarity.

In so doing, they can end Pyongyang's hopes of exploiting and profiting from their estrangement, and convince Washington that their approach works.

Pyongyang has repeatedly taken advantage of the schisms to continue its nuclear/missile adventure. The impressive progress it has demonstrated through the latest tests is a grim reminder that Beijing and Seoul need unity and shared resolve to solve the Korean Peninsula issue through peaceful means.
Students at a Mongolian school read in class. [Photo/bt.wenming.cn]

A NEW BOOK by Zhou Guoping, a research fellow with Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, has put Chinese language exams under the spotlight. People's Daily comments:

The reading comprehension part of the Chinese language exams in primary and middle schools is a headache-maker for many students, because they have to try and understand what the required interpretation of the selected essays will be.

The students may give a sigh of relief now, because a new book Zhou Guoping in Exam Papers: Say No to Standard Answers, reveals the author only scored 69 out of 100 when taking a middle school comprehension exam question on one of his own articles.

As the author of the selected comprehension piece, Zhou is justified in raising the question if the writer cannot give the right answer, what is the basis for the so-called standard answer.

Only those who decide what the standard answer will be "know" what a writer had in mind when writing the piece.

Zhou is right in pointing out that such rigid standard answers, a prevailing model in current Chinese language exams, oversimplify the comprehension process and hinders real understanding.

The standardized answers are part of the modern test system, which makes it easy to score the students' tests. But the test system, as the evaluation of a student's learning, should not hinder the students' own thinking for the sake of convenience.

The method used for Chinese language tests ultimately undermines students' interest in reading.

There are one thousand Hamlets in the eyes of one thousand readers of Shakespeare's play. Readers' unique interpretations of a writer's words are an essential part of literature's charm, and the joys that reading can bequeath.

Hopefully, Zhou's new book can awaken the education authorities to the urgency of reforming the current Chinese language test system, so as to nurture students' interest in reading.
According to the Chinese Campus Bullying Investigation Report jointly issued by the Center for Social Risk and Public Crisis Management at Nanjing University and the Social Risk Research Center at Central South University, verbal abuse is the main form of bullying on campus in China, accounting for 23.3 percent of bullying behavior.

In 2016, the State Council, China's Cabinet, clearly pointed out that bullying on campus includes deliberate verbal assaults.

Compared with physical violence, verbal abuse may seem to be "soft violence". But it can harm its victims just as much as physical bullying. Verbal abuse aims to undermine the victims' dignity and confidence, which may cause serious psychological problems.

The verbal abuse on campus does not always come from students. In many cases, some teachers also target verbal abuse at students, which sets a bad example.

To effectively solve the problem of verbal abuse on campus, we should first make students aware of the psychological harm it may cause and the significance of respecting others and protecting themselves and others.
Recalling the memory of his first-grade teacher, a man said, "I remember my first teacher, that woman, that teacher I had when I was 6 years old, in first grade. I have never forgotten her. She is why I loved school. I visited throughout her life, until she passed away, at 98. If one learns how to learn  this is the secret, learning to learn  this will stay with you forever.

This boy turned his love of learning into a lifetime of transferring wisdom and knowledge into the hearts and minds of many as one of the most esteemed teachers in the Catholic Church: Pope Francis. Pope Francis has inspired teachers everywhere by saying, Let us spare no effort in the formation of our young people!

A Catholic school sets out to be a school for the human person and of human persons. The teacher plays such an integral part in this mission. This is why the teaching position in a Catholic school is a vocation and not simply a profession. As a master teacher, the principal of a Catholic school ensures that the culture inside the walls aims at achieving a high level of academic excellence while being a familial place where each student is respected as an individual.

A quick Google search of job postings for a principal shows the following results for two different schools. The first example:

(School), a pre-K through eighth-grade school, is currently accepting applications for the position of principal for the 2017-18 school year. The mission of the school is to provide a quality education where Catholic traditions and values are reinforced and incorporated into all areas of instruction, in an atmosphere of faith, discipline and love.

The second example:

The Principal will:

 Serve as the school educational leader who oversees curriculum development and implementation of state and federal programs and procedures

 Establish and promote practices that ensure the schools academic standards are rigorous, clear, measurable and aligned with Common Core state standards

 Interpret and enforce provisions of state education codes, rules and regulations of state education boards

The Oxford Dictionary defines a profession as a paid occupation that involves prolonged training and a formal qualification, while a vocation is a strong feeling of suitability for a particular career or occupation, especially regarded as worthy and requiring dedication. The act of teaching is a gift of self to the service of others in the spirit of communion and love.

The Catholic school teacher teaches beyond facts and data. A great teacher understands the value in allowing students to think, exchange ideas, critique and grow in virtue. A great teacher nurtures the possibilities in students by enhancing their strengths and strengthening their weaknesses. We cannot withdraw from our fast-paced information society in which we live, but we can take the time to learn in our classrooms how to judge right from wrong, assess future possibilities, measure consequences, listen to hear and not just respond, and realize that truth, goodness and beauty exist in all of creation. The Catholic school teacher will take the time needed to form the entire person because each knows the difference between yielding fruit and producing results.

At Tyburn Academy, we are fortunate to have men and women who view their calling to teach as a vocation. We have retired teachers who want to continue because their love of transferring knowledge comes from their heart. They not only teach the students; they share their wisdom with our energetic young teachers who are ready to impart their understanding of todays technology and advancements into the academic environment.

Our Lenten retreat recently took place at Tyburn. This retreat involves the entire school community. All teachers will take part throughout the day. Our seniors will lead discussions after hearing talks from the Rev. VanLeishout, and our parents will provide homemade items for lunch. It is a time of service, learning, prayer and reflection to strengthen our hearts and minds as we prepare for the Easter celebration together. In this way, our teachers are truly living their vocation to form a school for human persons and of human persons. It is truly a day students and teachers will learn and grow together.

Modern man listens more willingly to witnesses than to teachers, and if he does listen to teachers, it is because they are witnesses.  Evangelli Nuntiandi 41

At Tyburn Academy, your child will form lasting memories like Pope Francis from witnesses who respond to the call of teaching as a vocation, a vocation that is a gift to all of humanity.
The lobby of the CIA Headquarters Building is pictured in Langley, Virginia, US on August 14, 2008.[Photo/Agencies]

On March 20, The New York Times reported that the Chinese government systematically dismantled CIA spying operations in the country, killing or imprisoning more than a dozen CIA sources. But at least one part of the report is false, and many Chinese are upset.

Xiakedao, a social media account run by the overseas edition of the Peoples Daily, responded by wondering if the authors read Spy Games one too many times, because the report reads like it has been ripped from the pages of the fiction spy novel.

According to The Times report, Chinas national security organ killed or imprisoned about a dozen CIA informants, one of which was allegedly shot on the spot in front of colleagues in the courtyard of a government building. The story seems farfetched to say the least.

As the report by Xiakedao explains, Chinas national security organ is part of normal state organs. Though Chinas national security forces exercise special powers to fulfill their duty to protect the nations security and interests, they must nonetheless comply with legal procedures. In China, only the Supreme Peoples Court has the power to deprive people of life. Casually shooting suspected spies dead on the street? This only happens in James Bond 007 spy movies.

Xiakedao called this blockbuster-style approach to news reporting unreasonable. Using common sense, one can see that the activities of Chinas national security forces are undertaken in accordance with the law and that the national security organ is not untethered or rogue. But rather than investigate who was behind the U.S. spy network or who their handlers were in Beijing, The Times wrote a story that rivals the best of Western spy novels, creating confusion for those who seek to understand the situation.

Many netizens on Weibo reacted in anger at the report. As one Weibo user commented, The New York Times, in the absence of any evidence, blatantly accused China of killing U.S. agents. He called the report an extremely sinister way to provoke American resentment and hatred against China and added that China must not be indifferent or silent. The irresponsible American media should be condemned for grandstanding and making trouble out of nothing, he wrote.

Chinese remain convinced that the sensationalized report is a figment of the authors imagination, and that common sense is needed to understand China. Shot on the spot? Sounds like something one of the associates would do to stop China from crippling the operation, suggested the report by Xiakedao.
University of Maryland graduate Yang Shuping delivers a speech during the graduation ceremony on May 21, 2017. [Photo/weibo]

A Chinese student posted an apology on Sina Weibo on Monday after the speech she delivered at a graduation ceremony at the University of Maryland on Sunday in the United States went viral, triggering accusations of dishonesty and betrayal by some Chinese.

In her speech, Yang Shuping started by saying that whenever anyone asked her why she came to study at the University of Maryland, she always replied: "Fresh air."

The audience erupted in laughter.

"Five years ago, as I stepped off the plane from China, and left the terminal at Dallas Airport, I was ready to put on one of my five face masks. But when I took my first breath of American air, I put my mask away," she said.

Yang went on to say that the air she breathed in the US "was so sweet and fresh and utterly luxurious".

"I grew up in a city in China where I had to wear a face mask every time I went outside; otherwise I might get sick," Yang said, describing her hometown as heavily polluted.

Many Chinese students in the US believe that some facts Yang cited in her speech were somewhat stretched.

Yang, it was later revealed, is from Kunming, in southwestern China's Yunnan province, where air quality is better than most cities on average.

Student rebuttals

"I also come from Kunming, which is famous for its good climate and weather," Zhang Jun, a PhD student at the University of Maryland, posted on his Facebook page on Sunday. "Contrary to what she claimed, Kunming's air is near the top of most major cities in China. From my experience in the last few years, Kunming's air quality on average is at least as good as Washington, DC."

Some Chinese students also expressed disappointment in the way Yang characterized China in her remarks.

Northwestern University graduate student Zhang Lemeng said, "China certainly has its problems, but a lot of them result from objective factors instead of system failures."

There were 2,197 students from China at the University of Maryland in the 2016-17 academic year. Yang was one of few chosen to speak at the commencement ceremony.

He Jiang, a doctoral student in biochemistry, became the first Chinese citizen to deliver a graduation speech at Harvard University in 2016. In his speech, which went viral and received extensive praise in China, He talked about the importance of bringing advanced science and technology to underdeveloped areas, such as the rural villages of China.

Later on Monday, Yang posted an apology on her Sina Weibo account: "I was just sharing my experience as an international student in the US with no intention to deny or belittle my country or my hometown. I'm sorry about what I did and will learn from the mistake."

University responds

The University of Maryland released a statement on Monday on its website saying it supports Yang's right to share her views.

"The University believes that to be an informed global citizen it is critical to hear different viewpoints, to embrace diversity, and demonstrate tolerance when faced with views with which we may disagree. Listening to and respectfully engaging with those with whom we disagree are essential skills, both within university walls and beyond," the statement said.

The Chinese Students and Scholars Association of the University of Maryland, also made a statement on its Sina Weibo account on Monday, saying that Yang's speech only represented herself, as most Chinese students in Maryland are proud of China's great achievements and are also bothered by Yang's views.

The association said the public should maintain a rational attitude.

Contact the writers at leshuodong@chinadailyusa.com
WASHINGTON - The Trump administration on Tuesday unveiled its first full budget that would cut 3.6 trillion US dollars in government spending over the next 10 years to balance the federal budget.

"The first step is to bring federal spending under control and return the federal budget to balance within 10 years. Deficit spending has become an ingrained part of the culture in the nation's capital," the administration said in its budget for fiscal year 2018, which starts from Oct.1, 2017.

The budget, which was titled "A New Foundation for American Greatness", claims to eliminate the federal deficit by the end of the decade through faster economic growth and deep cuts in Medicaid payments, food stamps and disability benefits.

Calling it "a taxpayer-first budget", Mick Mulvaney, Director of the White House's Office of Management and Budget, said the administration would place great weight on the interests of taxpayers rather than those who need government help.

"We're no longer going to measure compassion by the number of programs or the number of people on those programs, but by the number of people we help get off those programs," Mulvaney said Tuesday at a press briefing.

Funding for Medicaid, the health care program for low-income and disabled Americans, would be cut by more than 800 billion US dollar over 10 years, while the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which provides benefits to about 44 million people, would be cut by about 193 billion dollars, according to the budget.

For fiscal 2018, the budget would also shift 54 billion dollars from non-defense discretionary spending to defense by enacting major cuts to the State Department, the Environmental Protection Agency and other agencies.

The budget is expected to meet with resistance from both parties in Congress and start a new round of fiscal fighting in Washington. Republican Senator John Cornyn has described the budget as "basically dead on arrival". Many Democrats have also opposed the steep cuts to non-defense discretionary spending in the budget.

"President Trump's budget is a stark showcase of the president' s broken promises to America's hard-working families," House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi said Tuesday in a statement. "Families across America would suffer, with particularly harsh effects on rural communities."

The administration also estimated that US economic growth would accelerate from 1.6 percent last year to 3 percent by 2021, and would continue staying at that level for the rest of the decade, with the help of tax reform and deregulation.

However, many economists are skeptical about the administration's growth assumptions. The US economic growth will average about only 1.9 percent over the next 10 years, according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office.
The 22 people who died at the Ariana Grande concert in Manchester are the latest victims in a wave of attacks that has swept Europe and killed at least 302 people since 2015, many at the hand of Islamist extremists.

The blast on Monday night was the deadliest terrorist attack in the United Kingdom since the July 7, 2005 bombings in London that left 52 people dead.

Manchester was the target of terrorists in 1996, when the IRA set of a bomb in the city center. The IRA phoned a warning before that bomb detonated and no one was killed, although the city center was devastated.

In the current climate, there tends to be no warnings, and humans, rather than buildings are the target. The weapons used in recent attacks include vehicles, knives, guns and explosives and the perpetrators in the vast majority of recent outrages have been Islamist extremists who have directly or indirectly supported either Islamic State or al-Qaida.

The deadly assault in Manchester came just two months after a lone attacker plowed a car into pedestrians on Westminster Bridge in London, before crashing into the fence surrounding the Houses of Parliament and stabbing a police officer to death as he was shot and killed by police.

In December 2016, a Tunisian man drove a stolen truck through a crowded Christmas market in Berlin, killing 11

That attack was similar to one in Nice, in the south of France, on July 14, 2016 that saw a Tunisian-born French citizen kill 84 people by driving a rented truck into a crowd of revelers celebrating Bastille Day, France's national day.

Earlier last year, 32 people were killed by three suicide bombings in Brussels. Two bombs exploded at the city's main international airport and one at a subway station in the center of the city. The killers were all Belgian nationals.

In November 2015, a series of attacks in Paris claimed the lives of 130 people. In that attack, gunmen and suicide bombers targeted the Bataclan concert hall, a major stadium, restaurants and bars. Most of the attackers had French or Belgian citizenship and two were Iraqis.

Paris was still in shock after the January 2015 attack on the Charlie Hebdo satirical newspaper's office by two French gunmen. That attack and subsequent violence left 17 people dead.

The total of 302 dead in recent attacks does not include smaller acts of violence, such as the killing of two Muslim men in Britain in separate incidents. During recent years, European police and civilians have foiled dozens of would-be terrorist attacks.
NEW DELHI - At least 21 people were killed and six others injured after a bus carrying Hindu pilgrims skidded off a mountainous road and into a deep gorge in northern Indian state of Uttarakhand Tuesday, officials has said.

The accident took place in the evening near Dharasu village in Uttarkashi district, about 116 km north of Dehradun, the capital city of Uttarakhand.

"This evening, a bus carrying pilgrims skidded off the road near Dharasu here, killing 21 people and injuring six others," Ashish Kumar Srivastava, deputy commissioner of Uttarkashi told Xinhua over telephone. "The rescue operations are going on at the spot to locate survivors."

According to Srivastava, the injured were immediately sent to Chinyalisaur hospital.

"The injured ones rescued from the spot are in the state of shock and undergoing treatment at hospital here," he said. "We cannot ask them questions at this point of time about how many people were in the bus at the time of accident."

Officials said the victims hail from central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh and were returning back after performing Char Dham pilgrimage.

"The ill-fated bus was returning from Gangotri and was travelling towards Chinyalisaur, when it fell into a 250-meter deep gorge," police said.

Authorities have rushed police teams, disaster response personnel, besides paramilitary troopers, to the spot to carry rescue work.

The cause of the accident was being ascertained, police said.
Willow Weilan Hai, China Institute Gallery director, introduces a jade burial suite at the exhibition Dream of the Kings: A Jade Suit for Eternity, Treasures of the Han Dynasty from Xuzhou. Hong Xiao / China Daily

A burial suit made of thousands of pieces of jade laced together with gold thread and designed to protect and glorify a king in his afterlife will go on display in New York city. The exhibition - Dream of the Kings: A Jade Suit for Eternity, Treasures of the Han Dynasty from Xuzhou - features more than 76 objects from royal tombs of the Western Han Dynasty (206 BC - 8 AD) and will be on display in the US for the first time from May 25 to Nov 12 at the China Institute Gallery. Ranging from terracotta performers to carved stone animals, the objects are an extraordinary testimony to the customs and beliefs surrounding life and death during the Western Han - one of China's "golden eras".

In 201 BC, the first emperor of the Han Dynasty anointed his younger brother the first king of the Chu Kingdom, which was centered in Peng Cheng (Xuzhou today), in southeast China's Jiangsu province.

Ruling under the emperor's protection and given special exemption from imperial taxes, the elite of this realm enjoyed a lavish lifestyle.

Twelve generations of kings lived, died and were buried in sumptuous tombs carved into the nearby rocky hills.

Although many of the tombs were looted over the years, numerous treasures were discovered in later excavations telling the story of the Chu kings' affluence, as well as their beliefs in immortality and the afterlife.

The exhibition is divided into four sections: The King's Guards, Dreams of Eternity, Rapt by Jade and Life in the Afterlife.

Dreams of Eternity highlights one of the most stunning finds - an elaborate jade burial suit, assembled from thousands of pieces of jade, the precious stone prized by the Chinese since the Neolithic times as an auspicious material that could ensure immortality.

The suit, which was excavated in 1994 in Peng Cheng, consists of 4,248 tiles, more than any other jade suit discovered to date.

One of the earliest ever made (circa 175 BC), it is bound with a rare gold thread, signifying the highest of ranks.

According to excavated records from the tombs, only kings and queens of the Chu rated jade suits with gold thread for their afterlife garb. The material on display is known as Hetian Jade, one the rarest forms of the gemstone. "People during the Han Dynasty regarded death as birth and longed for immortality," said Willow Weilan Hai, director of China Institute Gallery.

"To prepare for the afterlife, they constructed their tombs to be eternal residences. The exhibition is a rare window into the extraordinarily accomplished Han civilization through these remarkable objects of the highest artistry," said Hai. The exhibition has been in preparation for nearly ten years. "We are most grateful to the Xuzhou Museum," said Hai.

Established in 1959, the Xuzhou Museum is known for its exceptional collection of Han dynasty artifacts. "In Chinese history of thousands of years, Han is a glorious historical period, which started from Xuzhou," Hai said. "Xuzhou is the birthplace of the first emperor of the Han Dynasty, and all the beautiful artworks in this exhibition are from his birthplace."

"The culture of the Han Dynasty has a far-reaching effect even on the world's history," said Li Yinde, director emeritus of the Xuzhou Museum and curator of the exhibition. He said the Han Dynasty was experiencing something of a renaissance in 2017. Two related exhibitions are on view concurrently in the US: Tomb Treasures: New Discoveries from China's Han Dynasty at the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco from Feb 17 to May 28, and Age of Empires: Chinese Art of the Qin & Han Dynasties (221 BC-AD 220) at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York from April 3 to July 16.

The Dream of Kings exhibition will travel to the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City, Missouri, in December and stay on display through April 2018.

xiaohong@chinadailyusa.com
MANCHESTER, England  British police and intelligence agencies arrested three more suspects Wednesday in connection with the Manchester suicide bombing and moved quickly to secure key sites across the country, including Buckingham Palace and the British Parliament at Westminster.

A policeman stands outside a residential property in south Manchester, Britain, May 24, 2017. [Photo/Agencies]



Home Secretary Amber Rudd said the bomber, identified as British-born Libyan Salman Abedi, "likely" did not act alone when he killed 22 people and wounded dozens at an Ariana Grande concert Monday night in Manchester. She said he had been known to security forces "up to a point." Officials are examining Abedi's trips to Libya as they worked to piece together his allegiances and foil any new potential threats.



Police said three men were arrested Wednesday in south Manchester, where a day earlier a 23-year-old man was also arrested and a number of homes were searched.



Britain raised its threat level from terrorism to "critical" after an emergency government meeting late Tuesday amid concerns that the 22-year-old Abedi may have accomplices who are planning another attack. British soldiers have been deployed in place of police officers to guard high-profile sites such as Buckingham Palace and Parliament.



The changing of the guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace was canceled Wednesday so police officers can be re-deployed, Britain's defense ministry said. The traditional ceremony at the palace is a major tourist attraction in London.



The Palace of Westminster, which houses the British Parliament in London, was also closed Wednesday to all those without passes, and tours and events there were cancelled until further notice. Armed police were seen on patrol outside St. Paul's Cathedral in London, another popular tourist spot.



Abedi was born in Britain to a Libyan family, grew up in Manchester's southern suburbs and attended the local Salford University for a time.



Police on Tuesday raided his house, using a controlled explosion to blast down the door. Neighbors recalled him as a tall, thin young man who often wore traditional Islamic dress and did not talk much.



British Prime Minister Theresa May Wednesday chaired a meeting of her emergency security cabinet group known as Cobra to deal with the intelligence reports about Abedi and concerns that he might have had outside support.

Floral tributes are left for the victims of an attack on concert goers at Manchester Arena, in St Ann's Square, in Manchester, Britain May 24, 2017. [Photo by Wang Bo/chinadaily.com.cn]



Police also raided and searched a property elsewhere in Manchester where Abedi's brother Ismail is thought to have lived. A 23-year-old man has also been arrested as part of the investigation but officials have released no details about him.



Officials are probing how often Abedi had traveled to Libya, which has seen an eruption of armed Islamist groups since dictator Moammar Gadhafi was overthrown and killed in 2011.



France's interior minister said Abedi is believed to have traveled to Syria and had "proven" links with the Islamic State group.



Minister Gerard Collomb said Wednesday on BFM television that British and French intelligence have information that Abedi had been to Syria. He did not provide details, and said it's unclear whether Abedi was part of a larger network of attackers.



British officials have not commented on whether Abedi had links to IS or other extremist groups.



Rudd said Britain's increased official threat level will remain at "critical" as the investigation proceeds and won't be lowered until security services are convinced there is no active plot in place.



She also complained about US officials leaking sensitive information about Abedi to the US press.



"I have been very clear with our friends that that should not happen again," she said.



In addition to those killed in the concert attack, 64 people are being treated for their wounds, Jon Rouse of the Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership said Wednesday.



He said some of the reported 59 wounded had been discharged, but that the number of patients being treated had increased due to "walking wounded" who came in hours after the attack. Rouse said many of those hospitalized had serious wounds that would require "very long term care and support in terms of their recovery."Officials said all those hospitalized had been identified.



Soldiers were replacing armed police on Wednesday at sites like Buckingham Palace, 10 Downing Street and Parliament. London Police Commander Jane Connors said the goal is to "make our city as hostile an environment as possible for terrorists to plan and operate."She said armed police will also be ready to respond quickly to any incidents and their walking patrols had been increased.



Collomb, who spoke with May after the attack, said the two countries should continue cooperating closely on counterterrorism efforts despite Britain's pending exit from the European Union.



Katz reported from London. Sylvie Hui in London, Rob Harris in Manchester and Angela Charlton in Paris contributed.

Agencies




Manchester police said they were confident that they had identified all 22 victims of the suicide bomber Salman Abedi, who set off an explosion at an Ariana Grande pop concert in Manchester on Monday.

A woman places flowers on an impromptu memorial at Manchester Town Hall for the victims of an attack at Manchester Arena, Manchester, Britain, May 24, 2017. [Photo/Agencies]

So far only 12 victims have been named and 20 people remain under critical care in hospital suffering from damage to organs and limbs.

Alison Howe, 44, and Lisa Lees, 43, were killed as they waited for their daughters to leave the concert hall. Jordan Howe, stepson, posted: "They took a caring beautiful mum and step mother away from us all she was amazing to us all x love you loads Alison Howe xx."

Lees' brother Lee Hunter posted: "For those who don't know Lisa is gone but never ever forgotten I love you Lisa I'll miss you so much."

Kelly Brewster, 32, shielded her niece from the blast. Her partner, Ian Winslow confirmed her death: "Kelly really was the happiest she has ever been and we had so many things planned together. My daughter Phoebe will be absolutely devastated like we all are."

Olivia Campbell, 15, was the subject of a social media search before her family found out that she had died. Her mother, Charlotte Campbell, posted: "My darling precious gorgeous girl Olivia Campbell, taken far, far too soon go sing with the angels and keep smiling mummy loves you so much."

Megan Hurley was a pupil at Halewood Primary School in Merseyside.

Shoes and personal belongings are seen near the Manchester Arena in central Manchester, Britain May 23, 2017. [Photo/Agencies]

Georgina Callander, 18, is a health and social care student at Runshaw College in Lancashire. The college said in a statement: "Our deepest sympathies, thoughts and prayers go out to all of Georgina's friends, family, and all of those affected by this loss."

Saffie Rose Roussos, 8, was one of the first victims to be named. Chris Upton, head teacher at Tarleton Community Primary School, Lancashire said she was a beautiful little girl in every sense of the word. "She was loved by everyone and her warmth and kindness will be remembered fondly," he said. Roussos' mother, Lisa, is in intensive care and does not know of her daughter's death.

John Atkinson, 26, was described by Hayley Turk as one in a million. "A true gentleman. R.I.P John thoughts and prayers with you family and all of the other victims affected by this tragedy," she posted.

Angelica and Marcin Klis, 40 and 42, originally from Poland, took a selfie outside the concert hall before they went to meet their two daughters.

Martyn Hett, 29, was separated from his friend when he was hit by the blast. He was due to travel to the US for a trip of a lifetime' this week.

Jayne Tweddle-Taylor, 50, was picking up daughter with a friend, when she was killed.

To contact the reporter: conal@mail.chinadailyuk.com

Michael Masci-Gore contributed to this report.
NAIROBI, Kenya - A Chinese company signed a $250 million contract to build a tire plant in Morocco.

CAMCE Vice President Hu Wei signed the contract with TIJAN Vice President Ibrahim Khayat and it was witnessed by CAMCE Chairman Luo Yan and TIJAN Executive Vice President Ahmed Khayat.

The tire plant project is in Kenitra city in Morocco. CAMCE will engineer, procure machinery and materials, and construct a pneumatic rubber tire manufacturing facility capable of producing 3 million semi-steel radial passenger car and light truck tires a year.

The scope of the work includes technology transfer, engineering design services, civil construction, installation, procurement of machinery and materials, commissioning, testing and personnel training.

The project is expected to open up a new industry in Morocco and bring tax revenue via an estimated turnover of $240 million per year.

The agreement, which was signed on May 15, will directly create 950 jobs in its first phase. Considering the employment multiplier effect, some spinoff jobs would be created by the project. As the factory expands in the future, it is likely to create more jobs.

Morocco is a very important potential country in the China Belt and Road Initiative. In 2014, the Moroccan government announced the 2014-2020 Industrial Acceleration Plan, which emphasizes China as a key partner. Meanwhile, the project owner is a Saudi enterprise; Saudi Arabia is one of the key countries in the Belt and Road Initiative. In May 2016, the government of Saudi Arabia announced the 2030 Vision to accelerate industrialization and technological innovation to diversify the country's heavy economic reliance on oil and boost economic development. The Belt and Road Initiative also shares the same sprit as 2030 Vision.

The Morocco Tire Factory Project reflects the essence of China-Arabia-Africa cooperation and could become an example of such cooperation.
AURELIUS  A motorcyclist was injured in a collision with a dog just after noon Wednesday on Routes 5 and 20 between Basswood and Lime Kiln roads in Aurelius.

New York State Police said that the male rider suffered minor injuries to his leg and would be transported to Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse via ambulance. The dog, Bianca, was killed in the accident.

The owner, Shantelle Hadden, said her dog had never run into the road before. Emergency responders with the Aurelius Volunteer Fire Department covered the approximately 1-year-old bulldog with a white sheet before Hadden transported her home.

Traffic was slow while crews cleared the scene until about 12:45 p.m. but the road was never closed.
The 22 people who died at the Ariana Grande concert in Manchester are the latest victims in a wave of attacks that has swept Europe and killed at least 302 people since 2015, all at the hand of Islamist extremists.

The blast on Monday night was the deadliest terrorist attack in the United Kingdom since the July 7, 2005 bombings in London that left 52 people dead.

The bomber was identified as Salman Abedi, 22, who was born in Britain of Libyan parents. Fears that he was part of a cell of extremists prompted UK authorities to raise its terrorism threat level to critical, meaning that another attack is thought imminent. Soldiers have been deployed at some key locations as a temporary measure.

Police detained Abedi's brother in Manchester on Tuesday and arrested a further three on Wednesday.

The weapons used in recent attacks include vehicles, knives, guns and explosives and the perpetrators in the vast majority of recent outrages have been extremists who have directly or indirectly supported either the Islamic State or al-Qaida.

The deadly assault in Manchester came just two months after a lone attacker plowed a car into pedestrians on Westminster Bridge in London, killing four and injuring over 50, before crashing into the fence surrounding the Houses of Parliament and stabbing a police officer to death before being shot and killed by police.

In December, a Tunisian man drove a stolen truck through a crowded Christmas market in Berlin, killing 11 people. The terrorist had previously killed the truck driver.

That attack was similar to one in Nice, in the south of France, on July 14, 2016, that saw a Tunisian-born French citizen kill 84 people by driving a rented truck into a crowd of revelers celebrating Bastille Day, France's national day.

Earlier last year, 32 people were killed by three suicide bombings in Brussels. Two bombs exploded at the city's main international airport and one at a subway station in the center of the city. The killers were all Belgian nationals.

In November 2015, a series of attacks in Paris claimed the lives of 130 people. In that attack, gunmen and suicide bombers targeted the Bataclan concert hall, a major stadium, and restaurants and bars. Most of the attackers had French or Belgian citizenship and two were Iraqis.

Paris was still in shock after the January 2015 attack on the Charlie Hebdo satirical newspaper's office by two French gunmen. That attack and subsequent violence left 17 people dead.

The total of 302 dead in recent attacks does not include smaller acts of violence, such as the killing of two Muslim men in Britain in separate incidents in 2016 or two killings by right-wing extremists. During recent years, European police and civilians have foiled scores of terrorist conspiracies.
Premier Li held a meeting with President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker in Belgium. The Premier said that China is willing to interface with the European Fund For Strategic Investment, a 315 billion euro investment plan initiated by Juncker which aims to resuscitate Europes economy - especially by building important infrastructure. [Graphics by China Daily]

BRUSSELS - China and the European Union (EU) on Monday agreed to open a new chapter in bilateral relations after clinching a wide range of deals on climate change, infrastructure investment and people-to-people exchanges.

Visiting Chinese Premier Li Keqiang co-chaired the 17th China-EU leaders' meeting in Brussels with President of the European Council Donald Tusk and President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker, before the two sides issued a joint statement and a statement on climate change.

The two sides also signed several cooperation documents on science and technology, intellectual property, regional policies, and customs.

Since the establishment of the relationship four decades ago, Li said, China and the EU have sustainedly developed their ties, and deepened cooperation at bilateral, regional and international levels.

Li advocated that the two sides join hands to make new breakthroughs and strive for the new chapter of the bilateral relationship.

Li said the two sides should treat each other with strategic visions and from global perspectives, uphold the principles of peaceful development, openness and inclusiveness, win-win cooperation, expand common grounds of mutual interests, and push the bilateral relationship toward new heights.

China and the EU decided to integrate China's "Belt and Road" initiatives with the Investment Plan for Europe and establish a China-EU joint investment fund, he said.

The "Belt and Road" initiatives were proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2013 with the aim to revive the ancient trade route between Asia and Europe. The Investment Plan for Europe is a 315-billion-euro (352-billion-US-dollar) plan initiated by Juncker to resuscitate European economy.
Three days before Premier Li Keqiang and his European counterparts issued their communiqu after his one-day visit to the European Union headquarters on Monday, a source on the European side let me see a draft of the planned release.

I am cautious about reporting on such documents, because although negotiations take place before the big wigs arrive, there might be last minute discussions that result in changes to the script. However, this is the first time in my journalistic career, I saw for myself the give and take that goes on in reaching an agreement at such meetings.

My source expressed disappointment that Brussels had decided to say "no" to so many of Beijing's proposals, as the document showed. He also said the document had largely been watered down.

He also voiced concern about the slower-than-expected pace of the synergy between China's "Belt and Road Initiative" and the EU's mega-investment plan. Perhaps he was a bit too enthusiastic about seeing a faster pace of synergy, because a lot of work needs to be done on both ends to reach such a stage.

The document given by my source also said China had asked the EU to lift the arms sale embargo on Beijing, imposed in 1989, and Brussels had initially agreed to do so. But in the final analysis, the EU refused to do so. This indeed was startling.

Lifting the arms embargo has been in the news during the 16 previous China-EU summits but Brussels has always found an excuse not to do so, because, it says, the 28 EU members have never agreed to it. This is ridiculous, because it shows Brussels does not have any real power to make a decision which is binding on all EU members.

The reality is that China, by and large, doesn't need to import arms from EU member states. But it is shocking to know that the same EU that imposed arms sanctions on the Chinese mainland has been exporting weapons to Taiwan. This has been happening even though the mainland has not imposed any embargo on the EU. If China and the EU are really strategic partners, they should delete the "term" embargo from their relationship.

Brussels calls Beijing one of its most important strategic partners. In Chinese culture, a strategic partner means the most trusted friend. In some ways, this applies to the ties between Brussels and Washington too, even though the United States has put many EU member states under surveillance.

The US may be a strategic partner of the EU, but that doesn't mean Brussels has to treat Beijing differently. Chinese enterprises and tourists are exploring the whole of the EU, and the same can be said about citizens of EU member states vis-a-vis China. And when it comes to friends, which includes strategic partners, one should not treat a partner in a way that it loses face.

The author is China Daily chief correspondent in Brussels. fujing@chinadaily.com.cn
Close encounter with EUs new leadership. In Brussels, where the European Union (EU) is headquartered, Premier Li co-chaired the China-EU leaders meeting with President of the European Council Donald Tusk and President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker. The Premier also met with Martin Schulz, president of the European Parliament. [Graphics by China Daily]

Knotty as it is, the unfolding Greek debt crisis is by no means unsolvable as long as confidence in a united and prosperous European Union and strong euro can prevail.

This is a key message visiting Chinese Premier Li Keqiang delivered to top EU leaders in Brussels on Monday.

At a crucial moment when pessimism has brought the Greek crisis to such a head that the country is closer to a default on its debt repayments than ever, Li offered a spark of enthusiasm to restart the stalled talks by calling on Greece and its creditors to reach a last-minute deal that will allow Greece to remain in the eurozone.

Given the escalation of the country's crisis over the weekend sent a shock wave through the global stock markets on Monday, there are ample reasons to worry about the uncertainties surrounding the events in Greece and the effect a default would have on Europe, relations between China and the EU, global financial stability and the nascent global economic recovery.

Greece has announced that it will hold a referendum on a bailout plan proposed last week by the country's creditors. In response, Greece's eurozone partners have refused to extend the country's bailout program and the European Central Bank capped its emergency support for the country's banks. A real danger now looms of Greece exiting the euro, which might derail the global economic recovery and damage the long-term viability of the euro as a currency.

However, such a tragedy is neither certain nor unavoidable.

The EU should shoulder its responsibility to prevent the Greek crisis from overshadowing the fragile global recovery.

As a major customer and supplier of the 28-nation EU, and a responsible long-term holder of Eurobonds, China's confidence in and commitment to a strong eurozone offers EU leaders the necessary support to look at the Greek crisis from a broader and longer perspective.

When Li said that China will not only consider a China-EU investment platform to back European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker's plan to revive the European economy, but also buy more bonds issued by the European Investment Bank, EU leaders should be clear that China wants to see the EU maintain its integrity and a forward trajectory.

Such a confidence-building effort is particularly valuable, especially from such a large country as China which already has a huge stake and seeks to further expand it in a strong eurozone. It will be a tragedy to allow inaction over the Greek crisis to stand in the way of growth-boosting Sino-EU cooperation.
People look at images on display at the China Culture Center in Berlin.[Photo/Chinaculture.org]

The China Cultural Center in the German capital of Berlin has hosted a series of activities to celebrate the 45th anniversary of ties between China and Germany.

The three-day Changzhou Culture Week, held from Feb 24-26, featured cultural elements from China's Jiangnan - the Southern reaches of the Yangtze River - including folk music, opera, and exhibitions of paintings, calligraphy and traditional Chinese handicrafts.

"The Changzhou Culture Week is part of the culture series of 'China Today - Cooperation, Friendship and Win-Win' to celebrate the 45th anniversary of China-Germany diplomatic relations," Zhang Junhui, charge d'affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Germany, said.

"Cultural exchanges are an important part of the all-round strategic partnership between the two nations, and enhancing such exchanges will promote understanding between the two peoples and help achieve win-win cooperation."

In the coming months, more than 80 cultural activities including music, drama, dance, creative design, literature and film will be staged in both China and Germany under the China Today project, according to the Chinese Culture Ministry.

Related:

Celebrating 45 years of China-Germany ties
Children from Northwest China's Shaanxi province perform a folk dance during the opening ceremony of the Silk Road Stories program on board the Majestic Princess cruise ship in Rome, Italy, on May 21, 2017. [Photo/Xinhua]

ROME - A cultural program called Silk Road Stories made its debut on board the Majestic Princess, a new cruise ship that is making its maiden global voyage from Rome to East China's Xiamen city.

The opening ceremony for the program, which introduces Western passengers to Chinese culture, art, dance, food, and more, took place Sunday on board the gigantic 19-storey vessel, which measures 224 feet in height and 1,083 feet in length.

The program points to deepening Sino-Italian relations, said Chinese embassy's charge d'affaires Zheng Xuan at the ceremony.

Bilateral relations hit a fast track after a state visit to China by Italian President Sergio Mattarella in February, she said.

That was followed by Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni's visit earlier this month, when he attended the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing.
The Finger Lakes Musical Theatre Festival got a boost from The New York Times just a few weeks away from the beginning of its 2017 season.

The publication named the Cayuga County attraction one of the top 15 summer theater festivals in a May 18 article. (The article says its scope is "around the country," but one festival is located in Canada and another in Scotland.)

The festival begins its sixth season June 7 at the Merry-Go-Round Playhouse in Owasco with the classic "Guys and Dolls." Its season continues there with "Parade," "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas," "Ghost" and "Always, Patsy Cline." The festival's new musical series The Pitch will also return to Theater Mack at the Cayuga Museum for a five-week run beginning July 12.

Brett Smock, the festival's producing artistic director, said Wednesday that it was honored to be recognized by the Times. The festival has produced 37 musicals at the playhouse, including two world premieres, a North American premiere and seven regional premieres. The Pitch, meanwhile, has been a platform for 54 new musicals to continue taking creative shape.

This summer also marks the second that the festival will offer Festival 360, an educational series that takes the community behind the scenes of its productions.

"Were proud of our heritage and we continue to think and dream big," Smock said. "Standing shoulder to shoulder with our fellow arts and business partners, we are proud to create some wonderful new energy in our community.

For more information on the festival, visit fingerlakesmtf.com or call (315) 255-1785 or (800) 457-8897.
(Photo : US Navy) The United States Fifth Fleet.

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The U.S. Navy and navies from more than 20 of its allies in the Middle East and elsewhere recently held their largest ever International Maritime Exercise (IMX) in the face of an unprecedented military build-up among U.S. allies in the region.



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A command post exercise, IMX 2017 was organized and managed by Naval Support Activity Bahrain, the largest U.S. Navy base on the island of Bahrain and home to U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and United States Fifth Fleet.



IMX 2017 consisted of four days of academic training from various presenters, which included the U.S. Naval War College. The topics of the presentations ranged from naval planning to mission analysis, as well as discussing the coordination of forces to increase international cooperation.



The initial academic training was followed by field exercises simulating scenarios that have occurred in the Fifth Fleet's area of operations. The training took place from May 2 to May 18.



"This year was the largest exercise we've seen to date, and the 2019 iteration of the exercise is going to be an even greater opportunity to demonstrate coalition cohesiveness," said Commodore William Warrender of the Royal Navy, UK Maritime Component Commander and International Maritime Exercise Force Commander.



"It is only with continued support of our partners and allies that we can endure with our mission, delivering stability and reducing illicit activity within the region.



"This year's IMX presented an invaluable opportunity to build upon the successes of (the International Mine Countermeasures Exercise) and act as a stepping stone looking forward to IMX 2019."



The Fifth Fleet regularly operates in the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. The Fifth Fleet is responsible for U.S. naval forces in the Persian Gulf, Red Sea, Arabian Sea and parts of the Indian Ocean.



The navy said this group of key players came together to promote interoperability, increase readiness in all facets of defensive maritime warfare, and demonstrate resolve in maintaining regional security and stability and protecting the free flow of commerce.



"Having a significant number of international partners working alongside the civilian shipping industry builds a critical understanding to enhance security and cooperation in the region," said Royal Canadian Navy Lt. Cmdr. Ralph Underhill, lead planner for IMX.



The region encompasses about 2.5 million square miles of water and includes the Arabian Gulf, Arabian Sea, Gulf of Oman and the Red Sea. Twenty countries comprise this expanse, which includes three critical choke points at the Strait of Hormuz, the Suez Canal and the Bab al Mandeb Strait at the southern tip of Yemen.



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TagsU.S. Navy, International Maritime Exercise (IMX), IMX 2017, Naval Support Activity Bahrain, United States Fifth Fleet, Commodore William Warrender
(Photo : Getty Images) A North Korean ballistic missile.

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The return of U.S. President Donald Trump to Washington next week will likely set into motion a complex U.S. military plan to attack and destroy facilities associated with North Korea's nuclear weapons development program.



George Friedman, a noted geopolitical forecaster and strategist on international affairs and founder of think tank Geopolitical Futures, assesses the U.S. is preparing to attack North Korea, probably within the next few months.



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He told his audience at the 2017 Strategic Investment Conference in Orlando that North Korea's actions such as relentless missile launches appears to have "offered the U.S. no alternative" to a punitive strike involving the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Air Force.



He said evidence is mounting that the enmity between North Korea and the U.S. is escalating to a point war is inevitable. He pointed out clear signs of a subtle but massive build-up of U.S. naval and air power within striking distance of the Korean Peninsula over the past few months.



The U.S. Navy nuclear-powered supercarrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76) will soon join another navy carrier, the USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) and its Carrier Strike Group One (CSG-1). The Reagan's Carrier Strike Group 5 (CSG-5) is the navy's largest and most powerful carrier strike group.



Both carrier strike groups are expected to patrol in the Sea of Japan (or the East Sea) to the east of the Korean Peninsula and await orders for action.



Friedman also noted that more than 100 General Dynamics F-16 multirole fighter jets from the U.S. Air Force and the Republic of Korea Air Force are conducting daily exercises in the peninsuls, a tactic seen before the start of Operation Desert Storm, the U.S.-led attack to expel Iraqi troops from Iraq, in 1991.



He also said Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II stealth fighters have also been deployed to the area. U.S. government representatives are expected to brief Guam on civil defense, terrorism, and Korea on May 31, an ominous sign since North Korea has missiles capable of reaching Guam.



Friedman said all these strategic moves taken together point in only one direction -- war.



"We are facing a war that is not simple," said Friedman, an admission of the complexity of the situation that also involves China and Russia.



Friedman declared North Korea is America's problem to bear.



"This is how it's going to be for America over the next decade, because we are the major global power and that power is of the sort that doesn't disappear very quickly," he said.



"We are the only country in the world with a global military capability.



"There is no other power that can conceivably -- and I include the Chinese in this -- take effective military action against the North Koreans to stop a nuclear program. That means it's either the U.S. (takes action) or North Korea has a nuclear weapon."



"Every century has its systemic wars," he said. "The odds that the 21st century will be the first not to have it are slim to none."



The website of Geopolitical Futures has an intriguing story entitled "What a War with North Korea Looks Like" written by Friedman.



"A U.S. decision to attack will be based on the severity of the consequences should the North Koreans use their weapons, if they have them. If not, the decision is based on the possibility that North Korea is close to having them," wrote Friedman.



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Ten congregants of Advent Lutheran Church in LaGrange, GA, will be going on a 10-day mission trip to South Korea with their senior pastor, Rev. Min Chan Park, in September.

Park began serving at Advent Lutheran Church, which is comprised mostly of white congregants, seven years ago. Since then, members of the church have set out to try new and diverse challenges, and many of the growing Korean population in the surrounding area have also become new additions to the church in recent years.

Two years ago, a few of the members suggested an idea to Park: to visit South Korea  the home country of the churchs senior pastor  and to learn what Christianity and the church is like there. Since then, Park and the mission team have been preparing and praying for the trip, and Park has also been teaching and introducing the history, as well as the current situation, of Christianity in South Korea to the team.

The mission team will be in South Korea from September 12 to 22, beginning their trip in Busan. The team will visit various churches and take a tour around historical Christian landmarks as well.

This July, it will have been seven years since I have served at an American church, said Park. Im happy and thankful that, before the historic 500th anniversary of the Reformation in October, I will be able to visit and introduce Korea to the members of our congregation.

This article has been translated. For the original in Korean, visit kr.christianitydaily.com.
A few years ago, I heard a startlingly clear summation of a pastor's calling. I was visiting a congregation made up mostly of twenty-somethings who had not been raised in church. As the service began, the pastor introduced himself.



"Hi, my name is Tom," he said. "I'm a pastor here. It's my job to pray for you, whether you're a Christian or not, and to talk with you about Jesus, whether you're a Christian or not. That's what I do."



His calling was simple, and because of that, also rather complicated. Because talking about Jesus leads us into all aspects of life. And when we pray for people, the deeper, unresolved parts of their lives inevitably surface. It has always been this way.



Calling: it's the reason you do what you do. God has uniquely prepared you for his work. But some days, doubts creep in. Here's help to dig deep into your calling, to understand God's voice, to live it out and help others do the same.

Lashed to the Mast

With so many voices wooing us away, its not easy to cling to our essential task, by Eugene H. Peterson.

How Do I Know Im Called?

John Newton, the converted slave trader who penned Amazing Grace, served for 16 years as pastor of a small congregation in Olney, Great Britain. While there, a young man wrote for his counsel on discerning Gods call to the pastorate. This was Newtons reply (published in 1787).

Are You Living Your Calling?

Evaluate whether you are fulfilling your calling or simply going through the motions.

Deepen Your Calling

This 24-page training pack includes a variety of ways to help you understand, develop, and guard your call to ministry.

Calling is Not as Mysterious as You Think

A letter to young women in leadership, by Amy Simpson.

Calling: Not Just a Skill, a Way of Life

When you sense God's calling upon your life, a realization that you've been set apart, chosen to serve a cause far, far greater than you are, selected for a task you can never accomplish on your own, what do you do? This week's newsletter is about navigating that mysterious, borderline supernatural experience, which many of us in ministry have sensed and puzzled over, and sometimes cursed. So we highlight these stories and reflections to help you respond wisely and well to that sacred sense.

The Call to Stand Fast

What the church needs most from those whom God has called to lead, by Eugene H. Peterson.

Do You Love Your Calling?

4 indicators that youve embraced what you are doing, by John Ortberg.

What I Learned in the Fire

When pastoring a church plant became a living hell, I thought I was done with ministry, by Doug Resler.

When You Feel Like Quitting

You're not alone. As a church leader, that's important to know when you experience pressure, disappointment, discouragement, and disillusionment. The tempting route is to pack up and quit. But it's not the best way. These stories from pastors who've been tested will help you think through your situation. You'll learn about the circumstances that cause doubt to form, steps to build stamina, and ways to boost the resilience of your calling.
'Changing Hearts and Closing Prisons:' Oil Industry Veteran Finds Rich New Field to Harvest Through graphic guidebook, David Howell is helping transform lives of incarcerated men and women and reduce numbers of those behind bars



Contact: Darin Campbell,

512-785-8350; Press kit



HOUSTON, May 24, 2017 /Christian Newswire/ -- Oil industry veteran David Howell is working a rich new harvest fieldsaving souls and reducing the prison population through a graphic guidebook, allowing public funds to be diverted to other pressing needs.



Photo: David Howell in front of the pipes he salvages.



Mailing copies of his How To Be a Child of God to prisoners for just 54 cents a copy offers a remarkable 7,000-to-1 return on investment, according to Howell. That's because keeping someone from returning to prison by helping them find new life and hope as a Christian saves around $31,000 a year in incarceration costs.



With a record 2 million-plus people currently behind bars in the United States, Howell now wants to expand the reach of his Prison Evangelism project by distributing an additional 600,000 free copies of How To Be a Child of God to prison chaplains nationwide. Doing so responds to Jesus' admonition in Matthew 25 for his followers to remember those in prison, who have an extremely high conversion rate when presented with the gospel.



"Imagine the impact we can have, not only on individuals and their families, but on society as a whole, as they find new purpose and power for living and put prison behind them," Howell said.



Prison Evangelism research on distribution to date shows that one in 10 people who reads the 52-page booklet makes a commitment to Christ. That means if the national campaign saw a similar response and those impacted did not return to prison, the saving to taxpayers would be $2.1 billion annually. Additionally, the reduced inmate population would be equivalent to closing 60 prisons.



The owner of Houston-based pipeline consulting firm Pipeline Equities, who began working in the oil and gas fields as a 14-year-old "roughneck," Howell has been active in sharing his faith since becoming a Christian in 1984. That decision "turned my life around," forsaking drinking and wayward living, he said.



Involved in a wide range of other ministries at Houston's Second Baptist Church, Howell created How To Be a Child of God in 2010 to pass out to people he met. Asked to provide some copies for use in prisons, he was amazed by the response. Letters began to come in from prisoners transformed by what they read. Among them was a man in jail in Midway, Texas, who wrote how the book touched his heart. "This book has been an inspiration to me. It opened my eyes to some great things and I soaked it all up like a sponge. I've finally put my life in His hands after all I've been through. Now I'm growing spiritually every day," he said.



Since then, Howell has printed and distributed more than 110,000 copies to prison chaplains across the country, including 25,000 in Spanish. The book has been translated into a dozen languages, and turned into a 20-minute online video (www.howtobeachildofgod.com). He has also produced two popular follow-up books in similar style, Seeking God Through Prayer & Meditation and Fully Alive and Finally Free.



Howell credits the impact of the publications, written at a sixth-grade reading level, to their simple language and the emphasis on being transformed by the resurrection power of Jesus Christ. Additionally, as a standalone piece that can be reread and studied by prisoners who may be isolated or have time on their hands, it self-directs the reader into making a commitment to Christ without requiring others' involvement.



"These are people who have come to an end of themselves, and that is where all of us must come before we are willing to accept the need for a power greater than ourselves," said Howell.



John Salmon, chaplain at Diboll Correctional Center in Diboll, Tex., said that How To Be a Child of God had been "very popular" with the men there. "They actually read it," he wrote. "And you know what happens when people expose themselves to the Word of God."



George Hanson put copies out for chapel services at the Price Daniel Unit in Snyder, Texas, "and they flew out of the door," he said.



Having poured more than $300,000 of his own money into the project, Howell formed Prison Evangelism as a nonprofit a couple of years ago. Now 77, with three granddaughters and a great-grandson, he said, "I know that this is the reason God is keeping alive, for this project. It is what he designed and created me to do."



Prison Evangelism (www.prisonevangelism.com) is a faith-based nonprofit committed to transforming and rehabilitating offenders through the distribution of "How to Be a Child of God" and other evangelistic and discipleship materials designed to help prisoners find new purpose and power in life through a relationship with Jesus Christ.



To schedule an interview with David Howell, contact:

Darin Campbell

InChrist Communications

(512) 785-8350

dcampbell@inchristcommunications.com

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Covenant Journey Arrives During Celebration of Jerusalem

Contact: Liberty Counsel, 407-875-1776, Media@LC.org; Press Kit



JERUSALEM, Israel, May 24, 2017 /Christian Newswire/ -- Today Israelis celebrate Jerusalem Day, the 50th anniversary commemorating the reunification of Jerusalem and the establishment of Israeli control in the aftermath of the June 1967 Six-Day War. As part of the celebrations taking place this week in the capital, thousands of Israelis will participate in a march that will begin in the center of town and lead into the Old City.



Covenant Journey students, led by Mat Staver, Founder and President of Covenant Journey, Chairman of Christians in Defense of Israel and Founder and Chairman of Liberty Counsel, will arrive during the celebrations in Jerusalem tomorrow and visit Beit She'an, Mount Carmel and Mount Megiddo. These 44 college-age leaders from 30 different colleges and universities will continue the journey on Friday by following the footsteps of Jesus at the Mount of Olives, Gethsemane, the City of David and the Western Wall.

The Covenant Journey ministry was featured recently on the Why Israel Matters original television series on Trinity Broadcasting Network. The "Footsteps" episode, hosted by Mat Staver, provides a glimpse of the Covenant Journey experience in the Holy Land for these Christian students who are leaders on their college campuses and in their communities.

Covenant Journey provides a life-changing experience with the primary goals to strengthen students' Christian faith and equip them to be goodwill ambassadors for Israel. Qualified students pay $500 and the rest of the trip is underwritten, including air fare from New York, hotels, three meals a day, luxury tour bus, entrance fees, expert guides, spiritual leaders and expert speakers. Covenant Journey students have come from over 230 private and public colleges and universities, including Ivy League schools, such as Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Columbia, Dartmouth and more.

"It is an incredible opportunity for these Covenant Journey students to be in Jerusalem this week as the Old City celebrates its reunification," said Staver. "Since we landed in Israel on Monday, their eyes and hearts have already been opened in new ways to ancient and modern Israel. It will be an especially significant time as we follow in Jesus' footsteps leading up to His death and resurrection. They have already fallen more in love with their Savior and the Jewish people," said Staver.

Covenant Journey is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) ministry affiliated with Liberty Counsel. For more information, visit www.CovenantJourney.org or call 407-875-1967.
The case of alleged rec-center shooter Fernando Enriquez, 15, can move forward after a county judge ruled Tuesday that there was sufficient evidence for a jury trial.

Presiding Superior Court Judge Jacqueline Hatch said that while evidence against Enriquez was not overwhelming, there were certain indisputable facts that created enough probable cause against the defendant.

Enriquez is charged with one felony count of first-degree murder and three felony counts of armed robbery after he allegedly shot and killed Jacob M. Allen, 20, and attempted to rob him and Nicholas Tyler Woods, 19, at the Hal Jensen Rec Center in Sunnyside on March 3.

Enriquezs first preliminary hearing shed new light on the incident that left Allen fatally shot in the chest and Enriquez with a bullet wound that entered his lower chest and exited through his right hip.

According to testimony from Flagstaff Police detective Casey Rucker, Allen, Woods, Enriquez and a friend, who will be identified as Witness 1 because he is a minor, met in the rec center bathroom to buy marijuana from Wood with Enriquez planning on robbing them before the deal had begun.

According to Rucker, a witness said that the drug deal started with Woods, and Witness 1 and Allen could have possibly been there to protect his friend.

This was Nick's deal, Rucker said, referring to Woods. Jacob could have thought this was a set-up so he went to be with Nick.

Rucker continued, stating that before Enriquez went into the bathroom to buy marijuana he told a friend that he was just about to rob some fool.

The four individuals involved with the drug deal then met in the bathroom, where Enriquez allegedly pointed .380 caliber pistol at Allen and Woods and said, Give me all your (expletive).

Allen refused and pulled out his 9 mm pistol and a fire fight ensued.

According to Enriquezs lawyer, Albert G. Freeman, Witness 1 said that Allen was the first to draw his weapon and attempted to intimidate Enriquez and his friend.

Jacob had his hand on his gun the entire time, Freeman said, relaying an interview with a witness. Jacob was telling he needed the money first and Fernando said no, so Jacob pulled out his gun.

No gun, no drugs

Police were unable to find Enriquezs handgun or phone despite an extensive search involving multiple police departments and a search dog.

The defendant did not have his gun or phone and we have not located them, Rucker said. We had police checking the woods, a pond and the roof of the rec center. We brought in a canine from Phoenix to find the firearm to no avail.

Rucker said they felt confident that Enriquez owned a .308 caliber handgun because corresponding shell casings were found at the scene along with 9mm casings from the gun Allen had in his hand at the time of his death.

Rucker also stated that a witness, who is a minor and will not be named, claimed Enriquez robbed him with a .308 caliber handgun the day before at the skate park in Sunnyside.

Fernando contacted him and stuck a small .380 in his side, Rucker said.

However, this same witness reportedly was robbed by Allen, according to Freeman.

No marijuana has been found, according to Rucker, adding that Woods and Allen probably did not have it on them at the time of the shooting and could have possibly left it in a car until the deal was complete.

Cash only

Freeman requested that Judge Hatch lower the $2 million bond set for Enriquez and allow him to live with his parents while he awaits trial; however, the request turned out to be a boon and burden as his bond was lowered to $500,000 cash only.

Hatch said that although she thought a $2 million bond was excessive she did find that the defendant is a potential danger to the community under the circumstances.

Allens mother, Carrie Allen, was allowed to give a tearful rebuttal to the decision to lower the bond in front of the judge and both families, with the Allen family wearing matching shirts in honor of the victim.

I sit and wait for my son to come home every day and he will never be with his family, Allen said. If Jacob cannot come home then why should he be allowed to?

Hatch originally lowered Enriquezs bond to $500,000 cash or secured, meaning that Enriquez or his family could have put something down as collateral. However, Deputy County Attorney Stacy Krieger said that a Facebook post created by Enriquez on March 7, while he was in the hospital, could be a form of witness intimidation.

The post shows a picture of a man flipping off a judge and a caption that says Real Gs be like (expletive) I dont know (expletive).

This is potential witness intimidation, Krieger said. A specific message to someone that says you dont talk.

Hatch said that the Facebook post along with the views of Allens family were a factor in her decision to change the bond to cash only.
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Fans of U2 should expect to see some beefed-up security measures at Wednesday's concert at NRG Stadium as a result of the bombing in Manchester, England that killed 22 people at an Ariana Grande show.

On Tuesday, Houston police chief Art Acevado said the department routinely reviews security procedures before any large-scale event in the city.

"We have taken out and dusted off our plans to make sure we are not missing anything," he said. "We're always looking at what's going on at all special events in our city."

(Story continues below ...)

Acevedo said there are no known terrorist threats in the Houston area. The Houston Police Department is in routine contact with state and federal law enforcement agencies, he said.

Officials with The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion said they also would be increasing security, including Tuesday night's John Legend concert. Bags, purses and backpacks larger than 8 1/2 by 11 inches won't be allowed inside the venue and all bags are subject to search.

"We are deeply saddened by the tragedy in Manchester last night. Our hearts and thoughts are with those impacted by the devastating incident. The safety of our guests, staff and artists is always our top priority," Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion president and CEO Jerry Macdonald said in a statement.

An engaged community is part of the city's defense plan, Acevedo said.

"With so much critical infrastructure here, there's a lot going on," Acevedo said.

He asked for local residents to pay attention to their surroundings and report any suspicious packages. Activities that seems to be out of place - such as someone wearing heavy clothing during the summer or taking photographs of essential industries like refineries - also should be reported.

"When you see something very suspicious, let us know," Acevedo said.

Anyone with information about activity that appears suspicious can make a report at iwatchhouston.org or call 1-844-iWatch4.
Gene J. Puskar/Associated Press

Target Corp. will pay Texas $1.1 million as part of an $18.5 million deal to settle claims after a 2013 multistate data breach.

Hackers used a third-party vendor to break into the retailer's payment network during that year's Christmas shopping season. More than 41 million customer accounts, including banking and personal information, were compromised. About 5 million accounts in Texas were affected.
A Florida man suffered an embarrassing fall when he tried to run from police officers while handcuffed, Miami's WSTN-TV reports.

Surfside police officers arrested Carlos Sierra, 26, over the weekend on accusations he was stealing bicycles at a condominium.
The search is continuing for an elderly woman with medical problems who disappeared Tuesday morning, Houston Police Department officials said.

Fannie Davis, 85, was reported missing about 9 a.m. from a home in the 900 block of North Victory Drive in northwest Houston. She was last seen driving a beige 2003 Ford Expedition with Texas license plate HDN6452, officials said.
Dear Abby:

My husband and I have been married 10 years, and he treats my family and friends very different compared to how he treats his own.

A few months ago, my sister called me at 9 p.m. She was driving through on her way to Florida with her 7-year-old daughter and had been trying for an hour to find a hotel at that point. We were only 40 minutes away, so I told her she could stay the night with us. When I told my husband afterward, he flipped out because I didn't ask his permission first.

My family lives far away, but I didn't think it was a big deal to extend the invite because he constantly tells his family and friends they are always welcome.

Am I wrong to feel that if there is a rule, it should apply to both of us, and he should have asked me first?

House Rules in Florida

Dear House Rules:

No, you're not wrong. Because your husband is such a stickler for "asking permission" before inviting relatives to stay, that same courtesy should have been extended to you.

There seems to be an imbalance of power in yours. Talk with a licensed counselor about how to deal with your husband.

Dear Abby:

One of my longtime friends has become extremely religious. I have nothing against religion, but I am nonpracticing, although I do believe in something greater. My problem is, now whenever we talk, text, Facebook page and Skype (with our children), everything is about God, religion, how He has a plan for us, etc.

I don't want to offend her, but my son and I do not need to constantly hear about her religious beliefs.

How should I handle it?

Non-observant

Dear Non-observant:

The woman means well, so don't be defensive. But do speak up and tell her - nicely - that while you understand religion has become an important part of her life, you would prefer she leave the subject out of your conversations.

DearAbby.comDear Abby P.O. Box 69440 Los Angeles, CA 90069 Universal Press Syndicate
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Another week, and another round of Yankees spouting off terrible hot takes on San Antonio.

New York-based writers Sophie-Claire Hoeller and Amy Daire pulled together a state-by-state guide of attractions to avoid for Business Insider recently, and named the Alamo as one of the country's "worst tourist traps.".

The article suggests that the attractions on their list are not "legendary landmarks that everyone should see."

Sure, a Jack-in-The-Box-themed store in Connecticut and a ball of twine may not fit the "legendary landmark" category, but the two writers clearly aren't well-versed in the importance of the hallowed ground in Texas history.

RELATED: Controversial Alamo master plan gets council approval

Hundreds of men, on both the Texas and Mexico sides, died during the 13-day Battle of the Alamo in 1836, making the landmark an everlasting symbol of resistance during the fight for independence.

So the inclusion by these travel "experts" to put the Alamo in the same conversation with an "intentionally tacky" restaurant and neon sign somewhere between the Carolinas is obnoxious.

But wait, there's more.

The article also mentions the traps are "blatant attempts to make money."

This rebuttal is almost too easy: Alamo admission is free.

Sure, the Alamo offers guided tours, but sightseers can stroll through the church and grounds without having to open their wallet. Activities like reenactments are also free of charge. And unlike dreaded "tourist traps" the Alamo is easily-accessible, right in the heart of San Antonio. Visitors also won't spend hours waiting in line to get in.

Tourists won't be conned by stands selling frozen lemonade for $10, but there are a couple of vending machines and a local raspa man nearby offering a cool refreshment for a couple of bucks.

The Business Insider story also argues the Alamo is "shockingly small in real life" and "the building's remains are so small they consistently disappoint visitors."

RELATED: Out-of-state politician's River Walk dis could cost Chicago company $100 million S.A. contract

The Alamo was built as a mission in 1718 and housed Spanish settlers, why people expect it to be the size of the Roman Colosseum is baffling. Still, it remains Texas' most-visited landmark, according to the Alamo website.

"History buffs might get a kick out of it for an hour or so, but looking at a picture will suffice for most," the BI article also says, bringing us to our next point.

The Cradle of Texas is Liberty is the most-Instagrammed spot in Texas, racking in 62,497 posts, according to a study by TravelBird.

That's a lot of trendy Millennials who did more than look at a picture, and were impressed enough by the "shockingly small" mission to stick a "#travelinspo" caption on it to share with their followers.

mmendoza@mysa.com

Twitter: @MaddySkye
Baylor College of Medicine will receive $2 million from Questcor Pharmaceuticals, Inc. under a settlement to a lawsuit that alleged the drug company monopolized the market for the only drug of its type used to treat infantile spasms suffered during epileptic seizures.

Baylor will use the money to fund pediatric neurological research projects, said the medical school and the office of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, one of five attorney generals involved in the suit. The Houston medical school demonstrated in the 1970s and 1980s that Acthar, a hormone drug, is an effective treatment for the rare disorder, which typically occurs in children under one year of age.
A Florida teacher accused of kissing a 10-year-old boy in exchange for gummy bears has plead guilty.

Brian Kornbluth, 28, allegedly kissed the boy and the victim's sister at the end of the previous school year.

SEXUAL MISCONDUCT: Teacher accused of having sex with 18-year-old student

A video captured by school security cameras shows the fourth-grader enter the classroom and engage in a short conversation with Kornbluth. Shortly after, the student hugs and kisses the teacher and then leaves the classroom.

Kornbluth's defense attorney, Kristine Rosendahl, told CBS Miami the video did not depict anything improper.

"It shows an innocent peck on the lips from the boy to my client," Rosendahl said. "There was no criminal intent. There was nothing at all nefarious about this."

Kornbluth had previously babysat the student, which his defense attorney said showed "familiarity."

DRUG POSSESSION: Elementary teacher arrested for bringing meth into class

Regardless of the intent, Kornbluth has now entered into a plea agreement, dropping the simple battery charge against him and instead serving one year of probation.

Due to the plea agreement, Kornbluth's charges will not be shown on his permanent record.

Click through above to see teacher-student scandals that occurred in the Houston-area.
Boucher Design Group

Houstonbased developer Vista Equities Group on Friday will begin construction of the final phase of LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch.

The 34-acre mixed-use development in Katy is located at 23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd. off the Grand Parkway. The expansion, expected to open in 2018, will include a 37,000-square-foot Alamo Drafthouse Cinema with eight auditoriums seating about 900 people.
Traditional black and white silver prints by prominent Finnish photographer Pentti Sammallahti. Runs through 6/24.

ABOUT THE EVENT

photo-eye Gallery will host an Opening for the exhibition Friday April 28th from 5 7pm, corresponding with the Railyard Arts Districts Last Friday Art Walk. Warm Regards will remain on view through June 24th, 2017.

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

Pentti Sammallahti is a traveler and a visual poet. Endowed with an extraordinary 15-year grant from the Finnish government Sammallahti has travelled widely from his native Scandinavia, across the Soviet Republics through Siberia, to Japan, India, Nepal, Morocco, Turkey, throughout Europe, Great Britain, and South Africa. Meticulously well-seen, Sammallahtis photographs are imbued with a sense of wonder, delight, and reverence for the world at large while reflecting on both beauty and the human condition. He focuses on the people and animals of far off places recording the relationships between them and their environment. A master craftsman, Sammallahti is always in pursuit of the perfect means to communicate his intentions by subtly toning each of his rich silver gelatin prints. Over the years, photo-eye Gallery has had the pleasure to receive Penttis prints in treasured bundles signed with "Warm Regards".

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Inspired by his grandmother Hildur Larsson, a newspaper photographer, and viewing Edward Steichens seminal The Family of Man at Helsinki Art Hall in 1961 Pentti Sammallahti began making images at the age of 11. At 21, Sammallahti was featured in his first solo exhibition marking the beginning of a professional career that would come to influence an entire generation of Finnish photographers. Prior to receiving the Finnish States 15-year artist grant, Sammallahti taught at the Helsinki University of Art and Design, and has released thirteen portfolios and monographs since 1979 including The Russian Way and Here Far Away. In 2003, at the opening of the Henri Cartier-Bresson Foundation in Paris, France, Pentti was named one of Cartier-Bressons 100 favorite photographers, and works by Sammallahti where exhibited from Cartier-Bressons personal collection. Penttis work can be found at the Museum of Modern Art, the Bibliotheque Nationale, Paris, France, Pushkin Museum, Moscow, Russia, among others, and he has received awards such as the Samuli Paulaharju Prize of the Finnish Literature Society, State Prizes for Photography, Uusimaa Province Art Prize, Daniel Nyblin Prize, and the Finnish Critics Association Annual.
Imagine having to pack your essentials and walk out the door, never to return. What if a storm is so severe, that the only recourse is to abandon everything and search out a new land on which to start again?

Some are living that life now. First one, then another and then entire communities floating over seas, walking across borders and landing in unknown territory with no map of the future.

Human Nature Dance Theater will explore the topic of human migration during a performance Saturday at the Coconino Center for the Arts. Migration explores current immigration issues through emotional personal experience, using a mix of dance, theater, spoken word and music.

HNDT creates original dance performances as a collective of cross-disciplinary artists, emphasizing experimental, environmental and intergenerational perspectives. For more than 20 years, HNDT has produced events at Arcosanti, in Flagstaff, Prescott and Portland.

Founded in 1994, HNDT has received the Otto Renee Castillo Award for political theater, been featured in "Rising"  a film about sculptor John Waddell  and were funded by the Smithsonian and Dark Skies to create "Dreaming Dark." The film "Dance Down River" shot on the Colorado River has been shown in festivals worldwide.

Human Nature Dance Theater and Flagstaff Arts Council will present "Migration" Saturday. Doors open at 7 p.m., and the concert begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the Coconino Center for the Arts, Arizona Music Pro, online at flagartscouncil.org or by calling 779-2300. Tickets are $15 presale, $18 on the day of the show and $9 for a child or student.

For more information, visit humannaturedance.org.

Zuni Festival this weekend at MNA

The Museum of Northern Arizona will host its annual celebration of Zuni art and culture this weekend, in partnership with the A:shiwi A:wan Museum and Heritage Center. Traditional and contemporary art will be for sale, there will be cultural lectures and documentaries, as well as musical and dance performances by the Zuni Olla Maidens, Cellicion Zuni Dancers and reggae band I*Conscious. Zuni fine artists will be represented by potters, jewelers, stone fetish carvers, beaders and more. Food vendors will be on site.

The Zuni Festival will be held Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. A weekend pass is $18 for adults, $12 youth/student/American Indian. Daily admission is $12 for adults; $8 youth (10-17), student (with ID) and American Indian (with tribal card). Free for Museum members and children under 10.
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As a young law-school intern, Alexandria Marzano-Lesnevich left the august halls of Harvard for Louisiana, where she was assigned to a firm specializing in defending clients facing the death penalty.

One of the firm's clients was Ricky Langley, a convicted pedophile charged with murdering a 6-year-old. It's a case that changed Marzano-Lesnevich's life, altered her career path, consumed much of her young professional career and prompted her to re-examine her own childhood. Both the case and her childhood serve as the raw material for her first book, "The Fact of a Body: A Murder and a Memoir," which she'll discuss Thursday at Murder By The Book.

But first, she talked to us about the personal trials of this case and her current views on the death penalty.

Q: How did you become interested in the Ricky Langley case?

More Information 'The Fact of a Body: A Murder and a Memoir' By Alexandria Marzano-Lesnevich Flatiron Books, 336 pp., $26.99 Author appearance: Alexandria Marzano-Lesnevich will discuss and sign her book, 6:30 p.m. Thursday at Murder By The Book, 2342 Bissonnet; 713-524-8597 or murderbooks.com. See More Collapse

A: I went to law school knowing I wanted to fight the death penalty, and I took an internship my first year of law school with a death-penalty law firm in New Orleans. Shortly after I arrived, I was shown a confession tape of a man, Ricky Langley, who molested and murdered a 6-year-old boy. And as I watched the tape, I felt time collapse around me. I grew up being sexually molested, and this case created a conflict for me. I didn't work on the Langley case, but when I returned to law school - and even later - the case still haunted me.

Q: Did this case become a test case of your death-penalty views?

A: Yes, I believed that if I truly opposed the death penalty, then I should be able to defend child molesters, and it wasn't that simple. The case unlocked complex questions: What do we do with the past? How do we construct stories in the legal system?

Q: What answers to these complex questions did you find?

A: People don't leave their lives behind them when they sit on juries, and I didn't leave my past behind me when I engaged this case. I read more than 30,000 pages of court records, and these records shed light on my understanding of the case, but also on my understanding of my past. The people involved in this case saw it through the lenses of their own past: the jury foreman, the lead defense attorney, the judge and, I believe, even the victim's mother. We think of the law as a truth-seeking mechanism, but it's more of a truth-making mechanism. It makes a story and it calls that story truth.

Q: Does anyone know this case better than you do?

A: I've wondered! I'm sure the lawyers do; they were devoted. But I do feel as though I am carrying this case with me.

Q: Is it that sense of "carrying the case with you" that prompted you to weave your own story with that of the Langley case?

A: The stories, at least in my own mind, were intertwined, and I realized it's a crucial part of the story. The people involved in the case looked at the crime through the lens of their own lives, and as I studied the case more, I realized I was doing the same. I wanted to lay that out there, so that readers can see the lens I examined the case through - and perhaps they will examine the case through the lens of their own lives.

Q: As you mention in the book, looking at the case through the lens of your life involves re-examining unpleasant memories, including that of being molested by your grandfather.

A: Yes, and these experiences made it impossible for me to approach the case as an abstract idea. My ideals - of being against the death penalty, for example - couldn't serve as a complete barrier against what had been done to me. Empathizing with Langley meant re-examining the actions of my grandfather, and it wasn't so simple. It forced me to see a fuller picture of people.

Q: In the book, you suggest that the jury was also able to see a fuller picture, even when the law asked jurors to simply choose a side.

A: Yes, and I thought the jury's approach was more honest to the actual complexity of the situation.

Q: Do you think it was more just?

A: That's a complicated word in a case like this, but I'll say a tentative yes.

Q: Part of seeing a "fuller picture" is looking at Langley's childhood.

A: The circumstances of his birth are striking. His mother was in a car crash before he was conceived, and he was conceived while she was in that full body cast. He grew in her womb for months while she was constrained in that body cast, and he was exposed to all sorts of drugs and X-rays in utero. It was a traumatic way to enter the world.

Q: What is Ricky Langley doing now?

A: He's serving a life sentence.

Q: Do you have any contact with him?

A: I do not, other than the time I write about in the book.

Q: How does your family feel about you bringing this book - and the personal stories in it - out to the world?

A: It's complicated. They're proud of me, but it's difficult because it's a real story, and it's our family. I'm fortunate to have their understanding, and I think it took a lot of hard work and thinking through things to get to that point.

Q: Have your experiences with the book changed your view on the death penalty?

A: I am still very opposed to it. In some ways that is because I want the law to be better than I am, better than my intense emotional reactions.
When it comes to the most popular bars in Houston, you may be in for a shock.

Google released the list of the most searched bars in H-Town. There's a good chance that your favorite watering hole isn't sought after by the online crowd (cough cough Alabama Ice house), but Google's list nonetheless reveals bars people are searching for.
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MAGNOLIA - Texas Renaissance Festival organizers announced they will not be hosting the controversial Middlelands Festival again in 2018, according to reports.

The decision came the day after Middlelands organizers were a no-show at a town hall meeting called to address noise complaints from the polarizing electronic dance music festival, which happened earlier this month. The festival was on the grounds of the Texas Renaissance Festival in Todd Mission -- roughly seven miles from Magnolia -- and caused much concern from surrounding neighbors who claim the loud, booming bass music went too late into the night. Travis Bryant, director of marketing and public relations with the Renaissance Festival, said two organizers from Insomniac, which produced the festival, had travel problems getting to Magnolia City Hall Thursday.

"They wanted to be here and talk to the community," Bryant said. "Unfortunately, it didn't happen." In a statement to the Houston Chronicle, Pasquale Rotella, founder and CEO of Insomniac, was "disappointed" in the news that TRF was not going to host Middlelands again. Rotella also disputed what Bryant said to media Thursday, claiming they were told by TRF officials the town hall was canceled.

"Contrary to news reports, the producers of MDL traveled to Houston for the town hall meeting but were subsequently told it was canceled by TRF officials," Rotella said. "We fully appreciate the beauty of Todd Mission and the nearby areas, and were prepared to implement residents' feedback in order to transform MDL into a valued community event."

Kathryn Craig, whose home shares a fence with Renaissance Festival, wasn't buying it.

"I'm not surprised," Craig said. "I wish I could say I was, but I'm not surprised."

Craig and her husband came prepared to speak their mind about the music festival Thursday, even typing up a formal two-pronged complaint to hand to both Insomniac and Renaissance Festival officials.

"It appears they're not even trying," Craig said.

While the response to the festival was overwhelmingly positive, some nearby residents complained about hearing loud music late at night, according to earlier Chronicle reports. Some parents took to social media complaining about the music, saying it was keeping their children, who were about to take the STAAR test the next day, awake.

The Grimes County Sheriff's Office made approximately 40 arrests of concert-goers for drug possession and various other charges the night of the concert, according to previous reports.

Bill Neulist lives 1.5 miles from the fairgrounds and said the music shook his floor and windows. He also showed up expecting to voice his concerns to the festival organizers.

"I'm a rocker," he said. "I love loud music. I don't blast mine and bother my neighbors, you know?"

There was no immediate word on the location of next year's event.
The sixth class of Leadership Lake Houston presented by Insperity celebrated the graduation of 22 individuals from various industries across the Lake Houston Area on May 9 in a ceremony held at Italiano's restaurant in Humble.

Graduates of Class Six are:

Ian Adler, McCord Development; Erica Badamo, The Village Learning Center; Austin Bird, Berkeley Eye Center; Robyn Choiniere, Picture It Sold Real Estate Photography; Chase Christianson, Kingwood Medical Center; Chris D'Camp, Walgreens; Rene DeLaricheliere, CenturyLink Communications; Jonathan Frey, Humble ISD; Kathleen Goerner, Humble ISD; Asdrubal Gutierrez,Harris County; Daniel Kilgore, Pearson Carpet Care; Eric Lacey, True Love Christian Church and Childcare; Kathy Lemman, Community Bank of Texas; Sagan McClure, Lone Star CollegeKingwood; Morgan McGrath, Lake Houston Area Chamber of Commerce; Kayla Price, Price Financial; Tricia Racine, Memorial Hermann Northeast; Britney Samperi, Community Resource Credit Union; Mandy Stelzer, Lake Houston Family YMCA; Betti Welch, Insperity; Rachel Williamson, Chick-fil-A,Wilson Road/Beltway 8; Jennifer Wooden, City of Humble.

After the graduation ceremony, the class was introduced to one of the newest chamber programs, Leadership Lake Houston Alumni presented by Chick-fil-A with a champagne toast and information about the program, which is specifically for those seeking to continue their education within the community with those who have gone through the leadership program.

The chamber is accepting applications for the seventh leadership class until Friday, May 26. To apply, contact Johnston Farrow at jfarrow@lakehouston.org or call 281-319-8908.

The purpose of the Leadership Lake Houston program, is to help local leaders develop and build their skills to enable them to make an impact on the growth and vitality of the community. Being part of the program also provides an opportunity for area professionals to develop relationships with other community stake holders and fellow classmates.

There is a $25 non-refundable application fee. The fee is waived for chamber members with a Partner Investor membership or higher. The selection process is competitive with a limited number of applicants chosen each year for the program.

Once selected for the program, each applicant will attend one-day sessions, once a month for eight months to learn about various aspects of the community and will receive training for successfully serving on committees and boards. Session topics include economic development, government, justice and public safety, education, healthcare and social services. The program fee is $895 with partial scholarships available.
Good nutrition is important for a child's growth and development, according to Brian Aubin, director of Crosby ISD Child Nutrition Department.

However, there are children who may not have access to a well-balanced meal during the summer months.

For the past few years, the Crosby ISD Child Nutrition Services Department has participated in the Summer Food Service Program.

"We offer this program every summer," Aubin said. "It's an outreach for those students and children who may have food insecurities during the summer."

Children ages 18 years old or younger are welcome to receive free meals at certain district sites during the specified times. The opportunity is open to all children without discrimination.

Crosby ISD's Summer Food Service Program meals will be available at the following locations and times:

Crosby High School

June 12 through July 11

Monday through Friday

Breakfast: 7:30-8:15 a.m.

Lunch: 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m.

Crosby Middle School:

June 12 through July 11

Monday through Friday

Breakfast: 7:30-8:15 a.m.

Lunch: 11 a.m.-12:15 p.m.

Crosby Elementary School

June 12 through July 11

Monday through Friday

Breakfast: 7:30-8:15 a.m.

Lunch: 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Crosby Middle School will continue offering the program four days a week from July 17 through Aug. 3.

Learn more by visiting www.crosbyisd.org.

In addition to Crosby ISD's summer feeding program, the Harris County Public Library Crosby Branch is partnering with the Houston Food Bank to offer the Kid's Cafe program for the second year in a row.

From June 12 through Aug. 3, any child from ages 0 to 18 years old are invited to the Crosby Branch Library from 12-1 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays for a free meal.

"It doesn't matter what their education level is, or their economic status, if they're 18 and under, they are welcome," said Diane Barker, Crosby Library branch manager. "There are many children that get food during the school year, but don't have the option during the summer. This gives them the opportunity to have access to good meals. The meals will always be nutritious. Sometimes the meals will be hot, and sometimes cold, like wraps and things like that. We'll have all sorts of different things, but each meal will always have at least two fruits or vegetables."

To find more locations offering summer feeding programs, visit www.summerfood.org, call 211, or text FOODTX to 877-877.
At its May 9 luncheon, Tri-City Women's Club awarded more than $10,000 to four Fort Bend County charities.

The money was raised during its 2016-17 year through raffles, silent auctions and table decor sales.
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Fort Bend Independent School District announced on May 12 the names of the students who have earned the distinct honor of being named the 2017 valedictorians and salutatorians of the 11 high schools.

Austin High

Valedictorian: Priya Ketan Patel.

College: University of Texas-Austin, Field of Study: Computer Science/Business

Words of Advice to fellow graduates: Never doubt your capabilities. You can accomplish anything you desire if you work hard enough.

Salutatorian: Howard Cheng Yong

College: University of Texas-Austin, Field of Study: Chemical Engineering/Mathematics

Words of Advice to fellow graduates: Just because there's a goalie doesn't mean you can't score.

Bush High

Valedictorian: Mehar Khan

College: University of Texas-Austin, Field of Study: Biology

Words of Advice to fellow graduates: There are no shortcuts to any place worth going.

Salutatorian: Maxwell Adu-Gyamfi

College: University of Texas-Austin, Field of Study: Undecided

Words of Advice to fellow graduates: Be strong and let not your hands be weak for your work shall be rewarded.

Clements High

Valedictorian: Kevin Rao

College: Harvard University, Field of Study: Math/Medicine

Words of Advice to fellow graduates: Graduation marks the start of something beautiful and amazing; so, get out there and show the world what you've got.

Salutatorian: Jina Zhou

College: University of Texas-Austin, Field of Study: Chemical Engineering

Words of Advice to fellow graduates: Life's too short to let someone or something make you miserable.

Dulles High

Valedictorian: Serdjan Rolovic

College: University of Texas-Austin, Field of Study: Computer Science

Words of Advice to fellow graduates: You have two lungs, two eyes and one stomach. Use them.

Salutatorian: Shreyas Balaji

College: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Field of Study: Physics

Words of Advice to fellow graduates: Live your own life and treat advice with a healthy dose of skepticism.

Elkins High

Valedictorian: Jason Bailey

College: Southern Methodist University, Field of Study: Mathematics

Words of Advice to fellow graduates: Be your own source of inspiration. The best innovations come from the heart and the mind, and you'll know it when you do it.

Salutatorian: Gabrielle Le

College: University of California at Los Angeles, Field of Study: Physics/Pre-Med

Words of Advice to fellow graduates: Take pride in your accomplishments and achievements, and define your own success.

Hightower High

Valedictorian: Omeed Faegh

College: University of Virginia, Field of Study: Political Science/Pre-Law

Words of Advice to fellow graduates: Memes don't have to be dreams.

Salutatorian: Srivats Srinivasan

College: University of Tulsa

Field of Study: Medicine

Words of Advice to fellow graduates: Dreams don't have to be memes.

Kempner High

Valedictorian: Mai Han (Tiffany) Ton

College: Rice University, Field of Study: Chemistry/Ethnic Studies

Words of Advice to fellow graduates: Take things one step at a time, because in the long run your steps will add up to a giant leap.

Salutatorian: Debbie Tran

College: University of Houston, Field of Study: Health

Words of Advice to fellow graduates: Never take a moment for granted. Create lasting memories and cherish what you have.

Marshall High

Valedictorian: Alayssia Guidry

College: Texas A&M University, Field of Study: Biomedical Science

Words of Advice to fellow graduates: Never give up on yourself or your future. Life is filled with hardships, but your ambition and determination will get you through anything.

Salutatorian: Sharde Shorter

College: University of Texas-Austin, Field of Study: Biology

Words of Advice to fellow graduates: You will work your entire life to become successful, but it involves how hard you work and how determined you are that will decide your prosperity.

Ridge Point High

Valedictorian: Meredith Streeter

College: University of Tulsa, Field of Study: Mechanical Engineering

Words of Advice to fellow graduates: Work hard, be kind, and stay humble.

Salutatorian: Lauren Stickler

College: University of Texas-Austin, Field of Study: Mechanical Engineering

Words of Advice to fellow graduates: Be kind whenever possible; and know that it's always possible.

Travis High

Valedictorian: Andrew Chen

College: University of Texas-Austin, Field of Study: Business

Words of Advice to fellow graduates: Take risks.

Salutatorian: Inaara Sunesara

College: University of Texas-Austin, Field of Study: Biology/Business

Words of Advice to fellow graduates: Great dreams are transcended through persistence and dedication. Be devoted to your goals and a bright future will be awaiting you.

Willowridge High

Valedictorian: Pablo Robles

College: University of Houston, Field of Study: Engineering

Words of Advice to fellow graduates: Pursue your dreams even if they seem beyond your capacity, and never allow anyone to instill fear or doubt into your plans.

Salutatorian: America Ibarra

College: Stephen F. Austin State University, Field of Study: Nursing

Words of Advice to fellow graduates: Where you come from doesn't define you; the amount of effort you put into everything does.
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Commencement exercises for the 2017 graduating class of Needville High School begin at 7 p.m. Friday, May 26, at Blue Jay Stadium, 16319 Texas 36 South.

The public is invited to attend the graduation ceremony.

Valedictorian Shay Fredrickson and Senior Class President and Salutatorian Ben Basden will address the crowd, and students will be recognized for their accomplishments.

Courage for Katie fundraiser set

Students at Needville High School have been busy selling T-shirts, tickets, wrist bands and koozies during lunch periods for Courage for Katie, a fundraiser for senior Katie Vacek.

The event takes place Sunday, June 4, at the K.C. Hall on Texas 36 South and includes a barbecued chicken and sausage meal with all the trimmings, served from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

There will also be a bake sale, silent auction, basket raffle, live auction, and activities and games for children.

All proceeds will go directly to the Vacek family to help with medical expenses and construction costs to make their home accessible for Katie, who was paralyzed in a Feb. 26 fall from a tree.

Vacek has spent the past several weeks at Texas Institute for Research and Rehabilitation in Houston, where they designed a special harness of sorts that enabled her to dance at last weekend's prom with her boyfriend, Kernie Baker. The pair was crowned prom king and queen.

In addition, Vacek is graduating in the Top 10 percent of her class and is a varsity cheerleader, band member and power lifter, and a member of the National Honor Society and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

Courage for Katie tickets are $10 and are on sale at Amegy Bank, RE/MAX Opportunities, Stavinoha Tire Shop, Damon Farm & Ranch, Bercher Firestone and St. Michaels Catholic Church.

For more information about the fundraiser, contact Kimberly Rohde at 4rohdes@gmail.com or 281-389-6498 or visit Facebook at Courage for Katie or Twitter at @Courage4Katie.

To donate, visit www.gofundme.com/58pwkw-katies-medical-fund or make checks payable to "Courage for Katie" at Amegy Bank.
The National Weather Service has issued another Red Flag Warning Friday for the Little Colorado River Valley and the White Mountains amid strong winds and low humidity.

Gusts could top 40 mph beginning around 8 a.m., when a wind advisory will take effect.

In Flagstaff, the Friday forecast calls for winds of 30 mph and cooler weather, with temperatures rising again through the weekend. There is a chance of afternoon thunderstorms in the region beginning Monday.

6 a.m. Thursday: Strong winds in Flagstaff region prompt Red Flag Warning Thursday

Much of northern Arizona will be under a Red Flag Warning for critical fire conditions today as winds gusting to 40 mph move into the region.

The National Weather Service says winds will pick up in the afternoon across a wide area stretching from western Coconino County to the New Mexico line. Temperatures in some places will reach 90 degrees with low relative humidity.

Winds will continue strong Friday across the region, especially in southern Navajo and Apache counties.

Although no formal fire restrictions are in effect on the Coconino and Kaibab national forests, campfires and open flames in the forest are discouraged on Red Flag Warning days. Drivers of high-profile vehicles should use caution amid gusty winds and blowing dust.

Winds will decrease by 8 p.m. today, with the holiday weekend forecast in Flagstaff calling for sunny, warm weather. There will be a slight chance of thunderstorms in the afternoons early next week.

Following is the detailed National Weather Service forecast for Flagstaff through next week:

Today

Sunny, with a high near 74. Breezy, with a southwest wind 20 to 26 mph, with gusts as high as 41 mph.

Tonight

Clear, with a low around 43. Breezy, with a southwest wind 19 to 24 mph decreasing to 13 to 18 mph after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 38 mph.

Friday

Sunny, with a high near 68. Southwest wind 11 to 21 mph, with gusts as high as 33 mph.

Friday Night

Clear, with a low around 39. Southwest wind 15 to 20 mph decreasing to 8 to 13 mph after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 31 mph.

Saturday

Sunny, with a high near 71. West wind 5 to 10 mph.

Saturday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 40.

Sunday

Sunny, with a high near 75.

Sunday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 43.

Memorial Day

A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 11am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 76.

Monday Night

A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 45.

Tuesday

A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 74.

Tuesday Night

A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 46.

Wednesday

A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 73.
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Seven men - including six from the Houston area, have been charged in a conspiracy to steal high-tech trade secrets from an multinational engineering firm in Houston and share the information with a Chinese company.

The marine technology company targeted, which is unnamed in court filings, made a high-performance, naval-grade foam that is used for military and civilian use in oil exploration, aerospeace, underwater vehicles such as submarines and for stealth technology.

The string of arrests came the same day FBI and other federal authorities raided a $1.6 million home in the ritzy Hedwig Village area.

Among the arrests Tuesday were three people in the Houston area, two in Washington, D.C. and one in Massachusetts. One Chinese national - an employee of the Chinese manufacturing firm - was also charged with conspiring to steal trade secrets.

FBI RAID: Lawyer for company hit by FBI probe wants to question agents

The case will be prosecuted in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. A civil forfeiture complaint was also filed in Washington, D.C. for properties officials say were used for or connected to illegal conduct.

Those arrested and charged include four U.S. citizens: Shi; Uka Kalu Uche, 35, of Spring; Samuel Abotar Ogoe, 74, of Missouri City; and Johnny Wade Randall, 48, of Conroe; and Shan Shi, 52, who is listed in county records as one of the owners of the Hedwig Village home. Also charged Houston residents, Kui Bo, 40, a Canadian citizen, and Gang Liu, 31, a Chinese national with permanent resident status.

Hui Huang, 32, who lives in China and works for the Chinese manufacturing firm identified in the case, is also charged.

The Chinese manufacturer intended to sell syntactic foam to both military and civilian, state-owned enterprises in China  part of a push toward meeting China's national goals of developing its marine engineering industry, according to federal officials.

TWO ARRESTED: Father, brother of Manchester bomber picked up in Libya

The investigation and arrests were announced by Dana J. Boente, the Acting Assistant Attorney General for National Security along with officials from the U.S. Attorney for District of Columbia, the FBI's Counterintelligence Division, the U.S. Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security Office of Export Enforcement, and the Internal Revenue Service's Criminal Investigation unit.

According to court documents, the manufacturer charged with attempting to steal trade secrets was the only shareholder for the company that had been incorporated in Houston. From 2012 to 2017, the Chinese manufacturer and the employees of its Houston-based company engaged in a systematic campaign to steal the trade secrets of a global engineering firm that is considered a leader in marine technology, according to the documents.

The defendants were attempting to gather information about a technical product called syntactic foam, a strong, light material that can be tailored for commercial and military uses.

It's hard to put an exact dollar value on it, but trade secret theft is a massive underground market, powered in large part by Chinese interests.

A 2017 report by the bipartisan nongovernmental Commission on the Theft of American Intellectual Property described the nation of 1.3 billion as the "world's principal IP infringer." Purloined trade secrets - in combination with more quantifiable thefts, like counterfeit goods and pirated software - cost the U.S. at least $225 billion per year, and possibly as much as $600 billion.

Less than a week before the most recent arrests, a Chinese man pleaded guilty in federal court on charges of economic espionage and trade secret theft. The ex-IBM employee stole computer code with the intent to benefit the National Health and Planning Commission of the People's Republic of China.

But in many cases, one report found, U.S. companies don't even report such thefts, given the costs of pursuing redress and the possible negative impacts on stock prices.
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A 31-year-old San Antonio man was arrested Wednesday after a relative was allegedly caught at school searching for pornography so that she could learn about what he was doing to her, according to court documents.

Anthony Garay now faces a charge of continuous sexual abuse of a child, a first-degree felony. He remains in the Bexar County Jail on a $75,000 bond.

RELATED: 11 arrested in North Texas human trafficking, prostitution sting

According to his arrest affidavit, Garay has allegedly been sexually assaulting the girl and her sister for at least a year.

The abuse came to light on May 16, when a teacher at Elm Creek Elementary caught one of the victims searching for pornography on a school-issued iPad, according to documents.

When the teacher asked the girl why she was searching for pornography, the child told her that she was searching for what was being done to her at night. She said Garay sexually assaults her "all the time at night" and never lets her sleep.

RELATED: Arson investigators probe fire at abandoned warehouse in South Side

The teacher contacted Child Protective Services, and an investigator was sent to the school to interview the child. The girl told the investigator that Garay had sexually abused her from at least the age of 8, and that the abuse occurred in her home

The investigator later discovered Garay had previously been investigated by CPS for sexual abuse of two relatives.

Deputies with the Bexar County Sheriff's Office later obtained an arrest warrant for Garay and booked him into jail on Wednesday.

Text "NEWS" to 77453 for breaking news alerts from mySA.com

cdowns@mysa.com

Twitter: @calebjdowns
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A 19-year-old man was arrested Sunday in Dallas accused of shooting and killing his girlfriend during an altercation with another man in the parking lot of a strip club, according to the Dallas Police Department.

Aldo Saucedo faces a first-degree murder charge, according to online jail records. His bond is set at $1 million for that charge.

RELATED: Argument ends in shooting at gas station on the far Southwest Side

The Dallas Morning-News reports Saucedo also faces a charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

Saucedo is charged with murder in the shooting and killing of his girlfriend, 18-year-old Natalie Tavares.

The incident occurred early Sunday at the Tiger Cabaret Club, 9125 E. R.L. Thornton Freeway, where Saucedo allegedly got into a physical altercation with another man inside the club. Security personnel stopped the fight, and Saucedo went outside and got his vehicle, pulling it up to the front of the club, according to the arrest affidavit obtained by mySA.com.

While in the vehicle, Tavares approached it from the drivers side when a man approached the vehicle and hit Saucedo with a closed fist, the affidavit said.

RELATED: 'Heroic' firefighter killed in Thursday night blaze was father of 2, had baby on the way

Saucedo then allegedly pulled out a gun and shot toward the man, but instead hit Tavares several times. The gunfire also struck another woman, prompting the aggravated assault charge, according to the arrest affidavit and the Dallas newspaper.

Saucedo allegedly chased after the man, continuing to fire at him, the affidavit states.

Tavares was transported to Baylor Hospital and was pronounced dead there. The other woman struck by gunfire was also transported to the hospital after suffering non-life-threatening injuries, the affidavit states.

Saucedo was transported to Dallas Police headquarters following the incident and provided a voluntary statement regarding the shooting.

RELATED: Salesmans story on fatal shooting is plausible, say defense witnesses

Tavares Facebook profile has been turned into a memorial, where several of her friends have already left messages, including RIP.

So sad to see you go like this and what a disappointment to know I knew both of y'all and how great y'all two once were, Oscar Javier Uriostegui said in a post memorializing her.

If convicted, Saucedo faces five to 99 years or life in prison for the murder charge.

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A female middle school teacher was arrested Monday afternoon for alleged sexual misconduct with a high school student, according to authorities.

Taylor Brooks Boyles, 27, was charged with being a school employee engaging in a sex act or deviant sexual intercourse with a student.

The student is said to be an 18-year-old high school senior.

A 2010 Alabama state law prohibits a school employee from engaging in a sex act or deviant sexual intercourse with a student.

TEACHER NEWS: Elementary teacher arrested for bringing meth into class

According to the Times Daily, two other area teachers are facing similar charges with trials set for Aug. 21.

Carrie Witt, 43, was charged with two counts of a school employee having sex with a student. Witt is accused of having sex with a male student who was 17 when the relationship started and another male student who was 18, police said.

David Solomon, 26, was arrested on one count of a school employee having sex with a student. Solomon is accused of having sex with a 17-year-old female student whom he met on Facebook, police said.

Boyles turned herself in and was released from the Lawrence County Jail on $10,000 bail.
The recently announced Tommy Tune Awards featured a bit of local flavor.

Inspiration Stage actress Jasmine Rogers brought home the Theatre Under the Stars hosted Tommy Tune Award for best actress. Rogers is a graduating senior at Austin High School who performed at the high school and the community theatre in Sugar Land. Rogers earned her award for her performance in her high school's production of "Into the Woods."

The Tommy Tune Awards recognize and reward excellence in high school musical theatre created by students and educators in the greater Houston metropolitan area. The Awards marked their 15th year this year. The 2017 ceremony, held April 18 at the Hobby Center, recognized theatre troupes from 45 local high schools from districts including Fort Bend, Lamar Consolidated, Houston, Pearland, and more.

Participating schools performed a chosen musical before judges in the Spring, in anticipation of nominations for a variety of awards at the annual awards showcase. Jasmine was awarded the top honor after competing against eight talented peers nominated in the Best Actress category.

Rogers brought to life the much-hated witch in the Austin High School performance. In her Tommy Tune acceptance speech, she thanked her mother, Jacquelyn McCardell, a pharmacist, for all of her support through the years.

"Winning this award was an amazing experience - one that I will treasure for the rest of my life," Rogers said. "The Witch has always been a dream role of mine, and finally getting to portray her on stage was incredible. I was glad to finish my high-school career portraying such a strong character, and hope to tackle the show again in the future."

Rogers was born in Boston, where she lived until her family moved to Texas in 2010. She is currently a Richmond resident, living in the Aliana subdivision. She knew from a very young age that she liked to perform. Just 7 years old, she was cast in her first play as a member of Tiger Lily's tribe in Milford Performing Arts Center's production of Peter Pan, a community theatre production in Milford, Mass.

"Acting has taught me so many things about myself. The beautiful thing about being on stage in front of an audience is how you can feel completely vulnerable and safe at the same time," says Jasmine. "The art of story telling is such an amazing thing; you have the ability to make an audience member think, change their perspective, or simply just brighten their day. There is nothing else I would rather do."

Jasmine's first show with Inspiration Stage was "I Never Saw Another Butterfly."

Jasmine auditioned for and was accepted to many performing arts schools across the country, from Texas all the way to Boston. She made her final decision to attend the Manhattan School of Music, where she will continue to train and perform in coming years, with aspirations of eventually tackling Broadway.

"Jasmine's future looks bright," Seymore-Sensat said. "It has been a joy to watch her grow and to see her spread her wings and soar. I know she is destined for big things. I'm so very proud of her."
A federal civil rights suit in Houston accuses Child Protective Services of discriminating against African-American children, saying they are likelier to be separated from their parents and extended families than white children.

The suit was filed earlier this year by an Arizona woman who was denied custody of a young nephew, who instead was approved for adoption by a white foster family in Houston.

The suit brought a group of community activists Tuesday to the federal courthouse in Houston, where they decried generations of "robbed and stolen opportunities for kinship families" through what they contend is a pattern of discrimination by CPS.

The paternal aunt, Maravi Moore, was granted custody of one nephew, now 4, who was removed from his family. But CPS denied her custody of the boy's little brother, now 3, and instead facilitated his adoption to the foster family.

Neither Moore nor the boys were at the courthouse Tuesday, but the children's birth mother, Tisha Hunter, stood along the sidelines with a 2-year-old daughter watching. She said she had not been invited to the event.

But the emphasis was on the bigger picture - that black children living in poverty are over-represented in the child welfare system and are denied placements with other family members more frequently than other children in the system.

Minister Robert S. Muhammad, of the Muhammad Mosque No. 45, said the agencies are destroying black communities.

"The bellwether of what's going on in the black community is how our children are being traded in foster care for money," he said, apologizing for his strong language. "Modern-day slavery is going on down at the family courthouse. Just peel this onion back and you'll find ... this uneasy nexus with CPS, that is not the independent arbiter of where a child should be. You'll find that they're a lapdog and a rubber stamp for the family court judges."

Among the other groups that came together Tuesday to draw attention to the issue were A Second Chance, which focuses on kinship care; Black Administrators in Child Welfare; the National Association of Blacks in Social Work; and Black Lives Matter.

Pamela Williams, Moore's attorney in the federal suit, said she believes race influences decisions around the country, not just in the case involving her client.

"When the child's relatives stepped forward to actually bring the child home into the loving environment, she was refused and instead the child was given to a white family," she said. "You would never see CPS take a white child from a white family and place them with an unrelated black family when there was a suitable relative."

Studies confirm the numbers have been skewed toward greater separation of black families. A 2013 study by the state's own Center for the Elimination of Disproportionality and Disparities cites a 2013 finding that African-American children in Texas are twice as likely to be removed from their families and four times as likely to be placed in foster care than white and Hispanic children.

The lawsuit was filed against several state officials, including Hank Whitman of the Department of Family and Protective Services and Gov. Greg Abbott; Harris County and several Harris County employees; ad litem attorneys, who are named by judges to represent children; and service agencies.

It names one contract worker, who is accused of aiding in the adoption by way of "fabrications, defamations, concealment of evidence, delay and abandonment of the relative placement process" and wrongfully placing the child with a non-relative family seeking adoption.

State officials did not comment on the case other than to provide a copy of a motion filed in which the state asked the judge to dismiss Moore's case, saying she doesn't have a claim and the state is protected by immunity. Harris County officials referred requests for comment to the state.
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Final numbers from this year's count of the homeless showed a decrease of 6 percent in the Houston area. The dip is smaller than in recent years but local leaders point to success among an important, hard-to-reach demographic: the chronically homeless.

The regional Coalition for the Homeless said the relatively smaller decrease is not cause for concern. Instead they celebrated that the count in January found fully 60 percent fewer people homeless than when the regional effort began in 2011: 3,412 this year compared to 8,538 six years earlier.

That comparison covers Houston, Harris County and Fort Bend County. Surveyers covered Montgomery County for the first time this year, but that data is not included in the year-to-year comparisons.

A census fact sheet is available here, and the full summary is available here.

Marilyn Brown, the coalition's CEO, said in an interview that the decline in homelessness is due in large part to the 11,000 people placed in permanent housing since 2012, including several thousand military veterans.

In 2011, approximately one out of every 450 Houston-area residents was homeless, according to the coalition. This year that number is down to one in every 1,563.

READ MORE: Some veterans still homeless in Houston 18 months after city announcement

The coalition's director of programs, Eva Thibaudeau, highlighted one success among the chronically homeless; that term means someone has a disability and has been without a home for at least a year or four times or more within three years.

This year's count found a 20 percent drop in the number of un-sheltered chronically homeless people. That means fewer of them live on the streets or in other places not fit for human habitation, like an abandoned building or a tent along a bayou. (People are considered sheltered if they sleep in an emergency shelter, domestic violence shelter or transitional housing.)

That's one reason the coalition still touted the more-modest dip as a sign of success.

"I don't think it's anything other than (the fact that) we have been focusing on the chronic population, which is the hardest to serve," Brown said. "I think it shows that we're close to the end, and what we've been doing works."

The chronically homeless are a target population identified by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, which mandates the annual point-in-time counts in cities nationwide. Research showed that this relatively small group of people takes up a disproportionate share of public resources like police and hospital staff.

Homelessness has been in the news recently after Houston passed ordinances limiting camping in public and panhandling. One in five un-sheltered homeless people surveyed during the count got at least some of their income from panhandling.

READ MORE: ACLU sues city over panhandling, camping ordinances

The count paints a portrait of the Houston area's overall homeless population:

Eight in 10 of the area's unsheltered homeless first became homeless in Houston

24 percent of sheltered homeless people were younger than 18; only one person under 18 was found sleeping on the streets

405 military veterans were homeless, down from 537 last year

The homeless population was about 35 percent white, 55 percent black and 10 percent Hispanic

2,046 inmates at the Harris County Jail reported they were homeless before entering jail, which means the jail effectively serves as the area's largest homeless shelter (though those inmates are not included in the overall count)

Among the unsheltered homeless:

About one-third percent said they did not have a high school diploma or GED

Nearly all were between 25 and 64 years old

A third slept downtown, 16 percent in the Near Northside and 14 percent in Midtown

The main sources of income were panhandling (20 percent) and Social Security/disability (about 10 percent)

More than 40 percent reported substance abuse

About one-third reported experiencing mental illness

Catherine Troisi, the UTHealth epidemiologist who assisted with the survey methodology, emphasized that the numbers are not meant to be perfect counts of the homeless, but rather a near approximation that is helpful for comparisons over time.

"We can't say there were 3,412. There might have been 3,450 total," Troisi said. "Because we've been doing this for a number of years (using the same methods), the trends are really what's important."

See the top of the page for a slideshow of people homeless in Houston.
With Houston weather being so sporadic recently, this video of a news station meteorologist saving the day has resurfaced.

Matt Laubhan, chief meteorologist at WTVA Tupelo, became viral web sensation in 2014.

What makes the video so shareable is the young meteorologist doesn't crumble under pressure and orders his co-workers (around the 50:00 mark) to evacuate while the cameras roll yelling, "Basement, now! Basement, now!"

"I was less worried about the tornado hitting the station than I was about the 100 mph inflow winds bringing down one of the guy wires on the tower which sits right above it," Laubhan told Chron.com.

Laubhan told us that the station sent all 'non-essential' employees to the basement 30 minutes prior to the basement.

"The funny thing about the newsroom is that EVERYBODY thinks that they are an essential employee," Laubhan said. "So many people hadn't evacuated. I knew I had to do something substantial to get them to pay attention."

WEATHER MEMES: Memes capture the craziness that is Texas weather

Since the storm, people said Laubhan saved lives and still are grateful for his bravery.

"People were and are very grateful," Laubhan said. "To this day, at least four to five times a week someone will come up to me and tell me 'You saved my life that day.' Typically, they say, 'In all my years I have NEVER gone to the shelter but that day I knew something was different, and when I saw you take off, we did as well!"
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An analytical technology company in Delaware now has a giant hole in their building as a truck crashed into the wall of their company.

A two-vehicle crash involving two pickup trucks sent one truck plowing through the wall of AnalTech which quickly led to a hazardous materials situation, WDEL reported.

Officials detected an odor coming from the lab where the truck damaged the wall.

Hazmat teams were called in and clearance was given hours later. The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) is still investigating what materials may have been damaged.

Two people were injured in the crash with non-life threatening injuries.

WHAT'S IN A NAME: Houston's quirkiest street names

If this company sounds familiar it's because the Houston Chronicle asked in 2009, 'Should Analtech change its name?'

This was after an email was sent to us asking the Chronicle to help this company with its dilemma.

AnalTech is a manufacturer chromatography plates. A spokesperson revealed, "In 1964, the company paid a marketing firm to come up with a different name. They said, 'Well, you guys do Analytical Technology  why don't you put the two words together and call it 'AnalTech!'"

Either way, AnalTech has a huge hole to deal with, but at least no one was seriously injured.
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If ongoing buzz in media and film industry is to be believed, the director Puri Jagannadhs loving daughter Pavithra Puri, is all set to make her debut in Telugu Film Industry. Pavithra is assisting her fathers upcoming untitled action drama #NBK101 starring Nandamuri Balakrishna and Shriya Saran. Pavithra is assisting her father as an assistant director and is said to be learning tips on filmmaking. On the other-side, actress Charmi Kaur is also assisting Puri Jagannadh.

Currently the shoot is going on in Portugal and makers has decided to can the songs on Balayya and Shriya Saran, and few crucial scenes will also be shot in this 40 days schedule. Balayya is playing gangster and will be seen performing high voltage action sequences. Newbie Muskaan is playing crucial role.

It is being bankrolled by Anand Prasad under the banner of Bhavya Creations and the makers are targeting to release the movie on 29th September on the occasion of Dussehra.
The Supreme Court is making it easier for companies to defend themselves against patent infringement lawsuits.

The justices ruled unanimously on Monday that such lawsuits can be filed only in states where defendants are incorporated. The issue is important to many companies that complained about patent owners choosing more favorable courts in other parts of the country to file lawsuits.

The case involved an appeal from TC Heartland, an Indiana-based food sweetener company sued by Kraft Foods in Delaware. Lower courts refused to transfer the case to Indiana.

But the Supreme Courts ruling will have the biggest impact on federal courts in eastern Texas, where more than 40 percent of patent lawsuits are now filed. Local rules there favor quick trials and juries tend to be more sympathetic to plaintiffs.

The ruling will have a major effect on lawsuits from so-called patent trolls  companies that buy up patents and force businesses to pay license fees or face expensive litigation. Many of those cases now may have a tougher time getting to trial or result in jury verdicts that are less generous.

Companies including eBay, Kickstarter and online crafts site Etsy had urged the high court to restrict where such cases can be filed, saying they have been sued repeatedly in courts hundreds or thousands of miles away from corporate headquarters. Even Texas Attorney General Scott Keller led a coalition of 17 states calling for an end to so-called forum shopping in patent cases.

Groups representing inventors and patent owners said new restrictions would place burdens on patent holders and encourage infringing behavior and piracy.

Writing for the court, Justice Clarence Thomas relied on a 1957 Supreme Court case that said patent cases can be brought only where the defendant company is incorporated. He said the federal appeals court in Washington that handles patent appeals was wrong to say that Congress had changed those rules.

The ruling is a seismic decision that will affect patent litigation around the country, said John OQuinn, a Washington, D.C., lawyer specializing in patent law. He said it may lead to a surge in patent cases in Delaware, where many companies are incorporated due to favorable state law.

That shift will mean a dramatic decline in cases at the federal courthouse in Marshall, Texas, where hundreds of patent lawsuits are filed each year.

Justice Neil Gorsuch did not take part in the case, which was argued before his confirmation.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Scientists have issued a warning that Hawaii faces the threat of serious coastal flooding this week and in June because a rare convergence of rising sea levels and some of the highest tides of this year.

The Honolulu Star-Advertiser reported Monday that the next so-called king tides are expected Wednesday and Thursday. They are expected again June 23-24 and July 21-23.

The impact of the high tides could be particularly severe on the southern side of the island of Oahu, but the tides could affect all of Hawaiis Islands.

Coastal property owners should prepare for high tides similar to those in April that swamped beaches, boat ramps and roads, said Mark Merrifield, director of the University of Hawaii Sea Level Center.

The ocean around the islands has been experiencing higher sea levels over the last several years as cyclical global influences have pushed a vast stretch of higher seas across the Pacific Ocean, Merrifield said.

Were in the middle of something that is going to take a while to resolve, Merrifield said. The sea level will go down eventually, but right now were in this high period.

Merrifields Sea Level Center is predicting that elevated water levels are likely to linger at least through the summer.

South-facing shores, like Waikiki, are the areas we are worried about, he said. Even without the waves, groundwater flooding will be an issue. With the waves, now were talking about overtopping of berms, coastal flooding and erosion.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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Amazon 's first New York City bookstore, Amazon Books, will open on Thursday morning, marking Amazon's highest-profile move into bricks-and-mortar retail to date. With over 3,000 titles on sale, the Columbus Circle store is one of two stores planned for the Big Apple, and six that are already open around the U.S. By displaying ratings and reviews, the store leverages Amazon's 20 years of book-selling data, in many ways mimicking the experience of Amazon.com.

Amazon's first New York City bookstore, Amazon Books, before its May 25, 2017 opening near Columbus Circle in Manhattan. TJ Fabian | CNBC

Amazon Books divides books into sections by what is popular nearby and what is read fastest on Kindle. In the most popular area of the store, books are displayed on shelves in groupings that often recommended together online. A customer review, the number of total Amazon.com reviews and a star rating are displayed under each book on the shelf. All the books in the store either received four-star ratings and above on Amazon.com, or come from lists of best sellers or a hand-curated selection of new, yet-to-be reviewed titles.

Amazon's first New York City bookstore, Amazon Books, before its May 25, 2017 opening near Columbus Circle in Manhattan. Children's books that get the highest reviews on Amazon.com are organized and displayed by age group. CNBC | TJ Fabian

Amazon even selected the Columbus Circle neighborhood on Manhattan's west side based on data about nearby book purchases, Kindle ownership and Prime membership, in addition to factors like foot traffic and tourism, according to Jennifer Cast, vice president of Amazon Books. Online shopping tends to be driven by searches for products that users already know about, Cast said. But the brick-and-mortar locations aim to provide a "mecca of discovery" for book lovers, Cast said. The books all have the covers, not the spines, facing out, to encourage browsing even though the store could have fit as many as 5,000 more titles if books were displayed the conventional way, Cast said.

Amazon's first New York City bookstore, Amazon Books, before its May 25, 2017 opening near Columbus Circle in Manhattan. There are over 3,000 titles for sale there. CNBC | TJ Fabian

The store also provides a strong incentive for customers to join Amazon's online loyalty program, Prime  a program that analysts say prompts more spending on Amazon.com. Though it's possible to check out like a regular bookstore, Amazon Books offers significant discounts to Amazon Prime members who make purchases through the app. It's all part of Amazon's push to give consumers new ways to shop with more information and flexibility, Cast said.

Amazon's new New York City bookstore lets users add items to their cart directly with the scanning technology in the Amazon app. CNBC | Luqman Adeniyi

Using a camera within the app, consumers can scan their purchases, opting to either have them shipped or scanned by the cashier. There's also an electronics section with Amazon's Kindles and Echos, and more technology-inspired products are coming, including more integration with audiobooks on Audible, Cast said. Amazon first made its name selling books, but the bookstores are far from its only brick-and-mortar experiment. The company also has plans for convenience stores and grocery stores that use cutting-edge technologies like computer vision.

Amazon's latest bookstore in New York City uses its app technology to help shoppers check out. CNBC | Luqman Adeniyi

Amazon's new store, which opens at 10 a.m. ET on Thursday, will open as many big retailers are closing their physical locations and moving online. Retailer Bebe decided last month to close all its stores, and JCPenney kicked off liquidation sales this week ahead of the closure of 138 stores. Analysts say that Amazon stands to benefit most from some of the pain in the retail industry. Cantor Fitzgerald Amazon analyst Naved Khan noted that store closures announcements this year are two times higher than a year ago, amid competitive advantages for Amazon.

Amazon's first New York City bookstore, Amazon Books, before its May 25, 2017 opening near Columbus Circle in Manhattan. Customers can check out the traditional way or with the Amazon app. TJ Fabian | CNBC
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Silicon Valley VC funds are realizing they need to hire investors with medical backgrounds to make good bets in the multi-trillion health market.

Much of this hiring is happening quietly, but sources said that Andreessen Horowitz has quietly expanded its bio fund led by Vijay Pande (a rare example of an investor with a background in medicine and tech); Menlo Ventures is looking for investors with a biotech background; and CRV recently made a hire for its bio-engineering fund run by tech investor George Zachary.

Eric Schmidt's fund Innovation Endeavors recently publicly posted a job for "someone who lives in the intersection of life sciences and computer science."

"I've heard of a lot of (Silicon Valley) firms looking for PhDs and MDs; folks with health care backgrounds and computational biologists," said Ambar Bhattacharyya, a health investor with Maverick Ventures.
The world's best intelligence services can't always prevent certain kinds of terror operations, strategists warned in the aftermath of a suicide bombing that has rocked Britain just two weeks before a general election.

Authorities simply cannot pick up all terror activities so society must be resilient in the face of what are inevitable attacks, Thomas Sanderson, senior fellow and director at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, told CNBC.

The inevitable onslaughts Sanderson is referring to are lone wolf incidents  terror plots carried out by individuals who lack official assistance from established organizations. These radicalized individuals are often inspired by large networks, such as the , and conduct violence in support of these groups even without receiving financial assistance or resources.

These culprits tend to have a small public footprint and rarely offer hints of attacks unless they speak about it online, Sanderson noted.

The explosion that killed 22 people in Manchester on Monday night  Britain's deadliest bombing in nearly 12 years  is believed to be the work of 22 year-old Salman Abedi, who was reportedly known to security services, authorities said. ISIS has taken credit but it's not clear whether Abedi received any formal training from the organization.

It's increasingly getting harder to pinpoint lone wolfs from ISIS operatives because the international terror cell regularly claims responsibility for attacks that it hasn't directly facilitated but are linked to its ideology.

"This (the Manchester blast) is an example of the difficulty in tracking persons of interest who don't commit a crime until they go operational," said Jeffrey Ringel, a 21-year veteran of the FBI and director at intelligence firm The Soufan Group.
A Los Angeles-area woman was arrested Tuesday by federal agents in a scheme to illegally export sensitive space communications technology to her native China, the U.S. Justice Department announced.

The equipment, worth more than $100,000, included components the government said are commonly used in military communications jammers.

The 14-count indictment described how Si Chen, also known as Cathy Chen, allegedly received payments for the illegal export of products. Payments were allegedly made through a bank account in China held by a family member.

The 32-year-old Chen was arraigned Tuesday afternoon in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles. If convicted of the charges, the defendant faces a statutory maximum penalty of 150 years in prison.

Chen is charged with conspiracy, money laundering, making false statements on an immigration application and using a forged passport. She also is charged with violating the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, which dates back to the 1970s and restricts and controls the export of certain technology and goods to foreign countries.

"Federal export laws are designed to protect American interests by preventing the proliferation of technology that may fall into the wrong hands, said acting U.S. Attorney Sandra R. Brown in a release.

"We will vigorously pursue those who traffic items that could harm our national security if they land in the wrong hands."

According to the indictment, Chen purchased and smuggled the sensitive items to China without obtaining the required licenses from the U.S. Department of Commerce. The documents allege she tried to avoid detection by removing the export-import warning stickers prior to shipping the components.

The government further alleges Chen rented an office in Pomona, California, under a false name and took delivery of the export-controlled items at this location. After obtaining the goods, the indictment alleges she then shipped the devices to Hong Kong, using a false name and providing false product descriptions and monetary values on the parcels.

The charges were contained in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury on April 27 and unsealed Tuesday after Chen's arrest. The probe began back in 2015 when federal agents intercepted a parcel that contained communications equipment sent by "Chunping Ji," the false name allegedly used by the defendant in the smuggle scheme.
The Trump administration's budget blueprint for fiscal 2018 has the U.S. Department of Agriculture bracing for "significant" cuts to rural development, food stamps and crop insurance programs.

"I don't think there's any reason to try to sugar coat this," said USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue in a conference call with reporters to discuss the administration's fiscal 2018 budget proposal for the agency. "I've communicated with our team at USDA and just said 'look, when times are tough we just dig down and do more'  and that's what we will do here."

The White House also is proposing legislation to tighten eligibility on food assistance programs for the poor. More than 43 million Americans are already getting monthly food stamp benefits and the federal cuts are likely to affect millions nationally.

"It's obvious that USDA as well as many parts of government will face a significant funding reduction. The president campaigned on the fact that we we're going to reduce deficits, and that's what he's doing in this budget."

Approximately three-fourths of the USDA's budget goes to mandatory programs such as food stamps, or the federal government's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), crop insurance and some conservation programs.

Overall, the president's discretionary funding request for USDA in fiscal 2018 is about $18 billion, a decline of about 21 percent from the 2017 annualized continuing resolution level.

At the same time, the department plans to slash about 5.5 percent of its total workforce.

"Obviously, some may see this as a glass half full," said Perdue. "I see this as an opportunity to demonstrate to the American people that we can do more with less  and we will do more with less."

Perdue, a former governor of Georgia, has only been on the job as secretary for five weeks and agency officials conceded he had no input on the White House's proposed fiscal 2018 budget for the USDA.

The administration is sending proposed legislation to Congress to make changes to some of the mandatory USDA programs, which include outlays for food stamps or SNAP benefits as well as crop insurance and some conservation programs.

Michael Young, USDA's acting deputy secretary, told reporters Tuesday those legislative proposals would save $240 billion over a 10-year period. He said about $194 billion of the savings would come from cuts to the SNAP program and another $46 billion from other USDA programs.

Yet Perdue last week testified before the House Agriculture Committee and called SNAP "a very important, effective program. As far as I'm concerned we have no proposed changes. You don't try to fix things that aren't broken."

Given the SNAP program changes now sought by the White House, however, last week's remarks by Perdue seem odd. Perdue didn't address the contradiction directly during the call.

Instead, Young sought to defend the secretary, suggesting that the administration's proposed fiscal 2018 budget still was following the law by funding SNAP and that any changes would be made legislatively.

"We include the full amount needed to finance the estimated SNAP participation level," said Young. "The budget also does include some proposed legislative changes. That would need to be enacted in order for them to make any kind of reductions or changes to the mandatory programs.

In the crop insurance area, there's a proposal to limit crop insurance premium subsidies. There's also plan that still needs congressional approval that would limit crop subsidies to producers making adjusted gross incomes of $500,000 or less.

As for SNAP, one proposal would require states to begin matching the federal benefits up to 25 percent. Young said the estimated 10-year savings from that matching plan would save the U.S. government about $116 billion.

The Trump administration also wants to tighten some of the eligibility requirements of the federal nutrition program benefits. There's also a plan to cap the large household amounts to the benefit for just six members.

The government also wants to tack on additional fees to retailers participating in redeeming SNAP benefits.

"A budget proposal is about priorities for our county  and the budget the president released [Tuesday] is filled with misplaced priorities that would be terrible for America's food system, our people and our nation," said Willy Ritch, acting executive director of the Food Policy Action, a non-profit advocacy group.

Added Ritch, "Under the president's budget, families, seniors, and farmers who are already struggling would find it harder to put food on the table and make ends meet. This budget is also a bad deal for rural America by eliminating conservation and rural development programs that protect our vast precious lands, waterways and watersheds and promote economic growth in rural America."

In rural development, the program is expected to total nearly $35 billion in loans and grants but that funding is down about $3 billion from the fiscal 2017 level. The water and wastewater loan and grant program would be eliminated in the new budget too, along with the agency's rural business program.

The administration also isn't planning to fund a direct single-family rural housing loan program, which was targeted to assist low-income applicants.

Last year, the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think-tank, wrote a report urging the federal government to shut down its rural housing loan program. Heritage argued that the default rate of the single-family home guarantee program runs "at least double that of a comparable single-family loan guarantee program."

In research, economics and education, meanwhile, the department proposed cutting discretionary funding next year by almost 15 percent below the 2017 level. The agency also plans to shutter 17 research locations out of a total of 90, which includes agriculture laboratories.

The USDA plans to eliminate some international food assistance programs, including the so-called "Food For Peace" and the McGovern-Dole international food assistance program named after former Sens. George McGovern and Bob Dole.

Ironically, Dole was a supporter of Trump during the campaign and the international food program bearing his name has helped an estimated 40 million needy people in impoverished countries since its inception in 2003.

In the White House's "America First" budget blueprint document released Tuesday, it justified the elimination of the McGovern-Dole program by contending it "lacks evidence that it is being effectively implemented to reduce food insecurity."
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It's a dream for nearly any international start-ups: Enter China. The country's massive population of more than 1.3 billion, of which 730 million are currently connected online, is attractive to almost any enterprise looking to expand and scale. But, China is a big enough market for any local player to redesign a solution that's localized for its own demographic, making it hard for foreign start-ups to access. "Ninety-nine percent of companies who want to access China as a foreign company, shouldn't," said Oscar Ramos, Program Director at Chinacelerator, an accelerator that helps connect startups across China's borders. The 1 percent that Ramos said might have a chance, need to ask themselves what makes them better than any existing company in China. "Start-ups that do good are very well funded and run and operate extremely fast," Ramos said of China's ecosystem. "For a long time Chinese companies have been copying things, they're very good at doing that."

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The Chinese user is very different "We've seen companies coming to China and adapting to the value proposition to a different type of demographic," said Ramos. "But afterwards they realized they were more successful in Southeast Asia where they can leverage their acquisition channels that they're more familiar with." Platforms like Google and Facebook are common forms of getting new users for many start-ups, both of which are blocked in China. In fact, an estimated 96% of online traffic in China goes to Chinese servers, according to China Internet Network Information Center. "Challenge all your assumptions," Ramos said. "Everything that works in other markets, you need to be open to changing." There are opportunities, after all When it comes to a competitive advantage, there's several industries growing fast, in which there's a lack of expertise in China, according to Ramos. This includes health care, education, fashion and food. Not only are they opportunities to enter and scale in China, but Ramos said, being a foreign brand is actually an asset in such industries. He also adds both augmented and virtual reality are also in demand right now.

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Teen clothing retailer American Eagle Outfitters is working with private equity firm Cerberus Capital Management on a bid for Abercrombie & Fitch , sources familiar with the matter have told the Wall Street Journal.

This news comes after Abercrombie confirmed to CNBC earlier this month that it was in preliminary discussions with several interested buyers. At the time, clothing retailer Express was believed to be interested in making an offer for the company, in addition to American Eagle.

A number of parties, including other buyout firms and Express, are still involved in the bidding process, the Journal reported.

Shares of Abercrombie traded 9 percent higher on this news Wednesday afternoon, after briefly being halted. Meanwhile, shares of rival American Eagle also rose, trading up about 3 percent.

American Eagle, Abercrombie and Cerberus all declined to comment. Representatives from Express were not immediately available for comment.

"There can be no assurance these discussions will lead to a definitive agreement or that a transaction will be consummated," Abercrombie had written in a statement in early May, responding to speculation about potential bidders.

Now, sources tell the Journal that a deal for Abercrombie could be struck within about a month.

Abercrombie is set to report first-quarter earnings before the bell on Thursday.

The teen clothing retailer was reportedly evaluating its latest takeover interest with the help of investment bank Perella Weinberg Partners, sources had told Reuters.

As the Abercrombie brand has fought to stay on top of ever-changing fashion trends, the company's shares sat at a 17-year low before takeover reports began surfacing in early May.

Cerberus, which has more than $30 billion under management, is known for investing in well-known brands that have started to struggle. It recently took a stake in Avon Products , for example, buying up most of the embattled makeup seller's North American business.

American Eagle's sales have been climbing ahead of Abercrombie's lately. Its market capitalization of roughly $2 billion is more than twice that of Abercrombie's.

Shares of Abercrombie's stock have tumbled more than 40 percent over the past 12 months, but the stock is up nearly 10 percent for the year-to-date period, including Wednesday's gains.
As the narrowly closed at a record high, here are the three market themes that macro strategist Boris Schlossberg of BK Asset Management will be watching.

1. Bitcoin bonanza

surged to yet another all-time high in late Wednesday trading, crossing the $2,500 mark for the first time, according to CoinDesk data. The volatile digital currency has now roughly doubled in the past month, and Schlossberg sees further upside for the currency that's enjoyed a "parabolic" rise.

Now that bitcoin has broken through $2,500, "there's a very strong chance that it's going to zero in on the $3,000 level, which is going to create a massive amount of retail awareness in Bitcoin," Schlossberg said Wednesday on CNBC's "Trading Nation."

"I'm going to be watching that very carefully to see how it trades over the next day or two," he added.

Schlossberg said in an interview with CNBC earlier this month that he considers bitcoin a wise hedging play for equity investors.

2. Dollar Tree earnings

Dollar Tree is set to report earnings before Thursday's opening bell, and Schlossberg will be closely watching the quarterly results, as "it's one of those retailers that seems to be immune to the Amazon effect."

"As a matter of fact, it's one of those retailers that is actually expanding its store base, and I'm going to be watching not only their earnings to see how well they've done this quarter, but to see if they're really going to increase their store base over the next coming quarters," he added.

Such a forecast, Schlossberg said, would indicate the chain has "strong faith in the comeback of the U.S. consumer."

Analysts are forecasting earnings of 98 cents per share, per FactSet data; the median price target on the now-$78 stock is $90. The stock has advanced just more than 1 percent year to date.

3. $50 oil

OPEC and nonmember oil producers are set to meet Thursday in Vienna to discuss crude supply. Schlossberg will be watching oil prices, as they may be impacted by decisions made at the meeting. Crude recently resumed trading above the technically significant $50 per barrel level.

"It's going to be very interesting to see if they're going to be able to issue a statement that will curtail production and make sure that oil remains above that $50 a barrel level as we go forward," he said.

Oil settled slightly lower on Wednesday ahead of the meeting.



Todd Gordon, founder of TradingAnalysis.com, is betting on further downside for the commodity that's slid more than 4 percent year to date.

Specifically, he noted that the oil-tracking USO exchange-traded fund has moved into "technical resistance," and planned to use options to bet on a short-term drop for the fund.
U.S. government debt prices rose on Wednesday after the release of the minutes from the Federal Open Market Committee's (FOMC) meeting in May.

The benchmark 10-year note yield slipped to trade at 2.255 percent, while the short-term two-year yield dipped to 1.273 percent. Both yields traded higher heading into the release.

The minutes showed Fed officials were in sync on how to unwind its massive $4.5 trillion balance sheet. The central bank sees a system where it will announce cap limits on how much it will allow to roll off each month without reinvesting, the minutes showed. Any amount it receives in repayments that exceeds the cap limit will be reinvested.

"There was a bit for bulls and bears here," said Ninh Chung, head of investment strategy and portfolio management at Silicon Valley Bank. "The announcement of the balance-sheet plan gives the Fed options without scaring the market too much."

In other economic news, total mortgage application volume increased 4.4 percent last week on a seasonally adjusted basis from the previous week thanks largely to refinancings. Existing home sales slipped 2.3 percent in April, more than expected.
JAKARTA, Indonesia  China Great Wall Industry Corp. has clinched a contract with an Indonesian joint venture to build a replacement for a satellite that is running out of fuel early due to an underperformed Long March launch.

Palapa Satelit Nusantara Sejahtera, a joint venture of Indosat Ooredoo and Pasifik Satelit Nusantara (PSN), signed the contract for Palapa-N1, a high-throughput Ku-band satellite with 10 Gbps of capacity here May 17 with Beijing-based CGWIC, a subsidiary of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation.

CGWIC also received a non-binding agreement for a second satellite with PSN  a Ka-band high-throughput satellite called PSN-7 that would deliver 100 Gbps of capacity through 104 spot beams covering Indonesia, the Philippines and other Southeast Asian countries.

Palapa-N1 is the second commercial satellite that CGWIC has won with an established satellite operator in less than a years time. In October 2016, Thaicom purchased a Ka-band high-throughput satellite from CGWIC, proving the companys intention and ability to compete more aggressively on the commercial market. Both are based on the DFH-4 platform.

CGWIC, the only company with the Chinese governments approval to do commercial satellite manufacturing and launch, has primarily done business with entirely new satellite operators. The United States International Traffic in and Arms Regulations, known as ITAR, restrict American satellites, and satellites with certain American components, from launching on Chinese rockets  a rule that has largely isolated China on the international market, often prompting CGWIC to bundle satellite orders with launches to avoid this problem altogether.

According to Sun Weide, charge daffaires of the Chinese Embassy in Indonesia, China and Indonesia have strengthened space ties through cooperation agreements signed in 2013 and 2015.

I believe the signing of this very important agreement today between CGWIC and PSNS will create new opportunities and make a good example for our mutually beneficial cooperation, Sun Weide, charge daffaires of the Chinese Embassy in Indonesia, said May 17 here immediately preceding the contract signing.

Additionally, Surya University in Banten, Indonesia, is building a telecommunications cubesat with assistance from PSN and CGWIC.

Palapa-N1 is a replacement for Palapa-D, an Indosat satellite that initially failed to reach geostationary transfer orbit because of a subpar Long March 3B launch in 2009. Thales Alenia Space, manufacturer of the Palapa-D satellite, used some of the fuel initially meant for station-keeping to instead raise the satellite to its proper orbit. The orbit-raising maneuver shortened the satellites expected lifespan to 11 years instead of the typical 15.

In a more expansive agreement than other deals, CGWIC is providing not only the satellite and a Long March 3B launch, but also the ground control system, insurance and financing support for Palapa-N1.

PSNs constellation plans

With Palapa-N1 and PSN-7, PSN CEO Adi Rahman Adiwoso said the operator is planning to have a fleet of four satellites in orbit by 2021.

We will invest close to $900 million within the next four years, he said. Today three satellites are fully funded, and we are working to fund the fourth one.

The funded satellites are PSN-6, a C- and Ku-band satellite ordered from Space Systems Loral in 2014 that is scheduled to launch next year on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, the Palapa-N1 joint venture satellite, and the ageing Palapa-D. Adiwoso said PSN will seek to prolong the life of Palapa-D by moving it from 113 degrees east into a different orbit at 144 degrees east. Adiwoso said 70 percent of the capacity on PSN-6 is already sold.

These satellites, combined with the capacity of Indonesias other domestic operators, PT Telkom and Bank Rakyat Indonesia, will bring 150 Gbps of satellite capacity to the country, by Adiwosos estimate.

I think 150 Gbps will bring the capabilities in Indonesia to reply to the demand growth, he said. There is still room for others to play in Indonesia, but I think we will start taking control like this.
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The current Republican bill to repeal and replace major parts of Obamacare will lead to 23 million fewer Americans with health insurance coverage by 2026 if it becomes law, the Congressional Budget Office projected Wednesday. That is only 1 million fewer uninsured people than had been projected for an earlier version of the GOP bill. Most of the coverage losses still would occur next year, when 14 million more people would become uninsured than would otherwise be the case if Obamacare remained in place, CBO said in its new report. By 2026, there would be 51 million uninsured Americans under the GOP bill, known as the American Health Care Act, compared to the 28 million people projected to be uninsured if Obamacare stays the law of the land. Most of the reductions in coverage would come from people on Medicaid, the joint federal-state program that covers primarily the poor, as well as from people enrolled in non-job-based private individual health plans. The controversial bill also would "tend to increase" average premium prices of individual health plans by about 20 percent relative to the current law in 2018, according to the analysis, but just 5 percent higher than Obamacare prices would be expected to be in 2019. However, starting in 2020, premiums in different states would be affected in different ways by the bill because of an amendment that would allow states to obtain waivers from current Obamacare rules mandating the design of health plans, and barring insurers from charging less-healthy people higher prices, CBO said.

Waivers sway premium forecasts

Average premiums in states that did not request those waivers would be about 4 percent lower than under the current law by 2026, and about 20 percent lower in areas containing one-third of the U.S. population. Older people would still pay much more for their insurance under the GOP bill, up to 10 times as much as the premiums that would be paid by young adults, and more than nine times what they would pay if Obamacare staying in place, CBO said. The agency also said that starting in 2020, the individual insurance markets in areas in the United States containing one-sixth of the nation's population would "start to become unstable" because of the bill. "In addition, premiums would vary significantly according to health status and the types of benefits provided, and less healthy people would face extremely high premiums, despite the additional funding that would be available under H.R. 1628 to help reduce premiums," CBO said. "Over time, it would become more difficult for less healthy people (including people with preexisting medical conditions) in those states to purchase insurance because their premiums would continue to increase rapidly," the report said. And the non-partisan CBO said that the federal budget deficit would decrease by $119 billion over the next decade if the AHCA is signed into law. That is $32 billion less in net savings projected to be achieved under an earlier version of the bill. But the latest version still achieves enough deficit savings to avoid the House of Representatives having to recast the legislation, and to vote on it a second time to ensure that it qualifies for Senate consideration.

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The CBO's report comes three weeks after the House, by a margin of just a single vote, passed the AHCA with strong encouragement from President Donald Trump and his administration. The House conducted that vote May 4 without first having the CBO analyze the revised bill, as is the norm, and as CBO had done for prior versions of the legislation in the weeks leading up to the vote. The new report reflects the projected effects of several amendments that were made to the bill before that vote, including the so-called MacArthur Amendment that opens the door to "skimpier" health plans and higher charges for people with pre-existing health conditions in some states. Before Wednesday's analysis, the most-recent CBO report on the AHCA said that an earlier version of the bill would lead to 24 million more people being uninsured by 2026 than would be the case if Obamacare stayed the law in current form. The coverage losses result from the proposed elimination of the Obamacare rule that currently requires most Americans to have some form of health coverage or pay a fine, as well as changes to the nation's Medicaid program. The CBO in that same report issued March 23 also had projected that average premiums for individual health plans would be 15 to 20 percent higher by next year and in 2019 than they would be if Obamacare remained in place. However, CBO also estimated that by 2026, individual premiums under AHCA would be 10 percent lower than Obamacare premiums are expected to be by that year.

Price disputes CBO findings

The prior CBO report projected that the Republican bill would reduce federal budget deficits by $150 billion over the period of 2017 through 2026. Tom Price, the secretary for Health and Human Services Department, disputed the latest CBO report's findings. "The CBO was wrong when they analyzed Obamacare's effect on cost and coverage, and they are wrong again," Price said. "In reality, Americans are paying more for fewer health-care choices because of Obamacare, and that's why the Trump Administration is committed to reforming healthcare. In a new analysis released just last night, HHS reported that premiums in the individual market have more than doubled since many of Obamacare's regulations and mandates were implemented," he said. Dr. Andrew Gurman, president of the American Medical Association, the nation's largest group of physicians, said, "Today's estimates from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office show that last-minute changes to the AHCA made by the House offered no real improvements." "Millions of Americans will become uninsured  with low-income families on Medicaid being hit the hardest," Gurman said. "We urge the Senate to ensure that any changes made to current law do not cause Americans to lose access to affordable, meaningful health insurance coverage." Despite the fact that the report was eagerly awaited Wednesday, the bill it analyzes is considered unlikely to survive in its current form after the Senate formally receives it. Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, a member of a group of Republican senators that has been regularly meeting to craft health-care legislation, told Fox News on Wednesday, "We all understand that the House bill has to be essentially rewritten." "There is not going to be a whole lot about the Senate bill that looks identical to the House bill," Lee told Fox. But even as Lee and his GOP colleagues continue their meetings, there is skepticism that Republicans will be able to pass a major bill that repeals and replaces much of Obamacare, despite holding control of both the House and the Senate.

Within their own caucuses, GOP leaders in both chambers of Congress face members who are worried about political fallout from a bill that could lead both to very large increases in the numbers of uninsured Americans, as well as to even higher price hikes for health plans that would be seen under Obamacare. Senator Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, the Republican from Kentucky, told Reuters in an interview published Wednesday that "I don't know how we get to 50 [votes] at the moment. But that's the goal." Republicans, who hold 52 seats in the Senate, would need 50 of their members to pass any health-care reform bill, assuming that no Democrats vote for it, and that Vice President Mike Pence would break any tie. Leslie Dach, director of the Obamacare-defense group Protect Our Care Campaign, after release of the new analysis said, "The Congressional Budget Office confirmed yet again any health care repeal cuts coverage for millions, increases health costs for everyday people, and eliminates protections millions rely on  all to give massive tax breaks to the wealthiest Americans and insurance and drug companies." "People across the country have rejected Republican repeal and pleaded with the Republican party to stop their partisan rush. Yet, the Senate is heading down the same repeal path the House did, working secretly behind closed doors, refusing to hold hearings and using the House repeal as a starting point," Dach said. He called on the Senate to "abandon partisan repeal of the ACA and instead work across the aisle to keep what works and fix what doesn't  not tear our health care apart." The AHCA has been broadly unpopular among the general public. But it has been pushed by leading Republicans, including Trump, who have noted that many of their supporters have demanded that Obamacare be repealed. Those Republicans also argue that Obamacare is failing because premiums have risen sharply, and because of the lack of competition among insurers in large parts of the United States. Defenders of Obamacare say the law could be improved, but is not failing, and argue that it has led to historic reductions in the number of uninsured Americans, as well as to protections for people with health conditions. The bill would make multiple, major changes to Obamacare, particularly in the way the federal government subsidizes insurance coverage for millions of Americans. The AHCA would increase the amount of federal subsidies to young people to help them pay for their individual plan health insurance premiums, but it would reduce the amount for older adults. It also would allow those subsidies to buy health plans outside of government-run Obamacare marketplaces. The bill also would allow insurers to charge older adults premiums that are up to five times higher than what they charge younger adults. Obamacare, in contrast, imposes a 3:1 ratio for premiums. The AHCA would impose a premium penalty on people who do not maintain continuous health coverage. And the bill would establish funding for states that can be used for "high-risk" individuals, or other purposes. Read the entire CBO report on the Republican health-care law below.

Watch: McConnell says new CBO score will let Senate proceed
Proton Holdings Saga vehicles move along the assembly line at the company's factory in Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia.

Chinese automaker Geely will be taking a 49.9 percent stake in Malaysia's iconic, home-grown, but long-struggling carmaker Proton.

Malaysia's DRB-Hicom , Proton's parent, and Zhejiang Geely Holding expect to sign the deal by the end of July, a statement from Geely said.

"Geely Holding is full of confidence for the future of Proton, we will fully respect the brands history and culture to restore Proton to its former glory," Daniel Donghui Li, Geely Holding's chief financial officer, said in the statement.

Neither Geely nor DRB-Hicom provided the value of the deal.

The deal will mark the culmination of at least a decade of attempts to marry the politically sensitive Proton with a foreign carmaker, with GM and Volkswagen both walking away at different times.

Janet Lewis, head of Asia industrials research at Macquarie, said the reported deal was a "lifeline" for Proton.

"Its recent sales were reportedly just 150,000 units and there's no way any automaker can expect to survive in the mass market with that low a volume," she told CNBC Wednesday.

Geely, including its Volvo brand, ranked just 16th globally on World Car Group's ranking by sales.

"It really doesn't have the scale that it needs to be continuing to invest in the technologies that they need," such as driver-assistance and electric systems, she said.

"To the extent that Proton adds another leg to them in offering opportunity in the Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) market as well, it would be good for the Geely Group."

Proton, founded in 1983, sold 25,000 units in the January-to-April period, up 5.5 percent on year, according to a report from Malaysian brokerage Affin Hwang.

The deal will include Zhejiang Geely Holding, parent of Geely Automobile and Volvo, acquiring a 51 percent stake in British sports-car brand Lotus from Proton, the Geely statement said.

For Geely, the deal likely isn't just about a brand or factories.

Geely will be buying into a potential advantage in the region. Malaysia, one of Southeast Asia's largest carmakers, is part of the Asean Free Trade Area (AFTA), which has reduced or eliminated tariffs on autos in the region, with a complete phase-out expected.

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Air Force Once touched down in Jerusalem, expectations could not have been higher. On Monday, Donald Trump became the first sitting U.S. president to visit Israel on a maiden international tour; the first to fly to Israel direct from Saudi Arabia; and surely the first to boast, without any foreign policy experience whatsoever, that "as a deal maker, I'd like to do . . . the deal that can't be made."

Trump's trip to Israel also could not be more fraught. Unlike on the first leg of his international tour, in Saudi Arabia, where King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud's lavish embrace of the president and his coterie was almost obscene in its over-the-top opulence, in Israel Trump faces a minefield of his own making. Israeli officials were reportedly enraged when it was revealed that Trump had shared their intelligence on ISIS with Russian officials in the West Wing, endangering one of their key sources embedded in the terrorist group.

While Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu went out of his way not to mention the snafu, telling reporters that intelligence sharing between the two countries "has never been better," the incident may have put a strain on the relationship. Trump's trip to the Western Wall also ran into problems, when an unnamed Trump advisor reportedly told his Israeli counterparts that Netanyahu could not accompany Trump to the sacred site, because it was not in Israelmirroring an earlier gaffe wherein Secretary of State Rex Tillerson called Tel Aviv the "home of Judaism" (it is not).

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A reported $110 billion arms deal with Saudi Arabia, brokered by the president's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, was also said to have left a bitter taste in some Israelis mouths. Netanyahu's cabinet ministers reportedly only turned up to greet Trump at Ben-Gurion International Airport after the prime minister ordered them to turn up.

In his brief remarks from the tarmac, Trump got quickly down to the business of laying the groundwork for a peace planor at least a statement of his commitment to a deal, in principle. "We have before us a rare opportunity to bring security and stability and peace to this region, and its people, defeating terrorism and creating a future of harmony, prosperity, and peace," the president said after greeting his Israeli counterpart. "But we can only get there working together. There is no other way."
Check out which companies are making headlines before the bell:

Tiffany  The luxury goods retailer beat estimates by 4 cents with quarterly profit of 74 cents per share, but revenue missed forecasts and same-store sales posted an unexpected decline. Tiffany's results were impacted by a drop in spending by both tourists and domestic customers.

Lowe's  The home improvement retailer reported adjusted quarterly profit of $1.03 per share, 3 cents below estimates, with revenue also missing forecasts. Same-store sales rose 1.9 percent, below the consensus Thomson Reuters estimate for a 2.9 percent gain. The miss came despite what Lowe's calls a solid macroeconomic backdrop.

Advance Auto Parts  The auto parts retailer earned an adjusted $1.60 per share for the first quarter, well short of the $2.17 consensus estimate. Revenue missed Street forecasts, and same-store sales were down 2.7 percent. Advance Auto Parts said its results were affected by calendar timing issues, among other factors.

Fidelity & Guaranty  The life insurance and annuity provider agreed to be bought by "blank check" company CF Corp for about $1.84 billion in cash or $31.10 per share. That represents an 8.4 percent premium over Tuesday's close for Fidelity & Guaranty.

Intuit - The financial software company beat estimates by three cents with adjusted quarterly profit of $3.90 per share. The maker of TurboTax and other software also saw revenue beat estimates, and it also gave upbeat guidance for the current quarter, in part due to an increase in subscribers for its QuickBooks online service.

Bunge  Bunge said it was not in talks with Swiss mining company Glencore, following that company's statement yesterday that it had made an informal approach to the U.S. grain trader about a possible business combination.

Shake Shack  Piper Jaffray began coverage of the restaurant chain with an "overweight" rating, with a favorable view of both the company's culture and what it calls a "prudent" pace of development.

Royal Bank of Scotland  RBS is struggling to reach a deal to settle an investor lawsuit centered around a capital raise in 2008, according to a Reuters report. A trial has been put on hold on prospects for a settlement.

Apollo Global  The private equity firm is advanced talks to buy jobs website CareerBuilder, according to a Reuters report. CareerBuilder is currently owned by Tegna , Tribune , and McClatchy , but those companies want to shed what they consider a non-core asset.

Brown-Forman  The spirits producer remains on our watch list this morning following yesterday's CNBC report that Corona beer maker Constellation Brands had made an approach to buy the Jack Daniels producer. Brown-Forman indicated it was not interested in selling.

General Electric - Chief executive officer Jeff Immelt is the keynote speaker at the company's GE Electrical Products Group Conference in Florida today, amid a recent slump in the stock price and criticism by Wall Street analysts over the quality of its earnings.

The Container Store  The company reported quarterly profit of 17 cents per share, nearly twice the 9 cents analysts had been expecting. The retailer of storage products also unveiled an "optimization" plan that will include an unspecified number of layoffs.

Heico  Heico came in 3 cents above estimates with quarterly profit of 53 cents per share, while revenue at the aviation products and services company was slightly short of forecasts.



Rowe Price  T. Rowe Price was downgraded to "sell" from "buy" at UBS, saying the soon-to-be-implemented "fiduciary rule" could put pressure on the investment firm's 401(K) business as well as increase its distribution costs.
An executive at Soupman Inc. , the company that licensed the recipes of the "Soup Nazi" made famous by the television show "Seinfeld," has landed in hot water.

Federal prosecutors have accused Robert Bertrand, Soupman's chief financial officer, of avoiding hundreds of thousands of dollars in tax payments  including Social Security, Medicare and federal income  by paying employees off the books.

At an arraignment on Tuesday, Mr. Bertrand pleaded not guilty and was released on $50,000 bail, according to the United States attorney's office for the Eastern District of New York.

More from New York Times:

Uber to repay millions to drivers, who could be owed far more

Economists see little magic in tax cuts to promote growth

Pope Francis and Donald Trump meet at the Vatican

Soupman sells soup and licenses franchises inspired by the famous Manhattan shop that Al Yeganeh opened in 1984.

Mr. Yeganeh became known as the "Soup Nazi," a name he has reportedly never liked, after "Seinfeld" memorialized him in a 1995 episode.

The real Mr. Yeganeh set three rules for customers at his original shop, Soup Kitchen International, near the corner of 55th Street and Eighth Avenue: "Pick the soup you want! Have your money ready! Move to the extreme left after ordering!"

On "Seinfeld," the actor Larry Thomas played a character named Yev Kassem, an angry chef who yelled "No soup for you!" at any customer who did not follow the rules.
Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) before the U.S. Federal Reserve interest rate announcement in New York, U.S., on Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2016.

U.S. stock index futures pointed to a relatively flat open on Wednesday, as investors geared up for the release of minutes from the Federal Reserve's last meeting.

Dow futures gained just 11 points, while S&P and Nasdaq futures traded 0.50 points higher and 9.50 points higher, respectively.

At the meeting in May, the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) decided to hold fire on raising interest rates.

Investors will be combing through the documents to see if there are any indications as to when the Fed could raise rates over the course of 2017. Many analysts are currently pricing in a rate hike at its next meeting in June.

Dallas Fed President Robert Kaplan and Minneapolis Fed President Neel Kashkari are speaking at separate engagements later Wednesday.

Meanwhile, investors will remain on alert for any news out of the U.S. president's first foreign trip. On Wednesday, President Donald Trump met with Pope Francis at the Vatican.

Aside from the FOMC minutes  which are due at 2 p.m. ET  investors digested a jump in total mortgage application volume. Other data set for release Wednesday include FHFA home prices at 9 a.m. ET and existing home sales data at 10 a.m. ET.

In earnings news, Lowe's reported weaker-than-expected quarterly results, sending the firm's shares down 3.3 percent.
Enterprise software company Pivotal Software, which was spun out of EMC and its subsidiary, VMware, a few years ago, is looking at an initial public offering by the middle of next year, according to sources familiar with the matter. They did not give details on the size of the estimated float.

The San Francisco-based company is an offshoot of software development consulting firm Pivotal Labs, which was previously acquired by EMC. Pivotal Software started with cloud technology from VMware, big data capabilities provided by EMC and a $105 million investment from General Electric.

It is also backed by major names like Ford , which led a funding round along with Microsoft and others that valued Pivotal at $2.8 billion.

When asked about the IPO, Pivotal CEO, Rob Mee, told CNBC, "We'll definitely do it when the market conditions and the business conditions are just right."

Last year, VMware , EMC and Pivotal became subsidiaries of Dell Technologies .

Pivotal helps companies build, test, deploy and update software applications that can run either on public cloud such as Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure or on private cloud.

Mee said there is an emphasis on doing knowledge transfer at the firm that allows developers to continuously learn and that Pivotal does not hold anything back as competitive advantage.

"Everything that we do is open-source ... in that mode of openness, now that we provide cloud technology as well, which we have built over the last four years, (the cloud business) has become a big growth engine for us," said Mee.

Last year, the cloud business saw a 130 percent on-year increase, with its flagship software  Pivotal Cloud Foundry  selling over $270 million in annual bookings.

Mee said he expects the business to grow again in 2017 because there is a realization among well-heeled legacy companies that they need to develop agile, cloud-based software to remain on par with their industry disruptors.

For years, established companies have been on the defensive as they tackled threats from venture-backed start-ups, many of which created new markets for e-commerce, ride sharing, social networks and others, and reaped the commercial benefits.

Industry experts say that cloud computing has become a crucial part of the business for most companies. Earlier this year, Gartner said the global public cloud services market is expected to grow 18 percent in 2017 to $246.8 billion, up from $209.2 billion in 2016, but may taper off over the next few years. Cloud application services are predicted to grow 20.1 percent to $46.3 billion this year.

"The future for cloud is bright ... adoption will increase within the majority of organizations," Michael Warrilow, research vice president at Gartner, told CNBC. "There is definitely a place for smaller companies to use big public cloud providers for their advantage."

Businesses are now thinking in terms of what Mee called a "DevOps" (Development Ops) mindset, where there's greater collaboration between software developers and information technology professionals to create cloud-focused solutions that can be modified quickly to change business needs.

"Companies want a multi-cloud strategy," he said.

Pivotal counts over a third of the Fortune 100 companies as clients, including six of the top automakers, seven of the largest banks and five major insurers in the world.

Indeed, the firm addresses a pain point that consultants at PwC previously called the "Goldilocks syndrome", where changing regulations, productivity pressures and complex customer engagement models left businesses unsure how much to customize their software. Too much leaves a system expensive to maintain, while generic versions force firms to cram their business model into the software's function.

"Software development is optimized for continuous change is essentially what it is," said Mee. "Prior to that, software development had tried to limit change because it was seen as risky. It turns out that in order to move safely, you have to move much more quickly."

Pivotal has also expanded its presence Asia, and picked up key customers including Singapore's largest lender DBS Bank and Australian telco giant Telstra .

Though legacy companies in the region have yet to face the same kind of disruption their counterparts in the U.S. have experienced, Lionel Lim, managing director for Asia Pacific and Japan at Pivotal, told CNBC that Pivotal's strategy in Asia is to go after the large customers first. "Because they will be the ones that'll be hit first," he said.

Mee added, "The timing is really good for us to step up investment in Asia in a big way."

 CNBC's Anita Balakrishnan contributed to this report.
Congressional Democrats investigating alleged ties between President Donald Trump's political campaign and Russia are seeking information from Deutsche Bank.

In a letter Tuesday to Deutsche U.S. CEO John Cryan, five legislators ask for results from internal reviews the bank conducted on matters relating to Russia. One involves the "mirror trading" scandal for which Deutsche already has paid $630 million in fines, the other being personal accounts for Trump family members at the bank.

The letter from members of the House Financial Services Committee seeks more transparency on the trading scandal and information on "whether loans Deutsche Bank made to President Trump were guaranteed by the Russian Government, or were in any way connected to Russia."

"It is critical that you provide this Committee with the information necessary to assess the scope, findings and conclusions of your internal reviews," the letter states.

U.S.-traded shares of fell 2 percent in midday trade.

"Deutsche Bank has a reputation for not having controls that would deal with money laundering. There's a lot of information that we think is important to the way that this president has been looked at and his connections to Russia and the Kremlin," Democratic U.S. Representative Maxine Waters, one of the committee members who sent the letter, told CNBC's "Squawk Alley" on Wednesday.

Though the letter is posted on the committee's website, it does not appear to have bipartisan support, nor is it clear whether the committee could compel Deutsche to provide the information.

The group skewers Deutsche for past practices that have led to fines and embarrassing headlines. It also cites news reports using "unnamed sources" that say Deutsche is looking into whether loans to Trump or his family were guaranteed by the Russian government.

"At a time when nearly all other financial institutions refused to lend to Trump after his businesses repeatedly declared bankruptcy, Deutsche Bank continued to do so-even after the President sued the Bank and defaulted on a prior loan from the Bank  to the point where his companies now owe your institution an estimated $340 million," the letter said.

Deutsche Bank declined to comment.

The letter seeks "copies of any document, record, memo, correspondence, or other communication related to" both the mirror trading scheme and loans made to Trump and his family.
Larry Fink has taken BlackRock from eight executives in a single room in 1988 to running more than $5 trillion in clients' money, more than any asset manager on Earth  even more than Vanguard. Fink has successfully navigated an asset-management industry landscape where most companies have been hemorrhaging assets, and talk of an existential crisis for active managers is not hyperbole. In the past year, index funds have seen inflows of more than $665 billion, while active funds have suffered more than $300 billion in outflows, according to Morningstar. But holding big stakes in thousands of businesses outside asset management has focused Fink on what managers across many industries are doing right and where they can improve. Here are some of the key tenets of Fink's management gospel.

1. Eschew short-termism.

As the world's biggest stock investor, Fink's most consistent advice to corporate managers is to look beyond short-term stock swings, and that means investing more in the business and spending less on stock buybacks and dividends. He has even tried, quixotically, to get CEOs to stop giving quarterly earnings forecasts. Five-year performance of asset-manager stocks BlackRock: 130 percent

Eaton Vance: 94 percent

Federated Investors: 30 percent

T. Rowe Price: 25 percent

Franklin Resources: 17 percent (Source: Google Finance, 5/22/2017) In a January letter to CEOs of companies BlackRock owns stock in, Fink noted that companies were spending all of their operating income  and more  on returning capital to shareholders in a low-rate environment where there are few obvious ways for investors to turn it directly into income. The better approach is to return excess cash flow to shareholders after first investing in the business for future growth. Fink has defended his own buybacks, saying they are "small enough to be consistent with reinvesting in BlackRock's business."

2. Anticipate change.

Fink answered the fair question  What is BlackRock doing to combat short-termism in its own business?  in his annual letter to shareholders last year. The idea is to craft a coherent set of products that make sense together and responds to changes in your business, both current and expected, he wrote. "There is no force more dramatic today than technology and its potential to transform the asset-management industry," Fink wrote. He described BlackRock as "a start-up with the ability leverage the benefits of scale." More from iCONIC:

Lessons on sharing knowledge from Buffett's star stock pickers

How Tim Cook followed the toughest act in tech to success

The script for Reed Hasting's zero to $60 billion Netflix story In BlackRock's case, the best example is building out its Aladdin technology platform, the key to a set of data services sold to other companies that generates 5 percent ($595 million in 2016) of BlackRock's $11 billion-plus in annual revenue (on top of being used to guide BlackRock's funds). The asset-management industry has for a long time focused  and succeeded  by selling products. Fink says the asset managers who thrive will focus on "outcome management." Fink wrote, "Clients know the outcomes they want, and it is our job to help them get there."

3. Don't resist  do act differently.

Adapting isn't always easy, and often has human costs. BlackRock was in the spotlight earlier this year for saying it would cut about 30 investment professionals in a shift toward trading driven by mathematical models. In many markets, BlackRock's automated trading products have beaten indexes more consistently than human fund managers, but they suffered a hiccup in 2016. Fink told CNBC in April that the professionals who had been expected to be cut would be shifted to other jobs that make more use of analytics. There are some tasks only a computer can do. At BlackRock these include monitoring satellite data of big-box store parking lots and analyzing internet searches for consumer products to predict sales volume or even national economic growth. Active management isn't dead, but users of the traditional methods need to accept the massive advances in technology and data sciences and incorporate them. BlackRock's Aladdin has close to 30,000 users in 50 countries.

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4. Learn every day, no matter what your title is.

"I've been running the company not quite 25 years," Fink said in 2012. "I still spend an hour a day studying the world and the markets. And if it's not an hour, it's an hour and a half. ... I'm still a student." This is a practice that other successful icons, including Warren Buffett and his star stock pickers, preach as well.

5. Cutting costs is no way to grow a business.

Fink isn't a big fan of financial engineering, but he has built BlackRock partially through mergers  for example, he bought his way into the ETF business by purchasing Barclays' iShares unit in 2009 for $13.5 billion. The distinction he makes: Buy companies with cultures your company can learn from, not just businesses that will let managers cut costs. He has made smaller deals to get new technologies, and the big one led BlackRock into a whole new way of thinking about asset management.

6. The soft stuff, like culture and passion, count.

In a 2013 essay on LinkedIn, Fink put these two traits, along with lifelong learning, as his top three management to-dos. Culture means values and making sure they are more than "mere words on a wall," Fink wrote. At BlackRock that has meant not trading for the firm's own account, which would threaten the core cultural commitment to put clients' financial interests first, and "institutionalizing our belief that responsibility means knowing and managing risk." Once culture is set, passion happens almost naturally. "Passion comes from focusing on our responsibility to our clients  the teachers, firefighters, students and retirees who entrust us with their pensions and retirement savings," Fink wrote. "What's the greatest predictor of business success? Not intelligence or talent  but passion."

7. Don't be too quick to pick a successor.
Doggy Fest and Kite Fest to Greet N. Oregon Coast Visitors

Published 05/22/2017 at 5:23 PM PDT - Updated 05/22/2017 at 5:43 PM PDT

By Oregon Coast Beach Connection staff





(Tillamook, Oregon)  Two major bouts of fun are waiting in the wings along the north Oregon coast in the coming weeks. Pacific City hosts its Yappy Days doggy festival on June 17, while this weekend sees a massive kite festival in Rockaway Beach.

This Memorial Day weekend welcomes the 40th Annual Rockaway Beach Kite Festival from May 26-30, sponsored by the American Kite Fliers Association, the largest group of kiters in the world. The festival hosts kite flyers of various ages and skills, all competing to win awards for their airborne showmanship in various categories: nicest kite, the kite that drags on the ground the longest before becoming airborne, and more.

Kite enthusiasts are also encouraged to bring their own kites to fly and children can join in the fun as they build and learn to fly small kites during special classes. In addition to kite-flying, the festival will feature live music, kite exhibitions, food and beverages, artisans and vendors.

The Oregon coast is known as one of the best places in North America to fly kites because of its almost continuous wind stream coming in from the Pacific Ocean, rarely too strong or too weak. The wide open beaches let kiters run far without having to worry about roads, power lines, buildings or big trees.

Rockaway Beach is known for its 7 miles of flat, sandy beach, traditional beach town shopping, summer foods  ice cream, saltwater taffy, clam chowder and Pronto Pups  and general relaxed atmosphere. The Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad locomotive adds to the resort town ambiance announcing its frequent arrivals at the Rockaway Beach train station with a telltale whistle and plume of steam. More at VisitTillamookCoast.com. 844-330-6962.

Coming up on June 17 is the latest installment of the adorable Yappy Days Festival in Pacific City. It's the ninth year of this annual pet fest, featuring painting, balloon animals, raffle baskets, silent auction, pet wash, and vendor booths related to all things canine.

Pet adoptions will be offered by The Tillamook Animal Shelter as well, and the agency may bring some adoptable dogs to the event for a meet and greet. The group will have a volunteer available to talk with potential adopting families about what dogs are available and how they can take the next step.

The festival is put together and hosted by the Inn at Cape Kiwanda, and organizers say 100 percent of the proceeds raised at this festival will be donated to the Tillamook Animal Shelter, which is in great need.

Our goal is to raise $3,500 this year to specifically help with the increased costs associated with the animal shelters new facilities, said spokesperson Tara Thayer. Come learn about The Tillamook Animal Shelter's new location. Donations are accepted and tax receipts are available.

Thayer added donations of anything that can be raffled or auctioned off at the festival are welcome as well. They can also accept cash donations at any time. Animal food donations are accepted but will not benefit the Tillamook Animal Shelter directly as they only use specific kinds of foods to reduce animal waste in confined spaces. Animal food donations will instead be passed onto local food banks and/ or other organizations. The Tillamook Animal Shelter is always in need of blankets, towels, toys, and grooming products.

The festival goes from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Inn at Cape Kiwanda. 33105 Cape Kiwanda Drive. Pacific City, Oregon. 1-888-965-7001. www.innatcapekiwanda.com. https://www.facebook.com/yappydaysinpacificcityoregon - - Oregon Coast Hotels for these events - Where to eat - Maps - Virtual Tours (More on these spots below).



















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Shares of Buffalo Wild Wings soared nearly 6 percent on Wednesday after proxy adviser Institutional Shareholder Services recommended that owners of the stock vote for three of four board directors nominated by activist hedge fund Marcato Capital Management.

"The dissident has presented a compelling case that additional board change is warranted," ISS said in its research report.

ISS, an influential adviser to investment funds seeking guidance on how to vote for proposals and director nominees at annual shareholder meetings, put its weight behind Marcato nominees Mick McGuire, the hedge fund's founder, and Scott Bergren, the former chief executive of Yum Brands' Pizza Hut.

"Increased shareholder oversight would be a powerful tool to ensure that the board increases its accountability and avoids any delays in the implementation of strategic projects," ISS said. "In that sense, it appears prudent to add McGuire, who represents the company's third largest shareholder, to the board."

The proxy adviser also recommended Bergren because of his industry knowledge and experience expanding Pizza Hut into international markets.

ISS did not recommend that shareholders support Marcato's third nominee, Lee Sanders, the former chief development officer at TGI Fridays.

"We don't perceive the move to a 90 percent franchisee model to be as critical as other strategic initiatives to the company's long-term growth and profitability," ISS said. "Therefore, the inclusion of dissident nominee Sanders appears less critical to the company at this point."

Buffalo Wild Wings has accused Sanders of having a conflict of interest within the company. In a report published last week, the chicken wing chain said that Sanders had been attempting to "scare" franchisees into selling their restaurants to him.

In a letter to shareholders, Marcato said there wasn't a conflict of interest with any of its director nominees, and added that Sanders would cease all consulting activities with Buffalo Wild Wings if elected to the board.

In addition, the proxy adviser said that it also supported nominee Sam Rovit, the CEO of CTI Foods and a former executive at Kraft Foods. Rovit was originally nominated by Marcato, but then later also put up by the company.

Buffalo Wild Wings will hold its annual meeting on June 2.

 Reuters contributed to this report.
When Adam Cheyer started working with computers back in the early 90s, he instinctively knew that the future would involve people interacting with the machines in a more natural way, through some combination of speech and graphic interfaces. That's why in 1993 Cheyer, who was then working in at the SRI International research lab, built the first prototype of what would one day become Siri, the automated voice assistant on Apple iPhones. Over two decades, Cheyer built 50 versions of his Siri technology. But it wasn't until the iPhone was released in 2007 that his team saw an imminent opportunity for others to use Siri in a way that would make them money.

Adam Cheyer, co-founder of Siri and Viv Labs Photo courtesy Adam Cheyer

Siri on an Apple iPhone in 2012 Photo courtesy AFP

An ambitious idea "[The idea] needs to be big enough, ambitious enough," Cheyer tells CNBC. It also needs to have a market and "be something that people could need or that you can convince them that they would need," he says. The right team To launch a successful start-up, you have to have the right co-founders, says Cheyer. "You cannot do it all by yourself. In order to execute on a company, you really need different skill sets." There are four essential components, according to Cheyer. Every start-up needs a visionary who can think big; a product development expert who can translate the idea into an actionable to-do list; a marketing expert who can communicate the idea to the world; and of course, people to execute the idea. "Maybe as a founder you can be one or two of those things, but it's rare you'll find someone who can do all four," says Cheyer. "So you need to find the right people to join you as the core team to take it to market."

Adam Cheyer speaking at the Congress of Future Science and Technology Leaders in 2016 Photo courtesy Adam Cheyer
Prairie Pictures | Getty Images

It's looking like a busy season for hurricanes  and homeowners. Prime time for these big storms along the Atlantic coast kicks off on June 1 and runs until Nov. 30. Scientists at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are forecasting "an above normal" hurricane season with as many as 11 to 17 named storms this year. Of those, 5 to 9 could become hurricanes. Four of these may become major hurricanes with sustained winds of at least 111 mph. If you want to ensure that your homeowners and flood insurance coverage are sufficient, now is the time to act  it's way too late when the National Weather Service is announcing an emergency. "It takes about 30 days to obtain a policy," said Doug Lyons, a financial advisor at Douglas J. Lyons Financial Group in Red Bank, New Jersey. Hurricane Sandy, which bashed the East Coast in October 2012, resulted in $18.8 billion in estimated insured losses, according to Verisk Analytics' Property Claim Services. Check these items in your existing policy to get a sense of how well you're covered in the event of a storm.

Homeowners insurance limits

Your homeowners coverage isn't bulletproof if a tropical storm or hurricane strikes your home. For instance, your policy may have a hurricane deductible, making you responsible for the equivalent of 1 percent to 5 percent of your home's insured value. Whether this deductible is applied will be based on your policy's terms and your state's insurance laws. In 2012, governors in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut told insurers not to apply hurricane deductibles when Sandy hit those states. Hurricane deductibles are in effect in 19 states and the District of Columbia, according to the Insurance Information Institute.

tzam | Getty Images

They are Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas and Virginia. Aim to have at least the amount you'd need to meet your deductible either in cash or in a home equity line that you arrange ahead of time. "Beef up your emergency fund and make sure that your home isn't as vulnerable to windstorm or rain damage," said Laura Adams, senior insurance analyst at InsuranceQuotes.com.

Flood insurance

Your homeowner's coverage likely won't cover any damage related to flooding, so you'll need to buy this coverage through either the National Flood Insurance Program or the private market. A 2016 poll from the Insurance Information Institute showed that 12 percent of American homeowners had a flood insurance policy.

Getty Images

Keep in mind that this isn't a cure-all: Under the program, coverage on the structure of your home is limited to $250,000, and your contents are protected up to $100,000. It's better than nothing, but considering that many waterfront properties on the East Coast can cost millions of dollars, think about getting excess flood insurance  and do it now before the storms begin blowing in.

Limitations will apply

Finally, understand that your flood coverage doesn't fill in all of the areas that your homeowner's coverage will miss.

It takes about 30 days to obtain a policy. Doug Lyons financial advisor, Douglas J. Lyons Financial Group

Damage resulting from a sewage backup after a flood may not be covered by your flood insurance, according to Craig Casazza, senior research analyst at ValuePenguin Research, a personal finance site. The same goes for mildew and mold damage. "You can purchase extra endorsements to cover the nooks and crannies that you can miss," he said. "But unfortunately there may be bad cases where you won't be fully covered."

Here's your checklist
A soldier and an armed policeman pass Big Ben in London, Britain May 24, 2017.

The suicide bomber who killed 22 people after an Ariana Grande concert was part of a network and not a lone-wolf attacker, police said Wednesday as troops were deployed near landmarks and three more suspects arrested.

"It is very clear this is a network we are investigating," Manchester police chief Ian Hopkins said. "We are carrying out extensive searches."

Earlier, interior minister Amber Rudd told the BBC that suspected bomber Salman Abedi "was known" to intelligence services. She added that up to 3,800 soldiers would be put on Britain's streets.

More from NBC News:

Manchester arena suicide bombing: 'Heroes' ignored horror, chaos

Olivia Campbell: Mom mourns teen killed in Manchester arena suicide bombing

World's biggest aircraft nails critical test flight

The presence of heavily armed troops in urban areas is highly unusual in the U.K. More than 90 percent of police officers tasked with protecting London's 8.5 million residents do not carry guns.

Three men were also detained in south Manchester in connection with the case  bringing the total in custody to four. On Wednesday afternoon, police said they were searching a building in the city's center after a controlled explosion to force their way inside.

The United Kingdom raised its terrorist threat level to "critical"  the highest category  in the wake of Monday's attack.

Troops were sent to key locations in London, such as Buckingham Palace, the prime minister's residence at 10 Downing Street, Parliament and foreign embassies.

Earlier, a U.S. intelligence official who has direct knowledge of the investigation had told NBC News that Abedi's device was "big and sophisticated," using materials hard to find in Britain  meaning "it's almost impossible to see he didn't have help."

Abedi  a 22-year-old British national whose family is of Libyan descent  had ties to al Qaeda, received terrorist training abroad and traveled to Libya within the last 12 months, the source added.

@RichardEngel: A US intel official tells @nbcnews members of bomber's family warned sec officials about him in past, that he was "dangerous."

A "follow-on" attack is possible, the official said.

France's interior minister said Wednesday that Abedi was believed to have traveled to Syria and had "proven" links to ISIS. He did not provide details.

ISIS claimed responsibility for the attack on Tuesday but did not provide any evidence.

Manchester police said that they were now confident they knew the identities of all those who had died in the bombing. One of them was a police officer, according to Hopkins.

Separately, London police said they had arrested a man with a knife near Buckingham Palace, adding in a statement that the incident was not thought to be "terrorist related."

@metpoliceuk: At 10:40am patrolling officers detained & arrested a man in The Mall in poss. of a knife. No injuries. Not believed to be terrorist related
Who wouldn't want a watch that not only tells time, but improves your health?

That's the dubious pitch entrepreneur Ryan Naylor brings to the tank with his Esso Watches -- watches that purportedly use negative ions to increase energy, balance and flexibility. At first, things are going swimmingly for Naylor, as he demonstrates the watch's potential on Shark Lori Greiner. Lori, who goes from skeptic to semi-believer after balancing on one foot while wearing an Esso Watch, even remarks: "That's a little weird!"

But Mark Cuban is not having it. As Naylor attempts to pass out his watches for the Sharks to try on, the billionaire curtly declines, even though the model he's offered is in "Dallas Mavericks Blue."

"I'm allergic to scams," the brash businessman spits back.

Watch as Cuban skewers this salesman, leaving little doubt to those who think they can pull a fast one over on him.
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Graphics chip maker Nvidia on Wednesday responded to a threat from Alphabet 's latest efforts to use its own chip for artificial intelligence workloads. That effort could eventually blunt Nvidia's growth, which is being driven by companies using Nvidia's chips for AI processing. Nvidia has become closely associated with this type of computing in the past few years, and the stock has shot up as investors have caught on and sales have increased. Shares have appreciated more than 200 percent in the last year, and almost 30 percent since the beginning of 2017. Nvidia stock fell last week after Google announced the second-generation TPU, its most competitive processor, but it has since rebounded.

'We have one for free'

In a blog post Wednesday, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang emphasized that his company has an ongoing collaboration with Google, while also indirectly belittling part of Google's tensor processing unit initiative. Additionally, Nvidia announced plans to release certain AI software under an open-source license. "We want to see the fastest possible adoption of AI everywhere. No one else needs to invest in building an inferencing TPU [what Google is doing]. We have one for free  designed by some of the best chip designers in the world." Google's TPUs are not available for companies to buy, unlike Nvidia's processors, but they will become available to rent out through the Google Cloud Platform. Deep learning, a type of AI that Google has embraced alongside other tech companies for a variety of applications, typically involves two phases. First, researchers teach computers  often armed with GPUs  to do things like detect cars in photos by feeding them lots of data. Second, once the computers have been trained, researchers send them new data and direct them to make predictions about it, given what they know.

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President Donald Trump's call to end the federal deduction for state and local taxes is a "hostile attack" on states, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo asserted Wednesday.

In an interview on "Squawk Box," Cuomo warned that for "California, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, it would be utter devastation."

"I mean, it would not be a more hostile attack," said Cuomo, a possible 2020 Democratic presidential candidate. "After all the controversy we went through with health care, and we're going to go through with tax reform on the rates for the rich, now you're saying to states like California and New York, 'to the extent people deducted their state and local taxes from their federal taxes, we're going to eliminate that."

The Trump administration said last month it wants to end the provision, which is estimated to cost the Treasury $96 billion this year.

Tax analysts say the move would harm high-tax states, such as New York and California, where the state and local tax deduction is a major item.

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin has defended the proposed change, saying: "We don't think it's the federal government's job to be subsidizing states."
New York's Penn Station is "crumbling by the day," and President Donald Trump has not responded to requests for aid, Gov. Andrew Cuomo told CNBC on Wednesday.

Cuomo's comment came three days after he sent a letter to the president requesting emergency funds for Pennsylvania Station, a main hub for commuters and Amtrak trains along the Northeast Corridor. The station serves an estimated 600, 000 commuters and travelers a day.

The request seeks funding for transportation alternatives, such as increased bus service while repairs at Penn are completed. Cuomo also asked that a private operator take over operations at Penn Station from federally funded Amtrak.

Last month, an NJ Transit train derailment took out several tracks at the station, creating long delays. That derailment came a week and a half after an Amtrak Acela train derailed there, causing disruptions for thousands of commuters.

"It is literally crumbling," the Democratic governor said on "Squawk Box." "The tracks are coming apart, the ceiling is leaking, there has been tremendous delays. There's derailments. It's also dangerous. And it has to be fixed and it has to be fixed right because it is having a tremendous impact not only in the New York metropolitan area, where it's the heart of the system but the whole north-south corridor."

The Trump administration hopes to spend $1 trillion over the next decade for national infrastructure improvements. Cuomo said long-term, the president's infrastructure plan "is exactly right," because the U.S. is living off our "grandparents' legacy."

"We're way behind on infrastructure," he said. "We haven't built in an airport in over 25 years. We're not building bridges, roads, tunnels. ... Short-term we're now paying the price of ignoring the maintenance."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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The oil ministers of Iraq and Iran both told CNBC on Wednesday that they're ready to back a deal to extend OPEC-led production cuts through the first quarter of 2018. OPEC is meeting in Vienna to discuss rolling over its six-month deal with 11 other exporters to remove 1.8 million barrels a day from the oil market in order to shrink global crude stockpiles. Consensus has formed in recent weeks around a nine-month extension, along the lines of a plan agreed to last week by Saudi Arabia and Russia. Iraq and Iran are critical because they are the second- and third-biggest producers, respectively, in the 13-member cartel  and both have presented obstacles to getting a deal done in the past. On Wednesday, Iraqi Oil Minister Jabbar al-Luaibi said Iraq is "very happy" to go along with the extension, but he cast doubt on the odds of OPEC agreeing to deeper production cuts  which some analysts now believe is necessary.

Jabbar al-Luaibi, Iraq's oil minister, arrives for the 171st Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) meeting in Vienna, Austria, on Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2016. Akos Stiller | Bloomberg | Getty Images

"I don't think so. It's only the freeze we are talking about. We will continue with the current cuts," Luaibi told CNBC in Vienna. "We will continue to discuss this." Asked whether Iraq plans to improve its compliance with the deal, he said, "definitely." As of April, Baghdad had still not achieved its promised output reductions of 210,000 barrels a day from the October reference level, according to figures in OPEC's monthly report. Earlier this week, Luaibi said Iraq was now producing at its quota. Iranian Oil Minister Bijan Zanganeh said either a six- or nine-month extension would be acceptable. "We think, based on the consultations we have had and the reports we have received, it's a unanimous idea to continue the cut we decided in December," he told CNBC.

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OPEC is expected to extend its production deal with Russia and other producers Thursday, a widely anticipated move that should support oil prices but not send them much higher, barring any surprises. Besides the OPEC news Thursday, traders are watching U.S. economic data, Fed speakers and corporate earnings, dominated by retailers like and Traders will also be watching for next steps from Washington after the Congressional Budget Office released its scoring of the House GOP's Obamacare replacement bill.

Oil drill

OPEC, at its meeting in Vienna, is expected to extend the agreement to trim production by 1.8 million barrels a day for another nine months, after an initial six-month deal. The extended timing should help the market rebalance, but for Saudi Arabia, in particular, it may help keep prices higher ahead of the IPO of its state-owned Saudi Aramco next year. Higher oil prices would be positive for all oil producers dealing with strained budgets. Oil has been moving higher ahead of the deal. West Texas Intermediate closed at $51.36 per barrel Wednesday after dipping into the $40s recently. There had been speculation that OPEC and others could increase the amount of oil cut from production, but analysts had doubts producers would agree.

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"It looks like they're not going to increase it. The initial reaction in the market we think will be supportive. Until you see inventories drop down to reasonable levels, the market is going to have trouble, especially where you have to consider other areas of production coming on line," said Gene McGillian of Tradition Energy. McGillian noted U.S. production continues to increase, and is at a 2-1/2-year high, while Libya and Nigeria could also increase production.

Economy

Thursday's data could have some bearing on the outlook for second quarter GDP, which some economists revised lower Wednesday because of soft housing data. Advanced leading indicators is reported at 8:30 a.m. ET, as are weekly jobless claims. The advanced indicators includes early looks at international trade and inventories which are important for the calculation of GDP growth. "I think it'll confirm that we're still at 3.5 percent [Q2 GDP], 3.5 puts a little above 2 percent for the first half," said Diane Swonk , CEO of DS Economics. Swonk expects 3.6 percent growth for the second quarter, after a weak first quarter, expected to be revised slightly higher to 0.9 percent when an update is released Friday. On Wednesday, Goldman Sachs economists pared back second quarter growth to 3 percent from 3.1 percent. Goldman economists noted the 2.3 percent sales decline in April home sales from March, to 5.57 million units, was still near the March cycle-high. The data followed an 11.4 percent drop in April new home sales on Tuesday. "The recent softening in existing home sales, new home sales, and starts likely reflects the lagged impact of higher mortgage rates," the economists said.

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After Wednesday's Fed minutes signaled the Fed is ready to move on rate hikes as well as start unwinding its balance sheet this year, Fed speakers will also be important to markets. Stocks rose, closing near highs of the day, and Treasury yields slipped after the Fed release. Economists say the Fed looks on track to hike at its next meeting in June, but traders say there were still doubts about the strength of the economic data reflected in the Fed's minutes, when they were released Wednesday afternoon. New York Fed Executive Vice President Simon Potter appears on a 6:30 a.m. ET panel discussion at FX Week/Global Financial Markets Association in London. Fed Gov. Lael Brainard speaks at 10 a.m. on global economic issues in Washington. At 10 p.m., St. Louis Fed President James Bullard speaks in Tokyo on the economy and monetary policy.

Washington

President Donald Trump continues his overseas trip and meets with NATO heads of state Thursday. Meanwhile, the budget process continues, after the Trump administration released its first budget this week. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin testifies before the Senate Finance Committee at 10 a.m. and Mick Mulvaney, director of the Office of Management and Budget, testifies before the Senate Budget Committee at 9:45 a.m. ET. Expect plenty of talk about the repeal of Obamacare, after the Congressional Budget Office deemed the House health care bill to have enough deficit savings to qualify it for Senate consideration. The Senate is expected to work on its own bill, but the score was seen as a positive in that it does not require the House to begin the process over and vote on yet another bill. Markets are watching the progress of health care closely since the White House has made it a priority ahead of tax reform.

Earnings
First Annual Yachats Pride Fest Glitters Up the Central Oregon Coast

Published 05/23/2017 at 3:23 PM PDT

By Oregon Coast Beach Connection staff





(Yachats, Oregon)  The central Oregon coast town of Yachats will be erupting in joyous revelry with a serious side on June 3 and 4, with the first of its annual Yachats Pride festival. The event celebrates the free expression of gender, culture and sexual orientation of LGBT people and their allies by hosting fun and educational events that both honor diversity and which help to eradicate discrimination and violence based on gender, race, ethnicity, and sexual orientation. Five events are planned with a Resource Fair going during all events.

The proceedings begin at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 3, with a concert by the iconic Cris Williamson. She is one of the founding artists on Olivia Records, a label started in the 1970's, paving the way for the womens music genre. Williamson has spent almost 50 years writing, performing, and being an activist for LGBT issues. Tickets are $10 for general admission and $20 for VIP.

A discussion on the Two-Spirit tradition of Native American cultures will follow the concert starting at 4:15 pm. Two-Spirit is a contemporary umbrella English-language term that refers to the historical and current First Nations people whose individual spirits were essentially a blend of female and male spirits, or whose gender identity did not match their biological sex. The discussion will be led by Lisa Norton, Executive Director at My Sisters Place in Newport, and Robert Kentta, Siletz Tribal Cultural Resources Director and elected member of the Tribal Council of The Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians. This event is free.

The evening events will begin with a Mixed-Up Mixer at 5:30 pm in the Commons Multi-Purpose Room. The Mixer features heavy appetizers from the Drift Inn, including a Tostada Bar, a Lettuce Wrap Bar, a Breads and Spreads selection, and an extravagant chocolate cake. Eaters can mingle with the resource agencies to learn about resources on the central Oregon coast and south Willamette Valley.

The Mixed-Up Mixer is a word play on all the letters in LGBTQQ2SIAAP and an opportunity to learn what all the letters mean. The Mixer is $15 and includes one free beverage.

The Gay Bingo Extravaganza begins at 6:30 and is hosted by the scintillating Bunny Fu Fu, freshly delivered from Las Vegas. Bunny will direct a hilarious and highly energetic night of bingo, and she will be packing a humongous purse of prizes and surprises. Local businesses have donated great prizes, including a night at Heceta Head Lighthouse. This event is free.

Organizer Helen Anderson said the Gay Bingo event is a mish-mash of wacky elements, and said that more or less words defy when attempting to describe it.

There is some bingo, but you don't have to play if you just want to be entertained, Anderson said. It does involve a drag queen and her able assistant. It's interactive. Yes, we will have complimentary daubers. Yes, they will be sparkly, Yes, you will be adorned with festive door prizes. Yes, you can win real prizes. Big prizes. Our local businesses have made fabulous donations, including a night at the lighthouse and cool kitchen stuff. Yes, you might see a shark attack. No, you do not have to pay to play.

The celebration concludes on Sunday, June 4, with a free family picnic in the pavilion behind the Commons. The food is free. There will be activities for kids and an open mic for anyone. Barbara Turrill from Newport will perform a few sets of her music.

For more information and reservations, see yachatspride.org. Tickets and reservations are available at brownpapertickets.com. Seating is limited so online reservations are recommended. Yachats Hotels - Lodging for this event - Where to eat - Map and Virtual Tour

















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President Donald Trump, and Paul Ryan, Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives.

House Speaker Paul Ryan said Wednesday he hopes a tax reform plan will clear Congress and go to President Donald Trump for signing by the Dec. 23 recess.

"We've got to get tax reform done by then. We're confident we can do that," the Wisconsin Republican said at an event sponsored by news site Axios.

Tax cuts  a central Republican priority  helped fuel investor optimism after President Donald Trump 's election in November, and they underpin the optimistic growth forecasts being put forward by the White House.

Between the GOP's struggle to pass a plan to replace the Affordable Care Act, a coming appropriations process in Congress, and high-level investigations into the Trump campaign, Republican hopes for quickly passing its agenda have stalled of late.

Ryan echoed Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, who said Tuesday that "our objective" is to get tax reform "done this year."

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell recently said he hopes to get tax reform passed in the current Congress, which may indicate that he's not be hopeful about passage this year.

Ryan also pushed back against statements that Republicans have struggled to achieve their agenda. He said that if Republicans slash regulations, pass a health-care overhaul and cut taxes by January, it will have been a good year.

A potential hurdle to tax reform is whether Republicans can agree on so-called border adjustment, a provision of the House GOP plan. Ryan and House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Rep. Kevin Brady of Texas have supported the plan, despite doubts in the White House and Senate.

Ryan said Wednesday he can envision a scenario in which the House passes a tax reform plan without border adjustment.

He reiterated that he feels Republicans agree on 80 percent of tax reform, but they need to reach a consensus on the remaining 20 percent.
U.S. President Donald Trump seated during the Arabic Islamic American Summit at the King Abdulaziz Conference Center in Riyadh on May 21, 2017.

For years, consumers have warred with telemarketers for ringing their landline phones at all hours of the day.

Pretty soon, though, they might find their mobile voicemail under the same sort of assault  that is, if the U.S. Republican Party and others have their way.

The GOP's leading campaign and fundraising arm, the Republican National Committee, has quietly thrown its support behind a proposal at the Federal Communications Commission that would pave the way for marketers to auto-dial consumers' cellphones and leave them prerecorded voicemail messages  all without ever causing their devices to ring.

Under current federal law, telemarketers and others, like political groups, aren't allowed to launch robocall campaigns targeting cellphones unless they first obtain a consumer's written consent.

But businesses stress that it's a different story when it comes to "ringless voicemail"  because it technically doesn't qualify as a phone call in the first place. In their eyes, that means they shouldn't need a customer or voter's permission if they want to auto-dial mobile voicemail inboxes in bulk pre-made messages about a political candidate, product or cause. And they want the FCC to rule, once and for all, that they're in the clear.

Their argument, however, has drawn immense opposition from consumer advocates.

"I think it's unfortunate that there's a push by any political party to reduce the protections in [the robocall rules] for cellphones," said Margot Freeman Saunders, who serves as senior counsel at the National Consumer Law Center.

In an interview, she stressed that robocalls are partly responsible for consumers' decision to drop their landline phones, and a relaxation of the rules as they apply to voicemail  backed by the RNC or anyone else  would leave many "completely overwhelmed by messages" that they can't block.

For now, the matter rests in the hands of the FCC. Back in March, a marketing firm called All About the Message LLC specifically asked the telecom agency to issue a ruling on the legality of its "ringless voicemail" technology. In its petition, the company said it doesn't cause "disruptions to a consumer's life," such as "dead air calls, calls interrupting consumers at inconvenient times, or delivery charges." And it stressed that its technology isn't even a "call" by conventional standards.

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As the FCC weighs those legal arguments, it has asked other companies and consumer groups to offer their views. Among those to signal support: The RNC, the Republican Party's powerful arm for recruiting political candidates and raising big bucks to topple Democratic officeholders.

In a comment filed with the FCC on Friday, the RNC said it felt the telecom agency should clear the way for organizations  including, apparently, itself  to auto-dial directly to voicemail inboxes with prerecorded pitches. Failing to permit the practice, the RNC warned, could threaten the First Amendment rights of political groups.

"Political organizations like the RNC use all manner of communications to discuss political and governmental issues and to solicit donations  including direct-to-voicemail messages," the RNC told the FCC. "The Commission should tread carefully so as not to burden constitutionally protected political speech without a compelling interest.

The RNC did not immediately respond to a request for comment  including about how it has previously used such a tool. An FCC spokesman also did not immediately respond to Recode.

Meanwhile, Democrats do not yet appear to have weighed in with the FCC on "ringless voicemail," but a ruling that its use doesn't violate the country's anti-robocalling law would certainly open the door for the party  and others  to tap the technology if they so desired.

It's not the first time this issue has come before the FCC. Another provider, called VoAPPs, sought the agency's blessings for "ringless voicemail" in 2014, but it never received a ruling. Since then, similar campaigns have drawn legal threats  including All About the Message LLC, which is facing a lawsuit for its use of the technology. To that end, it's also asking the FCC to spare it from any potential legal liability. (A lawyer for the firm did not immediately respond to a request for comment.)

In doing so, its push for "ringless voicemail" has drawn new support from the business community's most powerful lobbying group in Washington, D.C. In its own comment to the FCC, also filed Friday, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce lamented the rise of class-action lawsuits targeting companies under the anti-robocall law, called the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, or TCPA.

To that end, it also urged the FCC to stand down. "The Commission cannot continue to sweep new technologies into this technologically archaic statute," the Chamber said.

By Tony Romm, Recode.net.

CNBC's parent NBCUniversal is an investor in Recode's parent Vox, and the companies have a content-sharing arrangement.
U.S. intelligence officials had information last year to suggest that Russian officials discussed the potential to "exert influence over" then-candidate Donald Trump through key advisors, The New York Times reported Wednesday , citing "three current and former American officials familiar with the intelligence."

The talks surrounded then-Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort and campaign advisor Michael Flynn, who would become President Trump's first national security advisor, according to the newspaper. Both men had at least "indirect ties to Russian officials," the Times reported.

The newspaper notes that it is not clear whether Russian officials "actually tried to directly influence" Manafort or Flynn. Trump and top campaign advisors have denied any collusion with Russia.

The FBI and congressional committees are currently investigating Russian meddling in the 2016 election. The probe includes any possible ties between the Trump campaign and Moscow.

Read the full Times story here.

Watch: Former Russian official says involvement in US election 'absurd'
Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., is looking to block a key portion of $110 billion Saudi Arabia arms deal and is finding support from the other side of the aisle.

The Republican lawmaker could introduce the resolution as early as Wednesday evening, according to a source familiar with the matter. Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., is expected to be one of the co-sponsors of Paul's resolution.

The measure would force a vote on the munitions portion of the defense package, but not the entire arms deal.

The Arms Export Control Act gives Congress a 30-day period to review arms deals to non-NATO countries. The arms package was formally announced over the weekend during President Donald Trump's visit to Saudi Arabia.

Paul is known to oppose the Saudi sale because of concerns over the Saudi-led war in Yemen. Also, the lawmaker has expressed concern that the massive defense package could lead to an arms race in the region.
In honor of graduation season, CNBC Make It is rolling out the speeches and advice that America's leaders are most excited to share with the Class of 2017. Follow along using the hashtag #MakeItNewGrads. As new college graduates throw their mortarboards in the air and get ready to begin their careers, financial expert and former CNBC television host Suze Orman has simple but solid advice for succeeding at work: Make yourself indispensable. "Make those you're dependent on for a paycheck dependent upon you," Orman tells CNBC. By proving to supervisors that you can be counted on to add value, you're making yourself an asset and creating job security. Especially as an entry-level employee, you don't want to be seen as a replaceable cog, but as an essential part of the company. Whether you're entering your first job or just want to boost your standing with your boss, here are three ways to make yourself indispensable at work.

Pay attention

Know what your boss needs before they tell you  and make it happen without being asked. They'll come to rely on and be grateful for you. "The more you are aware of what your boss needs, the better your chances are of being noticed," writes Rhett Power, co-founder of Wild Creations and the author of "The Entrepreneurs Book of Actions." "This doesn't mean you have to suck up to the boss. It just means being indispensable, someone who gets things done without, or before, being asked."

Step up

Not all tasks are glamorous but someone's got to do them. Willingness to step up and tackle any job that comes your way shows your boss that you're reliable. Best-selling management author and CNBC contributor Suzy Welch calls this the "favor economy." It's about "putting yourself out on a limb for somebody else with no expectation of immediate payback," she tells CNBC.

"For instance, offering yourself as a reference, placing a call to help someone land a job, or working a weekend or holiday so others can be with their families. Essentially, its currency is performing small acts of kindness and generosity as a way of life." If you're willing to go the extra mile, you'll stand out.

Develop a specialized skill
Tesla's Fremont plant had 8.8 injuries per 100 workers in 2015, compared to 6.7 for the auto industry as a whole, according to a report released Wednesday from Worksafe, a group "whose mission is to prevent injury, illness, and death by bringing justice to the workplace."

Tesla workers at the company's Fremont plant were injured at a rate higher than the industry average in 2015, and the numbers could be much the same for 2016, according to a new report from a California nonprofit.

"We may have had some challenges in the past as we were learning how to become a car company, but what matters is the future, and with the changes we've made, we now have the lowest injury rate in the industry by far," a Tesla representative told CNBC. "Our goal is to have as close to zero injuries as humanly possible and to become the safest factory in the auto industry."

Industry-wide injury statistics are not yet available for 2016, but Tesla's rate last year was 8.1 per 100 employees, which Worksafe said is likely to exceed the relatively stable rates across the rest of the field.

The report also said rate injuries that result in days away from work, restricted duty, or job transfer  was approximately double the industry rate for 2015.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk told the Guardian last week that Tesla's safety record has improved over the last year, and that he cares about his employees' well-being.

Watch: Tesla buying experience not good
Tiffany & Co. 's stock is in a slump Wednesday after the company revealed sales lagged in the first quarter as tourists spent less at its stores, across many regions.

Same-store sales in the Americas, which account for nearly half of Tiffany's revenue, fell 4 percent during the latest period. Management attributed the overall sales declines to lower spending by both foreign tourists and local customers.

The company posted a 1 percent comparable sales decline in the Japan region, which was driven lower by weaker spending by Chinese tourists, Tiffany said.



"We continue to see a decline in sales attributed to Chinese tourists in Japan," Tiffany's vice president of investor relations, Mark Aaron, remarked on Wednesday's earnings conference call. "However, as you may recall, we benefited in the first quarter of 2016 from higher sales attributed to Chinese tourists in Japan, which then tapered off in the second quarter."

Same-store sales fell 3 percent in both Tiffany's Europe and Asia-Pacific regions during the first quarter, with the retailer mentioning "varying degrees of softness" in certain markets fueling these declines.

Shares of Tiffany's stock tumbled more than 8 percent Wednesday, their worst day since Jan. 12, 2015, when Tiffany's stock lost nearly 14 percent after earnings.

Despite the selloff, Jefferies analyst Randal Konik reiterated his buy rating for the stock, saying data suggests U.S. tourism is "bottoming" for Tiffany. Improved U.S. tourism trends should help improve Tiffany's top-line results, he said.

"Chinese spending remains healthy ... and improving macro data in Europe should lead to better trends ahead," he said.

Tiffany also has a number of other levers that it's pulling in an attempt to improve its financial performance. These include rolling out new products and focusing on improving gross margins.

"While these results modestly exceeded our near-term expectations, we are focused on executing long-term strategies to achieve stronger and sustainable performance through product introductions," interim CEO Michael Kowalski said in a statement Wednesday.

Kowalski assumed the CEO post in February after the company struck a deal with activist shareholders Jana Partners.

In the first quarter, Tiffany said it earned $92.9 million, or 74 cents per share, up from $87.5 million or 69 cents per share, a year earlier.

Earnings in the latest period included a tax benefit valued at 2 cents per share. Excluding that item, Tiffany earned 72 cents, outpacing a Thomson Reuters estimates of 70 cents per share.

Sales inched higher, rising to $899.6 million, but that was shy of analysts' estimates, which were calling for first-quarter revenue of $913.7 million.

Tiffany expects sales to rise by a low-single digit percentage for the fiscal year 2018. Meanwhile, earnings should rise by a mid-single digit percentage rate, after charges are excluded, the company added.

As of Wednesday's close, shares of Tiffany had climbed nearly 33 percent over the past 12 months are are up a little more than 9 percent for the year-to-date period.
China has granted President Trump preliminary approval for another trademark in apparel, expanding business interests that have already generated criticism over potential conflicts.

Mr. Trump, the businessman, has collected trademarks that span a broad range of countries and industries, including soap in India and vodka in Israel. With the latest approval in China, Mr. Trump could bring his total trademarks in the country to 116, giving his business empire greater access to the world's second-largest economy.

But the globalist approach runs counter to a populist president who has pushed a nationalistic agenda. The portfolio of trademarks could also leave Mr. Trump vulnerable to perception problems, as well as potential conflicts.

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He applied for the trademark in June 2016, the same month that, as a presidential candidate, he said he would label China a currency manipulator. Since then, Mr. Trump has reversed his position and has taken a less confrontational stance with China, particularly after meeting with the Chinese president, Xi Jinping, in April.

Alan Garten, executive vice president and chief legal officer at the Trump Organization, said the application "was filed months before the election as part of an action to cancel an infringing mark, and the registration has since been assigned to DTTM Operations," a holding company.

China's Trademark Office granted Mr. Trump preliminary approval for the trademark  which can be used in clothing like trousers, underwear and suits  on May 6. The trademark will be formally registered three months later, if the agency receives no objections.

Mr. Trump now has 77 registered trademarks in China and 39 trademarks with preliminary approval. His daughter Ivanka Trump has recently secured a spate of new trademarks in China through her trademarking business, Ivanka Trump Marks L.L.C.

It is unclear how Mr. Trump plans to use his trademarks. Unlike in the United States, people who file for trademarks in China do not have to give a reason for their application.

That lack of a disclosure requirement has given rise to a crush of people registering the names of well-known brands, a practice known as "trademark squatting." Trademark lawyers in the country often advise celebrities and overseas companies to file for trademarks across many sectors in a strategy known as "defensive filing" because litigation is an expensive and time-consuming process.

Opportunists have flocked to the Trump brand. His name is emblazoned on toilets, cosmetics and leather goods in China  trademarks registered by people other than the president.

Mr. Trump waged a decade-long legal battle for the right to protect his name brand for construction projects, finally winning in February. That trademark approval was disclosed days after Mr. Trump spoke with the Chinese president and dropped his challenge to China's policy on Taiwan.

Whether the Trump Organization will profit from the trademarks remains to be seen. The licensing of Mr. Trump's name, together with real estate development, are principal sources of the company's income.

"As a legal matter, the trademark itself is a thing of value, as proven by how hard the president has fought for some of these trademarks over the years, in China and elsewhere," said Norman Eisen, who was an ethics lawyer for former President Barack Obama. Mr. Eisen is part of a group that sued Mr. Trump, alleging that his business interests violate the emoluments clause in the Constitution that bars presidents from taking gifts or payments from foreign governments.

"The Constitution simply does not allow him to collect foreign tributes of this kind while he sits in the Oval Office," he added.

The Trump Organization has said it will not do any further international deals. The business is now being run by the president's two adult sons.

Senators have expressed concern about Mr. Trump's trademarks in China, saying Beijing could use them to sway policy decisions. In March, Senator Ben Cardin, Democrat of Maryland and ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said "officials in Beijing have come to appreciate the potential return on investments for China in having a positive, personal business relationship with the president of the United States, who has not taken appropriate and transparent steps to completely sever his relationship from the corporation that bears his name."

China has said it has acted in accordance with the law regarding Mr. Trump's trademarks.
President Donald Trump arrived Wednesday in the political heart of Europe  Brussels  which he once referred to as a "hellhole" because of issues stemming from Muslim immigration.

European officials, however, seem confident they will be dealing with a "scripted" leader who will be "presidential" during the visit.

"I don't expect any major statement. I don't think the skies will break and thunders will hit us," a senior European official, who didn't want to be named due to the sensitivity of the issue, told CNBC on Wednesday.

"There's a difference between candidate Trump and President Trump," the official added.

After arriving in Brussels, Trump met with Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel, vowing to work together on "various problems."

"Number one is terrorism," Trump said two days after the deadly bombing at a concert in Manchester, England. "We will win, 100 percent," Trump said of the fight against terrorism.

During the 2016 campaign, Trump had harsh words for Brussels. "You go to Brussels  I was in Brussels a long time ago, 20 years ago, so beautiful, everything is so beautiful  it's like living in a hellhole right now," Trump told Fox Business Network at the time.

Trump is to meet EU representatives Thursday morning. The stop is part of the president's first big trip abroad, which has taken him to Saudi Arabia, Israel and the Vatican.

So far, Trump has avoided disruptive comments, both when addressing the press and online.

"The most likely scenario is that he will do the same (in Brussels)," a second European official, who also did not want to be named, told CNBC.

However, the official warned, "You can't predict that guy."

The relationship between the European Union and the United States has definitely taken a less predictable path since the November U.S. election. Apart from the president's comments supporting Brexit and asking other EU countries to leave the political union, Trump has also confused key European figures, including European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and European Council President Donald Tusk.

Those leaders will meet Trump on Thursday morning.

"The news tomorrow is that they are meeting. We weren't sure that he (Trump) would come," the first official told CNBC about such an encounter.

On the agenda, expect issues such as the fight against terrorism, security and the Paris climate agreement, but not detailed conclusions, including on a trade deal that had been in the making with the Obama administration.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.
Conservative Rep. Mark Sanford has some doubts about the Trump administration's rosy economic projections.

At a House Budget Committee hearing Wednesday, the South Carolina Republican drilled Office of Management and Budget Director Mick Mulvaney about the White House's expectations for gross domestic product growth. President Donald Trump's budget wish list released this week sets an objective of sustained 3 percent economic growth.

"This budget assumes a Goldilocks economy. And I think that's a very difficult thing" on which to base a budget, Sanford told Mulvaney, who also previously represented South Carolina in the House.

"It assumes that the stars perfectly align with regard to economic drivers."

The U.S. economy grew 1.6 percent in 2016.

Mulvaney defended the White House's projection earlier in the hearing, saying he was "stunned" about widespread doubts that the U.S. can achieve  and maintain  3 percent growth. He argued that people would have to be "pessimistic" to assume such a level of expansion is "somehow unreasonable."

Sanford highlighted multiple possible problems in reaching sustained 3 percent growth. Among them, he contended that it would assume labor force growth and productivity growth that may not be achievable.

He argued that the necessary labor force growth would "require either radically opening immigration or a radical change to demographics."

While Sanford was doubtful about the growth projections, other Republicans on the House panel said they agreed with those expectations.
"I just wanted to congratulate you because I am hearing of the unbelievable job on the drug problem," Trump said, in a transcript of the call, according to the Times report. "Many countries have the problem, we have a problem, but what a great job you are doing and I just wanted to call and tell you that."

President Donald Trump applauded President Rodrigo Duterte's crackdown on drugs in a phone call between the two leaders in April, according to the New York Times .

Duterte has waged a war the drug trade in his country, killing thousands, and alarming human rights groups around the world.

According to the Times, the released transcript came from the Philippines. The White House typically keeps such transcripts under wraps, although the Times says one senior administration official confirmed the general contents of the call.

The two leaders also reportedly discussed North Korea, before Trump invited Duterte to the White House.

"I will love to have you in the Oval Office, anytime you want to come," he said, according to the report.

Read the full report at the New York Times.
President Donald Trump has promised to unveil a $1 trillion infrastructure plan this year, a proposal that was in focus last week as Washington observed "infrastructure week"  even if it was overshadowed by a flurry of other political news. Trump's infrastructure plans, plus his promises of a manufacturing renaissance, are expected to be a boon for industries like transportation and engineering. But they could also benefit some less-expected sectors: robotics start-ups and the cloud companies that work with them. "Compute and storage utilities, I think this is going to enable massive innovation by all sorts of companies, not the least of which are all the industrial companies that can lever and take advantage of the massive investments that Google's making, Amazon's making, Microsoft's making, and machine learning that's in the cloud," Altimeter Capital's Brad Gerstner told CNBC earlier this month.

The Guardian S, one of Sarcos' robots, is a 13-pound snake-like all-terrain machine, powered remotely by humans engineers. Source: Sarcos Robotics

Building roads and bridges may seem outside the purview of big technology companies like Amazon and Google . But when an industrial company wants to make a model of, say, when a bridge will corrode, it can use data from the sensors on a robot, and send that data to be crunched in the cloud, said Ben Wolff, CEO of robotics company Sarcos.

'The golden age of robotics'

Sarcos is one company that thinks it can get a boost from the infrastructure and manufacturing boom. The Utah-based robotics company makes rugged machines that can explore areas where humans can't  or shouldn't  enter safely, like tunnels, pipes, corroding bridges and under automobiles. "Every time we use the robot, it may be a different environment. Inspecting a bridge one day, a refinery tank, the welds inside a shipping container," Wolff said. "In a nutshell, if the infrastructure plan goes forward it creates a lot of opportunity for Sarcos. One thing that will be critical is evaluating the useful life of some of the remaining infrastructure." The Guardian S, one of Sarcos' robots, is a 13-pound snake-like all-terrain machine, powered remotely by human engineers. The Guardian XO, still in development, claims to be the world's first "fully powered industrial exoskeleton," an "Iron Man"-like suit that helps the wearer lift 200 pounds "repeatedly without exertion, strain or injury."

Another factor in Sarcos' favor? The company isn't trying to replace human productivity: "[W]e enhance it, by making you stronger, keeping you safer and getting you places you couldn't otherwise go," a description said. That's key, because central to Trump's promises are the jobs they will create. Last year, The New York Times asked Trump if bringing back manufacturing to the U.S. would push up costs and spur companies to turn to automation. "It's a big thing, we'll make the robots, too," Trump said. "Right now we don't make the robots. We don't make anything." According to Wolff, Sarcos' robots are designed for unstructured environments, not the factory floor. But that also means that they're less likely to replace rote jobs.

The Guardian XO, still in development by Sarcos Robotics, claims to be the world's first "fully powered industrial exoskeleton," which helps the wearer lift 200 pounds "repeatedly without exertion, strain or injury." Source: Sarcos Robotics

"Before the forklift or before the power drill, we had humans doing the work and they had to lift the heavy things on their own, and there was more danger involved," Wolff said. "So I think we look at the robots as really the next level of innovation  tools in the workplace that enhance safety." While Trump's plan has been criticized as dated, in some ways it couldn't be timed better for tech companies like Sarcos, and its partner, Microsoft . Wolff said advancements in critical technologies like cloud computing and machine learning, the falling prices of computer vision sensors, and the smaller, faster chips and batteries on the market have created an opportunity for industrial companies to leverage robots in a way they could not have done even five years ago. "I call this the golden age of robotics," Wolff said. Technology has advanced so that the costs of components have come down dramatically."

Microsoft, Amazon and the race to win the cloud
President Donald Trump and Pope Francis meet at the Vatican, May 24, 2017.

Donald Trump met Pope Francis at the Vatican on Wednesday  the latest in a string of high-level meetings at sites sacred to the world's three great monotheistic religions.

The president smiled broadly beside the pontiff, who appeared subdued and stone-faced before their 30-minute private conversation.

However, Francis' mood lightened considerably during their gift exchange and the two men shook hands before parting.

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"Thank you. Thank you. I won't forget what you said," Trump told the pope after their private meeting.

In the past, Trump and the pontiff have disagreed on issues including environmental protection.

During the election campaign, Francis criticized Trump's promise to build a wall on the Mexican border and his declaration that the U.S. should turn away Muslim immigrants and refugees.

"A person who thinks only about building walls, wherever they may be, and not building bridges, is not Christian," Francis said at the time.

Trump reacted to the pontiff's comments by calling Francis "disgraceful" for doubting his faith.

First lady Melania Trump, the president's daughter Ivanka Trump and son-in-law Jared Kushner accompanied him to the Vatican.

The pope's gifts to Trump included a medal by a Roman artist depicting an olive, which is a symbol of peace.

The president responded, "We can use peace."

The pope also gave him copies of his three main teaching documents. Some of the main themes contained in them contrast sharply with Trump's policies and campaign promises, particularly concerning approaches to the environment and income inequality.

The president told Francis he'd be reading them.

Trump's gift for the pontiff was wrapped in a big blue box. The president said he was delivering "books from Martin Luther King. I think you'll enjoy them. I hope you do."

The meeting with the leader of the world's more than one billion Catholics caps off a trip during which Trump visited the birthplace of Islam, Saudi Arabia, and then Jerusalem and Bethlehem  highlighting the president's outreach to Muslims, Christians and Jews.

Trump's reception in Europe was low-key compared to the extravagantly warm welcomes he received in Riyadh and Jerusalem. Greenpeace climate change activists projected the message "Planet Earth First" over St. Peter's Basilica on Tuesday night.

On Wednesday, protesters hung a sign saying "Rome Resists" on a bridge in the Vatican.
President Donald Trump is expected to retain Marc Kasowitz as private attorney on matters related to the Russia investigation, sources familiar with the decision told NBC News Tuesday.

Kasowitz has represented Trump in the past. Fox Business and ABC News earlier reported that Trump was expected to retain Kasowitz in relation to the Russia investigation. And the Washington Post reported on Monday that Trump was close to choosing outside counsel in the probe.

The expected move comes less than a week after Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein appointed a special counsel, former FBI director Robert Mueller, to oversee the investigation into alleged Russian interference in the U.S. presidential election.

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Ex-CIA chief: 'Interactions' between Trump campaign, Russia

Trump to Pope after Vatican meeting: I 'won't forget what you said'

Rosenstein appointed the special counsel amid mounting criticism following Trump's firing of FBI director James Comey earlier this month.

Meanwhile, former Connecticut Sen. Joseph Lieberman, a Democrat, joined Kasowitz' law firm in 2013  and Lieberman is under consideration by Trump to replace Comey as FBI director.

Trump said on Friday that he is "very close" to choosing an FBI director and said then that Lieberman was his top choice, but no decision has been announced.

Trump has denied any collusion with Russia in the alleged interference in the presidential campaign. Last week the president said he is the target of a "witch hunt."

U.S. intelligence agencies have concluded that Russia was involved in a covert campaign to hurt Hillary Clinton and help Trump win. Trump and other Republicans have said they believe Russia was involved in the hacking of Democratic institutions, but that the alleged interference did not affect the outcome of the election.

On Tuesday, former CIA Director John Brennan appeared before the House Intelligence Committee and said he believes Russia "brazenly" interfered in last year's presidential election and that he knew of contacts between Trump associates and Russian officials.

Brennan added that he is not sure whether "collusion existed" between the campaign and Moscow, but the interactions were enough that he believed the matter warranted an FBI investigation.

During the campaign, Kasowitz sent a letter to the New York Times demanding a retraction for an Oct. 12, 2016 article about two women who said Trump touched them inappropriately in the past. The letter called the article "libelous" and "reckless" and "defamatory."

The New York Times refused. David E. McCraw, vice president and assistant general counsel for the newspaper, said in a response that the they "published newsworthy information about a subject of deep public concern" and added that if Trump disagrees "we welcome the opportunity to have a court set him straight."
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Four U.S. states on the Gulf of Mexico stand to lose billions in future payments if a proposal in the president's new budget survives congressional scrutiny. The White House on Tuesday proposed ending a program that shares revenue from offshore oil and gas drilling with the states  and it does so just as those payments were scheduled to expand significantly. Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas  all of which went for Donald Trump in the 2016 presidential election  are trying to close their own budget gaps amid a protracted oil price downturn and as the new White House budget asks them to absorb cuts to social welfare programs.

The GOMESA program is critical to coastal states, who assume the environmental and economic risks and provide a majority of the infrastructure and workforce for the offshore oil and gas industry Rep. Bradley Byrne R-Ala.

The plan is part of the president's effort to contain the growth of the U.S. federal deficit. The Office of Management and Budget estimates that ending the royalty-sharing program would save the federal government $3.6 billion over a decade. The program is part of the 2006 Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act, or GOMESA, which was designed to encourage offshore drilling by giving states a cut when Washington leases federal water to energy companies for exploration.

The act paid out a modest $36.5 million between 2009 and 2016. But those payments were projected to spike higher beginning this year: They were to jump to $272 million total in fiscal 2018 alone, after revenue from more offshore blocks becomes available. The payments were to reach the program cap of $375 million per year by 2022, according to estimates in the president's budget. Texas and Louisiana in particular were set to see their payments surge.

The Department of Interior said the administration proposed ending the program "to ensure the sale of public resources from Federal waters owned by all Americans, benefit all Americans." But others argue that states whose seascapes are dotted with oil rigs deserve a bigger piece of the pie. "The GOMESA program is critical to coastal states, who assume the environmental and economic risks and provide a majority of the infrastructure and workforce for the offshore oil and gas industry," said Republican congressman Bradley Byrne, who represents a coastal district of Alabama.

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Alabama and other states on the Gulf know those risks well. The 2010 BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill contaminated 1,100 miles of coastline and cost the region's fishing and tourism industries hundreds of millions of dollars in lost revenue. On Monday, House Majority Whip Steve Scalise, R.-La., alluded to revenue sharing in a statement on the budget. "I will also be working to ensure that any budget we pass in the House addresses the priorities important to Louisiana, including fiscal responsibility, increased energy production and the revenue sharing that goes along with it," he said.

Feds to states: You're already getting BP payouts
's proposal to sell half of the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPR) will likely have little impact on OPEC's efforts to reduce a global oil glut, Goldman Sachs said on Tuesday.

The White House budget, delivered to Congress on Tuesday, aims to start selling SPR oil in fiscal 2018, which begins on Oct. 1. Under the proposal, the sales would generate $500 million in the first year and gradually rise over the following years.

Goldman Sachs said such sales would only average around 110,000 barrels per day annually through 2027, 66,000 bpd between 2018-2020 and just 25,000 bpd this year.

"This is negligible relative to both the size of the OPEC cuts of 1.7 million bpd and the global oil market of 98 million bpd," the bank said in a note.
President Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC.

President Donald Trump's proposal to sell half of America's emergency oil stock seems "opportunistic", according to the CEO of one of the world's largest natural resource companies.

When asked whether Trump would be able to implement his plan to sell half of the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPR), Tom Albanese, chief executive of Vedanta Resources , replied, "It feels a bit opportunistic so let's see how that goes."

The White House budget, delivered to Congress on Tuesday, included aims to begin trimming SPR oil in fiscal 2018, which begins from October 1. The proposal predicted it would generate around $500 million in the first year of sales and as much as $16.6 billion over the following decade.

Further to selling half of the nation's emergency oil stockpile, Trump's first complete budget plan seeks to boost government revenues by sanctioning drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and looks to sell off some government owned electricity transmission lines.

The proposals, as with much of the budget, appear likely to face opposition on Capitol Hill.
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The White House's plan to sell off half the country's strategic stockpile of crude oil looks like a hasty decision to some analysts, but to others its an idea whose time has come. The budget proposal released last Tuesday is projected to reduce the deficit by $16.6 billion over 10 years. It calls for drawing down the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve  the world's largest stockpile  over that period. The reserve, which now totals 687.7 million barrels, was established after the 1970s oil crisis to ensure the U.S. economy would not suffer shocks in times of tight supply. It has only been used three times to counter import cutoffs or for foreign policy purposes.

When the time does come that you really do need the oil that's in this cavern, you can't just snap your fingers and try to pump it from the shale producers, or anywhere else. John Kilduff Again Capital founding partner

Still, some question whether the reserve is still necessary as the United States inches toward energy independence. U.S. crude oil output has surged in the last decade, thanks to a technological revolution in drilling methods that allows producers to quickly tap new supplies. "With rising U.S. production, our imports from unstable parts of the world have really plummeted, plus we don't need as much as before," Kyle Cooper, partner at energy commodity trading firm TradeWell Energy, told CNBC's "Closing Bell" on Tuesday. Cooper noted that most U.S. crude oil imports come from Canada, a relatively stable source. The United States imported 3.8 million barrels a day of crude and petroleum products from Canada in 2016, more than the total it purchased from OPEC nations combined.

But John Kilduff, founding partner at energy hedge fund Again Capital, said the key word is "strategic." He noted top oil exporter Saudi Arabia just struck a $110 billion U.S. arms deal, suggesting Riyadh is uncertain about the security situation in the oil-rich Middle East. To be sure, the White House most recently tapped the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to offset import disruptions during the 2011 Arab Spring protests.



"When the time does come that you really do need the oil that's in this cavern, you can't just snap your fingers and try to pump it from the shale producers, or anywhere else," he told "Closing Bell" on Tuesday. "I think it's misguided completely." He further noted that one would typically want to buy low and sell high. Oil prices have recovered from 12-year lows struck last year, but remain at half the value of their 2014 peaks.

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"Trade policy is structurally changing the dynamics of steel trade in the U.S.," they said in the report upgrading the steel sector. They noted that recent checks with some steel traders suggest foreign mills no longer want to bring large quantities of the metal into the U.S. on "concerns about potential targeting in future trade suits."

"Our conversations with trade lawyers have noted that the Trump administration has had a 'chilling effect' with respect to growing trade with the United States, especially in Asia," said Credit Suisse research analysts Curt Woodworth and Serena Rocha Calejon in a report Wednesday.

While most of the so-called Trump trades require the president to successfully team up with a Republican-led Congress to make business-friendly laws, there's one group of companies that Trump alone can help and already has, according to Wall Street.

In late April, President Donald Trump signed a directive asking for a quick probe into whether imports of foreign-made steel threaten U.S. national security.

"We believe the Section 232 investigation has the potential to be one of the largest

catalysts for steel stocks in the past decade," Woodworth and Calejon said in the report.

They upgraded U.S. Steel , Nucor and Steel Dynamics to outperform from neutral, also pointing to steadying energy prices and solid demand from China as support for the steel industry.

On Wednesday, U.S. Steel shares briefly gained more than 6 percent before cutting gains to about 1 percent. Eleven percent of shares available for trading are sold short, according to FactSet.

Trump campaigned on and subsequently adopted an "America First" policy to protect the interests of U.S. companies such as steel makers against overseas firms, which are often subsidized and able to sell at prices far cheaper than U.S. companies can, a practice known as "dumping." For decades, China has been a target of U.S. anti-dumping policy.

After Trump won the presidential election in November, U.S. stocks climbed to record highs on anticipation of U.S. business-friendly policies such as tax reform, infrastructure spending and deregulation.

Most analysts expected financial stocks to benefit the most from those new policies, and the sector led gains in the for much of the postelection rally. However, in the last several weeks, technology stocks have overtaken financials as the top performer since the election as new legislation stalled in Congress and reports raised worries about how Trump is handling an investigation into possible ties between his campaign and Russia.

The market may question whether Trump can get Congress to pass his pro-growth proposals, but as the Credit Suisse analysts note, the administration is serious about  and able to deliver on  steel trade.

In choosing leaders on trade policy, Trump picked individuals known for their anti-China views:

Wilbur Ross, secretary of Commerce, has criticized other steel-producing countries for being more "protectionist."

Peter Navarro, author of "Death by China ," heads a newly formed National Trade Council.

Recently confirmed U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer has negotiated restrictions on steel imports.

The team has already taken significant action toward protecting the interests of U.S. steel producers.

On April 11, Ross announced that the Commerce Department found Korean steel producers have been selling oil country tubular goods into the U.S. market at a rate as much as 24.92 percent below fair value in the U.S. The Commerce Department said it would tell the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency to "assess duties and collect cash deposits equal to the dumping margins found on all imports of the subject goods from Korea."

At a public hearing Wednesday, Ross indicated more serious action could be taken on foreign steel companies if their actions are found to be damaging to the U.S.

Materials and industrials remain among the top five performing sectors in the S&P 500 since the election. The industries should also benefit from spending on infrastructure, a proposal analysts believe both political parties can agree on.

Larry McDonald, author of The Bear Traps Report investing newsletter, said in a Wednesday note that his team has bought shares of U.S. Steel on weakness.

"The market is punishing names with any dependency on tax reform as the Washington gridlock looks here to say. In our view, this has created an opportunity to buy U.S. Steel at a lower cost basis."

To be sure, the last eight months have sent U.S. Steel's shares on a volatile ride. The stock skyrocketed about 65 percent from the middle of October to early December.

But the company has had its own struggles. In late April, the stock plunged more than 26 percent after U.S. Steel cut guidance and unexpectedly reported a loss. Shares also fell on May 10 when David Burritt became CEO after Mario Longhi stepped down from the position.

The stock remains 51 percent higher year on year.

US Steel 12-month performance

Source: FactSet

 CNBC's Michael Bloom and Natalia Wojcik contributed to this report.

Disclaimer
Home Secretary Amber Rudd (R) arrives for a COBRA meeting in Downing Street on May 23, 2017

The U.K. government has criticized security allies in the United States for leaking sensitive information following the suicide bomb in Manchester on Monday.

The British Home Secretary Amber Rudd has said it was "irritating" that details about the Manchester bombing investigation were leaked and that they have been clear with Washington that it "should not happen again".

Details about the Manchester suicide bomb attack appeared on U.S. news sites before British police had publicly released them to the U.K. media.

Media outlets, including NBC, were able to publish death tolls, the attacker's name and the fact that it had been a suicide bombing.

Rudd told BBC Radio 4's Today program that she would be reviewing how intelligence is shared after the early release of the Manchester attacker's identity.
Israeli Energy Minister Yuval Steinitz says the U.S. should make sure the deal "will not, by any means, erode Israel's qualitative edge."

Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud (2nd L) welcomes U.S. President Donald Trump to dance with a sword during a welcome ceremony at Al Murabba Palace in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia May 20, 2017. Jonathan Ernst | Reuters

When President Donald Trump announced an arms deal worth billions of dollars with Saudi Arabia last week, one item stood out among the hardware: cybersecurity technology. And there was one regional ally, more adept than most at dealing with a cyber threat, that raised an outcry against the package: Israel. Energy Minister Yuval Steinitz said the U.S. should make sure the deal "will not, by any means, erode Israel's qualitative edge, because Saudi Arabia is still a hostile country," according to Reuters. It was a time-honored invocation of one of Israel's main defense mantras: Since it is small in size and population it needs to maintain qualitative and technological military superiority in the region. While Israel depends on the U.S. for quite a few weapons systems, for example for its air force, cybersecurity is one field in which it has carved out a niche. In fact, the prowess of its military and security services in that field has spawned a whole new industry for the country, now worth billions of dollars in exports per year. It is second only to the United States in terms of market share. "Today we provide something like 10 percent of the global market in cybertechnology products, [and] 20 percent in total global investment in cybertechnology is invested in Israel," said Isaac Ben Israel, a former general who founded the National Cyber Bureau in the prime minister's office and now heads the program for science technology and security at Tel Aviv University.

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Some other estimates come out slightly lower, but the numbers are impressive either way. Ben Israel is clear about what has made Israel so advanced in the field: the fact that it has been under cyberattack for many years. But the country has also been associated with offensive cyber capabilities. The Stuxnet cyberworm that was revealed in 2010 and said to have struck Iran's nuclear program, is widely thought to be a joint U.S.-Israeli project. Ben Israel makes the somewhat ironic point that the attack was what first alerted the wider world to the potential of cyberweapons and gave a boost to the cybersecurity industry. "Until 2010, the potential of cybersecurity was only known to experts," he said. When actual machinery, Iranian nuclear centrifuges, experienced real damage, the importance of cybersecurity started to sink in. Israel's status as a cyber superpower is not likely to be threatened by the sale of some U.S. technology to Saudi Arabia. Chances are that at least part of it was designed in Israel to begin with. Steve Morgan, whose firm Cybersecurity Ventures specializes in the global cybermarket, notes that even the U.S. relies partly on Israeli technology. "Why engineer something that already exists? We don't have the time to do that. We see some of that in the U.S. Our military is Israel's number one customer," he said. Global spending on cybersecurity is expected to reach $1 trillion over the next five years, Morgan said. And Israel is well placed to get a significant part of that.

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Cybersecurity Ventures publishes a list of the top 500 computer security companies; it features 36 Israeli ones, the largest number after the U.S. Even that number does not represent the whole picture, since many Israeli companies are acquired by American firms or move to the U.S. And that's not all: "You now see the phenomenon of start-ups here wanting Israeli teams. So you see a whole new American company with an Israeli mindset," Morgan said. In fact, personnel is key with an estimated shortfall of 1.5 million to 2 million engineers in the sector. That's where Israel, despite its small population of just over 8.5 million, has a relative advantage. Yoav Leitersdorf, whose Silicon Valley-based YL Ventures invests in Israeli start-ups and helps move them to the U.S., calls the Israeli army "the world's most important supply for cybersecurity professionals. And many of them start new companies." YL's previous seed capital fund, launched in 2013, was all invested in cybersecurity companies. A new fund, of $75 million, was announced just a few weeks ago and Leitersdorf expects three-quarters of it to go toward cybersecurity. Israel's leading venture capital firm, Jerusalem Venture Partners, which has invested $1 billion since it was founded in 1993, also puts a lot of trust in cybersecurity. Managing partner Gadi Tirosh says that about one-quarter of JVP's investments goes toward cybersecurity.

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Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross is speaking about the effects of steel imports on national security at a public hearing on Wednesday in Washington.

"The purpose of the investigation is to determine if the steel being imported into this country impairs our national, economic and military security," Ross said. "If we determine that steel imports are indeed a threat to our security, the department will recommend responsible action to the president."

CNBC has made a live stream of the hearing available here:
Pope Francis (R) exchanges gifts with US President Donald Trump during a private audience at the Vatican on May 24, 2017.

President Donald Trump and Pope Francis, two leaders with contrasting styles and differing worldviews, met at the Vatican City on Wednesday, setting aside their previous clashes to broadcast a tone of peace for an audience around the globe.

Trump, midway through his grueling nine-day maiden international journey, called upon the pontiff at the Vatican early Wednesday where the two had a private 30-minute meeting laden with religious symbolism and ancient protocol. The president, accompanied by his wife and several aides, arrived at the Vatican just after 8 a.m. local time. The president greeted Francis in Sala del Tronetto, the room of the little throne, on the second floor of Apostolic Palace Wednesday morning.



Upon completing their meeting, the pope gave the president a medal featuring an olive branch, a symbol of peace, among other gifts.

"We can use peace," the president responded.

The visit began with a handshake between the two men. Trump could be heard thanking the pope and saying it was "a great honor" to be there. They then posed for photographs and then sat down at the papal desk, the pope unsmiling, as their private meeting began.

It ended a half hour later when Francis rang the bell in his private study. The pontiff was then introduced to members of Trump's delegation, including his wife Melania, his daughter Ivanka and son-in-law Jared Kushner, as well as aides Hope Hicks and Dan Scavino.

Smiling for the staff, Francis had a light moment with the First Lady, asking via translator, "What do you give him to eat, pizza?"

Melania giggled and said "Pizza? Yes."

As is tradition, the pope and president exchanged gifts. Trump presented the pontiff some books written by Martin Luther King Jr, saying "I think you'll enjoy them. I hope you do." The pope presented Trump with the medal, a message of peace and three bound papal documents that to some degree define his papacy and priorities.

When Trump departed, he told the pope: "Thank you, I won't forget what you said."

Trump's predecessor, Barack Obama, had a private audience with Francis at the Vatican in 2014 that lasted 50 minutes. But the timing on Wednesday was tight as Francis had his weekly Wednesday general audience, the thousands of pilgrims on hand forced Trump's motorcade to enter Vatican City from a side entrance rather than the grand entrance through St. Peter's Square.

The meeting, which concluded Trump's tour of the world's largest monotheistic religions, could provide powerful imagery to Catholic voters back in the United States as well as the possibility for conflict between a president and a pope who have not often seen eye-to-eye.

The two collided head-on early last year, when Francis was sharply critical of Trump's campaign pledge to build an impenetrable wall on the Mexican border and his declaration that the United States should turn away Muslim immigrants and refugees.

"A person who thinks only about building walls, wherever they may be, and not building bridges, is not Christian," Francis said then. The pontiff has been a vocal advocate for aiding refugees, particularly those fleeing the violence in Syria, deeming it both a "moral imperative" and "Christian duty" to help.

Trump then called Francis "disgraceful" for doubting his faith.

Trump arrived in Rome Tuesday evening, his motorcade closing a busy Italian highway just after rush hour and prompting hundreds of onlookers to briefly step out of their gridlocked cars to gawk at the fleet of armored vehicles. He spent the night at the U.S. ambassador to Italy's residence.

Though both Trump and Francis are known for their unpredictability, papal visits with heads of state are carefully arranged bits of political and religious theater that follow a specific program, with little room for deviation or unwanted surprises. Trump was expected to be given a tour of the Vatican after his papal meeting.

Trump is the 13th president to visit the Vatican and, as part of his tour, he will view the Sistine Chapel.

In recent days, Francis and Trump have been in agreement on a need for Muslim leaders to do more against extremists in their own communities. But there are few other areas where their views align.

The president's prior anti-Muslim rhetoric  including his musing that Islam "hates" the West  is the antithesis of what the pope has been preaching about a need for dialogue with Muslims. Francis also differs sharply with Trump on the need to combat climate change and economic inequality. And he could react to events this week, including the release of Trump's budget, which would dramatically cut funding to programs that help the poor, and the president's agreement to sell military equipment to Saudi Arabia.

Trump's visit to the Eternal City comes after two stops in the Middle East where he visited the cradles of Islam and Judaism. In Saudi Arabia, he addressed dozens of Arab leaders and urged them to fight extremists at home and isolate Iran, which he depicted as menace to the region. And in Israel, Trump reaffirmed his commitment to strong ties with the nation's longtime ally and urged both the Israelis and the Palestinians to begin the process of reaching a peace deal. No details or timetable have yet to be established for negotiations.

But while Trump received extravagantly warm welcomes in Riyadh and Jerusalem, the reception could grow much cooler now that he's reached Europe, site of widespread protests after his election. Climate change activists projected the words "Planet Earth First" on the massive dome of St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican Tuesday night and protests are expected Wednesday in Rome and later in the week when Trump travels to Brussels for a NATO meeting and Sicily for a G7 gathering.
If you're planning a trip to Iceland, people will tell you to eat the hot dogs, tour the capital city and of course, visit the Blue Lagoon. I did all three during my trip in late April. To be expected, the country's most iconic destination isn't cheap. Tickets to the geothermal spa range from a $55 "standard package"  which gets you in the door  to a $530 "luxury package," which includes entry to the exclusive lounge, among other perks. I opted for the $95 "premium package," which is the most popular of the four options.

If you know you want to spend a day at the Blue Lagoon, you have to plan ahead. It's open every day of the year, but attracts so many visitors that you have to pre-book your ticket a few days in advance. If you want to go at a specific time, I recommend looking at tickets at least a week before. The spa is situated between Reykjavik, where I was staying, and the main airport, so I booked my ticket for the morning of my last day in Iceland. Another popular time to go is upon arriving in Iceland: Many travelers head there straight from the airport. Getting there is easy. There are hourly bus transfers to and from the lagoon, Reykjavik and Keflavik International Airport. I had rented a car, and the trip was a pleasant 45 minute drive from downtown Reykjavik.

Kathleen Elkins

The walk from the parking lot to the entrance, like the rest of Iceland, is decidedly scenic.

Kathleen Elkins

I showed up at 10:15 a.m. for my 10:30 a.m. booking. Here's the lobby area everyone enters into upon arrival.

Kathleen Elkins

After waiting in line for about 15 minutes, I scanned my e-ticket. I got a wristband that serves as a locker key and an in-water credit card, which I could use to buy drinks and refreshments at the swim-up bar. Included in the premium package is the use of a towel, bathrobe and slippers.

Kathleen Elkins

Next, I headed up to the locker rooms, where all visitors are required to take a naked, full body shower. That's standard procedure at all Icelandic pools. After showering, I was set loose to soak among these stunning views.

Kathleen Elkins

Swimmers can hang towels and robes on a rack by the lagoon entrance. Easy access to a warm robe makes a huge difference if you're visiting during the winter or off-season.

Kathleen Elkins

To give you an idea of just how cold it was outside in April, check out the lifeguard wearing a full-on parka.

Kathleen Elkins

As soon as you wade into the lagoon, the outdoor temperature  no matter how frigid  becomes irrelevant. The water temperature ranges between a perfect 98 and 104 degrees Fahrenheit. I headed straight to the swim-up bar, where you can order beer, cider, wine and smoothies. The premium package includes a complimentary drink.

Kathleen Elkins

No matter what package you buy, you have access to the silica mud mask, the distinctive white face treatment you may have seen all over your Instagram feed. You'll find it in the lagoon at the swim-up "silica bar."

Kathleen Elkins

You apply as much as you want to your face and body, leave it on for at least five minutes and then wash it off using the lagoon water  before taking a selfie, that is.

Kathleen Elkins

The comfort package also come with access to the algae face mask, which is supposed to nourish and moisturize your skin.

Kathleen Elkins

Here's a close up of the good stuff:

Kathleen Elkins

If you need a break from the pool, there's a sauna and steam area to relax in, as well as an indoor lounge area. There's no time limit on your stay, but most visitors spend a couple hours in the water and stick around for lunch or dinner at the Blue Cafe or LAVA restaurant. I relaxed for about three hours before showering, changing and heading to the airport for a 5:00 p.m. flight. It was the perfect, relaxing close to a whirlwind three-day trip.

Kathleen Elkins
The past two weeks have effectively shattered any hope that the floundering Trump administration would eventually settle into the daily grind of "politics as usual."

First, President Trump fired FBI director James Comey after the bureau requested extra resources from the Justice Department to investigate Russia's interference in the 2016 presidential elections.

Then, as everyone was processing the fact that a U.S president had apparently just impeded an ongoing FBI probe for the first time since Watergate, it was revealed that Trump had disclosed highly classified material  "code-word information"  regarding the Islamic State to the Russian foreign minister and ambassador one day after Comey's firing.

More from National Review:

Fighting the politicized, evidence-free 'collusion with Russia' narrative

Trump's warm welcome in the Middle East is no surprise

Boris Nemtsov's legacy haunts Putin's Russia

Multiple sources subsequently confirmed that it had been Israel that originally supplied the intel to the president, with the understanding that it would not be shared with any other U.S allies, much less Russia. (Trump himself on Monday seemed to confirm that Israel had been the source.)

The Wall Street Journal reported that this source was instrumental in warning the intelligence community about Islamic State plans that led the United States to ban carry-on laptop computers and other consumer electronic devices from ten airports across the Middle East. By the time news surfaced last Tuesday evening that Trump had reportedly asked Comey to stop investigating Michael Flynn back in February, the epiphany almost seemed anti-climactic.

If all this happened as reported  and, judging by the White House's tortured evasions, it very well may have  there is now a case for impeachment. That such a case exists does not, of course, guarantee its prosecution. Until now, few Republicans have had the temerity to challenge Trump's flagrant assault on democratic mores and values  the mistreatment of the press, the haphazard executive orders, the compulsive disregard for the truth.

Barring an unlikely departure from this deferential pattern, the GOP will continue to abet the most dysfunctional administration in modern American memory, portraying calls for accountability as liberal hysteria run amok. In the event that Trump does manage to avoid impeachment, last week's scandals will be just another anchor weighing down a half-drowned presidency.

The incompetence will persist, the embarrassments and pseudo-crises will resume, and the republic will remain on the brink of disaster. Whatever safeguards survive the next three years will be the product of partisan gridlock, with Democrats desperately trying to arrest any and all initiatives Trump might cook up. Above all, the political atrophy of our present moment will accelerate toward a graceless, enervating denouement as polarization and social fragmentation continue to undercut our vital center.

This scenario is no doubt frightening. But more frightening still is what could happen if Trump is impeached.

To be sure, a President Mike Pence would restore some semblance of normalcy to American politics. There would be no self-inflicted intelligence leaks, no 3 a.m. Twitter storms. He'd protect classified materials, uphold the Constitution, and staff his administration with responsible career Republicans. Just as important  especially for America's allies  Pence would close down the circus show that currently occupies the Oval Office, allaying the perception that American politics have gone off the rails.

Impeaching Trump, then, would constitute a re-normalization of public affairs. And that is precisely the problem.



Mike Pence is a Republican's Republican. He believes in trickle-down economic policies and welfare roll-backs, a hawkish American policy abroad and a liberal immigration regime at home. In short, he represents the GOP establishment that Trump so consistently mocked to the thunderous applause of the "forgotten man."

While conservative elites waited in vain for their base to come around to Jeb Bush or Marco Rubio, white working-class voters found in Trump an antidote to the cocktail of pieties that had for so long characterized the Republican establishment. A tired combination of handouts for the rich, bromides for the middle class, and ill-conceived wars abroad had failed to address Trump voters' true social and economic concerns for decades, softening the 2016 primaries up for a populist insurgency.

Just over 100 days into Trump's troubled tenure, the GOP establishment has already demonstrated its political tenacity. From health care to tax reform to rumors of a renewed surge in Afghanistan, business as usual has largely resumed in Washington for the Paul Ryan wing of the party; Ann Coulter has already fumed about how little progress Trump has made on immigration, his signature issue.

Against such a backdrop, it is almost certain that a Pence ascendancy would spell a return to the tried and tested GOP platform of old. An organized White House, with a new "100-day window," could exert its muscle to ensure that the most cherished policies of Republican elites would see active and early legislation.
Clifton Park, N.Y. >> Two of the areas more familiar service-oriented non-profits are merging to give southern Saratoga and northern Schenectady counties the combined resources and experiences of their combined organizations.

CAPTAIN (Community Action for Parents, Teens and Interested Neighbors) Youth and Family Services and Community Human Services last week announced they have entered into a subsidiary relationship to form CAPTAIN Community Human Services or CCHS.

The two organizations will retain their respective offices in Clifton Park and Glenville while combining business operations into a larger non-profit focused on social services. CAPTAINs executive Director Sue Catroppa will lead the new organization and the transition into a single company.

The move was prompted partly by CHS Executive Director John Irvings announcement he wished to retire, and also by changes in funding sources for small agencies like CHS.

The two organizations have a long history that dates back 40 years to the mid-1970s. CAPTAIN was created around a kitchen table in a suburban home in 1977. CHS was created a year earlier focusing its programs on families with children and children with disabilities in southern Saratoga County and Northern Schenectady County.

At one point in the early years the two organizations shared responsibility for a youth shelter. Through the years the programs that each organization offered and the clientele each served expanded. Now they have come full circle and will work together once again.

CAPTAIN provides programs that address core issues facing todays society including homelessness, poverty, underage drinking and drug use, academic failure and family dysfunction. The organization runs a youth shelter, a community outreach center for youth, a food pantry, the youth development program CAPteens, and CAPTAINs Treasures, a next-to-new clothing and household goods store.

CHSs programs initially started with youth services and were later expanded to include social work services, school counseling, a variety of kids camps, a job match program for high school students, services for youth with behavioral or mental health needs, a wellness transportation program, family advocate and support services, and CARE Links, a volunteer program with services that allow older adults to remain in their homes.

After making his announcement Irving was asked to find a replacement. According to CHS Board of Directors President Mike Holley, the board quickly realized that finding someone with the multiple talents and flexibility required to replace Irving would be difficult. Asked to see if another non-profit wanted to collaborate with CHS, Irving sought out Catroppa and CAPTAIN.

Along with our Board members, we are thrilled to welcome CHS to our family, Catroppa said in a statement. Combined under one umbrella, we bring over 80 years of experience serving the community, and look forward to this incredible opportunity to help our neighbors in Saratoga County and beyond, from infants to senior citizens, to get the help they need in times of crises in a manner of dignity and respect. We share a common goal with CHS to lift people up and build brighter futures, and are excited by the potential of the merger.

In a press conference May 19, Holley and Elizabeth Kucharski, the president of CAPTAINs Board of Directors, discussed the history of the two organizations, the reasons for the merger and what comes next.

As of June 1 CHS becomes a subsidiary of CAPTAIN and by December were hoping to be fully integrated, Kucharski said. Now when we say full service we really are helping the gamut from young children, teens, young adults, the aging, and those with special needs, those who need a voice. We are extremely excited that we are starting in June. The new organization will be knows a CAPTAIN Community Human Services, CCHS.

This will bring more diversity of services to the Burnt Hill, Ballston Lake, and Clifton Park area, Holley added. Both our agencies are not exclusively serving those areas but it will bring a wider variety of services to those we touch.

To help with the merger the BFF Fund of the Community Foundation for the greater Capital Region has provided a $5,000 grant.

For more information on either organization go to: www.captaincares.org or www.chsny.org.
The Music Ministry of St. John Lutheran Church, ELCA has commissioned a new setting of the hymn Come Labor On to thank and honor Jerry and Carolyn Pugsley for their service to the church.

The Pugsleys have been members of St. John since 2005, and have been extremely active in the music ministry, church council and Women of the ELCA since joining. Jerry has served as interim choir director and organist, and is currently serving as organist. The couple are both members of the Chancel Choir and assist and support the choir and music ministry in many other ways as well. The hymn setting was commissioned to recognize and thank them for their many contributions to the church.

The hymn setting was written by composer and organist Jeremy Bankson, currently of Columbus, OH. Bankson was previously Director of Music and organist at St. John from 1996 to 1999.

The hymn setting will be premiered Sunday, May 28 at the 9 a.m. worship service. Bankson will be the guest organist. Other special music at this service will include congregational hymns led by Bankson and a brass quartet, a choir anthem by the St. John Chancel Choir under the direction of Anna Erikson and an organ and piano duet by Jerry Pugsley and his son, Jason Pugsley.

The church is located at 701 N. 6th St., Beatrice. The public is invited.
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Well, well, well, the NSA may not waltz away legally unscathed after spying on Americans private communications due to the dogged determination of the Wikimedia Foundation, the ACLU, the Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University and eight other co-plaintiffs.

The 4th US Circuit Court of Appeals ruled to give Wikimedia a chance to legally challenge the NSAs mass surveillance as being unconstitutional. The government has previously argued that the NSAs Upstream warrantless spying is authorized under Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. Thanks to Upstream surveillance, the NSA sucks up and searches through Americans international internet communications.

The ruling yesterday reversed a lower courts ruling which found Wikimedia, which publishes the internet behemoth Wikipedia, couldnt prove the NSAs Upstream surveillance program was secretly monitoring its communications, vacuuming the communications right off the internet backbones  even with leaked Snowden documents showing Wikipedia as an NSA target.

Despite Wikimedias 99.9999999999% assertion that at least one of its more than one trillion international text-based internet communications each year had been copied and reviewed by the NSA, the lower court ruled that Wikimedia couldnt prove it was being surveilled.

Thankfully the 4th US Circuit Court of Appeals did not agree. In fact, due to the sheer size of Wikimedia, the judges found that the NSA probably had seized at least some of their communications.

Watch out, NSA, as you are about to be sued for violating the Fourth and First Amendment. Its about flipping time a lawsuit about such unconstitutional surveillance moved forward, instead of being killed off because the groups cant prove the NSA was spying on them.

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The 4th US Circuit Court of Appeals ruled:

Wikimedia has plausibly alleged that its communications travel all of the roads that a communication can take, and that the NSA seizes all of the communications along at least one of those roads. Thus, at least at this stage of the litigation, Wikimedia has standing to sue for a violation of the Fourth Amendment. And, because Wikimedia has self-censored its speech and sometimes forgone electronic communications in response to Upstream surveillance, it also has standing to sue for a violation of the First Amendment.

This is an important victory for the rule of law. The NSA has secretly spied on Americans internet communications for years, but now this surveillance will finally face badly needed scrutiny in our public courts. We look forward to arguing this case on the merits, said ACLU attorney Patrick Toomey.

Our government shouldnt be searching the private communications of innocent people in bulk, examining the contents of Americans emails and chats day in and day out, Toomey added. This mass surveillance threatens the foundations of a free internet.

The ruling was not all good news as the court determined that the other eight co-plaintiffs did not have standing in the case. The dissenting judge found that all nine plaintiffs had standing: Wikimedia Foundation, The Nation Magazine, Amnesty International USA, PEN America, Human Rights Watch, the Rutherford Institute, the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Global Fund for Women and the Washington Office on Latin America.

Wikimedia said, We, our co-plaintiffs, and our counsel at the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), will carefully review the opinion and determine the next steps for our case.

No trial date has been set and Wikimedia still has to prove the NSAs surveillance is unconstitutional. Nevertheless, the Wikimedia Foundation added:
Colstrip folks are pretty excited to host a community fundraiser that they hope will prove Colstrip is more than just coal.

The First Annual Brewfest Fundraiser is June 2 at Rye Park, 110 Park St. It benefits the Schoolhouse History and Art Center.

Director Lu Shomate and the center's 13-member board have been putting the festival together since January, and they are pleased that 19 breweries will be represented. Shomate wants area residents to attend the brew festival, and more than that, to come see what a great community Colstrip is.

This is a crazy thing, but Montanans think Montana stops at Billings, Shomate said.

VIP ticket holders get in at 4 p.m. and general admission ticket holders are invited to come at 5. The event ends at 8:30.

Tickets are $50 for VIP, $30 for general admission in advance or $35 at the door. Tickets are available at the Schoolhouse History and Art Center.

The Schoolhouse History and Art Center provides after-school activities for students, services for the elderly and outreach programs in Lame Deer and Forsyth. Services provided by the center are free, so it relies on donations and fundraisers for funding.

Shomate said the whole town got behind the brew fest with the local fire department providing security and Reid's Lumber donating 80 feet of snow fencing. Everyone she asked to help, donated something.

We got the townspeoples support and also the support from the ranchers and the farmers, she said. If theyve only got $10, they are willing to save 50 cents for you.

Shomate said the beer festival is the first of its kind in Colstrip. Still, they were able to bring in breweries from across Montana and from area states, including Idaho and Colorado. Red Lodge Ales, Uberbrew from Billings, Beaver Creek Brewing from Wibaux, and Sidneys Meadowlark Brewer are among the Montana breweries represented.

Children can come to the park and enjoy the food, but the beer drinking area will be fenced off.

We want the kids to come and enjoy the hot dogs, but we want it to be an adult event, Shomate said.
Judy Terry is a marketing professional and a former local councillor in Suffolk.

There is so much talk about a housing crisis, blaming the planning system and land banking by the big developers. Some criticisms are valid, but by no means all, especially when the public sector (councils, the NHS and the military for example) has also stockpiled a substantial acreage right across the country and seems largely reluctant to do anything with it.

Instead of encouraging this blame culture, we should be lauding and learning from the growing number of organisations taking matters into their own hands to deliver homes for local communities at realistic prices and rents. A fresh approach to the affordable mantra.

Lets start with Community Land Trusts (CLTs). The fastest growing form of not for profit community-led housing, run by volunteers. There are now 170 CLTs across England and Wales; together they have already delivered 700 affordable homes with a further 2,300 by 2020.

Last December, the Government announced an annual 60m Community Housing Fund for areas affected by second home ownership, providing initial grants to 148 local authorities (check here for details). Other grants can be accessed via My Community.

CLT projects are tailored to meet the needs of those priced out of the local market, ranging from St. Clements in Mile End, London, where one bedroom flats are offered from 130,000, with prices permanently tied to local median income, allowing someone on 31,000 to buy a home. In Lavenham, Suffolk, a CLT was set up to build 18 affordable family homes, buying a derelict storage depot from Suffolk County Council for just 1 on condition that all the new homes are for low rent or shared ownership.

In Rock, Cornwall, another expensive area where holiday lets have forced prices up whilst reducing availability, a CLT acquired a site at a discounted rate because Cornwall Council would only grant planning consent on the land for a scheme enabling younger local people to remain in the area by selling completed homes at below market value. Meanwhile, the Heart of Hastings CLT is working to transform the derelict power station site into 60 homes and workplaces with community facilities.

There is an acute housing shortage in the countryside, with average prices more than 11 times the average wage in some places according to the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) leaving workers often having to travel 20 miles and have more than one job in order to make ends meet. Rural Housing Solutions, an affordable property specialist, comments, sustainable rural communities need a range of different people to function, and estates are a linchpin for providing affordable housing.

With an estimated third of UK land owned by aristocrats and the gentry it is good news that, in another welcome initiative, major landowners are reviving rural housing with modest developments to address shortages. The Holkham estate in Norfolk, which already has 300 residential properties, has permission to add six new homes, two of which are designated for local people at affordable rents. According to the Estates Director, their policy is one of social responsibility, maintaining the fabric of the community, we dont let homes for holidays, but need a settled workforce which keeps the village shops and services open. Given the range of staff working across the estate, in the hotel, shop and tearoom, as well as agriculture, there are also plans for university-style accommodation more suited to young single employees.

Right across the country, development is a growing business for rural estates, including Churchills childhood home in Woodstock, Oxfordshire, where the management company has submitted plans for 300 homes in the village, with 40 per cent affordable. The Rothschild Foundation has applied for 75 homes on land adjacent to the Waddesdon estate in Buckinghamshire, with 20 per cent affordable, whilst the Duke of Northumberland recently unveiled seven affordable rental properties, and the Clinton Devon estate has built 19 homes in Budleigh Salterton in partnership with a housing association. Local authorities see these estates as potential partners, realising that you cant have a prosperous countryside without prosperous estates, says one landowner, who recently built 22 homes in Fife, 12 of them affordable to rent.

Down in Wiltshire, which is home to more than 55,000 ex-service personnel, a pioneering scheme is under way on the 34-acre former Erskine Barracks site to create 44 affordable rental flats and shared ownership homes, some wheelchair-accessible, exclusively for former service personnel and their families, alongside an enterprise hub for existing and new businesses, and a cafe. Supporting veterans transitioning to civilian life, it is a partnership between development company, Our Enterprise, Redrow Homes, and the Wilton Community Land Trust, forming the Our Wilton Trust, with a 500,000 grant from the Armed Forces Covenant.

Our Enterprise founder, Matthew Bell, says, a lot of work goes into the wounded and sick, but there are other veterans who need some help. The Trust intends to provide 200 jobs for veterans, running the cafe and grounds maintenance, with training, volunteering and enterprise opportunities, becoming a blueprint for similar projects across the UK.

Over in Cambridge, the university recognised that soaring property prices and limited housing stock could threaten its world-leading reputation, which attracts growing numbers of the brightest students and academics. So it is investing in an exciting 370-acre development. Built on farmland owned by the university, it will provide 3,000 state of the art new homes (half at affordable rents for university staff) and 2,000 student rooms in a new village named after the renowned academic, Sir Arthur Eddington, on the city fringe.

The 350m first phase of 700 flats, with supermarket, cafe and shops, will be available this year, alongside houses and flats for sale. One commentator applauds the university for looking after its staff and providing such a well designed, energy efficient, complex with wildlife refuge, public art and a green superhighway for cyclists and pedestrians travelling into the city centre.

None of these ideas will have come to fruition overnight, but they are evidence of the determination by different organisations to think creatively, building partnerships with public, private and charitable sectors to deliver for their communities. We need to encourage more innovation and joint ventures to bring greater individuality; its the only way to relegate the big national developers, and their pattern books, to a less dominant role in the housing market.
Because there is no Parliament, there is no legislature to hold the Executive to account. The longer Operation Temperer remains in place, the more this abnormality will be felt.



The terror threat level has been raised to Critical, thus triggering Operation Temperer  the deployment of some 5000 troops under police command. Temperer has not been put into effect previously when the level was raised to Critical. This itself has only happened twice, fairly briefly in both instances. However, there is no reason to believe, given what Theresa May has described as the possibility of a wider network, that Temperer is likely to be called off soon, or the threat level downgraded.

We are thus in the peculiar situation of there being no legislature to question the executive about its response to the Manchester atrocity and the terror threat. It is important to stress that the Prime Minister did not raise the threat level: the body responsible is the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre, which sits within MI5. ConservativeHome is not suggesting that the wrong decision has been taken. But the longer Temperer endures during the run-up to June 8, the more unusual the situation will be. Watch for when the Left and others begin to agitate about it.

It is desirable to return to general election normality. But for the time being it is impossible to do so.

As we write, it is not clear for how long the political parties will suspend campaigning. The decision is not necessarily a black-and-white one: local leafletting and canvassing could resume, for example, before the Party leaders and campaigning machine creak back into full gear. And obviously, it is desirable to show the terrorists that democracy continues as normal  or as near normal as is possible under in the aftermath of a terror atrocity, with further atrocities being, alas, far from impossible.

The more one thinks about it, the more one comes to grasp that campaigning normality is not possible for the moment, and wont be for quite a bit  perhaps even for whole of the remaining campaign. It is simply impossible for the usual name-calling and mud-slinging to take place in the aftermath of the Manchester slaughter  first, because children are still missing, people are still dying, funerals will soon take place, and so on. And second, because of the hunt for a possible terrorist cell.

Campaigning as usual would thus be seen by many voters as being in the worst possible taste. There will, too, be calls for a more mature type of election campaign, which are likely to have an impact, however briefly. The Prime Minister is off today to the NATO summit. The Sunday papers will pore over the Manchester terror. If one adds all this together, the sum is that the campaign is unlikely to resume in earnest until at least next week. The EU referendum campaigns eventually resumed course after the murder of Jo Cox. This may be different.

It is not desirable to call of the general election. Fortunately, it seems impossible for this to be done, too.



The opposite reaction to carry on as usual is call the whole thing off. It cant be. There is no Lords or Commons to recall. Theresa May is not an MP. Nor are any of the members of the 2015-17 Parliament.

For the time being, this general election is in No Mans Land.
A Billings woman on Tuesday admitted her role in a meth conspiracy involving pound quantities of the drug.

Sherry Lynn Murphy, 42, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess meth with intent to distribute during a hearing before U.S. District Judge Susan Watters of Billings. A plea agreement calls for more serious charges to be dismissed at sentencing.

Murphy and two other co-defendants were indicted in the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney John Sullivan said that in September 2016, an Eastern Montana drug task force, working with Wyoming law enforcement, got information about a group of people who were dealing meth in the Billings area.

After a drug bust in Wyoming, three people identified Murphy as one of the distributors for the group, Sullivan said.

Law enforcement executed a search warrant on Murphys residence on Oct. 11, 2016, and found about 1.6 pounds of meth, ledgers and drug paraphernalia, he said.

Several of Murphys co-conspirators admitted their involvement, and Murphys supplier admitted to distributing pounds of meth to her, Sullivan said. Two other co-conspirators also admitted to getting multiple pounds of meth from Murphy for redistribution.

Murphy faces a minimum mandatory five years to 40 years in prison and a maximum $5 million fine.

Her two co-defendants, Joshua Joseph Ostermiller and Douglas Steven Griggs, have pleaded not guilty and are awaiting trial.

Watters set Murphys sentencing for Sept. 27 and continued her release.
CORNWALL, Ontario  After a request from a local business, Cornwal Council directed administration to prepare for the legalization of fireworks sales in the City.

The Fence Depot originally made the request to the City that they be allowed to sell fireworks. Although based in Cornwall, they state that 70 percent of their customer base live outside the City where the by-law does not apply.

Once we received the request from the local vendor, we looked into our by-law in comparison with other municipalities and found it a little restrictive, said City of Cornwall Fire Chief Pierre Voisine. Area municipalities, South Stormont and South Glengarry, govern the use of fireworks through their noise by-law. Essentially, there might be room for discussion here as it pertains to this by-law.

Voisine noted that while the sale of fireworks was prohibited in Cornwall, their discharge was not.

Its my philosophy that using fireworks in an urban setting is never a good idea, Voisine said. There is a permit process in place however that residents can apply for.

Do you think allowing for the sale would lead to more requests, asked Councillor Bernadette Clement.

Perhaps, Voisine said. I dont have emperical data to show council that says its a good idea.

Administration brought forth four options to Council in this report.

Option 1 would create a system that would permit the sale of fireworks. Option 2 would allow for open sale and discharge of fireworks prior to statutory holidays only. Option 3 would keep things as is and Option 4 let Council suggest their own ideas.

Councillor David Murphy spoke in favour of Option 1.

As you mentioned we sell a lot worse things in this City other than fireworks, he said to Chief Voisine. Fireworks to me, I dont see an issue. Its an older by-law.

Council passed Option 1 unanimously and Chief Voisine said he would try to return a by-law to council for final approval before July 1.
Its Nic McKinleys job to help police and prosecutors keep up with rapid changes in the cyber world of human traffickers  and to ramp up enforcement capabilities to protect millions of potential victims.

My analysts are professionally trained, many by the Central Intelligence Agency, said the founder and executive director of DeliverFund, a nonprofit working to disrupt human trafficking markets. We take technology and turn it against traffickers so that folks like Gary can scale their arrests.

Gary is Gary Seder, an agent with the Montana Department of Justices Division of Criminal Investigation. Together with Garrett Johnson of DIS Technologies, the three spoke during Tuesdays segment of the Fight Human Trafficking at Montana State University Billings. More than 200 people are attending the public portion of the three-day conference, while about 100 are involved in a separate law enforcement track.

According to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, the last 10 years have seen an 846 percent increase in advertising for commercial sexual exploitation, McKinley said. Theres more awareness now, but there are more slaves now, he said. Weve now eclipsed the Roman Empire, he said, in the number of people enslaved by human traffickers, and technology has allowed (traffickers) to scale their personal efforts.

On top of that, he said, Our laws have not kept up with this proliferation in technology, and thats only good for the bad guys. We need to figure out how to legally get around that.

If police departments across the country had two officers and one crime analyst dedicated to fighting human trafficking, the crime would be reduced by 80 percent in the next five years, he said.

Our politicians need to resource the guys and girls doing this work, he said.

Public awareness is also key to helping law enforcement arrest traffickers, Johnson said.

There are so many people on Facebook that could help law enforcement without being a member of the team, he said. Facebook is the largest country in the world. If something looks wrong, report it.

Back in the day, Seder said, you could drive down Montana Avenue and you could see girls working the streets. Technology has changed that, he said. Its more quiet and secretive.

Seder creates bogus social media profiles as a 14-year-old boy or girl in order to set up dates so that he can find the people who are trafficking children.

McKinleys analysts use computer algorithms in the same way that intelligence analysts search online information to detect terrorists overseas.

His analysts turn over what they find to lower-level officers  the guys putting cuffs on the bad guy  to avoid the bureaucratic network of many police and sheriffs departments.

Victims with the courage to testify are helped by analysts schooled in the art of burying online pictures and data that traffickers use to make money from exploiting children.

Information about the exploitation is still there online, following analysts' work, he said, but its 2,000 pages back in the search engine.

All three men encouraged parents to know their childrens passwords and take away their children's cellphones if they contain apps that parents dont approve.

Look at the apps on your childs smartphone, Johnson advised. Online games often have a chat module built in. Have them show you what theyre doing. Youll find some pretty intense things.

Until our laws catch up and you own your data, you are giving companies permission to aggregate and use your data, McKinley said. It is security versus convenience, and they are mutually exclusive. We have sacrificed security on the altar of convenience.

The nations police chiefs are soldiers in the fight against human trafficking, McKinley said, and one of the best ways to help law enforcement is to make sure politicians are giving them the right direction. Police departments are under-resourced and underfunded, and the chief has an incredibly difficult job trying to keep crime at bay and keeping the mayor and the city council happy."

"Its better," he said, "when a politician says, Here are your orders and here are the resources to execute those orders.
Campaign spending in Montanas U.S. House race is surging in the final days with significant amounts placed on getting out the vote.

Campaign spending has surged deep into record territory, with at least $17 million flowing into the race from the campaigns and outside groups hoping to influence the nationally watched contest.

Republicans are significantly outspending Democrats, according to donation and expenditure reports filed in the last weeks of the campaign.

Democrat Rob Quist, Republican Greg Gianforte and Libertarian Mark Wicks are campaigning to replace Republican Ryan Zinke as Montana's only U.S. House representative. Zinke resigned March 1 to become Interior secretary.

In the past 20 days, outside groups have spent $228,061 in support of Quist. Groups supporting Gianforte have spent $356,476. Much of that money is being spent on getting out the vote. The Progressive Turnout Project, for example, has spent $14,825 on employees to get out the vote for Quist. The Republican National Committee spent $16,939 on Gianforte phone calls May 20-21.

Turnout in rural Montana counties, where Republicans do well, has been strong with more than 70 percent of absentee ballots returned by rural voters, according to Montanas secretary of state. Turnout through Monday had absentee ballots from rural counties comprising 30 percent of the states absentee vote. Thats better than the normal absentee turnout, which is 25 percent, said Craig Wilson, Montana State University Billings political science professor emeritus.

Combined, the rural county absentee vote is higher than the turnout in Missoula and Gallatin counties, Montanas second and third largest counties for absentee ballots. Anchored by the states two largest universities, those are counties where Democrats need higher turnout, Wilson said.

Money spent against the candidates is more lopsided. Republican groups have spent almost four times as much targeting their opponent as Democrats have. That's $1.93 million against Quist and $442,450 against Gianforte in the past 20 days.

We are receiving a number of phone calls in our home, polling, in our home, Wilson said. We have at 10 polls, three were people, the rest were robo polls.

Wilson said the late flurry of the spending on advertising and even appearances by surrogates like Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders and Republican Vice President Mike Pence will have minimal effect given the number of people who have already voted.

Roughly 34 percent of registered Montana voters had cast ballots by the end of Monday. Turnout is expected to be in the low 50th or high 40th percentile by the time voting ends Thursday.

The congressional race two years ago, which until now was the state's most expensive congressional race, generated about $9 million in spending for a campaign that spanned primary and general elections.

The campaign committees of Quist and Gianforte have raised at least $10 million combined, while outside groups have spent more than $7.1 million thus far.

The sum is especially remarkable  or alarming  because of the 85-day campaign period for a special election.

The Quist campaign announced Tuesday that it had topped $6 million in contributions, noting that it had generated about $1 million in small donations over the past five days.

That amount could not be immediately verified because it had not yet been reported to the Federal Elections Commission.

Gianforte's campaign said it has raised about $4.6 million, including a last-minute loan of $500,000 from Gianforte. He had previously lent his campaign $1 million. The combined total in direct contributions is a record haul for a Montana congressional race.

"There isn't much competition for dollars right now," said Denise Roth Barber, the managing director of the Helena-based National Institute on Money in State Politics. "With the exception of the race in Georgia, these candidates are not competing for money with other competitive races in other parts of the country. So there's a lot of money to be given."

The Montana race is also being closely watched by national groups, she said, as a possible harbinger  not only in the Georgia special election in June, but also in next year's wider battle over Congress during the Trump era.

Most of that money coming into the race has been used to finance a barrage of advertising on radio and television, much of it negative.

Libertarian Mark Wicks has yet to file a fundraising report with the FEC.

The money flowing into the campaign from independent outside groups, which can spend unlimited amounts of money, has mostly benefited Gianforte. Groups supporting the Bozeman entrepreneur have spent more than $6.3 million, according to FEC records, including $2.4 million from the Congressional Leadership Fund.

The fund has also spent heavily to influence another special congressional election in Georgia, as have the Republican Party committees.

The Republican National Committee and the National Republican Congressional Committee have combined for more than $3.1 million.

While Quist has gotten most of his money from individual donors, he has also benefited from independent campaign committees, such as Planned Parenthood and the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee which was responsible for about half of the roughly $800,000 in spending on Quist's behalf.
Venezuela will defend its sovereignty

In 1999, when a progressive revolution came to power in Venezuela and President Chavez was elected, a whole new vision for the country was put in place. The vast majority of Venezuelans, who had hitherto been ostracised, depoliticised, disenfranchised, exploited, socially excluded and discriminated against, were finally included and empowered into a new democratic model that was both representative and participatory.

Venezuela has the right to live in peace and not to be the target of US-led, US-financed and US-inspired permanent aggression.

The net result was a new sovereign nation in full control of its natural resources, with a new Constitution, and a leadership able to equally distribute oil revenues in a more fair and efficient manner that ultimately produced highly positive social and human results, such as: four million people lifted out of poverty; free and universal access to medical health and education; the eradication of illiteracy; access to potable water; three million pensioners and almost two million social houses; among other achievements.

Of course, such progress came with a price tag. The US government, intensely hostile to Venezuelas socialist government controlling its own oil (Venezuela has the largest oil reserve in the world), has been very active destabilising with the ultimate aim to topple our government for the past 18 years.

Though the list is practically endless, the US has tried every dirty trick in the book. They have given full financial backing and open political support to the Venezuelan right-wing oppositions violent and unconstitutional efforts to oust the democratically elected government such as, a coup detat, an oil and business lock-out, street barricades and hiring mercenaries and paramilitaries to perpetrate widespread terror, among others.

This is the context of the opposition-led violence that we see in Venezuela right now but with some important additions. Firstly, Chavez is no longer with us. This has energised the US into believing they now have better chances to succeed. Secondly, the current wave of destabilising violence has been more effective because it is combined with a vicious economic war  reminiscent of what was to Allende in Chile in the 1970s  which includes blocking international credit, disrupting distribution of food supplies and other essential items. Also speculating with a fictitious, black-market, exchange rate that has brought major economic difficulties and that, as intended, has hit the poorest sections of society generating discontent.

Thus, on the back of these deliberately created economic difficulties, in December 2015 the opposition won majority in Parliament. Nonetheless, instead of building politically upon such victory, they decided to take a short cut by promising to bring down President Maduro, one way or another. In six months, the opposition-led Parliament used its majority to foment violence, even to the point that current Parliament President, Julio Borges, openly called the military to rise up against the constitutional government.

Yet, throughout 2016, the opposition failed to oust the government of President Maduro, as they had promised, despite the fact that they escalated the US-supported economic war.

This failure in the domestic terrain led them to try it from the outside, but the crucial domestic component was the current wave of violence to justify US-led external intervention.

This is how the Organisation of American States (OAS) comes into the equation. OAS Secretary General, Luis Almagro, violating nearly every norm both the OAS itself and his strictly administrative function, has dedicated his tenure to illegally interfere in Venezuelan affairs by unsuccessfully seeking to activate the OAS Democratic Charter against Venezuela, thus enabling the external intervention. The US government, the real behind-the-scenes mastermind of OAS strategy, has openly threatened many Latin American and Caribbean countries for siding with Venezuela in the OAS.

The failure of the US-inspired Almagros OAS strategy against Venezuela has led to an extremely dangerous vicious circle: images of wanton violence in Venezuela feed Almagros and USs threats against Venezuela, which in turn, feed more wanton and irrational violence in Venezuela.

It is not in the interest of Maduro to have terror and violence in the streets. On the contrary, it is very much in the interest of the opposition to maintain it and even escalate it. Thus, the intoxicating one-sided international media reporting that quite deliberately endorse Almagro and US pronouncements, only fuels more violence.

This is repugnant, especially since they know who is the source of the violence. Unfortunately, the international media omits reporting that polls consistently show that well over 80% strongly reject the current violence and they also overwhelmingly oppose regime change.

There are indeed honest and decent government opponents who peacefully protest. However, there are also hooligans, mercenaries and paramilitaries, whose task is to confront the police and create chaos. The law enforcement agents in the streets have orders to respect human rights.

Those who have disobeyed that order are being prosecuted. Given this dangerous scenario, and the fact that the opposition refuses to engage in dialogue with the government (even though UNASUR, the Vatican and three former presidents continue to appeal to them to do so), President Maduro, invoking Articles 347, 348 and 349 of Venezuelas Constitution, has called for a Constituent Assembly as a democratic political mechanism to bring about peace.

Societys response from all sections, even from the private sector, has been highly supportive and the Constituent process promises to produce exciting new developments that are likely to deepen the social dimensions of the Bolivarian Constitution, broadening and strengthening the 1999 Constitution.

Venezuela has the right to live in peace and not to be the target of US-led, US-financed and US-inspired permanent aggression. Venezuela demands respect for its sovereignty and self-determination, rejects external interference in its internal affairs, will not tolerate unconstitutional and violent acts to oust the legitimate and democratically elected government, and will insist on dialogue as the only way to address the problems the nation confronts.

Unfortunately, the US and Venezuelas extreme right insist on violent means to effect regime change. We in Venezuela have no choice but to defend our sovereignty.

*Alvaro Sanchez Cordero is Charge DAffaires, Embassy of Venezuela to the Netherlands.
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Care to guess how that went for them? To its credit, the volcano waited until the most dramatic possible moment to launch the assault. An hour earlier, and all of the scientists would have been instantly killed as they stood right at the inner crater. An hour later, and they might have been at a relatively safe distance. But no, Galeras waited until they'd just stopped working for the day, and still had a sporting (yet slim) chance to get away. Then, and only then, did the ground start to rumble. Galeras erupted hard enough to send a 90-story cloud of ash, smoke, and gas into the air.

One engineer was hit with a blast of heat that reduced him to ash. Two others were instantly fucking turned to gas. More yet were bombarded and burned to death by the scalding rocks. When the dust settled (not really; still lots of dust everywhere) nine of the 16 members of the expedition had been killed, and the survivors were pummeled halfway to oblivion.

via scienceblogs.com Sadly, there wasn't a Great Eagle in sight.

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Dr. Stanley Williams, the leader of the group, was standing right by the crater's rim when the eruption came. He managed to avoid the heat blast, but was still standing in a maelstrom of white-hot boulders and assorted smaller but no less dangerous elements. Clearly, he took a rock to the head, instantly shattering his skull and sending bone fragments deep into his brain. He managed to get away, only to have his legs savaged by the next rock bombardment.

National Geographic His last line of defense was his mustache.

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That might have been the end, if it wasn't for two of his colleagues, Marta Calvache and Patty Mothes. Calvache and Mothes had inexplicably decided to climb toward the volcanic eruption to check for survivors. They managed to locate Williams and drag him to safety. Apart from the burns, broken limbs, and shattered skull, Williams was fine. After they removed a piece of his brain that had too much skull in it.

Juuust fine.

When Mike isn't Mr Magooing his way through almost-certain-death situations, he's writing post-apocalyptic steampunk books. Follow him on Twitter.

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VICTOR  On Thursday, the political world will eagerly look to Montana and a closely fought congressional race for the latest test of Democratic strength and Republican resilience in the turbulent age of Trump.

The major candidates and outside groups have sunk more than $17 million into the contest, a huge sum in a state where $250,000 pays for a robust week of television advertising.

But for all that money and all the outside interest, the election will turn less on national trends than circumstances close to home: on the personalities and histories of the main contestants, their different campaign styles and, perhaps most of all, on who is regarded as the more authentic Montanan.

On a recent weekday afternoon, sheep and other livestock outnumbered fewer than a dozen locals who turned out at an organic farm to hear Democrat Rob Quist and his attack on House Republicans health care overhaul.

This is going to be devastating for rural Montana, he warned.

He walked through a field of clover and alfalfa, then climbed back aboard his well-traveled Winnebago to cross the Bitterroot Valley and deliver more criticism of the GOP plan before a happy hour crowd of 50 or so at a brew pub in Missoula.

The campaign of Republican Greg Gianforte, by contrast, is more notional, relying on few public appearances, a carpet-bombing of anti-Quist TV ads and Montanas history the past two decades of sending Republicans to fill the states lone House seat in Washington. Hes favored to win, but the contest appears competitive enough that both sides consider an upset possible.

Its not as though President Donald Trump isnt a factor; that would be like ignoring the sun during a heat wave.

Gianforte has embraced the president, something he failed to do in 2016 as a candidate for governor, and has campaigned alongside Vice President Mike Pence, and twice with Trumps son Donald Jr. We have someone in office whos doing exactly what he said was going to do, Gianforte told Montana Public Radio.

But neither side has sought to make the race an explicit referendum on the president, or the upheaval that has Washington in fits.

I dont think we look at it as part of a bigger national issue, said Democratic Gov. Steve Bullock, who won re-election in November against Gianforte in an otherwise bullish year for state Republicans. Rather, he suggested, voters were weighing who would you rather have a cup of coffee or beer with, and fundamentally believe will fight for you?

Democrats need a gain of 24 seats to take control of the House, and a victory in Montana or in a runoff election next month in the Atlanta suburbs could give the party a significant boost heading into the 2018 midterm election. Republicans got a fright in April when they had to scramble to avoid a loss in deeply conservative Kansas.

Montanas House seat was vacated when two-term Rep. Ryan Zinke left to run the Interior Department. The election was set for Thursday  unusual timing just ahead of the Memorial Day weekend, which has both sides apprehensive  because Bullock wanted to fill the seat as soon as possible.

The two main candidates could hardly be more at odds.

Gianforte, 56, was born in San Diego, went to college in New Jersey and settled two decades ago in Bozeman. In 2012, he sold the software company he started in his basement, RightNow Technologies, to Oracle for $1.8 billion, walking away with hundreds of millions of dollars.

He used a bit of his fortune to finance an unsuccessful try for governor, antagonizing even some fellow Republicans who saw a heavy-handed attempt to buy his way into political office. Democrats exploited the notion, portraying Gianforte as an outsider and elitist, embodied by a lawsuit he filed over public access to a popular fishing spot on his property on the East Gallatin River.

Quist has reprised the attack. He sued, Quist says in one of his ads, striding through a green field alongside the river, trying to take our land for himself.

Gianforte said the litigation  since resolved  was over the location of an easement, not keeping people out. But in a state where hunting and fishing are holy rites, the dispute caused grave political harm. He lost to Bullock, 50 percent to 46 percent, even though Trump carried the state by more than 20 percent, Zinke won re-election and Republicans captured four of Montanas five statewide offices.

The results were a personal repudiation of Gianforte, said Scott Sales, the Republican leader of the state Senate, and nothings changed since then.

One important difference, though, is a less-adept opponent.

Quist, 69, is a fifth-generation Montanan and bluegrass musician whose squinty eyes, laconic manner and dusty boots could not make him more quintessentially cowboy. He has spent decades appearing throughout the state; in Victor, home to about 800 residents, he mentioned performing once at the junior prom.

But the campaign has also revealed a less-flattering side of the amiable troubadour, involving lawsuits, tax liens, and a messy personal finance history, which Republicans have amplified in TV ads suggesting Quist is a scofflaw and cheat with values, personal and political, that are anathema to Montana.

Nancy Pelosi in a cowboy hat, jibed one spot, tying Quist to the liberalism of Democrats House leader.

Although he travels relentlessly, scouring for each vote he can, Quist does not seem to particularly relish campaigning. Stumping with fellow musician Jon Bowzer Bauman of Sha Na Na, Quist let his companion do most of the talking and answer as many or more questions. In Missoula, he wandered into the crowd and missed the cue when Bauman summoned him for a closing duet.

In an interview aboard his RV, Quist allowed as how a longer campaign would have given him pause. But the fact this was going to be a short election cycle, he said, I thought that would be something I could manage, three months.

While Quist avoids mention of Trump  he said nothing the day news broke of the presidents alleged effort to stymie an FBI probe into Russian meddling in the 2016 election  he has made the House Republican health care bill a centerpiece of his campaign.

More than 70,000 Montanans would lose coverage if the legislation became law, he tells audiences, and thousands more would suffer huge rate hikes. He uses his own financial troubles, growing from a botched gall bladder operation and years of health issues, as the argument for expanded coverage.

He says negotiations over changing the law need to be more inclusive, and pokes at the wealthy Gianforte.

Theres enough millionaires in Congress making decisions like this health care bill, he told a crowd of about three dozen at a coffee house in Hamilton, back in the Bitterroot Valley. We need someone whos going to represent the rest of us.

Gianforte, for his part, didnt help himself when he claimed to be undecided on the House bill and then was heard, on a tape recording obtained by The New York Times, offering supportive remarks to a group of Republican-leaning Washington lobbyists.

Asked about the disparity between his public and private comments, Gianforte said he was thankful GOP lawmakers had taken the first step toward repealing and replacing the federal health care law, but did not endorse specific legislation.

Republicans committed to the race early, raking Quist with negative advertising as soon as he emerged in early March as the Democrats nominee. The national Democratic Party, by contrast, largely wrote off the contest until liberal activists around the country began pouring money into the state as part of the anti-Trump resistance. The flood of contributions has grown along with the presidents travails.

Quist has raised more than $5 million, an astonishing amount for Montana in such a short period, but the question is whether it is too much too late. Voting has been underway since mid-April, and by Tuesday more than 238,000 ballots  which could be well over half  had already been cast.
Applications & OS News

Big Data Startup Tamr Wins Financial Investment From GE Ventures

Rick Whiting

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GE Ventures has made a strategic equity investment in Tamr, the startup developer of data unification technology, in a move that could have implications for both companies' efforts in the nascent Internet-of-things industry.

The investment deepens the relationship between industrial giant General Electric and Tamr. GE began using Tamr's big data management software in 2014 as part of a set of financial spending analysis applications.

The amount of the investment was not disclosed. Tamr had previously raised $41.2 million in two earlier rounds of financing from GV (previously called Google Ventures), New Enterprise Associates and other investors.

[Related: General Electric: We Produce Loads Of Data From The Industrial IoT]

Tamr was founded in 2012 by database industry veterans Andy Palmer and Michael Stonebraker and launched in 2014. The company develops machine learning-based technology that aggregates data from hundreds of sources for analytical applications.

GE has hundreds of ERP (enterprise resource planning) systems and the company uses Tamr to unify data from more than 270 separate systems to provide an accurate picture of the company's spending. Tamr is processing 20 million transactions representing $60 billion in direct spending, according to the companies.

Since its initial adoption of Tamr, GE has deployed Tamr's software across multiple GE business units to unify hundreds of data sources resulting  according to the two companies  in cost savings and business insights worth hundreds of millions of dollars. Additional uses include aggregating data from business-to-business customer record management applications.

"Like our other corporate investors, this relationship began with GE first becoming a customer, and I'm delighted with this important step forward in our partnership together," Tamr CEO Palmer said in a statement. "Our goal at Tamr is to build an innovative and enduring company that is known for enabling our customers to transform and thrive. It would be hard to find a better role model for this than GE."

Tamr, based in Cambridge, Mass., will use the new financing to accelerate product development and go-to-market initiatives.

Under the investment deal Lisa Coca, managing director at GE Ventures, is joining Tamr's board as an observer.

Collecting and preparing structured and unstructured data from many disparate sources is one of the key challenges businesses face today when trying to develop analytical insights from big data. Those challenges will grow as businesses and organizations begin large-scale deployment of Internet of things networks that are expected to generate huge volumes of data that must be collected and analyzed.

General Electric has positioned itself as a leader in the industrial Internet of things arena, marketing its Predix software as a core platform for IoT systems.

Tamr, by the nature of its technology, is also likely to be a key player in the IoT industry.
Channel programs News

CDW Avoids Discipline As Feds End Vendor Incentives Probe

Michael Novinson

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The U.S. government doesn't plan to take any action against CDW after concluding a 19-month investigation into the company's vendor partner program incentives, the firm announced Tuesday.

Staff from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission informed CDW on Friday that it had concluded its probe and didn't intend to recommend an enforcement action.

The Lincolnshire, Ill.-based company, No. 5 on the CRN Solution Provider 500, said the investigation didn't have any impact on its financial condition or operating results beyond costs related to cooperating with the probe.

[RELATED: CDW Probed By Feds In Connection With Vendor Incentives]

CDW's stock price fell $0.09 (0.15%) to $57.58 in after-hours trading on Tuesday. Chief Financial Officer Ann Ziegler has stated on each of the company's past six earnings calls that she didn't expect the investigation to have a material impact on CDW.

"Were gratified that the SEC concluded its investigation without recommending any enforcement actions," a spokeswoman said to CRN in an email. "CDW cooperated fully with the SEC throughout the process, and we are pleased to have resolved the matter."

CDW has stated in recent quarterly and annual reports filed with the SEC that it didn't believe the company had incurred any material loss from the investigation exceeding the amounts already recognized.

But the company also said that the ultimate resolutions of these proceedings and matters are inherently unpredictable, adding in a March 2017 filing that the SEC's investigation could result in substantial costs and expenses and significantly divert the attention of CDW's management regardless of the outcome.

CDW did not mention any particular vendor or vendors in any of its filings. The SEC declined to comment for this story.

CDW first learned of the investigation on Oct. 29, 2015, when the SEC requested pertinent documents. The company publicly disclosed the investigation in a quarterly report filed with the SEC on Nov. 6.

Vendor incentives reward resellers such as CDW for achieving vendor-specific outcomes in areas such as revenue growth, market share gains, marketing spend or resource allocation, Brian Alexander, Raymond James's director of equity research, wrote in a November 2015 research brief after CDW disclosed the investigation.

"The company has consistently stated in its quarterly filings that it did not anticipate any material impact related to the investigation, so [the outcome] was not a surprise to investors," Adam Tindle, an equity research associate analyst who now covers CDW for Raymond James, told CRN.

Alexander wrote in November 2015 that he was unsure of what prompted the SEC investigation since CDW had a long history of generating strong margins. Nothing in CDW's results leading up to November 2015 struck Alexander as out of the ordinary, he wrote at the time.

Success in generating strong results from vendor incentive programs has historically enabled CDW to generate operating margins above most of the peers, Alexander wrote two years ago. Vendor incentives are a very important contributor to reseller profitability, he said at the time.

Sales in CDW's most recent quarter jumped to $3.32 billion, up 6.7 percent from $3.12 billion the year prior. But net income plummeted to $57.6 million, down 26 percent from $77.8 million year-over-year.
Channel programs News

Georgia Unveils Massive Cybersecurity Investment to Protect Against Emerging Threats

Michael Novinson

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The state of Georgia has set aside $50 million to construct an innovation and training facility that helps state and local agencies better respond to cyber threats.

"The Peach State" has more than 30 systems across 16 state agencies that house highly-sensitive financial or public safety information, according to Calvin Rhodes, Georgia's CIO. The state has focused its resources on protecting these high-impact systems from data loss, he said.

"If something's in trouble, then we get rolled in to go put out the fire," Rhodes told the attendees of XChange SLED 2017, hosted by CRN parent The Channel Company.

[Related: Survey: Cloud, Security, Managed Services Are Driving Double-Digit Solution Provider SLED Revenue Growth]

Georgia has a security contract that pre-qualifies 21 IT services firms to do security work inside the various appendages of state government.

These firms have been scored in four or five technology-specific categories, Rhodes said, and the state has hammered out all the requisite terms and conditions so that individual agencies can quickly put the security experts to work.

Rhodes said he is working to develop a security-focused culture of awareness, preparedness and resiliency throughout Georgia's government, with the state leveraging technology vendor partners to help with identifying and mitigating gaps in its security ecosystem.

Much has changed since Georgia could use firewalls to build a border around all of the state's key data, Rhodes said. As the prospect of keeping everything on-premises becomes less and less appealing, Rhodes said the state has tried to balance maintain vigilant security while providing agencies with the flexibility to move workloads to the cloud.

In the medium- and long-term, Georgia expects to take the next step in developing cybersecurity expertise through its Cyber Innovation and Training Center, which Rhodes said is expected to be up and running within 18 months.

The center will link the cybersecurity classroom skills students get in university with lab settings at technical colleges to ensure the industry's future workforce can apply its knowledge in real-life scenarios.

The state will also have an incubator to provide cybersecurity startups with virtually rent-free space through partnerships with institutions such as Georgia Tech, Augusta University and the University of Georgia.

The state police additionally plan to open up a cybercrime unit within the center, Rhodes said, to provide more resources around investigating illicit activities on the internet.

All told, Georgia devoted $683 million from its most recent $51 billion state budget to address IT issues. Some $200 million of the IT spend was focused exclusivity on infrastructure, Rhodes said.

Cybersecurity has been the biggest issue facing public sector and commercial clients of Zealyx, with not many customers feeling they do it well today, according to program manager Kevin Dang.

The Los Angeles-based solution provider leans heavily on vendors such as Microsoft for help around securing the environments of government and education end users since Zealyx doesn't have the capabilities to do so in its own.

Dang said emerging threats and compliance requirements have resulted in a renewed focus around securing data.
Cloud News

Rackspace Hires Joe Eazor, Former EarthLink CEO, To Lead The Company

Joseph Tsidulko

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Rackspace on Wednesday named Joe Eazor, formerly CEO of EarthLink, to lead the company as its CEO.

Eazor will officially begin his tenure running the cloud hosting and managed services provider on June 12, according to a statement from the San Antonio, Tex.-based company. Former CEO Taylor Rhodes stepped down earlier this month.

The 54-year-old executive previously led EarthLink for three years, through the Atlanta-based telecommunications provider's acquisition by Windstream for $1.1 billion at the end of last year.

[Related: Rackspace Completes The Hyperscale Public Cloud Trifecta With Google Deal]

Before joining EarthLink, Eazor ran global sales and customer operations for almost two years at EMC as an executive vice president.

Eazor also managed Asia-Pacific operations for EDS, the Ross Perot-founded IT outsourcing company which became HP Enterprise Services after its acquisition in 2008. Following the acquisition, Eazor was a senior vice president and general manager in the HP division.

At EDS, Eazor worked with Jeff Cotton, Rackspace's current president who has been serving as acting CEO since Rhodes departure.

Earlier in his career, Eazor was CEO of Springbow Solutions, an Internet portal startup.

Rhodes was hired as CEO in September 2014 when Rackspace was still a publicly traded company mostly focused on its own cloud services. He accepted the top job after the company put itself on the market only to reject all acquisition offers and decide to remain independent.

Last year, Rackspace was privatized, purchased by Apollo Global Management for $4.3 billion. Since then, it has focused on partnerships with the three hyper-scale cloud giants it once competed againstAWS, Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud Platformshifting focus from hosting to managed services.

Eazor also sits on the board of directors of Discover Financial Services and Commvault, according to his LinkedIn page.

Earlier this month, Rhodes became CEO of SMS Assist, a Chicago-based developer of a property management platform.
Networking News

Comcast Beta-Testing SD-WAN Offering In Collaboration With Versa Networks

Gina Narcisi

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Comcast is beta-testing an SD-WAN product that will pair its high-speed connectivity offerings with SD-WAN capabilities in collaboration with Versa Networks.

The SD-WAN product, which is being beta-tested with a limited group of channel partners and business customers, unites connectivity and SD-WAN in a turnkey offering, Craig Schlagbaum, vice president of indirect channels for Comcast Business, told CRN.

Comcast's SD-WAN offering will be the first of several it plans to offer using its software-defined networking platform, which partners will be able to sell, said Jeffrey Lewis, vice president of product management leading the SD-WAN launch. Comcast chose Versa Networks' Cloud IP Platform for its SD-WAN offering because it needed a provider that could scale rapidly and operate in a multitenant carrier environment, he said.

SD-WAN is starting to replace the $10 billion MPLS market, which translates to an "enormous opportunity" for the channel, according to Schlagbaum.

Comcast's combination of widely available broadband access and more than 1 million lit buildings around the country, combined with SD-WAN, is a more compelling offering than legacy T1 MPLS connections that many carriers still have in place today, he said.

"The network assets we have, along with scalable and economical bandwidth, make our [SD-WAN product] an attractive offering for customers to migrate off of MPLS in favor of SD-WAN," he said.

Expert Technology Associates (ETA), a telecommunications solution provider and Comcast Platinum partner, already is selling SD-WAN to its enterprise customers today via partnerships with pure-play SD-WAN providers. But the Plymouth Meeting, Pa.-based company believes that Comcast's SD-WAN offering could be a great fit for at least 60 percent of its customers, said Bill Quinlan, founding partner of ETA.

"Customers are looking for a truly ubiquitous play," he said. "Comcast has a little bit of a leg up because they have the big bandwidth that these customers are looking at. Once customers get their hands on this, they aren't going to go backwards."

Many of ETA's customers using MPLS today for connectivity between their branch office locations are looking into SD-WAN. Because Comcast can offer Gigabit speeds, its SD-WAN offering will be especially attractive to businesses as they move applications to the cloud, Quinlan said.

Comcast's SD-WAN product will use its various connectivity options, depending on the service area, including broadband and fiber-based Ethernet services, as well as Business Internet 1000, Comcast's DOCSIS 3.1-based Gigabit internet service.

Partners offering managed services and business customers will have direct access to a portal to manage and control SD-WAN deployments and hybrid networks in real time. The offering can "interact and integrate" with existing offerings, which can help customers migrate some or all of their networks off their existing MPLS networks, Lewis said.

The SD-WAN product will not only be appealing to Comcast's agent partner base, but it will also help attract VARs, a new, untapped partner community for Comcast, Schlagbaum said.

"VARs have shied away from selling pure connectivity, but now with SD-WAN we think we'll attract a new group of partners that have historically not gotten involved with selling connectivity," he said.

While the SD-WAN product will target midmarket and enterprise customers, partners will be able to sell the software-defined products that will follow Comcast's SD-WAN service to their small-business customer base, Lewis said.

"Our view is the long play, he said. "Partners will be positioned to sell more virtualized services down the road beyond SD-WAN."

The new SD-WAN offering is painting Comcast in a different light because it shows the company branching out from its connectivity provider roots, said Drew Lydecker, president and co-founder of Avant, a Chicago-based master agent and Comcast partner.

"Now, [Comcast] is able to come on board and not only provide internet access for the SD-WAN movement, but also have an offering of their own, bundled with their connectivity, which is exciting," Lydecker said.

The SD-WAN beta will continue throughout the summer, followed by a rollout to both channel partners and customers later this year, according to Philadelphia-based Comcast.
Security News

Report: Microsoft To Buy Security Analytics Company Hexadite For $100M

Sarah Kuranda

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Microsoft is reportedly looking to deepen its security capabilities as the software giant has agreed to acquire Hexadite for $100 million, according to a report Wednesday on the Israeli financial news website Calcalist.

Hexadite offers a security orchestration and automation platform that uses artificial intelligence to investigate and respond to alerts. The company is backed by HPE, as well as venture capital firms TenEleven and YL Ventures. It most recently raised $8 million in Series A funding in February 2016.

Hexadite did not respond to CRN requests for comment on the acquisition reports. A Microsoft spokesperson said in an email that the company had "nothing to share at this time."

[Related: CRN Exclusive: Hexadite Launches Partner Program, Names Former Carbonite Exec Couto As Channel Chief]

The report comes as Microsoft continues to make significant investments around security, an issue CEO Satya Nadella has called the "most pressing issue of our time." Nadella has said Microsoft plans to build around the pillars of privacy to ensure data is private and under control; compliance to make sure data is in agreement with the law; transparency around data collection and usage; and data security. The goal, he said, is to help companies improve their "operational security posture."

To further its commitment to security, Microsoft announced plans to funnel $1 billion into security research and development. That strategy has included multiple security acquisitions, including that of data protection company Secure Islands and cloud security company Adallom in 2015.

The purchase of Hexadite would expand Microsoft's capabilities around security automation and orchestration, a market that is gaining increasing traction and importance in the security space as companies face an overabundance of alerts and a shortage of security talent. The company also has a growing channel presence, announcing the launch of its first partner program and appointment of channel veteran Jessica Couto in April of this year.

Hexadite partners were wary of what a Microsoft acquisition might mean for the company, especially in the crowded and competitive security automation and orchestration market. One Hexadite partner, who did not want to be named, said a Microsoft acquisition, if the reports prove correct, would "take it out of being a product that we would want to focus on."

"We don't sell any Microsoft products currently. We are a hardcore security-focused company, and we would not consider Microsoft a top security player," the executive said. "This would be a first for us to pick up a Microsoft product."

The partner executive worried that a Microsoft acquisition would slow investment in Hexadite, something they said is necessary for the "super crowded" market for security automation and orchestration. They said that could be a factor in if they want to continue partnering with the vendor going forward.
What does it take to successfully apply the process of intelligence to the field of cyber security?

Or perhaps we need to consider what happens when our efforts dont produce the outcomes we seek. What really needs to happen?

John Boling has some ideas. John recently shared his insights in Do we really need higher education to solve our perceived and actual security needs? Since that piece got people talking, I reached out to see if he wanted to step up and try out the new Security Slapshot series and he stepped up to take a shot.

John Boling (@CySocSci) is a security veteran who followed his own path to success. Currently working as a Senior Security Consultant, he started on the front lines supporting MS-DOS and Windows before completing degrees from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and the National Intelligence University. A conforming contradiction, he boldly blends business, technology, and social science to understand security threats.

Heres his Security Slapshot on applying intelligence to security:

SLAPSHOT: Intelligence is NOT failing because of data or people, but from a lack of direction.

How do you get to a destination without knowing where you are going?

You can have the best maps and algorithms, but without knowing the desired destination how does a path emerge? As a result, many programs meander. Sometimes, an adequate destination appears, however many times it does not.

The reference model for the intelligence process is found in the US Department of Defense publication Joint Intelligence (JP 2-0). Much like the OSI Reference Model for networking, this represents the core understanding an intelligence professional should hold. While variances occur, all start with some sort of requirement, followed by collecting and processing data such that it can be analyzed, and finish with a reporting mechanism. Each component of this process serves a purpose and needs feedback for refinement.

As a system, the intelligence process often fails from lack of direction.

The solution is discipline to the process. The industry must recognize that intelligence emerges from a system with clear objectives. No mystery exists on processes that develop quality intelligence products, but expectations should be measured. Give your analyst clear direction outlining what questions need answers for the organization. Build data collection and processing engines to support their analysis based on those requirements. I would incorporate the following in any intelligence program:

My Take (some color commentary)

I frequently point out that the three keys of leadership including articulating the current situation accurately, painting a picture of a better tomorrow to set the direction, and then offering individuals a pathway that elevates and accelerates them.

Seems the proper application of intelligence principles requires a similar focus. In the process, the organization benefits as individuals thrive. The challenge lies in embracing the situation and translating the value of the intelligence process into the picture of a better tomorrow.

Your turn: react!

What do you think about applying intelligence principles to security? Are you getting or setting the direction you need? Is something else standing in your way?

Comment below or take it to twitter to talk about it with John (@CySocSci) and me (@catalyst).

Ready set.. REACT!
A Miles City man suspected of possessing and distributing child pornography denied federal charges on Tuesday.

William John Pulse, 50, pleaded not guilty to a two-count indictment charging him with distribution and possession of child porn.

Prosecutor Zeno Baucus said in the indictment that Pulse knowingly distributed and possessed child porn images using a computer from about January 2015 to August 2015. The images he is accused of possessing were of minors under age 12.

The maximum penalty for distribution of child porn is a mandatory minimum five years to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, while possession of child porn carries a maximum 20 years and a $250,000 fine.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy Cavan continued Pulses release pending trial. U.S. District Judge Susan Watters will hear the case.
BRIDGEPORT  A veteran city police detective is under investigation for allegedly sending sexually explicit texts to a crime victim.

Bridgeport Police Chief Armando Perez confirmed Wednesday that Detective David Garcia, a member of the police force for 18 years, is the subject of an investigation by the citys Office of Internal Affairs.

In addition, on Wednesday the woman who made the complaint filed a civil rights lawsuit in federal court against the officer.

Right now its an accusation and the subject of an investigation by the OIA, Perez said. He said Garcia remains an active detective in the department, pending the outcome of the investigation.

Perez declined to talk about any of the allegations against Garcia, but the lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in Bridgeport by attorney Robert Berke, includes many of the alleged details.

In the lawsuit, a Bridgeport mother of a 2-year-old child claims the 48-year-old Garcia sent her a half-dozen sexually explicit texts after investigating a burglary at her home.

The woman, who works as a house cleaner in Monroe, states she had no personal relationship with Garcia, and that the texts were unprovoked and unwanted.

Detective Garcias calculated behaviors in his capacity as a detective, with the goal to gain continued access to the plaintiff for sexual purposes, were extreme and go beyond all bounds of decency and were utterly intolerable, the lawsuit states.

Garcia could not be reached for comment.

Berke confirmed that the woman had filed a complaint against Garcia with the Bridgeport Police Department, but would not comment either on that complaint or the lawsuit he filed on her behalf.

The woman also gave investigators her cell phone, which allegedly contained the texts Garcia sent her.

The lawsuit does not seek specific monetary damages.

In November 2014, the woman filed a criminal complaint after a female acquaintance allegedly stole items from her home, the suit states.

Garcia notified the woman that he would be following up with the investigation of her criminal complaint, the suit continues, and periodically provided her with information on the status of the pending case and told her he was working to get her property back.

At one point during the Christmas holiday season Detective Garcia informed the plaintiff that the judge didnt sign the papers to return her property because he was in a bad mood, stating that the judges wife would not have sex with him the night before, the suit states.

After providing information about several court appearances that he claimed he had made on her behalf, the suit states, the communications between Garcia and the woman shifted to an inappropriate direction.

In March 2016, the suit states, Garcia, with no encouragement from the woman, began sending her sexually explicit text messages that included him describing in detail sexual positions he wanted her to assume with him and sexual actions he wished to perform on her.

The suit states that the violent nature of what Garcia said he wanted to do sexually to the woman frightened her.

As direct and proximate result of the actions of the defendant the plaintiff suffered severe emotional distress including great humiliation, embarrassment, anxiety, stress, emotional and mental upset, loss of sleep and loss of time for personal pursuits, the suit states.

Garcia was promoted to detective in 2009. In February 2014, he was charged with third-degree assault and disorderly conduct after Bridgeport police said he hit his wife in the eye following a dispute in their home. The charges were dropped after Garcia completed a domestic violence counseling program.
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DERBY  Suggested changes by the city to the $14 million renovation of Route 34/Main Street could delay the project for up to three years if approved by the state Department of Transportation and the federal government.

Additionally, the administration of Mayor Anita Dugattos request to remove the states proposal to make part of Elizabeth and Minerva streets one-way would eliminate state funding to pay for milling and paving, as well as installing new utilities and sewer lines on those streets.

Thats about $4 (million to) $5 million of work that the city would have to pay for down the road, said Carmen DiCenso, president of the Board of Aldermen. It doesnt make sense. Have you seen Minerva Street? Its a mess. Besides, theyre not talking about making the whole streets one-way, just a section.

The project was the topic of a forum on Monday night.

Dugatto said city officials working with residents and DPZ Partners in redeveloping downtown into a U shape of retail and housing requested other changes in the design, which they believe will aid their vision.

This is not a road project, said Leslie Creane, Dugattos chief of staff. It used to be. This about the front porch to new economic development ... (and) an increased tax base, which we need desperately.

Dominick Thomas, a prominent Valley land-use lawyer whose office is on Main Street, warned that delays could affect economic development of this financially strapped city.

There is a time right now where there is money that needs to be invested, said Thomas, who has represented just about every developer involved in Sheltons growth. When I say needs to be, there is a lot of private money out there. Derby is a great location.

He pointed out the presence on Derby of Routes 8 and 34, two major bus lines (Waterbury and New Haven) and Metro-North Railroad.

In April, the long-vacant Lifetouch building across from Home Depot sold for $250,000 to J&L Enterprises. Joseph Salemme, a principal in J&L, said previously he hoped to subdivide the building into a manufacturing school and manufacturer. As an alternative, he said he would consider a hotel or retail on the site.

DiCenso said he knows three or four developers interested in downtown.

Richard Dziekan, the Republican mayoral candidate, said he would have liked to see shovels in the ground already.

DiCenso, who is challenging Dugatto for the Democratic mayoral nomination, expressed concern that the aldermen were not invited to sessions between the city and the Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments in which changes were discussed. Dunne said meeting notifications were sent to the mayors office.

DiCenso asked NVCOG Executive Director Rick Dunne to notify the aldermen of any future meetings, so two or three of us can attend. So we can let our constituents know whats happening, he said.

Thomas suggested compromise.

Im not saying throw out all the changes, Thomas said. Im saying sit down and work with the changes that can be done without going back to a redesign.

Dunne told those at Mondays forum that the meeting was being recorded and comments would be included in a report submitted to the state Department of Transportation. He said people have 30 days to file a comment either via email or by letter to the NVCOG, 49 Leavenworth St., Waterbury, CT 06702. It is expected that the report will be filed with the DOT by the end of July.
WASHINGTON  The White House appears to be backing off its choice of former Connecticut Sen. Joe Lieberman to be director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

According to CNN, the Trump administration is resetting its search for head of the embattled bureau. Lieberman, 75, had been Trumps top pick up until his departure for the Middle East and Europe last Friday.

While technically still in the running, Lieberman no longer is considered to be in the lead, Politico reported.

Democrats including Sens. Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy of Connecticut have said that while they like and respect Lieberman, they wanted a career law-enforcement professional in the sensitive position and not a lifelong politician.

They also raised eyebrows over Liebermans role as senior counsel in the law firm of Marc Kasowitz, who has been Trumps personal lawyer for years and has represented him on real estate transactions, divorce records and the fraud case against Trump University.

The potential conflict of interest for Lieberman came to a head Tuesday when several news outlets reported that Trump had hired Kasowitz to represent him in the FBIs ongoing investigation of Trump campaign contacts with Russian intelligence, possibly aimed at Russias effort to tip the 2016 election to Trump.

Liebermans star, which had been in decline since Trump defied expectations and departed on Air Force One on Friday without nominating him, fell even further.

Trump is seeking a replacement for former FBI Director James Comey, whom he fired on May 9. Trump and his press office offered wide-ranging explanations for the dismissal, including Comey losing respect within the FBI, and holding an unusual press conference last summer to announce no prosecution of Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton over her private e-mail server.

But Trump also mused publicly that this Russia thing was in the mix of motivations, leading to charges of obstruction of justice in the firing.

Many in the Senate, including Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz.  who Lieberman endorsed in the 2008 presidential election  praised Lieberman as a natural to lead the FBI. Lieberman was Connecticuts attorney general in the 1980s, but otherwise has not had significant law-enforcement experience.

But Democrats signaled opposition to any career politician. And although Lieberman was a Democrat for the majority of his 24 years in the U.S. Senate, he distanced himself from the party with his win as an independent in 2006 after losing to former Greenwich Ned Lamont in the Senate primary.

If he had been nominated and confirmed by the senate, Lieberman would have been 85 by the time he completed the full 10-year term as FBI director. In addition to his work for the Kasowitz law firm, Lieberman is co-chairman of No Labels, an organization seeking middle-ground bipartisan solutions to divisive political and social problems.

Other potential FBI-director nominees still in the running include former Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Mich, former homeland security adviser Fran Townsend, New York state judge Michael Garcia, former Oklahoma Gov. Frank Keating, and current FBI acting director Andrew McCabe.

dan@hearstdc.com
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HARTFORD  Democratic leaders of the House will not bring to the floor a controversial Senate bill that would allow for a third casino in East Windsor to compete with the billion-dollar MGM Resorts casino under construction in Springfield, Mass.

The bill passed the Senate early Wednesday in a 24-12 vote, but 12 hours later, House Majority Leader Matt Riter and Speaker of the House Joe Aresimowicz said that there isnt enough support.

The bill that passed the state Senate cannot pass the House, said Ritter, D-Hartford, during a daily meeting with reporters. When we caucus casinos there will be 32 different opinions.

We still have a lot of questions on what its going to look like, said Aresimowicz, D-Berlin, adding that he expects a bill to emerge from House Democrats, with a narrow 79-72 majority, within the next week or so. Aresimowicz said that Bridgeport lawmakers favor legislation that would open up casino bidding to a competitive process and, possibly, a future gambling destination in the states largest city.

Aresimowicz said he is also sensitive to the desire of the states pari-mutuel facilities to somehow benefit also in Connecticuts future gambling landscape.

The 12:35 a.m. Senate vote came after a two-and-a-half hour debate. By mid-morning, the Kent-based Schaghticoke tribe warned that it would file a lawsuit, alleging that the General Assembly was engaged in a closed process.

More Information Who voted against the bill Sen. L. Scott Frantz, R-Greenwich Sen. Craig Miner, R-Litchfield Sen. Toni Boucher, R-Wilton Sen. Tony Hwang, R-Fairfield Sen. Eric Berthel, R-Watertown, whose district includes Oxford and part of Seymour See More Collapse

State senators who voted against the Senate bill included Scott Frantz, R-Greenwich, Craig Miner, R-Litchfield, Toni Boucher, R-Wilton, Tony Hwang, R-Fairfield, and Eric Berthel, R-Watertown, whose district includes Oxford and part of Seymour.

This has been a David vs. Goliath fight from the beginning, said Hwang, who is a member of a coalition of advocates against expanded gambling. We believe that rolling the dice on casino expansion puts our state at risk for constitutional challenges by MGM or others under the equal protection clause. We continue to believe that this policy is a bad bet, because it is chasing after a limited and declining pool of resources.

The Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan tribes said the Senate vote rewarded their two years of effort in finding a site to save state casino jobs and keep gambling revenue in Connecticut.

But MGM, which has been supporting efforts to open statewide competition for a third casino  including the possibility of one in southwestern Connecticut  said it is hoping that the House approves a pending bill that would do just that.

There is still concern that the proposed $300 million third casino could prompt the Bureau of Indian Affairs, which must approve a revenue-sharing deal with the state, to reduce or eliminate the amount of slot revenue the tribes now pay the state. The Pequots and Mohegans provide 25 percent of their slot-machine revenue to the state. The proposed new casino would send the state 25 percent of slot revenue and 25 percent of table game revenue.

Two weeks ago, the tribes received a reconfirmation letter from the Bureau of Indian Affairs that said the technical assistance letter that was issued last year is still the view of the department.

Today, the Senate took us one step closer to saving more than 9,000 jobs and millions in state tax revenue, Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Council Chairman Rodney Butler said in a statement. With the reconfirmation from the BIA in hand, were increasingly optimistic that our states leaders will rally around our employees like theyve done for Sikorsky and Pratt & Whitney.

Richard Velky, chief of the Schagthticoke Indian Tribe, said a major casino resort in southwestern Connecticut would generate far more revenue than a smaller one in East Windsor, and more than replace the money the Pequots and Mohegans now pay the state.

A closed casino process ties Connecticut to an unreliable funding source that under the best scenario would likely continue to sink like a stone, Velky said in a morning statement.

The Schagticokes, who are backed by MGM Grand, lack federal recognition and the right to operate a casino that comes with it.

kdixon@ctpost.com; Twitter: @KenDixonCT
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WASHINGTON  President Donald Trumps $4.1 trillion budget drew predictable howls from Connecticuts Democratic congressional delegation for its massive cuts to social programs, but it also evoked complaints that defense spending increases were insufficient.

The 2018 budget, officially unveiled Tuesday, boosted defense spending $54 billion next year and projected $6.7 trillion over the long term  one of the few areas besides border security to get a boost.

Even so, Sikorsky Aircraft, the backbone of the defense industry in Fairfield County, gets $1 billion for 48 Black Hawks, which is 12 less than the Pentagon anticipated.

Similarly, the budget designates $1 billion for four Sikorsky CH-53K King Stallion helicopters, two less than anticipated. The King Stallion is a heavy-lift copter used primarily by the Marine Corps.

The budget also low-balls Sikorsky on its combat rescue helicopter and replacements for Vietnam-era UH-1N Hueys used by the Air Force to guard nuclear-weapons installations and transports.

And it also does not fully fund leaves out funding related to attack and nuclear-missile-launching submarines produced by Electric Boat in Groton.

Additional spending on national defense is great for Connecticut, but it is less than fully optimal, said Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., who sits on the Senate Armed Services Committee. Im not arguing for indiscriminate defense spending, but these are strategically vital programs.

Were still poring over the budget to find out what it means for the defense programs that are made in Connecticut, but we know we need to have increased funding to make sure we have the most modern, most capable military in the world, said Sen. Chris Murphy, who is on a military appropriations subcommittee. We make indispensable programs to our national security in Connecticut.

But for the most part, Democrats reacted with a mixture of chagrin and outrage to President Trumps spending plan, which his budget director, Mick Mulvaney, characterized as a taxpayer-first budget.

It aims at building up government programs that work, leaving Social Security and Medicare alone, Mulvaney said. But it cuts programs that in the Trump administrations estimation do not work.

Included for cuts are programs popular in Connecticut, including education, job training, Medicaid and scientific research.

Democratic lawmakers condemned the reductions as short-sighted and hurtful to the most vulnerable.

The budget hollows out our economy and lacks a vision for how to create good paying jobs, promote opportunity for all, and keep America safe, said Rep. Jim Himes, D-Conn.

President Trumps proposal moves us in the wrong direction, said Rep. Elizabeth Esty, D-Conn.. Congress should start over from scratch on a bipartisan plan.

Indeed, Congress generally views presidential budgets as guideposts of an administrations political orientation rather than as documents requiring full adoption.

The budget would take away more than $800 billion in Medicaid funding over a decade, as well as reduce Food Stamps (SNAP) by $193 billion, and welfare (TANF) by $21 billion.

The impact of cuts in Connecticut is uncertain, but there are over 400,000 Food Stamps recipients in the state, as well as 771,588 Medicaid beneficiaries and 18,865 on Temporary Assistance to Needy Families.

The Trump budget also would cut $72 billion from Social Security disability. In Connecticut, over 63,000 are on SSI (Supplemental Security Income), which cost $35.9 million in 2015.

Apart from the impact on those most in need, Blumenthal was particularly critical of Trump budget cuts to scientific research conducted by the National Institutes of Health and the Environmental Protection Agency.

This is life-and-death stuff, he said. In Connecticut, we dont have oil or coal or uranium. We do science and we do research, and this undermines what we do best.

dan@hearstdc.com
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Its been a showcase for Republican A-listers: Mitt Romney, Marco Rubio and Newt Gingrich among them.

But the Connecticut GOPs marquee fundraising banquet  named for the late Bush family patriarch, Prescott Bush, and traditionally held in May in Stamford  is still without a headliner. Its put the event and its $250,000 fundraising haul on hold.

Publicly, party leaders have cited scheduling conflicts between would-be speakers and local hotel venues, which they say have been booked solid because of a recent fire at the Italian Center in Stamford.

Behind closed doors, however, there is growing frustration at not being able to get on the same page with the Trump administration on the availability of Cabinet members for the event, based on interviews with half a dozen Republicans familiar with the matter. Some grumbled that only second-tier emissaries of the White House have been made available.

It seems that the White House bureaucracy is a little cumbersome, said Mike Garrett, Bridgeports GOP boss and a Republican State Central Committee member. Youve got check with the person, their team, their schedule, and the schedule doesnt work out. Thats the problem. The person will be first-tier. If that means moving the date back, so be it.

A request for comment was left for the White House.

The GOPs wish list of headliners for the dinner is said by party insiders to include Ryan Zinke, Trumps Interior Secretary and a former congressman who was a Navy SEAL. The party has also put out feelers to a cast of GOP governors, targeting those from blue states such as Massachusetts (Charlie Baker) and Maryland (Larry Hogan), as well as the swing state of Florida (Rick Scott).

State GOP Chairman J.R. Romano downplayed the delay and said the party is aiming for June.

Its the first few months of a new administration, but were working on it, Romano said. Our White House political guys have been working their tail off to try accommodate everything. Everyone is in such high demand.

Robert Hall, a longtime Republican State Central Committee member from Newtown, said its been frustrating.

I really dont know why we just cant say, So and so is available on Wednesday the 24th of May, (or) June 21st, why we just dont go with it? Hall said. I think were at fault for not having the Bush dinner. Whoever we get at this point is probably not going to be a draw as much as we would like. If you want to get a crowd, you get someone like Ann Coulter or Newt Gingrich.

Chris Healy, the state GOP boss from 2007 to 2011, empathized with Romano and said planning the dinner is a heavy lift.

Its always a challenge, Healy said. Itll get worked out. Theres a lot of enthusiasm. I think (Gov.) Dan Malloy continues to be the great unifier for us of Republicans in our morning of calisthenics.

Edward Dadakis, a state Central Committee members from Greenwich, said rushing the event would be a mistake.

I think we should have a top-notch speaker and have the dinner when it works to achieve that goal, Dadakis said.

Bridgeports John Slater, who is also on state Central and is running for vice chairman of the state party, echoed that.

Lets make sure its the biggest night of the year for Connecticut Republicans, Slater said. If moving it down the calendar a little bit is the difference between success and failure, I would always go for success.

nvigdor@hearstmediact.com; 203-625-4436; http://twitter.com/gettinviggy
WASHINGTON  Connecticuts Democratic senators are denouncing President Donald Trumps proposed cuts to financial-aid programs for college students, saying the reductions would weigh heavily on young people already crushed by loan debt.

The presidents budget, released Tuesday, calls for more than $4 billion in rollbacks in education in 2018, totaling $1.4 trillion by 2027.

In Connecticut, undergraduates who qualify for subsidized loans and federal work-study would likely see the most upfront change, but experts say graduate students actually would get hit the hardest.

Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., said the changes would hurt economic and personal growth, arguing that student-loan debt already prevents recent graduates from purchasing homes or starting families and businesses.

It saps the entrepreneurial energy of our nation, Blumenthal said. Donald Trump is adding to the burden, instead of opening up new opportunities.

The budget would eliminate the subsidized federal loan program, in which students do not accrue interest while in school or for six months after they graduate. The cut would save the government an estimated $38.9 billion by 2027.

In the 2016-17 school year, more than 46,000 students received subsidized loans amounting to $181 million at 24 public, private and proprietary universities in Connecticut, according to data from the Department of Education.

Last year, the Congressional Budget Office estimated that eliminating the program would add an extra $26.8 billion to student loan debt by 2026. This would cost the average borrower more than $3,000, according to a recent study by The Institute for College Access and Success.

The budget also recommends cutting the federal work-study program nearly in half, eliminating $488 million. About 3,400 colleges and universities participate in the program, including the University of Connecticut, Sacred Heart University and Fairfield University.

Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., called the budget proposal a disaster for Connecticut.

It will make it harder for students who dont come from very rich families to afford college, Murphy said. This is the last thing we should be doing right now.

In 2015, the average student loan debt in Connecticut clocked in at $29,750, affecting 62 percent of college-goers, according to TICAS.

Julie Savino, executive director of financial assistance at Sacred Heart, said that a 49.5 percent cut in Federal Work-Study money would translate into a 75 percent loss in aid to SHU students for the 2018-2019 school year.

President Trumps proposed budget cuts to federal student aid programs are deep and damaging, she said. This proposal will keep millions of young people  in particular those from low- and middle-income families  from their dream of attending college. Here at Sacred Heart, that is 90 percent of our student population.
The following excerpt is from the staff of Entrepreneur Medias book Finance Your Business. Buy it now from Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iTunes

In 2016, there were an estimated 11.3 million women-owned businesses in the United States -- a 45 percent increase since 2007, according to The 2016 State of Women-Owned Businesses Report from American Express. This percentage increase exceeded the national average of business growth during the same time frame by five times. It also illustrated what we already know: Women entrepreneurs are having a tremendous impact on the small-business landscape nationwide.

Related: Landing a Revenue-Sharing Deal to Finance Your Business

Yet to continue to be competitive and grow, these entrepreneurs have to find funding for their ventures. And, alarmingly, women entrepreneurs are increasingly being turned away by banks for small-business loans. Thankfully, they have other options, given the rise of technology-driven financial lending sources, such as online loans, peer-to-peer loans and crowdfunding.

Then there are government grants. While not widely known or used, these grants are another great option for women seeking extra funding for their business ventures. They just take a little more work.

Understanding grants

Business owners often turn to grants because theyre not required to pay them back; essentially, you can look at grants as free money, although they come with stipulations. Also, understanding and navigating the grant process can be complex.

First, you have to research and find a grant for which youre eligible. Then you have to understand the strict application and compliance guidelines you must meet to be eligible. You must devote time and energy to the lengthy application process, and then wait for approval. You have to compete with other businesses for the same pool of money. And finally, if youre awarded a grant, you must report on how you used it. In a nutshell, you need to have all your ducks in a row, upfront and afterward.

Finding federal and state grants

Many business owners think federal grants are just a click away. Weve all seen the ads promoting free federal money to start a business, but this is a huge misconception. While there are federal grants available in the areas of medical research, science, education and technology development, no such grants exist specifically for women-owned businesses. You may find grants funding projects that empower women, but such funding is often set aside for nonprofit corporations, not for-profit businesses.

When researching grants specifically for a woman-owned business, start at the state level. Most states offer grants for women-owned businesses in some capacity. Each state website has a business section where you can find grant and funding opportunities for women and minority-owned businesses.

Related: 5 Essentials for Raising Your Growth Round of Financing

Another great resource is the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA). The MBDA is an agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce that assists minorities in establishing and growing their businesses. On its site, you can research grants and access links to state agencies that work with women-owned businesses for funding opportunities. The MBDA provides a list of state agencies here.

Private grants for women

To help in your search, heres some information on a few private grants for women:

The Eileen Fisher Women-Owned Business Grant Program. Five grants are awarded annually. The businesses must be 100 percent women-owned and have founding principles of social consciousness, sustainability and innovation, plus be ready to move to the next phase of development.

FedEx Opportunity Knocks Small Business Grant Contest. Applicants are encouraged to share their visions to receive a portion of the $100,000 awarded in grants. Part of the judging involves the general public voting for the finalists, so participants may promote their businesses while garnering votes.

Idea Cafe Small Business Grant. The Idea Cafe is a free gateway that hosts different grants on its site. One grant is the Small Business Grant, which awards one $1,000 grand prize to a business with the most innovative idea. Visitors to the site vote for the winner.

InnovateHER: Innovating for Women Business Challenge. This business challenge is sponsored by the SBAs Office of Womens Business Ownership. The top three finalists split $70,000 in prize money for submitting ideas that have an impact on the lives of women.

Small Business Innovation Research. Eleven different federal agencies participate in this awards-based program, which incentivizes and enables small businesses to explore their technological potential.

Small Business Technology Transfer Program. The STTR program reserves a specific percentage of federal research and development funding to provide funding opportunities to small businesses.

Zions Bank -- Smart Women Grants. This Utah-based banks grant annually awards $3,000 across six different categories, including business.

Applying for a grant

Once you find a funding opportunity, there are multiple steps required to apply. Here are a few tips to assist you:

Make sure your business is eligible for the grant: Read the grant synopsis guidelines and eligibility requirements.

Create a checklist for all the required documents.

Follow the rules. Grant applications can be very technical. It wouldnt hurt to have a second (or even third) set of eyes review the application to ensure you have provided all necessary documents.

Start early. Since the application process can sometimes be long, it doesnt hurt to get a jump on things.

Related: Acing Your Pitch to Investors

If you find the grant application process too daunting or lengthy, online lender Kabbage is committed to supporting small-business loans for women business owners. Because its application process is fully automated and online, Kabbage can quickly provide small-business loans of up to $100,000. It uses simple, meaningful revenue data from your business to approve your loan -- not elaborate documentation that takes extensive time to gather.

Related:



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WASHINGTON - President Donald Trump has retained the services of a trusted lawyer, Marc Kasowitz, to help him navigate the investigations into his campaign and Russian interference in last year's election, according to people familiar with the decision.

Kasowitz, who has known Trump for decades, has represented Trump in numerous cases, including on his divorce records, real estate transactions and allegations of fraud at Trump University. He is a partner at Kasowitz, Benson, Torres & Friedman in New York.

With the appointment last week of a special counsel to probe Russian meddling in the election and possible collusion with the Trump campaign, the stakes have raised considerably for the Republican president and his associates. Trump has repeatedly denied that he did anything improper and has said that he has been told he is not under investigation.

Story continues below.

The White House had no immediate comment on Kasowitz's hiring. Those who confirmed the decision requested anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the move.

In recent days, Trump has been looking at pulling together a unit of lawyers outside the White House to guide him as he responds both to the ongoing federal probe and congressional investigations. It was not immediately clear Tuesday night if Kasowitz would be working with other lawyers that have been considered for such a team.

According to several people familiar with the deliberations, other attorneys under consideration have included Robert Giuffra Jr.; Reid Weingarten; and Theodore Olson.

Even as Trump travels abroad this week, the Russian probe has continued to make headlines.

On Tuesday, former CIA director John Brennan testified in the House that he had alerted the FBI to a troubling pattern of contacts between Russian officials and associates of the Trump campaign last year, shedding new light on the origin of a criminal probe that now reaches into the White House.

A potential complication for Kasowitz is that former senator Joseph Lieberman, Trump's leading candidate to head the FBI, is currently a senior counsel at his firm.

Were Lieberman officially chosen to run the FBI, and Kasowitz chosen to help with Trump's legal advice, both men - the one leading the organization investigating possible Russian collusion and the one offering Trump legal counsel on that very issue - would hail from the same firm, a likely conflict of interest.

- - -

The Washington Post's Robert Costa contributed to this report.
MISSOULA  The Montana Human Rights Bureau has dismissed a discrimination complaint against the University of Montana and UM Dining director Mark LoParco.

However, the bureau did not rule on the merits of the allegations that LoParco discriminated based on gender and disability.

The bureau found the complaint by Rebecca "Becca" Shern was filed too late, more than 180 days after the last alleged discriminatory action: "By statute, Montana Human Rights Bureau is required to dismiss an untimely complaint on a finding of no reasonable cause."

In the complaint, former UM Dining employees Shern and Kathleen "Kate" Slack alleged UM and LoParco, their ultimate supervisor, bullied and belittled them and other women, subjected them to misogynistic and sexist treatment, and unfairly promoted and compensated men while denying advancement to women.

The bureau received the jointly filed complaint on September 8, 2016, more than 180 days after Slack's last day at UM, too.

Bureau attorney Tim Little said Tuesday the agency did not review the full substance of the allegations in the complaint; rather, state statute requires the bureau to end an investigation if it determines a claim was submitted after the filing deadline.

"(The bureau) did not conduct a thorough investigation into the merits of the claim," Little said.

Earlier this month, Slack filed a complaint in Missoula County District Court making similar allegations against UM and LoParco.

UM counsel Lucy France earlier declined to comment.

However, LoParco has been lauded by campus officials as a "dynamo" and also honored by UM for his work in sustainability as well as by a national association for his leadership in the collegiate food industry. LoParco retires May 31 after working as head of UM Dining for 25 years.

Tuesday, lawyer Quentin Rhoades said Shern is considering legal action, and may file a complaint in District Court or a U.S. civil rights case. The Rhoades, Siefert and Erickson firm of Missoula is representing Shern.

Rhoades said the substance of any allegations would be much the same as the complaint filed with the Human Rights Bureau.

"We might stylistically approach it a little differently," he said.

Although the bureau dismissed the complaint of discrimination last month, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has yet to make a ruling on the federal claim, Rhoades said.
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Pete Souza, it seems, has a photo for every occasion.

The former White House photographer, who captured all eight years of the Obama administration, has cultivated post-Obama fame for his frequent Instagram posts subtly mocking President Donald Trump.

The latest burn comes in the form of a photograph of Michelle and Barack Obama holding hands at an event in Alabama. Souza's caption simply reads: "Holding hands."

Holding hands. A post shared by Pete Souza (@petesouza) on May 23, 2017 at 7:53am PDT

Should you be unclear on the reference, Souza's photo seems to take aim at recent observations that Melania Trump supposedly swats away her husband's attempts to hold her hand.

At Ben Gurion International Airport on Monday morning, the Trumps walked down a red carpet together and the First Lady appeared to move her hand when Trump reached for it. Although there's no clear indication that it was intentional or malicious, the "flick of the wrist seen 'round the world" has gone viral.

This certainly isn't the first time Souza posted an Instagram making fun of the President. To see more of Souza's snarky Instagrams, check out the gallery above.
I would guess that not too many people outside of Bridgeport have followed this issue: Joseph Ganim wants the same public financing as any other candidate, should he become a candidate for governor.

The General Assembly, in 2013, passed legislation prohibiting public financing for any candidate who had committed felonies related to their public office. Ganim was convicted and served some seven years in prison for felonies that fit within that General Assemblys language.

Ganim certainly won both a primary and the general election in Bridgeport and now serves as its mayor. Bridgeport with all its problems as a big city in Connecticut, actually appears to be doing well under his leadership.

Whether you support Ganim or not, the hard fact is that the existing law is clearly unconstitutional and the State Election Enforcement Commission should issue a declaratory ruling that Ganim has the right to participate in its Citizens Election Program just like any other candidate.

The entire concept of trying to avoid corruption in government is based on candidates participating in public financing. The idea is to keep candidates away from both special interests and heavy-hitting private financing. Public financing also gives a candidate the tremendous advantage of being able to concentrate on running for office and not attending one fundraiser after another.

The General Assembly was trying to make the point that someone convicted of a felony related to their public office should not ever be treated the same as any other candidate.

The first and 14th amendment make it abundantly clear that government cannot create different rules relating to different classes of people in the protection of political free speech. All candidates who qualify for public financing should be entitled to  and required to  follow the same rules.

I do believe in second chances but I also believe that once a judges sentence is complied with, the General Assembly cannot create a basis for further punishment or bar to seeking public office. The only bar to public office should be set by the voters. Its whether or not you have their support that counts. So far Ganim has met that test in the city of Bridgeport and is clearly entitled to the same right to participate in state public financing as every other candidate.

I want to make it clear that this is not in any way to be construed as an endorsement of Joe Ganim. It is simply my endorsement of what I see as fair play. Ganim has paid the price to society for his previous behavior, giving up seven years of his life. If he now wants to run for any public office, he should be entitled to the same rights and privileges as any other candidate.

I do not expect my position to be a popular one, but it is the right one.

Edward L. Marcus is former chairman of the Democrat State Central Committee in Connecticut, former state Senate majority leader and principal of Branford-based Marcus Law Firm.
As our state grapples with yet another crippling fiscal crisis, insiders in Hartford refuse to break from business as usual and instead want struggling Connecticut taxpayers, towns and businesses to sacrifice more.

Catastrophic cuts to town aid and a new round of tax hikes are the solutions floated by Hartford insiders unwilling to lead by example and pursue real reform.

In Connecticut, home to the second-worst unfunded pension liability in the nation, I was disgusted to see both Republicans and Democrats in the Connecticut General Assembly vote to confirm two lawyers to judgeships who would be able to collect annual pensions of more than $100,000 a year for life, after less than four years of service to the state.

This year, I became even more outraged when I discovered that state legislators are able to pad their pensions by racking up mileage reimbursement payments. One legislator accrued over $100,000 in mileage over a ten year period to boost his pension.

This get-paid-to-show-up scheme is indicative of everything that is wrong with the culture under the Gold Dome in Hartford. Struggling Connecticut taxpayers, towns  and now hospitals  will be asked, yet again, to sacrifice more, yet the power brokers at the capitol remain unwilling to cede even the most excessive of perks.

Leaders of both parties have not embraced reform to a system that lets legislators count mileage reimbursement in their pension calculation.

This is not just about the money a reform of this posh benefit would save; its about setting an example of leadership.

But why should we expect different results from insiders who have been part of the problem? The solutions to our states crises are there  substantial pension reform, reform of state agencies, tax reform and a pro-business, pro-growth agenda that rewards investment, hard work and provides opportunity. What is missing is leadership, courage and an outsider perspective. If we want different results from Hartford we simply must send different leaders to Hartford.

Democratic leaders, who forced the two largest tax increases in state history in recent years, now breathlessly advocate tolls, new taxes and catastrophic cuts to municipal aid  a budget gimmick that will necessarily mean higher property taxes. Even worse, some out-of-touch legislators are now opening the flood gates to recreational drug use as a crutch to balance the budget  even as our state is gripped by an opioid epidemic.

The survival, though tenuous, of their grasp on one-party rule after seven years of disastrous job-crushing policies has left Democrats arrogant with power.

Some Republicans, meanwhile, are too accustomed to being the minority party and too accustomed to playing nice with their colleagues across the aisle in exchange for table scraps. They have forgotten what it means to fight for real reform and to win.

Fortunately, voters have begun to send a new generation of reform-minded GOP lawmakers to Hartford in recent years. A new wave of Republican legislators, not sullied by stewing in the Hartford swamp, are laboring to find serious reforms, cost-saving measures and solutions to include in the final GOP budget proposal.

But they are still too few and cannot bring the kind of fundamental change our state needs on their own. In order to tackle Connecticuts serious challenges, we need to elect a new generation of leaders across state government. From governor to state representative, Connecticut voters should look to outsiders in 2018, not to retread candidates or well-connected insiders.

When I took office in Trumbull I inherited a broken pension system funded at just 27 percent and a town government bloated with patronage and big egos. I didnt tiptoe around the edges. Instead, I took our towns challenges head on. I set an example of leadership and refused a town pension. I also reduced the number of political appointees who were pension eligible.

All new hires now enter a defined contribution plan. We increased health care contributions for appointees across the board, including for the first selectman. During my first 100 days in office, we identified $1 million in operational savings in the town budget. We took difficult, bold steps, working with our labor leaders, to reform our pension system.

The swift action we took in Trumbull has paid huge dividends. Our pension system is now fully funded on an annual basis. There are fewer town employees than when I took office eight years ago. Our town government runs more efficiently with a stable tax rate, delivering better services than ever before. Our credit rating has been upgraded as a result of the reforms we have pursued and we have become a regional destination for business and families. I came into office as an outsider, committed to reform and it worked.

Tim Herbst is the first selectman of Trumbull and exploring a 2018 campaign for governor.
Michael Chishala

May 24, 2017

Lusaka Times



The Folly of Regulating Religion



We have reached an interesting situation in Zambia where we apparently need the government to protect us from crooked preachers. From Nigerian Prophet Andrew Egimadu (aka Seer 1), Malawian Prophet Shepherd Bushiri to Zimbabwean Prophet Eubert Madzanire (aka Uebert Angel) who was apparently denied entry into the country, the list of Men of God, er sorry, Men of Gold that are being either thrown out of Zambia or blocked from entering is growing (Interesting how they are all prophets).



We are told that these characters are charlatans and we need to protect our values as Zambians by stopping them from preying on gullible unsuspecting citizens. I totally agree that most of these so-called Men of God are fake and often prey on the people they preach to. I however take issue with the way they are being dealt with because it is leading us down a very slippery slope towards a huge ditch.



Let us start with the essential question of who is the absolute judge to decide for us who is a fake or genuine preacher and what are the correct Zambian values. What objective standard is used to pass judgment on preachers? How different are the fake foreign preachers from some of our local Pentecostal and Charismatic preachers right here in Zambia who also peddle teachings about God rewarding you and making you prosperous when you tithe and give offerings?



If indeed we need protection from fake preachers who are conning us out of money, then we should immediately ban Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) and Radio Christian Voice (RCV) in Zambia since they regularly broadcast teachings from the same kinds of questionable preachers. We should not only ban TBN, but also TB Joshuas Emmanuel TV and also block all channels on satellite TV that host these Men and Women of Gold since thanks to VISA and MasterCard, I can send my love offering to any TBN preacher from my living room after being promised an abundance of prosperity and healing from all my illnesses. I need protection from this scam!



Some American prosperity preachers who feature prominently on TBN such as Benny Hinn, Kenneth Copeland, Creflo Dollar, Joyce Meyer and others have been investigated in America over the lavish lifestyles they lead (funded by donations often based on promises of healing and prosperity) without paying any taxes.



Atheists and people of other faiths such as Buddhism, Judaism and Islam can probably make a strong argument that the entire system of Christianity that is based on promises of going to heaven is also just another big scam. Churches receive donations in form of tithes and offerings which they then use for their sustenance as they keep teaching every week that there is an afterlife in heaven.



Non-believers will argue that Christian churches are no different in principle from the Men and Women of Gold. The Men of Gold promise miracles, healing and wealth while churches for 2,000 years have been promising going to heaven and living in mansions there. Churches present themselves as being called by God himself to teach you the way to get to heaven by believing in and obeying the teachings of Jesus Christ. All churches get your money (based on promises) the same way the Men of Gold get your money (also based on promises).



Going a step further, what about churches that teach questionable doctrines? Should they be banned? Should the Mormons be banned since they teach that an angel called Moroni appeared to some guy called Joseph Smith and revealed some new hidden teachings, leading to the Book of Mormon being produced in 1830 that is treated on par with the Christian Bible?



What about the Seventh Day Adventists whom many in Christianity consider to be a cult, or the Jehovahs Witnesses who do not believe in blood transfusions? Is the government okay with a person being prevented from getting a blood transfusion because their church forbids it and they end up dying in hospital? Isnt this more consequential than people being swindled out of money by Men of Gold?



What has happened to all the laws on fraud and obtaining money under false pretences? If indeed the idea is to weed out the fake swindler preachers, why not plant undercover police officers in their churches and do a sting operation and then take the preachers to court for obtaining money under false pretences? Why not launch an education campaign against the scams?



Since we need Government protection from such confidence scams, let there be issued a Statutory Instrument (SI) to ban all adverts in the local newspapers and magazines by witch doctors, spirit mediums, Psychics and traditional healers that promise all manner of great outcomes such as passing exams, recovering stolen property, reclaiming adulterous wayward husbands, communicating with dead loved ones, getting a job or enlarging body parts. Surely the same logic must apply here.



As is evident by now, the stance taken against the Men and Women of Gold is patently absurd and untenable. Although not always, an absurdity is usually a sign of something not quite above board. We are now hearing whispers from Kachepa Kachepa suggesting that Uebert Angel is rumoured to have donated money to the opposition United Party for National Development (UPND) which is allegedly why he was blocked from getting into Zambia.



This story was reported by Bulawayo 24 News in an article entitled Zambia intelligence agency accuses Uebert Angel of pumping millions into opposition on 5th May 2017. The story was vehemently denied by the spokesperson of Angels church, Rikki Doolan. To quote from the article:



Intelligence operatives of the Zambian Government have accused Uebert Angel of pouring millions into the opposition political party. Multimillionaire prophet and leader of the Good News Church, Uebert Angel was sucked into a political scuffle as the Zambian government accused him of funding the opposition party lead by Hakainde Hichilema.



Sources close to Prophet Angel say he was issued with a visa, however, the government operatives who met him at the airport listed a number of unreasonable conditions for him to follow should he opt to go into the country. But Uebert Angel refused to comply and he chose not to go into Zambia. However, a source in the prophets camp vehemently says its fiction.



Angel doesnt know anything about the opposing leader in fact he has never met or seen Hichilema, said our source. Speaking to Onward Christian Radio, Rikki Doolan the spokesperson  said, Prophet Uebert Angel is an apolitical leader, he is a Christian leader not aligned to any political party but God.



In yet another possible twist to this whole saga, Hjoe Moono suggested in his article The Economics of Religion in Zambia: The Fight of the Prophets published in Lusaka Times on 18th May 2017 that all this might be just a sinister ploy to kill competition from foreign preachers for tithes and offerings after a lobbying campaign from local preachers. Who knows.



The Ministry of Religious Affairs and National Guidance has powers to register or de-register churches and religious organizations and apparently, they can get the Immigration Department to throw out any foreign person they deem to be a fake preacher. What happens one day in the future when the Minister at the time decides to de-register the Council of Churches in Zambia (CCZ), the Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia (EFZ) or the Zambia Episcopal Conference (ZEC) because they are judged to be getting too political?



What happens if some preachers in Zambia begin criticizing the government more strongly and their churches get shut down for meddling into politics instead of sticking to religion? It is of great concern that so much power can be vested in a single office to make such decisions. At the rate we are going, someone one day may take the government to court over religious freedoms which are enshrined in the Bill of Rights of the constitution.



When the United States of America was founded in 1789, they were very strong on an important principle; Separation of Church and State. This was in large part due to many immigrants in America running away from state sanctioned religious persecution in Europe. The American founding fathers in their wisdom could see that when religion gets too much into politics, you end up with all sorts of nasty problems.



In conclusion, I contend that there is no person with the knowledge, skill or wisdom to make any definitive judgments on matters of religion on behalf of Zambians. It is not the role of government to protect people from their own stupidity as if they are little children.



Source https://michaelchishala.com/2017/05/24/leave-the-men-of-gold-alone/



https://www.lusakatimes.com/2017/05/24/leave-men-gold-alone/
RAPSIMay 22, 2017MOSCOW, May 22 (RAPSI)  The Jehovah's Witnesses organization banned in Russia as extremist has filed a complaint with the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe over Moscow's refusal to implement a ruling of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR).A copy of the application has been published on the website of the Council of Europe.In March 2004, the Golovinsky District Court has granted prosecutors motion seeking to liquidate Jehovah's Witnesses in Moscow (Moscow LRO). Following that, the religious organization lodged a complaint with ECHR. In June 2010, ECHR ruled in favor of applicants and ordered Russia to pay them  20,000 in compensation and 50,000 in respect of costs and expense.The Russian government has refused "to implement the above-mentioned judgment," according to the application filed with the Council of Europe."The situation is now critical. On April 20, 2017, the Supreme Court of Russia granted the application of the Ministry of Justice of Russia and banned Jehovah's Witnesses nationwide and ordered the liquidation of their national legal entity, the Administrative Centre of Jehovah's Witnesses in Russia (Administrative Centre), and 395 local religious organizations (LROs) of Jehovah's Witnesses, including the Moscow LRO. This is now the second time the applicant organization has been liquidated", the complaint signed by lawyer John M. Burns reads.The Supreme Court of Russia banned Jehovah's Witnesses as extremist organization in April 2017.The Justice Ministry said that violations of the law "On Combatting Extremism" had been revealed during inspection conducted in the organization. The Prosecutor General's Office's notice concerning inadmissibility of carrying out extremist activities by Jehovah's Witnesses has taken effect, the Ministry said.Jehovah's Witnesses religious organization has had many legal problems in Russia. Since 2009, 95 materials distributed by the organization in the country have been declared extremist and 8 Jehovah's Witnesses' branches have been liquidated.Jehovah's Witnesses is an international religious organization based in Brooklyn, New York. Since 2004 several branches and chapters of the organization were banned and shut down in various regions of Russia.
HELENA  Broadwater County sheriff's deputy Mason Moore wrote his wife a letter in case he died in the line of duty.

"Don't let hate take over your life," Jodi Moore read from the letter at her husband's funeral Tuesday morning.

"I've enjoyed every moment of my life with you," the letter continued. "Enjoy life."

Jodi Moore pleaded with those in attendance and watching the live stream of the memorial to not be sad when they see her and her three children.

"Look at us and be glad that we are loved and will continue to be loved by this wonderful man," she said.

Mason Moore, 42, died outside of Three Forks after being shot several times during an early morning chase May 16.

"At that moment, when evil thought it had won  love had the victory," said Pastor Curtis Crow, a friend of Mason Moore who officiated the service. "Love wins, guys."

Broadwater County Sheriff Wynn Meehan considered Mason Moore to be one of his most loyal deputies.

After receiving the call around 3 a.m. that his deputy was in pursuit, the sheriff said, he rolled over and tried to go back to sleep. He wasn't concerned until dispatchers called about two minutes later to say they had lost contact with the deputy.

Meehan was about 15 minutes away from the scene when a call for the coroner came through.

"My heart sunk. My heart broke," he said.

Although he was sobbing, Meehan told the crowd this day was not about tears, but a celebration of Mason Moore. He told his fellow officers to honor the fallen deputy by continuing to do their job.

"We put that shiny star on our chest," Meehan said.

If you see a law enforcement officer, the deputy's wife said, tell them they're loved and supported.

Many at the Three Forks High School gym watching the live stream broke into tears as Jodi Moore spoke.

"I love Mason more today than I did 18 years ago when I married him," she added. "He was and will continue to be my steady rock."

Mason Moore's funeral highlighted the key aspects of his life: family, faith and service. His casket bearers included his cohorts from his day job as a deputy and his volunteer service after hours with the Three Forks Fire Department.

"When others would run away, he would run to," Crow said.

Mason Moore will be remembered as a respectful and quiet man. Though when he wanted to, he could really land a zinger.

"He was able to throw out the one-liners with perfect timing," said Capt. Rich Whittaker with Central Valley Fire.

While many public servants choose either law enforcement or firefighting, Mason Moore opted for both. Whittaker said this showed his dedication to serving the public.

"We're better places because Mason was part of us," he said.

Charles Eastty, a battalion chief with Three Forks Fire Department, recalled how Mason Moore received his nickname "Superman."

After responding to a crash as a volunteer firefighter just before his shift with the sheriff's office started, Eastty said, he disappeared for a few minutes before returning to the scene clean-shaven, showered and wearing his deputy uniform.

"It was just like he stepped out of a phone booth," he said.

Following the service, a several-miles-long procession of public safety vehicles representing agencies from across the country made its way from Belgrade to Three Forks, where the Mason family lives. Mason Moore's final resting place will be in South Carolina, where he began his law enforcement career.

Representatives from South Carolina departments attended the services Tuesday. They joined other officers from across the state and the nation in paying tribute. Gov. Steve Bullock and Montana Attorney General Tim Fox also attended.

Community members lined the streets from the beginning of the procession in Townsend, where the Broadwater County Sheriff's Office is headquartered, to the Belgrade church where the memorial was held and back to Three Forks.

Lloyd Barrus, 61, has been charged with 14 counts of attempted deliberate homicide and two of accountability for attempted deliberate homicide in connection with the death of Mason Moore and the resulting police chase and shootout that ensued. His son Marshall Barrus, 38, was shot in the head at the conclusion of the chase and died the next day.
STORY LINK GBP INR Exchange Rate Slides as Fund Manager Bets against the Pound

Current Interbank Exchange Rates

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The Pound Indian Rupee (GBP INR) exchange rate slid on Wednesday afternoon as BlueBay Asset Management warned that Sterling is likely to tumble whatever the outcome of the UKs elections.Analysts as the firm suggests that the Pound is likely to drop below $1.20 by the end of the year and that a hard Brexit between the UK and Europe is now inevitable, with tough comments from both sides signalling that negotiations are likely to be quite chilly.This follows comments by Brexit Secretary David Davis at the start of the week who suggested that the UK government could walk away from negotiations if it felt talks were unfavourable, with particular attention being paid to the UKs divorce bill which analysts predict could be anywhere as highs as 100.Mark Dowding, a fund manager at BlueBay said;Weve literally gone short the pound at the end of last week. We think youre going to be facing a Brexit that to us looks like its going to be a hard Brexit.Dowding also cast doubts over the governments plans for the upcoming Brexit talks, labelling them an unrealistic pipe dream.Meanwhile the Indian Rupee has also suffered in trading today as border tensions between India and Pakistan worried investors.This follows punitive fire assaults made by the Indian army yesterday on Pakistani military posts along the border in the Kashmir region.Army spokesman Ashok Narula said that the attacks had been made to prevent Pakistan from helping militants cross the border, a measure that the Indian government hopes will discourage local youths from also taking up arms.The attacks led investors to shy away from the Rupee amidst fears that the border skirmishes may erupt into a wider conflict, which could destabilise the region.India and Pakistan frequently clash over the disputed Kashmir border, which has seen a surge in violence in recent months, with India's Hindu nationalist BJP government stepping up its military presence as it accuses Islamabad of provocations in the region and stirring up recent protests.Looking ahead the GBP INR exchange rate may slide on Thursday as economists predict that the UKs latest GDP estimate will confirm that economic growth sank from 0.7% to 0.3% at the start of 2017.The Pound may also be weakened by the release of the BBAs Mortgage figures for April, with analysts forecasting that new loan approvals will slide from 41,100 to 40,800.At the time of writing the GBP INR exchange rate was trending around 83.8550 and the INR GBP exchange rate was trending around 0.0119.

International Money Transfer? Ask our resident FX expert a money transfer question or try John's new, free, no-obligation personal service! ,where he helps every step of the way, ensuring you get the best exchange rates on your currency requirements.

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Opening dates, hours and new policies set for 2022 ski season

A price increase on all day and season passes at Seven Springs, Hidden Valley and Laurel Mountain ski areas goes into effect on Nov. 20.
CHEYENNE, Wyo.  Three men have been indicted in the U.S. District Court of Wyoming with several crimes in connection with the shooting and robbery attempt at the Medicap Pharmacy.

The Wyoming Tribune Eagle reports the Cheyenne Police Department on Friday identified Moses Dickens III, Christopher Dominguez and Antoine Mitchell, all of Albuquerque, New Mexico, as the suspects allegedly responsible for the Oct. 6 robbery attempt.

In the indictment, a federal grand jury in Wyoming charged the three with numerous crimes, including carjacking, attempted robbery involving controlled substances, robbery, using a firearm during an attempted robbery, and using a firearm while conspiring to obstruct interstate commerce by means of robbery.

Combined, the penalties for those crimes add up to a minimum of 82 years and up to life in prison.
The North Dakota Department of Public Instruction is reporting more students are taking Advanced Placement exams, following an initiative during the 2015 session to expand the program and cut testing costs for students.

About 2,500 students took AP exams during the 2016-17 school year, up from 1,894 students during the 2015-16 school year, or about a 31 percent increase, according to a DPI news release.

Each year in May, AP students take the AP exams and earn a score ranging from 1-5. Those who score 3 and higher may earn college credit.

During the 2015 legislative session, State Superintendent Kirsten Baesler announced her "Leveraging the Senior Year" initiative, which included a $1.25 million appropriation from the Legislature to expand AP throughout North Dakota.

Under the initiative, DPI announced in May 2016 that any high school senior, including those in private and homeschool settings, can take at least one AP exam for free by using state funding to reimburse the $96 cost of the exam. Low-income high school seniors can take up to four AP exams in those subjects at no cost.

Through March, DPI has paid $289,000 in AP testing testing fees.

Baesler said legislators during the 2017 session continued to support the "Leveraging the Senior Year" initiative, despite state budget cuts. The Department of Public Instruction's 2017-19 budget includes a grant pool of $1.53 million that will be used to further fund the initiative.

"Even during difficult budget times, our lawmakers saw that 'Leveraging the Senior Year' is an excellent investment in the future of our young people, Baesler said. This will strengthen the preparation of our students for life after high school. And if a student chooses to go to college, AP tests translate into college credit, which means students and their families will save on tuition costs, take on less debt and be on track to graduate more quickly.

Students take advanced-level AP courses through trained high school teachers in a school setting or online through the North Dakota Center for Distance Education.
For anyone who has ever told you that caking your face in foundation and clogging your pores is bad for your skin, here is some unexpected good news.

New research suggests that make up is in fact a brilliant way to anti-age your face, second only to sunscreen in how important it is.

Not only this, but putting on make up might help with reducing the incidence of skin cancer, particularly around the eye.

New research suggests that make up is a brilliant way to anti-age your face, second only to sunscreen in how important it is (stock image)

Not only this, but putting on make up might help with reducing the incidence of skin cancer too, particularly around the eye (stock image)

The Australasian College of Dermatologists presented this research in a paper on 'cosmeceuticals' or 'functional coloured cosmetics' including foundation, powders, blusher, eyeshadow, eyeliner, mascara and lipstick in Sydney earlier in May.

ACD dermatologist, Dr Phillip Artemi, said that thanks to cosmetics' unique blend of SPF ingredients, pigments and reflectors, they should be a vital part of every woman's anti-ageing and skin cancer prevention arsenal.

'We now know that it isn't just solar radiation such as UVB and UVA that is bad for the skin,' he said.

'The sun also emits infra-red radiation and visible light, which can lead to skin damage resulting in dull skin, wrinkles and unsightly pigmentation.'

According to the Australasian College of Dermatologists, both make up and sunscreen should be a vital part of every woman's anti-ageing arsenal (stock image)

In addition to this, the leading dermatologist said that 'pollution has been shown to cause wrinkles and ageing of the skin, with traffic pollution set to become a major skin toxin as the population becomes more urbanised'.

He stated: 'The notion that not wearing make up makes for healthier skin, is no longer a valid one.'

Interestingly, what you choose to wear on your face when it comes to make up can influence how well you are protected.

Lip gloss, for instance, offers little protection, while a darker, longer-wearing lipstick will be more beneficial for your health.

Different cosmetics protect to different levels - lip gloss, for instance, offers little protection, while a darker, longer-wearing lipstick will be more beneficial (stock image)

'A combination of sunscreen, foundation, eye shadow and mascara can reduce the incidence of skin cancers around the eye better than the use of sunscreen alone,' Dr Artemi said - disproving the idea that make up or sunscreen alone is all you need.

'Whilst sunscreens do a lot, they don't do enough and should not be relied on solely for skin health,' he said.

'Now we can advise that functional coloured cosmetics should be added to this long standing advice to further reduce the risk of skin cancer and premature ageing, as well as protecting against the increasing danger of air pollution.'

Time to stop feeling guilty about being a slave to your make up bag then.
She's one half of the entrepreneurial duo who turned an idea about using coffee as an exfoliating scrub into a booming $20 million beauty business.

Now Bree Johnson, the Melbourne-based co-founder of cult brand Frank Body, has shared her top tips for making it big as a businesswoman.

Speaking to Body and Soul, the former journalism student said the best piece of advice she had ever received was: 'If you never ask, the answer will always be no'.

Scroll down for video

Bree Johnson and Jess Hatzis are the powerhouse behind Australian skincare label Frank Body

The brand, which provides exfoliating body scrubs made from coffee, is now worth $20 million

'Before creating Frank Body we weren't experts in natural skincare,' she told the publication. 'When we came to a problem we didn't have the answer to, we found someone that did. You would be surprised at how willing people are to help if you just ask.'

It isn't the only pearl of wisdom Ms Johnson has - she explains that anyone hoping to start their own business must be 'prepared to work harder than you ever have before'.

'Money can't be the driving force behind what you do,' she added. 'The most satisfying part of my job is the little things... It's important to take time to appreciate the little moments.'

She added that the hardest lesson she had learned in business was that every story has two sides.

The girls had no formal beauty training before launching Frank Body but had spent a decade of their adult lives trying different products out

Frank came about when the duo heard about women using coffee beans to exfoliate

Ms Johnson and fellow co-founder Jess Hatzis met while at uni, working part-time at Red Bull, and became friends.

The business they went on to create together - which offers a coffee-based scrub made from Robusta beans - is now worth $20 million.

'We were friends before we went into business. I think you need to be before you jump into something like this. You need to be able to trust each other completely,' Ms Johnson previously told Daily Mail Australia.

Frank came about when they heard about women using coffee beans to exfoliate.

'The idea seemed brilliant. We wanted to have complete creative control of a brand. This was our chance!' said Ms Hatzis.

'We always say that one of our weaknesses became our strengths. So while we didn't start in the beauty space, we have evolved into it,' Ms Johnson said

The girls had no formal beauty training before launching Frank Body but had spent a decade of their adult lives trying different products out.

'We always say that one of our weaknesses became our strengths. So while we didn't start in the beauty space, we have evolved into it,' Ms Johnson said.

'There are some eye creams that use caffeine as a main ingredient but we're the only brand that sources all of their products from coffee.'

'We're always saying there is no right time to start a business. The stars will never perfectly align. Sometimes you've got to just bite the bullet and dive in,' added Miss Hatzis

'I think our biggest pinch me moment came when we partnered with Mecca,' Ms Hatzis said

But the duo have admitted that moving into retail was 'really intimidating'.

'We weren't sure exactly how our consumers would react to us being in store,' Ms Hatzis said.

'I think our biggest pinch me moment came when we partnered with Mecca. We often go into stores and can't find Frank because it's been sold out! It's really humbling.

'We're always saying there is no right time to start a business. The stars will never perfectly align. Sometimes you've got to just bite the bullet and dive in,' she added.
A mother has been captured on camera looking on tenderly as she breastfeeds her six-year-old child.

Melbourne photographer Lacey Barratt took the image as one of a series for a photo essay she produced to open discussion about the 'stigma of breastfeeding beyond age one'.

'Breastfeeding has come a long way in the past 5 years. Even over the past 12 months,' Ms Barratt wrote.

'But I never would have imagined that breastfeeding younger children would be more acceptable than breastfeeding our older children.

'Why are our views so skewed? And why is it that nursing our newborn is less sexual than nursing our toddlers?'

One mother captured on camera, Vicki, looks on tenderly as her six-year-old daughter breastfeeds

'Vicki believes in her daughter's judgement, and the relationship that flourishes from that,' the photographer said of the image

'Around the world, the stigma of breastfeeding beyond the age of one is weird. Gross. Pedophiliac. Inappropriate. But most of all, hidden in fear of judgement,' Ms Barratt went on.

'Everywhere, women pat themselves on the back and silently accept their self-given medal for breastfeeding to one. As they should!' she added.

'Beyond that, toddler breastfeeding is not spoken of, women are weaning their one year olds. Because they don't know that children are designed to nurse between 2.5 years and 7 years old.

'Yes. You read right, seven. According to the Australian Breastfeeding Association? the natural age for a child to ween is 2.5 to 7 years of age,' she wrote.

'Why are we telling women that feeding their 2, 3, 4 year old is disgusting? Why is there no support from society to encourage feeding out teeny nurslings?'

The photos taken by Ms Barratt show a number of different Australian women - each of whom have their own story to tell.

One mother, Vicki, still occasionally breastfeeds her daughter at age six - and the little girl is seen looking at the camera while feeding from her mother.

'Sarah has no date in mind to stop breastfeeding her daughter and was happy when she reached one year,' Ms Barratt said of this image

'She expected Miss F to self wean but it ever happened. She received help along her journey from the MCHN and friends,' the photographer continued

'Vicki believes in her body's ability, her daughter's judgement and the relationship that flourishes from that,' the photographer said of the image.

'Her daughter is six, and although doesn't frequently breastfeed, she does occasionally still latch when she needs to.'

Another image in the selection, shows a mother called Sarah watching her young daughter breastfeeding, after the girl failed to 'self wean'.

'Sarah has no date in mind to stop breastfeeding her daughter and was happy when she reached one year,' Ms Barratt said of the image.

'She expected Miss F to self wean but it ever happened. She received help along her journey from the MCHN and friends.'

Mother of six, Melissa, is another woman featured in the photographs.

'Having my first child was a fairly traumatic experience,' Melissa told the photographer.

Melissa, pictured, had five babies in seven years who she fed into toddlerhood including tandem

'My last is still happily feeding despite an upper lip tie and tongue ties he has no intention of weaning and neither do I,' the mother said

'I was 22, uneducated, disempowered and alone. The one and only thing I had was breastfeeding, it felt natural and it was easy. I feel it helped me through PND although it did end earlier than I had anticipated due to really bad advice.

'Next time around I was determined to listen to my baby and my body. We fed for 2 1/2 years.

'Then followed another 5 beautiful babies in 7 years who I have fed into toddlerhood including tandem.

'My last is still happily feeding despite an upper lip tie and tongue ties he has no intention of weaning and neither do I.'

Another mum pictured in a tender black and white scene, Eloise, said she never thought she would be breastfeeding a toddler.

'I'm passionate about normalising breastfeeding and addressing the misinformation out there,' Eloise (pictured breastfeeding her two-year-old) said

'I know there is a lot of negativity surrounding breastfeeding past babyhood, but she's a smart, independent, social, busy girl, and is rarely sick,' the mum said

'I know there is a lot of negativity surrounding breastfeeding past babyhood, but she's a smart, independent, social, busy girl, and is rarely sick,' the mum, whose children are aged four months and two years, said of her little girl.

'After receiving a fair bit of bad advice and unsupportive comments (including from health professionals) I'm passionate about normalising breastfeeding and addressing the misinformation out there.'

She explained that sometimes her daughter goes days without a feed, sometimes it's every day, or when she is upset, not feeling well, or needs to reconnect.

Another mother-of-two pictured as part of the series, Tania, battled post natal depression from a traumatic birth.

Ms Barratt captured this photo of mum Tania breastfeeding outside in nature

'Tania has achieved term breastfeeding through personal stubbornness and knowledge, family, friends, various social media support groups,' Ms Barratt said

She is passionate about informing people of the normality of term breastfeeding.

'Tania has achieved term breastfeeding through personal stubbornness and knowledge, family, friends, various social media support groups,' Ms Barratt said of her photographic subject who she captured breastfeeding outside in nature.

Finally, mother-of-two and midwife Amberly still nurses her two-year-old and is a promoter of term breastfeeding for the benefits it brings to both the mother and child.

'Breastfeeding has been one of the most precious experiences in her lifetime and she would love to see more women of the world embrace and enjoy such an experience,' Ms Barratt said of her subject.

She said Amberly's daughter describes her mum's milk as 'happy milk'

Mother-of-two and midwife Amberly still nurses her two-year-old and is a promoter of term breastfeeding for the benefits it brings to both the mother and child

The photographer said Amberly's daughter describes her mum's milk as 'happy milk'




A private, invitation-only discussion was held between Gov. Doug Burgum and dozens of stakeholders in the oil and gas industry as well as state officials Tuesday with the goal of working toward better prevention and reporting of oil and produced water spills.

Nearly 80 people attended the meeting at the Bismarck State College National Energy Center of Excellence, which was billed as a frank discussion between the state and industry.

Burgum spokesman Mike Nowatzki said the meeting is part of a several-month dialogue intended to come up with solutions on reducing spills and creating a more efficient spill-reporting process.

He wanted it to be a frank and open discussion, Nowatzki said of the reasoning for keeping the meeting closed.

Nowatzki said some industry officials in attendance at times spoke of proprietary information, also important to keep private.

Discussion centered on how to improve the process of building and monitoring pipelines to reduce the number of spills. Ways to better monitor them included increased use of aerial drones, Nowatzki said.

One initial conversation was about creating a state hotline for reporting spills of oil or fluid, similar to the North Dakota One Call system in which companies call before they dig in order to avoid damaging underground utilities.

What agencies would be taking the lead on this initiative or what the potential cost would be if enacted was unclear Tuesday.

Nowatzki said there will be smaller work groups formed to work on how to better improve pipeline safety.

The goal is continuous improvement  not more regulations  as we seek to shrink the number and volume of spills that can be costly to the environment, landowners and operators, Burgum said in a release issued following the meetings conclusion.
Her friend is currently one of the most famous women in the world thanks to her relationship with a certain heir to the British throne.

But Priyanka Chopra was quick to point out Meghan Markle's personal accomplishments when she was quizzed about the starlet during an interview on the Wendy Williams Show.

Apparently disappointed to hear the 35-year-old referred to as 'Prince Harry's girlfriend' by the excited host, who described the relationship as a 'big deal', Priyanka interjected: 'Also Meghan Markle... you know, an actress in Suits, her own achievements...'

As Wendy sheepishly agreed, the Baywatch star laughed and added: 'Just saying!'

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Priyanka didn't seem impressed when talk show host Wendy Williams referred to Meghan Markle as 'Prince Harry's girlfriend'

She pointed out to Wendy that the Suits star was famous in her own right having appeared in films and television

Meghan Markle (L) has been spotted out with with Priyanka Chopra (R) as the pair are close friends, pictured here with film producer Mubina Rattonsey in Los Angeles in November

Chopra's riposte didn't stop Wendy quizzing the actress further on her friend's love life, as she asked whether she could see a wedding in Meghan's future.

'I hope so. She seems happy. I think they look great together,' Priyanka said.

But the Indian beauty, 34, shrugged off the host's suggestions that she could be approached to perform bridesmaid duties.

'I don't know if I'm that close to her,' said the star.

'I have known her two years now. We randomly met at a party and got on really well.

'So once I get the invite, I don't know... If I'm even invited.'

The two actresses have shared snaps of each other enjoying nights out together on social media in the past.

Priyanka Chopra stood up for her friend Meghan Markle, who she pointed out was famous in her own right on Wendy Wiliams' talk show

The two actresses, who have been friends for a while after first meeting at a party, are pictured here together in May

Priyanka, who stars in Quantico, and Meghan, who has a role in Suits, often catch up when they are in the same place

Wendy also asked if Meghan ever called Priyanka during moments of 'stress' linked to her high-profile relationship.

Careful to remain diplomatic, Priyanka said: 'We talk about my stress.

'She [Markle] doesn't seem to have any right now,' she added, laughing.

Wendy also asked Priyanka, who is promoting her first American feature film Baywatch, about her own love life, but the actress said she was tired of being asked why she always needed a date to a red carpet event.

'Why? It's my moment, my outfit. I'm a strong independent woman.'


Fans of the YouTube power duo Zoella and Alfie Deyes are speculating as to whether the couple are expecting a baby following a tweet from the female vlogger.

Rumours that Zoella, real name Zoe Sugg, is pregnant began last week after the 27-year-old shared a tweet about water births.

The YouTube star, from Brighton, took to Twitter last week writing: 'Me & Alfie talking about water birth: Me: Do you know why they need a sieve? Alfie: To catch the baby?'

Fans have been speculating as to whether Zoella and Alfie Deyes may be expecting their first child after the female blogging star shared a tweet about water births

Zoella shared the tweet in order to poke fun at her long term boyfriend and fellow vlogger Alfie as a sieve is intended to catch any excrement in a water birth.

However, several fans have debated whether Zoella's tweet could allude to the fact that she is expecting.

Many fans responded to the tweet to debate why the couple would be discussing labour if they weren't expecting.

Last week Zoella, real name Zoe Sugg, shared a conversation on Twitter that she and fellow YouTube star and long term partner Alfie had

Since then fans have debated whether the couple may be expecting a baby together

Others mentioned that Zoella and Alfie, who runs The Pointless Blog, have been discussing marriage and babies a lot of late.

Some of the blogger's fans demanded answers from Zoella, however, others remained unconvinced that there was a baby on the way.

Neither Zoella or Alfie have yet commented on the rumours. MailOnline have approached Zoella for a comment.

Replying to her tweet many fans demanded answers as to why the pair were discussing birthing plans

It is no surprise that rumours of a pregnancy, no matter how tenuous, have stirred up interest with Zoella and Alfie boasting a combined following of over 15 million subscribers.

Earlier this year Zoella was named the most powerful YouTube star in Britain - beating her brother and boyfriend to the top spot.

She recently added to her empire, said to generate 50,000 a month, by releasing a range of merchandise including hoodies, T-shirts and a calendar.

After starting out in 2009 offering beauty tips from her bedroom, Zoella has a waxwork in Madame Tussauds and a bestselling range of beauty products.
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First Lady Melania Trump has visited the Vatican's children's hospital, meeting with patients, painting pictures with them and taking selfies.

Melania spent time visiting with a group of young patients at the Bambino Gesu (Baby Jesus) pediatric hospital after she and President Donald Trump met with Pope Francis earlier at the Vatican.

The 47-year-old also toured the hospital's cardiac intensive unit, as well as the recreation room, where she painted with children from nine different countries, pausing to snap a series of selfies with them.

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First Lady Melania Trump visited the Vatican's children's hospital on Wednesday during her trip to Italy with her husband, President Donald Trump

The 47-year-old met with the children in the recreation room of the Bambino Gesu (Baby Jesus) pediatric hospital, where they enjoyed a painting session

Melania was all smiles as she held up one child's artwork, which welcomed her to Italy

The First Lady beamed with joy as she posed with the children for a group picture

Melania happily showed off her artistic skills as she joined the children in the recreation room at the hospital

She ended the visit by praying in the hospital chapel, while also pausing in front of a Madonna statue located outside of the hospital for a quiet moment of reflection.

Melania also appeared to cross herself while standing in front of the statue; however while the First Lady grew up in the predominantly Catholic country of Slovenia, she was not raised as a Catholic. She married her Presbyterian-born husband in an Episcopal church, and has since attended several services with Trump.

The couple are also sending their son Barron to an Episcopal school in Washington, D.C.

Having appeared relatively somber and straight-faced during her meeting with Pope Francis earlier in the day, Melania looked much more relaxed and happy as she sat down with the group of children at the hospital, some of whom presented her with artwork that they had made especially for her visit.

One piece, which the First Lady happily held up for the cameras with a smile read: 'Welcome in Italia! Hy Milania! I want talk for you!'

The multicolored creation also featured several hearts drawn in blue and pink.

Melania looked totally at ease while sitting down and chatting with the young patients, at one point pausing to snap some selfies with them, and also offering one young child a kiss on the cheek and a hug.

She also beamed with joy as she was presented with a bouquet of flowers by hospital staff, looking delighted with the token of appreciation offered to her during her visit.

The First Lady wore the same demure black lace frock she had donned for her meeting with Pope Francis earlier in the day

Melania looked totally at ease while sitting down and chatting with the young patients, at one point pausing to snap some selfies with them

The children looked enthralled as Melania joined them for their art session, drawing what appeared to be a flower on a blue piece of paper

Melania penned a brief note in the guest book, writing: 'Great visiting you. Stay strong and positive. Much love, Melania Trump'

The First Lady was photographed giving the children in the hospital what looked like gifts for their art room

Before leaving, Melania penned a brief note in the guest book, writing: 'Great visiting you. Stay strong and positive. Much love, Melania Trump.'

With a red pen, she also drew a small flower and heart.

The First Lady wore the same demure black dress design she had donned for her meeting with Pope Francis earlier in the day; however, she removed the veil she had added to the outfit out of respect for Vatican tradition.

'Stay strong!' Melania left a note in the guest book at the hospital, and also drew a heart and flower in red pen

'My visit to Bambino Gesu Childrens Hospital today was very moving. To spend time speaking to and coloring with children who have such a positive spirit despite illness was an amazing gift,' Melania said in a statement.

'The time I spent with the little ones in the Intensive Care Unit is something I will never forget, and I will pray for each of them daily. I want to thank the doctors, nurses and staff of the hospital, who all do such beautiful and critical work.'

The First Lady added: 'Upon landing in Belgium, I learned a young boy and his family who had been waiting for a heart transplant was informed that the hospital has found a donor.

'I read a book and held hands with this special little one just a few hours ago, and now my own heart is filled with joy over this news.'

Meanwhile, Melania's stepdaughter Ivanka Trump met with victims of human trafficking and hosted a roundtable with members of the Community of Sant'Egidio, a social justice-oriented anti-poverty group affiliated with the Catholic Church.

Ivanka said she came to a Catholic charity in Rome to meet with several women who have been freed from human traffickers so she could hear about 'their struggles and how they will build their lives'.

Still dressed in black after her earlier visit at the Vatican to meet Pope Francis, President Trump's daughter spoke briefly to reporters as she stood under a grape arbor in the courtyard of the Rome headquarters of the Sant'Egidio Community.

She said the liberated African women she was going inside to meet were testament to 'strength, faith, perseverance in the face of unspeakable adversity.'

Melania stood in front of a Madonna statue and appeared to be praying as she visited the children's hospital

At one point, Melania took a quiet moment to herself to pray in front of the statue

The First Lady was given an extensive tour of the hospital

Melania ended her visit by praying in the hospital chapel

One young boy seemed particularly taken with the First Lady, who offered him a sweet kiss on the cheek

Other children were far more interested in snapping selfies with Melania

Melania beamed with delight as she was presented with a bouquet of flowers by hospital staff

Community officials said she would be chatting with several women from Nigeria who had been trafficked into prostitution before becoming free in Rome. At least one Eritrean woman was also invited to the closed-door conversation sitting around a square table.

Ivanka has had meetings about the subject at the White House, and last week, she hosted a bipartisan roundtable on human trafficking at the White House.

The mother-of-three took to Instagram to share a photo of herself at the meeting and praise the charity for its work.

'I was inspired to visit Sant'Egidio and learn about their remarkable work with women who have survived the evils of human trafficking and for those still suffering,' she wrote.

'Hearing directly from the advocates, counselors and victims reaffirms that we must work together to address this critical issue.'

Earlier in the day, both women enjoyed the opportunity to meet with Pope Francis.

Melania's stepdaughter Ivanka Trump met with victims of human trafficking and hosted a roundtable with members of the Community of Sant'Egidio, a social justice-oriented anti-poverty group affiliated with the Catholic Church

Like the First Lady, Ivanka donned a modest black lace frock for her meeting with Pope Francis, and she also opted to remove her veil for her roundtable with members of the Community of Sant'Egidio later in the afternoon

The 35-year-old First Daughter accessorized her look with strands of pearls and emerald studs in her ears

Ivanka kept her blonde hair pulled back in a loose chignon and she wore classic black pumps with her lace dress

Ivanka also met with Italy's Cabinet Secretary Maria Elena Boschi at the residence of the US ambassador to Rome

Melania and Ivanka wore the same all-black dresses for the meeting; however both added veils to their ensembles before greeting Pope Francis on Wednesday, just as former First Lady Michelle Obama did when she met Pope Benedict.

The women traveled to the Vatican with President Trump, who was meeting with Francis for one of his most high-profile talks, and Ivanka's husband Jared.

All four were greeted in a Vatican courtyard by Archbishop George Ganswein, the prefect of the pontifical household.

Melania and Ivanka kept with tradition and wore veils to meet Francis. The veil, or mantilla, is traditionally worn by women as a sign of respect when meeting the Pope. Trump senior aide Hope Hicks wore one as well.

Neither woman, however, wore a head scarf in Saudi Arabia over the weekend, despite the local custom of Muslim women wearing hijabs in public.

Melania's predecessor Michelle Obama did not cover her head when she accompanied then-President Barack Obama on a condolence visit in January 2015 after the death of King Abdullah.

Family portrait: Donald and Melania were joined by Ivanka and Jared during their visit to the Sistine Chapel

Donald and Melania clasped hands as the family posed for a portrait

President Trump and Melania held hands as they looked up at the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel (left), while Ivanka touched a statue of seated St. Peter by Arnolfo di Cambio in the St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican (right)

Melania wore the same demure black dress design she had donned for her meeting with Pope Francis earlier in the day, however, she removed the veil she had added to the outfit out of respect for Vatican tradition

In keeping with Vatican tradition, Ivanka also covered her hair with a black veil that complemented her lace dress

The Pope asked Melania whether she feeds her husband 'potizza', a type of Italian cake during their visit

President Trump, Melania, and Ivanka were also joined by Ivanka's husband Jared Kushner (from right to left), who works as the president's senior adviser

Donald Trump tweeted his disapproval at the time, saying: 'Many people are saying it was wonderful that Mrs. Obama refused to wear a scarf in Saudi Arabia, but they were insulted. We have enuf (sic) enemies.'

Like Ivanka and Melania, Michelle Obama opted to wear a black veil while meeting Pope Benedict in 2009.

Catholic women worldwide typically wore mantillas to church until the 1950s.

Melania, Ivanka and her husband Jared Kushner sat in an anteroom while Francis and the president held their audience, speaking with Gentlemen of His Holiness members and Gaenswein.

Pope Francis also shared a light moment with Melania.

After Francis met with the president he was introduced to members of Trump's delegation, including Melania.

Smiling for the staff, Francis asked via translator, 'What do you give him to eat, potizza?'

President Trump and Melania were photographed waving goodbye as they boarded Air Force One at Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport in Rome

Melania modeled a sleeveless black dress and oversize black sunglasses for the flight

President Trump and Melania are headed to Brussels, Belgium, the next stop on their nine-day international tour

He was referring to a local pastry - though some thought he'd said 'pizza.'

When it comes to food, the president is known for his traditional American palette. When he traveled in Saudi Arabia, caterers ensured that his favorite meal - steak with a side of ketchup - would be offered alongside the traditional local cuisine.

Later in the day, after her visit to the children's hospital, President Trump and his wife boarded Air Force One at Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport in Rome ahead of their flight to Brussels, Belgium.

Melania boarded the plain in a sleeveless, black lace dress, donning oversize sunglasses to shield her eyes from the sun.

Earlier in the day, she had worn a black lace coat during her trip to the Vatican, which she appeared to have taken off for her flight.
Two friends have launched a range of dolls to encourage girls to embrace their natural hair - despite being told that black dolls were 'ugly' and 'would never sell'.

Caroline Hlahla, from London and Khulile Vilakazi-Ofosu, from South Africa, wanted to address the 'hair issue' among young girls after noticing a lack of black dolls with 'kinky Afro hair' in toy shops.

The pair first worked together on a hair company producing natural extensions but turned their hair to dolls after Khlulile's two-year-old daughter started wanting 'blonde and flowing' hair.

Together they launched the Sibahle Collection - from the Zulu word meaning 'we are beautiful' - to represent children of African and Caribbean heritage.

Khulile, left and Caroline, right wanted to address the 'hair issue' among young girls after noticing a lack of black dolls with 'kinky Afro hair' in toy shops

The 50cm dolls in the Sibahle collection have features that resemble African and Caribbean children's facial and body features, according to their creators.

But the pair encountered difficulties at almost every turn, being rejected by a long line of manufacturers they approached.

The duo were repeatedly told that black dolls 'do not sell' and that they are 'ugly'.

However, since launching the brand their dolls sold out twice with the pair now looking for funding to expand their business.

Caroline and Khulile have partnered with two young clothing designers based in South Africa to make the dolls which cost 38 each.

Caroline and Khulile have launched the Sibahle doll collection - from the Zulu word meaning 'We are beautiful' - to represent children of African and Caribbean heritage

The 50cm dolls in the Sibahle Collection have features that resemble African and Caribbean children's facial and body features, according to their creators

One operates from her own garage and the other is a stay at home mother who sews from her dining room table while her toddler plays on the floor.

The designers now have reliable income from the Sibahle order and the pair want to use the dolls to create more jobs in South Africa to empower many more women.

Caroline, a tax consultant from Zimbabwe who spent 18 years chemically straightening her hair before deciding to go 'natural' in 2014, told Femail: 'We decided to do this, is because we want our children to know they are beautiful the way they are.

Caroline said: 'We hope the dolls' hair will teach our children how to take care of their own natural hair from a young age and to love the skin that they're in'

Before launching the 'African princess' dolls, the pair encountered difficulties at almost every turn, being rejected by a long line of manufacturers they approached

Good cause: Caroline and Khulile have partnered with two young clothing designers based in South Africa to make the dolls which are 38 each

Khulile, from South Africa, originally worked on a natural hair extensions brand but decided to create the doll collection after her two-year-old daughter wanted 'blonde and flowing' hair

'We hope the dolls' hair will teach our children how to take care of their own natural hair from a young age and to love the skin that they're in.

'Our first doll under the collection is called Nobuhle, Buhle for short which is a Zulu word that means "the one that represents beauty".

'Her hair is the most distinguishing feature of this doll. The child gets to experiment with the hair, wash it, care for it as their own hair.

'Up until recently, the European market attempted to fill the gap for black dolls with western dolls just painted black with hair nothing like the typical African kinky hair.'

The Sibahle Collection is available from Amazon UK, bebouncehair.com and africanessentials.co.za
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Melania Trump did a quick change while flying from Italy to Belgium on Air Force One on Wednesday afternoon.

The 47-year-old First Lady left the Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport in Rome wearing a sleeveless lace dress with her hair in a loose chignon, and when she landed in Brussels later that day, she had an entirely different outfit and hairstyle.

Melania stepped off Air Force One at the Melsbroek Air Base in Steenokkerzeel in a blue and white checked suit that complemented President Donald Trump's navy and white striped tie.

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Melania Trump stepped off Air Force One at the Brussels Airport on Wednesday afternoon after spending the morning at the Vatican, where she met Pope Francis and visited children at a local hospital

The First Lady, who wore black lace in Italy, changed her outfit and hairstyle during their short flight

Melania opted for a blue and white checked coat, which was buttoned and belted at her waist. She appeared to be wearing a matching dress underneath

President Trump is pictured offering Melania his hand before they walked down Air Force One's stairs

Melania accessorized her checked outfit with a pair of matching pumps, and the entire ensemble complemented Trump's navy and white tie

Melania also changed her hairstyle on the plane, removing her chignon and leaving her hair loose around her shoulders

Her golden brown hair was left loose around her shoulders, and it was blowing in the wind as she and Trump waved at the top of the steps at Air Force Once as they excited the plane.

Brussels is the fourth stop on the couple's first international trip as President and First Lady, and they headed straight to a meeting with King Philippe of Belgium, his wife, Queen Mathilde, and Prime Minister Charles Michel.

Trump and Melania were pictured with the couple at the Royal Palace in Brussels; while Melania looked smart in her suit, Queen Mathilde opted for a pale pink dress, which featured a lace overlay.

She accessorized her spring-appropriate ensemble with a matching clutch bag and thin leather belt which cinched in the design at the waist.

On Thursday, Trump will attend a meeting with NATO leaders following talks with leaders from the European Union, including France's new president, Emmanuel Macron.

During Trump's meeting, Melania will join Macron's wife, Brigitte Macron, in a visit to a museum devoted to the works of Belgian surrealist painter Rene Magritte.

The two first ladies will be joined by the Belgian prime minister's partner, Amelie Derbaudrenghien, NATO chief Jens Stoltenbergs wife, Ingrid Schulerud, and the country's fine arts museums chief, during their tour of the Rene Magritte Museum.

Melania's golden hair was blowing in the wind as she stepped off Air Force One

Melania greeted by Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel's partner, Amelie Derbaudrenghien, upon her arrival

Amelie donned a billowy white frock featuring bland and blue flowers, which she paired with silver pumps

The two women laughed and smiles as they chatted walked across the runway together

Melania flashed a smile and waved from the motorcade while sitting next to her husband

Later, Donald and Melania met with King Philippe and his wife Queen Mathilde at the Royal Palace in Brussels

The royal couple listened intently while Donald spoke to them as they all posed for pictures

They are then expected to visit the Delvaux luxury handbag shop, which is said to be the oldest in the world, before joining King Philippe of Belgium's wife, Queen Mathilde, on a tour of the 19th century royal greenhouses at Laeken.

Earlier in the day, Melania visited the Vatican's children's hospital in Rome, where she met with patients, painted pictures with them, and took selfies.

Melania spent time visiting with a group of young patients at the Bambino Gesu (Baby Jesus) pediatric hospital after she and her husband met with Pope Francis earlier at the Vatican.

The First Lady also toured the hospital's cardiac intensive unit, as well as the recreation room, where she painted with children from nine different countries, pausing to snap a series of selfies with them.

First Lady Melania Trump visited the Vatican's children's hospital on Wednesday during her trip to Italy with her husband, President Donald Trump

The 47-year-old met with the children in the recreation room of the Bambino Gesu (Baby Jesus) pediatric hospital, where they enjoyed a painting session

Melania was all smiles as she held up one child's artwork, which welcomed her to Italy

The First Lady beamed with joy as she posed with the children for a group picture

Melania happily showed off her artistic skills as she joined the children in the recreation room at the hospital

Melania, who prays daily, ended the visit by praying in the hospital chapel, while also pausing in front of a Madonna statue located outside of the hospital for a quiet moment of reflection.

She also appeared to cross herself while standing in front of the statue; however, while the First Lady grew up in the predominantly Catholic country of Slovenia, she was not raised as a Catholic. She married her Presbyterian-born husband in an Episcopal church, and has since attended several services with Trump.

The couple are also sending their son Barron to an Episcopal school in Washington, D.C.

Having appeared relatively somber and straight-faced during her meeting with Pope Francis earlier in the day, Melania looked much more relaxed and happy as she sat down with the group of children at the hospital, some of whom presented her with artwork that they had made especially for her visit.

One piece, which the First Lady happily held up for the cameras with a smile read: 'Welcome in Italia! Hy Milania! I want talk for you!'

The multicolored creation also featured several hearts drawn in blue and pink.

Melania looked totally at ease while sitting down and chatting with the young patients, at one point pausing to snap some selfies with them, and also offering one young child a kiss on the cheek and a hug.

She also beamed with joy as she was presented with a bouquet of flowers by hospital staff, looking delighted with the token of appreciation offered to her during her visit.

The First Lady wore the same demure black lace frock she had donned for her meeting with Pope Francis earlier in the day

Melania looked totally at ease while sitting down and chatting with the young patients, at one point pausing to snap some selfies with them

The children looked enthralled as Melania joined them for their art session, drawing what appeared to be a flower on a blue piece of paper

Melania penned a brief note in the guest book, writing: 'Great visiting you. Stay strong and positive. Much love, Melania Trump'

The First Lady was photographed giving the children in the hospital what looked like gifts for their art room

Before leaving, Melania penned a brief note in the guest book, writing: 'Great visiting you. Stay strong and positive. Much love, Melania Trump.'

With a red pen, she also drew a small flower and heart.

The First Lady wore the same demure black dress design she had donned for her meeting with Pope Francis earlier in the day; however, she removed the veil she had added to the outfit out of respect for Vatican tradition.

'My visit to Bambino Gesu Childrens Hospital today was very moving. To spend time speaking to and coloring with children who have such a positive spirit despite illness was an amazing gift,' Melania said in a statement.

'Stay strong!' Melania left a note in the guest book at the hospital, and also drew a heart and flower in red pen

'The time I spent with the little ones in the Intensive Care Unit is something I will never forget, and I will pray for each of them daily. I want to thank the doctors, nurses and staff of the hospital, who all do such beautiful and critical work.'

The First Lady added: 'Upon landing in Belgium, I learned a young boy and his family who had been waiting for a heart transplant was informed that the hospital has found a donor.

'I read a book and held hands with this special little one just a few hours ago, and now my own heart is filled with joy over this news.'

Earlier in the day, Melania enjoyed a meeting with Pope Francis, joining her husband, her stepdaughter Ivanka Trump, and Ivanka's husband Jared Kushner

Melania and Ivanka wore the same all-black dresses for the meeting; however, both added veils to their ensembles before greeting Pope Francis on Wednesday, just as former First Lady Michelle Obama did when she met Pope Benedict.

The women traveled to the Vatican with President Trump, who was meeting with Francis for one of his most high-profile talks, and Ivanka's husband Jared.

All four were greeted in a Vatican courtyard by Archbishop George Ganswein, the prefect of the pontifical household.

Melania and Ivanka kept with tradition and wore veils to meet Francis. The veil, or mantilla, is traditionally worn by women as a sign of respect when meeting the Pope. Trump senior aide Hope Hicks wore one as well.

Neither woman, however, wore a head scarf in Saudi Arabia over the weekend, despite the local custom of Muslim women wearing hijabs in public.

Melania's predecessor Michelle Obama did not cover her head when she accompanied then-President Barack Obama on a condolence visit in January 2015 after the death of King Abdullah.

Melania stood in front of a Madonna statue and appeared to be praying as she visited the children's hospital

At one point, Melania took a quiet moment to herself to pray in front of the statue

The First Lady was given an extensive tour of the hospital

Melania ended her visit by praying in the hospital chapel

One young boy seemed particularly taken with the First Lady, who offered him a sweet kiss on the cheek

Other children were far more interested in snapping selfies with Melania

Melania beamed with delight as she was presented with a bouquet of flowers by hospital staff

Family portrait: Donald and Melania were joined by Ivanka and Jared during their visit to the Sistine Chapel

Donald and Melania clasped hands as the family posed for a portrait

President Trump and Melania held hands as they looked up at the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel (left), while Ivanka touched a statue of seated St. Peter by Arnolfo di Cambio in the St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican (right)

Donald Trump tweeted his disapproval at the time, saying: 'Many people are saying it was wonderful that Mrs. Obama refused to wear a scarf in Saudi Arabia, but they were insulted. We have enuf (sic) enemies.'

Like Ivanka and Melania, Michelle Obama opted to wear a black veil while meeting Pope Benedict in 2009.

Catholic women worldwide typically wore mantillas to church until the 1950s.

Melania, Ivanka and her husband Jared Kushner sat in an anteroom while Francis and the president held their audience, speaking with Gentlemen of His Holiness members and Gaenswein.

Pope Francis also shared a light moment with Melania.

After Francis met with the president he was introduced to members of Trump's delegation, including Melania.

Smiling for the staff, Francis asked via translator, 'What do you give him to eat, potizza?'

Melania wore the same demure black dress design she had donned for her meeting with Pope Francis earlier in the day; however, she removed the veil she had added to the outfit out of respect for Vatican tradition

In keeping with Vatican tradition, Ivanka also covered her hair with a black veil that complemented her lace dress

The Pope asked Melania whether she feeds her husband 'potizza', a type of Italian cake during their visit

President Trump and Melania were photographed waving goodbye as they boarded Air Force One at Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport in Rome

Melania modeled a sleeveless black dress and oversize black sunglasses for the flight

President Trump and Melania are headed to Brussels, Belgium, the next stop on their nine-day international tour

He was referring to a local pastry - though some thought he'd said 'pizza.'

When it comes to food, the president is known for his traditional American palette. When he traveled in Saudi Arabia, caterers ensured that his favorite meal - steak with a side of ketchup - would be offered alongside the traditional local cuisine.

Later in the day, after her visit to the children's hospital, President Trump and his wife boarded Air Force One at Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport in Rome ahead of their flight to Brussels, Belgium.

Melania boarded the plain in a sleeveless, black lace dress, donning oversize sunglasses to shield her eyes from the sun.

Earlier in the day, she had worn a black lace coat during her trip to the Vatican, which she appeared to have taken off for her flight.
She is known for her bold sense of style and Queen Maxima certainly didn't let that slip during her meeting in Paris on Wednesday.

The Queen of the Netherlands looked perfectly polished as she attended the PISA OECD report event in the French capital.

Making a style statement the Argentinian-born royal opted for a patterned pencil skirt for her engagement today.

Queen Maxima of the Netherlands cut an elegant figure in Paris on Wednesday as she attended the PISA OECD report

Showcasing her enviable figure the mother-of-three could be seen wearing a trendy peplum top in nude shades with a navy trim - picking up accents of colour in her skirt.

With rain forecast earlier in the day Maxima added a light cardigan to her ensemble also in shades of pale pink.

But as she soon as she entered the building to attend the report Maxima shed her extra layer showcasing her slender arms.

The Dutch royal wore a statement printed skirt as she met members of the financial board at her engagement in the French capital

Maxima was welcomed by Jose Angel Gurria, Secretary-General of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, who helped lead today's proceedings

She may be one of Europe's taller royals but Maxima is never afraid to sport a heel today seen wearing a suede court shoe.

While she has been wearing her hair up of late the Dutch Queen today opted to wear her blonde tresses loose.

Today saw Maxima help to launch the PISA Students' Financial Literacy in the city of Paris.

She was welcomed by Jose Angel Gurria, Secretary-General of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, who helped lead today's proceedings.

With rain forecast earlier in the day Maxima added a light cardigan to her ensemble also in shades of pale pink

But as she soon as she entered the building to attend the report Maxima shed her extra layer showcasing her slender arms

Maxima appeared to be well and truly engaged as she listened to this afternoon's report

Maxima was referred to as a 'global champion of financial literacy' as she was introduced to the audience.

The Dutch royal is a UN Secretary Generals Special Advocate for Inclusive Finance for Development and Honorary Patron of the G20 Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion.

Maxima flew into Paris this morning having taken part in several engagements in her home town of Amsterdam on Thursday.

Maxima gave a short speech at the event in capacity with her role as Honorary Patron of G20 Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion
This year at the Cannes Film Festival, some attendees are using the red carpet as an opportunity to show off their assets. Others, like Salma Hayek, are using it as an opportunity to play dress up. And while she doesn't have a movie in contention for the Palme d'Or prize, she's already won every beauty award in our book.

Since arriving in the French city last weekend, the actress has completely transformed her look with hair and make-up multiple times, sometimes making surprising quick changes mid-day.

From a cotton candy-colored wig to fringe and statement lips, the 50-year-old has proved this week that there's truly no look she can't pull off.

MAY 20

Who's that girl? Salma Hayek, 50, looked almost unrecognizable in bangs and a polished updo at a dinner during the Cannes Film Festival last weekend

As demonstrated by Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany's, a simple cat eye and an updo with bangs is the perfect way to complement a black gown and a pearl statement necklace.

Salma wowed in one such look at the Vanity Fair party on Saturday night.

Faux fringe has proved to be one of the biggest beauty trends to come out of Cannes; Emily Ratajkowski and Lily Collins also test drove the look during the festival.

MAY 21

Pink for the day: The brunette turned heads with a rosy pink wig that matched the embellishments on her Gucci dress

Salma showed that you don't have to be a Millennial to rock pink hair when she wore a wig in the pastel hue on Sunday night.

The wig was dyed in advance by New York City-based colorist Aura Friedman at Salma's request. According to allure.com, the actress was inspired by the pink flowers on her Gucci gown and was going for a modern Marilyn Monroe vibe.

In sticking with the theme, make-up artist Joyce Bonelli created a soft, glowy look complete with frosty pink eyeshadow.

May 22

Catching waves: The actress embraced her natural wavy texture on Monday afternoon

The Frida star took a break from the glitz and glamour and opted for a casual look for a seaside lunch on Monday.

Of course in Cannes, a laid-back look consists of silk Gucci 'pajamas', defined beachy waves and a pinky-purple smoky eye.

MAY 22

En fuego: A fiery lip color added a pop of color to Salma's all-black ensemble

The actress heated things up come nightfall on Monday with the help of red-orange lipstick, smoked-out eye make-up and a plunging Saint Laurent blazer.

Adding to the drama, hairstylist Jennifer Yepez slicked Salma's dark hair back into a sleek, high ponytail that went on for days.

May 23

Back to bangs: The Frida star must have loved her first fringe look, because she wore the clip-ons again several days later

Jennifer Yepez brought back the clip-on bangs for Tuesday's festivities. This time, she used them to dress up a simple half-up, half-down style.

Make-up artist Jo Baker added a swipe of red lipstick and a subtle smoky eye to round out the polished look.

May 23

Lightening up: Salma switched things up yet again with a shoulder-length wig in the perfect summer shade

We barely recognized the actress on the red carpet of the 70th Anniversary Gala last night, where she stepped out with an ombre bob just hours after appearing with dark hair and blunt bangs.

The sun-kissed color (another wig) along with her radiant complexion made it look as though she had spent the past four days lounging along the Mediterranean, not attending a packed schedule of events.
Rape is an appalling crime because it is an intimate violation. Your body is your most precious possession. And nobody but you can give permission for that intensely personal contact.

For too long, though, rape was seen as shaming the victim as well as the attacker. Therefore in British law we have a humane, necessary provision.

In sexual assault cases the victim is never named, unless for reasons of campaigning she renounces her anonymity like the courageous Jill Saward, victim of the Ealing vicarage rape who died earlier this year.

'I am referring, of course, to the seedy case of the drunken lawyers engaged in a sex act at Waterloo station, which this week took an even more outrageous turn'

Most victims are glad of the anonymity. Its a precious, unassailable right. Which makes it all the more shocking and degrading  to the law and to us all  that a woman barrister has cynically exploited this civil liberty to cover, as it were, her own backside. I am referring, of course, to the seedy case of the drunken lawyers engaged in a sex act at Waterloo station, which this week took an even more outrageous turn.

To recap the bald facts of the case: two middle-aged lawyers, both married to other people and both considerably the worse for drink, concluded a lunch session in August 2015 by getting up against a wall at Waterloo station, in the rush hour, in what was politely described as an intimate clinch.

The womans knickers were round her ankles: the embrace lasted a considerable time, witnessed by several passers-by and then by the police.

Both were arrested and locked up for the night, and admitted outraging public decency. They were both given a caution, which means that the suspect has admitted a criminal offence and accepted a formal warning.

We are told that the woman took legal advice (presumably from a lawyer more sober than herself) before signing it.

However her male partner didnt accept the caution, feeling that what he did wasnt serious enough. He was prepared to go to court to defend himself: a situation that would, of course, have seen her named as a partner in this outrage of decency.

Trouble was, she didnt want to be named. So, six weeks later, she declared that the caution was invalid and claimed that actually it was she who had been the victim of a sexual assault.

'Trouble was, she didnt want to be named. So, six weeks later, she declared that the caution was invalid and claimed that actually it was she who had been the victim of a sexual assault'

Thus at one breathtakingly duplicitous stroke, she won lifetime anonymity, and left this man to face a very serious criminal charge on his own. He was investigated for eight months before police decided not to prosecute due to lack of evidence.

While neither individual emerges from this tawdry tale with any dignity, one can only wonder at the conscience of a woman who, in a bid to save her legal skin, can bring such a hard-won human liberty  a rape victims right to anonymity only became law in 1976  into such utter disrepute. What sort of woman, too, having engaged in a consensual act, stands by to watch the man take all the punishment that comes with publicity?

Life will never be the same again for the foolish married father of three. His wife and family, too, have to live with the ignominy, while she, the accuser, not only remains anonymous for life but, in an extraordinary development this week, had her criminal record cleared.

Thus at one breathtakingly duplicitous stroke, she won lifetime anonymity, and left this man to face a very serious criminal charge on his own

But never mind the legalities. What we have to face is the other shocking fact about this case: that this drunken, adulterous, ingeniously self-seeking woman who cared little for public decency or the law is a QC. A Queens Counsel! A senior barrister: highly educated, a leader in the profession which we trust to prosecute or defend ordinary citizens in the greatest crises of their lives.

She is not some daft drunk teenager from a problem home, overcome with lust outside a nightclub at 2am. Indeed, if she was, I doubt that she would get far with her foxy manoeuvre  admitting willingness in a police station and then waiting six weeks to announce that the encounter was an assault.

There is a price to pay for education, status and professional respectability. At the most basic level, it means that if you are going to engage in impetuous sex, you damn well pay for a hotel room. You dont clutter up rush-hour railway stations with your knickerless wriggling.

Both partners, with their massive legal brains, should have worked that out.

You could, of course, move up a notch higher in the decency standards and not hook up physically with a lover until you were honestly separating from an unhappy marriage and had told the other parent of your children that you loved someone else.

Yet there is a broader theme here  a depressing shift in social mores that particularly affects the middle-aged middle-classes. And the consumption of alcohol is a considerable part of it.

'Thus at one breathtakingly duplicitous stroke, she won lifetime anonymity, and left this man to face a very serious criminal charge on his own. He was investigated for eight months before police decided not to prosecute due to lack of evidence'

We are increasingly told that youngsters in their teens and 20s now drink less than any other age group  and that it is their 40 and 50-plus counterparts who are drinking more.

A recent UK study found that a quarter of middle-aged women are drinking three times more than the recommended guidelines of 14 units a week.

Yes, the vintages may be better, the wine-bar banquettes a lot more comfortable than sticky-floored clubs, but the acceptability of regularly getting completely blotto is now firmly established.

What better way to celebrate the end of a high-flying working week than several bottles at lunch followed by, in the case of the Waterloo Two, a lifetime of regret? We will never know whether there was ever any genuine romantic attachment between the libidinous lawyers.

Yet there is a broader theme here  a depressing shift in social mores that particularly affects the middle-aged middle-classes. And the consumption of alcohol is a considerable part of it

But even if there were once a sober spark, its all a far cry from Brief Encounter. At least the mid-life lovers played by Trevor Howard and Celia Johnson in the classic Forties film managed to express their illicit yearnings on nothing stronger than a stale railway scone and a pot of tea.

There is something rather pathetic in supposedly serious people with serious jobs feeling they cant unwind without first giving their central nervous system a comprehensive hammering with alcohol.

Similarly, it can be nothing short of excruciating  as the rush hour commuters at Waterloo station that fateful day would no doubt attest  to watch the middle-aged try too hard to regain their youth without any of the real joys of being young.

This insidious drinking culture is depressing; but so too is the idea  also borrowed from youngsters who dont yet know better  that casual sex means nothing. Youd think two married adults used to courtroom tales might have picked up a few pointers on the way.

'What better way to celebrate the end of a high-flying working week than several bottles at lunch followed by, in the case of the Waterloo Two, a lifetime of regret?'

Youd also think that two lawyers whose lifework is dealing in the truth and nothing but the truth would hold honesty, both in their professional and in their domestic lives, in higher regard.

As modern morality tales go, its a pretty bleak one. But for all the disgraceful antics of that drunken August afternoon, far, far worse is when a cunning lawyer degrades a cornerstone of British justice to get herself out of trouble.

It damages the legal profession. It darkens the landscape for the genuine victims of rape for whom anonymity is often a crucial lifeline in creating a future for themselves.

And, perhaps most damningly of all, it also gives a boost to the dangerous, deadly, angry male idea that sneaky things like that are just what women do.
Every season, a beautiful dress comes along that women adore. It becomes a smash hit. It is pretty, it is covetable, it is affordable and everyone wants to wear it.

This summer, M&S is keen for us to believe that a 45 pink frock is that dress. Every time I walk past a store, there it is; dominating window displays and taking a lead role in adverts.

It is very odd. M&S makes lots of really nice dresses, yet it seems inexplicably proud of this one. The tie-back, flared-sleeve frock is high at the neck, open at the back, flounced at the sleeve and deep at the hem. It surely makes any woman look like a can of frilly ham.

A pink frock from High Street retailer M&S is causing a divide across Britain. The dress, which costs 45, is dominating window displays and featured in ads - but it is polarising opinions

It appears to have been inspired  as they say in the fashion world  by a 1,000 dress called the Margot from Roksanda, an upmarket fashion label whose fans include the Duchess of Cambridge and Keira Knightley.

But the M&S version is proving to be a love-hate affair. Comments left by online shoppers are mixed.

Shirley A deemed the dress too wide, too long, too pink, too shapeless, too expensive and the fabric creased badly. What a bad design and what a waste of time trying it on, she wailed. Spoiltrotten was also less than pleased. This is the most dreadful dress I have ever seen. The fit was like a bin bag, she wrote.

But others have taken to social media to say how much they love it, describing it as chic and flattering.

I LOVE THE BELL SLEEVES

Lula Carr, 62, a shop demonstrator, is married to Barry, 60, a company director, and lives in Twickenham. She has two daughters and four granddaughters and is a size 12

Lula Carr, 62, a shop demonstrator, is married to Barry, 60, a company director, and lives in Twickenham. She has two daughters and four granddaughters and is a size 12.

Lula says: My only rule when it comes to dresses is that they have to be colourful, but I was worried this particular shade of pink might look a little cheap.

I was wrong. It perfectly complemented my complexion. It was well cut, too, and the shape hid a multitude of sins.

A big plus for me is that it was very comfortable. I can see myself wearing it with sandals for a barbecue or with heels for a wedding. But the decorative sleeves were the main attraction. It also looked more expensive than 45.

THE PINK REALLY POPS

Donna Preston, 30, is an actress in East London. She is a size 22

Donna Preston, 30, is an actress in East London. She is a size 22.

Donna says: My look is loud, so often its the colour of a garment that first attracts me  and I loved the shocking pink.

My worry was that the dress would make me look like a sack of potatoes, as I usually prefer dresses to fall just above the knee so they elongate my legs. But the style was actually flattering and the fabric was good quality. I dont like showing my arms, so the bell sleeve was perfect for me, too.

Best of all is the colour. It pops.

FABRIC SWAMPED ME

Sue Chrispin, 55, a film extra, is married with two children. She lives in Buckinghamshire and is a size 8

Sue Chrispin, 55, a film extra, is married with two children. She lives in Buckinghamshire and is a size 8.

Sue says: I was convinced this dress wouldnt suit me. Its not a shade of pink I would usually choose and when I saw it on the hanger, it seemed shapeless.

I tend to avoid high necks anyway. Though Im small at 5ft, Im top-heavy, so that style can look matronly on me.

I liked the trendy sleeves and neck-ties that can be draped round to the front or tied at the back, but I felt swamped by all the material. It was too loose over my shoulders.

ITS JUST TOO LONG

Amanda Burwell, 59, owns a sarong firm and lives in Kingsbridge, Devon, with Gary, 61, who runs a plant hire business. She is a size 16

Amanda Burwell, 59, owns a sarong firm and lives in Kingsbridge, Devon, with Gary, 61, who runs a plant hire business. She is a size 16.

Amanda says: Sadly, my figure no longer suits tight-waisted skirts or fitted dresses. There have been times over the past decade when yet another roll of tummy has appeared overnight, so I am always looking out for styles that will skim rather than cling, like this one.

I thought the neckline was great and I loved the sleeves, but the dress was 2in too long. Even so, Id probably wear it out with heels.

WHERES THE LINING?

Rachel Wiles, 45, is married and works in sales. She has a baby, India, 14 weeks, lives in St Albans and is a size 14

Rachel Wiles, 45, is married and works in sales. She has a baby, India, 14 weeks, lives in St Albans and is a size 14.

Rachel says: Im not a huge fan of Marks & Spencer. While I have bought from the Limited Edition and Autograph collections in the past, a lot of the clothes are too old-fashioned for my taste. Even my mum thinks so and shes in her 70s! Nonetheless, I tried on the dress with an open mind. I liked the A-line shape and the sleeves were perfectly cut and on trend.

There are so few summer dresses that cover the upper arm, so that was a huge plus.

But I would have preferred it to be lined and also wished it was available in various lengths.

ITS PERFECT FOR ME

Linda Barrow, 54, is married to Ian, 53, a financial consultant and lives in Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire. They have two children, Josh, 22, and Kiki, 20. She is a size 10

Linda Barrow, 54, is married to Ian, 53, a financial consultant and lives in Gerrards Cross, Buckinghamshire. They have two children, Josh, 22, and Kiki, 20. She is a size 10.

Linda says: I have a huge collection of dresses. Im 5ft 8in with an hourglass figure, so most styles suit me and I think the advantages of wearing dresses are endless: you can adapt them to your figure and dress them up or down.

When I first saw this one, I must be honest, I did think: Oh dear, not for me  but I was wrong. I loved it and would wear it for a number of occasions.

The length is perfect too  this is definitely one for my wardrobe.
After rushing around dropping her two children off at primary school, Kerenza Dancy sat down on her sofa to enjoy a well-earned cup of coffee and a little light relief on social media before starting work.

There among the usual cute animal videos and updates from friends on her Facebook page, she came across a notification of an event on the platforms new live-streaming app, Facebook Live. Without even clicking on it, the clip started playing. What Kerenza witnessed was an unfolding horror which has been lodged in her mind ever since  a desperate girl broadcasting her decision to take her own life.

Kerenza, an internet business owner who lives near Taunton, Somerset, says: The video just popped up on my feed and I can only assume it must have been posted to a page I had joined. I saw a young girl saying what she was going to do. At first, I thought it was a stunt because I didnt think Facebook would allow anything like that.

Unwitting Facebook users have been shown live suicide videos and even rape and murder - and the web giant says it can do nothing

Aghast, Kerenza, 27, quickly realised the girl was carrying out her threat. Even after she went through with it, I expected her to start moving. When she didnt, I realised it was real. Kerenza, who had a difficult childhood herself and knew how it felt to be young and under pressure, couldnt get the horrific image out of her mind.

She started searching online and discovered the girl was a 12-year-old called Katelyn Nicole Davis from the U.S. state of Georgia, who said she had been abused.

It made me angry and helpless that no one had been able to help her, says Kerenza. There was nothing I could do because by the time I saw it, it had already happened. I felt invaded that it came up in front of me  and angry children as young as 13 (the minimum age for an account) could also see it, because I know clips like that can trigger ideas.

When my daughter Chloe, who is ten, came home from school that afternoon, I hugged her a little tighter. I reported it to Facebook and heard nothing. Even though I saw it in January, it still plays on my mind as if I watched it yesterday.

Of course, the internet does not create horrific scenarios like this, but it does give them a worldwide stage  especially now live-streaming can create the most gruesome reality TV possible.

Despite Facebooks protestations that it takes user safety very seriously  it employs 4,500 content moderators and plans to hire another 3,000  it was accused of hypocrisy this week when its policies on what it considers appropriate were revealed.

The blueprints Facebook uses to moderate issues such as violence, nudity and racism are supposed to give guidelines to staff, but showed baffling inconsistencies.

Videos of violent deaths, for example, do not always have to be deleted as they can highlight certain issues, such as mental illness. Videos of abortions are also allowed, as long as there is no nudity, and videos of self-harm are not forbidden as Facebook doesnt want to censor or punish people in distress.

Kerenza, an internet business owner who lives near Taunton, Somerset, says: The video just popped up on my feed and I can only assume it must have been posted to a page I had joined. I saw a young girl saying what she was going to do. At first, I thought it was a stunt because I didnt think Facebook would allow anything like that.

The guidelines are clearly allowing some terribly disturbing material through the net.

Never was that more clearly illustrated than when Wuttisan Wongtalay, a 20-year-old Thai man, used Facebook Live to calmly broadcast how he hanged his 11-month-old daughter from the roof of an empty hotel in two clips last month following a row with his girlfriend, the babys mother. Wongtalay then committed suicide, off camera.

Despite the global revulsion, it was 24 hours before the social network removed the footage  by which time the footage had been viewed more than 370,000 times.

The random fatal shooting of 74-year-old grandfather Robert Godwin, in Cleveland, Ohio, was also captured on Facebook Live by gunman Steve Stephens  who used the platform to claim global notoriety before shooting himself a few days later in a stand-off with police.

Despite the global revulsion, it was 24 hours before the social network removed the footage  by which time the footage had been viewed more than 370,000 times

The ease with which anyone can broadcast live  coupled with a fascination with violence and the modern obsession with any form of celebrity, no matter how perverse  has led to increasingly repulsive footage.

Animal charities such as the RSPCA have seen a worrying rise in reports of Facebook Live broadcasting incidents of cruelty to animals.

While not the first internet company to allow live-streaming, the sheer scale of Facebook means it has quickly become known as the most convenient way to win an audience for the most depraved acts.

Facebook Live became widely available a year ago as part of the battle to stay ahead of rivals YouTube and Twitter. Since then it has been heavily pushed on the networks newsfeeds and by notifications from the company, which has close to 2 billion users.

To put yourself on air, all you have to do is download the app on to your phone. Then, when it asks you the question: Whats on your mind?, users can scroll down to the video icon which says: Go live. After a 3-2-1 countdown you are on air.

To allow your audience to interact in real time, theres also a comment section. Unless you delete it, footage will be automatically stored on your feed even after the filming has ended, where it can tot up more likes.

Aghast, Kerenza, 27, quickly realised the girl was carrying out her threat. Even after she went through with it, I expected her to start moving. When she didnt, I realised it was real. Kerenza, who had a difficult childhood herself and knew how it felt to be young and under pressure, couldnt get the horrific image out of her mind.

Its also possible to scroll over a map of the world to find the most viewed  and most notorious  Facebook Live events taking place at that moment.

After the clamour of headlines around the murder of Robert Godwin this month, an embarrassed Facebook boss Mark Zuckerberg took to the stage at a conference in San Jose to admit the firm had a lot of work to do to keep such material in check.

His comments were a long way from the sunny optimism he exuded a year ago when the site launched, promising that it would be like having a TV camera in your pocket  omitting to mention that TV companies have to abide by strict broadcasting standards.

In the fast-moving, competitive world of social media, only the moving image seems to hold our attention. While its a brilliant tool for most of us to share family events as they happen, in the wrong hands the outcome can be devastating.

Take, for example, this recent live-streaming incident at an unidentified British university. In the dim light of a student dorm, a young woman is engaging in an intimate act with a male student.

When the woman heard about the footage and reported it to Facebook, the clip remained on the mans newsfeed for 24 more hours before it was taken down

Unknown to her, this is not an act of intimacy. The girl appears to be drunk and doesnt seem to realise the young man on whom the act is being performed has positioned his phone nearby so every moment can be captured.

Not only that, but several dozen of his friends have been alerted to the fact that the act is being broadcast on Facebook. Several tune in, posting their appreciation with likes and lewd comments.

When the woman heard about the footage and reported it to Facebook, the clip remained on the mans newsfeed for 24 more hours before it was taken down.

Andy Phippen, professor of social responsibility in IT at Plymouth University, said while he was unaware of anything like this at his university, this was only one of the recent live-streaming incidents he has heard about taking place at other British colleges.

It appeals to the narcissist in everyone in that you can live broadcast and then post it on your timeline afterwards, so more people can see it, he says. You get a double hit. The fact perpetrators can also get live feedback  likes and comments  from viewers, may also encourage them.

It means theres a potential for escalation, he adds.

Although the UK is yet to see anything like the number of disturbing incidents as in other parts of the world, there are growing signs it is being misused.

On Easter Sunday, a group of self-styled paedophile hunters broadcast themselves on Facebook Live at the Bluewater shopping centre in Kent, confronting and getting into a brawl with a man they accused of grooming a 14-year-old girl for sex. Police have warned other vigilante groups not to try the same thing.

And this week, the RSPCA told the Daily Mail it is seeing a growing trend in reports of Facebook Live videos showing cruelty to animals. In one sickening incident, Michael Garner, 50, was broadcast punching his American bulldog Roscoe at least 16 times when he baited the pet with his sleeve.

He was given a suspended 12-month prison sentence and barred from keeping an animal by Peterborough magistrates in February.

Equally pressing is the urgent need to ensure that live-streaming services do not become this generations suicide note.

The case of Katelyn Nicole Davis is not an isolated one. Dr Domenick Sportelli, of the New Jersey Centre for Advanced Psychiatry, spotted the worrying trend earlier this year  and raised concerns about how such films may tip vulnerable people over the edge.

He says: Social media is how kids communicate now, so when theyre hurting and they have a cry for help this is what they do.

NHS consultant clinical psychologist Marc Kingsley, who specialises in digital risk, agrees. He warns of a contagion effect when suicidal thoughts or acts are live-streamed on social networks.

While the internet provides the opportunity for people to support each other, there is also a threat from people, such as trolls, to encourage the vulnerable to go further and take their own lives - NHS consultant clinical psychologist Marc Kingsley

He says young people need to be made aware that going live when they feel upset or suicidal could increase their risk of harming themselves because of the feedback they get in the comments.

While the internet provides the opportunity for people to support each other, there is also a threat from people, such as trolls, to encourage the vulnerable to go further and take their own lives.

Psychologist Barrie Gunter, emeritus professor at the University of Leicester, says that before live-streaming, there was already a theory that suicide among young people could be contagious, after an area in Wales reported a suicide a week over 11 months in 2006.

He added: The difference is these new technologies have scaled up the potential for that kind of behaviour in a much wider audience  and possibly have a wider impact on others.

The difference is these new technologies have scaled up the potential for that kind of behaviour in a much wider audience  and possibly have a wider impact on others - psychologist Barrie Gunter, emeritus professor at the University of Leicester

Trauma can also be experienced by people like Kerenza who view such incidents and feel unable to do anything about it, adds Professor Gunter. Seeing an act of extreme violence and knowing its for real is almost like being there in person, he says.

Ged Flynn, head of young suicide prevention charity Papyrus, is also concerned that while newspapers and TV have to follow strict rules about reporting suicide, there are no such restrictions around showing it live on the internet.

He urges anyone who sees someone talking about taking their own lives, even if it looks like attention-seeking, to immediately alert the persons family or a suicide helpline.

In a statement to the Mail, Facebook said: We recognise that there are a unique set of challenges when it comes to moderating live content.

The only real way to halt this horrific trend is to stop fuelling it by tuning in. After the senseless shooting of his grandfather in cold blood, Robert Godwins grandson Ryan posted a message begging others not to share the video  and to report anyone who did.

He gave up asking when it continued to go viral  and clips of the killing are still widely available on the internet. Proof, if any was needed of the challenges for Facebook  and us all.

If you are concerned about a young person considering suicide, contact PAPYRUS HOPELineUK on 0800 068 41 41, or go to papyrus-uk.org
Enthusiasts will take their tractors on a cruise along Highway 1806 outside of Mandan on June 3 to raise money for the Bismarck Cancer Center Foundation.

Registration begins at 12:30 p.m., and the Tractor Trek will cover a distance of about 14 miles from the Perry Schlosser Home to Harmon Lake and back again.

The trek will begin at 1:30 p.m. Trek-ers will leave the Schlosser Farm, 2145 Missouri Loop in Mandan, and journey 8 miles through Entzel Edition then join Highway 1806 to Harmon Lake, where they will stop for refreshments before turning around and heading back to the farm. The trek will conclude with a tractor show and prize drawings at the Schlosser Home at about 5:30 p.m.

The event is open to the public, and there is a registration fee of $25 to participate. To register, call 701-220-0467.
As though adopting an adorable new puppy isn't enough reason to celebrate, one couple took their adoption to the next level with a gender-reveal photo shoot in the dog's honor.

Kennedy Sartwell, 19, and Jake Terry of Warrensburg, Missouri have been together for five years, and recently decided to bring a third member into their relationship by adopting a dog.

The pair didn't announce their furry new family member via text message or Instagram, though. Instead, the couple went all-out with a classic gender-reveal photo shoot that officially introduced their new pup, Raven, to the world.

Shout it from the rooftops! Jake Terry (left) and Kennedy Sartwell (right) recently adopted a puppy, and wanted a special way to announce it to the world

The big reveal! The couple opted for a gender reveal photo shoot that told friends and family their new dog was a girl

Here she is! The couple's new dog, Raven, is a Labrador Retriever-German Shepherd mix that they adopted from a local shelter

'Ive been looking for a puppy for quite a while,' Kennedy told ABC News. 'And Ive been wanting to do some way to announce it to the world.' After brainstorming ideas with her mother, Kennedy settled on the theme of a gender reveal photo shoot.

Many couples use gender reveals as a way to tell family and friends the sex of their unborn baby. Often, a photographer is on hand to capture the beautiful moment in which the expecting couple learns whether they are to have a boy or a girl.

Fortunately for Kennedy, her mother Cristy Sartwell is a professional photographer whose company, Infinite Smiles Photography, regularly captures stunning family portraits, engagement shoots, and more.

Cristy photographed Kennedy and Jake's big moment, and created a series of beautiful - if not hilarious - images.

Running the show: Kennedy said that Raven was the one in charge of the shoot

A helping hand: Fortunately for the couple, Kennedy's mother Cristy is a professional photographer, who captured the gender reveal

Viral! The photos have accrued more than 159,000 shares on Facebook, and a whopping 100,000 likes

In the photo series, Jake can be seen wearing a blue button-down, and Kennedy a pink romper - likely to symbolize the two potential outcomes of the reveal.

They stand on a grassy lawn behind a closed cardboard box. On the front of the box is a heart-shaped sign that reads 'It's a...'

When Jake and Kennedy open the box, pink balloons come flying out, indicating their dog-to-be is a girl.

While the couple already knew that Raven, their Labrador Retriever-German Shepherd mix, was a girl - the couple still appears thrilled in the photos.

Unlike other gender-reveals, Jake and Kennedy got to actually bring Raven into the photo shoot and show off their adorable new puppy.

'It was the dogs photo shoot and she ran the show,' Kennedy said.

Drama! After Cristy posted the photo shoot to Facebook, some criticized it, calling it 'insensitive' to those who are trying to conceive

Touching: Many were moved by the photo shoot, and some women who said they couldn't have kids found it particularly emotional

A happy family: While Raven won't remain a tiny puppy for long, the couple will have these photographs of her early days to cherish forever

When Cristy posted the photos to the Infinite Smiles Photography Facebook page, they instantly went viral, and have already racked up 159,000 shares and more than 100,000 likes.

At first, some commenters took an angry tone and felt that the shoot was 'disrespectful,' towards those 'to all couples trying to have children and actual parents.'

Many others offered a contrasting perspective, saying that they found the photo shoot deeply moving. 'Actually coming from the perspective of someone who has lost babies and can't have any, this is an awesome idea! Would definitely provide some comfort, when you long to have a baby!'

Cristy said that the overwhelming reaction to the photos comes as a surprise. 'It was a quick shoot for Jake and Kennedy to show their puppy to their family and friends, and we had no intention of this,' she said. 'But its exciting.'
Hershey's, the candy-making empire behind popular sweets like Kit Kat and Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, is the subject of a new lawsuit that alleges they intentionally under-fill their packages.

Missouri resident Robert Bratton has filed a class-action lawsuit against the Pennsylvania-based candy company, seeking 'monetary damages' for 'misleading' packaging.

According to paperwork filed in February, it is Bratton's belief that the size of the candy packaging should accurately reflect the quantity of candy inside. Essentially, there should be no empty space inside any box of candy.

In the hot seat: Candy-maker Hershey's is the subject of a new lawsuit that alleges the company under-fills their packages so as to 'mislead' consumers

The statistics don't lie: According to plaintiff Robert Bratton of Missouri, Whoppers candy are 41% under-filled, and Reese's Pieces are 29% under-filled

Not so fast! Though Hershey's attempted to have the case dismissed outright, a Missouri judge decided there was enough evidence for the case to move forward

Initially, Hershey's attempted to have the case dismissed, with their lawyer stating, 'Consumers are well aware of the fact that substantially all commercial packaging contains some empty space.'

Yet, U.S. District Judge Nanette Laughrey felt the case should move forward, ruling that Bratton and his team had, 'plausibly alleged, at minimum, that the packaging unfairly suggests the boxes contain more product than they actually do.'

At first, the suit may have the air of an individual attempting to make a quick dollar from a large and profitable company, but the claims Bratton puts forth actually have some merit.

In the initial filing, Bratton and his attorneys, note that 'The average consumer spends a mere 13 seconds making an in-store purchasing decision. That decision is heavily dependent on a products packaging, and particularly the package dimensions.'

They note that a customer, crunched for time, is likely to choose the bigger box every single time, as their associate it with being a better value. This reveals a motivation companies might have to create over-sized packaging in an attempt to entice potential buyers.

In his lawsuit, Bratton cites two candies specifically - Whoppers and Reese's Pieces - as being the boldest culprits of this under-filling.

According to the data in the case file, the average container of Whoppers is only 59% filled with candy, with the other 41% being completely empty. In the case of Reese's Pieces, 71% of the box is candy-filled, leaving 29% empty.

The packaging of snacks like chips and pretzels commonly contains a decent volume of air. Yet, while this 'slack-filling' is arguably to protect the fragile chips, Bratton's case alleges that no such space is necessary for the more solid candies.

Think fast! Bratton's research says that because consumers will always choose a bigger product, companies may be motivated to use larger packaging than necessary

Hershey's is but the latest in a slew of recent lawsuits that have customers demanding they get their money's worth.

In 2016, Starbucks came under fire for allegedly not filling their lattes to the brim. Pasta-maker Barilla was also sued for supposedly under-filling their boxes.

Sandwich chain Subway was ordered to ensure their foot-long sandwiches were at least 12 inches in length as the result of a class-action lawsuit.

For Hershey, the potentially-damaging suit could interfere with their projected earnings for the remainder of the fiscal year. While the company reported a 2.8% sales increase in their first-quarter report earlier this year, the result of the lawsuit may interfere with those numbers.

Those with a sweet tooth should keep an eye on this suit: If Bratton's case is victorious, anyone who has purchased Whoppers and/or Reese's Pieces in the last five years may be looking at a share of the damages.

Daily Mail Online has reached out to Hershey's for comment, and will update with their reply.
The UK's terror threat level has been raised to 'critical' following the Manchester terror atrocity, meaning further attacks may be imminent.

Some 22 innocent concertgoers were slaughtered in the suicide attack, many young children. A further 59 were left injured.

But explaining such risks to youngsters can be challenging, as parents try to avoid frightening them while also ensuring they are informed.

Dr Andrea Danese, a child psychiatrist at King's College London, said: 'Children can respond to these events with emotional, behavioural and physical symptoms.

'It is not uncommon for children to become fearful, clingy, or jumpy; to worry about the same traumatic thing happening again; to become very moody or easily upset (or, in contrast, becoming detached or numb); or to develop headaches and stomach-aches.'

The NSPCC has issued advice to help parents talk to their children about terrorism.

Explaining terrorism to children can be difficult as we want to inform but not frighten them

UK TERROR THREAT IS 'CRITICAL' The UK terror threat has been raised to the highest level of 'critical', meaning attacks are imminent. The decision comes after Monday night's attack at Manchester Arena, which killed at least 22 and injured 59. Home Secretary Amber Rudd says it 'seems likely' that suspected bomber Salman Abedi was not acting alone. The prime minister said she did not want the public to feel 'unduly alarmed' by the decision to raise the terrorism alert, but said it was a 'proportionate and sensible response'. Back in 2006, the threat level was raised to critical for the first time during a major operation to stop a plot to blow up transatlantic airliners with liquid bombs. The following year, security chiefs raised it again as they hunted for the men who had tried to bomb a London nightclub, before attacking Glasgow Airport. Advertisement

How to talk to your child about terrorism:

1. Let them open up

If a child comes to you with concerns, make sure you listen without judgement and do not dismiss their worries.

Dr Danese said: 'Children should not be forced to talk about the attack if they do not want to.

'However, parents should be open and supportive if their children ask questions or want to talk.

'Parents should provide honest and accurate information or answers to help their children make sense of what has happened and clarify any misunderstandings about the event.

'Parents can explain that it is normal to be sad and upset after such horrific events.'

2. Reassure and comfort them

Rather than launching into a complicated, alarming explanation of terrorism, reassure the child that they are safe and the attack is over.

Dr Danese also advises patients discourage children from re-watching terrorism-related footage on the news or social media, as well as trying to keep life as normal as possible.

She said: 'Parents can help their children to regain a sense of control over their lives.

'It is important to keep normal routines and daily activities to minimise the sense of loss and unpredictability.'

3. Look out for signs of bullying

Some children may feel targeted because of their faith or appearance.

Signs include them seeming embarrassed or scared.

Reassure them that it is not their fault that these incidents have occurred and they can always talk to you.

If you are concerned your child may be bullying another over this, calmly explain to them that such behaviour is unacceptable and somebody's appearance or beliefs does not make them a terrorist.

Either way, alert their school if you are concerned there is an issue.

4. Help them find support

Services such as Childline, which is free, confidential and runs 24/7, can help children understand distressing events. The service can be reached on 0800 1111.

Dr Danese said: 'Parents should talk to their GP if symptoms limit what their children can do in their everyday life (e.g. if they don't want to leave the home or their behaviour becomes very worrying).

'They should also talk to their GP if symptoms persist for long (e.g., more than a month).'

To best support their child, parents should also look after their own wellbeing and seek professional advice if needed, Dr Danese added.
Dementia patients should have a tracking device implanted into their body in case they wander off and get lost, an expert believes.

Professor June Andrews, OBE, is adamant the chip under their skin could save many families the anxiety and distress if their relative goes missing.

While the trained nurse, who used to head up dementia studies at Stirling University, Scotland, thinks it could even potentially save lives.

Professor Andrews, who now works independently to improve the lives of people with dementia, is in favour of subcutaneous trackers.

Professor June Andrews, OBE, is adamant the chip under their skin could save many families the anxiety and distress if their relative goes missing

Gadgets of this kind are inserted underneath the skin and are used in some countries but not currently in the UK.

Professor Andrews, who has written numerous books on dementia, has since signed over her power of attorney to her daughter for when the 'time comes'.

She said: 'A huge amount of family anxiety is caused when someone goes missing, to the person and the family.

'A huge amount of police money is spent on it and in many ways its actually wasted time.

'The devices can also alert you if the person stops moving for a long time. You can have a movement sensor into it.

'If someone bumps into something or falls over, it alerts you. They are getting more and more sophisticated.'

Professor Andrews, who now works independently to improve the lives of people with dementia, is in favour of subcutaneous trackers (stock)

There is a growing economy of elderly tracking and tagging devices, from pocket GPS trackers to wearable soles.

The increasingly popular gadgets can be bought online for as little as 40 and require a battery and mobile phone SIM card.

But critics have previously responded in fury to the tracking device suggestions, calling for the 'human rights' of each person to be 'thoroughly considered'.

However, Professor Andrews hit back at the claims. She said: 'We know theres a news story that says, old people are being tagged like criminals.

'The general, sensible response to that is, actually its better than being hunted like a dog.'

It is estimated that more than 60 per cent of people living with dementia can at some point start to wander off.

The disease, which affects around 850,000 people in the UK and more than 35 million worldwide, can cause disorientation.

Dr Hilda Hayo, chief executive at Dementia UK said: 'We believe the use of GPS tracking systems can in some situations be useful to safeguard a vulnerable person, but must only be implemented on a case by case basis.

'The decision to use GPS technology should be based on the best interests of the persons safety and ideally having gained their consent.

'Dementia UK stresses that there are civil liberties and ethical issues to take into account when monitoring an individuals movements, which must be balanced against the significant harm that may come to them.

'Their human rights, including their best interests and consent, or that of their carers, should be thoroughly considered.'
A drug derived from cannabis offers hope for thousands of children living with untreatable epilepsy, a major study has shown.

Cannabidiol, a medicine made out of cannabis but with the psycho-active elements removed, halved the seizures suffered by children with a severe form of the condition.

Experts at Great Ormond Street children's hospital in London said the results could make a 'considerable difference' to adults and children suffering with epilepsy.

More than 600,000 people in the UK suffer with epilepsy and for a third of them - 200,000 - drugs do not work to control their symptoms.

A milestone study, published last night in the prestigious New England Journal of Medicine, shows cannabidiol, or CBD, could fill that gap.

Cannabidiol, a medicine made out of cannabis but with the psycho-active elements removed, halved the seizures suffered by children with a severe form of epilepsy

The trial, led by Great Ormond Street and New York University, found the syrup, taken once a day, reduced the convulsive seizures by 48 per cent in under-18s with Dravet syndrome, a rare and severe form of epilepsy.

In 5 per cent of patients the debilitating fits stopped altogether.

Study leader Professor Helen Cross, consultant in paediatric neurology at Great Ormond Street Hospital, said: 'The results of this study are significant and provide us with firm evidence of the effectiveness of cannabidiol.

'This drug could make a considerable difference to children who living with Dravet syndrome and currently endure debilitating seizures.'

Dravet syndrome is very rare, affecting only one in every 40,000 children in Britain.

But Professor Cross said it could also be effective for children and adults with other forms of untreatable epilepsy, although this would have to be tested.

Professor Cross said it could not be considered a 'cure' - because patients have to keep taking it every day for the benefits to last.

But she said one child she has treated has taken it for four years with no side effects.

And she stressed the drug is a pharmaceutically-developed treatment - and parents should not be tempted to use cannabis oils available illegally online, or even cannabis itself, neither of which have the same effect.

The drug's manufacturer, Cambridge-based GW Pharmaceuticals which funded the trial, is to apply for a licence for the drug from the European Medicines Agency by the end of the year.

Experts at Great Ormond Street children's hospital in London said the results could make a 'considerable difference' to adults and children suffering with epilepsy

CANNABIS ON THE NHS As a baby, Billy Caldwell was so desperately unwell that doctors declared he wouldn't see his first birthday. Born with a severe form of epilepsy and learning disabilities, he has cheated death thousands of times. Billy, now aged 11, suffers from particularly vicious seizures which cannot be controlled by medication. But after years of ineffective treatment and  at its worst  suffering up to 100 fits a day, his condition is finally under control. In April, Billy became the first Briton to be prescribed medical marijuana on the NHS. The liquid cannabis oil  a natural plant extract  has led to him not suffering a single seizure in three months. What makes his story even more unusual is that the medication is not licensed for prescription here due to its links with narcotic cannabis. The landmark case is likely to pave the way for more epilepsy sufferers to demand such treatment. Indeed, Billy's GP has called for the Government to open the debate and back further research into medical use of cannabis. Advertisement

If it is approved NICE - the NHS watchdog - would have to decide whether to fund its use.

The company is also applying for the drug to be given 'orphan medicine' status - a label which means there are few other treatments available, which would dramatically improve its chances of being approved by NICE.

Dr Peter Steer, chief executive officer of Great Ormond Street Hospital said: 'The importance of this research cannot be under-estimated.

'It is the first time that a drug has been identified which can significantly reduce the risk of seizures for children living with the debilitating Dravet syndrome of epilepsy.'

The trial involved 120 children, aged two to 18, who were given daily doses of liquid CBD, taken by mouth, or an inactive 'placebo' treatment for 14 weeks.

For those given CBD, the typical number of convulsive seizures suffered per month was halved from around 12 to six. Those given the placebo saw their seizures drop from 15 to 14.

Experts still do not understand precisely how the cannabis compound controls epilepsy symptoms.

It is thought to act on the endocannabinoid system, a network of molecular receptors in the brain and nervous system that not only generates the cannabis 'high' but is linked to a wide range of physiological processes.

Study co-leader Professor Orrin Devinsky, from New York University, added: 'Cannabidiol should not be viewed as a panacea for epilepsy, but for patients with especially severe forms who have not responded to numerous medications, these results provide hope that we may soon have another treatment option.'

The compound, given the brand name Epidiolex, is the second cannabis-derived medicine produced by the company.

In 2010 GW Pharmaceuticals launched the world's first prescription cannabis drug, the multiple sclerosis treatment Sativex.
With few interviews, First Lady Melania Trump doesn't give much away about herself.

But according handwriting expert Sheila Kurtz, a note she left at a children's hospital in Italy on Wednesday reveals plenty.

It read: 'Great visiting you! Stay strong & positive! Much love, Melania Trump'.

She paired the message with two drawings: one of a flower and one of a love heart.

Mrs Trump's handwriting is curly, with detailed hooks and precise points, revealing tenacity and a desire to hold on to things.

Interestingly, Kurtz says, Mrs Trump's scribe bears little resemblance to her signature - which looks uncannily similar to Donald Trump's.

Kurtz, a master graphologist based in New York, has studied President Trump's handwriting for several decades - and is even the author of biometric graphology textbooks which Trump has read studied.

Here Kurtz breaks down her analysis of Melania's handwriting, Donald's handwriting, and their signatures - and what they mean...

Insight: Handwriting expert Sheila Kurtz says this note First Lady Melania Trump left at a children's hospital in Italy on Wednesday reveals plenty about her personality

First Lady Melania Trump poses for a selfie with a girl during her visit to the children's hospital

Melania joined an audience with Pope Francis and visited the children, who wrote her a card

MELANIA'S HANDWRITING

She has a lot of initial hooks starting a letter, little grasping hooks. This shows she likes to collect and to own things, both material and immaterial.

Throughout there are also little final hooks at the end of words, which show tenacity - she is tenacious about holding on to whatever she acquires.

Her letters are very precise and her dots are all very exact. This shows she is a good listener, direct, quite loyal, with good self control even when she is impatient.

Throughout there are also little final hooks at the end of words, which show tenacity - she is tenacious about holding on to whatever she acquires, Kurtz says. For example at the start of 'stay' and the end of 'strong'

DONALD'S HANDWRITING

President Trump's block printing indicates that he doesn't want anyone to get inside and know him. That's why block printing is used in many ransom notes.

His textual handwriting itself is far more slender and fine than his thick, dark signature. The script shows a very independent thinker, with a strong element of caution and much determination.

There is also a degree of loyalty, more openness than might be expected, analytical and investigative thinking, and he is highly intuitive, which means he fully trusts his 'gut' reactions and makes decisions based on them.

Trump's block printing indicates that he doesn't want anyone to get inside and know him. Block printing is used in many ransom notes. Above: his note at Yad Vashem in Jerusalem yesterday

MELANIA'S SIGNATURE

Melania Trump's signature is stylized and practiced, like a logo, and its verticality looks similar to his [Donald's]. But it is tight and cramped and lacks any sign of generosity of spirit.

We also see signs of self-deceit. She shows signs of intuition, which she may not trust and seldom uses. Her signature is half the size of his.

Melania's signature (pictured on her note in Italy) shows signs of intuition, which she may not trust and seldom uses

Interestingly, Mrs Trump's signature is stylized and practiced, like a logo, which looks very similar to her husband's (pictured on their note at Yad Vashem on Tuesday). Donald's signature is stylized, skyscraper tall, and overpowers anybody else's. This is sign of extreme vanity

DONALD'S SIGNATURE

President Trump's signature is markedly different from his printed handwriting.

His pointy signature is stylized, skyscraper tall, and overpowers anybody else's. This is sign of extreme vanity. Such extreme vanity means that the writer inflates her or his self-esteem and brags that it's even bigger to others.

The signature also shows the wigwam-like structures of unlimited stubbornness. The fierce shapes of his signature are meant to be overpowering and intimidating. Its behemoth size dwarfs any and all of the signatures on the Declaration of Independence and of any previous American president.

For more on Sheila Kurtz, visit Scanmyhandwriting.com

What YOUR handwriting says about you

by Mary Kekatos for DailyMail.com

Handwriting is unique to each individual person.

And according to experts that study the incredibly personal trait, it could contain clues about your health.

Researchers claim that small details in the way you write can show if you have a number of ailments including high blood pressure, Alzheimers, schizophrenia, and Parkinsons disease.

In fact, handwriting analysis - also known as graphology - can detect more than 5,000 personality traits from the sizes and shapes of your letters, as well as the spacing between words.

Here we explain how you could analyze your own scribe.

Size and spacing

The size of your letters could be an indicator of the size of your personality.

Large letters suggest you are very outgoing and love a lot of attention. But it can also mean that you pretending to have a lot of confidence.

Writing with small letters means that you are shy or withdrawn while average letters usually indicate someone who is well-adjusted and can easily adapt.

The spacing of your words correlates to your relationships with other people.

Wide spacing between words means you're someone enjoys freedom and doesn't like being crowded, while narrow spacing indicates someone who can't stand to be and enjoys crowding.

The size and shapes of your letters indicate the size of your personality and your relationships with other people

Slant and shape

If your writing is straight up and down, you are someone who doesn't let your emotions get the best of you.

However, slanted writers are more expressive people. Writing that slants to the right means you are probably open to new experiences and meeting people.

Writing that slants to the left determine people who tend to keep to themselves and prefer not to be the center of attention.

The shapes of your letters are also additional indicators.

Rounded letters designate creative and artistic individuals while pointed letters show people who are more aggressive and intense.

If the letters connect, it means the writer is logical and systematic in their decision making, just like those who write without a slant.

Slanting and the shape of your letters shows if you are logical, open to new experiences or if you keep to yourself

Loop-the-loop

How you loop your letters indicate your level of comfortability.

Writers who loop their letters wide are relaxed and spontaneous and often enjoy trying new things.

Those who have more narrow loops tend to be restricted and are skeptical of others.

Depending on if your loops are wide or narrow is the difference between spontaneous or tense

Dot your i's and cross your t's

How you finish your letters - also known as crossing your t's and dotting your i's - are further personality indicators.

Those who have high dots or dots that are circles have great imaginations, almost child-like.

Slashes as opposed to dots show someone who is overly self-critical and doesn't have patience for inadequacy.

Dotting your 'i' right over the letter shows someone who is detail-oriented while to the left of the 'i' indicates a procrastinator.

Someone who has long crosses over their 't's' is very determined while short crosses indicate just the opposite.

Crossing the 't' either at the top or in the middle are both indicators of people who have good self-esteem and are confident.

Analysis of the dotted i's and crossed t's indicate the difference between a visionary or a lack of determination

Put your John Hancock on the dotted line

Someone who has an illegible signature usually indicates someone who is a private person and is hard to read or understand.

Past studies have indicated that people with illegible signatures are more likely to be arrogant as well.

Meanwhile those who have legible signatures are more likely to be confident and comfortable and are more open.

Heavy or light

People who write with heavy pressure take things seriously, but excessively heavy pressure can indicate uptightness and a poor reaction to criticism.

Those with light pressure as they write are sensitive but lack vitality, or energy.

The speed at which you write is an indicator of your patience. Writing quickly indicates a dislike of delays while writing slowly someone who is more organized and methodical

How much you press the pen to the page could show how sensitive and energetic you are

Writing inside the lines

Where you write on the page could be a mark of how you relate to your experiences.

Writing on the left hand margin indicates someone who tends to live in the past and can't let go.

Words that tend to be all over the page are a sign of someone whose mind is constantly working and can't sit still.

Right hand margin writers show people who fear the unknown and worry abut the future.
Amanda LePage is just nine years old but has a list of surgeries and medical conditions that is two pages long.

When Amanda was just five months old she had a brain hemorrhage triggered by an aneurysm and was rushed to Boston Children's Hospital by helicopter.

In the following years, she had another aneurysm and a massive stroke that left her with cognitive delays, no use of her left arm and weakness in her left leg.

It meant she needed five open brain surgeries.

But Amanda's positive outlook and feisty attitude allows her to keep up with her twin sister Macy, who is illness-free, said mother Amy LePage.

Most inspirational, Amy said, was her daughter's loving spirit and her ability to think of herself as a normal kid.

Amanda LePage, nine, had five brain surgeries since she was five months old. She was taken to Boston Childrens Hospital with a ruptured brain aneurysm in November 2007

HOW RARE IS A BRAIN ANEURYSM IN INFANTS? Neurosurgeon Edward Smith at Boston Childrens Hospital has handled Amanda's case since infancy. He said: 'It is exceedingly rare for a child to have an aneurysm as an infant. 'Of all ruptured brain aneurysms, only 0.6 percent occur in children under the age of 19, making only about 100 cases annually in all kids from birth to 18 years old. 'From the aneurysm alone, neonatal intracranial aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage is rarer than one in a million. 'I have never experienced a child who had an aneurysm rupture as an infant then develop a brain tumor. 'The odds of having two unrelated, rare, life-threatening brain conditions as a child - both a ruptured aneurysm and a brain tumor - are likely similar to getting eaten by a shark at the exact same time as getting hit by lightning.' Advertisement

Having an aneurysm at infancy is extremely rare.

Brain aneurysms usually don't occur until a person reaches the age of 40. They are very rare in children, with only 1,200 cases reported between 1939 and 2011.

There is a 15 to 20 percent chance of having another or multiple aneurysms, once the first is discovered, according to the American Stroke Association.

Getting a brain tumor after an aneurysm is also incredibly rare.

Looking back to the very first aneurysm, Amy remembers doctors trying to break it to her that her five-month-old girl might not make it a day.

'I was told that the odds weren't great, that the surgery could be fatal,' Amy told Daily Mail Online.

Amy credits neurosurgeon Dr Edward Smith with saving her baby girl's life after Amanda was flown to the hospital in November of 2007.

He was able to clip Amanda's ruptured aneurysm but later had to go back in to clip another group of blood vessels in that area.

The medical experts knew Amanda's brain would swell because of the surgeries, so they removed a piece of her skull to allow it to breathe.

After several weeks at the hospital, the LePages were able to take Amanda home on New Year's Eve of 2007.

Dr Smith warned Amy and her husband Bob that there was a risk Amanda would have hydrocephalus, extra fluid in the brain, and he was right.

Amanda began vomiting and crying uncontrollably three weeks later and was taken back to Boston Children's.

A shunt was placed to relieve the pressure on her brain and alleviate the fluid, but an MRI scan revealed a second aneurysm, which was treated with aneurysm coiling, a non-surgical procedure.

Amy said: 'At some point along the way she had a stroke. We weren't sure what it was from but it affected her ability to walk.'

Within a few months, Amanda had gone through a massive stroke, two aneurysms and three brain surgeries.

In March 2008, Amanda had her fourth brain surgery to replace the piece of skull that doctors had removed.

Amanda (right) has been treated by neurosurgeon Dr Edward Smith (center) throughout her time in hospitals. She also has a fraternal twin sister Macy (left)

Amy said: 'Everything was fine and status quo until July 2015. A basic scan showed she had a tumor and cyst in the back of her brain, a different area than where the aneurysms were. It was a fluke.'

Dr Smith said he had never seen a child with a brain tumor after an aneurysm.

But in September 2015, he successfully removed the low-grade glioma tumor and drained the cyst.

Amanda still needs regular brain scans every six months, but not further complications are expected.

Amy said she is proud of her daughter's fighting spirit and characterizes Amanda as loving and caring, adding: 'She's a caregiver because she's been cared for. She'll give love taps to her bus driver every morning, that's just who she is.

'You look at her and would never know what she's been though. She does things you never think she could do.

'She has a drive to be independent and to be like everyone else. I was told to never let her lose that, it's what has gotten her this far.'

A scan in July 2015 showed the fourth grader had a benign brain tumor and cyst. It was removed successfully. Pictured: Amanda with her anesthesiologist Dr. Craig McClain

According to the Brain Aneurysm Foundation, an aneurysm is classified as a weak bulging spot on the wall of a brain artery.

They are sometimes called berry aneurysms because they can be the size of a small berry.

Unfortunately, most brain aneurysms show no symptoms until they swell and begin to leak blood or rupture.

An increased number of unruptured brain aneurysms are being detected due to MRI/MRA scanning becoming more available.

Hemorrhaging or bleeding of a brain aneurysm can lead to weakness or paralysis of an arm or leg, trouble speaking or understanding language, vision problems and seizures.
Police rushed forces to a north Indian town on Wednesday and arrested dozens of people to stop clashes that erupted when upper caste Hindus fired on Dalits belonging to the lowest rung of India's caste hierarchy.

Police officer Aditya Mishra said one person was killed and dozens injured in the violence Tuesday. Angry Dalits set fire to the homes of some upper caste Hindus in retaliation.

Mishra said the Dalits were attacked while they were returning from a rally led by their leader Mayawati in Saharanpur, a town in Uttar Pradesh state.

Sachin kumar, 21, was attacked by a group of people while returning from a rally, recovers at a government hospital in Meerut

An Indian Dalit man Mauasi Ram , 55, who was attacked by a group of people while returning from a rally, recovers at a government hospital in Meerut, about 65 kilometers from New Delhi, India

Mayawati has accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Hindu nationalist party of supporting the upper caste Hindus.

Akbar, a 50-year-old fruit-seller, said Dalits were attacked by upper caste Hindus with spears, sticks and handguns as they were returning to their homes after attending Mayawati's rally. 'I was injured in the neck,' he said from his hospital bed.

'Police are on high alert and people have been advised not to venture out,' Mishra said.

Akbar, 50, tells a police officer his version of the attack by upper caste Hindus

No fresh violence was reported as of Wednesday afternoon.

The area has been simmering with tensions since one person was killed in a clash earlier this month.

The violence erupted when upper caste Hindus objected to Dalits installing a statue of their leader Bhim Rao Ambedkar in a temple complex in Saharanpur.

Two young Sikh boys share a chair as Dalits gather for a protest near the Indian Parliament in New Delhi

Dalits then objected to a procession by upper caste Hindus on May 5 to observe the birth anniversary of their Rajput King Maharana Pratap, triggering violence in which one person was killed and 15 others were injured.

Dalits in India continue to face discrimination and acts of violence by upper castes. Indian society is divided by clan loyalties, caste divisions and religious animosities.

Mayawati accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Hindu nationalist party of supporting the upper caste Hindus

Caste-related violence is common as Dalits and ethnic tribes-people continue to face discrimination and exclusion.

The government says it provides them protection through stringent laws, but the laws are loosely implemented by local authorities.

On Sunday, thousands of protesting Dalits converged on the streets of New Delhi (below), defying a police ban on the rally.

They alleged that dozens of their homes had been burned by the upper caste Thakur community in Saharanpur, and that police arrested 30 members of their community to frighten them.

Who is Chandrashekhar? A young man has emerged as the new voice for the Dailt (formerly 'Untouchable') cause in India. Chandrashekhar is a 30-year-old lawyer, and when he takes to the stage to speak in India the crowds begin chanting 'Jai Bhim (Long live Bhim)' - a reference to Indian independence hero and Dalit icon Bhimrao Ambedkar. His fight is against the continuing 'protracted struggle' of caste in India. In 2015, he formed the Bhim Army to fight caste oppression in a local college where 'Dalit boys were often beaten up for drinking water, not cleaning benches and even sometimes for simply studying hard'. According to the BBC, Last year Chandrashekhar, was photographed standing next to a signboard outside a village that read 'The Great Chamar'. Chamar is a pejorative caste term, used to describe Dalits who work with animal hide. 'But the signboard turns an abuse into an honour. He is attempting to reclaim the caste name, saying there's no shame in being Chamar, instead it's great to be one,' Dalit activist Chandrabhan Prasad told the BBC. 'He's constantly unsettling and challenging the traditional caste hierarchies. He's often seen sporting other symbols of power, like a pointed upturned moustache and riding a Royal Enfield motorbike.' This display of self-confidence has made him hugely popular with the young, educated, aspirational members of his community. Advertisement

Chandrashekhar, founder of Bhim Army, addressing the crowd during the protest against injustice towards Dalits in Saharanpur

An Indian Dalit woman uses a leader's mask to fan a sleeping child as Dalits gather for a protest near the Indian Parliament in New Delhi

Chandrashekhar's Bhim Army is a pro-Dalit group that is working for Dalit emancipation through education. It runs many free schools for Dalit in Western Uttar Pradesh

The violence erupted when upper caste Hindus objected to Dalits installing a statue of their leader Bhim Rao Ambedkar in a temple complex in Saharanpur
Bearing the brunt of attacks by alleged terrorist groups backed by Pakistan on the Line of Control, India has now adopted a more 'aggressive stance'.

Senior Army sources told Mail Today that pre-emptive strikes are being carried out against Pakistani positions which may be readying themselves to attack Indian positions.

'Earlier, only our troops were on the vigil and on alert against any attack or personal assault against troops. Now, we are also taking the fight to them as we have started launching direct attacks on their posts and gun positions,' the sources said.

Indian Border Security Force (BSF) soldiers patrol the fenced border with Pakistan as they wade through floodwaters on the outskirts of Jammu

The sources were discussing the recently released video where Pakistani posts near Naushera sector were razed down with the use of anti-tank guided missiles and 105mm artillery fire.

After the ceasefire between India and Pakistan came into effect in 2003, the Pakistan Army has attacked Indian posts to push infiltrators, whereas the role of Indian forces have largely been maintaining a high vigil round the clock against the possibility such actions by them.

This keeps Indian troops under constant pressure.

However, under the new policy, India will be in a position to keep the enemy troops under a similarly stressful situation.

The sources said India has beefed up its troops' positions both in the Kashmir valley as well as on the Line of Control while strengthening the three tier counter infiltration grid there.

Blast! Senior Army sources told Mail Today that pre-emptive strikes are being carried out against Pakistani positions

'Close to 4,000 troops belonging to the Rashtriya Rifles battalions and regular Army units have been moved on the LoC and Valley in places like Uri and Tangdhar from where infiltration attempts can be attempted by the Pakistan Army,' the sources said.

More than 100 terrorists are suspected to be sitting on different locations opposite Indian positions on the LoC waiting for opportunities to sneak into the Indian territory.

'We are maintaining a vigil on their activities and the moment we see a marginal increase in their strength at a post or attempts by them to move close towards our positions, we are striking at them,' sources said.

In one such incident, a Pakistan Special Forces operative was evacuated out of a Pakistani post and shifted to a medical facility where he died after getting injured in punitive Indian fire assault.

India had launched a massive fire assault along the LoC to destroy Pakistani posts and bunkers along with killing of Pakistan Army personnel and terrorists sitting there.

Army spokesman Maj Gen Ashok Narula addressing the media about military action outside Defence Ministry in New Delhi

Simultaneously, the Army is also plugging the gaps in security grid in the hinterland as it has decided to move in a battalion of Rashtriya Rifles to the troublesome South Kashmir area which has seen some worst cases of stone pelting and heightened terrorist activity in the last one year.

South Kashmir has seen a substantial increase in the number of terrorists as the Army had pulled out some Rashtriya Rifles units from there to the locations on the LoC leaving a vacuum in the last few years.

Meanwhile, India on Wednesday denied claims of Pakistan that its aircraft flew over or near the Siachen glacier as Air Force sources said there was no air space violation in the region where it was maintaining high vigil.
One of the interlocutors of the Yashwant Sinhaled Concerned Citizens Group apparently warned, 'Don't let this wound become cancerous.'

This is patently an outdated and misleading diagnosis because the malaise in Kashmir is surely already cancerous.

It is, in fact, at an advanced stage but thankfully not in the terminal stage as yet. Kashmiri youth, born after 1985, comprising 68 per cent of the population, already declare that, 'We now celebrate the martyrdom,..' and further that, 'The best thing for which we are thankful is that your use of weapons, including pellet guns has killed the fear in us.'

Anger: Kashmiri youth, born after 1985, comprising 68 per cent of the population

According to some, Southern Kashmir already resembles a 'liberated zone!' The State government has lost all credibility.

The Hurriyat now stands completely exposed and discredited. And 'stone pelters' who have been subjected to incessant and increasingly violent attacks on their self-dignity and physical security carry on despite absence of any leadership.

Malignancy

These are signs of advanced stages of malignancy. It needs urgent surgical intervention.

Certainly not by further hardening army's response but by Modi directly owning up to the concerns of the Kashmiris by treating stone pelters as misguided youth rather than potential terrorists and delivering a clean, corruption free governance directly from Delhi.

Kashmiri Muslim protester hold an ISIS flag as they chant anti Indian slogans during a protest against recent civilian killings by Indian forces

Modi should ask the media to turn down the rhetoric and present a more balanced picture rather than treating all Kashmiris as militants or terrorists.

Delhi should 'soften' its stand vis-a-vis the misguided youth who are increasingly desperate and alienated.

It should harden the stance even more against soldiers of global jihad who have now spread mortal fear among the population, which sees itself caught between the Indian army's unmitigated hard stance on the street and jihadi bloodletting on the other.

Delhi should also try and find credible negotiators among the youth and wean them away from violence.

Modi should ignore the threat, held out by some who propagate unconditional and unending negotiations, of more catastrophic events about to unfold in the Valley.

Those who suggest four way negotiations are barking up the wrong tree on two important counts.

Firstly, with pervasive malignancy afflicting the Valley, open ended negotiations with no defined outcomes or timelines will give wrong signals of India's vulnerability to jihadi inspired violence.

Negotiations with discredited Hurriyat are at dead end any way. A surgical approach is needed that seeks to improve governance across all dimensions, including that of making the army firmly accountable to an honest civilian authority.

Secondly, those who suggest negotiating with Pakistan inexplicably do not still realise that negotiating with the political leadership in Islamabad is simply futile.

Our PM tried all he could to build rapport with Nawaz Sharif who was roundly rebuffed and reprimanded by Rawalpindi.

Pakistan GHQ will make sure that Nawaz cannot move an inch towards improving Indo-Pak relations.

Modi, in his search for a grand solution has shown that he can ignore protocol and diplomatic norms. He could even agree to negotiate with Pakistan army generals.

The painful truth, however, is that Rawalpindi is prepared to become a client state of China but not accept India's hand in friendship. And in the world of 'real politics' it is unfortunately Rawalpindi and not Islamabad that matters.

The 'Pakistani Deep State', will never come to the negotiating table. There are a few starting assumptions for a possible solution.

First, is to recognise that there are no credible and influential leaders in the Valley today.

An honest leadership committed to the welfare of Kashmiri youth will have to be identified.

Indian police officials arrest a Kashmiri youth during clashes after Friday congregational prayers outside The Jamia Masjid in Srinagar

Agitation

Second, those actually involved in the agitation may be themselves a small minority, but they do surely reflect widely held sentiments of extreme alienation from governments both in Srinagar and Delhi, especially the army.

Third, the GoI and government in Srinagar have failed in their bounden duty to honestly deliver basic public services, especially after the calamitous floods.

Delhi must share the blame for Kashmir representing the worst aspects of gover- nance failure that has afflicted our entire country for decades.

Fourth, the agitation in Kashmir has long gone out of the hands of those wanting azadi or autonomy.

It is now been run by jihadis with global support that is funneled to the Valley via the well oiled and sophisticated ISI network.

As in Afghanistan, ISI thinks that it can cleverly ride the Jihadi tiger in Kashmir to serve its own interests unmindful of the disasters it wrecks on its own Pakistani citizens.

Governance

In the above framework, Delhi must directly establish credible, efficient and effective governance in Srinagar.

No time lines need be adopted and announced but the target must be to assure the common Kashmiri that her life, property and fundamental rights guaranteed by our Constitution are protected.

On the other hand, the perception of a 'liberated zone' having been created in the southern Kashmir, must be quashed by liquidating the terrorists and at the same time assuring the Kashmiri people that their self-dignity and interests will be protected at all time and at all costs.

Finally, with global jihad raising its stakes, all talk of autonomy for Kashmir must be withdrawn for the time being.

Indian police officials arrest a Kashmiri youth during clashes after Friday congregational prayers outside The Jamia Masjid in Srinagar

The fight against global jihadis operating in Kashmir today cannot be compromised as it attacks the most cherished values of the common Kashmiri, and indeed of all Indians who want to live in a truly secular and pluralistic society.

India will do the world a big service by comprehensively defeating those who are trying to impose Wahabism in Kashmir.

The answer must be to establish sustained good governance in Srinagar and win back the trust and confidence of the people especially the youth.

At the same time, the army should be moved back, steadily but surely, to the LOC to prevent jihadi infiltration by all means at its command.
A member of North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgums Cabinet was among the 173 state employees who applied for a buyout in recent weeks, the states budget office said Tuesday.

Ten state agencies offered employee buyouts a few weeks before legislators set the final budgets for the 2017-19 biennium in late April. A draft letter provided by the governors office at the time said the agencies anticipated workforce cuts to balance the budget.

North Dakota lawmakers slashed general fund spending by almost a third this year  from $6 billion in 2015-17 to $4.3 billion in the next two-year funding cycle  amid reduced tax revenue.

The 173 submitted applications are now pending agency review, said Becky Sicble, interim director of the human resource management services division at the Office of Management and Budget. A list of employees she provided Tuesday afternoon doesnt include agencies that still have open offer periods.

Robert Entringer, commissioner of the Department of Financial Institutions, was among those who applied for the voluntary separation incentive program. Burgum announced Monday Entringer would retire later this year after 35 years with the department.

The employee list included other top agency officials, such as Deputy State Health Officer Arvy Smith and Sheila Peterson, director of the fiscal management division at OMB. Peterson has worked for the state for almost four decades, she said.

I decided to run the numbers and see if it worked for me and decided to go for it, Peterson said.

The ten agencies and the governors office, which also offered buyouts, have about 3,600 of the 6,300 full-time positions across the executive agencies, Burgums spokesman Mike Nowatzki previously said.

Employees had the option of receiving three months worth of salary and benefits or receiving health insurance for a year after the buyout date with the full premium paid by the agency. Temporary or probationary employees werent eligible, and participating agencies had to find money within their budgets for the buyouts, Nowatzki said previously.

Nick Archuleta, president of North Dakota United, the union for public employees and teachers, worried that government services will be affected by fewer people providing them.

All of these people are working for the public good, he said. Just because theres nobody in those positions doesnt mean the work stops.
Minister for Electronics Information Technology (MEITY) Ravi Shankar Prasad has said there is no downturn in the Indian infotech industry which is in a robust state and would create 25- 30 lakh jobs by 2025.

'As IT minister of the nation, I completely deny and refute that there is any downturn in the employment in this sector. It is robust, slated for great growth and once the digital economy ushers in then you can fathom its development,' Prasad said at a press conference on the government's three years of achievement in the electronics and IT sector.

He said that the Indian IT companies have added 6 lakh jobs in the last three years. IT companies employ 40 lakh people directly and 1.3 crore indirectly.

Minister for Electronics Information Technology (MEITY) Ravi Shankar Prasad

'We are bringing BPO in small towns. It is very exciting situation. Industry is growing and Nasscom has made assessment that in coming 4-5 years 20-25 lakh more jobs will be created,' Prasad said.

The minister's assurance came in the backdrop of the gloom created following the analysis of a report submitted by McKinsey & Co at the Nasscom India Leadership Forum.

In the analysis of the report Head Hunters India founder-chairman and MD K Lakshmikanth had said that job cuts in the Information technology sector will be between Rs 1.75 lakh and 2 lakh annually for the next three years due to under-preparedness in adapting to newer technologies.

He said that TeamLease analysis for 2017-18 reports that the IT sector hiring sentiments is up by 4% in October 2016 to March 2017, compared to the previous sixmonth period.

Prasad said that the Indian IT companies have added 6 lakh jobs in the last three years

TeamLease also indicated that the e-commerce and technology startup sector hiring sentiments has increased by 2 per cent, with projected 14.94 per cent job growth.

The IT minister said that investment proposals in electronics manufacturing have increased to Rs 1.43 lakh crore from a mere Rs 11,000 crore in 2014.

'At present, 72 mobile manufacturing companies have come. In this 1 lakh people have been direct employment and 3 lakh people indirect employment, 'Prasad said.

He said that investment in mobile manufacturing has increased from 18,992 crore in 2014-15 to Rs 89,756 crore in 2016-17.

The minister said that the 2.5 lakh common services centres, which provide government and other Internet based services in rural area, have generated revenue of Rs 1,800 crore, which include Rs 600 crore from Aadhaar related services. Apple has started production in Bangalore in a modest level.

They are in touch with IT secretary for further expansion, he added. The Ministry of Electronics and IT announced a model IT tender format to be used by various government departments in procurement of IT products and services.

The IT minister said that investment proposals in electronics manufacturing have increased to Rs 1.43 lakh crore from a mere Rs 11,000 crore in 2014

Earlier there was no consistency in IT procurement, he added. The ministry also announced restructuring and re-branding of Media Lab Asia as Digital India Corporation, which will function like a professional body for rolling out digital India projects mainly e-governance.

It will implement Digital India in a professional way. 'We are going to hire from private sector. It will be very good platform professionally managed with corporate architecture, he added.

Government plans to hire professionals in the field of cyber security and launch National Cyber Coordination Centre in June, he disclosed.
Sneaky websites that charge you to apply for free European Health Insurance Cards have obtained personal details of holidaymakers to lure them into using their services.

The so-called EHIC gives you access to free medical care  or care at the same price as it is offered to locals  in all 28 European countries, including Switzerland, if you fall ill while abroad.

The cards are available free from the NHS, but dozens of websites have sprung up charging travellers up to 35 to apply.

Many of the firms mimic the NHS website to appear official, while other sites claim to make the application easier and speedier by checking it for mistakes.

EHIC cards are available free from the NHS, but dozens of websites have sprung up charging travellers up to 35 to apply

Now Money Mail has discovered evidence that these firms have obtained holidaymakers' names, phone numbers, dates of birth and even National Insurance numbers.

Readers say they have received emails from these firms containing application forms with their details already completed.

EHIC applications from Brits hit a five-year high last year, possibly over fears that Brexit could affect our ability to sign up to the scheme.

Experts say your name, age and address can be obtained from publicly available sources, such as the phone book, Land Registry or Companies House.

But the only way an EHIC firm could get hold of someone's National Insurance number, without asking, is from leaked data from a government department or buying it from hackers on the internet.

Graeme Batsman, of data securityexpert.co.uk, says that the use of personal data is designed to trick you into buying the service more quickly.

'When firms send you forms that are half filled in with personal details it's to make you more likely to buy their service or to make them appear a genuine outfit,' he says.

Alert: Garth Burden, pictured with wife Jayne, received an email warning him that his EHIC was due to expire

'It easy for your personal information to fall into the hands of undesirables.

'National Insurance numbers, for instance, are held by many government departments and private companies, so it's almost impossible to prevent them being leaked.'

Garth Burden, 72, a former deputy managing editor of the Daily Mail, raised the alarm when he received an email warning him that his EHIC was due to expire.

The email, from a firm calling itself EHIC Card, prompted him to 'kindly renew or apply' before his card expired in January.

When he clicked on the 'renew' button on the email, he was taken to a web page containing an application form.

All of his details, including his National Insurance number, had already been filled out  along with the details for his wife, Jayne, 66, despite neither of them having ever dealt with the firm before.

'I thought it was an official form until I realised that they were charging for the application. That's when I knew it wasn't,' says Garth.

'I have no idea how they got that information. The only thing they didn't seem to have was my bank account details.'

Garth called the firm to find out how it had obtained the information, but he says the person who answered the phone refused to reveal the source.

The firm then sent the couple, from Hertfordshire, another two emails and called them again trying to persuade them to use its services.

Dozens of sites online have sprung up attempting to persuade more holidaymakers to pay to complete an EHIC application when it simply isn't necessary.

Anyone can get an EHIC card free through the NHS by calling 0300 330 1350 or by visiting ehic.org.uk.

Perk: EHIC gives you access to free medical care  or care at the same price as it is offered to locals  in all 28 European countries, including Switzerland, if you fall ill while abroad

Presently, the EHIC still covers British citizens who travel in any country in the European Economic Area and Switzerland. There is no guarantee this will continue to be the case after Britain leaves the EU.

Technically, private firms that charge for these services aren't acting illegally unless they pretend to be affiliated with a government body.

The company EHIC Card has a London phone number and various different email addresses for applications, customer care, administration, accounts and general information. It has a disclaimer on its home page saying it's not linked with the NHS.

However, this warning does not appear on its emails or the application form that internet users receive.

The firm is not registered with Companies House and appears to belong to someone called Sachin Kapoor, based in Gurugram, formerly Gurgaon, a city near New Delhi, India, according to WHOIS, online software that shows who owns a website address.

The firm says that it only contacts people who have booked a flight or hotel from its sister company froottrip.com, a package holiday firm in India.

An employee, going by the name of Betty, told Money Mail: 'We don't have the details of anyone who hasn't booked a flight or hotel with us before.'

Initially, the firm could not confirm whether the Burdens were customers, but eventually claimed that they had paid for an EHIC in 2013. The Burdens deny this.

A spokeswoman for the Information Commissioner's Office, Britain's data protection watchdog, says: 'People have a fundamental right to know that their information is handled fairly and lawfully.

'If anyone has concerns about how their information is being used they can complain to us, calling 0303 123 1113, and we will investigate.'

p.thomas@dailymail.co.uk
Drivers who use their mobile phones to pay for parking are being hit with fines and turned down when they appeal.

Councils are bringing in mobile payment systems, as parking becomes more expensive and motorists carry less cash.

But we have heard from many people who have been fined because the system incorrectly recorded their vehicle details.

If the car registration number logged does not match that seen by a parking warden on the number plate they will assume the motorist has not paid.

Appeal denied: But many motorists claim they have been unfairly fined because the system incorrectly recorded their vehicle details

In some cases, the motorist has made a genuine error  such as mistyping their registration number.

In others, the payment has been allocated to the wrong vehicle, for example, a car they no longer own or one that belongs to their partner.

When drivers try to explain the error to the council or private parking firm their appeal is routinely thrown out  even though they have proof of payment.

Barrie Segal, the founder of ParkingTicketExpert.com and AppealNow.com, says: 'This is an increasing problem.

'I am always astonished that councils are so unforgiving when motorists make a genuine error  they are too keen on raising revenue.

Councils are bringing in mobile payment systems, as parking becomes more expensive

'At the very least the motorist should get back the money they paid to park, otherwise the council is profiting twice.'

There are many benefits to paying for parking by phone. You don't need to worry about carrying around enough coins and you can buy extra time without needing to run back to the car park.

Hundreds of towns and cities across the UK now use these systems.

RingGo, for example, is the largest major provider of cashless parking in the UK, with 128 local authorities using its service.

Sister company Parkmobile has 26 authorities signed up, and PayByPhone has dozens, too. All also work with private parking firms such as NCP.

Each system works slightly differently. Typically, you call the telephone number on the parking meter and read out the serial number, also printed on the sign, that identifies the street you are on.

Then you'll be asked to give your car registration number, choose how long you want to park for and provide your card details.

You will usually be sent a text message confirming payment. Most systems also have apps to download that mean you can pay without needing to call.

And often you can pay by text. There may be an additional administration fee  about 20p  on top of the parking charge.

Some systems keep a record of your details so you won't have to re-enter them the next time you need to park.

Traffic wardens can see if you have paid by checking a portable computer.

It is crucial to double check that the details you enter are correct because if they don't match you'll get a fine.

But human error is not the only risk. Mr Segal says another problem is that these mobile payment systems are not monitored rigorously.

Payment accepted: But Karen Bottrill, 62, pictured with husband Neil, was fined 50 after visiting Leeds for a training course in November

'In one case, a motorist was permitted to buy just one minute of parking without the system checking this was correct,' he says.

Brian Randall, 51, was fined 60 after using his mobile phone to pay for parking in Barnet, North London. He already had a PayByPhone account, so he just sent a text message stating how long he intended to park and 2.15 was taken from his debit card.

Yet when he returned to his car  within the correct period of time  there was a parking ticket on his windscreen. He found out later that the payment had been wrongly allocated to his wife Debbie's car.

Usually when Brian sent a text in this way the payment was automatically allocated to the last vehicle used  his.

Yet in this instance the payment was assigned to the car registered on the account  his wife's.

When the couple appealed, the council refused to waive the fine. It claimed the onus was on Brian to ensure he had paid for the correct vehicle. And an independent adjudicator agreed with the council.

Jobsworths: If the car registration number logged does not match that seen by a parking warden on the number plate they will assume the motorist has not paid

Karen Bottrill, 62, was fined 50 after visiting Leeds for a training course in November. She had called Parkmobile and paid 8.50 by card to leave her black Peugeot 107 for the day.

A text arrived to say her payment had been accepted. But when she got back to her car she found a parking ticket stuck to her windscreen.

It emerged that the firm's automated voice recorder had wrongly heard the final letter of her car registration number as 'S' instead of 'F', sparking the problem.

When Karen tried to explain this mistake to Leeds City Council, it refused to discuss the case  as her details did not match the ones that were held on record.

The local authority later admitted to Money Mail that it had made a mistake and waived Karen's fine.

Another reader told Money Mail how her partner, who is dyslexic, paid by mobile phone to park his van and returned to find he had been issued with a parking ticket.

He had mistakenly put two of the numbers on the parking sign the wrong way around  so his van had been logged as being parked on a different road in the town.

The council refused to waive his fine.

Caroline Sheppard, chief adjudicator at the Traffic Penalty Tribunal, says: 'Common sense should be applied and councils should always consider waiving the penalty the first time someone makes a mistake.'

v.bischoff@dailymail.co.uk
Savers could get a boost worth thousands of pounds by investing in funds through a cheap new website that has undercut its expensive rivals.

Investing giant Vanguard, an American company, has launched a DIY investing platform, also known as a fund supermarket, with rock-bottom prices.

You pay just 0.15 per cent a year to put your money into a range of funds  a third of the 0.45 per cent pocketed by rivals such as Hargreaves Lansdown.

This fee is on top of the annual fund management charges levied at all fund supermarkets - but in Vanguard's case you can only buy its funds.

Experts believe the move could spark a price war. So could you save a fortune by switching to Vanguard's new deal?

Savers can get a 8,000 boost by investing in funds through Vanguard, an American company, has launched a so-called fund supermarket with rock-bottom prices

SO HOW CAN I INVEST IN FUNDS?

There are two main ways to invest in funds. You can go direct to a fund manager such as M&G or Invesco Perpetual.

Or you can invest through an online broker such as Hargreaves Lansdown, Bestinvest, or Fidelity.

Most savers choose the second option because the DIY investing platforms these brokers provide are typically cheaper and offer thousands of different investments in one place.

That enables you to split Isa cash between many different funds run by different managers.

Now Vanguard, the world's second-largest fund manager, with 3 trillion under its control, has launched its own service  vanguardinvestor.co.uk  to cut the cost of its 65 funds.

ARE THE DEALS ANY GOOD?

Vanguard is popular with investors for tracker funds. These deals, which are controlled by robots rather than human managers, follow an investment index up and down.

For example, they might track the FTSE 100 in London or the S&P 500 in the U.S. They are cheaper than active funds, where a stock-picker is paid to identify the best shares.

Low-cost trackers have become hugely popular because many 'active' fund managers fail to beat the stock market after fees.

Vanguard charges 0.08 per cent a year on its FTSE UK All Share Index Unit Trust fund  or 8 on a 10,000 pot. By comparison, the average active fund costs 0.9 per cent  or 90 a year.

Vanguard also offers a range of funds called LifeStrategy. These are ready-made portfolios containing a number of trackers.

You choose one to suit your circumstances. It also offers a small number of active funds.

Vanguard is popular with investors for tracker funds.which are controlled by robots rather than human managers

COULD YOU SAVE AS MUCH AS 8,000?

Vanguard's fund fees are the same whether you buy direct or through rival fund supermarkets.

However, its 0.15 per cent administration fee  which is charged in addition to the fund fee  is much cheaper (see table above).

That means some investors can save a fortune. If you put 200 a month into the FTSE All Share fund costing 0.08 per cent, you'd pay 0.23 per cent a year overall with Vanguard.

If the fund grew at 5 per cent a year, you'd have 157,227 after 30 years, according to advisers Candid Financial Advice.

By comparison, if you invested with Hargreaves Lansdown, the cost would be 0.08 per cent, plus the 0.45 per cent fund supermarket charge  a total of 0.53 per cent. Your pot would be worth 149,178 after 30 years  or 8,049 less.

The effect is similar if you invest a lump sum. If you put 10,000 directly into one of Vanguard's LifeStrategyfunds, which cost 0.22 per cent, you'd have 38,877 after 30 years (based on a 5 per cent annual return).

With Hargreaves you'd have 35,667  or 3,210 less.

Another bonus is that Vanguard doesn't charge exit penalties for moving to another provider if you change your mind.

By contrast, The Share Centre charges 25 to move your account and Hargreaves charges 25 for each fund you move. Vanguard caps your fees at 375 a year once your pot hits 250,000.

Vanguard's fund fees are the same whether you buy direct or through rival fund supermarkets

SHOULD I SWITCH TO VANGUARD?

Vanguard's service is cheap  but you don't get much choice of funds. It offers 65 compared with more than 2,500 through Hargreaves Lansdown, Bestinvest and the others.

You also can't buy shares and investment trusts, which many other DIY investing platforms offer

But if you were thinking of investing in its cheap tracker funds anyway, experts do recommend Vanguard. Ben Yearsley, of Shore Financial Planning, says: 'Price isn't everything. It's vital to pick the best fund rather than the cheapest.

'However, this is the cheapest way of investing in trackers if that's what you want to do.'

Tracker funds are a good option for savers putting money away for the longer term.

You'll never beat the stock market because a tracker mirrors the return, but you are not at the mercy of a fund manager's success (or lack of it).

If your pot is worth between 60,000 and 250,000, consider a fund supermarket with a flat fee. For example, IWeb charges a one-off Isa account fee of 25. You then pay 5 to buy and sell funds. Interactive Investor charges 80 a year and 5 each time you buy or sell funds.

Justin Modray, of Candid Financial Advice, says: 'While there aren't many funds to choose from, Vanguard could force the likes of Hargreaves Lansdown and Bestinvest to trim fees, which is long overdue.'

p.thomas@dailymail.co.uk
Gamekeeper turned poacher: Ex FCA boss Martin Wheatley

The tough talking regulator who pledged to clean up the City has switched sides to work for a Hong Kong hedge fund  despite once ordering a crackdown on short-selling.

Martin Wheatley, former boss of the Financial Conduct Authority, shocked finance chiefs by promising to 'shoot first and ask questions later'.

The industry he is joining loves to short-sell  which means firms bet that a share price will fall  but he once led a crackdown against the practice.

In 2015, however, then-chancellor George Osborne forced 58-year-old Wheatley out after big banks took exception to his combative approach.

He was on paid leave for a year  pocketing 396,000  and he has now taken a job on the advisory board of Asian fund Oasis Management.

Oasis is mostly focused on Asian markets but it is building up a stake at Mr Kipling owner Premier Foods.

Now Carney's hoaxed A prankster tried to dupe Mark Carney. The trickster  who caught out Barclays boss Jes Staley a fortnight ago  posed as Anthony Habgood from the Bank of England's court of directors in a bid to catch out the governor. He joked about the new 10 note with Jane Austen on it, saying that 'apparently her face resembles that of someone who's had a bracing martini'. 'I'd prefer a large scotch myself,' the prankster added. Carney replied: 'I will drink that martini and order another two.' Carney, 52, did, however, refuse to get into sexist banter about waitresses.

His move into big business is likely to result in more anger at the apparent revolving-door policy between watchdogs and the companies they are meant to regulate.

He is the latest in a long line of FCA bosses  and its predecessor, the Financial Services Authority  to move from gamekeeper to poacher.

Tracey McDermott took over as interim head of the watchdog after Wheatley left and was seen as a front-runner for the permanent top job.

She was humiliated in January last year, however, when Osborne announced on radio she had pulled out of the race.

McDermott moved to Standard Chartered bank after serving her notice period.

Other previous regulator bosses who now have lucrative private sector jobs include Sir Howard Davies, chairman of the Royal Bank of Scotland; Lord Turner, a non-executive director at Prudential; and Sir Hector Sants, vice chairman at consultant Oliver Wyman.
Fat-cat bosses could be falling out of love with private jets as manufacturers report sluggish sales.

Once the ultimate status symbol, tumbling oil wealth and tighter purse strings have driven chief executives to rein it in.

Michael Amalfitano, head of the corporate aircraft division of Brazilian manufacturer Embraer, said selling multi-million pound jets to the world's elite would remain a struggle.

He blamed Brexit and political uncertainty in the US for a stall in growth in the industry.

Speaking at the European Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition in Geneva, Amalfitano told Bloomberg: 'There's a lot of competition in the larger aircraft space.'

Sales of corporate jets soared in the run up to the global financial crisis. At one point annual deliveries reached more than 1,200 a year.

But it was this buying frenzy which exacerbated a steady slide in the price of used aircraft.

Last year 661 planes were delivered, a 7.9 per cent decline and the lowest in 12 years, according to the General Aviation Manufacturers Association.
Suppliers owed millions of pounds are threatening legal action over the sale of Jaeger.

Jaeger sold its lucrative trademark licence before calling in the administrators  leaving just bricks and mortar shops available for bidders.

It meant there was no hope of a white knight stepping in to save the 133-year-old business, putting 25 stores and 700 jobs at risk. And in turn it has left suppliers out of pocket.

Cesar Araujo, of Portuguese textiles firm Calvelex, is among a group of suppliers who say they are owed millions by Jaeger and its former owners, Better Capital.

Araujo, 49, said he represented more than 12 suppliers who were owed 'a lot of millions of pounds'.

Jaeger was bought by Better Capital in 2012 for 19.5million.

In March Better Capital sold Jaeger's debt to a mystery buyer, understood to be Edinburgh Woollen Mill, which is owned by billionaire retail tycoon Philip Day.
The Pope presented President Donald Trump with some light reading on climate change Wednesday as the two leaders engaged in a customary gift exchange.

Pope Francis gave Trump a copy of his 184-page encyclical on the environment, Laudato Si, and two other books on family as they said their goodbyes at the Apostolic Palace.

'I'll be reading them,' Trump promised as the cameras flashed.

The Holy See's Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin had lobbied Trump on climate change and the related Paris Agreement in an earlier meeting.

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The Pope presented President Donald Trump with some light reading on climate change Wednesday as the two leaders engaged in a customary gift exchange

Pope Francis gave Trump a copy of his 184-page encyclical on the environment, Laudato Si, and two other books as they said their goodbyes at the Apostolic Palace

DIVINE INTERVENTION: Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump are in favor of the Paris Agreement. They got a boost today in the argument dividing the adminstration from Pope Francis

U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson described the conversation to reporters as a 'good exchange' of views on the issue that's expected to plague Trump as he jet sets around Europe.

The U.S. president is considering withdrawing from the international climate pact that the previous administration spearheaded, but he hasn't made a decision yet.

Trump is headed for a barrage of lectures on climate change as he sits down with a European leaders this week at the NATO and G7 summits.

France's Emmanuel Macron and Germany's Angela Merkel are among the leaders who are expected to take turns lobbying Trump this week to keep the commitment that the Pope is also in favor of.

A senior administration official told DailyMail.com prior to Trump's arrival in Europe, 'I'm sure he's going to hear a lot about this issue from our friends and allies over there.'

Trump's overseas trip came amid a battle back home over the agreement that even the president's administration is divided on.

The United Nations framework the U.S. accepted last September calls for participating countries to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by considerable levels. Barack Obama committed the U.S. to a reduction of 26-28 per cent from its 2005 output.

Already, Trump has tried to eviscerate the environmental policy that had been put in place by the previous administration to meet the 'national determined contribution' the Obama White House agreed to.

A March 28 executive order began a process to throw out Obama's Clean Power Plan that aimed to cut carbon emissions by an ambitious 32 percent by the year 2030.

Conservative groups like The Heartland Institute, The Heritage Foundation, the Competitive Enterprise Institute and Americans for Prosperity have been pushing Trump to pursue his campaign promise to do away with the Paris Agreement ever since.

They sent Trump a letter this month reminding him that withdrawal 'is an integral part of your energy agenda.'

CEI ran ads on Thursday in nearly 70 markets urging Trump to keep his campaign promise, ahead of his foreign trip.

'We're going to cancel the Paris climate agreement,' Trump says during a May 26, 2016 rally featured in the the commercial.

The president's daughter Ivanka and her husband Jared Kushner are part of a faction that wants to remain in the deal. Vice President Mike Pence and Steve Bannon, Trump's chief strategist, are in the group that wants him to toss it out.

The head of the Catholic Church had his shot at convincing Trump to keep with the accord on Wednesday when he met with the president at The Vatican, as did the tiny country's government.

Trump has a lunch planned Thursday with Macron.

Merkel suggested Tuesday that she plans to approach Trump about the issue, too, telling an audience in Berlin, 'I am trying to persuade the doubters.'

Francis, who has clashed with Trump on more than one occasion, could prove the most difficult of the figures Trump will hear from ignore

Francis, who has clashed with Trump on more than one occasion, could prove the most difficult of the figures to ignore.

In a withering 2015 lecture that accompanied the release of his first encyclical, 'Laudato Si,' Pope Francis went after big businesses, energy giants and so-called climate deniers like Trump, who once called global warming a 'hoax' that was invented by the Chinese.

A senior official told DailyMail.com prior to the meeting that Trump is taking an open-minded approach to climate talks and it would be just fine if Pope gave the Paris Agreement a papal plug.

'If the Pope wants to weigh in on Laudato Si, and say, here's all the things I wrote about in there, and I'd like you to keep those in mind as you're formulating policy, I think that's great,' the official said. 'That's fine.'

That's exactly what Francis did.

He gave Trump a copy of it before the American president left for Brussels this morning.

Cardinal Parolin used his meeting with Trump to press the issue, Tillerson, the U.S. secretary of state, told reporters traveling with the president to Belgium.

'The cardinal was expressing their view that they think it's an important issue. I think they were encouraging continued participation in the Paris accord,' he stated.

Tillerson said the administration looks look forward 'to having further talks with them on climate policy.'

'We had a good exchange the difficulty of balancing addressing climate change, responses to climate change, and ensuring that you still have a thriving economy and you can still offer people jobs so they can feed their families and have a prosperous economy. '

Globally, a debate has opened up on the firmness of agreement and whether reductions from the original target can also be made.

Trump administration lawyers have not been able to come to a conclusion, a senior official involved in the talks said, and they remained at odds over the issue as Trump left for Europe.

'I think that's a big sticking point right now,' the official revealed.

Should Trump's government lawyers decide the legal risks of prolonged litigation from groups that may try to sue the administration is too high, he's likely to withdraw completely.

'No position has been taken, but I would say this ... if we did stay in that there's no way we would keep the Obama pledge,' an official told DailyMail.com.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel hinted Tuesday that she plans to approach Trump about the issue, as well. 'I am trying to persuade the doubters,' she told an audience in Berlin.

Myron Ebell, director of CEI's Center for Energy and Environment, is one of the conservative policy experts pushing Trump to drop the deal altogether.

He has been meeting with White House officials on his side of the argument, he says.

The White House officials trying to keep the agreement alive include Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, National Economic Council Chairman Gary Cohn, National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster and Energy Secretary Rick Perry, 'sort of,' in addition to Jared and Ivanka.

EPA administrator Scott Pruitt, Vice President Mike Pence, Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke, Kellyanne Conway, Domestic Policy Council director Andrew Bremberg, Steve Bannon and Stephen Miller, the president's senior policy adviser, are in favor of withdraw, Ebell said.

Ebell predicted the two White House factions will not agree and will end up sending a memo to the president that lays out two options.

'And then I just hope when the president makes his decision, you know that Ivanka is off...at some glamorous resort...they take a holiday here this spring,' he joked.

If Ivanka is not whispering in the president's ear, the former head of Trump's EPA transition team observed, 'I think then we win.'

'Now, if Ivanka's in the room, then I think it's gonna be a little more difficult,' Ebell admitted. 'He's overruled her advice on some very big decisions, so, you know I'm not saying he wont't do it again. I do think it's harder when she's...in the battle, on the front.'

The Sierra Club, a liberal environmental group, said Trump would have a 'disaster' on his hands if he pulled out of the agreement.

'It would provoke international blowback, harm our global leadership role, and threaten the health and safety of all families in this country,' said John Coequyt, Sierra Club Global Climate Policy Director.

In Europe, Trump will have the head of the Catholic Church to contend with in addition to fellow G7 leaders like France's Macron (pictured) Britain's Theresa May and Germany's Angela Merkel

Coequyt derided opponents of the Paris Agreement as a 'small group of the most extreme corporate polluters' who want to 'undermine that U.S. leadership and the Paris Agreement by pulling out or weakening our commitments.'

'This administration must take our international obligations seriously, as the Paris agreement is broadly supported by the public, the business community, and nations across the world,' he stated.

The White House pledged a stance on the accord before Trump the May 26 and May 27 summit in Sicily, Italy, with a group of US allies that are collectively known as the G7. It announced a delay in mid-May until after the summit.

'The President wants to continue to meet with his team...and come to a decision on whats the best interest of the United States using the expertise that surrounds him,' Press Secretary Sean Spicer said.

A senior U.S. official told DailyMail.com a new deadline has not been set.

'Don't know,' the official said of a general target for a decision. 'We'll see what happens at the G7...that could accelerate the timetable based on what the president hears.'

At present, the official said, 'We're under no sort of time constraint where we have to make a decision on this. So we're just gonna make sure that we come to the best decision, however long that takes.'

Tillerson told reporters Wednesday that the status quo has not changed.

'The president indicated were still thinking about that, that he hasnt made a final decision....itll be something that will probably be decided after we get home,' he said.
Playboy star Dani Mathers called upon disgraced former Los Angeles attorney Roger Rosen to provide a character witness in her failed bid to avoid trial in her body-shaming case, court documents reveal.

The model, 30, who has been hauled before the courts for flouting privacy laws by body-shaming a naked 70-year-old woman in an LA gym, asked family friend Rosen to write her a glowing letter of recommendation in the case.

But the letter, which describes Mathers as a 'fine young lady' who 'puts herself before others', fell on deaf ears and her case is set to go to trial Wednesday.

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Former attorney Roger Rosen (pictured), 72, wrote a letter to defend Dani Mathers after she was criticized for her Snapchat of a nude senior. In 2013, he pleaded not guilty to snitching on a client who was cooperating with the FBI and gave up his practice to avoid indictment

Playboy Playmate Dani Mathers, 30, was charged with misdemeanor invasion of privacy and could face up to six months in jail. She faces trial on Wednesday

Roger Rosen was disbarred in 2015 after he was caught snitching on a client who was cooperating with the FBI. He represented celebrities such as Al Pacino and Phil Spector

Mathers's choice of character witness was questionable.

Rosen's career as one of Hollywood's most prolific defense attorneys ended in disgrace in 2013 after he was caught snitching on a client who was cooperating with the FBI.

The lawyer pleaded not guilty, but agreed to give up his law practice to avoid indictment as part of an agreement with the Brooklyn U.S. Attorney's office.

He was charged with leaking information from a client to members of the notorious drug crew run by hip hop impresario James Rosemond during 2009 and 2010  and agreed to abandon his vocation in exchange for a deferred prosecution because he is suffering from cancer.

Rosen, who lives in Malibu, was eventually disbarred from legal practice in 2015, according to records.

Rosen and his wife called Mathers a 'fine young lady' in their joint letter to the judge. Mathers is accused of violating California law which prohibits recording an identifiable person without their consent or knowledge

The 72-year-old former lawyer represented the likes of actor Al Pacino and killer music producer Phil Spector during his career.

In his letter of recommendation for Mathers - obtained by DailyMail.com - he said he and his wife Karla had known her for 20 years and watched her develop into a 'fine young lady'.

'We have seen her interact with her parents, family, & friends, & from a very early age noted how kind, generous, well mannered, caring, & concerned she was with others,' he wrote.

Rosen added that the body-shaming incident was quite 'out of school' for Mathers.

'This is not who she is, & I can share with you that she is tremendously remorseful & regrets this inappropriate act,' he wrote.

Mathers was charged with misdemeanor invasion of privacy under a California law that prohibits the secret recording or photographing of an 'identifiable person' in a home, changing room or tanning booth without the subject's consent.

Rosen said he knew Mathers as a young girl and said her posting a public Snapchat of a naked 70-year-old woman was out of character. She captioned the photo of the unsuspecting woman: 'If I can't unsee this then you can't either'

Last week Playboy's Miss May 2014 tried to have the case thrown out by claiming the privacy law she was charged with violating was too ambiguous to be constitutional.

However, an LA judge rejected her 'illogical' argument and set a trial date for May 24.

Mathers sparked widespread outrage after she shared the naked photo on Snapchat last July with the derisive caption: 'If I can't unsee this then you can't either.'

When contacted by DailyMail.com family friend Rosen confirmed he sent the recommendation letter on behalf of Mathers and stood by what he wrote.

'My experience with her, is as I said in my letter, she's always been a very nice person,' he said.

But when asked whether he believed that some people find it odd that a lawyer who has been disbarred and whose career ended in disgrace would be a suitable person to give a letter of recommendation, he said: 'I think there are people that would feel exactly that way, I don't disagree with that, those would be people that don't know me.

Mathers is trying to become a lawyer and fears she will not be able to get her real estate license if she is convicted

'That's certainly an incident that occurred but it doesn't change who I am or what I am.'

He added: 'I knew Dani when she was a little girl growing up. People have many different parts.'

Mathers has been working on getting a real estate license and worries the California Bureau of Real Estate will reject her application if she is convicted.

Her lawyer said Mathers 'definitely' plans to testify at trial.

It comes after prosecutors insisted they will not go easy on Mathers.

The model has asked Los Angeles City Attorneys not to send her to jail, saying she will undergo counseling and anti-bullying courses instead.

She also said that she would go around to schools and talk about how harmful bullying is.

Mathers did eventually apologize for body-shaming the elderly gym member and deleted her social media accounts in July last year.

She tweeted: 'I'm sorry for what I did... I need to take some time to myself now to reflect on why I did this horrible thing.'
Nearly five years after Superstorm Sandy plunged a roller coaster into the sea in what became one of the storm's most enduring images, the ride has been replaced - safely inland this time.

Hydrus opened this month at the Casino Pier amusement park, built above the beach rather than out over the water to prevent another catastrophe.

It's not only thrilling riders; it's also raising spirits in a section of the Jersey shore where not everything is yet back to normal after the October 2012 storm.

'This is part of the rebirth of the town,' said Mayor Anthony Vaz, who was among the many Seaside Heights residents displaced from their homes by the storm. 'It's like a new start for us.'

A statue of a clown rests on a bench as people riding the Hydrus roller coaster go over a drop at Casino Pier in Seaside Heights, New Jersey

The new coaster comes more than four years after Superstorm Sandy destroyed part of the Casino Pier and left the since-demolished Jet Star roller coaster partially submerged in the sea

The ride starts with a seven story drop, then puts riders through a series of upside down loops

Seeing the Jet Star rusting away in the surf was painful, the mayor said.

'It went from icon to eyesore,' he said.

Vaz estimated the resort town made infamous by the MTV reality show 'Jersey Shore' has made a 70 per cent recovery from Sandy. The borough's taxable property is still worth about $200 million less than it was before the storm.

Its neighbor to the north, the Ortley Beach section of the community of Toms River, is still struggling. Many vacation homes near the beach that were destroyed have yet to be rebuilt, and many streets are pockmarked with empty lots and half-built wooden frames.

And to the south, businesses along the boardwalk in adjacent Seaside Park are still being rebuilt following a fire that swept through the Seaside Heights and Seaside Park boardwalks in September 2013.

The Hydrus replaces the Jet Star roller coaster, which was swept off the pier and into the ocean during Super Storm Sandy in 2012

People say the new ride does not disappoint with a number of loops, twists and turns

Maria Mastoris, a spokeswoman for Casino Pier, said the company never doubted it would replace the Jet Star.

'Our team at Casino Pier has worked extremely hard since Hurricane Sandy in 2012 to rebuild and come back from the devastation,' she said. 'With our brand new roller coaster Hydrus, and Ferris wheel on our brand new extended pier, we can finally close the book on Sandy and start fresh.'

Mastoris would not say how much the ride cost to build other than to say 'millions.'

Getting the new coaster in place took some doing. The old pier jutted out over the water; one of the main attractions of the Jet Star was the sensation of looking down and seeing the waves underneath.

But after Sandy destroyed part of the pier, it was obvious that a safer plan would be to build the new roller coaster on the beach.

The amusement pier in Seaside Heights before being destroyed by Hurricane Sandy

The Jet Star roller coaster is seen here partially submerged in the Atlantic Ocean after Superstorm Sandy destroyed part of the Casino Pier in Seaside Heights

An aerial view shows more clearly the type of damage sustained by the coaster from the storm

That required a complicated land swap among Casino Pier and Seaside Heights because the ride would be occupying beachfront land that had public use restrictions on it.

In return for permission from the state Department of Environmental Protection to use the beach, Casino Pier donated land to the borough for additional parking, and gave the borough a historic boardwalk carousel that was due to be dismantled and sold off piece by piece. It will be displayed in a museum on the donated land.

Painted neon green and bright blue, the roller coaster has a 72-foot vertical drop, and several loops and twists that rattle the brains more than on the Jet Star. It costs about $10 to ride, although tickets can be bought cheaper in bulk.

'It was awesome!' exclaimed Alison Cornell of Belvidere, New Jersey. 'It looked like you were going right in to the ocean. It was exhilarating. You get a 360-degree view of the whole area around it. It was really exciting.'
JAMESTOWN -- A Milaca, Minn., man is accused of stealing a white minivan parked in a residential garage in southeast Jamestown early Tuesday morning, just hours after posting bond involving another stolen vehicle, according to the Stutsman County Sheriffs Office.

Justin Hatten, 28, was arrested around 12:40 a.m. Tuesday after a white van he was driving on eastbound Interstate 94 was stopped by Stutsman County Sheriff Deputy Brian Davis.

Davis said he was sitting in the parking lot of a business in southwest Jamestown when he heard the report of a stolen white minivan come over the radio. The van was taken from a residential garage around 12:27 a.m. Tuesday and the vehicle appeared to be heading south.

Davis said he went onto eastbound I-94 and saw a white minivan enter onto the highway. He verified the van was the one that was reported stolen and enacted a traffic stop. Davis said the driver of the stolen vehicle was identified as Hatten, who was arrested without incident and is again in custody in the Stutsman County Correctional Center.

On Monday, Hatten was charged in the first reported incident with unauthorized used of a motor vehicle, a Class C felony. He was also charged with fleeing or attempting to flee a police officer, a Class A misdemeanor, and received a citation for driving without an operators license.

Hatten was arrested around 11 p.m. Saturday in a tree row behind the Star Lite Motel after he attempted to flee from police. According to a report from the North Dakota Highway Patrol, Hatten was driving a 2000 Chevrolet pickup truck reported stolen from Hope earlier Saturday evening. Hatten was westbound on I-94 near Jamestown when a trooper attempted to pull him over at 9:40 p.m. for driving too far on the right side of the highway. The patrol said Hatten drove across the highway, through the median, onto eastbound I-94 and took an exit. He lost control of the pickup, it went into a ditch and stopped. The patrol said Hatten abandoned the truck and fled into some nearby trees.

Hatten posted a $250 bond Monday on the charge of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and was released. He is now in custody in the Stutsman County Correctional Center.

According to Southeast District Court records, Hatten will appear in court at 1:15 p.m. Wednesday on the charge of theft of property, a Class C felony.

The maximum penalty for a Class C felony is five years in prison and a $10,000 fine. The maximum penalty for a Class A misdemeanor is one year in jail and a $3,000 fine.
The United States and its allies have dropped nearly 50 percent more bombs on Islamic State targets so far this year compared to this point last year, USA Today reported on Tuesday.

US Air Forces Central Command's latest monthly statistics showed that the American-led coalition against ISIS dropped 14,192 rockets, bombs, and other munitions through the first four months of 2017.

During the same period last year, the coalition dropped 9,442 munitions.

The more frequent bombings 'can be attributed to the increased pace of operations in both Iraq and Syria as we target and destroy ISIS,' Air Forces Central Command spokesperson Lt. Col. Damien Pickart said.

The stepped-up air campaign coincides with gains made by US-backed ground troops.

Iraqi military engineers installed a new floating bridge across the Tigris River last week, reconnecting the two halves of Mosul to facilitate troop deployments ahead of a final assault to dislodge Islamic State.

A pair of US Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles fly over northern Iraq after conducting airstrikes in Syria on the morning of September 23, 2014

All five bridges connecting the two sides of the city bisected by the Tigris were struck by the US-led coalition in order to hinder the militants' movements in the early stages of the campaign to retake Mosul last year.

Seven months on, Iraqi forces have removed ISIS from all but a pocket of territory in the western half of Mosul, including the Old City, where the militants are expected to make their last stand.

It is set to be the most complex battleground yet.

'This floating bridge is very important for deploying reinforcements to the west side rapidly to build up adequate forces to sweep the Old City soon,' Colonel Haitham al-Taie told Reuters.

Taie said the bridge in the Hawi al-Kaneesa area would also spare fleeing civilians from making a long journey to the nearest crossing point, about 20 miles south of Mosul.

Meanwhile, the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have seized 135 square miles in the past week, tightening 'their noose' on ISIS in an advance to isolate its base of operations at Raqqa, a spokesman for the US-led coalition said last week.

Some 3,000 to 4,000 ISIS fighters are thought to be holed up in Raqqa city where they continue to erect defenses against the anticipated assault, drawing coalition air strikes to stop them, Colonel Ryan Dillon, a spokesman for the US-led coalition, told Reuters in a phone interview from Baghdad.

The SDF, an alliance of Kurdish and Arab fighters, has been encircling Raqqa since November in a multi-phased offensive backed by the US-led coalition.

Two weeks ago, the SDF accomplished a major goal by capturing Tabqa some 30 miles west of Raqqa.
Christopher Harrison Jr., 29, of Baltimore, is accused of setting Shawn Scarinzi, 25, and David Campbell, 22, on fire after a fight in December 2015

A man who pleaded guilty to assault after setting two men on fire more than a year ago now faces a murder charge in the case.

Christopher Harrison Jr., 29, of Baltimore, was convicted of setting Shawn Scarinzi, 25, and David Campbell, 22, on fire after a fight in December 2015.

Baltimore County police say Mr Scarinzi died on Monday and Mr Campbell died in January.

Harrison, who is in prison on the assault convictions, was charged last week with first-degree murder in Campbell's death.

No charge has been filed in Mr Scarinzi's death.

Authorities say the fight broke out after the men, who were co-workers, went to a fuel station after running out of gas.

Police say Harrison threw gasoline on Mr Campbell and set him on fire in the middle of a highway.

Mr Scarinzi, who was standing near Campbell, was engulfed in flames.

A horrifying video, which was later posted online, shows the two men in flames - one of them running up an embankment while the other runs across the highway as he screams for help.

The second man is seen extinguishing the flames by rolling on the ground, only clad in his underwear after the fire burned off his clothes.

Harrison was charged last week with first-degree murder in 22-year-old David Campbell's (pictured) death in January

A horrifying video, which was later posted online, shows the two men in flames - one of them running up an embankment while the other runs across the highway as he screams for help

The reason for the workplace dispute has not been revealed but witness Anthony Rodriguez, who works with the three men, said Harrison had an ongoing dispute with one of the victims.

'They kept pushing him and pushing him, saying that they wanted to fight him,' Rodriguez told WBAL-TV.

David Widener, who was also at the scene, pulled out his camera to record what he thought was going to be a fist fight.

'They had agreed to settle it,' he said.

'Nothing besides that was said, even leading up to the altercation. They both took their shirts off and appeared like they were going to fight.'

Rodriguez said Williams then threw gas on one of the men.

'It just happened so quick,' he told the network.
President Trump wants to generate some more options in his search for a new FBI director, now that several top picks have dropped out and his hiring of a new personal lawyer raises a potential conflict in the search.

Several prominent potential candidates took themselves out of consideration for the post, leaving former Democrat-turned independent former senator Joe Lieberman as a leading candidate.

On Tuesday, it was revealed that Trump had tapped longtime legal adviser Mark Kasowitz to serve as his private attorney while a special counsel investigates whether his campaign worked with Russia in last year's election.

Kasowitz works at the same firm as Lieberman. Democrats had already raised the issue in arguing agains  which Trump must make under the spotlight of national scrutiny  saying Trump was trying to insulate himself by installing a politician with ties to him.

Former Senator Joe Lieberman waves as he leaves after a meeting with President Donald Trump for candidates for FBI director at the White House in Washington

CNN reported on air Wednesday that the White House 'has essentially hit the reset button on the search for a new FBI director.'

Trump is interested in 'expanding the pool,' the network reported.

A fourth candidate, former FBI official Richard McFeely, told the adminsitration over the weekend he was taking himself out of consideration.

The remaining publicly mentioned candidates are Lieberman, former Oklahoma Gov. Frank Keating and acting FBI director Andrew McCabe.

Fox Business Network and ABC first reported that Trump hired Marc Kasowitz, a New York-based trial lawyer known as a tenacious litigator, to represent him in a Justice Department investigation headed by former Federal Bureau of Investigation Director Robert Mueller.

Former Oklahoma Governor Frank Keating leaves the West Wing of the White House after meeting with US President Donald Trump on May 17, 2017 in Washington, DC.Keating is under consideration for the position of FBI Director

Former FBI Official Richard McFeely leaves the West Wing of the White House after meeting with US President Donald Trump on May 17, 2017. He took himself out of consideration

Trump fired former FBI director James Comey, but has denied his action had anything to do with the FBI's Russia probe. 'No, next question,' he said at a press conference before heading overseas.

The appointment of a private attorney may indicate that Trump is seriously considering the impact the federal investigation could have on him personally and that he may wish to protect himself should others in his administration turn against him.

The source said Kasowitz is expected to bring other lawyers on to work as a team to protect Trump.

Other candidates for the job, including Brendan Sullivan and Robert Giuffra, withdrew their names from consideration, the source said.

"He can be aggressive - he's got that in him for sure," said John Quinn of Quinn Emanuel Urquhart and Sullivan, who has worked with and opposite Kasowitz. "He also can be smooth as silk, respectful and deferential."

Kasowitz and the White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Reuters.

Kasowitz has represented Trump for more than 15 years but he is not known as a criminal defense lawyer. During last year's presidential campaign, Kasowitz threatened to sue the New York Times if it did not retract a story about women who accused Trump of touching them inappropriately. The Times did not retract the story.

He also assisted in the defense of fraud claims against Trump University, a series of real-estate seminars. After the election, Trump settled the claims for $25 million.

Trump has looked to Kasowitz's firm to fill positions in his administration. He has described former Senator Joseph Lieberman, a senior counsel at the firm, as a top candidate to serve as FBI director and is considering Edward McNally, a white-collar defense lawyer at the firm, as the next U.S. attorney in Manhattan. A former partner at the firm, David Friedman, was chosen by Trump as U.S. ambassador to Israel.

Kasowitz also represents OJSC Sberbank of Russia, the country's largest bank, which is being accused in a U.S. federal court of conspiring with granite company executives and others to raid the assets of a competitor.

The outside counsel would be separate from the White House Counsel's Office, led by Donald McGahn.

Mueller was appointed as special counsel by the Justice Department last week to investigate the Trump campaign's possible ties to Russia. Several congressional committees and the FBI are also investigating the matter.

U.S. intelligence agencies concluded in January that Moscow tried to sway the November vote in Trump's favor. Russia has denied involvement, and Trump has denied any collusion between his campaign and Russia.

Controversy has engulfed Trump since he fired FBI Director James Comey two weeks ago as Comey oversaw an investigation into possible collusion between his presidential campaign and Russia. (Reporting by Julia Edwards Ainsley, Nathan Layne, Karen Freifeld, Eric Beech and Eric Walsh; Writing by Andy Sullivan; Editing by Lisa Shumaker and Peter Cooney)
Sydney residents were woken up earlier than expected on Wednesday by a fierce thunderstorm, with some worried the enormous bangs were 'explosions'.

The storm thrashed North Sydney just after 5am with loud noises, believed to be lightning striking the ground, terrifying locals.

'Did anyone hear a loud bang in Sydney north shore? Not sure if thunder or explosion,' one concerned resident tweeted.

Police confirmed they had received a dozen calls to report the loud bangs, with all appearing to just be the thunder.

Sydney residents were woken up earlier than expected on Wednesday by a fierce thunderstorm

Police confirmed they had received a dozen calls to report the loud bangs, with all appearing to just be the thunder

Those in Cremorne, Drummoyne, Neutral Bay and other areas around the North Shore reported waking up to the fierce storm

Some said the thunder was the loudest noise they had ever heard.

'I just woke up to the most massive boom sound ever - shook the entire house at approximately 5:06am,' one resident told Nine News.

Those in Cremorne, Drummoyne, Neutral Bay and other areas around the North Shore reported waking up to the fierce storm.

'I just woke up to the most massive boom sound ever - shook the entire house at approximately 5:06am,' one resident said

Many Sydney residents took to Twitter after being woken up by the fierce storm

A series of cold fronts are moving across the southern states for the rest of the week, but the rain in New South Wales is expected to ease off until Sunday

FORECAST: WHAT THE WEATHER LOOKS LIKE SYDNEY Wednesday : Min 12, Max 23. Sunny Thursday: Min 13, Max 20. Mostly sunny Friday: Min 10, Max 21. Mostly sunny Saturday: Min 11, Max 22. Mostly sunny BRISBANE: Wednesday: Min 16, Max 27. Morning fog Thursday: Min 15, Max 25. Mostly sunny Friday: Min 14, Max 24. Possible shower Saturday: Min 14, Max 23. Showers ADELAIDE Wednesday : Min 10, Max 19. Showers Thursday : Min 11, Max 20. Showers Friday: Min 10, Max 21. Mostly sunny Saturday: Min 11, Max 20. Shower or two DARWIN Wednesday: Min 23, Max 24. Sunny Thursday: Min 22, Max 33. Mostly sunny Friday : Min 22, Max 33. Mostly sunny Saturday: Min 22, Max 33. Mostly sunny MELBOURNE Wednesday : Min 10, Max 17. Showers Thursday : Min 10, Max 18. Late shower Friday : Min 10, Max 18. Partly cloudy Saturday: Min 11, Max 18. Cloudy CANBERRA Wednesday : Min 4, Max 15. Cloudy Thursday : Min 4, Max 15. Partly cloudy Friday : Min 1, Max 17. Partly cloudy Saturday: Min 3, Max 16. Partly cloudy PERTH Wednesday : Min 10, Max 20. Showers Thursday : Min 9, Max 22. Mostly sunny Friday : Min 12, Max 21. Showers Saturday: Min 7, Max 19. Partly cloudy HOBART Wednesday : Min 8, Max 15. Showers Thursday : Min 8, Max 16. Shower or two Friday : Min 9, Max 15. Partly cloudy Saturday: Min 7, Max 17. Possible rain Advertisement

'Was that inversion lightning in Sydney that just jolted us all from our sleep?' one woman asked the Bureau of Meterology on Twitter.

'Loudest (thunder) I have ever heard!' another said.

A series of cold fronts are moving across the southern states for the rest of the week, but the rain in New South Wales is expected to ease off until Sunday.

'Loudest (thunder) I have ever heard!' one resident said
An online petition calling for all Bunnings' sausage sizzles to serve vegan snags is gathering momentum.

Australia is recognised as the third fastest vegan growing market in the world and now activists are calling for the healthier vegan sausage to become a permanent part of the Bunnings repertoire.

The petition on Change.org, started by Dean Maher, only needs 53 more e-signatures to reach 5,000 target.

Vegans are calling for Bunnings to offer a vegan snag at their iconic sausage sizzles

The online petition has called for vegan sausages to be a permanent option at the weekend sausage sizzles at Bunnings Warehouse (Stock Image)

A worldwide leading vegan activist and Australian musician Jona Weinhofen has supported the petition.

The 'I killed the Prom Queen' guitarist took to Twitter claiming: 'Make vegan sausages a option at ALL sausage sizzles - Sign the Petition!' [sic]

Vegans were adamant they felt left out of an Australian tradition when visiting Bunnings.

'Because every time I go to Bunnings I have to watch my husband get a sausage and eat it, I feel like I am not allowed to be a part of helping the community because I don't eat meat,' one petitioner wrote.

'Because it's about time. And just makes sense to cater for the rapidly growing vegans/vegetarian kids too,' another wrote on the website.

The petition reads: 'It's 2017. Not only are vegan sausages delicious, but they are healthier, have a much smaller environmental footprint and no innocent animal had to suffer! It's a win win.'

'I killed the Prom Queen' guitarist and vegan activist Jona Weinhofen has endorsed the petition
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Pete Souza, the photographer who documented Obama's eight years in office, returned to Washington DC on Monday to follow around a very different president.

Rather than traipse after Barack and Michelle as he did so lovingly throughout his two terms, Souza followed House of Cards titans Frank Underwood (Kevin Spacey) and Doug Stampner (Michael Kelly).

The show's fifth series will be launched on Netflix on May 30 and Souza was hired by the streaming website to drum up excitement ahead of the launch by producing the photo series which are titled 'A Day in the Life of Frank Underwood'.

The resultant images show Spacey in his unmistakable Underwood charm talking with the show's fans, in the back of a presidential limo and walking the streets of D.C.

It is not the first time the show has permeated the real world of politics. Indeed, a portrait of Spacey in the role was previously commissioned by the National Portrait Gallery which also houses every US president in history's portrait.

Speaking of their day out, Souza said: 'It was a pleasure working with Kevin and Michael and photographing them around some of D.C.s most recognizable locations.

'Whether photographing the real President or a fictitious presidential character, its an exciting experience.' Below are a selection of the images from the day.

Former White House photographer for the Obama administration Pete Souza swapped real life presidents for Kevin Spacey's fictitious Frank Underwood on Tuesday ahead of the launch of the fifth series of House of Cards. He photographed Spacey along with co-star Michael Kelly who plays Underwood's shadow Chief of Staff Doug Stampner

The pair were joined by faux secret service agents for the photo shoot which took place around Washington DC on Tuesday

Souza thrust the actors into very real Washington DC haunts which included Ben's Chili Bowl

Outside, he maintained his ministerial edge as he chatted with a group of young fans

Duty called for Spacey who, maintaining his presidential character, posed for photographs with fans of the show just as a sitting president might with adoring countrymen

They were mobbed outside the White House by a group of tourists. Spacey dolled out Underwood handshakes for the crowd

A shoe shine and Starbucks set the scene for another of Souza's well-crafted images from the day

Spacey dished an unmistakably Underwood grin for the camera as the group visited the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial

A group of visiting children followed them as they made their way through the tourist hot-spot. Kelly, who plays Underwood's shadowy Chief of Staff Doug Stampner, refused to break character

Spacey ditches the jacket for a more laid-back portrait while talking to some young House of Cards fans

At The Old Ebbitt Grill, a historic watering hole which has been frequented by politicos for decades, the pair took a pew at the bar

Kelly issued orders as the pair walked down Pennsylvania Avenue flanked by two in-character Secret Service agents

The real deal: Souza captured Obama's administration diligently throughout his eight years in office. Among his most iconic photographs is this one, taken in the situation room as the president and then Secretary of State Hillary Clinton received updates from the Navy Seal mission to kill Osama bin Laden in 2011
An emotional Karl Stefanovic has paid tribute to those killed in the Manchester terror attack, telling of his heartache at seeing young people die with so much life ahead of them.

The Today Show co-host's voice shook as he looked at photos and spoke about Saffie Rose Roussos, eight, Georgina Callandar, 18, and John Atkinson, 26, who all died in the bombing.

A father-of-three, Stefanovic was particularly moved when speaking on Saffie Rose, describing how exciting it is for parents to take their children to concerts and telling of his devastation that so many young people would never make it home.

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An emotional Karl Stefanovic (pictured) has paid tribute to those killed in the Manchester terror attack, telling of his heartache at seeing young people killed with so much life ahead

'Just look at that face. Her whole life was ahead of her, everything that life brings is gone,' Stefanovic said when looking at images of Saffie Rose.

'It was so eloquently pointed out yesterday when parents go to a concert with a child they watch their child and not the concert, and all the joy that brings them.

'The singing, the dancing, the freedom, Saffie won't ever come home.'

The primary school student attended the concert with her mother Lisa Roussos, 48, and older sister Ashlee Bromwich, who were both critically injured in the attack.

Rushed straight to intensive care in the wake of the attack, it's believed Ms Roussos is currently lying unconscious in a Manchester hospital.

A devastated family friend revealed to MailOnline that Saffie Rose's mother had yet to be told about her daughter's death.

A father-of-two, Stefanovic was particularly moved when speaking about Saffie Rose (pictured), describing how exciting it is for parents to take their children to concerts

The first victim of the Manchester terror attack was named locally as 18-year-old Georgina Callander (left). She is pictured with Ariana Grande two years ago

Running through more photos of those believed to be dead or missing, Stefanovic's voice croaked as he continued his emotional speech.

'So many young faces, so many missing, so many dead and so many innocent,' he said.

'It's an attack on our most vulnerable.'
Only seven extremists have been placed under anti-terror orders watered down at the behest of the LibDems despite there being at least 3,000 fanatics at large in Britain.

The so-called T-Pims - Terrorism Prevention and Investigation Measures - are the toughest tool the security services have to restrict the activities of terror plotters and sympathisers.

They replaced the more restrictive Control Orders which were axed in 2011 at the bidding of then Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg following a row over human rights.

Armed police on patrol in Manchester the day after the concert attack

Police and other emergency services are seen near the Manchester Arena

T-Pims are supposed to ensure that the police and MI5 can protect the public from UK-based fanatics who cannot yet be prosecuted or deported by placing curbs on their movements and activities.

Restrictions can relate to overseas travel and place of residence, and limits can be imposed on the possession and use of electronic communication devices.

Suspects can also be required to live in a property up to 200 miles away from their home.

But a statement slipped out to Parliament in December revealed that, as of the end of November, only seven T-Pims were in force.

By contrast, in the months after the Paris attacks in 2015, almost 400 people were placed under house arrest in France by the authorities there.

British courts have been accused of weakening T-Pims by chiselling away their conditions and making it very difficult for the security services to secure them.

This has meant that they have become reluctant to seek them, fearing that they would be squandering thousands of pounds of taxpayers money on legal fees for little gain.

Chris Phillips, the ex-head of the national counter terrorism and security office, said he did not believe the current regime of T-Pims was working.

He said: The number of people subjected to T-Pims is far too low given the number of extremists concerned.

It really should be in the hundreds. If it is worthwhile monitoring theses fanatics, then ministers should not shy away from it.

The last Government watered the sanctions down but they may need to look at beefing them up again. They cannot brush this issue under the carpet any longer.

Last year Keith Vaz, then Labour chairman of the Commons Home Affairs Select Committee, suggested Prime Minister Theresa May looked at bolstering the T-Pims given that she had been under pressure from her Liberal Democrat colleagues in the Coalition government to abandon control orders.

And in 2014, Lord Carlile, a LibDem peer who was the independent reviewer of terror legislation for 10 years, said control orders had been abandoned for political reasons. He added: The evidence is clear that the absence of anything like control orders is harming the ability of the authorities to restrict the activities of people that they identify as threats.

Concert goers wait to be picked up at the scene of Monday night's terror blast

There has been a heavy police presence in Manchester since attack

Britain is currently facing a heightened terror threat.

In March, IS sympathiser Khalid Masood, 52, murdered five and injured more than 50 in a vehicle-and-knife rampage outside Parliament. The fanatic was shot dead during the attack.

The UKs terror threat level is currently severe - the second highest level - amid warnings that a jihadist atrocity is highly likely.

Security chiefs have warned that hundreds of young Britons who joined Islamic State jihadists in Iraq and Syria have returned home, while others have brainwashed lone wolf Muslims to carry out attacks.

Control orders were introduced by Labour to deal with dangerous extremists who not be hauled before the courts but after 2010 they came under fire from the Lib Dems who said they were unfair because the suspects had not been found guilty of a crime.

Under these suspects faced 16-hour curfews, an electronic tags, bans from meeting named individuals and using mobile phones and the internet, and could be forced to relocate to other parts of the country - ensuring they were not in touch with any jihadist allies.

They were replaced by T-Pims with a reduced curfew requirement of ten hours and suspects were no longer restricted on where they could live.

Terror suspects placed on control orders and T-Pims could also be required to surrender their passports so they could not travel outside Britain

In an extraordinary security fiasco in February 2014, controls on seven of the most dangerous terror suspects in Britain  including two fanatics linked to the liquid bomb airline plot  were lifted and never renewed.

It meant they were free to walk the UKs streets under a cloak of state-sanctioned anonymity.

Control orders were themselves a replacement for measures introduced in the wake of the September 11 attacks which allowed foreign national terror suspects to be detained indefinitely without trial. The measures were declared incompatible with human rights by Law Lords in 2004.
Prime Minister Theresa May walks to deliver a statement on the Manchester Arena terror attacks outside 10 Downing Street

A nearby clock tower had just tolled 11am when a plainly affected Theresa May stepped out of No 10 to make a statement about the killings. Normally the mood in Downing Street before a Prime Ministerial appearance crackles with chatter. Yesterday the mood of the Press corps was subdued.

The shiny black door swung open and photographers shutters click-click-clicked. There was no other sound. No helicopter droned overhead, as sometimes happens.

No crowd of protesters jeered slogans at the distant gates. And there were no lensmens exhortations of over here, Theresa, when they try to get her to look their way. Not yesterday. Just silence.

She was in black trouser suit, black, flat shoes, respectful jewellery, tidy hair. The narrow legs of that trouser suit accentuated her slim-shouldered frame, more vulnerable than you might expect. As she came out of the doorway I was struck by how fragile and lonely she looked.

Although on show, she retained a contemplative, sombre air. In some ways it was the expression of a churchgoer returning to her place after communion.

Of course, she is the least lonely person in the country, constantly surrounded by aides and bodyguards and general to-do. Yet terrorism makes an island of the person at the top. She was the one who had to make the decisions and find words to reassure the nation. How to describe the indescribable? There was a pause as she braced herself for the off. Then: I have just chaired a meeting of the Governments emergency committee where we discussed the details of and the response to the appalling events in Manchester last night.

May speaks to the media after chairing a meeting of the Governments emergency COBRA committee at Downing Street

And she was launched on a long, powerful statement in which she averred that the spirit of Manchester and the spirit of Britain would prevail. It was a spirit that through years of conflict and terrorism has never been broken and never would be, she said. Her cadence turning Churchillian, she conceded there will be difficult days ahead but the terrorists would not win.

Mancunian and British solidarity would prove insuperable. The one chink in its armour, perhaps, came when she mentioned the children who had died, and the voice momentarily wobbled.

May speeches are not always memorable. She can sometimes sound prosaic, the larynx doing that warbly, headmistressy thing. Not yesterday. She had not had any sleep and her timbre had sunk a note or two. Her weariness, stark lipstick contrasting with her pale skin, lent her grit. Though physically weary, she was tough inside.

Downing Street makes a theatrical setting. The buildings facade is as flat as any stage back-wall and the bluey greyness of the old brickwork was lifted by sunshine.

Two fine British bobbies stood on duty, out of TV shot but either side of No 10. Suited detectives guarded the Jaguar waiting to whisk her north. A few Foreign Office staff stood behind a large, wrought-iron gate directly opposite Mrs May, watching her, rapt.

People lay tributes at a vigil for the people who lost their lives during the terror attack in central Manchester

One of them was a woman in Muslim head-dress. Attempts to divide our society would not succeed, said Mrs May.

She cited the countless acts of kindness that had been seen in Manchester after the attack. The images we hold in our minds should not be those of the senseless slaughter but of the ordinary men and woman who put concerns about their own safety to one side and rushed to help.

Donald Trump, in his own, direct and welcome way, may have mocked the terrorists as losers but vicars daughter Mrs May was finding her own way of asserting our values. There was nothing boastful or histrionic in her remarks. She voiced a controlled, civilised outrage at this assault on Manchesters defenceless children and their families.

Our Prime Minister  and yes, that is very much what she sounded yesterday  is not a woman given easily to emotion. In the past some have accused her of being robotic. Not yesterday, they wouldnt have done.

Not yesterday. She was poised, sympathetic, sturdy. She spoke her piece well.
Pauline Hanson offered her embattled chief of staff James Ashby a position as a One Nation candidate in last year's Federal Election.

Australian Federal Police are evaluating whether Mr Ashby flouted electoral laws when he suggested the party make money out of Queensland taxpayers via state candidates.

Ms Hanson is sticking by Mr Ashby, who she claims declined a spot on the One Nation ticket last year to avoid 'destroying' Ms Hanson's chances.

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Pauline Hanson is pictured with her chief of staff James Ashby in March this year in the Senate chamber at Parliament House in Canberra

'He is capable, very articulate young man who has no ambitions to be a member of parliament because I have already offered that job to him in the last election if he would stand on the ticket with me,' Ms Hanson told Paul Murray on Sky News on Tuesday night.

'He said, "Pauline, no I don't", he said, "because I don't want to do anything that will destroy your chances of getting elected to parliament".'

Ms Hanson went on to claim those criticising Mr Ashby merely want to undermine her.

'They are trying to undermine me through James Ashby, to get rid of James because we work so well together,' she said.

The staffer has denied any wrongdoing.

'It was a silly idea and it didn't go anywhere,' Mr Ashby said.

A secret recording of a party meeting from the first half of last year was leaked to the Courier Mail.

In the recording, Mr Ashby is heard suggesting the party 'make some money' at the upcoming Queensland poll by charging candidates an inflated price for campaign expenses before reclaiming the costs back from the Electoral Commission.

Pauline Hanson is struggling through claims a secret tape recording reveals chief of staff James Ashby attempted to cash in on One Nation candidates and taxpayers

In the recording, Mr Ashby said they could charge candidates $11 for the campaign posters which cost the party $6 to make.

'Can I just point out  and I have said this once before  there is an opportunity for us to make some money on this if we play this smart,' Mr Ashby said in the tape recording.

'We say to the candidates, we will fund 50 per cent of this [printing] package, so the package might be $5,000 - you're going to pay $2,500 and we'll pay the other $2,500 of the $5,000.'

'The other $2,500 is the profit.'

Asked to explain, he replies: 'Because when you lodge the receipt at the full price with the Electoral Commission of Queensland you get back the full amount that's been issued to you as an invoice.'

He was also heard to say: 'I will deny I ever said this.'

Ms Hanson at one point said in the recording: 'Just look at  what is the best financial outlook for us, all right, at the end of the day.'

One Nation leader Pauline Hanson is pictured with her chief of staff James Ashby in February at Parliament House in Canberra

Mr Ashby has since said he regrets his choice of words but described the conversation as a brainstorming session

Ms Hanson and Mr Ashby claim the scheme never went ahead and was immediately dropped.

In response to the news, former One Nation candidate Lynette Keehn said she was forced to put her campaign costs on her credit card and was never refunded by the party, The Australian reported.

Candidates receive campaign costs back from the Electoral Commission if they receive above four per cent of primary votes. Ms Keehn obtained 18 per cent of the primary vote, but she claims she was turned away when she approached the party for a refund.

'Yes, I did [ask for a refund]. Well, I was told that doesn't happen,' she told The Australian.

Ms Keehn claims she has been left in debt up to $7,000.

Former One Nation Queensland director Ian Nelson said he had attended multiple meetings during which Mr Ashby had been unopposed by Ms Hanson and other party officials when he suggested artificially inflating the price of campaign costs to recoup from the Electoral Commission in the state election.

The One Nation leader is pictured speaking to Paul Murray on Sky News

'He's said it on many occasions,' Mr Nelson told AAP.

Mr Ashby again rejected the claim.

The Australian Greens have renewed their call for a federal anti-corruption commission following the misconduct allegations.

The party intends to reintroduce legislation to establish a national ICAC after the taped recordings were leaked.

'This is a man who thinks it's ok to rip off his own candidates in an effort to make more money for Pauline Hanson's political party,' Greens leader Richard Di Natale told reporters in Canberra on Tuesday.

Queensland Labor Senator Murray Watt on Monday referred the recording to the Australian Federal Police, Queensland police commissioner and the Queensland electoral commissioner.

In letters to each, Mr Watt urged an investigation into whether Ms Hanson, Mr Ashby and their party had breached funding requirements.

'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,' he wrote.

Ms Hanson is pictured with election campaign material including corflutes on the night of the Federal Election last year. The tape recording in question refers to the Queensland election

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has flagged retrospective legislation to close any loopholes political parties could use to defraud taxpayers as police are asked to probe a secret recording of a One Nation party meeting.

Ms Palaszczuk on Tuesday said if those investigations showed up any loopholes in the state's electoral laws, she would act to close them.

'If the independent investigations of these allegations reveals gaps in our electoral laws that political parties could use to defraud taxpayers, then I will fill those gaps,' Ms Palaszczuk said in state parliament on Tuesday.

The premier also pledged to make the laws retrospective, meaning they would apply to the One Nation case if any wrongdoing is found to have occurred.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has said electoral laws must be strictly complied with and both Mr Ashby and Ms Hanson need to respond to the reports.

Mr Ashby has said One Nation will lodge a complaint with police over the secret recording, which he says was illegal.
Former Prime Minister William Gladstone was so concerned about the sexual depravity of London in the 19th century, he walked the streets to rescue and rehabilitate prostitutes.

But what would the Liberal grandee make of his great-great-great granddaughter, former model Olivia Inge, showing off her derriere in public?

Olivia Inge, showing off her bottom in public, shared with the caption 'When karma comes and stings you on the bum while crouching on stinging nettles'

Olivia Inge, left, is the great-great-great granddaughter of Liberal grandee William Gladstone, who was Liberal Prime Minister and rehabilitated prostitutes

The 36-year-old qualified massage therapist posted this cheeky snap from Devon, in which she hoists up her silver sequin dress to reveal her buttock.

Attempting to explain herself online, she writes that she was joking with a friend by crouching over stinging nettles: 'When karma comes and stings you on the bum . . . '

Desert Island Discs Kirsty Young hankers for the days when guests would be plied with booze by original host Roy Plomley to get them to open up.

Kirsty, 48, says: Sadly, I am not allowed the indulgence of loosening my guests tongues with a couple of large G and Ts, as Roy sometimes did!

'But I do have the advantage of talking to castaways in an era when a little bit of introspection is considered a desirable thing.

Hotel heiress dispenses with introductions!

There was no danger of mistaking her identity when hotel heiress Nicky Hilton turned up to the American Ballet Theatre Spring 2017 Gala on Monday at New Yorks Metropolitan Opera House.

The 33-year-old sister of Paris Hilton carried a sparkly silver clutch with her name emblazoned on the front.

The 33-year-old sister of Paris Hilton carried a sparkly silver clutch with her name emblazoned on the front

She ensured she didn't need to be introduced when she arrived at the Spring Gala in New York

Nickys 6,000 Oscar de la Renta frock was a snip compared to the 60,000 outfit she wore for her wedding to British banking heir James Rothschild in 2015.
Australian drug users are more likely to smoke a bong than have tobacco or caffeine, according to a global drug survey.

Cocaine also costs so much that users pay more than double the next most expensive country, results of the 2017 Global Drug Survey showed.

The white powder cost a massive $321 a gram and only slightly less in New Zealand, far in excess of the world's cheapest $5.26 a gram in top producer Colombia.

The revelations came after a jailed drug kingpin boasted he could sell a kilogram of cocaine for $238,000 in Australia compared to $27,000 in Los Angeles.

Cocaine costs so much in Australia that users pay more than double the next most expensive country, according to a global drug survey

Results of the 2017 Global Drug Survey also showed Australians were the world's biggest bong users but still drank alcohol more than they did drugs

The survey results, seen by the Sydney Morning Herald, also showed Australians were the world's biggest bong users but still drank alcohol more than they did drugs.

The data came from 5,700 Australian respondents to a 115,000-person anonymous survey of drug users around the world.

More than 75 per cent of Australian participants said they used illegal drugs and a third had in the past month.

They were even more likely to use marijuana than tobacco or caffeine with ecstasy the next most popular, followed by cocaine and LSD.

Marijuana users slightly preferred smoking their joints mixed with tobacco, but Australia was one of few countries to not have a clear preference

The data came from 5,700 Australian respondents to a 115,000-person anonymous survey of drug users around the world

Marijuana users slightly preferred smoking their joints mixed with tobacco, but Australia was one of few countries to not have a clear preference.

New Zealand and The Americas preferred smoking straight weed while those from Europe usually mixed the two drugs together.

Australians were also more likely than average to inject drugs, with six per cent saying they had done it compared to two per cent globally.

People were usually about 20 when they first used $19 tabs of LSD and were surrounded by friends who helped them through their first experience.

Australians were also more likely than average to inject drugs, with six per cent saying they had done it compared to two per cent globally

Ice was not mentioned in the survey's results, despite widespread use in Australia

Magic mushrooms came a bit later at 22, which they usually ate whole instead of mixing with food like users in other countries.

Psychedelic drugs were usually tried out of curiosity, but respondents also said they wanted to 'expand their minds' and learn more about themselves and the world.

The online survey was intended to identify trends in the drug using population, and was not able to draw estimates of how many Australians were drug users.
A coroner has criticised police for failing to answer four phone calls made from inside the Lindt Cafe during a deadly siege, saying it was a 'significant failure'.

On Wednesday, Survivors and victims' relatives finally heard NSW coroner Michael Barnes deliver his findings into the Lindt Cafe siege which claimed the lives of two people on December 16, 2014.

Mr Barnes told the inquest the police bravery during the siege 'inspired awe,' but called for NSW police to review its siege response training after failing to answer four phone calls made within 30 minutes because they were in a 'handover briefing'.

'This was a significant failure in basic siege management,' he said.

Cafe manager Tori Johnson and Sydney barrister Katrina Dawson were killed as the Martin Place stand-off came to a horrific end.

Cafe manager Tori Johnson (right) and Sydney barrister Katrina Dawson (left) were killed as the Martin Place stand-off came to a horrific end in the early hours of December 16

Mr Barnes confirmed the incident was a terrorist attack while handing down his findings on Wednesday

Katrina Dawson's parents, Alexander and Jane, arrived at the court on Wednesday

Mr Barnes said the families of the victims were treated 'insensitively' after there was a delay in them getting any news on their loved ones from police.

Ms Dawson's parents, Alexander and Jane, were seen clutching each other's hands as they arrived at the inquest on Wednesday to hear the findings.

Mr Barnes confirmed the incident was a terrorist attack.

In handing down his findings on police response, the magistrate said snipers positioned in Martin Place should not be criticised for failing to shoot Monis before he killed Mr Johnson.

'The snipers could not have safely resolved the siege,' he told the inquest.

He said police were wrongly under the impression Monis had a bomb inside the cafe.

After the siege, Monis was shot by specialist police who stormed the stronghold 17 hours after he walked into the building with a shotgun.

For Mr Johnson and Ms Dawson's families, the lengthy inquest process had been painful, particularly hearing that the death of a hostage was set as the trigger for officers to launch their assault.

Mr Barnes said there was 'considerable controversy' over what made police decide to storm in, but confirmed the primary trigger was the death of a hostage.

'In my view, those triggers were appropriate,' he told the inquest.

Sydney siege hostage Jarrod Morton-Hoffman (pictured) did not offer any comment after he left the inquest on Wednesday

Mr Barnes told the inquest the police bravery during the siege 'inspired awe,' but called for NSW police to review its siege response training after failing to answer four phone calls

Outside court, victim Lousia Hope told reporters 'getting back to normal life will be lovely'

Deputy Commissioner Dave Hudson spoke to media saying police will take time to consider the findings

'I conclude that the commanders had insufficient guidance to help them assess whether the secondary intangible trigger, the imminent risk of Monis' killing or injuring a hostage, had escalated to a point where it outweighed the risk associated with a forced entry'.

Monis was on bail awaiting a trial on 40 sex offences when he took the Lindt Cafe hostages and Mr Barnes said police 'made a mistake' failing to arrest him two months earlier.

'That error increased Man Monis's chance of being granted bail when he appeared in court,' Mr Barnes said.

Outside court, victim Lousia Hope told reporters 'getting back to normal life will be lovely'.

'It's a wonderful thing this is now over. It's been a very stressful time'.

Mr Johnson's partner Thomas Zinn described the findings as 'shocking,' and said the family could not have imagined what was going to be in the inquest.

Despite the 'failures of various authorities', Mr Zinn said the family had a 'high regard and respect' for the officers who put their lives at risk.

'We acknowledge the grief and trauma they have experienced,' he said.

Mr Johnson's partner Thomas Zinn (centre) described the findings as 'shocking,' and said the family could not have imagined what was going to be in the inquest

Despite the 'failures of various authorities', Mr Zinn said the family had a 'high regard and respect' for the officers who put their lives at risk

Ms Dawson's parents, Alexander and Jane, were seen clutching each other's hands as they arrived at the inquest on Wednesday morning to hear the findings

After the siege, gunman Man Haron Monis was shot by specialist police who stormed the stronghold 17 hours after he walked into the building with a shotgun

Siege hostage Harriette Denny was also in court when the coroner handed down the findings

After the findings were handed down, ABC's Four Corners released a video ahead of its second episode into the inquest next Monday of NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller saying they should have been let in earlier to rescue the hostages.

'We certainly should have gone in earlier,' Commissioner Fuller told Four Corners.

'We need to have gone in at a time when there was some sense of control, rather than us going in having no idea where he possibly was, no idea where the other hostages were  it would've been one of the most dangerous times to go in.'

Mr Barnes also found questionable advice from a psychiatrist caused police to underestimate the threat of Monis.

He described the unnamed consultant psychiatrist's role advising police on tactics during the December 2014 siege as 'suboptimal'.

'He made erroneous and unrealistic assessments of what was occurring in the stronghold,' Mr Barnes said.

'He gave ambiguous advice. And he was permitted to go beyond his area of expertise to give advice about Islamic terrorism'.

Mr Barnes called on the NSW Police to consider expanding the number of psychological advisers it uses as consultants and introduce clear policies for any that are called on to assist in future.

Having a diverse panel of experts available would help reduce the chances of any single psychological adviser going outside their area of expertise, he said, and provide siege responders access to more reliable information.

For Mr Johnson and Ms Dawson's families, the lengthy inquest process has been painful, particularly hearing that the death of a hostage was set as the trigger for officers to launch their assault

Mr Barnes is also likely to make findings about the sharing of intelligence between agencies, but sections of the report relevant to ASIO will be kept under wraps. Victims escaping the siege is pictured

As they left, Ms Dawson's parents clutched hands again after hearing the Lindt Cafe siege findings

Lindt cafe hostages Louisa Hope (left) and Paolo Vassallo (right) were both at the inquest to hear the findings
A heavily obese man who allegedly attempted to groom a 13-year-old girl for sex, has been arrested by police in a targetted child exploitation sting.

Pictures captured the moment the man was sprung by members of the NSW police sex crimes squad, while waiting to meet what he believed was a girl he'd met online.

The 47-year-old from near Coffs Harbour, on the NSW north coast, has been charged with grooming and procuring a child online, after unknowingly talking to police who were acting as the teenage girl he'd hoped to meet for sex.

A heavily obese man who allegedly attempted to groom a 13-year-old girl for sex, has been arrested by police in a targetted child exploitation sting on the north coast of New South Wales

Pictures captured the moment the man was sprung by members of the NSW police sex crimes squad, while waiting to meet what he believed was a girl he'd met online on Tuesday

In March 2017, strike force officers from the NSW State Crime Command Sex Crimes Squad pretended to be a 13-year-old girl and began engaging online with the man.

During their conversations, the man allegedly engaged in sexually-explicit chats and even made arrangements to meet the child for sex.

At 10am on Tuesday, with the man believing he was about to meet the girl, police arrived and arrested him.

Detectives also executed a search warrant at a house in nearby Woolgoolga, NSW, where they seized a computer and electronic storage devices.

The man will face the Coffs Harbour Local Court on Wednesday after he was refused bail following his arrest.

During conversations with what he believed was the young girl, the man allegedly engaged in numerous sexually-explicit chats and even made arrangements with her to meet for sex

The Sex Crimes Squad's Child Exploitation Internet Unit (CEIU) investigates sexual abuse and exploitation of children online under Strike Force Trawler.

Strike Force Trawler is an ongoing investigation into sexual abuse and exploitation of children facilitated through the internet and related telecommunications devices.

Regular covert online investigations are conducted by the Child Exploitation Internet Unit and police in NSW work closely with their law-enforcement colleagues interstate and overseas.
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Landmarks across the globe were lit up in the colours of the Union flag last night as the world united to honour the victims of the Manchester terror attack.

From Geneva to Dubai, buildings were illuminated in red, white and blue as people everywhere mourned the 22 people who lost their lives - and stood in solidarity.

The lights of the Eiffel Tower and the Colosseum were turned off in a poignant tribute, while 'God Save the Queen' was played ahead of a baseball game in New York last night.

It came as thousands of people gathered in the centre of Manchester in a show of defiance, declaring they will not be 'beaten' or 'intimidated' in the wake of the terror attack. Vigils were also held in cities across the UK.

Poignant: The Union flag was projected on to a fountain in Zagreb, Croatia, last night as the world stood united with Britain

Remembered: The Burj Khalifa in Dubai, left, and the Le Jet d'Eau in Geneva, Switzerland were also lit up in red, white and blue

Respect: New York Yankees players bow their heads, bottom right, as God Save the Queen is played and the Union flag is projected on a screen, centre, ahead of a match with the Kansas City Royals at Yankee Stadium last night

The colours of the St George's Cross shone on the arches of Wembley stadium and 'For Manchester' was written on the screen

Flag: Belfast City Hall illuminated in the colours of the UK's flag the day after A nail bomb was detonated outside the Manchester Arena after a concert mainly attended by young people

The moving show of solidarity was also seen in Belfast, where City Hall was illuminated in the colours of the Union flag.

Meanwhile in Sunderland, the Penshaw Monument looked striking in red, white an blue, casting an imposing figure against the night sky.

Above the rooftops of Prague, the illuminated Petrin Towers served as a memorial to the lives that were lost.

Further afield, the spire of the Melbourne Arts Centre in Australia was also illuminated while 'we stand with the United Kingdom' was beamed out from the HSBC building in Hong Kong.

The HSBC building in Hong Kong, left, and the spire of the Melbourne Arts Centre in Australia were also illuminated

Dramatic: The Petrin Tower was illuminated in red, white and blue above the rooftops of Prague, Czech Republic, lsat night

Meanwhile in the heart of Manchester, bouquets of flowers continue to be laid in St Ann's Square as the city comes together in a show of solidarity.

Crowds gathered to remember the 22 people who died and the dozens who were injured when 22-year-old suicide bomber Salman Abedi attacked concert-goers leaving an Ariana Grande gig at Manchester Arena.

A 14-year-old girl and an off-duty female police officer have been named among the latest victims of the terror attack as other families still wait for news of their missing loved ones.

Poignant: The lights of the Eiffel tower fell dark at midnight in Paris on Tuesday to honor the victims of the suicide attack at an Ariana Grande concert that left 22 people dead

Respect: Penshaw Monument in Sunderland looked resplendent lit up in red, white and blue. Also in the North-East the Union flag is being flown at half mast on the Sunderland Civic Centre as a mark of respect
President Donald Trump late last month praised his Filipino counterpart, Rodrigo Duterte, for doing 'an unbelievable job' in his war on drugs even as human rights groups accuse him of sanctioning murder and extrajudicial killings in the southeast Asian country, it was learned on Tuesday.

'You are a good man,' the president told Duterte during a phone call on April 29.

'Keep up the good work.'

An official transcript of the call, which was first produced by the Philippine's Department of Foreign Affairs, was obtained by the news site The Intercept.

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President Donald Trump (left) late last month praised his Filipino counterpart, Rodrigo Duterte (seen right), for doing 'an unbelievable job' in his war on drugs

Trump was heavily criticized after the White House described the call as a 'friendly' one at the end of which the president invited Duterte to visit the White House.

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.

Now the newly leaked transcripts reveal the extent to which Trump gushed over Duterte.

The conversation started when Trump complimented Duterte's work ethic.

'You don't sleep much, you're just like me,' Trump told Duterte.

Then the conversation shifted to Duterte's highly controversial crackdown on suspected drug users.

Two grief-stricken women are pictured next to the body of a man accused of being a drug peddler, who was shot by armed assailants on a motorcycle in July 2016. His family claims he was not involved with drugs

A suspect lies dead after a shootout, believed to be with police, on August 18, 2016 in Manila, Philippines

The dead body of an alleged drug dealer gunned down by unidentified men is seen in Manila in September 25, 2016

'I just wanted to congratulate you because I am hearing of the unbelievable job on the drug problem,' Trump told Duterte.

'Many countries have the problem, we have a problem, but what a great job you are doing and I just wanted to call and tell you that.'

'Thank you Mr. President,' Duterte replied to Trump.

'This is the scourge of my nation now and I have to do something to preserve the Filipino nation.'

During the conversation, Trump went out of his way to differentiate himself from his predecessor, Barack Obama, who was critical of the Duterte government's policies.

In September, Obama cancelled a planned first meeting with Duterte on the sidelines of an Asian summit in Laos after the Filipino leader blurted 'son of a b***h' in warning the US leader not to lecture him on human rights ahead of their meeting.

Duterte later expressed regrets over his remarks.

A month later, Duterte told Obama to 'go to hell' after the then-president again criticized the Manila government's human rights record.

In their phone call, Trump told his Filipino counterpart that unlike Obama, he knows where Duterte is coming from.

Human rights groups have accused Duterte of sanctioning murder and extrajudicial killings by unleashing vigilante death squads to target suspected drug users in his country

'I understand that, and fully understand that, and I think we had a previous president who did not understand that,' Trump said, 'but I understand that and we have spoken about this before.'

During the phone call, Trump appeared to entertain the possibility of a US nuclear strike on North Korea.

'We can't let a madman with nuclear weapons let on the loose like that,' Trump told Duterte.

'We have a lot of firepower, more than he has times 20, but we don't want to use it.'

'We have a lot of firepower over there. We have two submarines - the best in the world - we have two nuclear submarines - not that we want to use them at all,' Trump said.

'I've never seen anything like they are, but we don't have to use this, but he could be crazy so we will see what happens.'

Trump told Duterte that the US would try to diffuse the North Korea crisis through China.

Duterte replied that he would be happy to call China's president, Xi Jinping, to facilitate the process.

The chumminess between Trump and Duterte has reinforced concerns among political observers over the US president's public embrace of authoritarian leaders.

In the months since Trump has both campaigned and served as president, he has spoken warmly of Russia's Vladimir Putin, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.
Police could be powerless to make Cardinal George Pell return to Australia to face charges because he is so high up in the Vatican that he has diplomatic immunity.

Cardinal Pell was appointed to the Vatican's Secretariat of Economy in 2014, the third highest ranked position within the church.

His high ranking grants him diplomatic immunity in Australia, meaning he cannot be forced to attend court or provide information, according to legal experts.

Cardinal Pell has been accused of sexually abusing and grooming boys.

Police could be powerless to make Cardinal George Pell return to Australia to face charges because he is so high up in the Vatican that he has diplomatic immunity

The allegations date back to when the 75-year-old was a priest in Ballarat, Victoria, and Archbishop of Melbourne.

Two students claim Cardinal Pell touched their genitals while playing in the pool.

Cardinal Pell allegedly sexually abused up to 10 boys between 1978 and 2001.

The Cardinal vehemently denied the abuse allegations made against him.

Victoria police are yet to lay any charges, but an investigation is ongoing

Cardinal Pell appeared via video-link for a public hearing of Australia's national child-abuse Royal Commission in early 2015

Victoria police are yet to lay any charges, but an investigation is ongoing.

New South Wales state parliament member David Shoebridge told the Newcastle Herald Australia had an extradition treaty with Italy, but it did not include the Vatican.

'[Australia] hasn't managed in 44 years to get one in place with the tiny pretend nation-state of the Vatican that exists wholly within Rome,' he said.

'This is why George Pell can't be forced back to face questioning.'

Cardinal Pell appeared via video-link for a public hearing of Australia's national child-abuse Royal Commission in early 2015.

When he was asked to fly to Australia to appear in person, he declined, citing health problems.

The Cardinal was interviewed by three detectives from the taskforce in Rome in October 2016, who updated the evidence.

Victoria police are yet to place charges, but if they do there is a chance Cardinal Pell will never face the charges in court unless he voluntarily agrees to return to Australia, according to Broken Rites Australia.

Allegations of sexual abuse by Cardinal Pell, were aired in a book, Cardinal: The rise and fall of George Pell, by ABC journalist Louise Milligan

Victoria police are yet to lay any charges, but if they do there is a chance Cardinal Pell will never face the charges in court unless he voluntarily agrees to return to Australia

Allegations of sexual abuse by Cardinal Pell were aired in a book called 'Cardinal: The rise and fall of George Pell' by ABC journalist Louise Milligan.

The book details allegations of sexual assault by Pell against choirboys at St Patrick's Cathedral in Melbourne in the 1990s.

Cardinal Pell and his office strongly maintained his innocence.

'Each and every allegation of abuse and cover up against him is false. The book is an exercise in character assassination,' Cardinal Pell's office said.

'The decision by MUP (Melbourne University Press) to bring forward the publication of the book prior to any findings by the Royal Commission and while allegations are still under consideration by the Victorian Office of Public Prosecutions is a blatant attempt to interfere in the course of justice.'

'Unlike MUP, the Cardinal will not interfere with the course of justice. He will await the outcome of due process before launching defamation action.'
A Lindt Cafe siege survivor has revealed those being held hostage by Man Monis felt abandoned by police who were 'not quite sure' how to handle the terrorist attack.

John O'Brien was inside the Sydney cafe when an armed Monis stormed in on December 16, 2014, and threatened to kill staff and customers.

Cafe manager Tori Johnson and Sydney barrister Katrina Dawson were killed as the Martin Place stand-off came to a horrific end.

Mr O'Brien, who said he still has flashbacks, told 7News on Wednesday the scene inside the cafe was 'pandemonium' and police were 'not quite sure what to do'.

His remarks come as NSW coroner Michael Barnes delivered his findings into the Lindt Cafe siege, saying it was a 'significant failure'.

John O'Brien (pictured), a Lindt Cafe siege survivor, has revealed those being held hostage by Man Monis felt abandoned by police who were 'not quite sure' how to handle the Sydney terrorist attack

An armed Monis stormed into the cafe on December 16, 2014, and threatened to kill staff and customers. Victims escaping the siege is pictured

Mr Barnes told the inquest the police bravery during the siege 'inspired awe,' but called for NSW police to review its siege response training after failing to answer four phone calls made within 30 minutes because they were in a 'handover briefing'.

'This was a significant failure in basic siege management,' he said.

Mr Barnes confirmed the incident was a terrorist attack.

Mr O'Brien told 7News he was satisfied with the coroner's findings because Mr Barnes highlighted the feeling of abandonment hostages had during the siege.

'It was pandemonium. Very hard to believe it was happening at the time and it made me realise that this could be the last day on earth because... the man was quite mad, quite mad,' he said.

'A sense of abandonment and we were wondering what was going to happen or who was going to let us out. It seemed like eternity for something to happen.

'It was just unfortunate. It was a first time that it has happened here and they weren't quite prepared. No one was quite sure what to do.'

Fellow survivor, Marcia Mikhael, told 7News she agreed with the findings of the inquiry and that the attack could have been handled differently.

She said that if the negotiator and psychiatrist involved had more experience there may have been a different outcome.

Mr O'Brien (right), who said he still has flashbacks, said on Wednesday the scene inside the cafe was 'pandemonium' and police were 'not quite sure what to do'

Cafe manager Tori Johnson (right) and Sydney barrister Katrina Dawson (left) were killed as the Martin Place stand-off came to a horrific end in the early hours of December 16

Mr Barnes confirmed the incident was a terrorist attack while handing down his findings on Wednesday

Katrina Dawson's parents, Alexander and Jane, arrived at the court on Wednesday

Mr Barnes said the families of the victims were treated 'insensitively' after there was a delay in them getting any news on their loved ones from police.

Ms Dawson's parents, Alexander and Jane, were seen clutching each other's hands as they arrived at the inquest on Wednesday to hear the findings.

In handing down his findings on police response, the magistrate said snipers positioned in Martin Place should not be criticised for failing to shoot Monis before he killed Mr Johnson.

'The snipers could not have safely resolved the siege,' he told the inquest.

He said police were wrongly under the impression Monis had a bomb inside the cafe.

After the siege, Monis was shot by specialist police who stormed the stronghold 17 hours after he walked into the building with a shotgun.

For Mr Johnson and Ms Dawson's families, the lengthy inquest process had been painful, particularly hearing that the death of a hostage was set as the trigger for officers to launch their assault.

Tori Johnson's partner of 14 years, Thomas Zinn, addressed the inquiry's findings after they were revealed.

'Two-and-a-half years ago, we could have not imagined what was lying ahead of us, and what was going to be revealed in this inquest. Throughout the inquest, one shocking discovery followed the next.

'Soon it became apparent that we were not simply fighting for the truth of the circumstances of Tori and Katrina's deaths.'

'While we have been shocked by these failures, I would like to make clear that our family has high regard and respect for the officers who put their lives at risk after waiting so long to act, and we acknowledge the grief and trauma that they have experienced.'

Mr Barnes said there was 'considerable controversy' over what made police decide to storm in, but confirmed the primary trigger was the death of a hostage.

'In my view, those triggers were appropriate,' he told the inquest.

Mr Barnes told the inquest the police bravery during the siege 'inspired awe,' but called for NSW police to review its siege response training after failing to answer four phone calls

The brothers of Lindt Cafe victim Katrina Dawson, Sandy (left) and Angus (right) arrived at the inquest on Wednesday to hear the findings

Lindt cafe hostages Louisa Hope (left) and Paolo Vassallo (right) were both at the inquest to hear the findings

'I conclude that the commanders had insufficient guidance to help them assess whether the secondary intangible trigger, the imminent risk of Monis' killing or injuring a hostage, had escalated to a point where it outweighed the risk associated with a forced entry'.

Monis was on bail awaiting a trial on 40 sex offences when he took the Lindt Cafe hostages and Mr Barnes said police 'made a mistake' failing to arrest him two months earlier.

'That error increased Man Monis's chance of being granted bail when he appeared in court,' Mr Barnes said.

Mr Barnes also found questionable advice from a psychiatrist caused police to underestimate the threat of Monis.

Mr Barnes described the unnamed consultant psychiatrist's role advising police on tactics during the December 2014 siege as 'suboptimal'.

Ms Dawson's parents, Alexander and Jane, were seen clutching each other's hands as they arrived at the inquest on Wednesday morning to hear the findings

After the siege, gunman Man Haron Monis was shot by specialist police who stormed the stronghold 17 hours after he walked into the building with a shotgun

'He made erroneous and unrealistic assessments of what was occurring in the stronghold,' Mr Barnes said.

'He gave ambiguous advice. And he was permitted to go beyond his area of expertise to give advice about Islamic terrorism'.

Mr Barnes called on the NSW Police to consider expanding the number of psychological advisers it uses as consultants and introduce clear policies for any that are called on to assist in future.

Having a diverse panel of experts available would help reduce the chances of any single psychological adviser going outside their area of expertise, he said, and provide siege responders access to more reliable information.
Attorney General George Brandis has told a Senate Committee hearing of how close Australia came to a mass casualty terrorist attack

In the meeting on Wednesday morning after the horrific Manchester bombing that claimed 22 lives, Brandis said Australia has stopped 12 attempts at a major terror attack since September 2014.

Australia has seen four major attacks in the last three years, including the Lindt Cafe Siege, Parramatta Police Station shooting, an ISIS-inspired stabbing in Minto and the Bourke Street massacre.

Brandis said each of the 'thwarted terrorist attacks was potentially more lethal than the four incidents in which a perpetrator did succeed in committing a violent crime.'

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Attorney General George Brandis told a Senate Committee Australia has thwarted 12 major terror attempts since September 2014

Man Monis (pictured) killed Tori Johnson and Katrina Dawson during the Lindt Cafe siege in Sydney before dying during shootout with police

Thousands lay flowers in tribute to victims of Lindt Cafe Siege in December 2014

Emergency workers, pictured here, carry casualties out of the Manchester Arena following the deadly explosion

Brandis told senators without the country's level of intelligence the 'crimes would not have been stopped,' and identified there is no end in sight for these types of threats as Australia would be faced with them for the 'foreseeable future.'

This information comes after Executive Director of the Australian Strategic Policy Institute Peter Jennings said the country needs to prepare itself for the targeting of children following the attack at the Ariana Grande concert.

'I hate to say it by I think it means we should be worrying about schools and other places like that,' he told 3AW.

Jennings said there is now a 'demand for the government to do more' and identify places of vulnerability to ensure a similar tragedy does not occur.

House raided in Melbourne after plotters allegedly planned to attack major landmarks in the city

Police presence has been increased around the country following a recent string of terrorist attacks across Europe

Brandis said the 'thwarted terrorist attacks was potentially more lethal than the four incidents in which a perpetrator did succeed in committing a violent crime'

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull denounced the Manchester concert killing as an 'attack on innocence'.

A suspected suicide bomber killed at least 22 people and injured at least 60 people at the packed pop concert at Manchester Arena on Monday evening.

A solemn Mr Turnbull rose during parliamentary Question Time to condemn the death and devastation at the Ariana Grande gig as an assault of youth everywhere.

'This incident, this attack, is especially vile, especially horrific, because it appears to have been deliberately directed at teenagers.

'No crime more reprehensible': Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull condemned the Manchester terrorists for targeting children - by planting a bomb at the Ariana Grande concert

'This is an attack on innocence. Surely there is no crime more reprehensible than the murder of children.'

The father-of-two praised stories of bravery and compassion coming from the streets of England.

He pledged that Australia's security was his 'top priority' and offered solidarity with the United Kingdom in its hour of need.

'Our nations will never give in to terror'.

Victims are seen here wrapped in thermal blankets and consoling each other following the tragedy

At least 60 people were injured in the tragedy, according to official figures. The death toll is likely to rise

Mr Turnbull was followed by Opposition Leader Bill Shorten, who said the world should never accept the tragedies in Manchester and the Bataclan as normal.

'We should not accept this as the normal state of affairs... This is not the normal course of events.

'The world and absolutely most of us are far better than that'.
The body of a 75-year-old man was found in a skip in Sydney's south.

Officers arrived at a car park on Munro Avenue in Kirrawee about 8.10am on Wednesday after a concerned for welfare.

They found the elderly man's body lying in the skip where he was working in it.

Police said he had a 'medical episode' and died, and there were no suspicious circumstances.

The body of a 75-year-old man was found in a skip (pictured) in Sydney's south after police got a worried phone call

Officers arrived at a car park on Munro Avenue in Kirrawee about 8.10am on Wednesday after a concerned for welfare
The Australian government has issued a travel warning in the wake of the Manchester atrocity that killed at least 22 people.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade on Wednesday upgraded its travel advice for the UK, shortly after Britain ramped up its terror threat to 'critical'.

Authorities are also reviewing security arrangements for public gatherings after the deadly attack, however the Australian terror threat level has remained unchanged.

Australians in the UK have been warned to exercise a 'high degree of caution' in the wake of the Manchester atrocity (pictured: Manchester police)

Crowds light candles set up in front of floral tributes in Albert Square in Manchester after a terror attack that killed at least 22 people

'In light of the UK's increase to its threat level, we now advise you to exercise a high degree of caution in the United Kingdom,' it says.

Australians have been told to avoid Manchester and brace for significant transport delays.

'Be vigilant with your personal security, monitor the media and follow local authorities' instructions,' the advice says.

Meanwhile, foreign minister Julie Bishop told 9News the government was reviewing security measures in Australia.

'We are reviewing all practices and strategies and procedures particularly regarding mass gatherings, places of public interest, where tourists visit, sporting events and the like,' foreign minister Julie Bishop told the Nine Network.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has characterised the deadly Manchester arena blasts as an attack on innocence.

Australians in Manchester have been told to avoid the arena area as police investigations continue

Foreign minister Julie Bishop said the Australian Government was reviewing security measures in Australia

'This incident, this attack, is especially vile, especially criminal, especially horrific because it appears to have been deliberately directed at teenagers,' Mr Turnbull told parliament on Tuesday.

'This is an attack on innocence. Surely there is no crime more reprehensible than the murder of children.'

'We stand in this chamber offering our sympathy and support to those confronting horrific attacks like what we've seen today,' Mr Turnbull said.

'Australia stands with Britain in resolute solidarity - partners in freedom's cause.'

The government is looking at deploying a heightened police presence at mass public gatherings after the attack (pictured: police at Melbourne's Flemington Racecourse)

Mr Turnbull has spoken to counter-terrorism co-ordinator Tony Sheehan, Australian High Commissioner in London Alexander Downer as well as the British high commissioner in Canberra.

UK agencies are treating the blasts as a potential terrorism event.

Labor leader Bill Shorten reflected on the pain of parents.

'You think when your kids go to listen to music, they would be safe. My eldest two are teenagers, they go to concerts,' he told MPs.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has characterised the deadly Manchester arena blasts as an attack on innocence

'I can only begin to imagine the pain of parents wondering where their kids are when the first reports come out and the first texts and they realise that their family, their kids are at this concert.'

He said his heart broke for those parents whose calls are being unanswered and the messages going through to that voicemail.

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop told reporters there was no information to suggest Australians were among the dead or injured in the 'brutal' attack.

British High Commissioner Menna Rawlings told media in Canberra on Tuesday that the UK 'remains a highly resilient nation'.

Ms Rawlings said the UK would not be intimidated by terrorism. 'Our values are freedom and liberty and democracy,' she said.

British authorities are investigating whether the suicide bomber, named as 22-year-old Salman Abedi, was working alone or as part of a network.
Former army officer James Brown has been elected to replace John Haines as the president of the embattled NSW RSL

Malcolm Turnbull's son-in-law, former army officer James Brown, has been elected to replace John Haines as the president of the embattled NSW RSL.

Mr Brown has promised a fresh start for the branch after it was mired with scandal following explosive allegations against former president Don Rowe.

The 36-year-old has vowed to give the organisation a dose of 'experience and energy', and said he's committed to exposing the RSL's money has misspent money.

Mr Brown, a research director of the US Studies Centre at the University of Sydney, was elected an overwhelming 138 votes to 102.

The NSW Government and the RSL's national branch had called for the existing council, including John Haines, to stand down while investigations are carried out.

Mr Brown was elected president of the NSW RSL on Tuesday, replacing John Haines, a week after the inquiry into the branch was announced.

On May 15 the state government announced an independent inquiry into allegations of financial misconduct, fraud and cover-up at the NSW RSL.

It follows months of allegations of a multi-million expenses scandal and open revolt among the 38,000 branch members.

In December, the former NSW RSL president Don Rowe was referred to police by the state government over claims he used his corporate credit card to withdraw $200,000 in cash.

Mr Brown has promised a fresh start for the branch after it was mired with scandal following explosive allegations against former president Don Rowe (pictured)

'I'm going to be spending a bit of time in the coming months getting up to speed on what the organisation's been doing and the extent of our problems,' Mr Brown told ABC's Lateline.

'This is a 100-year-old organisation ... no one can do what we do. No organisation has the reach, the goodwill and the thousands of volunteers that we have.'

Mr Brown, who is the fourth state president in three years, said a number of young veterans had been elected to the state council as well as a woman, the first in 'quite a while'.

Mr Brown is Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull's son-in-law

'The new State Council is going to have a good mix of experience and energy,' he said.

'Traditionally we've had an image as a boys' club. We've got to make sure there are no barriers to anyone joining.'

His election was welcomed by Veteran Affairs Minister David Elliot, who said he was 'positive' it was the first step in a new direction for the iconic organisation.

The inquiry will be headed by retired Supreme Court judge Patricia Bergin.
Lisa Spoonauer, who became an unlikely star of the 1994 cult classic 'Clerks,' died at the age of 44 on Saturday in New Jersey.

Though Spoonauer quickly gained a fan following for her role as Caitlin Bree in the iconic film Clerks, she only appeared in one other movie during her career: 1997's 'Bartender.'

She later became a restaurant manager and event planner, according to her obituary.

While Spoonauer married her Clerks costar Jeff Anderson in 1998, the couple split a year later. She went on to marry Tom Caron, and had a daughter named Mia and a stepson named Tyler.

Lisa Spoonauer, who was one of the stars of the 1994 cult classic 'Clerks' (pictured), died at her home in Jackson Township, New Jersey on Saturday; she was 44 years old

Spoonauer (left) married her Clerks costar Jeff Anderso (second to left) in 1998, but the couple split a year later. She went on to marry Tom Caron and had a daughter named Mia

Writer and director of Clerks, Kevin Smith (center), described how he found the actress in 1992

Kevin Smith, the writer and director of Clerks, wrote a truly touching post on Tuesday about Spoonauer and how he discovered the young actress when she was just 20 years old.

'In 1992, I went looking for Lisa without knowing either who she was or the integral role she'd play in my life,' Smith wrote on Instagram.

'I'd held a night of open auditions at the #firstavenueplayhouse (where we found @briancohalloran and @marilynghigliotti) but the perfect Caitlin Bree never walked through the door.

'So I popped into an acting class at Brookdale Community College and watched the students from the back.'

The unconventional casting move worked for Smith, who said he knew immediately that Spoonauer could convincingly play Caitlin.

'Lisa was easily the most natural and authentic voice in the room. She didn't sound like she was acting at all; she delivered scripted dialogue as if she was inventing her conversation in the moment, like people do in real life.

'In 1992, I went looking for Lisa without knowing either who she was or the integral role she'd play in my life,' he wrote on Tuesday

'Captivated, I approached Lisa cold in the parking lot after the class and said "This is gonna sound creepy but... Do you wanna be in a movie?" Fearlessly, she replied "Not if it's porn."'

'I told her a bit about Clerks and gave her a copy of the script and my phone number. She called me a few days later and said "Well it's not porn, but everybody talks like it is. It's funny. I'll do it."'

'As strong an actress as she was, Lisa [pictured recently] was an even more excellent Mother to her daughter Mia,' Smith wrote

Clerks was also the first film Smith had done, and both him and Spoonauer rose to the occasion together.

'A complete stranger at first, Lisa quickly became one of the most important people I'd ever meet,' he wrote.

Smith detailed Spoonauer's natural acting skills, but added that she always seemed to be the most proud of her family and daughter.

'As strong an actress as she was, Lisa was an even more excellent Mother to her daughter Mia. Whenever we'd Facebook later in life, she'd gush about her baby girl proudly. My heart goes out to Tom, Mia and Lisa's family.

'Thank you for dreaming my dream with me. You changed my life, Lisa,' Smith said.

Other Clerks actors also paid tribute to the late actress after the news of her death.

'I'm truly gutted by this news. My deepest condolences and prayers to her husband Tom and his family,' O'Halloran, who played Dante Hicks in the film, wrote on Tuesday.

'She always had a wicked sense of humor and smile. I was blessed to have been part of an incredible life changing adventure with her. To this day it is a part of my life.

'Not a day goes by that she was mentioned or remembered in some fashion. She will live on in my heart and in the hearts of millions. Always in my heart. Rest in Peace Lisa.'

Spoonauer died at her home in Jackson Township, New Jersey; it is unknown how she died.

She is survived by her husband, Tom; her daughter, Mia; her stepson, Tyler; her mother, Dolores; her twin brothers, Michael and Mark Spoonauer; and her grandfather, Frank Figurelli.
Former president Barack Obama was mobbed by adoring fans in Bologna on Tuesday as he took a leisurely stroll around the town.

Leaving wife Michelle behind, Obama went walkabout with several Secret Service agents.

He was in high spirits, smiling as the entourage made their way through winding streets before running headfirst into a crowd of locals eager to make his acquaintance.

He indulged them, stopping to shake hands and chat with many of the group which included young children.

Barack Obama took an entourage of Secret Service agents for a stroll around Bologna on Tuesday

The Obamas arrived in Bologna on Tuesday from Tuscany where they spent some time relaxing in a rented villa.

They received a warm welcome in Siena and in Montalcino, where Michelle was pictured taking in the sights and eating gelato.

The trip came after Barack's participation in a climate change summit in Milan earlier in the week.

It collides with the Trumps' arrival in Rome this week, the third stop on their first foreign overseas tour.

Obama gave a friendly pat on the back to one of his security guards

The former president was mobbed by Italian fans who lined the streets hoping to catch a glimpse of him

Obama seemed just as delighted with the crowds as they were with him

The Obamas' schedule is no doubt much quieter than the current first family's.

The trip to Italy also marks the latest overseas destination in a string of luxury getaways since they left the White House in January.

First, they went to Palm Springs to spend time with friends immediately after Trump took office.

He entertained young children who were eager to speak to him, paying special attention to one little girl who seemed ever so slightly overwhelmed by all the excitement

The president's security detail were close by as he weaved his way through the crowds

One little boy wasn't quite as happy as his mother to see the former president in town

Then it was on to the British Virgin Islands and the rest of the Caribbean.

Their next stop was Tahiti. President Obama was expected to begin writing his memoirs during their stint in French Polynesia.

They have returned to the US for few official engagements.

One was to announce the opening of the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago and the other was for the former president to accept the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award.
A Brazilian party boy has stripped off his shirt outside court after being pulled over by police driving drunk with seven passengers piled up in the back seat, another person in the front seat and a flat tyre.

Arthur Rohsig, 23, who describes himself as a 'sick c*** living the dream' on social media, smelled of alcohol and had bloodshot eyes when he was stopped by a highway patrol about 8.45am on April 30.

He appeared at Waverley Local Court, in Sydney's east, on Wednesday morning after pleading guilty to driving with a high-range blood alcohol reading and getting behind the wheel with more than four unrestrained passengers.

Rohsig bolted from the courtroom after spotting Daily Mail Australia's photographer. Once he got around the corner, he took off his collared shirt, apparently to soak up the sunshine as he walked home.

'Sick c*** living the dream': Arthur Rohsig, 23, could barely contain himself after stepping out of court - stripping off his formal wear to strut the streets of Bondi

What are you doing? Mr Rohsig stripped off his formal court shirt after his matter was adjourned on Wednesday morning

In social media pictures, Rohsig is often pictured partying. In this picture, he is seen with two scantily clad women in a colourful laneway

He is seen here standing on top of a car with the same number plate where the offences allegedly occurred

According to police facts tendered to court, the foreigner - who is on a student visa - was driving in Phillip Bay, near Maroubra, last month.

Officers spotted a flat tyre on his Subaru Forrester. When they pulled him over, they found seven people crammed into the back seat.

An eight passenger, presumably more comfortable, sat in the fornt seat.

After the mini-bus load of people were bundled out of the car, officers asked the Rohsig if he had anything to drink, the police facts said.

Rohsig told them 'no'.

But his breath smelled of alcohol, a breath test reading was positive and he needed to use objects to stand up.

'The accused laughed when police explained the seriousness of the offence and he showed no remorse for his actions,' the police statement of facts alleged.

'The accused has no regard for Australian law and road legislation, the safety of his community and is a danger to himself and others when in control of a motor vehicle'.

Rohsig pleaded guilty to both charges a fortnight ago.

Online, Mr Rohsig (right, with a friend unrelated to the matter) appears to party frequently - seen here at a popular dance festival

Mr Rohsig, who is on a student visa, is seen here appearing pleased in a swimming pool in a social media photograph

Rohsig - apparently no stranger to taking his shirt off - is due to appear in court in July this year

The case continues, with his lawyer asking the court for a pre-sentence report

His lawyer on Thursday asked for a pre-sentence report and Magistrate Michael Barco adjourned the matter for six weeks.

The magistrate mused he had 'read about this on the news'.

Rohsig's bail was continued.

During his time Down Under, Rohsig appears have enjoyed the best the country has to offer, according to pictures uploaded online.

His social media feeds feature scantily clad women, videos of famous beaches and pictures of local brunch cuisine and skateboarding and music festival shenanigans.
Police are hunting for the 60-year-old ex-partner of a 'beautiful' grandmother who was found dead in her Melbourne home on Tuesday night.

Victorian police are urging Mehmed Solmaz to touch base with them after the 61-year-old woman, believed to be of Turkish-Bulgarian descent, was found dead in her house in Hall St, Sunshine West about 9pm on Tuesday.

Detectives are treating her death as suspicious and desperately want to talk to her ex-partner Mr Solmaz.

'We're encouraging him to surrender,' Detective Inspector Mick Hughes said.

Victorian police are urging 60-year-old Mehmed Solmaz (pictured) to touch base with them

Detectives believe Mr Solmaz and the woman were once in a relationship.

Homicide squad Detective Inspector Mick Hughes said the pair were living together but had not been in a relationship for about five years.

Police said they discovered the woman dead in her Melbourne home after a triple-0 phone call.

Police said Mr Solmaz could be driving a black 2003 Nissan Pulsar, registration SHH971.

The woman's death has shocked neighbours, who described her as friendly and beautiful.

Vala Veleski said she had regularly had coffee with the 'very friendly' and quiet lady, whose two sons and grandchildren visited regularly.

The scene: The 61-year-old woman's body was found inside her Melbourne home

The 61-year-old woman, believed to be of Turkish-Bulgarian descent, was found dead in her house in Hall St, Sunshine West (pictured) about 9pm on Tuesday

'I don't know why this has happened,' Ms Veleski said.

Another neighbour was in tears about the tragedy, saying the dead woman had beaten cancer.

'She was a very beautiful lady,' she said.

The woman's cause of death has not been revealed.
The partner of Lindt Cafe siege victim Tori Johnson has described the inquest's findings as 'shocking', saying the family 'could not have imagined what was lying ahead'.

Coroner Michael Barnes handed down his inquest findings on Wednesday into the December 2014 siege and said the decision to only enter the cafe after Mr Johnson had been shot was 'appropriate'.

The cafe manager's heartbroken partner, Thomas Zinn, said the revelations in the long-winded inquest were a massive shock for the family.

'Throughout the inquest, one shocking discovery followed the next,' Mr Zinn, flanked by Tori's parents Rosie Connellan and Ken Johnson, told reporters.

'Throughout the inquest, one shocking discovery followed the next,' Mr Zinn (centre), flanked by Tori's parents Rosie Connellan and Ken Johnson (pictured), told reporters on Wednesday

Cafe manager Tori Johnson (right) and Sydney barrister Katrina Dawson (left) were killed as the Martin Place stand-off came to a horrific end in the early hours of December 16

Despite the 'failures of various authorities', Mr Zinn said the family had a 'high regard and respect' for the officers who put their lives at risk.

'We acknowledge the grief and trauma they have experienced,' he said.

Mr Zinn added the family would now review the findings in detail to see if their questions had been answered and submissions considered.

'The pain deep in our hearts from losing Tori is as strong now as it was in December 2014,' he said.

'Everybody who knew Tori would agree that we lost a guardian angel that night.'

Mr Zinn thanked the public for their support throughout a 'very long, emotional and frustrating' coronial investigation, which came to an end on Wednesday.

After the findings were handed down, NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller held a press conference and said he was 'deeply sorry' for the loss of two lives.

'Being sorry is only part of being commissioner, I need to make sure we learn,' he said.

Mr Zinn thanked the public for their support throughout a 'very long, emotional and frustrating' coronial investigation,

The partner of murdered Lindt Cafe siege hostage Tori Johnson (pictured) has described the inquest's findings as 'shocking'

The cafe manager's heartbroken partner, Thomas Zinn, said the revelations in the long-winded inquest were a massive shock for the family

Mr Barnes confirmed the incident was a terrorist attack while handing down his findings on Wednesday

Commissioner Fuller said NSW Police will consider the 28 recommendations, but also made note they have 'not been sitting on their hands' since the Lindt siege.

'If there was a similar attack we'd attack with the same police but with a new philosophy,' he said.

NSW Coroner Michael Barnes found police did not try to enter the cafe until Mr Johnson was 'maliciously' executed by terrorist Man Haron Monis.

'Two and a half years ago we could not have imagined what was lying ahead of us and what was going to be revealed in this inquest,' Mr Zinn said.

Mr Johnson's father Ken Johnson spoke briefly, saying: 'Tori's act of bravery is testimony that we are capable of love, peace and tolerance.'

On Wednesday, Survivors and victims' relatives finally heard NSW coroner Michael Barnes deliver his findings into the Lindt Cafe siege which claimed the lives of two people on December 16, 2014.

Mr Barnes told the inquest the police bravery during the siege 'inspired awe,' but called for NSW police to review its siege response training after failing to answer four phone calls made within 30 minutes because they were in a 'handover briefing'.

'This was a significant failure in basic siege management,' he said.

Cafe manager Tori Johnson and Sydney barrister Katrina Dawson were killed as the Martin Place stand-off came to a horrific end.

Commissioner Fuller said NSW Police will consider the 28 recommendations, but also made note they have 'not been sitting on their hands' since the Lindt siege

Katrina Dawson's parents, Alexander and Jane, arrived at the court on Wednesday

Despite the 'failures of various authorities', Mr Zinn said the family had a 'high regard and respect' for the officers who put their lives at risk

Mr Zinn was comforted by Mr Johnson's father Ken as he left the inquest on Wednesday

Mr Barnes said the families of the victims were treated 'insensitively' after there was a delay in them getting any news on their loved ones from police.

Ms Dawson's parents, Alexander and Jane, were seen clutching each other's hands as they arrived at the inquest on Wednesday to hear the findings.

Mr Barnes confirmed the incident was a terrorist attack.

In handing down his findings on police response, the magistrate said snipers positioned in Martin Place should not be criticised for failing to shoot Monis before he killed Mr Johnson.

'The snipers could not have safely resolved the siege,' he told the inquest.

He said police were wrongly under the impression Monis had a bomb inside the cafe.

After the siege, Monis was shot by specialist police who stormed the stronghold 17 hours after he walked into the building with a shotgun.

For Mr Johnson and Ms Dawson's families, the lengthy inquest process had been painful, particularly hearing that the death of a hostage was set as the trigger for officers to launch their assault.

Mr Barnes said there was 'considerable controversy' over what made police decide to storm in, but confirmed the primary trigger was the death of a hostage.

'In my view, those triggers were appropriate,' he told the inquest.

Mr Johnson's parents Rosie Connellan and Ken Johnson (pictured) were also in court for the inquest findings on Wednesday

Sydney siege hostage Jarrod Morton-Hoffman (pictured) did not offer any comment after he left the inquest on Wednesday

Mr Barnes told the inquest the police bravery during the siege 'inspired awe,' but called for NSW police to review its siege response training after failing to answer four phone calls

Outside court, victim Lousia Hope told reporters 'getting back to normal life will be lovely'

Deputy Commissioner Dave Hudson spoke to media saying police will take time to consider the findings

'I conclude that the commanders had insufficient guidance to help them assess whether the secondary intangible trigger, the imminent risk of Monis' killing or injuring a hostage, had escalated to a point where it outweighed the risk associated with a forced entry'.

Monis was on bail awaiting a trial on 40 sex offences when he took the Lindt Cafe hostages and Mr Barnes said police 'made a mistake' failing to arrest him two months earlier.

'That error increased Man Monis's chance of being granted bail when he appeared in court,' Mr Barnes said.

Outside court, victim Lousia Hope told reporters 'getting back to normal life will be lovely'.

'It's a wonderful thing this is now over. It's been a very stressful time'.

Ms Dawson's parents, Alexander and Jane, were seen clutching each other's hands as they arrived at the inquest on Wednesday morning to hear the findings

After the siege, gunman Man Haron Monis was shot by specialist police who stormed the stronghold 17 hours after he walked into the building with a shotgun

Siege hostage Harriette Denny was also in court when the coroner handed down the findings

After the findings were handed down, ABC's Four Corners released a video ahead of its second episode into the inquest next Monday of NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller saying they should have been let in earlier to rescue the hostages.

'We certainly should have gone in earlier,' Commissioner Fuller told Four Corners.

'We need to have gone in at a time when there was some sense of control, rather than us going in having no idea where he possibly was, no idea where the other hostages were  it would've been one of the most dangerous times to go in.'

Mr Barnes also found questionable advice from a psychiatrist caused police to underestimate the threat of Monis.

He described the unnamed consultant psychiatrist's role advising police on tactics during the December 2014 siege as 'suboptimal'.

'He made erroneous and unrealistic assessments of what was occurring in the stronghold,' Mr Barnes said.

'He gave ambiguous advice. And he was permitted to go beyond his area of expertise to give advice about Islamic terrorism'.

Mr Barnes called on the NSW Police to consider expanding the number of psychological advisers it uses as consultants and introduce clear policies for any that are called on to assist in future.

Having a diverse panel of experts available would help reduce the chances of any single psychological adviser going outside their area of expertise, he said, and provide siege responders access to more reliable information.

For Mr Johnson and Ms Dawson's families, the lengthy inquest process has been painful, particularly hearing that the death of a hostage was set as the trigger for officers to launch their assault

Mr Barnes is also likely to make findings about the sharing of intelligence between agencies, but sections of the report relevant to ASIO will be kept under wraps. Victims escaping the siege is pictured

As they left, Ms Dawson's parents clutched hands again after hearing the Lindt Cafe siege findings
A NSW Police Commissioner has admitted officers should have been sent in earlier to save the hostages in the Lindt Cafe siege, saying they got it 'wrong'.

On Wednesday, coroner Michael Barnes handed down his inquest findings into the December 2014 siege and said the decision to only enter the cafe after a hostage had been shot was 'appropriate'.

But NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller said after Tori Johnson was executed, police rushed in with 'no idea' where gunman Man Haron Monis was and had no 'control'.

'It would've been one of the most dangerous times to go in,' he told the ABC's Four Corners.

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NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller said after Tori Johnson was shot, police rushed in with 'no idea' where gunman Man Haron Monis was and had no 'control'

On Wednesday, coroner Michael Barnes handed down his inquest findings into the siege (pictured)

'We need to have gone in at a time when there was some sense of control, rather than us going in having no idea where he possibly was, no idea where the other hostages were'.

Monis fired a shot into the air just after 2am on December 16 after he had forced Mr Johnson to his knees.

Commissioner Barnes said police should have been sent in after that first shot to try and save all the hostages.

Mr Johnson was shot in the back of the head and killed by Monis 13 minutes later.

'In hindsight with everything we know now, we certainly should have gone in earlier,' he told the program.

Mr Barnes told the inquest the police bravery during the siege 'inspired awe,' but called for NSW police to review its siege response training after failing to answer four phone calls made within 30 minutes because they were in a 'handover briefing'.

'This was a significant failure in basic siege management,' he said.

Cafe manager Tori Johnson (right) and Sydney barrister Katrina Dawson (left) were killed as the Martin Place stand-off came to a horrific end in the early hours of December 16

Commissioner Barnes said police should have been sent in after that first shot to try and save all the hostages

Mr Barnes confirmed the incident was a terrorist attack while handing down his findings on Wednesday

Katrina Dawson's parents, Alexander and Jane, arrived at the court on Wednesday

In handing down his findings on police response, the magistrate said snipers positioned in Martin Place should not be criticised for failing to shoot Monis before he killed Mr Johnson.

'The snipers could not have safely resolved the siege,' he told the inquest.

He said police were wrongly under the impression Monis had a bomb inside the cafe.

After the siege, Monis was shot by specialist police who stormed the stronghold 17 hours after he walked into the building with a shotgun.

Mr Barnes said there was 'considerable controversy' over what made police decide to storm in, but confirmed the primary trigger was the death of a hostage.

'In my view, those triggers were appropriate,' he told the inquest.

Mr Barnes told the inquest the police bravery during the siege 'inspired awe,' but called for NSW police to review its siege response training after failing to answer four phone calls

Lindt cafe hostages Louisa Hope (left) and Paolo Vassallo (right) were both at the inquest to hear the findings

'I conclude that the commanders had insufficient guidance to help them assess whether the secondary intangible trigger, the imminent risk of Monis' killing or injuring a hostage, had escalated to a point where it outweighed the risk associated with a forced entry'.

Mr Barnes also found questionable advice from a psychiatrist caused police to underestimate the threat of Monis.

He described the unnamed consultant psychiatrist's role advising police on tactics during the December 2014 siege as 'suboptimal'.

'He made erroneous and unrealistic assessments of what was occurring in the stronghold,' Mr Barnes said.

'He gave ambiguous advice. And he was permitted to go beyond his area of expertise to give advice about Islamic terrorism'.

Mr Barnes called on the NSW Police to consider expanding the number of psychological advisers it uses as consultants and introduce clear policies for any that are called on to assist in future.

Having a diverse panel of experts available would help reduce the chances of any single psychological adviser going outside their area of expertise, he said, and provide siege responders access to more reliable information.

Ms Dawson's parents, Alexander and Jane, were seen clutching each other's hands as they arrived at the inquest on Wednesday morning to hear the findings

After the siege, gunman Man Haron Monis was shot by specialist police who stormed the stronghold 17 hours after he walked into the building with a shotgun
Peggy Sue Case was 27 when she vanished in 1988. A skull has been found in her old home

A human skull has been found buried in the cellar of a home that once belonged to a woman who went missing nearly 30 years ago.

The current tenant found the skull in the Spanish Fork, Utah cellar on Monday, in the former home of Peggy Sue Case, who was 27 when she last seen in 1988 with her live-in boyfriend Michael I. Kurfin.

The current tenant and a friend he was with immediately called police after finding the skull, which was buried about 18 inches under the dirt floor and wrapped in a blanket and plastic mesh, the Salt Lake Tribune reported.

Forensic teams are now excavating the rest of the cellar, and police say an identification of the skull could take some time.

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The skull was discovered in the cellar of this Utah home on Monday. Peggy Sue shared the home with her boyfriend Michael I. Kurfin when she went missing in 1988

Investigators enter the cement cellar behind the former home of Peggy Sue Case, where a human skull was found on Monday

The resident who found the skull was said to be moving out of the home at the time of the discovery, and dug in the cellar's dirt floor after noticing an area that was subsiding, and recalling rumors of a disappearance.

The mystery of Peggy Sue's disappearance has baffled police in the town roughly 50 miles south of Salt Lake City ever since the young woman's colleagues reported her missing on July 15, 1988.

Peggy Sue worked at the Ensign-Bickford explosives plant in nearby Mapleton, and lived with her boyfriend Kurfin, according to contemporary news reports.

Peggy Sue was last seen leaving a hot tub party with her boyfriend Kurfin

The woman was last seen leaving a hot tub party with Kurfin on July 9, 1988, and the two were arguing at the time, according to police.

Kurfin contacted Peggy Sue's employer to say she was ill, and then told her coworkers that she'd gone out of town to buy a car, police said.

Cops found Kurfin's story increasingly suspicious, and searched the home, including the cellar, but found nothing.

'The detective at that time spent may many hours searching the residence, as well as the space beneath the residence and checked the cellar and removed some dirt from the cellar,' Spanish Fork Police Lt. Matt Johnson told Fox 13.

Police say it's possible the remains were buried in the cellar after the 1988 search.

Without a body, Kurfin was never charged in Peggy Sue's disappearance, but he was convicted or an unrelated theft charge and served five years in prison.

Former Spanish Fork police Detective Carl Johnston told the Tribune that he used to call Kurfin every year about the case, but that Kurfin would just hang up on him every time.

He is now considered a person of interest in the disappearance, police say.

Kurfin's last known whereabouts were in Illinois, and although police say they do not know his current location, they are not seeking the public's help finding him at this time.
A Southern California jury has convicted a man for the 1981 robbery and murder of a 77-year-old widower he met through a magazine ad.

James Andrew Melton, 65, of Los Angeles was found guilty Monday of first-degree murder and other charges that carry a possible life sentence.

Prosecutors say Melton planned to meet rich, older gay men and then rob them in their homes.

James Andrew Melton facedf his third trial more than three decades after Anthony DeSousa, 77, a gay retiree was found dead in his condo. Melton's first conviction was overturned after a court ruled that deputies over medicated him at trial. His second trial in 2014 resulted in a hung jury. Melton was death row but is no longer facing the death penalty

The jury deliberated for two days before finding James Andrew Melton, 65, pictured, guilty of first-degree murder for robbing and killing Anthony Lial DeSousa in 1981

Melton originally was convicted and sentenced to death for the killing in 1982, pictured

He placed an ad for a romantic encounter in The Advocate and Anthony DeSousa replied.

Authorities say Melton went to DeSousa's Newport Beach home, where DeSousa was bound, robbed, beaten and strangled and his home was burglarized.

Authorities say Melton took jewelry and other items and fled in the victim's car.

Days later, DeSousas nude body was found in his bedroom, strangled.

When he was arrested, he was found with DeSousas belongings including his car, a watch, a suitcase, a movie projector and pawn slips, authorities said.

It was Melton's third trial. The first ended with a death sentence but was overturned and the second ended in mistrial.

Melton originally was convicted and sentenced to death for the killing in 1982. But he was pulled from Death Row in 2007 when a federal judge ruled that Melton was over-medicated by jail staff and could not understand his trial.

He was tried again in 2014, but the case ended in a mistrial when the jury deadlocked 10-2 in favor of conviction.

After this third trial, Melton faces life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Melton has a history of violent crime, including convictions for two rapes, robbery, and assault with a deadly weapon, according to court records.
ABC Managing Director Michelle Guthrie has hit back at a conservative writer who made the 'vile' suggestion a UK terrorist attack which killed 22 people should have hit the ABC studio in Sydney.

Quadrant editor Roger Franklin's inflammatory comments took aim at the broadcaster's Q&A program, after panel guests downplayed the threat of a terrorist attack in Australia. Hours later, a suicide bomber slaughtered Ariana Grande fans at her concert at Manchester Arena.

In his column on Tuesday, Mr Franklin said if there was any 'justice' the blast would have been detonated in ABC's Ultimo studio.

An 'appalled' Ms Guthrie responded on Wednesday to Mr Franklin's comments.

ABC Managing Director Michelle Guthrie has hit back at Quadrant editor Roger Franklin (pictured), who made the suggested a UK terrorist attack which killed 22 people should have hit the ABC studio in Sydney

A section of Mr Franklin's column, published in right-wing Quadrant magazine, is pictured

'To take issue with our programming and our content is one thing. But to express the wish that, if there were any justice, the horrific terrorist bombing in Manchester would have taken place in the ABC's Ultimo studio and killed those assembled there is a new low in Australian public debate,' she wrote in a statement.

'Your subsequent attempt to make amends by changing some of the wording (without acknowledging or apologising for the original article) has done little to undo the damage. The article continues to state that if a blast occurred in one of our studios, none of the likely casualties 'would have represented the slightest reduction in humanity's intelligence, decency, empathy or honesty.'

'Like many others, I am appalled at your willingness to turn an act of terrorism in the United Kingdom into a means of making a political point against those you disagree with.'

'One of the immediate results of this behaviour is that while our staff both here and in Manchester were working long hours to provide extensive coverage of this unfolding tragedy, we were also forced to reassure worried staff who had read your article and call in our own security experts to assess any possible impact flowing from your inflammatory words.'

Ms Guthrie asked that Mr Franklin's column be removed and that her response be posted to the Quadrant website.

She also asked that an apology be issued.

Ms Guthrie (pictured) said she was 'appalled' by his comments and asked for the article to be removed and an apology be issued

'Disgusting revolting inexcusable Roger Franklin column saying terrorist murder should have occurred at the #abc #manchesterbomb,' ABC Radio National drive host Patricia Karvelas said

Twitter came out swinging after Mr Franklin's column was published.

ABC Radio National drive host Patricia Karvelas said the column was 'vile'.

'Disgusting revolting inexcusable Roger Franklin column saying terrorist murder should have occurred at the #abc #manchesterbomb,' Ms Karvelas wrote on Twitter.

'It is depraved to suggest you would be happy to see a bombing in #abc studio on the day children are dead.'

Charlie Pickering, host of the ABC's The Weekly program, said Mr Franklin's column was 'unbelievable'.

'Quite rich, Franklin bemoaning a lack of decency in others while lamenting there wasn't an attack on #theabc. Unbelievable,' the television host wrote.

AAP journalist Vince Rugari said Mr Franklin was 'disgusting'.

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) logo is pictured at the studios in Ultimo, Sydney

AAP journalist Vince Rugari said Mr Franklin was 'disgusting' for the column

In his column, Mr Franklin wrote: 'Life isn't fair and death less so. Had there been a shred of justice, that blast would have detonated in an Ultimo TV studio.'

He said the Q&A guests, who are appearing at the Sydney Writer's Festival, added nothing to humanity.

'Unlike those young girls in Manchester, their lives snuffed out before they could begin, none of the panel's likely casualties would have represented the slightest reduction in humanity's intelligence, decency, empathy or honesty,' Mr Franklin said.

He later edited the article to instead say: 'Life isn't fair and death less so. What if that blast had detonated in an Ultimo TV studio? Unlike those young girls in Manchester, their lives snuffed out before they could begin, none of the panel's likely casualties would have represented the slightest reduction in humanity's intelligence, decency, empathy or honesty.'

Author and journalist at The Australian said the column was 'despicably hateful'

Another Twitter user made reference to the outrage over Yassmin Abdel-Magied's widely criticised Anzac Day post

On Monday's Q&A, American cosmologist Lawrence Krauss said a fridge was more likely than a terrorist to kill a civilian in a Western country.

'You're more likely to be killed by a refrigerator in the United States falling on you,' he said.

Not to be outdone, fellow guest panellist Mona Chalabi, from the Guardian website, said the media lost interest in a New York maniac who drove a car into Times Square pedestrians, killing an 18-year-old woman, because his name wasn't Mohammad.

'The threat of Islamic fundamentalism, if you want to view it in terms of number of dead bodies, which, as awful as it sounds, is the way to kind of make sense of some threat, actually, really, isn't that present,' she said.

Police help an Ariana Grande fan following the carange at Manchester Arena

Emergency services crews near the Manchester Arena after reports of an explosion

'The chance of being killed by a foreign-born terrorist is one in 3.6 million and the chance of being killed by a foreign-born terrorist who was also a refugee is one in 3.6 billion.

'But all of our perception of threat has been distorted because of the way that risk is presented to us by politicians.'

Mr Franklin also castigated Q&A host Tony Jones for doing nothing to interrupt the 'groupthink gathering'.

'This morning, mere hours after Jones' guests pocketed their ABC taxi vouchers and repaired to hotel rooms paid for with taxpayer dollars processed through the Sydney Writers Festival, mere children were torn to pieces on the other side of the world,' he wrote.

Armed police block a road near the Manchester Arena after a suicide bomber struck
A senior One Nation staffer once touted as a future party leader has been charged with a series of assaults after being arrested by Queensland detectives.

Sean Black, a media adviser to Queensland Senator Malcolm Roberts, was taken through Brisbane's Roma Street watch house just before midday on Wednesday.

The 39-year-old has been charged with three counts of assault occasioning bodily harm and three of common assault. He was granted bail and is due to appear in Brisbane Magistrates Court later today.

One Nation staffer Sean Black comes out of the police watch house in Brisbane on Wednesday

Mr Black had been under investigation since a complaint was made to the Queensland Police Service late last year.

The former real estate agent has been prominent in Queensland politics since the mid 1990s.

He reportedly joined the Labor party to limit the rise of One Nation but later quit. He has campaigned for the Liberal National Party and was elected to Logan City Council in 2008 but was reportedly accused of intimidating fellow councillors and staff.

While Mr Black admitted to raising his voice and swearing at staff, he claimed he was banned from entering council chambers due to his political opponents trying to silence him.

Senator Roberts defended Mr Black over media reports about him in a Facebook post in February, branding them 'fake news'.

The 39-year-old has been charged with three counts of assault occasioning bodily harm and three of common assault

Mr Black had been under investigation since a complaint was made to the Queensland Police Service late last year

The former real estate agent has been prominent in Queensland politics since the mid 1990s

One Nation staffer Sean Black has been arrested by Queensland detectives

'While it's terrible that Pauline and I are subjected to lies and smears to try and discredit us politically it's totally unacceptable that when they can't find dirt on us the media go after our staff,' Senator Roberts wrote, according to Fairfax.

'I have been working closely with Sean for the past five months and he is a great asset to our team and to Pauline's team, both as a hard working aide and as a personal friend.

'I have seen no evidence of the caricature he is painted to be, he loves his family, has a great sense of humour and is extremely well liked by all those who associate with him.

'Sean has my full support and will continue to have my full support in this office for as long as I am an elected official.'

Sean Black (right) is an advisor to One Nation Senator Malcolm Roberts (left)

Sean Black (right) pictured with former Queensland premier Cambell Newman
A devastated mother has been forced to relive the tragic death of her five-year-old daughter after vandals trash her memorial a month after she was killed.

Maria-Susana Vaafusuaga, known as Sana, from Rocky Point near Wyong died in her mother's arms after she was hit by a truck while crossing the road after her first day back at school for the term.

The 'kindergarten superstar's' memorial site was targeted over the weekend with vile vandals attacking it two nights in a row - and on the second night they stole the youngster's bicycle.

Maria-Susana Vaafusuaga, known as Sana, from Rocky Point near Wyong on the NSW Central Coast, died in her mother's arms after she was hit by a truck

The mother's heart has been left broken a month after the devastating accident because vandals attacked the girl's memorial

Sana who was a 'kindergarten superstar' loved her bike - it was at the memorial and was stolen

Sana's mother Salafai Loimata, who is in Samoa grieving with family over the loss of the young girl, took to Facebook to express her pain.

'That makes me feel like coming home straight away,' she said.

'I'm so mad right now, it feels like the pain is coming back again as we try our best to be strong.'

The mourning mother found out about the two separate attacks from Sana's aunt, who lives opposite the memorial which marks the place where the five-year-old was killed.

'Thankyou to the person or persons for trashing Sana's site last night you knew no one was home. I hope you can sleep well,' she wrote on Facebook after the first act of vandalism.

But the message was lost on the vandals who seemingly returned the following night to steal the little girl's bicycle.

The mourning mother found out about the two separate attacks from Sana's aunt, who lives opposite the memorial which marks the place where the five-year-old was killed (Sana and her older sister, right, pictured)

'Thankyou to the person or persons for trashing Sana's site last night,' the devastated aunt wrote after the attacks

'Whoever took Sana's bike return it back to her site or will take it further. We are already hurt enough,' she said on behalf of the family (Sana pictured left, with her father and older sister)

This devastated the aunt, who has been rocked by the young girl's passing.

'Whoever took Sana's bike return it back to her site or will take it further. We are already hurt enough.

'We done nothing wrong to you or to your people. Return it without us knowing who you are,' she wrote.

The desperate call-out shocked the family's friends, who were angered and confused by the attack on the memorial.

The young girl was killed in front of her devastated mother and sister (pictured at the funeral)

The kindergarten student was farewelled at Wyong Christian School by dozens of friends and family left shocked by the vandal attack

'Why would someone do that ? I don't get it? That's Sana's bike,' one friend wrote.

'Are you kidding me!!!! That is absolutely disgusting. I'm so sad and angry!,' another friend said.

'I can not believe how despicable some people are,' said another.

The aunt revealed a strange white cross had also been erected on the second night, when the bike disappeared.

'Some strange hour took Sana's bike and left a big white cross on the telegraph pole and a plaque,' she said.

Sana was laid to rest on May 6. Mourners wore black and white and adorned their hair with purple flowers, Sana's favourite colour, for the moving farewell at Wyong Christian School.

'I can not believe how despicable some people are,' one friend wrote of the vandalism
The chief financial officer of Soupman Inc, a company that licenses recipes from the chef who inspired Seinfeld's 'Soup Nazi' character, was arrested on Tuesday for allegedly failing to pay a wide range of federal taxes.

Robert Bertrand, 62, of Norwalk, Connecticut, is accused of cheating the government out of a half-million dollars.

Bertrand was charged in Brooklyn federal court with failing to pay Medicare, Social Security and federal income taxes on behalf of the employees of Staten Island-based Soupman Inc.

The CFO of Soupman Inc., Bob Bertrand, was arrested for allegedly failing to pay federal taxes over several years on Tuesday

Soupman licenses recipes from the real-life chef who inspired Seinfeld's 'Soup Nazi' character (pictured)

CFO Bertrand, 62, of Norwalk, Connecticut, is accused of cheating the government out of a half-million dollars

The government said Bertrand paid Soupman employees unreported cash on the side and gave some workers large unreported stock awards from 2010 through 2014.

The indictment says Soupman's unreported cash and stock compensation during those years totaled $2.8million, and the estimated tax loss to the Internal Revenue Service was $593,000.

Bertrand's lawyer declined to comment.

He pleaded not guilty before he was released on $50,000 bail.

The company licenses the name and recipes of Al Yeganeh, whose iconic New York soup stand was the inspiration for the 'Soup Nazi' character from the sitcom Seinfeld.

In the episode that the soup stand was immortalized, the Soup Nazi famously yells at customers who disobey his strict rules: 'No soup for you!'

Real-life chef Al Yeganeh stepped back from ownership of the shop years ago, but owns an interest in its franchising business and gets licensing fees from the company.

'He's not going back there to dish out the soup, but he is still the heart of the company,' Bertrand told NBC in 2010. 'He still has a key. He handpicked the operator. His soups are his babies.'

In the Seinfeld episode that the soup stand was immortalized, the Soup Nazi famously yells at customers who disobey his strict rules: 'No soup for you!'

Chef Al Yeganeh stepped back from ownership of the shop years ago, but owns an interest in its franchising business and gets licensing fees from the company

Now, after being accused of paying Soupman employees unreported cash on the side and giving some workers large unreported stock awards, Bertrand could face several years in prison

'The United States was fleeced out of more than half a million dollars through the defendant's corporate misdeeds,' Acting US Attorney Bridget M. Rohde said.

'Tax crimes like those alleged in the indictment hurt every American citizen.'

James Robnett, agent-in-charge of New York's IRS criminal division, said employment tax evasion damages the solvency of the US government and costs employees future Social Security and Medicare benefits.

If convicted, Bertrand could spend up to five years in prison.
Defense Secretary James Mattis was upset because he was not consulted by the military about its use of a large-scale conventional bomb against ISIS targets in Afghanistan last month, according to a report which appeared Tuesday in The New Yorker.

On April 13, the United States dropped its largest non-nuclear weapon on ISIS tunnels in eastern Afghanistan.

The so-called Massive Ordnance Air Blast bomb, or 'mother of all bombs,' killed 96 militants as it destroyed three underground tunnels as well as weapons and ammunition, the Afghan government said.

The number of civilian casualties  if any  is unknown.

US forces used a 30-foot long, GPS-guided GBU-43 bomb, at around 7.30pm local time in the Nangarhar Province.

Defense Secretary James Mattis was reportedly upset because he was not consulted by the military about its use of a large-scale conventional bomb against ISIS targets in Afghanistan last month

The so-called Massive Ordnance Air Blast bomb, or 'mother of all bombs,' killed 96 militants as it destroyed three underground tunnels (above) as well as weapons and ammunition, the Afghan government said

The weapon weighs a staggering 21,600 pounds.

A crater left by the blast is believed to be more than 1,000 feet wide after it exploded six feet above the ground.

Anyone at the blast site was vaporized.

President Donald Trump told reporters at the White House that he was 'very, very proud' and called the operation 'really another successful job. We're very, very proud of our military.'

US forces used a 30-foot long, GPS-guided GBU-43 bomb, at around 7.30pm local time in the Nangarhar Province. The weapon weighs a staggering 21,600 pounds.

Now it has been learned that Mattis was 'frustrated' because he was taken by surprise when he learned of the bomb's deployment.

The decision to drop the weapon was made by General John Nicholson, the top Army general in Afghanistan.

Mattis was not even consulted about it, according to The New Yorker.

While Mattis may have been out of the loop on MOAB, he is portrayed in the magazine's report as an influential defense secretary who has had a moderating influence on Trump.

Mattis is credited with convincing Trump of the importance of NATO  this after Trump derided the alliance during his presidential campaign.

Trump has also reportedly given Mattis and his generals a far greater degree of autonomy  a radical departure from the Obama era policies of relative restraint and caution.

While Mattis (seen above alongside Afghan President Ashraf Ghani on April 24 in Kabul) may have been out of the loop on MOAB, he is portrayed in the magazine's report as an influential defense secretary who has had a moderating influence on Trump

Since taking office in January, the Trump administration has authorized more raids and bombings against ISIS and al Qaeda targets in Syria, Iraq, Yemen, Somalia, and Afghanistan.

Multiple US troops were injured in a Tuesday raid against a compound associated with al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula in Yemen in which at least seven militants were killed, the Pentagon said.

Pentagon spokesman Captain Jeff Davis told reporters the injuries were not serious enough to require medical evacuation.

He declined to say specifically how many troops were injured.

Davis added that this was the first time the US had carried out a ground raid in the Marib governorate and the deepest the US had gone into Yemen to target AQAP.

It was also reported on Tuesday that the US and its allies have dropped nearly 50 percent more bombs on ISIS targets so far this year compared to this point last year.

US Air Forces Central Command's latest monthly statistics showed that the American-led coalition against ISIS dropped 14,192 rockets, bombs, and other munitions through the first four months of 2017.

During the same period last year, the coalition dropped 9,442 munitions.

The more frequent bombings 'can be attributed to the increased pace of operations in both Iraq and Syria as we target and destroy ISIS,' Air Forces Central Command spokesperson Lt. Col. Damien Pickart said.

The stepped-up air campaign coincides with gains made by US-backed ground troops.

Iraqi military engineers installed a new floating bridge across the Tigris River last week, reconnecting the two halves of Mosul to facilitate troop deployments ahead of a final assault to dislodge Islamic State.
Hillary Clinton proclaimed Tuesday that President Donald Trump's budget shows an 'unimaginable level of cruelty' for millions of Americans and children.

Clinton, who recently declared herself part of the Trump resistance, lashed out at the Republican president's spending plan in aggressive terms at a New York City charity event on Tuesday evening.

The former Democratic presidential nominee was being honored by the Children's Health Fund, a nonprofit organization that helps provide health care to poor and homeless children.

Clinton, who recently declared herself part of the Trump resistance, lashed out at the Republican president's spending plan in aggressive terms on Tuesday evening

Clinton later wore the same yellow ensemble when she appeared with her husband Bill at a second event, the SeriousFun Children's Network gala

Later on, Hillary Clinton joined Tom Hanks and Jimmy Fallon at the SeriousFun Children's Network Gala at Pier 60 in New York City

'This administration and Republicans in Congress are mounting an onslaught against the needs of children and people with disabilities, women and seniors,' Clinton charged.

She said the budget, which was released earlier in the day, 'shows an unimaginable level of cruelty and lack of imagination and disdain for the struggles of millions of Americans, including millions of children.'

She added, 'None of us can remain silent in the face of these attacks.'

Trump's budget calls for a drastic rollback of programs for the poor and disabled along with a robust hike for the military and border security.

The former Democratic presidential nominee washonored by the Children's Health Fund, a nonprofit organization that helps provide health care to poor and homeless children

Pleased to see each other: Tom Hanks and Hillary Clinton embrace at her second children's event of the evening

(L-R) Tom Hanks, Liz Robbins, Hillary Clinton, Jimmy Fallon, and Don Gogel attend the SeriousFun Children's Network Gala

CBS News Anchor and CHF Board of Directors Jane Pauley is seen with Clinton, left. Right, Clinton is seen with actress and activist Julianne Moore at the Children's Health Fund event

She said Trump's budget, which was released earlier in the day, 'shows an unimaginable level of cruelty and lack of imagination and disdain for the struggles of millions of Americans'

The plan, which won't become law without Congress' approval, is laced with $3.6 trillion in cuts to domestic agencies, food stamps, Medicaid, highway funding, crop insurance and medical research, among others.

'It hurts the well-being of children,' Clinton said. 'It's time to send a resounding message that we will not stand for this attack on the most vulnerable among us.'

Earlier in the month, Clinton launched a new political organization designed to push back against Trump's agenda. She said the group would 'encourage people to get involved, organize and even run for office.'

Later on in the evening, Clinton attended a second event - the SeriousFun Childrens Network Gala - where she was joined by Tom Hanks and TV host Jimmy Fallon.

All smiles: Hillary looks lovingly at husband Bill as he speaks during the event
A one-year-old boy has been rushed to hospital after falling out of a second-storey apartment window in the Blue Mountains.

Police were called to the apartment on Hope Street in Blaxland around 2.25pm, officers said.

Ariel footage from 7News shows police searching the area around the dwelling.

The boy was treated at the scene by paramedics before he was taken to Westmead Childrens Hospital with serious injuries.

Officers from Blue Mountains Local Area Command have begun an investigation.

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A one-year-old boy was rushed to hospital on Wednesday afternoon after he fell out of a second-storey apartment window in Blaxland, in the Blue Mountains (pictured)
A drag queen is auctioning herself off as a slave in support of the Cancer Council.

Lady Kezzle will be an auction item in the Goldfields Biggest Morning Tea's charity auction in Western Australia.

She offered a disclaimer she can refuse anything 'distasteful'  and that she won't be spending the day cleaning anyone's house.

A drag queen is auctioning herself off as a slave in support of the Cancer Council.

'Lady Kezzle has a completely different definition of distasteful to most people, so almost all offers are open,' Lady Kezzle told The West.

She said it would be good if a business picked up the opportunity because it could help their exposure.

She revealed she supports the cause because she lost her mother to cancer.

'I lost my mother to oesophageal cancer two-and-a-half years ago, so anything I can do to support a cancer charity is fine by me.'

Goldfields Biggest Morning Tea will be held on on Thursday 25th May, at the Graduate's Hall in, Kalgoorlie.
A father had naked photos of himself and personal details posted on more than 60 adult dating profiles after he loaned a woman his spare phone - and later had to move his family out of their house after they were broken into and a teddy bear's throat was slit.

Michael, 36, was just helping out when he gave a friend of a friend his old iPhone 6 last March while she was going through a bitter marriage breakdown.

The kind-hearted man also gave the 36-year-old woman a job cleaning his house in North Queensland and gave her a key while he was on holiday with his family.

A father had naked photos of himself and personal details posted on more than 60 adult dating profiles after he loaned a woman his spare phone

He deleted everything on the phone but didn't do a factory reset to permanently erase the data, and told 9 News this was the mistake that ruined his life.

Michael believes the stalker plugged the phone into his computer, downloaded more than 40 explicit photos of him and gained access to his work and personal email accounts and apps.

Soon a campaign of up to 120 abusive texts and voicemails a day began - targeted at him and his 30-year-old girlfriend and sent from payphones.

Later he discovered more than 60 accounts on adult dating sites like F**k Buddy, Ashley Madison, and various classifieds featuring nude selfies of him.

Michael believes the stalker plugged the phone into his computer, downloaded more than explicit photos of him and gained access to his work and personal email accounts

The accounts also included his name, home address, phone numbers, emails and work details.

He now believes the woman mistook his kindness for romantic advances and was upset he never followed up on them.

As a mining worker, Michael often spends up to 10 days away from his family, who now often bunker down inside with the doors and windows locked.

Then one day their home was broken into and a teddy bear found with its throat slashed with a note reading: 'Next time it won't just be the bear.

'The kids don't know anything but obviously they see their mother being upset a lot,' he said.

Soon a campaign of abusive texts and voicemails, up to 120 a day, began - targeted at him and his 30-year-old girlfriend and sent from pay phones

After threats were made against the family cat a week later the family moved to another house in their small town.

Despite the yearlong campaign of terror against his family, Michael claims police did little to pursue the woman and wrote it off as a jilted lover.

There are also no laws to specifically prosecute people for revenge porn and similar attacks, and as Michael gave her the phone he couldn't press stealing charges.

'They have all the evidence, they have everything they need to charge her and they just haven't done anything,' he said.

'I didn't even send anything to anyone. If I sent these photos to this girl and then it got out then maybe it's my own fault.'
Tommy Arthur, 75, who faces execution for the eighth time on Thursday for the murder-for-hire slaying of a man in 1982 insists he 'won't give up' fighting for his innocence

An inmate who faces execution for the eighth time on Thursday over a murder-for-hire slaying in 1982 insists he 'won't give up' fighting for his innocence.

Tommy Arthur, 75, was convicted of fatally shooting Troy Wicker in the eye while he slept at his home, after being hired by Wicker's wife to kill him.

He has had his execution postponed seven times since 2001, prompting victims' rights advocates to derisively call him the 'Houdini' of death row.

He insists he is innocent and is fighting for an eighth reprieve, but he is losing optimism, declaring: 'They are going to kill me this time.'

Arthur is scheduled to be put to death at at a prison in Atmore, Alabama, at 6pm on Thursday.

Wicker's wife, Judy, initially told police she came home and was raped by a black man who shot and killed her husband.

After her conviction, she changed her story and testified she had sex with Arthur and paid him $10,000 to kill her husband.

She said Arthur wore a wig and painted his face in an attempt to look like a black man.

But Arthur insists he is innocent, saying 'I did not commit that crime,' during a recent telephone interview from prison.

'I won't give up 'til I draw my last breath. I won't give up,' he said.

'There is evidence in the evidence box that can be and should be DNA tested and they are not doing it,' he told NBC News. 'I asked them, 'Please don't let Alabama kill me without testing it.'

'Honest to goodness,' said Arthur, who was found guilty by three different juries, 'I did not commit this crime.'

When police found Troy Wicker shot through the eye in his bed on February 1, 1982, Arthur was already in a prison work-release program for the 1977 slaying of his sister-in-law.

He has had his execution postponed seven times since 2001, prompting victims' rights advocates to derisively call him the 'Houdini' of death row. Pictured, the injection chamber at Holman Correctional Facility in Alabama

He admits to that crime, but says he only meant to scare her by firing a shot over her head.

Police first looked into Arthur when a tip came in saying a work-release inmate had a stack of $100 bills.

Arthur said he won the money in a poker game. But investigators said they also found phone calls between Judy Wicker and Arthur.

He was convicted in 1983, but that conviction was overturned. While awaiting retrial, he escaped from jail in 1986 by shooting a jailer in the neck with a pistol and forcing another jailer to open his cell door.

He remained a fugitive for more than a month. A second conviction followed and also was overturned, but a third conviction stuck.

At each trial, Arthur - initially to the surprise of his lawyers - asked jurors to give him the death penalty. The decision was strategic, he said, to open up more appellate review.

Tommy Arthur, 75, was convicted of fatally shooting Troy Wicker in the eye while he slept at his home, after being hired by Wicker's wife to kill him - but insists he is innocent

The state set execution dates for Arthur in 2001, 2003, 2007, 2008, 2012, 2014 and 2016. All were delayed as a pro bono legal team fought his convictions.

In 2016, Arthur was minutes away from execution when the U.S. Supreme Court gave him an unexpected reprieve.

'We were fixing to go into the room and they were going to put the needle in my arm,' he said.

Back then, he asked to put a picture of his four children on the back of his Bible so he could look up at them as he died. The request was denied. They are not expected to witness his execution Thursday.

'I would like to publicly apologize to my children, all of them,' he said. 'I want to apologize for not being the father that I should have been and could have been. I failed as a father.'

Arthur has won multiple execution delays, partly because his attorneys have pursued appeals arguing lethal injection procedures would be painful because he suffers from a heart condition.

He has had his execution postponed seven times since 2001, prompting victims' rights advocates to derisively call him the 'Houdini' of death row. Pictured, people gather for a candlelit vigil at the Alabama Capitol Building last year when he was facing execution

The many delays have been painful for Troy Wicker's family, Grantham said, including one of his sisters, who died of cancer soon after Arthur's last reprieve

'He's a Houdini,' said Janette Grantham, director of the Victims of Crime and Leniency. 'He always finds a way to escape.'

The many delays have been painful for Troy Wicker's family, Grantham said, including one of his sisters, who died of cancer soon after Arthur's last reprieve.

'I consider that he killed her, too, because she just fought so hard to get justice for her brother, and it never came,' Grantham said.

Arthur says that there is no physical evidence linking him to scene and that Judy Wicker changed her story as a 'get out of jail free card.'

His defense has asked for modern DNA testing on the wig the killer wore, arguing the prosecution's case would 'fall apart' if it shows someone else's DNA. Judy Wicker's rape kit cannot be found to be tested.

He has appealed to Alabama Governor Kay Ivey to intervene.

Arthur's recent legal challenges have largely centered on the state's method of execution, including the use of the sedative midazolam to render inmates unconscious.

The state's last execution using midazolam took longer than expected as the inmate coughed for the first 13 minutes of the procedure.
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A lone American flag hung above the entryway to Pope Francis' apostolic palace in Vatican City on Wednesday as U.S. President Donald Trump arrived for the third leg of his tour of the world's great religions.

Trump met Pope Francis on the fifth day of his first foreign presidential trip, after visiting the cradles of Islam and Judaism.

While their discussion will remain private, the president had a brief message for Francis as he left: 'I won't forget what you said.'

'It's such an honor,' he said as he shook the Pontiff's hand and posed for photos in the Sala del Tronetto, the second-floor 'little throne room.'

'Thank you very much. This is such a great honor,' Trump was later heard saying as he and Francis sat across a desk from each other to begin their talks in his private study.

The Pope presented Trump with a medal with a picture of an olive tree and told him: 'It is my desire that you become an olive tree to construct peace.' Trump replied: 'We could use peace,'

He tweeted on his way to the airport: 'Honor of a lifetime to meet His Holiness Pope Francis. I leave the Vatican more determined than ever to pursue PEACE in our world.'

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U.S. President Donald Trump has at long last met Pope Francis for a private audience at the Vatican

First lady Melania Trump (pictured), Ivanka Trump and senior aide Hope Hicks all wore black with conservative lace 'mantilla' veils as a show of respect

The president tweeted that he left his audience with the Pope 'more determined than ever to pursue PEACE in our world'

'I won't forget what you said,' Trupm told the Pontiff after the two emerged from their private meeting in the Pope's study

Fans of the president strained to see his motorcade pass on Wednesday along Viale della Conciliazione avenue, near St. Peter's Square in Vatican City

The delegation who met with the Pope on Wednesday included Melania and Ivanka Trump, Jared Kushner, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, National Security Advisor H.R. McMaster, Chief of Oval office Operations Keith Schiller, State Department policy planning chief Brian Hooks, White House Director of Strategic Communications Hope Hicks and White House Social Media Director Dan Scavino

The famously blunt-spoken Francis said nothing.

After they emerged from their talks, Francis was grinning from ear to ear as he met other members of the first family.

'What do you give him to eat?' he asked Melania Trump in Italian, referring to the president's hulking size. 'Potica?'

'Potica!' a delighted Melania responded, laughing. Potica is a Slovenian nut-roll dessert.

The Pope blessed a rosary in her hand before greeting Ivanka Trump and her husband Jared Kushner, along with Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and other U.S. officials.

Melania followed the Papal meeting with a visit to a Vatican-owned children's hospital. She told Francis: 'I'm glad to visit the hospital  for the "bambinos".'

Ivanka Trump visited the Sant' Egidio Community in Rome for a discussion about human trafficking

Melania Trump posed for a selfie with a young patient at the Bambin Gesu' children's hospital

Ivanka's itinerary included meeting victims of human trafficking and host a roundtable with members of the Community of Sant'Egidio, a social justice-oriented anti-poverty group affiliated with the Catholic Church.

The Vatican praised Trump in a statement, saying that he and Francis spoke about their 'joint commitment in favor of life, and freedom of worship and conscience.'

But in a veiled slap at Trump's immigration policy, the Vatican added that the Pope would seek 'serene collaboration' on 'healthcare, education and assistance to immigrants.'

'We had a fantastic meeting,' Trump told reporters afterward. 'He is something. It was an honor to be with the Pope.'

The president ignored a question about whether he and the Pontiff had discussed global warming.

President Trump and wife Melania stared at the frescoed ceilings during their visit to the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican

President Trump and his wife looked at the marble Pieta sculpture by Michelangelo in the St Peter's basilica on Wednesday

Pope Francis spent a half-hour with President Trump, and then spoke with the first couple

The Trumps and the Pope traded gifts after the Papal audience; Francis got a set of first-edition books by Martin Luther King Jr. and a sculpture of a lotus by artist Geoffrey Smith (left)

The Swiss Guard escorted Trump to an elevator for a quick ride upstairs to meet the Pope

The Trumps brought two gifts for the Pope, including a case of first-edition books by Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.

'I think you will enjoy them,' he said.

The president also gave him a bronze sculpture by Florida artist Geoffrey Smith, titled 'Rising Above,' in the shape of a flowering lotus.

Francis reciprocated with a large medal crafted by a Roman artist  an image of an olive tree, a symbol of peace.

'It is my desire that you become an olive tree to construct peace,' he said.

'We can use peace,' Trump replied.

'I signed it personally for you,' Francis told him.

'Ooh,' Trump said. 'That's so beautiful.'

The president also promised to read copies of three Papal encyclicals that Francis gave him  one of which is his 'Laudato si,' a treatise about preserving the environment.

The other two concern family and the Gospels.

Ivanka Trump, the president's elder daughter, joined her stepmother in wearing a traditional veil to the Vatican

Melania got her first Vatican greeting Wednesday from prefect of the papal household Georg Gaenswein

How Pope Francis threw out traditional rules in favor of 'relaxed' dress code US First Lady Melania Trump and her step-daughter Ivanka opted to wear black dresses and veils when they met with Pope Francis at the Vatican on Wednesday. While the First Lady's spokeswoman said their decision was based on Vatican protocol, the famously laid-back Pope Francis initiated a 'relaxed' approach to dress codes when he became Pope in 2013. Traditionally, women granted a private audience with the Pope had a strict dress code to adhere to. It was compulsory for women to wear black long dresses that fell below the knees. They were required to wear a matching black hat, veil or other head covering, as well as gloves. Queen Elizabeth wore a bright lilac ensemble when she met Pope Francis for the first time in 2014. On previous meetings with his predecessor, the Queen wore black Exceptions were made for Catholic queens and princesses who could adhere to the 'privilege du blanc' or 'privilege of the white' rule. Catholic women worldwide typically wore head coverings to church until the 1950s given the Virgin Mary wore a veil as a symbol of humility. The historically strict rules were essentially thrown out by Pope Francis when he was elected in 2013. Pope Francis adopted a 'no dress code' policy for private audiences. However, women are encouraged to still dress modestly when meeting with the Pope and are asked to cover their shoulders. The Duchess of Cornwall also broke with tradition when she wore gold to meet Pope Francis for the first time in April this year Queen Elizabeth wore the traditional black when she met with four previous Popes. Yet when she met Pope Francis for the first time in 2014, the Queen opted for a bright lilac ensemble. The Duchess of Cornwall also broke with tradition when she wore gold to meet Pope Francis for the first time in April this year. Camilla wore her head uncovered and donned a champagne silk dress and coat by Anna Valentine, one of her favorite designers. In contrast, Camilla wore a black dress and veil when meeting with Pope Francis' predecessor Pope Benedict XVI. Queen Letizia of Spain chose not to cover her head when she met with Pope Francis in 2014. She did however wear white, which is standard protocol for a Catholic queen making a papal visit. Queen Letizia of Spain chose not to cover her head when she met with Pope Francis in 2014. She did wear white though, which is standard protocol for a Catholic queen Advertisement

The president's arrival was a pomp-and-circumstance affair.

Stepping out of an armored SUV - - the Beast is too wide for some of the streets close to the Vatican - he joined first lady Melania Trump entering the palace as a rank of Swiss Guards stood at attention.

'It's an honor and a great pleasure to receive you here in the Pope's palace,' prefect of the papal household Georg Gaenswein told the president as a phalanx of cameras captured the historic moment in the San Damaso courtyard.

'Thank you so much,' Trump replied.

Mrs. Trump was dressed in black and wearing a black lace veil over her hair, and got her own handshake from Gaenswein.

Ivanka Trump, too, wore a tulle veil. Her husband Jared Kushner joined the entourage along with Tillerson.

The veil, or mantilla, is traditionally worn by women as a sign of respect when meeting the Pope. Trump senior aide Hope Hicks wore one as well.

White House Director of Strategic Communications Hope Hicks (center) and White House Director of Social Media Dan Scavino (left) were part of the presidential entourage who got to meet the Pope

Trump and the Pope sat across a desk in the Pontiff's private study  the president all smiles and the Pontiff all caution  as they began their discussions on Wednesday

Neither woman, however, wore a head scarf in Saudi Arabia over the weekend, despite the local custom of Muslim women wearing hijabs in public.

Catholic women worldwide typically wore mantillas to church until the 1960s.

Following a private tour of the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica, the president went to the Quirinale Palace for a meeting with Italian President Sergio Mattarella.

He entered the palace's courtyard to find an honor guard of 30 Italian military officers in full dress uniforms, complete with medals pinned to their chests.

With Melania and Ivanka at their own meetings, policy adviser Stephen Miller took a seat at a long conference table alongside Tillerson.

On Trump's other side sat Kushner and National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster.

Trump followed his time in Vatican City with a meeting with Italian President Sergio Mattarella (right, back to camera) in Rome. Flanking Trump are Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and son-in-law Jared Kushner

The president's armored SUV - the Beast is too wide for some of the streets close to the Vatican - motored past a rank of Swiss Guard in the San Damaso courtyard

Following a second political meeting, with Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni, the president headed back to Rome's Fiumicino Airport with a motorcade of 50 vehicles.

In the Vatican courtyard on Wednesday, Trump walked a receiving line of 15 officials of the Gentlemen of His Holiness, an honor guard of nobility, stopping to make eye contact and shake hands each time.

As Trump and Francis talked, Melania, Ivanka and Jared sat in an anteroom, speaking with Gentlemen of His Holiness members and Gaenswein.

The president's quick in-and-out Rome visit completes his global monotheism hat trick as the unconventional Pontiff and the even more unpredictable president talked turkey.

The two men went toe-to-toe during the 2016 campaign season after Francis questioned candidate Trump's religious convictions, and the future president fired back an un-Christian putdown.

They were all smiles, however, as photographers and reporters chronicled every word, gesture and reaction.

Only when they disappeared into a Vatican inner sanctum  alone, save for a translator  did the rubber meet the strada.

First encounter: Trump's meeting with the blunt-spoken leader of the world's 1.2 billion Catholics came after their very public criticism of each other last year

On the ground: Trump arrived in Italy Tuesday with First Lady Melania Trump and was given a ceremonial welcome by Italian authorities

Vatican greeting: Senior clergy from the Vatican were on the tarmac in Rome to greet the president on Tuesday

Trump's Saudi stay was focused on galvanizing persuadable Muslim-majority nations around a common mission of stamping out the violent jihadism that persistently threatens to tar and feather their religion.

His closely watched appearances in Jerusalem and Bethlehem were calculated to showcase Trump's closeness with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu  and his less Republican-like respect for Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas  as bookended overture to a coming peace proposal.

But White House officials had been uncharacteristically mum about the president's goals for his meeting with the leader of the world's 1.2 billion Roman Catholics.

'He was invited by the Pope, and he's honored to go and meet the Pope. It's somebody he has a lot of respect for,' a senior administration official told reporters Tuesday aboard Air Force One.

The only hint at an agenda came when the official hopefully lumped Catholicism into an ecumenical anti-terror klatch  signaling that Trump may angle for Pope Francis to endorse his hard-line condemnation of suicide bombers.

'When you put it all together, you're really showing that this problem of radical extremism is one of the great problems of our time,' the official said.

'By putting everybody together you can really build a coalition and show that it's not a Muslim problem, it's not a Jewish problem, it's not a Catholic problem, it's not a Christian problem. It really is a world problem.'

In Israel on Tuesday, Trump denounced British Libyan terrorist Salman Abedi, who killed 22 people at a rock concert in Manchester, UK, as an 'evil loser.'

'I will call them from now on 'losers' because that's what they are. And we'll have more of them. But they're losers, just remember that,' he said, standing alongside Abbas at his West Bank presidential palace.

Francis was far more measured, not describing the attack as terrorism, nor noting that ISIS immediately claimed credit for the carnage.

'His Holiness Pope Francis was deeply saddened to learn of the injury and tragic loss of life caused by the barbaric attack in Manchester,' a telegram sent by the Vatican secretary of state read, 'and he expresses his heartfelt solidarity with all those affected by this senseless act of violence.'

The Pontiff hasn't shied away from being more forceful in the past, and Trump has personally felt the sting of his verbal lash.

'A person who thinks only about building walls, wherever they may be, and not building bridges, is not Christian,' Francis said then. The pontiff has been a vocal advocate for aiding refugees, particularly those fleeing the violence in Syria, deeming it both a 'moral imperative' and 'Christian duty' to help.

High security: The Vatican is surrounded by soldiers and paramilitary police for the meeting of the leaders of the world's Catholics and its only superpower

Armed guard: Italian troops were deployed around the Vatican on Wednesday, while the city-state is guarded internally by the Swiss Guard

Tension: The Manchester concert attack has jangled nerves across the world and in Vatican City a bomb disposal officer inspected a suspect package as the state prepared for Trump's arrival

Trump has never been one to let an insult, perceived or real, go by without a response, and he made no exception for the world's best-known religious leader. He called Francis 'disgraceful' for doubting his faith.

In February 2016 aboard a flight home from Juarez, Mexico, the Pope pointedly criticized the then-White House hopeful's improbable-sounding pledge to wall off the U.S. from its southern neighbor.

'A person who thinks only about building walls, wherever they may be, and not building bridges, is not Christian. This is not in the Gospel,' the Pope said then.

One focus of that trip had been a high-profile Mass celebrated on the U.S.-Mexico border, a move that enraged Trump.

'I think the Pope is a very political person,' he told a Fox Business Channel interviewer. 'I think he doesn't understand the problems our country has.'

A week later, Trump sputtered out a response on Facebook to the Jesuit pope's upbraiding that questioned his faith.

At a point in time when he was emphasizing his border-wall plan's potential to stop Islamic terrorists from coming to America, the bombastic billionaire let it all hang out.

'If and when the Vatican is attacked by ISIS, which as everyone knows is ISIS's ultimate trophy, I can promise you that the Pope would have only wished and prayed that Donald Trump would have been President because this would not have happened,' he wrote.

And he claimed Mexican politicians had romanced Francis during his trip with only 'one side of the story,' saying that 'he didn't see the crime, the drug trafficking and the negative economic impact the current policies have on the United States.'

'For a religious leader to question a person's faith is disgraceful,' Trump added in a dramatic hammer-blow.

If and when the Vatican is attacked by ISIS, which as everyone knows is ISIS's ultimate trophy, I can promise you that the Pope would have only wished and prayed that Donald Trump would have been President because this would not have happened. Trump last year during dispute with Pope Francis

'I am proud to be a Christian and as President I will not allow Christianity to be consistently attacked and weakened, unlike what is happening now, with our current President. No leader, especially a religious leader, should have the right to question another man's religion or faith.'

After a lengthy cooling-off period, Francis has adopted a wait-and-see attitude to his meeting with America's most famous Presbyterian.

Asked on May 13 whether he plans to toughen  or soften  his positions on global warming or immigration when he sits down with Trump, he insisted that he wasn't about to get caught up in political calculation.'

'We'll talk, each of us will say what he thinks. Each of us will listen to the other,' Francis said during a May 13 flight from Portugal to Rome.

'I never make a judgment on a person without listening to them. I believe that I shouldn't do this.'

'In our talk, things will come out, I will say what I think, he will say what he thinks,' Francis said.

Trump will fly to Brussels on Wednesday afternoon to attend a NATO summit on Thursday. From there he heads back to Italy  further south, on the island of Sicily  for a G7 meeting.
Schapelle Corby is in a stand-off with Indonesian authorities and refusing to leave her house to report to parole officers one final time before she is deported back to Australia.

Corby, 39, was told she must report to her parole officer Wayan Widyartha this week but officers have been met with resistance from Corby and her family who claim there is too much media outside preventing her from leaving her house.

Mercedes Corby, Schapelle's sister, pleaded with local media in Bali this week to give her sister some space.

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Schapelle Corby is reportedly refusing to leave her house to report to parole officers because there is too much media outside her home

Speaking to a reporter, Mercedes Corby said Schapelle's well-being would be better 'if yous would leave her alone'.

'Stop stalking in front of the house,' she told News Corp.

'Please give her some privacy, stop in front of the house, just leave her alone, sick of the media, sick of all you lot stalking her.'

Mercedes Corby (pictured) pleaded with the local media this week to leave her sister alone

Corby will be deported back to Australia on May 27, more than 12 years after she was found with 4.2kg of cannabis in a body board bag she carried on a flight from Brisbane to Denpasar.

The then 27-year-old was sentenced to 20 years in prison. She won parole in 2014.

With less than a week until her deportation, Corby is reportedly refusing to cooperate.

Despite Corby's complaints about 'too much media' (pictured), Indonesian authorities have refused to treat her case differently to any other

Bali prosecution chief Ketut Maha Agung said he refused to let Corby abandon her parole duties and instead sent an officer on motorbike to Corby's home.

Despite Corby's claim there was too big of a media presence, Indonesian authorities refused to treat her case differently to any other.

Bali Law and Human Rights Ministry corrections Surung Pasaribu said Corby would be required to leave her house and appear at a parole meeting on May 27.

He said there would be no exceptions.

'No, no, no special treatment this will be standard operation,' he told News Corp.

Schapelle Corby's brother Michael Corby leaves their house in Kuta to go surfing on Tuesday, a few days before she is being deported back to Australia

Corby (pictured) will be asked to report for the final time on Saturday before she is deported back home to Australia

'On the 27th she is free and then she will be escorted to immigration and it's finished.'

Mr Pasaribu said Corby had been a 'headache' for officers in Bali but admitted her situation served as a powerful warning to others.

'All people from all over the world is here because there have been (drug) cases that's sentenced, so from me it's better, they know, not only Australians,' he said.

Corby will be required to report to parole officers for the final time on Saturday May 27 before she is deported back home to Australia.

Schapelle Corby's sister Mercedes Corby, her husband Wayan and Schapelle's security guard John McLeod are seen at Schapelle's house in Kuta
Accused drug smuggler Cassandra Sainsbury worked alongside 'cougars' at a second Sydney brothel where she was 'the pick'among clients because she was much younger than her colleagues.

A former receptionist at specialty 'cougar' brothel on Sydney's north shore claims Ms Sainsbury was the preferred sex worker within the establishment.

The blonde 22-year-old flew from Adelaide to Sydney where she would work as an escort under the name 'Claudia'.

Suzie* a woman who answered the phones and took bookings for the Kingswood-based club as well as others in their network told news.com.au other workers envied the blonde because she was 'treated like a star'.

Accused drug smuggler Cassandra Sainsbury worked alongside 'cougars' at a second Sydney brothel where she was favoured by customers

The blonde 22-year-old flew from Adelaide to Sydney where she would work as an escort under the name 'Claudia'

Previous claims by Club 220's madam Pamela Feranchi claim the young woman 'was depressed' and 'sat in the corner eating'

'The issue with the other girls was you were getting clients saying, ''Where's Claudia? Where's Claudia?'' Other girls would lose work because there was no comparison, 19 compared to a 40-year-old,' she said.

Previous claims by Club 220's madam Pamela Feranchi claim the young woman 'was depressed' and 'sat in the corner eating' because she wasn't popular - but those claims have been slammed by the booking agent who said she was in high demand.

But the young woman acted 'like a diva' and was 'unreliable' according to Suzie who has left the job since working with Ms Sainsbury.

'She would not turn up, be late, just not be contactable. She was extremely difficult to work with.'

The company paid Ms Sainsbury to fly in and fly out, with Suzie claiming girls usually stayed in the rooms at the brothels where they were working.

The woman revealed escorts earn just $80 for their services with $70 going to the brothel.

Ms Feranchi, who watched over Ms Sainsbury when she worked at the brothel up until the start of this year, said her heart broke when she saw her former worker on television, charged with drug smuggling.

Escorts, like MS Sainsbury, earn just $80 for their services with $70 going to the brothel

'Cassie always came across as a nice and really sweet,' Ms Feranchi said.

Ms Feranchi said Cassie was a good employee, but told her colleagues she had problems in her personal life and would often be in tears.

'I felt for her, sometimes she would cry in the corner eating pizza, chips and gravy.

'She wasn't the most popular girl, she was a bit tubby, but she had a good stream of customers,' she said.

Despite claims since her arrest that Ms Sainsbury was heavily involved in drugs, Ms Feranchi said she struggled to believe that.

'I don't hire girls who are on drugs and I was surprised to see her caught up in that,' she said.

Ms Feranchi said Cassie was a good employee, but told her colleagues she had problems in her personal life and would often be in tears

'She would barely even have a drink while she was here.

'And it shouldn't matter if she worked here before this- it is two separate parts of her life.'

One nearby shop worker recognised Ms Sainsbury and claimed she would buy a 'pie and some soft drink' a few times a week, before work.

'It was a shock when I saw her in the paper I thought I know that girl she used to come in here, and works down the road.

'It is strange to see someone you know in the paper for this,' she said.

Suzie told News it isn't unusual for girls to work at more than one venue.

Ms Sainsbury's fiance claims he thought the 22-year-old worked for a cleaning compnay which flew her to Sdyeny and around the world.
A security expert has claimed Australia is not equipped to handle a major terrorist attack because the government is employing 'illegitimate' security companies.

Daniel Lewkovitz, a 20-year expert in security and anti-terrorism with Calamity, told Daily Mail Australia training rorts are 'prolific' and too many individuals are gaining licenses through loopholes, travelling interstate to Queensland where laws are more lax.

He says these illegitimate companies are also employing non-English speakers which is problematic in the situation of an attack because the security guard is unable to properly warn and communicate emergencies with appropriate emergency services.

Anti-terror expert says Australia is not equipped to handle a major terrorist attack

Anti-terror expert Daniel Lewkovitz says security companies are employing many non-English speaking workers who are 'ineffective in mass casualty incidents' due to a lack of ability to communicate

Australia has experienced a number of terror-related attacks since 2014, including the Lindt Cafe Siege

In New South Wales, security licenses are obtained under stringent police regulation, whereas Queensland operate under Fair Trading rules.

'They (individual guards) are essentially being sold certificates,' Lewkovitz said.

Mr Lewkovitz says the government are 'disinterested' in this and there is a total lack of funding to regulators as a result.

He says the 'underpayment of wages on government awarded contracts' is 'squeezing out legitimate security companies,' and as a result has made the 'security industry a threat to national security.'

The role of police in terror-related situations is largely reactionary, providing people and emergency services with warnings and the information to avoid further harm, as well as preventing secondary attacks.

Lewkovitz says security employees are using a loophole that allows them to interstate to obtain licences that are awarded under less stringent regulations

Guards are 'essentially buying certificates' in Queensland where licenses operate under Fair Trading rules, whereas applicants in NSW work under more stringent police regulation

However, the calibre of staff within security companies is now so low according to Mr Lewkovitz, many are 'ineffective in mass casualty incidents' because of an inability to speak the language.

'The government is bringing this upon themselves.'

He said that immigrants are now gravitating towards security jobs because of the availability of 24-hour work, and says workers 'simply cannot perform basic quality security services if they don't have basic English skills'.

Mr Lewkovitz says under-funding security regulators has lead to a lower calibre of staff

Security Licensing Enforcement Directorate (SLED), which authorises and regulates NSW security licences, often receives applications from individuals using translators to give relevant information and obtain certification.

'This means people are potentially in national security roles who can't speak basic English,' Mr Lewkovitz said.

Daily Mail Australia have contacted SLED for comment on Mr Lewkovitz's claims.

Mr Lewkovitz also said the recent attack in Manchester, as a direct assault on children, is no new phenomena and has been occurring in Israel for decades.

He says security industry deficiencies could be placing Australian schools under increased vulnerability.

'The government is asleep at the wheel.'
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Britain took the unprecedented step of deploying hundreds of soldiers to patrol the streets of London today as the country woke up to a heightened terror threat following the Manchester suicide bombing.

Around 1,000 heavily-armed military personnel from the Royal Artillery, Paratroop and Irish Guards regiments are outside the Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace and other UK landmarks after Theresa May warned that a fresh terror attack may be 'imminent'.

The extraordinary steps were taken as police in Manchester revealed it is 'very clear' suicide bomber Salman Abedi was part of a terror 'network' and an off-duty woman police officer was among his 22 victims.

Soldiers in camouflage combat fatigues carrying the SA-80 rifles usually only fired in war zones patrolled beside Metropolitan Police officers through the streets of Whitehall this afternoon.

It is the first time such a step has been taken since Tony Blair sent tanks to guard Heathrow Airport in 2003 and will be the first time most Britons have ever witnessed uniformed troops on their streets.

Lines of soldiers filed into the Houses of Parliament today in the largest-scale deployment at the world-famous site since the Second World War.

It came as a raft of measures were taken to increase security, with the Palaces of Westminster in lockdown, the Changing of the Guard cancelled and even a victory parade by Chelsea FC called off.

A police officer allowed a soldier through the gates of Parliament as Scotland Yard steps up patrols amid an increased terror threat

Soldiers support police amid heightened security measures at Downing Street and the Houses of Parliament

Soldiers are replacing armed police at many popular tourist spots, including Whitehall in Westminster, as part of the Met Police's Operation Temperer, which will free up police officers to fight the terror threat

Many police forces are not taking up the offer of military support, but 4,000 extra troops are also on standby if needed

Soldiers from the Paratroop regiment and Irish guards arrive at Parliament today as troops are deployed around Britain

Troops armed with SA-80 assault rifles could be seen on patrol with police in central London this afternoon

A soldier from the Household Cavalry waits to cross a road in Parliament Square with an armed Met Police officer

Soldiers marched alongside police officers on Horse Guards Parade in Westminster, London as they protect the public and events

'RISK' IN DEPLOYING TROOPS TOO LONG Lord Peter Ricketts, the former UK National Security adviser, warned soldiers should only be used on Britain's streets 'very short term as a deterrent', as a 'reassurance to the public', and to free up the highly trained armed police officers. He told Sky News: 'I think there is a risk in leaving them on guard duty too long; in a way that becomes routine and is not what the soldiers have been trained for. 'I would hope as soon as they can get to the bottom of this network, the threat level will come down and the troops will go back to barracks. 'There is a risk in having them there other than for the very short term.' Lord Ricketts said we should not be 'deterred from our way of life' and said sporting events, concerts and big gatherings should go ahead.' He also questioned whether enough was being done to remove materials from the internet which 'might incite violence and hatred'. Advertisement

Salman Abedi, a 22-year-old Mancunian of Libyan descent, killed 22 people - including a girl aged just eight - and injured 119 more when he detonated an explosive device packed with nuts and bolts in the foyer of the Manchester Arena.

Twenty people remained in 'critical care' this morning, with some having suffered 'horrific injuries' including major organ damage and potential loss of limbs.

Soldiers are replacing armed police at many popular tourist spots as part of the Met Police's Operation Temperer, which will free up police officers to fight the terror threat. Many police forces are not taking up the offer of military support, but 4,000 extra troops are also on standby if needed.

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick said: 'The military are here and a number of locations in London in order to allow us, the police, to put more armed officers on the streets to support the public, and to protect the public and to protect events.'

Ms Dick said there were 'clearly a number of unknowns' since the attack on Monday and security services needed to get 'a better understanding' of the situation before the threat level could be reduced.

She added: 'We are immensely grateful to our military colleagues. I have just been talking to my officers and they're very comfortable with their military colleagues next to them.

'I think the vast majority of the public will be utterly reassured to know we have the ability to call upon, and have called upon, our military colleagues in this way - and to know we have more armed officers out on the streets.'

The moves were taken as:

Police revealed the bomb-maker who provided Salman Abedi with the explosive device used to cause carnage at Manchester Arena may still at large.

Abedi's younger brother Hashem, known as Rada, was arrested in Tripoli on suspicion of links to ISIS.

Three men were arrested in south Manchester in connection with the concert bomb attack on Monday night.

Heavily armed police raided a flat in central Manchester less than two miles from the scene of the atrocity.

More details emerged of those killed, including a Polish couple and an aunt who shielded her niece in the blast.

Home Secretary Amber Rudd vented her frustration over US leaks revealing details about the attack.

Countries around the world supported Britain by lighting up major buildings in the colours of the Union Jack.

French president Emmanuel Macron revealed plans to extend the country's state of emergency until November.

A soldier patrols with an armed police officer near the Houses of Parliament - after a man with a knife was tackled by eight officers outside Buckingham Palace

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick said there were 'clearly a number of unknowns' since the attack on Monday and security services needed to get 'a better understanding' of the situation before the threat level could be reduced

Police announced the move to bring in armed officers this morning and say they are doing all they can to combat the threat

A soldier and police officer pass a tourist stall in Whitehall as troops were sent out to patrol central London's streets today

British troops are being deployed to Downing Street and other 'key locations' across London, replacing police as they act as armed guards following the Manchester attack

A soldier and his police counterpart, both clutching assault rifles, pass Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament this afternoon

Soldiers will also act as armed guards at Downing Street, Parliament (pictured) and embassies, Scotland Yard said

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick and Major General Ben Bathhurst, General Officer Commanding London District (right) meet troops and police officers outside the Houses of Parliament

Ms Dick said: 'As soon as we no longer need our military colleagues, we will be saying so and we hope that the threat level will reduce from critical'

Police led a line of troops into Buckingham Palace today as more than 9000 soldiers were sent onto the streets of Britain

Whitehall was closed off today as the Changing of the Guard was cancelled in the face of the increased terror threat level

A young soldier stands behind the gates of Downing Street after troops were sent in to aid police at major landmarks

Soldiers were seen filing into Scotland Yard, the Met Police's headquarters in the shadow of Big Ben this morning

Armed troops and police file past a guard in front of Buckingham Palace today during one of the deployments

The rare sight of troops filing into the Houses of Parliament today, as soldiers were sent to locations around the country

The changing of the guard ceremony beloved of tourists was cancelled today and Parliament was closed to all but staff

Home Secretary Amber Rudd said the extra measures would see troops brought to support police and 'free up' anti-terror and armed officers.

Speaking on Radio 4's Today programme, Ms Rudd said: 'They will basically be backfilling where police are otherwise occupied now, where they can do more work on this or on keeping people safe and we fully expect it to be temporary.'

She added: 'This is a temporary arrangement in order to respond to an exceptional event.'

The Ministry of Defence said cancelling today's Changing of the Guard would allow police usually used to secure the ceremony to work on anti-terror operations.

An MoD spokesman said: 'The decision has been taken in order to release the police who would otherwise be dealing with the road closures.'

A statement on the Parliament website said all tours and events were being cancelled with immediate effect.

'In light of the tragic events in Manchester and the Prime Minister's announcement raising the national security threat level to critical, the police have advised that the Palace of Westminster should be closed to non-passholders today, Wednesday 24 May,' the statement said.

'As a consequence all tours, events and banqueting will be cancelled with immediate effect. This arrangement will remain in place until the advice changes.'

Armed soldiers and police officers have been out in force, protecting the streets of the capital as security was tightened

As members of the community come together and show their solidarity, members of the forces are standing guard

Heavily armed soldiers and police are standing guard outside Buckingham Palace following an earlier arrest

The deployment of military personnel to the UK's streets highlights the fact the police 'do not have the resources to manage an event like this on our own', the chairman of the Police Federation warned

Troops guard the entrance to Downing Street this afternoon after Operation Temperer was brought in to strengthen defences

Soldiers line up to receive their orders at the Met Police's headquarters, whose famous sign is seen in the background

The deployment of soldiers, these from the Household Cavalry, comes after the terror threat level was raised to 'critical'

Soldiers file into a side entrance of Buckingham Palace this afternoon as they prepare to patrol the area for terrorists

Troops in camouflage uniforms and webbing pass a pub on Whitehall in the shadow of Trafalgar Square this afternoon

The unprecedented step of having police patrolling alongside police officers was taken in response to the increased threat

Soldiers have been moving in and out of the Ministry of Defence building just off of Whitehall throughout the day today

Need for troops shows police are short-staffed, says Police Federation head The deployment of military personnel to the UK's streets highlights the fact the police 'do not have the resources to manage an event like this on our own', the chairman of the Police Federation has warned. Steve White said that although the move to place soldiers at key sites was 'welcome', it was also important that the Government ensures there is a 'resilient, fully-resourced police service' to protect the public. Mr White - who last week described policing as being 'on its knees' said: 'As always, the response of emergency workers in the face of adversity has been second to none,' he said. 'The welcome support of the military to free up armed officers and offer public reassurance will no doubt be managed in the same professional, resolute way. 'But, as welcome as this is, we cannot avoid the reasons it is needed at all. 'There is no ignoring the fact that we, the police, simply do not have the resources to manage an event like this on our own.' Advertisement

At Windsor Castle, Changing of the Guard was also cancelled. Soldiers from the 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards were ferried to the Queen's Berkshire residence by bus instead of marching up from the town's Victoria Barracks.

Chelsea football team have cancelled Sunday's planned victory parade following security advice in the wake of the Manchester terror attack.

The team had planned an open top bus tour to show off the Premier League trophy and hope to add the FA Cup in Saturday's final with Arsenal.

But following consultation with the authorities - and with the terror threat raised to 'critical' - it has been determined 'it would be inappropriate' for the parade to go ahead.

Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said military personnel would secure 12 sites north of the border under Operation Temperer, which is being enacted after security experts warned the UK Government that another terrorist attack could be imminent.

Ms Sturgeon stressed 'no specific threat to Scotland has been identified' and added that soldiers were not expected to be deployed on the streets of Scotland.

She said: 'What this means in Scotland is that military personnel will be used at civil nuclear and Ministry of Defence sites.

'There are a total of 12 such sites in Scotland, nine Ministry of Defence and three civil nuclear sites. These sites, which are not accessible to the general public, will be secured by the military as of today.'

Greater Manchester Chief Constable Ian Hopkins has said there are no military personnel patrolling the streets of Manchester and there are no plans for them to do so.

Assistant Chief Constable Alex Murray, of West Midlands Police, said while their were no plans to put troops on the region's streets, the Army's deployment meant officers from other forces could be brought in elsewhere.

While similarly stating there is no specific threat to the region, Merseyside Police Chief Constable Andy Cooke also pointed out there will 'a visible presence' of police officers in and around key locations.

Two servicewomen discuss security arrangements with a Whitehall official in Downing Street today after their deployment

Troops at Wellington Barracks, London prepare to be deployed to sites around Britain to deal with the increased terror threat

A soldier armed with an assault rifle joined police officers guarding Buckingham Palace today as part of Operation Temperer

For many Britons, it will be the first time they have seen uniformed and armed soldiers patrolling their streets

It is the first time the Met Police's OperationTemperer has been activated, bringing military personnel in to support police

In a rare sight for many in Britain, two soldiers are seen stationed outside Number 10 Downing Street today

Police rushed to two incidents in London today as they stepped up patrols and carried out more searches.

A man with a knife was tackled by eight officers outside Buckingham Palace. But the Met said the incident was not terror-related.

In the City, Paternoster Square, not far from St Paul's was closed by police investigating reports of a suspicious package. The area was later reopened after the object was found to not pose a threat.

Scotland Yard said the military will be working under Scotland Yard's command structure to provide 'static armed guarding at key locations' which 'will include Buckingham Palace, Downing Street, embassies and the Palace of Westminster. This will free up armed officers to carry out patrols'.

The rare sight of troops on our streets: How Britain has previously avoided sending in soldiers to civilian areas The enacting of Operation Temperer has led British authorities into the highly-unusual step of having armed troops patrolling British streets. The sight will draw memories of the Troubles in Northern Ireland, where soldiers were deployed from August 1969 until July 2007. At the peak of that operation in the 1970s, more than 20,000 troops were deployed to the region. The last time the military patrolled civilian areas in England was in 2003, when tanks were deployed outside Heathrow Airport after top intelligence adviser Sir David Omand informed then-PM Tony Blair of an 'imminent' threat. It is the first time troops have been deployed to British streets since tanks were stationed at Heathrow during a terror alert in 2003 Ground-to-air missiles were also deployed in east London during the 2012 Olympic Games. Pictured: Missiles on Blackheath The terror threat level has been increased to 'critical' twice since then, but neither incident has resulted in the Army being drafted in. In 2006, the terror threat level was raised to 'critical' after police uncovered a plot to smuggle explosives on board trans-Atlantic planes. Then in 2007, the level was raised to critical again when police were hunting two men who left two car bombs outside a London nightclub, they later attacked Glasgow airport when one of them died. The level was returned to severe, the second highest level, after both of those threats were deemed to have been dealt with. There has been some opposition to the idea of bring the military in. At the time when Operation Temperer first emerged in 2015, Baroness Jones, who sits on London's Police and Crime Committee, said she was 'shocked' at the plans, adding: 'This would be unprecedented on mainland Britain.' The use of servicemen and women to provide security at the London Olympic Games in 2012 was widely praised however, after security firm G4S dropped out at a late stage. But locals were less accepting of the ground-to-air missiles deployed in nearby parks, as authorities moved to block out the threat of a terrorist plane strike. Specially-trained and equipped police have carried out a number of live training exercises on the streets of London in recent years. This 2015 exercise was training officers to dealing a marauding 'Mumbai-style' attack Advertisement

A man was arrested with a knife outside Buckingham Palace today although the incident is not believed to be terror-related

The knife was put in a sealed tube by police and the man was marched away by officers to a central London police station

An officer was seen holding what appeared to be a knife in a leather sheath after the arrest as tourists told of their shock

City of London police closed off streets around St Paul's Cathedral this morning after a suspicious package was reported

The square was quickly evacuated by officers this morning but the package was later determined not to pose a threat

British Transport Police (BTP) has meanwhile announced that it is deploying additional officers amid the UK terror threat level rising to critical.

The force insisted the measure does not mean there is 'any specific intelligence' relating to the rail network or that there is an increased risk of travelling by train.

Speaking of the decision to bring in troops, Met Police Commander Jane Connors said: 'We will do all we can to protect the capital that we serve at this unsettling time. All our work is designed to make our city as hostile an environment as possible for terrorists to plan and operate.'

Scotland Yard has said there would be a surge in police numbers and operations with immediate effect.

Extra armed officers will provide support for an operation called Project Servator which sees uniformed and undercover officers trying to spot people carrying out 'hostile reconnaissance' and other criminal activity on the capital's streets.

Police teams were also patrolling the River Thames today as part of the show of strength around famous landmarks

Police escorted members of the Household Cavalry along The Mall today after Horse Guards Parade was cancelled

Armed police were on patrol around St Paul's Cathedral, which hosted The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh today. They are attending a service to mark the centenary of the Order of the British Empire.

The tactic 'is based on extensive research into the psychology of criminals and what undermines their activities', the force said.

There will also be an increase in the use of stop and search, vehicle check points and number plate recognition technology.

Ms Connors added: 'The reality is that we must be prepared to be able to respond to and deal with armed and deadly attackers, so we must be in a position to respond with firearms officers who will use force to stop those attackers in their aim.

'That is why we have increased the number of firearms officers who are on duty, both out walking and in roaming patrols, at fixed points and carrying out a range of operations.'

The country's senior counter-terrorism officer on Tuesday acknowledged the use of troops was 'unusual' but it would allow police to 'stretch our armed capability'.

What do the public think? Tourists and workers in Westminster welcome troops presence on the streets London residents and tourists said they felt 'safer' following the high visibility deployment of troops on the capital's streets in the wake of the Manchester bombing. Civil servant Alice Ainsworth, 35, on maternity leave from her role in digital transformation at the Department of Health, said the soldiers had most likely been deployed to reassure the public. She said: 'You could see people taking note of the fact there were two armed policemen with a soldier just walking through the park. 'It is a bit of a strange thing to see. But at the same time, it feels like it is mostly there for reassurance, rather than anything else. And there are a lot of tourists round here, so it is a sensible thing to do.' A soldier armed with an assault rifle stands guard outside the Ministry of Defence in Whitehall this afternoon Government workers and tourists said they felt reassured by the presence of troops in the wake of recent terrorist attacks Ms Ainsworth, of Hackney, east London, added: 'We are probably going to have to become more used to there being armed police. I don't know whether armed soldiers is something we will have to become used to. 'It is not weirder than anywhere else really. You get used to seeing armed police at airports, and if this is a high profile place, it's going to make sense.' Christine Millington, 63, had travelled to London from Doncaster, South Yorkshire, for a day trip with a friend, said: 'It is a good idea, I feel safer. It is a visual thing, and I think it makes you feel more secure. 'You cannot let it frighten you, all of this. I thought there would be more on the streets. It is ridiculous it has come to this really. I don't come here that often, so it doesn't worry me. But I think it makes you look at people more. 'I am more safety conscious. I am looking around, seeing if there are any suspicious packages or people acting suspiciously.' Three soldiers accompanied by the police officer walk past members of the public in central London this afternoon Soldiers are stationed outside the gate where Westminster terror attacker Khalid Masood killed tourists and a policeman in March American tourists Jud and Leslie Zavar also welcomed the move. The couple, both retired, traveled to the UK on Tuesday from their home in Pennsylvania for a four-day trip. Speaking on Whitehall, near Downing Street, former college finance worker Mrs Zavar, 62, said of the deployment: 'I think it's a great idea. 'It's wonderful for security purposes. It makes us feel safer. Travelling on the streets, having just got here, I don't feel fearful. But seeing them is a positive thing.' Ex-banker Mr Zavar, 79, said '9/11 has changed the world' and added: 'I would rather give up some civil liberties and be safer than have total liberty and worry about getting assassinated or murdered. We are just as exposed in our country as we are here.' Advertisement

Armed police were patrolling the concourse at Manchester Piccadilly train station this morning following Monday's attack

The Government has activated Operation Temperer, providing up to 3,800 troops to support the police in security operations

Police with automatic weapons stood guard at entrances to The Bullring shopping centre in Birmingham this morning

Specialist armed officers in camouflage were deployed to the street where the bomber lived in south Manchester yesterday

Met Police Assistant Commissioner Mark Rowley said the first phase would allow soldiers to replace police officers at fixed locations but after that they could 'augment our patrols' at sites such as transport hubs and major events.

'There are many big events across the country over the next couple of weeks, we are going to be working really closely with the organisers to review the security, review their stewarding arrangements, review our policing arrangements and make sure that decisions are taken that events only go ahead when it's sensible and safe to do so,' he said.

The plan means soldiers could be deployed to support police at major events such as the FA Cup final at Wembley on Saturday or the Champions League final in Cardiff on June 3.

Prime Minister Theresa May said the operation had been authorised by Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon at the request of the police after experts at the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre (JTAC) raised the threat level from 'severe' to the highest 'critical' setting.

The threat level has only been raised to 'critical' twice since the system was introduced on August 1, 2006

Armed police have upped patrols outside the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh (left) and Glasgow (right) today

Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said troops would only be used at sensitive sites away from the public in Scotland

Armed police patrols are being increased in Northern Ireland. However, there will be no deployment of the military on the streets.

Police Service of Northern Ireland Chief Constable George Hamilton said the public can expect to see a greater police presence at iconic sites and transport networks across the region.

Intelligence agencies fear Abedi may not have acted alone when he targeted the Manchester Arena - leaving open the possibility of an active Islamist terror cell on the loose.

Police yesterday carried out a controlled explosion at the doorstep of his home during raids around the city. Forensics officers were seen emerging from the killer's property carrying a booklet called Know Your Chemicals.

Police also raided a house where Abedi's brother Ismail, lived and the 23-year-old was arrested outside a Morrison's in the Chorlton area of Manchester.
Members of the Trump administration talked up President Trump's budget on Capitol Hill, as Democratic lawmakers blasted cuts to the social safety net as 'cruel' and 'heartless.'

With President Trump in Europe, White House budget chief Mick Mulvaney took up the role of the traditional defense of the administration's spending priorities.

Appearing before the House Budget Committee, Mulvaney told lawmakers on Trump's plans to slash social programs are designed to increase economic growth to 3 percent and put 'taxpayers first.'

The administration is relying on growth to provide $2.1 trillion in additional revenue over a decade it assumes in order to declare that the budget will come into balance.

Mulvaney said he went 'line by line' through the federal budget and asked 'Can we justify this to the folks who are actually paying for it?'

At another hearing, Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue defended the administration's proposed $191 billion from food stamp programs over a decade.

Budget Director Mick Mulvaney testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, May 24, 2017, before the House Budget Committee hearing on President Donald Trump's fiscal 2018 federal budget. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

Democratic Rep. Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut told Perdue that the budget turns the nation's back on the hungry. She said that's 'cruel,' ''heartless' and 'inhumane.'

Mulvaney's appearance was one of four slated Wednesday as Trump Cabinet officials fanned out on Capitol Hill to defend Trump's budget, which contains jarring, politically unrealistic cuts to the social safety net and a broad swath of domestic programs. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, and Perdue are also testifying before House panels.

Panel Democrats charged that Trump's cuts would rip apart the social safety net. Rep. Pramilla Jayapal, D-Wash., told Mulvaney that cuts to food stamps, payments to the disabled, and other programs are 'astonishing and frankly immoral.'

Copies of President Donald Trump's fiscal 2018 federal budget are laid out ready for distribution on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, May 23, 2017. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) blasted the budget cuts

'This budget starts by taking away health care, then food, then housing, then education, then job opportunities,' Jayapal said.

Lawmakers are blasting the administration's 3 per cent growth prediction as a worthy goal but one not backed up by evidence.

As the Wall Street Journal reported, the nation's working-age population grew by 1.2 per cent a year from 1950 to 2000, but will grow just 0.3 per cent now, making it extraordinarily difficult to achieve a growth rate of that magnitude.

Economists have accused the administration of double-counting, by counting projected revenue growth to say the budget comes into balance but not accounting for lost revenue. Meanwhile, the administration also says $2 trillion in projected revenue from tax cuts would pay for tax reform.

Former Bill Clinton Treasury Secretary Lawrence Summers called it an "egregious accounting error," the LA Times reported.

Trump's budget keeps to his campaign pledge to leave Medicare and Social Security pension benefits alone and contains spending increases for the military and veterans, but it treats most of the rest of the government as fair game. It foresees an overhaul of the tax code, which analysts say could direct most of its benefits to upper-income earners.

Mulvaney also told the panel that 'it'll be very difficult' to balance the budget in future proposal without cutting back the growth of Medicare and Social Security - the big retirement programs that Trump left alone in this year's effort.

The plan, Trump's first as president, combines $4.1 trillion for the upcoming 2018 fiscal year with a promise to bring the budget back into balance in 10 years, relying on aggressive spending cuts, a surge in economic growth - and a $2 trillion-plus accounting gimmick.

Trump's budget is simply a proposal. There's little appetite among Capitol Hill Republicans for a genuine effort to balance the budget; GOP lawmakers this year are instead pressing to rewrite the tax code and forge a spending deal with Democrats that would permit higher military spending and restore Trump proposals to cut domestic agencies and foreign aid.

Many rank-and-file Republicans recoiled from the cuts, however, which would squeeze foreign aid and domestic programs funded annually by Congress by about 10 percent next year and $1.4 trillion over the coming decade.

Mulvaney, a former tea party congressman, is the driving force behind the Trump budget plan, winning the president's approval for big cuts to benefit programs whose budgets are essentially on autopilot.

Food stamp cuts would drive millions from the program, while a wave of Medicaid cuts - on top of more than $800 billion in the House-passed health care bill - could deny nursing home care to millions of elderly poor people. It would also force some people on Social Security's disability program back into the workforce.

Other cuts in Trump's budget include $63 billion in cuts to pension benefits for federal workers by eliminating cost-of-living adjustments for most workers and requiring employees to make higher contributions. In agriculture, the proposed budget would limit subsidies to farmers, including for purchasing crop insurance, a move already attacked by farm state lawmakers.

House Budget Committee Chair Rep. Diane Black, R-Tenn., back center right, questions Budget Director Mick Mulvaney on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, May 24, 2017, during the committee's hearing on President Donald Trump's fiscal 2018 federal budget. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

The budget does feature a handful of domestic initiatives, including a six-week paid parental leave program championed by Trump's daughter, Ivanka, that would be designed and financed by the states through cuts to unemployment insurance. Some $200 billion in federal infrastructure investments are promised to leverage another $800 billion in private investment, though the idea has yet to get much traction.

Trump's balanced-budget goal depends not only on the growth projections that most economists view as overly optimistic but also a variety of accounting gimmicks, including an almost $600 billion peace dividend from winding down overseas military operations and 'double counting' $2.1 trillion in revenues from economic growth - using them to both pay for tax cuts and bring down the deficit.

'This budget relies on absurd economic projections and pretend revenues that no credible economist would validate,' Jayapal said. 'It provides no real information on 'tax reform' other than to claim it is revenue neutral.'

Budget Director Mick Mulvaney testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, May 24, 2017, before the House Budget Committee hearing on President Donald Trump's fiscal 2018 federal budget. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

On Tuesday, when the budget got released, lawmakers immediately talked down the endurance of the budget proposal, suggesting it wasn't going far and that Congress would restore funding to favorite programs.

Michigan Rep. Fred Upton of Michigan, who helped get an Obamacare repeal through the House, mocked funding for Trump's beloved wall on the U.S. Mexico border, questioining the need for $1.6 billion to pay for it.

'I thought Mexico was going to pay for the wall, why is this in our budget?' Upton said, only partly joking.

'President Trump's $603 billion defense budget request is inadequate to the challenges we face, illegal under current law, and part of an overall budget proposal that is dead on arrival in Congress,' said Arizona Sen. John McCain.
Supermarkets could be fighting a new competitor sooner than expected with Amazon already speaking to 20 per cent of Australia's grocery suppliers.

The world's largest internet retailer, Amazon, is set to shake up the $90 billion grocery sector with Australian supermarkets expecting the company to launch local warehouses 'earlier than we thought'.

The mega American brand is set to take on Australia's supermarket titans Coles, Woolworths and Aldi by selling long-life, non-perishable goods but would be unlikely, at this stage, to stock fresh fruit, vegetables and meat.

American online giant Amazon is opening a warehouse and supply chain in Australia soon

Existing supermarkets including German brand Aldi are expecting competition from Amazon

Amazon is a multinational company which stores goods in warehouses and does home delivery for online shoppers, looking everything from books to clothes, with food a new venture.

UBS analyst Ben Gilbert said leading national food manufacturers were adamant - 96 per cent - that Amazon would introduce a physical presence in Australia within the next three years, The Advertiser reported.

'Almost all suppliers (around 96 per cent) believe Amazon will set up a physical presence in Australia, with around 18 per cent of suppliers in contact with Amazon,' he wrote.

The rollout is more likely referring to Amazon Pantry, with their fresh food delivery looking to be more than a few years off due to the complexity and limited supplier contact.

Australian supermarket giant Woolworths' duopoly with Coles faces American competition

Amazon has been in contact with 29 per cent of non-food suppliers and 23 per cent of packaged food suppliers.

However, they are yet to initiate contact with fresh food suppliers.

Last month, putting an end to months of speculation, Amazon announced they would open a logistics and supply centre in Australia.

Due to heavy customer discounts - led by Woolworths - the $90 billion grocery market is set to grow again in 2017, USB says.
Unhappy Jetstar travellers have bombarded the budget airline's Facebook page with complaints about its hidden fees, including a $50 penalty for baggage being one kilogram over.

Dyann Prosser, who was flying from Sydney, is angry the airline refused to let her change her husband's flight details.

She was travelling to Melbourne to watch her daughter perform in a cheer leading competition when her husband had to suddenly pull out because of work commitments.

Jestar comes under fires from its customers for charging ridiculous hidden fees

When she tried to change the name on her ticket, Ms Prosser was asked to pay a $430 fee to get her friend to accompany her for the trip.

'That's almost three times what I paid for the ticket, I thought they were joking,' Ms Prosser told nine.com.au.

'I said to the Jetstar lady on the phone I may as well just take my friend and use the existing ticket because nobody even checks names on domestic flights.'

Don't be too happy if you win a free flight as the hidden cost may put you off

One customer is upset with the idea of paying $45 for checked-in baggage

Another customer says children who are yet to start high school could do a much better job

Not mincing words when it comes to describing what one person thinks of Jetstar

Consumer warnings have popped up on Facebook giving trigger warnings about hidden fees

'I told them I was happy to pay a change fee but $430 is ridiculous. Jetstar told me that if we didn't pay the fee and my husband didn't check in then the seat that I paid for would be given to some random person on standby.

Ms Prosser said she was upset that the airline would rather have the seat easily given to an unknown person rather than her friend without the additional charge put in place.

Another traveller known as Jess Kent was not happy for being charge a $50 excess baggage fee for being one kg over the limit in a lengthy Facebook post.

'I had the worst flight of my life with your 'airline' - I use that term loosely,' she said.

One man is not happy that he was charge $50 for being one kg overweight

A Jetstar spokesman told Daily Mail Australia that change fees are consistent across airlines and a common, long-standing practice across the industry.

'They are not 'hidden' or unique to Jetstar,' he said.

'To change a basic Starter Fare customers pay a change fee plus the fare difference between what was paid at the time of booking and the current price.

'Again, this is a common and long-standing practice across the airline industry to ensure there is no incentive for people to buy sale fares with the intent of selling them on at a higher price.'
James Bond fans in Australia have flooded Twitter with their own quirky versions of film titles after the death of screen legend Sir Roger Moore.

Sir Roger Moore, 89, passed away in Switzerland on Tuesday after a short battle with cancer, according to a statement from his family.

He was the longest serving James Bond, playing the spy in seven films stretching over 14 years from 1972.

James Bond fans in Australia have flooded Twitter with their own quirky versions of film titles after the death of screen legend Sir Roger Moore (pictured in Live And Let Die in 1973)

Australians on Twitter came up with their own versions of Australian-themed titles for Bond films including 'The Man With The Golden Gaytime'

Another title was 'The Bogan Who Loved Me'. The suggestions were under the hashtag #IfBondMoviesWereAustralian

Australian fans of the British spy films reacted with a series of Australian-themed film titles with the hashtag #IfBondMoviesWereAustralian.

The titles included 'On His Majesty's Secret Servo' a play on the title of the 1969 film On His Majesty's Secret Service, and 'The Man With The Golden Gaytime' taken from the 1974 film The Man With The Golden Gun.

Other suggestions were 'License to Fang It' and 'License to Drill' based on the film License To Kill, 'Dinky Die Another Day' based on Die Another Day and 'The Fly Who Buzzed Me' and 'The Magpie Who Swooped Me' based on the 1977 film The Spy Who Loved Me.

Sir Roger Moore passed away aged 89 on Tuesday in Switzerland. One Twitter user suggested the movie title 'The Magpie Who Swooped Me'

This person decided to play on the 1983 film Octopussy suggested it should incorporate the deadly sea creature the blue ringed octopus in the title 'Blue Ringed Octopussy'

Another decided to incorporate service stations into her suggestion, creating the film title 'On Her Majesty's Secret Servo'

'Dr No Worries Mate' was also popular, based on the film Dr No, while From Russia With Love was re-imagined as 'From Bali With Drugs'.

In a statement Sir Roger's family said: 'It is with a heavy heart that we must announce our loving father has passed away today in Switzerland after a short but brave battle with cancer.

His family also paid tribute to his campaign work, saying he considered the time with UNICEF to be his 'greatest achievement'.

The 1989 film License To Kill also inspired various titles including 'License To Drill'

The title 'License to Fang It' was also inspired by the 1989 film starring Timothy Dalton

The 2002 film Die Another Day starring Pierce Brosnan also inspired the title 'Bludge Another Day'

Instead of 1977 film The Spy Who Loved Me, one Twitter user transformed it into 'The Fly WHo Buzzed Me'

The 1962 film Dr No was extended to 'Dr No Worries' in a play on the popular Australia response
President Donald Trump branded Kim Jong-un 'a madman with nukes' during a phone call with Philippine leader Rodrigo Duterte.

Mr Trump also discussed the possibility of launching a nuclear strike on the North Korea regime using the two submarines he has stationed in the region.

The President did stress 'we don't want to do that' and suggested Mr Duterte call Chinese leader Xi Jinping and pressure him into resolving the situation, but reiterated: 'If China doesn't do it, we will.'

Donald Trump discussed launching a nuclear strike on North Korea during a phone call with President Rodrigo Duterte, calling Kim Jong-un 'a madman with nuclear weapons'

At another point Mr Trump seemed to imply that North Korea has a nuclear warhead capable of being mounted on to a missile, and its failed missile tests are all that is holding back its weapons program.

While North Korea claimed in 2016 that it had successfully tested a warhead small enough to be mounted on a missile, this has not been verified.

Mr Trump said: 'Well, he [Kim] has got the powder but he doesn't have the delivery system. All his rockets are crashing, that's the good news. But eventually when he gets that delivery system...'

Details of the May 2 phone call were revealed in confidential documents leaked by Rappler and The Intercept. The call took place before the two most recent North Korean missile tests.

The pair start off discussing Mr Duterte's crackdown on drug dealers in the Philippines, which has seen thousands of people shot dead by vigilantes, which Mr Trump praises.

Mr Duterte then mentions a Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit, saying that other leaders are 'really nervous about the situation in the Korean peninsula.'

Mr Trump then asks for Mr Duterte's opinion of Kim, at which point the Philippine leader replies: 'He is not stable, Mr President, he keeps smiling when he explodes a rocket. He even has gone against China, the last country he should rebuke.

'But it seems his face is laughing always, and there's a dangerous toy in his hands. He could create so much agony and suffering for all mankind.'

Mr Duterte agreed that Kim is 'not stable', saying: 'He keeps smiling when he explodes a rocket' (pictured, Kim during North Korea's latest missile test)

Mr Trump also seemed to imply that North Korea possesses a nuclear warhead small enough to fit on a missile, and only needs to develop a rocket with long enough range to strike the US (pictured, North Korea's latest missile test)

Mr Duterte then agrees with Trump that China will have to be 'the last card' in dealing with the regime.

Mr Trump responds: 'We have a lot of firepower over there. We have two submarines - the best in the world - we have two nuclear submarines, not that we want to use them at all.

'I've never seen anything like they are but we don't have to use this but he could be crazy so we will see what happens.'

Mr Trump then asks Mr Duterte to call China and put pressure on Mr Xi to take action, again saying that he does not want to use military force.

He adds: 'We can't have a madman with nuclear weapons let on the loose like that. We have a lot of firepower, more than he has, times 20, but we don't want to use it. You will be in good shape.'

Mr Trump hosted Mr Xi at Mar-a-Lago last month, when the issue of North Korea was at the top of the agenda.

Since then there has been a shift in Chinese policy towards the dictatorial state, including editorials in state-run newspapers condemning missile tests and warning against a sixth nuclear test.

China also claims to have stopped importing North Korean coal, which is a major lifeline for the country's virtually-collapsed economy.
FARGO  Sanford Health has joined with the University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences to launch a new orthopedic surgery residency program to train specialists in bone and joint health.

The accredited medical residency program, which opens in the summer of 2018, will have three slots per year, or eventually 15 residents in the program, which takes five years to complete.

It will provide access to orthopedic care, said Dr. Bruce Piatt, a Sanford orthopedic surgeon in Fargo and director of the residency program.

The initiative, announced Tuesday, has a budget of about $2 million per year, and ultimately will be sustained by an endowment fund, he said.

This is a forever endeavor for us, Piatt added.

The program is believed to be unique because it involves residency practice in both North Dakota and South Dakota. That means residents will spend time in Fargo and Sioux Falls working with surgeons and other providers in each region. Both cities already have residency programs for internal medicine, family medicine, general surgery and psychiatry.

Both states have fewer than the national average rate of orthopedic surgeons per capita, Piatt said. In North Dakota, there are 7.8 orthopedic surgeons per 100,000 residents, far below the 11 per 100,000 national average.

Although the ratio in South Dakota is higher than its sister state, Its still on the low side, Piatt said.

As a result, patients can face long waits to get in for appointments. By one estimate, as many as 30 percent of primary care visits involve orthopedic issues, he said.

Although Sanford is funding the residency program, and most of the orthopedic surgeons teaching in the program will be from Sanford, there is no requirement to work for Sanford once the residents complete their training.

But research suggests that 80 percent of graduates of medical residency programs end up practicing within 200 miles of where they were trained, Piatt said.

The numbers are very advantageous to the region, he said.

Even before Tuesdays announcement of the new residency program, Sanford has been receiving inquiries from interested medical students. Only 40 percent of applicants to orthopedic residency programs are awarded slots, Piatt said.

Its a very competitive residency program, he said.
Islamist gunmen who took a Catholic priest and churchgoers hostage in the Philippines have beheaded the city's local police chief, President Rodrigo Duterte has said.

Members of the ISIS-inspired Maute Islamist group stormed the Cathedral of Our Lady Help, in Marawi city on Mindanao island, and abducted church staff including Father Chito Suganob and worshipers.

'They have threatened to kill the hostages if the government forces unleashed against them are not recalled,' Filipino Archbishop Socrates Villegas said in a statement.

President Duterte, who declared martial law in parts of Mindanao after militants clashed with soldiers in Marawi yesterday, says he may extend it to other parts of the country if extremists seek sanctuary elsewhere.

Chilling photographs from Marawi City in the Philippines, where an Islamist group has taken a priest hostage, show militants planting the ISIS flag on top of buildings

Several online posts appeared to show the black and white flag used by ISIS hung from buildings in Marawi

Islamist gunmen have taken hostages including a Catholic priest in Marawi, Philippines, shortly after President Rodrigo Duterte declared martial law to combat extremism. Pictured: Troops evacuating people from Marawi

Members of the ISIS-inspired Maute Islamist group stormed the Cathedral of Our Lady Help, on Mindanao island (pictured)

Duterte (pictured) declared martial law across the southern region of Mindanao last night after Islamist militants rampaged through the city of Marawi

'We are in state of emergency,' he told reporters in Manila after a state visit to Moscow, adding he would deal with militants 'harshly'.

Chilling photos on social media purported to show Maute gunmen planting an ISIS-style black and white flag on top of a building in the middle of the city.

'At the time of his capture, Father Chito was in the performance of his ministry as a priest,' Archbishop Villegas said.

'He was not a combatant. He was not bearing arms. He was a threat to none. His capture and that of his companions violates every norm of civilised conflict.'

But Marawi Mayor Majul Usman Gandamra has refused to confirm reports the terror group took hostages and insisted that the local government has the situation under control.

In a telephone interview with national broadcaster ANC, Gandamra said he was working with the military to bring peace and order to the city.

Police and military spokesmen were not immediately available to comment on Villegas's report of the hostage taking.

Filipino Archbishop Socrates Villegas said the extremists have threatened to kill the hostages if the government forces unleashed against them are not recalled

Archbishop Villegas went on to say the extremists took an undisclosed number of hostages to a secret location and the abductees have not been heard from since

'He was not a combatant,' said Archbishop Villegas. 'He was not bearing arms. He was a threat to none. His capture and that of his companions violates every norm of civilised conflict'

But Marawi Mayor Majul Usman Gandamra has refused to confirm reports the terror group took hostages in Marawi

The fighting in Marawi erupted yesterday when security forces raided a house they believed Isnilon Hapilon, leader of the infamous Abu Sayyaf kidnap gang

More than 100 gunmen responded to the raid by burning buildings and conducting other diversionary tactics

President Duterte says he may extend it to other parts of the country if extremists seek sanctuary elsewhere

The fighting in Marawi erupted yesterday when security forces raided a house they believed Isnilon Hapilon, leader of the infamous Abu Sayyaf kidnap gang and Philippine head of ISIS, was hiding.

WHAT HAPPENS UNDER MARTIAL LAW? Martial law allows the president to 'call out the armed forces to prevent or suppress lawless violence, invasion or rebellion', according to the constitution. Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said security forces would be able to arrest suspected militants and hold them for three days without charge. During the nine years of martial law under former dictator Ferdinand Marcos, police and troops tortured, abducted and killed thousands of people who were critical of the dictatorship, according to rights groups and historians. Duterte said his version of martial law would be 'harsh' and similar to that under Marcos. Advertisement

The United States regards Hapilon as one of the world's most dangerous terrorists, offering a bounty of $5million for his capture.

More than 100 gunmen responded to the raid by burning buildings and conducting other diversionary tactics, according to Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana.

Security analysts say Hapilon has been trying to unite Filipino militant groups that have professed allegiance to IS.

These include the Maute group, named after two brothers who lead it and which is based near Marawi.

Duterte had repeatedly said the growing influence of Islamic State was one of the nation's top security concerns, and martial law was necessary to stop it.

However Islamist militancy is not new to the southern Philippines, where a decades-long Muslim separatist insurgency claimed more than 120,000 lives.

Muslim rebels orchestrated a siege in the southern city of Zamboanga in 2013 that left more than 200 people dead.

Duterte had repeatedly said the growing influence of Islamic State was one of the nation's top security concerns

Islamist militancy is not new to the southern Philippines, where a decades-long Muslim separatist insurgency claimed more than 120,000 lives

Martial law allows the president to 'call out the armed forces to prevent or suppress lawless violence, invasion or rebellion', according to the Filipino constitution

ISIS KILLS FIVE IN FIRST SUICIDE ATTACK IN SOMALIA ISIS has claimed responsibility for its first ever suicide attack in the troubled African nation of Somalia. Police said five people were killed when a suicide bomber blew himself up at a checkpoint in the north-eastern port city of Bosaso, in Puntland, today. Witnesses told of how the blast occurred near a hotel often used as a meeting place for local officials. 'I think the bomber was trying to target the hotel but he was stopped at the checkpoint close to the hotel and he decided to detonate his explosives,' said witness Awke Mohamed. Puntland, which set up its own government in 1998, often comes under attack from Al-Qaeda-linked Shabaab militants. It is also home to a breakaway group of fighters who have declared allegiance to ISIS - but failed to gather much support. Advertisement

But the government of then-president Benigno Aquino did not declare martial law.

Aquino also said he had considered imposing martial law just before standing down last year in Sulu, island strongholds of the Abu Sayyaf in the far south of Mindanao.

But Aquino said he decided against it partly because military rule could spark resentment among local people.
Kelly Brewster, 32, has not been seen since she went to the Ariana Grande concert at the Manchester Arena with her sister and niece

A brave aunt killed as she 'shielded' her young niece from the Manchester terror blast had just put a deposit down on a new home with her partner.

Kelly Brewster, 32, was among the 22 victims of the terrorist attack in Manchester Arena on Monday night.

There had been hopes throughout the day that Ms Brewster was injured and unconscious in hospital but police confirmed at about 10.30pm yesterday that she had passed away.

Ms Brewster, from Sheffield, was at the Ariana Grande concert with her sister, Claire and niece, Hollie Booth.

Ms Brewster had put a deposit on a house and was looking forward to the future, her devastated boyfriend Ian Winslow has revealed.

Mr Winslow wrote on Facebook: 'Not sure how this works but it isn't good news. Kelly Brewster wasn't one of the unidentified hospital patients.

'She has sadly passed away in the terror attack yesterday.

'Kelly really was the happiest she has ever been and we had so many things planned together. My daughter Phoebe will be absolutely devastated like we all are.'

Posting on Facebook, Tracy Booth said her granddaughter, Hollie Booth, had broken both of her legs and Hollie's mother had broken her jaw.

Ms Booth wrote: 'I just hope my granddaughter Hollie Booth, her mum and Kelly Brewster will be ok, I hope my Hollies legs r going to be ok (sic).'

Ms Brewster (pictured) was said to have 'shielded' her young niece when the bomb was set off

Commenting on the post, Paul Dryhurst said: 'I understand she [Kelly] was behind Hollie and shield her with her body (sic).'

The office worker had been looking forward to a 'bright future' with her boyfriend, a family member said.

Missing: Kelly Brewster, 32, from Sheffield

Speaking exclusively to MailOnline, John Brewster, 62, the father of distraught Ian, said: 'Kelly was a lovely lass. When I think of her now, all I remember is her smile.

'She used to come round to our house all the time, for Christmas and everything. Ian's seven-year-old daughter absolutely idolised her. Kelly really took her under her wing, she was like a big sister. They went for holidays in London together.'

Kelly and Ian had just decided to move in together and had taken the step of putting a deposit on a house in Sheffield the day before the attack, Mr Winslow said.

'They were both looking forward to a bright future and sharing their lives together,' he told MailOnline.

Ian is 'absolutely distraught,' Mr Winslow added. He was up all night desperately searching for news of Kelly, alongside her parents and colleagues from his small financial services company in Manchester.

When asked whether his thoughts had turned to the fanatic responsible for the bombing, the retired engineer said: 'I'm not thinking about him. I don't want to spoil myself.

'All I can say is that he must have been pure evil. I'd love to have been able to get my hands on him, but it looks like nobody will even be able to do that.'
Amber Rudd vented her frustration today over US leaks about details of the Manchester terror attacks.

The Home Secretary delivered a rare public rebuke to the American authorities by admitting she was 'irritated' by the way 'operational' information had been disclosed.

She said she had made 'very clear' to the US that such leaks 'cannot happen again'.

But the Cabinet minister's warning seems to have fallen on deaf ears - as both US and French officials have been revealing more details about the case.

And the New York Times published photographs of the crime scene - including close-ups of the killer's charred backpack, the detonator and the bolts and shrapnel he packed the bomb with.

Transatlantic security ties have been incredibly close for decades, with intelligence freely shared.

The Home Secretary delivered a rare public rebuke to the American authorities today by admitting she was 'irritated' by the way 'operational' information had been disclosed

This photo shows the aftermath of the suicide bomb which ripped through the foyer of the venue killing parents and children

But the identity of the Manchester bomber, 22-year-old Salman Abedi, was revealed in the American media yesterday with reports attributing the details to 'US officials'.

Although British journalists had the name, the UK government and police were refusing to confirm it as the counter-terror operation was still in progress.

In a highly unusual public criticism today, Ms Rudd said it was 'likely' the bomber was not working alone and the British authorities had wanted to keep the 'element of surprise'.

'The British police have been very clear that they want to control the flow of information in order to protect operational integrity, the element of surprise,' she told BBC Radio 4's Today programme.

'So it is irritating if it gets released from other sources.

'I have been very clear with our friends that it should not happen again.'

Asked if the leaks had compromised any aspects of the operation, Ms Rudd said: 'I would not go that far, but I can say that they are perfectly clear about the situation and that it cannot happen again.'

In a fresh breach of protocol this morning, France's interior minister revealed that Abedi had been in Syria.

The identity of the Manchester bomber, 22-year-old Salman Abedi, was revealed in the American media yesterday

France is another member of the 'Five Eyes' intelligence sharing group with the UK and US.

Mr Collomb said: 'We only know what the British investigators have told us.

'He was a British national of Libyan origin, he grew up in Great Britain.

'All of a sudden he travelled to Libya and then most likely to Syria, became radicalised and decided to commit this attack.'

Asked whether there was a terrorist network, Mr Colomb replied: 'We don't know yet (if there's a network). In any case, links with Daesh (Islamic State) are proven.'

US officials later told NBC that members of Abedi's own family had previously tipped UK authorities off that he was dangerous.

Former Ukip leader Nigel Farage said: 'We've learned more about Salman Abedi from American and French security services than the UK Government.'

Theresa May announced last night that troops are to be deployed onto Britain's streets amid fears a further terror attack 'may be imminent'.

The PM revealed the move less than 24 hours after the bomb attack at a teen concert at the Manchester Arena, which left 22 dead and 59 injured.

The Prime Minister confirmed Abedi, a Mancunian of Libyan descent, had carried out the attack.

But intelligence agencies fear he may not have acted alone - leaving open the possibility of an active Islamist terror cell on the loose.

Britain's Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre has raised the terror threat level to 'critical', its highest level.

This was the scene inside the Manchester Arena after the terror attack at the teen concert

Theresa May and Ms Rudd went to Manchester yesterday where they were briefed by police chief Ian Hopkins and the PM visited injured victims in hospital

Former Ukip leader Nigel Farage ridiculed the way the British government was witholding information today

The threat level has only been raised to 'critical' twice since the system was introduced on August 1, 2006.

Ms Rudd said today that Abedi, who is reported to have recently returned to the UK from a visit to Libya, was known to the intelligence services 'up to a point'.

She told Sky News: 'We do know that he was known up to a point to the intelligence services'.

Ms Rudd refused to be drawn about the nature of the information held by the intelligence services about Abedi.

'I am sure that we will get more information about him over the next few days and the next few weeks,' she said.

She said the threat level would remain at a heightened state while the investigation into the attack continued.

'It is an ongoing operation which means that the investigation is continuing to find leads,' she said.

'So until we can be reassured that there is no continued activity around this operation, that is entirely safe around this operation, then it is right that we are at this heightened state of alert.

'It is operationally driven, it is intelligence-driven and we must make sure that we allow our counter-terrorist police, our police and our intelligence services to get on and do their job and this helps give them the space to do just that.'
Human rights activists claim five civilians, including a 70-year-old partially blind man were killed during a US Special Forces raid in Yemen.

The Pentagon claimed seven Al Qaeda terrorists were killed during an 'intelligence gathering' raid on the compound in the Marib governate.

However, human rights organization Reprieve claimed the raid killed five civilians during the raid.

Reprieve claims US Forces destroyed this building in the village of Al-Jubah, Yemen during a Navy SEAL raid which according to the charity killed five civilians including a 70-year-old man

The charity said the US Navy SEALs dropped this ammunition clip during the raid

Reprieve said they have spoken to sources in the village of Al-Jubah who witnessed the raid.

According to locals, none of the five men were fighting for al-Qaeda.

One victim, Nasser al-Adhal, who was about 70 and partially blind, was shot dead as he attempted to greet the Navy SEALs mistaking them for guests.

The four other villagers were gunned down when they protested about the killing of al-Adhal.

A further six villagers were seriously injured.

According to Reprieve, al-Qaeda had men nearby, who they believe were the intended target of the raid.

Kate Higham, head of the Assassinations Programme at Reprieve said: 'This new flawed raid by President Trump shows the US is not capable of distinguishing a terrorist from an innocent civilian.

'When even a 70-year-old is shot dead, it is clear these attacks are not targeted or precise. President Trump must order an immediate investigation into what went wrong and halt all raids and drone strikes before more innocent Yeminis are killed.'

Reprieve also said the Navy SEALs dropped these soft drinks bottles during the fighting

US officials claimed their men killed seven militants during the raid on the village

The US Central Command claimed they had killed seven terrorists during the raid 'through a combination of small-arms fire and precision air strikes'.

A spokesman said: 'Raids such as this provide insight into AQAP's disposition, capabilities and intentions, which will allow us to continue to pursue, disrupt, and degrade AQAP,' the statement said.

Two US officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Reuters separately that there were no known US casualties and the raid was carried out 25-30 miles north of another US raid that took place in late January.

One of the US officials said there were no immediate reports of civilian casualties in the raid, which was carried out by US Special Forces troops.

The January operation, the first of its kind authorized by President Donald Trump, was hailed as a success by the White House and other US officials.

However, critics questioned the value of the mission after a US Navy Seal was killed.

Women and children, as well as several militants, were also killed in the raid.

The US military has carried out more than 80 strikes in Yemen against al Qaeda militants since February.

The group boasts one of the world's most feared bomb makers, Ibrahim Hassan al-Asiri, and AQAP has been a persistent concern to the US government since a 2009 attempt to blow up a Detroit-bound airliner on Christmas Day.

The militant group has also taken advantage of a civil war pitting the Iran-aligned Houthis against the Saudi-backed government of President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi to try to widen its control and influence in the impoverished Arabian Peninsula country, one of the poorest in the Middle East.
A 3ft Japanese porn star who capitalises on looking like a child in X-rated films is actually a 24-year-old computer programmer.

Kohey Nishi, who has an incurable disease called mucopolysaccharidosis, earns a living by having sex with women who look old enough to be his mother.

He struggles to stand for longer than five minutes because of his condition, but added that this does not bother him as most of his porn shoots are on a bed.

Kohey Nishi, a 3ft Japanese porn star who capitalises on looking like a child in explicit films, is actually a 24-year-old computer programmer

Mr Nishi was introduced to the adult film industry by his 'drinking buddy', porn mogul Ganari Takahashi, and hopes to 'prevent children from being sexually abused' through his work.

The former computer programmer joins the likes of Bridget the Midget, Mini Mya and Lady Gangsta in carving out a niche for little people in porn.

The 3ft 6in star's disease halts growth and leaves him vulnerable to spinal cord injuries - meaning he cannot stand for longer than five minutes.

Mr Nishi, who also cannot open a plastic bottle or hear in his left ear due to his condition, had a 'miracle' bone marrow transplant which stopped the disease's development.

Despite his growing fan base, he admitted that the pressure can get to him and he struggles to sustain an erection in front of film crew.

Mr Nishi, who has an incurable disease called mucopolysaccharidosis, earns a living by having sex with women who look old enough to be his mother

He admitted that he finds it hard to sustain an erection in front of crew but added that his condition does not bother him as most porn shoots are done on a bed

He has been capitalising on his youthful look, which he says is huge with a younger audience and women.

'There is no one who is an adult and looks like a kid more than me!' he told Vice.

'You cannot cast actual kids sometimes [in non-pornographic content], so I'd like to fill the gap in that market.'

He added: 'I was once told that "Your videos seem dangerous as you look a real kid on screen."

'But I have considered that my works prevent children from being sexually abused, just like war movies and shooter video games can contribute to peace.'

Mr Nishi currently makes films with titles like 'Having Sex in the Magic Mirror Box Car with a Female College Student with F-Cup Breasts Who Wants to Be a Kindergarten Teacher.'

He admitted that he wants to move into American porn and non-erotic films in the future.

Mr Nishi was introduced to the adult film industry by his 'drinking buddy', porn mogul Ganari Takahashi, and hopes to 'prevent children from being sexually abused' through his work

The 3ft 6in star's disease halts growth and leaves him vulnerable to spinal cord injuries - meaning he cannot stand for longer than five minutes

Japan was the only member of the G7 group of industrialised countries that had not banned possession of child porn until 2014.

Until then, you could not make or distribute child porn, but you could possess it.

After the laws came into effect, anyone with child porn had one year to get rid of their collection.

However, paedophilic images remain legal in manga comic books and advocates insist banning such images would be a violation of their freedom of speech.

Michael Seto, a psychologist and sexologist at the University of Toronto, told The Atlantic there were two different types of paedophiles while talking about child sex dolls.

'For some paedophiles, access to artificial child pornography or to child sex dolls could be a safer outlet for their sexual urges, reducing the likelihood that they would seek out child pornography or sex with real children,' he said.

'For others, having these substitutes might only aggravate their sense of frustration.'
A Muslim psychiatrist born in Bangladesh has called for a restriction on Islamic migration in the wake of the Manchester terrorist attack and slammed the failure of multiculturalism.

Tanveer Ahmed, who has a practice in Sydney's west, says this week's killing of 22 people in the United Kingdom, watching an Ariana Grande concert, meant the public had a right to be concerned about Islamist extremism.

'A short-term response of restricting Islamic immigration is reasonable and one supported by majority opinion throughout Europe according to a February Chatham House poll,' he wrote in The Spectator Australia on Wednesday.

Sydney psychiatrist Tanveer Ahmed, who is Muslim, backs a cut to Islamic migration

Dr Ahmed, who is the author of a book Fragile Nation: Vulnerability, Resilience and Victimhood, also took aim at the media for applying the term 'far right' to political parties like Pauline Hanson's One Nation, which want to restrict immigration.

'The surge in ridiculously titled far right parties throughout Europe is further testament to such support,' he said.

'How can groups that are democratic, nonviolent and attract the support of over one third of the population be called 'far right'?.'

The doctor, who is a former SBS television journalist, cited a poll for trade-union linked Essential Media, published in September 2016, which found 49 per cent of respondents supported a ban on Muslim migration to Australia.

Dr Ahmed said a short-term cut to Islamic migration was reasonable in light of a terror attack

The western Sydney psychiatrist said suicide bomber Salman Abedi (pictured) highlighted the challenge of integrating Muslim refugees, whose family came from Libya

One-third of Greens voters supported this proposition.

'We know from local Essential polling that virtually half of Australians support the same policy locally,' Dr Ahmed said.

Dr Ahmed, who has helped migrants in Australia, said the revelation that a 22-year-old British-born man from a Libyan family, Salman Abedi, had detonated a suicide bomb at Manchester Arena highlighted the challenge of integrating Muslim refugees.

'Abedi was born and raised in Britain but never felt British,' Dr Ahmed said, adding 'multiculturalist policies' had invited separate, tribal identities among ethnic minorities.

Police outside a hose in Manchester believed to be connected with the suicide bombing

Dr Ahmed said Islamists hated the idea of girls having freedom from their fathers

'Integrating them and ensuring their social success is simply tougher than it was decades ago when there was an abundance of unskilled labour,' he said.

He added that many Muslims were sympathetic to the 'aims and justification' of Islamists, who support sharia law, a legal system which secular Muslims reject.

Dr Ahmed, a father of two daughters, said that explained the targeting of girls at a concert.

'The site of the attacks, whether intended or not, are symbolic,' Dr Ahmed said.

'A concert for teenage girls in their emerging sexuality largely unaccompanied by their fathers could not be a stronger spark for the moral outrage of Islamists.'
A paedophile hunter who helped authorities snare Peter Scully says children are 'conditioned' to turn up to cybersex dens in the Philippines every day and obey instructions from predators around the globe.

Scully's capture was a huge blow to the billion-dollar business, according to Glen Hulley, who worked as an undercover cop in Victoria for 13 years before founding Project Karma  a charity that rescues exploited children and hunts child sex tourists.

Scully, who fled fraud charges in Melbourne in 2011, was arrested in February 2015.

He was charged with a series of crimes, including murdering a 12-year-old Filipina girl, multiple counts of sexual abuse, torture, rape and human trafficking and is awaiting trial in the Philippines.

He allegedly masterminded a pay-per-view service where footage of children being tortured and abused was livestreamed for predators on the dark web, nine.com.au reports.

A paedophile hunter who helped authorities snare Peter Scully (pictured) says children are 'conditioned' to turn up to cybersex dens in the Philippines every day

Suspects in an alleged Internet porn operation cover themselves in the Philippines

There were calls for him to face the death penalty after it was alleged he directed a child porn video of an 18-mont-old baby being tortured which he sold for up to $10,000.

Police seized his hard drives in a raid on his den in the Philippines and have used the material found to break into a web of paedophiles from across the globe, including Australians, Hulley told nine.com.au.

'The Philippines is definitely a hot spot for live streaming abuse of children,' Hulley told nine.com.au.

'Where there is a demand, organised crime are the experts in delivering supply. Now, that they are involved, these cyber dens are popping up all over the place in south east Asia.'

Glen Hulley (pictured), who worked as an undercover cop in Victoria for 13 years before founding Project Karma, said the Philippines is ground zero for webcam sex tourism

Police seized computers and hard drives in a raid on Scully's den in the Philippines

Hulley, who helped law enforcement develop intelligence on Scully, said webcam sex tourism is on the up all over the world and called the Philippines 'ground zero.'

He says this is because the country has good internet infrastructure  but many live in poverty.

He said 15 children were rescued from a den in Mandanao, where young boys and girls spent the past two years working shifts in front of webcams where they obeyed the sick instructions of paedophiles for the equivalent of $25.

Scully (right) leaves the court handcuffed to another inmate after his arraignment in Cagayan de Oro City, on the southern Philippine island of Mindanao on June 16, 2015

Shockingly, Hulley said their parents were not only aware of what was happening, but many of them were involved.

'It was normal behaviour to turn up, spend two hours sitting in front of a webcam and go home with 100 pesos ($25) in your pocket.

'These children, they were conditioned to turn up every day.
The asylum seeker, named only as Amir A. in court, had his sentence extended

The migrant who raped a young boy in a swimming pool because he 'had not had sex for four months' has had his sentence reduced and will soon be free.

The Senate of the Supreme Court of Austria has ruled that the sentence of 20-year-old Iraqi asylum seeker, known only as Amir A, will be reduced from seven to four years after he raped a ten-year-old boy who suffered horrific injuries as a result.

The perpetrator has already served a significant part of his sentence.

Senate president Thomas Philipp said: 'Four years are appropriate here.'

Amir A's lawyers had sought a retrial after successfully arguing that the original trial had not done enough to discover if he knew for certain that his victim was saying no.

The appeal had shocked legal experts because as a 10-year-old minor, the victim could never have given his consent to sex.

The horrific attack happened at Vienna's Theresienbad pool in December last year, where the rapist was taken as part of his integration programme

Now judges at Austria's Supreme Court have found the asylum seeker guilty for a second time - and jailed him for seven years.

The rapist had been taken to the Austrian capital's Theresienbad pool in December last year as part of his integration programme.

But he dragged his victim into a changing room where he locked the door and subjected him to a sickening sexual assault.

The court heard that the schoolboy needed urgent medical treatment for agonising injuries sustained in the attack.

The terrified youngster told a lifeguard what had happened, and the staff member called police.

After the rape, the accused calmly returned to the pool and was using the diving board when officers arrived to arrest him.

The terrified youngster told a lifeguard what had happened, and the staff member called police

He first confessed to the rape, saying he knew it was wrong but did it anyway because it was a 'sexual emergency' because he had not had sex for four months.

His lawyers later changed his story claiming there were doubts over whether he knew the victim had denied consent.

He was found guilty of serious sexual assault and rape of a minor.
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First Lady Melania Trump and the president's daughter, Ivanka, dressed in all black and wore veils to meet Pope Francis on Wednesday, just as former First Lady Michelle Obama did when she met Pope Benedict.

The women traveled to the Vatican on Wednesday with President Donald Trump, who was meeting with Francis for one of his most high-profile talks.

Trump, Melania, Ivanka and her husband Jared Kushner were greeted in a Vatican courtyard by Archbishop George Ganswein, the prefect of the pontifical household.

Melania and Ivanka kept with tradition and wore veils to meet Francis. The veil, or mantilla, is traditionally worn by women as a sign of respect when meeting the Pope. Trump senior aide Hope Hicks wore one as well.

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First Lady Melania Trump and the president's daughter, Ivanka, traveled to the Vatican on Wednesday with Donald Trump, who was meeting with the Pope for one of his most high-profile talks

Melania and Ivanka kept with tradition and wore veils to meet the Pope. The veil, or mantilla, is traditionally worn by women as a sign of respect when meeting the Pope

Pope Francis met with a number of Trump's closest advisers, including his daughter Ivanka, her husband Jared Kusner, national security adviser HR McMaster and adviser Hope Hicks

Pope Francis shared a private audience at the Vatican with Donald Trump and his wife, Melania, early on Wednesday morning

Melania opted for a black, below-the-knee lace dress with long sleeves as she met with the Pope. Her veil appeared to be made out of a similar material

Neither woman, however, wore a head scarf in Saudi Arabia over the weekend, despite the local custom of Muslim women wearing hijabs in public.

Melania's predecessor Michelle Obama did not cover her head when she accompanied then-President Barack Obama on a condolence visit in January 2015 after the death of King Abdullah.

Donald Trump tweeted his disapproval at the time, saying: 'Many people are saying it was wonderful that Mrs. Obama refused to wear a scarf in Saudi Arabia, but they were insulted. We have enuf (sic) enemies.'

Like Ivanka and Melania, Michelle Obama opted to wear a black veil while meeting Pope Benedict in 2009.

Catholic women worldwide typically wore mantillas to church until the 1950s.

President Trump and wife Melania stared at the frescoed ceilings during their visit to the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican

President Trump and his wife looked at the marble Pieta sculpture by Michelangelo in the St Peter's basilica on Wednesday

Ivanka Trump, pictured above, at a ceremony where her father US President Donald Trump received the Order of Abdulaziz al-Saud medal from Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud at the Saudi Royal Court in Riyadh, opted not to wear a headscarf during her trip to Saudi Arabia

Melania Trump, pictured at the Arab Islamic American Summit, at the King Abdulaziz Conference Center last week, did not wear a head scarf in Saudi Arabia either

Former First Lady Michelle Obama also wore a black veil when she and then-President Barack Obama met Pope Benedict at the Vatican in 2009

Trump adviser Hope Hicks (center, with White House Director of Social Media Dan Scavino, left) also wore a veil to the Vatican on Wednesday

Melania, Ivanka and Jared sat in an anteroom while Francis and the president held their audience, speaking with Gentlemen of His Holiness members and Gaenswein.

Trump looked uncomfortable as he entered a small elevator taking him to the third floor of the Apostolic Palace, where he was accompanied by Ganswein and other officials along a frescoed corridor to the pope's private study.

Following behind Trump were daughter Ivanka, Kushner, national security adviser HR McMaster and adviser Hicks.

Trump greeted Francis in Sala del Tronetto, the room of the little throne, on the second floor of Apostolic Palace Wednesday morning.

Pope Francis did not smile as he greeted Trump outside the study. Trump, seeming subdued, said 'it is a great honor'.

The two men then posed for photographs before heading into their meeting, which at precisely 8.33am.

Following their meeting, which lasted for about half an hour, Trump smiled and chatted with Francis after the two warmly shook hands.

Ivanka, too, wore a veil for the meeting with Pope Francis. She paired her veil with a black long-sleeved lace dress and a pearl necklace

Ivanka Trump was accompanied at the the Vatican by her husband and top Trump adviser Jared Kushner. The familly was greeted by Archbishop George Ganswein, the prefect of the pontifical household in a Vatican courtyard

Ivanka and Kushner were present for Trump's highly anticipated meeting with the Pope. Trump and Pope Francis previously clashed during the 2016 presidential election

Melania, Ivanka and Jared sat in an anteroom while the Pope and the president held their audience, speaking with Gentlemen of His Holiness members and Gaenswein

Francis also shook hands with other members of the president's team, including former bodyguard Keith Schiller and social media director Dan Scavino.

As they were leaving the meeting, the pope joked with first lady Melania, possibly alluding to the president's big-and-tall frame.

'What do you give him to eat - potica?' the pope asked.

Potica is a nut-filled cake from the first lady's home country of Slovenia. Melania did not dispute it, simply laughing and responding 'potica'.

Trump and Pope Francis then exchanged gifts at the Vatican before the president departed.

Pope Francis gave the president copies of his three main teaching documents as parting gifts, as he typically does for visiting heads of state.

Melania smiled as she and Trump arrived at the Apostolic Palace for an audience with Pope Francis on Wednesday morning

Trump at first did not plan to stop in Rome during his visit to Europe, which some in the Vatican saw as a snub. When he changed his mind, the Vatican squeezed him in at 8.30am on a Wednesday morning

The Trump family's meeting with the Pope came just hours before he usually holds his weekly audience with the general public on Wednesday at 10am in St Peter's Square

Melania and Trump are welcomed by the prefect of the papal household Georg Gaenswein arrive at the Vatican for a private audience with Pope Francis

Melania paired her knee-length dress with black high heels, and she opted to hear her hair in a loose up-do for the meeting

How Pope Francis threw out traditional rules in favor of 'relaxed' dress code US First Lady Melania Trump and her step-daughter Ivanka opted to wear black dresses and veils when they met with Pope Francis at the Vatican on Wednesday. While the First Lady's spokeswoman said their decision was based on Vatican protocol, the famously laid-back Pope Francis initiated a 'relaxed' approach to dress codes when he became Pope in 2013. Traditionally, women granted a private audience with the Pope had a strict dress code to adhere to. It was compulsory for women to wear black long dresses that fell below the knees. They were required to wear a matching black hat, veil or other head covering, as well as gloves. Queen Elizabeth wore a bright lilac ensemble when she met Pope Francis for the first time in 2014. On previous meetings with his predecessor, the Queen wore black Exceptions were made for Catholic queens and princesses who could adhere to the 'privilege du blanc' or 'privilege of the white' rule. Catholic women worldwide typically wore head coverings to church until the 1950s given the Virgin Mary wore a veil as a symbol of humility. The historically strict rules were essentially thrown out by Pope Francis when he was elected in 2013. Pope Francis adopted a 'no dress code' policy for private audiences. However, women are encouraged to still dress modestly when meeting with the Pope and are asked to cover their shoulders. The Duchess of Cornwall also broke with tradition when she wore gold to meet Pope Francis for the first time in April this year Queen Elizabeth wore the traditional black when she met with four previous Popes. Yet when she met Pope Francis for the first time in 2014, the Queen opted for a bright lilac ensemble. The Duchess of Cornwall also broke with tradition when she wore gold to meet Pope Francis for the first time in April this year. Camilla wore her head uncovered and donned a champagne silk dress and coat by Anna Valentine, one of her favorite designers. In contrast, Camilla wore a black dress and veil when meeting with Pope Francis' predecessor Pope Benedict XVI. Queen Letizia of Spain chose not to cover her head when she met with Pope Francis in 2014. She did however wear white, which is standard protocol for a Catholic queen making a papal visit. Queen Letizia of Spain chose not to cover her head when she met with Pope Francis in 2014. She did wear white though, which is standard protocol for a Catholic queen Advertisement

The red leather-bound booklets to some degree define his papacy and priorities.

Some of the main themes contained in them contrast sharply with President Donald Trump's policies and campaign promises, particularly concerning approaches to the environment and income inequality.

Trump's gift for Francis was wrapped in a big blue box.

The president said he was delivering 'books from Martin Luther King. I think you'll enjoy them. I hope you do'.

The White House said the set includes the five books King wrote in his lifetime. Each one is custom bound and the books are in a custom display case. A piece of granite from the Martin Luther King. Jr. Memorial in Washington is also included.

The White House says the gift 'honors Dr. King's hope, vision, and inspiration for generations to come'.

Trump also gave Francis a bronze sculpture. Named 'Rising Above,' the White House says it 'represents hope for a peaceful tomorrow.'

Francis and Trump shook hands during their private audience on Wednesday, during which Trump told him it was an 'honor' to meet him

The meeting could provide powerful imagery to Catholic voters back in the United States as well as the possibility for conflict between a president and a pope who have not often seen eye-to-eye

The two men's often opposite worldviews collided head-on early last year, when Francis was sharply critical of Trump's campaign pledge to build an impenetrable wall on the Mexican border and his declaration that the United States should turn away Muslim immigrants and refugees

The pontiff has been a vocal advocate for aiding refugees, particularly those fleeing the violence in Syria, deeming it both a 'moral imperative' and 'Christian duty' to help

Trump's meeting with Pope Francis, his third stop on a nine-day foreign tour due to end on Saturday, is part of his world tour of religions after meeting leaders of Muslim nations in Saudi Arabia and visiting holy sites in Jerusalem

But while his talks in Saudi Arabia and Israel were mostly friendly, the meeting between the head of the Roman Catholic Church and the thrice-married, blunt-spoken Trump could be a little more confrontational

Pope Francis exchanges gifts with Trump and his wife Melania during their private audience at the Vatican on Wednesday. The president said he was delivering 'books from Martin Luther King. I think you'll enjoy them. I hope you do'

Trump's meeting with Pope Francis, his third stop on a nine-day foreign tour due to end on Saturday, is part of his world tour of religions after meeting leaders of Muslim nations in Saudi Arabia and visiting holy sites in Jerusalem.

But while his talks in Saudi Arabia and Israel were mostly friendly, the meeting between the head of the Roman Catholic Church and the thrice-married, blunt-spoken Trump could be a little more confrontational.

The meeting could provide powerful imagery to Catholic voters back in the United States as well as the possibility for conflict between a president and a pope who have not often seen eye-to-eye.

The two men's often opposite worldviews collided head-on early last year, when Francis was sharply critical of Trump's campaign pledge to build an impenetrable wall on the Mexican border and his declaration that the United States should turn away Muslim immigrants and refugees.

'A person who thinks only about building walls, wherever they may be, and not building bridges, is not Christian,' Francis said then.

The pontiff has been a vocal advocate for aiding refugees, particularly those fleeing the violence in Syria, deeming it both a 'moral imperative' and 'Christian duty' to help.

Following the meeting with Pope Francis, Melania met patients at pediatric hospital Bambino Gesu at the Vatican on Wednesday morning

First Lady Melania hugged patients and took selfies as she met with sick children at the pediatric hospital Bambino Gesu

It appears that one student wrote Melania a welcome card, which reads, 'Welcome in Italia!' and 'I want to talk to you', surrounded by hearts

Trump has never been one to let an insult, perceived or real, go by without a response, and he made no exception for the world's best-known religious leader. He called Francis 'disgraceful' for doubting his faith.

And even the pontiff's congratulatory message sent to mark Trump's inauguration contained a sly reference to their disagreement, as the pope wrote that he hoped the United States' international stature would 'continue to be measured above all by its concern for the poor, the outcast and those in need.'



Trump at first did not plan to stop in Rome during his visit to Europe, which some in the Vatican saw as a snub. When he changed his mind, the Vatican squeezed him in at 8.30am on a Wednesday morning, an unusual day and an unusually early time.

Though both Trump and Francis are known for their unpredictability, papal visits with heads of state are carefully arranged bits of political and religious theater that follow a specific program, with little room for deviation or unwanted surprises.

Trump is the 13th president to visit the Vatican and, as part of his tour, he will view the Sistine Chapel.

In recent days, Francis and Trump have been in agreement on a need for Muslim leaders to do more against extremists in their own communities. But there are few other areas where their views align.

Francis holds his weekly audience with the general public on Wednesday at 10am in St Peter's Square.

After the meeting, Trump moves on to Brussels for a NATO summit, followed by the last stop on his trip, to a Group of Seven summit in Sicily.
Topshop Australia has gone into voluntary administration after collapsing under debts.

Administrator James Stewart, of Ferrier Hodgson, said the fashion retailer will continue to trade as normal while it considered its 'optimal operating structure.'

He said employees will be paid by the administrators and customer policies, including gift cards and product returns, will continue during the administration period.

Topshop Australia has gone into voluntary administration after collapsing under debts

'It will be business as usual as the administrators work closely with Arcadia Group on supporting and right-sizing the Australian business to a sustainable platform going forward,' he said.

'The Austradia management team are working closely with the Administrators to ensure the best possible outcome for the business.'

Topshop and Topman has 760 employees and annual sales of approximately $960million in Australia after launching in 2011.

The fast fashion retailer operates nine standalone stores in Australia, as well as 17 concessions in Myer and an online business.

Topshop and Topman has 760 employees and annual sales of approximately $960million in Australia after launching in 2011

Myer invested a 25 per cent stake in the Australian Topshop and Topman franchises as part of a $600 million plan.

The collaboration started with the department store opening its first Topshop concession in Westfield Bondi Junction in November 2015.

Topshop's collapse into administration follows other major retailers in Australia this year, including Marcs, David Lawrence and Herringbone.
Standing Rock Sioux Tribal Chairman Dave Archambault II wasnt going to run for re-election until a number of people asked him to reconsider.

Archambault is one of 10 candidates seeking the position, which was thrust into the national spotlight when the tribe supported opposition to the Dakota Access crude oil pipeline built just north of the reservation.

There is a primary vote slated for July 19 and the top three vote-getters will go on to the general election to be held in September. Six of 10 candidates responded to the Tribune's requests for interviews.

Archambault said he agreed to run again because he would like an opportunity to address a number of major issues he was unable to tackle earlier. He said the first two years of his term were dominated by instability caused by lapses in the tribes chief financial officer position, followed by the tribally led movement against the Dakota Access Pipeline.

Before Archambault entered office, the tribal CFO of more than 30 years left. Then, between 2012 and 2013, the tribe went through four CFOs. So Archambault said it was his priority to first address the finance office and make it more accountable.

Were in a far better place right now, he said.

Among his future priorities, should he be re-elected, are strengthening the education system, as well as economic and workforce development.

I cant say Ill fix everything, but I hope to bump it in a new direction, he said.

A number of candidates said the movement against the Dakota Access Pipeline was an important one to Standing Rock and tribal nations around the world. They said the movement built awareness and they hope to now turn that momentum toward other local issues.

Jerl Thompson

What I want to do is take that passion people had in the DAPL fight and put it to work on the reservation, said Jerl Thompson, head of the tribes child support agency, who has been campaigning online and in reservation communities since April, laying out a platform and a plan to address issues ranging from government restructuring to child and family welfare.

I told myself I would not run unless I could come up with a plan that I believed would achieve the results we need, he said.

Thompson is calling for the formation of an ethics board with an internal investigation officer, including an accountability review on the DAPL response to determine what the tribe did well in its actions related to the pipeline protest, what needs work and to dispel any rumors.

Thompson and a number of other candidates are also calling for the embrace of technology to improve transparency. Thompson suggested live streaming of council meetings online and at district buildings so people can see government in action.

Thompson and Kevin Iron Road, 33, of Fort Yates, are also among a number of candidates promoting a change in leadership and a strengthening of government and transparency.

Kevin Iron Road

Iron Road, who served in former Chairman Charles Murphys administration office and currently works for a native-owned home health care company, said he thinks its time for the younger generation to step up and give more power back to enrolled members, including by giving those living off the reservation the ability to vote and be counted.

He said many people are tired of the same old politics and accusations of mismanagement. He said he also would like to see the tribe mend fences, both internally, as well as with the surrounding state governments.

Kimberlynn Cameron

Kimberlynn Cameron, a 27-year-old graduate student and Army Reserve and National Guard veteran from Wakpala, said it was a desire for change that spurred her to run, too.

I had intended to run eventually, she said. I didnt expect it to be so soon.

Cameron has a bachelors degree in geological engineering from the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology and is pursuing her masters degree in civil and environmental engineering. Shes also interned with the U.S. Department of Energys Office of Indian Energy, and its these types of experiences that have inspired her with ideas for using technological advances  like a zero net energy housing project  to combat issues on the reservation.

Its my concern were not progressing as a nation. Were kind of on a slower track," said Cameron, adding she thinks the tribe should be less dependent on one major source of income from Prairie Knights Casino.

Cameron also wants to be able to ensure that other young, college-educated tribal members like herself, who want to come back to Standing Rock, are able to find work with the tribe.

Jon Eagle

For Tribal Historic Preservation officer Jon Eagle, the decision to run was a personal one. He set a goal for himself to run for chairman when he turned 50 and serve his tribe in a new way, outside of the Tribal Historic Preservation Office.

Eagle said he sees opportunity for the tribe to use its sovereignty for renewable energy development on the reservation, returning to its ancestral tradition of sustainability. He is promoting better relationships with researchers who can help make it a possibility.

Eagle said many on the reservation live on fixed incomes that havent risen with the cost of living. And he sees renewable energy as a way to help them find savings.

I dont want to see people turning down their thermostats to 60 degrees in the winter because they cant afford heat, he said.

Chad Harrison

Chad Harrison, current councilman-at-large, doesnt foresee any hot topic issues this election cycle but wants to make progress on the long-term issues, including housing and addiction.

Also, he wanted to run as a way to offer voters another choice in candidates. And hes glad many others are making the choice to run and becoming involved in the election process.

I believe in choices, he said. Chairmanship of our tribe is an important job  To be truly effective, we need active participation in government.

The other candidates acknowledged Facebook messages requesting interviews by the Tribune but did not make further contact or comments.
Taiwan has become the first place in Asia to leaglise gay marriage today following a landmark ruling by the country's top court.

A panel of 14 grand justices made the ruling that current regulations prohibiting marriage between partners of the same sex are unconstitutional.

Campaigners gathered in central Taipei today to hear the ruling.

Thousands of supporters of the LGBTQ community hold banners in support (File photo)

A panel of 14 grand justices made the ruling in favour of changing current regulations

The decision by Taiwan's top court was posted online today.

The country's top court came to the decision that a clause in Taiwan's Civil Code which stated marriage should be between a man and a woman was unconstitutional.

Chi Chia-wei, one of the petitioners who brought the case to the constitutional court spent 30 years campaigning for same-sex marriage in the country.

According to Hong Kong Free Press, the 59-year-old first attempted to register a marriage with his male partner in 1986. He was imprisoned for five months.

In the run up to today's decision, he urged judges to allow gay couples to register to marry the next day.

Taiwanese gay rights campaigner Chi Chia-wei, 59, poses for a photograph with a flag

Supporters of same-sex marriage protest in Taipei (File photo)

However its thought that there may be a delay between today's ruling and its enactment by parliament which is responsible for changing the law.

The decision was released in Chinese and English due to the level of international interest.

It is thought that the ruling will help others fighting for marriage equality in South Korea and Japan.

Before the ruling, Lawyer Huang Di-ying said if the ruling was in favour of same-sex marriage then the decision would be historic.

He told AFP: 'It will be a barometer of human rights protection in the region as Asian follows the United States' and Europe's steps to recognise same-sex marriages.'

Supporters carry a large rainbow flag as they protest in Taipei, Taiwan (File photo)

Hundreds of thousands gathered to demonstrate against legalising same-sex unions

Taiwan is seen as one of the most progressive societies in Asia when it comes to LGBTQ rights. The country's president Tsai Ing-wen has openly supported marriage equality since coming to power last May.

However there have been some objections by some religious groups in the country.

"Family conflicts will increase and the whole definition of marriage will be changed," said Andrew Chang, a spokesman for an anti-gay marriage group Alliance of Religious Groups for the Love of Families Taiwan.

Amnesty International welcomed the ruling. Lisa Tassi, East Asia Campaigns Director said: 'This is a huge step forward for LGBTI rights in Taiwan and will resonate across Asia.

'Lawmakers must act swiftly to ensure Taiwan becomes the first in Asia to make genuine marriage equality a reality.

'As todays ruling makes clear, whoever you love, everyone is entitled to the same human rights and equal protection under the law.'
Police in Indonesia have set up a task force to target the gay community amid a country-wide crackdown on homosexuality.

Anton Charliyan, police chief of West Java, the country's most populous province, announced the plan on Tuesday, saying gays suffer 'a disease of the body and soul'.

It comes after two men were whipped for having gay sex in Aceh province on Tuesday, and after police arrested 141 men over a 'gay sex party' at a sauna in the capital Jakarta on Sunday.

Homosexuality is legal everywhere in Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim-majority country, except Aceh where it is prohibited under sharia law, which also prohibits people from dressing provocatively and stops women going out at night.

Police in West Java, Indonesia, have announced a task force to target gays amid a nationwide crackdown. Aceh province, which is ruled by sharia law, is the only place to officially ban homosexuality (pictured, a punk is arrested in Banda Aceh for dressing provocatively)

Morality police are used to enforce strict sharia law in Aceh, though scenes like this could be about to spread around Indonesia after another police force announced a task force to target 'secret parties' held by homosexuals

Aceh is the only province to officially outlaw homosexuality, though the country's parliament will soon vote on a nationwide law (pictured, a woman is arrested by morality officers for being outside after midnight)

Gays across Indonesia are often targeted using loosely-worded pornography laws.

Responding to the Jakarta raid, Charliyan said: 'I hope there are no followers in West Java, no gay or LGBT lifestyle or tradition.

'If there's anyone following it, they will face the law and heavy social sanctions. They will not be accepted in society.'

He also called on members of the public to report suspicious activity to the police.

The two men in Aceh province, aged 20 and 23, were caught after vigilantes burst into their home and filmed them in bed together while abusing and spitting on them.

Charliyan said the police 'task force' would include intelligence specialists and was concerned with disrupting 'secret parties'.

A spokesman for national police said Charilyan's approach does not reflect federal policy, though he noted officers 'regularly' carry out such raids.

Two gay men were also whipped in Banda Aceh on Tuesday after they were caught having sex by vigilantes who filmed the encounter on their phones

The men, aged 20 and 23, were given 82 lashes each outside a mosque in Banda Aceh as a crowd of thousands gathered to watch and jeer them

Charliyan's comments follow a spate of high-profile police actions against gay clubs and parties just as the country's Constitutional Court is due to rule on a petition to outlaw homosexuality and adultery.

On Sunday, police detained 141 men and released photos of some of them in varying states of undress to the media, revealing many of their identities.

Only 10 of the men have been declared suspects, five remain under investigation and 126 were released.

The police said the photos were released due to 'procedural errors'.

However, LGBT activists said the release of the images was part of a police pattern of publicly shaming of gay people.

The two Acehnese men, caned 82 times each on Tuesday, were punished in front of a crowd of more than 1,000.

In Indonesia's second-largest city of Surabaya in East Java, 14 gay men were arrested, tested for HIV and the results made public, Indonesian media reported.

Police chief Anton Charliyan said gay people have 'a disease of the body and soul' as he announced the new force. It comes after officers in Jakarta arrested 141 men in a raid on a 'gay sex party' in a sauna (pictured)

Officers in Jakarta paraded the men they arrested in front of TV cameras, along with outfits and sex equipment taken from the club

Police also escorted journalists around the club and handed out images of the arrested men, revealing many of their identities, despite most later being released without charge

On Tuesday, North Jakarta police chief Dwiyono took journalists through the gay club raided on Sunday.

As they climbed three floors, he pointed out a gym, a communal jacuzzi used for 'striptease' and a cluster of cubicles for sex.

'This door can only be opened if you pay 185,000 rupiah ($14) to the receptionist,' he said. 'In here, there's no change room, you just tear off your clothes and use a towel.'

Indonesian President Joko Widodo last year gave qualified support for the gay community, telling the BBC that 'there should be no discrimination against anyone'.

However, his defence minister, Ryamizard Ryacudu, suggested that homosexuality was a national security threat and part of a 'proxy war' waged against Indonesia by foreign states.

A Pew Research Center poll in 2013 found 93 percent of respondents in Indonesia disagreed that 'society should accept homosexuality'.

Indonesia's Islamist groups have long called for the criminalisation of gay sex.

The Islamic Defenders Front, the vigilante group that led huge rallies against the now-convicted Jakarta governor, has cooperated with police in curbing alleged vice for more than a decade.
Manchester attacker Salman Abedi returned from Libya just days before he killed 22 people in the deadliest attack in Britain since 7/7, friends have revealed.

Up to 6,000 ISIS fighters are currently thought to operate out of dozens of camps around the country, which has become a popular destination for foreign radicals because it is easier to get into than Syria or Iraq.

The African nation has been a hotbed of ISIS activity since at least 2014, and while it is not known if Abedi was trained there, Sousse beach attacker Seifeddine Rezgui did visit Libyan camps before carrying out his own massacre in 2015.

Friends say Salman Abedi (pictured right, in Libya as a youth) travelled to the African country, which is a known ISIS training centre, just days before the Manchester bomb attack

Seifeddine Rezgui, the Sousse beach gunman who killed 38 mostly British holidaymakers in 2015, received training in Libya before carrying out his attack

Anis Amri, the Berlin truck attacker, is also thought to have had contact with people in training camps in Libya before his killing spree, though it is not clear if he actually went to the country.

Libya's coast, located just across the Mediterranean from Italy, also provides the ideal staging point for attackers to be sent into Europe to carry out atrocities.

Jihadis capable of training such attackers have been flooding to Libya from Iraq and Syria as their stronghold of Mosul in Iraq falls to government troops, and their de-facto capital of Raqqa comes under threat.

American security services have been warning of the threat since ISIS first emerged in Libya, back in 2014, saying there were 'several hundreds' fighters entering training camps there at the time.

Anis Amri, the Berlin truck attacker, also had contacts with training camps in Libya, though it is not clear if he actually travelled there

In 2015 that threat escalated fighters seized Sirte, the same town where Gaddafi was killed, establishing a base of operations with direct access to the coast.

At one point it was estimated there were 6,000 ISIS fighters in and around the city.

The same year, English-speaking female jihadis were found to be using social media to try to lure western Muslims to join them in Libya.

Three women, believed to be British, were monitored for months by the Institute for Strategic Dialogue in 2015, a UK-based thinktank.

They used a variety of social media platforms, including Twitter and encrypted messaging apps such as Surespot and Telegram, to advertise journeying to Libya as an easy way to join ISIS's so-called caliphate.

Later in 2015 Rezgui launched his attack using grenades and an AK47 rifle, using training he had picked up in a Libyan camp, having travelled there from Tunisia.

Rezgui pledged allegiance to ISIS before his attack.

Other militants who traveled with him are thought to have been responsible for another attack on the Bardo Museum, in Tunis, which killed 22.

Foreign extremists looking to join ISIS's 'Caliphate' are increasingly being drawn to Libya as it becomes harder to enter Syria and Iraq. Dozens of training camps, some of which have been bombed in US raids, are located along the Mediterranean coast - providing an ideal launching pad for attacks in Europe

In 2016, European leaders met with Barack Obama to discuss the growing threat, agreeing there was a 'window of opportunity' to drive them out of their power base.

As a result the US launched a series of bombing raids on training camps, and in February claimed to have killed Noureddine Chouchane, the man who masterminded the Sousse attack, along with 30 other fighters.

Later the same year, US-backed militias supported by American airstrikes forced ISIS to flee from Sirte, before Obama approved two bombing raids on more camps outside the city, killing 80.

Further US bombing raids in January 2017 targeted men with links to Berlin truck attacker Amri at two camps 45km (28miles) south of Sirte.

Then-US defense secretary Ashton Carter said the targets 'were external plotters who were actively planning operations against our allies in Europe.'

The US has been warning of the threat of Libyan training camps since 2014, and in 2016 carried out bombing raids on one in Sabratha, killing more than 40 people

ISIS fighters have been flooding to Libya as their bases in Syria and Iraq come under threat

On Wednesday this week, British Home Secretary Amber Rudd said Manchester Arena bomber Abedi, who was of Libyan descent, was 'known to security services up to a point'.

Friends say he took repeated trips to the country, returning from one just days before his attack, which killed at least 22.

If Abedi manufactured the device himself, he would almost certainly have needed training of the kind which is provided at camps in Libya.

However, it is not known if this is where he acquired the expertise, or even if he made the bomb.

He is known to have gone to London before Manchester, raising the prospect he was given the device be an unknown bomb-maker before detonating it.

Home Secretary Amber Rudd said it 'seems likely' he was not acting alone in the run up to the massacre.

French interior minister Gerard Collomb said this morning that Abedi is believed to have travelled to Syria, where he also could have been trained.
Rebel Wilson has described how a 'stress sore' erupted around her mouth so that she had to be deleted from movie scenes after magazine articles 'ripped her character to shreds'.

Wilson, 37, wept several times in the witness box in the Supreme Court of Victoria on Wednesday during the third day of her defamation trial against Bauer Media, the publishers of Woman's Day.

The Pitch Perfect star claims she was a victim of 'tall poppy syndrome' and that her career was seriously damaged following the articles in 2015 imputing she was a fake and a liar, having told 'pork pies' about her age, name and childhood.

Rebel Wilson has described how a 'stress sore' erupted around her mouth so that she had to be deleted from movie scenes

The actress claimed the articles were deliberately timed to coincide with the height of her career and the release of Pitch Perfect 2, in which she had a starring role

A series of emails between a Woman's Day journalist and an anonymous source who allegedly offered information for the articles in contention were read out in court.

In the emails, the source attempts to negotiate a fee in return for information.

The email chain shows the publisher's lawyer advised against publishing the story, with the journalist initially also backing down as 'we just can't risk being sued'.

Wilson says she believes she knows the identity of the source, saying it was an 'obsessed and weirdly jealous' former schoolmate who gave the dubious information to the publishers of Woman's Day to make a 'quick buck'.

Wilson said a number of her scenes in the movie How to Be Single (pictured) were deleted, reducing her overall role in the film

The Pitch Perfect star (pictured far right) claims she was a victim of 'tall poppy syndrome'

Wilson, 37, claims the sore between her mouth and nose appeared after magazine articles 'ripped her character to shreds'

The actress claimed the articles were deliberately timed to coincide with the height of her career and the release of Pitch Perfect 2, in which she had a starring role.

She claims she went from being Hollywood 'hot property' to being sacked from her job on Kung Fu Panda 3 and having work offers dry up.

She says she was so stressed when she read the offending articles that she also developed eczema, a urinary tract infection and had to take sleeping tablets.

As a result of the sore breaking out between her nose and lip, she said a number of her scenes in the movie How to Be Single were deleted, reducing her overall role in the film.

The Californian resident wept as she thought back on 'every single day' that she had worked to achieve her dreams of success as a comic film star - only to find that all allegedly undone by an 'expose take-down' in Woman's Day magazine.

She says she didn't fit the mould of a typical, glamorous Australian export like Nicole Kidman, Naomi Watts or Cate Blanchett so she had worked hard to specialise in comedy for nearly 20 years.

The Californian resident wept as she thought back on 'every single day' that she had worked to achieve her dreams of success as a comic film star

Wilson said journalists had swooped in 'like vultures' in a bid to find dirt on the Fat Pizza and Bridesmaids star, and had failed to contact her for comment.

'I don't have a drug past. I don't have a weird sex tape or a criminal history,' she told the court.

'They're calling me a fake when I'm known for being myself.'

Wilson cried again when discussing an article by former Australian Women's Weekly associate editor Caroline Overington she says imputes she lied about her father's death.

She glared at Bauer's defence team in court.

'I don't know of anyone who would behave like that,' she said.

The hearing continues.

Wilson said the sore broke out during filming of hit film, How To Be Single (pictured)
Edward Hanania, 22, has been charged with animal cruelty after throwing two poodles off a fifth-floor parking garage

A toy poodle has miraculously survived after fleeing home and getting thrown off a parking garage by a man who responded to a lost dog advert.

Edward Hanania, 22, pretended he was the owner of two poodles who were found wandering the streets in Chicago, Illinois, on Friday, police said.

The 'troubled' student gave the woman who found them a $20 reward and snatched the dogs - but hurled them off the fifth floor of a hospital parking garage a day later.

Angel, the 14-month-old pooch survived as she fell on a grass patch but suffered a broken leg and bruised lungs.

The traumatized dog had a pin put in his leg in two places during surgery on Tuesday and is said to be recovering well, KFOR reported.

Her six-year-old father Garo sadly died after falling onto the concrete sidewalk.

Hanania has confessed to throwing them off and now faces two counts of animal cruelty.

He claimed to be the dogs' owner after a Good Samartian posted pictures of the two poodles to say they had found them on a local Facebook page.

Investigators believe Hanania threw the dogs off the fifth floor after the real owner, an older man, turned up a shortly after with official documents to claim them.

The owner is now said to be heartbroken over what happened to his pets after they escaped from his home.

Angel, the 14-month-old pooch survived as she fell on a grass patch but suffered a broken leg and bruised lungs

'Troubled' student Hanania pretended to be the owner of Angel (pictured) and her father Garo and gave the woman who them a $20 reward

Investigators believe Hanania threw the dogs off the fifth floor of Advocate Christ Medical Center (pictured) after the real owner came forward

'I had an elderly gentleman crying so hard and praying over the dead body and over Angel, and Angel's been crying for him now,' Linda Estrada, of the Chicago Ridge Animal Welfare League, told KFOR.

Hanania's lawyer, Chuck Ingles, said he is a full-time student who lives at home, CBS Chicago reported.

'He's suffering back there. He's troubled. He was pacing; he was very nervous and upset,' he said.

'He actually said he didn't do it,' Mr Ingles said. 'He's not the person that actually did it, but he went ahead and signed a confession.'

Angel's six-year-old father Garo sadly died after falling onto the concrete sidewalk from the hospital (pictured)

Along with the confession, police say they have footage of the incident.

'If you can hurt animals, and you can do this without any remorse, what are you capable of,' animal lover Kirstie Knaeble said.

'We are all baffled by this one,' division chief of Oak Lawn Police, Randy Palmer, said.

'We have trained investigators who've worked homicides and this one baffles my mind why anyone would take animals that aren't theirs and do something like this.

'It just boggles my mind.'

He appeared in court on Tuesday and bond was set at $350,000.

He will not be bonding out as the charges are a violation of his parole for a prior felony drug charge conviction.
U.S. President Donald Trump told his Philippine counterpart that Washington has sent two nuclear submarines to waters off the Korean peninsula, the New York Times said, comments likely to raise questions about his handling of sensitive information.

Trump has said 'a major, major conflict' with North Korea is possible because of its nuclear and missile programs and that all options are on the table but that he wants to resolve the crisis diplomatically.

North Korea has vowed to develop a missile mounted with a nuclear warhead that can strike the mainland United States, saying the program is necessary to counter U.S. aggression.

Trump told Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte Washington had 'a lot of firepower over there', according to the New York Times, which quoted a transcript of an April 29 call between the two.

Another gaffe: Trump landed in Belgium Wednesday to meet its prime minister Charles Michel (right) and attend a Nato summit - but he told the Philippines' controversial leader Rodrigo Duterte the location of two secret nuclear submarines

Receiving secrets: Trump told Rodrigo Duterte there were two U.S. nuclear subs off North Korea in a phonecall which has leaked from the Phillipines

'We have two submarines - the best in the world. We have two nuclear submarines, not that we want to use them at all,' the newspaper quoted Trump as telling Duterte, based on the transcript.

The report was based on a Philippine transcript of the call that was circulated on Tuesday under a 'confidential' cover sheet by the Americas division of the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs.

In a show of force, the United States has sent the nuclear-powered USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier to waters off the Korean peninsula, where it joined the USS Michigan, a nuclear submarine that docked in South Korea in late April.

According to the Times, a senior Trump administration official in Washington, who was not authorized to publicly discuss the call and insisted on anonymity, confirmed the transcript was an accurate representation of the call between the two leaders.

Prime target: The U.S. president and his Philippines opposite number, Rodrigo Duterte, were discussing North Korea's leader Kim Jong-Un when Trump let the nuclear secret slip

U.S. officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, have said Trump discussed intelligence about Islamic State with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Russian Ambassador Sergei Kislyak at talks in the Oval Office this month, raising questions about Trump's handling of secrets.

Trump also praised Duterte for doing an 'unbelievable job on the drug problem', the New York Times reported, a subject that has drawn much criticism in the West.

Almost 9,000 people, many small-time users and dealers, have been killed in the Philippines since Duterte took office on June 30. Police say about one-third of the victims were shot by officers in self-defence during legitimate operations.
A woman has been sentenced to home detention and community service after being found to have slipped anti-psychotic drugs into her daughter's food.

The New Zealand nurse, 37, appeared in the Wellington District Court on Wednesday and pleaded guilty to mistreating a child, reported stuff.co.nz.

The court heard the woman, who worked as a nurse in Wellington, had taken home risperidone and hid it in her daughter's yoghurt in mid-2015.

A woman has been sentenced to home detention and community service after being found to have slipped anti-psychotic drugs into her daughter's yoghurt (stock image)

The anti-psychotic medication had not been prescribed to the girl and caused side effects, making her fall asleep at school, be confused and have slurred speech.

The court also heard it led to the girl being admitted to the school sick bay multiple times a week.

The girl was admitted to hospital in 2015 but her condition reportedly did not improve, as her mother was still secretly giving her the drugs.

When she was moved to a hospital in Christchurch her condition improved, but it worsened again when she was returned to the local hospital and her mother recommenced giving her the drugs.

The New Zealand nurse, 37, appeared in Wellington District Court (pictured) on Wednesday and pleaded guilty to mistreating a child. The court heard she stole risperidone from work and secretly put it in her daughter's food

The court heard a toxicology showed risperidone and naltrexone, a prescription drug used to treat drug and alcohol addiction, in her system.

The woman admitted to giving her daughter the drugs for six to eight weeks.

Judge Denys Barry said the woman had no criminal record and had suffered a mental health illness, compounded by a miscarriage before the birth of her daughter.

Judge Barry sentenced the woman to six months home detention and 150 hours community service.
Popular ice cream chain Ben and Jerry's will not allow customers to purchase two scoops of the same flavour until Australia legalises gay marriage.

The American company, whose motto is 'peace and love' announced the bid on Wednesday.

'Imagine heading down to your local Scoop Shop to order your favourite two scoops of Cookie Dough in a waffle cone,' the company wrote on their website.

Popular ice cream chain Ben and Jerry's will not allow customers to purchase two scoops of the same flavour until Australia legalises gay marriage

The Turnbull government has denied Parliament a free vote on the issue due to pressure from Conservative MPs (same-sex marriage supporters in Sydney pictured)

The American company, whose motto is 'peace and love' announced the bid on Wednesday

'But you find out you are not allowed you'd be furious!

'This doesn't even begin to compare to how furious you would be if you were told you were not allowed to marry the person you love.

'So we are banning two scoops of the same flavour and encouraging our fans to contact their MPs to tell them that the time has come- make same sex marriage legal! Love comes in all flavours!'

Major Western economies where gay couples can marry include the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and France.

However the Australian government has continued to resist, saying same-sex marriage is on the 'political agenda', but ultimately remains banned.

The Turnbull government has denied Parliament a free vote on the issue due to pressure from Conservative MPs.

Ben and Jerry's have put boxes (pictured) in all 26 of their Australian stores where customers can grab a postcard and write to their member of parliament- asking them to support marriage equality

Ben & Jerry's BANS two scoops of the same flavour ice cream in Australia

A same-sex marriage plebiscite was proposed instead last year, but was shut down by the Opposition in the Senate, who said it would cause harmful debate.

Ben and Jerry's have put boxes in all 26 of their Australian stores where customers can grab a postcard and write to their member of parliament- asking them to support marriage equality.

The postcards will be delivered ahead of the final parliamentary session on June 13, before the budget is announced.

'We see this as the next opportunity for to achieve marriage equality, so we need to act NOW!' Ben and Jerry's wrote.
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These are some of the world's first photographs taken in the 1840s featuring people who were all born in the 1700s.

This rare photo collection is thought to capture the OLDEST generation of men and women ever photographed.

These remarkable surviving images show older ladies and gentleman who were all born in the 1700s.

These photographs taken in New York in the 1840s feature images of people born in the 1700s providing a glance at the past

Each of the subjects were wearing their 'Sunday best' clothes as taking a photograph was a very special occasion

None of the subjects appears particularly happy to sit in front of the camera waiting for the photographer to finish

The fascinating photos show a woman in her 90s wearing a bonnet looking weather-worn. Others show elderly couples conveying contrasting emotions as they gaze into the camera.

The pictures are all of Americans, some of whom would have fought in the American Revolutionary War which took place between 1775 and 1783.

Many of the men and women would have been professionals or otherwise important people.

The invention of the daguerreotype in 1839 - one of the earliest photographic process - made photography more affordable, even to the middle classes.

The photographs were taken by the daguerreotype - which is one of the earliest photographic process - invented in 1839

It is believed many of these portraits were taken by New York photographer Matthew Brady who worked in the 1840s

All of the people photographed had especially dour expressions including this elderly man and woman

The details of who is in each image has been lost in time although it is likely they were all reasonably wealthy individuals

Some of these portraits may have been taken by American photographer, Matthew Brady.

Born in 1823 to immigrant Irish farmers in Warren County, New York, he left the countryside for the New York around 1840 and taught himself 'daguerreotype' photography.

Brady opened his own photographic studio that produced portraits, and after five years of success, he started a studio in Washington.

He would later go on to take photographs of U.S. President Abraham Lincoln in 1862 and U.S First Lady Dolley Madison (wife of James Madison, President of the United States from 1809 to 1817) in 1848.

Brady later took photographs of Abraham Lincoln in 1862 and the wife of former President James Madison, Dolley in 1848

All of the images appear to have been shot in a studio with a plain sheet in the background behind the subjects

Each of the subjects sat stone still in front of the camera while the photographer counted the time to capture the image

It is likely that each of the people photographed were from professional families and were reasonably wealthy

Most of the subjects stared straight down the barrel of the lens, unlike the gentleman on the right who blinked

All of the people photographed appeared to be dressed in a very conservative manner appropriate to the 1840s

None of the people in the photographs showed any form of emotion when they sat before the camera

The photographs were all taken during the 1840s of people who were born in the previous century
Rockie Gajwani, the former CEO of New York-based Trevi Retail, pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and three counts of tax evasion in Manhattan federal court (pictured) on Tuesday

A former New York executive has admitted to stealing $1.6million from his real estate company to pay for cocaine binges and trips to strip clubs where he spent more than $16,000.

Rockie Gajwani, the former CEO of New York-based Trevi Retail, pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and three counts of tax evasion in Manhattan federal court on Tuesday.

Officials said that Gajwani funded nonbusiness expenses, including cocaine-fueled trips to strip clubs, with checks he wrote himself money wired from company funds.

He was arrested in 2016 after being accused of stealing as much as $2.4million from the real estate company he headed until 2013, according to theNew York Post.

Beginning in 2012, Gajwani and a colleague started going to strip clubs and expensing them to the company.

His colleague, who has not been named, recalled that one trip's bill totaled between $14,000 and $17,000.

Gajwani would pay the bills and would buy cocaine at the strip clubs, according to court documents.

In May 2012, Gajwani told his colleague that was having marriage problems and he needed help paying a credit card bill, according to court documents.

The employee agreed to write Gajwani the check, but only after the then-CEO wrote him a check of equal size from Trevi, labeled 'expenses'.

On another occasion, Gajwani asked the employee to buy him and his family tickets to Broadway's Rock of Ages and then expensed the tickets to the company, according to court documents.

As part of his plea deal, Gajwani agreed to pay $3.5million, including back taxes owed to the IRS.

Trevi, which was backed by private equity firm Principal Enterprise Capital, scooped up more than $200million in Manhattan properties while Gajwani was in charge.

Gajwani, who previously was a Vornado Realty Trust executive, is believed to have stolen the money from Trevi shortly after becoming CEO.

He was let go in 2013 on suspicion that he had taken funds from the company.

Trevi changed its name to HUBB NYC in 2015.
The Trump administration scaled back proposed cuts to a drug control policy office Tuesday that some warned would hamper efforts to address a growing opioid crisis.

The administration released President Donald Trumps fiscal year 2018 budget Tuesday, which boosts military spending but includes cuts to programs such as Medicaid. Overall, it seeks a $3.6 trillion spending cut over the next decade.

Sen. Heidi Heitkamp, D-N.D., was alarmed over reported cuts to the Office of National Drug Control Policy. The Trump administration had indicated that its budget would slash the offices budget by 96 percent, her office said last week, eliminating two grant programs the office administers.

But the budget released Tuesday includes only slight reductions to those programs, known as High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas and Drug-Free Communities, according to budget documents posted on the White House website. Heitkamp welcomed the change.

There are many ways the presidents budget would hurt North Dakota, but because some of us in Congress pushed back against the presidents efforts to gut the federal agency that coordinates the countrywide response to the opioid epidemic, expansive cuts to this agency arent included in the final budget, she said in a statement Tuesday.

Several North Dakota counties, including Cass and Grand Forks, receive HIDTA funding, and Fargo received a Drug-Free Communities grant last year, according to Heitkamps office.

In an interview last week, Heitkamp said the cuts would have worsened the opioid crisis across the country.

This will clearly take money out of drug enforcement in North Dakota at a time when  this country is being crippled by opioid abuse, she said. Its a step in the absolute wrong direction.

There were 61 drug overdose deaths in North Dakota in 2015, up from 20 in 2013, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Hoeven predicted Congress will ultimately increase funding to fight drug abuse, which he called such a big problem. He emphasized that a presidents budget proposal is just a starting point and Congress will ultimately write the spending plan.
Dozens of South Koreans were arrested for smuggling gold in their private parts over a two year period, local media reports.

The smugglers are said to have sneaked in more than two tonnes of the precious metal worth around 77million since March 2015.

Male smugglers hid as many as six gold bars weighing 200g in their rectums while women stashed it in their vaginas.

Dozens of South Koreans were arrested for smuggling gold in their private parts over a two year period (file photo)

At least 51 people including several housewives were arrested at Incheon International Airport early last month, the Korea Times reports.

The value of the gold confiscated by the police was the highest in a single smuggling case.

The smuggling happened from March 2015 and the gold came from Tokyo and China's Yantai.

Korea's gold price is reported to be higher than other countries because of the 15 per cent tax imposed on the metal.

'Gold smuggling is a business people can make money easily from because of the price gap,' an official at the Korea Customs Service (KCS) has said.

'As our crackdown gets tougher, smugglers are also getting more sophisticated in hiding gold or other jewelry products they want to bring in.'

He went on to say the KCS was preparing to launch a special task force to bring an end illegal gold smuggling.
A man who was arrested by armed police outside Buckingham Palace the day after the UK increased its terror alert has been charged with possession of an offensive weapon.

At least eight officers surrounded Jaheim Meade in the gardens next to St James's Park this morning ahead of the Queen's planned attendance at an event at St Paul's Cathedral.

He was charged this afternoon with possession of an offensive weapon.

A man with a knife was arrested by armed police outside Buckingham Palace this morning

Police on bikes, horseback and armed officers surrounded the man outside the palace today

A Met Police spokesman said: 'A man who was arrested in The Mall has been charged.

'Jahiem Meade, 22, of Hackney, was charged tonight with possession of an offensive weapon.

'He will appear in custody at a magistrates' court on Thursday.'

The Queen and Prince Philip are said to have passed by in a car just 30 seconds before the incident.

They were attending a service to mark the centenary of the Order of the British Empire.

The incident is not believed to be terrorism related, according to police sources.

But it came less than 48 hours after suicide bomber Salman Abedi killed 22 people and injured 119 others at an Ariana Grande pop concert in Manchester.

The Met Police says it has increased patrols and searches in the capital in the wake of the suicide bombing which killed 22 in Manchester on Monday night.

The Changing of the Guard ceremony at Horse Guards Parade was cancelled today to free up police officers for the fight against terrorism.

An officer was seen holding what appeared to be a knife in a leather sheath after the arrest

The man was pinned to the ground by an officer who was patrolling the area on a bicycle

He was led away after a knife was put in an evidence bag, and is now being held nearby

Australian Gary Penglis was visiting London from Sydney with his partner Jan, when he saw officers pin the suspect to the ground and make a gesture to show the size of the knife recovered.

The 49-year-old flying instructor said: 'We had just gone to see the changing of the guard, but had been informed it had been cancelled for the day, we were walking around to 10 Downing Street.

'Then just behind the Queen Victoria monument the first thing I saw was officers holding a man down, around five had taken him down, I knew it was something of significance.

'A female officer called out to a colleague 'it's about this big' and held her arms out about a yard a part.

'I assumed it was knife at that stage. They held him down for a long time, it was about ten minutes, he wasn't resisting, he was quite subdued.'

The knife was put in a sealed tube by police and the man was marched away by officers

Tourists told of their concern after the man was pinned to the ground by officers this morning

Mr Penglis added: 'About five officers were holding him down, then around five female mounted police came to move people out of the way - about 30 yards down the street.

'There was a lot of yelling from the constables and when the members of the public heard that they started moving out the way.

'It was clear it was something quite serious, they cleared the area of people, everyone on the monument and the grass moved out of the way.

'They then took him away, handcuffed in a van and started searching the area and looking in bushes and long grass to see if he had dropped anything.'
A bodybuilder spent 5,500 and an 200 agonising hours getting his entire full-body tattoo suit in just under a year.

Ray Houghton, 59, has been a fitness fanatic since he was a boy, but was reluctant to show off his impressive muscles thanks to eight 'embarrassing' tattoos that he used to sport.

The gym owner visited a local tattoo shop to get some 'sleeves' - but returned two weeks later to continue the Maori-inspired design and now feels like a new man.

Ray Houghton ended up getting his entire body inked with a 'body suit' after 200 hours in the chair

Prior to his 5,500 worth of treatment, he was reluctant to show off his muscles because he had eight 'embarrassing' tattoos

And over just 14 months he covered his entire body in a black body suit - leaving only his face, hands, feet and penis bare.

Proud Ray, from Manchester, said he feels 'complete' for the first time in his life - and decades younger.

He said: 'I was young and impressionable when I got my first tattoos and as soon as I left the Army I was embarrassed by them.

'Being a bodybuilder I used to love people coming up to me and asking for photos or to speak to me but when you get older it doesn't really happen.

'I soon realised that I wasn't getting any younger. I could see visible signs of aging on my body.

'Being a bodybuilder vanity stepped in and I wanted to feel younger, and also to inspire other older people.

Ray, pictured here doing some gardening in just some bright blue wellington boots, feels like a new man

Ray said he was young and impressionable when he got my first tattoos and was embarrassed by them as soon as he left the Army

His tattoo artist works on some of the designs. Proud Ray, from Manchester, said he feels 'complete' for the first time in his life - and decades younger

Half way through the 14 months process. He has now covered his entire body in a black body suit - leaving only his face, hands, feet and penis bare

'I have always invested time and money on my body and the tattoo has completed me.

'Now when I walk around the shopping centre I can see people taking pictures of me.

'I also go to nudist beaches and when I come out of the sea I can even see people taking pictures then.

'I think it was totally worth it.

'I would do it all again if I could and would have done it earlier had I known it was going to look like this.

'It makes me feel younger. I feel young again.'

A much older shot shows Ray winning a bodybuilding competition

Ray joined the Royal Artillery as a teenager and got tattoos on his arms and legs in a caravan near the base from a man called 'Sailor Bill'.

He admits the eight inkings - including a boat, the words 'mum' and 'dad', a naked woman and a Geisha - 'weren't spectacular'.

The sportsman started to regret them as soon as he left the forces a few years later and added: 'I hated them early on.'

He opened a gym, started competing in bodybuilding competitions and was crowned North West coast Champion in 1989.

But despite being the envy of his gym pals with a 54 inch chest, 18.5 inch bicep, and 34 inch waist, he wasn't happy with his body because of his tattoos.

'I didn't like people seeing them at all,' said Ray, who now works out six days a week in a gym he owns in Spain.

'Even though I was body building and going on stage I didn't like my tattoos.

'It was the messiness of them. They weren't spectacular.

'I had a good body but it was just disappointing looking at the tattoos.'

Around two years ago he finally went to a tattoo shop to ask them to cover some of his tattoos - and ended up covering his entire body.

He said: 'It just went further and further and further.'

He admits his previous eight inkings - including a boat, the words 'mum' and 'dad', a naked woman and a Geisha - 'weren't spectacular'

Ray joined the Royal Artillery as a teenager and got tattoos on his arms and legs in a caravan near the base from a man called 'Sailor Bill'

He endured 14 months of eight to nine hour sessions every two weeks, starting with his arms and legs.

He insists he didn't feel any pain and said his favourite part is his BUM - where tattooist Toby Dean signed his 'artwork'.

'It's amazing how much younger it makes my skin look,' he said.

'I feel so young.

'People who come into the gym and see me, they can't believe the age I am.

'The reactions I get are overwhelmingly positive.

'The older women in their 60s absolutely love the tattoos.

'When I was having them done, every couple of weeks when I had a new bit they would come into the gym and say 'get your kit off and lets have a look'.'
British Muslim boxer Amir Khan appeared on TV this morning to accuse terrorists of perverting his religion after the Manchester suicide bombing.

He said on ITV's Good Morning Britain: 'This is totally against our religion, if these people are saying that they're doing it because of Islam, I do not believe that's true. They're twisting Islam.'

The Bolton-born champion, 30, said he fears fellow Muslims including his two-year-old daughter will be targeted by racists because of the actions of terrorists.

British Muslim boxer Amir Khan appeared on TV this morning to accuse terrorists of perverting his religion after the Manchester suicide bombing

Fearing for his two-year-old daughter Lamaisah (pictured on her second birthday), he added: 'People will be pointing a finger at her and thinking youre a Muslim '

The champion boxer, 30, said he fears fellow Muslims including his family members will be targeted by racists. Pictured: His wife Faryal, 25, and daughter, two

He told Piers Morgan and Susanna Reid: 'I am Muslim and if Im on the bus or train I dont want them pointing at me saying, we dont want to be on the train with you.'

Fearing for his daughter Lamaisah, he added: 'Its getting worse and worse, and people will be pointing a finger at her and thinking youre a Muslim, and [terrorists] give all Muslims a bad name.'

Khan urged his fellow Muslims to become more active in driving out terrorism.

'If you know information please go out there and report it,' he urged those watching.

'I think Muslims all have to stick together, in all different religions there is always good and bad  killing innocent people is not in the Koran, we all should stick together.'
Medical staff in China raced against time to try and save a patient suffering from insecticide poisoning.

The 50-year-old man fell unconscious after drinking pesticide and was sent for emergency treatment at First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College on May 18, reports Huanqiu, a publication affiliated to People's Daily.

Hospital workers had to crack open 8,000 ampules containing small doses of antidote in order to save his life.

Medicla staff had to crack 8,000 ampules containing small doses of an antidote needed in massive amounts to save a man with pesticide poisoning in southern China

The man had swallowed an insecticide to control household pests.

He lapsed into a coma and was admitted into the ICU of the hospital with acute poisoning symptoms on Thursday night.

To pull him out of danger, the medical team needed at least 400 mg of atropine per hour to treat the poisoning.

However, stocks of atropine are stored in the tiny glass ampules each containing just 0.5 mg of the medicine.

The medical worker(pictured left) had to collect atropine stored in the tiny glass ampules each containing just 0.5 mg of the medicine. Pictured right is the box of opened ampules

Many had cut their fingers with the sharp edges of the broken ampules

The group of eight medical workers immediately started to snap open glass ampules to gather atropine.

Over night, they had cracked 8,000 ampules collected across different departments of the hospital and other hospitals around the city.

Many had cut their fingers with the sharp edges of the broken ampules.

The patient is still in critical condition, according to Ding Xiang Headlines.
Manchester suicide bomber Salman Abedi's mother told authorities that her son had been radicalised, it has been claimed.

News sources in the US, citing intelligence officials, have said members of Abedi's family had informed on the 22-year-old as they feared he had become 'dangerous'.

Adebi spoke to his nuclear scientist mother, Samia Tabbal, on the phone in Tripoli shortly before he detonated the device on Monday night.

A Libyan security source told the BBCs Newsnight that Abedi rang his brother in Libya, telling him to get their mother to call him.

Lounging on the beach in Libya with friends and hanging out with his mates in Manchester, this is Salman Abedi (circled) as a teenage boy before he became a suicide bomber. There is a no suggestion any of the friends he is pictured with have been involved in any wrong doing

Abedi's younger brother Hashem (pictured) has also reportedly been arrested in Tripoli, Libya, on suspicion of having links to the ISIS, that claimed responsibility for the atrocity

It also emerged that Tabbal, 50, graduated from Tripoli university 'top of her class'.

A US intelligence official, who claimed to have direct knowledge of the investigation, told NBC that Abedi had ties to al Qaeda and had received terrorist training abroad.

In the last 12 months the terrorist had traveled to Libya and could have connections to several extremist groups.

The news came as Abedi's father, Ramadan, was detained by masked gunmen while recording TV interviews in Libya and his younger brother, Hashem, 20, was arrested in Tripoli on suspicion of having links to the ISIS.

His mother, Samia Tabbal, 50, and father, an airport security officer, were both born in Tripoli but emigrated to London to flee the Gaddafi regime. They moved to the Whalley Range area of south Manchester where they have lived for at least a decade.

UK security services are now facing claims they were warned by the terror attacker's family and friends that he was dangerous.

Two people who knew Salman Abedi are said to have called the police counter-terrorism hotline five years ago to report that he thought 'being a suicide bomber was OK'.

The calls, revealed by a community worker to the BBC, emerged after US intelligence sources suggested Abedi's relatives had also tried to alert the authorities that he was a potential threat.

Ramadan Abedi (pictured) the father of Manchester Arena bomber Salman Abedi claims his son seemed 'normal' when they last spoke five days ago and insists: 'We don't believe in killing innocents'

Salman Abedi (pictured) had only just returned from war-torn Libya before launching his horrific attack and is believed to have undergone secret jihadi training

Home Secretary Amber Rudd admitted today that the 22-year-old was 'known' to the security services 'up to a point'.

Meanwhile, the government is under pressure to toughen up 'shambolic' border checks that mean jihadis returning to Britain from ISIS battlefields are not challenged.

As a picture began to emerge of the 22-year-old behind the atrocity in Manchester, a community worker told the BBC two people who knew Abedi at college had called the counter-terror hotline raising concerns.

RUDD'S FRUSTRATION AT US LEAKS FROM TERROR PROBE Amber Rudd vented her frustration today over US leaks about details of the Manchester terror attacks. The Home Secretary delivered a rare public rebuke to our close allies by admitting she was 'irritated' by the way 'operational' information had been disclosed. She said she had made 'very clear' to the US that such leaks 'cannot happen again'. But the Cabinet minister's warning seems to have fallen on deaf ears - as both American and French officials have been revealing more details about the case. 'The British police have been very clear that they want to control the flow of information in order to protect operational integrity, the element of surprise,' she told BBC Radio 4's Today programme. 'So it is irritating if it gets released from other sources. 'I have been very clear with our friends that it should not happen again.' Advertisement

They are said to have told police around five years ago that the student was 'supporting terrorism' and had expressed the view that 'being a suicide bomber was OK'.

Meanwhile, a US intelligence official told NBC members of Abedi's own family had informed on him in the past.

The official said the bomb he used was so 'big and sophisticated', including materials hard to obtain in Britain, that it was 'almost impossible to see he didn't have help'.

Abedi was apparently identified by a bank card found in his pocket at the scene of the explosion, with his name then confirmed by facial recognition technology.

The latest leaks out of the US will infuriate ministers, who have been trying to keep details of the investigation under wraps.

Troops are being deployed onto Britain's streets today amid fears a further terror attack 'may be imminent'.

Abedi, a Mancunian of Libyan descent, detonated his nail bomb at an Ariana Grande concert at the Manchester Arena on Monday night, killing himself and 22 others.

Ms Rudd said today that Abedi, who is reported to have recently returned to the UK from a visit to Libya, was known to the intelligence services 'up to a point'.

France's interior minister revealed that Abedi is thought to have been in Syria, and had 'proven' links to ISIS.

Abedi is believed to have traveled to Libya within the last 12 months. The US source said while he had 'clear ties to al Qaeda,' there could also have been connections to other groups.

About 850 Britons are thought to have gone abroad to fight with so-called Islamic State as they took control of large swathes of territory in Syria and Iraq.

But with the terror group being pushed out, extremists with British passports are fleeing back to the UK where authorities fear they may unleash a new wave of attacks.

Although more than 100 have been killed, around half have returned home with battle experience and training in the use of explosives and firearms.

The numbers of extremists are stretching the UK's security services to breaking point, with up to 30 officers required to provide 24-hour monitoring of just one suspect. Restricted resources mean MI5 can watch around 50 terror suspects around the clock at any given time.

This photo shows the aftermath of the suicide bomb which ripped through the foyer of the venue killing parents and children

Ukip spokesman Patrick O'Flynn said the weak border controls left Britain 'wide open' to the terror attack

Khalid Mahmood, who is defending the Birmingham Perry Bar seat for Labour at the election, told MailOnline the case of Abedi demonstrated the weakness of the system.

'I am extremely concerned that this is another case where a returning fighter has come straight through our border checkpoints,' he said.

'I am not making it an issue of the election, I am making it an issue of security.

Mr Mahmood said border staff had been reduced by 50 per cent since 2010.

'We don't have and have never had secure borders,' he said. 'This is an individual who has come back with devastating effect.

HOW SECURITY SERVICES HANDLE RETURNING FIGHTERS When foreign fighters are detected returning to Britain, security services assess whether they have genuinely repudiated ISIS or remain a hardline fanatic. Where there is clear evidence against the individual in question, they can be prosecuted in the UK. Foreign nationals can be prevented from coming back into the country, and duel nationals can be stripped of British citizenship. For UK citizens, there are temporary exclusion orders, which make it unlawful for the subject to return unless they agree to conditions. Terrorism Prevention and Investigation Measures (Tpims) can be imposed, involving restrictions including relocation and electronic monitoring. In addition to those returning from jihad, MI5 and police must also deal with the issue of people who have been blocked from going to conflict zones. Around 150 attempted journeys to Iraq and Syria were thwarted in 2015. Advertisement

Mr Mahmood said the abscence of checks meant security services had to 'work 10 times harder to try and catch up with these people once they have come back'.

He said there was too much reliance on biometric passports, with the main focus on monitoring people's immigration status.

'You just walk through,' he said. 'It doesn't check how long you have been out and where you have been to,' he said.

'We cannot protect our borders by digital means alone.

'I find it absolutely absurd that this happened again. It was bound to happen.

He added: 'Everywhere else you go there is a full inspection of who is going in and out. At least it gives you some sort of protection...

'We have not got a clue of what is going in and going out.

'How can we give a number (for how many jihadis have returned to the UK)? We have no idea.'

Mr Mahmood said Mrs May had to 'take responsibility' for the border 'shambles' because she was Home Secretary for six years.

Former security minister Lord West added his voice to calls for more rigorous passport checks on arrival and departure from the UK.

'I think there is no doubt our security situation has got significantly better since 7/7,' he told MailOnline.

'But what happened is the Arab Spring. That overturned everything in the Middle East.

'The threat has got worse and worse again.

'As our military are more successful in Iraq and finally in Syria, Daesh will not have a caliphate... people including from Britain will go their way very highly radicalised with knowledge of weapons.'

He added: 'I do think checking of passports could be tightened up a lot. I think we should check them as people leave.'
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Britain is set to bask in potentially record-breaking temperatures this weekend - but temperatures of up to 88F (31C) could spell bad news for asthma sufferers.

Unusually hot weather over the next few days will see Britain bake in possibly the warmest spring bank holiday on record, although the north and west of the country could be subject to brief thunderstorms.

However, the searing heat will trigger dangerously high air ozone levels in some regions, experts have warned.

This couple are pictured enjoying the sunshine in in Hyde Park, London, as they bask in Britain's increasing temperatures

A sea of warm pink colour shimmers in the morning sunlight from a meadow of Campion wild flowers under the impressive backdrop of Bamburgh Castle of the north east coast of England

People were out and about enjoying the sunshine and hot weather as they took their dogs for a walk in Regents Park, London

This woman sunbathes in a bikini as she enjoys the sun during our heatwave this afternoon in Primrose Hill, North West London

There was plenty of wildlife on display in the park as well. This grey heron was photographed walking on lawn near boating lake, as people stroll past in the background

A Met Office spokesman said said: 'It is looking very warm and locally hot with increasing amounts sunshine over the next few days.

'Thursday is likely to be the warmest day of the year so far, or if not certainly Friday which is looking toasty warm across the country.

'We expect high temperatures of around 26C (78.8F) to 29C (84.2F) in the run up to the weekend with 30C or possibly higher on Saturday although temperatures are just slightly done on earlier forecasts.

'I would certainly not be surprised if we see figures with a three in front of them.

'It is looking fresher into the start of next week, although still warm for the time of year.

The May record for heat is 32.8C (91.04F) set in 1922 in London, and recorded again in 1944 in Kent and Sussex.

The 30.9C (87.62F) record for Scotland set in 2012 in Inverailort is under threat with the mercury expected to nudge close this weekend.

Particulate matter blown in from Spain will add to the misery sparking alerts for people with health conditions to take extra care.

'Moderate' pollution will affect western Britain tomorrow before spreading across the country Friday and Saturday, according to Defra (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs).

A spokesman said: 'Air pollution levels should remain low across many parts through Thursday, though some areas of moderate pollution are likely mainly in central and western parts.

With high pressure across the country areas of moderate pollution are likely [until Sunday].

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A sunbather sprawls out in Regent's Park as she basks in the heat today, and it is expected to get even hotter as we head towards the weekend

Another bather in the capital strips off to catch a tan, but pollution warnings are expected to put a dampener on the scorching temperatures

The heron then flies off (left) in a bid to go and get something for its chicks (right) to eat as they sit up in their nest atop a tree

A sunbather is seen here cooling off by taking off his shirt and dipping his feet into a water feature in the middle of Hyde Park

Another man takes a stroll in Regent's Park. Unusually hot weather over the next few days will see Britain bake in possibly the warmest spring bank holiday on record

Extreme temperatures will trigger a reaction between rising air pollutants leading to 'ground ozone' forming, experts warn.

Dr Penny Woods, chief executive of the British Lung Foundation, urged people with breathing difficulties to stay indoors during the hottest periods.

She said: 'During very warm weather, people living with lung conditions may find high temperatures mean their symptoms get worse.

'This can be because they're too hot, dehydrated, or because of high ozone levels in the air.

'Near the ground, ozone is made by a chemical reaction between the sun's rays and organic gases and oxides of nitrogen, emitted by cars, power and chemical plants, and other sources.

'For people with a lung condition, high ozone levels can make breathing difficult, causing wheezing and coughing.

'If you have a lung condition, we advise keeping out of the sun and avoiding the heat.

Kay Boycott, chief executive of Asthma UK, added: 'Our research tells us that two thirds of people with asthma find that air pollution makes their asthma worse, putting them at increased risk of a potentially life-threatening asthma attack.

'When people with asthma are in areas where air pollution levels are high it's vital they check air pollution forecasts, carry their reliever inhaler with them at all times, and have an up to date written asthma action plan so they know what to do if their symptoms worsen.'

Defra's pollution forecast warns of moderate levels in Wales, the northwest and some central regions today.

Extreme temperatures will trigger a reaction between rising air pollutants leading to 'ground ozone' forming, experts warn

More birds in Regent's Park, with London expected to bake in temperatures around 30 degrees Celsius across the bank holiday weekend

A close up of the flowers at Bamburgh Castle. Defra's pollution forecast warns of moderate levels in Wales, the northwest and some central regions today

European air monitoring service Prev'Air predicts ozone levels in parts could rise above 120 micrograms per metre cubed on Friday

Scotland, western Britain and parts of the south will be affected tomorrow before smog hits much of the country on Saturday.

European air monitoring service Prev'Air predicts ozone levels in parts could rise above 120 micrograms per metre cubed on Friday.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) classes anything above 100 micrograms 'reduced from 120 in 2005' as cause for concern.

A spokesman said: 'Excessive ozone in the air can have a marked effect on human health.

'It can cause breathing problems, trigger asthma, reduce lung function and cause lung diseases.

'In Europe it is currently one of the air pollutants of most concern.;

Prev'Air also predicts PM2.5 levels 'particles released from industry, cars and other vehicles' to rise as air sweeps in from the Continent.

Temperatures will head upwards in the run up to the weekend with highs of 30C (86F)-plus possible in the south on Saturday.

Elsewhere the mercury will rocket into the mid to high 20Cs as Britain bakes in the warmest weather since September.
France is to extend the state of emergency which has been in place since the Bataclan terror attacks in response to the Manchester bombings.

French President Emmanuel Macron says he wants to strengthen the power of security forces to counter the threat of terrorist attacks.

Emergency rules giving French police wider search and arrest powers were introduced after Islamist gunmen and suicide bombers killed 130 people in and around Paris in November 2015.

French President Emmanuel Macron (right) wants to strengthen the power of security forces to counter the threat of terrorist attacks in the wake of the Manchester suicide bombings

Macron reviewed national security with defence chiefs following Monday night's suicide bomb attack at Manchester Arena (pictured)

Now Macron, who reviewed national security with defence chiefs following Monday night's suicide bomb attack at Manchester Arena, said he would ask lawmakers to extend the special powers - due to expire in July - until November 1.

The attack in Manchester, claimed by Islamic State, killed 22 people and wounded dozens more.

It struck a chord in France where more than 230 people have died in the past two years in attacks by Islamist militants.

Three weeks into his presidency, and facing parliamentary elections in June, Macron will want to be seen as being decisive in dealing with the threat of attacks after his presidential rivals portrayed him as weak on security matters.

A statement by the Elysee palace said Macron told his government to devise additional measures for countering the security threats beyond the emergency powers and produce a draft bill to put to parliament in the coming weeks.

He also gave instructions for a task force comprised of all the French security services to be swiftly established to coordinate actions against attacks.

The attack in Manchester, claimed by Islamic State, killed 22 people and wounded dozens more. Pictured: Victims being carried from Manchester Arena

Emergency rules giving French police wider search and arrest powers were introduced after Islamist gunmen and suicide bombers killed 130 people in Paris. Pictured: A victim lies dead outside the Bataclan where more than 100 were gunned down

Earlier, Interior Minister Gerard Collomb said French authorities had learned from British investigators that the suspect in the Manchester bombing, British-born Salman Abedi, had travelled to Libya and probably Syria.

'Today we only know what British investigators have told us - that someone of British nationality, of Libyan origin, suddenly, after a trip to Libya and then probably to Syria, becomes radicalised and decides to carry out this attack,' Collomb told BFMTV.

Asked if he believed Abedi was supported by a network, Collomb said: 'That is not known yet - but maybe. In any case, [he had] links with Daesh [ISIS] that are proven.'
A Polish couple who died in the Manchester terror attack posted a tragic final selfie minutes before the blast that left their two daughters orphans.

Marcin and Angelika Klis were pictured side by side in the city centre while on their way to Manchester Arena, where they perished waiting to pick up their children.

The pair, 42 and 39, were confirmed dead this morning following a frantic missing persons appeal from their daughters, Patrycia, 12, and Alex, 20.

Marcin and Angelika Klis were pictured side by side in the city centre while on their way to Manchester Arena, where they perished waiting to pick up their children

After visiting a restaurant as the gig went on, they were waiting in the venue's foyer at the end when they were caught in the explosion, which killed 22 and injured 119.

Polish Foreign Minister Witold Waszczykowski said today: 'The parents came after the concert to collect their daughters and unfortunately we have information that they are dead. The children are safe.'

Marcin was a taxi driver and the family lived in North Yorkshire. Speaking outside their home, a friend said today: 'It's just so sad - these girls are now orphans.

'It is now down to Alex to look after her sister, you never expect it to happen on your doorstep.

'They are just crying and crying, we're all sad - we've almost run out of tears now.

'It's a mixture of shock and hard to understand how these girls went to a gig while their parents waited for them at the exit to take them home safely.'

The pair were confirmed dead this morning, following a frantic missing persons appeal from their daughters, Patrycia, 12, and Alex, 20. Pictured: Marcin, left, and Angelika, right

The friend said: 'The family were just a loving and perfect family - they would do anything for you. Honestly, they were perfect.

'It's absolutely horrible - who would have thought that would happen? At a gig of all places.

'We've been waiting and waiting to hear from the police and were told last night that they had both died. We knew that the longer it got, it wouldn't be good news.'

The friend said: 'The family were just a loving and perfect family - they would do anything for you. Honestly, they were perfect.' Pictured: Alex

Asked if Alex, a student at York College, would like to pay tribute to her parents, the family friend added: 'No, not right now. We're all in shock and she is just devastated.'

In a post shared on Facebook immediately after the attack she wrote: 'Anyone who is in any safe place or hospital in Manchester, if anyone comes across my parents please please let me know as they've been missing ever since the attack.'

The friend said the family would go to Poland on holiday and despite moving to England when the girls were very young - they both speak fluent in Polish.

The girls have also received an outpouring of support, with Donna Kellaway, a neighbour of the family's home in York, setting up a GoFundMe page for the girls.

She wrote, 'Alex and Patrycia tragically lost both parents in the Manchester attacks. There are no words to describe what they must be going through.

'I know money will do nothing to ease their pain, but I hope the community can raise something for these girls that will help them financially at this terrible time.'

The suicide bomber has been named as Salman Abedi, a Mancunian of Libyan descent, and the son of an airport security worker.

The suicide bomber has been named as Salman Abedi, a Mancunian of Libyan descent, and the son of an airport security worker. File picture of ambulances outside Manchester Arena on Monday night

Police yesterday carried out a controlled explosion at the doorstep of his home during raids around the city.

Forensics officer were seen emerging from the killer's property carrying a booklet called Know Your Chemicals.

Police also raided a house where Abedi's brother, Ismail, lived and arrested a 23-year-old man, prompting speculation that Ismail had been detained.
This is the horrific moment a 15-year-old schoolgirl stabs her classmate outside school with a kitchen knife.

The shocking incident occurred outside the Maria Eugenia Waks school in the city of Saenz Pena, in the northern Argentine province of Chaco.

A video filmed by fellow students shows the aggressor grab the knife from her rucksack which she throws on the ground.

Her friends can be heard shouting: 'Celeste don't do it,' but the teenager ignores their pleas and starts to stab her opponent violently.

Male voices can be heard in the background shouting: 'Not with a knife Celeste, not with a knife.'

Other students step in to separate the pair and they manage to pull the knife off the young girl who shakes herself off, grabs her rucksack and runs away.

High-pitched screaming can be heard in the background as others become aware what has just happened.

This is the horrific moment a 15-year-old schoolgirl stabs her classmate outside school with a kitchen knife

The victim of the attack can also be heard moaning and crying in pain as she stumbles around on the spot before collapsing to the ground.

The person filming the video then picks up the weapon, a large kitchen knife, which he shows to the camera, whilst his fellow students shout at him to put it down.

According to local media, the injured girl is 16 years old. She was taken to hospital where she was treated for a superficial wound in the pubic area.

Her attacker was caught Monday evening and is now being held in custody awaiting further action.

The shocking incident occurred outside the Maria Eugenia Waks school in the city of Saenz Pena, in the northern Argentine province of Chaco

The Minister of Provincial Education, Daniel Farias has spoken out about the fight, saying: 'This is a social issue and very complex, it is connected with the violence they live with at home and the surroundings they live in.'

He urged the public not to 'stigmatise these two girls,' assuring that it is 'a problem we see every day, we can't blame the students or the school.

'The fights between youths always existed, what has changed is the methodology.'

Farias said that a team of psychologists and social workers will be visiting the school to work with the institution and the students.
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The opening ceremony for the National Indigenous Constitutional Convention was celebrated with traditional dancing.

Captivating images show Aboriginal Australian's performing in traditional dress in front of onlookers.

Aboriginal Australian leaders are meeting at the sacred landmark of Uluru to decide how the country's first inhabitants, who date back about 50,000 years before British colonisers arrived, should be recognised in the constitution for the first time.

Children from Mutitjulu play at the opening ceremony for the National Indigenous Constitutional Convention near Uluru on Tuesday

Dancers from East Arnhem Land at the opening ceremony for the National Indigenous Constitutional Convention in Mutitjulu near Uluru on Tuesday

This week more than 250 Aboriginal leaders from across the country will meet in Central Australia to reach a united position on what amendments to the founding document might look like

There are about 700,000 Aborigines in a population of 23 million but they suffer disproportionately high rates of suicide, alcohol abuse, domestic violence and imprisonment, tracking near the bottom in almost every economic and social indicator.

Constitutional recognition of Aborigines is a complex issue in a country which previously administered its indigenous people under flora and fauna laws.

This week's conference comes before an anticipated national referendum on recognition. If successful, it would bring Australia into line with Canada, New Zealand and the United States as formally recognising their indigenous populations.

Senator Patrick Dodson, one of Australia's most senior indigenous politicians, said the conference was about forming a clear view on what indigenous Australians wanted.

'These talks have profound significance as a major chance for indigenous Australians to decide whether they want to be recognised in the constitution or not,' Dodson said.

'If they do want to be recognised, they need to advise on how they want to be so.'

Dancers from Thursday Island in the Torres Strait at the opening ceremony for the National Indigenous Constitutional Convention

Traditional owner Sammy Wilson speaks at the opening ceremony for the National Indigenous Constitutional Convention

The opening ceremony for the National Indigenous Constitutional Convention was celebrated with traditional dancing

Progress was made in 1967 when a referendum allowed Aborigines citizenship. But that was all.

Aborigines face a 10-year gap in life expectancy compared with other Australians and make up 27 percent of the prison population, but are just three percent of the total population.

After the three-day event at what was formerly called Ayers Rock, a report will be presented to Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and the opposition leader ahead of the proposed referendum as early as this year.

A referendum is required to make changes to the constitution.

Captivating images show Aboriginal Australian's performing in traditional garb in front of onlookers

Aboriginal Australian leaders are meeting at the sacred landmark of Uluru to decide how the country's first inhabitants, who date back about 50,000 years before British colonisers arrived, should be recognised in the constitution for the first time

'It is vitally important our first Australians consider and debate the models of recognition free of political interference and the diversity of views and opinions within the indigenous communities are discussed,' Turnbull told parliament on Wednesday.

Academic Harry Hobbs, who researches constitutional law and indigenous rights at the University of New South Wales, said there were several models of recognition to consider.

'It is quite a broad spectrum of what the referendum proposal might be: a statement of acknowledgement, modifying the law-making power over indigenous people, a racial non-discrimination clause and removing sections of the constitution,' he said.

'Further discussions may include a body made up of elected indigenous peoples who would advise parliament on laws or a treaty between the state and indigenous people.'
A father from a New Orleans suburb has been arrested after authorities say he intentionally dipped his 10-month old boy in hot water, causing the infant to suffer second-degree burns to his buttocks.

Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office investigators booked 20-year-old Denzel Davis on a charge of second-degree cruelty to a juvenile.

The man's wife, 23-year-old Jessica Davis, was also arrested on a charge of being an accessory after the fact to the charge against her husband.

Parents charged: Denzel Davis, 20 (left), and his wife Jessica, 23 (right), have been arrested after the father allegedly dipped their 10-month-old son in hot water

Scalded: The baby boy, who is Denzels' adopted son, suffered second-degree burns to his buttocks in the May 19 incident

Sheriff's Office spokesman Col. John Fortunato tells the New Orleans Times-Picayune that Denzel, the adoptive father, was caring for his wife's infant son on Friday night when he grew frustrated with his crying and lowered the baby into hot bath water, buttocks first.

The sheriff's office learned of the incident after getting a call from Jefferson Medical Center shortly after 1am Saturday about an infant who was brought to the emergency room to be treated for burns.

ER staff determined that the baby boy suffered second-degree burns to 4 per cent of his body, namely, his buttocks.

Confession: Denzel told authorities in suburban New Orleans that he dunked the infant into the hot bath water out of frustration because the child was crying

Delayed care: The couple then waited three hours before taking the injured infant to the hospital to be treated for the burns

When interviewed by police, Denzel Davis initially claimed that his adoptive son was injured when he left him without supervision in a hot bath.

He later changed his story, according to Fortunato, admitting that he was drawing a bath for the infant at 10pm but became frustrated with his crying.

He then allegedly cradled the boy in his arms and dipped him into the hot bath water 'out of anger.'

Jessica Davis, the boy's mother, was not home at the time of the incident.

Jessica Davis was arrested on a charge of being an accessory after the fact. She told cops they did not seek medical help right away out of fear of getting in trouble with the law

When asked by investigators to explain why the parents waited three hours before seeking medical attention for the child, Jessica said she was afraid the sheriff's office or child services might be called on them.

The parents were taken into custody and booked into the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center, where the husband was being held without bond on Tuesday. The wife's bond was set at $5,000.

Denzel Davis was also charged with an unrelated count of misdemeanor carnal knowledge of a juvenile for allegedly having sex with a 15 years old girl in 2015.
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More than 30 migrants including young children have drowned off the coast of Libya as they crossed the Mediterranean to start a new life in Europe.

More than 200 people without life jackets were thrown from their rickety boat moments before they could be hauled into waiting rescue vessels.

'At least 20 dead bodies were spotted in the water,' said Italian Coast Guard commander Cosimo Nicastro.

'Not a scene from a horror movie,' he wrote on Twitter alongside a photo of dozens of migrants floating in the sea, their flimsy smugglers' boat in the background.

He added: 'Real life tragedy unfolding on Europe's doorstep today!'

More than 30 migrants, including young children, have drowned off the coast of Libya as they trudged across the Mediterranean to Europe

More than 200 people without life jackets were thrown from their rickety boat moments before they could be hauled into waiting rescue vessels

'At least 20 dead bodies were spotted in the water,' said Italian Coast Guard commander Cosimo Nicastro, who ordered more boats to the area to rescue the stranded migrants

Another rescue group happened to have a ship nearby said it had already recovered more than 30 bodies, most of which were toddlers

'Not a scene from a horror movie,' Mr Nicastro wrote next to this photo of dozens of migrants floating in the Mediterranean

The rescue group MOAS, which also had a ship nearby, said it had already recovered more than 30 bodies.

'Most are toddlers,' the group's co-founder Chris Catrambone said on Twitter.

The coast guard called in more ships to help with the rescue, saying about 1,700 people were packed into about 15 vessels in the area.

The transfer from these overloaded boats is risky because desperate migrants in them sometimes surge to the side nearest a rescue vessel and destabilise their flimsy craft, which then list dangerously or capsize.

More than 1,300 people have died this year on the world's most dangerous crossing for migrants fleeing poverty and war across Africa and the Middle East.

Last Friday, more than 150 disappeared at sea, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) said on Tuesday, citing migrant testimony collected after they disembarked in Italy.

In the past week, more than 7,000 migrants have been plucked from unsafe boats in international waters off the western coast of Libya, where people smugglers operate with impunity.

The coast guard called in more ships to help with the rescue, packing 1,700 people into 15 vessels

Transfer from overloaded boats is risky because migrants tend to run to the side nearest a rescue vessel and destabilise their flimsy craft, which can capsize

This year alone, more than 1,300 people have died on the route from Libya to Europe, the world's most dangerous crossing for migrants fleeing poverty

International Organization for Migration (IOM) said more than 150 migrants crossing the Mediterranean disappeared at sea last Friday

In the past week, more than 7,000 migrants have been plucked from unsafe boats in international waters off the western coast of Libya

Refugees and migrants yell for help from the Migrant Offshore Aid Station (MOAS) vessel after their wooden boat bound for Italy carrying more than 500 people capsized

Coastguard commander Nicastro posted two tragic photos of migrants in the Mediterranean, writing: 'Real life tragedy unfolding on Europe's doorstep today!'

Despite efforts by Italy and the European Union to bolster the Tripoli-based coast guard and funnel training and equipment to fight trafficking to the U.N.-backed government, record numbers of migrants are coming this year.

Italy is hosting a meeting of the world's seven major industrialised nations in Sicily on Friday and Saturday, and is pushing the group, which includes the United States, to put migration, Libya's stabilisation and African development at the top of the agenda.

'The tragedy of children dying in the Mediterranean is a wake-up call to leaders meeting in Sicily,' said UN Children's Fund Executive Director Justin Forsyth. 'These extremely vulnerable children need action now.'

More than 50,000 migrants have been rescued at sea and brought to Italy so far, a 46 percent increase on the same period of last year, the Interior Ministry said this week.

Most rescues take place just outside the 12-mile mark that separates Libyan territory from international waters.

It is a busy stretch of sea where humanitarian vessels, the Libyan Coast Guard and even scavengers hoping to recover abandoned migrant boats and their engines all operate.

More than 50,000 migrants have been rescued at sea and brought to Italy in 2017, a 46 percent increase on the same period of last year. Pictured: African migrants arrive back in Libya after being rescued yesterday

Most rescues take place just outside the 12-mile mark that separates Libyan territory from international waters. Pictured: African migrants arrive back in Libya after being rescued yesterday

The Libyan Coast Guard on Tuesday fired shots as non-governmental vessels conducted rescues nearby, humanitarian group Jugend Rettet, which operates the Iuventa rescue ship, said in a statement.

The shooting prompted about 100 migrants to jump into the water and swim toward humanitarian vessels.

It was unclear if anyone had been killed or wounded. The Libyans then towed two migrant boats back to shore while humanitarian groups brought more than 1,000 on board.
A Bronx teenager who beat a 69-year-old homeless man to death after he catcalled his girlfriend is due to appear in court tomorrow morning.

Branlee Gonzalez, 18, handed himself into police after they released CCTV footage of the assault.

Gonzalez is accused of attacking Lucio Bravo and his 39-year-old friend in the early hours of Thursday morning.

Branlee Gonzalez, pictured, was charged with attempted murder following the assault

He is accused of attacking two homeless men after they catcalled his girlfriend

Gonzalez handed himself into police after they released CCTV footage of the attack

Bravo suffered massive brain injuries following the assault and died in hospital over the weekend.

The second man was treated for extensive bruising.

According to police, the teenager attacked the pair after they 'whistled and catcalled' his girlfriend.

CCTV footage of the incident shows the girl trying to drag Gonzalez away from the man as he is being repeatedly punched.

Gonzalez was arrested on Monday on assault charges and he being held in custody, although records show he is being held on one count of attempted murder.

He is due to appear in Manhattan Criminal Court tomorrow.
Former Labor leader Mark Latham has blasted the union movement for discriminating against men in a job advertisement.

A Unions NSW ad for a trainee campaign assistant offers to pay 9.5 per cent super for men but give women a more generous 11.5 per cent employer contribution.

Mr Latham, who was a Labor Party member for almost 40 years, described the advertisement, offering a $58,000 salary on a 12-month contract, as a sex discrimination matter.

Conservative commentator Daisy Cousens (pictured left with Mark Latham) said the job ad assumed all women wanted to have children

'Where's Kate Jenkins the Sex Discrimination Commissioner saying, "Hang on, you can't pay less to a man than you're paying to a woman for the same job",' he told his Mark Latham's Outsider's program on Facebook on Wednesday night.

'So the man possibly getting this job, hasn't got a great chance, especially if you're a white man, at the Labor Council.

'This is sex discrimination institutionalised by the Labor Council, Unions NSW, whats going on?.'

Conservative commentator Daisy Cousens said the seek.com.au ad smacked of 'female supremacy and special treatment'.

Former federal Labor leader Mark Latham has accused Unions NSW of sex discrimination

An excerpt of the Unions NSW job ad which offers men less generous superannuation

'Its a ludicrous policy. Its assuming, say, that all women will want to have children because thats what theyre on about.'

Unions NSW secretary Mark Morey stood by the gender policy, which has been in place since 2013.

'Mark Latham is a small-minded, irrelevant, angry man,' he told Daily Mail Australia.

'We stand by our policy of trying to achieve equity in retirement for women.'

Mark Latham asked studio guest Emma Eros, a Muslim plumber, to slam a pie in his face

Mark Latham mocked Qantas CEO Alan Joyce who pressed charges against pensioner Tony Overheu (pictured slamming a lemon meringue pie into his face earlier this month)

During a theatrical episode, Mr Latham recoiled in mock horror to ridicule feminist and ABC presenter Julia Baird, the sister of former NSW premier Mike Baird who has accused him of bullying on Twitter.

'She's an example of a couch-fainting feminist. She's a damsel in distress, poor Julia,' he said.

'If anyone disagrees with her, "Oh it's terrible" and collapses on the couch.'

Mr Latham also ridiculed Qantas chief executive Alan Joyce, who was this month pie faced at a Perth business breakfast, by asking his guest Emma Eros, a Muslim plumber, to slam a cream pie into his face.

The airline boss had pressed charges against pensioner Tony Overheu, 67, and slapped a lifetime ban on him.


A police sergeant has been fined $400 after he was caught using his mobile phone behind the wheel of a marked police car.

The Western Australian law enforcer was also docked three demerit points and will receive 'managerial guidance', according to Perth Now.

A truck driver caught the unnamed sergeant using the phone on Tuesday despite a 'zero-tolerance approach' towards the crime.

A policeman has been fined $400 after he was caught using his mobile phone while behind the wheel of a marked police car

The officer can be seen parked over the white line at a traffic light in Perth, looking down at a device in his hands.

The truck driver told The West the policeman looked at him then returned to using his phone.

'What's good for the goose is good for the gander,' he said.

The driver said he watched the police car roll up and 'looked twice' after seeing the officer using his phone.

A Perth truck driver claims to have caught a policeman using his mobile phone while driving

The truck driver said the policeman looked at him then returned to using his phone (stock)

'You can see quite clearly that he overshot the white line and that's only because he was texting,' he said.

The incident occurred in Morley at about 9am on Tuesday morning, and the truck driver says it was particularly dangerous for cyclists when cars pass the white line at traffic lights.

'Not only am I a career road train operator but I'm also a very avid cyclist. I reckon one of the biggest dangers to cyclists is people texting and he overshot that white line,' he said.

The truck driver, who admits to using his phone while driving in the past, said at the time he would be satisfied if the officer just got a 'rap over the knuckles.'
Jessica Pevey (pictured), a 34-year-old homeless woman living in San Francisco, has been arrested after she attempted to kidnap a two-year-old boy

A homeless woman has been arrested after trying to kidnap a two-year-old boy in San Francisco.

Jessica Pevey, 34, allegedly attempted to snatch the toddler son of a tourist she had an argument with outside an Acme Bread Company store at the Ferry Building on Tuesday.

Police said the 34-year-old and the boy's mother, who was visiting the Bay Area from Missouri, 'exchanged words' just moments before the attempted abduction took place, the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Pevey and the boy's mother had a physical struggle, before bystanders interfered and managed to pin the homeless woman to the ground until police arrived on the scene.

Dramatic footage shot by KTVU showed a team of officers handcuffing Pevey and marching her to a police cruiser.

Pevey is pictured being led to a police cruiser after she was arrested by a team of officers on Tuesday

The 34-year-old was arrested after witnesses pinned her to the ground and held her until police arrived

'It was just strange,' one of the witnesses who helped stop the would-be abduction told the Chronicle.

'The homeless woman just came up and grabbed the baby.'

Pevey was arrested on suspicion of child endangerment and kidnapping, and is being held at San Francisco County Jail on $350,000 bail.
Pope Francis made an unusual connection with U.S. first lady Melania Trump on Wednesday, joking with her about what she feeds the hulking 6'2" president.

'What do you give him to eat?' he asked her in Italian. 'Potica?'

'Potica!' a delighted Melania responded, laughing. 'Yes!'

Potica is a Slovenian nut-roll dessert cake.

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First lady Melania Trump met Pope Francis on Wednesday after the president had a private audience with the leader of the world's 1.2 billion Roman Catholics

'WHAT ARE YOU FEEDING HIM?' The Pope joked around with Melania, referring to her hulking 6'2" husband, President Donald Trump and slipping her native Slovenia's 'potica' dessert into the conversation

Francis blessed a rosary for the first lady after the lighthearted moment

The Vatican told reporters afterward that Francis loves potica, and is in the habit of bringing it up whenever he meets a Slovenian  like Melania.

He was introduced to the traditional dessert two years ago when Slovenian Prime Minister Miro Cerar brought some with him to the Vatican.

Video of the exchange initially indicated that the Pope and the first lady were both talking about 'pizza.'

Potica is pronounced 'po-TEET-za' in Slovenian.

In addition to her native Slovenian, Mrs. Trump speaks English, French, German, Italian and Serbian.

The Trumps were in Vatican City as part of a five-stop international tour, the president's first since taking office.

He had already visited Saudi Arabia and Israel.

RIGHT: Potica (pronounced 'po-TEET-za') is a nut-roll cake that is common in Melania's native Slovenia, and a favorite of Pope Francis

WRONG: The Internet buzzed with stories about the Pope asking the first lady if she fed the president lots of 'pizza'

The first couple had some time alone with the Pope between the president's private meeting and a photographed gift-exchange

After his audience with the Pope, a tour of the Sistine Chapel and meetings with Italy's president and prime minister, Trump jetted off to Brussels for a NATO summit.

He wraps up his diplomacy tour on Friday and Saturday with his first G7 meeting in the Taormina, on the Italian island of Sicily.

Trump tweeted on his way out of Rome: 'Honor of a lifetime to meet His Holiness Pope Francis. I leave the Vatican more determined than ever to pursue PEACE in our world.'
A man has been arrested under the Terrorism Act as an east London shopping centre is evacuated.

The man was stopped by Metropolitan Police officers at the Vicarage Field Shopping Centre in Barking shortly before 10.30am this morning.

The incident took place at around the same time a man with a knife was arrested by armed police outside Buckingham Palace.

The man was stopped by Metropolitan Police officers at the Vicarage Field Shopping Centre in Barking shortly before 10.30am this morning

Both incident occurred this morning, shortly after it was announced Scotland Yard was stepping up patrols amid an increased terror threat.

A Met Police spokesman told MailOnline officers arrested the man for obstructing a search under the Terrorism Act and assaulting a police officer.

The bag that he had with him was left at the scene and assessed and was found not to be suspicious.

They confirmed that the arrest was not linked to the suicide bombing in Manchester on Monday evening.

The London Evening Standard reports eight officers surrounded the man in the gardens next to St James's Park this morning ahead of the Queen's planned attendance at an event at St Paul's Cathedral.

The Met Police says it has increased patrols and searches in the capital in the wake of the suicide bombing which killed 22 in Manchester on Monday night.

The Changing of the Guard ceremony at Horse Guards Parade was cancelled today to free up police officers for the fight against terrorism.
Alcoholics Anonymous is suing an auction firm to block the sale of the original manuscript of the 'Twelve Steps' program.

The organization lodged papers in New York state court last Thursday naming an Alabama man, Ken Roberts, who owns the manuscript, a New York art gallery and a California auction house.

The manuscript is to be sold June 8 at auction. The lawsuit said the manuscript was gifted to a man who left instructions for it to be given to Alcoholics Anonymous upon his death. But it never was.

The annotated copy of the 12 Steps program features handwritten corrections on the pages

Alcoholics Anonymous claim they own the document which could sell for up to $3 million

Now, it is being advertised by Profiles in History, which plans to auction it in two weeks. Aron Gerson, a spokesman for the Los Angeles-area auction house, declined comment. A man who answered the phone at QuestRoyal Fine Art in Manhattan, where the manuscript was displayed over the weekend, said he could not comment.

On a web page devoted to the auction, Profiles in History described it as 'The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous' and 'The Bible to Millions,' saying its 161 typed pages included handwritten edits by AA founders, including William Griffith Wilson, also known as Bill W.

It said it had sold 30 million copies since 1939, been translated into 43 languages and has been ranked by the Library of Congress as the No. 1 non-fiction book that shaped America.

The auction house estimated it will sell for between $2 million and $3 million.

The lawsuit said the original working draft copy of the manuscript is 'an original, historical document of unique importance.'

It said it 'indisputably belongs' to Alcoholics Anonymous after Barry Leach, who received it from Wilson's widow, signed and notarized a letter in April 1979 saying it would belong to the organization upon his death. He died in 1985.

The lawsuit blamed 'either extreme negligence or potentially wrongful actions' around the time of Leach's death for it never reaching Alcoholics Anonymous.

As a result, it said, the manuscript was sold at auction in June 2004 at Sotheby's to William A. Shenk for $1.57 million. The lawsuit said Roberts bought it at a Sotheby's auction in 2007 for $850,000 at a time when Alcoholics Anonymous was not aware of Leach's notarized letter.

The lawsuit said Roberts informed Alcoholics Anonymous on April 7 that he planned to sell the manuscript on June 8. A phone message left for Roberts was not immediately returned.
In secular Europe, it is rare for politicians to suggest that the European Unions expansive, imperious policies should be reformed by implementing a Christian doctrine. Yet that is precisely what a manifesto aimed at curbing EU excesses has done.

The document proposes paring back the EUs authority in the name of subsidiarity, the Catholic principle that a higher level of government should refrain from intervening in the actions of a lower level of government (and, we should add, in the actions of civil society). The principle of subsidiarity is opposed to all forms of collectivism, The Catechism of the Catholic Church states. It sets limits for state intervention. Such a program inherently diminishes the autonomy of global governance bodies like the EU.

The Manifesto of Slovak Eurorealism  issued to mark the 60th anniversary of signing of the Treaty of Rome  was written by Richard Sulik, a Member of European Parliament (MEP) and leader of the opposition Freedom and Solidarity (SaS) Party in Slovakia. Hes also a member of the European Conservatives and Reformists Group.

The manifesto answers the challenge by Europhiles that reformers offer something beyond a critique of Brussels bureaucratization:

This manifesto is an answer to all those who are accusing us of constant criticism without concrete solutions. Well, here they are  23 very concrete and, with enough political will, practicable proposals. And, as a heads-up to our voters  whenever there is an opportunity, we will act in line with the proposed changes.

The manifesto endorses European Commission President Jean-Claude Junckers fourth possible scenario for the EUs future, contained in a white paper that he released in March: doing less, more efficiently.

Sulik notes that the solution was present within the EUs governing document. The Lisbon Treaty formally establishes subsidiarity by name in Article 5(3), saying that the EU will intervene in local affairs only if the member states cannot sufficiently achieve the objectives of the proposed action at the central level or regional and local level and can  be better achieved by the Union.

That ambiguity furnishes the European Union with far too much discretion:

[W]ords such as satisfactorily and better give too much room for subjective decisions and disputes. We believe that the principle of subsidiarity should be defined so that if something can be decided by the member states alone, it should not be decided by the EU. The question whether member states decisions are better or worse should not play a role  [T]he key is whether they can decide on the matter at all.

The manifesto proposes that the EU establish a Subsidiarity Court, a concept Sulik credits to former German President Roman Herzog, a proponent of subsidiarity who passed away this January. (Interestingly, the report also quotes the Tenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, marking a transatlantic contribution to limited government.) This court would review whether EU actions accorded with the principle of national and local sovereignty. However, its rulings would be subject to appeals made to the European Court of Justice.

If implemented, subsidiarity would not only increase member states self-determination but reduce their tax and regulatory burden.

Subsidiarity brings savings

Due to the shrinking role of the EU in the lives of the remaining 27 member states, the report suggests the abolition of two advisory bodies and nine standing committees. That pillar alone would save members at least 322 million and reduce the bureaucracy by more than 1,700 employees.

In addition, Sulik would halve the number of MEPs from 751 to 376 and fire thousands of the European Commissions 33,000 employees.

He would also abolish the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union  which is not to be confused with the European Council (with which it would be merged). He further proposes an independent audit to determine if additional EU committees can be abolished.

Thats all well and good, but it leaves the problem of the long shadow of EU laws and regulations, which cover such minutiae as the proper curvature of bananas. The EU has imposed more than 12,500 regulations  769 in 2016 alone, according to the manifesto. To restrain out-of-control decrees in the future, the report proposes a one-in, two-out rule for new EU regulations: repealing two administrative rules for every new one written. President Donald Trump enacted such a policy by executive order this year, although it has antecedents in Canada and the UK, making it another reform with transatlantic roots.

William F. Buckley Jr. and common (market) sense

Sulik proposes an additional reform that seems like common sense, known as netting. Some nations are net beneficiaries of the EUs wealth transfers; they receive more from the EU than they pay as their share of the budget. But under EU rules, they still have to pay their assessed fees in full. For instance, from 2014 to 2020 Slovakia will owe the EU 6.5 billion  but it will receive 13.8 billion. Yet a 6.5 billion bank transfer must cross the wires from Bratislava to Brussels. It would be like American readers learning that the IRS owes them a massive income tax refund, but that they have to write a check for the full amount of their tax liability, anyway.

As William F. Buckley Jr. wrote in Up From Liberalism, Keep this up, you will readily see, and the skies are black with crisscrossing dollars  or euros, as may be appropriate. Sulik proposes Brussels simply subtract liabilities from assets and send member nations the remainder.

Unlike much Euroskeptic criticism, the manifesto is libertarian in nature rather than populist, with a pronounced market orientation. The capital, technology, and know-how brought to our country by [foreign] investors due to EU membership would have taken us decades to accumulate ourselves, Sulik writes. Foreign investment does not merely benefit the investors; Slovak wages rose by 37 percent since joining the EU. Romanian President Klaus Iohannis has made similar observations about his own country. But market distortions harm everyones well-being  and large, and largely unaccountable, government deprives people of a voice in their own future. Sulik is not sanguine about the prospects of the EU taking up his reforms, though.

Perhaps some time, when Hell freezes over, at least some of these changes will be successfully implemented, the manifesto concludes.

That would be a sad end for a heavenly proposal.

You can read Suliks full manifesto here.

(Photo credit: LMih. CC BY-SA 3.0.)
President Donald Trump's former national security adviser could receive immunity for agreeing to testify about his contact with the Russians - but he'd have to clear a steep hurdle first.

Congressman Adam Schiff, the top Democrat on the House's intelligence committee, said Wednesday that Michael Flynn would have to fill out a detailed proffer for the panel to even consider a deal like the one former White House aide requested.

'We would want to make sure that he was being fully forthcoming and truthful and cooperative, and that it was someone whose testimony we could rely on,' Schiff told DailyMail.com after a Christian Science Monitor breakfast.

Congressman Adam Schiff, the top Democrat on the House's intelligence committee, said Wednesday that Michael Flynn would have to fill out a detailed proffer for the panel to even consider a deal like the one former White House aide requested

The Senate Intelligence Committee turned down an grant of immunity request from Flynn last month. An aide told NBC the request was 'wildly preliminary' and immunity was 'not on the table' at that time.

Schiff scoffed at the notion then, too, calling it a 'grave and momentous step' for the retired general who's under federal investigation for his alleged collusion with the Russian government to make such an ask.

He opened the door to one on Tuesday, though, telling CNN that it was 'premature' to write off an immunity deal altogether.

Flynn plead the Fifth in response to a document request from the Senate intelligence committee on Monday, limiting the panel's ability probe him.

The committee has subpoenaed Flynn, and two of his businesses, for information in conjunction with their Russia probe.

Mark Warner, the ranking Democrat on the Senate panel, told CNN he would consider holding Flynn in contempt, if the committee's lawyers determine that's an option.

The House is also issuing documents to compel the former Trump aide to comply, Schiff said.

'Those subpoenas will be designed to maximize the chance of getting the information that we need,' he told reporters during the breakfast, 'and I think we need to use whatever compulsory mechanism to get the information that he possesses.'

Flynn, far left, is expected to plead the Fifth at an appearance before a Senate panel Monday, limiting the intelligence committee's ability probe him.

Schiff, a former prosecutor, said the Fifth Amendment does not protect Flynn from certain document and material requests and his committee will obtain what it needs 'from Mr. Flynn or his businesses in whatever means we need to.'

That includes the consideration of Flynn's immunity request, although Schiff said he was 'skeptical' that it would be necessary.

'That's not something I think we would entertain until far later, if at all,' he said.

Schiff said he's still interested in pursuing the information 'either from him or from others' without a grant of immunity. Then he would want to speak to the Justice Department appointed special counsel, Bob Mueller, who's also investigating Flynn as part of DOJ's Russia probe.

'Finally we would require a detailed proffer form Mr. Flynn about what he would testify,' he said. 'You can certainly count me as very skeptical that we would get to that point, but that's the process that I think we should follow.'
Rep. Elijah Cummings, the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, says people involved in President Trump's transition should 'get a lawyer,' as the panel continues to push for documents.

'We have a threat to our electoral system. We have got to deal with it,' Elijah Cummings said on CNN's 'New Day.'

Then he raised the impeachment issue  although failing to issue a call for such a step.

'I mean, I know a lot of people are throwing around the word impeachment, Chris, but you got to keep in mind we cannot have somebody sitting over in Russia determining who sits in the White House. We can't do that,' he said.

Rep. Elijah Cummings, D-Md., ranking member of the House Oversight Committee, advised anyone high up in the Trump transition to 'get a lawyer

Then he brought up impeachment again. 'I have been listening to your discussion this morning. A lot of your discussion is about impeachment,' he told host Chris Cuomo.

'Well, I believe that [special counsel Robert] Mueller, whom I have a tremendous amount of confidence in, I think he will resolve those issues. We, in the Congress, weve got a duty to try to make sure this does not happen again,' Cummings said.

Cuomo then interjected: 'Just to be clear, I dont think that the actual topic has come up this morning. I think you are many, many steps away from any kind of political action that would even contemplate something like impeachment.'

Cummings spoke about after bombshell testimony Tuesday by former CIA Director John Brennan Tuesday. Brennan testified Tuesday that officials ''involved in the Trump campaign' had interactions with Russian officials, and said he didn't know if there was collusion between them.

Cummings told CNN, 'We cannot have somebody sitting over in Russia determining who sits in the White House'

Cummings said 'a lot of people are throwing around the word impeachment,' but Cuomo reminded him that it hadn't come up earlier in the show

Former CIA Director John Brennan testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, May 23, 2017, before the House Intelligence Committee Russia Investigation Task Force.

'I think he presented enough information for all of us to say, you know, as he did, somebody really needs to look into this,' Cummings said.

'I want to know what the president knew and I want to know what the vice president knew. I also want to know what the attorney general knew. And I want to know when they knew it about Flynn,' Cummings said.

He referenced a closed briefing with deputy attorney general Rod Rosenstein, who named Mueller as a special counsel following President Trump's firing of FBI Director James Comey.

Former national security advisor Mike Flynn

'After I attended the briefing the other day with Rosenstein, I came out saying to myself, this whole thing  if I were advising people in this case, I would tell almost anybody who had a lot to do with the transition, they might want to start looking for a lawyer,' he said.

Brennan testified before a House intelligence panel that he called the head of Russia's federal intelligence service to warn about Russian interference in the presidential election.

WASHINGTON, D.C., USA - MAY 10, 2017: President Donald Trump of the United States, Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, and Russia's Ambassador to the United States Sergei Kislyak (4th L) during a meeting in the Oval Office at the White House. Alexander Shcherbak/TASS

'It should be clear to everyone Russia brazenly interfered in our 2016 presidential election process,' Brennan said at the top of a high-profile House intelligence panel hearing Tuesday.

He told a House committee that Americans 'involved in the Trump campaign' had interactions with Russian officials, and that he found it concerning.

Vice President Mike Pence took over the Trump transition after New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie was pushed out

Pressed by Rep. Trey Gowdy (R-S.C.), who was under consideration to be Trump's FBI chief, Brennan said: 'I encountered and am aware of information and intelligence that revealed contacts and interactions between Russian officials and U.S. persons involved in the Trump campaign that I was concerned about because of known Russian efforts to suborn such individuals.'

'It raised questions in my mind again whether or not the Russians were able to gain the cooperation of those individuals. I don't know whether or not such collusion and that's your term, such collusion existed. I don't know,' he said.

'I know what the Russians try to do, they try to suborn individuals' to get them to act on their behalf 'either wittingly or unwittingly, the longtime CIA official said.

Key dates in Russia probe June 14: The DNC announces it has been hacked, blaming Russia July 22: WikiLeaks publishes DNC emails. July 25: The FBI says it is investigating the DNC hack August 11: Then-CIA director Brennan says he began briefing congressional leaders about Russias election interference Aug. 19: Paul Manafort leaves Trump campaign after a series of reports on Russia ties Oct. 7: WikiLeaks dumps emails from Clinton campaign chair John Podesta Nov. 8: Trump is elected Dec. 29: Obama administration announces retaliatory measures against Russia, seizing a compound and expelling diplomats Jan. 20: Trump takes the oath of office Jan. 27: Trump has dinner with acting FBI Director Comey, reportedly asking for his loyalty Feb. 13: National security advisor Mike Flynn resigns following reports over his Russia ties Feb. 14: Trump reportedly asks Comey to end the investigation of Flynn May 3: Comey tells Congress it made him mildly nauseous to think he might have had an impact on the election, following criticism of his handling of the Clinton email investigation May 8: Trump tells Attorney General Jeff Sessions and deputy AG Rod Rosenstin he wants to fire Comey. Both draft memos critical of Comey May 9: Trump fires Comey May 10: Trump meets Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and ambassador Sergey Kislyak in the Oval Office, reportedly telling them I just fired the head of the F.B.I. Russia puts out photos. May 17: Rosenstein appoints former FBI Director Robert Mueller to lead probe into Russia election interference Sources: Politico, Washington Post Advertisement




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Vigils have been held around the country as people join together in solidarity and try to come to terms with the atrocity which took the lives of 22 people and injured a further 119 following an Ariana Grande concert at the Manchester Arena on Monday night.

There were heartwrenching scenes in Bury, Manchester as the devastated mother of 15-year-old aspiring pop star Olivia Campbell, who was killed in the attack, broke down during a vigil.

A minute's silence will be observed at 11am on Thursday in remembrance of the victims, while flags will remain at half-mast on government buildings until the evening of May 25, said a statement released jointly by 10 Downing Street, the Foreign Office and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

There was also a minute's silence before the Europa League final game in Stockholm this evening, with both teams wearing black armbands as a mark of respect.

Fans displayed banners showing solidarity with the victims and their families and the sporting contest had a more sombre and subdued mood while Manchester United supporters paid tribute at the 50,000 seat stadium.

A Muslim Imam and a 93-year-old Jewish woman were also among those who prayed together in a touching moment of unity.

Elderly Renee Black and Imam Sadiq Patel, both members of the Blackburn Interfaith Forum, laid flowers and reflected on the lives of those lost when they visited a memorial in Albert Square, Manchester, today.

The devastated mother of 15-year-old aspiring pop star Olivia Campbell, who was killed in the attack, broke down during a vigil

Olivia Campbell's mother Charlotte Campbell (pictured right during a vigil), posted on Facebook: RIP my darling precious gorgeous girl Olivia Campbell taken far far too soon, go sing with the angels and keep smiling, mummy loves you so much'

Renee Black and Imam Sadiq Patel shared a prayer in Albert Square, Manchester, in memory of the 22 killed at the Ariana Grande concert

There was also a minute's silence before the Europa League final game in Stockholm this evening, as fans displayed banners showing solidarity with the victims and their families

Vigils have been held across the country, including St Ann's Square in Manchester (pictured), as people try to come to terms with Monday night's atrocity

Manchester United players pause for a minute's silence and both teams wore black armbands as a mark of respect at the Friends Arena in Stockholm, Sweden

A sea of floral tributes lie in Albert Square as people commemorate the lives of those lost at the concert

Twenty two people were murdered and 119 injured in the horrific blast at the Manchester Arena on Monday night, including an eight-year-old girl.

Salman Abedi, a Mancunian of Libyan descent, had since been revealed as the terrorist behind the attack at the Ariana Grande concert.

On Tuesday night, the family of 15-year-old Olivia Campbell were dealt the shattering news that their funny and beautiful girl, who had hopes of becoming a pop star herself, was among the dead.

Next to a photo of her daughter, Olivias mother Charlotte Campbell posted on Facebook: RIP my darling precious gorgeous girl Olivia Campbell taken far far too soon, go sing with the angels and keep smiling, mummy loves you so much.

She was comforted by the teenager's stepfather Paul Hodgson during a vigil outside Bury Town Hall this evening.

While many are angry and scared in the wake of the tragedy, Ms Black and Mr Patel said now is the time to show support for each other.

Ms Black told Channel 5 News: 'We came to pay our respect to the people who passed away and to hope that they never have anything like this again.'

High School pupil Olivia, who dreamed of becoming a music teacher, was named as one of the victims following a desperate appeal to find her. Her stepfather Paul Hodgson comforted her mother Charlotte during a vigil outside Bury Town Hall

Manchester United's Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Juan Mata and mascots observe a minute of silence in tribute to the victims of the Manchester attack

Mr Sadiq and Ms Black prayed together as they remembered those murdered in the Manchester concert attack

Members of the public came together to lay flowers and pay their respects in St Ann's Square in Manchester

Thousands have flowers have been laid by grief-stricken members of the community in St Ann's Square in Manchester

Manchester City Council workers were pictured moving the floral tributes from Albert Square to St Ann's Square

Messages of condolence and support have been left across the streets of Manchester, with posters including the words 'We are strong'

As more vigils are held, there will be a minute's silence before the Europa League final game in honor of the victims of the Manchester attack, and both teams will wear black armbands as a mark of respect

Ms Black and Mr Patel, from the Blackburn Interfaith Forum, said they visited the memorial to show unity and support to the people of Manchester

Mr Patel said: 'At this moment in time faith doesn't mean anything. We're in this together we'll get through this together'

Mr Patel holds Ms Black by the arm as the pair walk past the floral tributes in Albert Square. They said in times like this, 'faith doesn't mean anything. We're in this together'

Mr Patel said: 'We don't know what to say, no words can actually express what we're going through.

'But one thing we do definitely know is, we're in this together and we'll get through this together.

'We've come from Blackburn. We had to come here.

'Renee's 93, a Jewish lady. I'm a Muslim man. But at this moment in time faith doesn't mean anything. We're in this together we'll get through this together.'

Ms Black added: 'We'll try to get through this together and not matter about the colour or creed or whatever you are, we're all the same people and we bleed like everybody else.'

Well-wishers rallied around the grieving family of eight-year-old Saffie Rose Roussos, who was killed in the attack, and placed flowers outside her father Andreas's fish and chip shop

The people of Manchester took the time to stop and lay flowers, light candles and write messages in tribute to those killed

Balloons marking the number of people who lost their lives have been placed among the floral tributes

People have already paused for a moment's quiet reflection ahead of a nationwide minute's silence to be held on Thursday morning

A minute's silence will take place at 11am on Thursday across the country, marking the nation's solidarity with those who were injured in the blast as well as others affected by the atrocity.

It is understood that the silence will be followed by the resumption of local campaigning by most political parties, with the General Election contest restarting in full on Friday.

There was also a minute's silence before the Europa League final game in Stockholm. At one stage, Ajax and United supporters, gathered outside a bar near the concourse, combined to sing, 'Don't worry about a thing, `cause every little thing gonna be all right' - a line from Bob Marley's song, Three Little Birds.

One flag, hung outside a bar in the city center filled with United fans, displayed the words: 'United against terrorism. Lest we forget 22.05.17' - the date of Monday's suicide bombing.

It summed up the feelings of defiance among fans.

Supporters were in a contemplative mood after the atrocity in Manchester, with many saying their team's performance 'didn't matter so much' anymore.

Former Manchester United striker Brian McClair told Sky News: 'I can picture exactly where it was. It is just dreadful, terrible.'

Yesterday the Queen held a minute's silence at Buckingham Palace to remember those killed and injured on Monday evening.

She stood solemnly with her husband Prince Philip by her side as she led the thousands of guests at her Buckingham Palace garden party in the tribute.

The national anthem rang out across the lawns at the end of the poignant moment of silence.

In an unusually strongly-worded message, released by Buckingham Palace, the monarch talked of the countrys shock at the loss of life among families who had just been enjoying a concert.

The monarch expressed her 'shock' at the deadly attack that killed or injured dozens 'adults and children who had just been enjoying a concert'.
An ex-Marine has pleaded guilty to stealing nearly $100,000 worth of military equipment used to support the Marine One helicopter fleet that transports the president.

Branden Baker, 34, acknowledged Tuesday in federal court in Alexandria that he stole more than 50 image intensifiers.

Baker, who was an active duty Marine Staff Sergeant when the criminal acts occurred, also said he stole other night-vision equipment from Marine Helicopter Squadron One.

Ex-Marine, Branden Baker, 34, pleaded guilty on Tuesday to stealing nearly $100,000 worth of military equipment used to support the Marine One helicopter fleet (file) that transports the president

As a staff sergeant in the Marines, Baker would have had access to the squadron, which is headquartered at Marine Corps Base Quantico in Virginia.

Baker said he sold the stolen equipment on eBay after negotiating with buyers via email.

Authorities say the thefts occurred from 2013 through 2015, during the time, according to Baker's LinkedIn page, he was working as a repair lab supervisor for the Marine Corps.

Baker faces up to 10 years in prison for theft of government property when he is sentenced in August.

The plea agreement also requires Baker to pay $94,000 in restitution.

The US Attorney's Office did not say how he stole the equipment.
A woman from Pennsylvania has been arrested after police say she allowed her boyfriend, who is a registered sex offender, to rape a young girl in her care for more than a year.

Marion Keithline, 50, of Overfield Township, has been charged with felony reckless endangerment, endangering the welfare of a child and three counts of corruption of minors.

Investigators with the State Police say Keithline did nothing to stop her live-in boyfriend, 47-year-old Eric Popejoy, from abusing a 7-year-old girl between June 2015 and July 2016.

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Couple jailed: Marion Keithline (left) has been charged with reckless endangerment, endangering the welfare of a child and corruption of minors in a case involving her sex offender boyfriend, 47-year-old Eric Popejoy (right)

'Trailer of horrors': Popejoy is accused of repeatedly raping a 7-year-old girl inside Keithline's mobile home in Overfield Township, Pennsylvania, between June 2015 and July 2016

Popepjoy was convicted in Florida in 1992 of lewd and lascivious behavior involving a person under 16 and ordered to register as a sex offender.

According to a criminal complaint cited by The Times Tribune, Keithline met Popejoy in 2015 on the dating site DateHookup and later moved in with him in Florida.

Popejoy eventually relocated to Pennsylvania to live with Keithline in her mobile home on Maple Lane in Overfield Township.

In mid-February, State Police arrested Popejoy on felony counts of rape, statutory sexual assault, aggravated indecent assault of a child, corruption of minors, criminal use of a communication facility, child pornography and failure to register with state police as a sex offender.

Court records state that the young girl in Keithline's care complained to the woman and other people that Popejoy had raped her, but no one went to the police.

Online dating: Keithline met Popejoy in 2015 on the dating site DateHookup

The documents also reveal that Keithline and Popejoy would go on Craigslist trawling for sexual partners and would host orgies at the Maple Lane residence while the 7-year-old girl was present, according to the station WNEP 16.

According to the criminal complaint, Keithline allowed the girl to play with a smartphone that contained sexually explicit photos, including some depicting the woman and her boyfriend.

Keithline is being held at Wyoming County Correctional Facility on $15,000 bail.

Popejoy has been jailed since February on $1million bail pending his arraignment on June 2.

The young victim has been placed in foster care. Authorities have not commented on the exact nature of her relationship with Keithline.
Anthony Weiner was working on a tell-all book before his latest sex scandal involving a 15-year-old girl killed the project, it has been revealed.

Sources told Page Six the disgraced former congressman and one-time mayoral candidate had been working on a book proposal with Foundry Literary + Media before DailyMail.com exposed his 'sexting' relationship with a North Carolina teenager.

After it was found out he was sending pervy texts to a 15-year-old girl, sources close to Weiner said Foundry tabled the book project, but 'wanted to keep [the option] open in case they decided to revisit it.'

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Anthony Weiner was working on a tell-all book before his latest sex scandal involving a 15-year-old girl killed the project, it was revealed. He is pictured after pleading guilty May 19

Sources told Page Six the disgraced former congressman and one-time mayoral candidate had been working on a book proposal with Foundry Literary + Media before DailyMail.com exposed his 'sexting' relationship with a North Carolina teenager

However, 'things since have taken a dark turn,' according to the source, after Weiner pleaded guilty last week to felony charges in the 'sexting' scandal.

A deal with the publisher hadn't been finalized when the agency pulled out of the contract, insiders told Page Six.

Sources have said the book would likely cover his different 'sexting' scandals, his resignation from the House of Representatives, and the FBI investigation into his actions that ultimately killed Hillary Clinton's 2016 presidential campaign.

Additionally, sources revealed to Page Six the book would have been contrite and meant to 'win favor' for the scandalous former politician.

Weiner wore his wedding band for his court appearance on Friday (left). Abedin was spotted without her wedding band on Saturday (right) with son Jordan. Abedin filed for divorce on the same day as the guilty plea

His guilty plea to a charge of transferring obscene material to a minor last week seems to have finally put the proposed project to rest.

Weiner pleaded guilty to a felony in sexting a 15-year-old on May 19.

The ex-congressman's day in court came eight months after DailyMail.com revealed he had been exchanging sexually-charged messages and explicit photos with a high school student in North Carolina.

His wife, former Clinton aid Huma Abedin, filed for divorce on the same day as the guilty plea.

The very same afternoon Weiner also learned he could be spending up to 27 months in prison for the single 'sexting' charge.

It is unclear if Weiner knew of Abedin's plan to file the papers on Friday as the former Congressman wore his wedding band in court.

Abedin stood by her husband's side after the second scandal broke at a news conference on July 23, 2013 (above), with Weiner opting to stay in the race for NYC mayor. Sources have said the book would likely cover his different 'sexting' scandals and his resignation from the House of Representatives

Abedin is asking the court to keep the divorce case under locks in the hope of keeping the proceedings out of the press, which may be difficult given her husband's recent legal woes.

The filing is uncontested however, meaning there is little chance Abedin and Weiner will be waging any public battles pertaining to the division of their assets or custody of their son.

It is likely both are hoping for a swift resolution ahead of Weiner's sentencing in September, with federal prosecutors recommending he serve two years in prison on the obscene material charge.

He wept in court on Friday while begging for forgiveness.

'I have a sickness, but I do not have an excuse,' Weiner told the court, while agreeing to accept any prison sentence of less than 27 months and register as a sex offender.

He was also forced to forfeit his iPhone and any other cellular devices in court on Friday, where his brother Jason was the lone family member in attendance.

A forlorn Anthony Weiner (left and right) was spotted in New York City hours after Huma Abedin surfaced for the first time since filing for divorce from the disgraced Congressman on Friday - the same day he appeared in court to plead guilty to sexting a 15-year-old girl

Abedin was pictured clutching her son Jordan's hand as she took him to play baseball in New York on Saturday, a day after filing from divorce from her estranged husband

It was the first time Abedin had been spotted out since her estranged husband faced court on Friday to plead guilty to sexting the minor while they were married

The text exchanges began in January of last year after the teenager reached out to Weiner on Twitter, and continued through late spring.

Weiner was 51 and still married to Abedin when he sent the texts and images to the minor female, during a time when his primary responsibility was the care of his son Jordan, now 5, while Abedin was on the campaign trail with Hillary Clinton.

Abedin did not appear in court on Friday, but was involved in her own legal proceeding as she officially filed for divorce from Weiner.

Prosecutors are recommending Weiner serve a two-year sentence as part of the deal, with the charge carrying a maximum prison term of 10 years and maximum fine of $250,000.

He was released on bail and will be sentenced on September 8, four days after his 53rd birthday.

Weiner appeared strained from the moment he entered courtroom on Friday, looking alarmingly gaunt and surprising many by showing off his wedding band despite Abedin announcing the couple had separated last August.

He spoke briefly with his counsel before signing off on paperwork admitting to his guilt ahead of the proceedings, and then sat back and waited for the hearing to get underway.

After entering his plea, he then began to break down in tears, having until then remained composed and seemingly calm in court.

Weiner struggled to speak at first when delivering his statement, but began by stating: 'Through approximately March 2016, I engaged in obscene communications with this teenager, including sharing explicit images and encouraging her to engage in sexually explicit conduct, just as I had done and continued to do with adult women.

'I knew this was as morally wrong as it was unlawful.'

Weiner went on to acknowledge the 'devastating consequences' these indiscretions had brought upon both his public and private lives, managing to end his political career and his marriage.

Victim: DailyMail.com revealed in September that Weiner had been exchanging sexually explicit photos and texts with a 15-year-old high school student in North Carolina (above with her father)

He continued by admitting, even then, he did not stop his conduct or try and change his ways, 'even as my world fell apart around me,' saying he then 'hit bottom' late last year and made a 'moral inventory' of his crimes so he could attempt to make amends.

Weiner also stated he was in regular therapy.

'I apologize for everyone I have hurt and to the teenage girl I have hurt so badly,' said Weiner while struggling to maintain his composure and wiping tears from his eyes.

The father of the young victim spoke with DailyMail.com after learning Weiner would be entering a guilty plea, saying: 'I don't know if it's justice. I don't know what the sentence is gonna be. I would like to see, is [the sentence] fair or not fair? Just because he's pleading guilty doesn't mean he's going to do a bit of time.'
The bomb maker who provided Salman Abedi with the explosive device used to cause carnage at Manchester Arena may still at large, police have revealed.

Abedi slaughtered 22 people and maimed dozens of others setting off a suicide bomb after an Ariana Grande concert on Monday night.

There are now reports police believe the 22-year-old terrorist had been given the explosive - packed with nuts and bolts - by a bomb maker who is still at large and preparing to mastermind further attacks. It is thought that experts found no traces of explosives or equipment at Abedi's house.

It comes after police in Manchester arrested three men in connection with the blast and then raided a building in the city centre - just two miles from the scene of the atrocity.

The bombmaker who provided Salman Abedi (pictured) with the explosive device used to cause carnage at Manchester Arena may still at large, police have revealed

It is thought that experts found no traces of explosives or equipment at Abedi's house. Police are pictured at his home today

According to NBC, a senior US intelligence official said Abedi had used a 'big and sophisticated bomb' made of materials not widely available in Britain.

It is understood that bomb making equipment and traces of materials needed to make the type of device used on Monday night were not found at Abedi's home following the raid by armed police in Manchester hours after the outrage.

Military specialists had made an electronic sweep of the property to show there was no IED booby trap waiting for the police assault team who raided it.

Intelligence officials say they believe the 22 year-old terrorist either made the bomb elsewhere with the help of others or was given the device and trigger mechanism by someone else, possibly during his visit to London in the days before the attack.

Painstaking forensic examination in the area of the arena where the bomb exploded will have provided both the type of explosive used and how the device was detonated  Abedi is said to have 'activated' it himself.

They are seeking to discover if it was made-up of components such as hydrogen peroxide or a powerful explosive like PETN, meaning it is likely to have been brought in from abroad.

French officials said today that Abedi had visited ISIS fighters in Syria and it is known he had recently been in Libya where there are both ISIS and Al Qaeda training camps.

It comes after police in Manchester arrested three men in connection with the blast and then raided a building in the city centre (pictured) - just two miles from the scene of the atrocity

Police were seen outside a house in South Manchester this morning, in connection with three new arrests over the attack

A huge number of police - including armed officers - carried out a raid on a house in the Fallowfield area of the city. They remained on guard today (pictured)

Police were also guarding a block of flats in South Manchester that was also at the centre of a raid yesterday

Raids have been carried out across Manchester as police hunt for possible accomplices of Abedi

Both ISIS and Al Qaeda are known to have camps in Libya providing instruction in bomb making and it is possible Abedi was given instruction there but officials say they think it 'unlikely' he made the Manchester bomb on his own.

Police have confirmed they are investigating a 'network' in connection with the Manchester bombing as it emerged an off-duty female officer was killed in the atrocity.

As a huge inquiry into the attack continued, the father of perpetrator Salman Abedi claimed his son was innocent, saying: 'We don't believe in killing innocents. This is not us.'

In other developments on Wednesday detectives made a further three arrests in connection with the investigation, taking the number of people in custody to four.

MI5 are looking again at those who have returned from Syria, Iraq and Libya for clues to someone who has not been 'compromised' and crossed the security radar who could have trained in bomb making there.

Jihadi fighters there have regularly made devices that have been packed with shrapnel, nails, nuts and bombs to cause maximum loss of life and mayhem of the type used in Manchester.

These can be sophisticated devices and while the recipes are well known, they require a degree of engineering skills.

In Syria and Iraq explosives are plentiful much of it captured while in Libya it is even easier to obtain, often smuggled in from Niger and Chad.

Armed police were seen patrolling the streets of Manchester today after Theresa May raised the terrorism threat level to 'critical' - the highest possible rating

Operation: Armed police outside Manchester Piccadilly train station during the early morning rush hour this morning

Detectives say it is 'possible but unlikely' explosives would have been smuggled in to the UK from the region, stressing it is 'more likely' to have come from the former Yugoslavia, if it did come from abroad.

'The type of device used takes considerable expertise to build, transport and detonate,' one former intelligence official said.

'You have to acquire all the components, plan and prepare without raising any alarms and this is not easy.

'We have seen many who wished to be terrorists but very few, thankfully, with the capability to carry it through. Most would choose not to use a bomb simply because it is too difficult. This is very different and several levels above what we have seen in this country recently.

'While it is possible to teach yourself to make a bomb, it is probable that someone else made the device for Abedi and he is still at large, probably in this country, which is why the level of threat has been raised.'

He added : 'The reality we face is that if a bomb maker is at large, it is highly likely he is linked to a cell with a support network all of whom have not been compromised and that is disturbing. It means there are likely to be more devices until the person making them is detained or stopped.'
Manchester Arena braced for the performance of Ariana Grande

6pm: Doors open at Manchester Arena in the north of the city centre. US pop singer Ariana Grande is on the bill for a sell-out concert. Fans, many of them teenage girls, excitedly share selfies as they wait for the show to begin. The 21,000-capacity venue, which is the biggest indoor arena in the UK and the second larges in Europe, was sold out.

7.30pm: The show gets underway with a support act BIA, an American rapper, taking the stage. Fans wait patiently for the main event - American superstar Ariana Grande.

9pm: Ariana Grande arrives on stage to the delight of the thousands of fans who have travelled the globe to watch her perform her hits which include Problem, Bang Bang and Break Free.

10.30pm: The star leaves the show and thousands of gleeful fans begin to file out of the arena's four exits. With the huge venue only half-empty, the horrifying sound of the booming bomb reverberates around the arena. Witnesses describe being knocked from their feet by an explosion and seeing dozens of injured, possibly dead, people including children lying on the floor. Others describe panic as concert-goers run for exits.

10.33pm: Greater Manchester Police (GMP) are called to reports of an explosion at Manchester Arena. Dozens of emergency services vehicles stream into the area and the emergency is confirmed two minutes later.

10.46pm: The North West Ambulance Service are called to the scene. They send 60 ambulances to Manchester Arena where victims have been maimed with shrapnel including nails and metal nuts from a bomb.

This graphic shows where the explosion took place, in the foyer area, leading towards Victoria railway station

This photo shows the aftermath of the suicide bomb which ripped through the foyer of the venue killing parents and children

The bomber is believed to have entered a foyer area of the venue through doors opened to allow young music fans to leave

10.55pm: Police urge people to stay away from the area as responders deal with a 'serious incident'. A huge police cordon is set up surrounding the building and roads are closed to the public as fans flee the massacre.

11.46pm: Police confirm there have been a number fatalities, but cannot confirm the figure.

Tuesday

1.10am: Nineteen people are confirmed dead and around 50 others injured following the suspected explosion police say is being treated as a terrorist incident.

1.35am: A controlled explosion is carried out on a suspicious item in the Cathedral Gardens area near Manchester Arena. It is later confirmed to be abandoned clothing.

Bloodied concertgoers were pictured being helped by armed police outside the arena after explosions rang out at the gig

2.15am: Prime Minister Theresa May says her thoughts are with the victims and families of those affected in 'what is being treated by the police as an appalling terrorist attack'.

3.51am: Shortly before 4am Ariana Grande tweets that she is 'broken', adding: 'From the bottom of my heart, I am so so sorry.'

7am: GMP Chief Constable Ian Hopkins gives a statement. He says the death toll has risen to 22, including children, with 59 injured. He confirms police are treating the attack as a terrorist incident and believe it was carried out by a suicide bomber detonating an improvised explosive device.

9.02am: US President Donald Trump expresses his 'deepest condolences' and calls those responsible 'evil losers'.

9.30am: The first victim of the atrocity is named as Georgina Callander. Miss Callander, 18, had posted a picture of herself with Ariana Grande at the same venue two years ago, captioning it: 'My meet and greet photos came through, she was so cute and lovely, I hugged her so tight and she said she loved my bow. I can't get over this, I never will.'

10.30am: GMP says it has arrested a 23-year-old man in South Manchester in connection with the incident. Footage shows officers leading the handcuffed 23-year-old to a police van outside a Morrisons supermarket in Chorlton-Cum-Hardy, south Manchester at about 10.30am this morning. Witnesses said the man was ordered to 'get on the ground' and that he was seen smiling at one point as a team of officers, who had arrived in a black Mercedes, made the arrest.

Armed officers arrested a man in south Manchester today with police saying the action was linked to the attack

11am: After chairing a Cobra meeting, Mrs May says the attacker has been identified by security services, but does not release details. She says the 'callous' attack was 'among the worst terrorism we have experienced in the United Kingdom'.

11.30am: The ambulance service confirm the number of people injured has reached at least 119. Of those hurt, 59 were taken to eight different hospitals in the Manchester area while around 60 were treated at the scene as walking wounded. The trust's chief executive Derek Cartwright admitted nothing could prepare his staff for a moment like this.

12.12pm: The Queen releases a statement expressing her 'deepest sympathy' to all those affected by the explosion, adding that the whole nation had been shocked by the 'death and injury'.

12.41pm: Islamic State claims responsibility for the atrocity. The extremists were quick to call the killer one of their soldiers, as has become the trend in the wake of many recent attacks in Europe. According to the SITE Intel Group, which monitors jihadist groups, the IS statement described the explosion as having taken place at a 'shameless concert arena'.

Eight-year-old Saffie Rose Roussos (left), 18-year-old Georgina Callander (right) and 26-year-old John Atkinson have been named as three of the 22 victims of the suicide bombing. It is feared many children are among those killed, as well as parents who had accompanied their youngsters to the concert or were picking them up

1.37pm: Saffie Roussos, 8, is confirmed as the youngest named victim of the terror attack. She has been described as 'simply beautiful'. Chris Upton, the headteacher of her school, Tarleton Community Primary, said: 'The thought that anyone could go out to a concert and not come home is heartbreaking.' Minutes later, the third victim was named - 26-year-old John Atkinson from Radcliffe who was leaving the concert. Friends and family have paid their respects online, describing him as an 'amazing young man'.

2.02pm: GMP say they have executed warrants at addresses in Whalley Range, and one in Fallowfield where they carried out a controlled explosion.

4.30pm: Attacker named as Salman Abedi. Abedi, a 23-year-old British man of Libyan origin, detonated a deadly explosive that ripped through crowds leaving an Ariana Grande concert at 10.30pm. Police are trying to determine whether Abedi acted alone or was part of a wider terror cell.
House Speaker Paul Ryan defended fired FBI Director James Comey, saying the longtime law enforcement official President Trump sacked wasn't crazy.

Asked about a report that Trump told top Russian officials that Comey was a 'nut job' in a meeting the day after firing the FBI director, Ryan disagreed.

'Yeah, I don't agree with that. And he's not,' Ryan said at an Axios panel discussion.

He also went further, saying 'I like Jim Comey.'

Speaker of the House Paul Ryan (R-WI) arrives arrives for a closed briefing for members of the House of Representatives by Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein to discuss the firing of former FBI Director James Comey, on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S., May 19, 2017

The New York Times reported the 'nut job' comment, citing an internal White House summary that got circulated after Trump's meeting with Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov and Russia's ambassador to the U.S. Sergey Kislyak.

Trump also reportedly said that by firing Comey it would relieve "great pressure" from the FBI's probe of Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election.

Trump has been less complimentary. He called Comey a 'showboat' and a 'grandstander,' in one of the multiple justifications he put forward for firing him after the fact.

Fired FBI Director James Comey

He also said Comey mishandled the investigation into Hillary Clinton's emails, although he praised it during the campaign and said Clinton should be incarcerated.

Comey is expected to testify on Capitol Hill for the first time since his firing in early June.

Ryan also commented on Trump calling him a boy scout.

'I took it as a compliment. I'm not sure it was meant that way. We're just different people,' Ryan said.

Ryan also appeared to hedge on a key House GOP tax proposal that the White House has entertained as a way to tax imports. 'Full immediate border adjustment would be too disruptive  nobody's advocating for that,' Ryan said.
A school has apologised after primary pupils were left in tears when they were told they might not see their parents again after a 'big event' in London.

Children at Newington Church of England Primary School in Sittingbourne, Kent, were in assembly when they were told 'something big' had happened in London.

The kids, aged 4 to and 11, were told they were being evacuated and being taken off in 'transporters' - and that they might not be able to see their parents.

Although it is not clear exactly what children were told, parents believe their children thought London had been hit by a terror attack - where some of their parents work.

A school has apologised after primary pupils were left in tears during an assembly when they were told they might not see their parents again after a 'big event' in London (stock)

According to parents, children were left in tears after being told they might not see their loved ones - and that they faced 'being separated'.

School chiefs said Friday's assembly was part of a 'week of learning' about the charity Christian Aid.

They said the 'scare story' - designed to make children think about the plight of refugees fleeing disasters and civil war - was not discussed with senior staff.

Michael Theodorou, whose stepson goes to the school, said the children at the 155-pupil school were left feeling 'very distressed'.

He told the Sittingbourne News newspaper: 'The kids were all told that something big had happened in London and that transporters were coming to pick them up.

'They then said they didn't know if their parents would know where they were being taken and might not be able to see them and they would be separated from their friends and family.

'At the end they noticed most of the children in the school were disturbed and distressed.'

He added: 'Most of the parents have complained to the school.'

Children at Newington Church of England Primary School in Sittingbourne, Kent, were in assembly when they were told 'something big' had happened in London

Julie Hardy, who has a son in Year 4, said many kids were traumatised, adding: 'A Year 1 teacher got up and told them they were being evacuated and had no time to see parents before but hopefully they'd find them.

'Everyone was crying and all the girls were upset that they weren't going to see their mums.'

One parent, who asked not to be named, said that the assembly was a 'complete disaster' and had 'seriously affected' some children.

She added: 'Whoever thought it was a good idea to terrify young children that they might not see their parents again needs their head examined.

'The kids thought that something really bad had happened - they watch Newsround, so many of them know about terror attacks and bombs.'

The kids, aged 4 to and 11, were told they were being evacuated and being taken off in 'transporters' - and that they might not be able to see their parents

The children were only told the story was 'not true' after the assembly - when many were already in tears.

School chiefs apologised this week and sent a letter to all parents stating that the assembly was done 'with the best of intentions', but that it had 'not been discussed beforehand with senior staff'.

A spokesman for the school told MailOnline: 'In hindsight, although this message should have been delivered in a more appropriate manner it was provided with the best of intentions and discussions and training will take place with staff to ensure that it will not happen again.

'The children have been reassured that this was a fictional activity and have been apologised to.

'We apologise for any upset [the children] may have experienced and wish to reiterate our aim to provide a safe and happy environment for your children to learn and flourish.'
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Situated on the paradise island of Sumatra in Indonesia, this was once a bustling farming village ideally located on the fertile slopes of a long-dormant volcano.

But now it is an eerie ghost town, abandoned along with many like it as 10,000 people fled when Mount Sinabung suddenly roared back into life.

The volcano, which had not erupted for 400 years, began spewing hot ash back in 2010 before a major eruption in 2014 killed at least seven people.

Panicked authorities, who had evacuated residents after the first eruption but then allowed them to go home, quickly ordered everyone back out of the villages to prevent further deaths.

Three years on and the mountain is still belching out clouds of steam and dust, while authorities are too terrified of another disaster to let residents return to their homes.

But that has not stopped thrill-seeking adventurers from roaming into the 'red zone' around the volcano in order to capture the haunting beauty of the abandoned villages.

This village used to be full of farmers carving out a living for themselves on the fertile slopes on Mount Sinabung, on the island of Sumatra, Indonesia, but is now abandoned after the volcano roared back into life in 2010

Mount Sinabung had been dormant for 400 years before it erupted in 2010, killing two and displacing more than 30,000. Authorities allowed villagers to return to their homes, before another major eruption in 2014 killed 14

Seven years on from the first eruption, Mount Sinabung is still very active, emitting a cloud of ash and dust that stretches miles into the sky (pictured). A government 'red zone' remains in place, with villagers too scared to return

While villagers rarely venture close to the volcano, thrill-seeking explorers find it relatively easy to get close. Photographer Keow Wee Loong, captured in this image, visited in order to observe the eerie beauty of the towns there

Dozens of homes, school buildings and farms were abandoned between 2010 and 2014 around Mount Sinabung as the government put up an exclusion zone to stop people being killed. At least 23 people have died in eruptions in recent years

Adventurers investigate an old school building inside the Mount Sinabung exclusion zone. At least three of those killed during the 2014 were schoolchildren, and one of them was a teacher after they failed to escape in time

Family portraits, religious artwork and landscape paintings hang on the wall where they were left by the occupants of this house. Since coming back to life in 2010, Mount Sinabung has seen 10 major eruptions. In total 30,000 people are thought to have been displaced by the disasters

Villagers displaced from their homes inside the four-mile exclusion zone are due to be moved into new settlements this year after length stays in camps. Pictured, a female explorer plays with an old blackboard inside the exclusion zone

The most recent eruptions from Mount Sinabung came just last month, when a plume of ash was pushed almost two miles into the sky. Pictured is a church which was abandoned by fleeing villagers years ago

Mount Sinabung forms part of a chain of around 130 volcanoes located in Indonesia, which sits on the so-called 'Ring of Fire', a belt of tectonic plate boundaries circling the Pacific Ocean. Pictured are abandoned buildings close to the volcano

The volcano is created by tectonic plates - large slabs of earth that float around on top of the earth's molten mama. Close to Sinabung, one of these plates is forced under the other, causing it to melt. The resulting forces sometimes push magma up through the crust, causing eruptions (pictured, and abandoned car close to the volcano)

While most villagers stay away from their now-abandoned homes, some venture back in order to search for valuables or tend to their properties. Here a man searches inside a bag in the remains of a hut near Mount Sinabung

A sign from the district government disaster management agency, located on the edge of the exclusion area, reads: 'Do not enter the red zone'. Despite the warning signs, adventurers and villagers do sometimes wander here

While villagers from around Sinabung are now out of danger, the same is not true for everyone. In 2016 flights had to be cancelled after the volcano erupted along with Mount Rinjani and Mount Gamalama, located on different islands (pictured, an abandoned house inside the 'red zone')

A rusting motorcycle sits outside a house near the volcano. It is not known what happened to the occupant, or why the bike was not used to escape. The village sits in the shadow of a large ash cloud spewed out by Mount Sinabung, which is still erupting to this day

Keow Wee Loong is an established photographer who also takes images of himself climbing tall buildings. For this stunt, however, he stayed on the ground - but did stray into the exclusion zone around a volcano

During the 2014 eruption, a flow of ash heated to an estimated 700F flowed down the mountain, destroying everything in its path and killing 16 people. Steam was still pouring from the volcano when this image was taken in April this year

While some abandoned villages were small, others were much more established - with concrete roads, power lines and street lights, as seen here. Mount Sinabung has not finished erupting, and there is no indication if or when people can returned here

When this photo was taken last month, Mount Sinabung was in the process of erupting again along with two other volcanos also in Indonesia, with the resulting plume of ash and smoke forcing flights to be cancelled

Dead trees mark the route of the last major eruption in 2014, when super-heated steam and ash raced down the volcano, torching everything in its path including 16 people who could not escape in time

The pyroclastic flow from the 2014 eruption cut a swathe through the nearby countryside as it raced through at up to 450mph, burning up trees and animals as it went

Boulders and a thick layer of ash which scar the country around Mount Sinabung show where the pyroclastic flow from the last eruption passed through, killing everything it touched

The largest loss of life from any Mount Sinabung eruption came in 2014 (pictured) as villager who had been allowed to return to their homes after earlier eruptions were caught unawares
North Korea's latest missile launch showed that the county's military is able to operate weapons from anywhere in the country, not just from a fixed position, satellite images have shown.

The testing of the medium-range Pukguksong-2 missile on Sunday was the latest in a series of launches this year, as Pyongyang steps up its efforts to develop an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) capable of delivering a nuclear warhead to the continental United States.

If North Korea can launch from anywhere, it would be far more difficult for enemies to target launch positions with air strikes, an analysis from 38 North, the US-Korea Institute at Johns Hopkins SAIS, revealed.

The testing of the Pukguksong-2 missile on Sunday was the latest in a series of launches this year, as Pyongyang steps works to develop an intercontinental ballistic missile.

An inspection of the photos revealed that they were actually taken from Lake Yonphung, a small residual exhaust plume in an area west of Pukchang County, about 12 miles (20km) outside the border

It was initially reported in a South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) statement that Sunday's test took place near Pukchang in Pyeongannam-do (South Pyeongan Province).

But when 38 North analyzed satellite images and video stills of the launch, it appeared that that was not the location of the test.

Despite video showing a lake near the launch, a search of Pukchang County on Google Earth showed no such reservoir in the area.

An inspection of the photos revealed that they were actually taken from Lake Yonphung, a small residual exhaust plume in an area west of Pukchang County, about 12 miles (20km) outside the border.

This is believed to be the first time the lake has been used for test launches. Less than two miles away is a DPRK leadership lakefront villa that is off limits to North Korean residents.

'By using this site, North Korea's Strategic Forces demonstrated their ability to operate from anywhere in the country, not just fixed launch positions,' 38 North said.

It continued: 'Such activities also build operational experience and unit capabilities with the system, while indicating an evolving military doctrine.

A white line is visible in what appears to be a clear sky on two of these frame captures, which are most likely the remaining exhaust plume from the Pukguksong-2 Missile launch from Sunday

The state-run Korean Central News Agency said on Monday that the North's leader Kim Jong-Un oversaw Sunday's launch, which sparked a fresh chorus of international condemnation and threats of tougher sanctions

'It is interesting to note that the Pukguksong-2 has only been tested within 75 km of known missile facilities and the No. 9 Factory.'

The state-run Korean Central News Agency said on Monday that the North's leader Kim Jong-Un oversaw Sunday's launch, which sparked a fresh chorus of international condemnation and threats of tougher sanctions.

The launches, and a threatened sixth nuclear test, have fuelled tension with the Trump administration, which has warned that military intervention was an option under consideration, sending fears of conflict spiralling.

The latest missile tested was the Pukguksong-2, which uses solid fuel that allows for immediate firing, KCNA said.

So far almost all the North's missiles have been liquid-fuelled, which have to be time-consumingly filled with propellant before launch.

Solid fuel missiles can be fired far more rapidly, dramatically shortening the time available for any attempt to intervene and prevent a launch.

Kim said 'with pride' that the Pukguksong-2 was a 'very accurate' missile and a 'successful strategic weapon', KCNA said, adding he 'approved the deployment of this weapon system for action'.

The launches, and a threatened sixth nuclear test, have fuelled tension with the Trump administration, which has warned that military intervention was an option under consideration, sending fears of conflict spiralling

The launch 'completely verified' the reliability and accuracy of the device, and its late-stage warhead guidance system, KCNA said, adding the test results were 'perfect'.

Images carried by the Rodong Sinmun -- the official mouthpiece of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea -- showed a smiling Kim clapping surrounded by his aides in an outdoor observation post as the missile shot up into the air.

It also had several pictures of the Earth said to have been taken from the rocket from space -- the first such pictures released by the North.

Kim 'said he was very happy to see pictures of the Earth taken by our rocket and that the world looks beautiful', KCNA said, adding that he ordered the missile to be 'rapidly mass-produced'.

Seoul military officials have previously said the Pukguksong-2 -- a land-based version of Pyongyang's submarine-launched weapon -- uses solid fuel.

The missile, which was described by Washington as medium-range, was fired from Pukchang in South Phyongan province and travelled about 500 kilometres (310 miles) before landing in the Sea of Japan, according to the South's armed forces.

The rocket used a cold-launch system, KCNA said.

The technology uses compressed gas to propel a missile upwards before its engine ignites in mid-air. It is considered safer and also makes it easier to hide the launch location.

Kim said 'with pride' that the Pukguksong-2 was a 'very accurate' missile and a 'successful strategic weapon', KCNA said, adding he 'approved the deployment of this weapon system for action'

The UN Security Council on Monday vowed to push all countries to tighten sanctions against North Korea as it prepared for a closed-door meeting called in response to the latest missile launch.

In a unanimous statement backed by China, Pyongyang's ally, the council strongly condemned the test-firing on Sunday and instructed the UN sanctions committee to redouble efforts to implement a raft of tough measures adopted last year.

The council also agreed to 'take further significant measures including sanctions' to force North Korea to change course and end its 'highly destabilizing behavior'.

The US-drafted statement was agreed on the eve of the emergency meeting requested by the United States, Japan and South Korea to discuss a course of action on North Korea.

The United States has for weeks been negotiating a new Security Council sanctions resolution with China, but US Ambassador Nikki Haley said last week that no final draft text had been clinched.

'This is the same movie that keeps playing. He continues to test. We've got to do action,' Haley told MSNBC television.

'You know, some say, oh, but sanctions haven't worked. First of all, when the entire international community speaks with one voice, it does work,' she countered.

'It lets them know that they are on an island and we're all against them and that they need to correct their behavior.'
A Manhattan judge has ruled that an elderly woman who made a hefty profit on her rent-stabilized Fifth Avenue apartment through Airbnb can be evicted.

Linda Lipetz, who is recovering from breast cancer, began searching for a roommate for her two-bedroom apartment in Greenwich Village at 39 Fifth Avenue in 2010 after she lost her job following her diagnosis with the disease.

The building is a celebrity friendly Emery Roth-designed brick building built in 1992, where Nate Berkus recently sold a penthouse for nearly $10million.

The 70-year-old woman claimed that she needed a roommate to help her keep her $1,758 per month apartment of 43 years.

The former fashion and interior designer charged roughly $95 per night for one person and $120 for couples.

According to the ruling by a mid-level appeals court, Lipetz had at least one Airbnb guest for 388 days over 18 months where she collected $33,592 in profit.

Linda Lipetz, who is recovering from breast cancer, made a hefty profit through renting a room in her rent-stabilized apartment on Airbnb. Now, an appeals court ruled that she can be evicted from her sixth floor apartment at 39 Fifth Avenue (file above)

The 70-year-old woman claimed that she needed a roommate to help her keep her $1,758 per month apartment of 43 years, so she charged $95 per night for one person and $120 for couples. Pictured above is the floor plan for a similar apartment in the building she lives in, where the spacious A line units face tony Fifth Avenue. She has divided her one bedroom unit into two bedrooms

'(She) continued to use the apartment as her primary residence, and cooked meals for each guest,' Justice Ellen Gesmer wrote in a dissent.

'Each guest shared the entire apartment with her, including the one bathroom and unlimited use of the kitchen. They even watched TV together.'

Of the eviction ruling, Lipetz said she is upset and doesn't know what to do.

'I think it's a crime against people ...' Lipetz told the New York Daily News.

'... It's outrageous what's going on, how America treats their seniors and disabled. It's a crime what they're doing to people. It's a crime.'

She added: 'I don't know what I'm going to do. I don't have that long to be here.

'I'm going to lose all my medical. If I don't have an address, I'll never be able to get anything. I'm going to wind up in a homeless shelter.'

Her landlord, Shari Lynn Goldstein first moved to evict the woman in 2012, claiming that Lipetz was unlawfully profiting from her rent-stabilized apartment, that according to Street Easy listings of similar apartments in the building, could sell for roughly $2million if purchased or at least $5,700 per month if rented.

The unit has a fireplace and overlooks Fifth Avenue on the blocks north of Washington Square known as the Gold Coast.

A rent-stabilized tenant can sublease an apartment for no more than a 10 per cent premium, according to the New York law.

But the five judges in Manhattan's Appellate Division First Department found that Lipetz own rent per day was $57.80, which means the elderly woman turned a 72 per cent profit.

The appeals court said Lipetz had at least one Airbnb guest for 388 days over 18 months where she collected $33,592 in profit and that she 'exploited the governmentally-conferred privilege of her rent-stabilized tenancy to take financial profits unavailable to her landlord'

'We are mindful of the fact that defendant's age and health status naturally evoke sympathy,' Justice Peter Tom wrote for the majority.

'However, it is simply undeniable that she exploited the governmentally-conferred privilege of her rent-stabilized tenancy to take financial profits unavailable to her landlord.'

They ruled that the money she earned from renting out her residence was enough for her lease to be voided and for her to be evicted.

'I'm devastated,' Lipetz said. 'I have no place to go. I'll be out on the street.'

Her attorney is likely to appeal the decision, as she did not hide the fact she was renting out the apartment on Airbnb.

She claims that once she was told to stop, she did.

An Airbnb spokesman told the Daily News that the company believes 'regulations should be in place that prevent profiteering off rent stabilized units while allowing New Yorkers to share their own homes to pay their rent or medical bills and age in place.'
A Labour activist branded the Prime Minister a 'terrorist' as she heckled police officers and soldiers outside Downing Street today.

Tina Buckley was caught on camera as she labelled Theresa May 'the biggest terrorist' and the Conservative government 'vile' in a rant outside the gates.

A separate video captured the protester, who was wearing a Jeremy Corbyn back pack and has been pictured with the Labour leader, calling out to the military personnel through the gates and calling herself 'the voice of the people' before walking away from the scene.

It comes as Britain remains on heightened alert following the deadly suicide bomb attack at the Manchester Arena on Monday night.

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Labour activist Tina Buckley, left, was filmed as she heckled police officers at Downing Street

The protester, who was wearing a Corbyn back pack, called out to soldiers at Number 10

Ms Buckley's Twitter profile picture shows her posing with Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn

Around 1,000 heavily-armed military personnel are guarding the Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace and other UK landmarks after Theresa May warned that a fresh terror attack may be 'imminent'.

The extraordinary steps were taken as police in Manchester revealed suicide bomber Salman Abedi is believed to have been part of a terror 'network' and an off-duty woman police officer was among his 22 victims.

Soldiers in camouflage combat fatigues carrying the SA-80 rifles usually only fired in war zones walked beside Metropolitan Police officers through the streets of Whitehall this afternoon. They also supported officers at Downing Street.

Ms Buckley addressed the police as she spoke to one journalist, accusing them of 'defending the biggest terrorists in the world'.

Ms Buckley has also been pictured with Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell, above

A video showed her calling out to the soldiers standing guard outside Number 10

'The biggest terrorists occupy this place,' she said. 'Theresa May you're a terrorist, you're the biggest terrorist.'

She continued: 'Get rid of this vile, terrorist Government and vote for the politics of peace, vote for the politics of a future.'

LBC political editor Theo Usherwood, who tweeted that Ms Buckley was 'heckling police and army' and recorded the exchange.

Soldiers were positioned outside number 10 as security was stepped up in the wake of the attack

A soldier joins armed police officers guarding Downing Street this afternoon

Soldiers joined armed police officers on their patrols through Westminster on Wednesday

Standing in front of a crowd of reporters and passersby, she raised her voice as she told the officers and soldiers that she was their 'friend'.

The video captures the police officers asking Ms Buckley her name before very calmly addressing her as she continued to talk back.

She eventually walked away from the gates, calling out as she went.
About two-thirds of Americans, 63 percent, approved of the appointment of a special counsel to take over the Russia probe, a new poll shows, though only 38 percent have an appetite for impeaching President Trump.

Morning Consult and Politico dropped a new survey Wednesday morning in which pollsters asked registered voters about some of the issues that have recently plagued the Trump administration.

In broad terms, Trump's voters are sticking by the president's side, even coalescing around the Republican in the last week, while Democrats are much more inclined to call for his head.

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A new poll shows President Trump's (left) approval rating has ticked up, while two-thirds of voters said they approved of the appointment of special counsel Robert Mueller (right)

Democrats overwhelmingly believe Congress should start impeachment proceedings, while Republicans say not so much

Voters don't have much of an appetite for impeachment, with 38 percent saying they'd like to see Congress start proceeding, a number mostly driven by Democratic support

On the impeachment question, 68 percent of Democrats said they were for the House of Representatives starting impeachment proceedings, while just 12 percent of Republicans agreed.

Among independents, 33 percent said they wanted Congress to kick off a way to kick out President Trump.

The appointment of former FBI Director Robert Mueller as special counsel was 'strongly' agreed upon by 39 percent of registered voters, with another 24 percent saying they 'somewhat' agree, for a total of 63 percent.

Among Democrats 62 percent strongly agreed with the move made last week by Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, while 18 percent of Democrats somewhat agreed.

Just 4 percent of Democrats said they somewhat disagreed, with another 4 percent saying they strongly disagreed with the move.

On the Republican side, the biggest cohort, 30 percent, said they 'somewhat' agreed with Rosenstein's decision.

Another 20 percent said they strongly agreed, while 17 percent somewhat disagreed with the action, and another 18 percent strongly disagreed with Rosenstein's move.

The poll showed that Trump 'stopped the rot,' as Morning Consult put it, in regard to his approval rating, with it now sitting at 45 percent.

A week before, Trump had an approval rating of 41 percent and a disapproval rating of 53 percent.

Now, the disapproval rating sits at 50 percent.

That seven-point swing is mainly thanks to Trump shoring up support among his own base.

Eighty-eight percent of voters who chose Trump last November approve of his job performance, the new poll said.

Forty-seven percent of those voters 'strongly approve' of Trump.

The poll in mid-May showed 82 percent approval among Trump voters and 42 who strongly approved.
An elephant calf and its mother were rescued after being trapped in a well for over two days in Hambantota, Sri Lanka.

A heart warming video shows wildlife workers using a digger to help save the two distressed elephants.

The workers had to dig a path for the elephants so that they could navigate their way out of the well.

According to the wildlife team, the jumbos had remained trapped in the agricultural well for over two days.

But when Hambantota Wildlife got a call about the incident, they managed to rescue the elephants within an hour.

After making their way out of the well, the elephants made their way into the nearby forest range.

This is not the first heartwarming elephant rescue.

An elephant calf and its mother were rescued after being trapped in a well for over two days in Hambantota, Sri Lanka

In February a six-year-old female elephant was rescued after she fell 30ft into a dried-up farm well in Southern India.

Heart stopping footage showed the distressed animal trying and failing to get a foothold to climb out of the parched well, in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu.

A herd of 40 elephants from the Udedurgam forest reserve had entered the village the night before.
Michele Foulds stole 3,000 from vulnerable adults she cared for

A compulsive spender stole money from vulnerable adults in her care after learning a mother hid guns for the IRA.

Michele Foulds, whose father served in the British Army, told the family secret while at a funeral in Northern Ireland.

A court heard the revelation 'hit her very hard' and four months later it was discovered the mother-of-two had used bank cards belonging to four people in her care to buy petrol.

She also accessed the Amazon account of one young adult she was responsible for to buy a clay-shooting bag for one of her sons.

When her company cottoned onto her schemes she immediately apologised, waived her final paycheck and handed over a ready-made document of her crimes.

The 43-year-old told police after her arrest that she could not explain why she had been so 'ballsy and blatant' in stealing the money.

But Maidstone Crown Court in Kent heard today that her family had noticed a change in her behaviour when she returned home to Kent from the funeral.

Foulds's barrister said she had had a difficult childhood because of her mother's nationality and her father's role in the armed forces.

They then died when she was eight and 10 years old respectively, which led to her and her sister being brought up by an uncle and aunt.

However, there was said to be much tension between her family in Northern Ireland and relatives in the UK.

Foulds then learnt of her mother's possible involvement with the IRA while attending a funeral in August last year.

Craig Evans, defending, said that although it was not put to the court as an 'excuse or justification', it did offer a possible explanation for Foulds's offending.

'It was not an easy childhood to put it mildly, with tensions between her family in Ireland who had contacts with the IRA and the Troubles in Ireland, and her family in the UK who found that abhorrent, as does Ms Foulds who has always had great pride in her father's role in the British Army,' he said.

'It was at the funeral she was told her mother had been secreting arms for the IRA during the Troubles. Whether or not that is true is unknown but the very thought of it hit her very hard.

'Her family noticed a real change in her on her return. It may be that was a trigger for someone to act entirely out of character.'

Maidstone Crown Court in Kent (pictured) heard today that her family had noticed a change in her behaviour when she returned home from the funeral

Foulds, of Hadlow, near Tonbridge, Kent, admitted four offences of fraud by abuse of position totalling 3,187 between September and December 2016.

She was spared immediate imprisonment, despite a judge telling her it was a 'wicked, callous and calculated' crime for which she deserved to behind bars.

However, Judge David Griffith-Jones QC said 14 months custody could be suspended for two years in light of her guilty pleas, previous good character, genuine remorse and significant mitigation.

The judge added he had also taken into account character references, which made her offences 'all the more extraordinary' he said, as well as the effect a prison sentence would have on her sons, aged 15 and 20.

They were said to 'not know very much' about their mum's crime and she had left them a note at home in case she did not return.

Foulds must also undertake 150 hours of unpaid work, a 20-day rehabilitation activity requirement and be subject to a four-month tagged curfew between 8pm and 6am.

The court heard she had been a 'highly thought of and respected' staff member of Elysium Supported Living Limited based in Tonbridge, Kent.

The firm provides supported accommodation for vulnerable adults aged between 18 and 65 in west Kent.

Foulds, who has worked in the caring profession for more than 20 years, joined as a team leader in February last year and was twice promoted in just six months.

By October she was a locality manager running three homes and responsible for auditing the financial affairs of the 'service users'.

But her deceit was discovered after concerns were raised about missing money from one client's account.

On the day a manager was due to carry out an internal audit in December last year, Foulds went home before she arrived, telling colleagues she was ill.

However, the court heard she made a full confession in a phone call to the manager that same evening.

'The defendant said there was no need to complete an audit and confessed to taking money without their consent or knowledge,' said prosecutor Keith Yardy.

'When the manager went to her home the next day Foulds immediately apologised, burst into tears and already had documents and her laptop ready to hand over so the inquiries could be completed.'

Foulds also told her bosses to withhold her final pay cheque of 2,500 as well as any holiday pay outstanding, by way of compensation.

Judge Griffith-Jones ordered that Foulds pays the remaining 687 by the end of September.

Passing sentence, he told her: 'These four serious frauds represent a wicked and callous course of offending in which you dishonestly plundered for your own benefit the funds of those for whom you held a position of responsibility and trust.'

The court heard she had been a 'highly thought of and respected' staff member of Elysium Supported Living Limited (pictured)

The prosecutor added that Foulds told police she had 'lost track' of how much she stole.

'Asked why she had taken the money she couldn't provide any clear explanation. She said it was needed for anything specific and she had nothing to show for it,' said Mr Yardy.

'She described herself as a compulsive spender and could not believe how ballsy and blatant, as she described it, she had been in taking the money.'

Foulds has since been diagnosed with anxiety and depression, and has been undergoing counselling. Mr Evans said this had led to 'the unravelling' of her background.

'This is someone who has lost her good character, lost any prospect of employment in the field she has worked in for well over 20 years and has got to start again from nothing,' he added.
Hospitals were on the brink of being overwhelmed by the 'extraordinary' number of people with critical injuries, doctors said today.

Speaking at a press conference this afternoon, two medics from Central Manchester University Hospitals revealed how they actually had to tell colleagues to go home, as so many volunteered to work through the night to help the injured.

They also revealed that the hardest part for medics was treating and caring for children when they did not know their names. At least a third of the 59 admitted to the hospitals are believed to be children.

Medics from Central Manchester University Hospitals revealed how they actually had to tell colleagues to go home, as so many volunteered to work through the night to help the injured

It comes after one surgeon said the injuries he saw resembled those in war zones like conflict-stricken Syria.

Dr Peter-Marc Fortune, a consultant in paediatrics at Manchester Children's Hospital, said it was 'a number of hours' before all the children were identified.

He said: 'I think one of the hardest things was looking after children when we didn't know who they were, we didn't know their name, and we couldn't identify them.

'I can't imagine what their parents were going through until we did do that, but it was remarkably hard - somehow worse than doing the medication.

'Not knowing the name of the person you were looking after and not knowing who their parents were so we could talk to them and share with them what was going on.

'It was a number of hours before we could identify everyone... and to see what the relatives were going through, along with the patients, was very difficult.'

Dr David McCarthy (pictured) a consultant anaesthetist, was on call at Manchester Royal Infirmary when the bombing occurred

Dr Mounir Hakimi, who lives and works in Manchester but is from Syria, compared the injuries at the city's arena to those in war-town countries.

He regularly returns to his home country to train other doctors.

He told NBC News: 'I never expected that I would be treating patients who have the same injuries that I saw in Syria.

'When you saw the videos of when the bomb happened in Manchester, and saw the social media, and saw the horror of people's faces, the thing that clicked for me was the experience I had in Aleppo, where there was an airstrike and I saw the same look on their faces.'

Dr Steve Jones, an A&E consultant at Manchester Royal Infirmary, said the staff 'pulled together in a very impressive way'.

Medics worked through the night and came in on days off to treat the victims, many of whom had suffered injuries similar to being in a car crash, he added.

'It potentially had the ability to overwhelm what we were doing,' he said.

Dr Jones said one of the hardest things was dealing with 'lost' patients who were unidentified and separated from their families.

'I can't imagine what their parents were going through but actually it was remarkably hard - not having a clue of the name of the person you were looking after and not knowing where their parents were to be able to talk to them and share with them actually what was going on, that was really difficult,' he added.

He said hospital staff 'pulled out the stops left, right and centre' as they rallied around during the crisis.

'We have felt the community around us - there's been so much well wishing on social media that we've seen,' he added.

'We've had fantastic support - people have very kindly sent in the most amazing amounts of sandwiches, pizzas and whatever.'

Dr David McCarthy, a consultant anaesthetist, was on call at Manchester Royal Infirmary when the bombing occurred.

He wrote on Facebook: 'An atrocity was carried out which has had an unmeasurable impact on countless lives. Many casualties were bought to our department

He wrote on Facebook: 'An atrocity was carried out which has had an unmeasurable impact on countless lives. Many casualties were bought to our department.

'Once an incident had been declared, dozens upon dozens attended to help.

'The response from my colleagues represented everything great about this country. Compassion. Empathy. Tireless self sacrifice and above all else profound unity.

'Staff from almost every imaginable background, race and religion came together and put their all into caring for those wounded.

People lay floral tributes in St. Ann's Square for the people who lost their lives during the Manchester terror attack

'I was proud to be a small part of such a dedicated team, every bit as diverse as our community.'

Dr McCarthy said he knew people in the UK would 'not allow the actions of individuals to divide our society' and said 'together we are stronger'.

He added: 'My profound thanks to those who helped throughout the night and to those who attended in large numbers to continue our efforts into what will be a difficult day.

'My deepest sympathies to those who have lost loved ones. I sincerely hope you have the support of those around you.

'Thank you to those that have supported me xx.'
A woman on a party boat in Mexico got so carried away with her dance moves that she fell overboard into the water.

The woman was filmed dancing at a party during a Xoximilco Night Tour in Cancun, in the south-eastern Mexican state of Quintana Roo.

With her back to the camera, the woman is seen enthusiastically shaking her backside rapidly to the song 'TakaTaka'.

The woman was filmed dancing at a party during what is believed to be a Xoximilco Night Tour in Cancun, in the south-eastern Mexican state of Quintana Roo

When she turns to face the camera, her foot slips off of the boat's platform and she falls straight into the water. Her companions rush to help her out of the water, and they quickly pull her to safety on another boat

When she turns to face the camera, her foot slips off of the boat's platform and she falls straight into the water.

Her companions rush to help her out of the water, and they quickly pull her to safety on another boat.

The woman, drenched from head to toe, is not yet defeated, however.

The woman, drenched from head to toe, is not yet defeated, however. Once on her feet and safely on the boat, the so-called 'LadyTakaTaka' gives another shake to the music as everyone around her cheers in celebration

Eventually a man lifts her up in celebration before all of the boat passengers start dancing again

Once on her feet and safely on the boat, the so-called 'LadyTakaTaka' gives another shake to the music as everyone around her cheers in celebration.

Eventually a man lifts her up in celebration before all of the boat passengers start dancing again.

The video has been seen more than 74,000 times since being uploaded on Monday and is titled: "LadyTakaTaka falls from a platform'.
A con artist has been given a four-year prison sentence after he claimed to be an awarded Vietnam vet and Navy SEAL hero.

In 2014, Kenneth E. Jozwiak, 68, submitted paperwork to Veterans Affairs in which he claimed to have fought in Vietnam from 1965-68.

But his plan unraveled after he had claimed just $2,289 - and now he's doing time, the San Diego Union-Tribune reported.

Liar: Kenneth E. Jozwiak (pictured left and right), 68, claimed to be an ex-Navy SEAL to get government benefits. He pleaded guilty last week and has been jailed for four years

In reality, Jozwiak, of Kenosha, Wisconsin, is a serial grifter with more than 120 arrests in multiple states to his name, and a rap sheet stretching back to 1975.

But according to the documents he filed with the VA, he was a Navy SEAL who was awarded four Purple Hearts for wounds sustained in action and a Bronze Star for bravery.

And his lies didn't stop with the VA.

'He was particularly public in how he did it,' Toepfer said.

'He went as far as accompanying a child to an elementary school and representing himself as a Navy SEAL there and as having received all of these awards.'

That child was his step-son, Toepfer said.

In reality, Jozwiak had served just one year in the armed forces, from 1967-1968, after which he was honorably discharged.

When he was shown the forged paperwork, Jozwiak said 'I never used that for anything, nothing. Never have,' according to his grand jury indictment.

Fabrication: Jozwiak said he was given a Bronze Star and four Purple Hearts in Vietnam. In reality, he only served a year before being discharged (file photo)

But last Thursday he pleaded guilty to stealing valor, which - under laws passed in 2015 - is a Class A misdemeanor in Wisconsin.

It is punishable with up to six years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

Jozwiak also pleaded guilty to lying to investigators and obstruction of justice.

He had attempted to get his wife to lie about federal investigators using an improper search warrant and stealing lingerie from her, his indictment claimed.

Jozwiak has 20 criminal filings to his name in Wisconsin alone. They include check fraud, theft via false representation, battery, disorderly conduct and DUI.
A hardline Muslim preacher from Sydney's west has told hijab-wearing Muslim women it's sinful for them to reveal their ears or their neck in public.

Nassim Abdi, a fundamentalist Sunni, has castigated Muslim women for trying to copy the fashion styles of other Muslim women.

'The sister, why are you wearing it like this? Because other women are wearing it like this?,' he asked this week.

'You show only your face and your hands. Not your neck and your ears.'

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Sunni preacher Nassim Abdi says it's sinful for Muslim women to reveal their ears or neck

Susan Carland (pictured right with her husband Waleed Aly) reveals her ears and neck under her hijab

He also said 'following a trend' was haram, the Arabic word for sinful.

His advice would appear to have fallen on deaf ears with high-profile Australian Muslim women who reveal their ears under their hijabs, including Susan Carland, the wife of The Project's Waleed Aly and axed ABC presenter Yassmin Abdel-Magied.

The opinionated fashion expert, from the hardline Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamaah Association, even had a word for Muslim women who liked to exercise outside.

'What we see with sisters walking down the street in skin-tight pants or in runners or in leggings or yoga pants,' Mr Abdi said.

Axed ABC presenter Yassmin Abdel-Magied also reveals her ears and neck under a hijab

New Zealand rugby international and Muslim convert Sonny Bill Williams' tight shorts would not win the approval of one Sunni preacher from Sydney's west

His words on appropriate attire were delivered in Auburn, the same suburb in Sydney's west which has erected a curtain around a pool at the Ruth Everuss Aquatic Centre to shield Muslim women.

Men weren't spared either in his lecture, with Mr Abdi concerned about Muslim men choosing un-Islamic hairstyles.

'His haircut starts up here and it comes down this way. Or another haircut comes out here and he's left something down from here,' he said.

He was also upset with Muslim men wear tight shorts, which may be news to Muslim-convert New Zealand rugby union international Sonny Bill Williams.

'Brothers wearing short shorts ... and he's walking down the street showing this particular part of his body or that particular part of his body and the clothes are so tight, I don't know how he fits into his clothes,' he said.

'All because of what? Because of fashion.'
A man who spent 24 years in prison for a murder that he did not commit has finally been exonerated and united with his fiancee.

Shaurn Thomas had been convicted of participating in the murder of Puerto Rican businessman Domingo Martinez, who was shot in 1990 while taking $25,000 to a check-cashing store.

But on Tuesday, he was released from prison in Frackville, Pennsylvania, after courts found that the evidence used against him in 1993 did not support his conviction.

The 43-year-old, of Philadelphia, beamed as he celebrated with his ecstatic fiancee Stephonia Long and his tireless lawyers from the Pennsylvania Innocence Project.

Mr Thomas called the two decades he had lost a 'tragedy', but insisted that 'life is too short' to hold a grudge and said now he just wants to enjoy life as a free man.

Shaurn Thomas (centre), 43, of Philadephia, who spent 24 years in prison for a murder that he did not commit has finally been exonerated after years of campaigning

He had been convicted of participating in the murder of Puerto Rican businessman Domingo Martinez, who was shot in 1990 while taking $25,000 to a check-cashing store. But on Tuesday he was exonerated (pictured with his lawyers James Figorski and Marissa Bluestine)

Mr Thomas was arrested at the age of 19 over the murder of Mr Martinez in November 1990.

He had an alibi from the start of the case - he claimed he was at a center for juvenile offenders for an unrelated offense on the day of the killing.

However his attorney was not able to sway the jury and he was jailed for life in 1993.

The case was picked up by the Philadelphia Innocence Project about a decade ago.

'I feel wonderful, a free man. I can't feel no better,' Mr Thomas told 6abc. 'Hey man, just got to believe in God, and had the right legal team, and keep fighting.'

Despite losing 24 years of his life, Mr Thomas insisted he held no grudges against the authorities.

'I don't got no animosity towards nobody. What for? Life's too short for that. You can't get it back,' he said.

'I just move on forward. It's a tragedy that happened to me, but I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one.'

On Tuesday, he was released from prison in Frackville, Pennsylvania, after courts found that the evidence used against him in 1993 does not support his conviction

Mr Thomas called the two decades he had lost a 'tragedy', but insisted that 'life is too short' to hold a grudge and said now he just wants to enjoy life as a free man. Pictured with his lawyer Marissa Bluestine

Having missed out on two decades of advances in technology, he added: 'I got to use a cell phone for the first time. It felt funny, but it was a wonderful thing.'

Mr Thomas' exoneration is the first time a major action has been undertaken by the Conviction Review Unit in the Philadelphia district attorneys' office.

Prosecutors could choose to refile charges but haven't said if they will.

'It's going to be a good day,' Stephonia Long, Mr Thomas' fiancee, told philly.com. 'Everyone is very happy.'

She is a family friend who met Mr Thomas after reading about his plight on the Pennsylvania Innocence Project website.

'It feels amazing. It's one of the best feelings I ever had to see Shaurn Thomas walk out of prison. A lot of hard work went into it. We, at times, thought this would never happen, but it finally happened today,' Jim Figorski of the Pennsylvania Innocence Project, said.

There have been record levels of exonerations in recent years in US - with 166 people being cleared in 25 states in 2016, according to the National Registry of Exonerations.

These included 54 homicide exonerations, 24 exonerated on sex crimes, 15 exonerated for violent crimes, and 73 exonerated for non-violent crimes.
The teenager who quickly found fame as the Cash Me Outside girl is taking her celebrity status to a new level with a list of ridiculous demands for her upcoming national tour.

Danielle Bregoli is set to pocket $50,000 at each stop of her national tour - assuming she has sold out crowds - where she will lip-sync, answer questions from the crowd and finish off by roasting guests.

News that two venues have already been secured for her tour emerged on Tuesday, but now TMZ has unveiled the diva details of her tour rider.

In addition to the $50,000 she is expected to make, the youngster has demanded $750 per diem, $3,000 for security costs and a minimum of four-star accommodation.

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A star is born: Danielle Bregoli (above) is launching a national tour this summer that will earn her up to $50,000 at each stop

Bregoli has also specifically requested three fidget spinners, four large Domino's pizzas, a fruit platter with no pineapple, five Gildan or Fruit of the Loom brand white tank tops and a 50 inch TV with Netflix and a DVD player so she can watch Paris Hilton in 'House of Wax'.

Only two venues in Fort Lauderdale and Houston have been secured since she signed the deal with Live Nation. They will consider booking more shows if the first two go well.

The national tour is a pretty impressive first job for Danielle, who just turned 14 in March.

The temperamental teenager's brazen attitude and complete disregard for authority made her a household name after an appearance on 'The Dr. Phil Show' in 2016.

News of the tour comes two months after reports first surfaced claiming that Danielle was poised to take home $1million as a result of her viral video fame.

That claim was viewed as ridiculous and outrages by many, but now seems to be a low estimate given how quickly the teenager has found success on a number of platforms.

Danielle has also ditched her hometown of Boynton Beach, Florida and headed west to Hollywood, where she is developing a number of project. and signed a deal for her own reality show.

In addition to the $50,000 she is expected to make, the youngster has demanded $750 per diem and $3000 for security costs. Danielle now travels with her bodyguard Frank (pair above earlier this month)

Bregoli has also specifically requested four large Domino's pizzas, a fruit platter with no pineapple and a 50 inch TV with Netflix and a DVD player

The teenager has also demanded five Gildan or Fruit of the Loom brand white tank tops and three fidget spinners as part of her tour rider

More recently, she launched a YouTube channel, where in the past three weeks she has garnered over 1million views on each of the six videos she posted on the site.

The most popular are her two roasts, with a video in which she mocked the fashions at the annual Met Ball closing in on 5million viewers three weeks after the event and another in which she criticized the lip-syncing videos of fellow teens on the Musical.ly app being watched over 1million times in just its first three days.

Danielle does not hold back in the videos either, going after her famous and non-famous subjects with the same disapproval in foul-mouthed attacks where she makes fun of their clothing, facial features and anything else that comes to her mind.

In the description section of the Met Gala video, Danielle wrote: 'If any celebrities feelings were hurt in the making of this video, good.'

Danielle has also been the subject of some mockery by celebrities as well, with David Spade joking that her 15 minutes of fame were up after meeting the teenager at event.

Spade, 52, also admitted to being a bit upset by how 'underwhelmed' Danielle was to meet him.

Danielle responded by reposting Spade's photo and writing: 'No lie, I thought dis guy was the waiter.'

She currently has a combined total of over 11million followers on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, numbers that are continuing to rapidly grow.

A star is scorned: She recently mocked David Spade on Instagram, saying she thought he was a waiter when she met him earlier this month (above)

Running commentary: A YouTube video of the teenager roasting celebrities at the Met Gala has been viewed over 4million times in three weeks (above)

Danielle's path to fame has been unlikely from the start, beginning with her first appearance on 'The Dr. Phil Show' last September in a segment about out-control teenagers.

She was 13 at the time, and studio audience quickly turned on the youngster as her mother detailed how Danielle would frequently run away from home and steal her credit cards.

That only seemed to embolden Danielle though, who referred to the studio guests as 'w****s' and eventually challenged them to a past-show fight, screaming: 'Cash me ousside, how bow dah.'

As a result of that one line, Danielle's interview quickly went viral, and from there an Internet celebrity was born.

It is Instagram where Danielle has managed to find the most success however, amassing 9.8million followers as of May 24.

That is more than double any of the women who appear on any of Bravo's 'Real Housewives' franchise.

This gets her some hefty paychecks for promotions, which she has been doing more and more frequently these days.

Those posts tend to contain less profanity than her personal uploads on the site.

She managed to stay in the news with antics like getting into a fist fight on a Spirit Airlines flight, an incident that was conveniently caught on camera an d earned her a lifetime ban from the budget airline.

Officers have also been to the Florida home she shared with her equally opinionated mother Barbara Ann for lewd and lascivious behavior, general disturbances, fraud and obscene calls.

Police were called 51 times last year alone for a range of offenses including stolen cars, verbal threats and domestic tiffs.

Those days seem to be past Danielle however, who now travels around with her very own bodyguard, Frank Dellatto.

She recently posted a photo of the two in Los Angeles and wrote: 'My catchin people ousside days is over. Get em Fwank.'

Danielle then added: 'jk I'll still fucc ya a** up too #dontmesswitus.'
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President Trump landed in Brussels Wednesday afternoon in the latest stop of his first foreign trip, touching down in a city he had previously called a 'hellhole'.

His first meeting was with Belgium's prime minister, Charles Michel, who greeted him as Air Force One landed.

But the main focus of his trip to the Belgian capital is for a Nato summit.

We're here: The president and First Lady waved as they prepared to walk down the staircase from Air Force One and on to Belgian soil

Not hand in hand: There was no attempt to hold hands as the Trumps made their way down the steps - after their arrival in Italy was widely mocked for the First Lady apparently rejecting the president's hand

Meeting: Trump was greeted at the bottom of the stairway by Charles Michel, the prime minister of Belgium

Tasteful greeting: Belgian chocolates were passed around as the President and advisers including (from right) Gary Cohn, director of the National Economic Council, H.R. McMaster, National Security Advisor, and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson met their Belgian counterparts

Sweet greeting: Belgian chocolates were handed to the president and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson during a meeting with Belgian prime minister Charles Michel. It is unclear if H.R. McMaster, the National Security Advisor, partook

Trump was harshly critical of NATO as a candidate, declaring the military alliance 'obsolete.'

He has also criticized member countries for not following NATO guidelines to spend at least 2 percent of their gross domestic product on defense.

The president has been similarly critical of Brussels, the Belgian capital that is home to both the NATO and European Union headquarters. After the city's recent struggles with terrorism, Trump called Brussels a 'hellhole.'

Brussels is Trump's fourth stop on his maiden overseas tour. His fifth and final stop will be Sicily, where he'll meet with the leaders of the Group of 7 wealthy nations.

Nato is rolling out the red carpet for Trump in Brussels.

The military alliance - which Trump once declared obsolete - has been busy repackaging its image and is ready to unveil a new headquarters worth more than 1 billion euros.

In recent months, member nations have strained to show they are ramping up defense spending as Trump has demanded, even though they have been doing so for a few years in response to an aggressive Russia.

And while they agree with the chief of the alliance's most powerful member that Nato can do more to fight terrorism, they say it can be achieved with more of the same; training and mentoring troops in Afghanistan, and equipping local forces in Iraq so they can better fight the Islamic State group themselves.

'They'll only talk about what he cares about, so really he should come out of this meeting feeling as though Nato responds to him,' said Kristine Berzina, Nato analyst at the German Marshall Fund think tank. 'At least that's what they hope here.'

Greeting: The Belgian prime minister put aside Trump's previous criticism of the country's capital as a 'hellhole' to offer the hand of friendship

Ceremony: First Lady Melania Trump was greeted by Amelie Derbaudrenghien, the Belgian prime minister's partner, while Secretary of State Rex Tillerson was also on Air Force One

Anthem: Trump put his hand on his heart as a Belgian military band played the national anthem

Talks: Belgian prime minister Charles Michel held talks with the president and other advisers in a room at the Royal Palace in Brussels following Trump's meeting with the Belgian king and queen

Inner circle: Stephen Miller (second from left) was also at the top table for the talks with Belgium's prime minister

Indeed, as part of the repackaging to be announced during Trump's 24-hour visit to the city he branded a 'hellhole,' Nato is likely to agree to join the 68-nation international coalition fighting ISIS.

The move is symbolically important, especially since the group claimed responsibility Tuesday for a deadly explosion at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester, England.

An anti-terror coordinator may also be named, but most changes will be cosmetic, as Nato allies have no intention of going to war against IS.

'It's totally out of the question for NATO to engage in any combat operations,' Nato Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said Wednesday, on the eve of the meeting.

The 28 member nations, plus soon-to-join Montenegro, will renew an old vow to move toward spending 2 percent of their gross domestic product on defense by 2024.

Still, many are skeptical about this arbitrary bottom line that takes no account of effective military spending where it's needed most. Germany would have to virtually double its military budget and spend more than Russia.

Putting some meat on the pledge, the leaders will agree to prepare action plans by the end of the year, plotting how to reach 2 percent over the next seven years, and show how they will use the money and contribute troops to Nato operations.

Royal greeting: The Trumps' first stop was to meet King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of the Belgians at the royal palace in Brussels

Palatial: The Belgian royals greeted the U.S. head of state and First Lady in a reception hall in the Royal Palace in Brussels. King Philippe is a direct descendant of the Marquis de Lafayette who fought in the Revolutionary War

Beast power: Trump was back in the presidential limousine after it had to be temporarily garaged in Rome, where the streets are too narrow for it to turn

High security: Law Street, the road in front of the Belgian parliament, was closed to traffic as part of a massive security operation for Trump's visit

Armed presence: Rifle-carrying police are being deployed in the Belgian capital for the visit of the American president

Homophobic slurs: Protesters in Brussels set a low tone as they took to the streets on Wednesday

Taking to the streets: Hundreds of protesters were out in Belgium to greet President Trump

Communist threat: The hard-left sympathies of some of the protesters were not hard to find as they marched in Brussels

First protests: Anti-Trump protesters were out in the Belgian capital with demonstrations against the president's presence

Dissent: Until now Trump's foreign tour has passed off without protests but in Belgium anti-Trump forces have gathered

Peace: Trump left the Vatican saying he wanted peace - and Nato's summit is facing protests from people apparently wanting the same

Stunt: Amnesty International was behind a protest in Brussels which saw people dress as Lady Liberty to protest immigration controls

Protest: Effigies of Trump and the Belgian prime minister were carried through the streets of Brussels

Only five members currently meet the target: Britain, Estonia, debt-laden Greece, Poland and the United States, which spends more on defense than all the other allies combined.

'It's not fair that we're paying close to 4 percent and other countries that are more directly affected are paying 1 percent when they're supposed to be paying 2 percent,' Trump told the Associated Press in an interview last month.

Tomas Valasek from the Carnegie Europe think tank says the president's demands on overdue debts have shaken up the other allies.

'Trump has challenged the idea that active engagement in Europe is a core U.S. interest,' Valasek said. 'He appears to regard all foreign relations as zero-sum transactions, in which each contribution to someone else's security represents a net loss to the United States.'

The Europeans, Valasek said, should respond in two ways: 'In the short term, focus on preventing the president from abandoning the alliance and, in the long term, prepare to assume a bigger role in defending the European continent.'

The short working-dinner meeting will be high on symbolism. At the entry to the new premises - a village-sized complex that should be in full use early next year - Trump and Stoltenberg will unveil a piece of the World Trade Center.

After the September 11, 2001, attacks in the United States, Nato activated its collective defense clause for the first and only time, with member nations pledging to help their beleaguered ally.

'I won't forget what you said,' Trupm told the Pontiff after the two emerged from their private meeting in the Pope's study

The president tweeted that he left his audience with the Pope 'more determined than ever to pursue PEACE in our world'

U.S. President Donald Trump has at long last met Pope Francis for a private audience at the Vatican

First lady Melania Trump (pictured), Ivanka Trump and senior aide Hope Hicks all wore black with conservative lace 'mantilla' veils as a show of respect at the Vatican

The delegation who met with the Pope on Wednesday included Melania and Ivanka Trump, Jared Kushner, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, National Security Advisor H.R. McMaster, Chief of Oval office Operations Keith Schiller, State Department policy planning chief Brian Hooks, White House Director of Strategic Communications Hope Hicks and White House Social Media Director Dan Scavino

Fans of the president strained to see his motorcade pass on Wednesday along Viale della Conciliazione avenue, near St. Peter's Square in Vatican City

Stoltenberg and German Chancellor Angela Merkel will also unveil a part of the Berlin Wall that once divided East and West Germany.

But the ceremonies and symbolism will do little to hide the divisions running through Nato.

Trump wants more from the alliance, while countries such as Poland, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia want iron-clad assurances that they won't be left alone should Russia cross their borders.

Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, meanwhile, has purged around 11,000 military personnel from its armed forces since last July's thwarted coup. Hundreds of western-educated senior officers were removed from posts at Nato, severely weakening the army.

Yet it's a subject that is almost taboo at Nato headquarters; a national affair to be dealt with internally.

Tensions have also mounted between Erdogan and Merkel since Germany offered asylum to some of the officers. Belgium has publicly warned against any pro-Erdogan rallies during his visit.

Outside the heavily guarded security perimeter near the city's airport and in downtown Brussels, peace groups have planned rallies of their own.

But, as the Manchester bombing remains fresh in mind, Belgium will remain on security Level 3 - meaning that the threat of an extremist attack 'is possible and likely' - as it has since the suicide-bomb attacks on the Brussels airport and subway killed 32 people last year.
A British teenager has been found hanged to death on board a boat anchored off the coast of Vietnam.

Police said the unnamed man, 19, was found dead aboard the tourist craft near Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Vietnam's north-eastern Quang Ninh Province.

He was travelling with two friends, and it's believed that the trio had an argument at dinner on the night he died, reports said.

Police said the unnamed man, 19, was found dead aboard the tourist craft near Ha Long Bay (pictured), a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Vietnam's north-eastern Quang Ninh Province

He was discovered hanging by an unnamed person and immediately taken to hospital, but he was pronounced dead on arrival.

His friends told investigating police that he had been experiencing relationship difficulties. He was an epilepsy sufferer, they added.

The friends also said he seemed to be having some 'emotional difficulties'.

Director of the Quang Ninh Inland Waterway Port Authority, Le Hong Thang, said the small cruise ship had been sailing without a licence since failing to renew paperwork on 1st January.

The teen was travelling with two friends, and it's believed that the trio had an argument at dinner on the night he died, reports said. The boat sailed from Quang Ninh Province and was anchored off Cat Ba Island in Ha Long Bay (pictured)

It sailed from Quang Ninh Province and was anchored off Cat Ba Island in Ha Long Bay, a spectacular beauty spot, when the man died.

Police are still investigating and did not say whether they were treating the death as suspicious.

It is the second death of a foreign tourist in the bay this year.

A 54-year-old Australian man reportedly died in Ha Long bay in February when he plunged into the water with a large gym weight tied to his legs.

The death was recorded as a suicide.
Christopher Ansara confessed to snatching an 80-year-old woman's purse as she was visiting her husband's grave

A Massachusetts man snatched an 80-year-old woman's purse as she was visiting her husband's grave.

Christopher Ansara, 32, of Metheun, confessed to sneaking up behind the woman at St Mary-Immaculate Conception Cemetery after she placed her purse on the ground so she could clean her late husband's grave site late Tuesday morning.

Around 10.30am, Ansara came up behind her, grabbed the purse and ran away, police said.

The unidentified widow provided police with a detailed description of the thief.

Based on the description and an anonymous tip, police learned a man had run to a Methuen convenience store and called a cab that took him to a nearby bridge where Ansara was arrested.

Ansara was taken to the Lawrence police station, and confessed and was charged with larceny. It could not be determined if he has a lawyer.
Fred Talbot, above in 2015, denies indecently assaulting teenage boys on school trips to Scotland

The evidence that former TV weatherman Fred Talbot indecently assaulted several teenage boys while on school trips is 'overwhelming and compelling', a jury has been told.

Talbot is standing trial at Lanark Sheriff Court where he is accused of indecently assaulting several teenage boys on school trips to Scotland in the 1970s and 1980s.

He is further accused of lewd, indecent and libidinous practices and behaviour towards a boy aged 12 on a trip.

He denies all the charges against him.

Today, on the eighth day of the trial, prosecutor Imran Bashir urged the jury to find him guilty, telling the members of two separate witness accounts which were 'almost identical'.

He spoke of what he described as similarities between the evidence given by various witnesses, now men in their 50s.

These included similarities in the time, location and nature of the alleged offences, and in the ages of the alleged victims, the court heard.

He told jurors it was 'remarkable' that different strands of the evidence 'come together perfectly'.

Mr Bashir said: 'The evidence was truthful and they cannot have been mistaken about it, these things either happened or they didn't.

'We heard from not one, not two but every witness about the kind of behaviour Mr Talbot carried out.

'If they had a grievance or a hatred towards him we would have seen that, but without exception, they all said they liked him, he was approachable, he was cool.

'But they all said that one occasion he did something to them while alone.

'It is behaviour which demonstrates a course of conduct and if ever there was a trial which showed a course of conduct it is this one, a course of conduct deployed by Mr Talbot.'

Mr Bashir said men from various professions had given evidence in the case, and asking the 14-strong jury to find him guilty, he said: 'Why, oh why, would they put themselves through that, on the oath, unless it was true?'

Later, Alan Gravelle, defending, pointed to the significant passage of time since the dates of the alleged offences but said Talbot had been prepared to answer difficult questions in court.

Talbot is best known for his former job giving weather forecasts on ITV's This Morning (shown)

Mr Gravelle added: 'Talbot was on TV so he was not a teacher that would be easily forgotten.

'He was on a national TV station Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and none of the witnesses were doing anything or telling anybody about what had happened to them, why is that?

'He was simply an easy target because he was the school teacher who was liberal, talked in a way you wouldn't expect.

'It was Chinese whispers he was gay or into boys and we have all been to school and know teachers were subject to those rumours.

'You have been an attentive jury taking notes and we have all noticed that and please take that into your deliberations because this is important to this man's life.'

Mr Gravelle also cast doubt on the evidence given by rocker Brown.

Talbot is standing trial at Lanark Sheriff Court, above, and has given evidence himself, which his defence lawyer said he did not have to do

He said: 'The evidence from Ian Brown and his friend have number of contradictions of what happened.

'Brown says his friend jumped into the tent but his friend told us he was legless, who is to be believed?

'It is so easy in a case like this to assume guilt and it is the type of allegations that make you think that.

'But he is presumed innocent and be sure to test the evidence that we have heard and the discrepancies between witness statements and the evidence we heard in court.'

The trial before Sheriff Nikola Stewart continues.
CIA Director Mike Pompeo touted a 'more aggressive' Central Intelligence Agency at a session at CIA headquarters Tuesday night, using coded language to throw some shade at his predecessor.

'We are back in the business of stealing secrets,' Pompeo boasted.

Pompeo's comments, made to a small group of reporters and reported by Politico, came the same day as John Brennan, who served as CIA chief under President Obama, testified before Congress.

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Current CIA head Mike Pompeo (left) threw some shade at his predecessor John Brennan (right) by saying 'we're back in the business of stealing secrets'

It was Brennan who said on National Public Radio in March of 2016 that the U.S. doesn't 'steal secrets.'

'We uncover. We discover. We reveal. We obtain. We elicit. We solicit  all of that,' he said back then.

Former CIA officers found Brennan's comments laughable.

'Is he joking?' ex-spy John Sipher wrote in a column for his website, the Cipher Brief, according to NBC News.

Sipher and other former CIA officials said stealing secrets is 'job one' overseas.

Another retired CIA officer, John Maguire, told NBC News that Brennan's comments 'make the U.S. look dumb.'

'Every aspect of what the CIA does overseas is illegal,' Maguire said. 'We don't "solicit" secrets  we steal them. What does he call breaking into an embassy? It's absurd on its face.'

Pompeo explained Tuesday that the CIA would be pushing in a different direction.

'The president has put in place a set of requirements that will require the CIA to be more aggressive,' Pompeo said.

One example that he used was North Korea, nicknamed the 'Hermit Kingdom,' which has already caused problems for the young Trump administration.

The CIA will be creating a special mission control and will work alongside their South Korean counterparts.

Pompeo is one of a number of American officials, which also included Vice President Mike Pence, to visit South Korea since January.

As for Brennan, he was back in the political orbit on Tuesday, testifying before the House Intelligence Committee.

'It should be clear to everyone Russia brazenly interfered in our 2016 presidential election process,' the ex-CIA head told lawmakers.

He added that Americans 'involved in the Trump campaign' had interactions with Russians that he found concerning.
A retired police dog in Kentucky has died just two days before the four-year anniversary of his partner's death in the line of duty.

The Lexington Herald-Leader reports that Figo the dog died on Tuesday after battling illness for several months.

The drug-sniffing German shepherd was a K-9 officer with Bardstown police and the partner of 33-year-old Officer Jason Ellis, who was shot multiple times while driving home May 25, 2013.

K9 officer Figo placed a paw on the casket of his fallen partner Jason Ellis at his 2013 funeral

Figo died peacefully in his sleep. He will be cremated and his urn will be attached to Officer Ellis' memorial - exactly where Figo loved to be

Figo drew media attention when he was photographed placing a paw next to Ellis' casket at the funeral in a heart wrenching goodbye to his fallen friend.

After Ellis' death, Figo retired to live with the officer's wife and two sons, now ages 10 and 11.

The dog will now be cremated and his urn will be attached to Officer Ellis' memorial, right by his side and exactly where Figo loved to be.

Husband and father of two, Ellis, 33, was killed with multiple gunshot blasts after what police say was a planned ambush

Posts on the Facebook page Friends of Figo say the dog died peacefully in his sleep.

'It is with extreme sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Figo. He worked tirelessly beside his handler, Officer Jason Ellis, until they were separated due to a heinous and cowardly act,' read a posting on Facebook.

'He captivated the hearts of a nation and the world when he demonstrated the undying love and partnership shared between a K9 and his handler, mourning at his partner's casket. Finally, for the last four years he provided companionship and comfort to a grieving family, including two amazing boys to whom he was absolutely devoted.

'He has fought a battle with illness for the last several months, but in the end it was a battle he could not win. He died peacefully in his sleep, at home, every officer should be so lucky.

'He passed almost four years to the day after the passing of his partner. Rest in peace K9 Figo, I am sure Jason was there to welcome you home. You are once again united and keeping the peace, only now in a much better place. You have fought the good fight, we have the watch from here.'

Fallen Officer Jason Ellis' beloved K-9 has passed away. Figo served with Ellis before his murder in 2013

Just two days before the fourth anniversary of Bardstown Officer Jason Ellis' murder, his partner took his final breath

When Officer Ellis was killed, Figo retired and lived the simple life and stayed with the officer's family - his wife and two sons

'He was proud of that dog, very proud of that dog. He was with him every day,' Kris Phillips, Officer Jason Ellis' mother-in-law, said to WHAS11.

'I don't want him to go. I'm sad that he's gone because I wanted him to be here when we found out. I wanted him to be with us when we found out,' Phillips added. 'My goal was to keep this dog alive until we got answers. I would do anything to keep this dog alive until we had answers. We want answers.'

Ellis' killing remains unsolved. The Kentucky police officer was murdered on a highway exit ramp in what police believe was a planned setup to lure the officer from the safety of his car.

The cop was hit with multiple shotgun blasts after he got out his cruiser to pick up debris at a ramp off the Bluegrass Parkway.

At the time of the officer's killing, his wife Amy spoke of the agony of sharing the news of his death with her two sons, who idolized their father.

Jason and Amy Ellis, pictured with their sons, met at college on Valentine's Day 16 years ago

Fellow officers gathered from multiple states to attend the June 2013 funeral for Bardstown, Kentucky officer Jason Ellis, whose murder remains unsolved

'He wanted to make sure everybody was having a good time around him. He was a dedicated family man. He loved our boys. He loved me,' she said.

'I've laid on the bathroom floor. I did not want to live another second without him. I don't have the strength to pray right now, but I know that many others are praying for me and our family.

'Now I know I have to be strong for our kids.'

At the funeral, Police Chief Rick McCubbin said Ellis 'paid the ultimate sacrifice doing what he loved, being a police officer.' He called Ellis and Figo 'true partners.'

At the end of the burial service of Officer Jason Ellis, bag pipes played 'Amazing Grace'
Two white women have been forced to close their pop-up burrito shop after they were accused of cultural appropriation.

Kali Wilgus and Liz 'LC' Connelly opened Kooks Burritos in Portland, Oregon, after taking a trip to Puerto Nuevo, Mexico, last December.

For the first few months, the weekend pop-up shop housed in an taco truck was a smash hit. It gained so much popularity, a local weekly newspaper decided to profile the entrepreneurial duo.

But that's when the trouble started for Wilgus and Connelly, after quotes they gave to the Williamette Week led to them being accused of stealing their success.

Kali Wilgus and Liz 'LC' Connelly opened Kooks Burritos in Portland, Oregon, after taking a trip to Puerto Nuevo, Mexico, last December

The store initially a success, but it was forced to close after the duo was accused of cultural appropriation. Pictured is a meal from Kooks

Explaining their trip, Connelly told the newspaper: 'I picked the brains of every tortilla lady there in the worst broken Spanish ever, and they showed me a little of what they did.

'In Puerto Nuevo, you can eat $5 lobster on the beach, which they give you with this bucket of tortillas. They are handmade flour tortillas that are stretchy and a little buttery, and best of all, unlimited.

'They wouldn't tell us too much about technique, but we were peeking into the windows of every kitchen, totally fascinated by how easy they made it look. We learned quickly it isn't quite that easy.'

Those comments were latched onto by a food blog in the Portland Mercury, which accused Wilgus and Connelly of 'preying' on the women they met in Mexico.

Pictured is one of the burritos the Portland pop-up store sold to a happy customer before it was closed

After the duo gave an interview, many took to social media to accuse them of stealing from another culture

'This week in white nonsense, two white womenKali Wilgus and Liz 'LC' Connelydecided it would be cute to open a food truck after a fateful excursion to Mexico,' the piece opened.

'The owners of Kooks Burritos all but admitted in an interview with Willamette Week that they colonized this style of food.

'So lets recap the story thus far: These two white women went to Mexico, ate tacos, and then decided they would just take what the locals clearly didn't want to give them.

'If that wasn't bad enough, they decided to pack up all their stolen intellectual property and repackage it.'

The piece went on to claim getting the weekend taco truck closed was a 'victory' in Portland - a city it accused of having 'underlying racism'.

'These appropriating businesses are erasing and exploiting their already marginalized identities for the purpose of profit and praise,' it stated.

Many on social media and the comments section of the Williamette Week article shared in the outrage.

Pictured is a burrito posted on Yelp by one of the store's creators, Liz Connelly

Many defended the duo after news spread that it had been forced to shut up shop amid the accusations

'Stealing is in their nature so I'm not surprised. They're not creative so they had to get the idea from someone,' Tee McNeill wrote on Facebook.

'Kooks Burritos is now closed. Good riddance!' Jonas Lord said.

'Awww, so you nice ladies stole hard-working and low-income Mexican women's tortilla recipes and are now turning a profit. That's not white basic privilege at all. #disgusting,' Alicia Dominguez commented.

'Now that you all boldly and pretty f***ing unapologetically stole the basis of these women's livelihoods, you can make their exact same product so other white ppl (sic) don't have to be inconvenienced of dealing with a pesky brown middle woman getting in their way. Great job,' Shauna MacKinnon added.

However, after news of the closure spread, many came to the defense of Wilgus and Connelly.

'1. Burritos are from L.A. 2. Tortilla making is easy and not a secret 3. Breakfast burritos=white people food,' one person wrote.

'Seriously!!!!? Do you not think they were speaking metaphorically "looking in people's windows"? She ended up with a tortilla recipe she developed herself and she puts french fries in them. Such cultural appropriation,' another said.

'Oh my god. you cannot be serious,' another wrote.

'If learning how to make a food from another culture and selling it is now considered cultural appropriation, then why not take this issue up with the successful Portland businesses that have been doing this at a much larger scale for years, and stop harassing these two women struggling to start a small business,' another added.

Kooks Burritos has deleted its website, Instagram account, Facebook page, and Twitter profile.
A second man arrested in connection with the mysterious death of a burlesque dancer has been released from police custody.

Hannah Williamson, 21, was discovered shortly after 9.30am on Friday, May 19, following reports of a collapsed female.

The man who is in his 20s and a man in his 30s who was arrested and released both remain under investigation as inquiries continue, police have said.

Hannah Willamson was found dead at her home in Great Yarmouth on Friday. Two people have been arrested in connection and bailed

A post-mortem examination into the cause of death later proved inconclusive and further tests are due to be carried out.

On Monday, it emerged that Hannah, who was found dead at a home in Great Yarmouth, was a burlesque performer and pole-dancer.

Hannah Williamson had taken part in numerous productions across the country and was set to appear at a Volkswagen festival this weekend called 'Dubs in the Middle'.

She posted a link to this event on her Facebook page in January saying: 'Get your tickets and I'll see you there!!! #TooExcited.'

The young performer danced under the stage name 'Blondie Valentine'.

A friend also involved with the event said: 'On Friday night we will be remembering one of performers after her shocking death at the weekend which came as a massive shock to us all - Hannah you will be greatly missed chick.'

Hannah was a burlesque and pole dancer and had been due to perform at a festival this weekend called Dubs in the Middle

In a statement, Hannah's family said: 'She loved life and was always full of fun.

'Above everything Hannah adored her animals. We are left devastated by the news of her death and would appreciate our privacy at this very difficult time.'

Samia Robinson, whose daughter was close friends with Hannah, said: 'She was a lovely girl. She honestly was so sweet. We all feel so lost without her.'

Hannah and Samia's daughter met at Pets at Home in Norwich where they worked together, until Hannah moved to the Great Yarmouth Store.

She said: 'She loved dancing and animals, she had pet spiders and dogs she was just an amazing all rounder.'

Tributes have been left outside her house, where her body was found on Friday after reports of a collapsed female

Samia said that Hannah, who was from Freethorpe, Norfolk, had just left a previous job at Pets at Home to focus on dancing.

Following the incident neighbours next to the end of terrace house where her body was found said they heard loud arguments coming from the flat hours before emergency services were called.

They did not know her or if she lived alone or how long she had been staying at the ground floor flat.

A neighbour who wished not to be named said she heard Hannah's upstairs neighbour shouting loudly outside the back entrance to the end-of-terrace house at about 4.30am on the night in question.

One of Hannah's friends said the 21-year-old loved dancing and animals and had recently left her job to concentrate on dancing full-time

The witness said: 'It was only him that I could hear. He was shouting and shouting and shouting.

'Then the music came on about five in the morning.'

The neighbour believed the man spoke Russian and said a similar incident where he was shouting at two men outside the house happened two weeks before.

The witness said forensic teams had taken samples of 'big patches' of blood which first seen on the walls in a neighbouring property on Friday afternoon.

It was not known where the blood had come from.

Neighbours reported hearing shouting coming from the flat before she was said to have collapsed

A young woman visiting the floral tributes outside the house in Great Yarmouth where the tragic incident happened said the young dancer did not live there.

The entrance to the end-of-terrace two-storey house remained sealed and the blinds to the ground floor flat were closed.

On Monday a police officer from Norfolk Police's neighbourhood policing team maintained a scene watch in a van.

He confirmed that Ms Williamson's upstairs neighbour, a man in his 30s, had not been arrested over the death.

Simone Davidson, 56, from Great Yarmouth, said she saw Hannah Williamson carrying her pet chihuahua outside her home at least two weeks ago.

She said: 'I'm just totally shocked.

'I remember seeing her a couple of weeks ago - it might have been a month.

'I don't know her but I'm sure I recognise her from her photos.

'She was carrying her dog - that was probably the first time I had come across her.'
Melania Trump proved herself to be just as unpredictable as her famous husband on Wednesday afternoon, with the First Lady photographed holding President Trump's hand twice in public.

The infrequently affectionate couple was taking a tour of the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City when a photographer managed to get a picture of the two staring up at Michelangelo's famed painted ceiling while holdings hands.

The President and First Lady were then back at it again moments later when it was time for the family photo, in which the two stood next to Ivanka and husband Jared Kushner for a picture under the Michelangelo's crucifix.

It was a shocking sight to see, especially since video of Melania's refusal to hold her husband's hand went viral on both Monday and Tuesday this week.

The men wore the same suits they don every day for work at the White House while both Ivanka and Melania looked very stylish but far from romantic in head-scarf-to-toe black.

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Homesick: First Lady Melania Trump was photographed holding her husband's hand on Wednesday while they toured the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City (above examining Michaelangelo's painting in the chapel)

Vatican City is for lovers: Melania and Donald held hands once again during the tour for a photo taken and distributed by bthe Vatican City press office

Photo bomb: Melania and Donald were posing with Ivanka and Jared Kushner in that image, taken under Michelangelo's crucifix (above)

Eurotrip: The Trump ladies and patriarch Donald later took some time to glare at a photographer's camera with Pope Francis (above)

President Trump has made no mention of the videos showing his wife's efficient and effective way to deny his attempts to hold hands, with have been seen million of times.

It all began with the pair's arrival at Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Avi, Israel on Monday, when Trump reached back for Melania's hand as they walked down the tarmac, a gesture she responded do with a quick swat.

On Tuesday, it was like deja vu, with Melania delivering the same move when President trump tried his luck again after they landed in Rome, Italy.

It seems however that the romantic feel of the Sistine Chapel, or the pre-planned photo shoot of the thrice-married businessman and his wife, but the couple back in a more affectionate mood on Wednesday.

The two moments of presidential PDA on Wednesday were then among the few images selected for release by the Vatican of the Trump family's Sistine Chapel tour.

Their release could not come at a better time for President Trump, whose two-day trip to Israel kicked off with the First lady swatting away his hand when he went in for the hold and

Rejected: Melania Trump was seen moving her hand away as Donald tried to hold it as they got off Air Force One in Rome

Backup plan: After his hand-grab was rejected on Tuesday, the president instead placed his hand on Melania's buttocks as she walked down the stairs

Trump's triumph comes one day after he was filmed getting dismissed by the Foirst lady for the second time in as many days shortly after exiting Air Force One at Rome's Fiumicino Airport.

As the couple stood at the top of the stairs, high above all those assembled and in clear view of the cameras, President Trump reached down to grab The First Lady's hand.

That is when Melania ripped away her hand in a manner similar to the one used by young children who fear getting cooties.

President Trump's hand lingered at his wife's side for a few agonizing moments, and he even appeared to extend his fingers out in an attempt to catch The First Lady's eye, but it was to no avail.

Snubbed, he then placed his hand on the First Lady's backside and attempted to steer her down the stairs.

No good: Video from Monday shows President Trump reaching out to hold the First Lady's hand at Ben Gurion Airport in tel Aviv on Monday (left) and being rejected (right)

Finger hug: Moments later, Melania and President Trump did hold hands with the First Lady leading him by the finger to their awaiting helicopter (above)

All in: Melania got involved in a four-way hand hold with Prime Minister Netanyahu, his wife Sara and her husband just moments after rebuffing President Trump

On Monday, a short clip showed Trump clearly reach out to his wife, who was walking a step behind him, and try to grab her hand.

But Melania slapped her hubbie's hand away without even breaking stride or showing any sort of emotion.

Trump then continued to walk ahead with Prime Minister Netanyahu and his wife, Sara.

It was unclear if this unexpected resistance was the result of any personal turmoil.

Trump had more success in making physical contact with his wife as they left Tel Aviv on Monday night.

Video showed the first lady as she wrapped two of her fingers around one of her husband's fingers for a few seconds while leading him towards their awaiting helicopter.

She also got involved in a four-way handshake with the Netanyahus as they posed for a press photo.

Later that day however, the couple's hands hung next to one another like complete strangers while they toured Jerusalem.
An infant was found abandoned behind a Connecticut grocery store late Sunday night, police have said.

The newborn boy was found wrapped in women's clothing behind the Zaytuna Grocery Store on Main Street in Danbury, Connecticut.

Police are trying to locate the child's mother to make sure she has not been harmed, reported NBC Connecticut.

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The newborn boy was found wrapped in women's clothing behind the Zaytuna Grocery Store on Main Street in Danbury, Connecticut (pictured)

A witness called 9-1-1 after finding the infant late on Sunday night behind the grocery store

A witness called 9-1-1 after finding the infant late on Sunday night behind the grocery store.

The baby boy was checked over by EMS before being taken to the neo-natal care unit at Danbury Hospital, where he has been since.

Sandy Gotthardt, who lives near the store, said police told her the baby had only been born a few hours prior to being dropped off Sunday night.

'I hope whoever it is, they're able to find them and the baby is safe,' Gotthart told NBC.

A woman who lives near the store, Sandy Gotthardt (pictured), told NBC police told her the baby had only been born a few hours prior to being dropped off Sunday night

A glove sits roughly where the infant was found on Sunday night. Zaytuna Grocery's owner told NBC he usually closes at 10pm

Zaytuna Grocery's owner told NBC he usually closes at 10pm, and nobody saw or heard anything unusual, expressing his shock and sadness at hearing a newborn was abandoned by his store.

Danbury Police is investigating the incident and trying to find out who the mother is, and where she is. They have said they are concerned she might need medical treatment or other services.

Connecticut is one state with a Safe Haven Act for newborns and mothers, indicating a parent of an infant 30 days or younger can leave their child with the nursing staff of an emergency room.
Stephen Keeling has been criticised by a judge for trying to have his sister's house signed over to him

A widower who tried to claim his sister had left him her 900,000 house on her deathbed has been criticised for his 'shameless sense of entitlement' by a judge.

Stephen Keeling insisted sibling Ellen Exler should be separated from her beloved dogs to be moved into a nursing home against her will, in the last days of her life.

She died just four days after she was moved out of Hadley House, in Westhampnett, near Chichester, aged 91.

Stephen, 86, later 'shamelessly rode roughshod' over the rights of other family members, including his dementia sufferer brother, Frank, aged 87.

Judge Charles Hollander QC threw out his claim that Mrs Exlar gave him Hadley House when she realised she was close to death.

Although Mrs Exler's estate was worth close to 1 million, disabled Frank would have been left with only about 3,000 had Stephen won the case.

But the judge's ruling means the estate will now be split three ways between Stephen, Frank and two of their nieces.

Mrs Exler, who died in November 2012, kept the deeds to Hadley House in a black metal box under her bathroom sink, the court heard.

Stephen, of Fontmell Magna, Dorset, was adamant that she gave them to him and said: 'I want you to have them. I would rather you had it than anyone else.'

He and his wife, Doreen, had visited the frail widow up to three times a week to take her shopping and help with her care, he told the judge.

He insisted that 'he was following what Ellen would have wanted' when he had Hadley House registered in his name after her death.

Despite her protests, Stephen and Doreen, now deceased, arranged Mrs Exler's move to a nursing home on November 8, 2012.

Judge Hollander said: 'This created considerable acrimony because Ellen did not want to leave her home, or her dogs.

'All those involved in looking after Ellen were strongly against the move but Stephen and Doreen insisted that she be moved'.

Stephen explained that he was concerned about the quality of care she was getting at home and that it was 'expensive'.

But the court heard Mrs Exler survived only four days after leaving her home and died on November 12.

The judge said: 'His insistence on putting into effect his controversial views in relation to Ellen's care upset many others seeking to do their best for her.

'He was willing to jump to wholly misplaced conclusions that witnesses such as Ellen's carers had been put up to lie.

'He struggled to see the other side of any argument or point apart from his own'.

He added: 'Most importantly, and this is the most serious criticism, his misplaced sense of entitlement to Hadley House meant that he approached the issues in this case with a thoroughly blinkered attitude which involved him looking out for his own interests irrespective of the position or rights of others within his family.

'He was content to shamelessly ride roughshod over the rights of other family members who had a contrary interest.'

Hadley House, where Ellen Exler was forced to move from in her dying days, as her brother attempted to have it moved into his name

Mr Exler, who ran a successful leather goods business, and her husband Tom bought Hadley House in 1980.

By 2011, her memory was failing but, after she suffered a suspected heart attack in May 2012, the stoic pensioner refused to be admitted to hospital.

Four months after her death, the judge said 'matters took a surprising turn' when Stephen claimed for the first time that she had given him Hadley House.

He insisted that she had done so knowing that her death was imminent and that it was a binding 'death bed gift'.

Lawyers for Frank, of Poole, later returned a cheque for 3,045.70 - which Stephen claimed was his brother's share of the inheritance.

The judge said there were 'inconsistencies' in the various accounts given of Stephen's crucial conversation with Mrs Exler.

Stephen said it was difficult to remember exact details, given his age - but Judge Hollander ruled that there had been no gift.

'I do not accept that Ellen ever made the statement which Stephen relies on...the alleged conversation never happened', he said.

The first mention of the gift came months after Mrs Exler passed away and she had not told anyone else about it before she died.

Stephen, the judge added, had in any case 'come nowhere close' to proving that she gave him the house knowing that she would soon be dead.

She had not been hospitalised after her heart attack - she survived another six months - and she had 'no good reason to anticipate death'.

'The death bed gift claim in this action was, frankly, hopeless,' the judge concluded.

The ruling means that Mrs Exler's estate will now be divided up between Frank, Stephen, and two grown up children of a deceased sister.

Stephen will also have to account to Mrs Exler's estate for any profits he made from renting out Hadley House since her death.
It is always nice to see a police officer getting so much joy from working his beat.

This cop in Canada surprised a rock band when he turned up at their show - only to join in on the drums.

Teenage hard rock ensemble Vinyl Ambush, based in Peel Region, Ontario, thought they were certain to be shut down when a patrol car showed up at an outdoor birthday party where they were playing.

The police officer bashes the skins as Vinyl Ambush play their original music at a backyard birthday

To their relief, the officers just told them to turn their amps down a bit before leaving.

But half an hour later the cops returned.

Tom Bjelic, the father of Vinyl Ambush's bassist, Corwin, 15, told CBC he asked them if they were there to end the party.

But to his amazement one of the officers replied: 'Well no - I was hoping I could sit in on a song with the band.'

He removed his bulky standard issue boots before sitting behind the drum kit and playing along to the band's original music.

After a couple of songs he handed the sticks back to the original drummer before giving the youngsters advice on tapping into the music industry.

The band had thought the cops had turned up to shut the party down before the officer asked to join in

After his performance the cop gave the band some advice on tapping into the music industry

The cop, who played in bands in the past, said: 'Do what you have to do to keep going.

'The biggest regret I have in my life is stopping. [Playing music] was the most fun I've had in years.'

Bjelic said: 'Everybody was in shock. Nobody could believe what they were seeing.

'Even the neighbours got into it. Everyone was so stoked to see it go down.'
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Ivanka Trump and her husband Jared Kushner managed to sneak in some alone time in Rome after calling it quits on President Trump's first international tour.

The couple was photographed leaving the Pantheon hand-in-hand after having a private visit of the former temple, which is located in the center of the Italian city.

Ivanka, 35, and Jared, 36, happily smiled and waved at the enormous crowd of people, who had been cleared away from the tourist attraction by police, and were kept behind a barrier while the couple enjoyed a VIP tour of the historic site, later booing the couple as their motorcade left the site.

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Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner have called it quits on President Trump's international tour, visiting the Pantheon after her father's flew to Brussels

Ivanka and Jared traveled with Trump and his wife Melania for five of nine days of his first international tour

The couple were surrounded by security guards as they made their way through the popular tourist attraction

The historical site would normally have been full of eager tourists taking pictures and looking around, but it was completely cleared for the couple to enjoy a private tour

Wearing matching blue and white ensembles, Ivanka and Jared were able to stroll through the Pantheon free from any disturbances, accompanied by a team of security guards who kept a watchful eye over them as they made their way around the popular tourist spot.

Ivanka looked radiant in a navy blouse featuring a white collar and cuffs, which she paired with a billowy white skirt that grazed her ankles.

She accessorized her look with navy pumps, sunglasses, and a white hand bag that she wore over her shoulder.

Meanwhile, Jared looked relaxed in a button-down shirt, navy trousers, and a pair of white walking sneakers.

The couple were greeted by a swarm of people when they arrived at the Pantheon by car, with videos captured by some of the many bystanders showing the couple walking past enormous crowds, who were kept far back from the normally-crowded site by police and barriers.

Clearly eager to ensure that the VIP couple had the best possible experience during their tour around the Pantheon, a team of security guards kept a watchful eye over them as they enjoyed a leisurely stroll around the tourist site.

However their presence at the site clearly cause some ire among many of the waiting people, who booed the couple as they left the site in a large SUV. Video captured at the site shows dozens of people voicing their outrage at Ivanka and Jared as their motorcade left the Pantheon.

According to a local newspaper, there was a delay in the First Daughter's departure due to an unknown security issue with the car, which meant the motorcade remained in place outside the site for longer than intended.

The couple held hands after they the left the Pantheon following their private tour

Ivanka and Jared are pictured inside the Pantheon during their private tour of the former temple, which is now a church

The couple both wore black framed sunglasses as they walked out of the tourist destination

Ivanka and Jared can be seen making their way into their waiting SUV after completing the VIP tour of the Pantheon

Ivanka and Jared plan to spend the night in Rome before heading back to their home in Washington, D.C. on Thursday.

After being featured in a series of photo-ops throughout the start of the president's first trip abroad, the couple will be returning to home to their three young children and their jobs at the White House.

While Jared is Trump's senior adviser, Ivanka has an unpaid position as the president's assistant.

'The plan was always for them to go back to D.C. after Rome,' a White House official said, after inquiries when they were not seen in Brussels, the next leg in the president's itinerary.

The official said this was natural, 'as Jared helped plan and oversee the first part of the trip built around the theme of speaking to three of the world's biggest religions in Saudi Arabia, Israel and Rome.'

Another official told DailyMail.com that there was a lot of work to be done at the White House, and so it made perfect sense that the couple, and other White House staffers, had dropped off the trip.

Crowds gathered outside the Pantheon as they waited to see the First Daughter and her husband, who works as Trump's senior adviser

Police officers are pictured standing in front of tourists that stood outside the Pantheon

The growing crowds were kept at bay by officers and yellow tape, keeping them away from the area that Ivanka and Jared were visiting

According to video footage posted on social media, the couple was booed as their motorcade departed

White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus and strategist Steve Bannon were the first to depart. They left the president's entourage after the first leg.

Sarah Huckabee Sanders, the deputy White House Press Secretary, told reporters on the trip that Priebus was always supposed to leave after the Arab summit in Riyadh.

That was the line offered to reporters when Jared and Ivanka left, as well.

A senior White House aide indicated to DailyMail.com that Priebus' exit was as rushed as it seemed, though.

Priebus came back after talking heads said it was unusual it was for a chief of staff to be on the long foreign trip at all - especially with the president's budget about to drop. The assumption was that he was sticking close because he was worried about losing his job.

While Ivanka and Jared stayed in Rome, President Trump and Melania flew to Brussels. They are pictured on Air Force One at the Melsbroek Air Base in Steenokkerzeel on Wednesday

Earlier in the day, Jared and Ivanka joined Trump and Melania during their meeting with Pope Francis at the Vatican

The official said reporters were reading way too much into who's on the trip and who's not, in general. Aides with no involvement in the trip simply stayed at home.

Jared and Ivanka were in Saudi Arabia, Israel and Rome with the president.

The couple was shrewd enough to stay on in Italy to see one of the great masterpieces of western art, the Sistine Chapel, while getting to meet the Pope Francis.

After meeting the pope, Ivanka met with victims of human trafficking and hosted a roundtable with members of the Community of Sant'Egidio, a social justice-oriented anti-poverty group affiliated with the Catholic Church.

Ivanka said she came to a Catholic charity in Rome to meet with several women who have been freed from human traffickers so she could hear about 'their struggles and how they will build their lives'.

Still dressed in black after her earlier visit at the Vatican to meet Pope Francis, President Trump's daughter spoke briefly to reporters as she stood under a grape arbor in the courtyard of the Rome headquarters of the Sant'Egidio Community.

She said the liberated African women she was going inside to meet were testament to 'strength, faith, perseverance in the face of unspeakable adversity.'

Community officials said she would be chatting with several women from Nigeria who had been trafficked into prostitution before becoming free in Rome. At least one Eritrean woman was also invited to the closed-door conversation sitting around a square table.

Ivanka has had meetings about the subject at the White House, and last week, she hosted a bipartisan roundtable on human trafficking at the White House.

They posed for a family photo during their visit to the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museums, at the Vatican, following their meeting with Pope Francis on Wednesday

Ivanka blows a kiss before going on a date with Jared on Tuesday in Rome (left); Ivanka touches the statue of St. Peter at St. Peter's Basilica on Wednesday (right)

The mother-of-three took to Instagram to share a photo of herself at the meeting and praise the charity for its work.

'I was inspired to visit Sant'Egidio and learn about their remarkable work with women who have survived the evils of human trafficking and for those still suffering,' she wrote. 'Hearing directly from the advocates, counselors and victims reaffirms that we must work together to address this critical issue.'

Their Roman holiday was just one of the highlights of their international trip.

In Jerusalem, Ivanka and Jared both got to visit the Western Wall, the holiest prayer site in Judaism.

After President Trump prayed at the wall, Jared followed, while Ivanka and Melania went to the 'women's prayer section' nearby.

Ivanka converted to Judaism to marry Jared, an Orthodox Jew, and the couple received rabbinical dispensation to allow them to fly to the Middle East and travel on the Sabbath.

The couple also traveled with the president to Saudi Arabia, where Jared was present for key meetings with Arab leaders.

Jared reportedly helped negotiate a massive arms deal announced officially in Riyadh, intervening to help get a better price for the Saudi government.
Dennis Reeves, 45, was found dead in his truck at Kirbyville High School in Texas on Tuesday afternoon soon after he resigned from his job as principal

A Texas principal shot himself in the head in a high school parking lot after he resigned from his job.

Dennis Reeves, 45, was found dead in his truck at Kirbyville High School, north-east of Houston, on Tuesday afternoon.

Police said they found the .380-caliber semi automatic pistol that Reeves used to kill himself.

The engine of his truck was still running when he was found shortly before 5pm. Police said the transmission was in reverse but Reeves' foot was on the brake.

Reeves had a meeting with the district superintendent an hour early to inform them of his decision to resign.

He immediately went to his truck when the meeting ended and shot himself, police told Dailymail.com.

The superintendent and assistant superintendent were the only ones left at the school when Reeves was found dead.

Authorities said there was no suicide note found in the vehicle.

Reeves was married and had two sons - one of whom had just graduated from high school.

The engine of his truck was still running when he was found shortly before 5pm in the parking lot Kirbyville High School where he had worked as principal

Reeves was married (his wife is pictured above) and had two sons - one of whom had just graduated from high school

Tributes have flowed in on social media from devastated students and colleagues.

'Dennis Reeves was more than a principal. He was the kids supporter, voice, cheerleader, backbone if needed and disciplinarian if necessary! He did all of it out of love,' one parent wrote.

'Mr Reeves showed up when he didn't have too, he fought for his students when no one else would... My heart hurts for everyone's lives that he touched as well as my daughter! He was her principal and was wonderful! I am so hurt by his lost!'

One of his students wrote: 'Breaks my heart. My principal for three years, he put up with a lot from me but through it all he believed in me. I remember a conversation between us when he broke down in tears and encouraged me. Dennis Reeves was a great man. You just never know what people are going through.'

If anyone is seeking help please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by calling 1 800 273 8255 or visiting the website.
The Duke of Edinburgh may have been wishing his retirement would come a little earlier when he donned a heavy set of dress robes in sweltering temperatures yesterday.

Accompanying the Queen to a service at St Pauls Cathedral to mark the centenary of the Order of the British Empire next month, Philip, 95, had to tread carefully as he made his way up the steep steps into the historic building to avoid tripping over his trailing formal dress.

Buckingham Palace has announced that Philip will take a step back from public duties in the autumn to enjoy a well-earned retirement.

Unwieldy: Philip treads on the mantle as he struggles with the heavy robes in the May heat at the cathedral

But before he does, there are still several dozen high-profile public engagements to carry out  including yesterdays service of dedication and thanks.

Philip was wearing the distinctive  and no doubt unwieldy - mantle and chain of the Grand Master of the Order of the British Empire over his lounge suit.

Meanwhile the Queen, 91, looked sprightly in a mint green coat and matching hat.

Among those seated in the pews of St Pauls were almost 2,000 holders of the Order of the British Empire including Dame Esther Rantzen, cartoonist Gerald Scarfe CBE and weatherman Michael Fish MBE.

Ceremony: The Prince at St Paul's Cathedral on Wednesday, perhaps wishing for an earlier start to retirement

King George V established the Order of the British Empire in 1917 to reward outstanding contributions to the First World War effort and today it recognises people from all walks of life. The Duke of Edinburgh is its Grand Master.

The Very Revered Dr David Ison, Dean of St Pauls, told the congregation: Thousands of award holders quietly go enriching civic life and serving those in need, building the kingdom of God in love and care for others; and their awards often recognise, not only their individual efforts, but also the service of many others alongside them.

There was no let up for Philip even after the service was over.

Straight afterwards he was back to Buckingham Palace where he handed out gold Duke of Edinburgh Awards to young people  the last time he is expected to undertake such a ceremony at the palace itself.
An afterschool fight between two high schoolers on a street near Manhattan's Theater District in Midtown escalated to a stabbing Wednesday that left four boys wounded.

The suspect, a 16-year-old in a red hat, fled the scene and police were searching for him, said Chief of Detectives Robert Boyce.

The fight broke out near the intersection of 8th Avenue and West 52nd Street around 1:20pm between two teenage boys who had been suspended last week; it was their first day back to school, and they met outside to fight after dismissal, Boyce said.

PS-35 is located around the corner from the new Broadway production of 'Groundhog Day,' as well as the revival of 'Cats.'

An afterschool fight between two high schoolers on a street near Manhattan's Theater District escalated to a stabbing Wednesday that left four boys wounded (scene above)

The suspect, a 16-year-old in a red hat, fled the scene and police were searching for him, said Chief of Detectives Robert Boyce (scene above)

The fight broke out between two teenage boys who had been suspended last week (scene above)

As the 16-year-old beat the 15-year-old, three others jumped in and they were all stabbed, authorities said.

The 15-year-old suffered the most serious injuries, with wounds to his back, and he was in surgery at Cornell Medical Center. He was expected to survive.

A second 16-year-old boy was stabbed in the stomach, a 17-year-old boy was slashed on his ear and an 18-year-old was wounded in the arm. Authorities say they suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

Sherri Hodes, who lives on the same block as the school, told The Associated Press she saw the fight as she was walking her border collie mix, Sophie, but she didn't realize at the time that anyone had been stabbed.

'One guy was punching another guy, and the other guy wasn't really punching back. He got him on the ground, and he was punching him and punching him,' Hodes said.

It was their first day back to school, and they met outside to fight after dismissal, Boyce said (scene above)

Boyce said it's not clear what prompted the fight or the brawl last week that led to their suspension (scene above)

'They were screaming, and people were running. It was so fast and so much was happening. It was crazy.'

Hodes said she often sees fights among students at the school.

'They fight all the time. I mean, that's what kids do. That's what teenagers do,' she said.

Boyce said it's not clear what prompted the fight or the brawl last week that led to their suspension.

He said it didn't appear to be gang-related, but it was under investigation.

He said it didn't appear to be gang-related, but it was under investigation (scene above)

A knife was recovered in a backpack near the scene by NYPD investigators ( above)

A knife was recovered in a backpack near the scene.

PS 35 has 306 students from first to 12th grades and includes special education.

A spokeswoman for the city's Department of Education said it was working closely with police.

'The safety of students and staff is our top priority,' the spokeswoman said.
Elias Escarraman, 34, allegedly threw out 2,000 bags of heroin while trying to ditch police on May 15. Police said he was selling heroin mixed with fentanyl in two states

A Massachusetts man allegedly threw out 2,000 bags of heroin while trying to ditch the police.

Elias Escarraman, of Worcester, was on supervised release for a 2014 narcotics arrest when he tried to run from police on May 15, authorities said.

Norwich police in Connecticut said the arrest was part of a joint investigation into the trafficking of heroin in Connecticut and Massachusetts.

The 34-year-old was arrested on federal narcotics charges by members of the Norwich Police Department and the FBI.

Authorities said he was selling heroin mixed with fentanyl in Connecticut.

A federal affidavit says Escarraman made two trips weekly to Norwich to sell drugs including the heroin and fentanyl mixture called 'china white', according to MassLive.

The federal investigation began in April, when a confidential informant made three controlled purchases of drugs from Escarraman.

Escarraman allegedly said during one buy that the 'mix was selling like crazy', according to authorities.

He also said people were doubling and tripling their orders for the drug, police said.

Escarraman was on supervised release for a 2014 narcotics arrest in Lowell, Massachusetts, when police arrested him earlier this month.

In 2014, police caught him with more than a kilogram of cocaine and $87,000.
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Selena Gomez has splashed out on a new three-bedroom, 3,188sqft home in LA's Studio City for a bargain - for the area, at least - $2.25 million.

Gomez, who has a net worth of $50 million, snapped up the traditionally designed, 1951 home, which has attractive vaulted ceilings, walk-in wardrobes, and an office-cum-music room for whipping up new songs.

Hidden from the prying eyes of fans by tall hedges, the secluded mansion is a step down for the Texas-born ex-Disney star compared to her her previous California residences, which sold for $3.5 million and $3.3 million, Yahoo! News reported.

Home again: This is the brand-new Los Angeles home that Selena Gomez has purchased for $2.2m - a step down from her previous Cali pads, which have sold for $3.5 million and $3.3 million

The spacious home was built in 1953 but has been completely refurbished. Vaulted ceilings and an open-plan design make the most of the 3,188 square foot property

Gomez can indeed live large in this large living room (left), which would be ideal for celeb-filled house parties. This week her boyfriend, The Wknd (pictured right, with her), spent $18 million on a pad in Hidden Hills, around 30 minutes' drive away

The kitchen features this stunning brickwork 'chimney' containing the massive oven and stove, as well as attractive marble surfaces on its counters and central island

The massive fridge has enough space to hoard food on hot LA days (or to hide inside if it gets really hot). Gomez had previous properties in Tarzana, California, and Calabasas, LA

The home is based in Studio City, named after a studio lot built there in 1927. That studio is now called the CBS Studio Center

This corner of the kitchen has a brighter, sunnier feel, with pastel walls and clean white cabinets

The rear of the house features a sizable swimming pool - again, perfect for house parties - along with canopies and parasols to hide from the LA glare

Yesterday it emerged that Gomez's boyfriend, The Weeknd, has splashed out $18 million on a pad in Hidden Hills, around 30 minutes' drive from Studio City.

That home is rather more spectacular than this one, but the fact that Gomez is still buying for herself suggests she intends to retain her independence for a good while longer.

Her purchase of the Studio City home comes after she sold her own Hidden Hills mansion for $3.3 million in 2015 - unfortunately for Gomez, she paid $4.5 million for it six months earlier.

And in 2014 she sold a home in Tarzana - the first she ever owned - to Iggy Azalea and then-partner Nick Young for $3.45 million. She made a tasty profit there, having picked it up for $2.2 million.

Gomez is currently also selling another property, a 10,000sqft space in Fort Worth, Texas, for $3 million.

There's plenty of place to sit and relax in the spacious home - such as in front of this beautiful brick fireplace (right)

There's even room for a music area, for when new songs need to be drummed up - literally

A built-in barbecue area (on the right) means that visitors don't have to stray far to keep their bellies full

The master bedroom suite has a two spacious walk-in closets, as well as two normal-sized closets

Guests can stay in one of the two other bedrooms, which get plenty of light from the large windows

This guest bedroom has a rather unusually designed bed, as well as more traditionally appointed decor

This gorgeous dining room has a quirky chandelier as well as easy access to the rear garden, and rustic furniture

On the other side of the dining room is an area with drinks refrigerators - perhaps for cooling down an evening drink

The house is surrounded by tall hedges, and the front door accessed via this gate, to keep prying eyes from peering in

This beautiful, marble-finished bathroom is one of two-and-a-half in the home

The gorgeous window will let in plenty of natural light to help Selena wake up every day

There's also a huge walk-in shower for the pop start to relax in after a hard evening's performing

This office area could be turned into a fourth bedroom, or even a home studio

Any guests that Selena has over need not worry about telescopic cameras thanks to this hedge - while the angle of the house means there will be plenty of sun

The pool provides plenty of room for a dip - and elsewhere in the garden there are fruit trees and vegetable beds

Protection from the sun can be found under this attractive, cheerful canopy

The home is the least expensive of all those Gomez has bought since she hit superstardom - but it's certainly cozy
The Transportation Security Administration is currently testing out heightened screening procedures at select airports across the country that could cause more delays as some 'passengers may experience more bag checks.'

Passengers at 10 U.S. airports are being asked to take out electronic devices that are larger than a cell phone to screen them separately, as one of the new screening procedures.

In addition, the TSA will also be testing out 'adjusted screening procedures for carry-on bags and other accessible property' as part of their 'counterterrorism efforts', Darby LaJoye, TSA Assistant Administrator for Security Operations, told DailyMail.com in a statement.

'As part of our counterterrorism efforts, TSA continuously enhances and adjusts security screening procedures to stay ahead of evolving threats,' LaJoye said.

'...Travelers will be asked to place electronics larger than a cell phone in a bin separately for X-ray screening.

Passengers at 10 U.S. airports are being asked to take out electronic devices that are larger than a cell phone to screen them separately, as one of the new screening procedures (file above)

In addition, TSA will also be testing out 'adjusted screening procedures for carry-on bags (file above) and other accessible property' as part of their 'counterterrorism efforts', Darby LaJoye, TSA Assistant Administrator for Security Operations, told DailyMail.com in a statement

'TSA officers may also advise travelers to place other carry-on items separately in a bin.

'Although, passengers may experience more bag checks, we are testing quicker and more targeted procedures at these locations.

'TSA's top priority is to protect the traveling public, and every policy and security procedure in place is designed to mitigate threats to passengers and the aviation sector  which we know our adversaries continue to target.'

The locations selected for the TSA screening pilot include: Boise Airport, Colorado Springs Airport, Detroit Metropolitan Airport, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, Logan International Airport, Los Angeles International Airport, Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport, Luis Munoz Marin International Airport, McCarran International Airport and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

A senior TSA official told DailyMail.com that there are no current plans to expand the pilot program nationwide, but there is 'the potential to expand to other airports.'

Of the new procedures being tested, LaJoye said: 'TSA's top priority is to protect the traveling public, and every policy and security procedure in place is designed to mitigate threats to passengers and the aviation sector  which we know our adversaries continue to target.'

The agency sent the above tweet on Wednesday afternoon in regards to the pilot testing security screening procedures

The latest announcement from the TSA comes as the agency boosted its workforce by thousands to cope with the 234million passengers projected to fly this summer.

The Department of Homeland Security agency, which ensures the safety of those using communal transport across America, has drafted-in 2,000 new officers to help process the numbers, which are estimated at nine million more than 2016.

They've also added 50 canine teams, who'll help process the hordes of people passing through customs.

To streamline the process further, the agency has also joined forces with airlines to install automated screening lanes in some of America's most heavily-used portals.

These include Chicago's O'Hare International Airport, New York City's John F. Kennedy International Airport, Los Angeles International Airport, Newark Liberty International Airport and HartsfieldJackson Atlanta International Airport.

'As we approach the summer break, securing the travel of millions of passengers daily remains our top priority,' TSA Acting Administrator Huban A. Gowadia said.

The latest announcement from the TSA comes as the agency boosted its workforce by thousands to cope with the 234million passengers projected to fly this summer (file above)

'It is well known that terrorists continue to focus on aviation, which is why TSA continues to focus on providing robust security screening.

'TSA takes many security measures, seen and unseen, while working closely with industry partners such as airlines and airports to enhance the traveling experience and ensure every passenger arrives to their destination safely.

'TSA is tasked with a complex, critical security mission that can only be accomplished through close collaboration with stakeholders and partners.

'We will not compromise our security mission of protecting air travelers as we face an evolving threat by a determined enemy,' she said.

Last summer saw 224.8 million travelers pass through US airports.
Magazine publisher Antioco Piras denies rape

A magazine publisher yesterday denied raping a woman at a lavish party and insisted she invented the story after he spurned her advances.

Antioco Piras, 36, is accused of raping the woman after spiking her drink during the party at a private members club in London.

Yesterday Piras, who is co-founder of glossy food magazine Four, told jurors he helped get her to a bedroom at the Home House club because she was drunk. He claimed she kissed him as they lay on the bed, at which point he told her: I dont think this is right.

He said the 21-year-old was put out, not happy and frustrated at the rejection and called a taxi to take her home.

Southwark Crown Court heard that Piras had ordered five bottles of Veuve Clicquot champagne at 180 each during the Christmas party. It was an additional cost to what was already on a pre-paid bill that he was picking up, which included liqueurs, vodkas and beers.

The alleged victim insisted she had drunk only two glasses of champagne before Piras handed her a different drink which made her feel ill. She told the court: He gave me the drink and then I started being really sick in the toilet.

Recalling events on the night of December 20, 2014, Piras told the jury: She could hardly walk. I led her upstairs and put her on the bed and told her that if she needed me I was just downstairs, and I left the room. I felt like I was protecting her. There was a 21-year-old woman in my room that was my responsibility.

As the party broke up a couple of hours later, at about 2.30am, Piras said he returned to the room to check on her and charge his phone.

He added: I took off my shoes and shirt and laid down on the bed next to her. She was still fully clothed. She had her shoes on.

She looked at me and smiled. We kissed, at which point I said, I dont think this is right. 

Asked if the truth was he had spiked her drink and raped her, Piras replied: No. It is a lowly, disgusting thing to do.

What kind of person would I be to do such a thing?

After the woman reported him, Piras claimed in a police interview that he held her up but did not carry her to the bedroom. He told Detective Constable Dan Cooke: She was aware of what she was doing but she was fairly drunk.

Private club: Home House, the venue for the champagne-fuelled party in London

He added that when he later returned to the room she was going in and out of sleep.

He told officers: I wanted to check up on her and charge my phone. After plugging in his phone he said he lay on the bed and began texting friends.

She put her head on my shoulder and went in for a kiss, he said.

Piras said he indulged in the intense kissing, but added in his police interview: That is where it stopped, my mind kicked in. She clearly understood I didnt want to do it any more.

Piras, from Zimbabwe, has no registered address in the UK. He denies rape.

The trial continues.
Sean Hannity blasted Media Matters for America (MMFA) in a lengthy Twitter rant on Wednesday, saying the not-for-profit organization was trying to get him fired.

The Fox News anchor started furiously tweeting early Wednesday morning, after the progressive media watchdog group published a list of his advertisers for a boycott of his show.

Hannity has been under fire late for his reporting on DNC staffer Seth Rich's murder.

Sean Hannity (left) went on a Twitter rant Wednesday morning after Media Matters posted a list of his advertisers so people could boycott his show for his coverage of DNC staffer Seth Rich's (right) murder

'Liberal Fascism. Mmfa is targeting my advertisers to silence my voice. They hope to get me fired. Rush, O'Reilly, Beck, Imus, & now me.

'Notice MMFA only does this to conservatives. Smear, slander, malice, half truths, purposefully taking things out of context. Why...

'Why do they not go after NBC hosts or CNN hosts? Serious questions will now be raised on funding, tax status, and political agenda.

Hannity claimed in his tweets that the progressive not-for-profit was trying to get him fired

'Why didn't they go after HBO Real Time? Colbert? Simple, MMFA only wants to silence conservatives. Who funds them? Who are political friends,' Hannity wrote.

He then went on to post several stories about the organization to his Twitter, including articles about George Soros' connection to the organization.

One of the articles was from right-wing outlet Breitbart, and claimed that Media Matters was secretly plotting to 'stop' that them.

About four hours later, Hannity went back on Twitter and reiterated his anger.

'To all my friends. TODAY, George Soros, & Hillary Clinton supported Mediamatters is targeting all of my advertisers to try and get me fired.

'Spoke to many advertisers. They are being inundated with Emails to stop advertising on my show. This is Soros/Clinton/Brock liberal fascism.

'Mediamatters is hoping advertisers will give into pressure and they will silence freedom of speech. Liberals, do you support this effort?' he asked.

Another three hours later, he returned and said that Bill Maher and Colbert can make 'vile comments' about the president, yet MMFA is 'SILENT #hypocrisy'.

On his show, Hannity has given considerable air time to rumors that Seth Rich was murdered after reaching out to leak Democratic Party secrets to WikiLeaks.

But so far, authorities have not found any evidence that Rich had contact with the organization.

On Tuesday, Hannity switched gears and said he would not longer be discussing Rich's murder, out of respect for his family.
Her best-selling novels have gripped the nation both in print and on screen.

But Dame Hilary Mantel has said historians see historical novelists as parasites who steal their readers and mislead the public.

When asked why some historians may dislike historical fiction, the 64-year-old author of Wolf Hall and Bring Up The Bodies said: Perhaps they think we are parasites and that we steal their sales. To be fair, I think historians worry about the prospect of the public being misled.

And if a novelist is giving factual information, I think she shares the historians obligation to be accurate, to be up to date with research and to be aware of variant versions.

Prizewinner: Dame Hilary Mantel has said historians see historical novelists as parasites

The Booker Prize-winning novelist added: But readers know what theyre doing when they pick up a novel. They dont blunder into fiction by accident. They are able to work out, I think, what can be drawn from evidence, and what cant.

A novelist does not have access to private conversation whispered behind the hand, nor to letters burned on receipt, not to the stream of consciousness of long-dead men and women.

Dame Hilary, whose novels Wolf Hall and Bring Up The Bodies are both set in the 16th century and depict the rise to power of Thomas Cromwell, was made a Dame in 2014 for services to literature.

The outspoken author said historical novels can have a positive impact by encouraging readers to get animated about history.

If she offers these things to the reader, clearly theres an element of invention. And if the reader wonders, Is this true or made up? and does a little investigation, isnt that all to the good?

Novels Wolf Hall and Bring Up The Bodies are both set in the 16th century and depict the rise to power of Thomas Cromwell

One of the things a historical novel can do is to prompt a reader to think about what we know, and what we could know  given luck and diligence  and what kind of things we can never know.

In general, historians are more friendly to the form than they used to be. They recognise the need to engage the public and that our efforts are complementary, and that some aspects of our trade are the same.

Speaking in the June edition of the BBCs History Magazine, the author, whose novels were turned into a BBC drama starring Damian Lewis, said the main pitfall of making film and TV adaptions of historical fiction is that crucial elements are often edited out due to time constraints.

She said: Feature films are notoriously inaccurate, sometimes to the point of distortion. I think writers and editors seldom set out to deceive. But a tiny change in a rewrite can lose or alter a vital point, without anyone noticing at the time.

Her books were turned into a BBC miniseries entitled Wolf Hall, staring Mark Rylance as Thomas Cromwell (pictured)

But how much can anyone do in 104 minutes? Better to slice history fine  concentrate on a small incident, let its implications ripple  than try to digest mighty storylines.

The screen can do wonderful things. It can do in a split second what takes a novelist six pages. It can achieve effects with heart-stopping precision.

But you cant really adapt one medium to another  you have to re-conceptualise. Throw down the book and dream it.

Dame Hilary, who studied law at London School of Economics and the University of Sheffied, sparked controversy in 2013 when she described the Duchess of Cambridge as a shop-window mannequin who was machine-made.

The author has since apologised for the comments made during a lecture organised by The London Review of Books.
'The Carmichael Show' is coming back for season three May 31 with episodes addressing topics such as African American literacy and the N-word.

One episode in particular is titled 'Cynthia's birthday' and focuses on Loretta Devine's character's birthday party with her family, reported the Los Angeles Daily News.

However, the party gets uncomfortable when one of the sons, Jerrod, played by Jerrod Carmichael, gives her a book as a gift. The book is a 'first-edition hard cover of the Jacqueline Kennedy biography'.

'The Carmichael Show' is coming out with its third season on May 31, and will cover many topics such as African American literacy and the N-word. Pictured are cast members left to right - Lil Rel Howery, Amber Stevens West, Jerrod Carmichael, Loretta Devine and David Alan

David Alan Grier (pictured center right), though, who plays father-of-the-house Joe, says the episode is meant to make the audience think

But, another son, Bobby, played by Lil Rel Howrey, says a book is a bad gift because 'black people don't read.'

During a table read of the episode, Devine admitted the themes are provocative, and said this idea black people don't read upset her because, as she explained: 'I have always read, I love to read.'

David Alan Grier, though, who plays father-of-the-house Joe, said the episode is meant to make the audience think.

'It's so much about conversation, difficult conversation. But also it feels honest because those are the kinds of conversations I have when I go home,' he told the Daily News.

Carmichael (pictured center left), who is also the executive producer, told the Daily News that the script was based on his own personal experience

Devine (pictured second from the right with the rest of the cast) said the episode will make people shocked and uncomfortable, joking: 'I just hope the NAACP doesn't come and get us'

He explained he's no stranger to people who shun books, and said: 'This is not me, but I know those people.'

The episode ventures into even more shocking territory when a white guest star affectionately refers to Carmichael as 'My n*****,' which stunned the family.

Carmichael, who is also the executive producer, told the Daily News the script was based on his own personal experience, and he believes the word has been given too much power.

'So many people hear it constantly on a daily basis,' he told the Daily News. 'It's like the more we can do to dilute the pain of that word, I think the better, because there are such bigger issues to focus on.'

Devine said the episode will make people shocked and uncomfortable, joking: 'I just hope the NAACP doesn't come and get us'.
58-year-old Cheri Crozier was with her husband snorkeling in the Florida Keys when she began to feel unwell

A woman from Austin, Texas, has died during a snorkeling trip in the Florida Keys.

Sheriffs spokeswoman Becky Herrin in Floridas Monroe County says 58-year-old Cheri Crozier was with her husband in waters off a state park Tuesday afternoon when she began having trouble.

Herrins statement says Crozier began having difficulty swimming and they yelled for help from the crew of their snorkeling boat.

Crozier's husband said they moved to more shallow water, about three to five feet deep, but she told him that she wanted to return to the boat.

Crozier's husband, right, said he and his wife decided to move to more shallow water, about three to five feet deep, but she told him that she wanted to return to the boat

Upon reaching the boat, Mrs Crozier fell unconscious and CPR was administered

As they were swimming back, Crozier started having difficulty, so they yelled for help.

Crew members threw her a rope and began pulling her to the boat.

Once on board, Crozier fell unconscious, became unresponsive and stopped breathing, according to Herrin.

A doctor who was onboard the boat administered CPR as they headed to shore.

Crozier was taken to Mariners Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

Herrin says foul play is not suspected.
Five people have been killed in twin suspected suicide bombings at a Jakarta bus station in Indonesia.

Three police officers and two suspected attackers have been confirmed dead in the blasts, which went off five minutes apart at Kampung Melayu terminal.

At least 10 people were injured, including five officers and five civilians, in the Wednesday night attack about 9pm local time.

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Police officers carry a body bag containing body parts from a bus stop where twin suspected suicide bombings went off

Three police officers and two suspected attackers have been confirmed dead in the blasts, which went off five minutes apart at Kampung Melayu terminal

The gruesome scene is pictured after two suspected suicide bombers blasted a Jakarta bus station

The two suspected suicide bombers, both male, were killed in the blasts.

The police officers killed were on duty to guard a parade, which had no passed yet.

National Police spokesman Setyo Wasisto said no motive had been confirmed.

At least 10 people are injured, including five officers and five civilians, according to reports

The scene of the bomb explosion is pictured near the Kampung Melayu bus stop in Jakarta

A member of the police bomb squad inspects the site of the explosion

A crowd gathers near a bus terminal after the suspected suicide bombs went off

Police and bomb sniffer dogs inspect the site of the explosion

Indonesian police investigators check a body part found at the Kampung Melayu bus terminal

Police secure the site of the bomb explosions in Jakarta, Indonesia

Police investigators check a body part found after two suspected suicide bomb blasts went off

Three police officers were killed and at least 10 others have been injured

Police officers stand guard at the site after the Wednesday night attack

Police officers inspect the scene and search for evidence after two blasts went off

Indonesian locals watch on behind police tape as officers secure the scene

Police officers search for evidence after the twin blasts went off

Police secure the area at Kampung Melayu bus terminal in east Jakarta

Officers and police dogs are pictured at the scene

An Indonesian bomb squad officer checks for other explosive device

Police guard the scene after the twin suspected suicide bombs went off

Police officers clear the scene after the explosions went off five minutes apart
President Trump brought his daughter Ivanka Trump and son-in-law Jared Kushner to meet Pope Francis on his trip to Rome, but left his long-suffering spokesman Sean Spicer behind.

Trump included close family members and some long-time aides in the meeting, in a gesture being interpreted as a demonstration of his commitment to loyalists.

If Spicer, a practicing Catholic, was stung by being left out, he didn't reveal it. He provided no comment when CNN published a story about signals sent by who got included in the historic meeting.

Asked about Spicer's absence, a source told the network, 'Wow. That's all he wanted, adding it should 'very much' be taken as a slight.

VIPs: President Donald Trump, first lady Melania, and the U.S. delegation pose with Pope Francis during a private audience at the Vatican, May 24, 2017. Family members and longtime staff aides got to meet the pope

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Adding to the sting, predecessor Robert Gibbs got to meet the Pope Benedict when President Obama visited early in his presidency, as did Denis McDonough, then a national security aide. Both got to kiss the pope's ring.

Trump clashed with Pope Francis during the campaign, but expressed his deep appreciation for the papal audience he received. 'I won't forget what you said,' he told the pope after their meeting.

Accompanying him was wife Melania Trump, who is a Catholic and who brought along a rosary to have it blessed.

Also getting an introduction was longtime security aide Keith Schiller, who followed Trump to the White House, and Hope Hicks, who served as Trump's spokeswoman during his campaign and joined his White House staff.

Also present was longtime aide and White House social media director Dan Scavino, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, and national security advisor H.R. McMaster.

'Those are the people that are running the White House,' one Republican official told DailyMail.com, commenting on the in-crowd who got to meet the pope.

Ivanka Trump gets an introduction to Pope Francis

Pope Francis poses with U.S. President Donald Trump (C) his wife Melania (R), Jared Kushner (L) and Ivanka Trump during a private audience at the Vatican, May 24, 2017

White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus (L) walks to Marine One with Director of Oval Office Operations Keith Schiller (R) in Washington, U.S., to embark on a trip with U.S. President Donald Trump to the Middle East and Europe May 19, 2017. Priebus returned home after the Saudi Arabia leg of the trip

White House press secretary Sean Spicer, second from the right, did not get to meet the pope with President Trump

Others missing out included chief of staff Reince Priebus, who flew back to Washington after Trump's visit to Saudi Arabia. Advisor Stephen Bannon, whose Brietbart News wrote stories critical of the pope during his clash with Trump, also returned to Washington.

Counselor to the president Kellyanne Conway stayed behind during the trip.

Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner both got to meet the pope.

Trump's family members have featured prominently on his first overseas trip.

Ivanka and Jared were a constant presence at Trump's side in Israel. Both joined him on his visit to the Western Wall, although in keeping with their Orthodox Jewish faith and the sect's rules for the holy site, the men and women prayed separately.

But they jumped off the trip in Rome, spending an extra day touring the city as they prepared to return back to Washington, where both are White House advisors to the president.
The search continues for an elderly woman and her disabled daughter in Victoria, three days after they disappeared.

Benella's Isabel Stephens, 89, and her daughter Judy Stephens, 53, were last seen on Sunday afternoon in regional north-east Victoria after ordering a small meal, without alcohol, at Tatong Tavern.

Owner Christopher McCabe said the women ordered the small meal as they were 'visiting a relative for dinner that evening'.

A desperate search is underway for an intellectually impaired woman Judy Stephens (left) and her mother Isabel (right), who went missing from Benalla in Victoria

'They did not seem distressed in any way. Isabel is a reserved elderly lady but Jude is a bit more outgoing because of her intellectual disability,' he told AAP.

Mr McCabe said his wife watched as the pair drove off towards their hometown of Benalla in a white car they had parked opposite the tavern.

It was the last time they were seen.

Benalla Local Area Commander Inspector Troy Hargadon said there were 'serious concerns for both ladies' due to Ms Stephens' age and her daughter's intellectual disability and insulin dependency.

Insp Hargadon said it was believed Judy Stephens had not accessed her medication required twice daily.

They were last seen after ordering a small meal at Tatong Tavern (pictured) in regional Victoria tavern

'The circumstances are out of character for the women,' he said on Wednesday.

'There is nothing to say they have been met with foul play.'

The pair were reported missing about noon on Tuesday and a search involving the Air Wing, State Emergency Service and Benalla police started about four hours later.

Insp Hargadon said a 'comprehensive search of Benella and the surrounding area' had been unsuccessful in locating the women but investigations were ongoing.

The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, Parks Victoria and the SES are helping in the search, and Insp Hargadon says the family are assisting police.

The women are believed to be travelling in a 2007 Toyota Yaris with the registration number WAB580.

Police previously reported that the women were last seen at on Clarke Street in Benalla.
State Rep Oliver, McLeod, Read.jpg

Atty. Carlos Moore has filed a lawsuit against State representatives Karl Oliver (R - Winona), Doug McLeod (R- Lucedale) John Read (R- Gautier) and State Trooper Tony Dunn. Oliver took to Facebook to post comments that said lawmakers in Louisiana should be lynched in voting to remove Confederate monuments from state property. Read, McLeod, and Dunn liked Oliver's Facebook status.

(State of Mississippi)

JACKSON, Miss. -- Attorney Carlos Moore has filed a lawsuit against State Representative Karl Oliver for comments made over the weekend regarding Confederate monuments and their removal in the state of Louisiana.

Oliver took to his Facebook account over the weekend to protest the monuments' removal and said that lawmakers who vote to remove them should be lynched.

that he is suing under 42 U.S.C. 1985 for conspiracy to deter by force or intimidation or threat any party or witness to a court proceeding.

Moore said he will also seek criminal prosecution of Oliver by U.S. attorney or Department of Justice Civil Rights Division under 18 U.S.C. 1512 and 1523 which make it a felony to use the threat of physical force to intimidate someone from testifying in or pursuing a federal lawsuit.

Oliver issued a statement apologizing for his usage of the term "lynched" and any "embarrassment caused to colleagues and fellow Mississippians."

"In an effort to express my passion for preserving all historical monuments, I acknowledge the word 'lynched' was wrong," Oliver said.

"I am very sorry. It is in no way, ever, an appropriate term," he continued. "I deeply regret that I chose this word, and I do not condone the actions I referenced, nor do I believe them in my heart. I freely admit my choice of words was horribly wrong, and I humbly ask your forgiveness."

Calls were placed to Oliver in an effort to obtain his response to Moore's lawsuit against him -- calls were not returned.

The lawsuit also names Rep. John Read of Gautier, Rep. Doug McLeod of Lucedale, and State Trooper Tony Dunn of the Mississippi Highway Patrol because they "liked" Oliver's post.

The Mississippi Press was unable to immediately reach Read and McLeod to obtain a response to being named in the suit and whether they shared the same sentiments Oliver expressed.

Moore also petitioned within the suit that the judge request Oliver, Read, and McLeod to read "The Blood of Emmett Till" by Timothy Tyson and "At The Hands of Persons Unknown: The Lynching of Black America" by Phillip Dray.

He also asks that they submit within 30 days a written summary of at least 3,000 words about each book.

Rep. Jeramey Anderson, (D-Moss Point) joined the Mississippi Black Caucus, the Mississippi NAACP, the ACLU of Miss., and The Clarion Ledger in calling for Oliver to resign.
Anthony Garay was arrested in San Antonio, Texas, on Wednesday

A 31-year-old man has been arrested for child sex abuse after his nine-year-old daughter was caught looking up pornography at school to learn about what 'he did to her' at night.

Anthony Garay was arrested on Wednesday in San Antonio, Texas, after teachers at the Elk Elementary School contacted child services.

She was caught researching pornography on one of the school's iPads.

When approached by a member of staff, she said she was searching for 'what her dad does to her at night' and said he never let her sleep.

The nine-year-old said the abuse had been going on since she was eight, The Houston Chronicle reports.

Staff contacted child services who alerted police and Garay was arrested on Wednesday.

Garay is being held in Bexar County Jail on a felony charge of continuous sexual abuse of a child.

His bond was set at $75,000.

The man was previously investigated by child protection services for abusing the girl and her sister.

The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services did not respond to DailyMail.com's requests on Wednesday night.

Staff at the Elms Creek Elementary School (above) contacted social services
This is the terrifying moment a bonobo threw a concrete block out of its enclosure at a Florida zoo - narrowly missing a family.

Diane Steen was visiting Jacksonville Zoo, in Florida, with family and friends on Monday when they stopped at the bonobo enclosure.

Cellphone footage, taken by her friend, shows how their excitement turned to horror when one of the apes - Jumanji - picked up the hunk of rock and threw it in their direction.

This is the moment a bonobo threw a concrete block out of its enclosure at a Florida zoo - narrowly missing a family

Cellphone footage showed one of the apes - Jumanji - pick up the hunk of rock and throw it in their direction

Thankfully no-one was hurt by the large piece of concrete which landed nearby

'Oh, don't you throw that brick!' someone shouted off camera moments before the rock was thrown.

Steen's friend quickly shielded her two-year-old son while others tried to dodge the falling block.

Thankfully no-one was hurt.

Zoo officials say the staff scour the enclosures every day to make sure they are free from potential missiles which the animals could use to throw at visitors.

Diane Steen was visiting Jacksonville Zoo, in Florida, with her two daughters (pictured together) and a friend on Monday when they stopped at the bonobo enclosure

Steen and her daughters (pictured) were shaken by the close shave with the rock which could have caused serious injury

But in this case, the concrete brick may have been overlooked, or could have been in the moat in the enclosure.

'Bonobos are extremely affectionate; they settle their differences differently, which gets a lot of attention in the zoo world,' Jacksonville Zoo executive director Tony Vecchio told WTLV. 'They are close relatives of ours, they are highly intelligent. With that comes a strong personality.'

The current enclosure is very open and does not offer much protection for guests although officials say they are starting work on a new exhibit next month that will include a tall barrier between visitors and the animals.
When Melania Trump recited The Lord's Prayer before a Melbourne, Florida presidential rally in February, the Internet went hog wild.

Now we know one reason why the first lady began with 'Let us pray' and 'Our Father who art in heaven' when she introduced the president that evening: She's a practicing Roman Catholic.

Her spokeswoman Stephanie Grisham confirmed that to DailyMail.com on Wednesday, hours after Pope Francis blessed a rosary for her at the Vatican.

The last Catholics to live in the White House were John F. Kennedy and his wife Jackie. Melania and her son Barron will move to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue over the summer.

Mrs. Trump did more than just show up for a Papal audience.

She spent time in prayer at the Vatican-affiliated Bambino Gesu (Baby Jesus) Hospital, and laid flowers at the feet of a statue of the Madonna.

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Pope Francis blessed a rosary as first lady Melania Trump held it in her hand Wednesday, during a meeting at the Vatican; DailyMail.com can reveal that she is a practicing Catholic

Melania prayed in front of a statue of the Virgin Mary on Wednesday at the Bambino Gesu children's hospital in Rome

The Trumps spoke with the Pontiff, and Melania told him she was looking forward to visiting the hospital 'for the bambinos'

Mrs. Trump also prayed in the hospital's chapel on Wednesday

She also prayed in the hospital chapel and read to a young Greek boy in need of a donor heart  holding his hand in the Intensive Care Unit while camera shutters snapped.

The almighty may have heard her.

'Upon landing in Belgium, I learned a young boy and his family who had been waiting for a heart transplant was informed that the hospital has found a donor,' she said in a statement.

'I read a book and held hands with this special little one just a few hours ago, and now my own heart is filled with joy over this news.'

The first lady later tweeted about the development with the hashtags '#Blessings' and '#Faith.'

In another tweet, she sent 'blessings to all' after her Papal audience.

Mrs. Trump told Pope Francis at the Vatican that she was looking forward to going to the hospital 'for the bambinos.' She later called the visit 'very moving.'

'To spend time speaking to and coloring with children who have such a positive spirit despite illness was an amazing gift,' she said.

'The time I spent with the little ones in the Intensive Care Unit is something I will never forget, and I will pray for each of them daily.'

Mystery solved: Melania surprised a Melbourne, Florida crowd in February when she opened her introduction of her husband by reciting the Lord's Prayer

The first lady hugged a young boy in need of a heart transplant at the hospital on Wednesday

Hours later she learned that doctors had found a donor organ for the child

It's unclear when Mrs. Trump became a Catholic. The president is a life-long Presbyterian, and they were married in a Florida Episcopal church.

Growing up as the daughter of a Communist Party member in rural Slovenia, her family maintained the outward appearances of being atheists, according to people in her childhood village of Sevnica who spoke to DailyMail.com in late 2015.

Accordingly, Melania and her sister were not baptized and did not make their First Holy Communion with other children their age.

It's still not clear when Mrs. Trump was baptized into the Catholic faith. Grisham did not immediately respond to a question about that detail.

But the Trumps have been in a reflective religious mood since arriving in Saudi Arabia last Saturday. That frame of mind persisted throughout their time in Israel.

Mrs. Trump spent part of the afternoon coloring with the kids and praised their 'positive spirit despite illness'

Message: This was the

The president addressed 55 world leaders from Arab and other Muslim-majority nations in Riyadh, imploring them to be part of 'a coalition of nations who share the aim of stamping out extremism and providing our children a hopeful future that does honor to God.'

In Jerusalem he visited the famed Western Wall, slipping a written prayer between the centuries-old stones as custom permits.

He 'marveled at the monument to God's presence and man's perseverance,' he said Tuesday in a speech at the Israel Museum.

'I was humbled to place my hand upon the wall and to pray in that holy space for wisdom from God,' Trump told an audience of Jewish officials.

'This city, like no other place in the world, reveals the longing of the human heart  to know and worship God.'

Much of Melania's early religious history is unclear; people in her native Slovenian village of Sevnica say her Communist Party-enrolled father didn't have her baptized or sponsor her First Communion, in keeping with the atheist appearances of the communists

The Trumps were married in 205 at Bethesda-by-the-Sea Episcopal Church in Palm Beach, Florida, and the president is a life-long Presbyterian, suggesting that her Catholic conversion has come in the last 12 years

Trump issued a proclamation on Wednesday calling for a national 'day of prayer for permanent peace' on May 29, the upcoming Memorial Day holiday.

'On this ceremonious day, we remember the fallen, we pray for a lasting peace among nations, and we honor these guardians of our inalienable rights,' he said.

'I designate the hour beginning in each locality at 11:00 a.m. of that day as a time when people might unite in prayer. I urge the press, radio, television, and all other information media to cooperate in this observance,' Trump added.
Virginia Roberts, the woman who claims she was an underage sex slave for perverted financier Jeffrey Epstein, has settled her lawsuit against the woman she claims recruited her, Ghislaine Maxwell.

Lawyers for Roberts, who now goes by her married name Giuffre, tell DailyMail.com: 'We are happy to have settled this matter without the need for a trial and are pleased with the result.

The two women were die to see each other in court on Wednesday.

Roberts' lawyers had recently persuaded a judge to throw out a motion that would have prevented her from suing Epstein's one-time girlfriend for defamation. The decision had cleared the way for the civil case to go ahead in New York.

Virginia Roberts, 33, (who now goes by married name Virginia Giuffre) has settled her lawsuit against Ghislaine Maxwell for defamation after the British socialite released a damaging statement denying Roberts's claims that she recruited her as a sex slave from 1999 to 2001

The 33-year-old alleges financier and registered sex offender Jeffrey Epstein sexually abused her for years as Maxwell (who was his girlfriend at the time) passed her around among Epstein's friends for sex

The defamation suit alleged Maxwell instructed her spokesman to attack Roberts' honesty and truthfulness and to accuse her of lying.

Maxwell, the daughter of former British press baron Robert Maxwell who died when he fell off his yacht in 1991, had argued that a press release in which she attacked Roberts was protected speech.

But Judge Robert Sweet refused to accept that argument in a 76-page decision, saying that Roberts was arguing that Maxwell released the damaging statement out of 'malice.'

It was the second time the judge has sided with Roberts. In February last year he denied Maxwell's request to throw out the lawsuit when she said she was just defending herself against allegations that she helped set up sexual encounters between Roberts and powerful men.

Roberts, now a 33-year-old mother-of-three, says she was recruited by Maxwell when she was just 15. She claims she was then passed around among Epstein's friends for underage sex.

Maxwell, 55, was Epstein's girlfriend at the time.

In her lawsuit filed in 2015, Roberts  who now goes by her married name Virginia Giuffre  described how she became a victim of sex trafficking after Maxwell recruited her from a hotel where she worked.

'With the assistance of Maxwell, Epstein was able to sexually abuse Giuffre for years until Giuffre eventually escaped,' the lawsuit says.

'As part of their sex trafficking efforts, Epstein and Maxwell intimidated Giuffre into remaining silent about what had happened to her.'

After Roberts went public with her allegations, she describes how Maxwell undertook a 'concerted and malicious campaign to discredit Giuffre' so that her claims would not be believed.

The defamation suit alleged Maxwell instructed her spokesman to 'attack Giuffre's honesty and truthfulness and to accuse Giuffre of lying.'

It claimed Maxwell made a deliberate effort to 'maliciously discredit Giuffre and silence her efforts to expose sex crimes committed around the world by Maxwell, Epstein and other powerful persons. Maxwell made her statements knowing full well they were false.'

Maxwell has always refused to talk about her involvement with Epstein and has denied any involvement in sex trafficking.
Shots were been fired at a truck on a road in Melbourne's western outskirts during what is believed to be a road rage attack this morning.

The truck driver called police when the gunshots were fired at about 4am on Thursday on a main road in Melton West.

The driver was not injured but paramedics were called to the scene.

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Shots were fired at a truck in Melton West, in Melbourne's outskirts, around 4am on Thursday. The truck driver was not injured (pictured)

Police are hunting for the gunman, who it is suggested may have dumped the car - a black Nissan - they were driving, according to 9News.

Neighbours told The Herald Sun they awoke to a 'loud bang' at the time of the incident.

'The kids got scared and started crying,' mother-of-three Fariha Qureshi said.

Another female resident said she heard a car speeding in the area at the time.

'I didn't sleep well. There was a car that came flying around the corner,' Rachel Albert told the publication.

The investigating is ongoing.

Anyone with information is being urged to contact Crime Stoppers.
The brother of the Manchester bomber knew he was going to carry out the atrocity more than a month ago, Libyan police claimed last night.

Engineering student Hashem Abedi was being interrogated last night in Tripoli over claims he helped his older brother Salman build the suicide vest.

The brothers father was also arrested in Libya yesterday.

Hashem, 20, has confessed to knowing about the attack when he visited his suicide bomber brothers Manchester home in April, Libyan counter-terrorism officers said.

Hashem Abedi 'in training' according to his father Ramadan. The 20-year-old is said to have known about his brother's bomb plan a month earlier

Detectives said Hashem had links to Islamic State and was planning to carry out a terror attack in Tripoli.

He was seized at gunpoint during a raid on his home by Tripolis Special Deterrent Force (SDF) on Tuesday night  a day after his brother killed 22 concert goers in Manchester. At the time he was said to be trying to obtain a 2,500 money transfer sent by his brother before the bombing.

The brothers father Ramadan, 51, was also arrested in Libya yesterday afternoon  hours after insisting his son Salman, 22, had nothing to do with the suicide bombing in Britain.

The arrests took place after Mr Abedis eldest son Ismail, 23, was held by British police in Manchester on Tuesday afternoon.

Ramadan, his father, who was arrested while giving interviews on television

Last night the SDF released a picture of Hashem in police custody wearing a blue overall. It said he had been under surveillance for about a month and a half before the Manchester terror attack. But Libyan detectives are not thought to have told their British counterparts about the operation because they only suspected Hashem of planning an attack in Tripoli.

An SDF spokesman said: Hashem confessed to being in the UK while the terrorist operation was being planned. And it is clear that he was fully aware of all the details of the [Manchester] terrorist operation.

It is also important to note that Hashem left the UK on April 16 and said he was in constant contact with his brother, the executor of the operation.

Last night it emerged that the father of the British-born boys has publicly voiced his support for an extremist group fighting in Syria.

He posted photos of soldiers clad in black uniforms from the Al-Nusra Front, which was the official Syrian branch of Al Qaeda until it broke up last July, on his Facebook page five years ago. Underneath the photo, he wrote: Victorious against the infidels... say Amen!

Ramadan, a former airport security worker in the UK, also published a picture of Hashem holding a machine gun while wearing a Nike T-shirt and combat trousers. Underneath the picture he wrote: The lion Hashem... is training.

And in another post, he incited his followers to rise up against soldiers who served under former dictator Muammar Gaddafi.

Last night a former Libyan security official claimed the father had been a member of a former Al Qaeda-backed group in Libya.

According to the Associated Press news agency, ex-Libyan security official Abdel-Basit Haroun said he personally knew Ramadan, and that he had been a member of the Libyan Islamic Fighting Group (LIFG) in the 1990s. The group had links to Al Qaeda.

Although the LIFG has since disbanded, Mr Haroun alleged the father belonged to the Salafi Jihadi movement, the most extreme sect of Salafism and from which Al Qaeda and the Islamic State group hail.

Ramadan fled Tripoli in 1993 to Saudi Arabia after he was accused of helping Islamists by tipping them off before police raids.

Hashem Abedi, 20, the younger brother of Manchester suicide bomber Salman, has been arrested in Libya pictured left with brother Ismail, centre

He then claimed political asylum in Britain and lived there for 25 years, fathering three sons and a daughter, before returning to Libya after Gaddafi was ousted and killed in the countrys 2011 civil war. He went on to become a manager of the Central Security Force in Tripoli, as different factions continued to fight for overall control of the country.

His wife Samia Tabbal, who is a nuclear scientist, is a close friend of the wife of Abu Anas Al-Libi, an Al Qaeda veteran who was snatched off the streets of Tripoli in 2013 by US special forces.

Al-Libi faced accusations of involvement in the 1998 bombings of two US embassies in Africa. He was on the FBIs most-wanted terrorist list and died in US custody in 2015.

Hours before the dramatic developments, Ramadan Abedi claimed that Salman was not linked to Islamic militants, even though he was named as the Manchester suicide bomber by police and the security services.

Above, Facebook posts supporting Al Qaeda in Syria, posted by Ramadan, the bomber's father

He said he spoke to his son last Friday, saying he was getting ready to visit Saudi Arabia and sounded normal. Proclaiming his sons innocence, he stated: We dont believe in killing innocents. This is not us. Speaking from his home in Tripoli before his arrest he said: Until now my son is a suspect, and the authorities havent come up with a final conclusion.

Every father knows his son and his thoughts, my son does not have extremist thoughts. I was really shocked when I saw the news, I still dont believe it. My son was as religious as any child who opens his eyes in a religious family. As we were discussing news of similar attacks earlier, he was always against those attacks, saying theres no religious justification for them.

I dont understand how hed have become involved in an attack that led to the killing of children.

He added: My message to the world is there are hidden hands that want to tarnish the image of Muslims who live in the West.

Hashem Abedi pictured following his arrest in Tripoli, Libya. He visited his brother in Manchester in April

The father said that his son had travelled from Britain to Libya several weeks ago and that he was planning to return to spend the holy month of Ramadan with his family. He denied that his son had ever been to Syria.

Ramadan also denied having ties to any of Libyas militant groups, including the LIFG.

This is nonsense, he said yesterday, adding that under Gaddafi anyone who went to a mosque raised question marks.

Investigators are looking into possible links between Ramadan Abedi and Abdalraouf Abdallah, a Libyan refugee from Manchester who was shot in Libya and later jailed in the UK for terror offences, including helping Stephen Gray, a British Iraqi war veteran and Muslim covert, join fighters in Syria.

Yesterday Libyan online newspaper Al-Marsad reported that Ramadan had preached at Didsbury mosque in Manchester before returning to Libya several years ago.

A group of Gaddafi dissidents, who were members of LIFG, lived within close proximity to his son Salmans home in Whalley Range, Greater Manchester.

Among them was Abd al-Baset Azzouz, who left Britain to run a terrorist network in Libya overseen by Ayman al-Zawahiri, Osama bin Ladens successor as leader of Al Qaeda. Azzouz, 48, an expert bombmaker, was accused of running an Al Qaeda network in eastern Libya.
The Obama administration allowed at least 16 teenage foreigners into the United States even though it knew they were members of the so-called 'MS-13' gang, according to a Republican senator.

Senator Ron Johnson, a Republican from Wisconsin who heads the Senate Homeland Security Committee, said internal documents showed that the teenagers were sent to juvenile homes across the US, The Washington Times reported on Wednesday.

Johnson said he received the documents from a whistleblower who obtained documents from Customs and Border Protection dated 2014.

The documents include details about the 16 people who were caught crossing the border from Mexico.

'CBP apprehended them, knew they were MS-13 gang members, and they processed and disbursed them into our communities,' Johnson said.

The Obama administration allowed at least 16 teenage foreigners into the United States even though it knew they were members of the so-called 'MS-13' gang, according to a Republican senator. Suspected gang members are seen above being arrested in San Salvador in 2016

Senator Ron Johnson, a Republican from Wisconsin who heads the Senate Homeland Security Committee, said internal documents showed that the teenagers were sent to juvenile homes across the US

MS-13, or the Mara Salvatrucha, is believed by federal prosecutors to have thousands of members across the US, primarily immigrants from Central America.

It has a stronghold in Los Angeles, where it emerged in the 1980s as a neighborhood street gang.

But its true rise began after members were deported back to El Salvador in the 1990s. There, the gang thrived and spread to Honduras.

MS-13 and rival groups there now control entire towns, rape girls and young women, massacre students, bus drivers and merchants who refuse to pay extortion, and kill competitors or youths who simply refuse to join.

MS-13, or the Mara Salvatrucha, is believed by federal prosecutors to have thousands of members across the US, primarily immigrants from Central America. An MS-13 member is seen above in this 2013 file photo in El Salvador

Republicans have accused former President Barack Obama (above) of implementing lax immigration policies that allowed gang members to stream across the border into the US

That violence has prompted a migration of people trying to escape, especially children, who have streamed north because of a US policy allowing people under 18 who arrive without parents to stay in the country temporarily with relatives or friends.

Since the fall of 2013, the US has placed 165,000 unaccompanied minors.

Long Island has been a frequent landing spot. Suffolk County, which includes Brentwood and Central Islip, has gotten 4,500. Neighboring Nassau County has received 3,800.

In a recent roundup of 13 suspected MS-13 gang members accused of murder and other charges, seven had entered as unaccompanied minors.

Johnson said that a majority of unaccompanied minors who have arrived in the US are males between the ages of 15 and 17.

That, he claims, makes them prime targets for recruitment.

Johnson revealed the documents at a hearing on the dangers posed by MS-13.
A police chief has been beheaded and 21 people killed when more than 100 ISIS-linked militants stormed a city in the Philippines.

Members of the Maute Islamist group overran Marawi on Mindanao island leading to hours of pitched gun battles in the streets.

'The chief of police in Malabang on his way home, going back he was stopped by a checkpoint manned by terrorists and I think they decapitated them right then and there,' Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said.

Philippine troops arrive at their barracks to reinforce fellow troops following the siege by Muslim militants in Marawi where 21 people were killed

Chilling photographs from Marawi City in the Philippines, where an Islamist group has taken a priest hostage, show militants planting the ISIS flag on top of buildings

Terrorists also attacked the Cathedral of Our Lady Help and abducted church staff including Father Chito Suganob and worshipers.

'They have threatened to kill the hostages if the government forces unleashed against them are not recalled,' Filipino Archbishop Socrates Villegas said in a statement.

National military spokesman Colonel Edgard Arevalo said 13 government soldiers were killed along with 13 militants.

President Duterte, who declared martial law in parts of Mindanao after militants clashed with soldiers in Marawi yesterday, said he may extend it to other parts of the country if extremists seek sanctuary elsewhere.

Several online posts appeared to show the black and white flag used by ISIS hung from buildings in Marawi

Soldiers search vehicles of fleeing residents at a checkpoint following militants overrunning Filipino city

Filipino government troops stand guard at a government facility following President Rodrigo Duterte's declaration of martial law in Davao city, Mindanao Island

'We are in state of emergency,' he told reporters in Manila after a state visit to Moscow, adding he would deal with militants 'harshly'.

Chilling photos on social media purported to show Maute gunmen planting an ISIS-style black and white flag on top of a building in the middle of the city.

'At the time of his capture, Father Chito was in the performance of his ministry as a priest,' Archbishop Villegas said.

Islamist gunmen have taken hostages including a Catholic priest in Marawi, Philippines, shortly after President Rodrigo Duterte declared martial law to combat extremism. Pictured: Troops evacuating people from Marawi

Members of the ISIS-inspired Maute Islamist group stormed the Cathedral of Our Lady Help, on Mindanao island (pictured)

Duterte (pictured) declared martial law across the southern region of Mindanao last night after Islamist militants rampaged through the city of Marawi

'He was not a combatant. He was not bearing arms. He was a threat to none. His capture and that of his companions violates every norm of civilised conflict.'

But Marawi Mayor Majul Usman Gandamra has refused to confirm reports the terror group took hostages and insisted that the local government has the situation under control.

In a telephone interview with national broadcaster ANC, Gandamra said he was working with the military to bring peace and order to the city.

Police and military spokesmen were not immediately available to comment on Villegas's report of the hostage taking.

Filipino Archbishop Socrates Villegas said the extremists have threatened to kill the hostages if the government forces unleashed against them are not recalled

Archbishop Villegas went on to say the extremists took an undisclosed number of hostages to a secret location and the abductees have not been heard from since

'He was not a combatant,' said Archbishop Villegas. 'He was not bearing arms. He was a threat to none. His capture and that of his companions violates every norm of civilised conflict'

But Marawi Mayor Majul Usman Gandamra has refused to confirm reports the terror group took hostages in Marawi

The fighting in Marawi erupted yesterday when security forces raided a house they believed Isnilon Hapilon, leader of the infamous Abu Sayyaf kidnap gang

More than 100 gunmen responded to the raid by burning buildings and conducting other diversionary tactics

President Duterte says he may extend it to other parts of the country if extremists seek sanctuary elsewhere

The fighting in Marawi erupted yesterday when security forces raided a house they believed Isnilon Hapilon, leader of the infamous Abu Sayyaf kidnap gang and Philippine head of ISIS, was hiding.

WHAT HAPPENS UNDER MARTIAL LAW? Martial law allows the president to 'call out the armed forces to prevent or suppress lawless violence, invasion or rebellion', according to the constitution. Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said security forces would be able to arrest suspected militants and hold them for three days without charge. During the nine years of martial law under former dictator Ferdinand Marcos, police and troops tortured, abducted and killed thousands of people who were critical of the dictatorship, according to rights groups and historians. Duterte said his version of martial law would be 'harsh' and similar to that under Marcos. Advertisement

The United States regards Hapilon as one of the world's most dangerous terrorists, offering a bounty of $6 million for his capture.

More than 100 gunmen responded to the raid by burning buildings and conducting other diversionary tactics, according to Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana.

Security analysts say Hapilon has been trying to unite Filipino militant groups that have professed allegiance to IS.

These include the Maute group, named after two brothers who lead it and which is based near Marawi.

Duterte had repeatedly said the growing influence of Islamic State was one of the nation's top security concerns, and martial law was necessary to stop it.

However Islamist militancy is not new to the southern Philippines, where a decades-long Muslim separatist insurgency claimed more than 120,000 lives.

Muslim rebels orchestrated a siege in the southern city of Zamboanga in 2013 that left more than 200 people dead.

Duterte had repeatedly said the growing influence of Islamic State was one of the nation's top security concerns

Martial law allows the president to 'call out the armed forces to prevent or suppress lawless violence, invasion or rebellion', according to the Filipino constitution

ISIS KILLS FIVE IN FIRST SUICIDE ATTACK IN SOMALIA ISIS has claimed responsibility for its first ever suicide attack in the troubled African nation of Somalia. Police said five people were killed when a suicide bomber blew himself up at a checkpoint in the north-eastern port city of Bosaso, in Puntland, today. Witnesses told of how the blast occurred near a hotel often used as a meeting place for local officials. 'I think the bomber was trying to target the hotel but he was stopped at the checkpoint close to the hotel and he decided to detonate his explosives,' said witness Awke Mohamed. Puntland, which set up its own government in 1998, often comes under attack from Al-Qaeda-linked Shabaab militants. It is also home to a breakaway group of fighters who have declared allegiance to ISIS - but failed to gather much support. Advertisement

But the government of then-president Benigno Aquino did not declare martial law.

Aquino also said he had considered imposing martial law just before standing down last year in Sulu, island strongholds of the Abu Sayyaf in the far south of Mindanao.

But Aquino said he decided against it partly because military rule could spark resentment among local people.
Former Trump campaign foreign policy adviser Carter Page will testify next month before the House intelligence committee - and wants to do it in public.

The ex-aide, who is caught up in allegations of Russian collusion said Wednesday that details are still being worked out about his testimony before the House intelligence committee next month.

Page said he expects to testify sometime during the week of June 6 and wants at least part of his testimony to be public.

Page is one of several people associated with Trump's campaign who are under investigation over their ties to Russia.

He has denied any involvement in Russian attempts to influence the election but it is known he had dealings in Russia and was identified by the Russians as a person to cultivate.

I'll talk: Carter Page - photographed in Moscow in December 2016 - says he wants some of his testimony to the House Intelligence Committee to be in public

Congressman Adam Schiff, the top Democrat on the House's intelligence committee, said Wednesday that Michael Flynn would have to fill out a detailed proffer for the panel to even consider a deal like the one former White House aide requested

His intervention came as Trump's former national security adviser was told he could receive immunity for agreeing to testify about his contact with the Russians - but he'd have to clear a steep hurdle first.

Congressman Adam Schiff, the top Democrat on the House's intelligence committee, said Wednesday that Michael Flynn would have to fill out a detailed proffer for the panel to even consider a deal like the one former White House aide requested.

WHO'S CARTER PAGE? Page, 45, was a Navy veteran investment banker turned academic, who was named as a Trump foreign policy adviser in March 2016. In September 2016 it emerged his contact with Russians who were subject to U.S. sanctions was being investigated by intelligence officials. He quit the campaign, but also renewed links with Moscow and traveled there in December. As more details of the alleged Russian links to the Trump campaign spilled out he became a more central figure and admitted meeting Sergei Kislyak, the Russian ambassador, at the Republican convention. Then in April it was revealed that the FBI had obtained a warrant to surveil his communications with Moscow and that they had argued there was probable cause he was a foreign agent who knew he was engaged in gathering intelligence for Moscow. Page protests his innocence - but his testimony may be explosive. Advertisement

'We would want to make sure that he was being fully forthcoming and truthful and cooperative, and that it was someone whose testimony we could rely on,' Schiff told DailyMail.com after a Christian Science Monitor breakfast.

The Senate Intelligence Committee turned down an grant of immunity request from Flynn last month. An aide told NBC the request was 'wildly preliminary' and immunity was 'not on the table' at that time.

Schiff scoffed at the notion then, too, calling it a 'grave and momentous step' for the retired general who's under federal investigation for his alleged collusion with the Russian government to make such an ask.

He opened the door to one on Tuesday, though, telling CNN that it was 'premature' to write off an immunity deal altogether.

Flynn plead the Fifth in response to a document request from the Senate intelligence committee on Monday, limiting the panel's ability probe him.

The committee has subpoenaed Flynn, and two of his businesses, for information in conjunction with their Russia probe.

Mark Warner, the ranking Democrat on the Senate panel, told CNN he would consider holding Flynn in contempt, if the committee's lawyers determine that's an option.

The House is also issuing documents to compel the former Trump aide to comply, Schiff said.

'Those subpoenas will be designed to maximize the chance of getting the information that we need,' he told reporters during the breakfast, 'and I think we need to use whatever compulsory mechanism to get the information that he possesses.'

Flynn, far left, is expected to plead the Fifth at an appearance before a Senate panel Monday, limiting the intelligence committee's ability probe him.

Schiff, a former prosecutor, said the Fifth Amendment does not protect Flynn from certain document and material requests and his committee will obtain what it needs 'from Mr. Flynn or his businesses in whatever means we need to.'

That includes the consideration of Flynn's immunity request, although Schiff said he was 'skeptical' that it would be necessary.

'That's not something I think we would entertain until far later, if at all,' he said.

Schiff said he's still interested in pursuing the information 'either from him or from others' without a grant of immunity. Then he would want to speak to the Justice Department appointed special counsel, Bob Mueller, who's also investigating Flynn as part of DOJ's Russia probe.

'Finally we would require a detailed proffer form Mr. Flynn about what he would testify,' he said. 'You can certainly count me as very skeptical that we would get to that point, but that's the process that I think we should follow.'
Bomber Salman Adebi spoke to his nuclear scientist mother on the phone in Tripoli shortly before he detonated the device on Monday night.

A Libyan security source told the BBCs Newsnight that Abedi rang his brother in Libya, telling him to get their mother Samia Tabbal to call him.

It also emerged that Tabbal, 50, graduated from Tripoli university 'top of her class', it was said.

Salman Abedi, the suicide bomber who took the lives of 22 people in Manchester. His mother is a graduate who left Tripoli University at the top of her class

News sources in the US, citing intelligence officials, have said Abedi's mother was fearful her son had been radicalised.

It has also been claimed that she told authorities her son had been radicalised.

The terrorist's family had informed on the 22-year-old as they feared he had become 'dangerous', a US intelligence official told NBC.

It has been revealed Tabbal is a close friend of the wife of a former Al Qaeda commander who once featured on the FBI's World's Most Wanted Terrorists list with a 20million bounty on his head.

The Al Qaeda veteran, Abu Anas al-Libi, spent five years in Manchester - having won political asylum in Britain in 1995.

Salman Abedi's father Ramadan, who was arrested in Tripoli

He was later suspected of helping to plot the 1998 bombings of US embassies in Tanzania and Kenya.

The near-simultaneous atrocities in Dar es Salaam and Nairobi killed 224 people and left 4,500 people injured.

His wife Umm Abdul Rahman revealed yesterday she went to college in the Libyan capital with Abedi's mother, who was studying nuclear engineering. She said the two women also lived together in Manchester for a number of years.

Al-Libi returned to Libya from the UK in 2000, and was captured by U.S. Special Forces from a street in Tripoli in 2013. He died in custody two years later aged 50.

Last night a close family friend told the Mail: 'I am sure Salman's mother and father are very shocked by what he did.

'It is very sad because their mother is very intelligent. She told my wife that she was a nuclear science engineer and that she got excellent marks in her exams. She graduated top of her class from Tripoli University.'

Another top jihadist with links to south Manchester is master bombmaker Abd al-Baset Azzouz, 48, once listed by the U.S. as one of the 10 most dangerous global terrorists.
In the past year, the village of Supai in Arizona has drawn attention for the wrong reason: the abuse and neglect of horses used by villagers to carry visitors luggage and other goods. Photo by Carrie Allan/The HSUS

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The Havasupai Reservation village of Supai, Arizona, located just outside the boundaries of Grand Canyon National Park but sharing the extraordinary beauty of the region, is in its own right a popular and scenic tourist destination. Its waterfalls and swimming opportunities draw tourists and motivate them to descend a lengthy and tortuous eight-mile trail to get to the scenic destination at the base of the canyon.

But in the past year, Supai has drawn attention for the wrong reason: the abuse and neglect of horses used by villagers to carry visitors luggage and other goods along the eight-mile hike from the canyons entrance to Supai. Earlier this month, Genesis Award-winning reporter George Knapp of KLAS-TV in Las Vegas  entirely independent of any work that The HSUS did  captured very disturbing mistreatment of working animals in a series of reports aired by the station. Knapp discovered burros and mules with open sores and broken bones being forced to carry more than 100 pounds of weight over the treacherous trails. Some horses went down and couldnt get up, with some terrible outcomes for the horses.

This past weekend, the horses of Supai got some relief: 12 people, including representatives of Equine Voices Rescue & Sanctuary and Healing Hearts Animal Rescue, veterinarians, and equine hoof care specialists, under the leadership of HSUS Arizona state director Kellye Pinkleton, traveled there to provide veterinary medical treatment and education to the villages horse owners, with the consent and cooperation of tribal leaders. There are approximately 175 horses at Supai, and more than 70 were vaccinated, dewormed, and given dental and hoof care. The team also provided treatment on-site at the homes of several Havasupai tribe members. Dogs in the village were vaccinated for rabies, and everything was done at no charge to the tribal members.

There is no veterinarian in the village, no feed store, and little access to supplies, and as a sovereign nation, they are not covered by current state animal cruelty laws. Thats precisely why our Kellye Pinkleton opened up discussions and met with tribal leaders in 2016, following up with a proposal to provide education, training, and resources to caregivers, and veterinary care for the horses. Shes taken a collaborative approach, and the results have been extraordinarily beneficial for the horses.

We coordinated our work in Supai this week with tribal animal control officers. The veterinarians and equine hoof care specialist provided on-site training and education to the animal control officers and horse owners, treated and vaccinated horses, trimmed and shod hooves, and performed dental treatments, including extractions. The group also delivered equine food, pellets, salt blocks, bales of hay, and donated farrier tools and other supplies to the tribe.

The tribe surrendered five puppies, who went to the Coconino Humane Association in Flagstaff. A blind horse was transported to Equine Voices Rescue & Sanctuary located in Green Valley, where he will receive lifetime care and a loving home, with financial help from The HSUS. We are most grateful for the cooperation of the tribe.

The HSUS has always maintained, as evidenced by The Humane Society Veterinary Medical Associations Rural Area Veterinarians (RAVS) program, that any work done on tribal lands must be in partnership with the tribe and its leaders to ensure sustained, effective outcomes. Tribal lands are governed as sovereign nations and we believe cooperative efforts yield lasting positive results and allow for trust and opportunities to create additional ways to support the animals in tribal communities.

This effort embodied that spirit of cooperation and, Kellye said, the tribal leaders were pleased with the service and care provided by the team to their horses. We are encouraged by conversations with the tribal council members about our visit and look forward to continuing our discussions about future trips and exploring additional ways to partner, she added.

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Students at the university attended by the Manchester bomber have tried to sabotage the Prevent anti-terror scheme over claims it demonises Muslims.

The student union at Salford University, where Salman Abedi studied, passed a motion last year to boycott the initiative and educate undergraduates about its dangers.

The boycott was part of a Students not Suspects campaign, run by the National Union of Students, which has been linked with controversial terror apologist group CAGE.

Students at the university attended by the Manchester bomber Salman Abedi have tried to sabotage the Prevent anti-terror scheme over claims it demonises Muslims

The student union at Salford University, where Salman Abedi studied, passed a motion last year to boycott the initiative and educate undergraduates about its 'dangers'

Even yesterday, other Muslim student leaders in other Manchester universities have been calling for Prevent to be scrapped.

The Muslim chaplain for both Manchester University and Manchester Metropolitan University, said the scheme needed to be wrapped up and said society should move on

Prevent places a legal duty on universities to report any signs of students becoming radicalised to the authorities.

The purpose of the initiative is to stop students being groomed by extremists before it is too late, with teams of experts deployed to help those identified as at risk.

The duty began as a voluntary scheme and was made law in 2015  one year after Abedi began his business and management course at the university.

He dropped out in 2016 and it is not known whether he was radicalised during his time there or afterwards.

It is understood he was off the radar while at university and was unknown to the campus Islamic Society.

Yesterday, it emerged Martin Hall, the universitys former vice chancellor who retired in 2014, said in a blog two years ago that he was sceptical about implementing Prevent.

He warned that it raises issues and that the programme could anger and radicalise students.

Sunshine holiday: A young Salman Abedi, far right, poses on a beach with friends in Libya

Manchester concert bomber Salman Abedi (third from left) dropped out of uni in 2016

The Students not Suspects campaign has been criticised for its links to CAGE, which described Isis butcher Mohammed Emwazi  known as Jihadi John  as a beautiful young man

This is because of the implication that, simply by virtue of holding Islamic beliefs, a person is more likely to become a terrorist, he said in a piece for the Times Higher Education website.

Students at Salford have also been holding protests around campus using Students not Suspects placards to encourage their peers and staff not to comply.

Minutes from a 2016 meeting of Salford Universitys student union show members voted in favour of boycotting the scheme.

Union leaders warned at the time it demonised and criminalised Muslim students.

They resolved that the union and its officers would not engage with the Prevent strategy  effectively meaning they would not report any radicalised students to the police.

Bomber Salman Abedi was teased at school

They also vowed to educate students on the dangers of the Prevent Strategy.

The Students not Suspects campaign has been criticised for its links to CAGE, which described Isis butcher Mohammed Emwazi  known as Jihadi John  as a beautiful young man.

The groups outreach director, Moazzam Begg, has appeared as a speaker at many of the campus events held across the country by the NUS-run campaign.

Yesterday, it also emerged that other Muslim student leaders in other Manchester universities have been calling for Prevent to be abolished.

During a phone-in with Radio 5 Live, Mohammed Ullah, Muslim chaplain for Manchester University and Manchester Metropolitan University, said: As it stands [Prevent] is a toxic brand.

'It isolates the very people it is supposed to help. Because it turns people into spies against their own community.

He said he had never reported anyone to Prevent but would have to do so if the situation arose because he was duty bound.

The Muslim community in Manchester are especially against it, he said. We need to work with the Muslim community instead of turning them into suspects constantly.

Yesterday, the University of Salford said Mr Halls comments represented his personal views and not those of the university.

They added that the student union is a separate entity to the university.
Incredible footage shows the moment a thermal power plant is demolished in seconds.

The thermal power plant had served citizens for almost three decades, reports the People's Daily Online.

Two chimneys and a cooling tower can be seen toppling over after the explosives were set off under the building yesterday.

Two 180-metre-tall chimneys and a cooling tower were demolished in eastern China yesterday

The structure, known as Nanjing No. 2 Thermal Power Plant, in Jiangsu Province, has two 180 metres tall chimneys and a 5,500 square metres cooling tower.

Local firefighters and policemen evacuated over 200 people from nearby homes and shops just 40 minutes before the explosion.

At 3:30pm, around 2700 explosives buried underground were detonated, bringing down the plant, stated Yangtze Evening Post.

Video shows the two chimneys, as tall as a 60-storey building, starting to crumble from the bottom and eventually breaking into pieces.

The demolition lasted 12 seconds before the chimneys and the tower turned into ash.

The thermal power plant had been on the site for almost 30 years, offering electricity to town

A demolition with about 2700 explosives buried under the building took it down in just 12 secs

The chimneys fell on the ground and turned into ashes, marking a change to the land's future

Wu Yan, spokesperson from Nanjing Bao Po, the company in charge of the demolition, told reporters that it was not an easy task to demolish the building.

'The structure was only 20 metres away from electric cables and 26 metres away from railway tracks. We need to make sure the buildings fell in a certain direction,' said Wu.

The demolished land will be in part of an urban renewal plan by the local county council, though it is not sure what the land will be turned into.

Mr Ju, who is living close to the power plant, told Modern Daily, that he was happy to see the heavily polluted building vanish.

'My furniture would gather a layer of dust just moments after I open the window and it's a serious pollution problem for people living around,' said Ju.
Each year, thousands of animals, including zebras, wildebeests and gazelles, migrate in search of food.

While science has explained certain aspects of this migration, it is not fully understood how the animals know where to go.

Now in a new study, researchers have suggested that zebras may use their memory of past conditions to guide their migration each year.

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In a new study, researchers have suggested that zebras may use their memory of past conditions to guide their migration each year

ZEBRA NAVIGATION The researchers modelled migration routes of zebras using computer simulations. Zebras migrate around 155 miles (250 kilometres) from the Okavango Delta, Botswana to the Makgadikgadi grasslands each November. Dr Thomas Mueller, who also worked on the study, said: 'We tested two mechanisms which can influence the direction. 'Simulated zebras could use perception and sense, for example, the vegetation green up in their current surroundings. 'Alternatively, zebras could use memory, i.e. information from previous migrations, to forecast where to go.' The researchers then compared the simulated tracks with real-life tracks from GPS-tagged zebras. Results showed that memory using past average conditions was able to predict the migration destination of the modelled zebras up to four times closer than those modelled using perception to find their way. Advertisement

Researchers from Senckenberg Biodiversity and Climate Research Centre in Frankfurt looked at the migration of zebras around 155 miles (250 kilometres) from the Okavango Delta, Botswana to the Makgadikgadi grasslands.

Their findings suggest that memories based on past average conditions provide a clear signal that best directs the zebras to their destination.

In contrast, current vegetation conditions along the way are less important for the direction of the migration.

Dr Chloe Bracis, who led the study, said: 'Zebras appear to migrate to the location where foraging conditions were best in the past.

'They seem to navigate to their destination based on memory, and importantly, forecast conditions several months after arrival.'

The researchers modelled migration routes of zebras using computer simulations.

Zebras migrate around 155 miles (250 kilometres) each November.

Dr Thomas Mueller, who also worked on the study, said: 'We tested two mechanisms which can influence the direction.

'Simulated zebras could use perception and sense, for example, the vegetation green up in their current surroundings.

'Alternatively, zebras could use memory, i.e. information from previous migrations, to forecast where to go.'

The researchers then compared the simulated tracks with real-life tracks from GPS-tagged zebras.

The researchers have warned that migration routes of zebras are under threat by climate change and land use change in southern Africa

ZEBRA AIR CONDITIONING The reason why zebra have their stripes could be far from black and white. Scientists have suggested many reasons for the distinct monochrome patterns, but a recent study suggested it may be to keep the animals cool under the hot African sun. It is thought that differences in the way the dark and light fur absorb and give off heat create refreshing currents of air. The theory comes from US scientists who compared the stripes of zebra from 16 different sites with their living conditions. This included the weather, the vegetation and the presence of lions and biting flies.The analysis revealed a clear link between temperature and coat pattern, with zebra from the hottest areas having the stripiest bodies. Advertisement

Results showed that memory using past average conditions was able to predict the migration destination of the modelled zebras up to four times closer than those modelled using perception to find their way.

Dr Bracis said: 'Memory even beats perception at the largest  that is omniscient  perceptual ranges.

'However perception is still important.

'Other studies have shown the importance of perception of current local conditions on the timing and speed of the zebra migration, but these may be less important for zebras in terms of direction.'

The researchers have warned that migration routes of zebras are under threat by climate change and land use change in southern Africa.

For example, in this study, the zebra migration was blocked by a fence from the late 60s until 2004.

The team hopes that their study will contribute to the conservation of zebras.

Dr Mueller said: 'One can only protect migration routes efficiently if one knows how the animals migrate.

'If memory of past conditions informs the direction migrating animals take, this suggests migration routes could be relatively inflexible.'
For decades, a mysterious series of earthquakes has rocked the Pacific, although the source has remained a mystery.

Now, researchers believe they may have found a new layer of tectonic plates within the Earth's mantle that could explain the quakes.

While the results are preliminary, if they are verified, they could help scientists to reconstruct the layout of the Earth's surface millions of years ago.

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Using 3D mapping, the team has been able to generate a picture of Earth's interior, based on vibrations from earthquakes. Pictured in purple and white is the subducted Pacific slab, and pictured in red are the sites of the earthquakes

THE NEW LAYER OF PLATE TECTONICS Researchers from the University of Houston have presented early evidence of plate tectonics within the mantle. The team suggests that plates that were driven into the mantle millions of years ago may slide horizontally inside the 'transition zone'  a layer of mantle that lies 440-660km below the surface. Using 3D mapping, the team has been able to generate a picture of Earth's interior, based on vibrations from earthquakes. The findings suggest that this plate movement could explain the Vityaz earthquakes  a series of deep and powerful earthquakes that have been appearing between Fiji and Australia. The researchers believe that the bends and breaks in these subducted plates could be generating the earthquakes. Advertisement

Previous studies have shown that as continents move over the surface of the planet, they tear ocean floors apart, with magma from the mantle filling the gap.

And as tectonic plates meet, the oceanic plates are driven down into the mantle, in a process known as subduction.

According to The Guardian, researchers from the University of Houston have presented early evidence of plate tectonics within the mantle.

The mantle is the mostly-solid bulk of Earth's interior. It lies between Earth's core and its thin outer layer, the crust.

Presenting their findings at the Japan Geoscience Union and the American Geophysical Union in Tokyo, the researchers suggest that plates that were driven into the mantle millions of years ago may slide horizontally inside the 'transition zone'  a layer of mantle that lies 440-660km below the surface.

Using 3D mapping, the team has been able to generate a picture of Earth's interior, based on vibrations from earthquakes.

The findings suggest that this plate movement could explain the Vityaz earthquakes  a series of deep and powerful earthquakes that have been appearing between Fiji and Australia.

The researchers believe that the bends and breaks in these subducted plates could be generating the earthquakes.

Dr Jonny Wu, lead author of the study, told The Guardian: 'Basically, 90 per cent of Earth's deep seismicity (more than 500km deep) occurs at the Tonga area where we've found our long, flat slab.'

The researchers hope that their pictures of the inner Earth could be used to find other subducted tectonic plates in the mantle and then to reconstruct the layout of plates on Earth's surface millions of years ago.

The findings suggest that this plate movement could explain the Vityaz earthquakes  a series of deep and powerful earthquakes that have been appearing between Fiji and Australia. Pictured is the eruption of a volcano caused by one of these earthquakes in Tonga

For example, the team recently discovered an 8,000 kilometre-wide stretch of ocean, which they have named the East Asian Sea, that existed 52 million years ago, but is now buried deep within the mantle.

Dr Wu said: 'We're discovering lost oceans that we didn't even know existed.'

While most subducted plates will sink past the mantle's transition zone, under the western Pacific, the slabs come to a halt, according to the researchers.

The researchers believe that the bends and breaks in these subducted plates could be generating the earthquakes. Pictured is ash rising from an undersea volcanic eruption caused by one of the deep sea earthquakes in Tonga

Dr Wu said: 'The Pacific subduction rate is so fast that you've got to find space to get all the slab in there, and east Asia has had such a long history of subduction it's jammed up.

'So this slab is forced to slide within the upper mantle and transition zone and be thrust under China.'

The findings are preliminary and are yet to be peer reviewed.
From incredible cave paintings to home-made jewellery, it's well known that Stone Age man had an artistic streak.

Now experts have examined a large collection of iron-rich rock ochre - a mineral used to make pigments for paint.

The analysis indicates that this primitive paint was used for more than 4,500 years, demonstrating a 'cohesive behavioural system' shared by the community.

And how ochre was processed to create paint changed over time, signalling a culture shift in their society.

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Images of ochre (left), the iron-rich rock characterised by a red or yellow colour, found in a 40,000-year-old cave in Ethiopia (right). A new study has analysed how the pigment was used by Middle Stone Age humans, and how their use of the mineral changed over 4,500 years

PORC-EPIC CAVE Location: Ethiopia, 2km south of Dire Dawa. The cave is located 9 metres below the top of a vertical cliff called Garad Erer, making it not easily accessible. Size: 14 metres wide and three metres tall Notable finds: A human jaw fragment with two premolars and three molars showing both Neanderthal and non-Neanderthal features, according to the University of Indiana. Red and yellow ochres were found with areas of striation and faceting due to being rubbed on a grindstone to produce pigment. Collectively, more than 40kg of ochre was found. Advertisement

While the new research sheds light on the art materials created some 40,000 years ago, what the pigments were used for is controversial.

Some experts suggest they were used for tools, while others believe our ancestors painted their bodies with homemade paint for rituals.

Researchers have previously proposed that ochre may have been used to tan animal hides, making glue or even insect repellent, antiseptic treatments or 'sunscreen'.

Ochre  an iron-rich rock characterised by a red or yellow colour  has been found at many Middle Stone Age sites.

The natural earth pigment can produce colours ranging from yellow to deep orange or brown.

A team of researchers from the universities of Barcelona, Bordeaux and Witwatersrand in South Africa examined the largest known collection of Middle Stone Age ochre ever found.

The collection, unearthed at Ethiopia's ancient Porc-Epic Cave, weighs around 40 kilograms (90 lbs) and dates back 40,000 years.

The cave measures 14 metres (46 ft) wide and three metres (10 ft) tall and is located nine metres (30 ft) below the top of a vertical cliff called Garad Erer.

The researchers studied the ochre by recreating the techniques used by Middle Stone Age people when grinding the mineral down into a pigment.

The team discovered that the inhabitants of the cave routinely gathered, ground down, and used the same types of ochre during a 4,500-year period. These images show how ochre ground by the cave's inhabitants at different periods was processed using different tools

THE TOOLS USED A separate study by researchers from Bordeaux University on the same cave last year used a variety of techniques to analyse the stone tools found. They suggest that by using different tools, these early people would have been able to produce a variety of pigment preparations. This would have enabled them to produce courser grains for mixing as glue, as well as finer powders used for body paint. One of the stones - a round, unmarked rock - may have been dipped in ochre 'paint' and used as a stamp to decorate soft objects. Advertisement

They then used microscopes to assess how the ochre was handled and used over a 4,500-year timespan, studying 3,792 precious pieces of the coloured rock in total.

The team discovered that the inhabitants of the cave routinely gathered, ground down, and used the same types of ochre during the 4,500-year period.

In fact, the study showed the early humans had processed almost half of the ochre pieces found in the cave.

Over time, fewer pieces were ground down to make pigment, while more were flaked and scraped.

The gradual shift in ochre processing technique may have been caused by a cultural shift within the practice, the experts wrote in the journal Plos One.

The team believe that ochre pieces found to be ground more finely show that the cave community used different types of grindstones to make different grinding tools over the four millennia.

These finely ground pieces were likely processed for the production of small amounts of ochre powder.

This powder could have been used in symbolic activities, such as the production of patterns or body painting.

While the evidence in Ethiopia does not provide evidence of cave painting (pictured is cave art from Algeria), it alludes to a complex set of practices for the preparation of ochre, highlighting the important functional and possibly cultural role the pigments played in Stone Age life

The experts say that their analysis of ochre treatment seems to reflect a 'cohesive behavioural system shared by all community members and consistently transmitted through time.'

A separate study by researchers from Bordeaux University on the same cave last year used a variety of techniques to analyse the stone tools found.

They suggest that by using different tools, these early people would have been able to produce a variety of pigment preparations.

The collection, unearthed at Ethiopia's ancient Porc-Epic Cave, weighs around 40 kilograms (90 lbs) and dates back 40,000 years

This would have enabled them to produce courser grains for mixing as glue, as well as finer powders used for body paint.

One of the stones - a round, unmarked rock - may have been dipped in ochre 'paint' and used as a stamp to decorate soft objects.

Dr Daniela Rosso from Bordeaux University told MailOnline: 'Our findings show ochre powder of different colors and coarseness were produced at Porc-Epic Cave.

'This shows that ochre powder was likely employed for different functions, that could be utilitarian and/or symbolic in nature. This indicates a high degree of behavioral complexity.'
After months of anticipation, HMD has officially released the Nokia 3310 remake in the UK today.

The retro device features a month long standby, the much-loved game, Snake, and weighs just 79.6 grams.

Vodafone and Carphone Warehouse are among the first places people can buy the updated version of the classic mobile, for 49.99 - although many retailers have run out of stock until July.

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After months of anticipation, HMD has officially released the Nokia 3310 remake in the UK today. The retro device features a month long standby, the much-loved game, Snake, and weighs just 79.6 grams

THE NOKIA 3310 - Thin, light and durable - Measures 115.6 x 51.0 x 12.8mm - Weighs 79.6 grams - 22-hour talk time - One month battery life - 2.4 inch curved colour display - 2 megapixel camera with LED flash - Four colour options: red, yellow, dark blue and grey - Limited 2.5G internet capability - Bluetooth, micro USB, and headphone jack connections - MicroSD card support up to 32GB - Revamped version of Snake will come pre-installed - Release date of May 24th confirmed - Will cost 49.99 Advertisement

The remake of the Nokia 3310 was announced at the Mobile World Congress (MWC), held in Barcelona in February.

Among the bigger networks, EE and Vodafone are stocking the device, while O2 and Three are not.

Carphone Warehouse is also stocking the 49.99 device.

Fans in Germany have to hold on for another two days to get their hands on the device, while those in the Netherlands and Belgium will be able to buy a Nokia 3310 on June 6.

The European price will be 59.99, and the handset will not be available in the US.

A spokesperson for Nokia said: 'Thin, light and incredibly durable, the Nokia 3310 is a head turning modern twist on one of the best-selling feature phones of all time.

'Boasting an incredible 22-hour talk-time and month long stand-by, the Nokia 3310's fresh, colourful, modern design brings it bang up to date.

'Talk all day, text, take pictures, listen to music, and get hooked once more on the original mobile gaming hit Snake, all on a single charge.

'With its unparalleled month-long standby time, the Nokia 3310 encompasses everything you knew and loved in a sleek modern polycarbonate casing.

'And with inherent colour throughout its body the Nokia 3310 is more vibrant than ever before.'

The new Nokia 3310, is available in four colour options - warm red, dark blue, yellow and grey.

The new Nokia 3310, is available in four colour options - warm red (pictured), dark blue, yellow and grey

The phone, which sold 126million handsets until it was phased out in 2005, features the return of much-loved game, Snake (pictured)

MAILONLINE'S VERDICT Rating: MailOnline was able to get its hands on a Nokia 3310 phone before today's official launch. The phone is extremely light and thin, and puts a modern twist on the 2000 version, with a bigger screen and smoother finish. In terms of functionality, using the click-buttons takes some readjusting, and the central joystick controller is fairly clunky to navigate  especially with long nails. While the phone does have predictive texting, it didn't seem to recognise several words or names, which we had to manually add to the dictionary. The phone's camera is very low resolution and photos came out grainy. One of the main appeals of the phone is the return of the much-loved game Snake, which comes pre-loaded on the phone. While this is still fun, its more modern graphics slightly detract from the old-school classic. This new version is also available to play on any phone using Facebook Messenger. One of the biggest struggles with the phone came with trying to remove the backing, which took several attempts. This could prove an issue when trying to access the SIM card or battery. Overall, with a price tag of just 49.99, the Nokia 3310 could be a good secondary back-up phone that is perfect for getting you through a festival, but we don't see many people choosing to use it as their primary device. Advertisement

The iconic handset was a massive hit with users back in 2000 and the relaunched version includes a month-long battery, 22 hours of talk-time, and even its popular game, Snake.

While the handset looks similar to its predecessor, Nokia has brought its new model up to date and instead of the original display, a monochrome 84 x 84, it has a colour screen.

But it has limited internet capabilities, relying on 2.5G connectivity, with users browsing at speeds slower than if they were using 3G.

It also has a single camera which has just two megapixels.

The phone, which sold 126 million handsets until it was phased out in 2005, is being sold by Finish company HMD Global.

Carphone Warehouse has seen record numbers of people pre-register for the handset.

They said the 3310 attracted ten times more interest than any other flagship phone previously launched at the MWC.

The new 3310 attracted huge interest after details emerged from manufacturer HMD.

Andrew Wilson, UK director of buying at Carphone Warehouse, told the Telegraph: 'There has been an astonishing groundswell of interest in the Nokia 3310 following the launch announcement of this reimagined classic.

'Levels of pre-registrations at Carphone Warehouse are incredibly strong, proving that it's not all hype and that consumers really want to get their hands on one.'
It is a scene we all dread  an enormous space rock colliding with Earth, causing widespread chaos and destruction.

And experts have warned that the dreaded scenario could become a reality this year.

A leading astronomer from Nasa has tweeted a list of five known asteroids expected to fly scarily close to Earth within the coming year.

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It is a scene we all dread  an enormous space rock colliding with Earth, causing widespread chaos and destruction. And experts have warned that the dreaded scenario could become a reality this year (artist's impression)

CLOSE ENCOUNTERS WITH EARTH Asteroid Date of encounter Distance from Earth (lunar distances) Estimated diameter (metres) 2017 BS5 23 July 2017 3.15 40-90 2012 TC4 12 October 2017 0.15 12-27 2008 WM61 03 December 2017 3.82 12-27 2017 DR109 24 February 2018 3.69 8-18 2004 FG29 02 April 2018 4.00 17-38

Ron Baalke, a space explorer at Nasa's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California tweeted the worrying predictions.

He said: 'A list of known asteroid close approaches to Earth - less than five Lunar Distance - within the coming year', along with a table detailing the five asteroids.

According to Mr Baalke, the first close encounter will come on July 23, when Object 2017 BS5, which is predicted to have a diameter of 40-90 metres will come within 3.15 lunar distances (752,937 miles) with Earth.

The most worryingly close encounter is predicted to come on October 12, when Object 2012 TC4 will come within just 0.15 lunar distances (35,828 miles) with Earth, although thankfully the asteroid will only be 12-27 metres in diameter.

A further three close encounters will occur on December 3rd, February 24th, and April 2nd.

And while Mr Baalke has highlighted those five, there could be several other asteroids making close encounters with Earth.

In January, an asteroid as big as a bus came closer to Earth than the moon.

Ron Baalke, a space explorer at Nasa's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California tweeted: 'A list of known asteroid close approaches to Earth - less than five Lunar Distance - within the coming year', along with a table detailing the five asteroids

WHAT WOULD HAPPENED IF AN ASTEROID HIT? According to an asteroid-impact simulator called 'Impact Earth!' by Purdue University, if a porous rock asteroid of 111 feet (34 meters) long hit Earth at a 45-degree angle, the simulator found, it would have exploded as an air burst. The site says the blast would have released about 700 kilotons' worth of energy  dozens of times more powerful than the atomic bomb detonated over Hiroshima. However, since it would have occurred from a distance of about 10 miles high, it probably wouldn't have had much effect on the ground; if anything, a high-altitude boom may have sounded as loud as heavy traffic on the ground. Advertisement

The object, dubbed 2017 FJ101, zoomed passed within 202,000 miles (325,087 km) of our planet.

For years scientists have been trying to work out how to deal with the threat of an asteroid, which could hit us with little or no warning.

The White House released an official document called the 'National Near-Earth Object Preparedness Strategy', describing the plan if a meteor or asteroid was to head our way, and it shows we are under-prepared.

The document 'seeks to improve our nation's preparedness to address the hazard of near-Earth object (NEO) impacts by enhancing the integration of existing national and international assets and adding important capabilities that are currently lacking.'

NEOs are asteroids or comets that have an orbit that brings them near or into Earth's orbit.

In January, an asteroid as big as a bus came closer to Earth than the moon. Pictured is a diagram showing the orbit paths of the Earth and asteroid 2017 FJ101

If one of these was to zoom towards Earth in the future, it would not be the first time.

A 56 foot (17-metre) meteor that struck Chelyabinsk, Russia, in 2013, injured more than 1,000 people came with no warning.

This is why one of the strategies outlined in the document is to improve on Nasa's methods of detecting NEOs before it is too late.

The White House released an official document describing the plan if a meteor or asteroid was to head our way, and it shows we are under-prepared. Artist's impression pictured

SEVEN MAIN GOALS Enhance NEO detection, tracking and characterization capabilities. Develop methods for NEO deflection and disruption. Improve modelling, predictions, and information integration. Develop emergency procedures for NEO impact scenarios. Establish NEO impact response and recovery procedures. Leverage and support international cooperation. Establish coordination and communications protocols and thresholds for taking action. Advertisement

In seven main goals described in the document, the White House also focuses on improving modelling and predicting where NEOs will travel.

The US also plans to improve its emergency alert systems and invest in hi-tech space probes that could annihilate threats.

The document notes, as with other low-probability, high-consequence hazards, 'potential NEO impacts pose a significant and complex challenge.'

'This Strategy is a step in addressing the myriad challenges of managing and reducing the risks posed by both large and small NEOs,' it claims.

At the end of last year, Nasa warned we are not prepared for an asteroid strike.

Dr Joseph Nuth, a researcher at Nasa's Goddard Space Flight Centre in Maryland was speaking at the annual meeting of the American Geophysical Union in December.

He said: 'The biggest problem, basically, is there's not a hell of a lot we can do about it at the moment.'

In the 1998 film Deep Impact, a comet is hurtling toward Earth and could mean the end of all human life. The US government keeps the crisis under wraps, but a crack reporter uncovers the truth, forcing U.S. President Beck (Morgan Freeman, pictured) to announce his plan

NASA'S ASTEROID REDIRECT MISSION Nasa is planning an ambitious mission that will see a robotic spaceship visit an asteroid to create an orbiting base for astronauts. The robot shipwill pluck a large boulder off the space rock and sling it aroundthe moon, becoming a destination to prepare for futurehuman missions to Mars. Nasa plans to study the asteroid for about a year and test deflection techniques that one day may be necessary to save Earth from a potentially catastrophic collision. Advertisement

While dangerous asteroids and comets rarely hit Earth, Dr Nuth warned that the threat was always there.

He said: 'They are the extinction-level events, things like dinosaur killers, they're 50 to 60 million years apart, essentially.

'You could say, of course, we're due, but it's a random course at that point.'

Nasa is working on a series of missions including an asteroid redirect mission, that will see a robotic spaceship visit an asteroid to create an orbiting base for astronauts.

The space agency has a team of scientists who are always watching the skies for potential threats.

But while the US is upping its tactics to seek out the dangerous space rocks, other countries might be even less prepared.

In a planned mission, a robot ship will pluck a large boulder off an asteroid and sling it around the moon, becoming a destination to prepare for future human missions to Mars, the US space agency revealed last year

In the Spacecraft Structures Lab at Nasa's Langley Research Center, the Asteroid Redirect Mission robotic contact and restraint system was prototyped and tested

The US is undecided on whether to invest and prepare costly space technology to intercept those that will not affect its own country.

The document, however, suggests the country is looking to collaborate with other nations in the future.

'NEO impacts are a global hazard and could have major environmental, economic, and geopolitical consequences detrimental to the United States, even if the impact is beyond US territory,' it says.

'Although currently a global leader in detecting and tracking NEOs, the United States will depend (in part) on international cooperation and coordination to help develop capabilities for characterization and future capabilities related to the development and implementation of deflection and disruption capabilities for NEOs.'


Decades ago, President Donald Trumps style of speech was quite different than it is today.

In contrast to the tortured syntax now common in his responses, Trump was once far more articulate, often using well-structured sentences and sophisticated vocabulary, according to a new analysis.

Experts say the striking and unmistakable differences may fall in line with the expected cognitive decline that comes with age, and could even be strategic  but, some suggest neurodegenerative disease could also be to blame.

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In contrast to the tortured syntax now common in his responses, Trump was once far more articulate, often using well-structured sentences and sophisticated vocabulary, according to a new analysis

WHAT'S CAUSING IT? Experts say the changes observed in Trumps spontaneous answers may be linked to the cognitive decline of the aging brain; Trump is now just weeks shy of his 71st birthday. And, the phenomenon could be related to stress or fatigue. Some experts even suggest that a neurodegenerative disease could be behind the issue. Recent studies have linked changes in spontaneous speech to the onset of diseases such as Alzheimers, according to STAT. Advertisement

In the analysis, STAT News compared President Trumps responses during 2017 Q&A sessions with on-air interviews over the last few decades, and asked experts to weigh in.

This revealed that the US president has become increasingly linguistically challenged, according to the report.

His language difficulties could be due to the immense pressure hes under, or to annoyance that things arent going right and that there are all these scandals, neuropsychologist Sterling Johnson, of the University of Wisconsin, told STAT.

It could also be due to a neurodegenerative disease or the normal cognitive decline that comes with aging.

During interviews in the 1980s and 1990s, Trumps unscripted responses were far more polished and coherent, the report notes.

In a 1992 session with Charlie Rose, for example, Trump is quoted as saying, Ross Perot, he made some monumental mistakes.

Had he not dropped out of the election, had he not made the gaffes about the watch dogs and the guard dogs, if he didnt have three or four bad days  and they were real bad days  he could have conceivably won this crazy election.

By comparison, the report points to a recent example, in which Trump told press at the White House: There is no collusion between certainly myself and my campaign, but I can always speak for myself  and the Russians. Zero.

Experts say the striking and unmistakable differences may fall in line with the expected cognitive decline that comes with age, or could even be strategic. Trump is pictured during an interview with host David Letterman on December 22, 1987

Now, its common for Trumps responses to contain repetition, incoherent train-of-thought sentences, and even missing words, according to STAT.

The changes observed in Trumps spontaneous answers may be linked to the cognitive decline of the aging brain; Trump is now just weeks shy of his 71st birthday.

And, the phenomenon could be related to stress or fatigue.

TRUMP'S SPEECH, THEN VS NOW In the analysis, STAT News compared President Trumps responses during 2017 Q&A sessions with on-air interviews over the last few decades, and asked experts to weigh in. In a 1992 session with Charlie Rose, for example, Trump is quoted as saying, Ross Perot, he made some monumental mistakes. Had he not dropped out of the election, had he not made the gaffes about the watch dogs and the guard dogs, if he didnt have three or four bad days  and they were real bad days  he could have conceivably won this crazy election. The report also points to an example from this year: People want the border wall, Trump said in a recent interview with the Associated Press. My base definitely wants the border wall, my base really wants it  youve been to many of the rallies. OK, the thing they want more than anything is the wall. My base, which is a big base; I think my base is 45 percent. You know, its funny. The Democrats, they have a big advantage in the Electoral College. Big, big, big advantage. The Electoral College is very difficult for a Republican to win, and I will tell you, the people want to see it. They want to see the wall. Advertisement

Regardless of the cause, however, experts were in agreement that some form of decline had taken place, STAT reports.

I can see what people are responding to, Dr Robert Pyles, a psychiatrist in Boston and a Trump supporter, told STAT.

While the expert noted a difference in tone and pace, he also explained, What I did not detect was any gap in mentation or meaning.

I dont see any clear evidence of neurological or cognitive dysfunction.
Former Dance Moms star Abby Lee Miller is getting ready to serve time in federal prison for fraud.

And the dance instructor, who's 50, admits that she's nervous about what lies ahead.

'Its surreal,' she told UsWeekly. 'I keep thinking someones gonna call and say, Oh, it was a mistake!'

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Has to serve time: Abby Lee Miller, a dance instructor and star of Lifetime's Dance Moms reality series, admits she's nervous about going to prison next month

Miller was sentenced to a year and one day behind bars earlier this month and s slated to start serving her time in a Federal Corrections Institution in California next month. In addition to her prison sentence, she must also pay $160,000 in fines.

She pleaded guilty last year to one count of bankruptcy fraud and one count of failing to declare she'd brought into the country more than $10,000 after accepting $120,000-worth of Australian currency.

She initially faced 19 more counts of fraud relating to failure to disclose her earnings from Dance Moms and other money when she filed bankruptcy.

Miller told UsWeekly she's trying to find out as much information as she can about what she will and won't be allowed to do or have in prison but it's proving stressful.

Getting ready: Miller, 50, pictured May 14 in LA, described the whole experience as 'surreal' and said she keeps thinking she'll get a call telling her everything is a mistake

Facing the music: The reality star pleaded guilty to bankruptcy fraud and bringing more than $10,000 into th eU.S. undeclared and was sentenced to a year and one day in federal prison

'Theres a woman, who is a specialist, with the bureau of prisons, and she was supposed to prepare me for this. And she told me to take money for toiletries,' she said.

'I wanna know, can I wear socks to bed? Because my feet cramp up and they freeze. Can I do this, do that? Am I going to be able to have a computer there? Am I allowed to have specific deodorant? I have normal questions that a normal person would ask. Im not getting those answers.'

She also shared that she hasn't taken any self-defense classes or taken up karate before adding that 'maybe I should be.'

Last week, Miller was allowed by a judge to travel from Los Angeles to New York for three booked television appearances for which she was paid.

However, the Lifetime reality star was ordered to be back in LA by Saturday.

She shared images from her promotional trip to the Big Apple on social media including her upper class seat on JetBlue and getting her hair styled before one of her appearances.
Sara Rowbotham, the woman responsible for bringing the Rochdale grooming circles to justice, delighted fans with an appearance on Channel 4's First Dates.

On Tuesday night, the whistle-blower won hearts of viewers when she headed to the famed First Dates restaurant in a bid to find love, as she admitted after the trauma: 'I became really angry all the time. Im ready to start to live my life again'.

Fans swarmed Twitter during the show as they insisted the former sexual health worker 'deserved to be cherished' while also calling for her to received an OBE due to the 'duty of care' she gave the victims of the grooming.

From 2003 to 2014, Sara, who was depicted by Maxine Peake in harrowing BBC drama Three Girls last week, worked as a crisis intervention team coordinator in a service designed to prevent sexual exploitation in girls.

Throughout her work, she began to suspect a group of older Asian men were abusing young girls after which she started making referrals to local police and social services - with more than 100 flags dismissed by officials.

Many of the girls were deemed 'unreliable witnesses' by police, who they eventually struggled to speak to yet remained candid and open with Sara who was determined to pursue the responsible men - eventually persuading Greater Manchester Police to investigate the issue, leading to the conviction of nine men in 2012.

At the end of Three Girls, producers explained that Sara was made redundant - despite the evidence she collected still being used to prosecute child sex offenders for crimes dating back to 2003 - leading to further passion from fans.

Hard times: Sara Rowbotham, the woman responsible for bringing the Rochdale grooming circles to justice, delighted fans with an appearance on First Dates

Deep talks: On Tuesday night, the whistle-blower won hearts of viewers when she headed to the famed First Dates restaurant in a bid to find love, as she admitted: 'I became really angry all the time. Im ready to start to live my life again'

After Maxine's appearance propelled Sara into the public eye once more, admirers were delighted to see the 'hero' on TV herself, where she gave a candid insight into what she went through, shortly before enjoying her date.

Sara, who has been single for over eight years, revealed to Nicky, her pretty blonde date: 'I was really involved with my work in social services, it was all-encompassing, it was child sexual exploitation in Rochdale.

'Children told me that they were being sexually abused and trying to get other people to do anything about it was really difficult. That went on for almost 10 years before anyone did anything.'

In her VT, Sara candidly discussed how things have been since her tumultuous experiences: 'I feel like Im coming out of a difficult dark time. I was a big fireball at the time, I became really angry all the time.

Painful portrayal: After Maxine's appearance propelled Sara into the public eye once more, admirers were delighted to see the 'hero' on TV, where she gave a candid insight into what she went through, shortly before enjoying her date

'Im ready to start to live my life again and be able to have nice times and not be so stressed or anxious or angry. Im ready to not be so worried and stressed to be care free.'

Fans swarmed the microblogging site to praise Sara as they penned: 'What an amazing woman Sara Rowbotham is!... What an inspiration Sara Rowbotham is. Absolutely amazing! So glad she is on first dates tonight... Ahhh #sararowbotham you lovely lady! You deserve something amazing...

'Sara Rowbotham I hope she finds the love she deserves. What an amazing woman #FirstDates... #SaraRowbotham ought to be made a national hero! She needs to be publicly recognised for her duty of care she gave to the girls #threegirls...

'Sara Rowbotham? From Rotherham the one played by #MaxinePeake in #ThreeGirls? She's a legend. Give her the best date ever. #FirstDates... Not fan of tv dramas but seeing SaraRowbotham on #FirstDates has made me think I really need to watch #ThreeGirls such poignant&important drama...

'Amazing to see the actual Sara Rowbotham on #FirstDates. What a brave and inspiring lady. Hope she finds partner she deserves. And an OBE.... who saw Sara Rowbotham on first dates tonight it was lovely to see her she looked lovely what an amazing woman...

'Fascinating to see Rochdale's Sara Rowbotham on First Dates. Clearly very disarming. Hope she finds love soon!... Sara Rowbotham is an inspiration, fighting for the vulnerable when no one else would. I hope you find happiness #threegirls #firstdates... Sara Rowbotham you're a hero..

'it's now time to look after you x @FirstDates... Sara Rowbotham - such a brave & remarkable lady, she deserves all the happiness. #threegirls #firstdates... "I went to Parliament and grassed them all up for being rubbish." Sara Rowbotham on #FirstDates is on fine form!...

'Sara Rowbotham on first dates, this lady deserves to be cherished... so so lovely. Truly deserve happiness. Good luck... well done girl hope it goes well for you... Please let #sararowbotham find a date so she can be happy just like she deserves. Then give her a pride of Britain #firstdates.'
At The HSUS, we are advocates of dogs, and we are allies of the police. Thats why we are working to prevent deadly encounters between the two through our Humane State Program and the HSUS Law Enforcement Training Center. Photo by iStockphoto

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Last July, Vickie Malone hosted kids at her home in Wynnewood, Oklahoma, to celebrate her five-year old sons birthday. Eli and the other kids were about to get ice cream and cake when they heard a shot ring out.

Opie, the boys pit bull mix, was gasping for air after a local police officer in the small Oklahoma town shot the dog, presumably because of aggressive behavior. Parents and kids raced outside, and the officer fired two more shots into Opie. A celebratory event turned into a tragic one.

The police offer had been there to serve a warrant, but the subject of the warrant hadnt lived at the address in years. Elis family had done nothing wrong, and the policemans visit happened only because of an out-of-date database.

The U.S. Department of Justice estimates that police officers, often acting as first responders in crisis situations, shoot and kill as many as 10,000 dogs a year  that is one dog every hour of every day. Its a staggering and surprising and distressing number. Though some of these deadly encounters cannot be avoided, training for police officers on how to assess a dogs body language, possible intentions, and the use of passive, non-lethal methods is not a standard in police academy or in service training.

At The HSUS, we are advocates of dogs, and we are allies of the police, who enforce our animal protection laws and other statutes that keep order in society. We want to solve this problem, and thats why we are working to prevent these deadly encounters through our Humane State Program and the HSUS Law Enforcement Training Center, which, among so many other purposes, train law enforcement officials on how to safely and effectively deal with canine encounters.

This week, we were in Oklahoma where 550 law enforcement officers received training and resources from HSUS experts on encounters between police and dogs, understanding the process of bonding and forfeiture in cruelty cases, and veterinary forensics. The officers also received resources like control poles and leashes to help them when they encounter dogs on the field.

Only a handful of states require police officers to receive training on encounters with dogs, most of which were implemented after large civil, and in some instances, criminal charges were filed against officers and their departments in the deaths of dogs. Dog owners are fighting back and winning these large lawsuits. Under the Fourth Amendment, shooting someones dog has been considered by multiple district courts as a seizure of property. Recently, in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, a court awarded a man $1.26 million dollars for the death of his beloved Chesapeake Bay retriever who was shot and killed by the police. Training to handle these encounters in non-violent ways is good business for the police and its good public relations.

Police officers are put in harrowing situations every day and must make life-and-death decisions in a split second. When dogs are added to these situations, the consequences can often turn deadly due to lack of training and tactical options Providing knowledge, experience, and tactical options to every possible officer is one goal of our multi-faceted Humane State Program.

The National Sheriffs Association is working on the issue with The HSUS, and has a training video and other resources on its website to allow officers to handle these circumstances.

Law enforcement officers and the agencies that employ them have an enormous array of responsibilities, and they encounter a dizzying array of circumstances. We know that good training will help them, it will spare animal lives, and it will allow for better enforcement of our animal protection laws. Thats why were working so hard on this program, and its a win for all parties, including the dogs.

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She revealed she was tuckered out following a 'big weekend of birthday parties'.

And pregnant Snezana Markoski looked a little on the sleepy side as she stepped out in Melbourne on Tuesday.

The former Bachelor star showed off her baby bump in a head-to-toe black ensemble as she ran errands with her daughter Eve.

Feeling tired? Pregnant Snezana Markoski showed off her baby bump in a black T-shirt as she stepped out to run errands in Melbourne on Tuesday

The 36-year-old kept herself comfortable for the outing, wearing a baggy black T-shirt, a pair of skinny jeans tucked into suede knee-high boots and a warm wool boxy jacket.

She accessorised with an expensive Chanel quilted handbag and black shades.

Snezana appeared makeup free and her brunette locks were left out and around her shoulders.

Busy mother: The 35-year-old was joined by her 12-year-old daughter Eve following her birthday celebrations over the weekend

On Tuesday, Snezana and her partner Sam Wood said they were recovering from weekend celebrations for his 37th birthday and her daughter Eve's 12th birthday.

The Bachelor lovebirds headed back to work on Monday, with Sam teasing his pregnant fiancee in an Instagram post for sleeping on the job.

The stunning brunette appeared to be enjoying a nap as she reclined on a camel-coloured sofa while her partner held his Apple MacBook and posed for the camera.

Keeping cosy: The 36-year-old kept herself comfortable for the outing, wearing a baggy black T-shirt, a pair of skinny jeans tucked into suede knee-high boots and a warm wool boxy jacket

'After a big weekend of birthday parties Snez came into the 28 office today to do some "work",' he joked in the photo's caption, adding the hashtag '#tiredmama'.

The lifestyle specialist referenced his fitness business, 28 By Sam Wood, where he provides clients with training, nutrition and wellbeing programs.

Fans of the twosome took to the image's comments section to show their support for Snezana and poke fun at Sam.

Exhausted! On Tuesday Snezana and her partner, father-to-be Sam Wood, said they were recovering from weekend celebrations for his 37th birthday and her daughter Eve's 12th birthday

'Never wake a sleeping mumma!' one follower admonished him.

'Shouldn't you be giving the tired expectant mumma a foot rub instead of checking your Insta and FB?' suggested another.

During Eve's birthday celebrations on Sunday, Sam posted a touching tribute to her on his Instagram of the trio dancing with the caption: 'We love you beautiful girl'.

They enjoyed a more intimate party for Sam's birthday the following day, with Snezana calling him 'the love of my life' in a social media tribute.

She gushed over her future husband and called him 'a man I love with all my heart and can't live without'.

Party time: Sam and Snez celebrated the fitness guru's 37th birthday over the weekend
He's the charismatic, Hollywood star, currently on the promotional trail for his latest film, The Mummy.

And during a Sunrise interview on Wednesday, where Tom Cruise revealed he's still 'a romantic', David Koch noted the 'connection' between the 54-year-old and his co-host Samantha Armytage, 40.

Following the flirty interview, the curvaceous blonde blushed while stating: 'He is gorgeous. I really liked him.'

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'He is gorgeous. I really liked him': Samantha Armytage, 40, blushed as co-host David Koch spoke of her 'connection' with Tom Cruise, 54, following their flirty Sunrise interview on Wednesday

'I thought there was a connection between you and Tom,' David, 61, noted shortly after the interview.

'The way he looked at you and shook your hand,' the presenter continued.

Blushing, Sam responded: 'Stop pimping me out.'

'He is gorgeous. I really liked him,' she added of Tom.

Connection: 'I thought there was a connection between you and Tom,' David, 61, noted shortly after the interview, adding: 'The way he looked at you and shook your hand'

Banter: Blushing, Sam responded: 'Stop pimping me out.' 'He is gorgeous. I really liked him,' she added of Tom

Sam is known for her very likeable and personable approach to interviews on the Channel Seven breakfast program.

In August last year, the co-anchor appeared to really enjoy talking to Hollywood heavyweight Mel Gibson, 61.

Dishing out the compliments during her one-on-one interview, a single Sam couldn't help but gush over the star's physique and facial scruff.

After Mel spoke about his back pain from filming the action flick Blood Father at his age, she quickly commented on how good he looked.

'I couldn't help but notice Mel, even though you say you've got back pain and you're 60, you're very buff in this movie and I like the beard. Do you enjoy the beard?'

Mel told her his other half, Rosalind Ross, 26, liked his beard and told him to grow it.

Charm: In August last year, Sam appeared to really enjoy talking to Hollywood heavyweight Mel Gibson, 61. Dishing out the compliments, a single Sam couldn't help but gush over the star's physique and facial scruff

Giggling Sam: The co-anchor turned on the charm: 'You obviously worked out hard for this movie,' she said

Flirty: Mel told her he didn't work too hard, to which Sam responded: 'It's got to be more than that'

Again, Sam turned on the charm: 'You obviously worked out hard for this movie,' she said, before Mel told her he didn't work too hard and exercised 'a couple of times a week.'

'It's got to be more than that,' she added, giggling throughout her chat with Mel.

And in July last year, Sam unleashed her feminine charms when she interviewed Matt Damon, 46, on the red carpet of his new Jason Bourne film.

She jokingly asked him if he wants her to organise a coffee for him when he would appeared on their show in the coming days.

Coffee and a chat? And in July last year, Sam unleashed her feminine charms when she interviewed Matt Damon, 46, on the red carpet. She jokingly asked him if he wants her to organise a coffee for him, when he would appeared on their show in the coming days

Meanwhile, since her first interview with Russell Crowe in 2013, Woman's Day magazine speculated of a budding romance between the two.

Sam described Russell, 53, as 'very charming' when he gifted her with a mix tape of his music, after interviewing him in 2013 for his role in blockbuster Man Of Steel.

Co-host David even noticed the chemistry saying: 'You were flirting with him [Crowe] more than you were flirting with Henry [Cavill].'

Claims: Woman's Day magazine speculated of a budding romance between Sam and Russell Crowe in 2013

Sam herself, took to Twitter to share her excitement following the interview.

'No photo with @russellcrowe BUT he did give me a lovely present ... he was vv charming (sic).'

And with rumours not dying down, Sam responded to another Woman's Day story, stating: 'I'm denying, I'm strenuously denying (a romance).'
Nicki Minaj opted for comfort over her signature scantily-clad style while catching a departing flight out of LAX on Tuesday afternoon.

The 34-year-old rap diva - who relies on stylist Maher Jridi - sported a purple bomber, matching heels, black skinny pants, and a quilted Chanel backpack.

The 10-time Grammy nominee finished off her jet-setting look with large red shades and false lashes applied by make-up artist Sheika Daley.

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Flying back home? Nicki Minaj opted for comfort over her signature scantily-clad style while catching a departing flight out of LAX on Tuesday afternoon

Nicki (born Onika Maraj) strutted through the bustling terminal, bodyguard in tow, swinging her ankle-length wig created by Tokyo Stylez.

Minaj was far more glam for Tuesday's The Ellen DeGeneres Show in an Alexander Mcqueen jacket and corset, Jean Paul Gaultier mini-skirt, and Tom Ford stilettos.

The Trinidad-born, New York-raised beauty confirmed her budding romance with to 13-time Grammy-nominated rapper Nas on the daytime talk show.

'He's so dope,' the tuition benefactor gushed.

Casual: The 34-year-old rap diva - who relies on stylist Maher Jridi - sported a purple bomber, matching heels, black skinny pants, and a quilted Chanel backpack

Peace! The 10-time Grammy nominee finished off her jet-setting look with large red shades and false lashes applied by make-up artist Sheika Daley

Long hair, don't care! Nicki (born Onika Maraj) strutted through the bustling terminal, bodyguard in tow, swinging her ankle-length wig created by Tokyo Stylez

'He's such a king. He is the King of Queens, and I'd like to think I'm the Queen of Queens. Well he's a rap legend, and I have a lot of respect for him. And, you know, he's kind of cute, too. We have [had sleepovers].

'We didn't do the [nasty], because I'm just chilling right now. I'm celibate. I wanted to go a year without dating any man. I hate men. But I might make an exception to the rule for him, because he's so dope.'

Nicki - who split with Meek Mill in January - was last romantically linked to videographer, Grizz Lee aka Alex Loucas.

While at LAX, the former American Idol judge told TMZ she plans on performing for the people of Manchester next year.

Diva! Minaj was far more glam for Tuesday's The Ellen DeGeneres Show in an Alexander Mcqueen jacket and corset, Jean Paul Gaultier mini-skirt, and Tom Ford stilettos

'He's so dope': The Trinidad-born, New York-raised beauty confirmed her budding romance with to 13-time Grammy-nominated rapper Nas on the daytime talk show

The tuition benefactor said: 'We didn't do the [nasty], because I'm just chilling right now. I'm celibate. I wanted to go a year without dating any man. I hate men. But I might make an exception to the rule for him, because he's so dope'

'It's heartbreaking. Of course I'll perform for my Manchester fans. They deserve it,' the Swish Swish rapper said.

'We don't operate in fear. Nope. [It sends a message] that they win. Nope.'

On Monday, Minaj had her Side to Side partner Ariana Grande in her thoughts and prayers after the ISIS terror attack following her Manchester Arena concert.

'My heart hurts for my sister, Ariana & every family affected by this tragic event in the U.K.,' the Light My Body Up hitmaker - who boasts 143.4M followers - tweeted.

'It's heartbreaking. They deserve it': While at LAX, the former American Idol judge told TMZ she plans on performing for the people of Manchester next year

'Innocent lives lost': On Monday, Minaj had her Side to Side partner Ariana Grande in her thoughts and prayers after the ISIS terror attack following her Manchester Arena concert

The Light My Body Up hitmaker - who boasts 143.4M followers - tweeted: 'My heart hurts for my sister, Ariana & every family affected by this tragic event in the U.K.'

'Innocent lives lost. I'm so sorry to hear this.'

The suicide bomber Salman Abedi killed 23 people (as young as eight-year-old Saffie Rose Roussos) and injured 59 others in the foyer of the British venue.

According to TMZ, the 23-year-old R&B belter has 'indefinitely suspended' her 80-date Dangerous Woman Tour following the devastating bombing.

Tuesday night vigil: The suicide bomber Salman Abedi killed 23 people (as young as eight-year-old Saffie Rose Roussos) and injured 59 others in the foyer of the British venue
He took a five year break from The Only Way Is Essex following an explosive final appearance in 2012.

And having returned to the structured reality series in its latest season, Jamie Reed has opened up about the state of his relationships following the finale episode two weeks ago.

Of most note was what he had to say about his now-over relationship with Amber Turner, despite things fizzling out between the pair weeks ago.

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'I'd like her to move to Australia!' TOWIE's Jamie Reed says he'd like ex Amber Turner to leave the country... and reveals that he confides in Mark Wright and Michelle Keegan

'Its all kind of settling down now,' he told Simon Gross, speaking on The Showbiz Show. 'With my ex girlfriend and what she did - the Twitter response has been so nice; the people on the streets have been so nice.

'I dont want to say that it has wasted 4 years... I just hope that she is happy.'

Jamie was referring to the fact that Amber, who he dated for a long time, seemingly betrayed him to be with another TOWIE hunk Dan Edgar - in what turned out to just be a casual fling.

'Its difficult to see [Amber] as much I see her. I dont think that's normal. I dont think that in the normal world you would bump into your ex as much as I have.

'I would rather not see her everyday so I can move on. I would like her to move on as well and I dont need that constant reminder.'

Confidantes: Jamie explained that Mark Wright, the former TOWIE front man, helped him through his and Amber's split, along with his wife Michelle Keegan

Honest: Jamie Reed has opened up about the state of his relationships following the finale episode two weeks ago

The reality star wasn't shy about expressing his feelings for Amber now that the dust has settled - namely that he would like to see her flee the country.

'I would like Amber to spend a couple of years in Australia,' he told Simon in the one-to-one. 'In the nicest possible way! So in a couple of years time we could meet and say what happened.'

Jamie explained that Mark Wright, the former TOWIE front man, helped him through his and Amber's split, along with his wife Michelle Keegan.

'Mark and Michelle had a good chat with me about the Amber situation and he helps out a lot,' he recalled. 'If I could bring back a former TOWIE cast member it would be Mark. I think the viewers would like to see him again and I think we would bounce off each other.'

Opening up: 'Its all kind of settling down now,' he told Simon Gross [L], speaking on The Showbiz Show. 'With my ex girlfriend and what she did - the Twitter response has been so nice; the people on the streets have been so nice'

He wants you back: 'If I could bring back a former TOWIE cast member it would be Mark. I think the viewers would like to see him again and I think we would bounce off each other,' Jamie admitted

Jamie also divulged his thoughts on his ex Amber's friend Megan McKenna.

'I have always had a good relationship with Megan, she used to work at a bar that I ran. Me and Megan are okay. I dont think that she has been 100 per cent supportive of my relationship with Amber, but Megan tells it how it is.'

Despite his apparent chagrin that Amber is still a UK resident, Jamie has since found a new romance in the form of Jade Lewis.

'She has basically changed my whole life,' he gushed of the brunette Kendall Jenner lookalike. 'Jade has joined me now on TOWIE. Amber is there and that's where all the conflict comes from. Jade has been amazing for me, she is a lot of fun.'

Saying it how it is: Jamie also divulged his thoughts on his ex Amber's friend Megan McKenna

Bitter: The reality star wasn't shy about expressing his feelings for Amber now that the dust has settled - namely that he would like to see her flee the country

Jamie also touched upon his last moments on TOWIE in 2012 in which he threw a drink at Frankie Essex.

'I think everyone remembers the punch bowl incident!' he said sheepishly.

While Jamie and Jade were last seen at the end of season pool party on TOWIE's finale episode, Amber was left sour-faced as she watched Lauren Pope return on the scene, with her sights set on Dan.

Unlikely to take Jamie's advice and immigrate Down Under, Amber, Dan and Lauren are bound to be the source of drama when TOWIE returns again later in the year.
She fell in love with her fellow Bachelor contestant Tiffany Scanlon early last year.

And Megan Marx has revealed the former lovebirds, who broke up in March, haven't spoken since their split.

The 28-year-old also told The Kyle & Jackie O Show on Wednesday she had 'lots of sex' with other women prior to Tiffany and has been dating 'boys and girls' lately.

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Silence: Megan Marx has revealed her and Tiffany Scanlon, who broke up in March, haven't spoken since their split

Co-host Kyle Sandilands mentioned the last time he had seen the reality star was when her and her ex-girlfriend were named MAXIM magazine's Couple Of The Year.

'And a couple months later we weren't a couple at all,' she answered and revealed the duo aren't on speaking terms.

'How did that go to s***?' Kyle asked her. 'Everyone was loving that.'

Familiar: The 28-year-old also told The Kyle & Jackie O Show on Wednesday she had 'lots of sex' with other women prior to Tiffany and has been dating 'boys and girls' lately

'You know what? Dating women is really weird,' she replied. 'It's hard.'

'Is it harder than guys? I thought it would be easier,' co-host Jackie O offered.

'It wasn't for me. I feel like I've got PTSD from it!' she joked.

'You know what? Dating women is really weird,' she replied. 'It's hard'

Kyle asked the stunning blonde if Tiffany was the first woman she had dated.

'Dated? Yes. Been with? No,' she responded.

'Have you been with other women?' he prodded further.

'Yes. Lots of sex. So much sex, Kyle,' she quipped.

'Yes. Lots of sex. So much sex, Kyle,' she quipped

Jackie asked her if she would continue to date women or if she was 'done with that'.

'I will, I'm open to it,' she offered. 'It's just a bit harder to find women you're not only attracted to, but that are bisexual or into women also.'

Kyle told her 'a little birdie' had told him she went on a 'date with a boy' a week earlier.

'I will, I'm open to it,' she offered. 'It's just a bit harder to find women you're not only attracted to, but that are bisexual or into women also'

'I've been on quite a few dates recently, boys and girls,' she confirmed.

'I don't have a type when it comes to sex,' she continued. 'I also don't care what someone looks like.'

The Perth-born stunner said her high-profile relationship with Tiffany felt like 'it went for a decade, when it was only like a year'.
She's posed naked for many saucy snaps shared with her 138k followers online.

And now Megan Marx has unveiled two nude paintings sketched by renowned Australian artist Charles Billich in Sydney.

The artist, 82, and the former Bachelor star, 28, debuted the revealing canvases on Wednesday at Billich Gallery at The Rocks.

Naked ambition! Former Bachelor star Megan Marx bares all as she unveils NUDE sketch portraits by Charles Billich in Sydney on Wednesday

The blonde reality star held up a black and white print next to the eccentric painter, as Charles gleamed with a smile while displaying his creations.

The sketches showcased Megan's exposed breasts and taut stomach.

Each piece was signed by Charles and marked with the letter 'M'.

While on KIIS FM's Kyle And Jackie 'O' on Wednesday morning, Megan revealed each artwork took 20 minutes for Charles to complete.

Exposed! The sketches left little to the imagination, showcasing Megan's exposed breasts, taut stomach and pelvic regions

Gushing over the opportunity to model for the acclaimed artist, she said: 'He's got painting in the Vatican and the White House - he's a great artist.'

After seeing one of the sketches for himself, shock jock Kyle Sandilands retorted: 'He's done an amazing job there, but what's wrong with the pelvic region, what's going on there? In that sketch it looks like you've got a little pudge there, but you don't have a pudge?'

'Maybe I've just got a big belly, maybe I'm three months pregnant,' Megan joked, before adding: 'I think he's made it more Disney, everything is very curvy and flowy.'

She's not shy! The reality star claimed for each portrait she sat in front of the artist for 20 minutes in a private area with an 'open door'

'I think he's made it more Disney, everything is very curvy': Megan's figure has been sketched with busty cleavage and a curvaceously slender fugure

Former Real Housewives Of Melbourne star Christa Billich was at the unveiling on Wednesday and was also seen posing with Megan.

Megan told Kyle and Jackie 'O': 'She's amazing, she's great. It was her husband drawing me.'

She said Christa admired her husband's work and chose to view part of her naked session as 'it was a private area, but it was an open door.'

Charles and his wife Christa have been married for more than 30 years, and told Daily Mail Australia last year the secret to a long lasting relationship was having sex and being intimate with other people.

'In truth, marriage was designed at a time when the average life span was 30 or 35 years and they didnt have the time to explore what else there was,' he said. 'Today we live to 100 so it would be pretty boring to have monogamy.'

The pair met in the 1980s, when Christa came into Charles' gallery and bought four paintings. He told her that as a bonus for buying that many, he would sketch her.

'It was an open door': Former Real Housewives Of Melbourne star Christa Billich was at the unveiling on Wednesday, as Megan mentioned the artist's wife viewed part of her naked session in front of her husband

Meanwhile, the blonde bombshell has also confessed to being 'basically nudists' with her lesbian ex Tiffany Scanlon.

'The best part of my relationship with Tiffany was we had a lot of fun together... we were basically just nudists,' she said cheekily.

Megan rationalised her fascination with getting naked as 'making up for lost time' as she grew up in a Mormon environment and didn't wear a bikini until she was 23.
Orlando Bloom showed off his chic sartorial style as he attended a screening of Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales in New York City on Tuesday.

The hunky Lord Of The Rings actor paired his blue suit with a crisp white shirt and a black tie.

The 40-year-old looked handsome as he posed for pictures on the carpet, making his first public appearance since he was forced to 'apologise' to fling Viviana Ross for a 'night of passion' which cost the aspiring actress her waitressing job at London's Chiltern Firehouse.

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Handsome guy: Orlando Bloom showed off his chic sartorial style as he attended a screening of Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales in New York City on Tuesday

Oops: Orlando's outing comes after he was forced to 'apologise' to fling Viviana Ross (pictured on Tuesday) for a 'night of passion' which cost the aspiring actress her waitressing job at London's Chiltern Firehouse

Also at the screening was actor Brenton Thwaites and Javier Bardem.

The film marks the fifth in the blockbuster franchise as it follows Captain Jack Sparrow's tale as he searches for the trident of Poseidon.

Johnny Depp of course reprises his role as the infamous, drunken pirate.

Sparrow finds himself on the run again from a cursed set of pirates, Captain Armando Salazar, played by Bardem, and his crew.

Scrubs up nicely: The hunky Lord Of The Rings actor paired his blue suit with a crisp white shirt and a black tie

He attempts to save Henrys father Will, played by Orlando, from the destiny of Davy Jones ship.

Keira Knightley reprises her role as Elizabeth Swan whilst fellow British actress Kaya Scodelario is set to play Carina Smyth.

Despite the huge anticipation of the film, the action movie has largely received negative reviews.

Good looking co-stars: Also at the screening was Brenton Thwaites (L) and Javier Bardem (C)

The Hollywood Reporter said: 'the series took a turn with the fourth installment, giving an impetus for a new direction for the upcoming fifth film.'

THR's John DeFore said the film doesn't quite live up to the level of the original.

He wrote in his review that: 'a very high bar was set the first go-round.'

'Johnny Depp's cartoonishly louche Keith Richards-meets-Hunter Thompson pirate Jack Sparrow, the globally recognized caricature who by now feels (appropriately) more like a theme-park mascot than a Hollywood swashbuckler,' he continued.

The movie, which is directed by Joachim Ronning and Espen Sandberg, is out in theaters Thursday.

Strike a pose: Orlando posed with his co-star Javier, larking about on the red carpet together

Tryst: Orlando's appearance out in London in the wake of details of her night of 'incredible sex' with the star being made public

Orlando's appearance at the premiere comes after sacked waitress Viviana stepped out in London in the wake of details of her night of 'incredible sex' with the star being made public, costing her her job.

Orlando was reportedly left 'concerned' and called up the 21-year-old, who arrived in Britain from Romania two months ago, to 'make sure she was okay' and 'apologise' for the steamy tryst, as reported by The Sun.

The paper revealed that Orlando had 'no idea' about the turn of events that followed his 'night of passion' with Viviana.

Decent chap: Orlando was reportedly left 'concerned' and called up the 21-year-old, who arrived in Britain from Romania two months ago, to 'make sure she was okay' and 'apologise' for the steamy tryst, as reported by The Sun

Shocked: The paper revealed that Orlando had 'no idea' about the turn of events that followed his 'night of passion' with Viviana

Revealing that the two never exchanged numbers on the night, a close source went on to state: 'Orlando got her number from the Chiltern Firehouse in London and called to make sure that Viviana was okay.

'The call will have come out of the blue - he is a gentleman and he genuinely had no idea what had happened after he left he Chiltern Firehouse.

'He just said, "I am sorry about what happened."'

The insider also stated that despite the 'passionate night' together, Orlando and Viviana didn't 'expect it to be any more than what it was.'

One night only? The insider also stated that despite the 'passionate night' together, Orlando and Viviana didn't 'expect it to be any more than what it was'
She's the Real Housewives Of Sydney star known for her no-holds-barred attitude.

But Lisa Oldfield's no-filter 'humour' got her in trouble on Wednesday, when fans labelled her social media post 'pathetic'.

The 41-year-old posted a fake news article on Instagram alongside a children's rhyme which poked fun at the horrific headline.

'Why is this funny? You're pathetic': Lisa Oldfield swiftly deleted an Instagram post which some fans claimed mocked violence against women just minutes after posting it on Wednesday

The fake news headline read: 'Qatar: Jealous husband seals wife's vagina with crazy glue'. It was accompanied with a photo of a woman in a burqa.

Lisa wrote in the caption: 'Roses are red, violets are blue, jealous husband seals wife's vagina with crazy glue.'

The offensive post was swiftly deleted by the Sydney socialite, but not before her followers expressed their disapproval.

One fan wrote: 'Why is this funny? Violence and abuse towards women is a joke? You're pathetic.'

Social media controversy: The 41-year-old posted a fake news article on Instagram alongside a children's rhyme which poked fun at the horrific headline

'Violence and abuse towards women is a joke?': Fans were not impressed by Lisa's post

Lisa Oldfield later told Daily Mail Australia: 'It was a joke comment on fake news. But some of my followers took the post seriously and construed that as me condoning domestic violence.

'Being a survivor of domestic violence, the last thing I would want is for anyone to think that DV is OK.

'I never thought that my post would be misconstrued, but having had that interpretation pointed out to me, I immediately removed it.'

Couple: The controversial socialite is married to former One Nation politician David Oldfield

Family life: Lisa and David share two children - Harry, six, and Bert, four

Lisa, the wife of former One Nation politician David Oldfield, is a fan-favourite thanks to her witty one-liners and politically incorrect humour.

But she has recently admitted her own mother has not been impressed by her behaviour on the Foxtel reality TV series.

Taking to Instagram on Tuesday, Lisa revealed her mother 'isn't speaking to her' after watching The Real Housewives Of Sydney.
Katie Holmes looked every inch the Hollywood starlet when she stepped out for the Whitney Museum's annual spring gala on Tuesday.

Wearing a knee-length dress, the former Dawson's Creek actress looked stunning as she posed for photos before the event in New York City.

The 38-year-old went for a black and silver beaded shift dress, which featured a criss-cross pattern.

Going glam: Katie Holmes looked every inch the Hollywood starlet when she stepped out for the Whitney Museum's annual spring gala on Tuesday

The classic cut dress also featured a scalloped hemline.

The stunning star wore strappy black stilettos and carried a black clutch purse.

She teamed her ensemble with a silver bangle and a plum lip.

Katie's long bob was worn loose and in tousled waves.

Formal: The event appeared to have been a sit-down dinner, with the Toledo-born actress seen dining at a table inside the gala

Flattering: The 38-year-old went for a black and silver beaded shift dress, which featured a criss-cross pattern

The event appeared to have been a sit-down dinner, with the Toledo-born actress seen dining at a table inside the gala.

The brunette beauty appeared to have been surrounded by men in suits at the event.

Her outing comes amid reports The Kennedys actress is ready to go public with her relationship with Jamie Foxx.

In love: Her outing comes amid reports The Kennedys actress is ready to go public with her relationship with Jamie Foxx

The pair have been reportedly dating since 2013, and Katie enjoyed a romantic Paris getaway with the 49-year-old actor earlier this month.

Only yesterday, Jamie was asked about his relationship with the star point blank after arriving at LAX airport.

He branded reports the pair are dating 'fake news'.
Actor Alex Dimitriades left very little to the imagination while enjoying a swim at Sydney's Camp Cove on Tuesday.

The 43-year-old sported a pair of very revealing patterned boardshorts that put his impressive anatomy out on show.

The Head On star cut a solo figure for the occasion, appearing relaxed and carefree as he strolled along the sand.

Alex's big day at the beach! Head On star Dimitriades, 43, wore very revealing swimwear as went for a dip at Sydney's Camp Cove on Tuesday

The actor wore a pair of floral printed boardies that hung low on his hips.

Ensuring he attained an even tan on his toned legs, The Slap star rolled up his swimwear to resemble Budgie Smugglers.

Travelling lightly, Alex brought along an abstract towel, grey jacket, sneakers, and his trusty iPhone.

Revealing: A pair of patterned boardshorts were rolled up to resemble Budgie Smugglers

Getting that glow: Going solo for the outing, Alex worked on his bronzed tan

Connected: The Greek-Australian was seen checking his trusty iPhone intermittently

After a quick dip in the water, Alex made his way back to the sand to work on his tan.

Checking his iPhone intermittently, the Sydney-born personality performed a series of stretches.

Resting his arms on a railing along the boardwalk, Alex pushed his pelvis forward to stretch out his back muscles.

Easy travels: Travelling lightly, Alex draped an abstract towel over a metal railing, and placed a grey towel and pair of sneakers on the edge of the boardwalk

Lightweight: The muscular star appeared to forgo any undergarments, sporting just a pair of boardshorts

Stretching out: Alex placed his hands on the metal railing and performed a series of moves

The Greek-Australian gained notoriety in 1993 after starring as Nick Polides in drama series, Heartbreak High.

Alex went on to star in Aussie productions Underbelly, The Slap, as well as 1998 film, Head On.

The muscular personality is also a sought-after DJ in Sydney, having recently taken to the decks at the launch of Tokyo Laundry, a contemporary Japanese bar and restaurant.

Notoriety: Alex rose to fame in 1993 after starring as Nick Polides, in drama series Heartbreak High

Familiar face: The personality went on to star in Aussie productions Underbelly, The Slap, as well as 1998 film, Head On
He's been travelling across Canada with boyfriend Ash Toweel.

And on Tuesday, Big Brother's Tim Dormer continued their romantic getaway with a countryside hike.

At the end of their walk, the 31-year-old took to Instagram to share a picture of the couple kissing.

It's love! On Tuesday, Big Brother's Tim Dormer continued his romantic getaway in Canada with his rumoured fiance Ash Toweel as they enjoyed a countryside hike

Meanwhile, it looks like Tim's trip to North America is for both business and pleasure.

While in Toronto, the reality TV veteran made a panel appearance during the finale of Big Brother Canada.

Earlier this month, Tim sparked engagement rumours after he was photographed with a ring on his wedding finger.

Did he propose? This month, Tim sparked engagement rumours after he was photographed with a ring on his wedding finger

Business and pleasure! While in Toronto, the reality TV veteran made a panel appearance during the finale of Big Brother Canada

He later refused to confirm or deny the rumours, but did make a powerful statement about marriage equality Down Under.

He wrote on social media: 'Whether or not I got engaged... IT'S STILL BLOODY ILLEGAL FOR ME TO PUT A RING ON IT IN AUSTRALIA!!!' he wrote.

Tim and Ash debuted their romance in December last year.
He once told Rebel Wilson to 'f**k off' while having dinner with Nicole Kidman.

But on Wednesday, Russell Crowe expressed support for the Pitch Perfect actress, calling her 'courageous' for suing the publisher of Woman's Day.

The Gladiator star was asked for his thoughts on Rebel's defamation lawsuit against Bauer Media during an interview with Nova FM's Chrissie, Sam & Browny.

Support: Speaking to Nova FM, Russell Crowe expressed support for Rebel Wilson (pictured) amid her legal battle with Bauer Media, the publishers of Woman's Day magazine

'I think she's being very courageous doing that,' he said. 'She's taking a lot of time out of her life.'

Russell added: 'And no matter how it goes it won't be of any financial benefit to her. The only benefit will be a simple moral perspective.'

Rebel, 37, is currently in her native Australia where she has made court appearances this week as part of the defamation trial.

'I think she's being very courageous doing that': On Wednesday, Russell (pictured) was asked for his thoughts on Rebel's defamation lawsuit, which is currently taking place in Melbourne

She claims eight articles published by Bauer Media damaged her career.

'These articles were a deliberate malicious take-down of me,' she told an all-female jury in the Supreme Court of Victoria on Tuesday.

She denied claims from Bauer's defence counsel that the articles, which she says portrayed her as a serial liar and a fake, were light-hearted in tone and had no serious effect on her.

Court case: The Pitch Perfect star, 37, is currently in her native Australia where she has made court appearances this week as part of the defamation trial

The articles stated Wilson had been dishonest about her age, name and childhood.

'It's kind of like they're getting the knife and just shoving it further into me,' Rebel said.

In 2013, Rebel revealed on The Tonight Show she was once shut down by Russell after approaching Nicole Kidman at a Sydney restaurant.

She was once one of 16 actors at the Australian Theatre for Young People offered a scholarship through Nicole's scheme.

Snubbed! In 2013, Rebel revealed on The Tonight Show she was once shut down by Russell after approaching Nicole Kidman at a Sydney restaurant. Pictured: Russell and Rebel in 2015

After noticing Nicole dining with Russell, Rebel approached the actress to thank her for the opportunity when Russell rather impolitely demanded that she go away.

'I thought now is my chance to say "thank you" and I went up to them but before I could say anything Russell Crowe looked at me and says, "F**k off",' she said.

'So I just like put my head down and walked away. But thanks Nicole.'
She is the doting wife former Roosters captain Anthony Minichiello.

And on Wednesday Terry Biviano left little to the imagination about her love life with her NRL star husband.

Taking to Instagram to wish him a Happy Birthday, Terry referred to her hunk as 'the greatest lover.'

One big compliment! Taking to Instagram to wish him a Happy Birthday, Terry Biviano referred to her hunk Anthony Minichiello (above) as 'the greatest lover'

'The greatest lover, greatest friend & greatest husband,' she captioned the intended sweet, but TMI post.

'Nothing can be compared to you! Happy Birthday my love @minicheiello001 #adoreyou #mylove #happybirthday.'

The couple are currently taking a little break are staying at Kokomo Private Island in Fiji.

The high life: The couple are currently taking a little break are staying at Kokomo Private Island in Fiji

In the snap, a shirtless Anthony was seen wearing a pair of black shorts that showed displayed his washboard abs.

Getting into the tropical vacation spirit, he also donned a traditional Fijian lei around his neck.

Standing in front of a gorgeous beach side backdrop, Anthony showed off the exclusive resort they're currently vacationing in.

Family: Known for sparing no expense, the high-life couple are parents to three-year-old daughter, Azura

According to the official private island website, the luxury residence costs vacation goers up to $18,000 per night.

Known for sparing no expense, the high-life couple are parents to three-year-old daughter, Azura.

The couple, who recently celebrated their fifth wedding anniversary, said late last year that they were planning to spend $560,000 to revamp their $3 million Vaucluse home.

Adding another one to the nest: To add to their planned renovations the shoe designer revealed last month that they were also planning to build another new home

And to add to their planned renovations, the shoe designer revealed last month they were also planning to build another new home.

'It is in its very early stages, the slab hasn't even been laid yet,' she told The Daily Telegraph.

Terry did not reveal the location or the expected costs of their new abode.
He may be 62, but Kelsey Grammer shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.

After welcoming his seventh child in November, the former Frasier star was spotted enjoying a family holiday in Miami on Tuesday.

Donning a pair of beige-colored boardshorts, the robust actor was spotted running around his hotel's pool.

Taking a dip: Kelsey Grammer was spotted enjoying a poolside family holiday in Miami on Tuesday

He also took to the water to play with his two-year-old son, also named Kelsey.

The hands-on dad was spotted wading near the edge of the pool with his arms open, ready to catch the toddler, who was about to jump in.

The blonde little boy could be seen giggling at his comedian dad moments before leaping into the water.

He wore red and blue boardshorts printed with starfish.

Fighting fit: Donning a pair of beige-colored boardshorts, the robust actor was spotted running around his hotel's pool

Child's play: The hands-on dad was spotted wading near the edge of the pool with his arms open, ready to catch his two-year-old son, also named Kelsey, who was about to jump in

Meanwhile, Kelsey's wife, Kayte Walsh, was busy attending to the couple's six-month-old son, Auden.

The actor has three children with the 36-year-old, including daughter, Faith, four.

He sensationally left his wife of 14 years, The Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills star, Camille Grammer, 48, for the blonde bombshell in 2011.

Blended family: The actor has seven children in total, including three with his current wife, Kayte Walsh

In addition to his three kids with Kayte, Kelsey has four more children from his previous relationships.

His first marriage to Doreen Alderman produced daughter Spencer, 33.

He then had daughter Greer, 25, with hairstylist Barrie Buckner.

And he had two more children with Camille, daughter Mason, 15, and son Jude, 12.
He split with mother of his children Lindy Klim in February last year, with his wife-of-10-years telling The Sun-Herald earlier this month their divorce was 'very difficult'.

But it looks like former Olympic swimmer Michael Klim, 39, is putting the bitter break-up well and truly behind him as he and girlfriend Desiree Deravi holiday together in Sumba, Indonesia.

Taking to their respective Instagram accounts, the loved-up duo posted images of themselves having a blast on the sun-soaked island paradise.

Vacation in paradise: Former Olympic swimmer Michael Klim (pictured left) and his girlfriend Desiree Deravi (pictured right) look loved up as they jump into a swimming pool while on holiday on the Indonesian island of Sumba

On one photo posted to Desiree's Instagram account, Michael and his 37-year-old girlfriend look set to make a splash as they held hands jumping into a glistening swimming pool.

Desiree captioned the happy snap: 'Loving every minute of our vacation in Sumba #love #vacation #wanderlust #indonesia #islands #nihigram'.

The white sandy beach and clear blue sky behind them acted as a picturesque backdrop to their gorgeous image.

That's a paddlin': The 39-year-old former gold medalist hit the beach for a surf

New love: Michael and Desiree (pictured) began dating after the breakdown of the swimmer's 10-year marriage to ex-wife Lindy

Outdoors lover: The still-in-shape father-of-three went for a run during his trip

A decade on from his forced retirement in 2007 thanks to injury, the former gold medalist still looked to be in good shape as he donned black and white board shorts.

Meanwhile, his partner Desiree showed off her own toned physique in a peach bandeau bikini top and matching bottoms.

The couple seemed to be having an adventurous time on their trip, with other photos showing a range of activities the two were getting up to.

That's what we call a bath! Desiree chilled out in an outdoor over-sized bathtub

How's the serenity? The brunette beauty soaked up the beach atmosphere as she sat on a rock

Michael's Instagram account was flooded with photos of the father-of-three going for a surf and run near the beach.

Brunette beauty Desiree looked to be taking a slightly more chilled approach to the vacation as she posed in a large outdoor bathtub.

She was also pictured relaxing cross-legged outdoors on a rock as she gazed out to the sea.

The pair also appeared to use the time in Sumba to give back to the community, as they took selfies with local kids at the Sumba Foundation.
Her fantastic figure tends to turn heads wherever she goes.

But Alice Eve ensured she grabbed the attention of passersby when she wore a see-through top in Los Angeles on Tuesday.

The busty Star Trek starlet looked in fine form indeed as she flaunted her wares while shopping in the trendy West Hollywood area.

She's so transparent: Alice Eve showcased her bra in a see-through top in LA on Tuesday

The fine filly looked in fine form indeed as she trotted down the street in her semi-sheer top, which flashed her bra, maxi skirt and high heels.

English rose Alice, 35, rounded off her look with a pair of trendy oversized sunglasses.

Earlier this month the chesty star was the latest to suffer a social media backlash, this time after posting photographs of her hair in braids while on holiday.

She was was accused of cultural appropriation for sporting the style while visiting Jamaica.

A thirst for communication: She supped on a cup of coffee as she chatted on her phone

Going wild in the aisles: The saucy Star Trek starlet was indulging in a shopping spree

Simply the bust: The chesty actress showcased her impressive assets in her see-through top

Claiming that the star was ignoring the struggles facing black communities, one critic told her: You take what you like from us but dont get the pain that went with it.

Let me guess, another wrote. You only did that because you were in Jamaica?

However cornrows are a traditional way of styling hair in many different parts of the world.

There have been depictions of women wearing the style in Stone Age paintings found in the Tassili Plateau of the Sahara that date back as far back as 3000 B.C.

In addition Native American paintings that are around 1,000 years old also show the hairstyle.

And off she goes: No doubt she had exciting plans lined up for the rest of her day

Turning heads: She looked in fine form indeed on her grand day out
She's the former reality star who's no stranger to showing off her ample assets and pert derriere in attire that leaves little to the imagination.

And in her latest images posted to Instagram on Wednesday, busty blonde Skye Wheatley is scantily clad again.

Pictured at the luxurious Palazzo Versace pool on the Gold Coast, the 22-year-old posed provocatively as she sipped on a cocktail.

Single again? Former Big Brother star Skye Wheatley (pictured) posted an image to Instagram on Wednesday in which she rocks a skimpy multi-coloured string bikini while sipping a cocktail at the Palazzo Versace's pool on the Gold Coast, Queensland

The ex-Big Brother contestant's surgically enhanced chest threatened to spill out of her teeny tiny multi-coloured bikini top.

The latest snap comes following rumours the Instagram queen has called time on her relationship with on-again, off-again boyfriend Cameron McCristal.

Adding fuel to the fire, Skye captioned one photo: 'Out with the old In with the new' and the other: 'Tough times never last, but tough people do'.

Chilling out after a break up? The 22-year-old captioned this photo 'Tough times never last, but tough people do' which hinted at a possible break-up with Cameron McCristal

Her extremely skimpy string bikini, which was made by Bali-based brand Thaikila, barely covered the lower regions of her body.

Meanwhile, her teeny-tiny waist was accentuated by her barely-there swimwear.

The tanned and toned beauty, who was also rocking a pair of oversized black sunnies, gave her 293,000 followers an eyeful in a separate image as well.

In the raunchy photo, she cuts a relaxed figure as she lies down on one of the hotel's poolside cabanas.

Break-up body: The former Big Brother star posted another racy bedroom selfie to her Instagram on Tuesday, with a caption that suggested she might be back on the market

Skye is no stranger to daring to bare in revealing outfits and has showed off her body clothed in scant material in various locations.

As recently as Tuesday, she posted a racy bedroom selfie wearing the same bikini.

That image also hinted at her possibly single status, with Skye writing alongside it: 'If there's anyone out there going through some heart ache (sic) surround yourself with great people and focus on what's most important.'

Stripped back: The busty blonde puts her pert behind on display in revealing snaps in the past

Ample assets: Skye has posed in skimpy bikinis with various locations serving as the backdrop




She is one of the hottest models.

And Ashley Graham made sure to be the center of attention on Tuesday night in West Hollywood.

The 29-year-old stunner put her legs on display in a skimpy LBD as she headed to dinner at The Catch.

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Legging it: Ashley Graham made sure to be the center of attention on Tuesday night in West Hollywood

Ashley wore some kinky and very chic booties for the occasion as she kept her balance stepping up a steep curb.

The beauty proved she can plan ahead as she sported a bomber jacket slung low over her shoulders, just in case the night grew chilly.

The popular brunette just came off a gig co-hosting the Miss USA pageant in Las Vegas alongside Julianne Hough.

Standing tall: The 29-year-old stunner put her legs on display in a skimpy LBD as she headed to dinner at The Catch

The beauty proved she can plan ahead as she sported a bomber jacket slung low over her shoulders, just in case the night grew chilly

The beauty competition - which aired live on Fox - crowned Italian-born 25-year-old Kara McCullough representing the District of Columbia.

29-year-old Ashley showcased her size 14, 5ft9in curvaceous figure in a plunging emerald gown and gold stilettos selected by her stylist Oscar Montes de Oca.

It was the first time the Nebraska-born IMG Model - who's a prominent body activist - hosted the popular pageant.

Not losing a step: Ashley wore some kinky and very chic booties for the occasion as she kept her balance stepping up a steep curb

Busy lady: Ashley confirmed to People on Wednesday that she'll return as judge on cycle 24 of America's Next Top Model on VH1 alongside original host Tyra Banks

Happy: The Toothbrush video vixen has also been married to LA-based cinematographer Justin Ervin for seven years after meeting in church back in 2009

Homeward bound: The brunette beauty looked equally as glamorous as she headed home after the dinner

President Donald Trump owned Miss USA from 1996-2015 where five former contestants told Buzzfeed News he'd make inappropriate visits to the dressing room.

Ashley confirmed to People on Wednesday that she'll return as judge on cycle 24 of America's Next Top Model on VH1 alongside original host Tyra Banks.

The Toothbrush video vixen has also been married to LA-based cinematographer Justin Ervin for seven years after meeting in church back in 2009.

Feeling good: The Top Model judge appeared in high spirits as she ventured home
She was attending a bash featuring one of fashion's most iconic names.

And Nicky Hilton was dressed to impress in a regal black gown as she attended the Valentino New York soiree on Monday.

The hotel heiress, 33, was the picture of sophistication in a long flowing black gown with pink heart designs.

Simply stunning: Nicky Hilton was dressed to impress in an elegant black gown as she attended the Valentino New York soiree on Monday

Nicky carried a matching black purse in her hand and had her blonde hair braided back into a chic 'do.

Made up from head-to-toe, Nicky had light pink blush, lip gloss, and ample amounts of mascara to add to her naturally pretty features and let her bright blue eyes really pop.

The star posed solo, though it's not certain if she was joined with anybody that evening.

A socialite, heiress, and fashion designer, Nicky is also a new mom.

Picture perfect! Hilton carried a matching black purse in her hand and had her blonde hair braided back into a chic 'do

Not a hair out of place: Made up from head-to-toe, Nicky had light pink blush, lip gloss, and ample amounts of mascara to add to her naturally pretty features and let her bright blue eyes really pop

Mix and match: Olivia Palermo and Helena Christensen stepped out in their contrasting yet stylish ensembles

Nicky and her husband James Rothschild welcomed their first child together, a daughter named Lily Grace Victoria Rothschild, in July 2016.

The heiress wasn't the only big name at the event either.

Socialite Olivia Palermo and model Helena Christensen stepped out in style to the soiree.

Olivia cut a refined figure in her flowing blue dress, strappy gold heels, and chic top knot.

Helena sported a loose purple mini dress that flashed her legs and was teamed with beige handbag and heels.

Flower power! Lauren Remington Platt rocked a white dress with a pink and blue floral print

Man of style! Valentino stepped out in a sharp and sleek suit
They confirmed their romance in February after months of social media speculation.

And Samuel Johnston and Noni Janur made the most of a 50 Shades Darker themed dinner on Tuesday night at Sydney hot spot Bar Machiavelli.

In keeping with the movie, the blindfolded reality stars seductively fed each other as they enjoyed the company of their fellow Bachelor and Bachelorette stars.

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Lovebirds: Samuel Johnston and Noni Janur made the most of a 50 Shades Darker themed dinner on Tuesday night at Sydney hot spot Bar Machiavelli

Noni flaunted her deep tan in a lace black dress that showcased her ample cleavage.

She wore her dark blonde hair slicked back in a high ponytail and her makeup palette enhanced her golden skin tone.

The 26-year-old cut up her boyfriend's food and smiled as she carefully fed him while his eyes were covered with a black blindfold she had tied earlier.

Sizzling: In keeping with the movie, the blindfolded reality stars seductively fed each other as they enjoyed the company of their fellow Bachelor and Bachelorette stars

The lovebirds sat at the same table as fellow Bachelor stars Kiki Morris and Keira Maguire and their partners.

The media launch, which was held to celebrate Fifty Shades Darker out now on DVD and Blu-ray, was hosted by former Miss Australia Erin Holland.

The Italian restaurant's menu centered on the film's themes of love and sensuality with oysters in champagne foam, ravioli with quail egg and truffle and caviar.

Chic: Noni flaunted her deep tan in a lace black dress that showcased her ample cleavage

Noni confirmed her relationship with Sam when she shared a paparazzi photo of the pair kissing - first published by Daily Mail Australia - to her Instagram in February.

Her announcement came after Samuel refused to confirm the identity of the 'mystery woman' he had begun dating shortly after filming The Bachelorette.

Despite only confirming the news on Valentine's Day, Noni and Sam were rumoured to have been dating for several months prior.
She's been open about her battle with depression and anxiety.

And The Bachelor's Tiffany Scanlon revealed on Wednesday she is mourning the death of a school mate to suicide.

The 30-year-old paid tribute to the 'beautiful girl both inside and out' on social media, adding: 'The fight is real.'

'I feel sad': The Bachelor's Tiffany Scanlon mourns the death of school mate to suicide after opening up about her own battle with depression

Sharing three photos of herself taken while on a recent camping holiday, Tiffany explained in the caption she had received some difficult news.

'Today I found out that a girl who I went to school with took her own life this month. She was a beautiful girl both inside and out, intelligent, kind, family orientated,' she said.

The Perth beauty, who has been open about her own battle with depression, said the news had struck her hard.

Tough news: Sharing photos of herself taken while on a recent camping holiday, Tiffany explained in the caption she had received some difficult news

'Today I found out that a girl who I went to school with took her own life this month': Tiffany revealed the friend had died

'I empathise and I hope that she has now found peace': Tiffany ended the post by offering well wishes to the family

'I feel sad. I wept, wept because I know the pain she must have been in,' Tiffany wrote.

'I empathise and I hope that she has now found peace. My thoughts are with her family, her husband, her friends. R.I.P.'

Tiffany ended her emotional post by encouraging her followers to support each other and seek help if needed.

'The fight IS real. No one should ever have to face the shadows alone. LIFE IS PRECIOUS,' she wrote.

'No one should ever have to face the shadows alone': Tiffany encouraged her followers to support each other and seek help if needed

Opened up: The former Bachelor contestant revealed in February she battles depression and anxiety

The former Bachelor contestant, who was previously in a relationship with fellow contestant Megan Marx, revealed in February she battles depression and anxiety.

In a candid blog post, the blonde beauty explained how her high profile breakup with Megan in February 'brought on my worst episode in years'.

'The good news is that these times are few and far between,' Tiffany wrote. 'I am faster at picking myself up again and I also know how to manage my depression so that Im less likely to fall.'

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Battled ill mental health earlier this year: The blonde beauty explained how her high profile breakup with Megan in February 'brought on my worst episode in years'
Zach Roloff and wife Tori had a double dose of bad news for their dream plans for a perfect family during Tuesday's episode of Little People, Big World.

The latest episode of the Roloff family's TLC reality show started with shocking news that Zach and Tori's beloved dog Sully was riddled with cancer  with him dying days later.

They were seen hugging and crying as they buried Sully, who was only three years old, on the Roloff farm next to three other family dogs that had died in the past.

Family tragedy: Zach Roloff and wife Tori buried their beloved dog Sully on Tuesday's episode of Little People, Big World

Zach explained how the loss hit them especially hard because they expected Sully to make up their dream family after the arrival of their baby, who was born on May 12 months after the episode was filmed.

'We were supposed to make a family together,' he said. 'Sully was supposed to take care of the baby and be his friend. Just tons of dreams and visions were crushed.'

Zach, the only one of the four siblings who is a little person like their parents, then told mom Amy that tests suggested his baby could be a little person, too.

He told her about the latest ultrasound results, saying: 'The skull is measuring above average and all the limbs are measuring below average.'

Cute pooch: Sully was only three years old when he died of cancer

Burial ceremony: Tory and Zach held hands as they buried Sully on the family farm

Zach and Tori have yet to announce whether their son, Jackson Kyle, is indeed a dwarf, but during the episode Zach said: 'The measurements were indicating that my son could be an LP.'

He also confided in another little person that the doctors were 'telling me it's likely'  and that 'I can tell' that it actually is.

Despite being a little person himself, he has previously admitted that he fears his son going through the same bullying and potential health issues that he suffered.

Reaching out: Zach reached out to a little person friend and said he could tell they were going to have a LP baby

'I didn't think it would affect me until the doctor said it to me,' he told his mother Amy. 'It, like, hit me though once she said that to me.'

'Well even if it is a dwarf you don't know that they're going to have all your problems as well,' his mother insisted, to which the replied: 'Totally, physical problems. I'm talking about the emotional problems right now, though.'

He then reminded her of his 'tough' time as a little person growing up on the farm and unable to do the 'physically dominating activities' that all the others were doing.

Hit hard: Amy listened as her son admitted the implications hit him once the doctor said it

'Remember when I would come crying to you because all the friends and I couldn't keep up?' he asked his mother, who nodded in recognition.

He later joked about getting some 'practice' while holding a baby who was a little person, and seemed far more positive when he met his parents and brother Jeremy and Jeremy's wife Audrey, who is also expecting their first child, for a family dinner.

'But I'm a dwarf kid, I came out alright,' he chuckled.

Out alright: Zach reminded himself that he was a dwarf kid and turned out alright

His wife Tori insisted to camera later of her then-unborn baby: 'He's healthy, he has a great heartbeat  he's cute as a button, and that's all that matters.

'His quality of life is not going to change, and the amount of love he receives is not going to change, it's us that to wrap our brains around it, not him.'

Zach's mom also insisted at the dinner: 'What a miracle  it's going to be so loved.'

Family dinner: The Roloffs gathered for a family dinner

Jeremy and Audrey also announced that they were moving back to Portland, Oregon, to be close to the family, which dad Matt called 'extremely exciting' having admitted earlier: 'My objective is to make the farm so attractive, regardless of how much they want to keep the grandbabies away, the kids are begging to come over.

Tori also said of the news: 'I'm excited for my child to be able to have cousins right down the street from him.'

However she was most devastated by Sully's loss, saying of her pet: 'Sully, for me, especially before I got married  he was just my best friend.'

Moving back: Jeremy and Audrey announced they were moving back to Portland

Zach had earlier explained to his mother how the dog had liver cancer that spread to his stomach, telling her: 'He's infected 75 percent. He's pretty much dying. Tori's a wreck.'

After a break, he then said: 'Sully died at our house, it was peaceful.'

They were seen holding one another in the rain as a makeshift coffin was buried on the farm.

Resting spot: Sully was buried on the Roloff family farm
She's been partying up a storm this week.

And Lindsay Lohan continued to be quite the social butterfly as she attended the de Grisogono Love On The Rocks party during the 70th annual Cannes Film Festival on Tuesday.

Held at the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, the 30-year-old American actress put on a demure display in the floral dress.

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Socialite! Lindsay Lohan continued to be quite the social butterfly as she attended the de Grisogono Love On The Rocks party during the 70th annual Cannes Film Festival on Tuesday

The floor-length gown skimmed the floor, and featured a high-low hemline which flashed a glimpse of her thighs and her pearl embellished golden wedges.

With an array of ruffles gracing the collar, decolletage and billowing sleeves, the number made quite the statement among the cocktail-attired guests.

With her trademark flame hair tied in a loose ponytail, she boasted a glowing plump complexion and accentuated her blue eyes with a touch of raven eyeliner.

Low-key: Held at the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, the 30-year-old American actress put on a demure display in the floral dress

Holding a gold embellished clutch and rocking a bright red manicure, her ensemble was complete as she posed alongside guests at the venue.

On Monday a source overheard the refugee activist discussing a Russian oligarch pilot she's co-penning with a partner for Netflix at David Unger's Three Six Zero party.

'They're writing it every day while she's in town. She described it as being about three princesses and covering different ages,' a source told Page Six on Monday.

Statement: The floor-length gown skimmed the floor, and featured a high-low hemline which flashed a glimpse of her thighs and her pearl embellished golden wedges

'She plans to act and co-direct or direct, but said she hasn't decided yet...She's going to Moscow to see some of the people that are working on it with her.'

This comes after she called time on her relationship with Russian fiance Egor Tarabasov last summer amid allegations of abuse.

Meanwhile Lindsay admitted she's concentrating on herself after a tumultuous few years.

Ruffling feathers: With an array of ruffles gracing the collar, decolletage and billowing sleeves, the number made quite the statement among the cocktail attire

'Everything moves so fast in the Hollywood industry and people grow up so quick with it.

'My mother would always tell me to come home and I never listened. I should've come home to New York but I was staying in LA,' the six-time rehabbed redhead said on the February 20 episode of The View.

'You just have to really take your time with things and find what makes you happy at the end of the day. It's not always the materialistic things that are going to be there for you in the end.'
He has made a habit of lashing out at the media over rumours that he is dating Terri Irwin.

But that hasn't stopped Russell Crowe from eagerly bringing up his close friendship with the famed conservationalist during interviews.

During an interview with Nova 100's Chrissie, Sam & Browny show this Wednesday, The Mummy star couldn't resist gushing about Terri.

'Terri Irwin is quite frankly one of the most fabulous women on the planet': Russell Crowe, 53, gushed about Terri Irwin AGAIN during an interview with Nova 100's Chrissie, Sam & Browny show this Wednesday

When quizzed about Rebel Wilson's court battle with Woman's Day magazine, Russell decided to divert the conversation to his own media battles with romance rumours.

'It's its only industry of their imagination it's going absolutely zero to do with the reality of my life or Terri's life,' he said.

'The thing is Terri Irwin is quite frankly one of the most fabulous women on the planet. She is a beautiful person, an intelligent woman, so hard working, so honourable,' he gushed.

'Without there being any implications of intimacy or whatever, I do love Terri and her kids': Russell Crowe also swatted away relationship rumours a day earlier, while also taking the opportunity to gush about Terri and her family

'So the thing is I do love Terri Irwin absolutely she's fabulous, am I getting married to Terri Irwin  no.'

It comes just one day after Russell proclaimed his love for Terri in an interview with KIIS FM's David 'Hughsey' Hughes and Kate Langbroek.

'Terri is one of the greatest women I've met in my life... but we're not in a relationship,' he told the radio duo.

Wedding bells: It comes months after Russell slammed bizarre reports that he and Terri were planning to marry

'I was great friends with Steve [Irwin] and his wife and his kids are really important to me,' he continued.

'And so without there being any implications of intimacy or whatever, I do love Terri and her kids.'

He then went on to praise Terri and her children for continuing Steve's legacy following his death in 2006.

'I have such a dramatic life in bs magazines': Late last year, Russell tweeted to his more than 2.2 million followers: 'I have such a dramatic life in bulls**t magazines'

More rumours! Last year, Woman's Day also reported that Terri and Russell's rumoured wedding was 'off' so that she can focus on her children, Bindi and Robert

It comes months after Russell slammed b izarre reports that he and Terri were planning to marry.

Late last year, Russell tweeted to his more than 2.2 million followers: 'I have such a dramatic life in bulls**t magazines.'

'Last week New Idea magazine said I was getting married, now Woman's Day (sic) saying the weddings off,' Russell added.

Whispers: 'Of course she loves Russell - they've been friends for a long time,' a source told the magazine

Last year, Woman's Day also reported that Terri and Russell's rumoured wedding was 'off' so that she can focus on her children, Bindi and Robert.

'Of course she loves Russell - they've been friends for a long time,' a source told the magazine.

'But I think talk of a wedding is premature to say the least,' they said, adding her priority is to look after her children.

They added a relationship could happen one day but for now, 'it's the love of two friends who like and respect each other.'

Russell's representatives once again slammed the story, telling Daily Mail Australia: 'There is no romantic link at all between Terri and Russell. Once again, these reports are completely false,' they said.
They had conducted an emotional interview the previous day with distraught mother Charlotte Campbell as she launched an appeal to find her missing daughter following the Manchester terror attack.

And Susanna Reid and Piers Morgan struggled to maintain their composure as they delivered the sad news that Olivia Campbell, 15, is tragically among the 22 victims of the shocking suicide attack following an Ariana Grande pop concert on Monday night.

Piers read out a statement from Olivia's mother on Wednesday's installment of Good Morning Britain, his voice wavering.

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Heartbreaking: Piers Morgan and Susanna Reid struggled to maintain their composure as they delivered the sad news that Olivia Campbell, 15, is tragically among the 22 victims of the Manchester terror attack

He said: 'This is very sad, we were all yesterday incredibly moved by Charlotte Campbell, the mum who couldn't find her little girl, 15.

'All day we were hoping and praying that she might turn up. Charlotte put a message out today...

"RIP my beautiful princess Olivia, gone far too soon. Never will you be forgotten. I love you." It's incredibly sad.'

Susanna continued: 'Many of you got in touch yesterday to ask for an update about Olivia and we really hoped to bring you good news.

'But unfortunately Charlotte has confirmed that she was killed in the Manchester arena attack. All our thoughts and prayers are with you, Charlotte, today.'

Emotional: Piers read out a statement from Olivia's mother on Wednesday's installment of Good Morning Britain, his voice wavering

The statement read: 'RIP my beautiful princess Olivia, gone far too soon. Never will you be forgotten. I love you'

Olivia's mother yesterday appealed on TV for details of her daughter's whereabouts, stating: 'I've tried all the hospitals, no one has got her on record of being there yet.

'I'm waiting for a phone call back from police with an update and she's not at any of the hotels where children are supposed to be at the moment.'

'Every possible scenario [is going through my head], like she's going to walk through this door at any minute, like she has no idea what's going on.

'That she's at a hospital somewhere, wanting me but no one can get hold of me because they don't know who she is. Or that she's dead. But I just don't know.'

Invested in the search: Olivia's mother Charlotte hadn't heard from her daughter since 8.30pm on Monday night, and had appeared on GMB on Tuesday to launch an appeal to help find her

Susanna said: 'All our thoughts and prayers are with you, Charlotte, today'

Devastating: Olivia Campbell's mother yesterday appealed on TV for details of her daughter's whereabouts

The search for Olivia had struck a chord with viewers, with people rallying together on social media in a bid to help find her.

The previous day, Susanna was reduced to tears after speaking with Charlotte, who was searching for her daughter in the wake of the explosion.

She hadn't heard from the teen since 8.30pm on Monday night, and was begging her daughter or anyone who might know of her whereabouts to get in touch.

In shock: The previous day, Susanna was reduced to tears on Good Morning Britain

Following the heart-wrenching phone interview, Piers said: 'We're all parents here and understand the agony that you're going through. We just hope that your little girl is safe and is safe somewhere or in hospital and hasn't been able to contact you'.

Susanna struggled to maintain her composure, holding back her tears.

Her voice shaking, she said: 'I cannot imagine the agony that the parents are going through... It doesn't help anybody if I get upset.'

The attack marks Britain's deadliest attack since 52 people died in the July 7, 2005 terror attack on the London Underground.

Her voice shaking, she said: 'I cannot imagine the agony that the parents are going through... It doesn't help anybody if I get upset'

Horrific: The nation is reeling from the news that 22 people died and 59 were injured amid a suspected terrorist attack at an Ariane Grande (pictured) concert in Manchester on Monday night

At least 22 people - including children - are dead and more than 59 are injured after a suicide bomber targeted young gig-goers at the packed concert.

Piers raged: 'They're just young kids going to a pop concert. What is wrong with people. It's just sickening!'

Shocking images and video have revealed the horror which erupted after the bomb detonated in the foyer area of arena and Victoria station next door as fans headed home in their thousands.

Concertgoers who witnessed the carnage said that at about 10:35 pm a pair of loud explosions were heard in the building.

Emotional: At least 22 people - including children - are dead and more than 59 are injured after a suicide bomber targeted young gig-goers at the packed concert

Piers raged: 'They're just young kids going to a pop concert. What is wrong with people. It's just sickening!'

Majid Khan, 22, said that 'a huge bomb-like bang went off that hugely panicked everyone, and we were all trying to flee the arena.'

Father-of-two Shaun Hunter, who brought his daughters, ages 12 and 10 to the show, said there was a 'a stampede' of attendees toward the exits after the explosion. He noted, 'I saw one bloke carrying his daughter - she was bleeding.'

Robert Tempkin, 22, described the situation that unfolded amid the disaster: 'Everyone was screaming and running ... there were coats and people's phones on the floor. People just dropped everything.'

Breaking her silence: Ariana took to Twitter to write, 'broken. from the bottom of my heart, i am so so sorry. i don't have words.

Ariana Grande's manager Scooter Braun has said 'our hearts are broken' following the suspected terrorist attack after her gig at Manchester Arena, adding: 'We mourn the lives of children and loved ones taken by this cowardly act'.

While the star tweeted, breaking her silence on the horrific events: 'broken. from the bottom of my heart, i am so so sorry. i don't have words.'

Bloodied concertgoers were pictured being helped by emergency services outside the gig and armed police were seen patrolling the arena.

Evie Brewster, who attended the concert, told MailOnline: 'Ariana Grange had just finished her last song and left the stage when a huge explosion sounded.

Tragedy: The attack marks Britain's second deadliest attack since 52 people died in the July 7, 2005 terror attack on the London Underground

'Suddenly everybody started screaming and running for the exit. We could hear the police and ambulance sirens. It was terrifying.

'There were thousands of people trying to get out at once. They were all screaming and crying. The whole place smelt smokey and burnt.

'The explosion sounded like it was inside the building somewhere.'

Manchester's Victoria station, which backs onto the arena, was evacuated and all trains cancelled.

Panicked families also turned to social media in a desperate attempt to locate their loved ones after the explosion.

There were reports online that more than 50 children that left the stadium without guardians have been taken to the nearby Holiday Inn.

Terrifying: Shocking images and video have revealed the horror which erupted after the bomb detonated in the foyer area of arena and Victoria station next door as fans headed home in their thousands
She hit back at rumours that her marriage was on the rocks earlier this month.

But Sofia Vergara appeared to have put all that behind her as she stepped out in Beverly Hills on Tuesday.

The Modern Family star, 44, looked chic in an off-shoulder black dress as she headed to a beauty salon.

Stylish: Sofia Vergara looked chic in an off-shoulder black dress as she headed to a beauty salon in Beverly Hills on Tuesday

Displaying her fantastic figure in the form-fitting number, she boosted her height with a pair of towering heels that tied up at the ankle.

Adding a pop of colour to the all-black ensemble, she accessorised the look with a bright orange tote, adding a gold necklace to finish.

Wearing her brunette tresses down over her shoulders, Sofia covered her pretty features with a pair of shades, accentuating her lips with a berry lipstick.

Looking good: Displaying her fantastic figure in the form-fitting number, she boosted her height with a pair of towering heels that tied up at the ankle

It comes after she strongly refuted rumours that her marriage with Joe Manganiello, 40, was in trouble.

The couple have been married since 2015, after beginning their romance in July 2014.

She'd previously been married from 1991 - when she was 18 years old - until 1993 to Joe Gonzalez, with whom she shares 24-year-old son called Manolo.

Loved-up: Sofia was recently forced to deny rumours that her marriage with Joe Manganiello, 40, was in trouble

Sofia has had a busy schedule of late, filming her new movie Bent in Rome.

She also stars in the forthcoming The Emoji Movie, in which she's lent her voice with a cast that includes T.J. Miller, Anna Faris, James Corden and Maya Rudolph.

Directed by Tony Leondis, the film features Sofia as Flamenco Dancer and also showcases the voices of Patrick Stewart, Jennifer Coolidge and Christina Aguilera.

After being released in the US in July 28, The Emoji Movie will hit UK cinemas on August 4.
All eyes have been on the whereabouts of Roxy Jacenko's engagement ring after the married PR maven was spotted kissing he ex boyfriend last month.

And Roxy's giant diamond sparkler made a return to her social media when she posed on the set of a swanky restaurant photo shoot on Wednesday.

Taking to Instagram, the 36-year-old uploaded several behind-the-scenes snaps from the photo shoot, one of which saw her sitting at a table tucking into a a plate of ravioli.

You can't miss it! Roxy Jacenko's giant diamond sparkler made a return to her social media when she posed on the set of a swanky restaurant photo shoot on Wednesday

'On the job with @wentworth_courier at @barmachiavelli,' wrote Roxy in the caption.

Fans couldn't help but notice the glint of her engagement ring, which she received from her jailed husband Oliver Curtis.

In another snap, a Louis Vuitton-clad Roxy is seen beaming and pulling a peace sign while posing with another festive plate of food.

All smiles! In another snap, a Louis Vuitton-clad Roxy is seen beaming and pulling a peace sign while posing with another festive plate of food

It comes days after reports were published by Daily Telegraph that Roxy's ex-boyfriend Nabil Gazal is smitten with her and allegedly, 'telling family and friends he plans to make Mrs Curtis his wife should she ever divorce Curtis in the future'.

The multi-millionaire property developer, who split with Sweaty Betty's leading lady in 2010 before she met her now-husband and father of her children, is regretting calling time on their relationship, according to the publication.

'He has told us he should never have let her get away from him in the first place,' an associate of Nabil reportedly told The Daily Telegraph on Saturday.

Still smitten? It comes days after reports were published by Daily Telegraph that Roxy's ex-boyfriend Nabil Gazal is smitten with her

New flame? The source is said to have added: 'He is smitten with Roxy. She excites him'

The source is said to have added: 'He is smitten with Roxy. She excites him.'

The Sydney publicist was captured kissing Nabil last month, while her husband Oliver Curtis nears the end of his 12-month jail sentence for insider trading.

And while Roxy and Nabil are yet to publicly address the sensational snaps, a new report claims the images have had a 'devastating effect' on their respective families.

Moving on? The Daily Telegraph is reporting that Nabil Gazal is allegedly: 'Now telling family and friends he plans to make Mrs Curtis his wife should she ever divorce Curtis in the future'

Earlier on Saturday, sources from the extended Curtis and Gazal families reportedly told Sydney Morning Herald that the intimate photos have caused upset.

The families are familiar with one another as married mother-of-two Roxy and Nabil are former lovers, having dated several years ago before splitting in 2010.

The publication claimed their relationship has also caused strain between Nabil's family, mentioning his mother has been most affected.

In the biography Blonde Ambition: Roxy Jacenko Unfiltered, by journalist Annette Sharp, it is alleged Nabil's mother was not convinced Roxy would be a good match for her son when they were together.

Better match? In the biography Blonde Ambition: Roxy Jacenko Unfiltered , by journalist Annette Sharp, it is alleged Nabil's mother was not convinced Roxy would be a good match for her son when they were together

The book claimed 'some of the members of the Gazal family' felt that Roxy was 'a bit brash' for the wealthy and intensely private family.

The pair have remained in contact, despite Roxy marrying Oliver in 2012 and welcoming two children in subsequent years with the disgraced banker.

Last month, Roxy was spotted kissing her ex-boyfriend Nabil at a post-dinner party held at his luxury Sydney apartment.

Meanwhile, in an exclusive interview with Daily Mail Australia, Roxy revealed when her husband Oliver gets out of the slammer in June, there won't be any big celebrations planned and it will be 'business as usual.'

Daily Mail Australia have reached out to Nabil Gazal and Roxy Jacenko for comment.
She's a reality TV star, Instagram model, topless waitress, and hair salon manager.

But it looks like Cheryl Maitland's true skills lie in her sinus.

Speaking to Maxim magazine about her 'hidden talent,' the hard-partying Married At First Sight star cheekily said: 'Haven't you guys seen that video of me that went viral?'

Cheeky girl! Cheryl Maitland referenced THAT infamous video of her snorting a white substance off her breast in a new interview with Maxim magazine

The 25-year-old, of course, was most likely referring to the infamous leaked clip that showed her snorting a mysterious white powder off her breast.

It's unclear if the powder was a protein supplement, which the star is known to spruik on social media, or something more sinister.

The bombshell previously confirmed her appearance in the video, telling Daily Mail Australia earlier this year that it was just 'a joke' and she regretted appearing in it.

'Haven't you guys seen that video of me that went viral?' quipped the 25-year-old when asked what her 'hidden talent' was

Protein powder? It's unclear if the white powder was one of the protein supplements that Cheryl loves to plug on Instagram, or if it was something more sinister

She also confirmed her past profession as a topless waitress in a separate interview with the Herald Sun.

Her saucy career history came to light after photos emerged of her at a work function with her breasts exposed.

In the images, the ombre-haired beauty appears to be working at a party taking place in a hotel room, with bottles of hard liquor laid out on the kitchen counter.

Hard worker: Cheryl previously enjoyed a career as a topless waitress at private parties

Having fun? The saucy Gold Coast vixen has also been spotted enjoying racy parties at The Candyman's mansion

'For a brief time I was a topless waitress but that's now well and truly in my past,' she told the Herald Sun.

The X-rated star has also been photographed partying at The Candyman's infamous mansion in the past.

Cheryl shot to fame on the most recent season of Married At First Sight.
She recently announced her pregnancy with former Bachelor Sam Wood.

And Snezana Markoski, 36, has shared a less-than-glamorous glimpse into the life of a pregnant Instagram model with a series of candid snaps this Wednesday.

Taking to the photo-sharing app, Snezana uploaded a series of pictures that show her attempting (and failing) to climb out of a Mercedes-Benz car during a luxurious photo shoot.

Need a hand? Snezana Markoski, 36, has shared a less-than-glamorous glimpse into the life of a pregnant Instagram model with a series of candid snaps this Wednesday

In one shot, the former reality star pulled a grimacing expression as she struggled to climb out of the large vehicle.

'Tried to capture the cool, effortless elegance of hopping out of the car...clearly not a natural at it....we got there in the end!' she quipped in the caption.

The comedic brunette also added the hashtags #mercedesberwic #notanatural #harderthanitlooks #elegantexit #haveyoutriedthis.

'Clearly not a natural at itIn one shot!' The former reality star pulled a grimacing expression as she struggled to climb out of the large vehicle

Not afraid to poke fun at herself! The comedic brunette also added the hashtags #mercedesberwic #notanatural #harderthanitlooks #elegantexit #haveyoutriedthis

It comes days after Snezana and Sam revealed their first pregnancy together was unplanned, telling NW magazine this week it came as 'a bit of a surprise'.

The couple spoke to the publication about how they planned to have children after their upcoming nuptials, which will tentatively be held in Italy.

'We went to Europe and we found a tentative venue on the Amalfi Coast,' Sam explained to the publication.

Shock: Snezana Markoski and Sam Wood have revealed their pregnancy was unplanned, telling New Idea it came as 'a bit of a surprise'

Unexpected: The reality star, who recently celebrated his 37th birthday, described how despite the surprise of the pregnancy he has 'always wanted to have kids'

'I said to Snez, "I bet you as soon as we find something and pick a date, youll get pregnant" and, sure enough, she did,' he continued.

The reality star, who recently celebrated his 37th birthday, described how despite the surprise of the pregnancy he has 'always wanted to have kids'.

'I love kids, I love working with kids, as Ive done in my career - I am a big kid!' he offered.

Unplanned: She described how the lovebirds 'were set on planning the wedding and getting that done', however they had always 'wanted to try and extend our family'

Snezana, who is mother to daughter Eve from a previous relationship, found out she was eight weeks pregnant after feeling 'really tired and nauseous'.

She described how the lovebirds 'were set on planning the wedding and getting that done', however they had always 'wanted to try and extend our family'.

The twosome celebrated Eve's 12th birthday on Saturday and Sam has expressed how 'maybe Eve being in my life just reinforced' his desire to have children.

For Sam's birthday the following day, Snezana gushed in an Instagram post that he is, 'The man who has loved and cared for me and Eve since the day we first met'.

The engaged couple has been together since Sam chose Snezana as the 'winner' of his heart on The Bachelor in 2015.

Strong bond: The twosome celebrated Eve's 12th birthday on Saturday and Sam has expressed how 'maybe Eve being in my life just reinforced' his desire to have children
He recently confirmed an under wraps romance with Kendall Bora.

And despite going public with their relationship in March, Dr Chris Brown is still reluctant to share details of the romance.

During an interview with Nova 969's Fitzy and Wippa on Wednesday, a stammering Bondi Vet dodged questions about Kendall as the radio hosts pointed out he was blushing.

Why so shy? A blushing Dr Chris Brown stays mum on details of new romance with girlfriend Kendall Bora during VERY awkward interview

After discussing Chris' travel for The Living Room and his wildlife photography, talk turned to the handsome TV host's love life.

'Now that you are in a great relationship - you're in love with Kendall -have you taken her down to [Bondi bar] The Bucket List? Have you got the roped off areas?' Ryan 'Fitzy' Fitzgerald asked.

After a painfully long pause, Chris replied: 'That doesn't apply mate, that's just - it's a no go area.'

Lovebirds: Chris and Kendall are believed to have dated since mid 2016 prior to going public with their romance in March

Not giving up, Michael 'Wippa' Wipfli asked whether Chris and his girlfriend had been documenting their relationship.

'Have you taken a close up photo of Kendall yet using your canon camera?' He probed.

But the question was met with more awkward silence from Chris, with Fitzy quipping: 'He just loves this.'

Quiet on details: After discussing Chris' travel for The Living Room and his wildlife photography, talk turned to the handsome TV host's love life

'No I haven't,' Chris finally managed to reply.

But the boys weren't done on the topic just yet, with Fitzy telling listeners that Chris was blushing.

'He's glowing though this morning isn't he?' Fitzy remarked. 'He looks like he is in love.'

'Interesting,' Chris said quietly after another long pause.

Did Chris take this? Not giving up on the topic, Michael 'Wippa' Wipfli asked whether Chris and his girlfriend had been documenting their relationship

Past relationships: Chris has previously dated Home and Away star Kassandra Clementi in 2015

Chris and Kendall are believed to have dated since mid 2016 prior to going public with their romance in March.

The vet and polished TV personality confirmed the romance to Fitzy and Wippa in March.

Initially hesitant to answer Chris eventually relented when asked directly if he was a taken man, saying: 'Ah... yes.'

Chris has previously dated Home and Away star Kassandra Clementi in 2015.
Sonus is merging with GENBAND. Last year Sonus bought Taqua for $20M. The talk is all about synergies and higher EBITDA. Oh and Accretive. No talk about how they will better serve their customers.

CenturyLink is saying that after it scoops up Level3, they will be able to compete with cable in the SMB space. Really? You are going to offer up $300 pipes?

"Basically take some market share away from the cable companies, especially on the small and midsize customers where Qwest had lost quite a bit of market share when we bought Qwest." So you broke Qwest and its ability to sell to the SMB. What makes C-Link think you will find your mojo again?

I'm certain that during the 20+ months of integration, it will be challenging for a small business to procure bandwidth from you.

Charter/Spectrum makes it very hard to order from. It takes weeks to get a quote and contract. Then the order has to be scrubbed, checked and double-checked for 2-3 weeks. Another site survey as time ticks away and the client wonders when they will see the circuit. And despite this horrendous process of 7 departments having to touch the order (probably on paper in a file folder), it will look easy compared to a combined LEC of LevelLink or Century3 or whatever you call it.

It used to just be voice that was a bitch to deal with. LNP and toll-free RESPORs were a pain with added paperwork. Then with Hosted PBX, the extension to email mapping and other PBX planning (hunt groups, ACD, auto attendant) added to the complexity. Voice has many moving parts. Now network takes as long as voice!! Or longer. Even when there is NO construction necessary.

Makes me fear selling anything complex with most carriers.

The one thing that gets missed all the time: It isn't about EBITDA or synergies or fiber. It is about the CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE*!

End to end - from the time the prospect first encounters the provider until the long after the service is up and running, every touch of the prospect/customer adds to or takes away from the experience. Billing, support, admin, delays, lack of communications, handling expectations, CPE, and more are touch points where the CX could be improved.

It is interesting that a company would spend big dollars to redesign a website but not redesign its contract or quoting process or customer care service. Google Fiber was deliberate in how the sales offices would look and feel; the color of the boxes for CPE; and so much more. Their take rate and deployment were awful but the marketing details were very good.

With cratering revenues, I get why the merger mania is happening. But that doesn't solve the underlying problem that revenues are cratering and all products are a commodity. Until that is fixed, the rest of the actions - the new website, the mergers - are just distractions for stakeholders.

Our industry has new technology called SD-WAN that we have already over-hyped and turned into a commodity. It is hard to believe that it is all about cost savings already. Basically, you have explained to customers that broadband is just fine with a 4G card and an SD-WAN box in place of a Cisco or ADTRAN. So boom! there goes the Ethernet sales and MPLS can't be ripped out fast enough. Like Charlie Brown with a kite!

*CX or UX stands for Customer or User Experience
She's a fashion industry darling and has graced countless magazine covers.

And Toni Garrn continued to flaunt her model prowess as she attended the DeGrisogono Love On The Rocks Party at the 70th Annual Cannes Film Festival on Tuesday.

The 24-year-old German beauty commanded attention in a chic figure-hugging lilac gown which bared her flawless decolletage.

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All eyes on her: Toni Garrn continued to flaunt her model prowess as she attended the DeGrisogono Love On The Rocks Party at the 70th Annual Cannes Film Festival on Tuesday

Toni oozed glamour and confidence in the sensational gown which aimed to accentuate her modelesque frame.

The slinky purple coloured gown boasted a bardot neckline and a soaring thigh high split - flaunting her svelte legs.

She accessorised with a chunky purple diamond neckline and harboured all of her essentials in a chic clutch.

Toni kept to the regal theme as she tied her centre parted blonde locks in a sensational low-lying bun.

Wow: The German beauty commanded attention in a chic figure-hugging lilac gown which bared her flawless decolletage

Glamour: The slinky purple coloured gown boasted a bardot neckline and a soaring thigh high split - flaunting her svelte legs

Pairing the look well: She accessorised with a chunky purple diamond neckline

Having fun: The photogenic star looked in high spirits as she posed up a storm in her silver strappy heels - which added inches to her already statuesque 5 ft 11 in height

The catwalk queen's stunning features were enhanced with mascara, blusher and deep red lipstick.

The photogenic star looked in high spirits as she posed up a storm in her silver strappy heels - which added inches to her already statuesque 5 ft 11 in height.

After flashing an array of peace signs while posing solo, Toni went onto take snaps with her equally glamorous model counterparts.

The likes of Toni Garrn, fashion designer Siran Manoukian, Georgia Fowler, Sara Sampaia and Yvette Juhn joined Toni for the fierce display.

Mane attraction: Toni kept to the regal theme as she tied her centre parted blonde locks in a sensational low-lying bun

Beauty: The catwalk queen's stunning features were enhanced with mascara, blusher and deep red lipstick

Clutching it: She harboured all of her essentials in a chic clutch

Like a pro! The photogenic star looked in high spirits as she posed up a storm

Squad goals: Georgia Fowler and Sara Sampaia oozed glamour as they joined Toni at the party

Socialising: Toni proved to be ever so popular as she mingled with her glamorous pals

Glam bash: The night was a visual feast for the eyes, with an array of glitzy gowns

Speaking to The Coveteur, Toni recently admitted she prefers her look to be as natural as possible.

'Usually, I run out of the house and work out or go to work. Because going to work means having my hair and makeup done, I only have to put my hair in a bun and brush my teeth,' she explained.

Minimalism's her go-to, and she noted at another point: 'I've never had my hair coloured or anything. I've never highlighted.

'I've never had anything done to my hair, because, yes, I like my hair color, but also I feel like it's quite sensitive and I haven't always had great hair.'

Line-up: The likes of Toni Garrn, fashion designer Siran Manoukian, Georgia Fowler, Sara Sampaia and Yvette Juhn joined Toni for the fierce display
It's the terrorist attack that shocked the world by targeting innocents at a concert.

And as emotions continue to run high over the Manchester bombing, Steve Price has questioned why armed security can't be placed at major events similar to parliament house in Canberra.

Discussing the tragedy on Wednesday's episode of The Project, the shock jock argued: 'We have them outside of federal parliament -I'd rather have them around events where you've got young kids going.'

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'Forget the politicians': The Project's Steve Price calls for security to be beefed up major events similar to parliament house after Manchester concert bombing claims 22 lives

On Monday night, Salman Abedi detonated a suicide bomb outside Manchester Arena as revelers left an Ariana Grande concert.

The blast killed 22 people, including eight-year-old Saffie Rose Roussos, with ISIS since claiming responsibility for the attack.

The I'm A Celebrity ... Get Me Out Of Here! contestant argued on Wednesday that if politicians were offered protection by police and armed security so should younger members of society.

Tragic: On Monday night, Salman Abedi detonated a suicide bomb outside Manchester Arena as revelers left an Ariana Grande concert

Frantic scenes: The blast killed 22 people, including eight-year-old Saffie Rose Roussos, with ISIS since claiming responsibility for the attack

Why not others? Steve argued on Wednesday that if politicians were offered protection by police and armed security so should younger members of society

'We have them outside of federal parliament - I'd rather have them around events where you've got young kids going,' Steve said.

'Forget the politicians.'

Meanwhile Waleed Aly countered that what Steve was suggesting simply wasn't possible.

'You can never lock down everything': Meanwhile Waleed Aly countered that what Steve was suggesting simply wasn't possible

'Isn't the issue you can never lock down everything?' Waleed asked. 'You just can't do this with force.'

But Steve disagreed, replying that using intelligence and having a visible armed presence was the solution.

'I think showing force is a good thing, not a bad thing and we shouldn't be afraid of it,' he argued.
They were pictured enjoying a shopping date arm-in-arm earlier in the month amid reports of a whirlwind romance.

But Joey Essex has laughed off rumours that that things are getting serious with reported flame Georgie Purves.

The former TOWIE star, 26, denied he and the self-proclaimed stylist, 21, were an item, but admitted his sister Frankie Essex had met and approved of her.

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Single, ready to mingle: Joey Essex has laughed off rumours that that things are getting serious with reported flame Georgie Purves

This comes a few weeks after a source claimed he and Georgie had 'spent Christmas together, enjoyed a romantic holiday in Dubai and were even planning to move in together'.

But speaking to MailOnline at the launch of at the new Wilko store opening at Lakeside, the reality star revealed he is still very much on the market.

What girlfriend?', he exclaimed when asked about the brunette.

'Oh Georgie! Thats more of a casual thing, Im always seeing someone but its not serious, shes been a friend for a while so Frankie has met her and approved but its nothing official.

Keeping it casual: The former TOWIE star, 26, denied he and the self-proclaimed stylist, 21, were an item, but admitted his sister Frankie Essex had met and approved of her

And the cheeky chappy, who is a self proclaimed ladies' man, admitted that he tries to keep his love life personal after his last high profile relationship ended after just a few months.

The Essex lad met American Made In Chelsea star Stephanie Pratt on E4 dating show Celebs Go Dating, and broke the terms of the 'no dating fellow celebs' contract to embark on a three-month relationship before splitting in October 2016.

And despite explaining that the pair split on civilised terms, Joey thinks there may be some tension.

We didnt leave things on good or bad terms, we just realised it wasnt going to work were still cool.

Thats more of a casual thing, its not serious, shes been a friend for a while so Frankie has met her and approved but its nothing official,' Joey said of Georgie

Helping hand: Joey has been keeping things closer to home and unveiled the new Wilko store at Lakeside on Wednesday

Stephanie apparently thinks I dont like her but I dont know why. I dont have a problem with her- Ive had bare birds since her, there are no hard feelings,' he said.

Joking that he would have to take elocution lessons if he ever wanted to join MIC, the TV star also doesn't see himself rejoining TOWIE.

That ship has sailed, I have respect for it and I watch it but Ive moved on from it, Im so busy its just not in the schedule.

I watch TOWIE occasionally but I prefer to stay active and go out rather than watch TV,' he added.

I love Wilko as it has absolutely everything under one roof- its perfect for people who live in houses!' Joey blurted out oddly

'I got myself a wall clock although I cant tell the time. I actually want to set a world record for the first person who never learned how to tell the time,' he concluded excitedly

'I just came back from Ibiza with Diags and Jake- those are my real friends and I prefer to keep my circle small. My favourite cast members are Diags and obviously Chloe, but there arent any new TOWIE girls that have caught my eye. They need to get some new salty potatoes!

Joey is keen to move towards building a fashion empire, and hopes to make his mark in the industry.

'I'm launching my own clothing line which really reflects me as it's so unique- there will only be a limited amount of items available of each product.

Selfie time! He happily met with his army of fans and posed alongside shop workers

Stephanie apparently thinks I dont like her, I dont know why. I dont have a problem with her- Ive had bare birds since her, there are no hard feelings,' he said of their short-lived romance

'My fashion icon used to be Zac Efron, hence my love of leather jackets, but now I'm my own idol!' he added.

And speaking about his plans for the future, Joey revealed he hopes to bag his own Hollywood flick.

I see myself in Hollywood doing a Joey Essex movie about me going to Hollywood, living the dream and getting bare chicks. It would The Life of Joey Essex!', he exclaimed.

But until that happens, Joey has been keeping things closer to home and unveiled the new Wilko store on Wednesday.

'I just came back from Ibiza with Diags': Joey keeps in contact with his former cast members and counts Diags and Jake among his closest friends

Fun times! Joey prefers to go out and be social but watches TOWIE when he can, however he has no plans to return to the show that made him a household name

Speaking about the opening, where he happily met with his army of fans, he explained:I love this place as it has absolutely everything under one roof- its perfect for people who live in houses!

Realising his faux pas, he quickly added after a moment's thought: 'Obviously everyone lives in a house- although I lived in a tent once for three days!

I got myself some great stuff  candles, sweets, toiletries- even a wall clock although I cant tell the time. I actually want to set a world record for the first person who never learned how to tell the time,' he concluded excitedly.
Australia's first Bachelor couple Tim Robards, 34, and Anna Heinrich, 30, are engaged.

The pair, who met four years ago on the set of The Bachelor, announced the happy news on social media this Wednesday after Tim popped the question over the weekend.

Anna debuted her impressive diamond sparkler on her social media page this Wednesday by uploading a photo of bikini-clad self beaming alongside her man as they floated in a boat.

It's official! Australia's first Bachelor couple Tim Robards, 34, and Anna Heinrich, 30, are engaged

'Officially forever #ENGAGED,' she gushed in the caption as fans oggled at her diamond sparkler.

Tim also shared a snap of the two lovebirds posing together, writing: 'LOVE made me do it! On the weekend... in a little dinghy... floating on a secluded river...I asked this amazing woman to marry me... she said YES!!! Woohoo!! #ENGAGED.'

Last month, Tim delighted fans when he hinted at an upcoming marriage proposal to Anna.

Wedding bells! Tim also shared a snap of the two lovebirds posing together, writing: 'LOVE made me do it! On the weekend... in a little dinghy... floating on a secluded river...I asked this amazing woman to marry me... she said YES!!! Woohoo!! #ENGAGED'

'Let's just say 2017 is going to be a good year,' the fitness entrepreneur told TV Week magazine.

His girlfriend meanwhile, was thrilled to hear the hunk's comment.

'That's the first I've heard of it. But it obviously it would be great,' she gushed.

Australia's first Bachelor couple: Back in 2013, Sparks flew on The Bachelor from the moment the handsome chiropractor, 33, locked eyes with the 30-year-old criminal lawyer

Hint hint! Last month, Tim delighted fans when he hinted at an upcoming marriage proposal to Anna

The personal trainer previously spoke candidly to KIIS FM's Kyle And Jackie O about popping the question, saying it's 'getting around that time.'

'It's three years on, so probably getting around that time,' he said in October.

'I know where I'd probably go to get [the ring] ... I know what she likes. I need to steal one of her other ones to find out the size.'

The pressure's on! The personal trainer previously spoke candidly to KIIS FM's Kyle And Jackie O about popping the question, saying it's 'getting around that time'

In May last year, Anna and Tim took their relationship to the next level by purchasing an investment property worth $630,000 in the eastern suburbs of Brisbane together.

Meanwhile, the pair have been living comfortably in Sydney's affluent suburb of Bondi since 2014, when Anna moved into Tim's swanky beach-side apartment.

Back in 2013, Sparks flew on The Bachelor from the moment the handsome chiropractor, 33, locked eyes with the 30-year-old criminal lawyer.

His one and only! Tim has admitted it was clear his feelings were with Anna despite him dating several other contestants on The Bachelor

Tim later admitted it was clear his feelings were with Anna despite him dating several other contestants on the TV dating show.

'Looking back, even from our very first date, I wouldnt say Id fallen in love, but I was totally smitten, and had the biggest crush on Anna,' he told Popsugar.

'From then it just grew stronger and stronger,' he added.

Smitten! 'Looking back, even from our very first date, I wouldnt say Id fallen in love, but I was totally smitten, and had the biggest crush on Anna,' he told Popsugar

But in a surprising twist, Tim did not propose to Anna in the show's dramatic finale, instead giving the beauty a diamond promise ring.

'It feels so good to finally be able to acknowledge what my heart is feeling and you have my heart,' he told a tearful Anna.

'I have fallen madly and deeply in love with you.'

Red carpet regulars! After the show, the couple were soon a fixture on Sydney's social scene, putting on plenty of loved-up displays at events

After the show, the couple were soon a fixture on Sydney's social scene, putting on plenty of loved-up displays at events.

Both landed several endorsement deals, and Anna launched her own blog while Tim started a fitness program, The Robards Method.

In 2015, the reality TV couple also appeared together on Channel Ten's I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!

The big move: Tim and Anna proceeded to move in together after dating for just 12 months

At the time, there were rumours Tim was planning an on-air proposal, which eventually did not happen.

Tim and Anna proceeded to move in together after dating for just 12 months.

Keeping with their fit and healthy lifestyles, the couple picked a stunning two-bedroom Bondi apartment by the beach.

Where else! Keeping with their fit and healthy lifestyles, the couple picked a stunning two-bedroom Bondi apartment by the beach

In true reality TV style, they documented the next step with a renovation special on Channel Ten's The Living Room.

In early 2016, OK! Magazine reported that Tim and Anna were living separate lives after more than two years of dating.

But the story was denied by the couple's management, who told The Sydney Morning Herald: 'There is no truth to this rumour, or any of those erroneous reports.'

Anna later spoke to Fairfax Media in August about the pressure to get married, and even hinted a proposal was on the horizon.

'I think [the proposal] will come,' she said. 'There has been that [marriage] pressure ever since we got together.'
It has been revealed that Kieran Hayler will be speaking about his cheating scandal on TV for the very first time next week.

And Katie Price was spotted arriving at the ITV studios in central London on Wednesday, a coy smile playing on her lips after news of the explosive interview was made public.

The mother-of-five kept a low profile as she climbed out of her car, going make-up free ahead of her appearance on Loose Women.

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Here she comes! Katie Price was spotted arriving at the ITV studios in central London on Wednesday, a coy smile playing on her lips after news of her husband's explosive interview was made public

Couple counselling: The Loose Women are bringing their partners to work for a dramatic extended special, Loose Women & Loved Ones, this Bank Holiday Monday, and Kieran is set to dish the dirt on why he cheated on Katie

Katie was clad in a loose pastel top and gold rimmed shades, her hair in a bedhead style ahead of meeting with the show's glam squad.

The star appeared in good spirits ahead of her co-hosting duties, making a speedy entry into the building.

Her appearance comes just after ITV teased that Kieran will discuss his infidelity in his very first televised interview on the subject.

In a heartfelt discussion, which sees the former stripper close to tears, he describes Katie as his 'guardian angel'.

Low-key: The mother-of-five kept a low profile as she climbed out of her car, going make-up free ahead of her appearance on Loose Women

The Loose Women are bringing their partners to work for a dramatic extended special, Loose Women & Loved Ones, this Bank Holiday Monday.

As well as Katie and Kieran, Stacey Solomons boyfriend Joe Swash, Ruth Langsfords husband Eamonn Holmes and special guest stars Ola and James Jordan are joining extended show.

Theres no holding back as the couples discuss each others housework habits, bedroom antics and fashion choices, while some of the men even agree to take part in a lie detector test.

Casual: Katie was clad in a loose pastel top and gold rimmed shades, her hair in a bedhead style ahead of meeting with the show's glam squad

Patience is tested when the men are tasked with dressing the women in an outfit of their choice  with one lady finding a pink rubber dress waiting for her.

Kieran famously cheated on Katie with her now ex-pals, Chrissy Thomas and Jane Pountney, and the former glamour model hasn't let him forget his indiscretions.

In an 2014 interview with OK! magazine, Kieran was asked why he chose to sleep with the women, and responded: 'Because they were easy and they didn't say no, which made them even worse friends to Katie. They could have said no.

In the doghouse: Kieran famously cheated on Katie with her now ex-pals, Chrissy Thomas and Jane Pountney, and the former glamour model hasn't let him forget his indiscretions

Going all in on the attack, Kieran - who raises children Jett, three, and Bunny, two, with Katie, as well as her kids Junior, 10, and Princess, eight, and Harvey, 14, from previous relationships - also likened both Jane and Chrissy to prostitutes.

Kieran, who has since sought treatment for sex addiction, continued: 'The way they describe it in therapy is that they were basically used as prostitutes without paying for them, as bad as that sounds.'

The pair, who wed in the Bahamas in 2013, have since renewed their wedding vows and are committed to making their marriage work.

To see the full interview tune into the extended Loose Women & Loves Ones Bank Holiday Monday at 12.30pm on ITV.
She's the self-described 'spiritual gangster' who ruffled more than a few feathers on season one of the Real Housewives Of Sydney.

And Athena X Levendi, 40, has once again clapped back at her detractors this week by sharing a decidedly cryptic post to her social media.

Taking to Instagram on Wednesday the controversial blonde shared a makeup-free selfie alongside a famous quote by Bob Marley in the caption.

'Who are you to judge the life I live': Athena X Levendi, 40, has once again clapped back at her detractors this week by sharing a decidedly cryptic post to her social media

'Who are you to judge the life I live? I know I'm not perfect -and I don't live to be- but before you start pointing fingers... make sure your hands are clean!' wrote Athena.

She completed the post with a series of rather emotive hashtags, including #realationshipsarehardwork, #stopjudgingotherpeople, #everyoneisdifferent #beyourselfeveryoneelseisalreadytaken, #athenaxturf , #iamarealwoman and #nomaskshere.

The post could well have been directed to her fellow RHOS star Victoria Rees, 53, with whom she has been feuding since they butt heads on the show.

A message for her haters? 'Who are you to judge the life I live? I know I'm not perfect -and I don't live to be- but before you start pointing fingers... make sure your hands are clean!' wrote Athena

At war: The post could well have been directed to her fellow RHOS star Victoria Rees, 53, with whom she has been feuding since they butt heads on the show

During the recent RHOS reunion special, Athena and Victoria were quick to throw insults at each other.

In unseen footage aired during the reunion show, the pair had one of their most dramatic fights yet, with Athena having to be held back by a producer.

It came after Victoria and Athena traded insults, with Athena starting the tiff by saying: 'Everyone has an issue with YOU, Victoria  not even your FAMILY wanted you.'

Tension: During the recent RHOS reunion special, Athena and Victoria were quick to throw insults at each other

After Victoria insulted her Greek heritage, Athena lunged at her rival and screamed 'I'm gonna f***ing smash you!'

When Athena lunged towards Victoria, a female producer intervened, telling the blonde she 'can't do that.'

After the footage was shown during the reunion, Athena and Victoria kicked off again, with Victoria eventually storming off set and ordering a vodka tonic.

She then went back to the couch and Athena insulted her in Greek, calling her a 'dirty woman' and a 'bad woman.'
She wore three outfits in the daytime alone, but so it perhaps comes as no surprise that L'Oreal model Barbara Palvin found one last show-stopped to slip into in the evening.

The 23-year-old looked incredible when she attended the L'Oreal party in Cannes alongside Doutzen Kroes and Eva Longoria, wearing a show-stopper of a dress.

The black number featured a dazzling silver sequin panel and an extreme thigh-split, which left her enviably long legs on show.

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Because she's worth it! Barbara Palvin wowed in a silver metallic thigh-split dress at the L'Oreal party in Cannes... as her outfit tally reaches FIVE in a day

Fierce: The black number featured a dazzling silver sequin panel and an extreme thigh-split, which left her enviably long legs on show as she posed for cameras

Having wowed across the day in three stunning mini dresses, Barbara then upped the glamour for the evening in an eye-catching glittering ensemble.

The slinky black dress featured a large silver sequin panel across the front, which glinted under the lights as she posed fiercely for cameras.

With a cut-out positioned at the chest to tease at her bust, the dress then skimmed her slender figure to its calf hem, before splitting into a saucy thigh-high split on one side to show off her slender pins to all.

All that glitters: The slinky black dress featured a large silver sequin panel across the front, which glinted under the lights as she posed

Leggy lady: The dress skimmed her slender figure to its calf hem, before splitting into a saucy thigh-high split on one side to show off her slender pins

All stars: (L-R) Maria Borges, Alexina Graham, Bianca Balti and Barbara all had fun together on the red carpet

Beautiful: Eva, Alexina and Barbara looked super sexy as they posed for a snap

So much glamour: Maria Borges, Alexina Graham, Lara Stone, Eva Longoria, Barbara Palvin, Bianca Balti, Olivier Rousteing, Doutzen Kroes and Irina Shayk

Making the look more trendy, the dress was then fastened with a chunky zip, which pulled the dress tighter to accentuate her womanly curves as she posed.

Adding further height to her frame, Barbara accessorised with simple black heeled sandals to keep all eyes on her dazzling look.

Scraping her hair back into a ponytail and adding a dark smoky eye, the model oozed glamour and sex appeal as she mingled with a number of other models at the bash.

Silver sensation: The leggy beauty oozed confidence as she arrived at yet another bash

Out and a pout: The star showed them how it was done in her gown

The whole gang: The L'Oreal beauties were having an amazing time

Barbara has bagged her modelling jobs with a number of big brands, including Victoria's Secret and Armani Exchange.

In the daytime, she showed off both her enviably leggy figure and youthful complexion in a thigh-skimming pinafore dress.

She then slipped into an equally skimpy green number and lastly a chic white frock as she embarked on a busy day with L'Oreal.

Gorgeous: In the daytime, Barbara proved why she had caught so much attention in the fashion industry on Wednesday, as she made a radiant appearance in Cannes, France

Leaving them green with envy: The Victoria's Secret beauty later changed into a black and emerald one-shoulder mini-dress (L) and a classy white flippy dress (R) on further outings

The Hungarian beauty first showed off her enviably slender figure in a trendy pinafore dress - which cut off high at her thigh to leave her long and lean pins on full display.

Cutting into contrasting white panels at the side, the frock gave the illusion of a black pinafore layered atop a shirt, in order to further accentuate her petite waist.

Plunging into a deep V at the chest, the frock then fastened with vintage silver buttons at her bust to draw attention to her cleavage as she beamed on her way out.

Pin-credible! The Hungarian beauty first showed off her enviably slender figure in the trendy pinafore dress - which cut off high at her thigh to leave her long and lean pins on full display

Leggy lady: The look flaunted the 23-year-old's leggy figure and youthful complexion as she embarked on a working day with L'Oreal

Only elongating her already leggy frame, the young beauty teamed her look with towering nude heeled sandals as she took to the streets of Cannes like a catwalk.

Despite her formal look, she left her hair in its loose, every day style and sported minimal make-up, to let her natural beauty and glowing complexion shine through.

Clearly in good spirits, the model beamed widely and waved at cameras she made her way across the Croisette, before playfully posing beside the film festival's red carpet.

Feeling good: Barbara flashed a number of playful poses at cameras as she made her way to her meet and greet at the L'Oreal Paris pop-up in Cannes

Slender: Cutting into contrasting white panels at the side, the frock gave the illusion of a black pinafore layered atop a shirt, in order to further accentuate her petite waist

Pins on parade: Only elongating her already leggy frame, the young beauty teamed her look with towering nude heeled sandals

Glowing: She left her hair in its loose, every day style and sported minimal make-up, to let her natural beauty and clear and glowing complexion shine through

French fancy: Barbara ensured all eyes were well and truly on her as she strutted through Cannes in the sunshine

Not stopping there however, the Victoria's Secret beauty later changed into a black and emerald one-shoulder mini-dress as she arrived at the iconic Hotel Martinez.

Keeping demure with a high one-shouldered neckline, the dress upped the sex appeal by cutting off at an even more daring height at her thigh, to flash her enviable pins to all.

The dress was then patterned with green and black sequins all over to make her appearance more glamorous for a beauty shoot at the beach.

Green dream: Not stopping there however, the Victoria's Secret beauty later changed into a black and emerald one-shoulder mini-dress as she arrived at the iconic Hotel Martinez

Gorgeous: Keeping demure with a high one-shouldered neckline, the dress upped the sex appeal by cutting off at an even more daring height at her thigh, to flash her pins to all

All that glitters: The dress was then patterned with green and black sequins all over to make her appearance more glamorous for a beauty shoot at the beach

The star added height to her supermodel frame in all three looks with three pairs of towering strappy sandals, as she strutted around the French Riviera town.

Not afraid to shake things up however, Barbara then slipped into her third frock of the day later on as she embarked on her evening activities in the glamorous location.

The young beauty shrouded her famous figure with a loose-fitting white dress, which was incredibly classy with a high rounded neck and long sleeves.

A bit of all-white: Not afraid to shake things up however, Barbara then slipped into her third frock of the day later on as she embarked on her evening activities in the glamorous location

Simple chic: Tying the look together in a classically glamorous fashion, the brunette swept her hair back and added dark rounded shades as she ventured out for a relaxing evening

Elongating her figure with a single seam down the middle, the number was then embellished with a shimmering silver necklace attached to the collar for a hint of glitz.

Tying the look together in a classically glamorous fashion, the brunette swept her hair back and added dark rounded shades as she ventured out for a relaxing evening in the sunshine.

The brunette bombshell's sensational figure has no doubt have caught the attention of several suitors, and she has been linked to the likes of Leonardo DiCaprio and Niall Horan.

Hot hot hot: The model looked incredible in all three looks as she sauntered along the beach in high heels

Getting carried away: Barbara was seen being carried across the sand by a handsome male assistant as she took part in a L'Oreal shoot on the beach

Most recently, she was linked to Lewis Hamilton, following rumours they fell for each other during the Cannes Film Festival last year.

Yet during New York Fashion Week, Lewis was romantically linked to fellow model Winnie Harlow - partying with her until 5am just one day before Barbara was spotted leaving his hotel.

However a representative for Lewis has since insisted that the two are just 'good friends'.

Meanwhile Barbara appeared to be in high spirits as she stepped out in a sunny Cannes, ahead of a meet-and-greet at the L'Oreal Paris Pop up Boutique.

Working the camera: The brunette beamed widely for cameras she posed seductively in the frock, which hugged her figure and peachy derriere for all to see

Exploring: Clearly in good spirits, the model beamed widely and waved at cameras she made her way across the Croisette, before playfully posing beside the film festival's red carpet

The model was named a brand ambassador of the beauty house in 2012 - making her the youngest ever representative of the company.

Speaking of her partnership, she said: 'What has happened to me is like a fairy tale. I am so excited to be part of the L'Oreal Paris family next to women as strong and iconic as Julianne Moore and Doutzen Kroes.'

Barbara began modelling at the age of 13 after she was scouted whilst out and about in Budapest, and has appeared on endless Fashion Week catwalks since, including Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Julien MacDonald and Vivienne Westwood.

Not just a pretty face however, the multi-talented star also took on an acting role in the 2014 film Hercules.

Leading lady: Barbara is in Cannes to work with L'Oreal, as their brand ambassador - the youngest ever representative of the company

Snap happy: The brunette beauty pouted up a storm as she posed for snaps with a pal
He's one of the biggest names in Hollywood.

But Hugh Jackman can certainly relish in having plenty of fans outside tinsel town, and has been mobbed by adoring fans in Japan.

The Aussie hunk received a hero's welcome on Wednesday as he attended the Tokyo premiere of Logan.

A superhero's welcome! Actor Hugh Jackman is mobbed by fans while attending the Logan premiere in Tokyo

The 48-year-old looked dashing as he made his way along the red carpet, taking plenty of time to sign autographs for hordes of adoring fans.

Hugh cut a dapper figure, wearing a fitted striped suit and crisp white shirt which he paired with a brown tie.

The actor looked nothing like his grizzly on screen persona, sporting only a hint of stubble and his hair was slicked back.

They're fans! The 48-year-old looked dashing as he made his way along the red carpet, taking plenty of time to sign autographs for hordes of adoring fans

Who wants a present? Hugh appeared to throw a T-shirt into the crowd of adoring admirers

Hi there: As he made his way along the red carpet Hugh could be seen interacting with fans

Say cheese! The actor also posed happily for a series of selfies

As he made his way along the red carpet Hugh could be seen interacting with fans, even signing a DVD cover of Kate and Leopold.

The actor also posed happily for a series of selfies before appearing to throw a T-shirt into the crowd of admirers.

Also accompanying Hugh along the red carpet was wife of more than 20 years, Deborra-Lee Furness.

Excited: Hugh has been mobbed by fans since he touched down in Japan

In good spirits: Despite the hordes of fans requiring attention, Hugh appeared happy to pose for photos

By his side: Also accompanying Hugh along the red carpet was wife of more than 20 years, Deborra-Lee Furness

Hands on: Hugh held up a framed clay imprint of his hands

What a pair: Once Hugh had made his way past the hordes of fans he made his way up onto a stage alongside the film's director, James Mangold

The 61-year-old actress wore a black ensemble featured a statement white ruffled collar.

Once Hugh had made his way past the hordes of fans he made his way up onto a stage alongside the film's director, James Mangold.

The creative pair held up framed imprints of their hands, which each had also taken the time to sign.

High five! The creative pair held up framed imprints of their hands, which each had also taken the time to sign

Saying thanks: Hugh went onto to give a speech to the A-list event's crowd of fans

Familiar role: Logan is the seventh Hugh will play X-Men mutant Wolverine

Long time: The Australian hunk first played the superhero role 17 years ago in 2000 motion picture X-Men

Hugh went onto to give a speech before waving enthusiastically to the A-list event's crowd of fans.

Logan is the seventh time Hugh will play X-Men mutant Wolverine, the 2017 film marking the character's final outing.

The Australian hunk first played the superhero role 17 years ago in 2000 motion picture X-Men.

Thanks for coming out! A gentlemanly Hugh waved in appreciation at the crowd before heading into the screening

A man of stage and screen: Besides his role in the superhero franchise, Hugh is also an accomplished stage performer
She spent Wednesday in court after suing Woman's Day magazine for a potentially damaging story they wrote about her.

So it was no surprise that Rebel Wilson needed to unwind after her day in court.

Later that night, the 37-year-old actress took to social media to document herself enjoying a 'nitro Violet Crumble' in a Melbourne cafe.

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Unwinding: Rebel Wilson took to social media to document herself enjoying a 'nitro Violet Crumble' in a Melbourne cafe

'After a hard and harrowing day, it was such a treat to try this 'Nitro Violet Crumble' dessert!' the star wrote on Instagram.

She added: 'Melbourne has AMAZING restaurants x.'

The blonde bombshell is currently in Melbourne where she has made court appearances this week as part of the defamation trial.

'After a hard and harrowing day, it was such a treat to try this 'Nitro Violet Crumble' dessert!' the star wrote on Instagram

She claims eight articles published by Bauer Media damaged her career.

'These articles were a deliberate malicious take-down of me,' she told an all-female jury in the Supreme Court of Victoria on Tuesday.

She denied claims from Bauer's defence counsel that the articles, which she says portrayed her as a serial liar and a fake, were light-hearted in tone and had no serious effect on her.

Trial: The blonde bombshell is currently in Melbourne where she has made court appearances this week as part of the defamation trial

The articles stated Wilson had been dishonest about her age, name and childhood.

'It's kind of like they're getting the knife and just shoving it further into me,' Rebel said.

Rebel will return to screens later this year in Pitch Perfect 3.
She is single and ready to mingle, but this star was doing this mingling than usual on Tuesday.

Newly single Joanna Krupa arrived solo to a fashion show in her native Warsaw, Poland.

The 38-year-old star added some glitz and glamour to casual style for the MMC fashion show.

She's a star: Newly single Joanna Krupa arrived solo to a fashion show in her native Warsaw, Poland on Tuesday

The model recently announced she had split with husband of less than four years Romain Zago, and it seems she is taking it in her crystal-embellished stride.

For the fashion show, Joanna donned a pair of skin tight black trousers with crystals running down each of the toned legs.

She paired the pants with a cropped black top which allowed her to show off her toned tum and then added a black satin bomber.

While usually a casual jacket, Joanna's was covered in sequinned stars which made it shine as it caught the light from photographers' flashes.

Glitz and glam: For the fashion show, Joanna donned a pair of skin tight black trousers with crystals running down each of the toned legs

Sparkle baby: She paired the pants with a cropped black top which allowed her to show off her toned tum and then added a black satin bomber

She wore the look with a pair of classic black pumps and tiny black clutch.

Following her outfit's glamorous take on a casual style, the former Real Housewives star wore her hair up in a ponytail which had some body on the crown and curls through the ponytail that was fastened using strands of her own hair.

It was only revealed this month that Joanna Krupa and her businessman beau had called it quits, but the pair had decided to go their separate ways in December.

Topping it off: Following her outfit's glamorous take on a casual style, the former Real Housewives star wore her hair up in a ponytail which had some body on the crown and curls through the ponytail that was fastened using strands of her own hair

Since leaving Romain, Joanna has reportedly put her toe back into the dating pool.

The former Real Housewives of Miami starlet has been linked to businessman Nico Santucci recently.

A source told Us Weekly: 'Joanna and Nico are feeling it out and like each other.'
What is good government and good people?

Frank May 21, 2017 in Waterloo, Canada

Only the government that can improve the life of their citizen is a good government, only the people who can hard work to make life-necessities is good people.

This article was the excerpts from readers' comments following the article Bombardier in talks with Chinese aircraft manufacturer for potential investment. By Alicja Siekierska May 18, 2017 12:07 PM ET

Crisel Canda  Cebu City

Sell that company to china.

Like  Reply  May 18, 2017 1:34pm

Finbarr Wilson 

Calgary, Alberta

let's see, a Canadian company makes the most advanced jet liner on the planet, and your great idea is to make sure all that technolgy and expertise is handed over for a pittance? perhaps you haven't thought this through. Or is Canada really just a bunch of lumber and rocks to sell?

Like  Reply  2  May 18, 2017 2:50pm

Claude Beauchemin 

Works at Retired

@Crisel, What is Bombardier for you?

Like  Reply  May 18, 2017 8:26pm  Edited

Crisel Canda  Cebu City

Claude Beauchemin hi claude---bbb is a company i grew up with -from the 335 to the 399 skidoo of my youth to seadoo and all my investments-- i made modest money with it in 2001--- but when it started building planes and trains --no--- the c series is terrible to ride in.. cheap descibes it perfectly.. trains are not working--- now its a tax payers black hole where every jon costs 2$200,00-. --even the janitor looses money... its liberal corruption paid to a sepratist province.

Frank Li

Dear Crisel Canda, please do not simply criticize, but analyze the cause and point out the solution, I would like to hear more from your view on the problem in management of Bombardier.

It is not easy to run a business, since it needs to deal with interpersonal relationships, people are special animals with brain in independent thinking and tending to act according to own preferred accord.

Please see my article https://frankwaterloo.wordpress.com/2016/03/21/how-to-save-bombardier-from-the-road-dust-of-failed-rim/

As same as that of family businesses, in a long-run large enterprise, due to the people are familiar between each other with friendship, the relationships between the managements and staffs are intricate complicated. It is difficult to deal with some problems decisively by existing managements. It is not due to the ignorance or irresponsibility at all, but, due to the common nature of human beings. The best way is to introduce external powerful leadership with injecting into exotic vibrant DNA.

No matter who dealing with the problems, the available solutions will much be same in the major, however, the introduced experts do not have the fetters of the friendship with existing staff, so that they are less concern when dealing with inevitable personnel issue. More importantly, in this roundabout way, it will be less causing hostility and unrest.

The preferred management experts are Mr. Jack Welch and Dr. Ram Charan.

In article Canada's economy is faced at vital crossroads, I indicate that:

"Manufacturer (Company or Enterprise) is the basic cell and main driving force of the real economy by integrating the Intelligence, Capital, Knowledge, Technology, and Market together to play the role as protagonists of scientific and technological innovation."

"Manufacturer is the organiser of large-scale socialised production, it organising and training social members to create material wealth with providing jobs for living making and tax revenue for social governing, thus to create a stable community, by which that people can work and live to enjoy a prosperous life."

From the social function of the enterprise, who owns the enterprise is not important, it is important to ensure its healthy and smooth operation.

In article My view on Entrepreneurs and Enterprises inspired by Peter Shoore, I indicate that:

"Enterprises are the important organization of social production to create material wealth for human survival, and the entrepreneurs invest their money to run the enterprises with a frugal living and risk taking, to provide employment for public living and revenue for social governing. Thus, their enterprises are to be shared publicly in playing the role as social wealth."

"In some extent, in fact, the Enterprise is shared to make living by Employees & Employers together."

"In view of this, we can draw a general conclusion: it is that the means of production is not personal consuming goods, no matter who owns it, the owner only possesses the power of disposal or organization of the production of social material wealth."

"To view in this practical way, the Poor are not poor as some people complained; and the Rich are not rich as some people fantasized at all."

"The entrepreneur is the best social servant and the communist in the reality."

In Canada, the primary task is to reverse people's misconceptions about business and entrepreneurs, especially the hostilities towards them.

Wrongful social ideological is the big enemy for developing economy.

Have a nice day.

Like  Reply  3 mins May 21, 2017 10:19am

Frank Li 

Sep. 20, 2015, the article Israel to bring in 20,000 Chinese construction workers reported that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday, Israel plans to bring in 20,000 Chinese construction workers to help build new apartments as part of efforts to lower housing costs. He said that Chinese's pace of work in building high-risers was 50 percent higher than that of Israelis, Palestinians and others.

Please Google my article Why that work-speed of China's worker is higher than that of others: The innate high quality of Chinese people - high IQ.

DEC. 23, 2011, the article Optimal IQ's for Various Groups revealed the reason from innate level - intelligence quotient - IQ.

North Coastal China: 115-118

South Coastal China: 112-116

Generalized Japanese/Korean: 110-112

Generalized Northern Euros: 97-102

Generalized Southern Euros: 92-102

Generalized Indian: 92-96 (they suffer from poor environment)

Sub-Saharan Africans: 85



Please Google my article The speculators are destroying the foundation of Canadians survival: In the Era of agricultural economy, the geographic space is the living space. In the Era of market economy, the market space is the living space.

The low productivity and high cost in goods manufacturing would certainly make Canadians lose living space due to that will be doomed fail in the market competing.

Canadians urgently need to explore a new way out from the way in self- Only the government that can improve the life of their citizen is a good government, only the people who can hard work to make life-necessities is good people.

Legally encouraging their citizen to strike for more by doing less is in self destructing.

Please forget ideological, only concern that how to avoid to be starve to die.

In struggling for survival by competitive manufacturing, Canada is no way out, besides carpool with China.

Like  Reply  May 19, 2017 1:25pm

Frank Li 

Dear Alicja Siekierska, are you there in reviewing and revising the comments? I saw some comments lost and some new added in just moment ago.

Thank you for keeping my comments of poor English writings.

As a reporter, you possess advantage to deep into the insight of Bombardier. In Canada, there are several big businesses, only Bombardier is a manufacturer, says generally, the efforts for saving RIM was failed, we have to save Bombardier from the road dust of failed RIM.

In article The Fatal DNA of RIM and Canadian Enterprises, I indicate that:

For RIM's decline, people can find many sound reasons, however, I think that, the most fundamental one is the stifling intellectual work environment, which is that suppresses the free exertion of intelligence of the employees without a proper channel for employees expressing their views freely to have damaged the driving force for continuously self-revolution to fit the market that increasingly rapid changes.

Such a corporate culture is common in Canadian enterprises, which is just opposite that of smart doing in IBM and German Companies .

This is one of important lethal gene fragment in Canadian enterprises.

May 28, 2012, in the article The DNA of the Success of German Manufacturing , I mentioned that, the driving force for German outstanding manufacturing mainly comes from their legislated management for rationalization proposals, which is with profit-related bonus to motivate all staff to pay their full talent into the business running, since Mr. Friedrich Alfred Krupp initiated it in 1872. Now, in all German businesses, their staff can use computer network systems to easily submit or query their proposals.

A simple improvement in the philosophy of business operation will revive the manufacturing of Canada.

As I said to Crisel Canda, please analyze the cause and point out the solution, I would like to hear more from your view on the problem in management of Bombardier.

Canada is our home place, because of our being, it will certainly be developed as our desired.

Thanks a lot.

Like  Reply  4 mins May 21, 2017 11:00am
His new film Based On A True Story is playing out of competition in Cannes.

And Roman Polanski was enjoying some down time during the 70th annual Film Festival on Wednesday, larking about on his hotel balcony at the Hotel Eden Roc in Antibes.

The controversial director, 83, was seen indulging in some enthusiastic early morning stretching, cocking one leg up against the glass wall.

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Baring it all: Roman Polanski was enjoying some down time during the 70th annual Film Festival on Wednesday, larking about on his hotel balcony at the Hotel Eden Roc in Antibes

Clad in a pair of white Y-fronts, Roman appeared unfazed by his state of undress, looking the picture of concentration as he talked on the phone.

The star's inclusion in the Cannes Film Festival hasn't been without its controversies.

Based On A True Story is a French-language thriller, which stars his wife Emmanuelle Seigner as a Parisian author who meets a mysterious woman, played by Eva Green, at a book signing.

The film is Polanski's first feature since 2013's Venus in Fur. Polanski had been set to preside over France's Cesar Awards in February, but withdrew after the protests of feminist groups.

Stretching it out: The controversial director, 83, was seen indulging in some enthusiastic early morning stretching, cocking one leg up against the glass wall

A Los Angeles judge recently rejected Polanski's bid to end his long-running underage sex abuse case without the fugitive director appearing in court or being sentenced to more prison time.

The Rosemary's Baby helmer was forced to withdraw from the 'French Oscars', the Cesars, earlier this year after protests by feminists.

Polanski has been on the run for almost four decades for having unlawful sex with a teenager at film star Jack Nicholson's house in Los Angeles in 1977.

Business talks? Clad in a pair of white Y-fronts, Roman appeared unfazed by his state of undress, looking the picture of concentration as he talked on the phone

Polanski, 83, failed to negotiate a return to the US this month.

However, his victim Samantha Geimer - who wants the case dropped so she can get on with her life - lashed out Tuesday at prosecutors, claiming they were using the case to further their careers rather than resolve it.

'Celebrity cases should not be misused by those like yourselves for some limelight and career advancement,' Geimer wrote in a scathing letter to Los Angeles County District Attorney Jackie Lacey and his deputy Michele Hanisee, who are handling Polanski's case.

Controversy: The star's inclusion in the Cannes Film Festival hasn't been without its controversies. Polanski has been on the run for almost four decades for having unlawful sex with a teenager at film star Jack Nicholson's house in Los Angeles in 1977

The Franco-Polish director has been engaged in a decades-long cat-and-mouse game with US officials seeking his extradition, before a global audience split between continuing outrage and forgiveness for his acts.

Polanski admitted statutory rape after a number of more serious charges were dropped, and spent an initial 42 days in jail before being released.

But in 1978, convinced a judge was going to scrap his plea deal and send him to prison for decades, he fled to France and has been on the run ever since.
Her sisters are known for their famous derrieres.

And Kendall Jenner made sure that all eyes were on hers for her latest campaign.

The 21-year-old reality star put on quite the eye-popping display in mages of her modeling upcoming Kendall + Kylie clothing line released on Wednesday.

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Wow factor: Kendall Jenner r put on quite the eye-popping display in mages of her modeling upcoming Kendall + Kylie clothing line released on Wednesday

Showing off: The 21-year-old model's pert posterior was on full display in a clinging white thong bodysuit as she posed in a field of daffodils

Scenic: The flowers set quite the scene as the Keeping Up With The Kardashians star showed off her new product which retails for $65

Her pert posterior was on full display in a clinging white thong bodysuit as she posed in a field of daffodils.

She also showed off the revealing garment - which retails for $65 - while wearing a pair of jeans full unbuttoned in a few other snaps.

Not to be outdone her sister Kylie Jenner showed off plenty of cleavage in a low-cut LBD.

Stunner: Not to be outdone her sister Kylie Jenner showed off plenty of cleavage in a low-cut LBD

Cool girl: The 19-year-old switched into a much more casual look as she wore a long-sleeve and denim skirt

The 19-year-old showed off her curvaceous figure in a bodycon knit rib corset dress - which retails for $250 - featuring latex around the torso.

The new photos come just a day after prior images were released of Kendall sizzling in a Latex bustier dress that looked like it was made for the very brave. It retails for $395.

Jenner sat on a vintage convertible car as she gazed into the camera.

Hot mesh: Kendall continued to flaunt her model figure in a completely see-through top

Stunning: She also rocked her rainbow trim bodysuit and denim mini skirt

Stunning: The KUWTK wore a oversized grommet tee featuring holes reinforced by metal

In the swing of things: She posed while tying her hair back and sitting on a swinging chair

Comfy: She switched into denim hoodie and white leather slide sandals which cost $125

Top of the crops: Kendall showed off her trim frame in this orange cropped top

The Calabasas native touched her chest, bringing attention to her pretty gold necklace.

Keeping the vibe youthful, the Keeping Up With The Kardashians star added a cap.

The reality diva was leaning on a vintage sedan in a flattering orange tone that matched her dress.

Haute look: Earlier in the week photos were released of Kendall modeling a Latex dress from Kendall + Kylie

A new look: A tank top and jeans were worn by Kylie

Vogue: Kylie certainly looked hip

And the shoot was not done in LA; rather it must have been shot in a tropical location because the foliage was lush.

The family was recently in Costa Rica, so that could have been the setting.

Sister Kylie also shared a video that showed herself in a black dress. The number was skintight as it hugged her enviable curves.

Sister: Sister Kylie also shared a video that showed herself in a black dress

Cool customer: The number was skintight as it hugged her enviable curves

More: The 19-year-old was on the same vintage orange car Kendall leaned on

The 19-year-old was on the same vintage orange car Kendall leaned on.

The site has a description of the company the girls launched.

'KENDALL + KYLIE is global lifestyle brand created by beloved style icons and fashion authorities, Kendall and Kylie Jenner.

Bright: A shirt and the Latex dress are seen here from the collection

The K girls love denim: Here is a pre-washed micro mini skirt from the line

NSFW: Also in the line is this shiny black bra that's supposed to be worn as a top

Accessories: These cell phone cases have phone numbers on them

'With a unique and simply unparalleled presence across the digital landscape, Kendall and Kylie have defined themselves as two of the most popular icons and personalities of this generation.

'Their clothing captures the unpredictable essence of today's young fashion lover: confident, stylish, on trend and in charge.

'Starting in 2012, the Jenner sisters launched a highly successful juniors collection with Pacsun, sprouting numerous follow-up seasons and an unabashedly loyal fandom.

Taking France by storm! Kendall with Bella Hadid at Cannes; they attended the Fashion for Relief gala dinner during the 70th annual Cannes Film Festival at Aeroport Cannes Mandelieu

Model claps: With Natalia Vodianova, Hadid, Naomi Campbell, Heidi Klum, Natasha Poly

'Three years later, Kendall and Kylie collaborated with Topshop to create a series of California-inspired capsule collections, exclusive to the British-born retailer.'

They came out with another line in 2016 as well.

Meanwhile, Kendall has been splashing about in France with her sister Kourtney.

Yesterday she was seen hugging model Naomi Campbell.
Zoe Ball's son has pledged to 'look after' his mother in the aftermath of her boyfriend Billy Yates' sudden death.

Woody Cook - who is the 46-year-old's son with ex-husband DJ Norman, 53 - paid tribute to the late cameraman by sharing a heartfelt message on Instagram on Tuesday.

The 16-year-old shared an image of five crabs on a lobster pot that featured the words 'Billy Yates 1976 - 2017' written in white in the left upper corner as he wrote a tender note to his mum's late partner alongside it.

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'Look after': Zoe Ball's son Woody Cook (pictured, left, in 2015 with mum Zoe, centre, and dad Norman, right) has pledged to 'look after' his mother in the aftermath of her boyfriend's Billy Yates' sudden death

He captioned his sincere post: 'I'm sorry we spent so little time together. No one deserves to feel what you felt. I'll look after her.'

While admitting he will do his best for his TV presenter mum, Zoe commented under the post revealing how proud she was of her darling boy and astounded by his empathy.

She wrote: 'Woo my best boy. You make me the proudest mama ever. You blow my mind with your love.'

Heartfelt: Woody Cook - who is the 46-year-old's son with DJ Norman, 53 - paid tribute to the late cameraman by sharing a heartfelt message on Instagram on Tuesday

'Proudest mama ever': While admitting he will do his best for his TV presenter mum, Zoe commented under the post revealing how proud she was of her darling boy and astounded by his empathy

Woody's sweet post comes after the grieving host paid tribute to Billy a day after he was laid to rest.

The TV star shared an image of cameraman Billy smiling on holiday, hours after attending his funeral on Monday.

Alongside the sweet image of Yates lounging in the sun, she wrote: 'Goodnight my beautiful Boy. I'll be loving you always.'

A representative for the star tells MailOnline: 'The funeral of Billy Yates was yesterday attended by family and close friends.'

Devastated: Zoe and her late boyfriend Billy Yates (left, pictured together in February 2017) had been together for just a short time, following her failed marriage to Woody's dad Norman

Billy, 40, was pronounced dead after paramedics were unable to revive him, having arrived minutes after he was discovered in his flat. He reportedly hanged himself after struggling with depression and financial issues.

Last week, Zoe - who has cancelled all work following the tragedy - gave an insight into the heartache she has endured since his tragic death.

The Radio 2 star responded to a Twitter follower's words of comfort as she comes to terms with her devastating loss.

Heartbreaking: The TV presenter posted a heartbreaking picture of her late boyfriend Billy after he was laid to rest on Monday. He is seen smiling on holiday while the caption reads: 'Goodnight my beautiful boy'

When the well-wisher told Zoe that she 'must be sad, bewildered and wondering what the point is', the broadcaster confirmed: 'Pretty much spot on. Thank you for your kindness. Means so very much. Love xxx.'

While Zoe has been keeping a low profile since Billy's body was found in his flat in Putney, south-west London, she returned to the micro-blogging site to thank the BBC for airing the documentary Life After Suicide.

It has been reported that Zoe had asked a friend to check on her boyfriend because he stopped answering his phone, hours before he was found dead at his home.

The BBC radio DJ became anxious when Billy's phone kept ringing out earlier this month - so raised the alarm to a friend, who then found him dead at his flat in Putney.

Sad and bewildered: Last week, Zoe - who has cancelled all work following the tragedy - an insight into the heartache she has endured in the days since his tragic death as she responded to a Twitter fan's sweet message

A source told The Sunday Mirror: 'Zoe had been trying to contact Billy. They were very close and it wasn't like him to not take her calls.

'That's when she raised the alarm to his friend who went round to check  and found him. She and all of his friends are devastated.'

Zoe has since pulled out of filming for the final of the BBC's new baking show Big Family Cooking Showdown with Nadiya Hussain, in the wake of the tragedy.

The Strictly: It Takes Two presenter has remained silent in person over the heartbreaking event - but took to social media last week to thank her fans for their continued support, by re-tweeting a message from her management company.

Keeping a low profile: The 45-year-old, pictured above in 2011, has been keeping a low profile in the days since Billy's death, but was spotted in Brighton on Monday

The post read: 'On behalf of Zoe Ball, we would like to thank everyone for the kind messages and support during a very difficult time.'

The presenter also re-tweeted a message from food blogger Jack Monroe about mental health and suicide prevention.

It read: 'You don't have to 'man up' - the biggest killer of men under 45 is suicide. The strongest thing to do is talk. #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek'.

Television presenter and DJ Kate Thornton also stood in on The Zoe Ball Show on BBC Radio 2 last week - and delivered her heartfelt condolences to the presenter live on-air.

At the start of the show she said: 'Sadly our lovely Zoe Ball can't be here today.

Raising awareness: She also re-tweeted a message from food blogger Jack Monroe about suicide prevention, after Billy was claimed to have suffered a number of mental health issues

'Before we get started can I just say from everyone on the show and here at Radio 2 our thoughts are with Billy, his family, and friends and of course with you Zoe.'

It has been reported that Zoe's tragic boyfriend fell victim to a jailed accountant who left his clients with huge tax bills.

Billy is said to have hired Christopher Lunn, who was jailed for five years in 2016 and had stars such as Sadie Frost and Fiona Bruce among his clientele.

Lunn filled out inflated fees and expenses on tax returns in order to reduce taxable profits, but often left his customers with huge bills to front.

Heartfelt: She said of Zoe (pictured in 2005): 'Can I just say from everyone on the show and here at Radio 2 our thoughts are with Billy, his family, and friends and of course with you Zoe'

A source told the Sun: 'Billy suffered from depression but the strain of being left with an unexpected tax bill hit him hard.

'These sorts of things are a considerable concern for anyone  but it's particularly tough when someone already has mental health issues to overcome.'

It is not yet clear what forced him to commit suicide - but sources say he suffered both his financial problems and mental health difficulties, as Zoe followed Depression Awareness and Anxiety UK on Twitter.

Speaking out: It is not yet clear what forced him to commit suicide - but sources say he suffered financial problems and mental health difficulties, as Zoe followed Depression Awareness, Samaritans and Anxiety UK on Twitter (above)

In a final tragic tweet, Billy had confessed on the site that a book about depression titled How To Save Time had given him 'reasons to stay alive.'

Billy was said to have given Zoe a new lease of life following her split from husband of 18 years DJ Fatboy Slim in September, and she had only recently expressed her love for him.

She had met the 40-year-old Antiques Roadshow cameraman through mutual friends at the BBC, and the pair appeared to confirm their romance when they were seen kissing in London in January.
The European premiere of Wonder Woman has been cancelled following a terrorist attack in Manchester on Monday.

The news comes a week before stars of the film including Gal Gadot, Chris Pine and Robin Wright, as well as director Patty Jenkins, had been due to walk the red carpet in London on Wednesday.

Warner Bros said they are cancelling the event out of respect for the Manchester Arena victims, following the suicide bombing at Ariana Grande's concert on Monday, which killed 22 people.

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Cancelled: The European premiere of Wonder Woman has been cancelled 'out of respect' following a terrorist attack in Manchester on Monday

A Warner Bros spokesperson told MailOnline: Our thoughts are with those affected by the recent tragedy in the UK.

'In light of the current situation, we will not be proceeding with our plans for the Wonder Woman premiere and junket activities in London.'

Wonder Woman - which stars Gal Gadot as the titular character - is due to hold a premiere in Los Angeles on Thursday.

The superhero film, based on the DC Comics, tells the story of Wonder Woman before she discovered the full extent of her powers, and was living as Diana, princess of the Amazons and a trained warrior.

It will be released in UK cinemas on June 1.

Across the pond: Wonder Woman - which stars Gal Gadot as the titular character - is due to hold a premiere in Los Angeles on Thursday

The cancellation comes after a suicide bomber targeted Ariana Grande's sell-out concert at the Manchester Arena on Monday night, leaving at least 22 dead and 119 more injured after the explosion rang out through the venue's lobby.

After the devastating attack by British-born suicide bomber Salman Abedi, who detonated a device filled with nails and bolts in the packed foyer of the venue, Ariana tweeted her followers to say she was 'broken' by the news.

She has since suspended her Dangerous Woman tour and jetted home to the US.

Not appearing: The news comes a week before stars of the film (L-R) Connie Nieslen, Gal Godot, director Patty Jenkins and Chris Pine had been due to walk the red carpet in London

Following the attack, the UK have stepped up the threat level to critical, with almost 1,000 soldiers deployed to protect key buildings around the country, and heightened security checks taking place at various events and public facilities.

Ariana later said she had been left 'broken' by the tragic events.

She tweeted on Monday night: 'broken. from the bottom of my heart, i am so so sorry. i don't have words. (sic)'
Peter Parker did not have an easy time becoming Spider-Man. At least that's what the third trailer for the July film conveys.

In the clip for Spider-Man: Homecoming, Tom Hollander's Peter is seen flying through the air like a madman then eventually crashing into a swimming pool as party goers looked shocked soon after he slips on his high-tech red suit.

Also in the teaser, Zendaya is seen more prominently as she asks Parker if he is hiding something. The beauty, best known for her tween series KC Undercover, had on little makeup.

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Tough start: Peter Parker did not have an easy time becoming Spider-Man. At least that's what the third trailer for the July film conveys

New: Also in the teaser, Zendaya is seen more prominently as she asks Parker if he is hiding something. The beauty, best known for her tween series KC Undercover, had on little makeup

After Spider-Man crashes into the pool, he is then seen with Robert Downey Jr's Tony Stark.

The two are in the backseat of a car where Tony tells Parker that he expects more out of him and that he needs to get better at being a superhero.

'Do me a favor,' counters Stark. 'Can't you just be a friendly neighborhood Spider-Man?'

Parker then gives Stark an awkward bear hug. Tony, looking extremely uncomfortable, opens the door for the boy to get out.

The boss is not happy: After Spider-Man crashes into the pool, he is then seen with Robert Downey Jr's Tony Stark

Oh no SM! There are several more scenes where Spider-Man screws up; here he is trying to keep a ferry from splitting in two

New look: Spidey in a promo photo shooting a web

There are several more scenes where Spider-Man screws up, like when he tries to stop the bad guys from robbing a bank, but then the money from an ATM spills out everywhere.

It's clear this very young Spider-Man needs to mature and fast.

Several scenes that have already been seen in the previous two trailers are also used in this third one.

He wants to do what's right: The boy has no idea how much he has to learn; here he is seen at Stark Enterprises

He is s student too: Parker's friend tells him he cannot go off because they have a Spanish quiz soon, but Peter is adamant

The best scene is the new one with Zendaya.

She looks tired from studying in the library. Like a typiucal student, she has on no makeup and an old denim jacket.

The Oakland-rasied actres loosk annoyed with Peter as she says, 'What are you hiding Peter?'

This doesn't go well: Spider-Man tells these guys they are not the Avengers, then proceeds to mess up as an ATM is blown up

Peter has a lot to hide, like that he's secretly a superhero.

But Zendaya does not press him and quickly says she's just messing around with him and doesn't even care what he's up to.

The film is set in Midtown High School in New York City, where Peter deals with the high school life as well as his newfound superpowers.

The film will be released on July 7, 2017 in the US.
She's been showing off a variety of exquisite wardrobe choices all week in Cannes and Victoria Hervey really went to town on Wednesday.

The 40-year-old socialite went bra free as she posed on the red carpet at the Beguiled premiere at the 70th annual Film Festival held at the Palais Des Festivals.

Revealing a nude embellished thong, she wore an orange sheer dress over the top which had a glittering design going throughout.

Did she forget something? Braless Victoria Hervey showed off her cleavage and embellished thong under a sheer orange dress at the Beguiled premiere in Cannes on Wednesday

The statement number had a very sexy thigh-split going up one leg which flashed a hint of her bronzed pins.

Victoria teamed it with a pair of nude strappy sandals which went up past the ankle and had a perspex section.

Her blonde locks were styled into an elegant chignon and she wore a pair of silver dangly earrings to complete her look.

Chic: Her blonde locks were styled into an elegant chignon and she wore a pair of silver dangly earrings to complete her look.

New movie: Beguiled is set in a girls' school in Virginia during the Civil War, where the young women have been sheltered from the outside world

Beguiled is set in a girls' school in Virginia during the Civil War, where the young women have been sheltered from the outside world.

A wounded Union soldier is taken in. Soon, the house is taken over with sexual tension, rivalries, and an unexpected turn of events.

It stars Nicole Kidman, Kirsten Dunst, Elle Fanning and Colin Farrell and is slated for release on July 14.

Directed by Sofia Coppola, Kirsten Dunst, her muse, spoke about their working relationship in an interview with Variety last week.

Sheer-ly nice: Revealing a nude embellished thong, she wore an orange sheer dress over the top which had a glittering design going throughout

Golden gal: The statement number had a very sexy thigh-split going up one leg which flashed a hint of her bronzed pins

Walk this way! Victoria teamed it with a pair of nude strappy sandals which went up past the ankle and had a perspex section

She said: 'She was always a good influence on me as a young woman. She said to me, "I love your teeth; dont ever fix your teeth."

'I remember doing a Spider-Man movie later, and one of the producers was like, "I need to take you to the dentist!" They even fixed my teeth on the poster.

'But I just knew I was never doing that. Sofia is the chicest, coolest girl, and she thinks my teeth are great. She gave me confidence in little things that I wouldnt necessarily have had.'
She has been showcasing her enviable style at any cost during the 70th Cannes Film Festival.

Continuing to wow the fashion police, Nicole Kidman, 49, stepped out in a flapper inspired gown by Michael Kors as she attended the screening of The Beguiled at the renowned cinematic event in the South of France on Wednesday.

It's the Oscar winner's second screening at the Palais des Festivals in a matter of days after she attended the premiere for the The Killing Of A Sacred Deer alongside her co-star Colin Farrell - who stars in both.

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Show-stopping: Nicole Kidman, 49, stepped out in a flapper inspired gown by Michael Kors as she attended the screening of The Beguiled at the renowned cinematic event in the South of France on Wednesday

The flawless Australian actress stunned in her metallic show-stopper which featured fringe detail down the bodice and skirt that moved as she sashayed to the venue.

Her choice of designer garment highlighted her slender figure with its column silhouette and intricate crystal beading.

The sleeveless look exhibited her toned arms while she posed up a storm alongside her co-stars Addison Riecke, Angourie Rice, Colin Farrell, Kirsten Dunst, Elle Fanning and director Sofia Coppola.

Flawless: She added to glamorous beauty look with a blood red lip which complemented her alabaster complexion

Fringe benefits: The flawless Australian actress stunned in her metallic show-stopper which featured fringe detail down the bodice and skirt that moved as she sashayed to the venue

Sparkling: Nicole showcased her many eye-catching jewels as she arrived at the premiere

Walk this way: Nicole's darling number moved as she walked and added volume to her ensemble

Making a statement: Her charming look featured layered crystal detailing and sequin fringing

All that glitters: Nicole was completely mesmerising in her couture gown

Support: The Aussie star held onto co-star Elle's hand as they arrived at the exclusive screening

Australia star Nicole worked her blonde tresses into a soft curl before slipping her mane into a ponytail which cascaded down her back and highlighted her statement drop diamond earrings.

She added to glamorous beauty look with a blood red lip which complemented her alabaster complexion.

The Beguiled is a thriller from Sofia Coppola and is set during the Civil War, at a Southern girls boarding school, and will go up against The Killing Of A Sacred Deer for the Palme d'Or.

Getting chic done: Elle Fanning, Kirsten Dunst, Colin Farrell, Nicole, director Sofia Coppola, Angourie Rice and Addison Riecke showcased their incredible looks at the top of the carpet together (Pictured L-R)

Crystal clear: Her choice of designer garment highlighted her slender figure with its column silhouette and intricate crystal beading

Movement: The flawless Australian actress stunned in her metallic show-stopper which featured fringe detail down the bodice and skirt that moved as she sashayed to the venue

The sleeveless look exhibited her toned arms while she posed up a storm alongside her co-stars Colin Farrell, Kirsten Dunst, Elle Fanning, director Sofia Coppola, Youree Henley, Angousie Rice and Addison Riecke (Pictured L-R)

Picture perfect: Nicole placed a helping hand on her young co-star Angourie's - who was dressed in Emporio Armani - shoulder while posing for photos

Breath-taking: Nicole appeared at ease as she stood inbetween acclaimed film maker Sofia and actress Elle

Party people: Nicole's beauty was apparent as she posed with her pastel coloured clad co-stars

Hugging it out: Kristen and Nicole shared a sweet cuddle on the carpet

Celebrating: The trio held their hands in the air as they left the coveted premiere together

The plot sees the head of the house [Kidman] take in an injured enemy soldier [Farrell] to provide refuge and tend to his wounds.

However, the house is taken over with sexual tension and dangerous rivalries, and taboos are broken in an unexpected turn of events.

Directed by Don Siegel, the 1971 film starred Eastwood as John McBurney, Geraldine Page as Martha, Elizabeth Hartman as Edwina, Jo Ann Harris as Carol and Pamelyn Ferdin as Amy.

At ease: The mother-of-four accentuated her statuesque beauty alongside her co-stars

Fashion forward: Nicole slipped on a matching metallic heel as she walked up the red carpet

Holding dear: The film darling wrapped her arms around Sofia and Colin before they headed inside

Suit up: The movie star stood proudly alongside her co-star Dubliner Colin, who looked dapper in a simple tuxedo

The new version, which Coppola's also written and helped produce, will be out June 23 in Britain and June 30 in America.

Asked how she selects acting projects by TV host Graham Norton recently, Nicole admitted she keeps an open mind when choosing her scripts.

She said: 'I am spontaneous and like to chose a script and visionary directors and I dont mind if they are divisive.'

Metallic muse! The beauty stood out amongst her co-stars in her breath taking dress

Au revoir! Nicole waved goodbye to the crowd alongside Colin, Kristen and Elle
She may be breathing new life into a classic but for her first big day of filming, she was surrounded by the dead.

Anna Faris kicked off filming for the Overboard remake in a cemetery on Wednesday.

The 40-year-old looked particularly bubbly despite the somewhat morbid Vancouver, Canada, location.

It begins: Anna Faris kicked off filming for the Overboard remake in a cemetery in Vancouver, Canada, on Wednesday

The actress beamed as she prepared to shoot among the headstones on Wednesday.

For her scene, Anna wore a pair of tight blue jeans with a white T-shirt and then during breaks added a big blue cardigan.

Despite her cardigan it was rather sunny out so both the star and her assistant kept an umbrella over her during takes.

Despite her funny woman status matching original star Goldie Hawn's, Anna is not taking over the same role that Goldie played in the 1987 film.

Casual look: For her scene, Anna wore a pair of tight blue jeans with a white T-shirt and then during breaks added a big blue cardigan

No tans here: Despite her cardigan it was rather sunny out so both the star and her assistant kept an umbrella over her during takes

Instead Eugenio Derbez will be as the amnesia-based romp will see a role reversal.

The re-imagined Garry Marshall movie will see the Mexican star as a spoiled playboy - who falls from a yacht.

Anna plays a single mother who convinces him that they are married, similar to the character played by Kurt Russell in the original.

Co-star: Despite her funny woman status matching original star Goldie Hawn's, Anna is not taking over the same role that Goldie played in the 1987 film. Instead Eugenio Derbez will be as the amnesia-based romp will see a role reversal (pictured April)

Changing it up: The re-imagined Garry Marshall movie will see the Mexican star as a spoiled playboy - who falls from a yacht (pictured is Goldie in the role)

In a statement to E! News, MGM Motion Picture Group President Jonathan Glickman said: 'The original Overboard was beloved and the only way to bring it back is to reinvent the story in a whole new way.

'Anna and Eugenio are two of the most charismatic forces in comedy whose take on the material will modernize the story for a whole new generation of moviegoers.'

E! news also reports that Bob Fisher and Rob Greenberg co-wrote and are co-directing the comedy.
Kris Jenner's stalker will be told to stay away from her for three years.

On Wednesday a judge signed off on a permanent restraining order against Joshua Jacobs, according to TMZ.

The Keeping Up With The Kardashians producer filed a restraining order against him earlier this month after he was arrested outside her Hidden Hills, California mansion for a third time. He is still in custody.

Scary: Kris Jenner has won a restraining order against her stalker, according to TMZ. Pictured in early May at the Race To Erase MS event in Beverly Hills

'The Jenner and Kardashian families take safety very seriously, and will vigorously pursue all remedies available to them, both in criminal and civil court, to ensure they are protected,' said Kris' attorney, Shawn Holley.

Jenner was not in court.

In the legal documents, Jenner stated that her former employee had 'crashed his vehicle through the gate to our community, came on to my property looking for me at around 1 a.m.' on May 1.

The home: This is the dwelling that Kris claims to live in on her show KUWTK; it's actually another house in the same community. Out of concern to her safety, Jenner's real home will not be shown

The inside of her home is often on camera: A look at Jenner's entrance way to the sprawling mansion where her reality show is filmed

It's claimed he was trying to enter codes into the security keypad for her residence when he was spotted by her security team.

He had apparently tried to get close to her in mid-April and before that, in March when he had his grandmother with him in the car, TMZ said.

Jacobs must now stay at least 100 yards away from the 61-year-old and has been ordered not to harass or contact her.

The way they were: The 61-year-old with Bruce Jenner and their family as well as Ryan Seacrest in 2007

It's not known why Jacobs is so determined to come face to face with Jenner.

Jenner's daughter Kylie, 19, also owns several properties in the gated Hidden Hills community at Calabasas.

Kim Kardashian is renovating a $20 million home there with Kanye West.

More good news: Wednesday was also the three-year wedding anniversary for Kim Kardashian and Kanye West; here Kris is seen with her kids at the nuptials in Italy

The rural enclave is home to several high profile celebrities and it has been claimed Angelina Jolie bought a home there last year after her split from Brad Pitt.

It's been a tough spring for Kris as her ex Caitlyn Jenner released her tell-all book The Secrets Of My Life on April 25.

In it, it was claimed Kris was not supportive of her transition from male to female.

She also crudely said when she was Bruce Jenner she was not comfortable having sex with the momager, who now dates Corey Gamble.

On KUWTK she is seeing saying that she never wants to talk to Cait again.

The series is in its 13th season and airs Sunday nights on E!
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They are two of the stars of The Beguiled - the latest thriller from Sofia Coppola.

And Kirsten Dunst and Elle Fanning looked as if they'd compared notes on what to wear to the film's premiere at the 70th annual Cannes Film Festival on Wednesday evening.

Each of the blonde actresses arrived to the red carpet in pastel prom-inspired gowns, perfectly complimenting one another as they posed for the photographers.

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Pastel pair: Kirsten Dunst teases her ample bust in a plunging Grecian-inspired prom gown as her co-star Elle Fanning matches her in a pastel lavender ensemble of the same style... as the pair attend the Cannes premiere of their new film The Beguiled

All star cast: The Beguiled also stars Colin Farrell as a soldier who ends up taken in to the girls' boarding school

The pair portray two of the occupants of a Southern girls boarding school in the film - and looked like close companions as they stepped out to the masses at the glitzy event.

Kirsten, 35, looked sensational in a daring, plunging pale blue gown, teasing her ample bust at the front.

The Grecian-inspired number clung to the actress' torso, secured at the shoulders with silvery buckles before meeting in the middle at a V-point below the chest.

The sweeping fabric, which fell in gentle pleats, draped to the waist, where the dress nipped tightly in, with a chain-style belt around Kirsten's middle.

Pals: Each of the blonde actresses arrived to the red carpet in pastel prom-inspired gowns, perfectly complimenting one another as they posed for the photographers

Blonde beauties: Kirsten Dunst and Elle Fanning looked as if they'd compared notes on what to wear to the film's premiere at the 70th annual Cannes Film Festival on Wednesday evening

Grecian-inspired: Kirsten, 35, looked sensational in a daring, plunging pale blue gown, teasing her ample bust at the front

Beauty: She swept her blonde locks behind her head neatly in a bun tied with a long black silk ribbon

The rest of the gown fell to the floor delicately, giving height to the petite actress.

Kirsten kept her make-up true to her pale complexion, but added a jut of drama to the look with a bright red lipstick.

She wore her dark blonde locks tied up, with a few strands playfully tickling her features in the May evening breeze.

The only jewelery involved in the look was a pair of deep blue floral earrings.

Co-stars: The pair portray two of the occupants of a Southern girls boarding school in the film - and looked like close companions as they stepped out to the masses at the glitzy event

Girl with a pearl necklace: The star wore a pearl necklace with a silver pendant at the end, matching this with rings and earrings of the same style

Lovely in lavender: The shoulder-less number hugged the actress' torso delicately before the gown swept down to the group, expanding dramatically as it did

Pretty in purple: Elle, 19, wore a lavender dress in the same material, a little less daring at the bust

Cast and crew: (L-R) Addison Riecke, Angourie Rice - who was dressed in an Emporio Armani gown - Colin Farrell, Kirsten Dunst, director Sofia Coppola, Nicole Kidman and Elle Fanning attended the screening of their movie

Camera ready: The cast and director were surrounded by a wall of photographers either side of them

A Hollywood hug: Kirsten and Nicole seemed close at the screening

Elle, 19, wore a lavender dress in the same material, a little less daring at the bust.

The shoulder-less number hugged the actress' torso delicately before the gown swept down to the group, expanding dramatically as it did.

The star wore a pearl necklace with a silver pendant at the end, matching this with rings and earrings of the same style.

She swept her blonde locks behind her head neatly in a bun tied with a long black silk ribbon.

Emotional: Kirsten looked to be getting overwhelmed by the event at one point, wiping a tear from her eye

Girls: The ladies were joined by the rest of the principal cast and director Sophia

All made up: The girls kept things fresh with a pale shade of make-up, a slight whisp of mascara and a light rouge on their lips

Head of the household: Nicole looked sensational as she led the rest of her cast at the event

She kept things fresh with a pale shade of make-up, a slight whisp of mascara and a light rouge on her lips.

The ladies were joined by the rest of the principal cast and director Sophia.

Kirsten looked to be getting overwhelmed by the event at one point, seen wiping a tear from her eye.

Addison Riecke, Angourie Rice, Colin Farrell and Nicole Kidman were all in attendance at the screening of their movie.

Stellar line up: Colin Farrell plays Corporal John McBurney, an Irish soldier who ends up deserting his fellow troops

Hurrah! Elle looked ecstatic to premiere their film at the prestigious event

Off we go: The film is in the running for the Palme d'Or, opposite another Nicole/Colin project, The Killing Of A Sacred Deer

The Beguiled, which is a remake of the famous 1971 film starring Clint Eastwood, is competing for the coveted Palme D'or award.

The thriller is set during the Civil War, at a Southern girls boarding school, and will go up against The Killing Of A Sacred Deer for the Palme d'Or.

The plot sees the head of the house, played by Nicole , take in an injured enemy soldier - Colin's character - to provide refuge and tend to his wounds.

However, the house is taken over with sexual tension and dangerous rivalries, and taboos are broken in an unexpected turn of events.

The Beguiled: The film is a remake of the famous 1971 film starring Clint Eastwood, is competing for the coveted Palme D'or award

Thriller: The movie is from Sofia Coppola and is set during the Civil War, at a Southern girls boarding school, and will go up against The Killing Of A Sacred Deer for the Palme d'Or

Ensemble: The plot sees the head of the house, played by Nicole Kidman, take in an injured enemy soldier - Colin Farrell's character - to provide refuge and tend to his wounds

Line up: The plot sees the house taken over with sexual tension and dangerous rivalries, and taboos are broken in an unexpected turn of events

Flawless: She added to glamorous beauty look with a blood red lip which complemented her alabaster complexion

Chummy: Elle and Nicole looked friendly as they attended the event

Gathering: The cast looked close as they posed with their leader, Sophia

Taking a bow: The stars appeared incredibly proud of their latest project

Lights, camera...: The ladies stunned at the high-profile event

Toni Garrn and Elsa Hosk led the models at The Beguiled screening, where they swept the famous red carpet at the Palais des Festivals in a duo of stunning ensembles - including a princess dress and a sizzling number respectively.

24-year-old German beauty Toni left very little to the imagination in a slashed gown which flashed her incredibly taut abs while a slash showed her endless legs, while her fellow blonde, Elsa, 28, looked like a vision in a volumunious number with a Bardot neckline and billowing skirt.

Toni looked stunning in her black gown, which comprised of very little fabric - complete with a one-shoulder detail and a cut-out at the stomach which showed off her incredible figure.

A pretty trio: The women had clearly become close during the production

More pastels: Gwendoline Christie and Jane Campion were also in attendance

Popping by: (L-R) Alice Engler, Elisabeth Moss, Gwendoline Christie and David Dencik of Top of the Lake: China Girl showed their support at the premiere of The Beguiled screening

Green: Iris Mittenaere wowed in an intricately detailed gown

Bringing the drama: Tina Kunakey Di Vita - who donned Giorgio Armani Prive plisse silk gauze dress - and Cindy Bruna showed up in dramatic gowns

Fabulous four: (L-R) Liu Wen, Jasmine Tooks, Lena Meyer-Landrut and Neelam Gill

Stunner: Wednesday night was no exception, as stunners including Toni Garrn and Elsa Hosk led the way at The Beguiled screening, where they swept the famous red carpet at the Palais des Festivals in a duo of stunning ensembles - including a princess dress and a sizzling number respectively

Film fans: Jermaine Jackson and Fan Bingbing both brought guests along to the event

To ensure the look was not too simplistic, she added in dazzling details through her silver accessories, complete with dangling drop earrings, shimmering heels and a blingy ring and cuff combo.

She pulled her blonde locks into a centre parting with clips pulling back the front to best show off her flawless features and perfect bone structure.

Toni kept her make-up muted and striking as she smudged a black liner on her upper and lower lid while pairing the smoulering beauty look with a nude gloss to highlight her plump pout.

Oh my! The leggy stunner made her very best appearance as she not only flashed her legs but also her taut abs and lithe limbs

Wow! The stunner was helped by an aide as she swept the red carpet in the exquisite gown

A vision in blue: While her dress may have had regal undertones, she shattered the illusion somewhat as she paraded the red carpet and flashed her lingerie from beneath the perilous slit

Elsa meanwhile appeared to borrow from her Disney namesake Princess Elsa, of Frozen fame, as she wowed in her sky blue gown complete with Bardot neckline, flowing train and slashed leg.

While her dress may have had regal undertones, she shattered the illusion somewhat as she paraded the red carpet and flashed her lingerie from beneath the perilous slit.

Other models dazzling the bash included Irina Shayk who was continuing to showcase her incredible post-baby body just two months after giving birth to her first child with Bradley Cooper.

Oh wow! Other models dazzling the bash included Irina Shayk who was continuing to showcase her incredible post-baby body just two months after giving birth to her first child with Bradley Cooper

Sensational: Her dress screamed red carpet glamour, with the sheer gown boasting intricate leather panels and detailing, while she shielded her assets with a nude bandeau underneath atop a black tube skirt

Her dress screamed red carpet glamour, with the sheer gown boasting intricate leather panels and detailing, while she shielded her assets with a nude bandeau underneath atop a black tube skirt.

A huge corset belt further highlighted her phenomenal post-baby body. Scraping her hair into an elegant chignon falling from a taut side parting allowed a full view of Irina's bone structure and the fabled new mother glow.

Irina and Bradley have been dating since early 2015 and sparked engagement rumours in December last year, after the brunette beauty was spotted sporting an emerald-and-diamond ring on her wedding finger.

The couple welcomed their first child, daughter Lea de Seine, together in March earlier this year. A source close to the couple told People at the time: 'They are both extremely thrilled and feel so blessed.'

Sensational: Doutzen looked like a silver sensation in her elegant beaded gown which boasted a skin-tight top half with a form-fitting shape before the dress kicked into a train which trailed neatly behind the star

Feathered fancy: Lara Stone was looking every inch the supermodel in a billowing black gown with a feathered hem and train and a figure hugging top half

The stunner: As she wowed the red carpet, she made the most of her phenomenal frame

I'm with the designer! Proving her model credentials, Lara had a coveted red carpet date - esteemed designer Olivier Rousteing, who is the creative director of Balmain. The handsome fashion boss looked sharp in a silk tuxedo

She stopped to pose up a storm with fellow model Doutzen Kroes, who dazzled in a pewter gown with adornments all over - with Irina pulling her very best pout for the camera.

Doutzen looked like a silver sensation in her elegant beaded gown which boasted a skin-tight top half with a form-fitting shape before the dress kicked into a train which trailed neatly behind the star.

Lara Stone was looking every inch the supermodel in a billowing black gown with a feathered hem and train and a figure hugging top half - making for an extremely dramatic red carpet statement.

Proving her model credentials, Lara had a coveted red carpet date - esteemed designer Olivier Rousteing, who is the creative director of Balmain. The handsome fashion boss looked sharp in a silk tuxedo.

Model behaviour: The stunning models sizzled on the red carpet in their array of sparkling ensembles

Cheeky! With her brunette tresses teased into huge bouncy waves, the stunner ensured she oozed a sex kitten appeal in the gown which flaunted her perky posterior to perfection

Ahem... Izabel appeared to go totally underwear free beneath her cheeky dress which left nothing to the imagination

Beauty in black: Barbara Palvin looked simple and stunning in a black gown which nipped in at all the right places while her chest was adorned with two huge brooch adornments

Out and a pout: Hailey truly made her mark on the event, as she wore a chic checked gown with a bodice top to help highlight her tiny waist, while the billowing skirt and its sexy split showed off her endless legs

Pretty in pink: Belgian model Jade Foret showed off her skin through the hot pink material

Having a laugh: Elle and Nicole shared a joke on the red carpet

Classic looks: The stars looked fabulous as they shot looks at the cameras
62 cities of the United States compete for the investment of one manufacturer of China

Frank Jan. 16, 2017, in Waterloo, Ontario. Canada.

Updated in Jan 22, 2017

http://frank-waterloo.blog.163.com/blog/static/20523902920170165295453/

--- The rational US mayors lesson democratic players to rationalise the way of thinking, they must recognise that being elected is nothing to be proud of, but rather to be ashamed of, as it indicates that she or he was in low personal quality with deception trick to have successfully coaxed voters, unless to be confirmed by the achievements in the creation of job and revenue. --- Feb. 2, 2017

Mayor Sheldon Day of Thomasville City won in the competition of investment from China between 62 US mayors by going to China again and again with strong determination of striving for the export-items in his city as copper tubing, steel products, paper products, but, not their Children anymore (have to look for job elsewhere).

Mayor R. Rex Parris of Lancaster City, after enjoyed happiness from helping Chinas eBus maker BYD production in own city since 2009, he starts new dream of creating an oasis for Chinese investment in own town, thereby builds Lancaster as largest Chinese corporation area in California and a central hub in the new energy economy.

For accomplishing own determination, he made numerous trips to China to woo corporate leaders and government officials with his business-friendly ways. He wants to open a trade office in Beijing just for own city, and even hopes to build a Buddhist temple in own town to attract Chinese residents.

More respectable is that, after daily official work, Mayor R. Rex Parris was always busy in home to study the technologies about renewable clean energy, while, majority of democratic elected Mayors are eagerly in looking for and busying in the activities of pleasing voters for enjoying the vanity as Mayor.

In order to get more useful idea from more participants than regular council meetings, in August 2008, Mayor R. Rex Parris initiated a program of 'Walk with the Mayor' at Lancaster City Park, to attract residents get to walk for about one hour with the mayor twice a week and bring up whatever questions them like.

Two mayors were outstanding among those politicians who only have desire and instinct to plan on papers for campaigning the enjoyment of political privilege, but, have no sense and ability to improve the life of their citizen, besides by all kind of possible tricks to tax on them.

The practices of two mayors set up a mirror for evaluating politicians.

The evaluation for the personal quality of Gov-officials is unique, if she or he has no achievements in the creation of job and revenue, the harder of the work, the lower of the personal quality, because it indicates that they are in wasting more social resources.

The evaluation for the crime of Gov-officials is unique, if she or he has no achievements in the creation of job and revenue, they are criminals due to they uselessly occupied governing-position to have wasted valuable time for improving the life of national.

Contents

1.. The outstanding mayors in the United States

1.1.. Mr. Sheldon Day, the Mayor of Thomasville, Alabama

1.2.. Mr. R. Rex Parris, the Mayor of Lancaster, California

2.. The motivation of the topic

3.. US mayors inspire on social governance

4.. A report from the United tates

1.. The outstanding mayors in the United States

1.1.. Mr. Sheldon Day, the Mayor of Thomasville, Alabama

Jan. 16, 2017, I found a good mayor in the U.S., from video: The U.S. poorer town looks forward to Chinese factories.

He is Mr. Sheldon Day, the Mayor of Thomasville City, Clark County of the United States. The respectable is that he actively strives for creating employment opportunities for his citizen to avoid them from looking jobs elsewhere.

Thomasville City was the one of 62 American cities that once competed for the investment of one manufacture of China - Golden Dragon Precise Copper Tube Group. Faced with fierce competition, Mayor Sheldon Day did not retreat, but, actively strive for; he went to China again and again, totally in four times, until won.

When Golden Dragon North America plant wants to enlarge production lines, Thomasville City was no more land available, faced with new difficulty, Mayor Sheldon Day showed great intelligence and flexibility, he was wisely to look for cooperation from neighboring Town Pine Hill, Wilcox County.

Pine Hill is a small South town, the population is less than 1 thousand, the logging and paper-making was the major industries, but, it has been suffering long abandoned by textile mills and furniture plants, the Pine Hill desperately needs jobs. It located Wilcox County has a population of only 12,000 people, but the unemployment rate is as high as 16.4% that is highest in the State of Alabama, the Locals live in a difficult life. Some shops even closed for sale.

Shop closed for sale in Pine Hill

The suggestion of the Mayor Sheldon Day simply was a manner that sent delicious pies to a hungry people; both sides hit it off happily. Finally, the local governments in different counties jointly funded the purchase of land and to be free for Golden Dragons building new production line.

The government of Alabama State funded the construction of bridges and roads to link the production site to the major national transportation networks, and the governments of Federal and State were also jointly to have funded to improve water supplies, sewerage treatment and sewage discharges for the plant.

Thus, the government of Federal, State and Locals jointly removed the entire barriers for Golden Dragons building new production line.

Mr. Sheldon Day, the Mayor of Thomasville City

Mayor Sheldon Day said that Golden Dragon North America plant is one of the biggest export projects in local. Before, our children cannot find job here, now, the investments likes Golden Dragon have created the opportunities for our next generation to stay in their hometown. Now we're hoping that the biggest export items here are copper tubing products, steel products, paper products, but, not our Children.

The executive vice president of Golden Dragon North America, Mr. Karen Weill who said that: There many of the people we hired are unemployed before, and now they start making money and spending money, so that local economy improved a lot.

Mr. Karen Weill, the executive vice president of Golden Dragon North America

For the reason that Gold Dragon Group builds plant in the United States, Mr. Karen Weill said that: there are many air-conditioning manufacturers in the United States, up to 10,000 miles supply chain on the sea is a risk, in particular, the potential risk of blockade or striking. Another risk is to put a lot of money on the water, while the copper is more expensive metals, and also, sometimes, customers need a more flexible delivery time, or even temporarily speed up the date of delivery. In order to truly become a global company, we must have a global layout.

Ms. Laura Lewis is a local worker who works for brass tube packing in the factory.

Ms. Laura Lewis

She said that: I started with a wage of $11 an hour, every three months, plant will increase salary once, now, I am in $12.25 an hour, two weeks later, I can reach $13 per hour. If the Golden Dragon did not build factory here, I have to leave home to find a job. She also said that: the cheaper products are all from China (she means that was in low quality with an embarrassed-smile), but, since working with the people from China, my view on China-made goods have changed. I have seen Chinese people are very concern about their work, and work quality was very important to them."

Since working in factory; local people began to understand Chinese culture that was very unfamiliar before, and some employees even wrote their name on own helmet in Mandarin.

The executive director of Wilcox County Industrial Development Board, Mr. George Alford said that: Golden Dragon Group invested $110 million to build factory and buy equipments, and spend millions of dollars each year on payroll. The number of labor force in our Wilcox County is small, so we do not need thousands of jobs to improve our future. We feel that if the Golden Dragon Group can provide about 300 jobs, by the spread of this effect in entire region, our unemployment rate will be halved. It has a great impact on us. This project relates our success in future. It is the hope of Wilcox County; we can overcome poverty and improve high unemployment rate that has been suffered for many years. I think this is like a good marriage, one of my past colleagues said, we got married, and we must keep the marriage down. So we have to work together with the Golden Dragon Group.

Mr. George Alford, the executive director of Wilcox County Industrial Development Board

As the number of consumers increased, the restaurant business was also booming.

Some of foods in a local restaurant

The rational practice of Mayor Sheldon Day made me thinking of another outstanding Mayor in the United States.

1.2.. Mr. R. Rex Parris, the Mayor of Lancaster, California

Feb, 13, 2014, I once wrote article to introduce Mr. R. Rex Parris, the Mayor of the Lancaster city, California of the United States, who was also many times to China to have successfully persuaded eBus Maker of China into Lancaster for building his city with clean energy. He also pays those homeless free one-way tickets out of his city, and trying to keep reckless Mongols motorcycle club out of city.

Obviously, Mayor R. Rex Parris has a sensible mind for that how a qualified mayor should be and how hardly strives for.

Jan. 22, 2017, morning 5:08, when I updating this article, I googled about Mr. Mayor R. Rex Parris and got some information on their official website.

Lancaster native R. Rex Parris became the Citys third directly-elected mayor in April 2008. His immediate aggressive stance regarding the overall well-being of Lancaster residents quickly generated dramatic results which have gained nationwide recognition. Due to his fervent dedication to progress, strong leadership style and many accomplishments toward the evolution of his hometown, Parris was re-elected in 2010, 2012, and 2016. The most recent election extended his mayoral duties for another four years.

The official webpage post a photo of Mr. Mayor R. Rex Parris.

Mayor R. Rex Parris

Oct. 27, 2013, article Lancaster Mayor R. Rex Parris has a big business dream: China reports that: Mayor R. Rex Parris dreams of creating an oasis for Chinese investment in this Mojave Desert town. He has taken numerous trips to China, wooing corporate leaders and government officials with his business-friendly ways. He talks boldly of opening a trade office in Beijing just for Lancaster, much like the one that California opened this year in Shanghai. And he even hopes to build a Buddhist temple in town to attract Chinese residents.

He hopes that Lancaster will become the largest Chinese corporation area in California. This might sound a little ambitious for a city tucked into a dusty corner of Los Angeles County not exactly known as a beacon for international commerce. But Parris' plan might just be working.

MAY 13, 2014, article Can A City Get To Net Zero? Lancaster, California reports that: The most recent National Climate Assessment supports the urgency Parris feels, but he also sees this as a good business opportunity. So he is doing all that he can as a community leader to position his community for survival and success in the world he sees coming. Becoming net zero, and producing more electricity than Lancaster uses, is just part of the mayor's overall agenda. He also wants to see Lancaster emerge as a central hub in the new energy economy.

May 04, 2016, Lancaster Mayor R. Rex Parris Praises BYDs New Environmentally Friendly Electric Truck Line: City of Lancaster Mayor R. Rex Parris today praised the continued evolution of BYDs environmentally friendly Master Plan, after the company announced plans to bring a full array of electric trucks to the marketplace. When other truck-makers are aimed directly at one of the key sources of pollutants in North American cities -- diesel trucks, BYD already builds a variety of superior electric busses at its North American Manufacturing Facilities located in Lancaster, and plans to build the new truck line in Lancaster as well.

Now, it was unable to be googled the source of the report on Internet, but, I clearly remember, once in home after work, Mayor R. Rex Parris was always stay in own reading room to study the technologies about renewable clean energy. While, majority of democratic elected Mayors are eagerly in looking for and busying in the activities of pleasing voters, for enjoying the vanity from showing up to public with useless saliva spraying.

More respectable is that his wife and his mother fully support his work. His family is an excellent assistant for an outstanding mayor.

Sept. 20, 2009, article Lancaster mayor is anything but politically correct - latimes reports that: After each City Council meeting, Lancaster Mayor R. Rex Parris heads home, flips on his TiVo and watches a replay of the town hall proceedings. His wife makes notes of the sections she feels her husband should review, along with suggestions of what he could have done better: Temper an angry exchange.

August 01, 2008, Lancaster City Mayor R. Rex Parris gets a hug from his Mother Jeanne Powers: Lancaster City Mayor R. Rex Parris gets a hug from his Mother Jeanne Powers, 81 years old as she joins a group walking Tuesday morning with the mayor during a 'Walk with the Mayor' program that was recently initiated at Lancaster City Park. Residents get to walk for about one hour with the mayor twice a week, and bring up whatever questions them like, while getting some exercise. Dozens of people have apparently been participating in the program, which started last month and have apparently been attracting more participants than regular council meetings.

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2.. The motivation of the topic

People call Southwestern Ontario, the heartland of manufacturing in Canada - as Waterloo region.

I have been living in Waterloo city for more than 10 years; I felt that the region is the final hope for hard working Canadians with the economy continues in recession.

As my oral survey in workplace, in recent years, there more and more people lost job in Canada; they are gathering in Waterloo region to seek hope for livelihood making, from oil fields, farming area, fishing area, and other cities

However, in Waterloo region  jobs are in losing with businesses closing or outsourcing.

The sad fact encourages me to think that how to create more employment opportunities and dig the reason what is in causing businesses decline.

Jan. 27 2014, I once wrote article The Fatal DNA of RIM and Canadian Enterprises: RIM - Research In Motion Limited, a designer, manufacturer and marketer of wireless solutions for the mobile communications that headquartered in Waterloo, Ontario. As a successful high-tech enterprise, once was the pride of Canada. Now is BlackBerry Limited, its Headquarter is just several blocks away from my home.

Recent years, facing new competitors rapid rising, it has been retreating. The bad news are continuous, the sales decline, the stock devaluation, downsizing, the arguments of the privatization or so, every bad news have deeply hurt my nerves.

However, that made me most sad is from a gossip, that a second grade pupil said that her parents are both working in RIM, once, to be laid off together, their home will no money pay for mortgage, their new house will be repossessed by bank, She worries nowhere to live?

RIM, the total employee is nearly 20% of the population of it headquartered city, although that include the staff who works in the branches of other cities, but big proportion are from locals. So, its rise or fall will strongly impact the life of local community. However, for RIM's declining, besides the families of the founder, the families of their staff, and the governors of Canada, I think that, there are few people would care about.

For RIM's decline, people can find many sound reasons, however, I think that, the most fundamental one is the stifling intellectual work environment, which is that suppresses the free exertion of intelligence of the employees without a proper channel for employees expressing their views freely to have damaged the driving force for continuously self-revolution to fit the market that increasingly rapid changes.

Such a corporate culture is common in Canadian enterprises, which is just opposite that of smart doing in IBM and German Companies.

People may blame RIMs decline to economic recession, however, in the same global economic situation, why there are more cell phone maker growing up, U.S. Apple, Chinas Huawei, 

As my observation, the main reason is the poor management, rather than economic recession.

According to the experience from 16 years working in Canada, May 18, 2016, I once wrote article How to save Canadas manufacturers from disappearing, in which, by some real cases of businesses closure, I presented sad facts that how poor management killed good businesses, some of them even were simply due to the trouble making of some reckless individual.

In article, I indicate that 3M Canad aves Energy 30% by ISO50001 show the direction for optimizing businesses management in Canada.

In China, as a senior engineer in metal material, I once participated in the drafting of the application documents of the ISO90001 for Oil wells drilling pipe. The deep impression on the ISO documents is that every aspect of the production to be refined and provided concrete steps with formulates specific instructions and regulations. More importantly, each specific operation puts specific person in charge - the responsibilities are clearly assigned to the specific individuals.

The ISO standards are acting as that of powerful business-law regulates the behaviors of the business members by tagging responsible on the forehead of individual to be exactly accountable for punishment and reward.

Accurate accountability will dramatically motivate employees self-esteem, and the self-esteem will drive them consciously full-hearted work in higher speed with avoiding mistake.

In the practice of ISO, the management is being conducted by the written instructions and to be enforced by written regulations, rather than by the management staff orally according to person accord.

3M Canad aves Energy 30% by ISO50001 also shows huge profit potential that has hidden in Canadian businesses, which can be dug out by an easy and a cheaper way  work performance liked reward under accountability.

For this end, the mayors will play a significant role.

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3.. US mayors inspire on social governance

The rational practice of US Mayor Mr. R. Rex Parris and Mr. Sheldon Day inspires me to review about the issue of social governance.

Desire and pursuit of a better life is the instinct of mankind, also is everyone's struggling for. However, the development of reality always deviates from people's hope, and in going far and far away.

Endless wars, endless terror attacks, the world has been deemed as a casino for free play of killing game. Besides those life threats, people have been suffering the infinite loop of the economic or financial crisis, and now is facing dilemma in many aspect

Whether people agree or disagree, the reality is that, as higher animal, human beings have never been able to enjoy a civilization as that of higher animal should be, but, sustained in the civilization that belongs to lower animal under the Law of the jungle - a law of survival in wolfs world.

As my view, for such sad reality, the root cause was that ignored the quality control for the people who campaign for or work on social governing.

In fact, there great many of democratic player are in low quality, more desire and ability for enjoying political privilege, less sense and capability for contributing the community.

Every politician would have a wish to positively influence the world, but the result is often counterproductive, especially, for the politicians in low-quality, the more efforts they made, the greater the destruction of the world.

In this regard, the widely respected democracy, in a large extent, has been developed in playing a role as a dirty ladder to assist low quality people easily seizing power and then malfunctioning social governance. The shocking facts revealed by British Chilcot report - Iraq War Inquiry was a perfect proof.

Irrational wars, financial crises, refugee flows..., democracy has developed into the source of evil in harming the world.

I have been questioning about the positive role of democracy, once wrote article to argue that It is high time to end the partisan politics, The Values and Democracy is entwined to castrate France and disorder whole world.

However, the rational practices of US Mayor Mr. R. Rex Parris and Mr. Sheldon Day lesson us that, even if in absurd democratic polity, there are also sensible officials, and even if under irrational democratic polity, as long as active efforts, a rational Gov-official can also make great contribution for society.

Feb. 28, 2016, report A Clash of Cultures at Alabama Factory shocked me very much, the good day of town Pine Hill and city Thomasville was over, due to their gave full of hope of the Golden Dragon plant seems encountered big trouble, it was that union came and organizing workers to fight against plant.

Most of democratic players respect Unions as the great value, due to they never concern effective social governing and nationals livelihood making in comparison with rational politician.

Nov. 1, 2016, I once wrote article Margaret Thatcher Changed The UK Forever By Defeating Unions and indicate that:

There were reports that Britain will soon be developed as fourth large economy in world, for such a achievement, the first contributor should be Ms. Margaret Thatcher, it was she defeated Unions under a rational sense that Unions were attempting to substitute the rule of the mob for the rule of law, so that revived productivity in Britain.

Now, in Britain, the goods making is much cheaper than in Canada.

Dec. 5, 2015, in article The Strategic Vision for Trudeau Government of Canada, I indicate that: In the Era of agricultural economy, the geographic space is the living space. In the Era of market economy, the market space is the living space, without competitive products; a country will lose living space.

Obviously, rational Ms. Margaret Thatcher had hardly created foundation for Britons to strive for living space.

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4.. A report from the United States

Follow report introduced the plight situation of local employment and the happy of local officials for the investment of Chinas business. The word "Ni hao" means how do you do, or how are you in Mandarin, which shows welcome for the arrival of guests.

Ni hao, y'all: US hinterlands woo Chinese firms | The Columbian

Gov. Robert Bentley, flanked by Quingmin Li, Consul General China, Houston office, left, and Golden Dragon Copper USA Chairman Changjie Li, pose for photos with company, state and local officials at a May ribbon cutting ceremony during the grand opening of the company 2019s copper tubing plant in Pine Hill, Ala.

June 22, 2014, 5:00 PM

http://www.columbian.com/news/2014/jun/22/ni-hao-yu2019all-us-hinterlands-woo-chinese-firms/

PINE HILL, Ala.  Burdened with Alabamas highest unemployment rate, long abandoned by textile mills and furniture plants, Wilcox County desperately needs jobs.

Theyre coming, and from a most unlikely place: Henan Province, China, 7,600 miles away.

Henans Golden Dragon Precise Copper Tube Group opened a plant here last month. It will employ more than 300 in a county known less for job opportunities than for lakes filled with bass, pine forests rich with wild turkey and boar and muddy roads best negotiated in four-wheel-drive trucks.

Jobs that pay $15 an hour are few and far between, says Dottie Gaston, an official in nearby Thomasville.

Whats happening in Pine Hill is starting to happen across America.

After decades of siphoning jobs from the United States, China is creating some. Chinese companies invested a record $14 billion in the United States last year, according to the Rhodium Group research firm. Collectively, they employ more than 70,000 Americans, up from virtually none a decade ago.

Powerful forces  narrowing wage gaps, tumbling U.S. energy prices, the vagaries of currency markets  are pulling Chinese companies across the Pacific. Mayors and economic development officials have lined up to welcome Chinese investors. Southern states, touting low labor and land costs, have been especially aggressive.

In the case of the Pine Hill plant, tax breaks, some Southern hospitality and a tray of homemade banana pudding helped, too.

Get off the plane and the mayor is waiting for you, says Hong Kong billionaire Ronnie Chan.

In March, Dothan, Alabama, held a two-day U.S.-China manufacturing symposium, drawing dozens of potential Chinese investors. On sale were T-shirts reading: Ni hao, yall  combining the Chinese version of hello with a colloquial Southernism.

Chinese executives wandered around during a street festival, experiencing Americana by snapping photos of vintage 60s muscle cars. A Chinese company, in a deal negotiated before the symposium, announced it would bring a 3D printing operation to Dothan.

Among other Chinese projects in the United States that are creating jobs:

 In Moraine, Ohio, Chinese glassmaker Fuyao Glass Industry Group Co. is taking over a plant that General Motors abandoned in 2008 and creating at least 800 jobs. The site puts Fuyao within four hours drive of auto plants in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana.

 In Lancaster County, South Carolina, Chinese textile manufacturer Keer Group is investing $218 million in a plant to make industrial yarn and will employ 500. South Carolina nudged the deal along with a $4 million grant.

 In Gregory, Texas, Tianjin Pipe is investing over $1 billion in a factory that makes pipes for oil and gas drillers. The company expects to begin production late this year or early in 2015. It will have 50 to 70 employees by the end of this year and 400 to 500 by the end of 2017.

The United States and China have long maintained a lop-sided relationship: China makes things. America buys them. The U.S. trade deficit in goods with China last year hit a record $318 billion. And for three decades, numerous U.S. manufacturers have moved operations to China.

The flow is at least starting to move the other way. One reason is that in the past decade, the cost of labor, adjusted for productivity gains, has surged 187 percent at Chinese factories, compared with just 27 percent in the United States, according to Boston Consulting Group.

In addition, Chinese electricity costs rose 66 percent, more than twice the United States increase. The start of large-scale U.S. shale gas production has helped contain U.S. electricity costs.

And the value of Chinas currency has risen more than 30 percent against the U.S. dollar over the past decade. The higher yuan has raised the cost of Chinese goods sold abroad and, conversely, made U.S. goods more affordable in China.

Those rising costs have cut Chinas competitive edge. In 2004, manufacturing cost 14 percent less in China than in the United States; that advantage has narrowed to 5 percent. If the trend toward higher wages, energy costs and a higher currency continues, Boston Consulting predicts, U.S. manufacturing will be less expensive than Chinas by 2018.

Cost isnt the only allure. As Chinese companies build more sophisticated products, they want to work more directly with U.S. customers.

Being close to the marketplace is good for everybody, says Loretta Lee, a Hong Kong entrepreneur who just opened a shoe factory in Tennessee.

Sometimes, political pressure nudges Chinese firms into investing in America. Tianjin Pipe, for instance, began building its Texas plant after the U.S. imposed sanctions against Chinese-made pipes in 2010, notes Thilo Hanemann, Rhodiums research director.

Local officials here in southwestern Alabama went out of their way to lure Golden Dragon, which wanted to build a plant to make copper tubing for air conditioners.

At first, the company considered Thomasville, just across the border in Clarke County. But Thomasville didnt have any suitable sites after Golden Dragon decided it needed three times as much space as originally sought.

I was almost in a panic, recalls Thomasville Mayor Sheldon Day.

But Day spotted an industrial park in Wilcox County with plenty of space. Day says he didnt mind the project going to a neighboring county. The plant would employ Thomasville residents, too.

And there was another benefit: Wilcox County  stuck with 15.5 percent unemployment, Alabamas highest  qualified for extra aid. It landed $8 million in state and federal grants to help build an annex road and sewage lines for the project.

Wilcox County also gave the company 100 acres of a 274-acre industrial park it bought for $1.2 million and a break on local property taxes. And Alabama offered to reimburse the company up to $20 million of its costs for building the $100 million factory. It will get the full amount if it ends up hiring 500 people, says George Alford of the Wilcox County Industrial Development Authority.

Local officials assembled all the public agencies and utilities Golden Dragon will have to deal with  from Alabama Power to the Port of Mobile  in one room on one day so company executives could have their questions answered at once.

The message, Day said, was: If you come here, well hold your hand.

A banquet was organized with both traditional Southern fare, such as pinkeye purple hull peas, and Chinese dishes from Thomasvilles New China Buffet restaurant.

When the visiting Chinese were seen devouring homemade banana pudding, we took them the whole tray, Day says.

To prepare for future banquets, Thomasville is buying Chinese-style dining tables with built-in turntables.

Still, culture and language can remain a barrier. Local officials hastily replaced a black-and-white banner welcoming Golden Dragon after learning that the colors signified a funeral to the Chinese.

Nobody wants a faux pas, says John Clyde Riggs, executive director of a regional planning commission.

Golden Dragon and the future Dothan 3D join two other Chinese firms in Alabama: Continental Motors in Mobile makes piston engines for aircraft. And Shandong Swan USA in Montgomery makes saws for cotton gins.

Alabama and other Southern states have followed the example of South Carolina, which nabbed the first Chinese plant in America 14 years ago when appliance giant Haier built a refrigerator plant in Camden.

John Ling, who runs South Carolinas Shanghai office, has an empty factory hes pitching to Chinese firms. Its been shuttered for four years  since the former owners closed it and moved the jobs to China.

We will see more and more Chinese projects coming, Ling says. Its at the very beginning.

Follow are some links of related reports.

Thomasville mayor building economy on metal | AL.com

Thomasville sold rural life to land Chinese manufacturer - Dothan Eagle

Ni hao, y'all: US hinterlands woo Chinese firms | The Columbian

A Clash of Cultures at Alabama Factory - WSJ

Supply Chain News: Chinese Manufacturers Struggle with US Operations, as Culture Clashes often Ensue While Japanese Lean Translated Well, Top-Down, Low Cost Labor Mindset of Chinese Firms does Not, Well-Known Writer Says SCDigest Editorial Staff http://www.scdigest.com/ontarget/16-01-26-1.php?cid=10190 It's still relatively small in absolute terms, but the level of investment by Chinese companies in new or existing US manufacturing operations continue to grow - but a new report says labor issues continue to plague many of these operations. The growing Chinese manufacturing presence in the US was highlighted two weeks ago, when it was announced that China's Haier would acquire the appliance business from GE - and thus its sprawling manufacturing operations centered around Louisville, KY - for about $5.4 billion. SCDigest Says: At the Chinese-owned Golden Dragon copper-tube factory in Wilcox County, Alabama, workers last year voted to form a union - rare in this and other Southern right to work states - amidst complaints of low pay and poor working conditions What Do You Say? Click Here to Send Us Your Comments Click Here to See Reader Feedback Haier had previously opened its own factory in South Carolina, but has struggled to gain much traction in the US. There have been a few other recent noteworthy Chinese manufacturing investments in the country, such as in 2014, when Fuyao Glass Industry Group acquired part of the well-known GM assembly plant in Moraine, OH, shuttered in 2008 and made famous as the focus of the documentary film "The Last Truck: Closing of a GM Plant." The new Fuyao factory began producing car windshields in late 2015, and will employ nearly 1000 workers when it ramps up to full production later this year. Chinese direct foreign investment in the US is rising, though how much is specifically for manufacturing (greenfield or acquired sites) is hard to discern from the data. While overall Chinese DFI in the US rose from $11.9 billion in 2014 to $14.7 billion last year, that was spread across multiple areas, from banking and other service firms to commercial real estate, farming and other areas, in addition to manufacturing. That data is from the Rhodium Group, which tracks these investments. But manufacturing is a significant part of the total, appearing to involve about $3.5 billion in investment by Chinese firms in the US in 2015. Rhodium notes that "The deal pipeline is at an all-time high at the beginning of 2016. We count more than $22 billion worth of pending acquisitions, " which it says are focused on focused on communications and other tech manufacturers (e.g., Omnivision, Western Digital), and electronics (e.g., Philips' LED unit), in addition to the GE Appliances deal. Rhodium further reports that potential future capital expenditures related to announced greenfield projects add up to more than $10 billion, including a new Shandong Sun Paper pulp plant in Arkansas ($1.36 billion), Faraday Future's $1 billion investment in an electric vehicle plant in Nevada, and a dairy plant in California by Feihe Dairy. Can the Chinese Make US Plants Work? Unlike the wave of Japanese factories in the US that started showing up in the 1980s, and introduced Lean processes that led to success not only in their own plants but eventually in thousands of other US factories over time, the Chinese have largely struggled to get things right in their new US operations, according to a recent article by well-known business writer Jeffrey Rothfeder in the New Yorker magazine.

The common factor? A culture clash between Chinese managers and US workers. "Today, no Western manufacturer can hope to compete on a global stage without adopting some version of Lean production - an undertaking that remains difficult for many firms, because it can require altering not just assembly processes but a company's culture, especially where worker roles, management, and methods of innovation are concerned," Rothfeder writes. But it is in these human resources areas that Chinese manufacturers are weakest, Rothfeder says. "The country's factory boom was made possible, instead, by low wages, subpar conditions, and few benefits," Rothfeder adds. "That strategy can succeed in emerging nations, especially ones with large labor pools, but it is not feasible in developed economies." The problems of Chinese factories are most apparent in the relationship between managers and employees, Rothfeder notes. He says Chinese firms embrace a strict top-down view of a factory as a place where the authority of supervisors is paramount, and workers are expected to take directions, perform tasks, do their work, and go home without complaining. There have been many reports Chinese employers in the U.S complaining that American workers are too outspoken and independent and are unable to follow rules. But US workers are often pushing back. At Haier's factory in South Carolina, for example, Chinese managers had to be sent back to Asia because they were alienating workers and threatening productivity. At the Chinese-owned Golden Dragon copper-tube factory in Wilcox County, Alabama, workers last year voted to form a union - rare in this and other Southern right to work states - amidst complaints of low pay and poor working conditions at the plant. "The perception that employees are interchangeable and replaceable has led turnover at factories in China to average an astounding 35% a year among workers employed at least six months," Rothfeder quotes one Chinese consultant as telling him. But Chinese companies are seeing the same kind of turnover in their US plants - a death sentence in the here, where employee skills, loyalty, continuity, job satisfaction and creativityAaa?in other words, Lean requirements - determine profitability." Rothfeder says another factor is that many of these Chinese companies are state-owned, and feel less pressure to be profitable then privately held Chinese firms, often under bidding US rivals to gain a foothold here. But will they be around for the long term? Rothfeder concludes with a warning to governments across the US to be circumspect about offering sweetheart deals to Chinese companies considering making investments in their regions. "If the manufacturers turn out to be nothing more than low-paying loss leaders, cities may find that they've given away more than they receive in return," he notes. Are you surprised with the struggles Chinese companies are having with US workers? Will they get it sorted out in the end? Let us know your thoughts at the Feedback section below.

Thomasville mayor depicts Golden Dragon project as model for rural approach to development

By Brendan Kirby

on June 03, 2012 at 7:15 PM, updated June 03, 2012 at 8:01 PM

http://blog.al.com/live/2012/06/thomasville_mayor_shows_off_go.html

THOMASVILLE, Alabama -- Mayor Sheldon Day exudes the same enthusiasm about economic development whether hes talking to a recruitment target or, as was the case this afternoon, to a Japanese news crew.

Representatives from the Japan Broadcasting Corp. came to see the 274-acre property in neighboring Wilcox County that soon will become home to the giant Golden Dragon Precise Copper Tube Group plant. It is one of 7 projects that will bring some $300 million in investments to the greater Thomasville area over a 3-year period.

Yuichiro Hanazawa, chief correspondent in Japan Broadcasting Corp.s Washington bureau, wanted to know how Thomasville landed the project and how it might change local perceptions to China, where the manufacturing company is based.

Day said state tax incentives, proximity to a rail line and access to the Port of Mobile each played a role in beating out 61 other communities that bid on the project.

But most importantly, he said, is improved cooperation among neighboring cities and counties that used to compete with one another, and a realization that rural Alabama could not beat out large metro areas on their terms. In so doing, he said, Thomasville and the surrounding areas have tried to turn a perceived weakness into a positive.

We like to think theres a new economic development theme that is starting to emerge, he said. Many, many companies would prefer to locate in a rural area because of the wholesomeness of a rural area. You dont get the traffic jams....

We thought for years, we had to keep up with the Mobiles and the Birminghams and the Huntsvilles, he added. We thought we had to do economic development their way.

Secret weapon: banana pudding

View full sizeJapanese reporter Yuichiro Hanazawa asks Thomasville Mayor Sheldon Day on Sunday, June 3, 2012, about how the area landed a Chinese copper plant. Japanese cameraman Torao "Tiger" Kono films the interview for the Japan Broadcasting Corp. (Press Register/Brendan Kirby)

Day talked about setting up a reception for the Golden Dragon announcement. He said officials contacted a local Chinese restaurant, which prepared traditional Chinese fare alongside Southern comfort food.

The Golden Dragon executives especially loved the banana pudding, Day said.

We say banana pudding is our secret weapon, he said. Most big cities wont serve banana pudding.

Hanazawa asked the mayor about American attitudes toward China, saying he was particularly struck by the negative tone toward the country from the Republican presidential candidates.

I feel more than ever that business partnerships can bridge the gap and bridge the differences of our governments, Day responded.

Hanazawa said in an interview that he felt the energy and enthusiasm of the local officials he talked to.

Now is a very good time for China to invest, he said. This is a good thing for China and the local area.... This is very similar to what Japan did (in America) 20 to 30 years ago.

The area certainly could use the jobs. Unemployment in Wilcox County, 15.1 percent, is the states highest. Clarke County, where Thomasville is, also is above the state average.

Fighting Alabamas highest unemployment rate

Tree-clearing work already has begun on the Wilcox County site. Golden Dragon will take ownership of about 140 acres within the next 30 days, and construction should take 18 months to 2 years. Day said he anticipates about 1,000 temporary construction jobs and 300 to 500 permanent jobs at the precision copper plant.

View full sizeGeorge Alford Jr., of the Wilcox County Industrial Development Authorities, talks on Sunday, June 3, 2012, at the site of a future Golden Dragon Copper plant about what the project means to his county, which has Alabama's highest unemployment rate. (Press Register/Brendan Kirby)

George Alford Jr., of the Wilcox County Industrial Development Authority, said the rest of the property hopefully will become the home to future businesses in what will be known as the Thomasville-West Wilcox Industrial Park.

Alford and Day said their communities have worked hard to forge an alliance in economic development. Although Thomasville has only about 4,200 residents, it is a regional retail hub, and Day counts a population of some 80,000 people who shop and eat in his city.

As a result, a big industrial project benefits Thomasville whether it is in the city limits or not, he said.

Originally, in fact, Golden Dragon had settled on a Thomasville site but then concluded it was too small to meet future expansion needs. As it happened, Day was meeting in his office with Alford the day he learned about Golden Dragons concerns.

Day said he walked back into his office, where he and Alford were talking about the Wilcox site as the possible location for a different project, and went back to the Golden Dragon representative with a conceptual drawing.

Sheldon pulled a plat out of his pocket that we were meeting about and said, How about this one? Alford said.

More Chinese investment to come?

Economic development officials said they foresee a possible avalanche of investment from China, and they are doing everything they can to court it.

Gov. Robert Bentley and other officials will meet with Hong Kongs top official, Donald Tong, at a reception in Montgomery on Tuesday. The following day, officials leave for a 10-day mission to China and Taiwan in an effort to teach companies how to do business in Alabama.

Day said the local high school has installed a college-level welding program to prepare gradates to work for steel and metals manufacturers. He said he is working on a number of high-profile prospects, some of them even larger than Golden Dragon.

Monroe County officials want a piece of that action, as well. Pete Black, president of the Southeast Regional Development Center, said a Chinese-language instructor this fall will teach Mandarin at Monroe County High School and Monroeville Elementary School.

Black said he will join the group headed to China next week and hopes to further efforts to attract Chinese investment to Monroe County.

Its a work in progress, he said. We dont have anything imminent.

A Clash of Cultures at Alabama China's Factory

Chinas Golden Dragon struggles to find common ground with workers

By James R. Hagerty





PINE HILL, Ala.Golden Dragon Precise Copper Tube Group, a Chinese company that opened a factory nearly two years ago in this rural town to make pipes used in air conditioning machinery, says it has tried hard to please its American workers.

GD Copper, as the U.S. subsidiary is known, created about 290 jobs for locals with the $120 million plant in Wilcox County, Ala., which is among the dozen poorest counties in the U.S. The company hosts employees families at an annual picnic and gives each worker a turkey at Thanksgiving. A banner in steel-walled factory reads in part: You control OUR future.

Yet tensions, some from cultural misunderstandings, persist between the company and its American employees, providing a cautionary tale for the growing number of Chinese firms making acquisitions or establishing new plants in the U.S.

Photos: GD Copper plant in Alabama

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The plant produces copper tubes used in air-conditioning and refrigeration. WES FRAZER FOR THE WALL STREET JOURNAL

Chinese-owned GD Copper has invested about $120 million to build a plant in Pine Hill, Ala., its first in the U.S. The operation has struggled with employee relations since production began in 2014. WES FRAZER FOR THE WALL STREET JOURNAL

A union, which workers narrowly approved in 2014, is pressing for an increase in wages that currently start at $11 an hour. Employees have alleged some unsafe work practices, such as operating hazardous machinery without adequate safeguards, leading to $38,700 in fines from the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

GD Copper officials said they have improved safety practices.

In an attempt to bridge cultural chasms, the company in 2014 hired KC Pang to head human resources and public affairs. A 61-year-old Malaysia-born Chinese, he emigrated to the U.S. 35 years ago and has worked as a university professor and executive for FedEx Corp.

Some workers say that U.S. citizens dont have much authority at the plant. Golden Dragon relies on about 70 workers from China, brought in on visas and described as advisers, to help run the plant. The company houses the Chinese workers in 10 prefab dormitories and employs a Chinese chef to feed them.

The Chinese workers live in prefab dormitories alongside the factory, surrounded by pine woods. PHOTO: WES FRAZER FOR THE WALL STREET JOURNAL

GD Copper says the Chinese workers are here in part for training and translating. Our goal is to slowly train the American workers to take over the management of the company, said Mr. Pang.

GD Coppers president is a Chinese citizen, as are at least two department heads. Phillip Sherrill, a veteran manager of other factories who headed production and maintenance for GD Copper, left in November after about 19 months. A Chinese citizen is now handling that job. GD Copper and Mr. Sherrill declined to comment on his departure.

Some of the banners hung inside the factory have a hectoring tone. One reads: One Quality escape erases All the good you have done in the past.

In the 1980s, many U.S. companies stumbled as they raced into China. Some chose incompatible local partners; others tried to sell products ill-adapted for China. Now Chinese companies are working out how to operate in the U.S.

Chinese companies spending on acquisitions and new facilities in the U.S. last year totaled a record $15.7 billion, up 32% from 2014, according to Rhodium Group, a research firm. It is an echo of Japans move into the U.S., but with Chinese characteristics.

Patrick Van den Bossche, a partner at consultants A.T. Kearney, said Japanese companies arrived with well-established procedures and taught Americans to conform. By contrast, he said, Chinese companies work more by trial and error, and are more open to learning from Americans.

State and local governments gave GD Copper incentives including free land, money for worker training tax benefits and a grant of $20 million to defray capital spending.

The Chinese company was then taken aback when workers, unhappy with the pay and difficulties in communicating with Chinese bosses, began a unionization drive a few months after the plant opened. The South generally has low union-membership rates, but the United Steelworkers union represents workers at paper mills near GD Coppers site, and its workers aligned with that union.

Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley sent letters to workers urging them to reject the union, warning that it might scare other companies away. But in November 2014, workers approved the union in a 75-74 vote. GD Copper appealed to the National Labor Relations Board to demand a new vote, arguing that the union organizers had used scare tactics.

You give them respect. They appreciate that better than money.

KC Pang, GD Copper

KC Pang, head of human resources, at a nearby Chinese buffet restaurant. PHOTO: WES FRAZER FOR THE WALL STREET JOURNAL

By mid-2015, Golden Dragon dropped its appeal and agreed to negotiate with the Steelworkers. Daniel Flippo, a United Steelworkers official involved in the union drive, said he expects an agreement soon.

Mr. Pang has established a rapport with Mr. Flippo. The union official, who initially had trouble remembering Mr. Pangs name, jokingly calls him P.F. Chang, after the restaurant chain.

GD Copper initially didnt give managers and workers enough training in such areas as safety and understanding foreign cultures, Mr. Pang said.

Some American workers thought the Chinese trainers didnt trust them. We are independent people here, and the Chinese are so hands-on, said an American who worked at the plant until early 2015.

Mr. Pang said that the trainers were trying to show workers how to do tasks but that communication wasnt adequate. One problem is that some of the Chinese brought in as interpreters have limited command of English.

Mr. Pang wont say whether Golden Dragon will agree to higher wages. We look at all kinds of options, including how to improve quality and productivity, he said, adding: You give them respect. They appreciate that better than money.

I cant say I see much change.

Tanya Pickens, GD Copper employee

Not all workers are mollified. I cant say I see much change, said Tanya Pickens, a worker on the negotiating committee. She said American workers are punished more harshly for safety lapses than are Chinese and get shorter lunch breaks.

Mr. Pang said all salaried workers, not just Chinese, get one-hour lunch breaks, while hourly workers get 30 minutes. All employees are treated equally and fairly, he said.

State and local agencies provided land, roads, worker-training programs, tax breaks and other incentives to attract the Chinese company. PHOTO: WES FRAZER FOR THE WALL STREET JOURNAL

Write to James R. Hagerty at bob.hagerty@wsj.com

TOP

A Clash of Cultures at Alabama Factory

By

JAMES R. HAGERTY

Updated Feb. 28, 2016 12:55 p.m. ET
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She welcomed her first child with her long-term love Bradley Cooper in March.

And now Irina Shayk, 31, continues to flaunt her incredible post-baby body in the South of France as she stepped out in a jaw-dropping Balmain gown for the premiere of The Beguiled at the 70th Cannes Film Festival on Wednesday.

The Victoria's Secret Angel stunned in her sheer black garment by the French house as it showcased every angle of her phenomenal figure on the Palais des Festivals' red carpet.

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Work it! Irina Shayk, 31, continues to flaunt her incredible post-baby body in the South of France as she stepped out in a jaw-dropping Balmain gown for the premiere of The Beguiled at the 70th Cannes Film Festival on Wednesday

Her high-neck and long-sleeved look boasted sequin swirl detail throughout the chic piece and boasting a daring gold zip from her neck down to her feet.

Donning her figure-flaunting ensemble on the French Riviera, Irina's see-through look accentuated her peachy derriere as she slipped on a pair of high-waisted skivvies which were on show as she made her way inside the venue.

The supermodel's sheer look highlighted her never-ending pins at the back with her zip detail left open from under her posterior downward.

Pouring her curves into the look, she wrapped a statement leather waist belt around her hourglass frame that boasted gold buckle detail.

Figure-flaunting: The Victoria's Secret Angel stunned in her sheer black garment by the French house as it showcased every angle of her phenomenal figure on the Palais des Festivals' red carpet

Eye-catching: Her high-neck and long-sleeved look boasted sequin swirl detail throughout

Style maven: The chic piece and boasting a daring gold zip from her neck down to her feet

Sizzling: Donning her figure-flaunting ensemble on the French Riviera, Irina's see-through look accentuated her peachy derriere as she slipped on a pair of high-waisted skivvies which were on show as she made her way inside the venue

The form-fitting number also highlighted her ample bust as her cleavage poured over her waist cinching accessory, emphasising her incredible post-baby figure.

Irina paired her red carpet attire with a pair of eye-catching heels which added inches to her statuesque height and brought attention to her a stunning emerald-and-diamond ring on her wedding finger.

The Russian beauty worked her brunette tresses into a sleek chignon while sporting a dramatic smokey-eye and perfectly defined brows.

Bottoms up! The supermodel's sheer look highlighted her never-ending pins at the back with her zip detail left open from under her posterior downward

Going for gold: Pouring her curves into the look, she wrapped a statement leather waist belt around her hourglass frame that boasted gold buckle detail

Flaunt it! The form-fitting number also highlighted her ample bust as her cleavage poured over her waist cinching accessory, emphasising her incredible post-baby figure

Walk this way: Irina paired her red carpet attire with a pair of eye-catching heels which added inches to her statuesque height

Appearing more than fresh-faced as she arrived at the premiere, Irina showed no signs of jet lag after just jetting into Cannes on Tuesday.

She was flying solo as she arrived in Nice and was without her actor beau Bradley Cooper, 42.

Irinia and the Silver Linings Playbook star have been dating since early 2015 and sparked engagement rumours in December last year, after the brunette beauty was spotted sporting an emerald-and-diamond ring on her wedding finger.

Head-turning: The Russian beauty commanded attention in her jaw-dropping look

Radiant: The stunner walked the carpet with aplomb as she worked a number of poses

Mane attraction: Irina worked her brunette tresses into a sleek chignon while sporting a dramatic smokey-eye and perfectly defined brows

Life's a peach! The model managed to navigate the red carpet with ease in her hip-hugging look

Strut! The brunette sauntered to the venue while posing for photos

The couple welcomed their first child, daughter Lea de Seine, together in March earlier this year.

A source close to the couple told People at the time: 'They are both extremely thrilled and feel so blessed.'

Irina had confirmed her pregnancy at last year's Victoria's Secret Fashion Show by debuting her baby bump.

Snap happy! Fellow model Doutzen Kroes and Irina posed for a selfie

Dazzling: Irina brought attention to her a stunning emerald-and-diamond ring on her wedding finger on the red carpet

Balmain army: Models Neelam Gill, Doutzen Kroes, Balmain designer Olivier Rousteing, Lara Stone, Irina, and Maria Borges (Pictured L-R) arrived at the premiere together

The model has remained silent about her new arrival on her social media pages, but she had expressed her desire to start a family in an interview with Hello! magazine.

Describing becoming a mother as the 'most important thing on this earth', she said: 'I think family is the reason why why we are here.

'I really enjoy what I'm doing but it's not the most important thing in my life - family is... friends, people who I love.'

Camera ready: The five models sparkled in their sequin inspired looks

Strike a pose: The acclaimed designer looked dapper in his custom tuxedo on the red carpet

Pretty in pink: Belgian model Jade Foret showed off her skin through the hot pink material

Cheeky! With her brunette tresses teased into huge bouncy waves, the stunner ensured she oozed a sex kitten appeal in the gown which flaunted her perky posterior to perfection

Out and a pout: Hailey truly made her mark on the event, as she wore a chic checked gown with a bodice top to help highlight her tiny waist, while the billowing skirt and its sexy split showed off her endless legs

I'm with the designer! Proving her model credentials, Lara had a coveted red carpet date - esteemed designer Olivier Rousteing, who is the creative director of Balmain. The handsome fashion boss looked sharp in a silk tuxedo

Film fans: Jermaine Jackson and Fan Bingbing both brought guests along to the event

Pastel pair: Kirsten Dunst teases her ample bust in a plunging Grecian-inspired prom gown as her co-star Elle Fanning matches her in a pastel lavender ensemble of the same style... as the pair attend the Cannes premiere of their new film The Beguiled

Fabulous four: (L-R) Liu Wen, Jasmine Tooks, Lena Meyer-Landrut and Neelam Gill

Green: Iris Mittenaere wowed in an intricately detailed gown

Stellar line up: Colin Farrell plays Corporal John McBurney, an Irish soldier who ends up deserting his fellow troops

Stunner: Wednesday night was no exception, as stunners including Toni Garrn and Elsa Hosk led the way at The Beguiled screening, where they swept the famous red carpet at the Palais des Festivals in a duo of stunning ensembles - including a princess dress and a sizzling number respectively
Earlier this week Jamie Foxx did his best to deny he's dating Katie Holmes following almost four years of rumors about their romance.

But the Oscar-winning actor will find it hard to argue with new photos that show the duo leaving the same hotel and boarding the same private jet in Paris earlier this month.

The rumored couple were snapped exiting Park Hyatt Vendome hotel and hopping into a private vehicle to take them to Le Bourget airport.

Undercover lovers: Jamie Foxx and Katie Holmes were pictured boarding the same private jet in Paris on May 11

Heading home: The Dawson's Creek star wore a short skirt and white sweater with backpack as she walked up the steps to the jet at Le Bourget airport

Foxx, 49, was seen in a red plaid shirt, beige pants and timberland boots and covered his head with a fedora.

He carried a studded backpack as he kept a distance from Holmes following her into the jet.

Holmes, 38, wore a black skirt with white sweater and wide brimmed black hat.

Once they'd boarded however, the jet was not given clearance for take-off and the pair returned to their hotel for one more night before jetting off back to America in the morning.

Keeping a distance: The Oscar-winning actor was seen in a plaid shirt and fedora as he makes his way to the jet behind Katie, who is seen in the doorway

The photos were taken on the evening of May 11 after the twosome had spent four days in Paris together.

Foxx was in the French capital to film his latest movie, a gritty take on Robin Hood and Holmes met him at the Park Hyatt.

This week Foxx was asked about his relationship with the Dawson's Creek star as he prepared to jet out of LAX on Monday.

City of lights: Foxx, 49, was pictured leaving the Park Hyatt Vendome hotel and hopping in a private car with Holmes

Ready for take-off: Holmes, 38, hops out of the vehicle at Le Bourget airport

And he didn't do a very good job at denying he and Holmes are a couple, unable to wipe the grin off his face while chatting to photographers.

Seemingly surprised by the question, the Django Unchained actor took a moment to compose himself before awkwardly saying, 'Fake news, fake news.'

'Is it fake news?' a fan continued, to which Jamie only offered a half-hearted, 'C'mon...'

False alarm: The duo's jet wasn't cleared for takeoff so they ended up heading back to the hotel

Dating rumors first emerged after the actors were seen flirty and arm-in-arm at a benefit in New York in August 2013.

In 2015 a photo emerged, first published by UsWeekly, of the couple holding hands.

Around a year later, a friend of Foxx's Claudia Jordan, confirms the Ray star is 'very happy' with Holmes before retracting her statement saying she 'misspoke'.

Last month, a fellow diner snapped a photo of the pair at a New York restaurant which was then shared to social media.

Travelling light: Holmes slung a star-print backpack on her shoulders for the trip

Romanic getaway: The Django Unchained star is pictured getting back into their vehicle to go back to the hotel

A source close to Holmes told UsWeekly last week: 'She's head over heels for him,' adding that the actress is 'finally ready' broadcast their relationship.

The insider goes on to explain that the mother-of-one, who shares daughter Suri with ex-husband Tom Cruise was 'super worried' about the attention but is now tired of hiding her romance with the Ray star.

'Theyre talking about planning a summer trip together in Europe. They're very serious,' another source close to the couple revealed.

Foxx is father to two daughters, Corinne, 23 and Annalise, seven.
She previously called her new beau Chris Zylka 'The One'.

After their loved-up display at the Philipp Plein show in Cannes, Paris Hilton, 36, packed on the PDA with her long-term love as they attended the L'Oreal Cinema Club party in Cannes locking lips.

The reality star put on an eye-popping display as she sizzled in her plunging maxi lace dress which flaunting her cleavage on Wednesday night.

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Sealed with a kiss: Paris Hilton, 36, packed on the PDA with her long-term love as they attended the L'Oreal Cinema Club party in Cannes locking lips

Leaning in for a passionate smooch, the former Simple Life star stunned in her daring floor-length garment which boasted sexy sheer panels that highlighted her tiny waist.

Flaring out into full length, the garment also featured a thigh high split which flashed a glimpse of her tanned and toned pins.

Adding to the glamour, the socialite boosted her model frame in a pair of thigh high lace up boots which peeked out beneath her glamorous gown.

Figure-flaunting: The reality star put on an eye-popping display as she sizzled in her plunging maxi lace dress which flaunting her cleavage

Passionate: Leaning in for a passionate smooch, the former Simple Life star stunned in her daring floor-length garment which boasted sexy sheer panels that highlighted her tiny waist

Eye-popping: Flaring out into full length, the garment also featured a thigh high split which flashed a glimpse of her tanned and toned pins

Walk this way: Adding to the glamour, the socialite peered over her shoulder on the red carpet

Walking on air! She lifted her leg as she kissed her other half

She accessorised her sizzling look with a sleek black choker and biker gloves, which she decorated with a number of sparkling rings.

Wearing her golden locks swept back into a half-up style, Paris donned a slick of red lipstick on her plump pout.

Her display comes after she looked positively smitten with her man Chris at the Philipp Plein show earlier in the evening.

Look of love: She shared a passionate smooch with her other half

Sparkling: She accessorised her sizzling look with a sleek black choker and biker gloves, which she decorated with a number of sparkling rings

Vibrant: Wearing her golden locks swept back into a half-up style, Paris donned a slick of red lipstick on her plump pout

Close: The couple couldn't keep their hands off each other at the exclusive event

Best foot forward: The blonde bombshell teased at her honed pins as she left the party

No shade given: The pair sported matching sunglasses as they left the event

Hell for leather: She carried a mini leather handbag as she pounded the pavement

As one of the honoured celebrity couples chosen to storm the runway, the pair looked in high spirits on the evening, yet only had eyes for each other.

Working the same ensemble, Chris opted to wear a cream leather jacket emblazoned with colourful dollar bill images which he teamed with skinny black jeans for the event.

Hand in hand with his girlfriend, the pair made for quite the power couple as they stormed the runway.

Look of love: Paris looked smitten as she shared a smooch with her other half at the Philipp Plein show in Cannes

Pucker up: As one of the honoured celebrity couples chosen to storm the runway, the pair looked in high spirits on the evening, yet only had eyes for each other

Busting out! Paris looked sensational for the show, flaunting her cleavage

Dazzling: Paris looked sensational as she strutted down the runway

These boots are made for catwalking! Adding to the glamour, the socialite boosted her model frame in a pair of thigh high lace up boots which peeked out beneath her glamorous gown

As she arrived at the show Paris had looked equally as stunning in a baby blue midi dress with a hanky hemline.

Adorned with ruffles across the chest, Paris was a vision of beauty as she cuddled up to her boyfriend for snaps.

Whilst she may have looked at her happiest by Chris' side, the Simple Life star also enjoyed chatting with model Winnie Harlow and 'hot felon' Jeremy Meeks.

Cute couple: As she arrived at the show Paris had looked equally as stunning in a baby blue midi dress with a hanky hemline as she cuddled up to Chris

Perfect pair: The socialite beamed as she linked arms with her handsome beau at the event

Blue-tiful! Paris looked sensational in a baby blue gown with button down detailing at the front and a dainty floral pattern which injected a subtle splash of colour

Strike a pose: Paris knew how to work her angles as she posed for snaps at the event

One awkward encounter could have been with model Jordan Barrett, 20, who she was rumoured to have been dating in 2015, although he insisted the pair were just friends.

Paris did not comment on the relationship rumours at the time, but she has happily been very vocal about her new man, Chris.

The couple only went public with their relationship in February but Paris has said the Leftovers star is the one.

Criminally good: Paris seemed in good spirits as she posed with 'hot felon' Jeremy Meeks

Two of a kind: Paris and Winnie Harlow made for a gorgeous duo as they cuddled up for snaps

Cute: The pair seemed in high spirits as they posed backstage at the fashion show

She told E! News: 'I've never been surer of anything in my life. He's so incredible in every way. We've actually been friends for a really long time, like the past six years.

We just now started being serious in the past few months and it's really just changed my life in so many ways and brought so much happiness to my life.

I feel so safe and he's so special. We're best friends and we're together every minute. I don't know what else I could ask for. He's perfect for me.'
Emma Roberts was photographed giving a tip of the hat to her movie star aunt Julia Roberts while she was in Toronto on Wednesday.

The 26-year-old was wearing a T-shirt advertising Mystic Pizza, complete with the restaurant's slogan: 'A Slice Of Heaven,' and its pizza slice logo.

Julia had starred in a 1988 movie called Mystic Pizza, which was named after and partly set in a joint based on the chain's original location in Mystic, Connecticut.

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Kudos: Emma Roberts was photographed in Toronto wearing a shirt advertising Mystic Pizza, the restaurant that inspired her aunt Julia Roberts' 1988 movie of the same name

Emma's T-shirt rode up to bare a faint trace of her enviably trim midriff, and was - like one her now 49-year-old aunt wore in the movie - scarlet.

It's unlikely the T-shirt was an accident of fate: Emma's been in Toronto shooting a movie called Little Italy, helmed by Mystic Pizza's director Donald Petrie.

They were both seen on set Thursday, as was co-star Hayden Christensen, most known for his stab at playing Anakin Skywalker in the Star Wars prequels.

Throwback: Mystic Pizza had starred Julia and Annabeth Gish as sisters and Lili Taylor as their colleague, all three of them working as waitresses at the title restaurant

No coincidence: It's unlikely the T-shirt was an accident of fate: Emma's been in Toronto shooting a movie called Little Italy, helmed by Mystic Pizza's director Donald Petrie

Hayden had worn a T-shirt with a horse silhouette splashed onto the Italian tricolor with the words: 'SAVE A STALLION' above and 'RIDE AN ITALIAN' below.

Emma, whose FOX horror comedy series Scream Queens was recently canceled after two seasons, spent a bit of time plugging Little Italy to WWD recently.

'Its a romantic comedy and the director is Donald Petrie, who did How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days, Miss Congeniality, and he worked with my aunt in Mystic Pizza,' said she.

Plugging: Emma told WWD recently that Little Italy is 'going to be a really fun movie; its one of those where you laugh, you cry, you smile'

'SAVE A STALLION': They were both seen on set Thursday, as was co-star Hayden Christensen, most known for his stab at playing Anakin Skywalker in the Star Wars prequels

'Its going to be a really fun movie; its one of those where you laugh, you cry, you smile. I feel like I havent seen any of those movies lately and those are what I love.'

She's clarified of the selected filming location: 'The movie is supposed to be set in Canada. So we are shooting Canada for Canada - shocking,' she quipped.

Mystic Pizza had starred Julia and Annabeth Gish as sisters and Lili Taylor as their colleague, all three of them working as waitresses at the title restaurant.
Priyanka Chopra showed off her sartorial style as she stepped out in Hollywood on Wednesday.

The raven-haired beauty stopped by the Extra studios in Los Angeles to promote the highly-anticipated Baywatch.

The 34-year-old showed off her glossy ebony locks, which were styled in a poker straight fashion and a center parting.

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Knockout: Priyanka Chopra showed off her sartorial style as she stepped out in Hollywood on Wednesday

The talented actress accentuated her plump pout with a slick of bright red lippy, as she flaunted her perfect complexion.

Once she removed her retro style sunglasses, the Indian-born beauty showed off her long lashes and immaculate eye liner.

Chopra is currently doing the rounds to promote her upcoming comedy Baywatch, which also stars Dwayne Johnson, Zac Efron and Alexandra Daddario.

Stunner: The raven-haired beauty stopped by the Extra studios in Los Angeles to promote the highly-anticipated Baywatch

Glossy: The 34-year-old showed off her shiny ebony locks, which were styled in a poker straight fashion and a center parting

Lifeguard Mitch Buchannon, played by Johnson, and a brash new recruit, played by Efron, uncover a criminal plot that threatens the future of the bay.

The beauty also stopped by Vogue where she took part in their popular segment, Vogue's 73 questions.

In the questions she revealed that the First Lady is one of her idols: 'I think shes aspirational, super cool, still at it, and real.'

Little pop: The talented actress accentuated her plump pout with a slick of bright red lippy, as she flaunted her perfect complexion

The Bollywood actress also spoke about what she doesn't want to see in a romantic partner: 'Don't do the whole chocolate and flowers thing.'

The Jamshedpur native revealed she has a tattoo that is a reminder of her late father that says: 'Daddys little girl' in his handwriting.

The brunette beauty was in New York to film the segment but is now in LA continuing her promotional trail for Baywatch.

Fabulous figure: The talented actress showed off her phenomenal form in the flirty dress
She welcomed her first child a mere two months ago.

But Irina Shayk, 31, proved she's had no trouble snapping back into shape as she slipped into a risque gown with sheer panels for the L'Oreal Paris Cinema Club Party At The 70th Annual Cannes Film Festival on Wednesday.

Joining fellow yummy mummies Doutzen Kroes, 32, and Lara Stone, 33, at the Martinez Hotel Beach, the Russian supermodel was a vision of beauty as she posed for snaps with her equally as glamorous fellow models.

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Yummy mummies: Irina Shayk (M) proved she's had no trouble snapping back into shape as she joined Doutzen Kroes (L) and Lara Stone at the L'Oreal Paris Cinema Club Party At The 70th Annual Cannes Film Festival on Wednesday

Leaving nowhere to hide, the Vogue covergirl donned a risque black gown in a fishnet design that offered a look at her svelte frame.

Worn over a skimpy black bandeau and large matching briefs, the gown offered a look at her sensational physique without doing away with her modesty.

Slicking her chestnut locks away from her face, the stunning star framed her flawless features, whilst she was still radiating with the glow of new motherhood.

Model moment: (L-R) Alexina Graham, Neelam Gill, Maria Borges, Lara Stone, Eva Longoria, Barbara Palvin, Bianca Balti, Olivier Rousteing, Doutzen Kroes and Irina Shayk posed

Back of the net: Leaving nowhere to hide, the Vogue covergirl donned a risque black gown in a fishnet design that offered a look at her svelte frame

Chest a glimpse! Worn over a skimpy black bandeau and large matching briefs, the gown offered a look at her sensational physique without doing away with her modesty

Loving life: The stars sizzled on the red carpet

Looking good: The models dazzled as they posed for snaps on the red carpet

She has been flying solo since arriving in Cannes earlier this week, and has been without her actor beau Bradley Cooper, 42.

Irinia and the Silver Linings Playbook star have been dating since early 2015 and sparked engagement rumours in December last year, after the brunette beauty was spotted sporting an emerald-and-diamond ring on her wedding finger.

The couple welcomed their first child, daughter Lea de Seine, together in March earlier this year.

Sizzling in sequins! Doutzen Kroes flaunted her tanned and toned pins in a tiny metallic black and gold dress which clung to her model frame

Blonde bombshell! The starlet wore her glossy locks loose and tousled on the outing

Legs eleven! Lara Stone flaunted her supermodel pins in a thigh-skimming sequinned gown

Glam: Lara looked sensational as she smouldered down the lens

Three of a kind: The trio looked sensational as they strolled arm in arm out of the bash

Model moment: The models turned heads as they stormed out of the high profile bash

Legs eleven: The ladies' enviably long legs were on display as they strutted past

Gorgeous: The starlets turned heads as they strutted down the street together

Terrific trio: The girls were in great spirits as they left the bash together

Dainty descending: The models held on as they walked down the staircase in towering heels

A source close to the couple told People at the time: 'They are both extremely thrilled and feel so blessed.'

Irina had confirmed her pregnancy at last year's Victoria's Secret Fashion Show by debuting her baby bump.

The model has remained silent about her new arrival on her social media pages, but she had expressed her desire to start a family in an interview with Hello! magazine.

Describing becoming a mother as the 'most important thing on this earth', she said: 'I think family is the reason why why we are here.

'I really enjoy what I'm doing but it's not the most important thing in my life - family is... friends, people who I love.'

Full of heart: Petra Nemcova dazzled in a crimson lace dress as she posed for snaps

Glam: The model looked sensational in the floor length gown
They tied the knot in a idyllic ceremony two years ago, becoming a match made in ITV heaven.

And as Mark Wright and Michelle Keegan rang in their anniversary on Wednesday, the former Coronation Street star took to Instagram to share a touching snao in which the couple locked lips in a sweet display.

The happy couple, who celebrated their anniversary by enjoying a day of wine and cheese tasting on the Isle of Fernando's on Sunday, looked upon each other lovingly in the snap as she added the caption: 'Happy Anniversary to my love ... 24.05.2015'.

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Kiss, kiss: Mark Wright and Michelle Keegan rang in their anniversary on Wednesday, the former Coronation Street star took to Instagram to share a touching snao in which the couple locked lips in a sweet display

Michelle seemed to be sharing the snap from their trip to the destination where Take Me Out contestants jet out to for their date is actually the resort of Puerto de la Cruz in Tenerife.

The sweet snap came after the duo documented the romantic day out on their respective social media pages as they celebrated the milestone a few days early on the island- no doubt due to their busy schedules of late.

Michelle, 29, shared snaps of her and her beau enjoying a wine tasting session, captioning a picture of them tucking into a cheese platter with the word 'Anniversary', followed by a love heart emoji.

Meanwhile Take Me Out: The Gossip host Mark, 30, posted clips of the scenery going past them as they travelled to another vineyard, describing one mountain as the Isle of Fernando's hills.

Taking her out: Mark and Michelle celebrated their anniversary by enjoying a day of wine and cheese tasting on the Isle of Fernando's on Sunday

Anniversary: The couple documented the romantic day out on their respective social media pages as they celebrated the milestone a few days early

Tasty: Mark and Michelle enjoyed an array of tasty snacks as they visited vineyards

Scenic: Mark, 30, posted clips of the scenery going past them as they travelled to another vineyard, describing one mountain as the Isle of Fernando's hills

Day out: He later said they were on their way home to watch his ITV2 spin-off show, as well as posting a snap of his pizza dinner

He later said they were on their way home to watch his ITV2 spin-off show, as well as posting a snap of his pizza and ice-cream dinner.

Mark was reunited with Michelle in South Africa last week, as the actress continues to shoot new scenes for the third series of Our Girl.

The presenter shared a loved-up snap of him and his wife watching the sunset, which he captioned with the words: 'Perfect setting with the perfect person. Can't beat a SA sunset!!'

Mark and his wife Michelle are set to spend several months apart this year, as she shoots scenes for Our Girl at a range of far-flung locales.

'Perfect setting with the perfect person': Mark was delighted to be reunited with his wife, Michelle last week after jetting out to South Africa, where she's been filming Our Girl

Earlier this month, the brunette beauty took to Instagram to reveal that she has completed shooting scenes in the Himalayan nation of Nepal - and the experience left her with 'a totally different perspective on life'.

Sharing a shot of herself smiling while sitting on the steps of a breathtaking ancient temple, the actress wrote: 'Last day in Nepal... what an amazing eye opening journey. Coming away with a totally different perspective on life.

'Feeling very blessed and thankful. #itsthelittlethings #glasshalffull #ourgirl3.'

Michelle, who plays Lance Corporal Georgie Lane in the programme, is also set to jet off to Malaysia to film the popular series.

It's a wrap: Last weekend, Michelle took to Instagram to share a shot of herself in Nepal on Sunday, as she revealed she'd finished shooting scenes for her series Our Girl in the country

Mark will not join her on set for the majority of the time, as he has commitments in Essex, Spain and Los Angeles.

Michelle said she will be away for three months, before returning to attend some events in the summer and then jetting back out again - which is thought to be up to eight months in total.

Despite bring plagued with break-up rumours over the course of their two year marriage Mark recently insisted that his wife is 'the most important thing in my life'.

The TV presenter explained that although maintaining a long-distance romance can be hard, the loved-up couple work hard at keeping their four-year relationship 'exciting'.

Long-distance: Michelle is believed to be spending up to eight months away filming

Mark told MailOnline: 'It doesnt matter what the job is, you make it work. You work around it. The most important thing is your personal life, especially if youre in a relationship. Your relationship comes first.'

The former TOWIE star went on to say that working on different continents can actually have its benefits.

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.'
Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood has undergone keyhole surgery for a small lesion on his lung, but is feeling fine, his representative said in a statement in London on Wednesday.

Ronnie, 69, will need no additional treatment and the upcoming Rolling Stones tour of Europe will not be affected, the representative said.

The operation has taken place a week after his twin daughters turned one, and a week before Ronnie celebrates his own birthday.

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Surgery: Ronnie Wood, 69, undergoes surgery for a lung lesion a week before his 70th birthday... and days after his twin daughters turn one

The musician will be hitting the 70 milestone on June 1.

'I'm so grateful for modern screening which picked this up so early, and would like to thank all the doctors who treated me,' Ronnie said.

The lesion was found during a routine medical exam and had been treated by keyhole surgery and comes after the 'Satisfaction' singer had quit smoking.

A source said at the time: 'Ronnie is giving [cigarettes] up for good. He's really serious about kicking the habit and has been constantly puffing on his vape stick. It's the longest he's gone without cigarettes in 50 years.

'While Sally is over the moon, Keith [Richards; his bandmate] has been telling everyone he looks ridiculous. Keith says giving up fags shows a complete lack of commitment, which has amused Ronnie no end. Keith jokingly told Ronnie they might as well not be pals seeing as they can no longer drink or smoke together anymore.'

Doing fine: The lesion was found during a routine medical exam and had been treated by keyhole surgery

Back on the road: The Rolling Stones are due to start their No Filter European tour in Hamburg, Germany later in the year

While it was not stated whether or not the lesion was benign or malignant, it would seem that the rocker is clear of any potential worry.

The Rolling Stones are due to start their No Filter European tour in Hamburg, Germany later in the year.

The tour will kick off on September 9 and will visit the likes of Switzerland, Italy, Holland and France.

Ronnie and his wife Sally are proud parents to twins Gracie Jane and Alice Rose.

Yet the couple, who share a 30 year age gap, proved all parents deserve a night off as they headed for a rare night out in London two weeks ago, before the girls' first birthday.

As they were: The tour will kick off on September 9 and will visit the likes of Switzerland, Italy, Holland and France

Ronnie married Sally, the owner of a theatre production company, in December 2012 before announcing they had twins on the way.

After Sally gave birth on 30 May last year and the couple have been living in the bliss of parenthood over the last year - seeming more loved-up than ever.

Sally previously discussed the attraction she felt towards Ronnie and how their romance works so well.

Ronnie is also the father to Jesse, 40, Jamie, 42, Leah, 38 and Tyrone, 33.

New lease of life: Ronnie married Sally, the owner of a theatre production company, in December 2012 before announcing they had twins on the way

She told The Telegraph: 'Hes on my level completely. Hes a very nice and caring person. Oh God, dont use the word "nice", its so boring. Hes very funny, kind and affectionate and welcoming.'

Discussing their age gap, she said: 'Um, well, I know (the age gap's) there. And I wish it wasnt, but it is. I think I had to say: "I cant do this because of the age",

'Or I just had to let it go and take it all on board. At no point, years ago, did I say to myself: "I think Ill go out with someone twice my age", but that is what has happened.'
She spends much of her time on the yoga mat.

So perhaps it's no surprise that Hilaria Baldwin went out of her way to showcase a glimpse of her taut tummy during an outing with husband Alec on Wednesday.

The 33-year-old wellness expert looked lithe in the edgy ensemble, which featured a vintage David Bowie t-shirt.

Side by side: Perhaps it's no surprise that Hilaria Baldwin went out of her way to showcase a glimpse of her taut tummy during an outing with husband Alec on Wednesday

The fitness fanatic had knotted the shirt on one side, which exposed her enviable abs and her sizable belly button piercing.

On the bottom the mother of three opted for some classic black leggings and black platform booties.

She tied a black sweatshirt around her waist and carried her belongings in a medium-sized black handbag with metal rivets adorning the rim.

A pair of oversize cat-eye shades completed her chic look.

Trouble brewing? Husband Alec, 59, looked somewhat distraught as he walked next to his pretty wife

While much of her youthful visage was hidden behind her massive sunglasses, she did sport a dash of pale rose lipstick.

Husband Alec, 59, looked somewhat downcast as he walked next to his pretty wife.

The SNL star chose to keep things simple sartorially, opting for a black polo shirt he paired with black slacks and oxfords.

Having fun! The Yoga Vida co-founder looked to be quite smiley as she navigated the streets of New York while on a solo jog

It wasn't clear why the Oscar nominated actor appeared so dour, but apparently Hilaria didn't let it affect her mood as well.

The Yoga Vida co-founder looked to be quite smiley as she navigated the streets of New York while on a solo jog.

Ever the style maven, Hilaria donned a violet tank top emblazoned with the words 'Goddess Vibes' on the front, as well as a pair of tight black leggings and Nike trainers.

No sweat! Ever the style maven, Hilaria donned a violet tank top emblazoned with the words 'Goddess Vibes' on the front, as well as a pair of tight black leggings and Nike trainers

A black fanny pack appeared to hold her belongings, while a pair of giant white headphones delivered some tunes to her ears.

She protected her eyes with some aviator shades.

No doubt her exceptional fitness level helps her cope with the trials of having three children under the age of four, including Carmen, aged three, Rafael, aged two, and nine-month-old Leonardo.
Considering she owes $180,000 in fines and judgments against her, what's another $70 to add to the pile.?

Abby Lee Miller was once again in trouble with the law but luckily for her, this time it was only with the parking police.

The 50-year-old former Dance Moms was less than impressed to find a parking ticket on her very new looking SUV in Los Angeles, California, on Wednesday.

Add that to the collection: Abby Lee Miller was once again in trouble with the law but luckily for her, this time it was only with the parking police in Los Angeles on Wednesday

The star was enjoying a lunch when she earned the fine. However, it was not immediately clear what she had done wrong.

The parking fine, coupled with her impending 366-day prison sentence, suggests she may have to buy a new T-shirt as its slogan certainly does not match up with her current predicament.

The reality star headed out in a tee which read 'To Save Time, Let's Assume I'm Never Wrong.'

But of course she has been very, very wrong in the last few years.

Tough times: The 50-year-old former Dance Moms was less than impressed to find a parking ticket on her very new looking SUV

Never wrong? The parking fine coupled with her impending 366-day prison sentence suggests she may have to buy a new T-shirt as its slogan does not match up with current predicament

The star will start her year and a day star sentence June 23 The Federal Correctional Institute in Dublin, California.

Doing time: The star will start her year and a day star sentence June 23 The Federal Correctional Institute in Dublin, California (pictured May 14)

Abby plead guilty last year to one count of failing to report more than $10,000 worth of US dollars' worth of Australian currency after she brought $120,000 into the US and one count of bankruptcy fraud.

She was initially facing 19 more counts of fraud relating to her failure to disclose her earnings from Dance Moms and other money when she filed bankruptcy.

Aside from her jail term - and her parking fine - Abby has been ordered to pay a fine of $40,000 and a $120,000 judgment for her currency-reporting violation charge.

The star has admitted to being nervous about being attacked in jail and has spoken to a number of publications about how she is preparing herself.

She told InTouch: 'I've been told to keep to myself and don't make friends.'

'I just keep thinking I'm going to wake up and it'll all have been a nightmare, that someone is going to see the light and say, ''They went after the wrong person.'' I'm not as strong as I may appear on TV.'

Abby wants to teach dance as part of the prion required work scheme and is getting her doctor to write a note to the warden since she's 'trying to eat vegan' post gastric sleeve surgery, the magazine claimed.
President Donald Trumps proposed education budget would cut close to 4 percent from traditional, formula-based Title I aid, the U.S. Department of Education program designated for disadvantaged students. And as part of that $578 million cut, big states (not surprisingly) would take the biggest overall dollar hit. For example, California would see a $61 million cut from its $1.83 billion in Title I aid in fiscal 2017. But which states would lose the biggest share of their previous Title I aid?

First, remember that Trumps budget does include a $1 billion boost in overall Title I aid, which would bring it up to $15.9 billion. However, that $1 billion boost is earmarked for a new public school choice grant program for districts, not the regular formulas. Its part of the Trump administrations big push to expand public and private school choice.

And heres a standard disclaimer: Trumps budget plan is just a proposal and wont be passed by Congress as written. In fact, even though the GOP controls Capitol Hill, lawmakers might disregard much of the administrations blueprint.

But put aside the politics, as well as that $1 billion increase for public school choice. That $578 million cut in formula Title I aid would bring total Title I funding for districts down to just below $14.9 billion. Which states would have the biggest percentage loss from that pot of Title I? See our chart below, which includes whether a state voted for Trump or Democrat Hillary Clinton in the 2016 presidential race:

The States Most Impacted by Proposed Trump Cuts to Formula Title I Aid

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(One set of electoral college votes in Maine went to Clinton, while another went to Trump.)

For the chart, we selected the 11 states whose regular Title I money would be cut by 4 percent or more in Trumps proposed budget. We drew on this budget table from the Education Department for the chart.

Title I is the single largest federal budget program for K-12. Overall, Trumps budget would cut $9.2 billion, or 13.5 percent, from the Education Department. Trump administration officials said the budget cuts at the Education Department and elsewhere at domestic agencies are designed to shift budget priorities in Washington and put more of a focus on defense and border security.

For a detailed list of changes to key programs in the Trump budget proposal for education, check out the interactive chart below:

Trump Education Budget Proposal for Fiscal 2018

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Photo: Copies of President Donald Trumps fiscal 2018 federal budget are laid out ready for distribution on Capitol Hill on May 23, 2017. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais).

Follow us on Twitter at @PoliticsK12 .
Director of National Intelligence Agency Dan Coats testifies during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on May 23, 2017

US Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats on Tuesday sidestepped questions about an explosive report which said President Donald Trump pressured him to help push back against the probe into Russian ties with his campaign.

But amid controversy over Trump's alleged spilling of US intelligence information to Russia's foreign minister, Coats also strongly condemned leaks of US secrets as having a damaging impact on national security.

Coats told a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee that he would not comment on the Washington Post report late Monday that Trump pressed both him and National Security Agency Director Michael Rogers to publicly deny any evidence of collusion between his campaign and Russia during last year's presidential election.

Citing current and former intelligence officials, the Post said neither Rogers nor Coats, who was appointed by Trump, complied with the request.

The report added to concerns that Trump has tried to stifle an FBI and Justice Department probe into whether anyone in his presidential campaign last year colluded with Russian covert interference in the election.

Asked whether the Post report was accurate, Coats declined to comment, citing his role as a key briefer of the president on national security issues.

"As the president's principal intelligence advisor, I need to spend a significant amount of time with the president discussing national security interests and intelligence," he said.

"I have always believed that given the nature of my position and the information which we share, it's not appropriate for me to comment publicly on any of that."

In response to further questions, he added that he would reject any effort to politically manipulate intelligence. "Any political shaping of that intelligence would not be appropriate," he said.

Coats, meanwhile, condemned all leaks of classified information, without specifically addressing reports that Trump divulged highly classified information on Islamic State group threats to visiting Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov two weeks ago.

Leaks have "played a very significant negative role relative to our national security," he told the panel.

"The release of information not only undermines confidence in our allies but our ability to maintain secure information that we share with them."

"It jeopardizes sources and methods that are invaluable," he added. "Lives are at stake in many instances and leaks jeopardize those."
Tata Motors in December witnessed a 96 percent fall in quarterly profits due to India's cash ban that had rendered 86 percent of the country's cash reserves "illegal and void" overnight

Indian carmaker Tata Motors Tuesday reported a 17 percent fall in quarterly profits, as the pound depreciated against the rupee following Britain's vote to leave the European Union.

The company's consolidated net profit for the three months ending March fell to 43.36 billion rupees ($668.72 million) from 52.11 billion rupees a year earlier, the Mumbai-based company said in a statement.

Revenue fell 2.6 percent to 789.81 billion rupees.

Jaguar Land Rover, one of Tata Motors' key products, relies heavily on the UK market for its revenue and sales.

Since the "Brexit" referendum, the pound has fallen sharply against the Indian currency, down from over 100 rupees to 84.17 rupees.

"It has been a challenging and highly volatile year, which followed a period of low demand and inconsistent recovery in the prior years in the automotive sector in India," the statement added.

Aside from the fall in the pound, the Jaguar Land Rover business saw "strong demand across the product portfolio primarily reflecting higher volumes in China, North America, UK and Europe," the company said.

JLR retail sales were up 13 percent and sold 179,509 units for the quarter ending March, the company said.

Tata Motors in December witnessed a 96 percent fall in quarterly profits due to India's cash ban that had rendered 86 percent of the country's cash reserves "illegal and void" overnight.

"It's not been a predictive year and the auto industry has been going through a challenging year," said Abdul Majeed, partner at consulting firm PwC.

"The past year has seen a range of unexpected policies that impacted demand in the auto sector including a ban on large diesel vehicles, new, and more, stringent emission norms, demonetisation as well as Brexit, which have added to the sector's problems," Majeed said.
Hawkish US lawmakers and Pentagon officials have long bemoaned spending caps introduced in 2011

President Donald Trump's proposed 2018 budget calls for a significant jump in the Pentagon's vast budget, though it falls short of the historic spending bonanza sought by more hawkish Republicans.

Pentagon budget documents released Tuesday call for $574 billion in general defense funding, with an additional $65 billion for supplemental wartime spending -- for a total of $639 billion.

The proposed spending boost represents an increase of more than $50 billion -- about 10 percent -- over 2017 funding levels for the base budget, but an increase amounting to only about three percent over projections envisioned by the Obama administration.

Even though the United States already spends more on defense than the next seven nations combined, some lawmakers and Pentagon officials have long bemoaned spending caps introduced in 2011 as impacting all services.

"Since enactment of the Budget Control Act in 2011, the world has become a more dangerous place with rising terrorism and more aggressive potential adversaries," Pentagon comptroller John Roth said.

"The military has during that same period of time become smaller, readiness has eroded and modernization has been deferred. That's not a good place to be."

Trump in February promised what he said would be "one of the greatest military buildups in American history" but hawkish Republicans have said his proposed increases are insufficient.

Senior Republican Senator John McCain predicted the proposal would be "dead on arrival" when it reaches Congress.

"After years of budget cuts amid growing threats around the world, this budget request fails to provide the necessary resources to restore military readiness, rebuild military capacity, and renew our military advantage with investments in modern capabilities," McCain said.

The budget proposes building the number of active-duty troops from across the services up to 1,314,000 -- a slight increase from current levels.

And it would fund 70 F-35 stealth fighters, two Virginia Class submarines, dozens of new helicopters, thousands of precision-guided bombs and an array of other military hardware.

The additional money for defense would be offset by deep cuts to the State Department, the Environmental Protection Agency and a variety of social welfare programs.

"The world is a very dangerous place these days, so there is a compelling justification for this budget," said Lieutenant General Anthony Ierardi when asked why Americans should accept the extra spending.
Donald Trump has praised Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's war on drugs which has claimed thousands of lives

US President Donald Trump praised his Philippine counterpart Rodrigo Duterte over his immensely polarizing drug war, which has killed thousands of people, reports said Tuesday.

During an April 29 call that focused mostly on North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile program, Trump congratulated Duterte on doing an "unbelievable job on the drug problem."

Trump also extended an invitation for "good man" Duterte to visit the White House "anytime you want to come," before the two leaders are set to meet in the Philippines in November.

"Many countries have the problem, we have a problem, but what a great job you are doing and I just wanted to call and tell you that," Trump said, according to a transcript made by the Philippine government and released by The Washington Post and The Intercept.

Duterte responded by saying drugs are the "scourge of my nation now and I have to do something to preserve the Filipino nation."

In an apparent dig at his predecessor Barack Obama -- who had canceled a bilateral meeting with Duterte after the Philippine president insulted him -- Trump then said: "I understand that and fully understand that and I think we had a previous president who did not understand that."

Police have reported killing about 2,700 people since Duterte took office at the end of June and immediately launched his war on drugs.

Unknown assailants have killed more than 1,800 others, while about 5,700 other violent deaths are under investigation, according to police data.

Partly in response to American criticism, Duterte has loosened the Philippines' traditionally strong ties with its ally.

Duterte has instead embraced China, which has supported his drug war and sought to deepen economic ties by providing billions of dollars' worth of investments and aid to the Philippines.
Four people were killed when police clashed with former rebels barricading the road into the Ivorian city of Bouake

Four people were killed when police clashed with former rebels barricading the road into the Ivorian city of Bouake, as part of the spillover from a corrosive army mutiny over pay.

The protesting ex-rebels said security forces opened fire to disperse them on Tuesday, but the government denied responsibility.

"Security forces deployed conventional measures to maintain order," Interior Minister Hamed Bakayoko said in a statement.

"But some of the armed demonstrators pulled the pin out of a grenade that exploded among them," he added.

Three bloodied bodies were brought into the main Bouake hospital, an AFP reporter said, shortly after police stepped in to evict protesters who had obstructed the northbound road into Ivory coast's second biggest city on Monday.

A fourth person later died, and around 15 people were seriously injured in the clashes, hospital sources said.

The highway into Bouake is the main road for the world's top cocoa producer, linking the economic capital Abidjan in the south to northern Ivory Coast and to its commercially vital neighbour Burkina Faso.

"This is serious," said a rebel spokesman, Amadou Ouattara. "I never would have imagined shooting at unarmed people who are demonstrating."

The violence follows a crippling four-day mutiny by former rebels who joined the army in 2011 when peace returned after a decade-long war that had split the country in two.

The 8,400 mutineers last week halted their protest and returned to barracks after reaching an agreement with the government in the pay dispute.

The mutinous soldiers are to get bonuses of 12 million CFA francs (18,000 euros) each.

- 'Sound of grenades' -

The rebels protesting in Bouake are among 6,000 nationwide who did not join the army, but who are now demanding identical compensation from the government for the war.

During the 2002-2011 conflict, Bouake was used as rebel headquarters, with a force estimated at tens of thousands.

Security forces were out in significant numbers on Tuesday morning to clear the highway into Bouake, which during last week's mutiny saw some 500 trucks backed up during several days.

Traffic had begun to return to normal this weekend, and police remained stationed on the highway after dispersing the protesters.

The police assault took place in the morning. "Police started hurling tear gas," said Diakite Aboudou, a spokesman for the former rebels.

"We could hear the sound of grenades," he added. "Then we heard automatic gunfire and the sound of Kalashnikovs. The dead were killed by gunfire."

At the beginning of the evening, the security forces deployed men to close the demobilised headquarters in Bouake, an AFP journalist said.

The former rebels left the scene on seeing them, according to a demobilised solider who asked not to be named.

Solidarity Minister Mariatou Kone said by telephone that she was calling for dialogue and "for calm because violence won't settle anything."
Resident are fleeing from Marawi city, where gunmen allied with the Islamic State group went on the rampage

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte threatened Wednesday to impose martial law nationwide to combat the rising threat of terrorism, after Islamist militants beheaded a policeman and took Catholic hostages while rampaging through a southern city.

Duterte declared martial law on Tuesday for the southern region of Mindanao -- which makes up roughly one third of the country and is home to 20 million people -- in an immediate response to the attacks by the gunmen, who have pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group.

The roughly 100 militants roamed through Marawi city, killing five soldiers, taking a priest and an unspecified number of other people hostage from a church, setting fire to buildings and flying black IS flags, according to Duterte and his aides.

Duterte said they also beheaded a local police chief after capturing him at a road checkpoint they had set up, as he expressed outrage at what he called the growing threat from militants allied to IS in Mindanao.

"I will not hesitate to do anything and everything to protect and preserve the Filipino nation," the president said.

"I might declare martial law throughout the country to protect the people."

- Praise for a dictator -

Duterte, who has waged a controversial war on drugs that has claimed thousands of lives, warned martial law would be "harsh" and similar to military rule imposed by dictator Ferdinand Marcos a generation ago.

Philippines

Marcos's two-decade rule ended in 1986 when millions of people took to the streets in a "People Power" revolution. Thousands of critics were jailed, tortured or killed during the dictatorship, according to historians and rights groups.

"Martial law of Mr Marcos was very good," Duterte said, as he railed against human rights campaigners and other critics of his drug war.

Duterte said his own version of martial law meant security forces could conduct searches and arrest people without warrants.

He also said there would be curfews for some provinces in Mindanao, and that martial law would remain until the terrorism threat had ended.

The fighting in Marawi erupted on Tuesday after security forces raided a house where they believed Isnilon Hapilon, a leader of the infamous Abu Sayyaf kidnap-for-ransom gang and Philippine head of IS, was hiding.

The United States regards Hapilon as one of the world's most dangerous terrorists, offering a bounty of $5 million for his capture.

The militants responded to the raid by burning buildings and conducting other diversionary tactics in Marawi, a mostly Muslim-populated city of 200,000 people, according to Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana.

Five soldiers and 13 militants were killed, national military spokesman Colonel Edgard Arevalo said on Wednesday night. However he said the bodies of only two militants had been recovered and the other reported deaths could not be independently verified.

Thousands of residents have fled Marawi, gathering their belongings and heading onto a highway where Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) also patrolled

The gunmen also raided a church in Marawi and took the local priest, Father Chito Suganob, plus an unspecified number of other people hostage, according to the head of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines, Archbishop Socrates Villegas.

"They have threatened to kill the hostages if the government forces unleashed against them are not recalled," Villegas said in a statement.

- Thousands flee -

Thousands of residents fled Marawi, according to an AFP photographer at a military checkpoint near Iligan, the next biggest city about 40 kilometres (25 miles) away.

Duterte warned martial law would be "harsh" and similar to military rule imposed by dictator Ferdinand Marcos a generation ago.

It was unclear on Wednesday night how many militants were still in the city or if they had escaped into nearby mountains and forests that they have long used as hideouts. There were no reports of major clashes on Wednesday.

The Abu Sayyaf, based on the most southerly islands of Mindanao, has kidnapped hundreds of Filipinos and foreigners since the early 1990s to extract ransoms.

Security analysts say Hapilon has been trying to unite Filipino militant groups behind IS. These include the Maute group, which is based near Marawi.

Separately, Muslim rebels have been waging a rebellion since the 1970s for an independent or autonomous homeland in Mindanao, with the conflict claiming more than 120,000 lives.

These main Muslim rebel groups are involved in peace talks with the government.

But the Abu Sayyaf, Maute and other hardline groups want to set up an Islamic caliphate in the south for IS, according to security analysts.
Hundreds of representatives from Myanmar's ethnic insurgent groups gather for talks aimed at reviving Aung San Suu Kyi's stuttering peace process after months of heavy fighting

Hundreds of representatives from Myanmar's ethnic insurgent groups gathered in the capital on Wednesday for talks aimed at reviving Aung San Suu Kyi's stuttering peace process after months of heavy fighting.

The discussions are her second attempt to end conflict in the country's troubled frontier regions, where various ethnic groups have been waging war against the state for almost seven decades.

But more than a year after the Nobel laureate became the head of Myanmar's first freely elected government in generations, little progress has been made on her flagship policy.

"The most important thing in the current situation is to be able to hold a meaningful conference," said ethnic affairs analyst Mg Mg Soe.

"We cannot say it is a successful meeting if we do not get any agreement."

Many armed groups have complained that Suu Kyi has not listened to their concerns and is working too closely with the military, which ran the country with an iron fist for almost half a century and widely loathed by rebel groups.

None of them are expected to sign up to the National Ceasefire Agreement she is pushing, a controversial deal first touted by the previous military-backed government.

But they are due to discuss for the first time whether states will be able to draft their own constitutions, something observers say is an important and symbolic step forward.

"In a way, it is a historic milestone in the post-colonial history of Myanmar and represents a new level of federalism," said Angshuman Choudhury from the Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies.

"It is a strategic move by the union government to appease powerful ethnic constituencies and... prevent outright secessionism."

The talks come as violence in the northeast has reached its worst point since the conflict-ridden 1980s.

Tens of thousands of people have been forced to flee months of heavy fighting between the army and insurgent groups, many of them crossing into neighbouring China.

The violence has destroyed much of the fragile trust minority voters placed in Suu Kyi in the 2015 vote, and her National League for Democracy (NLD) suffered several embarrassing losses in recent by-elections.

It has also strengthened the hand of the China-backed United Wa States Army (UWSA), Myanmar's biggest ethnic armed group, which is widely considered to be one of the world's top drug traffickers.

The 25,000-strong militia has brought together several groups still locked in combat with the military into a new negotiating bloc that is refusing to sign up to the government-backed ceasefire.

Representatives from all seven, including the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) and the Arakan Army (AA), touched down in Naypyidaw on Tuesday after weeks of fraught politicking.

But in an early blow to the talks another powerful group, the UNFC, has refused to attend saying it had not been granted an "equal" place at the table.
Indonesian comedian Sakdiyah Maruf is a rare character in Indonesia -- a female Muslim stand-up using humour to challenge prejudice against women and rising religious intolerance

Wearing a red hijab and all-encompassing gown, Sakdiyah Maruf cuts an unusual figure in a dark, smokey Jakarta bar as she reels off taboo-breaking jokes to laughter from a rapt audience.

She is a rare character in Indonesia -- a female Muslim stand-up using humour to challenge prejudice against women and rising religious intolerance.

Despite resistance from those who believe a woman's place is not on stage cracking jokes, even within her own family, the 34-year-old has forged ahead and is winning fans at home and abroad.

In the country with the world's biggest Muslim population, she does not shy away from sensitive subjects. Her jokes touch on topics ranging from Jakarta's recent religiously-charged election -- which saw the Christian incumbent ousted by a Muslim -- to sex and alcohol.

"Hijab, niqab, burqa -- it saves you from a bad hair day," she said to laughter from the crowd in the Indonesian capital, a typical gag that gently pokes fun at her own religious customs.

Maruf jokes about how women were not allowed to attend public events in the small, conservative community on Java island where she grew up, and that she is seeking to be more progressive by trying "to have sex even though I am married".

For the slight, unassuming lady, comedy is a playful form of resistance to a creeping conservatism she believes is eroding the rights of women in her homeland.

Indonesia has long been praised for its inclusive brand of Islam but this reputation has been tarnished by a rise in attacks on minorities and the growing influence of a vocal hardline fringe.

Comedian Sakdiyah Maruf sees an alarming trend in Indonesia of "more rigid and conservative practices of religion" which she believes tend to marginalise women, and is very concerned about issues such as early marriage and domestic violence

The comedian sees an alarming trend of "more rigid and conservative practices of religion" which she believes tend to marginalise women, and is particularly concerned about issues including early marriage and domestic violence.

For Maruf, humour is the perfect weapon to tackle such trends.

"The message can be very aggressive but it can be delivered in a very subtle way," she told AFP. "You speak to people's hearts instead of only their minds."

- 'Are you for real?' -

Maruf comes from a traditional family in the provincial Javanese town of Pekalongan, an unlikely background for a witty, worldy-wise stand-up.

She became interested in comedy at an early age by watching US sitcoms such as Roseanne and Full House, a love that she carried with her to university, where she started performing stand-up in 2009.

Depending on the audience she will either perform in English -- which she studied at university -- or the main Indonesian language of Bahasa.

Sakdiyah Maruf still has a day job working as an interpreter at conferences, but regularly performs in comedy clubs and nights in Jakarta, where she lives.

Indonesian comedian Sakdiyah Maruf still has a day job working as an interpreter at conferences, but regularly performs in comedy clubs and nights in Jakarta

In the early days, the comic would lie to her parents when she performed at university or headed into Jakarta for shows, believing they would disapprove, but as she became successful it was far harder to conceal the truth.

She says she has managed to reach a kind of uneasy truce with her family.

"We have disagreements sometimes, but they are cool with it," she explained.

But the greatest resistance has come from conservatives who don't think Muslim women should be comedians at all.

"One woman came up to me after a show and said 'are you for real, are you wearing this hijab for real?'," she recalled.

Still, Maruf has not been put off and her irreverent brand of humour has won her fans outside Indonesia.

In 2015 she was awarded the Vaclav Havel International Prize for Creative Dissent established by the New York-based Human Rights Foundation and last year took part in a BBC-run global stand-up jam.

Her humour seems more relevant than ever as concerns escalate about declining religious freedoms in Indonesia after the jailing this month of Jakarta's Christian governor for blasphemy, a verdict that sparked criticism inside the country and abroad.

But Maruf remains confident that Indonesia will remain a tolerant country -- not least because a devout Muslim woman like herself can still get up on stage and crack jokes.

She said: "If you can write 'Indonesian conservative Muslim female stand-up' in one sentence, why be so pessimistic?"
Swiss director Barbet Schroeder's documentary "The Venerable W" on hardline Buddhist monk Wirathu has been hailed by critics at the Cannes film festival

Barbet Schroeder spent months with Ugandan dictator Idi Amin at the height of his power, when corpses would wash up every morning on the shores of Lake Victoria and Kampala was rife with rumours that he was eating his opponents.

But in his decades of documenting evil, the veteran Swiss filmmaker says he has never been as scared by anyone as he was by a Myanmar Buddhist monk named Wirathu.

"I am afraid to call him Wirathu because even his name scares me," the highly acclaimed director told AFP. "I just call him W."

"The Venerable W", his chilling portrait of the monk who has been accused of preaching hate and inciting attacks on Myanmar's Muslim Rohingya minority, has been hailed by critics at the Cannes film festival as a "stirring documentary about ethnic cleansing in action".

What dismays Schroeder is that Wirathu, whom Time magazine dubbed "The face of Buddhist terror" in a 2013 cover, is utterly unfazed by the chaos and suffering he has unleashed.

Buddhism is supposed to be the philosophy of peace, enlightenment and understanding, he thought.

It helped centre Schroeder's own life when he made a pilgrimage to India to follow on the path of the Buddha 50 years ago to "cure myself of my jealousy".

But the hate speech and fake news that Wirathu spreads from his Mandalay monastery, accusing Muslims -- barely four percent of the country's population -- of trying to outbreed the majority Burmese, made Schroeder's head spin.

- 'Devilishly clever' -

"He is much more intelligent and in control of himself that I thought, devilishly clever in fact," said Schroeder, who shot his film secretly in Myanmar until he attracted the attention of the secret police.

"It was like being faced by a good Jesuit or some very clever communist leader back in the day," he said.

Hardline Myanmar Buddhist monk Wirathu, who has been accused of preaching hate, is the suject of Barbet Schroeder's documentary "The Venerable W"

Rather than "question him like a journalist", Schroeder just let the monk talk as he did with the other subjects of his "Trilogy of Evil", which began with "General Idi Amin Dada" in 1974 and includes his 2007 film "Terror's Advocate" about the French lawyer Jacques Verges, who defended Nazi war criminal Klaus Barbie and Serbian leader Slobodan Milosevic.

"If you wait long enough, slowly the truth would come out," Schroeder said. "That is what I did with Idi Amin and Jacques Verges."

"When he lied I'd say, 'Tell me more, how interesting... So the Rohingya burn their own houses so they can get money from the United Nations...'"

"For me one of the most shocking moments is when he says they destroy their own houses, and then you see a crowd of maybe 3,000 people fleeing their burning homes. It's nightmarish."

In another telling scene Wirathu, leader of the Buddhist nationalist 969 movement, is shown watching Muslims being beaten to death in Meiktila near Mandalay in 2013, a month after he gave an anti-Muslim speech there.

- Hate speech 'escalating' -

Schroeder said the monk had returned "all peace and love" to the town to call for calm, "but he was at least indirectly responsible for what was happening."

"Wirathu said all this happened because a monk was killed by the Muslims. But I read the pamphlet that sparked the riots and it sounded very much like his speeches and that he could have written it."

This month, Wirathu -- who has been called the Buddhist Bin Laden -- stirred tension by touring Muslim areas in troubled Rakhine State despite Myanmar's top Buddhist body banning him from preaching in March.

Hundreds of Rohingya Muslims died in 2012 when sectarian violence ripped the state apart, and tens of thousands still languish in fetid displacement camps.

More than 70,000 have fled into neighbouring Bangladesh since October after the military launched a months-long crackdown that UN investigators say cost the lives of hundreds of the persecuted minority and may amount to crimes against humanity.

Last week a UN envoy criticised the government of Aung San Suu Kyi for not clamping down on "hate speech and incitement to discrimination" which she claimed "appear to be drastically escalating".

In the film Schroeder, 75, seems to trace Wirathu's Islamophobia to the rape and murder of a Buddhist woman by a Muslim in his hometown of Kyaukse.

But in person he is not so sure. "Another theory is that his mother left his father and married a Muslim, or because his monastery was burned when he was 14. But every time I checked I was never sure.

"Why was Hitler like he was? We will never know how this garbage collected in his mind."
Head Start would see an $85 million cut in funding for fiscal year 2018 under a proposed budget released Tuesday from the White Housefrom $9.253 billion to $9.168 billion.

Meanwhile, a program that builds long-term connections between trained counselors and at-risk families was revived in the proposal, at $400 million.

With Head Start, a cut appears to be mistakenly promoted as a small increase in funding. The White House budget proposal says that the $9.168 billion represents $17 million more than the program received in fiscal 2017.

But that fiscal 2017 figure is based on old numbers. Back in April, Congress agreed to a budget deal meant to keep the government operating through this September. In that deal, Head Start received $9.253 billion. The proposed funding would put Head Start back at the same amount that it received in fiscal 2016.

Because Congress ultimately holds the purse strings, proposed budgets from the White House should be seen an opening negotiation point for federal agency funding, not the finish line. But Head Start advocates are laying the ground for more money, saying that the proposal will stress a program that is in the middle of implementing new performance standards meant to cut red tape and improve services to children and families.

Going into this fiscal cycle, Head Start already faces tremendous budget pressures in implementing new performance standards, keeping and attracting top-notch staff, and redoubling our commitment to locally designed, data-driven programs, said Yasmina Vinci, the executive director of the National Head Start Association, in a statement.

Home Visiting Sees Funding in Trump Budget Proposal

The Maternal, Infant and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program, which provides training and support to families so that they can raise healthy children, would receive $400 million for fiscal 2018 under the budget proposal. The home-visiting program was originally funded at $1.5 billion for five years through the Affordable Care Act. It was renewed in 2015 for two years and $800 million when it was added to a Medicare doctor-payment bill.

The budget proposal is a welcome acknowledgement of home visitings importance, said Diedra Henry-Spires, the chief executive officer of the Dalton Daley Group, an advocacy group supporting children and families. But home-visiting supporters are continuing their work to a stable and larger funding stream. They are aiming for five years of funding, starting at $400 million and ending at $800 million.

Its particularly important for the program to have longterm funding because home visitorsnurses, social workers, early-childhood educators, and othersoften commit to supporting individual families for multiple years. For example, the Nurse-Family Partnership, one home-visiting program, works with pregnant women until their children are two years old.

By expanding the program we can better meet the needs of thousands of children, Henry-Spires said.
Same-sex marriage, which Taiwan could become the first Asian nation to authorise, is currently legal in around 20 countries around the world, 13 of which are in pioneering Europe.

Same-sex marriage, which Taiwan could become the first Asian nation to authorise, is currently legal in around 20 countries around the world, 13 of which are in pioneering Europe.

Such unions are, however, still illegal in most parts of Africa and in the Middle East, where homosexuality is in some cases punishable by the death penalty.

- European pioneers -

The Netherlands in April 2001 became the first country in the world to allow gay and lesbian couples to marry in a civil ceremony.

Twelve European countries followed: Belgium, Britain (except Northern Ireland), Denmark, Finland, France, Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Norway, Portugal, Spain, and Sweden.

Some European countries only allow homosexuals to enter into civil partnerships, including Austria, Croatia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy and the Czech Republic.

Estonia became in October 2014 the first former Soviet republic to authorise this kind of civil union.

Many eastern European countries - including Bulgaria, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania and Slovakia - still deny homosexuals the right to marry or enter into unions.

Slovenians in December 2015 voted in a referendum against efforts by their national parliament to legalise gay marriage.

Some 15 western European countries allow same-sex couples to adopt children, whether within marriage or civil partnership. They include Belgium, Britain, Denmark, France, the Netherlands, Spain, and Sweden. Others like Finland, Germany and Slovenia allow gay people to adopt the child of their partner.

Ten countries allow lesbian couples to conceive children with the help of assisted reproductive technologies (ART): Austria, Belgium, Britain, the Netherlands, Spain and the Nordic countries.

Surrogacy remains restricted across most of the continent.

Belgium, Britain and the Netherlands allow for volunteer surrogacy and in Greece, women can be reimbursed for the costs of carrying a child for someone else.

- Progress in America -

Canada led the way in North America, authorising same-sex marriage and adoptions in June 2005. ART and surrogacy are also allowed.

In the United States, with gay marriages still banned in 14 of the 50 states, a historic Supreme Court decision in June 2015 legalised gay marriage nationwide.

Mexico's federal capital led the way in Latin America towards civil unions in 2007 and full marriages in 2009.

Same sex marriages are also legal in Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil and Colombia.

- A crime in Africa -

On a continent where around 30 countries ban homosexuality, South Africa is the only country on the continent where gays can legally marry and adopt and have children by ART and surrogacy, since 2006.

In Sudan, Somalia and Mauritania homosexuals face the death penalty, while only a handful of countries -- Gabon, Ivory Coast, Chad, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mali, and Mozambique have decriminalised the practice.

- Hostility in Middle East, Asia -

Israel leads the Middle East region in terms of respect for homosexual rights, and recognizes gay marriages performed elsewhere, though such marriages are not performed in Israel itself. Gay couples can jointly adopt children.

Homosexuality is theoretically punishable by death in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, while Lebanon is more tolerant than other Arab countries.

In Asia, after Taiwan, the taboo surrounding homosexuality is slowly eroding in Vietnam and Nepal.

- Asia Pacific -

The only country in the region that allows gays to marry is New Zealand, which passed a law in April 2013, 27 years after homosexuality was decriminalised.

The most recent attempt to legalise gay marriage in Australia hinged on a planned referendum that was blocked in November 2016.

burs-wai/jmy/ceb/fa
Thailand has seen an uptick in lese majeste cases since the December ascension of King Vajiralongkorn, who has yet to attain his father's popularity

A 14-year-old boy has been detained in a Thai army prison under a draconian and increasingly wielded royal defamation law, Human Rights Watch said Wednesday, as it decried the secrecy surrounding the latest series of arrests.

The law in Thailand forbids any criticism of the monarchy and punishes transgressors with up to 15-years in jail for each offence.

Use of the law has skyrocketed since an ultra-royalist junta seized power in 2014.

There have been a flurry of cases in recent weeks, many linked to social media posts about Thailand's new king Maha Vajiralongkorn, who ascended the throne late last year.

Royal insult cases are typically shrouded in secrecy with media forced to heavily self-censor details. But the latest detentions have been especially opaque.

Thai human rights groups and local media say a group of between four to seven people, including a minor, were arrested in northeastern Thailand on 15 May for allegedly burning a portrait of Vajiralongkorn's late father Bhumibol Adulyadej.

Thai Lawyers for Human Rights, which often provides legal representation to lese majeste suspects, said the group were taken from Khon Kaen province to a notorious army prison on a Bangkok barracks and that they had been held incommunicado since.

Thai police, military and junta spokespeople all declined repeated AFP requests for comment on the case.

In a statement on Wednesday, Human Rights Watch said their researchers had confirmed the names of four of the suspects -- 14-year-old Abhisit Chailee, Jirayu Sinpho, 19, Akkharapong Ayukong, 19, and Ratthathammanoon Srihabutr, 20.

Brad Adams, the group's Asia Director, said the latest arrests "should set off alarm bells".

"None of the four youths arrested should have been denied access to a judge and placed in an incommunicado military detention, whatever the charge against them," he said.

Thailand's junta has awarded itself powers to secretly detain anyone for up to seven days, but the current group has now been held for at least 10 days without access to lawyers or family.

More than 100 people have been charged with lese majeste since an army coup three years ago.

Late last year the United Nations' rights body warned Thailand's widespread use of the law "may constitute crimes against humanity".

But there has been no let up in its use. Thailand has seen an uptick in cases since the December ascension of Vajiralongkorn, who has yet to attain his father's popularity.

Earlier this month, seven people were arrested for allegedly sharing Facebook posts written by an exiled dissident academic. They were held incommunicado for days before appearing in court to be charged.

One of the suspects, human rights lawyer Prawet Prapanukul, was hit with a record 10 counts of lese majeste, a charge sheet that could see him jailed for up to 150 years.

This month Thai authorities also threatened to block Facebook if it did not do more to pull down critical or embarrassing commentary about the monarchy -- a vow the government later backed down over.
A Polish climber has claimed to have traversed from Tibet to Nepal at the summit of Mount Everest

A Polish climber who claims to have traversed from Tibet to Nepal at the summit of Mount Everest may have crossed "illegally", authorities in Nepal said Wednesday.

Janusz Adam Adamski posted on Facebook on Sunday that he had summited the world's highest peak via the northern route in Tibet before descending on the southern side into Nepal.

"Janusz made it to the top of Mt Everest from the north and then descended to the south, making him the first Polish, and 15th in the world, to traverse the mountain," read a post on his Facebook page.

Authorities in Nepal told AFP that the Pole only had permission to climb on the Tibet side of Everest, making his traverse and descent into Nepal illegal.

"The agency has informed us. If true, it is an illegal crossing," Tourism Department chief Dinesh Bhattarai said, adding that they had begun an investigation.

The Pole is the second foreigner to land himself in trouble with Nepali authorities on Everest this month.

South African Ryan Sean Davy was caught on Everest two weeks ago attempting to climb the mountain without paying the $11,000 permit fee.

Davy could be hit with a $22,000 fine -- a figure that he says he cannot afford -- or face up to four years in prison.

The company organising the Pole's climb told AFP that they were last in touch with him last week before he made a bid for the summit.

"All his arrangements are for a summit from the North and descent from the North. There was no indication of him planning to come down the Nepal side, we had never discussed it. He only has a permit for the north side," said Bodha Raj Bhandari, chairman of the Kathmandu-based Snowy Horizon Treks and Expedition company.

"He had support staff until camp 2 and then he climbed solo. We were very shocked to see his post on Facebook. Our support staff is still waiting for him at the base camp in the north," Bhandari added.

In his most recent post on Facebook, Adamski said he was now trekking to Lukla, the main gateway to the Everest region on the Nepal side.

Adamski has not responded to requests for comment.
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has imposed martial law on the southern region of Mindanao to combat militants who have declared allegiance to the Islamic State group

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has imposed martial law on the southern region of Mindanao to combat militants who have declared allegiance to the Islamic State group.

Here is what we know about his reasons and what happens next:

- What happened to trigger martial law? -

Duterte acted after security forces on Tuesday battled dozens of gunmen in Marawi, a city of about 200,000 people. One policeman and two soldiers died in the fighting, authorities said.

Tuesday's violence was the latest in a series of deadly clashes with militants who have pledged allegiance to the Islamic State (IS) group, and are based throughout Mindanao.

Duterte's declaration fulfilled an often-repeated promise to impose martial law to combat the IS-linked militants, whom he has said are a growing threat to national security.

But he has said repeatedly that martial law may be needed to solve many other problems, including illegal drugs.

- Who are the militants? -

Authorities said they were battling members of two of the best-known groups to have declared allegiance to IS, the Abu Sayyaf and Maute organisations.

The military said it was hunting Isnilon Hapilon, an Abu Sayyaf leader who has been named the Philippine head of IS. The US government is offering a $5-million bounty for his capture.

The Abu Sayyaf is infamous for kidnapping foreigners and killing them if ransoms are not paid. It is also blamed for the nation's worst terror attacks, including the 2004 bombing of a ferry in Manila Bay that claimed more than 100 lives.

- Is martial law necessary? -

Duterte has said repeatedly the growing influence of Islamic State was one of the nation's top security concerns, and martial law was necessary to stop it.

However Islamist militancy is not new to the southern Philippines, where a decades-long Muslim separatist insurgency claimed more than 120,000 lives.

Muslim rebels orchestrated a siege in the southern city of Zamboanga in 2013 that left more than 200 people dead, but the government of then-president Benigno Aquino did not declare martial law.

Aquino also said he had considered imposing martial law just before standing down last year in Sulu, island strongholds of the Abu Sayyaf in the far south of Mindanao.

But Aquino said he decided against it partly because military rule could spark resentment among local people.

- What will happen under martial law? -

Martial law allows the president to "call out the armed forces to prevent or suppress lawless violence, invasion or rebellion", according to the constitution.

Duterte said Wednesday he would be "harsh" and his version of martial law would include warrantless arrests and searches, along with curfews in some provinces.

Critics fear it will give security forces cover to carry out human rights abuses, citing the experience under dictator Ferdinand Marcos a generation ago.

During the nine years of martial law under Marcos, police and troops tortured, abducted and killed thousands of people who were critical of the dictatorship, according to rights groups and historians.

"Martial law of Mr Marcos was very good," Duterte said, adding military rule in Mindanao would be similar to that under the dictator.

- What happens next? -

The constitution limits martial law to 60 days unless congress agrees to extend it.

The post-Marcos constitution also imposed safeguards on martial law, including the requirement for congress to approve its imposition and extension. The Supreme Court can also rule on its legality.

But Duterte had previously said he was prepare to ignore the constitutional safeguards.

He said Wednesday martial law would remain until there was no more terrorist threat, and that he was prepared to expand it nationwide.

"I will not hesitate to do anything and everything to protect and preserve the Filipino nation," he said.

"If it means many people dying, so be it."
Hundreds of representatives from Myanmar's ethnic insurgent groups gather for talks aimed at reviving Aung San Suu Kyi's stuttering peace process after months of heavy fighting

Peace talks got underway in Myanmar on Wednesday, with de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi defending her government's stuttering attempts to end decades of fighting between the military and ethnic rebel groups.

A sea of colour filled the vast conference hall in the capital Naypyidaw as ethnic delegates in traditional costumes mingled with stony-faced military officers in full regalia.

The country has been scarred by some of the world's longest-running civil wars as various ethnic groups have fought Myanmar's military for greater autonomy.

Suu Kyi sought to dismiss criticism that little progress has been made on her flagship peace policy, more than a year after her party took power.

"Our collective efforts have started to bear fruit," she told the conference, according to an official translation of the speech.

"We have now reached the stage where we are able to discuss the basic federal principles that are so important for our country and our people."

Hopes had been high that Myanmar's first freely elected government for generations would end the running conflicts that have claimed thousands of lives and kept the country mired in poverty.

But many ethnic groups say Suu Kyi has not listened to their concerns and is working too closely with the military, which ruled the country with an iron fist for almost half a century.

This week's gathering is the second round of peace talks since Suu Kyi's civilian government came to power.

No rebels are expected to sign up to the National Ceasefire Agreement which she is pushing during the conference -- a controversial deal first touted by the previous military-backed government.

But the agenda will cover what shape a federal union might take, and is expected to include the first discussions on whether states will be able to draft their own constitutions.

Allowing states to write their own charters would be an "historic milestone in the post-colonial history of Myanmar," said Angshuman Choudhury from the Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies, adding it could "appease powerful ethnic constituencies and... prevent outright secessionism".

- Ongoing clashes -

Violence in Myanmar's northeast has reached its worst point since the conflict-ridden 1980s.

Tens of thousands of people have been forced to flee months of heavy fighting between the army and insurgent groups, many of them crossing into neighbouring China, which has sent delegates to the talks.

"We are hoping to be able to hold political discussions and talk directly about stopping the fighting and offensives by the Myanmar military," Major Tar Pan La from the the Ta'ang National Liberation Army told AFP.

The violence has destroyed much of the fragile trust that minority voters placed in Suu Kyi in the 2015 vote, and her National League for Democracy suffered several losses in recent by-elections.

It has also strengthened the hand of the China-backed United Wa States Army (UWSA), Myanmar's biggest ethnic armed group and one of the world's top drug traffickers.

The 25,000-strong militia has brought together several groups still locked in combat with the military into a new negotiating bloc that is refusing to sign up to the government-backed ceasefire.

Representatives from all seven, including the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) and the Arakan Army (AA), touched down in Naypyidaw on Tuesday after weeks of fraught politicking.

"We are hoping for equality and trying especially to stop the fighting," Sam Lawt, a spokesperson from the UWSA, told AFP at the conference.

But in an apparent warning to any insurgents who are seeking too much autonomy, military commander-in-chief Min Aung Hlaing told the conference that "some ethnic groups are far beyond the federal system".
The Somali region of Puntland has often come under attack by Shabaab militants and is also home to a breakaway group of fighters who have declared allegiance to IS

The Islamic State group has claimed its first suicide attack in Somalia that left at least five people dead as it steps up activities in a region dominated by the Al-Qaeda-linked Shabaab.

The group's self-styled news agency Amaq claimed the "martyrdom-seeking operation with an explosive vest" in a statement carried by the SITE Intelligence Group which noted it was the first such attack by the jihadists in Somalia.

The suicide bomber, named and pictured in the statement, detonated his explosives vest late Tuesday at a checkpoint in the northeastern port city of Bosaso in the semi-autonomous region of Puntland.

"Security forces stopped the suspect when he approached but he detonated himself leaving five people dead. One of the security officers and four civilians were killed in the blast," said local police official Mohamed Dahir Adan.

The IS statement said seven people were killed and 10 wounded.

The blast occurred near a hotel often used as a meeting place for local officials, witnesses said.

Puntland set up its own government in 1998, but unlike neighbouring Somaliland, it has not declared full independence.

The region has often come under attack by Shabaab militants and is also home to a breakaway group of fighters who have declared allegiance to IS.

However the group has so far failed to gather much support while the Shabaab have taken pains to purge those expressing pro-IS sentiment from their ranks.

- Shabaab the bigger threat -

The militants are led by former Shabaab cleric Abdiqadir Mumin who switched allegiance from Al-Qaeda to IS in October 2015 and was named a "global terrorist" by the US State Department in August.

Aside from issuing occasional promotional videos, the group seized the small fishing town of Qandala before being ousted by Puntland forces in December.

Then in February IS claimed an attack by gunmen on a hotel in Bosaso which left four security guards dead.

Rashid Abdi of the International Crisis Group said that while Mumin's group was stepping up its activities, the Shabaab remained the biggest threat in the region.

"We should not overplay IS influence in that region," he told AFP.

The Islamic State claimed a suicide attack in Bosaso, northeastern Somalia

"There is clearly an IS threat in Puntland, and the Mumin group is escalating its activities and attacks, but Al-Shabaab remains a much bigger threat in Puntland than IS does."

He also warned that IS claims should be treated with caution as "they tend to claim everything".

- Firebrand preacher -

Mumin was born in Puntland and lived in Sweden before moving to the UK in the 2000s, where he was granted British citizenship.

In London and Leicester, he developed a reputation as a firebrand preacher at extremist mosques and in videos posted online.

Monitored by MI5, Britain's domestic intelligence agency, Mumin is thought to have known Mohamed Emwazi, the IS executioner nicknamed "Jihadi John", and Michael Adebolajo, one of two people convicted over the 2013 murder of British soldier Lee Rigby in London.

In 2010, Mumin travelled to Somalia to join the Shabaab -- which both Emwazi and Adebolajo had unsuccessfully tried to do.

He initially served as an imam and propagandist before taking control of the Puntland faction of the Shabaab and later defecting to IS with a handful of fighters -- despite lacking battlefield experience.

Observers say his supporters are mostly made up of members of his own Majerteen clan, and the very existence of Mumin's group is attributed to complex local clan rivalries.

The International Crisis Group estimated in November that his group counted some 200 members and warned the threat of IS could not be "dismissed as insignificant".

The group called for a "genuine political initiative to address local clan grievances".
Conservative student and supporter of US President Donland Trump, Nick Fuentes, is one of a small, but growing number of right wing figures increasingly happy to speak out on campus

US universities are often bastions of progressive Democrats, but Donald Trump's election has spurred a growing number of conservative students to step out of the shadows and become increasingly vocal.

Even though both right-wing provocateur Milo Yiannopoulos and conservative firebrand Ann Coulter cancelled planned appearances at the University of California, Berkeley in the face of threats and violent protests, Democrats don't always have a stranglehold on campus.

"Conservative students are becoming less hesitant to speak out," says Sterling Beard, editor-in-chief of Campus Reform, which supports young conservatives in denouncing progressive bias on campus.

The recent violence at Berkeley, he says, makes the job easier "because so many of their liberal peers have become hysterical."

Two of these new conservative voices are Nick Fuentes at Boston University and William Long at Harvard, who are finishing the school year happy to go into battle to defend their ideas to peers in the majority opposing camp.

Both voted for Trump, if for different reasons.

- Pariah -

Long, the 20-year-old son of Chinese immigrants from Oklahoma pursuing a double major in computer science and government, is a Republican in the traditional sense of the word -- anti-abortion, socially and fiscally conservative, and determined, as he tells it, to "conserve the good things."

The election of Donald Trump has given greater confidence to conservative students, who are now happier to speak out on campuses -- even where they find themselves in the tiniest minorities

Long says his reasons for voting Trump are "complex" and admits he was uncomfortable broadcasting that fact right after the election, when the torrent of anti-Trump sentiment led some to suggest the Republican's supporters were "fascists."

But the keen debater says even though "actively involved" conservatives account for less than five percent of the student body at Harvard, Trump's win has given them more of a platform to air their ideas.

"Lots of people were wondering, 'How did this happen? Who was it that voted for him?'" Long says. The election "did give us a voice, in the sense that people were more willing to listen to us."

Fuentes, an 18-year-old studying international relations and political science, is more radical. He identifies himself with the "new right" or "alt-right," wants to halt immigration and denounces the political correctness he sees "everywhere."

Vice President Mike Pence similarly spoke out against political correctness Sunday in a commencement speech at Notre Dame University, calling it "nothing less than suppression of the freedom of speech."

Dozens of students walked out in protest as Pence started to speak at the university in his home state of Indiana.

Fuentes is an ardent Trump supporter and with a taste for the provocative, walks around Boston in "Make America Great Again" Trump campaign hats, even if it makes him a "pariah" by his own admission.

Harvard University student Will Long says he voted for US President Donald Trump, but admits he was uncomfortable broadcasting that fact right after the election

"I get harassed almost every week on social media," he says. "I was given death threats to my face by people."

He could easily have gone to a conservative college, but "what fun is that?" he says. "I figured I'd agree with everybody there."

He has spent his freshman year blending fact, opinion, current affairs and history into a program filmed in his small dorm room and shown by the Alabama-based Right Side Broadcasting Network, a conservative channel on YouTube.

- Trump lesson -

But neither Fuentes nor Long expect the conservative-liberal balance of power to change substantially on campus.

Beard agrees -- "not in the short term," he says.

Marie Danziger, who has taught for 30 years at Harvard's John F. Kennedy School of Government, believes conservative ideas are gaining ground even if conservative students and faculty remain in the minority.

While students in the past were often idealists, thinking about volunteering in Africa, for example, she says today's crop "are much more comfortable with what we used to think of as a conservative business-oriented mentality."

A rise in conservatism is also fueled by a growing number of active duty US soldiers or veterans on campus, as well as foreign students from countries such as China, Russia or Singapore, says the lecturer, who teaches a course on persuasion.

"The other big change," says Danziger, is a recognition "that we are as the one percent not universally loved by many of the people we will be leading in the future.

"That means finding ways to either underplay our education or our left-leaning tendencies," she said.

Trump's shock defeat of Democrat Hillary Clinton had left students asking themselves if there was "some way" they could learn from the billionaire tycoon.

"What do we learn from Trump, but how can we use that in a way that we find morally and factually acceptable? This is the problem I am going to open my first class (with) in September," she said.
Top Bahraini Shiite cleric Isa Qassim, pictured in this portrait held by a supporter, was stripped of citizenship last year, sparking protests

Saudi Arabia on Wednesday defended the actions of Bahraini authorities who opened fire on a protest by supporters of a top Shiite cleric, killing five people.

The security of Bahrain "is an integral part" of Saudi security, the official Saudi Press Agency quoted a source in Riyadh's foreign ministry as saying.

"The source affirmed the support of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the measures being taken", including in Diraz village near the capital Manama, it said.

These measures are to "address all terrorist attempts aimed at destabilising and damaging" security and order, it added.

The Sunni-ruled Gulf state, where Shiites are a majority, has been shaken by unrest since 2011, when Bahraini authorities backed by a Saudi military force crushed Shiite-led protests.

Demonstrators were demanding a constitutional monarchy and an elected prime minister.

Bahrain's interior ministry on Tuesday said five people died among "the outlaws" in the Shiite village of Diraz, where supporters of cleric Isa Qassim were holding a sit-in outside his home.

Witnesses had earlier told AFP that several civilians were wounded when police fired at demonstrators throwing stones and Molotov cocktails at security forces.

Bahrain is located just across a causeway from Saudi Arabia, most of whose Shiite minority live in Gulf coast or other eastern communities.

Shiites in Saudi Arabia, who have long complained of marginalisation, also began protesting in 2011.

Sporadic security incidents that have continued since then escalated this month in the Shiite town of Awamiya.

Authorities said a policeman died in a rocket propelled grenade attack on May 16, while at least two other people were earlier shot dead in unrest centred on a neighbourhood slated for redevelopment.

A resident of the area reported gunfire early on Wednesday.
Same-sex activists cheered, hugged and wept outside the parliament in Taipei as they celebrated the landmark decision

Taiwan's top court ruled in favour of gay marriage Wednesday, a landmark decision that paves the way for the island to become the first place in Asia to legalise same-sex unions.

Crowds of supporters cheered, hugged and wept as the court said current laws preventing the practice "violated" the constitution's guarantees of freedom of marriage and equality.

It gave the government two years to implement the ruling.

Momentum has been growing behind the push for equal marriage rights, with Taiwan's president Tsai Ing-wen openly supporting the campaign.

But there has also been anger among conservative groups, who have staged mass rallies against any change in the law.

The constitutional court said if parliament does not make the change within two years, same-sex couples could register to marry regardless, based on its interpretation.

Currently Taiwan's Civil Code stipulates an agreement to marry can only be made between a man and a woman.

"The current provisions of the marriage chapter do not allow two persons of the same sex to create a permanent union of an intimate and exclusive nature for the committed purpose of managing a life together. This is obviously a gross legislative flaw," the court said in a statement.

Same-sex activists hug outside the parliament in Taipei on May 24, 2017 as they celebrate the landmark decision paving the way for the island to become the first place in Asia to legalise gay marriage

The decision to allow gay marriage would bolster social stability and protect "human dignity" it added.

Hundreds of gay marriage supporters gathered outside parliament in central Taipei erupted at the news, some breaking down in tears.

They stayed into the evening, despite torrential rain, ending the rally by putting rainbow filters over the torchlights of their phones and holding them in the air to create a multi-coloured display.

For Taiwan's pioneering gay rights campaigner, Chi Chia-wei, one of the petitioners who brought the case to the constitutional court, it was the culmination of 30 years of activism.

"I'm leaping with joy like a bird," Chi, 59, told AFP.

"I hope parliament will prioritise the bill instead of dragging it on for another two years," he added.

Dressed in rainbow flags and waving a giant rainbow banner, Chi told the rally: "The victory today belongs to everybody," to cheers and applause.

The other petitioner was the Taipei city government, which has been rejecting marriage applications by same-sex couples and was seeking clarification of the law.

- International impact -

Activists around the region welcomed the ruling as calls for marriage equality gain strength in a number of countries around Asia, including South Korea and Japan.

The decision also raised hopes in mainland China.

"Taiwan and mainland China have the same roots and culture," said Li Yinhe, a renowned Chinese sexologist who has pressed Beijing policymakers to legalise same-sex marriage.

Gay marriage worldwide

"It suggests that Chinese society could also accept the idea of gay marriage," she said, but added there was "a very long way" to go.

Last year, two men lost a legal battle to marry, but the decision by the court in central China to hear their case was seen as a breakthrough.

President Tsai urged society to "understand, tolerate and respect people with different opinions", adding the decision was binding.

However, some campaigners fear opposing voices in parliament may try to delay the process of changing the law.

Outside Taipei's main judicial headquarters, angry anti-gay marriage protesters beat drums shouting "unfair justice" and "sinners".

"The welfare of the majority should not be sacrificed to please a few people," said demonstrator Becky Huang.

A panel of 14 grand justices made the ruling -- a majority of 10 was needed. Only two judges dissented.

Anti-gay marriage protesters display banners during a rally outside the Judicial Yuan in Taipei

The court said the physical and psychological need for permanent unions was "equally essential to homosexuals and heterosexuals, given the importance of the freedom of marriage to the sound development of personality and safeguarding of human dignity".

It also pointed out that attempts in parliament to legalise gay marriage have stalled for more than a decade, affecting people's fundamental rights.

Proposals to amend the Civil Code finally passed their first reading in December, but have not progressed further.

Rights group Amnesty International urged the government to act quickly.

"As today's ruling makes clear, whoever you love, everyone is entitled to the same human rights and equal protection under the law," it said.
Muslim worshippers pray outside the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa mosque compound on July 2, 2016

A group of hardline activists were removed from the flashpoint Al-Aqsa mosque compound in east Jerusalem on Wednesday after violating a ban on Jewish prayer there, police said.

The 10 Jews held their prayer-protest as Israelis commemorated Jerusalem Day, marking the establishment of Israeli control over the Old City following its capture in the Six-Day War of 1967.

The hilltop site in Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem is known to Muslims as the Haram al-Sharif compound, which includes the Al-Aqsa mosque and the Dome of the Rock, and to Jews as the Temple Mount.

The holiest site in Judaism and the third-holiest in Islam, it is central to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and was taken from Jordan in the 1967 war.

Jews are allowed to visit but not pray there to avoid provoking tensions, but Palestinians fear Israel will seek to assert further control over the site.

The site has been the scene of frequent incidents when Jews try to break the rule and police or Muslim guards intervene to stop them.

The 10, who appeared to be minors in video footage of the incident, were detained by police.

The Returning to the Mountain movement, to which the activists belong, put out a statement calling on the government to take full control of the mosque compound and assert Jewish prayer rights.

"Fifty years after freeing the Temple Mount, Israel police act like a Jordanian regime and arrest Jews for daring to bow at the most sacred spot to the Jewish people," the group said on its Facebook page.

"With Israel reacting to UNESCO time and again saying that the Temple Mount is ours, it's time that we enact full Jewish sovereignty on the mount!"

In a separate incident, a group of Jews on their way out of the compound began singing the Israeli national anthem.

Police said officers began ushering them away when a number of guards for the Islamic endowments organisation, or Waqf, which administers the Al-Aqsa compound, attempted to attack the visitors and the officers.

Video footage of the incident shows police scuffling with guards. The visitors were eventually removed and three Waqf guards arrested.

Earlier this month, Israel rejected as "absurd" a UNESCO resolution it said denies Jews' historical connection to Jerusalem by presenting Israel as an occupying power there.

Israel claims Jerusalem as its united capital, while the Palestinians claim the city's eastern sector as the capital of their future state.
Citing a narrow post-Civil War-era provision, the Southern Poverty Law Center Tuesday filed a lawsuit in federal court claiming that Mississippis substandard and effectively segregated school system is a violation of a promise the state made 150 years ago in order to rejoin the Union.

Flanked by his plaintiffs, three tearful mothers, Will Bardwell, senior staff attorney in the SPLCs Jackson office, said at a news conference streamed on Facebook he is asking the federal government to force Mississippis state leaders to create a more equitable school system among all children, as they promised to do in the states 1868 constitution. He did not provide specific strategies.

Mississippis education system is the weakest in the nation, Bardwell said . The time to right that wrong is today.

While state judges have more often than not been willing to force state legislatures to equalize school funding through their school funding formula (Mississippis is currently being revised), they are typically reluctant to weigh in on exactly how to fix school systems, a sensitive and potentially politically explosive debate.

Bardwell is essentially doing a run around Mississippis state judges and asking the federal court system to force state officials to uphold provisions of the states original constitution. He referred to the idea as a gift from the law gods.

In 1870, the federal government readmitted Mississippi into the Union on the condition that the state hold true to its constitution and not deprive any class of children of their right to a uniform system of free public schools .

But, according to Bardwell, the state over the years boosted through its constitution the powers of its state legislature to maintain a segregated school system which systematically deprived students at majority black schools an adequate education.

Today, the states black students typically attend decrepit school house buildings staffed by inexperienced and ineffective teachers, Bardwell said. All of the states worst-performing schools are majority black, Bardwell pointed out.

The four plaintiffs, Indigo Williams, Dorothy Haymer, Precious Hughes, and Sarde Graham, send their children to schools in Jackson and Yazoo City, Miss. that the state defines as failing.

They are suing the states governor, lieutenant governor, House and Senate leaders, state board of education, and state superintendent, who are responsible for carrying out the laws cited in the states constitution.

Hughes, who started crying while describing the conditions at her daughters school, asked, How am I as a mother supposed to answer her when she asks why she cant attend a better school?

No Child Left Behind provided lawyers involved in school funding lawsuits a trove of data to enter into court as evidence to prove that a states schools have systemically neglected historically disenfranchised students. The recently enacted Every Student Succeeds Act requires states to collect and report testing data, in addition to school climate and teacher effectiveness data.

In a number of states, lawyers in recent years have expanded their lawsuits to force legislatures provide an adequate and equitable amount of money to schools and also address the quality of school outcomes.

Dont miss another State EdWatch post. Sign up here to get news alerts in your email inbox. And make sure to follow @StateEdWatch on Twitter for the latest news from state K-12 policy and politics.
Mountaineers walk past the Hillary Step while pushing for the summit of Mount Everest

The Hillary Step -- a rocky outcrop near the top of Mount Everest -- is still intact, Nepali climbers said Wednesday, rejecting a widely reported claim by a British mountaineer that it had collapsed.

The condition of the rock face has been the source of intense speculation among the climbing community since six-time Everest summiteer Tim Mosedale declared it had crumbled.

"The Hillary Step is no more," Mosedale wrote on Facebook the day after he made the top on May 17.

"Not sure what's going to happen when the snow ridge doesn't form because there's some huge blocks randomly perched hither and thither which will be quite tricky to negotiate."

But experienced Nepali climbers said the rock feature -- named after the first climber to summit the world's highest peak, Sir Edmund Hillary -- was unchanged.

"The Hillary Step is as it was before, but a large stone above it has fallen," said Pemba Dorje Sherpa, who reached the peak last Saturday and has summited on 15 other occasions.

"It was easier to reach the summit because of that, but perhaps that confused people into thinking that the step is no more."

Nine-time Everest summiteer Mingma Tsiri Sherpa, who runs a climbing company and is currently at base camp, said an alternative route being used by climbers could be leading to confusion.

"The fixed lines are more to the right of the step (than before). We're now walking on the snow whereas before we had to walk on the rocky side. That is the reason for the confusion."

Mingma has not climbed Everest this year but nine of his Nepali guides and eight clients have made it to the top.

Questions surrounding the condition of the step -- the last major obstacle before the summit -- emerged last year, with some suggesting that it had been damaged in the earthquake that hit Nepal in April 2015.

The 7.8-magnitude quake triggered an avalanche that flattened base camp, killing 18, and brought the climbing season to a premature close.

Geologist Amod Mani Dixit, who heads the Kathmandu-based National Society for Earthquake Technology, said it was unlikely the earthquake would have shifted rocks on Everest, which stands 450 kilometres (280 miles) east of the epicentre.

Dixit said relatively minor tremors could cause an avalanche but a much more powerful force would be needed to alter a rock formation like the Hillary Step.

"We looked at the map of how the earthquake shook that part. The level of shaking in that area is not great enough to cause that kind of rock slide," he told AFP.

The Nepal Mountaineering Association said Wednesday it was investigating the conflicting claims about the condition of the Hillary Step.
Indonesian authorities destroy thousands of bottles of alcohol ahead of the holy month of Ramadan at a police station in Surabaya on May 24, 2017

Indonesian police Wednesday used a steamroller to crush thousands of bottles of alcohol and torched a huge stash of seized drugs ahead of Ramadan in the world's most populous Muslim-majority country.

Islam's holiest month is due to begin this weekend, with observant Muslims across the world abstaining from eating, drinking, smoking and sex between sunrise and sunset.

Indonesian authorities typically make a show of seizing large quantities of drink and destroying it in the run-up to Ramadan in a reminder to Muslims to abstain from drinking alcohol, which is against Islamic law.

In the second-biggest city of Surabaya, on Java island, authorities used an steamroller to crush about 10,000 bottles of alcohol in a public display in the courtyard of a police station.

The destroyed haul included many bottles of the national beer, Bintang, as well as other ales and clear plastic containers of homemade liquor, which can be dangerous as it is often mixed with toxic substances.

The beer was being sold at unlicensed premises while the homemade brew was illegally produced.

Local police spokeswoman Lily Djafar said the alcohol was confiscated "in the month before Ramadan during an operation across Surabaya".

Police in the city also incinerated a large quantity of seized narcotics, including thousands of ecstasy pills and 17 kilograms (37 pounds) of crystal methamphetamine.

Similar operations have been carried out in other parts of Indonesia in recent days, including the capital Jakarta.

About 90 percent of Indonesia's 255 million inhabitants are Muslim, and most practise a moderate form of Islam. Alcohol is available in major cities and holiday destinations and the country is home to many bars and nightclubs.

However during Ramadan, nightspots close for the whole month in many parts of Indonesia. In Jakarta they usually shut for a short period, at the start of the holy month and the end.

Hardline groups such as the Islamic Defenders Front have been known to raid bars and clubs that stay open during Ramadan, although police have warned against any such vigilante activities this year.

Ramadan begins when the first crescent of a new moon is sighted. It ends with the Eid al-Fitr holiday, a major family event marked by feasting and celebration.
Pope Francis shakes hands with US President Donald Trump during a private audience at the Vatican

Donald Trump vowed Wednesday to use his US presidency to promote global peace after meeting Pope Francis, before heading into a high-stakes summit of the world's biggest military alliance.

Meeting for the first time, the president and the pontiff sidestepped deep differences over issues ranging from the environment to the plight of migrants and the poor.

"Honor of a lifetime to meet His Holiness Pope Francis," a star-struck Trump wrote on Twitter before leaving Rome for Brussels and the next leg of his first overseas trip as US president.

"I leave the Vatican more determined than ever to pursue PEACE in our world," the billionaire former reality TV star said.

In Brussels, a city he once dubbed a "hellhole", Trump however faced thousands of protesters ahead of his first summits on Thursday with wary leaders of NATO and the European Union.

Trump sparked fears of an end to the transatlantic alliance when he dismissed NATO as "obsolete" while on the campaign trail and mortified the EU by backing Brexit.

Trump said that the most important issue during his time in Belgium was terrorism after the "horrible situation" in Manchester, England, where a suicide bomber killed 22 people in an attack claimed by the Islamic State.

"We are fighting very hard, doing very well under our generals. Making tremendous progress," Trump told Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel.

"But when you see something like what happened a few days ago you realize how important it is to win this fight. And we will win this fight."

- 'Fantastic meeting' -

Trump had left Rome declaring his determination for peace following his keenly anticipated encounter with Pope Francis, the 80-year-old former Jesuit priest who has made championing the poor and the third world major themes of his papacy.

In their world view and tastes, the Argentine pontiff who eschews the use of the palaces at his disposal and the luxury hotel tycoon appear worlds apart.

But despite the pope looking initially grim-faced, both men ended up mostly all smiles, relaxed and even jovial.

Accompanied by his wife Melania and daughter Ivanka, Trump met Francis in the private library of the Apostolic Palace, the lavish papal residence that the current pope eschews in favour of more modest lodgings.

"He is something," Trump later said of his host. "We had a fantastic meeting."

There was even a light-hearted moment when Francis made an apparent allusion to Trump's imposing physical size.

"What do you feed him on? Potica?" Francis asked Melania, in a reference to a calorie-laden cake that comes from her native Slovenia and is pronounced "potteezza". Reporters initially thought he said "pizza".

Trump also told the pope he was committing more than $300 million (270 million euros) to help prevent or tackle famine in Yemen and several countries in Africa.

The Vatican described the discussions as "cordial" and emphasised the two men's joint opposition to abortion and shared concern for persecuted Christians in the Middle East.

The pope presented Trump with a medallion engraved with an olive tree, the international symbol of peace.

Francis also gave Trump copies of the three major texts he has published as pope, including one on the environment which urges the industrialised world to curb carbon emissions or risk catastrophic consequences for the planet.

Trump, who has threatened to ignore the Paris accords on emissions and described global warming as a hoax, vowed to read them.

- 'An instrument of peace' -

Trump told his host as he left, "Thank you. Thank you. I won't forget what you said."

"I give it to you so you can be an instrument of peace," the pope said in Spanish. "We can use peace," Trump replied.

Trump's gifts included a collection of first editions by Martin Luther King and a bronze sculpture.

A Vatican statement on the meeting highlighted "the joint commitment in favour of life, and freedom of worship and conscience."

Afterwards, the US first couple were given a private tour of the Sistine Chapel and St Peter's Basilica.

In Brussels, Trump met Belgium's King Philippe and Queen Mathilde and held talks with Michel, while around 6,000 people rallied against his policies in the centre of the city.

On Thursday, he first meets EU President Donald Tusk and European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker, having previously backed Britain's shock Brexit vote and saying the EU was a doomed would-be superstate.

He will then hold his first summit with NATO leaders, who are holding out for a public show of Trump's commitment in return for joining the US-led coalition against Islamic State in the wake of the Manchester attacks.

Trump's Vatican visit was the third leg of his overseas trip, after stops in Saudi Arabia and Israel and the Palestinian territories.

The high-profile trip has diverted attention from Trump's domestic pressures over alleged campaign collusion with Russia.

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US President Donald Trump (L) and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shake hands before an official dinner in Jerusalem on May 22, 2017

Israeli right-wingers celebrated US President Donald Trump's visit after he made no mention of the two-state solution, but a lack of specifics on how he would resolve the conflict with the Palestinians raised concerns.

Trump visited Israel and the Palestinian territories on Monday and Tuesday, and in a closing speech talked extensively about his commitment to Israel's security.

He also called on the Israelis and Palestinians to make compromises for peace -- but gave no specific details on what he meant.

Israeli officials hailed the speech as a triumph for the country's right-wing government, which includes ministers opposed to the idea of an independent Palestinian state.

They were particularly pleased with Trump's visit to the Western Wall, one of the holiest sites in Judaism.

He became the first sitting US president to visit the site in east Jerusalem, which Israel occupied in 1967 and later annexed in a move never recognised by the international community.

Palestinian officials stressed they believed longstanding US policy remained unchanged as president Mahmud Abbas sought to convince Trump to remain committed to a two-state solution to the decades-long conflict.

But much of the intrigue over Trump's public statements during the trip revolved around what he didn't say.

By not mentioning the need for an independent Palestinian state in any of his public addresses, nor criticising Israeli settlement building in the occupied Palestinian territories, Trump endeared himself to the Israeli right.

The so-called two-state solution -- meaning an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel -- has long been the basis of US policy but Trump suggested in February he was no longer wedded to it.

US President Donald Trump visits the Western Wall, the holiest site where Jews can pray, in Jerusalem's Old City on May 22, 2017

"It was a great speech because he said the things he had to say and he did not say the things the other presidents usually took advantage of speeches to say," Tzachi Hanegbi, an Israeli minister and ally of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, told AFP after Trump's closing speech.

"He didn't reprimand Israel for settlements, he didn't commit the United States to a two-state vision."

- What he didn't say -

Michael Oren, a former Israeli ambassador to Washington, told AFP he was glad Trump's talk of peace "didn't lock us into a specific formula," referring to the two-state solution.

Far-right Education Minister Naftali Bennett and Israeli settler organisations also hailed Trump's silence on two states.

In contrast, Husam Zomlot, Palestinian ambassador to the United States and a key Abbas ally, said he did not see Trump's comments as a US policy shift.

The Palestinian leadership has pledged to work with Trump, hoping his unorthodox approach can lead to progress previously lacking.

"The last two days was not a matter of policy. We take it that the US policy remains as is," Zomlot told AFP.

"It was a visit of intent, of his intent to reach out and help us reach a final agreement."

Trump held talks with Netanyahu in Jerusalem and with Abbas in Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank. His visit to the West Bank lasted around two hours.

Trump came to power promising to be the most pro-Israel president in US history.

US President Donald Trump (L) shakes hands with Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas during a meeting in the West Bank city of Bethlehem on May 23, 2017

His visit came in stark contrast to President Barack Obama's first Middle East trip eight years ago when Israelis accused him of shunning the Jewish state as he delivered a keynote speech in Egypt.

Yet critics pointed out that while the symbolism of Trump's visit was significant, there were precious few details on his plan for kickstarting negotiations.

- 'Credibility problem' -

The peace process has been deadlocked since April 2014 when indirect negotiations led by then US secretary of state John Kerry collapsed.

A commentary in Israel's centrist Yediot Aharonot newspaper said that after two days of waiting for Trump's keynote address "the only thing we could learn from that speech was how to say nothing with a whole lot of words."

Nathan Thrall from the International Crisis Group and author of a new book on past Israeli-Palestinian peace talks agreed that "there was nothing substantive in Trump's public comments."

"The real question is if there is something substantive happening behind closed doors."

Trump travelled to Saudi Arabia before Israel where he met King Salman.

Much discussion has focussed on reviving a 2002 Saudi-led peace initiative whereby Arab states would recognise Israel in exchange for its full withdrawal from the territories it occupied in 1967 and a just settlement of the Palestinian refugee problem.

A White House statement on Trump's meeting with Abbas said he told the US leader he was "ready to begin negotiating immediately."

A masked Palestinian throws a stone towards Israeli troops during a protest on May 22, 2017 in support of prisoners on hunger strike in Israeli jails for more than a month and denouncing a visit by US President Donald Trump

Abbas has previously demanded a freeze on settlement construction before returning to the negotiating table.

Thrall said Abbas could face a "credibility problem" if he returns to negotiations without seeming to have gained any concessions.

Hamas, the Palestinian Islamist movement that runs the Gaza Strip and which rivals Abbas, said Trump aligned "himself with the politics of the (Israeli) occupier" during his visit.
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Islamist militants rampaging through a southern Philippine city beheaded a local police chief, President Rodrigo Duterte said Wednesday.

He said the attack occurred near the southern city of Marawi, which is under siege by Islamic militants, as justification for imposing martial law across the southern third of the country.

"The chief of police in Malabang on his way home, going back he was stopped by a checkpoint manned by terrorists and I think they decapitated them right then and there," Duterte he told a news conference.

Fighting erupted Tuesday after Philippines security forces raided a house in Marawi where they believed Isnilon Hapilon, a leader of the infamous Abu Sayyaf kidnap-for-ransom gang and Philippine head of Islamic State, was hiding.

The United States regards Hapilon as one of the world's most dangerous terrorists, offering a bounty of $5 million for his capture.

More than 100 gunmen responded to the raid by burning buildings and conducting other diversionary tactics, officials said, adding that thousands of residents have fled Marawi.

Police said an officer and two soldiers had been killed in the fighting, with at least eight others injured.

It was unclear if the ambush on the local police chief was included in the official tally.

Duterte said continuing sporadic skirmishes showed the group's "capability to sow terror and unleash harassment and inflict destruction" across the country's south.

The president flew home Wednesday from Moscow, where he had cut short an official visit to Russia to deal with the Marawi crisis.
Israel is "sleepwalking" towards a precipice, claims Amos Gitai

A new documentary warns of Israel's slow "suicide" if it pushes ahead and annexes large swathes of the West Bank.

"West of the Jordan River", by acclaimed Israeli director Amos Gitai, claims the country's government -- the most right-wing in its history -- is "sleepwalking" the Jewish state towards a precipice.

Gitai -- who premiered the film at the Cannes film festival Wednesday -- said the "maximalist thinking" of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that has led to more settlement building in occupied territories "could have disastrous consequences" for Israel.

They are leading "us towards self-destruction", he warned.

He said everything that was wrong with Israel right now is symbolised by the country's controversial Culture Minister Miri Regev, who caused a storm when she appeared on the Cannes red carpet last week in a dress adorned with a panorama of Jerusalem to celebrate "50 years since the liberation and reunification" of the city.

The Palestinians and the international community regard the city's east as under Israeli occupation.

Regev's right-wing populism and "Netanyahu's cynicism... is leading us down a blind alley. Everything they do is not for the good of the country but to pick up a few more votes on the far-right of (their) Likud" party.

"West of the Jordan River" highlights "the constant harassment and attempts to silence" peace activists who are trying to strive for a settlement with the Palestinians.

- 'David against Goliath' -

Gitai, who was badly injured serving in the Yom Kippur war in 1973, said his film is a tribute to "these courageous people who are attacked, who are not allowed to speak to schools and who are menaced on a daily basis by the Israeli government. It is a David and Goliath fight to preserve the human spirit, and this is touching."

The film follows groups like Breaking the Silence, set up by former Israeli soldiers to talk about the reality of life in the occupied territories, and The Parents Circle, a cross-community support group for families who have lost loved ones in the conflict, as well as journalists from the liberal Haaretz newspaper who report on Palestinian areas.

"There are no angels in this conflict. Both sides are angels and bastards," Gitai said. "The people who don't want peace exist everywhere in this region.

"I didn't want to do the usual stuff -- 'all the Palestinians are terrorists and all the Israelis nasty settlers'.

"I was looking for the cracks in the wall. People who are working to change this situation."

Picking up where his acclaimed documentaries "Field Diary" and "Arena of Murder" left off, Gitai traces Israel's malaise to the assassination of prime minister Yitzhak Rabin by a Jewish extremist in 1995 as he was trying to push through a two-state solution with the Palestinians.

Since then he insists Israel has not had a leader with the vision or courage to "make peace with its neighbours".

- 'We have to be honest' -

But he said the Palestinians share much of the blame for the quagmire.

Gitai said that after Rabin ordered the withdrawal of the Israeli army, "terrorist attacks in Israeli cities were at their worst which helped the extreme right to demonise Rabin and kill him."

In one scene in the film he even engaged in a heated debate with a bereaved family at the wake for their son who was killed after attacking settlers.

"You have to be honest. You can only make peace with your enemies, not your friends," Gitai argued.

"After these words (to the Palestinian family) which are not easy to say, the father who had good reasons to disagree with me, asked me to share a meal with them. I was very touched," he said.

In another memorable encounter in Hebron, a smiling young Palestinian boy tells him he wants to be "a martyr when he grows up".

"We have to start by saying the truth. By looking it straight in the eye," said Gitai. "Then look for a solution."
The Qatari Government Communications office said the Qatar News Agency website published a false statement attributed to the country's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, seen in 2016, through a hack

Qatar launched an investigation and went into damage control mode on Wednesday after accusing hackers of putting what it called false remarks by the emir on state media.

The four-hour cyber attack, which hit the Qatar News Agency's website and Twitter account, caused ripples in the Gulf state and across the Middle East because of the content of the stories.

Among the topics supposedly addressed by Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani were the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, strategic relations with Iran, and comments about Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas.

There were also remarks about alleged "tensions" between Qatar and the administration of US President Donald Trump.

The Twitter account carried a statement from Foreign Mnister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani about Qatar withdrawing its ambassadors from several nearby countries.

His ministry denied the story.

Qatar said what occurred was a "shameful cybercrime" and that the reports were completely untrue.

It added an investigation had been launched and the hackers would be "traced and prosecuted".

"QNA's website was hacked at 12:14am on Wednesday morning, with hackers publishing false statements attributed to HH the Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani," said the foreign ministry.

"The official further said that it is clear this shameful cybercrime was instigated and perpetrated with malicious intent," it said in a statement.

But it was unable to contain the fallout, with media outlets taking seriously the remarks attributed to the emir and attacks on social media accounts continuing.

The "false statement" was still being widely reported by broadcasters and newspapers across the region, including in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, many hours after Doha's denial.

- 'Anti-Qatar organisations' -

One analyst on the Saudi state news channel, Al-Akhbariya, called Tamim's alleged remarks "political adolescence".

Twitter users swapped insults and accusations.

Saudi media slammed the alleged statement describing Shiite-dominated Iran as a "stability guarantor" in the region.

A page on the Al-Arabiya English website had an article entitled: "Proof that Qatar News Agency was not hacked."

At the same time, Doha-based broadcaster Al-Jazeera was unavailable for some time in the UAE, though it was unclear if it was blocked on purpose.

The Al-Jazeera Arabic website was also inaccessible in Saudi Arabia during Wednesday.

Qatar said it was "surprised by the stance of some media outlets and TV channels" in continuing to report the comments attributed to the emir.

Some in Qatar compared those responsible for reporting the contents of the hack to Nazi Germany's propaganda minister, Joseph Goebbels.

The alleged cyber attack comes just days after Doha claimed it had been the victim of an orchestrated smear campaign over its alleged "support" for terrorism, and said it was being targeted by anti-Qatar organisations.

Doha has faced criticism for its support of rebel groups fighting Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and in recent weeks has been accused outright of funding terror in US media articles.

Qatar is also home to the former leader of Hamas, Khaled Meshaal, who this month used his Doha base, where he has lived in exile for several years, to launch a new policy document.

One analyst, Durham University's Dr Christopher Davidson, said the incident emphasised long-standing divisions between Qatar and other Gulf powers such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE, over issues including Doha's support for the Muslim Brotherhood.

"This is still part of the serious fracture between the two different camps in the Gulf, the divisions remain about the vision for the region," he said.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg urges the alliance to step up in its fight against IS

NATO head Jens Stoltenberg said on Wednesday that the Manchester bombing shows the alliance must agree at a summit with US President Donald Trump to do more to combat terrorism.

Terrorism will be top of the agenda at Thursday's meeting in Brussels which comes amid sharp divisions over joining the US-led coalition against the Islamic State group.

"I expect NATO allies to step up and agree to do more in the fight against terrorism, not least because of the attack we saw in Manchester," Stoltemberg told a news conference on the eve of the summit.

Trump arrives in Brussels later Wednesday having said NATO was "obsolete" because it did not focus on the threat of Islamist terrorism.

He has since softened the criticism but still wants NATO to join the anti-IS coalition itself as an important gesture of support for the campaigns in Syria and Iraq.

All 28 allies have joined the coalition as individual countries and if NATO became a member, that would significantly boost coordination in the war against IS in Syria and Iraq, Stoltenberg recalled.

He said the "brutal attack" claimed by IS showed the terror threat remained ever present.

"Many allies would like to see NATO as a full member of the coalition," Stoltenberg added.

"Firstly, because it sends a strong message of unity... and especially in light of the attack in Manchester, I think it is important to send this message of unity against terrorism," he said.

NATO currently provides AWACS surveillance planes to help anti-IS operations and trains officers in Iraq but it stresses that these are and should remain non-combat roles.

Diplomatic sources say some of the allies, including France and Germany, are reluctant to go further for fear of getting dragged into a ground war and risking NATO's standing with Arab powers.

They are also concerned NATO could end up taking over control of the whole operation in Iraq.

New French President Emmanuel Macron is due to meet Trump for lunch Thursday when the issue is expected to be a major talking point.
Singapore, a regional financial centre known for its tough stance against corruption, was the first country to hand down criminal convictions related to the 1MDB scandal

A former stocks trader was fined in Singapore Wednesday for his role in an international money-laundering scandal involving Malaysia's state fund 1MDB, the latest person to be penalised over the saga.

Singapore, a regional financial centre known for its tough stance against corruption, was the first country to hand down criminal convictions related to the 1MDB investigations.

Allegations that huge sums were misappropriated from the state fund triggered a scandal that has embroiled Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, though he has denied any wrongdoing.

Ang was slapped with a Sg$9,000 ($6,477) fine for bribing a research analyst to expedite a valuation report on PetroSaudi -- an oil company which had dealings with the Malaysian fund.

The Riyadh-based firm entered into a $1.0 billion joint venture with 1MDB in 2009.

According to court documents, Ang acted as a middleman between Yeo Jiawei -- a Singaporean banker sentenced to 30 months in prison in connection with the case last December -- and financial consultants NRA Capital.

Yeo told Ang in 2013 he urgently needed a valuation report to show that PetroSaudi was worth $2.4 billion. Ang agreed on the basis that he would be paid a commission and contacted NRA.

Ang, who worked for Maybank Kim Eng Securities but whose dealings with Yeo were said to be done on the side, is among a string of people to be punished for involvement in the 1MDB scandal.

Four private bankers have been jailed so far and in March the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) banned a former Goldman Sachs banker from working in the city's financial industry for 10 years.

MAS says it also plans to bar three others.

Ang was described by his lawyer as being at the "bottom of the echelon of people connected to this case".

"His name had been tainted with the same brush and he has difficulty finding employment," said lawyer Hamidul Haq.

Singapore has also closed the local branches of two Swiss private banks -- BSI and Falcon Private Bank -- used in the transfer of illicit funds.
Nepalese Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal (R), pictured at a press conference in Kathmandu on November 11, 2016

Nepal's Maoist prime minister resigned Wednesday as part of a planned handover to a former political foe who will be the impoverished nation's tenth leader since the end of the civil war in 2006.

Pushpa Kamal Dahal, a former guerrilla chief who led the decade-long Maoist insurgency before entering politics, is stepping aside after less than 10 months in office.

He is expected to be succeeded by three-time former prime minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, who heads the largest party in the current coalition government.

"I announce my resignation from the post of prime minister today, right now, with a pledge to continue being active for the upliftment of the country and the people as a politician, parliamentarian and a citizen," Dahal said in a televised speech in which he catalogued his government's achievements.

Dahal, who still goes by his nom de guerre Prachanda, or "fierce one", had promised to step down after holding local elections as part of the agreement that brought him to power last August.

Local elections were held in three of the country's seven provinces 10 days ago.

Deuba's appointment is expected to be confirmed in a parliamentary vote within the next 10 days.

Dahal, 62, came to power after withdrawing support from the then-government and realigning his Maoist party with Deuba's centre-right Nepali Congress.

It was an uncomfortable alliance -- at the height of the civil war Deuba, then prime minister, had announced a five million rupee ($50,000) bounty for Dahal's capture, dead or alive.

- Threat to elections -

As part of the agreement that brough Dahal to power, the Maoist leader promised to hold long-delayed local elections before handing the premiership to Deuba.

But Dahal split the local polls -- the first in 20 years -- into two phases because of the threat of violence from ethnic minority groups in the southern plains bordering India.

Dahal had come to power promising to address the grievances of the Madhesi minority, who say the current political system leaves them marginalised, by amending the constitution -- a promise he has failed to keep.

The repeated delays prompted an alliance of parties representing the ethnic group to quit the ruling coalition in March.

Only the first phase of the local polls has so far been held. The second is scheduled for June 14 but the Madhesi parties have said they will boycott it unless the constitutional amendment is passed.

Observers have questioned whether a hastily formed new government can win enough support in parliament to get the amendment through before the polls.

The charter change is fiercely opposed by the main opposition party, the second largest block in the parliament.

"It will take at least a week for the next government to form. So there is a sense of threat to the second phase of the local elections," said political analyst Chandra Kishor Jha.

The local elections -- if held in time -- will pave the way for provincial and national polls, which must take place by January 2018 -- the final step in the drawn-out peace process.
Are fidget spinners helping antsy students to sit still and concentrate on their lessons, or are they just driving kids (and teachers) to distraction? Education Weeks Kristine Kim explores the controversy over the toys classroom takeover in this Teaching Now blog .

Some schools have outright banned the twirling gadgets, or allow kids to operate them only if they follow strict rules. Yet some teachers have leveraged the craze as a way to teach writing, science, technology, and math, among other subjects.

Amy Garay, a 3rd grade teacher at Canopy Oaks Elementary in Tallahassee, Fla., uses fidget spinners as a jumping off point for all manner of lessons, reports the Tallahassee Democrat . In a science lesson, she guides her students to make hypotheses about how the spinners work.

Were having them compare and asking things like, are the weights different and as a result, do some spin faster than others? Does the circumference and the size make a difference? Garay told the Tallahassee Democrat.

Her students test out their hypotheses and record the data in charts and graphs. And they dont stop at scientific experiments. Garays students write opinion pieces arguing for or against the use of fidget spinners in the classroom. They even dabble in their own design mock-ups and write up marketing strategies.

Some teachers are taking lessons beyond the design stage. Their students are creating fidget spinners using 3-D printers. Nolan Wrage, an engineering tech teacher at McKinley Middle School in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, leveraged his students interest in the toy into lessons on the engineering-design process, reports the Gazette . Students noticed, for instance, that spinners that are too thin broke too easily, while those that are too large dont fit on the palm of the hand to spin.

Wrage turned a potentially distracting toy into a lesson where students tackled the engineering-design processmaking mistakes and finding solutions for themwith particular investment because they were creating something they really wanted. This project fit seamlessly into our study of design and modeling, and the best part was that every single student was on task, he told the Gazette. They were dialed in and ready to go. I almost had to slow them down at times.

For teachers who want to take on the science behind how the spinners work, the Teaching Channel lays out the particulars, answering questions like Whats in the middle that makes it spin? or How can it stay upright? Also available are tips on how to spin the gadget into all kinds of extension activities, including maker lessons using Lego bricks, Knex or other materials.

Do you think its a good idea to use fidget spinners in academic lessons? Share your thoughts in the comments section.
Amateur Iraqi painter Mustafa al-Ta'i, who worked in secret at night to record the brutality of the Islamic State group's rule, talks to AFP in his hometown Hammam al-Alil, south of Mosul, on May 23, 2017

Mustafa al-Ta'i worked in secret at night, using his brushes and pencils to record the violence he saw during the day under the Islamic State group's brutal reign in Iraq.

The bloodied body of a man suspended by a foot, another lying in a pool of blood with his severed head on his back, a woman with her face burned by acid -- these are just some of the scenes captured by Ta'i.

The 240 paintings and drawings -- which Ta'i composed from the time IS seized his hometown of Hammam al-Alil, south of Mosul, in 2014 until Iraqi forces recaptured it in late 2016 -- are an exhibition of horror.

"IS is the enemy of the arts, the enemy of life, so I told myself that whenever I saw one of their crimes or something they did, I would relate it," he said.

"There were no journalists and they did not allow photographs, so I recorded the image in my head and at night at home, I painted," said the 58-year-old, an oven and boiler repairman by trade who has been "addicted" to drawing since childhood.

"The army is fighting against (IS) with weapons. Me, it's with my brush, my colours, my drawings, my paintings," Ta'i said as he sat cross-legged in his living room, drawing board in his lap.

At a time when art was banned by the jihadists -- who view depictions of people as contrary to Islam -- and drawing materials could not be found, Ta'i drew from his old stocks of paints, papers and pencils to "resist."

The pieces are simple and colourful, and each one tells a story.

"This child is a Christian," he explained, pointing to a portrait of a weeping girl.

Amateur Iraqi painter Mustafa al-Ta'i shows some of the 240 paintings and drawings he composed under Islamic State group rule at his home in Hammam al-Alil, south of Mosul, on May 23, 2017

"They took her when she was 12 years old. She was married to one of them, who left her to another, who married her" -- something that happened "four or five times," Ta'i said.

- 'It is my addiction' -

"I met her when I was in the hospital. She was crying. She had bruises on her face, wounds on the hands and body. I took a sheet of my medical record. I drew on it."

Another sketch depicts a man tied to a pole handcuffed and blindfolded.

Ta'i said the man was captured after firing at the jihadists.

"They tied him to an electric pole and they executed him after torturing him."

Ta'i did not keep his works at home, instead leaving them with a friend who hid them behind the back seat of his car.

But he believes he was denounced to IS, especially when he made sketches at work during the day.

IS "came to my house several times, they found nothing," he said.

The religious police came one night: "They told me they wanted my paintings and calligraphies. They took me away to the desert."

The jihadists lashed him and tied his legs to a car and dragged him behind it.

"I was reciting the Koran in a loud voice... Then, they tied my hands and my feet, brought me back and threw me in front of my house. I was found the next morning," he said.

Ta'i said he was detained for a total of 45 days because of his artworks, and twice sentenced to the lash.

Amateur Iraqi painter Mustafa al-Ta'i shows some of the 240 paintings and drawings he composed under Islamic State group rule at his home in Hammam al-Alil, south of Mosul, on May 23, 2017

But each time, the grandfather of seven kept drawing.

"I cannot give up drawing. It is my addiction, it calms me. I don't smoke -- I draw," Ta'i said.

During one stint in jail, he broke open a battery and used its contents to draw on a wall. A guard made him erase it by licking it off.

Today, he keeps his artwork in boxes as testimony to what he saw, and paints "what I have in front of me, what I find beautiful."
US President Donald Trump is famed for his love of fast food

It could have caused a diplomatic incident but a culinary quip from Pope Francis seemed to have gone down well with Donald Trump and his wife Melania.

In one of the lighter moments of his meeting with the US president at the Vatican on Wednesday, Francis made an apparent allusion to Trump's imposing physical size.

"What do you feed him on? Potica?" Francis asked Melania, in a reference to a calorie-laden cake that comes from her native Slovenia and is pronounced "potteezza".

Reporters in the room thought initially that the First Lady had replied "Pizza!" But her staff confirmed later to AFP that she had appreciated Francis had produced a custom-made joke for her benefit.

Trump, famed for his love of fast food and his use of "fat" as an insult for his enemies, took the quip in good part, beaming broadly, as he did throughout the public parts of an encounter that lasted barely 30 minutes.

Both sides had been determined that the meeting would emphasise areas of agreement between the new administration and the Vatican, after some pointed exchanges between the two leaders over the last year.

These have included Francis calling Trump's border wall plans "not Christian" and the billionaire tycoon suggesting the pope might be glad to have him in charge if the Islamic State group attacked the Vatican.

Against that backdrop, Francis's diplomatic advisors would no doubt have counselled the outspoken pontiff against any reference to Trump's size, which came under considerable scrutiny during the US election campaign.

According to an interview he gave last year, Trump is 1.88 metres tall (six foot two inches) and weighs 107 kilos (235 pounds).

That makes him overweight but not obese in the most common measurement used by doctors -- but many observers are sceptical, believing his true weight does take him into obese territory.
The Libyan coast guard has recently begun carrying out its own operations at sea, towing migrant dinghies headed for Europe back to shore and locking up those recovered in centres which are renowned for human rights abuses

At least 30 migrants including young children drowned Wednesday when they fell off an overloaded vessel in the Mediterranean, where tensions are rising between aid ships and the Libyan coast guard.

"There's a critical situation today. About 200 people fell into the water," a coastguard spokesman told AFP, while a humanitarian worker at the scene said 31 bodies had been recovered.

The migrants were on a wooden boat carrying between 500 and 700 people and were just 20 nautical miles off the Libyan coast when the accident happened.

The crew of the Phoenix aid boat, chartered by the Maltese NGO Moas, had begun the rescue and were distributing lifejackets when many of those on deck fell into the water, perhaps knocked off balance by a wave.

"Not a scene from a horror movie... Real life tragedy unfolding on Europe's doorstep today!," said Chris Catrambone, Moas co-founder, who was aboard the Phoenix and published photos showing white body bags lined up on the deck.

"Rescuers are frantically trying to break open the locked hold on a wooden boat where hundreds of migrants are trapped!" he tweeted.

With the help of an Italian coast guard ship and several commercial ships, rescuers raced to drag as many people as possible from the water, while a military aircraft dropped life-rafts and a helicopter looked for survivors.

"Current body count at 31," Catrambone said, adding many who fell overboard had been "small toddlers".

- 'Shots fired' -

About 15 relief operations were under way Wednesday off Libya in total, the coast guard said.

On Tuesday, they coordinated the rescue of about 1,500 people, while their Libyan counterparts intercepted 237 others, including 20 women and 15 children, travelling on two wooden boats.

Among the migrants was a group of 12 Libyans -- including five women and three children -- who were trying to flee the conflict-hit country. Libyans have been a rare sight on migrant boats so far.

The German NGO Jugend Rettet said Tuesday it had had a run-in with armed men on a boat purportedly commandeered by the Libyan coast guard.

The Libyan boat already had passengers on board -- presumably picked up from a dinghy in the area.

Jugend Rettet published a photograph appearing to show the armed men pointing their weapons directly at the migrants and said "a variety of shots" were fired "and refugees were beaten".

Some 100 people on the Libyan boat panicked when the shots rang out and threw themselves into the water, swimming towards the German boat Iuventa and the SOS Mediterranee boat Aquarius, which was also at the scene.

"We can not say whether and how many dead there were in the shooting. We had to be careful not to get a bullet ourselves," Jugend Rettet said in a statement citing the Iuventa's 25-year old captain Jonas, without giving his surname.

The Libyan coast guard has recently begun carrying out its own operations at sea, towing migrant dinghies headed for Europe back to shore and locking up those recovered in centres which are renowned for human rights abuses.
German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel at a press conference in Beijing on May 24, 2017

Visiting German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel urged China Wednesday to improve market access for European Union firms seeking to invest there.

He was speaking after talks with his counterpart Wang Yi, a week before an EU-China summit in Brussels.

The EU has repeatedly pressed for better access to the China market.

"China and the European Union should work toward agreements that would make progress on market access," Gabriel said.

"It is about equality of market access on all sides... Greater market access will bring many benefits to the lives of ordinary people."

Beijing has its own concerns, saying that the EU's refusal to grant China "market economy" status is an example of covert protectionism and double standards by the West.

But Gabriel, who was accompanied by an economic delegation, expressed optimism that China would welcome the involvement of German automakers in its electric car market.

"The treatment of German automakers is likely to become fairer here than originally planned," he told reporters earlier on Wednesday, adding that potential agreements have yet to be finalised.

Specifically, Gabriel said he wants the Volkswagen Group to be treated as a local supplier in tenders and approvals, in the same way as Chinese companies.

Last year China had 310,000 electric and hybrid vehicles on its roads and this number is expected to rise to two million in 2020, according to official plans.

China overtook the United States last year to become Germany's biggest trading partner for the first time, official data showed.
Sri Lankan police are yet to make any arrests in connection with more than a dozen arson attacks against Muslims shops, mosques and a burial ground in the past month

Rights groups accused Sri Lankan police Wednesday of failing to stop a wave of hate crimes against Muslim businesses and mosques in the Buddhist-majority country.

Police are yet to make any arrests in connection with more than a dozen arson attacks against Muslims shops, mosques and a burial ground in the past month.

Prominent rights activist Victor Ivan said the inaction risked a repeat of anti-Muslim riots in 2014 that left four dead.

"Police are responsible for allowing this situation to continue by not taking action against the perpetrators," Ivan told reporters in Colombo, adding that an extremist Buddhist group was believed to be behind the violence.

Only property has been damaged so far in the latest spate of attacks.

The government said Wednesday the violence had been addressed in a cabinet meeting and police and security forces had been instructed to maintain law and order.

"The president directed the Inspector General of Police to instruct all officers in charge of police stations to be responsible for preventing such incidents," the government said in a statement.

The riots in mid 2014 -- led by a hardline Buddhist group -- were widely seen as the catalyst that led to then president Mahinda Rajapakse's downfall in January 2015.

Muslims account for just 10 percent of Sri Lanka's 21 million population and have emerged king makers in a country where the majority Sinhala-Buddhist community is split down the middle between two national parties.
(From left) Australian actress Nicole Kidman, Irish actor Colin Farrell and US director Sofia Coppola at the Cannes film festival on May 24, 2017

Hollywood stars Nicole Kidman and Colin Farrell said Wednesday they wanted to throw their star power behind more movies made by women, after the Cannes premiere of their battle-of-the-sexes thriller.

"The Beguiled", which drew warm applause, marks the third outing at the world's biggest film festival for Oscar-winner Sofia Coppola, one of three female directors vying for the Palme d'Or top prize this year.

"We as women have to support female directors, that's just a given now," Kidman said, citing statistics that just over four percent of major US movies last year were made by women.

"Hopefully that will change over time but everyone says, 'Oh, it's so different now.' It isn't -- listen to that."

Cannes this year has become a platform for stars to rail against Hollywood sexism, with Salma Hayek accusing the system of treating actresses like disposable "monkeys".

Kidman plays the headmistress of a Southern girls' boarding school during the US Civil War who takes in a wounded Yankee soldier (Farrell).

The handsome corporal's presence wreaks havoc in the all-female environment, stoking desires and rivalries that explode in a violent climax.

- #VengefulBitches -

Farrell, who also stars with Kidman in the Cannes contender "The Killing of a Sacred Deer", joked he was the "token male" on Coppola's set.

"I have a penis. Treachery and hilarity ensues," he quipped in summing up the movie.

Farrell admitted it was only his second time working with a woman director but said he aimed to pursue more female-led projects.

"I've been doing this 20 years and... I think this was my favourite experience, my favourite shoot," the Irish actor said.

"I grew up with three very strong and very brilliant, kind and smart women in my life -- my mother and my two sisters. So to be surrounded by all of these incredible women who are amazingly talented and decent and creative and insightful and curious was just a treat for me."

He praised Coppola as "incredibly smart and elegant".

"She has a gentility to her which is not to say that she hasn't got a beast of an engine inside, an incredible creative engine."

Coppola said she set out to retell the story behind the 1971 Clint Eastwood movie of the same name, but from the women's perspective.

"At the core of it there's the power struggles between the male and female which I think are relevant but hopefully in an entertaining and juicy story," she said.

The film's marketing team has playfully embraced its feminist message, using the hashtag #VengefulBitches -- one of Farrell's character's most memorable lines -- on Twitter and YouTube.

- Dark, dirty and hairy -

Coppola said she had long hoped to work with Kidman, who she knew "would bring her little bit of twisted humour to the role."

And she picked Farrell, known for his bad-boy antics off-screen, because he was "connected to his dark side, which the character had to have".

"We had to find a man who could handle all these women and I wanted him to be a contrast to them -- very masculine and dark and he's an exotic enemy soldier," he said.

"He comes into this feminine world and he's dark and dirty and hairy."

The picture also reunites Coppola with Kirsten Dunst for their third film, in which the US actress plays a teacher who falls hard for Farrell's soldier.

"I would do anything with Sofia," she said. "If she gave me the phone book I would do it."

Coppola first came to Cannes as a child with her father, two-time Palme d'Or winner Francis Ford Coppola.

Her last entry in the main competition at the festival, 2006's "Marie Antoinette", was loudly booed and drew mixed reviews.

This time critics called "The Beguiled" the most likely commercial hit of the 19 movies in the running for the Palme d'Or.
Karachi is a sprawling metropolis with few green areas and, while it often enjoys cooling sea breezes, has scant facilities for coping with intensely hot weather

Pakistanis in the port megacity of Karachi have been banned from swimming in the sea for six months, authorities said Wednesday, after a recent spate of drownings as residents sought relief from the scorching heat.

Rescue workers and media have reported some 15 cases of drowning at beaches along the city's Arabian Sea coast over the past week, including eight on Tuesday alone, alarming authorities as summer intensifies.

"The six month ban has been imposed on swimming, wading or diving in the sea to ensure the safety of public," a government statement said.

Karachi's beaches are popular with its population of roughly 25 million people, many of whom suffer from power outages and water shortages in the sweltering summers.

The city is a sprawling metropolis with few green areas and, while it often enjoys cooling sea breezes, has scant facilities for coping with intensely hot weather.

In 2015, more than 1,200 people died as June temperatures reached 45 degrees Celsius (113 Fahrenheit).

But safety standards on the beaches are low, with the few lifeguards on duty often unable to exert any authority.

"In absence of any effective guards at the beach, it is in the interest of the people to stay away from the beaches to prevent any untoward incident," said Anwer Kazmi, a spokesman for the Edhi Foundation, the ambulance service which takes responsibility for the bodies of drowning victims.

Dozens of people drowned off the Karachi's shore in 2014 after defying a ban on swimming during the monsoon season, which comes later in the summer, bringing with it rougher seas.

The bathers were among thousands who had taken to the beaches to celebrate the Eid-ul-Fitr holiday marking the end of the holy fasting month of Ramadan.

This year the swimming ban comes just days ahead of Ramadan, during which millions of devout Pakistanis abstain from food and drink from sunrise to sunset, compounding the health risks Karachi's residents already face in the heat.
Brad Pitt, who recently split from Angelina Jolie, arrived in Mumbai from Japan early on Wednesday for the latest stop on a promotional tour for Netflix movie "War Machine"

Brad Pitt told Indian actor Shah Rukh Khan that he doesn't have the moves to star in Bollywood films as he promoted his new movie "War Machine" in Mumbai on Wednesday.

"I wouldn't make it Bollywood because I can't dance or sing," said the American actor during an event with Khan in front of journalists in India's financial capital.

Bollywood Hindi language movies are renowned for elaborate dance sequences and high-energy songs and Khan responded by telling Pitt he could easily learn.

"We can make anyone dance. I just spread my arms and do nothing, that's a step," joked the actor known as "King Khan".

Pitt, who recently split from Angelina Jolie, arrived in Mumbai from Japan early on Wednesday for the latest stop on a promotional tour for Netflix movie "War Machine".

The satirical war film, in which Pitt plays a hubristic United States general, releases on the popular streaming site on Friday.

Pitt, 53, was due to attend a screening of the film, directed by David Michod, in Mumbai later on Wednesday.

It was the star's second high-profile visit to India after he accompanied ex-wife Jolie during her filming of "A Mighty Heart" in 2006.

Earlier this month Pitt opened up on his divorce from Jolie, admitting that heavy drinking had contributed to the breakdown of his marriage.

The Hollywood A-lister told GQ Magazine that he is now teetotal and in therapy. Jolie, 41, filed for divorce in September, citing irreconcilable differences.
Amazon CEO and Washington Post owner Jeff Bezos, seen here addressing the Economic Club of New York in 2016, is giving $1 million to a press freedom watchdog

Amazon co-founder Jeff Bezos is giving $1 million to the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, the largest-ever gift to the media rights watchdog.

The gift from Bezos, who also owns the Washington Post newspaper, was announced at the organization's awards dinner Tuesday.

"This generous gift will help us continue to grow, to offer our legal and educational support to many more news organizations, and to expand our services to independent journalists, nonprofit newsrooms and documentary filmmakers," Reporters Committee chairman David Boardman said.

"We'll also be better positioned to help local newsrooms, the places hit hardest by the disruption in the news industry and whose survival is every bit as crucial to American democracy as those entities headquartered in Washington and New York."

The Reporters Committee also announced it will play a role in administering the First Look Media Press Freedom Defense Fund of up to $6 million.

First Look, a news organization established by eBay founder Pierre Omidyar, announced separately Tuesday it will increase its funding for its press freedom fund to $2 million and offer an additional $2 million in matching funds.

Both Bezos and Omidyar in recent months have cited a need for efforts to support an independent press.

Bezos said last year during President Donald Trump's campaign that the candidate was "working to freeze or chill the media that are examining him."

The Omidyar Network, a philanthropy established by the eBay founder, last month pledged $100 million to support independent and investigative journalism worldwide.

Omidyar said in a tweet about the initiative last month: "The fight against misinformation, authoritarian lies, and online abuse is a fight we can win."
US President Donald Trump (L) walks alongside Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as he arrives to deliver a speech at the Israel Museum in Jerusalem on May 23, 2017

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Washington has added tens of millions of dollars in extra defence aid for Israel, a day after US President Donald Trump wound up a visit.

He did not say over what timeframe the money would be disbursed. The addition comes on the heels of a weekend announcement of a massive US-Saudi arms deal.

Under a 2016 agreement, Washington already bankrolls its Israeli ally's military spending to the tune of $3.8 billion dollars annually over 10 years, making the Jewish state the top recipient of US assistance.

"Three days ago, the US added another $75 million to the aid package for the missile defence programme," Netanyahu said at a memorial ceremony for Israel's dead in the 1967 Six-Day War.

He did not elaborate.

Israel relies heavily on US military aid. Its total defence budget amounts to some $16 billion, excluding the US aid.

Washington announced a $110-billion US sale of ships, tanks and the latest anti-missile systems to Saudi Arabia on Saturday as Trump began a two-day visit to the Gulf state before travelling on to Israel.

Phased over a 10-year period, US administration officials say it is the biggest single arms deal in American history.

In the first public comment by an Israeli official, Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman said Wednesday he was uneasy over the deal, calling it part of a "crazy" regional arms race.

"I'm not at peace with any arms race and the huge Saudi purchase for sure doesn't add much to our peace of mind," he said in an interview with Israeli army radio.

Nevertheless, Lieberman said, "We are following developments and are aware and have ways of dealing with this."

"It's not just the Saudis, its also the Emirates, also the Qataris, also the Iranians; they are all acquiring weapons, he said."

"Weapons deals in the Middle East just in 2016 reached $215-216 billion and this is no small sum," Lieberman said.

"It needs to be understood that there is a crazy arms race going on, the amount of arms all the players in the region are acquiring and the desire to produce weapons in places like Yemen and Lebanon."

The White House said that in talks with Netanyahu in Jerusalem on Monday, "President Trump underscored the United States ironclad commitment to Israels security, including to the maintenance of Israels qualitative military edge."

The thrust of the deal with Riyadh aims to help the Saudi military bolster its defences to deter bitter rival Iran and its missile programme, which Netanyahu has said potentially poses an existential threat to the Jewish state.
Cyclist Sues Portland for Wrongful Arrest Based on Racial Profiling

Anthony Allen, of Portland, Oregon, is suing the city for nearly half a million dollars as a result of a wrongful arrest that happened in May 2015. While this may seem like a big number, keep in mind that not only was this man wrongfully arrested, criminal charges were actually pursued against him. Thankfully, a jury acquitted him on those charges.

Wrongful arrest cases can be rather difficult cases to prove. Generally, a person asserting that an arrest was wrongful must prove that an officer lacked justification to make the arrest. In Mr. Allen's case, it is alleged that the arresting officer racially profiled him and lacked any probable cause.

Facts of the Case

Mr. Allen, who's only 23 years old, was on his way home from work, on his bicycle, in the late evening, when he reached a police perimeter around his neighborhood. Law enforcement officers were searching for a shooting suspect. Somewhere along the perimeter, two law enforcement officers cleared Mr. Allen to return to his home, which was in the area being searched.

As he approached his home, an officer jumped out and stopped Mr. Allen. He attempted to explain that the other officers had cleared him to return home. When the officer yelled at Mr. Allen, he turned and started to leave to get away from the aggressive officer. That's when the officer physically stopped Mr. Allen. Though he stated that he would comply, he was taken to the ground, then aggressively cuffed. He was booked and charged with interfering with a police officer.

Proving Wrongful Arrest Claims

A wrongful arrest claim requires showing that an officer did not have justification, or in legal terms, probable cause, to make an arrest. Pursuant to the Fourth Amendment, in order for an officer to conduct a search, or arrest an individual, without a court order (warrant), the officer must have personally witnessed something that makes them believe a crime has been, or will be, committed (that's probable cause).

As a result of probable cause being attributed to what an officer believes, individuals bringing wrongful arrest claims frequently struggle to disprove an officer's subjective beliefs that a crime has been, or would be, committed. Also, just because the police arrest the wrong person, if there was probable cause, that person may not have a wrongful arrest claim.

Related Resources:
Soldiers of the Kenya Defence Forces patrol at the scene of an attack by Shabaab militants in Mandera, on October 25, 2016

Eight police officers were killed Wednesday when their vehicles hit roadside bombs in two separate incidents in Kenya's restive northeast close to the Somali border.

The first explosion claimed three lives early Wednesday morning while the second killed five later in the afternoon.

The afternoon blast struck the convoy of Mandera county governor Ali Roba who was travelling with a security escort between the towns of Arabia and Fino near the Somali border when one of the vehicles hit an Improvised Explosive Device (IED).

"Unfortunately, I lost five of my security officers including my personal bodyguard at an attack on my convoy," Roba wrote on his Facebook page, saying that he was not injured in the blast.

Earlier in the day a vehicle carrying three police officers was driving towards the regional town of Garissa further south when it struck a similar device close to the Liboi border post.

"They all died on the spot after their vehicle hit an Improvised Explosive Device," said a regional police officer, on condition of anonymity.

Police spokesman George Kinoti confirmed that incident, saying: "There was an attack this morning and we lost officers."

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for either bombing but Kenya's eastern border with Somalia is notoriously restive and prone to attacks staged by Al-Qaeda-linked Shabaab militants.

The deadly blasts came a day after police warned of increased Islamist activity in the area.

Islamic militants "are dispatching operatives into parts of north eastern region to lay IEDs along routes used by our security patrols in efforts to frustrate our security operations at the border areas," the police statement said.

Since 2007 the Shabaab has fought to overthrow successive internationally-backed governments in Mogadishu but only began attacking Kenya in 2011 after Nairobi ordered its troops into Somalia to fight the militants.

Kenyan soldiers are now part of a 22,000-strong African Union mission fighting in Somalia.

In 2013 Shabaab gunmen raided a shopping mall in the capital Nairobi killing 67 people, and in 2015 a similar attack on a university in Garissa left 148 dead.
South Sudan has declared famine in parts of the country, saying a million people are on the brink of starvation

US President Donald Trump told Pope Francis on Wednesday he was committing more than $300 million (270 million euros) to help prevent or tackle famine in Yemen and several countries in Africa.

Trump, meeting the pontiff for the first time, said he had "renewed" the US "commitment to fighting global famine", with the United Nations warning that about 20 million people across Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan and Yemen are at risk.

The UN has described the situation as the biggest humanitarian crisis in its history, but donor funding is falling far short.

It appealed earlier this month for $4.4 billion, but said less than a third had been raised.

"As he (Trump) relayed at the Vatican, the United States is proud to announce more than $300 million in anti-famine spending" for the area, a White House statement said.

His announcement came just a day after the US State Department laid out plans to put "America first" and slash Washington's budget for diplomacy and foreign aid by more than 30 percent.

The deepest cuts will hit foreign assistance programmes and contributions by the world's largest economy to international organisations like the United Nations and its global peacekeeping budget.
"NATO joining the ISIS coalition, we do think that would be a really important step for them to take," US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson told reporters travelling with President Donald Trump

NATO is to join the US-led anti-Islamic State coalition, meeting a key demand of President Donald Trump that the alliance do more to fight Islamist terrorism, diplomatic sources said Wednesday.

Trump was due to meet NATO leaders in Brussels on Thursday to press his case, with the deadly IS-claimed bomb attack in Manchester high on the agenda.

Earlier Wednesday, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said he expected NATO to join despite reservations by some members states which are fearful of getting dragged into another conflict.

"The NATO (member state) ambassadors decided this evening an action plan on terrorism for the summit. It includes the accession of NATO to the global coalition against IS," one diplomat said.

This specifically will involve an expansion of flights by NATO's AWACS surveillance aircraft currently supporting anti-IS operations in Syria and Iraq.

"This means that the AWACS will not just do airspace surveillance but airspace management," the diplomat said, asking not to be identified.

"They are going to coordinate the flights and direct airplanes over Syria and Iraq but only for flights which are not related to bombings."

NATO leaders will formally endorse the decision at Thursday's summit, the sources said.

All 28 allies have joined the anti-IS coalition of more than 60 countries, but NATO as an institution has not followed suit up to now despite intense pressure from Washington.

Tillerson said that NATO's joining "would be a really important step" but that "there are a couple of countries that are still thinking it over."

"I have had meetings actually with one of those. I think they're going to support NATO joining and becoming a member of the ISIS fight," he told reporters travelling with Trump.

NATO

NATO has baulked at taking on any combat role in the fight against IS and some allies such as France, Germany and Italy have been opposed for fear the alliance would be dragged into a ground war and risk its standing with Arab powers.

NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg said earlier that "many allies would like to see NATO as a full member of the coalition... because it sends a strong message of unity."

"Especially in light of the attack in Manchester, I think it is important to send this message of unity against terrorism."

Trump will also urge the allies to increase defence spending to the target of two percent of a country's annual gross domestic product, as they agreed in 2014.

In return, the allies hope the president will unequivocally state his support for NATO's core Article 5 collective defence commitment.

Asked about this issue, Tillerson said: "Of course we support Article 5. The only time Article 5 has been invoked was in the 9/11" attacks on the United States.

But he refused to be drawn on what Trump might say.

"He is still working on final remarks so I don't want to tell you exactly what is going to be in the speech," he said.
Paris-based BNP Paribas is fined $350 million for a slew of illegal curreny trading practices

New York state bank regulators fined BNP Paribas $350 million for "illegal, unsafe and unsound" currency trading practices that included use of secret hand signals to dupe customers, officials announced Wednesday.

The charges involved "significant, long-term violations," including fake trades, manipulating currency prices, using confidential information to profit at the customers' expense, and misleading customers, New York's Department of Financial Services said in a statement.

From 2007 to 2011, the bank "paid little or no attention to the supervision of its foreign exchange trading business, allowing BNPP traders and others to violate New York State law over the course of many years and repeatedly abused the trust of their customers," Financial Services Superintendent Maria T. Vullo said.

BNP Paribas, headquartered in Paris, France, does business in at least 75 countries, and its New York branch is supervised by the DFS.

Among the violations uncovered, investigators said, BNPP was "misleading customers by hiding markups on executed trades, including by using secretive hand signals when customers were on the phone; or by deliberately 'underfilling' a customer trades, in order to keep part of a profitable trade for the Banks own book."

The scheme involved trading in several currencies, including the Japanese yen, South African rand, Hungarian forint and Turkish lira, and traders worldwide were involved in covering up the misdeeds.

As part of the settlement, the bank will submit plans to improve oversight and compliance with laws regarding currency trading, DFS said.

The bank said it "deeply regrets the past misconduct which led to this settlement, which was a clear breach of the high standards on which the Group operates."

BNPP "has proactively implemented extensive measures to strengthen its systems of control and compliance," including increasing resources and staff dedicated to these functions and "extensive staff training," the bank said in a statement.
For both IS and Al-Qaeda, Britain has long been a top target along with the United States

Britain has been a prime target for jihadist groups for nearly 15 years, beginning with Al-Qaeda and now the Islamic State group (IS) which claimed the Manchester bombing.

Using explosives in a confined space is a direct throwback to Al-Qaeda's July 2005 attacks on London public transport that killed 52 people, said Mathieu Guidere, a terrorism expert and professor at the University of Paris.

Following are his responses to three key questions:

- Why Britain? -

For both IS and Al-Qaeda, Britain has long been a top target along with the United States. It dates back to Britain's key role in the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003. There's a lot of baggage. Added to that, Britain is today a large part of the international coalition fighting IS on the ground in Syria and Iraq, with ground troops and multiple air strikes.

- Why explosives? -

Explosives are among the modus operandi recommended by jihadist movements. There's nothing new in it: in July 2005, Al-Qaeda showed that it had members prepared to blow themselves up in public places to try to claim as many victims as possible. And even then it was people from Britain, not jihadists sent in from abroad. Nothing has changed in Britain between 2005 and 2017. The motivation and rationale is the same: the country's intervention in Iraq.

- Should the claim of responsibility by the Islamic State group be taken seriously? -

Just because they claimed the attack doesn't mean they were necessarily the instigators -- we need to wait for the results of the ongoing investigation. Especially so because the allegiances between IS and Al-Qaeda are currently in a state of flux. For the past two or three months, a number of IS fighters who were initially with Al-Qaeda and changed affiliation to Daesh (another name for IS) from around June 2014 have been returning to Al-Qaeda. It has been happening little by little since last September, as the offensive against Daesh progresses. The fighters who believe Daesh risks being weakened in the next few months are going back to Al-Qaeda.

We don't yet know exactly what Salman Abedi's allegiance was, but it's possible he was someone who went from Daesh to Al-Qaeda. We are seeing this happening with a certain number of known names and leaders, particularly in Iraq. We've also seen it happening in Libya since Daesh was chased out of Syrte. The allegiances are elastic because the aim is the same: to create an Islamic state and impose sharia law. It's just the means and the strategies that differ.
Far-right Israelis celebrate on May 24, 2017 in front of east Jerusalem's Damascus Gate leading into the Old City to mark the 50th anniversary of its capture in the Six-Day War of 1967

Thousands of Israelis marched through east Jerusalem's Old City on Wednesday to commemorate 50 years since the Jewish state seized control of it in the Six-Day War.

More than 60,000 people took part in the Jerusalem Day event, culminating in celebrations at the Western Wall, according to police estimates, up from between 30,000 to 40,000 in previous years.

The wall is the holiest site where Jews can pray.

Singing, dancing and waving blue-and-white Israeli flags, crowds of mainly religious Jews marched through the lanes of Palestinian areas, while some crossed the walled Old City's Jewish Quarter.

Police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said "several hundred" officers were deployed to keep the peace.

A few hundred Israeli peace activists held a protest against what they branded the "March of Hatred" going through Arab neighbourhoods.

Ari Fuld, an Israeli participant in the anniversary celebrations, carrying a handgun, said it was a "miraculous day" for Jews.

"Today we are celebrating the unification of Jerusalem. Before 1967, there was a wall and Jews could not enter any of the gates, let alone pray at the Western Wall."

As the chanting Israelis marched through Arab neighbourhoods some of them banged on doors of homes and affixed stickers in Hebrew saying "The land of Israel is all mine".

Melech, an 18-year-old who did not want to give his surname, said "when we walk on these streets, no matter if it is a Jewish section or Arab section, for us it is all a holy city."

At the end tens of thousands gathered next to the Western Wall, singing and dancing to loud music.

Scuffles broke out at the Damascus Gate entrance to the Old City ahead of the march as police dispersed Palestinian protesters demanding an end to the occupation of east Jerusalem.

Hossam, a Palestinian teenager who did not want to give his surname, said he wanted to defend the Al-Aqsa mosque compound.

The hilltop site in Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem is known to Muslims as the Haram al-Sharif, which includes Al-Aqsa and the Dome of the Rock. Jews call it the Temple Mount after the Jewish temples which stood there in biblical times.

The holiest site in Judaism and the third-holiest in Islam, it is central to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and was seized from Jordan in the 1967 war.

Jews are allowed to visit but not pray there to avoid provoking tensions, but Palestinians fear Israel will seek to assert further control over the site.

"We are here to protect Al-Aqsa. They want to storm Al-Aqsa and we must stop them," Hossam said.

Deputy foreign minister Tzipi Hotovely of the right-wing Likud party has called on Jews to go up to the flashpoint plateau as part of the celebrations.

Earlier on Wednesday around 10 Jews were arrested for attempting to pray there.

Israel seized east Jerusalem during the 1967 war and later annexed it in a move never recognised by the international community.

Israel proclaims Jerusalem as its united capital, while the Palestinians claim the city's eastern part as the capital of their future state.
Candles, sings and floral tributes left at a vigil after a suicide bombing at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester, England

Pop star Ariana Grande has flown back to her home in Florida after a suicide attack at her concert in Manchester killed 22 people, reports said Wednesday.

Britain's Daily Mail newspaper published photos of a sullen Grande, sporting sweatpants and wearing a backpack, walking down from her jet onto the tarmac as her boyfriend, rapper Mac Miller, waited for her.

Celebrity site E! News said Grande had traveled Tuesday from England alongside her mother back to Boca Raton, Florida, where she grew up.

Publicly available flight data showed a private jet arriving at Boca Raton at 12:45 pm (1645 GMT) on Tuesday from Birmingham, England, after a brief stop in Wilmington, North Carolina.

The plane had stopped in Wilmington to go through standard procedures for entry into the United States, local television network WWAY said.

An official at the Wilmington airport declined comment when contacted, while an official at the Boca Raton airport and representatives for Grande did not respond to requests for comment.

Grande is scheduled to perform Thursday and Friday at the 02 Arena in London before an extensive schedule in Europe and Latin America.

She has not officially canceled any concerts, with a notice on the 02 Arena website saying the venue will "advise as soon as we can as to the status of those shows."

Grande, a 23-year-old former television star whose fan base is dominated by girls and young women, had just finished her show Monday at the Manchester Arena when the explosion went off in an attack claimed by the Islamic State group.
Democrat Rob Quist -- who hopes to win Montana's sole congressional seat -- performs a song with his daughter Halladay at an event for supporters in Great Falls

Can a guitar-strumming cowboy poet strike the first blow at the polls against President Donald Trump? Democrat Rob Quist reckons he can do just that, in Thursday's closely-watched special congressional election in Montana.

Quist croons at campaign rallies and writes poems for supporters. And as a first-time candidate for public office, the 69-year-old is running an unexpectedly tight race against a Republican businessman in Big Sky country.

The lead once enjoyed by Republican contender Greg Gianforte "has diminished in polling so much that it's miniscule," Jeremy Johnson, an associate professor of political science at Carroll College in the state capital Helena, told AFP.

"It's close to a toss-up."

It is the latest example of a congressional race in a traditional Republican stronghold that is far closer than expected, and will be key to determining whether rural voters, who helped send Trump to the White House, are sticking with him.

Trump carried Montana by 20 points; Thursday's vote, for the western state's sole seat in the House of Representatives, will be a nail-biter.

"Tomorrow, we have the chance to stand up and defend our values in Washington," Quist tweeted Wednesday.

Another special election, in Georgia on June 20, is also going down to the wire. Polls show Democrat Jon Ossoff with a slim lead over Republican Karen Handel, who has Trump's backing.

Both elections are to replace lawmakers who resigned in order to join Trump's cabinet.

The votes may well be bellwethers on a key issue facing millions of Americans: health care.

Quist is vehemently opposed to the Republican bill, approved by the House of Representatives last month by a 217-213 margin, that would repeal and replace Obamacare.

Gianforte wants to replace Obamacare with something better, but has said he would not have supported the Republican measure in its current form.

But The New York Times dug up an audio recording of Gianforte telling Republicans he was "thankful" that the House passed its bill.

The Senate still needs to vote on the measure, and it is unlikely to survive as is. The renegotiated legislation will return to the House, where every vote will be critical.

- 'Huge implications' -

Democrat Rob Quist leaves an event at Darkhorse Hall and Wine Snug in Great Falls. Thursday's special congressional election against Republican Greg Gianforte is expected to be a nail-biter

The series of Trump-related crises -- notably the deepening probe into his campaign's ties with Russia -- and concerns over the Republican health bill have given Quist the momentum, Johnson said.

National strategists are also paying close attention because the results could signal whether support for Trump is already waning in traditional conservative territory, or holding steady.

The Quist race suggests a nightmare scenario may be unfolding for Republicans as they try to protect their majority in the House of Representatives in the 2018 mid-term elections: conservative strongholds may prove more difficult -- and expensive -- for the party to hold in the wake of Trump assuming power.

"Everybody is trying to divine some meaning from each of these special elections," said the US Senate's number two Republican John Cornyn of Texas, adding he was acutely aware how losses in either race could imperil his party's efforts on health care.

"Obviously it would have huge implications just in terms of the numbers," Cornyn said.

Outside groups on both sides are reported to have poured millions of dollars into the Montana race.

A Democrat has not held Montana's House seat in two decades.

An April special congressional election in central Kansas was instructive: Trump carried that district by 27 points, but five months later, the Republican candidate won by just seven points.

"The eyes of the country are on Montana this week," Senator Bernie Sanders, an expert in rallying the grassroots Democratic base, told a large crowd at a recent Quist rally in Missoula.
Chung Yoo-Ra, the 20-year-old daughter of the woman dubbed South Korea's "Rasputin", was detained in Denmark on January 1 for overstaying her visa after South Korean authorities issued a warrant for her arrest

The daughter of the woman at the centre of a corruption scandal that led to the impeachment of South Korea's ousted president has cancelled her appeal against extradition, a Danish court said Wednesday.

Chung Yoo-Ra, the 20-year-old daughter of the woman dubbed South Korea's "Rasputin", is one of the figures in the influence-peddling scandal that sparked huge street protests demanding the removal of President Park Geun-Hye.

"Decision to extradite Korean Ms. Chung is now final," the court announced on Twitter. "She has cancelled (her) appeal to (the) High Court."

An extradition date has not been set, the court said.

Chung was detained in Denmark on January 1 for overstaying her visa, after South Korean authorities issued a warrant for her arrest.

Seoul then sought her extradition, which the Danish public prosecution authority approved in March. Chung took her case against extradition to the Aalborg district court, but the court upheld her extradition, which she then appealed.

Her lawyer Michael Juul Eriksen told AFP last month that Chung's main fear regarding extradition was losing contact with her infant son because she had been "pressured" and "threatened" by the Korean authorities to collaborate in the case.

Eriksen argued in the Aalborg district court that his client had not committed any crime and that the extradition was politically motivated.

Chung, an equestrian who has reportedly bought horses and trained in Denmark in the past, has told police she was in the country because of her involvement in the sport. She has denied any wrongdoing.

The high court on Wednesday did not say why Chung abandoned her appeal.

Chung's mother Choi Soon-sil, a confidante of Park's, is accused of using her influence to secure her daughter's admission to the elite Ewha Womans University in Seoul, with a state probe revealing that the school had admitted Chung at the expense of better-qualified candidates.

She is also accused of using millions of dollars of bribes from Samsung, South Korea's largest conglomerate, to finance her daughter's equestrian career and luxurious lifestyle in Europe.

Choi is already on trial for coercing local conglomerates into donating a total of 77.4 billion won ($69 million) to two non-profit foundations, and allegedly used some of the donations for personal gain.

Park -- whose trial in Seoul on charges of bribery, abusing her powers and leaking state secrets begins Thursday -- is accused of colluding with Choi in the million-dollar scheme.
At least 34 people including young children drowned when they fell off an overloaded migrant vessel in the Mediterranean

At least 34 people including young children drowned Wednesday when they fell off an overloaded migrant vessel in the Mediterranean, where tensions are rising between aid ships and the Libyan coastguard.

"There's a critical situation today. About 200 people fell into the water," an Italian coastguard spokesman told AFP, saying 34 bodies had been recovered including at least 10 children, some of whom were toddlers.

The victims were on a wooden boat carrying between 500 and 700 people which was just 20 nautical miles off the Libyan coast when the disaster happened.

The crew of the Phoenix aid boat, chartered by the Maltese charity MOAS, had begun the rescue and were distributing life jackets when many of those on deck fell into the water, perhaps knocked off balance by a wave.

"Not a scene from a horror movie... Real life tragedy unfolding on Europe's doorstep today!," said MOAS co-founder Chris Catrambone, who was aboard the Phoenix and published photos showing white body bags lined up on the deck.

"Rescuers are frantically trying to break open the locked hold on a wooden boat where hundreds of migrants are trapped!" he tweeted.

With the help of an Italian coastguard ship and several commercial ships, rescuers managed to drag many people from the water, while a military aircraft dropped life rafts and a helicopter looked for survivors.

- 'Shots fired' -

About 15 relief operations were under way Wednesday off Libya in total, the coastguard said.

On Tuesday, they coordinated the rescue of about 1,500 people, while their Libyan counterparts intercepted 237 others, including 20 women and 15 children, travelling on two wooden boats.

The German charity Jugend Rettet said Tuesday it had had a run-in with armed men on a boat purportedly commandeered by the Libyan coastguard.

Dozens of migrants drown off the Libyan coast

The Libyan boat already had passengers on board -- presumably picked up from a dinghy in the area.

Jugend Rettet published a photograph appearing to show the armed men pointing their weapons directly at the migrants and said "a variety of shots" were fired "and refugees were beaten".

About 100 people on the Libyan boat panicked when the shots rang out and threw themselves into the water, swimming towards the German boat Iuventa and the SOS Mediterranee boat Aquarius, which was also at the scene.

"We can not say whether and how many dead there were in the shooting. We had to be careful not to get a bullet ourselves," Jugend Rettet said in a statement citing the Iuventa's 25-year old captain Jonas, without giving his surname.

- 'Forced us to jump' -

SOS Mediterranee said the migrants said the Libyans had ordered them overboard.

"When the Libyans pointed their weapons at us and asked us to give them all our money and our cell phones and told us to jump in the water, we did what they said," a 20-year-old Gambian told the Aquarius crew.

"I was not afraid, I would prefer to die at sea than be forcibly returned and die in Libya," he said.

Two weeks ago, the German NGO Sea-Watch reported an aggressive intervention by the Libyan coastguard as it tried to take control of a large wooden boat sailing in international waters with 450 migrants on board.

The Libyan coastguard has recently begun carrying out its own operations at sea, towing migrant dinghies headed for Europe back to shore and locking up those recovered in centres which are renowned for human rights abuses.
They offered us a special invitation, which might sound nice, but is really just another way of saying observer. Weve decided that we will not attend if there is no equality in negotiations, said Nai Hongsar, vice chairman of the UNFC. He spoke at a press conference in Chiang Mai, Thailand, after a council leadership meeting there.

In a statement released following the meeting, the council said that although its members would not attend, they continued to support political dialogue in the name of building a federal democratic union. The statement said that the council supports the spirit and framework of the negotiations, known as the 21st Century Panglong Peace Conference.

Members of Myanmars (Burmas) other large ethnic bloc, the Northern Alliance, do plan to attend and will be joined by the Shan State Progress Party/ Shan State Army (SSPP/SSA) which is a member of the UNFC. The other members of the UNFC, which will not attend, are the New Mon State Party, the Lahu Democratic Union, the Arakan National Council, and the Karenni National Progressive Party.

By Mon News Agency
Bahraini demonstrators attend a protest in support of top Shiite cleric Isa Qassim (portrait) in June 20, 2016, near his house in the village of Diraz

Bahrain on Wednesday warned people against holding protests a day after police shot dead five demonstrators in the home village of the spiritual leader of the kingdom's Shiite majority.

Security forces would "challenge, in accordance with the law, any gathering or incitement" to protest, the interior ministry said in a statement.

Dozens were also wounded after police on Tuesday opened fire on a demonstration in Diraz, the scene of a long-running sit-in outside the home of cleric Isa Qassim.

The ministry identified four of the five protesters killed in Wednesday's statement, and said 31 members of the security forces were wounded.

Police arrested 286 "wanted persons", including at least 11 prison escapees, the ministry said.

It said the sit-in had become a refuge for "wanted persons and fugitives".

The Sunni-ruled kingdom has been rocked by unrest since 2011, when local authorities backed by a Saudi military force crushed Shiite-led protests demanding a constitutional monarchy and an elected prime minister.

Authorities have accused Qassim, who was sentenced on Sunday to a suspended one-year jail term for illegal fund-raising and money laundering, of serving "foreign interests" and promoting "sectarianism and violence".

A court last year stripped him of his citizenship, sparking repeated sit-ins outside his residence in Diraz.

A Manama court on Wednesday deprived three more Shiite Bahrainis of their citizenship and sentenced them to time in jail over forming "a terrorist cell linked to Iran", a judicial source said.

Two of the three defendants were in Iran at the time of the sentencing, the source said.

Bahraini authorities have accused Iran of fomenting unrest in the kingdom, but Tehran has consistently denied involvement.

- Riyadh supports Manama -

Saudi Arabia on Wednesday defended the actions of Bahraini authorities in opening fire on the protest.

The security of Bahrain "is an integral part" of Saudi security, the official Saudi Press Agency quoted a source in Riyadh's foreign ministry as saying.

"The source affirmed the support of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the measures being taken", including in Diraz, to "address all terrorist attempts aimed at destabilising and damaging" security and order, the source said.

Bahrain is located just across a causeway from Saudi Arabia, most of whose Shiite minority live on the Gulf coast or other eastern communities.

The Bahraini clampdown on dissent has drawn harsh condemnation from international rights groups and governments.

Amnesty International has called for an independent investigation into the use by authorities on Tuesday of "excessive force" against protesters it said were mostly peaceful.

A US State Department official said Washington was "concerned" by the reports of protesters killed and was following events in Bahrain very closely.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, meanwhile, said the deadly crackdown by Bahraini forces on protesters was the "first concrete result" of US President Donald Trump "cozying up to despots" in Saudi Arabia.

The tiny Gulf state is a key regional ally of the United States and is home to its Fifth Fleet, but the administration of former president Barack Obama often scolded Manama over rights concerns.

However Trump made a clear break from previous US policy at the weekend when he told Bahrain's King Hamad in Saudi Arabia there "has been a little strain but there won't be strain with this administration".
Probing the Russia connection

Subpoenas are flying, a special prosecutor is taking the reins, and explosive revelations hit the press almost daily: the investigation into possible collusion between President Donald Trump's campaign and Russia is heating up.

With Trump reported to have retained a personal lawyer to represent him, here is where the sprawling probe into alleged Russian interference in the 2016 election stands.

- What does US intelligence know? -

Top intelligence officials announced in January their belief that Russia's Vladimir Putin directed a plot to hurt Democrat Hillary Clinton and boost the election chances of her rival Trump.

This week, former CIA director John Brennan revealed that intelligence chiefs had been looking into suspicious contacts between Trump campaign associates and Russian officials since mid-2016.

He also made clear the FBI probe launched in July last year into Russian hacking of Democratic Party communications, was already pursuing possible Trump campaign collusion with Moscow.

Those suspicions lingered but proof was lacking. When Brennan left office in January, he says he had "unresolved questions in my mind as to whether or not the Russians had been successful in getting US persons involved in the campaign or not to work on their behalf."

- Is Trump in trouble? -

Trump rejects the suggestion his team colluded with Moscow as a "witch hunt," and so far there is little more than circumstantial evidence of any personal links between the president and Russia, most of which involves his family's real estate businesses.

His biggest problem stems from his repeated efforts to persuade senior politicians, justice and intelligence officials to help push back against the probe, and his firing of James Comey as FBI director on May 9. Those actions have brought accusations that he is obstructing the investigation.

Obstruction of justice was one of the key charges levied against both president Richard Nixon, in 1974 in the Watergate case, and Bill Clinton in his 1998 impeachment in connection with the Monica Lewinsky scandal.

Trump's unwillingness to criticize Moscow has further stoked suspicions. It didn't help when he invited Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov into the Oval Office in early May -- and reportedly divulged to him top secret intelligence on the Islamic State group.

- Who else is targeted? -

Number one in the hot seat is Michael Flynn, Trump's advisor on national security in the campaign and, for four weeks, in the White House. Flynn's dealings with Russians raised concerns in the Justice Department that he could have been compromised by Russian intelligence -- and be vulnerable to blackmail. That is one reason he was forced out of the White House in February.

Flynn's misleading statements about money he received from Russian and Turkish government-related bodies, and his frequent contacts with Russia's US ambassador after the election, are being examined by the Justice Department, Congress, and the Pentagon.

This week Flynn refused to comply with a Senate Intelligence Committee subpoena for documents, claiming his constitutional right against self-incrimination. But he also appeared ready to testify in exchange for immunity.

"General Flynn certainly has a story to tell, and he very much wants to tell it," his lawyer has said.

Several other campaign aides with links to Russia, including one-time campaign chairman Paul Manafort, are also being examined. And recent press reports said a grand jury is seeking information from an unnamed current White House advisor.

- What comes next? -

All eyes are on Comey who is expected to testify to Congress in coming weeks, making his first public comments since he was fired. He could detail Trump's alleged pressure on him to pull back the probe, as well as shed light on how strong the evidence is of alleged collusion.

Former FBI director Robert Mueller is currently taking over the agency's investigation after being appointed as a special prosecutor, insulated from political pressure to pursue all leads. His work could take months.

In the meantime, the two key panels in Congress investigating the Russia affair, the House and Senate intelligence committees, continue to collect their own data. Others are also joining in. On Wednesday the Financial Services Committee demanded Deutsche Bank turn over records on its banking relationship with Trump.
Egypt has accused Jazeera of supporting the outlawed Muslim Brotherhood movement it blames for violence after the military ousted them from power in 2013

Egypt blocked several media websites on Wednesday including those belonging to the Qatari Al-Jazeera news channel and an opposition television station based in Turkey, a security official said.

Mada Masr, an independent Egyptian media outlet that has published investigative reports on corruption, was also inaccessible on Wednesday night.

Egypt has accused Jazeera of supporting the outlawed Muslim Brotherhood movement it blames for violence after the military ousted them from power in 2013.

HuffPost Arabi, the Arabic website for the US outlet The Huffington Post, was also apparently blocked. The website had published articles critical of Egyptian government.

The website for Al-Sharq, a pro-Brotherhood channel based in Turkey, was also blocked.

The security official said 21 websites had been blocked but did not name them all.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) - A slain Kansas boy, whose remains were fed to pigs, died after escalating abuse ended with him being beaten for "stealing food" and locked naked in a shower stall for months as a closed-circuit surveillance camera recorded his deteriorating condition, according to affidavits and search warrants released Monday.

The remains of 7-year-old Adrian Jones were found in November 2015 on the family's Kansas City, Kansas, rental property after officers responded to a report of domestic abuse. The boy's stepmother, Heather Jones, said the child's father, Michael Jones, had beaten and choked her after she threatened to leave him and had fired a gun at her twice as she ran from the home. Heather Jones, worried because Michael Jones had left with six children, told authorities that Adrian had died and been fed to swine weeks earlier, according to the records.

The documents were released after Michael Jones was sentenced earlier this month to life in prison with no chance of parole for at least 25 years. An identical sentence was ordered for Heather Jones in November.

According to the records, Heather Jones told authorities that Adrian was physically abused before coming to live with the couple and had been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder with severe emotional detachment. She described him as being "a psychopath, like a serial killer." She said Adrian once attempted to stab her in the abdomen when she was pregnant and that he had been a patient at several residential treatment facilities. An uncle told authorities that the child had been diagnosed with schizophrenia.

The Joneses used increasingly severe methods to control Adrian, including strapping him first to a crib mattress and then an inversion table, handcuffing him, restraining him with splints and ace bandages, shocking him with a device called a Zap Enforcer and sticking him in a suitcase with only his head sticking out, according to court records.

Heather Jones told authorities that Michael Jones would also punch Adrian and that the boy spent his final months confined to a shower stall, where a piece of plywood was used to keep him from escaping. Photos and videos show the boy suffered from "extreme starvation," according to the records.

Michael Jones said that after finding the boy dead, his body was kept in the house for up to two weeks before the pigs were purchased from a person who was told the animals were to be used for a home-schooling project. Michael Jones told investigators that the pigs ate most of the child's body and that the remaining bones were stored in a tub. Michael Jones explained the boy's disappearance by saying he was in a mental facility.

One child told investigators the pigs were in the yard after returning from spending a couple weeks away from the house. The child also recalled hearing Adrian yelling "I'm going to die" through a vent and Heather Jones telling him to "suck it up" when he said he couldn't walk because his feet were swollen.

Asked why she hated Adrian, Heather Jones told authorities that the boy had lied to welfare investigators, resulting in her biological son being taken away from her. Heather Jones talked about struggles with the boy in a private Facebook group, saying "pain compliance does not work" and that he "has to be restrained 95% of the time." One person who responded appeared to think she was exaggerating, writing "god bless u for taking him in!!!"

Welfare officials in Kansas and Missouri had involvement with the family. Records released earlier this month show that Adrian Jones was 5 years old in July 2013 when he told a Missouri Children's Division worker and police officer that a "little bone come out" when his father kicked him in the head. Missouri welfare officials said then that they didn't think they could ensure Adrian's safety at home, but that a county juvenile officer suggested the family be provided more services, according to records. The family then moved to Kansas.

Similar records remain under seal in Kansas, where welfare officials have said allegations against the family were "thoroughly investigated."

Adrian's maternal grandmother, Judy Conway, said earlier this month that "the system has failed Adrian."
MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) - A tearful Rebel Wilson testified on Tuesday that a series of magazine articles published in Australia were a deliberate attack on her character and damaged her acting career.

Wilson is suing Australian publisher Bauer Media for defamation over several articles published in 2015 that the Australian-born actress said led to her film contracts being terminated. The articles said Wilson had lied about her name, age and upbringing in Australia.

Wilson wiped away tears as she testified in the Supreme Court of Victoria, rejecting the publisher's argument that the stories were light-hearted and had no serious impact on her career.

FILE - In this Oct. 19, 2016, file photo, Rebel Wilson attends the 5th Annual Australians in Film Awards held at NeueHouse Hollywood in Los Angeles. Wilson's lawyer says his client was devastated by a series of magazine articles the actress says painted her as a liar and subsequently cost her roles in Hollywood. Wilson is suing Australian publisher Bauer Media for defamation over several articles published in 2015 that the Australian-born actress said led to her film contracts being terminated. The trial began in the Supreme Court of Victoria on Monday, May 22, 2017. (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP, File)

"These articles were a deliberate malicious take-down of me," the actress testified.

Wilson, known for her work in comedies such as "Pitch Perfect" and "Bridesmaids," said she has only had two roles since the articles were published, one for the film "Absolutely Fabulous" and the other a stage role in London.

"It's not lucrative," she told the court. "The reason why I'm here today is to stand up for myself and to stand up for my family, who've been harassed."

Wilson is seeking unspecified damages from the publisher.
MOGADISHU, Somalia (AP) - A suicide bomber blew himself up at a military checkpoint in northern Somalia's semiautonomous state of Puntland, killing at least four people, a Somali police officer said Tuesday.

The bomber approached soldiers at the checkpoint and detonated explosives strapped to his waist in Bossaso, the region's commercial hub, Col. Ahmed Hussein said.

Two soldiers were among the dead, Hussein said.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack.

Security forces in Puntland have been battling Islamic State-linked fighters who have broken away from the long-established, Somalia-based al-Shabab extremist group. The IS-linked fighters are seen as a growing threat and have been trying to expand areas under their control in the semiautonomous state.

Both extremists groups are active in the region. In April, a roadside bomb in the remote Puntland town of Galgala hit a military convoy and killed at least eight soldiers. The al-Qaida-linked al-Shabab claimed responsibility for that attack.

In February, suspected extremists tried to storm a hotel in Bossaso often frequented by government officials, sparking clashes that killed at least four people and two attackers.
JACKSON, Miss. (AP) - The Latest on a lawsuit alleging that Mississippi is breaking federal law by providing unequal schooling to black students (all times local):

12:30 p.m.

Mississippi's top two elected officials are rejecting the claims of a lawsuit that accuses Mississippi of breaking federal law by providing inferior public schools to African-American students.

Southern Poverty Law Center senior staff attorney Will Bardwell, explains the specifics to the lawsuit filed on behalf of four African-American mothers with children in public elementary schools during a news conference in Jackson, Miss., Tuesday, May 23, 2017. Mississippi is denying good schools to African American students and violating the federal law that enabled the state to rejoin the union after the Civil War, the Southern Poverty Law Center alleged Tuesday in a lawsuit trying to strengthen constitutional protections for education. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

Gov. Phil Bryant and Lt. Gov Tate Reeves, both Republicans, say Mississippi's education system is progressing under their leadership.

Bryant accuses the Southern Poverty Law Center of seeking to raise money by filing the federal lawsuit Tuesday on behalf of four parents of black students.

The SPLC says Mississippi is discriminating against black students and thus breaking the law that readmitted Mississippi to the union after the Civil War. That law says the state must never deprive citizens of "school rights and privileges."

Reeves says it's "almost laughable" that the SPLC criticizes education of black students, but is pursuing another lawsuit against Mississippi that seeks to block the Legislature from its current method of financing charter schools.

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10 a.m.

Mississippi's leaders are being sued again over unequal schooling, this time by the Southern Poverty Law Center on behalf of four black public school students.

This lawsuit says Mississippi is failing to meet requirements of the federal law that readmitted the state to the union after the Civil War. That law says the state must never deprive any citizen of the "school rights and privileges" described in the 1868 constitution.

The SPLC argues that Mississippi has repeatedly watered down its constitutional protections for education ever since as part of a white supremacist effort to prevent the education of blacks. The lawsuit asks a judge to force the state to honor the promise of that document, written nearly a century and a half ago.

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Follow Jeff Amy at: http://twitter.com/jeffamy. Read his work at https://www.apnews.com/search/Jeff_Amy.
NEW YORK (AP) - The Latest on sponsors pulling out of New York City's Puerto Rican Day parade (all times local):

2:45 p.m.

Two more sponsors are saying they will skip New York City's Puerto Rican Day parade after a decision by organizers to honor a freed nationalist who once embraced armed resistance to the U.S. rule of Puerto Rico.

FILE - In this May 18, 2017 file photo, Puerto Rican nationalist Oscar Lopez Rivera, center, who pardoned by former President Barack Obama in January, arrives for a gathering in his honor in Chicago's Humboldt Park neighborhood. Organizers of New York's Puerto Rican Day Parade on June 11 stand firm amid boycotts over their decision to honor Rivera, who was a member of a group that that claimed responsibility for more than 100 bombings across New York, Chicago, Washington and Puerto Rico in the 1970s and early 1980s. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast, File)

The Coca-Cola Co. says representatives won't march, but it will still support the parade's scholarship program.

The New York Yankees say they won't participate this year but will continue to fund scholarships. The team has an afternoon home game on June 11, the day of the parade.

Oscar Lopez Rivera spent more than 35 years in prison before his sentence was commuted by President Barack Obama. He was a member of an armed resistance that claimed responsibility for more than 100 bombings around the U.S. and Puerto Rico in the 1970s and 1980s.

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11 a.m.

More sponsors have dropped out of New York City's Puerto Rican Day parade after a decision by organizers to honor a freed nationalist who once embraced armed resistance to the U.S. rule of Puerto Rico.

AT&T and JetBlue Airways are the latest sponsors to skip the parade.

Oscar Lopez Rivera spent more than 35 years in prison before his sentence was commuted by President Barack Obama. He was a member of an armed resistance that claimed responsibility for more than 100 bombings around the U.S. and Puerto Rico in the 1970s and 1980s.

JetBlue said the debate was dividing the community and it would instead redirect funds to support student scholarships.

AT&T said it was withdrawing sponsorship.

Parade organizers stand by their decision to honor Lopez Rivera. They say they don't condone violence.
JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) - An Alaska judge on Tuesday refused to block a scheduled recall vote for three Homer City Council members who sponsored a resolution promoting inclusivity after President Donald Trump's election.

In a written ruling Tuesday, Superior Court Judge Erin Marston said the recall petitions were legally sufficient.

Council members Donna Aderhold, David Lewis and Catriona Reynolds, through their attorneys, argued that their actions were protected by their constitutional rights to free speech and that the grounds for recall are insufficient. They sought to have the June 13 recall election stopped.

"To conclude that anytime a recall petition is based in part or in whole on what a politician said is protected by the First Amendment would be to eviscerate the recall statute to such an extent that the populace would almost never be able to seek recall of any of their elected officials," Marston wrote.

The judge's decision can be appealed. Casey Reynolds, a spokesman for the American Civil Liberties Union of Alaska, which is representing the three, said the issue was being reviewed.

The recall effort is pegged to two resolutions: one supporting the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe in North Dakota in its fight over a pipeline and one aimed at promoting inclusivity.

According to the lawsuit, Lewis, Aderhold and Reynolds voted for the Standing Rock resolution that had been introduced by Lewis and was adopted when the mayor cast a tie-breaking vote.

The resolution aimed at affirming Homer's commitment to inclusion amid national concerns about the treatment of immigrants, religious groups, the LGBTQ community and others was defeated. Reynolds, Lewis and Aderhold were listed as sponsors, but only Reynolds voted for it.

It had been softened from an earlier draft that the lawsuit said was offered by a resident.

The draft, which was posted online, referenced Trump, saying, for example, that Trump had stated a disregard for the First Amendment. It prompted a backlash, with some residents seeing it as unnecessary in a community that already saw itself as welcoming.

The revised version that was voted on did not mention Trump.

The recall says the three council members are unfit for office. It also says there was misconduct, claiming damage was done when the draft of the resolution about inclusivity was made public.

An attorney for the city said during arguments before Marston in Anchorage on Monday that each council member has a right to submit a rebuttal statement that would appear on the ballot.

Marston wrote that while "misconduct in office" is not defined in the law, "to require misconduct in office to be criminal would be to undermine the intent and effectiveness of the recall statutes."

The city clerk is legally required to certify legally sufficient petitions, he wrote.
UNITED NATIONS (AP) - Former U.N. chief Kofi Annan says U.S. President Donald Trump should reach out and talk to Iran, which by signing the nuclear deal with six major powers and re-electing President Hassan Rouhani is trying to reach out to the world.

Annan, who heads a group of former leaders founded by Nelson Mandela called The Elders, said if he had the chance he would tell Trump his antagonistic policy toward Iran, including labeling it the enemy and a purveyor of terrorism, isn't going to do anything to bring peace to the Middle East.

He said in a telephone interview Tuesday with The Associated Press that "Iran is part of the solution" to the conflicts in the Middle East, including Syria and Iraq, "and we cannot get away from that fact."
A fresh round of hostilities erupted between erstwhile foes the Taang National Liberation Army (TNLA) and the Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS) earlier this month.

The displaced residents of Kun Kaw Village Group and Loi An Village Group are taking shelter in Kyaukme, according to locals.

Ninety-five villagers from Tawt Hpei and Ong Awee villages under the Kun Kaw Village Group, as well as some families from Hkon Ngin and Wan Kan villages under the Loi An Village Group are taking shelter in Ward 8. Villagers living near the shelter went to see them and gave them foodThere may be difficulties if there is an increase, Sai Par, a Kyaukme resident, told S.H.A.N.

The TNLA has accused the RCSS of invading its territory. The RCSS claims that clashes broke out due to a landmine clearance project.

We are clearing the landmines in line with the NCA [nationwide ceasefire agreement]. Clashes broke out when we confronted the TNLA. There are many landmines. Its been over a month since we started clearing the landmines in accord with public demand, said Lieutenant Colonel Sai Nguen, the RCSS spokesperson.

The Tatmadaw, the TNLA, the RCSS, and the Shan State Progressive Party all have active units in the Kyaukme are.

Kyaukme residents said the newly displaced villagers reported heavy fighting.

More than 300 civilians from eight villages in northern Shan States Namtu township also fled an outbreak of fighting between the RCSS and the TNLA earlier this month.

Fighting between the RCSS, a ceasefire signatory, and the TNLA, a non-signatory, sporadically erupted in both 2015 and 2015

Translated by Thida Linn

Edited by Laignee Barron
SYDNEY (AP) - Police responding to a deadly hostage crisis in a Sydney cafe underestimated the gunman's threat and should have stormed the building earlier, rather than waiting to act until the gunman had killed a captive, a coroner said Wednesday after concluding a 2- year inquiry.

The coroner's findings follow intense criticism from many of the 18 hostages and families of the victims, who have long questioned why police waited nearly 17 hours to enter the Lindt Cafe and end the December 2014 siege. Police moved in only after an erratic Man Monis fatally shot cafe manager Tori Johnson. Monis was then shot dead by police and another hostage, lawyer Katrina Dawson, was killed in the crossfire.

Though New South Wales state Coroner Michael Barnes took pains to say that the only person responsible for the deaths was Monis himself, he concluded police made a series of mistakes, most notably by failing to immediately storm the cafe after Monis fired at a group of hostages who fled the building more than 16 hours into the crisis. Another 10 minutes elapsed before Monis fired his shotgun into the back of Johnson's head, killing him instantly and finally triggering the police response.

FILE - In this Dec. 15, 2014, file photo, Jieun Bae runs to armed tactical response police officers for safety after she escaped from a cafe under siege at Martin Place in the central business district of Sydney, Australia. Police responding to the deadly hostage crisis in a Sydney cafe underestimated the gunman's threat and should have stormed the building earlier, rather than waiting to act until the gunman had killed a captive, a coroner said on Wednesday, May 24, 2017. (AP Photo/Rob Griffith, File)

"An emergency action should have been initiated following the first shot of Monis at 2:03 a.m.," Barnes said. "That made it clear there was little to no chance of resolving the siege, and those within the cafe were at an extreme risk of harm. The 10 minutes that lapsed without decisive action by police was too long. Tori Johnson was executed in the meantime."

Barnes said that while police correctly followed their standard policy of trying to negotiate with Monis and not cede to his demands early in the siege, alternatives should have been considered as the crisis wore on. A psychiatrist called in by police also gave erroneous assessments of the situation inside the cafe and issued ambiguous advice, which contributed to police underestimating the threat Monis posed, Barnes said.

Multiple calls by hostages to a number they had been told would connect them with a police negotiator went unanswered, compounding their fear and frustration. At one point, hostage Marcia Mikhael called a Sydney radio station on Monis' behalf and said police were doing nothing to end the crisis, saying: "They have left us here to die."

The attack unfolded in the most unlikely of places: a cheerful chocolate cafe in the heart of downtown Sydney, at the start of a workday and just a week before Christmas. Australians were horrified and bewildered, and they demanded to know how such a thing could have occurred in their normally placid city. Barnes summarized the horror of the attack in his findings, saying the terror the hostages felt was akin to torture.

"Monis oscillated between feigning regard for their welfare and threatening to blow them apart," he said. "They had entered a familiar environment only to find it transformed into a prison run by a vicious maniac."

The inquest, a court-like proceeding convened after unusual deaths, examined everything from the police response, to whether the siege could have been prevented, to precisely what motivated Monis to attack. Though Monis demanded police deliver him an Islamic State flag at the outset of the crisis, there was no evidence that he had ever established contact with the militant group. Many thought the 50-year-old Iranian-born man was simply a disturbed individual lashing out against a series of perceived personal injustices. In the lead-up to the siege, Monis had lost custody of his children, fallen into debt and was facing possible jail time on charges of sexual assault.

Barnes determined that while Monis was not psychotic, he almost certainly had a severe personality disorder. And though the coroner said it remains unclear whether Monis was actually motivated by the Islamic State movement or simply used the group's reputation to bolster his agenda, in the end, he engaged in extreme violence in a bid to influence public opinion.

"That clearly brings his crimes within the accepted definition of terrorism," Barnes said. "The siege was a terrorist incident."

The coroner also concluded that prosecutors' attempts to keep Monis off the street before the siege were inadequate. At the time, he was out on bail despite facing a string of violent charges, including 40 counts of sexual assault and accessory to murder in the slaying of his ex-wife. He was on the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation's watch list in 2008 and 2009 over offensive letters he sent to the families of dead Australian soldiers, but was later dropped from the list. He had also once attracted the attention of the FBI as someone who had "the potential to incite others to violence," according to a 2009 FBI memo obtained by The Associated Press.

Barnes said police made a mistake two months before the siege when they failed to arrest Monis on multiple new sex offense charges, and instead served him simple court attendance notices. That error, Barnes said, increased Monis' chance of being granted bail. Barnes also concluded that the prosecutor's arguments against Monis' bail application were inadequate.

Outside court, Johnson's partner, Thomas Zinn, said the inquest had exposed a series of inadequacies by authorities.

"We were confronted with a systematic failure of various authorities, who at times were confused, ill-informed, unprepared and under-resourced to deal with Monis," Zinn told reporters.

FILE - In this Dec. 16, 2014 file photo, hostages run towards armed tactical response police as they run to freedom from a cafe under siege at Martin Place in the central business district of Sydney, Australia. Police responding to the deadly hostage crisis in a Sydney cafe underestimated the gunman's threat and should have stormed the building earlier, rather than waiting to act until the gunman had killed a captive, a coroner said on Wednesday, May 24, 2017. (AP Photo/Rob Griffith, File)
UNITED NATIONS (AP) - Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is asking U.N. member states to transfer $40.5 million in unspent funds from Haiti's peacekeeping mission to help communities and victims of a cholera outbreak that has afflicted over 800,000 people, according to a report released Tuesday.

Guterres said in the report to the Security Council that the money is desperately needed for a trust fund that the U.N. had hoped would raise $400 million to provide aid to the families of victims and afflicted communities, and to help eradicate the disease.

So far, the report said only $2.67 million has been contributed to the fund from Chile, France, India, Liechtenstein, South Korea, Sri Lanka and Britain. Canada and Japan have separately contributed $8.5 million to assist Haiti.

The Security Council voted unanimously last month to end the U.N. peacekeeping mission in Haiti in mid-October after 13 years. The peacekeepers helped normalize a country in chaos after political upheaval in 2004, but U.N. troops from Nepal were widely blamed for introducing cholera to Haiti after a devastating earthquake in 2010. The death toll as of April was over 9,500.

For years the U.N. had denied or been silent on the longstanding allegations that it was responsible for the outbreak, while responding to lawsuits in U.S. courts by claiming diplomatic immunity. Last August, a U.S. appeals court upheld the United Nations' immunity from a lawsuit filed on behalf of 5,000 Haitian cholera victims who blame the U.N. for the epidemic.

After the ruling, then secretary-general Ban Ki-moon said he deeply regretted the suffering that cholera has caused and the U.N. had a moral responsibility to the victims. He later apologized for the U.N. not doing enough to contain the spread of cholera and announced a new U.N. approach to eliminate the disease which sought to raise $400 million.

Guterres asked the 193 U.N. member states to consider voluntarily waiving the return of the $40.5 million balance and credits in the 2015-16 budget for the Haiti peacekeeping mission and put the money in the cholera trust fund.

In a renewed effort to raise voluntary contributions, Guterres said he has also written to every member state and has decided to appoint a high-level envoy "to develop a comprehensive fundraising strategy." He said several countries have responded to his letter "and some additional voluntary contributions are anticipated."
VATICAN CITY (AP) - Handshakes, gifts, friendly small talk and big hopes for peace. Setting aside past differences and rude comments aside, President Donald Trump and Pope Francis put a determinedly positive face on their first meeting Wednesday at the Vatican.

The two global leaders, vastly different in temperament and views of the world, talked seriously and extensively in a 30-minute private meeting about terrorism, the radicalization of young people, immigration and climate change, officials said. Details were not revealed.

But all was upbeat in public, peace the overarching theme.

President Donald Trump and his wife Melania looks at Michelangelo's Pieta', during their visit to St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, Wednesday, May 24, 2017. (L'Osservatore Romano/Pool Photo via AP)

Francis gave Trump a medal featuring an olive branch.

"We can use peace," said the president, acknowledging the symbolism.

He gave the pope a custom-bound, first-edition set of Martin Luther King Jr.'s works, an engraved stone from the King Memorial in Washington and a bronze sculpture of a flowering lotus titled "Rising Above."

"I think you'll enjoy them. I hope you do," Trump said.

The pope's other gifts could be taken as offering a more pointed message, though Francis is known to give them to other visitors, too.

He gave Trump three bound papal documents that he has written that to some degree define his papacy and priorities. One focuses on the environment, demanding an end to a "structurally perverse" economic system that has turned Earth into an "immense pile of filth." He frames climate change as an urgent moral crisis and blames global warming on an unfair, fossil fuel-based industrial model that harms the poor the most.

Trump has expressed skepticism about global warming and possible causes, and he has promised changes to spur more coal and oil production in the U.S.

The president is midway through a grueling nine-day, maiden international journey which has included Middle East stops in the cradles of Islam and Judaism. In Saudi Arabia, he addressed dozens of Arab leaders and urged them to fight extremists at home and isolate Iran, which he depicted as a menace to the region. In Israel, Trump reaffirmed his commitment to strong ties with the longtime U.S. ally and urged Israelis and the Palestinians to work harder toward peace.

He arrived late Wednesday in Brussels.

While Trump received warm welcomes in Riyadh and Jerusalem, the reception could grow cooler now that he's reached Europe, site of widespread protests after his election. Climate change activists projected the words "Planet Earth First" on the massive dome of St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican Tuesday night, and protests are expected when he attends a NATO meeting in Brussels and a G-7 gathering in Sicily.

As for the Trump-Francis relationship, during the presidential campaign the pope was sharply critical of the candidate Trump's pledge to build an impenetrable wall on the Mexican border and his declaration that the United States should turn away Muslim immigrants and refugees.

"A person who thinks only about building walls, wherever they may be, and not building bridges, is not Christian," Francis said.

Trump retorted that it was "disgraceful" for the pope to doubt his faith.

There was none of that on Wednesday.

The visit began with a handshake after each man arrived, Trump in a lengthy motorcade, Francis in a Ford Focus.

Their private meeting ended when Francis rang the bell in his study. The pontiff was then introduced to members of Trump's delegation, including his wife, Melania, his daughter Ivanka and son-in-law Jared Kushner, as well as aides Hope Hicks and Dan Scavino.

Francis had a light moment with the first lady, asking via translator, "What do you give him to eat, potica?" referring to a favorite papal dessert from her native Slovenia.

The first lady laughed and said "Yes." She and Ivanka covered their heads in a sign of papal respect, a gesture they did not make in Saudi Arabia.

"We had a fantastic meeting," the president said afterward. He tweeted later that it was the "honor of a lifetime."

A statement from the Vatican said that "satisfaction was expressed" at their "joint commitment in favor of life" and that there was hoped-for collaboration on health care, assistance to immigrants and protection of Christian communities in the Middle East.

In recent days, Francis and Trump have been in agreement on a need for Muslim leaders to do more against extremists in their own communities. But there are relatively few other areas where their views align.

Trump's predecessor, Barack Obama, had a private audience with Francis at the Vatican in 2014 that lasted 50 minutes. But the timing Wednesday was tight as Francis had his weekly general audience. The thousands of pilgrims on hand forced Trump's motorcade to enter Vatican City from a side entrance rather than the grand entrance through St. Peter's Square.

When Trump left, he told the pope: "Thank you, I won't forget what you said."

Trump, the 13th president to visit the Vatican, also toured the Sistine Chapel.

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Follow Lemire on Twitter at http://twitter.com/@JonLemire , Winfield at http://twitter.com/@nwinfield and Pace at http://twitter.com/@JPaceDC

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This story has been corrected to reflect the pope asked about potica, not pizza.

U.S. President Donald Trump stands with Pope Francis during a meeting, Wednesday, May 24, 2017, at the Vatican. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, Pool)

Pope Francis meets with President Donald Trump on the occasion of their private audience, at the Vatican, Wednesday, May 24, 2017. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino, Pool)

Pope Francis meets with President Donald Trump on the occasion of their private audience, at the Vatican, Wednesday, May 24, 2017. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino, Pool)

First lady Melania Trump smiles as she arrives at the San Damaso courtyard for her private audience with Pope Francis, at the Vatican, Wednesday, May 24, 2017. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump meet Pope Francis, Wednesday, May 24, 2017, at the Vatican. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, Pool)

U.S. President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump meet with Pope Francis, Wednesday, May 24, 2017, at the Vatican. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, Pool)
BAGHDAD (AP) - Iraq's Interior Ministry says it has launched an investigation into allegations of human rights violations perpetrated by its forces fighting the Islamic State group in Mosul.

The allegations were first reported by Germany's Der Spiegel magazine last weekend.

The ministry's spokesman, Brig. Gen Saad Maan, says the newspaper report identifies an elite unit that answers to the Interior Ministry as the perpetrator of the abuses. The force is known as Emergency Response Division and is one of numerous factions fighting IS in Mosul.

Maan said on Tuesday that "legal measures will be applied ... against wrongdoers."

Der Spiegel's report, authored by an Iraqi photographer reportedly embedded with the police unit, claims he witnessed killing, torture and rape of IS suspects.

The police unit was not immediately available for comment.
Philippine security forces are battling Muslim militants who have laid siege to a city in the volatile southern region of Mindanao. The upheaval began after troops raided a hideout in search of Isnilon Hapilon, one of Asia's top militant leaders. Some background on Hapilon:

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A HISTORY OF EXTREMISM

This undated image provided by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) shows Isnilon Hapilon, who was purportedly designated leader of the Islamic State group's Southeast Asia branch in 2016 but has long ties to local extremist movements. Hapilon gained notoriety beyond the Philippines when he allegedly helped Abu Sayyaf kidnap 20 hostages from a Filipino resort in 2001. Philippine security forces on May 23, 2017, raided a hideout in Marawi city in the volatile southern region of Mindanao, in search of Hapilon. (FBI via AP)

Hapilon was purportedly designated leader of the Islamic State group's Southeast Asia branch last year but has long ties to local extremist movements. Born in 1966, the Arabic-speaking Islamic preacher with an engineering degree from the University of the Philippines was once commander of the Moro National Liberation Front, an Islamic separatist group. He later ascended the ranks of Abu Sayyaf to become its second in command. Abu Sayyaf, a notoriously violent Muslim militant group founded in the 1990s, is known for carrying out kidnappings and beheadings of Filipinos and foreigners, as well as bombings, assassinations and armed attacks.

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MOST WANTED MILITANT

Hapilon gained notoriety beyond the Philippines when he allegedly helped Abu Sayyaf kidnap 20 hostages from a Filipino resort in 2001. The victims included three U.S. citizens, one of whom eventually was beheaded. In 2002, the U.S. Department of Justice indicted Hapilon over the attack. He is included on the department's "Most Wanted Terrorist" list, with a $5 million reward for information leading to his capture.

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ISLAMIC STATE IN ASIA

In 2014, Hapilon appeared in a video beside two masked men pledging allegiance to the Islamic State group, which was then gaining ground in Iraq and Syria. He went on to organize an alliance in the Philippines called Dawlatul Islam Wilayatul Mashriq, which is now believed to include at least 10 small militant groups including some Abu Sayyaf factions. Last year, he was reportedly chosen to lead the Islamic State group branch in Southeast Asia.

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AN ELUSIVE TARGET

The Philippine military has targeted Hapilon repeatedly with large-scale military operations, and has come close to killing him. But the militant leader remains elusive. In 2008, troops bombarded an Abu Sayyaf camp near Jolo island with artillery and mortar fire, reportedly wounding Hapilon in the hand. He was also reportedly wounded in another operation in 2013. The latest close call came in January, when the military attacked militants with ground troops and airstrikes, dropping 500-pound (225-kilogram) bombs from military jets. The operation left 15 militants dead, and the army said Hapilon was seriously wounded in the arm. Losing blood, he was placed on a makeshift stretcher, escaping into a mountainous region of Butig in southern Lanao del Sur province.

This undated image provided by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) shows a wanted poster for Isnilon Hapilon, who was purportedly designated leader of the Islamic State group's Southeast Asia branch in 2016 but has long ties to local extremist movements. Hapilon gained notoriety beyond the Philippines when he allegedly helped Abu Sayyaf kidnap 20 hostages from a Filipino resort in 2001. Philippine security forces on May 23, 2017, raided a hideout in Marawi city in the volatile southern region of Mindanao, in search of Hapilon. (FBI via AP)
YANGON, Myanmar (AP) - Representatives from Myanmar's ethic rebel groups and the government gathered in the capital on Wednesday for peace talks aimed at ending decades of ethnic rebellions in the country.

Delegates filled a conference hall in Naypyitaw for the start of the five-day talks, which come nine months after a first round of talks was held.

Myanmar's de facto leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, faces high expectations from ethnic groups and the international community to end conflicts between ethnic armed groups and the army that have lasted for nearly seven decades.

Myanmar's State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi smiles during a photo session after the second session of the 21st Century Panglong Union Peace Conference at the Myanmar International Convention Centre in Naypyitaw, Myanmar, Wednesday, May 24, 2017. (AP Photo/Aung Shine Oo)

Suu Kyi said Wednesday that her government would not pressure the ethnic groups into a peace deal, and would allow for open negotiations.

"We will not resort to exerting pressure through populist politics to achieve our goals, but we will instead strive to reach an agreement acceptable to all with open, frank and inclusive dialogue," she said during her opening speech.

Despite overtures made by Suu Kyi, ongoing clashes between the army and the ethnic armed groups continue in some parts of Myanmar. In Kachin State, in the country's north, more than 100,000 people have been forced from their homes over the past six years due to ongoing fighting between the groups and government troops.

Suu Kyi's government has invited ethnic armed groups that have not signed a nationwide cease-fire agreement as "special guests" at the peace conference, but did not guarantee that they would have equal rights to participate in the dialogue. The United Nationalities Federal Councils, which represents non-signatories, refused to attend the conference.

In October 2015, eight ethnic armed groups signed the cease-fire agreement. But more than a dozen others, including some of Myanmar's largest armed groups, did not endorse the pact, which they viewed as lacking inclusiveness.
BERLIN (AP) - A delegation of German lawmakers scrapped plans to visit Turkey after being told at the last minute that it couldn't hold talks with officials or visit the Turkish parliament building, a deputy parliament speaker said Wednesday.

The cancellation adds to a growing list of issues straining German-Turkish relations. Turkey also has refused to let another group of lawmakers visit German troops stationed at a Turkish air base as part of the campaign against the Islamic State group.

Deputy speaker Claudia Roth was to head a cross-party delegation on a May 25-28 visit to Ankara, Diyarbakir and Istanbul for meetings with officials, lawmakers and non-government groups. The group included the head of the German parliament's human rights committee.

Deputy speaker of the German parliament, Claudia Roth of the opposition Greens, right, and Nils Annen of the Social Democrats, attend a news conference in Berlin, Wednesday, May 24, 2017. Roth says a parliamentary delegation scrapped long-standing plans to visit Turkey after finding out at the last minute it couldn't hold talks with officials or visit the Turkish parliament building. Claudia Roth, a member of the opposition Greens, was to head the four-member delegation from three parties on a May 25-28 visit to Ankara, Diyarbakir and Istanbul. (Maurizio Gambarini/dpa via AP)

"Yesterday we received the information that it is currently not considered opportune at the very, very, very highest Turkish level to conduct political talks with the German parliamentary side in Turkey," Roth, of the opposition Greens, told reporters in Berlin. She described the incident as a "political provocation."

German Foreign Ministry spokesman Martin Schaefer said Turkey's deputy foreign minister informed his German counterpart Monday evening that the visit couldn't go ahead. The Turkish official cited "a domestic political situation in Turkey that wasn't conducive" to the trip, Schaefer added.

Germany's ambassador to Turkey says that he can't recall "such a friendly and dialogue-oriented visit by a group of German lawmakers being so rudely and bluntly rejected," Schaefer said.

Chancellor Angela Merkel and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will both attend a summit of NATO leaders in Brussels on Thursday. Merkel's spokesman, Steffen Seibert, said it is "entirely possible" the two will meet on the sidelines.

Germany is considering moving some 270 troops stationed at Incirlik Air Base to Jordan or another country if Ankara won't relent on allowing lawmaker visits. The country also has Tornado reconnaissance jets and a refueling plane at the base.

German military missions abroad need parliamentary approval, and German leaders say it's essential for lawmakers to be granted access to troops serving abroad.

Erdogan said in Ankara Wednesday that Turkey had received no official information about plans for a possible move.

But "it is not a big deal for us," the president said. "If they go, we'll say 'goodbye.'"

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Suzan Fraser in Ankara contributed to this report.
ATWATER, Calif. (AP) - The driver of a tanker truck is dead after a series of fiery explosions on a California highway, when his truck burst into flames as it was delivering gasoline.

California Fire division chief Mark Lawson told the Modesto Bee that the truck was carrying about 9,000 gallons of gasoline (34,000 liters) when it caught fire Tuesday morning along Highway 99 at the city of Atwater in the central part of the state.

Witnesses describe waves of fire rolling down the highway, and explosions sending people running from roadside fast-food restaurants.

Fire crews work the scene of a large fire involving a big rig Tuesday, May 23, 2017, in the area of Highway 99 and Applegate Road in Atwater, Calif. (Andrew Kuhn /The Merced Sun-Star via AP)

The California Highway Patrol says the body of the truck driver was found later. His name was not released.

Lawson says authorities fear spilled fuel may also make its way into drinking water.

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Information from: The Modesto Bee, http://www.modbee.com
VIENNA (AP) - OPEC countries and other producers including oil giant Russia are backing prolonging last year's production cut to shore up crude prices, strongly indicating that an extension is a done deal even before they meet formally on the issue Thursday.

The output reductions have been in effect since November, when the 13-country Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries agreed to cut production by 1.2 million barrels a day, while non-OPEC countries chipped in with a further 600,000-barrel reduction. That deal, which has helped push up oil prices, is due to expire at the end of June.

Saudi Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih noted a "trend" among participants to prolong the cuts for nine months. OPEC Secretary General Mohammad Barkindo said there is "growing consensus" for an extension.

Khalid Al-Falih Minister of Energy, Industry and Mineral Resources of Saudi Arabia leaves the building of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, OPEC, at their headquarters in Vienna, Austria, Wednesday, May 24, 2017. The OPEC oil cartel and other producers, notably Russia, are this week expected to extend last year's production cut in a concerted attempt to prevent oil prices from falling. With prices likely to fall because of an oversupply in the market if they don't, both Russia, and OPEC oil giant Saudi Arabia have spoken out in favor of an extension ahead of Thursday's meeting. (AP Photo/Ronald Zak)

Iranian oil minister Bijan Namdar Zanganeh told reporters there was already apparent unanimous consent "to continue the cut that we had in November."

Jabbar Ali Hussein Al-Luiebi, his Iraqi counterpart, said: "We support the proposal for nine months."

A committee of all nations participating in the cuts also recommended a nine-month extension on Wednesday. Non-OPEC countries that are part of the deal will attend the meeting, including Russia's Energy Minister Alexander Novak.

But in the longer term, there are concerns among OPEC countries that higher oil prices may end up being counterproductive as they encourage U.S. shale gas producers to re-enter the market - a development that could weigh on oil prices.

Despite last year's production cuts, oil prices have risen by less than OPEC hoped for. At around $50 a barrel, benchmark crude is up from the sub-$30 levels reached in early 2016. Still, prices are around half the levels reached in 2014.

Financial information firm IHS Markit sees OPEC revenues showing a modest gain this year after dropping from their peak of $1.2 trillion in 2012. But the total, it said, "will be less than half the level of 2012, when prices were more than double current levels."

U.S. output since last year's cut has increased by nearly a million barrels a day to 9 million barrels. That already puts American production up there with Saudi Arabia and Russia and cuts further into OPEC's past ability to play a role in setting prices and supplies.

Commerzbank cited data from the U.S. Department of Energy saying U.S. production was roughly 540,000 barrels per day higher in mid-May than at the start of the year.

"This offsets nearly half of OPEC's production cuts," it noted.

More than 400 oil rigs are now working U.S. shale fields, an increase of more than 120 percent compared to a year ago. And U.S. producers are poised to expand more.

"With the U.S continuing to win market share by producing more oil at lower price levels, the global supply excess will take a long time to eradicate," said Fawad Razaqzada of Forex.com.

Additional psychological pressure on OPEC is coming from President Donald Trump. As part of his proposed budget, he called Tuesday for the sale of half of the country's strategic oil reserves, which stand at 688 million barrels.

It is unclear if Congress will approve the initiative. Even if it does, the drawdown would extend over 10 years. Still, for OPEC the timing of the proposal was unfavorable, coming just two days before the ministers meet.

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Associated Press writers Kiyoko Metzler in Vienna and Nasser Karimi in Tehran contributed.

Nelson P. Martinez, center, People's Minister of Petroleum from Venezuela leaves the building of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, OPEC, at their headquarters in Vienna, Austria, Wednesday, May 24, 2017. The OPEC oil cartel and other producers, notably Russia, are this week expected to extend last year's production cut in a concerted attempt to prevent oil prices from falling. With prices likely to fall because of an oversupply in the market if they don't, both Russia, and OPEC oil giant Saudi Arabia have spoken out in favor of an extension ahead of Thursday's meeting. (AP Photo/Ronald Zak)

Nelson P. Martinez People's Minister of Petroleum from Venezuela leaves the building of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, OPEC, at their headquarters in Vienna, Austria, Wednesday, May 24, 2017. The OPEC oil cartel and other producers, notably Russia, are this week expected to extend last year's production cut in a concerted attempt to prevent oil prices from falling. With prices likely to fall because of an oversupply in the market if they don't, both Russia, and OPEC oil giant Saudi Arabia have spoken out in favor of an extension ahead of Thursday's meeting. (AP Photo/Ronald Zak)

Khalid Al-Falih Minister of Energy, Industry and Mineral Resources of Saudi Arabia leaves the building of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, OPEC, at their headquarters in Vienna, Austria, Wednesday, May 24, 2017. The OPEC oil cartel and other producers, notably Russia, are this week expected to extend last year's production cut in a concerted attempt to prevent oil prices from falling. With prices likely to fall because of an oversupply in the market if they don't, both Russia, and OPEC oil giant Saudi Arabia have spoken out in favor of an extension ahead of Thursday's meeting. (AP Photo/Ronald Zak)

Khalid Al-Falih Minister of Energy, Industry and Mineral Resources of Saudi Arabia leaves the building of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, OPEC, at their headquarters in Vienna, Austria, Wednesday, May 24, 2017. The OPEC oil cartel and other producers, notably Russia, are this week expected to extend last year's production cut in a concerted attempt to prevent oil prices from falling. With prices likely to fall because of an oversupply in the market if they don't, both Russia, and OPEC oil giant Saudi Arabia have spoken out in favor of an extension ahead of Thursday's meeting. (AP Photo/Ronald Zak)

Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, center, Minister of Energy of the United Arab Emirates, UAE, arrives at a hotel in Vienna, Austria, Wednesday, May 24, 2017. The OPEC oil cartel and other producers, notably Russia, are this week expected to extend last year's production cut in a concerted attempt to prevent oil prices from falling. With prices likely to fall because of an oversupply in the market if they don't, both Russia, and OPEC oil giant Saudi Arabia have spoken out in favor of an extension ahead of Thursday's meeting. (AP Photo/Ronald Zak)

Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy of the United Arab Emirates, UAE, arrives at a hotel in Vienna, Austria, Wednesday, May 24, 2017. The OPEC oil cartel and other producers, notably Russia, are this week expected to extend last year's production cut in a concerted attempt to prevent oil prices from falling. With prices likely to fall because of an oversupply in the market if they don't, both Russia, and OPEC oil giant Saudi Arabia have spoken out in favor of an extension ahead of Thursday's meeting. (AP Photo/Ronald Zak)

Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, center, Minister of Energy of the United Arab Emirates, UAE, arrives at a hotel in Vienna, Austria, Wednesday, May 24, 2017. The OPEC oil cartel and other producers, notably Russia, are this week expected to extend last year's production cut in a concerted attempt to prevent oil prices from falling. With prices likely to fall because of an oversupply in the market if they don't, both Russia, and OPEC oil giant Saudi Arabia have spoken out in favor of an extension ahead of Thursday's meeting. (AP Photo/Ronald Zak)
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) - A court has sentenced a businessman accused of stealing $1.5 billion while working for a sheikhdom in the United Arab Emirates to 15 years in prison.

The government of Ras al-Khaimah also says Khater Massaad and an associate must repay $17.2 million that the emirate accuses them of embezzling in the scam.

Ras al-Khaimah said in a statement on Wednesday that the case involved diverting public funds in relation to a seaport project in the country of Georgia.

Massaad, who was arrested in Jiddah, Saudi Arabia, in September, strongly denied the allegations leveled against him by Ras al-Khaimah, where he once ran the sheikhdom's sovereign wealth fund.

Massaad holds Swiss citizenship and has business interests in several countries, including Lebanon and Saudi Arabia.
The plan Donald Trump and the GOP released to dismantle "Obamacare," the Affordable Care Act, will increase the projected number of people without health insurance by 14 million next year and by 23 million in 2026, the Congressional Budget Office reported Wednesday. The long-awaited "CBO report" you've been hearing about in the news was finally released today, weeks after The American Health Care Act, or "Trumpcare," narrowly passed the House. The 10-year figure of 23 million people losing their insurance coverage is slightly less than originally estimated, but still completely insane.

Trumpcare would reduce the federal deficit by $119 billion over a decade, which is lower than the original projection of $150 billion in savings projected in late March for the earlier iteration of AHCA. So, more people suffer, and Trump's break for the rich doesn't even come with the promised deficit reduction.

"I don't know how we get to 50 at the moment," Republican Senator Mitch McConnell told Reuters on Wednesday. "But that's the goal."

In the New York Times report on today's CBO score, a reminder of how Democrats are being overtly excluded from the process of hashing out the changes to America's health care:

Senate Republican have been meeting several days a week, trying to thrash out their differences on complex questions of health policy and politics, like the future of Medicaid. Asked why Democrats had been excluded, Mr. McConnell said, "We're not going to waste our time talking to people that have no interest in fixing the problem." Democrats have said they would gladly work with Republicans if the Republicans would renounce their goal of repealing Mr. Obama's health care law.

C.B.O. Projects Dismantling Obamacare Increases Uninsured by 23 Million In a Decade [NYT]

PHOTO, TOP: U.S. President Donald Trump speaks with House Freedom Caucus Chairman Mark Meadows (L) and House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R) behind him as Trump gathered with Congressional Republicans in the Rose Garden of the White House after the House of Representatives approved the American Healthcare Act, to repeal major parts of Obamacare and replace it with the Republican healthcare plan, in Washington, U.S., May 4, 2017. REUTERS/Carlos Barria
BEIRUT (AP) - Violence and conflict in the Middle East and North Africa threaten the lives of over 24 million children, most of them in Yemen, Iraq and Syria, the United Nation's children agency said in a report Wednesday.

From cholera in Yemen to attacks on hospitals in Syria and the tens of thousands of children trapped in Iraq's city of Mosul, UNICEF said the violence is depriving children of essential health care. Water and sanitation services have been compromised, causing waterborne diseases to spread while health care and nutritious food are insufficient to meet children's needs, it said.

"Violence is crippling health systems in conflict-affected countries and threatens children's very survival," said Geert Cappelaere, UNICEF's director for the Middle East and North Africa.

"Beyond the bombs, bullets and explosions, countless children are dying in silence from diseases that could easily be prevented and treated," he added.

The glaring figures reflect the enormity of the disaster. According to UNICEF, Yemen tops the list, with 9.6 million children in need, followed by Syria, Iraq, Sudan, the Gaza Strip and Libya.

Yemen's two-year conflict has pushed the impoverished country to the brink of famine, with widespread severe acute malnutrition among children.

In Syria, 5.8 million children are at risk, including more than 2 million who live under siege and in hard-to-reach areas with little to no humanitarian aid. Many do not have access to life-saving vaccinations and those who fall ill or are injured struggle to get treatment, UNICEF said.

In Iraq, water supplies in camps for the displaced around Mosul are stretched to the limit, with new families arriving daily, many with malnourished children, the statement added.

U.S.-backed Iraqi forces are closing in on the last neighborhoods held by the Islamic State group in western Mosul, nearly three years after the extremists overran almost a third of Iraq.
CANNES, France (AP) - Nicole Kidman criticized Hollywood's rate of hiring women directors and vowed to support female filmmakers at the Cannes Film Festival on Wednesday.

Kidman said that women "have to support female filmmakers - that's just a given now." She was speaking on behalf of Sofia Coppola's "The Beguiled," one of three films directed by women in competition for the Palme d'Or in Cannes.

"The Beguiled" is a remake of Don Siegel's 1971 film starring Clint Eastwood, but told from a female point of view. It's a Civil War thriller in which a wounded Union soldier is taken in by an all-girls school in Virginia.

Actress Nicole Kidman poses for photographers during the photo call for the film The Beguiled at the 70th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Wednesday, May 24, 2017. (Photo by Arthur Mola/Invision/AP)

Kidman noted that only 4 percent of major releases in 2016 were directed by women. Said Kidman: "Everyone keeps saying 'It's so different now. But it isn't."

Actress Nicole Kidman, from left, director Sofia Coppola and actress Kirsten Dunst pose for photographers during the photo call for the film The Beguiled at the 70th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Wednesday, May 24, 2017. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)
PITTSBURGH (AP) - The Latest on jury selection in Bill Cosby's sex assault case (all times local)

6 p.m.

All 12 jurors and six alternates have been chosen for the Pennsylvania jury that will hear Bill Cosby's sexual assault trial.

Bill Cosby, center, pauses in the courtyard as one of his attorneys Angela Agrusa, right, makes a statement to the media, as they arrive for the third day of jury selection in his sexual assault case at the Allegheny County Courthouse, Wednesday, May 24, 2017, in Pittsburgh. The case is set for trial June 5 in suburban Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

Two blacks are among the 12 people on the jury. The panel includes seven men and five women.

Five men and one woman will fill in as alternate jurors if needed.

Leaving the Pittsburgh courthouse Wednesday evening, Cosby thanked local residents and fans.

He goes on trial June 5 in suburban Philadelphia on charges he drugged and molested a woman in 2004.

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4:35 p.m.

The Pennsylvania jury that will hear the sex assault case against actor Bill Cosby will include two blacks among the 12 people on the panel.

Lawyers for the two sides have also agreed on three of the six alternates so far. Two of them are black. Cosby has said the case may have racial overtones.

Cosby's lawyers had complained this week that prosecutors were trying to keep blacks off the jury with their seven strikes. The judge found prosecutors had other valid reasons to strike two black women earlier this week.

The jury makeup is 17 percent black, higher than the 13 percent black population in Allegheny County.

The judge, meanwhile, removed a white male juror chosen Monday for undisclosed reasons. The person chosen to replace him is a white woman.

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1:10 p.m.

Half of the new jury pool being questioned in Pittsburgh in Bill Cosby's sex assault case says they've formed an opinion on his guilt or innocence.

That answer doesn't necessarily disqualify someone if they later persuade a judge they can put that aside and focus on the evidence.

Eleven jurors have been chosen so far for the case starting June 5 near Philadelphia.

Cosby's lawyers have complained about prosecutors striking two black women since only one black has made it onto the panel.

The judge is not yet convinced. Six of the 15 blacks dismissed from the initial jury pool this week were tossed based on their questionnaires. Others were sent home later because they had relatives who were crime victims, or an ill spouse or no one to watch their dog.

One person in Wednesday's jury pool says they know Cosby or his family.

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11:25 a.m.

The hunt is on for a 12th juror for Bill Cosby's sex assault trial from a new pool summoned to a Pittsburgh courtroom.

The pool of about 93 people appears to include eight black women and three black men.

Cosby's lawyers have accused prosecutors of trying to keep blacks off the jury after they struck two black women from the panel. However, the judge found their reasons weren't racially motivated.

The 11 jurors chosen so far include one black. That ratio nearly matches a 2015 census report that found 13 percent of Allegheny County residents identify as black.

Six alternate jurors are also needed.

The 48-question juror survey asks if the potential jurors have an opinion about Cosby's guilt but not if they were fans of his work.

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8:20 a.m.

Bill Cosby has arrived for the third day of jury selection in his Pennsylvania sex assault case.

Cosby arrived at the Allegheny County Courthouse in Pittsburgh just before 8 a.m. Wednesday.

The 79-year-old Cosby is accused of drugging and molesting a Temple University employee in 2004. Cosby has called the encounter consensual.

Cosby goes on trial June 5 in suburban Philadelphia. The jury from Pittsburgh will be sequestered nearly 300 miles from home.

Lawyers are bringing 100 new prospective jurors to the courthouse Wednesday. They hope to get the last regular juror and six alternates from this group.

The defense is crying foul after only one black person was seated among the first 11 jurors chosen.

Prosecutors say race was not a factor in their decision to strike two black women from the panel this week.

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12:00 a.m.

With just one black person seated among the first 11 jurors chosen for Bill Cosby's sexual assault trial, the defense is crying foul.

Prosecutors say race was not a factor in their decision to strike two black women from the panel this week. They say one was a former Pittsburgh police detective who sued the city after she was arrested in a public scandal.

Judge Steven O'Neill rejected the race bias argument, but said he would revisit the issue if the defense offered statistical evidence of any discrimination.

The lawyers return to court on Wednesday in Pittsburgh to pick a 12th juror and six alternates.

Cosby is accused of drugging and molesting a woman in 2004.

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This story has been corrected to show that lawyers hope to get six alternates, not two.

Bill Cosby, center, arrives with one of his attorneys Angela Agrusa, right, for the third day of jury selection in his sexual assault case at the Allegheny County Courthouse, Wednesday, May 24, 2017, in Pittsburgh. The case is set for trial June 5 in suburban Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

Bill Cosby, center, pauses in the courtyard as one of his attorneys Angela Agrusa, right, makes a statement to the media, as they arrive for the third day of jury selection in his sexual assault case at the Allegheny County Courthouse, Wednesday, May 24, 2017, in Pittsburgh. The case is set for trial June 5 in suburban Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

Bill Cosby pauses in the courtyard of the Allegheny County Courthouse as one of his attorneys makes a statement to the media, as they arrive for the third day of jury selection in his sexual assault case, Wednesday, May 24, 2017, in Pittsburgh. The case is set for trial June 5 in suburban Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

Bill Cosby, center, arrives for the third day of jury selection in his sexual assault case at the Allegheny County Courthouse, Wednesday, May 24, 2017, in Pittsburgh. The case is set for trial June 5 in suburban Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

Bill Cosby, center, arrives with one of his attorneys Angela Agrusa, right, for the third day of jury selection in his sexual assault case at the Allegheny County Courthouse, Wednesday, May 24, 2017, in Pittsburgh. The case is set for trial June 5 in suburban Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
KATHMANDU, Nepal (AP) - Nepal's prime minister announced his resignation Wednesday so the leader of his coalition partner party can succeed him, in line with an agreement between the two parties.

"With the pledge to continue working for the upliftment of the country and people as a politician, parliamentarian and citizen, I announce my resignation," Pushpa Kamal Dahal said in a speech broadcast over television.

He was to meet President Bidhya Devi Bhandari later Wednesday to formally hand over his resignation.

Nepalese Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal greets people as he arrives for a parliament session in Kathmandu, Nepal, Tuesday, May 23, 2017. Dahal has been the prime minister since Aug. 4, 2016. (AP Photo/Niranjan Shrestha)

Dahal of the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Center) became prime minister in August 2016 with the support of Nepali Congress, the country's largest party. The two parties agreed to switch prime ministers after nine months, when Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba would become Nepal's leader.

It will take weeks for Deuba to assume office, and Dahal will serve as acting prime minister in the interim.

The two parties have enough votes in parliament to obtain the simple majority vote needed to form a new coalition government.

During his time in office, Dahal was able to hold local elections to municipal and village councils for the first time in 20 years. There also was a slight improvement in Nepal's economy.

It was Dahal's second time as prime minister. He became prime minister in 2008 after his party won a majority of seats in an election. He resigned in protest when the president reinstated the army chief he had fired.

Dahal led a Maoist insurgency between 1996 and 2006, when they gave up their armed revolt and joined a United Nations-monitored peace process. The Maoists locked up their guns and their fighters were later integrated into the national army.

They contested the 2008 election and won the most seats, but dropped to third position in 2013 polls.

In the 10 years of fighting, more than 17,000 people were killed.
MADRID (AP) - Lionel Messi has lost his Supreme Court appeal over a tax-fraud conviction in Spain.

The court confirmed the 21-month prison sentence handed to Messi for defrauding tax authorities of 4.1 million euros ($4.6 million) from 2007-09. He is not expected to go to prison because sentences of less than two years for first offenses are usually suspended in Spain.

The court maintained the 2 million euro ($2.24 million) fine handed to the Argentina player in last year's trial.

FC Barcelona's Lionel Messi reacts at the end of the Spanish La Liga soccer match between FC Barcelona and Eibar at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona, Spain, Sunday, May 21, 2017. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)

Messi's father, Jorge Horacio Messi, also had been convicted of tax fraud, but the court reduced his sentence from 21 months to 15 months because he cooperated by returning the defrauded money to the tax authorities. He also is not expected to face prison time.

Barcelona said it was fully behind the player and his family.

"The club reiterates, once again, its full support for Leo Messi, his father Jorge Messi, and his family," Barcelona spokesman Josep Vives said in a statement. "Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu contacted the player's family to communicate this support. The family was very grateful, not only for today's gesture, but also for the support the player and his family have received from the club throughout this process. The Club will continue to stand with Leo Messi, his father, and his family."
BELGRADE, Serbia (AP) - A U.S. official on Wednesday urged vigilance over Russia's policies in the troubled Balkans, where Moscow has sought to increase its influence and undermine that of the West.

Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Hoyt Brian Yee said in Belgrade, the Serbian capital, that the United States will "strongly defend and protect" its interests and those of its allies.

"We, of course, remain hopeful that Russia will play a constructive role in the Balkans, as it has in the past, but we must remain vigilant, all of us, we believe, in watching what Russia is attempting to do," Yee said after meeting Serbia's Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic.

Hoyt Brian Yee, Deputy Assistant Secretary for European and Eurasian Affairs, responsible for U.S. relations with the countries of Central Europe and South Central Europe, speaks during a news conference after his meeting with Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic, in Belgrade, Serbia, Wednesday, May 24, 2017. Yee has urged vigilance about Russia's policies in the troubled Balkans where Moscow has sought to increase its influence and undermine that of the West. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

Yee singled out an attempted coup in Montenegro in October, allegedly organized by Russia to thwart the country's NATO bid, and Russia's energy policy in the region, which has countries relying solely on Russia's energy supplies.

"This is not to say that we assume bad intentions behind every gesture, but we do know from experience that the intentions behind many of Russia's moves are not good, are not consistent with the interests we believe are the interests of the countries in this region," Yee said.

He added that Serbia and other Balkan countries should boost reforms needed to join the European Union following the wars in the 1990s that crippled the region's economic development.

Vucic, who was traveling to Brussels later Wednesday for an EU-brokered meeting of Western Balkan leaders, said the main goal in the Balkans is to preserve the hard-won peace and stability.

Serbia is formally seeking EU membership but has recently shifted toward Russia, a traditional Orthodox Christian and Slavic ally.

Yee said what Russia is doing "bears close scrutiny."

"We very much believe it is very important to push back against misinformation, fake news, malign influence from Russia or any other external source, even as we seek forms of cooperation where we can," Yee said.

In Montenegro on Wednesday, a former Serbian police chief denied involvement in the alleged coup attempt in his first appearance before the court after being arrested on the eve of the Oct. 16 parliamentary elections.

Bratislav Dikic, the main suspect, said he "did not attempt to commit or committed any crime I was charged with."

___

Associated Press writer Predrag Milic in Podgorica, Montenegro contributed.

Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic, right, shakes hands with Hoyt Brian Yee, Deputy Assistant Secretary for European and Eurasian Affairs, responsible for U.S. relations with the countries of Central Europe and South Central Europe, in Belgrade, Serbia, Wednesday, May 24, 2017. Yee has urged vigilance about Russia's policies in the troubled Balkans where Moscow has sought to increase its influence and undermine that of the West. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

Hoyt Brian Yee, Deputy Assistant Secretary for European and Eurasian Affairs, responsible for U.S. relations with the countries of Central Europe and South Central Europe, arrives at a press conference after talks with Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic, rear, in Belgrade, Serbia, Wednesday, May 24, 2017. Yee has urged vigilance about Russia's policies in the troubled Balkans where Moscow has sought to increase its influence and undermine that of the West. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)

Hoyt Brian Yee, Deputy Assistant Secretary for European and Eurasian Affairs, responsible for U.S. relations with the countries of Central Europe and South Central Europe, listens as Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic speaks during a shared news conference, in Belgrade, Serbia, Wednesday, May 24, 2017. Yee has urged vigilance about Russia's policies in the troubled Balkans where Moscow has sought to increase its influence and undermine that of the West. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)
WASHINGTON (AP) - A lawsuit brought by Pvt. Chelsea Manning over the conditions of her confinement has been dismissed.

Manning, the Army soldier who was sentenced to 35 years in a military prison for giving classified materials to WikiLeaks, was released May 17 from lockup at Kansas' Fort Leavenworth after President Barack Obama commuted her sentence before leaving office.

One of her attorneys, Chase Strangio, wrote on Twitter on Monday that the case was dismissed because she is free. Strangio wrote: "She fought hard & we all benefited."

Manning sued in federal court in the District of Columbia in 2014, asking a judge to order the Defense Department to provide hormone therapy and other treatment for her gender identity condition. The Army ultimately allowed her to receive medical treatment for her gender dysphoria.
HELSINKI (AP) - A Finnish court has thrown out charges against Iraqi twin brothers of taking part in Islamic State-related killings of at least 11 unarmed soldiers.

The Pirkanmaa District Court says the two who were not identified, were set free on Wednesday.

The court in Tampere, southern Finland, said the evidence against them was too weak. It included testimonies from other asylum-seekers, a video footage of the massacre by IS militants and information from an Iraqi investigative commission.

State prosecutors had demanded life sentences and claimed the brothers took part in atrocities committed by IS militants at a military base outside Tikrit in June 2014 when some 1,700 Iraqi army soldiers were slain.

The brothers arrived in Finland in September 2015 and were arrested three months later.
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) - A Florida man told police he fatally shot his neo-Nazi roommates because he wanted to prevent a planned act of domestic terrorism.

Court documents filed Tuesday show that 18-year-old Devon Arthurs made the comment to police on Friday after leading officers to the bodies.

Arthurs, who told police he was a recent convert to Islam, said his roommates had disparaged his new religion and that their behavior also spurred his actions.

Investigators found bomb-making materials, Nazi propaganda and a framed photograph of Oklahoma City bomber Timothy McVeigh in the apartment with the bodies.

Also arrested was a fourth roommate, Brandon Russell, an active member of the Florida National Guard who police say admitted to being a neo-Nazi and who gathered the explosives.

A court hearing for Arthurs was postponed Wednesday.
While the world was agog at the news that President Trump had leaked sensitive, classified information to a Russian diplomat, the rightosphere was going bonkers over an old, dumb conspiracy theory that Seth Rich, a young DNC staffer who was murdered in DC, had been assassinated in retaliation for leaking DNC emails to Wikileaks.



Fox's Sean Hannity (previously) was a prime mover behind the story (which traumatized Rich's grieving parents), insisting that it was true despite the mountain of contradictory evidence.





Now, Fox has issued a rare, formal retraction, stating that the story "was not initially subjected to the high degree of editorial scrutiny we require for all our reporting."





But Hannity isn't buying it: he still insists it's true.



On May 16, a story was posted on the Fox News website on the investigation into the 2016 murder of DNC Staffer Seth Rich. The article was not initially subjected to the high degree of editorial scrutiny we require for all our reporting. Upon appropriate review, the article was found not to meet those standards and has since been removed. We will continue to investigate this story and will provide updates as warranted.



Statement on coverage of Seth Rich murder investigation

[Fox News]





(via Naked Capitalism)





(Image: Gage Skidmore, CC-BY-SA)
Pervert: Gynecologist Nikita Levy recorded over 1,300 sessions with patients. He killed himself after he was outed in 2013, and it has taken four years to finalize a settlement

More than 8,000 patients of a Johns Hopkins gynecologist who secretly recorded pelvic exams will soon receive their share of a $190 million settlement.

Approval was given on Monday for the final allocation, and checks ranging from around $1,900 to just under $28,000 will be mailed out on June 2.

The sexual abuse settlement came after gynecologist Dr Nikita Levy made the recordings at the Johns Hopkins East Baltimore Medical Center.

It has been described as the largest from a single perpetrator in US history, the Baltimore Sun reported.

The Johns Hopkins Health System fired Levy in 2013 after a co-worker alerted authorities about a pen-like camera he wore.

He had been working at the hospital for more than two decades, during which time he made around more than a thousand recordings of the exams he performed.

Levy killed himself days after he was fired, and when federal investigators raided his home, they found about 1,200 videos and 140 images on his computers. He was 54.

It took a year to agree a settlement between traumatized Johns Hopkins patients, and the years since then have been spent working out how the money will be divided.

Recordings: Levy used these mini cameras to record his patients. More than 8,000 patients have been awarded between $1,877 and $27,935 each, depending on their trauma

Each of the 8,000 women in the case had to be interviewed so that an appropriate sum could be granted to each.

They were placed in one of four categories, depending on the severity of their trauma.

The largest category was 'moderate' trauma, which contained about 4,738 women who will each receive a check for $21,500.

Bessie Smith, 29, was one of those most affected, according to lawyers; Levy had delivered her stillborn son in 2009 and the discovery of his crimes had added to her pain.

She said she no longer trusts doctors and will 'die on the streets before I go back to Johns Hopkins.'

And LaQuishia Johnson, 30, said that she had two strokes in 2015 because she was scared to go back to a doctor for treatment about her anxiety.

The initial awards, ranging from $1,750 to $26,048, were made in December, but around 2.8 per cent of the women appealed the sums.

Those figures were then increased to the current figures, which are between $1,876.77 and $27,934.93.

The immense size of the case is due to the fact that none of the women could be identified in the photos - so everyone treated by Levy could join the class action suit.

There were some 15,200 applications, of which some were duplicates, while others came from around 1,000 women who were never treated by Levy.

Levy, 54, graduated from the Weill Cornell Medical College in Manhattan, and completed his internship and residency at Kings County Hospital Center. He began working at Hopkins in 1988.

During his 25-year tenure, he saw roughly 12,600 patients.
AKRON, Ohio (AP) - An Ohio man accused of setting a house fire that killed seven of his neighbors has been denied bond at his first court appearance.

Stanley Ford, 58, appeared by video in court in Akron on Wednesday. He was calm as he had one charge of aggravated arson and seven charges of aggravated murder read out to him.

Judge Ann Marie O'Brien denied bond to Ford, citing "the potential risk to the community" and calling it one of the most tragic incidents in recent memory. Charges could be amended so that Ford faces the death penalty.

A balloon memorial sits outside the burnt home of a family that died in a fire in Akron, Ohio on Tuesday, May 23, 2017. Officials have arrested a man suspected of intentionally setting the fire. (AP Photo/Dake Kang)

Police arrested Ford on Tuesday. Court records did not show any previous criminal convictions in Akron.

Investigators aren't discussing a possible motive or what led them to Ford. Last Thursday, police executed a search warrant on a house Ford owns and one next door. He's accused of setting a fire on May 15 that killed a couple and five children.

Firefighters found the two-story home engulfed in flames when they arrived in the early morning hours last week. The house sat near the top of a winding street in a neighborhood of mostly clapboard houses.

Killed were 35-year-old Dennis Huggins, his partner, 38-year-old Angela Boggs, and five children: 14-year-old Jered Boggs, 6-year-old Daisia Huggins, 5-year-old Kylle Huggins, 3-year-old Alivia Huggins and 16-month-old Cameron Huggins.

A medical examiner said all seven died of smoke inhalation on the second floor. The loss of life equals the deadliest fire in Akron history.

Tony Huggins, brother of Dennis Huggins, said he had never seen Ford and didn't think anyone in his family knew Ford. Police said they didn't know of any relation between Ford and the victims other than they were neighbors. Neighbors described Ford as a "regular, nice, normal guy" who'd occasionally wave or chat briefly while mowing his lawn.

The fire happened a block from a home where a man and a woman died in an April 2016 fire that was investigated as a potential arson. No one was charged in that fire, and authorities said they are taking another look at it because of this recent blaze.

Angela Boggs' estranged husband was detained following the fire last week on a suspected parole violation. Police said Tuesday that he is not a suspect in the fire.

A public defender was appointed to represent Ford. He is due back in court on Thursday.

This undated photo released by the Akron Police Department on Tuesday, May 23, 2017 shows Stanley Ford. Investigators in Ohio have charged Ford with setting a house fire that killed two adults and five children last week. Akron police say they charged Ford with aggravated murder and arson on Tuesday. ( Akron Police Department via AP)
HARARE, Zimbabwe (AP) - Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe's daughter has been appointed to the country's censorship board.

The 27-year-old Bona Mugabe now will be part of an agency that polices what Zimbabweans can watch on their televisions or in public. This is her first active government job.

The censorship board has been known for banning films, documentaries and art perceived too sexually explicit or critical of the government. Its new chairman is a 78-year-old former cabinet minister currently in court after being accused by his son of using "bizarre" blood rituals to bewitch the family.

FILE -- In this Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2017 file photo Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe talks to his daughter Bona as he marks his 93rd birthday at his offices in Harare. Twenty-seven-year-old Bona Mugabe has been appointed to the country's censorship board and she will now be part of an agency that polices what Zimbabweans can watch on their televisions or in public. (AP Photo/Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi, File)

Bona Mugabe rarely speaks at public functions but has travelled with her 93-year-old father to Japan for a meeting with the prime minister in 2015. She also has accompanied him for medical check-ups in Singapore.
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) - Hulk scored one goal and helped create another Wednesday as Shanghai SIPG came back to beat Jiangsu Suning 2-1 in the first leg of the second round of the Asian Champions League.

The Brazilian, who joined Shanghai for about $60 million in 2016, equalized from the penalty spot in the 32nd minute. He then sent in a cross from the right for Uzbekistan international Odil Ahmedov to head in from close range in first-half injury time.

Roger Martinez had given Jiangsu the lead in the eighth minute after a defensive error.

Also, Jeju United beat Urawa Reds 2-0 in South Korea. Brazilian striker Marcelo put Jeju ahead in the seventh minute and Jin Seong-wook added the other in injury time.
BRASILIA, Brazil (AP) - Brazil's president ordered soldiers to restore order in the country's capital Wednesday after some government ministries were evacuated during clashes between police and protesters who are seeking the leader's ouster.

Tens of thousands of demonstrators marched to Congress to protest economic reforms that President Michel Temer is pushing through and to demand he step down amid a corruption scandal.

Scuffles between police and protesters who tried to jump a cordon mushroomed into a series of clashes in which officers fired tear gas and pepper spray to contain the crowd. Protesters set fires and used portable toilets as barricades.

Demonstrators clash with police during an anti-government protest in Brasilia, Brazil, Wednesday, May 24, 2017. Brazil's president ordered federal troops to restore order in the country's capital following the evacuation of some ministries during clashes between police and protesters who are seeking the leader's ouster. (AP Photo/Eraldo Peres)

Local media captured video images of military police firing pistols into the air. The Secretariat of Public Security issued a statement late Wednesday saying it would investigate the weapons firing, saying that "this procedure is not used in protests." Earlier, it said one person had been injured by a bullet but give no information on who fired the shot.

A fire broke out in the Ministry of Agriculture, and demonstrators smashed windows and doors at other ministries. Some government agencies were evacuated in response, the president's office said.

In a brief national address during the unrest, Defense Minister Raul Jungmann said troops were being sent to guard federal buildings, including the presidential palace. The weeklong deployment was authorized by a presidential decree which left open the possibility that soldiers could be used more widely in Brasilia. The decree said Jungmann would decide the scope.

"This mess, this mayhem is unacceptable," Jungmann said. "President Temer will not allow that."

Jungmann added that soldiers had already entered the Foreign Ministry, and televised images showed troops outside the presidential palace. In all, 1,500 will be deployed, the Defense Ministry said.

Temer is struggling to retain power after the release of a recording that appears to capture him approving hush money for a convicted former lawmaker. Brazil's top court is investigating him for alleged obstruction of justice and involvement in passive corruption. The president has denied wrongdoing and said he will not resign.

His unusual decision to call in the military could heighten anger against the government if it is seen as the last gasp of a president trying to maintain his hold on power.

"This decree was never used in this context to protect an administration that is politically isolated," said Newton de Oliveira, a professor and security specialist at Mackenzie University in Rio de Janeiro. He said he thought the supreme court might be called on to evaluate whether the move was constitutional.

Late Wednesday, Temer's office issued a statement saying the move was necessary after violence had put the lives and safety of public servants at risk. It said the president had determined that using the country's National Force, an elite police entity, would not have been sufficient. He also denied the move was unusual, it said.

"When order is re-established, the decree will be revoked," the statement said. "The president of the republic underscores that he will not hesitate to exercise the authority given to his office whenever it is necessary."

Already, many Brazilians see Temer as illegitimate because he came to office after his predecessor, Dilma Rousseff, was impeached and removed. His popularly only plummeted once he began governing as he tried to pass economic changes meant to jump start the economy, which is in a deep and protracted recession. A series of corruption allegations that have swirled around him and his administration also disillusioned voters.

Now, with the latest allegations against Temer himself, many Brazilians have had enough.

In the wake of the announcement on the use of the military, senior officials began distancing themselves from the decision.

"If this government cannot hold itself up, the armed forces will not hold up this government," said Sen. Renan Calheiros, who is the whip for Temer's party in the upper house but has increasingly challenged the president.

Rodrigo Maia, the speaker of the lower house of Congress, who had asked Temer to instead use the National Force, called the move "an excess" and said he hoped it wouldn't last longer than a day.

Sen. Romero Juca, a Temer ally, defended the president's decision, saying: "President Temer brought in the armed forces because a bunch of criminals were setting ministries on fire."

The pressure on Temer to resign continued to ratchet up Wednesday. Federal police asked the president to submit to questioning, his defense team said in a statement, but a supreme court justice later determined the police did not have the right to do that.

Temer also lost yet another aide when Sandro Mabel resigned Wednesday, saying he needs to spend more time with his family. He is the latest in a string of aides and allies who have resigned or been fired amid corruption allegations.

With Brazil deeply divided and a political crisis deepening, a session of the lower house of Congress became chaotic, with opposition politicians surrounding the speaker's desk in protest and holding signs saying Congress' workings should be transparent. The Senate's session also descended into chaos.

Several lawmakers have submitted requests for Temer's impeachment to the speaker and Maia has angered them by saying he would take his time to review the requests.

While Congress debated, 35,000 people were marching toward the chamber down a long avenue lined with the main government buildings, including the Supreme Court, the presidential palace and the ministries.

Protesters shouted "Out with Temer!" and carried signs calling for immediate direct presidential elections.

If Temer resigned, the Constitution says Congress would elect the next president, who would hold power for the rest of his term, which runs to the end of 2018. But many Brazilians, disgusted with the political class, want to vote themselves.

Protests in Rio de Janeiro against Temer and state austerity measures also descended into chaos, with demonstrators clashing with police.

___

Associated Press photographer Eraldo Peres reported this story in Brasilia and AP writer Mauricio Savarese reported from Rio de Janeiro. AP journalists Renata Brito and Yesica Fisch in Rio de Janeiro and Sarah DiLorenzo and Stan Lehman in Sao Paulo contributed to this report.

Demonstrators clash with police during an anti-government protest in Brasilia, Brazil, Wednesday, May 24, 2017. Brazil's president ordered federal troops to restore order in the country's capital following the evacuation of some ministries during clashes between police and protesters who are seeking the leader's ouster. (AP Photo/Eraldo Peres)

A demonstrator dressed in a black feathered costume holds a sign stating Brazil's President Michel Temer "get out", during an anti-government protest in Brasilia, Brazil, Wednesday, May 24, 2017. Temer's attempt to win back confidence and stay in power was undermined Tuesday as one aide was arrested in a fraud scheme, another aide turned over to police a bag full of cash and shouts of "down with Temer" led a Senate commission to suspend work on a package of the president's labor reforms. (AP Photo/Eraldo Peres)

Demonstrators torch the Ministry of Agriculture during an anti-government protest in Brasilia, Brazil, Wednesday, May 24, 2017. Brazil's president ordered federal troops to restore order in the country's capital following the evacuation of some ministries during clashes between police and protesters who are seeking the leader's ouster. (AP Photo/Eraldo Peres)

Demonstrators torch the Ministry of Agriculture during an anti-government protest in Brasilia, Brazil, Wednesday, May 24, 2017. Brazil's president ordered federal troops to restore order in the country's capital following the evacuation of some ministries during clashes between police and protesters who are seeking the leader's ouster. (AP Photo/Eraldo Peres)

Demonstrators trash the Ministry of Agriculture during an anti-government protest in Brasilia, Brazil, Wednesday, May 24, 2017. Brazil's president ordered federal troops to restore order in the country's capital following the evacuation of some ministries during clashes between police and protesters who are seeking the leader's ouster. (AP Photo/Eraldo Peres)

Demonstrators ransack the Ministry of Science and Technology during an anti-government protest in Brasilia, Brazil, Wednesday, May 24, 2017. Brazil's president ordered federal troops to restore order in the country's capital following the evacuation of some ministries during clashes between police and protesters who are seeking the leader's ouster. (AP Photo/Eraldo Peres)

Mounted police charge demonstrators during an anti-government protest in Brasilia, Brazil, Wednesday, May 24, 2017. Brazil's president ordered federal troops to restore order in the country's capital following the evacuation of some ministries during clashes between police and protesters who are seeking the leader's ouster. (AP Photo/Eraldo Peres)

A demonstrator clashes with a police officer during an anti-government protest in Brasilia, Brazil, Wednesday, May 24, 2017. Brazil's president ordered federal troops to restore order in the country's capital following the evacuation of some ministries during clashes between police and protesters who are seeking the leader's ouster. (AP Photo/Eraldo Peres)

Demonstrators clash with police next to a sign used as a shield with text written in Portuguese that reads "Direct Elections Now" during an anti-government protest in Brasilia, Brazil, Wednesday, May 24, 2017. Brazil's president ordered federal troops to restore order in the country's capital following the evacuation of some ministries during clashes between police and protesters who are seeking the leader's ouster. (AP Photo/Eraldo Peres)

Demonstrators take part in a protest against Brazil's President Michel Temer in Brasilia, Brazil, Wednesday, May 24, 2017. Temer's attempt to win back confidence and stay in power was undermined Tuesday as one aide was arrested in a fraud scheme, another aide turned over to police a bag full of cash and shouts of "down with Temer" led a Senate commission to suspend work on a package of the president's labor reforms. (AP Photo/Eraldo Peres)

Demonstrators take part in a mock funeral for Brazil's President Michel Temer, during an anti-government protest in Brasilia, Brazil, Wednesday, May 24, 2017. Temer's attempt to win back confidence and stay in power was undermined Tuesday as one aide was arrested in a fraud scheme, another aide turned over to police a bag full of cash and shouts of "down with Temer" led a Senate commission to suspend work on a package of the president's labor reforms. (AP Photo/Eraldo Peres)
PESHAWAR, Pakistan (AP) - A Pakistani government official says a suspected U.S. drone strike has targeted a compound in Afghanistan, killing three local Taliban militants.

Kamran Afridi, an official in the Pakistani border town of Miran Shah, says the strike took place Wednesday just across the Afghan border in the village of Gurowek in Khost province.

A Taliban commander who identified himself as Abdullah Waziristani confirmed the attack, saying the targeted compound belonged to a local Taliban commander. There was no immediate confirmation from inside Khost province.
CHICAGO (AP) - Suddenly jobless and with small children to support, Jose Victor Camargo without hesitation cashed out a retirement account he had with his former employer.

That was more than a decade ago, and the father of three used the money to pay for rent and stay afloat until he found another job. "We are always in need, so I used the money," he said in Spanish. "We were struggling. We tried to make the money stretch."

An Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll found that older Latinos are more likely than older whites or older blacks to say they've had to withdraw or borrow money from a retirement account - 34 percent for Latinos compared with 24 percent for whites and 25 percent for blacks.

A third of all respondents who said they withdrew money from a retirement account indicated they used the money to pay monthly bills including rent and utilities, the poll found.

Camargo, 60, is now working in a restaurant earning California's minimum wage. While it's difficult for him to save for retirement, he is making an effort to keep his new 401(k) account intact. But more than half of his income goes to pay for rent and the rest goes to cover basic expenses, making it almost impossible to plan for retirement.

"We are living check to check," he said. "I wish I could save more but I don't have enough."

Ernest Gonzales, sociology professor at Boston University, said Latinos don't have any savings, which means an unforeseen event, such as job loss or medical emergency can be devastating.

"Latinos are using retirement accounts for emergencies," said Gonzales, who has done research on aging and economic disparities.

Gonzales said the problem goes beyond poor financial literacy and planning. Pay disparity plays a big role in Latinos' ability to save, because their paychecks often barely cover living expenses. Hispanic men earn 69 percent of white men's earnings in 2015, according to the Pew Research Center.

Only 1 in 3 native-born and immigrant Latinos has a retirement plan through their employers, in large measure because these workers are often employed in jobs that don't provide retirement plans, such as low-wage service jobs.

But even if an employer offers a savings plan the participation rate is still lower, 44 percent, compared to 60 percent for white or black workers, according to a 2008 report by the Employee Benefit Research Institute.

Gonzales said making contributions to retirement accounts automatically rather than as an option would increase participation rates. He said economically vulnerable workers, Latinos among them, would benefit from financial literacy classes in order to help them save for retirement. In his research, he finds that the best way to teach those skills is by having group classes or informal seminars. These teaching styles increase participation rates.

"We can have an argument about personal responsibility but it has societal repercussions," he said, about the lack of savings for retirement among this population. "Financial hardships lead to a great deal of stress especially among women. That stress has significant health consequences."

He said he believes making sure the aging communities are doing well is a social responsibility.

"We aren't doing a good job," he said. "It raises the question about the role and responsibility of government and employers."

The survey was conducted Feb. 14 through March 13 by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research with funding from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.

It involved interviews in English and Spanish with 1,683 people aged 50 and older nationwide who are members of NORC's probability-based AmeriSpeak panel, which is designed to be representative of the U.S. population. It includes oversamples of 332 African Americans and 308 Hispanics. Results from the full survey have a margin of sampling error of plus or minus 3.0 percentage points.

___

EDITOR'S NOTE - Maria Ines Zamudio is studying aging and workforce issues as part of a 10-month fellowship at The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, which joins NORC's independent research and AP journalism. The fellowship is funded by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.

___

Online:

AP-NORC: http://www.apnorc.org/
WARSAW, Poland (AP) - Poland's prime minister is citing the attack in Manchester to reinforce her government's opposition to a European Union plan to share migrants.

Beata Szydlo spoke Wednesday ahead of a parliament vote in which the opposition sought in vain to oust Defense Minister Antoni Macierewicz.

She praised Macierewicz, saying he wants a strong army capable of opposing threats that include terrorism.

Polish Prime Minister Beata Szydlo speaks in the Polish parliament during a debate on a vote to dismiss Defense Minister Antoni Macierewicz, in Warsaw, Poland, Wednesday, May 24, 2017. Szydlo said that Poland cannot be blackmailed by "Brussels elites" to accept migrants. (AP Photo/Alik Keplicz)

Citing security reasons, her government is rejecting EU pressure for Poland to take in a number of migrants.

She said Poland "will not participate in the Brussels elites' folly."

Concerning the attack in which a Polish couple died, she asked: "Where are you headed, Europe? Rise from your knees and from your lethargy, or you will be crying over your children every day."
WASHINGTON (AP) - Federal safety regulators are telling airlines to remove a certain type of seat from their planes, saying the seat could cause neck injuries during otherwise survivable crash landings.

The order covers 10,482 seats used mostly on mostly smaller regional jets. Airlines will have five years to remove the seats.

The FAA proposed the action last year and made it final on Wednesday.

The FAA says the seats can slide forward in crashes and cause passengers' heads to slide down the back of the seats in front of them, hitting their chins on the tray tables.

Zodiac Seats California, the seat maker, and two companies that use the seats in their planes, Canada's Bombardier and Brazil's Embraer, argued that the order was based on limited research. Delta Air Lines called for more testing.

Zodiac, Bombardier, regional airline SkyWest and others protested that the FAA underestimated the cost of removing 10,482 seats, which the FAA put at $890,970.

The seats have been installed on planes including some models of Boeing 717s and MD-90s, Bombardier Series 900s, and Embraer 190s and ERJ 170s.

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The rule can be found at http://bit.ly/2qWfYQT
WASHINGTON (AP) - Veterans Affairs Secretary David Shulkin touted new efforts Wednesday to expand urgent mental health care to thousands of former service members with less-than-honorable discharges, even while acknowledging his department isn't seeking additional money to pay for it.

Testifying at a House hearing, Shulkin offered new details on his initiative announced in March to stem stubbornly high rates of suicide. Stressing a need at that time for "bold action," he noted the additional coverage would help former service members who are more likely to have mental health distress. Of the 20 veterans who take their lives each day, about 14 had not been connected to VA care.

There are more than 500,000 former service members with other-than-honorable discharges. Still, Shulkin indicated there won't be much additional spending to pay for the medication, lab work, case management and psychotherapy now being covered.

FILE- In this April 27, 2017, photo, Veterans Affairs Secretary David Shulkin speaks at the Department of Veterans Affairs in Washington. The House approved legislation Tuesday, May 23, to cut the time it takes for the Department of Veterans Affairs to handle appeals from veterans unhappy with their disability payouts. The bill would overhaul the current VA appeals process, long described by Shulkin and his predecessors as "broken." (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, File)

"There is no higher priority, so we will do this within the funding the president has proposed," Shulkin told the House Veterans' Affairs Committee. He did not indicate what other programs could be cut.

"We are not going to let the fact there are not additional monies right now to prevent us from offering these additional services," Shulkin said.

It was one of several gaps in the VA's proposed budget that Shulkin acknowledged Wednesday. He also said a massive appeals backlog of more than 400,000 claims from veterans unhappy with their disability payouts will still take nearly 10 years to resolve, even with legislation the House passed on Tuesday. The measure aims to streamline the process, because the budget proposal doesn't currently account for that. "I don't really have an answer for you on that backlog," he said, citing a "new injection of funding to hire more lawyers and support staff" that would be otherwise needed.

Shulkin, meanwhile, announced plans to set up a White House telephone hotline to receive veterans' complaints about the VA, a key campaign promise from President Donald Trump. Shulkin said a "soft launch" was planned June 1, with "the full White House system" operating by the end of August. During the campaign, Trump had pledged "a private White House hotline," answered by a real person 24 hours a day, to make sure no complaint "falls through the cracks."

"It's going to happen, because the president has committed it's going to happen," Shulkin told lawmakers, adding the VA was now contracting with professional call centers. He did not provide an estimate on expected costs.

Beginning this summer, veterans with "other than honorable" discharges from the military would be able to receive urgent mental health care at a VA emergency room, outpatient clinic or Vet Center. They can also get help by calling the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 and pressing 1, or texting 838255. "Other than honorable" discharges are typically for misconduct, such as violence or use of illegal drugs, and can prevent veterans from receiving federal benefits.

That proposed program has already stirred questions about scope and cost.

A group of Senate Democrats led by Montana's Jon Tester asked Shulkin in a letter in March to detail the new services and their cost, noting that treatment at VA emergency rooms is already offered to any veteran. The senators said Shulkin's policy announcement was raising "more questions than answers for veterans in crisis."

Rep. Charlie Dent, R-Pa., who chairs an appropriations panel, also has questioned Shulkin about the potential price tag, wondering aloud at a hearing earlier this month how the VA could fit "added costs into your budget, when you're obviously already struggling to cover expenses for your current VA patients." Shulkin said he didn't care about costs, but then responded that he had no plans to ask for more money.

While as many as 500,000 former service members have "other than honorable" discharges, the VA says it believes a smaller number at risk of suicide will seek urgent treatment and it will only provide emergency care - not preventative mental health services. The Army has dismissed at least 22,000 combat veterans diagnosed with mental health disabilities or traumatic brain injury for alleged misconduct since 2009.

Pressed by lawmakers Wednesday, Shulkin agreed to take a second look at what other coverage he can provide.

Shulkin was addressing suicide prevention as he urged Congress to approve Trump's budget proposal, which calls for a 3.7 percent increase in total VA funding.

The proposal includes $8.4 billion for veterans' mental health services, an increase of 6 percent from 2017. The VA hopes to hire 1,000 more mental health providers and establish hubs in rural areas to provide veterans with mental health assistance by phone. It also launched a new predictive model to analyze veterans' health records to identify and reach out to those at risk.

"Suicide prevention is VA's highest clinical priority," Shulkin said.

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Follow Hope Yen on Twitter at https://twitter.com/hopeyen1
For four years, photographer Louis-Marie Preau would lie motionless underwater for hours at a time to get this perfect shot of a Eurasian beaver carrying a branch back to its lodge.

Equally as impressive as Preau's efforts were the efforts to pull these delightful creatures back from near extinction. Via bioGraphic:

Prized for both their fur and their castoreuma scent-gland secretion once believed to cure everything from headaches to hysteria, Eurasian beavers were nearly hunted to extinction by the middle of the 19th century. In France, the species (Castor fiber) was nearly wiped out entirely, with the exception of a small population of about 100 individuals in the lower Rhone valley. But a combination of local hunting prohibitions and reintroduction programs brought these animals back from the brink, and there are now more than 14,000 beavers in the country.

 Mealtime Swim (bioGraphic via TreeHugger)
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) - When police pulled over a Tennessee couple and told them a body was lying on the trunk of their car, they thought it was a joke - until they got out to look.

They found an unconscious man who had somehow remained on the trunk for about 14 miles (23 kilometers).

Driver Carl Webb told reporters he had left the Memphis in May barbeque festival before the officer pulled them over Thursday evening.

The officer asked him if he knew there was a person on his trunk, a question that didn't make sense to Webb at first.

"He goes, 'Mister, I'm not messing with you. There is a body on your trunk.' So I got out, we walked around and sure enough there he was, still hanging on, still unconscious, just laying there."

Webb says there's a slight lip on the trunk that likely saved the man's life.

Memphis police say in a statement that Officer Benjamin Huff noticed what appeared to be a man on the black Ford Taurus traveling about 65 mph down an expressway and pulled the car over. After alerting the couple he woke the man, who was disoriented and did not remember leaving the festival.

No charges were filed. Police did not explain how the man remained unconscious on the trunk, but credited the officer with possibly saving a life.

"There is no doubt Officer Huff prevented a tragedy that would have resulted in serious bodily injuries or could have easily been fatal," police said.
NEW YORK (AP) - Zika began spreading in Florida mosquitoes about three months before infections showed up in the Miami area last summer, and the virus likely was carried in by travelers from the Caribbean, new research suggests.

Mosquitoes there started picking up the virus from infected travelers as early as March last year, according to scientists who examined genetic information from samples from about 30 people with Zika as well as from mosquitoes. It wasn't until July that Florida health officials said they had detected a local infection - the first in the U.S. mainland. Mosquitoes spread Zika by biting someone who's infected, then biting another person.

The bugs may have been causing infections in Miami as early as March, too, said researcher Kristian Anderson of the Scripps Research Institute in La Jolla, California. But there were likely few cases before July, and it's not clear any of them sought treatment, he said.

FILE - In this Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2016 file photo, Aedes Aegypti mosquito larvae swim in a container at the Florida Mosquito Control District Office in Marathon, Fla. A study released on Wednesday, May 24, 2017 suggests Zika began spreading in Florida mosquitoes about three months before infections showed up in the Miami area in the summer of 2016, and the virus likely was carried in by travelers from the Caribbean. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee, File)

Most people infected with Zika don't get sick. It can cause a mild illness, with fever, rash and joint pain. But infection during pregnancy can lead to severe brain-related birth defects in babies.

Anderson said it likely took mosquitoes biting 30 to 40 infected travelers to produce the outbreak that flared last year in Florida. Most of the 256 cases reported in the Florida outbreak did not occur until late summer, he added. Health officials declared Miami-Dade County clear of continuing Zika infections by December, though isolated infections have continued, including this year.

Texas is the only other state that had homegrown Zika cases last year. All the other Zika cases in the U.S. have been connected to travel to areas with recent large outbreaks, mostly to South America and the Caribbean.

Zika that spread in Florida mosquitoes mainly came from the Caribbean, the genetic information studied indicated. About 3 million travelers arrived in Miami from the Caribbean during the first half of 2016. About 2.4 million of them came on cruise ships, but it's not clear that cruise ship passengers were the main spark in the Florida outbreak, Andersen said.

The Florida research was one of three papers on Zika published Wednesday in the journal Nature. The two others concluded there was a lag of six to 12 months between Zika's arrival and its detection in Brazil in 2015 and other parts of South America.

Screening efforts using new technologies - if developed further - could change that, wrote the University of Arizona's Michael Worobey, in an editorial accompanying the Zika articles.

"We should be detecting such outbreaks within days or weeks" and not months or years, he wrote.

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Online:

Journal: http://www.nature.com
PHILADELPHIA (AP) - A Philadelphia man who was exonerated of murder has been released from prison after 24 years.

Shaurn Thomas' conviction was removed during a hearing Tuesday, and he was released from the prison in Frackville that night.

The 43-year-old says he got to use a cellphone for the first time and plans to eat the Ultimate Feast at Red Lobster as his first meal.

Attorney Marissa Bluestine Legal Director of the Pennsylvania Innocence Project hugs Shaurn Thomas leaving Frackville Correctional Institution on Tuesday, May 23, 2017, in Frackville, Pa. Thomas was exonerated after spending 24 years in prison. (Steven M. Falk/The Philadelphia Inquirer via AP)

Thomas was convicted of participating in the slaying of a businessman who was shot in 1990 while taking $25,000 to a check-cashing store.

Thomas claimed he was at a hearing on the day of the killing.

The jury wasn't swayed, and he earned a life sentence in 1993.

Thomas says he doesn't hold a grudge and never lost faith he would be freed.

Shaurn Thomas speaks to the media as from left, his mother Hazeline, attorney James Figorski, fiance Stephonie Long, and Marissa Bluestine legal Director of the Pennsylvania Innocence Project listen on Tuesday, May 23, 2017, in Frackville, Pa. Thomas was exonerated after spending 24 years in prison. (Steven M. Falk/The Philadelphia Inquirer via AP)
JERUSALEM (AP) - Israel's defense minister appears to have confirmed his country's intelligence was leaked by President Donald Trump during a meeting with Russian officials this month.

When asked about the affair in a radio interview, Avigdor Lieberman said Israel made a "specific correction" in its dealings with the U.S.

It was the first comment by a senior Israeli official on the matter. U.S. officials have said Trump shared Israeli intelligence in a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Trump said while visiting Israel this week that he didn't mention Israel by name in the meeting.

"Everything we needed to clarify with our friends in the United States was done," Lieberman said in an Army Radio interview. "We made clarifications."

He provided no further details, but touted "unprecedented" intelligence cooperation with Washington.
Police say an officer responding to a 911 call in Ohio shot and killed a man who was holding an 18-year-old woman by the neck.

Canton's police chief says the man refused to let go and moved like he was going to hurt the woman before an officer shot him in the head early Wednesday.

Police identified the man as 24-year-old Hayden Stutz.

Police Chief Bruce Lawver says Stutz had said several times that he had a pistol and he didn't care what happened.

Authorities did not find a gun at the scene, according to The Repository.

Court records say Stutz was released from jail Monday and due in court Wednesday on a disorderly conduct charge.

Hayden Stutz (above), 24, was shot and killed by police after he said several times that he had a pistol while holding his 18-year-old girlfriend against her will in Canton, Ohio, on Wednesday

Police bodycam footage shows Stutz holding his girlfriend just outside his father's house in Canton early Wednesday morning

Police in North Canton say Stutz was arrested Monday at a park where he was challenging people to fight.

'He was saying some really off-the-wall stuff,' the acting North Canton police chief, John Minock, said.

'[It was] mostly erratic behavior and trying to Snapchat everything. He was challenging some people to fight and taking video.'

Minock said that Stutz admitted to smoking marijuana.

When he refused police orders to let his girlfriend go free, an officer shot him in the head thinking that he was reaching for a pistol he claimed to have

Moments before the shooting, Stutz is heard on the 911 call saying he has asthma.

He asks police to provide an inhaler, an ambulance, and a fire truck.

Stutz also claims to have a pistol, saying that the weapon is 'actually on me.

'I don't do well around cops, for real,' he is heard saying on the 911 call.

The officers who responded to the scene did not know that Stutz was bluffing.

When a female officer arrives on the scene, Stutz, who still has his girlfriend in his grasp, is heard on the police body camera saying: 'Tell him to stay right (expletive) there.'

Stutz hangs up from the dispatcher.

When he tells the officer that he needs an inhaler, she responds: 'We'll have to call an ambulance for you, hon. OK?'

At this point, the officer invites Stutz to sit down.

Stutz then asks if he can sit with his girlfriend.

'Sure,' the officer tells him. 'Whatever makes you comfortable. OK? ... Just stay away from the pistol.'

The cop then yells at Stutz: 'Stay away from the pistol.'

'He's going for the gun!' the officer says.

The other office who also arrived on the scene then orders Stutz to release the woman.

On Monday, Stutz was arrested for disorderly conduct after witnesses said he challenged a number of them to a fight while uttering obscenities

'Officers attempted to get the suspect to release the victim,' Lawver said.

'However, the suspect refused and made several movements indicating he was going to inflict serious physical harm to the victim.

'During the exchange an officer approached the suspect and fired one shot, striking the suspect in the head.'

Stutz was rushed to hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The girlfriend was interviewed by police after the incident.

In tears, she told officers that Stutz 'just started freaking out' as they sat together on the porch of his father's home.

'This is his dad's house,' she told police.

'I don't know if he got locked out or what. He said he needed my phone.'

She said Stutz was diagnosed three years ago with a bipolar disorder.

She also referred to the arrest in North Canton as a 'psychotic incident.'

The two officers who responded to the scene have been placed on administrative leave pending a review.

Lawver said he believes the officers acted appropriately within the rules of engagement.
NEW YORK (AP) - A Washington consultant, three hedge fund workers and a government employee were blamed Wednesday by federal prosecutors for an insider trading scheme that converted government secrets into hedge fund profits.

Four were arrested on conspiracy, securities fraud and other charges contained in an indictment unsealed in Manhattan federal court while it was revealed that a fifth person has already pleaded guilty and is cooperating.

Acting U.S. Attorney Joon H. Kim said the defendants used "highly sensitive and confidential information" from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, to enable three hedge fund workers to make over $3.5 million illegally for their company from 2012 through 2014. The Securities and Exchange Commission said the profits reached $3.9 million.

"Just like trading on material nonpublic corporate information can be a federal crime, so can trading based on secret government information," Kim said.

Those charged included David Blaszczak, 41, of Isle of Palms, South Carolina, a consultant at several Washington, D.C.-based firms that in return for a fee provide so-called political intelligence such as analysis about how changes in government reimbursement rates would affect publicly traded healthcare-related companies, prosecutors said. A lawyer for Blaszczak did not immediately comment.

Before he became a consultant, Blaszczak worked at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services as a special assistant to the CMS administrator, prosecutors said.

Authorities said he remained friends with CMS employee Christopher Worrall, who fed him secrets while working in the director's office as a special assistant. Lawyers for Worrall, 39, of Linthicum Heights, Maryland, declined comment.

The SEC complaint said Blaszczak bragged about his access to information from inside CMS, saying in one email that another analyst's predictions differed from his because his competitor "doesn't know anyone at cms. His guesses are just wild random guesses."

According to court papers, Blaszczak fed government secrets to three hedge fund employees at Deerfield Management Co.: Theodore Huber, 55, of Westport, Connecticut, Robert Olan, 46, of Rumson, New Jersey, and Jordan Fogel. The former partners and analysts at Deerfield were arrested Wednesday, except for Fogel, who has pleaded guilty, prosecutors said.

Attorney Marc Mukasey, representing Fogel, said: "Jordan is looking forward to resolving this matter and moving on."

Attorney Barry Berke, representing Huber, said his client "did absolutely nothing wrong."

"At all times, his research was based on detailed and rigorous analysis as well as the type of information regularly and properly relied upon by institutional investors in evaluating health care and medical companies," Berke said in a statement. "Mr. Huber and his counsel look forward to his day in court where it will be shown that this prosecution is an ill-advised attempt to transform entirely innocent research and trading into a crime."

A lawyer for Olan did not immediately return a message.

In a statement, Deerfield said it "is committed to maintaining a strict culture of compliance and the highest ethical standards. We are cooperating fully with the government's investigation."
NEW YORK (AP) - The Trump Organization will not ask guests at its hotels and resorts if they are using money from foreign governments to pay their bills, setting up a possible showdown with Democrats accusing the president of violating the U.S. Constitution.

In a nine-page pamphlet made public Wednesday, the Trump Organization said that it would be "impractical" to identify all guests using foreign government money. Asking guests to identify themselves, it added, would "impede upon personal privacy and diminish the guest experience of our brand."

The company said that it will tally up only money it takes in from those who have specifically identified themselves as working for a foreign government entity.

FILE - This Monday, Sept. 12, 2016, file photo, shows the exterior of the Trump International Hotel in downtown Washington. The Trump Organization says it will not ask guests at its hotels and resorts if they are using money from foreign governments to pay their bills, setting up a possible showdown with Democrats who accuse the president of violating the U.S. Constitution. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais, File)

The statement is the first from the company to detail how it will handle foreign government business at its properties. Critics say that by not selling off his hotels and resorts, President Donald Trump is opening himself up to bribes from foreign governments. His new luxury Washington, D.C., hotel down the street from the Oval Office has been a popular venue for diplomats.

Before taking office, Trump promised to donate profits from foreign governments using his properties to the U.S. Treasury. A lawyer representing the Trump Organization, Sheri Dillon, had described the offer as beyond what is necessary, a way to allay concerns that Trump - wittingly or not - may profit from the presidency.

Democrats slammed the Trump Organization's latest statement.

Rep. Elijah Cummings of Maryland, the ranking Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, said the statement raises "grave concerns" about whether the president is violating the Constitution. Another Maryland Democrat, Rep. John Sarbanes, said the statement makes a "mockery" of the Constitution by putting "the guest experience" before the law.

The "emoluments clause" of the Constitution says the president may not accept foreign gifts or payments without the consent of Congress. But just what the framers meant by a gift or payment is hotly disputed. The Trump Organization maintains the clause does not apply to "fair value exchanges" in which people pay for a service, like the use of a hotel room.

The pamphlet came in response to a request last month from the House Oversight Committee for more detail from the Trump Organization on how it will identify foreign government payments, how profits from those payments will be calculated, how they will be donated and whether Trump or his trust plans to claim the donations for tax deduction purposes.

In the pamphlet, the company emphasized the difficulty of identifying foreign government payments given that some could come from foreign owned or controlled companies or investment funds. It also noted some of its business is from walk-in customers to its restaurants and shops, not registered guests.

To check for foreign government payments, the company said it will look at the bills it sends, contracts signed for hosting groups and payments from "reasonably identifiable foreign entities."

It added that it is not its policy to "attempt to identify individual travelers who have not specifically identified themselves as being a representative of a foreign government entity on foreign government business."

As for "profit," the Trump Organizations says it will define it according to industry standards as established by the Uniform System of Accounts for the Lodging Industry. It also said it will make the payments to the U.S. Treasury annually at the end of its fiscal year.

Trump stepped down from his family company before taking office but still maintains financial ties to it.

In a letter to the Trump Organization, Cummings asked the company for more details and that it brief the Oversight Committee by June 2.
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) - Though a judge deemed her mentally unfit to stand trial fourteen months ago, Jennifer Lampkin is still sitting in an Austin jail cell because there are no free spots for her at the state's psychiatric hospitals.

Lampkin, 35, has both intellectual disabilities and a mental illness, and without treatment, the court couldn't reassess her competency to stand trial on an assault charge for allegedly slapping a child, which might at least allow her case to progress.

"I don't think she understands why she remains in jail," said her attorney, Elsie Craven. "She's stressed because she doesn't know what's going to happen. I don't believe she's getting the treatment she needs. How could she? She's in jail."

This undated photo provided by the Austin Police Department shows Jennifer Lampkin. Lampkin, a 35-year-old Austin, Texas native, has spent over a year in county jail, waiting for treatment in a mental hospital after she was accused of slapping a young girl in a Dollar General store but deemed both mentally ill and intellectually disabled by a judge. She is one of hundreds of Texans jailed rather than placed in a mental hospitals despite being deemed incompetent for trial and in need of psychological treatment. (Austin Police Department via AP)

Lampkin is one of hundreds of mentally ill Texas inmates who have been stuck in jail for months waiting for a spot at one of the state's overcrowded and understaffed mental hospitals. Though such problems aren't unique to Texas, its inmates face among the nation's longest waits to receive psychiatric treatment and the problem is only getting worse despite recent efforts to improve the situation.

The average wait for a maximum security inmate to get in-patient psychiatric treatment has nearly doubled in the past two years, to 127 days, according to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission.

For inmates like Lampkin with intellectual disabilities and a mental illness, the average wait is more than three times as long, at 417 days. That's partly because the state only has one unit dedicated to the treatment of such inmates, said Beth Mitchell, the supervising attorney for the advocacy group Disability Rights Texas.

"People who are charged but not convicted are supposed to be let out on bond," said Mitchell, whose group has a class-action lawsuit pending against the state that argues the long waits are unconstitutional. "But in this case, these people can't get put out on bond because they don't have the capacity to agree to bond."

Texas had the fourth-longest waits among states for inmates to receive psychiatric treatment, according to a 2016 survey by the Treatment Advocacy Center, a Virginia-based group dedicated to getting treatment for the mentally ill. Since then, Texas' average treatment delay has increased by more than 50 days, according to the state's own figures.

"Texas is unique in that there have been multiple lawsuits dealing with this issue and it is still coming up," said John Snook, executive director of the Treatment Advocacy Center. "Texas has been struggling for years to effectively address this problem."

The state has tried to improve the situation in the past couple of years and the Legislature plans to allocate more funds for mental health before its current session ends Monday. But thus far, the efforts have only helped to slow a worsening problem, not reverse its course.

Since ranking last in the nation in per resident mental health spending in 2009, Texas increased funding in recognition that it had a problem. In 2015, during the last legislative session, lawmakers allocated an additional $50 million to pay for the treatment of non-inmate mentally ill patients at private hospitals, which would open up spots in state-run facilities that can treat mentally ill inmates.

Although state mental hospitals went from housing 1,144 inmates in 2015 to 1,239 at the start of this year, the increase hasn't kept pace with the pace of Texas' population growth, said Four Price, a Republican state representative from Amarillo who has pushed for more funding for the treatment of mental illness.

Price said it's important for the state to identify and treat the mentally ill before they get arrested, as once they end up in the criminal justice system, they typically have more serious mental illnesses that require longer hospital stays.

"In the past we were trying to build more hospital capacity, but we want to add to that more effort on the front end," said Price, who is pushing for more preventive services, including outpatient treatment and community mental health services . Currently individuals often seek help in the community or in state mental hospitals, only to be turned away because of a lack of space, advocates said.

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Follow Meredith Hoffman on Twitter at https://twitter.com/merhoffman
CHICAGO (AP) - A grand jury has formally indicted a Chicago man charged in the fatal shooting of a Cook County judge last month.

The Chicago Tribune (http://trib.in/2qlcWS6 ) reports that during a hearing Wednesday, prosecutors said 45-year-old Earl Wilson was indicted on 27 counts in the April 10 slaying of Judge Raymond Myles. The charges include first-degree murder, attempted murder, aggravated battery, armed robbery and unlawful restraint.

The man who was allegedly Wilson's getaway driver - 37-year-old Joshua T. Smith - has already been indicted on two counts of first-degree murder and one count each of armed robbery and aggravated unlawful restraint.

Prosecutors say Wilson allegedly shot Myles' girlfriend in the leg outside the judge's Chicago home. Myles was shot several times when he came outside and confronted the gunman.

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Information from: Chicago Tribune, http://www.chicagotribune.com
TRENTON, N.J. (AP) - Johnson & Johnson has reached a $33 million settlement with 42 states, resolving allegations the health care giant sold nonprescription medicines that didn't meet federal quality requirements.

The settlement was announced Wednesday by attorneys general from the states. The case dates to 2009, when Johnson & Johnson began dozens of voluntary recalls of popular over-the-counter medicines for children and adults, including Tylenol, Motrin and Benadryl.

Those and several other products made at J&J factories in Puerto Rico and suburban Philadelphia were recalled for issues including unpleasant smells that nauseated some consumers, tiny metal shards in liquid medicines and wrong ingredient levels. Many products weren't available in stores for several years, and Johnson & Johnson had to raze and rebuild a huge consumer-medicine factory in Fort Washington, Pennsylvania.

FILE - In this June 30, 2009, file photo, Tylenol Extra Strength is shown in a medicine cabinet at a home in Palo Alto, Calif. In a settlement announced Wednesday, May 24, 2017, Johnson & Johnson reached a $33 million settlement with 42 states, resolving allegations the health care giant sold numerous nonprescription medicines that didn't meet federal quality requirements for a couple of years. The case dates to 2009, when Johnson & Johnson began dozens of voluntary recalls of popular over-the-counter medicines for children and adults, including Tylenol, Motrin and Benadryl. (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma, file)

In a statement, the New Brunswick, New Jersey-based company said it was pleased to finalize the settlement and noted that the recalls had been precautionary.

The settlement requires Johnson & Johnson to pay a total of $33 million, which is being divided among the District of Columbia and the 42 states that joined in the case. The states not participating are: Alabama, Georgia, Iowa, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Oregon, Utah and Wyoming.

According to court documents, attorneys general in the 42 states sued Johnson & Johnson because they considered its marketing of substandard nonprescription medicines to be fraudulent or otherwise illegal. The products, which also included St. Joseph aspirin, Sudafed, Pepcid, Mylanta, Rolaids, Zyrtec and Zyrtec Eye Drops, did not meet U.S. quality requirements for drug manufacturing.

Along with embarrassing public recalls of tens of millions of bottles of the medicines between 2009 and 2011, Johnson & Johnson in 2009 also conducted a "stealth recall" of Motrin packages that resulted in a Congressional investigation. The company paid secret shoppers to quietly buy Motrin packages from convenience stores and other retailers without identifying themselves or acknowledging that some Motrin tablets had been found to not dissolve properly.

The settlement also includes an agreement that Johnson & Johnson's McNeil Consumer Healthcare unit must follow correct procedures for resolving any manufacturing issues with its nonprescription drugs and may not advertise on its website any product that has had a significant recall within the past year.

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Follow Linda A. Johnson at https://twitter.com/LindaJ_onPharma
Neil Gaiman has just agreed to do a dramatic reading of the Cheesecake Factory menu, which is nearly the size of a Bible. But there's a catch  the Coraline author will only do the reading if $500,000 has been raised for a charity of his choice, which happens to be the United Nations Refugee Agency.

It all started with a tweet from comedian and author Sara Benincasa:

"Dear @neilhimself: for $500K to the charity of your choice would you read the Cheesecake Factory menu in its entirety onstage pls advise."

To which Gaiman replied a few hours later:

I have said Yes. If she makes it happen, for charity, I will do this thing.

According to Los Angeles Times:

Benincasa told Eater that her tweet was inspired in part by watching the television adaptation of one of Gaiman's most famous books. "Last week I watched an episode of the sublime TV adaptation of 'American Gods,' went on a goddamn elegant date to Cheesecake, woke up, drank coffee, and went into some kind of inspiration blackout. When I came to, I discovered I'd asked Neil if he'd read the entire Cheesecake Factory menu onstage in exchange for a $500,000 donation to a charity of his choice." Benincasa then set up a fundraising campaign on the charity crowdfunding site Crowdrise "If we hit $500K, Neil has kindly agreed to do a live reading of the greatest restaurant menu of all time. It's about 8000 pages, last time I checked," Benincasa wrote on the site. "Have you heard Neil's voice? Mellifluous, I tell you."

So if you want to hear all about the Glamburgers, Skinnylicious victuals, cheesecakes galore, and the millions of other Factory menu items read in Gaiman's "mellifluous" voice, you can chip in at Crowdrise to make it happen.

Image: ActuaLitte
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) - Thousands of illegally harvested alligator eggs and several illegal alligator hunts were discovered by undercover officers working in a fully functional alligator farm set up by Florida's wildlife agency, leading to the arrest Wednesday of nine men on 44 felony charges.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation commission began setting up the undercover operation four years ago in an effort to track down unpermitted alligator and alligator egg sales. The agency leased land in rural Arcadia in southwest Florida, bought equipment and alligators and ran the Sunshine Alligator Farm using two undercover officers who set up residence on the property.

The officers would go to trade shows and began forming relationships with others in the tightly regulated industry.

They soon set up a business arrangement with Robert Kelly Albritton and joined him on expeditions to harvest alligator eggs, which were brought to the agency's farm. Although Albritton had permits to harvest eggs, he took far more than he was allowed and violated rules restricting the number of nests from which he could take eggs, forged paperwork and violated a requirement that the activity be supervised by a certified wildlife biologist, according to an affidavit filed to obtain arrest warrants.

The agency said Albritton, 36, worked with three others to illegally harvest more than 10,000 alligator eggs. The eggs and hatchlings were sold to a Louisiana farm. He and three others are facing felony racketeering charges, unlawful possession of alligator eggs and other charges. All were being held in county jails Wednesday evening and jail documents didn't say whether they had lawyers.

In another case, four men were charged with unlawful possession of alligators and conspiracy to deal in stolen property after they sold 16 of the live reptiles to the undercover officers for an average of $100 each, driving the animals to the farm in a cow carrier with a tarp covering them.

In a third case, an alligator farm owner and hunting guide was charged with three felony counts of illegal possession of alligators and a felony count of killing a white Ibis. One of the officers saw alligators at Wayne Nichols' newly established farm and paperwork later revealed had not legally harvested them. Nichols captured a nearly 9-foot-long alligator, hooked it by the mouth and then tied it to a stake until he could text a client who paid $2,000 to kill it, according to an affidavit.

Three months later, Nichols was visiting the undercover farm when the officers suggested grilling hamburgers. The watched as Nichols shot and killed a white ibis, which is a protected species. Nichols cut a piece of breast meat from the bird and threw it on the grill and tossed the rest of the carcass to the farm alligators, according to the affidavit.

Nichols, 41, was being held Wednesday night in a county jail. Jail records didn't indicate whether he has a lawyer.

Florida Fish and Wildlife said they expect more arrests soon. Florida has more than 90 licensed alligator farms.

"Many of these suspects were part of a criminal conspiracy," Maj. Grant Burton, head of the agency's Investigations Section, said in a press release announcing the arrests. "Their crimes pose serious environmental and economic consequences. These suspects not only damage Florida's valuable natural resources, they also harm law-abiding business owners by operating black markets that undermine the legal process."
Take That have postponed their Liverpool and Manchester tour dates in the wake of the terror attack at Ariana Grandes Manchester concert.

The band was supposed to be performing its Wonderland tour at the Liverpool Echo Arena on Tuesday evening and was booked into the Manchester Arena for Thursday, Friday and Saturday in their home town, but tweeted they were pulling out of Tuesdays show as a mark of respect to the victims of the attack.

A statement on the groups Twitter page read: Out of respect to all of the people and their families that were affected by the horrific incident last night at The Manchester Arena we have decided to postpone our show tonight in Liverpool. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

(PA)

A few hours later, a statement was posted on the official Twitter account of Manchester Arena, announcing that the band were postponing their performances at the venue until further notice.

It said: Due to the tragic events in Manchester last night and the ongoing police investigation, the scheduled Take That concerts for Thursday 25, Friday 26, and Saturday 27 at Manchester Arena have been postponed.

The messaged ended with the promise that further details will be released as soon as possible.

Grande was due to bring her Dangerous Woman tour to London venue The O2 on Thursday and Friday evening, but an initial statement from arena bosses said they were in contact with her promoters to see whether they would still go ahead, and other ticket holders should be prepared to face tighter security measures.

The official O2 Twitter account updated fans again late on Tuesday afternoon, thanking them for their patience as they awaited an update on the status of the London performances.

Waking up to the realisation that so many innocent people are dead! So sad and heartbroken for all involved.

Manchester I love you  Howard Donald (@HowardDonald) May 23, 2017

Sad, sad news from Manchester. Praying for all the victims and families involved.  Gary Barlow (@GaryBarlow) May 23, 2017

Security will change now at gigs which will keep us all safer x https://t.co/ik1fUTyPb8  Gary Barlow (@GaryBarlow) May 23, 2017

So sad to hear the news from Manchester....

Prayers and thoughts go out to everyone involved..

Heartbreaking!!!!

Love to you all

M.O

X  Mark Owen (@OfficialMarkO) May 23, 2017

The statement said: We want to thank everyone for their patience and understanding today. We appreciate that you may be waiting for an update as to whether the shows will go ahead on Thursday and Friday at The O2.

We are in regular contact with the promoters of Ariana Grandes tour and promise that as soon as we have information we will share it with you.

Other events due to take place at The O2 this month include Iron Maiden on May 27 and 28 and Kisstory at the Indigo on May 27.
Antoine Griezmann has cast further doubt over his future at Atletico Madrid by admitting he is ready to go in order to win trophies.

The France striker revealed on Monday there was a six out of 10 chance of him joining Manchester United this summer.

The 26-year-old has been consistently linked with a move to Old Trafford in recent months and it now seems there could be some substance to the speculation.

Griezmann made the original admission on French TV on Monday and went a step further on Tuesday when speaking to LEquipe.

Antoine Griezmann

Today, if I have to move, it will not be a problem for me, said Griezmann. It may be England, which is in fashion, Germany, China or the United States, Im ready to go.

Atletico finished third in LaLiga and fell to a 4-2 aggregate defeat against Real Madrid in the semi-finals of the Champions League.

Griezmann, who scored 26 goals for Atletico this season, added: I want to win titles.

We finished third in LaLiga, it was the objective of the club, but we, the players, want more. Winning titles is what I will look for this summer when deciding on my future.
Five British players earned direct entry into the French Open singles events this year.

World number one Andy Murray and Johanna Konta lead the way, with the action kicking off at Roland Garros on May 28.

Here, we take a closer look at the British contenders.

Andy Murray

Plenty of excited faces at the National Tennis Centre as @andy_murray warms up for Roland Garros!  #GoHitIt pic.twitter.com/2g4p1YVkD9  LTA (@the_LTA) May 19, 2017

Murrays record at the French Open has improved throughout his career, culminating in last years run to the final. He could not deny Novak Djokovic a fourth straight grand slam title but seemed to have cracked clay after years of it being his weakest surface. However, this season has been one of struggle for the 30-year-old, not helped by illness and injury, and he urgently needs to click into gear after early losses at the Masters events in Madrid and Rome.

Kyle Edmund

Kyle Edmund narrowly lost to Rafael Nadal recently

Edmund spent much of the early part of his senior career playing on clay, with the outcome that he is very adept on the red stuff. It suits his powerful game, especially his huge forehand, one of the biggest around. The 22-year-old Yorkshireman has not had the best season so far but pushed Rafael Nadal all the way in Monte Carlo last month, earning high praise from the Spaniard. Edmund has made the second round on his two previous appearances in Paris.

Dan Evans

Not to be for Dan #Evans on the Rome clay as he falls to Vesely 6-3, 6-1 #BackTheBrits  pic.twitter.com/JNcRPVOVHw  LTA (@the_LTA) May 14, 2017

Evans will make his main-draw debut at the French Open. The 27-year-old from Birmingham has made no secret of his dislike of clay and had avoided playing on it for three years prior to this season. His top-60 ranking made that approach impractical this time and he collected his first two ATP Tour victories on the surface in Barcelona last month. Evans small stature and touch game make him much more suited to faster surfaces and he will head to Paris more in hope than expectation.

Aljaz Bedene

Aljaz Bedene reached the third round of the French Open last year

The Slovenia-born 27-year-old has made great strides this season and clay is his best surface. Between March 14 and April 30, Bedene won three titles on the second-tier Challenger Tour and reached his second ATP Tour final in Budapest, pushing his ranking from outside the top 100 back towards the top 50. A fine competitor with a good technical game, Bedene will hope to match last years run in Paris, when he reached the third round before losing to Djokovic.

Johanna Konta

An historic first Miami Open title , and now a career-high ranking for @JoKonta91!



The  No.1 is now the world No. 7!  pic.twitter.com/v9X66ivuwv  Team GB (@TeamGB) April 3, 2017

Konta will be Britains only direct entrant into the main draw of the womens singles. Now established in the top 10, the 26-year-old has positioned herself as one of the challengers for the biggest titles in a wide open field. However, Kontas one big weakness at the moment is her movement on clay and the indications are it will take her another season or two to find her feet. She has yet to win a match in two previous visits to Roland Garros, so changing that would be a decent start.
Andy Murray will head to Roland Garros as world number one and hoping to lift the Coupe des Mousquetaires for the first time.

The 30-year-old first played at the tournament in 2006 and reached his maiden final 12 months ago.

Here, we look at Murrays record in Paris.

2006  First round

Gael Monfils eliminated Andy Murray in the first round

A rare opening loss at a grand slam for Murray, who was pitted against his former junior rival Gael Monfils on the Frenchmans home turf and was beaten in five sets having led by two sets to one.

2008  Third round

Spain's Nicolas Almagro claimed a four-set win over Andy Murray

After a wrist injury forced him out of the tournament in 2007, Murray claimed his first wins at Roland Garros against Jonathan Eysseric and Jose Acasuso before losing in four sets to Spains Nicolas Almagro.

2009  Quarter-finals

Chile's Fernando Gonzalez proved too powerful for Andy Murray

A good showing from Murray, who saw off Marin Cilic in straight sets in the fourth round before falling 6-3 3-6 6-0 6-4 to big-hitting Chilean Fernando Gonzalez, then ranked world number 12.

2010  Fourth round

Tomas Berdych beat Andy Murray in straight sets

Murray fought back from two sets down to see off Richard Gasquet in round one and battled his way into the last 16 but Tomas Berdych proved the stronger in heavy conditions, winning 6-4 7-5 6-3.

2011  Semi-finals

Rafael Nadal has a comfortable victory over Andy Murray

An ankle injury threatened to derail Murrays progress early in the tournament and he had to come from two sets down to defeat Viktor Troicki in round four. He then saw off Juan Ignacio Chela to reach the semi-finals for the first time and gave Rafael Nadal a decent match but lost 6-4 7-5 6-4.

2012  Quarter-finals

David Ferrer was too strong for Andy Murray (Jon Buckle/Empics)

Branded a drama queen by Virginia Wade after he struggled with a back problem during his second-round win over Jarkko Nieminen, Murray recovered to make the last eight but succumbed to the clay-court wiles of David Ferrer.

2014  Semi-finals

"It was a bad day," said #Murray. "I need to bounce back quickly from it. I need to switch my mind to grass." #RG14 pic.twitter.com/wkkwKjcHMO  Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 6, 2014

After recovering from back surgery, Murray put in another strong showing in Paris but the effort needed to defeat Philipp Kohlschreiber and Monfils in five sets eventually told as he was easily defeated 6-3 6-2 6-1 by Nadal in the last four.

2015  Semi-finals

Andy Murray lost in five sets to Novak Djokovic

Murray had a clay-court breakthrough in 2015 and his new-found prowess on the red stuff carried him to a first top-10 scalp at Roland Garros with victory over Ferrer in the last eight. He took Novak Djokovic to five sets in the semi-finals but lost 6-3 6-3 5-7 5-7 6-1.

2016  Final

"It was a pleasure to play in front of a crowd like this." We  @andy_murray. #RG16 pic.twitter.com/hPrjkrS0qm  Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 5, 2016

It was another Roland Garros roller-coaster for Murray, who was taken to five sets in his opening two matches by Radek Stepanek and Mathias Bourgue before beating Gasquet and Stan Wawrinka to reach the final for the first time. Djokovic was again on the other side of the net but, although Murray won the first set, the outcome was the same.
Former Sunderland midfielder Stefan Schwarz has expressed his interest in the vacant managers job as the Black Cats look for a replacement for David Moyes.

The 48-year-old Swede, who made 76 appearances for Peter Reids side as they finished in seventh place in the Premier League in both 1999-00 and 2000-01, holds the FIFA Pro Licence and has worked as assistant manager at Helsingborg and with the Sweden Under-21s squad.

Schwarz told the Evening Chronicle: I spent four very good years at Sunderland and it is a club that I care very much for.

David Moyes has resigned from his position as manager of #SAFC



 https://t.co/WiW9Z1uWlv pic.twitter.com/8mPFvLuQXN  Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) May 22, 2017

I have played for some very big clubs in Europe and won a lot of trophies, but my time at Sunderland is right up there with any of those.

I think I understand the mentality of the Sunderland fans, and the culture of the area. Sunderland teams have to have an identity, and the players need to know their duties and responsibilities to each other.

I also know how to work with players from many different cultures, which is important in the modern game.

Sunderland's owner Ellis Short is looking for a new manager (Richard Sellers/PA)

Of course if the chance came to manage Sunderland, I would be very interested.

Owner Ellis Shorts last three appointments  Dick Advocaat, Sam Allardyce and Moyes  have been vastly experienced, and as chief executive Martin Bain draws up a shortlist of potential candidates, it remains to be seen whether or not he will consider men looking to launch their managerial careers with Schwarzs former Black Cats team-mate Kevin Phillips currently figuring prominently in the betting.
Frances President Emmanuel Macron is seeking to extend a state of emergency, in place since Islamic State attacks on France in 2015, following the bombing at a concert in Manchester.

Mr Macron said in a statement he will ask parliament to prolong the measure from July 15, its current expiration date, until November 1.

It would be the sixth extension of the state of emergency, which gives police exceptional powers.

French President Emmanuel Macron, centre, flanked by Secretary General of the Elysee presidential Palace Alexis Kohler, left, and Admiral Bernard Rogel (Stephane de Sakutin/AP)

He made the decision after a security meeting on Wednesday in which top officials studied the implications of this new terrorist attack on measures of protection to ensure the security of our compatriots.

Mr Macron also asked his government to prepare draft legislation to reinforce security measures permanently beyond the state of emergency.
A man has been arrested in possession of a knife near Buckingham Palace.

An eyewitness said he saw a man surrounded by officers and handcuffed as he sat on the ground in The Mall at around 10.40am on Wednesday.

A police van arrived with lights flashing and drove him away. A spokeswoman for the Metropolitan Police said the incident is not believed to be terror-related.

Police arrest a man (face pixelated) who was carrying a knife near Buckingham Palace (Dominic Lipinski/PA)

She added: A man has been arrested in The Mall, SW1, in possession of a knife.

At 10:40am patrolling officers detained & arrested a man in The Mall in poss. of a knife. No injuries. Not believed to be terrorist related  Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) May 24, 2017

Patrolling officers detained and arrested the man in The Mall at about 10.40am this morning. No-one was injured in the incident and a knife was recovered. The man has been taken to a central London police station.

The arrest happened shortly before the Queen was driven from the palace for an engagement with the Duke of Edinburgh at St Pauls Cathedral.

They are attending a service to mark the centenary of the Order of the British Empire.
Legal action by thousands of shareholders against Royal Bank of Scotland has been further delayed.

A judge at the High Court in London granted a third adjournment of the proceedings for settlement talks to continue.

Mr Justice Hildyard formally adjourned the trial until June 7 but said the court should nevertheless reconvene tomorrow for a progress report.

The high-profile trial was due to start on Monday but has not got off the ground because of progress being made in on-going negotiations between the claimants and the bank.

(Steve Parsons/PA)

The judge heard on Tuesday that the majority of claimants had indicated a willingness to settle. The judge was told on Wednesday that progress towards a settlement of the action remained good.

Jonathan Nash QC, for the claimants, updated the judge at the outset of Wednesdays brief hearing.

He said: I am pleased to report that the progress towards a settlement remains good. We remain hopeful it will be possible to reach a final compromise of the claims made In these proceedings.

Counsel said: With that in mind the parties are agreed and propose that the commencement of the trial of the action be adjourned until after the legal vacation to commence on June 7.

He added they would attend court on Thursday for a short hearing to update the judge as to further progress.

The judge, granting the delay, said he understood this is an exceptional case with exceptional logistical problems.

He said: We must have certainty one way or the other. The court must know whether the matter is to proceed or not, and that must be made clear well before the beginning of term (legal term) so we can make any arrangements accordingly.
Lewis Hamilton has vowed to carry the victims of the Manchester terror attack in his heart as Formula One prepares to mark its respects at the Monaco Grand Prix.

Press Association Sport understands a one-minute silence will be observed by the drivers on the grid in the moments before Sundays famous race, while F1s teams, the majority of which are based in Britain, have also agreed to run #Manchester on their cars in tribute to the victims of the attack.

Twenty-two people were killed and over 59 wounded after a bomb blast at the Manchester Arena following an Ariana Grande concert on Monday night.

Formula One drivers

I am carrying them in my heart this weekend, said Hamilton. It is difficult to think about it and it is just crazy to think where we are in the world. In 2017 there is so much death around us, so much beauty, but yet there are silly things that are happening all the time.

He added: Since the incident in Manchester, you just think as you are walking around that that kind of thing could happen anywhere. Are we safe anywhere? Are our families safe? It is definitely a worry and a concern.

I cant even fathom how the families who have lost loved ones are feeling. I have to try and compartmentalise that and drive the hardest I can this weekend and put positive feelings out there because I know there are a lot of people that need it.

Hamilton, 32, arrives in Monte Carlo six points adrift of his championship rival Sebastian Vettel, but the Briton does so against the backdrop of the horrendous events in Manchester earlier this week.

Less than 24 hours until the action starts at the #MonacoGP 



VIDEO: Re-live the drama of last year's race >> https://t.co/5bPQ7IgnLE  pic.twitter.com/1olOTGcZmG  Formula 1 (@F1) May 24, 2017

The proposed tributes in Monte Carlo this week  spearheaded by the new owners Liberty Media and set to be ratified by F1s managing director for motorsport Ross Brawn, who was born in Greater Manchester  marks a different approach from the sport.

FIA president Jean Todt courted criticism back in 2015 after he had been reluctant to stage a one-minute silence at that years Brazilian Grand Prix, which took place two days after the Paris terror attack in which 130 people were killed, before later changing his mind.

Set to observe the one-minute silence on Sunday will be Jenson Button, who is back in the F1 paddock just five races after he announced he was retiring.

Button, the 2009 world champion, replaces Fernando Alonso at McLaren with the Spaniard set to tackle the Indianapolis 500 on Sunday evening.

Reflecting on the events in Manchester, Button, 37, said: Obviously it is horrific. It is amazing how often it seems to be happening all round the world, and more and more often in Great Britain.

My thoughts are with everyone that has been affected. The most heartbreaking thing is that, while every life is important, it was mostly kids going to the concert and that is what hurts the most. I am not a parent, but I know a lot of people that are, and that is what hits home the most, how heartless some people can be.

My thoughts go out to all effected by the terrible attack last night in Manchester. So many https://t.co/MdnXrWo1Pd  Jenson Button (@JensonButton) May 23, 2017
The latest stunning video from artistic collaborators in the dark sky movement is Kaibab Elegy by Harun Mehmedinovic, shot at the Grand Canyon. At about a minute in, there's a rare and hypnotic full cloud inversion worth the wait.

As Mehmedinovic notes:

Millions of visitors a year come to Arizona's Grand Canyon National Park, one of the seven natural wonders of the world and the most visited national park in the western United States. However, on extremely rare days when cold air is trapped in the canyon and topped by a layer of warm air, which in combination with moisture and condensation, form the phenomenon referred to as the full cloud inversion. In what resembles something between ocean waves and fast clouds, Grand Canyon is completely obscured by fog, making the visitors feel as if they are walking on clouds.

This video was filmed as part of SKYGLOW (skyglowproject.com), an ongoing crowdfunded quest to explore the effects and dangers of urban light pollution in contrast with some of the most incredible dark sky areas in North America. This project is being produced in collaboration with International Dark-Sky Association (darksky.org), a non-profit fighting for the preservation of night skies around the globe.
The honourable service of the countrys unsung heroes and celebrated figures has been recognised at a national service marking the 100th anniversary of the Order of the British Empire.

As the St Pauls Cathedral event, attended by the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh, began words of support were said for the victims of the Manchester terrorist bombing.

Monday nights suicide attack at a concert by US pop star Ariana Grande left 22 people dead, including an eight-year-old girl, and dozens injured.

(Toby Melville/PA)

The Very Reverend Dr David Ison, Dean of St Pauls Cathedral, told the congregation in his bidding: And we commend today to Gods love those who suffer at the hands of others in Manchester and elsewhere.

Among those seated in the pews of St Pauls Cathedral were almost 2,000 holders of the Order of the British Empires awards, from Knights and Dames to those who have received a CBE, OBE or MBE.

Those invited included former BBC weatherman Michael Fish MBE, broadcaster Dame Esther Rantzen and cartoonist Gerald Scarfe CBE.

Queen Elizabeth II, the Duke of Edinburgh and the Lord Mayor of London Andrew Parmley leaving St Paul's Cathedral in London (Philip Toscano/PA)

In his sermon the Dean told those gathered: Thousands of award holders quietly go enriching our civic life and serving those in need, building the kingdom of God in love and care for others; and their awards often recognise, not only their individual efforts, but also the service of many others alongside them.

King George V established the Order in 1917 to reward outstanding contributions to the First World War effort and today it recognises the work of people from all walks of life.

The Queen is the sovereign of the Order of the British Empire and the Duke of Edinburgh is its Grand Master.

Highlighting some of the good causes and areas of endeavour that have been recognised by the Order the Dean went on to say: Hedgehog conservation, chocolate making, sport and health, industry and the arts, charity and volunteering  we celebrate an amazing hundred years of honourable service, thanking God who gives us life, that we might use it wisely and well in loving God and our neighbour.

Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh during a service at St Paul's Cathedral in London (Daniel Leal-Olivas/PA)

Political caricaturist Gerald Scarfe, who has lampooned prime Ministers, princes and other leading figures, was awarded his CBE by the Queen in 2008.

Asked why an anti-establishment figure agreed to attend the service he said: I dont know, Ive got to that point in life where I think well, sod it.

Ive never been anti the Queen or anything, he added joking: I dont want to kill the Queen.
Tara Moores hopes of making the first round of next weeks French Open were ended by a straight-sets defeat to Kai-Chen Chang.

The British number four, ranked 145th in the world, went down 6-2 7-5 in her qualifying match on the clay at Roland Garros.

Hong Kong-born Moore, who was given a wildcard to last years Wimbledon, lost the opening three games on her way to surrendering the first set in just over half an hour.

Tara Moore

She rallied to take a 3-0 lead in the second before Taiwans Chang battled back to secure victory on her fourth match point.
Lionel Messi has lost his Supreme Court appeal over a tax fraud conviction in Spain.

The court confirmed the 21-month prison sentence handed to Messi for defrauding tax authorities of 4.1 million euro (3.5 million) from 2007-09.

He is not expected to go to prison because sentences of less than two years for first offences are usually suspended in Spain.

Lionel Messi

OFFICIAL STATEMENT: The Club expresses its support for Leo #Messi and his family: https://t.co/diZYgETW7Z pic.twitter.com/0B8s9d3fZr  FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) May 24, 2017

The court maintained the two million euro (1.72 million) fine handed to the Argentina player in last years trial.

Messis father, Jorge Horacio Messi, also had been convicted of tax fraud, but the court reduced his sentence from 21 months to 15 months because he cooperated by returning the defrauded money to the tax authorities.

He also is not expected to face prison time.

Barcelona said it was fully behind the player and his family.

The club reiterates, once again, its full support for Leo Messi, his father Jorge Messi, and his family, Barcelona spokesman Josep Vives said in a statement.

Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu contacted the players family to communicate this support.

The family was very grateful, not only for todays gesture, but also for the support the player and his family have received from the club throughout this process.

The club will continue to stand with Leo Messi, his father, and his family.
Manchester United players dedicated their Europa League success to the victims of Mondays terror attack.

Two days after a suicide bomber killed 22 people following an Ariana Grande concert at Manchester Arena, Uniteds fans, players and staff stood unbowed in Stockholm.

Goals from Paul Pogba and Henrikh Mkhitaryan secured a 2-0 win against Dutch side Ajax and the clubs first continental trophy in nine years.

Manchester United

After receiving the trophy and the adulation of the clubs fans inside the Friends Arena, man of the match Ander Herrera delivered a heartfelt tribute to those who were affected by the attack.

He said: I am happy but I want to dedicate this to the victims. This is just football but what happened two days ago was horrible.

We want peace in the world  a normal world with respect. We are just football players but we have an audience so we want to work together for a normal world.

This happened in Manchester but everywhere we need to have a united world to fight for peace and no more attacks and deaths please.

Winners! Please help victims of Manchester tragedy by donating at https://t.co/sWkhEOKYmv or texting 'CityUnited' to 70800 donate 5 https://t.co/t8ck0zlCiI  Wayne Rooney (@WayneRooney) May 24, 2017

Yesterday morning we were devastated. We were really, really sad because you think of life and football  you have no choice.

It was difficult to train yesterday but the manager told us the only thing we could do is win this for them and that is what we have done.

It is just a football game and a trophy but if we can help and support with this just one per cent it is enough for us.

Former United midfielder David Beckham posted on Instagram: Tonight was more important than sport Yes a big night for Manchester United but an even bigger night for the city and for our country . At a time when we are grieving for the families that have lost loved ones we have a sport that has bought a little happiness at a difficult time We pray for peace.

Pogba told BT Sport: We know that things like this are very sad, all over the world: in Manchester, in London and in Paris, too. We had to focus because it was a very important game and we won for them and for the country.

We played for England, we played for Manchester, and we played for the people who died.

Midfielder Juan Mata added: It was a very difficult week for a lot of us and for the city of Manchester and we tried to win for all the people who have suffered. This trophy is for them.

Manchester United. Tonight more than ever.  Andy Burnham (@AndyBurnhamGM) May 24, 2017

Sporting rivalries were put to one side as Manchester City sent out a full-time tweet of a message saying #ACityUnited, with City written in light blue and United in red, while Greater Manchester metro mayor Andy Burnham wrote on Twitter: Manchester United. Tonight more than ever.

Several of the players shared a picture from the changing room of the team holding a banner that read Manchester  A City United #PrayForManchester.
By Michelle Nichols

UNITED NATIONS, May 23 (Reuters) - China on Tuesday pushed for dialogue with North Korea and the full implementation of United Nations sanctions on Pyongyang over its ballistic missile and nuclear tests, skirting questions about Beijing's talks with the United States on possible new measures.

Almost a month ago Washington began discussions with North Korea ally China on strengthening U.N. sanctions on Pyongyang following repeated missile tests. However, a week ago U.S. Ambassador Nikki Haley said Beijing had gone quiet.

Traditionally, the United States and China have negotiated new sanctions before involving the remaining 13 U.N. Security Council members. The Trump administration has been aggressively pressing China to rein in North Korea, warning that all options are on the table if Pyongyang persists with its nuclear and missile development.

When asked on Tuesday if Beijing was talking to Washington about possible new sanctions, China's U.N. Ambassador Liu Jieyi said: "It's up to the council to decide what we should do in the current situation. We're working closely with other members."

Liu spoke after a closed-door Security Council meeting on North Korea's latest missile test on Sunday. Pyongyang said it launched an intermediate-range ballistic missile which met all technical requirements and could now be mass-produced, although U.S. officials questioned the extent of its progress.

The Security Council first imposed sanctions on Pyongyang in 2006 and ratcheted up the measures in response to five nuclear tests and two long-range missile launches. North Korea is threatening a sixth nuclear test.

"First and foremost it is important to implement the Security Council resolutions in a comprehensive way," Liu said. "We should also work to reduce tension, to de-escalate, and also to try to achieve denuclearization through dialogue."

Britain's U.N. Ambassador Matthew Rycroft and French U.N. Ambassador Francois Delattre both said on Tuesday they supported strengthening the U.N. sanctions on North Korea.

North Korea, also known as the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), has vowed to develop a missile mounted with a nuclear warhead that can strike the mainland United States, saying the program is necessary to counter U.S. aggression.

"We don't see why dialogue cannot take place in the current situation now," Liu said. "It takes political will."

U.S. President Donald Trump said on May 1 he would be "honored" to meet the North's leader, Kim Jong Un, under the right conditions. A U.S. State Department spokesman has said the country would have to "cease all its illegal activities and aggressive behavior in the region." (Reporting by Michelle Nichols; Editing by Jonathan Oatis)
By Alexandra Ulmer and Brian Ellsworth

CARACAS, May 23 (Reuters) - Venezuela's unpopular President Nicolas Maduro on Tuesday vowed to push ahead with a new congress to rewrite the constitution, despite dissent within his own ranks and major protests in the OPEC nation convulsed by nearly two months of unrest.

In the latest sign of internal fissures, a magistrate of the pro-government Supreme Court spoke out against the planned assembly, saying it was "not the solution to the crisis" and called on Maduro to "think carefully" to avoid more bloodshed.

At least 53 people have been killed as a result of unrest that began in early April. Riots and looting have underlined risks that protests could spin out of control given widespread hunger, anger at Maduro and easy access to weapons in one of the world's most violent countries.

Undeterred by opposition, Maduro on Tuesday presented the 540-member "constituent assembly" project as a cure to Venezuela's demonstrations, which he says are a U.S.-backed attempt to overthrow "21st century Socialism."

"Votes or bullets, what do the people want?" Maduro asked a crowd of red-shirted supporters waving Venezuelan flags at the Miraflores presidential palace.

"Let's go to elections now!" he said, before detailing how the new assembly will be partially elected by votes at a municipal level and partially by different groups, including workers, farmers, students, and indigenous people.

Opposition leaders say the project is a sham designed to avoid a presidential vote slated for next year and keep Maduro in power despite an oil-rich economy in a tailspin.

In the most telling sign of internal rumblings against Maduro, Venezuela's state prosecutor panned his plan for a grassroots congress and warned it risked deepening the crisis.

Venezuelans are scrutinizing the government and the armed forces for any further cracks as protesters take to the streets daily to demand early elections, humanitarian aid to alleviate food and medicine shortages, and freedom for jailed activists.

"Persistent and increasingly violent unrest will eventually prompt key stakeholders to abandon Maduro and negotiate a rapid transition that sets a timetable for new elections; the precise timing is impossible to predict, however," the Eurasia Group political consultancy said in a note to clients on Tuesday.

"DESPERATE PEOPLE"

Enraged by the economic crisis and perceived lack of democratic solutions, some Venezuelans have taken out their ire by publicly shaming government officials or knocking down statues of firebrand late leftist Hugo Chavez, who governed Venezuela from 1999 to 2013.

In the southeastern city of Puerto Ordaz, the president of a state-run company was "kidnapped," beaten up, and stripped naked by protesters, the government said.

In the lower middle-class Caracas neighborhood of El Paraiso, masked men on Monday night shot up an apartment building and parked cars in what one resident, who asked not to be named out of fear of reprisals, said was retaliation for nearby barricades set up by opposition sympathizers.

Hundreds of people have been injured in the violence, around 2,700 arrested, with 1,000 still behind bars, and 335 tried in military tribunals, according to rights groups.

Lootings have also spiked, as many Venezuelans cannot afford three square meals a day or survive on basics like yucca or corn flour. In the usually calm peninsula of Paraguana, a food warehouse was looted on Sunday night. Some 17 people have been arrested. "The rumors started that they were going to sell something, so everyone came out and started to beat on the warehouse door, there were a lot of desperate people, kids and pregnant women," said a local resident, asking to remain anonymous for fear of retaliation.

"The neighbors knocked the door down, they destroyed everything, and made off with bags of flour and pasta. Police and National Guard had to ask for reinforcements, they threw tear gas and we heard shots." (Additional reporting by Mircely Guanipa, Cristian Veron, Eyanir Chinea, Andreina Aponte, Diego Ore, Maria Ramirez, and Andrew Cawthorne; Writing by Alexandra Ulmer; Editing by Andrew Hay)
By Laurie Goering

LONDON, May 24 (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - Nearly nine in 10 people say they are ready to make changes to their standard of living if it would prevent future climate catastrophe, a survey on global threats found Wednesday.

The survey of more than 8,000 people in eight countries - the United States, China, India, Britain, Australia, Brazil, South Africa and Germany - found that 84 percent of people now consider climate change a "global catastrophic risk".

That puts worry about climate change only slightly behind fears about large-scale environmental damage and the threat of politically motivated violence escalating into war, according to the Global Challenges Foundation, which commissioned the Global Catastrophic Risks 2017 report.

But it indicates that many people now see climate change as a bigger threat than other traditional or rising concerns such as epidemics, population growth, use of weapons of mass destruction and the rise of artificial intelligence threats.

On climate and environmental issues, "theres certainly a huge gap between what people expect from politicians and what politicians are doing. Its stunning," said Mats Andersson, vice chairman of the Stockholm-based foundation, in a telephone interview with the Thomson Reuters Foundation.

The survey, released in advance of this weeks G7 summit of advanced economies in Italy, also found that 85 percent of people think the United Nations needs reforms to be better equipped to address global threats.

About 70 percent of those surveyed said they think it may be time to create a new global organisation - with power to enforce its decisions - specifically designed to deal with a wide range of global risks. Nearly 60 percent said they would be prepared to have their country give up some level of sovereignty to make that happen.

"Whether its the spectre of nuclear conflict over North Korea or the planet tipping into catastrophic climate change, the need for effective global cooperation has never been greater," Andersson said.

The Global Challenges Foundation, created in 2012 by a Swedish risk specialist and philanthropist, looks for more effective solutions to cross-border problems and ways to resolve the mismatch between long-term problems and short-term political and market focuses.

TRUMP NOT LISTENING?

Following the G7 meeting, U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to make a decision about whether to pull the United States out of the 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change, aimed at keeping global temperature increases to relatively safe levels.

But the Global Challenges Foundation found that 84 percent of the Americans it surveyed would be prepared to make changes in their current living standards if it would prevent future climate catastrophes, such as irreversible melting of Arctic and Greenland ice, with accompanying large-scale sea level rise.

Nearly two in three Americans also agreed with the statement that "a single individual can negatively impact global cooperation on risks". Respondents in other parts of the world - apart from South Africa - were less likely to agree.

That environmental issues and climate change now rank near the top of global worries about catastrophic threats for many people suggests "something has shifted in the past couple of years", Andersson said. "I really hope that political leaders will realise the mandate they seem to have to act."

The report looked at a wide range of potential global catastrophes, from use of nuclear weapons to ecological collapse, asteroid impacts and the potential attempts to manipulate the worlds atmosphere and biological systems to deal with runaway climate change, in a process known as geoengineering.

Geoengineering is dangerous, the report noted, because "its deployment could have dramatic impacts on climate stability", because one country or individual could unilaterally attempt it, and because "there are currently no governance frameworks to manage the risks". (Reporting by Laurie Goering @lauriegoering; editing by Alex Whiting:; Please credit the Thomson Reuters Foundation, the charitable arm of Thomson Reuters, that covers humanitarian news, climate change, resilience, women's rights, trafficking and property rights. Visit http://news.trust.org/climate)
By Sophie Hares

CANCUN, Mexico, May 24 (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - Businesses are quickly grasping the benefits of investing to cut disaster risks, so it is crucial for governments to work with them to protect people from climate change impacts, said the head of the U.N.'s disaster risk agency.

In an interview at the start of a major U.N. conference in the Mexican resort of Cancun, Robert Glasser cautioned that while the concept of addressing disaster risk was becoming mainstream, rapidly tackling climate change remained the overwhelming challenge.

The "single most urgent" disaster risk measure was to cut greenhouse gas emissions as quickly as possible, and failure to do so would make any risk reduction strategies futile, said Glasser, chief of the U.N. Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR).

"If we have runaway warming at three to four degrees, everything else we do to reduce disaster risk will be overwhelmed by rising seas, intensifying storms, flooding, drought, food insecurity, people movements and conflict," he said.

As governments try to protect people from erratic weather, Glasser called on them to coordinate closely with the private sector, which contributes the bulk of funds for infrastructure development and understands the need to protect - and grow - their investments.

"They're fully interested and engaged, they see the benefits. There's a very strong business case - the return on investment is huge - to get it right. It's increasingly important with climate change and other developments."

Incorporating disaster and climate risk has become core for business, rather than just a humanitarian gesture, Glasser said.

He noted that the private sector could play a key role in helping countries reach the ambitious targets of the U.N.-backed, 15-year global strategy known as the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.

Pointing to how the 2011 tsunami in Japan disrupted the global car industry, Glasser said companies are now aware of how hazards could affect their operations and of the need to secure their supply chains.

The Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction from May 24 to 26 in Cancun is the first major meeting since the Sendai framework was hammered out in Japan in 2015, setting goals for governments to cut deaths and economic losses from disasters by 2030.

The seven Sendai targets include limiting damage to infrastructure and disruption to basic services such as health and education, and widening access to early warning systems and public disaster risk information.

The U.N. has called on governments to spend at least 1 percent of development aid by 2020 on disaster preparation.

MEASURING RESULTS

Over the past decade there has been "an enormous sea change" in increased awareness of the need for disaster risk reduction, with progress in legislation, building codes and evacuation procedures, Glasser said.

He urged countries to establish baselines and databases so they can measure progress towards reducing the loss of life and economic costs of disaster, and assess future costs.

"We don't say spend more money on DRR. We do say make sure you understand the costs of disasters, and you make your own decisions," Glasser said.

Natural and man-made disasters in 2016 killed an estimated 11,000 people and resulted in $175 billion in economic losses, according to reinsurer Swiss Re. Hurricane Matthew was the year's deadliest natural catastrophe, claiming more than 700 lives, mostly in Haiti.

Glasser said the Cancun conference is expected to help countries refine disaster risk reduction targets ahead of a 2020 deadline to have local and national strategies in place.

(Reporting by Sophie Hares, editing by Alisa Tang. Please credit the Thomson Reuters Foundation, the charitable arm of Thomson Reuters, that covers humanitarian news, women's rights, trafficking, property rights, climate change and resilience. Visit http://news.trust.org)
By Susanna Twidale

LONDON, May 24 (Reuters) - Participants in Europe's carbon market, including utilities, trading houses and banks expect EU carbon prices to be lower than predicted in the next decade, making it less attractive to invest in the technology needed to help hit emissions targets.

Average carbon prices are likely to be almost 9 percent lower than forecast last year, a survey of 135 companies published by the International Emissions Trading Association (IETA) on Wednesday showed.

"Once again IETA members have highlighted the yawning gap between current prices and what's needed to achieve the Paris objectives," Jonathan Grant, a director at PwC which carried out the survey, said in a statement.

Europe has a target to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 40 percent by 2030 compared with 1990 levels as a part of its commitment to the 2015 global Paris Agreement.

Higher carbon prices make it more expensive for firms covered by the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) to emit greenhouse gases, meaning they are more likely to invest in low carbon technology, such as wind and solar power or energy efficiency measures, when prices are high.

Around 45 percent of Europe's greenhouse gas emissions are regulated by the ETS, the bloc's policy to cut emissions by charging utilities, industry and airlines for the right to emit carbon dioxide (CO2).

Respondents anticipate an average EU carbon price of 16.28 euros ($18.31) per tonne in the fourth phase of the ETS, which runs from 2021 to 2030, some 1.55 euros below expectations made for the phase last year.

The expected average price is less than half the 40 euros per tonne that respondents said last year is needed to help incentivise investments to help the bloc meet goals set under the Paris Agreement.

IETA did not ask its members in this year's survey what price would be needed to meet the Paris Agreement.

Carbon prices have suffered from an excess supply of carbon permits since the financial crisis, with benchmark carbon contracts now trading around 4.90 euros/tonne.

In a bid to boost prices, and make it more expensive for polluters, the European Commission has proposed a series of reforms from 2021 which will cut permits available.

Under the Paris deal more than 190 countries pledged to keep planet-warming well below 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit) to stave off the worst effects of climate change such as rising sea levels and droughts.

But two-thirds of respondents to the IETA survey said the rise of populist political movements are a threat to action.

President Donald Trump is expected to decide later this week whether to pull the United States out of the Paris deal after he returns from the May 26-27 Group of Seven summit.

Trump, who wants to boost the coal industry in the U.S., has said Washington should "cancel" the deal. ($1 = 0.8890 euros) (Editing by Alexander Smith)
By J.R. Wu

TAIPEI, May 24 (Reuters) - Taiwan's constitutional court declared on Wednesday that same-sex couples have the right to legally marry, the first such ruling in Asia, sparking celebration by activists who have been campaigning for the right for years.

The court, known as the Judicial Yuan, said current marriage laws were "in violation of both the peoples freedom of marriage ... and the peoples right to equality", and it gave two years for legal amendments to allow same-sex marriage.

"If relevant laws are not amended or enacted within the said two years, two persons of the same sex who intend to create the said permanent union shall be allowed to have their marriage registration effectuated," the court said.

Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights activists had harboured high hopes their years of campaigning for same-sex marriage would win the court's backing.

The ruling Democratic Progressive Party that swept national elections in the self-ruled island last year supported the change.

Hundreds of supporters of same-sex marriage gathered in the street next to the island's parliament to celebrate the decision, holding colourful umbrellas to ward off a drizzle.

"This ruling has made me very happy," said Chi Chia-wei, a veteran gay rights activist who had petitioned the court to take up the issue.

The ruling clearing the way for same-sex marriage is the first in Asia, where socially conservative attitudes largely hold sway.

A lawyer said the ruling made clear that same-sex couples had the same marriage rights as opposite-sex couples.

"This is a clear victory for equal rights in marriage and it is also a victory for all the people," said Victoria Hsu, the lead lawyer supporting Chi's case.

Taiwan has a reputation as a beacon of liberalism in the region.

"Sexual orientation is an immutable characteristic that is resistant to change," the court said in its ruling.

"Furthermore, the freedom of marriage for two persons of the same sex, once legally recognised, will constitute the collective basis, together with opposite-sex marriage, for a stable society," it said.

Taiwan, which China regards as a renegade province, has a celebrated annual gay pride parade that showcases the vibrancy of its lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.

(Reporting by J.R. Wu; Editing by Robert Birsel)


Sometimes, in the course of his work, University of Florida molecular geneticist Martin Cohn must travel with unusual items like a 3D-printed mouse penis. Similarly, University of Massachusetts biologist Diane Kelly totes around anatomical models like a mold of a dolphin vagina. They're not alone in the odd science-related items they must fly with, from bottles of monkey piss to a stash of 5,000-year-old human bones. At The Atlantic, Ed Yong explores what happens when objects of science meet airport security:



The TSA once stopped Michael Polito, an Antarctic researcher from Louisiana State University, because his bag contained 50 vials of white powder. When he explained that the powder was freeze-dried Antarctic fur seal milk, he got a mixed reaction. "Some officers just wanted to just wave me on," he says. "Others wanted me to stay and answer their questions, like: How do you milk a fur seal? I was almost late for my flight."





Airport security lines, it turns out, are a fantastic venue for scientists to try their hand at outreach. Various scientists are said to have claimed that you don't really understand something if you can't explain it to your grandmother, a barmaid, a six-year-old, and other such sexist or ageist variants. But how about this: can you successfully explain it to an TSA officialsomeone who not only might have no background in science, but also strongly suspects that you might be a national security threat? Can you justify your research in the face of questions like "What are you doing?" or "Why are you doing it?" or "Why are you taking that onto a plane?"





Cohn did pretty well to the four assembled TSA agents who started quizzing him about his mouse penis. They noticed that the translucent object had a white tube inside it, and asked if it was a bone. It was indeedthe baculum. "I explained to them that most other mammals have a bone in the penis and humans have lost them," says Cohn. "I do outreach at the drop of a hat, and I'm ready to teach a bit of evolution to the TSA if they're interested. And they were freaking out."
PRAGUE, May 24 (Reuters) - The Czech lower house of parliament approved a telecoms bill on Wednesday that opens the way for higher fines for operators and boosts customer rights, getting through a major piece of legislation before an October election.

Network operators O2 Czech Republic, Deutsche Telekom's T-Mobile and Vodafone have been under fire over data prices, criticised by politicians and customers as some of the highest in the European Union.

The bill enables the Czech Telecommunications Office (CTU) to impose a fine of up to 10 percent of a company's net revenues in the country, which could be doubled if it commits another offence within two years of the first one.

O2 Czech Republic reported revenues of 37.5 billion crowns ($1.59 billion) in 2016, compared with T-Mobile's 26.5 billion crowns.

Fines are currently capped at 40 million crowns.

Also under the law, operators would also have a maximum 10-day period to release customers from their contracts, instead of the current 42 days.

The bill now goes to the upper chamber, where it is expected to be approved, before heading for the president's signature to put it into a law.

Analysts have viewed the new bill as a negative for the operators. O2 Czech Republic's Prague-listed stocks were down 0.3 percent on Wednesday. They have risen 7 percent so far in 2017, supported by a generous dividend policy.

Data prices have became an issue this year in the early run-up to a national election this autumn.

Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka has presented the law to voters as a way to cut prices. Earlier this year, he sacked Industry Minister Jan Mladek, a Social Democrat party colleague, over lack of activity on the issue.

While the bill got broad party support, Sobotka is hoping it will boost Social Democrat support as his party trails ruling partner ANO by a wide margin in polls.

ANO's leader and founder is billionaire businessman Andrej Babis, who serves as finance minister but is due to be dismissed later on Wednesday as part of an agreement ending a government spat.

Babis has faced accusations of dodging taxes and interfering in a newspaper he owns. He has denied wrongdoing but Sobotka has demanded his dismissal.

($1 = 23.6420 Czech crowns) (Reporting by Robert Muller; Editing by Jason Hovet and Mark Potter)
BEIRUT, May 24 (Reuters) - The Syrian army said on Wednesday it had killed Islamic State's military commander in Syria during operations in the north of the country, where the Russian-backed government forces are seizing more territory back from the jihadist group.

If confirmed, this would represent a major blow against Islamic State (IS) ahead of an attack which the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) - an alliance of Kurdish and Arab fighters - are expected to launch against the jihadists in their stronghold of Raqqa city.

A Syrian military source told Reuters the IS commander, Abu Musab al-Masri, had been the group's "minister of war" for Syria. Syrian state media had earlier cited a military source as saying he was the organisation's "minister of war", suggesting he was the overall IS military commander.

He was named among 13 senior Islamic State figures killed in Syrian army operations east of Aleppo, including men identified as Saudi and Iraqi nationals, according to the military source cited by state media.

Al-Masri was killed in the operations that got underway on May 10. The military source did not say where he was killed.

Baghdad-based IS expert Hisham al-Hashimi said the death of Masri, if confirmed, would be a "significant blow to the group ahead of the battle of Raqqa". He said al-Masri was the fourth most senior figure in the organisation.

A previous IS minister of war, Abu Omar al-Shishani, was killed last year. The Pentagon said Shishani was likely to have been killed in a U.S. air strike in Syria. The militant group confirmed his death in July but said he had died fighting in the Iraqi city of Shirqat south of Mosul.

Islamic State faces separate campaigns in northern Syria by the Russian-backed Syrian army, the U.S.-backed SDF, and Turkey-backed rebels fighting under the Free Syrian Army banner.

The six-year-long Syrian war has allowed IS to seize swathes of Syria and to carve out a cross-border "caliphate" in both Syria and neighbouring Iraq.

The SDF, which includes the Kurdish YPG militia, has been waging a multi-phased operation to encircle Raqqa with the aim of capturing it from Islamic State. (Additional reporting by Maher Chmaytelli in Baghdad; Writing by Tom Perry; Editing by Gareth Jones)
By Brian Love and Adrian Croft

PARIS, May 24 (Reuters) - The French parliament will be asked to extend by several months emergency powers introduced in 2015 to counter the threat of terrorist attacks, President Emmanuel Macron said on Wednesday after talks with security chiefs.

Emergency rules giving French police wider search and arrest powers were introduced after Islamist gunmen and suicide bombers killed 130 people in and around Paris in November 2015.

Macron, who reviewed national security with defence chiefs following Monday night's suicide bomb attack on a concert venue in northern England, said he would ask lawmakers to extend the special powers - due to expire in mid-July - until Nov. 1.

The attack in Manchester, claimed by Islamic State, killed 22 people and wounded dozens more. It struck a chord in France where more than 230 people have died in the past two years in attacks by Islamist militants.

Three weeks into his presidency, and facing parliamentary elections in June, Macron will want to be seen as being decisive in dealing with the threat of attacks after his presidential rivals portrayed him as weak on security matters.

A statement by the Elysee palace said Macron told his government to devise additional measures for countering the security threats beyond the emergency powers and produce a draft bill to put to parliament in the coming weeks.

He also gave instructions for a task force comprised of all the French security services to be swiftly established to coordinate actions against attacks.

Earlier, Interior Minister Gerard Collomb said French authorities had learned from British investigators that the suspect in the Manchester bombing, British-born Salman Abedi, had travelled to Libya and probably Syria.

"Today we only know what British investigators have told us - that someone of British nationality, of Libyan origin, suddenly, after a trip to Libya and then probably to Syria, becomes radicalised and decides to carry out this attack," Collomb told BFMTV.

Asked if he believed Abedi was supported by a network, Collomb said: "That is not known yet - but maybe. In any case, (he had) links with Daesh (Islamic State) that are proven."

The Manchester attack had parallels with the November 2015 Islamist attack on the Bataclan concert hall in Paris - one of several bombings and shootings on the same night in the French capital. Islamic State also claimed responsibility for the Paris attacks.

The performance of France's intelligence services have come under close scrutiny since the November 2015 attacks, and Collomb said that Britain could just as easily have been the target then as well.

"What people say is that they hesitated to strike in France or Britain and that, at the time, Daesh's (Islamic state's) target was not yet completely decided and so it could have happened in Britain then," he said.

Collomb said security had been stepped up at the star-studded Cannes Film Festival being held in the south of France.

"We are taking special measures everywhere," the minister said. (Reporting by Brian Love and Adrian Croft; Editing by Richard Balmforth and Richard Lough)
By Mai Nguyen

HANOI, May 24 (Reuters) - Vietnam expects to grant investment licences for three coal-fired power plants worth a combined $7.5 billion, the country's investment minister said.

Although Vietnam wants to boost renewable energy output amid resources scarcity and environmental issues, it has been mostly reliant on coal-fired and hydro power plants to meet its annual electricity demand growth of around 11 percent.

Two of the projects by Japanese, South Korean and Saudi Arabian investors are expected to receive licences ahead of Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc's visit to Japan next month, investment minister Nguyen Chi Dung told Reuters on Tuesday.

Details provided by the ministry showed South Korea's Taekwang Power Holdings Co. and Saudi Arabia's ACWA Power would invest $2.07 billion for a 1,200-megawatt thermal power plant.

Each investor would have a 50-percent stake in the plant and commercial operation is expected to start in 2021.

Japan's Marubeni Corp and Korea Electric Power Corp would invest $2.79 billion in a 1,200-megawatt plant, with operation expected to start in 2021. The investors will also share half of the investment each.

Japan's Sumitomo Corp would invest about $2.64 billion into a 1,320-megawatt plant, with an expected starting date of 2022, the ministry said. This project was expected to get its licence later this year, the ministry said. (Editing by Alexander Smith and David Evans)
By William Maclean

DUBAI, May 24 (Reuters) - Qatar got into a war of words with some Gulf Arab allies on Wednesday after it said hackers had posted fake remarks by its emir against U.S. foreign policy, but their state-run media reported the comments anyway.

The development suggested behind-the-scenes disarray among U.S. Gulf allies just days after President Donald Trump visited Riyadh and signalled a possible revival of a 2014 rift between Qatar and its neighbours over Doha's backing of Islamists.

Qatar and it Gulf allies Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have used their oil and gas revenues to influence events in other Arab countries, and rifts between them can alter the political balance in Libya, Egypt, Syria, Iraq and Yemen.

Qatar's official news agency reported on Tuesday that Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, at a military graduation ceremony, criticised renewed tensions with Tehran, expressed understanding for Hezbollah and Hamas, and suggested U.S. President Donald Trump might not last long in power.

Doha issued a robust denial that the remarks had ever been made, but Gulf Arab countries including oil giant Saudi Arabia permitted their state-backed media to run them throughout the day on Wednesday quoting Qatar's official news agency.

A government spokesman told Reuters the emir had not made any comments at the graduation ceremony for Qataris doing national service.

But Saudi Arabia's Okaz daily thundered: "Qatar splits the rank, sides with the enemies of the nation." Riyadh's Arab News said the comments sparked "outrage" among other Gulf states.

A Qatari Foreign Ministry official expressed "surprise at the position of some media and satellite channels".

DISUNITY

"The Qatar News Agency (QNA) website has been hacked by an unknown entity. A false statement attributed to His Highness has been published," a government statement said early on Wednesday.

Qatar will track down and prosecute the perpetrators, the statement continued. QNA was inaccessible throughout the day.

Authorities in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) blocked the main website of Qatar's al Jazeera television, which Riyadh and Abu Dhabi have often seen as being critical of their governments. Al Jazeera says it is an independent news service giving a voice to everyone in the region.

Both dismissed the Qatari claims of a hack. Saudi-owned Al Arabiya television ran a story titled "Proof that Qatar News Agency was not hacked," which noted that the statement had also run on Qatari state television and the QNA Instagram account.

Al Arabiya also reported, without elaborating, that an unidentified source in the Emirati foreign ministry had confirmed the blocking of all Qatari media websites.

The incident happened days after Qatar complained it was the target of "an orchestrated barrage" of criticism by unknown parties, in the run-up to Trump's visit, that alleged that the Gulf state supported militant groups in the Middle East.

"The reality is that the region is on the verge of further escalation," a Western diplomat in Doha said. "It's total chaos and no one has vision."

The falling out is especially awkward for the Gulf Arab states after their leaders met Trump last weekend at a Riyadh summit of Muslim nations meant to showcase solidarity against Sunni armed militant groups and Shi'ite regional adversary Iran.

In Riyadh, Trump renewed his assertion that Iran was a leading state sponsor of terrorism. Iran denies that and says Saudi Arabia, the dominant GCC power, supports militant Islamist armed groups such as al Qaeda and Islamic State.

Riyadh, in turn, denies that accusation.

Ties between Qatar and other Gulf Arab states suffered an eight-month breach in 2014 over Qatar's alleged support for the Muslim Brotherhood, an Islamist group whose political ideology challenges the principle of dynastic rule. (Reporting by Mostafa Hashem, Sami Aboudi, Sylvia Westall, Noah Browning, Katie Paul; Writing by Maha El Dahan and William Maclean; Editing by Tom Heneghan)
By Kacper Pempel and Karol Witeberg

BIALOWIEZA, Poland, May 24 (Reuters) - Environmental campaigners chained themselves to logging equipment in Poland's ancient Bialowieza Forest on Wednesday in protest against the government-backed felling of trees in the UNESCO World Heritage site that straddles the Belarus border.

Poland's conservative government says the forest, which includes tracts of Europe's last primeval woodland, is under attack from beetles and needs to be protected through increased logging. It has tripled the quota of wood to be harvested.

However, activists say some of the trees are being cut down in protected areas, threatening the local ecosystem, and accuse the government of sacrificing the forest for profits.

"Foresters have crossed a red line, they are devastating Poland's biggest natural treasure for the sake of ad hoc profits. We will not be looking on passively," said Robert Cyglicki from Greenpeace Polska.

The European Commission, the European Union's executive arm, asked Poland in April to explain its decision and threatened legal action if it received no satisfactory reply within a month.

According to Greenpeace, loggers have now moved into the oldest parts of the forest and the logging has entered a "decisive phase".

A spokesman at the environment ministry said the logging in Bialowieza Forest was designed to protect local species of wildlife and was in line with EU law.

Poland will reply to the Commission "in accordance with any procedures and laws", the spokesman added.

Environment Minister Jan Szyszko last ran into conflict with Greenpeace a decade ago when he was also minister and promoted the construction of a motorway in the Rospuda Valley, a nesting location for rare birds in the north-east of Poland.

Campaigners set up camp then in the valley in the middle of a freezing winter, chaining themselves to trees in what became a symbol of the reawakening of civil disobedience in Poland after the collapse of communism. The Rospuda project was eventually abandoned.

(Additional reporting and writing by Agnieszka Barteczko; Editing by Justyna Pawlak and Gareth Jones)
MOSCOW/HAMBURG, May 24 (Reuters) - Russia is negotiating with Turkey in an effort to resolve a stop-start agriculture trade dispute between the countries, the Kremlin said on Wednesday as it emerged that Ankara has imposed restrictions on imports of Russian wheat.

Turkey has introduced new curbs on Russian wheat, limiting purchases to 20-25 percent of all import licences issued for the commodity, an analyst and traders said.

"Indeed, limits (on Russian wheat) are in place," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed.

Turkish officials contacted by Reuters could not immediately comment and Russia's Agriculture Ministry said that Turkey had so far sent no official notification of the restrictions.

As the second-largest buyer of Russian wheat behind Egypt, Turkey's move could put a significant dent in Russia's exports in the 2017/18 marketing year starting on July 1. Russia is one of the world's largest wheat exporters.

In what traders said was a reaction to Russia's earlier ban on imports of Turkish tomatoes, Ankara imposed prohibitively high import tariffs on Russian wheat from mid-March but resumed purchases after a meeting of the countries' presidents on May 3.

Moscow has said that restrictions on tomato imports will remain to protect Russian producers.

"Some restrictions remain in place from the Russian side due to known reasons, which were explained in great detail to Turkey's President in Sochi," Peskov said.

"Contacts and negotiations with the Turkish side are being conducted."

Andrey Sizov Jr, managing director of the SovEcon agriculture consultancy, said the latest limits on Russian wheat were imposed a couple of days ago, citing traders.

"Some of them say that they are not able to get licences, others say that there is an informal limit on Russian wheat -- 20-25 percent of total imports," Sizov added.

One Turkish wheat importer based in Russia said that information about the 20-25 percent limit on wheat imports came a day or two before Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev's visit to Turkey on Monday, during which he said that restrictions on Turkish tomatoes were still in place.

A German trader said the new restrictions were imposed on Russian wheat and also maize (corn).

"If you apply to import a certain tonnage of Russian corn and wheat with an import licence, only 20 percent of your approved quantity is allowed for import duty free," he said.

"I suspect this is part of a wider trade dispute because Russia has not removed restrictions on Turkish products after the recent agreement between Turkey and Russia."

Russian sunflower oil supplies to Turkey have also been affected by the latest limits, Russia's Oil Union said. (Reporting by Dmitry Solovyov, Polina Devitt and Michael Hogan; Editing by David Goodman)
BERLIN, May 24 (Reuters) - German trade with Russia flourished in the first three months of 2017 due to a recovery of the Russian economy, despite sanctions imposed over Moscow's role in the Ukraine conflict still being in place, data showed in Wednesday.

German exports to Russia jumped 32 percent to 1.5 billion euros ($1.68 billion) compared with the first quarter of the previous year, while imports from Russia rose 35 percent to 2.1 billion euros, figures from the Federal Statistics Office reviewed by Reuters showed.

"The reason for the impressive start to the year is mainly the economic revival in Russia," said Wolfgang Buechele, chairman of the German Committee on Eastern European Economic Relations.

For the full-year of 2017, the committee now expects German exports to Russia to climb by at least 10 percent. This marked a clear improvement in expectations after the lobby group in January forecast an increase of at least five percent.

"Despite the sanctions, Russia is becoming an engine for overall German trade with Eastern Europe again," Buechele said, adding that the Russian economy was growing steadily because of rising oil prices and the stronger rouble.

He added that German companies apparently had come to terms with the fact that the sanctions imposed against Russia by the European Union and the United States in the course of the Ukraine conflict would remain in place for the time being.

Still, the sanctions were putting the brakes on overall trade volumes, Buechele said, adding that Russia was now seeking to replace imports with domestic production.

That's why German companies increasingly decide to invest in Russia, Buechele said. ($1 = 0.8945 euros) (Reporting by Michael Nienaber and Gernot Heller; Editing by Gareth Jones)
By Luiza Ilie

BUCHAREST, May 24 (Reuters) - Black Sea Oil & Gas said it aims to start production at two gas fields off Romania by 2019, becoming the first company to tap the country's vast offshore resources.

The Romanian company, controlled by private equity firm Carlyle Group LP, discovered two wells holding an estimated 10 billion cubic metres of gas in 2008 some 120 kilometres offshore, where it has rights over the XIII Pelican and XV Midia Shallow blocks.

"We're hopeful for the first gas in 2019," Chief Executive Mark Beacom said in an interview for the Reuters Central & Eastern Europe Investment Summit, conducted at his office on Wednesday.

He said the company is working on engineering works, talks with state gas pipeline operator Transgaz, sales agreements and other activities needed to secure shareholders' final investment agreement.

"At that point we could turn to our shareholders and partners and ask for a check for about $400 million to go ahead and build everything."

The company aims to get shareholder agreement in October but Beacom said that could potentially be pushed back due to uncertain regulations.

"What has been and continues to be our biggest challenge is the regulatory process," said Beacom, who estimates total investment in exploration and appraisal so far at $200 million.

"Offshore we're going to be the first and we're embarking on a regulatory process that's never been done before and as we try and go through it we uncover all sorts of issues where there's a lack of clarity on how to proceed."

The Romanian government plans to overhaul royalty levies for oil and gas production this year and Beacom said that could affect shareholders' decision on whether the project is viable.

The company also aims to drill two more exploration wells at year-end, targeting similar finds to the Ana and Doina fields it has already discovered, which Beacom said would have a 10-year lifespan and whose existing infrastructure could later be used to tie in other fields.

Beacom said the company will need to hire a general contractor to build the entire project before it asks for shareholders' final approval later this year.

Production at the two fields would cover 10 percent of Romania's annual gas needs, but Beacom said potential buyers would also like the possibility to export.

Unlike other countries in the region, Romania is almost entirely energy independent. It generally imports less than 10 percent of its gas needs from Russia, with the rest produced locally largely by state producer Romgaz and OMV Petrom, controlled by Austria's OMV.

Romgaz said this month that it will start production in 2019 at a new onshore gas field, its biggest find in three decades.

In the Black Sea, Russia's second-largest oil company Lukoil and a joint venture of OMV Petrom and ExxonMobil have both made important deepwater gas discoveries.

"I think the Black Sea is turning into a deepwater play and is bypassing the more continental shelf plays that you see elsewhere," Beacom said.

"Romania just has a unique situation where it is basically the only source of gas around other than Russia, and that puts it in a very powerful position because ... to have a gas source on the edge of Western Europe is just fabulous."

Follow Reuters Summits on Twitter @Reuters_Summits

For more summit stories, see (Editing by Susan Fenton)
By Mahmoud Mourad

CAIRO, May 24 (Reuters) - Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi rejected on Wednesday his Sudanese counterpart's accusation that Cairo backs rebels aiming to topple the government in Khartoum, saying Egypt does not conspire against anyone.

Sudanese President Omar Hassan al-Bashir accused Egypt on Tuesday of supporting rebels at war with his government, a week ahead of a visit to Cairo by Sudan's foreign minister that is meant to ease tensions between the neighbouring states.

"Egyptian policy is constant, unchanging, and will not change; we do not interfere in the affairs of others," Sisi told a news conference held following a meeting with Austrian Chancellor Christian Kern in Cairo.

"The other point I must stress is that Egypt does not conspire," he said, answering a reporter's question.

"Would I conspire and let elements attack our brothers in Sudan? We practice honourable politics at a time when honour is rare."

Egypt and Sudan have been at odds in recent months on issues ranging from disputed land in southern Egypt to trade restrictions and burdensome visa requirements that have threatened bilateral commercial relations.

Bashir, who is wanted for war crimes by the International Criminal Court, has been at war with various rebel factions in three southern regions of Sudan for years.

In a speech to Sudanese military personnel, he said on Tuesday that the military had seized Egyptian armoured vehicles from rebels in the country's war-torn southern Darfur region. Egypt's foreign ministry denied supporting the rebels.

Sudan demands Egypt hand over the disputed Halayeb Triangle border area, but Cairo says it is Egyptian.

Egypt rejected last year a request from Khartoum to enter negotiations to determine sovereignty over the triangle or to seek international arbitration.

Sudanese Foreign Minister Ibrahim Ghandour is expected in Cairo on May 31 to discuss, among other issues, a simmering trade dispute that has blocked Egyptian agricultural imports.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry was in Khartoum last month at the head of a delegation that took part in a bilateral political consultation committee meeting. (Additional reporting by Omar Fahmy; writing by Ahmed Aboulenein; editing by Mark Heinrich)
ALGIERS, May 24 (Reuters) - Algeria's presidency has named former housing minister Abdelmadjid Tebboune as prime minister, replacing Abdelmalek Sellal, in a cabinet reshuffle, the state news agency APS reported on Wednesday.

APS and state radio gave no further details on any other new cabinet positions, but the shake-up had been expected after this month's legislative elections, in which the ruling FLN party and its allies retained their majority.

The North African OPEC state is in the middle of economic reforms to cope with lower world oil prices. President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, 80, has rarely been seen in public since in public since suffering a stroke in 2013.

Sellal, first appointed in 2012 and then again in 2014, is an ally of Bouteflika who briefly stepped down to campaign in the president's place during the 2014 presidential election, where Bouteflika won a fourth term.

Tebboune, a member of the FLN's central committee, is an economist by training and has held several ministerial posts, according to APS.

As housing minister, he oversaw a state programme that provides free or cheap housing as part of a vast welfare system funded by Algeria's energy revenues. The system also provides subsidised loans, food, electricity and gas.

The fall in oil prices has forced Algeria to start reforming the subsidy system, increasing gas and electricity prices and cutting back on public spending, and to look for new sources of revenue. (Reporting by Patrick Markey and Lamine Chikhi; Editing by Kevin Liffey)
By Natalia Zinets

KIEV, May 24 (Reuters) - The head of a Ukrainian software firm tasked with building a landmark anti-corruption computer programme is suspected of stealing Western funds from the project and funnelling the cash overseas, General Prosecutor Yuriy Lutsenko said on Wednesday.

The boss of the software company, Yuriy Novikov, strongly denied the accusation and a leading anti-graft non-governmental organisation also expressed doubts about the case.

The database of lawmakers' and officials' asset declarations was meant to be a cornerstone of the government's Western-backed reform drive. But the scheme has been mired in scandal, and activists say vested interests have tried to sabotage it.

Novikov's company Miranda won the tender to create the database, but prosecutors say he subcontracted a university teacher and his students to build the software and stole the project's funding that had been given by the Danish government.

"Novikov decided to embezzle the funds and evade taxation," Lutsenko told lawmakers during a report to parliament.

"The funds that had been provided to Miranda were transferred to an account in Estonia through a fictitious company," he said.

When contacted by Reuters, Novikov said the accusations from the general prosecutor's office (GPU) were "groundless."

"Such a performance by the general prosecutor shows the prejudice and bias of the investigation and creates the means to pressure the court with the aim of obtaining beneficial judgements for the GPU," he said in emailed comments.

DELAY

Transparency International Ukraine also expressed doubts.

"We are pretty sceptical of such statements because if they had grounds for such an investigation they would have stated it almost a year ago," TI Ukraine senior policy analyst Oleksandr Kalitenko told Reuters, referring to the period when the database first went online.

The fraught launch in October, after months of delay, underscored the patchiness of Ukrainian efforts to deliver reforms promised to allies and the International Monetary Fund as part of a $40 billion bailout.

Government ministries and state anti-corruption bodies have traded blame for the project's delays and software glitches.

At its launch, Novikov rejected criticism of the website, saying a "fairly large" group of officials did not want the system to succeed.

The scheme attracted fresh controversy when lawmakers approved legislation requiring NGOs to declare their wealth and income. Ukraine's Western backers and human rights groups said the new law could hamper the work of anti-corruption activists.

On Wednesday, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Nils Muiznieks, published a letter addressed to the Deputy Head of the Administration of the President of Ukraine, criticising the amendments.

"I am concerned that the amendments enacted in March 2017 may single out anti-corruption NGOs, their staff and others working against corruption - including investigative journalists - by making them subject to additional and unnecessary filing requirements," Muiznieks wrote on May 2. (Writing by Alessandra Prentice; Editing by Matthias Williams and Gareth Jones)
By Eyanir Chinea and Alexandra Ulmer

CARACAS, May 24 (Reuters) - Deepening her split with unpopular President Nicolas Maduro's government, Venezuela's chief prosecutor on Wednesday accused security officers of excessive force and condemned the use of military tribunals to judge protesters.

After nearly two months of massive anti-government rallies demanding early presidential elections, fissures have appeared in the hitherto publicly homogenous socialist administration.

In a speech on Wednesday, prosecutor Luisa Ortega said 55 people had been killed in unrest, around 1,000 others injured, and 346 properties burned or looted as chaos flares across the oil-rich country reeling from economic crisis.

In one particularly controversial case, Ortega said investigations showed 20 year-old student Juan Pernalete was killed by a tear gas canister fired from close range by a National Guard, not by a pistol as officials had suggested.

"Firing tear gas directly on people is banned," she said, holding up a canister at a press conference she was forced to give at an alternative venue after a power outage in her office.

More than half of the injuries have been caused by security forces, she added, condemning violence on both sides.

Ortega said her office was also investigating seven cases of military courts trying people who should be in normal civil courts. "We're worried about the situation of those detained in military courts," Ortega said, demanding access to detainees.

Rights group Penal Forum says 338 people have faced proceedings in military tribunals in recent days, with 175 still detained.

Falcon state in northwestern Venezuela on Wednesday said people caught stealing "strategic materials," like cables, from government companies would also be tried in military courts, as per Maduro's new security plan.

"SHAM" VOTES

Angry Venezuelans barricaded streets in parts of Caracas and the opposition held another protest on Wednesday as the announcement of two election dates failed to appease anger.

The pro-government electoral council on Tuesday said voting for a controversial "constituent assembly" would be held in July and delayed state elections in December.

Maduro foes countered that was a sham designed to confuse Venezuelans, prompt infighting among the opposition over strategy, and allow the unpopular leftist government to dodge free and fair elections they would likely lose.

Opposition lawmakers say the assembly, whose 540 members will be elected on a municipal level and by community groups like workers, will be filled with government stooges who will merely obey Maduro's orders to rewrite the constitution.

"Once installed, this constituent assembly will eliminate governorships, mayors, and the National Assembly," said opposition lawmaker Tomas Guanipa.

"There's been a break in Venezuela's constitutional order, and the streets are our way to rescue it," he added.

Maduro says he is facing an "armed insurrection" and the constituent assembly, a super body that will supersede all other public powers, is the way to restore peace to Venezuela.

Opposition supporters were planning to march to the electoral council on Wednesday, although National Guard soldiers were in place to stop them, and teargas was fired in at least one place. Over and over in the last weeks, troops and police have faced off with masked youths hurling stones and Molotov cocktails.

RIOTS AND LOOTING

Looting, barricades and riots are now commonplace around Venezuela, as the protests spin out of control, given hunger, hopelessness, easy access to weapons, and gangs taking advantage of the chaos.

In many places, schools are canceled, public transport is halted, and streets are barricaded. Some neighborhoods look like war zones after nighttime pillaging of bakeries and warehouses.

At some intersections, hooded young men ask passersby for money to "collaborate with the resistance." Traffic was blocked in various parts of the capital early on Wednesday.

The trouble has been particularly bad this week in Barinas, the home state of Maduro's mentor and predecessor Hugo Chavez that the socialists regard as the "cradle of the revolution."

Seven people died in protests there in the last few days, according to the state prosecutor.

Maduro, a former bus driver and union leader elected in 2013, paints the opposition as coup-mongers seeking to stoke violence and overthrow his "21st century Socialism."

Over 2,700 people have been arrested since early April, with more than 1,100 still behind bars, according to Penal Forum. (Additional reporting by Diego Ore, Mircely Guanipa, Corina Pons, Andrew Cawthorne, Andreina Aponte, and Brian Ellsworth; Writing by Alexandra Ulmer; Editing by Andrew Cawthorne and Marguerita Choy)
GENEVA, May 24 (Reuters) - The top United Nations human rights official urged Israel on Wednesday to improve conditions for Palestinians in custody, especially the more than 1,000 whose hunger-strike was into its 38th day.

The strike followed a call by Marwan Barghouti, the most high-profile Palestinian held by Israel, for a protest against solitary confinement and an Israeli policy of detention without trial that has been applied to thousands of prisoners since the 1980s.

"I am especially alarmed by reports of punitive measures by the Israeli authorities against the hunger strikers, including restricted access to lawyers and the denial of family visits," Zeid Ra'ad al-Hussein, U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, said in a statement.

The right to consult a lawyer is a fundamental protection in international human rights law that should never be violated, Zeid said. He added that the health of hundreds of the hunger-strikers had "deteriorated significantly".

While hunger strikes are not uncommon among the 6,500 Palestinians in Israeli jails, many of whom were convicted of attacks or planning attacks against Israel, this is one of the largest.

It is likely to raise tensions between Israel and the Palestinians as the 50th anniversary of the Israeli occupation of the West Bank and East Jerusalem approaches in early June.

Zeid said his office had received reports that the Israel Prison Service had evacuated at least 60 hunger-striking Palestinian prisoners to hospitals because their medical condition had worsened. A further 592 had recently been moved for observation to infirmaries set up in the prisons, he said.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), which visits Palestinian detainees, urged Israel early this month to allow family visits. Under international law, these "can only be limited for security reasons, on a case by case basis, but never for strictly punitive or disciplinary purposes", it said.

It added that "Israel detains Palestinians within its territory - but not within the occupied territory as required by the law of occupation".

(Reporting by Stephanie Nebehay; Editing by Kevin Liffey)
By Ahmed Aboulenein

CAIRO, May 25 (Reuters) - Egypt has banned 21 websites, including the main website of Qatar-based Al Jazeera television and prominent local independent news site Mada Masr, accusing them of supporting terrorism and spreading false news.

The blockade is notable in scope and for being the first publicly recognised by the government. It was heavily criticised by journalists and rights groups.

The state news agency announced it late on Wednesday. Individual websites had been inaccessible in the past but there was never any official admission.

Reuters found the websites named by local media and were inaccessible.

The move follows similar actions taken on Wednesday by Egypt's Gulf allies Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, which blocked Al Jazeera and other websites after a dispute with Qatar.

Qatar said hackers had posted fake remarks by its emir criticising U.S. foreign policy but Saudi and UAE state-run media reported the comments anyway.

An official from Egypt's National Telecom Regulatory Authority would not confirm or deny the blockage, but said: "So what if it is true? It should not be a problem."

Two security sources told Reuters the 21 websites were blocked for being affiliated with the outlawed Muslim Brotherhood or for being funded by Qatar.

Cairo accuses Qatar of supporting the Brotherhood, which was ousted from power in Egypt in 2013 when the military removed elected Islamist President Mohamed Mursi following mass protests against him.

Ties between Qatar and Egypt were badly damaged after Mursi's fall. Doha welcomed a number of senior Brotherhood figures, although since then Qatar has asked several to leave.

Mada Masr, an Egyptian news website based in the country which describes itself as progressive and has no Islamist or Qatari affiliations, was also inaccessible.

Journalists at Mada Masr said the website was publishing articles on Facebook for now. It remains accessible outside Egypt or via proxy.

"Nothing explains this blockade more than a very clear intention from the authorities to crack down on critical media in ways that bypass the law," Mada Masr Editor in Chief Lina Attalah told Reuters on Thursday.

The website is registered in Egypt and its journalists are based in the country, she said. No one from the government contacted the management before or after the 21 websites went down.

CLIMATE OF FEAR

Two other local websites, including that of a print newspaper registered with the authorities, were also down, as were several Brotherhood-affiliated websites and Egypt-focused ones that publish from abroad.

The Huffington Post's Arabic website also was inaccessible, although the international version could be accessed.

State news agency MENA cited a senior security source as saying the websites were blocked because they supported terrorism and that the government would take legal action.

"A senior security source said 21 websites have been blocked inside Egypt for having content that supports terrorism and extremism as well as publishing lies," MENA said.

Mahmoud Kamel, who sits on the board of Egypt's official press union, said was a clear attack on freedom of speech.

"This move is unacceptable. We oppose all blocking of news websites but this is unfortunately part of the general climate of fear we are experiencing in Egypt," he told Reuters.

Egyptian authorities have cracked down on the Islamist, secular and liberal opposition alike since President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, then the military chief, toppled Mursi.

Since then, hundreds have been killed and thousands arrested, including journalists. Sisi told CNN in 2015 that Egypt has "unprecedented freedom of expression". (Reporting by Ahmed Aboulenein; Additional reporting by Ali Abdelaty, Eric Knecht and Ahmed Mohamed Hassan; Editing by Giles Elgood and Alison Williams)
TOKYO, May 25 (Reuters) - Most Japanese firms believe the Tokyo bourse should be cautious in its approach to any delisting of embattled Toshiba Corp, a Reuters poll showed. The survey also found that the vast majority of Japanese firms say they have no desire to participate in China's Belt and Road initiative. Below are the questions and answers to the poll conducted May 9-19 for Reuters by Nikkei Research. Answers are denoted in percentage points, while poll and reply totals are represented in actual figures. 1. What kind of military conflicts involving North Korea do you expect will happen? (Pick one) Sectors Military Attacks on areas Don't expect Polled Replied conflicts including Japanese military outside of Japan territories conflicts All 6 6 87 527 221 Manufacturers 8 5 87 259 118 Non-Manufacturers 5 8 87 268 103 2. Are you looking at any steps given that there might be incidents triggered by North Korea? Sectors Yes No Polled Replied All 10 90 527 231 Manufacturers 11 89 259 123 Non-Manufacturers 9 91 268 108 2a. If you answered yes to the above question, what measures are you considering? (More than one answer allowed) Sectors Evacuate Secure safety Provision of Evacuation Drawing up Others Polls Replies employees and of domestic bomb drills of business families from employees shelters, gas continuation Korean Peninsula masks plans All 35 17 0 9 43 39 527 23 Manufacturers 43 21 0 7 36 43 259 14 Non-Manufacturers 22 11 0 11 56 33 268 9 3. Which form of economic cooperation do you think will boost business opportunities the most for your company? (Pick one) Sectors Economic Japan-US TPP 11 China-led Japan-EU Others Polled Replied cooperation FTA excluding infrastructure EPA with Russia US investment All 14 32 25 6 3 21 527 209 Manufacturers 14 34 25 8 3 17 259 118 Non-Manufacturers 14 29 25 4 2 25 268 91 4. Are you hoping to participate in China-led "Belt and Road" infrastructure investment initiatives? Sectors Yes No Polled Replied All 5 95 527 220 Manufacturers 8 92 259 117 Non-Manufacturers 2 98 268 103 4a. If you answered yes to the above question, do you have specific projects in mind? (Pick one) Sectors Already Considering to Not considering Polled Replied participating participate yet All 0 0 100 527 10 Manufacturers 0 0 100 259 8 Non-Manufacturers 0 0 100 268 2 5. What do you think of delisting Toshiba's shares from the stock exchange? (Pick one) Sectors Should be Caution need No need to Polled Replied delisted about delist potential delisting All 37 58 5 527 223 Manufacturers 38 59 3 259 120 Non-Manufacturers 36 56 8 268 103 6. The Japanese government may use the foreign exchange law to prevent firms linked to China from buying Toshiba's semiconductor business. What's your view on this? (Pick one) Sectors Impedes Appropriate Others Polled Replied market in preventing transparency technology outflow All 9 87 4 527 224 Manufacturers 12 84 4 259 120 Non-Manufacturers 6 89 5 268 104 (Reporting by Tetsushi Kajimoto and Izumi Nakagawa; Editing by Edwina Gibbs)
The spiralling Lotus Tower is on its way to becoming South Asias tallest building, dominating the Colombo skyline. This 350 metre tall structure will serve as a transmission tower for several TV and FM broadcasting stations.

This towering structure which commenced its construction during the previous regime was quite an over-priced deal and halfway through, its construction was halted.

While the land it stands on belongs to the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA), there are allegations that the Ministry of Telecommunication and Digital Infrastructure hasnt paid a cent for this transaction. In an attempt to shed light on this project and to uncover its current status, the Dailymirror spoke to a few individuals of varied expertise

Video :

Do you think the Lotus Tower is the need of the hour now that it seems to be a waste of public funds? a) Yes b) No c) Don't know online surveys

The construction

This Chinese EXIM bank-funded US $ 104.3 million project was commenced on January 20, 2012 and was expected to be completed within 912 days as per the initial plan, but by the said finishing date only the concrete structure was completed. Although its main function is that of a telecommunication tower, it will be designed to serve as a multi-functional building. Its three-storied tower base will house various shopping centres, food courts and possibly even a walk-through museum. The tower itself will house banquet halls and an observation deck on the eighth floor. The Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (TRC) estimates that its petals will be in place by August of this year. The TRC also has plans of building an interactive app to improve visitor experience in the tower. This app will enable users to, for instance, check the availability of seats for a movie and make immediate bookings or remotely reserve seats at a restaurant. According to the original plan the construction should have completed by 2014.



However, a recent media report indicated that it is expected to be completed by October this year.

The SLPA didnt receive a cent for the land

- Arjuna Ranatunga

In his comments to the Dailymirror, former Ports and Shipping Minister Arjuna Ranatunga said the constructions were going on and the project was done on land belonging to the SLPA. We never received a cent for it. Im still trying to get some money from the Telecommunications Ministry. I feel most of the decisions taken by the previous government were bad and we had to face many inconveniences because of that. Even the Htota Port could have been built at a lesser cost than what they have spent. They should have done a feasibility report and even projects such as the Port city could have been done in a proper way. Some of the contracts cannot be changed and we dont want to antagonize some of the countries. When a massive project comes in, governments from other countries get involved and we dont want to cause issues with them. They have started to build friendly ties with the new government and we want to strengthen these relationships.

We never received a cent for it. Im still trying to get some money from the Telecommunications Ministry. I feel most of the decisions taken by the previous government were bad and we had to face many inconveniences because of that

We need to move into digital broadcasting

-Prof. Rohan Samarajiva

The also contacted telecommunications expert Professor Rohan Samarajiva to find out whether this costly tower will serve its purpose in this digital era. Prof. Samarajiva is also the founding Chair of LIRNEasia, an ICT policy and regulation think tank active across the Asia-Pacific region, The age of satellites was back in the 60s and 70s. Now we are in the age of smartphones. There are emerging trends in technology and we need to keep up with them. Satellites could be used for purposes such as remote sensing and GPS. This symbol of modernity was established after various other structures around the world. Although it was established as a solution for TV broadcasting tower many more additions will be done to it. Speaking in terms of broadcasting, we are using analogue broadcasting methods which are highly inefficient. This is mainly due to the interference in frequencies between towers. Once you get a conventional antenna, you need to adjust it to pair with the tower in either Depanama or Pannipitiya. Still you will not get a clear view of the channel you need to watch. This is old technology and we need to look at implementing digital broadcasting instead. If we auction the 700MHz band used for analogue broadcasting and instead use it for digital broadcasting it will be more convenient for the users and will generate more revenue as well. We also dont have people watching TV on big screens anymore. They watch TV on their smart devices. People are stuck in the thinking of the analogue age. On the other hand, Colombo is still not a very interesting city to tourists. There should be more restaurants and attractions to make it an interesting place to visit. The need of the hour is to move to digital broadcasting. There is a limited number of channels in advanced economies and they all use digital broadcasting. We are trying to find a solution through a method used back in the 60s. We could call in private broadcasters to buy frequencies and some frequencies will yield enormous benefits. Therefore we need to consider this option rather than investing on mega-scale projects such as this Lotus Tower.

Now we are in the age of smartphones. There are emerging trends in technology and we need to keep up with them. Satellites could be used for purposes such as remote sensing and GPS

There was a problem with the technology

-Rosmand Senaratne

The Dailymirror also learned that Rosmand Senaratne, the former Chairman of Independent Television Network (ITN) was one of the key persons who had requested for a tower of this nature during the previous regime. Speaking to the Daily Mirror Mr. Senaratne said that there was a need transfer telecommunication signals to a central point. In order to receive signals we had to turn our antennae in all directions. But in developed countries they have a central point in which they house a tower to transmit signals to all television channels. Therefore we too had to implement such a system. Through this the viewers will be greatly benefitted. The cost factor of course is a different topic.



When asked as to why they wanted to go proceed with an analog system in the digital age, Mr. Senaratne said that there was a prevailing issue about which technology they would implement. The Germans had one plan, the Chinese had another and the Japanese had their own system.

In order to receive signals we had to turn our antennae in all directions. But in developed countries they have a central point in which they house a tower to transmit signals to all television channels

The project is now under the purview of the President

-Harin Fernando

Minister of Telecommunication and Digital Infrastructure, Harin Fernando said the Lotus Tower Project was now under the purview of the President. The proposal was to establish a telecommunication tower, facilitating 50 TV channels and 35 FM radio stations. It will also house a shopping mall, restaurants and eventually develop into a tourist attraction. Since it was too costly, the construction was halted for a while but is now underway.
The Advocata Institute, a think tank based in Colombo, has launched an essay competition on the topic of What economic freedom means to me.

The competition is open to students in schools and higher education institutes between the ages of 16 and 24, who are citizens of Sri Lanka or currently residing in the country. The students must currently be enrolled in school, university or a higher education institute in full-time or part-time study.

Sri Lanka is said to be a land with much potential, yet somehow it never seems to be able to deliver on its potential. Despite free healthcare, free or affordable education, many young people are not satisfied about the available opportunities and choices within Sri Lanka. This is reflected in the increasing numbers wanting to study, work and live abroad.

Why is this? Why are young abandoning their homeland to move to new lands overseas?

Ultimately, economics is the study of choice. Because choices range over every imaginable aspect of human experience, so does economics. Something is obviously lacking in terms of opportunities or choices in Sri Lanka that drives its youth abroad or be what are these factors? These lie at the heart of economic freedom.

Writers are invited to share their insights, thoughts and feelings about what economic freedom means to them and to discuss what aspects of its core tenants are available and what is missing.

Students are encouraged to interpret the subject the way they choose. The essays should be under 1500 words for the university category and less than 1000 words for the schools category.

A range of attractive prizes is on offer with a first prize of Rs.100,000 for university students and a first prize of Rs.50,000 for school students to further their education, with exciting prizes, participation certificates and opportunities to attend an international leadership summit abroad.

Essays will be judged by an eminent panel of judges including leading Sri Lankan and international academics.

Entry forms and full details are available on www.thinkeconomics.advocata.org the deadline for submission is June 15, 2017. The essays can be written in Sinhala, Tamil or English.
Sri Lankas Aitken Spence Hotels and Resorts is to introduce its Heritance brand to the Maldives with the opening of Heritance Aarah next year, according to Maldivian news website Maldivian Insider.

In 2015, Aitken Spence acquired the uninhabited island of Aarah in the northern Raa atoll for US$ 50 million to develop it as a five-star resort. Accessible by a scenic 40-minute seaplane flight from the main Velana International Airport, Heritance Aarah will offer 157 villas and suites separated by tropical vegetation for privacy, and designed and built with a fusion of indigenous Maldivian and modern architecture.

The accommodation options include 51 beach villas, 10 family beach villas, 10 pool beach villas, four family pool beach villas, 56 water villas, 25 luxury water villas and a presidential water suite.

Aitken Spence, which manages over 24 hotels in Sri Lanka, India, Oman and the Maldives, runs six properties in the Maldives under its Adaaran brand Adaaran Select Meedhupparu, Adaaran Club Rannalhi, Adaaran Prestige Vadoo, Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi, Adaaran Prestige Water Villas and Adaaran Prestige Ocean Villas.

Along with Aarah, Aitken Spence acquired lease rights of another uninhabited island, Raafushi in the northern Noonu atoll. The company, however, is yet to disclose its development plans for the island. Four Heritance branded hotels are in operation across Sri Lanka, including Heritance Kandalma, Heritance Tea Factory, Heritance Negombo, Heritance Ayurveda and Heritance Ahungalla.
Tear gas was fired to disperse a group of medical students and parents who were protesting against the South Asian Institute of Technology and Medicine (SAITM) at the Lotus Roundabout in Colombo. Pix by Kushan Pathiraja

A photojournalist attached to a print media institution was hospitalized following injuries he sustained during the firing of tear gas and the use of water cannons.
Dr. Sudath Senaratne and Dr. Jeyakumar (Consultant Gynecologist), Mr. Deepal Nelson (Managing Director, Apeksha IVF), Dr.Champa Nelson (Clinical Director, Apeksha IVF) and Dr. Poornima Baliga (Dean Kasturba Medical College, Manipal)

Dr. Champa Nelson (Clinical Director - Apeksha IVF), Mr. Deepal Nelson (Managing Director - Apeksha IVF), Dr. Sudath Senaratne (Consultant Gynecologist), Prof. Satish Adiga (Chief Embryologist, MARC), Prof. Pratap Kumar (Head of MARC), Dr. Jeyakumar (Consultant Gynecologist), Dr. Praveena Vasudev Pai (Consultant fertility specialist).

Apeksha IVF recently succeeded in sending the first batch of consultants on training at the Manipal Assisted Reproduction Centre, Manipal University India.

Dr. Jeyakumar and Dr. Senaratne from Sri Lanka participated at the training programme.

The training was conducted by Dr. Pratap Kumar, Professor and Head of Manipal Assisted Reproduction Centre, Manipal University India and Dr. Satish Kumar Adiga, Professor and Chief Embryologist of Manipal Assisted Reproduction Centre, Manipal University India. The training program is part of an ongoing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Apeksha IVF and the Kasturba Medical College (KMC) Manipal (Manipal University).

The Primary objectives of the MoU are Knowledge sharing on various aspects of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART), training clinical and laboratory members of Apeksha IVF & Research Center in Sri Lanka, facilitating training and promoting awareness among Clinicians on global standards of IVF technology and procedures, providing training and expertise to Medical Laboratory Technicians (MLTs) on advanced IUI procedures and theories and providing qualifications for Sri Lankan scientists on embryology and genetics.

The secondary objectives of the MoU are to discourage Sri Lankan patients seeking treatment overseas and thereby retain foreign exchange in the country. According to the presently available statistics, almost 100 couples seek ART treatment in countries such as India, Singapore and the United Kingdom. This drains the foreign reserves of Sri Lanka. It is unfortunate that overseas treatment is sought by Sri Lankan couples when ART services are available in Sri Lanka. Therefore, it is the aim of this MoU to further develop the quality of the services provided in Sri Lanka by training and encouraging more Sri Lankan gynecologists in providing better ART services for sub-fertile couples in Sri Lanka so that a quality service can be provided at an affordable price. The MoU further covers the facilitation of research and development in the field of assisted reproductive technology.

Apeksha IVF has made plans to develop Sri Lanka as a medical tourism hub for ART services. Apeksha IVF intends on attracting patients from countries such as the Maldives, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal etc. where the service is either unavailable or the quality is lesser than par. Apeksha IVF already has a great volume of patients visiting them from the Maldives in order to obtain ART services.

The MoU was signed by Dr. Poornima Baliga B, Dean Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Manipal and Dr. Champa Nelson, Clinical Director and Deepal Nelson, Managing Director of Apeksha IVF.

The technical staff of MARC led by Dr. Pratap Kumar, Professor and head of Manipal Assisted Reproductive Center (MARC), Dr. Satish Kumar Adigar, Professor and chief embryologist of MARC will work jointly with the clinical staff of Apeksha IVF led by Dr. Champa Nelson.

Apeksha intends on sending the next batch of doctors for training in India in the near future. Further, Apeksha intends on holding many symposiums and workshops on Assisted Reproductive Technology in the future with senior clinicians and embryologists of Manipal University, India.
The government plans to build a hybrid energy park consisting of 240 megawatt (MW) of wind power and 800 MW of solar power plants in Punarin.

A proposal made in this regard by the power and renewable energy minister has been approved by the Cabinet of Ministers.

Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority has recognized the countrys northern area as suitable to build wind power and solar power plants. The government recently unveiled its policy to add a considerable amount of electricity to the national grid through renewable energy sources.
Most development experts agree that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can be effective at reducing inequality and promoting economic growth.

Yet, the SMEs need equity to grow their businesses. Internal cash flows are often insufficient and without adequate equity, banks turn their noses. There is less certainty among development experts, however, on the best way to help SMEs access that equity.

The Asian Development Bank looked into this issue in Sri Lanka and recently released a report on its findings. Although the country has a few private equity firms, they have enjoyed some recent momentum and have provided equity to successful small businesses that want to expand. Sri Lanka also has angel investors that make small investments in start-ups that often have little more than a simple business plan.

The middle spacebetween private equity firms and angel investorsis traditionally occupied by venture capital firms or VCs. VCs specialize in investing in firms with proven business ideas but need more equity to expand sales growth. In Sri Lanka, this middle space is a chasm.



Tough exit

VCs wouldnt have much difficulty finding promising Sri Lankan firms led by smart, hardworking entrepreneurs. But their problem would arise four to six years later, when the VC needs to resell its investment in order to return money to its investors.

Its quintessential exit risk.

Sri Lanka is not a large market, like India. Although substantial progress has been made in the last decade, it is not a wealthy country like Taipei, China or the Republic of Korea. Sri Lanka is also not tightly integrated with its neighbours, so it cant benefit from millions of investment dollars like Central and Eastern European countries following their accession to the European Union. Given these constraints, investors may have limited appetite to invest in Sri Lankan SMEs, which means VCs will struggle to find the exit door.

There is a second problem: SMEs may not want the money. Or more accurately, SMEs may want the money but are unwilling to relinquish the control that a VC would typically expect.



Hybrid solutions

VCs are deterred by exit risk, while some SMEs are unwilling to cede control. Its a difficult situation. One possible solution is to forego traditional pure equity and explore hybrid forms of capital, in particular subordinated debt and revenue-based instruments.

Subordinated debt is a well-established product. Its similar to debt in that it has a defined repayment schedule and interest payments but in the event of a default, its payments are second to those of senior lenders.

Revenue-based instruments are less common but have been used successfully in other emerging markets. In Sri Lanka, they could be structured as preferred shares that entitle the investor to a portion of the investees revenues for a defined period of time but that dont carry voting rights. Unlike subordinated debt, whose scheduled repayments are independent of company performance, revenue-based shares do well when the company does well and poorly when business is bleak.

Both provide some of the benefits of equity without some of the features that SMEs or VCs find unpalatable.



Pilot first

There are, of course, risks in structuring a Sri Lankan VC fund around these instruments. They do not carry the same potential upside as equity and without a large payoff will qualified investment managers be interested?

If the government support is needed to start the fund, could the corporate governance be structured to limit the risk of interference? Since SMEs can sometimes be quite creative in avoiding taxes, would they also be able to divert cash away from revenue-linked shares?

These risks suggest that any Sri Lankan intervention should first be piloted.

Within three years we will know if the SMEs have appetite for equity in these forms and if the returns are real. A pilot, of course, raises the administrative costs, which are now being spread over a smaller base and create a further drag on returns.

Yet, this makes the case for government support even stronger, for its interests will not be in capturing every rupee of upside but rather in developing a new conduit for VCs to reach promising SMEs.

(Donald Lambert is Senior Finance Specialist, South Asia Department, Asian Development Bank)
Former Sri Lankan President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga made a courtesy call on Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at Gono Bhaban, Dhaka, today.

After the meeting, PM's Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim said they discussed various matters relating to mutual interests and different aspects of their political parties.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, also the president of Bangladesh Awami League and Chandrika Kumaratunga, former chairman of Sri Lankan Freedom Party, shared their political experiences as both the parties have many commonalities.

Founder of the both parties- Father of the Nation of Bangladesh Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Sri Lankan leader Solomon Bandarnaike-were brutally assassinated and both the organisations were subject to repression and torture for a long time.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina informed Chandrika of various aspects of Bangladesh's society saying every person irrespective of his or her religious belief is living peacefully and participating together in every festival.

The prime minister said her government has successfully resolved the ethnic problem in the Chittagong Hill Tracts without intervention of any third party.

The press secretary said during the meeting both the leaders also recalled their personal relations.

PM's Advisor on International Affairs Dr Gowher Rizvi and PMO Secretary Suraiya Begum were also present during the meeting.

Chandrika Kumaratunga arrived in Dhaka on May 21 on a four-day visit to join a program of London-based Global Leadership Foundation.(The Daily Star)
Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer after breast cancer occurring in Sri Lankan women. It also has a high chance of cure if diagnosed early, when compared to other cancers. Incidentally the screening test for cervical cancer, commonly known as the Pap smear, remains the most successful screening test for cancer developed to date and is freely available in the government sector. Therefore it is unfortunate that many women forego this life-saving opportunity due to lack of knowledge on the subject. This week, Health Capsule consulted Dr. Jayantha Balawardane, Senior Consultant Oncologist, Radiotherapist and senior lecturer, Kotelawala Defence University hospital to get more information on cervical cancer.

How is cervical cancer diagnosed?

One doesnt contact cancer as soon as one gets infected with HPV. There could be almost a 15-year gap from the time the woman gets infected to the point where she develops cancer. During this time, the cervix undergoes gradual malignant changes, which could be detected by the simple screening test known as the pap smear, where a few scraped-off cells from the cervix are examined under a microscope. Detection of these changes in the earlier stages is preferable because once it progresses to frank cancer, the treatment methods become more complex.

What are the treatment options available?

If the malignant changes are identified in the very early stages, only the tissues containing the lesions can be incised and removed in a procedure called cone biopsy. In this method, the childbearing ability of the woman is preserved. But if the cancer is somewhat spread through the cervix, the treatment option required is a surgery. In these cases, the uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes, the upper part of the vagina as well as the supporting tissues of the uterus and pelvic lymph nodes are removed in a procedure called the Werthimes hysterectomy. If the cancer are very advanced, chemotherapy and radiotherapy is given in place of surgery. Both external radiation and per vaginal internal radiation as well as chemotherapy are combined in this treatment method.

Due to modern advanced treatments, even patients in the advanced stages of cancer now have comparatively high chances of survival.

Who is at a higher risk of contacting this disease?



Women who begin their sexual lives early have a higher chance of getting cervical cancer. Women with multiple sexual partners, especially commercial sex workers, also have a higher incidence of the disease. Even though males do not display symptoms of HPV, they can contact HPV through sexual contact with an infected person and act as carriers of the virus and are known as high-risk males. Therefore, even if a woman has a single sexual partner throughout her life, if her male partner has had other sexual partners, theres a chance of her contracting the infection through him, which may ultimately lead to cervical cancer. Research has also shown that women who smoke have a higher tendency to get cervical cancer when compared to non- smokers.

Prevention



When it comes to the prevention of cervical cancer, we should talk about three things. The first is having one faithful sexual partner. The second is vaccination for HPV. It covers 98% of HPV infections for a period of about 15 years. In developed countries, it is given to all teenage girls as part and parcel of the immunization schedule. In Sri Lanka it is readily available in the private sector at a small cost. The third is the use of barrier methods like condoms and refraining from practising unsafe sex. These methods might provide a certain amount of protection against HPV and other sexually transmitted diseases, though it is not 100 percent effective he added.

Message to Sri Lankan women



Dr. Balawardane stresses on the need for every female who has been sexually active at some point in her life to get screened for cervical cancer. He also advises women who have post-coital bleeding to seek immediate medical care, because this is usually the first visible symptom of cervical cancer. Symptoms like unusual vaginal discharge, pelvic pain and irregular vaginal bleeding may also occur. Cervical cancer can be defeated through spreading awareness and timely diagnosis and treatment.

The Sri Lankan situation



About five years back, most patients coming in for treatment for cervical cancer were in the last stages. Today, however, more and more cases are identified early because people are more informed and have access to improved screening facilities in the country, especially in the Well Woman clinics. Unfortunately, the number of patients identified from rural areas are lower, because they are less educated and are reluctant to get screened.

Tell us what you think

Your feedback is very important to us. We can help you resolve your health concerns and problems. Tell us how we can improve with ideas, suggestions and comments. Your queries on the stories we have found for you are also welcome. Write to us at dmhealthcapsule@gmail.com. Let us help you achieve your health and fitness goals with Health Capsule.
By Janani Angammana

Cirrhosis is a complication of the liver which develops when scar tissue replaces the normal, healthy tissue in your liver. This takes place when healthy cells are damaged over a long period of time, usually after many years. These scar tissues cause the liver to become hard and lumpy and may lead to liver failure. It also makes it difficult for blood to flow through the large vein that leads to the liver. Due to this, the blood will back up into the portal vein and may enter the spleen, causing complications in that organ as well. The only cure for cirrhosis is a kidney transplant; but one can also consult a doctor and slow down cirrhosis by treating its cause. Health Capsule spoke to Professor Arjuna De Silva, a Gastroenterologist, on how cirrhosis can be dealt with. Cirrhosis is considered to be present when 75% of the liver is damaged. In the past, we thought cirrhosis was not reversible but now we have found that it is. At the moment if you want to cure cirrhosis, a liver transplant must be done. Usually in Sri Lanka, the main cause of cirrhosis is due to alcoholism and a fatty liver. Women are more prone to fatty liver than men. The annual mortality rate per 100,000 people from cirrhosis in Sri Lanka has increased by 110.0% since 1990, an average of 4.8% a year.



Cirrhosis can be caused due to: Alcohol-related liver disease

Alcohol addiction is a risk factor for cirrhosis. It causes inflammation and fatty deposits in the liver. The consumption pattern of alcohol should be different for men and women. Women shouldnt have more than one drink and men shouldnt have more than two drinks per day.



Viral hepatitis

Hepatitis is the inflammation of the liver. It can be caused by the heavy use of alcohol, certain medical conditions and some medications and is most often caused by viruses. Hepatitis C is the most common variety in the United States. You can get either of these by coming into contact with infected blood. This might happen if you:

Stick yourself with a needle by accident

Share needles to inject drugs

Had a blood transaction in the past

Have intercourse with someone with the disease



Hepatitis D also can cause cirrhosis.



Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Even if a person is not addicted to alcohol, there is still a risk of fat building up in the liver. There are certain reasons for extra fat to be present in the liver:

Being overweight

Diabetes

High cholesterol and Triglycerides in the blood

High blood pressure

Metabolic syndrome



Autoimmune hepatitis

In some people, the body defences (immune system) go haywire, attacking the liver. According to doctors, it is probably genetic. Autoimmune is more common in women than in men.



Bile duct disease or damage

These bile ducts are small tubes that carry bile from the liver to the small intestine. Cirrhosis is caused in these bile ducts as a result of the ducts being blocked because of an injury or disease and the bile backs up into the liver. The two conditions that can lead to bile duct damage are gallstones and cystic fibrosis.



Medications

Some drugs can cause cirrhosis if taken for a long time.

There are two types of cirrhosis, namely Compensated and Decompensated.

In compensated cirrhosis, there are no symptoms. There are still enough healthy liver cells to meet the bodys needs. They compensate for the damaged cells and scared tissue. If the treatments are delayed, the liver will not be able to get rid of toxic substances in the body, like ammonia.

Decompensated cirrhosis causes symptoms like:

Bleeding from large blood vessels in the oesophagus

Fluid builds up in the belly

Toxins build up in blood that can cause confusion

Eyes and skin become yellow

Gallstones

Bruising and bleeding easily



Individuals with cirrhosis may have some or no symptoms of liver disease. Some of these symptoms may be non-specific that is, they dont suggest that the liver is the cause. Some of the more common symptoms and signs of cirrhosis include:

Yellowing of the skin [jaundice]

Fatigue

Weakness

Loss of appetite

Itching

Easy bruising from decreased production of blood clotting factors by the diseased liver

Diagnosis

Several tests are used to confirm the diagnosis of cirrhosis and to determine the underlying cause. Other tests are useful for determining the severity of cirrhosis and for monitoring complications.



Liver biopsy

Obtaining a small piece of tissue from the liver with a special needle during liver biopsy can be done as prescribed by your doctor.



Imaging tests

A variety of imaging tests such as an ultrasound scan, CT scan or MRI can show whether a person has cirrhosis or not. These tests can describe the appearance of the liver and identify if there are any related complications.



Physical examination

The physical signs of the condition will include one or more of the following:

Jaundice

An enlarged liver or spleen

Oedema (swelling)

Enlarged breast tissues (in men)

Palmar erythema (redness of the palms)



Laboratory tests

This can often reveal the specific underlying cause of cirrhosis. These tests can be seen in people with early cirrhosis.
By Chandeepa Wettasinghe

The graded hotel segment has been able to prune the relative growth of the informal and supplementary accommodation sector in 2016 according to Central Bank data, a situation which may continue to favour the graded sector in the future due to government intervention.

The graded segments market share of tourism accommodation increased slightly to 52.47 percent in 2016, up from 52.21 percent in 2015 backed by a slightly higher occupancy rate of 74.8 percent.

This brings to a halt the hotel industrys sharp decline in market share, which stood at 72.14 percent in 2012.

The main reason for the decline in market share for the graded establishments over the past few years was the rise of online booking engines such as Booking.com, Airbnb and Couchsurfing, which allowed supplementary and informal sectors to reach potential customers easier, precipitating higher growth for them.

The Hotels Association of Sri Lanka Immediate Past President Hiran Cooray, who recently supported the supplementary and informal sectors by noting how the livelihoods of many Sri Lankans have improved due to their growth, said that he was unsure of why their growth was overtaken by hotels.

All the information we had indicated that they (informal sector) were growing fast, he said.

However, capacity constraints of the supplementary and informal sectors may have pushed tourists into graded establishments, which added a large number of rooms to reach a total 22,336 rooms in 2016, reversing the slowdown of hotel openings that was observed in 2015.

Although the number of hotels that opened in 2016 increased by just 28, the number of rooms added increased by 2,959, compared to 44 hotels and 1,299 rooms in 2015.

Just three hotelsthe Aiken Spence Groups RIU Ahungalla and Heritange Negombo, and the Shangri La Hambantota Resortadded 940 rooms, marking a year of large and medium-scale hotel openings, compared to the more small scale and boutique hotel openings in 2015.

The Hotels Association of Sri Lanka Past President Srilal Miththapala noted that the continued addition of large hotels in the future will contribute towards a stronger graded hotel sector.

Most of the larger projects are nearing completion now and there will be larger growth in room numbers in the formal sector with these coming on stream, he said. Cooray called this the Garment Factory Syndrome. When the apparel sector was booming, there were more and more garment factories coming up. Similarly, now that people have seen the growth of the tourism industry, more and more hotels are coming. Some of the new hotels will do well and challenge established players. The others will wither off, he said. The Pacific Asia Travel Association recently downgraded Sri Lankas tourism arrival forecasts to 3.7 million visitors by 2021. Even so, Sri Lanka will require a supply of over 60,000 rooms compared to around 40,000 rooms available now.

The addition of large hotels, the governments plans to start marketing the country as a high-end destination and the intention of the authorities to tax and regulate the informal sector and the online booking engines that facilitate them, may indicate tough times ahead for the small-scale accommodation suppliers.

As time goes on, governments will become savvy. Theyll look into why they are getting less revenue and operators will see that they cant ignore local laws and they will come into line, Cooray said. Some sections of the formal industry have continuously lobbied the government successfully to put pressure on the informal sector and online booking engines, although experts in the digital economy have noted that the electronic platforms might leave the country if pressured.

Some, such as Airbnb have agreed to collect taxes from the informal sector and channel them to the Treasury, like it has done in other countries following requests. Miththapala advocated the hotel industry to innovate and raise standards to grow. I personally believe that we should not over regulate. After all this has opened up a whole new market segment albeit at the lower end of the scale. So instead the formal sector must add value, innovate and compete at another level instead of trying to stifle this market, he said.
The Betel leaf party  the other partner of the national unity coalition  has been offered a certain Ministry now being held by a Green party politico. This offer has been made in view of the reshuffle of the top team in the offing.



The Ministry on offer to the Betel leaf party is the one due to implement a controversial major development project in collaboration with a foreign company holding a major stake in it.



However, none from among the Betel leaf seniors has indicated willingness to accept this Ministry.

It is a strange quirk of irony that there are no takers for this Ministry which has to play a major role in the countrys economy, they say.



When this Ministry was offered to a senior purohita holding a key office in the Betel leaf party, pat had come the reply: No. I dont want it. By the way, he had earlier asked for a more important Ministry than the one he is holding now.



The Ministry goes a-begging for want of a willing taker because of the stigma of the deal to be signed with the foreign company, they say.
Hindustan Times, New Delhi, 23.05.2017 - The Indian army said on Tuesday that it is engaging in punitive fire assaults on Pakistani posts that were aiding infiltrators into India.



Recent actions in Naushera have caused damage to Pakistan army posts, said Maj Gen Ashok Narula in a briefing. He said the Indian army proactively dominates the LoC. We want peace and tranquillity in Jammu and Kashmir.



Pakistani army has been providing full support to infiltrators by engaging Indian Army posts, he added. The fire assault follows the beheading of two Indian jawans by militants from Pakistan earlier this month. The army had at the time said that Pakistan will have to face consequences, and promised a response action at a time and place of our choosing.
British authorities believe they know the identity of the suicide bomber who killed 22 people including children at a pop concert, Prime Minister Theresa May said on Tuesday, as police said they had arrested a 23-year-old man in connection with the attack.



May said the cowardice of the attacker was met by the bravery of the emergency services and the people of Manchester in remarks given at Downing Street, her London office, following a meeting of the governments emergency committee.



This was among the worst terrorist incidents we have ever experienced in the United Kingdom, she said.



And although it is not the first time Manchester has suffered in this way, it is the worst attack the city has experienced and the worst-ever to hit the north of England.



Greater Manchester Police said they arrested a 23-year-old man suspected of links to the attack, while a second man was detained at the citys Arndale shopping centre but was not currently believed to be connected to last nights attacks.



The shopping centre was briefly evacuated on Tuesday morning, reports said.



May said she planned to visit Manchester on Tuesday, while Andy Burnham, the citys mayor, said a vigil was planned for the victims in Manchesters central Albert Square at 6 pm.



The White House said US President Donald Trump spoke to May by telephone to offer condolences and support on behalf of the United States.

DPA, 23rd MAY, 2017
What we want in return is for Sri Lanka to honour the commitment that its already made on human rights, labour rights and environmental standards

EU consumers demand high standards and we make no apology for that

The European Commission, the legislative body of the European Union, granted GSP Plus status to Sri Lanka, providing enhanced market access to the EU under the special scheme which came into effect last week. While the government hailed the opportunity for economic development, political and civil society groups have pressured the European Parliament to debate the restoration of the GSP Plus tariff preferences to Sri Lanka, scheduled to take place on May 31 in Brussels. Against this backdrop, the Dailymirror approached Political, Trade and Communication Section Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, Counsellor Paul Godfrey, to discuss the importance of the GSP plus concession and matters related to Sri Lankas commitment to international conventions. Excerpts of the Interview;

Q The GSP plus concession has been restored following repeated requests from our government. On what basis did the European Commission decide to consider the request?

The approval for the application by the Sri Lankan government for the re-admission for the GSP plus scheme is on the same basis as any other government that chooses to apply. First of all you need to be a lower middle income country as classified by the World Bank, which currently means approximately that the Gross National Income is between US $ 3,000 to 4,000. There are eight other beneficiaries around the world including Peru, Armenia, Mongolia and some others. The reason for agreeing to grant the concession is that the government agrees to the progressive implementation of international conventions of which Sri Lanka is a signatory and in almost all cases is a long standing signatory. These are often agreements that a number of different governments have signed and ratified, going back even to the late 70s.

What we want to see from the Sri Lankan government is that they use the opportunity provided by GSP plus to address some of those issues in a coherent and jurable way so that we have a sustainable foundation for Sri Lankas long term development



There are 27 conventions in total. 19 of them relate to Human Rights, six that relate to Labour Rights and then there are two that relate to environmental concerns. When you make an application you need to agree to the progressive implementation of those conventions being monitored between the EU, the government and indeed civil society. This is a regular process of monitoring that needs to show that the government is living up to its commitment. Precisely through that process the GSP plus access was withdrawn back in 2010, because of serious shortcomings identified by the EU in three particular areas. The previous government showed no interest in addressing these issues, so the decision was ultimately made to remove Sri Lanka from the list of GSP plus beneficiaries.



Q There has been considerable speculation over the developments that led to the restoration of this concession since the EU delegations visit in October 2016. Has the present political atmosphere influenced the decision to restore GSP plus?

Very much so. In February 2015, soon after the government came into power, there was already an approach from the government to say that they were interested in re-applying for the GSP plus concession. Since mid-2015, there has been a succession of dialogues spanning for more than 18 months that have ultimately resulted in this application being approved. We had a number of informal discussions in the run up to Sri Lanka actually making the application in July 2016. These were really about conveying to the government about the things that Sri Lanka needed to do in order to have a successful application. So obviously from our side its about looking at the human rights situation, the willingness of the government both to acknowledge where there are issues and also to put in place a series of actions in order to address them.

We are however very much supportive of the Human Rights Council Resolution and we fully urge the government both publicly and privately to make good on its commitments



QWhat should be our way forward from this point onwards?

In any country, whether its a EU country or some of the countries that are generally seen as more advanced in terms of human and labour rights, such as Norway or New Zealand, there is always room for improvement. Clearly in Sri Lanka, as the EU Commissioner said, no one is pretending that the situation is perfect. There are still a lot of issues that need to be addressed. What we want to see from the Sri Lankan government is that they use the opportunity provided by GSP plus to address some of those issues in a coherent and jurable way so that we have a sustainable foundation for Sri Lankas long term development.



QThe GSP plus concession was withdrawn on allegations of grave human rights violations, labour standards and other concerns. Does this mean that the EU is satisfied with our status at present?

When we assess the application the precise terminology is that there needs to be no serious shortcomings identified against the 27 conventions. So yes, through the approval of the application there were no serious shortcomings to be identified. What I see is also a big difference where this government has repeatedly indicated its interest in improving the situation further. As I said earlier, we dont think the situation is perfect. There still are a number of areas that are concerns. But this government has committed to undertake action to improve those and we will maintain a dialogue with them about how best we think the government could progress.

Disappointing that we havent seen the Office of Missing Persons get off the ground despite the passing of the legislation



QThe EUs trade policies have been often referred to as a carrot and stick approach to trade. What is your response to these allegations that the GSP plus is a political tool?

If you take almost any other international actor, their interest in trade agreement with Sri Lanka or any other country, is about agreeing a mutual trade access. In very simplistic terms, if you have a trade deal with Australia, China, United States, in almost all cases, the deal is that we will give you access to our market, if you give us access to your market. With the EU, were not asking for market access. There is no request for market access. What we want in return is for Sri Lanka to honour the commitment that its already made on human rights, labour rights and environmental standards. Its a development mechanism. Its about the way that the European Union, the biggest donor in the world, can help developing countries build a really sustainable foundation for long lasting development. Thats what this is about and thats why there is a specific concession for lower middle income countries. For low income countries, we have the Everything but arms agreement which applies regardless of the human rights standards. But when you already move into lower middle income status its been a challenge to many countries to really consolidate and build on that process.



What we obviously hope for in Sri Lanka is that it would continue to develop economically and end up in a situation where it is an upper middle income country and in time a high income country. Thats the process that were looking to embed and support.

Govt. showed a clear difference of approach in the treatment of all Sri Lankans on an equal basis.



QWhen a country like ours subscribes to an international convention, these conventions have their own compliance mechanisms. What is the requirement of the EU setting up a parallel mechanism to monitor compliance?

We certainly are happy to work with local structures that are identified, for instance on human rights. We would see the Human Rights Commission here being a very important partner. You would be aware that an independent Human Rights Commission was something that was only put in place by this government. We now have a number of local counterparts both through the Commission and civil society to get a holistic view as to where the government is implementing the commitments it has made. That certainly is the key element for us, to see that the government is moving forward on these issues on a progressive basis.



QFor a developing country like Sri Lanka there are sometimes political costs that would outweigh economic benefits of better market access to the EU. Do you think that the implementation of the EU framework in developing countries is practical?

We think it is practical. No one forced Sri Lanka either back in 2004 or last year to make the application for the concession. If Sri Lanka had said we dont want to abide by the commitments then there is no deal on our side. It is entirely a choice of the government of Sri Lanka to make the application. Now obviously having made the application, part of the application is that you agree with the process that goes along with it. You cant become a member of a club and say I m sorry I cant play by the rules. We now expect that the government will agree with the monitoring process in moving forward. For us the progressive implementation is not something within EU interests, it is in the interest of all Sri Lankans. These are fundamental principles of international human rights law, fundamental labour rights and environmental sustainability. It is in the interest of Sri Lankans ensuring that these standards are implemented rather than just in the interests of the EU.



QSri Lanka is riddled with a financial crisis in addition to issues in human rights and labour sectors. How would the GSP plus concession help these areas?

The GSP plus in and of itself has a certain value. But really the opportunity lies in three specific areas. First of all, clearly the removal of import duty is something that helps the competitiveness of Sri Lanka in the export market. On average youre looking at about 11 percent reduction in duty. Now in the EU Sri Lankan goods are an eleven percent cheaper than they were last week. Thats already quite a serious concession when youre talking about exports being worth of three billion euros in the region, a year.



The second area is the opportunity it gives for diversification. This is a concession that applies to around more than 6,000 products that now have duty free access to the markets. Around 60 percent of the Sri Lankan exports are textiles or apparel. Other significant chunks are taken by products such as rubber and machinery. So there is plenty of potential for Sri Lankan companies and entrepreneurs to develop their business. We want to see particularly Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) taking advantage of this to develop for instance the market for Sri Lankan cinnamon. For those people who know, it is rightly seen as the best cinnamon in the world. But I dont think that its a widely understood or communicated feeling. That is one example with real potential. Sri Lankan crabs are already something that has a great demand for regional markets such as Singapore, which could be expanded. I think there are a number of high quality products, not just in the food area,where there is a real potential to develop.



Lastly what we want is to make sure that this development is not only about business and growth in economic terms. We want to try and ensure that it is built on sound foundations. To give the society as a whole, a platform to move forward. So this is a concession that benefits all Sri Lankans, its not something that only benefits a section at the top. That for us is a very important reason as to why we have this concession in place.



QHow confident are you that Sri Lanka would successfully direct a sustainable export diversification programme?

I think the opportunity is clearly there. In the first instance people obviously think of the import duty benefits because those are very easy to quantify. I think what we now need to see is the government making sure that they use the opportunity to support diversification and export orientation. This government has made very clear that it is committed to growing the export market and having an export led growth. But if you talk to any businesses here, there are still a number of barriers both formal and informal that need to be looked at in order to maximize the potential for growing Sri Lankas exports.



QHow difficult would it be for SMEs to overcome the technical obstacles and meet the standards demanded by the EU consumer?

From the EUs point of view, we have a project in place which is specifically designed to help SMEs meet the standards demanded by EU consumers. EU consumers want to know who produced it, how it was produced or the fact that it was produced in a way that didnt contribute to any human rights or labour concerns. These are things that people are concerned with already. They are ever more interested in ethical sourcing or whether or not a product has used any artificial fertilisers. These are things that are increasingly important to EU consumers. So we want to help SMEs to be aware of that process and secondly to work to ensure that they are able to meet the standards. Obviously they are high standards and we make no apology for that.



QWhat is the EUs opinion of the progress made by Sri Lanka in terms of the Counter Terrorism Act, women and childrens rights and reports of torture?

As the Commissioner said last week the situation is not perfect. We still have concerns. The government has committed in Geneva to repeal and replace the Prevention of Terrorism Act. Its about a number of sections within that Act. We very much count on the government to deliver on its commitment to have a counter terrorism legislation that is consistent with international practice. We still have a long way to go on that but we have assurances from the government that they intend to proceed down that route and we look forward to it.



On torture, this government has already taken some important steps; first of all acknowledging that there was a problem and that the problem is on-going and not going away. Clearly inviting the special rapporteur from the United Nations to make a report was an important element. Sending clear instructions to all security forces, Police and armed forces that the government would have no tolerance for any instances of torture or coercion; that was an important signal that was sent. Some of these elements can assist, putting in place checks and balances. I think having those checks and balances in the system is an important way to give confidence to people that for instance, when a suspect is produced in court that they havent been tortured to produce some kind of confession.



QThe government has made several conflicting statements about issues such as the transitional justice process and the formulation of the new constitution. Against this backdrop, how confident are you that the government would commit to the standards set by the EU?

The transitional justice process is not strictly within the GSP plus criteria. We are however very much supportive of the Human Rights Council Resolution and we fully urge the government both publicly and privately to make good on its commitments. I think we would share the assessment of Prince Zeid. There has been a good start in many areas but there is clearly a great deal of work to do. We need to see some of that now being delivered. It is certainly disappointing that we havent seen the Office of Missing Persons (OMP) get off the ground despite the passing of the legislation back in August last year. We very much hope that it would come forward quickly. I think it is important also to see other steps put in place around other parts of the transitional architecture so that people have confidence that the process is continuing to go forward. The more the government is able to put across its vision about how it sees this going forward in a way that is victim-centric and credible, the more people will have a belief that it is a process that they can trust and engage with.



QDo you endorse the governments approach in solving the ethnic issue in Sri Lanka?

There were some very important signs that this government gave out in a symbolic level that meant a lot, to a lot of people. For instance singing the national anthem in two languages and allowing the commemoration of the war deaths to take place. I think its very important that we dont see those commitments now sliding away. I think those meant a lot to a large number of people and showed a clear difference of approach in the treatment of all Sri Lankans on an equal basis. In terms of political sentiments, we are very much supportive of the governments commitment on a new constitution. Its not our place to say where the line ought to be in terms of the responsibilities for provincial authorities or the central government. But for everybodys benefit it is very important that there is a clarity of those responsibilities.



At the moment one of the failures in government is the concurrent list which causes a lack of accountability in governments between what the province is responsible for and what the central government is responsible for. Clarifying that element is for me, one of the most important elements of wider accountability and not just in terms of looking at it as an ethnic question. Its as important for the Southern province or the North-Central province as it is for the North and the East.

Pic by Damith Wickramasinghe
Nuwara-Eliya District Tamil Progressive Alliance (TPA) MP Mylvaganam Tilakaraj in an interview with the Dailymirror highlights issues confronting plantation-based Tamil minority and their aspirations. He shared the following:-



Q As a politician from upcountry, how do you see the current political situation of the country?

Visibly, people are not satisfied. Ordinary people expect physical appearance of development in terms of bridges, roads etc. There is a lack of development. I must tell you the truth. However, expectations of people before two years ago were something different. There were bridges, roads, harbours and all. But, there was no democracy. Now there is democracy in terms of media freedom, proper use of executive and parliamentary powers etc. Those days, there was less work in Parliament. Everything was decided by the Presidents Office. At present, a lot of activities take place in Parliament.

PM Mods visit indicated and ensured that the Indian origin plantation minority also must be included in the Constitution and introduced a mechanism to solve the ethnic conflict. Moreover, he addressed our people in the presence of our President and the PM. He said that even though these people belong to Indian origin, they are Sri Lankans. This is a great recognition.



Q What have you delivered to people to ensure better living conditions during the period?

By enacting the 19th Amendment, some powers of the executive were vested with Parliament. I am only an MP. But, I have the chance to discuss matters with the secretaries of various ministers at oversight committee meetings. There was no democracy for MPs to discuss during the previous regime. Another important thing is the enactment of the Right to Information Act. Information has to be declared to people. No room is left for behind-the-scenes activities. Apart from this, the Constitution making process is underway. We have the experience in this regard. In 1972 and 1978, only groups of individuals were making the Constitutions. Now, we have expanded the process to the general public. First, the Public Representation Committee was appointed. Then, Parliament was converted into a Constitutional Assembly.



Q As a politician representing the plantation-based minority, how hopeful are you of a power devolution package for them in the Constitution making process?

This is a very good question. I was mentioning the processes in 1972 and 1978. In those days, there were Devolutions of Constitutions. During that time, we were deprived of our rights, including the right to vote. Now, we are in a position - not only to vote, but also to determine what we want. So, we have formed an experts committee. We had a lot of discussions in this committee formed by our Tamil Progressive Party (TPP). We are now trying to ensure our rights in the Constitution.

My parents were plantation workers. I have given the address of this house as mine to the parliamentary authorities. From such a predicament, I studied and graduated from a Colombo University. I am the fourth MP from that particular estate



QWhat do you mean by Our rights?

We cannot deny the fact that we are people of Indian origin. If you look at history, all our ancestors had been of Indian origin. But, in our case, in the census report, we are registered as Indian Tamils, not even as Indian origin Tamils. We hate that form. Certainly I do not like to be called as an Indian Tamil because I was born and raised here. We have lived here for more than 200 years. If you migrate to a European country and live there for five years, you will be granted with a permanent citizenship. But in Sri Lanka it is the other way round! We have been living here for more than two centuries and are still called as Indian Tamils! We have to establish our Sri Lankan nationality first. This is an important issue that need to be resolved first.



Q So, you wished to be identified as Sri Lankan Tamils?

Yes. Some people ask for the difference between the Sri Lankan Tamils and the Malayaga Tamils outside the north and the east. I would say whatever the positions they are holding now, they were fighting for separation. They wanted self-determination. They wanted to part ways from Sri Lanka as a separate nation. In our case, we are still fighting for our Sri Lankan identity. The difference is pretty clear.



Q Have you submitted any proposals to that effect?

Yes, we have. We made proposals seeking constitutional recognition as Sri Lankan citizens even though we are of Indian origin. We are called Malayaga Tamils. People in the north and the east are known as Sri Lankan Tamils. If our people do that so, we will be mixed up with them. We are located in the central hills and in the Uva. So, we are known as Malayaga Tamils or hill country Tamils. We are the pillars of the export economy here compared with those in the north and the east, we have a different cultural set up. We are living with the majority Sinhalese. We can communicate with them. We have a mixed culture with the majority. My name is Tilakaraj, but I am known to many as Tilak, which is a very common name among the Sinhalese.

We cannot deny the fact that we are people of Indian origin. If you look at history, all our ancestors had been of Indian origin. But, in our case, in the census report, we are registered as Indian Tamils, not even as Indian origin Tamils. We hate that form



QHowever, in upcountry we see the Tamil Nadu culture has made its impact. They watch TV channels relayed from TN. Then, how important is it for you to develop the traditional Sri Lankan culture there?

In our case, the Sri Lankan Tamil literature is identified in two aspects. One is produced by us while the other by the Tamils in the north and east. It has developed based on our working community. When you consider our drama, folk-tales etc, we have identical ones. Anybody can sing in our community because we have the folk culture. We have Tamil films that portray our working community. In fact, our leader Mano Ganeshans father V.P. Ganeshan was a film producer. He was known as the Sri Lankan MGR. The movie was about the upcountry Tamils, their lives and culture.



Q Apart from being recognised as Sri Lankan Tamils, what are the other areas that need attention?

We were ruled by the British and located within the estates. We made representations to Parliament in 1947. We had seven members under Soulbury System. Population wise, we were in the second slot according to the 1961 census report. When the country gained Independence in 1948, we did not get it. It was because we were deprived of our voting franchise. In 1964, our people were repatriated to India under the Sirima-Shasthri Pact. Then, in 1972, the British rule expanded its control not only over the estates but also over our society. We were differentiated from the governments mechanism. Even now, the plantation health sector is not linked with the national body. Doctors are called Estate Medical Assistants. The government provides only medicine. All the entire system is run by the private sector. I have debated this with the Health Minister too. In the education sector, still there is a division called the plantation sector at the Education Department. Though we are taken to the government schools, the plantation education system is existent. Plantation education was introduced by the colonial rulers. Housing is another issue. People still live in line rooms with 20 x 10 floor space with no adequate ventillation.

We were asking for help from India. They provided us educational scholarships. I was also a beneficiary



I was born and raised in a similar atmosphere. My parents were plantation workers. I have given the address of this house as mine to the parliamentary authorities. From such a predicament, I studied and graduated from a Colombo University. I am the fourth MP from that particular estate. People have the aptitude to gain knowledge. But, they are being treated in a different manner. The other main issue is administration. If you take a Grama Niladhari, the ratio is 1000:1 (families) in other parts of the country. In some cases, you would find 120:1 (families) too. But in our case, the ratio is 3,000:1 (families)! There is no proper administration for us. We have to ensure that the administrative power is shared with our people.



QHow happy are the plantation population with the present rule?

They are happy. Nationally as I said, it portrays a different picture. We have won the land rights for housing. We are building houses. We have developed 25 schools for education in the science stream. We have set the trend.



QHow do you look at the political power sharing?

When you think about power devolution, you must think of administrative power and political power. In the north and east, they are fighting for political power. We also need political power sharing. In our case, we are even without administrative power. Without it, how can we get political power? We have to mark our administrative areas.



Q Does it mean that you are seeking a separate administrative zone for your people?

Actually, we are suggesting the system that is existent in India. They have a system in New Delhi. We mean our non-contiguous areas. In Kalutara also, our people live. We have to combine all these non-contiguous areas. We have to be treated equally with other nationalities in terms of administration. When it comes to power devolution, we have to identify the administrative location and that zone only should be given political power.



Q There is a perception that the TPA was formed at the behest of India. Your comments on that.....

No, actually we were together under Ceylon Indian Congress (CIC). It was formed in 1937. CIC later became Ceylon Workers Congress (CWC). The CWC flag reflects the features of the Indian flag. The CWC was running all the politics. From 1960s onwards, one leader from the CWC defected from the CWC and formed Democratic Workers Congress (DWC). It has now become a Democratic Peoples Front led by Minister Mano Ganeshan. In 1955, the National Workers Congress defected from the CWC. It is now under the leadership of Minister Palani Digambaram. In 1985, late MP Chandrasekaran bowed out of CWC and formed the Upcountry Peoples Front. What TPA now is the unification of all these three under one banner. We have a long culture of forming alliances.



QWhat is the kind of political relationship you have with India at the moment?

It is very good. We are not responsible for coming here. I mentioned it to the British Foreign Office as well. We have been living here for over 200 years. The British only brought us here to work as labourers in the plantation sector. India had sent these people to Sri Lanka (then Ceylon) without any consideration. Our people started living in a new country as Indian Tamils. There is accountability to India to look after our political aspirations.



We were asking for help from India. They provided us educational scholarships. I was also a beneficiary. We told them this should not be the way. We asked them to look at our living condition. Then only they agreed to give us 4,000 houses. We have been able to implement this project since our TPA became an ally of the government.



QHow do you look at Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit?

We are in the transitional period of political culture of this country, especially due to the proposal to making of new Constitution. The Tamil people who are living in the central and southern part of Sri Lanka were deprived of their citizenship during the previous Constitutional Reforms.



PM Modis visit indicated and ensured that the Indian origin plantation minority also must be included in the Constitution and introduced a mechanism to solve the ethnic conflict. Moreover, PM Modi addressed our people in the presence of our President and the PM. He said that even though these people belong to Indian origin, they are Sri Lankans. This is a great recognition. It gives the plantation minority Tamils

Sri Lankan identity.
Discussions on the proposed Sri Lanka-Malaysia free trade agreement have advanced into the scoping stage, where both parties conduct feasibilities on the benefits and costs of entering into intimate trade relations, the Malaysian High Commissioner in Colombo, Zaidi Wan Abdullah, told reporters, this week.

The initial process of scoping has not been completed yet. And we are also looking at whether services should be included, Abdullah said.

He noted that current studies are taking place at industry levels, which will devolve into product level during the formal FTA negotiations. Some products and industries have protection, so determinations are ongoing, he said. He noted that while the entire negotiation process could take between 2-5 years, it was currently progressing smoothly. Historically, Sri Lankan trade agreements have drawn high resistance locally, backed by political parties and protectionist businesses. The current negotiations for the Economic and Technology Partnership Agreement (ETCA) with India, and the FTA negotiations with China too have drawn heavy opposition. Sri Lankas exports to Malaysia amounted to just US$ 36 million in 2016, falling from US$ 37 million in 2015. Malaysia in turn is Sri Lankas sixth largest supplier, selling US$ 638 million worth of products to Sri Lanka in 2016, up from US$ 508 million in 2015. Abdullah said Malaysian firms are interested in investing in export-oriented operations in Sri Lanka. (CW)
The Police fired tear gas and used water cannons to disperse a group of medical students and parents who were protesting against the South Asian Institute of Technology and Medicine (SAITM) at the Lotus Roundabout in Colombo today.

Medical Faculty Students' Action Committee Convener Ryan Jayalath said some 1000 students and parents had taken a part in this protest march which was launched from Colombo Fort to the presidential secretariat.

During the protest march, police blocked the road near the Lotus Roundabout and requested 10 of our members to come for a discussion with the presidential secretary, he said and added that they had rejected the request saying they needed to discuss this matter with President Maithripala Sirisena or Prime Minister Wickremesinghe.

They fired tear gas and used water canons to disperse the protesting students and parents, Mr. Jayalath said. (Kalathma Jayawardhane)

Video by Indika Sri Aravinda
The newly appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs Ravi Karunanayake is to call for reports on all Sri Lankan envoys serving abroad on the instructions of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe.

This will include Ambassadors, Deputy High Commissioners, Consul Generals and others in the diplomatic services.

Karunanayake is to officially make this order on taking up his appointment at the Foreign Ministry.

After obtaining this report on the senior officials of the Diplomatic Community, a report on the minor grade employees serving in the embassies abroad is also to be called for shortly, sources said. (Anjula Mahika Weerarathne)




In the Badulla district lies a small hamlet called Veheragoda, which King Dutugemunu was said to have passed on his way to Anuradhapura to fight King Elara. The villagers believe that there were temples here in ancient times. Although there are no material remains left, this story has been passed down from generation to generation.

One of the villagers, Nalin Premachandra RSP who had once been an army officer attached to the first Medical Corps., decided to restore this lost pride to his hometown. Accordingly he embarked on an ambitious move to raise the village temple to a historical place of worship. We have had a proud history but we dont have anything left to prove it. Therefore my objective is to see that we have a temple which could go down in history some day. If I achieve this goal, my village will regain its lost pride, Premachandra said, explaining his lone effort to develop the village temple. Determination seemed to be one of his personality traits as he related how he saved the lives of 58 injured army personnel during a bloody battle against the LTTE in Kilinochchi, during his days in the army.

The livelihood of almost everyone in this village is agriculture and they cant afford to assist the temple financially as they dont earn much

Premachandra raised funds to construct the chaithya of Veheragoda Megawela Temple all by himself. I got ticket books printed myself and went to seek financial help from donors. I even went around in buses to get help from the public, Premachandra said. He had managed to raise around Rs.1 million for the project.

The Chaithya is built on a strong foundation which reaches 11 feet into the ground. The most attractive parts of it are the parapet walls with elephant carvings. When one looks at it from outside one can feel as if the chaithya is surrounded by a herd of elephants.

According to the Chief Incumbent of the temple,Ven. Pussallakande Senananda Thera, this temple was constructed in the year 2000. The temple comprises of a Dharma Shalawa and the Viharageya. However, these need repairs now and we need funds, he said.

According to the Ven. thera villagers alone cannot afford to provide financial assistance. The livelihood of almost everyone in this village is agriculture and they cant afford to assist the temple financially as they dont earn much, the Thera said.
Former Sri Lankan President Chandrika Bandarnaike Kumaratunga has slammed the SAARC and BIMSTEC for not doing anything to solve the regional crises.

Both regional organisations failed to resolve any political problems, she said, delivering a lecture in Dhaka on Tuesday.

I would say (the regional groupings) are inactive and ineffective, she said.

She said during her time as Lankan President at a summit in Maldives she along with the then Maldives President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom slightly changed the language in the founding document of SAARC so that it can discuss bilateral or trilateral issues.

But it has not been able to do anything to the political problems (of any member state).

I would say the same for the BIMSTEC, she said, referring to the grouping that connects South Asia with Southeast Asia and which is being seen as an alternative to SAARC as Pakistan is not a member of that grouping.

The tension in relations between India and Pakistan is seen as a stumbling block for SAARC and its mandate.

The Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies, BIISS, organised the lecture on Reconciling divided societies, building democracy and good governance: Lessons from Sri Lanka.

Kumaratunga, who was president from Nov 1994 to Nov 2005, highlighted different aspects of the Sri Lankas post- civil war reconciliation and peace-building process.

She also discussed her countrys present state of democracy as well as good governance. She stressed the pluralistic, multicultural and diversified society in South Asia and identified terrorism as one of the main challenges in the region.

She identified terrorism as one of the main challenges in South Asia and referring to the Tamil Tigers, she said: I come from a country, which experienced the effects of terrorism for nearly three decades.

She stressed the need for identifying the deep-rooted causes of terrorism.

Officials from different ministries of the government, representatives of different embassies, national and international organisations, former ambassadors and researchers from various institutions participated at the event.

BIISS Chairman Ambassador Munshi Faiz Ahmad and its Director General Maj Gen AKM Abdur Rahman also spoke on the occasion. (bdnews24)
Number One in yahapalanaya attended a special religious ceremony to mark Vesak. The event drew a huge crowd to the city.



It so happened that a flamboyant khaki high-up escorted by a defender vehicle convoy and Police outriders had headed to the venue of the ceremony ahead of Number One whose escort was restricted to only two vehicles. And later the news that Number One while on the way to the important ceremony was held up for several minutes due to the khaki high-ups motorcade blocking the road ahead spread like wildfire.



By the way, this high-up now well-known for his showmanship, is said to be ever on the look-out for something new that would put him in the limelight. He had jaws dropping when he made it mandatory for his subordinates to start the day with a soul-cleansing meditation session. Recently he had assigned four of his aides to the job of posting visuals of his novel projects on Facebook. Meanwhile, another interesting story doing the rounds these days tells how our showman brashly unseated an intelligence officer of the special team assigned for the security of visiting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Nuwara Eliya public rally grabbed the chair for himself

The authorities in the highest echelons are now keeping an eagle eye on the conduct of this khaki high-up, informed sources say.
At least six Tamil Nadu fishermen who were fishing in Sri Lankan waters were arrested along with a boat by the Sri Lankan navy near Neduntheevu island, last night.

The fishermen were apprehended by the Lankan Navy near Delft island.

The fishermen have been taken to Kankesandurai Naval camp for investigation.(ANI)
President Maithripala Sirisenas visit to Australia would be an opportunity to advance key areas of bilateral co-operation including action against human smuggling, Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said yesterday.

Australian Premier said in a media statement that education, defence, science and technology, economic development and medical research were among the topics which would be discussed.

President Sirisena arrived in Canberra and he is scheduled to visit Sydney during the three-day official visit.

This is the first time a Sri Lankan Head of State has made a state visit to Australia and it follows Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghes successful visit in February.

The year 2017 marks the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Australia and Sri Lanka. Our deep and enduring friendship is anchored in shared history as Commonwealth countries and through our shared interests as Indian Ocean nations. I look forward to meeting President Sirisena on this important visit, Premier Turnbull said.
(Daily Mail, London) 23 May 2017 -

Donald Trump made the short trip from Jerusalem to Bethlehem Tuesday to meet Mahmoud Abbas and pitch a lasting peace with Israel.



President Abbas assures me he is ready to work towards that goal in good faith, and Prime Minister Netanyahu has promised the same, he announced at the Palestinian Presidential Palace.



Abbas hopes to convince the unpredictable U.S. president to remain committed to an independent Palestinian state as part of those negotiations.



I am truly hopeful that America can help Israel and the Palestinians forge peace and bring new hope to the region and its people. I also firmly believe that if Israel and the Palestinians can make peace, it will begin a process of peace all throughout the Middle East, and that would be an amazing accomplishment, he said.



Abbas offered a similar view before Trump spoke, saying through a translator that our Palestinian peoples attainment of their freedom and independence is key to peace and stability in the world. Abbas reiterated our commitment to cooperate with you in order to make peace and forge a historic peace deal, but referred to East Jerusalem, where Trump was for part of Monday, as occupied territory.
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, accompanied by his wife Emine and Prime Minister Binali Yildirim and his wife, wave during the Extraordinary Congress of the ruling AK Party -AKP-(Reuters)

By Kareem Fahim, (c) 2017, The Washington Post  May 23, 2017 -

ISTANBUL - Turkeys Foreign Ministry lodged a formal protest on Monday with the U.S. ambassador over aggressive actions by American security personnel during a visit to Washington last week by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan that was marred by a violent clash between Turkish guards and protesters.



The summoning of the ambassador, John Bass, sharply escalated a diplomatic rift between Turkey and the United States following the violence. Footage of the brawl was widely circulated on social media, prompting outrage in the United States, along with calls for the prosecution of the Turkish guards and even the expulsion of Turkeys ambassador to Washington.



American and Turkish officials have provided directly contrasting versions of how the violence unfolded. Local police said the Turkish guards savagely attacked a peaceful protest outside the Turkish ambassadors residence as Erdogan was visiting. Footage of the melee showed what appeared to be Turkish security guards kicking and choking protesters as police struggled to contain the unrest. It also showed Erdogan watching, from a distance, as the fighting raged.



Erdogans critics seized on the bloody altercation - and a similar flash of violence during the Turkish presidents visit to Washington last year - as indicative of his governments iron-fisted approach to protests and dissent at home.



But Turkish diplomats faulted the local police, saying they had failed to quell an unpermitted and provocative demonstration.



The Turkish Foreign Ministrys statement Monday went even further, criticizing the inability of U.S. authorities to take sufficient precautions at every stage of the official program. And it demanded that the United States conduct a full investigation of this diplomatic incident and provide the necessary explanation.



The statement also blamed U.S. security personnel for aggressive and unprofessional actions against the Turkish foreign ministers protective detail. A Turkish official said it was a reference to an incident several hours after the protest, when U.S. diplomatic security agents briefly detained two Turkish guards as they were trying to enter the Turkish Embassy. The guards were later released and returned to Turkey, the official said.



Heather Nauert, a State Department spokeswoman, confirmed in a statement that Bass had been summoned by the Turkish Foreign Ministry to discuss the violent incidents involving protestors and Turkish security personnel on May 16.



As we noted previously, the conduct of Turkish security personnel last week was deeply disturbing, she said. The State Department has raised its concerns about those events at the highest levels.

The spiralling argument appeared to sour what by all accounts had been a friendly meeting between Erdogan and President Trump before the protest.



In a joint press appearance at the White House, the two leaders were full of mutual praise and spoke of hopes for a closer and more productive relationship.



But the rift has also laid bare policy disagreements, particularly over the war in Syria, that have stirred tensions between the two allies. Turkey has been angered by the Trump administrations decision to arm a Kurdish force to fight the Islamic State militant group in Syria in partnership with the United States. Turkey says the group is an affiliate of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), which is regarded as a terrorist organization by Ankara and Washington.



Kurdish activists were among the protesters in D.C. on May 16 outside the ambassadors residence, according to footage of the violence. Some held signs in support of Selahattin Demirtas, a co-leader of a pro-Kurdish political party who is in prison and facing prosecution in Turkey. Others held the flag of the Peoples Protection Units, the U.S.-backed Syrian Kurdish force.
Sri Lankas unit trust industry has seen a massive withdrawal of funds during the first three months of the year with deeper erosion of assets taking place during March, the final month before the new taxes may come into effect.

Sri Lankas fund management industry decried the new taxes proposed by the budget 2017 to be effected from April 1, 2017, as the enacting of such would decide the fate of the industry, which has about Rs.100 billion Assets Under Management (AUM).

According to the data released by the Unit Trust Association of Sri Lanka, the largest five unit trust funds in Sri Lanka, which had a combined AUM of Rs.53.2 billion by the end of December 31, 2016, have seen their assets almost halving to Rs.27.6 billion by March 31, 2017.

Of the first three months, March saw Rs.18 billion worth of assets being withdrawn, probably the largest withdrawal of assets in a single month.

For instance, Assetline Gilt Edged Fund, the countrys largest unit trust fund managed by Assetline Capital (Pvt) Limited., a unit of David Pieris Group, which had AUM of Rs.27.6 billion by end of 2016 saw its AUMs coming down to Rs.22.5 billion by the end of February 2017.

Between March and April, the funds AUM fell to just under Rs.7.7 billion, probably demonstrating the investor panic over the looming new taxes.

The budget 2017 proposed to remove withholding tax exemption on dividends received by a corporate unit holder and the profits earned by a unit trust company, making them liable for 14 percent income tax as opposed to the exiting 10 percent. Also it was proposed to make the redemption of units liable for taxes, which were hitherto exempted.

Obviously the impact is going to be huge. Potentially this (AUM) is going to drop significantly by 1st of April as the corporates who are now on a wait-and-see mode on the taxes will withdraw their funds, said Dilshan Wirasekara, CEO of First Capital Holdings, an investment bank, in a note this March.

The removal of the exemption of withholding tax on dividends received by a corporate unit holder was particularly targeted at those corporates who circumvent the tax net by way of investing in unit trusts.

In Sri Lanka, corporates own over 80 percent of the Rs.100 billion AUM in the unit trust industry while only the balance 20 percent is owned by individual unit holders.

Although the unit trusts were introduced into Sri Lanka with the intention of promoting share ownership among a wider section of the society, this appears to have remotely achieved even after nearly three decades into introducing such investment instruments.

To put things into perspective, there are not more than 40,000 unit holders in Sri Lanka for a population of 23 million.

However, the looming new taxes may have prompted some of the corporates to withdraw their funds which in turn would have led to the erosion of the AUMs during March in particular.

But to-date, none of those proposed taxes have come into effect as the Finance Ministry has failed to gazette the new tax amendments.

Nevertheless the countrys former Finance Minister, Ravi Karunanayake told reporters this month that he would tax profits of unit trusts at 10 percent for individuals and at a higher rate for corporates. But the enactment of such proposals now hangs in the balance due to a cabinet reshuffle, where Karunanayke had to swap ministries with Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera.
A group of front-liners of a main political party recently paid a courtesy call on a onetime party stalwart whose miscalculated somersault saw him in hot water first and in political wilderness soon afterwards..



Diyawanna members from the Central, Wayamba and Western provinces who comprised the group had apprised the former colleague of the issues currently troubling the party and invited him to re-join the party letting bygones be bygone.



The former stalwart had readily accepted the invitation, but the Green light from the party leadership is yet to come, they say.
Seated from left: Vijitha Weerasinghe, Secretary/Expo Consolidators (Pvt.) Ltd Head of Expo Rail Amra Zareer, Vice Chairperson Membership Services and Education/Visiting Lecturer/Education, Management and Training Consultant Dr. Priyangani Jayasundara, Co-Founder and Immediate Past Chairperson, Management Consultant and Lecturer Gayani de Alwis, Chairperson Commercial and Marketing Manager South Asia Gateway Terminals Dhashma Karunaratne, Vice Chairperson Membership Development/Expolanka Freight (Pvt.) Ltd Director Transportation Niroza Gazzali, Vice Chairperson Sponsorships and Brand Building/McLarens Shipping General Manager Documentation and Training Anoma Ranasinghe and Gayathri Karunanayake

Standing from left: Gayara Jayasuriya, Wasanthi Vithanage, Kasuni Ahangangoda, Sajuni Wasage, Ruchithra Yogananda, Semini Dissanayake, Kithmini Gamage, Shakkya Perera, Maithree Attanayaka and Manjari Nigamuni

Not in photograph: Namalie Siyambalapitiya, Namali Sirisoma, Sriyamal Gamage and Anushka Weeraratne

Women in Logistics & Transport (WiLAT) Sri Lanka appointed its new Chairperson Dhashma Karunaratne for the year 2017 at the fourth annual general meeting held recently at the National Chamber of Commerce auditorium, amidst a large gathering of the industrys eminent personalities.

Karunaratne takes the helm from the outgoing WiLAT Co-Founder and Chairperson Gayani de Alwis and will execute WiLATs advocacy initiatives, working closely with its parent body Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) and Global WiLAT Forum. In her professional career, she has held diverse roles, including corporate finance, business strategy, management accounting and distributor and project management.

In her current role she contributes towards the execution of the commercial and marketing strategy of the South Asia Gateway Terminals of Port of Colombo and drives initiatives for business growth integrating contractual performance monitoring and compliance.

She is a member of CILT and is currently serving as a member of the CILT council. She has been an active executive committee member of WiLAT Sri Lanka since its inception in 2013 and has been serving as Vice Chairperson for Branding and Promotions since 2016. She has successfully executed effective programmes to promote and position WiLAT as an integral part of the industry and economy.

Anoma Ranasinghe, Niroza Gazalli and Dr. Priyangani Jayasundara were elected as Vice Chairpersons and they bring with them a wealth of experience and knowledge of the industry. The newly-appointed WiLAT Exco will together stand stronger as a leading female advocacy group in Sri Lanka and the region.

The keynote speech was delivered by APL Lanka Limited Managing Director Kingsley Abeywickrema on the theme Future outlook of the maritime industry. He highlighted that all activities relevant to the maritime industry will be automated and integrated in the near future and concluded that Sri Lanka should focus on opening more principals offices and continue to develop our ports and other infrastructure to be more competitive with other countries in the region.

de Alwis in her speech thanked the past committees for supporting her during her four-year tenure and wished the newly elected chairperson and her committee and mentioned that she hopes WiLAT Sri Lanka will continue the efforts and be the shiniest diamond in the global CILT crown.

She added that at a time when WiLAT Sri Lanka is in a very strong position, she is confident that the new committee under the able leadership of her successor would be able to translate vision and strategy into world- class execution and bring together all females in the logistics and transport industry to create value to the economy.

Karunaratne concluded by stating that standing together in one spirit, contending as one for the empowerment of all women is what she would strive to pursue during her tenure.

The key feature of this years newly elected council is the presence of women from all sectors (aviation, maritime, land transport and supply chain) of the logistics and transport industry and representation from academic institutions. In order to attract millennial, a young female student representative, each from the four universities offering supply chain and logistics degree programmes were co-opted once again.
Hassan Rouhani was re-elected last Friday for a second round of four years' presidency in Iran.

Rohanis electoral victory was significant (57 per cent chose him), and welcomed with joy and relief by a majority of the 41 million Iranians who went to vote.

In the days following his re-election, the streets of Tehran were filled with a vibrant crowd celebrating to the sound of Iranian pop music. Just as in 2013, while state authorities are eager to show a democratic face to the world through highly attended and well organised elections, people rush to take over the streets and subvert their well planned order via dance, music and womens hair floating out of car windows

The last four years have not witnessed many changes or growth in civil society initiatives, or social and political resistance to state power. But the electoral campaign launched a moment of intense political participation that culminated in highly attended elections, and bursts of joy on the streets of Tehran.

Twitter and Facebook posts celebrated the fact that more than 70 per cent of Iranians went to vote - way more than the 58 per cent who voted in the US election - as a sign of a vibrant democracy.

If so many Iranians queued to vote, while well established democracies struggle with abstention, it is not because political life in Iran is more participative, more popular and more legitimate to the people. It is because of a well established system that reinvents the terms of consent and constraint.

On the one hand, the elections are not democratic since the choice and spectrum are extremely narrow and pre-defined. The candidates must be approved by an "Assembly of experts" in line with the Supreme Leaders views: only careful insiders make it as candidates.

On the other, presidential elections are moments of exception that aim entirely towards high participation, which would reaffirm the Republican dimension in the Islamic Republic and reassert the States legitimacy.

An unusual air of freedom reigns in TV debates between candidates and in the streets, attracting the progressives and youth in colourful meetings. Well organised networks of mosques and the bassidj mobilise the political clientele of conservative candidates - state employees and working-class beneficiaries of different "foundations" (bonyaad).

And since 2005, when massive abstention resulted in the unexpected victory of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the fear of the worst is a driving force to drag in those who dont find they have a choice.

This year again, the former argument was personified through Rouhanis challenger, Ebrahim Raisi. Like in the case of Donald Trump in the US or Le Pen in France, many Iranians first and foremost voted against Raisi.

This cleric, who never holds an office or elected position, declared in a TV debate that he had much on-the-ground experience. "Sure he does," said undercover jokes fusing in the social media. "But theres no one left to testify about it!"

If Raisi's past was denounced on social media and in Iranian diasporas abroad, it was not mentioned in the electoral debate or international media coverage. Photo: Reuters

These referred to Raisis past as a prosecutor in revolutionary courts in the 1980s, when he sentenced to death thousands of political opponents - reframed as "enemies" at a time of bloody war with Iraq.

State violence in the consolidation years of the Islamic Republic culminated in 1988 with the mass killing of a few thousands of political opponents who were serving their prison sentences.

Ordered by Khomeini, the massacre was carried on the ground by a three-person committee flying from town to town to establish the lists and supervise the killings. Raisi was one of the three.

If his past was denounced on social media and in Iranian diasporas abroad, it was not mentioned in the electoral debate or international media coverage. But another one of the three was Pourmohammadi - Rouhanis minister of justice during 2013-17.

So the political career of perpetrators goes well beyond binary oppositions between "conservatives" and "moderates" and is structural to the regime. Raisis conservative candidacy, openly backed by the Supreme Leader, illustrates once more how the system not only denies state crimes that lie at the foundations of todays homogeneous political life, but also reward their authors with higher positions.

This comes in a double climate. On the one hand, while years of post-revolutionary violence have been totally silenced for decades, they are now captured by state propaganda (through movies, museums, etc) and a narrative of civil war. On the other hand, the evocation of state violence exposes to intimidations and repression.

Silence mostly prevails around what can be named a "public secret". Collective silence cements the architecture of denial and amnesia since more than 70 per cent of Iranians are below 30 years of age - they didnt experience the years of extreme violence, and just never heard about it.

All these elements gather to explain why the impressive crime record of a minister of justice of a moderate government or a conservative candidate seem irrelevant to public debate. The lack of reaction, indignation, and debate after Pourmohammadis appointment as minister of justice showed somehow that state violence was not a sensitive issue.

It traced a threshold of acceptability, paving the way for Raisis candidacy. This is one example of how moral and emotional mappings imposed by the state, and accepted by the Iranian public in a pragmatic approach to change, have been internalised. And the frontiers between constraint and consent are blurred - even to the actors themselves.

In sum, peoples full involvement in the presidential elections is experienced, sometimes passionately, as a form of resistance within the range of available actions. But this mobilisation serves the system as a whole.

Participation is engineered in order to maintain the regime's legitimacy, which stands on a discourse of Republican sovereignty. Within this framework, however, there seems to be room for political struggles, be it within the political cast and factions, or between civil society and the state.

In the former situation, a power relation needs to be established by taking the lead in reframing the public debate and opening the space between obedience and adhesion. The problem with todays pragmatic approach is the constant slippage from a low-intensity resistance that works for change in the long run, and adhesion.
An extremely hawkish defence policy is shaping up against Pakistan in our TV studios. Or at least a false national narrative is being constructed, the essence of which is that the doctrine of strategic restraint has lost all relevance. The troubling aspect is that BJP spokespersons are part of this orchestrated half "battle cry".

So, on our TV channels, in the sitting rooms of millions, a new defence paradigm is being discussed under which India will not be inclined to keep the border hostilities confined to minor incisions. Rather, deeper, more incisive forays will be made, unmindful of the strategic response it may elicit across the border.

That there is an inherent risk in such a matrix of "controlled" hostilities escalating into a conventional war is another matter.

That both India and Pakistan are "stuck" with the strategic doctrine, which has kept conventional war at bay since 1971, is also another matter. That the new "defence doctrine" does not factor in the nuclear parity also matters little to the talking heads in TV studios.

Because for the Modi government the more compelling need is to send a political message to the nation that we are indeed calling the Pakistani bluff and that the surgical strike was not a flash in the pan.

The troubling aspect is that BJP spokespersons are part of this orchestrated half 'battle cry'.

The thrust of the entire narrative is political  that the previous regimes had taken refuge in "strategic restraint" to gloss over their lack of spine, even in the face of the most provocative terror attacks.

Two, the lack of spine has been an endemic problem with all the previous regimes, with matters getting out of hand under the likes of IK Gujarat and Manmohan Singh, who seemed to suffer from a Pak fetish.

The lack of grit is also given a historical dimension and it is drummed into us that we as a people always reconcile with the "enemy" sooner or later; and that the "enemy" is emboldened by the fact that there are some secular-liberals among us who have sympathy for people across the border.

We are also told time and again that there is no difference between the civilian and defence establishment in Pakistan, and that there is no question of durable people-to-people contact and so on and so forth. "Aman ki Asha" is all bunkum.

All this seems to provoke some of us at the base level, especially when it is suggested that the repeated terror attacks and the recent beheadings have hurt our national self-esteem.

But this carefully crafted sense of victimhood seems to serve the purpose of the RSS more than the BJP; the saffron mentor essentially wants to build this false national narrative, so that the BJP has no qualms about taking on Pakistan, in a conventional war, if need be.

The BJP government may look at a short and snappy war as a distraction: the first two years were lost to rhetoric and the third to grandstanding. Now they must deliver and cannot afford to squander the fourth year to war; the fifth will be lost to populism, in any case.

But the RSS looks beyond governance and elections; and its own larger ideological agenda is sometimes not aligned with the myopic tunnel vision of the BJP.

At another mundane plane, too, the RSS is not just content with telling us what to eat, which animal to worship, and what to study in school. It also wants to have a say in our foreign and defence policy. Vajpayee had kept them at bay but this time they don't want to miss the bus. The strategic restraint is an unfinished business of the Vajpayee-era that has to be given a decent burial.

Islamabads deception and sophistry on the issue of terrorism needs no repetition in TV studios; but when these allegations are played out ad nauseam, it prevents us from evolving a political strategy in Kashmir. That is the real danger of doing the death dance in TV studios.
Often we do not give much importance to social movements. Social movements are seen as problems and disruptions within theories of governance. The very nature of gaze by structures of governments on social movements and its actors reduces their significance.

We need to transcend this bias and start seeing social movements as a process of creative dialogue in terms of strengthening our democratic values. Social movements in many ways open up the Pandora's Box of possibilities, from which human society evolves in many dimensions.

In that sense, one strongly feels that crushing social movements or dissenting imagination is a sign of degrading democratic values.

I see the recent detention and forceful surrender of Kuni Sikaka, the 20-year-old Niyamgiri Suraksha Samiti (NSS) activist, as an attempt by the present Modi regime to deny the Dongria tribe their very right to exist.

Because to a certain extent, the present developmental regime does not seem to accept any form of dissent or diversity in terms of thought, culture, lifestyle and citizenship.

The branding of NSS as a Maoist-guided organisation without any legal evidence in the recent annual report of the home ministry is nothing but to say accept mining or we will brand you a Maoist. Sometimes, one wonders, how life-threatening these policy documents are which prescribe pre-set rules of engagement between democracy and citizenship.

The Niyamgiri movement, primarily led by NSS activists who belong to the Dongria tribe, has been a sincere and organic movement that has challenged the official narratives of development, justice and sustainability over the last 15 years.

There are only fewer movements in the country today which are as democratic, peaceful and espistemological as the Niyamgiri movement. In fact, the movement has been one of the most successful movements which has sustained ecological knowledge over the mainstreams factory-oriented knowledge.

Indias first environmental referendum is testimony to that. It is movements like these which are led by the community themselves that teach us what democracy means. In fact, this reminds me of a conversation between Jaipal Singh Munda and Jawaharlal Nehru during the Constituent Assembly debates, where Munda rises in the Assembly to speak for the first time and he says as part of his speech: You cannot teach democracy to the tribal people, you have to learn democratic ways from them. They are the most democratic people on earth.

Why is there impunity for police officers like Subramani who are violating constitutional human rights? Photo: Reuters

It is in that sense one understands that the Niyamgiri movement has not only taught us to act democratically, but also to think democratically. In fact, it seems to me that when organic movements like these are charged with false allegations by governments, we are confronting a different situation, where the broader policy of the BJP seems to be of a dissent-mukt Bharat.

It is as if in a dissent-mukt Bharat, it is a crime to be democratic. In order to be an ideal citizen in BJPs dissent-mukt Bharat, you have to be like them or else they will brand you a Maoist. No wonder, India as a nation is slowly becoming majoritarian and a third-grade democracy.

Aruna Roy, one of Indias leading senior activists, put it brilliantly at a public conference at Budapest recently by saying when dissent becomes difficult, democracy is sick. I think this is becoming increasingly true when the government confronts movements like that of Niyamgiri.

Such a situation is not only dangerous but also unconstitutional. The recent detention of Kuni Sikaka from Garota village on May 1 at 1 am, and threatening her to forcefully accept and surrender as a Maoist is a sign of an elected government involved in unconstitutional activity.

It seems clear from the statement of Kuni herself, which has been released as part of the recent fact-finding teams visit to Niyamgiri.

Kuni, the brave women activist, as part of the statement, says: The police SP of Rayagada threatened me and was forcefully asking me to surrender; otherwise he said he would put me in jail for 12 to 15 years. The SP further said 'if you accept being a Maoist, we will leave you'."

If custodial confession has no legal ground since it is presumed to be coerced, why did the SP of Rayagada K Siva Subramani indulge in such unlawful activity? Under whose nexus are these operations being carried out? Is Vedanta a party to this nexus? Why is there such impunity for police officers like Subramani who are violating constitutional human rights?

Are we seeing the emergence of a situation like Bastar in Niyamgiri? Is Subramani the new Kalluri of Niyamgiri? These are some of the questions that arise and need a closer look and understanding in order to protect Niyamgiri as the future struggle for sustaining democracy.

In fact, it is not the only case in which the police department has violated constitutional norms; there are several other cases of coercion, forced surrender and torture, including that of Dasru Kadraka, Lado Sikaka and a juvenile boy from Sakata village.
China has invested a lot of time and money on the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) forum. Beijing spent a considerable amount of time fulminating against India for its non-participation in the forum, both prior to the May 14-15 meeting and after.

Touted as the biggest thing to happen in human history perhaps after the industrial revolution, China could not swallow the fact that India took a categoric position to officially boycott the meeting.

India issued a rare statement saying there were issues of sovereignty attached to the flagship programme of the BRI, which was earlier named the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Closer to the meeting itself, Chinese embassy officials in New Delhi went around speaking of the historical connections between India and China, which had linked both nations through centuries.

There was even a suggestion from one Chinese scholar that if India objected to the name CPEC, China should drop the proposal or even rename the project.

Unfortunately, Pakistan has gone too far into the hands of the Chinese to be able to back off now. Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has staked his political career on the CPEC.

Pertinently, as a recent article in the Dawn newspaper shows, Chinese long-term plans for Pakistan make it clear that the latter is going to become a client state in the near future.

Which brings us to a more recent piece in the Chinese government-run mouth piece, Global Times, titled "India should reassess B&R from a new angle". The arguments adduced are quite ingenious but familiar and use the logic of the colonial past to send a signal that it should be possible to set aside "imposed" borders and boundaries and invest in the CPEC as though nothing has happened.

The article, written by an editor of the Peoples Daily, correctly posits that India refused to attend the Beijing forum meeting citing sovereignty concerns as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) will run through Pakistan-controlled Kashmir, a region that New Delhi believes belongs to it. Therefore, India worries the CPEC project will infringe upon its sovereignty.

The point being made here is that there is a contradiction between colonially imposed borders and their resolution and India wanting to resolve these by international norms. So in the Chinese mind, all colonial disputes can be resolved bilaterally and without recourse to any international norms of behaviour that are in force today. And therefore it is concluded that this conundrum shows why the original order cannot be kept and must be readjusted.

The way forward according to the Chinese is to set these issues aside and pursue a project based on consensus as a first step to establish mutual trust. Interesting out of the box thought, one could well argue.

If this is their idea of win-win cooperation, then it would be useful to first discuss the matter, what India refers to as "meaningful dialogue" and then move forward. Whereas in the present case, the Chinese are presenting India (in fact the rest of the world) with a fait accompli!

Might one suggest as an Indian idea that China first get Pakistan to agree that they would return PoK to India and then it would make perfect sense to continue with the Belt and Road Initiative with the CPEC thrown in? But that's like trying to catch fish in urine, as inane an exercise as the Chinese arguments!

China of course, believes somewhat blithely that if India contributes to the Belt and Road Initiative it will help alleviate tensions between India and Pakistan. So be it friends, get Islamabad to give us Kulbhushan Jadhav and maybe we could consider.

Even more appalling is the suggestion in the Global Times article that civilians in the Kashmiri area have suffered from poverty and armed conflicts for decades. A responsible government has no reason to keep these innocent civilians enduring such ordeals.

Are we expected to believe that CPEC will uplift the lives of Kashmiris in Occupied Kashmir? If that is indeed the case, then why were there protests in Gilgit-Baltistan just prior to the Belt and Road Initiative forum?

However, if Beijing is referring to the Kashmiris in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, they better check their facts, for the Indian state has one of the highest development indices in the country. Come on, if development is the solution to various issues then why is Xinjiang on fire? Not only that; look at Tibet, where self-immolations continue on a regular basis.

The Chinese position raises a fundamental question; why not have a dialogue precisely on the basis of our colonial past, or would that mean asking for too much of China? If both nations have a shared colonial past, then is it not possible to discuss the border issue on that basis? Outlandish idea the Chinese would say!

Let us remain on CPEC for a moment more for the Chinese have made it into a prestige issue. The Chinese have told Pakistan in no uncertain terms that they should be careful in selecting international partners for projects under the CPEC.

Beijing even went to the extent of telling Islamabad that they should be wary of the UK, who according to the Chinese was an "unreliable" partner. So are the Russians reliable? One can only guess. It is this kind of colonial mindset that the Chinese are asking India to shed and move towards win-win cooperation - difficult to imagine and implement one would say at a time when Pakistan is slowly becoming a colony of China.
My recently concluded lecture tour of the UK, Canada, and the US under the aegis of the Indic Book Club was an eye-opener in several senses. Though Ive been lecturing at universities and academic institutions all over the world for over three decades, this was the first time that I was travelling at the behest of an organisation or a group.

Founded and initially funded by Hari Kiran Vadlamani, Singapore-based activist working for an Indic renaissance, now supported by other philanthropists, IBC is fast emerging as a global network of academics, authors, artists and activists who are seeking to discover and reconnect to their civilisational heritage.

To this end, IBC not only encourages new ideas and genres, but also offers a broad-based platform for their reception, dissemination, and appreciation.

Support

My visit was thus coordinated, much more convenient and comfortable, with logistical support and hospitality at most of the venues. More importantly, there were community as well as academic events, both of equal importance. Putting across academic alternatives is crucial to any new thinking, while community events are especially useful in meeting a large corps of volunteers and India-supporters overseas.

Ultimately, a judicious combination of both is necessary for a lasting thought revolution. What were the key takeaways from this experience?

The good news is that the idea of India continues to attract and inspire thousands across the globe. Predominant among India-lovers are, of course, members of the diaspora, especially in the US, where we have broken through the glass ceiling, as it were.

Indians and people of Indian origin have achieved unprecedented levels of prosperity, recognition, and self-confidence in America. They also have the necessary expertise and the will to make a difference to India. All these factors make them a formidable force for change. This was confirmed during the election of Narendra Modi in 2014, when overseas Indians played a key role.

Predominant among India-lovers are, of course, members of the diaspora, especially in the US.

Luckily, India also continues to generate goodwill and support from large sections of non-Indians, especially in the advanced democracies of the world. It is a shining beacon, not just economically or politically, but culturally too in a world broken by hatred, violence, and fear.

The backbone of this new India is the new, globally self-aware Hindu resurgence. Despite jarring excesses or mistakes, it is this progressive and integral new Hindu identity that is perhaps the most far-reaching and exciting development, both intellectually and culturally. This upsurge, I agree, is still nascent and somewhat inchoate, but the forces that nurture and augment it are, thankfully, both robust and intelligent.

As to the ugly, there was one ungainly incident at a Canadian campus when a brother (and former JNU graduate) stopped, on ideological grounds, an official programme to which I was invited. Since I have already written about it, Ill pass it over.

But the bad news is that India-haters and India-bashers also abound, not only in academia, but also in the community. Both are matters of grave concern.

In universities and campuses, there are organised and determined groups of anti-Indians, many traditional radical or neo-Leftists, often Indians themselves. They are inveterate enemies of the Modi Sarkar, as they claim to be of global capitalism and neo-liberalism, even if their own security and prosperity in their host countries are underwritten by the latter.

Their rhetoric is peppered by gestures to human rights, anti-imperialism, anti-racism, and on. But the bottom line is that they will support violent separatist groups and movements across India. Incidentally, their hatred for India is literal, even the word India is anathema. They advocate this specious and, some would add, mischievous neologism, South Asia.

Threat

The main India-hating threat in overseas Indian communities is the neo-Khalistani assertion, often in tandem with Pakistani Islamist operatives. The most glaring recent instance of this is the Liberal Party motion, passed by the Ontario Assembly on April 7, 2017, declaring the 1984 anti-Sikh riots as genocide, moved by Harinder Malhi, a Liberal Party Member of the Provincial Parliament of Ontario.

Elected in 2014 from the riding (district) of Brampton-Springdale, she polled 16,927 votes to defeat her nearest rival, New Democratic Party candidate Gurpreet Dhillon by a margin of about 3,400 votes.

Resolution

The resolution, which condemns all forms of communal violence, hatred, hostility, prejudice, racism and intolerance in India, is totally silent over the Khalistani terrorist violence. As many have pointed out, the resolution deliberately misused the word genocide, which is inapplicable in the context.

Ujjal Dosanjh, former British Columbia premier and federal minister, also a Sikh, accused Ontario premier Kathleen Wynne of pandering to ethnic and religious minorities and misusing the term racist to silence critics. Neo-Khalistani groups thus exploited the ideological bad faith of left-liberals in Canada to slander India.

Almost as if not to be outdone, back home, Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal thanked the Ontario Assembly on April 10, 2017, for recognising the anti-Sikh riots in 1984 as genocide: We are grateful to the authorities and people of Ontario for this very touching gesture of compassion and solidarity, he reportedly said.

The role of neo-Khalistani groups intervention in the recent Punjab Assembly elections is a matter that needs thorough investigation. Captain Amarinder Singh, current Congress chief minister, should be applauded for being perhaps the only leader of national stature to take an uncompromising stance against neo-Khalistanis.
Bridget Mary's Books: https://www.amazon.com/Books-Bridget-Mary-Meehan/s?rh=n%3A283155%2Cp_27%3ABrid A Promise of Presence

Affirmations from the Heart of God

Exploring the Feminine Face of God

God Delights in You- A Four Week Journal

Heart Talks with Mother God

Inclusive Worship Aids

Living Gospel Equality Now-

Praying with a Passionate Heart

Praying with Celtic Holy Women

Praying with Visionary Women h

Praying with Women of the Bible

The Healing Power of Prayer-New Edition Dr. Bridget Mary Meehan ARCWP


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 Albemarle County beaches at Chris Greene Lake, Walnut Creek and Mint Springs will be open for the Memorial Day weekend from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Sunday and Monday. (434) 296-5844.

 Before the Flood movie screening, hosted by Charlottesvilles Local Energy Alliance Program, will begin at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Paramount Theater on the Downtown Mall. Details: leap-va.org/beforetheflood. (434) 981-0197.

 Celebrate Rockfish! features live music, food, games and family-friendly activities from 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday at Rockfish Valley Community Center in Afton. (434) 391-0100.

 Celebration of Strong Nonprofits is held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at Ix Art Park on Second Street. Details are available at thecne.org/celebration. (434) 244-3330.

 Charlottesville Parks & Recreation Pools open for Memorial Day weekend. Onesty Family Aquatic Center at 300 Meade Avenue opens from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday and 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday. Washington Park Pool opens from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday and from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday. (434) 970-3083.

 Confederate Memorial Ceremony is presented by United Daughters of the Confederacy Albemarle Chapter No. 1 #154, and features the 19th Virginia Infantry, Company B, The Albemarle Rifles, at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Confederate Cemetery at UVa at the intersection of Alderman and Cemetery roads. (434) 989-9065.

 Hatton Ferry, the last poled ferry still in operation in the United States, operates from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. each Sunday, weather permitting, through Oct. 30 on Route 625 in Scottsville. $5 per person; $10 per car. (434) 296-1492.

 Historic Court Square Walking Tours, led by Albemarle Charlottesville Historical Society, are held at 5:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday and at 10 a.m. Saturday, meeting at 200 Second St. $5. (434) 296-1492.

 Hoover Ridge Hops Fest, featuring live music, craft beers, food and more, will be from 2 to 7:30 p.m. Sunday at Hoover Ridge Park at 158 Primary School Drive in Madison. Details: hooverridge.com/hoover-ridge-hops-fest. (540) 718-6531.

 Keswick Hunt Club Fox Trot includes a childrens race that begins at 5 p.m. Saturday and a 5K trail race at 6 p.m. Saturday at Castalia Farm at 600 Castalia Farm Road in Keswick. Details and online registration are available at keswickhuntclub.com. Proceeds benefit Piedmont Environmental Council. (434) 296-0158.

 Magnificent Unicorn Bike Ride, hosted by Charlottesville Community Bikes, will be from 10:20 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, meeting at the Bridge Progressive Arts Initiative at 209 Monticello Road. (434) 260-0893.

 Meet Yer Eats!, a tour of the small farms that supply the City Market, will be on Monday. Details, tickets and maps are available at meetyereats.wordpress.com. (434) 465-5874.

 Memorial Day Observance by the Earlysville, Virginia, Chapter of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Champ Lawson Jr.Douglas Hall Kirby Post 2044, is held at 10 a.m. Monday at the Earlysville Post Office at 675 Bent Oak Drive. Music will be provided by Second-Wind Band, and retired Col. James T. OKelley Jr. will deliver the keynote address. (434) 977-4181.

 Memorial Day Observance with guest speaker retired Col. Colt Puryear, hosted by Kemper-Fry-Strother Camp No. 19, Sons of Confederate Veterans, will be at 11 a.m. Monday in front of the War Memorial Building on Main Street in Madison. (540) 948-4455.

 Pond Ecology Workshop, hosted by Rivanna Conservation Alliance, is held from 2 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday at Scheier Natural Area at 917 Long Acre Road in Palmyra. Free. Register in advance at surveymonkey.com/r/PondEcology. (434) 977-4837.

 Ramblin Rabbit 5K Run/Walk, benefiting Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Virginia, will be at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Piedmont Virginia Community College. Registration begins at 6 a.m. Details and advance registration are available at portal.clubrunner.ca/9758/SitePage/rabbit-run. (434) 971-9400.

 Senior Health and Fitness Day is observed with complimentary fitness classes, screenings, lectures and more from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Senior Center at 1180 Pepsi Place. Details: seniorcenterinc.org or (434) 974-7756.

 Spray Grounds water parks at Belmont Park, Forest Hills Park and Greenleaf Park are open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. through Sept. 17. (434) 970-3072.

 Vietnam War Foundation Museum Memorial Day Open House will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday through Monday at 6265 Spring Hill Road in Ruckersville. (434) 985-8408.

 Walk of Honor Memorial Day Ceremony, hosted by American Legion Post 128, is held at 10 a.m. Monday at the Post building at 636 Madison Road in Stanardsville. (434) 985-6663.

 Youth Bus Trip to National Museum of African-American History and Culture, sponsored by Culpeper NAACP and open to high school-aged youths, will be on June 5. Details and advance registration: (540)222-7607.
A Charlottesville man who pleaded guilty to what a city judge called a brutal attack has been sentenced to two years in prison.

City Circuit Judge Richard Moore said in court Tuesday that the unlawful wounding case against Andre Jajuan Allen was one of the most brutal, extreme cases hes seen as a judge. While the prosecution recommended less than a year behind bars for the 22-year-old  based on his candor, acceptance of responsibility and steps to better his life  Moore said he needed to punish Allen for his actions that could have killed the victim in the case.

In March 2016, Allen was caught on video surveillance assaulting another man outside of the Fifth Street Exxon gas station. Prosecutors said that, in the video, Allen can be seen walking up to a man with a beer bottle, striking him in the face with it and proceeding to hit and kick the victim until he went unconscious.

Authorities originally reported that when bystanders tried to intervene and help the victim, Allen pulled a weapon from the front of his pants and brandished it to deter them. After hed left, police arrived on the scene and tried to help the victim, who refused medical services.

Allen was arrested a week later and charged with malicious wounding, brandishing a firearm and, after finding a small marijuana-growing operation in his home, a drug charge.

In February, Allen accepted a plea agreement that reduced the malicious wounding charge to an unlawful wounding charge, dropped the brandishing charge and reduced the drug charge to a misdemeanor count of possessing marijuana with the intent to distribute. A prosecutor said the victim in the case refused to cooperate with investigators, as opposed to Allen, whod been entirely forthcoming about the incident, calling it an explosion of anger related to a longstanding feud with the victim.

With a maximum sentence of six years on the table, prosecutor Nina Antony on Tuesday recommended a six- to nine-month sentence, with credit for the three months Allen had served after his arrest. Just as Moore had said during Allens February hearing, Antony said she had found it difficult to mesh the extreme violence of the incident with the nice guy whod been fully cooperative with police, had no history of violence or contact with law enforcement and had shown himself to be taking proactive steps to get his life in order.

Calling it an incredibly difficult case, Antony noted that since his release from jail, Allen had acquired a full-time job at a hotel, underwent anger management therapy and sought substance abuse treatment.

Allen himself took the stand Tuesday, saying that quitting marijuana had open[ed] his eyes and that hed been trying to put [his] best foot forward in changing his behavior for the better. Allen apologized profusely for the harm hed caused the victim, saying that it was the result of a bad decision and that thats not who I am.

To say I feel bad would be an understatement, Allen said. In haste, I let the anger get the best of me.

Defense attorney Liz Murtagh asked Moore to consider suspending any active jail time in Allens case, given that hed already served time and was on the right path for rehabilitation. She noted his young age, saying that while it did not excuse his actions, his behavior since release has proven that hes become more mature and accepted responsibility for his future.

Id ask the court not to interfere with what hes been doing, Murtagh said.

Moore responded that while he applauded Allens steps toward rehabilitation, to call the incident a bad decision was to minimize it. He continued that he was astounded by the low sentencing guidelines, given the brutal nature of the attack, and that he still had not heard a full explanation for why it had occurred in the first place.

Ultimately, Moore said he felt a three-year sentence was appropriate, but handed down a two-year sentence in light of the prosecutions recommendation, with credit for time served.

When one of Allens family members cried out in court, clearly dismayed at Moores deviation from Antonys recommendation, Allen apologized for the outburst. He continued that he would abide by the judges decision, but asked if he might be allowed a brief excursion from jail in August for the expected birth of his child. Moore responded that he would consider that request closer to August. Allen will be taken into custody in early June.
Charlottesville police are looking for a 21-year-old Ruckersville man wanted on suspicion of rape.

Police said Matthew Josiah Buckland is reportedly living in the Charlottesville area, possibly camping in wooded areas.

Buckland is described as a white man with brown hair and brown eyes who weighs 140 pounds and is 5 feet, 9 inches tall. He might be driving a green 1999 Saturn SL2 four-door sedan with the Massachusetts license plate 961NX1.

Police did not release more information about the incident.

Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to call Detective Declan Hickey at (434) 970-3542 or Crime Stoppers at (434) 977-4000. People are asked not to approach or attempt to apprehend Buckland.
Editor's note: The headline was updated to reflect that the Rev. Anselme MalondaNkuanga was found guilty.

CULPEPER  A former Precious Blood Catholic Church priest received a 30-day suspended jail sentence Wednesday stemming from an encounter last October in which he groped the breasts of an 87-year-old parishioner.

Culpeper County General District Judge Dale Durrer approved a plea agreement Wednesday in which the Rev. Anselme MalondaNkuanga initially pleaded not guilty to misdemeanor assault and battery before being convicted and given a suspended sentence and $400 fine, which the judge reduced to $200.

The suspended sentence and reduced fine are contingent on MalondaNkuanga remaining on good behavior for two years. He must also pay $89 in court costs.

MalondaNkuanga, who served as the parish pastor in Culpeper from July 2012 until July 2016, was also instructed not to contact the victim or her family. MalondaNkuanga left Precious Blood last summer and was serving as minister at St. Eugene Catholic Church in Wendell, N.C., when the incident occurred Oct. 1.

He was placed on administrative leave from his duties as pastor of Saint Eugene Parish and Our Lady of the Rosary Mission in Louisburg, N.C., in December.

Court records indicate the incident happened at the victims Culpeper home. The widow and member of Precious Blood Catholic Church for 20 years said MalondaNkuanga stopped by her home while he was in town to attend the funeral of a mutual friend in Orange County. After they had breakfast, the victim said the priest asked to tour her house, looking into various bedrooms.

In the hallway, as they approached the kitchen, the defendant grabbed [the victim] from behind, court records state. The defendant encircled [the victim] with both arms with pinned her arms to her side.

She told authorities MalondaNkuanga forcefully squeezed and groped her breasts on top of her clothes. She said she managed to temporarily break free, but he then pinned her against a kitchen counter and grabbed her breasts again.

Following the second encounter, the victim said MalondaNkuanga, chuckled and said, Im so glad you are understanding about this. 

In court on Wednesday, the victim told the judge she thought about what to do for two and a half weeks before reporting the incident to the authorities.

The stress on me has been profound. The stress put me in the emergency room with cardiovascular problems, she testified. Why cant the diocese deal with the truth?

According to the victim, she was told not to go to the police, by church officials.

Reached by e-mail Wednesday evening, a spokeswoman for the Catholic Diocese of Arlington said when the victim met with the chancellor and the victim assistance coordinator about her allegations she was advised that she could go to law enforcement and that the diocese would assist her if she wished to do so.

She indicated that she was interested in speaking with law enforcement, so the diocese contacted the Culpeper County Sheriffs Office to determine who she should speak to there. This contact information was then provided to [her] through her son, as she had requested at the meeting. At no time did anyone at the diocese advise [the victim] not to go to law enforcement.

Turning to MalondaNkuanga, who was dressed in his clergy shirt and collar, the victim said, What you did to me was an aggressive attack on my body. Im an elderly woman. You assaulted me not once, but twice. I struggled to get away. What you did to me was nasty. Shame on you.

Court records show, MalondaNkuanga acknowledged visiting the victim, describing the encounter as a hug and that he had not intended to hurt or sexually assault her.

Before his ruling, Judge Durrer said the plea agreement was appropriate because, It has the full support of the survivor and she can avoid testifying at trial.

Following Wednesdays proceedings, about 30 Precious Blood parishioners surrounded MalondaNkuanga in the court lobby, hugging and kissing him in a show of support.

MalondaNkuanga is a priest with Missionhurst, a Catholic missionary institute with several hundred priests and brothers in the United States, Europe, Asia, Africa and Latin America.

Culpepers Commonwealths Attorney Paul Walther represented the state, while local attorney Jere Willis represented MalondaNkuanga.
NORFOLK  The Virginia Zoo has a new red panda after one of its red pandas disappeared months ago.

The Virginia Zoo said in a release that Masu, a nearly 1-year-old red panda, was introduced to her new exhibit Sunday.

She was born at the Denver Zoo last June, but was moved to the Virginia Zoo under the recommendation of the Association of Zoos and Aquarium Species Survival Plan. The plan manages population and genetic diversity among zoo animals.

Masu will be paired with Timur, a male red panda. The zoo says they expect Masu to become acclimated to her environment in seven to 10 days.

The zoo's statement also remembers Sunny, a 19-month-old red panda that has been missing since January.

Red pandas are tree-dwelling animals native to the eastern Himalayas and southwestern China. They were the first panda discovered, about 40 years prior to giant pandas, although very different both species share the name.

Slightly larger than a domestic cat and with markings similar to a raccoon, Red pandas have soft, dense reddish-brown and white fur. They feed mainly on bamboo, but also various plant shoots, leaves, fruit and insects. Red pandas are shy and solitary except when mating. Females give birth in the spring and summer, typically to one to three young, according to the Virginia Zoo.
Business / Companies

by Staff reporter

STEWARD Bank has quashed social media reports claiming that the financial institution would be freezing its clients' accounts and limiting its transfers.Panicky account holders yesterday allegedly called the bank while others went to inquire in person about the truthfulness of the viral message.The message read: "Alert If you have an account with Steward Bank pliz transfer your money to another bank with the next 24hrs, Steward bank is about to freeze your accounts and you won't be able to access your money for next 6 months the process has already started others are already failing to access their funds..Please forward this to your relatives or friends before they cry (sic)."A number of Steward Bank clients yesterday said they believed the message because they have been struggling to access their money or use plastic money facilities with the bank telling them that it had challenges in its information technology department.In a statement yesterday, the bank described the social media messages as fake and malicious.It reassured account holders that it was conducting business as usual."Steward Bank has no plans to restrict, freeze or limit customer transactions in any form and for any period as suggested," read the statement."Whilst we have experienced some intermittency with our RTGS platform due to the increase in the volumes of the transactions being processed, all our platforms are fully functional with customers transacting as normal."The bank advised clients to ignore the fake announcement and to contact the bank if in doubt.The fake social media announcement comes barely a week after the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe Governor Dr John Mangudya dismissed online claims the apex bank was introducing bigger denominations of bond notes.The fake reports circulating on social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook and WhatsApp claimed the RBZ was going to release $10, $20 and $50 bond notes effective May 15.Dr Mangudya described the social media claims as dangerous and unnecessary.He said they were causing anxiety, panic, alarm and despondency within the economy.The country's citizens have been fed with various false social media claims, some of which are damaging and assassinating people's characters.The Government through the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services is working on a Bill to regulate the use of the internet and curb social media abuse.
News / National

by Staff reporter

Zimbabwe has been hit by an acute shortage of potatoes which is threatening to collapse potato crisps making firms."Importing the key ingredient from South Africa is the only solution," Hanawa Super Foods managing director, Simbarashe Zhou said."At 80%, which is a realistic achievement, we are looking at producing about 500kgs an hour, which is 9 600 and 10 000kgs of finished product per day because we are supposed to be doing two shifts of 10 hours each."But, due to shortages of raw materials, we are only just running a day shift," he said."Due to the above normal rainfall that we had, our potato farming shifted people to start planting potatoes beginning of March, so what was in the country was completely exhausted. There are no potatoes currently in the country."
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News / National

by Stephen Jakes

Political commentator Vince Musewe has said the Zimbabwean government can not hide the failure to build infrastructure in the country."You can almost always tell the integrity of any government and its commitment to development by the quality of the country's infrastructure. You cannot hide failure. Countries that are bogged down with corrupt governments tend to have bad quality and dilapidating infrastructure, ostentatious presidential palaces and many white elephants. They have terrible roads, continuous power cuts, erratic and bad quality water supplies and do not look after their environment. The elite are most commonly seen drive luxury expensive SUV's over pot holed roads as a show of their position in society and pretend that all is well," he said."The 2010 African Development Bank's report on Zimbabwe's infrastructure and growth, acknowledged that Zimbabwe's economic growth and development cannot be achieved without the availability of appropriate economic and social infrastructure. The need to improve the quality of infrastructure services is, therefore the cornerstone for our future growth. The skeleton is certainly in place, courtesy of Ian Smith's government. Because of that, I truly believe that Zimbabwe can quickly bounce back- but what will it take?"He said it is estimated that Zimbabwe will need about $20 billion to rehabilitate its infrastructure."However, our priority needs to be on improving our institutional arrangements, public resources governance and project management capabilities. We must deal with corruption ruthlessly before we can create an environment of accountability both in the private and public sectors," he said.
News / National

by Staff reporter

ACTING President Phelekezela Mphoko yesterday caused a storm after he reportedly barged into Bulawayo Central Police Station, and expressed anger over the arrest of several Zanu-PF activists in connection with the intra-party violence that occurred at the party's provincial offices at Davis Hall on Sunday.Mphoko and his aides allegedly drove into Bulawayo Central Police Station's courtyard yesterday and interrogated the officer-in-charge, only identified as Chief Inspector Mpofu, and the Law and Order boss, whose name could not be immediately established, for nearly 20 minutes and left.Insiders claimed Mphoko expressed his displeasure at the arrest of Zanu-PF youths aligned to the G40 faction, who were allegedly implicated in the violence that rocked the party in Bulawayo at the weekend.Repeated efforts to contact Mphoko and the Minister of State in his office, Tabetha Kanengoni-Malinga were fruitless.Bulawayo provincial police spokesperson Inspector Precious Simango was said to be out of the office, while national police spokesperson Chief Superintendent Paul Nyathi was said to be in a meeting.This is not the first time that Mphoko has been accused of storming into a police station.In July last year, he reportedly descended on Avondale Police Station in Harare at night and ordered the release of top Zimbabwe National Road Administration officials, who had been arrested by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission on graft allegations involving over $1 million.Magura Charumbira, a Zanu-PF Bulawayo city centre district youth chairperson, was allegedly stabbed on the head and face during the skirmishes, which also saw provincial youth leader Anna Mokgohloa sustaining injuries.Charumbira and others wanted to stop a provincial co-ordinating committee (PCC) meeting from proceeding, resulting in running battles.They also wanted provincial chairperson Dennis Ndlovu ousted for allegedly frustrating the passing of a vote of no-confidence against the ruling party's political commissar, Saviour Kasukuwere.Ndlovu claimed the meeting had been cleared by Mphoko, who did not turn up, owing to the disturbances.Yesterday, three Zanu-PF youth members and six war veterans linked to the violent clashes appeared yesterday before magistrate Tinashe Tashaya facing various charges, ranging from malicious damage to property, assault, criminal insult to indecent assault.The three youths, who include Charumbira (32), who was stabbed during the melee, Mabutho Moyo (32) and Davis Muhambi (35), were represented by lawyer Tanaka Muganyi instructed by Christopher Dube-Banda.The complainant in the matter, George Mlala, claimed the suspects physically attacked him when he denied them permission to attend the PCC meeting.He claimed the trio turned rowdy and stoned the party offices, in the process breaking two window panes and a door.Mlala claimed he saw Muhambi holding a canister spray.Another Zanu-PF activist, Abigail Nyamunga (53), appeared before the same magistrate charged with assault, while her alleged accomplice, Edward Ndlovu, did not attend court.They were alleged to have accused Mlala of favouring one faction when he was screening delegates to the PCC meeting.Nyamunga allegedly grabbed Mlala by the belt of his pair of trousers, while Ndlovu attacked him with fists in full view of other party members and he sustained a swollen face.War veterans Cephas Ncube (59), Juliet Sibanda (55) and Luke Mpofu (64) were charged for assaulting provincial youth leader Makgohloa (34), accusing her of being sympathetic to Kasukuwere.They allegedly dragged her to the fence, where Ncube slapped her and assaulted her with fists all over the body and allegedly fondled her breasts while searching for a knife, which had been used to stab Charumbira.Sibanda and Mpofu allegedly joined in and assaulted her.The magistrate remanded all the matters to June 2 for trial, amid reports that a group of other Zanu-PF activists, accused of assaulting Charumbira, would appear in court today.
News / National

by Carien du Plessis, News24

President Robert Mugabe has been looking a bit frail of late - and, according to News24 , it may be deliberate.Institute for Security Studies consultant Derek Matyszak told a seminar in Pretoria on Tuesday that Mugabe's lighting of the Independence Day flame last month had tongues wagging in Zimbabwe, and it could have something to do with the battle to succeed Mugabe.In the video, Mugabe appeared frail and he had to be lifted up the step where he lit the flame, next to a young, fit-looking man.Watch the video below."You have a youth in a tight T-shirt looking buff and healthy, versus Mugabe who looks like he is on his last legs," Matyszak said.The 93-year-old president's health is a sensitive topic and the state is normally very careful to conceal Mugabe's frailties and to avoid placing steps in his way that could make him stumble. Over the last few months, however, less care was taken in this regard. "Most Zimbabweans would think it's deliberate," he said.The Zimbabwe Independent recently had a full-page story on Mugabe's health, an article Matyszak speculated could have been something that was "encouraged" by Mugabe's potential successors.Of late, the "pendulum politics" of favour in the party seemed to have swung back to vice-president Emmerson Mnangagwa, nicknamed the "crocodile" and leader of the Lacoste faction.Although the existence of factions isn't officially recognised by Zanu-PF, this faction is known to control the state levers  the military, the judiciary, and so on  while the opposing faction, the G40, holds power within the party.Series of ralliesThere is speculation that the Mnangagwa faction was using the footage as a subtle way of signalling that Mugabe's time was up and it was time for new leadership in the party.Matyszak said governance was very opaque in Zimbabwe and a lot of politics is based on rumour. The speculation at the moment is that Mnangagwa, who fell out of favour in 2004 in favour of Joice Mujuru, has struck "some sort of agreement" with the First Family that would see Mugabe's wife, Grace, protected when the nonagenarian is gone.Mujuru has since fallen out of favour herself, and founded her own opposition party after she left Zanu-PF in 2014.The opposing G40 faction in Zanu-PF, with education minister Jonathan Moyo and local government minister Savior Kasukuwere, have since come under fire, with Moyo having been accused by the Mnangagwa-aligned Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission of siphoning over $400 000 from the Zimbabwe Manpower Development Fund.Another indication that there might have been a deal between the Mugabes and Mnangagwa was that Mnangagwa was not targeted by Grace on a series of rallies she organised throughout the provinces.NegotiationsThis was previously the method used to purge Mujuru."Mnangagwa was denigrated by Grace on one rally, but after that it stopped," Matyszak said. The speculation is that these rallies were used to put pressure on Mnangagwa during negotiations.Kasukuwere has, however, of late come under attack from within the party and his political future is currently hanging in the balance."Most believe that this couldn't have happened without Mugabe's consent," Matyszak said, and this was pointing to a tacit endorsement of Mnangagwa as the successor. This momentum, Matyszak said, was enough to carry him through to State House.
New Delhi: Denying any downturn in Indian information technology sector, law and IT minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Tuesday said the industry will create 25-30 lakh jobs by 2025.

As (the) IT minister of the nation, I completely deny and refute that there is any downturn in the employment in this sector. It is robust, slated for great growth and once digital economy ushers then you can fathom its development, Prasad said while sharing three years achievement of the Ministry of Electronics and IT.

He said that the Indian IT companies have added 6 lakh jobs in last three years.

IT companies employ 40 lakh people directly and 1.3 crore indirectly. We are bringing BPO in small towns. It is very exciting situation. Industry is growing and Nasscom has made assessment that in coming 4-5 years 20-25 lakh more jobs will be created, Prasad said.

Analysing a report submitted by McKinsey & Co at the Nasscom India Leadership Forum, Head Hunters India founder- chairman and MD K Lakshmikanth had said that job cuts in Information technology (IT) sector will be between Rs1.75 lakh and Rs2 lakh annually for the next three years due to under-preparedness in adapting to newer technologies.

On curbs over H1B visa, Prasad said that Finance Minister Arun Jaitley during his recent visit to the US has conveyed concerns on the issue and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will also convey concerns in this regard to the US government during his visit.

He said that TeamLease analysis for 2017-18 report that IT sector hiring sentiments is positive and is up by 4% in October 2016 to March 2017, compared to the previous six-month period.

TeamLease also indicated that the e-commerce and technology startup sector hiring sentiments has increased by 2%, with projected 14.94% job growth. The IT minister said that investment proposal in electronics manufacturing has increased to Rs1.43 lakh crore.

From Rs11,000 crore investment in 2014, total investment proposals have now increased to Rs1.43 lakh crore in electronics manufacturing. At present, 72 mobile manufacturing companies have come. In this 1 lakh people have been direct employment and 3 lakh people indirect employment, Prasad said.

He said that investment in mobile manufacturing has increased from 18,992 crore in 2014-15 to Rs89,756 crore in 2016-17. The minister said that the 2.5 lakh common services centres, which provide government and other Internet based services in rural area, have generated revenue of Rs1,800 crore, which include Rs600 crore from Aadhaar related services.

Apple has started production in Bangalore in a modest level. They are in touch with IT secretary for further expansion, Prasad said.

The Ministry of Electronics and IT announced a model IT tender format to be used by various government departments in procurement of IT products and services. There was no consistency in IT procurement. There was request from IT sector to issue a model request for proposal format, Prasad said.

Meity also announced restructuring and re-branding of Media Lab Asia as Digital India Corporation, which will function like a professional body for rolling out digital India projects mainly e-governance.

It will implement Digital India in a professional way. We are going to hire from private sector. It will be very good platform professionally managed with corporate architecture. NeGD (National e-governance division), he said.

Government plans to hire professionals in the field of cyber security and launch National Cyber Coordination Centre (NCCC) in June, he added.

The minister said that government started early preparation to check cyber attacks and India was least effected by ransomware.

Hardly 200 locations were effected and they were standalone computers. We are taking focused measures to improve cyber security ecosystem, Prasad said.
Opinion / Columnist

The decision by the failing Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education to close 40 Matabeleland South schools on the basis of low enrolment figures (as communicated by the Permanent Secretary Dr Slyvia Utete-Masango on Monday 22 May 2017) is unacceptable as it smacks of tribal hatred, is atrociously consistent with Gukurahundi genocide programmes and violates all fundamentals of human and children's rights. As Matabeleland Institute for Human Rights we point the following as flawed and unjust about the decision of the Ministry:1. This decision is based on a flawed, outdated and ill-conceived policy of 1 teacher to 40 students which is a 'one size fits all' policy that does not consider differences in settlement patterns and population sizes of various communities of Zimbabwe and Matabeleland;2. This decision is in direct violation of fundamental Constitutional provisions such as Section 19 (1) read together with Section 81(2) which stipulates that "The State must adopt policies and measures to ensure that in matters relating to children, the best interests of the children concerned are paramount" and further stipulates that "A child's best interests are paramount in every matter concerning the child" In this policy directive, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education did not consider the best interests of the children but its own administrative interests  which is wrong;3. The decision further violates the rights of the children as espoused in Section 81 of the Constitution which says that "Every child, that is to say every boy and girl under the age of eighteen years, has the right to education..." By closing these schools, the rights to education for the few children currently enrolled shall be adversely affected. Education is fundamental human rights and its fulfilment should not be premised on or determined by numbers but by the availability of students who need the right.4. This decision is also ultra-vice the national development fundamentals as stipulated in Section 13 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe which says "the State and all institutions and agencies of government at every level must endeavour to facilitate rapid and equitable development, and in particular must take measures to (d) bring about balanced development of the different areas of Zimbabwe, in particular a proper balance in the development of rural and urban areas". The Section further explains that measures "must involve the people in the formulation and implementation of development plans and programmes that affect them". Therefore outside the parameters of Free, Prior and Informed community consent, the decision to close these schools if fundamentally wrong.5. Since the year 2013 Matabeleland South schools have been performing very dismally academically and the province have been leading nationally on school dropout rates and chief among the reasons for this has been attributed (by the Provincial Education Authorities) to the very long distances travelled by students to schools. Instead of reducing the distances, the Ministry chooses to abuse the children of Matabeleland South by closing their schools.It is due to the above issues that we at Matabeleland Institute for Human Rights (MIHR) therefore:a) Urges the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education to forthwith stop perpetuating pro-Gukurahundi genocide policy directives in Matabeleland as such Gukurahundi decisions shall be met with the greatest forms of rejection from the people of Matabeleland.b) We further encourage the people of Matabeleland (Matabeleland South, Matabeleland North and Bulawayo) to mass mobilize and resist such a directive with all the means necessary within their capacity and within the confines of justice and human rights promotion and protection.c) We also call on all members of Parliament from the region, Councillors, Chiefs, Civic Society organizations, church leaders and well meaning institutions to join the active citizen actions to resist this unjust and human rights violating decision that is premised on the archaic and undemocratic majoritarian fundamentals without considering the rights and interests of minority communities.d) We also urge the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission to protect the children of Matabeleland South from such atrocious decisions that smack of tribalism and tribal hatred from the Minister and his Permanent Secretary.e) We also believe it is time the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, his Deputy and the Permanent Secretary did the just and noble thing and resigned or simple stop visiting our region because they have stopped serving the national interests.Matabeleland Institute for Human Rights is an independent rights lobby group that exists to enhance the promotion, protection and fulfilment of fundamental human rights and freedoms in Matabeleland as espoused in the Constitution of Zimbabwe and the international human rights law.Statement By:Mr. Benedict SibasaGeneral SecretaryMatabeleland Institute for Human Rights
New Delhi: India's fourth largest software services firm HCL Technologies today said it will buyback shares at Rs 1,000 apiece, a 17 per cent premium over current trading price.

The company is proposing an offer for buyback of equity shares for cash at a price of Rs 1,000 per equity shares on a proportionate basis through tender offer process, HCL Technologies said in a regulatory filing.

The buyback size is Rs 3,500 crore, representing 16.39 per cent and 13.62 per cent of the aggregate of the fully paid-up equity share capital and free reserves as per the standalone and consolidated audited accounts of the Company for the financial year ended March 31, 2016 , it added.

Buyback offer price is about 17 per cent higher than the current trading price of the stock at Rs 852.35 per share. HCL said Letter of Offer will be to equity shareholders of the company as on record date of May 25.

Opening and closing dates of buyback programme, which received shareholder approval last month has not yet been announced. The Indian IT companies have been under pressure to return excess cash on their books to shareholders through generous dividends and buybacks.

Earlier this month, India's largest software services firm Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) announced its Rs 16,000- crore mega buyback offer. It is currently under way. TCS rival, Infosys has also announced its capital allocation policy to return up to Rs 13,000 crore this financial year through dividend and/or buyback. Earlier this year, Cognizant announced a USD 3.4 billion share buyback, bowing to pressure from activist investor Elliott Management Corp.
Melbourne: India could look elsewhere forits coal requirements if Queensland government delays its decision on a royalty holiday deal with the Indian energy giant Adani Group, Australian Resource Minister Matthew Canavan has warned.

"India has a massive need for energy resources in the next couple of decades. A huge part of that will be increased coal use... We have the ability to produce the most environmentally sustainable energy resources for India," Canavan said, referring to the controversy involving the Adani Australia's 16.5 billion dollar Carmichael coal project in Queensland.

"But eventually there's going to come a point, after seven years, if there are continued deferrals, India will go elsewhere to look for coal," he said at a press briefing yesterday.

"They (India) will look elsewhere if Australia can't provide that resource, and that would be a great cost to our country in terms of export revenues, in terms of royalties and taxes and of course most importantly in terms of jobs," he said.

"That's certainly the message I've heard from the Indian Government," he added. His comments came two days after the Adani Group announced deferring a final investment decision on the project until the Queensland government gave "clarity" over lower or deferred royalties.

Adani, which was due to decide on whether to build the Carmichael mine at a board meeting next week, said they were waiting for the state government to advise on whether it would offer a lower royalty rate or deferred royalties.

The Queensland State Cabinet on Monday discussed whether to give Adani a royalty discount or deferral, but no decision was made. Canavan stressed Adani had already spent billions trying to develop the project and disclosed that Premier Annastacia Palasczuk held urgent crisis meetings last night with her senior bureaucrats.

Canavan, a Queensland Senator, in a separate interview to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation described "a remarkable and embarrassing situation" for the state for not having a tax regime in place.

"This project has been under consideration for nearly seven years now. The Palaszczuk Government has been in power for more than two years, and at the eleventh hour, to not even be able to tell Adani what tax they will pay less than a week before they were going to take it to their board is just unbelievable," he commented.

According to Adani Australia spokesperson, the company was now waiting for the state government's decision on the new royalties scheme.

"Adani notes the Queensland government has again foreshadowed a new royalties scheme for all new mining provinces in the state," he said, adding that the company was awaiting a decision on the matter.

Canavan further said that Adani mine would produce 25 million tonnes of coal per annum and in its first stage, it would pay about 100 to 150 million dollars a year in royalties to the state government, depending on the price of coal of course.

He said the 320 million dollar figure of royalties concession reported earlier was derived from "leaks and innuendo" and said Galilee Basin was the best place to build a coal mine and that it would potentially create thousands of jobs and make lots of export revenues and royalties and taxes for the country.

Meanwhile, a recent report released by an independent body Climate Council of Australia has warned against the project, stating that the Carmichael mine posed serious risks to the environment, public health and North Queensland tourism. The project involves dredging 1.1 million cubic metres of spoil near the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, which will then be disposed of on land.
New Delhi: Infosys chief executive Vishal Sikka's high salary, which had prompted the founder members to voice concerns, has dropped over 67 per cent in 2016-17 on lower bonus payout.

According to the annual report of Infosys, the cash component of Sikka's salary was Rs 16.01 crore, down from Rs 48.73 crore in 2015-16. His total compensation, including bonus and grant of stocks, fell 7 per cent to Rs 45.11 crore in 2016-17 from Rs 48.41 crore in the previous fiscal.

Sikka received a base salary of USD 1 million in FY17, up from USD 900,000 in previous year. His bonus and incentives dropped to USD 0.82 million (USD 4.36 million in FY16) as against the target of USD 3 million.

He also received restricted stock units worth USD 2 million, same as the previous year, and performance based stock incentives of USD 2.88 million (nil last year).

The remuneration of Sikka for last fiscal remains 283.07 times higher than the median remuneration of employees (MRE) of Infosys. The MRE of Infosys for FY17 stood at Rs 5,65,585.

According to the annual report, while the total compensation of Sikka has fallen other senior executives witnessed a rise. Chief Operating Officer U B Pravin Rao's total salary increased to Rs 11.80 crore in FY17 from Rs 8.14 crore in the

previous year.

Likewise, compensation of deputy chief operating officer, Ravi Kumar S, went up to Rs 14.87 crore from Rs 8.27 crore. Last month, Infosys founder NR Narayana Murthy, who had previously questioned the principles on which the Board was paying a high salary to Sikka, had expressed anger over the steep hike in compensation to COO Rao.

Also, presidents Mohit Joshi, Sandeep Dadlani and Rajesh Murthy received total compensation of over Rs 14 crore. Joshi got Rs 14.62 crore in 2016-17, up from Rs 9.02 crore in the previous year, Dadlani got Rs 14.97 crore as against Rs 8.4 crore in the previous year and Murthy got Rs 14.25 crore as compared to Rs 8.55 crore.

Hike was mainly because of increased performance-based stock incentives.

In the letter to shareholders, Sikka said the best and most talented employees want to be measured on performance - not role maturity or tenure. So in fiscal 2017, stock incentives plan for top performers was introduced.

"It has been my personal endeavour since joining Infosys to enable all employees to share in the successes of the company, and in fiscal 2017, we made the first step of this a reality.

"In addition, we restructured the compensation of senior leaders to be more performance-based, with a significant portion of their compensation now coming through stock incentives, creating a more direct alignment with the interest shareholders," he wrote.

Non-executive chairman R Seshasayee got Rs 1.95 crore in remuneration in 2016-17 as compared to Rs 1.84 crore in the previous year. Other independent directors too got a remuneration of over Rs 1 crore.
New Delhi: Moody's Investors Service today changed Airtel credit outlook to negative from stable, as pressure on earnings is likely to continue, with Reliance Jio trying to increase its subscriber base by offering low tariff.

Moody's, however, affirmed 'Baa3' rating on the company because of its leadership position, strong spectrum portfolio, execution of and ongoing commitment to debt reduction along with capital of Rs 8,800 crore in unrestricted cash, investments and receivables related to the residual portion of tower sale proceeds to be received in coming quarters.

"Moody's Investors Service has affirmed Bharti Airtel Ltd's (Bharti) Baa3 issuer rating and senior unsecured debt ratings, as well as the Baa3 ratings on the senior unsecured notes issued by Bharti Airtel International (Netherlands) BV...At the same time, Moody's has changed the outlook on the ratings to negative from stable," Moody's said in a statement.

Credit rating of company reflects its ability to pay debt or raise funds based. Moody's said that it expects intense price competition over the next several quarters in the Indian telecoms sector, as operators, such as Bharti, implement plans and tariffs to protect and grow their market shares.

"We expect Bharti's profitability to remain under pressure as competition remains at heightened levels over the near-term, as such, we believe that a permanent reduction in

leverage to levels more appropriate for the Baa3 rating -- such that adjusted debt to EBITDA trends ratio to 3x by June 2017 -- is unlikely," Moody's Vice President and Senior Credit Officer Annalisa Di Chiara said.

Moody's said intense competition will persist over the next 12 months as it expects Reliance Jio will remain aggressive in acquiring new subscribers and growing the data market.

"Bharti's ability to expand profitability for its core Indian mobile operations relies on the company retaining its higher average revenue per subscribers, while increasing the pace of subscriber acquisitions organically and through acquisitions," Moody's said.

The factors that worked for Bharti retaining 'Baa3' rating included its ability to increase revenue market share for its India mobile services from to 33.1 per cent in December 2017 from 31.6 per cent in December 2016.

"Downward rating pressure could arise if competition intensifies further in any of its key markets, but particularly for the Indian wireless business, such that its key operations and/or subsidiaries report contracting EBITDA or margins above our expectations," Moody's said.

Upwards ratings pressure on Bharti Airtel is unlikely, given the negative outlook. However, the outlook could be revised to stable if Bharti's overall credit profile strengthens, such that adjusted debt to EBITDA ratio is sustained at, or below 3 times, the statement said.
The InvIT Fund has received final "observation" from Sebi for its proposed IPO, which is necessary for any company to launch public offer.

New Delhi: Reliance Infrastructure InvIT Fund has received market regulator Sebi's approval to raise Rs 2,500 crore through an initial public offering.

Anil Ambani Group flagship RInfra had filed revised draft papers with Sebi last month for its proposed InvIT Fund IPO, scaling down the issue size to Rs 2,500 crore from Rs 3,000 crore earlier.

The InvIT Fund has received final "observation" from Sebi for its proposed IPO, which is necessary for any company to launch public offer, RInfra said in a statement today.

The initial public offer comprises units aggregating to Rs 2,500 crore with an option to retain over subscription of up to 25 per cent of the issue size in accordance with the InvIT Regulations.

Last December, RInfra had filed draft papers with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) to garner Rs 3,000 crore through InvIT. Infrastructure investment trust (InvIT) are debt instruments which can be traded in the market and can act as investment vehicles for the sponsors.

Listing of instruments enables promoters to monetise completed assets and raise funds for other long-term projects. RInfra will be the sponsor of InvIT Fund and Reliance Nippon Life AMC will be its investment manager.

The issue is being managed by Axis Capital, DSP Merrill Lynch, UBS Securities, SBI Capital Markets and Yes Securities. So far, IRB Infrastructure Developers' infrastructure investment trust IRB InvIT Fund and India Grid Trust, an InvIT sponsored by Sterlite Power Grid Ventures Ltd, have hit the market for IPOs.
New Delhi: The GST Council may reconsider the proposed 43 per cent tax on hybrid cars at its meeting next week after the auto industry voiced disappointment over the steep rate hike.

As per the tax slabs decided by the Council last week, the incidence of GST on mid and large-sized hybrid cars has been kept at the same level as passenger cars. Under the GST, the tax incidence on hybrid vehicles will go up to 43 per cent from the current level of effective tax rate of 30.3 per cent.

"The tax incidence on hybrid vehicle has gone up and we are reading about the concerns being shared by industry. The Council may take a re-look at it in its next meeting on June 3," a revenue department official told PTI.

Auto industry sources said that they will write to the Finance Ministry this week explaining their position and how it would put a spanner in the wheels of government plans to promote alternate energy.

Auto industry has already said that the increased tax incidence is against the government's long-term goal of promoting green vehicles in the country.

Some of the popular hybrid vehicles sold in India are

Camry Hybrid and Prius from Toyota and Honda Accord. These cars are priced between Rs 31.98 lakh and Rs 38.96 lakh. A host of other companies were also planning to foray into the segment.

The GST Council, in its meeting last week, finalised 28 per cent tax rate for hybrid cars. However, mid-size and large-size hybrid cars have been subject to 15 per cent cess -- same as similar sized passenger cars.

The official further said, the rates have been put up in public domain well before time so that the industry gets time to prepare for the Goods and Services Tax (GST) which will be rolled out from July 1.

"Concerns expressed by industry would be taken on board and any decision to change the tax rate would go back to the Council," the official said. At present, hybrid vehicles attract excise duty of 12.5 per cent, similar to the ones for entry level small cars such as Tata Nano or Maruti Alto.

Even though they are exempt from infrastructure cess, there is a 1 per cent National Calamity Contingent Duty, 2 per cent Central Sales Tax and 12.5 per cent VAT, which takes the total incident of tax to 30.3 per cent.

Commenting on the tax rates, Toyota Kirloskar Motor Vice Chairman and Whole Time Director Shekar Viswanathan had said "This is a very environment unfriendly, regressive tax rate as far as hybrid vehicles are concerned. It goes against the government's drive to promote eco-friendly vehicles".
Lowering of tax rate on economy class travel is in line with the focus of the civil aviation ministry to make flying affordable for the masses.

Mumbai: Disallowance of input tax credit on inputs (excluding services) for economy class, finalised in the goods and services tax (GST), is likely to put pressure on airlines, ICRA today said.

"With airlines generating a major portion of their revenues from economy class, disallowance of input tax credit on inputs (excluding services) for economy class will result in an additional cost to them," said ICRA AVP and Co-Head, Corporate Sector Ratings, Kinjal Shah.

In the current scenario of pressure on yields due to increasing capacities and competitive intensity, the ability of airlines to pass on the increased cost to customers, too, will be restricted, she added.

Under GST, ICRA explained that airlines can claim input tax credit on all inputs (refers to all goods purchases and includes among others food items, etc, but excludes aviation turbine fuel (ATF) since it is not under the purview of GST) on the business class, but for the economy class they can claim input tax credit only on input services.

This is as against the current service tax regime, where airlines can claim cenvat credit on all inputs (excluding ATF) for both economy and business classes. Further, ICRA said GST on the economy class air travel has been finalised at 5 per cent, which is 100 bps lower than the existing service tax rate.

However, GST on business class air travel has been announced to be 12 per cent, which is 3 per cent more than the existing service tax rate.

In ICRA's view, these rates changes are not material, and will not have any major impact positive or negative on the air passenger growth. However, the lowering of tax rate on economy class travel is in line with the focus of the civil aviation ministry to make flying affordable for the masses, the rating outfit added.
Even a slight rise in oil value per barrel will fuel further US shale production.

Vienna: OPEC oil ministers meeting this week appear damned if they don't extend production cuts -- and only slightly less damned if they do. Ministers of the 13-nation cartel will likely decide to prolong them in an effort to support prices, when they meet Thursday.

But even a slight rise in value per barrel will fuel further U.S. shale production, meaning more and cheaper oil down the road. Even after last year's cuts, oil prices have risen less than the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries hoped for.

Benchmark crude that flirted with the $30 mark now fetches over $50 barrel, but that is substantially less than the highs reached in 2014. Still, it's been enough to bring U.S. producers who eased back as prices tumbled last year back into the market.
Mumbai: Shah Rukh Khan, who last was seen in the successful 'Raees,' has commenced shoot on his next film, the untitled Aanand L Rai directorial.

The actor began shoot in Mumbai Film City, and was snapped wearing a white vest.

Shah Rukh Khan will be seen playing a dwarf in the film for the very first time. Speaking about it, Aanand had said earlier, When Kamal Haasan played the dwarf in Appu Raja, he had only his acting skills to rely on. Today, weve a lot of technical advancements at our disposal. We can experiment and innovate and make our character as credible as humanly possible."

The film, though, is yet to officially announce the leading lady of the film, Katrina Kaif has been long associated with.

There have been rumours that the likes of Deepika Padukone, Alia Bhatt and Anushka Sharma had turned down the role.

Also starring Mohammad Zeeshan Ayyub, the film is slated for a Christmas 2018 release.
Mumbai: Pulkit Samrat has mostly remained in the news for his personal relationships with now estranged wife Shweta Rohira and alleged link-up with Yami Gautam, rather than his films making the desired sound.

The actor has now acquired space in the media columns for his tweet against T-Series, which is a renowned Indian music label, production and distribution company.

On Wednesday morning, the actor posted a tweet accusing T-Series of fraudulence.

He wrote, FRAUD people! @TSeries, which was immediately deleted, only to re-write it as, FARUD people! @TSeries.

The actor later deleted these tweets from his Twitter account.

Why is the Sanam Re actor agitated with the music label? What led the actor to come out on social media platform and indict them?

When we tried contacting Pulkit, we were answered by an automated voice, saying that the number was switched off.

However, this remark made by Pulkit has left T-Series in a puzzled state.

This is really strange since Pulkit has earlier worked in films like Junooniyat and Sanam Re with T-Series.
Opinion / Columnist

ZANU-PF will fight tooth and nail to retain power at all possible costs just because of their well established fear they will face if they lose the forthcoming 2018 elections.The ruling party has been engaged in very dirty tactics since 1980 up to date and for them accepting defeat is unthinkable. After all only the ruling elite and their cronies are enjoying the fruits of independence while various forms of oppression are upon the lives of many ordinary Zimbabweans.The end rule of Robert Mugabe and his ZANU-PF regime will call upon a number of accountabilities which took place during their term of office and this to me is their biggest fear why they cling to power under whatever cost.The following incidents are just a few which I think are some of the major fears the ruling party are really afraid and cannot even answer in any acceptable manner why they did it.More than 200 000 civilians were dastardly killed for being Ndebele, thrown into disused mine shafts alive, locked into thatched huts doused with petrol or diesel and set alight. Innocent civilians were half buried into shallow graves and were short by AK47 rifles while pregnant women were ripped their stomach, made to smash heads of their infants, roast and forced to eat the flesh. Married women were ordered to kill their husbands chopping their heads with axes and all these atrocities were carried out by a North Korean trained Zimbabwean National Army - 5 Brigade coded Gukurahundi.Loss of power by ZANU-PF will follow the full revelation of Gukurahundi. However Mugabe and his military commanders know the depth of anger still simmering just beneath the surface in the communities that suffered under this genocide.After the 29 March and 27 June 2008 presidential election ZANU-PF security services and milia unleashed a campaign of intimidation, torture and murder against opposition activists. Journalists, polling agents, public servants, civic leaders and ordinary citizens suspected of voting for the opposition party were prone to victimisation. There was widespread state sponsored violence and terror as human rights violations were order of the day including torture, beatings, mutilation and rape perpetrated against leaders and supporters of the opposition. Routine and arbitrary arrest and detentions including enforced disappearances continued as ZANU-PF used these dirty tactics to back up its dubious claim to power.The West turned a blind eye over grave human rights abuses and crimes by Mugabe regime and this created a sense of impunity in the minds of ZANU-PF leadership.ZANU-PF took advantage by adopting a constitution agreed to at Lancaster House which was comprised primarily to end bloody civil war and it had many oppressive aspects of white minority rule and this included tight state control over the media. This constitution created the template for authoritarian rule and allowed Robert Mugabe and ZANU-PF to consolidate and later to monopolize power which they are doing now even after adopting the new constitution.In 2001 government turned to the judiciary and chief justice Anthony Gubbay was threatened by Joseph Chinotimba with physical violence and he resigned and was replaced by a top Zimbabwean Judge sympathetic to the ruling party, Godfrey Chidyausiku.Senior Army officers were brought in to manage electoral process and they even clearly stated that they would not serve under the opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai.In February 2002, the MDC president, Morgan Tsvangirai, was arrested on treason charges a few weeks before elections and was acquitted in November 2004. MDC MPs suffered some human rights violation, murder attempts and torture. It is reported that State Agents murdered 3 MDC MPs and by the end of 2004 more than 600 MDC supporters had been murdered.Corruption has continued to the present day and has led to the funnelling of government funds away from providing public goods and services hence preventing economic growth. Mugabe's tyranny and corruption scandals have not been addressed up to date and these involve mainly senior government officials and the army. In Zimbabwe corruption is common in many departments namely the Judicial system, Public services, Land & Tax administration, Custom, Public procurement, Natural resources, Legislation, Civil society and many others including the Police which is highly politicized and hence suffers from a culture of impunity. However government enforces the law on corruption selectively targeting mostly political opponents.There are also many accounts such as land grabbing, destruction of houses, rigging of elections, payments of unplanned huge sums of pension to war veterans, deploying of thousands of Zimbabwean troops to DRC and so on which needs accountability.The Zimbabwean government under the leadership of President Robert Mugabe has proven to be one of the worst as bad governance create and perpetuate poverty. Despite their unending desire to remain in power, ZANU-PF must be clearly informed that for Zimbabwe to move on towards human and economic development, it needs totally different policies which may come only with new leadership - not a ZANU-PF culture anymore.
Mumbai: After spoofing the posters of Dangal, Tubelight, Begum Jaan and many other films, Riteish Deshmukh is back with a bang with the song Lag Gayi Tashreef.

This song could possibly be the maddest song of the year. Bollywood has finally got its quirkiest lament.

The song features Bank Chor Champak (Riteish Deshmukh), Genda (Vikram Thapa) and Gulab (Bhuvan Arora) behind the bars.

Riteish Deshmukh recites his plight in the prison through this eccentric song, which brings back the nostalgia of songs in the early 70s'.

The song is an ode to the most ignored part of the human frame, the bum. The song is for everyone who has been kicked hard there but couldn't found a polite way of saying it.

Lag Gayi Tashreef is definitely obliged with a phrase to resonate with the common man.

Sung and composed by Rochak Kohli and written by Adheesh Verma, the hook line of the song, Lag Gayi Tashreef, can also easily be the marketing slogan of Bank Chor, as it seems to be the only Bollywood film that celebrates taking its own tashreef.

In fact, to promote the song, Riteish did a Twitter roast, where he invited everyone to take his own tashreef, that soon went on to trend across India for reasons no one can understand.

Produced by Yash Raj Films, 'Bank Chor' is slated to release on June 16.

Watch the song here:
Mumbai: Sir Roger Moore, the iconic Hollywood star, died yesterday after a short 'but brave battle with cancer', according to a statement by his family members.

The news of Moore's death has met with an outpouring of grief from celebrities on social media.

Hollywood celebrities like Daniel Craig, Pierce Brosnan, Russell Crowe and more extended their mourning on the star's death.

Here are some Tweets by celebs:

The ' Trumbo' star Bryan Cranston took twitter and wrote, "Saddened @sirrogermoore passed today. Had a great chat about acting & life 6 mo. ago. Generous and kind. RIP Mr. Bond."

Saddened @sirrogermoore passed today. Had a great chat about acting & life 6 mo. ago. Generous and kind. RIP Mr. Bond pic.twitter.com/kVd92inLNr  Bryan Cranston (@BryanCranston) May 23, 2017

Daniel Craig, who played Bond in last four films tweeted, "Nobody Does It Better - love Daniel," alongside a photo of Moore.

Nobody Does It Better - love Daniel pic.twitter.com/lkeKirvt0l  James Bond (@007) May 23, 2017

Another 'James Bond' actor, Pierce Brosnan also took to his Facebook page and shared a heartfelt message, which read, "Dear Sir Roger Moore, It is indeed with a heavy heart that I hear the news of your passing this morning. You were a big part of my life, from The Saint to James Bond.. .you were a magnificent James Bond and one that lead the way for me, the world will miss you and your unique sense of humor for years to come. My sincerest condolences to your family and children. RIP."

The Oscar-winning actor Russell Crowe also tweeted, "Roger Moore ,loved him."

Roger Moore , loved him  Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) May 23, 2017

Actress-turned-activist Mia Farrow expressed her thoughts by saying, "Few are as kind & giving as was Roger Moore. Loving thoughts w his family & friends. He will be missed too by UNICEF."

Few are as kind & giving as was Roger Moore. Loving thoughts w his family & friends. He will be missed too by UNICEF pic.twitter.com/fYAEUqAaaw  Mia Farrow (@MiaFarrow) May 23, 2017

Duran Duran, the iconic band which performed the title song for Moore's final Bond film, 'A View To Kill' paid tribute by posting the movie's poster and captioned it, "#RIP Roger."

The actor's family confirmed the news of his death through his Twitter handle. The post read, "With the heaviest of hearts, we must share the awful news that our father, Sir Roger Moore, passed away today. We are all devastated."

The actor was best known for being the third actor to play the British secret agent ' James Bond' in seven feature films between 1973 and 1985.

Some of his best movies include - 'The Spy Who Loved Me', "Live And Let Die', 'For Your Eyes Only.'
Remember the little girl who played the younger version of Pooja in Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham? Well, nearly 16 years later, Malvika Raaj is all grown up and making her big screen debut in a Telugu film, which releases on June 9. The actress stars opposite debutant Ghanta Ravi, son of politician Ghanta Srinivasa Rao, in the film Jayadev which is being directed by Jayanth C. Paranjee.

Chala (very) nervous about the films release, confesses Malvika. I was very stressed during the first few days of the shoot because I wasnt familiar with the language but the team was very helpful. I am not great yet, but I can now understand Telugu a little, explains Malvika.

Talking about the opportunity to work in this film, she shares, Around two years ago, Jayanth and I were to work on a Kannada film, but things didnt work out. But he approached me when this film started and with him as the director, I jumped at the opportunity without a second thought.

The granddaughter of Bollywood actor Jagdish Raj and niece of Anita Raj, Malvika grew up in an environment of films since her father was also into filmmaking. While she took a long gap post K3G, she insists that acting was always her calling.

I grew up around cameras and sets, but after I did my first film as a kid, my father was keen that I complete my graduation before coming into showbiz. Even before graduating, however, I started modelling and that really helped me build my confidence. Throughout, acting always drew me, shares Malvika, whose sister is well-known designer Sonakshi Raaj.

Malvika was Miss Asia Super Model in 2002, but as she puts it: Once you taste acting, its too hard to let go.

No wonder then that her debut film, Jayadev is close to her heart. I didnt want the acting, dancing, film sets, and the bond with the crew to end. I was pretty sad on the last day of the shoot, shares Malvika, adding, Me and Ravi are besties now. We really helped each other grow. I will cherish working in this film.
Actress Nikesha Patel, who is awaiting the release of her Tamil film 7 Naatkal, has signed a Telugu-Tamil bilingual, with Tamil actor Srikanth as the male lead. The film, which will shortly go on the floors, is being directed by K.C. Bokadia, who has worked with several Bollywood superstars over the years.

This is a new film that I have signed and I am really looking forward to start working. It will be great to share screen space with Srikanth, says Nikesha, revealing that she will be playing the actors wife in the film.

It is a romance drama with elements of suspense. Its going to be interesting, she shares.
The female tract has grown thicker across generations in response to the male evolution making the spines less able to pierce the tissue. (Photo: Pixabay)

Paris: Evolution works in mysterious ways, especially when it comes to sex. Behold the humble and homely seed beetle, an insect that has successfully spread to every continent on the planet except Antarctica.

The male of the species, it has long been known, boasts an imposing member resembling a medieval, spike-studded ball mounted on a metal shaft. Ouch.

"The penis is covered in hundreds of sharp spines which pierce the female reproductive tract during mating," explained Liam Dougherty, an evolutionary biologist at the University of Western Australia in Crawley, and lead author of a study that asks a deceptively simple question: how do females cope?

The answer -- based on a decade of laboratory experiments spanning 100 seed beetle generations -- reveals a remarkable story of adaptation, and an evolutionary tit-for-tat that Dougherty likens to a "sexual 'arms race'.""When males evolved to increase male harm, the females co-evolved to reduce that harm," and in more ways than one, Dougherty told AFP.

To begin with, the female tract grew thicker across generations, "making the spines less able to pierce the tissue," he explained.Lady beetles confronted with ever more dangerous male gear also developed new immune responses, one giving them more protection against infection, and another allowing their damaged tissue to heal faster.

The findings, published Wednesday in the British Royal Society journal Proceedings B, provide rare evidence of how "traumatic mating," as it is sometimes called, can simultaneously drive adaptive mutations in both sexes.

But this fascinating evolutionary pas-de-deux still leaves begging a fundamental question: what is the raison d'etre of a male sex organ that reduces female lifespan and perhaps reproductive output? What, in other words, would Darwin have to say? Some biologists have suggested that the weaponized genitalia reduce the chances of females coupling with other males.

Pain sex

But female seed beetles do, in fact, mate with more than one partner. More likely, says Dougherty, is that spines on the male organ changed to increase the number of eggs fertilised compared to competitors.

In either case, "the female well-being is sacrificed at the expense of male fitness," he added. "Traumatic mating has evolved because it increases male fertilisation success."The scientists also speculated that deeper holes made by longer spines allow chemicals ejaculated by the male that influence female behaviour, and make her more pliant, to more quickly find their way to the brain.

Seed beetles are not the only creatures prone to male-on-female pain sex. The best known example is probably the bed bug. Its penis -- which looks like a hooked hypodermic needle -- pierces the females abdomen, injecting sperm directly into the body cavity. Nor are females always on the receiving end. Several species of spider practice sexual cannibalism in which larger lady arachnids eat their mates -- but only after the deed is done.

For the seed beetle experiment, the insects were gathered from 13 locations around the world -- including Benin, Brazil, California, Nigeria, South India and Yemen -- and raised separately under identical laboratory conditions.The scientists were thus able to show that changes across generations in each sex's genitalia, which varied from population to population, were interdependent.

Many animal species display low levels of sexual conflict, but such behaviour rarely leads to the full-on "arms race" escalation seen in seed beetles, Dougherty noted."It is still unclear how important sexual conflict is in driving evolutionary change in the animal kingdom," he said.
Parichat decided to resign because she didnt want to make it a big deal and cause harm to the reputation of other nurses. (Photo: Facebook)

The medical field is quite strict about their dress code because it defines their dedication to their work. However, some take the liberty to stylize their uniforms to look good but for one Thai nurse it clearly didnt work out after a photo she posted online went viral for all the wrong reasons eventually making her quit.

According to a report in the Daily Mail, 26-year-old Parichat Pang Chatsri had to quit her job at a local private hospital in Isan because the hospital thought her nurse uniform was overly sexy and brought shame to her profession. The nurse was pictured wearing a tight-fitting lilac uniform with a short skirt but was accused of dressing inappropriately and disrespecting the nursing profession.

The photo which was posted on a Facebook group called the Thai Nurse Lovers Association where it went viral. Parichat decided to resign because she didnt want to make it a big deal and cause harm to the reputation of other nurses.
Mumbai: Deepali Ganore, the wife of Mumbai Police Inspector Dyaneshwar Ganore who investigated the Sheena Bora murder case, was found dead inside her house in Mumbai's Santacruz area last night.

Her body was found by her husband at around 03:30 am, when he returned back from work.

According to Mumbai Police Press note, Dyaneshwar tried to open the door but failed, so he tried his wife's phone which was not reachable during the moment.

When he somehow managed to open the door, he found his wife's body on the floor in a pool of blood.

He then called the police and informed them about his wife.

However, the Police PRO confirmed that the son of the duo is still missing after the incident and his mobile phone is also switched off.

A knife, which is being purported as the weapon used during the murder, was also found from the spot.

Inspector Dyaneshwar is currently posted at Khar Police Station.

An FIR has been registered by the police in the case and an investigation has been launched.
New Delhi: Sacked Delhi Minister Kapil Mishra was questioned by the Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) on Tuesday in connection with the alleged Rs 400 crore water tanker scam.

Mishra reached the ACB office around 11.30 am and was there for an hour, a senior ACB officer said.

"I have demanded that Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Ashish Talwar (his political advisor) should be called in for questioning. Some documents related to the high-security number plate scam have also been submitted to them," Mishra claimed.

A couple of weeks ago, the ACB had recorded a detailed statement of Mishra and it was to question him last week but he had sought deferment due to personal reasons.

Kejriwal's private secretary Bibhav Kumar was questioned last week by the ACB in connection with the scam.

Mishra had alleged that Kejriwal had "influenced" the probe into the tanker scam that dates back to Sheila Dikshit's tenure as chief minister.

In August last year, Dikshit was examined by the ACB officials in connection with her alleged involvement in the scam.

The Kejriwal-led AAP government had in June 2015 constituted a fact-finding committee to go into the alleged irregularities in procuring some 385 stainless steel water tankers by the Delhi Jal Board.

The Delhi government in June 2016 had sent a report of the fact-finding committee to the erstwhile Lt Governor Najeeb Jung following which an FIR was registered in the case.
Visakhapatnam: Former MLA of Payakaraopeta, Chengala Venkata Rao, is among 21 sentenced to undergo life imprisonment by the Tenth Additional District Session Judge, B.B. Nageswara Rao at Anakapalle in Vizag district on Wednesday in a murder case.

The police said that they have registered a case against Chengala Venkata Rao and 24 others on charges of rioting and murder in connection with the death of a fisherman, Gosala Konda, and causing grievous injuries to eight others from Bangarammapeta area under Nakkapalle mandal in 2007.

Villagers of Bangara-mmapeta are divided over the establishment of a beach sand mining unit. On October 18, 2007, a group supporting the unit clashed with another that was opposed to the activity in the village. The scene turned riotous after Venkata Rao, who was MLA at that time and Congress party was in power. His henchmen reached the village to take part in the violence. The MLA was supporting the group that opposed the beach sand mining.

The MLA and his followers destroyed property and damaged vehicles belonging to the other group. a village elder of Bangara-mmapeta, Gosala Konda died in the violence while over a dozen persons were injured. Eight suffered serious injuries. Based on a complaint by the victims, the Nakkapalle and Payakaraopeta police led by the then inspector of Payakaraopeta P. Rajendra registered a case against the MLA and 23 others.

Additional Public Prosecutor of the court K.P. Naidu told newsmen that among the 24 handed over the sentence, three, K. Appalaraju, K. Demudu and Baburao, have died during the course of the 10-year-old trial period. Three are women. Apart from the life term, six including Chengala Venkata Rao, will have to undergo one year rigorous imprisonment (RI). Sources said that Chengala Venkata Rao, who is a leader of YSRC in Payakaraopeta region, is planning to challenge the verdict in the Hyderabad High Court.
New Delhi: External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Gopal Baglay termed the characterisation of a reputed force like the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) as "completely unacceptable" after a retired inspector general of the CRPF was denied entry saying he served in an organisation that allegedly engaged in "terrorism" and "gross human rights violations.

"We have seen the news report regarding denial of entry by Canadian authorities to a senior retired Indian Police Officer. Such a characterisation of a reputed force like the CRPF is completely unacceptable. We have taken up the matter with the Government of Canada," Baglay said.

He was a "prescribed senior official in the service of a government that, in the opinion of the Minister, engages or has engaged in terrorism, systematic or gross human rights violations, or genocide, a war crime or a crime against humanity", a document given to Dhillon at the airport read.

In a statement, High Commissioner of Canada Nadir Patel said the language in the document "does not reflect the government of Canada's policy toward India or any particular organisation, including the Central Reserve Police Force of India. The Central Reserve Police Force plays an important role in upholding law and order in India".

Regretting any "inconvenience that may have been experienced by this individual and their family", he said, from time to time, with such a large number of applications, oversights on visa applications can happen.

"In situations where established procedures may not have been followed, a review takes place to avoid any reoccurrence," he said.

According to Patel, Canada continues to welcome record numbers of Indian nationals for study, tourism, business, and visiting friends and family.

"Over the past year, over 300,000 Indian nationals have applied to visit Canada," he said.

He also said Canada values its relationship with India, based on shared values of democracy, pluralism, human rights and rule of law.

Patel said Canada's privacy laws prevent him from commenting further.

Dhillon was denied entry into Canada with airport authorities saying he served in an organisation that allegedly engaged in "terrorism" and "gross human rights violations", prompting a strong reaction from India.

T S Dhillon landed in Canada with his wife on May 18 and was put on the return flight to India on May 20. His wife was, however, allowed to proceed to her destination in Canada.

"I landed with my wife in Canada on May 18 as I had a family event to attend. But the Canadian border agency at the airport did not allow me to enter the country.

"I told them that I am a retired senior officer of the Indian police, the CRPF. But, they did not heed to my statements and instead talked to me very rudely and in an unpleasant manner. They told me that my force had indulged in human rights violations," Dhillon told PTI.

Dhillon retired from the Central Reserve Police Force as an Inspector General (IG) in 2010.

He was a national level shooter and instrumental in setting up infrastructure for the shooting discipline during the 2010 Commonwealth Games held in the national capital.

Dhillon said he had a valid visa for Canada till 2024 but despite that he was not allowed to enter the country.

"I was finally put on a plane back to India on May 20. I feel bad that the Canadian authorities, at the lower levels, are trying to antagonise a uniformed force of India and the men and women who have given their blood and sweat for the security of the country.

"The authorities should apologise," he said. The officer said while his wife was allowed to enter

Canada, he had to leave with a heavy heart, from a country he has visited many times in the last 30 years.

Ties between India and Canada are witnessing a strain in the recent past.

Earlier this month, India had indicated that it had raised with Canada the presence of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at a recent event in Toronto where two legislators, who had authored a motion in the Ontario Assembly calling the 1984 anti-Sikh riots as "genocide", were felicitated.
Opinion / Columnist

"The Zimbabwe Human Rights Association (ZimRights) is concerned by the levels of interparty and intraparty violence witnessed recently in the country," said Zimrights report."Supporters of the ruling party Zimbabwe African National Union Patriotic Front (Zanu-PF) were embroiled in a bloody clash at Davies Hall in Bulawayo recently. A few days before, ruling Zanu-PF and opposition MDC-T supporters had clashed leaving three people hospitalised in another incident of violence in Epworth in Harare."ZimRights urges political parties to nip such violent tendencies in the bud as the country faces an election campaign season ahead of the 2018 harmonised elections."This is simply not good enough!Vote buying and politically motivated violence are now an integral part of Zimbabwe's political culture. In 2008, when the country had its worst cases of blatant vote rigging and wanton violence, SADC stepped in and tasked the GNU comprising Zanu PF and the two MDC factions to implement a raft of democratic reforms designed to dismantle the Zanu PF vote rigging machine and deliver free and fair elections. Sadly, not even one reform was implemented in five years. Not one! Worse still, Zimrights and none of all the other civic organisations has ever said anything to condemn Zanu PF and MDC politicians for their blatant betrayal of the nation, even now with the benefit of hind sight!"Zero-tolerance to violence is crucial because as political competition within and between parties rises towards the forthcoming general elections in 2018 the likelihood is that tensions among political players will also rise," concluded Zimrights report.How many more beating, rapes and political murders is it going to take organisations like Zimrights before they all finally open their eyes to the political reality and finally admit that the only way to end Zimbabwe's its culture of political violence is by implementing the democratic reforms. Everything thing else is just a waste of time!Contesting flawed elections is an act of madness; Zanu PF are doing it because they are guaranteed no-regime-change. The opposition are participating in the elections because they know Zanu PF will give away a few gravy train seats as David Coltart has admitted."The worst aspect for me about the failure to agree a coalition was that both MDCs couldn't now do the obvious  withdraw from the elections," explained Senator Coltart."The electoral process was so flawed, so illegal, that the only logical step was to withdraw, which would compel SADC to hold Zanu PF to account. But such was the distrust between the MDC-T and MDC-N that neither could withdraw for fear that the other would remain in the elections, winning seats and giving the process credibility."Why have organisations like Zimrights not done the obvious and honourable thing and calling for the boycott of the flawed elections until reforms are implemented? After 37 years of the mindless violence one would think someone would now be keen to end the culture of violence and not just to chain out more and more reports of violence peppered with pious calls "nip such violent tendencies in the bud". I can just see the everyone in Shake-Shake House, Zanu PF HQ, shaking in their boots and calling off their party thugs!Zimbabwe is facing a serious economic meltdown that seen unemployment soaring to 90% and has forced millions into a life of abject poverty and heart breaking suffering and deaths. The economic situation is socially and morally unsustainable.We need meaningful economic recovery as a matter of life and death and for that to happen we must have free, fair and credible elections. Zimbabwe's economic recovery is dependent on political change this is why all stakeholders including civic organisation must join in demanding the implementation of democratic reforms BEFORE the next elections. Zimbabwe cannot afford another meaningless election that will do nothing to end the economic crisis.
Jaipur: Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu on Tuesday held the previous Congress-led UPA regime at the Centre responsible for the Kashmir issue, claiming that the party's wrong policies gave an advantage to terrorists and extremists.

He said that more terrorists have been neutralised in the three-year rule of the Modi government as compared to the former regime and many development and welfare measures were taken to improve the situation but the Congress is misleading the people through a disinformation campaign against the Centre.

"Congress people have no right to criticise the government because it is the party responsible for the Kashmir issue due of its wrong policies and wrong approach towards terrorists," he told reporters here.

"The groups of separatists and left wing extremists took advantage of these wrong policies of the Congress. Be it Maoist violence or Kashmir or separatists problem, all are the legacy of the Congress rule," Naidu said.

"The security forces have responded to cross border terrorism firmly and as a result, 368 terrorists have been neutralised during the last three years (2014-16) as against 239 during the corresponding previous three years of 2011-13," Naidu, the Union information and broadcast minister said.

He said that the prime minister announced a development package for Jammu and Kashmir in November 2015 which consists of 63 projects concerning 15 Union ministries having an outlay of Rs 80,068 crore.

"Other steps which were taken by the government included additional recruitment of 10,000 SPOs, recruitment of 5400 personnel in 5 new India Reserve Battalions and recruitment of around 1200 personnel of CAPFs and Assam Rifles," he added.

On Left-wing extremism, Naidu said that reduction in the violence was registered in the Modi government's rule.

"The violence over the last three years (May 2014 to April 2017) with preceding three years (May 2011-April 2014) indicates a significant improvement in the scenario," he said.

He also said that incidents of violence reduced by 25 percent from 4,159 to 3,125, Left wing extremism related deaths decreased by 42 percent from 1,412 to 812, elimination of cadre increased by 65 percent from 237 to 390 and surrender by the cadres also increased by 185 percent from 1,029 to 2,937.
New Delhi: The Indian Air Force (IAF) on Wednesday categorically ruled out any air space violation by Islamabad on the Indian side, as being reported by Pakistan media.

Earlier in the day, Pakistan Air Force (PAF) claimed that fighter jets conducted flights near the Siachen Glacier.

Quoting sources, Samaa reported that all operating bases are now fully operational and the Mirage jets are now part of the drills.

Chief of Air Staff Sohail Aman visited the Skardu forward base along with other top leadership of the Pakistan Air Force.

Aman also met the pilots and technical staff of the fighting force and flew a Mirage jet himself on the occasion.

Pakistan's claim comes in the wake of Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa and Chief of Air Staff writing a personal letter to each officer in the IAF, asking them "to be prepared for operations with our present holdings, at a very short notice".

"In the present scenario, there is an ever persistent sub-conventional threat. Therefore, we need to be prepared for operations with our present holdings, at a very short notice. Training needs to be focused towards this," says the letter.

The mention in the letter of "our present holdings" is an indication of the severe shortfall in the number of fighter squadrons with the IAF.

Asking officers to be "combat effective professionals", ACM Dhanoa writes that "there is no choice but to stay abreast of new technological advancements both own as well as that of our adversaries. Only then will we come out with war-winning, out of the box solutions."

The letter also covered a range of issues from "favouritism" in the force to "sexual harassment".

The letter reminds officers that "in the recent past, there have been instances and occasions where lack of professionalism has shown the IAF in poor light".

Indulging in uncharacteristic plain speak, the IAF chief writes that "we have been witness to a few instances of 'favouritism' in selection of officers for prime assignments and promotions".

"This is something we can ill afford," the letter reads.

Pointing out that "officers holding responsible appointments tend to display 'Milk of Human Kindness' while dealing with those involved in wrongful practices", the letter warns that "abusive behaviour, resorting to physical intimidation and behaviour amounting to sexual harassment by seniors is not acceptable".

The letter has been posted and delivered to each of the nearly 12,000 officers of the force.
New Delhi: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edapadi K Palanisami met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday to seek Centre's intervention on the setting up of the Cauvery River Management Authority and seeking relief for farmers.

Palanisami's visit came days after the rival AIADMK faction led by O Pannerselvam meet with the prime minister demanding the same.

"Clearance for the Rs 14,500-crore scheme for the restoration of the Cauvery bed for which the state government has sent a scheme. This should be implemented as a national scheme, he said.

When he was asked about the possible tie up with the BJP for the upcoming local body elections in Tamil Nadu, Palanisami said, "No such political discussions took place with the Prime Minister."

Besides this, Palanisami said he has handed over a memorandum to Modi containing various demands of the state for Central help in implementing development schemes.

"I have urged the Prime Minister to ensure that the finance ministry issue instructions to the insurance companies for quick disbursal of crop loss insurance for farmers affected by the severe drought that has hit the state this year," he said.

The chief minister said he has asked for Centre's approval to set up N AIIMS hospital in Tamil Nadu.

The demands included immediate central approval for setting up of an AIIMS hospital in Tamil Nadu, clearance for the Rs 14,500 crore-scheme for restoration of the Cauvery bed for which the state government has sent a scheme. This should be implemented as a national scheme, he said.

Palanisami said he urged the Prime Minister to direct the Kerala government to not to go ahead with its plans for the construction of check dams across the Bhavani river.

He said that he has urged the Centre to convince the Kerala government to accept Tamil Nadu's plan for diversion of surplus waters from Pamba, Achankoil and Vaippar rivers to prevent them from going into the sea which will be beneficial to both states.
Injured CRPF jawans being airlifted to Raipur by an IAF chopper for treatment on Monday follwing a Maoist attack in Sukma district. (Photo: PTI)

New Delhi: The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has suspended Assistant Commandant Jayan Vishwanath, who led the team during the Sukma encounter, for alleged 'failure of leadership'.

Commanding Officer of the 74th battalion, Commandant Firoze Kuzur was also transferred by the force on Tuesday.

As per reports, Vishwanath has been found wanting in leadership when the encounter took place. The departmental enquiry is, however, not yet completed.

This comes almost a month after an attack by Naxals in Chhattisgarh's Sukma on April 24, in which 25 CRPF personnel were killed and five others were injured.

The CRPF's 74th Battalion was ambushed by the Naxals when it was manning a road construction project.
'My prayers & solidarity with those who lost their loved ones in the unfortunate bus accident in Uttarkashi', Narendra Modi said. (Photo: File)

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday sanctioned Rs 2 lakh each for the next of kin of those killed in a bus accident in Uttarakhand.

He also sanctioned from the PM National Relief Fund (PMNRF) Rs 50,000 for those seriously injured in the accident in Uttarkashi.

Twenty-one pilgrims from Madhya Pradesh were killed when their bus fell into the Bhagirathi river near Nalupani in Uttarkashi district on Tuesday evening. Eight people were injured in the accident.

The accident took place when the pilgrims were returning from Gangotri shrine in the Himalayas.

"My prayers & solidarity with those who lost their loved ones in the unfortunate bus accident in Uttarkashi. May the injured recover soon," the prime minister said.
Rai alleged that two men were picked up by security forces from a house in D-Kalling village and killed in Simlaguri. (Photo: Representational/PTI)

Guwahati: A Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Inspector General has written to the Assam Chief Secretary, alleging that the Army, Assam Police, CRPF and the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) conducted a fake encounter in Chirang district on March 30 this year.

According to a report in The Indian Express, IPS officer Rajnish Rai, currently posted in Shillong, also sent a report to CRPF headquarters in Delhi, claiming that the encounter which led to the death of two suspected members of the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) was staged.

Rai alleged that the two men were picked up by security forces from a house in D-Kalling village and killed in cold blood in Simlaguri. He also claimed that weapons were planted on the mens bodies, and called for a thorough probe into the matter, said the report.

Rai said the bodies of Lucas Narzary alias N Langfa and David Islary alias Dayud were identified by witnesses, who are now in his safe custody.

The report is marked to Assam Chief Secretary VK Pipersenia, then acting CRPF DG Sudeep Lakhtakia; Lt Gen AS Bedi, GOC, 4 Corps & Chairperson, Operational Group, Unified Command; Assam DG Mukesh Sahay; SSB DG Archana Ramasundaram and CRPF ADG (NE Zone) Mohd Javed Akhtar, said Indian Express.

Rai alleged discreet enquiries by senior officers before the encounter, and claimed that a CoBRA unit of the CRPF visited the spot before the incident.

In his report, Rai stated that a team of Assam police and Army picked up the NDFB(S) cadres from D-Kalling village, met another team at Ouguri and then decided to kill the two men.

Rai also claimed that an 11-year-old boy was present in the house from which the two men were picked up, and was taken away by a woman even as the encounter was on.

Rai said that Team No 15 of 210 CoBRA, which had earlier claimed credit for the encounter, denied their role in it when confronted by an enquiry officer.

In response to the allegations, Assam DG Mukesh Sahay was quoted as saying, Whenever there is an encounter, there are laid down guidelines. All those guidelines are being strictly followed. An inspector general of police and a magistrate are enquiring into the matter. As far as this report is concerned, we will think about taking cognisance of it after the magisterial enquiry is over.

CRPF DG RR Bhatnagar said that the force would wait for the Assam Police to complete its probe into the matter.

Security forces have claimed that several rounds of live ammunition were recovered from the bodies of the slain NDFB(S) militants.
Kochi: In a setback for the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB), the Kerala High Court expressed displeasure over the statements filed by the agency in the bar bribery case involving former finance minister K.M. Mani. The High Court observed that definite questions regarding the materials to prove the offence were not answered properly and clearly.

The court made the observation while hearing a petition filed by Mani challenging the Thiruvananthapuram Vigilance Court order giving permission to VACB to conduct a further probe into the case.

The VACB informed that it is not in a position to report anything as regards the materials collected so far The VACB is still waiting for the result of scientific examination of the CD containing telephone conversation.

The court observed that it was not known what the CD will prove. The Vigilance court had granted permission for a further probe on a petition filed by Superintendent of Police R. Sukeshan, who had initially probed the case. Sukeshan had filed the plea on the ground that former Vigilance Director Shankar Reddy had intervened in the earlier probe with a view of giving Mani a clean chit. Suekshan had earlier filed a final report in the case saying that no offence had been made out.
Guwahati: The search operations to locate the missing Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter jet of the Indian Air Force were affected by rough weather on Wednesday.

However, sources said the operation was continuing in parts of Assam and neighbouring Arunachal Pradesh, where the plane is suspected to have crashed.

Defence spokesman Lt Col Sombit Ghosh of the Army's 4 Corps said all necessary action, including search operations by helicopters, have been initiated to track the fighter plane.

The Sukhoi jet, with two pilots on board, went missing around an hour after taking off from the IAF base here at 10.30 am.

The jet had lost radar and radio contact arou-nd 60 km north of the airbase, IAF had said on Tuesday. At present, two squadrons comprising around 36 aircraft are deployed at Tezpur for guarding the China border in Arunachal Pradesh.

Sonitpur district dep-uty commissioner Ma-noj Kumar Deka had said the IAF base did not get radar and radio contact with the aircraft one hour after it took off with the last contact being at a 60 km dista-nce from Dubia of Goh-pur sub-division in Bis-wanath district.
A relative attends to Rajesh Kumar, 28, who was attacked by a group of people while returning from a rally, at a government hospital in Meerut, on Wednesday. Police rushed forces and arrested dozens of people to stop clashes that erupted when upper caste Hindus allegedly fired on Dalits on Wednesday. (Photo: AP)

Lucknow: Two more persons were killed in caste related violence on Wednesday in the riot-hit Saharanpur district, taking the toll to three in the past 24 hours.

An angry Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath suspended district magistrate N.P. Singh and SSP Subhash Chandra Dubey for their failure to control the situation. A SDM and a circle officer faced similar action.

Pramod Kumar Pandey has been appointed the new district magistrate of Saharanpur while Babloo Kumar will take over as the new SSP of the trouble-torn district.

Mr Pandey who was posted in the election commission has been sent to Saharanpur by state place while Mr Babloo Kumar is already in Saharanpur. He was posted in the neighboring Muzaffarnagar district.

Meanwhile, a high level delegation of the BSP comprising Mr Satish Chandra Misra, Mr Ram Achal Rajbhar, Mr Lalji Varma and Mr Inderjit Saroj met Yogi Adityanath here on Wednesday evening and discussed the situation with him.

The BSP leaders sought protection for Dalits in Saharanpur as well as other parts of the state.

The first incident on Wednesday was reported from Mirzapur village at around 5 a.m on Wednesday. It was case of mistaken identity. Thakurs attacked two persons sleeping in a brick kiln in Mirzapur with sharp-edged weapons, presuming them to be Dalits.

Nitin and Yashpal, both belonging to the Prajapati caste, sustained serious injuries. Nitin died on the way while Yashpal was admitted in a hospital in critical condition. The attack took place at a time when a heavy posse of policemen is camping in Saharanpur that had faced a series of casteist violence in the pasty one month.

In the second incident, a Thakur youth was shot at by unidentified persons in the district on Wednesday afternoon. Thakurs held protests at the district hospital where the victim has been admitted in critical condition. He died during treatment later in the evening

Home Secretary Mani Prasad Sharma said that the situation was now under control and all aspects are being monitored. Over 30 protestors who participated in the violent clashes have been arrested. Mr Misra is a part of a four-member team sent by chief minister Yogi Adityanath late on Tuesday night to Shabbirpur village where more than a dozen people were injured in sword attacks on Tuesday after BSP chief Mayawatis visit to the violence-torn village. The other team members including IG Amitabh Yash, ADG Aditya Misra, and DG Security Vijay Bhushan were flown to the violence-hit region on Tuesday.

Yogi bans internet in Saharanpur

The Yogi government bans internet in Saharanpur to check spread of rumours. The Chief Minister also announced Rs 15 lakh as compensation to the family of a man killed in caste violence in Saharanpur district.

A mob had attacked a group of people returning from a rally of Bahujan Samaj Party president Mayawati, killing Ashish a.k.a. Arvind, 24, who hailed from Sarsawa town, on the spot and injuring four others. The family of Nitin, who was killed in violence on Wednesday, will be given a similar amount.

The injured will be given Rs 50,000 each as compensation. The state government has asked the district officials to ensure proper treatment for those injured.
Hyderabad: What is exactly a generic drug, doctors are asking after the Medical Council of India sent a circular to hospitals, clinics and small nursing homes to prescribe generic drugs to their patients.

Generic medicines are being sold at three different price levels under the labels generic-generic, trade-generic and branded generic. Generic drugs are those that do not have a trademark and are not branded. They are sold on the names of their chemical combination. The government is keen to popularise these drugs as the they are less expensive when compared to branded drugs.

Doctors say the generics are not of good quality and their efficacy is not as good as that of branded drugs or branded generics. Dr Pradeep Deshpande, general physician, said, We want to prescribe quality drugs that are effective. If the generics work, the government must ensure that they help us prescribe them. But there are three different price scales and we are confused as to which one we should opt for.

The Indian medical system is doctor-centric and the patients prefer their doctors to prescribe the medicine by name. They would rather not have the pharmacist dispense a drug. Hence doctors have to prescribe drugs which are available, and effective. Dr K.K. Aggarwal, president of the Indian Medical Association, said, The IMA wants the government to fix one price for all generic drugs. Generic drugs are the names of the molecule and that must be written by the doctor. It is for the pharmacists to give the molecules and their combination drugs to the people.

Recalling the name of the molecule or chemical combination is proving to be quite a task for many doctors as they are used to identifying medicines by brand names. Teaching patterns need to be modified so that medical students learn the names of the various chemical combinations first.

Branded generic: These drugs are bioequivalents of the original product but are being marketed by another company with its own brand name. Branded generics have low research and development costs and sustainable sales. Paracetamol is sold as Crocin which is a brand name of the generic product. Prices differ from company to company for the same drug.

All the 3 have different price structures and is confusing doctors and patients.

To bring in a uniform price structure, drug control rules have to be strengthened and proper quality checks must be run to check the effectiveness of all the drugs.

Trademark laws do not allow generic drugs to look like the original drug. Therefore, their colour, size, flavour and shape are different.
Opinion / Columnist

"Imwe neimwe shiri inemaririro ayo!" (Every bird has his own characteristic song!) So, goes the Shona adage. Alex Magaisa, like the rancorous cry of the crow which is offensive to the ear, specialises in give characteristically stupid advice."One thing that opposition parties must understand is that continuously bombarding people with messages of ZANUPF rigging and its refusal to implement electoral reforms actually works to the advantage of ZANUPF because it only serves to deflate voters' spirits." said Alex Magaisa."In a nutshell, the opposition narrative must change from one of hopeless victims to that of hopeful warriors who are determined to succeed against the odds. The narrative must change from that of electoral reforms to that of electoral hope. These are the positive messages that people want to hear. They will boost their confidence and persuade them that this time things could be different."To the readers who do not know or need reminding, Alex Magaisa was Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai's special adviser during the GNU. So, we can safely assume that this is a taste of the advice he gave Tsvangirai in years and months leading to the 2013 elections.Tsvangirai and the rest of the MDC leaders were advised by none other than SADC leaders themselves to implement the democratic reforms and we all know that not even one reform was ever implemented in five years. Not one! In a last minute desperate attempt to stop Zimbabwe's 2013 elections going ahead with no reforms in place, the regional leaders told Tsvangirai & co. not to contest the 2013 elections."In 2013 the Maputo Summit, in June 2013, before the elections, the Maputo Summit was all about having the elections postponed  the SADC summit. I went there," Dr Ibbo Mandaza to Violet Gonda in a recent interview."I was there at the Summit and Mugabe pretended to agree to a postponement of the elections. If you recall, the postponement was based on the need to reform at least electoral laws."And after that Summit, Morgan Tsvangirai, Tendai Biti, Welshman Ncube, all of them were called to a separate meeting by the Heads of State of SADC in the absence of Mugabe, that same evening. And they were told - I was sitting there outside the room with Mac Maharaj - they were told 'if you go into elections next month, you are going to lose; the elections are done'.We know Tsvangirai & co. ignored the warning and contested the July 2013 elections, no doubt on the advice of the special adviser to ignore the negative message of reforms and focus on the positives.MDC went into the 2013 elections on a high, beaming with confidence that the newly passed constitution would deliver the people's freedoms and rights including the right to free, fair and credible elections. Tsvangirai even boasted that the new constitution was an "MDC child!"Once again, MDC leaders were warned the new constitution was weak and feeble, it was not the democratic constitution the nation was seeking. But once again Tsvangirai et al would not listen; advised no doubt by Alex Magaisa, who is a lawyer and University lecture at that, to focus on the "positive".All nonsense of course as Zanu-PF went on to blatantly rig the 2013 elections. The nation has paid dearly for MDC leaders' folly of ignoring SADC leaders' advice not to contest elections without implemented the reforms first and listening to contrary, stupid, advice from Alex Magaisa.The reforms are still necessary today and therefore it is folly to contest the 2018 elections still with not even one reforms in place. It will be collective lunacy for the people of Zimbabwe to once again disregard sound advice in favour of the same stupid advice from the same stupid "special adviser" of nonsense, Alex Magaisa!"In my opinion, Zimbabweans have two simple choices to make and these choices have their own consequences which we must be willing to accept and endure," commented Vince Musewe."Either to follow those who think that we should participate in elections anyway even without fundamental reforms. Register to vote in numbers and hopefully be able to exercise that vote on voting day in 2018 and then hopefully achieve the results which we desire. Or insist and do whatever it may take to achieve the necessary electoral reforms first before participating or legitimising a fundamentally flawed electoral process and architecture."I choose the latter and that, in my view, certainly does not make me a "hopeless victim" of circumstances. With this choice, the debate should then focus on what we need to do as a collective, but also acknowledge that our world and our future does not stop with 2018 elections. In other words it could be a very long struggle but that's okay."Who ever said there is no God! Not too many moons ago, Vince Musewe was firmly in the camp calling to participate in the elections regardless of the fact the whole process was flawed and meaningless. Well he certainly has had his Damascene moment!Our struggle for something as basic and fundamental as the right to free, fair and credible elections has been a very long drawn-out process; it was one of the key demands before independence and it is still a key demand today, 37 years after independence. By participating in flawed elections we have played our part in perpetuating the outrageous practice.'You can't expect us to reform ourselves out of power,' boasted Zanu-PF's Professor Jonathan Moyo, with the usual arrogance of the tyrants.Let it be known in a village and hamlet in Zimbabwe; we are not asking Zanu-PF to reforms itself out of power. We are not here to negotiate, we are demanding the implementation of the reforms. And we are denouncing the stupid advice of the rancorous crows to continue participating in a totally meaningless and demeaning flawed ritual.The next elections should be a simple and straight forward event marked with the simple words, "As of this minute of this day, all Zimbabweans will have a meaningful say in the governance of this country and enjoy free, fair and credible election as their birth right!"
Hyderabad: Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao on Monday termed BJP president Amit Shahs community lunch with dalits in Nalgonda a big drama and a gimmick and alleged that the food was prepared by someone belonging to the Reddy community at his mango orchard.

Lunch with dalits means the food has to prepared in a Dalit colony. He should sit on the ground along with Dalits to eat. But the food that was served to him was prepared by one Manohar Reddy at his farmhouse. Amit Shah used a chair and table to eat food while Dalits were standing behind. He insulted Dalits with his act. I got feedback from local Dalits there who told how they felt humiliated and insulted by this, Mr Rao said.

The Chief Minister alleged that the food that was served at Peddadevulapalli for Mr Shahs lunch with Dalits was prepared at the local Annapurna mess.

These is enough proof to show that his community lunch with Dalits was only a gimmick and a big drama. Dalits are hurt by his behaviour, Mr Rao said.

He said the TRS government was more concerned about the welfare and development of Dalits.

We recently brought the SC/ST Development Fund Act, which is not present anywhere in the country to allocate higher funds for SCs and STs and ensure their complete utilisation. While the Centre sanctioned just 3.39 per cent of the total Budget for SCs and STs, we sanctioned 15.1 per cent. We allotted Rs 14,375 crore in the Budget for them while the Centre gave just Rs 52,392 crore for the entire country. This shows who is sincere and committed towards welfare and development of Dalits, the Chief Minister said.
Hyderabad: BJP national president Amit Shah, who wound up his three-day tour of TS on Wednesday, has set a single point agendavictory in 2019.

He targeted the ruling TRS and the Congress, and at times the MIM, but maintained silence on the Telugu Desam, presently an ally in both AP and TS.

Going by the direct attack on TRS government on release of funds and non-implementation of Central government schemes, the BJP president sent a clear message  ruling out an alliance with the TRS or the TRS joining the Union Cabinet.

At every given opportunity, he spoke to party leaders and asked them to sink their differences if any, focus on the goal, spread out to every village, town and city and spread the Modi mantra and take up burning public issues.

Though the BJP has an uphill task of starting from scratch to come to power, Amit Shah made it clear to the party leaders that nothing was impossible. The BJP has five MLAs and one MLC in the state.

There has been great response to Amit Shahs three-day tour of Nalgonda. His visit rejuvenated the party. Unable to digest the public response, TPCC chief Uttam Kumar Reddy has criticised him for raking up the Razakar issue, Dr Laxman said.

Explaining the reason for choosing Nalgonda district for Amit Shah, he said Nalgonda was the most backward district, is fluoride-affected, lacks irrigation facilities and faces a host of other problems.

Our focus is development while the Congress focus is minority vote bank. We cant rewrite history, Dr Laxman told DC.

He asserted that TS BJP leaders and workers will work in tandem to achieve Prime Minister Narendra Modi and National BJP president Amit Shahs goals.

Strongly refuted rumours of differences with BJP Floor leader G. Kishan Reddy, Dr Laxman said, Its purely a creation of the media. We have been working for the party since the three decades. There are no differences between us.
Vijayawada: All arrangements are complete for BJP chief Amit Shahs visit of Andhra Pradesh. Keenly awaited are his words and actions vis-a-vis the BJPs alliance partner, the Telugu Desam headed by Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, at his Vijayawada meet.

The BJP is pinning high hopes on Shahs visit, and is sure it would give a boost to the morale of the party and its activists. Prime Minister Narendra Modis meeting with YSRC leader and Opposition leader in the state Assembly Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy in Delhi in recently had added to the wedge between the BJP and TD in the state. TD leaders including CM Chandrababu Naidu had expressed serious concern over the unexpected meeting. Reports also had said Naidu failed to get an appointment with the PM.

There is considerable bitterness between the two parties, as is reflected in a recent comment from TD MP Kesineni Nani that the TD had lost majority in the Assembly in the last polls because of its alliance with the BJP. CM Naidu intervened to calm down tempers in the party, against the BJP, and then leaders started turning their ire on Jagan. The TD MPs comment drew sharp retorts from the BJP leaders.

Interestingly, the CM and Shah are flying together to Vijayawada in a special flight, and Naidu is also hosting a lunch for the BJP leader at his residence in Undavalli. As reports go, Shah had recently admonished some BJP leaders from the state going to Delhi and complaining to Shah about lack of cooperation from the ally TD, and Shah had replied that this was how politics should be.

Amit Shah would attend the BJP state executive committee meet, followed by the partys polling booth-level workers meet as part of his nation-wide outreach exercise.

Naidu to hold luncheon meet with Amit Shah

AP Chief Minister and TD chief N. Chandrababu Naidu will hold a luncheon meeting with BJP chief Amit Shah during his visit to Andhra Pradesh.

Mr Naidu, who has left to Hyderabad for T-TD Mahanadu, will return in a special flight with Mr Amit Shah to Vijayawada. With the recent war of words between TD and BJP leaders, Naidu-Shah flight journey and luncheon gains importance.

The controversy, which began with the appointment of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to YSRC chief Jagan Mohan Reddy, had gone till the analysis of advantages and disadvantages of TD-BJP alliance by both parties leaders.

Later, the Chief Minister intervened and subdued the comments on BJP and diverted it to Mr Jagan Mohan Reddy.

Later with the comments of Vijayawada TD MP Kesineni Nani, the war of words is still continuing between the TD and BJP. Very recently on Wednesday evening, AP BJP chief Kambhampati Hari Babu condemned the comments of Mr Nani and said it was unfair to share his opinion to media on the alliance, and suggested it would have been better for Mr Nani to share them with his party chief, and stated alliance is possible only with mutual benefits.

Earlier, Mr Kesineni Nani on Sunday said, The TD would have won with larger margin had it not allied with the BJP for the 2014 general elections.
Hyderabad: Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao accused the BJP of trying to disrupt communal harmony by raking up the Muslim reservations issue unnecessarily.

On the one hand, Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the recent BJP meeting in Orissa talked about Muslim reservations. He asked his party cadre to reach out to Muslims. He asked the new National Commission for OBCs to look into quotas for Muslims, Mr Rao pointed out at his press conference here on Monday.

On the other hand, their party president Amit Shah and Telangana BJP leaders criticise us for enhancing quotas for Muslims though we have repeatedly made it clear that the quotas were being provided on the basis of their backwardness in education and employment by taking up scientific studies on their living conditions and not on religious grounds, the Chief Minister said.
Hyderabad: Stung by Bharatiya Janata Party national president Amit Shahs declaration that the state government is claiming credit for centrally-sponsored welfare schemes, Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao on Wednesday said that on the contrary it was the Centre that was surviving on funds contributed by Telangana state.

He said that Telangana state paid Rs 50,013 crore to the Centre in the form of various taxes in 2016-17 but TS got only Rs 24,561 crore in return. This shows who owed funds to whom, he said.

He said the Centre was not showing any meherbaani in giving funds to TS and whatever funds the state got from the Centre was as per the mandate of the Constitution in our federal set-up and what all 29 states in the country get.

He said only six or seven states in the country contribute funds to the Centre and TS is one of them; the rest are revenue-deficit states. He added that the Centre depends on these six-seven states for money.

Prove charge: KCR to Shah

Mr Rao said TS earned over Rs 1 lakh crore in foreign exchange for the Centre from IT exports. He ridiculed Mr Shahs claims of the Centre giving over Rs 1 lakh crore to TS and an additional Rs 20,000 crore every year, and Rs 40,000 crore to universities. He said TS has got Rs 67,390 crore from the Centre since the formation of the state.

Addressing a press conference at Pragathi Bhavan, Mr Rao termed Mr Shahs statements blatant lies, unwarranted and unjustified. Mr Rao dared Mr Shah to prove his figures wrong and said he was ready to quit as Chief Minister if so proved. He demanded that Mr Shah tender an unconditional apology to the people of TS for telling them lies.

In September last, he came here and made similar comments. I remained quiet. But for the last three days, he has been making serial attacks on the TRS government with blatant lies. If I remain quiet, it will be viewed as my endorsing him, which I dont. I want to put the facts before the public and expose him before he leaves Telangana, Mr Rao said. Mr said His lies will kill Telangana which is leading on all fronts in the country.
Telugu Mahila members take a selfie with Telugu Desam national president and AP Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu at the partys Telangana Mahanadu at Exhibition Grounds, Nampally, in Hyderabad on Wednesday. (Photo: DC)

Hyderabad: While maintaining that talk of any alliance would be entertained only before the next elections, TD national president and AP Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday avoided criticising the TRS government and TS Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao during his address to the TS TD Mahanadu.

This was in stark contrast to the partys working president A. Revanth Reddy whose speech, in the concluding session of the Mahanadu, in Mr Naidus presence, was laced with several critical comments on the functioning of the TRS government and against the Chief Minister.

In his speech, Mr Naidu said that the TD was founded in Hyderabad in 1982 and nobody can wipe it out from TS.

The TD national president made it clear to the TS TD leaders that any decision on striking alliances with other likeminded parties would be taken only at election time and told them not to speak on the issue.

Interestingly, TS BJP president K. Laxman had said that there would be no alliance with the TD in TS in the backdrop of Mr Revanth Reddys efforts to forge an alliance against the TRS ahead of the 2019 polls.

There is still a lot of time to decide on alliances. You need not talk on the issue, we may witness several changes in the coming days and nobody can ignore TD in Telangana, Mr Naidu said.

Taking credit for the development of Hyderabad and establishing Cyberabad during his earlier rule, Mr Naidu said that though the Metro Rail works started during his tenure, it was painful to see project still incomplete.

He said that under his leadership, several ordinary workers of the TD reached top party positions.

I treat both AP and Telangana as equals and will try to do justice to both, Mr Naidu said, advising the TS TD leaders to continue taking up peoples issues and fight for justice.
BJP national president Amit Shah takes aim as Union minister Venkaiah Naidu, MLC Ramachandra Reddy, TS BJP president K. Laxman and others look on, at a function hall in Hyderabad on Wednesday. (Photo: DC)

Hyderabad: Brushing aside Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao demand for an apology, BJP national president Amit Shah on Wednesday stood by his statement that the Centre provided over Rs 1 lakh-crore aid to TS.

I stand by what I said yesterday. The Narendra Modi government gave over `1 lakh-crore aid to Telangana. Its a fact we are not doing a favour to Telangana. It is the right of Telangana people, the BJP chief said.

He added, Telangana people have a right over Narendra Modi government and its the duty of the Centre to develop Telangana. But people should know what Congress government gave and what we are giving. Should we tell the people or not? I modestly say we gave `1 lakh-crore more than the Congress.

Amit Shah was addressing a booth-level committee meeting of Hyderabad Lok Sabha Constituency organised by the party at a function hall in Mehdipatnam that was attended by about 3,000 BJP workers.

Union ministers M. Venkaiah Naidu and Bandaru Dattatreya, TS BJP president K. Laxman, BJLP leader G. Kishan Reddy and other top brass of the party took a dig at MIM and asserted that the BJP can come to power in TS and win the Hyderabad LS seat.

They also condemned the Chief Ministers comments against Amit Shah.

BP of our rivals is going up as our party is on expansion mode. They are worried. But I want to make it clear that the Deendayal Vistaran yojana is not to scare anyone and not to defeat anyone. Its aimed at strengthening the BJP from booth level. We have the right to do so, he said.

Amit Shah said though he held a press conference in Nalgonda on Tuesday on what PM Modi did for Telangana, confusion prevailed again following a statement by the CM on Wednesday.

When the Congress was in power, 13th finance commission share in Central tax was meagre. Modi government raised it 10 times. Grant in aid was Rs 2,110 crore then, Modi government gave Rs 9,900 crore now. Local body grant in aid was Rs 249 crore, but now its 8,754 crore, we gave Rs 40,800 crore towards infrastructure projects, he said.

Taking a swipe at the CM again, he said that the BJP rules Maharashtra, Haryana, Jharkhand, Jammu and Kashmir, Assam, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Goa and Manipur and said that it will come to power in Telangana too.

We lost in Delhi, Bihar, West Bengal and Odisha, but our vote bank increased, he said.

Once BJP legislators had to be searched with binoculars. Today we are in power in 13 states, in alliance in four states, have 330 MPs, we are the biggest party, we have a government with absolutely majority.
Hyderabad: Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao on Monday said that the TRS had not taken any decision on who to support in the ensuing Presidential elections.

Replying to a query during his press conference, Mr Rao said, We have not taken any decision on Presidential election. The party will meet on May 27 to decide on the issue. All the party MPs, MLAs, MLCs and other leaders were called for the meeting.

Mr Rao stated that he had no enmity with Prime Minister Narendra Modi even after BJP president Amit Shah made unwarranted and highly objectionable statements against the TRS government and Telan-gana state.

I was the first Chief Minister to support Mr Modi on demonetisation. Even BJP Chief Ministers did not make statements in favour of demonetisation then. I also supported Mr Modi on other issues like setting up Niti Aayog because they were aimed for the good of the country and the people, Mr Rao said.

He said he had nothing against the Prime Minister though the blatant lies and unwarranted comments made by Mr Shah had deeply hurt him.

Mr Rao praised Mr Modi of running a scam-less government for three years which he had witnessed for the first time in Independent India.

Several scams came to light during the tenure of earlier Central governments. But after Mr Modi took over, not a single scam has come to light, the Chief Minister said.

Even in Telangana state, not a single scam has happened during the last three years. We are both running scam-free governments, Mr Rao told mediapersons.
US President Donald Trump, center left, walks with Saudi King Salman, center right, during a welcome ceremony at the Royal Terminal of King Khalid International Airport. (Photo: AP)

Donald Trumps West Asia tour was replete with symbolism: he flew directly from Riyadh to Tel Aviv, the first such flight between the two estranged countries, reflecting the Presidents vision of a united Arab-Israeli coalition against Iran. Islam was now described as one of the worlds great faiths, a departure from his campaign rhetoric when he had firmly asserted that Islam hates us. He then worshipped at Jerusalems Western Wall and visited the Christian holy sites  Bethlehem and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

But beyond the symbolism, there was a shaping of new strategic alignments in West Asia and the re-emergence of an active American role in the region.

On the campaign trail, Mr Trump had pandered to the ignorance and prejudice of his core constituency by repeatedly maligning Islam, the faith, and the Muslim people in general.

The Presidents position changed partly due to the influence of three of his senior advisers  secretary of state Rex W. Tillerson, national security adviser H.R. McMaster and defence secretary James Mattis. Mr Tillerson has been an oilman for several decades and had close ties with Saudi Arabia as ExxonMobil chairman.

The other two, as senior military officers in the Gulf, have been close to the kingdom and its princes for a couple of decades, while retaining a deep-seated animosity for Iran. Gen. McMaster has a further concern: he sees Iran as one of the hostile revisionist powers, in the company of Russia, China and North Korea, all countries which are seen to be challenging the US-led world order.

But there has been another influence on Mr Trump: the lure of defence and commercial deals. This was conveyed to the President by the deputy crown prince and defence minister, Prince Mohammed bin Salman, during their meeting in March this year.

The White House was exultant, cheerfully saying that Saudi investments of about $200 billion in US infrastructure would create a million jobs directly and several million others indirectly. This prepared the ground for the Presidents Saudi visit, when these deals would be ceremonially announced and a new strategic partnership put in place.

The Presidents Islamophobia has now become Iranophobia. This mindset and vision has defined Mr Trumps every remark and action during his foray in West Asia.

On the bilateral plane, the US and the kingdom have signed a joint strategic vision declaration based on which they will jointly combat violent extremism and the financing of terror, build up Saudi defence capabilities, and shape a new defence architecture for the region.

In his address to the Muslim leaders assembled in Riyadh, Mr Trump asked them to confront the crisis of Islamic extremism. His references to Iran were specially hostile: he called on the Muslim world to help isolate Iran. Again, just days after the Iranians had re-elected a moderate President, Hassan Rouhani, he also seemed to call for regime change when he asked his audience to pray for the day when the Iranian people have the just and righteous government they so richly deserve.

In Israel, he affirmed that the US would not allow Iran to develop nuclear weapons and would preserve Israels security in the region. He said: Irans leaders routinely call for Israels destruction  not with Donald J. Trump. Believe me.

For the kingdom and its Gulf Cooperation Council allies, Mr Trumps election slogan, America is back, has a literal and concrete meaning after what they recall as the nightmare era of the Barack Obama presidency. Mr Obama had not only failed to back Saudi Arabia in its regime change project in Syria and its war against the Houthis in Yemen, where both its aims were thwarted by Iran, the former President had also worked assiduously for the nuclear deal which freed Iran to challenge the GCC across the Arab world. Mr Trump seems to have harked back to the period of George W. Bush and his predecessors, when the US was the firm ally of the Arab potentates and he unshakeable enemy of Iran.

Most Arab commentators are not so enthusiastic. Even pro-GCC writers noted that the President, while condemning Iran, presented no specific action to confront Iran and its perceived hegemonic designs in the region. Specifically, he not repudiate the nuclear deal with Iran, nor did he rescind the visa restrictions on Muslims entry into the US.

They also noted his weak position at home and were not sure how he could mobilise domestic support to back the kingdom and its allies militarily in Syria and Yemen. Also, with the prevailing low oil prices, they doubted the ability of the Gulf monarchies to pay for the extravagant defence and other deals they have used to win the Presidents backing.

The most concrete takeaway from the visit is that Mr Trump, with his condemnation of Iran, Hamas and Hezbollah, has criminalised the resistance to Israel, sidelined the Palestinian cause, and replaced Israel with Iran as the principal enemy of the Arabs in the region, so the Arab-Israeli conflict will now be replaced by an intra-Muslim sectarian contention.

But theres a serious flaw in the Presidents understanding of the sources of extremism in the Muslim world. Mr Trump narrowly focused on radical ideology, but failed to address the origins of this malaise: its not religious belief, but the authoritarian political order in West Asia that is seen by its people as non-transparent, non-accountable, corrupt, and non-accommodative of citizens aspirations, particularly the youth. The youth find an idealism, empowerment and sense of historic accomplishment in radical groups.

Mr Trump didnt speak of the need for political reform; he referred to his principled realism, in terms of which he supported the political status quo. Nor did he pluck up the courage to insist on Israel halting its settlements and reviving the peace process. He has, instead, structured a powerful, sect-based alliance against Iran and its allies. West Asia after the Presidents visit is more dangerous than it has ever been in recent times.

The writer is a former Indian diplomat
Quite apart from the monumental hypocrisy of US President Donald Trump and his secretary of state, Rex Tillerson, standing on Saudi soil while berating Iran for its human rights deficiencies and sponsorship of terrorism, their timing was appalling.

After all, the Iranian electorate had just a few days earlier turned out on a scale much larger than its American counterpart to return the reformist-minded Hassan Rouhani to power in a hotly contested presidential race. Sure, Iranian democracy is deficient in many ways and Mr Rouhanis room for manoeuvre will continue to be constrained by the very nature of the theocratic state. Yet the contrast with Saudi Arabia is nonetheless stupendous.

There are few parallels, even among its closest allies, to the kingdoms disrespect and distaste for human rights. And as for sponsorship of terrorism, it isnt necessary to repeatedly cite the fact that 15 of the 19 hijackers who perpetrated the atrocities of Sept 11, 2001 were Saudi nationals in order to make the case for its key role in disseminating the retrograde ideology that facilitates Salafist violence.

After all, long before 9/11, Pakistan was among the earliest beneficiaries of Saudi munificence when a chain of madressahs sprang up in the 1980s to indoctrinate Afghan refugees, and in due course spawned the Afghan Taliban. When the latter eventually conquered Kabul, apparently with plenty of Pakistani assistance, it was considered a huge success. Saudi Arabia was one of only three states, alongside Pakistan and the UAE, to recognise the emirate of Afghanistan. It was quick to recant in the wake of 9/11: alienating the US had never been on its agenda. Lest we forget, though, Osama bin Laden was a Saudi gift to the Afghan jihad. The US was keen on a member of the royal family, someone who could be designated as a prince in its propaganda, to join the anti-Soviet crusade. Understa-ndably, no prince  and there have always been plenty of those, given how prolific Ibn Saud and his progeny have been in terms of progeniture  was keen to volunteer. The scion of a leading industrialist family would have to do.

Its also worth recalling that when Sudan offered to hand Bin Laden over to the Saudi authorities, they demurred. That is how he ended up back in Afghanistan. The rest, as they say, is history. It did not end there, though. Many of the home-grown terrorists who have perpetrated deadly violence in countries such as France and Britain have been associated with Saudi-financed mosques and preachers. The trend is unlikely to be coincidental, yet all too many Western countries besides the US continue to pander to the Saudi regime. The weapons the Saudis and their collaborators have deployed in claiming huge numbers of civilian lives in Yemen, perhaps the poorest Arab state, originate from Britain and France as well as the US.

There is little evidence that Iran was particularly keen on the Houthis when the Saudis embarked on their assault against Yemen. Things may have changed somewhat in the interim, but one constant has been the bolstering of Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, an outfit that hates the Houthis as much as Riyadh does.

And as far as Syria is concerned, its all very well to criticise Iran for standing by the despicable regime of Bashar al-Assad, but are the outfits that Saudi Arabia and its Gulf mates, notably Qatar, have allegedly been backing any less atrocious? Their attitude towards Christians and other minorities is, if anything, considerably worse.

As a sponsor of instability in the region, Riyadh deserves considerably more credit than Tehran. And on the domestic front, Iran, for all its severe limitations, is almost libertine in comparison with Saudi Arabia. What other country beheads people with such gleeful abandon? Or constrains womens rights to quite the same extent?

By arrangement with Dawn
For the first time, the Indian Army claimed on Tuesday that on May 9 it had shelled across the Naushera sector at the Line of Control and destroyed Pakistani Army posts used to infiltrate terrorists. Visuals of fairly heavy shelling were shown on television screens. Pakistan said the claim was false, but that isnt the point. The thing to note is the Indian announcement that it would resort to punitive fire assaults. In the past, shelling across the LoC came as retaliation when Pakistan broke the November 2003 ceasefire pact. Such exchanges were typically confined to small arms. On this occasion, though, India used heavier weapons. Pakistan called the incident false as it is yet to work out how to respond. If it accepts the Indian claim, and doesnt retaliate, it will appear weak before its public.

It is interesting that while the Indian firing took place on May 9, the announcement was made a fortnight later, on May 23. The time gap hasnt been explained. Perhaps an immediate disclosure would have implied that the Indian action was in retaliation for the beheading of two Indian soldiers by Pakistan on May 1, while India is now openly declaring that it is starting a new pattern of seeking to inflict punishment for Pakistan infiltrating terrorists into J&K. The Indian Army routinely used to return fire before the Narendra Modi government took office, and sometimes engaged in cross-LoC operations as well, like the much-hyped surgical strike of September 2016. But these werent mostly publicised. The intention was not to enter an escalatory spiral that could spin out of control.

However, this government, seized by the desire to take credit for every situation, wants to appear strong in the public eye and seeks to give wide publicity to military actions against Pakistan. For this reason, it is more than likely that the real reason for the May 9 firing across the LoC with medium-level weapons was to dispel the notion of weakness after the beheading, which had caught the government short. Indeed, the government was subjected to withering comments by the families of the slain soldiers and these were shown on television. The surgical strike was intended to be a deterrent, but Pakistan and its army of terrorists were not deterred and attacks continued. On May 20-21, eight days after the cross-LoC firing, a strong infiltration bid was prevented by Indian troops. It is evident this is why deterrence has been given up as the rationale behind Indian military retaliation and the doctrine of punitive action taken up. The shelling with heavier weapons is not a one-off event. Only time will tell, though, if this has been considered from all angles.
It seems to be a cock and bull story

Tarun Kumar

Achche din seems to be a cock and bull story. The government has completed its three years, but the promises made still seem to be very far from reality. The government has failed miserably, from foreign policy to internal security, price rise to employment, and many such issues. The wrapping paper of publicity and advertisement has now unwrapped in front of the Indian people.

Even the agenda of the BJP is now showing its true colours; under the banner of nationalism they are showing orthodoxism, demonetisation covered illegal black money of their beloved corporates. On one side they want Swachh Bharat, on the other they provoke riots in the name of religion, caste  whether it is in Meerut, Saharanpur, etc.

The promise of an equal answer to Pakistan on ceasefire violations has also been seen as a jumla, nothing else. The main agenda of the BJP has been revealed in these three years. A news channel showed minister of state Jitendra Singh giving an assurance to Kashmiri pandits on a video sting, but the BJP-ruled Uttar Pradesh government is blank and mute to what is happening in Saharanpur. Doesnt this indicate that there is no intention to save the backwards and dalit samaj?

After demonetisation, GDP has fallen by two per cent and now the implementation of GST will also lead to a setback to small businessmen. I am not against GST, its the method of implementation and the policies made that are not clear.

Farmer suicides are causing yet another alarming situation in India as the agricultural sector is depleting due to non-favourable conditions of farming, but the Narendra Modi government can spend crores on advertisements or on foreign tours, but nothing for the poor farmers.

We can even see people talking about hacking of EVMs, which is again a serious allegation on an independent body like the Election Commission. I am not sure about what is the truth, but why has such kind of doubt been created amongst the masses? Because the government has failed to connect with the people and win their confidence.

All the policies of the Manmohan Singh government are being implemented with a new book cover. The NDA is not able to even satisfy its allies. In some cases there is even a lack of consensus amongst its party leaders. Talking about unemployment is again a challenge for the youth, but the government is only creating false hope by launching fake schemes, like Mudra loans, startup, stand up, because when you go to avail such loans and schemes the fine print shows that you are not eligible for them, and its again next to impossible to avail them.

The writer is an AICC secretary

BJP has more to crow than the Congress

Aditya Jha

A week ago, the Congress fired a 10-point salvo at the government headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which amounted to a very critical expose of its three years in office. Congress leaders were gung-ho about listing the failures, rather than the successes of the ruling side.

The Congress continues to struggle to counter Mr Modi, and therefore has decided not to target him personally as he enjoys popular support, but to focus on criticising his governments schemes and policies.

But if a careful scrutiny of the BJP-led NDAs performance since 2014 were to be undertaken, it would suggest, at least on paper, that under the leadership of Mr Modi, the government has much to crow about in comparison to the achievements of the previous decade-long UPA rule.

The BJP leadership, led by Mr Modi and party president Amit Shah, has said that in the last three years, it has ended the politics of family, sectarianism and appeasement in the country. The Modi government has taken decisive steps to restore probity in political and public life and made the purloining of black money ineffective through demonetisation.

The PMs clarion call for a mission to create and usher in Swachh Bharat has to be seen as a landmark result-oriented initiative, with over four crore toilets having been constructed across the country.

A political party that started out with only 10 members now is the worlds largest political party with more than 11 crore members.

The major foreign policy successes include providing relief to Nepal, receiving FDI of approximately $70 billion from Japan, China, US, Australia, pressing the United Nations at the bilateral and multilateral levels for a permanent Security Council seat, putting Pakistan on the defensive by extending support to the people of Balochistan, cozying up to the US, Japan, Australia to keep China at bay, but at the same time aligning with Beijing where our interests match, as for instance the Brics Bank and the New Development Bank.

Domestically, there is zero tolerance for corruption in the Central government, as opposed to what prevailed under the previous UPA government.

A consolidated GST regime has been put on fast track for implementation by July 1. Soviet-era top-down planning has been replaced by a Niti Aayog comprising of all chief ministers.

The plan is to celebrate a festival of democracy between May 26 and June 15. A three-year report card will be presented to the people on May 25. Union ministers, chief ministers, MPs and MLAs will reach out to the people to propagate how various programmes have helped the people.

The writer is a Delhi BJP leader
Freeze-dried mouse sperm that spent nine months in space has been used to produce healthy rodent offspring back on Earth, Japanese researchers said this week.

But could the same hold true for humans? And if conception were even possible in space, would babies born in zero gravity develop differently than their Earth-bound counterparts?

As NASA and other global space agencies work furiously on propelling people to Mars by the 2030s, experts say essential questions of survival on the Red Planet are often overlooked.

Rocket scientists have little grasp of how humans would live and breathe on Mars, or if they even could withstand the powerful doses of cosmic radiation they'd receive on the two- to three-year journey.

A key component to colonizing other planets -- as SpaceX chief Elon Musk has vowed to do on Mars -- would be having babies, said Kris Lehnhardt, assistant professor in emergency medicine at The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences.

This raises ethical questions about the potential for creating a new race of humans born in deep space or in microgravity.

"If your goal is to eventually be a truly space-faring species then this is an essential area to study," he told AFP.

"It is a completely unknown area of science."

- Mouse sperm -

A study in Monday's edition of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, a peer-reviewed US journal, was an "interesting first step," said Lehnhardt, who was not involved in the research.

Mouse sperm was freeze-dried and sent for nine months to the International Space Station, which orbits about 250 miles (400 kilometers) above the Earth.

When the shipment returned, lead researcher Teruhiko Wakayama of the University of Yamanashi found the space sperm had sustained "slightly increased DNA damage," after enduring an average daily radiation dose about 100 times stronger than on Earth.

Back on Earth, embryos fertilized in vitro with the sperm produced healthy offspring, and grew into normal adults, "suggesting that the DNA damage observed in the space-preserved sperm samples was largely repaired in embryos after fertilization," said the report.

But the research revealed little about what might happen in space.

"Everything that happened afterward was on the ground again," Lehnhardt said.

- Not good for ovaries -

For researchers who have examined the effect of deep space radiation on the reproductive organs of female lab mice, the news is not good.

A study published in the journal Reproduction this month showed that severe damage to the ovaries of female mice exposed to charged particles is typical of space radiation, "raising concern for premature ovarian failure in astronauts" exposed to deep space travel, it said.

One of the study's authors, Ulrike Luderer, a professor of medicine at the University of California, Irvine, said her research shows why the US space agency is worried about the health of deep space astronauts.

"These types of exposures can cause early ovarian failure and ovarian cancer, as well as other osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease and neurocognitive diseases like Alzheimer's," she told AFP.

"Half the astronauts in the NASA's new astronaut classes are women," she added.

"So it is really important to know what chronic health effects there could be for women exposed to long-term deep space radiation."

- 'Magical leap' -

Lehnhardt said he is not aware of any studies that have shown rodents could successfully get pregnant in space, or that embryos could survive there.

"If a four- or eight-cell embryo gets hit by galactic cosmic radiation, the likelihood of that embryo surviving is probably quite low," he said.

"If somehow the embryo could get past that stage we actually have no concept of how that would develop."

Future experiments could involve sending embryos of various species to the space station.

But even then, it might be difficult to tease apart whether any problems in development are due to the absence of gravity, or to radiation, said Lehnhardt.

If somehow we took a "magical leap" to the point where an infant could be born in a spaceship, "you have a baby that in theory can't stand or walk, and uses its arms as it is developing for movement," he said, warning of the potential for a new evolutionary chain of humans.

Those born or raised on the Moon or Mars, which are considered to be partial gravity environments, might fare better, but still might not be exactly the same as Earth-born people.

"Maybe the one-sixth gravity of the Moon, or the one-third gravity of Mars is sufficient for normal bone and muscle development," Lehnhardt said.

"That would lead to a similar species then spreading out amongst the solar system."

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Apple has settled a patent dispute with Finnish telecom equipment maker Nokia and agreed to buy more of its network products and services, sending Nokia shares up 7 percent.

The deal means Nokia will get bigger royalties from Apple for using its mobile phone patents, helping offset the impact of waning demand for its mobile network hardware.

Such legal battles are common in the industry but can drag on for years and analysts had not been expecting such a quick resolution to the dispute that started in December.

Under the deal announced in a joint statement from the companies on Tuesday, Nokia will also supply network infrastructure products to Apple, and Apple will resume sales of Nokia's digital health products in retail and online stores and look at further collaboration in health.

Digital health is one of the areas Nokia is targeting as it tries to develop new businesses to offset the industry-wide slump in demand for network equipment. Last year, Nokia bought France's Withings S.A., a small firm with products such as activity trackers and baby monitors built on digital platforms.

"There could emerge big future value from this as Apple could become an important distribution channel," said Handelsbanken analyst Daniel Djurberg, who has an "accumulate" recommendation for Nokia shares.

"I have not given any value so far for Nokia's digital health business, but might apply an option value to it."

INDUSTRIAL DEAL

Nokia Chief Executive Rajeev Suri told the company's annual general meeting later on Tuesday that the deal would help expand network sales beyond telecom operators to global internet and technology giants.

"(The deal) involves a business collaboration ... in particular in areas of IP and optical equipment, which is quite key to webscale players when they build their data centers," he said. "It's a good deal, a multi-year licensing deal, and I love it that it has an industrial deal and aspect to it."

Under the patent license agreement, Nokia will receive a "significant" upfront cash payment and additional revenues from Apple starting from the current quarter. The companies did not give further details but analysts said the revenue was likely to be far higher than a previous deal.

Inge Heydorn, fund manager at Sentat Asset Management, said it was a smart move to collaborate on digital health products.

"It's interesting for Nokia in a five- to 10-year perspective since I think it will be hard to be profitable within mobile infrastructure," said Heydorn, whose firm does not hold any shares in Nokia.

Nokia shares, which fell in December when the patent dispute was announced, jumped to their highest since February 2016 and were up 6.7 percent at 5.89 euros by 1509 GMT (11:09 a.m. ET).

A previous patent license contract between the companies expired last year, and both sides took legal action in December. Apple complained of being overcharged and Nokia responded by accusing Apple of violating technology patents.

In the absence of a new deal, Nokia cut its annual run-rate forecast in December for patent and brand licensing sales to 800 million euros ($900 million) from 950 million euros previously. In its latest quarterly report released in April, Nokia stopped giving an annual run-rate forecast altogether.

"(The agreement) moves our relationship with Apple from being adversaries in court to business partners," Nokia's Chief Legal Officer Maria Varsellona said in a statement.

QUICK RESOLUTION

Analysts were surprised by the relatively quick resolution of the dispute between Apple and Nokia.

"Nokia told analysts in April don't calculate on any license revenue from Apple, not even in 2018, so this is a positive surprise. It will also limit Nokia's legal expenses," said Djurberg who said he would probably raise his Nokia estimates.

"For Nokia, it's good news they got this out of the way, but we still have to wait for details about the financial impact," said OP Equities analyst Hannu Rauhala.

"The previous annual rate was 150 million euros, so I assume this to be more, around 500 million euros."

Rauhala said Apple might have been willing to settle with Nokia as the U.S. company's patent battle with chipmaker Qualcomm Inc has escalated.

Patent royalties represent only a sliver of Nokia's overall revenue, more than 90 percent of which comes from telecoms network equipment. But licensing payments are highly profitable and the network business is suffering an industry-wide slump.

Nokia's patents cover technology that reduces the need for hardware components in a phone, conserves battery life, increases radio reception, helps in recovering lost phones and enables voice recognition, among other features.

Once the world's dominant cellphone maker, Nokia sold its handset business to Microsoft in 2014 to focus on its network business and large portfolio of mobile device patents.

Nokia's total sales in 2016 were about 24 billion euros.

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The fourth class will kick off from 17th July, 2017 and will include two weeks of all-expense-paid mentorship bootcamp. This batch of startups will gain from Google`s new curriculum that will help the startups to dig deeper into machine learning and AI and help them leverage Googles latest technologies to scale their apps.

Google has announced the six Indian startups who have been shortlisted for the fourth class of Google Accelerator Program. These six startups will be joining an inspiring group of startups from all over Asia, Latin America, Africa and Europe at the Google Developers Launchpad Space in San Francisco. With this batch, a total of 26 Indian startups have so far joined the launchpad accelerator program from India.

The fourth class will kick off from 17th July, 2017 and will include two weeks of all-expense-paid mentorship bootcamp. This batch of startups will gain from Google`s new curriculum that will help the startups to dig deeper into machine learning and AI and help them leverage Googles latest technologies to scale their apps.

In the six months program, these startups will undergo intensive mentoring from 20+ teams across Google and mentors from top technology companies and VCs in Silicon Valley. Additionally they will receive equity-free support and credits for Google products. Post their return from San Francisco they will continue to work closely with Google back in India.

The shortlisted startups include companies that cover optimization of financial services ranging from loans, credit cards, up to date information platforms for train journeys, online video platform focussing on content from Indian cinema focusing on South of India to the unique implementation of AI to aid discovery of recipes for cooking. The list also includes B2B companies that use AI or ML for various applications be it image recognition capabilities to aid medical diagnosis by analyzing visual data, providing solutions for talent acquisition and workforce optimization.

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The Pirate Bay site went down for over 12 hours with users complaining from all over the world who were unable to access the site. The site went back up later in the day.

Upon visiting The Pirate Bay official site, users are greeted by Error 502, indicating a bad gateway, namely that one server which received an invalid response from another server.

Additionally, theres a Cloudflare notification, indicating that the request for The Pirate Bay went through a Warsaw Cloudflare server, but it was unable to reach Thepiratebay.org host server. This meant the problem originated from the server itself.

Isitdownrightnow has put The Pirate Bays outage at over 13 hours, with people from all over the world complaining about issues, including China, Canada, Argentina, USA, Spain, Greece, South Africa, and so on. The problem observed was worldwide at that point.

The torrent website has been known to fall into problems before and suffer downtime. But that happened majorly because the site was forced to jump from domain to domain as it was chased by copyright holders putting pressure on the registrars.

One of the main reasons of this concern was because of the recent shutting down of the ExtraTorrent website which like The Pirate Bay went down for a day before eventually posting a short message about shutting shop. Although The Pirate Bay site is up and running now, there was no word as to why the site went down. There are however users stating on forums that it might be because of the extra traffic coming from former ExtraTorrent users.

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The government on Tuesday clarified that US-based electric car major Tesla will not have to source local components if it plans to set up a manufacturing unit in India.

The government responded to apprehensions expressed by Tesla founder Elon Musk that the company would have to source a certain percentage of local components to set up plant here.

The commerce and industry ministry through its 'Make in India' Twitter handle stated that the foreign direct investment (FDI) policy does not mandate any such minimum sourcing of components by manufacturers.

As per the policy, after manufacturing in India, a foreign investor is permitted to sell its products in any manner - wholesale, retail or e-commerce.

"FDI policy also permits wholesale of imported goods in India without sourcing conditions," the ministry said.

It is only for retail trading of goods that sourcing conditions are mandated. Such norms are not applicable to manufacturers as goods are produced in India, it added Musk in his tweet has said: "Maybe I'm misinformed, but I was told that 30% of parts must be locally sourced and the supply doesn't yet exist in India to support that".

Last year in April, the company had stated that it planned to enter India with its Model 3 in 2017.

In a visit to the company's plant last year, Minister of Road, Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari had offered Tesla land near major Indian ports to facilitate exports to South and South East Asian countries while asking the company to make India its Asia manufacturing hub.

In September 2015, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had visited Tesla's facility in San Jose and showed keen interest in some of their path breaking inventions, particularly in the renewable energy sector which can have multiple applications in remote rural areas.

If a foreign company wants to open wholly-owned single brand retail stores in India, it has to mandatorily source 30 percent of the value of goods from India.

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Around 15 systems in the IT firm were affected and the cyber attackers demanded $300 each for decrypting one system.

Hyderabad: WannaCry, the deadly malware thats playing havoc in cyberspace across the world, has spread its reach even to Hyderabad.

Three firms including a small-sized IT company faced the brunt of the attack, and cyber crime police has begun a probe.

Systems in Opulentus and MoreVisas, both Immigration and Visa Consultants, as well as Chevronne Softech, were hit by this ransomware.

An IT manager from Chevronne Softech said there was no loss of data since most of their systems were working on Linux platform.

Few Windows PCs having accounts and finance-related information were affected. The screens of read-your important files have been encrypted and documents, photos, videos, databases and other files are no longer accessible. If you want to decrypt all your files, you need to pay send $300. Payment is accepted in Bitcoin only, he said.

Around 15 systems in the IT firm were affected and the cyber attackers demanded $300 each for decrypting one system.

The company staffer said that they re-formatted all the computers instead of accepting their demands.

The ransomware attack was noticed on May 15 after which the firm spent three to four days on restoring the systems. A police case was filed on May 22, the IT manager said.

Interestingly the other two affected firmsOpulentus and MoreVisashad a connection with this IT firm. IT applications and website support are being extended by Chevronne Softech.

When DC tried to get the version on Opulentus, the front office staff stated that their manager was not in office.

Meanwhile, Avinash Mohanty, DCP, CCS, said this was the first police case registered in Hyderabad concerning WannaCry attack.

The police was probing the location of the source whether it was within the country or from some other part of the world.

Former NASSCOM chairman B.V.R. Mohan Reddy said ransomware impact on IT industry was very minimal. WannaCry was affecting systems running on Microsoft. Hence the company released a patch soon to overcome this; and most of the IT firms updated it. Also, an updated anti-virus program ensured no impact on systems, he said.

Chand Pasha, Inspector, Cyber Crimes, said the FIR was registered on May 22 and they told the company representatives to assist them by providing information to probe the case. Nearly 25 to 30 computers were affected by the cyber attack.

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The highlighted feature of the phone is its design which includes a snake figure wrapped around the edges.

Luxury phone-maker Vertu has officially launched its latest, Vertu Signature Cobra feature phone at a whooping price of $360,000 (approx Rs 2.3 crore). The highlighted feature of the phone is its design which includes a snake figure wrapped around the edges.

The Vertu Signature Cobra is made using 439 rubies. The snakes eyes located on the device are made using emeralds. According to a Chinese website GizChina, the Signature Cobra comprises of 288 parts that are assembled in UK. So far, only 8 units of the Vertu Signature Cobra have been manufactured.

Interested buyers can purchase the device on the Chinese e-commerce portal, JD.com and customers can even pre-book the phone with an additional charge of $145.

As for the specifications, the Vertu Signature Cobra packs a 2-inch QVGA display with a resolution of 240 x 320 TFT LCD display which is protected by sapphire crystal. The device offers 2GB of RAM and 16GB of internal storage and comes with a removable battery and a talk-time of 5 and half hours.

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Nairobi: Three police officers were killed and two others injured when their vehicle ran over an improvised bomb near Kenya's eastern border with Somalia, a Kenyan official said on Wednesday.

The police vehicle was moving from Kula Police Post toward the Liboi border town, North Eastern Regional Coordinator Mohamud Saleh said. He said three other officers were unhurt.

The incident came a day after Kenya's police chief Joseph Boinnet announced al-Shabab extremists were stepping up attacks in the country. Boinnet said the Somalia-based al-Shabab is under pressure from African Union troops supporting Somalia's weak government against the extremist group's insurgency.

Al-Shabab, which has ties to al-Qaeda, claimed responsibility for Wednesday's attack in a report by its news agency and said it had killed at least five Kenyan police officers, according to the SITE Intelligence Group, which monitors extremist groups.

In the last two weeks, attacks by al-Shabab in Kenya's Garissa and Mandera counties have increased after a lull. Last week, an improvised bomb killed four people in a vehicle, including a minor.

Mandera County has been hardest hit in recent years by an al-Shabab campaign to avenge Kenyan troop presence in Somalia since 2011.

Kenya's troops are part of the AU force in Somalia. Kenya has managed to stop the frequency of al-Shabab attacks in its capital, Nairobi, and major towns, but human rights groups say the government uses methods such as extrajudicial killings that can fuel revenge attacks.
United Nations: China's UN ambassador said on Tuesday that multiple North Korean nuclear and ballistic missile tests, with no end in sight, show the "very strong" need for new talks with Pyongyang to reduce tensions and try to achieve denuclearisation.

Liu Jieyi, whose country is closest to North Korea, said all progress with North Korea on eliminating nuclear weapons from the Korean peninsula has come through dialogue, "so there's no reason why dialogue is not taking place in the current situation."

Liu spoke to reporters after emergency Security Council consultations behind closed doors on the North's latest missile test. The United States, Britain and France have been pushing for a new UN resolution with tougher sanctions against North Korea.

But Liu said China "first and foremost" wants to see the six sanctions resolutions against North Korea already adopted by the council fully implemented.

"Meanwhile, we should also work to reduce tension, to de-escalate and also to try to achieve denuclearisation through dialogue by political and diplomatic means," he said. "Dialogue should take place because we can only resolve the issue through dialogue."

The Security Council late Monday strongly condemned North Korea's "flagrant and provocative defiance" of UN sanctions banning ballistic missile tests and again vowed "to closely monitor the situation and take further significant measures including sanctions."

It also welcomed efforts by council members and others to facilitate "a peaceful and comprehensive solution through dialogue" with North Korea. Last Friday, North Korea's deputy UN ambassador Kim In Ryong told UN correspondents that the government will rapidly strengthen its nuclear strike capability as long as the United States maintains its "hostile policy" toward the country.

He said that if the Trump administration wants peace on the Korean Peninsula it should replace the Armistice Agreement that ended the 1950-53 Korean War with a peace accord and halt its anti-North Korea policy, "the root cause of all problems."

The Trump administration has said there should be no talks until North Korea takes steps toward getting rid of its nuclear arsenal.

During Tuesday's Security Council meeting, members were briefed by UN political chief Jeffrey Feltman, mainly on technical aspects of the weekend launch.

Uruguay's UN Ambassador Elbio Rosselli, the current council president, said it was the 11th this year "which basically means a quantum leap and determined effort to acquire aggressive capabilities, and that is of major concern."

Japan's UN Ambassador Koro Bessho told reporters afterward that "North Korea is acting in triumphant and emboldened manner by this most recent launch, and is now clearly demonstrating that it is determined to further bolster its nuclear build-up."

Calling the provocations "an enormous global threat," he said "the international community must not leave this total defiance of the Security Council unanswered."

Bessho said Japan hopes the council will "strengthen the measures and strengthen the sanctions mechanism." He said Japan is talking to the US, South Korea, and close neighbors Russia and China to make sure pressure on the North is continued "and even strengthened so that North Korea will change its policy."
Washington: President Donald Trump called North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un a "madman with nuclear weapons" during a telephone call with Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, according to a transcript of the conversation released by US media Tuesday.

A White House readout of the April 29 call characterized it as a "very friendly conversation." Days after the conversation, Trump said publicly that he would be "honored" to meet with Kim.

But in the call, Trump hinted at a possible dramatic escalation on the Korean Peninsula.

"We can't let a madman with nuclear weapons let on the loose like that. We have a lot of firepower, more than he has, times 20 -- but we don't want to use it," the US leader said, citing "two nuclear submarines" the Pentagon sent to the area last month.

Transcribed by the Philippine government, the conversation was released by The Washington Post and The Intercept.

Trump also queried Duterte about whether he believed Kim was "stable or not stable." The Philippine leader responded that their North Korean counterpart's "mind is not working and he might just go crazy one moment."

Kim has a "dangerous toy in his hands that could create so much agony and suffering for all mankind," he added.

But Trump appeared reassured that North Korea's recent missile tests had failed, saying that "all his rockets are crashing. That's the good news."

Turning to China and its ability to counter the nuclear threat, Trump pressed Duterte to call Chinese President Xi Jinping to exert pressure.

"I hope China solves the problem. They really have the means because a great degree of their stuff come through China," Trump said, adding: "But if China doesn't do it, we will do it."

Duterte agreed, saying "at the end of the day, the last card, the ace, has to be with China."

However, he also cautioned, starkly, that "the other option is a nuclear blast, which is not good for everybody."

Trump closed the call by inviting Duterte to visit the White House "anytime you want to come," and called him a "good man."

"Seriously, if you want to come over, just let us know. Just take care of yourself, and we will take care of North Korea," he added.

At the start of the call, Trump congratulated Duterte on doing a "great job" in his controversial drug war that has killed thousands of people.
The effort is aimed at improving awareness about Sikhism and Sikh-Americans throughout the US, especially in the immediate neighbourhoods where Sikhs live and worship. (Photo: AP/Representational)

Washington: A US-based Sikh advocacy group has announced a community outreach programme which encourages Gurdwaras across the country to host Sikh Open House to inform Americans about the religion and their contributions.

The National Sikh Campaign (NSC) on Tuesday announced the National Month of Community Outreach, which is a part of its ongoing awareness campaign We Are Sikhs.

The effort is aimed at improving awareness about Sikhism and Sikh-Americans throughout the US, especially in the immediate neighbourhoods where Sikhs live and worship, a media release by NSC said on Tuesday.

The outreach programme will run until June 25.

The Month of Community Outreach is being launched to get the maximum exposure to the Sikh community at the local level in combination with the national campaign, said Rajwant Singh, co-founder and senior advisor at NSC.

The We Are Sikhs campaign has been running ads on television and social media. There is already a positive response from Americans from across the nation and this grassroots outreach initiative will strengthen bonds at the local level with our neighbours, he said.

Gurwin Singh Ahuja, executive director of NSC said by inviting community stakeholders and members of all faiths to its Gurdwaras, they hope to foster a better understanding of the values that unite all as Americans.

Sikh Americans are pillars of their communities in every corner of the nation. They run local businesses, serve on their local Parent Teacher Associations and lead Boy Scout Troops, for example. Sikhs believe deeply in the freedom to pursue ones own success through hard work and serving their communities - ideals fundamental to the American Dream, said Jasvir Kaur, NSCs team member in Chicago.
Police officers arrive on the scene after an explosion near a bus stop in the Kampung Melayu area of Jakarta, Indonesia. (Photo: AP)

Jakarta: Indonesian police said on Wednesday that there had been two explosions in the eastern part of the capital Jakarta near a bus station. Police said that two people had been killed, including a suspected suicide bomber.

Andry Wibowo, the head of East Jakarta police, told Metro TV that people had heard two explosions and three people had been hurt.

"There were two blasts at around 9:00 pm, close to each other, there are three victims," East Jakarta police chief Andry Wibowo told TV station MetroTV, without saying whether the victims had been killed or injured.

"From the damage I can see, the explosions were pretty big." It was not immediately clear what caused the blasts at the Kampung Melayu terminal.
Policemen watches vehicles at a checkpoint in Manila, Philippines, Wednesday, May, as the Philippine National Police is placed under full alert status following the declaration of martial law in Mindanao southern Philippines. (Photo: AP)

Manila: Islamist militants battling security forces in a southern Philippine city have taken hostages, including a local priest, the Catholic Church said on Wednesday after President Rodrigo Duterte declared martial law to combat the gunmen.

"Father Chito Suganob and others were in the Cathedral of Our Lady Help of Christians when members of the Maute fighting group forced their way into the Cathedral, taking with them Fr. Chito and others as hostages," Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines president archbishop Socrates Villegas said in a statement.

"They have threatened to kill the hostages if the government forces unleashed against them are not recalled."
It would be the sixth extension of the state of emergency, which gives police exceptional powers. (Photo: AFP)

Paris: French President Emmanuel Macron is seeking to extend a state of emergency, in place since Islamic State attacks on France in 2015, following this week's attack on a concert in Manchester.

Macron said in a statement that he will ask parliament to prolong the measure from July 15, its current expiration date, until November 1. It would be the sixth extension of the state of emergency, which gives police exceptional powers.

He made the decision after a security meeting on Wednesday in which top officials "studied the implications of this new terrorist attack on measures of protection to ensure the security of our compatriots."

Macron also asked his government to prepare draft legislation to reinforce security measures permanently beyond the state of emergency.
Armed police work after an explosion at the Manchester Arena in England (Photo: AP)

TRIPOLI: Libya has arrested a brother and the father of the man suspected of carrying out the bombing in the British city of Manchester, a relative and security sources said Wednesday.

The family source, asking not to be identified, said intelligence services had arrested Hashem Abedi, who like his older brother Salman was born in Britain, on Tuesday.

One of the forces that supports the GNA posted a picture on its Facebook page of Hashem Abedi after detaining him.

"The father, Ramadan Abedi, has also just been arrested," said Ahmed bin Salem, a spokesman for the police of Libya's Government of National Accord.

He said the brother was aware of Salman Abedi's attack plan and that the two brothers were both members of the Islamic State group.

The relative said Salman had travelled to Manchester from Libya four days before Monday's bombing that killed 22 people. "His father wanted his son to stay in Libya but Salman insisted on going to Manchester."

The suspected bomber has been identified as 22-year-old Salman Abedi, born in Manchester to Libyan parents who fled the regime of slain dictator Moamer Kadhafi.
Paris: The bomber who killed 22 people at a concert in the British city of Manchester had "likely" been to Syria, French Interior Minister Gerard Collomb said on Wednesday.

He told BFM TV that British intelligence services had informed their French counterparts that 22-year-old Salman Abedi, who was of Libyan origin, "grew up in Britain and then suddenly, after a trip to Libya and then likely to Syria, became radicalised and decided to carry out this attack". Collomb said it was "possible" that Abedi had had assistance from other people, adding: "In any case, the links with Daesh are proven."

Daesh is another term for the Islamic State jihadist group, which has claimed responsibility for the attack on the concert by US pop star Ariana Grande in which many of the victims were children. The French minister, who took office only last week, added "At the moment we only know what British investigators

have told us."

Collomb went further than the revelations to date from British authorities. British interior minister Amber Rudd told BBC radio today it was "likely, possible" that the bomber "wasn't doing this on his own".

In the wake of the attack, Britain has raised its terror alert level to maximum for fear of an imminent new terror strike.
The blast rocked the foyer of the Manchester Arena as thousands of young fans and parents streamed out of the venue after the show. (Photo: AP)

Manchester: Salman Abedi, the suicide bomber who killed 22 people in an attack on a pop concert in Manchester, was a business student who dropped out of university.

Born to a devoutly Islamic Libyan family in Britain's third biggest city, newspapers said he was known to the security services and the Financial Times said he had turned to radical Islam in recent years.

Abedi, 22, worshipped at a suburban mosque, where his father was a well-known face who sometimes performed the call to prayer.

He was named by police and Prime Minister Theresa May the day after the deadly attack, which also left dozens wounded, on the concert by US pop star Ariana Grande, who has a large teenage girl following.

"The perpetrator was Salman Ramadan Abedi, who was born and brought up in Britain," May said, condemning his actions as "callous and cowardly".

Suburban upbringing

Abedi's family have lived in the Fallowfield area of south Manchester for at least 10 years, according to The Daily Telegraph newspaper.

Armed police raided an address in the modestly well-to-do area on Tuesday, carrying out a controlled explosion to gain entry.

A 23-year-old man was also arrested in the south of the city in connection with the attack.

Fallowfield resident Peter Jones, 53, described the area as "quiet and safe". Jones told AFP that he was "shocked" and "surprised" when he heard that the suspect was from there.

Media reports said Abedi's parents fled Libya to escape the regime of former dictator Moamer Kadhafi.

Around 16,000 Libyans live in Britain and Manchester is home to the largest community, according to the BBC. It was a focus of celebrations when the Kadhafi regime fell in 2011.

Reports said the suicide bomber was the second youngest of four children, including another son and one daughter.

One member of Manchester's Libyan community told The Guardian newspaper: "He was such a quiet boy, always very respectful towards me.

"His brother Ismael is outgoing, but Salman was very quiet. He is such an unlikely person to have done this."

Abedi had recently returned from Libya, according to The Times newspaper's front page Wednesday, which cited a school friend as saying he left three weeks ago and returned in the last few days.

Police said they were urgently seeking to establish whether Abedi worked alone, or acted as part of a larger network.

Abedi's family were closely linked to the Didsbury Mosque, a Victorian former Methodist chapel in a leafy suburb that was bought in 1967 by donors from the Syrian Arab community.

His father Ramadan had sometimes performed the call to prayer and his brother Ismael had been a volunteer.

One senior figure from the mosque however, Mohammed Saeed, told The Guardian that when he once gave a sermon denouncing terror, Abedi stared him down.

"Salman showed me a face of hate after that sermon," Mohammed Saeed said of the 2015 encounter. "He was showing me hatred."

Unremarkable student

Abedi began studying business and management at Salford University in Manchester in 2014, a source told the Press Association news agency, but he dropped out after two years and did not complete his degree.

He did not live in university accommodation, had not been in any trouble at the university, was not on any radar for pastoral or social care and was not known to have participated in any university societies.

It is understood Abedi never met with the university's resident imam. Abedi used an improvised explosive device, apparently packed with metal, to massacre concertgoers and end his own life.

Citing CCTV footage recovered by detectives, The Times reported Abedi had placed the device in a suitcase which he set on the ground before it detonated.
Chapman pleaded not guilty to sexual assault, but admitted morphing photos of children he sexually abused. (Photo: Pixabay)

Birmingham: A 28-year-old British man was on Tuesday jailed for 16 years for raping teenage boys by blackmailing and duping them with fake female Facebook accounts.

According to a report in Daily Mail, Jamie Chapman created fake Facebook profiles with names Emily and Molly, to lure young boys to send their nude images, and then blackmailing them with those images to sexually abuse them.

Chapman also made the teenagers have sex with each other, the report said.

For at least 5 years, from 2011 to 2016, Chapman continued to abuse teenagers, as police recovered more than 150 indecent photos on his computer, the report said.

In a statement read to court, one of the rape victims said: Since that time I can only describe my life as being s***. He added, I couldn't face going to school and I didn't want to leave my house, as people would laugh at me and be horrible to me.

Chapman was been involved in as many as 21 offences of causing or inciting sexual activity with children, said the judge.

Chapman pleaded not guilty to sexual assault, but admitted morphing photos of children he sexually abused.

Birmingham Crown Court Judge Melbourne Inman QC on Tuesday while sentencing him to 16 years of jail said: These offences represent a disturbing catalogue of sexual corruption and deviancy.

You preyed on young boys - you variously corrupted them, blackmailed them, humiliated them and in one instance succeeded in your overall plan to rape him, the judge said.
Updates throughout the day at http://calevbenyefuneh.blog spot.com. If you enjoy "Love of the Land", please be a subscriber. Just put your email address in the "Subscribe" box on the upper right-hand corner of the page.Twitter updates at LoveoftheLand as well as our Love of the Land page at Facebook which has additional pieces of interest besides that which is posted on the blog. Also check-out This Ongoing War by Frimet and Arnold Roth. An excellent blog, very important work.

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..Sultan Knish..23 May '17..When Jordan's Arab Legion seized half of Jerusalem, ethnically cleansed its Jewish population and annexed the city-- the only entity to recognize the annexation was the United Kingdom which had provided the officers and the training that made the conquest possible. Officers like Colonel Bill Newman, Major Geoffrey Lockett and Major Bob Slade, under Glubb Pasha, better known as General John Bagot Glubb, whose son later converted to Islam, invaded Jerusalem and used the Muslim forces under their command to make the partition and ethnic cleansing of Jerusalem possible.The Jews living in the free half of Jerusalem continued to be killed by Jordanian Muslim snipers. The victims of those years of Muslim occupation included Yaffa Binyamin, a 14-year-old girl sitting on the balcony of her own house and a Christian carpenter working on the Notre Dame Convent.Under Muslim occupation, while Muslim snipers were cold-bloodedly murdering their children, the Jewish residents living under fire couldn't so much as put in an outhouse without being reported to the UN for illegal construction. In one case a UN observer organization held four meetings to discuss an outhouse for local residents before condemning Israel for illegal construction.It did not however condemn Jordan when one of its soldiers opened fire on a train wounding a Jewish teenage girl.Not very much has changed.
Bahrain police raided a town where the sit-in has been going on for months in support of Sheikh Isa Qassim, a prominent Shiite cleric, who had his citizenship stripped by the government. (Photo: AP)

Dubai: Bahrain police raided a town on Tuesday that is home to a prominent Shiite cleric facing possible deportation, arresting 286 people in an assault in which officers fired tear gas and shotguns at protesters.

At least five demonstrators were killed and others wounded. The Interior Ministry said the operation targeting Diraz, home to Sheikh Isa Qassim and a long-running sit-in supporting him, was to "maintain security and public order." It called the area a "haven for wanted fugitives from justice."

Activists shared photographs and videos showing youths throwing stones and climbing on an armored personnel carrier. Gunfire could be heard in one video as white smoke from tear gas hung in the air. Another video showed a bulldozer smashing through the area that once hosted the sit-in.

Police arrested 286 people, including "terrorists and convicted felons" who hid inside of Qassim's home, the Interior Ministry said. It said 19 members of the island's security forces were wounded in the raid that saw protesters throw gasoline bombs.

"Forces were able to remove a series of illegal road blocks and barricades," the ministry said in a statement. "Police remain deployed in the area to ensure the safety of people." Amnesty International later said Qassim was not arrested.

At least five protesters were killed, activists and police said. Activists shared images of other protesters suffering what appeared to be bird shot wounds. The operation followed a Sunday court decision giving Qassim a year's suspended prison sentence and seizing assets belonging to him and his ministry.

Two of his aides received similar sentences. Police have besieged Qassim's hometown of Diraz for months, tightly controlling access. He could be deported at any time after authorities stripped him of his citizenship last June over accusations that he fueled extremism. His supporters deny the allegations and called his trial politically motivated.

Shiites and others took part in 2011 Arab Spring protests for greater rights from the Sunni monarchy of Bahrain, home to the US Navy's 5th Fleet and an under-construction British naval base. Bahrain put down the protests with the help of forces from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Since then, Bahrain has seen low-level unrest. But a yearlong government crackdown on dissent has raised the stakes, with local Shiite militant groups claiming some attacks. Bahrain long has accused Iran of aiding militants, something the Shiite power denies.

Meanwhile, activists have been imprisoned or forced into exile. Independent news gathering on the island also has grown more difficult, with the government refusing to accredit two Associated Press journalists and others .

Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa met with US President Donald Trump during a Sunday summit in Saudi Arabia. Already, Trump's administration had approved a multi billion-dollar sale of F-16 fighter jets to Bahrain without the human rights conditions imposed by the State Department under President Barack Obama.

"Our countries have a wonderful relationship together but there has been a little strain but there won't be strain with this administration," Trump said Sunday.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif tweeted Tuesday that the raid showed the "first concrete result of POTUS cozying up to despots in Riyadh."

The Lebanese Shiite militant group Hezbollah warned that any harm to Qassim, "will open the doors for unpredictable outcome and dangers." Activists and rights group also warned Trump's embrace of Bahrain only will fuel the crackdown.

"The timing of this operation two days after King Hamad's convivial meeting with President Trump can hardly be a coincidence," said Nicholas McGeehan, a senior Bahrain researcher at Human Rights Watch.
Islamabad: Amid heightened tension with India, Pakistan's Air Force chief on Wednesday warned that his forces will respond to any aggression by the "enemy" in a manner that their future generations will also remember it.

Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman emphatically said that Pakistan will give a befitting response to any misadventure by the enemy, Radio Pakistan reported. Talking to reporters at Qadri airbase in Skardu, he said the country should have zero concern over the "statements of the enemy." "Our response to any aggression by the enemy will be such that their future generations will also remember it," he said according to the report.

The Air Force chief made the remarks after taking part in Air Force exercises and flying a Mirage fighter jet during his visit to Skardu. He also reviewed the exercises and operational preparedness of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF).

His visit coincided with reports in Pakistani media that the Air Force today flew fighter jets near the Siachen Glacier the world's highest battleground. The Indian Air Force in New Delhi denied that the Pakistani fighter jets violated the Indian air space.

Tensions between India and Pakistan have run high since the attack on an Indian army base in Uri in September last year in which 18 Indian soldiers were killed by militants based in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Ten days after the attack India launched "surgical strikes" there to destroy "terrorist launchpads".

More recently, the Indian Army yesterday announced that it launched "punitive fire assaults" on Pakistani positions across the Line of Control earlier this month, inflicting some damage. The action was taken in response to the beheading of two Indian soldiers in Kashmir by Pakistani special forces.

Today, the Pakistani Air force chief said the PAF was fully prepared and capable of defending the country's frontiers.
The ICJ had on May 18 stayed the execution of 46-year-old Jadhav, who was sentenced to death last month by a Pakistan military court that convicted him of alleged spying and subversive activities. (Photo: Videograb)

Lahore: Amjad Shoaib, an ex-ISI official and a retired Lieutenant General of the Pakistan Army, has acknowledged India's claim that Kulbhushan Jadhav was captured from Iran.

This revelation by an ex-ISI official is damaging for Pakistan and shows the real face of that country's armed forces establishment, the civilian government and the ISI who have connived to tarnish the image of India globally.

This negates Pakistan's claims that Jadhav was caught in Pakistan on charges of spying.

India has repeatedly maintained that Jadhav was on business trip to Iran and Pakistan had captured him from there and planted a false case against him.

This admission by the ex-ISI official can now possibly be used by India as a strong argument at the next hearing of the International Court of Justice.

Jadhav, former Indian Navy officer ,was given the death sentence by a military court in Pakistan on April 10 for alleged "espionage and subversive activities".

The ICJ had on May 18 stayed the execution of 46-year-old Jadhav, who was sentenced to death last month by a Pakistan military court that convicted him of alleged spying and subversive activities.

Pakistan raised the confession statement of Jadhav as a base of its argument and accused India of using the ICJ for its political theatrics. India termed that the confession of Jadhav was forcibly taken by the military while in captivity and he was tried by a military court in Pakistan.

Pakistan's counsel Khawar Qureshi while presenting Islamabad's stance in the ICJ on death sentence handed to Jadhav said that the former naval officer entered Islamabad through Iran using a fake passport.
Kathmandu: Nepal's Maoist prime minister resigned Wednesday as part of a planned handover to a former political foe who will be the impoverished nation's tenth leader since the end of the civil war in 2006.

Pushpa Kamal Dahal, who led the decade-long Maoist insurgency before entering politics, is expected to be succeeded by three-time former prime minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, who heads the main party in the current coalition government.

"I announce my resignation from the post of the prime minister today, right now, with a pledge to continue being active for the upliftment of the country and the people as a politician, parliamentarian and a citizen," Dahal said in a televised speech in which he catalogued his government's achievements.

Dahal, who still goes by his nom de guerre Prachanda, or "fierce one", had promised to step down after holding local elections as part of the agreement that brought him to power last August.

Local elections were held in three of the country's seven provinces 10 days ago.

Deuba's appointment is expected to be confirmed in a parliamentary vote within the next 10 days.

Dahal, 62, came to power after withdrawing support from the then-government and realigning his Maoist party with Deuba's centre-right Nepali Congress.

It was an uncomfortable alliance -- at the height of the civil war Deuba, then prime minister, had announced a five million rupee ($50,000) bounty for Dahal's capture, dead or alive.
Beijing: China said on Wednesday it has no information on the missing Indian Air Force Sukhoi fighter jet with two pilots on board and asked India to stick to the arrangements reached between the two sides to maintain peace.

"For the situation you mentioned, I have no relevant information to offer at the moment," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang told reporters when asked about the missing Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter jet and whether China would assist India in finding the plane that took off from the Tezpur base in Assam for a routine training sortie nearly 24 hours ago.

The fighter plane has since been untraceable. "We have been following the situation in South Tibet (Arunachal Pradesh) very closely," he said, apparently referring to reports that the jet was flying over the area before it was reported missing.

At the same time, he referred to the border dispute between India and China, saying that "first of all on the eastern section of the India-China border, China's position is consistent and clear."

"We hope India can stick to the arrangements reached between the two sides and avoid disrupting peace and stability at the border areas," Lu said.

China's curt reaction came amid a growing discord between the two countries on a host of issues, including the recent visit of the Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama to Arunachal Pradesh, which Beijing considers as Southern Tibet.

The India-China border dispute covers the 3,488-km-long Line of Actual Control. While China claims Arunachal Pradesh as Southern Tibet, India asserts that the dispute also covers the 'Aksai Chin' area, which was occupied by China during the 1962 war.

Two days ago another spokesperson of the Chinese foreign ministry said there was "no change" in China's stand on India's membership bid into the Nuclear Supplies Group (NSG).

That statement came ahead of the 48-member elite grouping's plenary meeting scheduled next month in Bern, Switzerland. China has also repeatedly blocked India's efforts to impose a UN ban on Pakistan-based JeM leader Masood Azhar.

Last week, India boycotted China's Belt & Road Forum in Beijing over concerns emanating from a project under the ambitious initiative that runs through Gilgit and Baltistan in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

India opposes the USD 46-billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and boycotted the event over sovereignty concerns, though 29 heads of state and government attended the BRF.
Peshawar school which was attacked by Tabilan killing 150 students in Pakistan. (Photo: AFP/File)

Islamabad: Pakistan on Wednesday hanged two hard core Taliban terrorists convicted by the military courts of their involvement in the 2014 Peshawar school massacre which left over 150 people dead, mostly students.

Pakistan Army said Atta Ullah and Taj Muhammad were active members of the proscribed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and had facilitated the terrorists who attacked the Army-run school in Peshawar in December 2014.

These terrorists were involved in committing heinous offences relating to terrorism, including attack on Army Public School Peshawar, killing of innocent civilians, attacking Armed Forces of Pakistan and Law Enforcement Agencies, army said.

The terrorists had been tried by military courts and had confessed to their crimes before a magistrate and trial court, it said.

Earlier in December 2015, four terrorists involved in the Peshawar school attack were executed in Kohat jail in the restive Khyber-Pakhtunkwa province. Military courts, which were restored in March for another two years after their initial two-year term expired in January, work in secrecy due to fear of attacks by militants.

The courts were set up after a constitutional amendment following the Peshawar terror attack.

Human rights group Justice Project Pakistan says over 440 people have been executed since the Peshawar attack. Pakistan has been fighting various extremist groups for over a decade. Militant attacks have killed tens of thousands of people. The military courts have handed down the death penalty to more than 170 militants.
Pakistan-based publication The Nation in an article titled 'Frontline state mortified at anti-terror summit' called the Riyadh summit a disaster for Pakistan. (Photo: AP)

Islamabad: After Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was denied a speech at the American-Islamic summit on counter-terrorism, the Pakistan media frowned over the development, branding it as 'national humiliation'.

"The PM was effectively gagged at the American-Islamic summit on counter-terrorism. It also represented a national humiliation", said The Daily Times adding that no opportunity was given to Pakistan to present its case within the context of the country being a victim of regional instability and terrorism.

What angered Islamabad further was the fact that US President Donald Trump in his speech at the event said India was one of the countries which had suffered due to terrorism while ignoring Pakistan.

"No one was interested in what Pakistan had to say. Quite possibly, they have heard it all before. Of this, Nawaz should be in no doubt. Trump's singling out India as a victim of terrorism while failing to mention Pakistan - at all - was not a case of simple veering from the script by an exhausted president. It was a signal to Islamabad of where the US stands on current South Asia power imbalances," said the Daily Times.

Meanwhile, Pakistan-based publication The Nation in an article titled 'Frontline state mortified at anti-terror summit' called the Riyadh summit a disaster for Pakistan, because while the country had lost over 70,000 civilians and over 6,000 soldiers to terrorism, Trump did not mention the country even once.

The article added that even though there was almost no possibility of a Sharif-Trump meeting, the Pakistan Foreign Office kept hyping it up.

All that Prime Minister Sharif could manage was a brief encounter with Trump and exchanged pleasantries.
Taiwan could become the first place in Asia to legalise gay marriage today when a court makes a landmark ruling on whether to allow same-sex unions.



Activists are optimistic the decision will go in their favour, with growing momentum behind the push for equal marriage rights on the island.



But there is also anger among conservative groups who have staged mass rallies against a change in the law as the debate divides society.



Campaigners for and against gay marriage are expected to gather in central Taipei today afternoon.

The decision itself will be posted online by the judiciary at 4:00 pm (local time).



A panel of 14 grand justices will make the ruling in a case that centres on whether Taiwan's current law is unconstitutional.



Taiwan's pioneering gay rights campaigner, Chi Chia-wei, is one of the petitioners who has brought the case to the constitutional court.



After 30 years of activism, Chi, 59, told AFP he is "100 per cent confident" the ruling will go in his favour.



He urged the judges to allow gay couples to register to marry the next day if they approve a change in the law, rather than giving the government a longer timeframe to implement the decision.



At the heart of the case is a clause in Taiwan's Civil Code that an agreement to marry should be made between a man and a woman.



Chi wants the court to rule on whether that contravenes elements in Taiwan's constitution which guarantee equality and freedom of marriage.



The decision is binding, so a ruling in his favour would pave the way for same-sex unions to be legalised.



The other party bringing the case is the Taipei city government, which has been rejecting marriage applications by same-sex couples and is seeking clarification of the law.

A majority of at least 10 judges need to agree on the ruling.



For the first time ever, the judiciary will release the decision simultaneously in Chinese and English, an indication of the level of international interest.



The ruling is likely to reverberate around the region, with calls for marriage equality rising in a number of countries, including South Korea and Japan.



Taiwan is seen as one of the most progressive societies in Asia when it comes to gay rights, and momentum has been gathering since President Tsai Ing-wen -- who has openly supported marriage equality -- came to power last May.



The legislature has also made more progress than ever, with proposals to amend the Civil Code, passing the first reading in December.



However, as well as huge pro-gay marriage rallies, hundreds of thousands have gathered to demonstrate against legalising same-sex unions.



Conservative and religious groups in Taiwan say that it would destroy family values.


India is moving towards isolating Pakistan diplomatically and is considering punitive actions against Islamabad for its alleged support to cross border terrorism, a top American defence intelligence chief has said.



"India has sought and continues to move to isolate Pakistan diplomatically and is considering punitive options to raise the cost to Islamabad for its alleged support to cross- border terrorism," Lt Gen Vincent Stewart, Director, Defence Intelligence Agency, told members of the powerful Senate Armed Services Committee during a Congressional hearing on worldwide threats.



His statement came a day after Indian Army announced that they launched "punitive fire assaults" on Pakistani positions across the Line of Control, inflicting some damage. Sources said the strike was carried out on May 9, nine days after two Indian security personnel were beheaded by Pakistani special forces in Kashmir.



India, he said, is modernising its military to better posture itself to defend New Delhi's interests in the broader Indian Ocean region and reinforce its diplomatic and economic outreach across Asia.



Bilateral relations between India and Pakistan worsened following several terrorist attacks in India, he said.



"Continued threat of high level terror attacks in India, violence in Kashmir and bilateral diplomatic recriminations will further strain India-Pakistan ties in 2017," he said.



Following a terrorist attack on an Army base in Kashmir in September, New Delhi conducted a highly-publicised operation against militants across the LoC, he added.



"In 2016, Indian and Pakistani forces exchanged some of the heaviest fire in years along the Line of Control in Kashmir, and each expelled a number of the others diplomats amid growing tension," Stewart said.



He also told lawmakers that in 2017, Islamabad is likely to slowly shift from traditional counterinsurgency operations along Pakistan's western border to more counter terrorism and paramilitary operations throughout the country, which have had some success in reducing violence from militant, sectarian, terrorist, and separatist groups.



"Anti-Pakistan groups probably will respond to this sustained pressure by focusing their efforts against soft targets," he said.



Noting that Pakistan's nuclear stockpile continues to grow, Stewart said the US is concerned that this growth, as well as an evolving doctrine and inherent security issues associated with Pakistan's developing tactical nuclear weapons, presents an enduring risk.



"Islamabad is taking steps to improve its nuclear security and is aware of the extremist threat to its program," Stewart said.



Observing that China has long identified the protection of its sovereignty and territorial integrity as a "core interest," he said in the South China Sea, China has embarked on a multi year, whole-of-government approach to securing sovereignty, principally through maritime law enforcement presence and military patrols.



In 2016, China rejected the international arbitration ruling on its excessive South China Sea claims, built infrastructure at its man made outposts on the Spratly Islands, and for the first time, landed civilian aircraft on its airfields at Fiery Cross Reef, Subi Reef, and Mischief Reef.



"China will be able to use its reclaimed features as persistent civil-military bases, which will enhance its presence and its ability to control the features and nearby maritime space. Beijing recognises the need to defend these outposts and is prepared to respond to any military operations near them," he told the lawmakers.



Stewart said a key component of PLA strategy in a regional contingency is planning for potential US intervention.



The PLA Rocket Force has given priority to developing and deploying regional ballistic and cruise missiles to expand its conventional strike capabilities against US forces and bases throughout the region.



"In addition to the Rocket Force's fielding of an anti ship ballistic missile, China is fielding an intermediate range ballistic missile capable of conducting conventional and nuclear strikes against ground targets in the Asia-Pacific region as far away as Guam," he said.
A group of Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) militants escaped after exchanging heavy fire with security forces in Hakdipora village of south Kashmirs Pulwama district late Tuesday night, sources said.



Security forces had laid siege around Hakdipora village and launched a search operation after inputs about the presence of LeT divisional commander Abu Dujana and his two associates. As the searches were on, militants present in the area opened fire on the search party and tried to break the cordon, they said.



A police official said the security forces retaliated, triggering an encounter, which lasted for nearly half an hour. The operation was stopped due to darkness to avoid any casualty. Security forces had sealed the entire area after reinforcement was rushed there from nearby camps, he said.



However, reports said, as the news of the encounter spread, people from nearby villages reached the gunfight site and pelted stones on the forces personnel, who retaliated with teargas shells. The militants taking cover under darkness and support from the stone pelters managed to escape from the area, the official said and added the operation was called off at around 7 am on Wednesday.



Stone pelting protests at the encounter sites have emerged as a major problem for security forces in Kashmir in last one year forcing Army Chief General Bipin Rawat to issue a warning in February that the civilian protesters obstructing encounters, would be treated as "over ground workers of terrorists" and dealt with "harshly."



Despite warnings and new strategies, security forces continue to face stiff resistance from local population during encounters with militants across Kashmir. The trend, which emerged from south Kashmir in 2014, gained momentum across Kashmir following the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen poster boy Burhan Wani by security forces in July last year.



More than 30 militants have managed to flee the cordon in more than a dozen encounters in last few months due to the civilians marching towards encounter sites and pelting stones. In some cases Army is forced to withdraw the cordon to avoid collateral damage," a senior police official told DH.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today sanctioned Rs 2 lakh each for the next of kin of those killed in a bus accident in Uttarakhand.



He also sanctioned from the PM National Relief Fund (PMNRF) Rs 50,000 for those seriously injured in the accident in Uttarkashi.



Twenty-one pilgrims from Madhya Pradesh were killed when their bus fell into the Bhagirathi river near Nalupani in Uttarkashi district last evening. Eight people were injured in the accident.



The accident took place when the pilgrims were returning from Gangotri shrine in the Himalayas.



"My prayers & solidarity with those who lost their loved ones in the unfortunate bus accident in Uttarkashi. May the injured recover soon," the prime minister said.
A note "tired of her, catch and hang me" - was found written in blood on the floor where the wife of the police officer - who probed the Sheena Border murder case - was stabbed to death at their flat in Santacruz West area of Mumbai on Wednesday.



Dipali Ganore (41) was found in a pool of blood by her husband, police inspector Dnyeshwar Ganore(42), when he returned home from work in the morning. Ganore is attached to the Khar police station that investigated the Sheena Bora murder case under the supervision of the then Mumbai police chief Rakesh Maria. He was reportedly part of the team that executed the arrest of Indrani Mukerjea nee Bora, who is one the three suspects in the murder of her daughter Sheena Bora.



Ganores 20-year-old son, Siddhanth, was missing from Tuesday night - and he is the prime suspect in the case. The Vakola police station has registered a case of murder and investigations were in progress.



"A case of murder has been registered, and we are investigating all possible angles, said senior inspector Mahadev Wavale of Vakola police station.



Her body was found by her husband at around 03:30am, when he returned back from work.The officer first tried to open the door but failed and her wife's phone too was unreachable. But somehow managed to open the door, he found his wife's body on the floor in a pool of blood. The murder weapon, a knife, was discovered on the floor of the apartment where the note "tired of her, catch and hang me" was written. He immediately contacted the police control room and informed of what had happened.



Police is obtaining the CCTV footage of the building. The body was sent for post-mortem to the VN Desai Hospital. The body would be taken to Nashik for last rites.



"As of now there has been no arrests. We are investigating the case," a police official said. As of now the suspect has not yet been traced. His mobile was also switched off.






Amid heightened tension with India, Pakistan's Air Force chief today warned that his forces will respond to any aggression by the "enemy" in a manner that their future generations will also remember it.



Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman emphatically said that Pakistan will give a befitting response to any misadventure by the enemy, Radio Pakistan reported.



Talking to reporters at Qadri airbase in Skardu, he said the country should have zero concern over the "statements of the enemy."



"Our response to any aggression by the enemy will be such that their future generations will also remember it," he said according to the report.



The Air Force chief made the remarks after taking part in Air Force exercises and flying a Mirage fighter jet during his visit to Skardu. He also reviewed the exercises and operational preparedness of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF).



His visit coincided with reports in Pakistani media that the Air Force today flew fighter jets near the Siachen Glacier - the world's highest battleground.



The Indian Air Force in New Delhi denied that the Pakistani fighter jets violated the Indian air space.



Tensions between India and Pakistan have run high since the attack on an Indian army base in Uri in September last year in which 18 Indian soldiers were killed by militants based in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Ten days after the attack India launched "surgical strikes" there to destroy "terrorist launchpads".



More recently, the Indian Army yesterday announced that it launched "punitive fire assaults" on Pakistani positions across the Line of Control earlier this month, inflicting some damage. The action was taken in response to the beheading of two Indian soldiers in Kashmir by Pakistani special forces.



Today, the Pakistani Air force chief said the PAF was fully prepared and capable of defending the country's frontiers.
Tamil Nadu chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami invited the Prime Minister Narendra Modi to unveil the portrait of former late chief minister J Jayalalithaa in the chamber of the State Legislative Assembly at Fort St. George here.



In a letter to Modi, Palaniswami said "Sir, a towering personality and statesman like you, who has upheld the finest traditions of our vibrant democracy and maintained the cherished values of our Parliamentary system, would be the befitting person to unveil the portrait of our revered leader "Amma" (Jayalalithaa)".



Palaniswami said the people of Tamil Nadu would be extremely happy the Prime Minister could kindly consent to unveil the portrait Jayalalithaa in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly Chambers.



"I, therefore, seek your convenience to grace the occasion on any day during the month of July, 2017 as the chief guest of the function to be held in the Assembly Chamber and to unveil the portrait", Palaniswami said.










The search for the Indian Air Force's missing Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter jet was hit by rough weather today.



IAF sources said the operation was continuing despite bad weather conditions in parts of Assam and neighbouring Arunachal Pradesh where the plane is suspected to have crashed.



The Sukhoi jet, with two pilots on board, went missing around an hour after taking off from the IAF base here at 10:30 AM.



A massive search operation, involving helicopter recce, was launched to trace the plane and the pilots.



The jet had lost radar and radio contact around 60 km north of the airbase, IAF had said yesterday.



At present, two squadrons comprising around 36 aircraft are deployed at Tezpur for guarding the China border in Arunachal Pradesh.
The US has revived two major infrastructure projects in South and Southeast Asia in which India would be a vital player, a move that could potentially act as a counter to China's ambitious Belt and Road initiative.



The Trump administration has resuscitated the 'New Silk Road' initiative, first announced by then Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in July 2011 in a speech in Chennai, and the Indo-Pacific Economic Corridor linking South and Southeast Asia.



A brief outline of the two projects was made available in the administration's maiden annual budget yesterday, which indicated that the 'New Silk Road' project would be a public- private initiative in which India would be an important player.



The state department said the budgetary request of its South and Central Asia will support the two initiatives: the New Silk Road (NSR) focused on Afghanistan and its neighbours, and the Indo-Pacific Economic Corridor linking South Asia with Southeast Asia.



This request will be leveraged through side-by-side collaboration with regional countries, other bilateral donors, multilateral development banks, and the private sector.



It said "the importance of...the NSR grows" as the transition in Afghanistan continues and the US "strives to help the Afghan people succeed and stand on their own."



The state department said it will deepen support for the objectives through "far-reaching" public diplomacy programmes.



According to James McBride of the Council on Foreign Relations, the NSR refers to a suite of joint investment projects and regional trade blocs that have the potential to bring economic growth and stability to Central Asia.



"Following the surge of 30,000 additional troops into Afghanistan in 2009, which President Barack Obama's administration had hoped would lay the groundwork for complete withdrawal a few years later, Washington began to lay out a strategy for supporting these initiatives through diplomatic means," McBride said.



Announcing her vision for a New Silk Road, Clinton had said in Chennai: "Turkmen gas fields could help meet both Pakistan's and India's growing energy needs and provide significant transit revenues for both Afghanistan and Pakistan. Tajik cotton could be turned into Indian linens. Furniture and fruit from Afghanistan could find its way to the markets of Astana or Mumbai and beyond."



But the NSR strategy took a back seat during Obama's second term when John Kerry occupied the Foggy Bottom headquarters of the state department.



Simon Denyer, the China bureau chief of The Washington Post, recently wrote that Clinton's idea never really got off the ground, and the Obama administration was criticised by experts for responding negatively to China-backed The New Development Bank.



Through the B&R initiative, China aims to link itself with markets in Europe and Africa through Asian countries and the Indian Ocean. India opposes one of the projects under the initiative as it runs through Gilgit and Baltistan in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.



The USD 46 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor links China's restive Xinjiang region to the southern Pakistani port Gwadar, built with Chinese funding. The port could potentially be used as a naval outpost for the Chinese military
To counter the ongoing protests by students and to prevent indoctrination of Kashmiri youth, Jammu & Kashmir government has decided to promote the National Cadet Course (NCC) to the fullest at schools and colleges in the restive region.



Sources said unnerved by the continued protests by student community, mainly at government colleges and higher secondary schools in Kashmir, the Education department recently held a high-level meeting where it was resolved that activities like NCC can help counter the indoctrination of youth towards stone pelting."



Officials said NCC wing is scheduled to be made functional in all the high and higher secondary schools in Srinagar this year where students will be trained in some healthy activities, including swimming, climbing, para-gliding and firing. Sources said the education department looks ahead to enrol 50,000 scouts in the ongoing academic year.



They said the government looks ahead to make NCC lucrative, through special training programs and incentives, while stress would be laid on fresh admissions for the Junior Division training program.



While NCC wings will be revived at the SP Higher Secondary and MP Higher Secondary Schools in Srinagar in the coming days, the schools which dont have NCC wing will also be offered the services.



Our basic aim is to attract more and more students towards the NCC, so we will be offering some incentives to the concerned, a senior official in the Education Department told DH.



He said the government is consolidating the profile of the NCC-trained teachers who would be transferred to various schools mainly in the coming days. "The Education Minister Syed Altaf Bukhari has found the idea interesting and asked the Higher Education department to promote NCC at the colleges for the new admissions," the official added.



Over a month the government has been working to overcome student protests, which till now have declined to die down. Students in school uniforms have clashed increasingly with security forces across Kashmir after police raided a college in the southern town of Pulwama on April 15. More than 200 students have been injured in the subsequent clashes.


The prime minister said that he has followed a balanced foreign policy and succeeded in normalising relations with the neighbours as well as building confidence.



It was Prachanda's second stint as the Prime Minister. He was elected as the 39th prime minister of Nepal after forging alliance with the Nepali Congress on August 3, 2016.



He is the only communist leader to become the Prime Minister of the country twice. During his first tenure as the prime minister from 2008 to 2009, Prachanda was not on good terms with India.



However, during his second tenure, Prachanda had chosen India as his first overseas destination rather than China.



Indo-Nepal ties, which were strained during Prachanda's predecessor K P Oli's regime, also improved under the Maoist leader's second stint.



Prachanda's successor Deuba's appointment is likely to be confirmed in a parliamentary vote within the next 10 days.



The Nepali Congress - the largest party in Parliament - and constituents of the United Democratic Madhesi Front, the Federal Alliance and some other parties had helped Prachanda in securing 363 votes in the 595-member House to form the government comfortably in 2016.



During the formation of the government, the Chairman of CPN (Maoist Centre) had reached an understanding with Deuba that he would step down as prime minister and hand over the leadership to the Nepali Congress after nine months.



The pact was to run the government on a rotational basis until elections to the parliament are held in February 2018.



Prachanda was to hold office till local polls are held and remaining two elections  provincial and central - were to be conducted under Deuba.



Millions of Nepalese on May 14 voted in the first local- level polls in two decades as the Himalayan nation took a crucial step towards cementing democracy amid political turmoil.



Local-level elections could not be held after 1997 largely as a result of the decade-long Maoist insurgency that claimed more than 16,000 lives in Nepal.



The elections should be held in every five years but due to the political instability, they were halted since May 1997.



Prachanda, who led the Maoists during the armed struggle from 1996 to 2006, is credited with transforming the rebel movement into a political party after a 2006 peace deal.



Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' today resigned after a brief stint of nine months, honouring a power-sharing understanding with the ruling coalition partner Nepali Congress to hand over the country's leadership to the largest party in Parliament.His resignation has cleared way for his former political rival and Nepali Congress president Sher Bahadur Deuba, who is expected to take over as the prime minister.Prachanda announced his resignation while addressing the nation in a live telecast from his office at Singha Durbar here. He said that he would go to the President's Office to submit his resignation today itself."I announce my resignation from the post of the prime minister today," the 62-year-old Maoist leader said as he highlighted the achievements made by his government.
BSP supremo Mayawati today attacked the Yogi Adityanath government in Uttar Pradesh alleging that "casteist forces" in the BJP and RSS had been given a free hand to misuse the official machinery and harm social amity and brotherhood in the state.



In a statement, issued after another round of violence claimed a youth's life in Saharanpur yesterday, Mayawati alleged that neglect on the part of the administration was the reason that "BJP supporters" could target Dalits and unleash violence in the area.



"After having damaged the communal atmosphere to gain political and electoral victory, mischievous and criminal elements in the BJP and RSS are now bent upon unleashing casteist violence," the BSP chief said.



Innocents were being targeted while the administration is hand in glove with the BJP and RSS leaders, she claimed.



Attacking the BJP, she said, those who had "condemned Dalit icons all their lives" are today proclaiming themselves to be the saviours of Dalits and backwards for votes.



Mayawati had yesterday visited Saharanpur and met those affected by caste-based violence that took place earlier this month.



However, shortly after she left, fresh clashes occurred claiming the life of a 24-year-old Dalit youth and injuring several others.



A four-member BSP delegation will meet Chief Minister Adityanath to demand adequate compensation for the victims, stern action against the guilty and free treatment for the injured, she said in the statement today.



Mayawati said that ever since the BJP came to power in UP, law and order had deteriorated, as was the case in other BJP-ruled states.



"The saffron brigade has got a free hand to carry out communal and casteist activities to harass people...everyone needs to remain vigilant," she said.



The Dalits are demanding their constitutional rights but the "casteist forces in the BJP and RSS" are out to crush them, she said.
Even a week after the mysterious death of Karnataka cadre IAS officer Anurag Tiwari, who was found dead near a guest house in the state capital, the special investigation team (SIT) has not been able to make any headway in the matter even as the doctors, who performed autopsy of Tiwari's body, said that it had ''antemortem'' injuries.



According to the police sources here on Wednesday, the SIT would be recording the statement of the family members of Tiwari. ''We also plan to take a member of the family to Bangalore,'' said a senior police official here.



A police team is likely to leave for Bangalore in a day or two, sources said. The team would meet senior officials in Bangalore to find out if Tiwari was indeed probing some major scam in the food and civil supplies department.



Adding to the mystery behind the death, a team of doctors, which performed the autopsy, said that there were injury marks on Tiwari's face. ''There were injuries on inside part of his lower lip, face and chin,'' said an official privy to the postmortem report.



Sources said that the nature of injuries suggested that Tiwari's death might not be natural.



They also said that senior UP IAS officer Prabhu Narain Singh, who was a batch mate of Tiwari, and was staying in the same room where Tiwari had stayed at the government guest house in the state capital, told the cops that Tiwari had been under stress and had requested for extension of his leave.



Tiwari, who was commissioner, food, civil supplies and consumer affairs department in Karnataka, was found dead here on Wednesday. His body was found lying on the side of the road a few metres away from the Meerabai Guest House. The probe of the case has been handed over to CBI.




A special court has denied bail to a suspended officer of a private bank who was arrested in a case of alleged irregularities in facilitating the conversion of about Rs 35 crore worth of demonetised currency.



Special Judge Hemani Malhotra dismissed the bail plea of Ashish Kumar, the then manager of Kotak Mahindra Bank, saying the allegations against him were serious and prima facie showed that he had cheated the government and public of crores of rupees.



Kumar, who is in custody since December 22, 2016 in another case, was arrested by the Delhi Police in this case on March 28 for alleged offences of cheating, criminal breach of trust, forgery of a valuable security, using forged document as genuine and criminal conspiracy.



"The facts and circumstances thus prima facie reflect that accused (Kumar) cheated the government and general public to the tune of crores of rupees in a well-thought and systematic manner and was aided by coaccused and other associates of his who are still at large," the court said.



The judge also said that since the allegations against the accused were "grave and serious in nature and the fact that investigation is still underway, I do not see any premise to grant bail to Ashish Kumar. Same is accordingly dismissed."



Prosecution alleged that during the probe, it was found that co-accused Raj Kumar Goel and his associates were engaged in earning profits by routing money into various accounts by using forged documents. They received commission from the clients who either needed money by cheque or in cash.



The accounts were opened by Goel and his associates in Kotak Mahindra Bank and ICICI Bank, Naya Bazar branch here. On November 8, 2016 when the government announced demonetisation, Goel conspired with Kumar, one chartered accountant and a mediator who used to bring demonetised currency to the bank to convert it into new notes and earned profits, it said.



It alleged that though Goel's accounts were in different branches, Kumar and the chartered accountant allowed him to deposit old currency notes in the bank's Connaught Place branch.



Prosecution alleged that after demonetisation, Goel opened accounts in Naya Bazar branch in the names of various companies and deposited Rs 34.75 crore in both the branches.



Kumar then issued demand drafts in the name of various fictitious persons, it said, adding that the accused were allegedly involved in deep rooted conspiracy to convert black money in old demonetised currency into new ones on commission basis and it was misappropriated by them for illegal monetary gains by violating guidelines of RBI and Ministry of Finance.



The court noted that the findings of departmental enquiry against Kumar concluded that he had accommodated coaccused Goel and one Ramesh Chand Sharma to deposit demonetised currency of Rs 31.75 crore in violation of internal controls.



He also allowed cash deposits of other branch customers without any intimation to or approval of the home branch, as was required under bank's internal process, it noted.



Kumar's counsel sought bail claiming that as per the RBI guidelines, a customer could have deposited any amount of money in his account in any branch of the bank and there was no restriction on the number of demand drafts a customer could have got prepared from his bank account from any branch.



Regarding the allegations of commission claimed to have been received by him, he said no recovery has been made by the police which points at his innocence.



Public Prosecutor Atul Kumar Shrivastava opposed the bail plea saying the complicity of the accused was evident from the fact that in gross violation of bank's guidelines issued the period of demonetisation, he accepted cash deposit of Rs 31.75 crore in nonhome branch, that is Connaught Place.



The prosecutor said as per the guidelines intimated to all senior officers including Kumar, cash amount of over Rs 25 lakh was to be deposited at the cash points at Kirti Nagar and not at the branches.
Tension gripped Uttar Pradeshs Saharanpur district again on Wednesday after one person was seriously injured after he was sprayed with bullets by miscreants near Puwarka even as concerned over recurring violence in the district, chief minister Yogi Adityanath rushed senior police officials to control the situation.



According to the police sources here, Pradeep Kumar, a Thakur by caste, was fired at by unidentified motorbike borne miscreants inflicting serious injuries. He was rushed to the hospital where his condition was stated to be critical.



Two persons have so far been killed and around a dozen injured in clashes between dalits and thakurs in Saharanpur in the past few days.



A dalit youth was stabbed to death allegedly by members of thakur community at Chandpur village on Tuesday. A large number of upper caste thakurs attacked the dalits, while they were returning after taking part in the BSP supremo Mayawatis meeting at Shabbirpur village in the district.



Members of dalit community had torched several homes of thakurs in Shabbirpur before Mayawatis visit on Tuesday.



UP police chief Sulkhan Singh said that 24 people had been arrested in connection with the violence. The situation is under control, Singh claimed.



UP government has rushed additional director general of police, law and order, Aditya Mishra and IG, Special Task Force (STF) Amitabh Yash to Saharanpur to control the situation.



The communally sensitive district has been in the grip of violence for the past several days. The trouble sparked off when clashes erupted between thakurs and dalits over taking out a procession at Shabbirpur village.



Several houses of both communities had been torched in the violence. Security personnel in strength had been deployed in the district to maintain order.



The Yogi government has come under sharp attack from the political rivals over recurring violence at Saharanpur.








Rohatgi, who dubbed as "an eyewash" the latest affidavit of All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) that those who resort to triple talaq will face social boycott, said that Parliament in the past has enacted laws to get rid of unconstitutional practices like untouchability and Sati.





"Parliament has the power to enact law and it has in the past done also, but this does not make the court to not intervene and hold the practice has invalid. Now the ball is in the compound of the court and it has to decide", Rohatgi told PTI here.





The statement of the Attorney General, who also said the affidavit was "a desperate attempt to divert the attention of the court", is significant as the Supreme Court has reserved its verdict on the issue of triple talaq after hearing the matter for six full days.





The AIMPLB affidavit also says that an advisory will be issued to the 'Qazis' to tell the grooms that they will not resort to such a form of divorce.





Rohatgi said that the Muslim body was attempting to gain "legal sanctity among the community ... it is a desperate attempt made by the AIMPLB to get some kind of legitimacy which it does not have".





During the hearing on the triple talaq matter by a five- judge constitution bench, Rohatgi had said that a new law to regulate marriage and divorce among the Muslim community would be brought if all forms of divorce including triple talaq are struck down.





He had termed all the three forms of divorce among the Muslim community - talaq-e-biddat, talaq hasan and talaq ahsan, as "unilateral" and "extra-judicial".





When the five-judge bench had asked Rohatgi if the Centre wanted social welfare and reforms, why can't it bring laws to correct the wrong, he had said "yes, we can bring law. There is no law for past 60 years. It has not been done. But the court should first strike down these practices which are not in confirmity with the Constitution."





The AIMPLB in its affidavit has dubbed triple talaq as an "undesirable practice" in the Shariat or Islamic law, and said a dispute between husband and wife should be settled through "mutual interaction" and a code of conduct on this has been released by it, keeping in mind the tenets of the Shariat.





"I think this affidavit of AIMPLB is an eyewash. The board has no legal sanctity by itself. It is unclear as to how many people they speak for. They do not have any persuasive authority," Rohatgi said.





Questioning the AIMPLB affidavit and its outreach, he said it is not clear how many Qazis will abide by, agree and understand the advisory issued by the personal law board. "It is also unclear as to how many Qazis will inform the groom at the time of Nikah not to resort to triple talaq."





There is also no mechanism to oversee whether the Qazis have advised the bridegroom not to resort to triple talaq and whether the grooms would actually follow the advise, he said.





The Attorney General said that given the illiteracy rate and the dominant position of males in the community, it is difficult to comprehend as to "how many brides would come out to say what they actually want to say."





"Therefore the whole thing is a desperate attempt to divert the attention of the court. Further, if the AIMPLB says that the practice is not good, then they should have enlightened the court to declare triple talaq as invalid," Rohatgi said.





He said "in my humble view, the court should not give any credence to such an affidavit of the board"

Parliament has all the powers to make a law against triple talaq, but now the "ball is in the compound" of the Supreme Court" to take a call on the constitutional validity of the practice, Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi has said.
The Congress party on Wednesday once again reiterated that there are no differences with Shankarsinh Vaghela and other party leaders in Gujarat. "There are no differences and we are in constant touch with Shankarsinh Vaghela, whether he is in India or abroad. We always talk with easy candour, Ashok Gehlot, Congress party in-charge, said Wednesday while addressing the media persons at the beginning of his three-day visit to the state. See Congress in the state has been out of power for over two decades and now people want change in government.



He asked ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to worry about its party when asked about BJP. They should worry about their party lest its members move over to join Congress, Gehlot added.



Gehlots reaction came after chief minister Vijay Rupani took a dig at internal strife in Congress. It is an internal matter but it is a big disaster and hope god helps them, chief minister told media persons. He was reacting to question on some of the posters that had cropped up at local Congress functions in the city where pictures of the leader of the Opposition in state Assembly, Shankarsinh Vaghela, were missing. These posters had photographs of all the state leaders but of Vaghela.








The court today granted bail to former Shiv Sena MP Satish Pradhan after he surrendered here in another Babri Masjid demolition case. Special CBI court judge S K Yadav granted him bail on two sureties of Rs 20,000 each and a personal bond of the same amount.





Pradhan appeared in the court and moved a surrender application, which was allowed and he was sent to judicial custody, special public prosecutor CBI Lalit Kumar Singh, adding he later moved a bail plea.





The special court here, which began day-to-day hearing in the politically sensitive case on May 20 after a Supreme Court direction, had earlier granted bail to five VHP leaders in this case. Besides Ram Vilas Vedanti (59), those who were granted relief by the CBI court on Saturday were VHP leaders Champat Rai (71), Baikunth Lal Sharma (88), Mahant Nritya Gopal Das (79) and Dharmdas Maharaj (68).





Pradhan had failed to appear on Saturday and also on Monday.





The CBI court today also ordered framing of charges against the accused in light of the Supreme Court order dated April 19, 2017. It has fixed May 25 for it, the special public prosecutor said here.





The Supreme Court had on April 19 directed that Advani, Union Minister Uma Bharti and BJP veteran Murli Manohar Joshi will face trial on conspiracy charges. It had transferred their case from Raebareli to Lucknow.





It directed the special court to start proceedings in the matter within a month and deliver its verdict within two years.





The apex court had dubbed the demolition of the medieval era monument as a "crime" which shook the "secular fabric of the Constitution" and allowed CBI's plea on restoration of serious offence of criminal conspiracy against the VVIP accused.In its 40-page judgement, it had termed the Allahabad High Court's February 12, 2001 verdict dropping conspiracy charge against Advani and others as "erroneous".





The matter is likely to have political implications, particularly against 89-year old Advani, reported to be a front-runner for the post of the President.





The apex court had also come down heavily on the CBI for the delay of 25 years in the trial.





It said "the accused persons have not been brought to book largely because of the conduct of the CBI in not pursuing the prosecution of the aforesaid alleged offenders in a joint trial, and because of technical defects which were easily curable, but which were not cured by the state government."





While a charge sheet in the Lucknow court was filed in October 1993, a supplementary charge sheet was filed in November 1996. A supplementary charge sheet was also filed in May 2003 in Rae Bareli court.





Issuing a slew of directions, the apex court had said the proceedings in the case against Advani and five others in the court of the special judicial magistrate at Raebareli will be transferred to the court of additional sessions judge (Ayodhya Matters) at Lucknow.





It had said additional charges will be framed under Section 120-B (conspiracy) and the other provisions of the penal code mentioned in the joint charge sheet filed by the CBI against the accused.





Besides the BJP three leaders, the conspiracy charge would now be invoked against Vinay Katiar, Sadhvi Ritambara and Vishnu Hari Dalmia, who were being tried at Raebareli.





The apex court had directed the Lucknow court to take on a day-to-day basis the hearing of the case after transfer of the proceedings from Raebareli and framing of additional charges.





The trial will be taken from the stage at which they were both at Raebareli and Lucknow, it had said.





There shall be no fresh trial. There shall be no transfer of the judge conducting the trial until the entire trial concludes. The case shall not be adjourned on any ground except when the sessions court finds it impossible to carry on the trial for that particular date, it had said.

A special CBI court hearing the 1992 Babri Masjid demolition cases is likely to frame additional charges tomorrow against BJP leader L K Advani and other accused after the Supreme Court ordered restoring of the serious criminal conspiracy offence against them.
In an unusual incident of revenge, a jilted pharmacy student resorted to acid attack on her estranged lover leading to his death in Venigandla of Guntur district in Andhra Pradesh.



According to Pedakakani police, K Hima Bindu, 21, invited her estranged friend Md Ilyas, 23, who is married to another girl, on Monday. She asked him to bring all the correspondence and the videos, photos and records related to her so that they can have a final settlement.



Ilyas's close relative Khasim accompanied him but stayed outside the house hoping that the two would have a candid talk. However, after an hour Ilyas came running out of the house screaming. Khasim and the villagers called an ambulance and shifted him to Guntur Government hospital where he succumbed to severe burn injuries on Wednesday.



At the hospital, Ilyas wrote on a piece of paper that Bindu had poured acid in his mouth. During the scuffle, even Hima Bindu received acid burns on her legs and hands. The accused is absconding, the police has formed two teams to hunt for her. A murder case has been registered.



A shocked Allabakshu, elder brother of Ilyas said that they came to know about the affair only after Ilyas marriage on Monday. She came and said that Ilyas has cheated her by marrying another girl. I begged her not to create ruckus at the function and she assured me that she would calmly walk out and she did. But a day after she took revenge rendering an innocent bride a widow, he said.
Police on Wednesday arrested four people including the father-in-law and mother-in-law of Amit Nair, who was killed on May 17 at his home in Jaipur in front of his pregnant wife.



The police said that after numerous attempts to separate their daughter Mamta from Nair the family decided to murder him.



For the last 7 months , the in-laws of Amit Nayar were planning his murder. We have arrested Nayars father-in-law Jeevan Ram, mother-in-law Bhagwani Devi. Another person, Bhagwana Ram who was also instrumental in planning the crime has also been arrested, said commissioner of police Sanjay Agarwal. Jeevan Ram was arrested from Haryana while Devi was nabbed from Sikar district.



Suspected to be a case of honour killing, one week ago Amit Nayar was shot dead in front of his wife and in-laws by one of the henchmans of his father-in-law. Amit suffered grave injuries on her neck, windpipe and chest and succumbed on the spot.



According to police, Mamta Chaudhry (27) was in love with a man identified as Amit Nair, who was a civil engineer by profession. The victim, Amit Nair, tied a knot with Mamta Chaudhary nearly two years ago against the wishes of his in-laws
For the first time Birch + Magnolia will be hosting a family comfort station on the last Friday of each month at Nightfall. Birch + Magnolia will provide a Nesting Space: a comfortable place to change, nurse, feed and recharge with little ones, while enjoying the music, community and atmosphere of Nightfall.

Held each Friday at Miller Plaza through Aug, 25 (with the exception of June 9 and 16 during Riverbend), Nightfall showcases a broad spectrum of musical genres featuring a local band at 7 p.m., followed by a headline show by a national artist at 8 p.m., many of whom are performing for the first time in our city. These shows are free to the public and appropriate for a family audience.

Since 1988 Nightfall has grown into Chattanoogas signature summertime program for Chattanooga and the surrounding region. Known for its family-friendly environment as well as being recognized nationally for the quality of its musical programming and locally as Best of the Best for Chattanooga Events, Nightfall is a family-friendly concert series with an average attendance of between 2,500-3,000 each night.

For more information on this free community concert series, call 265-0771 or visit NightfallChattanooga.com for a complete, interactive website that includes music samples by each headliner, as well as other information for first-time attendees.






The Congress, while demanding setting up of a special court to try the cases to ensure time-bound justice, alleged that such attacks were a result of a mindset among some people who believe that they have a "licence to kill".





Some people feel they can indulge in hooliganism, oppress Dalits and commit atrocities as they are confident that law will not be initiated against them as the chief minister will provide them protection, K Raju, the head of party's SC department, alleged.





One person was killed and four others were injured yesterday as fresh violence erupted in Saharanpur, which has been witnessing inter-caste clashes since last month.





"This is a very sad story. It is not good for law and order in UP. It does not augur well for development of Uttar Pradesh," he told reporters here.





"When a section of society feels that it can get away with murder, the weaker sections, the voiceless, the Dalits feel that they have no protection from government," he said, adding, "This is what has happened in Saharnapur."





The Congress demands that a special court be set up to try the cases and under the provisions of the Prevention of Atrocities Amendment Act charge sheets be filed against the accused within 60 days and the verdict comes within 120 days, he said.





Also action be taken against the administration, the police force and the district magistrate of Saharanpur for their "failure" to prevent occurrence and recurrence of such incidents, Raju said.





"Whosoever has failed in their duties should be punished," he added.





Congress spokesperson Bhakt Charan Das said there should be an independent probe into the incidents and justice be provided to victims and guilty punished.

The BJP-led UP government, they hoped, would implement the Prevention of Atrocities Amendment Act in letter and spirit to create confidence among Dalits that law will protect them.





"Otherwise, it will be difficult to contain the anger of Dalits," they said, cautioning the government against a backlash from the community if its right are not protected.





"I hope the UP government will take this message seriously and create the kind of environment where Dalits feel that they are safe," Raju said.





The Congress leader, who has visited the violence- affected areas, claimed a series of attacks on Dalits occurred in Saharanpur.





Around 20 days ago some community members were attacked in Shabirpur village and mobs burnt down nearly 30 houses and caused serious injuries to many Dalits, he claimed.





He said yesterday some dalit youth were returning from a public rally, when the same gangs attacked them, adding nearly 19 Dalits were seriously injured and a 22-year-old man was killed.





He said the Congress also demands that the chief minister should immediately convene a meeting of the Vigilance and Monitoring Committee as required by law and make sure that such incidents are not repeated.





"Saharanpur is a district declared as atrocity-prone which means the administration ought to be on alert to make sure that atrocities on Dalits don't happen," he said.





"Such incidents are happening and what is worrisome in Saharanpur incident is that administration is silent, have been mute witnesses, they have not prevented, they have not stepped in and they have not ensured that the law is activated against the victims," he added.





He claimed that though hundreds of upper caste youth have been involved in clashes against Dalits, only 32 have been arrested so far.

The Congress today demanded an independent probe into the caste violence in Saharanpur and cases against top police and civil officials of the district, as it hit out at the BJP government in Uttar Pradesh for "failing" to protect Dalits.
IT Minister Priyank Kharge, who had invited the Election Commission of India to hold its EVM hackathon in Bengaluru, is now not happy that only political parties have been invited to make an attempt to evaluate or tamper the machines.



Earlier, Kharge had announced that the Karnataka government was ready to host the hackathon as Bengaluru is IT capital of the country. He had argued that the EC should restore confidence among people by proving that EVMs are foolproof. The IT department was ready to participate in the hackathon, he had said.



The hackathon, organised by the EC, is going to be held in Delhi from June 3 in two phases. Some political parties including the Congress party and AAP had expressed doubts that EVMs could be tampered with. Hence, the EC has organised the hackathon to provide an opportunity for political parties to prove their charges.



Those parties which had participated in the assembly elections held earlier this year are allowed to participate in it. Each party can send three people to evaluate and assess the machines. The outcome will be judged by a team of technical experts working independently with a panel, the EC has announced.



Replying to a question, the minister said the Karnataka government would not be sending anyone. But the Congress party in Delhi may send participants, he added.



However, in Karnataka a couple of startups have come forward accepting the challenge of the EC. However, he was not ready to disclose the names of the firms.We are looking at their capability.



Also, the Election Commission has invited only political parties to participate in the hackathon. So no company can participate on its own. Even individuals cannot participate. Private companies will not be ready to represent political parties at the hackathon. The EC should have allowed even individuals and tech companies to participate, he said.



Asked why not the Congress partys IT wing or technical cell members make an attempt to prove the machines could be tampered with, Kharge said, It is left to the INC to decide. But I strongly feel that private companies should have been allowed to participate. We, politicians have expressed apprehensions. We have raised an issue which needs to be answered. But we are not technically qualified to handle the machines. Why not allow companies which have been listed in the Fortune 500 list to participate? Let R&D centres of tech companies be allowed.



The intention should be re-establish credibility in EVMs. Unfortunately, the EC has not given such opportunity, he added.
Paresh Rawal, actor and Member of Parliament from Ahmedabad East constituency, who has been in news recently for controversial tweets he made against author and activist Arundhati Roy, on Wednesday said that he was coerced to delete his tweets.



I inform to all my supporters and citizens of the country, that I am being coerced to delete something I tweeted on 21st May, or else twitter would block my account, he was quoted to have stated in a letter on Wednesday.



The Parliamentarian had on May 21 in support of army major who used a citizen in Kashmir as Human shield had tweet that Instead of tying stone pelter on the army jeep tie Arundhati Roy! He later apparently also supported the same treatment for a senior journalist. This had sparked off a major controversy on the social media platform.



Rawal in a publicly issued letter on Wednesday, which was confirmed by his office as his official stance, said that, I Paresh Rawal - citizen of India, continue to defend my tweet and support my expression which was made without any prejudice to gender, race or caste.



He went on to state that he stood by and will continue to stand by the citizens and Indian Armed forces under any situation and at any cost.



However, his twitter handle did not show the controversial tweet on late Wednesday evening.


Taking note of the violence in Saharanpur, the Uttar Pradesh government today suspended the Superintendent of Police (SSP) and District Magistrate posted there while transferring the Divisional Commissioner and the Deputy Inspector General (DIG).



"SSP Subhash Chandra Dubey and District Magistrate N P Singh have been suspended while Divisional Commissioner N P Agarwal and DIG J K Shahi have been transferred", an official spokesman told PTI.



While Bablu Kumar has been posted as SSP, Saharanpur, Pramod Kumar Pandey will be the new DM, the official said.



No official reason has been cited for the action, but it is believed that the top officials were removed after Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed displeasure as they could not control the situation in Saharanpur district.



Saharanpur has witnessed widespread caste based clashes repeatedly this month. Violence again erupted yesterday claiming the life of a man while unidentified gunmen shot and seriously injured another person today.



DIG, security, Vijay Bhushan who was sent by the government yesterday to camp in Saharanpur has been named the new DIG of the area while it is awaited as to who will be the new Divisional Commissioner.
Defence minister Arun Jaitley on Wednesday came out in support of Major Leetul Gogoi, who used a Kashmiri man as a human shield in front of an army vehicle in order to rescue a polling party in Jammu and Kashmir.



Military solutions are to be provided by military officers. How a situation is to be dealt with when you are in a war-like zone. We should allow our army officers to take a decision. They don't have to consult members of the Parliament as to what they should do under such circumstances, Jaitley said here.



The defence minister's comments are not only an indication of the NDA government's support for Maj Gogoi, but also a veiled criticism of former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who voiced his dissent and wrote an article strongly criticising the incident.



In fact, it was Abdullah, who first tweeted a video footage of the incident triggering an intense debate on whether the controversial act was justified or not under the circumstances. The Army said the decision was taken to same lives as firing on an angry stone-pelting mob could lead to disastrous consequences.



But the National Conference leader raised several questions on how the rights of the individual - a local named Farooq Dar  were violated and how the Army Chief Gen Bipin Rawat's decision to reward Maj Gogoi would render the ongoing Court of Inquiry useless.



The Army instituted a Court of Inquiry on the incident following the hue and cry that the incident triggered. Sources said the inquiry found him not guilty and it was Gen Rawat, who decided to reward the young Major, who rose through the ranks, with a commendation card.



While awarding the officer, all factors including notable performance of the officer and overall emerging indicators of the Court of Inquiry have been well considered. The Court of Inquiry is under finalisation, said an officer.
The Union Cabinet on Wednesday cleared the long-awaited Strategic Partnership model that would encourage big Indian private companies to enter the defence manufacturing space.



Under the "Strategic Partnership" model, the government will shortlist and pick Indian companies, which would have to join hands with foreign firms to manufacture single-engine fighter jets, helicopters, armoured vehicles and submarines.



Under discussion within the government for more than year, the policy was approved by the Cabinet Committee of Security on Wednesday, defence minister Arun Jaitley Jaitley said. The Cabinet nod comes within three days of the approval given by the Defence Acquisition Council.



Defence preparedness itself necessitates that you produce and manufacture domestically, Jaitley said.



Several Indian firms like Larsen & Toubro, Mahindra, Tata, Reliance, Bharat Forge and Adani groups are all expected to benefit from the Cabinet decision.



Under the new model, the single engine fighter aircraft and helicopters segment will be open only to the private sector at the moment.



For submarines and armoured fighting vehicles and main battle tank, the defence public sector undertaking and ordnance factories board will also be eligible for competition in the selection process for SPs.



Once the partnership is formed between the Indian companies and the foreign original equipment manufacturer, the government would give an assured order to continue with the production.



The defence ministry decided to include the public sector organisations in the SPs, reversing earlier decision that these state-owned units would be kept out of the competition.



It mimics the US model where all major defence manufacturers like Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, General Dynamics and BAE are in the private sector, but operate under strict government control.
A master plan will be prepared for the development of Sri Mookambika Temple in Kollur to make it one of the best spiritual destinations in southern India, said Muzrai and Textile Minister Rudrappa Manappa Lamani.



He said that suggestions from the local legislators, the administrative board of the temple and the devotees of the temple will be gathered in this regard.



He was speaking after taking part in a Chandika Homa at the Sri Mookambika Temple in Kollur on Wednesday.A master plan has already been prepared for the development of Kukke Subrahmanya Temple at an estimate of Rs 26 crore. Works have been initiated at the Chamundi Kshetra in Mysuru and at Savadatti at a cost of Rs 76 crore.



A revenue of approximately Rs 400 crore generated from A and B grade temples in the state will be utilised for various works.



Services to be regularised



The minister further said that measures will be taken to regularise the services of 74 employees in the Kollur temple. Legal advice will be obtained towards regularising the services of temporary employees in the rest of the temples coming under the Muzrai Department. The vacant posts in the Department will also be filled in a due course of time.



There are plans to start a separate engineering section for the Department, to look after the development works carried out by the Department, he added.



The process of adoption of small temples in villages will be simplified. Directions will be given to clear the proposals from the temples within seven days. If needed, amendments will be made to the law to give more power to the temple management committee.



Documentation



Documentation of traditional rituals in Muzrai Department temples will be made in a due course. A meeting of senior scholars will be held in this regard, Lamani explained.



Responding to a query, the Muzrai minister said that directions will be issued to the concerned officials to complete the UGD work in Kollur at the earliest.



Temple management committee chairman Harish Kumar Shetty, members H Jayaram Shetty Vandaballi, Ramesh Ganiga, executive officer Janardan, priest Narsi Narasimha Adiga and Sridhara Adiga were present on the occasion.




With frequent reports of child marriages challenging the preventive measures taken by the district administration, a mobile awareness campaign was launched on Wednesday.



The two-day campaign, titled Balya Vivaha Thade and Shale Kade Nanna Nade, will traverse different parts of the taluks in the district.



Flagging off the campaign at the district court complex here, principal district and sessions court judge Prabhavati M Hiremath explained the significance of the initiative to bring back dropouts to school by educating people about the benefits of education.



On the other hand, it also helps in increasing awareness level among parents against forcing their minor wards for marriage, eventually to get rid of the social malady, the judge added.



Additional Deputy Commissioner M L Vaishali said, It is intended at bringing back the dropout students to mainstream, within the stipulated period.



Child Welfare Committee (CWC) president H C Nataraj said, It is targeting students who have taken up callous jobs at hotels and garages and aims at helping them continue their education.



The van is equipped with audiovisual presentations on the ill-effects of child marriage and the benefits of education. The awareness programmes will be conducted at schools and on gram panchayat office premises. The campaign will cover Karthikeri, Marle, Belavadi, Kalasapura and Lakhya villages in the taluk.



Nataraj said, 10 cases of child marriage were reported in 2016-17 in the district. The campaign will focus on creating awareness on legal aspects, as child marriage is a punishable offence.

The legal age for marriage for groom is 21 years and 18 for bride groom, he reminded.



Senior civil judge M Ramesh, Bar Association president H E Azad Ali Khan, deputy director of Women and Child Development Department K C Basavarajaiah were present.




UnifiEd has announced a series of EdTalks throughout the county on the topic of school funding and the school systems budget request. EdTalks are small group discussions between community members focused on a topic related to public education in Hamilton County.

Facilitated by UnifiEd organizers, this series is meant to be an exchange of thoughts and perspectives about whats important to the community regarding schools.

There are two types of EdTalks: Coffee + Conversation and Beer + Babble. All are welcome, and the first beverage is provided by UnifiEd.

These meet-ups are scheduled throughout the county across a variety of days, times, and venues to give the greatest number of interested community members the opportunity to join these conversations. Additional EdTalks dates and venues will be announced throughout June. The full schedule and new date announcements can be found on UnifiEds website.

Attendees can expect to learn more about school funding and the school budget process. A UnifiEd facilitator will share an overview of the school funding process, the decision makers, and the Department of Educations proposed 2018 budget. They will also share action steps anyone can take to help ensure every student has the resources they need to be successful.

Currently Scheduled EdTalks

Weds., May 24 8-9:00 a.m. Wired Coffee Bar 5707 Main St., Ooltewah, Coffee + Conversation

Weds., May 24 12-1:00 p.m. Wired Coffee Bar 5707 Main St., Ooltewah, Coffee + Conversation

Thurs., May 25 12-1:00 p.m. UnifiEd office 1609 McCallie Ave. Coffee + Conversation

Thurs., May 25 6-7:00 p.m. Beast & Barrel 16 Frazier Ave. Beer + Babble

Tues., May 30 1-2:00 p.m. Glass House Collective 2501 Glass St. Coffee + Conversation

Tues., May 30 6-7:00 p.m. The Casual Pint 5550 Hwy. 153 Beer + Babble

Weds., May 31 12-1:00 p.m. MayFly Coffee Shop 708 Mississippi Ave., Signal Mountain Coffee + Conversation

Weds., May 31 6-7:00 p.m. El Metate 1238 Taft Hwy, Signal Mountain Beer + Babble

Thurs., June 1 12-1:00 p.m. UnifiEd office 1609 McCallie Ave. Coffee + Conversation

Thurs., June 1 6-7:00 p.m. Starbucks 2217 Hamilton Place Blvd. Coffee + Conversation

Fri., June 2 2-3:00 p.m. Cafe on the Corner 826 Scenic Hwy., Lookout Mountain, TN Coffee + Conversation

Sat., June 3 9:30-10:30 a.m. Dunkin Donuts (Hwy. 58) 4535 TN-58 Coffee + Conversation

Mon., June 5 12-1:00 p.m. Starbucks 5610 Brainerd Rd. Coffee + Conversation

Thurs., June 8 12-1:00 p.m. UnifiEd office 1609 McCallie Ave. Coffee + Conversation

Fri., June 9 12-1:00 p.m. The Meeting House (Red Bank) 3912 Dayton Blvd. Coffee + Conversation

Mon., June 12 6-7:00 p.m. Mellow Mushroom Beer + Babble (Hamilton Place) 2318 Lifestyle Way

Tues., June 13 6-7:00 p.m. Heaven and Ale (Ooltewah) 9431 Bradmore Ln. Beer + Babble

Weds., June 14 9-10:00 a.m. Cracker Barrel (Lookout Valley) 50 Birmingham Hwy. Coffee + Conversation

Weds., June 14 5:30-6:30 p.m. Mean Mug (Southside) 114 W Main St. Coffee + Conversation








The University of Mysore (UoM) Academic Council on Wednesday approved renewing affiliation to 170 first grade colleges for the academic year 2017-18, and recommended temporary affiliation for nine colleges.



The council meeting chaired by UoM in-charge Vice-Chancellor Dayananda Mane approved affiliation at a meeting held at the Crawford Hall. The affiliation is based on the report submitted by the College Development Council (CDC) after visiting the colleges which had applied for renewal of the affiliation. Of the 170 colleges, nine have permanent affiliation status. In addition, the council also approved continuation for post graduate courses in 97 colleges.



Members of CDC Aisha M Sheriff, who is also Dean, Faculty of Commerce, and Ningamma C Betsur, Dean, Department of Education, complained that the deans and head of the departments are being neglected in the process of reviewing the facilities in the colleges. The authorities do not inform them during visits to colleges and many a times they are avoided. Hundreds of colleges are offering commerce courses and the institutions have not taken expertise of the teaching faculty into consideration, Sheriff said.



However, the VC said that these are the lapses of the CDC and it should not be repeated.

The council members agreed to send a proposal to the state government to consider and make amendments to the criterion of educational qualifications so that only those who have passed MA in Public Administration will be eligible to teach UG and PG Public Administration. Similarly, the members also suggested to remove the guest faculty who possess only a post graduation degree and are thus ineligible. The members suggested that fresh interviews must be conducted to appoint faculty members.



Review panel to visit UoM



University Review Commission will visit the UoM to analyse and review the functioning on May 26 and 27. Dayananda Mane said that the team, headed by former vice chancellor of Bangalore University, N R Shetty, will visit the varsity for two days and interact with the teaching faculty members, students and other staff members.



The team comprising, V B Coutinho, former director of Directorate of Legal Education, Bar Council of India and A M Pathan, former vice chancellor of Central University, Kalaburagi among others will review the facilities and functioning of the varsity. Lingaraj Gandhi, Director for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Board (PMEB), will assist the team members, he said.



The council members suggested that the varsity authorities take measures to improve the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) in the years to come.



A member said that a majority of the private institutions have facilitated smart classrooms for every department and the varsity too should convert classrooms into smart classrooms.



As per a survey conducted by the NIRF, a part of the Union Ministry of Human Resource Development, UoM has secured the 36th rank in the universities category among 774 universities in India and is also ranked 57th in the overall category among 3,300 institutions in the country. The council agreed to give an incentive of Rs 50,000 for PMEB team for their effort in achieving the ranking.



VC to meet Governor



The VC said that he would meet Governor Vajubhai Vala and submit a report in connection with the appointment of the VC on June 2 at Raj Bhavan in Bengaluru.




Karnataka Unaided Private Engineering Colleges' Association (KUPECA) will approach Chief Minister Siddaramaiah regarding their demand to increase fees for government quota seats in private engineering colleges by at least 10% in the 2017-18 academic year.



On Monday, the association held a meeting with Higher Education Minister Basavaraj Rayareddy to discuss their demand.



However, according to sources, the minister rejected the demand saying that they could not increase the fee because of the upcoming Assembly elections in the state in 2018. Rayareddy said that increasing the fee would affect the ruling party adversely in the elections, hence the existing fee should continue.



Representatives of the colleges say that expenses such as maintenance and salaries of professors have gone up and course fee should increase, as a result.



Discussions with the higher education minister have not been fruitful, so we want to approach the chief minister. We have asked for a meeting with him, said M K Panduranga Setty, secretary, KUPECA.



In 2016-17, the course fee in government engineering colleges for architecture, civil, computer science, electronics, electrical, information science and mechanical was Rs 18,500.



Fee for government quota seats in private colleges was fixed between Rs 49,500 and Rs 55,000.




In a first, a KAS officer has filed a complaint with the Lokayukta against four IAS officers alleging harassment.



K Mathai, an under secretary, presently serving as administrative officer, Sakala Mission, has filed a complaint against IAS officers and requested the Lokayukta to recommend the state government to introduce a strong Accountability Act.



In his complaint, Mathai stated that three false and baseless departmental enquiries (DE) were initiated against him since 2012 during the period of the then Principal Secretary Ashok Kumar Manoli (now retired). Based on the documents submitted by Mathai, the then Revenue Minister V Srinivas Prasad ordered closure of the DEs.



After Srinivas Prasad joined BJP, the last proposal for DE was re-opened only to further harass me. There seems to be no end to intentional harassment of junior officers by senior officers, Mathai stated in the complaint. The proposal to initiate the third DE is pending for the last five years without any action being taken either to set up enquiry or to close the proposal. Mathai said the pending proposal was with the intention to deny him promotion.



As assistant commissioner (Advertisement) in BBMP, Mathai held a detailed enquiry into losses of advertisement tax suffered by the civic agency. His report said that BBMP lost Rs 2,000 crore in advertisement tax since 2008. The state government ordered a Criminal Investigation Department (CID) inquiry into the illegal advertisement hoardings case. Mathai claims to have fixed responsibility on the then BBMP Commissioner M Lakshminarayana. The same senior officer recently wrote adverse remarks in my Annual Confidential Report so that my promotion is delayed,' he said.



Mathai demanded that the proposal and DEs should also come under Sakala. Article 51E of the Constitution requires every citizen to suggest reforms. A departmental enquiry pertaining to employee services is also required to be completed within three months as per rules. But, since it is not included in Sakala, senior officers prolong the DE cases and there is no mechanism to check senior officers' accountability. The state should have a Public Servants Accountability Act and an Accountability Commission, Mathai said.
With just a day left for the Indian Open of Surfing 2017, surfers from Tamil Nadu, Goa, Kerala, Russia, France, Germany, in addition to surfers from Karnataka, landed at Sasihithlu beach for practice on Wednesday.



The Tourism Department, along with the Mantra Surf Club and Kanara Surfing and Water Promotion Council, will organise a three-day Karnataka Surfing Festival, Indian Open of Surfing 2017 from May 26 to 28.



Surfing ambassadors Suniel Shetty, Jonty Rhodes and Sanju Samson will take part in the event.

The Mantra Surf Club has been making preparations for the last few months. In the first edition of the Indian Open of Surfing, the members of our Club too had taken part. Top ranked Stand Up Paddler Tanvi Jagadish is the surfer to look out for at the event, said Shamanth of Mantra Surf Club.



On Wednesday, stars like Nehal, Satyasri Krishna, Tanvi Jagadish, Sinchana Gowda, Anisha were seen practising on the shores of the beach.



Panambur Beach Tourism Development Project CEO Yathish Baikampady, who is also closely associated in promoting surfing, said that around 30 surfers, along with local surfers have practised surfing at Sasihithlu beach. About 150 persons have registered for the competition online. The registration for local talent to take part in the event is open till May 26.



Sasihithlu is now the emerging as a hotspot of coastal tourism thanks to the India Open of Surfing organised by Surfing Federation of India last year, he said.
The Manipal University Press (MUP) celebrated its 100th publication on Wednesday with the release of four books, including Ayurvedic Inheritance: A Readers Companion by M S Valiathan, National Research Professor.



The other books being released are: If We Meet Again, We Shall Smile by Anushua Chakrabarti; Performing Self, Performing Gender by Sheetala Bhat; and Sumi and the Dance of the Dark Spirits by Toinali Sema. The book by Dr Valiathan will be the 100th book.



It all began with the publication of The Path of Proofs  Pramana Paddhati of Jayatirtha by Srinivasa Varakhedi in November 2011.



Speaking on the occasion, Manipal University vice chancellor Dr Vinodh Bhat said the University will hold a literary fest, a major affair that would end up in the conglomeration of literary giants from across the world. The fest would be held from September 15 to 17.



He said, We take delight in diversity. We believe in versatility and endorse a plethora of publications and do not compromise on quality what makes a university press rich. The MUP makes it a point to maintain uncompromising quality with quantity and aims to reach out to different sections of society. The books are priced such that they reach the maximum number of target readers.



Dr Bhat added that it was a matter of pride that the MUP touched the 100 mark in its sixth year. It has been a fascinating journey publishing books from different disciplines, also venturing into fiction and many more. Several universities from across the world have publication divisions. However, very few from private universities in India have established publication divisions and that makes Manipal University proud to have been a torch-bearer in this direction, he said and added that some of the books published by the MUP is in the shelf of Oxford University Press.



As a university press, the MUP offers a platform for academic publishing as well as for popular publishing. The scholarly publications include books, journals, textbooks, monographs, edited volumes, lecture notes, conference proceedings and reference works across disciplines.



Varied topics



The other set of publications include general interests such as biographies, memoirs and others that comprise books in English, Kannada and other Indian languages  fiction and non-fiction.



Elaborating on the book Ayurvedic Inheritance: A Readers Companion, National Research Professor M S Valiathan said that there is a need for thorough knowledge of Ayurveda before practice. Ayurveda is in the nascent stage in India, where it had its origin. Lack of basic scientific understanding has resulted in the less promotion of Ayurveda in India. Ayurveda can be used to combat non-communicable diseases, however, it should be understood and studied in-depth. The indigenous medicinal system is marginalised and is being treated as complementary medicine, he lamented, and added that the medicinal system can be national pride, if it is used in a proper manner.



The writer of the book Sumi and the Dance of the Dark Spirits, Toinali Sema said that childrens books are mostly authored by international writers and there are very few from India, especially from the Northeastern states. She said that the basic culture of the Northeastern states is oral, but the rich treasure is vanishing as the cultural inheritance is not penned down. There are misconceptions that the people from Nagaland dont read, which is not true. The oral legacy is taken forward and there is nothing much to read. She said that Nagaland stands isolated.




Even a week after the mysterious death of Karnataka cadre IAS officer Anurag Tewari, who was found dead near a guest house here on May 17, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) has not been able to make any headway in the matter.



The doctors, who performed autopsy of Tewari's body, said that it had ''antemortem'' injuries.



According to the police sources here on Wednesday, the SIT would be recording the statement of the family members of Tewari. ''We also plan to take a member of the family to Bengaluru, said a senior police official here.



A police team is likely to leave for Bengaluru in a day or two, sources said. The team would meet senior officials in the Karnataka capital to find out if Tewari was indeed probing some major scam in the Food and Civil Supplies department.



Adding to the mystery behind the death, the team of doctors, which performed the autopsy, said that there were injury marks on Tewari's face. There were injuries on inside part of his lower lip, face and chin, said an official privy to the postmortem report. Sources said that the nature of injuries suggested that Tewaris death might not be natural.



They also said that senior Uttar Pradesh IAS officer Prabhu Narain Singh, who was a batch mate of Tewari, and was staying in the same room where Tewari had stayed at the government guest house in the state capital, told the police that Tewari had been under stress and had requested for extension of his leave.



Tewari, who was commissioner, Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs department in Karnataka, was found dead by the side of the road a few metres away from the Meerabai Guest House here.



Officers being harassed

JD(S) leader H D Kumaraswamy on Wednesday said he felt that harassment of junior IAS officers by their seniors is a reality in the present government, DHNS reports from Bengaluru. Reacting to queries on the mysterious death of IAS officer Anurag Tewari, Kumaraswamy said the CBI probe into the case will bring out the truth.



However, there is no denying that all is not well in the functioning of the present government, he said.
The Kothanur police on Tuesday arrested six people for murdering a rowdy in Northeast Bengaluru on Saturday. One other suspect is yet to be arrested.



Ayub Khan (38), the victim, was a realtor and resident of Govindapura and was killed over a long-standing dispute. The arrested are prime suspect Syed Sharieff (33), Syed Mehboob Pasha (29), Sharukh Khan (24), Syed Mansoor Ali (30), all residents of Yelahanka, Mohammad Jaffar Hussain (34), a resident of Ganganagar Extension and Nawaz Sharief (19), from DJ Halli. One more suspect Waqar Ahmed (35), a resident of Yelahanka, is at large. According to the police, Khan had gone missing on Saturday. His body was found on Monday in his eucalyptus grove behind Surya cement concrete factory in Bellahalli off Hegdenagar main road, said the police.



The police collected call detail records and tracked six men who were picked up from near Halasuru lake on Tuesday.



Upon interrogation, the suspects said Khan had cheated many of them of lakhs of rupees and had even sold the same site to different customers. Khan also had a rowdy sheet opened against him at Kadugondanahalli police station after he threatened, extorted and intimidated several of his cheated customers.



All the suspects were earlier Khans associates, the police said. One of them, Syed Sharieff, formed an association to fight against Ayub. He put up a name board of the association with a flag near Bellahalli bus-stand to which Khan objected.



On Saturday, Sharieff, along with six others called Khan to a secluded spot on the pretext of reaching a comprise. When Khan reached the spot, he was hacked to death after which the assailants fled the spot. The police later arrested the six and seized a Honda City car along with a chopper and two machetes from them.


Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) faced the ire of students after it made an error in the allotment of postgraduate medical and dental seats in the second round of common counselling.



KEA issued a notice on Monday cancelling the initial allotment made on May 20 saying it had not calculated reservation for candidates from Hyderabad-Karnataka. A notification on KEAs website read, This was done to fulfil a Constitutional obligation wherein during the allotment on 20th May 2017, Hyderabad-Karnataka reservation was not considered for allotment due to a technical error.



Several candidates, who were allotted a seat in the first list, lost them in the reallotment because of the reservation. Other candidates were disappointed as they did not get the college or course of their choice in the reallotment.



KEA will shortly release the schedule for the mop-up round of offline seat allotment to be held on May 28 and 29. Only candidates who have not been allotted any seats in any round are eligible to participate in this round.



Candidates should have previously registered and verified their documents to be eligible and they have to re-register themselves on the website by May 25. They have been told to carry all original documents and a DD.




Embarrassed by its leaders and workers for openly airing their grievances of late, the state Congress on Wednesday threatened to take strict action against such leaders.



AICC general secretary K C Venugopal and KPCC president G Parameshwara said the party will not hesitate to take disciplinary action if any leader causes damage to the party by expressing their grievances in public. Problems, if any, should be brought to the notice of the KPCC president. All issues should be discussed within the party forum, Parameshwara told reporters.



He said notices will be issued to a section of party workers in Koppal who recently shouted slogans against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in the presence of the AICC secretary. The Koppal workers, who claimed to be party loyalists, shouted Siddaramaiah hatao, Congress bachao in the district, causing embarrassment to the party.



Interestingly, within hours of the warning, the Congress workers belonging to two factions from Hassan district on Wednesday indulged in a heated argument at the KPCC office, where Venugopal, Parameshwara and Siddaramaiah were holding meetings. One of the factions had arrived in Bengaluru to meet Venugopal and complain against district in-charge Minister A Manju. They said Manju was neglecting Lingayats, SCs, STs and minorities in the district.



Differences among the party leaders at district levels have started surfacing ever since the AICC general secretary and the chief minister began a four-day exercise to interact with them. Whether it is the feud between Jarkiholi brothers in Belagavi or Santosh Lad and Anil Lad in Ballari or the tussle between the party loyalists and the migrants in Koppal, the party is now faced with a plethora of problems.



This apart, Venugopal, Siddaramaiah and Parameshwara met the party legislators and the leaders from all the district of Mysuru division. However, rebel leaders such as A H Vishwanath from Mysuru and B Janardhana Poojary from Dakshina Kannada districts kept off the meeting. The two leaders have been critical of Siddaramaiahs style of functioning.



Venugopal is scheduled to meet the legislators and workers from the Bengaluru division, including Bengaluru city, on Friday.
JD(S) leader H D Kumaraswamy on Wednesday saw BJP state president B S Yeddyurappas hand in the money laundering and benami transactions complaint filed against him.



In the complaint filed with the I-T department on Tuesday, one Venkatesh Gowda, who claimed to be a Congress worker, had charged that former prime minister H D Gowda and his family amassed wealth of up to Rs 20,000 crore from unknown sources through money laundering and benami transactions.



The complaint was filed on May 20 at the Income Tax departments Bengaluru office. The covering letter of the complaint claims to have 6,250 pages of documents with 600 annexures.





My complaint is under the Money Laundering Act and Benami Property Transaction Act, wherein all the documents are enclosed herewith and in each and every individual case, Deve Gowda, Kumaraswamy and other members of the family are the end beneficiaries. Investments are made in the name of Kavita, wife of H D Balakrishna Gowda, the eldest son of Deve Gowda,'' the complaint stated.

The complainant added that illegally earned money was invested in purchasing properties in various parts of Karnataka, New Delhi and the US in benami names.



Reacting to the charges, Kumaraswamy said, According to my information, this Venkatesh Gowda was with the Congress. He later joined the KJP (founded by Yeddyurappa). He unsuccessfully contested the 2013 Assembly elections on a KJP ticket from Rajarajeshwarinagar constituency.



The JD(S) leader dared Yeddyurappa to come out in the open and make charges. Why indulge in such cheap tactics? If they have documentary evidence about my family having benami property and money laundering, then they could have held a press conference and made the charges with supporting material, he said.



Let them confiscate

Kumaraswamy said if there was any truth in the charges, then all his properties could be confiscated and the proceeds channelised to waive loans procured by farmers.



On the Janthakal Mining Company case, Kumaraswamy said he had been summoned as a witness by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) but both the Congress and the BJP had made it out that he was on the verge of being arrested.



The government does not even seem to mind misleading the courts for political gains, he added.



BJP denies charge



Later in the day, the BJP denied that Yeddyurappa had anything to do with the case. BJP State Secretary Tejaswini Gowda told reporters that Kumaraswamy is known for his hit and run politics. Why is he so apprehensive? If he has done nothing wrong, let him face the case, she said.
When Cleveland State Community College alum Jim Evans enrolled at Cleveland State Community College years ago, he didnt realize that would be the first step to a productive career in wildlife resources. Fast forward a few decades, Mr. Evans is the recent winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Tennessee Chapter of the Wildlife Society.

The Lifetime Achievement Award is bestowed upon a wildlife professional for outstanding contributions to their field within the state of Tennessee over the course of their career. Awardees may be practitioners in research, education, management, conservation, law enforcement or legislation, but must have demonstrated excellence in their field related to wildlife in the state of Tennessee over the course of their career.

I would recommend CSCC to anyone, particularly if you are undecided about a career choice, but if you have a passion for hunting, fishing or any kind of wildlife resources, CSCC is a great place to start," said Mr. Evans. "You can get your fundamentals, your gen ed (general education) classes at the same time you are getting involved with Robert Brewer and CSCCs Wildlife Society.

Jim was always willing to give students a chance to experience hands-on learning on various hunts at Oak Ridge Wildlife Management Area, said Robert Brewer, associate professor of Biology/Wildlife Society advisor. He began his college career at Cleveland State long before we had a wildlife program, and was very willing to allow CSCC students to work various hunts at Oak Ridge WMA when we did start a program. He also spent many days teaching the animal damage control segment of our Introduction to Forestry, Wildlife and Fisheries course. Jim was truly an asset to the TWRA and to the students he helped over the years.

For over three decades, Mr. Evans managed the Oak Ridge Wildlife Management Area while working for the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency. After a successful 38 year career with TWRA, he retired in 2016 and began full time trapping work at the Y-12 National Security Complex in Oak Ridge. His work at Y-12 is of national importance. He has made numerous scientific contributions during his tenure, which can be found in journal articles, reports and other documents on a range of topics from songbirds to deer-vehicle collisions. He has conducted Partners in Flight breeding bird surveys on the ORR site since their inception in 1995, and in 2014, Evans co-wrote an 80-page technical manuscript documenting a rare species of birds ever known to have occurred on the ORR. In 2015, his work on early succession habitat for migratory birds garnered a winning final-four submittal put forth by the U.S. DOE for the Presidential Migratory Bird Award.

Despite his many academic achievements, Mr. Evans said the most rewarding part of his career was meeting his wife, Margaret Murray-Evans.

My career has been very interesting and a lot of fun, said Mr. Evans. But, more importantly, I was able to meet my wife in this profession. Her family hunted and fished. It takes a lot to be married to someone in this profession. You can sometimes have very odd hours and odd schedules, working nights, weekends and holidays, but my wife and my daughter, Erin, and our families have been very supportive.

Mr. Evans said other than mandatory meetings and trainings, FWF professionals are able to make their own schedule.

If you are doing your job right, nobody says anything," said Mr. Evans. "I know officers with TWRA that have started projects like hunting and fishing clubs and other projects in school systems on their own initiative. The TWRA will not stand in your way if this is something you want to do. I remember asking my supervisor if I could do something one time, and he said, Of course you can. My problem is getting people to work; Im not going to stand in the way of people who want to do it. Just do it.

Looking back on his career, Mr. Evans cant help but think of the strange animals that people have tried to keep as pets. From, snakes to lions and even alligators, he has had to deal with them all.

I have had to go deal with issues like that," said Mr. Evans. "Every law enforcement officer has had those kinds of stories. I had a call one time that a guy was keeping a cobra inside his house. He called to ask if I knew of a veterinarian who could remove the snakes poison glands. When people want to keep these weird animals as petsI just find that so bizarre.

Because of the significant growth in the Forestry, Wildlife and Fisheries program, the college has chosen to add a new faculty member to this program that will allow more course offerings. The FWF program is a transfer program that allows students the opportunity to work with professionals from several state, federal, and private entities during their first two years of college. During their time in this program, students will be able to explore the variety of jobs associated with the Forestry, Wildlife, and Fisheries field.

CSCC is the only two-year school in Tennessee with a student chapter of The Wildlife Society. Membership in this student chapter allows students to meet with and compete against senior institutions. It also allows students to meet with and discuss their future with advisors from senior institutions.

The colleges Wildlife Society just returned from a Student Wildlands Adventure Program that allowed students to go to New Mexico. This is one of the programs run through the new Greg A. Vital Center for Natural Resources and Conservation, the first named academic program at the college.

For more information on CSCCs FWF programs or the CSCC Wildlife Society, contact Mr. Brewer at 473-2342 or by email at rbrewer@clevelandstatecc.edu.




In one of the largest seed investments for a startup company in India, Acko General Insurance has raised $30 million from a set of renowned investors.



The company, set up by Varun Dua, the ex-founder of Coverfox, has also received an in-principle regulatory clearance to launch general insurance business in India.



The company has received funding from Narayana Murthys Catamaran Ventures, Accel, SAIF Partners, Venk Krishnan and Subba Rao of NuVentures, Infosys co-founder Kris Gopalakrishnan, DSP Blackrocks Hemendra Kothari, Hexaware Technologies founder and chairman Atul Nishar and Arpwood Capital founder and veteran investment banker Rajeev Gupta, a release said.



Acko will operate as an independent general insurance company with its entire operations offered through the digital platform.



It will create products and deliver opportunities in areas where there are gaps such as personalised insurance products based on user consumption behaviours, the release added.



Insurance world over and especially in India, has massive opportunities harnessing technology for lower distribution costs, algorithmic customised pricing and automated claims. The opportunity is even wider if innovative products which are designed to be consumed online within the Internet economy can be made to work in a way that customers find it relevant and easy to access, Acko founder Varun Dua said.



FinTech is disrupting the financial services industry in India and we want to be a part of this disruption. We want to use tech-driven efficiencies to redefine this space. We wish the young and vibrant team at Acko all the success, Hexaware Technologies founder and chairman and one of the investors in Acko Atul Nishar said.




Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) K A Manoharan and Deputy CRS E Srinivas inspected Yelachenahalli Metro Station on Reach 4 and 4A of Namma Metros north-south corridor on Wednesday. The CRS and his team held the inspection from 3.30 pm to 6.40 pm.



The CRS is scheduled to inspect a railway line in Bagalkot from Thursday, which was scheduled much earlier. He will hold the next round of inspection from May 29 to 31, when he will check the underground section.



Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited officials Vijaykumar Dhir, N M Dhoke and others were present during inspection on Wednesday.



Elevated corridor



According to the schedule, the CRS will inspect the elevated corridor between National College and Yelachenahalli from 10 am to 5.45 pm on May 29. The inspection of the underground section between Sampige Road and National College will take place next day. On May 31, the CRS will conduct trial run from 9.45 am to 11 am, which will be followed by a speed test.




Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palanisami on Wednesday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi

without aides, amid indications that the ruling AIADMK (Amma) was inclined to back the NDAs choice for the next President.



Only on May 19, former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O Panneerselvam, who heads one of the factions of the AIADMK, had called on Modi to indicate that his group may back the NDAs nominee.



Ostensibly, Palanisami met Modi to invite him as the chief guest at two events in Chennai to honour former chief ministers, the late M G Ramachandran and J Jayalalithaa.



As Palanisamis meeting with Modi took place against the backdrop of investigation by the Income-Tax department into dealings of some AIADMK leaders, including a state minister, the political situation in the state is understood to have come up for discussion, AIADMK sources said.



The AIADMK camp owing allegiance to V K Sasikala has been gripped by fear of a crackdown after the arrest of mining baron and industrialist J Sekhar Reddy by the Enforcement Directorate under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) in March.



Reddy is accused of close links with both the factions of the AIADMK. There were no discussions on politics. I submitted a memorandum to the prime minister raising several state-specific issues. We will decide soon (on Presidential polls), Palanisami said after his one-hour meeting with Modi.



But AIADMK sources said the Tamil Nadu chief minister apparently conveyed his party's support to the NDA. Last week, Panneerselvam, too, had denied discussing politics with Modi though his camp indicated support for the NDAs choice.



The ruling AIADMK (Amma) led by Palanisami has got 26 Lok Sabha MPs and 124 MLAs on its side. Panneerselvam-led AIADMK Puratchi Thalaivi Amma has the support of 10 MPs and nine MLAs.



Significantly, Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu had met Palanisami in Chennai recently, which paved the way for the Tamil Nadu chief minister to call on Modi, the sources said.




The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved scrapping of the 25-year-old Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) tasked with approving foreign direct investment (FDI) proposals requiring government oversight.



The Union Budget for 2017-18 had made a proposal for its abolition. Detailing the Cabinet decision, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said since 90-95% FDI has been coming via automatic route over the last few years and only 11 sectors now needed prior approvals for foreign investment, the respective ministries could now decide on FDI in these 11 sectors.



He said in some cases a reference may be made to the home ministry for permission. Henceforth, the work relating to processing of applications for FDI and approval of the government thereon under the extant FDI Policy and FEMA, shall now be handled by the concerned ministries/departments in consultation with the Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion (DIPP), Ministry of Commerce, which will also issue the standard operating procedure (SOP) for processing of applications and decision of the government under the extant FDI policy, an official statement said after the Cabinet meeting.



In addition, foreign investors will find India more attractive destination and this will result in more inflow of FDI. The move will provide ease of doing business and will help in promoting the principle of Maximum Governance and Minimum Government, it said.

FIPB is an inter-ministerial body under the finance ministrys Department of Economic Affairs that processes FDI proposals and makes recommendations for government approval.



Assam to get AIIMS



The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved setting up of an All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) at Kamrup in Assam, two days ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to the state to roll out functions to mark the third anniversary of the NDA government, DHNS reports from New Delhi.

The function also coincides with the first year of the BJP-led government in Assam.

The institute will cater to healthcare in the eight states of Northeast.








Prime Minister Narendra Modis historic two-day visit to Israel from July 5 will witness his signature reachout to Indian diaspora, at Tel Aviv, which includes Gujaratis and Jews, who have migrated back to their homeland with memories of their decades-long stay here.



Apart from a bilateral engagement that is expected to entail signing of memorandums of understanding in defence, agriculture and innovations, a convention has been planned in Tel Aviv on the opening day of his visit, which coincides with the 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations.



Modi will address NRIs following a cultural programme, said BJPs foreign policy department head Vijay Chauthaiwale.



Modi, who had started the trend of addressing NRIs with the Madison Square event during his maiden US tour after his swearing-in in May 2014, will also visit Jerusalem, he said.



Among the expatriates are a sizeable number of Gujaratis involved in diamond trade, which accounts for half of the business between the two countries. During his visit to Surat last week, the hub of the diamond business in the country, Modi had announced that he would be the first prime minister to go to Israel on their (people) behalf since you have trading relations with that country. Nurses from Kerala have landed in Israel over the years looking for jobs.



The reverse migration of Jews began post Independence. Chauthaiwale estimates that about 80,000 of them flew back from Mumbai, Cochin and North East, and continue to relish Indian culture.
Uncertainty prevailed over the announcement of the CBSE Class X and XII results, with the Union government exploring legal options on a Delhi High Court stay on the scrapping of the moderation of marks policy for this year.



The order of the high court is being studied. The CBSE may file a special leave petition (appeal) in the Supreme Court, challenging the Delhi High Courts order on Thursday, an official source in the human resource development (HRD) ministry said. Earlier in the day, senior officials of the ministry and the CBSE held a meeting on the issue. HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar had called the meeting, which was attended by CBSE chairman R K Chaturvedi and ministrys Department of School Education Secretary Anil Swarup.



At the meeting, it was decided that the board should take a legal opinion on the high courts decision before taking any further step, the source said. The CBSE was gearing up to announce the results this week without moderation of marks. But the high court on Tuesday directed it to continue with its moderation policy.



While CBSE officials and those in the ministry remained tight-lipped, official sources said that results may not get delayed.



The CBSE has not yet announced the date for the declaration of the results, but there were reports in various sections of the media that the results could be declared by the board anytime this week.

Even as an SLP is filed with the apex court, announcement of results would not be delayed. Whatever the court says on the boards appeal, it will be followed, an official said.



The board is looking for legal options to challenge the Delhi High Court order on its moderation policy as at least six state governments, including Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, have declared the results of the Class X and XII board examinations.



If CBSE continues with the moderation of marks policy this year following the high courts order, it will create a peculiar situation because many of the states ended moderation of marks from this year itself, a source said.



The HRD minister refused to comment on the issue, saying CBSE will speak on it. Thats why I have asked CBSE. They will issue a statement on this issue. Let us not hurry. Just wait, Javadekar said, when asked what would happen to those states that declared the results of the board examination of their schools without moderation of marks if CBSE implements the high court order.






The Indian Air Force (IAF) on Wednesday categorically ruled out any air space violation by the Pakistan Air Force, which was reportedly flying their combat jets near the Siachen Glacier.



The IAF response came following reports in Pakistani media that Mirage-5 fighter jets took off from the Quadri Airbase in Skardu and flew near Siachen. Reports stated that Pakistan Air Force (PAF) chief, Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman, was on board one of the jets. The air chief was visiting the forward airbase.

There was no airspace violation by the PAF, said an IAF spokesperson here.



A source said fighter jets do not fly over the glacier, which is known as weapon-free area. Neither India nor Pakistan takes the risk of flying their jets on the glacier as that would expose the aircraft to enemy fire.



At an altitude of 20,000 feet, Siachen Glacier is the worlds highest battlefield, dominated by India since 1984. The glacier is a bone of contention between the two neighbours.



The vexed issue has its roots in Indo-Pak history as neither the Karachi agreement of 1949 nor the Shimla agreement of 1972 delineated the glacier beyond a point called NJ 9842.



The Indian Army insists on clear demarcation of the actual ground position line (AGPL) and its global verification. The two countries have held 12 rounds of talks on institutionalising the AGPL, but the discussions have remained futile so far.



The incident is unlikely to be a regular combat exercise because for exercises close to the border, both nations inform each other. Another source said the air headquarters has received no such information.

Located in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, Skardu does not house a permanent PAF squadron.



But combat flying does take place from time to time. Talking to the Pakistan media at the air base, Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman said no situation was difficult for the PAF.



The nation (Pakistan) should not worry about the enemys statements. We are peace loving people but are ready to face all kinds of challenges, he said.



All forward operating bases of the PAF have reportedly been made operational in response to Indian threats, reports suggested.



Recently, chief of the Indian Air Force, Air Chief Marshal B S Dhanoa, had asked his men to be prepared for operations with the present holdings, at a very short notice.




Students of Bangalore University will no longer have to wait for a year, until their convocation, to get their degree certificates.



With the introduction of Sakala services by the varsity, students will be able to obtain provisional degree certificates within two days of applying for it. Registrar (Evaluation) of BU, Shankar Reddy, said that the time-bound examination services will also include three others  migration certificates, official transcripts and PhD results.



If students have to apply for jobs, they can do so using the provisional degree. Often employers and higher education institutions ask for official transcripts from the students university to ensure that their degree is genuine. This will also be provided in a speedy manner, Reddy said.



Earlier, after the viva-voce, PhD candidates would have to wait for two to six months to get their results. Now, this wait and uncertainty is also cut short. All these service requests will be completed within two days of giving us the application. If there is proof of emergency, we can even issue it on the same day, Reddy said.



Full-scale



The university tried the Sakala services on a trial basis in April and have now launched them in full-scale. In spite of having insufficient staff, Reddy assured that all requests will be completed in the stipulated time as he has given strict instructions.



The Sakala services will also benefit alumni of the university. Anyone who has graduated between 1964 and 1985 can get duplicate marks card, duplicate degree certificate, consolidated marks card or a correction in their name on the certificate, within six days of applying for it. Graduates of 1985 to 2000 will get these services in five days, graduates of 2000 to 2010 in four days and after 2010, in three days.



Tamper-proof marks cards



The varsity will be getting tamper-proof, water-resistant, high-quality marks cards from the next academic year. These marks cards will have nine security features and will be of 205 GSM paper quality. Registrar (Evaluation) Shankar Reddy said that the varsity was among the 17 universities in the state to receive orders from the higher education department to adopt these high-quality marks cards, in order to bring uniformity. The university has already placed an order with Mysore Sales International Limited.




Cleveland State Community College is now accepting applications for its new Certified Nursing Assistant program.

This is the Tennessee approved Nurse Aide Training class for individuals desiring to become licensed as C.N.A.s in the state of Tennessee. The Nurse Aide is a specially trained individual who works at an entry-level position under the supervision of a licensed nurse. Nurse aides are primarily employed at nursing homes, but may also find employment with hospitals and home health agencies. Nurse Aides perform basic routine patient care which may include assisting with meals or exercise, taking vital signs, personal hygiene and reporting signs and symptoms that may indicate illness. The Nurse Aide Training Course is designed to prepare individuals to function at entry level positions in various health care facilities.

The program is divided into three components of learning that include lecture, classroom skills lab and 40 hours of supervised patient care (clinical) in a long-term care facility. Upon successful completion of the course, the individual will be given a Certificate of Completion and will be eligible to take the State Certification Exam for Nurse Aides.

This is an eight week training program that will begin on Monday, June 19. Registration for the program is going on now through May 31, with acceptance interviews being conducted on June 5-6. The course fee is $900 and includes tuition, books, scrubs, liability insurance, TB test, background check, drug screen and CPR certification.

For more information or to register for the C.N.A. program, contact Continuing Education Coordinator Keri Eyler at 473-2270 or email her at keyler@clevelandstatecc.edu.






Dr. Paul Grossfeld focuses much of his time and energy in caring for the tiniest of patients - babies with congenital heart defects.

Grossfeld, a Carmel Valley resident, wears two hats -- hes a pediatric cardiologist at Rady Childrens Hospital, and a professor at UC San Diego Medical School, where he teaches and oversees a research laboratory.

An annual fundraiser - called Little Hearts Big Hopes - was held Sunday, May 21, at the home of Linda and Jeff Church in Rancho Santa Fe with the goal of raising about $250,000, enough money to keep Grossfelds research going for the next year.

Grossfelds lab at UCSD studies the genetic causes of congenital heart defects, to improve patient care and potentially prevent the conditions from developing. He oversees the work of two research scientists.

One area that Grossfeld is most interested in is a disease called Jacobsen syndrome, which is caused when part of the 11th chromosome is missing. Children born with the syndrome may suffer from intellectual disability, autism and a heart defect called hypoplastic left heart syndrome.

In patients with the heart syndrome, Grossfeld said, the left side of the heart does not develop properly, meaning it cannot adequately pump blood throughout the body. Patients either need a heart transplant, or a complex three-stage process to restructure the heart.

While Grossfeld said his lab, which collaborates with a number of other research institutions, receives some grant funding, the annual fundraising effort is crucial. Philanthropy is large component of support for this kind of research, he said.

For their part, the Church family, which has hosted the fundraiser for the past several years, doesnt have a personal connection to someone with congenital heart defect. But they wholeheartedly support Grossfeld and his work, said Linda Church. Her family co-owns Suja, a San Diego-based juice company whose products are found in stores around the nation.

I believe in research, and certainly medical research. Hes finding so much valuable information for so many different issues, which relate not just to heart issues, but to such disorders as Alzheimers disease and autism. It helps humanity in general. Thats why we support it.

Over the years, Grossfeld has found support from Hollywood as well as Rancho Santa Fe. Last year, the fundraising event was held at the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles and, in previous years, at the set of the hit television sitcom How I Met Your Mother, Grossfeld said.

Grossfeld met the shows co-creator, Craig Thomas, after Thomas son was diagnosed with Jacobsen syndrome.

At this years fundraiser at the Church home, one of the featured attractions was a performance by Ethan Bortnick, a pianist and musical prodigy who has already won wide renown despite his young age of 15. Ethans younger brother, Nathan, was born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, said Grossfeld.

Among Grossfelds own philanthropic work is a series of missions to a childrens hospital in Siem Reap, Cambodia, organized by his wife, Susan, which have provided heart surgeries to 150 young patients over the past decade.

Research into congenital heart defects is making progress, Grossfeld said. Just within the past year, colleagues at Georgia Tech have isolated a gene in frogs, which, when deactivated, causes hypoplastic left heart syndrome. The discovery may lead to interventions which can prevent the defect from occurring, he said. The importance of that, if were right, will be huge for this field.

And with cuts proposed to the National Institutes of Health, which funds research grants, individual giving is needed to support vital research.

I hope that through the fundraiser and (media coverage) it will raise more awareness and support, Grossfeld said. We cant do it without philanthropy, thats the bottom line.

Church said she and her family began hosting Grossfelds annual fundraisers out of a desire to support his vital research. But the connections with Grossfeld and his colleagues proved invaluable when her own son was later diagnosed with a heart condition that caused a rapid heartbeat.

I think a lot of people feel if theyre not affected by a certain issue, its not important for them to give, said Church. But when you give, you are receiving so much more in return.

For more information, email Grossfeld at pgrossfeld@ucsd.edu or visit www.littleheartsbighopes.org.
All eyes in the San Diego cannabis community are set squarely on May 30 after the managers of the Del Mar Fairgrounds called for a public forum on the regions first-ever cannabis festival.

The Goodlife Festival  which is planned for Sept. 23  is expected to draw several thousand people to the fairgrounds. Organizers say it will be limited to age 21 and up, and only attendees with medical marijuana cards will be allowed to bring cannabis to consume in designated areas.

Fairgrounds managers  as is customary with smaller-scale events  had signed the contract prior to seeking approval from the board of directors. But backlash erupted after this newspaper broke the news on May 2, and the topic was scheduled for discussion at the May 23 board meeting of the 22nd District Agricultural Association, which operates the state-owned fairgrounds.

But as the uproar grew, the DAA decided last week to host a special forum solely on the festival.

Anti-drug activists are hailing the May 30 forum as a small but important victory.

We, in the public, didnt have a chance to address it until after the contract was signed, said Judi Strang, executive director of the San Dieguito Alliance for Drug Free Youth. We dont think cannabis use in a public facility is good public health.

Festival organizers plan to counter with testimony from medical marijuana patients, and the San Diego County Farm Bureau  which is fiercely pro-marijuana  is scheduled to give a presentation.

The board of directors is also asking for guidance from the state attorney generals office, the San Diego County Sheriffs Department and the California Department of Food and Agriculture, which oversees the states fairgrounds.

This is something that were feeling our way on, because were getting different inputs from different folks, said DAA Board President Russ Penniman. Not everybody is on the same page on this. This needs a board discussion and well see what comes of it.

The meeting is scheduled for 4 p.m. on May 30 at the fairgrounds board room, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar.
Crye-Leike, Inc. is now ranked as the fifth largest independently-owned real estate firm in the nation, according to the 2017 REAL Trends 500 ranking based on Crye-Leikes 2016 sales results.

The ranking comes at a time when the companys continued growth and success has reached pinnacle milestones - its 40th anniversary and 25th year of expansion outside its Memphis hometown.

Established in 1977 in Memphis, Crye-Leike expanded into Nashville in 1992, the start of regional expansion that has grown the firm into the largest residential real estate firm in Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi and the Mid-South, and the fifth-largest independent real estate firm in the country. Crye-Leikes more than 3,100 sales associates, 800 employees and 126 company-owned and franchise offices spread across nine states generated $6.36 billion in sales volume in 2016  its biggest year ever - and is on track to achieve the companys goal of $6.7 million in sales volume this year.

REAL Trends 500 is an annual research report produced by REAL Trends (www.realtrends.com), the source for news, research and information about the real estate brokerage industry. Its report is an independently verified compilation of the nations leading residential real estate companies which identifies the largest and most successful residential firms in the country.

Crye-Leike ranks No. 5 on the Real Trends 500 list of Largest Independents, with 29,314 closed transaction sides in 2016. (A transaction side refers to the firm representing either the buyer or the seller in a real estate transaction. If both buyer and seller are represented by Crye-Leike agents, then that counts as two transaction sides.)

Crye-Leikes record sales year of $6.36 billion in 2016 was up 10.8 percent from $5.74 billion in 2015, and topped its previous best year of $6.1 billion in 2006.

CEO Harold E. Crye notes that the 10.8 percent increase in sales volume  more than double the companys goal of 5 percent growth in 2016  came in spite of historic inventory shortages across all regions where the company operates. Our proven system of support for our sales associates, the best training and adoption of the best technology is propelling Crye-Leikes growth and are why we are a market leader in all of the markets where we operate, Mr. Crye said.

Low inventory of for-sale homes in all of the markets where Crye-Leike operates didnt slow the companys growth. In 2016, Crye-Leike sales associates handled 32,834 closings across nine states, a 4.46 percent increase in the number of closings in 2015 (31,826). Thats an average of 10.4 sales per agent.

"In the last few years, the national norm for many large real estate firms or franchises is from five to nine sales closed per person per year," says Steve Brown, president of Crye-Leike Residential Sales, so in spite of our size Crye-Leike is closing high numbers per agent compared to our peer firms and franchises in the United States.

Crye-Leikes goal of $6.7 billion in sales volume this year - a 7 percent increase over 2016 - is achievable despite continued low inventory, insufficient new home construction, rising mortgage rates, and student loan debt, Mr. Crye said. "Even though we know we will face headwinds we still think that the overall economic growth, improving employment picture and more household formation all will have an overall positive impact and increase both volume and number of sales, barring an uncontrollable event in the global economic picture.






Tennessee tax revenue exceeded budgeted estimates in April. Department of Finance and Administration Commissioner Larry Martin on Tuesday announced that overall April revenues were $1.9 billion, which is $148.9 million more than the state budgeted.

Total reported revenues in April reflect significant improvement over this time last year and were driven primarily by franchise and excise payments, sales tax receipts and business tax revenues, Commissioner Martin said. The Hall income tax posted a significant reduction from receipts received in April 2016 and was much less than budgeted expectations. All other tax revenues, taken as a group, were more than the April estimates.

While revenue growth recovered from a sluggish March, we will continue to watch the performance of our two larges sources of revenue: sales taxes and franchise and excise taxes.

General fund revenues were more than the budgeted estimates in the amount of $159.0 million while the four other funds that share in state tax revenues were $10.1 million less than the estimates.

Sales taxes were $34.3 million more than the estimate for April and were 4.03 percent more than April 2016. April revenues reflect retail business activity that occurred in March. For nine months revenues are $204.9 million higher than estimated. The year-to-date growth rate for nine months was 2.98 percent.

Franchise and excise taxes combined were $140.8 million higher than the budgeted estimate in April, and the growth rate over April 2016 was positive 17.17 percent. For nine months revenues are $387.0 million more than the estimate and the year-to-date growth rate is 14.24 percent. However, adjusting for one-time payments received in the current year the underlying growth rate is positive 3.79 percent.

Gasoline and motor fuel revenues for April decreased by 3.56 percent compared to April 2016 but they were $3.8 million more than the budgeted estimate of $73.9 million. For nine months revenues have exceeded estimates by $35.4 million.

Tobacco taxes were $1.6 million less than the April budgeted estimate of $23.1 million. For nine months they are $3.6 million less than the budgeted estimate.

Inheritance and estate taxes were $1.1 million less than the April estimate. On a year-to-date basis revenues for nine months are $2.3 million more than the budgeted estimate.

Hall income tax revenues for April were $38.1 million less than the budgeted estimate. For nine months revenues are $41.4 million less than the budgeted estimate.

Privilege taxes were $0.1 million more than the April estimate and on a year-to-date basis, August through April, revenues are $6.4 million more than the estimate.

Business taxes were $11.2 million more than the April estimate. For nine months revenues are $18.9 million more than the budgeted estimate.

All other taxes were less than the estimates by a net of $0.5 million.

Year-to-date revenues for nine months were $624.5 million more than the budgeted estimate. The general fund recorded $578.8 million more than budgeted estimates and the four other funds $45.7 million.

The budgeted revenue estimates for 2016-2017 are based on the State Funding Boards consensus recommendation of Nov. 23, 2015 and adopted by the second session of the 109th General Assembly in April 2016. Also incorporated in the estimates are any changes in revenue enacted during the 2016 session of the General Assembly. These estimates are available on the states website at http://www.tn.gov/finance/article/fa-budget-rev.
If Miley Jab Hum Tum Was Made In Bollywood, Here's How It Would Look Like!
The annual Dixie Highway 90-Mile Yard Sale has grown steadily since it began in 2006. Pickers, junkers and down-right thrifty shoppers will be out in force once again as the sale returns June 2-4.

"Visitor interest in this year's sale has grown 17 percent year-to-date," said Regina Wheeler of the Cartersville-Bartow County Convention & Visitors Bureau, who referenced postings, likes and shares on Facebook.

The sale takes place from Ringgold through Acworth and features numerous sites in Emerson, Cartersville, Cassville and Adairsville. Ms. Wheeler says there are currently 10 known "mega sales" sites along the 90-mile route. Mega sales are defined as areas where property owners curate and rent spaces to other dealers, vendors and individuals. "These sites usually offer some of the best stuff to be found," said Ms. Wheeler who says six of these locations are within Bartow County.

Pinpointing the mega sale sites before heading out will help plan shopping days. These locations generally offer good parking and allow shoppers to walk through many sales at one site. Some sites also have public restrooms and food available for purchase.

If starting out on the southern end of the route, Ms. Wheeler suggests driving all the way to the end in Ringgold, where Ringgold Feed & Seed will be hosting its special High Cotton Junk Market. The Ringgold Feed & Seed was featured in 2015 on Great American Country's "Endless Yard Sale," as was Cartersville's Copperwood Company. Mike Crane, Ringgold Feed & Seed owner, not only sells during the annual yard sale, but also buys. "We look forward to the Dixie Hwy 90-mile Yard Sale every year. We shop at the northern point in Ringgold and we have a truckload before we get to Dalton. It's a great sale!" shared Mr. Crane. He also said the High Cotton Market is still seeking sellers. "We are looking for antiques, vintage, rusty crusty--basically, great stuff."

For more information see Facebook.com/DixieHighway90MileYardSale/ or call a local Georgia Dixie Highway Association member at the Cartersville-Bartow County Convention & Visitors Bureau, 770.387-1357.
Sunday marks the beginning of National EMS Week and presents an opportunity to honor the men and women who deliver pre-hospital emergency medical care throughout the United States. Since 1988, Hamilton County EMS has a history of providing timely pre-hospital 9-1-1 emergency medical response and patient care for the citizens of Hamilton County. From the field to the hospital emergency department or trauma center, they strive for seamless patient care, said officials.

Efforts at the federal level are all aimed at supporting the men and women on the front lines of the health care systemthe EMTs, paramedics, dispatchers, nurses, physicians and supervisors who come together to provide the best possible care when personal, community, or national tragedy strikes.

Here are events this week in Hamilton County:

Thursday-Friday, May 25-26: HCEMS will gather for lunch and fellowship with surrounding EMS agencies at the Vulcan Materials Plant Picnic area (4700 Shallowford Road)

Saturday, May 27: HCEMS will hold their Family Fun Day at the Vulcan Materials Plant Picnic area (4700 Shallowford Road), HCEMS personnel will celebrate National EMS Week with their families. At 2 p.m. an awards ceremony will be held recognizing HCEMS personnel for their outstanding service throughout the year. Some to include: Paramedic of the Year, Runner-Up Paramedic of the Year, AEMT of the Year, Medical Call & Trauma Call of the Year and Blue Ribbon, Military and Education Awards.
CEO of Apple, Tim Cook, has been spotted wearing a prototype glucose monitor that was connected to his Apple Watch.

The report comes CNBC with its sources stating that Cook was wearing the device at Apples campus in Cupertino, California.

Whilst details are currently scarce, it follows previous reports that indicate that Apple have a team in Palo Alto working on technology to benefit people with diabetes through non-invasive continuous glucose monitors (CGMs).

In February, Cook had met with students at Glasgow University, stating: Ive been wearing a continuous glucose monitor for a few weeks, I just took it off before coming on this trip.

CGMs are becoming more commonly used by people with type 1 diabetes and they are also attracting interest from people with type 2 diabetes. They are able to take thousands of glucose readings a day and continuous trend patterns without having to take multiple blood tests.

Tim Cook acknowledged to the students that the devices could play a very useful part in preventing type 2 diabetes: There is lots of hope out there that if someone has constant knowledge of what theyre eating, they can instantly know what causes the response and that they can adjust well before they become diabetic.

One of the barriers to tech companies face is the fact that monitoring devices for diabetes need to pass through intense scrutiny from regulatory authorities such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the US. This helps to ensure that devices are safe and fit for purpose, however, it slows down technological progress.

By focusing the device on its use in people without diabetes, it would enable technology companies to develop their products without the risk of harm and without the regulatory hurdles to cross.

If the products are successful, it could allow problems to be ironed out before they are submitted for FDA approval. For now, we will continue to watch this space for new developments in the world of the giant tech companies and diabetes.
Blood glucose levels in people with type 2 diabetes could be improved after just ten days of practicing yoga, a study has found.

New research carried out by an Indian university dedicated to yoga called S-VYASA also suggests that regularly practising the discipline could result in people with type 2 diabetes having less reliance on diabetes medications.

Blood glucose levels fell by ten per cent in those who had practised yoga for ten straight days and been to seminars about yoga and diabetes, according to the study published in the journal Diabetes &Metabolic Syndrome: Clinical Research &Reviews.

Lead researcher on the study Dr Venugopal Vijayakumar said: Even one session of yoga has led to a reduction in blood glucose levels. In the current study, visible changes could be seen within ten days of continuous practice. However, we recommend regular practice of yoga at least for three months to show an improvement in the glycemic control of people with diabetes.

Our research showed that yoga helps with better glycaemic control in people with type 2 diabetes. This was a large-scale community-based study performed with more than 1,000 diabetes patients from different socio-economic statuses, education, cultural backgrounds and age groups.

Dr Venugopal believes the increased blood glucose control was not just down to the physical side of yoga, adding: Yoga has been shown to bring about a reduction in stress hormones, inflammation and oxidative stress, so reducing insulin resistance.

A total of 1,292 people were studied, with participants either having type 2 diabetes or being at high risk of the condition. The researchers recorded their blood sugar levels both before and after they practised yoga.

Dr Venugopal said that people needed to do yoga as part of their daily routine to get the real benefits but also said that completing 45 minutes of yoga five days a week could also be beneficial.
Motorists wont be slowed down by road construction as they travel Tennessees highways this Memorial Day weekend. The Tennessee Department of Transportation will suspend all construction-related lane closures on interstates and state routes beginning at 12:00 noon on Friday, through 6 a.m. on Tuesday, May 30. This will provide maximum roadway capacity for motorists expected to travel in the state this Memorial Day weekend.

With nearly 700,000 drivers expected to travel on Tennessees roadways this Memorial Day weekend, we want to do what we can to help them reach their destinations safely, TDOT Commissioner John Schroer said. We are suspending construction-related lane closures during this holiday weekend to reduce congestion and delays on our major highways.



Motorists may still encounter some lane closures or restrictions while traveling through long term construction projects. Drivers should be aware that reduced speed limits will be in effect in work zones. Drivers convicted of speeding through work zones where workers are present face a fine of up to $500, plus court fees and possible increased insurance premiums.



"Our primary goal is to honor this Memorial Day weekend by reducing the number of traffic fatalities across Tennessee, Department of Safety and Homeland Security Commissioner David W. Purkey said. Currently, we are seeing an increase in distracted driving crashes resulting in injuries and fatalities. We hope that drivers will make safe choices when traveling on our roadways. State Troopers will do their best to enforce the traffic laws and keep all Tennesseans safe.



AAA estimates 39.3 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more this Memorial Day holiday, a 2.7% increase over last years numbers. This marks the highest travel volume on record since 2005 for the holiday. The total number of Tennessee travelers is estimated to top 785,000, with nearly 700,000 expected to travel by automobile.



From a desktop or mobile device, get the latest traffic information and live streaming SmartWay traffic cameras at www.TNSmartWay.com/Traffic. Travelers can also dial 511 from any land-line or cellular phone for travel information, or follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/TN511 for statewide travel.


LeEco has cut more than 300 jobs at its US business with the aim of focusing more on its home market of China

LeEco has reportedly cut more than 300 jobs at its US business, which is about 70 percent of its total workforce in the country. According to Reuters, the cuts are aimed at increasing focus on the company's home market of China.



The breadth of our business model is capital intensive, LeEco said in a statement and notes that this made it difficult in the past few months to support all its businesses. As a result, the capital we do have will have to be highly focused resulting in a significant restructuring and streamlining of our business, operations and workforce, the company added.



This news comes just a few days after the company's Founder, Jia Yueting, resigned from his post of CEO from the companys publicly listed unit, Leshi Internet & Information Technology Corp. However, Yueting will remain as a CEO of the LeEco business.



LeEco is facing a severe cash crush following rapid expansion into foreign markets like India and the US. In an interview with Digit, the companys India COO, Alex Li had said that the company will not exit India, but will operate with a small team in the country. Back in November last year, Yueting pledged to reduce his income to CNY 1 and slow down the pace of expansion, while moving the company to a more moderate pace of growth.
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SEATTLE  The Fresco Apartments at 3939 15th Ave. S. sold for $4.79 million, according to King County records.

The seller was Project S12, which acquired the property in 2014 for $1.4 million.





. . .
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BOISE, Idaho (AP)  The owners of two collapsing houses in Boise have been ordered to demolish the structures at their own expenses.

The city of Boise issued the order earlier this month, demanding the homeowners begin demolition no later than May 27.





. . .
Blow to Pak claims: Jadhav was held in Iran, says ex-ISI official

Dealing a blow to Pakistan's claim that former Indian Navy officer Kulbhushan Jadhav was arrested on its soil, retired Lieutenant General Amjad Shoaib, formerly a member of Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), has said Jadhav was in fact captured in Iran.

It now remains to be seen if India chooses to quote Shoaib at the next hearing in the International Court of Justice's (ICJ).

The ICJ had on 18 May stayed the execution of 46-year-old Jadhav, sentenced to death last month by a Pakistan military court which convicted him of spying and subversive activities.

The retired Indian Navy officer has been in Pakistan's custody for more than a year.

Pakistan claims its security forces arrested the Indian national from the turmoil-ridden Balochistan province on 3 March last year after he entered the province from Iran.

However, India maintains that he was kidnapped from Iran, where he had business interests after retiring from the Navy.

Pakistan has asked the ICJ for an early hearing in the case, PTI reported on Tuesday citing a Pakistani media report.

Having lost the first round in the international court, Pakistan had last Friday filed a plea for the ICJ to rehear the case within six weeks, after the Nawaz Sharif government was slammed by the opposition for "mishandling" the case.

Pakistan's foreign affairs advisor Sartaj Aziz said Islamabad, with a new team of lawyers, will put again forward its case against Jadhav.
The Whitfield County Sheriffs Office and the Kiwanis Club of Dalton honored these fifth graders for writing the top DARE essays in their schools during the 12th annual DARE recognition program May 15 at the Dalton Trade Center. Pictured are (from left, front row) Rylie Pinson, Pleasant Grove Elementary; Octavia Woodward, Valley Point; Tina Quintanilla, Cedar Ridge, third place; Sandra Ramirez, Varnell; Rachel Mason, Cohutta; Tristyn Sutton, New Hope; Gabriel Benjamin, Tunnel Hill, first place; Abby Stanley, Antioch; Danahi Reza, Dug Gap; Litzy Reyes, Dawnville; Shea Poe, Beaverdale; and Amaya Cruz, Eastside; (back row) DARE leader Lt. Wayne Mathis, Deputies Nathan Center and Ron Kirby, Sgt. Tammy Silvers, Sheriff Scott Chitwood, and Sgt. Darlene Crider. photo by Mitch Talley Gabriel Benjamin of Tunnel Hill Elementary receives a standing ovation after reading his first-place DARE essay during the annual recognition program photo by Mitch Talley Elan Watson, who wrote the first-place DARE essay as a fifth grader from Varnell Elementary School in 2010, returned to talk at this years recognition program about how DARE has continued to influence her life. She is slated to graduate in June from The Baylor School. photo by Mitch Talley Elan Watson, who wrote the first-place DARE essay as a fifth grader from Varnell Elementary School in 2010 photo by Mitch Talley Previous Next

Gabriel Benjamin brought the audience to its feet - and a tear to the eyes of his listeners - after reading his award-winning essay at the 12th annual DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) recognition program held May 15 at the Dalton Trade Center.

I will never do drugs because of all I have lost, and I hope you wont either, the Tunnel Hill Elementary fifth-grader wrote in his essay.

Benjamins essay was honored as the best out of the hundreds written by this years DARE graduates from 13 elementary schools in the county.

Can you imagine the courage that it takes to write an essay like this when youre 10 years old? emcee Terry Phelps asked the audience after listening to Benjamin read his essay. Wow! Great job!

Benjamin (who has since turned 11 in February) and the other school-level winners were recognized and treated to a buffet lunch by the Kiwanis Club of Dalton and the Whitfield County Sheriffs Office.

As first-place winner for the county, Benjamin received a wooden plaque and a $100 cash prize. Arianna Garcia of Westside, second-place winner and recipient of a plaque and $50 cash, was not able to attend the program because she has transferred to a school in another county. Tina Quintanilla of Cedar Ridge received a plaque and $20 cash for her third-place essay.

Other school-level winners who were recognized during the program  with family, school officials, and Kiwanians looking on  included:



Rylie Pinson, Pleasant Grove

Octavia Woodward, Valley Point

Sandra Ramirez, Varnell

Rachel Mason, Cohutta

Tristyn Sutton, New Hope

Abby Stanley, Antioch

Danahi Reza, Dug Gap

Litzy Reyes, Dawnville

Shea Poe, Beaverdale

Amaya Cruz, Eastside

Elan Watson, who won the DARE essay contest in 2010 while at Varnell Elementary, returned to talk about how DARE has continued to influence her life, even as she is slated to graduate from The Baylor School in June and head to Auburn University in the fall where she plans a double major in Spanish and Business Analytics.

This time seven years ago I was sitting in this room about to read my DARE essay for the county competition, Watson recalled. When I won I was of course overwhelmed with feelings of pride and joy and excitement because I accomplished something that was so important to me. I wanted to win primarily because my older sister won two years before me.

But now I realize that my DARE experience was much more than a contest, she said. DARE has been an extremely important part of my life. Its more than a program about substance abuse; it teaches important life skills like decision-making. It has completely altered the way I make decisions and approach situations.

Ms. Watson said she even used DARE to write her college essay.

The essay question was similar for all applications: tell a story of an event that has changed your life and turned you into the person that you are today. I immediately thought of the DARE program. I remember making a promise to Officer Silvers and myself to remain completely drug and alcohol free, and I have no intentions of ever breaking my vital promise. I think the most important thing Ive learned from this entire experience is that knowledge is power. Theres a quote that I love by Anton Chekhov that reads: Knowledge is of no value unless you put it into practice.

I think thats important to keep in mind, especially for the fifth graders that are about to start this really exciting journey into middle school, Ms. Watson said. Remember what you learned and dont be afraid to teach others the value of the DARE program. Also dont be afraid to say no.

Jarrod Wright, a student at Southeast Whitfield High School, spoke about his role as a state representative for the youth advisory board for the DARE program and offered words of encouragement to the fifth graders.

As you go through your life, things will get tough and youve got to make sure that just because you wrote an essay doesnt mean that youre automatically drug free, Mr. Wright said. You have to make that promise to yourself and keep going with it all the way through your whole life, really.

Sheriff Scott Chitwood said that over the past 26 years, the DARE program has reached more than 26,000 youngsters. As I said at graduation, are we making a difference? I think so because if we save one life, that was worth it, he said.

The sheriff thanked County School Superintendent Dr. Judy Gilreath and the schools for allowing the DARE instructors to come onto their campuses and teach the DARE program. He praised the school-level winners, saying these are products of the Whitfield County School System. These are outstanding young men and women, and Im proud to be a part of it.

DARE instructor Sgt. Tammy Silvers said the program is all about the kids, and them putting forth that effort and making that commitment to us that theyre going to stay drug free and theyre going to make good choices in their lives. Thats going to lead to a good track in life.

If you want to be successful in life, she said, you have to follow through and think about the things you are doing in making good choices, choosing your friends wisely. Thats what this is all about is laying that foundation for these kids to make good choices in life.

She called the essay winners the cream of the crop, but pointed out that their victory is just the beginning of their journey. This is where you take your knowledge and you use it for the rest of your life, she said, and you start making those good choices and its an everyday thing. You have to do it for the rest of your life.

Fellow instructor Sgt. Darlene Crider called the essay winners the leaders of their schools.

You see where all these adults are sitting today? she said. You may be sitting in one of these places one day or even something else that is your dream. You follow your dreams, but in order to get there, you have to make good decisions and we said that over and over and over in class. You can make one bad decision in your life and itll follow you the rest of your life. We dont want that to happen, so start here.

Youre going to middle school and on to high school and college, Ms. Crider said, and do whatever it is that you want to do in life. So you have to start somewhere  you just started, you made a great decision, you wrote a good essay, and youve promised everyone that was sitting in your classroom, your teachers, your principals, your officers, and your friends, most of all yourself.

I say this to my students: who is going to be with you for the rest of your lives? Not us. We will be supporting you, and well be there if you need us. But you will be everywhere you are for the rest of your life, so it has to be your decision and if you make a bad one, youll stand accountable for that decision. So make good ones.
Artist Peadar McDaid of Letterkenny is embarking today on a 150-mile trek across Donegal to raise awareness of how activity can improve mental health.

Peadar also wants to use his walk to bring attention to the mental health services available in the county and how people can access them.

The Mental Health Awareness Walk aims to challenge people to think differently about their mental health, and to remind them that something as simple as getting outdoors and walking can be a great help in improving mental health.

Peadar said walking improves overall well-being and helps fight depression, regular walking improves sleep patterns and active people have a reduced risk of suffering clinical depression.

The artists walk starts in Donegal town, and will take in Glenties, Dungloe, Gortahork, Fanad and the Inishowen peninsula, before finishing in Letterkenny. Peadar has been preparing for the walk since September.

I always strive to promote positive mental health well-being, and late last year I felt the need to keep up the momentum around mental health awareness, said Peadar, who for the past 15 years has been an arts tutor with the Mental Health Services at Create-A-Link Art Studio in Letterkenny.

It will be a tough journey, but if it helps even one person think differently about managing their mental health it will be worth every step, he said.

But Peadar said people do not need to take on a walk as challenging as he has to make a difference. He suggested people could use the eight days of his walk just to pledge to get outdoors around their village, town or estate.

The #Little Things campaign  as in little things can make a big difference  from the Health Service Executives health promotion services also promoted activity among its tips. Keeping active is a great way to protect your health and your mood, the HSE said.

During his walk, Peadar will link up with local communities, service users and their families, and schools. He is inviting anyone interested in taking part to join him along the way.

Raising awareness of services is an important part of his walk as well. We want to make people aware of the services that are available in Donegal and how they can access them, he said.

Often people know there is help out there, but its knowing where to go that can be the problem, Peadar said. He said people know to take their car to the garage, for example, or to ring an electrician when they have an electrical problem.

If your mental health goes wrong, its not that easy  being aware of your mental health and learning how to deal with it can be difficult, he said. Raising awareness of what to do and where there is help is important.

During the walk there will also be activity and engagement between schools, communities and service providers, so we get the message out to as many local people as possible that help is out there and there are ways in which you can also help yourself.

Mental health professionals will visit schools along the route during his walk to talk to schoolchildren about effective ways to manage mental health.

Peadars itinerary takes him from Donegal town to Glenties on May 24th, from Glenties to Dungloe on May 25th, Dungloe to Gortahork on May 26th, Gortahork to Fanad lighthouse on May 27th, Ballygorman to Carndonagh on May 28th, Carndonagh to Moville on May 29th, Moville to Burt on May 30th and from Burt to Letterkenny on May 31st.

Peadars walk is being held in conjunction with Mental Health Ireland, local service providers, the Green Ribbon project and HSE Health Promotion, and with support of the wider community.
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Southeast Alabama Medical Center, Dothans largest employer, announced Wednesday that the hospital has cut 80 of the facilitys 2,800 jobs after a lengthy process of considering various cost-savings measures.

Mark Stewart, director of community relations at SAMC, said revenue at the hospital has been trending downward for the past four or five years. In 2016, the hospital operated in the red, recording a loss of $2 million in the operations portion of the budget.

Though SAMC is considered a not-for-profit hospital, it still needs a three to five percent profit margin each year to keep the facility operating. SAMCs revenue is around $305 million a year.

In February, SAMC began looking at where they were financially. They decided to make a grassroots effort with nine task force groups. They got together, went through budgets, and looked for what could be cut and reduced. The end goal was to cut $30 million in expenses.

SAMC personnel did not indicate specific positions eliminated, but cuts were expected to affect managers and employees.

Despite the financial reductions, SAMC also wanted to make sure growth continued, so they turned to SAMC employees for ideas. They ended up generating 1,100 ideas for cost savings measures.

It had to be cost reduction and growth at the same time, Stewart said. Every employee had an opportunity to put their idea before us.

Stewart said SAMC wants to remain on the cutting edge of technology, but it also wont be adding things that dont make sense.

We want to be the healthcare leader to the area, Stewart said. We feel like when we come out of this, well be stronger in a lot of ways.

Claudia Hall, vice president of marketing at SAMC, said the hospital focused on three primary cost-reduction areas: purchase services, supplies, and labor. Employees from different departments were able to point out some substantial cost savings, such as a lab worker who suggested eliminating the use of a specific type of test tube that wasnt necessary, but cost the hospital an extra $75,000 a year.

Some of our best ideas came from the front line staff, Hall said.

Since the cost-cutting project began earlier this year, Hall said SAMC has communicated with its own employees through every phase of the project.

Though SAMC was not in immediate trouble financially, Hall said the cuts will prepare SAMC for future changes in the healthcare industry.

If you take a look at healthcare as a whole throughout the country, everybody is trying to reinvent themselves, Stewart said. The important thing is we are not in crisis mode doing this  we dont want to get to that point. This is more like a life change for the hospital.

While planning the cost savings measures, SAMC has been in touch with other medical facilities and Stewart said everything was up for discussion.

All of the cost savings will come from changes at SAMC. The Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine was not part of the plan. Stewart said ACOM pays for itself and is not part of SAMCs budget.

One revenue generating option SAMC does have is an increase in Houston Countys millage rate. In 1947, four mills were levied through the Houston County Health Care Authority to build the hospital. It opened in 1957 as General Hospital. In the 1980s the millage rate was dropped to 1 mill. The rate was increased by an additional 1.5 mills in March 2011 by the healthcare authority to help pay back a $20 million loan needed for an escrow account to fund ACOM. SAMC does have the option of increasing the millage rate again, but Stewart said that was never considered.

Flowers Hospital, a Community Health Systems facility which employs around 1,300 people in west Dothan, announced the reduction of at least 15 positions in April.
Jamila Woods & Chance The Rapper Ask CPS High School Students To Make Their Next Video

By Stephen Gossett in Arts & Entertainment on May 23, 2017 9:33PM



Jamila Woods / Facebook

Chance the Rapper's outreach to Chicago Public Schools students isn't just about million-dollar oversized checks, you know. And Jamila Woods' youth engagement goes beyond her longtime role as Artistic Director of Young Chicago Authors. Case in point, Chance and Woods are reaching out to CPS high school kids to not just help out with making of their new music video, but spearhead the very creative concept.

Both beloved locally-grown artists put out a call on social media on Tuesday afternoon asking students to submit video treatments for "LSD," a Chicago-to-bone highlight from Woods' great HEAVN albumone of our runaway favorites of 2016. It of course features Chance's immortal "This here ain't for no Vice doc / This here ain't for no Spike op" verse.

ATTENTION CPS STUDENT FILMMAKERS pic.twitter.com/0u9fR0yX1W  Lil Chano From 79th (@chancetherapper) May 23, 2017



One student's treatment will be used for the vid, and he or she will work on set with the production crew; other promising students will be set up to shadow another production set. Woods and Chancein partnership with Jagjaguwar, Closed Sessions and VAM Studioask entrants to send PDF treatments to submit@vamstudio.net by June 2. The clip will be co-directed by Brown Girls creator Sam Bailey. Get those ideas kicking, kids.

While you set the creative juices flowing, or if you're eons too old to participate (hi!), you can check out Woods' great recent video for "Holy" (also directed by Bailey) below; and remember that Woods plays Day Three of this year's Pitchfork Music Festival, in Union Park.




Irish Water has confirmed that work is progressing to upgrade the Staleen Water Supply in Co Louth which is on the Environmental Protection Agencies (EPA) Remedial Action List (RAL).

According to the body, this is the only water supply in Louth that remains on the RAL which was recently published by the EPA.

Irish Water was granted planning permission from An Bord Pleanala for the proposed upgrade of the plant and the procurement of a works contractor is underway.

The proposed upgrade will help to facilitate the removal of the Staleen Water Supply from the RAL benefiting over 57,000 people in Louth.

Speaking about the RAL and the ongoing work in Louth, Irish Waters William McKnight, Asset Delivery Infrastructure Regional Lead said:

The publication of the latest RAL update is a confirmation of the focus and dedication of Irish Water in ensuring the delivery of clean and wholesome water in the county.

As a single utility Irish Water is able to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the performance of Irelands drinking water production plants and where serious compliance challenges are found they can be tackled more effectively and efficiently.
The wife of hero Captain Mark Duffy has expressed her profound thanks to the local communities and people from all over the country for their "generous and compassionate actions since Marks tragic loss."

In an email to The Democrat Hermione Duffy stated that "a thank you seems inadequate for all that you did and continue to do."

She adds: "I would like to thank the people and communities of Blackrock, Dundalk, Cooley, Louth, Newry and Warrenpoint, South Armagh and Down, nationally especially Mayo and beyond, sincerely, for your kind, generous and compassionate actions since Marks tragic loss with the crew of Rescue 116.

"To the families of Esme and Fionns many friends thank you for helping your children be their friends during this time. Thank you especially to the vice-principal and staff of St. Vincents Secondary School, Dundalk and the teaching staff of St. Francis National School, Blackrock.

"The Gardai of Blackrock and Dundalk. The Clogherhead Coastguard unit who kept watch over us while the search to bring Mark home continued.

"Blackrock Tidy Towns and all the business owners in the village and Dundalk thank you . From the vigil in those first days to closing your shops during Marks funeral. Thank you to the local businesses who supplied food to us and the Irish Coastguard crew daily.

"On behalf of Marks mother Sheila, and brothers Gavan and Donard, along with Marks uncle Fr. Stephen Duffy they extend their gratitude to you all.

"We are grateful for the kindness, gentleness and compassion shown to us by Fr. Padraig Keenan, P.P, and Father Brian White, C.C, Blackrock.

"We chose to live in Blackrock to be beside the sea, close to Marks work, near great schools and we live in this community which has given us immeasurable support and kindness which is greatly helping us in adjusting to our life now without Mark. The respect we have been shown gives us great pride to know the esteem Mark was held in by you all.

"To everyone, friends and others who offered their sympathies, personally and with cards, thank you for your support, gifts, flowers and help.

"To all the emergency services staff of the Irish Coastguard and the volunteers of the RNLI, your unique selflessness has been highlighted nationally by this tragedy may you always be acknowledged for your wonderful work. To the co-ordinators, crews and divers of the search and the volunteers who supported them in Blacksod, Belmullet and beyond, who still search for Ciaran and Paul, thank you seems inadequate for all that you did and continue to do.

"Thank you."
CreditorWatch recorded a 42% increase in its customer base over two years on the way to reaching a major growth milestone, this month: 50,000 customers. Founder and managing director Colin Porter spoke to Dynamic Business about the genesis, success and future of the credit reporting bureau, which launched six years ago.

DB: What was your motivation for launching CreditorWatch?

Porter: To provide SMES, which account for around 98% of operating entities in Australia, affordable and easy access to credit risk information. The duopoly that existed when we entered the market as a start-up meant it had been difficult and expensive for SMEs to obtain credit risk information. Plus, there wasnt an avenue for them to report slow and non-payers. Consequently, SMEs were vulnerable to bad debtors. Our easy-to-use platform has provided SMEs with full transparency of late and non-payers, including the ability to monitor all of their customers and prospects so that theyre alerted as soon as changes occur that could affect how they get paid.

There are many examples of start-ups, globally, entering an established market and succeeding due to a fairly priced subscription based model for SMEs. While there are many reasons for our success to date, this was the kickstarter for us.

DB: What factors has fuelled recent customer base growth?

Porter: Increased product investment and the geographic expansion of our sales team  we now have offices in four capitals (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth) and recently launched our first regional office in Newcastle. An increased focus on marketing has also helped drive up brand awareness. There is also the multiplier or snow ball effect: as our customer base increases, more people talk about the service and natural gowth occurs.

DB: What growth ambitions do you have for CreditorWatch?

Porter: The core product, being access to credit risk information, has become comprehensive; however, we continue to source new data for our platform. For example, we have been pursuing government to release information about businesses that have fallen behind in their tax. In fact, by supporting the government in this undertaking, weve helped facilitate legislative changes for transparency of tax debt. In addition, we continue to analyse information to build a more predictive scoring model to predict business failure.

DB: Could government be doing more to protect SMEs from bad debtors?

Porter: The recent government announcement regarding the disclosure of tax debt information will be a major win for SMES. We are currently seeking transparency of ANZSIC codes which would allow creditors to know what industry a potential customer is in and thus either limit their risk exposure or provide increased credit if their industry sector is in a low risk sector. This would be consistent with the Turnbull Governments promotion of the need for big data and open data to help businesses and the economy.

See also: Data dungeon: the small business case for making ANZSIC code information available
Police Officer Shoots Suspect Who Pinned Him Between Cars On West Side

By Stephen Gossett in News on May 24, 2017 8:10PM

A Chicago police officer on Monday morning shot and seriously wounded the driver of a car who pinned him against another vehicle on the West Side, according to police and reports.

The incident started in the 1600 block of North Leclaire Avenue at around 11:15 a.m., according to preliminary information from the Chicago Police Department.

Police involved shooting - 1643 N. LECLAIRE. Officer pinned by vehicle, offender shot. PIO responding.  Anthony Guglielmi (@AJGuglielmi) May 24, 2017

Officials later said that the police officer suffered a possible broken leg and was taken to Advocate Lutheran General Hospital, in Park Ridge, according to the Tribune.

According to ABC7 video, Chicago Police Deputy Chief Al Nagode said the suspect took off after police approached the man, who was allegedly driving a stolen vehicle. The officer was pinned after police caught up with the suspect in a nearby alley. Police did not say how many shots the officer fired or if the suspect was armed. Nagode said the suspect is expected to be OK. He was in serious but stable condition, police said. A second officer was injured and is expected to be treated and released.

Per department policy, the officer will be placed on 30-day administrative leave as the Independent Police Review Authority investigates the shooting.
Cubs Will Shell Out $1M For New Security Cameras In Wrigleyville

By Stephen Gossett in News on May 24, 2017 2:50PM



Photo: Tyler LaRiviere

Looking to beef up security surveillance to stem safety concerns around the ballpark, the Chicago Cubs will donate $1 million for some 30 cameras to be installed mostly near Wrigley Field.

The timing of the grant's approval to OMEC was striking: a City Council committee gave the OK on Tuesdayjust a day after the apparent suicide terror bombing in Manchester that killed 22 people and injured more than 50 more. But the timing was purely coincidental. Plans had been in motion for several months, Ald. Tom Tunney (44th) said, according to the Sun-Times.

At a reported $30,000 a pop, the cameras will primarily be clustered around the stadium, but the range will spread as far as Montrose, Belmont and Lake Shore Drive, Tunney said, according to the Tribune.

The proposal goes in front of a busy City Council agenda on Wednesday. It would take up to six months for the cameras to be installed.

The Cubs and the city ratcheted up security presence for Opening Day this year, back in March, amid fears of rising crime on Wrigleyville and Lakeview.

Tunney on Tuesday also renewed his opposition to closing down stretches of Clark and Addison, near Wrigley, on home gamesa measure that the Cubs have been angling for.
Thousands March In Chicago, Oak Brook For $15 Minimum Wage & Union Rights

By aaroncynic in News on May 24, 2017 5:02PM



Thousands of low wage workers marched in the Loop Tuesday afternoon to demand a $15 an hour wage and union rights. Despite the rain, the workers and their supporters made a soggy trek from Daley Plaza to Trump Tower, then over the river to the Rock and Roll McDonalds for a short rally.





Chant is now "we work we wet put 15 on our check" #Fightfor15 pic.twitter.com/9uYYSjmr4i  Aaron Cynic (@aaroncynic) May 23, 2017





HAPPENING NOW: Fast food workers from all across the country in Oak Brook confronting shareholders at McDs Corp #Fightfor15 pic.twitter.com/KJebvNUz6L  Fight For 15 Chicago (@chifightfor15) May 24, 2017





Calling McDonald's the Trump of corporations, they first snaked down Wacker Drive past Trump Tower, chanting Ronald, Donald, you cant hide, we can see your greedy side, with several different groups of musicians intermixed in the march providing different a constant soundtrack.In addition to local workers and a host of activist groups, fast food workers from across the country came to Chicago for the march, which took place one day ahead of McDonalds annual shareholders meeting. Protests, which ran through Wednesday morning, began late Tuesday morning outside the West Loop location where the fast food giant is building its new corporate headquarters.It is despicable, it is wrong that the McDonalds corporation and its shareholders reap billions in profits while its workers have to go and apply for the LINK card, Medicaid, have to ask for help to feed their kids, 35th Ward Ald. Carlos Rosa told the crowd in the morning.As the biggest fast-food company, McDonalds sets the bar for jobs and pay all across the economy, said Tina Sandoval, a McDonalds worker from Richmond, CA. Its time the company use its power to lift up working people across the country by paying $15 an hour and respecting our right to a union. Were going to keep on marching until McDonalds takes action.

Marchers also linked struggles for better wages and union rights to struggles for racial, gender, and other movements for justice nationwide. A 2015 study from the National Employment Law Project showed high wage disparities among workers from marginalized communities. According to Fortune Magazine:





Even though women make up less than half of the overall U.S. workforce, they constitute 55% of all sub-$15 per hour wage earners. You find a similar misalignment for African American workers, who constitute almost 12% of the workforce but 15% of earners who make less than $15. Latino Americans are overrepresented in the sub-$15 category as well; they account for 23% of sub-$15 per hour earners in the U.S. but only 17% of all workers.

With Donald Trumps cuthroat budgets on the horizon, were going to have to earn more than $15 an hour just to survive, Dr. Barbara Ransby, a historian and professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago, told the crowd in front of the Rock and Roll McDonalds. We have to link this struggle to the fight for quality public education, affordable housing, LGBTQIA folks, immigrants and undocumented brothers and sisters. Media pundits might say thats not a coherent movement, thats a laundry list. We say no, thats a plan to win. We refuse to throw anybody under the bus.
A quick guide to macroprudential policies

24 May 2017

What does macroprudential mean?

The prefix macro indicates that the policies or actions relate to the whole or significant parts of the financial system rather than individual financial institutions. Supervisory or regulatory policies for individual financial institutions, by contrast, are known as microprudential policies.

Prudence is another word for caution involving forethought, and prudential policies relate to actions that promote sound practices and limit risk-taking. So macroprudential policies should help ensure that everyone takes a cautious approach to risks that could become systemic, that is, risks related to the whole financial sphere.

What are macroprudential policies and why do we have them?

Macroprudential authorities monitor the financial system and identify risks and vulnerabilities. Policies addressing such risks and vulnerabilities can be put in place and limit them from building up further and spreading across the financial system.

In other words, the policies can be put in place to prevent risks from affecting the financial system more broadly, or becoming systemic.

If systemic risk were to materialise, the provision of necessary financial products and services by the financial system could be impaired, even to a point where economic growth and peoples well-being was significantly affected.

These effects were seen in the financial crisis which began in 2007, with recessions affecting a number of countries in Europe and many banks needing to be shored up.

So, in essence macroprudential policies are there to promote financial stability. If we have a stable and sound financial system we are better placed to withstand shocks and avoid the worst effects of financial crises.

Examples of risks that could lead to systemic risk

The building-up of asset price bubbles. When the prices of assets, such as houses, increase far beyond their intrinsic value, the risk of a sudden fall in those prices creates dangers

Excessive risk-taking by banks

Excessive corporate or household debt

What action do the authorities take based on these policies?

The authorities (often, central banks) can take a range of actions designed to directly address the risk.

For example, financial institutions (typically, banks) may be required to set aside extra capital  to deal with unforeseen events and shocks  and these capital buffers may vary over time and be greater for some types of institution.

This might especially be the case for institutions that are systemically important, i.e. their failure would cause a significant ripple effect across the financial system.

Alternatively, macroprudential policies may place restrictions on financial institutions activities by, for example, setting mortgage lending conditions.

For example, a limit could be placed on the amount house-buyers can borrow compared with the cost of a house or their income. These caps can be used to cool a housing market with rapidly increasing house prices and associated mortgage debts.

Who are the macroprudential authorities in the EU?

The European Central Bank

The European Systemic Risk Board

The national designated authorities  typically central banks or financial supervisory authorities  of the 28 Member States.

At a glance: what is the financial system?

A web of interactions

The financial system features a complex web of dependencies and interactions between different actors.

Banks and insurance companies

Banks and insurance companies act as intermediaries by directing funds from those willing to lend or invest to those who want to borrow.

Markets

Financial markets such as bond and money markets also directly bring together lenders and borrowers.

Payment systems

Meanwhile, payment and securities settlement systems, the plumbing of financial markets, ensure the safe flow of money and financial assets.
Red Hat on Tuesday announced the availability of Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7.4 beta.

RHEL 7.4 includes new security and compliance features and streamlined automation, along with tools for improved systems administration.

This latest upgrade comes nearly three years into the series 7 lifecycle. It continues to provide enterprises with a rich and stable foundation for both existing applications and a new generation of workloads and solutions.

RHEL 7.4 enables data centers to continue running mission-critical stuff. We rarely see the particular features any more. We just take the technology for granted, said Steve Almy, principal product manager for RHEL at Red Hat.

The security aims to eliminate users fear of breaches and the pain that follows, dealing with at-scale deployments, he told LinuxInsider.

The fear is that something bad will happen on the security side. The challenge is management at scale. This feature addresses both of those items for customers, Almy said.

Worry-Free Disk Encryption

Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7.4 Beta introduces Network Bound Disk Encryption. This feature is designed to reduce significantly the management burden of disk encryption at scale.

Disk encryption is a critical issue involving password security when you are deploying on a data center and have to reboot a server, and people have to re-enter passwords to access disks, Almy explained. That is often a big issue when staffers have encrypted laptops.

As a result, people rarely encrypt because then they cant decrypt, he said. This feature allows those disks to be encrypted and then decrypted by a key only on the local network.

The feature uses two upstream packages called Clevis and Tang, which allow a server to be set up on the local network, which can transfer the decryption key without human intervention on the local network only. The data on removable devices is not decryptable once disconnected from the network.

Whats Inside

Enhancements to OpenSSL HTTP/2.0 further enhances the security bolstering. It enables the implementation in OpenSSL of several new Transport Layer Security protocol features, such as Application-Layer Protocol Negotiation.

Updated audit capabilities make it easier for administrators to filter the events logged by the audit system. Admins can gather more information from critical events and interpret large numbers of records.

Management and automation features focus on solutions for complex IT environments that span bare metal to cloud deployments. One such solution added to RHEL 7.4 is automation via Ansible Tower.

Also, Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7.4 Beta helps to simplify system configuration through the inclusion of Red Hat Enterprise Linux System Roles for RHEL-specific supported content that relies on Ansible automation. This simplifies the management and maintenance of Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6-based and Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7-based deployments via a single set of tools.

Ansible Config Built In

Red Hat acquired Ansible last fall. Ansible is the simple way to automate apps and IT infrastructure. Now a handful of subsystems are configurable through Ansible scripting  a big deal for some customers, according to Almy. This is a new feature introduced in version 7.4.

Customers have been running Ansible at scale. Now they have a set of a fully RHEL-supported set of scripts to run, Almy said.

More Features

The beta release makes it easier to maintain mission-critical applications with several new features to speed up triaging events and issues. Among the additions:

Enhancements to RAID Takeover to easily change the RAID configuration and characteristics of logical volumes on the fly.

Network Manager update to version 1.8 that extends route options for firewall and route-table setup. Other network enhancements include ACsec for L2 VPNs, improved DNS, DHCP configuration visibility, and dynamic configuration of ethernet interface options.

Co-Pilot (PCP) client tools support with the addition of client tools like pcp2influxdb, pcp-mpstat and pcp-pidstat to allow the export of performance metric values to influxdb, and retrospective analysis of mpstat and pidstat values. Additionally, new PCP Performance Metrics from several subsystems are available to a variety of Performance Co-Pilot analysis tools.

Caution Getting It

Enterprise customers with active RHEL subscriptions can download and preview Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7.4 Beta via the Red Hat Customer Portal. It is easily accessible to customers who subscribe to the beta channel for easy direct access to updates.

The caveat is that RHEL does not support updates from beta to GA releases, Almy noted. So users can try out the beta versions new features as a separate installation.

Otherwise, they will have to wait for a regular product upgrade when version 7.4 is fully released by the end of this summer, he said.

Trumps Fedora

Red Hat Enterprise Linux is a commercial Linux distro that delivers military-grade security with 99.9 percent uptime. A community-maintained Linux distro serves as a breeding ground for leading-edge features for RHEL.

We and our customers find RHEL to be of great value. Fedora is a great product, said Howard Green, vice president for marketing at Azul Systems.

However, it is also a proving ground for advanced concepts and technologies, some of which make it into RHEL and some of which do not, he told LinuxInsider.

Fedora is a great window into advanced thinking within the Red Hat and Linux community. However, it is not a hardened, enterprise grade distro, Green said.

Organizations with sufficient resources certainly will gain by uploading and previewing beta versions of major RHEL releases, he said, as it lets them verify compatibility as well as help identify bugs and glitches.
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(Photo: LWF/ HKBP / Fernando Sihotang)Worship in an Indonesian Lutheran congregation in June 2104.

A group of United Nations human rights experts has urged Indonesia's government to repeal its criminalization of blasphemy while the Lutheran World Federation has expressed concern at the politicization of religion in the Southeast Asian nation.

At its 10-16 May assembly in Windhoek Namibia, the LWF issued a public statement on the recent sentencing of the former governor of Indonesia's capital city Jakarta, under the country's blasphemy law.

Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, known as Ahok, who is a Christian in the mainly Islamic nation, had been sentenced to a two-year term of imprisonment by the North Jakarta District Court with reference to Indonesia's blasphemy law.

The statement especially criticized the "mass mobilization of an unprecedented scale, which made it difficult for the judicial process to be impartial and free of political interests," and urged the Indonesian judiciary "to maintain its independence."

The assembly of the LWF, the highest governing body of the Lutheran body urged Indonesian authorities to "review the blasphemy law," ensuring that constitutional rights are guaranteed to all citizens irrespective of their religious affiliation.

It "appeals to citizens to uphold the Indonesian principle of 'pancasila,' which has guaranteed a society in which 'people of diverse religions, ethnic groups and cultures live together' for the benefit of all.

Purnama was officially charged with "blasphemy" on Nov. 17, 2016 in relation to a Qur'anic verse he quoted during his gubernatorial election campaign.

Recent targets of the blasphemy law in Indonesia included three former leaders of the Gafatar religious community noted U.N. the Special Rapporteurs on freedom of religion or belief, Ahmed Shaheed, and on freedom of opinion and expression, David Kaye; and the Independent Expert on the promotion of a democratic and equitable international order, Alfred de Zayas.

PENALIZING BLASPHEMY

"Criminal laws that penalize blasphemy represent an unlawful restriction on freedom of expression, and disproportionately target persons belonging to religious minorities or traditional religions, non-believers and political dissidents," said the experts in a May 22 statement.

"We urge the Government to overturn Mr. Purnama's sentence on appeal or to extend to him whatever form of clemency may be available under Indonesian law so that he may be released from prison immediately," the experts emphasized.

Indonesia's government initiated the prosecution of Purnama following the pressure of a fatwa issued by the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI), as well as aggressive media campaigns and sometimes violent protests launched against him.

"It is disappointing," the U.N. experts noted, "instead of speaking out against hate speech by the leaders of the protests, the Indonesian authorities appear to have appeased incitement to religious intolerance and discrimination."

They said, "This case also illustrates that the existence of blasphemy law can be used to justify intolerance and hate speech. Blasphemy law is not compatible with a democratic society like Indonesia and it harms religious pluralism in the country."

The experts said Purnama's blasphemy conviction and imprisonment "will undermine freedom of religion or belief and freedom of speech in Indonesia."

For its part the LWF, which holds an assembly every six or seven years, said the churches in the 74-million strong body express "deep concern about the developments in Indonesia leading up to the court sentence."

The Lutheran statement urged the Indonesian judiciary to maintain its independence.

"Instead of reference to a religious judgement of a religious community, this judicial process needs to be based on public regulations, not religious regulations," it said.

It said the Lutheran assembly is joining the many Christians, as well as leaders and people across different religions, "who are deeply worried about the way religion has been politicized in this process.

"This is very detrimental to the goal of people of different religions in Indonesia living side-by-side in peace."

The LWF noted that the Indonesian constitution guarantees freedom of religion or belief in Indonesia and states that every person is free to embrace the religion of their choice.

They are free to worship according to their religion or belief and to choose their education and teaching, even as every person is entitled to freedom of belief and to express their thoughts and opinions in accordance with their conscience.
Students spend an average of 10 days out of the school year taking district-mandated tests and nine days taking state-required tests, according to the Center on Education Policy. Over 12 years of schooling, that adds up to nearly four months of a young persons life.

And thats just the tip of the iceberg.

That number does not include teacher-made tests, quizzes, final exams, many college-admissions tests and pretests; nor does it account for the amount of time teachers spend preparing students to take all those exams.

But the estimate, drawn from a nationwide 2015 survey of more than 3,000 teachers, provides a starting point for wrapping ones mind around the amount of testing students actually do in schools. It also points to the high priority that educators and policymakers put on tests and the information they yield. While most of the teachers who responded to the center survey thought states and districts should cut back on the time students spend taking mandated tests, only a fraction of them wanted to dump those tests altogether.

Such tensions help keep the national testing landscape in a constant state of flux. In the search for better assessments, more authentic tests, or assessments that can drive better-quality instruction, new forms of testing come and go.

Much of that change in recent years has been driven by efforts to implement tests to measure students progress in mastering the Common Core State Standards in math and English/language arts. Between 2010 and 2011, 45 states had adopted the standards. Within a few years, states unity began to crumble. By the 2014-15 school year, as the tests were put in place, 27 states were using standards-aligned assessments developed by either Smarter Balanced or the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Career consortia. The number dwindled to 20 this school year.

Ironically, as states backed off those assessment commitments, the prospect of annual testing ramped up for one subgroup of students: English-language learners .

The Every Student Succeeds Act , passed in 2015, requires states to test students in English-proficiency each year and to standardize criteria for determining when students no longer need language-support services.

The new federal education law injects some flexibilityand tumultinto the testing world by inviting states to use college-admissions tests like the ACT or SAT for federal accountability purposes. Twelve states are already doing that, and 13 more are requiring all high school students to take one of the two tests.

The scrambling going on around the college admissions tests obscures a milestone in that sector that passed in 2013 with little fanfare: For the first time that year, more students took the ACT than they did the SAT .

The inclusion of required college-admissions testing in states accountability indicators is part of a push to ensure that all students graduate, as the expression goes, college- and career-ready. But how should schools measure students progress on the career part? Thats a difficult question, and experts are skeptical about the prospects for assessments that reliably predict whether a student has the necessary skills to succeed in the workforce.

Elsewhere on the curriculum standards front, assessments aligned with new science standards are gaining traction, albeit slowly. Tests aligned with the new Next Generation Science Standards should require students to show us how they know, not just what they know, as one testing expert put it, and that entails a range of logistical, technical, and financial challenges for states.

Meanwhile, in the classroom, formative assessments are going digital in a big way. Formative assessments are meant to provide a way for teachers to quickly diagnose whether students are getting it so they can tailor their instruction accordingly. Teachers can do that by asking students to answer questions or take a paper-and-pencil quiz or they can turn to the growing number of digital products on the market that allow them to gather, track, and analyze their students progress. That sector of the market is currently booming, with experts predicting growth rates of 30 percent between 2013 and 2020.

A big downside to tests, especially summative tests where the stakes are high, is the anxiety they can create in students. People who are anxious in general often get test anxiety, yes, but a lot of people who are not particularly anxious can still develop stress around tests in different subjects like mathematics, said Mark Greenberg, a Pennsylvania State University researcher.

He is among a growing number of educators and researchers looking for ways to help students better cope with test-related stresses. Perhaps the most interesting example of these efforts is in Austin, Texas, where a full-time mindfulness director employed by the district trains teachers in anti-stress techniques they can pass on to students.

In the end, it all comes down to the students. What would assessments look like if they were designed by students themselves ? Would students become more engaged in their learning? A network of public schools in Virginia is at work answering those questions right now. While results from their experiments are not in yet, teachers do say that students seem to be more involved in the learning. Stay tuned.
An emcee displays pieces of Longquan celadon at a press conference held in Beijing on May 23. [Photo by Li Kang/China.org.cn]



Under the theme of "Chinese celadon rekindles world attention," a press conference on the celadon items used at the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation earlier in the month was held in Beijing on May 23, attracting more than 100 attendees.

The organizing committee of the China Green Industry Exposition took the opportunity to sign an agreement with Quzhou Kiln Research Institute on the selection of Longquan celadon as exhibits for a fine artworks hall.

Another agreement was signed between Green China Internet TV (GCITV) center and Longquan Banxian Hall Cultural Development Corporation to designate it as the online trading platform for celadon.

Emcees display pieces of Longquan celadon at a press conference held in Beijing on May 23. [Photo by Li Kang/China.org.cn]



Longquan celadon is a kind of green-glazed Chinese ceramic produced in kilns largely located in Lishui City in Zhejiang Province in the southeast of China. The firing techniques of Longquan celadon joined the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage in 2009.

Longquan celadon has a history spanning more than 1,000 years, being shipped to the outside world through the ancient overland and maritime "silk roads." The ceramics epitomize Chinese culture and bring the spirit of the ancient Silk Road to modern life.

Longquan celadon was used as designated wares at the APEC summit in 2014, the G20 Hangzhou summit in 2016 and the Belt and Road Forum in 2017, becoming a "living fossil" for multicultural exchanges along the Belt and Road.

An emcee displays pieces of Longquan celadon at a press conference held in Beijing on May 23. [Photo by Li Kang/China.org.cn]



Tang Wei, the founder of Quzhou Kiln Research Institute, said the craftsmen in Banxian Hall made topnotch porcelain utensils in the spirit of craftsmanship to ensure Longquan celadon was well qualified as wares to be used at the Belt and Road Forum.

"Longquan celadon is a product embodying the wisdom of Chinese people," said Zhang Shouzhi, a professor of the Academy of Arts & Design of Tsinghua University.

The conference also exhibited a host of original celadon pieces to demonstrate the concept of the Belt and Road Initiative through unique charm of traditional Chinese culture.
With classmates, parents, teachers, and even the Roanoke County schools superintendent standing before him, high school senior Bubba Smith took a deep breath and set the two-story Rube Goldberg machine into motion.

The contraption, which performed a series of complicated actions to lift a banner, was part of Bubbas fourth-quarter grade for his AP Physics class. Students in physics and the AP Calculus class worked on the machine for nine weeks and then presented it during Hidden Valley High Schools end-of-year exhibition of students projects, most of which they designed themselves.

We were doing stuff we dont normally do in a classroom, Bubba said of his project. We dont play with PVC pipes and ropes in the classroom.

His classmate Ryan Crosser agreed. A normal project is the same thing over and over again. Its very structuredschool is very structured, he said.

Student-led assessments like this one are, in many ways, antithetical to the structure of the typical fill-in-the-bubble test. Students are asked to demonstrate their learning and knowledge in a meaningful way and to reflect on their own performance.

Nestled in the heart of Virginias Blue Ridge Mountains, the Roanoke County district has joined 10 other districts in the state that make up a Networked Improvement Community focused on implementing student-led assessment to bring about a deeper level of learning. The community is underwritten by the Assessment for Learning Project , a multiyear $15 million grant-making and field-building initiative led by the Center for Innovation in Education at the University of Kentucky.

The project, supported through private philanthropy, is seeding 17 cutting-edge approaches across the country that vary in size and scope, to better understand how assessment can play into a more personalized, student-centered, competency-based learning process.

The way weve been thinking of assessment that is driven by accountabilityassessment with a capital Aisnt delivering on the kind of learning and the kind of relationships that kids really need to succeed, said Sarah Lench, the projects director. Theres a broader definition of student success than proficiency on English and math tests.

Getting Teachers on Board

In Virginia, the 11 districts involved in the network are all grappling with different student-led assessment questions, including which grades to start with and what the assessment itself can look like. But the community has highlighted some key themes to guide its work: The assessment process must be meaningful to the student. The student receives feedback throughout the process, not just at the end. The student clearly demonstrates learning or growth. The student assesses his or her work. And, above all, students should be active participants in the assessment process.

One of the biggest challenges of this work is changing peoples mindsets, said Shannon King, the manager of the Best Practices for Teaching & Learning program at the Fairfax County school system, which oversees the 11-district community.

See Also Student-led assessments allow students to demonstrate their learning in a meaningful, active way. Join us for a discussion on best practices and challenges of this work.

Chat: Letting Students Take Ownership of Their Assessments

Teachers have to be willing to give up control and trust that students are going to do amazing things, she said.

To get there, most districts in the network have found that teachers need professional development, although a consensus hasnt emerged on what that should look like.

In the nearly 14,000-student Roanoke County district, for example, the professional development has been job-embedded.

While student-led assessment is not mandatory for teachers, they are encouraged to visit the classes where it is happening, said Rhonda Stegall, the director of secondary instruction for the Roanoke County district.

Hidden Valley Highs work in the student-led assessment area is the most advanced in the district. Hidden Valley Middle School had its first exhibition of student-driven projects this year, and other schools in the district are interested in participating in the future.

Consultants have also worked with interested teachers to guide them through the process of letting students take more control of their learning, Stegall said. At Hidden Valley High, the transition has been slow but steady.

Four years ago, only eight teachers were interested in trying student-led assessments. Now, three-quarters of the 70 teachers in the school, from all subject areas, take part, said Stegall, who had previously been the principal of Hidden Valley High when they started the program.

"[Teachers have] spent the last 10 or 12 years learning how to teach to the test, so its hard to break away from that mindset, she said. Ultimately, this is really good instruction, and they see that this taps into students enthusiasm and engagement.

Research shows that when students have a greater sense of agency, they perform better, said Eric Toshalis, the research director of Jobs for the Future, a nonprofit that runs the Student-Centered Learning Research Collaborative , an effort aimed at investigating and sharing knowledge about student-centered learning approaches.

Learners attention and engagement tends to be optimized whenever they are put in a position to own the information, to be driving the questions that are asked, and to have a role in deciding how theyll be assessed, he said.

The locus of control in that particular learning activity moves from the instructor to the student. Like all of us, [when] the student has the experience of feeling like they are in control of ... and proficient at something; they understand in greater depth.

At Hidden Valley High, state test scores stayed the same after the school began implementing student-led assessmentsthey didnt increase, but they also didnt drop. Teachers had been concerned about the scores dropping, Stegall said, but once they saw the results and realized students were excited about learning, they were sold.

The morale was really low when we were focusing on the test and the disaggregation of datathats the only thing we were talking about, Stegall said. Before, the [tests] had control over [their profession]. Now, theyre starting to take back some of that control. The morale has gone up; the enthusiasm, the passion for teaching is back.

During the exhibition night, teachers in Roanoke remarked on how much more engaged students were with these projects, which made their job more fun, they said.

I love the inquiry-based and project-based learning, said Beverly Newbern, a history and psychology teacher at Hidden Valley High. You never see them light up otherwise. Theyre out of their chairsthe same chairs your great-great-grandparents have been sitting in since 1901.

Assessment Is a Process

Another challenge has been to differentiate student-led assessment from a science-fair-type project, Stegall said. Initially, she said, a lot of the projects were fluff, while teachers learned how to incorporate meaty content and the state standards into students projects.

Now, checks of understanding are built into the process, along with quizzes, tests, or written components. At Hidden Valley High, students often go through protocols, where teachers and fellow students ask probing questions and discuss concerns about the project to make sure it is academically rigorous. And at the end, students have to evaluate their own work. The teacher determines the final grade, based on student self-assessment, peer assessment, and other benchmarks. Stegall said some teachers ask their students to explain the grade they deserve and why, providing information to back up their assertion.

As King, who oversees the Virginia network, put it: A test is an event, and assessment is a process. Its really embedded in that teaching and learning cycle.

And that process can be challenging for students, Stegall said. Some of our top-level kids, they really struggle with projects. Theyre good at taking tests, she said. Their strength is direct recall of information, writing it on a piece of paper.

During exhibition night, students pointed to real-world skills as their main takeaways from their projects.

The students who worked on the Rube Goldberg machine learned how to collaborate with different personalities, Bubba said, adding that he had to learn to delegate instead of handling everything himself.

It wasnt like a physics lab. ... It was something that failed, and we had to fix, said senior Matthew Whitely, who also worked on that project. Groups of students built components of the machine separately, and when they put it all together, it didnt run smoothlythe first time, the second time, and all the way up until the day of the exhibition, when it finally worked.

We had to deal with failure, Whitely said.

The Virginia network, which is more than halfway through its two-year, $202,500 grant, hopes to collect quantitative and qualitative evidence in the fall that this type of assessment is improving student outcomes.

Meanwhile, the Assessment for Learning Project plans to introduce a new grant program soon for its existing grantees. The goal of the second grant will be to fully integrate these assessment reforms into education systems operations, said Lench, its director.
In 2015, I met artist Pablo Seminario for the first time when I visited his studio in the Sacred Valley of Peru. In his artwork, Pablo turns traditional Peruvian symbols of birds, sea animals, and flowers into a style of his own, which he calls the Seminario style. As a teacher and an artist, I was not only mesmerized by his use of abstract, organic shapes and lines, but also his captivating storiesfor example, how his flying people creations brought him peace and freedom during a time of war in his country. The angel-like figures were his way of escaping the terrible things happening in his country and seeing the beauty of the land and his people.

My journey to becoming a global learner and helping my students become global learners had begun a year earlier, when I had the opportunity to participate in the NEA Foundations Global Learning Fellowship , a year-long professional development program that helps teachers cultivate skills to prepare students for global citizenship. I met Pablo during my field placement as a fellow.

Standing in Pablos brilliant studio filled with tools hanging from the ceiling and artwork in different stages of completion, I immediately pictured all the ways my students could learn from his art and his stories. Eager for opportunities to benefit my students, I asked Pablo if he would be willing to work with us via an online platformand he said yes!

In the fall of that year, I shared my journey to Peru with my students. Students in every grade loved seeing images of the landscape, animals, art, and people. My students cheered when I told them that Pablo had agreed to work with them. They collaborated to brainstorm a myriad of questions for Pablo: Why did he decide to be an artist? What inspired his work? What does he do when faced with a mistake or challenge? Students also inquired about life in Peru and what it means to be a global citizen.

We used Google Hangout to video conference with Pablo. The format did present some challenges in our work together. Students shared that at times it was hard to understand Pablo because the internet would freeze. Pablos accent also made some words hard to identify, but my Spanish-speaking students were thrilled to share what he was saying with our group.

We learned new skills from Pablo and became better artists because of our partnership. Yet something more powerful was at work: My students and I were becoming global learners. We were breaking the barriers of distance and discovering how we could learn from others around the world.

In the summer of 2016, I shared with Pablo via Facebook how much his collaboration meant to my students and me. We had all learned so much about culture, art, and life in Peruand we didnt want to stop there. Pablo agreed to visit in person with his wife, Marilu, who is also a ceramist. Once again, the NEA Foundation supported me as a Global Learning Fellow by providing grant money to make Pablo and Marilu's visit a reality.

Although planning and working through the logistics with my school system were at times tedious, my determination and advocacy helped county leadership understand how important this partnership with the NEA Foundation and Pablo and Marilu would be for everyone involved.

During their week-long visit, Pablo and Marilu worked with our students, staff members, and even parents. Pre-K students created tiles by drawing patterns of lines and shapes into clay and painted them with vibrant underglazes, while artists in kindergarten through 4th grade attended mini assemblies to learn about Pablo and Marilus journey to becoming global artists.

Fifth graders sculpted unique, abstract figures using coils and slabs, and 6th graders built relief tiles that doubled as self-portraits and cultural narratives. The tiles will be used as a permanent installation piece in our school lobby, with students artwork surrounded by a frame of tiles created by school staff members.

Not only did we learn new artistic techniquesour guests brought their world to us and we shared our world with them. Each of us took away a better understanding of how we can learn from each other and grow as people when we are willing to embrace new ideas and beliefs.

After Pablo and Marilus visit, I asked 5th and 6th graders to reflect on four questions:

1. What did you learn from Pablo and Marilu?

2. How has your view of art changed?

3. In your own words, describe what it was like to learn from famous Peruvian artists?

4. What does it mean to be a global artist?

I was overwhelmed with pride as I read their responses:

You can think about different cultures, different people, and different ways of life. Not only can you do that, but you can incorporate it into your art.

It made me think that you can use art to help you in troubling times, and you can use art to make a safe haven.

In their responses, my students showed a deeper understanding of their own artwork, as well as why learning about other cultures is an important part of the world we live in today.

One student reflected, I used to think about how art changes me, but now I think about how the art changes the artist and why he does everything.

Having Pablo and Marilu teaching helped us to see how people who are different from us can relate to us and what they see differently, another student shared.

As one student eloquently put it, being a global artist means, You can connect with more people from different places in the world. And you are able to tell stories through your artwork that others are able to connect [with].

Global learning helped us celebrate our differences, while also recognizing what we shared and how we could bring something valuable to each others lives. Reflecting on the exchange, Pablo told me: Its been a fantastic experience, our first time teaching little kids with so many questions, ideas, [and] comments. We are hardworking people, and I can say that teachers in the U.S. give everything they have in energy and knowledge. Another thing that impressed us was the fact that among the kids we saw represented almost every country of the world. This is a project that should be growing, copied everywhere for a better understanding between mankind.

As tourists in another country, we often dont see a place through the same eyes as those who live that reality. Our perspective is filtered through our own cultural norms. Global learning helps us move beyond seeing others through a single storyand gain an understanding of the rich, complex world we all live in together.

Photos courtesy of the author
To build the largest and most complete Amateur Radio community site on the Internet - a "portal" that hams think of as the first place to go for information, to exchange ideas, and be part of whats happening with ham radio on the Internet. eHam.net provides recognition and enjoyment to the people who use, contribute, and build the site. This project involves a management team of volunteers who each take a topic of interest and manage it with passion. The site will stand above all other ham radio sites by employing the latest technology and professional design/programming standards, developed by a team of community programmers who contribute their skills to the effort. The site will be something of which everyone involved can be proud to say they were a part. We welcome your comments. The eHam.net Team, Revision 07/2020.
When Joseph Ioannou was six months old, doctors at Nicosias Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics diagnosed him as suffering from spinal muscular atrophy, a disorder that affects motor neurons in the spinal cord and leads to muscle weakness. In a city divided by an invasion that took place almost two decades before his birth, Ioannou was born on the Greek Cypriot side. To the Institutes doctors, it didnt matter. Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots have similar diseases, says Professor Leonidas Phylactou, a geneticist who is the Institutes chief executive. Its part of our mission to treat both communities.

For 29 years, Ioannou has received that vital care at the Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, where he sees a neurologist, as well as lung and heart specialists and a nutritionist. He also visits for regular sessions with a physiotherapist. In that time he has completed studies in computer science and founded his own business repairing PCs. Engaged to be married, he dreams of having a family. If I wasnt treated at the Institute, I would be in much worse condition, he says. With the guidance and follow-up of the Institute, I have a better quality of life. Im productive. I can have dreams and make plans for my future.

Ioannou is one of 12 000 patients on the rolls of the Institute, which stands on a hillside in Nicosia, close to the Green Line that divides the island between the area under the control of the Republic of Cyprus and the area occupied by Turkey since 1974. The Institute carries out 40 000 lab tests each year, battling genetic disorders known all around the world, such as muscular sclerosis, as well as some that are particularly prevalent in Cyprus, like the blood disorder thalassemia. Founded in 1990, the Institute is also a centre of research into treatments for these diseases. Most importantly, its a life-saver. At best, life would be very, very difficult for these people without the Institute, says Phylactou, who is 47. I dare say that some of them wouldnt live.

Beyond health, a social impact

Like many important medical facilities, the Institutes impact spreads beyond the health of its patients. Its impact on the social and economic life of Cyprus is significant, because it keeps people healthy enough to work, and prevents them becoming a burden on their families and the state. The Institutes pre-natal testing for thalassemia, for example, has brought the rate of this diseasewhich was previously quite prevalent in Cyprusdown close to zero now in new-born children, says Phylactou.

If the Institute didnt exist, many patients would have serious problems dealing with their conditions, says Ioannou, the long-time patient. Proper treatment greatly enhances the capabilities of a patient and improves their quality of life. In this way, the Institute has a great social impact on our country.
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Police secure the Manchester Arena in Manchester, Britain, May 23, 2017. A total of 22 people, including children, were killed and 59 others injured in a suicide terror attack at Manchester Arena Monday night, police announced on Tuesday. (Xinhua/Han Yan)

The suicide bomber who caused carnage at the Manchester Arena was named by police late Tuesday as Salman Abedi.

Abedi, 22, was killed as he detonated an improvised explosive device on late Monday night when thousands of fans were leaving a concert at the Manchester Arena.

A total of 22 adults and children were killed in the explosion and another 59 were injured.

Manchester chief constable Ian Hopkins did not give details of the suspects address or any further information about him.

But Hopkins said a 23-year-old man had been arrested in the city as part of the investigation into the atrocity. Meanwhile, two houses in Manchester were also being searched.

Hopkins also appealed to drivers to hand police any video material from car dash board cameras recorded in the city center area between 8 p.m. and 11 p.m. local time Monday night.
Anstey replaces injured McGuinness at Mugen



Bruce Anstey won the TT Zero race with Mugen in 2016.

Three-time TT Zero winners Mugen have announced Bruce Anstey will replace John McGuinness on their machinery this year.

Anstey won for the zero-emissions electric bike category with the Japanese team last year.

The New Zealander joins Guy Martin in the Mugen team, which is aiming for the first 120mph zero emissions lap.

McGuinness is missing this year's TT after sustaining leg, back and rib fractures at the North West 200 earlier this month.
Manx police increase patrols after UK raises terror threat level

The Island's police force is increasing foot and mobile patrols following the UK's decision to raise the terrorism threat level to critical.

The Isle of Man Constabulary says it's taking a proportionate response and additional resources are being deployed to offer reassurance and enhanced security.

Critical terror threat level means authorities consider an attack imminent.

Officers are also urging Manx residents travelling to the UK to take sensible precautions and read the UK Government's advice on terrorism security ahead of their trip.

23 people died when a suicide bomber detonated an explosive device outside an Ariana Grande concert at Manchester Arena on Monday.
Steam Packet urges passengers to carry ID

Ferry passengers travelling to and from the Island are being urged to carry identification following the introduction of enhanced security checks at some UK ports.

The Steam Packet Company is asking all those travelling with the operator to carry ID after the UK's terror threat level was raised to critical.

Police have started carrying out identification checks and requiring more vehicle searches before allowing passengers to travel.

The Steam Packet revealed it was given very little notice of the new requirements, which came in at Heysham this afternoon and could be brought in at other ports used by the company.

The Island's ferry operator also confirmed it is fully cooperating with the police's requirements.
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Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday declared martial law in the entire island of Mindanao and nearby island provinces following clashes between government forces and armed Maute group.

Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano also announced in Moscow that Duterte, who is on an official visit to Russia, has decided to cut short his visit, adding that Duterte's face-to-face meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin may not happen.

Duterte's spokesman Ernesto Abella said Duterte declared martial law "in the entire island of Mindanao, including (the island provinces of) Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi. The details will be forthcoming."

Duterte imposed martial law on Mindanao island and nearby provinces as of 10 p.m. local time. "This is possible on the grounds of existence of rebellion because of what is happening in Mindanao. This is good for 60 days," Abella said.

Duterte "has full confidence in the military and the police's management of the situation," he added.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, who is also with Duterte in Moscow, said the military is in full control of the situation, adding that more troops will be sent there.

By declaring martial law, Lorenzana said the military can control the movement of the rebels, conduct searches, arrest people and suspend the habeas corpus.

The fighting broke out after a joint team of the military and police tried to serve a warrant of arrest on Isnilon Hapilon, a leader of the Abu Sayyaf group, around 2 p.m. local time, Lorenzana said.

The Maute Group started to occupy some establishments in the city, including a hospital, the city hall, the city jail and part of the Mindanao State University compound, he said.

The Maute Group "burned several facilities, including a Roman Catholic church, the city jail, and a school," he said, adding that "the Maute fighters still occupy the main street of Malawi City and two bridges leading to the city."

As of Tuesday night, he said three government troops were killed and 12 were wounded.

The whole of Malawi City is experiencing blackout. "There is no light and there are Maute snipers all around so the troops are still on holding and several groups elements have already joined them from other neighboring units, and tomorrow morning we are bringing in more troops," he said.

According to the military, the Maute group was formed by the Maute family led by brothers Omar and Abdullah Maute, former members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. The group has declared loyalty to the Islamic State (IS), an international jihadist group.

But the military downplayed the group, saying it is a bunch of rebels that carry out bombings and kidnappings in the southern Mindanao region.

The group, which displays a black flag and insignia of IS, has attacked army troops and beheaded their kidnapped victims.

The group was also involved in a series of bombing and extortion activities in the province.

They were also notorious for raiding police jails to free their detained comrades.
Indias Constituent Assembly first convened in December 1946. In the early months of 1947, the assembly did little due to the Muslim Leagues boycott, but its pace had quickened by Independence Day that August. By the following February, the assembly distributed a draft Constitution and invited public comment. A second draft with extensive revisions was ready in November 1948, and the assembly began a clause-by-clause discussion. The draft was extraordinarily long, and the debate dragged on for several months.

In August 1949, K Shankar Pillai, a leading cartoonist, lampooned the assemblys slow progress in his magazine, Shankars Weekly. Shankar depicted B R Ambedkar, who chaired the assemblys drafting committee, riding a snail, with the caption Constitution. Ambedkar holds the gastropods reins in his hands and a riding crop in another. Jawaharlal Nehru, who is shown behind Ambedkar, has a much bigger whip. It is unclear whether Nehru is goading the snail or Ambedkar, who is riding it. This cartoon was included in a political science textbook in 2006, published by the National Council of Educational Research and Training. Several leading scholars were involved in the textbooks design and content, and it was a brilliantly conceived pedagogical tool to teach the Constitution and the law to school students. The textbook also included a number of cartoons to liven its narrative. Shankars 1949 drawing depicting Ambedkar on a snail was one among them.
Our response to Gandhi oscillates between idealising him and pillorying him. In 1931, Harold Laski paid him this tribute: No living man has, either by precept or example, influenced so vast a number of people in so direct and profound a manner (p x). Yet, Winston Churchill made this assessment of Gandhi in that same year: a seditious Middle Temple lawyer now posing as a naked fakir   (p 64). Gandhis ideas still have a critical influence in our world, while even after Britains finest hour, Churchills imperialism has been buried by history rather hurriedly. For better or worse, we ignore Gandhi at our risk.

India today seems adrift. We need to critique and come to terms with Gandhis relevance in responding to our situation of spiralling violence and unsustainable inequalities in the subcontinent. His countrymen publicly honour him as the father of the nation, while in practice, they ignore his legacy, damning it with prejudiced criticism, or worse, with hypocritical praise. Yet, paradoxically, Gandhis non-violence seems to be coming back to his country from others who found him to be critically relevant in their national quest: Martin Luther King, Nelson Mandela, the Dalai Lama, Aung San Suu Kyi and others, while it is relegated to the margins in the very place where it was first nurtured and fine-tuned into an effective praxis for liberating his people from colonial rule.
Though Cheema received the chief plaudits, Canada's performance was a consummate team effort. Six players passed 30 in the Canada innings, though none made more than the 44 that teenage opener Bhavindu Adhihetty , who teamed with captain Nitish Kumar for a 77-run opening stand after losing the toss, scored. Oman threatened to contain Canada to a modest total considering Lugogo's short boundaries when Cheema was dismissed in the 42nd over to make it 202 for 7, but Hamza Tariq (34 off 22) and Nikhil Dutta (41 off 34) partnered for a 72-run stand for the eighth wicket before each fell off the final two balls of the innings to Mohammad Nadeem
Pavone, King: POTUS 'Gift' to Pope a Sign of the Times



ATLANTA, May 24, 2017 /



"How appropriate that two world leaders who seek peace should pause again in the shadow of another leader who showed everyone how to make it happen," said Father Pavone. "Dr. King said that injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. Both the President and the Pope have warned the world about the ongoing injustice of abortion, which, as President Trump pointed out in the third presidential debate, rips babies out of the womb. Both the President and the Pope know that peace demands an end to that violence," said Father Pavone.



Evangelist King, prolife niece of MLK who gifted President Trump with a "King Family Tribute" book during her visit with POTUS at the National Museum of African American History and Culture earlier this year said: "It's interesting how things come full circle. I gifted President Trump with a King book; he gifted the same to the Pope. The Pope has often noted the teachings of MLK in his work. When I first met Fr. Pavone in NY at a prolife rally in the 1990s he was quoting MLK's Christmas sermon."



"... When we truly believe in the sacredness of human personality, we won't exploit people, we won't trample over people with the iron feet of oppression, we won't kill anybody." Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. 1967 Christmas Sermon



Citing what she calls "fake news examples," King points out that President Trump's Mexico City Policy redirection of funds away from abortion providers outside of America and back to life affirming programs in America is not robbing the poor as some media suggests. "President Trump is redirecting our funds while draining the swamp. By cutting abortion funds, and



Fr. Pavone added: "It is no accident that the President's first trip is to the key religious centers in the world. He is convinced that peace in the world depends upon religious leaders and their people freely and vigorously practicing their faith. Both he and the Pope have warned against the abuse of religion, which happens when people invoke God's name as a cover for violence."



Both Pavone and King are



As American voices for life, Pavone and King advance the sanctity of life message from a Bible perspective. "When POTUS says we are all Americans, and our blood runs red, that's true. Acts 17:26 says that God created all humanity as 'one blood.' Uncle MLK said 'we must learn to live together as brothers [and sisters] or perish as fools.' It's time for us to lead the way.



Deuteronomy 30:19  "Choose life, so that you and your descendants might live!"

Share Tweet Contact: Leslie Palma, 347-286-7277ATLANTA, May 24, 2017 / Christian Newswire / -- Father Frank Pavone, National Director of Priests for Life , America's largest religious anti-abortion ministry and Evangelist Alveda King who heads up Civil Rights for the Unborn for the organization have a message for America regarding President Donald Trump's gift of books by Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. to Pope Francis on the POTUS tour to the world's most renowned seats of religious power."How appropriate that two world leaders who seek peace should pause again in the shadow of another leader who showed everyone how to make it happen," said Father Pavone. "Dr. King said that injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. Both the President and the Pope have warned the world about the ongoing injustice of abortion, which, as President Trump pointed out in the third presidential debate, rips babies out of the womb. Both the President and the Pope know that peace demands an end to that violence," said Father Pavone.Evangelist King, prolife niece of MLK who gifted President Trump with a "King Family Tribute" book during her visit with POTUS at the National Museum of African American History and Culture earlier this year said: "It's interesting how things come full circle. I gifted President Trump with a King book; he gifted the same to the Pope. The Pope has often noted the teachings of MLK in his work. When I first met Fr. Pavone in NY at a prolife rally in the 1990s he was quoting MLK's Christmas sermon.""... When we truly believe in the sacredness of human personality, we won't exploit people, we won't trample over people with the iron feet of oppression, we won't kill anybody." Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. 1967 Christmas SermonCiting what she calls "fake news examples," King points out that President Trump's Mexico City Policy redirection of funds away from abortion providers outside of America and back to life affirming programs in America is not robbing the poor as some media suggests. "President Trump is redirecting our funds while draining the swamp. By cutting abortion funds, and redirecting public assistance away from entitlement to empowerment, POTUS is helping everyone ; not robbing the poor as some media reports. Now our families can begin to breathe again and work again and live in dignity. I'm just glad that in the midst of all of the 'fake news' President Trump has delivered something real again with this MLK book gift; the six principles and steps to nonviolent conflict resolution espoused by my Uncle Rev. MLK are always good for America and the world."Fr. Pavone added: "It is no accident that the President's first trip is to the key religious centers in the world. He is convinced that peace in the world depends upon religious leaders and their people freely and vigorously practicing their faith. Both he and the Pope have warned against the abuse of religion, which happens when people invoke God's name as a cover for violence."Both Pavone and King are prayerful and supportive of President Trump's agenda to address the problem of abortion in America and are in favor of a "sanctity of life" agenda; "from the womb to the tomb," they agree. In agreement with her colleague Janet Morana, author of RECALL ABORTION , Evangelist King, a post abortive voice for life is a "women's advocate supporting good health, safety and equality for all females, including the little girls in the womb. Abortion is not health care. Abortion kills babies, hurts and sometimes kills their mothers. How can the dream survive abortion?"As American voices for life, Pavone and King advance the sanctity of life message from a Bible perspective. "When POTUS says we are all Americans, and our blood runs red, that's true. Acts 17:26 says that God created all humanity as 'one blood.' Uncle MLK said 'we must learn to live together as brothers [and sisters] or perish as fools.' It's time for us to lead the way. AMERICA RETURN TO GOD Deuteronomy 30:19  "Choose life, so that you and your descendants might live!"
The United Kingdom has blocked the creation of the EU military, objecting to the word operational HQ in the text of the proposal. The planned institution has been dismissed as a call center that will be staffed by eight to nine people that have other jobs. Head of EU diplomacy, Federica Mogherini, confirmed that the so-called Military Planning and Conduct Capability (MPCC) facility would finally be launched in a couple of days.

An EU source commented that the so-called HQ amounts to eight or nine people all of whom have existing jobs and will come together to work with the existing general who heads EU military. Its about as low-ambition as you can get away with. Its definitely not an operational headquarters. Its not allowed to command operations, it can only oversee missions.

London began to worry about the plans for an EU army after new French President Emmanuel Macron had appointed a pro-Europe defense chief Sylvie Goulard with very close ties to Germany, which was a surprising move even in his own party. Her predecessor Jean-Yves Le Drian has been promoted to head Frances newly named Europe and Foreign Affairs Ministry.

Mr. Macron also promised to strengthen EU defense during his first foreign trip to Berlin when he met Chancellor Merkel. A few days later, European leaders announced they would move forward with plans for an EU defense fund, with a planned annual budget of more than 4 billion euros as well as the launch of the EU military headquarters. Great Britain has always been against the EU defense integration due to the fears that an EU army could overlap with the activities of the North Atlantic Alliance (NATO).
The EUs energy ministers have emphasized the flexibility that is needed to achieve the blocs energy savings objectives for 2030, calling into question the European Commissions ambition to prioritize energy efficiency. The ministers met last week in Malta where they put together a vague statement calling for the necessary flexibility for the EUs member states to meet energy efficiency objectives, whilst at the same time securing a significant level of ambition. The EU Commission has pledged to put energy efficiency first in its plans for an Energy Union, saying that the Paris Agreement on climate change backed up EU plans to curb energy consumption.

In the proposal from last November, the EU Commission set a legally binding objective for EU member states to decrease energy consumption by a third by 2030, an increase from the initial 20% target for 2020, which is currently valid. The EU executive also came up with the requirement to oblige energy firms to revamp their business models by making sure that 1.5% less energy is sold to end customers annually. This could be achieved by selling new services like double-glazing installation, more efficient appliances, and heating systems. Im particularly proud of the binding 30% energy efficiency target, as it will reduce our dependency on energy imports, create jobs and cut more emissions, the EUs Climate Action and Energy Commissioner Miguel Arias Canete commented.

However, both objectives are now being challenged by the EUs 28 energy ministers who fear that the economic burden could be significant. Malta, which holds the rotating presidency of the EU, is thinking about making the 30% overall energy savings target non-binding in addition to making the 1.5% annual target on end consumers non-binding and lower by 0.1%. The EU ministers are expected to agree on their common position at a meeting of the Energy Council on 26 June. Estonia will take over the EUs presidency on 1 July and will be in charge of finalizing the agenda.
The dilapidating state in which Libya has found itself is a major destabilizing factor for its neighbor, Tunisia. Tunisias ongoing democratic transition is at risk of falling apart due to the chaos emanating from its southeastern neighbor. Tunisia is well aware of its vulnerability when it comes to the situation Libya, which is why it is actively pursuing a diplomatic dialogue with Libyas neighboring countries, trying to resolve the ongoing polarization and fragmentation within the Libyan society. Yet, its efforts are being negatively affected by the economic hardship and the burgeoning conflict economy proliferating across the TunisiaLibya border.

Moreover, the backlash of tightening security of the border regions, meant to contain the terrorist threat and the risk of violent spillover from Libya, are poised to worsen the already existing fault lines in the border regions and weaken Tunisias resilience  the ability of the government to manage external crises and implement much needed reforms to address socio-economic grievances and disappointment with the political establishment. The chaos in Libya is having a bearing on Tunisias weak economy and its precarious political arrangements especially amidst increasing polarization within the country that is being triggered off by the actions of regional and international players who threaten to spread their proxy war across North Africa.

Strengthening the resilience of the Tunisian state and society means that more attention needs to be paid to the economic, political and social developments that are tearing southern Tunisia apart. Tunisia needs to come up with a development program that would tackle the specific challenges facing the periphery regions including the prevention of the spread of instability from its neighbors. This means to build access roads to open up the border region to the private sector and to create jobs. More broadly, this would also mean the setting up of a positive discrimination system that would alleviate regional disparities and boost national cohesion.

When it comes to the military, the Tunisian army should also reconsider the terms of its presence in the south of the country. It should instead focus on its primary mission of defending the territory as well as its role as a social actor through programs of vocational training for young people that promote employability and prevent radicalization in the peripheries. A good move would also be to open military hospitals and provide health care to local populations.

Precarious Resilience: Tunisias Libyan Predicament  Analysis by Hamza Meddeb  Barcelona Center for International Affairs (CIDOB).

(The Analysis can be downloaded here)
Written by ACM



*Strasbourg/Angelo Marcopolo/- Moves for PanEuropean Cooperation on Human Rights' respect and European Cultural Heritage protection and promotion, starting from the Highest Level, were among the Key Measures anounced Today by the incoming New President-in-office of CoE's Highest Political body, that of its Committee of Ministers, Czech Minister of Culture Daniel Herman, in the presence of CoE's Secretary General, Thornbjorn Jagland.



- It's in Cooperation between EU Commission and the CoE that we shall Prepare the European Year of Cultural Heritage 2018, stressed Chairman-in-office Herman, before saluting kindly also "Eurofora" and leaving with Czech Ambassador Emil Ruffer to Strasbourg's Airport for a Flight to Prague, as he told us.



+ He also anounced that the Czech Presidency of the CoE, (for the Period of May - November 2017), will organize a High-Level Conference, with the Presidents of ECHR and EU's Court of Justice, as well as of All the Supreme Courts of CoE's 47 Member States, on "the Binding Nature of Judicial Decisions", on June.



That exceptional PanEuropean Top Conference is scheduled for 19-21 June 2017, at Brno, i.e. the "Judicial Capital" of the Czech Republic, where is Historicaly located its Highest Court, (that ECHR's President had visited, together with Prague, when he succesfuly contributed to dissipate the last hesitations for the Ratification of EU's Lisbon Treaty).



- This is a Key part of the Main Priorities for the Incoming CoE's Czech Presidency, which also Decided to Take Over from the Concluding Cyprus' CoE's rotating Presidency, and Continue further on, their Common Priority for the development of the "Education on Human Rights' culture, as he anounced.



- In fact, CoE is Important for us, also because it reminds that "We Belong to the European Family of Democracy and Human Rights' culture, Herman had stressed from the outset.



- In this regard, after refering, Earlier, to a Czech Exhibition on the Historic "Charter 77", which had notoriously contributed to prepare the ReUnification of Europe, CoE's twice elected Secretary General, Thornbjorn Jagland, (an Experienced former Prime Minister and Foreign Minister from Norway, as well as Top Member of Oslo NOBEL Peace prize Committee), clearly underlined, that, for the PanEuropean Organisation of Human Rights, Democracy and Rule of Law, Nowadays, "the Number 1 Problem is ECHR Judgements' Execution" :



=> - "WithOut that, there is No Rule of Law, in Europe !", sternly Warned Jagland, (who had Earlier met with Herman in private).

Today, however, the actual Chairmanship of CoE's Committee of Ministers' meetings specialy Dedicated to the Supervision of ECHR Judgements' Execution, have been taken over by the Dabnish Vice-Presidency of the CoE, (i.e. the Next CoE Chair, for the Next Period, starting after November 2017), according to a well established practice.



But, since the current Danish Ambassador, Arnold de Fine Skibsted, was among those who reportedly stayed Longer, after a CoE's Ministerial meeting in Cyprus, "Eurofora", at least, attested, that the Forthcoming Danish CoE's rotating Presidency seems to take close Care in Preparing well the foreseable Future, as an original Photo of an involved Danish Diplomate's Family, clearly indicates...

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Meanwhile, the European and Czech Flags flew at Half-Mast, in the usual CoE Ceremony for the New Presidency of the Paneuropean Organization, at Strasbourg's Historic City Hall, (where the CoE was Created, Back on 1949), and participants, (including CoE's Secretary General, Thornbjorn Jagland), kept 1 Minute of Silence, in Solidarity with the numerous Victims, innocent Civilian People Targetted and Killed or Wounded at a popular Musical Concert in Manchester (including Children) after being Brutaly Attacked by Cowards acting as Islamist Terrorists in the UK.

- "Culturaly, Great Britain is absolutely a European Country !". For this, and several other resaons, including the Future of Scientific Cooperation and Research, it would be a Catastroph if it really went away, cutting its relations with the EU, warned, later this Same Day, Strasbourg University's President, Michel Deneken, who had just participated in a Meeting of the 25 Biggest Universities of Europe at Cambridge, England.

(NDLR : For other Statements by President Deneken, and his Replies to "Eurofora"s Questions, see a Specific NewsReport, at ....)

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In secret, behind locked gates, our Nation's Oldest City dumped a landfill in a lake (Old City Reservoir), while emitting sewage in our rivers and salt marsh. Organized citizens exposed and defeated pollution, racism and cronyism. We elected a new Mayor. We're transforming our City -- advanced citizenship. Ask questions. Make disclosures. Demand answers. Be involved. Expect democracy. Report and expose corruption. Smile! Help enact a St. Augustine National Park and Seashore. We shall overcome!
These timings are approximate and supplied for information purposes only. They may be changed without notice at any time in line with the latest developments in the Chamber.
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My family: being me (31), my wife (35) and our daughter (3) have recently moved to Pacific Pines, after moving from the UK to Australia in January 2017.



We are new to the area and are finding out feet, but was wondering whether there are any other ex-pats in the area who can let us know where the locals hang out?



We love the area, but are still exploring what it has to offer.



We are told there are plenty of ex-pat 'mancunians', which is music to our ears! Are you out there?





Neil, Ali & Molly.
My Asawa was a young lady (Born in 1948) during that timeframe. Under the Marcos regime timeframe she completed her Education in Iloilo and worked for a couple firms locally, then moved to Manila and worked for some years before getting married to her now Deceased 1st Husband. They had a couple kids and then as a family moved back to Panay Island(Culasi), then on back to Iloilo where she had grown up. She states that as far as she can remember life was just going on normally unless you were into something you probably shouldn't have been(probably determined by the Marco Regime). Seemed to be that if you minded your own business and just went on about your daily life, there actually was nothing to be concerned about. She was even granted a Visa to travel to the US and return in 1982 with no restrictions by the Philippine Govt. There may be some with some other type stories of the times, but that is her recollection. It may depend greatly upon where you are at and what you are up to that may determine your thoughts & memories.



Fred
horse_9pm said: Hi everyone, newbie to the forum and new to the Philippines . I will live in the country for about 2 years and I'm thinking of buying a second hand car or rent one.



Toyota is my preference since i think it's durable and good fuel economy over years.



"Snip"



What should i consider when I want to buy a car in the Phil. Sorry, I'm so new to the country.Just been here for just a couple of weeks...



I really appreciate your help!! Click to expand...

Watch out for the following tricks. Someone steam cleans the engine to disguise under the hood leaks, and then they add SAE 90 gear oil to the crankcase in order to hide engine knocks, and I've even heard of people smushing banana peels into the filler holes differentials to quite down howling sounds coming from worn ring and pinion gears. I even saw one car in which someone had mangled the keyway slot for the crankshaft timing gear, and had then repaired it with epoxy. Of course it held together for about two days before it let lose on the new owner.The bottom line is that there are a lot of desperate people over here, and they won't have any problem with selling you a used vehicle that has been rigged to make it appear safe. If you buy a used vehicle like this, there is basically nothing you can do, and you are stuck with it.Take your time and look everything over very carefully. If someone is trying to rush you, then that is probably a bad sign. If you don't spend a lot of time fixing cars, there are probably some videos on You Tube you can watch which will give you some clues as to what to watch out for. One of the tricks that dishonest seller like to do is to turn on air-conditioner while you're listening to the engine idling. The load from the compressor makes a rough engine seem smoother, and the noise will help make it more difficult to spot misfires.I know of another case in which someone purchased a used car only to later discover that the previous owner had disconnected the brake line from one of the wheel cylinders, and then sealed the open brake line shut so that the fluid would not escape. This meant that the car only had brakes on three of its four wheels. Be careful, people will try anything.
The decision by the UK to leave the European Union is still causing divisions with the Brexit process creating anxiety and resentment, according to new research.People want Britain to remain part of the single European market and believe that if skilled people from EU countries have a job then they should be allowed to work and love in the country.  There is a broad consensus that the UK should remain in the single European market even although politicians in the EU have stated this is only possible if the freedom of movement for workers is retained while the British Government has said it will seek to reduce numbers coming from the EU.The research by Professor Catherine Barnard and Dr Amy Ludlow from the law department at the University of Cambridge gathered the views of hundreds of people across the East of England through a series of debates and workshops in schools, community centres and even a prison, as well as gathering views in streets and town squares.This fieldwork was conducted in locations ranging from the strongly pro-Brexit, including the Lincolnshire town of Boston where the highest Leave vote at 75% was recorded, to Remain strongholds such as the city of Cambridge itself, which voted 73.8% to stay.The researchers found that when the public were asked to indicate preferences on the big issues of Brexit, many participants wanted full Single Market access with no free movement or payment to the EU.However, when people were presented with so called hard Brexit options, including non-membership of the Single Market, they recognised the need for compromise, and reached an overall consensus that a deal closer to the EEA Norway model might be best, at least in the short term.The European Economic Area option was consistently seen by Leave and Remain voters alike to be an acceptable compromise that allows limits to freedom of movement and reduces the UKs financial contribution to the EU. People wanted full access to trade in goods and services with the EU, said Barnard.There was an almost universal desire among the studys participants for EU citizens who are economically active or want to study in the UK to be able to continue to come, she added.The research also found that people on both sides of the debate expressed regret about the sense of division caused by Brexit. Some also reported feeling embarrassed or awkward in their relationships with EU nationals. There was also significant anxiety among participants about what might come next.We found anxiety, but also resentment. Many young people, including those in prominent Leave voting areas, expressed anger at the referendum, and a result they felt they would be living with for the rest of their lives, Barnard explained.The researchers also found a serious, often fundamental, lack of knowledge about the EU. Many people struggled to articulate specific examples of the EUs impact on their lives beyond infamous euro myths such as the banning of bendy bananas. Many said they didnt understand what they were voting for.The most commonly cited example of a positive EU impact was no mobile phone roaming charges. Some young people also mentioned the arrival of high street brands such as Spanish company Zara.In general, however, Barnard and Ludlow found that it was easier for people who voted Leave to provide examples of how they felt the EU had interfered too much than it was for Remain voters to give concrete examples of the EUs benefit.A key reason many people gave for voting Remain was inertia, that they saw no good reason to change the status quo. Leave voters could more often give a range of reasons for their vote, from immigration and a perceived erosion of British identity to the promise of additional healthcare funding, Ludlow said.
Food trucks take on a variety of themes, but when one tags itself as a mobile vehicle of cuteness, it has a way of standing out from among the fray.

The Hello Kitty Cafe Truck will make an appearance from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. June 3 at The Shops at La Cantera near Barnes & Noble, offering sweets and other special merchandise from T-shirts to coffee mugs featuring the iconic pop culture personality.
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A City Council runoff in District 9 features two longtime San Antonians, each seeking to be a voice on property crime, traffic gridlock and fiscal integrity for an affluent area of the North Side.

After emerging May 6 as finalists among 10 candidates, educator John Courage and businessman Marco Barros are in a race to succeed Councilman Joe Krier, who did not seek re-election.

Barros, president and CEO of the San Antonio Area Tourism Council, a private sector organization of businesses in the visitor and convention industries, said he has talked to former council members about issues in the district and had dozens of visits with homeowner groups. Barros himself has been an association board member for security in Bluffview-Camino Real.

The outreach, to me, is very important, said Barros, 59, adding he would step down as CEO of the tourism council and scale back involvement there, if elected.

Courage, who has served as a trustee of the Alamo Colleges District board and been involved in youth organizations, narrowly trailed Barros in the May 6 election but hopes to inspire voters to go to the polls when early voting begins Tuesday. Courage said he and Barros share some views but often disagree on solutions. He said he would be a watchdog on the City Council, when needed.

I feel like Im going to catch a lot of those second-time voters, said Courage, 66.

Barros, a self-described fiscal conservative, said he wants to run the city like a business serving the customer  San Antonio taxpayers. Courage wants the city to be more involved in education and transportation.

Both candidates, after hearing numerous concerns about mail theft, would admonish the U.S. Postal Service and federal officials to work together and with police. Barros said postal officials should use cameras or alarms to prevent thefts at community mailboxes. Courage wants the city to ban those multiunit mailboxes in new neighborhoods, to help prevent mail and identity theft.

Passage of the May 6 bond issue will bring about $70 million in improvements to District 9, and millions more to other areas that district residents will use, Courage said. Barros was glad to see support for a park on the Steubing Ranch site near Stone Oak, relieving pressure on McAllister Park, which is saturated with traffic.

Both men are concerned about water. Barros would like to see desalination used to its full potential for drinking water. He wants the San Antonio Water System to extend its recycled water line a few miles north to McAllister Park, for landscaping. Although some future increases in water costs are unavoidable, Barros said he supports careful planning.

I wish we could find solutions, and I know its more expensive, he said, comparing new technologies to the Edwards Aquifer, which is subject to pumping restrictions that tighten in a drought.

Courage is skeptical of the Central Texas pipeline, Vista Ridge, that SAWS is developing.

I dont think it was the best decision that SAWS has made. Im going to watch it like a hawk on City Council, said Courage, who endorses desalination, conservation and a renegotiated purchase agreement for Canyon Lake water.

Courage also feels San Antonio should take a stronger role on transportation planning agencies and advocate public transportation, as well as high-occupancy vehicle and express bus lanes on Loop 1604, and U.S. 281 enhancements north of the loop. Barros said he wants to keep people updated on expansion of the 281/1604 interchange and VIA Park and Ride.

On issues outside the district, Barros and Courage differed on a controversial Alamo master plan that seeks to close part of Alamo Street in the historic mission and battle site, and repair and relocate the 1930s Cenotaph. Courage supports preservation of the historic structures, in partnership with the state and a nonprofit foundation. But he called the plan overkill.

I dont think we need to mess with the Alamo, Courage said.

Barros said he sees a need to bring reverence and improve the historic plaza as a gathering place and economic driver for San Antonio. Rather than building walls to interpret the plaza, he likes the idea of portable panels that can be removed. He wants to form a task force to explore use of the Hipolito F. Garcia Federal Building and post office as a museum or exhibit area. The master plans concept of creating open space in the plaza has not been explained very well, he said.

That post office really has to be part of the experience, Barros added.

Barros supports more thorough, independent audits of all city departments, possibly mandated through the City Charter. He said he would examine budgets carefully, if elected.

Courage, noting a controversy that arose for one of the 10 initial candidates, said he wants elections officials to better vet people filing for office, to establish residency, by asking them for a recent utility bill. He also would look for ways to discourage board appointments to special interests.

You also have a megaphone as a councilman to bring things to the publics attention, he said.

Courage would like to create a San Antonio area education foundation to aid public schools, especially south of downtown, fostering prosperity for all San Antonians.

A councilman for any district is a councilman for the whole city, Courage said.

Barros said he wants more people in the district involved in community service, fundraising and other areas to help the community.

Im very interested in getting residents engaged, he said.

shuddleston@express-news.net

Twitter: @shuddlestonSA
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Two ex-girlfriends and a former wife of a San Antonio man convicted of murder in the fatal shooting of a Stone Oak homeowner in 2015 testified that the defendant was jealous, physically violent, always carried a gun, and threatened them when he got mad.

A Bexar County jury found Richard Luis Amezquita, 37, guilty of murder Monday in the death of Kerry OToole, 53, a homeowner whom Amezquita had approached in an attempt to sell him a home security system.

Amezquita was a door-to-door salesman and was in the 1000 block of Visor when he said he knocked on OTooles door, was assaulted, kicked and choked, and OToole hurled rocks at him and his car.

Amezquita said he feared for his life and shot OToole four times from inside his car in self-defense. OToole was hit twice, once in the back and once in the chest and died from his injuries.

Testifying Tuesday, Amezquitas ex-wife, Tina Chavarria, told the jury that she married him at 17 and they had a son together.

When prosecutor Kimberly Gonzalez asked if he was ever jealous or violent, Chavarria answered affirmatively and said Amezquita once put a gun in her mouth at a party and threatened to kill her.

When defense attorney Edward

Bartolomei asked about his temper, Chavarria said, Everything pushed his buttons.

She said she divorced him, had to get a protective order against him and she terminated her parental rights to Amezquita, whose own parents helped raise the boy.

Elin Bonilla, 30, told the jury that her nearly two-year relationship with Amezquita was filled with jealousy and violence. She recalled an incident after she and Amezquita left a nightclub and she asked him about his drinking, which she said could be excessive at times.

He got mad at the question, Bonilla said.

When Gonzalez asked what happened next, Bonilla, in tears, said as she was driving them back to their apartment, Amezquita grabbed her by the hair, hit her and threatened to shoot.

He rolled down the window and shot about two times, then jammed the gun in my ear and said he had one more bullet, and it had my name on it, she said through tears. By the grace of God, I drove to the apartment.

Bonilla said she had to get a protective order against Amezquita to keep him away from her and their now 7-year-old son.

Another woman, Myra Casas, testified that Amezquita fathered her daughter, now 4, and that she ended up leaving him after 10 months because of threats and intimidation.

He would force me to have sex with him, Casas said through tears. One time he pushed me off the bed. I started bleeding because I was pregnant. ... I could have lost her.

The punishment phase is being heard in the 186th State District Court. Amezquita faces five to 99 years or life in prison.

ezavala@express-news.net
AUSTIN  After a six-hour debate, the Texas House voted Tuesday to overhaul the states 2011 voter ID law, among the strictest in the nation, but not before adding major changes to the Senate-backed legislation that has emerged as one of the top priorities for lawmakers in the sessions last week.

A legal challenge from Democrats is likely if the bill clears the Legislature, as expected, and is signed into law by Gov. Greg Abbott.

While the House debated voter ID, the Senate moved ahead on passage of dozens of pieces of legislation Tuesday and negotiations continued on several key pieces of legislation still bottled up by controversy, including a major property tax reform measure and the so-called bathroom bill.

As approved by the House on a 95-54 vote, Senate Bill 5 would allow a voter to present an outdated ID from a list of approved documents if it has been expired no longer than four years. The Senate version includes a two-year limit. However, no similar time limit applies to voters who are at least 70 years old; they would be able to use an acceptable form of ID so long as the document was otherwise valid.

The Senate bill also would allow a person to cast a ballot if they present alternate identification, such as a current utility bill or bank statement showing their name and address, but they must sign a declaration stating they faced a reasonable impediment to obtaining an approved ID.

SB 5 lists seven factors as impediments, including lack of transportation, a lost or stolen photo ID, a disability or an illness. Voters would be subject to prosecution if they make false statements on the declaration form, which the Senate version makes a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine. The House voted to change the penalty to a Class A misdemeanor.

The bills House sponsor, GOP Rep. Phil King of Weatherford, also accepted a Democratic amendment to prohibit an election officer from refusing to accept documentation solely because the address on it does not match the address on the list of registered voters.

The Houses changes to Senate Bill 5 could cause some heartburn in the Senate, which now must decide whether to accept them or request a conference committee to iron out differences. King, who likely would be appointed to such a committee, said he would do my best to represent the House when a Democrat asked him about the fate of the seven amendments that senators could demand be stripped from the bill.

I hope today weve made the bill a little better than when we started, King said, later adding that the changes, if approved, will be debated in court immediately. This bill is going to be before a court the day it is signed by the governor.

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, the Senates presiding officer, said SB 5 was a must-pass bill before the legislature adjourns Monday. In a rare Sunday night order last weekend, Gov. Greg Abbott named it an emergency item to allow lawmakers to take up the bill immediately.

In recent days, Republican leaders have scrambled to revive the bill, which many thought was stalled for good. There were growing fears that ending the session without addressing court rulings that found the voter ID law was too restrictive and discriminated against minority voters could jeopardize the states arguments to the contrary.

Last year, the U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled state lawmakers discriminated against minority voters when they passed the bill. In April, U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos went further in her ruling, declaring that legislators intentionally discriminated to keep primarily Latino and African American voters from casting ballots. Ramos has scheduled the next hearing in the case June 7, when she will decide how to proceed with the litigation.

Given their string of losses and the upcoming hearing, some Republicans feared inaction could lead to a court forcing Texas back under preclearance, or requiring the state to get federal approval before making any election law changes, four years after the landmark U.S. Supreme Court case Shelby v. Holder undid the supervision.

King said the bill was the legislatures attempt to bring the voter ID law into compliance with Ramoss opinion.

The concern is that if we do not do this  which is simply codifying the Ramos intermediate court decision that we had the last election under  we could quite possibly see any kind of voter ID struck from Texas law by being permanently enjoined, King said. What Im hoping to do is to take what is current state law and conform it to the interim order.

Democrats, who long have argued GOP lawmakers passed the voter ID law to burden minority voters at the polls, disputed Kings assessment of the bill. They argued SB 5 does not address discriminatory concerns in the judges ruling.

This bill does not mirror the order, said Rep. Chris Turner, a Democrat from Grand Prairie.

Its very close, King responded.

Democrats offered several amendments, many of which the Republican majority soundly defeated, that would have loosened SB 5s requirements, including shielding voters from prosecution for unknowingly providing faulty information on the declaration form.

Folks are not going to vote because they fear they are going to break the law, said Rep. Ramon Romero, a Fort Worth Democrat, adding that many voters in his Latino-majority district are not fluent in English and have to trust interpreters when they fill out government forms.

King said, If it was just an accident, then theyre not guilty of an offense.

Before the vote, Rep. Helen Giddings, a Democrat from DeSoto, said the Houses rushed action Tuesday will do nothing to eliminate voting barriers for Texans that opponents claim were created by the law.

This body has made a habit of making it hard for our constituents to vote, Giddings said. Our voter registration system is archaic and is intentionally inefficient. Why are we not ashamed of this?

Annexation sent to negotiations: State Rep. Roland Gutierrez, D-San Antonio, said Tuesday that SB 715, authored by Sen. Donna Campbell, R-New Braunfels, was going to be sent to conference committee since Campbell did not concur with new amendments added in the Texas House.

The bill would give residents in unincorporated areas limit cities ability to annex unincorporated areas by giving residents a chance to vote on the issue. There will be conferees from the House and the Senate to reach a compromise on the bill.

Gutierrez added an amendment that would allow cities to regulate land use in their ETJ within five miles of an active military base. Thats needed, he said, because cities work with military installations to implement necessary restrictions to deal with heights of structures, light pollution and noise.

He said he didnt believe Campbell would want to keep his amendment.

This is about developers wanting to develop as they wish, Gutierrez said. Land use restrictions need to be left in place.

Maternal death bills win OK: The Texas maternal death rate is the highest nationwide, but only two bills that would help address the problem are still viable.

HB 2466, by state Rep. Sarah Davis, R-Houston, would provide mothers with the option to be screened and referred for treatment for maternal depression during their babys well-check visit with a pediatrician or other primary care provider. This would be covered through the babys CHIP or Medicaid insurance. The bill passed the Senate 31-0 and is on its way back to the House, after Sen. Joan Huffman, R-Houston, added an with an amendment to improve pregnancy and postpartum health by adding two questions to the Medicaid for Pregnant Women application.

Adriana Kohler, a senior health policy associate at Texans Care for Children, said the amendment is intended to ask about a womans preferred method of contact  text, email or phone call  so the Medicaid managed care plan sends updates and reminders about pregnancy health risks, well-child visits and prenatal care and immunizations.

The second question is whether it is the woman's first pregnancy, Kohler said. This is important because a woman who is eligible for Medicaid and is having her first pregnancy is likely eligible for Nurse Family Partnership, a very effective Texas home visiting program where a woman is matched with a nurse throughout pregnancy and during the first few years of a baby's life.

According to a report in July by the Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Task Force, an agency under the Department of State Health Services, 189 mothers died less than a year after giving birth in 2011-2012. Suicide and substance abuse due to mental illness were two of the main contributors. The Texas maternal mortality rate has doubled since 2011; the national mortality rate has gone up 27 percent. Additionally, Texans Care for Children, a nonprofit childrens policy organization, released a report that showed half of postpartum depression cases go undetected.

SB 1929passed the Texas House by a voice vote, and just needs one more vote before it goes back to the Senate for concurrence on the House amendments. It would direct a task force to study trends, rates and disparities in maternal mortality. It was amended with Houston Democrat Rep. Shawn Thierrys bill, HB 2403, which died last week alongside 100 other bills. It would commission a study under the task force to evaluate the cause of maternal mortality and morbidity in African American mothers, who bear the greatest risk for maternal deaths, according to the task force report.

The study under Thierrys amendment would also compare the rates of maternal mortality based on the socioeconomic status of the African American mother.
AUSTIN  Special prosecutors assigned to Attorney General Ken Paxtons high-profile criminal securities fraud case pushed back against the Republicans attempts to boot the judge from the case Tuesday, telling the 5th District Court of Appeals the move is unwarranted.

Its deja vu all over again, read the filing by special prosecutors, stealing the phrase from New York Yankee legend Yogi Berra in arguing that Paxton has repeatedly turned to the appellate court to complain about the lower court and should again be denied.

Special prosecutors argue the judge has authority to preside over the case and say Paxtons lawyers are asking the wrong court to remove the judge since the case has been moved to Harris County.

Paxtons criminal defense team argues Tarrant County Judge George Gallagher should be removed from overseeing the case, contending his temporary assignment to handle the case expired Dec. 31, 2016. The legal team also refuses sign paperwork to keep the judge on the case after its relocation.

The push to remove Gallagher follows the judges decision to move the case out of Paxtons home of Collin County, where he has lived, worked and served as a state lawmaker for years. Citing powerful political influences in the county, including the county commissioners court, Gallagher moved the case to Harris County where several of Paxtons lawyers and the special prosecutors practice.

Collin County is also where one of Paxtons campaign donors, Jeffory Blackard, and his other allies have brought suit to bar county officials from paying the three Houston-area special prosecutors tapped to try the case. That case is also tied up in the 5th District Court of Appeals in Dallas, which last week ordered the Collin County Commissioners Court to decide whether to pay the special prosecutors.

In response, the commissioners court voted Monday 4-0 against paying the special prosecutors about $205,000 in back pay, leaving the appellate court to grade the lawfulness of that decision. Blackard argues Collin County taxpayers shouldnt be responsible for paying high-priced lawyers to try the case.

Paxton, a high-profile Republican expected to run for re-election in 2018, was indicted in 2015 and is charged with two counts of first-degree felony securities fraud and one count of third-degree failure to register with the state as an investment adviser. He faces 99 years in prison and tens of thousands of dollars in fines if convicted.

A federal judge in civil court threw out similar charges against Paxton in March. Paxton maintains his innocence and contends he is the victim of a political witch hunt.

His trial was set for September, but the appellate court decided to stay the proceedings in the case while it weighs whether the judge should remain on the case.
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The busiest commercial bridge on the border with Mexico will be closed to most cargo traffic until Monday, forcing billions of dollars of international trade to be rerouted.

Damage caused to Laredos World Trade Bridge by storms that killed one person Sunday in the border city was significant enough to keep the eight-lane bridge closed through the weekend, U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced Tuesday.

Officials began to allow empty cargo trailers on the bridge Tuesday and are shifting cargo loads to the smaller and less used Colombia-Solidarity Bridge, 15 miles to the northwest.

Officials at the federal, state and local level from the U.S. and Mexico met with stakeholders Tuesday and announced that the Colombia-Solidarity Bridge will handle all truck traffic in Laredo and will stay open from 7 a.m. until midnight.

If there are really high volumes, they will continue to process until the last truck is done, said Blasita Lopez, a Laredo city spokeswoman. We wont close until the last truck is through, and that goes both ways.

The Texas Department of Transportation has agreed to temporarily waive tolls on the Camino Colombia toll road from the bridge to Interstate 35, which will route traffic away from surface roads in Laredo, Lopez said.

It usually takes a truck two or three hours to cross the border in Laredo, said customs broker J.O. Alvarez, but one vehicle his firm tracked Monday took almost 12 hours to cross the Colombia-Solidarity Bridge.

Sitting astride Interstate 35 and Mexico Federal Highway 85, which runs to the industrial hub of Monterrey, Laredo is home to the busiest commercial land port in the United States. International trade is the regions primary economic driver, and more than $200 billion in goods and upward of 2 million trucks, more than half of Texas international truck traffic, cross the border in Laredo each year, according to the Texas comptrollers office.

jbuch@express-news.net

Twitter: @jlbuch
By Pat Melgares

Breakthrough will help scientists breed for more resistant varieties, controls

A single seed seems so simple. Put it in the ground, give it some care, and youve soon grown food.

But Chris Little knows better. Its why hes spent the better part of the last six years learning more about the not-so-modest beginnings of soybean seeds in Kansas.

Seeds have microorganisms that live on and within them, said Little, an associate professor of plant pathology at Kansas State University. Some of those seed-borne microorganisms are harmless and actually helpful to the seed. But pathogens also reside within the seeds.

Since 2011, Little has been studying the biology of soybean seeds to find out what affects their ability to germinate and, thus, impact a farmers productivity. Pathogens, such as viruses, bacteria or other microorganisms, cause disease and thus rob farmers of greater crop yields.

You can find a lot of different pathogens, a lot of different fungi, a lot of organisms that live in the seed and seedlings, but the question becomes are they actually pathogens capable of causing disease, Little said.

Little and his research team have collected soybean seeds from 11 locations in Kansas, which he says includes several hundred samples. Then they isolated the fungi in the laboratory to see just whats living inside the seeds.

The way we categorize pathogens has changed, so being able to identify what it is  in a precise way  helps us to figure out control strategies, he said. If we dont know the perpetrator, we cant solve the crime. So theres a lot to this project in figuring out who the perpetrators are in a better way.

The researchers had a recent breakthrough when they discovered that two fungi  Fusasrium thapsinum and Fusarium fujikoroi  pathogens of sorghum and rice  are present in soybean seeds in Kansas.

Using advanced sequencing techniques that essentially extract DNA from the seed, the researchers discovered that Fusarium fungi are present in 100 percent of the seed samples they gathered. And, Little noted, many of these seed-borne pathogens may cause seedling problems.

Their finding is significant because both species, and many more, are capable of being pathogens and are resistant to fungicides commonly used to treat seed.

It raises big questions, Little said. Just because you can detect it, what are you going to do about it?

So far, theres not a good answer to that question, but researchers now have a better view of pathogens that affect soybean seeds and seedlings. They can determine the best seed treatments or fungicides to use to control for disease, or provide DNA information that helps plant breeders develop stronger varieties.

Theres always new germplasm that needs to be screened for resistance to make sure that youve got really good, well-adapted varieties, Little said. For Kansas, we want varieties that have good drought tolerance, and we want good environmental-stress tolerance. We also want to have soybean cyst nematode resistance and sudden-death syndrome resistance, and it would also be good if we had good seedling health with those too.

Theres kind of a package that you want to put together, and this study feeds into that package.

The research was primarily funded by the United Soybean Board and the North Central Soybean Research program, which has funded work in several midwestern states. The Kansas Soybean Commission also provided support for the project.
Ruralco, which owns Primaries of WA and the CRT group of independent rural retailers, reported net profit after tax for the first half of the year jumped 15 per cent to $12.4 million, up from $10.8m in the previous corresponding period.
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A Houston-based independent oil company that resolved FCPA offenses in 2015 said last week that another FCPA investigation, if it were to happen, could sink the company.

In 2015, the SEC penalized Hyperdynamics Corporation just $75,000 for books and records and internal controls offenses. And the DOJ declined to bring an enforcement action.

But Hyperdynamics spent close to $13 million on legal fees for the FCPA investigation.

And there was collateral damage. Hyperdynamics funding partner in Guinea, Tullow Oil, declared force majeure in March of 2014 based on the mere existence of the [DOJ and SEC] investigations . . . .

Tullow withdrew its force majeure declaration in May of 2014 but didnt resume petroleum operations, citing the existence of the FCPA investigations and the Ebola outbreak in Guinea as the reason.

Now Hyperdynamics has less than $1 million in cash and no oil and gas production.

Its main asset is a concession in offshore Guinea. The company has been exploring there since 2002 but hasnt made any discoveries.

Despite the 2015 FCPA resolution, Hyperdynamics still faces huge compliance challenges.

Guinea, in West Africa, is the problem.

In last weeks disclosure, Hyperdynamics said the Republic of Guinea . . .

. . . is a high-risk jurisdiction for corruption that could impair our ability to do business in the future or result in significant fines or penalties.

Guinea is largely a cash-based society and that creates additional internal control and related risks, Hyperdynamics said.

Thats not all.

The legal and judicial system in Guinea is relatively undeveloped and subject to frequent changes . . . .

So for Hyperdynamics, heres the bottom line:

We have been subject to investigations by the Department of Justice and Securities and Exchange Commission under the [FCPA] into how we obtained or retained the original Concession and spent approximately $12.8 million in legal fees in working with the U.S. Government.

Those matters were resolved in 2015, but should the DOJ, the SEC, or the Republic of Guinea open additional investigations regarding prior or current activities in the Republic Guinea or elsewhere, we do not have the financial ability to bear the cost of additional investigations and are unable to predict whether we will be able to raise the funds to properly defend the Company.

The company said it is looking for ways to raise more money.

Hyperdynamics Corporation made the disclosures in a Form S-1/A filed with the SEC on May 18, 2017.

_____

Richard L. Cassin is the publisher and editor of the FCPA Blog.
Upon the release of his new book The Expansion- author Christoph Martin tells our readers a little bit about the author behind the books.

Christoph Martin and Libby

Absolutely the best thing that has happened to me is the existence of my twin children. Every day I have to pinch myself that there are two human beings living with me that were not in this world just a few years ago. It amazes me every day!

I am involved in the production of two Swiss Movie Projects  as preparation for my biggest dream: to bring The Expansion one day to the big screen!

I love Conspiracy! There is nothing more intriguing than people being misled, sometimes based on their very own fears or desires. The absolute Mount Everest of Conspiracy is when, in the end, they learn a truth  so all the suffering was actually worth it.

Before starting to write The Expansion Series, I created another completely different type of story: the first Panamanian Bobsled Team! We almost made it  after only 3 years of racing  to the Olympic Winter Games in Sochi 2014. Heres a short trailer of that story, called Spirit of Panama!

The best part about writing The Expansion was the collaboration with my co-author Libby OLoghlin. We found something that is very hard to find: two people whose skills are complementary, and who enhance each others talents. Its a true pleasure to have found a partner in crime and I am very much looking forward to the rollout of our next three Expansion Series books over the coming years!

I think life is awesome! My slightly Buddhist approach  Live and let live  helps me sail through tough waters, and enjoy the quiet ones too!

Besides creating stories, I love restoring old houses. At the moment, you can most often find me in a pristine, small alpine village in Switzerland <http://www.wanderland.ch/en/services/places/ort-052.html>, enjoying time with my family and friends.

I love Sushi  and I love to cook Italian food!

I have been fortunate to live in two of the most diverse, different and beautiful countries in the world: Switzerland and Panama.

The characters in The Expansion appeared in my head one day when I was on a flight from Panama to Switzerland! I couldnt get them out of my head, so I started typing on my iPhone, andsix hours later!I had an overview of the first book. I love reading and telling stories about complicated characters. I find it especially compelling when characters take a clearly wrong decision  but for the right reason! I hope you enjoy the fun and diversity of the characters in The Expansion as much as I enjoyed creating them!

You can learn more about The Expansion series and join Christophs email list by going to the books website: theexpansionbook.com

The Expansion

Straddling the storyworlds of Panama, Washington and London, The Expansion follows British-born geomatic engineer Max Burns, whose revolutionary water-saving system wins him the esteemed position of head engineer for one of the 21st centurys most politically contested mega-projects: the expansion of the Panama Canal. But when a high-ranking official is found dead, Max finds himself in the frame for sabotage and murder, and at the center of a web of intrigue and betrayal, in which truth is a matter of opinion. The only person he can trust is his new-found love, Karis. Except she herself holds a secret that could not only destroy him, but could change the entire balance of world power.
Iggy Azalea doesn't see herself making music in five to six years time.

Iggy Azalea

The 26-year-old rapper - who was born in Sydney, Australia and raised in the small town of Mullumbimby - has opened up about her future in the music industry and how she plans on "transitioning" into TV and film production once her company with NBC Universal, Azalea Street, hits the ground running.

Asked if she will ever retire from making music on the Zach Sang radio show, she confessed: "One day I will. I will give up music eventually. I guess I will stop. I think I was transition more into making the film and television things that I do.

"For me starting that company was more about reestablishing something that I know is going to take many years to be respected. I plan to be here for another five or six year making music, but I like to multi-task a lot and I hope by the time I am done with that I already have something more established in that arena. I don't really see myself as being the woman who has a clothing line or is doing that kind of thing. I think that is great for people who are into that but I am more interested in telling a story."

The 'Fancy' hitmaker previously revealed her 2017 album 'Digital Distortion' will reflect "where her head's at" right now.

She wrote on Twitter: "Hi guys ... I have decided to include one of the songs from my upcoming album 'Digital Distortion' on the new Def Jam #DirectDeposit tape ...

"Also I felt it was important to say; I know its been a long wait for my album - SORRY! ... I hope my fans understand my life has been filled with so many personal changes ... I felt it was important I made some creative changes too - I needed my album to reflect where my head's at in 2017 ...

"I really appreciate the patience & I'm so excited for all the new music, new visuals, album preorder dates etc. ... I'll be releasing throughout the month of March. Thanks for your support <3 IGGY (sic)"

'Digital Distortion' will be released on June 30.
Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip will attend a service to mark the 100th anniversary of the Order of The British Empire.

Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip

The 91-year-old royal is the sovereign of the order, which King George V launched in 1917 to recognise the effort of World War I, and the monarch's 95-year-old husband is the Grand Mater.

They will be joined by over 2,000 guests who have been honoured with a knighthood, CBE, OBE or MBE at a service at St Paul's cathedral in London.

The event is held every four years, the last being in 2012.

Nowadays celebrities who have contributed an outstanding amount to their craft or through charity work are recognised with knighthoods.

Sirs include the likes of Tom Jones, Rod Stewart, Paul McCartney and Sean Connery.

Dames include actresses Helen Mirren, Judi Dench and Barbra Windsor.

It will be one of the last duties the Duke of Edinburgh attends to before he retires.

The Duke's decision was announced in an official statement earlier this month.

It read: "His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh has decided that he will no longer carry out public engagements from the autumn of this year. In taking this decision, The Duke has the full support of The Queen.

"Prince Philip will attend previously scheduled engagements between now and August, both individually and accompanying The Queen. Thereafter, The Duke will not be accepting new invitations for visits and engagements, although he may still choose to attend certain public events from time to time.

"The Duke of Edinburgh is Patron, President or a member of over 780 organisations, with which he will continue to be associated, although he will no longer play an active role by attending engagements. Her Majesty will continue to carry out a full programme of official engagements with the support of members of the Royal Family."
British actor Roger Moore, best known for his role as James Bond in films such as "Live and Let Die" and "The Spy Who Loved Me", passed away today in Switzerland after a brief battle with cancer. He was 89.



"With the heaviest of hearts, we must share the awful news that our father, Sir Roger Moore, passed away today. We are all devastated," his family said in a statement posted on Moore's official Twitter account.



Read this story in Gujarati



"The love with which he was surrounded in his final days was so great it cannot be quantified in words alone." Moore was the only actor who portrayed the popular fictional spy in seven movies between 1973 and 1985.






Sir Roger Moore, who became famous as James Bond and carried the mantle for seven films, died yesterday due to complications arising out of cancer. He starred in seven James Bond films and spent 12 consecutive years in the role. His Bond films include Live and Let Die (1973), The Man With The Golden Gun (1974), The Spy Who Loved Me (1977), Moonraker (1979), For Your Eyes Only (1981), Octopussy (1983) and A View To A Kill (1985).





Purists have always been divided about who was the better Bond, Sean Connery Roger Moore. While Connery was more in sync with writer Ian Flemings writings, Moore, with his characteristic dry humour and easy charm made the super spy into a more humane figure. His bond films are broadly white comedies. Todays when Daniel Craig plays a dry as dust Bond who is more Dark Knight than a British super spy, we wish for some of that humour to come back.



He started his career as an actor for both MGM and Warner Bros, never quite getting the star billing. He got more recognised as an actor in TV series like Ivanhoe (1958-1959), The Alaskans (1959-60), Maverick (1960-61) and The Saint (1962-69). His most famous role as a TV actor was playing the suave Robin Hood like criminal Simon Templar. It was his popularity in The Saint which led to him approached to play Bond.





Its not that he only excelled as James Bond. Fans remember him for his other action films like Shout At The Devil (1976), The Wild Geese (1978), where he played a die-hard commando, and North Sea Hijack (1979).



He became a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador in 1991 and was actively involved with humanitarian work throughout his life.



He was survived by his children, Deborah, Christian and Geoffrey at the time of his death.
What L'Oreal Wanted..

As per a report by Spotboye, ''Team L'Oreal wanted to shoot a commercial featuring all three of the Indian stars.''

When L'Oreal Shot With Aishwarya & Sonam

In 2016, L'Oreal Paris had shot a commercial featuring Aishwarya and Sonam to promote their lipstick collection.

This Year They Wanted To Shoot With Deepika & Sonam

And this year they wanted to shoot with their star trio, including newly minted L'Oreal ambassador Deepika Padukone.

When The Bollywood Divas Were Asked For The Confirmation

All three stars, Aishwarya Rai, Sonam Kapoor & Deepika Padukone were asked to green-light the project.

Aishwarya Gave The Project Her Thumbs Up

Aishwarya gave the project her thumbs up and let the team know about the availability of her dates.

But...

But that is when the problem started. Turns out, Deepika and Sonam did not want to shoot together at all.

Sonam & Deepika Made Their Stand Clear

Interestingly, Sonam Kapoor was mistaken for Deepika Padukone by the international media at Cannes. But the two actresses made their stand clear.

They Didn't Want To Shoot Together

They were not averse to sharing screen-space but they did not want to shoot together.

Aishwarya Was Informed...

Aishwarya was informed of the change in plans. So to comply with Deepika and Sonam's demands, L'Oreal has decided that they will shoot all three of the Indian stars separately.

The Next Step

Now they will combine the footage with digital trickery to make it look like Aishwarya, Sonam and Deepika are in the same frame together.
Adoor Gopalakrishnan, the veteran film-maker has won the prestigious JC Daniel Award, for his contribution towards Malayalam film industry. The award was judged by the special panel headed by the renowned film-maker KG George.

Senior directors Fazil, Kamal, and TK Rajeev Kumar were also a part of the panel. Adoor Gopalakrishnan will receive the award in the upcoming Kerala State Film Award function, which will be held in Thalassery, soon.

JC Daniel Award, is considered as the highest award instituted by the Kerala Government, for the excellence in the field of cinema. The award comprises of a cash price Rs. 1 Lakh, certificate, and trophy.

Adoor Gopalakrishnan, who is an alumnus of FTTI, Pune, made his directorial debut in 1972 with the Madhu-Sharada starrer Swayamvaram. The film-maker directed 12 films in his more than 4 decades long direction career.

His renowned films Swayamvaram, Kodiyettam, Elipathayam, Mukhamukham, Anantharam, Mathilukal, Vidheyan, Kadhapurushan, Nizhalkuthu, Naalu Pennungal, etc., went on to bag the National Film awards of the respective years.

The veteran film-maker was honoured with Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian award of India, in 1984. He was honoured with the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2004 and Padma Vibhushan, the second highest civilian award, in 2006.
Villain, the upcoming Mohanlal starring B Unnikrishnan movie is one of the highly anticipated upcoming Malayalam projects of the year. Now, the close sources have revealed an exciting news about the Mohanlal project.

As per the latest updates, Villain will hit the theatres earlier than expected. The movie, which was initially slated to be released on July 28, will hit the theatres a week earlier, on July 21.

The team has already wrapped up the first two schedules of the movie, and the post-production works are progressing. The final schedule of Villain is expected to start rolling in Chennai, by the first week of June 2017.

Reportedly, the team is planning to finish the final schedule shoot by the last week of June, and complete the rest of the post-production activities in another two weeks. So, it has been confirmed that Villain will be the Eid release of Mohanlal.

The complete actor, who essays the role of ex-cop Mathew Manjooran, will appear in two different get-ups in the movie. Manju Warrier appears as Mathew Manjooran's wife in the movie, thus marking her first collaboration with director B Unnikrishnan.

Tamil actor Vishal, Telugu actor Srikanth, Rashi Khanna etc., appear in the pivotal roles in the movie, which will have Hansika Motwani in a cameo appearance. Villain is produced by Rockline Venkatesh for the banner Rockline Productions.
Anika's Oops Moment!

In the upcoming episodes, Anika will have an oops moment! It is a known fact that Anika has poured a glass full of water on Shivaay several times. While explaining the same to Gauri, she will give a demo. But, Shivaay smartly pushes Om and thereby, she will pour the on Om instead! Oops! This will shock Gauri.

Shivaay & Anika

Shivaay and Anika want to expose Nayantara no matter what. He suspects the involvment of his family member and will keep an eye on her amidst the wedding festivities.

Will Nayantara Be Exposed?

Both Shivaay and Anika are unaware that Pinky and Nayantara have joined hands. If reports are to be believed, Nayantara will soon be exposed.

Mata Ki Chowki

The wedding festivities will continue and a Mata Ki Chowki will be organized by the Oberois, which will be held in a very grand manner. During the puja, Shivaay, Omkara and Rudra will perform the aarti together.

Romance Ahead

Amidst all the wedding ceremonies, viewers will also get to see some romantic moments between their favourite couple, Shivaay and Anika. Also, Shivaay will soon get to know that Pinky is not his biological mother.

Kulgotra Puja

A Kulgotra puja will also be held to include the names of the new bahus, Anika and Gauri in the Oberoi clan. Shivaay-Anika and Om-Gauri will leave their hand impressions on the marble board. Om will perform all the rituals unwillingly.

Shivaay Flops Nayantara's Plan

Apparently, Nayantara will create a huge chaos during the puja. Shivaay will spoil her plan and will make a smart move, so as not to include her name in the Oberois' kulpatri.

Gauri Faints

During the kulgotra puja, Gauri will fall unconscious and the Oberois will be shocked. Omkara will tend to Gauri.

Rudra Meets A New Girl

Mansi Srivastava's entry was shown in the last episode. As per the latest spoiler, Rudra will be meeting her at his friend's wedding in Meerut. Mansi will be portrayed as a simple girl who feels scared in presence of boys and a chance meeting with Rudra will change her life.
DUBLIN, June 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "Global Industrial Robot Positioners Market 2017-2021" report to their offering.

The global industrial robot positioners market to grow at a CAGR of 7.42% during the period 2017-2021.

The report, Global Industrial Robot Positioners Market 2017-2021, has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts. The report covers the market landscape and its growth prospects over the coming years. The report also includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market.

New concepts of collaborative robots are gaining popularity, as these robots work in tandem with humans, thus speeding up operational workflow. Companies, such as ABB, have configured work environments where human workers and robots can swap tasks to learn from each other's experience and speed up the industrial processes. It has been observed that co-operative processes carried out by humans and robots can reduce the idle human worker time by 80%-85%.



According to the report, advances in technology are driving large industrial players and several small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to opt for industrial robots as a measure to cut down their operational costs. Countries like China, Japan, and Taiwan are witnessing the growth of SMEs across various end-user industries. To harness the benefits of lower cost of operation using industrial robots, SMEs have started to adopt automation and robotics on a large scale. Because of this transformational change, vendors are trying to capitalize this opportunity by developing customized robots that are ideally designed to meet the needs and affordability of SMEs. Adoption of industrial robots has decreased the dependency on expensive manual labor and increased the productivity margins. A robot when compared with a human worker can double the production output of a machine on a regular basis. Implementation of robots in industries also helps to minimize extra expenditure incurred on overhead expenses such as salary, compensation, and pension.

Key vendors



ABB

Comau

FANUC

KUKA Robotics

Yaskawa Electric



Other prominent vendors



CLOOS Robotic Welding

DEUMA

Drupe Engineering

Easom Automation Systems

Hawk Technology

Industrial Robotix

IRCO Automation

Koike Aronson

Kyrus Europe

Lincoln Electric

Midwest Engineered Systems

NACHI-FUJIKOSHI

Osaka Transformer Company (OTC) DAIHEN

Production Design Services

Preston Eastin

Wolf Robotics



Key Topics Covered:



PART 01: Executive summary



PART 02: Scope of the report



PART 03: Research Methodology



PART 04: Introduction



PART 05: Market landscape



PART 06: Market segmentation by application



PART 07: Market segmentation by type



PART 08: Geographical segmentation



PART 09: Decision framework



PART 10: Drivers and challenges



PART 11: Market trends



PART 12: Vendor landscape



For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/l3pl4w/global_industrial

Media Contact:

Research and Markets

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

press@researchandmarkets.com



For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470

For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630

For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900



U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907

Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 07/25/17 -- Anfield Gold Corp. ("Anfield" or the "Company") (TSX VENTURE: ANF) announces the results of the Feasibility Study (the "Study"), prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101"), for its 100%-owned Coringa Project ("Coringa" or the "Project"). The Study was compiled by MTB Project Management Professionals Inc. ("MTB") and demonstrates that Coringa has the potential to be an economic, high-grade underground gold mine.

Marshall Koval, Chairman and CEO, commented: "We are pleased to deliver a report that confirms strong economics at Coringa and believe that the Project has the potential to add substantial value to shareholders and the surrounding community over the coming years. Once Anfield receives the required permits from the Brazilian authorities, our experienced operating team led by Andrew Storrie can commence re-constructing the same plant that he and his team operated while working at the nearby Andorinhas mine."

Anfield will continue to explore for areas where value can be added to the Project. There are approximately 40,000 gold ounces of the estimated Inferred mineral resource, which are not included in the Study's mine plan,(1) that are adjacent to areas mined as part of the Study. In addition, the Company controls a twenty kilometre area in the district with delineated gold soil anomalies, of which, the drill-defined mineral resource strike length is approximately two kilometres.

1. Inferred mineral resources are considered too speculative geologically to have the economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as mineral reserves. There is no certainty that any or all mineral resources can be upgraded to mineral reserves through continued exploration.

Feasibility Study Summary

The Study was initiated in June 2016 by MTB, with contribution by several consultants that have extensive expertise in their respective fields. Further details on the contributors can be found in the Qualified Persons section of this news release.

All currencies are in United States dollars unless otherwise specified. Base case economics are based on a gold price of $1,250 per ounce ("oz"), silver price of $18.00 per oz and an exchange rate of 3.2 (US$:R$). The effective date of the Study is July 1, 2017 and it incorporates all expenditures prior to that date. A technical report relating to the Study will be filed on SEDAR within 45 days of this news release.

The Study and Project highlights include the following estimates:

-- Gold production of approximately 32 koz per year averaged over a 4.8 year mine life -- Average life of mine process fully-diluted gold grade of 6.5 grams per tonne ("g/t") -- Post-tax internal rate of return of 30.8% -- Post-tax net present value of $31.0 million at a 5% discount rate -- Initial capital costs of $28.8 million -- Average net cash operating costs of $585/oz and all-in sustaining costs of $783/oz -- Probable mineral reserves of 161 koz of gold and 324 koz of silver -- 23% of engineering for the process plant and related infrastructure has been completed and 100% of engineering for the tailings storage facility has been completed

Table 1: Summary of Coringa Economic Results by Gold Price

---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gold Price (per oz) Units $1,125 $1,250 $1,375 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pre-Tax NPV (5%) $M $17.6 $34.0 $50.3 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pre-Tax IRR % 19.6% 32.9% 45.5% ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Post-Tax NPV (5%) $M $16.0 $31.0 $45.2 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Post-Tax IRR % 18.4% 30.8% 41.7% ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Table 2: Coringa Life of Mine Capital Expenditure Estimate Breakdown

---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Initial Capital ($M) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Process & Infrastructure $13.3 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pre-production Mine Development $3.5 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Equipment $1.9 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Direct and Indirect Owner Costs $8.1 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Contingency (7.5%) $2.0 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total Initial Capital (excluding working $28.8 capital) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Working Capital $1.5 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sustaining Capital ($M) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Life of Mine Sustaining Capital $28.7M ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Average Annual Life of Mine Sustaining $5.9M Capital ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Table 3: Summary of Coringa Operating Cost Estimates and Cash Costs

---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Average Life-of-Mine Operating Costs per Tonne Milled ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mining Costs $41.68 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Processing Costs $33.51 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- General, Administrative and Site Costs $33.14 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total Operating Costs $108.33 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Average Life-of-Mine Cash Costs per Ounce ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Operating Costs $558 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Silver By-Product Credits ($23) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sandstorm 2.5% NSR Royalty $31 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Government 1.5% NSR Royalty (1) $19 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- C1 Cash Costs Net of By-products (2) $585 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sustaining Capital and Closure Costs $197 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- All-in Sustaining Cash Cost (3) $783 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

(1): Includes 1.0% NSR royalty to the Brazilian government and 0.5% NSR royalty payment for surface rights

(2): (Refining Costs + Insurance + Transport Costs + Third Party Royalties + Operating Costs) / Payable Au oz

(3): (Refining Costs + Insurance + Transport Costs + Third Party Royalties + Operating Costs + Sustaining and Closure Capital Costs) / Payable Au oz

Coringa Estimated Mineral Reserves and Resources

The estimated mineral reserves for Coringa are based on the conversion of Indicated mineral resources to Probable mineral reserves based on the Study's estimated mine plan. The total fully-diluted mineral reserves for the Coringa Project are shown in Table 4.

Table 4: Coringa Estimated Mineral Reserves and Resources

---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Classification Contained Cut-off Tonnes Au Grade Ag Grade Contained Silver Grade (000's) (g/t) (g/t) Gold (koz) (koz) (g/t Au) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Serra Probable 498 6.0 12.8 97 204 2.50 Reserves ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Meio Probable 196 7.4 14.6 46 92 2.38 Reserves ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Galena Probable 74 7.1 11.2 17 27 2.50 Reserves ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total Probable 769 6.5 13.1 161 324 Reserves ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total Indicated 726 8.4 17.0 195 396 2.00 Resource ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total Inferred 1,301 4.3 5.1 181 215 2.00 Resource ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

General Note: Additional information, including with respect to the mineral resource estimate, metallurgy, data verification and quality control measures, can be found in Anfield's technical report titled "Coringa Gold Project, Brazil, NI 43-101 Technical Report" with an effective date of May 3, 2017, which is filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Totals in the above table may not add due to rounding.

Resource Notes: Minimum thickness is 0.8 m horizontal. Effective date of May 3, 2017. Indicated mineral resources are inclusive of mineral reserves.

Reserve Notes: Effective date of July 1, 2017. Grades are reported on a fully-diluted basis.

Mining

The Study contemplates underground mining using a 100% owner operated equipment fleet, most of which was acquired from Troy Resources Limited's ("Troy Resources") Andorinhas mine and is on site. The three mining areas that make up the Project will use a shrink stoping method to extract ore. Coringa has been designed to deliver an average of 159 thousand tonnes per year (approximately 460 tonnes per day) of mill feed. The Study contemplates a mine that will extract ore over a 4.8-year period with a delivered fully-diluted gold head grade of 6.5 g/t. Ore will be sourced from the Serra zone in years 1 to 4, the Meio zone in years 3 and 4 and the Galena zone in the final year of mining.

Metallurgy

Extensive feasibility level test work was completed by C.H. Plenge & CIA S.A. at its laboratory in Lima, Peru, using representative composites, that confirmed the material from Coringa is amenable to a conventional crush, grind, gravity concentration and carbon-in-leach flow sheet.

Test work results indicated that 40% to 50% of the gold will be recovered in a gravity concentrate. The overall estimated gold and silver recovery based on all ore types being processed during the life of mine is 95.4% and 61.2% respectively.

Infrastructure

The Coringa Project is located in Para State, approximately 70 kilometres south-east of the city of Novo Progresso. Access to the mine site from the city of Novo Progresso is by way of existing paved and gravel roads and the driving time from Novo Progresso to the Coringa camp is typically two hours.

Camp and Existing Infrastructure:

The existing Coringa camp has been upgraded with the addition of new accommodations for 212 permanent operations staff and a new cafeteria/kitchen facility to serve the expected workforce. Additionally, a leased and contract-catered camp for construction contractors, capable of accommodating 128 individuals, has been retained at Coringa following the completion of infill drilling. The entire camp complex has been secured with perimeter fencing, perimeter lighting, and access control by security staff.

Power for the Camp and Mine:

Total Project electrical demand during full mine and process plant operation is 3,039 kilowatts ("kW") (3,799 kilovolt amps "kva").

Initially, until commercial power can be designed, permitted, constructed, and supplied by CELPA (the regional utility), power supply for the plant, mine, and camp will be supplied by seven diesel generators (six operating and one on standby), each rated at 750 kva. Power will be distributed from a central power station at the plant site via an overhead 34.5 kilovolt transmission line to the mine portals and to the camp. Completion of the incoming CELPA transmission line is expected to take 12-18 months.

The camp load of 90 kW (112.5 kva) has been, and will continue to be, provided by a 310 kva generator with a 500 kva generator as back-up. Both camp generators were obtained from Troy Resources. The power supply for the camp will continue to be supplied by generators until the power station at the plant and the overhead transmission line from the plant to the camp have been completed.

Water Requirements for the Camp and Mine:

During production, the mine, plant, and camp water requirements will be approximately 140m3/day, 770m3/day, and 35m3/day, respectively. Additionally, approximately 40m3/day will be needed during the six-month dry season each year for dust control on site roads and in working areas to maintain safe and healthy working conditions.

Mine and plant water needs will be sourced from mine dewatering, which is modelled to significantly exceed the total requirements for both. Camp water needs are expected to be sourced from a well near the camp.

During the three to six months of plant startup when reclaimed water from the tailings storage facility is not yet available, water to the process plant will be sourced from behind a temporary coffer dam constructed within the tailings storage facility footprint to provide a dry area for construction of the tailings embankment.

Approximately 520m3/day of the 770m3/day required for plant operation will come from reclaim of process water from the tailings storage facility. Only 250m3/day of raw water from mine dewatering will be required for plant makeup water.

Taxes

The Study incorporates assumptions about Anfield's ability to use income tax deductions made available under a government economic stimulus program to companies for industrial projects developed in the Amazon region of Brazil. The program reduces the Brazilian corporate income tax rate by 75%. The assumed income tax rate used in the financial model is 15.25%.

Construction Timeline and Permitting

The Study evaluates a construction period of ten months from start to completion. The Company continues to engage with the Secretaria de Estado de Meio Ambiente e Sustentabilidade ("SEMAS") to receive the required permits to commence construction and hope they will be forthcoming in the near-future.

Qualified Persons

The scientific and technical information contained in this news release pertaining to the Project has been reviewed and approved by the following Qualified Persons as defined by NI 43-101: Robert Sim, P.Geo. (Mineral Resource), of SIM Geological Inc.; Neil Prenn, P.Eng. and Edwin Peralta, P.Eng. (Mining), of Mine Development Associates; Robert Michel, SME Registered Member (Economic Analysis and Infrastructure) of Robert Michel Enterprises; Nelson King, SME Registered Member (Metallurgy and Process); Mark Smith, P.E. (Tailings Management Facility) of RRD International LLC and Larry Breckenridge, P.E. (Hydrology, Hydrogeology, Geochemistry, and Infrastructure) of Global Resource Engineering, Ltd. All of the Qualified Persons are independent of Anfield.

About Anfield Gold

Anfield Gold Corp. (TSX VENTURE: ANF) is a Vancouver, Canada based precious metal exploration and development company focused on the development of the Coringa Project located in Para State, Brazil. Anfield's strategic plan includes the acquisition of other gold projects with the goal of becoming a mid-tier gold mining company.

Further details are available on the Company's website at https://anfieldgold.com

Anfield Gold Corp.

Marshall Koval, Chairman & CEO

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

Certain statements and information herein, including all statements that are not historical facts, contain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "will", "expected" or variations of such words. Forward looking statements or information in this press release include, but are not limited to, Anfield's strategic plan to acquire other gold projects with the goal of becoming a mid-tier gold mining company; the mineral resource and mineral reserve estimates for the Project; that the Project has strong economics; the internal rate of return of the Project; the annual production of the Project; the net present value of the Project; the life of mine of the Project; the capital costs, operating costs and other costs estimated for the Project; required infrastructure for the Project; how infrastructure for the Project will be sourced; the timing required to complete construction at the Project; and that construction of the Project will occur at all. In making the forward-looking statements in this release, Anfield has applied certain factors and assumptions that are based on information currently available to Anfield as well as Anfield's current beliefs and assumptions (including Anfield's belief in the results of the Study). Although Anfield considers these beliefs and assumptions to be reasonable based on information currently available to it, they may prove to be incorrect, and the forward-looking statements in this release are subject to numerous risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause future results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements.

Such risk factors include, among others, actual ore mined varying from estimates of grade, tonnage, dilution and metallurgical and other characteristics; the inherent uncertainty of production and cost estimates, and the potential for unexpected costs and expenses; risks associated with the estimation of mineral reserves and mineral resources, and the grade and continuity of mineral deposits; the timing of mining the three zones of the Project; the annual mill feed for the Project; gold recovery rates; power and water requirements for the Project; that mineral resources may never become mineral reserves and do not demonstrate economic viability, Anfield may not be able to achieve the base case during actual mining at the Project, risks associated with the business of Anfield, risks relating to exploration and potential development of the Company's projects; risks related to obtaining the permits and approvals necessary to develop and commission the Project on terms that are acceptable to Anfield; risks related to Anfield identifying suitable acquisition targets; business and economic conditions in the mining industry generally; the supply and demand for labour and other project inputs; prices for commodities to be produced and changes in commodity prices; changes in interest and currency exchange rates; risks relating to inaccurate geological and engineering assumptions (including with respect to the tonnage, grade and recoverability of mineral resources and mineral reserves); risks relating to unanticipated operational difficulties (including failure of plant, equipment or processes to operate in accordance with specifications or expectations, cost escalation, unavailability of materials and equipment, government action or delays in the receipt of government approvals, industrial disturbances or other job action, and unanticipated events related to health, safety and environmental matters); risks relating to adverse weather conditions; political risk and social unrest; changes in general economic conditions or conditions in the financial markets; and changes to business and economic conditions in the mining industry generally.

Forward-looking information and statements are in addition based on various estimates, forecasts and projections as well as expectations, beliefs and assumptions including, without limitation, the expectations and beliefs of management, the assumed long-term price of gold; that the Company can access financing and that the political environment where the Company operates will continue to support the development and operation of mining projects. Although Anfield has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Anfield does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

Contacts:

Anfield Gold Corp.

Scott Hicks

+604 646-1884

+604 687-7041 (FAX)

https://anfieldgold.com




HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam, May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

With 50 denim companies from 11 countries, the pioneer of Denim Show - Denimsandjeans Vietnam -is ready for their second edition, themed Street Style on June 7-8 at the most premium venuein Vietnam - The Gem Center.

A very timely aggregation of the apparel industry will happen at theDenimsandjeans show in expectation of Vietnam's FTA with EU becoming effective in 2018. In fact, there are other events coming up in anticipation of FTA, including the EU-Vietnam Business Network (EVBN), European Art of Living in Vietnam on June 16-17, 2017, which will host about 80 European companies, including fashion and accessories, food and other industries.

The Denimsandjeans show aims to bring together the denim supply chain in this regionand will showcase talks from internationally renowned experts. There will be a panel discussion, ' Create Denim for the Future with the Care for People and the Planet,' with senior panelists like Denim Connoisseurs Mr. Sanjeev Bahl, Owner of Saitex; Mr. Christian from Bluesign Technologies and Ms. Sara Fesser from G-Star.The session will be moderated by Mr. Bill Watson, MD-Coats, Vietnam on the7th June.

Mr. Stefano Aldigheri, Former Creative Director - 7 For All Mankind, will hold a seminar and the topic would be - Denim Is Dead, Long Live Denim, where he talks about what direction denim has taken and where it is going.

Ms. Dilek Erik, a renowned denim consultant from Turkey will share her views while presenting on, 'Denim Producers Guide To Success In Foreign Market' on the second day, followed by an important session by Mr. Bill Watson on'Vietnam's FTAs with Europe and other regions - An Analysis of Impact on Textile and Apparel.'

The theme of the show is 'Street Style' and brings into focus the important role that denim plays in street wear. Denimsandjeans is also coming up with a show in Bangaloreon September 25-26, themed 'Flexx Menn' and the next one in Dhaka on October 4-5, themed 'Denim Hyggae.'

Denimsandjeans.com has been serving the global denim industry since 2007 through their website and provides various platforms for the industry to come together. Their online platform De-brands also enables global companies to create showrooms and take their products to buyers electronically

Registration link: http://vmshow.denimsandjeans.com/invite.php

Online portal: http://onlineshow.denimsandjeans.com

Media contact:

Sandeep Agarwal

+91-9815630600

info@denimsandjeans.com


WASHINGTON, DC / ACCESSWIRE / May 23, 2017 / As the CEO of RedPeg Marketing, Brad Nierenberg has become an acclaimed executive and business strategist recognized for his strong acumen, and today discusses why positive corporate culture is imperative to a company working to build greater employee loyalty and optimize the organizations' bottom line. As the founder of an experiential ad agency, Nierenberg has realized that the individual experiences of employees have a much more significant impact on morale than the typical business-offered "morale boosters". The creative marketing expert recently shed light on the three most important aspects of creating a meaningful, productive, and thought provoking work environment.

A 2012 study, which examined the effects a company's atmosphere has on its turnover rates, concluded that employees were 45% more likely to leave a job with poor culture than one that provided positive experiences. The results also showed that employers who cultivate a rich work setting often enjoy retention rates as high as 77%. The first step, Brad Nierenberg states, is to welcome creativity. At RedPeg, Nierenberg takes the open door policy a step further. To his managers he asks, "Is you door really open? Are you truly encouraging fresh thinking?" If ideas are immediately rejected or disregarded by superiors, employees feel their professional growth is being stunted, and the business in turn suffers when they refrain from contributing again. In order to achieve company-wide growth, the creative process demands that new concepts and solutions be embraced and encouraged, not discouraged. Industry powerhouses like Google and 3M are a direct result of innovation from within. Google actually encourages staff to dedicate one day a week to creating new concepts. 3M's most successful product, the Sticky Note, was completely designed by employees.

Managers must be able to accurately identify a person's strengths and weaknesses, and create tasks that allow them to maximize the impact of their talents. A recent poll by Gallup showed that putting these techniques into practice will result in employees being 7.8% more productive and six times more likely to be engaged in their job. When a team is compiled to successfully take advantage of its strengths, its work output is increased by 12.5%. In other words, more is being accomplished and those completing the jobs are also receiving immense satisfaction doing the work.

Finally, and most importantly says Nierenberg, officemates must feel like they are surrounded by a second family. To accomplish this, he curates experiences that build deeper bonds between his employees. Each week he sends three employees from different departments out to lunch. Called the Three Amigos, this helps team members get to know each other in ways that may not happen in the office. Nierenberg has also rented a beach house during the summer and sent different sets of employees there. The resulting bonds are stronger than what could be achieved in the day to day work back at the office. Inevitably, conflicts will occur, but those moments of uncertainty should be used as a chance to work towards something greater, together. High levels of respect, trust, and comfort will make the countless hours of working closely together a rewarding experience. Treating employees as valued contributors helps employers to continually improve and adapt the workplace to best optimize culture and productivity.

Brad Nierenberg is an entrepreneur and the President & CEO of RedPeg Marketing. With over 20 years of industry experience, Nierenberg has won several awards for his contributions to the field of Experiential Marketing. Besides being a nationally sought after speaker, his written works have been featured in The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, and Inc. Magazine, along with many other prestigious business publications.

Brad Nierenberg - President & CEO of RedPeg Marketing: http://bradnierenbergnews.com

Brad Nierenberg (@bradnierenberg) - Twitter: https://twitter.com/bradnierenberg

Brad Nierenberg - Quora: https://www.quora.com/profile/Brad-Nierenberg

Contact Information:

BradNierenbergNews.com

www.BradNierenbergNews.com

brad@bradnierenbergnews.com

SOURCE: Brad Nierenberg
NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / May 23, 2017 / Successful real estate entrepreneur and long-time philanthropist, Jacob Frydman proudly stands with the National Committee for Furtherance of Jewish Education's (NCFJE) in support of its charity endeavor, the Toys for Hospitalized Children program. Mr. Frydman's generous commitment and support for the NCFJE's initiative will help provide toys, gifts, and smiles to children in need.

Located in Brooklyn, NY, NCFJE is a multi-faceted charity founded in 1940 by Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok Schneerson dedicated to protecting, feeding, and educating thousands throughout the New York metro area. Today, the NCFJE has several programs under the leadership of Rabbi Jacob Hecht with the objective of providing fast, discreet, and dignified service to all sectors of the Jewish community. Under the direction of Program Director, Mrs. Baila Hecht, the organization's roster of initiatives includes Toys for Hospitalized Children, which sends over 10,000 toys and gifts annually to numerous hospitals, senior residences, and special needs facilities. For more than 50 years, these gifts have brought joy and smiles to those that need it most, and Jacob Frydman is pleased to be able to give back to the community through this meaningful and impactful program.

Toys for Hospitalized Children is also helping children learn how easy and fulfilling it is to reach out to help others who are less fortunate. The young volunteers of the program gather to wrap toys, and when possible, visit the recipients to offer the gifts personally. During his years of active involvement in Toys for Hospitalized Children, Jacob Frydman has witnessed on numerous occasions how an unexpected gift uplifts a hospitalized child, senior, or special needs adult by letting them know they are not forgotten. This simple gesture sends a message of compassion and hope to patients and family members that leaves a lasting sense of community spirit in all who participate.

A renowned expert on value added investments, Jacob Frydman has made a positive and lasting impact over his 30-year career in the real estate acquisition and development industries. As a recognized leader in his field, Jacob has served as a contributor and panelist at numerous industry seminars, speaking on aspects of property investments. He has been a guest lecturer on real estate finance at Columbia University, and in the Master's Lecturer series sponsored by New York Law School. His television appearances include CNBC, Bloomberg TV, FOX News, and others, where he discusses trends in commercial real estate and provides his invaluable expertise. Frydman has served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Bardavon Opera House, home of the Hudson Valley Philharmonic and is also an avid philanthropist, often donating his time and capital to various charitable endeavors. He is a firm supporter of organizations such as Chabad of Dutchess County and The Brem Foundation of Washington DC.

Jacob Frydman - Blog - JacobFrydmanNews.com: http://JacobFrydmanNews.com

Jacob Frydman (@jacobfrydman) - Twitter: https://twitter.com/jacobfrydman

Jacob Frydman - Huffington Post: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/author/jacob-frydman

Contact Information:

JacobFrydmanNews.com

contact@jacobfrydmannews.com

www.JacobFrydmanNews.com

SOURCE: Jacob Frydman
SHENZHEN, CHINA -- (Marketwired) -- 05/24/17 -- Goodix (SHSE: 603160), premier developer of human interface and biometric solutions for mobile devices, today announced that Huawei has adopted Goodix's innovative fingerprint sensor solution for its new generation MateBook computer, the MateBook X. Launched today in Berlin, Germany and aimed at extreme experience, the slim and stylish MateBook X is packed with powerful performance, including Goodix's world-leading fingerprint sensor, making it the first Windows Notebook equipped with the "One Step Power-On and Login" function.

Exclusively provided by Goodix, the innovative fingerprint authentication solution enables enhanced security and usability. The independent fingerprint sensor is integrated into a power button embedded with One Step Power-On and Login features, allowing users to activate and unlock devices simultaneously with a single touch.

The cutting edge solution also features a Transport Layer Security (TLS) embedded in the chip, ensuring secure communications between the chip and the system and providing highly secured fingerprint authentication. The fingerprint authentication algorithm developed by Goodix enables highly accurate fingerprint identification and faster unlock speed. The fingerprint sensor solution supports a wide variety of covered, coatings and Invisible Fingerprint Sensor (IFS) solutions, providing greater design flexibility to manufacturers.

Goodix has been making important milestones since the company introduced its first fingerprint sensor solution in 2014. With an emphasis on R&D investment, a relentless drive to continuously innovate and enhance solutions, the company has today become a premier industry leader, with its solutions being widely deployed in mobile devices from global leading brands. Goodix also successfully pioneered the commercial application of fingerprint authentication solution into personal computers (PC) and tablets. Goodix and Huawei's collaboration on the all-new MateBook X marks a new era of fingerprint authentication technology applied to PC and tablet products. Goodix's fingerprint authentication products are also deployed in Huawei's flagship P10 and P10 Plus smartphones.

From May 30th to June 3rd, Goodix will bring its latest biometric and human interface solutions for mobile phones, tablets and wearables to COMPUTEX TAIPEI 2017. Please visit Goodix's booth M1319a at Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center to see the cutting-edge technology in action.

About Goodix:

Goodix, a premier developer and provider of fingerprint and touchscreen solutions for mobile phones, tablets and wearables, currently holds a diversified portfolio of fingerprint authentication solutions that provides excellent flexibility to suit the varying preferences from consumers and partners such as Live Finger Detection, Invisible Fingerprint Sensor (IFS), Glass-covered and Coating button sensors. In addition, Goodix has been actively involved in assisting Alipay and China UnionPay with reviewing industry standards for fingerprint authentication. As an increasing number of top-tier handset manufacturers adopting fingerprints solutions from the company, Goodix will continue expanding its partner network to lead innovation in the biometrics authentication market.

Walter Lee

FleishmanHillard Hong Kong

Email Contact

+852 2586 7831




Channel Announces New Satellite Feed for Middle East and North Africa during CommunicAsia 2017

LONDON, May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- London-based Fashion Television International Limited continues to expand its international market with the launch of Fashion Television Middle East in both HD and SD on the EUTELSAT 8 West B satellite that, together with EUTELSAT 7 West A and the Nilesat satellites, represent the most popular video neighborhood in the Middle East and North Africa. The channelwill launchat 14:00 local time and announced today, May 24, 2017 during CommunicAsia 2017.

Fashion Television's new fashion, lifestyle, and trend-setting line-up, as well as original programs, in June and July on the channel will be broadcasted through Eutelsat on one of the most popular neighborhoods, targeting a rapidly growing audience reaching over 52 million households in the Middle East and North Africa.

"From street style to beauty tips, to fashion weeks and red carpets, anyone in the MENA "[Middle East / North Africa]" region now has access to Fashion Television's popular program featuring the hottest international fashion events, brands, models, photographers - 24 hours per day, 7 days a week," says Fashion Television's Chief Operation Officer, Gleb Livshits, at the announcement at the event held at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore. "Together with Eutelsat, the network offers its high quality programming now to an audience in a part of the world where consumers' interest in fashion and lifestyle programming has always been high - and they now can specifically see localized programming from the region for the region."

Franco Cataldo, Eutelsat's Deputy Chief Commercial Officer added: "We are delighted to enrich the diverse offer of channels for audiences in the Middle East and North Africa with the addition of Fashion Television."

Exciting new shows to look forward to from the channel include: localized fashion reports Fashion Window Middle East; the brand new docu-series "Fashion 24 Hours", which follows successful fashion industry professionals for an inside look of what a day in their life is really like. Localized programming in Arabic language will start airing in the 3rd quarter of this year, including localized versions of the popular "Fashion News" and coverage of all the top fashion weeks held in Milan, London, Paris and New York.

How to receive Fashion Television HD and SD on Eutelsat 8W (7/8 West)



Fashion Television HD:

Frequency: 11137 MHz Horizontal Polarisation

FEC 3/4

Symbol rate: 27500

Fashion Television SD:

Frequency: 12687 MHz Horizontal Polarisation

FEC 5/6

Symbol rate: 27500

For more information about Fashion Television and its offerings, visit www.fashion.tv

About Fashion Television International

Since its inception in 1985, Fashion Television is the leading fashion authority, having covered fashion events and leading style icons such as Donna Karan, Karl Lagerfeld, Calvin Klein, Betsey Johnson, Naomi Campbell and the late Alexander McQueen for over more than 3 decades in more than 80 countries.

In 2016, Fashion Television was acquired by New York based Fashion One Television LLC.

For media queries, please contact:

Fashion One Television LLC

Victor Matos

victor@fashionone.com

212-468-5502 Direct

212-656-1828 Fax
Thermo Fisher to introduce Ion AmpliSeq' On-Demand product line of pre-tested gene targets and several other new Ion Torrent NGS offerings at ESHG 2017

COPENHAGEN, Denmark, May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --Clinical researchers studying germline disorders now have access to an extension of the highly referenced, Ion AmpliSeq next-generation sequencing (NGS) line of assays. The new Ion AmpliSeq On-Demand targeted sequencing panels for inherited disease research provide easy and practical design customization capabilities to lower upfront costs regardless of project size. Thermo Fisher Scientific will introduce the line, as well as several other new Ion Torrent NGS products, at the annual European Society of Human Genetics (ESHG) Conference in Copenhagen, Denmark, May 27-30, 2017.

A targeted NGS approach is the preferred method for researchers who study germline disorders in an effort to understand complex diseases that require analysis of multiple genes. Compared to the time-consuming and costly whole exome or whole genome sequencing, targeted NGS has become an especially beneficial approach in clinical research settings where a more practical, efficient and economical way to resequence tens-to-hundreds of specific gene targets is often required.

"Cost was a limiting factor for panels with a large number of amplicons. For researchers that need to change their gene content frequently, the lower price for oligos is really great," said Pan Zhang, Ph.D., M.D., director, Sequencing and Microarray Center at Coriell Institute for Medical Research.

Adam Ameur, Ph.D., Bioinformatics Scientist, National Genomics Infrastructure, SciLifeLab at Uppsala University, added: "The majority of the projects we provide service for have only a few samples, so it is good to have a small pack size. Previously, we have been limited because of the cost, so this may open up other studies in which we look at larger genes with fewer samples."

Ion AmpliSeq On-Demand Panels are custom designed by customers on the Ion AmpliSeq Designer tool (www.ampliseq.com) by selecting from a growing repository of highly optimized gene targets that are relevant in germline disorder research. The tool's disease-gene database, which allows gene selection based on disease research area, has been informed by public repositories, such as the Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) database, and includes primer sets based on 1,000's of proven designs that are also wet lab verified to guarantee performance. Panels are then ordered instantaneously in practical pack sizes that fit experiment needs and lower upfront costs.

"Targeted sequencing using customer-designed custom panels has proven to be a popular method for driving translational research, but for uncommon, complex diseases such as germline disorders, most labs do not have the number of samples to justify the significant investment of time and money," said Joydeep Goswami, president of Clinical Next-Generation Sequencing and Oncology at Thermo Fisher Scientific. "By simplifying the way users can customize their content and pack delivery size, clinical researchers can focus on targets of interest that will drive greater discovery without the high upfront cost and risk of waste."

Thermo Fisher will provide demonstrations of the new Ion AmpliSeq Designer Software for delegates who request them at ESHG 2017. The company is also hosting a workshop featuring talks from early access users of Ion AmpliSeq On-Demand Panels and other new technology from Thermo Fisher. The complementary workshop, titled New Products to Enable Discovery of De Novo and Germline Mutations, will take place Sunday, May 28 at 11:15 am CET in the Ballerup Room at the Bella Center Copenhagen (BCC). Workshop presenters include:

Luca Quagliata , Ph.D., senior director, University Hospital Basel - Sanger sequencing in molecular pathology and genetics

, Ph.D., senior director, University Hospital Basel - Sanger sequencing in molecular pathology and genetics Adam Ameur , Ph.D., bioinformatics scientist, Uppsala University - Targeted next generation sequencing in inherited disease research: Example from Noonan syndrome

, Ph.D., bioinformatics scientist, - Targeted next generation sequencing in inherited disease research: Example from Noonan syndrome Prof. Alessandra Murgia M.D ., Ph.D., associate professor, University of Padova - NGS application to neuroscience disease research

., Ph.D., associate professor, University of Padova - NGS application to neuroscience disease research Doron Behar , M.D. Ph.D., CEO Gene by Gene - A pan-ethnic high throughput mutation and genomic variation detection using microarray technology

, M.D. Ph.D., CEO Gene by Gene - A pan-ethnic high throughput mutation and genomic variation detection using microarray technology Enrico Tagliafico , M.D., Ph.D., head of Center for Genome Research, Center for Genome Research, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia - Implementation of BRCA Oncomine' panel for germline and somatic variant analysis

Additional Ion Torrent NGS products to be highlighted at ESHG 2017 include:

Ion 510 ' Chip for Ion S5 ' System - New sequencing chip that generates 2 million reads, and expands the throughput scalability of the Ion S5 systems using the automated Ion Chef System workflow.

Chip for Ion S5 System - New sequencing chip that generates 2 million reads, and expands the throughput scalability of the Ion S5 systems using the automated Ion Chef System workflow. Ion ReproSeq' PGS Kits - PGS is now enabled on the Ion S5 Systems for a scalable analysis of aneuploidy in a single or multiple cells from pre-implantation embryos.

For more information on the Ion AmpliSeq On-Demand Panels, stop by Thermo Fisher's booth (#438) or visit www.thermofisher.com/ampliseqondemand.html. For more information on the workshop at ESHG, visit www.thermofisher.com/eshg17.

Ion AmpliSeq On-Demand Panels, Ion ReproSeq PGS Kits and Ion 510 Chip are For Research Use Only; not for use in diagnostic procedures.

About Thermo Fisher Scientific

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. is the world leader in serving science, with revenues of $18 billion and more than 55,000 employees globally. Our mission is to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. We help our customers accelerate life sciences research, solve complex analytical challenges, improve patient diagnostics and increase laboratory productivity. Through our premier brands - Thermo Scientific, Applied Biosystems, Invitrogen, Fisher Scientific and Unity Lab Services - we offer an unmatched combination of innovative technologies, purchasing convenience and comprehensive support. For more information, please visit www.thermofisher.com.

Media Contact Information:

Mauricio Minotta

Thermo Fisher Scientific

+1 760 929 2456

Mauricio.Minotta@thermofisher.com

or

Maurissa Messier

CG Life

+1 908 208 9254

mmessier@cglife.com

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/490330/Thermo_Fisher_Scientific.jpg
BRUSSELS (dpa-AFX) - Germany's GFK consumer confidence index for October is due to be released in the pre-European session on Thursday at 2:00 am ET. The forward-looking sentiment index is forecast to rise to 11 in October from 10.9 in September. Ahead of the data, the euro showed mixed trading against its major rivals. While the euro rose against the pound, the yen and the Swiss franc, it fell against the U.S. dollar. As of 1:55 am ET, the euro was trading at 0.8765 against the pound, 1.1434 against the Swiss franc, 1.1723 against the U.S. dollar and 132.65 against the yen. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
CANBERA (dpa-AFX) - The Australian dollar weakened against the other major currencies in the Asian session on Wednesday. The Australian dollar fell to nearly a 2-week low of 1.0629 against the NZ dollar and a 2-day low of 0.7443 against the U.S. dollar, from yesterday's closing quotes of 1.0664 and 0.7475, respectively. The aussie dropped to 83.24 against the yen, from an early 1-week high of 83.71. Against the euro and the Canadian dollar, the aussie edged down to 1.5020 and 1.0075 from yesterday's closing quotes of 1.4953 and 1.0100, respectively. If the aussie extends its downtrend, it is likely to find support around 1.05 against the kiwi, 0.72 against the greenback, 81.00 against the yen, 1.47 against the euro and 0.99 against the loonie. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
DUBLIN, May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

FlowForma and Appetite for Business in association with Microsoft UK are pleased to host a morning seminar on Meeting Regulatory Compliance, taking place on the 30th of May 2017 in Microsoft's Paddington office in London.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161012/427743 )

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160908/823123 )





"We understand the pressure on organizations to meet regulatory compliance requirements, respond quickly to incident queries and report seamlessly, so we're pleased to invite Health & Safety, IT, Projects and Facilities Managers to attend our upcoming Incident Management and Risk Assessment Seminar hosted with Appetite for Business and Microsoft to learn how to tackle these challenges," said Neil Young, CEO, FlowForma.

Attendees will hear how an approach towards no code workflow supports organizations such as charities, sporting bodies, care homes and more to drive productivity and transparency, mitigate risk and ensure compliance. Real-time demonstrations and case studies will showcase how FlowForma Workflow customers have successfully replaced paper-based processes, all while reducing errors and increasing efficiency, without any coding.

The FlowForma team will demonstrate how the FlowForma no code BPM tool is the ideal tool for deploying processes to support compliancy such as incident management, complaints management, electronic vetting and risk assessment processes. Use cases will reveal the intuitiveness of this no code, logic only workflow tool and reveal how power users can build and publish processes to help meet regulatory compliance, with speed and flexibility, with little or no help from the IT department.

This is a free event but registration is compulsory. Secure your complementary place today to share your regulatory challenges, network with peers and get best practice advice from both FlowForma and Microsoft experts.

Seminar Details

When: Tuesday, 30th May 2017 from 9.30am to 1.30pm

Where: Old Bailey, Microsoft, 2 Kingdom Street Paddington, London

Who: Health & Safety, IT, Projects and Facilities Managers

This is a free event but registration is compulsory, secure your complementary place today.



Supporting Resources

To learn more about FlowForma ' s upcoming Meeting Regulatory Compliance event visit: http://www.flowforma.com/events/morning-seminar-uk-meeting-regulatory-compliance

To find out how the FlowForma Cloud BPM tool works visit: www.flowforma.com/howitworks

To download a free trial of FlowForma BPM visit: http://www.flowforma.com/trial

About FlowForma

FlowForma, the leading provider of Business Process Management (BPM) tools for Microsoft Office 365 has been revolutionizing the traditional BPM space with an innovative approach to developing award winning BPM products that empower users to get work done, smarter and faster, on the familiar SharePoint platform, without any coding.

FlowForma is a Microsoft Partner, with over 110,000 users across Europe, South Africa and North America. The company is headquartered in Dublin with offices in London and Boston and is motivated by its values to innovate, evolve and achieve with employees, customers and partners.

For further information, visit http://www.flowforma.com

About Appetite for Business

Appetite for Business knows about people and technology and support organisations to bridge the gap between the two to provide business growth. Appetite for Business is a people-focused technology consultancy who support organizations to achieve cost savings and process improvements by understanding how employees engage and interact with technology.

Through a unique combination of knowledge and innovative approaches using technology and controlling your documents within those systems Appetite for Business have developed solutions which deliver significant value.
HELSINKI, May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- OPEC's current fossil business will become obsolete in upcoming decades, but oil and gas related products are still needed in a climate neutral world. The Paris Agreement requires a transition to a net zero emission world within a few decades. This means a full phase out of all fossil fuels. Yet, hydrocarbons are still necessary for sectors such as marine and aviation, as well as the chemical industry.

As OPEC countries face having to leave their oil and gas in the ground, in order to ensure their economic success in the future, OPEC needs to look for new ways of producing fuels. Investing in Power-to-Liquid technology could be the answer.

Neo-Carbon Energy: Synthetic fuels from the air

The Neo-Carbon Energy research project and technology from the Lappeenranta University of Technology (LUT) and VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd enable the production of synthetic fuels straight from the air.

The solution is built on carbon dioxide capture, water electrolysis and subsequent synthesis units such as methanation for methane and Fischer-Tropsch for liquid fuels. It depends on very low cost renewable electricity based on wind and solar, and produces synthetic fuels in a carbon neutral way. This could lead to a whole new circular carbon economy.

The cost estimates for producing liquid fuels with the solution are around $140/bbl (0.80 /l) between 2030 and 2040, if produced in the Maghreb region. Such prices were reached for crude oil in 2008. The cost could be even less in the future, due to declining solar PV and battery costs. The potential production volumes are practically unlimited, since the Earth receives more than 1000 times more energy from the sun than it is used globally for all energy needs today. It is likely that Power-to-Fuels and Chemicals technology will gain increasing importance between 2030 to 2040.

"A net zero emission economy without this technology is practically impossible," emphasizes Christian Breyer, professor for solar economy at LUT.

The raw materials needed in the process are carbon dioxide and water, with CO2 separated from the air. Hydrogen is generated from water by means of electrolysis. Electricity consumed in the electrolysis is supplied from renewables. Finally, CO2 and hydrogen are combined to form hydrocarbons in a synthesis reactor operated at high pressure and temperature. A future improvement might be to also use water from air, which is a byproduct of the CO2 separation from air.

"All technologies are known, most of them for decades", says Pasi Vainikka, Principal Scientist from VTT.

OPEC regions excellent for production

Neo-Carbon Energy is feasible in areas where renewable electricity is available at a low cost. Research shows that the most cost-efficient sites for producing hydrocarbons from the air are regions with abundant solar and wind resources, such as Patagonia, the Maghreb, the Horn of Africa or Western Australia. The Middle East region is also well suited for production. The products are globally tradable as of today. Additionally, the liquids and chemicals need refining, which indicates parts of the existing global fossil oil value chain could remain after some restructuring. A new pilot plant will be opened in Finland in June.

The Neo-Carbon Energy Project will be featured in the EU Sustainable Energy Week program.

For more information, please contact:

Christian Breyer

Professor

Lappeenranta University of Technology

christian.breyer@lut.fi

Tel. +358-50-443-1929

Pasi Vainikka

Principal Scientist

VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd

pasi.vainikka@vtt.fi

Tel. +358-40-5825-987

Key research papers for further information:

Long-Term Hydrocarbon Trade Options for the Maghreb Region and Europe - Renewable Energy Based Synthetic Fuels for a Net Zero Emissions World, Sustainability, 9, 306, 2017, http://bit.ly/2psoJlX

Techno-Economic Assessment of Power-to-Liquids (PtL) Fuels Production and Global Trading Based on Hybrid PV-Wind Power Plants, Energy Procedia, 99, 243-268, 2016, http://bit.ly/2oDE4uN

Synthetic Methanol and Dimethyl Ether Production based on Hybrid PV-Wind Power Plants, 11th International Renewable Energy Storage Conference, Dusseldorf, March 14-16, 2017 ,http://bit.ly/2qvsLYf

Long-term Hydrocarbon Export Options for Iran - Renewable Energy based Synthetic Fuels for a Net Zero Emissions World, 11th International Energy Conference, Tehran , May 30-31, 2017 , http://bit.ly/2pKuxYx

Economics of global LNG trading based on hybrid PV-Wind power plants, 31st EU PVSEC, Hamburg , September 14-18, 2015 , http://bit.ly/2e0qe24

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

http://news.cision.com/lappeenranta-university-of-technology--lut--finland/r/fuel-from-the-air-technology-provides-a-path-to-new-business-for-opec-countries,c2272187

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The majority of European businesses (53%) would support the setting of an EU-wide corporate tax rate, finds a Grant Thornton survey. Support is particularly strong among business leaders in Italy (70%), Spain (66%), France (64%) and Greece (62%), where rates are higher than the European average.

Grant Thornton's survey also reveals that 63% of eurozone businesses would like to see further economic integration among EU member states.

Francesca Lagerberg, Global leader for tax services at Grant Thornton, comments:

"In Europe, we have continued to see downward pressure applied to corporate tax rates. This year, Italy reduced its rate from 27.5% to 24%. French president-elect Emmanuel Macron has likewise vowed to cut corporate tax from 33.3% to 25%. But rates in these countries alongside Germany at nearly 30% are still among the highest in the EU. Our data tells us that business leaders want a more even playing field in future. Certainly, President Macron is already pushing for more tax harmonisation across EU states."

However, some businesses feel strongly that each country should determine its own rate, with only 6% of businesses in Ireland, 10% in Estonia, 28% in the Netherlands and 30% in Lithuania supporting the idea of an EU-wide regime. Again, there is some correlation with the low rates these countries currently enjoy (see Figure 1). Outside the eurozone, only 16% of UK businesses express their support, as divergent policy pledges on corporate tax emerge ahead of the June general election.

Table: Support for EU-wide corporate tax rate versus corporate tax rate as a percentage % support for EU-wide Corporate tax rate* corporate tax rate Italy 70% 24% Spain 66% 25% France 64% 33.33% Greece 62% 29% Malta 45% 35% Germany 41% 29.79% Finland 40% 20% Lithuania 30% 15% The Netherlands 28% 25% Estonia 10% 20% Ireland 6% 12.5%

*The overall corporate tax rate can range due to local tax trade rates; the figures stated here are the current average or indicative rate for most firms in each country.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170524005064/en/

Contacts:

Grant Thornton

John Vita

John.vita@gti.gt.com

312/602-8955
Public-private partnership aims to standardize and clinically validate blood-based biomarkers

LAKEWOOD, Colorado, May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --Terumo BCT, a global leader in blood component, therapeutic apheresis and cellular technologies, today announced it has joined CANCER-ID, a public-private European consortium working to establish standard protocols and clinical validation for blood-based biomarkers of cancer. CANCER-ID is funded by the Innovative Medicines Initiative (IMI), bringing together 38 partners from 13 countries.

Cancer treatment is often hampered by late diagnosis, lack of prognostic indicators, and limited ability to monitor and personalize treatment. The goal of the consortium is to establish the clinical utility of liquid biopsies which are non-invasive blood tests that detect circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and fragments of tumor DNA that are shed into the blood from the primary tumor or metastatic sites.

CTCs are promising biomarkers for detection and diagnosis of systemic cancers. CTCs could potentially help physicians and scientists plot the molecular signature of an individual's tumor over time, monitor tumor responsiveness to therapy, and identify targets for the development of personalized therapies. To date, the infrequent detection of CTCs has hindered clinical implementation and potential use in liquid biopsies for cancer diagnosis and therapy.1

Terumo BCT's Spectra Optia Apheresis System, an FDA-cleared and CE marked device for use in therapeutic apheresis and cell collection procedures, is currently used in hospitals and apheresis centers around the world. Spectra Optia will be incorporated into CANCER-ID research efforts that will evaluate diagnostic leukapheresis (DLA) as a means to capture and harvest larger numbers of CTCs1. This research may identify a role for the Spectra Optia system in future diagnostic processes.

Terumo BCT is pleased to partner with CANCER-ID, furthering the consortium's mission of developing standards and conducting clinical validation to enable broad adoption of reliable molecular analyses from liquid biopsies.

"We are delighted to be included in CANCER-ID as an industry partner and to provide the Spectra Optia system as a potential new tool for physicians as they seek to improve the diagnosis and treatment of disease. As a partner to the consortium, we further our commitment to research and innovation that advances personalized medicine with a specific focus on immuno-oncology," says Monte Smith, Vice President, Global Therapeutic Systems, Terumo BCT.

According to Dr. Thomas Schlange, Senior Biomarker Scientist, Global Biomarker Research, Bayer Pharma AG, "CANCER-ID is an excellent example of a public-private partnership enabling collaborative research to develop modern cancer therapy.This consortium brings together an international team of global biomarker experts that extends far beyond the scope of traditional 'one-on-one' industry-academia collaborations."

CANCER-ID's initial evaluation phase will be followed by a clinical phase, running until 2020, with a goal to establish the use of liquid biopsies in evaluating the progress of lung and breast cancer treatments.

1Fischer JC, et al. Proc.Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 2013; 110:16580-16585.

Disclaimer: This press release reflects the author's view and that neither IMI nor the European Union, EFPIA, or any Associated Partners are responsible for any use that may be made of the information contained therein.

About Terumo BCT

Terumo BCT, a global leader in blood component, therapeutic apheresis and cellular technologies, is the only company with the unique combination of apheresis collections, manual and automated whole blood processing and pathogen reduction technologies. We believe in the potential of blood to do even more for patients than it does today. This belief inspires our innovation and strengthens our collaboration with customers.

About the Innovative Medicines Initiative (IMI)

This CANCER-ID project has received funding from the Innovative Medicines Initiative 2 Joint Undertaking under grant agreement No 115749. This Joint Undertaking receives support from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme and EFPIA. IMI is working to improve health by accelerating the development of, and patient access to, innovative medicines, particularly in areas where there is an unmet medical or social need. It does this by facilitating collaboration between the key players involved in healthcare research, including universities, the pharmaceutical and other industries, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), patient organizations and medicines regulators.

IMI is a partnership between the European Union and the European pharmaceutical industry, represented by the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA). Through the IMI 2 programme, IMI has a budget of 3.3 billion for the period 2014-2024. Half of this comes from the EU's research and innovation programme, Horizon 2020. The other half comes from large companies, mostly from the pharmaceutical sector; these do not receive any EU funding, but contribute to the projects 'in kind', for example by donating their researchers' time or providing access to research facilities or resources.

Media Contact

Bradley Hein, Terumo BCT

Sr. Manager Integrated Communications

Phone: 720.480.7649

press@terumobct.com

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The factors that will sustain NFON's impressive growth are international expansion and platform scalability

LONDON, May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --Based on its recent analysis of the hosted Internet protocol (IP) telephony and Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS) industry, Frost & Sullivan recognises NFON with the 2017 European Frost & Sullivan Award for Growth Excellence Leadership. NFON has entrenched itself in the European hosted IP telephony and UCaaS market, growing at above-market average growth rates by implementing a combination of growth diversification, high price/performance value, and compelling customer purchase and ownership experiences. Having captured a prominent position in Germany with a strong feature set and affordable pricing, it is striving to replicate this success across Europe.

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The launch of NFON's Cloud Telephone System service in 2007 enabled the company to quickly scale the leader board in its native Germany. The proprietary platform helps the provider better control costs and offer affordable communications solutions to businesses. Platform ownership further empowers the provider to innovate more rapidly and respond to changing customer requirements. Through higher margins, it allows NFON to leverage partners for broader geographic reach and greater customer support.

"NFON's initial focus on small- and medium-size businesses (SMBs) helped it capture the latent market demand for feature-rich, yet cost-effective communications solutions. Demand among SMBs remains strong throughout Europe, which creates significant opportunities for the innovative provider," said Frost & Sullivan Vice President Elka Popova. "NFON is also striving to harness increasing demand for cloud communications solutions among larger organizations and is experiencing accelerated growth through greater average deployment size."

"We feel truly honoured to be named Growth Excellence Leader. This shows that our expansion strategy is fully paying off. It also encourages us to pursue this strategy across Europe," Hans Szymanski, CEO of NFON AG, explains. "This year we will open new branches in both Portugal and Italy."

One of the core elements of NFON's growth strategy is global expansion to ensure scalability. In addition to the German market, it has successfully launched operations in Austria, Croatia, Hungary, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, and the UK. It will be launching services in the Portuguese market in the second quarter of 2017 and has plans to make services available in Italy. It employs a direct approach in countries such as Austria, Spain, and the UK, but has also demonstrated willingness to partner with providers such as Sunrise in Switzerland (white-label services) and Zetacom (exclusive partner) in the Netherlands.

With a roster of more than 15,000 business customers in 2016, NFON was one of the top-16 hosted IP telephony providers in the highly challenging European market. It reported a 44% growth rate in installed users, surpassing the industry rate of 25%. Its remarkable growth underlines its agility, strategy effectiveness, and ability to adapt and execute.

NFON's growth is also the result of its excellent scalability, as its platform can serve as few as two employees to as many as 249,000. Its focus on functionality rather than account size across multiple customer segments allows it to target a larger number of businesses and customer bases. Diversifying its revenue streams and risks, it can balance shorter sales and implementation cycles in the SMB segment, with lower churn rates and greater return on sales costs in larger deployments.

"NFON's extensive feature set, along with the flexibility of the cloud model, make NFON Cloud Telephone System a viable alternative to complex, expensive, premise-based solutions, as well as lower-end consumer voice over IP services," noted Popova. "Web-based portal and control functions provide users and IT administrators much greater control over their communications solutions than legacy time division multiplexing-based services."

Meanwhile, NFON has shown exemplary commitment to its partner channels by empowering them to serve customers in their respective regions and add products and services for greater customer value. Its fully redundant data centre infrastructure ensures higher service availability and is a critical factor for customer retention and service scalability.

Overall, Frost & Sullivan is pleased to acknowledge NFON's success born of its ability to accommodate customers' changing requirements and ensure a positive experience throughout the lifecycle of its service.

Each year, Frost & Sullivan bestows this award upon the company that demonstrates excellence in growth and customer value. It recognises the superiority of the product/service, as well as the overall customer, purchase, ownership, and service experience offered, which has resulted in the recipient company seeing above-market growth and greater share of wallet. The award lauds the growth, diversification, and sustainability strategies of the company.

Frost & Sullivan Best Practices awards recognise companies in a variety of regional and global markets for demonstrating outstanding achievement and superior performance in areas such as leadership, technological innovation, customer service, and strategic product development. Industry analysts compare market participants and measure performance through in-depth interviews, analysis, and extensive secondary research to identify best practices in the industry.

About NFON

Business communication around the world is undergoing the greatest change in its history. A modern business phone system in the cloud is an investment in the future viability for businesses of any size or industry. NFON offers unlimited capacities for the challenges faced by companies with 2 to 249,000 employees. NFON is a cloud solution "Made in Germany" and stands for data protection, reliability, and TUV-certified voice quality. These facts together with the more than 150 intelligent features, simplicity of operation, cost effectiveness and essential security features all contribute to NFON being one of the leading provider worldwide. Operating in 12 European countries, NFON AG has its headquarters in Munich. http://www.nfon.com/

About Frost & Sullivan

Frost & Sullivan, the Growth Partnership Company, works in collaboration with clients to leverage visionary innovation that addresses the global challenges and related growth opportunities that will make or break today's market participants. For more than 50 years, we have been developing growth strategies for the global 1000, emerging businesses, the public sector and the investment community. Contact us: Start the discussion.

Contact:

Chiara Carella

P: +44 (0) 207.343.8314

F: 210.348.1003

E: chiara.carella@frost.com


BRUSSELS/FRANKFURT/PARIS (dpa-AFX) - European stocks were little changed on Wednesday as gains in energy stocks were offset by losses in the mining sector.



Automakers also turned broadly lower after the U.S. government filed a suit against Fiat Chrysler, accusing the Italian carmaker of using illegal software to fake emission results on its diesel vehicles.



The pan-European Stoxx Europe 600 index was up 0.1 percent at 392.35 in late opening deals after rising 0.2 percent the previous day.



The U.K.'s FTSE 100 was moving up 0.1 percent, while the German DAX was declining 0.2 percent and France's CAC 40 index was moving down 0.1 percent.



Fiat Chrysler lost about 1 percent, while BMW, Daimler and Peugeot declined 1-3 percent.



Mining stocks followed copper prices lower after Moody's Investors Services downgraded China's long-term local and foreign currency issuer ratings, saying its debt levels are likely to increase further in the years ahead.



Anglo American, Antofagasta and Glencore fell about 1 percent. Glencore today confirmed earlier reports that its agriculture unit has made an informal approach to U.S. grains trader Bunge.



Shares of Kingfisher plunged more than 6 percent after the home improvement retailer reported weak sales in its first quarter on a constant currency and like-for-like basis amid continued weaker sales in France.



British telecom major Vodafone Group rose about 1 percent as it announced an agreement to combine mobile operator Vodafone Malta Ltd. and Malta-based cable, broadband and pay TV provider Melita.



Retailer Marks and Spencer rose over 1 percent despite reporting a 64 percent drop in annual profits following a costly business overhaul.



In economic releases, German consumer confidence is set to continue its rising trend in June on the back of further improvement in expectations on income and economy, results of a survey by the GfK market research group showed.



The forward-looking headline index rose to 10.4 points from 10.2 points in May, defying expectations for an unchanged reading.



The minutes for the May 2-3 FOMC meeting are due later in the day, with investors looking for signs on whether the Fed will lift rates in June.



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

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BOSTON, MA -- (Marketwired) -- 05/24/17 -- Vesper, developer of the world's most advanced and reliable acoustic sensors, today launched VM1010, the first MEMS microphone to bring voice activation to battery-powered consumer devices -- while drawing nearly zero power.

The inaugural member of Vesper's ZeroPower Listening MEMS microphone product line, VM1010 is a tiny, ultra-rugged piezoelectric MEMS microphone that allows product designers to offer touchless user interfaces to consumers, without any power-consumption penalty. Consuming a mere 6 A while in listening mode, VM1010 extends battery life to months or years by enabling the rest of the system to completely power down while waiting for a keyword. That is a major advantage to designers who can create an entirely new class of rugged, battery-operated, voice-interface devices that work anywhere.

"Consumers want to interact with their electronic devices using just their voice. We are seeing a Cambrian Explosion of voice-enabled consumer electronics, including smart speakers, smart earbuds, and diverse IoT products," said Matt Crowley, CEO, Vesper. "The problem is that speech recognition consumes a lot of power, 1000 W or more, and that is why most voice-activated devices must be plugged in. By using unique materials that directly convert sound energy into electrical energy, VM1010 is the only MEMS microphone that uses sound energy itself to wake devices from sleep, while consuming negligible power. That's a huge advantage to consumers who will be able to use their hearables, wearables, smart speakers, and event-detection systems for months or even years at a time, without recharging or replacing batteries."

Amazon's Alexa Fund has recently supported both Vesper and Invoxia, as two startups that are advancing voice user interface through their respective technologies. Invoxia is also preparing to launch its soon-to-be-released VM1010-based smart home hub. (See: Vesper Raises $15M Series A to Drive Pervasive Voice Interfaces and Amazon Announces the Next Alexa Fund Recipient: Invoxia.)

"When we first tested VM1010, we could hardly believe how much it extended battery life. We are excited to work with Vesper as we prepare to launch the world's first ZeroPower Listening smart home hub in the coming months," said Serge Renouard, CEO, Invoxia. "We expect consumers to delight in their ability to use Amazon Alexa as they wake our new smart speaker from sleep, without having to push a button to activate a product that they can use anywhere."

About VM1010

VM1010 is a low-noise, high dynamic range, single-ended analog output piezoelectric MEMS microphone. It features a configurable voice zone, allowing voice in a 5-foot radius to 20-foot radius-zone to trigger the system and increase to a normal operation mode. When the environment is quiet, the system can enter ZeroPower Listening mode and the entire system can power down.

Like other Vesper piezoelectric MEMS microphones, VM1010 sets the standard for reliability and stability, even in harsh environments. It is dustproof to IP5X and waterproof to IPX7. Because it is stable in all environments, VM1010 microphones are also ideally suited to microphone arrays, which are critical to far-field audio applications.

Drawing a mere 6 A of power in always-listening mode, VM1010 extends battery life by >10x.

Availability

VM1010 is a single-ended analog piezoelectric MEMS microphone. VM1010 is currently sampling and is available online through Digi-Key. Test boards and reference design boards using VM1010, DSP Group's DSPG DBMD6 and Sensory's Truly Handsfree wake word algorithms are available from Vesper via an exclusive invitation-only program.

For sales inquiries, contact Vesper via email: sales@vespermems.com or visit Vesper on the web: www.vespermems.com.

About Vesper

Vesper is a privately held advanced sensor company based in Boston, MA. With origins at the University of Michigan and initial funding from NASA, NSF and the NIH, Vesper's award-winning microphones are driving a new era of pervasive voice interfaces and acoustic event detection via a proprietary piezoelectric MEMS technology. These products include hearables/wearables, smartphones, smart speakers, Internet of Things (IoT) devices and connected cars. Vesper is funded by Accomplice, Amazon's Alexa Fund, AAC Technologies, Hyperplane, and other strategic partners. For more information about Vesper, please contact us via email: info@vespermems.com or web: www.vespermems.com.

ZeroPower Listening is a trademark, and the Vesper logo is a registered trademark, of Vesper. All other product and company names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

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Press Contacts:

Matt Crowley

Vesper

Email: Email Contact



Maria Vetrano

Vetrano Communications

Email: Email Contact




SANTA CLARA, CA -- (Marketwired) -- 05/24/17 -- Cyphort Inc. today introduced the Quilt Security Ecosystem, a technology integration program consisting of more than 30 security and networking vendors working with Cyphort to create a seamless, integrated security fabric for customers. Quilt members exchange relevant information between their products and Cyphort's Anti-SIEM, an open software platform that combines advanced threat detection, analytics, and mitigation capabilities to strengthen security and accelerate incident response for mid and large sized organizations.

"The analytics engine within the Anti-SIEM ingests security event and log data from Quilt partners, which is then correlated with our own threat detection intelligence to provide customers with a consolidated timeline view of all events related to each security incident," explained Franklyn Jones, Chief Marketing Officer at Cyphort. "We then use the mitigation features of the Anti-SIEM to automatically create updated policies that strengthen the tools of Quilt partners so they can prevent similar threats in the future."

One of the Quilt vendors leveraging this two-way information exchange is Carbon Black (Waltham, MA) with its CB Endpoint Security Platform. "The widely deployed joint solution from Cyphort and Carbon Black empowers customers with maximum visibility in their environments," said Jim Raine, Carbon Black's Director of Technology Alliances. "Now, as Cyphort delivers an innovative SIEM alternative, customers can correlate detections from multiple sources, empowering response teams to pinpoint what needs immediate attention."

Another Quilt vendor working with Cyphort is Bradford Networks (Boston, MA), a leading provider of security automation and orchestration solutions. "Through our integration with Cyphort's Anti-SIEM and its threat detection technology, we can automatically isolate endpoint devices known to be compromised, restricting their access and movement," said Frank Andrus, CTO at Bradford Networks. "The joint solution brings visibility and automated policy-based control to every device that is on the network, whether the device is a guest's laptop or an IoT device such as a security camera."

In total, Cyphort has integration with more than 30 vendors across multiple product categories, including endpoint security, firewalls, IPS, SWG, CASB, and NAC, as well as various network infrastructure products. In addition, the Anti-SIEM can integrated with existing SIEMs to provide critical advanced threat detection and analytics capabilities, or it can operate as a SIEM on its own.

About the Anti-SIEM

The Anti-SIEM is a distributed software platform that begins with a focus on threat detection, by ingesting raw data from web, email, and lateral spread traffic, as well as log and event data from a variety of other security tools in the network. All information is fed into its analytics engine, which uses machine learning and behavioral analysis technologies to first identify advanced threats, then correlate all related alerts and log events from other sources, and finally add user/host identify information. The Anti-SIEM then presents analysts with a consolidated timeline view of the entire security incident, showing the threat and all related events over time, as well as progression through the cyber kill chain. The entire process takes as little as 15 seconds.

About Cyphort

Cyphort, Inc. is a security software company providing mid- and large-size enterprise customers with innovative security analytics for advanced threat defense. The solution is built with an open architecture that integrates with existing security tools to discover and contain the advanced threats that bypass the first line of security defense in an organization. Based in Santa Clara, California, the company was founded in 2011, is privately-held, and distributes its software through direct sales and channel partners across North America and international markets. Learn more at www.cyphort.com.

Media Contact:

Dan Chmielewski

Madison Alexander PR

Tel: +1-714-832-8716

M: +1-949-231-2965

www.madisonalexanderpr.com

Email Contact




ROYAL DUTCH SHELL PLC

3RD QUARTER 2017 UNAUDITED RESULTS

SUMMARY OF UNAUDITED RESULTS Quarters $ million Nine months Q3 2017 Q2 2017 Q3 2016 %1 Definition 2017 2016 % 4,087 1,545 1,375 +197 Income/(loss) attributable to shareholders 9,170 3,034 +202 3,698 1,920 1,448 +155 CCS earnings attributable to shareholders Note 2 8,999 2,501 +260 (405) (1,684) (1,344) Of which: Identified items A (2,462) (2,889) 4,103 3,604 2,792 +47 CCS earnings attributable to shareholders excluding identified items 11,461 5,390 +113 105 110 67 Add: CCS earnings attributable to non-controlling interest 324 230 4,208 3,714 2,859 +47 CCS earnings excluding identified items 11,785 5,620 +110 Of which: 1,282 1,169 931 Integrated Gas 3,632 2,793 562 339 4 Upstream 1,441 (2,758) 2,668 2,529 2,078 Downstream 7,686 5,904 (304) (323) (154) Corporate (974) (319) 7,582 11,285 8,492 -11 Cash flow from operating activities 28,375 11,445 +148 (3,912) 872 (5,168) Cash flow from investing activities (7,364) (27,534) 3,670 12,157 3,324 Free cash flow H 21,011 (16,089) 0.50 0.19 0.17 +194 Basic earnings per share ($) 1.12 0.39 +187 0.45 0.23 0.18 +150 Basic CCS earnings per share ($) B 1.10 0.32 +244 0.50 0.44 0.35 +43 Basic CCS earnings per share excl. identified items ($) 1.40 0.70 +100 0.47 0.47 0.47 - Dividend per share ($) 1.41 1.41 - Q3 on Q3 change

Compared with the third quarter 2016, CCS earnings attributable to shareholders excluding identified items increased to $4.1 billion, reflecting higher contributions from Downstream, Upstream and Integrated Gas. Earnings benefited mainly from stronger refining and chemicals industry conditions, increased realised oil and gas prices and higher production from new fields, offsetting the impact of field declines and divestments.

Cash flow from operating activities for the third quarter 2017 of $7.6 billion included negative working capital movements of $2.5 billion, mainly due to increases in inventory value and current receivables, compared with favourable working capital movements of $0.7 billion in the third quarter 2016. Excluding working capital effects, cash flow from operations was $10.1 billion.

Total dividends distributed to shareholders in the quarter were $4.0 billion, of which $0.9 billion were settled by issuing 33.8 million A shares under the Scrip Dividend Programme.

Royal Dutch Shell Chief Executive Officer Ben van Beurden commented:

"Shell's three businesses all made resilient contributions to this strong set of results. Upstream generated almost half of the $10 billion cash flow from operations excluding working capital this quarter, at an average Brent oil price of $52 per barrel, and this was complemented by good cash contributions from our growing Integrated Gas business and from Downstream. This competitive performance is further evidence of Shell's growing momentum, and strengthens my firm belief that our strategy is working."

ADDITIONAL PERFORMANCE MEASURES Quarters $ million Nine months Q3 2017 Q2 2017 Q3 2016 %1 Definition 2017 2016 % 5,742 6,766 7,705 Capital investment2 C 17,228 72,964 1,365 9,472 219 Divestments D 10,866 1,706 3,657 3,495 3,595 +2 Total production available for sale (thousand boe/d) 3,634 3,588 +1 47.06 45.62 40.43 +16 Global liquids realised price ($/b) 47.03 36.41 +29 4.15 4.22 3.42 +21 Global natural gas realised price ($/thousand scf) 4.22 3.51 +20 9,477 9,548 9,994 -5 Operating expenses G 28,307 31,654 -11 9,197 9,339 9,245 -1 Underlying operating expenses G 27,717 28,498 -3 5.0% 4.0% 3.8% ROACE (reported income basis) E 5.0% 3.8% 4.6% 4.2% 2.8% ROACE (CCS basis excluding identified items) E 4.6% 2.8% 25.4% 25.3% 29.2% Gearing F 25.4% 29.2% Q3 on Q3 change Nine months 2016 included $52,904 million related to the acquisition of BG Group plc.

Supplementary financial and operational disclosure for this quarter is available at www.shell.com/investor.

THIRD QUARTER 2017 PORTFOLIO DEVELOPMENTS

Integrated Gas

During the quarter, Shell completed the acquisition of Chevron's subsidiary in Trinidad and Tobago, closed the sale of its 50% interest in the Kapuni asset in New Zealand, and acquired MP2 Energy LLC in the USA.

In September, Shell and KUFPEC mutually agreed to cancel the Sale and Purchase Agreement for the sale of Shell Integrated Gas Thailand Pte Limited and Thai Energy Co Limited (Shell interests 100%) in Thailand.

In October, Shell announced an agreement to sell its 16.8% interest in Companhia de Gas de Sao Paulo ("Comgas") to Cosan Ltd in Brazil.

Upstream

During the quarter, The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Ltd joint venture announced first production of Phase 2 of the Gbaran-Ubie integrated oil and gas development. Peak production of around 175 thousand boe/d is expected in 2019 (Shell interest 30%).

Upstream divestments completed during the quarter totalled some $187 million, which included the sale of approximately 5,300 non-core acres and associated producing assets in the East Haley area of the Permian Delaware Basin in the USA.

In October, Shell and its partners won 35-year production-sharing contracts for three pre-salt blocks in the Santos Basin, offshore Brazil. Two blocks are adjacent areas to Gato do Mato and Sapinhoa, where Shell is already present, and the third new block is Alto Cabo Frio West.

In November, Shell completed the divestments of its onshore assets in Gabon and the package of UK North Sea assets.

Downstream

During the quarter, Shell completed divestments totalling $1,156 million, including the sale of its 50% share in SADAF, the petrochemicals joint venture in Al Jubail, Saudi Arabia, and the sale of 10.37 million common units by Shell Midstream Partners, L.P.

Shell also announced the start of Retail marketing operations in Mexico.

PERFORMANCE BY SEGMENT

INTEGRATED GAS Quarters $ million Nine months Q3 2017 Q2 2017 Q3 2016 %1 2017 2016 % 1,217 1,191 614 +98 Segment earnings 4,230 2,501 +69 (65) 22 (317) Of which: Identified items (Definition A) 598 (292) 1,282 1,169 931 +38 Earnings excluding identified items 3,632 2,793 +30 1,742 1,951 1,326 +31 Cash flow from operating activities 5,644 6,713 -16 1,148 831 1,092 +5 Capital investment (Definition C)2 2,784 25,069 -89 226 188 225 - Liquids production available for sale (thousand b/d) 194 223 -13 4,496 3,683 3,982 +13 Natural gas production available for sale (million scf/d) 3,836 3,783 +1 1,001 823 912 +10 Total production available for sale (thousand boe/d) 856 875 -2 8.45 8.09 7.70 +10 LNG liquefaction volumes (million tonnes) 24.72 22.31 +11 16.97 16.08 15.23 +11 LNG sales volumes (million tonnes) 48.89 41.77 +17 Q3 on Q3 change Nine months 2016 included $21,773 million related to the acquisition of BG Group plc.

Third quarter identified items mainly comprised an impairment charge of $149 million on an intangible asset related to a non-core technology and a loss of $150 million on fair value accounting of commodity derivatives, partly offset by a gain of $184 million related to the impact of the strengthening Australian dollar on a deferred tax position.

Compared with the third quarter 2016, Integrated Gas earnings excluding identified items benefited from higher realised oil, gas, and LNG prices, as well as higher production and LNG liquefaction volumes, partly offset by a revision of a deferred tax liability and higher depreciation.

Compared with the third quarter 2016, total production and LNG liquefaction volumes increased, mainly due to higher production from Gorgon with three trains online, compared with one train in the same quarter last year.

LNG sales volumes reflected higher liquefaction volumes and increased trading of third-party volumes compared with the same quarter in 2016.

UPSTREAM Quarters $ million Nine months Q3 2017 Q2 2017 Q3 2016 %1 2017 2016 % 575 (544) (385) +249 Segment earnings (499) (3,709) +87 13 (883) (389) Of which: Identified items (Definition A) (1,940) (951) 562 339 4 Earnings excluding identified items 1,441 (2,758) +152 4,222 4,501 3,607 +17 Cash flow from operating activities 12,572 3,758 +235 2,805 4,504 5,279 -47 Capital investment (Definition C)2 10,163 44,017 -77 1,626 1,626 1,645 -1 Liquids production available for sale (thousand b/d) 1,650 1,576 +5 5,974 6,064 6,022 -1 Natural gas production available for sale (million scf/d) 6,546 6,594 -1 2,656 2,672 2,683 -1 Total production available for sale (thousand boe/d) 2,778 2,713 +2 Q3 on Q3 change Nine months 2016 included $31,131 million related to the acquisition of BG Group plc.

Third quarter identified items comprised a gain of $181 million related to the impact of the strengthening Brazilian real on a deferred tax position, partly offset by impairments of $179 million, mainly related to Shell's onshore assets in Gabon.

Compared with the third quarter 2016, Upstream earnings excluding identified items benefited from higher realised oil and gas prices, partly offset by increased depreciation. Earnings also benefited from the revision of a deferred tax asset and an arrears settlement agreement.

Third quarter production was 1% lower, compared with the same quarter a year ago. New field start-ups and the continuing ramp-up of existing fields, in particular Lula, Iracema and Sapinhoa in the Santos Basin in Brazil, Kashagan in Kazakhstan, as well as Stones, Olympus and Mars in the Gulf of Mexico, contributed some 243 thousand boe/d to production compared with the third quarter 2016. This offset the impact of field declines and divestments.

DOWNSTREAM Quarters $ million Nine months Q3 2017 Q2 2017 Q3 2016 %1 2017 2016 % 2,405 2,157 1,596 +51 Segment earnings2 7,142 5,013 +42 (263) (372) (482) Of which: Identified items (Definition A) (544) (891) 2,668 2,529 2,078 +28 Earnings excluding identified items2 7,686 5,904 +30 Of which: 2,018 1,905 1,536 +31 Oil Products 5,576 4,737 +18 891 760 271 +229 Refining & Trading 2,366 1,392 +70 1,127 1,145 1,265 -11 Marketing 3,210 3,345 -4 650 624 542 +20 Chemicals 2,110 1,167 +81 949 5,126 2,133 -56 Cash flow from operating activities 9,780 1,270 +670 1,743 1,419 1,325 +32 Capital investment (Definition C) 4,208 3,806 +11 2,592 2,476 2,812 -8 Refinery processing intake (thousand b/d) 2,566 2,702 -5 6,557 6,467 6,647 -1 Oil products sales volumes (thousand b/d) 6,511 6,490 - 4,540 4,465 4,580 -1 Chemicals sales volumes (thousand tonnes) 13,551 12,878 +5 Q3 on Q3 change Earnings are presented on a CCS basis (See Note 2).

Third quarter identified items primarily reflected a loss of $215 million on fair value accounting of commodity derivatives, litigation provisions of $95 million and impairments of $77 million, partly offset by a gain on sale of assets of $167 million, mainly related to the divestment of Shell's 50% share in SADAF.

Compared with the third quarter 2016, Downstream earnings excluding identified items benefited from improved refining and chemicals industry conditions.

Despite higher earnings, cash flow from operating activities decreased, due to negative working capital movements of $1,446 million, mainly due to an increase in inventory value, compared with positive movements of $941 million in the same quarter in 2016.

Oil Products

Refining & Trading earnings excluding identified items benefited from stronger refining industry conditions, compared with the same quarter a year ago.

Refinery processing intake volumes decreased compared with the third quarter of 2016, as a result of portfolio impacts. Excluding these impacts, intake volumes were 2% lower compared with the same quarter a year ago. Refinery availability decreased to 87% compared with 92% in the third quarter 2016, mainly due to unplanned shutdowns of the Pernis and Deer Park refineries in the third quarter 2017.

Marketing earnings excluding identified items reflected lower volumes, mainly due to portfolio impacts, and lower underlying unit margins, compared with the same quarter a year ago.

Chemicals

Chemicals earnings excluding identified items benefited from stronger industry conditions.

Chemicals manufacturing plant availability was 88% compared with 93% in the third quarter 2016, mainly due to unplanned downtime at Moerdijk and unplanned shutdowns of the Pernis and Deer Park plants this quarter.

CORPORATE Quarters $ million Nine months Q3 2017 Q2 2017 Q3 2016 2017 2016 (394) (774) (306) Segment earnings (1,578) (1,185) (90) (451) (152) Of which: Identified items (Definition A) (604) (866) (304) (323) (154) Earnings excluding identified items (974) (319) 669 (293) 1,426 Cash flow from operating activities 379 (296)

Third quarter identified items reflected the impact of the strengthening Brazilian real, which resulted in a tax charge of $90 million.

Compared with the third quarter 2016, Corporate earnings excluding identified items were impacted by higher operating expenses, reduced currency exchange rate gains and lower tax credits, partly offset by higher net interest income.

OUTLOOK FOR THE FOURTH QUARTER 2017

Compared with the fourth quarter 2016, Integrated Gas production volumes are expected to be positively impacted by some 90 thousand boe/d, mainly associated with Gorgon and portfolio impacts.

Compared with the fourth quarter 2016, Upstream earnings are expected to be negatively impacted by a reduction of some 250 thousand boe/d associated with completed divestments, as well as some 40 thousand boe/d associated with higher maintenance activities. Lower production in NAM in the Netherlands and an improved security situation in Nigeria, although situation remains sensitive, are expected to be largely offsetting.

Refinery availability is expected to increase in the fourth quarter 2017 as a result of lower levels of maintenance compared with the same period a year ago.

Chemicals manufacturing plant availability is expected to increase in the fourth quarter 2017, reflecting improved operational performance at Bukom and lower maintenance compared with the fourth quarter 2016.

As a result of completed divestments in Malaysia, Australia, and the separation of Motiva assets, oil products sales volumes are expected to decrease by some 250 thousand barrels per day compared with the same period a year ago.

Corporate earnings excluding identified items and exchange rate impacts are expected to be a net charge of $350 - 450 million in the fourth quarter.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS

Shell will host Management Day events on November 28, 2017 in London, and on November 29, 2017 in New York.

Fourth quarter 2017 results and dividends are scheduled to be announced on February 1, 2018. First quarter 2018 results and dividends are scheduled to be announced on April 26, 2018. Second quarter 2018 results and dividends are scheduled to be announced on July 26, 2018. Third quarter 2018 results and dividends are scheduled to be announced on November 1, 2018.

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME Quarters $ million Nine months Q3 2017 Q2 2017 Q3 20161 2017 2016 75,830 72,131 61,855 Revenue2 219,757 168,824 1,062 931 828 Share of profit of joint ventures and associates 3,191 2,563 841 (360) 255 Interest and other income3 798 1,554 77,733 72,702 62,938 Total revenue and other income 223,746 172,941 54,849 53,237 43,398 Purchases 159,352 117,046 6,497 6,934 6,890 Production and manufacturing expenses 20,089 21,731 2,750 2,394 2,856 Selling, distribution and administrative expenses 7,556 9,189 230 220 248 Research and development 662 734 326 255 548 Exploration 1,024 1,540 6,408 6,181 6,191 Depreciation, depletion and amortisation4 20,427 18,435 1,011 935 948 Interest expense 3,058 2,088 72,071 70,156 61,079 Total expenditure 212,168 170,763 5,662 2,546 1,859 Income/(loss) before taxation 11,578 2,178 1,450 904 425 Taxation charge/(credit)5 2,080 (991) 4,212 1,642 1,434 Income/(loss) for the period2 9,498 3,169 125 97 59 Income/(loss) attributable to non-controlling interest 328 135 4,087 1,545 1,375 Income/(loss) attributable to Royal Dutch Shell plc shareholders 9,170 3,034 0.50 0.19 0.17 Basic earnings per share ($)6 1.12 0.39 0.49 0.19 0.17 Diluted earnings per share ($)6 1.11 0.39 Third quarter 2016 included a credit of $254 million after taxation, representing an adjustment to the fair value of net assets acquired from BG Group plc related to the first half of 2016. See Note 2 "Segment information" Second quarter 2017 includes a net charge of $546 million related to the Motiva transaction (See Note 7) and a pre-tax foreign exchange loss of $545 million related to the restructuring of the funding of our businesses in North America. Third quarter 2017 includes a pre-tax impairment charge of $510 million (Q2 2017: $836 million; Q3 2016: $831 million). Nine months 2017 includes a pre-tax impairment charge of $3,788 million (Nine months 2016: $1,690 million). Third quarter 2017 includes a gain of $275 million driven by exchange rate movements on tax balances (Q2 2017: $77 million loss; Q3 2016: $165 million gain). Nine months 2017 includes a $733 million gain driven by exchange rate movements on tax balances (Nine months 2016: $686 million gain) and a $329 million gain from a deferred tax asset recognition following the oil sands divestment. See Note 3 "Earnings per share"

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME Quarters $ million Nine months Q3 2017 Q2 2017 Q3 2016 2017 2016 4,212 1,642 1,434 Income/(loss) for the period 9,498 3,169 Other comprehensive income net of tax: Items that may be reclassified to income in later periods: 1,552 2,027 302 Currency translation differences 4,801 2,187 328 (122) (194) Unrealised gains/(losses) on securities 335 (334) (327) 171 (202) Cash flow hedging gains/(losses) (68) (416) - - (512) Net investment hedging gains/(losses) - (1,239) (8) 72 (25) Share of other comprehensive income/(loss) of joint ventures and associates 124 (94) 1,545 2,148 (631) Total 5,192 104 Items that are not reclassified to income in later periods: (512) 1,419 (1,998) Retirement benefits remeasurements 2,660 (6,427) 1,033 3,567 (2,629) Other comprehensive income/(loss) for the period 7,852 (6,323) 5,245 5,209 (1,195) Comprehensive income/(loss) for the period 17,350 (3,154) 177 152 46 Comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to non-controlling interest 445 146 5,068 5,057 (1,241) Comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to Royal Dutch Shell plc shareholders 16,905 (3,300) CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET $ million Sep 30, 20171 Dec 31, 2016 Assets Non-current assets Intangible assets 24,425 23,967 Property, plant and equipment2,3 230,360 236,098 Joint ventures and associates 28,473 33,255 Investments in securities4 9,214 5,952 Deferred tax 16,402 14,425 Retirement benefits 3,451 1,456 Trade and other receivables5 8,833 9,553 321,158 324,706 Current assets Inventories 24,019 21,775 Trade and other receivables5 47,206 45,664 Cash and cash equivalents 20,699 19,130 91,924 86,569 Total assets 413,082 411,275 Liabilities Non-current liabilities Debt 79,681 82,992 Trade and other payables5 5,240 6,925 Deferred tax 14,396 15,274 Retirement benefits 12,229 14,130 Decommissioning and other provisions6 28,083 29,618 139,629 148,939 Current liabilities Debt 8,675 9,484 Trade and other payables5 52,590 53,417 Taxes payable 9,478 6,685 Retirement benefits 422 455 Decommissioning and other provisions 3,755 3,784 74,920 73,825 Total liabilities 214,549 222,764 Equity attributable to Royal Dutch Shell plc shareholders 195,026 186,646 Non-controlling interest 3,507 1,865 Total equity 198,533 188,511 Total liabilities and equity 413,082 411,275 See Note 7 "Motiva joint venture" At September 30, 2017, a decrease of $8,777 million in the carrying amount of property, plant and equipment is included, principally related to the divestment of Shell's oil sands interests in Canada in the second quarter 2017. At September 30, 2017, the carrying amount includes $4,932 million of assets held for sale (December 31, 2016: $282 million). At September 30, 2017, investments include $3,267 million in relation to shares in Canadian Natural Resources Limited received in the second quarter 2017 as partial consideration for the oil sands divestment. See Note 6 "Derivative contracts and debt excluding finance lease liabilities" At September 30, 2017, provisions of $2,615 million relate to assets held for sale (December 31, 2016: $482 million).

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY Equity attributable to Royal Dutch Shell plc shareholders $ million Share capital1 Shares

held in

trust Other reserves2 Retained earnings Total Non-

controlling

interest Total

equity At January 1, 2017 683 (901) 11,298 175,566 186,646 1,865 188,511 Comprehensive income/(loss)

for the period - - 7,735 9,170 16,905 445 17,350 Dividends paid - - - (11,731) (11,731) (309) (12,040) Scrip dividends 9 - (9) 3,120 3,120 - 3,120 Share-based compensation - 350 (309) (9) 32 - 32 Other changes in non-controlling interest3 - - - 54 54 1,506 1,560 At September 30, 2017 692 (551) 18,715 176,170 195,026 3,507 198,533 At January 1, 2016 546 (584) (17,186) 180,100 162,876 1,245 164,121 Comprehensive income/(loss)

for the period - - (6,334) 3,034 (3,300) 146 (3,154) Dividends paid - - - (11,177) (11,177) (108) (11,285) Scrip dividends 13 - (13) 3,823 3,823 - 3,823 Shares issued 120 - 33,930 - 34,050 - 34,050 Share-based compensation - (156) 380 133 357 - 357 Other changes in non-controlling interest - - - 257 257 560 817 At September 30, 2016 679 (740) 10,777 176,170 186,886 1,843 188,729 See Note 4 "Share capital" See Note 5 "Other reserves" This includes $1,286 million for the 50% non-controlling interest share in the acquisition of Marathon Oil Canada Corporation in the second quarter 2017, and $275 million related to the public offering of limited partner units in Shell Midstream Partners, L.P. in the third quarter 2017.





CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS Quarters $ million Nine months Q3 2017 Q2 2017 Q3 2016 2017 2016 4,212 1,642 1,434 Income/(loss) for the period 9,498 3,169 Adjustment for: 1,734 1,508 618 - Current tax 5,124 1,490 839 757 829 - Interest expense (net) 2,548 1,772 6,408 6,181 6,191 - Depreciation, depletion and amortisation 20,427 18,435 (459) 68 (193) - Net (gains)/losses on sale and revaluation of non-current assets and businesses1 (321) (903) (2,467) 2,258 742 - Decrease/(increase) in working capital (2,037) (5,641) (1,062) (931) (828) - Share of (profit)/loss of joint ventures and associates (3,191) (2,563) 1,082 1,493 702 - Dividends received from joint ventures and associates 3,351 2,354 (1,158) (876) 387 - Deferred tax, retirement benefits, decommissioning and other provisions (4,073) (1,901) (31) 521 (435) - Other2 991 (1,073) (1,516) (1,336) (955) Tax paid (3,942) (3,694) 7,582 11,285 8,492 Cash flow from operating activities 28,375 11,445 (5,018) (5,660) (5,282) Capital expenditure (14,984) (16,402) - - - Acquisition of BG Group plc, net of cash and cash equivalents acquired - (11,421) (42) (157) (255) Investments in joint ventures and associates (393) (803) 236 5,584 204 Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment and businesses3 5,942 766 874 1,081 115 Proceeds from sale of joint ventures and associates4 1,956 154 237 207 65 Interest received 567 294 (199) (183) (15) Other (452) (122) (3,912) 872 (5,168) Cash flow from investing activities (7,364) (27,534) (544) (578) (3,126) Net increase/(decrease) in debt with maturity period

within three months (1,412) (383) Other debt: 29 247 8,219 - New borrowings 640 17,955 (2,702) (3,593) (442) - Repayments (7,617) (3,383) (858) (1,002) (606) Interest paid (2,710) (1,865) 279 6 - Change in non-controlling interest 287 819 Cash dividends paid to: (3,016) (2,941) (2,660) - Royal Dutch Shell plc shareholders (8,611) (7,354) (113) (165) (39) - Non-controlling interest (309) (108) - - - Repurchases of shares - - (221) 7 13 Shares held in trust: net sales/(purchases) and dividends received (274) 15 (7,146) (8,019) 1,359 Cash flow from financing activities (20,006) 5,696 183 259 79 Currency translation differences relating to cash and

cash equivalents 564 (1,375) (3,293) 4,397 4,762 Increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 1,569 (11,768) 23,992 19,595 15,222 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 19,130 31,752 20,699 23,992 19,984 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period 20,699 19,984 Second quarter 2017 includes $546 million related to the Motiva transaction (See Note 7). Second quarter 2017 includes a $545 million foreign exchange loss related to the restructuring of the funding of our businesses in North America. Second quarter 2017 includes $5,188 million related to the divestment of oil sands in Canada. Third quarter 2017 primarily includes the divestment of SADAF, Saudi Arabia. Second quarter 2017 includes the impact of the Motiva transaction (see Note 7).

NOTES TO THE UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. Basis of preparation

These unaudited Condensed Consolidated Interim Financial Statements ("Interim Statements") of Royal Dutch Shell plc ("the Company") and its subsidiaries (collectively referred to as "Shell") have been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board and as adopted by the European Union, and on the basis of the same accounting principles as, and should be read in conjunction with, the Annual Report and Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2016 (pages 122 to 127) as filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

The financial information presented in the Interim Statements does not constitute statutory accounts within the meaning of section 434(3) of the Companies Act 2006 ("the Act"). Statutory accounts for the year ended December 31, 2016 were published in Shell's Annual Report and a copy was delivered to the Registrar of Companies in England and Wales. The auditors' report on those accounts was unqualified, did not include a reference to any matters to which the auditors drew attention by way of emphasis without qualifying the report and did not contain a statement under sections 498(2) or 498(3) of the Act.

2. Segment information

Segment earnings are presented on a current cost of supplies basis (CCS earnings), which is the earnings measure used by the Chief Executive Officer for the purposes of making decisions about allocating resources and assessing performance. On this basis, the purchase price of volumes sold during the period is based on the current cost of supplies during the same period after making allowance for the tax effect. CCS earnings therefore exclude the effect of changes in the oil price on inventory carrying amounts. Sales between segments are based on prices generally equivalent to commercially available prices.

INFORMATION BY SEGMENT Quarters $ million Nine months Q3 2017 Q2 2017 Q3 2016 2017 2016 Third-party revenue 8,316 7,734 7,199 Integrated Gas 24,469 18,251 1,654 1,816 1,361 Upstream 5,079 4,994 65,843 62,575 53,279 Downstream 190,170 145,523 17 6 16 Corporate 39 56 75,830 72,131 61,855 Total third-party revenue 219,757 168,824 Inter-segment revenue 1,101 873 1,181 Integrated Gas 2,779 2,820 7,991 7,558 7,221 Upstream 24,211 18,307 1,142 1,099 259 Downstream 2,967 931 - - - Corporate - - CCS earnings 1,217 1,191 614 Integrated Gas 4,230 2,501 575 (544) (385) Upstream (499) (3,709) 2,405 2,157 1,596 Downstream 7,142 5,013 (394) (774) (306) Corporate (1,578) (1,185) 3,803 2,030 1,519 Total 9,295 2,620

RECONCILIATION OF INCOME FOR THE PERIOD TO CCS EARNINGS Quarters Nine months Q3 2017 Q2 2017 Q3 2016 2017 2016 4,087 1,545 1,375 Income/(loss) attributable to Royal Dutch Shell plc shareholders 9,170 3,034 125 97 59 Income/(loss) attributable to non-controlling interest 328 135 4,212 1,642 1,434 Income/(loss) for the period 9,498 3,169 Current cost of supplies adjustment: (528) 515 109 Purchases (230) (651) 145 (143) (32) Taxation 62 171 (26) 16 8 Share of profit/(loss) of joint ventures and associates (35) (69) (409) 388 85 Current cost of supplies adjustment1 (203) (549) 3,803 2,030 1,519 CCS earnings 9,295 2,620 of which: 3,698 1,920 1,448 CCS earnings attributable to Royal Dutch Shell plc shareholders 8,999 2,501 105 110 71 CCS earnings attributable to non-controlling interest 296 119 The adjustment attributable to Royal Dutch Shell plc shareholders is a negative $389 million in the third quarter 2017 (Q2 2017: positive $375 million; Q3 2016: positive $73 million; First nine months 2017: negative $171 million; First nine months 2016: negative $533 million).

3. Earnings per share

EARNINGS PER SHARE Quarters Nine months Q3 2017 Q2 2017 Q3 2016 2017 2016 4,087 1,545 1,375 Income/(loss) attributable to Royal Dutch Shell plc shareholders

($ million) 9,170 3,034 Weighted average number of shares used as the basis for determining: 8,249.6 8,212.9 8,054.3 Basic earnings per share (million) 8,206.1 7,743.7 8,324.9 8,292.3 8,107.7 Diluted earnings per share (million) 8,280.3 7,798.2

4. Share capital

ISSUED AND FULLY PAID ORDINARY SHARES OF 0.07 EACH1 Number of shares Nominal value ($ million) A B A B Total At January 1, 2017 4,428,903,813 3,745,486,731 374 309 683 Scrip dividends 115,510,804 - 9 - 9 At September 30, 2017 4,544,414,617 3,745,486,731 383 309 692 At January 1, 2016 3,990,921,569 2,440,410,614 340 206 546 Scrip dividends 160,304,567 - 13 - 13 Shares issued 218,728,308 1,305,076,117 17 103 120 At September 30, 2016 4,369,954,444 3,745,486,731 370 309 679 Share capital at September 30, 2017 also included 50,000 issued and fully paid sterling deferred shares of 1 each.

At Royal Dutch Shell plc's Annual General Meeting on May 23, 2017, the Board was authorised to allot ordinary shares in Royal Dutch Shell plc, and to grant rights to subscribe for or to convert any security into ordinary shares in Royal Dutch Shell plc, up to an aggregate nominal amount of 190 million (representing 2,714 million ordinary shares of 0.07 each), and to list such shares or rights on any stock exchange. This authority expires at the earlier of the close of business on August 23, 2018, and the end of the Annual General Meeting to be held in 2018, unless previously renewed, revoked or varied by Royal Dutch Shell plc in a general meeting.

5. Other reserves

OTHER RESERVES $ million Merger

reserve Share premium reserve Capital redemption reserve Share plan reserve Accumulated other comprehensive income Total At January 1, 2017 37,311 154 84 1,644 (27,895) 11,298 Other comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to Royal Dutch Shell plc shareholders - - - - 7,735 7,735 Scrip dividends (9) - - - - (9) Share-based compensation - - - (309) - (309) At September 30, 2017 37,302 154 84 1,335 (20,160) 18,715 At January 1, 2016 3,398 154 84 1,658 (22,480) (17,186) Other comprehensive income/(loss) attributable to Royal Dutch Shell plc shareholders - - - - (6,334) (6,334) Scrip dividends (13) - - - - (13) Shares issued 33,930 - - - - 33,930 Share-based compensation - - (154) 534 380 At September 30, 2016 37,315 154 84 1,504 (28,280) 10,777

The merger reserve and share premium reserve were established as a consequence of Royal Dutch Shell plc becoming the single parent company of Royal Dutch Petroleum Company and The "Shell" Transport and Trading Company, p.l.c., now The Shell Transport and Trading Company Limited, in 2005. The merger reserve increased in 2016 following the issuance of shares for the acquisition of BG Group plc. The capital redemption reserve was established in connection with repurchases of shares of Royal Dutch Shell plc. The share plan reserve is in respect of equity-settled share-based compensation plans.

6. Derivative contracts and debt excluding finance lease liabilities

The table below provides the carrying amounts of derivatives contracts held, disclosed in accordance with

IFRS 13 Fair Value Measurement.

DERIVATIVE CONTRACTS $ million Sep 30, 2017 Dec 31, 2016 Included within: Trade and other receivables - non-current 792 405 Trade and other receivables - current 5,871 5,957 Trade and other payables - non-current 1,194 3,315 Trade and other payables - current 5,051 6,418

As disclosed in the Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2016, presented in the Annual Report and Form 20-F for that year, Shell is exposed to the risks of changes in fair value of its financial assets and liabilities. The fair values of the financial assets and liabilities are defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Methods and assumptions used to estimate the fair values at September 30, 2017 are consistent with those used in the year ended December 31, 2016. The carrying amounts of derivative contracts measured using predominantly unobservable inputs have not changed materially since December 31, 2016.

The table below provides the comparison of the fair value with the carrying amount of debt excluding finance lease liabilities, disclosed in accordance with IFRS 7 Financial Instruments: Disclosures.

DEBT EXCLUDING FINANCE LEASE LIABILITIES $ million Sep 30, 2017 Dec 31, 2016 Carrying amount 72,956 77,617 Fair value1 76,952 80,408 Mainly determined from the prices quoted for these securities

7. Motiva joint venture

On May 1, 2017, Shell and Saudi Refining Inc. ("SRI") completed the separation of assets, liabilities and businesses of Motiva Enterprises LLC ("Motiva"), a 50:50 joint venture. Following the transaction, Shell assumed sole ownership of two refineries, eleven distribution terminals and certain Shell-branded fuel retail markets in the United States. The transaction enables Shell to combine the assets retained from the joint venture with other Shell Downstream assets in North America, in line with its strategy to deliver increased cash and returns through simpler and highly integrated businesses. It is accounted for as a disposal of Shell's 50% interest in the Motiva joint venture and a subsequent business acquisition.

The fair value of Shell's interest in the joint venture on May 1, 2017 was $3,847 million. This fair value was used, for accounting purposes, as the consideration recognised for the disposal. The disposal gave rise to a taxable gain, leading to a non-cash charge of $574 million on completion of the transaction. Consequently, income for the second quarter 2017 included a net charge of $546 million representing the difference between the net carrying amount of Shell's interest in the joint venture (including associated deferred tax liabilities) of $3,819 million and its fair value, and the tax charge which crystallised upon the disposal. This net charge was reported under "Interest and other income".

The fair value of $3,847 million also served as the consideration paid for the net assets acquired, in combination with $862 million received in cash from SRI in the second quarter 2017. The fair value of net assets acquired was $2,544 million. As a result, goodwill of $441 million was initially recognised on the business acquisition in the second quarter 2017. In the third quarter 2017, goodwill was reduced to $391 million following updates to the provisionally agreed cash settlement from SRI and to the fair value of the net assets acquired, as set out in the table below. The fair value of Shell's interest in the joint venture, the fair value of the net assets acquired, and therefore the resultant goodwill, remain provisional and subject to the outcome of post close settlements expected in the fourth quarter 2017.

GOODWILL RECOGNISED $ million As previously published Adjustment As adjusted Fair value of Shell's interest in the Motiva joint venture 1 3,847 - 3,847 Less: Cash settlement 2 862 68 930 Less: Fair value of net assets acquired 3 Intangible assets 641 - 641 Property, plant and equipment 2,719 (20) 2,699 Other non-current assets 69 (2) 67 Inventories 945 (17) 928 Debt (non-current) (115) - (115) Trade and other payables (non-current) (64) (1) (65) Deferred tax (non-current liabilities) (312) - (312) Retirement benefits (non-current liabilities) (982) - (982) Decommissioning and other provisions (non-current) (156) 24 (132) Trade and other payables (current) (96) (4) (100) Other current liabilities (105) 2 (103) 2,544 (18) 2,526 Goodwill 441 (50) 391 Based on Shell's assessment. Of the $930 million cash settlement agreed with SRI, $912 million was received at September 30, 2017, and $18 million is provisionally agreed to be received in the fourth quarter. Based on an independent valuation using cash flow projections based on the historical performance of the newly acquired assets, forecasted pricing for various related commodities and existing business plan information.

For the first nine months of 2017, the total cash impact of this transaction was $842 million reported under "Proceeds from sale of joint ventures and associates" in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (second quarter 2017: $792 million). This is the net effect of the $912 million cash received from SRI and a payment by Shell of $70 million to settle the transfer of certain retirement benefit liabilities to SRI.

8. Post-balance sheet event

On November 1, 2017, Shell completed the sale of its interests in UK North Sea assets Buzzard, Beryl, Bressay, Elgin-Franklin, J-Block, the Greater Armada cluster, Everest, Lomond and Erskine, as well as a 10% interest in Schiehallion. The transaction is expected to result in a post-tax gain on sale of assets of $1.2 billion and an inflow of $1.6 billion in cash from investing activities in the fourth quarter 2017. A deferred consideration of $0.2 billion is expected by April 30, 2018.

DEFINITIONS

A. Identified items

Identified items comprise: divestment gains and losses, impairments, fair value accounting of commodity derivatives and certain gas contracts, redundancy and restructuring, the impact of exchange rate movements on certain deferred tax balances, and other items. These items, either individually or collectively, can cause volatility to net income, in some cases driven by external factors, which may hinder the comparative understanding of Shell's financial results from period to period. The impact of identified items on Shell's CCS earnings is shown below.

IDENTIFIED ITEMS AFTER TAX Quarters $ million Nine months Q3 2017 Q2 2017 Q3 2016 2017 2016 324 (139) 155 Divestment gains/(losses) 382 570 (405) (791) (1,010) Impairments (2,721) (1,815) (398) 100 230 Fair value accounting of commodity derivatives and certain gas contracts 206 (405) (71) (156) (261) Redundancy and restructuring (272) (1,380) 275 (77) 165 Impact of exchange rate movements on tax balances 733 686 (130) (621) (619) Other1 (818) (656) (405) (1,684) (1,340) Impact on CCS earnings (2,490) (3,000) Of which: (65) 22 (317) Integrated Gas 598 (292) 13 (883) (389) Upstream (1,940) (951) (263) (372) (482) Downstream (544) (891) (90) (451) (152) Corporate (604) (866) - - 4 Impact on CCS earnings attributable to non-controlling interest (28) (111) (405) (1,684) (1,344) Impact on CCS earnings attributable to shareholders (2,462) (2,889) Second quarter 2017 includes a non-cash charge of $550 million (pre-tax: $545 million) related to the restructuring of the funding of our businesses in North America.

The categories above represent the nature of the items identified irrespective of whether the items relate to Shell subsidiaries or joint ventures and associates. The after-tax impact of identified items of joint ventures and associates is fully reported within "Share of profit and joint ventures and associates" on the Consolidated Statement of Income. Identified items related to subsidiaries are consolidated and reported across appropriate lines of the Consolidated Statement of Income. Only pre-tax identified items reported by subsidiaries are taken into account in the calculation of "underlying operating expenses" (Definition G).

Fair value accounting of commodity derivatives and certain gas contracts: In the ordinary course of business, Shell enters into contracts to supply or purchase oil and gas products as well as power and environmental products. Derivative contracts are entered into for mitigation of resulting economic exposures (generally price exposure) and these derivative contracts are carried at period-end market price (fair value), with movements in fair value recognised in income for the period. Supply and purchase contracts entered into for operational purposes are, by contrast, recognised when the transaction occurs; furthermore, inventory is carried at historical cost or net realisable value, whichever is lower. As a consequence, accounting mismatches occur because: (a) the supply or purchase transaction is recognised in a different period; or (b) the inventory is measured on a different basis. In addition, certain contracts are, due to pricing or delivery conditions, deemed to contain embedded derivatives or written options and are also required to be carried at fair value even though they are entered into for operational purposes. The accounting impacts are reported as identified items.

Impacts of exchange rate movements on tax balances represent the impact on tax balances of exchange rate movements arising on (a) the conversion to dollars of the local currency tax base of non-monetary assets and liabilities, as well as losses (this primarily impacts the Integrated Gas and Upstream segments) and (b) the conversion of dollar-denominated inter-segment loans to local currency, leading to taxable exchange rate gains or losses (this primarily impacts the Corporate segment).

Other identified items represent other credits or charges Shell's management assesses should be excluded to provide additional insight, such as certain provisions for onerous contracts or litigation.

B. Basic CCS earnings per share

Basic CCS earnings per share is calculated as CCS earnings attributable to Royal Dutch Shell plc shareholders (see Note 2), divided by the weighted average number of shares used as the basis for basic earnings per share (see Note 3).

C. Capital investment

Capital investment is a measure used to make decisions about allocating resources and assessing performance. It comprises capital expenditure, exploration expense excluding well write-offs, new investments in joint ventures and associates, new finance leases and investments in Integrated Gas, Upstream and Downstream securities, all of which on an accruals basis. In 2016, it also included the capital investment related to the acquisition of BG Group plc.

The reconciliation of "Capital expenditure" to "Capital investment" is as follows.

Quarters $ million Nine months Q3 2017 Q2 2017 Q3 2016 2017 2016 5,018 5,660 5,282 Capital expenditure1 14,984 16,402 - - - Capital investment related to the acquisition of BG Group plc - 52,904 42 157 255 Investments in joint ventures and associates 393 803 280 231 298 Exploration expense, excluding exploration wells written off 668 858 312 391 1,723 Finance leases 744 2,128 90 327 147 Other1 439 (131) 5,742 6,766 7,705 Capital investment 17,228 72,964 Of which: 1,148 831 1,092 Integrated Gas 2,784 25,069 2,805 4,504 5,279 Upstream 10,163 44,017 1,743 1,419 1,325 Downstream 4,208 3,806 46 12 9 Corporate 73 72 Second quarter 2017 includes capital expenditure of $911 million and, under "Other", a payable position of $375 million, related to the acquisition of Marathon Oil Canada Corporation in Canada.

D. Divestments

Divestments is a measure used to monitor the progress of Shell's divestment programme. This measure comprises proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment and businesses, joint ventures and associates, and other Integrated Gas, Upstream and Downstream investments, reported in "Cash flow from investing activities", adjusted onto an accruals basis and for any share consideration received or contingent consideration recognised upon divestment, as well as proceeds from the sale of interests in entities while retaining control (for example, proceeds from sale of interest in Shell Midstream Partners, L.P.), which are included in "Change in non-controlling interest" within "Cash flow from financing activities".

With effect from January 1, 2017, consideration received in the form of shares is valued and included in this measure upon completion of the divestment transactions, instead of when these shares are disposed of. This change in timing of recognition enables Shell to better evaluate its progress against its divestment programme. The share or contingent consideration is not remeasured thereafter, including if and when the shares received are eventually disposed of, or contingent consideration is realised. Comparative information for 2016 has been adjusted to include the share consideration received upon the divestments of Shell's interests in the Deep Basin and Gundy acreages (Canada) and the Brutus TLP and Glider subsea production system (USA), both in the fourth quarter 2016.

In future periods, the proceeds from any disposal of shares received as divestment consideration, and proceeds from realisation of contingent consideration, will be included in "Cash flow from investing activities".

The reconciliation of "Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment and businesses" to "Divestments" is as follows.

Quarters $ million Nine months Q3 2017 Q2 2017 Q3 2016 2017 2016 236 5,584 204 Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment and businesses1 5,942 766 874 1,081 115 Proceeds from sale of joint ventures and associates2 1,956 154 - 2,829 - Share and contingent consideration3 2,829 - 275 3 - Proceeds from sale of interests in entities while retaining control 278 819 (20) (25) (100) Other adjustments (139) (33) 1,365 9,472 219 Divestments 10,866 1,706 Of which: 22 22 20 Integrated Gas 56 305 187 8,084 166 Upstream 8,288 246 1,156 1,348 24 Downstream 2,504 1,142 - 18 9 Corporate 18 13 Second quarter 2017 includes $5,188 million related to the oil sands divestment. As reflected in Definition C, capital expenditure of $911 million and a payable position of $375 million, together $1,286 million, were also recorded as part of the oil sands transaction and are integral to the divestment programme. See Note 7. Also integral to the divestment programme is $1,358 million primarily related to net debt assumed by the counterparty in the Motiva transaction, which would have otherwise increased the cash consideration received by Shell. Second quarter 2017 includes $2,829 million for shares in Canadian Natural Resources Limited received as partial consideration for the oil sands divestment.

E. Return on average capital employed

Return on average capital employed (ROACE) measures the efficiency of Shell's utilisation of the capital that it employs. In this calculation, ROACE is defined as income for the current and previous three quarters, adjusted for after-tax interest expense, as a percentage of the average capital employed for the same period. Capital employed consists of total equity, current debt and non-current debt.

$ million Quarters Q3 2017 Q2 2017 Q3 2016 Income for current and previous three quarters 11,106 8,328 4,112 Interest expense after tax 3,088 3,056 5,535 Income before interest expense 14,194 11,384 9,647 Capital employed - opening 286,558 282,835 218,069 Capital employed - closing 286,889 286,604 286,558 Capital employed - average 286,723 284,720 252,314 ROACE 5.0% 4.0% 3.8%

Return on average capital employed on a CCS basis excluding identified items is defined as the sum of CCS earnings attributable to shareholders excluding identified items for the current and previous three quarters, as a percentage of the average capital employed for the same period.

$ million Quarters Q3 2017 Q2 2017 Q3 2016 CCS earnings excluding identified items for current and previous three quarters 13,256 11,945 6,962 Capital employed - average 286,723 284,720 252,314 ROACE on a CCS basis excluding identified items 4.6% 4.2% 2.8%

F. Gearing

Gearing is a key measure of Shell's capital structure and is calculated as follows.

$ million Quarters Sep 30, 2017 Jun 30, 2017 Sep 30, 2016 Current debt 8,675 9,616 11,192 Non-current debt 79,681 80,731 86,637 Total debt1 88,356 90,347 97,829 Less: Cash and cash equivalents (20,699) (23,992) (19,984) Net debt 67,657 66,355 77,845 Add: Total equity 198,533 196,257 188,729 Total capital 266,190 262,612 266,574 Gearing 25.4% 25.3% 29.2% Includes finance lease liabilities of $15,400 million at September 30, 2017, $15,208 million at June 30, 2017 and $14,550 million at September 30, 2016.

G. Operating expenses

Operating expenses is a measure of Shell's total operating expenses performance, comprising the following items from the Consolidated Statement of Income: production and manufacturing expenses; selling, distribution and administrative expenses; and research and development expenses. Underlying operating expenses measures Shell's total operating expenses performance excluding identified items.

Quarters $ million Nine months Q3 2017 Q2 2017 Q3 2016 2017 2016 6,497 6,934 6,890 Production and manufacturing expenses 20,089 21,731 2,750 2,394 2,856 Selling, distribution and administrative expenses 7,556 9,189 230 220 248 Research and development 662 734 9,477 9,548 9,994 Operating expenses 28,307 31,654 Less identified items: (131) (209) (359) Redundancy and restructuring charges (413) (1,819) (149) - (390) Provisions (177) (915) - - - BG acquisition costs - (422) (280) (209) (749) (590) (3,156) 9,197 9,339 9,245 Underlying operating expenses 27,717 28,498

H. Free cash flow

Free cash flow is used to evaluate cash available for financing activities, including dividend payments, after investment in maintaining and growing our business. It is defined as the sum of "Cash flow from operating activities" and "Cash flow from investing activities" as shown on page 1.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT

All amounts shown throughout this announcement are unaudited. All peak production figures in Portfolio Developments are quoted at 100% expected production.

The companies in which Royal Dutch Shell plc directly and indirectly owns investments are separate legal entities. In this announcement "Shell", "Shell group" and "Royal Dutch Shell" are sometimes used for convenience where references are made to Royal Dutch Shell plc and its subsidiaries in general. Likewise, the words "we", "us" and "our" are also used to refer to subsidiaries in general or to those who work for them. These expressions are also used where no useful purpose is served by identifying the particular company or companies. 'Subsidiaries', "Shell subsidiaries" and "Shell companies" as used in this announcement refer to companies over which Royal Dutch Shell plc either directly or indirectly has control. Entities and unincorporated arrangements over which Shell has joint control are generally referred to as "joint ventures" and "joint operations" respectively. Entities over which Shell has significant influence but neither control nor joint control are referred to as "associates". The term "Shell interest" is used for convenience to indicate the direct and/or indirect ownership interest held by Shell in a venture, partnership or company, after exclusion of all third-party interest.

This announcement contains forward-looking statements concerning the financial condition, results of operations and businesses of Royal Dutch Shell. All statements other than statements of historical fact are, or may be deemed to be, forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements of future expectations that are based on management's current expectations and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied in these statements. Forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements concerning the potential exposure of Royal Dutch Shell to market risks and statements expressing management's expectations, beliefs, estimates, forecasts, projections and assumptions. These forward-looking statements are identified by their use of terms and phrases such as 'anticipate', 'believe', 'could', 'estimate', 'expect', 'goals', 'intend', 'may', 'objectives', 'outlook', 'plan', 'probably', 'project', 'risks', "schedule", 'seek', 'should', 'target', 'will' and similar terms and phrases. There are a number of factors that could affect the future operations of Royal Dutch Shell and could cause those results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements included in this announcement, including (without limitation): (a) price fluctuations in crude oil and natural gas; (b) changes in demand for Shell's products; (c) currency fluctuations; (d) drilling and production results; (e) reserves estimates; (f) loss of market share and industry competition; (g) environmental and physical risks; (h) risks associated with the identification of suitable potential acquisition properties and targets, and successful negotiation and completion of such transactions; (i) the risk of doing business in developing countries and countries subject to international sanctions; (j) legislative, fiscal and regulatory developments including regulatory measures addressing climate change; (k) economic and financial market conditions in various countries and regions; (l) political risks, including the risks of expropriation and renegotiation of the terms of contracts with governmental entities, delays or advancements in the approval of projects and delays in the reimbursement for shared costs; and (m) changes in trading conditions. No assurance is provided that future dividend payments will match or exceed previous dividend payments. All forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained or referred to in this section. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Additional risk factors that may affect future results are contained in Royal Dutch Shell's Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2016 (available at www.shell.com/investor and www.sec.gov). These risk factors also expressly qualify all forward-looking statements contained in this announcement and should be considered by the reader. Each forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of this announcement, November 2, 2017. Neither Royal Dutch Shell plc nor any of its subsidiaries undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or other information. In light of these risks, results could differ materially from those stated, implied or inferred from the forward-looking statements contained in this announcement.

This Report contains references to Shell's website. These references are for the readers' convenience only. Shell is not incorporating by reference any information posted on www.shell.com

We may have used certain terms, such as resources, in this announcement that the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) strictly prohibits us from including in our filings with the SEC. U.S. investors are urged to consider closely the disclosure in our Form 20-F, File No 1-32575, available on the SEC website www.sec.gov. You can also obtain this form from the SEC by calling 1-800-SEC-0330.

This announcement contains inside information.

November 2, 2017

The information in this Report reflects the unaudited consolidated financial position and results of Royal Dutch Shell plc. Company No. 4366849, Registered Office: Shell Centre, London, SE1 7NA, England, UK.

Contacts:

- Linda Szymanski, Company Secretary

- Investor Relations: International + 31 (0) 70 377 4540; North America +1 832 337 2034

- Media: International +44 (0) 207 934 5550; USA +1 832 337 4355

LEI number of Royal Dutch Shell plc: 21380068P1DRHMJ8KU70

Classification: Inside Information
First Antibody Generated from MorphoSys's HuCAL Library Technology to Receive Marketing Approval

PLANEGG, MUNICH, GERMANY / ACCESSWIRE / July 13, 2017 / MorphoSys AG (FSE: MOR; XETRA: MOR, Prime Standard Segment, TecDAX; OTC PINK: MPSYY) announced today that its licensee, Janssen Biotech, Inc. ("Janssen"), has reported that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") has approved Tremfya (guselkumab) for the treatment of patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. Tremfya is a fully human anti-IL-23 monoclonal antibody developed by Janssen and was generated utilizing MorphoSys's proprietary HuCAL antibody library technology. MorphoSys will receive a milestone payment from Janssen in connection with the BLA approval. Financial details were not disclosed.

Dr. Simon Moroney, Chief Executive Officer of MorphoSys AG, said, "It is a very exciting day for all of us at MorphoSys to have the first antibody generated from our proprietary HuCAL antibody technology receive marketing approval. We are grateful to Janssen for their development efforts and look forward to the launch of Tremfya. Plaque psoriasis is a chronic disease affecting millions of people worldwide, and it is fantastic news that this therapy will now be made available to patients living with moderate to severe disease. We are also very pleased that Janssen is pursuing the development of Tremfya in several additional indications."

Dr. Moroney continued, "With more than 100 MorphoSys compounds currently in development, we look forward to advancing novel antibodies in a wide variety of serious diseases where we see a strong need for alternative treatment options."

Further information can be found in the press release issued by Janssen on July 13, 2017.

MorphoSys will provide information on on financial guidance at a later date.

About Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic, autoimmune inflammatory disorder that results in the overproduction of skin cells, characterized by raised, inflamed, scaly, red lesions, or plaques, which can cause itching and physical pain. It is estimated that as many as 125 million people worldwide have psoriasis, including 14 million Europeans, and approximately 20% of people affected have cases that are considered moderate to severe.

About MorphoSys :

MorphoSys is committed to developing exceptional new treatments for patients suffering from serious diseases. A leader in the field of therapeutic antibodies today, MorphoSys is driven by the ambition of creating the most valuable pipeline of biopharmaceuticals in the biotechnology industry. Based on its proprietary technology platforms, MorphoSys, together with its partners, has built a therapeutic pipeline of more than 110 programs in R&D, around a quarter of which is currently in clinical development.

In its proprietary development segment, MorphoSys, alone or with partners, is developing new therapeutic candidates, mainly focusing on cancer and inflammation. In its partnered discovery segment, MorphoSys uses its technologies to discover new drug candidates for pharmaceutical partners and participates from the programs' further development success, through success-based payments and royalties. MorphoSys is listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under the symbol MOR. For regular updates about MorphoSys, visit http://www.morphosys.com.

HuCAL(R), HuCAL GOLD(R), HuCAL PLATINUM(R), CysDisplay(R), RapMAT(R), arYla(R), Ylanthia(R), 100 billion high potentials(R), Slonomics(R), Lanthio Pharma(R), and LanthioPep(R) are registered trademarks of the MorphoSys Group.

Tremfya is a trademark of Janssen Biotech, Inc.

This communication contains certain forward-looking statements concerning the MorphoSys group of companies. The forward-looking statements contained herein represent the judgment of MorphoSys as of the date of this release and involve risks and uncertainties. Should actual conditions differ from the Company's assumptions, actual results and actions may differ from those anticipated. MorphoSys does not intend to update any of these forward-looking statements as far as the wording of the relevant press release is concerned.

For more information, please contact:

MorphoSys AG

Anke Linnartz

Head of Corporate Communications & IR

Jochen Orlowski

Associate Director Corporate Communications & IR

Alexandra Goller

Senior Manager Corporate Communications & IR

Tel: +49 (0) 89 / 899 27-404

investors@morphosys.com

SOURCE: MorphoSys AG via the EQS Newswire distribution service including Press Releases and Regulatory Announcements
NEW YORK CITY (dpa-AFX) - CF Corp. (CFCO) and Fidelity & Guaranty Life (FGL) announced their boards have each unanimously approved a definitive merger agreement under which CF Corp. will acquire FGL for $31.10 per share in cash, or a total of approximately $1.835 billion, plus the assumption of $405 million of existing debt. Fidelity & Guaranty Life, an insurance holding company, helps middle-income Americans prepare for retirement. Through its subsidiaries, the company offers fixed annuity and life insurance products distributed by independent agents through an established network of independent marketing organizations. Fidelity & Guaranty Life is headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa. The transaction will be financed with $1.2 billion from CF Corp.'s IPO and forward purchase agreements, and more than $700 million in additional new common and preferred equity. The investor group, which includes the founders of CF Corp., Chinh Chu, and William Foley, II, funds affiliated with Blackstone (BX), and Fidelity National Financial (FNF), will invest approximately $900 million in common and preferred equity to fund the transaction. In connection with the transaction, CF Corp. and HRG Group, Inc. (HRG), FGL's largest shareholder, have approved a purchase agreement under which CF Corp. will acquire certain reinsurance companies from HRG. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
NEW YORK, NY -- (Marketwired) -- 05/24/17 -- PolicyGenius, a leading consumer insurance startup, announced today that it closed a $30 million Series C funding round led by Norwest Venture Partners with participation from all existing investors including Revolution Ventures. The company puts financial protection within reach for consumers through instant, accurate online quoting and smart digital advice tools for life, health, renters, long-term disability and pet insurance.

Since launching in 2014 PolicyGenius has secured $52 million in venture capital funding. The funding round also invites the addition of Parker Barrile, Partner at Norwest Venture Partners and former product executive at Prosper and LinkedIn, to the company's board.

"Insurance is the next frontier for innovation in consumer finance," said Parker Barrile, Partner at Norwest Venture Partners. "PolicyGenius is at the forefront of that trend, helping consumers secure the insurance they need in a frictionless and transparent way. I'm excited to partner with the PolicyGenius team to build the next major consumer finance platform."

PolicyGenius has helped hundreds of thousands life insurance customers shop for over $100 billion in term life insurance coverage. Customers have applauded the company for its tailored advice, unbiased and accurate insurance quoting platform, highly personalized quotes as well as side-by-side comparison of insurance policies from dozens of the country's top insurance providers.

PolicyGenius grew its monthly revenues by 7x and more than doubled its employee base since it closed its Series B round in January, 2016. The company plans to use the new funding infusion to solidify its position as the leader in insurance shopping and financial protection planning. PolicyGenius plans to use the investment to expand its individual product lines, hire across the organization and build out partnerships. Today the company is also announcing its partnership with LendingTree, an online lending exchange platform. LendingTree will be offering PolicyGenius' life insurance platform to its clients.

"We've been lauded as a pioneer in the insuretech space over the past few years, and we're very proud of the work we've done to create a truly intuitive digital journey for our customers in insurance, going broader and deeper to solve client pain points than our competitors in the space," said Jennifer Fitzgerald, Co-Founder and CEO of PolicyGenius. "We put the consumer back in control of their insurance and financial decisions with smart shopping tools, unbiased advice and the most accurate insurance quotes in the industry. And, we've been excited to see how our service has positively impacted our customers' lives, bringing them peace of mind and financial security."

Fitzgerald joins the ranks of the nation's most successful female startup founders, as one of only four women CEO Founders of a US fintech company to raise more than $50 million in venture capital funding to date (according to CrunchBase data).

Investors from previous rounds also participated in this Series C round including Karlin Ventures, Susa Ventures, AXA Strategic Ventures, Transamerica Ventures and MassMutual Ventures, alongside new investor, Fika Ventures.

About PolicyGenius

PolicyGenius, based in NYC, NY, was founded in 2014 by two former McKinsey consultants who saw a gap in the insurance industry and dedicated themselves to shifting the industry online and into the hands of the consumer. Through its highly tailored Insurance Checkup, users can discover their coverage gaps and review solutions for their exact needs. The company provides the only place online to shop for health, life, long-term disability, renters and pet insurance through its highly accurate quoting engine that offers side-by-side comparisons of tailored policies.

For more advice and insight please visit our blog, and for the most accurate insurance quotes please visit our health, life, long-term disability, renters and pet insurance product pages.

About Norwest Venture Partners

Norwest Venture Partners is a leading Silicon-Valley based venture capital and growth equity investment firm managing more than $6 billion in capital. Since our inception, we have invested in more than 600 companies. The firm invests in early to late stage companies across a wide range of sectors with a focus on consumer, enterprise, and healthcare. We offer a deep network of connections, operating experience, and a wide range of impactful services to help CEOs and founders advance on their journey. Norwest has offices in Palo Alto and San Francisco, with subsidiaries in Mumbai and Bengaluru, India and Herzelia, Israel. For more information, please visit http://www.nvp.com. Follow Norwest on Twitter @NorwestVP.

Media Contact:

Andrea Collins

VP of PR and Communications at PolicyGenius

Email Contact




Sonobi warns UK media brands, agencies, and advertisers about the real threat of "The Yank"

LONDON, May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --Sonobi, an independent advertising technology firm built for people-based media transactions across the comScore 250, today released its new ad campaign, "Beware of the Yank," a film series for the UK depicting Sonobi's popular Bro-bot character as everything that is wrong with the ad-tech industry.

Sonobi is introducing the Bro-bot in the UK following a successful string of major client wins, including Guardian Media Group. White Lightning + The Judge's Son (WLxJS) created the film as a follow-up to Sonobi's critically acclaimed "Beware of the Bro-bots" campaign that debuted in the US last September. The "Beware of the Yank" campaign reinforces to the UK audience the idea that technology should help the business of creative communications, not simply profiteer on it.

"This campaign will say to the market, 'We get it.' We understand what clients are going through and what they think of the industry, and we are determined to work with them to fix the problems and improve their experience," said Gareth Holmes, MD EMEA at Sonobi. "The series of short films is our way of saying we know what has come before us and we are not happy to settle for the status quo. Sonobi wants to make things easier, by making the buying and selling of digital media more efficient, and offering complete transparency, while doing so with personality."

John Donahue, Chief Product and Marketing Officer at Sonobi, continued, "When you look at the ad-tech sector, the marketing efforts are simply terrible - buzzwords, BS, and overly salesy tactics with a lack of focus on holistic value creation through product.It's time ad-tech companies realize we're all in the business of creative communications, and start marketing themselves that way. We're building technology to create value and not extract it. For us, we hope agencies, brands and publishers that see this film have a greater connection to Sonobi, because of the empathy we feel towards their business challenges."

The film parodies the bad practices and lack of honesty that are rife in programmatic advertising. It depicts Bro-bot "Bryn Bottenfeld, CEO and Chief Disruptor" at fictional ad-tech firm Adifibly. After a successful run in the US, Bottenfeld expands Adifibly to the UK with the need to sell 'vapourware' in a bid to siphon more media spend away, keeping the business afloat and disrupting the advertising business.

For Sonobi, Bottenfeld was created to be the antithesis of everything Sonobi stands for.Sonobi's core product, JetStream, is built to enable publishers, agencies, and advertisers to have full insight into the size of the opportunity against every buy, relative to the buyer's audience and with full transparency on technology fees. JetStream provides an honest approach to campaign planning, buying, and delivery around people and audiences.

For its UK campaign launch, Sonobi will run "Beware of the Yank" ads on YouTube beginning today, and across Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn, as well as JetStream's viewable display and video. To learn more about the campaign visit, http://sonobi.com/bro-bots/.

About Sonobi

Sonobi is an advertising technology company that creates forward-thinking, data-driven tools and solutions to meet the evolving needs of demand- and sell-side organizations within the digital media marketplace. Sonobi helps its clients and strategic partners to forecast new market opportunity, enhance value delivery to clients, and create more profitable businesses through integration of progressive data procurement and user-centric sales management technologies. For more information please visit http://sonobi.com/.

Media Contact:

UK Media: Propeller PR

US Media: North 6th Agency

press@sonobi.com

+44 (0)20 3301 5353

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/338892/Sonobi_Logo.jpg
CHICAGO, IL -- (Marketwired) -- 05/24/17 -- Nerdio (www.getnerdio.com), a pioneer in ITaaS technology, announced today it has partnered with Observable Networks (www.observable.net), an emerging leader of advanced threat detection services, to offer a one-of-a-kind security analytics solution with the Nerdio ITaaS platform.

Nerdio's VDI-powered platform delivers a comprehensive, seamlessly integrated IT environment for the private cloud, complete with unlimited virtual servers, virtual desktops, the complete Microsoft suite, security, disaster recovery, and more. Observable Networks has customized this offering for Nerdio, combining specific functionalities from its leading-edge products for the Enterprise and the Cloud to provide actionable insights and measurable security results.

"Cloud security has become increasingly important as malware continues to evolve, and Observable Networks delivers a more effective, actionable approach for organizations to tackle network security and threat-activity monitoring," said Vadim Vladimirskiy, CEO of Nerdio. "We're pleased to offer this solution as an optional add-on to Nerdio private cloud customers, so they can better track and understand behavioral trends of every device on their networks, and use these insights to prevent threats."

Observable Networks' dynamic endpoint modeling provides an automated, high-degree of visibility compared to traditional security solutions. It prevents blind spots due to encryption and unmanaged devices and minimizes false positive alerts by generating only the amount of alerts required to accurately report on a device's potentially threatening network activity. For Nerdio, Observable will utilize network data as well as Microsoft Active Directory authentication logs to monitor and secure its cloud network.

"We are excited to welcome Nerdio as a partner," said John Heintz, Director of Partners and Solutions Engineering at Observable Networks. "With this collaboration, we will provide Nerdio's private cloud customers with Observable's endpoint modeling solution, to enable them to identify new, unexpected behaviors and automatically alert security professionals in real-time to quickly investigate and remediate any potential threats."

For more information, please visit: www.getnerdio.com

About Nerdio

Nerdio, a pioneer in IT-as-a-Service (ITaaS), provides complete virtual IT environments for small-to-medium sized organizations and the MSPs who serve them. Nerdio's fully-automated cloud platform delivers expertise and reliability of comprehensive IT infrastructure at your fingertips -- virtual hardware, software, security and 24/7 tech-nerd-support. Nerdio, a part of Adar, Inc., was founded in 2005.

About Observable Networks

Observable Networks, Inc. is an emerging leader of network security technology and advanced threat detection services that identify compromised and misused networked devices currently escaping detection by network security tools. Observable's endpoint modeling technology includes a cloud-based service platform incorporating automated security analytics and real-time traffic sensors that continuously model all devices on networks of any size. Observable empowers organizations to understand normal and abnormal device behaviors in their networks, helping them to identify potential threats and facilitate faster remediation. Observable Networks is a privately held company headquartered in St. Louis, MO. Observable Networks is also a proud AWS Advanced Technology Partner. For more information, please visit www.observable.net.
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 05/24/17 -- First Mining Finance Corp. ("First Mining" or the "Company") (TSX VENTURE: FF)(OTCQX: FFMGF)(FRANKFURT: FMG) is pleased to announce the third set of assay results from its, 28,500 metre diamond drill infill program on its 100% owned Goldlund Gold Project ("Goldlund"), located near the town of Sioux Lookout in northwestern Ontario, Canada.

Highlights:

-- Hole GL-17-032 intersected 64.5 metres of 3.25 grams per tonne gold -- Including 0.5 metres of 335.76 grams per tonne gold -- Hole GL-17-059 intersected 70.5 metres of 2.50 grams per tonne gold -- Including 0.5 metres of 186.49 grams per tonne gold -- Hole GL-17-073 intersected 48.0 metres of 2.34 grams per tonne gold -- Including 2.0 metres of 36.53 grams per tonne gold -- Hole GL-17-014 intersected 6.0 metres of 30.69 grams per tonne gold -- Including 2.0 metres of 91.63 grams per tonne gold

Note: Assaying for the Goldlund 2017 drill program is being done by SGS at their laboratories in Red Lake, Ontario, and Burnaby, BC. Reported widths are drilled core lengths; true widths are unknown at this time. Assay values are uncut.

The goal of the 2017 drilling campaign at Goldlund is to upgrade Inferred resources into the Measured and Indicated categories with the majority of the drilling focused on Zone 7 and Zone 1 (Figure 1), and to gain further knowledge of the geology and gold mineralization in preparation for Phase 2 drilling. The drilling program will comprise a total of approximately 28,500 metres using HQ sized (63.5 mm) core. To date, 98 holes of our Phase 1 drill program have been completed. The Phase 1 drill program is expected to be completed within the week, and the remaining assay results will be released in batches as they are received. On April 25, 2017, the Company announced the results from the first 12 drill holes from the Goldlund project and on May 2, 2017 the Company announced the results from an additional 11 drill holes at the project. Of the 37 holes now released, 34 holes contain significant gold mineralization. Table 1 below shows the results of drilling from the latest drilling results (14 drill holes) and Table 2 provides additional drill hole information.

Commenting on the results, Patrick Donnelly, President of First Mining stated, "The goal of this year's Phase 1 drilling campaign at the Goldlund project is to unlock value for our shareholders and, as this third batch of drill results demonstrates, we believe there is tremendous untapped potential at our Goldlund project that, in our view, the capital markets have yet to recognize. Taking into account this latest batch of results, we have now intersected significant gold mineralization in 34 out of 37 drill holes which is an incredible success rate. Given the continued success of this drilling campaign, we have commenced planning a Phase 2 drill program to supplement the data being received from this Phase 1 program."

In addition, Keith Neumeyer, the Chairman of First Mining, stated, "These latest drill results continue to confirm our decision to acquire the Goldlund project. What also gives me comfort, and is overlooked by many investors, is that our core assets are located in northern Ontario, which is one of the safest and most politically stable jurisdictions in the world that has a long, rich history of mining and mineral exploration. I also want to reiterate that the Goldlund project is located near excellent infrastructure including roads, power and rail service, with the local airport at Sioux Lookout only a 20 minute drive from the project site."

Table 1. Drill Hole Assay Results from Goldlund ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hole ID From (m) To (m) Length (m) Au g/t ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- GL-17-014 GL-17-014 88.0 90.0 2.0 1.45 and 234.0 246.0 12.0 1.72 inc 234.0 236.0 2.0 8.79 and 266.0 272.0 6.0 30.69 inc 270.0 272.0 2.0 91.63 and 288.0 290.0 2.0 2.45 and 338.0 348.0 10.0 0.56 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- GL-17-026 GL-17-026 144.0 146.0 2.0 2.07 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- GL-17-030 GL-17-030 no significant mineralisation ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- GL-17-032 GL-17-032 48.0 112.5 64.5 3.25 inc 90.0 112.5 22.5 8.57 and inc 90.0 90.5 0.5 335.76 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- GL-17-033 GL-17-033 28.0 38.0 10.0 0.60 inc 28.0 30.0 2.0 1.99 and 110.0 112.0 2.0 2.50 and 126.0 128.0 2.0 1.10 and 154.0 156.0 2.0 1.09 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- GL-17-035 GL-17-035 124.0 166.0 42.0 0.51 and 254.0 260.0 6.0 0.53 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- GL-17-058 GL-17-058 10.0 12.0 2.0 3.20 and 56.0 58.0 2.0 1.03 and 118.0 138.0 20.0 0.68 inc 124.0 130.0 6.0 1.28 and 164.0 166.1 2.1 2.41 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- GL-17-059 GL-17-059 82.0 152.5 70.5 2.50 inc 110.0 112.0 2.0 23.62 and inc 122.0 132.0 10.0 1.05 and inc 152.0 152.5 0.5 186.49 and 186.0 188.0 2.0 1.09 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- GL-17-070 GL-17-070 no significant mineralisation ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- GL-17-072 GL-17-072 11.0 87.0 76.0 0.66 inc 11.0 15.0 4.0 1.44 and 27.0 43.0 16.0 1.02 and 75.0 79.0 4.0 2.23 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- GL-17-073 GL-17-073 17.0 21.0 4.0 3.71 and 39.0 87.0 48.0 2.34 inc 39.0 41.0 2.0 9.05 and 75.0 77.0 2.0 36.53 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- GL-17-074 GL-17-074 26.0 92.0 66.0 0.75 inc 52.0 56.0 4.0 2.95 and inc 66.0 68.0 2.0 2.16 and inc 88.0 90.0 2.0 10.54 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- GL-17-075 GL-17-075 26.0 28.0 2.0 1.16 and 68.0 70.0 2.0 1.26 and 90.0 92.0 2.0 2.19 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- GL-17-092 GL-17-092 19.0 39.0 20.0 1.39 inc 23.0 25.0 2.0 7.51 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Assaying for the Goldlund 2017 drill program is being done by SGS at their laboratories in Red Lake, Ontario, and Burnaby, BC. Prepared samples are analyzed for gold by either Bulk Leach Extractable Gold (BLEG) assay techniques or by lead fusion fire assay with an atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) finish. Multi-element analysis on the mineralized zones is also being undertaken by two-acid aqua regia digestion with ICP-MS and AES finish.

To view Figure 1. Plan Map, please visit the following link: http://media3.marketwire.com/docs/05.23figure1.pdf

To view Figure 2. Cross-Section through the Goldlund Project, please visit the following link: http://media3.marketwire.com/docs/05.23figure2.pdf

Table 2. Drill Hole Locations ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Azimuth Dip Hole ID degrees degrees Length (m) UTM East UTM North Section ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- GL-17-014 0 -90 371.0 545750 5527195 545750E ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- GL-17-026 0 -90 188.0 545800 5527215 545800E ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- GL-17-030 0 -90 143.0 545602 5527234 545600E ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- GL-17-032 0 -90 200.0 545601 5527197 545600E ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- GL-17-033 180 -80 299.0 545601 5527197 545600E ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- GL-17-035 0 -90 314.0 545600 5527155 545600E ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- GL-17-058 0 -90 200.0 545500 5527171 545500E ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- GL-17-059 180 -80 317.0 545501 5527161 545500E ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- GL-17-070 0 -90 65.0 545450 5527202 545450E ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- GL-17-072 180 -80 206.0 545450 5527185 545450E ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- GL-17-073 0 -90 164.0 545450 5527165 545450E ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- GL-17-074 0 -90 239.0 545447 5527136 545450E ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- GL-17-075 180 -80 284.0 545448 5527136 545450E ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- GL-17-092 0 -90 107.0 545356 5527126 545350E ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Gold observed during the current drilling program at our Goldlund project occurs both as fine disseminations in quartz vein stockworks and as more discrete larger grains up to 2 mm spatially associated with pyrite in the quartz veins. Calaverite, a gold telluride mineral, has been noted occasionally in higher grade intervals on fracture surfaces in the quartz veins. Higher grade gold distribution in the granodiorite dike is often, but not always, associated with zones of more intense quartz stockworking and potassic alteration. Figure 2 above displays a cross-section of the geology and gold mineralization with drill holes GL-17-70 to GL-17-75.

QA/QC Procedures

The QA/QC program for the 2017 drilling program at our Goldlund project consists of the submission of duplicate samples and the insertion of certified reference materials and blanks at regular intervals. These are inserted at a rate of one standard for every 20 samples (5% of total) and one blank for every 30 samples (3% of total). The standards used in the 2017 program consist of 5 different gold grades ranging from 1 to 9 g/t, and are sourced from CDN Resource Laboratories in Langley, BC. Blanks have been sourced locally from barren granitic material.

Field duplicates from quartered core, as well as 'coarse' or 'pulp' duplicates taken from coarse reject material or pulverized splits, are also submitted at regular intervals with an insertion rate of 4% for field duplicates and 4% for coarse or pulp duplicates. Additional selected duplicates are being submitted for screened metallic fire assay analysis and to an umpire lab for check assaying. SGS also undertake their own internal coarse and pulp duplicate analysis to ensure proper sample preparation and equipment calibration.

Dr. Chris Osterman, P.Geo., CEO of First Mining, is the "qualified person" for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects and he has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical disclosure contained in this news release.

ABOUT THE GOLDLUND PROJECT

The Goldlund deposit is situated within a land package of approximately 280 square kilometres (28,000 hectares) referred to as the Goldlund Gold Project. The Property has a strike-length of over 50 kilometres in the Wabigoon Subprovince. Goldlund is an Archean lode-gold project located in northwestern Ontario, approximately 60 kilometres from the township of Dryden. The claims that make up the land package cover the historic Goldlund and Windward mines.

On January 9, 2017, the Company announced an initial mineral resource estimate for Goldlund. At a 0.4 g/t Au cut-off grade, the Goldlund deposit contains pit constrained Indicated Resources of 9.3 million tonnes at 1.87 grams per tonne or 560,000 ounces of gold. At a 0.4 g/t Au cut-off grade, the Goldlund deposit contains pit constrained Inferred Resources of 40.9 million tonnes at 1.33 grams per tonne or 1,750,000 ounces of gold. The technical report for this resource estimate has been filed on SEDAR and is also available on the Company's website at www.firstminingfinance.com.

ABOUT FIRST MINING FINANCE CORP.

First Mining is a mineral property holding company whose principal business activity is to acquire high quality mineral assets with a focus in the Americas. The Company currently holds a portfolio of 25 mineral assets in Canada, Mexico and the United States with a focus on gold. Ultimately, the goal is to continue to increase its portfolio of mineral assets through acquisitions that are expected to be comprised of gold, silver, copper, lead, zinc and nickel.

For further information, please visit our website at www.firstminingfinance.com.

ON BEHALF OF FIRST MINING FINANCE CORP.

Keith Neumeyer, Chairman

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release includes certain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements"(collectively "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities legislation including the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein, without limitation, statements relating the future operating or financial performance of the Company, are forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking statements are frequently, but not always, identified by words such as "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "potential", "possible", and similar expressions, or statements that events, conditions, or results "will", "may", "could", or "should" occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements in this news release relate to, among other things: the Company's anticipated timing of the completion of the current Phase 1 drilling program at the Goldlund project; the potential results of the remainder of the Phase 1 drilling program and the timing of the dissemination of such results by the Company; plans relating to a Phase 2 drilling program at the Goldlund project and the anticipated timing of such a program; any upgrade to, or expansion of, the resources on the Goldlund project; the potential for further value to be unlocked at the project. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements reflect the beliefs, opinions and projections on the date the statements are made and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the respective parties, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies.

Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and the parties have made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation, the results of future exploration efforts at the Goldlund project; management's discretion to refocus its exploration efforts; fluctuations in the spot and forward price of gold, silver, base metals or certain other commodities; fluctuations in the currency markets (such as the Canadian dollar versus the U.S. dollar); changes in national and local government, legislation, taxation, controls, regulations and political or economic developments; risks and hazards associated with the business of mineral exploration, development and mining (including environmental hazards, industrial accidents, unusual or unexpected formations, pressures, cave-ins and flooding); the presence of laws and regulations that may impose restrictions on mining; employee relations; relationships with and claims by local communities and indigenous populations; availability and increasing costs associated with mining inputs and labour; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development; and title to properties. Readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release concerning these times. Except as required by law, First Mining does not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by law.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Contacts:

First Mining Finance Corp.

Patrick Donnelly

President

604-639-8854



First Mining Finance Corp.

Derek Iwanaka

Vice President, Investor Relations

604-639-8824

www.firstminingfinance.com




MONTREAL, QUEBEC -- (Marketwired) -- 05/24/17 -- Sama Graphite Inc. (TSX VENTURE: SRG) ("SRG" or the "Company") today announced that preliminary results received from its drilling program currently underway on the Lola Graphite property in the Republic of Guinea, have significantly expanded the Company's perceived potential of the property.

Highlights

-- Approximately 50% of the drilling program has been completed -- Thickness of the weathered profile extends to a depth of up to 30 to 35 meters, considerably more thickness than the originally anticipated depth of 20 meters -- Presence of massive graphite veins -- Assay results confirm the high-grade potential, comparing favourably with first-tier prominent graphite occurrences worldwide for graphitic carbon grade -- Size distribution and chemical purity place the Lola Graphite deposit among the very few flake graphite deposits with such high flake yield and purity

The 4,800-meter drilling program is underway on the property with an objective to delineate National Instrument 43-101 mineral resources. The Company has completed 83 boreholes totalling approximately 2,300 meters, representing approximately 50% of the program.

The drilling program started testing the eastern edge of the deposit and its boundary with the barren gneiss; composite results shown in Table 1 are from the first 15 boreholes from that area. Drilling has now moved to the core of the mineralization where the thickness of the weathered profile exceeds the initially estimated 20 meters considerably, with several holes demonstrating thicknesses of up to 30 to 35 meters and resulting in an average weathered profile of approximately 28 meters. Assays results for the core sector are still pending.

Furthermore, recent drilling has intercepted several occurrences of semi-massive to massive graphite vein material. These intercepts range from a few centimeters to up to 1.1-meters thick in four boreholes. The presence of these amorphous graphite veins support the magmatic origin of the carbon material, hence its exceptional chemical purity. The exceptional chemical purity of the Lola Graphite deposit contrasts greatly when compared with numerous other graphite deposits in the world as the carbon in other graphite deposits carries impurities such as vanadium and molybdenum, which necessitate removal.

The current drilling program aims at producing the first mineral estimates that will be included in the Preliminary Economic Assessment planned for Q4 2017. Boreholes are drilled on a 50 m x 20 m and 100 m x 20 m drilling spacing covering approximately 16% of the total surface area of deposit as defined by geological mapping, a geophysical Max-Min survey and previous drilling and pitting. Graphitic carbon tenors obtained in the first 15 boreholes (Table 1) of the current campaign are well aligned with expectations as the area drilled at the eastern boundary was just off the core of the deposit.

Table 1

The following table illustrates the details of the mineralized intervals for 15 holes drilled at the Lola Graphite Deposit. Intervals were defined using 1.0% Cg cut-off grades.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------- HOLE-ID FROM TO LENGTH CG ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- LL45-085401 3.00 27.10 24.10 5.35 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Including 12.20 25.00 12.80 8.32 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- LL45-102406 0.00 11.50 11.50 5.29 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Including 1.50 6.15 4.65 9.07 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- LL45-121413 0.00 25.00 25.00 6.66 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Including 6.00 24.00 18.00 8.93 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- LL45-089460 0.00 23.50 23.50 4.34 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- LL45-106466 0.00 36.00 36.00 3.23 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Including 25.50 36.00 10.50 10.00 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- LL45-125471 0.00 10.50 10.50 9.28 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Including 0.00 7.50 7.50 11.29 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- LL45-115317 0.00 16.50 16.50 4.55 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- LL45-133324 2.00 18.10 16.10 6.10 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Including 9.00 18.10 9.10 9.12 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- LL45-191342 0.00 22.10 22.10 4.50 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Including 19.50 20.00 0.50 22.00 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- LL45-208350 0.00 10.50 10.50 4.00 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Including 4.50 6.00 1.50 14.20 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- LL45-096311 0.00 26.00 26.00 3.92 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- LL45-199501 3.00 7.50 4.50 2.21 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- LL45-095516 0.00 10.50 10.50 4.01 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Including 3.00 6.00 3.00 8.27 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- LL45-114522 0.00 32.00 32.00 7.98 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Including 9.70 30.00 20.30 12.31 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- LL45-170542 0.00 31.30 31.30 5.25 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Including 15.10 31.30 16.20 9.47 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Lola Graphite deposit can be compared to the leading group of properties in terms of graphite flake size distribution and chemical purity. Results from flotation tests indicate that 89% of the concentrate is made of super-jumbo, jumbo and large flakes sizes. Super-jumbo flake size (greater than 0.50 mm) accounts for 29% of the concentrate with purities of 96% and 97% Cg (reference SRG's press release dated February 21, 2017).

Purification tests performed by ProGraphite GmbH confirmed that the graphite could easily be upgraded with standard processes to levels above 99.5%, with most elements, already under the limits for battery applications. The purification performed during testing was "mild" compared to the "harsh" purification usually applied for lithium-ion battery grade graphite, thereby attesting again to the likelihood that the material will be very suitable for such an application. Furthermore, the combination of very favourable ash composition, high crystallinity, high oxidation resistance and excellent purification behaviour makes the graphite very valuable for demanding new tech applications, including energy applications and particularly with regard to spherical graphite for lithium-ion batteries.

Drilling was performed using Sama Resources' Coretech core drill rig. Core logging and sampling were performed at SRG's facility in Gogota village. Sample preparations were performed by Bureau Veritas Mineral Laboratory's facility in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire. Pulp samples were delivered to Activation Laboratories Ltd, Ancaster, Thunder Bay, Canada for assaying. All samples were assayed for graphitic carbon by infrared.

About Sama Graphite Inc. (SRG)

SRG is a Canadian-based company focused on developing the Lola Graphite deposit, located in the Republic of Guinea, West Africa. SRG is committed to operate in a socially, environmentally and ethically responsible manner.

For additional information, please visit SRG's website at www.srggraphite.com.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain of the statements made and information contained herein are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation or "forward-looking information" within the meaning of the Ontario Securities Act and the Securities Act (British Columbia). This includes statements concerning the Company's plans at its mineral properties, which involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company, or industry results, to vary or be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or forward-looking information. Information regarding drilling results may also be deemed to be forward-looking statements or forward-looking information in that they reflect a prediction of what may be found to be present when and if a project is actually developed.

Forward-looking statements and forward-looking information are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties which could cause actual events or results to differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, including, without limitation, the availability of financing for activities, risks and uncertainties relating to the interpretation of drill results and the estimation of mineral resources and reserves, the geology, grade and continuity of mineral deposits, the possibility that future exploration, development or mining results will not be consistent with the Company's expectations, metal price fluctuations, environmental and regulatory requirements, availability of permits, escalating costs of remediation and mitigation, risk of title loss, the effects of accidents, equipment breakdowns, labour disputes or other unanticipated difficulties with or interruptions in exploration or development, the potential for delays in exploration or development activities, the inherent uncertainty of cost estimates and the potential for unexpected costs and expenses, commodity price fluctuations, currency fluctuations, expectations and beliefs of management and other risks and uncertainties.

In addition, forward-looking statements and forward-looking information are based on various assumptions. Should one or more of these risks and uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in forward-looking information or forward-looking statements. Accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or forward-looking information. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Contacts:

Sama Graphite Inc. (SRG)

Dr. Marc-Antoine Audet

President & CEO

(514) 726-4158

ceo@srggraphite.com



NXT Communications

Jean-Paul Blais

+1 (514) 867-7447

jp@thenxtgroup.com



Contact Financial Corp.

Frederick Chabot

438-863-7071

frederick@contactfinancial.com




TORONTO, ON -- (Marketwired) -- 05/24/17 -- Easton Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (OTC PINK: EAPH) is pleased to announce that it has signed a Letter of Intent with Canadian Alliance Group to acquire an interest in their 45 acre fully owned parcel of land for the cultivation, production and sale of medical marijuana to the cannabis industry. Easton's wholly owned subsidiary, iBliss Inc. is currently in Birmingham, UK for this weekend's Vaper expo.

Easton has entered into an LOI agreement with Toronto-based Alliance Group to acquire an interest in their 45 acres of agriculturally zoned land north of Toronto to cultivate, produce and facilitate the sale of its production of medical marijuana on a co-managed basis. This agreement would give Easton Pharmaceuticals a strong position into the pharmaceutical production of cannabis. This is a very exciting time and opportunity for Easton and more details will be released as they become available. Easton and Alliance expect to have production in about 6 months from its first greenhouse with revenues in the tens of millions. This initiative not only demonstrates Easton's desire to enter the medical marijuana market, which will be federally and nationally legalized in the country of Canada in the spring of 2018, but also demonstrates, along with previous acquisition announcements, Easton's desire to purchase strong revenue producing businesses.

In other developments, Easton's wholly owned subsidiary, iBliss Inc., is currently participating in Europe's leading vapes convention in Birmingham, UK this weekend, between May 26th and May 28th. iBliss is now fully registered and compliant in the EU and expects to complete a distribution agreement with one of the largest and most recognizable vape brands. iBliss also expects to finalize distribution agreements for France and Italy, further fueling its European sales.

About Easton Pharmaceuticals

Easton Pharmaceuticals is a diversified specialty pharmaceutical company involved in various pharmaceutical sectors and other growing industries. The Company previously developed and owned an FDA-approved wound-healing drug and currently owns topically delivered drugs to treat cancer and other therapeutic products to treat various conditions that are all in various stages of development and approval. Easton has partnered with BMV Medica SA de C.V. and together, own the exclusive distribution rights in Mexico and Latin America for patented women's diagnostic and preventative care products from Common Sense Of Israel, along with two generic cancer drugs, Paclitaxel and Docetaxel from BioLyse Pharma of St. Catherine's Ontario, Canada. Easton has also entered the e-liquids and e-vaporizer market through the acquisition of revenue generating company, iBliss, Inc. with sales expected to reach $15 million.

For More Information Visit:

http://www.eastonpharmaceuticalsinc.com

http://ecigmarkets.com

http://finance.yahoo.com/q's=eaph

https://twitter.com/eastonpharma

Safe Harbor

This news release may contain forward-looking statements or expressions within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (The "Act"). In particular, when certain words or phrases such as "hope", "positive", "anticipate," "pleased," "plan," "confident that," "believe," "expect," "possible" or "intent to" and similar conditional expressions are expressed, they are intended to identify forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Act and are subject to the safe harbor created by the Act. Such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties and actual results could differ materially from those expressed in any of the forward-looking statements. Any investment made into Easton Pharmaceuticals would be classified as speculative and may contain risks. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, market conditions, general acceptance of the company's products and technologies, competitive factors, the ability to successfully complete additional or adequate financing, government approvals or changes to proposed laws and other risks and uncertainties further stated in the company's financial reports and filings.

Easton Pharmaceuticals

Evan Karras

CEO

Tel: +1(416) 619-0291

Tel: +1(347) 284-0192

Email: info@eastonpharmaceuticalsinc.com




TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 05/24/17 -- BeWhere Holdings Inc. (TSX VENTURE: BEW)(OTCQB: BEWFF) ("BeWhere" or the "Company") a Company that designs and sells patent pending Bluetooth beacons, mobile applications, middle-ware and cloud based solutions when combined, provides users with real-time information on the condition and location of their items in transit or at facilities, today announced its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2017.

Highlights

-- The Company continues to focus on product development and is expecting to launch a next generation Low-Powered Wide Area Network("LPWAN") cellular Beacon in cooperation with its telecommunication partner. LPWAN technologies are designed for machine to machine ("M2M") networking environments. With decreased power consumption, longer range and lower costs than mobile networks, LPWAN will enable much wider range of M2M and Internet of Things ('IoT") enabling projects that were previously constrained by budgets and power constraints to move forward. BeWhere's LPWAN offering will be positioned at the forefront of this emerging technology and in combination with its current Bluetooth offering will enable its customers a low-cost asset tracking solution in a broad array of situational needs and market places. -- Limited initial installations were recognized in the First Quarter for the armoured car contract announced in April and is expected to contribute increasing revenues as the contract progresses through to the end of year. -- Liquidity remains strong with the closing cash balance at quarter end being $1,443,068 -- Follow on orders from several existing clients continue to come in proving the return on investment -- Subsequent to the end of the First Quarter the company announced a partnership with Firetech Manufacturing Ltd. to supply Bluetooth enabled medical bags to the Emergency Medical Services ("EMS") market. -- Subsequent to the end of the First Quarter the company announced that Aphria Inc. selected BeWhere to provide asset management solutions throughout the medical cannabis supply chain in their Leamington, Ontario facilities.

Outlook

-- Contracted backlog to date should allow the Company to end 2017 in a healthy financial position -- Installations on the armoured car contract will ramp up significantly quarter over quarter with the majority of the contracted installations to be delivered in Q3 and Q4 -- Installations on the recently announced Aphria Inc. contract to begin in Q2 -- Launch of the LPWAN Beacon with our telecommunications partner is expected in Q3 -- Continued conversion throughout the remainder of 2017 of our 60 plus pilots to commercial contracts

BeWhere achieved multiple milestones during the first quarter 2017, including early initial installations on the armoured car contract, the signing of its first OEM contract with Firetech Manufacturing. The Company will continue to announce new partnerships and build its pipeline of contracted revenue throughout the remainder of 2017 well continuing its leading edge product development.

Management Commentary

Owen Moore CEO and Founder stated "It's exciting to see our 2016 objectives turning into orders and revenues in our targeted markets proving our products are continuing to display traction in each our targeted markets. It's reassuring to know the team's efforts are turning into contracted backlog allowing good visibility into the remainder of 2017. The upcoming launch of our LPWAN cellular Beacon will compliment nicely our current product offering and deepen our penetration into the rapidly expanding asset tracking space.

Financial Highlights for First Quarter Ended March 31, 2017

---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Q1 2017 Q1 2016 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net Sales 132,065 3,563 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net (loss) 381,535 1,623,704 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Basic and diluted loss per share (0.01) (0.04) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Cash 1,443,068 1,328,941 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

About BeWhere

BeWhere (TSX VENTURE: BEW)(OTCQB: BEWFF) is an Industrial Internet of Things ("IIOT") solutions company that designs and sells hardware with sensors and software applications to track real-time information on movable assets. The company develops mobile applications, middle-ware and cloud based solutions that stand-alone or that can readily integrated with existing software. Its solutions enable end-users a level of operational visibility that is more easily accessible and significantly easier to implement than in the past.

Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward Looking Information

Certain statements in this press release constitute forward-looking statements, within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements that are not historical facts, including without limitation, statements regarding future estimates, plans, programs, forecasts, projections, objectives, assumptions, expectations or beliefs of future performance, are "forward-looking statements".

We caution you that such "forward-looking statements" involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual and future events to differ materially from those anticipated in such statements.

Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to commercial operations, including technology development, anticipated revenues, projected size of market, and other information that is based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions of management.

BeWhere Holdings Inc. (the "Company") does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements except as required by law. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties relating to, among other things, technology development and marketing activities, the Company's historical experience with technology development, uninsured risks. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bewhereinc/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bewhere-inc-

Contacts:

BeWhere Holdings Inc.

Owen Moore

CEO

1 (844) 229-4373

info@bewhere.com






ATLANTA (dpa-AFX) - Coca-Cola Co. (KO) said that it is moving closer to completing the refranchising of its Company-owned territories in the United States.



Coca-Cola Refreshments executives Paul Mulligan and Fran McGorry are joining together to form a new bottling company called Liberty Coca-Cola Beverages LLC. They have signed a letter of intent for territories that include metropolitan New York, Philadelphia, most of the state of New Jersey and part of Delaware, plus four production facilities. This area is known as the Tri-State Metro Operating Unit of Coca-Cola Refreshments, which is a unit of The Coca-Cola Company.



Mulligan has served as president of Coca-Cola Refreshments since 2014. His previous experience in the system includes leadership roles in operations around the world. He will be co-owner of the new Liberty Coca-Cola Beverages.



McGorry is president of the Tri-State Metro Operating Unit. He will be co-owner of Liberty Coca-Cola Beverages and will continue to be the top executive in charge of the territory. Prior to his current role, McGorry's career included serving as president of the Philadelphia Coca-Cola Bottling Co. He is a native of Philadelphia and has strong, local connections throughout the Tri-State area.



The Coca-Cola Company said it remains on track to complete refranchising of its U.S. territories by the end of 2017. There are agreements or letters of intent for 100% of the U.S. territories of Coca-Cola Refreshments.



Including the Tri-State Metro Operating Unit, the Company has reached definitive agreements or signed letters of intent to refranchise bottling territories that account for approximately 80% of total U.S. bottler-delivered distribution volume, which equates to approximately 90% of total Coca-Cola Refreshments volume in North America.



With this new letter of intent, 100% of the U.S. territory of CCR is under agreement. The Company also has reached definitive agreements or signed letters of intent for all 51 cold-fill production facilities in the United States. The Tri-State Metro Operating Unit has production facilities in Philadelphia, Moorestown, N.J., Maspeth, N.Y., and Elmsford, N.Y.



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

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SAINT PETERSBURG, FL -- (Marketwired) -- 05/24/17 -- HempTech Corp. (OTC PINK: HTCO), a provider of advanced Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) with sophisticated automation and analytical tools for the agricultural industry including legal medical cannabis, announces today that its board of directors has decided to split the company into five separate units or divisions. The decision was based on the current growth of the cannabis industry and structural inefficiency within the company to cater to this growth. The five separate units will consists of:

Consultant Services Unit - GrowComm Engineering & Consulting

Engineering & Consulting Services for commercial or industrial cannabis cultivation. HempTech's GrowComm provides customized engineering & consulting solutions for cannabis growers anywhere, specializing in the engineering, design, and construction of fully automated cannabis grow facilities with advanced Controlled Environment Agriculture.

Software & Technology Unit - CognetiX, Verecis, GrowFacility

CognetiX is a software platform that integrates all available plant and business data into an intelligent high performance, real-time, distributed grow control platform. Information from various components such as sensors, HVAC, lighting etc., are collected by the central server, analyzed, and displayed in real time via customized dashboards. CognetiX delivers active controls, data collections and management, extensive analytics and fault detection. Verecis provides seed to sale tracking system and inventory management.

Cultivation Automation Unit - Grow.Droid, Automated Commercial Grow Systems

The grow.droid is a self-contained, turnkey, fully-automated commercial grow system engineered for growing cannabis. The grow.droid augments the master grower for on-site management of the plants. It is specially engineered and integrated with indoor grow systems and provides a software platform (by CognetiX) that maintains set profiles and conditions for optimal growth and cycle performance. The grow.droid can be scaled based on growing needs and the size of the grow area.

Cultivation Products Unit - HempTech Agripods, AgronetiX Fresh Harvest, Mithra

Agripods (or AgriTents) are fully automated, commercial grow system, specially engineered from a shipping container or a tent. It provides a variety of grow options such as nursery, veg/flower room or dry/cure facility or a combination of all the three. The adaptive nature of the Agritainers extends the grow season by allowing indoor or outdoor growing in any climate.

AgronetiX will be designing, manufacturing and marketing leafy green grow containers under the brand "Fresh Harvest". Fresh Harvest branded automated grow containers will be a self-contained, fully automated, vertical hydroponic farming system for leafy greens with LED lighting, environmental sensors for temperature, water, CO2, and pH control, a nutrient dosing system, and computer software for remote monitoring of the produce cycle and creation of historical data to consistently produce repeatable high yields.

Energy Management Unit - SmartEnergy

SmartEnergy is an advanced energy management and control system designed and customized for the indoor agriculture industry. SmartEnergy manages and precisely controls the energy use of the grow facility to optimize the environment while minimalizing energy costs. SmartEnergy can help to save between 5% and 25% annually on utility bills. Powerful analytics software looks at data from advanced environmental sensors, located throughout the interior and exterior facility environment.

"Splitting HempTech into five separate units will allow the Company to unlock growth and bring greater efficiency to its business model. It will also allow the Company to cater distinct products and services to the multiple segments of the cannabis marketplace hence creating more diverse revenue path and assured profitability," Mr. Verghese, COO of HempTech, stated.

HempTech is committed to bring cutting edge technology to cannabis growers everywhere. Through the perfect blend of technology and human experience, HempTech brings you the best in automation technologies, smart cultivation tools and business software solutions.

For more information on products offered by HempTech, please contact: info@hemptechcorp.com.

About HempTech Corp.

HempTech Corp. (OTC PINK: HTCO), a Nevada corporation, is a provider of advanced Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) with sophisticated automation and analytical tools for the cultivators of legal industrial hemp and cannabis. We design and engineer specialized products using advanced sensors, process control techniques, big data aggregation, analytics and security solutions so cannabis growers can easily and effectively control every aspect of their operation. Through HempTech technologies, virtually every component of the plants' vegetative growth matrix and flower harvest is automated, documented and available in visible format both in real time and historically. This simplifies operations and ensures that the baselines set by the master grower are adhered to by the cultivation staff.

The Intelligent Automation Technology engineered for agricultural operations featuring CognetiX Cultivation Automation & Analytic Software drives improvement in productivity, efficiency, quality and sustainability. This industrial grade advanced Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) with analytical technology software, is being made available to small and large size cultivators that are not yet available in the Cannabis market. HempTech's goal is to provide cost effective and efficient cultivation of indoor cannabis through intelligent technologies and process control platforms.

HempTech's mission is to establish a reputation in the cannabis industry as a one-stop-shop that provides all the infrastructure elements required by growers in a manner that is fully integrated, state-of-the-art, and secure. Products include the SPIDer (Secure Perimeter Intrusion Detection), SmartSense, SmartEnergy, and analytics dashboard CognetiX through which HempTech Corp. provides growers unparalleled data analysis capabilities to Know Your Grow! HempTech -- America's Future Taking Root Today.

To request further information about HempTech, please email us at info@hemptechcorp.com, log onto our website at http://www.hemptechcorp.com or visit us at our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/hemptechcorp or on Twitter @hemptechcorp.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contain forward-looking statements covered within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements relate to, among other things, plans and timing for the introduction or enhancement of our services and products, statements about future market conditions, supply and demand conditions, and other expectations, intentions and plans contained in this press release that are not historical fact and involve risks and uncertainties. Our expectations regarding future revenues depend upon our ability to develop and supply products and services that we may not produce today and that meet defined specifications. When used in this press release, the words "plan," "expect," "believe," and similar expressions generally identify forward-looking statements. These statements reflect our current expectations. They are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, changes in technology and changes in pervasive markets. This release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 27E of the Securities Act of 1934. Statements contained in this release that are not historical facts may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain. Actual performance and results may differ materially from that projected or suggested herein due to certain risks and uncertainties including, without limitation, ability to obtain financing and regulatory and shareholder approval for anticipated actions.

Contact:

Media Contact

HempTech Corp.

http://www.hemptechcorp.com

info@hemptechcorp.com

(727) 474-1810

Twitter - @hemptechcorp

Facebook - hemptechcorp




Company Achieves National Listing with Rewe Group

Adds 2,400 Retail Stores in German Market

Amira Nature Foods Ltd (the "Company"; or "Amira" NYSE: ANFI), a leading global manufacturer, marketer and distributor of branded packaged specialty rice and other related food products, with sales across five continents around the world, announced today that it has successfully expanded its distribution footprint in Germany by obtaining a national listing with Rewe Group ("Rewe"), a major German retailer. Amira's German subsidiary, AMIRA BASMATI RICE GMBH EUR currently sells its Amira, Atry, Sadry, Sativa, Scheherazade and Sultan brands into more than 4,000 retail stores in Germany and in neighboring European countries. The national listing in Germany with Rewe will increase total distribution in the German region to approximately 6,400 retail stores.

Karan A Chanana, Amira's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer stated, "We are pleased to add to our geographic footprint in Germany and to further grow this geographic market for us."

Tobias Strerath, CEO of AMIRA BASMATI RICE GMBH EUR added, "We have worked hard over the years to service this account and we are very excited to see these efforts come to life with a national listing for our ATRY brand. This retail win is a confirmation of our hard work and dedication to the business."

About Amira Nature Foods Ltd.

Founded in 1915, Amira has evolved into a leading global manufacturer, marketer and distributor of branded packaged specialty rice and other related food products, with sales across five continents around the world. The Company generates the majority of its revenue through the sale of Basmati rice, a premium long-grain variety of rice grown only in the geographically indicated region of the Indian sub-continent, as well as other specialty rice. It sells its products under its flagship Amira brand, as well as other Company owned brands and third party brands. The Company expanded its product offerings in recent years to include other value-add categories such as edible oils and organics. The Company also sells other products such as wheat, barley, legumes and other produce to large institutional customers. The Company's fourth generation leadership has built on a rich, century-old legacy and transformed Amira from a local family-run business to a publicly listed, globally focused packaged food company with a global leadership position in the high growth Basmati rice sector. Amira sells its products through a broad distribution network in both the developed and emerging markets. The Company's global headquarters are in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and it also has offices in India, Malaysia, Singapore, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Amira Nature Foods Ltd is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the ticker symbol "ANFI."

For more information, please visit www.amira.net.

Safe Harbor for Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains statements of a forward-looking nature. These statements are made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You can identify these forward-looking statements by words or phrases such as "may," "will," "except," "anticipate," "aim," "estimate," "intend," "plan," "believe," "is/are likely to," "future" or other similar expressions. We have based these forward-looking statements largely on our current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that we believe may affect our financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs. There is no assurance that our current expectations and projections are accurate. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to:

our goals and strategies;

our operations and expansion plans;

our future business development, results of operations, financial condition and financial statements;

our ability to protect our intellectual property rights;

projected revenue, EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, profits, adjusted profits, earnings, adjusted earnings and other estimated financial information;

our ability to maintain strong relationships with our customers and suppliers;

governmental policies regarding our industry; and

the impact of legal proceedings.

You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and you should read these statements in conjunction with the risk factors disclosed in "Risk Factors" appearing in Amira's Annual Reports found on the SEC's website located at www.sec.gov. Those risks are not exhaustive. We operate in a rapidly evolving environment. New risk factors emerge from time to time, and it is impossible for our management to predict all risk factors, nor can we assess the impact of all factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ from those contained in any forward-looking statement. We do not undertake any obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements except as required under applicable law.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170524005548/en/

Contacts:

Amira Nature Foods Ltd

Bruce Wacha, 646-779-1984

Chief Financial Officer

bruce.wacha@theamiragroup.com
LAKE GENEVA, WI / ACCESSWIRE / May 24, 2017 / Business Transformation Today LLC (BTT) launched its digital publishing business for the SAP ecosystem, at the SAP SAPPHIRE NOW conference in Orlando, Florida. BTT provides SAP customers with intelligence for management decisions in the digital economy.

BTT is unlike the blizzard of success stories, use cases, and opinion blogs that software companies and business magazine publishers produce. While industry analysts compare technology products, services, and producer sales results, BTT and its In-Memory Apps Institute focuses on business problem-solving in the disruptive digital economy. The BTT mission is to help SAP customer executives and managers make decisions that enhance their organizational value to adapt and better compete in the digital economy.

BTT's In-Memory Apps Institute is designed for C Suite/Sr. Line of Business (LoB) Executives. Digital subscriptions provide interactive dashboards that deliver customized intelligence for each pillar on SAP's digital transformation road map. The intelligence is used to determine transformative business needs, measure an organization's digital economy business challenges, show gaps where they exist in comparison to market leaders, and finally prioritize decisions to invest in solutions (technology, apps and services) that drive competitive advantage.

NGA Human Resources is BTT's kickoff SAP Business Partner. NGA HR apps extend SuccessFactors functionality with 5 apps and complimentary services, including a bundle offer soon to be available via the BTT apps bundle configurator. BTT pre-configured solution bundles of technologies, apps and services will be featured in BTT subscriptions. These are focused on high priority business challenges to make it easier for SAP customers to make decisions.

Publisher/President Rick Felt says: "SAP customer J.P. Bilbrey, CEO of The Hershey Company, was recently quoted on SAP's website. He believes the speed at which these things are happening is more dramatic than ever before, and, to help the company identify all the right priorities is one of the most important things a CEO does. The BTT digital subscription experience is a virtual executive focus group in which SAP customers can engage and learn how to prioritize digital economy decisions for investments in technologies (cloud and on premise) that extend and accelerate the benefits of SAP solutions."

ASUG, the SAP Users Group, is collaborating with BTT to provide customer research and content. The content is blended by BTT with 3rd Party data, installed in the BTT interactive executive dashboard, and SAP customer executives add their organization's data to evaluate their competitive gaps. The dashboard's algorithms generate customized intelligence for executives that cannot be obtained anywhere else.

The SAP Cloud Platform team is collaborating with BTT, to help customers protect their SAP investment, as customers tackle transformative business challenges on their journey within SAP's roadmap. Unlike SAP's technical online community, BTT's business focus minimizes customer investment risk.

Business problem-solving innovation forums - for Line of Business Managers and supporting IT - are a vital element of the BTT digital subscription. These forums help managers overcome the challenges their senior executives prioritize for purchase decisions. BTT's online configurator resides next to the innovation forums to make it easy to evaluate 3rd Party apps details, features, and price parameters, for solutions that run on SAP Cloud Platform.

Mr. Felt says: "BTT's digital intelligence subscription compliments a boatload of digital transformation blogs and use cases SAP publishes. Our intelligence is aligned with each step in a customer decision process, as defined by IDG Enterprise studies. We cover the five large cost areas of a business or government bureau, and that's key to overcome competitive disruption for an organization to adapt and survive."

SAP's CEO, Bill McDermott, recently said it is time to simplify, time to innovate, and time to leverage digital connectivity. To support this mission, BTT's CEO, Mark Dendinger, states: "Since SAP and their business partners provide the consulting and integration services to SAP customers, we decided to arrange for SAP customers to receive BTT digital subscriptions as a valuable gift from SAP certified partners. After all, SAP Cloud Platform is emerging and customers are learning how to leverage apps and services on the platform. We bring an intelligent methodology to the table in prioritizing a company's investment into extending their SAP solution." Opportunities for SAP partners to deliver digital subscription packs to customers will be available this May.

SAP's digital transformation pillar, Workforce Engagement, is on deck as BTT's first dashboard. BTT's executive expert for this dashboard, Jim Villwock, a previous Fortune 500 CFO and current CEO of Human Investment Advisory, says: "Closing strategic gaps between CEOs and employees are keys to increasing company revenues, profits, and competitiveness. Transformative apps are significant in gaining the most value out of today's disruptive digital economy."

For more information, contact Rick Felt, BTT President. rfelt@biztrantoday.com 262-215-3375.

SOURCE: Business Transformation Today
DUBLIN, July 26, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

The "Global Automotive Crash Impact Simulator Market 2017-2021" report has been added to Research and Markets' offering.

The global automotive crash impact simulator system market to grow at a CAGR of 29.61 % during the period 2017-2021.

The report, Global Automotive Crash Impact Simulator System Market 2017-2021, has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts. The report covers the market landscape and its growth prospects over the coming years. The report also includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market.

The latest trend gaining momentum in the market is impact of autonomous vehicles on automotive crash impact simulation algorithms. The kind of driverless car technologies, which are currently being developed by the technology giants like Google, certain automakers like Volvo, and automotive suppliers like Delphi are expected to aim towards eliminating on-road fatalities altogether. There lies, however, a large chasm of the unknown behind the design of the algorithms that are expected to make up the driverless cars' decision-making processes. There are two outcomes of the same, which is somehow plausible, given the duality of decision making itself - right and wrong, as well as all the data points which exist in-between. (provided the 3rd decision of saving both pedestrian and driver and the 4th decision of killing both pedestrian and driver are infeasible).

According to the report, one of the major drivers for this market is advances in technology paving way for greater acceptance of simulation tools. When the automakers began to simulate the vehicle crash tests in 1990s, it was a simple and coarse model and generally consisted of less than 1000 elements of basic components, such as bumpers. It usually took days to get results for a single component. Today, due to continuous advancements in computing resources, researchers have reached a stage where a full vehicle crash test, through simulation, involving millions of elements, can be completed in four to six weeks.

Key vendors



Altair Engineering

Livermore Software Technology Corporation (LSTC)

ESI Group

Dassault Systemes



Other prominent vendors



Humanetics Innovative Solutions

vCRASH, Americas

HORIBA MIRA



Key Topics Covered:



PART 01: Executive summary



PART 02: Scope of the report



PART 03: Research Methodology



PART 04: Introduction



PART 05: Market landscape



PART 06: Geographical segmentation



PART 07: Key leading countries



PART 08: Decision framework



PART 09: Drivers and challenges



PART 10: Market trends



PART 11: Vendor landscape



PART 12: Key vendor analysis



PART 13: Appendix



For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/vqcn42/global_automotive

Media Contact:

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

press@researchandmarkets.com



For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470

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NEW YORK, NY -- (Marketwired) -- 10/06/17 -- NetworkNewsWire ("NNW"), a multifaceted financial news and publishing company that delivers a new generation of social communication solutions for business, today announces the online availability of its interview with Blue Moon Zinc Corp. (TSX VENTURE: MOON) (OTC: BMOOF), a mineral exploration company focused on developing its advanced-stage, wholly owned Blue Moon zinc project in central California.

The interview can be heard at http://NNW.fm/BMOOF-Oct-2017

NNW's Stuart Smith opens the interview by introducing Blue Moon CEO Patrick McGrath, who has 20 years of experience in financing and executive roles in the junior mining sector. McGrath provides valuable insight into what distinguishes the Blue Moon deposit as a promising near-term development prospect for investors.

"One of the important things for this project is that a lot of the development work was done by very well established and qualified operators," says McGrath in a review of the project's decades-long history, noting much of the advance work has been completed to show Blue Moon's zinc deposit indicated 95 percent recovery. "You can have all the zinc in the deposit, but if the recovery and metallurgy don't work, it doesn't go anywhere."

Blue Moon's primary asset is zinc. The company's recently updated NI 43-101 resource estimate shows the project, to be mined by underground methods, contains approximately 377 million pounds of zinc in the indicated category and another 395 pounds of zinc in the inferred category.

"So, we believe it's the right size and scope for the project we're about to undertake," McGrath says in the interview. "Our next step is really advancing the deposit, taking it through the feasibility and permit process, and ultimately through production."

The Blue Moon team includes two key members who have worked in California and have acquired "extensive experience with either building a mine from scratch or restarting a mine and dealing with the regulatory process, as well as the successful mining operations," McGrath said.

The long-term prognosis for Blue Moon shows "a very high likelihood that this deposit just keeps going ... that it could likely double in size," said McGrath, adding the company plans to explore the likelihood that there is another Blue Moon zinc deposit at the site.

In the near term, the company will complete a preliminary economic assessment, which will highlight Blue Moon as a viable, standalone project with a short time horizon to development of the zinc asset, McGrath concluded.

About Blue Moon Zinc Corp.

Blue Moon Zinc Corp., a Canada-based exploration-stage mineral company has 100% ownership of the Blue Moon zinc project in central California. The project sits within Mariposa County, an area of active mines and exploration projects since it was part of the California gold rush era. Blue Moon's 525 acres of mineral rights are assigned to patented and unpatented claims accessible by a gravel road off a nearby highway with main utility lines nearby. The zinc deposit is open at depth and along strike with a high likelihood of expansion. Historical studies of the project site show recovery rates of 95 percent for zinc and lead, 93 percent for copper, 65 percent for silver and 70 percent for gold. Simple processing methods will produce premium concentrates with easy separation of economic minerals.

For more information, visit the company's website at www.BlueMoonMining.com

About NetworkNewsWire

NetworkNewsWire (NNW) is an information service that provides (1) access to our news aggregation and syndication servers, (2) NetworkNewsBreaks that summarize corporate news and information, (3) enhanced press release services, (4) social media distribution and optimization services, and (5) a full array of corporate communication solutions. As a multifaceted financial news and content distribution company with an extensive team of contributing journalists and writers, NNW is uniquely positioned to best serve private and public companies that desire to reach a wide audience of investors, consumers, journalists and the general public. NNW has an ever-growing distribution network of more than 5,000 key syndication outlets across the country. By cutting through the overload of information in today's market, NNW brings its clients unparalleled visibility, recognition and brand awareness. NNW is where news, content and information converge.

Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the NetworkNewsWire website applicable to all content provided by NNW, wherever published or re-published: http://NNW.fm/Disclaimer

Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain as they are based on current expectations and assumptions concerning future events or future performance of the company. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which are only predictions and speak only as of the date hereof. In evaluating such statements, prospective investors should review carefully various risks and uncertainties identified in this release and matters set in the company's SEC filings. These risks and uncertainties could cause the company's actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements.

Communications Contact:

NetworkNewsWire (NNW)

New York, New York

www.NetworkNewsWire.com

212.418.1217 Office

Email Contact




TAMPA, FL -- (Marketwired) -- 08/21/17 -- Umbra Applied Technologies Group (OTC: UATG) - UATG is pleased to announce that it continues to make strides in commercializing its technologies. This is reflected in its Hygeia product line, which is expected to see further expansion within the textile sector and beyond. In addition, management is pleased to report that the company's debt has been significantly reduced with a continued effort towards debt reduction underway.

Chief Executive Officer, Alex Umbra stated on a shareholder's call, "We are considering various ways to further bolster shareholder value with efficiency being critical to controlling costs, favorable product margins and mitigated operational expenditures. We expect to make more specific comments on our progress in this area over the course of the next two months."

Mr. Crom, UATG's Chief Financial Officer commented. "UATG has significant intellectual property purchased at a cost of $35 million as detail in footnote 6 of our Financial Statements. Recent news on the Hygeia product line has demonstrated UATG's ability to commercialize that intellectual property into new areas."

Mr. Umbra elaborated on UATG's intellectual property, "We have made significant progress on commercializing our technology in several areas particularly advanced textiles, intelligence platforms and the application of artificial intelligence. There is still work to do in these areas however, we are at an exciting period of time for UATG which has already seen significant institutional investment, improved market metrics as well as the 2017 product launch and workforce expansion as result of these technologies."

About Umbra Applied Technologies, Inc.

Umbra Applied Technologies is a member of the Umbra Applied Technologies Group (OTC: UATG) family of companies. Headquartered in Tampa, Florida UAT Group is a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, civil government and technology solutions. UAT Group is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services for defense, civil, and commercial applications in United States and internationally. It also provides management, engineering, technical, scientific, logistic, and information services.

For more information visit www.uatgroup.com or www.umbraappliedtechnologies.com

NEITHER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE COMMISION NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS NEWS RELEASE.

Forward-Looking Information

This news release may include "forward-looking statements" including forecasts, estimates, expectations, and objectives for future operations including but not limited to its ability to conclude a business combination with a third party, sale of assets, return of capital or initial public offering and a secondary listing on the OTC as a result of aforementioned and its ability to fund the exploration of its assets through the raising of equity or debt capital or through funding by a joint venture partner that are subject to a number of assumptions, risks, and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of Umbra Applied Technologies including but not limited to capital markets and securities risks and continued development success on technology. There can be and are no actual or implied guarantees that any of the above activities will be completed or completed on terms acceptable to the Company and its shareholders or approved by any regulatory authority having jurisdiction. Such forward-looking information represents management's best judgment based on information currently available. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed and actual future results may vary materially. Risks and uncertainties about Umbra Applied Technologies business are more fully discussed in the company's disclosure materials, including its MD&A, filed with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada and available at www.sedar.com and readers are urged to read these materials. Umbra Applied Technologies does not assume the obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required by applicable law.

Investor and Media Contact:

Everest Corporate Advisors, Inc.

(702) 902-2361

(702) 982-1339




VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 05/24/17 -- San Marco Resources Inc. (TSX VENTURE: SMN) ("San Marco" or the "Company") announces it has commenced exploration on the Oregano project, located within the Company's 73,000 hectare Mariana concession (appl.), approximately 240 kilometres east of Hermosillo, Sonora State, Mexico.

The objective of this exploration program, using saw cut continuous channel samples, will be to identify anomalous grades of vein mineralization, over greater widths than previously known. The geological model at Oregano suggests the "boiling zone ", and presumably higher grades of gold and silver, may be only 150 - 200 metres ("m") below the veins surface exposure.

San Marco's CEO, Bob Willis stated; "We are excited to commence this new phase of exploration at Oregano and believe a cost-effective, focused program of work has an excellent chance of encountering higher grade gold mineralization and generating drill targets for further exploration." The Oregano mineralized system has been traced for three kilometres and appears to be open. This is a District scale exploration opportunity for our shareholders."

The initial phase of exploration will include systematic diamond saw cut channel samples across the veins and detailed geological mapping of the structures. Five of a proposed 15 channel/trenches have been completed. Of significance, after removing minimal overburden from flanks of the vein outcrops, true widths of the individual veins appear to be in the 5 - 15 m range, wider than 2 - 3 m vein widths previously known.

Of a total of 72 sample individual samples (each at least 1 m wide), 25% of the gold assays are greater than 0.20 g/t (up to 1.1 g/t; and 24% of the silver assays are greater than 10 g/t (up 38.2 g/t).

Assay results from the initial five trenches over 350 m of strike are;

Trench: Z - 01 - anomalous gold/silver Z - 02 - 23.5 m @ 0.33 g/t gold and 9.0 g/t silver including 10.30 m @ 0.52 g/t gold and 10 g/t silver Z - 03 - 14.3 m @ 0.31 g/t gold and 5.0 g/t silver Z - 04 - 31.4 m @ 0.12 g/t gold and 15.0 g/t silver Z - 05 - 16.6 m @ 0.12 g/t gold and 10.0 g/t silver

The Oregano property is favourably located within the Sierra Madre Occidental belt of epithermal gold-silver deposits, and hosts a semi-continuous, three kilometre North-South belt of low sulfidation quartz veins which has only received limited historical exploration.

Vein textures, including well-developed lattice, bladed and cockade features, suggest the surface exposes of the veins are in the upper levels of the mineralizing system, such that excellent exploration potential exists along strike and at depth. Quartz varieties include, chalcedony, opaline, silica replacing calcite, cryptocrystalline, in veins striking north - south and dipping approximately 73 degrees to the east.

Host rocks include both felsic (rhyolite, rhyodacite) and intermediate (andesite) compositions, and occupy a favourable stratigraphic setting near the interface between the regionally correlative Lower and Upper Volcanic Series.

About San Marco

San Marco Resources Inc. is a Canadian mineral exploration company with a portfolio of promising projects in mining-friendly Mexico, including the Chunibas, Mariana and 1068 Projects in Sonora State.

San Marco actively pursues strategic project generation program focused on high-caliber, low acquisition cost opportunities in the North-western Mexico. The Company has a committed management team with extensive experience in Mexico and a proven track record of building shareholder value. San Marco currently has 56,051,832 issued and outstanding shares.

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

Robert Willis, P. Eng., President & CEO

National Instrument 43-101 Disclosure

This news release has been approved by San Marco's CEO, Robert D. Willis, P. Eng. a "Qualified Person" as defined in National Instrument 43-101, Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects of the Canadian Securities Administrators. He has verified the data disclosed, including sampling, analytical and test data, underlying such technical information by reviewing the assay reports provided to San Marco by its independent testing laboratory.

The Company has implemented quality assurance ("QA") and quality control ("QC") programs to ensure sampling and analysis of all exploration work is conducted in accordance with the best possible practices. All sampling programs are carried out in a careful and diligent manner using scientifically established sampling practices designed and tested to ensure that the results are representative and reliable. Quality control programs appropriate to the type of sample and the mineralization are implemented, including such measures as external blanks, standards and duplicate samples. The security of samples from sample acquisition to analysis is a vital component of the sampling process. Procedures include the use of secure core logging, sampling, storage and preparation facilities as appropriate and the prompt, secure and direct shipping of samples to the laboratories. Appropriate sample security procedures are employed given the geographic and topographic conditions and the logistics created by the site location.

Forward Looking Information

Information set forth in this document may include forward-looking statements. While these statements reflect management's current plans, projections and intents, by their nature, forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, some of which are beyond the control of San Marco Resources Inc. Readers are cautioned that the assumptions used in the preparation of such information, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, undue reliance should not be placed on these forward-looking statements. San Marco's actual results, programs, activities and financial position could differ materially from those expressed in or implied by these forward-looking statements.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Contacts:

Nancy Curry

info@sanmarcocorp.com




VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 05/24/17 -- Pinecrest Resources Ltd. (TSX VENTURE: PCR) (the "Company" or "Pinecrest") is pleased to announce a 3,000 metre Reverse Circulation ("RC") drill program planned to commence during Q3, 2017 on the 100% owned Enchi Gold Project ("Enchi or the Project"), located in Southwest Ghana, a region well-known for prolific gold production. The region hosts numerous historical and current operating open pit and underground gold mines located along strike to the northeast of the Project. All figures are in United States dollars, unless otherwise stated.

Highlights

-- Pinecrest to initiate RC drilling program on shallow extensions of the existing, one million ounce, heap leach, Inferred gold resource (37.36 Mt @ 0.9 g/t) at Enchi -- Planned work program includes 3,000 meters in 27 RC drill holes -- Past work at Enchi has included extensive RC and diamond drilling (52,385 m in 646 holes), resource estimation and a Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA") study (Pre-Tax NPV 5%: $102 million using $1,300/oz gold) -- The Enchi gold deposit remains open for further resource expansion along strike and to depth. Numerous, additional high priority gold targets exist on the 568 km2 property

Ryan King, President of Pinecrest, commented: "Pinecrest is pleased to be advancing the Company's logistically sound Enchi Gold Project. The Enchi gold deposit covers 40 km of the prolific Bibiani Shear Zone that host the Chirano gold mine operated by Kinross Gold Corporation located 70 km northwest of the Project. The Enchi deposit is open along strike and to depth with the 2017 drill program focussed on testing potential deposit extensions and high priority targets generated by previous exploration and drilling."

The Enchi Gold Project is road accessible, is on the Ghanaian power grid and is situated along the eastern margin of the Sefwi gold belt that hosts multi-million ounce producing mines such as the Chirano Gold Mine and past producing Bibiani Gold Mine. Enchi includes six prospecting licenses within a total 568km2 land package. Previous work carried out on the project has included: RC and diamond drilling (52,385 m), airborne surveys, soil samples and trenching from numerous targets which resulted in an Inferred Resource Estimates and a Preliminary Economic Assessment conducted on three main gold zones (Boin, Nyam and Sewum). All zones within the Inferred Resource are open for expansion down dip and along strike, particularly the Boin zone that has undrilled internal gaps in the well-defined structure of up to 400 metres in strike length. Additional new high priority targets include Boin Northwest and Kojina Hill both located within 10 km of the main Boin zone where previous work completed includes trenching and drilling.

Enchi Gold Project Preliminary Economic Assessment Highlights

A NI 43-101 compliant Preliminary Economic Assessment (the "PEA" or the "Study") was prepared by WSP Canada Inc. ("WSP") using a base case Inferred Mineral Resource of 1.07 million ounces (oz) of gold (37.3 million tonnes grading 0.9 gram of gold per tonne (g/t Au), at a cut-off of 0.5 g/t Au). The PEA contemplated an owner operated, open pit, heap leach operation processing 3.0 million tonnes per year (Mtpy). Using a base case gold price of $1,300/oz, the Study shows that the Project has net Pre-Tax cash flow of $145 million, a Pre-Tax Net Present Value (NPV) at 5% discount rate of $102 million and an Internal Rate of Return (IRR) of 34%. (See news release linked here dated June 29, 2015 for full details and Technical Report filed on Sedar under Pinecrest Resources Ltd.)

Base Case $1,300/oz gold price

Average Mined Gold Grade (g/t) 0.91 Processing Rate (Mtpy) 3.0 Mine Life (years) 8.7 Life-of-Mine (LOM) Strip Ratio 3.16:1 IRR Pre-Tax (%) 34 NPV Pre-Tax (5% Discount Rate) (US$ Million) 102 IRR After-Tax (%) 25 NPV After-Tax (5% Discount Rate) (US$ Million) 62 Initial Capital Cost (US$ Million) 84 LOM Sustaining Capital Cost (US$ Million) 39 Payback (Pre-Tax) (years) 2.8 Payback (After-Tax) (years) 3.4 LOM Cash Costs (US$/oz) 802 Metallurgical Recoveries (oxide/transition/sulphide %) 75/75/73 Total Recovered Gold (oz) 538,450 Average Annual Gold Production (oz) 61,749 Peak Annual Gold Production (oz) 76,210

The PEA is preliminary in nature, and it includes inferred mineral resources that are considered too speculative geologically to have the economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as mineral reserves. There is no certainty that the preliminary economic assessment will be realized. Numbers may not add exactly due to rounding. Cash cost includes all operating costs, royalties, refining charges, environmental monitoring, tenure fees as well as general and administration costs. Cash cost excludes any capital cost, either initial or sustaining and closure and remediation costs. Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability.

Financial Models

The financial models were completed using a base case gold price of US$1,300 per ounce. The Base Case Pre-Tax economic evaluation has an IRR of 34%, payback of capital in 2.8 years and a pre-tax NPV of $102 million at a discount rate of 5%.

Table 1 Pre-Tax Financial Model Sensitivity Analysis

============================================================================ Units Metal Price Scenarios ---------------------------------------------------- (Base Case) ============================================================================ Gold US$/oz 1,200 1,250 1,300 1,350 ============================================================================ NPV, 5% M US$ 62.5 82.5 101.9 122.5 ============================================================================ Payback Years 3.4 3.0 2.8 2.7 ============================================================================ IRR % 24 29 34 39 ============================================================================

The Pre-Tax financial model includes: an initial capital cost of $72.7 million, a contingency of $11.8 million (20% of direct costs); sustaining capital of $38.6 million including a contingency of $5.3 million and reclamation and closure costs of $18.3 million. The Financial Model was completed on a 100% Project ownership basis and includes a 5% NSR to the Ghanaian Government and a 2% NSR to Red Back Mining Ghana, a subsidiary of Kinross. The After-Tax financial model includes a 35% corporate tax, demonstrating a base case NPV of $62 million at a discount rate of 5%. The Government of Ghana have the right to a 10% free carry interest in the Project.

The PEA was based on the July 15, 2014 NI 43-101 Inferred Mineral Resource estimate prepared by WSP and using a 0.5 g/t cut-off (see Table 2 for details).

Table 2 Enchi Gold Project - Inferred Mineral Resource (0.5 g/t Cut-Off)

============================================================================ Cut-off Zone Tonnes Grade Contained Gold Au (g/t) Au (g/t) (ounces) ============================================================================ 0.5 Boin 15,872,000 0.96 489,892 0.5 Nyam 5,350,000 0.96 165,129 0.5 Sewum 16,135,000 0.82 423,676 ----------------------------------------------------------- TOTAL 37,357,000 0.90 1,078,697 ============================================================================ 1. CIM definition standards were followed for the resource estimate. 2. The 2014 resource models used ordinary kriging (OK) grade estimation within a three-dimensional block model with mineralized zones defined by wireframed solids. 3. A base cut-off grade of 0.5 g/t Au was used for reporting resources with a capping of gold grades at 18 g/t. 4. A US$1,300/ounce gold price, open pit with heap leach operation was used to determine the cut-off grade. 5. A density of 2.45 g/cm3 was applied. 6. Numbers may not add exactly due to rounding. 7. Mineral Resources that are not mineral reserves do not have economic viability

The 2014 Mineral Resource estimate was based on 52,385 metres of diamond and RC drilling in 646 holes as well as data from 102 surface trenches totalling 13,799 metres. The drilling is generally spaced at 25 to 50 metre intervals.

The 2017 Enchi Drill Program

The 2017 RC drill program will include approximately 27 holes totalling 3,000 metres of infill, step out and exploration drilling on the Boin and Sewum Zones and two new zones outside of the maiden Inferred Resource Boin northwest and Kojina Hill both representing high priority targets based on geological, geochemical and geophysical surface work and previous drilling.

BOIN NORTHWEST ('NW") TARGET

The Boin NW target is located approximately 1000 metres northwest of the main Boin zone and importantly not currently included in the NI 43-101 Inferred Resource Estimate or PEA. Previous trenching intersected 26 metres grading 0.61 g/t Au and 40 metres grading 0.54 g/t Au including 10m at 1.64 g/t Au. Past limited drilling intersected 23m at 0.43 g/t Au and 39m at 0.43 g/t Au within the near surface oxidized material.

KOJINA HILL TARGET

Kojina Hill is located approximately 400 metres northwest of the Nyam Zone and was not included in the previous NI 43-101 Inferred Resource Estimate. Previous drilling highlights from only 8 drill holes included near surface intercepts of: 42 metres grading 1.68 g/t Au and 17 metres grading 0.94 g/t Au.

Mr. Gregory Smith, P.Geo, the Vice-President of Exploration of the Company, is the Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101, and is responsible for the accuracy of the technical data and information contained in this news release.

Subject to regulatory approval, the Company has granted 250,000 stock options to a consultant of the Company. The options are at an exercise price of $0.53 per share and valid for a period of five years from the date of grant and have vesting provisions.

About Pinecrest Resources

Pinecrest engages principally in the acquisition, advancement and development of precious metal properties with the Company's primary focus being the 100% owned Enchi Gold Project located in Southwest Ghana. Major shareholders of Pinecrest include Kinross Gold Corporation, Management and Directors.

Pinecrest Resources Ltd.

Ryan King, President & Director

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements

This news release contains certain forward-looking statements, Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as "expects" or does not expect", "is expected", anticipates" or "does not anticipate" "plans", "estimates" or "intends" or stating that certain actions, events or results " may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be "forward-looking statements". Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties which could cause actual events or results to materially differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements.

Safe Harbor Statement under the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: Except for the statements of historical fact contained herein, the information presented constitutes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements including but not limited to those with respect to the price of gold, potential mineralization, reserve and resource determination, exploration results, and future plans and objectives of the Company involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievement of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. There can be no assurance that such 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.

Contacts:

Pinecrest Resources Ltd.

Ryan King

President & Director

604 628-1012

www.pinecrestresources.com




VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 09/21/17 -- Westhaven Ventures Inc. (TSX VENTURE: WHN) is pleased to announce that a ground geophysical survey has been initiated at its Skoonka Creek gold property, located within the prospective Spences Bridge Gold Belt (SBGB), approximately 15 km north of Lytton, British Columbia.

-- The newly acquired 2,783 ha Skoonka Creek gold property hosts epithermal-vein exploration targets within prospective stratigraphy in the northern SBGB, a 110 km northwest-trending belt of mafic to felsic volcanic rocks of the Cretaceous Spences Bridge Group. -- The discovery of coarse placer gold at the confluence of the Nicoamen and Thompson Rivers in 1857 sparked a gold rush that a year later drew an estimated 20,000 prospectors. This initiated the Fraser River gold rush. In 2005, Strongbow Exploration drilled 20.2 g/t gold over 12.8 metres confirming the presence of high grade epithermal gold mineralization at the Skoonka Creek property and the Spences Bridge Gold Belt (SBGB). -- Subsequent to 2007, limited drilling and other exploration program results indicate that mineralization encountered to date represents the upper portions of a shallowly eroded low sulphidation epithermal system, with good potential to discover more consistent and higher gold grades at greater depths.

Westhaven has engaged Scott Geophysics Limited of Vancouver, B.C. to survey approximately 25 line kilometres of ground magnetics. The purpose of this program is to increase the resolution of the survey to 50-m line spacing to better define structural trend(s) within the newly identified JJ-West geochemical anomaly target area.

Shaun Pollard, Director & CFO of Westhaven stated, "It's management's belief that the newly identified JJ-West target is possibly the westward continuation of the high-grade JJ Vein Zone. If this proves true, the approximate strike length between the JJ Vein Zone and the JJ-West target is well over 1,500 metres. We are eagerly awaiting the results of the ground geophysics program with the view of initiating a drill program shortly thereafter."

Soil, rock sampling and prospecting have uncovered anomalous pathfinder geochemistry that suggests the possible continuation of the JJ vein zone to the southwest in a down-dropped fault block that has preserved the upper portions of a system anomalous in mercury, antimony and arsenic. These high-level pathfinders are coincident and on-trend with an airborne magnetic low of similar strike as the JJ vein zone to the northeast. Quartz float and outcrop found during recent prospecting and soil sampling at JJ-West further enhances the strength of this target.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

WESTHAVEN VENTURES INC.

Gareth Thomas, Director

About Westhaven Ventures Inc.

Westhaven Ventures Inc. is a Canadian based exploration company focused on the acquisition and exploration of prospective resource properties. Westhaven is focused on advancing its Shovelnose, Prospect Valley and Skoonka gold projects in British Columbia. Westhaven trades on the TSX Venture Exchange under the ticker symbol WHN.

Qualified Person Statement

Peter Fischl, P.Geo., who is a Qualified Person within the context of National Instrument 43-101 has read and takes responsibility for this release.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Contacts:

Westhaven Ventures Inc.

604-681-5558

www.westhavenventures.com




ISTANBUL and MUMBAI, India, May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

The JV targets market leadership in 10 years

Beko, part of Koc Holding A.S. (Koc Holding), Turkey's largest industrials conglomerate, and Voltas Limited, part of the Tata Group, India's largest conglomerate, have announced a deal that will see Beko and Voltas, India's largest air conditioning brand, enter into a joint venture (JV) for consumer durables.

The proposed new company, to be incorporated in India, will be an equal partnership. The JV will be incorporated between Ardutch B.V. (49%), wholly owned subsidiary of Arcelik, owner of Beko Brand, Koc Holding (1%), Voltas (49 %), and Tata Investment Corporation Limited (1%). The partnership, once regulatory approval is received, will launch refrigerators, washing machines, microwaves and other white goods and major domestic appliances for the fast-growing consumer durables market in India.

The Joint Venture Company (JVC), with an equity capital of $100 million, will leverage the Beko brand and its expertise in the major domestic appliance sector across the globe, as well as Voltas' strong brand presence and wide sales and distribution network in India.

The JV is key to Beko's "Silk Road" business strategy, which seeks to create a continuous and strong presence in the corridor between Turkey and the Asia Pacific region. This move aims to tap into the Indian market which offers great potential with its approximately half billion middle-income consumers. The white goods market in India is expected to reach US$ 12 billion by 2027.

With the new greenfield investment, the JV looks to achieve a market leadership position in white goods. The new production facility is aimed to be operational by the end of 2018. The JVC will also sell major domestic appliances produced in various facilities of Beko around the world.

The JV demonstrates a joint vision of building a long-term sustainable durables business in India and Beko's ongoing focus on the Asian continent as the key driver in its strategic growth plans.

Commenting on the partnership, Fatih Kemal EbiclioAYlu, President of Consumer Durables Group of Koc Holding, said: "Given the accelerating shift of global economic power to Asia, this joint venture will be a critical step for Beko's growth in the region. India stands out as an important opportunity window as it offers a great potential with its 1.3 billion population. In the last ten years alone, the Indian major domestic appliances market grew by nearly 9 percent, surpassing the overall 3 percent growth of global white goods market. With this joint venture, we make a strategic move to increase our global competitive advantage."

Hakan Bulgurlu, CEO of Arcelik, said: "Our joint venture with Voltas and Tata Group demonstrates Beko's commitment to India and showcases Beko's "Silk Road" strategy, which seeks to capitalise on major growth opportunities in countries across the Asia Pacific.

"India's rapidly expanding new middle class presents a major opportunity for our business. This young, urbanizing population includes many first-time buyers investing in white goods. The potential for growth in this market is incredibly exciting and we are proud to be partnering with the Tata Group to deliver this ambitious new partnership.

"By combining our global manufacturing expertise and innovation capabilities with Voltas' expertise, we're confident the company will deliver economic growth and act as a platform for our continued business success going forward."

Ishaat Hussain, Tata Sons Director and Chairman of Voltas Ltd., said: "Consumer Durables is a logical extension for Voltas, and we are delighted to be forming this Joint Venture with Arcelik, part of the Koc Group. The strong technology platform, combined with the global manufacturing and sourcing capabilities of Arcelik, will help the JVC offer many unique and differentiated products to the Indian market. The Voltas-Beko partnership will also leverage the well-known brand and distribution strengths of Voltas, and we will work towards establishing the joint venture as a market leader for consumer durables in India."

Sanjay Johri, Managing Director of Voltas Ltd., added: "Our long history, and our unique understanding of Indian customers combined with our brand and distribution strengths, has helped us become market leaders in room air-conditioners in India. Voltas' core competence, and the manufacturing capabilities and wide product range of Beko will help us become a leading player in the consumer durables market in the country. The Indian consumer has always been at the forefront of all our plans, and the expansion in our product portfolio, through this foray, will as always, provide our customers products 'made for India', which specifically cater to their needs. We remain committed to our goals of sustainable profitable growth, and this Joint Venture will create enhanced value for our customers and shareholders."

Note to Editors

About Arcelik & Beko

Today Arcelik A.Az. offers products and services around the world with its 30,000 employees, 18 production facilities in 7 countries (Turkey, Romania, Russia, China, South Africa, Thailand and Pakistan), its 34 sales and marketing offices in 32 countries and its 11 brands (Arcelik, Beko, Grundig, Blomberg, ElektraBregenz, Arctic, Leisure, Flavel, Defy, Altus and Dawlance) serving products and services in 145 countries. As the third largest home appliances company in Europe, the consolidated turnover of Arcelik A.Az. was totalled at TRY 16.1 billion in 2016. Generating 60% of its income from global markets Arcelik A.Az. owns 14 R&D centres, employing over 1,300 employees. Arcelik is listed in ISE (Borsa Istanbul) since 1986. Beko, the global brand of Arcelik A.Az., has been the fastest growing home appliances brand of Europe since the millennium. Brand is the market leader in UK and Poland and the #1 freestanding white goods brand of Europe.

About Voltas

Voltas Limited is a premier engineering solutions provider and project specialist. Founded in India in 1954, Voltas Limited is part of the Tata Group, and offers engineering solutions for a wide spectrum of industries in areas such as heating, ventilation and air conditioning, refrigeration, electro-mechanical projects, textile machinery, mining and construction equipment, water management & treatment, cold chain solutions, building management systems, and indoor air quality. The Company is also the market leader in room air conditioners in India.

About Koc Holding

Koc Holding, the parent company of Arcelik A.Az., is the leading investment holding company in Turkey and Koc Group is Turkey's largest industrial and services group in terms of revenues, exports, taxes, number of employees and market capitalization on the Borsa Astanbul with over 95,000 people. Koc Holding has leading positions with strong competitive advantages in various sectors, such as energy, automotive, consumer durables and finance, which offer strong long-term growth potential. Following an average annual growth rate of 11% in consolidated profit in USD terms between 2006 and 2016, Koc Holding ranks among the world's top 500 companies according to Fortune 500 with consolidated sales of around US$ 23.5 billion as of year-end 2016. Koc Group has been a driving force of the Turkish economy with total sales corresponding 6% of Turkey's GDP, exports comprising 9% of Turkey's total exports and Koc Holding and its listed subsidiaries making up 20% of Borsa Istanbul's market capitalization.

About Tata Group

Founded by Jamsetji Tata in 1868, the Tata group is a global enterprise, headquartered in India, comprising over 100 independent operating companies. The group operates in more than 100 countries across six continents, with a mission 'To improve the quality of life of the communities we serve globally, through long-term stakeholder value creation based on Leadership with Trust'. Tata Sons is the principal investment holding company and promoter of various Tata companies, including Voltas. Sixty-six percent of the equity share capital of Tata Sons is held by philanthropic trusts, which support education, health, livelihood generation and art and culture. In 2015-16, the revenue of Tata companies, taken together, was USD 103.51 billion. These companies collectively employ over 660,000 people.

Each Tata company or enterprise operates independently under the guidance and supervision of its own Board of Directors. There are 29 publicly-listed Tata enterprises with a combined market capitalization of about USD 116.41 billion (as on March 31, 2016). Going forward, Tata companies are building multinational businesses that seek to differentiate themselves through customer-centricity, innovation, entrepreneurship, trustworthiness and values-driven business operations, while balancing the interests of diverse stakeholders including shareholders, employees and society.
MONTREAL, QUEBEC -- (Marketwired) -- 05/24/17 -- Earth Alive Clean Technologies Inc. (CSE: EAC)(CSE: EAC.CN)(CNSX: EAC) ("Earth Alive" or the "Company"), a leading Canadian Clean-Tech company, developer and manufacturer of innovative microbial technology products, is pleased to announce that it has been admitted to the Global Soil Partnership (GSP), hosted by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

"I am pleased to announce that Earth Alive is continuing to take on a leadership role in the business community in the area of microbial fertilizers", stated Michael Warren, CEO of Earth Alive. "As we expand our international markets, we remain committed to delivering solutions for the sustainable management of soils, through the use of Earth Alive Soil Activator to help farmers maintain healthy soils and reverse soil degradation."

Frederic Perron-Welch, Director, Sustainable Development, noted, "Soil is a finite natural resource, but there is increasing degradation of global soil resources, in part due to unsustainable agricultural practices. The increasing degree and extent of soil degradation threatens this resource and urgent action is needed to reverse the trend and ensure food production for present and future generations. Exchanging knowledge and technologies with other stakeholders in the Partnership will help create healthy and productive soils for a more food secure world."

Simon Neufeld, Chief Agronomist, added "Nutrient depletion reveals itself very quickly in the fragile soils farmed in many of the regions where food security is the biggest problem. It is necessary for us to apply innovative solutions to improve soil health for the future, not just preserve the soil of the present." He concluded, "As a member of GSP, we have the opportunity to participate in transformational partnerships that encourage sustainable soil management around the world."

About the Global Soil Partnership

The Global Soil Partnership (GSP) is a mechanism to develop a strong interactive partnership and enhanced collaboration and synergy of efforts between all stakeholders, from land users to policy makers. One of the key objectives of the GSP is to improve the governance and promote sustainable management of soils. The GSP has become an important partnership where global soil issues are discussed and addressed by multiple stakeholders. The vision of the GSP is to improve governance of the limited soil resources of the planet in order to guarantee healthy and productive soils for a food secure world, as well as support other essential ecosystem services. The mission of the GSP is to develop awareness and contribute to the development of capacities, build on best available science, and facilitate/contribute to the exchange of knowledge and technologies among stakeholders for the sustainable management and use of soil resources.

About Earth Alive Clean Technologies:

Earth Alive aims to be a key player in world markets of environmentally sustainable industrial solutions. The company works with the latest innovations in microbial technology to formulate and patent innovative products that can tackle the most difficult industrial challenges, once only reserved to environmentally harmful chemicals and additives. The Company is focused on environmental sustainability in the agriculture industry, and 2) dust control for the mining industry.

For additional company information, please visit: www.earthalivect.com

The CSE has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release. The CSE does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward Looking Information

Except for statements of historical fact, this news release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities law. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" occur. Although Earth Alive believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, performance or developments to differ materially from those contained in the statements. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Contacts:

For media information and interview requests:

Mr. Michael Warren

438-333-1680

mwarren@earthalivect.com



For investor relations

Mr. Frederick Chabot

438-863-7071

frederick@contactfinancial.com




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and much more!

For more information about this directory visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/pm372f/european_defence

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CRESCO, PA -- (Marketwired) -- 05/24/17 -- Net Savings Link, Inc. (OTC: NSAV), a legal medical cannabis technology and advisory company, announced today that it will continue to operate as an SEC fully reporting company. In order to expedite this process, NSAV has retained the services of PCAOB auditor, Paritz & Company, P.A., a New Jersey-based accounting and auditing firm. The Company views this move as a major step to becoming fully SEC reporting and greatly enhancing the public image of NSAV. The Company filed a Form 8-K with the SEC last week to report this development.

NSAV also announced that, on Monday, it filed its required notification with FINRA for the 10% stock dividend to its shareholders, which has a record date of June 1, 2017.

James Tilton, president of NSAV, stated, "I am extremely pleased that the Company has engaged Paritz & Company, P.A. as its auditor. I can assure all of our shareholders that this action will benefit each and every one of them and greatly accelerate the pace of our SEC filings."

Mr. Tilton went on to state, "I am equally pleased that we were able to get the FINRA notification for our dividend filed on time."

NSAV's vision is the establishment of a fully integrated technology company that provides turnkey technological solutions to the legal medical cannabis industry, as well as other areas of the medical industry. Over time, the Company plans to provide a wide range of services such as software solutions, e-commerce, advisory services, financial services, patents and trademarks and information technology.

The NSAV corporate website can be accessed at http://netsavlink.com

The NSAV Twitter account can be accessed at https://twitter.com/NSAV_MJTechCo

The NSAV Facebook account can be accessed at https://www.facebook.com/Net-Savings-Link-Inc-768628693317257/

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, which are intended to be covered by the safe harbors created thereby. Investors are cautioned that, all forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including without limitation, the ability of Net Savings Link, Inc. to accomplish its stated plan of business. Net Savings Link, Inc. believes that the assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements contained herein are reasonable, any of the assumptions could be inaccurate, and therefore, there can be no assurance that the forward-looking statements included in this press release will prove to be accurate. In light of the significant uncertainties inherent in the forward-looking statements included herein, the inclusion of such information should not be regarded as a representation by Net Savings Link, Inc. or any other person.

For further information please contact:

NSAV

1 (917-770-8588)

jamestilton@netsavingslinkinc.com




WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Leaders of the Senate Intelligence Committee are taking new actions against Michael Flynn after the former National Security Adviser refused to turn over documents related to his communications with Russian officials. The actions announced by Committee Chairman Richard Burr, R-N.C., and Vice Chairman Mark Warner, D-Virg., on Tuesday include issuing two new subpoenas of Flynn's businesses. 'While we disagree with General Flynn's lawyer's interpretation of taking the Fifth, it is even more clear that a business does not have a right to take the Fifth if it's a corporation,' Warner told reporters after a closed committee meeting. Warner said the committee has issued subpoenas to Flynn Intel LLC and Flynn Intel, Inc. seeking a specific list of documents. Flynn's lawyer sent a letter to the committee on Monday revealing that his client would not comply with a previous subpoena, claiming Flynn enjoys a right not to produce the documents under the Fifth Amendment. Burr said the committee has sent a letter back to Flynn's lawyer questioning whether the Fifth Amendment can be invoked when it comes to documents. If Flynn continues to refuse to comply, Burr said the committee will seek additional counsel advice on how to proceed. Burr said all options are on the table, including a contempt of Congress charge against Flynn, although he said that is not the preferred outcome. 'We would like to hear from General Flynn. We would like to see his documents,' Burr said. 'We would like him to tell his story because he publicly said, 'I've got a story to tell.' We're allowing him that opportunity to tell it.' Flynn was forced to resign as President Donald Trump's National Security Adviser in February after it was revealed that he had lied about his conversations with the Russian ambassador to the U.S. (Photo: Gage Skidmore) Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.


WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Existing home sales in the U.S. pulled back by more than anticipated in the month of April, according to a report released by the National Association of Realtors on Wednesday.



NAR said existing home sales fell by 2.3 percent to an annual rate of 5.57 million in April after jumping by 4.2 percent to a ten-year high of 5.70 million in March. Economists had expected sales to drop to a rate of 5.65 million.



'Last month's dip in closings was somewhat expected given that there was such a strong sales increase in March,' said NAR chief economist Lawrence Yun. 'New and existing inventory is not keeping up with the fast pace homes are coming off the market.'



He added, 'Demand is easily outstripping supply in most of the country and it's stymieing many prospective buyers from finding a home to purchase.'



The number of existing homes available for sale surged up by 7.2 percent to 1.93 million at the end of April from 1.80 million at the end of March, but total housing inventory is still down by 9.0 percent year-over-year.



NAR said the unsold inventory in April represents 4.2 months of supply at the current sales pace, up from 3.8 months in March but down from 4.6 months a year ago.



The report also said the median existing home price climbed 3.5 percent to $244,800 in April from $236,600 in March. The median price is up by 6.0 percent compared to last April.



'Homes in the lower- and mid-market price range are hard to find in most markets, and when one is listed for sale, interest is immediate and multiple offers are nudging the eventual sales prices higher,' Yun said.



Single-family home sales decreased by 2.4 percent to an annual rate of 4.95 million in April, while existing condominium and co-op sales fell by 1.6 percent to a rate of 620,000.



On Tuesday, the Commerce Department released a separate report showing a substantial pullback in new home sales in the month of April.



The Commerce Department said new home sales plunged by 11.4 percent to an annual rate of 569,000 in April from an upwardly revised 642,000 in March.



Economists had expected new home sales to drop to a rate of 602,000 from the 621,000 originally reported for the previous month.



The upwardly revised figure for March reflected the highest rate of new home sales since it reached 727,000 in October of 2007.



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

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- For the seventh consecutive year, Atento is one of the 25 Best Multinationals to Work for in Latin America

- In addition, according to Great Place to Work, the company is also one of the 25 Best Multinationals to Work for in the World in 2016

CHICAGO, May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Atento S.A. (NYSE:ATTO), the leading provider of customer relationship management and business process outsourcing services (CRM/BPO) in Latin America, and one of the three top providers worldwide, has been recognized as one of the 25 Best Multinationals to Work for in Latin America in 2017 by Great Place to Work.

Atento, which has now received this recognition for seven years straight, has set itself apart over the years by believing in people and striving to build the best workplace environment possible. A people-focused approach is also one of the company's strategic pillars and a fundamental component of its business success. In 2016, seven of the company's national operations were included in the Great Place to Work rankings as the best companies to work for in their respective countries: Argentina, Uruguay, Peru, Chile, Mexico, El Salvador and Guatemala. Atento is also the only company in its sector included in the Great Place to Work ranking of the 25 Best Multinationals to Work for in the World in 2016.

In the words of Atento CEO Alejandro Reynal, "For the seventh year in a row, Atento's strategic commitment to people, their professional development and the best working environment has placed us among the 25 best Multinationals to Work for in Latin America, a region where our company is a clear leader in the CRM/BPO market." Reynal added, "This recognition is an honor for all of us who form part of this great company and a source of continuous inspiration to continue offering the best customer experience to companies while adhering to our values of commitment, integrity, trust and passion. Thanks to everyone at Atento for making this major achievement possible once again."

"Recognitions like Great Place to Work reinforce Atento's leadership in people management processes and programs in our industry," stated Atento Chief People Officer Inaki Cebollero. "We adhere to human resources standards that are strongly in line with Great Place to Work and other global leaders in people management, promoting trust, pride and camaraderie," Cebollero added.

Atento currently has a large number of local and global programs focused on employee training, development and motivation. The company is one of the largest first job creators in Latin America and implements extensive training and development activities under its Atento Academy and Atento Leadership University programs. It fosters a good work environment, teamwork, and pride in belonging through motivation programs, and promotes the inclusion of the disabled in the labor market. Atento also encourages contributing value to the community thanks to corporate volunteering programs such as Voces que Ayudan (Voices that Help), Atentos al Futuro (Think about the Future) and Global Community Month.

The ranking of the best companies to work for in Latin America is the largest organizational climate study conducted in the region. To access the ranking of the Best Companies to Work for in Latin America in 2017 click here http://www.greatplacetowork.net/best-companies/best-workplaces-in-latin-america/best-multinationals-in-latin-america

About Great Place to Work

Great Place to Work is a global research, consulting and training firm that helps organizations identify, create and sustain great workplaces through the development of trusting workplace cultures. Each year, it produces and publishes lists of the Best Companies to Work For in each of the more than 50 countries where it operates based on the largest organizational climate study in the world, in which more than 7,200 companies and five million employees take part.

Its mission: "To build a better society by helping companies transform their workplaces".

About Atento

Atento is the largest provider of customer relationship management and business process outsourcing (CRM BPO) services in Latin America, and among the top three providers globally, based on revenues. Atento is also a leading provider of nearshoring CRM/BPO services to companies that carry out their activities in the United States. Since 1999, the company has developed its business model in 13 countries where it employs 150,000 people. Atento has over 400 clients to whom it offers a wide range of CRM/BPO services through multiple channels. Atento's clients are mostly leading multinational corporations in sectors such as telecommunications, banking and financial services, health, retail and public administrations, among others. Atento's shares trade under the symbol ATTO on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). In 2016, Atento was named one of the World's 25 Best Multinational Workplaces by Great Place to Work for a fourth consecutive year. For more information visit www.atento.com

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/329706/atento_fondo_blanco_rgb_logo.jpg


WOLFSBURG (dpa-AFX) - The U.S. government filed a civil lawsuit on Tuesday against Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, accusing the automaker of installing software in more than 100,000 diesel vehicles to cheat emission controls.



The lawsuit was filed by the U.S. Justice Department on behalf of the Environmental Protection Agency or EPA in federal court in Detroit, against FCA US LLC, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V., V.M. Motori S.p.A., and V.M. North America, Inc. - collectively referred to as FCA.



The lawsuit alleges that Fiat Chrysler or FCA equipped nearly 104,000 light duty diesel vehicles containing 3.0 liter EcoDiesel engines with software functions that were not disclosed to regulators during the certification application process, and that the vehicles contain 'defeat devices'.



The vehicles equipped with defeat devices are the Dodge Ram 1500 EcoDiesel pickups and Jeep Grand Cherokees of model years 2014-2016 sold in the U.S. These vehicles have at least eight software-based features that were not disclosed in FCA's applications for certificates of conformity and that affect the vehicles' emission control systems.



The undisclosed software functions cause the vehicles' emission control systems to perform less effectively during certain normal driving conditions than on federal emission tests, resulting in increased emissions of harmful air pollutants.



While the vehicles met emission standards in the laboratory and during standard EPA testing, they emitted nitrogen oxide or NOx much higher than the EPA-compliant level during certain normal on-road driving.



NOx pollution contributes to the formation of harmful smog and soot. The exposure to these are linked to a number of respiratory- and cardiovascular-related health effects as well as premature death.



The civil complaint filed by the DOJ seeks injunctive relief and the assessment of civil penalties. The EPA had said in January that the maximum fine is about $4.6 billion.



Fiat Chrysler said it was disappointed with the lawsuit and intends to defend itself vigorously, 'particularly against any claims that the company engaged in any deliberate scheme to install defeat devices to cheat U.S. emissions tests'.



Earlier this year, German automaker Volkswagen AG agreed to pay $4.3 billion in criminal and civil fines stemming from the company's scheme to sell diesel vehicles containing software designed to cheat on U.S. emissions tests.



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

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NEWPORT BEACH, CA -- (Marketwired) -- 05/24/17 -- Kodiak Capital Group, LLC ("Kodiak"), a leading fund manager for venture investments into publicly traded companies, today announced that it will participate in the 18th Annual B. Riley & Co. Investor Conference beginning Wednesday, May 24, 2017 at the Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel in Santa Monica, California. Conference attendees wishing to discuss Kodiak's investment criteria can email investments@kodiakfunds.com.

The 18th Annual B. Riley & Co. Investor Conference is an invitation-only conference offering premier networking and business development opportunities. The two-day conference will feature over 200 company presentations, one-on-one meetings with high-level decision makers, and discovery tracks highlighting companies B. Riley's top-ranking analysts hand-picked for their "under the radar" stories. For more information on the conference, visit brileyco.com.

"B. Riley & Co. has become the clear leader in small cap investment banking, and Kodiak is one of the most active institutional investors; 2017 has been a record year for both of us," said Ryan Hodson, Portfolio Manager of Kodiak. "We are thrilled for the introduction to the record number of companies in attendance and are thankful for the invitation to such a prestigious event, year-after-year."

About Kodiak Capital Group, LLC

Founded in 2009, Kodiak Capital Group, LLC pursues non-control equity investments in lower middle market businesses, with a specific focus on niche-market leaders that provide high-margin products or services. Kodiak targets investments in a wide range of industries and market sectors, with a focus on consumer products, life sciences, and technology. Kodiak has engaged in approximately 300 transactions with 225 publicly traded companies. For more information please visit www.kodiakfunds.com.

Kodiak Capital Group, LLC

Ryan Hodson

949-432-6901

investments@kodiakfunds.com




HOUSTON, TX and HASSELT, BELGIUM -- (Marketwired) -- 05/24/17 -- TrendMiner has been named as the winner of the Frost & Sullivan Award for Entrepreneurial Company of the Year 2017 for its visionary leadership and focus on innovation in the European predictive analytics market.

Bert Baeck, CEO and Founder of TrendMiner, said, "We are extremely pleased to be named as the winner of the Frost & Sullivan Best Practices Award. Since the beginning, our goal has been to deliver innovative software that helps the people in our industry. We've done that by providing a product that is made by engineers and made for engineers. The response from the market has been incredible -- last year the company achieved 250% growth. This recognition by Frost & Sullivan will help make even more people aware that there is an analytics solution that can give them immediate results. It's called TrendMiner."

Next generation industrial analytics

TrendMiner's self-service predictive analytics solution provides subject matter experts with actionable insight into their production processes. The TrendMiner offering eliminates the high costs, long implementation times and need for data modeling that is typically associated with advanced analytics. Instead, the software leverages existing historical process data through pattern recognition and advanced algorithms to deliver data-based predictions and visualizations directly after deployment.

Frost & Sullivan analysis of TrendMiner

"Most of TrendMiner's tools focus on enhancing data availability to the subject matter expert, rather than the data scientist," said Frost & Sullivan Senior Research Analyst, Sharmila Annaswamy. "Furthermore, TrendMiner eliminates the need to model the processes because its self-service analytics platform enables the subject matter experts to directly analyze, monitor, and predict process and asset performance.

"TrendMiner aids a best-in-class 40% improvement in plant resource efficiency through its process and asset data analytics capabilities," noted Annaswamy. "It is one of the few market participants to offer fast diagnostics that are not Excel-based and, importantly, its patent-pending pattern recognition software for predictive situations delivers optimal price-performance value."

Frost & Sullivan Best Practices Awards

Frost & Sullivan Best Practices Awards recognize companies in a variety of regional and global markets for demonstrating outstanding achievement and superior performance in areas such as leadership, technological innovation, customer service, and strategic product development. Industry analysts compare market participants and measure performance through in-depth interviews, analysis, and extensive secondary research to identify best practices in the industry.

Each year, Frost & Sullivan presents this award to the company that has demonstrated excellence in devising a strong growth strategy and robustly implementing it. The recipient has shown strength in terms of innovation in products and technologies, leadership in customer value, as well as speed in response to market needs. In short, the award looks at the emerging market players in the industry and recognizes their best practices that are positioned for future growth excellence.

About TrendMiner

TrendMiner delivers self-service data analytics to optimize process performance in industries such as chemical, petrochemical, oil & gas, pharmaceutical, metals & mining and process manufacturing. TrendMiner software is based on a high-performance analytics engine for data captured in time series that allows users to question the data directly without help from a data scientist. The plug and play software adds value immediately after deployment, eliminating the need for infrastructure investment and long implementation projects.

Search, diagnostic and predictive capabilities enable users to speed up root cause analysis, define optimal processes and set fingerprints to monitor production. These can be used to send out automated early warnings to control room staff in case of deviation. TrendMiner software also helps team members to capture feedback and leverage knowledge across sites.

TrendMiner offers standard integrations with historians such as OSIsoft PI, Yokogawa Exaquantum, AspenTech IP.21 and Honeywell PHD. TrendMiner, founded in 2008, is a software company with global headquarters in Hasselt, Belgium, and offices in the Netherlands, Germany, Spain and the U.S.

Learn more about the company at: www.trendminer.com

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Media Contact



Dawn Fontaine

Ripple Effect Communications

Email Contact

508-353-3777




TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 05/24/17 -- Appia Energy Corp. (the "Company or "Appia") (CSE: API)(CSE: API.CN)(CNSX: API)(OTC: APAAF)(FRANKFURT: A0I.F)(MUNICH: A0I.MU)(BERLIN: A0I.BE) is pleased to announce geochemical assay results from all seven drill holes of its winter diamond drilling program (the "Program", see News Release dated April 04, 2017) on its Loranger property (the "Property"), located 28 km southeast of Cameco's Rabbit Lake mill, Athabasca Basin, northern Saskatchewan. Six of seven drill holes returned assay results with greater than or equal to 0.01 wt% U3O8 ("uranium mineralization", see Table 1 below for results).

Geochemical assay results from drill hole LOR-17-004 returned a total composite down hole thickness of 72.9 m grading 0.012 wt% U3O8. Drill hole LOR-17-005 was drilled 150 m down-dip of LOR-17-004 and returned 26.4 m composite down hole thickness grading 0.014 wt% U3O8. Drill holes LOR-17-006 and LOR-17-007 were drilled 600 m and 1025 m SW along strike of LOR-17-004, respectively. LOR-17-006 intersected 56.85 m composite down hole thickness grading 0.012 wt% U3O8 and LOR-17-007 intersected 10.3 m composite down hole thickness grading 0.016 wt% U3O8.

Drill holes LOR-17-004 to LOR-17-007 were drilled in the historical Royal Canadian Ventures Grid No. 2 drilling area ("RCV area"). The RCV area has multiple lenses of uranium-bearing pegmatites extending from surface down to current vertical depth limit of 260 m and extending over 2,200 m along strike. The RCV area pegmatites remain open in all directions. See Figure 1 for drill hole locations and Figure 2 for cross-section interpretation of drill holes LOR-17-004 and LOR-17-005.

The first three drill holes of the Program (LOR-17-001 to LOR-17-003) were drilled in a gravity low target area represented by intense brittle faulting and associated hydrothermal alteration. Drill hole LOR-17-001 intersected 0.011 wt% U3O8 over 0.25 m at 211.0 m drill hole depth in unaltered pegmatite and LOR-17-003 intersected 0.010 wt% U3O8 over 1.3 m at 98.6 m drill hole depth in clay altered semipelitic gneiss. In addition to U3O8, all gravity low target drill holes contain elevated boron (up to 404 ppm in LOR-17-002) throughout the faulted and altered zones. Elevated levels of boron (greater than 100 ppm) are associated with some high-grade uranium Athabasca deposits and can be considered a critical element for Athabasca uranium exploration.

Mr. James Sykes, VP Exploration and Development for Appia comments; "We are pleased with the results from the first drill hole program on the Loranger property. Both drill targeted areas successfully identified unique uranium-bearing systems on the property. We are planning a follow-up drill program to concentrate on geophysical targets that share similarities with the previously drilled areas. The Company remains well-funded to continue exploration on the Property. The drill is onsite and will be ready for a quick re-start as soon as lake ice is removed and ground conditions are favourable".

Split core samples were taken arbitrarily over 0.1 to 1.4 m core lengths to correlate, as-best-as-possible, with scintillometer readings. Scintillometer ranges were not defined for sampling purposes. Field duplicates were taken systematically from every 20th split sample. All drill core samples were shipped from the project site and hand-delivered to the Saskatchewan Research Council's ("SRC") Geoanalytical Laboratory in Saskatoon, SK.

Geochemical assay results were provided by SRC's Geoanalytical Laboratory, an ISO/IEC 17025:2005 (CAN-P- 4E) certified laboratory in Saskatoon, SK, for multi-element and U3O8 analysis using the ICPMS, U3O8 Assay and Boron Lab Packages (see SRC's Geoanalytical Laboratory's 2017 Services Schedule for information regarding laboratory sample preparation, quality assurance and quality control protocols; http://www.src.sk.ca/resource%20files/geoanalytical%20services%20schedule.pdf ). SRC's "Determination of U3O8 wt% in Solid Samples" is accredited by the Standards Council of Canada (Scope of Accreditation #537).

All geochemical results reported herein have passed rigorous internal QAQC review and compilation.

About Appia

Appia is a Canadian publicly-traded company in the uranium and rare earth sectors. The Company is currently focused on discovering high-grade uranium deposits in the prolific Athabasca Basin on its Loranger and Otherside properties, as well as high-grade REO and uranium surface showings on its Alces Lake joint venture. The company currently holds the surface rights to exploration for about 63,607 hectares (157,177 acres) in Saskatchewan.

The company also has NI 43-101 compliant resources of 8.0 M lbs U3O8 and 47.7 M lbs TREE Indicated and 20.1 M lbs U3O8 and 133.2 M lbs TREE Inferred in the Teasdale Zone plus 27.6 M lbs U3O8 Inferred in the Banana Lake Zone in the historic mining camp of Elliot Lake in Ontario (previously reported in the Company's news release dated August 14, 2013). The resources are largely unconstrained along strike and down dip

Appia currently has 52.3 million common shares outstanding, 65.3 million shares fully diluted.

The technical content concerning the Property and geochemical assay results in this news release was reviewed and approved by Thomas Skimming, P.Eng, a Director of Appia, and a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: This News Release contains forward-looking statements which are typically preceded by, followed by or including the words "believes", "expects", "anticipates", "estimates", "intends", "plans" or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance as they involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. We do not intend and do not assume any obligation to update these forward- looking statements and shareholders are cautioned not to put undue reliance on such statements.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

TABLE 1: LORANGER PROJECT - WINTER 2017 DRILL HOLE U3O 8 ASSAY RESULTS ============================================================================ Vertical Target EOH From To Interval Depth U3O8 DDH Area Az. Dip (m) (m) (m) (m) (m) (wt%) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- LOR- 17- Gravity 001 Low 135 -60 234.0 211.00 211.25 0.25 182.73 0.011(i) ============================================================================ Composite Total 0.25 0.011(i) LOR- 17- Gravity 002 Low 135 -60 146.8 No significant results LOR- 17- Gravity 003 Low 135 -60 129.0 98.60 99.90 1.30 85.39 0.010(i) ============================================================================ Composite Total 1.30 0.010(i) LOR- 17- RCV 004 Trend 150 -60 240.0 21.85 23.00 1.15 18.92 0.016(i) 29.30 30.00 0.70 25.37 0.014 40.95 44.10 3.15 35.46 0.011(i) 49.05 49.45 0.40 42.48 0.010(i) 51.00 51.30 0.30 44.17 0.015 63.80 67.50 3.70 55.25 0.016(i) 81.00 109.10 28.10 70.15 0.013(i) 118.30 134.90 16.60 102.45 0.011(i) 155.30 173.60 18.30 134.49 0.012(i) 187.10 187.60 0.50 162.03 0.016 ============================================================================ Composite Total 72.90 0.012(i) LOR- 17- RCV 005 Trend 155 -60 303.0 83.50 83.60 0.10 72.31 0.016 94.70 95.05 0.35 82.01 0.019 100.10 100.70 0.60 86.69 0.014 102.00 102.40 0.40 88.33 0.020 105.40 105.80 0.40 91.28 0.019 141.70 142.40 0.70 122.71 0.015 143.20 143.60 0.40 124.01 0.013 145.40 146.20 0.80 125.92 0.016 158.80 159.50 0.70 137.52 0.012 175.40 178.15 2.75 151.90 0.019(i) 205.85 207.80 1.95 178.27 0.012(i) 218.00 218.30 0.30 188.79 0.019 226.60 226.80 0.20 196.24 0.011 235.35 235.80 0.45 203.81 0.025 243.90 246.00 2.10 211.22 0.012(i) 267.25 269.40 2.15 231.44 0.010(i) 274.15 276.45 2.30 237.41 0.010(i) 278.05 278.90 0.85 240.79 0.012 282.95 290.60 7.65 245.03 0.013(i) 297.10 297.60 0.50 257.29 0.012 300.00 300.45 0.45 259.80 0.011 302.20 302.50 0.30 261.71 0.012 ============================================================================ Composite Total 26.40 0.014 ============================================================================ Vertical Target EOH From To Interval Depth U3O 8 DDH Area Az. Dip (m) (m) (m) (m) (m) (wt%) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- LOR- 17- RCV 006 Trend 150 -60 240.0 18.90 19.50 0.60 16.37 0.010 33.15 33.90 0.75 28.71 0.017 36.35 36.70 0.35 31.48 0.011 38.70 39.50 0.80 33.51 0.011(i) 41.35 41.85 0.50 35.81 0.010 44.05 47.00 2.95 38.15 0.010(i) 50.60 62.40 11.80 43.82 0.010(i) 65.25 67.50 2.25 56.51 0.012(i) 73.30 76.55 3.25 63.48 0.010(i) 82.45 83.40 0.95 71.40 0.020 88.80 94.70 5.90 76.90 0.010(i) 98.40 99.00 0.60 85.21 0.019 99.90 100.85 0.95 86.51 0.010(i) 103.80 107.20 3.40 89.89 0.013(i) 109.75 110.20 0.45 95.04 0.028 128.80 129.00 0.20 111.54 0.010 136.50 143.50 7.00 118.21 0.013(i) 149.85 150.70 0.85 129.77 0.010 155.55 156.70 1.15 134.71 0.010 159.00 160.40 1.40 137.69 0.014 168.00 176.60 8.60 145.49 0.013(i) 183.40 184.95 1.55 158.82 0.032 188.05 188.50 0.45 162.85 0.011 201.10 201.25 0.15 174.15 0.020 ============================================================================ Composite Total 56.85 0.012 LOR- 17- RCV 007 Trend 150 -60 168.0 22.60 24.00 1.40 19.57 0.015 27.40 27.80 0.40 23.73 0.035 34.55 35.80 1.25 29.92 0.019 40.40 40.65 0.25 34.99 0.014 56.20 56.40 0.20 48.67 0.014 64.20 65.60 1.40 55.60 0.017 68.00 68.20 0.20 58.89 0.020 69.00 71.20 2.20 59.75 0.010(i) 81.00 81.30 0.30 70.15 0.012 87.95 88.10 0.15 76.16 0.016 93.50 93.75 0.25 80.97 0.014 96.40 97.10 0.70 83.48 0.019 103.30 104.90 1.60 89.46 0.018 ============================================================================ Composite Total 10.30 0.016 ============================================================================ Cut-off grade = 0.01% U3O8 Maximum consecutive internal dilution = 3.0 m down hole All true widths estimated to be approx. 50% of down hole intervals (i)Grade composite calculations include Uranium (ppm) results by ICP-MS Total Digestion converted to U 3O8 (wt%) using a factor of 1.1792

Contacts:

Appia Energy Corp.

Tom Drivas

President, CEO and Director

416-546-2707

appia@appiaenergy.ca



Appia Energy Corp.

James Sykes

VP Exploration & Development

306-221-8717

jsykes@uraniumgeologist.com




DUBLIN, May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "Growth Opportunities in the Global Glass Fiber Market" report to their offering.

The global glass fiber market is expected to reach an estimated $9.4 billion by 2022 and it is forecast to grow at a CAGR of 4.8% from 2017 to 2022 The major driver for market growth is the rise in demand for glass composite-made products, including bathtubs, pipes, tanks, printed circuit boards, wind blades, and automotive parts.



Emerging trends, which have a direct impact on the dynamics of the glass fiber industry, include cost optimization and performance enhancement of glass fibers. Other trends include the increased presence of Chinese companies in Europe and in the Middle Eastern through increasing plant capacity, mergers, and acquisitions.

Within the global glass fiber market, transportation is expected to remain the largest market by value and volume consumption. Government regulations, such as CAFE Standards in the US and carbon emission targets in Europe, are putting pressure on OEMs to incorporate lightweight materials to curb the overall vehicle weight, and this is the key driver for glass fiber in the transportation industry.



Asia Pacific is expected to remain the largest region by value and volume and is also expected to experience the highest growth over the forecast period because of growth in construction, transportation, and the electrical and electronics segments. Growing economy, growth in population, and urbanization are the major forces that drive the construction segment, especially in China and India.



Companies Mentioned



3B the Fiber Glass Company (Goa Glass fiber)

Chongqing Polycomp International Corporation (CPIC)

Jushi Group Co., Ltd.

Nippon Electric Glass Co., Ltd.

Owens Corning

PPG Fiber Glass

Sichuan Weibo. Co., Ltd.

Taishan Fiberglass Inc.

Taiwan Glass Group



Key Topics Covered:



1. Executive Summary



2. Market Background and Classifications

3. Market Trends and Forecast Analysis from 2011 to 2022



4. Market Trends and Forecast Analysis by Region



5. Competitor Analysis



6. Cost Structure Analysis



7. Growth Opportunities and Strategic Analysis



8. Company Profiles of Leading Players



For more information about this report visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/mt5j8z/growth

Media Contact:

Research and Markets

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

press@researchandmarkets.com



For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470

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MONTREAL, QUEBEC and OTTAWA, ONTARIO and TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 05/24/17 -- While Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland undertakes private NAFTA renegotiation meetings in Mexico City, civil society will also hold their own discussions in the same city from May 26-28th.

Networks from Canada and Quebec, representing labour unions; Indigenous, farmers, and migrant groups; environmentalists; women's organizations; international solidarity groups; student movements; and human rights organizations will join their American and Mexican counterparts at the historic Antiguo Palacio de Escuela de Medicina in Mexico City.

"Since the implementation of NAFTA, we have witnessed an unprecedented increase in profits, and economic inequality in Canada - it's time for alternatives to the current neoliberal free trade model," said Raul Burbano, Program Director of Common Frontiers.

"The economic, social and environmental impacts of NAFTA have been devastating to people in all three countries, including an increase in poverty and inequality, the weakening of labour rights while corporate rights have been strengthened, and the erosion of environmental protections," said Nadia Ibrahim of the Trade Justice Network.

"For 30 years, NAFTA has been a backroom deal for those at the top. So far, the pattern has repeated itself, with the Canadian government enlisting the support of corporate Canada and former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney. Yet, NAFTA affects not only our jobs but the planet," explained Sujata Dey, Trade Campaigner from the Council of Canadians.

The renegotiation process has to be transparent and participatory and any NAFTA replacement must ensure respect for human rights, improve peoples' lives and livelihoods, and protect the environment in all three countries," said Ronald Cameron, coordinator of the Reseau quebecois sur l'integration continentale.

A paradigm shift from the current global economic model is imperative in order to mitigate the threats of economic and environmental disaster.

Participating organizations from Canada and Quebec:

-- Association pour la Taxation des Transactions pour l'Aide aux Citoyens (ATTAC-Quebec) -- BC Teachers' Federation -- Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives -- Canadian Labour Congress -- Canadian Union of Public Employees, -- Centre international de solidarite ouvriere (CISO) -- Common Frontiers -- Confederation des syndicats nationaux (CSN) -- Council of Canadians -- Federation des travailleurs et travailleuses du Quebec (FTQ) -- Federation nationale des enseignantes et des enseignants du Quebec (FNEEQ-CSN) -- Justicia for Migrant Workers -- National Farmers' Union -- Office of Romeo Saganash, Member of Parliament -- Public Service Alliance of Canada -- Reseau quebecois sur l'integration continentale (RQIC) -- Trade Justice Network -- Unifor -- United Steelworkers of Canada

Contacts:

Canada:

Sujata Dey

Council of Canadians

613-796-7724 (ENG, FR)

sdey@canadians.org



Raul Burbano

Common Frontiers

416-522-8615 (ENG, ESP)

burbano@rogers.com

www.commonfrontiers.com



Nadia Ibrahim

Trade Justice Network

204-803-8133 (ENG)

nadia.k.ibrahim@gmail.com



Quebec:

Ronald Cameron

Reseau quebecois sur l'integration continentale (RQIC)

514-217-0264 (FR, ENG)

rqic@ciso.qc.ca

www.rqic.alternatives.ca




VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 05/24/17 -- Cambridge House International has built flagship, must-attend events in the junior mining industry for 25 years. On May 28 & 29 the company will host over 40 expert analysts in Vancouver for a two-day event, the International Metal Writers Conference. The conference will gather the most invested minds from around the world to share ideas and strategies on making money in the next junior mining bull market.

Panel discussions will include the future of energy production, storage and efficiency, stock picking by the top newsletter writers in the business, company showcases hosted by US Global Investors, and a special feature on Millennial CEO's that have already generated hundreds of millions in wealth. In total there will be over 100 panel and keynote talks throughout the conference.

Over 60 junior mining companies with projects across the globe will exhibit on the exhibition floor. Cambridge House International recently unveiled a one-on-one meeting platform, allowing all investors to pre-book meetings with all exhibiting companies. All exhibiting companies will be able to request meetings with conference speakers, and pre-qualified investors. Meetings are scheduled in a VIP room complete with a concierge host and coffee service.

Over 20% of Cambridge House attendees identify as having over $500,000 currently invested in junior mining stocks, and over 50% identify as having over $100,000 currently invested. The International Metal Writers Conference anticipates 3,500 investors to attend.

Sponsored by U.S. Global Investors Inc, Yukon Mining Alliance, Bunker Hill Mining, and the Mining Recruitment Group, The International Metal Writers Conference will take place at the Vancouver Convention Centre East, under the Pan Pacific Hotel. Attendees can pre-register online for complimentary admission at MetalWriters.com or pay $20 at the door.

For more information on the International Metal Writers Conference, please visit: MetalWriters.com or contact info@cambridgehouse.com or 604-687-4151.

Contacts:

Media Contact:

Lindsay Brodie

604-356-4161

lbrodie@cambridgehouse.com

www.CambridgeHouse.com




FRESNO, CA--(Marketwired - May 24, 2017) - CALSTART in partnership with the Fresno County Rural Transit Agency (FCRTA) and the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (SJVAPCD) unveiled a model program providing solar powered electric vehicle charging stations in 13 rural incorporated cities in Fresno County. This is the largest deployment of solar powered electric vehicle charging stations in the San Joaquin Valley, and the first to link all the rural cities in one single county.

FCRTA selected the CALSTART San Joaquin Valley Clean Transportation Center to help them develop and implement the concept. Both the SJVAPCD and FCRTA provided funding for the actual purchase and deployment of the solar charging stations that include back-up energy storage for emergency services, if needed. The CALSTART San Joaquin Valley Clean Transportation Center is funded, in part, by a grant from the California Energy Commission. The FCRTA funding was provided, in part, by Caltrans.

"This project is a great model of what can be done via partnerships and cooperation to develop truly sustainable transportation. The California Energy Commission, thru its support of the CALSTART center, is very pleased to be part of this project that makes cars powered by the sun a reality in rural Fresno County," said Commissioner Janea Scott.

An electric vehicle powered by the California electricity grid, on average, on a total cycle basis, emits about one third of the greenhouse gas emissions as a comparable size gasoline car. When an electric vehicle is recharged by solar panels, the total emissions level is effectively zero.

The solar powered charging stations will provide no-cost charging for Valley EV drivers, helping to make electric cars more affordable for Fresno County residents. 12 of the 13 units are located in disadvantaged communities.

The solar powered charging stations are manufactured by Envision Solar, a California-based company with facilities in San Diego, CA.

"This is an important project that demonstrates that running cars powered by the sun is not a dream but an actual reality. CALSTART is very appreciative of the funding support provided by the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District, the California Energy Commission, Caltrans, and the Fresno County Rural Transportation Agency," said CALSTART President and CEO, John Boesel.

"We view this as an important step in building the electric vehicle market in the San Joaquin Valley," said CALSTART's San Joaquin Valley Regional Director, Joseph Oldham. "We are very interested in replicating this project in the other counties in the valley," said Oldham.

About CALSTART

CALSTART and its more than 160 member companies are dedicated to growing the clean transportation technology with the goals of creating high quality jobs, making the air healthy, building a more secure energy future, and protecting the climate. With a grant from the California Energy Commission in mid-2015, CALSTART has been operating the San Joaquin Valley Clean Transportation Center. In its first full year of operation, CALSTART developed and secured funding for more than $14 million in new San Joaquin Valley based clean transportation projects. The Center's office is located in Fresno, near the Chandler Executive Airport. For further information visit http://www.sjvcleantransportation.org/projects.html.

Contact:

Virginia Ochoa

(626) 744-5668

Email contact



or

John Boesel

Email contact


Gecko Biomedical strengthens its leadership team to leverage its innovative polymer platform and expand into new clinical indications.

Gecko Biomedical ("Gecko"), a medical device company developing innovative polymers to support tissue reconstruction, has appointed Youssef Biadillah as Chief Development Officer. In addition, Maria Pereira transitioned to Chief Innovation Officer.

In the past years, Gecko has successfully brought its proprietary technology platform from lab-scale to full-scale production and into its first clinical indication. The company's platform is based on a proprietary polymer family with unique properties including superior biocompatibility, tunable bioresorbability, and adjustable tissue adherence. Furthermore, the polymer hydrophobicity, high viscosity and controlled "on demand" curing enable a unique and controlled delivery to targeted tissues or the creation of scaffolds. Upon curing, an elastic bioresorbable material is formed. The versatility of the mentioned above properties allows customization for various applications, tissue types, and clinical indications.

Using its scalable and innovative polymer platform, the company is now targeting new functionalities and tissue types to expand into new clinical indications.

Christophe Bancel, Gecko's CEO, commented: "We are delighted to welcome Youssef. He has a track record in successfully developing highly complex class III medical devices. Gecko is now evolving towards an open innovative platform where Maria will be leading our 'Innovation Hub' while Youssef will drive Gecko's 'Development Factory'. By combining in a coordinated manner our innovation and development efforts, we plan to further streamline our activities towards the development of multiple innovative products to address various unmet clinical needs."

Youssef Biadillah is a graduate of McGill University's engineering school in Montreal, Canada. He has 13 years of experience at various product development functions. He was part of the core R&D teams at Baylis Medical in Toronto, Canada (now Kimberly-Clark) and Sadra Medical in Silicon Valley, USA (now Boston Scientific). He then joined Symetis in Geneva area, Switzerland where he led the development of the Acurate neo transcatheter system and brought it from a first sketch in 2010 to CE mark in 2014. The product transformed the company within one year into the EU leader in its field which led to the acquisition of the company by Boston Scientific.

Youssef is also the co-inventor and co-founder of Anchor Orthopedics, a Canadian company that commercializes disc herniation stabilization products, and AboGen, a US company that commercializes saliva based research and diagnostic tools.

Maria Pereira joined Gecko at its inception. She holds a MSc in Pharmaceutical Sciences and a PhD in Bioengineering systems under the scope of the MIT-Portugal program, where she focused on the development of biomaterial-based solutions for unmet medical needs in the fields of tissue adhesion and drug delivery. Maria managed several multi-center collaborations leading to multiple high impact publications in journals such as Science Translational Medicine and Advanced Materials. The work developed during her PhD became Gecko's core technology platform. She is a co-inventor of the technology and holds several patents within the field. In 2014, she integrated MIT's Technology Review Magazine list of Innovators Under 35 Award and in 2015, she was recognized by Forbes Magazine as part of the 30 under 30 list in Healthcare and by TIME Magazine as a Next Generation Leader.

About Gecko

Gecko Biomedical is a privately owned medical device company based in Paris, France that is dedicated to the rapid development and commercialization of a unique biopolymer platform to address various unmet clinical needs.

The company's platform is based on a proprietary polymer family with unique properties including superior biocompatibility, tunable bioresorbability, and adjustable tissue adherence. Furthermore, the polymer hydrophobicity, high viscosity and controlled "on demand" curing enable a unique and controlled delivery to targeted tissues or the creation of scaffolds.

Gecko's first product, SETALUMTM Sealant, is an innovative polymer for tissue reconstruction, targeting vascular reconstruction as an initial indication. Its structure is tunable, allowing customization for various applications and tissue types. The polymer is part of a biopolymer platform family that is fully industrialized and highly versatile, with potential novel applications in other fields of tissue reconstruction such as guided tissue repair, and the field of localized drug delivery.

The Company's technology is based on world-class research and intellectual property from the laboratories of Pr Robert Langer (MIT) and Pr Jeff Karp (Brigham and Women's Hospital), who co-founded the company in 2013, alongside Christophe Bancel and Bernard Gilly from the iBionext Network. For more information, please visit: www.geckobiomedical.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170524005919/en/

Contacts:

Gecko Biomedical

Brice Epry: +33 1 76 21 72 28

info@geckobiomedical.com

Twitter: @geckobiomedical
MONTREAL, QUEBEC -- (Marketwired) -- 05/24/17 -- Canada Strategic Metals Inc. ("Canada Strategic Metals" or "the Company") (TSX VENTURE: CJC)(FRANKFURT: YXEN)(OTCBB: CJCFF) is pleased to announce the acquisition of three new high-potential properties named Annabelle, Blanche and Charles. The three properties are covering a large greenstone belt districts on the Eastmain and La Grande volcanic belts in the James Bay area. The ground acquired covers more than 75 continuous kilometres of the volcano-sedimentary contact along with the existing infrastructure, including roads, power lines and airports. The geological settings of both subprovince are hosting several new discoveries and deposits like; Chechoo, Eau Claire, Coulon, La Grande Sud and Eleonore.

"We are very pleased with these new acquisitions, and we will be more active than ever this summer exploring this new ground and giving to this under-explored area additional discovery potential," said Jean-Francois Meilleur, President and Chief Executive Officer of Canada Strategic Metals.

The area where the three new properties are located already hosts known gold showings, but work has been limited due to the unfavourable economic climate of the past few years. The area is clearly under-explored, with good potential related to the greenstone belt geological settings. The Annabelle property covers the volcano-sedimentary sequences and intrusions of the Opinaca subprovince, while the two properties in the north, Blanche and Charles, cover the volcanic-sedimentary rocks of the La Grande subprovince.

The three newly acquired properties have strong gold potential, with several known showings found on properties about five kilometres south owned by Azimuth/Soquem and Osisko Mining. The Annabelle property, which covers 183 square kilometres, lies approximately 40 km west of Goldcorp Inc.'s Eleonore deposit. Eleonore is a world-class gold deposit with proven reserves of 3.09 million tonnes grading 6.72 g/t Au (670,000 oz Au) and probable reserves of 20.35 million tonnes grading 5.97 g/t Au (3.90 million oz Au), as well as a measured resource of 3.21 million tonnes at 7.27 g/t Au (750,000 oz Au), an indicated resource of 1.92 million tonnes at 2.97 g/t Au (180,000 oz Au) and an inferred resource of 9.73 million tonnes at 7.52 g/t Au (2.35 million oz Au).

http://s1.q4cdn.com/038672619/files/doc_downloads/2017/Reserves_Resources_Notes_2016.pdf.

The three newly acquired properties consist of a total of 664 claims covering an area of approximately 345 square kilometres. The claims are being processed by the Ministere de l'Energie et des Ressources naturelles ("MERN"), and will soon be registered and 100% owned by Canada Strategic Metals. The Company's team is currently in the process of compiling all the available data in preparation for the summer exploration season.

Jean-Sebastien Lavallee (OGQ #773), geologist, shareholder, Executive Chairman and Exploration Manager of the Company and a Qualified Person under NI 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical content of this release.

About Canada Strategic Metals

Canada Strategic Metals is an emerging company focused on the exploration and development of a number of projects covering over 22,584 hectares in Quebec. With broad management experience in green technology and junior resource exploration and development, Canada Strategic Metals is well positioned to aggressively advance this promising property portfolio for its shareholders.

For more information on the Company, please visit www.csmetals.ca.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the maps associated with this press release, please visit the following links:

http://media3.marketwire.com/docs/Anabelle-e.pdf

http://media3.marketwire.com/docs/Blanche-E.pdf

Contacts:

Jean-Francois Meilleur

President and Chief Executive Officer

514-951-2730



Paradox Public Relations

514-341-0408



Momentum Public Relations Inc.

450-332-6939




LONDON, May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

Virgin Limited Edition has launched a new selection of package holidays. From secluded mountain retreats to incredible safari experiences there's something for everyone to enjoy this summer, and with a selection of hand-picked offers now is the time to book an unforgettable getaway.

Kasbah Tamadotis the perfect place to cool off from the city and enjoy poolside lounging or sipping ice-cold drinks in the shade. The Kasbah is situated an hour's drive from Marrakech airport which can be reached via direct flights from Dubai to Casablanca, followed by a short internal flight to Marrakech. Stay a little longer with one night free for stays of four nights or more until 31st August.

It's only 5 hours' flight to Nairobi from Dubai and a short onward flight will reach the heart of a safari adventure atMahali Mzuri. On twice daily game drives there's the chance to catch a glimpse of one of the seven 'new' wonders of the world, the Great Migration. This incredible spectacle sees over a million animals make an epic 1600km journey through Kenya and Tanzania and is best viewed between July and September in the private Olare Motorogi Conservancy. In between exciting wildlife encounters, community tours offer the rare chance to become immersed in Maasai traditions and culture, visiting a local school or experiencing the hustle and bustle of a nearby village.

The mountains are calling atThe Lodgein Verbier, Switzerland. With a direct flight from Dubai to Geneva, followed by a train to the mountains, the stresses of city life melt away during the journey to this luxurious retreat. Enjoy relaxation with bespoke treatments in the private spa room or get active in the fresh air with hiking, mountain biking and paragliding. Book a stay of 4 nights or more and receive your final night for free.

For bookings please call 0800-716-919 (toll free) or +44(0)208-600-0430 alternatively visithttp://www.virginlimitededition.comfor more details.
Regulatory News:

24 May 2017 Ontex Group NV (Euronext: Ontex) held its Annual General Meeting of Shareholders (AGM) today, and has published the results of all of the proposals submitted to it by the Board of Directors, including the annual accounts for the year ended December 31 2016. The AGM approved a gross dividend of 0.55 per share for the financial year 2016, which will be paid out on June 2 2017. The AGM also approved the appointment of two new members to the Ontex Board of Directors: Regi Aalstad and Michael Bredael, both of whom bring highly relevant experience which is complementary to the current Board.

Dividend

After approval given today by the shareholders, the key dates are as follows:

Ex-dividend date Wednesday May 31 2017

Wednesday May 31 2017 Record date Thursday June 1 2017

Thursday June 1 2017 Payment date Friday June 2 2017

Minutes of the annual general meeting and the extraordinary general meeting that was held on the same day can be found on the company's website at:

http://www.ontexglobal.com/ontex-group-nv-annual-general-meeting-shareholders

About Ontex

Ontex is a leading international provider of personal hygiene solutions, with expertise in baby care, feminine care and adult care. Ontex's innovative products are distributed in more than 110 countries through Ontex brands such as BBTips, BioBaby, Pompom, Bigfral, Canbebe, Canped, ID and Serenity, as well as leading retailer brands.

Employing 11,000 passionate people all over the world, Ontex has a presence in more than 27 countries, with its headquarters in Aalst, Belgium. Ontex is part of the Bel20 and STOXX Europe 600.

To keep up with the latest news, visit www.ontexglobal.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170524005979/en/

Contacts:

INVESTOR ENQUIRIES

Philip Ludwig

+32 53 333 730

investorrelations@ontexglobal.com

or

PRESS ENQUIRIES

Gaelle Vilatte

+32 53 333 708

Gaelle.vilatte@ontexglobal.com
BOSTON, MA -- (Marketwired) -- 05/24/17 -- TrueMotion, the leader in providing mobile Usage Based Insurance (UBI) services, today announced Ted Gramer as Chief Executive Officer. With more than 20 years in the insurance and finance industries, Gramer's experience and knowledge will accelerate TrueMotion's aggressive growth in the global insurance space.

Gramer spent more than a decade with Liberty Mutual Insurance in a variety of executive leadership positions, including Executive Vice President & Chief Claims Officer and Executive Vice President of Liberty International. Most recently, Gramer was the Managing Director for Global Property at Solera, a global leader in data and software for automotive, home ownership and digital identity management. Gramer holds a Bachelor of Science in Management from Bentley University, an MBA from the MIT Sloan School of Management and is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA).

"Ted's experience in insurance, analytics and early stage companies is a perfect fit for TrueMotion," said Scott Griffith, chairman and co-founder of TrueMotion. "He's a former insurance executive who understands the practical challenges carriers face attracting new customers, managing emerging loss trends and struggling to simplify the claims process. He also has years of experience applying big data and innovation across different industries in the U.S. and internationally. We couldn't be happier to have him on board."

TrueMotion's mobile apps use the sensors built into smartphones (iOS and Android) plus data science to objectively capture driver behavior (hard braking, acceleration, distraction, etc.) and give the driver a score at the end of each trip. The company uses machine learning and signal processing techniques to filter out non-car trips (train, bus, bike, etc.), and its patented approach identifies whether someone is actually behind the wheel or in the passenger seat. In addition to the mobile apps, TrueMotion offers a big data platform that provides comprehensive driving activity, individual scores and analytics to inform customer insights.

"After decades of declining accident frequency, consumers and insurance carriers are beginning to see the financial and human toll of distracted driving," said Gramer. "TrueMotion uses the same mobile phones that cause the problem to change behavior and make our roads safer. I'm excited to be part of such a talented and passionate team tackling this problem."

In the first quarter of this year, 27,000 drivers who use TrueMotion technology logged 68 million miles and reduced their distracted driving by 20 percent per trip. This is a significant reduction in unsafe driving that is now a leading cause of injuries, deaths and costly auto repairs.

About TrueMotion

Headquartered in Boston, Mass., TrueMotion combines the power of mobile technology, machine learning and data science to reduce the number of automobile crashes and fatalities. Its patented technology uses the sensors built into smartphones to accurately identify drivers and score their overall driving habits, including distracted driving. Up to 75 percent of drivers who use TrueMotion technology reduce distracted driving and other risky behaviors. The company provides an enterprise version of its technology to leading insurers, as well as free consumer apps under the TrueMotion brand. More information is available at goTrueMotion.com.

Image Available: http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/frame_mw?attachid=3142709



Media Contact

John Williams

Scoville PR for TrueMotion

206-625-0075

Email Contact




ALBANY, New York, December 5, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

Considering big data analytics in the marine sector is an upcoming technology, theglobal marine big data marketis poised to witness a highly competitive environment. As the market is at a booming phase, Transparency Market Research (TMR) forecasts strong growth for in a new study. "In order to emerge at fore, a majority of the market players are focusing on product differentiation," said a lead TMR analyst. "In consequence of the same, companies are in keen on adding innovative functions to the products they offer," he added. Besides this, the market players are keen on strategic collaborations through partnerships. This would help companies operating in the global marine big data market strengthen their foothold. TMR has identified Intertrust Technologies Corporation, Splunk, Inc., Teradata, BigOceanData, Datameer Inc., among others as some of the leading companies operating in the global marine big data market.

Impacted by strategies adopted by the key market players and various other factors, the global marine big data market is forecast to expand at a robust 21.5% CAGR between 2017 and 2025. At this pace, the market's valuation will reach US$3,240.5 mn by the end of 2025. Based on component, service segment held larger share in the global marine big data market as compared to software packages as the former offers better affordability. Regionally, Asia Pacific held lead in the global marine big data market as the region boasts the presence of large shipping corporations in South Korea, China, Singapore, and Japan.

Request to view Sample Report:https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=35177

Technological Advancements in Marine Sector Push Demand for Marine Big Data

Shipping is highly regulated and responsible nearly 3% of carbon emissions reported globally. Considering the high dependence of global trade, the shipping industry accounts for a significantly large share of the commercial demand. In the coming years, the industry is likely to navigate through various twists and turns and bear effects of climate change, upcoming regulations, technological advancements, and energy shortages. Also several technological developments are on card for the marine sectors on account of the advent of proliferation of the sensor technology. Against this backdrop, experts are of the opinion that the marine sector is likely to develop at a rapid pace in the coming years. This will in turn create lucrative prospects for the global marine big data market's growth.

Ship intelligence will emerge as a driving future shaping lucrative prospects for the industry. A staggering volume of data is generated on a daily basis in marine sector. Furthermore, this data is generated from diverse sources and in diverse formats. Big data has therefore emerged as a key solution as it helps discovering correlations between various measurable or unmeasurable criteria. Results thus obtained enables determination of hidden trends and patterns.

Request a Custom Report at https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=CR&rep_id=35177

Information Provided by Marine Big Data Considered Indispensable for Marine Sector

Marine big data provides forecasts regarding unforeseen hazards be it regarding climate or ecology and helps in decision-making. In addition, marine big data also provides valuable temporal and spatial information, besides data on water attributes such as density, salinity, temperature, and velocity. All these factors will help in growth of the global marine big data market in the coming years. As future of ship intelligence traverses beyond ultra-monitoring and nanotech, the market will welcome a fresh burst of opportunities. Experts are of opinion that in the coming years, bridges will focus on analyzing high level data to efficiently manage navigation and propulsions.

This review is based on a TMR report, titled"Marine Big Data Market (Component - Software (Data Analytics, Data Collection Data Discovery & Visualization, and Data Management), Services (Consulting, System Integration and Operation, and Maintenance); Application - Renewable Energy, Oil & Gas, Fishery, Whale Watching, Marine Protected Area, Dredging, Harbor, and Offshore Construction; Data Source - Environmental, Oceanographic, Geological Data, and Economic) - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast, 2017 - 2025."

Browse Press Release athttps://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/pressrelease/marine-big-data-market.htm

The report segments the global marine big data market as:

Marine Big Data Market Analysis, by Component

Software Data Analytics Data Collection Data Discovery and Visualization Data Management

Services Consulting System Integration Operation and Maintenance



Marine Big Data Market Analysis, by Application

Renewable Energy

Oil and Gas

Fishery

Whale Watching

Marine Protected Area

Marine Traffic

Dredging

Harbor

Offshore Construction

Others

Marine Big Data Market Analysis, by Data Source

Environmental

Oceanographic

Geological Data

Economic

Others

Marine Big Data Market Analysis, by Region

North America The U.S. Canada Rest of North America

Europe Germany France The U.K. Rest of Europe

Asia-Pacific Japan China India Australia Rest of Asia Pacific

Middle-East & Africa GCC Countries South Africa Rest of MEA

& South America Brazil Rest of South America



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https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/smart-grid-data-analytics.html

Smart Agriculture Market:

https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/smart-agriculture-market.html

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Berlin (ots) - Reputationsmanagement hat die Aufgabe den guten Ruf eines Unternehmens oder einer Einzelperson zu gestalten und zu bewahren. Anders als viele Werbemanahmen ist sie langfristig orientiert, um das strategische Ziel eines guten Rufes zu verwirklichen. Fur Unternehmen, die langfristig erfolgreich sein wollen, ist Reputationsmanagement eine notwendige Voraussetzung fur ihr Wachstum auf dem digitalen Markt.Unternehmen in allen Wirtschaftszweigen legen ihrem Erfolg ublicherweise eine durchdachte betriebswirtschaftliche Strategie zu Grunde. Dies fuhrt zu prinzipiell ahnlichen Ablaufen und Strukturen, namlich solchen die den Marktmechanismen entsprechen, nach deren Prinzipien unsere Wirtschaft funktioniert. Auch wenn ein Unternehmer kein betriebswirtschaftlicher Profi ist wird die Erfahrung ihn uber kurz oder lang lehren die Konzepte anzuwenden, die sich im Zuge der Entwicklung der modernen Wirtschaft bewahrt haben. Ein Prinzip ist, dass in einer Marktwirtschaft nur solche Angebote eintraglich sind, fur die ein Markt vorhanden ist. Ein anderes, dass eine Unternehmensfuhrung unter Missachtung okonomischer Grundsatze bestenfalls ineffektiv ist. Online-Reputationsmanagement berucksichtigt beide Prinzipien in besonderer Weise. Auch wenn der tatsachliche Bedarf bei vielen Unternehmen noch immer stark unterschatzt wird, bestehen an der Notwendigkeit einer positiven Auendarstellung im Internet kaum Zweifel. Die langjahrige Entwicklung des ORM hat zu effizienten Werkzeugen gefuhrt, deren Wirksamkeit klar ersichtlich ist.Reputationsmanagement ist die Basis digitaler AuendarstellungRelevante wirtschaftswissenschaftliche Studien der vergangenen Jahre belegen, dass der gute Ruf die Erfolgswahrscheinlichkeit eines Unternehmens steigert. Online-Reputationsmanagement ist in seiner einfachsten Form die konsequente Weiterentwicklung des Public Relations Management der analogen Zeit. Die digitale Vielfalt des Internet hat neue und komplexe Kommunikationswege geschaffen und die Zugangsmoglichkeiten fur jedermann vereinfacht. Darum genugt eine statische Selbstdarstellung mittels Homepage heute nicht mehr, um in der Dynamik des Internet eine konsistente Auendarstellung zu gewahrleisten. Um dieser Entwicklung gerecht zu werden nutzt das Online Reputationsmanagement eine Vielzahl von Kommunikationsinstrumenten und -kanalen. Die Basis der Auendarstellung einer Firma wird durch die Anwendung von ORM breiter und wandelt sich bis zum Dialog. ORM ist vielfaltiger, schneller und interaktiver und entspricht den Prinzipen nach denen das Internet funktioniert. Mit ORM werden Sie vom Statisten zum Akteur und gewinnen die Deutungshoheit uber die Art, wie Sie in der digitalen Welt wahrgenommen werden. Es ermoglicht einer Person oder einem Unternehmen vorbeugendes digitales Risikomanagement.Reputationsmanagement, ein geldwerter Vorteil mit MethodeOnline Reputationsmanagement aus dem Hause p-reputation bedient sich einer erprobten Methodik, um eine digitale Positionsbestimmung Ihres Unternehmens vorzunehmen. Mit dem p-Monitor steht ein kurz- und langfristig wirksames Messinstrument zur Verfugung. Kurzfristig wird der Ist-Stand einer digitalen Prasenz, langfristig deren Entwicklung und Tendenz, anhand der fur ein spezielles Unternehmen relevanten Faktoren, bestimmt. Obwohl Monitoring zu den Standards des Reputationsmanagements gehort, kommt einem klug entwickelten Monitoring besondere Bedeutung als Planungsgrundlage und Kontrollinstrument zu. In guter betriebswirtschaftlicher Tradition steht eine umfassende Analyse des digitalen Standings bei uns an erster Stelle.Entsprechend den mit dem p-Monitor erzielten Ergebnissen entwickeln die Fachleute von p-reputation ein Konzept, dass den individuellen Bedurfnissen des Unternehmens oder der Person entspricht. p-ORM bedient sich einer Fulle von Medien und Kommunikationsformen, um die fur Ihren guten Ruf erforderlichen Inhalte erfolgreich zu platzieren. Der Schwerpunkt unserer Tatigkeit liegt darin, negative Effekte der unregulierten Internetkommunikation von Ihrem Unternehmen fernzuhalten und den von Ihnen definierten Eckpfeilern Ihrer Auendarstellung die bestmogliche Geltung zu verschaffen. Das Fachwissen der Profis von p-reputation ermoglicht eine mehrdimensionale Optimierung von Internetinhalten, die Ihren Bedurfnissen entspricht. p-SEO ist ein raffinierter Mix aus Onpage- und Offpage-Optimierungen von Internetinhalten. Unsere Pressearbeit und unser vielfaltiges digitales Kommunikationsmanagement sichert Ihnen nicht nur eine gute Wahrnehmbarkeit, sondern vor allem viel digitalen Handlungsspielraum um sich potentiellen Kunden, Mitarbeitern und Geschaftspartnern auf angenehm subtile Weise zu empfehlen.Das Online Reputationsmanagement von p-reputation bedient eine Nachfrage, die proportional mit der Steigerung der Digitalisierungsquote wachst. Das auf die Bedurfnisse Ihres Unternehmens zugeschnittene Konzept und die Diversitat unseres Fachwissens macht p-ORM zu einem wirkungsvollen Instrument des Risikomanagements, der Imagewerbung und der Krisenbewaltigung. Je weiter die Digitalisierung voranschreitet, desto groer wird das wirtschaftliche Risiko, dass mit einer Rufschadigung im Internet verbunden ist. Je aktiver Sie einem digitalen Risiko vorbeugen, desto groer sind die Hurden fur eine mogliche Rufschadigung. Dominiert Ihre Auendarstellung die Wahrnehmung, dauert es lange bis ein Storimpuls das Bild truben kann. Durch die Gesetzmaigkeiten des Internet und die Logik der Algorithmen groer Suchmaschinen wird ein langfristiges Investment in digitale Publikation mit der Zeit immer wertvoller. Im Zuge einer klugen betriebswirtschaftlichen Zukunftsplanung sollte Online Reputationsmanagement eine zentrale Rolle spielen. Die Experten der Unternehmensberatung p-reputation stehen Ihnen dabei gerne zur Seite.OTS: PRM Prestige & Reputation GmbH newsroom: http://www.presseportal.de/nr/121213 newsroom via RSS: http://www.presseportal.de/rss/pm_121213.rss2Pressekontakt: Eugen Hoppe PRM Prestige & Reputation GmbH Kurfurstendamm 234 10719 Berlin Mail: info@p-reputation.com Tel.: 03338 / 7533575
WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein's decision to appoint a special prosecutor to investigate Russian meddling in last year's presidential election has strong support among voters, according to a Morning Consult/Politico poll. Sixty-three percent of voters said they agree with the decision to appoint a special prosecutor, including 39 percent that 'strongly agree.' Just 22 percent disagree with the decision. The poll found that 80 percent of Democrats agree with the decision along with 58 percent of Independents and 50 percent of Republicans. The survey was conducted after Rosenstein announced the appointment of former FBI Director Robert Mueller to serve as special counsel, a move that was received mostly positively by lawmakers from both sides of the aisle. The appointment of Mueller is seen as raising the stakes for President Donald Trump amid allegations of collusion between his campaign and Russia and the controversy over his decision to fire former FBI Director James Comey. However, the poll found that there is not much support for Congress beginning impeachment proceedings to remove Trump from office. Forty-six percent of voters said Congress should not begin impeachment proceedings, while 38 percent of voters said they should. While 68 percent of Democrats support beginning impeachment proceedings, 78 percent of Republicans and 45 percent of Independents are opposed. The Morning Consult/Politico survey of 1,938 registered voters was conducted May 18th through 22nd and has a margin of error of plus or minus 2 percentage points. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
NEW YORK, NY -- (Marketwired) -- 05/24/17 -- Korea Equity Fund, Inc. (NYSE: KEF) (the "Fund") announced that its shareholders approved the dissolution and liquidation of the Fund at a special meeting of shareholders held on May 24, 2017. In accordance with the plan of dissolution previously approved by the Fund's board of directors, the Fund's investment advisers will seek to convert the Fund's portfolio into cash, cash equivalents and other liquid assets as soon as practicable. The Fund will issue further announcements once the date for cessation of trading on the New York Stock Exchange is established and record and payment dates for any dividends and distributions are determined.

About the Fund

The Fund primarily invests in the securities of companies domiciled in Korea. Nomura Asset Management U.S.A. Inc. ("NAM USA") acts as the Manager of the Fund pursuant to a management agreement. Pursuant to such management agreement, NAM USA has retained its parent company, Nomura Asset Management Co., Ltd., to act as investment adviser to the Fund, and Nomura Asset Management Hong Kong Limited and Nomura Asset Management Singapore Limited, as investment sub-advisers to the Fund

Contact:

Maria Premole

Nomura Asset Management U.S.A. Inc.

Worldwide Plaza

309 West 49th Street

New York, NY 10019-7316

(800) 833-0018




WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - President Donald Trump is expected to retain longtime legal adviser Marc Kasowitz as his private attorney, according to numerous media reports. The anticipated move to select Kasowitz to lead Trump's outside legal team comes after the appointment of former FBI Director Robert Mueller to oversee an investigation of Russian meddling in last year's presidential election. A biography posted on the website of law firm Kasowitz Benson Torres LLP notes Kasowitz has represented Trump in a wide range of litigation matters for over 15 years. Administration officials told Politico that Kasowitz is expected to be part of a larger legal operation as Mueller's investigation heats up over the summer. Trump has repeatedly denied any collusion between his presidential campaign and Russia and has criticized the investigation as a 'witch hunt.' (Photo: Gage Skidmore) Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
Beyond Fiber Optics: Teraphysics Set to Enable the Future of 5G With Wireless High-Speed Data Delivery Technology

LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESSWIRE / May 24, 2017 / Teraphysics, developer of ultrahigh-speed 5G communications technology, announced that it will be presenting at the 7th annual LD Micro Invitational on Wednesday, June 7 at 2:30PM PST / 11:30 AM EST. Dr. Gerald Mearini, President and Founder of Teraphysics, will be giving the presentation and meeting with investors. Teraphysics technology will enable ultra-high speed 5G data delivery, paving the way for the next generation of mobile data connectivity and greater access globally to the Internet.

Today's available wireless spectrum is saturated and the industry predicts a 5,000 times increase in global bandwidth requirements by 2030 (International Wireless Industry Consortium). Boustead Securities, LLC MEMBER: FINRA/SIPC ("Boustead"), is presenting Teraphysics' SEC qualification for a $50MM capital raise through a Regulation A+ offering.

Invented by three former NASA scientists, Teraphysics' technology, the mmLink product-line of synthetic diamond-based millimeter-wave amplifiers, was developed and significantly enhanced through funding from the NASA Jet Propulsion Lab, Air Force Research Lab, and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA).

"mmLink is a breakthrough nanotechnology, with potential similar to the impact of the transistor and microchip. It's a modern-day re-invention of 70-year old vacuum electronic technology that will serve as the backbone of 5G wireless data delivery, making it possible to download movies instantly, stream live video seamlessly and bring Internet to underserved areas throughout the world," says Louis Fisi, Chairman, CEO & Co-founder of Teraphysics.

Teraphysics is issuing 10,000,000 share of common stock priced at $5 per share. The net proceeds of this offering will be used to fund the commercialization of Teraphysics technology, including the development of a micro link wireless network for the demonstration of wireless terrestrial and stratospheric platforms, the establishment of a piloting facility and the acquisition of production capacity.

"This year, not only do we have a record number of companies making their LD Micro debuts, but a record number of companies presenting for the first time in their company's history," stated Chris Lahiji, President of LD Micro. "LD has established itself as the one venue that brings the most influential players from all segments of the market under one roof."

The conference will be held at the Luxe Sunset Bel Air Hotel and will feature 180 companies in the small / micro-cap space.

View Teraphysics' profile here: http://www.ldmicro.com/

Profiles powered by LD Micro - News Compliments of Accesswire.

About Teraphysics

Based in Cleveland, Ohio, Teraphysics was founded by Louis S. Fisi and scientists Dr. Gerald T. Mearini, PhD and James A. Dayton" Jr. PhD. The company has developed patented devices that will dramatically enhance ultra-high speed 5G data delivery, paving the way for the high level, next generation of mobile data transmission, that will greatly improve global Internet connectivity. More information at http://www.teraphysics.com.

About Boustead Securities, LLC MEMBER: FINRA/SIPC

Boustead Securities, LLC is an investment banking firm that advises clients on IPOs, mergers and acquisitions, capital raises and restructuring assignments in a wide array of industries, geographies and transactions. Our core value proposition is our ability to create opportunity through innovative solutions and tenacious execution. With experienced professionals in the United States and around the world, Boustead's team moves quickly and provides a broad spectrum of sophisticated financial advice and services. For more information, visit www.boustead1828.com.

About LD Micro

LD Micro was founded in 2006 with the sole purpose of being an independent resource in the microcap space. What started out as a newsletter highlighting unique companies has transformed into an event platform hosting several influential conferences annually (Invitational, Summit, and Main Event).

In 2015, LDM launched the first pure microcap index (the LDMi) to exclusively provide intraday information on the entire sector. LD will continue to provide valuable tools for the benefit of everyone in the small and microcap universe.

For those interested in attending, please contact David Scher at david@ldmicro.com or visit www.ldmicro.com for more information.

Contact:

David Dobkin

917-667-6612

david@dobkinco.com

SOURCE: Teraphysics
TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 05/24/17 -- Zoompass Holdings Inc. ("Zoompass" or the "Company") (OTCQB: ZPAS) is pleased to announce the following update on the Company's business and information objectives going forward.

Zoompass is pleased to announce that it has been successfully operating a unique virtual card program in Latin America (LATAM) through agreements with companies in Miami and the Dominican Republic to enable e-commerce transactions. This program provides consumers outside the US with the ability to purchase US products online with prepaid cards provided to them virtually on their mobile phone. The program addresses an ongoing issue whereby consumers in LATAM cannot buy most products online from the US without a US address and US credit card. This program allows LATAM consumers virtual credit cards via a mobile push to their phone giving them a US credit card number, expiration and CVV. These programs are being facilitated through courier companies which also provide US addresses and shipping for all products purchased creating a full turnkey solution for consumers. Zoompass plans to expand the program to the rest of LATAM, as well as to other parts of the world that are experiencing the same difficulties purchasing US products online. Statista (www.statista.com) provided statistics on the size of the e-commerce market in Latin America with sales in 2016 at $57 billion USD and projected sales in 2019 to be $84.75 billion USD.

Steve Roberts, President of Zoompass, stated, "This is an illustrative example of making money mobile. We believe our virtual card programs are the way of the future and we are excited to make US products via e-commerce, much more accessible for people all over the world that don't have the same access. We are positioned well to benefit from and help the growth of the LATAM e-commerce market."

About Zoompass: Zoompass is a leading financial services technology company with a unique place in the Fintech space as both a financial platform provider with divisions in physical prepaid cards, financing enablement, and mobility products. Zoompass provides businesses and government tailored solutions to help digitize their financial transactions. In the card sector, Zoompass offers complete program management services for a wide range of open loop Visa and MasterCard prepaid and virtual card accounts. Zoompass enables businesses to provide their customers with a number of open loop card choices including, gift card, incentive cards, check replacement cards and online virtual card accounts. The company also provides advanced mobile technology, enabling businesses to provide their customers with a white label mobile wallet solution, like Zoompass, with the ability to manage their card balances, bill pay, transfer funds and perform card to card money transfers in real time using their mobile devices. Zoompass's mobile device division helps carriers and mobile device manufacturers integrate the financial platform technology into their offerings. For more information about Zoompass, visit www.zoompass.com.

Safe Harbor:

From time to time, the Company may issue news releases that contain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and is subject to the safe harbor created by those sections. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which could cause actual financial or operating results, performances or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements not to occur or be realized. Forward-looking statements made in this press release generally are based on our best estimates of future results, performances or achievements, predicated upon current conditions and the most recent results of the companies involved and their respective industries. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "may", "will", "could", "should", "project", "expect", "believe", "estimate", "anticipate", "intend", "continue", "potential", "opportunity" or similar terms, variations of those terms or the negative of those terms or other variations of those terms or comparable words or expressions. Potential risks and uncertainties include, among other things, such factors as general economic conditions, the fulfillment of sales orders, delivery of product, the impact of legislation and the competition within our industry.

Contacts:

Zoompass Inc.

Rob Lee, Steve Roberts, Brian Morales

1-888-966-6246

www.zoompass.com




SEATTLE, WA -- (Marketwired) -- 05/24/17 -- CFN Media Group, the leading creative agency and digital media network dedicated to legal cannabis, announces the publication of an article discussing United Cannabis Inc.'s (OTCQB: CNAB) progress in initiating clinical trials to study its proprietary Prana Bio Medicinals cannabinoid compounds.

Prana Bio Medicinals

United Cannabis Corp.'s Prana Bio Medicinal products provide patients with a way to mix and match cannabinoids for their therapeutic purposes. Using a patent-pending technology, the company infuses cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids without the use of any heat, solvents, or chemicals to produce 100% natural products. These products interact with the human endocannabinoid system, which has receptors throughout the body and is responsible for homeostasis (the maintenance of a stable internal environment). They are broken down into five color-coded categories and are available as capsules, sublinguals or topicals.

"We pride ourselves on not using any chemical solvents (i.e. nButane, C02, Ethanol, Hexane) in our extraction process," states United Cannabis CTO Tony Verzura. "We utilize our patent-pending infusion process that extracts phytocannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids from raw flower material without the use of any heat. Heat 'activates' compounds and creates the hypnotic and euphoric feeling generally experienced with THC when paired with certain terpene profiles.

"We have systematically created a wide variety of both raw and 'active' categories, delivery methods, and doses that makes it easy for educated patients, practitioners, or researchers to target the Endocannabinoid system. Our P1 thru P5 categories systematically classify chemotypes of cultivars that express different ratios of THC, CBD, and terpene profiles. We are the only company in the world providing both raw and active ingredients in a 100% plant-based hypoallergenic formula with multiple delivery methods ranging from 1 mg to 50 mg doses.

"Additional to the products, we provide a complimentary program (A.C.T. Now) administered by professional practitioners to help patients personalize the medicine for their specific needs in a HIPAA compliant cloud-based Electronic Health Records software. The combination of our products currently being used in the biggest market in the United States serving thousands of patients, and our integrated approach to personalized patient care separates us from the competition."

This A.C.T. Now Program helps patients assess their current medications and create a personalized plan with the help of a nurse. After undergoing a nurse-assisted assessment, patients can record their health conditions, schedule follow-ups, and fine-tune their medications via a robust and HIPAA-compliant cloud-based platform. The goal is to create an end-to-end treatment system for individuals suffering from many different medical conditions.

Demonstrating Efficacy

United Cannabis Corp.'s long-term goal is to develop its Prana products into a line of approved pharmaceutical drugs that physicians can prescribe to their patients. In order to do so, the company must undertake extensive clinical trials designed to prove both the safety and efficacy of cannabinoid-based compounds given that only a handful of synthetic compounds have been approved by government regulatory bodies thus far.

In January, the company signed a letter of intent with the Caribbean Institute of Medical Research (CARIMER) -- a full-service global clinical research and development organization (CRO) -- to collaborate on advancing clinical research on medical cannabis. Under the LOI, the company will conduct studies evaluating its Prana P1 through P5 products under the supervision of the CARIMER team.

The team will initially focus on pharmacokinetic and dose escalation safety studies, followed by clinical efficacy trials as it works towards regulatory approval. In time, the company hopes to develop its Prana product line into a pharmaceutical program that physicians can routinely use to prescribe cannabinoid-based therapeutics to their patients. This could unlock significant value for the company, given the high profit margins and even higher barriers-to-entry for pharmaceuticals.

Please follow the link to read the full article: http://www.cannabisfn.com/united-cannabis-near-term-clinical-trials-catalyze-stock/

Learn how to become a CFN Media featured company, brand or entrepreneur: http://www.cannabisfn.com/become-featured-company/

Download the CFN Media iOS mobile app to access the world of cannabis from your smart phone: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/cannabisfn/id988009247?ls=1&mt=8

Or visit our homepage and enter your mobile number under the Apple App Store logo to receive a download link text on your iPhone: http://www.cannabisfn.com

About CFN Media

CFN Media (CannabisFN) is the leading creative agency and media network dedicated to legal cannabis. We help marijuana businesses attract investors, customers (B2B, B2C), capital, and media visibility. Private and public marijuana companies and brands in the US and Canada rely on CFN Media to grow and succeed.

Disclaimer:

Except for the historical information presented herein, matters discussed in this release contain forward-looking statements that are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such statements. Emerging Growth LLC, which owns CFN Media and CannabisFN.com, is not registered with any financial or securities regulatory authority, and does not provide nor claims to provide investment advice or recommendations to readers of this release. Emerging Growth LLC may from time to time have a position in the securities mentioned herein and may increase or decrease such positions without notice. For making specific investment decisions, readers should seek their own advice. Emerging Growth LLC may be compensated for its services in the form of cash-based compensation or equity securities in the companies it writes about, or a combination of the two. For full disclosure please visit: http://www.cannabisfn.com/legal-disclaimer/.

Frank Lane

206 369 7050

flane@cannabisfn.com




LOS ANGELES, CA -- (Marketwired) -- 05/24/17 -- Citing his "business experience" and the "chance to bring something different to the L.A.-area congressional delegation," the Los Angeles Daily News today endorsed Robert Lee Ahn for the 34th Congressional district.

"Ahn has some government experience but is not an assembly-line product of party politics. That makes him the kind of candidate who should be encouraged to run. He would do a good job representing District 34. We recommend a vote for Robert Ahn on June 6," the Daily News editorial board said.

The endorsement by the Daily News follows a string of endorsements Ahn has received from veteran's groups, LGBTQ leaders, leading pastors from the faith community and leaders in the Latino and disabled communities.

"I am honored and humbled by this endorsement by the Daily News and appreciate how we share the same views such as the need for an outsider and not another product of political machine politics," Ahn said. "The voters of the 34th district have struggled in this economy and have been neglected by a government and political party that all-too often takes their votes for granted."

Ahn has also announced a string of initiatives focused on delivering for the residents of the 34th district including:

Pushing for the promised use of Pro. 56 tobacco tax funds to support reimbursements to doctors and dentists for patients on Medi-Cal, thereby boosting the availability of providers;

Calling for a comprehensive plan to combat cyberattacks such as the WannaCry ransomware attack, including an expansion in federal asset forfeiture laws to target hacker networks; and

Demanding passage of legislation requiring state government agencies, including the legislature, to abide by equal pay standards for women.





The 34th District represents all of Koreatown, Chinatown, Little Tokyo, Little Bangladesh, as well as parts of Historic Filipinotown, Hollywood, Hancock Park, Downtown, Eagle Rock, Boyle Heights, City Terrace, Echo Park, El Sereno, Glassell Park, Highland Park, Lincoln Heights, Mt. Washington, Montecito Heights, and Westlake/Pico Union. For more information, go to www.AhnforCongress.com. The general election is June 6th.

Contact:

David Meraz

Campaign Manager

(661) 443-4842

Email Contact




Technavio market research analysts forecast the global commercial vehicle pedestrian protection system (PPS) marketto grow at a CAGR of more than 7% during the forecast period, according to their latest report.

This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170524006072/en/

Technavio has published a new report on the global commercial vehicle pedestrian protection systems (PPS) market from 2017-2021. (Graphic: Business Wire)

The market study covers the present scenario and growth prospects of the global commercial vehicle pedestrian protection system marketfor 2017-2021. The report also lists advanced emergency braking system (AEBS), adaptive cruise control (ACC), blind spot detection (BSD), Forward collision warning (FCW), as the four segments based on technology, of which the AEBS accounted for more than 91% of the market share in 2016.

This report is available at a USD 1,000 discount for a limited time only: View market snapshot before purchasing

Buy 1 Technavio report and get the second for 50% off. Buy 2 Technavio reports and get the third for free

Technavio analysts highlight the following three market drivers that are contributing to the growth of the global commercial vehicle PPS market:

PPS growth to be driven by the rising incidents of pedestrian injuries and deaths

Insurance providers playing the role of a catalyst for AEBS-based PPS growth

Regional and global regulations for PPS adoption

PPS growth to be driven by the rising incidents of pedestrian injuries and deaths

It is estimated that worldwide 1.24 million people die in road accidents each year, with more than half of these people comprising of pedestrians and motorcyclists. To reduce these fatalities, the European Commission has decided to make safety systems mandatory in vehicles.

"Reduced visibility at night, misjudgment while driving, and drivers' fatigue are the main reasons for road accidents globally. This makes an ironclad claim for PPS technologies in enhancing on-road safety to a significant extent," says Siddharth Jaiswal, a lead analyst at Technavio for automotive electronicsresearch.

Insurance providers playing the role of a catalyst for AEBS-based PPS growth

The automotive industry is witnessing the emergence of various advanced driver assistance technologies to make driving comfortable and safer. Many automakers are offering such advanced systems in their vehicles in the form of crash avoidance and mitigation technologies. According to industry experts, it is believed that automatic braking technologies can help in reducing insurance claims by as much as 40%.

"The emergency braking system market, as part of the PPS suite, boasts of high potential as vehicle safety norms are becoming stricter across the globe and the demand for safety systems is increasing among consumers owing to improving customer awareness," says Siddharth.

Regional and global regulations for PPS adoption

Driver-based offences, such as drunken driving, distracted driving, and talking on the cell phone while driving, are some of the causes of pedestrian injuries and deaths. More than 80% of all motor vehicle fatalities are due to the fault of the driver. PPS represent appropriate technologies in such cases because it is easier to impose mandatory factory-fitment of such systems, rather than expecting a drastic change in driving behavior.

Currently, there is a multi-pronged regulatory thrust to ensure the presence of at least the most rudimentary PPS in all vehicles. The major proponents in this field include the Euro NCAP, the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), Centre for Automotive Safety Research (CASR), Australia, NHTSA, and the Department of Road Transport and Highways (DRTH), India, to name a few. Thus, the enforcement of such regulations augurs well for the growth of the market.

Browse Related Reports:

Global Marine Wind Sensor Market 2017-2021

Global Two-wheeler Throttle by Wire (TBW) System Market 2017-2021

Global Two-wheeler Anti-braking System (ABS) Market 2017-2021

Become a Technavio Insights member and access all three of these reports for a fraction of their original cost. As a Technavio Insights member, you will have immediate access to new reports as they're published in addition to all 6,000+ existing reports covering segments like powertrain, wheels and tires, and automotive components. This subscription nets you thousands in savings, while staying connected to Technavio's constant transforming research library, helping you make informed business decisions more efficiently.

About Technavio

Technaviois a leading global technology research and advisory company. The company develops over 2000 pieces of research every year, covering more than 500 technologies across 80 countries. Technavio has about 300 analysts globally who specialize in customized consulting and business research assignments across the latest leading edge technologies.

Technavio analysts employ primary as well as secondary research techniques to ascertain the size and vendor landscape in a range of markets. Analysts obtain information using a combination of bottom-up and top-down approaches, besides using in-house market modeling tools and proprietary databases. They corroborate this data with the data obtained from various market participants and stakeholders across the value chain, including vendors, service providers, distributors, re-sellers, and end-users.

If you are interested in more information, please contact our media team at media@technavio.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170524006072/en/

Contacts:

Technavio Research

Jesse Maida

Media Marketing Executive

US: +1 630 333 9501

UK: +44 208 123 1770

www.technavio.com
IRVING, Texas, May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --Darling Ingredients Inc. (NYSE: DAR) (the "Company") today announced that management will participate in two investor conferences in June.

On Wednesday, June 7, Randall C. Stuewe, Darling's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, will present at the Baird 2017 Global Consumer, Technology and Services Conference at 11:25 a.m. EDT being held at the InterContinental New York Barclay hotel. He will be hosting one-on-one meetings throughout the day along with Patrick Lynch, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, and Melissa Gaither, Vice President Investor Relations and Global Communications. The investor presentation will be webcast and accessible via the Investor Relations section of the Company's website at http://www.darlingii.com.

Additionally, Mr. Stuewe will present at the Citi 2017 Small & Mid Cap Conference at the Plaza Hotel in New York. Management is scheduled to present Thursday, June 8 at 9:30 a.m. EDT. Mr. Stuewe will be joined by Mr. Lynch and Ms. Gaither for one-on-one meetings.

About Darling

Darling Ingredients Inc. is the world's largest publicly-traded developer and producer of sustainable natural ingredients from edible and inedible bio-nutrients, creating a wide range of ingredients and customized specialty solutions for customers in the pharmaceutical, food, pet food, feed, technical, fuel, bioenergy and fertilizer industries. With operations on five continents, the Company collects and transforms all aspects of animal by-product streams into useable and specialty ingredients, such as gelatin, edible fats, feed-grade fats, animal proteins and meals, plasma, pet food ingredients, organic fertilizers, yellow grease, fuel feedstocks, green energy, natural casings and hides. The Company also recovers and converts used cooking oil and commercial bakery residuals into valuable feed and fuel ingredients. In addition, the Company provides grease trap services to food service establishments, environmental services to food processors and sells restaurant cooking oil delivery and collection equipment. For additional information, visit the Company's website at http://www.darlingii.com.
MOUNT LAUREL, NJ -- (Marketwired) -- 05/24/17 -- inTEST Corporation (NYSE MKT: INTT), an independent designer, manufacturer and marketer of thermal management products and semiconductor automatic test equipment (ATE) interface solutions, announced today that it has acquired all of the outstanding stock of Ambrell Corporation (Ambrell). Ambrell, a privately-held company based in Scottsville, New York, is a provider of precision induction heating systems under 500 KW power and is known for its application and engineering experience. Ambrell's innovative and proprietary heating solutions began over 30 years ago with power supply units for induction heating. We believe Ambrell is among the leaders in induction heating technology applied to intricate process applications for the manufacture of product components. Ambrell's systems are used to conduct fast, efficient, repeatable non-contact heating of metals or other electrically conductive materials, to transform raw materials into finished parts. Ambrell products are widely recognized for delivering engineered solutions to end users, systems integrators and OEMs, and for a wide range of manufacturing environments.

Ambrell's systems are diversified across industries, applications and geographies. Primary markets served by Ambrell presently include automotive, aerospace, machinery, wire & fasteners, medical, semiconductor, food & beverage, and packaging. Ambrell has a global reach for sales, services and applications consulting through company offices in the United States, England and the Netherlands, and certified partners throughout the Asia-Pacific region and Eastern Europe. Ambrell estimates that the global market for its induction heating manufacturing solutions is greater than $400 million.

The purchase price for Ambrell was $22 million in cash paid at closing, which is subject to post-closing working capital adjustment. Additional consideration may be paid based upon a multiple of adjusted EBITDA for 2017 and 2018, not to exceed $18 million. The acquisition closed on May 24, 2017, is expected to contribute $20 million to $25 million in net revenues to inTEST's consolidated operations for calendar year 2018 and to be accretive beginning in the third quarter of 2017. Upon the closing of the transaction, Ambrell became a wholly owned subsidiary of inTEST.

Robert E. Matthiessen, inTEST Executive Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented, "We are very excited about the combination of these two organizations, and we welcome the Ambrell team to inTEST. The Ambrell acquisition will complement our current thermal technologies and broaden our position in industrial markets with a diverse customer base in a broader manufacturing space, including in many emerging markets, consumer product packaging, fiber-optic, automotive and other markets. This transaction increases our capabilities, reach and value proposition benefiting our customers and advances our strategy of expanding our presence in new markets across the technology landscape -- further growing and transforming inTEST Corporation into a broad-based thermal solutions company, while continuing to supply our valued customers in the semiconductor test arena."

James Pelrin, inTEST EVP and Chief Operating Officer, noted, "This transaction provides broad thermal solutions to a customer base with diverse application requirements for product development and production. The addition of Ambrell provides turnkey systems and application services capability where customers can meet pressing challenges to conditioning all sorts of materials. It also brings synergies in software development, engineering and manufacturing to the Thermal Products Segment."

Anthony Mazzullo, Ambrell President, commented, "I am excited about the prospects of being a wholly owned subsidiary of inTEST Corporation. We believe that providing the best customer experience in our industry has set us apart from our competitors and has been key to our success, taking us from a small start-up 30 years ago to a highly respected supplier in today's marketplace. I am confident that Ambrell's customers and employees will benefit significantly from the potential advantages of being a part of a larger industrial equipment company. We expect to uncover exciting new opportunities for our employees, customers and supply chain. The Ambrell team is looking forward to working with the inTEST team to leverage the respective strengths of our organizations."

Conference Call Details

inTEST and Ambrell management will host a conference call on Thursday, May 25, 2017 at 8:30 am Eastern Daylight Time to discuss the announcement. To access the live conference call, please dial (815) 680-6269 or (866) 900-9241. The Passcode for the conference call is 27158325. Please reference the inTEST Conference Call.

Live Webcast Details

inTEST Corporation will provide a webcast in conjunction with the conference call. To access the live webcast, please visit inTEST's website www.intest.com under the "Investors" section.

Replay Details (Webcast)

A replay of the webcast will be available on inTEST's website for one year following the live broadcast. To access the webcast replay, please visit inTEST's website www.intest.com under the "Investors" section.

Submit Questions

In advance of the conference call, and for those investors accessing the webcast, inTEST Corporation welcomes individual investors to submit their questions via email to lguerrant@guerrantir.com. The Company will address as many questions as possible on the conference call.

About inTEST Corporation

inTEST Corporation is an independent designer, manufacturer and marketer of thermal management products and ATE interface solutions, which are used by semiconductor manufacturers to perform final testing of integrated circuits (ICs) and wafers. The Company's high-performance products are designed to enable semiconductor manufacturers to improve the speed, reliability, efficiency and profitability of IC test processes. The Company's products are also sold into the automotive, consumer electronics, defense/aerospace, energy, industrial and telecommunications markets. Specific products include temperature management systems, manipulator and docking hardware products and customized interface solutions. The Company has established strong relationships with its customers globally, which it supports through a network of local offices. For more information visit www.intest.com.

About Ambrell Corporation

Ambrell Corporation, headquartered in Scottsville, NY, is a provider of precision induction heating systems, known for its application and engineering experience. The company's products are produced at their ISO-9001 certified facility. Products are used in brazing, shrink fitting, bonding, annealing, curing, forging, hardening, sealing, melting, and material testing applications. Ambrell maintains an over 30-year history of providing induction heating solutions to the world stage of development and manufacturing operations. Ambrell's products comprise induction heating systems, cooling systems, and applications laboratory services.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements do not convey historical information, but relate to predicted or potential future events and financial results that are based upon management's current expectations. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. In addition to the factors mentioned in this press release, such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, our ability to successfully integrate acquired operations into our existing businesses; changes in business conditions and the economy, generally; changes in the demand for semiconductors, generally; changes in the rates of, and timing of, capital expenditures by our customers; progress of product development programs; increases in raw material and fabrication costs associated with our products and other risk factors set forth from time to time in our SEC filings, including, but not limited to, our periodic reports on Form 10-K and Form 10-Q. inTEST undertakes no obligation to update the information in this press release to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events.

Contacts

inTEST Corporation

Hugh T. Regan, Jr.

Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer

Tel: 856-505-8999



Investors:

Laura Guerrant-Oiye, Principal

Guerrant Associates

lguerrant@guerrantir.com

Tel: (808) 960-2642




HOUSTON, TEXAS -- (Marketwired) -- 05/24/17 -- Epsilon Energy Ltd. ("Epsilon" or the "Company") (TSX: EPS) is pleased to announce that all the nominees listed in its Management Information Circular dated April 25, 2017 were elected as directors of Epsilon, until the next annual meeting of shareholders. The detailed results of the vote held Wednesday, May 24, 2017 are set out below.

Election of Directors

An amendment was passed to increase the number of directors from six to seven. The appointment of Deloitte & Touche as auditors passed as well as the new Share Compensation Plan. Each of the following seven nominees proposed by management was elected as a director of Epsilon.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Nominee % For % Withheld ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- John Lovoi 97.5% 2.5% Matthew Dougherty 99.3% 0.7% Ryan Roebuck 100.0% 0.0% Adrian Montgomery 100.0% 0.0% Michael Raleigh 100.0% 0.0% Jacob Roorda 100.0% 0.0% Tracy Stephens 100.0% 0.0% ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

About Epsilon

Epsilon Energy Ltd. is a North American onshore exploration and production company with a current focus on the Marcellus Shale of Pennsylvania.

Special note for news distribution in the United States

The securities described in the news release have not been registered under the United Stated Securities Act of 1933, as amended, (the "1933 Act") or state securities laws. Any holder of these securities, by purchasing such securities, agrees for the benefit of Epsilon Energy Ltd. (the "Corporation") that such securities may not be offered, sold, or otherwise transferred only (A) to the Corporation or its affiliates; (B) outside the United States in accordance with applicable state laws and either (1) Rule 144(as) under the 1933 Act or (2) Rule 144 under the 1933 Act, if applicable.

Contacts:

Epsilon Energy Ltd.

Michael Raleigh

Chief Executive Officer

281-670-0002

Michael.Raleigh@EpsilonEnergyLTD.com




West Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - May 24, 2017) - Rainy Mountain Royalty Corp. (TSXV: RMO) (FSE: EK7N-FF) (the "Company" or "Rainy Mountain") is pleased to report that drilling is now underway on the Company's optioned gold exploration property (the "Brunswick Property" or "Property"). The Brunswick Property is accessible year round by bush road connecting to Highway 560 that links to the west with Highway 144 and then north to Timmins (via Highway 101).

Presently, the Company intends to complete 15 drill holes (10 drill sites selected on the east side of the Property and five additional drill sites selected on the west side of the Property). Additional drill sites are also being considered and will be determined as the current drill program continues.

Prior to commencement of the current drill program, Rainy Mountain continued sampling outcrops and exposures on the west side of the Brunswick Property and began trenching with a back hoe on May 9th in an attempt to expose four carbonate alteration zones associated with the recently completed Induced Polarization ("IP") survey. The IP surveys have been continued on in-fill lines to better define the anomalies (at 100m spacings using 25m stations and an "a" spacing for the electrodes of 25m to obtain better resolution). The IP surveys have detected the present of sulphide mineralization within the sericite carbonate zones which would be the normal setting for associated gold mineralization.

A magnetometer survey was also completed (with readings taken at 12.5m intervals), which helps outline the carbonate zones (being a low magnetic signature) and also assists in locating diabase dikes which cross the mineralization in a northerly direction.

As well, recent trenching has exposed crack seal quartz veins with sericite and hydromuscovite (apple green mica) on the fractures in the quartz, as well as disseminated sulphide zones flanking the quartz veins. The Company believes that these mineral settings are favourable hosts for gold mineralization and are similar to the setting found at the Bell Creek Mine in Timmins, Ontario.

Further, additional sampling has been done to determine the distribution of the pathfinder elements for gold (such as arsenic (As) and antimony (Sb)), which were previously detected in the fall of 2016 (see the Company's news release of January 3, 2017 for additional details). Fifteen samples (of the 22 samples submitted in May 2017) were either elevated in antimony or very anomalous and the crack seal vein (found 200m west of the original antimony site) was also very anomalous in antimony. Arsenic was also detected, which is often peripheral to gold mineralization. The Company believes that all of the anomalous values are geochemically significant, from an exploration point of view, but are not at any toxic level. This information will assist the Company in finalizing where future drill holes will be placed.

A core shack with logging tables and core saw has been set up near the Property to receive and process core in a secure facility from the current drill program. Field sampling and trenching has been carried out and/or supervised by the Company Qualified Person, R.S. Middleton, P.Eng., and assisted by the prospector, Michael Tremblay.

This news release has been reviewed and approved by Robert Middleton, P.Eng., who is acting as the Company's Qualified Person for the Brunswick Property project, in accordance with regulations under NI 43-101.

For further information, contact Mr. Clive Shallow, Shareholder Communications, at 604-922-2030, or visit the Company's website at www.rmroyalty.com.

RAINY MOUNTAIN ROYALTY CORP.

"Douglas L. Mason"

_________________________________

Douglas L. Mason, Chief Executive Officer

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release

This news release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, that address such matters as future exploration, drilling, exploration activities, potential mineralization and resources and events or developments that the Company expects, are forward looking statements and, as such, are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors of which are beyond the reasonable control of the Company. Such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, this forward-looking information. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include such matters as market prices, exploitation and exploration results, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. Any forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. The information contained herein is stated as of the current date and subject to change after that date and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or to revise any of the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable securities laws.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy the securities described herein in the United States. The securities described herein have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to the account or benefit of a U.S. person absent an exemption from the registration requirements of such Act.
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 05/24/17 -- (All amounts expressed in US dollars, unless otherwise stated)

Fortuna Silver Mines Inc. (NYSE: FSM)(TSX: FVI) today reported net income of $13.0 million, EPS of $0.08, and revenue of $64.8 million in the first quarter of 2017.

Jorge A. Ganoza, President, CEO and Director, commented, "First quarter cash flow from operations and earnings per share reflect our strong production growth in hand with industry leading costs and margins." Mr. Ganoza continued, "The Company's financial strength and robust cash position will provide the necessary flexibility to meet funding requirements upon a construction decision at Lindero in the third quarter of 2017."

First quarter consolidated financial highlights:

-- Sales of $64.8 million, compared to $42.7 million in Q1 2016 -- Net income of $13.0 million, compared to $2.6 million in Q1 2016 -- EPS of $0.08, compared to $0.02 in Q1 2016 -- Cash flow from operations before changes in non-cash working capital of $19.4 million and adjusted EBITDA of $30.4 million, compared to $6.1 million and $12.4 million in Q1 2016 -- Cash position, including short term investments, as at March 30, 2017 was $191.2 million -- Silver and gold production of 2,033,191 and 13,200 ounces -- AISC(i) per ounce of payable silver was $6.08

(i) All-in sustaining cash cost ("AISC") is net of by-product credits for gold, lead and zinc (Non-GAAP Financial Measure)

First quarter consolidated financial results

---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Q1 Q1 % Consolidated Metrics 2017 2016 Change Financial (Expressed in $ millions except per share information) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sales $ 64.8 $ 42.7 52% Mine operating earnings 27.2 15.6 74% Operating income 19.6 6.1 221% Net income 13.0 2.6 400% Earnings per share (basic) 0.08 0.02 300% Earnings per share (diluted) 0.08 0.02 300% Adjusted net income(ii) 14.1 2.6 442% Adjusted EBITDA(ii) 30.4 12.4 145% Cash provided by operating activities 8.9 (0.3) - Cash provided by operating activities (before changes in working capital)(ii) 19.4 6.1 218% Capex (sustaining) 5.1 4.2 21% Capex (non-sustaining) 1.9 11.4 -83% Capex (Brownfields) 2.7 1.8 50% Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments, end of period(i) 191.2 123.6 55% Total assets(i) 638.3 562.9 13% Non-current bank loan(i) 39.8 39.8 0% Non-current other liabilities(i) 0.8 3.5 -77% (i)The comparative figures are as at December 31, 2016 (ii) Non-GAAP financial measures ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Net income for the first quarter of 2017 was $13.0 million or $0.08 earnings per share compared to a net income of $2.6 million or $0.02 earnings per share in the first quarter of 2016. The higher net income was driven mostly by higher realized metal prices and increased production from the San Jose Mine as a result of the plant expansion from 2,000 tpd to 3,000 tpd completed at the end of the second quarter of 2016. Selling general and administrative expenses were lower compared to the same period in 2016 by $4.4 million due mostly to mark-to-market effects in share based instruments in 2016. This was partially offset by $2.1 million in foreign exchange losses and $1.6 million in derivative losses.

Silver and gold metal sales increased 22% and 41% while realized metal prices increased 17% for silver to $17.45 per ounce, 2% for gold to $1,220 per ounce, and 65% and 31% for zinc and lead, respectively.

To view the Cash provided by operating activities graph, please visit the following link: http://media3.marketwire.com/docs/fvi0524graph.jpg.

Adjusted EBITDA in the first quarter of 2017 increased $18.0 million over the prior year to $30.4 million as a result of higher sales and operating leverage. Cash provided by operating activities was $8.9 million compared to cash consumed of $0.3 million in the first quarter of 2016, while cash provided by operating activities before changes in working capital increased $13.3 million to $19.4 million.

At March 31, 2017, the Company had cash and short-term investments totaling $191.2 million (December 31, 2016: $123.6 million). On February 9, 2017, the Company completed a $74.8 million bought deal financing for 11,873,750 common shares at $6.30 per share for net proceeds of $70.9 million.

San Jose Mine, Mexico

Three months ended San Jose March 31, ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mine Production 2017 2016 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tonnes milled 267,268 179,110 Average tonnes milled per day 3,108 2,059 Silver Grade (g/t) 226 240 Recovery (%) 92 93 Production (oz) 1,792,967 1,280,311 Metal sold (oz) 1,779,203 1,292,634 Realized price ($/oz) 17.46 15.00 Gold Grade (g/t) 1.67 1.73 Recovery (%) 91 92 Production (oz) 13,116 9,161 Metal sold (oz) 13,040 9,241 Realized price ($/oz) 1,219.59 1,199.77 Unit Costs Production cash cost ($/oz Ag)(i) 1.35 2.36 Production cash cost ($/tonne) 56.91 59.08 Unit Net Smelter Return ($/tonne) 161.75 146.75 All-in sustaining cash cost ($/oz Ag)(i) 6.61 8.71 (i) Net of by-product credits from gold

Silver and gold annual production for the first quarter increased 40% and 43%, respectively, over the first quarter of 2016 to 1,792,967 ounces and 13,116 ounces. The increase was the result of higher throughput of 49% offset by lower head grades of 6% for silver and 3% for gold.

Cash cost per tonne of processed ore was $56.91 or 4% below the cost in the first quarter of 2016.

All-in sustaining cash cost per payable ounce of silver, net of by-product credits, was $6.61 for first quarter of 2017 and was below the annual guidance of $8.40 as a result of lower execution on sustaining capital and improvement in commercial terms.

Caylloma Mine, Peru

Three months ended Caylloma March 31, ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mine Production 2017 2016 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tonnes milled 129,369 117,192 Average tonnes milled per day 1,470 1,317 Silver Grade (g/t) 68 103 Recovery (%) 85 87 Production (oz) 240,224 337,085 Metal sold (oz) 236,068 357,595 Realized price ($/oz) 17.33 14.78 Lead Grade (%) 2.76 3.73 Recovery (%) 92 94 Production (000's lbs) 7,211 9,107 Metal sold (000's lbs) 7,037 9,620 Realized price ($/lb) 1.03 0.79 Zinc Grade (%) 4.17 4.49 Recovery (%) 91 90 Production (000's lbs) 10,816 10,390 Metal sold (000's lbs) 10,702 10,528 Realized price ($/lb) 1.26 0.76 Unit Costs Production cash cost ($/oz Ag)(i) (31.63) (2.10) Production cash cost ($/tonne) 73.30 73.80 Unit Net Smelter Return ($/tonne) 158.92 119.93 All-in sustaining cash cost ($/oz Ag)(i) (12.01) 5.11 (i) Net of by-product credits from gold, lead and zinc

In the first quarter, zinc production increased 4% to 10.8 million pounds as a result of higher throughput of 12% and lower head grade of 7%. Lead production decreased 21% to 7.2 million pounds as a result of lower head grade of 26% partially offset by higher throughput. Silver production decreased 29% as a result of lower head grade of 34%.

Cash cost per tonne of processed ore was $73.30 and was in line with the cash cost for the comparable quarter in 2016.

All-in sustaining cash cost per payable ounce of silver, net of by-product credits, was negative $12.01 for the first quarter 2017 which was significantly below the annual guidance of $10.80 as a result of higher by-product credits.

The financial statements and MD&A are available on SEDAR and have also been posted on the company's website at https://www.fortunasilver.com/investors/financials/2017/.

Conference call to review first quarter 2017 financial and operational results

A conference call to discuss first quarter 2017 financial and operational results will be held on Thursday, May 25, 2017 at 9:00 a.m. Pacific / 12:00 p.m. Eastern. Hosting the call will be Jorge A. Ganoza, President and CEO, and Luis D. Ganoza, Chief Financial Officer.

Shareholders, analysts, media and interested investors are invited to listen to the live conference call by logging onto the webcast at: http://www.investorcalendar.com/IC/CEPage.asp?ID=175946 or over the phone by dialing just prior to the starting time.

Conference call details:

Date: Thursday, May 25, 2017 Time: 9:00 a.m. Pacific / 12:00 p.m. Eastern Dial in number (Toll Free): +1.866.682.6100 Dial in number (International): +1.862.255.5401 Replay number (Toll Free): +1.877.481.4010 Replay number (International): +1.919.882.2331 Replay Passcode: 10389

Playback of the conference call will be available until June 8, 2017 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern. Playback of the webcast will be available until August 25, 2017. In addition, a transcript of the call will be archived in the company's website: https://www.fortunasilver.com/investors/financials/2017/.

About Fortuna Silver Mines Inc.

Fortuna is a growth oriented, precious metal producer focused on mining opportunities in Latin America. The Company's primary assets are the Caylloma silver mine in southern Peru, the San Jose silver-gold mine in Mexico and the Lindero gold project in Argentina. The Company is selectively pursuing acquisition opportunities throughout the Americas and in select other areas.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

Jorge A. Ganoza, President, CEO and Director, Fortuna Silver Mines Inc.

Trading symbols: (NYSE: FSM)(TSX: FVI)

Forward Looking Statements

This news release contains forward looking statements which constitute "forward looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation and "forward looking statements" within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (collectively, "Forward looking Statements"). All statements included herein, other than statements of historical fact, are Forward Looking Statements and are subject to a variety of known and unknown risks and uncertainties which could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those reflected in the Forward Looking Statements. The Forward Looking Statements in this news release include, without limitation, statements about the Company's plans for its mines and mineral properties; the Company's business strategy, plans and outlook; the merit of the Company's mines and mineral properties; the future financial or operating performance of the Company; and proposed expenditures. Often, but not always, these Forward Looking Statements can be identified by the use of words such as "estimated", "potential", "open", "future", "assumed", "projected", "used", "detailed", "has been", "gain", "planned", "reflecting", "will", "containing", "remaining", "to be", or statements that events, "could" or "should" occur or be achieved and similar expressions, including negative variations.

Forward looking Statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the Forward Looking Statements. Such uncertainties and factors include, among others, changes in general economic conditions and financial markets; changes in prices for silver and other metals; technological and operational hazards in Fortuna's mining and mine development activities; risks inherent in mineral exploration; uncertainties inherent in the estimation of mineral reserves, mineral resources, and metal recoveries; governmental and other approvals; political unrest or instability in countries where Fortuna is active; labor relations issues; as well as those factors discussed under "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Information Form. 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 to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended.

Forward looking Statements contained herein are based on the assumptions, beliefs, expectations and opinions of management, including but not limited to expectations regarding the Company's plans for its mines and mineral properties; mine production costs; expected trends in mineral prices and currency exchange rates; the accuracy of the Company's current mineral resource and reserve estimates; that the Company's activities will be in accordance with the Company's public statements and stated goals; that there will be no material adverse change affecting the Company or its properties; that all required approvals will be obtained; that there will be no significant disruptions affecting operations and such other assumptions as set out herein. Forward looking Statements are made as of the date hereof and the Company disclaims any obligation to update any Forward Looking Statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise, except as required by law. 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, investors should not place undue reliance on Forward Looking Statements.

This news release also refers to non-GAAP financial measures, such as cash cost per tonne of processed ore; cash cost per payable ounce of silver; total production cost per tonne; all-in sustaining cash cost; all-in cash cost; adjusted net (loss) income; operating cash flow per share before changes in working capital, income taxes, and interest income; and adjusted EBITDA. These measures do not have a standardized meaning or method of calculation, even though the descriptions of such measures may be similar. These performance measures have no meaning under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and therefore, amounts presented may not be comparable to similar data presented by other mining companies.

Contacts:

Fortuna Silver Mines Inc.

Carlos Baca

Investor Relations

(Peru): +51.1.616.6060, ext. 0

www.fortunasilver.com




RICHMOND HILL, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 10/27/17 -- Helix BioPharma Corp. (TSX: HBP)(FRANKFURT: HBP), an immuno-oncology company developing drug candidates for the prevention and treatment of cancer, today announced its financial results for the year ended July 31, 2017 and an update on the Company's research and development programs.

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT UPDATE

DOS47 Platform

To-date, the Company's proprietary technology platform, DOS47 has yielded two new drug product candidates, L-DOS47 and V-DOS47. L-DOS47 is currently under clinical study for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer ("NSCLC") while V-DOS47 is in early pre-clinical testing.

L-DOS47

-- Following the review of clinical data collected to date, L-DOS47 continues to be well tolerated. The data also suggests that L-DOS47 may provide a clinical benefit for certain patients. -- Nine (9) patients in two dosing cohorts have been dosed in study LDOS001. Four (4) patients have had a confirmed partial response (as defined by RECIST v1.1) following treatment of L-DOS47 in combination with pemetrexed/carboplatin. To address patient enrollment issues, the Company received an approval from the FDA, to reduce the number of patients required to complete the study. Furthermore, in the next fiscal year, the Company plans to open additional sites. Enrolment is currently open to the third dosing cohort (1.5 micrograms of L-DOS47 per kilogram of patient body weight in combination with pemetrexed/carboplatin). -- Enrolment in the first stage of the Phase II component of study LDOS002 (n=21) has been completed. A Trial Steering Committee Meeting will be organized before the end of the year to review safety and efficacy data and determine if the second stage of the study will be open to enrolment. -- The Company has initiated study LDOS003, a Phase IIb trial in the treatment of Stage IV lung adenocarcinoma patients to determine the possible chemo-enhancing properties of L-DOS47 in combination with vinorelbine/cisplatin. Once the MTD of the combination is determined, initiation of the randomization component of the study is anticipated in the second of 2018. The Company has insufficient supply of L-DOS47 to complete the LDOS003 study. As a result, the Company plans to manufacture another batch of drug product in the next fiscal year to support the completion of the study and other planned studies. Completion of the study will depend on the successful release and availability of new drug product. -- Pre-clinical data generated suggests that L-DOS47 may be able to reverse the potential mechanism of resistance resulting from an acidic tumour microenvironment that protects cancer cells from the effects of immunotherapy. As previously announced by the Company, to further investigate the potential combination of L-DOS47 with immunotherapy, the Company has entered into a collaboration with Moffitt Cancer Center to perform basic research studies.

V-DOS47

-- V-DOS47 is Helix's second DOS47 development candidate following L-DOS47, which is currently in pre-clinical testing for the treatment of triple negative breast cancer and is partially subsidized by the Polish National Centre for Research and Development ("PNCRD").

CAR-T Platform

On September 2016 the Company announced that it was developing a novel Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-Cell (CAR-T) therapeutic. The Company has completed two pre-clinical proof-of-principle studies using CEACAM6 and VEGFR2 as target antigens for CAR-T therapy.

CAR-T CEACAM6

-- The Company presented the first pre-clinical proof-of-principle study applying camelid single domain antibody in making CAR-T Cells. The data showed that CAR-T cells generated against the CEACAM6 antigen significantly reduce the growth of the BxPC3 pancreatic carcinoma in vivo both when used in a preventative tumor model and in a model where treatment is initiated after the tumor is established.

CAR-T VEGFR2

-- The Company presented preliminary data from a second study in applying camelid single domain antibody in making CAR-T cells to target cancer cells that harbour the vascular epithelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) protein. The two camelid anti-VEGFR2 antibodies studied had approximately a 10-fold higher affinity for VEGFR2 than the two human anti-VEGFR2 antibodies.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

The Company recorded a net loss and total comprehensive loss of $10.059,000 and $9,665,000 (a loss per common share of $0.11 and $0.11) for the fiscal years ended July 31, 2017 and 2016 respectively.

Research and development

Research and development expenses totalled $7,055,000 and $5,821,000, respectively for the twelve-month periods ended July 31, 2017 and July 31, 2016.

The following table outlines research and development costs expensed and investment tax credits for the Company's significant research and development projects for the fiscal years ended July 31:

---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2017 2016 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- L-DOS47 $ 5,496,000 $ 5,017,000 V-DOS47 894,000 159,000 CAR-T 259,000 - Corporate research and development expenses 474,000 431,000 Trademark and patent related expenses 361,000 244,000 Stock-based compensation expense 24,000 27,000 Depreciation expense 112,000 118,000 Research and development investment tax credit (230,000) (175,000) Polish government grant subsidy (V-DOS47) (335,000) - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- $ 7,055,000 $ 5,821,000 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

L-DOS47 research and development expenses for fiscal 2017 and 2016 totalled $5,496,000 and $5,017,000, respectively. L-DOS47 research and development expenditures relate primarily to the Company's LDOS002 European Phase I/II clinical study in Poland and the LDOS001 U.S. Phase I clinical study in the U.S.

V-DOS47 research and development expenses for fiscal 2017 and 2016 totalled $894,000 and $159,000, respectively. In fiscal 2016 the Company established a wholly-owned subsidiary in Poland and entered into a grant funding agreement with the PNCRD for research and development expenditures associated with V-DOS47. The Company's subsidiary received $335,000 and $nil in fiscal 2017 and 2016, respectively, from the PNCRD.

CAR-T research and development expenses for fiscal 2017 and 2016 totalled $259,000 and $nil, respectively. During the current fiscal year, the Company commenced development of novel CAR-T therapeutics and new antibody based technologies for cell-based therapies.

Corporate research and development expenses were relatively flat for fiscal 2017 and 2016 and totalled $474,000 and $431,000, respectively.

Trademark and patent related expenses for fiscal 2017 and 2016 totalled $361,000 and $244,000, respectively. The Company continues to ensure it works to adequately protect its intellectual property.

Operating, general and administration

Operating, general and administration expenses totalled $3,207,000 and $3,836,000, respectively for the years ended July 31, 2017 and July 31, 2016. The decrease in operating, general and administration expenses reflects various cost cutting initiatives and is mainly due primarily to lower travel related expenses, director fees, and various terminated consulting service agreements.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

As at July 31, 2017 the Company had a working capital deficiency of $504,000, shareholders' deficiency of $17,000 and a deficit of $155,380,000. As at July 31, 2016 the Company had working capital of $2,929,000, shareholders' equity of $3,164,000 and a deficit of $145,321,000.

The Company's cash reserves of $897,000, as at July 31, 2017, are insufficient to meet anticipated cash needs for working capital and capital expenditures through the next twelve months, nor are they sufficient to see the current research and development initiatives through to completion. Subsequent to the Company's fiscal year ending July 31, 2017, the Company closed two additional private placements for gross proceeds of $5,221,000. Though the funds raised have assisted the Company in dealing with the working capital deficiency, additional funds are required to advance the various clinical and preclinical programs and pay for the Company's overhead costs. To the extent that the Company does not believe it has sufficient liquidity to meet its current obligations, management considers securing additional funds, primarily through the issuance of equity securities of the Company, to be critical for its development needs.

The Company's Consolidated Statement of Financial Position as at July 31, 2017 and July 31, 2016 is summarized below.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Consolidated Statement of Financial Position (thousand $) 31-Jul-17 31-Jul-16 ----------------------- Non current assets 487 235 Current assets: Prepaids 173 90 Accounts receivable 630 489 Cash 897 3,654 ----------------------- ----------------------- 1,700 4,233 ----------------------- Total assets 2,187 4,468 ----------------------- ----------------------- Shareholders' equity / (deficiency) (17) 3,164 Current liabilities: Deferred government grant 44 - Accrued liabilities 722 589 Accounts payable 1,438 715 ----------------------- 2,204 1,304 ----------------------- ----------------------- Total liabilities & shareholders equity 2,187 4,468 -----------------------------------------------------=======================

The Company's Consolidated Statement of Net Loss and Comprehensive Loss and Consolidated Statement of Cash Flow for fiscal 2017 and 2016 are summarized below:

---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Consolidated Statements of Net Loss and Comprehensive Loss (thousand $, except for per share data) For the year ended -------------------------- Jul-31 2017 Jul-31 2016 -------------------------- Expenses: Research and development 7,055 5,821 Operating, general, administration 3,207 3,836 Gain on sale property, plant, equipment (168) - -------------------------- Results from operating activities before finance items (10,094) (9,657) Finance items 35 (8) -------------------------- Loss and total comprehensive loss (10,059) (9,665) -------------------------- -------------------------- Loss per share -$ 0.11 -$ 0.11 (i) Figures are for both basic and fully diluted ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (thousand $) For the year ended ------------------------- Jul-31 2017 Jul-31 2016 ------------------------- Cash provided by (used in): Net loss and total comprehensive loss (10,059) (9,665) Items not involving cash: Depreciation 130 134 Stock-based compensation 159 230 Foreign exchange loss (gain) (33) 17 Gain on sale property, plant, equipment (168) - ------------------------- 88 381 Changes in non-cash working capital 676 431 ------------------------- Operating activities (9,295) (8,853) Financing activities 6,719 5,772 Investing activities (214) (40) Exchange rate changes on cash 33 (17) ------------------------- Net increase (decrease) in cash (2,757) (3,138) Cash beginning of the period 3,654 6,792 ------------------------- Cash end of the period 897 3,654 ---------------------------------------------------=========================

The Company's consolidated financial statements, management's discussion and analysis and annual information form will be filed under the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com, as well as on the Company's website at www.helixbiopharma.com.

About Helix BioPharma Corp.

Helix BioPharma Corp. is an immuno-oncology company specializing in the field of cancer therapy. The company is actively developing innovative products for the prevention and treatment of cancer based on its proprietary technologies. Helix's product development initiatives include its novel L-DOS47 new drug candidate. Helix is currently listed on the TSX and FSE under the symbol "HBP".

Forward-Looking Statements and Risks and Uncertainties

This news release contains forward-looking statements and information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements are statements and information that are not historical facts but instead include financial projections and estimates, statements regarding plans, goals, objectives, intentions and expectations with respect to the Company's future business, operations, research and development, including the Company's activities relating to DOS47, and other information in future periods.

Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements concerning (i) the Company's ability to operate on a going concern being dependent mainly on obtaining additional financing; (ii) the Company's priority continuing to be L-DOS47; (iii) the Company's development programs for DOS47, L-DOS47, V-DOS47 and CAR-T; (iv) future expenditures, the insufficiency of the Company's current cash resources and the need for financing; and (v) future financing requirements and the seeking of additional funding. Forward-looking statements can further be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "ongoing", "estimates", "expects", or the negative thereof or any other variations thereon or comparable terminology referring to future events or results, or that events or conditions "will", "may", "could", or "should" occur or be achieved, or comparable terminology referring to future events or results.

Forward-looking statements are statements about the future and are inherently uncertain, and are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that are also uncertain. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, such statements involve risks and uncertainties, and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. Forward-looking statements, including financial outlooks, are intended to provide information about management's current plans and expectations regarding future operations, including without limitation, future financing requirements, and may not be appropriate for other purposes. Certain material factors, estimates or assumptions have been applied in making forward-looking statements in this news release, including, but not limited to, the safety and efficacy of L-DOS47; that sufficient financing will be obtained in a timely manner to allow the Company to continue operations and implement its clinical trials in the manner and on the timelines anticipated; the timely provision of services and supplies or other performance of contracts by third parties; future costs; the absence of any material changes in business strategy or plans; and the timely receipt of required regulatory approvals and strategic partner support.

The Company's actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements contained in this news release as a result of numerous known and unknown risks and uncertainties, including without limitation, the risk that the Company's assumptions may prove to be incorrect; the risk that additional financing may not be obtainable in a timely manner, or at all, and that clinical trials may not commence or complete within anticipated timelines or the anticipated budget or may fail; third party suppliers of necessary services or of drug product and other materials may fail to perform or be unwilling or unable to supply the Company, which could cause delay or cancellation of the Company's research and development activities; necessary regulatory approvals may not be granted or may be withdrawn; the Company may not be able to secure necessary strategic partner support; general economic conditions, intellectual property and insurance risks; changes in business strategy or plans; and other risks and uncertainties referred to elsewhere in this news release, any of which could cause actual results to vary materially from current results or the Company's anticipated future results. Certain of these risks and uncertainties, and others affecting the Company, are more fully described in the Company's annual management's discussion and analysis for the year ended July 31, 2017 under the heading "Risks and Uncertainty" and Helix's Annual Information Form, in particular under the headings "Forward-looking Statements" and "Risk Factors", and other reports filed under the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com from time to time. Forward-looking statements and information are based on the beliefs, assumptions, opinions and expectations of Helix's management on the date of this new release, and the Company does not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statement or information should those beliefs, assumptions, opinions or expectations, or other circumstances change, except as required by law.

Contacts:

INVESTOR RELATIONS

Helix BioPharma Corp.

(905) 841-2300

ir@helixbiopharma.com

www.helixbiopharma.com




VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 07/25/17 -- Serengeti Resources Inc. (TSX VENTURE: SIR)(FRANKFURT: 34S) announces that it has now closed its non brokered private placement financing first announced July 10, 2017. The Company originally announced it would raise gross proceeds of up to CDN $750,000 (the "Offering"), but due to overwhelming interest, the Company agreed to increase the Offering from 5,000,000 flow through common shares at $0.15 to 5,502,000 flow through common shares at $0.15, raising gross proceeds of $825,300

The securities issued by the Company in this financing are subject to a statutory hold period which expires on November 26, 2017.

Finders' fees totaling $20,370 in cash and 135,800 Finder's Warrants were paid in respect of certain subscribers incidental to the financing in accordance with the policies of the TSX-V. The finder's warrants are exercisable at a price of $0.15 for a period of 18months from closing.

Proceeds of the Offering will be used for continued exploration and drilling on a number of the Company's properties in B.C., such as Milligan West and the UDS Properties, which are outside of the Kwanika project being funded by Daewoo Minerals Canada ("Daewoo"). Daewoo currently holds a 5% interest in the Kwanika property and may earn an additional 30% interest in the project, by electing on or before July 27, 2017 to fund an additional $7 million over the next two year period.

About Serengeti Resources Inc.

Serengeti is a mineral exploration company managed by an experienced team of professionals with a solid track record of exploration success. The Company is currently advancing its Kwanika copper-gold project and exploring its extensive portfolio of properties in the highly prospective Quesnel Trough of British Columbia. A number of these projects are available for option-joint venture and additional information can be found on the Company's website at www.serengetiresources.com. Subsequent to this financing, Serengeti has 84.2 million shares issued and outstanding or 99.6 million shares on a fully diluted basis.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

David W. Moore, P. Geo., President, CEO and Director

Cautionary Statement

This document contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities regulations. All statements other than statements of historical fact herein, including, without limitation, statements regarding exploration plans and other future plans and objectives, are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and future events and actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations as well as a comprehensive list of risk factors are disclosed in the Company's documents filed from time to time via SEDAR with the Canadian regulatory agencies to whose policies we are bound. Readers are further advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Contacts:

Investor Relations:

Paradox Public Relations

Tel: 514-341-0408

Toll free (in North America) 1-866-460-0408

Email: info@paradox-pr.ca



Serengeti Resources Inc.

Tel: 604-605-1300

Email: info@serengetiresources.com

Website: www.serengetiresources.com




Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 19, 2017) - Nebo Capital Corp. (TSXV: NBO.H) (the "Corporation") has arranged a non-brokered private placement of 8,400,000 million common shares of the Corporation at a price of $0.09 per share for total gross proceeds of approximately $750,000 (the "Offering"). On closing of the Offering, the Corporation may pay a finder's fee.

The proceeds raised will be used for general working capital, and to pay for expenses related to identification, evaluation and completion of a qualifying transaction. Closing of the Offering is subject to all required approvals.

The Corporation is a Capital Pool Company ("CPC") within the meaning of the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV") and trades on the NEX board. Nebo has not commenced commercial operations and has no assets other than cash. The Company is currently engaged in identifying and evaluating businesses and assets with a view to completing a Qualifying Transaction under the TSXV CPC policies.

For further information please contact:

Nebo Capital Corp.

Neil Halldorson

President, Chief Executive Officer,

Chief Financial Officer

(604) 689-1428

or

Sandra Lee

(604) 488-5427

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Taxi drivers across Spain protested on Tuesday as they went on strike against the 'unfair competition' from ride-hailing services like Uber. According to reports, taxi lanes at airports and train stations in Spain were empty on Tuesday and passenger had to rely on public buses for transportation. In Madrid, the strike lasted for 12 hours starting at 6am until 6pm, while in Barcelona a 24-hour strike was planned. The taxi strike was second one this year as the country's taxi drivers continue to protest for banning of car sharing apps like US-based Uber and Spain-based Cabify. Thousands of taxi drivers staged a demonstration in the capital city, with some setting off firecrackers and hurling plastic bottles of water and eggs at police. However, no arrests or injuries were reported. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
DUBLIN, October 27, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

The "Global Printed Circuit Board Market 2017-2021" report has been added to Research and Markets' offering.

The global printed circuit board market is forecast to grow at a CAGR of 6.14% during the period 2017-2021.

The report, Global Printed Circuit Board Market 2017-2021, has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts. The report covers the market landscape and its growth prospects over the coming years. The report also includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market.

The latest trend gaining momentum in the market is the growing adoption of IoT devices. Globally, there has been rapid development in deploying smart devices that can adjust according to the changing dynamics of next-generation consoles, laptops, televisions, and mobile devices to be introduced into the market. This will result in having additional electrical and communication components in devices, thus increasing the number of printed circuit boards. Printed circuit boards are platforms on which ICs and connections to other electronic devices are installed and served as the brains of electrical devices. The high growth of IoT devices will accelerate the demand for printed circuit boards from OEMs of smart devices.

According to the report, one of the major drivers for this market is the high adoption of printed circuit boards in connected vehicles. The connected vehicles are defined as the vehicles that are equipped with wireless and wired technologies and can connect with mobile computing devices such as smartphones. Users can unlock their car, check the status of batteries on electric cars, track the location of the car, or remotely start the climate control system with the help of a smartphone. The increasing focus on customer safety and the tightening of vehicle safety regulations resulting from an increase in the number of accidents are leading to the growth of connected cars.

Further, the report states that one of the major factors hindering the growth of this market is the fluctuations in raw material prices.

Market Trends:

Information driven riding

Growing adoption of IoT devices

Industrie 4.0

Emergence of 5G networks

Automation of medical mobility product

Key vendors

Nippon Mektron



Zhen Ding Tech

TTM Technologies

Unimicron

Other prominent vendors

CMK

Daeduck Electronics

Dynamic Electronics

Kingboard Chemical Holdings

LG Innotek

Others



Key Topics Covered:



Part 01: Executive Summary



Part 02: Scope Of The Report



Part 03: Research Methodology



Part 04: Introduction



Part 05: Market Landscape



Part 06: Market Segmentation By End-User



Part 07: Market Segmentation By Product



Part 08: Geographical Segmentation



Part 09: Key Leading Countries



Part 10: Decision Framework



Part 11: Drivers And Challenges



Part 12: Market Trends



Part 13: Vendor Landscape



Part 14: Key Vendor Analysis



For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/5scvbf/global_printed

Media Contact:

Research and Markets

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

press@researchandmarkets.com



For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470

For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630

For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900



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Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716
DocPlanner, a Warsaw, Poland-based online health booking platform, closed a 15m Series D funding round.

The round was led by existing shareholder Enern Investments and Target Global, with participation from One Peak Partners.

The company, which has raised approximately 46m to date, will use the new funds for expansion into Latin America with the opening of new offices in Brazil and Mexico over the next six months, for development of advanced software for doctors, and for marketing and sales activities in core markets in Southern Europe and Latin America.

Led by Mariusz Gralewski, founder and CEO, DocPlanner provides a booking platform offering patients a space to find and review the best doctor according to their needs. For healthcare professionals and institutions, DocPlanner offers tools to manage patient flow, improve the efficiency of their practice, and enhance their online presence.

The company currently serves 20 million patients and processes 340,000 bookings every month. It lists more than 5 million healthcare professionals with a total of 2 million patient reviews on its websites in 30 countries.

Founded in 2012 in Poland, DocPlanner now has a team of 300 based across offices in Warsaw, Barcelona, Istanbul and Rome.

Ten months ago, the company announced a Series C round of $20m and merged with Spanish healthcare platform Doctoralia.

FinSMEs

24/05/2017
Intelledox, a Canberra, Australia-based global digital transformation software company, secured AUD$4m in growth funding.

Ellerston Ventures made the investment. In conjunction with the funding, Ellerston Venture fund and investment Director David Leslie will join the Intelledox Board of Directors.

The company will use the funds for continued global expansion, accelerating product growth and innovation and increasing market awareness through sales and marketing.

Led by and Co-founder and Chief Innovation Officer Phillip Williamson and Ray Kiley, CEO, Intelledox provides Infiniti, a software solution which uses a data-driven approach to allow organizations to develop and deliver mobile-ready applications. These include mortgage applications, complex statements of advice for financial planners and banks as well as a variety of other customer engagements for Financial Services, Insurance, and Government clients.

Customers include a global investment bank, two of the big-four professional consulting firms, financial services firms in the US, Asia, and Australia, as well as Government agencies in Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore.

Beyond global Headquarters in Canberra, the company also has North American Headquarters located in Dallas Texas, and offices in New York, London, Singapore and Sydney.

FinSMEs

24/05/2017
Medrio, Inc., a San Francisco, CA-based healthcare technology company providing eClinical solutions for clinical trials, raised $30m in its first institutional equity funding.

Questa Capital Management, a venture capital firm focused on growth-stage healthcare companies, made the investment.

The company will use the funds to accelerate the deployment of its new software applications and expand its market position in the eClinical

Founded in 2005 by CEO Mike Novotny, Medrio provides electronic data capture (EDC) solutions, collecting clinical trial data in a digitized form to help study sponsors and contract research organizations (CROs) set-up and conduct clinical trials. The companys CloudEDC technology, which features a drag-and-drop interface, allows studies to be built quickly. It has been used in over 2,000 clinical trials worldwide by over 500 customers globally.

The company recently introduced new software applications, including eSource, ePRO and eConsent.

In conjunction with the investment, Ryan Drant, Founder and Managing Director of Questa Capital, and Brad Sloan, Managing Director of Questa Capital, joined Medrios board of directors, which now includes:

 Mr. Novotny;

 Richard Scheller, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer at 23andMe and former Executive Vice President of Research & Early Development at Genentech;

 Dave Lipscomb, Co-founder of NetSuite; and

 Doug Engfer, Founder and Former CEO of invivodata (acquired by ERT).

FinSMEs

24/05/2017
Merlon Intelligence, a San Francisco, CA-based enterprise software company focused on risk management and compliance for financial services companies, closed a $7.65m seed financing round.

The round was led by DCVC with participation from Fenway Summer, Nyca, and Work-Bench.

The company will use the funds to launch its platform.

Led by Founder and CEO Bradford Cross, and new Chief Operating Officer Konrad Alt, Merlon Intelligence leverages machine learning and natural language to provide an anti-money laundering (AML) compliance platform to large financial institutions.

The solution will employ user-friendly workflow to guide AML alert investigation and natural language processing to identify negative news in a variety of languages, translate the relevant information, and highlight it for analyst attention.

Merlon Intelligence plans to bring the same technological process to the areas of transaction monitoring, KYC onboarding, transaction analytics, case management and other important customer needs.

The companys board of advisors includes:

 Cantwell F. (Chuck) Muckenfuss, former Deputy Comptroller of the Currency and partner (retired) at Gibson Dunn

 Neal Wolin, former Deputy Treasury Secretary and COO at Hartford

 Stuart Bell, consultant and former global sales manager/head of growth at Bloomberg

 Mike Marcus, former Chief Risk Officer HSBC.

FinSMEs

24/05/2017
OrphoMed, Inc., a San Francisco, CA-based clinical stage biopharmaceutical company developing dimer therapies, closed a $39m Series A financing.

The round was led by New Enterprise Associates (NEA), and co-led by existing seed investor Takeda Ventures, Inc., with participation from other prior investors Pappas Capital, through its newest fund, Pappas Ventures V; Relativity Healthcare Partners and the Mario Family Fund. In conjunction with the financing, Frank Torti, MD, Partner at NEA, and Arthur Pappas, Managing Partner of Pappas Capital, will join the companys board alongside existing directors Michael Martin, PhD, Global Head Takeda Ventures, Inc.; Kenneth Widder, MD, Executive Chairman; and Nikhilesh Singh, PhD, Chief Executive Officer.

The capital will be used to advance the clinical development of OrphoMeds lead candidate, ORP-101, for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D).

ORP-101 is a metabolically stable, partial agonist of the  opioid receptor and antagonist of the  opioid receptor that is designed to mitigate both abdominal pain due to intestinal hyperalgesia and gastric hypermotility associated with IBS-D, without CNS penetration. In multiple clinically relevant animal models ORP-101 has suppressed general and colon-specific hyperalgesic signals. Importantly, ORP-101 has been shown to not cause constriction of the sphincter of Oddi, which in turn could result in acute pancreatitis, as may occur with other  agonists. ORP-101 is a proprietary molecule fully owned by OrphoMed, with no downstream royalties or milestone payments.

FinSMEs

24/05/2017
Quiqup, a London, UK-based startup that offers on-demand logistics services to consumers and retailers of all sizes and across industries, raised 20m in Series B funding.

The round was led by JOBI Capital, with participation from Transmed, a FMCG distributor in the Levant, Gulf and Africa, and existing investors. In conjunction with Bilal Mekkaoui, Managing Partner at JOBI Capital, will be joining the board as part of the investment.

The company intends to use the funds to accelerate technology and operations, as well as to fuel national and international expansion plans. Currently operating across London, Quiqup plans to launch in a number of additional major UK cities in 2017, and begin its international expansion.

Led by Bassel El Koussa, CEO and co-founder, the company provides flexible on-demand delivery services to businesses of all sizes, as well as to individuals, by using technology solutions including:

 A mobile and web app allowing consumers to shop, pick up, and drop off anything from retailers across London,

 Quiqdash, a web app, that allows smaller retailers to instantly order or schedule a delivery, and

 An API integration service that incorporates its delivery service into large retailers e-commerce solutions, allowing customers to order directly from the retailers website.

Quiqup works with a variety of retailers, both large and small, ranging from big-name brands like Whole Foods and Burger King to independent florists, pharmacists and grocers across London. Since launching, it has experienced 170% growth year-on-year and delivered over 550,000 orders.

The company now has a headcount of over 110 employees and over 2,000 self-employed couriers.

FinSMEs

24/05/2017
T-REX Group, Inc., a NYC- and Tel Aviv, Israel-based fintech company focused on providing data, analytics, and transactional tools for a variety of asset classes, including renewable energy, raised $10m in Series B funding.

innogy (ETR:IGY) and the Partnership Fund for New York City joined Safeguard Scientifics (NYSE:SFE) and Ecosystem Integrity Fund.

The company will use the funds to expand its team, grow its international client base, and optimize its SaaS platform for target markets across renewables and other esoteric asset classes.

Founded in 2012 by CEO Benjamin Cohen, T-REX provides a SaaS based financial services technology platform that features valuation, risk analysis, and structuring tools for investors, asset managers, and developers to finance, securitize, and manage their assets.

FinSMEs

24/05/2017
Vishal Sikka, CEO of Infosys, seems to be having a Winston Churchill moment. The former British prime minister famously said he would give "blood, toil, tears and sweat" to his countrymen as he prepared Britain in 1940 to fight Hitler's forces. Sikka lives in much better times but is veritably gearing his shareholders, employees and other stakeholders for tough times ahead.

Whatever you say about Sikka, you cannot call him indecisive. He is also leading by example. While his take-home pay has fallen only a little as per annual disclosures, the variable component is higher, even as he is preparing his key executives for a better mood to deliver.

From all indications, Sikka is trying to match traditional services with innovation, keeping morale high in the lower ranks of the company by increasing incentives for project managers while ensuring that there is no longer a "fatcat" senior executive culture. He is clearly responding to criticism by company's co-founder and elder statesman N R Narayana Murthy -- at least on the face of it. The two have apparently not spoken to each other for months, according to some reports but in spirit, Sikka seems to have been listening and responding.

But the choices ahead are tough. Sikka recently boosted his company's profile in the US by promising to hire 10,000 people over the next two years to placate President Donald Trump's tough guy policies that make H-1B work visas tough for Infoscions. The business of handling the morale of 300,000 techies pampered over the years amid software automation and an increased use of cloud computing is a tough call for Sikka. Knowledge work is such that it needs morale boosters but if costs run high, it is not an easy thing for profitability.

What we are seeing now are the early instances of a tightrope walk. The coming months will be tough because there is an atmosphere of layoffs in the industry -- whether planned or "performance-based" (which is a euphemism for turning the heat on the staff). Salary hikes have been deferred until July for the bulk of Infosys employees.

No job cuts are planned officially but the rise of trade unionism in the industry is a potential Damocles' sword hanging over Infosys.

Sikka needs all the Churchillian mood he can build to fight the battles ahead but there is nothing like moral authority, where leaders make sacrifices or forego security to prove a point or two to the troops below. Sikka is trying, but there are miles to go. His favourite thing, innovation, seems a lot easier compared to the mood management he has to do.

(The author is a senior journalist. He tweets as @madversity)
Infosys CEO Vishal Sikka's salary, a source of dissatisfaction for the founder members, has declined in 2016-17, according to the company's annual report for the year.

The decline in the cash component of his salary was a huge 67 percent to Rs 12 crore while his total compensation fell just 7 percent to Rs 45.11 crore from Rs 48.41 crore in 2015-16.

The cash component includes base salary and bonus payment, while total compensation includes stocks granted and retiral benefits.

Sikka's base salary, which is part of the cash compenent, has risen to $1 million from $900,000 but his bonus and incentives have sharply fallen to just $822,389 from $4.3 million, an 81 percent decline.

According to a annual report, while the total compensation of Sikka has fallen other senior executives witnssed a rise. Chief operating officer U B Pravin Rao's total salary increased to Rs 11.80 crore in FY17 from Rs 8.14 crore in the previous year. Likewise, compensation of deputy chief operating officer, Ravi Kumar S, went up to Rs 14.87 crore from Rs 8.27 crore.

The variable components across the board has been lower due to the difficult business environment.

The management has, in fact, increased the performance-based stock incentives for the senior executives.

"It has been my personal endeavor since joining Infosys to enable all employees to share in the successes of the company, and in fiscal 2017, we made the first step of this a reality. In addition, we restructured the compensation of senior leaders to be more performance-based, with a significant portion of their compensation now coming through stock incentives, creating a more direct alignment with the interest shareholders," Sikka said in the letter to stakeholders.

Sikka's salary was revised from $7.08 million to a $11 million package with effect from April 2016, a move that did not go down well with the founders, including NR Narayana Murthy.

The $11 million package was to include a base salary of $1 million and $2 million worth of stock annually as well $3 million in variable pay.

Sikka is also eligible for another $5 million worth of performance-based equity and stock options upon achievement of certain performance targets.

(Data contributed by Kishor Kadam)
A fresher joined an IT company in Chennai in 2011-12 after paying Rs one 1 lakh as bond. The agreement stated that if he left the companys services within a year or if the company terminated his services, either which way the employee had to forfeit the bond to the company. Eight months after joining the firm, the employee was sacked with no reasons offered. When he reported to work, the security at the gate took away his ID card and asked him to go home as his services were terminated. He approached Fight for IT Employees (FITE), a union that has taken shape in Chennai and is awaiting registration. We are fighting his case, said Rajan Gandhi, vice president, FITE.

In the current situation where mass layoffs in the IT sector is par for course, FITE is taking up cudgels on behalf of employees from various IT companies.

The main grouse that FITE has with the IT majors is the mass layoffs with the oft-stated reason cited as underperformance. How can these firms, who recruit candidates after several rounds of talks, tests, interviews, find that large groups are underperformers? What does it say about its selection system and process? What about training? A few employees can be sacked on account of underperformance but not in large numbers as the IT sector in India is resorting to for the past few years, says Gandhi.

The sector is emboldened by the weak labour laws and weaker implementation of these laws, says Vasumathi, president, FITE. The forum has been representing sacked employees of IT companies in various state labour courts in the country.

IT sector transformation

The traditional BPO operations model is being phased out and the $155-billion IT industry in the country is trying to reinvent itself to adjust to the advent of automation, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning.

According to consulting firm Zinnov, India stands to lose about 94,000 jobs by 2021 due to the increasing adoption of technology.

So the fact remains that with introduction of automation coupled with protectionist stance adopted by the US, UK, Australia and Singapore governments has turned the situation back home bad. But can the IT companies be blamed for the changing situation that is impacting margins?

Gandhi says that none of the IT majors in the country have reported losses even as they mouth underperfomance as a reason for sacking employees. Shouldnt underperformance reflect in the bottomlines? he asks. Another sore point is that some companies give top management higher severance pay. Cognizant offered its top management  directors and senior VPs  six to nine months' pay as severance package. Why should lower level employees be treated differently? The top management cannot perform if the lower rung employees do not cooperate. If the IT company has decided to sack its employees, let the same rules of severance packages be followed, says Gandhi.

Isnt protectionism in the US, UK, Singapore too forcing IT employees to be sacked? FITE does not think so. It reasons that if that was the reason and coupled with automation the companies are getting fewer projects, they should communicate that in an honest manner with the employees. When you state underperformance as a reason, the company has thrown a spanner in the future employability of the employee. When IT firms say that only one or two percentage of their large workforce is being sacked, the percentage point may seem small but the fact is it affects lakhs of families. I dont understand why the government is not taking this issue seriously, says Vasumathi.

Automation, believes FITE, does not mean the machines will work by themselves. It needs to be operated, monitored and glitches fixed. Skill people for it. You cant say no employee is willing to be reskilled. This is a blatant lie, the association says.

After the Donald Trump administration put restrictions on immigration to the US, Indian companies have started recruiting Americans for the posts there. The move is seen as an attempt to placate the US government but is resulting in lesser jobs in India. A section of the employees have even alleged that the job cuts happening in India is a direct impact of this strategy.

Govt in denial mode

Meanwhile, the government and the IT industry body are in a denial mode. They insist that there are no large-scale layoffs in the sector. I completely deny and refute that there is any downturn in the employment in the IT sector. It is robust, Ravi Shankar Prasad, minister for IT, said on Tuesday.

The reality on the ground is wildly different from what the minister and Nasscom see. The top five IT services companies  TCS, Infosys, Wipro, Cognizant and HCL Technologies  hired around 60,000 engineers from campuses this fiscal, as against a little more than 100,000 last year. The reason for the reduction in recruitment at the entry level is on account of aggressive use of automation and technological advances that have rendered the lower level jobs in the sector redundant.

The government is aggressively promoting Digital India programme, says Gandhi of FITE. Why is the PM silent on the mass layoffs that have taken place in the IT sector, with over 10,000 people having lost their jobs and many more on the verge of being sacked? Isnt people losing jobs of any relevance to this program or the Make in India initiative?

Digital India is a flagship programme of the Narendra Modi government with a vision to transform India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy.

Gandhi is perplexed by the governments tardiness to accept the latest in technology. He cites the breakdown of ATM machines post the demonetisation announcement on 8 November, 2016. Dont we have the technical know-how in India to avoid these mistakes? More than half of the ATMs in the country use Windows XP while the world has progressed to Windows 10. How does this sync in with Digital India?

FITE is being run by a collective of IT professionals from different IT/ITeS companies. It was formed in 2008 by IT professionals at Chennais IT hub, Tidel Park and fought for the cause of the Tamils in Sri Lanka. It was then called Save the Tamils. The group felt the name was submissive and made them feel beggarly and changed it to Young Tamil Nadu Movement and roped in actors from the southern film industry like Karthik and Surya to get the eyeballs.

When the movement succeeded, the group decided to focus on other issues that was affecting society like the setting up of the Kudankulam dam, sand mining issues, etc. In 2014 when TCS laid off 25,000 employees, the group decided to do something for the sector that they belonged to. We changed the name to FITE and took up the TCS layoff issue, says Vasumati, president, FITE.

FITE members would gather at the various TCS offices across the country, raise slogans, put up banners, posters, spoke to labour department in each of the state government that TCS was located in and filed cases. It went all out on social media to highlight the case and also made special WhatsApp group and pages on Facebook where employees and those that were given the sack could talk. Finally, FITE managed to attract the attention of the management. The group's efforts ensured that 23,000 employees were reinstated.

Tips to staff on layoff

FITE is asking employees to take written statements from the companies that are asking them to leave. Most companies are loathe to issue letters, FITE claims. They also ask employees to ascertain under what reasons are they being sacked and get that down in writing. The company needs to tell employees under what parameters have they found them unsuitable for the jobs and who is carrying out the process. We also ask employees not to take calls from HR or senior management when they have been summarily dismissed. We want employers to be more open and honest.

It is a long fight with more employees being sacked in the IT sector. Hopefully more IT personnel will be emboldened to form unions to tackle the menace of mass layoffs.
Indian filmmakers Kabir Khan and Siddharth Anand are set to direct two Indo-China co- productions which will be released in 2018.

Trinity Pictures, the film production arm of India's distribution giant Eros International, has struck a deal to co-produce the two franchise movies with Chinese partners, reported Variety.

With China's Peacock Mountain Culture & Media and state- owned Huaxia Film Distribution, Trinity will produce Kabir's travel drama, The Zookeeper and Siddharth's Love in Beijing.

The Zookeeper is a human drama that tells of the journey of an Indian zoo keeper who travels to China to find a panda to return to India with, in order to save his zoo.

The budget for the project is set at USD 25 million. The cast will include a leading Indian star and a top Chinese actress. A significant portion of the shoot will be in Chengdu.

Siddharth's Love in Beijing is a cross-cultural romantic comedy. Love in Beijing, about an Indian girl who falls in love with a Chinese man, will feature an A-list Indian actress and a leading Chinese male actor. The production budget is USD 15 million.

"The original stories were developed by the Trinity Pictures Writers Room, creative teams from both Trinity Pictures and the Chinese film companies worked closely on the scripts to create storylines that blend Sino-Indian culture," Trinity said in a statement.
Looks like the Kirti Sanon and Sushant Singh Rajput starrer Raabta is in trouble, before its release.

When the first trailer of the film released, it immediately reminded people of SS Rajamoulis 2009 film Magadheera.

Now it looks like the filmmakers of Magadheera thought it looked way to similar to their 2009 Telegu reincarnation drama. According to a source from the production house of the film, the filmmakers are seeking an injunction against the film's release.

They contend that Raabta copied its unique story and plot line in violation of its copyright. A court in Hyderabad has already issued notice and posted the matter to 1st June to decide whether the film must be permitted to release on 9 June.

When the writers of Raabta, Siddharth Singh and Garima Wahal (the same duo behind Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ramleela) were asked about the similarity of plotlines, they told Scroll.in how the concept of lovers meeting across time is a template of a past-life film and the film also reminded them of Mirzya.

The film was also in the news when music composer Pritam said he wanted to pull out of the film because he wished to only do solo composer albums, but the producers of Raabta wanted to include a recreated song from the label as a part of the film's promotions.
Brad Pitt is in India. This is not a drill. He is currently in a panel discussion with Rajeev Masand and Shah Rukh Khan, to promote his film War Machine.

They spoke about picking passion projects, keeping up the pressures and appearances in Bollywood, and also of being passionate about filmmaking.

Shah Rukh Khan admitted his favourite Brad Pitt film is 12 monkeys and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. Brad Pitt said he doesn't find any of his characters particularly challenging, but thought Fight Club and War Machine were the most fun.

Meanwhile Pitt also asked Shah Rukh Khan: "How long does it take you to rehearse for a dance sequence?"

SRK regaled with a fun story about his film Badshaah. He said it took him upto 4 days to master the song sequences.

Brad Pitt made no announcement about visiting India. There's been no airport sighting, no breathless social media outpouring, nor even the merest hint of a red carpet being rolled out by any of Mumbai's swanky five-star hotels.

And yet, he's here.

Pitt is currently promoting his Netflix film War Machine, and that is what has brought him to India as well.

War Machine, a Netflix Original film, which premieres on 26 May, is produced by Pitt, in addition to starring him as General Glen McMahon, who's trying his best to win an un-winnable war.

This wouldn't be Pitt's first visit to India.

In 2006, he was here with his then partner Angelina Jolie for the filming of The Mighty Heart. The film, about Marianne Pearl (the wife of slain journalist Daniel Pearl) also starred Irrfan Khan, and the shoot locations were set in and around the city of Pune.

Pitt and Jolie were accompanied by their children Maddox and Zahara. The Jolie-Pitts were seen hopping into autorickshaws and going around Pune while they were here in India. However, their visit ended on a somewhat unpleasant note when one of their bodyguards was involved in a scuffle with paparazzi.

Pitt later returned to India for the shoot of The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008). His scenes were filmed around Varanasi at the time.
The Charlie's Angels franchise will resume with its third installment, which is slated to release on 7 June, 2019, reports The Hollywood Reporter.

The film will be directed by Elizabeth Banks, whose last venture Pitch Perfect 2, released in 2015, raked moolah at the box-office and made folks from Sony Pictures take notice of her directorial skills. The final cast is yet to be decided.

Charlie's Angels is a high action drama where three former policewomen work for a cheerful-yet-suave intercom boss (who they fondly call Charlie), who in turn embarks his three angels to high-adrenaline driven adventure rides accompanied with oozing glam and martial arts. The franchise has enjoyed a lot of fan-following upon its release. It is no surprise that Sony plans to reboot the action drama.

The last time these angels were seen was in the year 2003, in the film Charlie's Angels Full Throttle starring Cameron Diaz, Drew Barrymore and Lucy Liu in the titular roles.

In 2015, Sony Pictures signed in Elizabeth Banks to take charge of the Charlies Angels reboot project, based on a screenplay from Evan Spiliotopoulos, reports ScreenRant.
Judi Dench, who is known for her portrayal of M in the James Bond films, will soon be visiting Mumbai to promote her upcoming film Victoria and Abdul in the latter half of 2017. In this film, she stars with Fukrey actor Ali Fazal.

A source speaking to Mid-Day said, "The cast is expected in the country for the premiere after the film's UK release on September 8. Top choreographers are being appointed to put together a traditional Rajasthani song and dance performance. The team will also get a taste of local Rajasthani cuisine."

The invitation cards for the premier have been customised and will have the same look as those seen at royal weddings. The list of invitees includes the royal families of Gujarat and Rajasthan. It has also been reported that the Victorian era sets used in the film will be recreated for the premiere in India, which will take place in Mumbai and Jaipur.

Speaking about the film and India, Judi Dench said that she hopes what comes out of Victoria and Abdul is how incredible India is and how beautiful Indians are.

Victoria and Abdul, directed by Stephen Frears, is an adaptation of Shrabani Basu's book of the same name. It also stars Eddie Izzard, Tim Pigott-Smith, Adeel Akhtar, Simon Callow and Michael Gambon. It features Dench in the role of Queen Victoria and chronicles the story of her unlikely friendship with Abdul, a young Indian clerk.

Speaking about his co-star Judi Dench to Hindustan Times, Ali Fazal said, "Judi is very keen on visiting India again. Its on her priority list. She calls India her second home. After having spent a considerable time here for the shooting of The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, she fell in love with the country. She also wants to promote our film [Victoria and Abdul] here in India."

He added that he intends to take Dench to see places in India that she would enjoy visiting and give her a taste of the culture. Previously, Fazal has been part of foreign film projects, playing a cameo in Furious 7. He is set to star in a musical film alongside Michael Jackson's daughter Paris and Richa Chadha.

Victoria and Abdul is set to release in September 2017.
KASHISH Mumbai International Queer Film Festival returns for its eighth edition in May 2017.

Voted as one of the Top five LGBT Film Festival in the world, KASHISH Mumbai International Queer Film Festival is South Asias biggest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ) film festival and the only LGBT film festival in India to be held in a mainstream theater. It is also the first Indian LGBT festival to be held with approval by the Information & Broadcasting Ministry, Government of India.

The film festival is scheduled to be held between May 24-May 28, 2017, at two iconic venues in South Mumbai  Liberty Cinema and Alliance Francaise De Bombay.

There will be a plethora of films that will be showcased in the festival. Some of the most noteworthy films to be screened are as follows:

1) Signature Move (Opening film)

Director: Jennifer Reeder

82 mins / USA / English / Narrative Feature

2) Apricot Groves

Director: Pouria Heidary Oureh

80 mins / Armenia / Armenian with English subtitles / Narrative Feature

3) White Nights (Velutha Rathrikal)

Director: Razi Muhammed

130 mins / India / Malayalam with English subtitles / Narrative Feature

4) Transitioning: Transgender Children

Directors: Roser Oliver, Lluis Montserrat

52 mins / Spain / Spanish with English subtitles / Documentary Feature

5) The Victim

Director: Basil Dearden

101 mins / UK / English / Narrative Feature

6) Chronicles of Hari (Harikatha Prasangal)

Director: Ananya Kasaravalli

105 mins / India / Kannada with English subtitles / Narrative Feature

7) Only Men Go To The Grave

Director: Abdulla Al Kaabi

80mins / UAE / Arabic / Narrative Feature

8) Play The Devil

Director: Maria Govan

89 mins / Trinidad & Tobago / English / Narrative Feature

9) Jonathan

Director: Piotr J. Lewandowski

99 mins / Germany / German with English subtitles / Narrative Feature

10) Loev (closing film)

Director: Sudhanshu Saria

92 mins / India / English / Narrative Feature

In the 8th edition of the festival, 147 films from 45 countries will be screened over five days. Of these 51 films will compete in the eight competition categories for top awards that carry total cash awards of Rs 2.25 lakhs.

The jury panel for KASHISH Mumbai International Queer Film Festival includes the likes of screenwriter Anjum Rajabali, actor Lubna Salim, TV Producer and writer Vinta Nanda, editor Jabeen Merchant and writer Aseem Chhabra. Roy Wadia will be present as additional jury member.

The Country in Focus this year at the 8th KASHISH Mumbai International Queer Film Festival is the United Kingdom. KASHISH is collaborating with British Film Institute (BFI) to commemorate LGBT50  that marks the 50 years of decriminalization of homosexuality.

The schedule and other details of the film festival can be found in their website.
Roger Moore, best remembered for his portrayal of James Bond through the years 1973 and 1985, passed away on 23 May 2017 after a battle with cancer. The knighted actor and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador acted in the most number of films in the Bond franchise, and was also the oldest actor to essay the role. His treatment of the character has earned him the reputation of being the best Bond in the eyes of several fans.

Apart from his suave appearance and fancy gadgets, what set Moore's Bond apart were the dialogues written for him, which were pun-ny and sarcastic in equal measure. Here are some of the best dialogues from the James Bond films he starred in.

Live and Let Die

Moore's maiden film in the franchise sees him on a mission to stop Harlem drug baron Mr Big scheme involving heroine. His romantic interest in the film is Rosie Carver, a CIA double agent.

Rosie: There's a snake!

Bond: Oh yes, you must never go in there without a mongoose.

The Man with the Golden Gun

In The Man with the Golden Gun, Moore's bond must take away the Solex Agitator, a device that can harness the power of the sun, from antagonist Francisco Scaramanga. Lazar is the Portuguese goldsmith who produces bullets for Scaramanga, while Beirut belly dancer Saida is the quintessential Bond girl.

Lazar: Mr Bond, bullets do not kill. It is the finger that pulls the trigger.

Bond: Exactly. I am now aiming precisely at your groin. So speak, or forever hold your piece.

Bond: Did you see who shot Fairbanks?

Saida: No, I was in his arms. My eyes were closed.

Bond: Well, at least he died happy!

Saida: I've lost my charm!

Bond: Not from where I'm standing.

The Spy Who Loved Me

In the tenth Bond film, the MI6 agent must stop reclusive megalomaniac Karl Stromberg from destroying the world and setting up a new civilisation under the sea.

Girl: But James, I need you!

Bond: So does England!

Bond: Which bullet has my name on it? The first or the last?

Agent XXX: I have never failed on a mission, Commander. Any mission.

Bond: In that case, Major, one of use is bound to end up gravely disappointed, because neither have I.

Moonraker

In the eleventh Bond film, the MI6 agent must investigate the theft of a space shuttle. He eventually saves the day by preventing the annihilation of humankind by those who wish to replace it with a master race.

Dr Goodhead: Come on, Mr Bond. A seventy year old can take 3 G's.

Bond: Well, the trouble is, there's never a seventy year old around when you need one.

Moneypenny: James! You look as if you've just fallen off a mountain!

Bond: Well, it's funny you should say that...

For Your Eyes Only

This was the fifth film Roger Moore starred in. Moore's Bond was on a mission to locate a missile command system in this film, where Lynn-Holly Johnson plays Bibi Dahl, an ice-skating prodigy.

Bond: Don't grow up any more.

Bibi: Why?

Bond: The opposite sex would never survive it!

In another famous scene, Bond notices an umbrella that can sting when wet, and the first remark he makes is, "Stinging in the rain," much to Q's annoyance.

Octopussy

Roger Moore's sixth movie in the franchise Octopussy explores Bond's mission to stop the theft of jewels from the Soviet government, but he soon uncovers a larger plan to force disarmament in Europe. His mission brings him to India, and more specifically Udaipur.

Vijay: I hear the Island is exclusively for women, no men allowed.

Bond: Sexual discrimination, I will definitely have to pay it a visit.

Kamal Khan: Bond has escaped!

Octopussy: How careless of you. Oh, by the way Kamal, I would like you to meet my new house guest.

Bond: An old friend of the family, you might say.

Kamal Khan: You have a nasty habit of surviving.

Bond: Oh, you know what they say about the fittest..

A View To A Kill

In A View to a Kill, Roger Moore's bond saves Chicago's Silicon Valley from being destroyed by Max Zorin. It is later revealed in the film that Zorin is the result of Nazi medical experimentation during World War II.

Bond: Well, my dear, I take it you spend quite a lot of time in the saddle.

Jenny Flex: Yes, I love an early morning ride.

Bond: Well, I'm an early riser myself.
Sridevi's upcoming film Mom has been a talk-of-the-town ever since the film teaser was launched. It is her first Hindi film after the 2012 super hit English Vinglish, which won rave reviews both for the story and the performances.

Boney Kapoor, Sridevi's husband and producer of Mom, has gone all out to ensure the film hits all the right notes. Kapoor, known for his opulent mega-budget films, has amped up the budget of Mom, potentially making it Sridevi's most expensive film in recent times.

Deccan Chronicle quotes a source, saying, "Originally, Mom was planned as a raw, real, and gritty drama of a mothers retaliation to her daughters rape. But as the shooting progressed, Boney decided to pull all stops to give the film a look of optimum gloss. Parts of the film were shot in Georgia, even though the script demanded no such destination shooting.

As reported by DNA, the film also faced trouble for featuring two Pakistani artistes, Sajal Ali and Adnan Siddiqui, who essay the roles of Sridevi's daughter and husband in Mom, given Pakistani artistes were banned from working in Indian films from September last year after the Uri attacks.

Speaking to DNA, the director of the film, Ravi Udyawar, says, "For the remaining portions, we had to recreate Delhi in Bangkok." On being asked whether this impromptu international schedule made the film's budget to shoot up, Udyawar responded, "Obviously it did. The entire crew travels along."

Udyawar further added that the film was almost complete when the Uri attacks happened last year. Mom also stars Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Akshaye Khanna in crucial roles and have delivered fabulous performances. The film is slated to release on 7 July 2017.
Veteran actor Chalapathi Rao was hit by a tsunami of criticism from all quarters for his sexist remarks on women in the last couple of days. With the entire Telugu film industry condemning him unanimously, the actor was left with no other choice but apologise.

The incident occurred on Sunday evening, when the cast and crew of Naga Chaitanya, Rakul Preet starrer Rarandoi Veduka Choodham were at the pre-release event of the film in Hyderabad. Chalapathi Rao, who has been acting in Telugu films since mid 60s, was one of the guests at the event. Taking a cue from one of the dialogues from the film - 'Adavallu Manasanthiki Hanikaram' (Women are injurious to mental peace) - when an anchor asked Chalapathi Rao his take on it, he remarked, I dont know if they are injurious to mental peace, but they are useful only in bed.

The video clip of Chalapathi Raos remarks went viral on Monday and it led several people on social media condemning him.

Moreover, Dayala Kalpana Kumari, a social worker from Saroornagar, filed a complaint with the police at Saroornagar police station in Hyderabad, where he was booked under IPC Section 509 (word, gesture or act intended to outrage the modesty of a woman) and an investigation has begun.

The controversy reached a crescendo by late Monday evening and it left the actor with no other choice but to apologise. On Tuesday morning, Chalapathi Rao took to Facebook to clarify his stance on the issue and stated that he apologises to everyone for his remarks. Ive been in this industry for nearly 50 years now and Ive always respected women. My wife passed away 40 years ago, but I didnt want to marry again and Ive been a good father to my kids. At the event, when I was asked if women are injurious to mental peace, my only objective was to defend them; however, my statement is being misconstrued by those who are always looking to read between the lines. I apologise to everyone if you were hurt by your remarks, the actor said.

While several people opined that Chalapathi Raos tone in the video statement was nowhere close to a heartfelt apology, that didnt stop the Telugu film fraternity from rebuking him for being so crass and insensitive towards women.

Talking to the media, Nagarjuna said, We should all condemn such statements. In this day and age, people have to be very careful about what they say at public forums, and what Chalapathi Rao did is simply unacceptable. Like I said, dinosaurs dont exist anymore.

Meanwhile, his son, Naga Chaitanya too took to Twitter saying, Respecting women is a way of life for me.The reactions shown on TV weren't for the statement made.Do I agree with it ?Absolutely NOT ! (sic).

Respecting women is a way of life for me.The reactions shown on TV weren't for the statement made.Do I agree with it ?Absolutely NOT !  chaitanya akkineni (@chay_akkineni) May 23, 2017

His co-star Rakul Preet too clarified her stand saying that she would have condemned the statements had she understood the meaning that Chalapathi Rao used regarding women. She went on to add that beginners like her choose to remain silent out of respect for seniors in the industry, but this occasion demanded everyone to condemn it unanimously.

Another actor Ram Pothineni too responded to the controversy saying, With all due respect, we dont expect a from you (Chalapathi Rao), but instead, we feel sorry for you for having lived for so many years without realising the true value of a woman. Our younger generation has a completely different opinion and we are proud of it. Wish you could see the bigger picture.

On Tuesday evening, Movie Artists Association (MAA) too reacted strongly to Chalapathi Raos statement and apologised to women.

Actor Naresh, General Secretary of MAA, said, Everyone should be careful about what they speak at a public forum. Chalapathi Rao has expressed his regret for having made those statements and this is also a lesson for us (MAA). Going forward, we are planning to introduce strict rules to ensure that such incidents dont occur again.
Salman Khan's next film Tubelight, which is based on the 1962 Indo-China war, has cinema enthusiasts anxiously waiting for the trailer. After director Kabir Khan confirmed 25 May as the day of the trailer release on Twitter, Firstpost got its hands on some exclusive stills from the period drama.

In the exclusive stills, Sohail Khan, playing an Indian army soldier, can be seen putting on a brave front as he battles it out with the enemy in the rocky terrains of Leh and Ladakh, along with his entourage of soldiers.

Kabir Khan, who likes to keep his locations as authentic as possible, chose Leh and Ladakh to recreate the war scenes. The high altitude and the difficult terrains were proving to be impossible to shoot in, but the Tubelight team stopped at nothing and completed their sequence successfully.

The film seems to have a number of surprise elements. For one there's Sohail Khan is playing a crucial role in the film. Second, Shah Rukh Khan is going to make a guest appearance in the film. Chinese actress Zhu Zhu will be seen opposite Salman Khan.

Since Tubelight is has the Indo-China war as its backdrop, the film is expected to be packed with some adrenaline-pumping action sequences.

Hollywood action legend, Glenn Boswell is the action director of the film. Boswell has films like Titanic, The Matrix, Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, The Hobbit series and X-Men Origins - The Wolverine to his credit, among many others.

It took the film a full three weeks to just prepare for the action-packed film, given the special equipment that had to be used for filming. Given the grand canvas of the conflict, special foreign crew was also flown down. A specialized crew was also flown down from abroad to shoot the grand conflict scenes with finesse.

The film has been given a 'U' certificate by the CBFC and the trailer will be released on 25 May.
By Marc Jones

| LONDON

LONDON A Moody's downgrade on China on Wednesday and the likelihood that Brazil and South Africa face further rating cuts in the coming months is highlighting how emerging market credit quality remains stuck in reverse.Since the start of 2014, Reuters analysis shows that the big three rating agencies - S&P Global, Moody's and Fitch - have racked up more than 150 emerging market downgrades between them.That averages out a roughly one a week and though there have been hopes that rising global growth and commodity prices will ease the pressure, that does not seem to be occurring yet. S&P has more negative outlooks -- effectively downgrade warnings -- than it does positive ones by a score of 26 to 5, its heaviest downward bias ever according to its chief sovereign analyst.After 20 EM downgrades last year, Fitch has already cut seven countries since the start of this one, including Turkey, South Africa and Saudi Arabia, and El Salvador twice. Those moves have left it 13 negative outlooks and it thinks the worst may be past. But Moody's, which delivered China's first downgrade in 30 years on Wednesday, still has around 25 to resolve."Just looking very simplistically at debt to GDP, the fact is that most countries in emerging markets have seen an increase," said Pictet portfolio manager Guido Chamorro.

"And even with some of the green shoots we have seen in EM, that trend is not expected to reverse for several years so it is not a surprise that rating agencies are still downgrading." Political machinations and below-par economic growth are also playing a role.UBS research estimates growth in the 19 biggest emerging economies is running roughly 1.6 percent above developed peers. In 2009, this premium was 7.5 percent. Over the same period, the average EM rating has fallen around one notch, S&P data shows.NEXT WAVE

There are some shafts of light in the gloom.Indonesia was raised to investment grade by S&P last week. Russia is knocking on the door again, India looks to be on the up and Moody's says it could raise Argentina's rating again before the end of the year.Fitch has lifted double the amount of EM outlooks that it has lowered since January; Colombia, Croatia, Iraq and Sri Lanka versus El Salvador and Nigeria on the downside."Negative outlooks peaked in late 2016 in EM sovereigns and are now in decline," Fitch's head of Sovereigns James McCormack said in a recent speech.

It could be a supertanker-like turn though and there are plenty of political risks still bubbling for many heavyweights.Credit default swaps (CDS), which can be used to insure against or to bet on debt problems, foresee a fresh wave of downgrades, according to an S&P Market Intelligence model called the Market Derived Signal (MDS).It has been pointing to a monster five-notch downgrade of S&P's AA China rating for over a year. Any move would certainly be smaller, but S&P flagged in January that rising economic and financial risks could prompt a cut this year or next.Having already been stripped of their investment grade stripes, South Africa and Brazil are expected to be chopped again. Mexico's MDS also points to a two notch downgrade which would leave it just above 'junk' territory."South Africa, Brazil and Turkey are all still going in the wrong direction so you can't see them getting back (to investment grade) any time soon." said Aberdeen Asset Management investment committee member and former S&P analyst, Kevin Daly."But you could argue that Russia at least has a chance." (Reporting by Marc Jones; editing by John Stonestreet)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
By Tommy Wilkes

| NEW DELHI

NEW DELHI India approved on Wednesday a long-awaited policy to boost local defence manufacturing by effectively picking industry champions that would tie up with foreign players to make submarines, fighter jets, helicopters and armoured vehicles.Prime Minister Narendra Modi has vowed to end India's role as the world's largest arms importer by asking foreign firms to share technology with local players and then manufacture in India - in return for a slice of the $250 billion analysts estimate New Delhi will spend on its military over the next decade.Under the "Strategic Partnership" model, the government will shortlist and then pick Indian companies to join forces with foreign firms. The winners will be guaranteed billions of dollars of orders to incentivise them to manufacture."For each platform, one private sector strategic partner will be chosen," Defence Minister Arun Jaitley told reporters after a cabinet meeting. "You don't set up a manufacturing facility if you don't have any hope of getting orders."Government and industry representatives have been haggling over the details of the model for more than a year, delaying discussions for tens of billions of dollars worth of deals.Indian defence manufacturing is small and dominated by state-run outfits, many of which have been criticised for poor performance. Private firms such as Larsen & Toubro, Mahindra Group, Tata Group and recent entrants Reliance Group and Adani Group are desperate to muscle in on their business. Foreign manufacturers such as Lockheed Martin, Boeing, BAE Systems, Airbus and Saab also see India as one of the biggest sources of future growth. Modi was keen to get the project approved before he travels next Monday to Germany, France, Spain and Russia, where buying weapons will be high on the agenda.

Among the long-awaited orders that executives hope the new policy could kick-start are a multi-billion-dollar submarine tender and another for a large number of single-engine fighter jets the Indian Air Force says it needs. Lockheed Martin and Saab are in the race for the fighter jets, while companies in Germany, Spain, Russia and France are likely to be interested in the submarine tender. Actual orders could still be years away, as India's procurement process often moves slowly and specific details of how the policy will work have yet to be released. In June, Modi is also expected to visit the United States, which has emerged as one of the top arms suppliers to India in recent years. FINAL DETAILS

India wants to replicate other countries that have used state policy to build leading defence firms.

Some executives and analysts have said the new policy could undermine competition and hand winning Indian firms a virtual monopoly, but the government decided it has reached enough of a consensus to push the policy through."We see the policy as doing something good for indigenisation," Jayant Patil, Head of Defence and Aerospace at & Toubro, India's largest private sector engineering firm, told Reuters. Patil said that industry representatives had raised concerns in recent meetings about how the policy would be structured, specifically on the financial and technical criteria used for selecting partners. "The final details are still awaited. We discussed some roadblocks but we hope they will be addressed," he said.

Larsen's "unmatched competency" lay in submarines, Patil said, suggesting it would focus on winning that strategic partnership. Some Indian companies are unhappy with a rule restricting them to becoming a strategic partner in just one of four sectors that will be the first covered by the policy - submarines, fighter jets, helicopters and armoured vehicles.Companies such as Reliance, a newcomer to defence, had laid out ambitious plans to build anything from submarines to helicopters and missiles, but the strategic partnership model will likely force it to narrow its focus.Tata, Mahindra and Reliance have all invested money in building helicopters.According to draft guidelines of the model seen by Reuters, the government will use a range of technical and financial criteria to shortlist six Indian companies and several foreign players. The two groups of companies will then begin talks to pitch jointly to the government, with New Delhi choosing the winning team, based in part on how much technology the foreign companies are prepared to transfer to their Indian partners."With all the effort that has gone into finalising the policy, it can potentially be a turning point in India's endeavour to have a robust homegrown private defence industrial base," said Pierre de Bausset, President of Airbus in India. "We will assess the policy fine print when it is released." (Reporting by Tommy Wilkes; Additional reporting by Sanjeev Miglani, Douglas Busvine and Nigam Prusty; Editing by Gareth Jones and Alex Richardson)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
Chandigarh: An Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) delegation which met Director General of Police (DGP), Punjab in Chandigarh on Tuesday demanded setting up of a Special Task Force to look into cases of alleged atrocities against Dalits in the state.

The delegation led by leader of opposition in Punjab Vidhan Sabha HS Phoolka said there has been numerous instances of atrocities against Dalits in the state during the last decade.

According to to data available with the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC), the complaints against Dalit atrocities increased from 651 in 2007 to a staggering 12,834 during the previous Akali regime.

"The major cause of these atrocities is that the rich and mighty backed by political leaders want to deprive dalits of their rights," he alleged.

Phoolka said earlier the "goonda" elements in the villages allegedly backed by Aklais used to commit these atrocities on dalits and "now the Congress workers have started doing the same".

Stating that it is a matter of ensuring constitutional rights of Dalits in the state, Phoolka, a Supreme Court lawyer, said, "There is a need to constitute a Special Task Force to handle cases of atrocities against the Dalit community as the police remains under the influence of local political leadership which is primarily responsible for such atrocities."

The AAP delegation also met the Director, Rural Development and Panchayats with regard to alleged irregularities in distribution of village common land.

They said disputes in the past have arisen because of defected system of auctions and allotment of 'Shamlat deh' land in villages.

"It has also been noticed that the political leadership want their cronies to grab the best land and give barren lands to Dalits. There are even incidents of violence against Dalits when people of the SC community confront general category by asserting their right on common land allocation," Phoolka alleged.

He said the rules required the auction of Shamlat deh land to be held in the presence of BDOs, BDPOs or DDPOs according to the size of holding.

"But it is seen at most places that the exercise took place only in the presence of local panchayat secretaries in an arbitrary manner. This kind of inequity in allocation of land occurs with the connivance of local authority and political leadership," he alleged.
Ahmedabad: The city crime branch sleuths have arrested an accused, wanted for nine years in connection with the 2008 Ahmedabad serial bomb blasts case, from Kozhikode in Kerala, a senior official said on Wednesday.

The accused, Shoaib Pottanikal, was arrested by a team of Ahmedabad crime branch sleuths, Kerala police and intelligence officials from Kozhikode soon after he landed at the airport there on Tuesday, Joint Commissioner of Police J K Bhatt told reporters.

"Shoaib, one of the 18 absconding accused in the 2008 Ahmedabad serial bomb blasts case, was arrested from Kozhikode airport after he landed there from abroad. He had escaped overseas after the blasts, following which a Red Corner notice was also issued against him," Bhatt said.

He said Shoaib knew Sainuddin and Sarfuddin, the two persons arrested for allegedly providing electronic chips used in making bombs for the 2008 blasts, and helped the operatives of Indian Mujahideen and banned outfit SIMI get in touch with them with an intention to make bombs.

Yasin Bhatkal, one of the main accused in the case, had also told the crime branch sleuths about Shoaib's role after he was brought here on a transfer warrant from Tihar jail on 31 March, 2017, Bhatt said.

Shoaib (49) hails from Malappuram in Kerala where his father has a rice mill. He comes from a well-to-do family, the JCP said.

However, the police official did not disclose where Shoaib had escaped and from where he was coming to India when he was arrested, saying it could not be revealed due to the ongoing investigation.

"Since last six to eight months we had stepped up the lookout for the absconding accused, including Shoaib. The local police and intelligence officials were also keeping a tab on Shoaib's close friends and relatives.

"Upon learning that he was expected to come to his hometown and land at Kozhikode airport, a team of crime branch officials went there and with the help of local police, we arrested him," Bhatt said.

He will be produced before a court in Ahmedabad on Wednesday for remand.

So far, 79 accused have been arrested in the case and a chargesheet has been filed against them.

With Shoaib's arrest, the number of people being held has gone up to 80.

The city crime branch had recently brought here Yasin Bhatkal, one of the main operatives of Indian Mujahideen, for questioning in connection with the 2008 city serial blasts case.

Bhatkal is presently in the custody of the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

Eighteen blasts had rocked the city on 26 July, 2008 in which 56 people were killed and over 150 injured.
Uttarkashi: At least 21 pilgrims from Madhya Pradesh were killed when their bus fell into Bhagirathi river near Nalupani on Tuesday evening while returning from Gangotri shrine in the Himalayas.

The mishap occurred at around 6 pm as the bus fell 300 metres down the road into the river, Uttarkashi District Magistrate Ashish Shrivastava said.

Twenty bodies have so far been recovered from the spot and one of the seven injured died at the hospital, he said.

Rescue efforts by the SDRF, the ITBP and police personnel under the supervision of senior officials are continuing in darkness.

There were around 29 pilgrims, mostly from Indore, in the bus at the time of the accident, he said.

On Chardham yatra since 12 May, these pilgrims had already visited Yamunotri and Gangotri and were on way to Haridwar from where they had to go to Kedarnath, he said.

Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each to the next of kin of the deceased.

Meanwhile, Lok Sabha speaker Sumitra Mahajan experssed grief over the tragedy and issued instructions for immediate aid to the victims.
Lucknow: A special CBI court hearing the 1992 Babri Masjid demolition cases is likely to frame additional charges on Thursday against BJP leader LK Advani and other accused after the Supreme Court ordered restoring of the serious criminal conspiracy offence against them.

The court on Thursday granted bail to former Shiv Sena MP Satish Pradhan after he surrendered here in another Babri Masjid demolition case. Special CBI court judge SK Yadav granted him bail on two sureties of Rs 20,000 each and a personal bond of the same amount.

Pradhan appeared in the court and moved a surrender application, which was allowed and he was sent to judicial custody, special public prosecutor CBI Lalit Kumar Singh, adding he later moved a bail plea.

The special court, which began day-to-day hearing in the politically sensitive case on 20 May after a Supreme Court direction, had earlier granted bail to five VHP leaders in this case. Besides Ram Vilas Vedanti (59), those who were granted relief by the CBI court on Saturday were VHP leaders Champat Rai (71), Baikunth Lal Sharma (88), Mahant Nritya Gopal Das (79) and Dharmdas Maharaj (68).

Pradhan had failed to appear on Saturday and also on Monday. The CBI court today also ordered framing of charges against the accused in light of the Supreme Court order dated 19 April, 2017. It has fixed 25 May for it, the special public prosecutor said.

The Supreme Court had on 19 April directed that Advani, Union minister Uma Bharti and BJP veteran Murli Manohar Joshi will face trial on conspiracy charges. It had transferred their case from Raebareli to Lucknow. It directed the special court to start proceedings in the

matter within a month and deliver its verdict within two years.

The apex court had dubbed the demolition of the medieval era monument as a "crime" which shook the "secular fabric of the Constitution" and allowed CBI's plea on restoration of serious offence of criminal conspiracy against the VVIP accused.

In its 40-page judgment, it had termed the Allahabad High Court's 12 February, 2001 verdict dropping conspiracy charge against Advani and others as "erroneous". The matter is likely to have political implications, particularly against 89-year-old Advani, reported to be front-runner for the post of the president. The apex court had also come down heavily on the CBI for the delay of 25 years in the trial.

It said "the accused persons have not been brought to book largely because of the conduct of the CBI in not pursuing the prosecution of the aforesaid alleged offenders in a joint trial, and because of technical defects which were easily curable, but which were not cured by the state government."

While a chargesheet in the Lucknow court was filed in October 1993, a supplementary charge sheet was filed in November 1996. A supplementary charge sheet was also filed in May 2003 in Rae Bareli court.

Issuing a slew of directions, the apex court had said the proceedings in the case against Advani and five others in the court of the special judicial magistrate at Raebareli will be transferred to the court of additional sessions judge (Ayodhya Matters) at Lucknow. It had said additional charges will be framed under Section 120-B (conspiracy) and the other provisions of the penal code mentioned in the joint charge sheet filed by the CBI against the accused.

Besides the BJP three leaders, the conspiracy charge would now be invoked against Vinay Katiar, Sadhvi Ritambara and Vishnu Hari Dalmia, who were being tried at Raebareli.

The apex court had directed the Lucknow court to take on a day-to-day basis the hearing of the case after transfer of the proceedings from Raebareli and framing of additional charges.

The trial will be taken from the stage at which they were both at Raebareli and Lucknow, it had said. There shall be no fresh trial. There shall be no transfer of the judge conducting the trial until the entire trial concludes. The case shall not be adjourned on any ground

except when the sessions court finds it impossible to carry on the trial for that particular date, it had said.
New Delhi: Liquor manufacturers from Bihar on Wednesday moved the Supreme Court seeking extension of time to dispose of their old stocks, including raw material, lying in their ware houses.

The apex court had on March 31 granted time till 31 May to these companies to dispose of the old stocks and directed them to follow the 'resolution' passed by the Bihar government with regard to disposal of stocks following imposition of prohibition in the state.

A bench of Justices L Nageswara Rao and Navin Sinha listed the matter for hearing on 29 May, after senior advocate Amit Sibal appearing for the liquor manufacturers mentioned the matter.

He said that it is not possible to dispose of the old stocks worth over Rs 200 crore in such a short period of time as due procedure is to be followed for either destroying or exporting the stocks.

Sibal said that the stock is lying in the ware houses of companies and the godowns of Bihar State Beverage Corporation (BSBCL) which needs to exported to other states or destroyed. Bihar government which has prohibited consumption, stocking and sale of liquor in the state had on 30 March, passed a resolution by which it has allowed the companies to export their old stocks to other states.

The state government had granted time to export the excisable and non excisable articles till 30 April, after which they will not be able to do so. On the plea of liquor manufacturers the apex court, however, had extended the time limit till 31 May.

On 7 October, 2016, the apex court had stayed the operation of Patna High Court judgement quashing the state's law banning sale and consumption of all types of liquor, saying liquor and fundamental rights "do not go together".

Bihar government has challenged the high court verdict of 30 September, 2016, which had quashed the notification banning consumption and sale of liquor in the state. However, after the law was set aside, the state government had come out with a new law banning sale and consumption of liquor, which was notified on the Gandhi Jayanti day on 2 October, 2016.

It had notified the Bihar Prohibition and Excise Act, 2016 to ensure that the ban on sale and consumption of alcohol including Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) as well spiced and domestic liquor, continued in the state. While assailing the September 30, 2016, high court verdict, the Bihar government urged the apex court to decide whether the State can impose absolute prohibition on distribution and consumption of liquor and whether an individual can claim the right to consume liquor as his or her fundamental right under the Constitution.

It had claimed that as a consequence of the high court order, the state government's effort to bring in complete prohibition on liquor, in performance of its constitutional obligations, has been frustrated.

The high court had on 30 September, 2016 quashed the notification banning consumption and sale of alcohol in the state, saying it was ultra vires to the Constitution.

The order was passed on a batch of petitions filed by the Liquor Trade Association and others, challenging the liquor law which had stringent penal provisions.

Soon thereafter, Bihar government brought in the new law banning liquor after including harsher provisions like arrest of all adults in a house where contraband was found.

The Grand Secular Alliance government in Bihar had first banned manufacture, trade, sale and consumption of country-made liquor since 1 April, 2016, but later imposed a blanket ban on all types of liquor, including foreign liquor, in the state.
Patna: After enforcing a total liquor ban, Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar on Wednesday said that his government would launch an intensive campaign against dowry and child marriage on Gandhi Jayanti.

"From the birth anniversary of Gandhiji on 2 October we will launch an intensive campaign against social evils like dowry and child marriage," Kumar said addressing a function on the 141th anniversary of Saint Gadge at Begusarai.

"We need to get rid of child marriage. The marriage of a girl should not take place before 18 years and that of a boy before 21 years as per the existing law. A lot of problems emanate as a result of child marriage," he said.

The chief minister said dowry was another menace gripping the society.

"Earlier, it (dowry) was prevalent among affluent sections of society, but now it has become a practice in all sections of society. This is a social evil which needs to be done away with," he said.

Earlier, he unveiled a statue of social worker Piyushendu Gupta at Viplavi library in the Matihani block of Begusarai.

Gupta is the father of noted economist Saibal Gupta, founder of Asian Development Research Institute.
Was he a saint or a sinner? A fortune teller or a fixer? A powerful spiritual leader or an insidious power-broker? A guru or a guru ghantal (dishonest/insidious/fraudster)?

The life and times of the 69-year-old Chandraswami, who died of multiple organ failure in a Delhi hospital on Tuesday, 23 May 2017, showed that the dividing line between the two was often very, very thin  and depended on the eyes of the beholder on the one hand, and law of the land on the other. His admirers hail him as an enlightened entity; his critics see him as an unapologetic and unscrupulous middleman.

Born in Rajasthan in 1948 to a money lender who shifted base to Hyderabad, the fifth of nine siblings, Nemi Chand Jain rapidly transformed into an astrologer, a mind reader, a tantric  and Jagadacharya Chandraswami. His trademark big red tilak, white silk robes, flowing beard and huge rudraksha mala helped him stride into the corridors of power, create a vast empire  which may be crumbling now but could, following his demise, become a bone of contention among his followers  and a huge following, both among the rich, powerful and mighty as well as among the good, bad and ugly, within and outside the country. Chandraswami with his associates (including Kailash Nath Aggarwal, known as Mamaji), ruled the roost as the power behind the throne.

While Chandraswamis proximity to prime ministers P V Narasimha Rao and Chandrashekhar gave him an exalted status, his extended and extensive circle included British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, the Sultan of Brunei, actress Elizabeth Taylor, Bahrains Sheikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa, Saudi arms dealer Adnan Khashoggi, Tiny Rowland, Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein, the al Fayed brothers of Harrods and underworld don Dawood Ibrahim, among others.

Since the early 1970s itself, he made it a point to establish contact with anyone of any consequence and ranging from Jayaprakash Narayan in his early days to cabinet ministers, governors, prominent personalities and lesser leaders who would come flocking to his door to seek his help in getting prime posts and assignments or getting their work done. He made no secret of his access to prime ministers Indira Gandhi or Rajiv Gandhi.

It was only a matter of time before the self-styled godman turned into controversy's favourite child; his aura of holiness laden with allegations of unholy acts that included blackmail, cheating, shady deals, violation of the Foreign Exchange Regulation Act and other criminal charges, including murder. As a result, in the 1980s and 1990s, Chandraswami and controversies were considered virtually synonymous  so much so, that for many, the term 'godmen' no longer had the stamp of holiness.

Chandraswami: The rise and fall of the 'shaman-shyster' is traced in this book on India's godmen

The most serious of these controversies was the Congress partys allegation linking Chandraswami with Rajiv Gandhis assassination in 1991. The godman was investigated for his alleged role by the Milap Chand Jain Commission when it was alleged that he had used Khashoggi and other international contacts to arrange and transfer funds to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) which was behind the assassination. In a twist of fate, Rao had  under pressure  set up the panel which came out with its report in 1998; the report had an entire volume devoted to the 'Kali worshipper'. The Enforcement Directorate also launched a probe into his alleged role as financier of the operation. He was banned from travelling abroad, but this ban was lifted in 2009.

The income tax authorities raided his ashram and found proof of payments of $11 million to Khashoggi, who was said to be the middleman along with Iranian arms dealer Manucher Ghorbanifar in the Iran Contra affair relating to the arms-for-hostage exchange, which created a huge political scandal in Reagan presidency in the US.

Chandraswami was arrested in 1996 during the Rao regime for cheating London-based businessman and pickle king Lakhubhai Pathak of $100,000. Accused of violating the Foreign Exchange Regulation Act on a number of occasions, the Supreme Court in June 2011 slapped a fine of Rs 9 crore on him.

There are a number of stories of how Chandraswami established, nurtured and used his linkages just as there are as many of political and other leaders using him to serve their ends. These include speculations that his services were solicited to involve V P Singh in the St Kitts affair.

Former diplomat and minister K Natwar Singh, in his book Walking with Lions  Tales from a Diplomatic Past, gives a graphic account of how, armed with recommendations, Chandraswami came to him in London in 1975 to seek an appointment with Thatcher. The godman gave her a talisman to wear, predicted her anointment as prime minister and earned a faithful disciple and friend for life. He had impressed her as he did his potential friends and clients  by making them write their questions on separate pieces of paper and then repeating these to them.

It is said that Chandraswami met Rao sometime in the early 1970s when he was performing a yagna in Hyderabad. It set off a close relationship that soared when the Congress leader became Indias prime minister from 1991-96. During this period, Chandraswami constructed a sprawling ashram  Vishwa Dharayatan Sansthan  in the Qutub Institutional Area in South Delhi and he and the institution became the centre of power and fortune seekers under the Rao dispensation, much like Dhirendra Brahmachari had been during the Indira Gandhi era. Indeed, it is said that Chandraswami was allotted the land during the Indira regime. There are reports that during Raos tenure, he tried to play a mediator on the Ayodhya issue and seek Bruneis help to help meet Indias financial crisis. And when the idols of Ganesha began to slurp on milk, he claimed that he had invoked the lord to do so.

Chandraswamis fortunes began to dip sharply after Raos departure from the political scene in 1996 and the series of charges and probes against him. If he figured in headlines, it was often for the wrong reasons  as for instance in 2004, when the CBI sought the Delhi High Courts permission to inquire into the death of Rajinder Jain, who was believed to be a key link to the godman in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case or in 2014 when a businessman lodged a complaint with the Delhi Police that he was robbed of his gemstones worth Rs 3 crore at Chandraswamis ashram.
Much has been written by experts on the perceived isolation of India at the recent Belt and Road conference in China. One set of strategic analysts suggest that we could have effectively voiced our concerns at the conference rather than refusing to attend. As always, multiple viewpoints are held by those who have neither the responsibility to face the repercussions of their suggestions, nor the courage to admit that they were wrong in assessing the situation.

Governments are equipped to take decisions based on historic and long-term perspectives of problems. Irrespective of how they arrive at a decision  which is more often by consensus resulting from inputs received from a wide array of competent specialists and those on the ground  they are accountable for their actions.

In the extant case, most experts tend to give China the edge on almost all actions taken by Xi Jinping. It is not often that decisions and actions taken by the Indian government are appreciated and supported.

Having been associated with maritime affairs and forging relations with littoral nations, this article attempts to discuss just one aspect of maritime-related activities and initiatives, while being fully aware that there are several others that need elaboration to substantiate my assertion.

While regular exercises with the US, Japan, France, Russia and Australia are known to us, a lesser known fact is that Singapore has had close maritime relations with India for many decades. The latest joint exercise between the two navies is currently in progress in the South China Sea.

Indian naval presence in South China Sea is a regular feature in annual deployments to the East. This is often forgotten when the occasional Chinese ship is deployed in our backyard. The presence of a Chinese submarine in our neighbourhood is projected as a military disaster by those who are unaware that submarines in peace time are often deployed in areas that become relevant during war. This is a universally accepted and practised concept, which ipso facto justifies the very induction of these stealth platforms. There are no exceptions to this rule.

The Chinese aircraft carrier programme has been in the news. That Indians have been in this business for over five decades is invariably glossed over. Why is it relevant?

Just preparing pilots for carrier operations demands intense basic training ashore under simulated conditions, followed by a crucial phase of training them to operate at sea with confidence on a moving platform. Consolidation in day operation in varying visibility and weather conditions is followed by dusk operations and night flying. Dark night operations with minimum deck lighting leads to 24/7 combat flying with appropriate payload.

Emergency drills on board to handle aircraft engine failures, crash on deck, and scores of other incidents are mandatory processes. Gaining proficiency in carrier flying thus requires time and a generation of pilots need to continuously hone their skills before they can claim full combat readiness.

The ship too needs to attain combat readiness, while flight operations of fixed and rotary wing aircraft are progressing apace. She has to train her aircraft controllers, flight deck personnel, sensors and weapons crew, engineering ,electrical and metrological departments and logistics and medical sections.

That our carrier-borne teams have performed consistently well, as reflected while operating with other advanced navies, is attributed to decades of experience hard-gained by the integrated crew.

And now the piece de resistance. China, not having had this background, realised early in their carrier induction cycle that training of aviation branch technical sailors and officers by itself was a challenge that needed resolution. In 2005, they made a request to the Indian government to provide access to a team of Chinese navy aviators lead by an admiral to visit our aviation training facilities at Kochi.

Their request was granted and a team arrived at Kochi to see class room instructions imparted to our sailors. This was followed by discussions on the training methodology. The admiral was completely and visibly impressed that our sailors were being taught in English and that they were proficient enough to handle their classroom instructions on relatively advanced and scientifically designed computer assisted courses. He found that the Russian method of imparting instructions, and indeed the subjects being taught, were in variance, since Carrier flying was a relatively new subject for the Russians who were still evolving their syllabus.

The Indian Navy had stolen a march with knowledge gained through close interaction with leading carrier operating navies, such as the Royal British Navy, the French Navy and the US Navy over five decades of combat flying.

The Chinese respect our combat skills at sea more than any other navy. Our regular presence in the disputed South China Sea is a challenge they have had to live with, in the backdrop of their rejection of the recent judgement of ICJ on Chinese claims in the South China Sea.

If China continues to challenge the rights of those who have ratified the United Nations convention of the laws of the seas of which it too is a signatory, how can it be trusted to honour the rights of those who participate in the complex concept of Belt and Road initiatives, which have the potential of violating basic rights of participating nations?

There are chinks in the Chinese armour.

The author is a former commandant, National Defence Academy (NDA), and flag officer commanding-in-chief of Southern Naval Command
Chennai: A court in Chennai on Wednesday granted bail to MDMK chief Vaiko, who had been in jail since 3 April, in a sedition case of 2009.

Police had registered a case under IPC sections 124 (sedition) and 153A (promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, place of birth, residence, language) against Vaiko for a speech he had given while releasing his book, 'Naan Kutram Sattugiren' (I am Making the Accusation), in 2009.

The charge-sheet in the case was filed in 2010. However, the trial is yet to commence.

On 3 April this year, Vaiko had appeared before Metropolitan Magistrate S Gopinathan and filed a surrender petition.

Although the magistrate had offered to release Vaiko on bail, he refused to apply for it. Vaiko was remanded in judicial custody.

Later, the MDMK leader was lodged in the Central Prison in Puzhal in Chennai.

Vaiko had moved a bail application on Tuesday. When it came up for hearing today, Additional City Civil Court Judge Purushothaman granted unconditional bail to him.
Editor's Note: Fort Kochi and Mattancherry, 10 kilometres to the west of Ernakulam, were once bustling commercial hubs till the late 20th Century. Today, the various ethnic communities that had made this place home are struggling to stay relevant, trying to keep their businesses and traditions. In this multi-part series, Firstpost looks at these communities and their place in the history of Mattancherry. This is the concluding part of the series.

Kochi was the only city in India to be controlled by three colonisers  the Portuguese, the Dutch and the British  who ruled the port city of Kerala consecutively since 1560. The descendants of the colonisers, the most important legacy of the European powers, today are struggling hard to retain their identity, culture and traditions.

The Constitution of India has crushed their separate identity by clubbing them together as Anglo-Indians. Since the time of the country's Independence, the state had descendants of all three colonisers and there was a strong demand in the Constituent Assembly for separate consideration of a community that traced their origin to the Portuguese.

This was because the Portuguese descendants, who came from inter-marriages of Portuguese men with Kerala women, had a sizable presence in Kochi. This marriage even resulted in the formation of a mixed race named Luso-Indians'. The word Luso derived from Lusitania, the former name of Portugal.

The Luso-Indians had objected to the community being named as Anglo-Indian, but Frank Anthony, member of the Constituent Assembly and other British descendants pushed for the new name, overriding the demand of the Portuguese descendants.

Charles Dias, who represented the Anglo-Indians in the Lok Sabha as a nominated member from Kerala, believes that the Luso-Indians did not get the recognition as they had sizable presence only in Kerala. The former MP, who conducted a study on the social history of Luso-Indians, said that they deserved special consideration as they had occupied a prominent role in the Kerala society.

Compared to other parts of India, Kerala had only a small number of British descendants, who were found mostly at Thangaserry area of Kollam, Charles said in his study entitled Social history of Luso-Indians in Kerala. The study said that the community had developed from mixed marriages between British officers, squaddies, tea planters and railway workers and local Kerala women in the 19th Century.

The Dutch, who came to Kochi in 1663, contributed to the strength of Luso-Indians with their men entering into wedlock with the Portuguese descendants. Though the Dutch men had connection with local Thiya women they preferred marriage with only girls of mixed blood. The progenies of the mixed marriage between Kerala women and the entire Europeans were together called Eurasians.

Fort Kochi, which is one of the earliest Portuguese settlements in India, is known as the cradle of the Eurasian culture. The area has a history of more than 500 years of European connection, which started with the arrival of Portuguese navigator Pedro Alvares Cabral in 1500. After Vasco da Gama, who arrived at Calicut in 1498, Cabral was the second Portuguese to come to Kerala.

Cabral founded the first European settlement on Indian soil at Kochi. The first Portuguese trading station was established in 1502. In 1503, the Portuguese viceroy Afonso de Albuquerque built Fort Emmanuel, the first European fort in India.

Unopposed access to Indian spices boosted Portugals economy. With increased commercial operations, Albuquerque felt the need to strengthen Portuguese presence in India, and thus encouraged marriage between Portuguese men and Indian women.

The voyage from Lisbon to Kochi was a perilous six to 10 month-long affair that most Portuguese women found daunting. Though widows of marriageable age (called orfas del rei' or orphans of the king) who lost their husbands in various wars that Portugal fought were sent to India annually, the numbers were too small to cater to the needs of the growing Portuguese male population in the country.

Native women who married Portuguese men learnt to speak Portuguese, embraced Christianity and imbibed many of the customs and traditions which were followed in the Portuguese settlements. Kochi remained a Portuguese bastion until it was conquered by the Dutch in 1663.

The Dutch, who came to Cochin at the invitation of a deposed prince of the Cochin Royal Family and the hereditary Prime Minister of Cochin, namely the Paliath Achan, with the active and open support of the local Syrian Christians, did not like the religious practices of the Portuguese. They destroyed the Portuguese churches and educational institutions.

The Dutch destroyed Fort Emmanual, and plundered and pillaged Portuguese settlements, forcing the Luso-Indians to flee further inland. The Dutch invasion not only put an end to Portuguese supremacy over the Arabian Sea, but also affected the very social, religious and cultural life of the Luso-Indians.

Donal Vivera, a Luso-Indian, said those who went to the hinterland had to struggle hard to rebuild their lives and maintain their distinct identity and culture. Donal, who is secretary of the All Kerala Anglo-Indian Association, told Firstpost that only 1 percent of the community living in Kochi and its neighbourhoods can be called wealthy.

Close to 30 percent of the Anglo-Indians in Kochi can be categorised as being middle class, while the rest work as petty traders, carpenters, masons, mechanics, blacksmiths, tailors, cobblers and fishermen, Donal said adding most of them did not have even a roof over their heads.

He said that the association was now trying to address this problem by developing housing colonies exclusively for Anglo-Indians. We have already developed one in Ernakulam with 22 houses. The association is taking the initiative to build more. We have also approached the government for support, Donal said.

This, he feels, will also help in bringing the scattered members of the community together and protect their identity and culture. While population of most of the ethnic communities in Kochi is dwindling, the Anglo-Indians have maintained their strength.

Donal said this was because of the strong belief of the community in endogamy. He said that most members of the community liked to find their partners from within the community. The association is trying to help the process by launching an exclusive marriage website for the Anglo-Indians.

A major grouse of the community pertains to reservations in education and employment. Earlier, the community enjoyed 2 percent reservation in engineering and medicine admissions under the Latin Catholic community quota. However, in 1970, the Justice Kumara Pillai Committee redefined the terms of the reservation as to Latin Catholics other than Anglo-Indians, thus excluding the community from the reservation.

Now the 1.25 lakh Anglo-Indians in the state get just one seat in engineering and half a seat in medicine that we have to share with members of the Jewish community, says Donal. He said that this has been forcing the new generation to go out in search of jobs.

What makes matters worse is that the community has no one who will take up their cause. Those nominated to the state Assembly to represent the Anglo-Indian community are political henchmen. The current incumbent John Fernandez, who was nominated by the CPM is a member of the partys district secretariat. He served earlier as DYFI district secretary, state joint secretary, treasurer and central committee member.

Their loyalty is not to community but to the party. You cant expect someone like him to toe anything other than the party line. He has not paid any heed to numerous pleas we made for the betterment of the community, Donal said.

Irrespective of several adversities, the community as a whole loves to live it up, and tends to make merry without a thought about tomorrow. Music and dance are important aspects of the Anglo-Indian way of life. Some are exceptionally good musicians.

Till a generation ago, majority of the Anglo-Indians had only the bare minimum of education, but they excelled in such areas like carpentry, boat building and mechanical engineering, and their services were used extensively by the Cochin Port Trust, which was on the cusp of exponential growth, said Kevin Rosario.

The late Leon Padua from Mulavukadu is a typical example. He was a genius when it came to industrial boilers, and rose to become senior master mechanic at the public sector fertilizer company FACT Ltd., a position equivalent to that of the chief engineer.

The Anglo-Indians of Kochi are also known for their excellent culinary skills. Dishes like pork vindaloo and fish moilee are all time favourites contributed by the Luso-Indian community to Kerala cuisine. Baking is yet another area in which they excel. Most Anglo-Indian women are experts at baking cakes. Rozarios Bakery is a well-known bake house in Kochi.

Wine making is also an area where the community has shown commendable expertise.

Portuguese language has had significant influence on Malayalam. Hundreds of words in Malayalam vocabulary can be traced to Portuguese.

Part 1: Century-old settlements fight to retain historical legacy

Part 2: Big retail, local players push entrenched Gujarati trader community towards migration

Part 3: Persecuted for centuries, Konkanis found home in a small plot of land in Kochi

Part 4: Tamils of Dhobi Khana rue at younger generation seeking white collar jobs

Part 5: Kutchi Memons, driven out of their homeland, rebuilt businesses in Kerala

Part 6: Settled in 1990s, Kashmiris of Kerala hope to return to their home state

Part 7: Once-thriving Jewish settlement now bears a deserted look
New Delhi: The mortal remains of controversial godman Chandraswami were consigned to flames at Nigambodh Ghat on Wednesday, a quiet farewell to a man who once counted the mighty and powerful as his friends.

Neeraj Shekhar, son of late prime minister Chandra Shekhar with whom Chandraswami was closely linked, attended the cremation along with his nephew and followers of the spiritual leader, who died at the age of 66 of multi-organ failure at a Delhi hospital on Tuesday.

No other prominent people were present at the cremation of the astrologer and tantrik who once included among his

friends and disciples heads of states, prime ministers and kings of several countries, prominent politicians and Hollywood celebrities.

Chandraswami was considered close to late prime minister PV Narasimha Rao and was probed for his alleged role in plotting and financing the killing of Rajiv Gandhi by the Jain Commission of Inquiry which went into the conspiracy aspects of the assassination.

Controversy's favourite child, the self-proclaimed godman in flowing silk saffron robes and sporting a tilak on his

forehead, faced a string of criminal cases, ranging from FERA violations and blackmail to cheating and shady arms deals.

He became close to Narasimha Rao who was a minister in the Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi cabinet but his fortune soared when Rao became prime minister.

Soon after, Chandraswami built an ashram, Vishwa Dharmayatan Sanathan, in Delhi's Qutub Institutional Area.

The land for the ashram was said to have been allotted by Indira Gandhi.

Chandraswami, whose real name was Nemi Chand Jain, claimed to have dispensed spiritual advice to the Sultan of Brunei, Bahrain's Sheikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa, actress Elizabeth Taylor, British premier Margaret Thatcher and arms dealer Adnan Khashoggi among other famous figures.

An income-tax raid on his ashram is reported to have uncovered original drafts of payments of millions of dollars to Khashoggi, who was allegedly implicated in the "IranContra affair" as a key middleman in the arms-for-hostages exchange along with Iranian arms dealer Manucher Ghorbanifar.

According to reports, Thatcher, who was known for her no-nonsense approach, conversed with Chandraswami in 1975 in her Commons office.

Thatcher, who later became the prime minister of Britain, was apparently so impressed with his "powers" that she agreed to his request to wear a special red dress and a battered talisman around her wrist to a second meeting.

In May 2009, the Supreme Court of India granted Chandraswami permission to travel abroad, lifting a ban on

overseas travel imposed as a result of his alleged involvement in the Gandhi assassination case.

In June 2011, Chandraswami was fined Rs 9 crore by the apex court for FERA violations.

The Jain panel had recommended further investigation into several areas, including Chandraswami's role in the Gandhi assassination, which could not be investigated fully as the panel had to wrap up its probe in 1998.
Inspector General of Police Rajnish Rai, who is currently serving with the CRPF in the North East, stirred a hornet's nest by claiming that a much-touted encounter that led to the death of two suspected members of the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (Songbijit), or NDFB(S) faction, was staged.

The 30 March encounter was extensively reported as a successful operation wherein two hardcore NDFB (Songbijit) insurgents were killed. The police had claimed that they had stumbled upon a party of insurgents in the wee hours of the day and later two of the militants were neutralised in cross-firing. The two deceased extremists had been identified as Lukash Narzary alias Langfa and David Islary were claimed to be active cadres of NDFB(S) and involved in a number of crimes, including extortion, he said.

However, Rai, in a report to the Ministry of Home Affairs, has alleged that two men were abducted from their homes and killed in cold blood under the pretext of an encounter, according to a report in The Indian Express. Rai even claimed that he had a witness to the incident who could testify that the Insas Rifle, 7.65 revolver and the Chinese grenade claimed to have found on the spot were planted on the Naxals bodies.

The newspaper report says that their attempts to reach officials, marked on the report, for a comment have been futile.

The claims made in Rai's reports are not unheard of and have been reiterated by various human rights activists in the region. However, an acting IGP's reiterating those claims adds certain degree of assertiveness to those claims. Meanwhile, this is not the first time that Rai has deferred from the administration's official stand and has flagged his concerns about what he claims to be fake encounters. The senior IPS officer has had a history of face-offs with the ruling dispensation and a particularly remarkable spat with the Gujarat government.

Rai, a 1992 batch Gujarat cadre IPS officer first made news for indicting two Gujarat top cops, PC Pandey, and OP Mathur, among others in the Sohrabuddin fake encounter case, according to a report in India Today. Rai had even levelled serious allegations against the then Gujarat home minister Amit Shah. In fact, Rai was one of the first police officers to claim that Sohrabuddin's close aide Tulsi Prajapati's death was linked to the former's encounter.

Sohrabuddin Sheikh was an alleged criminal who died while in police custody in what Rai alleged to be a fake encounter. Sohrabuddin's wife Kausar Bi also disappeared on the same day of his killing and Prajapati, a key witness in the case, was killed a year later in another police encounter.

Media reports from the time state that Rai had claimed that Pandey, in connivance with Shah, conspired to kill Prajapati, a key witness in the encounter case. Rai was the officer, charged with investigation of the Sohrabuddin encounter case, and he was the one who arrested top Gujarat police officers, and his own seniors, in the case, according to DNA.

"The fact of the matter is that Pandey and Mathur wanted to de-link the Sohrabuddin and Tulsiram Prajapati case as the gravity of the offence would have increased enormously if it could be established that the accused police officers hid the heinous crime committed by them and even eliminated a witness," DNA quotes Rai's report to the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT).

The political importance of the case can be gauged from the fact that Shah, now arguably the most powerful man in the ruling BJP, was jailed in connection with the case in 2010 and was also banned from entering Gujarat till 2012, as the Supreme Court feared he could influence a fair investigation in the case, according to a report in Scroll.

Following this, Rai managed to be on the wrong side of the administration. His annual confidential report (ACR) was downgraded by dding adverse remarks about his performance by the former director general of police Pandey, who was one of the key accused according to Rai's investigation.

Rai lodged a protest against the move, and amid a hue and cry in the media, the Gujarat government finally accepted his objections, which it had earlier rejected. A report in The Times of India states that at the time, it was largely seen as the Gujarat government's attempt to broker peace with the embittered IPS officer.

He was later removed from the Sohrabuddin case investigation case and was deputed as the Chief Vigilance Officer in Chattisgarh's far flung Jaduguda district, according to The Indian Express.

However, Rai challenged his transfer before the principal bench of CAT, claiming that his transfer was politically motivated, following which the tribunal ruled that the central government must give a central post within three months, The Indian Express report said. Subsequently, the Modi government deployed Rai in the CRPF as Inspector General, taking back its earlier order to transfer him to Jaduguda. However, Rai moved Delhi High Court, demanding police posting and the matter remains sub-judice.

Apart from transfer order issued with 'mala fide intent', Rai has also alleged victimisation accusing the government of preventing him from joining the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Udaipur as a faculty member. According to another report in The Times of India, Rai had repeatedly requested the government to relieve him but was denied the permission. Besides this, the report further states that Rai's wife, Vatsala Vasudev, an IAS officer, was also not allowed to join the United Nations Development Programme for which she was shortlisted by the Prime Minister's Office in 2010.

Rai had placed these facts in his complaint to the CAT and the facts were so stark that even the tribunal was forced to make the observation that "was not relieved despite his repeated requests."

"The CAT also considered Rai's case different from other officers because when he offered to go on central deputation, his name was withdrawn by the state government on the ground of shortage of police officers in Gujarat. Yet, later he was denied permission to join IIM, Udaipur and shifted out of Gujarat in 2014," The Times of India report states.
Islamabad: A court in Islamabad on Wednesday ordered the release of 350 Indian fishermen, who were jailed for illegal fishing, IANS said.

According to the news agency, Judicial Magistrate Malir Salman Amjid Siddiqui in his order told the Interior Ministry to release the fishermen at the earliest.

The judge in his order said the eight months spent in a Pakistani jail by the fishermen has been considered their punishment.

The fishermen from both the countries routinely find themselves arrested for illegal fishing as there is no clear boundary between India and Pakistan in the Arabian sea.

The decision has come as a surprise especially since fishermen from both countries often have to face the brunt of animosity between the neighbouring countries.

India-Pakistan relations have hit a rather tumultuous road after militants led a series of co-ordinated attacks inside Indian borders, and with the Indian Army taking a retaliatory stand with cross-border strikes.

The latest thorn between the two neighbouring countries has been the death sentence awarded to former Indian naval soldier Kulbhushan Jadhav by a Pakistani military court. While Pakistan claimed that it arrested Jadhav while operating inside Pakistan, India has maintained the Jadhav was kidnapped and brought inside Pakistan.

India recently moved the International Court of Justice against the death sentence and managed to convince the world court to tell Pakistan to put on hold Jadhav's execution until the matter is being discussed at the court.

With inputs from IANS
Major Nitin Leetul Gogoi may have won commendation and support from many of his fellow countrymen, but in Kashmir, people across the ideological divide, including the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), are outraged after the Indian Army felicitated the major despite a court of inquiry report yet to be tabled. The army major is being investigated for strapping a Kashmiri youth to the front bumper of a military jeep on 9 April, the day bypolls were held in Srinagar parliamentary constituency.

PDP general secretary Nizamudin Bhat said honoring the major was "improper" and "not a right decision", and said the state government would investigate the incident properly. "PDP's stand is that such incidents are bad for public perception and should be probed. If he (Gogoi) has been rewarded for this bravado, I don't feel this is proper," Bhat told reporters in Srinagar.

After the uproar over the army's decision, Kashmir police chief Munir Ahmad Khan said a FIR against Gogoi was not being withdrawn, despite the army conferring him with a "commendation card".

"The investigation in this regard will carry on, as the FIR against the army major has not been quashed," Khan said, after being asked whether police would continue the investigation though the major was conferred with a commendation card by army chief Bipin Rawat.

Following the chief minister's intervention, the FIR against the major was lodged for strapping shawl-weaver Farooq Ahmad Dar to the military jeep. Dar, 27, a resident of Chill-Brass in Budgam district, had voted under serial number 612 on the electoral list amid widespread violence that left nine people killed.

On Tuesday, Dar said justice has been "murdered and cruelty promoted". "I voted and defied the boycott call given by separatists. This is what they gave me in return. I will never vote again. It was my last mistake," he said.

According to Dar, he and his cousin had left home to attend the funeral procession of one of his relatives in Gaumpora village, a few kilometers away. When the duo reached Utilgam, a village near Gaumpora, the army stopped them and tied him to the front bumper of the jeep. The jeep then moved into nearly a dozen villages, with Dar apparently serving as a human shield against stone-throwing crowds.

But Gogoi, who spoke to a select group of reporters from TV news channels, said on Tuesday that he saved many lives with his idea. "I did this only to save local people. Had I fired, there would have been more than 12 casualties. With this idea, I saved many peoples' lives," Gogoi told reporters at Beerwah Camp in Budgam district.

Hurriyat chairman Syed Ali Geelani also said the decision of honoring the major is extremely "distressing and shameful". "Honoring such an officer clearly vindicates our claim that this is a state-sponsored policy, and if not stopped, it will prove detrimental to human lives. We are looking towards the International Court of Justice to intervene, like it did in the Kulbhushan Jadhav case," Geelani said.

"It's ridiculous to award the officer for the insensitive human shield incident. The authorities' version is not acceptable, and it was actually a severe act against humanity. His intentions were not sincere, and he just tried to harass people in the area; it was a deliberate attempt to drag people to polling booths," Geelani added.

Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) chairman Muhammad Yasin Malik termed the army officer's commendation as an "act of naked fascism", but said he was not surprised. "This is why we find the Indian Army, security forces and the police are killing Kashmiris with impunity, maiming and blinding people shamelessly, and oppressing humans openly," Malik said.

He added, "Much before this commemoration, the politicians adhering to the mindset of fascism have termed this act as 'self-defence', and said that 'everything is fair in love and war', which speaks volumes about their fascist mindset."

Shabir Ahmad Shah, another separatist leader said the world should take serious note of the matter, since it is tantamount to rubbing salt in Kashmiris' wounds. "Using a human shield is in clear violation of the Geneva Convention and UN Charter. India should be made accountable for the war crimes it has been committing in Kashmir, while a probe should be instituted against the army officer," he said.

Even senior Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar, who was attending a conference in Srinagar, said rewarding an army official who used a civilian as human shield with a certificate was not right. "I think rewarding the army major with a certificate at this time is not appropriate, as it will increase tension in Kashmir," Aiyar said.

Moderate Hurriyat chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq said the decision shows the Indian government and its institutions that operate in Kashmir have "internalised the occupational mindset toward the people of Kashmir". Mirwaiz said, "Such Fascist mindsets are increasingly on display in India, especially in dealing with the people of Kashmir and minorities in the name of nationalism. And the jingoistic Indian media is fanning its flames."

National Conference, the principal opposition party in the state, asked what moral right will mainstream parties have to seek votes when an army major can tie a voter to his jeep and be rewarded for it. NC spokesperson Juniad Azim Matto said Gogoi being honored is "a slap across the face of the mainstream in Kashmir". "Feel ashamed, disgusted and hopelessness. What a travesty," he said.

The army's decision to award to Gogoi gives the "impression that it condones human rights abuses", Amnesty International India said. "Rewarding an officer who is under investigation for a human rights violation suggests the army seems to be willing to not just overlook, but actually valourise an act of cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment, amounting to torture," said Aakar Patel, executive director at Amnesty International India.
Srinagar: Farooq Ahmed Dar has a question. Is dragging a person for kilometres on end an act of bravery, he asks.

The poser came after the embroidery artisan heard that an army Major, on whose direction he was tied to a jeep as a "human shield" against stone pelters in Kashmir, had been awarded a commendation certificate.

Dar said he was yet to be called by the police or the Army  which has instituted a court of inquiry into the incident of 9 April  for his side of the story.

"It is a complete eyewash," he said about the inquiry. "They were never serious. I am a small person and why should anyone care," Dar said.

Dar was picked up by the Major after he had gone to vote in the Srinagar Parliamentary constituency election, defying calls from militant groups to boycott the bypoll.

He was on his way back after casting his vote when he came across Major Leetul Gogoi, who is said to have tied him to the jeeps bonnet as a shield against the stone pelters who had allegedly surrounded a group of armed personnel.

A video of Dar tied to the bonnet of the jeep went viral, triggering a public outcry. Some former general also said the move went against the "ethos" of the Indian Army.

The outrage prompted the Army to institute a probe into the incident.

The Jammu and Kashmir police also registered a case.

"It has been over a month since then and I am yet to hear from the local police. Even my statement has not been registered," Dar told PTI from his home in Chill in Budgam district.

The newly appointed Inspector General of Police (Kashmir range), Munir Khan, had said earlier in Sopore that the police would carry out an investigation into the matter and that the FIR had not been quashed, as many feared.

An FIR means the beginning of an investigation. So once an FIR is lodged, the investigation begins. Whatever comes out in the investigation is a separate matter, but the investigation will take place and it will be seen what is right and what is wrong, Khan said while replying to questions about the probe in the matter.

The incident came up again when Major Gogoi was honoured on Monday with the Army Chiefs commendation card for his sustained efforts in counter-insurgency operations.

"I wonder whether tying a person to a jeep are his efforts in counter-insurgency operations," Dar said, regretting having stepped out of his home to vote.

"I voted and was apparently penalised for this," he said.

His life, he said, had changed after this incident.

"People keep looking at me," the 27-year-old man who earns his living by embroidering shawls said.

He said he had received a call after 13 April when the police registered a case.

"I was told that my statement had to be recorded but that has not happened so far. Even if the Army is conducting its own inquiry, my statement is needed for I am the victim," he said.

Dar believed the state and central governments were trying "bury the truth" in the files.

The state police, which came into action after the video went viral on social networking sites, registered a case of abduction with an intent to cause grievous hurt, wrongful confinement and criminal intimidation.

"Information was received by the Beerwah Police station through reliable sources on April 9, 2017, that on the polling day of Parliament elections a news item was being telecast that a person identified as Farooq Ahmed Dar had been illegally confined by army personnel," the FIR said.

It said he had been tied with a rope to an army vehicle at Ghondipora and turned into a human shield.

"On this information, the case has been registered and investigation taken up," the FIR filed in Urdu said.
Twenty-six-year-old Farooq Ahmad Dar, the Kashmiri man who was tied to the bonnet of an Indian Army jeep and paraded through the streets of Srinagar  during the Srinagar parliamentary seat byelection on 9 April  has described the award conferred on Major Leetul Gogoi recently as illegal.

Major Gogoi, who had strapped Dar to his jeep, was feted with the COAS 'commendation card' for his sustained efforts in counter-insurgency operations on Monday.

Dar has now approached the State Human Rights Commission (SHRC), to seek an explanation as to why the army awarded Major Gogoi, while the inquiry into the incident was still underway. He also sought action against three TV news channels  India Today, Times Now and Republic TV  demanding that they restrain from referring to him as a stone-pelter.

As per the complaints filed before the Commission, Dar has sought action on two counts, one against the army and the other against the three news channels. The complaints have been filed through the chairman of International Forum For Justice and Human Rights, Mohammad Ahsan Untoo.

As per the complaints, copies of which were retrieved by Firstpost, it has been noted that Major Gogoi, who is in charge of the 53 Rashtriya Rifles, had used Dar as a human shield while dealing with a law and order situation. This action, as per the complaint, is in violation of local as well as international laws.

"The complainant has learnt through the medium of local and national newspapers that Major Gogoi has been awarded for the said act, which is not only illegal but against the settled principles of international humanitarian law," noted the complaint.

The complaint also referred to an earlier police report furnished in the case before the Commission, in which eye-witnesses had been cited as part of the preliminary inquiry. The report revealed that Dar was lifted by the army and was tied to the bonnet of the vehicle. Later, he was also kept under "wrongful confinement."

As per the complaint, the police has disclosed that the investigation into the case is underway and that "correspondence has been made with the army with respect to the same."

Untoo said Major Gogois argument, that he tied Dar to the vehicle to save "innocent lives", doesnt hold ground as on the day of the incident eight people were killed and 346 others, including 132 government personnel, were injured.

"The area from where the civilian was tied to the bonnet of the army vehicle had not witnessed any stone-pelting," Untoo said.

Dar had said that he was not part of any stone-pelting mob and that he had gone to attend a mourning for one his relatives in the area. "This is grossly inhumane... to turn me into a stone-pelter. I am still under trauma and now the entire case is being turned against me, whereas I am the victim," he said.

In the complaint, Dar further asked that the since the investigation into the "gruesome act" was still underway, why was it necessary for the army to award Major Gogoi, who had resorted to the illegal act.

In another complaint filed before the Commission, Dar noted that it has not been proven anywhere that he had indulged in stone-pelting on the day of the incident.

Human Shield Complaint by Firstpost on Scribd

"That the complainant wants to bring to the notice of this Commission an important fact... that nowhere has it been found that Farooq Ahmad Dar was either participating in any protest or was indulging in stone pelting," read the complaint.

"In all the (news) debates, while defending the action of the army officer, they (TV channels) have been referring to the victim as a stone-pelter. I have already undergone trauma due to the acts of the army officer and the media houses are aggravating my agony, that too without any evidence," the complaint further read.

Noting that since the Commission had taken cognizance of the complaint, and the investigation in the case was underway, Dar said that a restraint order should be passed against the said media houses, for referring to him as stone pelter.

"The police is saying that the investigation is still going on. What kind of investigation is it, when no action has been taken against the army personnel. None has been arrested," Untoo said.
New Delhi: The government on Wednesday announced a service to digitise the process of attestation of documents for those going abroad, so that they are spared the trouble of visiting government offices for the purpose.

'e-Sanad'  an initiative of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), in association with two other ministries  will initially be hosting school leaving certificates with the help of Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). In subsequent phases, the portal will also host documents from central universities.

'Parinaam Manjusha', the CBSE repository of documents like mark-sheets and migrations certificates, has been integrated with e-Sanad for this purpose.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said she collaborated with the ministries of Human Resource Development (HRD) and Electronics and Information Technology to execute the task, which was close to her heart.

"Every individual who goes abroad needs to get tens of certificates attested. There was such corruption that if anyone in Bengaluru wanted to get his documents attested in Delhi to go abroad, there would be touts to do this for him for money," Swaraj told media.

Even increasing the number of centres where one could get his certificates attested was not enough, Swaraj said. She added that she wanted a solution under which no one was physically required to go to the office and carry papers.

HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar lauded the endeavour, saying he too had been a victim of red-tapism. Minister of Electronics and Information Technology Ravi Shankar Prasad hailed the move as a step towards making India digital.

Regarding formalities for passport, Swaraj said there were rules which were "impractical, obsolete, unnecessary and anachronistic". She said the number for passport applications had increased by 30 per cent since the simplification of process.

CBSE Chairman R.K. Chaturvedi said individuals seeking certificates through e-Sanad for 2016 would be able to access them free of cost. To get older certificates, one would have to pay Rs 100.

He said e-Sanad would be a helpful even for employers, who would be able to verify the potential employees' documents through it.
Beijing: China on Wednesday warned India not to disturb peace in the border area while searching for its missing Sukhoi-30 fighter jet that disappeared along the India-China border a day ago.

Beijing also said it had no information about the fighter jet.

"As for the situation you mentioned, I have no relevant information to offer at the moment," foreign ministry spokesperson Lu Kang said, to a question on the missing Indian jet and if China would come forward to help in the search.

"First of all, on the eastern section of the China-India border, our position is consistent and clear. We have been following the situation in South Tibet very closely. We hope India can stick to arrangements between two sides and avoid disturbing peace and stability in border areas," he said.

An Indian Air Force (IAF) Sukhoi-30 fighter jet with two pilots on board went missing from near the India-China border in Assam on Tuesday morning.

A search has been launched to trace the aircraft and pilots.

The Sukhoi took off from the IAF Tezpur air base, located only about 172 kilometres from India-China border in Arunachal Pradesh, on a routine training mission.
New Delhi: Facing flak from the opposition over vacancies in the National Commission for Minorities (NCM), the Centre has appointed five members to the panel. The NCM, which has the responsibility of protecting interests of the minority communities, was left with no member in March in 2017.

All its seven members, appointed by previous Congress-led UPA-II government, had retired between 9 September, 2015 and 9 March, 2017.

According to sources in the Union minority affairs ministry, social activist from Uttar Pradesh Gayarul Hasan will be the chairperson of the commission.

Activist and BJP leader from Kerala George Kurian, former Maharashtra minister Sulekha Kumbhare, Jain representative from Gujarat Sunil Singhi and Vada Dasturji Khurshed, chief priest of Udvada Athornan Anjuman, are the other members of the panel.

The process to appoint two more members of the panel, which is expected to be functional in a day or two, "is on", the sources added.

This is for the first time that a Jain member will be part of the panel after the community was notified as 'minority' in January 2014.

"So far the tradition was that the Commission had a retired judge or bureaucrat as its chairperson or member.

"It is perhaps for the first time that all the members are social activists who know the ground realities," the sources said.

When asked, Minister of State for Minority Affairs (Independent Charge) Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi confirmed the development.

"These are very capable people. We hope they will do justice to the issues relating to minorities," Naqvi added.

The alleged delay in filling the vacancies in the commission was raised by the opposition to attack the government during the last Parliament session.

The NCM was set up under the National Commission for Minorities Act, 1992 to look into complaints from members of five religious communities -- Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists and Zoroastrians (Parsis).

The panel has seven members, including its chairperson and vice-chairperson.

Besides NCM, 15 states, including Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Maharashtra and Assam, which are home to sizeable minority populace, have set up commissions at their respective levels.

Aggrieved persons belonging to these communities may approach the state minorities commissions concerned for redressal of their grievances or send their representations to the NCM after exhausting all avenues of remedies available.

The functions of the state commissions, inter-alia, are to safeguard and protect the interests of minorities provided in the Constitution and laws enacted by Parliament and state legislatures.
Srinagar: Opposition National Conference's women wing on Wednesday protested against the PDP-led government in Srinagar for allegedly pursuing "anti-Kashmir" and "anti-youth" policies.

They were demanding initiation of dialogue and an end to "state terrorism", use of pellet guns and mass arrests across the Valley.

The women activists, who were led by NC provincial president and MLA Shameema Firdous, took out a protest rally from the party headquarters Nawai Subah complex, but were stopped by the police at Polo Ground before reaching Civil Secretariat.

Addressing the rally at TRC chowk, Firdous said, "This government has proved anti-Kashmiri and anti-public. It has waged a war against the public in general and the youth in particular."

Alleging "failure" of the state government, she said it has "broken all previous records of atrocities". "Pellets, bullets and teargas shells are being showered inside schools and colleges. Brute force is being used against students in clear violation of democratic values and freedom of expression," the MLA said.

"An Army officer is awarded for tying a youth to a military jeep as a human shield," she said, referring to Major Leetul Gogoi who was honoured with the Army Chief's Commendation Card.

Saying that "no such example is witnessed in the past", Fidous alleged that there is no impact on the PDP government as it is only interested in "saving its chair."

Apparently referring to the shifting of Dukhtaran-e-Millat chief Asiya Indrabi and her assistant to a jail in Jammu under PSA, the NC leader said, "The height of things is that despite having a woman chief minister, the women are arrested under PSA and sent to jails outside the valley".

She alleged that it has become a "norm to handicap youth by firing pellets in their eyes". "Over 18,000 persons were injured during the last one year, 12,000 others were sent to jail, 900 slapped with PSA and 70,000 residential houses were damaged. It is still continuing," the MLA said.

Firdous alleged that the entire Kashmir has been turned into an "interrogation centre" where the people have been left on the "mercy of Army and other security forces".

A party spokesman said the protest rally was planned to conclude at Civil Secretariat but was ended at Polo Ground due to blocking of the road by heavy deployment of police.

Officials said the women activists, stopped by the police at Polo Ground, staged a demonstration before dispersing peacefully.
Madurai: The Madras High Court granted an interim stay on the publication of result of the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test for admission to MBBS and BDS courses for the academic year 2017 across the country.

Hearing a batch of petitions filed by some students, Justice MV Muralidharan of the court's Madurai bench also directed officials of the Medical Council of India, the CBSE director and the Union health ministry to file their counter affidavits on 7 June.

The petitioners alleged that uniform question papers were not given and there was a vast difference between the English and Tamil question papers.

They demanded that the NEET examination be cancelled and a fresh test with uniform question papers be conducted.

They claimed that the NEET was not conducted in a uniform manner across the country and that different sets of question papers had been used in different places, though a uniform syllabus had been announced.

They also submitted that officials had not informed them that different set of question papers would be circulated.

In Tamil Nadu, a different set of questions was given to those who opted for English and Tamil, they said, adding that the one in Tamil was easier.

The petitioners said that one question paper throughout the country in the NEET was a must; otherwise the scaling of intelligence and aptitude would differ.

"Hence, the NEET examination should be cancelled and fresh examination with uniform question papers be conducted," the petitioners submitted.
New Delhi: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Tuesday issued a notice to the Jharkhand government over the alleged abduction and recruitment of children by Maoists in the state.

Referring to media report, the NHRC sought a report from the state government within two weeks.

In a statement, the commission said it had observed that the news article brings forth the "stark" reality of the vulnerability of the children in the remote areas of Jharkhand who are dragged into Maoist cadre and their lives are "ruined".

"The children are denied fundamental rights, including their right to education. The issues raised in the article are gross violation of the human rights of the children," it said.
Islamabad: Pakistan on Wednesday said that Norway's foreign minister Borge Brende has called for a dialogue between Islamabad and India to resolve the Kashmir issue amicably as the Norwegian Parliament debated the issue.

The issue was taken up on an adjournment motion tabled by Christian Democratic Party's leader Knut Arild Hareide who called for a Norwegian role in pushing India to come to the negotiating table to resolve the long-festering dispute in a peaceful manner which otherwise has the potential to escalate dangerously, Pakistan's foreign office said in a statement.

Norwegian foreign minister Borge Brende, while replying to the Motion, emphasised the need for a dialogue between Pakistan and India to resolve the issue amicably.

Various other members of the Norwegian parliament also spoke and reiterated the need for a peaceful settlement of the dispute, the statement added.
Islamabad: Pakistan Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Tuesday warned of giving a befitting response to any hostile action on the borders, notwithstanding the country's desire for enduring peace with neighbours.

The budding state of stability achieved after countless sacrifices by the security forces, law enforcement agencies and the nation shall be consolidated to have a normalised Pakistan, Bajwa said in his address to the 75th Annual Formation Commanders conference held at the army headquarter in Rawalpindi attended by top army officers.

"He (Bajwa) said that notwithstanding our desire for enduring peace with our neighbours, any hostile action anywhere along our frontiers shall be responded most befittingly," it said.

Improving situation in Balochistan was discussed in the conference where officers were also briefed on the geo-strategic environment, progress of military operation Radd-ul-Fasaad against militants, operational preparedness against conventional threat and matters concerning national security.

The progress and security of the multi-billion dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) were also discussed. Bajwa had recently visited the frontline field formations along the eastern and western frontiers. Karachi operation, military operations in Punjab and

elsewhere will be continued till sustainable stability is achieved, the statement added.
It is pretty obvious that actor and BJP MP Paresh Rawal's tweet about tying author Arundhati Roy to an army jeep instead of a "stone pelter" was something extremely vulgar which encourages violence and should have not been posted in the first place.

What is as disturbing, though, is that not just Rawal but also some sections of the media lashed out at Roy on the basis of fake news.

What may have caused Rawal to ultimately post his venomous tweet against Roy was a Facebook post which he had mentioned in another one of his tweets on 17 May.

https://t.co/a6C2hWdpPz is such a toxic ...Her birth certificate must be a regret letter from maternity ward !  Paresh Rawal (@SirPareshRawal) May 17, 2017

70 lakh Indian army can't defeat azadi gang of Kashmir - Arundhati Roy .Her birth certi in fact is a regret letter from maternity ward .  Paresh Rawal (@SirPareshRawal) May 17, 2017

The Facebook post is about an article in Post Card, described by The Wire as 'a right-wing fake news site', which stated that Arundhati Roy had given an interview to Pakistan 'newspaper' The Times of Islamabad in which she had apparently said that "India cannot achieve its objective in the occupied Valley even if its army deployment raises from 7 lakh to 70 lakh."

The detailed article in The Wire said that The Times of Islamabad and some other websites, which are sites for spreading propaganda and not news websites, carried this unverified report and it was also picked up by US site Fair Observer and Indian news website NewsLaundry.

These articles were also used by TV news anchors to criticise Roy.

But Roy has told The Wire that she has not been to Srinagar recently and did not make any such remark, something that was also confirmed by The Indian Express.

Thus, a lot of criticism which Roy has been facing till now has been on the basis of completely fake news.

Both NewsLaundry and Fair Observer have issued apologies for carrying the fake interview now.

Rawal's tweet drew condemnation from many users on the social media platform with some accusing him of inciting violence.

Even the BJP distanced itself from his remark. Union Minister Smriti Irani sought to distance the party from Rawal's tweet, saying, "Nowhere will we, in any way, support any violent message by anybody, against any individual of the country."

With inputs from PTI
Rameswaram: Six Tamil Nadu fishermen were on Tuesday arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy for allegedly fishing near Neduntheevu in the island nation.



The president of the fishermen association in Rameswaram, M Emerit, said the arrested fishermen have been taken to Kangesanthurai port there.

They were allegedly fishing near Neduntheevu when they were arrested, he said.
It was their accent that landed six men from Kerala in the soup yesterday as some passengers in a CST-bound local train mistook their pronunciation of "Bombay" as "bombs" and approached the RPF, a senior officer said.

According to a report in the Free Press Journal, the youngsters were discussing 'Bombay' city and their co-passengers thought that they were discussing a bomb.

These six youths, aged between 16 and 22 years, were travelling on the Netravati Express and got down at Panvel station on Monday. In a country of many languages and accents, this must be one of the rare cases of a language getting the youths into serious trouble.

They were allowed to go today only after the RPF and the ATS quizzed them thoroughly.

"These men were travelling in a Panvel-CST local train yesterday. Some co-passengers heard them talking in a suspicious manner. One of the co-passengers got down at Kurla station and approached the RPF," said Sachin Bhalode, senior divisional security commissioner, Central Railway.

He said the train had left Kurla station by the time the police reached there.

"The message was given to the RPF, CST. The men were detained after they alighted at CST (Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus)," Bhalode said.

They were subsequently handed over to the RPF, Vashi, as Panvel comes under Vashi division.

Explaining the incident, an RPF official said since the men didn't know Hindi or English, they were conversing in their local language.

"They were typing words like 'bomb' in their WhatsApp messages, which aroused suspicion of their co-passengers in the train," he said. The men, whose names were not disclosed by the authorities, arrived in Mumbai through a train from Kerala on Tuesday. According to the Free Press Journal report the boys were on their way to Rajapur in Ratnagiri district to learn Urdu and attend a function at a madrasa (seminary) there.

"However, before heading to Ratnagiri, the men decided to go for sight seeing in Mumbai with their relatives. Hence they boarded the local train from Panvel," he explained.

The official said that besides RPF, the ATS also questioned the men, but nothing suspicious was found.

"They were allowed to go today and no case has been registered against them," he added.

With inputs from PTI
Badaun, Uttar Pradesh: A 27-year-old woman was allegedly gang-raped in front of her husband, who was tied to a tree and gagged, in Sahaswan police station area of the district on Monday, police said.

The incident took place on Monday evening when the woman was returning home from a health clinic, along with her husband.

The three accused stopped their motorcycle and raped the woman after tying her husband to a tree and putting a gag on him, circle officer of police Sheoraj Singh said.

An FIR has been registered against the trio, hailing from nearby villages, based on a complaint filed by the woman's husband.

The woman had been sent for medical examination and efforts were on to nab the culprits, the police officer added.
Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh government will launch a massive immunisation campaign in 38 eastern districts of the state to protect children from the deadly encephalitis disease that has been claiming hundreds of lives annually.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will flag off the campaign in Kushinagar tomorrow.

"Yogi Adityanath first raised the issue of encephalitis in 1998 in Parliament and after becoming the chief minister of the state he is fully committed to its eradication and a massive immunisation drive will be conducted in 38 eastern UP districts between May 25 and June 11," the state's health minister Siddhartnath Singh told reporters.

Children up to 15 years of age will be included in this campaign, the minister said, adding that the chief minister will lauch it from a 'malin basti' (slum area) in Kushinagar, while other cabinet ministers and senior leaders will shoulder the responsibility in other districts.

The minister said the drive will cover over 88 lakh children for which the central government has provided one crore vaccines.

Though vaccines are available for Japanese Encephalitis, there is no such vaccine for checking acute encephalitis syndrome (AES) and better hygiene is the only way to ward it off, the minister said, adding that a 'Swachta Abhiyan' (cleanliness drive) will also be run alongside.

"The chief minister has sought help from MPs, MLAs, ministers and other people's representatives to join the campaign by issuing an appeal," Singh said.

Some 40,000 children have died of the disease in the past four decades in the region.

The minister said that about 85 per cent cases of Japanese Encephalitis and AES are reported among Dalits and minorities.

He took the opportunity to target the Opposition parties by saying it would have been better if those shedding tears over Saharanpur caste clashes had got themselves associated with this campaign, a reference to BSP supremo Mayawati who visited the place earlier.

He said the state government has taken the Saharanpur incident very seriously and sent four senior officials with the instructions to return only after normalcy is restored.

The chief minister has made an appeal to the people to maintain peace and has also sought cooperation from opposition parties, he added.
Dehradun: At least 24 persons were killed and eight others injured when the bus they were travelling in plunged into a deep gorge in Uttarakhand late on Tuesday, police said.

The accident took place near Nalupani in Uttarkashi district when a bus full of pilgrims from Indore, Madhya Pradesh were returning from the Gangotri shrine. Around 6 pm, the bus fell 300 metres down the road into the river.

Three people are still missing and the eight injured who were rescued have been admitted at the Community Health Centre at Chinyalisaud, an official informed IANS.

Some passengers of the ill-fated bus also fell in the Bhagirathi rover flowing below. District officials, including district magistrate Ashish Srivastava, rushed to the spot but rescue efforts were hampered owing to the darkness.

With the hill being very steep, rescue was further delayed and went on till the morning. SDRF, police and ITBP teams then went down from the other side and rescued eight passengers. Bodies have been recovered but are yet to be identified.

On Chardham Yatra since 12 May, these pilgrims had already visited Yamunotri and Gangotri and were on way to Haridwar from where they had to go to Kedarnath, Srivastava said.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat has condoled the loss of lives in the mishap and has announced an ex gratia of Rs 1 lakh each for the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 each for those injured. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan also announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each to the next of kin of the deceased.

Officials have also been asked to identify danger zones on routes of the annual 'Chaar Dham Yatra', put up speed monitors, turning warnings and put up crash barriers.

Meanwhile, Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan expressed grief over the tragedy and issued instructions for immediate aid to the victims.

With inputs from agencies
The Yogi Adityanath government in Uttar Pradesh is set to make Aadhaar cards mandatory for those who want to give the state board exams.

In a move that is apparently aimed at reigning in the cheating mafia and proxy registrations, the Uttar Pradesh Board of Secondary Education (UPBSE) will make Aadhaar mandatory in order to register for Class 10 and Class 12 exams from the next year, according to Patrika.

The government wants to link with Aadhaar so that each student has an individual identity and fraudulent registrations for Class 9 and 11 and dubious filing of forms for Classes 10 and 12 can be curbed, News18 quotes UPBSE secretary Shail Yadav.

The Uttar Pradesh government believes that it will also help the state authorities to break the nexus of forged marksheets as a unique identification at the time of exam and registration will help the UPBSE keep track of attendance and individual performance.

The decision comes as part of a series of initiatives aimed at an attempted clean up of the notorious cheating mafia in the state. Earlier, the Uttar Pradesh government had launched a WhatsApp helpline for students to lodge complaint about any wrongdoings at exam centres. The government had also came down heavily upon exam centres where mass copying takes place.

The government had announced that such complaints will be taken seriously and all such centres will be blacklisted, according to a report in The Indian Express. UPBSE has also resorted to summoning random copies from sensitive districts and get them evaluated by specially-appointed examiners. This will apparently help to control cheating and minimise instances of biased evaluation by examiners, according to Hindustan Times.

"The Board will specially focus on Barabanki district which has been producing toppers for the last few years. Other districts like Kaushambi and Ghazipur will also be under the scanner as copying mafia is active in the district," the Hindustan Times report said.

The state government had given strict instructions to UPBSE to conduct exams within a span of 15 days and finish evaluation over another 15 days to finish the declaration of results in a timely fashion, without leaving much time for nefarious elements to sabotage a fair evaluation process.

This year, the board had also introduced digital admit cards to avoid cases of impersonation and ensured three-tier security and deployment of 'flying squad' at various examination centres. The board had also set multiple question papers with same difficulty levels to keep a tab on question paper leaks, according to another report in Hindustan Times.
Editor's note: This column was originally published on Firstpost on 2 April 2016. Chandraswami, considered among India's most dubious 'godmen', died aged 69, of multiple organ failure in a Delhi hospital on 22 May 2017.

Did Jayaprakash Narayan, counted among the most reverential politicians, write a personal letter to his friends to introduce Chandraswami, who eventually turned out to be Indias most dubious godman?

Yes, says a recent book  Gurus: Stories of India's Leading Babas (Westland Books)  penned by veteran journalist Bhavdeep Kang.

In the chapter, titled The Shaman-Shyster: Chandraswami, Kang scripts how in 1975, a few months before the imposition of the Emergency, Narayan met up at his quarters in the Gandhi Peace Foundation with Chandraswami, then a frail figure known as Nemi Chandra Jain, a young sadhu in white, with bushy hair, a frizzy beard and heavy gold amulet around his neck.

The Lok Nayak (Peoples Hero, a reverential term of address for JP) couldnt have imagined that the youth he described as an eminent spiritual seeker and devotee of Bhagawati would, in a matter of two decades, become the most infamous godman of all time: Chandraswami.

He would be suspected of a hand in the murder of a prime minister and in the most controversial arms deal ever, the Iran-Contra affair, writes Kang in her brilliantly researched tome that tracks the life of Indian godmen.

Kang, who met up with Chandraswami at his south Delhi residence, says the godman is ageing, having lost all the riches he owned many years ago. Then, famously pretty and accomplished women would flutter around him like exotic butterflies. So would international wheeler dealers and political fixers. Scandal, through the 1980s and 1990s, had another name: Chandraswami. He would wield influence with heads of state like Margaret Thatcher, the Sultan of Brunei, Muda Hassanal Bolkia Muizzaddin Waddaulah, Sheikh Isa Khalifa of Bahrain, Sese Seko Mobutu of Zaire and two Indian PMs. His birthday would be celebrated with pomp and politicians of all hues would fight to be seen with the godman.

His fall would be as abrupt as his rise and in 1996, Tihar jail would receive its most famous prisoner till date: Chandraswami.

King says the word godman would forever take on a dubious meaning, as newspapers across the world lifted the veil on his caliginous world of sex, arms, drugs, money and power-broking. For an entire generation, he came to symbolise the seamy side of spiritualism. Gurus before him took meditation, yoga and Ayurveda to the West; the worst that could be said of them was that they were charlatans. Chandraswami was seen as an unmitigated villain.

The ashram in Delhis Qutub Institutional Area, where he broke bread with prime ministers and hosted Delhis power elite, is now sparse of company. The godman spends his days ensconced in a Lazy Boy on the third floor of the edifice, meeting the odd visitor or sallying forth to public functions, generally hosted and where his presence as chief guest is still solicited.

The building, like its owner, has clearly seen better days. The elaborately carved stone facades are desperately in need of a brush and detergent and the dining hall is frankly grubby. The furniture is grimy, the furnishings frayed. The rooms are crammed with massive, heavily embellished furniture that hasnt seen a touch of polish for a while. Every available surface is hidden under felicitatory mementos, testimony to his fan following in Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan.

The big-bellied godman himself looked weary, a far cry from the burly, imposing swami with the laser drill gaze who held the movers and shakers of the world in thrall. One eyelid drooped, giving him a permanent wink. He spoke slowly, with a palpable effort. Stripped of power, he appeared leached of vitality, writes Kang.

He doesnt care what is said and written about him, he told me categorically. He stands vindicated by courts of law, which have given the lie to all the conspiracies against him. Nor does he care for the trappings of power.

He is a sadhu and it is all the same for him. Luxury or austerity, company or the lack of it, jail or ashram. Detachment from all things material is the mark of a true sadhu, but its not a trait Id associate with Chandraswami, son of a money lender (Dharma Chand Gandhi Jain) who spent a lifetime cosying up to the rich and powerful. His evolution from a bal sant (child saint) from Behror in Rajasthan to Rajguru (royal preceptor), was astonishingly rapid. He learnt tantric practices, his first spiritual mentor was Mahaupadhyay Amar Muni, a Jain saint who later directed the 23-year-old Nemi to Kaviraj Mahaupadhyay Gopinath of Benaras. However, Chandraswami also acknowledged Anandamayi Maa and Kanchi Shankaracharya as his gurus. Four years of continuous sadhana in the forests granted him extraordinary powers as an astrologer and mind-reader, an impressive cocktail which helped him gain access into the homes of those who mattered.

He could read up all those who came to him for favours. In Adnan Khashoggi (the Saudi Arabian businessman-turned-arms dealer), his inner eye saw past the love of luxury, women and money.

Sudini Jaipal Reddy, a senior member of the Congress party, met Chandraswami in 1972 and was impressed to know that the sadhu knew everything Reddy wanted to ask. The next step was to meet Andhra CM PV Narasimha Rao.

Chandraswami then travelled to London with a note from Yashpal Kapur of Congress to meet up with K Natwar Singh, now an ex-diplomat, politician and author. Natwar and his wife dined with Chandraswami, after which he demonstrated his powers, repeating the trick that had intrigued Jaipal Reddy. He asked Ms Singh to write down three questions on separate strips of paper, fold them and put them on a chessboard. The questions were in English, but he recalled each one of them accurately. Natwar was impressed.

Singh  with a further push from the then Indian foreign minister YB Chavan  helped Swami meet Margaret Thatcher. She asked him what she could do for him. He replied that he wanted nothing from her. The swami then performed his oft-repeated trick, asking Thatcher to write down five questions on separate strips of paper and ball them up. As always, he then told her what the questions were. Intrigued and overwhelmed, the lady asked to meet him again, but this time, in Singhs home. There, Chandraswami scooped out a taweez (amulet) from his bag and advised Margaret Thatcher to wear red when she came to see him. She obliged. He later told her that she would become prime minister of UK in 3-4 years and remain in office for nine, 11 or even 13 years. And the rest, as they say, is history  replete with examples of Chandra Swamis brilliant network. He seemed to know everyone  Khashoggi, Saddam Hussein, the al Fayed brothers, who he introduced to the Sultan of Brunei. When al Fayed purchased Harrods, the swami was said to have been involved in the deal. Eminent citizens, including heads of state of many countries, were deeply influenced by the globe-trotting Swami, who was not a sophisticated man but had a talent for entering the heads of others, reading weakness, particularly someone in a position of authority who had the loneliness and anticipation of betrayal that comes with an excess of power and money. In Mobutu, the King of Zaires case for instance, Chandraswami would hide behind a curtain when people came to meet him and later tell his buddy whether they were to be trusted or not.

This chapter is, arguably, the best in the book.
New Delhi: Delhi's deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia on Wednesday said all the government ministers and officials will meet the public without appointment in their offices.

"Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has ordered all the Delhi government ministers and officers except field staff to meet public without appointment between 10-11 am. from Monday to Friday," Sisodia said while addressing a press conference in New Delhi.

"The decision has been taken by the chief minister in response to feedback from different quarters about disconnect between people and the government," Sisodia said.

"Kejriwal has also directed the chief secretary to ensure no meeting is scheduled from 10-11 am. and officers are available for one-to-one interaction with the public," the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader added.
New Delhi: Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday praised the Indian Army for destroying Pakistan Army's posts across the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir.

Salute the Army for destroying Pakistani posts in Naushera sector. The nation is proud of our heroic Army  Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) May 23, 2017

"Salute the army for destroying Pakistani posts in Naushera sector. The nation is proud of our heroic Army," Kejriwal wrote on Twitter.

The Indian Army on Tuesday said it destroyed several Pakistani military posts with heavy artillery firing in a "very recent" punitive assault across the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir as part of its pre-emptive and pro-active strategy to curb cross-border militant incursion.

The army also released an undated video that showed some military posts in a forested area being bombed with heavy artillery fire, and smoke and flames billowing after the explosions.
Guwahati: Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal, who completed one year in office on Wednesday, said he put fight against corruption at the top of the list of achievements of his government.

Development and industrial sector initiatives, increasing revenue receipts, border security, transformation of the education sector were among the other major achievements of the BJP-led government, he told reporters here.

The government's "zero tolerance" of corruption has unleashed an "uncompromising war" to root out social evils from the administrative machinery of Assam.

He said it had resulted in the arrest of the chairman and two other members of Assam Public Service Commission on corruption charges, besides three Assam Civil Service officers in connection with the 'cash for job' scam in the APSC and 21 government officials of various departments while taking bribes.

The government drive had also yielded Rs 52.15 lakh of bribe money, Rs 3.37 crore in cash and gold ornaments valued at Rs 1.75 lakh.

The other achievements during the year were ensuring health for all, initiatives to promote digital transactions following demonetisation, promoting tourism, push for a green and pollution free Assam, drives against encroachment, implementation of Assam Accord and Swacch Bharat Mission.

He said the administration has brought back work culture in the government offices and five lakh government employees working sincerely for eight hours a day will bring further development to the state.

On the insurgency issue, Sonowal said his government had "zero tolerance" to militancy. "But whoever or whichever militant group is interested to talk about peace with the government within the constitutional framework are always welcome".

On development initiatives, Sonowal said Rs 1502.47 crore of MGNREGA fund was utilised during 2016-17 compared to Rs 620.90 crore in 2015-16, 1.76 lakh houses were completed against 71,826 the previous fiscal, 1218 villages electrified compared to 942 and 930 km road was constructed under PMGSY against the target of 750 km.

The Union ministry of road transport, highways and shipping has approved projects worth Rs 1.26 lakh crore for improvement of surface and water communication in Assam, Sonowal said adding Assam government has signed an MoU with the Inland Waterways Authority and National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) for dredging 841 km of Brahmaputra from Sadia to Dhubri.

On the initiatives taken in the industrial sector, he said investments of Rs 6,500 crore has come to the state with companies such as Patanjali, Dabur, Hindustan Unilever and others starting production in their new units in the state employing around 40,000 people.

The other initiatives include the opening of the skill development department, adoption of The Assam Ease of Doing Business Bill, land bank for allotment to investors and Sarothi: CM Start-Up Fund to support young entrepreneurs.

In the education sector, Sonowal said 12,033 teachers were appointed against regular vacancies and 687 on contractual basis, free textbooks were provided to 52.23 lakh elementary school level students and 7.66 secondary level students, examination fee waiver as well as higher secondary first and second-year admission fee waiver for poor students.

For ensuring health for all, he said a cancer hospital was started in Gauhati Medical College Hospital and bhumi poojan was done for construction of three new medical colleges at Nagaon, Dhubri and North Lakhimpur. Besides, health insurance scheme for BPL people, chief minister's free diagnostics services were introduced.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi would lay foundation of AIIMS at Chansari near here on 26 May.

Sonowal said in compliance with the Gauhati High Court order his government carried out eviction drive in Kaziranga and freed 750 acres from encroachers. It also freed the 15th-century Vaishnavite Satras (monastery) land across the state from encroachment besides constituting a high-level committee to examine the issue of land rights to indigenous people of the state.
The death of J Jayalalithaa has created a flux in Tamil Nadu politics, where potential political and ideological realignments are in the works. Some of these can have long-term implications not only for Tamil Nadu but also for the Union of Indian itself.

BJP is playing the role of deal-maker between the two AIADMK factions. Megastar Rajnikanth's name did the rounds recently, about him joining BJP  a rumour that was squashed by the star himself. At the same time, the closeness of the BJP and AIADMK has thrown the Dravidian political space to the DMK like never before, which, under the leadership of MK Stalin, has been upping the ante on Centre's renewed Hindi imposition policies.

Next week, large sections of the non-BJP Opposition, especially the various state-based political forces as well as the Congress and the Left, will converge in Chennai on the occasion of the elder Tamil statesman and DMK supremo, M Karunanidhi's 94th birthday.

The political significance of this congregation cannot be underestimated. While this happens, the government of Tamil Nadu has come under serious criticism for bowing to the Centre, something that has been a point of utter shame in Tamil Nadu politics for decades.

Since the transfer of power from British hands to select native hands in 1947, the Union government has systematically sought to destroy the autonomous powers and rights of States. Delhi has been largely successful in this, in most places, but it has always faced stiff opposition in Tamil Nadu. For this is not a walkover state and Tamilians are not a walkover people.

Delhi's infringement on any rights of the Government of Tamil Nadu and hence of the Tamil Nadu people have typically met with stiff resistance, in political circles and among the public at large. Ever since the Congress was booted out of power in Tamil Nadu in 1967, no Delhi-headquartered party has ever been able to wield any kind of central position in the Tamil political narrative. This continues to be true to this day.

In terms of raising the first alarm on most issues of Delhi steamrolling state rights, Tamil Nadu has been the leader for decades and it marks the sophisticated understanding of the nature of the Indian Union and the relationship of its constituent ethnolinguistic nationalities to the Union. It has often marked the red line that Delhi dare not cross.

It is in this context that one has to keep in mind when looking at the furore that has erupted in Tamil Nadu, about Union cabinet minister Venkaiah Naidu's recent interference in Tamil Nadu state government's internal affairs.

Like an imperious sultan who has come down to a conquered area to take stock of activities, Naidu, made a statement while talking about ongoing projects in Tamil Nadu, where the Union government has some money at stake.

He said, "Our cooperation depends on your operations. Otherwise, there will be separation". This is an extraordinary statement that goes against all rules and decorum of the federal structure and is a slap in the face of the much-touted PR line of "cooperative federalism".

Let us be clear about what this statement means. It means that the Union government is threatening to refuse to cooperate with a state government. Of course, cooperation here means money. Central funds are not generated by Delhi. It is revenue it grabs from states. The states have a right to these funds  these are not acts of kindness or alms.

This statement is especially derogatory to Tamilians as Tamil Nadu contributes a huge amount of revenue to the Centre and gets a very small amount in return  no state is fiscally victimised by Delhi to the extent Tamil Nadu is.

It is no secret that non-Hindi states produce revenues. Delhi hands these revenues largely to Hindi states by using bureaucratic smokes and mirrors like the Finance Commission. So when Naidu said that to Tamil Nadu, it naturally struck a very raw nerve.

But it didnt end there. Naidu really overstepped the line when he was found in the Tamil Nadu State Secretariat, reviewing scheme progress. And what was a sign of the compromised nature of the AIADMK at present was that Tamil Nadu chief minister E Palaniswami was found alongside Naidu during the review.

Respected veteran bureaucrat MG Devasahayam, said, "There was no need for a Union minister to jointly review government projects with the chief minister. The chief ministers post is high in stature in the States and at the most, such a review can happen in a common place and not in the Secretariat. This is only (an instance of) a Union minister trying to dominate a chief minister, against the federal structure of our country."

Naidu claims that this was only a "departmental review", but never clarified why Karnataka or West Bengal or Kerala or Odisha never call him on such departmental reviews. Naidu is the Union cabinet minister for Housing and Urban Development. These two subjects are in the concurrent list and the role of the Union government is one of financer.

The state is not constitutionally obligated to share details of its autonomous decision making. Delhi is not some owner whose contractor is Tamil Nadu, such that it can go in and question Tamil Nadu on project progress.

Just like Tamil Nadu or West Bengal ministers cannot go to Delhi and sit with Union cabinet ministers in their departmental meeting and demand an explanation why funds were not released.

Delhi routinely withholds funds without any explanation. It is sad but not illegal. The Union government and the state government do not share some parent-child or boss-underling relationship. They are equal stakeholders in a system where each stakeholder has a different function  that is the basis of Union, Concurrent and State lists.

Within the Union affairs list, the Union government is autonomous. Within the State list affairs, the state government is autonomous. Neither is accountable to each other. Peace is maintained by one not stepping into the other's domain.

Naidu, by his action and pronouncements in Tamil Nadu last week, did just that. The fact that now Tamil Nadu government has given up so much space voluntarily shows the depth of political compulsion that AIADMK faces vis-a-vis the BJP. Given that BJP is only a marginal political force in Tamil Nadu, this disproportionate influence of BJP in government matters is a subversion of democracy.

However much each faction of the AIADMK tries to claim Jayalalithaa's legacy, in practical terms, both O Panneerselvam and Palaniswami have capitulated and bowed in front of Delhi on issues that Jayalalithaa, as chief minister, took an uncompromising pro-Tamil Nadu rights stand on.

These include giving up opposition to GST, not challenging NEET, signing up for UDAY scheme and most importantly, not protesting the allocation formula changes of the 14th Finance Commission, that hugely transfers money from Tamil Nadu to high population growth states of the Hindi belt. It is indeed a situation, where rights of a state are being bartered in exchange for holding on to political power. BJP has never had it so good in Tamil Nadu.

While the first rank state in terms of protection of state rights gives up its core principles, one can witness the rise of other non-Hindi states, who are asserting their constitutionally guaranteed state rights like never before.

And in that, West Bengal is fast taking the pole position. Both West Bengal and Kerala have now made respectively Bangla and Malayalam compulsory in all schools of all boards. IAS and IPA officers of West Bengal cadre have now been instructed not to share any information with the Union government, without prior permission of the state government.

If that sounds odd, try the opposite test. Does any Union government bureaucrat in an official capacity share any Union government information with a state government, without permission from the Union government? The answer is no. West Bengal has simply asserted a right that it had and one that the Union government has always enjoyed. What is good for the goose is good for the gander.

West Bengal has severely curtailed central deputations of its bureaucrats. The official reason is that there are a lot of vacancies in West Bengal and not enough IAS officers. The real reason, as discussed in political circles, is that West Bengal wants to prevent an unholy nexus developing between West Bengal cadre IAS officers on central deputation and the Union government on sensitive matters of the State government, that can be used to destabilise the state.

State chief minister Mamata Banerjee has also made it clear to West Bengal civil service officers that they work for the state government and that Delhi cannot independently order them around. She said at the annual general meeting of West Bengal Civil Service (Executive) Officers Association that, "Instructions are coming from Delhi these days. Remember that you work for the state (government). You inform us but do not implement things on your own."

States do not have any similar advantage of getting state civil service officers to be sent on central deputation on a large scale, to get information about the inner workings of Delhi and reporting it to the state government. Any imbalance of power in a federal system is a recipe for disaster.

In fact, regarding a situation very similar to Naidu's "review" of projects where there was a central funds component, West Bengal showed the door to two NITI Aayog officials that Delhi had sent to oversee "funds flow monitoring".

Mamata responded strongly to this unilateral interference stating, that, "In the name of State Treasury Integration they (Centre) are trying to control the financial system of the state. This is undemocratic. They are an elected government, so are we. They don't have any right to interfere in our affairs. Previously, they sent two officers for this purpose but we didn't allow them and now they are forcing it upon us."

While Centre-State tussles are part of any federal system. We are increasingly witnessing deep structural invasions by Delhi into state government affairs. There are protests in many states, with some being especially vocal like West Bengal and some erstwhile vocal ones like Tamil Nadu becoming silent due to the compromised political position of the ruling party.

These times are crucial for the long-term future of the Indian Union. The federal structure is part of the basic structure of the Indian Union. An assault on the federal structure by incursion on state rights and interference in state government affairs in an assault on the unity of the Indian Union itself.
New Delhi: The Congress on Wednesday expelled 73 members in its Delhi unit for six years after the dismal performance of the party in April's MCD elections.

The action was initiated against those who defied the party's directions and contested against official Congress candidates or fielded their relatives in the MCD elections held in April, said Narendra Nath, chairman of disciplinary committee of the Delhi Congress.

Though dissident activities had plagued all the three main parties during the MCD polls, the BJP, AAP and Congress, this is the first major action by any of them.

The Congress had managed to win only 31 of the 272 wards in South, North and East Delhi Municipal Corporations.

"The decision to expel the rebels and their relatives who fought MCD elections against party candidates was taken unanimously at a meeting of the disciplinary committee," Nath said.

He said that the party is also going through complaints of anti-party activities by senior party leaders in the civic body polls and will issue show-cause notices after scrutiny of the complaints by party candidates in MCD polls.

Those who have been expelled from the party include four former councillors.

"A curious case was that of sitting Nangli Sakrawati councillor Satender Singh Rana. He was given party ticket from Chhawla ward but he fielded his wife against our candidate from Nangli ward," Nath said.

Similarly, the then sitting Kasturba Nagar ward councillor Ravi Kalshi who was denied ticket in MCD polls fielded his daughter-in-law against Congress. Both were expelled, he said.

Ex-councillors Ramesh Pandit from Ghondli and Dharmender Singh from Karawal Nagar West have also been expelled from the party.

The complaints of anti-party activities were submitted by the party candidates in MCD polls on the instruction of Delhi Congress chief Ajay Maken.

There was discontent in a section fo party over ticket distribution for MCD polls in 2017 under the leadership of Ajay Maken whose role was questioned by senior leaders including former chief minister Sheila Dikshit and ex-ministers AK Walia and Arvinder Singh Lovely.

Singh quit Congress and joined BJP days before MCD elections on 23 April. The BJP registered an impressive victory by winning 181 wards while first-timer Aam Admi Party won only 41 wards in the polls.
Kolkata: Left Front and Congress lawmakers on Tuesday raised slogans against the West Bengal government in the state assembly to protest the police assault on Left activists during a political programme a day ago.

After Speaker Biman Bandopadhyay turned down the demand for an adjournment motion moved by Left Front spearhead Communist Party of India Marxist's Tanmoy Bhattacharya, Left legislators brought out posters and black flags and trooped towards the presiding officer's podium. Soon, the Congress too joined them.

As nothing could be heard in the pandemonium, the Speaker adjourned the House for a short duration.

When the House resumed, the Left Front and Congress members stayed away.

The treasury benches then passed a motion condemning the behaviour of the LF and Congress lawmakers.

In the evening, the Kolkata district committee of the Left Front brought out a rally in the city hub against the police atrocities on Left activists, journalists and pedestrians on Monday.
New Delhi: Ahead of the Opposition's huddle to decide on a consensus candidate for the presidential poll, West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday to seek more funds for her state for tackling the financial crisis and Ganga erosion.

During her stay in the capital, Banerjee is also likely to meet Congress president Sonia Gandhi.

The chief minister will meet the prime minister on Thursday, said a close aide of Mamata.

Her meeting with Modi comes in the backdrop of Banerjee, known for taking a strong position against the BJP, intensifying efforts for a joint candidate for the presidential race.

Before leaving for the national capital, she told reporters in Kolkata, "... I will discuss the Ganga erosion problem and will ask for funds to deal with the problem of river erosion."

Banerjee has been seeking loan waiver for her state for long.

Opposition parties are slated to meet on 26 May in New Delhi to decide on a candidate. President Pranab Mukherjee's term ends on 24 July and the election has to take place before that.
COLUMBUS  A 33-year-old Columbus man went out Tuesday afternoon in search of a best friend and found himself being booked into the county pound.

Casey Gotschall drove to Paws and Claws Adoption Center, 2124 13th St., parked his red Oldsmobile Alero and went into the animal shelter looking for a pooch to take home.

The city man said he was looking at a dog to adopt, Columbus Police Officer Brian Hunke wrote in his probable cause arrest statement.

The officer was dispatched about 4 p.m. Tuesday to investigate a report of a suspected drunken driver visiting the downtown facility.

Gotschall, who had an open beer can in his car, refused to perform field sobriety tests, but agreed to a preliminary breath test. The suspects PBT reading at the scene was 0.205, more than twice the legal limit for driving of 0.08.

Gotschall was arrested when he returned to his car in the parking lot on suspicion of second-offense driving under the influence and later booked into the Platte County Detention Facility.

Platte County Court Judge Frank Skorupa set Gotschalls bond at $5,000, 10 percent allowed for release, and he was released from jail early Wednesday afternoon.

Gotschall, who had not been formally charged by the county attorneys office on Wednesday, is scheduled for a May 31 arraignment.

Hunke wrote in his statement that video surveillance showed Gotschall drive into the parking lot and exit his vehicle.

Gotschall was previously convicted of DUI in Platte County in April 2007.
Polling for the municipal corporations of Bhiwandi, Malegaon along with the newly-formed Panvel Municipal Corporation has begun.

A total of 1,251 candidates are contesting 252 seats, spread across three civic bodies, with around 12 lakh eligible voters exercising their right to vote. The results will be declared on 26 May.

The Panvel City Municipal Corporation (PCMC) is all set for maiden election after it came into existence in October last year.

Major parties like BJP, Shiv Sena, Congress and NCP are all set for the civic polls.

The BJP is contesting from 75 seats with its alliance RPI(A) in two seats and Peoples Republican Party (PRP) in one. Similarly, Congress is contesting on 18 seats and its alliance PWP is contesting from 48 seats, and NCP from 12 seats. The Shiv Sena is contesting on 68 seats, while its partner Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghthana is contesting on five seats.

A total of 418 candidates will fight for 78 seats in 20 multiple-member wards in the PCMC, according to a report filed by the Association for Democratic Reforms, as reported by The Hindu. The report added that 14 percent of the contesting candidates have a criminal past and 39 percent are crorepatis.

According to The Indian Express, 161 have declared assets worth Rs one crore and 76 percent of the candidates from the BJP (59 candidates) and BSKP (41 candidates) each are in this category.

The Bhiwandi-Nizampur City Municipal Corporation is ruled by the Congress-led alliance, while the NCP-AIMIM alliance is in power in the Malegaon civic body.

Altogether, 1,251 candidates are in fray in the three civic bodies, a State Election Commission official told PTI.

The BJP has fielded 189 candidates, while NCP has fielded 90. Congress has 152 candidates while Shiv Sena has 144 across the three civic bodies. Also, 355 Independents are trying their luck.

The AIMIM has fielded nine candidates in Bhiwandi and 37 in Malegaon, while the MNS has put up seven in Bhiwandi and 25 in Panvel.

The Bahujan Samaj Party has fielded 22 candidates, Janata Dal (United) four, and Janata Dal (Secular) 10 in the three civic bodies.

With inputs from PTI
New Delhi: As West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is again coming to Delhi on Wednesday evening, the opposition parties are expected to have serious deliberations to decide on a joint candidate for the presidential election this week, said a senior opposition leader.

According to the leader, who did not want to be identified, Banerjee will meet leaders from all major parties to build a consensus on the joint candidate for the presidential election.

There will be a series of meetings of opposition leaders this week.

Among the names doing the rounds as consensus candidates of opposition are of former Governor Gopalkrishna Gandhi and former Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar.

Banerjee met Congress President Sonia Gandhi last week and conveyed that her party was in favour of a consensus candidate for the presidential election.

The term of President Pranab Mukherjee ends in July. The ruling BJPled National Democratic Alliance, which has clear edge in the presidential election, has not given any inkling so far on its choice of candidate.

Gandhi has been contacting leaders opposed to the ruling BJP to evolve a consensus.

She has spoken to Samajwadi Party leader Mulayam Singh Yadav and RJD chief Lalu Prasad and met JD-U leader and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar, Communist Party of India-Marxist leader Sitaram Yechury and National Conference leader Omar Abdullah.

The Congress chief is also expected to meet Bahujan Samaj Party supremo Mayawati.

DMK leader Kanimozhi also met Gandhi and invited her for her father and DMK chief M. Karunanidhi's 94th birthday celebrations in Chennai on 3 June, when another meeting of opposition leaders is likely to take place.
Muzaffarnagar: BSP chief Mayawati on Tuesday held the BJP-led UP government responsible for the violence in Saharanpur and alleged that the ruling party had failed to stop its own brigade from attacking weaker sections.

Thakurs in Shabbirpur village had prevented Dalit residents from installing a BR Ambedkar statue on the premises of a temple.

Later, on 5 May, a Dalit group had objected to a procession of Thakurs to mark the birth anniversary of Rajput king Maharana Pratap, triggering violence, in which one person was killed and over 15 were injured.

"The district administration of Saharanpur did not allow Dalits to install a bust of Ambedkar, while the procession to mark the birth anniversary of Maharana Pratap was taken out without any permission," Mayawati said during an interaction with media in Muzaffarnagar.

"The Dalits just reacted to this discrimination," she said.

The former chief minister also suggested that Keshav Prasad Maurya, who was seen as a frontrunner for the post of chief minister during the UP elections, was later overlooked because of his caste credentials.

Maywati said the BJP frequently referred to BR Ambedkar merely for votes and had no genuine concern for either the Dalit icon or his followers.

"BJP leaders frequently refer to BR Ambedkar but the followers of Ambedkar are facing injustice. They refer to Ambedkar merely for votes. People will not accept such anti-Dalit party," she said.

The BSP chief pilloried the state government over the "deteriorating" law-and-order situation in the state, saying "the state government has failed to fulfill its constitutional duty of providing peace and security to the people of the state".
Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal-led BJP government in Assam has been constantly in the buzz for few of its interesting decisions. Some created controversy while the remaining were welcomed by people. Formed after a historic victory in the Assembly election held last year, the BJP government in Assam completed its first year in office on 24 May. Firstpost takes a look at some of the major decisions that the Sonowal government took in its first year, and which created a buzz in the media.

I. Major crackdown on corruption

During the last one year, Sarbananda Sonowal has created an image for himself as a leader with the resolve of steel to eradicate corruption. During this period, his government led a series of crackdowns against corruption, which shot to headlines. The two major initiatives were the arrest of Assam Public Service Commission chairman Rakesh Pal for taking money on the job, and the arrest of Kuzendra Doley, secretary to the Irrigation Department of Assam, in allegations of asking for bribes from contractors. The stringent moves against corruption seem to have an effect in the state as Assam figured in the list of states which have registered a declining trend in corruption in a study conducted by Centre for Media Studies. As per this study, only 18 households in a sample of 150 experienced corruption in the year 2017 against 49 in 2005.

II. Eviction drive in Kaziranga and Vaishanvite satras

Going by its poll promise the BJP government in Assam evicted more than 200 families settled in Kaziranga National Park and Vaishnavite satras. Despite the fact that two persons were killed in police firing in the face of protests amidst eviction was seen as a bold move as the earlier government sat on a high court order to evict encroachers on Kaziranga for several months. The Kaziranga National Park and Vaishnavite satras in Assam are seen as one of the manifestations of Assamese pride and encroachment in these areas had been an election issue for more than a decade.

III. Free higher education

The Sarbananda Sonowal government boasts of being the first to introduce free higher education. Last year, the education department of Assam made education free for students in higher secondary, three years degree and diploma courses. Any student, whose family income is less than Rs 1 lakh a year can avail this benefit if he or she plants a sapling at his home, neighbourhood, roadside or college premises. This move silenced the movements led by students' organisations including the Left wing ones, demanding a cut in college fees.

IV. Protection of land rights to indigenous people

The Sarbananda Sonowal-led BJP government in Assam has set on to protect the land rights of the indigenous people of Assam. A committee headed by Harishankar Brahma, former chief election commissioner of India has been formed to come up with suggestions in this regard, as land rights is one of the most contentious issues in the state and also the cause of many social unrests. While speaking to Firstpost, Harishankar Brahma said that the committee has already surveyed 16 districts among 33, and is likely to come up with its report by June. Earlier, he told the media that 90 percent of Assams indigenous population do not have land documents.

V. Two-child norm for population control

To check the unabated population growth in Assam, the Sonowal government has proposed a new population policy with a two-child norm. As per these norms, parents having more than two children will not be ineligible for government jobs or contest in panchayat and civic body polls. The policy will be tabled in the Assam assembly in August 2017. However, the population policy exempts families having more than two children because of twin and triplet births.The draft population policy for Assam has faced severe criticism from feminist groups and public policy experts for being "anti-women". They fear that implementation of this policy may result in skewed sex ratio and more physical and emotional violence against women to produce a male child. State education minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also recently announced that the Assam government would request the centre to disqualify Members of Parliament and Members of Legislative Assembly having more than two children. The government has also renamed the draft policy as "Population and Women Empowerment Policy of Assam" and released it to the public for suggestions.

VI. Free education for girls

Soon after the new population policy faced severe criticism from feminist groups and public policy experts, the Government of Assam came up with few changes in it. One of those changes were providing free education for girls up to university level. While declaring this policy, Sarma said, We want to make all facilities  fees, transportation, books and mess dues in hostels free. These steps will also encourage girls to complete their education. The proposed policy also increases the legal age of marriage for both boys and girls, as well as 50 percent reservation for women in government jobs and elections. Interestingly, the policy aims at providing skill development training and pension to Muslim women who are victims of triple talaq.

"The skill development training will be imparted to all women divorcees so that they acquire gainful employment. But for Muslim women divorcees, we have proposed special support by providing pension during the training period. This is because unlike other women divorcees, their Muslim counterparts do not get any alimony or support from the former husband, Himanta Biswa Sarma said.

VII. Holiday on Sundays in madrasas

The Assam governments decision to keep all schools open on Fridays was one of the major decisions that created controversy among people as it was seen as an infringement on the rights of the madrasas to remain open on Fridays. Islamic leaders in Assam decided to defy the order. Ramesh Chandra Jain, secretary to the Department of Education of Assam said to Firstpost, We have ordered the madrasa teachers that it will be difficult for them if they do not follow the order. So, they have to fall in line.

VIII. Making Sanskrit mandatory in schools

Assam governments decision to make Sanskrit mandatory in schools till Class VIII drew flak in the media as the indigenous literary bodies saw the move as a conspiracy to wipe out local languages. The tribal bodies also threatened to launch a statewide agitation if the state government does not roll back its decision. But a week after the decision to make Sanskrit compulsory in schools, Sarma, the education minister of the state said that the state did not have enough number of teachers to make Sanskrit compulsory and hence the decision could not be implemented immediately.

IX. Dress code in government offices

The government of Assam has made a move to introduce a dress code for government staffs on a voluntary basis. Pawan Kumar Borthakur, the Principal Secretary to the Personnel Department wrote a letter to his counterpart in General Administrations Department about this move, saying that the government desired that employees come to their offices dressed in traditional attires  dhoti-kurta for men and mekhela chador for women  on first and third Saturdays of every month, but on voluntary basis. Apart from amusing the legacy media, the decision evoked memes in social media among users in Assam.

X. Care for old parents

The BJP government's decision to link geriatric care with government employee's pay was one of the major decisions in the last budget that was in the headlines. Sarma, who also handles the finance minister portfolio in the state, announced that every government employee must take care of his or her parents. If they dont, the government will deduct a part of the employees salary and give it to the neglected parents for their sustenance. During the budget session for the year 2017-18, he also said in the Assembly, "Care for elderly parents is the responsibility of every ward. If a government employee son cannot do it for his parents, it becomes the duty of the government to do so from his salary, he said.
Canberra: Following the terror attack in Manchester, Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said on Wednesday that the threat level in his country will be maintained at "probable".

The decision was made on Tuesday night during a meeting of the national security committee with Turnbull and his cabinet, members of the federal police, intelligence organisations, as well as the armed forces, EFE news reported.

Turnbull announced the crucial security decision on ABC news after discussing with the national security service Australian Security Intelligence Organisation's chief security officer and his anti-terrorism coordinator.

Australian authorities are currently working, together with New Zealand's police, intelligence services and facility operators, to strengthen security measures at various public events, including the Vivid Sydney festival and several rugby matches.

The security measures in these places are "under constant review and you'll see heightened police presences, more obstacles, bollard, barriers put in the way to prevent vehicle-borne attacks." Turnbull said.

The Australian Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged people traveling to the UK to exercise "a high degree of caution".

Australia last raised its terror alert in September 2014 and has passed a series of anti-terrorism laws to prevent attacks on its territory.

Since then, the country has suffered four violent actions and has thwarted 12 other terrorist conspiracy plans.
By Michael Holden and Andy Bruce

| MANCHESTER, England

MANCHESTER, England British police hunted on Wednesday for potential accomplices who may have helped Salman Abedi build the bomb that killed 22 people at a concert in Manchester and who could be ready to kill again.As police tried to piece together the British-born Abedi's past, Prime Minister Theresa May said security officials had raised their assessment of the threat to Britain to "critical", indicating an attack is imminent.Part of that threat assessment is the fear that Abedi, who blew himself up in the bomb attack, could have been working as part of a group with possible links to militants who have the competence to plot and execute suicide bombings. Police have so far announced five arrests and Abedi's home was raided by special forces about 12 hours after the suicide attack. His brother, Ismail, was arrested.One of the five was carrying a package when he was arrested in the town of Wigan, 17 miles (27 km) to the west of Manchester city centre, police said.A Libyan counter-terrorism force on Tuesday evening arrested Abedi's younger brother, Hashem Abedi, in the Libyan capital Tripoli on suspicion of links with Islamic State, a force spokesman told Reuters in Libya. Manchester Police Chief Constable Ian Hopkins told reporters it was very clear that they were investigating what he called "a network". He declined to give any further details on the investigation. "The question is: Was he acting alone or was he part of a network of others who want to kill. That is what the investigation is focusing on," a source with knowledge of the British investigation told Reuters on condition of anonymity."The concern is that there may be others out there who helped him to make the bomb. Making a bomb of this sort requires a certain level of expertise and competence," the source said.

A second source said investigators suspect an accomplice helped Abedi build the bomb and then plot the attack.British security services are now trying to work out what turned Abedi, the tall, skinny son of a devout Muslim who opposed former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, into a killer. He was born in Manchester in 1994 to parents of Libyan birth and raised in Britain. His parents had emigrated from Libya to London before moving to the Fallowfield area of south Manchester, where they lived for at least 10 years.Britain's interior minister, Amber Rudd, said Abedi had recently returned from Libya and her French counterpart, Gerard Collomb, said he had proven links with Islamic State and had probably visited Syria too.Reuters was unable to independently verify the links to Islamic State or Syria.

FROM SON TO KILLER

According to the Kalam Research think-tank, which has an office in Tripoli, Abedi's father Abu Ismail left Saudi Arabia for London in 1992 and joined the Islamist Libyan Islamic Fighting Group in 1994.Abedi's father and elder brother Ismail were active at Disbury Mosque in south Manchester, said a trustee of the mosque, Fawzi Haffar. U.S. security officials said Abedi also had a sister named Jomana.Abu Ismail would read the call to prayer and Ismail worked as a volunteer, Haffar said."He (Abu Ismail) was devout as far as I know," Haffar added. "He's in Libya and has been for a while."

Abdalla Yousef, a spokesman for the mosque, said Abedi's father and the rest of the family apart from the two sons had returned to Libya in 2011 after the killing of Gadaffi. Ismail was arrested by armed police in Chorlton, south Manchester. Abedi attended Burnage Boys' School in south Manchester from 2009 to 2011, the school confirmed. He was a keen Manchester United fan."He always had a bit of an attitude problem," Leon Hall, who went to school with him, told the Daily Mail newspaper. "I cant say I really liked the man."After leaving school, he went on to begin a business and management course in 2014 at the nearby University of Salford.Alan Kinsey, 52, who lived in the house opposite Abedi, said he thought there had been just one man for the last 7-8 months and a couple had been living there as well before that.He said the man used to wear traditional white Islamic dress, was aged in his 20s, 6 ft. 2-4ins (about 1.9 metres), and very skinny."No one really interacted with him," Kinsey said. (Editing by Guy Faulconbridge and Angus MacSwan)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
By Romeo Ranoco

| PANTAR, Philippines

PANTAR, Philippines Thousands of civilians fled fighting in the Philippines on Wednesday as troops sought to contain Islamic State-linked militants who took over large parts of a city, set building ablaze and captured a Catholic priest and other Christians.President Rodrigo Duterte said he had no choice but to declare martial law on his native island of Mindanao following a failed raid by soldiers on Tuesday on a hideout of the Maute militant group, which triggered clashes and chaos across the largely Muslim city of Marawi.Duterte said Islamic State could not be allowed to gain a foothold in the Christian-majority Philippines and he would do whatever it took to rebuff extremists from the Maute group and the allied Abu Sayyaf, even if it meant many would die."Anyone now holding a gun, confronting government with violence, my orders are spare no one, let us solve the problems of Mindanao once and for all. Do not force my hands into it," said Duterte, who cut short his visit to Russia to return to Manila."If I think you should die, you will die. If you fight us you will die. If there's an open defiance you will die and if it means many people dying, so be it. That's how it is." Soldiers and rebels set up checkpoints and roadblocks on routes in and out of Marawi as a stream of men, women and children fled. Long queues of pickup trucks and jeeps crammed full of people and loaded with belongings snaked on roads leading into nearby towns.Battles abated on Wednesday as the military tried to isolate Maute fighters while awaiting reinforcements to the city of 200,000 people, which an official described as a ghost town. Maute snipers and booby traps were hampering operations, which could last three more days, the military said. Thirteen militants and seven members of the security forces have so far been killed and 33 troops wounded in the fighting, according to the military.Duterte said martial law would mean checkpoints, arrests and searches without warrant, and it would go on for as long as it took to restore order, but he would not tolerate abuses of power by police or soldiers.

He said he would consider some legal measures in the central Visayas region next to Mindanao to facilitate arrests, and might even declare martial law nationwide if he felt extremists had proliferated. He was also furious that the Maute group had hoisted the flag of Islamic State.EXTREMISTS HAVE ARRIVED

"I made a projection, not a prediction, that one of these days the hardest things to deal with would be the arrival of ISIS in our country," Duterte said, referring to Islamic State."The government must put an end to this. I cannot gamble with ISIS because they are everywhere."

The military has not explained how the raid on an apartment hideout went so badly wrong and resulted in Maute gunmen going on the rampage and taking over roads, bridges, buildings and a hospital.Duterte said he had heard reports that a police chief in Marawi may have been beheaded by the Maute.The armed forces said it was on top of the situation but residents who fled told a different story."The city is still under the control of the armed group. They are all over the main roads and two bridges leading to Marawi," student Rabani Mautum told Reuters in Pantar town, about 16 km (10 miles) from Marawi.Duterte said martial law in Mindanao, which would apply for 60 days initially, would be like that of the 1970s rule of late dictator Ferdinand Marcos, remembered by many Filipinos as one of the darkest chapters of recent history. He said Marcos' use of martial law was "very good".

The Catholic church said rebels had taken hostage Father Chito Suganob, a priest at Marawi's Cathedral of Our Lady Help of Christians, and several churchgoers."They have threatened to kill the hostages if the government forces unleashed against them are not recalled," said Father Socrates Villegas, president of Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines."We beg every Filipino to pray fervently."Tuesday's raid was aimed at capturing Isnilon Hapilon, a leader of the Abu Sayyaf group notorious for piracy, banditry and for kidnapping and beheading Westerners.The Maute and Abu Sayyaf have pledged allegiance to Islamic State and have proved fierce opponents for the military.Critics chided Duterte for what they saw as an overreaction in declaring martial law on an island the size of South Korea and the second biggest in the Philippines, after an incident in one city.The National Union of Peoples' Lawyers, a group of human rights attorneys, called it "a sledgehammer, knee-jerk reaction" that would "open the flood gates for unbridled human rights violations". (Additional reporting by Karen Lema, Enrico dela Cruz, Manuel Mogato in Manila; Writing by Martin Petty; Editing by Robert Birsel)

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Vatican City: Billionaire president Donald Trump heads to the Vatican on Wednesday to meet man-of-the-poor Pope Francis, with all eyes on whether they will end their sparring to find common ground.

The two leaders have been at odds over issues from migration to climate change, staking out starkly opposing positions through the media, most notably in 2016 while Trump was campaigning for the US presidency.

But there is a potential for reconciliation: Back in 2013, noting the pontiff's first Christmas as head of the Catholic Church, Trump tweeted that "the new pope is a humble man, very much like me, which probably explains why I like him so much!"

And Francis promised this month that he "won't judge" the former TV personality before hearing him out.

Security will be tight in the world's smallest state, with Swiss Guards joined by anti-terrorism police and sniffer dogs in the wake of the suicide attack at a concert in Manchester, Britain, on Monday claimed by the Islamic State group.

During his campaign, Trump evoked the spectre of an Islamic State attack on the Vatican, saying that "if and when" it happens "the pope would have only wished and prayed that Donald Trump would have been president".

'Historic visit'

Trump's visit to the Vatican is part of his first trip abroad as president, and follows an initial leg in Saudi Arabia and a visit to Israel and the Palestinian territories.

"No president has ever visited the homelands and holy sites of the Jewish, Christian, and Muslims faiths all on one trip," said US National Security Advisor HR McMaster, describing it as a "truly historic" visit.

"He will bring a message of tolerance and of hope to billions."

With his poll numbers at a record low for a new president, Trump may be hoping to boost his popularity by rubbing shoulders with the man who made the cover of Time and Rolling Stone.

At their meeting in the papal library at 6.30 GMT, the leaders are expected to discuss issues such as efforts to promote world peace, support for religious freedom and the fight against abortion.

'Play well with voters'

Trump may have sparked tensions with his attempts at a travel ban targeting several Muslim-majority nations, but on Sunday he softened his tone on Islam, rejecting the idea of a battle between religions, a sentiment the pope shares.

Elected in November last year, Trump has already axed rules protecting tax-funded financing of family planning clinics that offer abortions, and has filled an empty spot on the Supreme Court with an anti-abortion justice.

He may also win points thanks to his daughter and high-profile adviser Ivanka Trump, who has made a commitment to fighting human trafficking and will meet victims in Rome after her papal introduction.

But human rights groups are urging Francis to raise US use of the death penalty and the issues of torture and targeted assassinations with the US president.

Trump's stance on these issues "violates the sanctity of life that people of all faiths and none hold so dear," said Maya Foa, director of the British judicial rights group Reprieve.

And having vowed to make persecuted Christians in the Middle East a foreign policy priority, Trump may be asked by Francis to divert some US humanitarian spending to churches in Iraq and Syria, Vatican expert John L Allen Jr said.

If he agreed, it would be "a rare bit of positive news for Trump  one that should also play well with the religious voters" who elected him, he wrote on Cruxnow.com.

Not Christian?

The elephant in the room will be the president's planned border wall with Mexico. The Argentine pope has condemned the idea of using walls to keep out foreigners and slammed those who do as "not Christian".

Trump, who grew up in a Presbyterian family but is not a regular churchgoer, said the accusation was "disgraceful".

And while the pontiff is an ardent supporter of efforts to combat climate change, Trump has pledged to pull the United States out of the COP21 Paris Agreement on reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The president, who will head to Brussels later Wednesday before returning to Italy for a G7 meeting, did not initially plan to meet the pope.

When the unexpected, last-minute request came, the Vatican squeezed him into an early slot.

Holy See sources said the president would have to enter the papal palace via a side door because the weekly Wednesday mass in Saint Peter's Square takes priority.
Vatican City: US president Donald Trump met Pope Francis at the Vatican on Wednesday in a keenly-anticipated face-to-face encounter between two world leaders who have clashed repeatedly.

The private audience with the pontiff, which lasted just under half an hour, was preceded by a handshake for the cameras. Smiling broadly, Trump was heard to say "thank you so much," before commenting, "it is such an honour to be here."

Francis appeared more serious at the outset but also appeared to be in jovial spirits when the two men emerged after their slightly longer than scheduled chat.

The meeting, arranged at the last minute and squeezed into the 80-year-old pontiff's diary, came on the third leg of Trump's first overseas trip as president, which has already taken him to Saudi Arabia and to Israel and the Palestinian territories.

The two men have significant history, having disagreed pointedly and publicly over subjects ranging from migration to unbridled capitalism and climate change.

They also disagree on issues like the death penalty and the arms trade but share a fervent opposition to abortion.

Trump was accompanied for the audience by his wife Melania and daughter Ivanka, both dressed all in black, in keeping with traditional protocol that is no longer always observed by all female dignitaries visiting the Vatican.

The audience took place in the private library of the Apostolic Palace, the official papal residence that Francis does not use, having opted instead for modest lodgings in a Vatican guesthouse.

Immediately after the meeting, the 80-year-old pope was due give his usual midweek address to the faithful St Peter's square while the Trump couple are given a private tour of the Sistine Chapel and St Peter's Basilica.

'Humble like me'

Later in the morning, Trump, 70, was to call on Italy's president and prime minister while Melania visits a children's hospital and Ivanka discusses migration and people trafficking with members of the St Egidio religious community.

The Trump team is due to fly to Brussels on Wednesday afternoon for meetings with EU and NATO officials before returning to Italy late Thursday for the G7 summit in Sicily on Friday and Saturday.

Francis and Trump's sparred through the media during the presidential election campaign but the US leader had previously expressed his admiration for the pontiff.

In 2013, he tweeted that "the new pope is a humble man, very much like me, which probably explains why I like him so much!"

Francis had promised earlier this month that he "won't judge" the former TV personality before hearing him out.

But there is no doubting the differences between them in both substance and style. Trump arrived at the Vatican in a jumbo-sized SUV at the head of a convoy of official cars. Francis prefers modest Fiats and Fords wherever possible.

During his campaign, Trump evoked the spectre of an Islamic State attack on the Vatican, saying that "if and when" it happens "the pope would have only wished and prayed that Donald Trump would have been president".

'Message of hope'

Trump's visit to the Vatican is part of his first trip abroad as president, and follows an initial leg in Saudi Arabia and a visit to Israel and the Palestinian territories.

"No president has ever visited the homelands and holy sites of the Jewish, Christian, and Muslims faiths all on one trip," said US National Security Advisor HR McMaster, describing Trump as bringing "a message of tolerance and of hope to billions."

With his poll numbers at a record low for a new president, Trump may be hoping for a boost after rubbing shoulders with the man who made the cover of Time and Rolling Stone and is credited with bringing many American Catholics back to the Church.

Elected in November last year, Trump has already axed rules protecting tax-funded financing of family planning clinics that offer abortions, and has filled an empty spot on the Supreme Court with an anti-abortion justice.

Human rights groups had urged Francis to raise US use of the death penalty and the issues of torture and targeted assassinations with Trump.

Trump's stance on these issues "violates the sanctity of life that people of all faiths and none hold so dear," said Maya Foa, director of the British judicial rights group Reprieve.

Francis has been particularly critical of Trump's planned border wall with Mexico, condemning the construction of such barriers to keep out foreigners as "not Christian".

Trump, who grew up in a Presbyterian family but is not a regular churchgoer, said the accusation was "disgraceful".

And while the pontiff is an ardent supporter of efforts to combat climate change, Trump has pledged to pull the United States out of the COP21 Paris Agreement on reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Washington: US President Donald Trump praised his Philippine counterpart Rodrigo Duterte over his immensely polarising drug war, which has killed thousands of people, reports said.

During an 29 April call that focused mostly on North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile program, Trump congratulated Duterte on doing an "unbelievable job on the drug problem".

Trump also extended an invitation for "good man" Duterte to visit the White House "anytime you want to come," before the two leaders are set to meet in the Philippines in November.

"Many countries have the problem, we have a problem, but what a great job you are doing and I just wanted to call and tell you that," Trump said, according to a transcript made by the Philippine government and released by The Washington Post and The Intercept.

Duterte responded by saying drugs are the "scourge of my nation now and I have to do something to preserve the Filipino nation".

In an apparent dig at his predecessor Barack Obama  who had canceled a bilateral meeting with Duterte after the Philippine president insulted him  Trump then said, "I understand that and fully understand that and I think we had a previous president who did not understand that."

Police have reported killing about 2,700 people since Duterte took office at the end of June and immediately launched his war on drugs.

Unknown assailants have killed more than 1,800 others, while about 5,700 other violent deaths are under investigation, according to police data.

Partly in response to American criticism, Duterte has loosened the Philippines' traditionally strong ties with its ally. Duterte has instead embraced China, which has supported his drug war and sought to deepen economic ties by providing billions of dollars' worth of investments and aid to the Philippines.
COLUMBUS  The clock on a Columbus mans 15-year drivers license revocation restarted this week.

Robert Lewis was sentenced to two years in prison and nine months of post-release supervision Tuesday for driving during revocation stemming from a fifth-offense drunken driving case in 2011.

District Court Judge Robert Steinke also reset the clock on Lewis 15-year revocation, which means his license wont be eligible for reinstatement until 2032.

Lewis fifth DUI conviction resulted from an October 2010 offense in Columbus. His license would have been eligible for reinstatement in 2025 before the city man was convicted in early April of two driving during revocation offenses following August and December traffic stops in Columbus.

A district court jury convicted Lewis of the two Class IV felonies after deliberating about 90 minutes following a 1 1/2-day trial.

The felonies were each punishable by up to two years in prison, 18 months of post-release supervision and a $10,000 fine.

Lewis made a last-minute appeal for a continuance in Tuesdays sentencing hearing.

The defendant sought a sentencing delay until mid-June so he could keep an appointment with a doctor to determine if he needed to be scheduled for back surgery.

The judge rejected the defense motion filed Monday with the court.

According to court documents, the 2016 traffic stops came after the defendant obtained a temporary paper operators license earlier in the year from the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles. Lewis presented the temporary license, which expired in March 2016, to officers during the traffic stops.

Prosecution evidence at the trial revealed Lewis went to the DMV office in Lancaster County in February to apply for a new operators license using a different date of birth and Social Security number from what appeared on his revoked license.

The DMVs facial recognition system made the connection between Lewis two licenses, red-flagging the defendants 2016 application for a permanent license for denial because of his revocation.

The state agency never sent Lewis a permanent copy of the fraudulently obtained license.
By Patricia Zengerle and Doina Chiacu

| WASHINGTON

WASHINGTON Former CIA director John Brennan said on Tuesday he had noticed contacts between associates of Donald Trump's presidential campaign and Russia during the 2016 election and grew concerned Moscow had sought to lure Americans down "a treasonous path."Brennan, who headed the agency until Trump became president in January, also told a congressional hearing that he personally warned the head of Russia's FSB security service in a phone call last August that meddling in the election would hurt relations with the United States.Separately, the top U.S. intelligence official, Dan Coats, sidestepped a question on a Washington Post report that Trump had asked him and the National Security Agency chief to help him knock down the notion there was evidence of such collusion. But Coats did say he has made clear to Trump's administration that "any political shaping" of intelligence would be inappropriate.The comments by Brennan and Coats, the Director of National Intelligence, added fuel to a controversy that has engulfed Trump since he fired FBI Director James Comey two weeks ago amid the agency's investigation into possible collusion between people associated with his presidential campaign and Russia."I encountered and am aware of information and intelligence that revealed contacts and interactions between Russian officials and U.S. persons involved in the Trump campaign," Brennan's said in testimony to the House of Representatives Intelligence Committee.Brennan said that he cannot say definitively there was actual collusion.Brennan's testimony was the first public confirmation of the worry at high levels of the U.S. government last year over suspicious contacts between Trump campaign associates and Moscow. It was also the most complete account to date of the CIA's thinking at a time when intelligence agencies were putting together evidence that Russia was interfering in the heated U.S. presidential race to help businessman Trump, a Republican, defeat Democratic Party candidate Hillary Clinton.Comey was heading the Federal Bureau of Investigation probe into Russian interference and possible collusion with Trump's campaign, leading to accusations by Trump critics that he has sought to curtail the FBI inquiry.In another development, Trump has retained Marc Kasowitz, a New York-based trial lawyer who has represented Trump in the past, as his private attorney for special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into the Russia matter, a Fox Business Network reporter said on Twitter.

U.S. intelligence agencies concluded in January that Moscow tried to tilt the election campaign in Trump's favor, including by hacking into the emails of senior Democrats. Russia has repeatedly denied the allegation. Trump has denied any collusion but the FBI and congressional probes into the Russia matter have dogged the early months of his presidency."It should be clear to everyone Russia brazenly interfered in our 2016 presidential election process and that they undertook these activities despite our strong protests and explicit warning that they do not do so," Brennan said.Brennan said he worried that Russians tried to recruit Americans during the presidential campaign to work for Moscow. Brennan said it was possible for someone to be helpful to the Russian cause without realizing it."They (the Russians) try to suborn individuals and they try to get individuals, including U.S. persons, to act on their behalf either wittingly or unwittingly," he said, adding that "individuals going on a treasonous path often do not realize it until it is too late."'WORTHY OF INVESTIGATION'

Republican Representative Trey Gowdy asked Brennan: "Did you see evidence of collusion, coordination and conspiracy between Donald Trump and Russian state actors?""I saw information and intelligence that was worthy of investigation by the bureau (FBI) to determine whether or not such cooperation or collusion was taking place," Brennan replied, but declined to elaborate.Reuters reported last week that Trump's fired former national security adviser Michael Flynn and other advisers to Trump's campaign were in contact with Russian officials and others with Kremlin ties in at least 18 calls and emails during the last seven months of the presidential race.Flynn was forced out in February for failing to disclose the content of his talks with Sergei Kislyak, Russia's ambassador to the United States, and misleading Vice President Mike Pence about the conversations. Brennan said he believed he was the first U.S. official to raise the matter of election interference with the Russians, citing an Aug. 4, 2016 phone call he had with the head of Russia's FSB, Alexander Bortnikov.

He said he raised media reports of Russian attempts to meddle in the election with Bortnikov, who denied any involvement by Moscow, and told him if Russia pursued this course it would destroy prospects for improved U.S.-Russia relations.Trump's public approval ratings dropped to a new low in Reuters/Ipsos poll data released on Tuesday, with 37 percent of U.S. adults surveyed approving of the president while 57 percent disapproving. Support for Trump appears to have dropped among Americans of all political stripes.At a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing, Coats sidestepped questions about a Washington Post report that Trump had asked Coats and Admiral Michael Rogers, director of the National Security Agency, to help him knock down the notion that there was evidence of such collusion. But Coats did not deny Trump had made such a request.Coats said that "I don't feel it's appropriate to characterize discussions and conversations with the president."The Post reported Coats and Rogers declined the request.Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal told Coats that the fact he had not denied the Post report should lead to "even more intensive investigation of the alleged effort by the president to enlist you in shutting down, or stifling that investigation.""This evidence, if true, goes to criminal intent and constitutes mounting evidence of obstruction of justice," Blumenthal added.The leaders of the U.S. Senate Intelligence Committee said they will subpoena two of Flynn's businesses after he declined to comply with a subpoena for documents in the panel's Russia probe. (Reporting by Doina Chiacu and Patricia Zengerle; Additional reporting by Phil Stewart, Idrees Ali and Chris Kahn; Writing by Will Dunham; Editing by Frances Kerry and Grant McCool)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
New Delhi: Canada on Tuesday expressed regret over denial of entry to a retired Indian police officer on the ground that the Indian government engages in "terrorism, systematic or gross human rights violations, or genocide" after India took up the matter.

"We are aware of media reports that an Indian national was denied entry to Canada, despite having had a valid visa. We regret any inconvenience that may have been experienced by this individual and their family", Canada's High Commissioner to India Nadir Patel said in a statement.

"Canada's privacy laws prevent me from commenting further," he added.

Earlier in a briefing, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Gopal Baglay said: "We have seen the news report regarding denial of entry by Canadian authorities to a senior retired Indian police officer", in response to a question.

"Such a characterisation of a reputed force like the CRPF is completely unacceptable", he said.

"We have taken up the matter with the Government of Canada."

According to a report in the Hindustan Times, Tejinder Singh Dhillon, who retired with the rank of Inspector General of Police from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in 2010, was declared inadmissible under a subsection of Canada's Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.

The report cited a document given to Dhillon at the airport that stated he was a "prescribed senior official in the service of a government that, in the opinion of the Minister, engages or has engaged in terrorism, systematic or gross human rights violations, or genocide, a war crime or a crime against humanity".

In his statement, Patel, who is himself of Indian origin, noted that Canada continued to welcome record numbers of Indians for study, tourism, business, and visiting friends and family and that "from time to time, with such a large number of applications, oversights on visa applications can happen which is regrettable".

"In situations where established procedures may not have been followed, a review takes place to avoid any reoccurrence (sic)", he said, adding that form letters used by the Canadian government "include generic language taken from Canada's legislation".

"In this case, the language does not reflect the Government of Canada's policy toward India or any particular organisation, including the Central Reserve Police Force of India", he said, adding the CRPF "plays an important role in upholding law and order in India".

This is the latest incident that has put India-Canada bilateral relations under a lot of stress.

Last month the Ontario Assembly in Canada passed a motion that recognises the 1984 antiSikh riots in India that killed over 2,500 people, as genocide.

The motion, which was passed 35 to 5 on 6 April, was moved by Harinder Malhi, an MP of Indian origin from Brampton-Springdale district.
Contrary to popular belief, Chinese academic Yi Fuxian recently claimed that India is the world's most populous country with a population of about 1.32 billion and has overtaken China.

According to a report by The Guardian, Yi believes that Chinese statisticians have overestimated the country's population by about 90 million. "China's real population may have been about 1.29 billion last year, which is around 90 million fewer people than the official figure released by the National Bureau of Statistics," Yi said.

The statistical error might be due to overblown fertility rate figures, he added. Time reported that Yi thinks Chinas fertility rate to be at 1.05 children per woman even though 2015 estimates puts it at 1.6. His research suggests that there were 377.6 million new births from 1991 to 2016, less than the official figure of 464.8 million.

Other demographers have come out to support Yi and voice similar opinions. "The government has overestimated the birth rate and underestimated the speed of demographic changes," Li Jianxin, a demographer at Peking University, was quoted as saying by the South China Morning Post. They are calling for the removal of population controls and improved data quality. "It is imperative that the government should abandon the family planning system," said Liang Zhongtang, another demographer.

However, some demographers have dismissed his claims as 'sensational'. Indian demographer Laushram Ladu Singh said, "China is still the most populated, but India will overtake them by 2025."

Yi has been a long time critic of China's 'one-child' policy and believes that the country should scrap all such controls in order to control the age crisis. He also thinks that the ageing crisis maybe more severe than expected. China has the world's largest population aged over 60 and Yi's findings are being seen as a warning.
Jakarta: Police in Indonesia's most populous province plan to deploy a taskforce to investigate lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) activity, a move likely to fuel concerns of a widening crackdown on the community in the Muslim-majority country.

West Java police chief Anton Charliyan disclosed the plan on Tuesday, as two gay men in the province of Aceh were publicly flogged, days after police raided a gay club in Jakarta and distributed photos of suspects to the media.

With the exception of Aceh, homosexuality is legal in Indonesia. Activists say, however, that police targeting of consensual gay sex has shone a light on discrimination and harassment in the world's third-largest democracy.

Indonesia's reputation for tolerance is already under scrutiny after Jakarta governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, a Christian, was sentenced this month to two years in prison for blasphemy.

Responding to Sunday's Jakarta raid, Charliyan told reporters in Bandung, the capital of West Java, a province with a population of about 47 million, that LGBT people suffered a "disease of the body and soul".

He called on the public to report their activities. "I hope there are no followers in West Java, no gay or LGBT lifestyle or tradition," Charliyan said. "If there's anyone following it, they will face the law and heavy social sanctions. They will not be accepted in society."

A leading LGBT activist slammed his remarks, which were confirmed in a recording provided to Reuters by journalists present when Charliyan spoke on Tuesday.

"Police have a mandate to follow the law. They are not the morals police," said Yuli Rustinawati, chairperson of Arus Pelangi, an Indonesian LGBT activist organisation.

In remarks on Wednesday, Charliyan said the police "taskforce" would include intelligence specialists and was particularly concerned with disrupting "secret parties", the Detik news portal reported.

A national spokesman for the police, Setyo Wasisto, said the approach in West Java did not reflect a national strategy. "It is enough for us to handle it as we do regularly," he said.

Charliyan's comments follow a spate of high-profile police actions against gay clubs and parties just as the country's Constitutional Court is due to rule on a petition to outlaw homosexuality and adultery.

On Sunday, police detained 141 men and released photos of some of them in varying states of undress to the media, revealing many of their identities. Only 10 of the men have been declared suspects, five remain under investigation and 126 were released.

The police said the photos were released due to "procedural errors", the Jakarta Post reported.

Rustinawati at Arus Pelangi said, however, the release of the images was part of a police pattern of publicly shaming of gay people.

The two Acehnese men, caned 82 times each on Tuesday, were punished in front of a crowd of more than 1,000. Semi-autonomous Aceh province is governed by sharia Islamic law.

Earlier, a video of the men, naked and distressed as they were apprehended by Sharia police, was released and viewed widely on social media.

In Indonesia's second-largest city of Surabaya in East Java, 14 gay men were arrested, tested for HIV and the results made public, Indonesian media reported.

"The police also release data  names and addresses," said Rustinawati. "It's humiliating and it puts LGBT people in danger."

On Tuesday, North Jakarta police chief Dwiyono, who like many Indonesians, has only one name, took journalists through the gay club raided on Sunday. As they climbed three floors, he pointed out a gym, a communal jacuzzi used for "striptease" and a cluster of cubicles for sex.

"This door can only be opened if you pay 185,000 rupiah ($14) to the receptionist," he said. "In here, there's no change room, you just tear off your clothes and use a towel."

Indonesian President Joko Widodo last year gave qualified support for the gay community, telling the BBC that "there should be no discrimination against anyone", before noting that homosexuality is not popular in his country.

However, his defence minister, Ryamizard Ryacudu, suggested that homosexuality was a national security threat and part of a "proxy war" waged against Indonesia by foreign states.

A Pew Research Center poll in 2013 found 93 percent of respondents in Indonesia disagreed that "society should accept homosexuality".

Indonesia's Islamist groups have long called for the criminalisation of gay sex. The Islamic Defenders Front (FPI), the vigilante group that led huge rallies against the now-convicted Jakarta governor, has cooperated with police in curbing alleged vice for more than a decade.
By Phil Stewart

| WASHINGTON

WASHINGTON An Iraqi Kurdish push for independence from Baghdad appears likely to be a question of "not if but when," in a significant challenge to Iraq's stability, the head of the U.S. Defence Intelligence Agency said on Tuesday. Iraq's main Kurdish parties announced in April a plan to hold a referendum on independence this year, after the defeat of Islamic State militants.The DIA's director, Lieutenant General Vincent Stewart, told a Senate hearing that the ability of Iraq's Kurds to reach an understanding with the Shi'ite-dominated government in Baghdad would be essential to avoid renewed conflict."Kurdish independence is on a trajectory where it is probably not if but when. And it will complicate the situation unless there's an agreement in Baghdad," said Stewart, whose role is to provide intelligence assessments and not to craft U.S. policy."So this a significant referendum that comes up in October this year."

The Kurds have played a major role in the U.S.-backed campaign to defeat Islamic State, the ultra-hard-line Sunni Muslim group that overran about a third of Iraq nearly three years ago. The militants are now fighting off Iraqi forces in Mosul, their last major urban stronghold in Iraq from where they declared a "caliphate" that also includes parts of Syria.While the fall of Mosul would effectively end the "caliphate," it will not solve deep divisions over power, land and resources between Iraq's Shi'ite Arab majority and the important Sunni Arab and Kurdish communities.

"Once ISIS is defeated in Mosul, the greatest challenge to the Iraqi government is to reconcile the differences between the Shia-dominated government, the Sunnis out west and the Kurds to the north," Stewart said.The Iraqi Kurds have their own armed forces, the Peshmerga, which in 2014 prevented Islamic State from capturing the oil region of Kirkuk, after the Iraqi army fled in the face of the militants.The Kurds have historical claims over Kirkuk, which is also inhabited by Turkmen and Arabs. Hard-line Iranian-backed Iraqi Shi'ite militias have threatened to expel the Kurds by force from this region and other disputed areas.

"Resolving the Kirkuk oil field and the revenues associated with the oil fields, resolving the ownership of the city of Kirkuk, will be significant political challenges for the Iraqi government," Stewart said.He warned of dire consequences should Baghdad be unable or unwilling to reach an understanding with the Kurds or the Sunnis."Failure to address those challenges, coming up with a political solution, will ultimately result in conflict among all of the parties to resolve this and going back to what could devolve into a civil strife in Iraq," he said.Iraqi Kurdish independence has been historically opposed by Iraq and its neighbours, Iran, Turkey and Syria, which fear similar aspirations by their own Kurdish populations. (Reporting by Phil Stewart; Editing by Jonathan Oatis)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
Paris: The bomber who killed 22 people at a concert in the British city of Manchester had likely been to Syria, French Interior Minister Gerard Collomb said.

He told BFMTV that British intelligence services had informed their French counterparts that 22-year-old Salman Abedi, who was of Libyan origin, grew up in Britain and then suddenly, after a trip to Libya and then likely to Syria, became radicalised and decided to carry out this attack.

Collomb said it was possible that Abedi had assistance from other people and added, "In any case, the links with Daesh are proven."

Daesh is another term for the Islamic State jihadist group, which has claimed responsibility for the attack on the concert by US pop star Ariana Grande in which many of the victims were children.

The French minister, who took office only last week, added: "At the moment we only know what British investigators have told us."

Collomb went further than the revelations to date from British authorities.

British interior minister Amber Rudd told BBC radio that it was "likely and possible" that the bomber wasn't doing it on his own.

In the wake of the attack, Britain has raised its terror alert level to maximum for fear of an imminent new terror strike.
Salman Abedi, the suspected bomber behind Wednesday's attack at a pop concert in Manchester, had been on the radar of security services, interior minister Amber Rudd confirmed on Wednesday.

"It is somebody that they had known and I'm sure when this investigation concludes we'll be able to find out more," she told BBC radio.

Rudd confirmed that bomber Abedi, a British man of Libyan heritage who died in the explosion on Monday night, had been on the radar of the security services.

"We do know that he was known up to a point to the intelligence services," she told Sky News.

Clarifying this on the BBC she said: "The security services will know a lot of people. It doesn't mean that they're expected to arrest everybody they know.

"But it is somebody that they had known." She said she had "complete confidence" in the security services.

The minister said she was "not surprised at all" that the attack had been claimed by the Islamic State group, but said there was no information yet to confirm the extremist organisation's active direction.

Meanwhile, French interior minister Gerard Collomb said that Abedi had "likely" been to Syria.

He told BFMTV that British intelligence services had told their French counterparts that 22-year-old Abedi, who was of Libyan origin, "grew up in Britain and then suddenly, after a trip to Libya and then likely to Syria, became radicalised and decided to carry out this attack".

Earlier, media reports gave out key details about 22-year-old Abedi.

Who was Abedi?

Abedi, the suicide bomber who killed 22 people in Manchester, was a business student who dropped out of university.

Born to a devout Muslim family from Libya, he was brought up in Britain's third biggest city. Newspapers said he was known to the security services, and The Financial Times reported that he had turned to radical Islam in recent years.

Abedi, 22, worshipped at a suburban mosque where his father was well known, and even occasionally performed the call to prayer.

He was named by police and Prime Minister Theresa May the day after the deadly attack, which left dozens wounded. "The perpetrator was Salman Ramadan Abedi, who was born and brought up in Britain," May said, condemning his actions as "callous and cowardly".

Media reports said Abedi's parents fled Libya to escape the regime of former dictator Muammar Gaddafi.

Around 16,000 Libyans live in Britain, and Manchester is home to the largest community, according to the BBC. It was a focus of celebrations when the Gaddafi regime fell in 2011.

Reports said the suicide bomber was the second youngest of four children, including another son and one daughter.

One member of Manchester's Libyan community told The Guardian newspaper, "He was such a quiet boy, always very respectful towards me. His brother Ismael is outgoing, but Salman was very quiet. He is such an unlikely person to have done this."

Abedi had recently returned from Libya, according to The Times newspaper's front page on Wednesday, which cited a school friend as saying that he left three weeks ago and returned in the last few days.

Police said they were urgently seeking to establish whether Abedi worked alone, or acted as part of a larger network.

Abedi's family were closely linked to the Didsbury Mosque, a Victorian former Methodist chapel in a leafy suburb that was bought in 1967 by donors from the Syrian Arab community.

His father Ramadan had sometimes performed the call to prayer and his brother Ismael had been a volunteer. One senior figure from the mosque Mohammed Saeed told The Guardian that when he once gave a sermon denouncing terror, Abedi stared him down. "Salman showed me a face of hate after that sermon," Mohammed Saeed said of the 2015 encounter. "He was showing me hatred."

May raises threat level to 'critical'

Prime Minister May raised the UK's terror threat to the "critical" level, which means an attack is imminent, and deployed army in the key sites. May said the decision to raise the threat level was taken after security forces were unable to rule out if Abedi was behind Monday's suicide bombing in Manchester, acted alone. The move will see the army deployed to secure the country's key sites.

"It is a possibility that we cannot ignore, that there is a wider group of individuals linked to this attack," May said.

The terror threat level has been raised to its highest level of "critical", meaning further attacks may be imminent, she said.

It is for the first time in 10 years the feared threat of a terror attack has reached its highest level. Up to 5,000 soldiers will be deployed on Britain's streets as a result of the move.

The Islamic State terror group had claimed responsibility for the bombing and warned of more attacks.

With inputs from agencies
Kathmandu: Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' on Tuesday deferred his planned resignation from the top post, adding to political uncertainties in Kathmandu.

Earlier in the day, Prachanda informed his cabinet colleagues that he will put in his papers to pave way for Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba to become the next Prime Minister.

On the other hand, Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Marxist-Leninist leader KP Oli said in Parliament that the Prime Minister cannot resign in the middle of local elections and should continue until the second phase of elections on 14 June is completed.

A meeting of Prachanda, Oli and Deuba, called by Speaker Onsari Gharti to sort out the stand-off, could not make headway as Oli remained adamant on his stand.

Parliament is slated to meet at 11 am on Wednesday and Prachanda has called for a meeting of top political leadership ahead of the house meeting.

The proposed resignation of Prachanda was to honour an accord signed in August last year when Prachanda was elected the Prime Minister with Deuba's support.

Both Prachanda and Deuba had agreed to run the government on a rotational basis until elections to Parliament were held in February 2018, as per constitutional obligations.

According to the agreement, Prachanda was to remain in office till the local elections were held whereas polls at the provincial and central levels were to be conducted under Deuba as the Prime Minister.

Earlier in the day, Cabinet members posed for group photos in anticipation of their last day in office before Prachanda's address to Parliament.

However, the main opposition Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Marxist-Leninist did not allow the normal functioning of Parliament.

The party opposed the move to change the demarcation of local bodies in the Terai (plains) region, dubbing it against the election Code of Conduct.

In a bid to address the grievances of agitating Madhes-based parties and to ensure their participation in second phase of local polls on June 14, the Prachanda-led government had increased the numbers of local units in Terai region in proportion to the population.

Oli questioned how the numbers could be increased when only first phase of elections was over. "It is illegal and anti-constitutional," the CPN-UML leader said.

Local elections in the first phase were held on 14 May in three Nepal provinces, mostly in the hills. The second phase is scheduled for June 14 in four provinces, mostly in the plains.

The numbers of local bodies going to polls in the second phase are almost double of the first.
New York: India and China are showing the way forward in the battle against climate change by greatly increasing their investments in renewable energy sources, which are making President Donald Trump's America look like a "laggard", US daily The New York Times has commented.

"Until recently, China and India have been cast as obstacles, at the very least reluctant conscripts, in the battle against climate change. That reputation looks very much out-of-date now that both countries have greatly accelerated their investments in

cost-effective renewable energy sources  and reduced their reliance on fossil fuels. It's America  Donald Trump's America  that now looks like the laggard," the editorial said.

The editorial titled 'China and India Make Big Strides on Climate Change' cited research released last week at a United Nations climate meeting in Germany that said China and India should easily exceed the targets they set for themselves in the 2015 Paris Agreement signed by more than 190 countries.

China's emissions of carbon dioxide appear to have peaked more than 10 years sooner than its government had said they would, and India is now expected to obtain 40 percent of its electricity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2022, eight years ahead of schedule, it noted.

While there are challenges and emissions from industry and agriculture to worry about, it said, "Beijing and New Delhi  not, embarrassingly enough, Washington  are showing the way forward."

While all nations have a part to play in combating climate change and its devastating effects, "tangible progress" by the world's number one producer of greenhouse gases (China) and its number three (India) is "astonishing nonetheless, and worth celebrating," the editorial said.

It said efforts by India and China in tackling climate change were a "lesson" for the US, where "piece by piece, agency by agency, the Trump administration seems determined to destroy or undermine every initiative on which President Obama based his pledge in Paris to substantially reduce America's greenhouse gases".

Trump's excuse is that these rules would cost jobs and damage the economy but China and India are finding that doing right by the planet need not carry a big economic cost and can actually be beneficial.

"China and India's enthusiasm for cleaner energy arises in part from a wish to reduce the terrible air pollution that afflicts cities like Beijing and New Delhi; any move away from coal would make a big difference in public health. Investments in cutting-edge energy and transportation technologies would also bolster the economy as a whole," the write-up said.
Denise Kracl continues to gain recognition for her work as Colfax County attorney.

The most recent honor came Thursday when she received the Excellence in Leadership Award from the Nebraska Juvenile Justice Association.

The award, established in 2011 to recognize those who demonstrate exemplary integrity and leadership while serving youths, families and staff members, was presented during a conference in Kearney.

It is an honor to be recognized by people who I consider to be statewide leaders in juvenile justice, said Kracl, who has served as Colfax County attorney since late 2010.

Kracl was nominated for the award by District 5 Chief Probation Officer Carrie Rodriguez, who called Kracl the definition of what a leader should be while referencing her involvement in the community.

Kracl started an intervention and truancy program at Schuyler Community Schools focused on improving student attendance. This program, backed by grant and county funding, added a full-time truancy officer at Schuyler Central High School who works with roughly 50 students a year to remove the barriers that keep them out of class.

I am working to keep children in the classroom, not in the courtroom, said Kracl, who also partnered with Nebraska Workforce Development in Columbus to create a program that replaces community service with employment training for some first-time, nonviolent offenders in the juvenile diversion program.

The Columbus natives involvement in the annual Schuyler Food and Toy Drive was also noted in her nomination.

Kracl teamed up with former Colfax County diversion officer Saul Soltero to start the program about seven years ago. Since then the program, which is backed by community volunteers, businesses, service groups and SCHS students, has provided hundreds of area families with food, toys and sanitary items during Christmastime.

She is also working with the District 5 Probation Office to create a juvenile mentoring program that brings youths and law enforcement officers together, serves on a local coalition thats addressing mental health issues in Schuyler, is president of the board at Center for Survivors in Columbus and volunteers with numerous events and programs aimed at bettering the community.

Denise is one of those rare people that would give you the world and would not expect anything in return. She is a leader in so many ways and one day I hope I strive to be as admirable of a woman as she is, truancy officer Sidnee Pavel said in the nomination form.

At the state level, Kracl addresses the Legislature on juvenile justice issues and serves on the Nebraska Coalition of Juvenile Justice, which has a goal of improving juvenile services across the state.

Rodriguez wrote that the county attorney inspires others to get involved and make a positive impact in their communities.

Denise Kracl has dedicated her life to serving others and because of her the world truly is a better place, Rodriguez stated.

Kracl, who was recognized in February as the volunteer of the year by Schuyler Area Chamber of Commerce, said she has a passion for working with children.

I believe that every child should have their own champion, someone who believes that they are the greatest person in the world, she said.

Professionally, Cynthia Kennedy, who leads the community-based juvenile services aid program through the Nebraska Crime Commission, described Kracl as a fearless leader who is not afraid to take on challenges while also demonstrating humility.

To Denise, it doesnt matter what degree you possess, where you come from, or who you know; shes willing to listen to your story, assist in every way she is able, and learn something new from all situations, Kennedy wrote in her letter supporting Kracls nomination.

Showing that humility, Kracl gave the credit to others when discussing the award.

I commend local and state leaders who recognize the importance of early intervention for children who may be going down the wrong path, said Kracl.

And they commend her.
Islamabad: Amid heightened tension with India, Pakistan's Air Force chief today warned that his forces will respond to any aggression by the "enemy" in a manner that their future generations will also remember it.

Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman emphatically said that Pakistan will give a befitting response to any misadventure by the enemy, Radio Pakistan reported.

Talking to reporters at Qadri airbase in Skardu, he said the country should have zero concern over the "statements of the enemy".

"Our response to any aggression by the enemy will be such that their future generations will also remember it," he said according to the report.

The Air Force chief made the remarks after taking part in Air Force exercises and flying a Mirage fighter jet during his visit to Skardu. He also reviewed the exercises and operational preparedness of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF).

His visit coincided with reports in Pakistani media that the Air Force today flew fighter jets near the Siachen Glacier - the world's highest battleground.

The Indian Air Force in New Delhi denied that the Pakistani fighter jets violated the Indian air space.

Tensions between India and Pakistan have run high since the attack on an Indian army base in Uri in September last

year in which 18 Indian soldiers were killed by militants based in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Ten days after the attack India launched "surgical strikes" there to destroy "terrorist launchpads".

More recently, the Indian Army yesterday announced that it launched "punitive fire assaults" on Pakistani positions

across the Line of Control earlier this month, inflicting some damage. The action was taken in response to the beheading of two Indian soldiers in Kashmir by Pakistani special forces.

Today, the Pakistani Air force chief said the PAF was fully prepared and capable to defend the country's frontiers.
Islamabad: Pakistan hanged two hard core Taliban terrorists convicted by the military courts of their involvement in the 2014 Peshawar school massacre which left over 150 people dead, mostly students.

Pakistan Army said Atta Ullah and Taj Muhammad were active members of the proscribed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and had facilitated the terrorists who attacked the Army-run school in Peshawar in December 2014.

"These terrorists were involved in committing heinous offences relating to terrorism, including attack on Army Public School Peshawar, killing of innocent civilians, attacking Armed Forces of Pakistan and Law Enforcement Agencies," army said.

The terrorists had been tried by military courts and had confessed to their crimes before a magistrate and trial court, it said.

Earlier in December 2015, four terrorists involved in the Peshawar school attack were executed in Kohat jail in the restive Khyber-Pakhtunkwa province.

Military courts, which were restored in March for another two years after their initial two-year term expired in January, work in secrecy due to fear of attacks by militants.

The courts were set up after a constitutional amendment following the Peshawar terror attack.

Human rights group Justice Project Pakistan says over 440 people have been executed since the Peshawar attack.

Pakistan has been fighting various extremist groups for over a decade. Militant attacks have killed tens of thousands of people.The military courts have handed down the death penalty to more than 170 militants.
Washington: Pakistan is "harbouring terrorists" and using them as "reserve" in Afghanistan, a top US intelligence official has told lawmakers.

"Pakistan views Afghanistan or desires for Afghanistan some of the same things we want: A safe, secure, stable Afghanistan. One addition  one that does not have heavy Indian influence in Afghanistan," Lt Gen Vincent Stewart, Director, Defense Intelligence Agency told members of the powerful Senate Armed Services Committee during a Congressional hearing on worldwide threats.

"They view all of the challenges through the lens of an Indian threat to the state of Pakistan," Stewart said.

"So they (Pakistan) hold in reserve terrorist organisation -- we define them as terrorist organisations, they hold them in reserve so that  if Afghanistan leans towards India, they will no longer be supportive of an idea of a stable and secure Afghanistan that could undermine Pakistan interest," Stewart said.

He said Pakistan needs to be told very clearly that Afghanistan's security and stability is in the interest of all of the parties in the region and does not pose a risk to Pakistan.

"We've got to convince Pakistan that if they're harbouring any of the Haqqani network members that it is not in their interest to continue to host of Haqqani network, that we ought to be working together to go after those 20 terrorist organisations that undermine not just Afghanistan, not just Pakistan, but all of the region," he said.

"And so we've to make sure we're pushing them to do more against the Haqqani network. Then (they should) separate the Taliban from the Pashtun, which want a Pashtun dominated Afghanistan," he said.

"So we've got to get the conversation going again with Pakistan about their role in not harboring any of these terrorists, helping to stabilise Afghanistan," he added.

Hoping that US may have some progress in this, Stewart said Pakistan also have some influence in bringing the Taliban to the peace table.

"So, we've got to get them to think about reconciliation, that the status quo is not in their best interest, he said.

Dan Coats, Director of National Intelligence said there is need to evaluate how to address the situation of Pakistan harbouring terrorist.

"I think certainly an evaluation of how we work with Pakistan to address the situation of the harbouring of terrorist groups would be essential to a strategy that affects Afghanistan, going forward in Afghanistan," he said in response to a question.

"Because that is potentially a very disrupting situation, putting our own troops at risk and undermining the strategy of dealing with the Taliban and local groups that are trying to undermine the government," Coats said.
Manila: Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday said martial law in the southern region of Mindanao could last a year, as he vowed it would be similar to the late Ferdinand Marcos's dictatorship.

"If it would take a year to do it, if it's over within a month, then I'd be happy," Duterte said in a video posted online by the government.

Addressing "our fellow Filipinos", Duterte told them they had experienced martial law during the two-decade Marcos presidency, which ended with a "People Power" revolution in 1986.

"It could not be any different from what President Marcos did," he said in the video, which was recorded just before cutting short a visit to Russia and flying back to the Philippines.

Duterte vowed to be "harsh" in dealing with terrorism, telling Filipinos this was one of his election campaign promises in 2016.

"What I told everyone, do not force my hand into it. I have to do it to preserve the Republic of the Philippines, the Filipino people," he said.

Duterte on Tuesday night placed all of the southern region of Mindanao, which makes up roughly one third of the country and is home to 20 million people, under martial law, following deadly clashes between security forces and Islamist militants.

The constitution only allows martial law for 60 days in the event of rebellion or invasion.

Presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella initially said martial law in Mindanao would last for 60 days.

However Duterte, who has caused controversy with a war on drugs that has claimed thousands of lives, has repeatedly threatened throughout his presidency that he is willing to ignore the constitution if he needs to enforce martial law.

Duterte has also said he is willing to enforce martial law nationwide if it is needed to eradicate drugs in society.

However Tuesday's announcement restricted martial law to Mindanao.

The announcement came after security forces battled dozens of Islamic State-linked gunmen in Marawi, a city of about 2,00,000 people in Mindanao.

Marawi is about 800 kilometres south of Manila, the nation's capital.

Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said one policeman and two soldiers were killed in the clashes, which began when security forces raided a house where they believed Isnilon Hapilon, a leader of the infamous Abu Sayyaf kidnap gang and Philippine head of Islamic State, was hiding.

Photos posted on social media by residents showed the gunmen walking through the streets of Marawi and placing black flags that looked similar to those used by Islamic State.

Lorenzana said the gunmen, who were believed to number more than 100, had occupied a hospital and a jail, and burned down buildings including a Catholic Church.

He said many were hiding in buildings as snipers, making it difficult for security forces to combat them.

The Abu Sayyaf, based on the most southern islands of Mindanao, has kidnapped hundreds of Filipinos and foreigners since the early 1990s to extract ransoms. The United States lists it as a terrorist organisation.
By Philip Pullella and Steve Holland

| VATICAN CITY

VATICAN CITY Pope Francis urged U.S. President Donald Trump to be a peacemaker at their first meeting on Wednesday after they exchanged sharp words last year, and Trump promised he would not forget the pontiff's message.Under clear blue skies, Trump received a tribute from the Swiss Guard in a Vatican courtyard when he arrived.He entered a small elevator taking him to the third floor of the Apostolic Palace and, after a long ceremonial walk past frescoed corridors, shook the pope's hand at the entrance to the private study that the frugal pontiff uses only for official occasions.Before the door of the wood-lined elevator closed, a Vatican protocol official was heard quipping to the president that it was not "like Trump Tower in New York".Francis smiled faintly as he greeted Trump outside the study and was not as outgoing as he sometimes is with visiting heads of state. Trump, seeming subdued, said, "It is a great honour."Even when the two were sitting at the pope's desk in the presence of photographers and reporters, the pope avoided the small talk that usually occurs before the media is ushered out.The two spoke privately for about 30 minutes with translators.Both men looked far more relaxed at the end of the private meeting, with the pope smiling and joking with Trump and his wife Melania.Francis's interpreter could be heard translating a comment by the pope to the First Lady: "What do you give him to eat?"

Francis then gave Trump a small sculptured olive tree and told him through the interpreter that it symbolised peace."It is my desire that you become an olive tree to construct peace," the Pope said, speaking in Spanish.Trump responded: "We can use peace."Francis also gave Trump a signed copy of his 2017 peace message whose title is "Nonviolence - A Style of Politics for Peace", and a copy of his 2015 encyclical letter on the need to protect the environment from the effects of climate change.

"Well, I'll be reading them," Trump said.During his election campaign, Trump said scientific findings that human economic activity contributed to global warming were a hoax. As president, he has proposed deep cuts for the Environmental Protection Agency and the elimination of many environmental regulations.PARTING PROMISE

Trump gave the pope a boxed set of five first-edition books by murdered U.S. civil rights leader Martin Luther King.As Trump and the pope said goodbye at the door of the study, Trump told him: "Thank you, thank you. I won't forget what you said."

Asked how the meeting with the pope went, Trump said: "Great. He is something. He is really good. We had a fantastic meeting."A Vatican statement said the meeting was "cordial" and that the Vatican hoped there could be "serene collaboration" between the U.S. government and the American Catholic Church, including "assistance to immigrants".The U.S. Catholic Church hierarchy opposes Trump's attempt to cut federal assistance for cities that give sanctuary to illegal immigrants. It also opposes his plan to build a wall on the U.S. border with Mexico. The pope said last year a man who thinks about building walls and not bridges is "not Christian".Trump, who was a candidate at the time, responded that it was "disgraceful" of the Argentine-born pope, who represents just over half of the world's two billion Christians, to question his faith.The meeting with the pope was the third stop on Trump's nine-day foreign tour, and part of his world tour of religions after meeting leaders of Muslim nations in Saudi Arabia and visiting holy sites in Jerusalem.Trump at first did not plan to stop in Rome during his visit to Europe, which some in the Vatican saw as a snub. When he changed his mind, the Vatican squeezed him in at 8:30 a.m. on a Wednesday morning, an unusual day and an unusually early time.He later flew to Brussels where he was to meet Belgium's king and prime minister on Wednesday evening before a day of meetings with European Union and NATO leaders on Thursday. (Additional reporting by Gavin Jones and Jeff Mason in Rome, Alastair Macdonald in Brussels; editing by Mark Heinrich)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
Kathmandu: Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' on Wednesday announced his resignation during a televised address.

The move paves the way for Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba to become the next prime minister, as part of an agreement.

During the address, he highlighted the achievements of his government during the past 10 months.

With the resignation, the government is relegated to a caretaker one, and will remain in office until next government is formed.

The resignation is to honour an accord signed in August 2016 when Prachanda was elected the prime minister with Deuba's support.

Both Prachanda and Deuba had agreed to run the government on a rotational basis until elections to Parliament were held in February 2018, as per constitutional obligations.

According to the agreement, Prachanda was to remain in office till the local elections were held while polls at the provincial and central levels were to be conducted under Deuba as the prime minister.

Prachada was scheduled to address the Parliament before putting in his papers but due to obstruction of the House by main opposition, CPN-UML, he could not step down on Tuesday.
Manchester: Salman Abedi, the suicide bomber who killed 22 people in an attack on a pop concert in Manchester, was a business student who dropped out of university.

Born to a devoutly Muslim Libyan family in Britain's third biggest city, newspapers said he was known to the security services and the Financial Times said he had turned to radical Islam in recent years.

Abedi, 22, worshipped at a suburban mosque, where his father was a well-known face who sometimes performed the call to prayer.

He was named by police and Prime Minister Theresa May the day after the deadly attack, which also left dozens wounded, on the concert by US pop star Ariana Grande, who has a large teenage girl following.

"The perpetrator was Salman Ramadan Abedi, who was born and brought up in Britain," May said, condemning his actions as "callous and cowardly".



Suburban upbringing



Abedi's family have lived in the Fallowfield area of south Manchester for at least 10 years, according to The Daily Telegraph newspaper.

Armed police raided an address in the modestly well-to-do area on Tuesday, carrying out a controlled explosion to gain entry.

A 23-year-old man was also arrested in the south of the city in connection with the attack.

Fallowfield resident Peter Jones, 53, described the area as "quiet and safe".

Jones told AFP that he was "shocked" and "surprised" when he heard that the suspect was from there.

Media reports said Abedi's parents fled Libya to escape the regime of former dictator Muammar Gaddafi.

Around 16,000 Libyans live in Britain and Manchester is home to the largest community, according to the BBC. It was a focus of celebrations when the Gaddafi regime fell in 2011.

Reports said the suicide bomber was the second youngest of four children, including another son and one daughter.

One member of Manchester's Libyan community told The Guardian newspaper: "He was such a quiet boy, always very respectful towards me.

"His brother Ismael is outgoing, but Salman was very quiet. He is such an unlikely person to have done this."

Abedi had recently returned from Libya, according to The Times newspaper's front page on Wednesday, which cited a school friend as saying he left three weeks ago and returned in the last few days.

Police said they were urgently seeking to establish whether Abedi worked alone, or acted as part of a larger network.

Abedi's family were closely linked to the Didsbury Mosque, a Victorian former Methodist chapel in a leafy suburb that was bought in 1967 by donors from the Syrian Arab community.

His father Ramadan had sometimes performed the call to prayer and his brother Ismael had been a volunteer.

One senior figure from the mosque however, Mohammed Saeed, told The Guardian that when he once gave a sermon denouncing terror, Abedi stared him down.

"Salman showed me a face of hate after that sermon," Mohammed Saeed said of the 2015 encounter. "He was showing me hatred."

Unremarkable student

Abedi began studying business and management at Salford University in Manchester in 2014, a source told the Press Association news agency, but he dropped out after two years and did not complete his degree.

He did not live in university accommodation, had not been in any trouble at the university, was not on any radar for pastoral or social care and was not known to have participated in any university societies.

It is understood Abedi never met with the university's resident imam.

Abedi used an improvised explosive device, apparently packed with metal, to massacre concertgoers and end his own life.

Citing CCTV footage recovered by detectives, The Times reported Abedi had placed the device in a suitcase which he set on the ground before it detonated.
A top Taiwan court ruled in favour of gay marriage on Wednesday, a landmark ruling that paves the way for the island to become the first place in Asia to legalise same sex unions.

The court said Taiwan's current Civil Code, which says an agreement to marry could only be made between a man and a woman, "violated" the constitution's guarantees of freedom of marriage and people's equality.

It gave Taiwan's government two years to implement the ruling. A panel of 14 grand justices made the ruling in a case that centres on whether Taiwan's current law is unconstitutional.

Taiwan's pioneering gay rights campaigner, Chi Chia-wei, is one of the petitioners who brought the case to the constitutional court. After 30 years of activism, Chi, 59, had said earlier that he was "100 percent confident" the ruling will go in his favour.

However, he had urged the judges to allow gay couples to register to marry the next day if they approve a change in the law, rather than giving the government a longer time-frame to implement the decision.

Most activists and legal experts expected there would be a delay between the decision and its enactment by Parliament, which is responsible for changing the law.

At the heart of the case is a clause in Taiwan's Civil Code that an agreement to marry should be made between a man and a woman. Chi wanted the court to interpret whether that contravenes elements in Taiwan's Constitution which guarantee equality and freedom of marriage.

The decision is binding, so this means that same-sex unions will be legalised.

This was the first time that the judiciary released the decision simultaneously in Chinese and English, an indication of the level of international interest.

The ruling is likely to reverberate around the region, with calls for marriage equality rising in a number of countries, including South Korea and Japan. Lawyer Huang Di-ying said the court's decision would be "historic". "It will be a barometer of human rights protection in the region, as Asia follows the US and Europe's steps to recognise same-sex marriages," he told AFP.

Taiwan is seen as one of the most progressive societies in Asia when it comes to gay rights, and momentum has been gathering since President Tsai Ing-wen  who has openly supported marriage equality  came to power last May.

The legislature has also made more progress than ever, with proposals to amend the Civil Code, passing the first reading in December.

However, as well as huge pro-gay marriage rallies, hundreds of thousands have gathered to demonstrate against legalising same-sex unions. Conservative and religious groups in Taiwan say that it would destroy family values. "Family conflicts will increase and the whole definition of marriage will be changed," said Andrew Chang, a spokesman for an anti-gay marriage group Alliance of Religious Groups for the Love of Families Taiwan. "Ancestral lineage and family structure will all be disrupted," he added, saying he believed having sex with someone of the same gender was "unnatural and harmful".

With inputs from AFP
Islamabad: Two Chinese nationals, including a woman, were abducted today by gunmen in the restive Balochistan province, an incident that would raise concerns in Beijing over the security situation in Pakistan amid China's massive investment push in the country.

The two were abducted from Jinnah Town area of provincial capital Quetta.

According to witnesses, four unidentified men tried to abduct three of the foreigners, two women and a man. However, a passerby helped one of the women escape, local reports said.

Abductors forced the two into a vehicle at gunpoint and drove away. The woman was reported to be a teacher.

A passerby was injured after one of the abductors opened fire at the scene.

Chinese state media confirmed the kidnapping.

An official from the Chinese embassy in Islamabad told state-run Xinhua news agency that they were trying to know more details about the incident as well as about the abducted persons. The official also said that the embassy has urged the Pakistani side to rescue the abductees as quickly as possible.

Police and Frontier Corps personnel reached the scene of the abduction to initiate an investigation.

Jinnah Town is one of the affluent residential areas of the city where many Chinese NGOs teach mandarin.

Acting Deputy Inspector General Police Aitzaz Goraya said: "We have collected all the evidence and our priority is to recover them unhurt as soon as possible. We have blocked all roads and are carrying out search operations.

Balochistan Chief Minister Nawab Sanaullah Zehri has ordered an immediate inquiry into the abduction. He directed the Balochistan Inspector General of Police to take immediate steps for an early recovery of the Chinese workers.

He further directed to design a standard operating procedure for ensuring the security of foreigners working in the province.

No group has claimed responsibility for the kidnapping yet.

Chinese interest in Balochistan has spiked in recent years after the announcement of the USD 50 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which plans to connect the Pakistani port of Gwadar to Xinjiang in China.

In the past, China has asked Islamabad to improve security, especially in Balochistan, where it is building the Gwadar Port and funding roads as part of the CPEC.
United Nations: Strongly condemning the "barbaric and cowardly" terrorist attack in Manchester, the UN Security Council has stressed that terrorism constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres also had strongly condemned the terrorist attack targeting a large crowd gathered for a concert at the Manchester Arena. The suicide bombing, carried out by Libyan-origin Salman Abedi killed at least 22 people and injured several at the end of a concert by American pop star Ariana Grande.

Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack. Ahead of their meetings yesterday, the Council held a moment of silence to honour the victims of the "barbaric and cowardly" terrorist attack, reaffirming that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security.

In a press statement issued on Tuesday, the 15-member Council expressed their solidarity to the UK in their fight against terrorism and "stressed the need to intensify regional and international efforts to overcome terrorism and violent extremism, which may be conducive to terrorism."

"The members of the Security Council underlined the need to bring the perpetrators, organisers, financiers and sponsors of these reprehensible acts to justice," the press statement said. Guterres conveyed "his profound sympathy and solidarity with the people and Government of the United Kingdom" and "his condolences to the families and friends of those killed, and wishes the injured an early and full recovery,"saida statement issued by the Secretary-General's Spokesman Stphane Dujarric.

"The Secretary-General hopes that those who are responsible for this despicable attack will be swiftly found and bought to justice," it added.
DAVID CITY  Plans have been drawn up, contracts are signed, and now the concrete change begins on the main corridor and downtown district of David City.

City officials met with Leo A Daly designers and Constructors Inc. representatives last week to set the stage for a downtown renovation project and the seven blocks of reconstruction along Nebraska 15. Its the city's biggest capitol project in decades. Constructors Inc. of Lincoln is the city's contractor for the combined $9 million in renovations.

Barricades start going up June 1 at C and Iowa streets on Nebraska 15 (Fourth Street). Nebraska Department of Roads and city crews will begin removing signs and the citys light poles.

Lead designer Al Hottovy said crews will begin staging materials along the highway, and on June 5, weather permitting, the street will be torn out and the paths prepared for large storm sewer lines to carry runoff from the Courthouse Square.

The entire project encompasses new streets and sidewalks and underground infrastructure for the highway from Iowa Street to the railroad tracks, and in the downtown area. Weather permitting, completion is expected by Dec. 1, 2018.

The plan right now is to completely get Highway 15 done this year, Hottovy said. And get E Street from Third to Fourth done, and E Street from Fifth to Sixth, weather permitting.

As for the rest of the streets around the courthouse and on Fifth Street, the water mains will be installed by directional boring through the winter months. The streets will remain intact until the removal of the bricks -- for sorting and reuse -- starting in the late winter months.

Directional boring of the water mains will require some trenching, and there will be patches of sidewalk removed to give crews access to hook up individual water lines to each property. As for the downtown street construction, dont expect to see much of that after the fall weather turns cold.

We dont want to look at opening half a street when we are getting 40 degrees or less, Hottovy said.

Street surfacing and sidewalk replacement will come after the underground work.

Weve got to get the storm sewer and the water in before we put the paving in, Hottovy said.

Coordination

The Daly firm will be sending newsletters every two weeks to property owners affected by ongoing construction, and updates will be provided to The Banner-Press to inform the public about upcoming changes.

The citys Immediate Response Information System, or IRIS, will be utilized to help update the public, as well. Residents can register to receive IRIS alerts on the city website or by contacting the city office.

In some cases, construction crews will be installing temporary surfaces to help customers get to businesses. He said the first businesses to be affected will be along the highway around the corner of Fourth and D streets.

First National Bank is concerned and so is Runza, Hottovy said, adding that these concerns will be addressed individually to ensure there's customer access.

Hottovy said NDOR will have signs set up at intersections north and south of town to divert semitrailer traffic to other highways around David City. Other through traffic will find a Nebraska 15 detour east to Sixth Street at Iowa Street on the south and D Street on the north.

Trucks that are delivering goods into David City will be allowed into town. Hottovy said he expects to see some unofficial detours develop.

Butler County Sheriff Marcus Siebken said traffic will go up on other roads.

I plan on seeing an increased amount of traffic on County Road O between Nebraska Highway 92 and the Bruno blacktop to bypass the construction, Siebken said. My advice to the motoring public is remember that if you are going to detour on county roads, remember to watch your speed, stay on your side and if it has rained, remember the roads will be soft typically around the edge of the county road.

Slowing down will be the key.

We all know that road construction can be frustrating but remember to have patience and watch out for the workers, Siebken said. BCSO will have an increased amount of patrol, and remember during construction, if workers are present, speeding fines double.
Washington: The Trump administration has proposed $344 million in financial assistance to Pakistan including $100 million in foreign military funding, a massive $190 million reduction in grant as compared to the 2016 fiscal.

"Pakistan plays a key role in US counter-terrorism strategy, the peace process in Afghanistan, nuclear non-proliferation efforts, and stability and economic integration in South and Central Asia. It is also a large and growing economy offering profitability for US businesses," the state department said in its annual budget proposals sent to the US Congress.

In the maiden budget of the Trump administration, the state department said that it will maintain a robust diplomatic presence that will enable continued bilateral cooperation on the many joint US-Pakistan interests, and bolster stability in this strategically important country.

The state department has proposed $344 million in financial assistance and grant to Pakistan including $100 million in foreign military funding, which is used for sale of military hardware.

Last year, the US assistance to Pakistan under the state department budget was $534 million, which included $225 million towards foreign military funding.

In all, the state department has proposed a massive $190 million reduction in its financial assistance to Pakistan as compared with the 2016 fiscal. The current 2017 fiscal would end on September 30 this year.

In addition to state department's financial assistance, Pakistan also receives reimbursement from the Pentagon every year for its expenses towards US operations in Afghanistan.

However, after Afghanistan, Pakistan continues to be the second largest aid recipient of the US in South Asia.

For instance, the state department has proposed a $200 million aid to support its long-term stability and broader security and stability in the region.

Programs will strengthen trust in governance institutions, improve economic growth, and promote sustained efforts against militant ideologies in areas most vulnerable to extremism and extremist organisations, including the Federally Administered Tribal Areas, it said.

It will foster tolerance and peace-building to reduce the influence of violent extremist groups, including the Taliban and Islamic State, by creating partnerships between the government and civil society groups, and improve the performance, accountability, and transparency of government, it said.

The state department has proposed $100 million to Pakistan under the Overseas Contingency Operations, which it said will be used to advance US national security interests in Pakistan by supporting Pakistan's capacity to improve stability and security and fight terrorism, including through the elimination of safe havens for terrorist and militant organisations.

The state department has also proposed $25 million to build Pakistan's capacity to combat violent extremism and transnational crime; secure its borders; build the human and institutional capacity of civilian law enforcement; counter the production and trafficking of illicit narcotics; and enhance the rule of law and access to justice.

Specifically, assistance will provide training, equipment, targeted infrastructure development, and other forms of assistance to build the capacity of Pakistan's civilian law enforcement organisations to counter violent extremism, improve law and order, and implement community policing best practices, it said.

Under a financial assistance of $0.8 million, the state department proposes to provide technical assistance to include Weapons of Mass Destruction and dual-use commodity detection and identification equipment (and repairs) to improve Pakistan's border security capabilities, specifically in its cross-border enforcement cooperation with Afghanistan.

The state department has also proposed $4 million towards Anti-Terrorism Assistance (ATA), which it said would be used to provide training, and exchange programs in order to strengthen the ability of law enforcement forces to conduct rapid responses to terrorist incidents.

"Funds will primarily be used to assist government of Pakistan efforts to develop its special weapons and tactics teams. These resources are also intended to help build border security cooperation and capability with regional partners," the budget papers added.
Tehran: A senior Iranian military official said that the recent US-Saudi Arabia arms deal will jeopardise regional security, media reports said.

"The arms deal between the United States and Saudi Arabia not only would not contribute to security in the Middle East, but would lead to insecurity and tensions in the region," Tasnim news agency quoted the military aide to Iran's Supreme Leader Major General Yahya Rahim Safavi as saying.

Washington earns huge profit from fomenting regional insecurity and creates tensions among Muslim countries, Rahim Safavi said.

He noted that Iran's principal policy is respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of other states, stressing that regional security would materialise only through concerted efforts and direct dialogue to achieve a common understanding, Xinhua news reported.

On Saturday, the US President Donald Trump sealed a $110-billion arms deal with Saudi Arabia in Riyadh.

During his visit to Saudi Arabia on Sunday, Trump called on the regional countries to isolate Iran which he said, had "fuelled the fires of sectarian conflict and terror".

On Monday, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said that Trump's recent anti-Iran remarks and rising Iranophebia are aimed at "milking" Saudi Arabia.
By Alexandra Ulmer and Brian Ellsworth

| CARACAS

CARACAS Venezuela's unpopular President Nicolas Maduro on Tuesday vowed to push ahead with a new congress to rewrite the constitution, despite dissent within his own ranks and major protests in the OPEC nation convulsed by nearly two months of unrest. In the latest sign of internal fissures, a magistrate of the pro-government Supreme Court spoke out against the planned assembly, saying it was "not the solution to the crisis" and called on Maduro to "think carefully" to avoid more bloodshed. At least 53 people have been killed as a result of unrest that began in early April. Riots and looting have underlined risks that protests could spin out of control given widespread hunger, anger at Maduro and easy access to weapons in one of the world's most violent countries. Undeterred by opposition, Maduro on Tuesday presented the 540-member "constituent assembly" project as a cure to Venezuela's demonstrations, which he says are a U.S.-backed attempt to overthrow "21st century Socialism." "Votes or bullets, what do the people want?" Maduro asked a crowd of red-shirted supporters waving Venezuelan flags at the Miraflores presidential palace. "Let's go to elections now!" he said, before detailing how the new assembly will be partially elected by votes at a municipal level and partially by different groups, including workers, farmers, students, and indigenous people. Opposition leaders say the project is a sham designed to avoid a presidential vote slated for next year and keep Maduro in power despite an oil-rich economy in a tailspin.

In the most telling sign of internal rumblings against Maduro, Venezuela's state prosecutor panned his plan for a grassroots congress and warned it risked deepening the crisis.Venezuelans are scrutinizing the government and the armed forces for any further cracks as protesters take to the streets daily to demand early elections, humanitarian aid to alleviate food and medicine shortages, and freedom for jailed activists."Persistent and increasingly violent unrest will eventually prompt key stakeholders to abandon Maduro and negotiate a rapid transition that sets a timetable for new elections; the precise timing is impossible to predict, however," the Eurasia Group political consultancy said in a note to clients on Tuesday.

"DESPERATE PEOPLE"

Enraged by the economic crisis and perceived lack of democratic solutions, some Venezuelans have taken out their ire by publicly shaming government officials or knocking down statues of firebrand late leftist Hugo Chavez, who governed Venezuela from 1999 to 2013. In the southeastern city of Puerto Ordaz, the president of a state-run company was "kidnapped," beaten up, and stripped naked by protesters, the government said. In the lower middle-class Caracas neighborhood of El Paraiso, masked men on Monday night shot up an apartment building and parked cars in what one resident, who asked not to be named out of fear of reprisals, said was retaliation for nearby barricades set up by opposition sympathizers.

Hundreds of people have been injured in the violence, around 2,700 arrested, with 1,000 still behind bars, and 335 tried in military tribunals, according to rights groups. Lootings have also spiked, as many Venezuelans cannot afford three square meals a day or survive on basics like yucca or corn flour.In the usually calm peninsula of Paraguana, a food warehouse was looted on Sunday night. Some 17 people have been arrested."The rumors started that they were going to sell something, so everyone came out and started to beat on the warehouse door, there were a lot of desperate people, kids and pregnant women," said a local resident, asking to remain anonymous for fear of retaliation. "The neighbors knocked the door down, they destroyed everything, and made off with bags of flour and pasta. Police and National Guard had to ask for reinforcements, they threw tear gas and we heard shots." (Additional reporting by Mircely Guanipa, Cristian Veron, Eyanir Chinea, Andreina Aponte, Diego Ore, Maria Ramirez, and Andrew Cawthorne; Writing by Alexandra Ulmer; Editing by Andrew Hay)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
If I were Donald Trump's chief of staff, I'd just break his thumbs.

That's what Reince Priebus should do -- and then maybe buy a roll of duct tape.

From Day 1 of his administration, President Trump has hurt himself and his agenda by doing a lot of stuff that is absolutely stupid.

Does anyone think it was Priebus who was telling Trump to fire FBI Director James Comey?

Or telling him, "While you're at it, Mr. President, why don't you undermine your staff and the VP of the United States for a second time."

What the president desperately needs is an adult in the Oval Office who will stand up to him -- and that he will listen to. Maybe it has to be Jared Kushner, because Trump can't fire his son-in-law.

Otherwise it's going to take someone on his staff with the highest authority -- maybe Priebus -- to stand up and publicly say, "Unless this chaos ends, Mr. President, I'm going to resign."

Until something shocking like that happens to wake up President Trump, or until he is tied up and sedated by his staff, his administration will be constantly under siege from the left and the fake journalists in the media.

We all know why the liberal Democrats in Washington, Hollywood and the news media hate Trump.

They didn't want him to be president. They all voted for Queen Hillary and since last November they've all been feeling somewhere between sad and suicidal.

So now you have them trying everything they can every day to get rid of President Trump.

But are they really so stupid that they don't realize yet that even if Trump goes down they still aren't going to get their President Hillary?

Do they realize they're going to get President Mike -- a savvy, competent, principled conservative who won't shoot himself in both feet every day?

A President Pence who will be able to work with a Republican Congress to get all the things done that Trump promised but can't deliver -- tax reform, immigration reform, health care reform and more?

We know the attacks of the Hysterical Left will never stop until Trump is impeached or driven from office.

But despite the apoplectic editors at the New York Times and the Washington Post and the drooling leftwing anchors and pundits at MSNBC/CNN, President Trump has done nothing yet to be impeached for.

It won't matter what James Comey says the president asked him to do regarding the FBI's investigation into the alleged Russian-Trump collusion to prevent the coronation of Queen Hillary, for which there still is no evidence.

What Trump may or may not have said to Comey rises to the level of stupidity, but it doesn't rise to the level of impeachment.

And the classified information Trump supposedly gave to the Russians in the White House about the fight against terrorists was no different from what President Obama gave to the Russians concerning the terrorists in Syria.

Remember when Rachel Maddow and the Washington Post editorial page went apoplectic after Obama divulged secrets to the Russkies? Neither do I.

President Trump has been, is and always will be the source of the chaos. He's not in charge of a business anymore, he's in charge of an administration.

If he keeps going down the crazy road he's on with these stupid childish tweets and the statements he makes, Republicans will lose control of the House and Senate and any chance for tax reform, immigration reform and health care reform.

And then America isn't going to be great again. It's going to be bad again.
Check out the latest FoneArena Daily video that gives you a quick roundup of the latest technology news.

Asus today launched ZenFone Live in India with 4G VoLTE support. It has a real-time beautification with live-streaming beautification app. It lets you see your skin smoothed and blemishes removed in real time. It has BeautyLive app integrates seamlessly with Facebook, YouTube, and many other popular streaming apps.

Google Opinion Rewards program was launched back in 2014 in the UK, Canada and Australia. Later it expanded to several countries. Now it is finally available in India as well as Singapore and Turkey. The app that is created by the Google Surveys team lets you answer quick surveys and earn Google Play credit.

Meizu has announced M5c smartphone globally. It packs a 5-inch HD display, powered by a 1.3 GHz quad-core MediaTek processor, runs on Android 7.0 (Nougat) with Flyme OS 6 on top. It has an 8-megapixel rear camera with LED flash and a 5-megapixel front-facing camera.

Microsoft announced its fifth generation Surface Pro 2-in-1 at Shanghai event. It is just called the Surface Pro and has the same 12.3-inch display, an 8-megapixel camera at the back and a 5-megapixel camera at the front, and is powered by latest seventh-generation Kaby Lake processors.

Deal of the day  50% of TVs and other homes appliances on Flipkart.
Protesters gathered outside of McDonalds (NYSE:MCD) headquarters in Illinois early Wednesday demanding a $15 per hour minimum wage, but the fast food giant's former CEO Ed Rensi said the whole movement is falling apart.

Cook County here in Illinois [rose] to $15 and the surrounding cities dont have to comply so theyre all bailing on Cook Countys initiative, Rensi told the FOX Business Networks Stuart Varney, saying small businesses in cities like New York, Seattle, Portland, and San Francisco are in danger. Small businesses are collapsing under the weight of minimum wage, he said.

Rensi blamed the movement on unions rather than people who need more income.

Watch the latest video at video.foxbusiness.com

The Service International Employee Union  their chief, their CEO makes north of $600,000 a year with [perks] and benefits and you compare that to the $15 per hour [they want], he said.

Rensi added, And by the way, those protesters out there in Oak Brook [Illinois] make sub minimum wagethey are a bunch of socialist, fascist hypocrites as far as Im concerned.

The Fight for $15 protests come amid efforts to woo back customers and stronger-than-expected first-quarter sales.

McDonalds shares were on track for a record close on Wednesday. It would be the 18th record this year for the fast-food giant.
A dual citizen from Pakistan and the United Kingdom has been sentenced to six years in federal prison for selling drugs that he falsely claimed would cure illnesses including Alzheimer's disease and emphysema.

Through more than 1,500 websites, 37-year-old Mustafa Hasan Arif generated more than $12.8 million in fraudulent sales to more than 100,000 victims around the world.

According to court documents, the websites claimed his drugs would cure and treat hundreds of diseases, many of which were incurable, and included falsified cure rates, false clinical research and fabricated testimonials.

After he was sentenced on Tuesday, acting United States Attorney John J. Farley called Arif's conduct "reprehensible" and accused him of preying on "vulnerable individuals who were seeking to find cures for illnesses that often had no known cure."
LINCOLN  Closing time.

And 49 senators moved it to the Capitol exits Tuesday at 2:29 p.m. Not on the 90th day, but the 86th of this long session, originally scheduled to adjourn sine die on June 2.

In a year in which every penny counts, the Legislature saved about $40,000 by leaving early.

In their closing speeches and ceremonies, senators honored a 58-year state employee, Ron Witkowski, who served in the State Patrol 37 years, retiring as a major in 1996, and then with the Legislature 21 years, first as assistant sergeant-at-arms and then elected head sergeant-at-arms in 2004.

In his role with the Legislature, Witkowski provided security in the Legislative Chamber and hearing rooms and assisted senators and the public.

"Ron has fostered the development of a camaraderie in which the assistant sergeants look forward to returning to the chamber every January, even though the job sometimes requires long days and great patience," said Speaker Jim Scheer.

"Our Capitol building is a better and safer place as a result of Ron Witkowski."

Gov. Pete Ricketts addressed the Legislature Tuesday afternoon, praising senators for passing an austere budget. And then Scheer summed up the year.

"It has certainly been an interesting session," Scheer said. "There have been points in the session where the 90 days might have seemed as an eternity. Others where 90 might have seemed way too short."

It started in January with 30 days of debate on rules and ended with debate on overrides of line-item vetoes on the budget.

Senators introduced 667 bills, withdrew 11 and passed 174. One bill introduced by first-year Sen. Justin Wayne was vetoed, and the override attempt failed. Three budget bills had line-item vetoes, and the few overrides senators tried on those also failed.

By comparison, the Legislature passed 247 bills in 2015, and in 2013 214 bills became law.

Scheer said he was not one to measure the success of a session by the number of bills passed, but rather the quality of debate.

As speaker, he made some changes to how the Legislature operated this year, most noticeably in time spent debating controversial bills.

First-round debate was limited to six hours, second-round to three hours and final reading to 90 minutes. Contentious bills were scheduled in three-hour segments on first reading, and senators had to show they had the votes to advance the bill in order to get back on the schedule.

"These changes allowed us to buy back some time that we spent early on," he said.

It also, in Scheer's view, allowed the Legislature to have better discussions on the merits of bills rather than spending time on procedural maneuvers to run out the clock.

He cited Sen. Laura Ebke's convention of the states resolution, which last year was killed after just 40 minutes of debate. This year no one moved to kill the bill, and the discussion was germane and purposeful, with public policy positions debated and outlined.

"Many of us are walking around with one or more disappointments," Scheer said. "It's not fun. I know. But we pick up and we press on."

Since Scheer came to the Legislature in 2013, two-thirds of senators have been replaced.

"We've changed ideologically on both sides," he said. "But I believe we're also in a better position to tackle most big issues in front of us."

Omaha Sen. Ernie Chambers got in some last words, criticizing Ricketts for his vetoes of Wayne's bill that would have allowed ex-felons to vote as soon as they completed their sentences or probation, and line-item vetoes of budget bills that he said hurt vulnerable Nebraskans. He was also critical of what he saw as Ricketts' undue influence on some senators.

"I am going to take my leave of this place where such horrible things have taken place," he said.

The last words of the 105th Legislature's first session came from Omaha Sen. Bob Krist, who presided over the final minutes Tuesday.

"You don't have to leave, but you can't stay here," he said.
U.S. President Donald Trump visits the Vatican on Wednesday for talks with one of his most high-profile critics, Pope Francis, after the two men exchanged sharp words during the presidential campaign last year.

Trump's meeting at the Vatican's Apostolic Palace, his third stop on a nine-day foreign tour due to end on Saturday, is part of his world tour of religions after meeting leaders of Muslim nations in Saudi Arabia and visiting holy sites in Jerusalem.

But while his talks in Saudi Arabia and Israel were mostly friendly, the meeting between the head of the Roman Catholic Church and the thrice-married, blunt-spoken Trump could be a little more confrontational.

The pope last year said a man who thinks about building walls and not bridges is "not Christian," a sharp reprimand for Trump's vow to build a wall along the U.S. border with Mexico.

Trump said it was "disgraceful" of the Argentine-born pope, who represents just over half of the world's two billion Christians, to question his faith.

"If and when the Vatican is attacked by ISIS, which as everyone knows is ISIS' ultimate trophy, I can promise you that the pope would have only wished and prayed that Donald Trump would have been president," Trump said during the campaign.

Trump's softer stance on environmental regulations also is at odds with Francis' view that climate change is caused mostly by human activity.

The Vatican also took a dim view of Trump's anti-Muslim campaign rhetoric, although Trump softened his tone considerably in a major speech in Riyadh.

Francis said last week he would be "sincere" with Trump but did not want to judge him before listening to him in person.

Part of Trump's motivation for meeting the pope was to dramatize how the three major religions should rally against the threat from Islamist militants.

We thought that this trip was essential to put together the Muslim faith, the Jewish faith and then the Catholic faith, the Christian faith," said a senior White House official who briefed reporters on Trump's Air Force One flight to Rome.

"By putting everybody together you can really build a coalition and show that its not a Muslim problem, its not a Jewish problem, its not a Catholic problem, its not a Christian problem, it really is a world problem," the official said.

Trump at first did not plan to stop in Rome during his visit to Europe, which some in the Vatican saw as a snub. When he changed his mind, the Vatican squeezed him in at 8:30 a.m. on a Wednesday morning, an unusual day and an unusually early time.

Francis holds his weekly audience with the general public on Wednesday at 10 a.m. in St Peter's Square.

After the meeting, Trump moves on to Brussels for a NATO summit, followed by the last stop on his trip, to a Group of Seven summit in Sicily.

(Additional reporting by Phillip Pullella; Editing by Tom Heneghan)
The outlook has been pretty gloomy for oil and gas exploration and production companies. But several are starting to see modest growth, andApache(NYSE: APA) is no exception to this trend.

Apache's growth forecast is especially compelling because of its big Alpine High find in the Permian Basin. During its recent first-quarter earnings call, Alpine High was front and center. So front and center, in fact, that there were some items of special significance you might have missed -- items that could make this stock a real buy.

Oil and gas industry player Apache is building wells and pipelines to develop its big Alpine High find. Image source: Getty Images.

Ahead of schedule

CEO John J. Christmann put it succinctly early on in the call: "Our midstream buildout at Alpine High is ahead of schedule and under budget." That is, of course, good for investors, but Christmann went on to provide some details that make Apache look particularly compelling over the course of the next few quarters.

The first phase of Alpine High production came online two months ahead of schedule. Because of that, the company was able to raise its North American production guidance for 2017, from a range of 252 million to 263 million barrel of oil equivalents per day up to 256 million to 264 million BOE/day.

The infrastructure development has been going so well that the company is accelerating some of its planned 2018 infrastructure build into 2017, with no corresponding increase in its capital budget. CFO Steve Riney announced that the full-year 2017 capital investment guidance remains unchanged at $3.1 billion. This is good for the company, because the quicker the company can ramp up Alpine High, the quicker it will start seeing returns on the investments it's making there.

Patience is a virtue

The company's stock took an immediate hit after its earnings were announced and didn't measure up to analysts' expectations. But just as Rome wasn't built in a day, wells and pipelines at Alpine High won't be, either.

On the earnings call, Christmann was asked about his "rainy day plan" in regards to falling oil prices and the company's balance sheet. Christmann noted that the company still has $1.5 billion of cash on hand after $440 million of "predominantly non-producing" acreage sales, but he also said this:

The company is sitting on just under $7 billion in net debt, which is high, but hardly unusual for an oil and gas exploration and production company these days. Management isn't concerned, and investors should be patient, too, as management executes its current strategy of getting Alpine High up and running.

There are other baskets

While it's true Apache is putting a lot of its eggs (at least in terms of capital expenditures, focus, and hype) into the Alpine High basket, the company does have other operations, particularly in the North Sea and in Egypt, and while those may not be front and center right now, the company isn't ignoring those plays.

Both the North Sea and Egypt contributed strong free cash flow to the company in Q1. Management says its strategy in Egypt and the North Sea is to make investments at a level that sustains free-cash-flow generation. Luckily, both regions have extensive infrastructure in place, so major capital expenditures aren't needed to execute this strategy.

In Egypt, the company has been granted two new land concessions in the Western Desert, which have increased the size of Apache's Egypt holdings by about 40%. The company hasn't been granted any Western Desert concessions in more than a decade, so management is eager to do a 3D seismic survey this year -- and hopefully start drilling in the third quarter.

The company is predicting lower North Sea production in Q2 2017 because of annual maintenance activities. These activities are being moved up toaccommodate the installation of subsea tieback facilities for the company's Callater discovery, which should begin production in Q3 2017. The company estimates initial production of 20,000 BOE/day from Callater.

Investor takeaway

In case you haven't noticed, Q3 2017 is going to be huge for Apache. Not only is that when Alpine High should be ramping up production, it's also when drilling will begin in the company's new Egypt concessions -- and when production should begin at the Callater discovery in the North Sea.

And yet, the stock -- hovering around $50 per share -- is currently cheaper than it was before Alpine High was announced in September, and it's only about $3 per share higher than it was when the company announced the Callater discovery in October 2015. Smart investors should strongly consider buying into this focused, patient company's growth prospects before the third quarter rolls around and the market catches on.

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A court in the United Arab Emirates sentenced a businessman accused of stealing $1.5 billion while working for one of its sheikhdoms to 15 years in prison over one alleged scam, authorities said Wednesday.

Businessman Khater Massaad maintained his innocence and told The Associated Press from Saudi Arabia that the charges were part of a long-running vendetta against him by the government of Ras al-Khaimah.

The court ruling demands Massaad and an associate must repay $17.2 million that the emirate accuses them of embezzling in the scam, which involved diverting public funds in relation to a seaport project in the country of Georgia.

Massaad at one point ran the sovereign wealth fund of the small Emirati sheikhdom of Ras al-Khaimah and had ties to the man who is now the emirate's ruler. He also helped set up a major ceramics business in the northern sheikhdom.

A report carried on Emirati state media last year alleged he fled the country after questions about his business activities arose in 2012. Massaad holds Swiss citizenship and has business interests in several countries, including Lebanon and Saudi Arabia. Ras al-Khaimah has said Massaad previously was convicted of fraud and other criminal activity

Massaad, who was arrested in Jiddah, Saudi Arabia, in September and still remains there, strongly denied the allegations leveled against him. He said the latest conviction came after a closed-door trial in which he was not given the chance to secure legal counsel to defend him.

"I am simply shocked to hear this in the news," Massaad told the AP. "No one informed me about anything."

UAE authorities have been trying to extradite Massaad since September. Massaad declined to say whether he was free to leave Saudi Arabia.
A proposal to curtail the nation's food stamp program would pinch families struggling to pay for groceries and ripple through other areas of the economy, including supermarkets and discounters, as people shuffle their budgets.

President Donald Trump is proposing a roughly 30 percent reduction in the federal budget for the program formally known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP. His overall budget proposal met a chilly reception from lawmakers, and is unlikely to be passed as is. But it suggests increasing work requirements for SNAP recipients, and says states should both share in the cost of the program and determine the level of benefits they provide. That would lead to fewer people in the program, or could reduce how much help they get.

Last year, more than 44 million people received an average of about $125 a month in SNAP benefits, totaling about $66.6 billion, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. How any cuts would play out across industries would depend on how people adjust to pay for food, how reliant a retailer is on SNAP spending and other factors.

Here's a look at what we know.

WHO USES SNAP, AND WHERE ARE THEY SHOPPING?

SNAP households are already on extremely tight budgets. To qualify, a family of four's take-home pay can be no more than $2,025 a month, while a two-person household can earn no more than $1,335.

More than 260,000 locations were authorized to accept SNAP credits last year. Superstores such as Wal-Mart and Target got 52 percent of redemptions, supermarkets like Kroger got 30 percent, and convenience stores got about 6 percent, according to the USDA . The rest was split among other kinds of stores.

The USDA doesn't specify how much is spent at specific retailers. But in 2013, Wal-Mart Stores Inc. told the Wall Street Journal that it gets about 18 percent of total SNAP benefits. That would have been about $13.43 billion in 2012.

WHAT HAPPENED WITH PREVIOUS SNAP CUTS?

It's complicated. Since food is a fixed cost, retailers have said that people used money intended for other purposes to pay for groceries after a recent pullback in the program.

"They're paying cash or on a credit card if they didn't have the food stamps. And then they will give up on something else," Kroger's CEO at the time, Dave Dillon, said in December 2013. That was after the SNAP benefits that were expanded during the recession returned to their previous levels.

But how companies are affected can vary and it's difficult to pinpoint the impact of any one change on sales, which can be affected by weather, competitive pressure and other factors. After the 2013 rollback in benefits, Wal-Mart blamed a 0.4 percent quarterly sales decline on the reduction, though the sales figure was down for the company's entire fiscal year.

Last year, the SNAP program also underwent cuts when 22 states reinstated a three-month limit on benefits for unemployed adults who aren't disabled or raising children and don't meet certain work requirements. That limitation had been waived by some states during the recession.

Dollar General, which has said it gets about 5 percent of its sales from SNAP benefits, compared the impact of the reduction last year to what happened in 2013. "Our traffic slowed tremendously then, very similar to as it did now," Dollar General CEO Todd Vasos said last summer.

WHAT CHANGES FOR RETAILERS?

Trump's proposal suggests that retailers pay a fee for authorization to accept food stamps. Companies currently don't pay to participate, which the proposal says fails to recognize "the significant portion of a retailer's revenue that SNAP can represent."

The proposed budget estimates the fees would raise about $2.4 billion over 10 years. It doesn't spell out how the fee would be calculated.

Imposing a fee could result in smaller stores or chains deciding not to seek authorization, said Craig Gundersen, a professor of agricultural economics at the University of Illinois who has received financial support from the Walmart Foundation and grants from the agency that administers the food stamp program. That would reduce the number of places where people who use SNAP could get groceries.

The National Grocers Association said the fee proposal "raised a red flag." It otherwise declined to comment on how its members might be affected by the proposed changes, but said the SNAP program plays "an important role in providing a safety net to those in need."

HOW DO SNAP CUTS AFFECT THE LARGER ECONOMY?

The government's overall SNAP spending declines when the economy improves and fewer people rely on the program. It's a situation that is the "best possible outcome," said Stacy Dean, vice president of food assistance policy at the liberal-leaning Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.

Dean said cutting benefits when people's financial situations are not improving could mean they use money they otherwise would have spent on needs like clothing or even medicine to make up for the gaps in their food budget. So there's still an impact to the overall economy, she said.

Putting off other purchases could affect other departments at superstores or separate retailers.

A report by the USDA in 2010 also said that boosting SNAP benefits during economic downturns starts a "multiplier process" in transactions and consumption. It found that boosting SNAP expenditures by $1 billion was estimated to increase economic activity by $1.79 billion.

Trump's proposal could have more significant effects than the rollbacks in 2013 and last year, said Gundersen. He said shifting costs partially to states would be unprecedented and likely lead to cutbacks. That's because states may decide they can't afford to fund benefits during tough economic times, or cut benefits for other reasons.

Maine Gov. Paul LePage has asked to ban the purchase of candy and soda with food stamps. LePage has expressed optimism that his push could gain traction under Trump's administration.

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Follow Candice Choi at www.twitter.com/candicechoi
Iran on Wednesday signed a deal worth $615 million  or euros 550 million  with a Spanish-Iranian consortium under which the group will provide pipes used in Iran's oil industry.

It was the first major deal for Iran's oil industry since President Hassan Rouhani's re-election last week to another term in office on a platform of reform and greater openness to the international community. The consortium, which includes Spain's Tubacex S.A. and Iran's Foolad Isfahan Company, will produce pipes made of a corrosion resistant alloy for a network of 600 kilometers, or about 370 miles, over three years.

The statement said the pipes will be produced using Japan's JFE Steel Corporation technology, and that the know-how will eventually be given to the Iranians.

At a ceremony marking the signing, Iran's Oil Minister Bijan Zanganeh said he was "delighted that a deal worth more than 550 million euros is being signed."

"The Iranian manufacturer is happier than us and perhaps our foreign partner is the happiest party of all today, to have secured itself a long-term market" in Iran, Zanganeh added.

The minister said that during the years of punitive sanctions over Iran's nuclear program, the industry faced a severe shortage of pipes and were the sanctions still in place, "we would be unable to produce them now."

"I think it is the biggest tender we have had in this industry for a lot of years," said Antonio Rafael, deputy CEO of Tubacex. "It is very professionally managed."

Iran has been trying to renovate its oil industry since the 2015 landmark nuclear deal with world powers. The country exports 2 million barrels of oil per day, which compromises more than 30 percent of the country's annual budget.
A Florida man says a Southwest Airlines employee refused to let him board a flight as a family with his husband, their three children and a grandparent.

Grant Morse tells USA Today he was in the family boarding area at the gate at the Buffalo, New York, airport on Saturday when a gate agent told them the area is for family boarding.

Morse says he and Sam Ballachino told the agent they were with their twin 3-year-old boys and 5-year-old daughter. He says the agent eventually told them the children could board with one adult. They were forced to wait until everyone else boarded the plane and didn't sit together as planned.

In an emailed statement to the newspaper, Southwest said the boarding area conversation was not discriminatory.
Suddenly jobless and with small children to support, Jose Victor Camargo without hesitation cashed out a retirement account he had with his former employer.

That was more than a decade ago, and the father of three used the money to pay for rent and stay afloat until he found another job. "We are always in need, so I used the money," he said in Spanish. "We were struggling. We tried to make the money stretch."

An Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll found that older Latinos are more likely than older whites or older blacks to say they've had to withdraw or borrow money from a retirement account  34 percent for Latinos compared with 24 percent for whites and 25 percent for blacks.

A third of all respondents who said they withdrew money from a retirement account indicated they used the money to pay monthly bills including rent and utilities, the poll found.

Camargo, 60, is now working in a restaurant earning California's minimum wage. While it's difficult for him to save for retirement, he is making an effort to keep his new 401(k) account intact. But more than half of his income goes to pay for rent and the rest goes to cover basic expenses, making it almost impossible to plan for retirement.

"We are living check to check," he said. "I wish I could save more but I don't have enough."

Ernest Gonzales, sociology professor at Boston University, said many Latinos don't have any savings, which means an unforeseen event, such as job loss or medical emergency can be devastating.

"Latinos are using retirement accounts for emergencies," said Gonzales, who has done research on aging and economic disparities.

Gonzales said the problem goes beyond poor financial literacy and planning. Pay disparity plays a big role in Latinos' ability to save, because their paychecks often barely cover living expenses. Hispanic men earn 69 percent of white men's earnings in 2015, according to the Pew Research Center.

Only 1 in 3 native-born and immigrant Latinos has a retirement plan through their employers, in large measure because these workers are often employed in jobs that don't provide retirement plans, such as low-wage service jobs.

But even if an employer offers a savings plan the participation rate is still lower, 44 percent, compared to 60 percent for white or black workers, according to a 2008 report by the Employee Benefit Research Institute.

Gonzales said making contributions to retirement accounts automatically rather than as an option would increase participation rates. He said economically vulnerable workers, Latinos among them, would benefit from financial literacy classes in order to help them save for retirement. In his research, he finds that the best way to teach those skills is by having group classes or informal seminars. These teaching styles increase participation rates.

"We can have an argument about personal responsibility but it has societal repercussions," he said, about the lack of savings for retirement among this population. "Financial hardships lead to a great deal of stress especially among women. That stress has significant health consequences."

He said he believes making sure the aging communities are doing well is a social responsibility.

"We aren't doing a good job," he said. "It raises the question about the role and responsibility of government and employers."

The survey was conducted Feb. 14 through March 13 by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research with funding from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.

It involved interviews in English and Spanish with 1,683 people aged 50 and older nationwide who are members of NORC's probability-based AmeriSpeak panel, which is designed to be representative of the U.S. population. It includes oversamples of 332 African Americans and 308 Hispanics. Results from the full survey have a margin of sampling error of plus or minus 3.0 percentage points.

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EDITOR'S NOTE  Maria Ines Zamudio is studying aging and workforce issues as part of a 10-month fellowship at The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, which joins NORC's independent research and AP journalism. The fellowship is funded by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.

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Online:

AP-NORC: http://www.apnorc.org/
U.S. President Donald Trump met Pope Francis, one of his most high profile critics, at the Vatican on Wednesday and after an exchange of gifts he promised he would not forget the pontiff's message during their half-hour discussion.

Trump and the pope have expressed opposing views on issues such as immigration and climate change and the two men exchanged sharp words during the presidential campaign last year.

Under clear blue skies, Trump received a tribute from the Swiss Guard in a Vatican courtyard where he was greeted by Archbishop Georg Ganswein, the prefect of the pontifical household.

Trump looked uncomfortable as he entered a small elevator taking him to the third floor of the Apostolic Palace, where he was accompanied by Ganswein and other officials along a frescoed corridor to the pope's private study.

Following behind Trump were his wife Melania, daughter Ivanka, her husband, Jared Kushner, a top White House aide, national security adviser H.R. McMaster and adviser Hope Hicks.

The pope smiled faintly as he greeted Trump outside the study. Trump, seeming subdued, said "it is a great honor."

The two men then posed for photographs and the pope kept a stern face while Trump beamed for the cameras.

At the end of the private encounter the pope, smiling and looking far more relaxed, gave the president a small sculptured olive tree symbolizing peace. Trump thanked him and said, "we can use peace."

Speaking in Spanish through an interpreter, the pope also gave Trump a signed copy of the message he delivered at the last World Peace Day and three of his major writings including his 2015 encyclical on the need to protect the environment.

"Well, I'll be reading them," Trump said.

He gave the pope a boxed set of writings by Martin Luther King.

As Trump left he told his host, "thank you, I won't forget what you said."

Trump's meeting with Pope Francis, his third stop on a nine-day foreign tour due to end on Saturday, was part of his world tour of religions after meeting leaders of Muslim nations in Saudi Arabia and visiting holy sites in Jerusalem.

While his talks in Saudi Arabia and Israel were mostly friendly, the meeting between the head of the Roman Catholic Church and the thrice-married, blunt-spoken Trump had the potential to be a little more confrontational.

SHARP EXCHANGES

The pope said last year a man who thinks about building walls and not bridges is "not Christian," a sharp reprimand for Trump's vow to build a wall along the U.S. border with Mexico.

Trump said it was "disgraceful" of the Argentine-born pope, who represents just over half of the world's two billion Christians, to question his faith.

"If and when the Vatican is attacked by ISIS, which as everyone knows is ISIS' ultimate trophy, I can promise you that the pope would have only wished and prayed that Donald Trump would have been president," Trump said during the campaign.

Trump's softer stance on environmental regulations also is at odds with Francis' view that climate change is caused mostly by human activity.

The Vatican also took a dim view of Trump's anti-Muslim campaign rhetoric, although Trump softened his tone considerably in a major speech in Riyadh.

Francis said last week he would be "sincere" with Trump but did not want to judge him before listening to him in person.

Part of Trump's motivation for meeting the pope was to dramatize how the three major religions should rally against the threat from Islamist militants.

We thought that this trip was essential to put together the Muslim faith, the Jewish faith and then the Catholic faith, the Christian faith," said a senior White House official who briefed reporters on Trump's Air Force One flight to Rome.

"By putting everybody together you can really build a coalition and show that its not a Muslim problem, its not a Jewish problem, its not a Catholic problem, its not a Christian problem, it really is a world problem," the official said.

Trump at first did not plan to stop in Rome during his visit to Europe, which some in the Vatican saw as a snub. When he changed his mind, the Vatican squeezed him in at 8:30 a.m. on a Wednesday morning, an unusual day and an unusually early time.

Francis holds his weekly audience with the general public on Wednesday at 10 a.m. in St Peter's Square.

After the meeting, Trump moves on to Brussels for a NATO summit, followed by the last stop on his trip, at a Group of Seven summit in Sicily.

(Additional reporting by Gavin Jones and Jeff Mason; Editing by Ralph Boulton)
Only a little more than a month ago,Straight Path Communications(NYSEMKT: STRP)stock was at $36 per share. Last week, however,Verizon(NYSE: VZ)agreed to buy the company in an all-stock deal for $184, a whopping 404% premium to where the little-known, nine-employee company was trading on April 7. That's becauseAT&T(NYSE: T)and Verizon were involved in a bidding war for Straight Path'shigh-band spectrum assets, which may be the building blocks of a future 5G network.

AsI previously wrote, AT&T and Verizon are competing to assume pole position in the 5G race because their core wireless businesses are in trouble, due to theincredible success of low-cost providerT-Mobile. AT&T and Verizon are still much bigger so they are attempting to leverage their scale to be the leader in the next wave of innovation and differentiate their service based on quality. Right now, bothSprintand T-Mobile have upgraded their networks to a similar level of quality as the bigger players, so that advantage has waned.

5G is make-or-break

It is perhaps fitting that Verizon won this bidding war, as the new 5G is most crucial to its future. 5G is also important to AT&T, but the company has more diversification than Verizon, with a large media arm due to its acquisition of Direct TV and the pending acquisition ofTime Warner, a larger enterprise fiber network, and a growing Latin American division.

T-Mobile has promised a 5G network by 2020 as well. It believes that it will be able to deploy 5G on the low-band spectrum it purchased in the government auction this winter, when it spent $8 billion for lots of low-band 600 MHz spectrum. It's still unclear how comprehensive that network will be, however.

Verizon, however, seems to be betting on leading technological innovation of the core network. While it has ventured into media with the purchase of AOL and Yahoo!, these were much smaller acquisitions that probably won't make a difference to the bottom line anytime soon.

5G: Holy grail or hype?

There is still a debate about what 5G is and what it will mean. Perhaps the most bullish and intriguing thesis is that 5G could eventually replace cable companies' fixed broadband delivery. That would be an incredible boon for companies with 5G capabilities and a potential danger for players such asComcastandCharter, whichdominate this space. Interestingly, those two companies recently teamed up to offer wireless service and coordinate on similar technology platforms going forward. This is intriguing, and could be due to this potential threat as wireless operators move into cable and vice versa.

Image source: Getty Images.

Cowen & Co.'s analyst Colby Synesael recently discussed this phenomenon ina 25-minute video, in which he concludes that 5G could very well be a cable killer, but will not arrive until 2020 or later, and then only in developed countries such as the U.S. Also, the 5G buildout is likely to be complex and expensive.

In the presentation, he notes that 5G will initially incorporate millimeter-wave spectrum (the kind that Straight Path owned), but will eventually be available on all spectrum waves.The government is likely to open up even more spectrum for 5G deployments in the years ahead.

One might ask, then, why Verizon just paid $2.2 billion for these spectrum assets, when 5G will eventually become available on mid-band spectrum as well. Probably because even at $2.2 billion, the price paid for Straight Path's spectrum amounted to a rate of less than a penny per megahertz per person.

This is in contrast to the recent auction the Federal Communications Commission held for the 600 MHz band, where that spectrum went for $0.93 per MHz-POP. So, Verizon is paying up now to likely be the first -- though not the only -- company to build out 5G, which will require this millimeter-wave spectrum for the first part of the network.

Conclusion

Verizon shelled out $2.2 billion in stock for spectrum that will allow it to be a leader in the race for 5G. It's still unclear how much this will mean for its network superiority and its earnings in the 2020s, but investors need to keep an eye on the 5G race, as it will likely transform many big industries as we know them.

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In addition to hurting U.S. manufacturers, steel dumping could pose a threat to national security, United Steelworkers International President Leo W. Gerard said during a Commerce Department hearing Wednesday.

Our national security is increasingly at risk because of the relentless economic attacks on our steel industry, Gerard warned.

For years, China, among other countries, has been accused of flooding foreign markets with steel it sells at a lower price than what it charges domestically. Ret. U.S. Army Brig. Gen. John Adams, president of national security consulting firm Guardian Six, told FOX Business it is indeed a threat to the countrys safety.

As capacity declines we get into a space where the future of [the industry] to be able to provide for defense is going to be compromised, Brig. Gen. Adams said. What were trying to avoid is the diminution of our capacity to the point where it means we cant rely on American domestic production for things we do not want foreign producers to do.

In 2016 China produced more than 808 million metric tons of steel, nearly 50% of the worlds total output, according to the World Steel Association. By contrast, the United States produced less than 79 million metric tons, or 4.8% of global output.

U.S. defense agencies use domestic steel for everything from special hulls for submarines, to specialized aircraft carrier decks to tanks and armored vehicles.

These are specialized steel products that have been developed through American research and development through classified requirements  The last thing we want is for a rival to know what our specialized requirements are because then theyll know how to defeat it, General Adams said.

Beyond the national security concerns, General Adams said some less obvious problems could arise if the United States ability to manufacture its own steel continues to decline. He pointed to underground water systems and the electrical grid as two examples of critical infrastructure systems that could be compromised if the country cannot produce its own steel.

In March, President Trump signed an executive order targeting countries that have unpaid anti-dumping duties and another ordering an investigation into how steel dumping impacts U.S. industries and the national deficit. The Trump administration hasnt stopped at steel either. Aluminum and lumber have also been added to the administrations watch-list.

General Adams said it is a step in the right direction.

Trying to convince countries, like specifically China, that have made repeated promises to control their overcapacity  weve got to stop believing them when they lie to us  they're only going to do things that they are forced to do, Gen. Adams said.
Photos on Tuesday showed Ariana Grande landing in Florida following a tragic attack at her Monday Manchester concert that left 22 dead and more than 100 wounded.

Grande was greeted by her boyfriend, Mac Miller, according to Us Weekly, as she arrived home from the U.K. "Mac ran up to give her a hug and kiss right after her plane landed, an Us Weekly source said. Grande wore all black and was accompanied by her mother Joan.

The Boca Raton native has remained mostly silent on social media since the Monday night attack.

Following the show, her reps revealed she was OK and she later tweeted she was "broken" and speechless after the tragedy.

TMZ reported on Monday night that Grande's tour had been suspended, but a person close to the situation disputed those claims.

The person, who spoke to the Associated Press on the condition of anonymity because the individual was not allowed to publicly talk about the topic, said the 23-year-old pop stars tour has not been cancelled or postponed despite reports claiming that changes to her schedule had been made.

Her next show is scheduled for the O2 Arena in London on Thursday, and the venue said it is still not clear if there has been a change in the plans. The show is still listed on Grande's website as her next performance.

"We understand and appreciate you are waiting for information as to whether the shows are going ahead on Thursday and Friday at The O2," the venue told Fox News on Wednesday. "Were still in contact with the tour promoters regarding a final decision. As yet the tour is not officially postponed or cancelled, despite media reports."

The Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the attack.

British Prime Minister Theresa May announced Tuesday that the countrys terror threat level has been raised to its highest level based on evidence gathered during the investigation of the deadly attack at Grande's show.

Fox News' Stephanie Nolasco and the Associated Press contributed to this report.


Hailey Baldwin has earned the title of worlds sexiest woman.

The 20-year-old American model was named number one on Maxims annual Hot 100 issue on Tuesday and is officially the publications new cover girl.

Baldwin is the daughter of actor Stephen Baldwin and niece of Alec Baldwin.

HAILEY BALDWIN: DEMONS CAN POSSESS PEOPLE

Simply being pretty isnt the only requirement to cracking Maxims legendary Hot 100: Youve got to be a badass. And Baldwin is, wrote the magazine. Shes a provocateur in the best sense, titillating the public with relationships with Justin Bieber and bating gossip rags with comments like Yes, Im pregnant and @KendallJenner is the baby mama.

For the Hot 100 issue, Baldwin was photographed by renowned fashion photographer Gilles Bensimon in Paris. Maxim also revealed that Baldwin is gearing up to tackle her new role as host of James Cordens upcoming reality comedy series, Drop the Mic, which pits celebrities against each other in rap battles.

Baldwin told Maxim that following in her famous familys footsteps was a no-brainer.

HAILEY BALDWIN AND JUSTIN BIEBER'S RUMORED LOVE AFFAIR

I honestly always feel like it was a little bit inevitable for me, she explained. I was always the entertainer in my family. Everyone said, Thats the one you got to watch out for.'

Maxims Hot 100 issue hits newsstands on May 30.
There's no money in these banana stands.

Amazon has given out more than 1.7 million bananas in two years, according to the Wall Street Journal. But the community-minded gesture has disrupted local business.

The company opened its first free bananas stand  available to anyone  on their Seattle campus in 2015. And the neighborhood has been forced to tailor to the tech companys good deed.

Anar, a nearby vegetarian cafe, got rid of their $1 banana yogurt toppings because people just grabbed a freebie on their way out. Theyve since changed their menu to include two banana-based drinks to cash in on the banana frenzy in another form.

People have bananas on the brain, the cafes owner told the Wall Street Journal.

FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE FOX LIFESTYLE NEWS

One Amazon employee said he stopped buying the fruits from the grocery store and a local restaurant said customers always eat the free bananas at their tables, leaving behind an extra mess. And a particularly unlucky juice bar said customers often ask if their bananas are free. Because when they say no, the clever jokesters get to respond with the popular Arrested Development line: Theres always money in the banana stand!

Jeff Bezos, Amazons founder and CEO, reportedly thought up the idea as a public service. Bananas are a healthy, compostable snack that dont need to be wrapped like an apple and dont have the price tag of an avocado.

This story originally appeared on NYPost.com.
The grieving family of a Louisiana teen who died on Sunday is grateful that he was given the chance to fulfill his final wish to receive his high school diploma. Jerome Singleton, 17, had been diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma and after 47 rounds of chemotherapy, doctors said there was nothing more they could do.

DAD MAKES G-TUBE TO MATCH SON WITH CONGENITAL HEART DEFECT

With Scottlandville High Schools graduation planned for later this month, concerned family members worried that Singleton wouldnt be able to achieve his dying wish, KTVU reported. But the school had other plans for the teen, and held a special ceremony for him at his home where he was receiving hospice care.

Relatives, friends, nurses and Singletons high school principal were on hand for the ceremony, and though he was too weak to stand he proudly donned a cap and gown. Attendees sang his favorite song, Oh Happy Day, and Singleton officially became a high school graduate.

WOMAN ON DESPERATE SEARCH TO FIND DOCTOR WHO WILL OPERATE ON SON WITH RARE DISEASE

He died on Sunday at home while holding his younger sisters hand.

A GoFundMe page to help the family cover the costs of a funeral has asked for prayers for Singleton.
A New York mother has turned to her sons legion of Facebook supporters in hopes of finding a doctor who will operate on him as the 20-year-old battles a disease so rare that it isnt named. Nicholas Nico Vigliotti, 20, wasnt supposed to make it past his first day on earth, NBC New York reported.

They said, You need to see your son, he only has minutes to live, Debbie Vigliotti, Nicos mother, told NBC New York.

FRATES FAMILY STRUGGLING TO COVER COST OF ALS CARE

He was eventually diagnosed with chromosome 14 deletion, which affects his brain, lungs and thyroid, the news outlet reported. Now, 17 surgeries later, Nico has been on a ventilator for two years and will need to come of it for a lung transplant if he wants to survive, Debbie told NBC New York.

Every single doctor has said this child is a miracle child, Debbie said.

But, due to his fragile health, Debbie said Nico has been denied by three transplant centers and she hasnt been able to find a doctor willing to operate on her son. After a health scare earlier this month, she decided to take her plea to social media in an effort to expand their search.

A NEW HEALTH BENEFIT OF CHOCOLATE: REDUCED RISK OF AFIB?

Im praying to God that I can get this message out to millions of people, she said in a May 20 video posted to Facebook. Because out of those millions there has to be one. One  thats all I need is one person, one doctor, one scientist, one research doctor, I dont know  but reach someone who would be willing to take a chance on Nico, our warrior, who has been here 20 years, almost 21 years, and hes not ready to go. He still has a full life.

In a follow-up post she said that many supporters have reached out and connected her with doctors across the country.

Ive had many surgeries over the years and hospital visits; its just very hard, Nico told NBC New York.
As the age-old saying goes, the eyes are the window to the soul. But, really, these days, its less the eyes and more the Google search history that is the true tell of a persons innermost self. This is perhaps never more true than after having a baby, when many women find themselves in the unique and precarious position of catering to a highly needy yet nonverbal creature, processing their own postpartum mental and physical cluster, and being up at all hours of the night in close proximity to the glow of a cracked iPhone just begging to be consulted on all manner of WebMD conundrums. Marching naked down Park Avenue might be less revealing, but in the spirit of mom solidarity, I present my totally-real, borderline embarrassing, recent Google search history.

1. how many calories breastfeeding burn

Because I am on my second baby and have stopped caring, Im just going to say it: While it is billed as liquid gold for babies, for most (or at least many) women, breastfeeding sucks  your time, your freedom, your patience and your breast perkiness. (A friend recently likened her post-breast-feeding boobs to the image of two cracked eggs slowly sliding down a wall. This will never leave me.) But there is one saving grace: The magical calorie-burning powers of breast-feeding! This upside is much-repeated in mom conversations ("Why do you look so good?" "Oh, just breastfeeding!") Its a fact that your body working to produce breastmilk burns calories  its biology's genius way of sustaining babies and helping postpartum moms lose weight naturally. Still, I've worried that reports of breastfeedings body benefits may be exaggerated. (I believed the popular mom myth that it takes six months to cleanse your body of birth control before you should get pregnant. Surprise! Positive pregnancy test two months after quitting the Pill.) Ive heard that breast-feeding burns anywhere from 300 to 500 calories per day, but given the amount of ravioli I've eaten over the past couple months, I wanted to be precise.

Doctors, including mine, often stick to the 300-to-500-calorie window, citing a variance in how much milk different women produce; especially for women who nurse, it's hard to measure exactly how much you make. Diane L. Spatz, PhD, a professor of perinatal nursing at the University of Pennsylvania and nurse researcher at The Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia, previously narrowed it down for SELF to between 400 and 500 calories a day. Dr. Google led me to one website for mothers who exclusively pump (of whom I was one before I recently called it quits), which gets mathematical, saying that each ounce of breast milk has 20 calories...so if you pump 20 ounces per day, you are using 400 additional calories to feed your baby. If you are pumping 30 ounces, then 600 calories, and so on. Take this with a grain of salt, or a droplet of breastmilk.

2. how many kegels after pregnancy

Fact: The only thing weaker than my resolve and patience level right now is my pelvic floor. Additional fact: As a friend recently said, Kegels make me feel icky  like really icky. Yes, an exercise characterized by clenching the muscles of your vaginal wall  as if youre holding your pee mid-stream, as it is often said  is peak icky. Kegel exercises are like another chore hanging over your head in the immediate post-baby days. And so I wondered, would three sets of 10 (like the lunges I suffer through at the gym) suffice?

Welp, according to What to Expect, I was undershooting: Three sets of 20 are optimal. But the truly helpful Kegel nugget came from an OB-GYN friend, who notes that Kegel exercises should not be short, quick movements, but held for five seconds each. Icky, but effective.

3. best vasectomy doctors New York City

Because two kids is more than enough for me, and must I really remember to take a birth control pill for the rest of my menstrual days?

4. how much can you drink before pump and dump

Welcome to another burning struggle of the new mother. Youre no longer pregnant, so  horns and confetti emoji!  youre finally, after 10 months of fiending for tequila (just me?) liberated to drink more than a glass of wine. Except not really, because if youre breastfeeding, alcohol seeps into your breastmilk and no mom wants to slip her new son or daughter a watered down lychee martini. So, exactly how many glasses of wine are too many before you should pump and dump said booze-laced breastmilk (a torturous task, to see that liquid gold stream down the drain) rather than risk feeding it to your baby?

Here, a popular Google search result chides, judge-ily (just me again?): During the four hours after a breastfeeding mother consumes an alcoholic beverage  such as 4 ounces of wine, one mixed drink, or one can of beer  babies who nurse consume about 20 percent less milk. I didnt like this response, because it ostensibly shades breastfeeding mothers about drinking anything, and, in my opinion, furthers the aggressively conservative American medical stance on pregnancy and alcohol. And so, I abandoned Google and consulted an actual medical professional.

One of the nurses at my practice told me that when it comes to drinking, my son would feel what I feel. So, if a glass of wine made me feel drunk (which it does not, though it does make me feel happy and a bit more relaxed), it would make my son feel similarly. I concluded that one drink here or there was kosher. When one drink isn't enough for me, I discovered another cure, without consulting Google at all: Make peace with the occasional pump and dump. Sometimes that second lychee martini is just worth it.

5. magic mike live channing tatum

There are few things more uplifting at 4:30 a.m., after youve been wrenched from sleep by a crying baby, than the reassurance that some day, I could go to Vegas again. And when I do, a male stripper revue awaits.

Michelle Ruiz is a freelance writer and contributing editor at Vogue.com whose work has appeared in The Wall Street Journal, Cosmopolitan and Time.com. Twitter: @michelleruiz
Editor's note: This article was originally published by Gatestone Institute.

Every time a horrendous terrorist attack victimizes innocent victims we wring our hands and promise to increase security and take other necessary preventive measures. But we fail to recognize how our friends and allies play such an important role in encouraging, incentivizing, and inciting terrorism.

If we are to have any chance of reducing terrorism, we must get to its root cause. It is not poverty, disenfranchisement, despair or any of the other abuse excuses offered to explain, if not to justify, terrorism as an act of desperation. It is anything but.

The international community has rewarded terrorism while punishing those who try to fight it by reasonable means.

Many terrorists, such as those who participated in the 9/11 attacks, were educated, well-off, mobile and even successful. They made a rational cost-benefit decision to murder innocent civilians for one simple reason: they believe that terrorism works.

And tragically they are right. The international community has rewarded terrorism while punishing those who try to fight it by reasonable means.

It all began with a decision by Yasser Arafat and other Palestinian terrorist groups to employ the tactic of terrorism as a primary means of bringing the Palestinian issue to the forefront of world concern. Based on the merits and demerits of the Palestinian case, it does not deserve this stature. The treatment of the Tibetans by China, the Kurds by most of the Arab world, and the people of Chechen by Russia has been at least as bad. But their response to grievances has been largely ignored by the international community and the media because they mostly sought remedies within the law rather than through terrorism.

The Palestinian situation has been different. The hijacking of airplanes, the murders of Olympic athletes at Munich, the killing of Israeli children at Maalot, and the many other terrorist atrocities perpetrated by Palestinian terrorists has elevated their cause above all other causes in the human rights community. Although the Palestinians have not yet gotten a state  because they twice rejected generous offers of statehood  their cause still dominates the United Nations and numerous human rights groups.

Other groups with grievances have learned from the success of Palestinian terrorism and have emulated the use of that barbaric tactic. Even today, when the Palestinian authority claims to reject terrorism, they reward the families of suicide bombers and other terrorists by large compensation packages that increase with the number of innocent victims.

If the perpetrator of the Manchester massacre had been Palestinian and if the massacre had taken place in an Israeli auditorium, the Palestinian authority would have paid his family a small fortune for murdering so many children.

There is a name for people and organizations that pay other people for killing innocent civilians: its called accessory to murder.

If the mafia offered bounties to kill its opponents, no one would sympathize with those who made the offer. Yet the Palestinian leadership that does the same thing is welcomed and honored throughout the world.

The Palestinian Authority also glorifies terrorists by naming parks, stadiums, streets and other public places after the mass murderers of children. Our ally Qatar finances Hamas which the United States has correctly declared to be a terrorist organization.

Our enemy Iran also finances, facilitates and encourages terrorism against the United States, Israel and other western democracies, without suffering any real consequences.

The United Nations glorifies terrorism by placing countries that support terrorism in high positions of authority and honor and by welcoming with open arms the promoters of terrorism.

On the other hand Israel, which has led the world in efforts to combat terrorism by reasonable and lawful means, gets attacked by the international community more than any other country in the world. Promoters of terrorism are treated better at the United Nations than opponents of terrorism. The boycott divestment tactic (BDS) is directed only against Israel and not against the many nations that support terrorism.

Terrorisms will continue as long as it continues to bear fruits. The fruits may be different for different causes. Sometimes it is simply publicity. Sometimes it is a recruitment tool. Sometimes it brings about concessions as it did in many European countries. Some European countries that have now been plagued by terrorism even released captured Palestinian terrorists.

England, France, Italy and Germany were among the countries that released Palestinian terrorists in the hope of preventing terrorist attacks on their soil. Their selfish and immoral tactic backfired: it only caused them to become even more inviting targets for the murderous terrorists.

But no matter how terrorism works , the reality that it does will make it difficult if not impossible to stem its malignant spread around the world.

To make it not work, the entire world must unite in never rewarding terrorism and always punishing those who facilitate it.
This weeks terrorist attack at a concert in Manchester is a horrific reminder of the growing threat facing the Western world.

Britain experienced the deadliest terrorist attack on its soil since the 2005 London transit bombings, and we have all once again seen the true face of evil.

The British people now find themselves bracing for another possible attack as their terror threat level is raised from severe to criticalsignaling another attack remains not only highly likely but possibly imminent.

The British have deployed soldiers to the streets, a definitive symbol of what is already known: the West is at war with radical Islamist terrorists.

Just last month, DHS Secretary John Kelly said as many as 10,000 European citizens have joined the caliphate in Syria and Iraq and are intent on causing destruction back home.

As we reach the ominous and alarming figure of 200 ISIS-linked plots against the West, there has been a clear change in the directives guiding jihadists: attack where you are with whatever is available.

As we reach the ominous and alarming figure of 200 ISIS-linked plots against the West, there has been a clear change in the directives guiding jihadists: attack where you are with whatever is available.

In France last month, just days before their countrys election, a man opened fire on police officers in Paris in an effort to take lives and instill fear in the French people.

And this brutal attack in Manchester comes less than a month before the British people hold their own elections.

We have seen it throughout the past yearin the Nice vehicle attack and German knife attacksterrorists are causing destruction by any means possible.

These attacks are proof that, though ISIS strongholds in the Middle East are being decimated, jihadists remain intent on causing chaos throughout the civilized world.

While our European allies have been at the epicenter of ISIS recent plots and attacks, America remains the crown target.

Though an ocean divides us, it alone cannot protect us from jihadists attempting to infiltrate our homeland.

Make no mistakethey are trying to get to our shores as they have done before.

We cannot wait until the next large scale tragedy to improve Americas defenses.

That is why I have established a Task Force on Denying Terrorists Entry into the United States, which is investigating ways to bolster our security against terrorists attempting to reach America.

This bipartisan Task Force, led by Congressman Mike Gallagher (R-Wis.), had its first hearing earlier this month and will identify ways to improve Americas counterterrorism posture against foreign threats.

Later this year, my Committee will release a culminating report based on the Task Forces findings to introduce legislative solutions and further protect our country and citizens.

This will continue the work of last Congress Task Force on Combating Terrorist and Foreign Fighter Travel, which produced over 50 actionable recommendation to protect the homelandmany of which are now law.

Defeating this evil will require close partnerships from nations across the globe. The United States is committed to assisting our allies in this fight, and our hearts go out to all of Britain and the families of those affected by this appalling tragedy.

We finally have an administration fully committed to reestablishing Americas reputation of leading from the front in this critical endeavor.

President Trump is currently overseas reassuring our Middle Eastern and European allies of their role in the fight, as he stated, This is a battle between barbaric criminals who seek to obliterate human life and decent people of all religions who seek to protect it.

This is a fight not taken lightly and one with no acceptable solution besides success.

The United States mourns with all of Britain in the aftermath of this tragedy and stands resolute in our pledge to defeat radical Islamist terror across the globe.

This attacker was not a man of faith but a coward driven by a hateful ideology hiding behind the facade of religion.

When an innocent 8-year-old girlone of the first reported fatalitiesenjoying a concert with her mother and sister is killed, parents everywhere are attacked.

When peaceful citizens are brutally murdered simply because of their culture and lifestyle, the entire free world is attacked.

Terrorism is an assault on humanity felt around the world, and the response, too, will be global.
The New York Times' hostility to industry gets worse every day.

Last week, the Times ran a big picture of a bay in Alaska with the headline "In Reversal, E.P.A. Eases Path for a Mine Near Alaska's Bristol Bay."

While this was just another of their stories about how Donald Trump will poison America, it caught my eye because of the big photo and because I once reported on that mine.

Attempted mine, I should say. No holes have been dug.

I reported on Pebble Mine because the EPA rejected the mine even before its environmental impact statement was submitted.

The Obama EPA squashed Pebble like it squashed the Keystone XL pipeline. It just said no.

This shocked CEO Tom Collier. He's a Democrat who managed environment policy for Al Gore and Bill Clinton. He was convinced Pebble could be developed safely and assumed EPA regulators would follow their own rules. They didn't.

"They killed this project before any science was done, and there are memos that show that!" Collier complained.

I'm skeptical when sources say things like that, but in this case, there are documents that reveal collusion between the EPA and Pebble's political opponents.

One of America's richest environmental groups (they collect more than $10 million per month) is the Natural Resources Defense Council. Their website claims "Science empowers NRDC's work," but the NRDC is run by lawyers, not scientists, and many are anti-progress activists upset about "corporate greed."

NRDC spokesman Bob Deans told me that the NRDC isn't anti-progress -- it just wants the "right" kind: "Wind turbines, solar panels ... this is what the future needs."

"But we also need copper and gold," I said.

"Well, that's right," he replied. "But we have to weigh those risks."

"Are there some mines where NRDC says, 'Go ahead!'?" I asked.

After thinking for a while, he said, "It's not up to us to greenlight mines."

I asked, "Are there any you don't complain about?"

"Sure," he told me. He said he'd send us names. He never did.

Unfortunately, there's a revolving door between groups like the NRDC and the EPA.

One NRDC activist who walked through that door was Nancy Stoner. EPA administrators aren't supposed to conspire with former activist colleagues, but she did, telling them that she couldn't coordinate with them directly but could meet with them so long as they communicated via other people and invited people besides her to meetings.

After her correspondence about that was revealed, Stoner left the EPA, but Pebble had already been rejected.

Now Trump's in charge and his EPA says it will reevaluate the mine. Good. It should.

But New York Times reporters can't stand that. They've smeared Pebble year after year in their headlines.

2008: "Mine would irreparably harm a centuries-old salmon fishing industry."

2012: "A Threat to Bristol Bay."

2013: "Native Alaska, Under Threat."

Last week's smear piece was written by Tatiana Schlossberg. Name sound familiar? She's Caroline Kennedy's daughter, granddaughter of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.

Her Times articles are a litany of enviro-hysteria: "Mass Die-off of Whales"; "...Bring Coal's Hidden Hazard to Light"; "How Lowering Crime Could Contribute to Global Warming."

I'm not making this up.

Her last anti-Trump column was headlined: "23 Environmental Rules Rolled Back." But the article lists only nine. Fourteen others were "under review" or in "limbo" -- not rolled back.

Her Bristol Bay story claimed the proposed Pebble Mine was "on" Bristol Bay. But it isn't. It's more than 100 miles away.

When we asked Schlossberg about that, she replied, "I'm not going to comment on that. If you have a problem or a question, you can direct it to the standards editor."

So we did, and to my surprise, the standards editor published a correction: "The mine is not on Bristol Bay itself."

But he defended the Times' headline saying "near Bristol Bay" because "it is in the watershed of Bristol Bay ... (T)he mine could affect the fishery."

I suppose it "could." Most anything "could." But "near" the bay? To me, "near" is 200 yards, or maybe half a mile, but not 100 miles.

Forget the anti-development phrase NIMBY (Not In My Backyard). Now it's BANANA (Build Absolutely Nothing Anywhere Near Anybody).

The Schlossberg-Kennedys have hundreds of millions of dollars and already own 300 acres of waterfront property. They won't be crushed by insane environmental restrictions.

You, however, may be.
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During the meeting of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction held in Cancun, Mexico on 22-26 May, Adam Banaszak, speaking on behalf of the European Committee of the Regions (CoR), stressed that disaster resilience is one of the central pillars of sustainable development and emphasised that disaster resilience must be taken into account in all public investment strategies. For every euro we spend on disaster risk reduction, he said, we save at least four euros that would otherwise be spent on reconstruction.

Adam Banaszak (PL/ECR) , vice-president of Kujawsko-Pomorskie Regional Assembly, was representing European local and regional government at the conference, as part of the official EU delegation. He is the author of the CoR's opinion on the Action Plan on the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 . He underlined that achieving the key objective of the Action Plan of increasing the number of countries with national and local risk-management plans by 2020, requires the different tiers of government in different countries to work together.

The frequency and intensity of disasters are increasing and disasters do not respect borders. Therefore, we have to work together to ensure that we are collectively building resilient communities. In Europe we already have such mechanisms in place. However, they mainly focus on disaster response, which is why we are now trying to embed the principle of disaster resilience into our development policy. Local and regional government have a key role to play in achieving this. We are the first line of response in crisis situations and have at our disposal detailed knowledge of the local area and community. We have to take the lead and share our best-practices with each other" said Mr Banaszak.

At the same time as the Global Platform was being held in Cancun, EU local and regional leaders from the CoR were on a fact-finding mission to regions of Italy hit by the 2009 and 2016 earthquakes, in order to better understand how to make EU support more effective. President Markku Markkula remarked: "In the EU alone natural disasters have taken more than 80,000 lives and 95 billion over the last decade. If we take the Italian response to the tragic earthquakes, it shows local and regional governments on the frontline know best how to prepare and cope. Our Action Plan with the UNISDR reflects just this: only by listening bottom up, through cooperation and sharing best practice from the ground can we minimise the impact. In Europe, we now need more flexible, faster emergency EU funds to respond to future catastrophes."

Mr Banaszak said: "In Kujawsko-Pomorskie, we have suffered from wild fire. In 1992, we suffered four disastrous forest fires, each of which affected several thousand hectares and led to deaths and injuries. We learnt from this experience, and we have successfully avoided similar levels of damages. We built community-based contingency plans, and this grass-root approach has been crucial to our success."

The CoR calls in its opinion for the principle of disaster resilience to be mainstreamed into EU policies and funds. All EU projects for the construction of new infrastructure should be resilient to threats and this principle should be a condition of access to funding. Currently, approximately one-third of the EUs budget is spent on territorial and cohesive development, on top of which the EU also has a strategic investment fund. These, however, currently do not require disaster resilience to be taken into account in the construction of new infrastructure. Changing this would help save lives and minimise the economic damage that future disasters can cause. The opinion also underlines that the importance of the private sector being aware of risks, and the positive role that the private sector can play, through sharing disaster data and through disaster insurance schemes.

The opinion is a reflection on the main elements of the UN's action plan from the point of view of local and regional authorities: the collecting and sharing data, the development of strategies for risk awareness, cooperation with the private sector, cross-border cooperation, climate-change adaptation, the promote of risk-informed investments in all EU financial instruments, support for early-warning systems, and reconstruction after disaster strikes.

Notes for editors:

1/ The European Committee of the Regions is the EU's assembly of regional and local representatives from all 28 Member States. Created in 1994, its mission is to involve regional and local authorities in the EU's decision-making process and to inform them about EU policies. The European Parliament, the Council of the European Union and the European Commission consult the Committee in policy areas affecting regions and cities. Its 350 members and 350 alternates either hold an electoral mandate or are politically accountable to an elected assembly in their home regions and cities. Click here for more details on your national delegation.

2/ The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 is a non-binding agreement struck in Sendai, Japan, on 18 March 2015. Its aim is to reduce the number of disasters, by making cities more resilient.

3/The Sendai Framework was preceded by the Hyogo Framework for Action 2005-2015. The Action Plan, which was signed on International Day for Disaster Reduction , between the CoR and the UNISDR, seeks to translate the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030  a voluntary international approach to disaster-management policy and operations  into ideas for local and regional governments. The Action Plan upgrades a partnership between the CoR and the UNISDR that dates back to 2012.

4/ The Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (Global Platform), as recognised by the UN General Assembly, is the main forum at the global level for strategic advice, coordination, partnership development and the review of progress in the implementation of international instruments on disaster risk reduction. It was established in 2006 and is now the world's foremost gathering of stakeholders committed to reducing disaster risk and building the resilience of communities and nations. Global Platform will be held this year between 22 and 26 May in Cancun, Mexico.

5/ Other documents:

Statement: Dealing with disasters: new global strategy must empower local and regional authorities

CoR opinion: 'Post 2015 Hyogo Framework for Action'

CoR opinion: Action Plan on the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 - A disaster risk-informed approach for all EU policies

Study: Implementation of the Sendai Framework at the EU level

Wioletta Wojewodzka

tel. +32 2 282 2289

wioletta.wojewodzka@cor.europa.eu
In the late 19th century, circus barkers found that they could draw immense crowds by offering admission to sideshows, popularly known as freak shows, where paying customers could behold bearded ladies, two-headed dogs and other grotesques. Thats the attitude some members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) may have when they meet President Trump for the first time this week.

Thats understandable, given candidate Trumps belligerent comments about NATO being obsolete and his empty threats to adjust Americas defense commitment to NATO countries based upon their increasing their defense spending.

The dedication this week of NATOs sparkling new $1 billion headquarters in Brussels may be a source of European pride, but it also underscores Trumps grousing that the alliance spends too much on frou-frous and not enough on defense. One other hitch: the buildings IT system hasnt yet come online due to technical difficulties. This in an age of government hacking and data-theft.

Trumps campaign rhetoric alarmed the allies, says Alexander Sandy Vershbow, a former U.S. ambassador to NATO as well as Russia. Since his election, hes said that NATO is no longer obsolete. So their worst fears have not been realized. But theres still some anxiety that the conversion of the president could just be temporary.

Trump could use the summit in Brussels to try to ease those fears. Then again, this quixotic U.S. president may decide that now is the time to press for a reconfiguration of the 68-year-old defense alliance, which was cobbled together as a bulwark against an aggressive post-World War II Soviet Union.

Im not sure the U.S. needs to, or should, keep the leading role in NATO that it traditionally has had, says Doug Bandow, a senior fellow at the CATO Institute, a libertarian think tank. Speaking at a conference hosted this week by the Center for the National Interest, Bandow underscored Trumps complaint that Americas European allies are not paying their fair share of the NATO budget. Says Bandow: Europe wont act as long as it believes it can rely on the U.S. to defend it.

While the United Kingdom (still a NATO member despite Brexit) and Poland exceed their mandated two percent of GDP on defense spending, key members like France, Germany, Italy and Spain are well below that benchmark, and are dragging their feet at meeting their commitment. Baltic member states like Latvia and Lithuania, which fear Russian aggression in their direction, have pledged to meet their goals, but as yet, have not.

Trump, who has said he wants to improve relations with Moscow, will have to decide whether he even wants to remain a strong voice within an alliance whose main purpose now is to keep Russia at bay. There are reasons he should, among them, the 2014 annexation of the Crimea from Ukraine. That demonstrated that President Vladimir Putin will seize opportunities, even those that flout international law, if he smells weakness from the West.

Recommitting the U.S. to its European allies will make the orange-haired American seem more like a member of the club, and less like a circus curiosity.
After all the worry over President Trump's criticisms of the NATO alliance, it certainly looks like he is making the alliance significantly stronger.

The president landed in Brussels on Wednesday, kicking off the last leg of his first international trip as president.

Allies are learning something that's taking the American media a long time to understand. Donald Trump does not care about theory, about globalism, or about "the way weve always done it. He is a man of action and results.

The president will continue to meet with European leaders to discuss a variety of issues. But President Trump's priorities will be combatting Islamist terrorism and securing NATO's official commitment to become a much more active partner in that effort.

A corollary of this, of course, is urging individual NATO countries to up their financial contributions to meet the security needs of the alliance.

After remarks during the campaign doubting the contributions of NATO to the security of the United States (that's why each member nation is part of the alliance, right? For its own security?) Trump administration officials including Vice President Mike Pence, secretaries of State and Defense Tillerson and Mattis, and ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley, have reiterated the U.S. commitment to the alliance, and in particular, Article V, the mechanism that requires each member nation to come to the defense of any and all other members should they be attacked.

Since becoming president, Trump has signaled he is looking more favorably on NATO.

But claims that the president merely had a knowledge deficit and has only now learned to appreciate NATO dont have it exactly right. It isn't the president who has changed, at least, not in principle. NATO allies have changed. And that has had the effect of changing the presidents mind on the policy.

Trump seems not to have been opposed to NATO in principle. He was (and is) opposed to alliances that to his mind do not further the security of Americans.

But if NATO allies recommit to the purpose of the alliance, prove it by prioritizing meeting the two percent of GDP minimum for defense spending, and get much more serious about helping in the counter-terrorism campaign, the alliance will be an even greater asset to international stability, relax some of the burden on Americans in precious blood and treasure, and increase the security of Americans.

For all the criticism Trump has received about his demands for most NATO allies to contribute more (only the United States, Greece, the United Kingdom, Estonia, and Poland meet the two percent minimum), previous presidents, including President Obama, made those same demands.

But now allies are finally responding and are already committing more money. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said in a

joint press conference with President Trump, In 2016, for the first time in many years, we saw an increase in defense spending across European Allies and Canada. A real increase of 3.8 percent. Or $10 billion dollars more for our defense. Its reasonable to expect more. And as much as the alliance has contributed to the war against Islamist terrorists since 9/11, we can expect more help there, too.

So what's different?

Allies are taking President Trump's demands on the alliance seriously-- deadly seriously.

NATO allies, particularly Russia's closest neighbors, need the alliance for their very survival. Russia continues to threaten Poland and the Baltic states, and to deter Russian aggression, there must be a strong show of NATO solidarity, most importantly, American solidarity with NATO.

No doubt NATO will get that from the American president Thursday, and Americans will be the beneficiaries of a more stable Europe and a rejuvenated international coalition to seek and destroy Islamist extremists.

Allies are learning something that's taking the American media a long time to understand.

Donald Trump does not care about theory, about globalism, or about "the way weve always done it. He is a man of action and results.

Just like every other nation's leader, President Trump is doggedly committed to fighting for his own country's interests.

The question he seems to ask when approaching agreements and treaties is: does this help the United States of America? The only answer that will do is yes, and then he demands proof of the benefit.

Has the president's calling into question NATO's contemporary usefulness been uncomfortable and, especially to vulnerable allies, unnerving? Undoubtedly.

But every good negotiator knows the one willing to walk away from the deal is the one who truly gets to set the terms. (Just ask Iran about President Obamas Iran deal.)

And President Trump's approach to NATO looks to be resulting in very good things for the United States of America: a stronger, new and improved NATO that will be excellent for all of its members.
No president has done what Donald Trump has done on his first foreign trip: traveling to the cradle of the three Abrahamic religions  Judaism, Christianity and Islam-- and then on to Rome, the seat of Catholicism.

It was, for all intents and purposes, a religious pilgrimage, diving into what has become the source of a lot of global strife. But it was his meeting with Pope Francis that drew the most anticipation due to their previous "disagreements" over immigration, refugees, and the environment.

The meeting turned out not to be about Francis, the leader of 1.2 billion Catholics, taking the American president to the woodshed about building a wall or closing borders to refugees.

Diplomatically speaking, they met as equals  as Heads of State.

There is a huge clash of styles between the two men: the pope, a model of humility; and Trump, more of a showman-businessman combo.

But Francis is all about finding common ground. And while Trump is known for his Art of the Deal," Francis has the divine calling for the Art of Persuasion. In that vein, a key exchange of the meeting was his gift to the president: copies of his three major writings.

The first is his encyclical, "Evangelii Gaudium" -- The Joy of the Gospel. This is about finding the core of Christianity. It's about real faith. It will speak to Francis' reason behind his statement, "No true Christian would build a wall."

Next is "Amoris Laetitia" -- The Joy of Love. This is about family, about sexual mores, divorce, communion and all those thorny issues the church is dealing with as the meaning of "family" in a secularized world has changed. The key here is that it is neither conservative nor liberal. It was Francis' unique way of speaking the truth in love.

And finally, "Laudato Si" -- On Care of Our Common Home. This is the major encyclical on the environment and climate change. It had a big release in 2015, with many seeing this as a central focus of Francis' papacy. It is an issue they may disagree on, but again, Francis is about persuasion. He's letting his writing do the talking.

President Trump said, "Well, I'll be reading them."

Most of the real diplomacy work took place during the president's brief meeting afterwards with the Vatican's Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin, and the Secretary for Relations with States Monsignor Paul Richard Gallagher.

Reports called them "cordial discussions" that included talks about a joint commitment in favor of life, freedom of worship, and freedom of conscience  all issues the Catholic Church is concerned about.

Now that the pope and the president have met face to face in this inaugural gathering, it will be interesting to see how they respond to each other's actions and words in the future.
In Riyadh on Sunday, President Donald Trump, the man who once called for a ban on all Muslim immigration to the U.S., was the most wildly--and warmly--received American leader in the region's history.

Out with the until-now wrongly controversial "radical Islamic terrorism." In with "Islamist" ideology and "Islamic terror of all kinds."

And none of the fifty or so leaders Trump addressed at the first Arab Islamic American Summit walked out, or even seemed to flinch at his words.

In fact, they warmly applauded a speech that rallied them to "DRIVE OUT" (all caps in the official White House transcript) our common enemies from their own midst, as well as to confront former President Barack Obama's preferred partner, Iran.

The reason for this is that Trump told them the truth--or at least more of it than they've heard from an American president before on this subject.

Obama tried to avoid naming the Islamist ideology at the root of "radical Islamic terrorism," and hardly invoked Trump's key phrase at the summit, that this is a war between "good and evil."

Contrary to the spin of many commentators, in the end, Trump employed even stronger language than he had repeatedly used in the presidential campaign - for he removed the qualifier radical from Islamic.

And so apparently had Trump's own much-respected National Security Adviser, General H.R. McMaster, who reportedly attempted to water down the speech largely written by fiery White House aide, Stephen Miller. (It is not clear just what McMaster approved or disapproved in the speech as delivered.)

Contrary to the spin of many commentators, in the end, Trump employed even stronger language than he had repeatedly used in the presidential campaign--for he removed the qualifier "radical" from "Islamic."

The White House has since tried to soften the very broad "Islamic" as a slip of the tongue from an "exhausted" president--but not so the more precise "Islamist."

Regardless, Trump had it right--for while most Muslims, of course, are not terrorists, tragically most of the world's terrorists today are Muslims, who follow the ideology of political Islam, broadly known as Islamism.

The global jihad comes from no other faith than Islam, which so far failed to face this menace--"95 percent" of whose victims, the president rightly pointed out, are believed to be Muslims themselves.

And he said this in the capital of the nation whose own Wahhabi clerical establishment has done more to export the Islamist ideology that feeds it than any other in the Sunni world.

The extraordinary climax came when Trump urged his powerful immediate listeners and their mostly Muslim, largely conservative publics at home, to stand together "against the murder of innocent Muslims, the oppression of women, the persecution of Jews and the slaughter of Christians."

These are words, which, in that aggregate, especially when combined with a general call to arms against the terrorists, President Obama, would never have uttered.

Nor would he ever have (correctly) labeled those behind the Manchester bombing on Monday "evil losers in life," as Trump did in Bethlehem on Tuesday.

Obama went to Cairo in June 2009 to woo Muslims in the first address by a U.S. head of state to the Islamic world--and wound up empower the Islamists in the failed Arab Spring less than two years later.

Above all, during his presidency, Obama deliberately enabled the Iranian regime--the Shi'ite Islamist foe that the other great target of Trump's speech on Sunday--to ever more aggressively destabilize the region in his single-minded pursuit of a nuclear deal with Iran that gives the mullahs a legal glide-path to the bomb in little more than a decade.

It remains to be seen if President Trump's failure to openly critique the human rights record of his Saudi hosts, or that of the Muslim world as a whole, or even to call out many in the auditorium themselves for financing or tolerating terrorism and the torment of minorities, will fatally undermine this fight.

And we can only hope--and the U.S. must press King Salman--to be sure that the huge $110 billion arms deal with the kingdom signed on May 20 is not the real incentive for this new united front, and that it is not turned to future use against Israel--where Trump headed next--as some in the Jewish state and elsewhere rightly fear.

Yet it is no accident that a crucial triumvirate seemingly more inclined to confront terrorism strongly appeared to emerge at this extraordinary summit, held in the heart of the Islamic world, in the land where Islam was born.

This triumvirate is Salman, who is much more liberal than the religious leaders in his country; President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi of Egypt, who was the first Muslim leader to demand that the mainstream clerical authorities change their own extremist discourse; and the new American president with the strongest rhetoric yet against terrorism arising from the Islamic world.

In that world especially, words can kill--as many liberal (and other) targets of the Islamists have sadly learned.

We can only hope that those of the ever-changing President Trump may help trigger a new form of "resistance" in the Middle East and beyond, instead of the one long directed at everything human in us all.
Syndicated columnist Charles Krauthammer said Tuesday on "Special Report with Bret Baier" that President Trump may have taken a major step forward in the global fight against terrorism by helping lead a summit of Arab states during his visit to Saudi Arabia earlier this week.

Krauthammer said the remarks before the Gulf Cooperation Council Summit could help the White House build stronger ties with Sunni Arabs, which constitute a majority of Saudis, while casting mostly Shiite Iran as a global threat.

"Essentially what Trump did was to put together a posse, a coalition of Sunni Arabs," said Krauthammer. "The first objective, is to fight the Shiite threat to fight the civil war within Islam-- between the Shiite and the Sunnis, between the Persians and the Arabs. But there was a secondary message and that is to fight the Sunni radicals among them. Al Qaeda and ISIS are Sunni radicals and they are not Iranian, not Shiite."

"I think after 50 years it's time of the Saudis using their wealth to spread their Wahhabi radical ideology through the Madrassas, throughout the Muslim world," he said. "We're now seeing the fruits of generations later of that. The Saudis understand the irony of what they've done. And I think this could be the beginning of Saudis and other Sunni radical nations, spread their radical ideology, reining it back and that would be a major step."
One of the biggest questions being asked ahead of the G-7 summit in Taormina, Italy, is whether President Trump will fulfill his campaign promise to pull out of the Paris Agreement on climate change or if his European counterparts can convince the U.S. leader to keep his country in the historic  and controversial  accord.

With Trumps inner circle split on the issue  climate change skeptics like chief strategist Steve Bannon and EPA administrator Scott Pruitt want the U.S. to drop out of the agreement, while former ExxonMobil CEO and current Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, Trumps daughter Ivanka and son-in-law Jared Kushner are in favor of remaining in the accord  analysts say that G-7 leaders have a prime opportunity to make their case to the U.S. president.

What we have seen from Trump is he takes personally the one-on-one talks he has with other world leaders, David Waskow, director of the World Resources Institutes climate team, told Fox News. That kind of persuasion can have some real effect if it is delivered in a very personal way.

The rest of the G-7 nations  Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United Kingdom  are all strong supporters of the Paris Agreement, as are the other 188 countries that have signed it, and the idea of the U.S. withdrawing from the accord has become a global concern. The U.S. is the worlds second-largest emitter of carbon dioxide and its adherence to the emissions-cutting deal penned under the Obama administration is seen, by some, as vital to keeping other nations in compliance.

A U.N. panel of climate scientists says it is at least 95 percent probable that man-made greenhouse gas emissions -- especially burning fossil fuels -- are the main cause of climate change since 1950. In each of the past three years, global average temperatures have hit record highs, and the continued warming of the planet is projected to cause worsening droughts, sea level rises, floods, heatwaves and extinctions of wildlife.

On the campaign trail last year, then-candidate Trump was highly critical of the Paris Agreement  promising to cancel the deal and calling climate change a hoax perpetrated by the Chinese  and since taking office in January his administration has rolled back a number of Obama-era environmental regulations in the hopes of breathing new life into the struggling coal and fossil fuel industries. The accord has no sanctions for non-compliance but has a principle that nations will set ever tougher goals for action this century.

In the last month, however, Trump has wavered on his pledge to withdraw from the agreement as he faces not only a divide over the issue within his own White House but pressure from a diverse and large number of industries. Retail giants like Walmart, tech companies such as Apple and even fossil titans from Chevron to Royal Dutch Shell have all voiced support for the accord.

It would be unhelpful on a number of fronts, Ben van Beurden, chief executive of Royal Dutch Shell, told the Financial Times this week about the possibility of a U.S. withdrawal. With the U.S. being the largest investment destination for a company like Shell, yes, I think I would regret having a lot of business here that potentially could be at a disadvantage because of [the] implications of that decision to pull out of Paris.

G7 leaders need to play to the U.S. strengths and show Trump that there is a big benefit to staying in the agreement for the U.S. economy and the job market.  David Cash, the University of Massachusetts Boston

While there are arguments that a U.S. withdrawal from the Paris accord could harm prospects for cooperation with other G-7 nations on other issues from trade to national security, experts say the best route European leaders should take to convince Trump to stay in the Paris Agreement is to highlight the economic risks  and not the environmental ones  that withdrawing from the deal could entail.

The Trump administration would be leaving a huge economic opportunity on the table if the U.S. leaves the agreement, David Cash, the dean of the John W. McCormack Graduate School of Policy and Global Studies at the University of Massachusetts Boston, told Fox News.

Cash said that as strides continue to be made in alternative energy sources like offshore wind, solar and electric cars, countries and companies will continue to expand their investments in so-called green energy.

Its hard to see a long-term, robust industry based on fossil fuels as all the large fossil fuel companies are diversifying and see themselves as energy companies not just oil companies, Cash said. G-7 leaders need to play to the U.S. strengths and show Trump that there is a big benefit to staying in the agreement for the U.S. economy and the job market.

Along with the support from European leaders and business magnates, the Paris Agreement is also popular with the majority of American voters.

In a nationally representative survey conducted last November after the election, The Associated Press found that seven in 10 registered voters say the U.S. should participate in the Paris climate agreement. Only 13 percent say the U.S. should not.

A majority of Democrats and independents, as well as half of Republicans, say the U.S. should participate. Only conservative Republicans are split, with marginally more saying the U.S. should participate than saying we should not.

On Thursday, a group of 40 Senate Democrats sent a letter to Trump urging him not to withdraw from the Paris agreement. They argued the move would not only hurt the environment but also the U.S.'s standing on the world stage.

"The policies in regards to climate change are not only good for the enviroment; they're good for our economy, they're good for our country," Sen. Ben Cardin, D-Maryland, said at a press conference in Washington D.C. "The agreement was signed by almost 200 nations, if the U.S. was to pull out we would be joining Syria and North Korea."



Conservatives and free market thinkers, however, want Trump to follow through with his promise to exit the deal, claiming it wages regulatory warfare against America.

The Paris climate treaty is an all-pain-for-no-gain agreement that will produce no measurable climate benefits and exacerbate energy poverty around the globe, Myron Ebell, former head of Trumps EPA transition team and a director at the Competitive Enterprise Institute, told the Guardian.

As the president has delayed making a decision on the climate agreement numerous times since taking office earlier this year, the only certainty is that no decision will be made until Trump returns from his first trip abroad as president.

"The more opportunities we have to make the case for staying with the agreement, the better," Thoriq Ibrahim, environment minister of the Maldives who chairs the Alliance of Small Island States in Bonn, told Reuters.
The Congressional Budget Office Wednesday released its long-awaited score on the second Republican plan to repeal and replace ObamaCare, the American Health Care Act, which passed the House of Representatives last month.

The CBO estimated that enacting the AHCA into law would reduce the federal deficit by $119 billion by 2026, and would also leave at least 23 million more Americans uninsured than under ObamaCare over that same time period.

Democrats criticized House Republican leadership for bringing the updated AHCA to the floor for a vote earlier this month month before getting an updated CBO score to go with it.

Republicans feared this CBO score so much that they rushed to vote for this bill three weeks ago without even having estimates of how many millions of Americans they would be ripping away health insurance from or how much the bill would cost the middle class and working families, House Ways and Means Committee Ranking Member Richard Neal, D-Mass., said. This reckless and irresponsible behavior is not how we should be making policy here in Congress.

Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa., said the CBO score showed that the AHCA offered higher costs, less coverage."

Moments after the CBO released its findings, the Republican National Committee released a statement slamming the CBO, saying they have a long track record of being way, way off in their modeling.

The White House also chimed in from Brussels, saying, "History has proven the CBO to be totally incapable of accurately predicting how healthcare legislation will impact health insurance coverage."

That criticism was echoed by Rep. Tom MacArthur, R-N.J., an architect of one of the bill's key amendments, who said the CBO's actuaries were "not prophets."

"I dont put the same reliance on everything they say," MacArthur told reporters. "Theyre trying to answer questions that I think it would be better where they say 'I dont know.'"

House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., who led the effort to pass the AHCA, defended the bill, saying that under ObamaCare, families have no options at all.

We are on a rescue mission to bring down the cost of coverage and make sure families have access to affordable care, Ryan said. This CBO report confirms that the American Health Care Act achieves our mission: lowering premiums and lowering the deficit. It is another positive step to keeping our promise to repeal and replace Obamacare.

Senate Republicans have indicated that their version of the AHCA will be significantly changed from the House version.

But Sen. David Perdue, R-Ga., said that despite the CBO score, its no secret Obamacare is collapsing under its own weight.

Families need real relief now from the limited choices and skyrocketing costs of the failed law. Doing nothing is not an option, Perdue said. The Senate is working now to build on the efforts in the House to make our health care system more affordable and accessible for everyone.

But Senate Democrats have vowed to fight the plan every step of the way.

No wonder Republicans were afraid of the CBO analysis. Trumpcare 2.0 will still force millions of Americans to lose their health insurance, raise premiums, and put critical health care services beyond the reach of hard-working families, Senate Minority Whip Dick Durbin, D-Ill., said. All of this to give a GOP tax cut to the wealthiest.

Fox News' Chad Pergram and Mike Emanuel contributed to this report.


Former Sen. Joe Lieberman has gone from front runner to out of the running in President Trump's effort to fill the vacant FBI director's job, a senior White House official told Fox News on Wednesday.

Before Trump left for an extended overseas tour last Friday, he told reporters the ex-Connecticut lawmaker, a Democrat-turned-Independent, was the leading candidate to replace James Comey, who was fired by Trump on May 9.

But things have changed, in part due to Trump's hiring of an attorney who works at the same firm as Lieberman. Marc Kasowitz, who has worked for Trump in the past, was brought on to represent the president in the ongoing Russian election meddling probe. Lieberman is a partner of Kasowitzs New York law firm, Kasowitz, Benson, Torres.

With the FBI involved in the investigation, sources said installing Lieberman to head the bureau could present a potential conflict of interest.

Kasowitz is not the first attorney from the law firm to serve Trump or his administration. The firm, just last year, was known as Kasowitz, Benson, Torres and Friedman, but FriedmanDavid Friedmanis now Ambassador to Israel.

It was just last week when Trump told reporters in the Oval Office that he was very close to naming a new FBI director, and when asked point-blank if Lieberman was the leading contender, Trump replied, Yes.

Lieberman, 75, has extensive law enforcement experience. He was a two-term attorney general for the state of Connecticut, spanning from 1983 until his resignation in 1989 when he was elected to the U.S. Senate, serving from 1989 until 2013- first as a Democrat, then as an independent.

Initially, Lieberman was hailed as a canny choice with allies on both sides of the aisle, but then Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., argued against the employment of a career politician of either party to lead the FBI.

Before Lieberman became the leading candidate, the list of possible directors included former NYPD Commissioner Ray Kelly, former House Intelligence Committee Chairman Mike Rogers, R-Mich., who was endorsed by the FBI Agents Association; Acting FBI Director Andrew McCabe; Mayor of Colorado Springs John Suthers; former federal appellate court judge and current Boeing executive John Luttig; Director for the FBIs Criminal, Cyber, Response and Services Branch Paul Abbate; Associate Judge for the New York Court of Appeals Mike Garcia; and Larry Thompson, former deputy attorney general under President George W. Bush.

The White House did not immediately respond to Fox News request for comment as to whether any of these candidates are still under consideration.

Fox News' John Roberts, Nick Kalman, Serafin Gomez contributed to this report.


By turning to one of his most prominent attorneys over the last two decades for representation in the investigation into possible collusion with Russia during the 2016 election, President Donald Trump is seemingly inviting more criticism, seasoned Washington insiders say.

Marc Kasowitz, the aggressive New York uberlitigator known for his attack dog style, has represented Trumps interests in numerous cases. He represented Trump during his Atlantic City casino bankruptcies, he sued a former New York Times reporter for $5 billion in libel damages for allegedly under-reporting Trumps net worth  the judge dismissed the case because Trump failed to establish malice  and he defended Trump University from allegations of fraud, a case in which Trump ultimately agreed to settle.

The fact that he has been Trumps lawyer for years will not be a plus, said one prominent Washington attorney who personally knows special counsel and former FBI director Robert Mueller. This pick will strike Mueller as strange.

SOURCE: COMEY 'READY' TO TALK TO SPECIAL COUNSEL IN RUSSIA PROBE



Kasowitz also represents former Fox News anchor Bill OReilly, and has represented celebrities like Robert DeNiro.

Trump has called Kasowitz and his former partner in the firm, David Friedman, phenomenal lawyers. Theyve already had an outsized impact on his administration. Friedman is now U.S. Ambassador to Israel. The White House removed former Sen. Joe Lieberman from consideration for FBI director because he works for Kasowitz. Lieberman had been Trumps top pick to replace former FBI Director James Comey.

The media has heaped praise on Kasowitz for his work in the private sector. One report described him as the toughest lawyer on Wall Street. And while Trump is still said to be rounding out his legal team, the outsider approach is raising eyebrows with D.C. attorneys who have defended presidents during special investigations before.

Maybe Trump is going to bring somebody else in, said prominent Washington attorney Robert Bennett, because you have to hire somebody who has worked in the Bermuda Triangle of Congress, the Justice Department and the media. What you do in one part of it can effect another part of it.

Bennett, who represented former President Bill Clinton during the special counsel investigation of the Monica Lewinsky scandal in the late 90s that ultimately led to Clintons impeachment, said the job is not for civil lawyers who dont have vast political experience in Capitol Hill and the White House.

Unless he brings in somebody with that kind of experience, he said, I think its a very dangerous situation for the president.

The Washington attorneys who spoke to Fox News say Trump has a penchant for leaning on combative attorneys, such as Roy Cohn who represented Trump in the 70s. Cohn was quoted as saying: I bring out the worst in my enemies, and thats how I get them to defeat themselves.

BRENNAN SAYS HE SAW INTEL LINKING RUSSIA TO TRUMP CAMPAIGN ASSOCIATES

A D.C. attorney who requested anonymity said there is a difference between a tough lawyer and a confrontational one.

If you go back into Trumps history, you can see Roy Cohn had a real influence, the lawyer said. He was a real pr**k. Thats not going to go over well with Mueller. The government has all the cards or most of the cards. While you dont roll over and play dead, you cant use the butchers ax, either.

Kasowitz himself has faced media criticism for his ties to Russia. His firm represents OJSC Sberbank, Russias largest bank, accused in U.S. federal court of conspiring with granite company executives and others to raid the assets of a competitor. Sberbank is majority-owned by the Russian government.

Sberbank reportedly had ties to other prominent American political figures such as Tony Podesta, the Democratic super-lobbyist and brother of Democratic strategist John Podesta.

Bennett said Kasowitz representing Sberbank isnt necessarily controversial, but it could look bad, given the insatiable media narrative of questionably cozy ties to the Kremlin.

I dont see that as a big deal. Although, with all the focus on Russia I dont know why youd pick a guy with a relation to Russia, Bennett said.

Meanwhile, the order to appoint a special counsel issued by Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein also opens up the possibility to scrutinize issues outside the 2016 election, such as President Trumps conversation about intelligence on ISIS with Russian officials in the Oval Office on May 10th. For that, Washington insiders say, you need an attorney with national security expertise.

If Mr. Kasowitz is unfamiliar with intelligence information or with the President's Constitutional authorities in national security, said Robert Eatinger, former acting General Counsel of the Central Intelligence Agency and founder of SpyLaw Consulting. I'm certain he can retain an expert to assist him in the special counsel investigation should it include the president's reported disclosure of highly classified intelligence information with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Ambassador Sergey Kislyak.

All in all, dont be confrontational with Mueller, said Bennett.

If its a close call at the end of the investigation and Mueller is on the fence with what to do with the evidence, Bennett said, at the end of the day you want somebody who will listen to you.
Pope Francis and President Trump -- two of the most recognizable people in the world -- met for 30 minutes Wednesday in the Vatican, where the two likely discussed topics from immigration to Monday's terror attack in the U.K.

Trump was joined by his wife Melania, his daughter Ivanka, her husband Jared Kushner and U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson.

Trump and the pope shook hands and Trump said, "Thank you so much."

Once the two shook hands, they were led into the pope's private study and were seated across from one another. Trump told the pope it was "a very great honor."

The media was led out of the room, and the two talked for about 30 minutes. They left the meeting and shook hands. Pope Francis went on to attend his Wednesday address in the Vatican and Trump took a tour of the Sistine Chapel.

Despite the differences, the two men likely attempted to find common ground on denouncing religiously inspired violence and demanding Muslim leaders take a greater stand in rooting out fanaticism from their places of worship.

Both Trump and Francis expressed dismay at Monday nights deadly blast at a concert in Manchester, England, with the president adding a shot at the suicide bomber who detonated it.

The pope expressed heartfelt solidarity with all those affected by this senseless act of violence, especially the children and young people who died. He made no mention of anyone responsible.

The pope and Trump have had differences. Perhaps the public disagreement between the two peaked when Pope Francis said -- in response to the border wall idea that a person who thinks only about building walls, wherever they may be, and not building bridges, is not Christian.

The pontiff has been a vocal advocate for aiding refugees, particularly those fleeing the violence in Syria, deeming it both a moral imperative and Christian duty to help.

Last week, the pope said hed never make a judgment about a person without hearing him out when asked about the president. I think they may be a little less different than we think, said Joseph Capizzi, a professor of moral theology at the Catholic University of America.

While the pope emphasizes humility, he, like Trump, is a savvy media personality. He and Trump both are effective at using the media. Instead, I think their agendas really dont converge much, and thus I dont see much opportunity for working partnership.

Trumps visit to the Vatican is the third leg of his tour of the worlds three main monotheistic religions, coming after he visited the cradles of Islam and Judaism.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Page Content

Shortly before the publication of the European Commission communication on the future of smart specialisation strategies, the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) has published its territorial impact report on smart specialisation . The report was carried out earlier this year as a part of an EU programme aiming to guarantee the effectiveness of cohesion, investment and territorial development policies. It follows the recently adopted opinion on the matter.



Experts of the Territorial Impact Assessment workshop looked at the potential economic, social, environmental, and governance impact of smart specialisation strategies. They concluded that such strategies could have a significant territorial impact, particularly with regard to economic, social and territorial cohesion by improving competitiveness and performance of Europe's regions. The Smart Specialisation Platform  which was established by the European Commission in 2011 to assist Member States and regions to develop, implement and review their strategies  is deemed as an excellent tool for knowledge sharing and innovation, also in the public sector. The territorial impact of smart specialisation in improving local governance and public services can be also detected.

However, there is a lot to be done right now - before setting the rules for the next programming period - to promote innovation strategies. Policymakers need to define a coordinated approach of Smart Specialisation guiding the overall direction of Europe to bring the various opportunities for cooperation under a strategic approach. Different policies promoting regional and innovation policies, as well as the financial instruments and programmes backing those policies, have to become fit for synergies. Experts also noted that different approach to smart specialisation might be needed to suit different regions in terms of boosting investment, skills and administrative capacity. In particular, when it comes to creating opportunities in regions without already existing vibrant industry or innovation ecosystem, providing access to education and skills and the capacity of up-scaling business in a niche area is a precondition.

Markku Markkula , President of the European Committee of the Regions, stressed: "Smart specialisation has proven to be a successful policy process to create regional innovation ecosystems and to boost sustainable growth. It will be an essential instrument in renewing the European policy, especially increasing the positive economic outcomes and societal impact of cohesion funding. Smart specialisation  as a partnership policy instrument for regions - is crucial in promoting wellbeing and job creation through research and innovation."

The CoR adopted in March its recommendations for the future framework covering smart specialisation strategies. Rapporteur of the opinion Mikel Irujo Amezaga (ES/EA), Head of Navarra delegation in Brussels, said: "The territorial impact assessment of the CoR has proven that smart specialisation can make a difference in regional development. There are however a number of obstacles to overcome to allow better co-operation between Europe's cities and regions and in creating more synergies with other EU programmes."

The European Commission will discuss the main findings of the communication at the Smart Regions 2.0 conference in Helsinki on 12 June. President Markkula and CoR rapporteur Irujo are among the speakers at the conference.



Notes to editors:

The main goal of the CoR's initiative on Territorial Impact Assessments (TIA) is to improve EU policymaking by ensuring the taking into account of potential (asymmetric) territorial impacts of EU legislative and policy proposals on territories and on local and regional authorities. Consequently, the CoR promotes a systematic application of TIA during the Impact Assessment phase of the Commission.

TIA methodologies have been developed by the CoR in cooperation with its partners from ESPON (European Observation Network for Territorial Development and Cohesion) and the European Commission's DG REGIO and DG JRC. The objective of the ESPON 2020 Cooperation Programme is to support the reinforcement of the effectiveness of EU Cohesion Policy and other sectoral policies and programmes under European Structural Investment (ESI) funds as well as national and regional territorial development policies, through the production, dissemination and promotion of territorial evidence.



Lauri Ouvinen

Tel. +32 22822063

lauri.ouvinen@cor.europa.eu
NASA astronauts sped through an urgent spacewalk Tuesday morning (May 23) to replace a malfunctioning computer relay box outside the International Space Station, completing the trip outside in 2 hours and 46 minutes.

By the end of the spacewalk, space station commander Peggy Whitson's 10th, she had snagged the third-place record for aggregate spacewalking time with 60 hours and 21 minutes total, passing former NASA astronauts Jerry Ross and John Grunsfeld. The spacewalk was flight engineer Jack Fischer's second.

One of two side-by-side multiplexer-demultiplexer (MDM) data relay boxes outside the space station failed Saturday, May 20, and space station managers approved the unplanned spacewalk for the astronauts to replace the box with a spare. When the first computer failed, its backup immediately took over; the computer and backup help control the solar arrays, radiators, robotics and cooling loops on the station. The crew were able to replace the box less than 2 days and 22 hours after the failure through the quickly-organized spacewalk. [Peggy Whitson's Historic Records as a NASA Astronaut (Video)]

Despite the rush, the two astronauts took multiple chances to admire the view during their trip outside the station.

"Oh my gosh, so beautiful," Fischer said.

"Mhmm," Whitson agreed.

"Epically amazeballs," Fischer added. "That's how beautiful it is."

According to a NASA spokesperson, Whitson built the replacement MDM from spare parts Sunday, May 21. Whitson and NASA astronaut Shane Kimbrough installed the box during a spacewalk on March 30, and mission managers still don't know why it failed, NASA officials said.

The two spacewalkers began 40 minutes early after quickly finishing preparations, and they split up once they left the station airlock. While Whitson set out to remove and replace the failed MDM box, Fischer headed to the Destiny laboratory to install two antennas that will help with wireless communications  the one task the astronauts couldn't do at the end of their first spacewalk together earlier this month.

French astronaut Thomas Pesquet assisted the pair from inside the space station and used a handheld camera to take video of Fischer through the window.

While installing the spare box, Whitson noticed that it wasn't seated quite right and spotted some debris, so the two astronauts had to work together to clean the connector area and reattach the box. Fischer paused his work to drop a tool off with Whitson, then went back to the airlock to grab supplies. He cleaned the trouble spot using a specialized cleaner, similar to a compressed air blower used on Earth, dubbing the bolt holes "clean as a whistle." After that, Whitson carefully bolted in the box again with guidance from the ground, while Fischer finished up with the antennas.

Whitson and Kimbrough ran into a similar issue when they installed the first box March 30, the NASA spokesperson said. Ground control confirmed that the MDM had successfully booted up before the astronauts headed back inside.

This marks the second ultrafast spacewalk for Whitson and Fischer. Two weeks ago, they completed all but one of their tasks in an abbreviated time frame during the 200th spacewalk to be done for the space station, performing all major tasks in just 4.2 hours rather than the originally scheduled 6.5.

On June 2, Pesquet and Russian cosmonaut Oleg Novitskiy will depart the space station in a Soyuz spacecraft headed back to Earth. On June 1, a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft is scheduled to launch, carrying equipment and supplies for the remaining crew: Whitson and Fischer, plus Russian cosmonaut Fyodor Yurchikhin.

Original article on Space.com.
At least five people suffered minor injuries Tuesday night after a United Airlines plane engine caught fire at Newark Liberty International Airport, officials said.

Flight 1579 from Newark to San Francisco was scheduled to take off when officials said its engine caught fire.

Jonathan Guerin, a spokesman for United, said the tower notified the crew of what appeared to be flames from one of the engines. He said the crew immediately deployed the planes sides and evacuated the passengers.

United said it was working to get the passengers to San Francisco as soon as possible.

The airport said travelers should expect delays for the remainder of the night.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
A man got himself in a fiery exchange with Ryanair cabin crew after they allegedly tried to fine him for urinating in a bottle when all of the toilets broke mid-flight.

Staff confronted the man after he was caught short on the three-hour flight from Leeds Bradford Airport in Leeds to Faro in Portugal when the bathrooms went out of use.

Witnesses claim the cabin crew were angry after some of the urine splashed on one of their jackets.

The incident was filmed by a friend and shows one of the members of staff pointing his finger and asking the man, If I go and pee on your luggage, would you like it?

Sue Francis, who was sitting opposite the man, said the flight had been running late and people were put on the plane immediately after the previous passengers disembarked.

MISSOURI MOM SAYS UNITED FORCED HER TO PEE IN A CUP

She said they were told the front toilet was out of use and as soon as the seatbelt sign went off dozens of people began queuing for the two rear toilets  before they all eventually stopped working.

Mrs. Francis, from Northeast England, said the young man couldnt hold it in any longer and went to the front of the plane where the cabin crew sit for privacy.

She said he was relieving himself into the bottle when he was caught by a furious air hostess who ordered him to pay 90 euros ($135), claiming he had committed an aviation offense."

It sparked a huge row with more staff getting involved  and things got even more heated when one flight attendant realized the incident was being filmed.

The footage starts when a member of staff announces that people were going to be escorted one at a time to the only working toilet  after one was unblocked  and explained the others were out of bounds because too many people have been flushing paper."

A second member of staff then approaches the man, who did not want to be named, with some paperwork and says he needs to get his details.

But the passenger argued, I did a little wee in a thing and then I stopped.

There was my jacket there," the staff member replies.

URINE LUCK! BREWERS HAVE FIGURED OUT HOW TO MAKE BEER FROM PEE

The two then continue arguing before the man says, Ill give you my details but I dont want him saying Ive wee-ed everywhere. I just did a little wee and she told me to stop so I stopped.

Another member of staff then steps in. You went for a small wee  do you think you were correct?

All of the toilets are out of bounds! the man replies.

A friend, who was with the man, shouts, "Hes paid 150 pounds ($261) to be on this f---ing flight.

I dont care how much he paid," says the staff member, getting more agitated. "There is all our stuff in there. If I go and pee on your luggage, would you like? Would you like?

He then storms off, leaving the other flight attendant trying to take down the passengers details.

But a minute later, he spots the mans pal, Mark Byrne, filming the incident with his phone and attempts to grab it out of his hand, saying, You cannot film this."

Byrne, who was part of the stag group the man was with, said it was an absolute joke of a flight topped off with disgusting manners."

He said staff were agitated, aggressive and clearly p---ed off in their job, and described their behavior as appalling."

FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE FOX LIFESTYLE NEWS

Francis, who was travelling to Portugal for a surprise birthday treat from her husband, said she was forced to intervene after fearing someone was going to get hurt.

The 57-year-old said, I was scared because I didnt know how it was going to end  Id never seen anything like it.

The young lad was absolutely desperate for the toilet and he did the right thing by trying to do it out of peoples view. He got a bit on the floor and on the crew members jacket, and the member of staff told him he had committed an aviation offense."

It was just wrong," she added. The crew member who caused the altercation in the first place stormed off to the back of the plane almost crying  I think because he realized it had all been filmed.

She said the man was told to clean up the urine, and when he came back the captain had told him police were going to arrest him when we landed in Portugal.

Francis said, I walked up to the steward and said, Youve taken this way out of order,' and she turned round and said, He shouldve defecated in his seat.'

She had been expecting him to be able to hold it in  but you cant measure anyone elses needs. So she just wanted him to do it in his pants.

I just couldnt believe it.

MAN WITH PROSTHETIC LEG CLAIMS AIRLINE FORCED HIM TO MOVE

Francis added that, when the plane grounded, she waited with the man while the rest of the flight emptied and four police officers got on board.

I explained that had the plane been serviced in the first place they would have known the toilets were faulty and none of this would have happened.

Byrne said his friend was spoken to by the officers but matters werent taken any further.

In the end I think even the officers knew it was a minor incident blown out of proportion and they let him off without caution," said Bryne.

As a Ryanair spokesman said, The crew of this flight from Leeds Bradford to Faro requested police assistance upon landing after a passenger became disruptive in-flight.

The aircraft landed normally and the passenger was removed and detained by police upon arrival.

We will not tolerate unruly or disruptive behaviour at any time and the safety and comfort of our customers, crew and aircraft is our number one priority.

This is now a matter for local police.

This article originally appeared on The Sun.
A New Jersey high school senior and another person mowed down by a driver on a Times Square sidewalk were released from hospitals Tuesday, but five other victims are still hospitalized, school and hospital officials said.

The patients include one of the New Jersey student's own classmates.

A Michigan teen was killed, and 22 other people were injured, when a driver who told police he was high on drugs plowed through a pedestrian-packed sidewalk for three blocks Thursday before hitting a barrier.

Among the injured were Destiny Lightfoot and Jessica Williams, both students a month from graduating from New Jersey's Dunellen high school.

Lightfoot was released Tuesday morning from Bellevue Hospital, Dunellen Public Schools Superintendent Gene Mosley said. Meanwhile, Mount Sinai Health System said it released its last patient from the crash Tuesday afternoon.

Williams remained in the hospital after surgery on her legs Monday, Mosley said.

Relatives of the students couldn't immediately be reached.

Bellevue said it continued caring for five victims in total, with one in critical condition and another in serious condition. The hospital didn't release their names or details of their injuries, but prosecutors have said victims suffered head injuries, a collapsed lung and a broken pelvis.

The impact killed Alyssa Elsman, an 18-year-old from Portage, Michigan, and injured her 13-year-old sister, Ava. A barricade at the site of the crash has become a makeshift memorial to Alyssa, adorned with flowers, photos and handwritten messages.

"This city's outpouring is just unbelievable," her father, Thomas Elsman, wrote on Facebook Tuesday.

The driver in the crash, Richard Rojas, 26, told police after his arrest that he had been smoking marijuana laced with the hallucinogenic drug PCP, according to a criminal complaint. He said he wanted to "kill them all" and police should have shot him to stop him, prosecutors said.

Charged with murder and attempted murder, Rojas hasn't entered a plea. He told the New York Post in a jail interview Saturday that he had recently sought psychiatric help, and that the last thing he remembers Thursday is driving his car before waking up in a police precinct.

___

This story corrects the first sentence to say five other victims are still hospitalized, not four.
A Wisconsin man who lied about being a Navy Seal  and even produced fake documents to appear legitimate  was sentenced to four years in prison for his deception.

Kenneth E. Jozwiak, 68, claimed he was a highly decorated Vietnam War veteran who was a four-time recipient of the Purple Heart and a Navy Seal, authorities said. His lies crossed the line to criminal when he falsified service records to receive pension benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, according to the Department of Justice.

FORMER MARINE FACES 21 YEARS FOR STEALING COMBAT VETERAN'S STORY OF VALOR

This defendants lies about his service are an affront to those who saw combat and those wounded fighting on behalf of our nation, said David A. Sierleja, acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.

Jozwiak was sentenced late last week after pleading guilty to unlawfully exhibiting a military discharge certificate and theft of government money, among other federal charges.

According to the DOJ, Jozwiak received $2,289 from the Department of Veterans Affairs, from August to December 2014, after lying about his military service. Once he was caught, authorities say, he lied to federal agents about his military service.

Falsifying service records to defraud taxpayers and plagiarize other veterans valorous service will not be tolerated, said Gavin McClaren, resident agent in charge of the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector Generals Cleveland office.

COUPLE BUYS PURPLE HEART AT GOODWILL FOR $4.99, SENDS TO HERO'S FAMILY

Jozwiak, who served in the military from 1967 to 1968 and was never stationed overseas, was described as a serial grifter with a lengthy rap sheet. According to the San Diego Union-Tribune, he had been arrested 120 times in multiple states dating back to 1975. He was convicted for theft literally dozens and dozens of times, Assistant U.S. Attorney David Toepfer told the Union-Tribune.

He was particularly public in how he did it, Toepfer said. He went as far as accompanying a child to an elementary school and representing himself as a Navy SEAL there and as having received all of these awards.
National hate-crime statistics are skewed because there is a wide disparity of criteria that state and local authorities use in identifying such offenses, according to a report issued Wednesday.

The analysis, Five Facts: Hate Crimes, 2010-2015, by Seattle-based data intelligence firm LiveStories found that nearly 40,000 hate crimes have been reported across the country since the start of the decade but that the geographic dispersion of those reported crimes varies widely. Most of them were in Northern states such as Michigan, Washington, and New York, while the region with the fewest incidents were in the Deep South.

LiveStories CEO Adnan Mahmud said that the likely reason for lower reported incidents in the South may be due to differing ways law enforcement agencies define or classify hate crimes.

You could assume that the high level of hate crimes should be equal across the country, he said to Fox News. But theres a massive difference. The question becomes what causes the difference?

Mahmud says that the criteria for deciding whether an offense qualifies as a hate crime varies from agency-to-agency.

It could be as simple as data entry, he said. The methods could differ from state to state. Law enforcement in northern states may have a broader definition of what classifies as a hate crime.

The report also found that, while the overall number of hate crimes has stayed roughly the same in the six decades the analysis covered, reported anti-Islamic incidents spiked 67 percent between 2014 and 2015.

Most reported hate crimes reflect racial and ethnic hostilities, with African-Americans being the racial group most frequently targeted in these types of offenses, the LiveStories study concluded. The two other groups most frequently the object of reported hate crimes are members of the LGBT and Jewish communities.

The LiveStories analysis also compared rates of hate crimes to overall crime rates, finding that while there may not be as many reports of hate crimes in the South, the rate of all types of crime is much higher in that region when compared with the rest of the country.

The difference between the highest and lowest rates is also significantly greater for hate crimes than for non-hate crimes, the report says. Between 2010 and 2014, the total crime rate varies among states by a factor of two.

The report used statistics and hate crime data from the Federal Bureau of Investigations Uniform Crime Reports (UCR), which gathers data from local law enforcement agencies throughout the country.
The spirit of the Wright Brothers is alive and well in one Las Vegas school. The students in the aviation magnet program at Rancho High School are working to restore a replica of the 1905 Wright Flyer.

Tenth grader Henry Power says he's hopeful he and his fellow students will get it ready to display at Nellis Air Force Base for the Aviation Nation air show on Veterans Day. Our plan isnt to make it operational by Veterans Day, that was just a long term goal to make it operational and flyable.

The flier was originally built in 2003 by the University of Southern Utah to mark the 100th anniversary of the famous Kitty Hawk flight where the Orville and Wilbur Wright made history. Their replica had slight compromises from the original model to achieve a greater stability to fly it.

Rancho High School Principal James Kuzma says even though its a replica, the history lesson is still there. The students are able to get their hands on things they would normally read in textbooks.

FLEET WEEK KICKS OFF IN NEW YORK CITY

The replica weighs 1,600 pounds and has a wingspan of 41 feet. An assessment of the craft shows it needs a new engine and other modifications to be ready for display after a minor crash a few years ago. The flyer is only one of six replicas existing that were built to mark the centennial of the flight.

The Las Vegas chapter of the Air Force Association assisted the aviation lab with getting the Flyer shipped and assembled. The goal is for as many students to be able to touch it, see it, understand it, and enjoy it and build that enthusiasm for aviation, said Bob Hale, a member of the organization.

MEMORIAL DAY TRIBUTE: VOLUNTEERS PLANT 10,000 FLAGS TO SPELL A SPECIAL MESSAGE

An estimated 50 students have already signed up to work on the restoration throughout the summer to help the project move forward ahead of the November deadline.
A lawsuit brought by Pvt. Chelsea Manning over the conditions of her confinement has been dismissed.

Manning, the Army soldier who was sentenced to 35 years in a military prison for giving classified materials to WikiLeaks, was released May 17 from lockup at Kansas' Fort Leavenworth after President Barack Obama commuted her sentence before leaving office.

One of her attorneys, Chase Strangio, wrote on Twitter on Monday that the case was dismissed because she is free. Strangio wrote: "She fought hard & we all benefited."

Manning sued in federal court in the District of Columbia in 2014, asking a judge to order the Defense Department to provide hormone therapy and other treatment for her gender identity condition. The Army ultimately allowed her to receive medical treatment for her gender dysphoria.
Hundreds of people gathered Tuesday in Three Forks, Montana to honor the life of a Broadwater County Sheriff's Deputy who was shot and killed last week in the line of duty.

Broadwater County sheriff's deputy Mason Moore was remembered as a family man, a man of faith and a dedicated public servant.

Jodi, Moores wife of 18 years, told those gathered to remember the deputys life. She said her husband had written her a letter in the event something like his murder occurred.

SLAIN ARKANSAS COP HONORED AS MURDER SUSPECT PLEADS NOT GUILTY

He said: Dont let hate take over your life. I enjoyed every moment of life with you. Enjoy life, Jodi repeated from her husbands letter. She said that she doesnt want people to be sad when they see her and the three children she had with Moore.

Moore was pursuing a vehicle on U.S. Highway 287 last week when dispatchers lost contact with him around 3 a.m. When officers arrived on the scene, they found Moore dead near the side of the road.

One suspect in Moore's death is jailed, while that man's son  who is believed to have fired the fatal shots  died after being shot in the head by officers at the end of a pursuit near Missoula. An investigation found they had gone out that night intending to get into a gun battle with law enforcement officers.

DAUGHTER OF COP KILLED IN LINE OF DUTY GETS PROM SURPRISE

Broadwater County Sheriff Wynn Meehan said he received the call about Moores vehicle pursuit in the middle of the night. He said his heart sunk when he learned Moore was fatally shot.

Meehan said the best way for law enforcement officers to honor Moore was to: Get back in our cars, put our duty belts back on and stick that shiny star on our chest and keep doing what we do.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Pope Francis and President Trump--two of the most recognizable people in the world-- met for 30 minutes in the Vatican Wednesday where the two likely discussed topics from immigration to Monday's terror attack in the U.K.

Trump was joined by his wife, his daughter Ivanka, her husband Jared Kushner and U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson.

Once the two shook hands, they were led into the pope's private study and were seated across from one another. Trump told the pope it was "a very great honor."

TRUMP RENEWS PUSH FOR PEACE IN MIDDLE EAST

MANCHESTER ATTACK

The man British police say blew himself up as a packed concert was letting out in Manchester, England Monday night is believed to have traveled to Syria and had "proven" links with ISIS.

France's interior minister Gerard Collomb said Wednesday that British and French intelligence have information that Salman Abedi, 22, had been to Syria, although it is unclear if he was apart of a larger network of attackers.

Collomb spoke with British Prime Minister Theresa May and said the two countries should continue cooperating closely on counterterrorism efforts despite Britain's pending exit from the European Union.

VIDEOS: UK ON HIGH ALERT | GORKA ON ATTACK

'TUCKER CARLSON TONIGHT' DEMS WHINING ABOUT RUSSIA, BUT TERROR IS REAL ENEMY

'THE STORY'

House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., praised President Trump's budget blueprint Tuesday night, telling Fox News' "The Story with Martha MacCallum" that "the aspiration and the goal is right on the target."

The blueprint drawn up by OMB Director Mick Mulvaney has been criticized by Democrats and Republicans alike for its proposed $3.6 trillion cuts from an array of benefit programs, domestic agencies and war spending over the next decade. Those proposed cuts include more than $600 billion in Medicaid payments and $191 billion in food stamp benefits.

DEATHS ON EVEREST

Sherpa rescuers have found the bodies of four climbers inside a tent on the highest camp on Mount Everest, raising the death toll this climbing season to 10, authorities said Wednesday.

The bodies were found by a team of rescuers who were there to recover the body of a Slovak mountaineer who died over the weekend, Tourism Department official Hemanta Dhakal said.

UBER ADMITS TO UNDERPAYING NYC DRIVERS

Uber on Tuesday admitted to underpaying its New York City drivers tens of millions of dollars for the past 2 1/2 years.

"We are committed to paying every driver every penny they are owed  plus interest  as quickly as possible," Uber executive Rachel Holt said in a statement.

COMING UP ON FOX NEWS CHANNEL

9:30 AM ET: House Budget Committee holds hearing on "The President's FY18 Budget." OMB Dir Mulvaney testifies.

2:15 PM ET: Vice President Pence delivers remarks at Cajun Industries. Baton Rouge. Watch live on FoxNews.com

COMING UP ON FOX BUSINESS

8:20 AM ET: Max Levchin, co-founder of Pay Pal And CEO, will be on "Mornings with Maria"

8:50 AM ET: Arthur Blank, Falcons owner and Home Depot co-founder, will be a guest on "Mornings with Maria"

11:15 AM ET: Chris Baldwin, CEO of BJ's Wholesale will be on "Varney & Company"

11:45 AM ET: Ed Rensi, Former McDonald's CEO will be a guest on Varney & Company"

NOON: Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., will be a guest on "Cavuto: Coast to Coast"

3 AM ET: Rep. Jim Renacci, congressman, R-Ohio, from the House Budget Committee, will be on "Countdown to the Closing Bell"
More than 8,000 patients of a Johns Hopkins gynecologist accused of secretly recording pelvic exams will soon receive their share of a $190 million settlement.

The Baltimore Sun reports the final allocation plan was approved Monday.

Retired Maryland Court of Appeals Judge Irma Raker, who served as claims adjudicator in the class-action case, says the checks ranging from about $1,900 to nearly $28,000 should be mailed June 2. The case has been described as the largest sexual abuse settlement stemming from a single perpetrator in U.S. history.

The Johns Hopkins Health System fired Dr. Nikita Levy in 2013 after a co-worker alerted authorities about a pen-like camera he wore. He killed himself days later, as federal investigators found about 1,200 videos and 140 images on computers in his home.
An Oklahoma man crashed a stolen utility truck through the gates of Tulsa International Airport early Wednesday, triggering a chase across a runway that ended when the truck plowed through a fence and onto a highway, causing a fatal accident, according to investigators.

The 24-year-old man was arrested about 12 miles from where the abandoned truck was found Wednesday afternoon, Oklahoma Highway Patrolman Dwight Durant said. Authorities believe the man fled on foot after crashing head-on into a vehicle on U.S. 75.

The man, who hasn't been formally charged, was being held for questioning on suspicion of murder, according to Durant. The name of the person killed in the accident hasn't been released.

The chase started before dawn Wednesday, after Sapulpa police responded to calls about an intruder at a business that works on trucks. As officers arrived, someone was driving off in a utility truck. Sapulpa police backed off and let the Highway Patrol take over.

A trooper who chased the stolen vehicle onto airport property saw the truck barreling toward a parked private jet, Durant told The Associated Press. Worried there were passengers on the jet, the trooper used his cruiser to ram the truck, which outweighed his cruiser about two to three times, Durant said.

"He had an instant thought, 'The jet's loaded with people ready to take off,' and he thinks, 'I've got to do something,'" Durant said.

The maneuver diverted the truck away from the plane. But the truck then crossed over a runway twice, burst through a fence surrounding the airport and onto nearby U.S. 75.

Airport spokeswoman Alexis Higgins said the truck came near a parked Gulfstream jet that had one person aboard but wasn't preparing to take off.

"The airport didn't even have anyone out there responding, it happened so quickly," Higgins said. "This happened within a minute or a couple minutes."

The truck crisscrossed a runway primarily used for corporate business planes and private jets, Higgins said. Higgins said the chase didn't disrupt regular air traffic, and that the runway was closed for about four hours.
A total of eight California prison guards and seven inmates were taken to hospitals after a fight between two inmates Wednesday quickly raged out of control into a riot that took live ammunition to stop, officials said.

Correctional officers fired 19 bullets from semi-automatic rifles and three hard foam rounds to break up the melee at Pelican Bay State Prison, located in Crescent City near the Oregon border, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation said in a news release.

Five of the seven injured inmates suffered gunshot wounds, according to prison officials. One of the inmates was airlifted to a different hospital for a higher level of care, Terry Thornton, a spokeswoman for the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, told the Associated Press the three other inmates were admitted to hospitals and two were discharged back to prison.

All of the injured guards were treated and released from local hospitals. Thornton said one of those officers will eventually need surgery for an injured shoulder.

"They all had like facial injuries, bumps, bruises, contusions," she told the AP. "It's a frightening incident. It's frightening to have inmates just swarm you ... to overwhelm you and attack you."

Officials said the melee began when two inmates refused to break up a fistfight at the high-security prison around 10:25 a.m. in a maximum-security general population yard.

Large groups of prisoners then ran toward the fight and attacked the guards. Responding staff used chemical agents and batons to subdue the inmates, but they refused to stop fighting, according to state officials.

Prison officials said two inmate-made weapons were recovered, but it does not appear at this time they were used in the attack.

The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation sent a Deadly Force Investigations Team to the prison to conduct the criminal and administrative investigation into the incident.

Ninety-seven inmates were isolated in a disciplinary housing unit after the assault.

"As the investigation progresses, we'll have a better idea how many inmates were actually involved. But the fact that the 97 inmates were rehoused indicates they had some level of involvement," Thornton said.

Investigators don't yet know whether it was a planned attack on correctional officers or if it was gang-related, she said.

Counselors were sent to the prison to help employees recover.

"We're encouraged that the officers weren't injured more than they were," Thornton said.

Pelican Bay State Prison located in Del Norte County, is made up of two maximum-security facilities, two security housing unit facilities, a minimum-support facility and a short-term restricted housing unit, according to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

The prison opened in 1989, currently houses approximately 2,000 inmates and employs approximately 1,300 people.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Police in Massachusetts say a man snatched an 80-year-old woman's purse as she was visiting her husband's grave.

Lawrence police say the widow placed her purse on the ground at St. Mary-Immaculate Conception Cemetery as she was cleaning the gravesite late Tuesday morning when a man came up behind her, grabbed the purse and ran away.

The widow provided police with a detailed description of the thief. Based on that description and an anonymous tip, police learned that a man had run to a Methuen convenience store and called a cab that took him to a nearby bridge. Christopher Ansara was arrested there.

Ansara faces arraignment Wednesday on a larceny charge. It could not be determined if he has a lawyer.
Forecasters say powerful thunderstorms are possible across parts of the South, bringing the threat of tornadoes to south Georgia and northern Florida.

The National Weather Service issued a tornado watch Wednesday for a large part of Florida, including the cities of Jacksonville; Gainesville and Tallahassee. Parts of south Georgia, including Valdosta, also were under a tornado watch.

Storms were expected to bring the threat of flash flooding. Flash flood watches Wednesday covered large parts of Georgia and the Carolinas.

In North Carolina, a state of emergency is in effect in a small town of Autryville in the eastern part of the state after a tornado damaged a fire station and several mobile homes late Tuesday afternoon. No serious injuries were reported.
Subpoenas for former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn piled up Wednesday as the House intelligence committee pressured Flynn to cooperate with its investigation into Russia's meddling in the 2016 presidential election.

The prospect of new congressional subpoenas came one day after the committee's Senate counterpart served its own subpoenas to Flynn's businesses. The FBI also faced a deadline Wednesday to turn over memos written by former FBI Director James Comey detailing his discussions with President Donald Trump. One memo reportedly shows Trump pressuring Comey to shut down the bureau's investigation into Flynn's Russia ties.

During a breakfast Wednesday, Rep. Adam Schiff of California, the House intelligence committee's top Democrat, told reporters that Flynn declined to turn over records to the committee, and he said it will be "following up with subpoenas." Schiff said the subpoenas will likely go out this week. He did not elaborate on what materials the committee was seeking.

The attempts to compel Flynn to produce documents were just another sign of the intense focus on Trump's former national security adviser, who was fired in February after the White House said he misled administration officials, including Vice President Mike Pence, about his contacts with Russian officials.

In addition to the congressional scrutiny, Flynn is currently a target of an FBI counterintelligence investigation, a federal probe in Virginia and a Defense Department inspector general's inquiry into the propriety of foreign payments he accepted.

In a letter to the Senate committee on Monday, Flynn invoked his Fifth Amendment protection from self-incrimination in deflecting the panel's subpoena for a wide array of documents and information related to his contacts with Russians.

Flynn's attorneys argued that the Senate's request was too broad, and if Flynn were to comply, he could be confirming the existence of some documents and, in effect, providing testimony that could be used against him. They also said an "escalating public frenzy" against Flynn and the appointment of a special counsel had created a legally perilous environment for Flynn to provide the information.

In response, the Senate intelligence committee on Tuesday sent a letter narrowing its request for documents. It also issued subpoenas seeking documents from two of Flynn's businesses Flynn Intel Group Inc., a consulting firm owned by Flynn and his business partners, and Flynn Intel Group LLC, a company he used for other projects, such as his paid speeches.

Flynn could choose to contest the congressional subpoenas seeking his business records, but legal experts said he would not prevail.

Solomon L. Wisenberg, a Washington defense lawyer who worked as a prosecutor during the Starr investigation of President Bill Clinton, said both of Flynn's corporate structures would likely have to turn over all business records sought by the committee. "The Fifth Amendment privilege does not apply to business entities, period," he said, adding that both Supreme Court and District of Columbia Circuit Court rulings would weigh on the committee's side.

If the FBI misses its deadline to turn over memos and other materials documenting Comey's interactions with the president, Rep. Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah, has said he would subpoena them, if necessary. Chaffetz is the chairman of the House government oversight committee.

The FBI declined comment.

___

Associated Press writers Stephen Braun and Eric Tucker contributed to this report.
A 34-year-old woman with no known address was arrested Tuesday after an attempted kidnapping of a 2-year-old boy visiting San Francisco with his family from Missouri, authorities said.

The San Francisco Chronicle reported that the incident occurred at about 9:30 a.m. in the Ferry Building. The childs mother, 44, was reportedly walking with her son and police said they were approached by the suspect, Jessica Pevey, 34.

The mother and Pevey reportedly exchanged words and then a struggle for the boy ensued, police told the paper. Several bystanders jumped in and held the suspect down, the report said.

Pevey was arrested on suspicion of child endangerment and was being held on $350,000 bail.
A New Jersey town has agreed to settle two lawsuits over its denial of a proposed mosque.

Following a meeting with the planning board, the Bernards Township committee voted 4-1 on Tuesday night to settle the lawsuits filed by the Islamic Society of Basking Ridge and the Department of Justice.

The Islamic Society sued the town in federal court in March 2016, several months after its application to build the mosque was denied after more than three years and 39 public hearings.

The Department of Justice sued Bernards Township later that year, alleging that the town discriminated against the Islamic Society by amending its zoning ordinances and treating the group differently than it treated other religious groups.

A federal judge ruled on New Year's Eve that the town had violated anti-discrimination laws by insisting that the proposed mosque have more parking spaces than churches of synagogues.

Town Mayor Carolyn Gaziano told NJ.com the terms of the settlement will not be made public until they are finalized.

A similar lawsuit cost nearby Bridgewater Township almost $8 million in a 2014 settlement. The Al Falah Center claimed in the lawsuit it was denied permission to build a mosque.

Out of the nearly two dozen Basking Ridge residents that spoke during Tuesday's meeting, all but two asked the committee not to settle.

Residents said the rejection was due to the location, not religious intolerance. The proposed mosque would have been built in a residential neighborhood.

Society member Dr. Yasmine Khalil said she supports the settlement. Khalil said after a four-year ordeal it is time for the town to heal.

"I think it's time to build a bridge between neighbors and work together as a whole community," she said.
Politicians reacted to Monday night's explosion at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester, England. 22 people were killed and 59 others were injured. Several law enforcement agencies joined the UK police to investigate the blast, which is "being treated as a terrorist incident." President Donald Trump offered his condolences during a brief media address on his foreign trip, calling those behind the attack "evil losers in life." Grande took to Twitter to tell her fans she was "broken" and "so, so sorry."
Rihanna Hardy had been excited about seeing Ariana Grande ever since she got her concert ticket as a Christmas gift. So when the day came, the 11-year-old left school a couple of hours early to make sure to get to Manchester Arena on time.

Her parents, Ryan and Shauna, took the afternoon off work, and the family drove the 140 miles (225 kilometers) from Newcastle to Manchester. They struggled to find the arena's multistory parking lot, and barely managed to buy Rihanna a black Ariana Grande tour sweatshirt before the concert started.

But what was supposed to be a special night for Rihanna and thousands of other young concertgoers turned into a tragedy when a suicide bomb blasted off just outside the cavernous hall. It killed 22 people, including an 8-year-old girl, and injured 59  the deadliest attack in Britain in more than a decade.

"Poor Rihanna ... just kept asking every five or 10 seconds, 'Are we going to die?' Those were her exact words," her father said.

The family took their seats, close to the stage, just before the first of two supporting acts warmed up the crowd. The arena, which seats 21,000, was packed. Many clutched pink balloons and donned cat ears, like those the 23-year-old Grande is famous for wearing.

As the former star of the Nickelodeon series "Victorious" sang and danced her way through her set, the arena heated up. Young children and their parents glistened with sweat.

Then, as the concert ended, the horror began.

Just a few minutes after Grande finished her final song, "Dangerous Woman," blew a kiss to the audience and left the stage, the house lights came back on. People began filing toward the exits.

It was then that a suspect identified as 22-year-old Salman Abedi set off his suicide bomb in the foyer, near a road linking the venue to the city's railway station. Witnesses described seeing bolts and other bits of metal at the scene of the blast.

The boom echoed through Manchester Arena, shaking the floor with a hollow thud. Thousands of Ariana Grande fans  many of them youngsters accompanied by their parents  fell silent for a few seconds, in shock. Then the screaming started.

"I thought we were going to die. It was just horrendous," said Rihanna's mother.

Panic descended on the hall.

"It was just sheer chaos," said Kirstyn Pollard, who had a seat close to the stage. "People were trying to get off the balconies. It was awful."

Melissa Andre and two friends clambered over a security barrier in their rush to get out. It was already dented from other concertgoers fleeing the arena, as officials tried frantically to restore order.

"A security official was on stage saying 'Be calm, everything's fine,'" said Andre, 20. "I think they were just saying that to calm people down before they got out. And then when we got out, the alarm went off."

Police were called in at 10:33 p.m. As they arrived, a smell hung in the air  a bit like smoke, a bit like burning, nothing the Hardys had ever smelled before.

"I can't describe it. It was a really awful smell," Shauna Hardy said. "And there was just alarms going off, police everywhere. Sirens everywhere. People running, screaming. It was just crazy. Absolutely crazy."

Ryan Hardy desperately tried to slow down his wife and daughter as they left the arena, worried they might fall in the crush of people fleeing the carnage. They emerged from the stifling heat of the concert hall into the cool night.

"Everyone else was running out the entrance while he was walking out the entrance," Rihanna  still wearing her Ariana Grande sweatshirt  said Tuesday, looking up proudly at her dad.

Police and paramedics rushed to aid the wounded, wrapping some in foil blankets to keep them warm and ward off shock. Others hobbled off into the night, their clothes torn and stained by blood.

Charlotte Fairclough, 14, was part of the rush to flee.

"Everyone was like scrambling over each other," she said. "Quite a few people got knocked over. It was like just a race to get out."

When Charlotte got out, she immediately called her mom, Stacy, who was waiting to pick up her daughter and a friend. The she called again to say she'd heard a big bang.

Her mother, at the time, wasn't too worried.

"I'd heard fireworks earlier in the night, so I wasn't too concerned to start with," she said.

The full scale of the attack did not hit home until they turned on the news at a hotel.

The Hardy family escaped unscathed, but the shock of the night endured even as they tried to sleep it off. When a door slammed loudly at half past five in the morning, Rihanna got frightened.

"There are a lot of people killed, a lot of people injured, a lot of people missing," Shauna Hardy said. "And we just feel so so lucky that we are all together."

____

Associated Press writer Rob Harris in Manchester contributed.
Blood banks in the UK have received so many donations for victims of Monday's Manchester attack they already have met their goals.

Weve had an overwhelming response from the public, Mike Stredder, the director of blood donation at the U.K.s National Health Service Blood and Transplant organization said in a statement. We thank them for thinking of giving blood.

Stredder said that they had already collected all the blood needed for hospital patients.

Those who have donation appointments have been encouraged to keep them, according to the Huffington Post. The organization specified that people with type O-negative blood are especially helpful because their blood could be transfused to almost all patients.

Manchester community members visited local blood banks on Tuesday to help victims of the blast, which killed 22, including an eight-year-old girl, and injured 119 others.

The blood bank only turned me away because there were literally too many people, Meg Morgan, a student at the University of Manchester, told the Huffington Post. Manchester has a strong sense of identity as a city, and I feel like everyone wants to find a way to help.

News of the uptick in donations comes amid a heightened U.K. terror threat level. British Prime Minister Theresa May raised the level on Tuesday, saying that a further attack may be imminent.
President Donald Trump's U.N. ambassador visited a UNICEF center providing emotional support for Syrian refugee children and asked how the U.S. could better care for their needs. Then her boss proposed ending all U.S. funding to the organization.

Trump's 31 percent budget cut to the State Department and U.S. overseas assistance would dramatically reverse decades of support for programs that Democrats and Republicans held up as vehicles for promoting U.S. values and helping the world's neediest. And it's putting American diplomats in the uncomfortable position of defending the nation's continued status as a world leader even as the Trump administration signals its priority is at home.

"It's starting the conversation," Nikki Haley, Trump's U.N. envoy, said of the White House's Tuesday budget proposal. "It doesn't mean that's where it will end up. He's going to have that conversation with Congress on where we should fall on this."

Haley said during a trip to Turkey that Trump "had to show some signs" of commitment to reducing the U.S. budget deficit and eliminating waste in federal spending. She suggested the damage would be mitigated by Congress, which is already pushing back on the cuts.

A day earlier, Haley watched refugee children play music at a UNICEF program in Jordan that provides support and life skills training. Asking Iraqi and Syrian refugees about their hopes for the future, she told them that Americans "believe in you, and we think you're meant for great things."

When Brig. Gen. Jehad Matar, head of Jordan's Syrian Refugee Affairs Directorate, said Jordan sought more U.S. support, Haley's answer was concise.

"That's why I'm here," she said.

At the camp, Haley was briefed on unmet needs by the U.N.'s humanitarian office and refugee agency  organizations whose U.S. accounts are eliminated in Trump's budget. American officials said they'll still receive some money through other accounts. Any such funding would likely be at far lower levels.

In all, Trump's budget cuts $780 million in U.S. payments to international organizations, and eliminates $1.6 billion in funding for climate change programs. There's also a $222 million cut to a global international fund for fighting AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria, and a steep cut to U.N. peacekeeping missions in far-flung and violent locales like Congo, South Sudan and Haiti.

The White House sent its budget to Congress as Trump flew from Israel to Italy on his first overseas trip as president. A key theme of Trump's trip is reassuring foreign leaders the U.S. is "back" after what Trump is trying to paint as years of decline for America's global prestige.

"He's going around now from country to country on the world stage, but he doesn't want us to put our money where our mouth is," Rep. Eliot Engel, the House Foreign Affairs Committee's top Democrat, told The Associated Press. "It's just so totally destructive."

Engel said he would work with Republican lawmakers  some of whom also oppose the cuts  to maintain funding levels as best as possible. Doug Pitkin, the State Department's budget director, acknowledged that Congress may dictate different spending levels.

"We intend to stick to those," Pitkin said.

Echoing Trump's campaign mantra, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said the budget released Tuesday puts "America First" by prioritizing "the wellbeing of Americans," their security, borders and prosperity. In anticipation of a massive cost-cutting overhaul, the State Department has already started to reshape its workforce and will reduce staffing levels through attrition and targeted buyouts. The budget projects almost 2,000 job cuts by September 2018.

Haley said America's status as the global humanitarian leader is "not going to stop."

However, she said there is room to cut "fat around the edges" from nonprofit organizations, the U.N. and the State Department. She insisted Trump cares about refugees.

"He gets the fact he's got a massive deficit he's got to work on. He gets the fact he's got to build up his military, and he gets the fact we've got to walk that line in the middle," Haley said. "My job is to help them walk that line."

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Associated Press writers Matthew Lee and Matthew Pennington in Washington contributed to this report.

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Reach Josh Lederman on Twitter at http://twitter.com/joshledermanAP
Manchester bomber Salman Abedi apparently wasn't the only member of his family to harbor extremist views, as Libyan officials arrested the suicide bomber's father and two brothers and uncovered what investigators called a plot for a new attack.

Hashim Abedi, who was born in 1997, was arrested in Tripoli on Wednesday evening by the Libyan counter-terrorism force Rada on suspicion of links to the Islamic State, and was planning a new attack on the Libyan capital, a government spokesman told Reuters on Wednesday.

The father of the bomber was arrested in Tripoli on Wednesday, a Libyan security spokesman told The Associated Press. The father, Ramadan Abedi, had said another brother of the bomber, Ismail, was arrested Tuesday.

What's more, two U.S. defense officials confirmed to Fox News that Salman Abedi spent three weeks in Libya prior to the Manchester bombing, returning to England just days before the Ariana Grande concert Monday, when he launched his attack at the concert venue.

Salman's mother, Samia Tabbal, is believed to have returned to Libya, while the Facebook profile for his sister, Jomana, suggests that she still lives in Manchester. The mother was described in an article by The Guardian as a very nice woman who taught a friend's daughter to read the Quran.

Earlier, Abdel-Basit Haroun, a former security official in Libya, told The Associated Press that he personally knew Ramadan Abedi and that the elder Abedi was a member of the Libyan Islamic Fighting Group in the 1990s. The group had links to Al Qaeda.

Although the LIFG disbanded, Haroun said the father belongs to the Salafi Jihadi movement, the most extreme sect of Salafism and from which Al Qaeda and the Islamic State group hail. Haroun added that Abedi, also known as Abu Ismail, had returned to the Libyan capital of Tripoli.

The LIFG was founded in 1995, and was involved in attempts to assassinate then-Libyan leader Moammar Qaddafi as well as violent clashes with Benghazi police. In 2002, a senior LIFG commander, Anas al-Libi, who also was a companion of Al Qaeda founder Usama bin Laden, was detained by U.S. forces for his role in the 1998 bombings of the American Embassies in Kenya and Tanzania, which killed more than 200 people.

The group also was involved in the bloody riots at Abu Salim prison near Benghazi in 1996 that killed more than 1,200 prisoners.

The LIFG reportedly teamed up with the Moroccan Islamic Combatant Group in planning the May 2003 bombings in Casablanca, Morocco, that killed more than 40 people and injured more than 100. The group also has been linked to the 2004 attacks in Madrid that killed 194 people.

We don't believe in killing innocents. This is not us.  Ramadan Abedi, the father of Manchester bombing suspect Salman Abedi

Ramadan Abedi escaped Tripoli in 1993 after Qaddafis security authorities issued an arrest warrant and eventually sought political asylum in Britain. The elder Abedi first immigrated to London before settling in the Whalley Range area of south Manchester, where they had lived for at least a decade.

The neighborhood is known to be home to a number of former LIFG members living in exile, including Abd al-Baset Azzouz  an expert bomb-maker who left Manchester to run a terrorist network in eastern Libya overseen by Ayman al-Zawahiri, Usama bin Ladens successor as leader of Al Qaeda. Media in the United Kingdom reported in 2014 that Azzouz had 200 to 300 militants under his control.

In a telephone interview from Tripoli, Ramadan Abedi -- who is now the administrative manager of the Central Security force in the Libyan capital -- denied to The Associated Press that his son is linked to any militant group or the suicide bombing that killed 22 people.

The father of the alleged terrorist said that his family "aren't the ones who blow up ourselves among innocents."

"We don't believe in killing innocents. This is not us, he said.

Abedi added that he spoke to his son five days ago and he was getting ready to travel from Saudi Arabia to Libya to spend the holy month of Ramadan with family and sounded "normal." He said that his son visited Libya a month-and-a-half ago.

The Abedi family had apparently become concerned about Salmans growing radicalization and a friend close to the family told The New York Times that his parents had seized the suspected bombers British passport. They had returned it when he said that he wanted to travel to the holy Saudi city of Mecca, but instead flew back to the Manchester area.

While early reports were unclear whether the 22-year-old Abedi had acted as a lone wolf or in coordination with others, Manchester's police chief told reporters on Wednesday that it is clear "this is a network we are investigating" as he gave an update on the probe into the bomb attack.

Chief Constable Ian Hopkins said Wednesday that police are carrying out extensive searches across Manchester as part of their probe.

Hopkins declined to comment on whether police have found the alleged maker of the explosive device used in Monday night's attack.

His comments followed media reports that Abedi acted as a "mule" for others.

Fox News' Lucas Tomlinson and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
The Manchester Islamic Center denied having any relations with the suspect in the Ariana Grande concert bombing after reports surfaced that the man worked at the mosque.

"I assure everyone, this bomber has never worked in this center," Fawzi Haffar, the trustee of the Manchester Islamic Center, said outside the Didsbury Mosque on Wednesday.

Haffar blamed a "small section of the media" for "manufacturing" stories with unverified information. He condemned Monday night's attack at Manchester arena, where Salman Abedi blew himself up as Grande was wrapping up her concert, killing 22 people and injuring 119 others.

"We encourage anyone who has information on the individual to contact police to assist with the investigation," Haffar said.

The center, which has opened its doors to Muslims and non-Muslims since the 1960s, has received threats of verbal and potential acts of vandalism since the deadly explosion, Haffar said.

The Manchester Islamic Center did not take questions from reporters after the news conference, leaving questions about Abedi's father, Ramadan Abedi, and his role there unanswered.

Authorities said they believe the 22-year-old did not act alone and they were investigating "a network" of people behind the blast. Four people have been arrested in the "extensive" searches across the city.

"I think it's very clear this is a network we are investigating," Manchester Police chief constable Ian Hopkins said, confirming that an off-duty police officer was among those killed in the attack.

Officials are examining Abedi's trips to Libya as they piece together his allegiances and try to foil any new potential threats. Ramadan Abedi told The Associated Press that he spoke to his son five days ago and that Salman Abedi sounded "normal" while he talked about his upcoming trip to Saudi Arabia.

"We don't believe in killing innocents. This is not us," Abedi said.

The government said nearly 1,000 soldiers were deployed instead of police Wednesday in high-profile sites in London and elsewhere.

Britain raised its threat level from terrorism to "critical" late Tuesday amid concerns that Abedi may have accomplices who are planning another attack. Abedi grew up in Manchester's southern suburbs and once attended Salford University there.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
British authorities were in a frantic race to find the mastermind who fashioned the deadly bomb used in Monday's terror attack in Manchester, as the nation was braced for a new strike that could be "imminent."

Police believe 22-year-old Salman Abedi was given the explosive he used to kill himself and 22 others at a concert by pop singer Ariana Grande. A fifth suspect was arrested Wednesday, with four in custody already in connection with the incident. Police are assessing a "package" the fifth suspect was carrying.

British authorities continued to conduct "extensive" searches while investigating the "network" behind the attack.

"It is very clear that it is a network we are investigating," Manchester police said on Wednesday.

British officials said they deployed nearly 1,000 military troops at high-profile sites in the country, some in London, instead of police. Manchester police said the increase in threat level gave the green light to deploy military support operation under the code name "Temperer."

Multiple law enforcement agencies swept through Manchester in a bid to head off a follow-up to the ghastly attack. Manchester police said they will continue doing "extensive" searches to disband the "network" of suspects. Officials also raised the number of wounded Wednesday to 119.

Soldiers were replacing armed police on Wednesday at sites like Buckingham Palace, 10 Downing Street and Parliament. London Police Commander Jane Connors said the goal was to "make our city as hostile an environment as possible for terrorists to plan and operate." She said police also would be ready to respond quickly to any incidents with armed officers, and have added more armed police walking patrols.

The Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the attack, calling Abedi a "soldier of the caliphate." Abedi was believed to have traveled to Syria and had "proven" links with ISIS, French Interior Minister Gerard Collomb said Wednesday on BFM television, adding that British and French intelligence have information that Abedi had been to Syria. He did not provide details, and said it was unclear whether Abedi was part of a larger network of attackers.

Abedi's father told The Associated Press that his son was in Libya a month-and-a-half ago and was preparing to visit Saudi Arabia. Living in Tripoli, Ramadan Abedi said that his family "aren't the ones who blow up ourselves among innocents."

MANCHESTER VICTIMS IDENTIFIED

In addition to the three arrests in the south of Manchester, police also handcuffed a man at a house just a 10-minute walk from Abedi's home -- but they did not immediately confirm it was connected to the concert bombing. "There was a policeman, armed policeman, shouting at my neighbor ... and I realized there is something wrong here ... they arrested the father, and I think the rest of the family kind of disappeared," neighbor Omar Alfa Khuri said, adding that he knew the arrested man from the local mosque.

Abedi had been known to security forces "up to a point," Home Secretary Amber Rudd said.

Prime Minister Theresa May Wednesday chaired a meeting of her emergency security cabinet group, known as COBRA, to review intelligence reports about Abedi and concerns that he might have had outside support.

Britain raised its threat level to "critical," which May said means an attack could come at any time. "This means that the assessment is that, not only is a further attack likely, but that it could be imminent."

DOZENS STILL HOSPITALIZED AFTER ATTACK

Police raided Abedi's house earlier, using a controlled explosion to blast down the door. Neighbors recalled him as a tall, thin young man who often wore traditional Islamic dress and did not talk much.

Police also raided and searched a property elsewhere in Manchester where Abedi's brother Ismail is thought to have lived. A 23-year-old man has also been arrested as part of the investigation but officials have released no details about him.

British soldiers have been deployed in place of police officers to guard high-profile sites such as Buckingham Palace and Parliament.

Abedi was born in Britain to a Libyan family, grew up in Manchester's southern suburbs and attended the local Salford University for a time.

Officials are looking into how often Abedi had traveled to Libya, which has seen an eruption of armed Islamist groups since dictator Moammar Qaddafi was overthrown and killed in 2011. British officials have not commented on whether Abedi had links to ISIS or other extremist groups.

In addition to those killed in the concert attack, 64 people are being treated for their wounds, Jon Rouse of the Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership said Wednesday.

He said some of the wounded had been discharged, but that the number of patients being treated had increased due to "walking wounded" who came in hours after the attack. Rouse said many of those hospitalized had serious wounds that would require "very long term care and support in terms of their recovery."

Collomb, who spoke with May after the attack, said the two countries should continue cooperating closely on counterterrorism efforts despite Britain's pending exit from the European Union.
British Prime Minister Theresa May will meet with President Trump on the sidelines of this week's NATO summit in Brussels to discuss a series of leaks related to the investigation into Monday's deadly terror attack in Manchester, England.

Multiple U.K. news outlets reported Wednesday that British officials were furious after the New York Times published forensic photographs of parts of the bomb that killed 22 people and injured 119 others outside an Ariana Grande concert at Manchester Arena.

Investigators worry that the leaks, which they believe to originate from the U.S. intelligence community, will complicate the probe into what they've described as a "network" surrounding suspected suicide bomber Salman Abedi. Greater Manchester Police said late Wednesday that six men and one woman had been arrested in a series of counterterror raids across Manchester's sprawling suburbs.

"We are furious. This is completely unacceptable," a Foreign Office source told the Press Association. "These images leaked from inside the U.S. system will be distressing for victims, their families and the wider public. The issue is being raised at every relevant level by the British authorities with their U.S. counterparts."

The leaks to American media began hours after the bombing, when multiple news outlets reported the suspect's name based on leaks from U.S. officials briefed by their British counterparts. Investigators did not name Abedi as the suspect until the day after the bombing.

Michael McCaul, R-Texas, the chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, told Fox News Wednesday that he knew "firsthand that the Brits are not real happy" about the leak of the suspect's name.

"Once that name is released, then of course the others [connected to the bombing] will either do one of two things," McCaul told "The Story" host Martha MacCallum. "Go underground and hide, or try to get out of the country, or will detonate another explosive device very soon thereafter."

British Home Secretary Amber Rudd told Sky News earlier Wednesday that the leak of the suspect's name was "irritating" and said she had made clear to U.S. officials that it "should not happen again."

A national counter-terrorism policing spokesperson criticized the leak of the forensic pictures, saying that it "undermines our investigations and the confidence of victims, witnesses and their families.

"This damage is even greater when it involves unauthorized disclosure of potential evidence in the middle of a major counter-terrorism investigation."

European security officials have expressed concern about sharing intelligence with the U.S. after Trump discussed highly classified intelligence about ISIS with senior Russian officials visiting the White House.

Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., the ranking member of the House intelligence committee, told reporters Wednesday he understands the concern about U.S. leaks possibly harming the U.K. police operation.

"If that's something that we did, I think that's a real problem," he said. "If we gave up information that has interfered in any way with their investigation because it tipped off people in Britain  perhaps associates of this person that we identified as the bomber  then that's a real problem and they have every right to be furious."

He said, however, that even if U.S. intelligence sources shared vital information with the media, it likely would not affect the strong intelligence sharing relationship between the U.S. and Britain because it helps both countries.

A European security official told the Associated Press that "having a U.S. leak when the situation has developed in the U.K. is nothing new.

"Historically, and nearly philosophically, the U.S. and U.K. intel services follow different paths," the official said on condition of anonymity because he wasn't authorized to speak about the investigation. "The U.S. have adopted a "zero risk" approach meaning that the U.S. services have a much shorter trigger when it comes to stop an ongoing operation. The U.K. services play it totally differently."

This was highlighted in the 2006 trans-Atlantic liquid bomb plot. Americans wanted to pounce to quickly stop the plot whereas British authorities were trying to better determine the suspects' capability and wider terror connections, according to two British officials who worked on the case at the time.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Salman Abedi, the bomber in the Manchester terror attack, wasn't part of a large network, but other people involved may still be at large, a senior police officer said on Wednesday.

Police may make more arrests in the investigation into the attack, Russ Jackson, head of counterterrorism policing for northwest England, said July 6.

The Islamic State claimed responsibility for the May 22 concert bombing that killed 22 people, plus Abedi, and wounded more than 200 others. Here's what we know.

The bomber, Salman Abedi

British officials said Abedi had been on the radar of the country's intelligence services but was considered a peripheral figure.

"We are still working to understand the manner by which he became radicalized," Jackson said.

Jackson said police have reconstructed Abedi's movements in the weeks before the attack, as he obtained components and built his deadly device.

On the day of the bombing, Abedi spent several hours carrying the bomb though central Manchester before he detonated it in the foyer of Manchester Arena as an Ariana Grande concert was wrapping up.

Abedi's parents came to Britain early in the 1990s, and he reportedly was in contact with family members just before the attack.

Abedi was born in Britain to a Libyan family, grew up in Manchester's southern suburbs and once attended Salford University there. He was a business management student but dropped out, according to The Telegraph.

Neighbors recalled Abedi as a tall, thin young man who often wore traditional Islamic dress and did not talk much.

"He was such a quiet boy, always very respectful towards me," a member of the Libyan community in Manchester recalled to The Guardian. "His brother Ismail is outgoing, but Salman was very quiet. He is such an unlikely person to have done this."

UK POLICE: OTHERS MAY BE AT LARGE IN MANCHESTER ATTACK

That perspective clashed with others. Mohammed Saeed, with the Didsbury Mosque and Islamic Centre told the newspaper he had once delivered an anti-terrorism sermon. Abedi did not like what he heard, Saeed said.

"Salman showed me a face of hate after that sermon," he recalled. "He was showing me hatred."

Abedi was driven to extremism after seeing a friend fatally stabbed last year, a female relative said. He complained of being treated badly in Britain and was troubled why there seemed to be no outrage over his friend's death, she said.

Abedi believed it was because the friend was Muslim, according to the relative.

She said that Abedi also referred to Britons as "infidels" who "are unjust to the Arabs." She defended him as "a great kid" and said he had no links to ISIS or other militant groups.

However, Abedi is believed to have traveled to Syria and had "proven" links with ISIS, French Interior Minister Gerard Collomb has said.

Abedi's father, Ramadan Abedi, denied in May that his son was linked to militants or to the deadly attack. He said that when he spoke to his son in recent days, he sounded "normal.

"We don't believe in killing innocents. This is not us," the elder Abedi told the AP by telephone. "We aren't the ones who blow up ourselves among innocents. We go to mosques. We recite Quran, but not that."

He said his son had visited Libya and never visited Syria.

Abedi spent three weeks in Libya prior to the Manchester bombing, returning to England just days before the attack, two U.S. defense officials confirmed to Fox News.

ARIANA GRANDE CONCERT BLAST: PHOTOS SHOW PANIC AT MANCHESTER ARENA

What do we know about his father, Ramadan Abedi?

Ramadan Abedi fled Tripoli in 1993 after Moammar Gadhafi's security authorities issued an arrest warrant for him. He eventually sought political asylum in Britain. Now, he is a manager for the Central Security force in Tripoli, Libya's capital.

He has denied having ties to any of Libya's militant groups, including the Libya Islamic Fighting Group, which was linked to Al Qaeda.

However, former Libyan security official Abdel-Basit Haroun told the AP that the elder Abedi was a member of the group in the 1990s. Although it disbanded, Haroun said the father now belongs to the Salafi Jihadi movement, the most extreme sect of Salafism from which Al Qaeda and ISIS both hail.

Ramadan Abedi was arrested in Libya after the attack and is still being held, The Guardian reported.

What about Abedi's brothers?

Ramadan Abedi confirmed that another son, 23-year-old Ismail, was arrested in Manchester.

And Salman's younger brother, 18-year-old Hashem, was taken into custody in Libya. Hashem was in contact with Salman, Ahmed bin Salem, the spokesman for a counter-terrorism force told Reuters.

"We have evidence that he is involved in Daesh (ISIS) with his brother," bin Salem said. "We have been following him for more than one month and a half. He was in contact with his brother and he knew about the attack."

Hashem was allegedly plotting an attack in Tripoli, Reuters reported.

MANCHESTER ATTACK: FATHER'S OPEN LETTER TO ARIANA GRANDE GOES VIRAL

Back in Britain

All 22 people arrested on suspicion of terrorism offenses have now been released without charge, Greater Manchester police said last month. Salman's brother Ismail was released, the Financial Times reported.

Jackson said last month that some of those arrested had offered "accounts which explain innocent contact with Abedi." He said at the time that risk to the public had been considered before the suspects were released.

Suspects arrested under terrorism laws can be held for up to 14 days before they must be charged or released.

"We don't have evidence of a large network," Jackson told reporters July 6. "We do, however, suspect others were either aware or complicit in the knowledge of this attack."

Detectives want to question Abedi's younger brother Hashem, who has been detained in Libya, and are "engaging with" British prosecutors and Libyan authorities, Jackson said.

Fox News' Lucas Tomlinson and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe's daughter has been appointed to the country's censorship board.

The 27-year-old Bona Mugabe now will be part of an agency that polices what Zimbabweans can watch on their televisions or in public. This is her first active government job.

The censorship board has been known for banning films, documentaries and art perceived too sexually explicit or critical of the government. Its new chairman is a 78-year-old former cabinet minister currently in court after being accused by his son of using "bizarre" blood rituals to bewitch the family.

Bona Mugabe rarely speaks at public functions but has travelled with her 93-year-old father to Japan for a meeting with the prime minister in 2015. She also has accompanied him for medical check-ups in Singapore.
Argentine federal agents searched the offices of the Brazilian construction conglomerate Odebrecht in Buenos Aires on Wednesday as part of an investigation into alleged bribes in the granting of construction contracts for a water treatment plant.

Federal Judge Sebastian Casanello ordered the raid as part of a probe into the alleged bribe during the 2007-2015 presidency of Cristina Fernandez.

Odebrecht said in a statement it had gone before the judge earlier this month and is cooperating with authorities.

"The company reaffirms its position of collaborating with the law and hopes to recover the people's trust through its honest, ethical and transparent corporate behavior," the statement said.

Odebrecht is a key focus of the "Car Wash" investigation into a mammoth kickback scheme at Brazil's state-run oil company  the biggest corruption scandal in that country's history. The initial investigation was launched in 2014 and has mushroomed into related probes abroad because companies like Odebrecht operated across Latin America.

Odebrecht's executives confessed to U.S. prosecutors earlier this year that they paid around $788 million to officials in 10 Latin American countries and two more in Africa to get multimillion-dollar contracts with local governments. They said that included paying about $35 million in Argentina between 2007 and 20014 when Fernandez was in office.

Fernandez is the subject of investigations into alleged corruption, money laundering, possible illegal enrichment and state fraud as part of her government's handling of the dollar futures market. She has denied any wrongdoing.

Since Fernandez ended her term in December 2015, President Mauricio Macri's administration has promised to crack down on the entrenched corruption that has long plagued Argentina.

Macri's spy chief, Gustavo Arribas, has also been linked to the Car Wash scandal. Leonardo Meirelles, a black market money dealer who accepted a plea bargain in the case, recently said that the Odebrecht and OAS companies paid Arribas nearly $850,000 in bribes in 2013. The money was allegedly deposited into a bank account held by Arribas just before Odebrecht won a construction bid for a main railroad line in Buenos Aires. Arribas denies any wrongdoing.

The raids in Buenos Aires came hours after Odebrecht offered to collaborate with Argentina's government in the investigations in exchange for a deal.

"President (Macri) gave us an order to try to get the most complete information as soon as possible," Justice Minister German Garavano told local radio Mitre. "Yesterday, one of (Odebrecht's) lawyers met with us and gave us a proposal that is being reviewed."

Garavano did not provide details about the company's offer. But he said that so far "the biggest inconvenience to this proposal is based on Brazilian laws, which are pretty different to Argentina when it comes to these issues of granting information and what regards a leniency plea."

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Associated Press writer Luis Andres Henao contributed to this report.
President Donald Trump's U.N. envoy set foot Wednesday in the no-man's-land between Syria and Turkey, witnessing the precarious transfer of aid supplies into a seemingly interminable conflict. That reality is far removed from America's years-old hope for President Bashar Assad to leave power and speedily end the civil war.

From the Syrian side of the border zone, Ambassador Nikki Haley gazed up at a Turkish flag plastered onto signs marking the entrance into that nation's territory. Syrian refugees once flooded through the run-down Bab al-Hawa Border Crossing until officials cracked down. These days it's only aid convoys that pass back and forth, trying to meet an unrelenting demand for food, health supplies and other basic needs in the Arab country.

Ferried to the border in an armored motorcade, Haley walked to within just a few feet of entering the Arab land, becoming the highest-ranking U.S. official to come so close to Syrian territory in years. Underscoring the danger, security officials spirited her away from the border after unmarked vehicles were spotted moving toward the area.

Beyond the frontier, she confronted a human reminder of the world's failure to resolve the war: About 8,400 Syrian refugees in a Turkish refugee camp, some of them stuck there for more than five years.

The dominant theme of Haley's trip this week to Jordan and Turkey was the need to retool the global approach to meet the needs of Syrians stuck in a protracted conflict now in its seventh year. Haley said she wanted to "bring new life" to efforts to help the refugees, mentioning schooling and training in particular.

"The things they are learning here, you want them to be able to pick it up and do it there," Haley said. "How do you strengthen them and don't let them stand still?"

Though many more refugees have rebuilt their lives in cities, the camps stand as evidence of the failure to resolve a war that has killed hundreds of thousands, sparked worldwide terror and migration crises, and destabilized much of the Middle East. Once envisioned as a temporary solution, they seem increasingly permanent, filled with children who recall no life before the camps.

There have been growing concerns about a "lost generation" of Syrians growing up outside their home country, their worlds defined by the conflict. Many are receiving no education, health care or other basic necessities.

To that end, Haley and other U.S. officials have encouraged Syria's neighbors, who've absorbed the majority of the millions of refugees, to treat them less like visitors and more like locals, living, working and studying among the regular population. But it is a request that increases demands on the host nations' already-beleaguered infrastructures and limited resources. And it comes as the Trump administration is proposing severe cuts in U.S. assistance for overseas refugees and programs targeting children in need.

Six years on since the United States first called on Assad to go, his hold on power serves as a bitter indictment of failed efforts to end the war.

Having blamed former President Barack Obama for letting the crisis fester, Trump says he is increasing engagement. The administration announced it will arm Syrian Kurds fighting the Islamic State group, a step the Kurds long implored Obama to take. And Trump ordered airstrikes on a military base belonging to Assad's military after accusing it of using chemical weapons.

"You've seen that they've actually militarily continued to look at Syria and when and if there's going to be a role there," Haley said, referring to the Trump administration. "Just like with the chemical weapons ... the U.S. is not going to sit back and let others deal with it. The U.S. is very much going to take charge if they need to, if they see something being done that's wrong to the people of Syria."

But on the peace front, the U.S. has spearheaded no new effort, and Trump's overall approach has not deviated dramatically from his predecessor's. Obama, too, relied on Kurdish forces to do the toughest fighting. And Obama, like Trump, tried repeatedly to engage with Russia  Assad's strongest ally  to facilitate talks that could yield a political resolution.

Trump's young administration has struggled to determine whether to embrace or reject a deal struck by Russia, Turkey and Iran to create four safe zones in Syria where Assad's forces and the Syrian opposition would stop fighting. Not only is the U.S. not a party to the deal, undermining America's role as a key mediator in the conflict, but the involvement of Iran  another Assad backer  has fueled U.S. skepticism.

Haley said the U.S. would "look at the opportunities" in the Russia-led deal, but intended for the ultimate resolution to come through stalled U.N.-led talks.

At the Syrian border, Haley pitched in by helping pack boxes of lentils, bulgur wheat and sugar set to be trucked through Bab al-Hawa. Aid workers explained how goods are transferred in the no-man's-land from Turkish trucks onto Syrian trucks before making the journey deep into Syria.

And at Altinozu Refugee Camp, Haley sought to showcase how refugees were trying their best to live full lives under the bleakest of conditions. She cooed over a refugee baby in the camp's clinic awaiting a medical examination, and took to the soccer field with young Syrians to kick a few balls toward the goal.

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Reach Josh Lederman on Twitter at http://twitter.com/joshledermanAP
A Pakistani police spokesman says gunmen have abducted a Chinese couple who were teaching at a private language school in the country's southwest.

Shahzada Farhat says the incident took place on Wednesday when assailants ambushed the Chinese couple's car in Quetta, the capital of southwestern Baluchistan province. He says no one has claimed responsibility and the motive behind the abduction is unclear.

Farhat says the couple's bodyguard, who was driving the car at the time, was wounded in a shootout but that the Chinese were unharmed.

He says a search operation is underway. There was no immediate comment from Beijing.

China is a longtime ally of Pakistan and is currently building a network of roads and power plants under a project known as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, or CPEC.
The United States Embassy issued a warning to U.S. citizens in a southern Philippine city on Wednesday after terrorists linked to the Islamic State swept through the region, beheading a police chief, burning buildings, seizing a Catholic priest and his worshippers and raising the black flag of ISIS, officials said.

The embassy suspended mission personnel travel to Mindanao as they analyzed the chaos that has left at least 21 people dead.

"While the U.S. Embassy has no information that the events in Marawi City represent a direct threat to U.S. citizens or U.S. interests in the Philippines, we encourage U.S. citizens to review personal security plans, avoid large crowds and gatherings, and remain vigilant at all times," the embassy said in a statement.

President Rodrigo Duterte declared martial law for 60 days across the southern third of the nation  home to 22 million people  and vowed to take tough action.

"We are in a state of emergency," Duterte said Wednesday after he cut short a trip to Moscow and flew back to Manila. "I have a serious problem in Mindanao and the ISIS footprints are everywhere."

He threatened to extend it to the whole country "in order to protect the people."

"If I think that ISIS has taken a foothold also in Luzon, and terrorism is not really far behind, I might declare martial law throughout the country," Duterte said Wednesday.

The violence erupted Tuesday after the army raided the hideout of Isnilon Hapilon, a commander of the Abu Sayyaf militant group who has pledged allegiance to IS. He is on Washington's list of most-wanted terrorists with a $5 million reward for information leading to his capture.

The militants called for reinforcements and around 100 gunmen entered Marawi, a mostly Muslim city of 200,000 people on the southern island of Mindanao, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said.

DUTERTE DECLARES MARTIAL LAW

Duterte said a local police chief was stopped at a militant checkpoint and beheaded.

Marawi Bishop Edwin de la Pena said the militants forced their way into the Marawi Cathedral and seized a Catholic priest, 10 worshippers and three church workers.

The priest, Father Chito, and the others had no role in the conflict, said Archbishop Socrates Villegas, president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines.

"He was not a combatant. He was not bearing arms. He was a threat to none," Villegas said of Chito. "His capture and that of his companions violates every norm of civilized conflict."

Villegas said the gunmen are demanding the government recall its forces.

DUTERTE BANS SMOKING IN PUBLIC

Military spokesman Col. Edgard Arevalo said 13 militants had been killed, and that five soldiers had died and 31 others were wounded. Other officials said a security guard and two policemen were also killed, including the beheaded police chief.

Arevalo said troops had cleared militants from a hospital, the city hall and Mindanao State University. About 120 civilians were rescued from the hospital, the military said.

Thousands of people have fled the city, said Mary Jo Henry, an emergency response official. She quoted another official as saying Marawi was like "a ghost town."

Broadcaster ABS-CBN showed people crammed inside and on top of public vehicles leaving the area, and some walking on foot with their belongings as they passed through a security checkpoint manned by soldiers.

Martial law allows Duterte to use the armed forces to carry out arrests, searches and detentions more rapidly. He has repeatedly threatened to place the south, the scene of decades-long Muslim separatist uprisings, under martial law. But human rights groups have expressed fears that martial law powers could further embolden Duterte, whom they have accused of allowing extrajudicial killings of thousands of people in his crackdown on illegal drugs.

Hapilon, an Arabic-speaking Islamic preacher known for his expertise in commando assaults, pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group in 2014. He is a commander of the Abu Sayyaf militant group and was wounded by a military airstrike in January.

Troops sealed off major entry and exit points to prevent Hapilon from escaping, military chief of staff Gen. Eduardo Ano told The Associated Press late Tuesday.

"We will conduct house-to-house clearing and do everything to remove the threat there. We can do that easily," Ano said, but added it was more difficult in an urban setting because of the need to avoid civilian casualties.

He said the group erected Islamic State flags at several locations.

Duterte met late Tuesday with Russian President Vladimir Putin and said he is counting on Russia to supply weapons for the Philippines to fight terrorism.

"Of course, our country needs modern weapons, we had orders in the United States, but now the situation there is not very smooth and in order to fight the Islamic State, with their units and factions, we need modern weapons," he said, according to Russian state news agency Tass.

While pursuing peace talks with two large Muslim rebel groups in the south, Duterte has ordered the military to destroy smaller extremist groups which have tried to align with the Islamic State group.

At least one of those smaller groups, the Maute, was involved in the Marawi siege. It's one of less than a dozen new armed Muslim groups that have pledged allegiance to the Islamic State and formed a loose alliance, with Hapilon reportedly designated as the alliance's leader.

Political analyst Ramon Casiple said the Maute is a clan-based group with members in Marawi who came to Hapnilon's assistance, with some directly assisting in the fighting and others fanning out to different parts of the city, setting up checkpoints and burning some buildings and taking hostages from the cathedral.

"It is difficult to root out because they are from there," he said. "The Mautes are embedded in the population."

The group has been blamed for a bombing that killed 15 people in southern Davao city, Duterte's hometown, last September and a number of attacks on government forces in Lanao, although it has faced setbacks from a series of military offensives.

Last month, troops backed by airstrikes killed dozens of Maute militants and captured their jungle camp near Lanao del Sur's Piagapo town. Troops found homemade bombs, grenades, combat uniforms and passports of suspected Indonesian militants in the camp, the military said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
After publicly feuding over border walls, President Donald Trump and Pope Francis finally met on Wednesday.

The two exchanged gifts to symbolize peace and Trump called the meeting "the honor of a lifetime."

While Francis and Trump have been heralded as opposites  in policy and mannerisms  they both have eschewed the traditions of the offices they respectively hold. Heres a look at some of the more memorable occasions during Francis' papacy.

March 13, 2013

At 76, Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected, changing his name to Pope Francis the following day. Francis is the first Jesuit to become pope.

Sept. 24, 2015

As the first pontiff to address Congress, Francis stressed the importance of the Golden Rule in terms of immigration and refugees.

We must not be taken aback by their numbers, but rather view them as persons, seeing their faces and listening to their stories, trying to respond as best we can to their situation, Francis said, urging a response to refugees that is humane, just and fraternal.

Francis also called for the abolition of the death penalty and said Congress has a role to play when it comes to climate change.

Feb. 18, 2016

Francis escalated tensions between himself and Trump  who at the time was still just a presidential candidate.

TRUMP AND THE POPE: WILL OPPOSITES ATTRACT WHEN TWO MEET?

In response to a question about Trumps promise to build a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border to curtail the flood of illegal immigration, Francis insinuated that anyone who thinks only about building walls, wherever they may be, and not building bridges is not Christian.

Francis declined to definitively say that Trump is not a Christian as he had not heard his plans for the border specifically.

Id just say that this man is not Christian if he said it that way, Francis said.

Trump fired back and called the pope's comments disgraceful. The Vatican later said that Pope Francis' remarks weren't "a personal attack."

April 16, 2016

Francis took three families back to Rome with him following a visit to a refugee camp in Lesbos, Greece.

POPE STRIKES AGAIN WITH COLD-CALL VISITS TO BLESS HOMES

The Pope has desired to make a gesture of welcome regarding refugees, accompanying on his plane to Rome three families of refugees from Syria, 12 people in all, including six children, the Vatican said in a statement.

The families were Muslim, according to Reuters.

Nov. 21, 2016

Francis officially allowed priests to absolve the grave sin of abortion  including for doctors and nurses as well as women.

There is no sin that Gods mercy cannot reach and wipe away when it finds a repentant heart seeking to be reconciled, Francis said in a 10-page Apostolic Letter.

POPE FRANCIS ACKNOWLEDGES 2,000-CASE BACKLOG IN SEX ABUSE CASES

I wish to restate as firmly as I can that abortion is a grave sin, since it puts an end to an innocent life, the pope said.

April 4, 2017

In a letter relayed by Chicago Cardinal Blase Cupich, Francis expressed his prayers for the people in Chicago who have been made victims by the excessive violence in the city.

Francis reportedly said in the letter that he prays the victims may experience healing and reconciliation.

April 28, 2017

In a historic push for unity among Christians and Muslims, Francis traveled to Egypt to meet with the countrys political and religious leaders.

POPE FRANCIS MAKES TWO CHILDREN SAINTS WHO REPORTEDLY SAW VIRGIN MARY 100 YEARS AGO

Francis trip came just weeks after a pair of suicide bomb attacks at Egyptian Coptic churches claimed the lives of at least 45 people. It was the first papal visit to Cairo in 20 years.

The trip served to bring a message of peace to Egypt, according to Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican secretary of state.
When it came to guessing what first lady Melania Trump served the president, the pope predicted a sweet treat, though some heard him say an American favorite -- pizza.

After Francis met with President Donald Trump he was introduced to members of Trump's delegation, including Mrs. Trump. Smiling for the staff, Francis asked via translator, "What do you give him to eat, potizza?"

He was referring to the Slovenian pastry  though some thought he'd said "pizza."

"Potizza? Yes," the first lady said with a laugh.

PRESIDENT TRUMP MEETS WITH POPE FRANCIS AT VATICAN



Trump and the pope met at the Vatican, joined by first lady Melania, his daughter Ivanka, her husband Jared Kushner and U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson. Trump and Pope Francis exchanged gifts after a private meeting that lasted about 30 minutes.

Trump gifted Pope Francis a first-edition set of writings from Martin Luther King Jr. The White House said the set includes the five books King wrote in his lifetime. Each one is custom-bound and the books are in a custom display case. It also included a piece of granite from the Martin Luther King. Jr. Memorial in Washington.

The White House said the gift "honors Dr. King's hope, vision, and inspiration for generations to come."

Trump also gave the pope a bronze sculpture, called "Rising Above," that "represents hope for a peaceful tomorrow," according to the White House.

The pope's gifts to Trump included a medal by a Roman artist depicting an olive branch, which is a symbol of peace.

"We can use peace," Trump responded when he received the gift.

The pope also gave the president a signed message of peace along with copies of his three main teaching documents.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
British Prime Minister Theresa May said she would chair a meeting of the government's emergency committee in response to Friday's subway fire in London that police have called a terrorist incident.

The blast occurred on a tube train at Parsons Green station. At least 22 people were being treated for injuries following the fire.



Britain's official threat level for international terrorism stands at "severe," the second-highest rung on a five-point scale.

So what does that mean?

The threat levels in the UK listed below are designed to give a broad indication of the likelihood of a terrorist attack, according to MI5.

? LOW means an attack is unlikely.

? MODERATE means an attack is possible, but not likely

? SUBSTANTIAL means an attack is a strong possibility

? SEVERE means an attack is highly likely

? CRITICAL means an attack is expected imminently

Threat levels from international terrorism in the UK are set by the Joint Terrorism Analysis Center, part of MI5, which works with U.S. military intelligence and the Defense Intelligence Agency. MI5 is responsible for setting the threat levels from Irish and other domestic terrorism.

What changes with a critical threat level?

With the increase of the threat level to critical, police have 3,800 more soldiers on call as well as additional equipment for as long as we need them, UK Home Secretary Amber Rudd told the BBC.

POLICE INVESTIGATING NETWORK OF SUSPECTS IN MANCHESTER ATTACK, 4 IN CUSTODY

In a statement announcing the change in threat levels, May announced that armed soldiers would replace police officers at key sites. Police presence will also be strengthened on patrol in additional areas.

Military personnel are also expected to guard events such as concerts and sports, May said.

In the coming days and weeks, there will of course be many events hosted up and down the country, May said. The police will work with the organizers and hosts of these events, to come to a judgment about how they can go ahead while making sure the people who attend them are safe and secure.

MANCHESTER ATTACK SUSPECT VISITED SYRIA AND HAD 'PROVEN' TIES TO ISIS, FRENCH MINISTER SAYS

We will take every measure available to us and provide every additional resource we can to the police and the security services as they work to protect the public, she added.

How are threat levels determined?

Several factors need to be taken into account before reaching a judgement on the appropriate threat level, according to MI5.

? Available intelligence: "Judgements about the threat will be based on a wide range of information, which is often fragmentary, including the level and nature of current terrorist activity, comparison with events in other countries and previous attacks. Intelligence is only ever likely to reveal part of the picture."

? Terrorist capability: "An examination of what is known about the capabilities of the terrorists in question and the method they may use based on previous attacks or from intelligence. This would also analyze the potential scale of the attack."

? Terrorist intentions: "Using intelligence and publicly available information to examine the overall aims of the terrorists and the ways they may achieve them including what sort of targets they would consider attacking."

? Timescale: "The threat level expresses the likelihood of an attack in the near term. We know from past incidents that some attacks take years to plan, while others are put together more quickly. In the absence of specific intelligence, a judgement will need to be made about how close an attack might be to fruition. Threat levels do not have any set expiry date, but are regularly subject to review in order to ensure that they remain current.

Has the UK raised its terror level so high before?

The last time the UKs threat level was raised to the highest bar was in June 2007 after authorities uncovered a plot to bomb a popular nightclub. It was also raised to critical for three days in August 2006 as the transatlantic airline plot was uncovered.

VICTIMS IN MANCHESTER BLAST IDENTIFIED

The international terror threat level scale was only made public in the UK in August 2006, according to the BBC.

What is the response to a critical terror level?

Specific threat levels do not actually require particular actions from the public, according to the MI5 website.

Vigilance is vital regardless of the current national threat level, the website states. It is especially important given the current national threat. Sharing national threat levels with the general public keeps everyone informed.

The website also encourages the public to utilize its Anti-Terrorist Hotline to provide tips and confidential information.

ROBERT GATES: MANCHESTER ATTACK IS 'HARBINGER' OF MORE ATTACKS IN THE WEST

I do not want the public to feel unduly alarmed, May said when announcing the threat level change. We have faced a serious terrorist threat in our country for many years."

Fox News Catherine Herridge, Kaitlyn Schallhorn and Zoe Szathmary contributed to this report.
Venezuelas health crisis is spilling over to neighboring Colombia, where the border town of Cucuta is struggling to provide the medical care increasingly unavailable in the socialist country.

As a result, Cucutas main hospital has amassed a monumental amount of debt as it helps out the thousands of Venezuelan patients that arrive every year from across the border. A large number of those are women in labor.

VENEZUELA'S HEALTH CRISIS NEARING CATASTROPHE, GOVERNMENT PLEADS FOR HELP

"In the first quarter of 2017, [Erasmo Meoz Hospital] admitted 1,000 Venezuelans. The increasing rate is worrying, as it could come to 4,000 migrants cared for by the end of this year, said Health Minister Alejandro Gaviria to Bluradio earlier this month.

He said Venezuelan patients have cost Colombia about $1 million the past year.

By law, any patients who arrive at a hospital in Colombia are admitted to the emergency room at no cost  regardless of their nationality.

"In Venezuela they ask you to bring all the medicines [to the hospital where you are going to be admitted] and yet when you go to the pharmacy there is nothing," Miriam Rivera told Univision. Rivera's teen son fractured his left clavicle recently when he fell off his bicycle.

The woman said that in Urena, where they reside, the plate needed to repair the fracture would have cost about $100, an astronomical amount in a country where the monthly minimum wage is $15.

According to Univision, Meoz Hospital is carrying a debt $1.3 million dollars for the treatment of Venezuelans.

"Resources are being spent that should be available to the rest of the [Colombian] population," said Meoz hospital administrator Soraya Caceres.

The health minister said the government is committing $3.3 million to keep assisting Venezuelans across the nations network of hospitals.

VENEZUELAN MILITARY TO TAKE OVER DISTRIBUTION OF MEDICAL SUPPLIES

He noted, however, that they cant provide the resources for patients with costly diseases or conditions.

"For now, we only provide humanitarian aid, he said.

The heath crisis in Venezuela runs so deep that medications ranging from simple anti-inflammatory drugs to chemotherapy drugs are out of reach for most people.

Patients wait for months to get a procedure.

Home to the worlds largest oil reserves, Venezuela was for decades an economic leader in the western hemisphere. But in 1999, with the rise to power of late leader Hugo Chavez  whose left-leaning policies endeared him to the poor, but also set up an unsustainable system of state spending  Venezuelas economy began to creep toward a crisis.
A man whose crime was discovered nearly five years ago when his son was dropping pipe bombs in Stafford County and Montana was ordered Wednesday to serve a year in prison.

Laurence Alan Stewart, 50 of Glenolden, Pa., pleaded guilty in Stafford Circuit Court to possession of ammunition by a non-violent felon and failure to appear in court. He was sentenced to a total of five years, with all but one year suspended.

The ammunition charge against Stewart stems from the 2012 investigation into his son, 30-year-old Laurence Alan Stewart II. On Oct. 30, 2012, the younger Stewart set off pipe bombs at the Stafford homes of his former fiancee and a county detective and at a Fredericksburg residence where Stafford Lt. Deuntay Diggs used to live.

Property was damaged, but no one was injured. Stewart was arrested the next day in Montana following a wild chase during which he threw pipe bombs at pursuing officers.

The younger Stewart has since been sentenced to seven life sentences in Montana and two life sentences plus 40 years in Stafford.

The elder Stewart left Stafford about the same time as his son and relocated in Pennsylvania. While investigating the pipe bomb spree, police interviewed the older Stewart at his new residence.

Stafford prosecutor Amy Casey said police found ammunition in the Pennsylvania residence that Stewart admitted that he brought from Stafford. Because he had a felony conviction in the 1990s, Stewart was not allowed to legally possess the ammunition.

The elder Stewart was indicted by a Stafford grand jury on April 1, 2013, but didn't show up for that proceeding nor a scheduled arraignment a few weeks later. He was a fugitive until he was arrested in Pennsylvania and brought to the Rappahannock Regional Jail on March 13 of this year. He has been there since.

Attorney Cali Lee represented Stewart.
A former Precious Blood Catholic Church priest received a 30-day suspended jail sentence Wednesday stemming from an encounter last October in which he groped the breasts of an 87-year-old parishioner.

Culpeper County General District Judge Dale Durrer found the Rev. Anselme MalondaNkuanga guilty Wednesday of misdemeanor assault and battery and gave him a suspended sentence and $400 fine, which the judge reduced to $200.

The suspended sentence and reduced fine are contingent on MalondaNkuanga remaining on good behavior for two years. He must also pay $89 in court costs.

MalondaNkuanga, who served as the parish pastor in Culpeper from July 2012 until July 2016, was also instructed not to contact the victim or her family. MalondaNkuanga left Precious Blood last summer and was serving as minister at St. Eugene Catholic Church in Wendell, N.C., when the incident occurred Oct. 1.

He was placed on administrative leave from his duties as pastor of Saint Eugene Parish and Our Lady of the Rosary Mission in Louisburg, N.C., in December.

Court records indicate the incident happened at the victims Culpeper home. The widow and member of Precious Blood Catholic Church for 20 years said MalondaNkuanga stopped by her home while he was in town to attend the funeral of a mutual friend in Orange County. After they had breakfast, the victim said the priest asked to tour her house, looking into various bedrooms.

In the hallway, as they approached the kitchen, the defendant grabbed [the victim] from behind, court records state. The defendant encircled [the victim] with both arms with pinned her arms to her side.

She told authorities MalondaNkuanga forcefully squeezed and groped her breasts on top of her clothes. She said she managed to temporarily break free, but he then pinned her against a kitchen counter and grabbed her breasts again.

Following the second encounter, the victim said MalondaNkuanga, chuckled and said, Im so glad you are understanding about this. 

In court on Wednesday, the victim told the judge she thought about what to do for two and a half weeks before reporting the incident to the authorities.

The stress on me has been profound. The stress put me in the emergency room with cardiovascular problems, she testified. Why cant the diocese deal with the truth?

According to the victim, she was told not to go to the police, by church officials.

Reached by e-mail Wednesday evening, a spokeswoman for the Catholic Diocese of Arlington said when the victim met with the chancellor and the victim assistance coordinator about her allegations she was advised that she could go to law enforcement and that the diocese would assist her if she wished to do so.

She indicated that she was interested in speaking with law enforcement, so the diocese contacted the Culpeper County Sheriffs Office to determine who she should speak to there. This contact information was then provided to [her] through her son, as she had requested at the meeting. At no time did anyone at the diocese advise [the victim] not to go to law enforcement.

Turning to MalondaNkuanga, who was dressed in his clergy shirt and collar, the victim said, What you did to me was an aggressive attack on my body. Im an elderly woman. You assaulted me not once, but twice. I struggled to get away. What you did to me was nasty. Shame on you.

Court records show, MalondaNkuanga acknowledged visiting the victim, describing the encounter as a hug and that he had not intended to hurt or sexually assault her.

Before his ruling, Judge Durrer said the plea agreement was appropriate because, It has the full support of the survivor and she can avoid testifying at trial.

Following Wednesdays proceedings, about 30 Precious Blood parishioners surrounded MalondaNkuanga in the court lobby, hugging and kissing him in a show of support.

MalondaNkuanga is a priest with Missionhurst, a Catholic missionary institute with several hundred priests and brothers in the United States, Europe, Asia, Africa and Latin America.

Culpepers Commonwealths Attorney Paul Walther represented the state, while local attorney Jere Willis represented MalondaNkuanga.

This story was updated to remove a reference to a plea in the case.
A special evening of music is happening in a beautiful, historic venue near Warsaw next month.

The inaugural Bluegrass Under The Stars concert will be held June 30 at 7 p.m. at the historic Mount Airy home in Richmond County, and only 300 tickets are being sold.

It may be about 55 miles from Fredericksburg to Mount Airy, but the evening has serious Fredericksburg connections. To start with, the night is all about the music of legendary Seldom Scene founder John Starling, a Fredericksburg resident.

Hell be on stage at the 1764 Colonial home and plantation with Clearwater, a group of hot young musicians from Nashville and Richmond that includes his son Jay Starling.

Not only that, but all the proceeds from the evening will go to the Friends of the Rappahannock, headquartered in Fredericksburg. The $35 tickets can be bought online by going to mount- airy.farm. For more info, call 804/313-0815.

A special $50 VIP ticket includes VIP parking, a reserved seat up front and an invite to the special pre-party meet and greet with John Starling and the band.

Tayloe Emery, who with wife Catherine has been slowly restoring Mount Airy to its former glory, said hed long been considering holding a bluegrass festival or some other sort of musical event there. The Emerys are friends with Jay Starling and Jesse Harper of the band Love Canon, and the idea came up when they were talking.

Reached by phone, Harper said that they liked the idea, especially because it included dedicating the evening to the music of John Starling.

Hes such a legendary performer in the bluegrass world, but also stretching to other genres by working with musicians like Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt and Lowell George of Little Feat, said Harper.

They couldnt pass up the chance to play on stage with the musical legend.

Of course, Jays played with his father before, but this will be a unique chance to play his fathers music, with him and a host of other really good musicians, said Harper. Playing live in a beautiful, open venue like that, itll be interesting to see where the music takes us.

Joining guitarist Harper and dobro player Jay Starling will be bassist Cameron Ralston, cellist Nat Smith and Courtney Hartman on vocals and guitar.

Of course, John Starling will add his guitar and vocals to the mix.

Well play his songs, but also some of our own and others that well probably be adding right up until that evening, said Harper. Well be working on the arrangements from now until then.

Emery noted that he thinks the evening will be special because its focused on the remarkable music that John Starling and the Seldom Scene brought to the genre.

He said donating all the proceeds to the Friends of the Rappahannock seemed like the appropriate thing to do. He noted that it will be a good test to see whether future concerts might be possible at Mount Airy.

For hungry concert-goers, complimentary oysters will be provided by the Rappahannock Oyster Company between 7 and 9 p.m. Pork barbecue sandwiches, Virginia peanuts and Virginia-made beer by Alewerks and other beverages will be available for purchase.

Folks coming to the show are advised to bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on. No coolers or pets will be allowed into the concert site.
An audit of the Virginia Department of Aviation, which followed revelations that the Peninsula Airport Commission used more than $3.5 million in state money to guarantee a loan for a private airline that later defaulted, found much to improve in how the department receives and reviews financial information from airports.

The Office of the State Inspector General, which performed the now-completed review, found that internal controls need strengthening in several areas related to DOAV oversight of the airport funding programs, according to the audit.

A final report was issued Monday. The audit is separate from a review being conducted by the Virginia Department of Transportation into the Peninsula Airport Commissions guarantee of the loan to People Express, which defaulted on the loan, folded and cost the airport commission $4.5 million in local, state and federal taxpayer money.

Virginia Transportation Secretary Aubrey L. Layne Jr. said he requested the inquiries.

They certainly have suggested, and I believe rightly so, tightening up a lot of the policies and procedures at the Department of Aviation, Layne said of the inspector generals report.

Those suggestions include: requiring airports to submit audited financial statements and reports detailing how they used state money on time; reviewing those documents to assist in identifying potential financial issues and ensure state funds are being handled in accordance with regulations and procedures; and improving the master agreements the department signs with airports to incorporate language about allowable costs, litigation protection, accounting system oversight, record-keeping, a right-to-audit clause and the right to withdraw grants.

The Aviation Department agreed with all the recommendations.

Layne said VDOT also will proceed with an audit of all 66 airports in Virginia, though he said he does not suspect misuse of state money elsewhere.

Richmond TimesDispatch

I have no indication that anything else is amiss, he said.

Legislation passed by the General Assembly this past session and signed by the governor also gives additional responsibility and authority for oversight over how the money is doled out to the Virginia Aviation Board.

The legislation was initially prepared and introduced out of concern over whether local airports spending state funds to compete against one another was the most effective use of state money, but Layne said it gained additional significance when the Daily Press revealed in January that the Peninsula Airport Commission had paid off the private airlines debt with taxpayer money.

The commission in January said that it legally and properly utilized the state entitlement funds to satisfy a legal obligation which arose as a result of Peninsula Airport Commissions promotion of air-service development.

Since then, though, the commission has fired its executive director, seen several commission members leave and other upheaval, according to the Daily Press.

Thank God we had something going to use to tighten up this stuff, Layne said. I had no idea what was going on. It was staggering to me, quite frankly.

Though the legislation doesnt address all the gaps identified in the audit, Layne said it gives him and the Aviation Board the vehicle to address them through new policies and procedures. The General Assembly also included a budget amendment specifically banning using Aviation Department money for purposes related to supporting the operation of an airline, either directly or indirectly through grants, credit enhancements or other related means.

The Aviation Department provides about $24 million a year in funding to airports under three categories. Entitlement funds go to air-carrier airports based on the percentage of enplaned passengers, with a minimum of $50,000 for the smallest and a maximum of $2 million for the largest. Two buckets of discretionary money go to small and large airports that submit requests for funding to complete specific projects.

Airports are only required to submit a document called an entitlement utilization report to the Department of Aviation, a report that provides an accounting of how state entitlement funds were spent.

But the state should also require audited financial statements, recommends the inspector generals office, which noted that the Peninsula Airport Commissions utilization report for 2015, which was not filed until October 2016, did not identify the $3.55 million expenditure as a loan payoff but rather as an air-service development project.

Obtaining copies of airport audited financial statements would provide more detailed information to DOAV to ensure state funds provided are being utilized for their intended purpose and are in accordance with regulations and policies, the report says.

As far as whether the state can get its money back, that remains to be seen.

This is only one part of the puzzle, said Layne, who added that VDOTs audit is expected to be finished at the end of this month. When we have that, then well have a clear picture of what happened, and then Ill make a recommendation and make it all public.
MANCHESTER, EnglandI went to the Ariana Grande concert Monday expecting it to be one of the best nights of my life.

I hadnt been to a concert since I saw Miley Cyrus on her Bangerz tour in the same arena back in 2014. Both my friend and I (Im 17, hes 18) are huge fans of Arianaor Arianators, as were knownand wed been looking forward to this since we bought tickets on pre-sale late last year.

At 10:29 p.m., the show was just wrapping up. Ariana had just finished performing Dangerous Woman, which was the final song. The atmosphere was the same as it had been all night, filled with love and happiness.

She finished the song, and people started leaving the arena. I was sitting in the upper tier with my best friend, and we both left via the stairs leading down to the main corridor everybody uses to leave the Manchester Arena.

Thats when the explosion occurred.

It came from outside near the main foyer, I think. I heard the sound and immediately saw everybodys reactions of fear and panic.

It didnt seem real, and, initially, I had no idea how to react. I had no choice but to run with the hundreds of screaming parents, children and fans all heading toward the nearest exit.

My head was filled with panic and terror, and my focus was on not losing my friend in the crowd. I was right behind him and made sure it stayed that way. I saw one womans shoe had come off, but she didnt stop to go back for it, and I dont blame her.

It was horrible, and I feel so bad for the children who had no idea what was going onat this point, I didnt even know what was happening, and I dont think anybody did. There were countless children present at the concert, as well as parents and teenagers. It was complete chaos outside, with crowds of people crying on the phone and trying to get away from the arena.

Once I got outside, I immediately rang my mum to let her know I was safe and ordered a taxi home as the Metrolink tram had stopped running by then.

Early in the night when we entered the arena, security hardly even checked my bag, and I hope security is tightened in the future, because it was ridiculous how little effort they put into checking. Their exam consisted of opening the bag, having a three-second glance, then feeling the exterior of the bag before allowing people to enter.

The entire night had been so amazing, and Ariana preached so much positivity and happiness. What happened makes me sad, because concerts are supposed to be safe and a celebration of music.

More than four hours later, I am still unable to sleep. I hope Ariana is staying strong, because nobody expected tonight to end the way it did, and she is such a kind and compassionate role model.

I am shocked and at a loss for words. My heart goes out to the victims and their familiesnobody deserved to experience the events of this night.

And I truly believe the community of Manchester has been brought even closer together.

Joe Ryan is a college student from Manchester, England. He wrote this for The Washington Post News Service & Syndicate.
IF Willie Biscoe thinks its a nifty idea, it no doubt is.

Biscoe served on the Spotsylvania County School Board for 16 years, so she knows a thing or two.

She stopped by the Belmont Community Center near Lake Anna the other day with family members, and liked its new setup as a pop-up library with high-speed internet access.

I think thats good, Biscoe said of the new service. Im sure there are children who do not have access.

Absolutely. In parts of Spotsylvania, and across rural America, many peopleyoung and old alikeare without dependable access to the interneta big, long-standing national problem about which theres been plenty of talk, but not much action.

Hence the significance of the partnership on this project between Spotsylvania and the Central Rappahannock Regional Library. It brings anytime WiFi and a weekly pop-up library to a part of the county that had neither.

Thats cool. Ask nearly any patron of any public library: She or he likely appreciates it when a book repository provides wireless access to the internet, the global lifeline to knowledge of which Galileo, Darwin and Jefferson could only dream.

The internet is handy for everyday practical stuff, too, of courseresearching school reports, printing papers, corresponding with friends and family, shopping, tending accounts, finding a tradesman, hunting for a job, planning an excursion or even checking out a book.

Having access to the web has become an indispensable thing for billions of people. So it matters when communities lack a high-speed pipeline to it that the public can tap.

Thats what the arrangement between the library and Spotsylvania provides at the Belmont Community Center, a short hop north of the lake.

Now, customers who stop in there can, once a week, browse and check out paper books, movies and audiobooks, plus get homework help and reading recommendations. And at any hour, via WiFi that beams out into the centers parking lot, they can browse whats on the web from their own mobile devices. From 4 to 7 p.m. Mondays, the mini-library offers 15 Chromebooks and a wireless printer, plus other library services.

Kudos to Chris Glover, the regional librarys assistant director for information technology, and Jane Reeve, Spotsylvanias director of information services. They hit on the idea after a meeting of the county Cable Commission, on which they serve.

Thanks, as well, to the Belmont Ruritan Club and the Belmont Club of Women, which own the community center and backed the techies proposal.

For most rural Spotsylvanians, the only alternative for broadband access is satellite service or a cellular WiFi hotspot. Both get pricey, fast.

So it will be interesting to see how the services at Belmont, a pilot project, are received by local residents.

Already, the county and the library are weighing whether to do the same thing at the Berkeley Community Center just down Partlow Road from Spotsylvania Fire Station 3.

Our hope and dream is to continue to partner with Spotsylvania to expand service to additional locations, said Martha Hutzel, CRRL director. Wed love to be at Belmont twice a week. We could do family night movies on Fridays since we have license agreements. We could do pop-up libraries at farmers markets, festivals or whatever.  The possibilities are endless.

For the good of Spotsylvanians, we hope more such dreams come true and similar partnerships expand around rural Virginia and the nation.
When will Virginia remove CSA statues?

The removal of statues of Confederate leaders in New Orleans has resulted in conflict, and demonstrations from people who oppose those actions. But the removals are long overdue. The officials taking the action are to be commended, not condemned.

This raises the question of when Virginia will take action to remove monuments of Confederate soldiers and the supporters of slavery.

Officials in Charlottesville are now taking steps to address this issue. It is raising controversy among those who believe that slavery and segregation are a part of our history.

Based on Virginias legacy of slavery and segregation, such statues and street names should have never been created in the first place.

Streets named for Jefferson Davis and Robert E. Lee are not an appropriate representation of Virginias long and significant contributions to the history of the United States, from the Revolutionary War to the present day.

Removing them will be another step in the direction of facing the stigma of slavery and segregation that the nation has borne for far too long.

Michael Lane

Spotsylvania
McTiernan: All cancer researchers learn about the danger of radiation. It can be helpful for treatment, but other exposures can cause cancer. But we learn about numbers, the number of people exposed and the number of people that get cancer. What youve done is put faces and hearts and lives into this. How did you do that?

Moore: I felt these women had been whitewashed out of their own story and their own history. My primary source was the womens first-person accounts in their court testimonies. You could very easily see, who is the feisty radium girl, who is strong in the face of the company lawyers grilling her on the stand? Thats Grace Fryer. Ironically, because the radium had crushed Graces vertebrae so she had to wear a steel back brace, but she had the strongest backbone of perhaps all the girls. And Katherine Schaub wrote a memoir which had an extract published in Reformers magazine, so I was able to get to know Katherine through her own account. And I had the privilege of interviewing their family members, and they of course know the individual radium girls better than anyone.

These women were so strong, that they dealt with this terrible illness and yet were able to fight for workers rights through their law cases. But it wasnt accepted that they were ill. You write that one physician was convinced it was just nerves, and that this was common for womens workplace issues.

I think the womens gender played a huge part in their story. We can see that in the way that doctors responded to them. Even though the first radium girl died in September 1922, its actually not until June 1925 that they started doing autopsies. Between 1922 and 1925, a lot of women died; not one of them was autopsied. It was only when a male employee of the firm died that the doctors did an autopsy, and their first autopsy was on that man. Only after that did they start autopsying the radium girls, and they finally figured it was the radium that was killing them. And a brilliant doctor named Dr. Harrison Martland devised new tests to test the living women and measure the radium inside them.

Why were women doing these jobs? In the early 20th century, often women were expected to be at home. And these were prime jobs.

It was incredibly lucrative. The dial-painters were in the top 5 percent of female wage-earners nationally. It was generally young women who did it. Katherine Schaub was 14 when she started, and that was typical. Some were as young as 11. When you think of the tiny numbers of watches, some were only a millimeter in width. The small hands of these young women were particularly suited to this job. And when World War I started, that led to a real boom in the radium industry, because the radium girls were not just painting watches and clocks, they were painting aeronautical dials. So part of it was the war effort as well.

The book brings up so many issues. It was womens health rights, but also workers rights. Now we have government organizations that help with regulations. But if our regulations are loosened, whats going to happen with the next exposure of this type? We rely a great deal on government regulations, and your book points out what happens when they didnt exist at all or were rudimentary.

As it happens, the publication of the book has come at a timely moment. I think the book reads as a cautionary tale of what can happen if we roll back regulations, and of what can happen if we trust companies to tell the truth and to adhere to their own regulations. But I hope it also serves as an inspirational tale, because what the radium girls did was exceptional. These girls were young, they were poor, they were working class, and they were actively silenced again and again. Yet they spoke up. I hope in these troubling times that they serve as inspiration, that no matter how small you are and no matter how powerless you feel, if you band together with like-minded people, then you can make a difference. Because these girls did.

These women were really heroes, werent they?

It was complete altruism. Once you have radium in your bones, there is no way of getting it out. The women took their death sentence and decided to do something about it. The fight that they embarked on changed laws, and changed workers rights to protect all of us. They did it all knowing there was no hope for them. These women literally used their last breaths to speak out against injustice. Catherine Donohue, one of the Illinois dial-painters, literally gave evidence against the firm on her deathbed. She was too weak to go to court, so they actually brought the court to her in her sitting room.

And this happens around the world. Its an ongoing problem of exposures and risks in the U.S. and in many other countries. Workers health, workers rights and protections are so important. Even though youre writing about a historic event, its not over. Its still relevant.

I hope people reading it will think, lets make sure they didnt die in vain, lets be vigilant about the regulation and lets be aware about new forms of poisoning. If people blow whistles, lets give them the time of day.

Editors note: Dr. Anne McTiernan is the writer Rachel Tompas mother.
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Fujitsu Limited and its wholly owned subsidiary TechShop Japan Limited today announced their collaboration with \QUANTUM Inc., a subsidiary of TBWA\HAKUHODO Inc., to create new business opportunities in TechShop Tokyo's DIY membership-based workshop. Together, TechShop Japan and \QUANTUM will increase the customer base and strengthen education programs, expanding their services for corporations, individuals and students.

This initiative is based on an agreement for Fujitsu to transfer a 15% stake in TechShop Japan to TBWA\HAKUHODO.

Background

Since opening in April 2016, TechShop Japan has hosted events and workshops with more than 3,000 visitors. The company also has more than 700 members that include large corporations, startups, creators, individuals and students. They have engaged in collaborative projects and launched new businesses, contributing to an ecosystem of co-creation. TechShop Japan and \QUANTUM have now decided to collaborate in order to expand such systems and accelerate innovation.

Initiatives through this Collaboration

As a strategic partner of \QUANTUM that endeavors to generate new businesses, TechShop Japan will develop a variety of programs rolling out from the first half of fiscal 2017.

1. Corporate/Business Programs

TechShop Tokyo will serve large corporations and startups through consulting, project design and incubation to support new businesses and product/service development. It will offer a manufacturing workshop program for professionals and creators skilled in advertising and web design. TechShop Tokyo will also offer courses on team building through manufacturing and prototyping training.

2. Programs for Individuals

TechShop Tokyo will offer a workshop program for individual manufacturers on "Instructables", the largest manufacturing community site in the U.S., where users can share ideas and information on relevant processes and materials.

TechShop Tokyo will also offer a STEAM education(1) program to provide programming and manufacturing experience for middle school and high school students.

Comments from the Companies

Akihiko Imai, President & CEO, TBWA\HAKUHODO Inc.

TBWA\HAKUHODO has generated numerous advertising and communication ideas using the tool DISRUPTION, which can find unconventional visions. We are extremely pleased about \QUANTUM becoming our strategic partner and hope our synergy with TechShop Japan will bring DISRUPTION; to life, transcending the boundaries of traditional advertising and communications.

Mitsuru Takamatsu, President and CEO, \QUANTUM Inc.

As a startup studio, \QUANTUM is promoting to create new businesses through co-creation between large companies and startups. By providing programs that invoke familiarity with manufacturing, the company will improve people's lives through business and product development.
Forage can present a high risk of mycotoxin contamination to livestock. Farmers Weekly looks at what producers can do to minimise the risk in silage crops.

Mycotoxins pose a challenge for all livestock systems, yet they often fall under the radar. Not only do they cause reductions in health and performance, they also eat into profit margins.

Because mycotoxin producing moulds arent usually visible and the clinical symptoms of contamination are typically wide-ranging and subtle, farmers often fail to pinpoint them as the cause of many health issues in livestock.

Contamination signs Signs of mycotoxin contamination can be subtle, but symptoms in cattle include: Inefficient feed use

Digestive disturbances

Compromised health status such as increased somatic cell counts

Compromised reproductive performance such as reduced conception rate and abortions

With ensiled feeds such as grass silage being a major culprit in UK livestock systems, prevention of mycotoxin contamination in forage really begins at harvest.

Producers should try to avoid mycotoxin producing moulds being brought into the clamp in the first place.

Attention should then turn to creating a stable storage environment, that doesnt enable moulds and fungi to grow and proliferate.

See also: 8 common mistakes to avoid at silage harvest

The key steps to preventing mycotoxin risk in silage:

1. Ensile the crop at the correct stage of maturity

While a mature crop with lower digestibility value is often acceptable depending on what you are feeding it to, its worth remembering older crops are more vulnerable to attack in the field by fungal pathogens.

This can then result in the production of field-borne mycotoxins, such as Fusaria, which will be transferred into the silage clamp.

2. Adjust the cutting height

If the crop is more mature, consider a cutting height of at least 7.5cm to 10cm from the base of the stem. The bottom of the stem poses the highest risk of diseased material and has the lowest digestibility and nutritive value.

3. Wilt rapidly

The crop should be spread immediately in the field to achieve a rapid wilt. This is especially important in heavy yields as leaving it in a swath reduces the evaporation of water and can trap moist air.

This creates a warm humid environment which encourages the growth of yeasts and moulds, thatll then contaminate the ensiled crop, resulting in storage formed mycotoxins.

4. Compact well

Aim to achieve a target density of 750kg/cu m of fresh matter or 220-250kg/cu m of dry matter. This can be achieved by layering the forage in the pit in layers no thicker than 15cm and rolling each layer before the next load comes in.

By doing this, youll achieve the high density required, which will reduce the yeast numbers in the silage significantly.

The result will be a much more aerobically stable silage, that shouldnt heat up, therefore reducing the risks of mould growth and mycotoxin formation.

5. Sheet up well

Use a side sheet, oxygen barrier film and top sheet, and then apply enough top weight, paying particular attention to the junction between the wall, the top sheet and the ramp.

Its vital to keep air out, as oxygen allows yeasts and moulds to survive and grow, reducing the nutritive value of the silage and increasing the mycotoxin risk.

6. Good clamp management

While good harvest and storage management is key, its also important that livestock producers manage the clamp well when feeding-out.

The clamp face should be kept clean and tight; a shear grab is the best way to achieve this. Its also important that producers move across the clamp face as quickly as possible. Ideally, the clamp face should be moved across every three to four days, especially during warmer weather.

7. Discard visibly mouldy feed

While a lot of mould and fungi arent visible, some, such as penicillium moulds, are noticeable by sight. In this instance, its important that any obviously mouldy feed is discarded. It is also advisable to clean out feeder wagons and troughs on a regular basis.

8. Carry out a mycotoxin test

Despite adopting best practice during harvest and when managing the clamp during feeding out, there is still potential for mycotoxin contamination. Producers should analyse total mixed rations with a broad-spectrum mycotoxin test.

Expert advice came from Andrew Linscott, ruminant manager at Alltech and Dave Davies from Silage Solutions UK
A farmer has been ordered to pay more than 1,200 in fines and costs for leaving five sheep to rot on his farm in Bletchingdon, Oxfordshire.

James Edward Hedges, 54, of EC Hedges and Sons, pleaded guilty to a further two charges of failing to keep animal disposal and medical records at Oxford Magistrates Court.

Five carcasses were found in various states of decay in fields at Wolvercote, where Mr Hedges kept livestock, in September last year by Oxfordshire County Councils Trading Standards Service and a senior vet from the Animal and Plant Health Agency.

See also: Sheep farmer fined 1,400 for leaving dead stock on farm

Mr Hedges failed to produce records showing how fallen stock not destined for the food chain was appropriately dealt with, as required by the Animal By-Products (Enforcement) (England) Regulations 2013 to stop the spread of disease from dead animals.

Disease outbreaks

He also risked human health by not keeping records of the administration of veterinary medicines, meaning he could not prove that his animal products were free from medicinal residue when they entered the food chain.

Councillor Judith Heathcoat, Oxfordshire County Councils cabinet member for Trading Standards said: The integrity of the food chain and preventing disease outbreaks are critical in protecting both human health and the rural economy of Oxfordshire.

This result acts as a reminder of the importance of maintaining good farming standards and should reassure the public that action will be taken, when necessary, to protect consumers.
Story Highlights Stock ownership has dropped to 54% from 62% since financial crisis

Most major subgroups show lower ownership rates

No decline among upper-income, older Americans

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- U.S. stock ownership remains below where it was before the financial crisis in the fall of 2008, with declines since then evident among most major subgroups of the population. Adults aged 65 and older and those with an annual household income of $100,000 or more are two groups whose ownership rates have held firm.

Changes in Stock Ownership Since the 2008 Financial Crisis Do you, personally, or jointly with a spouse, have any money invested in the stock market right now -- either in an individual stock, a stock market fund, or in a self-directed 401(k) or IRA? 2001 to 2008 2009 to 2017 Change % % pct. pts. U.S. adults 62 54 -8 Annual household income Less than $30,000 27 21 -6 $30,000 to $74,999 67 54 -13 $75,000 to $99,999 85 75 -10 $100,000+ 88 89 +1 Age 18 to 29 42 31 -11 30 to 49 71 62 -9 50 to 64 69 62 -7 65+ 53 54 +1 Gender Men 65 56 -9 Women 59 52 -7 Region East 64 56 -8 Midwest 65 57 -8 South 58 50 -8 West 63 54 -9 College graduate Yes 83 78 -5 No 53 43 -10 Race/Ethnicity Non-Hispanic whites 66 60 -6 Non-Hispanic blacks 40 36 -4 Hispanics 51 37 -14 Employed Yes 71 64 -7 No 48 42 -6 Married Yes 75 69 -6 No 48 38 -10 Have children under 18 Yes 67 58 -9 No 59 52 -7 Gallup

These findings are based on combined data from Gallup's annual Economy and Personal Finance survey, conducted each April and including more than 18,000 U.S. adults since 2001. The survey asks U.S. adults whether they personally or jointly have money invested in the stock market, including in individual stocks and stock market funds such as 401(k)s and individual retirement accounts (IRAs).

Before the 2008 financial crisis, 62% of U.S. adults, on average, said they owned stocks. Since then, the average has been 54%, including lows of 52% in 2013 and 2016. In Gallup's April 2017 update, 54% of Americans report having money invested in stocks.

The stock market lost more than half of its value during the bear market that coincided with the Great Recession and 2008 financial crisis, with many investors responding by taking their money out of the market. Although the stock market has more than made up for those losses, reaching record highs this year, Gallup's data indicate that fewer Americans today are in a position to benefit from those gains.

U.S. stock ownership rates are highly related to income, ranging from 21% among those with an annual household income of less than $30,000 to 89% among those with an income of $100,000 or more. Americans in all income groups below $100,000 are less likely to own stocks than they were from 2001 to 2008. This includes a drop of six percentage points among lower-income households, 13 points among middle-income households (annual income of $30,000 to $74,999) and 10 points among upper-middle-income households (annual income of $75,000 to $99,999).

Given that relatively few Americans in lower-income households invested in stocks before the 2008 financial crisis and upper-income households show no change in ownership, it follows that middle- and upper-middle-income households have largely driven the decline in stock ownership.

Stock ownership also varies by age, perhaps because middle-aged Americans are in their peak earning years. On average, 62% of U.S. adults aged 30 to 64 own stocks, compared with 31% of those aged 18 to 29 and 54% of those aged 65 and older. Older Americans are no less likely now to invest in the stock market than they were from 2001 to 2008, while younger age groups show declines of between seven and 11 percentage points.

This lack of decline among older adults could reflect that the leading edge of baby boomers (those born between 1946 and 1952) have moved into the 65+ age category since the 2008 crisis. As a generation, baby boomers -- all of whom were in their prime working years during the economic boom of the 1980s and 1990s, and many of whom likely had 401(k)s at work -- have above-average rates of stock ownership.

Implications

The stock market has performed well in 2017, but proportionately fewer Americans are benefiting from today's bull market than did so in bull markets before the financial crisis. The gains in stock values in recent years seem to have done little to persuade people who may have divested themselves of stocks to get back in the market.

Nor has the recovery encouraged new investors to join the market. Although young adults are understandably less likely than their elders to own stocks, the percentage of 18- to 29-year-olds investing is down 11 points since before the financial crisis.

It appears the financial crisis and recession may have fundamentally changed some Americans' views of stocks as an investment. The collapse in stock values in 2008 and 2009 seems to have left a greater impression on these people than the ongoing bull market that has followed it, as well as research showing the strong historical performance of stocks as a long-term investment.

Historical data are available in Gallup Analytics.
Linn-Benton Community College officials and their design team have released plans for the expansion of the colleges Corvallis campus.

The new building and parking lot will begin sprouting up on the Benton Centers new property at 931 NW Reiman Street perhaps as soon as early next year, officials said Tuesday at a public meeting at the center.

The expansion, which is being paid for by a bond measure voters approved in November 2014, will add more than 20,000 feet of classroom space, an increase of more than 40 percent. The new building is less than a five-minute walk from the current center, which will receive minor upgrades.

In addition to the classrooms in the two-story building, 149 parking spaces will be added as well as 92 bicycle spaces. The current Benton center has 117 parking spaces.

Were really proud of the work that is being done, LBCC President Greg Hamann told a gathering of 30 people at the public session. Im personally excited to see us have a great idea for the community and expanded opportunities for our students.

Hamann also noted that the project is not without its complications.

The most serious complication is that the 2.5-acre property on Reiman, which the college purchased in 2016 for $3 million, is occupied by the First Student bus company. The firm has seven years left on its lease. First Student is paying LBCC approximately $10,000 per month in rent  money, Hamann said that goes directly to the expansion project  but the college is working with the Corvallis School District and city officials to find new quarters for the bus company  and its fleet of buses.

LBCC Vice President of Finance and Operations Dave Henderson said that he hopes to have a solution that will allow the college to break ground by January 1 or by the summer of 2018 at the latest.

Troy Ainsworth and Brenda Katz of FFA Architecture and Interiors of Portland were on hand to describe the plans for the expansion. The same firm handled the 2004 Benton Center expansion. LBCC plans to retain much of the concrete foundation and walls of the current bus barn, while adding a second floor and cutting into the concrete walls for windows.

We wanted to take an inward-looking building and turn it into one with an instructional purpose, Ainsworth said.

How do you accomplish that?

By cutting as many holes in it as we can.

The building will have four classrooms on each floor, with a portable wall between two of the first-floor rooms that allows it to be repurposed it into a single room that will seat 76 people.

Jeff Davis, Benton Center director, said he envisioned the combined room being useful for lectures, musical events and public meetings such as Tuesdays session.

Plans also have been made to use the entry area, walls and alcoves of the new building for art exhibits, with grants and fundraising providing the seed money.

The 2014 bond measure will raise $34 million for LBCC upgrades, including projects at its medical, transportation and main Albany campus locations. Approximately $10 million will be spent on the Benton Center expansion.

Officials said that once ground is broken, construction will take approximately 12 months.
On the morning of May 20 John Sikura and his 13-year-old son, Jackson, were handicapping the Preakness Stakes (G1). This is going to sound ridiculous, Jackson, but Im looking at the formthis horse can win the race.

Sikura was talking about Cloud Computing, a colt he bred from the first crop of Macleans Music who stands at his Hill n Dale Farms near Lexington.

Sikuras son agreed with his fathers assessment. The Derby winner will be tough to beat, but if he bounces off that race and Cloud Computing moves forward, he can win.

It might not sound like validation when a 13-year-old says something, but hes smarter than me, Sikura reported two days later after Cloud Computing edged past Classic Empire to win the second leg of the Triple Crown. I know the sheets guys and the real handicappers thought he was the horse to beat, so there was a depth of support.

Sikura had a depth of conviction when he purchased an interest in Macleans Music from Barbara Bankes Stonestreet operation following his one and only start in 2011.

There are two horses Ive seen run that I was just drawn to and thought I had to put something together and stand these horses, he told us. The first horse was Candy Ride, whom I saw run in Argentina and saw him win a group 1 there by open lengths. There was an excitement of the people around him at the time and I said, Wow, this horse is different. The other was Macleans Music.

I just saw a horse of a different caliber, he said. He had such great, fast action. Every time he bounced he opened up on the field. I was convinced he was a superstar racehorse.

Although injury concluded Macleans Musics racing career after that one outing, Sikura gave him every chance to be a stallion.

It wasnt easy in 2013 as the market was still reeling from the Great Recession and the foal crop was falling, but Sikura is known as a man of great conviction. He invested in buying mares to breed to him and enlisted several mares from his stellar broodmare band in trying to make the stallion.

Sikura is the first to tell someone its nearly impossible to have success with a stallion in Central Kentucky that stands for less than $10,000. Macleans Music stood for $6,500 in his first season.

You have to be prepared to provide a third or half of the mares yourself and have the partners do the same, he said. You can twist a few arms, and get some friends that might owe you a few favors to do the same, and then there you are: at $6,500 and hoping.

Im not an over-the-top salesman, he continued. I speak what I think is the truth, and Im not effervescent in that everythings great, so the people I did talk to that I respect and do lots of business withI told them how I really felt, and I got lots of support from great horsemen like Bill Betz and Craig Bernick. We had serious people. They didnt breed their best mare, but at least they sent mares. I hoped that over the years I had enough credibility capital that if I told someone I thought this horse was the real deal, even though we had our doubters, wed have plenty of people support us.

That support was well-founded as Macleans Musics yearlings generated enough buzz to average $37,952 (5.8 times his initial stud fee). The sires highest-priced yearling was Cloud Computing. Macleans Music also led the freshman sires list by winners with 19, and now he joins a growing list of stallions to get a classic winner with his first crop.

You have to take strong stands on horses, Sikura said. I have an expression I always say to myself: When everybodys in agreement, then its too late.

The bet back in 2013 has paid off just like his bet Preakness afternoon.


This log includes incidents in which there might have been a public disturbance or a risk to the public. Information comes from the Corvallis Police Department, the Benton County Sheriffs Office and Oregon State Police. It does not include all calls for service. The status of incidents might change after further investigation. Locations are approximate. People arrested or suspected in crimes are considered innocent until proven otherwise.

Corvallis Police Department

MONDAY, MAY 22

ASSAULT: 12:30 a.m., 700 block of S.W. Chickadee Street. A man reported someone punched him in the face and ripped his shirt. The suspect, identified as Richard Tirado, said the victim had called him disparaging names and threatened to use a gun. Tirado admitted to punching the victim and ripping his shirt. A police officer cited Tirado for assault through Municipal Court.

HARRASSMENT: 12:12 p.m., 600 block of N.W. Fifth Street. A woman reported her roommate, Miranda Christensen, had slapped her across the face. A police officer arrested Christensen for harassment.

BURGLARY: 8:22 p.m., 200 block of N.W. 25th Street. A man reported his bike and wet suit had been stolen from his home during the weekend of May 6. The bike was worth $1,500. No suspects were identified.

BentonCounty Sheriff's Office

SATURDAY, MAY 20

DUI: 6:30 p.m., Cherry Creek Road and Milepost 3, Monroe. A sheriff's deputy stopped a car. The driver, Miguel Facundo-Monrroy, 28, of Monroe, consented to field sobriety tests. The deputy arrested Facundo-Monrroy for driving under the influence of intoxicants and reckless driving. A breathalyzer test indicated Facundo-Monrroy had a blood alcohol concentration of .15 percent, nearly twice the legal limit for driving. Facundo-Monrroy was booked into the Benton County Jail and has since been released.
HARRISBURG  Schools in Pennsylvania are separate but not equal.

Or more accurately, according to study after study, the way schools are funded in the commonwealth is inequitable.

We are experiencing here in Pennsylvania educational apartheid, said Rev. Gregory Holston, executive director of POWER, an advocacy group based in Philadelphia.

Pennsylvania is the worst in the country when it comes to funding differences between the have districts and the have nots, according to the U.S. Department of Education.

We are the worst, said Sen. Vincent Hughes, D-Philadelphia. And not the worst by a little bit, but the worst by a lot.

Hughes and activists called for change in the way schools are funded in Pennsylvania. He pointed out that Overbrook High School, in his legislative district, spends $12,000 per pupil, while Upper Dublin High School, also in his legislative district, spends $24,000, twice as much. Hughes called that wrong legally and morally.

Every child, no matter what ZIP code they live in, is as equal and important as every other, Hughes said.

A fair funding formula has been created by the Legislature, but only 6 percent of education funds flow through it. That means some schools get more than they should, others get less.

The Education Law Center created a graph showing the districts that are winners and the districts that are losers. They produced a second graph showing the racial make-up of those winners and losers. Nearly all of the mostly white districts were above the line, nearly all the schools below were districts predominately of color.

This does not benefit white people, Rep. Christopher Rabb, D-Philadelphia, said. This does not benefit the commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Activists said it also doesnt benefit generation upon generation of children who are getting shortchanged academically. Those students are not fulfilling their potential, getting jobs and paying taxes.

They also demanded a legislative fix.

Do your job, Holston said. Your job is to end the racial disparity now. Otherwise, you are continuing to sign into law educational apartheid, no different than South Africa, no different than the South, no different than what was in this country for so many years. Thats gotta end.

Recognizing the problem is far easier than solving it. Holston would like to see 100 percent of educational funding flow through the fair funding formula. That would mean less money to some school districts so the poorer schools could get more.

That would likely meet with resistance from lawmakers whose schools would come out on the short end.

Hughes doesnt want to take any money away from any district. Hed prefer to create an additional pot of money called an equity fund that would steer dollars to the most inequitable districts.

That too may be difficult in a state facing a $3 billion deficit.
DURHAM, N.C.  Amy Pittman learned on her first day in jail to bottle up her grief.

As soon as she arrived, guards took her shoelaces so she wouldnt try to hang herself. Cry too much or scream too loud and she feared they would come back to take everything she had left  her clothes, a sheet, a plastic spork.

But how could she not? How could anyone? Ten weeks before, Pittman was a single mom who worked overnight shifts as a gas station cashier to keep her three kids fed and clothed.

Now, alone in a cinderblock cell, she faced criminal charges for not doing enough to protect them. She pictured her youngest, Christian, 9, in his coffin. Dead at the hands of his 12-year-old brother, who had accidentally shot him in the back.

Five minutes can change your whole life, said Pittman, 38. I wish every day that I would have stayed home.

Children under age 12 die from gun accidents in the United States about once a week, on average. Almost every death begins with the same basic circumstances: an unsecured and loaded gun, a guardians lapse in attention. And each ends with the same basic questions: Who is to blame, and should the person be punished?

An investigation by the USA TODAY Network and The Associated Press found those questions are answered haphazardly across the nation.

Nearly identical accidents can have markedly different outcomes. A shooting that leads to a prison sentence in one state can end with no prosecution at all in another.

In 2015, a baby sitter in North Carolina was charged with involuntary manslaughter when a 2-year-old she was watching shot herself with a 20-gauge shotgun she found on a table. Two months later, police and prosecutors in Colorado opted not to charge a baby sitter after a 9-year-old boy was shot by his brother. The sitter had briefly left the boys unattended, and they found his loaded .38 Special in his pickup.

Grandparents in Detroit, both 65, faced manslaughter and weapons charges that could have sent them to prison for 17 years after their 5-year-old granddaughter found a loaded pistol under their pillow and shot herself in the neck. In Illinois, a grandmother pleaded guilty to a minor gun charge and received probation after a 6-year-old boy found a revolver in a bedroom closet and shot himself.

In the days after the April 2014 death of Amy Pittmans son, the decision of whom to blame fell to Cindy Kenney, an assistant district attorney in Durham. She said Christians death seemed to be no ordinary accident.

Investigators said that in addition to the shotgun that killed Christian, they found a handgun under a mattress in a bedroom and an assault rifle in the closet. They found 100 rounds of ammunition in a grocery bag, and Kenney would later tell a judge that Pittmans underwear drawer had more ammunition in it than it did panties.

In a country with almost as many guns as there are people, its not unusual to find loaded weapons within childrens reach. One study published in 2008 in the journal Health Education Research found that firearms are present in about one-third of all homes with children nationwide. Guns in half of those homes were kept unlocked; guns in one-sixth of them were kept loaded.

In that sense, the accident that killed Pittmans son was like many others. What set it apart, prosecutors said later, was that she should have known better.

Kenney said someone had called the countys child welfare agency to say Pittmans children were seen chasing one another through the neighborhood with guns. A social services worker met with her, warned her that it was illegal to leave guns near unsupervised children, and offered to buy her a gun safe so she could secure them. Pittmans response, Kenney said later, was that the county should stay out of her business.

Pittman tells a different story. She said she was never contacted by social services officials and insists she was unaware of the guns in her house, which belonged to her boyfriend.

Prosecutors throughout the country say deciding whether to bring charges is seldom easy. Parents are suffering, and heaping a criminal prosecution on top of that grief may not do much to teach others to handle their guns more carefully. In some cases, the decision to seek charges can cost the surviving kids their parent.

Kenney did not struggle with her decision. Less than three months after the shooting, a grand jury indicted Amy Pittman on charges of involuntary manslaughter and three counts of felony child abuse.

Pittman dropped her kids with their grandmother and waited at a friends house to be arrested. She wouldnt see them for almost a year and a half.

Journalists from the USA TODAY Network and the AP spent months using information from the nonpartisan Gun Violence Archive, news reports and police records to examine all of the 152 accidents from 2014 to 2016 in which children under age 12 either killed themselves or were mistakenly shot and killed by another child.

The review found that about half of those deaths led to a criminal charge, usually against adults who police and prosecutors say should have watched the children more closely or secured their guns more carefully. The rest of the time, officials decided the grown-ups had broken no laws, or perhaps had simply suffered enough. In many cases, there was little to distinguish those deaths that led to a criminal charge from those that did not.
An opportunity for foodies and beer lovers to get lost in a world of food and drink from a hand-selected range of food trucks and breweries from around New Zealand.
clarajancita at 24-05-2017 02:55 PM (5 years ago) (f)

A 16-years old girl is lying critically ill with heavy bleeding coming from her private part after she was induced with a fourth abortion by a minister at Christ Embassy Church in Lagos. Rev. Sunday Olisa who is a pastor of the Believers Love World Ministry popularly known as Christ Embassy Church, is currently trouble after being accused of alleged s*xual molestation of his 16-year-old housemaid which resulted in four pregnancies and abortions.

A 16-years old girl is lying critically ill with heavy bleeding coming from her private part after she was induced with a fourth abortion by a minister at Christ Embassy Church in Lagos. Rev. Sunday Olisa who is a pastor of the Believers Love World Ministry popularly known as Christ Embassy Church, is currently trouble after being accused of alleged s*xual molestation of his 16-year-old housemaid which resulted in four pregnancies and abortions.

According to a Reporters, the 16-years old orphan victim is lying critically ill with heavy bleeding coming from her private after she was induced with uncompleted abortion by his benefactor who is a minister at Christ Embassy Church Egbe branch in Lagos. It was gathered that the incident happened at No. 6 Dolamo Street in Agodo Egbe in Ikotun area of Lagos where the pastor reside with the victim and family. The operatives of the Nigerian Police at Area M Idimu Command, have already started manhunt for the cleric after he reportedly escaped mob action from the residents over the incident.



While speaking with a correspondent, the teenage victim who is in a hospital bed, narrated her ordeal and how he started living with Olisa through her uncle, George Aguba. She said her Mother was from Mali and married her father who was from Kwale in Delta State, adding that they were three sibling and their parents died when she was 10 and their uncle decided to take them back to Kwale before Olisa offered to assist and took her to his house. She said According to a Reporters, the 16-years old orphan victim is lying critically ill with heavy bleeding coming from her private after she was induced with uncompleted abortion by his benefactor who is a minister at Christ Embassy Church Egbe branch in Lagos. It was gathered that the incident happened at No. 6 Dolamo Street in Agodo Egbe in Ikotun area of Lagos where the pastor reside with the victim and family. The operatives of the Nigerian Police at Area M Idimu Command, have already started manhunt for the cleric after he reportedly escaped mob action from the residents over the incident.While speaking with a correspondent, the teenage victim who is in a hospital bed, narrated her ordeal and how he started living with Olisa through her uncle, George Aguba. She said her Mother was from Mali and married her father who was from Kwale in Delta State, adding that they were three sibling and their parents died when she was 10 and their uncle decided to take them back to Kwale before Olisa offered to assist and took her to his house. She said Quote when i was 10, Olisa will call me inside his bedroom where nobody was around and drugged me and r*ped me severally.



She said it had continued and when she attempted to report to the leaders of the church, they shut her up and told her to endure and not complain because Olisa was sponsoring her education. The victim revealed further that Olisa have taken her to different hospitals whenever he impregnated her for abortions and it has been like for the past six years, adding that she was frustrated and her movement regimented and was not allowed to meet her relations including her uncle, George.



On why she was in the hospital, the helpless victim, said Olisa impregnated her and wanted to cover it up and took her to a doctor where they carried out an abortion and brought her home.

She said after the abortion which was the 4th, she started having heavy bleed and she became afraid and came out from and street and raised alarm before she collapsed and taken to a Hospital where the doctors have been battling to save her life.

She said the doctor said the abortion was not completed which caused the heavy bleeding coming from her private, adding that she does not know her fate if she will survive and discharged from the Hospital because he has no contact again with his uncle who did not know what she was passing through. When a reporter went to the resident where Olisa lives, the residents confirmed the incident and rained curses on Olisa. As at the time of filing this report, there is no officials response from the Church, but some of the members expressed shock over the matter and was helping the police in their investigations. She said it had continued and when she attempted to report to the leaders of the church, they shut her up and told her to endure and not complain because Olisa was sponsoring her education. The victim revealed further that Olisa have taken her to different hospitals whenever he impregnated her for abortions and it has been like for the past six years, adding that she was frustrated and her movement regimented and was not allowed to meet her relations including her uncle, George.On why she was in the hospital, the helpless victim, said Olisa impregnated her and wanted to cover it up and took her to a doctor where they carried out an abortion and brought her home.She said after the abortion which was the 4th, she started having heavy bleed and she became afraid and came out from and street and raised alarm before she collapsed and taken to a Hospital where the doctors have been battling to save her life.She said the doctor said the abortion was not completed which caused the heavy bleeding coming from her private, adding that she does not know her fate if she will survive and discharged from the Hospital because he has no contact again with his uncle who did not know what she was passing through. When a reporter went to the resident where Olisa lives, the residents confirmed the incident and rained curses on Olisa. As at the time of filing this report, there is no officials response from the Church, but some of the members expressed shock over the matter and was helping the police in their investigations.

Post Reply I am a metro reporter on Gistmania, I have been publishing news materials for over 5 years Posted: at 24-05-2017 02:55 PM (5 years ago) | Hero
Huawei launches MateBook X, MateBook E, and MateBook D notebooks News oi -Shilpa Three new notebooks are launched by Huawei today.

Huawei is heading towards expanding its laptop segments globally. As you can see, the company introduced three new laptops- MateBook X, MateBook E and MateBook D at a news conference held in Berlin.

These three personal computer models are made available at a reasonable price. Huawei's Matebook X is a 13-inch notebook priced between EUR 1,399 and 1,699 (roughly Rs. 1,01,400-Rs. 1,23,200) , the Matebook E is a 2-in-1 notebook which is placed at a price range of EUR 999 - 1,299 (roughly Rs. 72,400-Rs. 94,200) whereas, the Matebook D is a metallic notebook of 15.6-inch display costing EUR 799 to 999 (roughly Rs. 58,000-Rs. 72,400).

All the three PCs run seventh gen Intel microprocessors on it and Windows 10 software. They also include in-house developed software which is used to automate the transfer of data between Huawei smartphones and these newly launched models. The company plans to launch them in 12 countries in Asia, Middle East, Europe, and North America in the beginning of June.

ASUS will be the first one to launch AMD Ryzen powered laptops: Report

MateBook X MateBook X is a 13-inch notebook having an aluminum clamshell design with Intel Core i5 and i7 processors. The device is backed by a powerful battery which can last up to ten hours even while watching 1080p videos. With a storage option of 256GB/512GB SSD, it will have either 4GB/8GB RAM. The power button is also designed to function as a Windows Hello-compatible fingerprint reader. MateBook E The MateBook E can be considered as an updated version of the original MateBook. It comes with the same basic design which even includes the leather folio keyboard in it. The display has been upgraded here to a 2K panel and it is capable of offering up to nine hours of battery life. Also Read: Microsoft Surface Pro 5 to be unveiled today at 4:30 PM; follow the event live MateBook D The MateBook D is a 15-inch notebook comes with a 1080p display with Intel i5 and i7 processor and 4GB/8GB/16GB of RAM. You can choose between a 1TB hard drive or any additional SSD. Some models are expected to come with the Nvidia GeForce 940 MX graphics card as well.

Best Mobiles in India

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Airlander 10: Worlds Largest Aircraft Completes Test Flight

Published: May 24, 2017

Airlander 10, the worlds largest aircraft has successfully completed a test flight by flying for a total of 180 minutes in Cardington, UK. During the test flight, the aircrafts handling and improved landing technology were tested thus bringing it a step closer to commercial use.

Airlander 10

Airlander 10 is hybrid ship i.e. it is a partly plane and partly airship filled with helium gas. It combines technology from airplanes, helicopters and airships. It is 92-metre-long and 43.5m wide. It can fly at up to 6,100 metres and reach speeds of 148 kilometres per hour. It can also carry a 10-tonne payload. It can stay airborne for more than two weeks unmanned and up to five days if manned. It was first developed for the US Government as a surveillance aircraft, but the project was shelved amid defence cutbacks.

The first test flight of Airlander 10 was carried out on August 17, 2016. During its second test flight, Airlander 10 suffered cockpit damage while landing in Bedfordshire in central England.



Month: Current Affairs - May, 2017

Topics: Airlander 10  International

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Defense Contractor Employee Pleads Guilty to Selling Satellite Secrets to Undercover Agent Posing as Russian Spy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, May 22, 2017

Today, Gregory Allen Justice, 49, of Culver City, California, pleaded guilty to federal charges of one count of attempting to commit economic espionage and one count of attempting to violate the Arms Export Control Act. The charges are related to Justice's selling sensitive satellite information to a person he believed to be an agent of a Russian intelligence service. Justice was an engineer who worked for a cleared defense contractor. Specifically, he worked on military and commercial satellite programs.

The announcement was made by Acting Assistant Attorney General for National Security Dana J. Boente and Acting U.S. Attorney Sandra R. Brown for the Central District of California.

According to a plea agreement filed in this case, Justice stole proprietary trade secrets from his employer and provided them to a person he believed to be a Russian agent  but who in fact was an undercover FBI employee.

In addition to their proprietary nature, the documents contained technical data covered by the U.S. Munitions List and therefore were subject to controls restricting export from the U.S. under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations.

In exchange for providing these materials during a series of meeting between February and July of 2016, Justice sought and received thousands of dollars in cash payments. During one meeting, Justice and the undercover agent discussed developing a relationship like one depicted on the television show "The Americans," and during their final meeting, Justice offered to take the undercover agent on a tour of his employer's production facilities where Justice said all military spacecraft were built, according to the plea agreement.

Justice faces a maximum sentence of 35 years in prison. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes. If convicted of any offense, the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Justice pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge George Wu, who scheduled a sentencing hearing for September 18. Justice has been in custody since his arrest in July 2016.

This case was investigated by the FBI and the Air Force Office of Special Investigations.

Attorneys from the Terrorism and Export Crimes Section of the U.S. Attorney's Office and the National Security Division's Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the case.

Topic(s):

Counterintelligence and Export Control

Component(s):

National Security Division (NSD)

USAO - California, Central

Press Release Number: 17-557

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DIA Director Testifies on Top Five Global Military Threats

By Cheryl Pellerin DoD News, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON, May 23, 2017  North Korea, Russia, China, Iran and extremist organizations are the top five military threats facing the nation, the director of the Defense Intelligence Agency said here this morning.

Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Vincent R. Stewart testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee to discuss worldwide threats. Also testifying today was Daniel R. Coats, director of National Intelligence.

Expanding on the nature of the threats, Stewart said they include a nuclear-capable and increasingly provocative North Korea, a resurgent Russia, a modernizing China, an ambitious regional power in Iran and violent extremist organizations.

The last category encompasses ongoing operations in Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria and elsewhere, the general noted.

"We in DIA call these our no-fail missions because the risk is too high for us to fail in pursuing these missions," Stewart added.

North Korea's Trajectory

The world is focused on events in Pyongyang and for good reasons, Stewart told the panel.

"Since assuming power, Kim Jong Un has conducted three nuclear tests and the regime has tested an unprecedented number of ballistic missiles of varying ranges over the past year," he said.

Despite technical shortfalls, the regime has achieved key milestones in specific systems and engineers get valuable data and insights from each test, Stewart observed.

"If left on its current trajectory, the regime will ultimately succeed in fielding a nuclear-armed missile capable of threatening the United States homeland," the general said, adding that it's impossible to say when the capability will be operational but the regime is committed and on a sure path to the capability.

Russia's Key Objective

Stewart said Russia sees military power as critical to achieving key strategic objective and the nation devotes significant resources to its military modernization program.

"The Russian government seeks to be the center of influence in what it describes as a multi-polar, post-West world order," he explained.

To support this worldview, he said, Moscow pursues aggressive foreign and defense policies by using a full spectrum of influence and coercion aimed at challenging U.S. interests around the globe.

Out-of-area operations remain a priority as demonstrated by its ongoing deployment to Syria and long-range aviation approaching U.S. airspace.

China's Military Modernization

China is in the third decade of an unprecedented military modernization program involving weapon systems, doctrine, tactics and training, and space and cyber operations, Stewart said.

The nation now stands firmly as a near-peer U.S. competitor, the general added.

New bases are being built in the South China Sea and Stewart said that evidence suggests the outposts will be used for military purposes.

"A key component of China's strategy for a regional contingency is planning for potential U.S. intervention in a conflict in the region," he added. "Its navy remains on a course for 350 ships by the year 2020 and anti-access, area-denial capabilities continue to improve."

Iran's Regional Security Threat

In Iran, despite sanctions Tehran is putting considerable resources into conventional military priorities such as ballistic and cruise missiles, naval systems, unmanned aerial vehicles and air defense systems that could threaten the U.S. and its interests in the region, Stewart said.

"Iran's conventional military doctrine is designed to protect Iran from the consequences of its assertive regional policy," he added, noting that policy is spearheaded by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard's Kuds Force and its regional proxy Lebanese Hezbollah, and in concert with certain Iraqi Shia militias and the Houthis, a Shia-led movement.

"We should expect Iran to continue to undermine the current regional security architecture," the general said, "using terrorist organizations and proxies to complicate U.S. efforts throughout the region."

Transregional Terrorism

Steady progress is being made against transregional terrorism but there is still a long way to go, Stewart said.

The Islamic State in Iraq and Syria has been diminished in Libya, he added. Soon it will lose control of Mosul and of its capital in Raqqa, which is now nearly isolated by counter-ISIS local fighters.

"We've killed many ISIS and al-Qaida leaders, and numerous terrorist plots have been averted," Stewart said.

Trend lines are moving in the right direction but the fight will not end soon, he noted, adding that the enemy is highly adaptable and capable, and instability and under-governed territory may give them opportunities to resurge.

"I'm particularly concerned about the long-term impact of returning foreign fighters and the potential for these groups to capitalize on the proliferation of armed unmanned aerial vehicles to do harm to U.S. and our allied interests," the general said.

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Russia 'brazenly interfered' in US election: Former CIA chief

Iran Press TV

Tue May 23, 2017 4:43PM

Former CIA Director John Brennan has publicly said Russia "brazenly interfered" with the US presidential election and that he was aware of interactions between members of Donald Trump's campaign and Russian officials.

"It should be clear to everyone Russia brazenly interfered in our 2016 presidential election process and that they undertook these activities despite our strong protests and explicit warning that they do not do so," Brennan said in testimony before the House Intelligence Committee on Tuesday.

Brennan told lawmakers he became concerned last year that Moscow was trying to influence people involved in Trump's presidential campaign.

"I encountered and am aware of information and intelligence that revealed contacts and interactions between Russian officials and US persons involved in the Trump campaign that I was concerned about because of known Russian efforts to suborn such individuals," he said.

"It raised questions in my mind about whether Russia was able to gain the cooperation of those individuals," he added.

The former CIA chief said he did not know if there had been any intentional "collusion" between Trump associates and the Russian government. "I saw interaction that in my mind raised questions of whether it was collusion."

However, he said there was a sufficient basis of information and intelligence that warranted further investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to determine "whether US persons were actively colluding."

Pressed by lawmakers to provide evidence that the Russian government was trying to influence the 2016 election, Brennan said, "I don't do evidence, I do intelligence."

"I saw information and intelligence that was worthy of investigation by the bureau (FBI) to determine whether or not such cooperation or collusion was taking place," Brennan replied.

He declined to elaborate, saying the information was classified.

Brennan also said that Trump might have broken protocol if he indeed shared highly classified information with senior Russian officials at a recent White House meeting.

During another congressional hearing on Tuesday, Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats refused to answer questions on whether President Trump asked him to push back against allegations of collusion with Russia.

"I don't feel it's appropriate to characterize discussions and conversations with the president," said Coats, a former Republican senator from Indiana, at the Senate Armed Services Committee.

Former FBI Director James Comey, who was fired by Trump this month, has also agreed to testify in an "open session" of the Senate Intelligence Committee on the bureau's ongoing investigation about Russia.

Trump's surprise decision to dismiss Comey triggered questions on Capitol Hill whether the president obstructed justice by seeking to thwart the FBI investigation.

The US intelligence community concluded in January that Russia tried to influence the presidential election in favor of Trump, including by launching an extensive hacking campaign against senior Democrats.

The Kremlin has categorically denied the allegation. Trump has also rejected the accusations as "baseless" and has called the FBI probe a "witch hunt."

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Ex-CIA Chief Brennan Complained To FSB Director In August Of Election Meddling

Mike Eckel May 23, 2017

WASHINGTON -- Former CIA Director John Brennan said he spoke directly to the head of Russia's main security agency last summer, complaining about the harassment of U.S. diplomats and apparent Russian efforts to meddle in the presidential election campaign.

Brennan told the House Intelligence Committee that the conversation with Federal Security Service (FSB) Director Aleksandr Bortnikov occurred on August 4, as the U.S. presidential campaign was ramping up.

In his testimony to the House committee on May 23, Brennan said he told Bortnikov that continued Russian interference would backfire and prevent any warming of relations between Moscow and Washington.

Bortnikov responded that he would discuss the issue with President Vladimir Putin, Brennan said.

"I believe I was the first U.S. official to brace the Russians on this matter," he told the committee.

The Kremlin has repeatedly denied the U.S. allegations.

Brennan's remarks come as the scope and pace of investigations into Russia's alleged election meddling increases, along with congressional and FBI probes into the communications between associates of President Donald Trump and Russian officials.

"It should be clear to everyone Russia brazenly interfered in our 2016 presidential election process and that they undertook these activities despite our strong protests and explicit warning that they do not do so," he said.

Those suspicions have shadowed Trump's administration since he took office in January.

The same month that Brennan spoke to Bortnikov, the FBI opened an investigation into possible collusion between Trump's associates and Russian officials.

Collusion 'Worthy Of Investigation'

Among the officials whose actions are under scrutiny are Michael Flynn, Trump's first national security adviser. He was fired in February after he misled White House officials about the nature of his interactions with Russian officials, including Russian Ambassador Sergei Kislyak.

Earlier this month, Trump abruptly fired FBI Director James Comey, triggering a political uproar in Washington. The New York Times later reported that Trump had pressed Comey to drop the investigation of Flynn.

That prompted more concern that the White House was attempting to obstruct an ongoing criminal investigation. Ultimately, it led the Justice Department to appoint a special counsel to oversee the agency's probes into the Trump administration.

Concern deepened on May 10, the day after Comey's firing, when Trump hosted an unusual White House meeting with Kislyak and visiting Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. The Times later reported that Trump told Lavrov that Comey's firing had relieved pressure on the White House.

During the May 23 House hearing, Brennan, who resigned as CIA director in January, was pressed on whether he saw intelligence indicating collusion or coordination between Trump associates and Russian officials.

Brennan suggested he had.

"I saw information and intelligence that was worthy of investigation by the [FBI] to determine whether or not such cooperation or collusion was taking place," he said. "I encountered and am aware of information and intelligence that revealed contacts and interactions between Russian officials and U.S. persons involved in the Trump campaign."

Meanwhile, at a simultaneous hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee, the current director of National Intelligence, Dan Coats, was asked about a Washington Post report that said Trump had asked him and the head of the National Security Agency to publicly deny any collusion between the White House and Russian officials.

Coats did not deny the report, but said he didn't want to publicly discuss his conversations with Trump.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/u-s-russia-brennan-fsb- election-meddling-collusion/28504859.html

Copyright (c) 2017. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Reports: Trump Asked Intel Chiefs to Disavow Russian Collusion With His Campaign

By Ken Bredemeier May 23, 2017

U.S. President Donald Trump asked two of the country's top intelligence chiefs to publicly disavow possible Russian collusion with his election campaign, but the officials considered the request to be inappropriate and refused, U.S. media reports say.

Trump made separate appeals in March to Daniel Coats, the national intelligence director, and to Admiral Michael Rogers, the director of the National Security Agency, according to U.S. news accounts citing current and former U.S. officials. Trump urged them to rebut claims that Russia coordinated its effort with Trump campaign aides to help the real-estate-magnate-turned-Republican-politician win the White House.

The president sought the help from Coats and Rogers shortly after James Comey, the then-director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, told lawmakers the FBI was investigating possible collusion between Russian interests and Trump aides during the 2016 election.

Brennan said he did not know whether the Trump campaign colluded with Russian interests.

Brennan said he "encountered and am aware of information and intelligence that revealed contacts and interactions between Russian officials and U.S. persons involved in the Trump campaign that I was concerned about because of known Russian efforts to suborn such individuals. It raised questions in my mind about whether Russia was able to gain the cooperation of those individuals."

At a congressional hearing Tuesday, Coats did not deny the report but declined to comment about it.

Coats said several investigations of Trump campaign links with Russia "are in place to get us to the right conclusion with a known result," so the country can move on to deal with other issues.

At a second congressional hearing, former Central Intelligence Agency director John Brennan told lawmakers, "It should be clear to everyone that Russia brazenly interfered in our 2016 presidential election process and that they undertook these activities despite our strong protests, and explicit warning that they not do so." But he said he did not know whether the Trump campaign colluded with Russian interests.

Trump fired Comey two weeks ago. He said that at the time he was thinking of "this Russia thing" when he dismissed Comey as head of the country's top law enforcement agency because he considers the possible Russia-Trump campaign link as an excuse opposition Democrats are using to explain the stunning upset election loss of Trump's opponent, former U.S. secretary of state Hillary Clinton.

Obstruction of justice

Subsequently, reports emerged that Trump in several conversations with Comey had asked for his personal loyalty, which Comey declined to offer. According to the reports, Trump also asked the FBI chief to back off his investigation of Trump's first national security adviser, retired Army General Michael Flynn. Trump ousted Flynn in February after just 24 days on the job when it came to light that Flynn had lied to Vice President Mike Pence about his contacts with Russia's ambassador to Washington in the weeks before Trump took office in late January.

Some Democrats have suggested that Trump's actions amount to obstruction of justice, an impeachable offense.

Last week, against White House wishes, Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, named another former FBI director, Robert Mueller, as special counsel to lead the criminal investigation of possible Russian collusion with the Trump campaign.

Several congressional panels are also investigating Russian meddling in the election, including hacking into the computer of Clinton's campaign chief, John Podesta, and the subsequent release of thousands of his emails by the anti-secrecy group WikiLeaks that showed embarrassing behind-the-scenes efforts by Democratic operatives to help Clinton win the party's presidential nomination. Clinton has blamed the release of the emails in the weeks leading up to the November 8 election as partly to blame for her loss.

The White House offered no comment on the reported calls Trump made to Coats and Rogers.

"The White House does not confirm or deny unsubstantiated claims based on illegal leaks from anonymous individuals," a spokesperson said. "The President will continue to focus on his agenda that he was elected to pursue by the American people."

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Israel Alters Intelligence Sharing with US

By Ken Bredemeier May 24, 2017

Israel says it has changed its intelligence-sharing protocols with the United States after President Donald Trump disclosed classified information to Russian diplomats earlier this month that had come from Israel, even though Tel Aviv had not assented to his handing it to another country.

Israeli defense chief Avigdor Liberman told Army Radio on Wednesday, "I can confirm that we did a spot repair and that there's unprecedented intelligence cooperation with the United States."

He added, "What we had to clarify with our friends in the United States, we did. We did our checks."

Liberman declined to say what changes had been made. "Not everything needs to be discussed in the media; some things need to be talked about in closed rooms," he said.

Trump's disclosure came two weeks ago as he met at the White House with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Moscow's ambassador to Washington, Sergey Kislyak. The U.S. leader, according to accounts of the meeting in U.S. media, boasted that he had "great intel," revealing classified information about an Islamic State threat involving bombs implanted inside laptop computers carried on airplanes.

After U.S. news reports that Trump shared the information, he wrote on his Twitter account, "As President I wanted to share with Russia [at an openly scheduled W.H. meeting] which I have the absolute right to do, facts pertaining to terrorism and airline flight safety. Humanitarian reasons, plus I want Russia to greatly step up their fight against ISIS & terrorism."

The issue came up again on his just completed visit to Israel, at one of Trump's several public appearances alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

When Netanyahu was asked about his confidence in Israel sharing intelligence with the United States, Trump quieted a crowd of reporters shouting questions at the two leaders and said, "Just so you understand, I never mentioned the word or the name 'Israel' during that conversation. They were all saying I did, so you had another story wrong."

"Intelligence cooperation is terrific," Netanyahu said after Trump spoke. "It's never been better."

The original reports said only that Trump had disclosed enough highly classified information that Russian security agents could likely have figured out that the source of the report was Israel. Within days, Washington officials acknowledged the source was indeed Israel.

Last week, Foreign Policy magazine said Israeli officials were "shouting at their American counterparts" over the leak, while ABC News reported the information had come from an Israeli agent embedded with Islamic State fighters and Trump's leak had put the agent's life in peril.

As news of the intelligence leak surfaced in Washington, U.S. National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster said Trump's conversations were "wholly appropriate. The president wasn't even aware of where this information came from. He wasn't even briefed on the sources or method of this information, either."

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Counter-ISIS Strikes Hit Terrorists in Syria, Iraq

From a Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve News Release

SOUTHWEST ASIA, May 23, 2017  U.S. and coalition military forces continued to attack the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria yesterday, conducting 27 strikes consisting of 99 engagements, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.

Officials reported details of yesterday's strikes, noting that assessments of results are based on initial reports.

Strikes in Syria

In Syria, coalition military forces conducted 18 strikes consisting of 37 engagements against ISIS targets:

-- Near Dayr Az Zawr, five strikes destroyed four ISIS oil trucks, three ISIS pump jacks, and an ISIS wellhead.

-- Near Raqqa, 13 strikes engaged 11 ISIS tactical units; destroyed 15 fighting positions, two vehicles and a weapons cache; and damaged an ISIS supply route.

Strikes in Iraq

In Iraq, coalition military forces conducted nine strikes consisting of 62 engagements against ISIS targets:

-- Near Abu Kamal, a strike destroyed an ISIS staging area.

-- Near Qaim, a strike destroyed an air artillery system.

-- Near Haditha, a strike engaged an ISIS tactical unit; destroyed two weapons caches, a fighting position, an ISIS staging area and a house-borne bomb.

-- Near Mosul, five strikes engaged five ISIS tactical units and a sniper; destroyed 20 fighting positions, seven vehicle bombs, six medium machine guns, five rocket-propelled grenade systems, three rocket systems, a weapons cache, a command-and-control node, a vehicle, a mortar system, a house-borne bomb; damaged 21 ISIS supply routes, a tunnel, a fighting position; and suppressed four ISIS tactical units.

-- Near Rawah, a strike destroyed a weapons storage site.

Additionally, a strike was conducted in Syria May 21 that closed within the last 24 hours:

-- Near Dayr Az Zawr, a strike destroyed seven ISIS oil barrels, two ISIS wellheads and one ISIS fuel truck.

Part of Operation Inherent Resolve

These strikes were conducted as part of Operation Inherent Resolve, the operation to destroy ISIS in Iraq and Syria. The destruction of ISIS targets in Iraq and Syria also further limits the group's ability to project terror and conduct external operations throughout the region and the rest of the world, task force officials said.

The list above contains all strikes conducted by fighter, attack, bomber, rotary-wing or remotely piloted aircraft; rocket-propelled artillery; and some ground-based tactical artillery when fired on planned targets, officials noted.

Ground-based artillery fired in counterfire or in fire support to maneuver roles is not classified as a strike, they added. A strike, as defined by the coalition, refers to one or more kinetic engagements that occur in roughly the same geographic location to produce a single or cumulative effect. For example, task force officials explained, a single aircraft delivering a single weapon against a lone ISIS vehicle is one strike, but so is multiple aircraft delivering dozens of weapons against a group of ISIS-held buildings and weapon systems in a compound, having the cumulative effect of making that facility harder or impossible to use. Strike assessments are based on initial reports and may be refined, officials said.

The task force does not report the number or type of aircraft employed in a strike, the number of munitions dropped in each strike, or the number of individual munition impact points against a target.

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Defense Budget Request Seeks to Balance Current, Future Needs

By Jim Garamone DoD News, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON, May 23, 2017  President Donald J. Trump's fiscal year 2018 Defense Department budget request proposes a $52.4 billion increase over the 2017 request and seeks to shore up readiness, procure systems for the future and fully fund operations worldwide.

The budget request is $574.5 billion, with a $64.6 billion request for overseas contingency operations. Officials said the budget request -- that still must be passed by Congress -- reverses the manpower decline with funding that would put the services on track to increase by 56,000 service members.

Balancing Readiness Needs

The president's budget request seeks to balance the needs of near-term readiness -- and the necessity to train forces for conflict -- with the needs of the future force, officials said, adding that it breaks through the cap set by the Budget Control Act of 2011 by $52 billion and will require congressional action.

Active duty end strength is set at 1,314,000, with the Army holding steady at 476,000, the Navy increasing by 1,408 to 327,000, the Marine Corps growing by 574 to 185,000 and the Air Force growing by 3,975 to 325,100. The reserve force will grow by 2,085 to a total of 815,900. The total of military strength will rise by 8,042 to 2,129,900.

The total change in size in both the fiscal 2017 budget and the 2018 budget request is 56,400 total.

On the pay side, the budget calls for a 2.1 percent pay raise for military personnel and 1.9 percent for civilians.

By service, the Army is budgeted at $137.1 billion, the Navy at $171.5 billion, the Air Force at $165.5 billion and Defense-wide money is set at $100.4 billion.

Operations, Maintenance

The operations and maintenance account is by far the largest section of the request's base budget set at $223.3 billion. Military personnel accounts come in at $141.6 billion and procurement is set at $115 billion. Research and engineering comes in at $82.7 billion and military construction is set at $11.9 billion.

Restoring service readiness is key to the budget, officials said, adding that the Budget Control Act of 2011 decimated service readiness and imposed severe cuts in training, spare parts, steaming days and flight hours. This budget request posits 19 training rotations for Army units in their "high-end" collective training sites, officials said, and it also increases money spent on ship maintenance, looking to reduce waiting times, and increases flight hours for naval aviators.

The Marine Corps portion of the budget request funds the forward-deployed special-purpose Marine air-ground task forces and bumps up funding in maintenance and modernization programs. Air Force money targets the pilot and aircraft maintenance shortage and funds weapons sustainment programs.

Special Operations

Money aimed at U.S. Special Operations Command funds more intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capacity and modernization of intelligence, targeting and strike enablers.

Procurement is led by 70 F-35 Lightning II joint strike fighters for $10.8 billion. The Air Force will also begin replacing its aging aerial refueling fleet with a $3.1 billion buy of 15 KC-46 Pegasus tankers, and its portion of the budget request includes $2 billion for the B-21 Raider long-range bomber. The Army's big buy is 61 Apache attack helicopters at $1.4 billion and 48 Black Hawk choppers at $1.1 billion.

The Navy request includes $5.5 billion for two Virginia-class submarines, $4 billion for two Burke-class Aegis destroyers, $1.2 billion for a littoral combat ship and $4.6 billion for the Ford-class aircraft carrier program.

The budget request also includes $1.1 billion for 2,775 joint light tactical vehicles, and it seeks the authority to convene a new round of base closures in 2021.

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Official: Budget Request Allows DoD to Get Ready, Balanced, More Lethal

By Jim Garamone DoD News, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON, May 23, 2017  The president's fiscal year 2018 defense budget request furthers the administration's strategy to "get ready, get balanced and get bigger and more lethal," DoD budgeteers told reporters at the Pentagon today.

John P. Roth, performing duties as the DoD comptroller, and Army Lt. Gen. Anthony R. Ierardi, the Joint Staff's director of force structure, resources and assessment, discussed the fiscal 2018 request, which is pegged at $639.1 billion, spoke during a news briefing.

"The intent is for the fiscal '18 budget request to be the next step in rebuilding the U.S. armed forces," Roth said. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis has stressed the three-step process in rebuilding the military that the administration adopted. "Our request in fiscal '17 for more resources, culminating in the fiscal '17 appropriations act, was intended to address near-term readiness," Roth said. "The department is already applying those funds to "get ready."

Balancing Current Operations, Future Needs

The 2018 request will build on that readiness and help balance the force between current operations and future needs. "Our goal in fiscal 2019 is to sustain the gains we hopefully will make in fiscal '17 and fiscal '18, and, by that time informed by the new National Defense Strategy, we will build further to create a bigger, more lethal force," he said.

The base budget request is $574.5 billion, and overseas contingency operations are pegged at $64.6 billion. The base budget exceeds the Budget Control Act of 2011 cap by $52 billion. "It is absolutely essential for us -- in order to achieve the goals and meet the strategy, we must increase the defense budget cap. We have to reverse defense sequestration in order to protect U.S. national security," Roth emphasized.

Since the Budget Control Act was enacted, the world has become much more unpredictable and dangerous, he said. Since 2011, the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria swept across the Middle East, a revanchist Russia is causing problems in Europe and the Middle East, and China is rising and attempting to extend its sphere of influence.

In that same period of time, the Budget Control Act cut funds to the military, making it "smaller. "Readiness has eroded, and readiness has been deferred," Roth said. "That's not a good place to be."

Significant Investment in Preparedness

Rebuilding readiness is the key to the military moving forward, Ierardi said.

"The '18 budget puts significant investment in the aspect of unit preparedness," the general told reporters. "[This involves] training, maintenance and modernization to restore warfighting readiness while setting the conditions for future sustained comprehensive readiness."

The military had been taking money from modernization accounts and applying it to units that were deploying, the general said. The fiscal 2018 budget request "allows us to fill those holes and allow us to recover full-spectrum readiness  readiness to operate in different theaters, against different adversaries in different periods of time," Ierardi said.

The budget request calls for another round of base closures and realignments in 2021. "In order to get a round done in 2021, you have to begin analysis and the process now," Roth explained.

The last round of BRAC was in 2005, and the closure process saves DoD $12 billion a year, he said. "That is a gift that keeps giving," he added.

The department is asking for the authority to launch a study on BRAC now, as current legislation forbids the department from even studying the process. Previous studies said DoD had 20 percent more posts, bases and installations than it needed, Roth noted. "If that is even close to correct, we could save roughly $2 billion a year that we could invest in readiness and modernization," he said.

The total requested for overseas contingency operations in fiscal 2018 is $64.6 billion. Roth said plans are under discussion that may raise that level and that the administration will go to Congress with a request for more money if needed.

Future-year defense spending is under review, Roth said. Mattis will base any future-year budget decisions on the National Defense Strategy, which has not yet begun, DoD officials said.

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US, Philippine forces 'shoulder-to-shoulder' exercise strengthens interoperability

By U.S. Marine Staff Sgt. Vanessa Atchley, Senior Airman Corey Pettis May 23, 2017

FORT MAGSAYSAY, Santa Rosa -- Balikatan is a Filipino term meaning "shoulder-to-shoulder" and is an annual exercise involving the U.S. military and the Armed Forces of the Philippines, designed to build bilateral partnership by joining forces to complete humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, as well as counterterrorism training. The completion of Balikatan 2017 ended with a closing ceremony, May 18.

Approximately 5,500 U.S. and the Armed Forces of the Philippines forces conducted a series of humanitarian civic assistance to improve U.S.-Philippine interoperability. During these events, Philippine and U.S. service members conducted multiple engineering civic assistance projects in communities on Panay, Leyte and Samar.

Philippine Army Col. Laurence E. Mina, deputy assistance chief of staff, training and education staff, and U.S. Army Lt. Col. Teddy Kleisner, commander, 1st Battalion 23rd Infantry Regiment, congratulated Philippine and U.S. forces on the completion of their humanitarian assistance and disaster relief training.

As part of the relief efforts during the training, the Philippine and U.S. forces also performed search and rescue missions, disaster relief simulations and first responder training by performing a simulated downed pilot scenario in conjunction with a mass casualty evacuation.

"We're grateful that exercise Balikatan happened for us," Kleinser said, adding that the exercise focused on important security issues for both the Philippines and the United States.

Along with the HADR missions, the combined forces of the Philippines and the United States still managed to perform counterterrorism training, jungle survival training and community relations work to help build classrooms and restore schools.

The 33rd iteration of the annual U.S.-Philippine bilateral military exercise started May 8. The U.S Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines, alongside multinational forces from Australia, Japan and the Philippines participated. The exercise heightened interoperability while maintaining a strong partnership that brought multiple countries together, intensifying the spirit of the Balikatan exercise.

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U.S. Department of Defense

Press Operations

News Release

May 23, 2017

DoD Releases Fiscal Year 2018 Budget Proposal

Today President Donald J. Trump sent Congress a proposed budget request of $639.1 billion, $574.5 billion in the base budget and $64.6 billion in the Overseas Contingency Operations (OCO) budget. This budget request is $52 billion above the defense budget cap in the Budget and Control Act (BCA) of 2011.

This funding is required to continue to rebuild warfighting readiness and will restore program balance by fixing the holes created by previous budget cuts. Since enactment of the BCA, the world has become more dangerous. Over this period, the military has become smaller and training, maintenance, and modernization have been deferred, resulting in degraded warfighting readiness. This budget request reverses that degradation and starts restoring the readiness of our armed forces to meet the challenges of today and the future. To do so, it is essential that the defense sequestration caps be reversed. As Secretary Mattis recently told members of Congress, the BCA and sequestration have "done more damage to our readiness than the enemies in the field."

The funding in the OCO budget provides resources in support of Operation Freedom's Sentinel (OFS) in Afghanistan, Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR) in Iraq and Syria and other global counterterrorism operations. In addition, the funds enhance U.S. assurance and deterrence in Eastern Europe through the European Reassurance Initiative (ERI).

The FY 2018 budget request is the second step in a three-step process to rebuild the Armed Forces. The first step was the FY 2017 Appropriations Act. That money is for immediate warfighting readiness shortfalls and funds the increased operating tempo in the fight against the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). This request builds on those resources and focuses on restoring a balanced defense program.

The FY 2018 budget request includes:

Sustainment of the increased manning levels for the Army and Marine Corps in the FY 2017 National Defense Authorization Act as well as increases in Air Force and Navy manning levels.

Additional funding for operating forces, logistics, maintenance, training and spares

Additional shipyard capacity and aviation depot maintenance for the Navy

Increased unit and flight training for the Army

Increased weapons sustainment and increased end strength to address pilot and maintainer shortfalls in the Air Force

Increased investment in a wide range of preferred munitions

Increased facilities sustainment, restoration and modernization across all Services

This budget request also invests in modernization and advanced capabilities to reassert our technological edge over future adversaries. Major investments include:

F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, 70 aircraft; $10.3 billion

KC-46 Tanker, 15 aircraft; $3.1 billion

B-21 Bomber, $2.0 billion

Virginia Class Submarine, 2 ships; $5.5 billion

DDG-51 Destroyers, 2 ships, $4.0 billion

CVN-78 Class Aircraft Carrier, 1 ship, $4.6 billion

Joint Light Tactical Vehicle, 2,647 vehicles; $1.1 billion

Science and Technology, $13.2 billion

The military and civilian personnel are the foundation of the Department and constitute its premier asset. They have the full support of the Nation to accomplish the arduous mission of defending the United States of America. This budget includes a 2.1% pay raise for military personnel and a 1.9% pay raise for civilian personnel. The budget supports a competitive compensation package that reflects the unique demands and sacrifices of our service members. The Department continues to seek compensation reforms that will:

Expand access to telehealth and nurse advice lines

Exempt medically retired and family members of those who die on active duty from cost share increases

Incentivize members to make effective choices between mail order versus retail pharmaceuticals

Modify blended retirement system to allow enlisted members beyond 26 years to receive government contributions under the Thrift Savings Plan

The Department continues to support a wide range of family support programs, such as:

Non-medical counseling services

Financial readiness training

Joint Family Support Assistance through Military One Source

Family Advocacy Program

Military Spouse Education and Career Assistance

Tuition Assistance for Off-Duty Education Support

Child and Youth Programs

The FY 2018 budget request also continues the broad institutional reform agenda, which will:

Continue the effort to reduce major headquarters activities staffs and overhead by 25%

Continue acquisition reform

Begin a full financial statement audit

Reorganize the acquisition management function

o Establish a chief technology officer



o Establish a chief acquisition and sustainment officer

Establish a Chief Management Officer

Elevate the Cyber Command

Seek authority to commence a new Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) round in FY 2021

The third step is the approval of the FY 2019 budget (and beyond). This budget will be the first budget informed by the new National Defense Strategy that the Department is currently developing. With that strategy in hand, the Department will be able to determine the budget needed to rebuild capacity and lethality across the Joint Force.

Highlights of the proposed budget are outlined in the attached charts. The entire budget proposal and additional material are available at http://comptroller.defense.gov/budgetmaterials.aspx.



FY 2018 Base Funding Graphic





FY 2018 OCO Funding Graphic





FY 2018 Total Base and OCO Funding Graphic





http://www.defense.gov/News/News-Releases/News-Release-View/Article/1190216/

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I MEF reserve Marines support Joint Task Force exercise

US Marine Corps News

By Courtesy Story | May 23, 2017

Marines, soldiers, airmen, and sailors from reserve component units across the country supported I Marine Expeditionary Force Joint Task Force Operational Capability Assessment here, May 8-18, 2017.

During the exercise, I MEF took the role of Joint Task Force headquarters providing command and control, planning and communications that focused on regional stability and contingency training in notional support of a U.S. partner nation.

Eighty-three reserve Marines from I MEF, 1st Civil Affairs Group, and other U.S. Marine Corps Forces Reserve units supported key staff functions providing subject-matter expertise to the JTF headquarters at Camp Pendleton and a forward element at Yuma, Ariz. The I MEF staff was also augmented by 29 joint U.S. service members from the Air Force, Navy and Army reserves.

Col. Luis Del Valle, 1st CAG commanding officer said "First CAG's seamless support of I MEF during (the exercise), demonstrates the 'Ready to Fight Tonight' mindset instilled in the reserve component."

OCA was one of many large-scale exercises that the reserve component supports throughout the year. This ensures an operational reserve that is ready, relevant and responsive in order to provide value-added capabilities to global requirements.

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Taliban raid kills 10 Afghan troops in Kandahar

Iran Press TV

Tue May 23, 2017 10:22AM

At least 10 Afghan soldiers have been killed and nine others wounded in a Taliban attack on a military base in southern Afghanistan, officials said.

A Defense Ministry statement said on Tuesday that militants had attacked the Achakzai camp of army corps 205 in Shah Wali Kot district in southern Kandahar Province the night before, killing 10 soldiers and wounding nine others.

A local security source was, however, cited in Afghan press reports as saying that 11 soldiers had lost their lives in the Monday night attack.

Defense Ministry spokesman Dawlat Waziri separately said that Afghan troops battled the Taliban militants for several hours, killing at least 12 of them.

Earlier, on Sunday, six police officers were killed and three more wounded in another Taliban attack in the southern Helmand Province, local authorities confirmed Tuesday.

The deadly attack took place in the Sangin district of the province when a number of the militants raided a police checkpoint and clashed with security forces, Provincial Police Chief Aqa Noor Kentozai said.

"The insurgents also took Abdul Malek, the commander of the check post, with them after he was injured in the clash," said Kentozai.

The number of Taliban attacks across Afghanistan climbs drastically every spring, when the militants increasingly target government officials and US-led foreign forces in the country. Many ordinary people often fall victim to such attacks as well.

Over 1,000 members of Afghan security forces as well as over 700 civilians have so far been killed this year, according to Afghan authorities and figures cited by the US-based Congressional watchdog Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR).

The US military is considering whether to deploy 3,000 to 5,000 more military advisers to help train and assist Afghan security forces battling a 16-year militancy by the Taliban after a US-led military invasion ousted the group from power in 2001.

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US attack kills 7 in central Yemen: Pentagon

Iran Press TV

Tue May 23, 2017 4:51AM

At least seven people have lost their lives in a US ground and aerial operation in Yemen's central province of Ma'rib, the Pentagon says.

Centcom, the US military command in the Middle East, said in a statement that the Tuesday raid had been carried out with the support of the former Yemeni government and had targeted a compound belonging to the al-Qaeda militant group.

"During this operation, US forces killed seven AQAP (Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula) militants through a combination of small arms fire and precision airstrikes," the statement read.

It said that such assaults "provide insight into AQAP's disposition, capabilities and intentions," apparently referring to intelligence that may be obtained as a result of the raids.

On January 29, a similar US attack was conducted in Yakla Village in Bayda Province, the first authorized by President Donald Trump. A $75-million US aircraft was destroyed while dozens of Yemeni civilians and a US Navy SEAL were killed in the ill-prepared commando raid.

The Pentagon claimed that the attack had produced intelligence about al-Qaeda. However, senior US officials rejected the claim, saying that they were not aware of any actionable intelligence.

Yemen has been under regular US drone strikes, with Washington claiming to be targeting al-Qaeda elements while local sources say civilians have been the main victims.

Yemen has also been under military strikes in a prolonged war by Saudi Arabia and a number of its client states since late March 2015. The US has been providing assistance to that war, too.

UN envoy seeks to prevent any attack on crucial port city

On Monday, the United Nations' Special Envoy for Yemen Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed traveled to Yemen, where he said he wanted to prevent any attack on the western port city of Hudaydah, which is a major lifeline for imports into Yemen.

Saudi Arabia has threatened to attack the port city and retake it from the Houthi Ansarullah movement, a popular movement that has teamed up with the Yemeni army to defend the country against the Saudi-led war.

Cheikh Ahmed also stressed that Yemen's central bank "must remain independent and must belong to all the Yemeni people."

He further voiced concern about the dire humanitarian situation, saying, "You all know that the cholera epidemic has increased, reaching more than 25,000 cases and there have been many deaths in less than two weeks."

The UN envoy's visit to Yemen was met with protests as some 200 people marched from the UN headquarters in Sana'a to the city's airport.

The demonstrators pelted Ahmed's motorcade with rocks, shoes, and eggs as the Mauritanian diplomat was leaving the Sana'a Airport. His bodyguards fired into the air to disperse the crowd.

The Yemeni protesters carried banners, reading "Lift the blockade of Sana'a Airport." The airport has been closed to commercial flights since August 2016, after the Riyadh regime imposed an air embargo on it.

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Trump Calls On Israelis, Palestinians To Compromise For Peace

RFE/RL May 23, 2017

U.S. President Donald Trump has called on Israelis and Palestinians to reach a compromise for peace, saying that both sides showed readiness to do so during his two-day visit to Israel and the West Bank.

Trump, on his first trip abroad since taking office in January, is seeking progress toward what he has called the "ultimate deal" -- a peace pact between Israelis and Palestinians.

In a speech at the Israel Museum in Jerusalem on May 23, Trump reaffirmed what he called the unbreakable bond between the United States and the Jewish state, saying his administration "will always stand with Israel."

Trump said that his meeting in Bethlehem with Palestinian Authority President Mahmud Abbas earlier in the day led him to believe that "Palestinians are ready to reach for peace."

Trump, who held talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on May 22, said that Israel also wants peace but that the road toward a deal would be long and difficult.

"In my meeting with my very good friend Benjamin, I can tell you also that he is reaching for peace. He wants peace," Trump said.

"Making peace, however, will not be easy. We all know that. Both sides will face tough decisions," he said. "But with determination, compromise, and the belief that peace is possible, Israelis and Palestinians can make a deal."

'Personally Committed'

Trump said he was "personally committed to helping Israelis and Palestinians achieve a peace agreement," but also noted that Hamas and Hizballah rockets are still being launched into Israeli communities and schools.

Trump offered no specifics on how he planned to make progress in resolving the long-running conflict.

He did not specifically mention the two-state solution, which has long been the focus of international peace efforts and U.S. diplomacy in the Middle East.

Speaking alongside Trump, Netanyahu welcomed Abbas's condemnation of the deadly attack in the English city of Manchester.

Netanyahu, who has frequently accused Abbas of inciting violence, said that the Palestinian leader's condemnation could be "the first and the crucial step toward the road to a genuine peace."

Netanyahu also told Trump that a "durable peace" can be advanced under Trump's leadership.

In Bethlehem, Trump said that If Israel and the Palestinians can forge an agreement it could "begin a process of peace all throughout the Middle East."

Abbas said that he was eager to "keep the door open to dialogue with our Israeli neighbors."

He reiterated Palestinian demands including the establishment of a capital in East Jerusalem, territory Israel also claims.

Abbas said that "our problem is not with the Jewish religion, it's with the occupation and settlements, and with Israel not recognizing the state of Palestine."

Standing Ovation

In his Israel Museum remarks, Trump vowed that Iran would never possess nuclear weapons under his watch.

"Iran's leaders routinely call for Israel's destruction. Not with Donald J. Trump," he said, prompting a standing ovation from the audience.

Trump also called for building an international coalition of partners who share the aim of stamping out extremism and terrorism.

In remarks alongside Abbas, he condemned the bombing that killed at least 22 people including children in Manchester, saying it was carried out by "evil losers."

Trump offered his "deepest condolences" to the victims and their families, adding that "civilized nations must join together to protect human life."

The extremist group Islamic State (IS) claimed responsibility for the attack.

Trump also paid a visit to Yad Vashem, Israel's national Holocaust memorial, where he called the Nazi extermination of six million Jews "the most savage crime against God and his children."

Trump lit the memorial's eternal flame and laid a wreath in honor of the victims.

In brief comments, he called the Holocaust "history's darkest hour."

The only way to "prevent this agony from repeating," he said, is to never "be silent in the face of evil."

Trump was traveling from Israel to Rome and is to visit the Vatican on May 24 and meet with Pope Francis.

He had come to Israel from Saudi Arabia, where he attended a summit with leaders of predominantly Muslim countries.

The U.S. president is to attend a NATO meeting in Brussels on May 25 and a Group of Seven (G7) summit that is being held in Sicily on May 26-27.

With reporting by Reuters, AP, dpa, and AFP

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/trump-israel-palestine- abbas-bethlehem-jerusalem/28503602.html

Copyright (c) 2017. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Filipino President Duterte Introduces Martial Law in Country's South

Sputnik News

20:21 23.05.2017(updated 20:23 23.05.2017)

Philippines' President Rodrigo Duterte declared on Tuesday a martial law on the southern island of Mindanao, following the deadly firefight between government security forces and Islamists, Filipino Foreign Minister Alan Peter Cayetano said on Tuesday.

MOSCOW (Sputnik)  Earlier on Tuesday, the firefight between the Maute Islamist terror group and the government forces in Marawi City left one police officer killed and eight more injured.

"President's priority is always protection of the Filipinos within the framework of the constitution. We will follow all the rules and regulations," Cayetano said at the press conference in Moscow where Duterte is now with an official visit.

The outbreak of violence in Mindanao also urged Duterte to reschedule his meeting with Putin for late Tuesday instead of Thursday, as it was initially planned.

The Philippine southern island of Mindanao is regularly subjected to attacks by terrorist groups, in particular, Maute, Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and Abu Sayyaf militant groups, linked with Daesh terrorist group.

 Sputnik

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US Troops Wounded in Yemen Raid on Monday - Pentagon

Sputnik News

19:20 23.05.2017(updated 19:44 23.05.2017)

Several US troops were wounded in a raid conducted against the al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) terror group (banned in Russia) in the Marib Governorate of Yemen on Monday night, US Department of Defense spokesperson Capt. Jeff Davis said in a briefing on Tuesday.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik)  The spokesperson noted that at least seven AQAP militants died in the raid.

"There were injuries. We don't provide details on those," Davis told reporters.

Davis said the injuries sustained by the troops were not serious enough to require medical evacuation from the site. He decline to say how many service men were wounded.

The raid targeted an AQAP compound in Marib and was the first US operation in the governorate and the deepest the US troops have ever gone into Yemen, Davis stated.

The raid took place with Yemen's government support and did not cause civilian casualties, according to the Defense Department.

Yemen has been engulfed in military conflict between the government troops headed by Yemeni President Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi and the Houthi rebels, the country's main opposition force, who are backed by army units loyal to former Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh. The crisis has had the result of a rise in terror organizations in the country, with al-Qaeda being the most notorious.

Since March 2015, a Saudi-led coalition of mostly Persian Gulf countries has been carrying out airstrikes.

 Sputnik

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After being nominated earlier this year, Tiffany Miller, one of West County School Districts well-loved teachers, has been named the Missouri Educators of Family and Consumer Sciences (FACS) New Teacher of the Year.

Although Miller is now finishing up her sixth year teaching FACS courses, the qualifications for the award defined new teachers as having a minimum of three years to a maximum of five years, but are still eligible while in their sixth year of teaching the classes.

Nominated near the beginning of the year, Miller wasnt sure when the winner of the award would be announced but thought it might not happen until shortly before a summer Missouri career and technical education teachers conference in Springfield. So she was surprised when she got called into West County High School Principal Eric Moyers office a few days ago.

My principal called me into the office, which, even when youre a teacher and you get called to the office you wonder whats gonna happen, she said laughing. And so he called me in and hes got an envelope in his hand and he said, Hey, just wanted to congratulate you.

Miller said she wasnt sure what he meant because she had previously received an email message informing her all nominees would be receiving a letter shortly to let them know if they had won the award or not. When Moyers didnt specify for what he was congratulating her, she asked him why.

He said, Well, for being Missouri FACS teacher of the year, she said, adding that it was a genuine surprise to her because she tends to be a self-doubter who always feels she can do better.

Thats just my personality, said Miller.

She admitted it feels good to be recognized for her hard work and appreciates the congratulations shes been receiving from students and teachers alike.

Im excited, she said. Its cool.

FACS educators teach a wide variety of classes related to parenting and child development, food and nutrition, clothing and fashion, interior design and various life skills, such as college and career preparation, consumerism and finances. While most teachers are somewhat limited by established curriculum and state and district guidelines, FACS teachers have a bit more freedom to customize their classes to fit the needs of their students. In Millers case, she serves as FACS educator for West Countys high school and middle school, so designs her courses with students of different age groups and experiences in mind.

To be eligible for the award, FACS teachers must also be active in student extracurricular and community activities. Among her many contributions, Miller has led her Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) student group, and organizes West Countys annual Veterans and Senior Citizens Banquet each November. She helps plan numerous fundraising events each year and teaches students CPR during an afterschool program.

Miller has also helped her students organize and implement the cleanup and improvement of a nearby park in honor of Brandon Stark, a student who was killed in a car accident a few years ago.

Miller has been described by students and colleagues as someone who goes above and beyond to help people and someone who brings creativity and out-of-the-box thinking to the classroom in order to provide her students with the best possible learning experiences.

Shes more dedicated than Ive ever seen any teacher in this building, said David AuBuchon, president of FCCLA and one of Millers high school FACS students. Her schedule is more booked than the majority of the teachers in this school and yet she always manages to come out on top and everything just looks fantastic when shes done with it.

Miller makes her classes engaging, challenging and rewarding, Moyers said recently, and requires that all her students are active participants in the learning process.
Polish Navy Wants to Obtain 4 Submarines to 'Protect' Baltic Sea

Sputnik News

16:42 23.05.2017(updated 16:44 23.05.2017)

The Polish Navy wants to get at least four submarines to ensure its security in the Baltic Sea, Defense Minister Antoni Macierewicz said on Tuesday.

WARSAW (Sputnik)  He pointed out that the submarines must be equipped with weapons of destruction, not only with protection means. The minister did not specify when the Navy wants to get the submarines.

"We want to get at least four submarines. Without protecting the Baltic Sea we will not protect our motherland," Macierewicz said.

Earlier in the day, Poland presented the new defense concept, in which it called Russia the main threat.

Since 2014 Warsaw has been raising concerns over alleged Russian role in the Ukrainian crisis.

Poland is now boosting its army amid increasing NATO presence in Europe. In December, Macierewicz said there were plans to increase Poland's army by up to 50 percent over the coming years, with at least three territorial defense brigades to be deployed at the country's eastern border.

 Sputnik

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With funding 'down to a trickle,' UN agency renews warning over Burundi refugees

23 May 2017  The United Nations refugee agency has increased its funding appeal by $36 million to support Burundians fleeing their homes in what could become the third-largest refugee crisis in Africa.

"Arriving refugees continue to cite hunman rights abuses, fear of persecution and sexual and gender-based violence as reasons for fleeing," Babar Baloch, spokesperson for the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), told reporters in Geneva.

Since April 2015, some 410,000 refugees and asylum-seekers have been forced to flee their homes. With no sign of improvement of the political situation, the total refugee population is expected to grow to over half a million by the end of this year, making it potentially the third-biggest refugee situation in Africa, he said.

Currently, Tanzania is hosting the majority of Burundian refugees with some 249,000 already accommodated in three overcrowded camps. Rwanda hosts some 84,000 refugees with another 45,000 in Uganda and some 41,000 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

Smaller numbers of Burundian refugees have also fled to Kenya and into Southern African countries such as Zambia, Mozambique, Malawi and South Africa.

UNHCR has revised its funding needs for the Burundi situation to $250 million from $214, but it has so far received only two per cent of the required funds.

Urgent funding is needed to upgrade and construct new settlements to decongest the current ones and provide basic services. In DRC, the transit centres are unable to host incoming refugees, forcing them to live in extremely poor conditions, often without shelter.

Education of refugee children is also severely affected with school classes unable to accommodate the number of students. In Tanzania, there is a need to construct over 600 new classrooms, as many children attend classes under trees.

Overcrowded camps further expose refugees  especially women and children to many risks, such as a new cholera outbreak.

UNHCR renewed its call to donors for continuing to support countries hosting Burundian refugees, also repeating its appeal to the neighbouring countries not to return refugees against their will.

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Afghan Forces Continue to Suffer Battlefield Casualties

By Ayaz Gul May 23, 2017

A Taliban attack on a military base in southern Afghanistan has killed at least 11 government soldiers and wounded as many others, while a major insurgent offensive on a remote western district has triggered deadly clashes.

A Defense Ministry statement said Tuesday the overnight Taliban assault targeted the military base in Shawali Kot district in the Kandahar province, saying ensuing clashes lasted several hours. Officials claimed at least a dozen assailants were killed.

A regional military spokesman, Mohammad Sadiq, told VOA reinforcements were quickly dispatched to the conflict zone and Afghan forces have retaken control of the ground lost in overnight fighting.

Elsewhere in western Afghanistan, authorities said Taliban insurgents staged a major pre-dawn offensive on Qudas district in the province of Badghis, triggering fierce clashes that continued into Tuesday.

The fighting "killed and wounded" at least eight Afghan troops, while assailants also suffered 18 casualties, provincial police chief, Abdul Rauf Taj told VOA. He said government forces beat back the offensive shortly after reinforcements arrived in the area.

A Taliban statement, however, claimed its fighters have captured district army and police headquarters.

On Sunday, authorities confirmed Taliban fighters killed at least 20 Afghan troops and wounded 15 others in the southern Zabul province. The insurgent group also overran a number of security outposts, effectively blocking traffic on the main highway linking the national capital of Kabul with Kandahar.

Part of 'spring offensive'

The Taliban has ramped up attacks across embattled Afghanistan since launching their so-called yearly "spring offensive" about a month ago.

Just days before unleashing its spring offensive in late April, the Islamist insurgency staged its deadliest attack on a regional military base outside the northern city of Mazar-i-Sharif. The raid killed more than 140 Afghan soldiers, though multiple independent sources reported a much higher death toll.

The United States is considering whether to send several thousand military advisers to help boost its existing train, advise and assist mission to enable Afghan forces reverse insurgent gains.

In a quarterly assessment released earlier this month, a U.S. government agency noted the Taliban has continued to inflict "shockingly high" casualties on government forces and brought more territory under its control or influence.

"Afghanistan remains in the grip of a deadly war. Casualties suffered by the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF) in the fight against the Taliban and other insurgents continue to be shockingly high: 807 were killed in the first six weeks of this year," said the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction, or SIGAR.

About 6,785 Afghan soldiers and police personnel were killed while another 11,777 were wounded in the first 11 months of 2016. The United Nations says civilian casualties resulting from conflict-related incidents have also hit a new high this year.

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Instability, Abuse Force Thousands of Burundians to Flee Country

By Lisa Schlein May 23, 2017

The United Nations refugee agency reports thousands of Burundians are fleeing instability and abuse in their country as funding to support growing numbers of refugees dries up.

The UNHRC warns deteriorating political and human rights conditions in Burundi are forcing increasing numbers of refugees to flee to neighboring countries in search of asylum. The agency reports more than 410,000 refugees have fled across borders over the past two years.

UNHCR spokesman Babar Baloch says the number is expected to increase dramatically by the end of the year.

"Arriving refugees continue to cite human rights abuses, fear of persecution and sexual and gender-based violence as reasons for fleeing," he said. "With no sign of improvement of the political situation, the total refugee population from Burundi is expected to grow to over half a million by the end of 2017."

Baloch warns Burundi is likely to become the third biggest refugee situation in Africa.

The UNHCR reports Tanzania is hosting most of the Burundian refugees with some 249,000 living in three overcrowded camps. Tens of thousands of others are living in Rwanda, Uganda and Democratic Republic of Congo.

Shortage of funds

He says the growing exodus is occurring as funds for his agency's humanitarian operation have practically dried up. He notes UNHCR has received only two percent of the $250 million it needs.

"Living conditions for refugees in neighboring countries are extremely difficult," he said. "More arrivals are overstretching the reception capacity in refugee camps Urgent funding is needed to upgrade and construct new settlements to decongest the current ones and provide basic services. Education of refugee children is also severely affected, and school classes are unable to accommodate the number of students."

Countries of asylum reportedly have been pushing some newly arriving refugees back across borders. Baloch says that is of great concern. He says the UNHCR is renewing its appeal to them not to forcibly return refugees against their will to Burundi where their lives may be in danger.

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Trump: Israeli, Palestinian Leaders 'Ready to Reach for Peace'

By Steve Herman May 23, 2017

U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday declared that both the Israeli and Palestinian leaders are "ready to reach for peace."

Trump made the remark alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a speech at the Israel Museum. Trump had held talks with Netanyahu on Monday and met him again on Tuesday after a brief visit to the West Bank for a one-hour discussion with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas.

"We know that peace is possible if we put aside the pain and disagreements of the past and commit together to finally resolving this crisis which has dragged on for nearly half a century," Trump added in his speech at the museum, shortly before departing Israel for Rome, adding that Israelis and Palestinians "can make a deal."

There was no specific mention in any of Trump's remarks in Israel to "occupation" or the "two-state solution"  a pair of major sticking points for the Palestinians.

"Head spinning: Never has a U.S. president expressed so much confidence in a conflict-ending peace agreement with so little prospect of success," tweeted Aaron David Miller who was a U.S. negotiator on the Middle East in both Republican and Democratic administrations.

Abbas meeting

Earlier Tuesday, speaking alongside Trump in Bethlehem, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas said the fundamental problem for the Palestinians is with the Israeli occupation and settlements and Israel's failure to recognize Palestine.

"The problem is not Judaism but occupation," added Abbas.

Abbas, who has seen his political support from his constituents weaken, reiterated a willingness to accept the two-state solution and the 1967 borders.

Trump, in Bethlehem, vowed to do "everything I can" to bring peace to the Middle East, echoing sentiments of several of his predecessors who tried and failed to achieve the same goal.

His effort to broker peace comes early in a Trump administration distracted by a domestic political firestorm, part of it self-ignited by the president's own comments.

The U.S. president arrived in Israel on Monday after a two-day visit to Saudi Arabia, where Trump said King Salman assured him Riyadh wants peace between the Israelis and Palestinians.

In public remarks on Monday, Netanyahu warned that "it will not be simple," but also expressed cautious optimism that "for the first time in many years and the first time in my lifetime, I see a real hope for change."

At the prime minister's residence Monday evening, Trump praised Netanyahu, elected to his fourth term in 2015, for "working very hard at it. It's not easyAmerica stands ready to assist in every way we can," noting, "There's a lot of love out there."

The status of Jerusalem, which both the Israelis and Palestinians claim as their capitals, is also a major complication to a solution.

The Palestinian Authority controls the West Bank and is seated in Ramallah. The militant group Hamas controls the Gaza Strip.

Hamas has said that Trump's labeling it as a terrorist organization demonstrates the American president cannot be a fair broker for peace.

Vatican is next stop

Trump on Wednesday is to meet with Pope Francis at the Vatican, underscoring the emphasis during his first foreign trip on the three Abrahamic faiths.

Before leaving Italy, Trump will meet with the Italian president and prime minister prior to a Thursday flight to Brussels.

In Belgium, the American leader will make remarks at the new headquarters of NATO amid concern among alliance members about Trump's commitment to the organization.

On Friday and Saturday, the president is back in Italy, specifically on the island of Sicily, for the Group of Seven summit.

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Indian Army Says it Hit Pakistan Posts in Kashmir; Pakistan Denies it

By Anjana Pasricha May 23, 2017

The Indian army said Tuesday it has hit army posts in Pakistani Kashmir that were providing cover for militants planning to cross into the Indian side of the disputed Himalayan territory. Pakistan denies that any such action took place.

Major General Ashok Narula did not specify when the military operation was carried out, but he said it happened "recently, very recently." Narula called it part of counter-insurgency operations in Kashmir.

"The recent action by our troops in Nowshera sector has caused some damage to Pak army force, which are supporting infiltration," he told reporters in New Delhi.

The army released video footage that apparently shows heavy artillery hitting bunkers on a mountain.

Soon after the Indian announcement, Pakistani military spokesman Asif Ghafoor tweeted that the "Indian claims of destroying Pakistani post along LOC [line of control] are false."

Saying that the Pakistani army had been providing support to armed infiltrators, Narula said the operation aimed to "bring down the number of terrorists in Kashmir so that youth in Jammu and Kashmir are not adversely influenced by terrorists from across." He said that with the onset of summer even more pro active counter terrorism operations were called for as infiltration is likely to increase with melting of snow and opening of mountain passes.

India has long accused Pakistan of supporting Islamic terror groups that foment a separatist insurgency and carry out strikes in Indian Kashmir. Pakistan denies it.

The situation in Indian Kashmir has deteriorated in recent months, with an upsurge in violence targeting security forces and street protests that have worried New Delhi.

Supporting the action by the Indian army, Indian Defense Minister Arun Jaitley tweeted that "such actions are needed to ensure peace in J@K [Jammu and Kashmir]."

The army announced the action three weeks after the Indian army vowed retaliation for the beheading of two of its soldiers allegedly by Pakistani-based militants.

In recent weeks, the two nations have also sparred over a Pakistan's military court's order to hang an Indian convicted of spying and terrorism who New Delhi maintains is innocent. While India has won a temporary stay on his execution from the International Court of Justice in Hague, there is pressure on the government to take a tough posture with Pakistan say analysts.

Manoj Joshi, who works at the Observer Research Foundation in New Delhi, said that such cross-border operations were not new, but announcing them was part of a new policy.

"These kind of things happen, but the very fact that they have gone out of their way to publicize it means it is playing to a domestic audience," said Joshi.

This is the second time the Indian army announced that its troops carried out operations in Pakistani Kashmir. Last September, it said it conducted surgical strikes to take out militant camps following an attack on an Indian army camp that killed 19 soldiers. Pakistan had said no such strikes took place in its territory.

The latest claim by the Indian army of hitting Pakistan posts will further damage the already frayed ties between the South Asian rivals.

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Key Republicans In Congress Cool To Trump's Proposed Cuts In Foreign Aid

RFE/RL May 24, 2017

U.S. President Donald Trump's proposal to slash spending on foreign aid got a cool reception from key Republicans in Congress on May 23.

"This budget is not going to go anywhere," said Senator Lindsey Graham, chairman of the Senate subcommittee that oversees spending on diplomacy and foreign aid.

"If we implemented this budget, you'd have to retreat from the world or put a lot of people at risk," Graham said.

In all, Trump proposed cuts of about 32 percent from U.S. diplomacy and aid budgets, or nearly $19 billion, in fiscal 2018, targeting particularly big cuts in global health programs and international organizations other than NATO.

U.S. funding for international peacekeeping would fall to about $1.5 billion, a cut of over 50 percent from 2017 levels.

"Given the growing threats we face, we should be supporting -- not slashing -- antiterrorism, law enforcement, and humanitarian programs," said House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Edward Royce.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell praised Trump for proposing a budget that eventually balances, but the Senate's second-ranking Republican, John Cornyn, called it "basically dead on arrival."

Even Trump's own ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, suggested that the proposed cuts would not pass Congress.

"It's starting the conversation," Haley said. "It doesn't mean that's where it will end up. He's going to have that conversation with Congress on where we should fall on this."

Since Congress controls spending under the U.S. Constitution, the objections from top lawmakers make it unlikely the deep cuts will be passed.

With reporting by AP and Reuters

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/key-republicans-graham- royce-cool-to-trump-proposed-cuts-foreign-aid -diplomacy-spending/28505826.html

Copyright (c) 2017. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Five Killed, Hundreds Arrested In Bahrain At Shi'ite Protest; Iran Blames Trump

RFE/RL May 24, 2017

At least five people were killed and hundreds arrested in Bahrain on May 23 after police stormed a sit-in by protesters supporting the Sunni-ruled kingdom's top Shi'ite cleric, Bahrain's Interior Ministry said.

Police said they arrested nearly 300 people at the protest in Diraz, near the capital, Manama, as they demonstrated outside the home of cleric Isa Qassim, the spiritual leader of Bahrain's majority Shi'ite community.

The ministry said that fugitives who had escaped from the Jau prison were among the 286 people arrested at the protest and asserted that several of the "outlaws" were carrying hand grenades and knives.

"A large number of them were hiding in the residence of Isa Qassim," the ministry said, adding that several members of the security force were injured.

Human rights groups condemned the deadly crackdown on peaceful protesters.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif called it the "first concrete result" of what he described as U.S. President Donald Trump "cozying up to despots" in Saudi Arabia two days earlier -- a reference to a summit Trump attended with leaders of several mainly Muslim countries in Riyadh on May 21. He accused Trump of "emboldening the Bahrain regime."

Trump met with Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa at a summit in Riyadh over the weekend and told him there "has been a little strain" in U.S.- Bahraini relations, "but there won't be strain with this administration."

The tiny Gulf state is a key ally of the United States and is home to the U.S. Navy's Fifth Fleet, but the administration of former President Barack Obama frequently scolded Manama over rights concerns.

The Bahrain authorities have accused Qassim of promoting "sectarianism and violence," and sentenced him on May 21 to a suspended one-year jail term on charges of illegal fund-raising and money laundering.

Qassim faces expulsion from the kingdom after authorities revoked his citizenship last year for alleged links to Iran and fomenting violence, charges he has denied.

The government's actions have sparked repeated sit-ins outside Qassim's residence in Diraz since June 2016.

Bahraini authorities say Iran is behind the unrest in the kingdom, which has been ruled for more than two centuries by the Sunni Al-Khalifa dynasty. Tehran has denied any involvement.

The United States accuses Iran of fomenting unrest across the Middle East and of backing terrorism. At the Arab Islamic American Summit in Riyadh, Trump accused Iran of fueling "the fires of sectarian conflict and terror" and called for its international isolation.

Human Rights Watch called the Diraz raid a crackdown on free expression and said there was no coincidence it occurred two days after a "convivial" meeting between Trump and King Hamad.

Amnesty International called for an independent investigation into the security forces' use of "excessive force" against protesters it said were mostly peaceful.

Bahrain has been rocked by unrest since 2011, when local authorities backed by a Saudi military force crushed Shi'ite protests demanding a constitutional monarchy and an elected prime minister.

Dozens of civilian protesters have been killed since 2011 and around 10 policemen have died.

Manama has imprisoned dozens of Shi'ites accused of taking part in demonstrations and stripped at least 316 Bahrainis of their citizenship since 2012, according to Amnesty.

With reporting by AFP, dpa, and Reuters

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/five-killed-hundreds -arrested-shiite-protest-bahrain-iran -zarif-blames-trump--/28505701.html/a>

Copyright (c) 2017. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Erdogan Explains Why Turkey Blocks Austria's Participation in NATO Programs

Sputnik News

17:43 24.05.2017

Turkey is blocking Austria's participation in NATO's programs in connection with the blocking by Vienna of Turkey's accession to the EU, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Wednesday.

ANKARA (Sputnik)  On Tuesday, Turkey confirmed media reports it had blocked the participation of Austria, which is non-NATO member, in several programs of the military alliance.

"I will answer very briefly: the blocker will be blocked," Erdogan said in response to a journalist's question about Ankara's measures in NATO against Vienna.

Turkey signed an association agreement with the then-European Community in 1963, and submitted a membership application in 1987. Talks about Turkey's membership of the European Union began in 2005, however, they have been repeatedly suspended due to various obstacles.

A number of Austrian politicians, including Foreign Minister Sebastian Kurz and President Alexander Van der Bellen, have made a number of statements criticizing such issues as a crackdown on alleged supporters of the thwarted 2016 coup and the referendum on constitutional amendments in Turkey that broadens presidential powers, saying that they move Ankara away from EU values and accession to the bloc.

 Sputnik

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Trump Wants Over $600B Budget for US Defense Next Year

By Carla Babb May 24, 2017

President Donald Trump has put forward a $668 billion defense budget for the upcoming fiscal year.

The proposal released Tuesday would increase the Defense Department's base budget to $574.5 billion  $52 billion over congressional spending caps. It would buy six ships, several new fighter jets and munitions, while growing the U.S. fighting force by more than 56,000 service members.

Pentagon Chief Financial Officer John Roth told reporters on Tuesday the increases would help with military readiness. "The world has become a more dangerous place," he said.

John "JV" Venable, senior research fellow for defense policy at the Heritage Foundation, said the budget would need to continue to increase by about $20 billion to $30 billion each year for the next two years  and sustain that budget increase for several years  to ensure the force is properly funded.

"We've put so many demands on our services. We ask so much of them," Venable told VOA. "We have funded it at 75 to 80 percent of what they need to do that job for so long, right now, the dividends are paid in worn equipment and people who are discouraged."

The budget also calls for about $65 billion for a contingency fund for overseas operations, including $46 billion for operations in Afghanistan. The remainder of this fund would pay for countering Islamic State operations in Iraq and Syria, bolstering NATO allies and U.S. partners in Europe, and building partner capacity around the globe.

The $668 billion total budget also would include about $28 billion for defense-related spending by the Energy and Justice departments.

The overall budget proposal is calling for cuts to many social programs, including those that help the poor pay for food and medical care.

However, Venable said social cuts should not be compared with the government's defense increases, which he says are needed to maintain borders and allow freedom of movement across the globe.

"The world needs a strong U.S. military to make that happen, like it or not," he said.

The U.S. Constitution says the government should establish justice, insure domestic peace, provide for defense, promote general welfare and secure freedom.

Air Force desperate for relief

The budget increase comes as U.S. Air Force readiness is at an all-time low, Venable said.

"Since its inception in the late '40s, the Air Force, I don't think, has ever been at this level of readiness," said Venable, a 25-year veteran of the Air Force.

Air Force General Carlton Everhart, commander of U.S. Air Mobility Command, agreed that force growth is needed in his service branch, which currently is short about 1,500 pilots and has an additional 1,600 pilots who are eligible to leave the Air Force within the next four years.

"If you look at things we're doing every day, it's a big deal," Everhart said in a recent interview with VOA.

Even though the United States has the most expensive Air Force in the world, the shortage of pilots, specifically the shortage of fighter jet pilots, has threatened to affect U.S. operations within the next calendar year if left unchecked, Air Force Major General Scott Vander Hamm told VOA in an exclusive interview last November.

The U.S. air campaign has been critical in the fight against Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, dubbed Operation Inherent Resolve, where the American-led coalition is training local fighters to defeat terrorists on the ground while supporting ground troops' efforts with multiple airstrikes each day.

In addition to funding more pilots and fighter jets, the budget would also provide money to buy 15 new KC-46 air tankers, which are used for aerial refueling.

"If you look at Inherent Resolve right now, 90 percent of all refuelings that have happened in that operation has been on the backs of our tankers," Everhart told VOA.

Budget constraints in the past decade have placed the Air Force in a position where its current tanker, the KC-135, could be 100 years old before it is retired, even with the fiscal 2018 budget increases, he added.

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The Central High School Class of 2017 will be graduating on Thursday with commencement exercises beginning at 7 p.m. in the schools T.J. Foulon Fieldhouse.

Principal Brad Coleman and Class President Dale Huffman will be delivering the opening remarks after the processional of graduates into the fieldhouse. The concert choir will sing "Ill Be There, followed by the announcement of those students going into the military and awards and scholarships earned by graduating seniors.

Next, Desyrae Wadlow, salutatorian and class vice president, will give an address, followed by Valedictorian Peyton Bradley.

The Class of 2017 will be joined by some special guests at the ceremony. A special seating section has been reserved for members of Central High Schools Class of 1967, which was the schools very first graduating class.

Diana Gross, one of our secretaries, and her husband Dave, whos on our school board, both graduated in 1967, said Coleman. They were in the first graduating class of Central High School.

After talking about the fact that this years class will be the 50th to graduate from Central High School, they decided it would a great addition to the commencement exercises to have the Class of 1967 join the ceremonies. There were 139 students in the class and more than 70 of them are expected to attend the ceremony on Thursday and a class reunion set for Saturday in the high school cafeteria.

So were going to recognize their achievement from 50 years ago and recognize this class as the 50th graduating class from Central High School, Coleman said. Were excited about it.

Coleman will be presenting the Class of 2017 prior to the awarding of diplomas by members of the Central Board of Education. The graduating class is composed of 140 students, although, according to Coleman, not all of them will be attending the ceremonies.

After diplomas have been awarded, the traditional turning of tassels will be performed by the graduates, led by Wadlow, followed by a few closing remarks by Bradley and Wadlow.

Eight of the Central graduates have also already graduated with an associate degree from Mineral Area College.

This is the biggest group weve ever had with associates degrees, said Coleman, and we have two more that should be complete this summer.

The Class of 2017 also includes one three-time graduate. Colemans son Dallas is one of the eight MAC graduates and has also already graduated from basic military training last August.

Hes a private first class in the Army, Coleman said, and will be recognized for such along with new West Point Cadet Lucas Manion and a group of about half a dozen military enlistees.

Manion was visited by U.S. Rep. Jason Smith, R-District 8, last month and recognized for the honor of being admitted into such a prestigious military school. Not only is Manion the only military candidate selected in the congressional district for West Point, he is the first from the Central School District to achieve this honor since 1985.

The white rose was chosen as the Class of 2017s class flower, with "Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)" by Green Day as the class song. Class colors are red, white and navy blue. The class motto is by Dr. Seuss: "Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory.
ISIL claims responsibility for deadly Manchester attack

Iran Press TV

Tue May 23, 2017 12:47PM

The Daesh (ISIL) terrorist group has taken responsibility for Monday night's attack at the Manchester Arena that killed 22 people, including children, and wounded 59 others.

"One of the soldiers of the Caliphate was able to place an explosive device within a gathering of the Crusaders in the city of Manchester," the group said in a statement Tuesday.

Daesh did not publish a name or picture of the attacker, which they have previously done for some major attacks they claimed responsibility for.

A suicide bomber with an "improvised" explosion device targeted a concert arena in Manchester as thousands of young people streamed from the venue.

Police identified the suspected bomber as Salman Abedi, aged 23, and said they were trying to establish whether he had acted alone or with help from others.

"Our priority, along with the police counter-terrorism network and our security partners, is to continue to establish whether he was acting alone or working as part of a wider network," Manchester Police Chief Constable Ian Hopkins said.

Two American officials who have been in contact with British authorities said the attacker was believed to have traveled to Manchester from London by train.

British Prime Minister Theresa May condemned the attack as "among the worst terrorism" in the United Kingdom.

"All acts of terrorism are cowardly attacks on innocent people, but this attack stands out for its appalling, sickening cowardice," May said in a statement outside Downing Street on Tuesday.

"We struggle to comprehend the warped and twisted mind that sees a room of young people as an opportunity for carnage."

She also described the terrorist incident as "the worst ever to hit the north of England."

The statement came as British police said that they had arrested a man in Chorlton in connection with the deadly attack.

Andrew Parker, director general of MI5, said the attack was "disgusting," adding that the security service remained "relentlessly focused, in numerous current operations" to combat the "surge of terrorism" in the UK.

The first victim of the attack has been identified as 18-year-old student Georgina Callander. The teenager was one of the first people to be transported to hospital, but she later died with her mother at her bedside.

Relatives are using social media to get information on their loved ones, and an emergency number has also been established.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan said more police officers had been ordered to beef up security in the British capital.

The incident was the worst terrorist attack in Britain since the July 7, 2005 bombings in central London, which killed 52 people.

Election campaigning suspended

Opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn paid tribute to the victims of the Manchester blast.

"I am horrified by the horrendous events in Manchester last night. My thoughts are with families and friends of those who have died and been injured," he said in a statement. "Today the whole country will grieve for the people who have lost their lives."

Corbyn said he had spoken with Prime Minister May and both had agreed to suspend their campaigning in the upcoming general election until further notice.

Other political parties also suspended their campaigning in the wake of the attack.

Royal Family filled with 'intense sadness'

The Royal Family also expressed shock over "this act of barbarity" in Manchester.

In a statement published on the Royal Family's official website, Queen Elizabeth II condemned the "dreadful event" and thanked the emergency services for handling the situation.

"The whole nation has been shocked by the death and injury in Manchester last night of so many people, adults and children, who had just been enjoying a concert," the Queen said.

"I know I speak for everyone in expressing my deepest sympathy to all who have been affected by this dreadful event and especially to the families and friends of those who have died or were injured," she added.

"I want to thank all the members of the emergency services, who have responded with such professionalism and care," she stated.

Prince Charles also expressed his deep distress.

"My wife and I were so profoundly shocked to learn of the truly dreadful event which took place in Manchester last night," he said in a statement.

"That such a large number of people, including so many young concert-goers, lost their lives or have suffered so much in this appalling atrocity is deeply distressing and fills us with intense sadness."

'Wicked ideology'

US President Donald Trump, who is currently on a Middle East tour, said Tuesday "evil losers" were behind Monday's attack.

"I extend my deepest condolences to those so terribly injured in this terrorist attack and to the many killed and the families  so many families of the victims," Trump said.

"This wicked ideology must be obliterated  and I mean completely obliterated  and the innocent life must be protected. All civilized nations must join together to protect human life and the sacred right of our citizens to live in safety and in peace," the president said.

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said the American authorities were "working closely" with British officials to help them investigate the attack.

The US Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats, who has just returned from London, said he had discussed security threats facing both nations with British intelligence officials.

However, Coats said the US intelligence agencies "have not verified, yet, the connection" between Daesh and the Manchester bombing.

"It once again reminds us. This threat is real. It is not going away and needs significant attention to do everything we can do to protect our people," Coats told a congressional committee on Tuesday.

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IS Claims Responsibility for Blast Targeting Ariana Grande Concert

By VOA News May 23, 2017

The so-called Islamic State terrorist group has claimed responsibility for Monday's blast at a concert by U.S. pop star Ariana Grande in Manchester, England that killed at least 22 people and injured dozens more.

The group said "a soldier of the caliphate" was responsible for the attack on people IS described as "crusaders." Many of those killed and injured in the blast were children and teenagers, police said.

The top U.S. intelligence official, though, said it is not yet clear whether the Islamic State group was behind the attack.

Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats told Congress the extremist group frequently claims responsibility for terror attacks.

British police said investigators believe the attacker was carrying an improvised explosive device, which he detonated, and that he died at the site. The blast injured at least 59 people.

Prime Minister Theresa May said police and security officials believe they know the identity of the attacker, but are not yet ready to confirm it publicly.

The police department later said on Twitter that officers had arrested a 23-year-old man in South Manchester in connection with the attack, but did not give any information about how he was involved.

The blast happened in the lobby of the 21,000 seat Manchester Arena at the end of a concert by Grande.

Reaction from Grande

"Broken. From the bottom of my heart, I am so, so sorry," Grande wrote on Twitter after the blast. "I don't have words."

May said the blast was timed to "cause maximum carnage" and targeted "the young people of our society with cold calculation."

"All acts of terrorism are cowardly attacks on innocent people, but this attack stands out for its appalling, sickening cowardice, deliberately targeting innocent, defenseless children and young people who should have been enjoying one of the most memorable nights of their lives," she said.

May and Jeremy Corbyn, the leader of the opposition Labour Party, agreed to suspend campaigning ahead of the country's June 8 elections.

US monitoring situation

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security said it was monitoring the situation in Manchester, and that it did not have any information showing a "specific credible threat" to music venues in the U.S.

President Donald Trump said the victims in Wednesday's attack were killed by "evil losers in life."

"I won't call them monsters because they would like that term, they would think that's a great name," Trump said. "I will call them from now on losers, because that's what they are."

He added, "We cannot stand a moment longer for the slaughter of innocent people."

After the attack, Manchester police deployed hundreds of officers overnight and at one point conducted a precautionary controlled explosion near the arena of an object they later said turned out to not be anything suspicious.

Video from the concert showed thousands of concertgoers, many of them young girls, scrambling and screaming, trying to escape the building.

Some witnesses said the ground near the blast was covered with nuts and bolts.

Abandoned shoes, phones and jackets were scattered throughout the arena.

"It was a huge explosion. You could feel it in your chest. It was chaotic. Everybody was running and screaming just trying to get out," a concertgoer told Reuters.

Search for survivors, victims

Worried parents who had brought their children to the show crowded the streets outside the building. A nearby hotel opened its doors to the kids looking for their mothers and fathers.

Cab drivers turned off their meters and offered to drive people from the ill-fated concert to wherever they want to go.

A vigil will be held Tuesday night at 6 p.m. near the scene of the attack. While the area around Manchester Arena is still blocked off, Greater Manchester Police said they want to remind people that "Manchester will not be defeated."

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Trump's $19.1Bln Space Budget Sustains US Efforts to Land Astronaut on Mars

Sputnik News

20:39 23.05.2017(updated 20:40 23.05.2017)

US President Donald Trump's fiscal year 2018 budget request includes $19.1 billion for space exploration that will support efforts send humans into deep space, including a landing on the planet Mars, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) acting Administrator Robert Lightfoot said in a statement on Tuesday.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik)  NASA plans to curtail several climate initiatives, including an orbiting carbon observatory, while maintaining 18 other Earth observation missions from space, according to the statement.

"We've had a horizon goal for some time now of reaching Mars, and this budget sustains that work and also provides the resources to keep exploring our solar system and look beyond it," Lightfoot stated.

Lightfoot explained that NASA is now assembling systems to launch humans into lunar orbit by 2023. A human Mars landing is planned for the mid-2030s.

He added that the budget supports about 100 space missions, including 40 currently preparing for launch and 60 operating missions.

The missions include a solar probe, a survey of planets beyond the solar system, preparations for an unmanned Mars rover launch in 2020 and next year's launch of the James Webb Space Telescope, Lightfoot noted.

 Sputnik

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US Senators Introduce Bill to Bolster Missile Defense System

Sputnik News

16:17 23.05.2017

A bipartisan group of US Senators introduced The Advancing America's Missile Defense Act of 2017, aiming to promote a ballistic missile defense system for the westernmost parts of the United States that are vulnerable to attack from nations like North Korea, Senator Dan Sullivan said in a statement on Monday.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik)  The act would provide for the installation of a layered network of missile defense systems in states like Alaska and Hawaii, such as the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD), Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense, Aegis Ashore, and Patriot Air and Missile Defense Systems.

It also accelerates the development of new sensors and space-based interceptor technologies and the completion of a missile defense installations on the east coast and midwestern region of the United States.

"Our nation's missile defense is a critical insurance policy that protects Americans and our allies from a nuclear catastrophe," Sullivan stated. "Top military leaders have been sounding the alarm, saying it is only a matter of 'when, not if,' Kim Jong-un will get the capability to range cities in the continental United States with a nuclear inter-continental ballistic missile (ICBM)."

Senator Brian Schultz, who represents the US state of Hawaii, said the bill would help defend his state, as well as Alaska and the US mainland, from the threat of ballistic missiles launched by North Korea.

On Sunday, North Korea launched a ballistic missile, which reportedly flew some 500 kilometers (310 miles) before falling into the Sea of Japan short of reaching Japan's exclusive economic zone. It was the eighth missile launched by North Korea since January.

 Sputnik

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Security Council strongly condemns ballistic missile test by DPR Korea

22 May 2017  Strongly condemning yesterday's ballistic missile launch conducted by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), the United Nations Security Council vowed to "fully and comprehensively implement all measures" imposed on the country and strongly urged all other UN Member States to do the same.

In a press statement, Council members expressed their utmost concern over the DPRK's "highly destabilising behaviour and flagrant and provocative defiance" of the Council by conducting this ballistic missile launch in violation of its international obligations under the body's relevant resolutions, dating from 2006.

"The members of the Security Council agreed that the Security Council would continue to closely monitor the situation and take further significant measures including sanctions, in line with the Council's previously expressed determination," said the statement.

The body dealing with the Council's sanctions regime against DPRK, known as the '1718 Committee' after the Council resolution that established it, was urged to redouble its efforts to improve global implementation of all measures, including by implementing the relevant feasible recommendations of the Panel of Experts as soon as possible.

Stressing that the DPRK's illegal ballistic missile activities are significantly contributing to its development of nuclear weapons delivery systems and are greatly increasing tension in the region and beyond, the Council further regretted that the country is diverting resources to the pursuit of ballistic missiles and nuclear weapons while its own citizens "have great unmet needs."

Further to the statement, the Council emphasized the vital importance of the DPRK's immediately showing sincere commitment to denuclearization through concrete action and stressed the importance of working to reduce tensions in the Korean Peninsula and beyond. To that end, the Security Council demanded the DPRK conduct no further nuclear and ballistic missile tests.

Reiterating the importance of maintaining peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in North-East Asia at large, the Council members expressed their commitment to "a peaceful, diplomatic and political solution to the situation," and welcomed efforts by Council members, as well as other States, to facilitate a peaceful and comprehensive solution through dialogue.

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Unidentified DPRK flying object crosses border with S. Korea

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 18:04, May 23, 2017

SEOUL, May 23 (Xinhua) -- An unidentified flying object from the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) crossed an eastern border with South Korea Tuesday afternoon, Seoul's military said.

The South Korean military detected an unidentified projectile crossing the military demarcation line in Cheorwon, Gangwon province at about 4 p.m. local time (0700 GMT), according to the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS).

The Seoul military conducted a warning broadcast and fired warning shots toward the flying object in accordance with proper procedures, the JCS said in a statement.

The flying object returned back to the DPRK, and the South Korean military was analyzing the projectile.

The statement said the military strengthened its air observation and maintained defense readiness.

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China tells N Korea not to defy UNSC resolutions

Iran Press TV

Tue May 23, 2017 8:6AM

China has called on North Korea not to defy UN Security Council resolutions by its nuclear and missile activities following Pyongyang's test-launch of a mid-range ballistic missile.

"We urge North Korea to not do anything to again violate UN Security Council resolutions," Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi declared in a statement on Tuesday.

"At the same time, we hope all parties can maintain restraint, not be influenced by every single incident, ... persist in carrying out Security Council resolutions on North Korea and persevere with the resolution of the issue through peaceful means, dialogue and consultation," the statement added.

The statement came a day after the UNSC released a unanimously-backed statement, strongly censuring North Korea's latest missile test and urging the UN's sanction committee to boost efforts towards implementing the sanctions imposed on Pyongyang.

The US-drafted statement was issued ahead of a closed-door council meeting set for Tuesday on the request of the United States, Japan and South Korea.

On Monday, the North said its test-launch of the missile a day earlier met all technical requirements, allowing the mass-production of the projectile, which it calls Pukguksong-2.

Pyongyang has made no secret of its efforts to develop a nuclear-tipped missile, ignoring calls to halt its weapons programs, even from China. Pyongyang insists that the program is necessary to counter US threats against the country.

Washington and Pyongyang have recently exchanged a barrage of military threats amid rising tensions on the Korean Peninsula.

US President Donald Trump has warned of a potential "major, major conflict" with North Korea over its weapons programs.

Wang's statement further said Beijing had seen a "new change" on the part of South Korea with its willingness to "actively seek appropriate channels for dealing with the THAAD missile systems issue."

"We hope South Korea can ... quickly pull out the thorn stuck in the throat of bilateral relations," Wang added.

Relations between Beijing and Seoul have deteriorated over South Korea's hosting of the US Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile system, but they have taken on a more conciliatory tone with the election earlier this month of South Korean President Moon Jae-in.

The United States and South Korea have said the deployment is aimed at countering threats from North Korea.

China has been infuriated by the US deployment of THAAD in South Korea, insisting that it poses a threat to its security and will do nothing to ease tensions with Pyongyang.

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Military Milestone: All You Need to Know About the New North Korean Missile

Sputnik News

19:42 23.05.2017

South Korean experts managed to establish the type of missile that the DPRK military launched on May 21. According to sources in the Defense Ministry of the Republic of Korea, it was a Pukykson-2 type missile. In the West, it is known as KN-15.

According to the South Korean military, the munition was not intercontinental as the flight range was about 500 kilometers and the maximum height about 550 kilometers.

"We believe that the missile fell 700 kilometers from the Oga Peninsula in Akita Prefecture and 400 kilometers from the Oka Islands in Shimane Prefecture," the Defense Minister of Japan, Tomomi Inada, said Sunday, stressing that the drop was outside the Japanese economic zone.

Cold Start

According to many experts, the recent launch demonstrates that the missile is absolutely ready for military operation.

"The launch of the missile was carried out with the help of a so-called cold start," Yevgeny Kim, a leading researcher at the Institute of the Far East of the Russian Academy of Sciences, told RIA Novosti.

"The ammunition from the launch canister was thrown out with a special knock-out charge and only then did the march engines start. This scheme saves fuel on board the missile and the gas jet from the engines does not damage the container. A 'cold start' is considered modern and quite a difficult technology to master," Kim said.

The expert also said that the launch was transmitted as a live broadcast from cameras installed on the missile at the command post.

"Obviously, the DPRK missile program has made a serious breakthrough. We can say that the tests of the Pukykson-2 system have been successfully completed. This is further evidenced by two orders that were given by Kim Jong-un: to bring the missile into service and begin its mass production," the expert said.

He believes that in the near future there will be no further test launches of the missiles of this type in the DPRK.

Vicious Circle

On Monday, the Japanese newspaper Asahi revealed previously unknown details of Xi Jinping's April visit to the United States.

The publication reported that Jinping apparently asked Donald Trump for a 100-day delay on putting stringent measures on the DPRK in order to economically strangle North Korea.

The US president earlier demanded to introduce stricter measures against the DPRK and also threatened to impose sanctions on Chinese enterprises and financial institutions that work with Pyongyang.

Talking about this, Yevgeny Kim said that in the near future there will be serious talks taking place between China and North Korea.

"China will, on the one hand, demand from its neighbor to behave with restraint, on the other hand it will try to reason with the US. China back in March proposed a compromise to the Americans: Pyongyang turns off its nuclear and missile tests and the US stops military exercises along with its allies on the borders of North Korea," Kim said.

According to the expert the US, however, refused such a proposition. Moreover, the aircraft carrier Carl Winson is still in the region. Another aircraft carrier, the Ronald Reagan, reportedly is moving towards the Korean Peninsula. That causes concern in Pyongyang.

"As far as I know, in August, the largest naval maneuvers of the United States, Japan and South Korea are due to take place. So, one of the tasks of Chinese diplomacy at present is to achieve the cancellation of these exercises," Kim said.

The expert further stressed that it is possible that the tense situation in the region will continue to go round in a vicious circle. North Korea fears the growth of US military presence, so it demonstrates to the world the possibilities of its arsenal. The US and its allies see North Korea's missile launches as a threat to themselves, so they continue to transfer additional forces to the Korean peninsula.

The expert believes that no one will agree to unilateral concessions: "The DPRK authorities must show their people that they are not afraid of external aggression and the US will not back off so as not to lose face and influence in the world."

Russia, in turn, urged both sides to show restraint.

As deputy head of the Russian Foreign Ministry Sergey Ryabkov told reporters on Monday, the DPRK's missile tests do not contribute to solving the problem of denuclearization of the region.

Last week, US President Donald Trump spoke with a special representative of the South Korean president about the readiness to work for peace on the Korean peninsula by reaching an agreement with the DPRK while observing certain conditions. However, he does not intend to "lead negotiations for the sake of negotiations."

What specific steps the US expects from the DPRK, Trump did not specify.

 Sputnik

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Top US Intel Official: North Korea on Trajectory to Nuclear-armed Missile

By VOA News May 23, 2017

A top American intelligence official has warned that North Korea is on the path of developing the capability of carrying out a nuclear strike against the United States.

Defense Intelligence Agency Director Lieutenant General Vincent Stewart told lawmakers Tuesday on Capitol Hill that although "shortfalls remain," North Korea continues to learn from the missile and nuclear tests it has conducted in recent years.

"If left on its current trajectory, the regime will ultimately succeed in fielding a nuclear armed missile capable of threatening the United States homeland," Stewart said before the Senate Armed Services Committee.

Stewart said it is "nearly impossible to predict" when North Korea will develop the capability to strike the U.S., but added the regime "is on a pathway where this capability is inevitable."

"North Korea is an increasingly grave national security threat to the United States because of its growing missile and nuclear capabilities, combined with the aggressive approach of its leader Kim Jong-un," Director of National Intelligence Dan Coates told committee members.

Coates said North Korea's 2012 constitutional amendment declaring itself a nuclear power suggests the regime does not plan to negotiate "away" any nuclear weapons it may eventually develop.

South Korea fired warning shots Tuesday after an unidentified object flew south from its rival northern neighbor, according to South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff, further escalating tensions on the Korean peninsula. More than 90 shots were fired at the unidentified aircraft before it disappeared from radar screens.

The warning shots were fired two days after Pyongyang launched a ballistic missile that it said proved it was making progress in developing a nuclear-armed missile capable of striking U.S. targets.

Sunday's test, a violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions and sanctions, was condemned by a number of countries, including the U.S., South Korea and Japan.

At a U.N. disarmament conference on Tuesday, a North Korean diplomat said Pyongyang's missile tests were legitimate acts of self defense by a "fully-fledged nuclear power."

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Germany Made No Decision Yet on Moving Military From Turkey to Jordan

Sputnik News

19:34 23.05.2017

The transfer of German military from the Turkish Incirlik base to another location in Jordan is an interesting alternative, but no political decision on the matter has been made yet, German Defense Minister Ursula von der Leyen said Tuesday.

BERLIN (Sputnik)  On May 15, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said that Berlin would continue searching for an alternative location for its troops that are currently stationed at Incirlik, with options including neighboring countries such as Jordan. The Chancellor's remarks came after a visit by German lawmakers to the country's troops stationed at Incirlik was stalled by the Turkish side the day before it was scheduled to take place.

"I saw last week a military airbase in Jordan which seems quite acceptable for the deployment [of the Bundeswehr troops] This is an interesting alternative, but the political decision has not yet been made," von der Leyen told journalists.

In November 2016, German media reported that military officials had traveled to Jordan's capital Amman to look into the possible relocation of Tornado spy jets away from southern Turkey.

The Turkish Incirlik air base has hundreds of stationed German personnel and several Tornado jets to carry out airstrikes against the Daesh terror group (banned in many countries) in Iraq and Syria alongside the United States and several other NATO member states.

 Sputnik

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Congressman Jason Smith delivered the 2017 commencement address to Central Methodist University graduates at Mineral Area College Saturday, sharing his experiences from the time he was in college to when he became a member of Congress.

I was honored to be invited to address this outstanding group of graduates, Smith said. I know how hard it is to work your way through school and I applaud the graduates who were able to do that. Every one of them has a lot to be proud of.

In his speech, Smith recalled his employers while in college. His day job was in the Walmart sporting goods department, and his second job was as a night desk clerk at the Hampton Inn.

I took the night desk job  11 p.m. to 7 a.m.  stayed awake all night, and when all of my tasks were finished, I would study," he said.

Smith also recognized the families and applauded the sacrifices made by both graduates and the people who supported their journey.

Not only have you sacrificed time, but many of you have also taken on a huge financial responsibility as well  student loans, he said, adding, Im right there with you.

On his way out, Smith stopped to offer to take a photo of a graduate and her family.

He said, This is a special day and you all need to be in the picture because Im sure you all played a part in getting her here.

CMU offers classes on the Mineral Area College campus where they provide students with an opportunity to complete their bachelors degrees. Students who graduated on Saturday received their baccalaureate in fields such as accounting, education and nursing.
India's Light Helicopters Take Maiden Flight, Commercial Production Soon

Sputnik News

15:50 23.05.2017(updated 19:11 23.05.2017)

Close on the heels of the maiden flight of HTT-40 (PT-2), the second prototype of India's indigenously built single-engine, three-ton light utility helicopter (LUH) made its maiden flight on Monday at its facility in Bengaluru. The flight was conducted without any snag in 22 minutes.

New Delhi (Sputnik)  LUH manufacturer Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) has modified the second prototype based on feedback after testing the first prototype on September 6, 2016. Further expansion flights are in progress.

The helicopter has a maximum all-up-weight (AUW) of 3,150 kg, fitted with Safran HE Ardiden-1U engine of 750 KW power, with a range of 350 km and a seating capacity of six passengers plus two pilots. The helicopter will be capable of flying at 220 kmph, with a service ceiling of 6.5 km. The helicopter can operate from sea level to high altitudes of the Himalayas.

"These maiden flights of indigenous aircrafts are testimony to HAL's rapid progress towards 'Make in India' campaign both in fixed and rotary wing segments. These prototypes add strength to ongoing test flights to achieve operational clearance cutting the time frame," T. Suvarna Raju, chairman and managing director, HAL, said.

HAL is expected to freeze the helicopter configuration by the end of this year following intense flight testing on both the prototype in the months ahead. The LUH will be built at HAL's new facility at Tumakuru, where the foundation stone was laid by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi in January last year. HAL estimates the Tumakuru plant will ship about 30 LUHs annually, starting in 2019-20 and manufacture 60 helicopters per year from 2023.

India's state-owned HAL has been developing 3-ton class new generation helicopter to provide 187 LUH in overall requirements of more than 400 by the armed forces in this category. The helicopter with glass cockpit will be deployed for reconnaissance, surveillance roles and as a light transport helicopter.

Earlier this month, India and Russia incorporated a joint venture company, named India-Russia Helicopters Limited, to manufacture and assemble much needed 140 multi-role helicopters for the Indian Air Force. Under the deal for 200 Kamov Ka-226Ts, 60 helicopters will be received in fly-away condition from Russia while another 40 will be assembled in India and the remaining 100 fully built in India.

Many experts argued that LUH development may hamper the Defense Ministry's interest in Kamov 226 T.

"Kamov-226 is a bird in hand; LUH is bird in the bush. HAL has been conducting LCH trials for 6 years. The helicopter has yet to receive operational clearance. LUH is unlikely to be operational for another 5 years if all goes well. And if all doesn't go well, it is anybody's guess," Vijainder K. Thakur, editor, Geopolitics, and retired IAF squadron leader, told Sputnik.

 Sputnik

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Indian Air Force Sukhoi Jet Goes Missing Near China Border

Sputnik News

15:29 23.05.2017

A Sukhoi-30MKI jet of the Indian Air Force (IAF) has gone missing on Tuesday morning near the Tezpur IAF base in the north-eastern state of Assam while on a routine sortie near the China border.

NEW DELHI (Sputnik)  The Russia-made fighter jet, with two pilots on board, took off around 9.30 am (Indian Standard Time) from Salonibari in the north-eastern state and lost contact around 11.30; sources said. It is said the jet lost radar contact when the aircraft was nearly 60 kilometers away from Tezpur air base. Tezpur airbase is located 172 kilometers from the China border.

The aircraft was on a routine training mission when it first lost all radio and radar contact, and then went missing. Search and rescue are being underway in the area which is dense, according to IAF sources.

Earlier in March this year, a Sukhoi aircraft had crashed in the field of Shivkar Kudla village in Rajasthan's Barmer while on a routine sortie. Barmer is in the region bordering Pakistan. The March accident was the sixth accident of SU-30MKI since its induction into the IAF in 2002.

The SU-30MKI is twin-seater twin-engine multirole fighter of Russian origin, which is capable of carrying a variety of medium-range guided air-to-air missiles with active or semi-active radar or infrared homing close range missiles. IAF has contracted 272 Su-30 MKI fighter aircraft in 2000, of which more than 213 Su-30 MKI has been delivered till date and the balance are due to be delivered by 2020.

 Sputnik

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India Clears Naval Project to Transport Troops Into War Zone

Sputnik News

13:44 23.05.2017

The Indian Defense Ministry has given an in-principle approval to a mega naval project worth more than $3.1 billion to provide critical support to troops in a war zone. The project will involve landing platform docks.

NEW DELHI (Sputnik)  Private companies will be manufacturing four landing platform dock (LPD) or amphibious ships with the technological help of their foreign partners.

The Indian Navy has planned four 20000-30000 ton LPD for induction in the next decade. India's private manufacturers Reliance Defense and Engineering Limited (RDEL) and Larsen & Toubro (L&T) have cleared the financial and technical tests and have submitted commercial bids to the Indian defense ministry. L&T has a tie-up with Navantia of Spain and RDEL with DCNS of France.

"This is a very important project for the private defense firms because it's a project worth more than $3 billion. Ministry of Defense has decided to give the whole contract to the private sector shows the overcoming of trust deficit with private firms," Laxman Kumar Behera, Research Fellow at the Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses, said.

Under the 2013 tender, two LPDs were to be built by domestic private sector and remaining by a state-owned company. Now it has been decided to give the entire LPD contract to private players upon acceptance of their revised bids.

Approximately 200-meters-long diesel electric propulsion LPD ships will have the capacity to remain in the sea for at least 45 days. The ship would be equipped with a point defense missile system, close-in weapon system, anti-torpedo decoy system, chaff system, heavy and light machine guns. It is expected that LPD ships would be able to carry six main battle tanks, 20 infantry combat vehicles and 40 heavy trucks. Each ship is expected to carry 1,430 personnel, 470 sailors and 900 troops. The ship would have capability of simultaneous operation by day/night of special operation helicopters and large helicopters up to 35 tons.

Lack of technological experience, however, may create a major roadblock to complete the project in eight years' time. "Capability to absorb technology from foreign firms is really a big issue. However, the expectation that the private sector can do wonders from day one is a fallacy. They do not have much experience in the sector; that's true, but we should not be caught in the catch-22 trap that since they do not have the expertise, we should not give them a contract. Only after giving them the contract, can we expect them to develop capabilities. Anyway, the public sector has not been able to perform as per expectations," Behera said.

 Sputnik

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Indian Army Set to Get 11 US Apache Attack Helicopters - Reports

Sputnik News

13:28 23.05.2017(updated 13:30 23.05.2017)

The Indian army is set to get 11 Apache multi-role attack helicopters, purchased from the United States in 2015, forming their own group of attack helicopters for the first time, The Hindu newspaper reported, citing military sources.

NEW DELHI (Sputnik)  The Indian army has insisted on the need for such a step for a long time, arguing that it would allow for effective infantry operations with fire support from helicopters.

The army initially expected to receive 22 Apache helicoptersunder contract with the United States, but the Air Force opposed this idea fearing a reduction in its role, the newspaper reported.

"The Army will get 11 Apache helicopters, while the original order of 22 helicopters will be with the Indian Air Force (IAF). It will go through," a senior officer told the newspaper on Monday.

In November 2015, India signed a contract with the United States for 22 Apache and 15 Chinook helicopters for the Air Force, worth about $3 billion. The contract provided for the possibility of purchasing an additional 11 helicopters under the same conditions, if the order was to be made before September 28, 2017. According to the publication, this is exactly what Delhi is planning to take advantage of.

 Sputnik

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Missile program Iran's defense redline: Gov't spox

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Tehran, May 23, IRNA -- Iran's missile defense program is an unchangeable policy, Government spokesman Mohammad Baqer Nobakht said.

Nobakht made the remarks on the sidelines of the Tuesday Majlis open session and in response to a question on the missile defense program of the country.

National interests rely on national security and the Islamic Republic of Iran maintains the policy of deterrence, Nobakht addressed the session.

The more powerful our defense capacity, the safer the internal and the regional security will be, he said.

Answering a question on Iran's missile activities and its contradiction to Iran's nuclear deal also known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), he said that Iran has no plan for withdrawing its policies to this end.

He went on to say that some world powers are attempting to show Iran's defense program as a source of concern for the neighboring countries.

Regarding Iran's missile program and in order to foil those fraudulent inducements leading to Iranophobia, we should hold negotiation with neighbors, he noted.

Commenting on a question on US President Donald Trump's trip to the Middle East, he said that his tour aims at earning money.

Iran will not take a passive stance and we don't see Trump's trip as a political event and we consider it as unimportant, Nobakht said in response to a question on Iran's plans to confront Saudi Arabia's anti-Iran remarks.

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Army Ground Forces military drills kick off in central Iran

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Isfahan, May 24, IRNA -- Beit-ol-Moqaddas-29 military exercises started with the attendance of Deputy Commander of Army Ground Forces Brigadier General Nozar Nemati on Wednesday in Nasrabad city, Isfahan province.

The drill is being held on the occasion of the 35th liberation anniversary of southern city of Khorramshahr on May 24.

Various units such as infantry, artillery, quick response, special forces, drones and helicopters are demonstrating their strength.

Occupied by Iraqi troops in the early days of the eight-year Iraq's imposed war against Iran (1980-1988), Khorramshahr was finally liberated on May 24, 1982, after two days of heavy fighting and sacrifices made by the Iranian forces.

Iran has made major breakthrough in its defense sector and attained self-sufficiency in developing important military equipment and systems in recent years.

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UN Envoy To Iraq Says Mosul Liberation Imminent, IS 'Caliphate' Days 'Numbered'

May 23, 2017

The United Nations envoy for Iraq says the defeat of the Islamic State (IS) extremist group in the city of Mosul is "imminent" and that its so-called "caliphate" in Iraq will soon end.

Jan Kubis, the head of the UN Assistance Mission in Iraq, told the Security Council on May 22 that the days of the IS caliphate "are numbered."

He credited "the bravery and patriotism of the Iraqi security forces, including the popular mobilization forces, the [Kurdish] Peshmerga, and the tribal volunteers, as well as the endurance of the Iraqi people."

He said the liberation of Mosul, the extremist group's last significant stronghold in Iraq, was "imminent" and that "operations are shifting to remaining areas and pockets of [IS] presence, including along the borders with Syria."

He cautioned, though, that desperate IS militants were increasingly using civilians as human shields, meaning that fighting remains "a tremendous challenge."

Iraqi military officials said on May 20 that the territory controlled by IS militants in west Mosul had been reduced to 8 square kilometers, but the area included the Old City, where the heaviest fighting of the campaign is likely still to come.

Iraqi forces backed by U.S. and coalition air support in October began the battle to liberate Mosul, Iraq's second-largest city.

The eastern half was retaken earlier this year, and troops are facing fierce IS resistance in more heavily populated west Mosul.

IS fighters captured Mosul in 2014 as they gained wide swathes of territory in Iraq and Syria in battles against government troops.

Based on reporting by AP and VOA

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/un-iraq-mosul-islamic- state-caliphate-liberated/28503622.html

Copyright (c) 2017. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Like a Rat: Daesh Leader al-Baghdadi Flees Mosul as Terrorists are Liquidated

Sputnik News

19:50 23.05.2017(updated 19:51 23.05.2017)

A representative of the Democratic Party of Kurdistan in Mosul, Said Mamuziny, told Sputnik Turkey that the leader of Daesh, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, has escaped the Iraqi city of Mosul as the fall of the city nears.

Al-Baghdadi has allegedly fled to the Syrian border. It is reported that only four quarters of Mosul are currently under Daesh's control. The rest of the city has been liberated.

Mamuziny told Sputnik Turkey, "Baghdadi has fled from Mosul toward the Syrian border. Presumably he is in the area between Deir ez-Zor and the Iraqi border. Many emirs of Daesh are also fleeing the city. One of the emirs, who is of Danish descent, Bely Tan Musuli, was killed in the Muhendis quarter."

The representative further said that another emir of Daesh, a citizen of Denmark named Humany, has managed to escape from Mosul.

However, most of the foreign emirs and militants of Daesh have been liquidated.

"Some mix with the local population and try to sneak out from the city. There are those who manage to escape to Syria. When government forces liberate new quarters in the city, the terrorists shave their beards, dress in civilian clothes and flee," Mamuziny said.

He added that before fleeing Mosul, the terrorists destroy all documents and papers relating to the activities of the organization.

The US-led coalition and Iraqi forces began the offensive to liberate Mosul from Daesh in October 2016 and freed the city's eastern part in late January. The following month Iraqi forces continued the operation to liberate the western part of Mosul.

 Sputnik

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Pakistan Faces Challenges to Curb Militancy to Protect Chinese Investment

By Madeeha Anwar May 23, 2017

Pakistan views a project to expand its port in Gwadar and link it to China as a way to provide jobs and an economic boost to Balochistan, the country's poorest province.

To get it built and functioning, though, the government needs to undercut a separatist insurgency and a variety of militant groups that have used poverty to fuel the flames of insurgency.

"If Pakistan is not able to control extremism in Balochistan, how could the government achieve the desired results it is currently portraying?" asked Hasan Askari, a prominent security and military analyst.

The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a joint venture between the two countries that already is well underway. It will connect northwestern China's Xinjiang region to Gwadar's deep-water port in southwest Pakistan via a network of roads, railway, communications and energy projects.

China gets a shorter trade route to the Persian Gulf; Pakistan gets a second major port.

Pakistan's Federal Minister of Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal says CPEC is expected to be completed by 2030 with an initial investment of nearly $50 billion.

Pakistani officials are optimistic it not only will boost ties between the two traditional allies, but it will also create around 2 million jobs, mostly in Balochistan.

Many security and military analysts, however, remain skeptical of the government's portrayal of an aspiring future linked to CPEC without complete eradication of militancy in Balochistan.

Insurgents and nationalists remain actively engaged in launching attacks against "soft targets"  usually killing laborers from other provinces  and conveying a message that Balochistan is turbulent and not ready for long-term investments.

Earlier in May, unknown assailants opened fire on laborers building a road in Gwadar, killing 10. A day earlier, an Islamic State suicide bomber blew himself up in Balochistan, killing 25 people while targeting a convoy of prominent politician Abdul Ghafoor Haideri.

Recently a high-level security conference was held in the provincial capital, Quetta, underscoring the government's concern over the recent violent incidents and to come up with a strategy to protect Chinese investments in the region.

Iqbal says the government is fully aware of the security concerns and is taking solid measures against it.

"A force of 9,000 security personnel under Pakistan's Army has been deployed in Balochistan to provide a security cover," Iqbal told VOA.

A special maritime security "Task-Force 88," commissioned by Pakistan's Navy, was introduced in December 2016 to protect the port's sea routes. The military presence in Gwadar itself has been immensely increased.

"CPEC holds economic prospects for Pakistan, and it is our future," said Sarfaraz Bugti, Balochistan's minister for Home and Tribal Affairs. "The law-and-order situation has improved over the years in the province, and we'll not let anyone [Baloch insurgents] mess with it."

Balochistan, Pakistan's largest province, has large reserves of natural resources. But it shares a porous border with Afghanistan and Iran that security analysts say must be secured to sustain CPEC's investments in Balochistan.

Azaz Syed, a senior journalist and author, says the challenge shouldn't be overestimated because it has resisted change so far.

"The security pattern of Balochistan seems to remain intact and will not be changed in the near future," Syed told VOA.

Experts believe the government also needs to develop a sense of belonging to the long-deprived residents of Balochistan.

"The local population needs to be assured they'll be given priority in the new job opportunities [as it belongs to their province], this will eventually increase their stake in the project," Askari told VOA.

In addition to CPEC, Pakistan hopes to benefit from China's even more ambitious "One Belt, One Road," a $1 trillion-dollar trade and infrastructure project to build a massive economic corridor connecting Asia, Europe and Africa through a network of land and sea routes.

Earlier this month, Beijing hosted 29 heads of state at a summit to discuss the project. Pakistani Premier Nawaz Sharif headed a high-ranking delegation to the summit, where Pakistan and China signed on bilateral agreements worth nearly $500 million.

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Russian Forces Receive 40 Arms Carriers, 180 Long-Range Cruise Missiles in 2016

Sputnik News

11:14 24.05.2017(updated 13:12 24.05.2017)

The Russian Armed Forces have received 40 high-precision weapons delivery systems and 180 long-range cruise missiles in 2016, Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said Wednesday.

MOSCOW (Sputnik)  He estimated the new deliveries allowed the soldiers' ability to engage enemy targets by a third.

"Over the past year alone, military formations received 40 high-precision weapons carries and 180 long-range cruise missiles," Shoigu said at a government hour in the upper house of parliament.

Nearly half of the Russian Navy's surface ships will be armed with Kalibr cruise missiles, Shoigu said.

"About half of the naval warships will be equipped with sea-based Kalibr cruise missiles," Shoigu told upper house lawmakers at the so-called government hour session.

According to the minister, the Russian Armed Forces received over 30,000 pieces of advanced and upgraded weapons in five years.

"In total since 2012, the troops received more than 30,000 units of new and modernized weapons and equipment, including more than 50 warships, 1,300 aircraft, 4,700 tanks and armored combat vehicles," Shoigu told upper house lawmakers.

He compared the number to two warships, 151 aircraft and 217 tanks received in 2007-2011.

The Russian army also receives 150-250 aircraft per year.

"Over the years, we receive from 150 to 250 new advanced models of weapons and military equipment, particularly aircraft and helicopters," Shoigu said.

This requires "careful attention to the personnel policy in the field of flight crew," he added.

 Sputnik

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DEAR HARRIETTE: A friend's mom recently told her that she had put on a few pounds and needed to lose it. When my friend mentioned it to me, I took it as a joke, like I thought she would, because she does not need to lose weight. A few days later, I walked into her house and there were sticky notes on the food cabinets and the refrigerator. One of them said, "Do not eat unless you are hungry." The other one said, "Are you hungry?" I tried to act as if everything was normal, but that just isn't normal. I am not sure how to act or what to do. Do I do anything? -- Weight Loss, Richmond, Virginia

DEAR WEIGHT LOSS: Let's start with the reality that you are not a doctor, and neither is your friend's mother. The best thing you might be able to do is to encourage your friend to get a physical from a medical practitioner to make sure she's healthy. A doctor can measure and weigh her to see if she is of a proper weight for her size and age. If she can go to her own general practitioner, she can also get a comparison to her previous weight. Encourage her to speak directly with her doctor about her concerns, including what her mother said.

DEAR HARRIETTE: Two of my best friends had a falling-out. One of them is still in my main clique of friends, but the other is in another friend group now. She did not want to be a part of this other girl's life, so she started hanging out with different girls. It is hard for me to keep a friendship with her because I don't see her as often, and no one in my friend group likes her. All my friends always tell me to stop talking to her or to stop trying because she is mean. She is still one of my best friends, and I want to keep our relationship, but it is difficult when all my friends keep telling me to stop talking to her. What do I say to them? -- Blueberry, Seattle

DEAR BLUEBERRY: Do not succumb to peer pressure. It is OK for you to be part of more than one friend group, and you can do it without advertising to either group who your other friends are. Your core group will likely stop complaining about the other friend if you stop talking about her.

Instead of working to win them over to welcome your friend, let them be. Look at your life and schedule to see when and how you can make time for the distant friend. Do not allow others to bully you into extricating yourself from someone whom you consider a best friend.

If your other friends call you out about remaining friends with this person, stand up for yourself. Tell them that you intend to remain her friend, even if she is not part of their clique anymore.

DEAR HARRIETTE: I came home to the sound of my neighbors screaming their heads off in the hallway. The mother was cursing and hollering, and her adult daughter was videotaping her mother as they both yelled and kicked and cursed. It was distressing, to say the least, and I wasn't sure what to do. Later, the mother called me to apologize for letting me see it, but then she spent 20 minutes rehashing everything the daughter had done to offend her. I have found myself hostage to this woman's drama almost daily for the past few weeks. While I feel sorry for her, I see that I cannot be of help. How can I extricate myself from it, given that we are neighbors? -- In the Middle, Bronx, New York

DEAR IN THE MIDDLE: You must put your foot down. Tell your neighbor that you are terribly sorry that she is having such difficulty with her daughter and that you will pray for calmer times. Add that you realize that you do not have the skills to help her through this predicament, and it makes you uncomfortable trying to do so. Tell your neighbor that you want her to have a healthy, safe household, but you cannot help her get there. Recommend that she call the police if things continue to escalate.

When she calls you to talk about the blow-by-blow of what is going on, interrupt her and say that you cannot talk at that moment. Then end the conversation. If she continues, tell her that you do not want to talk about her problems, but that you continue to wish her well.

Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106
Taiwan drill tests defense capability against air attack by China

ROC Central News Agency

2017/05/23 19:50:11

Taipei, May 23 (CNA) All three branches of Taiwan's military took part in a drill Tuesday to test the country's defense capability against a simulated attack by China, in the second stage of this year's Han Kuang series of military exercises, according to the military.

During the drill, F-16 jets, which took off from bases in Hualien and Chiayi, flew a route that simulated an attack by China on Taiwan proper, the military said.

In response, ground forces from the three branches of Taiwan's military were deployed in the joint operations with the aim of testing the country's defense capabilities, the military said.

The exercise was focused on closely monitoring the movements of "enemy aircraft" and taking defensive action, according to the military.

Another exercise was also conducted in northern Taiwan, simulating a breach of some major military bases by enemy forces. The mission of the Taiwan units was to take back those bases, the military said.

In addition, it said, a drill was held Tuesday afternoon on the outlying island of Kinmen, testing the amphibious warfare capabilities of special troops that were assigned to rescue hostages held by enemy forces.

As in previous years, the Han Kuang drills were divided into two parts: computer-simulated war games that were held on May 1-5, followed by live-fire exercises that are being conducted this week, Monday to Friday.

All three branches of Taiwan's military -- Army, Navy and Air Force -- are involved in the five-day, round-the-clock exercises, to test their coordinated response to simulated assaults by China's military.

Two live-fire drills are scheduled for Thursday, including one on the Penghu islands in the Taiwan Strait, simulating an amphibious landing there by enemy forces, according to the Ministry of National Defense.

President Tsai Ing-wen () is expected to observe the drill in Penghu, the ministry said.

The annual Han Kuang exercises, now in their 33rd year, are Taiwan's most important war games.

(By Lu Hsin-hui and Elaine Hou)

ENDITEM/pc

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President affirms Taiwan's partnership with U.S.

ROC Central News Agency

2017/05/23 16:31:10

Taipei, May 23 (CNA) President Tsai Ing-wen () reiterated Tuesday that Taiwan will continue its role as a reliable partner of the United States in regional security and continue to work for regional peace and prosperity.

Tsai was speaking during a meeting with a U.S. delegation led by Republican National Committee (RNC) Co-chair Bob Paduchik.

She noted that the RNC has sent a delegation to Taiwan every year over the past several years, and she expressed confidence that such visits will help deepen U.S. understanding of Taiwan and enhance bilateral friendship, according to a statement released by the Presidential Office.

The president expressed the government's appreciation to the Republican Party for adopting a supportive stand for Taiwan in its 2016 platform, in which the party reiterated the Taiwan Relations Act as the basis of Taiwan-U.S. ties, affirmed the Six Assurances given to Taiwan in 1982 by then-U.S. President Ronald Reagan, and expressed support for Taiwan's participation in international organizations.

She said continued support and assistance from the United States is indispensable in Taiwan's efforts to expand its international space.

Taiwan has the will and ability to make more meaningful contribution to the international community and is willing to play a more positive role in maintaining regional peace and prosperity, she said.

Taiwan looks forward to deepening its partnership with the United States and to having more substantive cooperation and dialogue with Washington in areas such as counter-terrorism, humanitarian aid and defense investment, she said.

Lastly, she told Paduchik to convey her regards to U.S. President Donald Trump and White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus, who visited Taiwan several times before assuming his present position.

(By Sophia Yeh and Y.F. Low)

ENDITEM/J

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Ex-Turkish Air Force Chief Denies Involvement in 2016 Coup Attempt

Sputnik News

20:20 23.05.2017

Former Turkish Air Force Commander Gen. Akin Ozturk on Tuesday pleaded not guilty to the charge of involvement in last year's thwarted military coup attempt.

ANKARA (Sputnik)  Turkish authorities detained Ozturk on July 16, 2016, a day after the failed coup attempt. Shortly thereafter, Turkish media reported that the coup's organizers had planned to appoint Ozturk as the next Turkish president and that the former serviceman had confessed to plotting the coup.

"The court on charges of such betrayal is the biggest punishment for me, who has served 46 years in the armed forces. My dear nation and commanders, who have taught me, should know that I have not participated in this wicked coup attempt," Ozturk said during the trial, as quoted by the Hurriyet newspaper.

Ozturk added that the media reports claiming that he had admitted guilt in plotting the failed military coup were false, as such reports emerged before he had begun to testify.

An attempt at a military coup in Turkey took place on July 15, 2016. It was quickly suppressed by forces and people loyal to the government, but left over 240 people killed and about 2,000 more injured. Following the incident, Turkish authorities introduced a state of emergency and detained and fired thousands of people, including journalists, activists and servicemen, including Ozturk, on suspicion of being involved in the coup or with its organizers.

 Sputnik

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Turkey Recruits Thousands of Free Syrian Army Rebels to Fight Kurds

Sputnik News

10:41 24.05.2017(updated 11:03 24.05.2017)

Turkey has ostensibly spent three months training a large rebel force planning to deploy them against the People's Protection Units (YPG), a commander of the Free Syrian Army (FSA) told Sputnik Turkey on condition of anonymity.

"Turkey is in the process of creating an army manned by the FSA fighters to carry out an operation against the YPG. This force will also be tasked with patrolling the security zone between Jarabulus and Idlib. This training has been ongoing for three months. Turkish special forces have led a training program lasting 45 days in Gaziantep and Kilis. Syrians from Idlib, Aleppo, Damascus and Hama have enrolled in this program. They have freely joined the FSA. These are mostly ethnic Turkmen or Arabs. There are some Kurds as well," the source said.

The Ankara-trained FSA force is said to consist of 10,000 fighters.

The FSA commander added that those undergoing training receive $300 per month. Turkey also provides them with shelter and food. He did not specify when the program would be over, but said that it is going to happen soon.

The FSA commander named the cities of Manbij, Afrin and Tell Abyad as the primary targets of Turkey's upcoming operation.

"According to the information we received, Turkey has been engaged in training the FSA to launch an operation in Afrin. Ankara decided to do this after the United States announced that they would arm the YPG. Turkey has chosen Afrin because unlike Kobani and Qamishli there are no US troops in the city. In addition, Turkey wants to capture Azaz, Marea, Idlib and territories to the West of the Jarabulus-Aleppo axis. Ankara wants to link western Aleppo and Idlib. We are awaiting Damascus' and Russia's response to these plans," Chairman of the Syrian Democratic Council Rezan Hiddo told Sputnik Turkey.

Chairman of the Kurdish National Council (ENKS) Muslim Mihemed told the news agency that Ankara has created several strongholds in Syria with more on the way.

"During Operation Euphrates Shield Turkey was engaged in combat to the west of Euphrates in the areas close to Azaz, Jarabulus and al-Bab. Turkey has created multiple strongholds to carry out an offensive on a territory between the Turkish town of Silopi and the Iraqi town of Sinjar. Turkey does not want the Kurds to be present in the border region," he said.

Ankara-led Operation Euphrates Shield was aimed at pushing Daesh out of cities and settlements located on Syria's border with Turkey. The large-scale military campaign was also aimed at preventing Kurdish forces from moving further west and linking areas they control into a single border region. The Turkish military and the Ankara-backed Free Syrian Army liberated the cities of al-Bab and Jarabulus as part of the campaign, creating a buffer zone in northern Syria.

Turkey announced the end of its military intervention in March.

 Sputnik

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English Dutch

Supervisory Board nominates Sean Fernback (former CEO of HERE) and Kees Molenaar

Capelle aan den IJssel, the Netherlands - 24 May 2017 - AND is delighted to announce the nomination of Sean Fernback and Kees Molenaar to its Supervisory Board. Upon confirmation by the AGM, the Supervisory Board of AND will expand from three to five members. Mr. Westerhof will resign as Supervisory Board member at the end of his current term at 30 December 2017.



Sean Fernback has more than 10 years' executive experience in the mapping, location technology and navigation industry including both Consumer and Automotive sectors. During 2006 - 2013 he has worked for TomTom as Vice President Hardware Engineering and Senior Vice President Engineering & Product Development. In 2014 he joined HERE as Senior Vice President Consumer and was appointed interim CEO in 2015. He led the divesture of HERE, which was subsequently acquired by BMW, Daimler and Audi in December 2015. Sean is currently board member of Mapcode Foundation.



Kees Molenaar has broad experience with Dutch listed companies, mainly from an investment perspective and is familiar with the related governance practices. In the period 2013 - 2014 he has been active as a supervisory board member at HES Beheer, then a public company listed at Euronext Amsterdam and subsequently as CEO. In addition to HES Beheer, Kees has held different advisory and board positions for Delta Lloyd Investment funds, ING Barings, Kempen & Co. and Asterix Europe Fund. Kees is currently member of the Supervisory Board of Kempen beleggingsfondsen and Tradewind equity fund.



Rob Westerhof, chairman of the AND Supervisory Board: "I am delighted with the announcement of these nominations. Sean Fernback is a true industry expert and brings a wealth of experience and in-depth knowledge of the mapping, navigation and location spaces. Kees Molenaar has a broad experience in advisory boards and is very familiar with the Dutch corporate governance model. I am certain that they will be of great benefit to the functioning of the Supervisory Board."



The term of Mr. Westerhof ends on 30 December 2017. Mr. Westerhof has decided that this will be his last term and will stop as a member of the Supervisory board at 30 December 2017. Mr. Westerhof has served eight years as a member of the Supervisory Board of AND. The Supervisory Board has decided that after his resignation the Supervisory board will reduce from five to four members. The Executive and Supervisory Board are grateful for his many years of expert involvement at AND.



Provided that the proposed nomination will be adopted by the Extraordinary General Meeting, to be held on 7 July 2017, the Supervisory Board will consist of Rob Westerhof (Chairman), Maarten Douma, Barry Glick and Sean Fernback and Kees Molenaar (as of the date of Extraordinary General Meeting).



This is an English translation of the Dutch press release. In the event of any disparity between the Dutch original and this translation, the Dutch text will prevail.



This press release contains inside information within the meaning of Article 7(1) of the EU Market Abuse Regulation

Note for editor, not for publication. Note for editor, not for publication.

For further information, please contact Hugo van der Linde on 0031-10-8851200 or go to www.and.com
CALGARY, ALBERTA--(Marketwired - May 24, 2017) - Mkango Resources Ltd. (TSX VENTURE:MKA) (AIM:MKA) (the "Corporation" or "Mkango"), announces results from recent sampling at the Thambani Project in southern Malawi:

Assay results from 85 rock grab samples returned high grade uranium, tantalum and niobium values, ranging up to 3.3 % U 3 O 8 , 1.9 % Ta 2 O 5 and 6.0 % Nb 2 O 5 . 35 of the samples graded above 500ppm U 3 O 8 and 24 graded above 1,000ppm U 3 O 8 . Results associated with the twenty best U 3 O 8 assays are summarised in the table below.

The main objectives of the programme were to confirm previously identified high grade mineralisation at the Little Ngona target, ground-truth new geophysical targets and complete further reconnaissance sampling along the East and West Ridges.

New areas of high grade uranium, tantalum and niobium mineralisation were identified at the foot of the West Ridge and on the East Ridge. Most significantly, a radiometric high at the foot of the West Ridge yielded two of four highest grade samples of this phase of exploration.

Alexander Lemon, President of Mkango, said: "These results further support Thambani's exploration potential. Not only are the uranium results highly encouraging, but the equally positive tantalum and niobium results support that Thambani has significant multi-commodity potential."

Assays from the 20 highest grade U 3 O 8 samples from the Thambani sampling programme

Sample no. U 3 O 8 ppm U 3 O 8 % Ta 2 O 5 ppm Ta 2 O 5 % Nb 2 O 5 ppm Nb 2 O 5 % U3141 32590 3.26 19029 1.90 59200 5.92 U3183 31812 3.18 15224 1.52 60055 6.01 U3136 10131 1.01 4845 0.48 32478 3.25 U3111 8826 0.88 4191 0.42 14871 1.49 U3127 5468 0.55 3084 0.31 15138 1.51 U3135 5265 0.53 2747 0.27 13183 1.32 U3122 5250 0.52 2431 0.24 10820 1.08 U3125 4518 0.45 2028 0.20 8461 0.85 U3115 4352 0.44 2221 0.22 9789 0.98 U3121 4191 0.42 2390 0.24 13585 1.36 U3137 3988 0.40 1896 0.19 8707 0.87 U3124 3952 0.40 2100 0.21 9600 0.96 U3168 3664 0.37 2022 0.20 7137 0.71 U3129 3562 0.36 1625 0.16 6469 0.65 U3176 3264 0.33 1905 0.19 5864 0.59 U3131 2768 0.28 1293 0.13 5314 0.53 U3133 2231 0.22 1235 0.12 5971 0.60 U3118 2163 0.22 1330 0.13 3838 0.38 U3172 1749 0.17 1351 0.14 3924 0.39 U3119 1741 0.17 916 0.09 4592 0.46

Sampling was primarily focused on zones of anomalous uranium and associated niobium and tantalum targets across the Thambani Massif, a nepheline-bearing syenite gneiss which dominates the north-eastern part of the licence. Grab samples are selective samples and are not necessarily representative of the mineralization hosted on the property. The average grades for the 85 samples were 1,892 ppm U 3 O 8 , 1,029 ppm Ta 2 O 5 and 4,562 ppm Nb 2 O 5 . The median grades for the 85 samples were 343 ppm U 3 O 8 , 222 ppm Ta 2 O 5 and 958 ppm Nb 2 O 5 . The ranges of grades for the 85 samples were 1 - 32,590 ppm U 3 O 8 , 2 - 19,029 ppm Ta 2 O 5 and 0 - 60,055 ppm Nb 2 O 5 .

Mkango is currently evaluating strategic options for Thambani, including opportunities to joint venture or spin-off the project, and other potential avenues to create value.

Thambani Project

Mkango's exploration activities to date include acquisition of Landsat7 and ASTER satellite imagery for the licence area, interpretation of airborne geophysical data, systematic ground radiometric surveys, reconnaissance geological mapping and litho-geochemical sampling programmes. The work has identified a number of potential uranium and associated niobium-tantalum targets over the Thambani Massif, which is mainly composed of nepheline-bearing syenite gneiss, forming two prominent ridges known as Thambani East Ridge and West Ridge.

Radiometric surveys revealed two distinct uranium anomalies occurring across the Thambani East and West Ridges: a strong uranium anomaly, measuring approximately 3 kilometres ("km") by 1.5 km, occurs along the length of the Thambani East ridge, with a north-south trend, and a second NW-trending uranium anomaly, measuring approximately 1.5 km by 0.4 km, occurring along the foot of the West Ridge coincident with the western contact of the nepheline-bearing syenite body with granodioritic augen gneiss.

Scientific and technical information contained in this release has been approved and verified by Dr. Scott Swinden of Swinden Geoscience Consultants Ltd, who is a "Qualified Person" in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 --Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

Sample preparation and analytical work for the sampling programme is being provided by Intertek-Genalysis Laboratories (Johannesburg, South Africa and Perth, Australia) employing assay methods suitable for the analysis of uranium, niobium and tantalum. Mkango inserted its own blanks and standards into the sample stream, and internal laboratory QAQC was also completed to include blanks, standards and duplicates.

About Mkango Resources Ltd.

Mkango's primary business is the exploration for rare earth elements and associated minerals in the Republic of Malawi, a country whose hospitable people have earned it a reputation as "the warm heart of Africa". Mkango holds, through its wholly owned subsidiary Lancaster Exploration Limited, a 100% interest in two exclusive prospecting licences in southern Malawi, the Phalombe licence and the Thambani licence.

The main exploration target in the Phalombe licence is the Songwe Hill rare earths' deposit, which features carbonatite hosted rare earth mineralisation and was subject to previous exploration in the late 1980s. Mkango completed an updated Pre-feasibility Study for the project in November 2015. Mkango's strategy for Songwe is to further optimise the project with a view to maximising efficiency and reducing costs, thereby providing a strong platform for entering into partnerships, marketing and offtake arrangements. In December 2016, Mkango entered into an agreement with Noble Resources International to collaborate in the rare earths sector. In March 2017, Mkango entered into a MOU with Metalysis Limited to jointly research, develop and commercialise novel rare earth metal alloys for use in three-dimensional (3D) printed permanent magnets.

The main exploration targets in the Thambani licence are uranium, niobium, tantalum and other associated minerals.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release may contain forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, as there can be no assurance that the plans, intentions or expectations upon which they are based will occur. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve numerous assumptions, known and unknown risks and uncertainties, both general and specific, that contribute to the possibility that the predictions, forecasts, projections and other forward-looking statements will not occur, which may cause actual performance and results in future periods to differ materially from any estimates or projections of future performance or results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors and risks include, without limiting the foregoing, delays in obtaining financing or governmental or stock exchange approvals. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release. Except as required by law, the Company disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. Additionally, the Company undertakes no obligation to comment on the expectations of, or statements made by, third parties in respect of the matters discussed above.

The TSX Venture Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any equity or other securities of the Company in the United States. The securities of the Company will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") and may not be offered or sold within the United States to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons except in certain transactions exempt from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act.
TORONTO and NEW YORK, May 24, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- FIRST MAJESTIC SILVER CORP. (NYSE:AG) (TSX:FR) (the "Company" or First Majestic) announces that a rogue group of union workers have halted activities and blocked the accesses at the La Encantada Silver Mine in the state of Coahuila, Mexico. The illegal blockade arose after some of the unionized individuals did not agree with the bonus that the company and the National Union of Miners, Metallurgists, Steelworkers and Similar Workers of Mexico (National Union), agreed to offer the miners in lieu of profit sharing.



Despite an agreement with the National Union, this rogue group of workers unilaterally decided to form a blockade, which has disrupted operations for all of the mines employees. It is currently not known how long the blockade will continue, however, First Majestic is working with the leadership of the National Union in order to resume operations and have the workers return to work.

It is very unfortunate that this group of individuals have chosen to react in this manner instead of through dialogue and the proper channels through its union leadership, said Dustin VanDoorselaere, COO. We have been working very diligently with the leadership of the National Union to provide a fair solution for all union employees.

Keith Neumeyer, President & CEO commented, This is a minor setback in our plans for renewed investment at La Encantada focusing on underground development and brownfields exploration, which will over time result in increased throughput rates and higher head grades. As part of our 2017 capital expenditure program, La Encantada is receiving the highest level of investment of our six mines, including improvements to the camp facilities and the investment in the new roasting project.

The company has always had a positive relationship with the National Union and continues to work to find a resolution to the conflict. Unfortunately, the conditions in Mexico are difficult with low metal prices and higher taxes and fuel costs. Unfortunately, this type of work disruption is increasingly occurring in many other mining operations throughout the country of Mexico.

ABOUT FIRST MAJESTIC

First Majestic is a mining company focused on silver production in Mexico and is aggressively pursuing the development of its existing mineral property assets. The Company presently owns and operates six producing silver mines; the La Parrilla Silver Mine, the San Martin Silver Mine, the La Encantada Silver Mine, the La Guitarra Silver Mine, Del Toro Silver Mine and the Santa Elena Silver/Gold Mine. Production from these six mines is projected to be between 11.1 to 12.4 million ounces of pure silver or 16.6 to 18.5 million ounces of silver equivalents in 2017.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION contact info@firstmajestic.com, visit our website at www.firstmajestic.com or call our toll free number 1.866.529.2807.

First Majestic Silver Corp.

signed

Keith Neumeyer, President & CEO

SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

This news release includes certain "Forward-Looking Statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and applicable Canadian securities laws. When used in this news release, the words anticipate, believe, estimate, expect, target, plan, forecast, may, schedule and similar words or expressions, identify forward-looking statements or information. These forward-looking statements or information relate to, among other things: the price of silver and other metals; the accuracy of mineral reserve and resource estimates and estimates of future production and costs of production at our properties; estimated production rates for silver and other payable metals produced by us, the estimated cost of development of our development projects; the effects of laws, regulations and government policies on our operations, including, without limitation, the laws in Mexico which currently have significant restrictions related to mining; obtaining or maintaining necessary permits, licences and approvals from government authorities; and continued access to necessary infrastructure, including, without limitation, access to power, land, water and roads to carry on activities as planned.

These statements reflect the Companys current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information and the Company has made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation: fluctuations in the spot and forward price of silver, gold, base metals or certain other commodities (such as natural gas, fuel oil and electricity); fluctuations in the currency markets (such as the Canadian dollar and Mexican peso versus the U.S. dollar); changes in national and local government, legislation, taxation, controls, regulations and political or economic developments in Canada, Mexico; operating or technical difficulties in connection with mining or development activities; risks and hazards associated with the business of mineral exploration, development and mining (including environmental hazards, industrial accidents, unusual or unexpected formations, pressures, cave-ins and flooding); risks relating to the credit worthiness or financial condition of suppliers, refiners and other parties with whom the Company does business; inability to obtain adequate insurance to cover risks and hazards; and the presence of laws and regulations that may impose restrictions on mining, including those currently enacted in Mexico; employee relations; relationships with and claims by local communities and indigenous populations; availability and increasing costs associated with mining inputs and labour; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development, including the risks of obtaining necessary licenses, permits and approvals from government authorities; diminishing quantities or grades of mineral reserves as properties are mined; the Companys title to properties; and the factors identified under the caption Risk Factors in the Companys Annual Information Form, under the caption Risks Relating to First Majestic's Business.

Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements or information. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be anticipated, estimated or intended. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements or information to reflect changes in assumptions or changes in circumstances or any other events affecting such statements or information, other than as required by applicable law.
CALGARY, ALBERTA--(Marketwired - May 24, 2017) - BACANORA MINERALS LTD. ("Bacanora" or the "Company") (TSX VENTURE:BCN)(AIM:BCN), the Canadian and London listed lithium exploration and development company, has entered into a Subscription Agreement (the "Subscription") with Capital Research and Management Company ("Capital"). Under the terms of the Subscription, Capital has agreed to subscribe for 8,573,925 new Common Shares in Bacanora (the "Subscription Shares") at a price of 86 pence (approximately C$1.51) per ordinary share, raising gross proceeds of approximately 7.4 million (approximately US$9.6 million / approximately CAD $13 million) for the Company.

The proceeds of the Subscription will be used to advance both the Company's Sonora Lithium Project ("Sonora") in Mexico, which is one of the larger lithium resources in the world, and its Zinnwald Lithium Project ("Zinnwald") in Germany. Together, these assets are expected to enable the Company to target rapidly growing markets for lithium products in both Asia and Europe.

The Subscription was completed in reliance upon exemptions from applicable prospectus and registration requirements. Accordingly, any trades of securities issued under the Subscription that occur in Alberta or to a purchaser in Alberta would be subject to a hold period equal to four months and one day from the date of issuance (being September 25, 2017). Trades of securities occurring through the CREST system among non-Alberta residents will not be subject to this restriction. All of the shares acquired by Capital under the Subscription will be deposited under the CREST system.

ABOUT BACANORA:

Bacanora is a Canadian and London listed lithium exploration and development company (TSX VENTURE:BCN)(AIM:BCN). The Company is exploring for, and developing a pipeline of international lithium projects, with a primary focus on the Sonora Lithium Project. The Company's operations are based in Hermosillo in northern Mexico. The Company is led by a team with lithium expertise and proven mine development, construction and operations experience.

The Sonora Lithium Project, which consists of ten mining concession areas covering approximately 100 thousand hectares in the northeast of Sonora State. The Company, through drilling and exploration work to date, has established an Indicated Mineral Resource (in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101")) of 4.5 million tonnes (LCE1) and 2.7 million tonnes Inferred.2 A Pre-Feasibility Study completed in Q1 20163 established Probable Mineral Reserve (in accordance with NI 43-101) of 2.1 million tonnes LCE and demonstrated the economics associated with becoming a 35,000 tpa lithium carbonate and 50,000 tpa SOP producer in Mexico.

In addition to the Sonora Lithium Project, the Company also has a 50% interest in the Zinnwald Lithium Project in southern Saxony, Germany. The Zinnwald Lithium Project is located in a granite hosted Sn/W/Li belt that has been mined historically for tin, tungsten and lithium at different times over the past 300 years. The strategic location of the Zinnwald Lithium Project allows immediate access to the German automotive and downstream lithium chemical industries.

Reader Advisory

Except for statements of historical fact, this news release contains certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities law. Forward-looking information is frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. We cannot guarantee future results, performance or achievements. Consequently, there is no representation that the actual results achieved will be the same, in whole or in part, as those set out in the forward-looking information.

Forward-looking information is based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made, and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking information. Some of the risks and other factors that could cause the results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking information include, but are not limited to: commodity price volatility; general economic conditions in Canada, the United States, Mexico and globally; industry conditions, governmental regulation, including environmental regulation; unanticipated operating events or performance; failure to obtain industry partner and other third party consents and approvals, if and when required; the availability of capital on acceptable terms; the need to obtain required approvals from regulatory authorities; stock market volatility; competition for, among other things, capital, skilled personnel and supplies; changes in tax laws; and the other risk factors disclosed under our profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Readers are cautioned that this list of risk factors should not be construed as exhaustive.

The forward-looking information contained in this news release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. We undertake no duty to update any of the forward-looking information to conform such information to actual results or to changes in our expectations except as otherwise required by applicable securities legislation. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

1 LCE = lithium carbonate (Li 2 CO 3 ) equivalent; determined by multiplying Li value in percent by 5.324 to get an equivalent Li 2 CO 3 value in per cent. Use of LCE is to provide data comparable with industry reports and assumes complete conversion of lithium in clays with no recovery or process losses.

2 See Amended Mineral Resource Estimate for the Sonora Lithium Project, Mexico, April 2016. The lead author of the amended report is Mr. Martin Pittuck (MSc., C.Eng., FGS, MIMMM) of SRK Consulting (UK) Limited ('SRK'). A copy of this report is available under Bacanora's corporate profile at www.sedar.com.

3 See Technical Report on the Pre-Feasibility Study for the Sonora Lithium Project, Mexico, 15 April 2016. The authors of the PFS are Ausenco Limited, SRK and Independent Mining Consultants Inc. A copy of this report is available under Bacanora's corporate profile at www.sedar.com.
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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
Maine's high court said Tuesday that the state's first-in-the-nation ranked-choice voting system is unconstitutional, throwing the voter-approved law into jeopardy ahead of the key 2018 campaign when it was supposed to be implemented.In a unanimous, 44-page opinion issued Tuesday, the Maine Supreme Judicial Court's seven justices agreed with Attorney General Janet Mills, Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap and Republican legislators that the system violates a provision of the Maine Constitution that allows elections to be won by pluralities -- and not necessarily majorities -- of votes.But Maine's history of plurality elections that colored the referendum approved by 52 percent of voters in 2016 and the non-binding opinion from the high court casts doubt that Maine will pioneer the change in its gubernatorial, congressional and legislative elections.Gov. Paul LePage was elected with pluralities in 2010 and 2014, though his Democratic predecessor, John Baldacci, also never won the governor's office with a majority. If a ranked-choice system were in place in 2010, the Republican governor likely would have been beaten by independent Eliot Cutler, who placed second then and a distant third in 2014.The Legislature and Dunlap's office haven't moved to implement the law amid the uncertainty around its legality. Now the Legislature will be under pressure either to throw out the law or amend the Constitution to allow it.On Tuesday, Sen. Catherine Breen, D-Falmouth, announced she would propose a constitutional amendment to allow it. But that would require the approval of a legislative panel, two-thirds votes in each legislative chamber and another statewide vote to ratify the amendment.Republicans, who are largely opposed to the new law, could block an amendment in those first two steps and Assistant House Minority Leader Ellie Espling, R-New Gloucester, said in a statement that the opinion "reinforces the problems that arise when we send unvetted legislation out to referendum."The status of ranked-choice voting has also been one of the key issues looming over Maine's 2018 gubernatorial race, where the term-limited LePage will be replaced. The University of Virginia's Center for Politics cited it in April as a reason for calling the Maine race a tossup.Large fields of Republicans and Democrats are considering running. So far, the two highest profile declared candidates are independent Maine State Treasurer Terry Hayes of Buckfield -- who is supported by Cutler -- and Democrat Adam Cote of Sanford.
President Trump proposed a dramatic expansion of the law at the center of the administration's fight against sanctuary cities -- changes that could enable the federal government to punish cities like San Francisco for shielding immigrants.Tucked deep in Trump's budget plan, which was released Tuesday and faced immediate scrutiny from legislators, is a proposed rewriting of U.S. Code 1373, which says cities cannot block employees from communicating with federal officials about individuals' immigration status.Under the proposal, which prompted outrage from San Francisco officials, the government could condition Homeland Security and Department of Justice grants on guarantees that cities comply with the expanded scope of the law.That would include a mandate that local jail officials hold releasable inmates for up to 48 hours under requests from immigration agents known as detainers, or at the very least "provide reasonable notification prior to the release."Many sheriff's departments, including San Francisco's, refuse to honor such detainers, which are a top priority for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.In addition, the proposal states that grant recipients may be required to send the federal government information on the "nationality, citizenship, immigration status, removability, scheduled release date and time, home address, work address, or contact information" of all inmates and suspects.San Francisco and many other cities maintain they comply with the current law. But an expansion of the statute -- which would have to be passed by Congress -- could change the landscape.The move came nearly a month after U.S. District Judge William Orrick of San Francisco blocked the Trump administration from enforcing an executive order seeking to cut funding to cities and counties with sanctuary policies.Tuesday's proposal, immigration law experts said, could be a response to the ruling, which said the president was exceeding his constitutional authority and that such funding conditions could only be imposed by Congress."Once again, this administration has demonstrated why they can't be trusted," said San Francisco City Attorney Dennis Herrera. "They are trying to sneak major changes in the law through the back door because they cannot get them through the front. These proposed changes would fly in the face of the Constitution."The proposal, contained in a 1,284-page appendix of Trump's budget plan, came a day after Attorney General Jeff Sessions signaled publicly that the administration was narrowing its effort to gain cooperation from sanctuary cities.Sessions said in a memo on the implementation of Trump's executive order that it would only seek to withhold federal grants from the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security from jurisdictions that "willfully refuse to comply" with U.S. Code 1373.Orrick said late Tuesday he would grant the Trump administration's request to reconsider his April ruling in light of the Sessions memo. He gave San Francisco and its co-plaintiff, Santa Clara County, two weeks to file opposing arguments.Sessions said in the memo that the government may "tailor" future grants to "promote a lawful system of immigration." But he did not mention the proposal to rewrite the law.Lee Lofthus, an assistant attorney general, told reporters Tuesday that the provision "basically makes some changes to some of the rules regarding cooperation with immigration officials."The Justice Department had previously said in court that there are three grant programs that may be jeopardized over the sanctuary issue, but it has not taken any steps to cut federal aid. Herrera has said San Francisco receives about $1.5 million a year in those grants.The debate over immigration detainers has raged for many years. Federal agents say the detainers allow them to efficiently target people who are both dangerous and deportable.But advocates for immigrants say jail officials who are asked to honor immigration holds should not do so because of the possibility of detaining U.S. citizens, increased costs, and legal liability related to incarcerating people beyond their release dates.California's Trust Act limits the situations in which jails can hold individuals wanted by immigration agents. In San Francisco, a criminal warrant is required."What we are seeing on every front here is the administration continuing efforts to harness local law enforcement in the business of immigration enforcement," said Christopher Lasch, a professor and immigration expert at the University of Denver's Sturm College of Law.While the administration hopes to expand the use of detainers, current law "doesn't get the administration where it wanted to go," he said. "That's what this is aimed at ... putting the thumb on the scale and basically forcing jurisdictions to come back into the fold."
Description

GIS - 24 May, 2017: Climate Change: From Ice to High seas was the focus of a talk by the Director of Science at the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) and the Honorary Professor at Swansea University of United Kingdom, Professor David Vaughan on 22 May 2017 at the State House in Reduit in the presence of the President of the Republic Dr Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, and other personalities. was the focus of a talk by the Director of Science at the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) and the Honorary Professor at Swansea University of United Kingdom, Professor David Vaughan on 22 May 2017 at the State House in Reduit in the presence of the President of the Republic Dr Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, and other personalities.

According to Professor Vaughan , most factors contributing to sea-level rise can now be predicted with more confidence. The greatest remaining uncertainty, he stressed, concerns the impact of ice-loss from polar ice sheets.

Speaking about the drastic collapse of Antarctic ice sheet, he underlined that it could double the sea-level rise to two metres by 2100 if carbon emissions are not cut down. Thermal expansion, formation of glaciers and the sinking of lands contribute to rising sea-level, he added.

Some 75% of the worlds coastline is being affected by the accelerating sea-level rise, stated Professor Vaughan. Consequently, islands and countries around the coastline are more at risk, he pointed out. In this regard, he highlighted that it is time to think on the strategic requirement for Mauritius against climate change and to identify areas where the BAS and the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) can help to better protect and anticipate the impacts of sea-level rise.

Furthermore, Professor Vaughan elaborated on the NERC which supports scientific research and advises the Government in United Kingdom. He also recalled that BAS is engaged in activities which help address issues of global importance.
Description

GIS - 24 May, 2017: A Chinese delegation led by the Vice Minister of Commerce, Mr Qian Keming, comprising of the Vice President of Exim Bank, Mr Xie Ping, and the Chinese Ambassador to Mauritius, Mr Li Li, had a working session today with their Mauritian counterparts at the New Treasury Building in Port Louis. The meeting was chaired by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade, Mr Vishnu Lutchmeenaraidoo.

The Vice Minister of Commerce, Mr Qian Keming, highlighted the long standing relationship that both countries share and expressed his interest for further collaboration and cooperation. He emphasised that under the Belt and Road Initiative, Mauritius is called upon to play a strategic role to link China with Africa for forthcoming grand projects.

He further stressed for deeper cooperation between Mauritius and China in the fields of aviation, tourism, trade, financial services and agriculture. He recalled that China has already helped Mauritius in implementing various important projects and will continue to do so, like in the timely setting up of the MultiSport Complex in Saint Pierre for the 2019 Indian Ocean Games.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade, Mr Vishnu Lutchmeenaraidoo, emphasised that the visit of the Chinese delegation following his recent visit to Beijing last week, clearly indicates that both countries are committed to help each other in strengthening and consolidating existing relations while moving to new sectors of development and avenues of cooperation.

He announced that Mauritius is currently working towards the signing of a Trilateral Agreement with SADC, COMESA and EAC, which will open up markets to 26 African countries and a potential of 600 million costumers/buyers and numerous enterprises. Mauritius with the help of China can achieve a win-win situation for all concerned parties in various sectors such as trade, tourism and many others, he added.

Minister Luthmeenaraidoo also requested the collaboration of China in the field of health tourism by asking for an antenna of the Chinese Institute of Traditional Medicine to be set up in Mauritius. He further asked for professional development courses for those in the construction industry particularly for masons, plumbers and electricians. He added that Mauritius will seek the help of China for the projects of Ring Road Phase Two and for the building of a dam at Riviere des Anguilles.

The working session was followed by the signing of Agreements between both parties on the following:

 Exchange Note to carry out feasibility study for the Civil Aviation Academy;

 Joint Feasibility on a possible Free Trade Agreement between both Countries; and

 New Grant Agreement to the tune of RMB 100 Million.

After the working session and signature of Agreements, the Chinese delegation led by the Vice Minister of Commerce, Mr Qian Keming, accompanied by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade, Mr Vishnu Lutchmeenaraidoo, paid a courtesy call on the Prime Minister, Mr Pravind Jugnauth, at the New Treasury Building.
Description

GIS - 24 May, 2017: A three-day workshop on Geospatial data, an initiative of the Ministry of Technology, Communication and Innovation in collaboration with the World Bank and the University of Mauritius, aiming to train participants on Open mapping techniques kicked off this morning at Cybertower 1 in Ebene. A three-day workshop on Geospatial data, an initiative of

During the workshop, participants will be able to connect to a broader mapping community and also organise a mapathon, to give visibility to local landmarks in Mauritius.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Minister of Technology, Communication and Innovation, Mr Yogida Sawmynaden , highlighted that Geospatial data, which is a subset of Open data, will allow individuals to view data on interactive maps with authoritative data on which stakeholders can depend. Geographical Information Systems, he added, have the potential to unlock the true value of Open data.

Through the use of Open data, many sectors can be digitally transformed with innovative use of Geospatial data and development of applications around released datasets by Government, stated Minister Sawmynaden. On this score, he pointed out that with the implementation of the Open data portal, Government will bring together geospatial applications and services for use by agencies and the public.

Geospatial data that are available online and at anytime should be the norm nowadays, Minister Sawmynaden underlined, adding that online mapping applications can be built to communicate Government data in easy-to-understand format. He further stated that Government wants to give opportunities to youngsters to develop applications around open datasets that will be released by Government.

According to him, a geographical perspective of Government data can be more engaging to the public as it will help to visualise issues more readily and improve transparency. With this perspective, Government will be able to share and convey its intentions, allowing better citizen response and participation, he added.

The Minister also underlined that environmental data when integrated with other data sources can create extensive value and build comprehensive view of the environmental factors, which can impact on citizens. Data overlaid on maps, he pointed out, can also include data on broadband quality and availability, infrastructure, buildings, land management, vegetation, utilities, water, habitation, roads, boundaries amongst others.

With regards to the mapathon organised during the workshop, Minister Sawmynaden stated that Government will hold other mapathons to provide opportunities to the public to come up with improvements to maps of their vicinities.
The federal government is looking to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to bridge the gap between the general public and valuable information.During a five-hour hackathon held May 17, the General Services Administration (GSA) called on more than 100 hackers to come up with tangible solutions to make federal-level information more accessible through consumer Intelligent Personal Assistants (IPAs).Efforts were aimed at the U.S. Federal Artificial Intelligence for Citizen Services community and were the latest offering from its Emerging Citizen Technology program, which is part of the feds Technology Transformation Services Innovation Portfolio. Earlier this year , it announced an open sourced pilot around the same idea.Some attendees characterized last weeks gathering as more of a collaboration than a traditional hack, but were generally complimentary.Participants included officials from Oracle, Microsoft, Amazon Web Services and Google; development types from San Francisco, Chicago and the nations capital; and representatives from among the 27 federal agencies taking part in the pilot, including the U.S. Parks Service and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).The goal of GSAs Emerging Citizen Technology effort , the agency has said, is to understand the business cases and impact of technology ranging from autonomous vehicles to the Internet of Things, and to weigh opening federal programs to mobile and stationary AI and IPAs.Megan Vorland, director of programs at D.C.-based graduate-level accelerator Dcode42, toldthe hack was really a lot more one-on-one meetings or one-on-many meetings on What should the solution look like, what are your challenges?In some cases, she said, it helped federal agencies narrow their focus from potentially offering weather data, for example, to one day releasing more pressing information on natural disasters like hurricanes. In other instances, she said officials learned the value of having good use cases; an up-to-date road map for where they hope to go; and, perhaps especially, good data to make available.I think even if the chatbot is not specifically created to x-y-z as laid out, its on the radar of all these public agencies, which is good news for them and good news for the American public," Vorland said. "Because it only gets cooler from here; the chatbot only gets cooler from here.In one collaboration, CFPB officials were able to work virtually with officials from San Francisco-based Coseer, a cognitive computing technology company with a focus on language and trying to teach English to computers, CEO Praful Krishna toldOn its GitHub pilot webpage, CFPB indicates it is interested in seeing the opportunity for people to get answers to financial questions and to provide just-in-time financial education to better help them navigate their financial choices.CFPB officials presented 50 to 100 pages from their website of frequently asked questions pertaining to automobile loans, Krishna said, and Coseer demonstrated how those could be imported to its platform and to its chatbot, which had been prepped beforehand.And we demonstrated it to them on like how a discovery of knowledge hidden in 50 pages can just become a matter of typing the right question and getting the answer then and there. The whole idea was that its actually that simple, said Krishna, who pointed out the collaboration is expected to lead to a follow-up meeting.Justin Herman, who heads the Emerging Citizen Technology program office, said on Thursday, May 18, in tweets that the event had been the largest #AI for Citizen Services hackathon in the U.S., and advised readers to forget the future of public services: we now have prototypes for efficient, self-service programs in development now.Tad Anderson, venture capital and startups manager for Amazon Web Services Worldwide Public Sector, said via email the company was invited to participate as an industry collaborator and provided subject matter expertise related to Federal AI/Virtual Assistant technology," and how it could be leveraged to build "more advanced ways of providing information to the public.Many agencies in attendance, he said, gave overviews of what types of public data they have, how those are accessed, and in what format they exist  focusing on frequently requested information ranging from student loan qualifications to parks information to applying for a passport.While I cant comment on GSAs ability to build and share solutions that incorporate public data in AI services, the event was a great platform to highlight potential solutions for agencies to leverage, as well as share best practices and common challenges to keep agencies exploring ways to use new technology to meet their missions, Anderson said via email.Even if any contract agreements were reached at the hackathon, Krishna estimated a working connection between federal-level data streams and IPAs or chatbots would take at least a year due to production constraints. But, he said, the overall mood was one of intense interest.Were already seeing relationships come out. Now where do the relationships lead is something thats yet to be seen," Krishna added. "Cautiously optimistic is probably a cliche, but thats where people are: very intrigued, very interested and [they] have that sense of urgency that this needs to be done in the next couple of years.GSA officials could not be reached for comment by press time.
A Better Way to Release Your Citys Data
(TNS)  Four years after they were shut down by the government and a scandal led to the arrest of dozens of people and the resignation of a lieutenant governor, Internet cafes are cropping up again across Florida  including one in Volusia County.The Hot Spot has been open since February at 1230 Hand Ave. and business is so good there is already talk of expansion. Each day for more than 14 hours, nearly every parking spot in front of the business is filled and most of the 80-plus seats inside are occupied. A security guard is routinely seen outside the door.The owner of the plaza, the Greater Daytona Business Center, is Joe Daprile. He said the Internet cafe is "totally legal" and the person who runs the business, Jim Dougherty, is "a decent guy." When the opportunity came for him to sign Dougherty to a lease, he agreed without hesitation, he said.Customers who regularly visited Internet cafes years earlier now get to relive those times  and so far there have been a lot of them. The Internet concern is one of two controversial businesses, the other a bottle club, that have re-emerged in the past year after legal action led to their closures."You see old friends here and you come to socialize," said Sue Parent, a regular Hot Spot customer. "We don't hurt anybody. We're enjoying ourselves."Dougherty did not respond to messages left seeking comment.Internet cafes, also known as sweepstakes rooms, were shut down in April 2013 across the state after Gov. Rick Scott signed a ban that had been approved by the Florida Legislature. The businesses contained machines that resembled casino-style slot machines. In recent months, Internet cafes have been making a comeback and so far local and state law enforcement officials have shown no interest in shutting them down."The Office of Statewide Prosecution's current priorities are fighting synthetic drugs, illegal opioids, human trafficking and gang violence," said Nick Cox, a statewide prosecutor with the Florida Attorney General's Office. "I feel that we should focus our resources on these priorities for the best interest in the state of Florida."Cox made that statement March 14 after his office declined to retry Kelly Mathis, a Jacksonville-based attorney convicted in 2013 on racketeering and other charges related to the operation of Allied Veterans of the World, a chain of now-defunct Internet cafes that generated $300 million in revenue. Mathis won his case on appeal in October 2016 and the state dropped the case.Mathis may have been the only one tried in the Allied Veterans scandal, but he wasn't the only casualty. Lt. Gov. Jennifer Carroll resigned in March 2013, the same day she was interviewed by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement during the agency's criminal investigation. Carroll was a paid consultant for Allied Veterans. She was never charged.During the past year, new Internet cafes have opened in Volusia, Putnam, Marion and Hernando counties. Questions still remain about their legality.Cox stated in March that gaming laws have changed since his office started its case against Mathis. Daprile said Internet cafes are legal as long as they are located in unincorporated areas. His plaza is just outside the Ormond Beach boundary."Do you think the county issues licenses for Internet cafes if they're illegal?" Daprile said. "Why would they take my money?"Records show the county hasn't collected any money from the owner of The Hot Spot.All business in Volusia County are required to pay a business tax. Not doing so could lead to a fine of up to $250. The Hot Spot has not paid its business tax, according to the Volusia County Revenue Division website. A letter was sent to the business a week ago and so far there has been no response, county officials said.Gary Davidson, a spokesman with the Volusia County Sheriff's Office, said his agency is looking into The Hot Spot, but didn't elaborate.The Hot Spot is not the only business revving in that location. Coco's Night Club opened last November. It is owned by George Lopez, whose three prior bottle club businesses were shut down in 2015 after he drew the ire of local law enforcement. Bottle clubs are business that don't sell liquor, but allow customers to bring their own alcoholic beverages.Coco's is at 1240 Hand Ave., a retail space behind The Hot Spot. Since Nov. 21, 2016, the Sheriff's Office has either conducted extra patrols or responded to calls at that address a total of 102 times, according to data obtained by The News-Journal. The most frequent call has been for noise complaints. Those complaints have been made a total of 12 times, records show.Lopez, 61, has a criminal history. He was most recently arrested in 2015 on firearm charges. A trial date in that case is scheduled for July 5.Daprile said he was happy to bring Lopez into the fold."There has not been one incident at the bottle club and there never will be because I run a good shop there," said Daprile, who added that everyone is out of the club by 2 a.m. and no ordinances are violated.A few of the noise complaints were called in after 2 a.m., according to records. Additionally, deputies have responded to Coco's on calls about suspicious incidents, medical calls and thefts. On three occasions  twice on April 7 and once on May 6  deputies responded to assault and battery calls, records show.A News-Journal reporter tried interviewing Lopez outside his business last month, but he was hostile and kept it short. He accused the newspaper of "throwing me under the bus" after it reported on a fatal shooting in October 2015 that occurred on the Oakridge span of the Seabreeze bridge in Daytona Beach. The shooting occurred moments after a fight at one of Lopez's old, now-defunct bottle clubs. The shooting victim, Deandre Smith, was involved in the fight, deputies said. No one has been charged in the bridge incident.During the interview last month, Lopez wanted a $40 cover charge for entry to Coco's. Lopez said a "famous woman" was appearing at his club that night, but declined to disclose her name."You're asking too many questions," said Lopez, who then ended the interview.A number of calls also have been made to dispatch for The Hot Spot. Deputies responded to an assault and battery call on March 27 and a gambling complaint on April 5, according to the Sheriff's Office. Calls for extra patrols also were called in to dispatch.Next to The Hot Spot is a "massage parlor," but no sign hangs above the door. The words "Body" and "Foot" are posted on a window to the right of the doors and the posted hours of operation on the left window. A woman working inside spoke little English, but took a message for the owner, who did not respond."It's a massage parlor, that's what it's called on the lease," Daprile said. "That's all I know."Other tenants in Daprile's plaza include a dog-grooming business, an Irish pub, a cheesecake retailer, a tattoo parlor and a paint supply store. None generates a crowd like The Hot Spot and Coco's.The pub, Fletchers Irish Pub, is moving out at the end of the month because Daprile declined to extend its lease. The owner, Bill Fletcher, said he has been a tenant there for 10 years and is being "forced out" because of Daprile's wishes to expand the Internet cafe next door."The whole thing is just disappointing," he said. "There wasn't even an opportunity to work out something."Fletcher, who in addition to owning the pub is employed as the information technology director at The Daytona Beach News-Journal, is moving his business 3 miles away to the 300 block of West Granada Boulevard at the end of the month.Daprile said he is unaware of any plans to expand The Hot Spot into that space. As of last week, there still wasn't a sign identifying the Internet cafe other than the words, "Win Cash & Prizes" above the door and the words "The Hot Spot" handwritten on a sheet of notebook paper taped to the door. The business occupies two suites and contains slot-machine-like games along the walls and on the main floor.A reporter took a few seconds of video inside the business and a customer complained to the security guard who ordered the video stopped.At one point, there were roughly 25 Internet cafes open throughout Volusia and Flagler counties. Some were raided and closed before the 2013 law that Scott signed, but most of them shut down when the law went into effect.Spokesmen for Flagler County and its Sheriff's Office said they are unaware of any Internet cafes that have recently opened there.
(TNS) - An El Paso County, Colo., commissioner will propose a strategy Thursday to help citizens communicate during blizzards, wildfires, cyber attacks and other disasters that could kill internet connections and phone lines.At a work session after the commissioners' regular meeting, Peggy Littleton will introduce the details of Lighthouse Prime, a program she created to help residents ready themselves and their families for natural and man-made catastrophes. The program aims to educate citizens about disaster preparedness and establish a system of communication to use during a widespread power or internet outage. Under her proposal, volunteers would be trained to operate ham radios, allowing government officials to keep residents updated."Data shows that the most critical thing people want during an event is information and communication," Littleton said. "Without that, that thin veneer of societal structure begins to unravel very rapidly."The session will give residents a chance to learn more about the program and voice their support for a county-wide disaster preparedness effort, Littleton said.The work session will begin at 10 a.m. or later in the Centennial Hall auditorium at 200 S. Cascade Ave., according to a county news release. Speakers from the Denver Office of Emergency Management, National Cyber Exchange, Colorado Springs-based Council of Neighbors and Organizations, Pikes Peak Amateur Radio Emergency Service and county public health department will discuss how emergencies could affect the community.Littleton modeled the program after a disaster-preparedness initiative in Seattle. She said she hopes her fellow commissioners will ask county staff to move forward with implementing the proposal at the conclusion of the session."Why not take that extra step to be safe rather than sorry?"2017 The Gazette (Colorado Springs, Colo.)Visit The Gazette (Colorado Springs, Colo.) at www.gazette.comDistributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
(TNS) - Professional bomb squads from across the Southwestern U.S. brought their robots to Albuquerque this week to turn knobs, climb stairs, carry water and other tasks as part of a competition at Sandia National Laboratories.The 11th annual Western National Robot Rodeo drew teams from four New Mexico police departments that squared off against competitors from California, Texas, Arizona and Colorado. The four-day contest will end Thursday when the three top-scoring teams will get trophies.Each team must tackle 10 scenarios that simulate problems they might encounter in real emergencies.We have them do 10 things that make them better bomb tech and better robot operators, said Jake Deuel, manager of robotic and security systems at Sandia. Some scenarios involve taking X-ray images of mysterious containers wedged into hard-to-reach places.Its amazing what these bomb techs can do with these commercially available robots, Deuel said.One of the scenarios, devised by U.S. Army Spc. Andy Altonji of the 21st Explosive Ordnance Disposal Company was a devilish task nicknamed what a mess.The test requires a team to maneuver two robots around a cluttered warehouse where water is dripping from a system of leaky pipes. According to the scenario, the water is radioactive.The robot has to turn three knobs to shut off the water, Altonji said as he watched the robots at work.Once the leak is turned off, one of the robots must carry a bucket of water outside and dump it into a waste container.Team members operated their robots from a truck located outside the building, monitoring their work by video cameras.In a briefing afterward, Altonji awarded the team 95 points out of a possible 100. He deducted five points because the team spilled some water while carrying it outside.Good job, guys, he told the team, which included Farmington police officers and airmen based at Kirtland Air Force Base. Good job using two robots.2017 the Albuquerque Journal (Albuquerque, N.M.)Visit the Albuquerque Journal (Albuquerque, N.M.) at www.abqjournal.comDistributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.




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(TNS) -- Miami-Dades dream of an expanded rail system may need to detour around the Trump administrations budgetary wishes.President Donald Trumps proposed $4.1 trillion 2018 budget strips about $1 billion from the federal governments New Starts grant program, the main funding target for Miami-Dades SMART plan to extend rail countywide. Miami-Dade says it needs at least $900 million from Washington to even consider fully implementing the plan, based on a construction tab of $3.6 billion.Under the White House proposal, only transit projects already approved for the New Starts funding would receive dollars through 2018. You guys would have no shot, said Kevin DeGood, director of infrastructure policy for the Center for American Progress, a liberal think tank.The budget released Tuesday by the Trump administration slashes safety net programs for the poor, targeting food stamps and Medicaid, which would be stripped of more than $800 billion over the next decade, while relying on rosy projections about the nation's economic growth to balance the budget within 10 years. The budget also makes deep cuts into student loans and Social Security disability payments, while boosting military spending by 10 percent and earmarking $1.6 billion to start building a wall on the Mexican border.We need people to go to work, White House budget director Mick Mulvaney told reporters Monday. If you are on food stamps, we need you to go to work. If you are on disability and you should not be, we need you to go back to work.The proposed transit cuts are part of a budget blueprint for the upcoming fiscal year that amount to a dramatic restructuring of the government, with protection of retirement programs for the elderly, billions of dollars more for the military and the rest of the government bearing the bulk of the reductions. Also on the chopping block: funding for Amtrak that Sen. Bill Nelson, the Democratic senator from Florida, said would mean the end of the trains run to Miami.Trump also proposed supporting $1 trillion infrastructure improvements , through road projects, port facilities and other improvements. The plan highlights for-profit companies to build the projects upfront in exchange for decades of revenue tied to their operations. The Trump plan would lift restrictions on tolling for interstate highways and would lower borrowing costs for companies building government projects.The proposal drew some shrugs from both sides of the aisle. Since Congress has the authority to write budgets, the president is left with power on either end of the process. He can persuade lawmakers to adopt his plan, and he can veto the entire spending bill when it passes Congress.Almost every president's budget proposal that I know of is basically dead on arrival, said Sen. John Cornyn, a Republican from Texas.Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez and his senior staff flew to Washington last week for a series of White House meetings on potential federal funding. Michael Hernandez, the county communications director, joined the delegation and said Trump officials did not offer a preview of the proposed budget cuts that were coming.Mayor Gimenez is confident that MIami-Dade County will receive the federal support necessary to begin work on the SMART Plan, Hernandez said.Gimenez cited federal funding for the SMART Plan as one justification for Miami-Dades changing its policy on immigration violators after Trump took office. In January, the mayor ordered county jails to begin honoring federal detention requests for people held on local charges and also sought for possible deportation. The move was aimed at avoiding sanctions promised by Trump for local governments offering sanctuary for immigration violators.Critics accused Gimenez of caving to a Trump bluff, since federal rules limit how much money the administration can withhold over detainer requests. That argument was bolstered this week when Attorney General Jeff Sessions issued a memo that endorsed a narrow definition of sanctuary jurisdictions that would have exempted Miami-Dade even under the old policy of rejecting detention requests for people held on minor offenses.The narrower definition was part of the Trumps administrations court fight over the proposed crackdown on sanctuary protections, which was challenged by San Francisco and other cities.Even as the Trump administration backed away from the threat of a quick rollback on federal funds over the issue, it used the budget proposal to push for one long term. The spending plan includes a provision that would change federal law to allow the administration to tie compliance with detention requests to a much broader chunk of federal aid.Cheryl Little, executive director of Americans for Immigrant Justice in Miami, said the White House is only adding to the confusion surrounding immigration enforcement.You cant trust anything. Thats my biggest concern, she said. You look at a document and say, Okay. This is how were going to move forward. That doesnt mean its not going to change tomorrow.For Miami-Dade, the Trump administrations decision on transit funding could mean the difference between an historic expansion of Metrorail and yet another failed effort to expand the system.A February presentation by the countys Transportation Department estimated Miami-Dade would face a $2.3 billion funding gap without federal funding for the 67-mile system of expanded rail lines. With $906 million from Washington, that gap drops to $1.4 billion. Both scenarios depend on relatively low construction costs. A 2016 study by AECOM, a consultant hired by Florida to study the SMART Plan, put the development costs at $6 billion.For 2017, Congress approved about $2.2 billion in New Starts grants, and projects at the front of the line include a $2.8 billion subway extension in Los Angeles and Orlandos expansion of its SunRail commuter line.While the Trump budget proposal covers 2018, it encourages Congress to end federal help for local transit projects. Future investments in new transit projects would be funded by the localities that use and benefit from these localized projects, according to the budget proposal.The high competition for federal dollars has some SMART Plan advocates urging Miami-Dade to forgo federal money in favor of local dollars even without Trump cutbacks. Xavier Suarez, a Miami-Dade commissioner, proposed using auto-tag money from Florida and toll dollars paid by motorists on county expressways to help fund new transit projects if Washington wont.Its my contention that we have to act as if we dont have federal money, he said. This just adds emphasis to that.
(TNS)  Federal contractors need to better protect their government data, or they could lose their business with the government.A looming new federal security directive will require businesses working with the federal government to protect their cyber data, or have a detailed plan for doing so, by years end.The directive is called NIST 800-171  or sometimes just rule 171  and it will control whether companies from defense engineering firms to janitorial outfits can do business with the federal government.For local contractors, the stakes are high. Nearly 500 area companies must comply, said Philip Raterman, director of the University of Dayton Research Institutes Fastlane division.And that number does not count sub-contractors, said Rob Gillen, program manager and senior electrical engineer for Fastlane.This is becoming a thing for Ohio, Raterman said.The concern is a timely one. Recently, the WannaCry ransomware cyber attack hit at least 74 countries. Retailer Brooks Brothers said Friday that some of its customer payment information was compromised at some stores between April 4, 2016 and March 1, 2017.Brooks Brothers customers are at risk of having had credit card data  names, account numbers, expiration dates and verification codes  stolen, media reports said.We are finding that a lot of companies are not aware of this requirement and face losing their government contracts, said Tamara Wamsley, a strategist with Fastlane. This issue could impact the success of many local companies, could result in lost jobs. This is a big deal.Its not just for R&D (research and development firms), Gillen said. Its for janitors, its for accountants.Anyone who has information classified by the government that needs to be protected, said Shawn Walker, co-founder and vice president of Miamisburg-based Secure Cyber Defense LLC.Today, the rule affects only Department of Defense contractors. But Gillen said it will almost certainly expand to impact every federal contractor and sub-contractors, Gillen said.The rule is essentially a list of 110 requirements with which contractors must comply.They have to do it this year, by the end of this calendar year or even earlier, Gillen said.UDRI will be working with Air Force and military contractors on what contractors need to do in a June 1 training session at UDRIs River Campus headquarters, 1700 S. Patterson Blvd. The training is free but registration at fastlane-mep.org/cyber-compliance/ is required.The day will have two training sessions, in the morning and the afternoon. The first is focused on Air Force small business innovation and research grant awardees. There will also be sessions for federal licensees and any DoD contractor.How much work will compliance require? That depends on the size of the contractor in question and how much federal information they have.Starting from nothing, it will probably take six to 12 months to get all of the technology in place to be able to say youre compliant, Walker said. To put the plan together may take 30 to 60 days.Once compliance is in place, constant monitoring is required. Within 72 hours of a hacking incident, every contractor will be required to report it to the DoD. Today, the average hacking victim may not even know of a hacking incident for something like 200 days, Wamsley said.Hackers are getting better and better, Raterman said. Its knowing shortly after it happens how to stop it, then recovering from it.Shawn Waldman, CEO of Secure Cyber Defense, said his company has a monitoring center at its Miamisburg office to constantly track hacking attempts and report them in real time.We receive, process and respond to all of those alarms out of that center, he said.
F1's title protagonists insist they will continue to "respect" one another through their 2017 battle.

Just 6 points divides Sebastian Vettel from Lewis Hamilton after 5 races.

The pair came close to touching wheels two weeks ago in Barcelona, where Mercedes' Hamilton called the Ferrari driver's move "dangerous".

But afterwards, they said their mutual respect remains intact.

"I didn't say anything bad," Hamilton said. "I'm glad I was able to have a battle and didn't damage anything but there's nothing lost between us. The respect stays the same."

Ferrari's Vettel agrees: "Away from the track there is no reason not to get along with each other.

"You always have to respect when the others do a good job," he is quoted by DPA news agency. "The respect will remain."

Hamilton won in Barcelona recently, but Mercedes team figures have been quoted as saying they are worried about Monaco, where the long-wheelbase car concept could struggle.

Vettel admits he hopes Monaco is not as close a battle as Barcelona.

"The idea of having close battles is obviously nice," said the German. "But we don't want to battle them close, we want to be ahead of them."

(GMM)
Eric Boullier is not ruling out that McLaren could split with Honda.

McLaren linked up with the Japanese carmaker three years ago, but is still struggling for performance and reliability.

"The problem is that we do not just buy an engine," said team boss Boullier. "Honda started with a clean sheet, with new regulations, and with Honda's good reputation.

"But we had no guarantee about the final product, because you can't forget that we do not pay for these engines," he added.

But the failure of the works collaboration so far has triggered a plethora of rumours, and not just that it could mean Fernando Alonso leaves the team.

Also rumoured is that Honda could get help from Mercedes, or that McLaren could simply split with the Japanese and simply buy a customer power unit from Mercedes.

La Derniere Heure newspaper asked Boullier directly if it is possible a lawyer could get McLaren out of its contract with Honda due to poor performance.

He answered: "Before we go to the lawyer, we are in the intermediate zone, trying to find solutions.

"I'm spending my time between England and Japan trying to influence them, but it's difficult," said Boullier.

"It is already hard for a European to understand them, but for a European from racing, it is extremely hard.

"Their approach to F1 is: when everyone else goes to the right, we go to the left. It's extraordinary but it seems to work in the end, because Japan is still a great world power," said Boullier.

"But today it's about timing. They're going to get there, but instead of three years as you'd expect it could be six or seven years, and in the meantime you have to survive.

"As long as we progress it's ok, but then we backtracked so it became more complicated to motivate and to convince ourselves that we will get there," he added.

So when asked specifically if McLaren-Honda is definitely staying together beyond 2017, Boullier answered: "Everything is possible.

"What we are interested in is that it works, so that we are in a position to do what we want to do. But our intention today is not to divorce.

"I'm not going to make that decision," he insisted. "It's for the owners of McLaren."

(GMM)
Kerrville, TX (78028)

Today

Cloudy early with partial sunshine expected late. High 81F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Partial cloudiness early, with scattered showers and thunderstorms later during the night. Low 61F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 50%.
President Trump said he'll read the encyclical letter on climate change given to him by Pope Francis today at the Vatican.

Should the pope have given Trump a Bible, too?

The Global Catholic Climate Movement website features this quote by the pope:

On climate change, there is a clear, definitive and ineluctable ethical imperative to act.

Trump thinks climate change is a hoax, or at least says he does.

His policies won't do anything to address it, or are more likely to worsen the problem.

I doubt he'll actually read the document. After all, his administration is scrubbing climate information from government websites. If he doesn't care what our own scientists say about the matter, why would he bother to learn what the Catholic Church says?

I wish he would pass the information to the heads of the EPA, Energy Department and other agencies for their benefit, but they weren't selected for having open minds on the subject.
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LEXINGTON  A former Guilford County Animal Shelter employee pleaded guilty Monday to misdemeanor animal cruelty.

Superior Court Judge Stan Allen sentenced Dana Williams-King to a 45-day suspended sentence and 18 months of probation, according to Davidson County Assistant District Attorney Ina Stanton.

Stanton said the judge added that he would not allow Williams-King to own an animal during the duration of her probation.

Williams-King worked for her mother, Marsha Williams, the former director of the Guilford County Animal Shelter.

Marsha Williams was fired in 2015 after 15 years of service after a state investigation revealed dozens of examples of animal cruelty and neglect at the shelter.

She pleaded guilty last month to animal cruelty and obstruction of justice.

Williams and Williams-King were employed at the animal shelters in both Guilford and Davidson counties, and Williams-King's plea agreement is based on charges involving the Davidson County Animal Shelter.

As part of their plea agreements, both Williams and Williams-King agreed not to run or volunteer for an animal shelter or rescue organization or visit a property owned by any organization dedicated to animal welfare.

Marissa Studivent, another shelter employee facing criminal charges, was scheduled to appear this week in Davidson County Superior Court.
GREENSBORO  The mother of a man who died after hitting a Greensboro police cruiser and allegedly sped away down Battleground Avenue will seek to make public the dashboard and body-camera footage of the incident.

Im not at liberty to discuss everything thats on the video, Charmil Davis said Monday after viewing the footage with her attorney at the Greensboro Police Department. But I would like the video to be public so the public can judge this as well.

Greensboro police said Luther Davis was driving a Ford Focus around 6 p.m. on April 8 when he hit the back of a police cruiser. He kept driving south on Battleground Avenue where he hit another car, then hit a utility pole, was thrown from his vehicle and died at the scene.

The incident remains under investigation, according to police.

Luther Davis died on his 24th birthday. After the accident, his mother began hearing from witnesses who recounted a different version of events than the one detailed in police reports.

They told me, Listen, your son was abused,  said Davis, who lives in New Jersey. Thats why I came down. I truly think that this should be a national call to stop this.

Dashboard and body-camera footage is protected by state law and typically may only be viewed by the people captured on video. Davis submitted a request to the Greensboro Police Department to view the footage on May 10 and received approval about a week later.

Making the footage public will require a court order. Under the law, the court must consider multiple factors before releasing a video, including whether doing so will advance a compelling public interest, harm an individuals reputation or jeopardize anyones safety.

The footage, totaling about 33 minutes, speaks for itself, Davis said.

It was very hard, of course, because that was my child. Very, very, very hard, she said. Im just appalled at what Ive seen. This shouldnt happen. This really shouldnt happen to anyone.
EDEN  On Friday, May 5, a telephone rang out in Brad Corcorans house in the darkness of 3:30 a.m. Ten minutes later, he dialed out. For the first time in his 31-year career, Corcoran called a mayor in the middle of the night.

Within 15 minutes, Corcoran  the city manager of Eden  was joined by Mayor Wayne Tuggle at a command center to deal with a disaster that had snuck through the central part of their beloved city.

At 3:18 a.m. on Friday, May 5, Eden Police Officer Yvira Dockery uttered a single word to the 911 Communications Center: TORNADO. After traveling to Eden from Blacksburg, Virginia to assess the damage in person, two representatives from the National Weather Service confirmed what Dockery had first suspected 10 hours earlier, Corcoran told the city council on May 16, a week and a half after an EF-1 tornado with maximum winds of 110 miles per hour roared through, cutting a path 375 yards wide and 3.3 miles long from Bear Slide to Virginia Street.

First, let me reiterate how fortunate we were as a community to have no injuries or deaths related to this tornadic event, Corcoran said. We feel confident that the timing of the tornado at 3:18 a.m. played a significant role in us not sustaining any injuries or loss of life.

Second, let me say thank you to all of the individuals, agencies, organizations and businesses that have assisted us in our response to this devastating event. Its truly been a massive effort.

He went on to mention all who helped, from emergency responders and law enforcement to utility companies and charities, from Eden city workers to nearby municipalities and churches, from restaurants to Bonnie Smith and her homemade cobbler.

Flipping through a slide show, Corcoran said the storm began in Bear Slide, a subdivision tucked in the corner of Kings Highway and Van Buren Road. Trees were just turned and ripped over, he said, adding that some fell on two cars.

On Kings Highway, Red River Grills concrete-based sign was uprooted, the front door glass was shattered. Nearby, Chaneys Restaurant sustained a hole in its roof and windows were damaged.

Its remarkable [Fire Chief} Tommy Underwood and I were on site at this building shortly after 4 in the morning, when we encountered the owner. He told Tommy and I, he said, Ill be open tomorrow morning, Corcoran said. And sure enough, he was open Saturday morning.

The tornados path is distinct behind the State Farm building, where it aimed at the Smith River Greenway and the Eden YMCA on Kennedy Street  where the concession stand was obliterated.

Were blessed that this happened in the middle of the night, Corcoran said. I dont know about you all, but my children played at the Y. And typically, when you were out at these fields and it got really dark and the storms looked like they were coming, a lot of people would shelter around the concession stand rather than running all the way to the parking lot. Obviously had this happened early in the evening while there were ballgames going on we couldve had a tremendous loss of life and significant injuries.

Eden Drugs administrative building at the corner of Kennedy Street and Stadium Drive had its walls and roof blown off.

Across Stadium Drive, one white SUV in the garage at Cunningham Tire didnt appear touched, despite the complete collapse of the garage, which sits between two cinderblock buildings, all under one roof. Everything else around [the vehicle] is gone, Corcoran said.

Its a miracle these people are here, Corcoran said of the residents of the home lived directly behind Cunningham Tire. This is a family with a baby and two children.

The parents bedroom faces the tire shop, and took a direct hit from the tornado. Basically the only thing that wasnt destroyed in that bedroom was the bed that they were in, he said. There were trees, and the wall was collapsed, lying right beside the bed.

On Sunday, we were able to get chainsaws in there and uncovered their suburban, and one piece of shining light here is that nothing went through the engine and the owner was able to hop in and pull that out, Corcoran continued. So at least they still had that vehicle.

He showed several photos of damage along Kennedy and Madison streets and Stadium Drive, following the destructive path of large downed trees, extensive damage to the back side of buildings at Pleasant View Baptist Church on Meadow Road, and the more devastation on Ray, Von Ruck and Farrell streets  where a trampoline was in the treetops and a power pole was snapped in half  and continuing on to the Blue Creek area near Friendly and Aiken roads.

Post-Disaster Response

The final tally is 39 structures, both residential and commercial, incurred some level of structural damage; an additional 139 properties incurred some downed debris; and the Smith River Greenway, various sewer outfalls and numerous roadways incurred significant downed debris.

Mayor Tuggle declared a State of Emergency on May 5, which was the first step in applying for financial assistance through the state. On Monday and Tuesday, May 8 and 9, city officials met with representatives of the N.C. Emergency Management Division and the Small Business Administration for preliminary individual and public damage assessments.

The Eden tornado has been classified as a Type I disaster. According to N.C. Emergency Management, Type I disasters are smaller and more localized, such as a tornado or isolated flooding. The state is able to respond to the emergency and recover without federal financial or physical assistance, Corcoran said. No assistance is provided by the federal government.

In order to qualify for individual assistance through the state, there must be at least 25 primary residences and/or businesses with at least a 40 percent uninsured or under-insured loss, he said. We did not meet that criteria and are ineligible for the Individual Assistance Program funding.

Of the 39 residences and/or businesses that sustained structural damage, only 11 sustained a projected loss of more than 40 percent.

This means the residences and/or businesses impacted by the tornado will be responsible for funding the necessary repairs on their own or in conjunction with coverage provided by their insurance company, Corcoran said.

The city has waived all permit fees related to electrical inspections and is collecting all tornado related debris that is placed along the roadways at no charge. Rockingham County has waived landfill fees for storm debris through June 3.

Public Assistance

In order to qualify for public assistance through the state, uninsurable losses would have to meet or exceed 1 percent of the citys annual operating budget  which would be $193,154. If total expenses  for cleaning and removal of debris as well as emergency protective measures  equals or exceeds that amount, the state will reimburse the city for 75 percent of the total cost.

Eligible expenses include but are not limited to regular and overtime labor (compensation and benefits), hourly equipment and vehicle rate, mutual aid assistance, contracted work, and materials and replacement cost for items taken from inventory.

We have had personnel working in response to the tornado for 12 straight days now, Corcoran said on May 16. The city is soliciting bids on debris clearing along the greenway and various sewer outfalls, and on chipping and disposal of debris from a temporary collection site.

The use of in-house staff to clean these areas while simultaneously addressing our normal day-to-day needs may take an extended period of time according to estimates I received from staff, Corcoran said.

Despite all of the hours spent and still to be spent on the cleaning and removal of debris, as well as related emergency protective measures, it is unknown at this time as to whether or not our total costs will equal or exceed the $193,154 threshold. Only time will tell, he said. In the event they do not, then we will be responsible for 100 percent of the costs.
The Connecticut Green Bank has been named one of seven finalists in this years Innovations in American Government Awards competition.

Harvard Universitys Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation at the John F. Kennedy School of Government will host the competition in Cambridge where a national selection committee will decide the $100,000 grand prize winner. Established in 2011, the green bank uses public and private funds to scale-up renewable energy deployment and energy efficiency projects across the state.
Last week, I wrote about the botanical wonder of spring here in Greenwich. This week, I am going to step into the slightly darker side of spring with a pit stop at Crazytown.

Spring Fever. Spring Mania. Spring Madness. As the late Robin Williams put it, Spring is natures way of saying, Lets party! And then theres T.S. Eliot with his unforgettable opening line to The Wasteland: April is the Cruelest month, a poem I read religiously every April Fools Day to my bewildered children (What is this guy talking about, Mom?)

But lets do a little review of our towns lead stories of late, because I do think something manic is in the air. Start with the fact that a member of the RTM for the past 34 years has been charged with fourth-degree sexual assault, a misdemeanor, after being accused of grabbing a town employee in what police delicately call the groin area during an argument over political correctness. His plan to run for re-election has created a ripple of outrage toward local government.

On top of that, a corpse was found in an Old Greenwich park at the end of April, the person too decomposed to identify.

And then, of course, (do you think I could leave it out?) there was the David Emery Byers story, the bank robber/male model. Greenwich Time ran stories of Byers wildly outrageous bank hold-ups, car heists and girlfriend saga alongside photographs that lit up the Internet: shots of the robbers well-muscled chest and arms, covered with tattoos. Its unclear what exactly Greenwich wants from Byers following his illicit goings-on. An apology followed by swift justice? Or perhaps instead a Soul Cycle offering taught by Byers himself, turning up the heat of Conners impossible-to-get-into class. Feel the burn?

Of course, its not just Greenwich. If we dare step beyond our towns borders for a moment, let me share with you an email conversation that took place a few weeks ago on more global concerns:

Yours Truly: "Is it just me or are things getting scary right now. Syria? Afghanistan  mega bomb? That boat with a bomb on it that we lost headed towards North Korea? Please can you break it down for a tired Mom? (screaming offspring, Lego, stomach virus - read: simplify).

Very Smart Person: "The boat with a bomb on it that we lost headed toward North Korea? That's a fake news account of ships that actually were, mysteriously, conducting exercises in the Indian Ocean for a week before sailing 3,500 miles north to the Sea of Japan. The "mega bomb" -- an 11-ton behemoth that is the most powerful non-nuclear bomb in the U.S. arsenal. It was dropped on a cave and tunnel complex in eastern Afghanistan. Why? Because the Air Force had never used it before and what's the point of having a bomb like that if you can't drop it on something?

It all had me thinking at lunch a couple of weeks ago at the Harvard Club in NYC, where I literally wept as Valerie Jarrett calmly assured us that, although our country appears to be in a federal tailspin, we should look to local government and get involved. Grab a clipboard and get some signatures, she said, faithfully quoting Obama.

So off I marched to my first Greenwich RTM meeting ... right into grab-em-by-the crotch drama. I have to say, the experience made me love Greenwich even more, somehow.

To make matters better (worse?), Parkway had its annual PTA fundraiser two weeks ago at Burning Tree Country Club. The theme this year was psychedelic Seventies meets Cinco de Mayo. The cross current seemed to unleash Robin William's Let's Party missive to its full extent.

My husband and I arrived at the party late, due to another commitment, and realized fast that we were the only ones not clad in psychedelic 70s costume as well as about three hours behind our fellow PTA-ers on their reveling, as it were. Please get me a cocktail fast, Babe, or I don't know that I will be able to handle this were my words as an awesome PTA dad dressed as Evel Knievel made a bee line past us to the beat of Abba's Dancing Queen. Rehashing the evening in the cafeteria at Parkway several days later, the take-away line was, Well, let's face it. In the backcountry, we don't hold back.

Unleashed as the evening was, we all ended up walking away with a sense of how truly great it was to be a part of the Parkway community: A place where, whether your hair was up in a headband or down Evil Knievel style, the real goal was passionate parents working together with their school to make the most of their children's education.

And in these moments of mad spring frenzies, we also have moments of transcendence: Tom Scott's magnificent evening, "A Carnival of Curiosity" on May 16, hosted at the Brant Foundation's polo ground for the amazing Nantucket Project (look it up, get involved). The forthcoming Greenwich International Film Festival, started by three moms who took a chance and stepped out. And then there is my 6-year-old son, who told me in the car yesterday coming home from The Center of Hope and Renewal, God doesn't just know what you think. He gives you things to say. Days later I got an email from Parkways principal informing me of the inappropriate use (think: swinging wildly) of a foam bumper by my God-fearing son in gym class.

So I hereby take a stand alongside Robin Williams and T.S. Eliot: It's in the air and it's alive. Its beautiful and terrible, dynamic and rife with imagination and dreams, as well as nightmares and regrets. Spring Fever is everywhere in our town and beyond. Embrace it? Hide? I will leave that to you. I am currently doing a variation of both, and trying to smile all the while. Buy a ticket, take the ride.

Greenwich resident Claire Tisne Haft is a former publishing and film executive, raising her family in Greenwich while working on a freelance basis on books and films.
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A DECORATED Normandy war veteran from Cleethorpes was given a patriotic military send-off at a poignant and moving funeral service this morning.

With his coffin draped in a Union Jack and greeted at Grimsby Crematorium by Standard Bearers who formed a guard of honour, the friends and family of Eric Gower have said their final farewells to the 93-year-old Second World War hero.

Honoured for fighting to liberate France in the 1940s, Eric passed away peacefully in his sleep on Friday, May 5, at his home in Gayton Road, Cleethorpes.

In recognition of his involvement in the war he was awarded the Legion DHonneur medal, the highest order on offer from French officials.

And a man proud of his military past, according to his only child, Margaret Warwick, who recently paid tribute to her remarkable dad, more than 50 people attended the funeral.

Mourners who packed the crematorium heard how Eric was a truly wonderful man who was admired by all who knew him.

His grandson, Alex, recalled his favourite childhood memories of spending time with his grandad, who always made me laugh.

A passionate Grimsby Town FC supporter, Erics allegiance to the Mariners has been passed down the generations according to Alex, whose own daughter now follows the Blundell Park club.

During the service, he said: Ive always believed the generation who fought in the Second World War were the greatest generation. They fought for our country, not for fame or recognition.

I am immensely proud of him.

As reported, Eric died at the home he shared for 25 years with his late wife, Ivy Gower.

Eric joined the Army in 1942, aged just 18, and served as a tank driver for the next five years. He was one of the first Brits to land on the beaches of Normandy, France, during the historic D-Day battle on June 6, 1944.

During todays emotive funeral service, a video was played of one of Erics great grandchildren, who lives in Australia and was unable to attend the funeral, paying tribute to his very funny great grandad.

I am so proud of him. I love him and I know he loves me too, he said.

Those who went along to pay their respects got the chance to think of their own memories of Eric, as the well-known anthem of Jerusalem was played out.

Eric was a influential figure among local war veterans, as he was member of the Grimsby and Cleethorpes Normandy Veterans Association for some 30 years, and later became treasurer.

A private celebration of Erics life, who was a grandfather to three and great-grandfather to five, was held after the funeral service.
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The first picture of the suicide bomber behind the Manchester Arena terror attack has been revealed.

Yesterday police named British-born Salman Abedi, 22, as the terrorist who killed 22 people, including children, when he detonated a device at the venue following an Ariana Grande concert.

Officials have said Abedi was born in Manchester to parents of Libyan origin, was known to security services and had links to ISIS.

The image has been unveiled as an iman spoke of how the bomber once showed him the face of hate.

Sheikh Mohammed Saeed said it was feared Abedi was going to attack him while he gave an anti-ISIS speech at a mosque two years ago.

Describing the incident at the local Didsbury mosque, he told The Times: "He showed me the face of hate, Salman, after that sermon.

"He used to show me the face of hate. I could tell this person hates me. You understand, it's no surprise to me [that he was the attacker]."

Speaking to Mirror Online, one of Abedi's former friends, called Jason, said he was shocked by the "sickening" attack two days ago.

He said he had lived in Fallowfield, Manchester - where the bomber's parents moved to from London at least 10 years ago - all of his life.

"I grew up [here] all my life, knew him to say hello to and often hung around [with him] a few years ago," he said.

"Can honestly say I wouldn't have expected this. It came as a shock, can't believe it, all innocent lives... it's sickening."

Home Secretary Amber Rudd said it is possible Abedi did not act alone when he detonated the bomb and confirmed he was known to the authorities.

The bomber, one of four siblings, spent three weeks in Libya before carrying out out the attack in Manchester, according to The Times.

A friend told the newspaper: He went to Libya three weeks ago and came back recently, like days ago.

Twenty-two people are confirmed to have died following the bombing with a further 59 hospitalised.

Ariana Grande fans from the Grimsby area who were at the concert have spoken of their horror at witnessing the terrifying events unfold.

Today, more names have emerged of those killed in the blast while Prime Minister Theresa May announced last night that further attacks could be imminent as she raised the threat level to critical  the highest possible.

The Prime Minister also said the Army will be deployed to support armed officers on the streets in high-risk areas and at major events.

Humberside Police says it is treating security as a "top priority" ahead of the Radio 1 Big Weekend at Burton Constable Hall near Hull, but it is unclear at this stage is a military presence is expected.
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More names of some of the 22 people killed by a suicide bomber in Manchester are beginning to emerge, as Britain continues to mourn the victims of Monday's tragedy.

We now know the names of ten of the people who heartbreakingly lost their lives when a lone terrorist detonated a bomb in the foyer of Manchester Arena, shortly after the conclusion of an Ariana Grande concert at 10.30pm.

Among the dead are a teenage superfan, two mums waiting to pick up their children, an eight-year-old schoolgirl, and a brave aunt.

The number of people injured in the blast has soared from 59 to 119, and twenty of the injured victims remain in critical care in hospitals across Manchester.

The emergence of more names and faces comes just hours after Britain was placed on the highest level of terrorism alert last night by Theresa May, who warned that further attacks like Manchester could be imminent.

The Prime Minister also said the Army will be deployed to support armed officers on the streets. They are expected to be on the streets in high risk areas today.

It is only the third time ever that the terrorism level has been raised to critical and only the first time in a decade.

Humberside Police says it is treating security as a "top priority" ahead of the Radio 1 Big Weekend at Burton Constable Hall near Hull, but it is unclear at this stage is a military presence is expected.

The suicide bomber has been named as Salman Abedi, a 22-year-old man believed to have been born in Manchester to a Libyan family. Extremist group ISIS have claimed responsibility for the harrowing act of terror.

Police in Manchester are believed to be probing his links to ISIS, but no official statement on the attacker's motive has been made.

A 23-year-old man was arrested by police yesterday in connection with the attack following a raid at a house in Manchester linked with Abedi.

Mums Alison Howe, 45, and Lisa Lees, 47, 15-year-old Olivia Campbell, Kelly Brewster, 32, and teenager Megan Hurley have been identified as some of the victims this morning.

A Polish couple who had arrived at Manchester Arena to pick up their children have also been confirmed as dead this morning.

Angelika and Marcin Klis took a selfie together in the city centre shortly before going to the concert to pick their daughters up.

The first of the dead to be named yesterday morning was Georgina Bethany Callander, 18, She attended Runshaw College in Lancashire, where students and staff were left stunned by her death.

Eight-year-old Saffie Roussos and John Atkinson, 26 were named among the blast victims by local police yesterday.

Candlelit vigils and rousing shows of support have been displayed up and down the country, including in Manchester, Leeds and Sheffield.

Transport to Manchester's Victoria train station is still disrupted this morning, with trains being diverted to Manchester Piccadilly.

World leaders, the Queen and the nation's politicians have all offered words of condolences and solidarity to the people of Manchester following the incident, and many have praised the local emergency services and rescuers for their efforts in the wake of the tragedy.
The three individuals were apprehended at an Ann Arbor restaurant. Photo: Savas/Facebook

The restaurant industry relies heavily on immigrant labor, and its become increasingly common to hear stories about ICE agents, working under an administration that promised to crack down on undocumented immigrants, sniffing around professional kitchens. According to a new report, though, some Michigan agents made sure to grab some bacon and eggs before breaking out the handcuffs.

According to restaurateur Sava Lelcaj, ICE agents dropped by her Ann Arbor, Michigan, restaurant Savas, sat down for breakfast, and then entered the kitchen. There, Michigan Live reports, they took three of her employees into custody. Lelcaj says she wasnt on the premises, but the agents came looking for an employee who wasnt working at the time. The employees they did apprehend all have proper documentation, but had no documents on hand, and Lelcaj says her team is getting that information to the Detroit ICE office where the three were taken.

Speaking with MLive, Lelcaj said the incident is a great indication [that] even if you have your documentation  you can still be at risk. During Trumps administration, ICE agents deported a popular restaurant owner in Indiana, as well as a Texas taco-truck operator that the Obama administration had authorized to stay.
Celebrate the weekend with some crawfish. Photo: Courtesy of Roses

If youre having early onset FOMO about not being able to escape to the beach this weekend, reconsider: The great thing about New York during Memorial Day is that everyone else bounces, emptying the city. But the citys many great restaurants and bars, obviously, arent going anywhere  and while some close, many others serve specials, extend hours, or throw parties for everyone left behind. (Grub will update this post as we become aware of more specials and events.) Here, where youll want to go.

Nowdays

Wish you could hang out in your friends suburban backyard, but cant escape the city? Head to this Ridgewood outdoor spot, which will host a holiday edition of its Mister Sunday party, and on Monday, extend hours from noon to midnight. Crucially, there will be ice-cream sandwiches.

Roses

From 3 to 7 p.m., the bar will host its second Memorial Day Low Country Boil (tickets are $45), with crawfish, steamed clams, collards, salad, and all-you-can-drink Narragansett and rose.

Salvation Burger

April Bloomfields burger spot recently opened an outdoor courtyard, and will be serving a special of a hot dog and a Coney Island Mermaid Pilsner for $15.

Insa

The Korean barbecue will throw a party on Sunday from 11:30 p.m. until late, with free karaoke (Boys of Summer, anyone?) and tunes from resident DJ Sasha Couture.

Ops

For those who really want to feel American, the Bushwick pizzeria will serve a special cheeseburger square pizza ($32).

Surf Shack

On Saturday and Sunday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., the Arlo Sohos seasonally themed rooftop bar will serve (for $65) unlimited tacos, hamburgers, and hot dogs, alongside rose, cocktails like a frozen and spiked Arnold Palmer, and beer.

Houseman

All weekend long, the Tribeca neighborhood spot will offer its popular burger and a beer for $20, or $0 for veterans.

Il Buco Alimentari

On Sunday and Monday, the Italian restaurant is offering a four-course meal ($55), with dishes like housemade orecchiette with tarragon pesto, grilled Calabrian sausage, and blueberry-and-thyme sorbeto.

Maison Premiere

Memorial Day in Williamsburg means Maison Premieres annual throwback party, when the restaurant will serve barbecue specials to live jazz. Its open from noon to 2 a.m.

The Dutch

For those who cant choose between barbecue styles, the New American restaurant will offer a barbecue plate with smoked brisket, pulled pork, and pork ribs, to be washed down by punch bowls like the Watermelon punch with pineapple, gin, and lime.

Rockaway Beach Surf Club

Head to the beach without leaving the city. Along with Rockaways Locals Surf School, the surf shack and home of Tacoway Beach is throwing a party with tacos, a DJ, and live music.

The Commodore

On the extremely likely chance that you productively take advantage of a third weekend night by getting hammered, the Williamsburg bar will be there to save you with brunch (fried chicken to the rescue!) starting at 11 a.m. on Monday.

Robertas

The pizzeria will serve brunch on Monday, offering Italian combos, smoked-chicken salad, cornmeal pancakes, and more.

Midnights

During its second annual L Train Shutdown BBQ, the restaurants owners will sub in for their staff by grilling burgers and serving drinks.

Covina

For those seeking a classy meal, this restaurant will also extend its brunch service to Monday. Head here for Hungarian potato fry bread, lemon and ricotta pancakes, shakshuka, and more.

Pig Beach

Following renovations, the outdoor barbecue spot returns with holiday-appropriate grub like baby back ribs and a whole new drinks list, with cocktails like the Gowanus Shandy (frozen lemonade, beer, and an Underberg float).

Rosies

More Monday brunch: For all your tomatillo Bloody Maria and huevo-ranchero needs, head to the East Village restaurant.
Google has launched a new website today that is meant to finally integrate all of the family group options from its various services. Google's been offering family group options (and pricing) for a few of its services, but managing those groups was done individually for each service. Not so anymore.

The new Google family group page is where you can see what family group you're a member of - or create one if you aren't in any. Keep in mind that a family group can have a maximum of six members, and you can only be in one of these at a time. Oh, and switching is only allowed once every 12 months, so make sure your family group is actually your family's group before diving in.

Over there you'll see that family groups are now supported for YouTube TV, Google Calendar, Google Keep, and Google Photos, alongside Google Play Music (which includes YouTube Red) and the Play Store.

Family features for Google Calendar, Keep, and Photos will be rolling out starting today in Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Russia, Spain, United Kingdom, and the United States.

Google Calendar brings a shared family calendar to the table, Keep lets the whole family stay in the loop through shared lists, reminders, and notes, while Photos lets you easily send images and videos to your family group.

Source | Via
Several months ago, Chromecasts got a new feature that would allow anyone to control any Chromecast device on the same Wi-Fi network. But what this also meant, was that anyone on your Wi-Fi network would be able to see what app you were casting from and the notification would appear during active use of the Chromecast.

If you wanted to cast privately, there was no way since Google didnt include a way to remove the cast notification. That is, until today. Google has updated its Chromecast support page with new instructions on how to turn off the Cast media control notification that would allow anyone else to pause, stop, and mute the active cast.

To disable the notification, enter your Google Home app and tap the upper-right corner to see your cast-able devices. Go into the settings of the one whose notifications you wish to disable and then toggle the new option: Let others control your casted media. This should stop your Chromecast from broadcasting your streams to all connected devices.

The new setting must be very new, as we werent able to find the option on our Chromecast Gen 2.

You can also disable your device from ever getting cast notification from other devices on your network. For instruction on how to do that, check out the source link.

Source
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LEBANON  About 30 Lebanon-area residents turned out Tuesday to meet five candidates who are competing to become the new director of the Lebanon Public Library.

The meet-and-greet event included an opportunity to fill out comment cards for each of the candidates, which will be reviewed today by the city's interview committee. That committee will interview each of the five candidates and give City Manager Gary Marks a recommendation. Marks said he hopes to have a hire announced within the next week.

The person chosen will succeed Carol Dinges, who is retiring. The salary range is $6,000 to $7,900 per month, depending on the person chosen and the experience level.

Marks said part of the new director's job will be to establish goals for the library's future.

The five candidates are all from the Pacific Northwest and all have a variety of experience with libraries.

Pete Barrell of Eugene is community services director for the city of Cottage Grove. He also directed the library in that city for a decade and has been executive director of various nonprofit organizations.

He has both a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in landscape architecture from the University of Oregon.

Barrell said he has especially enjoyed working with other organizations to provide opportunities for people in Cottage Grove, such as science- and technology-based field trips for students, and that he'd look for the same opportunities in Lebanon.

"Partnership and collaboration is the key to everything I do," he said.

Rebecca Gabert of Scio is senior librarian at Salem Public Library and has been there for 15 years, both doing reference services and tech services.

She has a bachelor's degree in zoology from Oregon State University and a master's in library science from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukie.

She said she would love to work in Lebanon, partly because, "I'd like to work where I'm living."

Melissa Little of Beaverton currently is the circulation manager for the Beaverton City Library. She moved to Oregon for the job, having previously worked in libraries in Southern California, including for a bookmobile for the Anaheim City Library.

She has a bachelor's degree in library science from Indiana University and a master's in library science from San Jose State University.

Originally from Indiana, Little said she loves small towns and likes the idea of being in Lebanon because of that.

"Libraries change lives," she said. "In a community this size, you get to see that on a more direct level."

Kristi Nolasco of Silverdale, Washington, last worked as a branch manager for the Maricopa County Library District, Sun City branch, in Phoenix, Arizona. She had started with libraries at the Albany Public Library's reference desk, however, leaving when her husband, who is in the Navy, was transferred to a base in South Korea.

She has a bachelor's degree in English from the University of Washington and a master's degree in library science from Brigham Young University.

Nolasco said she has seen firsthand, especially in Korea, the difference in the quality of life a library can make to a community. She said she enjoyed getting to know people by name and to listen to what they wanted their library to provide.

"It would be great to be in the library system in a small town where you can make those connections," she said.

Colin Rea of Eugene is library director for the Fern Ridge Library District in Veneta. He is in his 10th year there. Previously, he worked in university bookstores but said he chose libraries to be around books while getting away from the retail end of the business.

He has a bachelor's degree in communications from Virginia Tech and a master's in library science from the University of Washington.

Rea said he loves rural libraries and small towns, but after 10 years in Veneta, the library pretty much "runs itself." That's why he's applying in Lebanon.

"I kind of was looking for a new challenge," he said. "Something a little bigger, but not too big."




Haiti - Geneva : Former President Michel Martelly, panellist invited to the UNECE





Tuesday, at the UN Palais des Nations in Geneva (Switzerland), as part of the the session of the UNECE Committee on Innovation, Competitiveness and Public-Private Partnerships (CICPPP), (23-25 May), the former President Michel J. Martelly was one of the guest speakers on the Public-Private Partnerships panel, alongside Amir Dossal, Founder of the Global Partnerships Forum and Jessica Faieta, Director of the Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP).



Speech of Michel Martelly :



"My inclusion on this panel alongside members of this respected panel, is an absolute honor.

Your involvement in this endeavor reignites my personal hopes of seeing a more sustainable and equitable region through collaboration.



A pertinent aspect of todays meeting is, demonstrating how public private partnerships serve as useful tools towards attaining our sustainable development goals.



The hope of experiencing a socially, ecologically and economically sustainable Haiti is one that I have cherished throughout my presidency and even more so now.



The fact that the initial sustainable development goal targets the end of poverty is not accidental. Poverty is the ultimate obstruction to all aspects of sustainability.

In a country, such as Haiti, the barriers posed by poverty are not hypothetical, poverty blocks access to basic needs like education, nutrition and health to simply cite a few.

As a former president, I had always set forth my best efforts in the attempt of eradicating poverty, and assuring that a precedence was set directing Haiti towards the attainment of comprehensive sustainability.



My co-panelists, I am certain that our intentions have not significantly differed; therefore, you too can attest that good faith alone does not suffice.



Identifying and securing the necessary resources to meet such goals, require a strategic state, capable of effectively performing its public functions: a state able to pledge and deliver legal, political and administrative assurances to secure the private sectors partnership, not to mention, incentives capable of endorsing competitiveness.

In its efforts of economic, social, political and territorial governance, I like to believe that the reins of the current administration are in good hands.



In this case, what is the significance of PPP for Haiti?



In Haitis already exhausted economy, PPP can easily be the first link in the chain surely leading to the improvement of its populations living conditions as a mutual commitment by state and private actors.



PPP can and must play a role of primary importance in Haitis prosperity by placing it on the world's business card through the financing of infrastructure, utilities, job creation and the development of innovative companies in sectors that are insufficiently exploited, such as the construction industry, research, energy, and many more.



In 2012, during my administration, we recognized the significant gaps that could be filled with the integration of PPP in the framework of financing for development, servicing the populations needs and the provision of public goods. Consequently, a Central Unit for the Management of Public-Private Partnerships was created within the Ministry of Economy and Finance.



Since accessible education has long been a personal priority, one of the most recent activities exemplifying structured collaboration between state and private institutions was our establishment of the Universal Free and Compulsory Schooling Program (PSUGO).



At the beginning of the 2011-2012 school year, a service agreement was signed with numerous private schools which benefitted over half a million students. In the following year, the program expanded to include twice the number of participating schools and student beneficiaries. The results are encouraging as there is a striking reduction in the depletion rate and a marked improvement in the school attendance success rate.



To achieve this, a substantial increase of funds and trust had to be granted to the education sector. In comparison to past national school enrollment levels, considerable changes have been experienced. These impressive results could not be obtained without the use of private school infrastructure and equipment. This is therefore a good example of the implementation of a public-private partnership framework, but it does not limit the possibilities.



There are numerous opportunities.



Despite obstacles, the Republic of Haiti is now projecting a better image of business opportunities in the areas of intervention where investments can be made in major programs or projects that have been either insufficiently exploited or not at all.

There is fertile ground for the expansion of public-private partnerships with considerable potential for growth capable of sustainably benefitting Haitian economy through public service provision.



A few examples of such opportunities are development of green and blue economies in the fields of energy, transport infrastructure, agriculture and fishing as well as communication and a number of social services.



For instance, Haiti has more than 1500 km of coastline and yet maritime transport is by no means organized. The need to develop Haiti's transport sub-sector in its three dimensions: land, sea and air is vital.



There are regional prospects as well. For instance, just two examples would be :



1. The establishment of a Caribbean platform for trade and investment promotion and

2. The institutionalization of a Caribbean and Latin American forum to promote investment and good practices in economic governance and partnership development.

The implications of the partnerships mentioned partially, represent my personal vision, mission and commitment to sustainable development in Haiti.



Although I am no longer president, I remain highly dedicated to the hope of having a socially, ecologically and economically sustainable Haiti.



As I further reflect, I have realized that the best part of my no longer being president is the ability to soundly re-evaluate, assess what worked, what did or could not work as well as adaptations of existing best practices.

My hope for sustainability continues to fuel my innate passion for a better Haiti.



Derrick Jensen, the American environmental activist once said: We cannot hope to create a sustainable culture with any but sustainable souls. This is a short quote, but it resonates profoundly within me.



Because, any hope for a sustainable Haiti, entails the inspiration and involvement of all its people.



In considering Haitis current situation, juxtaposed to the Sustainable Development Goals for the year 2030, clearly, it is a difficult race.



My preoccupation by this, compels me to further commit myself to the SDGs.



I have therefore gathered others with a similar hope to contribute in the creation of the Haiti I continue to envision.



With the involvement of like-minded individuals, I hope to inspire and incite a movement, whose mission is to promote an economically sustainable Haiti through the empowerment of young entrepreneurs tackling poverty with sustainable solutions and meaningful social impact.



The idea is to create a social empowerment movement whose participants contribute to a balanced Haiti reaching the sustainable development goals along with its international counterparts.



In saying so, I am alluding to an interconnectivity of empowerment with sustainable goal attainment in Haiti. Our people must be empowered to contribute to our goals.

In concluding, I accentuate the tremendous impediment that poverty represents for the achievement of the SDGs. Unless we transform our passions into actions that can motivate others to join in the fight, the 2030 SDGs will fail to become reality in my part of the world.



I thank you for this opportunity to share and I encourage and challenge you to hold more of such exchanges."



HL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - FLASH : Trump administration proposes to cut aid to Haiti by nearly 18%





On Tuesday, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said President Donald Trump's first budget proposal included substantial reductions in diplomacy and development assistance and humanitarian assistance in Latin America, with reductions proportionate to each country.



In this budget proposal, which must still be passed by Congress and which may undergo modifications, the State Department and the US Agency for International Development (USAID) are allocated an envelope of $ 37.6 billion for fiscal year 2018 (beginning on September 1, 2017), compared with $ 54.9 billion for the previous budget, ie 31.5% reduction. For the Secretary of State, Tillerson "This budget responds to the realities of a 21st century world and ensures that the State Department and USAID can quickly adapt to a changing international environment."



They are the USAID budgets for development aid and humanitarian assistance that are expected to be most affected by the reductions, and for Haiti the budget allocated would be 157.4 million compared to 190.7 million the previous year, a reduction of 33.3 million (-17.5%). The Dominican Republic, less dependent on American generosity sees its funds divided by two, from 10.5 million to 21.6 million the year before.



Reacting to this budget proposal, the American NGO "Mercy Corps" urged Congress to oppose "these major cuts which risk jeopardizing humanitarian aid for tens of millions of the most vulnerable people in the world, when the famine reappeared for the first time in six years."



SL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - EDH NOTICE : Electrical theft and liability





llegal diversion of circuits, so that no one ignores it.



The Electricity Haiti (EDH) informs the public in general and customers in particular that it is prohibited to connect on a circuit different from that assigned to them by the Company. This offense, which is tantamount to unlawful diversion, is severely punished by the Act (Article 70 of the Decree of 6 January 2016 governing the electric power sector).



Consequently, any accident (occurring or avoided) of electrocution of an EDH employee caused by these illegal practices implies the direct and entire responsibility of the customer or group of guilty customers. Any interruption of the service, any breakdown due to these acts of diversion and piracy will be the responsibility of the customer or groups of beneficiary customers.



The EDH gives the population and its clientele a one-week deadline from May 22 to denounce these practices and comply.



The law is formal and will spare nobody violating it.



HL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - Reconstruction : Launch of work to rehabilitate the former premises of the RNH





On Tuesday, Calvin Cadet, the Director General of the Ministry of Communication, participated in the ceremony to launch the rehabilitation works of the former premises of the National Radio of Haiti (RNH), located at the Rue du Magasin de l'Etat, which was severely affected by the 2010 earthquake and unfortunately been abandoned.



This ceremony took place in the presence of several executives and employees of the RNH who did not hide their emotions and their total satisfaction in the hope of finding a suitable place for the regular functioning of this State media.



In his remarks for the occasion, the Director General of the RNH, Marc K. Exavier, praised the efforts of all sectors in order to make this dream a reality. He took the opportunity to point out that this ceremony symbolizes not only a renewal for the National Radio of Haiti, but also the hope of a strengthening of activities in downtown Port-au-Prince. The RNH will resume its place with all the structures needed to better serve, affirmed Calvin Cadet.



These works, financed by the Public Treasury to the tune of 12 million Gourdes, is entrusted to the executing agency RACO S.A. and will last 12 months.



HL/ HaitiLibre


















Published on 2017/05/23 | Source

The script reading of the new tvN drama "Bride of the Water God 2017" began.

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"Bride of the Water God 2017" stars Shin Se-kyung, Nam Joo-hyuk, Lim Ju-hwan, Jung Soo-jung, Gong Myung and others.

"Bride of the Water God 2017" is a comedy fantasy romance drama about a man named Ha-baek (Nam Joo-hyuk), a water god who is destined to be a god's slave and a female doctor named So-ah (Shin Se-kyung) who is dramatically realistic.

The line-up is completed by director Kim Byeong-soo and writer Jeong Yoon-jeong.

The script reading was held in Sangam-dong in Seoul. Director Kim Byeong-soo, writer Jeong Yoon-jeong and the casts Shin Se-kyung, Nam Joo-hyuk, Lim Ju-hwan (Hoo-ye), Jung Soo-jung (Moo-ra) and Gong Myung (Bi-ryeom) were there.

The director started the reading with a short speech and encouraged everyone to do their best. Writer Jeong Yoon-jeong also said a few words and showed infinite trust in the cast and crew.

The actors and actresses turned into different people as soon as the reading started and Shin Se-kyung seemed to have found her rightful character. Her energy was enough to draw everyone's attention and her chemistry with Nam Joo-hyeok is looked forward to.

Nam Joo-hyuk promised to do his best and his voice changed from situation to situation. He seemed dignified but chic and his expressions and gestures showed just how much he must have studied for the role of Ha-baek.

Lim Ju-hwan, Jung Soo-jung and Gong Myung all did their best in their roles and defined 'collaboration' at a whole new level.

While the first script reading was a successful one, pictures by Nam Joo-hyuk and Shin Se-kyung are raising expectations for "Bride of the Water God 2017".

The first episode of "Bride of the Water God 2017" can be seen on the 3rd of July at 10:50PM.
Published on 2017/05/24 | Source

Added episode 1 captures for the Korean drama "Fight For My Way" (2017)

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Directed by Kim Dong-hwi, Lee Na-jeong

Written by Lim Sang-choon

Network : KBS

With Park Seo-joon, Kim Ji-won, Ahn Jae-hong, Song Ha-yoon, Son Byung-ho, Kim Ye-ryung,...

20 episodes - Mon, Tue 22:00

Synopsis

A drama about a man and a woman who live a life with nothing to show for.

Broadcast starting date in Korea : 2017/05/22

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Unseasonably hot weather will continue throughout the mid-valley on Monday, and forecasters at the National Weather Service office in Portland are urging caution with the heat.

Temperatures will warm into the upper 80s to low 90s on Monday, much warmer than the temperatures typical for May. forecasters said in a special weather statement.

Forecasters said people may be tempted to cool off in rivers, but they are very cold and swift-moving and especially dangerous at this time of year. People who decide to take a break from the heat by hanging out by rivers or lakes should wear life jackets and be cautious, as the combination of hot weather and cold water can be deadly.

Forecasters also urged residents to use sunscreen, to be sure to hydrate properly and never to leave children or pets unattended in vehicles.

Here are your updated local forecasts:

Albany

Monday: Sunny, with a high near 88. Light north wind increasing to 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon.

Monday night: Clear, with a low around 60. North wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light after midnight.

Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 82. Light north northwest wind increasing to 6 to 11 mph in the morning.

Corvallis

Monday: Sunny, with a high near 90. Light north wind increasing to 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon.

Monday night: Clear, with a low around 57. North wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light north northwest after midnight.

Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 84. Calm wind becoming north 5 to 8 mph in the afternoon.

Lebanon

Monday: Sunny, with a high near 90. Calm wind becoming north 5 to 8 mph in the afternoon.

Monday night: Clear, with a low around 52. North wind 5 to 8 mph becoming calm after midnight.

Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 84. Light and variable wind becoming north northwest 6 to 11 mph in the afternoon.
President Donald Trumps proposed budget for fiscal year 2018 calls for the closure of the National Energy Technology Laboratory in Albany and transfer of equipment to facilities on the East Coast.

The change, suggested for efficiency reasons, would result in the loss of about 150 jobs and more than $30 million in annual economic impact to Oregon, according to a news release from the American Federation of Government Employees Local 1104, which represents federal workers at the site.

The budget proposes a gradual shutdown for Albanys NETL site that would start in 2018 with minimal program decreases. Those would ramp up in 2019 and the local facilitys capabilities would be moved to NETL sites in either Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, or Morgantown, West Virginia, by 2020, according to the budget request.

This is terrible news for the community. The lab has been a fixture here for 70-plus years, said Wes Hare, Albany City Manager.

If the proposal is adopted and the budget goes forward, it would be a real blow. My hope is through a deliberative process, that the value of the lab will be recognized and it will remain open for the future, he said.

Besides jobs at the facility, research conducted at the site led to a cluster of rare metals manufacturing companies in Albany, including ATI, Selmet and Pacific Cast Technologies.

John Pascone, president of the Albany-Millersburg Economic Development Corp., estimated that the rare metals industry in Albany now employs about 2,000 people.

Local firms continue to collaborate with the laboratory on projects, said Hare and Janet Steele, president of the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce.

Theyre working on things that are important to the continued success of industry and the state of Oregon, Steele added.

Pascone said the if the NETL site closed, it would not only result in a loss of jobs, but of future possibilities for research, spin-off companies and new technologies. Those things can serve the community for years. Wah Chang has been here for 60 years.

Omer Dogan, vice president of AFGE Local 1104, said that workers learned about the closure during a meeting with supervisors as the budget was being released on Tuesday.

There was a lot of disappointment, a lot of questioning, said Dogan, a materials scientist who lives in Corvallis and has worked at the facility for 20 years.

Some of the researchers and workers from NETL Albany may move to the East Coast, Dogan added.

Dogan said that the $30 million figure cited in AFGEs news release was the budget for the facility, and didnt include any ripple effects to the mid-Willamette Valleys economy.

Most of the workers at NETL Albany live in Albany, but quite a few also reside in Corvallis, Dogan said.

Even if they dont live here, they spend their time here and they shop here, he added.

The budget document lists 40 direct employees of the facility, as well as 70 contracted workers. Dogan said it doesnt include numerous graduate and undergraduate interns who work at the site and are paid a salary.

The lab was originally founded in 1943 to discover methods for developing new metallurgical processes that use the Albany areas abundant electrical energy.

Research conducted at the site has expanded in recent decades to include innovative geologic, energy-system and environmental science and technologies that address domestic energy supply, impact and safety needs.

NETL Albany research includes collaborations with Oregon universities and companies as well as outreach and activities with Oregon schools.
BEHAVIOURAL EQ

EQ, or emotional intelligence, is a critical part of a leaders ability to lead others. The Social Intelligence Groups Behavioural EQ program teaches participants how to perceive the emotions in themselves and, most importantly, what to do with that understanding. The program is called Behavioural EQ because the majority of the focus is on what you need to do with your EQ. It is based on a validated model of EQ that is connected to workplace success  as opposed to what someone thought would be good to include in the model, says Ross, who adds that many of the EQ programs on the market do not predict success, and high scores on the assessments do not relate to high work performance.

BARRIERS TO AGILITY

Luke Ross outlines three hurdles:



1. Self-perception bias

Many people have an overinflated view of their skills, and understanding that you are not as agile as you think you are is the first barrier to overcome. People need to know what to work on to become more agile, which is why we use a multi-rater of agility.



2. Tunnel-vision bias

Many people are so focused on solving the problem at hand that they just invent new solutions to old problems. They dont investigate as much as they should; they are very anchored in their mindset. The most agile teams and individuals find unexpected opportunities because they look widely.



3. Past-experience bias

Our brains look at the world and compare new experiences to old experiences, and then we decide what to do. But our brain tricks us and makes us focus on the similar aspects, not the different aspects which would lead us to think in different ways.

THE SOCIAL INTELLIGENCE GROUP

The Social Intelligence Group is the authorised master trainer and distributor for Tracom in Australia and New Zealand. They provide trainer certification and delivery of the Tracom Social Intelligence Programs: Social Style and Versatility, Behavioural EQ, Adaptive Mindset for Resiliency and Adaptive Mindset for Agility. Tracom is the original creator of the Social Style and Versatility model and has also recently created the Adaptive Mindset for Resiliency, Agility and Behavioural EQ programs and assessments. Visit The Social Intelligence Group is the authorised master trainer and distributor for Tracom in Australia and New Zealand. They provide trainer certification and delivery of the Tracom Social Intelligence Programs: Social Style and Versatility, Behavioural EQ, Adaptive Mindset for Resiliency and Adaptive Mindset for Agility. Tracom is the original creator of the Social Style and Versatility model and has also recently created the Adaptive Mindset for Resiliency, Agility and Behavioural EQ programs and assessments. Visit www.socialintelligence.com.au or phone 1300 471 765.

>Interpersonal effectiveness can have a significant impact on an individuals success  or failure  as a leader. Neuroscience is proving that many of these skills can be taught, as HRD discoversDoes this sound familiar? Your CEO corners you in the meeting room and says, Lets have a chat. Your mind jumps to the conclusion that the upcoming conversation is going to be bad.Or this scenario: You get along with most people but there are some people who just really annoy you  you just dont click.Why is it that in certain circumstances we either assume the worst or dont work at our peak?Neuroscience is providing insights into brain function and cognitive biases  and its these insights that form the foundation for the Social Intelligence Groups range of programs that have been created to help leaders cope with the business challenges of today. As the company name suggests, the concept of social intelligence is embedded in everything it does. Luke Ross, Director of the Social Intelligence Group, says social intelligence is the ability to create cooperative relationships with others. Its important to note that it is not a stable trait but something we learn and decide to use or not use on a daily basis.Intelligence and personality dont account for much of your success, but your daily behavioural decisions do, he says.Additionally, you cant really change your intelligence and personality traits, but you can change your social intelligence.What follows is an outline of four popular social intelligence programs, all of which have been developed by a team of registered psychologists. They are evidence-based and specifically designed for the corporate workplace. Each course combines an online multi-rater assessment with a practical training program to teach individuals how to be more agile, resilient, emotionally intelligent or behaviourally versatile. The assessments are psychometrically valid and meet the reliability and validity standards set out by the various psychological associations across the globe. The Social Intelligence Group delivers the programs or certifies your L&D professionals to deliver them.The word resilience is thrown around with abandon in many businesses today, and while the sentiment behind a desire to build more resilient employees to cope with constant change is often well intended, the execution can leave something to be desired  many programs create awareness of resilience factors but dont show people exactly how to be resilient at work. For Ross, its no surprise that resilience is so talked about in business today. He says it has been shown to be connected to success and life satisfaction.However, there are a number of myths that surround resilience. For example, most people believe they are either resilient or not. In truth, sometimes we are resilient and sometimes we are not.If you look over your own career you will see times when you have been resilient and times when you have not, says Ross. The difference is that your mindset and behavioural response at the time determinedif you thrived or not in those situations. We all have filters and ways that we act that determine if we are resilient or not.Importantly, Ross says its possible to teach people to overcome these filters or barriers, and thus rapidly increase their resilience in the workplace.Ive seen it happen instantly  it is about adapting your thinking and behaviours, Ross says.The Adaptive Mindset for Resiliency program teaches people to have an adaptive mindset to change and counteract the brains natural way of dealing with stress. It is the only program of its kind that uses a multirater assessment to determine an individuals resilience strengths, followed by a pragmatic skills program to help them become more resilient at work  many people are unaware of their resilience strengths and do not know how to be resilient more often. Participants leave the Adaptive Mindset for Resiliency program more motivated and more skilled in being resilient more frequently. The majority of participants find the program increases their workplace productivity, company engagement and overall life satisfaction.Aside from resilience, other key terms in business circles today are innovation and agility. We define personal and organisational agility as the capacity to recognise, create and exploit opportunities in a changing environment, says Ross, who adds that while the benefits of being agile and innovative are well established, there remains a problem.As adults, many of us have suppressed the ability to be agile. One longitudinal study conducted on kindergarteners showed that 98% of them scored at genius level in their ability to generate many solutions to problems. But, over the course of time, this capacity dwindled such that, by age 10, only 30% scored at genius level and, by adulthood, only 2% scored at genius level.We develop a range of cognitive biases that stop us being innovative, Ross says. This course helps to unlock this agility at the individual level, thereby creating agile organisations. It shows people how to undo the barriers and biases that stop them being agile, because close to 80% of agility is learned.The Social Intelligence Group uses a simple but effective model with the acronymIDEA to ensure that fresh ideas and innovative thinking move beyond just the ideation stage and instead result in tangible business outcomes.When most people think of creativity and innovation, they just focus on idea generation, Ross says. However, an idea without implementation is just a good idea.The key aspects of agility are:I  Investigate new opportunitiesD  Design new solutionsE  Energise support for the ideasA  Apply the ideas in the real worldWithout all parts agility does not exist. Agility is actually seeing an idea from creation to implementation, Ross says.Many people believe that they cannot be agile, but this not true. Everyone has the ability to be agile, and in the Adaptive Mindset for Agility program we show them their barriers by using a multi-rater assessment of IDEA, and then teach them simple strategies to overcome these barriers.Its critical for leaders to earn the support and respect of those who work for them. Leaders who do not have support and respect find it difficult to achieve organisational objectives or create sustainable team performance. However, many leaders do not have an accurate understanding of the support and respect they have earned.This is where the Social Style and Versatility course adds value. The program shows leaders how to earn support and program is that the resulting performance improvements are observable, measurable and immediate. Its not uncommon during the one-day program that participants will behaviourally profile an individual they are having trouble with, and then use the tools to develop a different way to deal with that person. Additionally, 6370% of participants use the tools within one day of the program without reminders or reinforcement. Ross says the program has been used by 3,508,403 individuals globally and is in place at most global consulting firms and many iconic global organisations, yet Australian corporates just dont know much about it.Much like social intelligence in general, it appears the potential benefits are just starting to be realised.
Around $10,300 in fleet discount Around $15,784 in tax savings over the term

NOVATED LEASES IN A NUTSHELL

Novated leasing enables businesses to offer a leased car, and associated tax benefits, as part of salary packaging to both new and existing employees. Novated leases involve businesses leasing a vehicle from a finance company on behalf of an employee. This can be an enticing addition to an employees salary package, as the employer pays the monthly lease amount directly from the employees pre-tax income as a form of salary sacrifice. Lease terms can range from one to five years, and this, plus the residual amount (within certain guidelines), is the choice of the employee. When the term expires, it is up to the employee to decide whether to refinance the loan, pay out the residual value and take ownership of the car, or sell the vehicle.

Fleet discounts off the purchase price of the vehicle

GST savings off the purchase price  the lease amount for the GST-exclusive price of the vehicle

GST savings on all of the pre-tax running costs

Income tax savings on all of the pre-tax running costs. This depends on what tax bracket the employee is in

Tax-free profit on resale at lease end

Convenience  having all the running costs packaged and managed on behalf of the employee makes life so much easier, with access to a fuel card, pre-paid maintenance, and so forth

EMPLOYER BENEFITS

Anthony Moss outlines four key benefits to employers who implement a novated leasing plan.



 Attraction and retention of key staff

 Reduction in payroll tax and workers compensation

 No financial risk; when the employee leaves the car goes with them

 Ease of administration  this is entirely outsourced with a tied to payroll solution

SGFLEET

sgfleet is one of Australias leading specialist providers of fleet management, vehicle leasing, and salary packaging services. We also provide heavy commercial fleet management and leasing services. sgfleet is in a unique position to provide a variety of services and innovation across Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. sgfleet is one of Australias leading specialist providers of fleet management, vehicle leasing, and salary packaging services. We also provide heavy commercial fleet management and leasing services. sgfleet is in a unique position to provide a variety of services and innovation across Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.

>A novated lease is a benefit that you can offer your employees at little to no cost to your business  heres howMost HR professionals have dealt at some point with novated leasing  perhaps theyve taken out a novated lease themselves. Yet, despite being widely used and the concept being quite well understood, a spate of myths has developed around this critical employee benefit. To mention just a few: in order to take on a novated lease, employees need to be on the highest marginal tax rate, travel a certain number of kilometres, or require some sort of business usage for the novated lease to be worthwhile. While everyones situation is uniquely different, these myths are simply not true.Anthony Moss, business development manager, novated, at sgfleet, has heard most of these myths, and hes keen to bust them.Moss outlines one commonly held myth: that a novated lease is only suited to employees above the highest marginal tax rate.In theory, the more tax you pay, the more you can save; however, if someone who is on $45,000 per year saves around $3,500 per year in tax, this is a substantial amount for that person, he says.Another common myth is that the employee needs to travel a certain number of kilometres in order for the novated lease to be worthwhile. Again this is not true, says Moss.Historically, FBT [fringe benefits tax] calculations were made based on the amount of kilometres you travelled. Simply put, the further you travelled, the less FBT you had to pay, and therefore the more benefit was received by the employee. Thankfully, in recent years the government has eradicated this rule, meaning that there is no longer a kilometre target or threshold for employees to receive, and employees travelling shorter distances stand to benefit the most.Another myth is that some employers believe that a novated lease is only for employees with business usage, or who receive a car allowance. While these employees can potentially receive large amounts of tax savings through the program, realistically the vast majority of novated lease drivers are applying for 100% private use. This means that you can package a vehicle tax effectively for others in the family and still stand to receive significant savings, Moss says.When asked about what the most frequently asked question from HR and business leaders is, Moss says it typically comes back to cost  specifically whether the novated lease program incurs a cost for the employer. There isnt a cost for the employer as the lease is borne by the employee, although it makes sense why an employer would want this question cleared first, he says.Following this, Moss is frequently asked about whether there would be FBT payable for the employer. Usually there isnt, depending on how the employer wants the program managed, he says.Moss is also typically asked about potential savings. Sometimes numbers speak more than words. Moss cites a worked example of the savings that can potentially be made with a novated lease. This employee earns $85,000 per year and is packaging a 2017 Mitsubishi Pajero GLS travelling 15,000km per year on a three-year term with 100% private usage. They would stand to save:The best part about novated lease savings is that they are available for any full-time employee drawing a taxable salary, even if they only use their car for private use, says Moss.With HR teams overstretched and under-resourced, the last thing they want to commit to is something that results in more administrative burden. Should they be wary? Moss says this was a legitimate concern with traditional methods of managing novated leases. However, this has changed. sgfleet, for example, ensures the program is entirely outsourced, meaning all employee enquiries, employee education and reporting for the employer are taken care of. Apart from some basic documentation and payment automation, the finance company and employee will do most of the work.Quite simply, the only additional administration required is for the payroll manager to enter the initial lease deduction for the employee, although even this is a set and forget system so all future deductions can be automated and remain constant, Moss explains.Indeed, much of the hard work is done up front. When a customer partners with sgfleet, the relationship management team will sit down with them to customise an employee education plan that suits the geographical and operational needs of the business. The marketing activities are typically funded by sgfleet and can encompass all locations for the customer, including anything from launch events to personal one-on-one visits with the employees. The company has also developed some unique electronic methods of promotion which have helped to raise awareness of the program among employees.Technology is also helping to streamline traditionally time-consuming tasks. Moss says the days of manual logbooks are a thing of the past, with logbook apps and plug-and-play GPS devices becoming the norm.Two lease types are typically offered: non-maintained and fully maintained. While a non-maintained novated lease includes only the cost of the vehicle financing, the option of a fully maintained novated lease provides employees with the benefit of paying certain vehicle running costs  such as insurance, petrol, and servicing  as part of the lease, and therefore also from their pre-tax income.HR is often the first point of contact for employees who are interested in taking on a novated lease, so its important that the fundamentals are understood in the context of a wider employee benefits program. Indeed, Moss recommends making the novated lease program the focal point within a wider program.The novated lease program can commonly be supported by other salary packaging items such as airline lounge memberships, superannuation and laptops/PDAs, he says. Communication to employees about the novated lease program is often coupled with the other benefits, and sgfleet can help tailor a marketing/education program specific for the particular organisation.HR will want to be clear on the benefits to employees. These can include:Most HR and finance professionals are aware that a novated lease program attracts some sort of benefit, but we find that the full scope of benefits available is not necessarily comprehended, Moss says.For example, as the car is the responsibility of the employee, they can decide whether or not to keep the lease going if they change employers. A novated lease also provides the employee with a greater level of flexibility and choice in regard to the vehicle. This includes the ability to choose a specific vehicle (new or old  subject to eligibility criteria).An appealing benefit to employees; an increase in the value of your companys salary packaging without actually increasing costs; almost no time or resources burden on HR. Its no surprise that novated leasing has retained its popularity in the face of an ever-changing world of employee perks and benefits.
governments announcement on April 18 saw big changes to the 457 visa program that allows skilled migrants to work in Australia. Whilst the government had speculated scaling back the number of industries eligible to host 457 visa workers since 2013, the sudden and absolute axing of the program was unexpected.As businesses and individuals alike seek to understand how the changes will impact them, HR professionals have an obligation to review all facts at hand, to prepare, act, and communicate such changes to their teams in a timely manner.Firstly, its important to note that current staff employed under the previous 457 visa conditions will not be impacted. This is thanks to the grandfathering arrangement which exempts current visa holders from the new rules.Prospective applicants and businesses sponsoring skilled migrants will, however, feel the greatest impact due to the significant amendments to the occupation list that underpins the 457 visa, from which 216 roles have been removed.The 457 visa program will be replaced from March 2018 with a new category of visa, namely the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa. The TSS will be split into two streams; Short-Term (two years) and Medium-Term (four years). In the meantime, the government has released an updated list of the occupations eligible for the new visas, scaling back the list from 651 to 435 occupations, to be reviewed every six months.Core industries that rely on these workers, including Information Technology, Hospitality and Leisure, are likely to feel the pinch in looking for the right skillset, or right seasonal availability of potential employees.With further changes anticipated, it is vital that Australian businesses know how to prepare. From the boardroom to the HR department, businesses need to focus on risk mitigation, seeking advice from industry bodies, peers and agencies, communicating with current employees and readying for business impact.HR constantly assesses whether the right people are in place with the right skills to help the company compete, innovate and grow. In light of these visa changes, HR must assess who is on current 457 visas before taking the time to sit down with affected employees to discuss how the company will protect and support them in this volatile period.Irrespective of the grandfathering rule, international employees will feel uneasy about the changes and are more likely to look to overseas roles or wish to return home. They may have hoped for a partner or family member to join them in Australia, so working through the changes to permanent residency should form part of this conversation.Companies with international offices should also look to field queries from employees abroad, including those whom travel to Australia for short-term projects. Maintaining transparency and open communication lines regarding these changes will help reaffirm trust in your organisation and show that you have staff interests at heart.Working through the impact of these visa changes will require collaboration with key industry bodies, peers, and government agencies. Unions claim the changes are mostly cosmetic, while some industries have pronounced that it will make it more difficult to secure experienced individuals, potentially impacting commercial growth and innovation.HR leaders must moderate between these macro influencers and their staff to ensure theyre providing the right level of information, at the right time to their staff.As the changes come into full effect, HR will likely need to work with legal professionals throughout the hiring process, to mitigate risk and ensure compliance with the new visa classes.The TSS visa will be roughly equivalent to the current 457 (sans the roles that have been removed from the list), but it will be harder to get. The TSS will have higher requirements than the current 457 program, including a higher standard of English, a proper police record and criminal check, a two year work experience requirement, and mandatory labour market testing.Holders of the new visa will not be as easily able to apply for permanent residency as 457 visa holders are. This may cause issue when recruiting from overseas for newly emerging or highly specialised roles.In the recent federal budget, a new foreign skilled worker levy was unveiled for employers. Businesses with a turnover of less than $10 million will have to make an upfront payment of $1,200 for every year they employ someone on a TSS visa, and make a one-off payment of $3,000 for each employee they sponsor for a permanent skilled visa.Businesses with a turnover over $10 million per year will pay $1,800 annually for staff on TSS visas, and a one-off payment of $5,000 for each employee on a permanent skilled visa. The compulsory payments will be spent on the training and development of Australian apprenticeships and traineeships in high-demand occupations.Businesses that work within this framework to assess the visa changes will be better prepared for the TSS as it comes into play in March 2018. Maintaining open and collaborative communication lines now, and in the coming months, will be imperative for ensuring employee peace of mind. Working with wider industry bodies, peers and government agencies, will also ensure HR is best equipped to assess skill shortages, fill possible vacancies and leverage the right people for these roles.
Indeed, a surprising number of trees were recently discovered thriving in the worlds drylands. They are key to survival for millions of people  and are a worthy cause for global reforestation efforts.

There are vast forests in the worlds deserts and drylandsabout 1.8 million square miles of them in areas previously thought to be treeless.

Researchers at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, World Resources Institute and several other organizations worked with local experts to examine hundreds of thousands of high-resolution satellite images on Google Earth, painstakingly counting individual trees and shrubs. In the end, we found the equivalent of another Amazon rainforest that we never knew existed.

You might be surprised to learn that the worlds deserts and drylands are full of trees. Many of us think of these landscapes as an endless expanse of rolling sand dunes or open bushlands. In fact, drylands cover more than 40 percent of the worlds surface, from the plains south of the Sahara to the steppes of Central Asia and the savannahs of Latin America.

Drylands forests can be sparse and difficult to monitor, which is likely why the trees werent previously discovered. We simply didnt have the right techniques or adequate satellite power needed to zoom in on small patches of trees. These areas typically dont receive a lot of attention in global discussions about the environment, but the discovery of these new forests could be hugely important for the people who call them home.

Around the world, drylands are home to about two billion people  90 percent of them live in developing countries. These are some of the worlds poorest people, many of them small-scale farmers and herders who depend on the natural environment for their food security and livelihoods. For these communities, our discovery of these trees using space-age technology just confirms what local people already knew  that trees exist across the drylands and are a vital resource for the people who make their homes there. A single tree in the desert can be a farmers source of energy, food and respite  shade from the hot sun.

Unfortunately, much of the worlds dryland forests have already been lost to deforestation, overgrazing and desertification likely accelerated by climate change. When these trees are lost, their benefits disappear, too  people can no longer harvest them for firewood, livestock no longer have a shady resting place, and soil loses its vitality and blows away in the wind. As the land degrades, people are forced to move, creating refugees and fueling the already serious global migration crisis.

However, there are clear opportunities to increase the protection and restoration of dryland forests. This can include planting new trees, protecting ones under threat, and allowing seeds and root systems to regenerate naturally by guarding them until theyre hardy enough to survive the teeth of foraging goats and cattle.

There is already evidence of how forest restoration and improved land and water management has improved the livelihoods of communities around the world.

In Niger, a farmer-managed natural regeneration movement  where farmers protected and managed naturally occurring trees and shrubs alongside agriculture- helped increase crop yields, produce food for livestock, improve household energy supply and increase household income. In the mid-1980s, these farmers collectively restored roughly five million hectares  more than 19,000 square miles  of land with more than 200 million new trees. In northern Ethiopia, now greener than at any point in the last 145 years, local communities organized to control livestock grazing and wood cutting on degraded plateaus and mountain slopes, allowing vegetation to regenerate. The landscape has been completely transformed, helping farmers increase crop production, secure water supplies and build resilience to drought. Similar success stories are emerging all around the world. New initiatives such as the African Forest Landscape Restoration Initiative (AFR100) have started accelerating restoration by sharing best practices and providing access to restoration finance.

Now that we know where the trees in the worlds deserts and drylands are, we can better monitor and manage them. And by measuring the benefits that trees in drylands generate, we can encourage others to invest more in these overlooked rural places. Governments should remove barriers to restoration by making sure farmers have clear legal rights to their land and trees. Businesses can look for opportunities to invest in restoration projects. And we can all do more to support restoration efforts, such as the Greenbelt Movement, founded by Nobel Prize Winner Wangari Maathai. These efforts could unlock the ability of local communities in drylands to manage their own restoration, pulling themselves out of poverty and fighting climate change along the way.

Lets work together to make the worlds deserts and drylands just a little bit greener.

Fred Stolle is a Senior Associate with the World Resources Institute's Forests Program. He has advised the World Bank and the governments of Indonesia and the Republic of Congo on reduced deforestation programs as part of the UN Climate framework (UNFCCC). He is also involved in several international processes, including the Global Forest Observation Initiative (GFOI), Forest Carbon Partnership (FCPF), the Roundtable of Sustainable Palm Oil, and the Forest Resources Assessment published by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN. Fred also teaches as an Adjunct Professor at Johns Hopkins University's School of Advanced International Studies.
The decision came immediately under fierce criticism from opposition parties and trade unions alike, as it will oblige all professional soldiers to participate in dangerous missions, including armed conflicts, abroad upon an order from the Defence Forces.

The Parliaments Defence Committee on Thursday approved a government proposal to increase the responsibilities of the Finnish Defence Forces.

The Defence Forces current responsibilities are to defend the country against military attacks, provide assistance to other authorities and participate in international crisis management operations.

The Defence Committee on Thursday agreed unanimously that the responsibilities must be expanded to ensure they are in line with the obligations set forth in the Lisbon Treaty. It called attention to the necessity of removing any legislative obstacles preventing the country from participating in assisting other member states and requesting assistance in the event of a crisis.

Finland, it stressed, would nevertheless continue to determine its security policy and make decisions on whether to provide or request assistance independently.

No agreement was, on the other hand, reached on the requisite amendments impact on personnel.

We disapprove of the governments decision to retroactively oblige personnel to participate in international, life-threatening missions outside the borders of Finland. The terms of collective agreements mustnt be revised retroactively, Mika Kari (SDP), a deputy chairperson of the committee, commented to Helsingin Sanomat.

The Finnish Union for Non-Commissioned Officers was similarly disappointed with the decision and argued that military personnel should not be required to participate in such missions without their consent.

The decision would effectively oblige professional soldiers to participate in warfare abroad in peacetime, Mika Oranen, the chairperson of the Union for Non-Commissioned Officers, summarised to Helsingin Sanomat.

The decision would unilaterally expand the terms and conditions of service for professional soldiers in an ultra-radical way, in a way that may even pose a threat to their life and well-being. It should inevitably also have an impact on our wages, he added.

Jari Rantala, the chairperson of the Finnish Officers Union, estimated that the obligation is unwarranted also because there should be no shortage of soldiers willing to take part in such missions voluntarily. He added that if the proposal wins the requisite parliamentary support the obligation should only apply to new employees.

His demands were rejected by Jussi Niinisto (PS), the Minister of Defence. Niinisto affirmed that the legislation will be applied to all military and civilian personnel employed by the Defence Command.

The Defence Forces personnel turnover rate is 300 per year. The transitional period would therefore be 30 years, he stated to Helsingin Sanomat.

Aleksi Teivainen  HT

Photo: Hanna-Kaisa Sadwinski  Handout

Source: Uusi Suomi
Vesala estimates that the countrys economy can expand by up to three per cent this year, despite the fact what he describes as demographic headwinds continue to constrain the long-term growth potential to no more than roughly one per cent per annum.

The Finnish economy may grow this year at a rate far exceeding its long-term growth potential, says Timo Vesala, an economist at Lahi-Tapiola.

Such a growth rate is attainable as long as key pieces of the puzzle fall into place simultaneously, says Vesala.

That may happen this year, although this should not be regarded as a baseline projection, he writes in his blog.

Statistics Finland, he points out, has published preliminary data indicating that the gross domestic product grew by 1.6 per cent from the previous quarter  the highest quarter-on-quarter growth in over six years  between January and March.

It is likely, however, that the quarterly data will be specified later, reminds Vesala.

Several financial institutions have recently upgraded their growth forecasts for Finland. Vesala views that despite the upgrades the institutions continue to keep a lid on excitement over the growth data because macroeconomic indicators are susceptible to random fluctuations.

Economists first want to see comprehensive enough evidence of a reversal before changing their forecasts dramatically, he explains.

He points out that investment activity is showing signs of recovery also outside the construction industry. The world economy, meanwhile, is experiencing its strongest growth since 2010. Finnish exports may turn from a brake to an accelerator of growth, he says.

The Finnish economy, he also reminds, follows global economic trends somewhat belatedly.

We should enjoy the burst of growth while economists are already brewing the next reasons for doom and gloom. Finland follows global economic trends slightly belatedly, and many countries that are crucial for overall global demand may see a peak in economic growth in the first half of the ongoing year, he warns.

Aleksi Teivainen  HT

Photo: Martti Kainulainen  Lehtikuva

Source: Uusi Suomi
A schoolgirl aged just eight years old was one of 22 people killed when ISIS suicide bomber Salman Abedi blew himself up at a packed pop concert in Manchester last night.

ISIS said that Abebi, who they labelled a 'soldier', set off the bomb packed with ballbearings at the Ariana Grande concert in the Manchester Arena.

119 people were injured in the cowardly attack in the worst terror attack Britain has seen since the 7/7 London bombings.

Eight-year-old Saffie Roussos, 18-year-old Georgina Callander and 26-year-old John Atkinson were among those killed. Of the injured, 59 were taken to hospital - 12 of whom were children - and 60 were treated at the scene.

Traumatised families have told how nuts and bolts tore into young music fans when the blast was detonated in the foyer area of the Manchester Arena moments after a concert by the US popstar ended.

Explosion

The suicide bomber, who was known to authorities, died inside the arena and police carried out a controlled explosion at what is believed to be his home during raids around the city yesterday.

A 23-year-old man, believed to be a brother of Salman Abedi, was arrested by anti-terror officers in the south of the city. Security sources revealed that initial analysis of the 'sophisticated' device suggests it was made by an expert. Eight-year-old victim Saffie Roussos has been described as 'simply beautiful'.

Chris Upton - the headteacher of her school, Tarleton Community Primary - said: "The thought that anyone could go out to a concert and not come home is heartbreaking."

"Saffie was simply a beautiful little girl in every aspect of the word. She was loved by everyone and her warmth and kindness will be remembered fondly. Saffie was quiet and unassuming with a creative flair," he said.

"Our focus is now on helping pupils and staff cope with this shocking news and we have called in specialist support from Lancashire County Council to help us do that.

"We are a tight-knit school and wider community and will give each other the support that we need at this difficult time.'

The first victim to be named after the devastating blast had yesterday tweeted to the pop star, telling her how excited she was for the gig.

Georgina Callander (18) had tragically written to the pop star yesterday, saying: "SO EXCITED TO SEE U TOMORROW". A close friend told reporters that Georgina died after the suicide attack, with her mother at her bedside for her last moments.

Georgina, who was photographed with Ariana Grande when they met almost two years ago, has been described as a girl who "lit up the room" with the teen one of the 22 killed in the horrific attack.

Friends paid tribute to Georgina, with one writing: "Rest in peace Gina. I love you so incredibly much, you deserved the world & more. I'm so lucky to have met you and known you".

Horrific

John Atkinson, who was killed in the horrific terror attack that saw concert-goers targeted in Manchester last night has been remembered as an "amazing" individual. Tributes to John flooded in last night.

One friend wrote: "You may of broke our heart but you're never break our spirit r.i.p. Manchester and my heart goes out to John and the Atkinson Family & friends". Another wrote: "Rip John Atkinson. Thoughts and prayers to your family. What a mad, sad world".

The family is now raising money for the young man, saying the "one in a million" man deserved a proper send off.

One of two missing teens who travelled to the concert from a remote Scottish island has been found seriously ill in hospital after a desperate search that lasted almost 20 hours. Laura MacIntyre was located in intensive care in Manchester suffering from serious burns after her distraught parents flew to the city to join the search for her.

She had failed to reappear after the concert with her school friend Eilidh MacLeod, 14, who was still unaccounted for last night.
The suicide bomber who blew himself up killing 22 people and injuring 119 was named as 22-year-old Manchester-born Salman Abedi.

Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the ballbearing bomb attack at the Ariana Grande concert.

The attack was the worst Britain has seen since the 7/7 London bombings in 2005, when 52 innocent people died.

Police yesterday carried out a controlled explosion at what is believed to be Abedi's home during a series of raids across Manchester.

A former school friend said Abedi, who was known to police, had recently grown a beard and neighbours claimed he had been "acting strangely".

Expert

Abedi was born in Manchester on New Year's Eve 1994, the son of a Libyan couple who had fled to Britain to escape the Gaddafi regime.

A 23-year-old man, believed to be Abedi's brother, was yesterday arrested as police and security services attempted to work out whether Abedi was acting alone or as part of a terrorist cell.

Security sources revealed last night that initial analysis of the "sophisticated" bomb suggest it was made by an expert.

Abedi is believed to have travelled to Manchester by train from London, according to US intelligence officers.

Leon Hall, who went to school with Abedi, said he had grown a beard when he saw him last year.

"We didn't speak but just nodded to each other. I don't remember seeing him with a beard before," he said.

Meanwhile, Abedi's neighbours have spoken of his "strange behaviour" in recent weeks, and of how he would "chant Islamic prayers loudly in the street" outside his home in the south of the city.

Abedi, who was a keen Manchester United fan, appears to have been radicalised within the past couple of years.

Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable Ian Hopkins said yesterday: "I can confirm that the man suspected of carrying out [Monday] night's atrocity has been named as 22-year-old Salman Abedi.

Traumatised

"However, he has not yet been formally identified and I wouldn't wish, therefore, to comment further.

"The priority remains to establish whether he was acting alone or as part of a network."

Eight-year-old Saffie Roussos, 18-year-old Georgina Callander and 26-year-old John Atkinson were among those killed.

Twelve children were among the 59 seriously injured people taken to hospital. Another 60 people were treated at the scene.

Traumatised witnesses have told how nuts and bolts tore into the young music fans when the bomb was detonated in the foyer of the Manchester Arena moments after US popstar Grande left the stage.

Abedi lived in a modest red brick semi-detached house in a mixed suburb of Manchester, where police performed the controlled explosion.

Neighbour Natalie Daley said that, prior to the explosion, she heard police yelling, "Get in your houses. Get away from the windows".

"When it's like two seconds from your home, when you walk past it every day, you do live in fear," she said.

Akram Ramadan (49), a married man with an eight-year-old daughter, lived in a flat above one of the properties raided by police.

He said a newlywed couple moved into the property about nine months ago.

He said the husband, a man in his mid-to-late-20s, was a Mancunian of Libyan descent, while his wife was a maths teacher who had helped his own daughter in her studies.
A former resident of the Salvation Army's Granby Lifehouse for homeless people has been awarded damages, arising from a needlestick injury, against the charitable trust.

Joan O'Leary (58), now of St Peter's Court, Phibsborough, Dublin, said a needle and syringe stuck in her hand while she was cleaning her bedsit.

The grandmother told the Circuit Civil Court yesterday that she injured herself while cleaning a leather chair in her apartment at the shelter.

"I had been using baby-wipes to clean the chair and put my hand down the left-hand crevice in the chair where I found charred tinfoil and condoms."

She found the same items on the right-hand side of the chair.

"Then I felt a stab and pulled my hand out. A needle, with a syringe attached, was sticking in the palm of my hand so I covered my hand and the syringe with tissue paper and went down to reception to report it."

Ms O'Leary said staff called an ambulance and she was taken to the Mater Hospital. When the ambulance had first arrived the needle and syringe was removed from her hand and she was given an injection and blood test before being taken to accident and emergency.

Infectious

Ms O'Leary said she had panicked because she knew the previous occupant of her bedsit had been a heroin addict.

"I received the all-clear from the hospital about a month after the incident but I didn't believe them. I felt I was still at risk of contracting an infectious disease," she said.

Ms O'Leary sued The Salvation Army (Republic of Ireland) which has its registered office in Marlborough Street, Dublin and was the owner and operator of The Granby Care Centre.

Judge Raymond Groarke, awarding her 7,500 damages and court costs, said there was no contest in the case.

"I find the plaintiff's account an entirely probable explanation of what occurred and I believe what she has said," the judge added.

Judge Groarke said he accepted there was an onerous obligation of care on the occupier that had not been met in this particular case and he was sorry to have to say that, given the most excellent work done by the Salvation Army.

He said Ms O'Leary was a somewhat vulnerable lady with a lot of problems in her life and had not believed the advice of medical experts when given the all clear.

She had a job convincing herself and her perception, while erroneous, was a genuine one.
The HSE and the Food Safety Authority have launched a joint investigation into a suspected outbreak of food poisoning following the death of a Dublin mother in her 50s at the weekend.

The kitchens of a venue in north Dublin have also been shut down by the HSE pending an investigation into the suspected salmonella outbreak.

It is understood a number of people were taken ill after a private party and treated in hospital for salmonella poisoning.

Illness

The woman is said to have attended a first Communion party with members of her wider family at the weekend.

She was then found dead at her home on Sunday by her husband.

Other family members and visitors to the party reported bouts of serious illness.

Staff at the venue yesterday confirmed the kitchens of the premises had been closed because of a "health scare".

A company has the franchise to provide food at the pub and also provides an off-site catering service. The HSE issued a statement to the Herald saying it is investigating an outbreak of food poisoning due to salmonella in north Dublin and is liaising with the Food Safety Authority of Ireland.

"An outbreak control team has been formed and an investigation is ongoing," the statement added.

"Members of the public should contact their GP if they have any concerns regarding their health."

The Food Safety Authority of Ireland also confirmed it is liaising with the HSE regarding an investigation into a recent food poisoning outbreak due to salmonella in north Dublin.

"The investigation is ongoing. There is no further update at this time," it said.

The woman who died was in her mid-50s and described locally as a fitness fanatic.

She is understood not to have been suffering any underlying health conditions at the time of her death.

Her family are shocked at her death, and the family that hosted the party is said to be distraught, although it did not prepare the food.
An Irish father has described the terrifying two-hour wait he had to endure before learning his teenage daughter had survived the Manchester bombing.

Sean Woods was unable to contact 19-year-old Niamh, who was working at the Manchester Arena on Monday night, in the immediate aftermath.

The Derry native said he and other family members were watching the news and fearing the worst.

The dad-of-five told Belfast Live: "I was just about to go bed and I saw a post on social media and I just saw Manchester Arena and thought, 'oh no'.

"I can't even describe that moment, I thought I had calmed down since but it was just unbelievable.

"My sons were on the phone looking for news and my wife Bernie was in bed sleeping. I didn't want to wake her at first in case it was nothing.

"For about an hour I tried to contact Niamh and friends of hers in Manchester, and then all of a sudden I saw the news about the fatalities.

Traumatised

"It brought it home the prospect your own daughter was caught up in it."

The 52-year-old did eventually hear from Niamh, who didn't have her phone on her at the time, but the horror she witnessed has left her traumatised.

The university student was working in a locked security room at the venue during Ariana Grande's sold-out gig.

"It was a very emotional phone call. At 19 years of age, to witness that, it wasn't good," said Sean.

"She said there was blood streaming down people's faces, people's clothes drenched in blood and they were banging on the doors and glass of the room she was locked in.

"She and her colleagues were in a locked facility because they were counting the money. They couldn't actually open the door to help anyone or let them in.

"She was just watching people banging and screaming, trying to get out of the way of the blast. It was just horrific for her, she's in a bad state."

Sean said the experience had left the family in a very emotional state.

"She said she never heard a bang like it in her life, it was just so frightening, she's obviously distraught by it all," he said.

Lucky

"I just want to speak to her now, but everything is down at the minute. When you see 22 fatalities and 59 injured, it's just the thought of your own wee one being caught in that is just overpowering.

"Every five minutes, myself and my wife Bernie break into tears, and we do it because we are so thankful. We are so lucky.

"God help those people who have lost family members. I was listening to interviews of people with children at the concert, wee ones at their very first concert, it's horrific."

He added they are now hoping to get Niamh home as soon as possible.

"Niamh has her last exam on Thursday, which she won't be doing," he said.

"No degree is worth your wee one's life, we're trying to get her home now. You don't have to have a degree to get on in life."
Ireland is to conduct an immediate security review, with the emphasis on safety at major public events, after the Manchester bombing atrocity.

Defence Minister Paul Kehoe confirmed the review, as he stressed that Ireland's security assessment is that the country currently only faces a moderate threat from terrorism.

However, the Wexford TD stressed that it would be "very foolish" if Ireland did not carefully study the "savage and vile" Manchester attack to see if there are lessons to be learned by Irish security services.

Cabinet members will meet with Defence Forces chiefs and senior Garda officers to re-evaluate Ireland's current security status in the wake of the UK's worst terrorist attack since 2005.

"Security is kept under constant review here in Ireland, particularly with the Garda Commissioner and the Defence Forces, in conjunction with the Minister for Justice and myself," said Mr Kehoe.

"I was speaking to [Justice] Minister Frances Fitzgerald this morning specifically on this subject.

Constant

"I know that she will be speaking with the Garda Commissioner during the day but, as you are aware, the security assessment of the State is moderate and is being kept under constant review.

"There is ongoing training between members of An Garda Siochana and the Defence Forces as to how to deal with such challenges if something was to happen here in Ireland. This is kept under constant review.

"We have to look at what happened in Britain, of course.

"It would be very foolish if we didn't look at what happened in Britain and I know that minister Frances Fitzgerald will be in touch with her counterpart in the UK, as will the Garda Commissioner with her counterpart in the UK, to look at how this happened," he added.

Mr Kehoe said that, like everyone else, he was taken aback by the nature of the Manchester suicide bombing.

"I would like to send my own sympathies and sympathies of [the Irish] Government to the people of Manchester," he said.

"This was a savage and vile attack."




try; they did it. In 2012 Obama won North Carolina 2,270,395 (50%) to 2,178,391 (48%). And this year Senor Trumpanzee beat Hillary 2,362,631 (49.8%) to 2,189,316 (46.2%). So let's say it's a 50/50 state. The Republican-dominated North Carolina legislature has given Governor Roy Cooper every reason in the world for him to want to do them some harm. The House has 74 Republicans, 45 Democrats and an independent and the Senate has 35 Republicans and 16 Democrats. Yesterday, after the 5-3 U.S. Supreme Court decision affirming that the Republicans in the legislature are a pack of racist animals who should immediately lined up against a wall and shot-- not blindfolds and no cigarettes-- Cooper pointed out that "for the second time in two weeks, the Supreme Court ruled that Republican legislative leaders broke the law. Today's ruling showed they tried to rig elections by drawing unconstitutional districts that discriminated against African Americans." Except they didn't; they did it. In 2012 Obama won North Carolina 2,270,395 (50%) to 2,178,391 (48%). And this year Senor Trumpanzee beat Hillary 2,362,631 (49.8%) to 2,189,316 (46.2%). So let's say it's a 50/50 state.





But the state's 13 congressional districts have been drawn in such a way to create 3 Democratic districts and 10 Republican districts. A fair redraw would result in one party winning 6 and the other winning 7. Gerrymandering has been very pernicious in North Carolina. I was kidding about the firing squad for the Republican state legislators. With no punishment, there is no reason for them-- or other monsters like them around the country-- to alter their behavior. "Their gerrymandered electoral maps and their bogus voter access law-- both struck down by the Supreme Court-- have the same goal: To win elections at all costs," continued Cooper. "Being able to hold free and fair elections is a pillar of our democracy, and today's ruling is a big step in the fight for fairer districts... [W]e must continue to work to ensure that all of us have an equal shot at the ballot box." The Republican legislators won't. What do they have to lose. Maybe even if just one in ten were randomly pulled out and shot they would change their behavior. Maybe. It's worth a try. After all the Supreme Court ruled that they had used drawn on their racism to violate the Constitution. That sounds like a serious offense, no?





NY Times' Adam Liptak The' Adam Liptak reported that "The court rejected arguments from state lawmakers that their purpose in drawing the maps was not racial discrimination but partisan advantage."

The decision was the courts latest attempt to solve a constitutional puzzle: how to disentangle the roles of race and partisanship when black voters overwhelmingly favor Democrats. The difference matters because the Supreme Court has said that only racial gerrymandering is constitutionally suspect.



Election law experts said the ruling would make it easier to challenge voting districts based partly on partisan affiliations and partly on race.



This will lead to many more successful racial gerrymandering cases in the American South and elsewhere, said Richard L. Hasen, a law professor at the University of California, Irvine.



Democrats welcomed the ruling.



This is a watershed moment in the fight to end racial gerrymandering, Eric H. Holder Jr., the former attorney general and the chairman of the National Democratic Redistricting Committee, said in a statement. North Carolinas maps were among the worst racial gerrymanders in the nation.



Conservatives complained that the Supreme Court had succeeded only in making the law murkier.



The Supreme Court says race can be a factor in redistricting, but not the predominant factor, a rule that is so vague, so broad and so lacking in a definable legal standard that it is not really a rule at all, Hans von Spakovsky, a lawyer with the Heritage Foundation, said in a statement.



The ruling on Monday was the second Supreme Court victory for North Carolina Democrats this month. Last Monday, the justices declined to hear an appeal of a decision that had struck down parts of a restrictive North Carolina voting law that, among other things, tightened voter identification requirements and cut back on early voting.



A federal appeals court had ruled that the restrictions were an unconstitutional effort to target African-Americans with almost surgical precision.



...In defending the new district lines for District 12, state lawmakers said they had meant to secure a partisan advantage for Republicans, a lawful goal. But Justice Kagan said race could predominate even if legislators had mixed motives.



The sorting of voters on the grounds of their race remains suspect even if race is meant to function as a proxy for other (including political) characteristics, she wrote, in a passage that some election law experts said would make it easier to challenge asserted racial gerrymanders.



In a concurrence, Justice Thomas said he agreed that the trial court had not committed a clear error in finding that race was North Carolinas predominant motive in drawing the district.

So far, Blue America has endorsed two candidates for Congress in North Carolina, Matt Coffay who is running for the western district currently held by Freedom Caucus chairman, Mark Meadows, and Jenny Marshall, the 5th District candidate for the seat Virginia Foxx occupies. Last night Jenny told us that she's "very pleased with the decision handed down by the Supreme Court today. The GOP and their ploy to gerrymander groups of voters by race was defeated. While the decision is a step in the right direction, we still do not have a clear indication as to what the next steps will be for state and congressional races that were won under gerrymandered districts. In 2016 they redrew congressional districts in North Carolina. The new 5th district moved more blue, but most of the districts remained heavily gerrymandered. Not surprisingly the outcome of the election remained the same at 10 Republicans and 3 Democrats. While we cannot blame gerrymandering for all the results of these congressional races, we must demand that gerrymandering by both parties end and that non partisan commissions be tasked with the job of drawing our district lines fairly to all.

This morning we spoke with Matt Coffay. He told us "It's hard to say at this point how this ruling will impact North Carolina for 2018. However, it's clear that there's now a groundswell of both public and judicial support when it comes to ending gerrymandering. The irony with this case is that the plaintiffs didn't claim they were innocent of gerrymandering: instead, they claimed they had politically (as opposed to racially) gerrymandered the districts; which, up until now, has been legally acceptable. Fortunately, the Wisconsin decision regarding political gerrymandering gives me hope that legal precedent is also beginning to swing in the direction of making political gerrymandering illegal. I truly believe that with enough public awareness and pressure, we can put an end to this despicable, undemocratic practice once and for all. It's time we stopped letting politicians pick their voters, and instead let voters pick their politicians."
8:45 PM

Chris Hall of BVU said 200 customers were still without power at 8:30 p.m. Power was still out in the Euclid Avenue and Meadow Drive areas, as well as isolated areas in Washington County, Virginia. Hall said crews were continuing to work through the night.

4:35 PM

Chris Hall of BVU has confirmed with the Bristol Herald Courier that the company has restored power to 2,000 people in the area. However, close to 2,600 people are still without power.

Hall said that BVU hopes to have power restored to the majority of customers by midnight, although some may still be without after that time.

Many trees have fallen in the area, resulting in extensive damage.

The worst-hit area in BVU's coverage has been Meadow Drive, near Virginia High School.

Stay with the Bristol Herald Courier more on this developing story.

4:25 PM

Several red lights were inoperable in the Bristol, Virginia area as of 4:25 p.m. Wednesday.

These include the red light in front of the Subway and Food City on Euclid and the red light system in front of the Valero on Valley Drive. Police are directing traffic in front of Virginia Middle School, and a traffic block with detours is in place on Lee Highway above the BP gas station near Valley Drive.

Stay with the Bristol Herald Courier for more on this developing story.

Tim Estes, Washington County's emergency manager, has updates on the severe weather situation in Washington County

The I-81 and Wyndale Road areas have been most affected. Due to several fallen trees, many lines are down in Abingdon. In the city, generators are being used to power traffic direction.

Washington County has asked Norfolk Southern to stop sending trains through Abingdon, as fallen trees have obstructed tracks in multiple locations.

A tree has fallen on a house on Summerwood Drive.

Stay with the Bristol Herald Courier for more on this developing story.

3:07 p.m.

More than 4,200 BVU customers are without power. Several crews are out assessing damage and working to get power turned back on. A BVU spokesman estimates power will be restored around 5 p.m.

Some outages have been reported in Bristol, Tennessee by BTES. An exact count is unknown at this time.

UPDATE: 2:53 p.m.

The neighborhood around Virginia High School seems to be the hardest hit by the severe storms that have rolled through Bristol, particularly on Woodland Drive. Some streets in the neighborhood are blocked by downed trees, including Meadow Drive.

A lot of trees and power lines are also down on Valley Drive and along Lee Highway. A tree has fallen on a house off of Jefferson Drive.

BRISTOL, Va. -- Over 3,000 BVU customers are without power in Bristol, Virginia after a line of strong storms moved through the region.

Around 4,000 Appalachian Power customers are in the dark across Southwest Virginia and Kingsport, Tennessee.

Stay with the Bristol Herald Courier for the latest developments.
BRISTOL, Va.  Virginia Chamber officials made a stop in Bristol Tuesday to poll local business, government and health leaders about what they think the General Assembly needs to do to help business and economic development growth in the state.

Ryan Dunn, Virginia Chamber executive vice president, said the stop at the Holiday Inn was the 25th so far that hes made this year to gather information from business leaders to compile Blueprint Virginia 2025  an eight-year guideline for Virginias governor and legislators to follow when considering legislation that affects the states businesses. There are 10 more stops to go, he said.

We need a unified voice  a long-term economic development plan that we can hand to the next incoming governor, and it is nonpartisan, Dunn said.

Overall, Dunn said hes learning that business leaders are struggling to find a trained and qualified workforce.

A lot of them have intentions of wanting to expand or would like to fill vacant positions right now, but they cant find the trained and skilled workforce, he said. Sometimes, its too much of a burden for them to take them on and train them in-house. And then theres no guarantee that theyll stay.

Business leaders have also told him that regulations are a major challenge, especially for small businesses, which Dunn said is where most business growth comes from in Virginia.

Turnout was low in Bristol, with only about 30 attending. Fewer than 20 participated in the poll.

Those who did turn out included officials with Wellmont Health System, Mountain States Health Alliance, BurWil Construction, United Southeast Federal Credit Union, the town of Abingdon, both Bristol cities and the offices of U.S. Senator Tim Kaine and U.S. Rep. Morgan Griffith.

Bristol Virginia Mayor Bill Hartley said a developed workforce is the local business communitys biggest challenge.

As far as some of the needs when we meet with local businesses, workforce development is always at the top of that list, and it was here today, he said after the meeting. The businesses want to make sure they have a pipeline of trained workers.

Of those who participated in the poll, 63 percent said they dont believe that Virginia is preparing the workforce that businesses need and 59 percent said they dont believe the states economy is headed in the right direction.

I think we need to be a stronger region in terms of our engagement on the commonwealth level, said Beth Rhinehart, Bristol Chamber of Commerce CEO. We dont want to be forgotten.

Stacey Ely, Virginia director of community and government relations for Mountain States Health Alliance, said after the meeting she was concerned that Dunn didnt say much about health care.

There really wasnt a health care-focused question, she said. To have a healthy economy, you have to have a healthy workforce, and to have a healthy workforce, you have to have a healthy population.

Blueprint Virginia 2017 was the first report of its kind released by the Virginia Chamber. It engaged more than 7,000 business and community leaders. Dunn touted legislative actions that the chamber believes were the result of Blueprint Virginia, including the approval of 375 pro-business bills and the defeat of 144 anti-business bills. It has also had a $10 billion positive impact on the states economy, he said.

But theres still a long way to go to improve Virginias business climate, Dunn said.

Blueprint Virginia only really works when we get the input from the business owners, he said. We want to strengthen Virginias reputation as the best state for business.

He added that other states have aggressively worked to grow businesses and improve economic development, while Virginia has stood still.

Blueprint Virginia 2025 will be presented to the governor in December.
There are 16 House Democrats with perfect scores from ProgressivePunch for the current session-- a score of 100. One, Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) is a freshman, which means her lifetime crucial vote score is also 100. The other freshmen with eye-popping great scores are Jamie Raskin (D-MD), Adriano Espaillat (D-NY) and Ro Khanna (D-CA). ProgressivePunch is a very imperfect tool but where it fails in precision, it excels in relative direction, especially over long periods of time. My gut tells me that Pramila at 5 months in will still be a super-progressive champion at 5 years in. Meanwhile, though, the non-freshman-- so people with a longer and more complicated voting record-- with the best voting record in the House is Mark Pocan from Madison, Wisconsin. Pocan has a 98.99 crucial vote score, almost unbelievable for someone elected to Congress in 2012.





And the voters back home in Wisconsin know it. In November, Mark out-performed Hillary in his blue collar Midwest district, scoring 69% of the vote against his Republican opponent. Yesterday Mark was elected co-Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, taking over for Keith Ellison who is now Deputy Chairman of the DNC. Pocan is one of the Democrats in Congress insistent on the Democrats presenting a positive agenda ago voters, not just a list of complaints about Trump and Putin. He bridges the gap nicely-- something his colleagues should try to incorporate into their own presentations: "With the Trump Administration attacking both the values we hold dear and the programs which provide vital services to people across the country, it is my goal to help make the Congressional Progressive Caucus the voice of the resistance. All we need to do is take a look at the devastating cuts proposed in the budget President Trump released today to see the clear distinction between progressives and this Administration and Congress. I am proud to help lead the charge in Congress for progressive ideas that lay the foundation for our resistance in this era of Trump. The CPC will fight the fights against bad policies and offer positive alternatives which demonstrate progressives have a pulse on the will of the people and a plan forward.





"As a lifelong progressive, I will continue to fight for the kitchen table issues we all care about and put forward pragmatic, progressive policies to combat Donald Trump and Paul Ryans radical agenda," he emphasized. "House Republicans think they can get away with passing a health care bill that will cause 24 million Americans to lose coverage, but the CPC will work with outside groups to ensure people understand what Congress is doing. We know progressives have a winning message across the country and in Americas heartland. I hope to help the Congressional Progressive Congress make sure the voices of the American people are heard in the halls of Congress."





As we mentioned yesterday, the DCCC announced their expanded list of target districts for the 2018 midterms. Not a single one was in the great progressive bastion Wisconsin has been and will be again, despite the fact that several of the congressional districts are true swing districts and that one, in particular, WI-01, is occupied by the most obvious target in the whole Congress: Paul Ryan. These are all Wisconsin districts Obama won and have been abandoned by a DCCC incapable of thinking beyond the newest shiniest object (red suburban districts Trump managed to lose in Texas and Orange County, CA). The percentage was Obama's winning number against McCain.

 WI-01 (Ryan)- 51%

 WI-06 (Glenn Grothman)- 49%

 WI-07 (Sean Duff)- 53%

 WI-08 (Mike Gallagher)- 54%

Maybe worth the effort? Especially in a year when Tammy Baldwin will be at the top of the ticket asking voters to send her back to the Senate.





Virtually all of the Democratic campaign managers operating independently of the DCCC web of corruption have uniformly negative opinions of the DCCC and their capacity to win races. Rahm was seen as pure evil but Chris Van Hollen, Steve Israel and Ben Ray Lujan are sad-sad laughing stocks who have eviscerate the Democratic Party and crapped on its brand. We asked one of the most respected and coveted of those managers what he thinks of the DCCC boycott of Wisconsin. I swear I could sense steam coming out of his ears as he exploded into a stream of vituperatives. When he calmed down he said that "Given the blue collar nature and partisan make up of Wisconsin 1, there is not a more winnable seat for a Democrat in Wisconsin currently held by a Republican (not to mention the fact that having Paul Ryan as the incumbent most likely means more grassroots money than is necessary to win). Not only is Wisconsin 1 winnable, it is a seat that is necessary to win in order to gain real momentum heading into 2020's battle for the presidency. The Democratic Party can go all over the country looking for GOP-held seats in suburban America, but the fact is that if we don't start winning the blue collar worker back, any presidential math will be difficult. Sweeping Orange County congressional seats would be nice, but let's face it, California is a Democratic stronghold on the electoral map. But if we can show that hard working men and women in good union jobs can articulate strong Democratic values in areas like southeast Wisconsin, Donald Trump (or incoming president Pence) should probably give up and head back to their local Klan meeting or Billy Graham circus spectacular." He gets a little carried away.





We asked one of the smartest Wisconsin politicians we know, state Senator Chris Larson, what he thinks of how the DCCC has left his state out of their plans this cycle. He told us that "Wisconsin was a leading state in the progressive movement and we will be a part of the resurgence. Folks thinking of writing off Wisconsin should spend some time on the ground here first. They'd discover what we all know: there are amazing people getting ready to run on a progressive vision and there's a grassroots army ready to to get behind them."
11:53

Ritchie and Roma Phillips have filed a separate law suit against Bristol Tennessee Board of Zoning Appeals and Mark Hatfield in which they will also be seeking a second injunction, according to a written statement from their attorney, Ricky Curtis.

A judge has ordered all construction related to the proposed relocation of Intimate Treasures to Sunnybrook Subdivision must immediately cease, according to Ricky Curtis, attorney for Ritchie and Roma Phillips of the subdivision.

Sunnybrook residents Ritchie and Roma Phillips filed an April 20 lawsuit in Sullivan County Chancery Court seeking a declaratory judgment to stop construction of the store.

Several Sunnybrook residents have spoken against the store, which sells lingerie and sexual products, saying it doesnt belong at the entrance to a neighborhood. Intimate Treasures owner Mark Hatfield said earlier through a spokeswoman that he planned to close the store on Pennsylvania Avenue and move to the new site on the Volunteer Parkway because its a more visible, busy area.

A judge said previously that he didnt have enough information to temporarily halt construction of the Intimate Treasures store being built at the entrance to Sunnybrook subdivision.

Last month, Phillips appeared before the Board of Zoning Appeals to appeal the citys ruling that the store fits into the current general business zoning for the property. Under the law, the store falls under the zone because it isnt classified as adult-oriented. To be considered adult-oriented, at least 51 percent of merchandise must be sexually oriented. Calculations submitted by Hatfield list the sexually oriented merchandise below the threshold.

The board turned down that appeal.
BRISTOL, Va. -- Two federal prisoners who escaped from U.S. Penitentiary Lee in Lee County earlier this month have been apprehended in Mexico.

U.S. Marshals worked closely with Mexican law enforcement authorities to locate and apprehend Salah Mohamed, 35, and Kamal Qazah, 37.

Qazah was sentenced in the Western District of North Carolina in 2012 to 18 years in prison for his role in a cigarette smuggling ring operating in North and South Carolina from August 2009 to November 2011.

Mohamed was sentenced in the Eastern District of Virginia in 2012 to more than 20 years for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine base, cocaine hydrochloride, and heroin; conspiracy to ship, transport, receive, possess, sell, distribute, and purchase contraband cigarettes; and conspiracy to launder monetary instruments.

The Marshals investigation spanned multiple states before focusing on Mexico and U.S. Marshals will take the pair into custody.
As a constituent of Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., Im very disappointed in him for choosing to align with extreme anti-gun groups Everytown for Gun Safety and Moms Demand Action by wholly opposing S.446  better known as the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act of 2017.

Like many other Americans, I own a firearm and possess a concealed handgun permit, or CHP. Citing my desire to learn safe, responsible handling of firearms, I acquired both over the last three years to better protect myself. I know that I cant be wholly dependent upon the police, a neighbor or significant other to protect myself. As a single, professional woman, I feel safe and empowered knowing that I can defend myself in the event my life was in jeopardy. However, that Second Amendment right recognized in Virginia ends when I cross into the District of Columbia, Maryland, and other nearby states that prohibit concealed carry. Under current law, if I were to carry my firearm into one of those states, I would be rendered a criminal under their draconian statues that do little to stop actual crime. That is why I and millions of other gun owners support this legislation, which would permit us to safely and responsibly carry inside and outside of our home states.

Warners opposition to the bill is particularly troubling because our state is one of only 19 states that currently recognizes the valid permits of every other state in the country. Oddly enough, Warner has no issue with gun owners from Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, and New York exercising their right to self-defense when they come to Virginia. Yet he fails to apply this principle to his own law-abiding constituents desiring to exercise that same right in those states.

Warner even suggests expanding CHP rights would encourage more gun violence. How laughable.

Contrary to popular belief, CHP holders are more law-abiding than previously believed. Per Dr. John Lott of the Crime Prevention Research Center, CHP holders are more law-abiding than police officers. By comparing crime reports and revocations of CHP permits in Florida and Texas, he found that permit holders are less likely to commit crimes than police officers. Lott found similar results across the country. Given this, Warner is either obfuscating the facts, or is eager to have billionaire gun control activist Michael Bloomberg continue to line his coffers with donor money.

Although Warners position is largely out-of-touch with the majority of the country, true gun safety measures are making a comeback across the country. From Georgia to North Dakota, from Maine to Texas, governors across the country have signed into law more than two dozen measures so far this year expanding freedom and our Second Amendment rights. A record number of Americans  14.5 million  have concealed carry permits  a 215 percent increase over the last decade. Here in Virginia, nearly 7 percent of adults (426,280) have a valid CHP.

Does Warner also suffer from deja vu? When his cohort, Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring (D), stripped Virginians of their CHP rights in December 2015, gun owners from across the state and other CHP holders threatened to take their businesses elsewhere if gun rights were dissolved here in the state. After Virginia gun owners and other supporters expressed their anger over this move, Gov. Terry McAuliffe was forced to broker a deal with state lawmakers that not only restored CHP reciprocity in our state, but added three more states  Colorado, Georgia, and New Hampshire  into the fold. Warner clearly underestimates the power and pull Virginia gun owners have in this state.

Virginians realize personal safety cannot be best left to law enforcement in the most dire of times. We have a natural desire to protect ourselves, wherever we may be  in our homes and neighborhoods or out traveling.

The Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act of 2017 seeks to address and put an end to the confusing patchwork of state laws. All states should give the same faith and credit to concealed carry permits that they give to drivers licenses. In opposing this national reciprocity bill, Warner is doing himself and the state of Virginia a disservice by opposing a bill that promotes true gun safety.

Gabriella Hoffman is a media consultant based in Virginia. She is a gun owner and a Virginia Concealed Handgun Permit carrier. She can be reached at gabriella@gabriellahoffman.com.




new poll of GA-06 voters is a dire warning to congressional Republicans. Paul Ryan's SuperPAC has put more money into the campaign on behalf of Karen Handel than any outside group has ever spent on any congressional race in history. And those millions and millions of dollars appear to have been wasted as Jon Ossoff has pulled ahead:

 Jon Ossoff- 51%

 Karen Handel- 44%

At the same time, tomorrow's at-large race in Montana is looking so close that no one can call it-- again, after massive expenditure from Ryan and the GOP on behalf of billionaire self-funder Greg Gianforte.





NY Times column yesterday, David Leonhardt emphasized that "while the rest of the country has been transfixed by Trumpian chaos, In hiscolumn yesterday, David Leonhardt emphasized that "while the rest of the country has been transfixed by Trumpian chaos, members of the Senate have spent the last two weeks talking about taking health insurance from millions of Americans ... The effort to take health insurance from the middle class and poor and funnel the savings into tax cuts for the rich is a little like mold. It grows best in the dark. Thats why Republican leaders in the House handled their bill as they did. They did not hold a single hearing, because they knew that attention would have been devastating."





NY Times explained, the $4.1 trillion budget Senor Trumpanzee proposed " But the Republican posture towards healthcare-- which has largely driven the polling numbers up for Ossoff in Georgia and for Quist in Montana-- will now be reinforced by the Republican posture towards Social Security. As theexplained, the $4.1 trillion budget Senor Trumpanzee proposed " cuts deeply into programs for the poor, from health care and food stamps to student loans and disability payments, laying out an austere vision for reordering the nations priorities." The Republicans are trying to redefine "Social Security" to leave out of the definition the parts they want to cut-- aid to people with disabilities.





from his fellow Republicans whose grasp on power makes them think they have a mandate to destroy all three. Mantra-like, Trump always claimed during his campaign that he wouldn't allow that to happen. "Save Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security without cuts. Have to do it," he said. "[T]wo subjects-- seizing on immigration/race and protecting entitlements-- eventually made him the first Republican since 1988 to carry Pennsylvania and Michigan, and the first since 1984 to win Wisconsin. So it's striking that President Trump's first budget cuts Medicaid and a part of Social Security, arguably hurting many of the voters who helped him win in 2016." Will Montana and Georgia special election voters take it out on Gianforte and Handel? They should-- and more important, midterm voters should decimate the GOP ranks in Congress next year. The Regime "proposes reducing spending on Medicaid programs by more than $600 billion over the next decade, a massive cut that appears to go on top of $839 billion in Medicaid cuts included in the House bill... [Senor Trumpanzee] opposed cuts to Social Security during the campaign, but the new budget would make cuts to Social Security Disability Insurance, which covered over 10 million recipients as of December 2015. It would save about $72 billion through changes to disability programs over the next ten years. Asked about the discrepancy, Mulvaney suggested that the president intended his promises to apply only to retirement benefits. 'If you ask 990 people out of a thousand, they'd tell you Social Security disability is not part of Social Security,' Mulvaney said." Yesterday, Chuck Todd hammered Trump on the broken promise to protect Social Security, Medicaid and Medicarewhose grasp on power makes them think they have a mandate to destroy all three. Mantra-like, Trump always claimed during his campaign that he wouldn't allow that to happen. "Save Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security without cuts. Have to do it," he said. "[T]wo subjects-- seizing on immigration/race and protecting entitlements-- eventually made him the first Republican since 1988 to carry Pennsylvania and Michigan, and the first since 1984 to win Wisconsin. So it's striking that President Trump's first budget cuts Medicaid and a part of Social Security, arguably hurting many of the voters who helped him win in 2016." Will Montana and Georgia special election voters take it out on Gianforte and Handel? They should-- and more important, midterm voters should decimate the GOP ranks in Congress next year. The Regime "proposes reducing spending on Medicaid programs by more than $600 billion over the next decade, a massive cut that appears to go on top of $839 billion in Medicaid cuts included in the House bill... [Senor Trumpanzee] opposed cuts to Social Security during the campaign, but the new budget would make cuts to Social Security Disability Insurance, which covered over 10 million recipients as of December 2015. It would save about $72 billion through changes to disability programs over the next ten years. Asked about the discrepancy, Mulvaney suggested that the president intended his promises to apply only to retirement benefits. 'If you ask 990 people out of a thousand, they'd tell you Social Security disability is not part of Social Security,' Mulvaney said."

[W]hat's extraordinary about this Trump budget-- released just six months after his presidential victory-- is how it undercuts a central campaign promise... [I]t more reflects Mulvaney's values as a former House Freedom Caucus member than what Trump campaigned on in 2016. "This is, I think, the first time in a long time the administration has written a budget through the eyes of the people paying the taxes," Mulvaney told reporters yesterday, per Sarlin. That sounds a lot more like Ayn Rand and the Tea Party than Trump and Steve Bannon, no?



...The National Republican Congressional Committee, the Republican National Committee and the Paul Ryan-affiliated super PAC Congressional Leadership Fund have already spent more than $15.5 million combined on a trio of unexpectedly competitive races in deep red congressional districts, according to independent expenditure and disbursement reports filed with the Federal Election Commission. More: "[N]ational Democratic groups have spent only a fraction of what their Republican counterparts have pumped into competitive races so far. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, the DNC and the House Majority PAC have spent about $4.2 million combined on the three special elections in Georgia, Kansas and Montana, according to FEC reports and statements from the organizations."

And who gets hit the hardest by this budget? Trump's own base . According to Politico, "Rather than breaking with Washington precedent, Trumps spending blueprint follows established conservative orthodoxy, cutting taxes on the wealthy, boosting defense spending and taking a hatchet to programs for the poor and disabled-- potentially hurting many of the rural and low-income Americans that voted him into office."

The budget proposal underscores the wide gulf between campaigning and governing, even for a president who promised to rewrite the presidential rule book.



The presidents budget plan calls for more than $1 trillion in cuts to a wide range of social programs with millions of beneficiaries, from farm subsidies to federal student aid. That includes a $600 billion cut to Medicaid over 10 years, despite Trumps repeated promises on the campaign trail not to cut the program. The budget also takes an ax to the federal food stamp program and Social Security Disability Insurance.



Trump also proposes some of the deepest cuts to agriculture subsidies since Ronald Reagan, squeezing out nearly $50 billion over 10 years.



Trumps budget would drastically cut domestic programs controlled by Congress, slashing $1.7 trillion over 10 years. At the end of the decade, the U.S. would spend nearly twice as much on defense as on other domestic programs. Domestic discretionary spending would be capped at $429 billion per year, below 2004 levels, while military spending soars to $722 billion.



...Trumps budget would tighten the belt on programs for low-income families ranging from cash assistance to the child tax credit. Nearly $200 billion in cuts will come directly from the federal food stamp program, which helps feed 44 million people each year.



Trump would also slash $72 billion by tightening the rules for programs for people with disabilities-- programs that Trumps advisers have described as riddled with fraud and abuse. A federal watchdog, however, found last year that 17 anti-fraud programs already exist.

Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), Vice Ranking member of the House Budget Committee, responded to the release of Trump's budget in way that doesn't augur well for House Republicans headed into the 2018 midterms. "There is only one way to describe the Trump budget-- cruel. It pulls the rug out from under people who are already struggling to make ends meet. Simply put this is a $54 billion assault on Americans living on the brink. This budget proposal continues the trend of transferring taxpayer dollars into the pockets of the wealthy at the expense of our nations working families. It attacks womens health care by defunding Planned Parenthood, destroys Medicaid, cuts funding for the Childrens Health Insurance Program and guts nutrition assistance programs that help families put food on their tables. This budget continues down the path of tearing apart families by proposing funding for a billion dollar border wall, and it neglects the health and safety of everyone by making a 31 percent cut to EPA funds that keep our air and water clean. A budget is a statement of our values. My values and the values of the people of Washingtons 7th District could not be more different from those expressed in this proposal. I believe our budget should invest in jobs and opportunities for working families who are desperately in need of support. This budget, in total contradiction to the populist platform that the President campaigned on, does exactly the opposite. It guts investments in working people to give tax cuts to the wealthy. That's just wrong. As a member of the House Budget Committee, I am determined to fight against this budget and protect our communities from harm."
Disclaimer

The views expressed on this site are my own and do not necessarily represent the views of the Department of Economics or the University of Oregon.
Incumbents appear to be re-elected to school board
In a landmark address in Riyadh to Arab and many other Muslim leaders, President Donald Trump called for a coalition of nations who share the aim of stamping out the plague of extremism and providing the next generation in the Middle East with a hopeful future.

Starving terrorists of their territory, their funding, and the false allure of their craven ideology, President Trump said, will be the basis for the terrorists defeat:

But no discussion of stamping out this threat would be complete without mentioning the government that gives terrorists all three -- safe harbor, financial backing, and the social standing needed for recruitment. It is a regime that is responsible for so much instability in that region. I am speaking, of course, of Iran.

President Trump noted that from Lebanon to Iraq to Yemen, Iran funds, arms and trains terrorists, militias, and other extremist groups that spread destruction and chaos across the region. For decades, he said, Iran has fueled the fires of sectarian conflict and terror:



Among Irans most tragic and destabilizing interventions have been in Syria. Bolstered by Iran, Assad has committed unspeakable crimes. And the United States has taken firm action in response to the use of banned chemical weapons by the Assad regime  launching 59 missiles at the Syrian air base from where that murderous attack originated.

Mr. Trump urged responsible nations to work together to end the humanitarian crisis in Syria, eradicate ISIS, and restore stability to the region.

He also pointed out that in addition to the havoc the Iranian regime has helped wreak throughout the region, the Iranian regimes longest suffering victims are its own people:

Iran has a rich history and culture, but the people of Iran have endured hardship and despair under their leaders reckless pursuit of conflict and terror.

President Trump urged all nations of conscience to work together to isolate Iran, deny it funding for terrorism, and pray for the day when the Iranian people have the just and righteous government they deserve.
1921  2017

George Winch, Sr., M.D., grew up in Springfield, Illinois, and attended Miami University of Ohio, where he met his future wife, Esther Shaffer. They were married for 64 years until Esthers death in 2009.

Beginning with the U.S. Army in 1943, George had 19 years of involvement with the U.S. military in both active service and the reserves. He attended Jefferson Medical College on the G.I. Bill, and when the Korean War began, joined the U.S. Navy, serving as an obstetrician before being transferred to Fleet Marine Corps, where he served as an Ordinance Battalion Physician to the 2nd Marine Division. Later, George moved to San Francisco to complete his Ob-Gyn residency at UCSF, and joined the first natural childbirth practice on the West Coast while retaining a clinical professorship at UCSF where he taught Ob-Gyn residents for one month annually. He received multiple teaching awards and participated in breakthrough medical technologies like early oral contraceptives.

One of the lasting highlights of his medical career was winning a lawsuit to allow fathers to be in the delivery room with their wives during childbirth. He was a member the American College of Ob-Gyn (ACOG), the AMA, and the Pacific Coast Ob-Gyn Society.

Following retirement in 1999, George and Esther moved to Elko, Nevada, where they supported local cultural and civic events. George became a Rotarian, an American Legion officer, and served twice as president of the Elko Navy League. In 2014, he was honored as a surviving World War II veteran and joined the Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. In retirement, George went back to work in medical office management for son George Winch, Jr. They published several medical papers together.

In addition to George Winch, Jr., George Sr. is survived by his brother Walter, daughter Jennifer, son John Winch (Laure), grandsons Nicholas, John, George Edward, and James Winch, granddaughters Kati Meyers and Sarah Meyers, and great-grandchildren John Albert Winch and Reign Meyers.

A memorial service will be held at Great Basin College Auditorium on Saturday, May 27, at 1 p.m. Burial will be at Elko Cemetery on Tuesday, May 30th at noon. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Esther Winch Memorial Scholarship at Great Basin College in Elko, Nevada.
Dear Annie: We are the grandparents of two very precious children. Recently, their parents were divorced after their mother had an affair with another man and became pregnant. Our son is trying to get shared residential custody, but the judge at their hearing believed the false statements of the childrens mother and ruled in her favor. We have often wondered how judges can tell who is lying and who is telling the truth, and we now know the answer: They cant. The case is heading to the state Supreme Court next month.

It is very evident that our sons ex-wife has been teaching our grandchildren to hate both their dad and us. They wont openly speak to us or show any recognition of us in public. They barely acknowledge their own father when their mom is around. She has told our son and us (even in front of other people) that the children hate us. We have recently discovered that she is controlling the children by threatening to kill herself if they dont love her enough to do as she says. We are very, very worried about the emotional abuse of our grandchildren and need advice on how to get help for them. No child should ever have to deal with this stress and fear. Would you please help us?

 Worried Times Two

Dear Worried Times Two: Divorce is never pleasant, but this transgresses the normal divorce and custody battle woes. Im also concerned about your grandchildren, and you may be right that theyre suffering from emotional abuse. Call Childhelp at 800-422-4453.

Dear Annie: This is in response to Mystified in Miami, who was wondering why the gentleman shed been seeing for two months hadnt yet offered to drive anywhere. It seems to me she was overthinking it. When my late husband and I started dating, he arrived in a taxi because he did not drive. I soon said, This is silly. I have a perfectly good car, and I dont mind driving. So he agreed. He never drove, because he just felt uncomfortable. As a young man, he owned a car, worked on it and serviced it, but he always called a friend to drive.

We went wherever we desired, with me at the wheel, and had 51 glorious years together. He was thoughtful, loving and kind, and I would have missed a beautiful married life with him if I had been hung up on the fact that he did not drive. I wonder whether Mystified in Miami is embarrassed or more concerned over what her friends will think.

I would give all I have to be able to drive him anywhere again.

 A Willing Chauffer

Dear Willing: Im sorry for your loss, but what a lovely 51 years you shared.

Though you werent seeking advice, I should mention that for anyone else reading this who is afraid of or uncomfortable with driving, there are treatments available. Speak to a therapist about methods for coping with and overcoming driving anxiety.
ELKO  Under President Joyce Helens, Great Basin College has ridden the storms of the recession and the pandemic, and now the future of the 
What can North Carolina Democrats learn from British politics?

There are comparisons to be made between their party and the British Labour Party.

Labour and North Carolina Democrats had similar experiences in 2010 when elections wiped out the legislative majorities each had enjoyed.

In North Carolina, that election ended more than a century of Democratic control of the General Assembly, except for four years in the 1990s when Republicans controlled the House of Representatives.

In Britain, Labour had been in power from 1997, when Tony Blair led the party to a landside election victory over the Conservatives, also known as Tories. The Tories had ruled since1979, when Margaret Thatcher led her party to victory over fractious Labour.

Out of power during the Thatcher years, Labour supporters argued about proposals to adopt a platform to appeal to growing numbers of middle class and mainstream voters. These changes would break away from Labours traditional focus on the needs and aspirations of its working class base.

Led by Tony Blair, Labour rebranded itself as New Labour, discarded its historic commitment to nationalizing industry, and adopted a more modest statement of its equalization goals for Britain in which power, wealth and opportunity are in the hands of the many, not the few, where the rights we enjoy reflect the duties we owe, and where we live together, freely, in a spirit of solidarity, tolerance and respect.

Although Labour lost some enthusiasm from its traditional base, its modern platform helped broaden support from other voters. The 1997 election that made Blair the prime minister was Labours largest landside victory ever. After Blairs victory, his Labour government adopted moderately progressive social reforms such as a national minimum wage, changes in banking regulations, and tax and benefit reforms.

Blairs New Labour governed until 2010 when the Tories led by David Cameron defeated Blairs successor, Gordon Brown.

The far-left or old guard members of the Labours base had never been happy with the success of Blairs moderate programs. Their lack of enthusiasm for their party contributed to Labours loss.

Since 2010, Labours old guard has taken control of the party again and has driven moderates and New Labour supporters away from party leadership.

Labours current leader, Jeremy Corbyn, is an unapologetic, old guard Labourite who opposed Blairs party and governmental leadership. He favors renationalizing public utilities and some banks, raising taxes, setting maximum compensation for the wealthy, and withdrawing from NATO.

Corbyns old guard views have helped mobilize Labours base. The party is growing in membership. But his and the partys support, though deep, is not wide. Apparently, many New Labour supporters have bolted and, except for its core base, public support for Labour has disappeared.

In the upcoming June 8 British parliamentary election, the Tories are licking their chops. According to Reuterss Elizabeth Piper, they hope to destroy Labour. The Guardians John Harris writes, This is, then, arguably the most momentous period the country has entered since 1945--which brings us to the Labour party, and its quite astounding irrelevance. The basics of its position barely need recounting. Labour has no hope of forming the next government, nor in all likelihood the one after that. Questions about its possible extinction abound. And its staggering poll deficits leave the Tories to do pretty much as they please.

By choosing ideological purity over the broad-based progressivism that Blair used to win elections and govern, Labour may have conceded that upcoming election and its future in British politics.

What then is the lesson for North Carolina Democrats?

Dont do what British Labour has done.

Dont let a Jeremy Corbyn-like ideologue take over your party.

D.G. Martin hosts North Carolina Bookwatch, which airs Sundays at noon and Thursdays at 5 p.m. on UNC-TV.
WEST WENDOVER  Two Utah men were arrested for allegedly trying to cash fraudulent checks at the Peppermill Casino and the Rainbow Casino in West Wendover.

West Wendover police originally responded to a call Monday from security at the Rainbow Casino where they arrested Sonny Morrison for attempting to cash a fraudulent check. When he was arrested, Morrison revealed information that led to the arrest of Tyler Lundell, who was allegedly trying to cash forged checks at the Peppermill Casino.

According to Police Lt. Don Lininger, both Lundell and Morrison attempted to cash business checks. Morrison was detained when the casino suspected the check to be counterfeit.

When police caught up with Lundell they reportedly found several more fraudulent checks in a briefcase he was carrying, along with fake identification documents. Lininger said it is a common for people who try to cash fraudulent checks to also have fraudulent identification.

Typically what these guys will do is theyll make up names and they make checks out in the names theyve created and they make fake IDs to match the check, and thats what it looked like they were trying to do here, he said. They found those five fake IDs inside the briefcase and historically in previous investigations weve found where theyll actually print checks to match the fake or stolen ID.

Lundell was charged with five counts of forgery and five counts of use, forgery or counterfeit of an invalid drivers license. Police also reported they found drug paraphernalia and a hypodermic device in his suitcase. Lundells bail was $40,857.

Morrison was charged with intent to utter a fictitious bill, note or check and false statement to obstruct a public officer. His bail was $5,640.
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Major Leetul Gogoi, the officer in the eye of the human shieldstorm has trouble coming his way. Kashmir Police, who registered an FIR in the case last month have refused to drop the case against him.

So what happens to the case from here on?

Kashmir Police can carry on the investigation against the officer but they cannot arrest him.

In case they want to question the officer, the cops can at the best go to the army cantonment and question him under the supervision of army officers.

At the completion of the investigation, a chargesheet will be filed in a criminal court against the officer.

It is at this stage that the army will step in and inform the court that the officer should not be tried in the normal criminal court. The army will offer to court martial the officer. Meanwhile the parallel proceedings of Court of Inquiry by the army really have no meaning as a criminal investigation is still under way.

PATHRIBAL CASE

On March 24, 2000, five civilians from south Kashmir, including a 50-year-old man, were killed by the Army in an alleged fake encounter in Pathribal. The Army dubbed the victims foreign militants belonging to the Lashkar-e-Taiba, and said they were responsible for the killing of 35 Sikhs in Chattisinghpora.

However, subsequently allegations emerged that the men were civilians picked up from different parts of south Kashmir and killed in a fake encounter, following which their bodies were charred beyond recognition.

In January 2014, the Army gave itself a clean chit in the Pathribal encounter case and decided not to court martial its seven top officers, saying there was no evidence to proceed against them.

Following widespread protests, the Jammu and Kashmir government ordered the exhumation of bodies and DNA tests to ascertain the identity of the men killed by the Army. Investigations confirmed that the men were civilians who had gone missing from south Kashmir.

The case was handed over to the CBI, which charged five Army officers  Ajay Saxena, Brijendra Pratap Singh, Sourabh Sharma, Amit Saxena and Idress Khan, all belonging to the 7 Rashtriya Rifles  with abduction, murder, criminal conspiracy and destruction of evidence.

While the CBI filed a chargesheet against the Army officers before the Chief Judicial Magistrate in Srinagar, the Army objected on the grounds that prior sanction under AFSPA is needed for prosecuting Army officials. The objection, however, was turned down by the court.

After failing to get reprieve from the local court and the J&K High Court, the Army moved the Supreme Court which, in 2012, gave the Army full discretion to choose between a court martial and a criminal trial for accused officers. The Army chose court martial, but later exonerated all five officers for want of evidence.
Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati, who counts Dalits as her support base, has in the past kept her distance from places where violence was reported against the lower-caste community.

But it changed on Tuesday when the former Uttar Pradesh chief minster visited Shabbirpur village in Saharanpur district. Clashes between upper-caste Thakurs and Dalits on May 5 left a Thakur youth dead. The Thakurs in turn set some Dalit houses on fire in the western UP village.

A fresh round of violence followed her visit. A man died of gunshot wounds and at least 20 people were injured at three different places in the district, which is prone to caste and communal violence.

Political observers see the visit as an effort by Mayawati to regain lost ground. Reduced to just 19 seats in the 403-member UP assembly and facing rebellion by senior leaders, the 61-year-old was aiming to strengthen the partys core constituency -- the Dalits, political observer RK Gautam said.

Aware that the BJP has made inroads into the Dalit vote bank, she plans to regain the lost ground by sending the message to the Dalits that the BSP will continue to fight for their rights, Gautam said.

Shabbirpur was the first time she had visited Saharanpur district in three years.

When she was the chief minister from 2007-12, Mayawati used to depute senior colleagues to meet Dalit victims of caste violence. Party leaders were expected to submit a report to her.

The pattern continued even when she was in the opposition. The only exception she made was when she went to Badaun on June 2, 2014 after two sisters were found hanging dead from a tree.

The visit was an embarrassment. The girls were not Dalits and their family members were prime suspects in what is being investigated as a case of honour killing.

West Uttar Pradesh was a BSP stronghold and the Dalit-Muslim combines support played a crucial role in the partys victory in the 2007 election.

Though the party was voted out in 2012, it managed to hold on its vote bank, bagging maximum seats in the region.

But this year, it was a wipe out. The party didnt get a single seat in the districts considered to be its stronghold.

Bheem Army rising

The rise of the Bheem Army under the leadership of young Dalit leader Chandrashekhar also has the BSP chief worried. The outfit has not only mobilised Dalits in west UP but also put up an impressive show of strength by organising a protest rally against Saharanpur violence in New Delhi on Sunday.

Chandrashekhar, wanted for his alleged involvement in the clashes between the police and the protesters on May 9, also addressed the gathering.

Mayawati plans to counter the Bheem Army by mobilising party cadre in Saharanpur and neighbouring districts.

With two years to go for the Lok Sabha election, Mayawati is trying to make a comeback from Shabbirpur, a party leader said on condition of anonymity.

Besides raising the issue of atrocities on Dalits in Parliament, the BSP is also planning rallies, dharnas and demonstrations.

Mayawati has said that Dalits consider her as their saviour. She will not allow any other political outfit or person to grab the position, even when the BSP has lost ground in the state, SK Tyagi, a teacher in Saharanpur, said. She plans to fight back to regaisn the old position and glory.

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A tribal woman has approached the police counseling centre in tribal district of Jhabua in Western Madhya Pradesh alleging that her in-laws, who have converted to Christianity, are pressuring her to become a Christian and also eat beef.

This case comes soon after 70 odd tribal children were caught in Ratlam and Indore on their way to Nagpur, allegedly for being converted to Christianity.

The fresh case came to light when Dinesh of village Negdia complained to the police that his wife Rekha was refusing to return home from her fathers house.

Rekha, presenting her side before the police, said that her in-laws had converted to Christianity two years back, but she remained a Hindu. She alleged that nowadays her in-laws consumed beef regularly and pressurized her to consume the same, with the warning that if she continued to defy she would be thrown before a speeding train. She also said that the local pastor also visited the house for prayer meetings and her family forced her to join. Rekha said of late the atmosphere in her in-laws house had become oppressive because she was refusing to convert to Christianity.

Dinesh and his mother Vajubai admitted that they had become Christians but denied that they were pressurizing Rekha to adopt the same religion. They said that Rekha was free to remain a Hindu, but they wanted to her to return home. Vajubai said she had been ailing for a long time, but after converting to Christianility her health had improved.

Rekhas father, Fateh Singh, who is supporting his daughter said that when Rekha got married, her in-laws were Hindus but converted soon after. He said that Rekha wanted to stay in a separate house with her husband, as she believed that she would be able to convince him not to consume beef and also bring him back to Hinduism, which wouldnt be possible if she stayed with all her in-laws.

Jhabua SP Mahesh Chandra Jain said that he is aware of the case. We are looking into the charges from both sides and will take necessary steps, the SP said.
West Wendover is taking steps to have medical marijuana dispensed in the city while awaiting the Nevada Legislature to clear the way.

The council is considering an ordinance authorizing medical marijuana, but it is not ready to consider recreational marijuana. A year from now that might be an option, West Wendover City Manager Chris Melville said.

The city is looking at legislative action that would allow West Wendover to request permits from the state for a medical marijuana dispensary. SB341 would allow such requests and also allow a city to impose fees and license taxes.

Another bill, SB487, would impose an excise tax on retail sales of marijuana, including for medical purposes, and outlines how the taxes would be distributed by a city or county.

Current law allows taxes on the wholesale sale of marijuana, but SB487 would allow an excise tax of 10 percent on retail sales.

There is tax money generated from the sale. New legislation allows cities, the host entities, or counties to collect excise tax revenue, Melville said in a telephone interview.

The dispensary also would bring income into West Wendover from building costs and new jobs, he said.

A revenue source

Melville said a dispensary in West Wendover would likely be a branch of one already operating in the state.

When West Wendover decided to look at the sales, the council toured the Deep Roots Harvest facility in Mesquite and talked with city officials about the impact of a medical marijuana facility on the community.

They were very open to us coming down, Melville said. From seed to packaging, we were very impressed with the control and everything.

The city is looking at a facility like Mesquites, but the revenue wouldnt be as high.

Mesquite has more retired people living in its community interested in medical marijuana, for example, and the city brings in roughly $180,000 a year from licensing and taxing, he said. West Wendovers revenue might be closer to $100,000 to start.

No local dispensaries

West Wendover was the only area of Elko County that favored legal marijuana in past voting.

Elko County Manager Rob stokes said commissioners passed an ordinance in 2014 that wouldnt allow marijuana dispensaries in the unincorporated areas of the county, but any cities could still look at it. With the legality of recreational marijuana, the state gave each rural county two licenses.

The county hasnt done anything yet, because we felt there are enough issues still up in the air, Stokes said.

A number of people have asked about obtaining licenses for marijuana sales, but Stokes said he tells them only the Nevada Department of Taxation grants them for recreational sales, and the state Department of Health and Human Services issues the licenses for medicinal sales.

Anyone purchasing medical marijuana must have a doctors card, and that doctor must be a Nevada physician.

Melville said people in the area now travel to Mesquite or to Reno-Sparks to buy marijuana with a doctors card.

West Wendovers proposed ordinance would allow only one dispensary.

The ordinance is not yet final. The timeline is mid-July for adoption with August as the effective date, Melville said.

If legislators fail to approve bills allowing the city a licensing avenue, the dispensary would be delayed, however, he said.

With less than two weeks left in the session, the Nevada Legislature hadnt taken final action on either bill by mid-day Tuesday.

Passage of SB341 could open the door for recreational pot sales in West Wendover.

It would allow cities to opt to put medical marijuana in, and once they have medical marijuana, then they can easily go to recreational marijuana, state Sen. Pete Goicoechea, REureka, said Tuesday.

So far it hasnt moved forward, he said.

State tax authorities on May 15 approved temporary regulations allowing licensed medicinal dispensaries to begin adult-use recreation sales July 1.
Mining and energy group Vedanta Resources Plc on Wednesday posted a 36.6% rise in its full-year core profit, driven by firmer commodity prices, but failed to meet analyst expectations.

The company said earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation rose to $3.19 billion for the year ended March 31, missing analysts average estimate of $3.25 billion.

Shares of the company, which produces iron ore, copper, aluminium, zinc and oil, were down 1.6% to 626.45 pence in early trade on the London Stock Exchange.

Vedanta bounced back this year after it had been hit hard by falling commodities prices that have added to the pressure the company is facing due to its immense debt pile.

I am optimistic that the improvement in commodity markets we have experienced this year may be with us for the foreseeable future, Chairman Anil Agarwal said in a statement.

Prices in copper, aluminium, zinc, iron ore, oil and gas (markets) have all shown a strong recovery last year, so we approach FY2018 with a cautious optimism and a continuing discipline in our capital allocation.

Vedanta announced a final dividend of 35 cents per share, bring the total dividend for the year to 55 cents per share, 83% higher than the total payout last year.

The company also said its search for a chief executive to replace Tom Albanese is well underway. In March, the company said it extended Albaneses contract by five months until the end of August.

Revenue rose 7.3% to $11.52 billion, above analysts average estimate of $11.45 billion, according to Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S.

Earlier this month, Vedanta Ltd, the Indian unit of diversified energy group Vedanta Resources, reported a quarterly profit compared with a year-ago loss, helped by improved commodity prices and higher zinc volumes.
One morning in October 2015, a senior executive at Wipro Ltd, was leaving home when he heard news that was disturbing enough for him, a veteran road-warrior, to leave his laptop charger behind. He had just been told by his team in the US that Best Buy, the American electronics retailer, was shutting down 30 stores.

Wipro handled several technology processes for the retailer, including testing software and rolling out enterprise application planning software and store inventory management applications. The decision to close stores meant less business for Indias third largest software company. Wipro got business of around $70 million from Best Buy.

The retail industry is fighting its own battle for survival because of e-commerce companies such as Amazon, the executive said in an informal conversation in October 2015.

Now, after a year and a half, thiss even more true.

For full story, click here
Bhagalpur Police recovered the mutilated body of a woman, allegedly killed and buried by her husband and members of his family for dowry, in Bihars Bhagalpur district, 229 km south east of state capital Patna.

The body was found buried in an agricultural field at Latra village in Gopalpur police station area of Naugachia subdivision, 27 km north of Bhagalpur, on Monday evening, police said, adding that it was exhumed with the help of a JCB payloader.

The field from where body was recovered had been ploughed to avoid detection, the police added.

The police said the body of the woman, identified as Sapna Kumari, was recovered when they were searching for her on the complaint lodged by her father. In a complaint lodged a few days ago, Kumaris father Phuleshwar Mahto had said that his daughter had been missing and he apprehended that she had been killed for dowry.

While searching for the victim, the police team noticed loose soil in the agriculture field. When the loose soil was cleared to a certain depth, the team noticed the badly mutilated body, Pankaj Kumar Sinha, superintendent of police (SP), Naugachia, a police district, said. The disfigured body showed that the victim had been brutally murdered, the SP said.

The SP said Sapna, a resident of Pathartola village of Katihar district, had married Lalit Yadav of Latra after eloping with him last year. As Kumari belonged to a different caste, her in-laws never accepted her in the family. After her marriage, Sapna was staying with one of her married sisters-in-law at Bhawanipur village in Rangra police outpost area of Bhagalpur district and had come to Latra only recently, Sinha added.

The SP said the body was handed over to the victims family after post-mortem examination on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, six persons, including Kumaris husband, father-in-law, sister-in-law, brother-in-law and mother-in-law, had been named in the FIR lodged in connection with the murder, the SP said, adding that efforts were underway to arrest them.

BLURB

Sapna, a resident of Pathartola village in Katihar, had married Lalit Yadav of Latra after eloping with him last year. As she belonged to a different caste, her in-laws never accepted her in family

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The great problem in knowing whether Korea is about to explode is in judging which words to take seriously and which to ignore. For years, leaders of the worlds only communist family dynasty have threatened to drown South Korea, the United States and Japan in a lake of fire. Past US presidents have shrugged off these threats and worked behind the scenes with China and South Korea to find safe ways to tighten pressure on the regime.

But things have changed, and its now time for the world to pay closer attention. There are two important changes. First, US President Donald Trump is less willing than his predecessors to handle things quietly. Instead, Trump has approached North Korea with warships and threatened to solve North Korea, with or without Chinese help. He has also said hed be willing to meet with Kim Jong-un. Depending on what happened in that hypothetical meeting, either a negotiated settlement or war might become more likely.

The second difference is much more important. In fairness to Trump, a more assertive response is warranted, because satellite imagery tells us that the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK) has made substantial progress in recent years toward construction of an intercontinental ballistic missile capable of reaching the US mainlandand on miniaturisation of a nuclear warhead that the missile can carry. This is why former president Obama warned Trump that North Korea was likely to be his biggest foreign policy challenge. Its one thing to negotiate with an erratic absolute dictator; its quite another when that dictator can test your defense systems by sending a nuclear-armed missile toward some of your largest cities. Would mutually assured destruction deter Kim Jong-un? We cant know for sure until the moment of no return.

Trumps options are no better than Obamas. Sanctions wont change minds in Pyongyang, because the leadership pays no political price for hardship imposed on the North Korean people, and because they help Kims government persuade them that outsiders want to destroy them. China, which fears that a Korean crisis will send sick and starving refugees streaming across the border, is unlikely to offer much help.

That said, there are plenty of cool heads around President Trump who will make clear that he cant afford to launch an ultra-high-risk surprise strike unless and until its clear that every potential alternative has been exhausted. The presidents dramatic warnings are still directed mainly at China in hopes that the president, Xi Jinping will help dramatically increase pressure on Pyongyang. He also wants to reassure allies in South Korea and Japan that he understands the severity of the growing threatthough his recent comments about the need for South Korea to pay more for its defense and to renegotiate its trade agreement with the US wont help. Trump may also be hoping that his tough talk will create doubts, perhaps dissension, within the North Korean leadership. But for now, the DPRKs missile technology has not yet reached the danger one, and Trump isnt about to start a war.

Yet, short of open conflict, there is another important risk to consider. Imagine a best-case scenario. A coup inside North Korea leads to peaceful regime change. China steps in to ensure control of nuclear weapons and material, and Beijing agrees a plan to reunify Koreas north and south. North Korean collapse would leave more than 25 million people without a country. Then theres the question of who will pay to bring the Koreas back together. The evidence suggests Koreas reunification will be far more expensive than Germanys. When the Berlin Wall fell in 1989, East Germanys population was one quarter that of West Germanys, and its per capita income was about one third the West German total. Though separated by the Iron Curtain, trade ties between them were well-developed. By contrast, North Koreas population is more than half that of South Korea, but its per capita income is less than 5 percent. The two countries have almost no commercial relationship.

To create anything close to parity of prosperity, reunified Korea will need tens of billions of dollars per year invested over several decades in infrastructure, education, and agriculture. And how difficult will it be for millions of profoundly disoriented North Koreans, plucked from the lifeboats of their isolated country, to find work in one of the worlds most technologically advanced economies and societies? What happens to those people if they cant find work?

The world will need answers to these questions before the moment when Kim Jong-un can launch a nuclear attack on the US mainland. That day is now much closer than anyone outside North Korea would wish.

Ian Bremmer is the president of Eurasia Group and author of Superpower: Three Choices for Americas Role in the World.

The views expressed are personal

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Less than half of the 125 life-saving ventilators bought for Delhi government hospitals in December 2016 are being used as they have either not been installed or there are not enough people to run them.

The 125 ventilators were to add to the 80 existing ones across Delhi governments 36 hospitals, which have around 10,000 beds.

As a result, beds with ventilators -- life-support machines that help critically-ill patients breathe -- account for only 0.8% of the total bed strength, which is lower than the recommended 10-20% ventilator beds.

With two to three patients sharing beds in most government hospitals, the need for ventilators is much higher.

In the absence of ventilators, families of critically-ill patients are asked to suction fluid manually and pump oxygen using an ambu-bag, a hand-held device attached with a mask, which has to be pumped at regular intervals to allow patients to breathe.

We dont have the manpower to use the ventilators. The gas pipelines are also missing at some places, said a health department official.

At Lok Nayak, which got the maximum -- 35 of the 125 -- ventilators, only about four or five are working. These are the ones incorporated to the already functioning intensive-care unit and high-dependency unit of the hospital.

Lok Nayak, which has nearly 2,000 beds, had only 41 ventilators -- around 2% of the total bed strength.

Almost all patients admitted under the neuro-surgery department need ICU care but the 50-bed department could book only a couple of ventilators every day from the 15-bed general ICU.

They received 14 ventilators from the current lot, but in the absence of a gas pipeline  which has since been installed  and manpower, the ventilators have been lying in locked ICU rooms.

The hospital is in the process of hiring 36 junior residents  doctors who have completed MBBS  just to run the total 24 ventilators in the neurosurgery and medicine departments.

It is not possible to run these ventilators with the existing staff. There have to be dedicated people to manage the machines. Running an ICU is a different ball-game, I have done my super specialty but I cannot run it. There has to be special training, said a city-based neuro-surgeon.

At Deen Dayal Upadhyay hospital, which received 10 ventilators, some of the new ventilators would be run by staff members who used to run ventilators that have been condemned.

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Five days after some policemen allegedly beat up a businessman black and blue following a road rage incident involving them, the Delhi Police on Wednesday suspended three of its personnel and initiated a departmental inquiry against them.

One assistant sub-inspector and two constables have been suspended and sent to district lines. A regular departmental inquiry has been ordered against them, said Rishi Pal, DCP (Rohini). He said the action against the policemen was deemed necessary after the initial inquiry.

A protest on Wednesday outside Prashant Vihar police station could have also led to the action. Several relatives and friends of the victim, Amit Jindal, sat outside the police station, alleging inaction by the police in a case involving their own officials.

The problem had begun in the early hours of Friday when Jindal was returning home in a car. As he was passing through Rohini Sector 14, his car reportedly hit a police patrol bike, resulting in a heated exchange between Jindal and the two policemen riding the motorcycle.

When the alleged police brutality was brought to medias notice on Saturday, the DCP said that the two policemen had dialled the police control room and called for support. Jindal alleged that when two more policemen arrived at the scene, they beat up Jindal a little before taking him for a medical examination.

Jindal was heavily drunk and that led to the accident. So, the policemen took him for a medical examination, the DCP had claimed, adding that the medical examination confirmed he was drunk.

The DCP claimed that the medical test after the initial brawl had only suggested an abrasion on Jindals hands which he allegedly received when he was coming out of his car at the time of the accident.

But after the examination, Jindal was allegedly taken to Prashant Vihar police station where a group of policemen rained batons on him, allegedly for arguing with the police at the accident spot.

The policemen switched off my mobile phone and demanded Rs 1 lakh to let me off. In the morning, my family visited the police station and gave Rs 60,000 before I was released, Jindal had alleged.

His family then took him for treatment. As evidence of the alleged thrashing, Jindal showed the blue and black marks on his back and limbs. He continued to limp for days after the alleged thrashing.
Sparsh Rawal had a packed day ahead. Afternoon was to be spent with friends planning a birthday party for one of them and in the evening he had promised another friend a game of badminton. But it was not to be.

On Wednesday morning, he was returning home from his extra classes when he was run over by a Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) bus that ran amok in northwest Delhis Azadpur area killing two and injuring three people.

We were to meet and plan where to go for a friends birthday but now we do not think there will be any celebration. It is impossible to digest that he is no more, one of Rawals friends said.

Another friend said that Rawal had promised to play badminton on Wednesday evening after he returned from school. That game will never happen now.

We cannot believe what happened. He was supposed to be home at this hour. And now, his body will come after the post-mortem, Raju, Rawals uncle said, his eyes welling up with tears. Who knew he would not come back when he left home for his classes this morning, he added.

Rawal , who was to appear for Class 10 board exams this year, was one of the passengers sitting on the rear seat of the e-rickshaw that was hit by the DTC bus first. While the driver could save himself and escaped with minor injuries, Rawal was crushed as he could not react in time. According to the police, the e-rickshaw driver was taking a turn on the wrong carriageway when it was hit by the bus.

The bus was completely out of control. We suspect that its tyre burst and the driver could not control it. After it hit the e-rickshaw and the auto, the driver fled. It is the locals who helped pull out people from under the buss front wheel. Rawal died on the spot, a senior police officer said.

Speaking to HT, Shah Rukh, the e-rickshaw driver said, I saw the bus coming closer when I was taking money from a passenger. I thought the driver will apply the brake but I soon realised that the bus has gone out of control. I shouted and asked the passengers to get down but the child who was sitting on the back did not react. He was crushed under the front wheels of the bus.

Rawal is survived by his parents and two siblingsa sister who is married and an elder brother. His father runs a business of electronic toys.

Devender (40), a resident of Nangloi, later succumbed to his injuries in the hospital. He worked as a contract employee with the Delhi government and is survived by his wife and children.

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With nearly 77% of Delhis low-floor buses ageing, the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) is facing an uphill task of maintaining them.

On Wednesday a DTC bus whose tyre burst led to two lives being lost on Delhis roads. It also injured three people after the driver lost control over the vehicle and rammed an auto and an e-rickshaw.

In February alone, 5,950 cases of breakdowns were recorded from a fleet of 3,780 DTC buses that are plying on city roads. The problem is that the maintenance cost of these buses is so high that manufacturers do not want to take the onus on them, DTC officials said.

We pay the manufacturers for the maintenance of the buses. But, they claim the cost is not enough and that their expenses are far more. Our audits show what we pay is fine, an official said. These buses are operated by two manufacturers in the city.

A lack of consensus on the issue could also impact the quality of maintenance work, said experts.

For AC buses, the DTC pays the manufacturers Rs 4.10 per km for the first 75,000 km or one year; Rs 5 per km for 1.5 lakh km or two years; and Rs 7.10 per km for 2.1 lakh km or three years, whichever is later.

For non-AC buses, the annual maintenance contract (AMC) is Rs 3.2 per km, Rs 4.60 per km and Rs 6.50 per km respectively. The AMC or annual maintenance contract was added to tenders way back in 2007, when 650 buses were procured.

The clause was then added in the 2010 contract ahead of the Commonwealth Games (CWG) based on which DTC got bulk of its low-floor fleet. However, increasing bus breakdown cases and penalties imposed by DTC had prompted bus manufacturers, especially the corporations major manufacturers  Tata and Ashok Leyland  to express their reluctance to continue with the AMC clause.

Manufacturers backed out from participating in the bids as they demanded the AMC clause to be removed. Because of this, tenders failed repeatedly since 2014, another official said.

Following this, the Delhi government had recommended doing away with the AMC clause in the contract. But, a decision has still not been taken on the modalities of it.

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Janpath Hotel, one of India Tourism Development Corporations (ITDC) prime properties in the Capital, will soon down its shutters and may house government offices.

Paving the way for the hotels closure, located in the heart of New Delhi, the Union cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday gave in-principle approval to transfer the property of Hotel Janpath to the Union urban development (UD) ministry.

The property can be considered for construction of government offices and similar purposes, which would save government funds spent in hiring of government offices, an official release said.

The decision to close down Hotel Janpath comes close on the heels of the cabinets decision last month to exit from three other ITDC hotels in Bhopal, Guwahati and Bharatpur.

It is part of the governments Rs 72,500 crore disinvestment plan for 2017-18.

A committee of secretaries headed by the cabinet secretary will soon be constituted to work out details such as land usage and how the hotel property should be used.

Government officials said the hotel building has to undergo major rehabilitation work. An inspection report by IIT Roorkee had found the hotel structure unserviceable and in a distressed condition.

The building did not meet the necessary seismic requirement too, an official said.

As part of the disinvestment policy approved by the cabinet last month, it was decided to lease/sub-lease the hotels/properties jointly with the states concerned or return the properties to the states, after fair valuation.

States would then have the option to upgrade and operate the motels by involving the private sector or to utilize the properties as per their requirements.
Political parties seem to in the middle of a pitched battle over whether Karnataka state BJP chief BS Yeddyurappa ate food ordered from a restaurant in a Dalit home recently. This, apparently, is in keeping with the partys greater plan of making inroads into the Dalit community by having leaders eat in their homes on a daily basis. BJP party leaders are doing the same thing in other states. Whether there is any truth to the allegation from opponents that food was procured from outside as the Yeddyurappa did not want to eat food cooked by a Dalit or not, the whole practice is abhorrent.

It suggests that Dalits need some sort of legitimacy and social acceptance by dint of higher caste leaders eating in their homes. The BJP is not alone in this, all political parties have adopted this practice to demonstrate their progressive credentials. This is to shortchange, and indeed, insult the Dalit community. Its members dont need the meaningless show of leaders deigning to eat with them. They need substantial inputs in education, healthcare and jobs to give them a level playing field. This dinner diplomacy is solely aimed at getting votes. The Dalits today are not content to be considered a buyable votebank to whom leaders can pay lip service. As the BSP debacle in Uttar Pradesh shows, their vote can no longer be taken for granted. So far, this forced bonhomie has proved nothing more than photo-ops for political leaders. The discrimination against continues as recent cases of Dalit grooms being beaten up for daring to come to the wedding venue on a horse or decorated car shows. Mindless reservations in low-paying jobs and relaxation of marks restrictions too are not the answer. Dalits need concrete measures for empowerment without which they will not be able to stand on their own feet.

As has been seen before, these visits by politicians result in raised expectations in the family in question. As we have also seen, they are forgotten quickly after the publicity purpose has been served. This tokenism must be stopped and cannot be a substitute for action on the ground. Dalit children should have equal access to education, students pursuing higher education should be able to do so in a non-discriminatory environment. We have seen talented students like Rohit Vemula face the inherent prejudices in educational institutions towards Dalits seeking equal opportunities. Politicians should put their money and resolve where their mouths are to push the cause of Dalits, not be part-time lunch or dinner companions.
Hoardings of a teary farmer thanking the government with folded hands for protecting farmers livelihood cropped up in Lutyens Delhi last week. Its not loan waivers or subsidies that farmers are grateful for. The farmer in the advertisement is thanking government for taking action against NGOs receiving foreign funds, referring to the recent Ministry of Home Affairs order cancelling FCRA registrations of at least three NGOs working in the area of tobacco-control in states cultivating tobacco.

All three  Institute of Health, Voluntary Health Association of India (Assam), and Public Health Foundation of India  were running tobacco-control projects in Andhra, Assam, Gujarat and Karnataka, which are among Indias 13 tobacco-growing states, says the Tobacco Institute of India (TII), which represents farmers, manufacturers, exporters and ancillaries of the cigarette industry.

Though cigarettes account for just 11% of tobacco use in India  bidis, chewing and smokeless tobacco constitute the rest  TII says Indias tobacco-control efforts have lowered domestic demand for home-grown Flue-Cured Virginia (FCV) and pushed up illegal cigarette trade, leading to farmers earnings dropping around Rs 1,500 crore between 2014 and 2016. Our fellow farmers have committed suicide due to their acts, states the advertisement.

More than highlighting farmers loss of income from lowered demand for tobacco, the hoardings advertise the effectiveness of Indias efforts to lower use and prevent tobacco-related diseases and deaths. Tobacco is highly addictive and kills half of its users. One million of the seven million annual deaths worldwide from tobacco-related diseases such as cancers, lung diseases, heart disease and stroke occur in India. Against this public health challenge, arguing that preventing disease and deaths will lead to farmers suicides is a fallacy.

India is the worlds second largest producer of tobacco, with 60% of its annual production of 800 million kg being exported. Domestic demand accounts for just 40% of FCV cultivated in India, so the gains from improved health and lives saved from shrinking domestic demand clearly outweighs losses to farmers.

Increasing export of this highly addictive crop is not an ethical option. The challenge then is to ensure that farmers have viable substitutes for a tobacco crop. India took a lead in the inclusion of Article 17 in the world Health Organisations Framework Convention of Tobacco Control, the worlds first public health treaty that mandates countries support economically-viable alternative for workers, growers and sellers. Instead of fighting tobacco-control measures, India must save farmers livelihoods by promoting viable crop alternatives to tobacco.
The Uttar Pradesh Board of Secondary Educationthe worlds biggest boardwill follow whatever decision the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) will take regarding moderation of marks in board examinations, a top official said on Wednesday.

The Delhi high court directed the CBSE on Tuesday to restore the moderation policy that allows the provision of extra marks to students for difficult questions for the time being.

The Union human resource development ministry decided on Wednesday to seek legal opinion on the Delhi high court order asking the board to continue with a marking policy that it recently decided to nix.

Moderation refers to manipulation of marks from the total score of students based factors such as difficulty levels in different sets of question papers.

We are closely monitoring all developments in moderation policy that CBSE will follow in light of Delhi high court new directives. We will replicate their policy to protect the interest of our students, UP Boards secretary Shail Yadav told the Hindustan Times over the phone.

We have written a letter to the CBSE chairman requesting him to share their point of view on moderation policy else it will be difficult for our students to compete with CBSE students in this competitive era. The UP Board has deputed an officer to remain in touch with CBSE official. Whatever they give us in writing, we will work and follow accordingly, she added.

The results of UP board are expected to be announced in the first week of June. This year, 60,61,034 students appeared in the high school and intermediate exams - 34,04,715 in Class 10 and 26,56,319 in Class 12 under the UP Board - an official said.

The Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE), however, has not made any announcement yet, over its stand on moderation policy in the light of latest development.

Students bear expectations regarding the results and considering the performance and results of yesteryears, I can say that a sudden change in policy might become a setback for students. Any such moderation should not come as a setback to the students, Abha Anant, principal of City Montessori School, Gomti Nagar branch said.

If moderation is happening in other boards, then I think it should happen in ICSE board as well. Students will be at a disadvantage when appearing for university entrance examinations. Considering cutoffs of different universities, our students might face the disadvantage of not having moderation in their board, Anant added.

Educationists and experts in Lucknow said there should be a level playing field for one and all.

To provide a level playing field, there should be a uniform policy regarding marks for the state and national boards, Dr Amrita Dass, educationist and career consultant, said.

Also, the practice of giving abnormally high marks like 100% in subjects with essay type questions must be rationalised as results in the dumbing down of education wherein a high percentage often does not represent the true potential of the student, she said.

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The villagers of Sohna on Wednesday protested and blocked the main road after police failed to find a 17-year-old girl who has been allegedly missing for the last five days from Baluda Marg.

The father of the missing girl had warned the administration that he will commit suicide if the girl did not return home, but the police failed to locate and rescue her, the villagers claimed.

On Thursday, the girls mother also threatened to kill herself if her daughter wasnt rescued.

Hundreds of villagers shouted slogans against the alleged inaction of police and blocked traffic. A large number of women, carrying sticks, also participated in the protest and slowed the movement of traffic on the busy Sohna Road.

Residents of Sohna were affected by the traffic jam that lasted from 10.15am to 11.15am. Traffic was badly affected as the road connecting Palwal, Ballabhgarg, Alwar, Nuh,Rewari, Delhi and Gurgaon was blocked.

The officials of district administration rushed to the spot and assured locals that the girl will be rescued and handed over her family members within two days.

Additional police personnel were deployed in the village and the surrounding areas to avoid escalation of tension.

The villagers also submitted a memorandum to the district commissioner on Wednesday and issued an ultimatum to the police and administration saying they will enforce a road blockade again if the girl isnt rescued within the next two days.

Read I Missing Gurgaon girl raped, tortured; body found on vacant plot

The police assured that girl will be rescued within next 48 hours. We will launch an agitation if the government does not deliver, Mahender Jajoria, who is a close relative of the victim.

They demanded that the police locate and rescue the girl at the earliest and bring her abductors, if any, to book. They also called for more security in the areas around the village so that such incidents are not repeated.

As soon as word of the blockade reached police, senior officials including tehsildar Vijay Yadav, SP Brahm Singh and other officials reached the spot to enforce order.

SP Brahm Singh told the protesters that this matter is being investigated by the Crime Branch and assured them that the police will make all efforts to rescue the girl within the next 48 hours.

Three teams, including one by the crime branch, have been constituted to track down the missing girl, Mukesh Kumar, SHO, Sohna City police station.

It was only after assurances from the police that the protesters finally lifted the blockade.
Irked over extremely low pass percentage of students in the exams conducted by the Haryana Board of School Education (HBSE), the residents of Rwali village in Mewat district locked a government school on Wednesday. Only one out of 40 students of Class 10 in the school cleared the exams. Two got supplementary while the rest failed.

Around 7am, the parents and student locked the main school gate and did not allow the teachers to enter. They demanded transfer orders of the current teachers and hiring of dynamic teachers, who can take interest in the academics of the children.

Two teachers, Dharam Singh and Mohammad Ilyas, were immediately transferred on Wednesday after the villagers refused to unlock the gate. The block education officer and the station house officer of Ferozpur Jhirka reached the spot and took six hours to convince the parents to open the lock.

The school staff is shocked and said they had taken extra classes throughout the year and were sure of 100% result. They are unaware what went wrong. Our teachers have worked very hard throughout the year. We are shocked that the students who did so well and were the toppers of class have failed, Sadhna Sharma, headmistress of the school said.

The village, which is around 90 kilometers from Gurgaon, has made history. In 2016, only one student had passed and in year 2015 merely two students cleared the exams.

Zafar Khan, 16, who failed last year is the only student who passed this year with 68% of marks.

Parents and the villagers who were unhappy with the results locked the school gate on Wednesday morning and demanded transfer of the three teachers including the headmistress.

Every year the school is repeating the same result. Despite several requests, the teachers are not focusing on the performance of the student. They do not even inform the parents how the child is doing throughout the year. We had met the teachers and they had promised 100% pass percentage, said Dr Sarfudin, a parent.

According to Shiv Chand, village Sarpanch, of the total 40 students, who had appeared for the exams, 39 failed. There were 23 boys and 17 were girls.

We had met the teachers yesterday (Tuesday) and had informed them that from Wednesday, we will lock the gates and will not allow teachers to enter due to the poor result. If only one student is passing them why do we need three teachers, said Chand.

District education officer, Dinesh Shastri, said stern action would be taken against teachers of the school for the poor result.

The village has also planned to form a committee of young educated parents and siblings who will often visit the school and keep a check on the quality of the education.

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Ethiopias former minister of health Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has become the first African to be elected the director-general of the United Nations public health agency.

Ghebreyesus was elected by 194 countries, which are a part of the WHO, through a secret ballot that took place on Tuesday at the World Health Assembly that opened in Geneva on Monday.

Dr David Nabarro of the United Kingdom and Dr Sania Nishtar of Pakistan were the other 2 among the 3 people shortlisted for the position.

Ghebreyesus was nominated by the government of Ethiopia and will begin his five-year term on July 1. He will be taking over the position from Dr Margaret Chan, who was in charge of the agency since January 1, 2007.

Ghebreyesus served as Ethiopias minister of health from 2005-2012 and also as the minister of foreign affairs from 2012-2016. He was also chair of the board of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria; Roll Back Malaria (RBM) Partnership Board, and co-chair of the board of the partnership for maternal, newborn and child health.

Ghebreyesus as the minister of health led a comprehensive reform effort of the countrys health system, including the expansion of the countrys health infrastructure and initiated financing mechanisms to expand health insurance coverage.

As the Ethiopian foreign minister, he was also involved in the negotiations for the Addis Ababa Action Agenda in which 193 countries committed to the financing necessary to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals spearheaded by the UN.

He secured record funding for the 2 organisations as the chair of the Global Fund and of RBM and created the Global Malaria Action Plan that expanded RBMs reach beyond Africa to Asia and Latin America.

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Bollywood actor and BJP MP Paresh Rawal has deleted his controversial tweet suggesting that instead of a Kashmiri stone-pelter, author Arundhati Roy should be tied to an Army jeep.

Instead of tying (a) stone-pelter on the Army jeep, tie Arundhati Roy, Paresh Rawal wrote on the micro-blogging site on May 21, triggering an online outrage. Roy has been a vocal supporter of Kashmir separatist campaign and alleged human rights abuses in the state.

However, the tweet is no longer visible on Rawals timeline.

It came days after an Army Major in Kashmir trussed up a civilian, Farooq Dar, on his jeep bonnet using him as a human shield against a stone-pelting mob. The incident sparked a huge uproar, particularly after the officer was commended by Army chief General Bipin Rawat for his counter-insurgency service in Jammu and Kashmir.

Rawals tweet came after the Pakistani media reported that Roy had said that the Indian aggression in the Kashmir was shameful and that New Delhi`s oppression cannot subdue Kashmiri struggle.

However, the news could not be verified and was reported to be a fake news.
The Congress on Wednesday accused Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath of protecting perpetrators of atrocities on Dalits in Saharanpur, and demanded action against the district officials for failing to prevent assaults on the community members.

All these incidents are happening because certain sections of society believe that after Yogi Adityanath became the CM, they have got the licence to oppress Dalits, commit atrocities and are confident that law will not be initiated against them, said partys Scheduled Caste department head K Raju.

He added, They think the CM will provide them protection and allow them to commit atrocities on Dalits. It is not good for a state when a section feels that it can get away with murder while weaker sections, the voiceless and Dalits feel they will get no protection from the government, he said.

Raju said though hundreds of upper caste youths committed atrocities on Dalits, only 32 people have been arrested so far.

The district administration has also failed to provide any relief to Dalits who suffered serious injuries and lost their avenues of earning, Raju said.

The main opposition party demanded strict action against the administration, including the district magistrate and the police superintendent, for their failure to prevent occurrence and recurrence of such incidents.

The administration should understand that they are

duty bound to provide relief, rehabilitation and compensation to the Dalit victims under the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act 1989, as amended in 2015, Raju said.

The Congress also asked the chief minister to instill confidence among Dalit victims and ensure protection to the witnesses, and convene a meeting of vigilance and monitoring committees to prevent recurrence of such incidents.
Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers in Uttar Pradesh have demanded that the Centre should expeditiously amend the Prevention of Corruption Act to protect honest officers such as the former coal secretary HC Gupta, who has been convicted in the coal scam case.

A special CBI court in Delhi sentenced Gupta, convicted along with others in a Madhya Pradesh coal block allocation case, to two-year imprisonment on Monday. He and the others were later granted bail after furnishing personal bonds of Rs 1 lakh and a surety of like amount each to enable them to appeal to the high court against their conviction.

Read more | 74 IAS officers shifted in UP, Adityanath gets a new principal secretary

An amendment bill has been pending for many years. The UPA government had moved the bill but it could not be passed. The NDA government also moved it but it is pending since 2015. Had necessary changes been made to the bill, the situation would have been different today, a senior IAS officer said.

Any action taken by an officer for his benefit or in anticipation of personal gain should define corruption. An action without any personal benefit to the officer may be an error of judgment. There is no charge of any personal gain/gratification in any case against Gupta, the officer added.

The Uttar Pradesh IAS Association has extended its complete support to Gupta. UP IAS officers are upset and have come forward in support of former coal secretary HC Gupta. We will do the needful, UP IAS Associations secretary Ashish Goel said.

The Indian Civil and Administrative Service (Central) Association (central IAS association) is taking up the issue at different levels and we support whatever action the central association takes in the case, Goel added.

The central IAS association has also pointed out that officers convicted in the coal scam case have not been accused of any illegal gains in the chargesheet and there are no such findings against them.

The charges on which the officers have been convicted involve misuse of authority to cause pecuniary gain to someone where such an act was not in public interest, an IAS officer said.

The central association has said Gupta had been accused in 10 cases that are being tried in the CBI court. Some of the cases have reached the stage of framing of charges while others are still being investigated.

In 7 out of 10 cases Gupta has been accused so far, the CBI has not found any evidence against him. The CBI sought closure of cases but the court did not agree. In 3 cases, the CBI has filed charge sheet against Gupta that accused Gupta of not following the guidelines, said the association.

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ARARIA: Two fellow daily wagers fought over Rs 50, resulting in the death of one labourer after being hit with a shovel in Bihars Araria district on Tuesday.

Police said deceased Md Naushad, 35, and accused Md Intezaar, 30, both residents of Mohania village at Palasi block of Araria district, around 325 kms north-east of Patna, were related to each other.

Naushad reportedly owed Intezaar Rs 50 for the past couple of days. On Tuesday morning, Intezaar walked up to Naushads house and demanded his dues. Naushad said he did not have the money, but would return it to him in the evening.

Sensing that Naushad was delaying, a verbal duel followed between the two. In a fit of rage, Intezaar took his shovel and hit Naushad on the back of his skull. As the latter slumped on the ground, he was taken to the Palasi primary health centre, where he died within hours during the course of treatment.

Confirming the incident, Araria superintendent of police Sudheer Kumar Porika told HT, The two relatives had quarrelled over payment of Rs 50. In the heat of the moment, the accused hit the victim on his head with his shovel, leading to fatal injury. The accused has been arrested and the body sent for post-mortem examination.

Both Naushad and Intezaar are engaged in loading and unloading of sand and stone chips on trucks and tractors  an unskilled job, which fetches them Rs 200-400 per day.

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After 632 days of lying in a district hospital morgue, the bodies of eight persons killed in the aftermath of an agitation against three allegedly anti-tribal bills were buried in Manipurs Churachandpur town on Wednesday.

Churachandpur is about 65 km from state capital Imphal.

The decision to perform the last rites for the eight boys and men was taken on May 11 after the agreement between the newly-installed coalition government led by the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Joint Action Committee (JAC), the frontal organisations of several tribes belonging to the Kuki-Zomi communities.

The bodies were buried after a solemn ceremony. The day ended with a traditional fest hosted by the district administration to the members of the bereaved families and the civil society at the deputy commissioners bungalow, JACs chief convenor H Hmangchinkhup said.

Floral tributes offered to the eight people killed in the violence in 2015. (HT Photo)

Churachandpur and other areas dominated by the Kuki-Zomi tribes erupted in anger after the former Congress government tabled three controversial bills in the assembly in August 2015. The bills, aimed at checking infiltration and regulate the entry of outsiders, were construed as anti-tribal, since Indias partition in 1947 left many Kuki-Zomi as well as Naga people in Myanmar.

The agitators attacked houses of MLAs from Churachandpur district. Nine people were killed in the resultant arson and police firing over 48 hours from August 31, 2015.

The JAC refused to bury the bodies until the government withdrew the contentious bills -- Protection of Manipur People bill, Manipur Land Revenue and Land Reforms (7th Amendment) bill and the Manipur Shops and Establishments (2nd Amendment) Bill.

The government at that time accused the JAC of unnecessarily keeping their dead body politics alive, as President Pranab Mukherjee did not clear them in June 2015.

Floral tributes offered to the eight people killed in the violence in 2015. (HT Photo)

The movement lost much of its steam after the Congress government in December 2016 announced the creation of seven new districts. The Kuki-Zomi tribes were seen as major beneficiaries of this announcement as most of the new districts had been carved out of areas that the other major tribal group -- the Nagas -- claim as their ancestral land.

The cracks in the movement became more apparent when the kin of 11-year-old Khaizamang Touthang, the youngest of the nine martyrs, allegedly stole his body and buried him a month before the assembly election in March.
When you boil it down to its fundamental essence, what she is proposing is an affront to democratic principles and an absurdity.

Nevada Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, who picks up the liberal agenda from where Harry Reid left off, stated in a recent interview with Politico, We should be mandating diversity in our committees, mandating diversity in our hiring practices, mandating diversity throughout the United States Senate.

She later is quoted as saying, You just have to walk in the room and look at the senators that are there  the 100 senators, right? You could see the lack of diversity.

In response to this inanity, the editorialists at the Las Vegas newspaper asked the next logical question: Does Sen. Cortez Masto seek a constitutional amendment to replace the democratic process with a federal quota system to ensure the proper distribution of pigments and chromosomes in the nations highest legislative body?

How do you determine successful diversity? Do you know it when you see it, as Cortez Masto apparently does  just like the way Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart said he could spot pornography: I know it when I see it? Or can it be precisely calculated? How can one determine when one has succeeded in achieving the lofty goal of diversity?

The chief absurdity is how to explain what is proper diversity. Equal amounts of certain properties, traits, characteristics and proclivities? Or matching the current distribution in the population of those characteristics? For that matter, is that distribution fair? Or is it merely a quirk of fickle fecundity?

If one were to demand that proper distribution of chromosomes, a Senate that is half male and half female would have only 50 Y chromosomes and 150 X chromosomes. Hardly diverse.

Even if the first elected Latina member of the U.S. Senate, as both the Politico interview and the newspaper editorial pointedly observe, is talking about skin pigments and/or ethnicity, that too gets to be a mathematical absurdity.

Are we going to return to the days when states like Louisiana had laws on the books that stated any person with so much as 1/32nd black heritage was, ipso facto, black? Or does one pure bred ethnic person equal two mixed race persons? Should the ratio of black, brown, yellow, red, white and other pigments match the population from the latest census or extrapolate for changes in the future? May a person identify as any race or gender or sexual orientation they choose? Or would that upset the diversity quotient?

And what about IQ levels? Should the senators and their staffs be required to match the median IQ of the nation? For every staffer or senator with an IQ of 130, youd need to hire or elect someone with an IQ of 70. (Uh, we may already have.)

What about age? The median age of senators is 62. The median U.S. population age is 38. Seems clearly to be a lack of diversity. And that tacky constitutional requirement that a senator has to be at least 30 years of age certainly flies in the face of the all-important diversity objective.

Also, arent there too many lawyers in the Senate and not enough hod carriers?

Lumping people into categories and pigeonholes for the sake of achieving a counterbalance for some past perceived affront or discriminatory behavior is itself discriminatory, counterproductive and contrary to democratic principles.

By the way, the Politico interview was conducted for a section called Women Rule Podcast. Not very diverse.

And isnt there a bit of hypocrisy in demanding diversity while engaging in blatant stereotyping?

At one point the Women Rule interview reports: There is a tendency for women to over think things, right? And so we think, Oh, can I really  if I decide to run for office, am I qualified? Do I have the educational experience? Do I have the background? Do I have the ability? Cortez Masto says. And I will tell you, there are men who look at the same office and say, Well, how much does it pay and let me jump in and see. I think we need to do a better job of talking with women to say, No, you dont need to do that analysis.

May we be so bold as to point out that each of us is a minority of one, and that not all members of every group think and act alike. Diversity mandates are futile, insulting and ultimately absurd.
A top central reserve police force (CRPF) officers report seeking an investigation into a case of fake encounter in Assams Chirang district on March 30 has opened a can of worms.

Rights activists say that the incident that the officer has flagged is one of many that are often stage-managed for medals.

Rajnish Rai, CRPF inspector general had in his April 17 report to the forces headquarters in New Delhi alleged that the killing of two suspected members of extremist group National Democratic Front of Bodoland (Songbijit) near Simlaguri village in western Assams Chirang district was staged.

The two men were allegedly picked up from a house in D-Kalling village and killed in cold blood in Simlaguri and weapons were planted on their bodies.

A Gujarat cadre IPS officer currently posted in Shillong, Rai has called for a thorough investigation.

Rights activists have also demanded a thorough probe by neutral agencies or judges. They said the content of Rais report is true of many encounters in Assam and elsewhere in the Northeast, where more than 25,000 people have died in insurgency-related incidents since the late 1950s.

Read more: Wanted ULFA (I) militant killed by army in Assam encounter

The CRPF officer has just affirmed what the armed forces have been denying  that fake encounter happens. Last year in November, the security forces killed two teenagers on the border with Arunachal Pradesh claiming they were dreaded militants. Pistols were shown recovered from them, but ground realities were different, Jorhat-based rights activist Bondita Acharya told HT.

She also cited the example of Ratan Narzary, who was killed in an alleged fake encounter in Chirang district on December 29 last year. Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal had ordered an enquiry after several Bodo tribal organisations said Ratan was a simple farmer and not a member of NDFB(S).

In December 2013, two boys  one in class 6 and the other in class 10  killed in an encounter by a joint army-police team in Chirang. Security forces have been operating in tandem since the Unified Command structure was introduced almost two decades ago.

Suhas Chakma of the Delhi-based Asian Centre for Human Rights said Manipur and Assam accounted for almost 21% of 555 fake encounter cases across India between April 2009 and April 2013.

The state police always try and hide such cases and the Centre has no control over the states or a mechanism to deal with such cases. Whatever cases of fake encounters are registered is mainly due to the intervention of the National Human Rights Commission, he said.

About the case in Rais report, Assam director general of police Mukesh Sahay said cognisance would be taken only after a magisterial enquiry into the incident is over. An inspector general of Assam police is also probing the case. But guidelines are being strictly followed whenever there is an encounter, he said.

A spokesperson of the armys 4 Corps based in Tezpur declined to comment on Rais report. This is being taken up at a higher level, he said.

A copy of Rais report is marked to Lt Gen AS Bedi, the commanding officer of 4 Corps and chairperson of the Unified Commands operation group.

Lust For Medals

Rights activists said encounters are often staged by officers in a bid to get medals or recommendations. I am not sure about the central forces, but a scan through the medals tally of the state police will reveal the number of medals is directly proportional to the number of encounters, Imphal-based activist Sobita Mangsatabam said.

Some encounters have even been staged without bloodshed, as the 2003 case of a Ketchup Colonel revealed.

The army had in November 2004 dismissed Colonel HS Kohli, commanding officer of an artillery regiment, for faking militant kills in search of gallantry award. A court martial found Kohli and a Major who was punished with five years loss of service, made civilians lie like corpses, splashed tomato ketchup on their bodies and posed with the kills for photographs to stake claim for gallantry awards.

Army officers in the Northeast have also been caught on the other side of law.

In 1998-99, a colonel deputed to the Assam Rifles was sentenced for smuggling after he was caught with four truckloads of ganja and timber.

In 2003, the defence PRO in Imphal, Colonel Ajay Chaudhury and a few others were arrested with drugs worth Rs 15 crore. And in May last year, Colonel Jasjit Singh was arrested in Aizawl on charges of highway robbery for allegedly looting a vehicle carrying 52 bars of gold worth Rs 14.5 crore.

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A day after journalists protested against police barbarism on their fraternity members during a political event here, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday said a section of the media should not politicise the matter.

I will not answer the question, Banerjee said when asked if action will be taken against police officers who beat up journalists covering the March to Nabanna (state Secretariat), organised by 11 Left-aligned peasant organisations on Monday.

Referring to a Bengali daily, a visibly annoyed Trinamool Congress supremo said here: First ask your people (journalists) to behave properly. Tell them not to do politics.

While police claimed only three media persons were injured, journalists present at the Monday event put the figure at over 20. Some journalists were taken to hospital after the incident.

A large number of city journalists and electronic media camerapersons on Tuesday participated in a silent protest march from Rabindrasadan in south Kolkata to the city police headquarters Lalbazar in central part of the metropolis.

They also submitted a memorandum to Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi to seek his intervention in stopping such assaults.
New Delhi: Families of suspected members of the banned Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) lodged in Bhopal Central jail have complained to the national Human Rights Commission (NHRC) that the inmates were being humiliated physically assaulted and denied medical treatment  charges which the jail authorities have rubbished.

Out of a total of 29 suspected SIMI men who were lodged in Bhopal jail since 2013, eight were killed in October 2016, allegedly in an encounter after escaping from the prison. The encounter is now under a probe.

The kin of the four of the 21 inmates  Mohammad Irfan, Mohammad Javed, Mohammad Adil and Mohammad Zubair  all from Ujjain district of Madhya Pradesh, claimed that the harassment for these prisoners started after the encounter.

We are writing to you to express grave concern and seek immediate intervention of the Honble Commission in the cases of custodial torture and human rights violations of the 21 undertrial (UT) prisoners in Bhopal Jail. Several instances of torture and inhuman treatment have been reported to have been meted out to them since October 31, 2016, when eight other UTs were killed in an encounter, read the application to the NHRC.

The application mentions instances in which Mohammad Iqrar complained of injuries in head due to torture, Abu Fazal of leg fracture and being beaten and forced to chant anti-Islam slogans and Mohammad Irfan denied medical treatment for an eye ailment.

The application on behalf of the families was signed by social activists, Kavita Srivastava and N D Pancholi of Peoples Union of Civil Liberties, Manisha Sethi of Jamia Teachers Solidarity Association, Mathew Jacob of Peoples Watch among others.

As per rules we get 20 minutes to meet them every fortnight. But, we are not allowed to talk to them for more than five minutes, that too in the presence of jail staff and other police personnel, said Farzana, Adils wife, before submitting a petition to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).

The families alleged that the inmates are not allowed to meet their lawyers due to which the trial has dragged on.

Irfans one eye is damaged and he is losing vision in another. They didnt even allow him to see a doctor outside the jail. We have given spectacles for him twice, but they have not been handed to him, said Zahid Hussain, Irfans brother.

In December 2016, the families submitted affidavits to the judicial magistrate, alleging that jail staff denied them basic requirements such as proper clothes and water.

Mohammad Iqrar, one of the inmates, alleged in a video conference that his beard was forcibly cut in the jail. His brother-in-law Inamur Rehman filed an affidavit before the court about the harassment, said Madhuri, a social activist who accompanied the families from Bhopal.

Three of them have even told a trial court about the harassment but no action has been taken. In fact, they have been assaulted more for deposing, she alleged.

Director general (DG) of jails, Sanjay Chaudhary refused to comment on the allegations but said, We will respond to all the allegations in a proper manner when asked by the National Human Rights Commission.

The families said that they decided to approach NHRC after exhausting all options.

We have tried all options. We wrote to chief minister, home minister, Prime Minister Modi and the President. No one responded, said Mohammad Aarif, Adils brother.

On May 11, during a hearing at the Special Sessions court in Bhopal, Abu Fazal, another accused said his foot was fractured after he was beaten up in the jail, Madhuri added

An official in the Central Jail, who did not want to be named, said that these allegations were false.

They make such allegations every other day in the courts and human rights groups just to create pressure on us. Even before the jail breakout they used to make such allegations as a result of which jail staff loosened their monitoring over the SIMI inmates which gave them the space to conspire and execute the jail break, the official said.

(With inputs from Punya Priya Mitra in Bhopal)

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A designated CBI court in Patna acquitted former Bihar minister and senior Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Mohammad Iliyas Hussain, along with four others, in the two decades old multi-crore bitumen scam.

After hearing arguments of both sides, special CBI judge Sarvjeet acquitted Hussain, a sitting RJD MLA from Dehri-on-Sone in southwest Bihar, besides three officers  Mohammed Mujtaba Ahmed, Shobha Sinha and Ramadhar Thakur as well as transporter Praveen Jhharia  for lack of evidence.

However, the court sentenced Kolkata-based transporter Krishna Kumar Kedia to three years of rigorous imprisonment and slapped a fine of Rs 4.5 lakh on him for his role in the scam. CBIs special public prosecutor AH Khan told reporters that Kedia would have to serve additional 18 months in prison if he failed to deposit the fine amount.

Kedia had earlier been convicted in two separate cases by the special CBI court in the Rs 200-crore bitumen scam.

There were eight accused in the case. One accused Janardan Sharma, then PWD director, had died during the trial period, while another accused had turned approver.

The case relates to forgery in purchase of bitumen worth Rs 39 lakh in public works departments (now renamed as road construction department) Supaul division, 250 km northeast of state capital, Patna, in 1997.

READ| SuMo says Lalu sons own hot Patna mall, wants them sacked from Nitish cabinet

The CBI, which took over the probe on Patna high courts order, had submitted chargesheet in the case against Hussain, then PWD minister in Bihar, and other accused following registration of an FIR in 1997. The premier probe agency had arrested Hussain on November 5, 1999, but he was later enlarged on bail.

CBI sources, meanwhile, claimed that more bitumen scam cases were pending against Hussain in CBI courts of Ranchi, Dhanbad and Patna.

READ| High court orders CBI probe into Jharkhand bitumen scam

Charged with siphoning off Rs 55 lakh, Hussain and his wife Salma Khatoon were also accused in a disproportionate assets case, an offshoot of bitumen scam, the CBI sources said.

They said Hussain had been charged with ordering bitumen supplies without valid demand or proper requisition and empanalleing tainted Kedia and other transporters even though they were facing departmental investigations and were about to be blacklisted by the road construction department.

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All the major mainstream and separatist political organisations in Kashmir, including the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), have condemned Army major Leetul Gogois defence for using a Kashmir resident as a human shield against stone pelters last month.

Gogoi hit the headlines again on Monday, when he was controversially awarded the Chief of Army Staffs commendation card for sustained efforts in counter-insurgency operations.

The widespread condemnation was triggered by Gogois media address on Tuesday, when he stated that the act of tying Farooq Ahmad Dar  a 26-year-old shawl weaver in central Kashmirs Budgam district  to an open vehicle and parading him through 17 villages on April 9 had saved lives.

State education minister Altaf Bukhari told a news channel that Gogois act was condemnable. This was an inhuman act, and I feel ashamed for it, he said.

Independent attempts by HT to contact Bukhari proved unsuccessful.

When asked about the award granted to the major, the senior PDP leader said he would comment on the matter only after the police investigation ordered into the case has reached its logical conclusion. The law will run its course, he added.

The PDP runs a coalition government in the state with the BJP, which has openly supported the Army majors act. Many across the globe, however, have decried it as a case of human rights violation.

Dar was tied to the Army vehicle on the day of the central Kashmir bypolls, which witnessed largescale violence and abysmal voter turnout. Major Gogoi told mediapersons that turning the man  who was most likely the ring-leader  into a human shield afforded security personnel an opportunity to enter the polling station and rescue the staffers trapped inside.

Dar responded by saying that the Army major was lying to save himself.

Meanwhile, the womens wing of the National Conference took out a protest rally in Srinagar against rewarding Gogoi for his unconscionable act of using Dar as a human shield. Dozens shouted slogans as they marched from the party headquarters in Nawa-i-Subh complex to the Radio Kashmir crossing, where they were stopped by police.

MLA Habba Kadal Shameema Firdous  who was leading the protest  demanded action against the Army major for his shameful act, and wondered why chief minister Mehbooba Mufti never objected to Dar being honoured. The government and the chief minister should be ashamed, said Firdous. The Armymen should have been punished, so other officers are discouraged from following suit. Instead, it was encouraged. This means they have been given the licence to repeat such acts.

Claiming that the government has failed the people, she said: Now they will use us as human shields and shower us with bullets. There is no protection.

In a statement released on Monday, moderate Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq said the decision to honour the Army officer shows that the Indian government and its institutions have internalised the occupational mindset toward the people of Kashmir, who they see and treat as serfs.

Such decisions also expose the much-flaunted democratic credentials of the Indian state globally. They also reassure us about the justness and fairness of our struggle against an oppressor, he added.

Separatist hawk Syed Ali Geelani termed it a distressing and shameful act. Honouring such an officer clearly vindicates our claim that this is a state-sponsored policy which will prove detrimental to human lives if not stopped. We would like the International Court of Justice to intervene, like it did in the case of (alleged Indian spy) Kulbhushan Jadhav, he said.
Domestic intelligence gathering agency, the Intelligence Bureau (IB) started a two-day exercise on Wednesday to look for solutions  tactical and strategic  for six of the biggest threats to the countrys internal security.

The six issues being discussed are the path forward for the security scenario in Jammu and Kashmir, Indias cyber security, counter-terror strategy for the hinterland, strategies for choking terror financing, north-east insurgency and left-wing extremism.

The major difference in comparison to other such deliberations is that it will solely focus on solutions, rather describing the problem. The panelists have been asked to suggest tactical and strategic solutions, said a home ministry official.

Union home minister Rajnath Singh will also be attending some sessions. Each session is being helmed a senior IB official for a panel discussion followed by an open house dialogue.

This conference is basically culmination of preliminary conferences on different theaters. Many suggestions and solutions emerged in the preliminary conferences and they have formed the beginning point, added the official. All stakeholder security agencies are participating.

It comes at time when the Valley is seeing a near-continuous wave of unrest after Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani was killed in July last year. More than 100 protestors have died in the action taken by the security forces and militant ranks have swelled with locals.

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The growing hostility between India and Pakistan is threatening to cast a shadow on the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit to be hosted by Kazakhstan on June 8 and 9.

Both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Pakistan counterpart Nawaz Sharif are likely to attend the two-day meeting in Astana in which India and Pakistan are to be inducted as the seventh and eighth members of the grouping led by China and Russia.

It will be the first time in several months that Modi and Sharif will be at the same event but both sides are silent on a possible meeting.

It was exactly two years ago that the two met in Ufa, Russia on the sidelines of an SCO summit, setting out a roadmap for normalising ties, the plan that never took off.

In fact, ties have worsened over the time.

The Pakistan army is playing a more emphatic role in its India policy. Everything possible is being done to spoil the ties on various fronts. As of now, there are no request from Pakistan side for any meeting, an Indian official said.

Pakistan says the same  India has not sought a meeting. For that to happen, the two prime ministers will have to walk the extra mile and show political will.

Cross-border terrorism, ceasefire violations along the line of control and the biggest of all  the death sentence awarded to Kulbhushan Jadhav, a former naval officer, by a Pakistani military court will make it difficult for Modi to make a move to ease the tensions.

An assertive army and the next years election do not leave Sharif much flexibility in dealing with India.

Established in 2001, SCO aims to tackle terrorism and promote political, economic and cultural cooperation throughout the region. Once India and Pakistan are inducted, the Eurasian bloc will account for 40% of the worlds population.

Some member countries are worried about ties between the two neighbours hampering SCO.

The forum calls for greater coordination among the armies and intelligence agencies. Given the mistrust, it remains to be seen how India and Pakistan will come together under the SCO banner.

Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan are the other SCO members.

nds

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Pakistani fighter jets flew near the Siachen Glacier on Wednesday, according to a media report here, but Indian Air Force sources said there was no violation of Indias air space..

Pakistan Air Force fighter jets conducted flights near the glacier, Samaa TV reported.

Siachen is in the northern part of Kashmir. Indian and Pakistani forces have faced off against each other in mountains above the Siachen Glacier in the Karakoram range since 1984.

Quoting sources, Samaa said all of Pakistans operating bases are now fully operational and Mirage jets are now part of the drills. Sohail Aman, Pakistans Chief of Air Staff, visited the Skardu forward base along with other top leadership of the Pakistan Air Force.

Aman also met pilots and technical staff of the fighting force and flew a Mirage jet.

India controls the heights and says it is unwilling to bring its forces down until Pakistan officially authenticates the positions they hold.

Pakistan has said it is willing to do so on the condition that it is not a final endorsement of Indias claim over the glacier, a source of melt water for Pakistans rivers.
National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval concluded his two-day visit to Russia on Wednesday with both sides working to iron out their differences and sign a pact that allows Moscow to build two nuclear reactors of the Kudankulam plant.

In his meetings with Russian officials, including security council secretary Nikolai Patrushev  a close aide of President Vladimir Putin, Doval is learnt to have conveyed the message that nuclear cooperation is an important pillar of the two countries bilateral ties.

The Russians have been putting pressure on India to sign the General Framework Agreement (GFA) for units 5 and 6 of the plant after it missed two deadlines late last year. Russian deputy Prime Minister Deputy Dmitry Rogozin had taken up the issue with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a recent meeting

An inter-ministerial grouping had already cleared the GFA, but sources said some issues related to the pact need to be sorted out before a final nod is given.

Sources said the two sides need to reach a consensus on the terms and conditions of the Russian loan considering that the nuclear power projects cost is rising exponentially.

For example, Kudankulam 1 and 2 reactors had a sanctioned cost of Rs 17,270 crore, which is up for renewal , and the sanctioned cost for reactors 3 and 4 was Rs 39,849 crore.

According to an official, the rising cost of power plants will be an issue because it will have to get reflected in the traffic of electricity. The higher cost for electricity will make it an unviable proposition.

The benchmarked price for per mega watt electric (MWE) is Rs 8-10 crore for the existing nuclear power reactors.

Sources said the officials of two countries are engaged in talks to ensure the that pact is ready to be signed during the 18th annual India-Russia summit on June 1.

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The Islamabad high court on Wednesday allowed Uzma Ahmed, an Indian national who said she had been forced into marrying a Pakistani man, to go back to her country.

Ahmed, in her early twenties, told the court she was forced to marry Tahir Ali, a resident of Buner in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province, at gun point after she agreed to come to Pakistan to meet him.

During the hearing, Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani asked Ahmed if she wanted to meet her husband in the chamber but she refused the offer, saying she did not want to talk to him.

The court assured Ahmed she was free to return to India and would be escorted to the Wagah border with police security.

Soon after the hearing, Ahmed left the court for the Indian high commission, where she will stay until arrangements are made for her to repatriation. Sources hinted that Ahmed, a resident of New Delhi, could be repatriated as early as Thursday.

In her para-wise comments, Ahmed reiterated through her lawyer that she had been terribly beatentortured physically and mentally and forced to sign on the nikahnama by Ali.

She reiterated her allegation that she had been given sleeping pills by Ali, who sexually assaulted her after he received her at the Wagah land border.

Ali had sought courts intervention to meet Ahmed in a free atmosphere, claiming that she had recorded her statement before a magistrate against him under duress and pressure from her brother and officials of the Indian mission.

On May 3, Ahmed had told a magistrate in Islamabad that she had been deceived, tortured and forced to sign marriage documents. Ahmed further said she had taken refuge at the Indian mission because she felt threatened and wanted to return to India.

However, Ali had filed a petition claiming that she was being forcibly kept at the Indian high commission.

Ahmed and Ali reportedly met in Malaysia and fell in love, after which she travelled to Pakistan on May 1 via Wagah. She said she was forced into marrying Ali two days later.
The Erasmus student exchange program has just turned 30. Spain, which started the program with just 95 students, now sends around 40,000 Spanish students to study abroad every year. The number is holding steady despite cuts to the most famous of the European Unions (EU) grant programs. The 61.3 million that it counted on in 2011 has now been cut to 29 million this year, although the figure was even lower during the worst years of the crisis. The amount spent on Erasmus by Brussels, meanwhile, has risen over the last six years.

Erasmus students in Rome. efe

Spain continues to be the most popular destination for Erasmus students. And the University of Granada is the most in-demand institution in all of Europe. Representatives from the Education Ministry were present on May 16 at an event in Barcelona to celebrate the 30th anniversary of one of the programs that has done most for the unity of the continent, and to celebrate some of the figures and achievements to stem from Erasmus.

Spain spent 61.3 million on the Erasmus program in 2011 but just 29 million this year

As the ministry pointed out, at least 20% of higher education graduates have been sent out of Spain to study thanks to these grants. The success of the Erasmus program in Spain is undeniable, not just among the university community, but also in society as a whole, said the Spanish general secretary for universities, Jorge Sainz.

But despite the recognized effects of this European plan in terms of improving the skills and horizons of students, the economic crisis has had a serious effect on the budget. In the last five years, Spain has cut spending from 61.3 million to 29 million.

Spanish Erasmus students receive a sum of between 200 and 400 a month

This information came to light in response to a question tabled by deputy in Congress Miguel Angel Heredia (PSOE), who requested information about the number of university students who applied for the grants in 2015, and how many had done so since 2011  the last year of the Socialist government  broken down by year, province and autonomous region.

The exchange of students is one of the greatest investments by the EU, and makes Europe stronger, said Heredia. The money from Spain steadily increased until the arrival of [Popular Party Prime Minister] Mariano Rajoy, who has made tremendous cuts.

The figures reveal that the more than 60 million spent in 2011 fell to 16.3 million in the 2014-2015 academic year. Last year saw the figure rise to 23.5 million, while this year it is up to 29 million.

Why is there no political will to show the improvement in the economy with investment in grants? Miguel Angel Heredia, Socialist deputy

Brussels, meanwhile, has increased its share by 10 million since 2011, a 27% rise, according to the figures supplied by the Spanish state body in charge of administering these funds, the SEPIE. Its director, Pablo Martin, explains that until 2013 the Spanish subsidy was complementary  i.e. granted in addition to the funds that came from the European Union. It was allotted according to the students destination, and extra funds were added from Spain, he explains. But from 2014 onward, the year that the Spanish budget for Erasmus fell to its lowest level, Spain decided to award its own grants, which were separate from those handed out by the EU. That year a total of 36,842 Spanish students went to study abroad, the lowest figure in the last five years.

Spanish Erasmus students receive between 200 and 400 a month, according to the SEPIE. Heredia is calling for that tiny amount to be increased above all in the case of families with scant resources. Why isnt there any political will to show the improvement in the economy with investment in the policy of grants? the deputy asks. The ministry is planning an allocation of 29 million once again in the coming academic year.

English version by Simon Hunter.
The Indian Navy has rescued six crew members of a Maldivian ship which was adrift in the high seas for five days after propulsion failure, official sources said on Wednesday.

The crew rescued from the MV Maria 3 included nationals of Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Maldives and also a woman. The ship has since been towed back to Male.

The Indian Navy statement said the ship left Male on May 15 but lost contact on May 16, following which the Maldivian Coast Guard requested the Indian Navys assistance in search and rescue operations.

A Dornier aircraft, during an aerial surveillance, located the ship drifting about 150 nautical miles south-east of Male on May 20, with all survivors safe onboard, the statement said.

Subsequently, Indian Naval warship INS Kirch was informed and the Maldivian vessel was towed back to Male.
Like German efficiency and British wit, Indian hospitality has earned an international reputation. Foreigners return home from Indian holidays with tales of their hosts unmatched kindness. Everyone was so nice; they didnt mind that their guests couldnt speak a word of any Indian language; and they even made sure the food wasnt too spicy.

Western bloggers positively swoon. I was amazed by the smiles Ive seen in India, which taught me a huge lesson on human interaction, family and community, writes one. The respect and desire to be of service was also remarkable and the greetings and farewells of, Namaste, so sincere, reports another.

Ive lived in Delhi for about a year and a half, and my own experience has hardly been different. In everything, the standards set for me are comically low. Speak three consecutive words of Hindi, and people act like Im a wizard; eat the same food as everyone else, and suddenly Im a paragon of epicurean adventurousness. I neednt ride with Justin Bieber in his tour Rolls Royce to feel the glow of celebrity; I can just stand in front of India Gate for a minute or two, and some eager stranger is sure to ask if he can take his picture with me.

Yep, for foreigners, India is pretty great. Well, for foreigners like me, anyway. That is to say, white foreigners.

Black foreigners coming home from India might tell different stories about Indian hospitality. Imran Uba, upon returning to Nigeria from his studies in Noida, will likely tell his family and friends about how an angry mob, convinced that African students had actually eaten an Indian classmate, beat him so badly he had to be hospitalized. Maxwell Orji, another Nigerian student, can regale his loved ones back home with stories of how Indians spat on him and called him racist names. Indians have a bad impression of foreigners, Orji told the Financial Times in April. I get harassed all the time, [get] laughed at, called names.

Masonga Kitanda Olivier, a Congolese foreign language teacher, wont be able to share any stories of his time abroad  he died last year after three men, not content simply to abuse him with racial slurs, beat him with bricks and stones.

Im not here to cast stones. My own country, after all, is as racist as they come. Americas ascendency would have been impossible had it not been for my ancestors genocide of Native Americans and enslavement of Africans. And racism in the United States is not a thing of the past. Life remains so bleak for Native Americans that their suicide rate among young adults is nearly twice the national average; African Americans continue to suffer under a system designed to keep them in prison and out of university. Thats to say nothing of my compatriots racist attitudes towards Latin Americans, Muslims, and, indeed, Indians.

In short, the last thing anyone needs is a sanctimonious lecture from a white American about racism. Nor do I want to give the impression that Im ungrateful for the hospitality with which Ive been received here. India has permitted me to travel freely within its borders, allowed me to work at one of its finest newspapers, and forgiven my cultural blunders. I have been welcomed unconditionally.

I just dont quite understand why. When was the collective decision made to be so accommodating to us white people? A study of the long annals of white peoples exploration of foreign lands reveals a clear and resounding pattern: people who look like me are bad news. Not individually, perhaps  lots of us are perfectly harmless. But the history of white people abroad is one of exploitation, violence, and destruction. If the past provides any lesson at all, its that if you let enough of us in, were liable to steal your biggest diamond and redraw your borders. You welcome us at your peril.

Of course, the bad old days of rapacious colonialism are long past. Now, we simply foist our multinational corporations upon you, regardless of whether you would prefer your children to attend school rather than work in coal mines, or whether you object to being gassed to death.

But if Im puzzled about Indians hospitality towards white foreigners, Im absolutely stumped by the hostility towards black ones. Where Indias interactions with the West have often been marked by conflict, India and most African nations have enjoyed friendly relations throughout recent history. India and Africa both suffered under European colonialism, and both continue to struggle to shed themselves of that terrible legacy.

If I, a white man who has done so little to earn the privilege of your kindness, can return home and gush about Indian hospitality, then black foreigners ought to be given reason to do so, too.

Harry Stevens uses data and graphics to tell stories at the Hindustan Times. He was born in the US but has lived in India since 2015.

This is the eighth and concluding part of Lets Talk About Racism, a new HT campaign that addresses deep-rooted prejudices and discrimination in India. If you have faced racism, tweet using #LetsTalkAboutRacism or write to talktous@hindustantimes.com. HTs earlier series, LetsTalk About Rape and Lets Talk About Trolls, focused attention on crucial issues.

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Nagaland chief minister Shurhozelie Liezietsus son Khreihu resigned from his assembly seat on Wednesday to make way for his fathers election as an MLA.

The 81-year-old Naga Peoples Front president had assumed office in February after his predecessor TR Zeliang resigned following violence over opposition to womens reservation in municipal bodies.

But since Shurhozelie was not a representative of the 60-member assembly, it was speculated that his son Khreihu would vacate his seat to enable him to get elected within the six month time limit.

The chief minister, who is also an eminent author, had won eight times from the Northern Angami assembly seat. But he decided against contesting in 2013 and made the way for his son.

Read more: New Nagaland party formed

On Wednesday, the Nagaland assembly secretariat issued a notification informing that the Speaker had accepted Khreihus resignation and declared the Northern Angami seat vacant.

Nagaland, which has a NPF-led coalition where BJP is a partner, will go to polls next year.

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Police tightened security across western Uttar Pradeshs Saharanpur region on Wednesday amid mounting tensions following the death of a Dalit youth a day ago in caste clashes.

Police said unidentified people ambushed a group of Dalits returning from a rally by Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati on Tuesday evening, killing one man and injuring eight.

This was the second wave of caste violence in Shabeerpur and adjacent areas after May 5 clashes between Dalits and Thakurs where scores of houses of scheduled caste families were torched and one man killed.

The attacks began over a Thakur-led procession to commemorate Rajput ruler Maharana Pratap. Since then, the caste violence has grabbed headlines and is being seen as the first law-and-order challenge for chief minister Yogi Adityanath since the BJP swept to power in March.

Saharanpur district has 26% Dalit population spread across villages and 10% Thakurs. But in Shabbirpur village, the total population of the village is 4,000 that includes 2,500 Thakurs and 600 Dalits and this lop-sided ratio worries the Dalits.

Police have now launched a massive search operation and arrested more than 20 suspects on charges of inciting violence. Senior state government officials are camping in the area.

Saharanpur senior superintendent of police Subhash Chandra Dubey told HT that raids were being conducted to arrest the remaining suspects

District magistrate N P Singh said the state government gave a compensation of Rs 15 lakhs to the deceased and Rs 50,000 to the other injured.

The violence has worsened the situation in the caste and communally sensitive region that has seen several clashes in the past. Dalits protested against the killing, damaging some shops in adjoining vuillages.

Days after the May 5 killing, angry supporters of Dalit group Bhim Army torched a police post and several vehicles in Saharanpur with chaos prevailing for hours.

BSPs Saharanpur zonal in-charge Kuldeep Baliyan told HT a meeting of party leaders was called and a delegation would meet government officials to demand immediate arresting of all suspects and provide adequate security to Dalits.

On Tuesday, Mayawati met the victims of caste clashes and held BJPs government responsible for growing violence in the state. She, however, advised Dalits not to take law and order in their hands and called upon people of all castes to work for harmony.
Narendra Modi leaned to whisper in the ear of the man sitting cross-legged and barefoot next to him, the one clad in saffron robes with a long beard and squinty gaze. It was late in the afternoon of March 23, 2014 in New Delhi and the start of national elections was a fortnight away.

A few minutes later, the yoga guru and entrepreneur known as Baba Ramdev turned to a microphone and urged the crowd before him to mobilize votes for Modi: Youll make other people understand, wont you? You wont sit at home, will you? The crowd roared back, No!

Modi grinned. Ramdev laughed.

The politician and the co-founder of a billion-dollar consumer products business were both headed to the pinnacle of a right-wing Hindu movement that seeks to shape the destiny of the worlds fastest-growing major economy. About two months after the rally, when voting had rolled across the vast country, Modis Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) swept the long-ruling Congress Party from power.

Modi had prevailed, in part, with promises to reform the economy and root out corruption. His business-friendly language won widespread praise. But it was also his trumpeting of a Hindu nationalist message  the idea that India should be ruled as a nation by and for Hindus  that helped propel him to victory.

Poll partnership

In ways not previously disclosed, Modi and Ramdev, each a product of the Hindu right, owe part of their success to the other. The yoga guru is one of the most instantly recognizable figures in India and his companys traditional foods and health supplements are among the countrys fastest-growing brands. He tapped his following as a TV yoga celebrity and deployed resources from his consumer goods empire, mobilizing voters and synchronizing messaging with the BJP in a 2014 campaign that was larger and more tightly coordinated with Modis party than is publicly known.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi being welcomed by Swami Ramdev and Balkrishan at the inauguration of the Patanjali Research Institute in Haridwar, Uttarakhand. (PTI File Photo)

In return, leading BJP figures have endorsed Ramdevs vision for India, a populism laced with assertions of Hindu primacy that twins nostalgia for ancient glory with suspicion of foreign influence.

Official push

Since Modi came to power, Ramdevs company has received more than an estimated $46 million in discounts for land acquisitions in states controlled by the BJP, according to a Reuters review of state government documents, interviews with officials and real estate estimates. It gained access to other land free of charge. The firm, Patanjali, has also received something of an official approval from a newly-created ministry and BJP leaders.

It is a partnership that reveals the inner workings of influence and money in Modis India, where the relatively secular world view of the Congress party he ousted is being chipped away.

Going swadeshi

Three weeks after the rally in New Delhi, a trust controlled by Ramdev released a YouTube video in which senior BJP members posed with a signed Shapath Patra, (oath document).

The document, reviewed by Reuters, laid out nine pledges. These included the protection of cows, an animal held sacred in Hinduism, and reforming much of Indian life to make it swadeshi, a word used by Hindu nationalists to invoke that which is truly Indian. That set of beliefs, the oath said, extended to the courts, government, cultural institutions and education. The five signatories pictured in the video included the present ministers of foreign affairs, finance, internal security and transportation. None of the ministers responded to questions about the pledge.

These renowned BJP leaders have signed their names on these oaths because of the hope that I have generated among millions, I want people to see a change in government, Ramdev said in the video. We have created these nine points.

Yoga guru Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna show their Patanjali products in New Delhi in 2016. (HT File Photo)

A spokesman for one of the signatories, BJP party elder and former deputy prime minister L.K. Advani, at first denied knowledge of the document and then said it was unrelated to Ramdev. It was the partys programme and all the senior leaders had signed this document, Advanis personal secretary Deepak Chopra said.

A Patanjali official familiar with the document said senior members of the BJP had put their names to it as a condition of Ramdevs support.

Booming business

Ramdevs business has boomed since the BJP took power. Revenues at his consumer goods enterprise are soaring  from about $156 million in the financial year ending March 2013 to more than $322 million in the year to March 2015, according to financial filings. In early May, Ramdev said revenues in the financial year just ended had jumped to about $1.6 billion.

The firms products range from toothpaste to clarified ghee butter and household cleaning materials. They are found in every corner of the country, from the scantest villages to teeming cities. Its foods, which include rice, biscuits and chutney, are sold in the canteens of Indias security forces and served on some tables in the nations parliament.

Advertisements for Patanjalis products stress that they are ayurvedic, meaning they are rooted in ancient Indian tradition. The ads echo the talking points of Modis support base by appealing to consumers patriotism, urging them to avoid giving cash to foreign firms.

As East India Company plundered our country for 200 years, reads one advertisement, referring to the British company that colonized India during the 18th and 19th centuries, likewise these multinationals are exploiting our country by selling their harmful and dangerous chemical products. Beware!

Close friend Modi

Ramdev is at once effusive about Modi and reluctant to give details about his relationship with the prime minister. Modi-ji is a close friend, he said during an interview last year at his home in the northern town of Haridwar at the base of the Himalayas, where poplar trees peeked over high compound walls and black-clad security held assault rifles.

Modis office did not respond to questions for this story.

Of his role in Modis success in 2014, Ramdev said, Its not good form to praise yourself. He added, I wont say much, but I prepared the ground for the big political changes that occurred.

Growing assets

Since Modi took office in May 2014, Patanjali has acquired almost 2,000 acres of land for building factories, research facilities and establishing supply chains of herbs for its products, according to state land documents and interviews with officials. During the rule of the previous Congress-led government the firm had been selling large tracts of its land holdings. Two of the four acquisitions exceeding 100 acres were in states controlled by Modis BJP. A third was in an area where the governing party was in the process of partnering with the BJP.

In the BJP-controlled states, Patanjali received a discount on the land purchased of 77 per cent off market prices, according to state government documents, interviews with officials and land values provided by local real estate agents. The company has pledged to use the property to create more jobs with new factories, answering a major need in India, where millions of people are reaching working age each year.

Official reporting of land transactions in India is patchy, especially of deals involving smaller acreages. But some do surface. For example, Patanjali received a discount of more than $10 million, or 88 per cent, on a 40-acre plot in the BJP state of Madhya Pradesh last year, according to interviews with a state official and real estate brokers.

Neither the prime ministers office nor Patanjali executives, including Ramdev, responded to written questions about the transactions, which were lawful.

Friendly government

At a stone-laying ceremony for a Patanjali food processing plant in the central Indian city of Nagpur last September, one of the signers of the oath in the Ramdev video, Transportation Minister Nitin Gadkari, made a personal appearance. A video recording of the event showed Patanjalis Managing Director Acharya Balkrishna turning to Gadkari. We want a road leading to the site of the planned factory, Balkrishna said.

From his place on a white sofa, the minister smiled. This road youre talking about, Ive decided to make it a national highway. Once you start your work, well issue a tender, he said.

Yoga guru Ramdev and Haryana chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar at a Yoga camp in Panchkula on Tuesday in 2016. (HT File Photo)

Ramdev, who sat between Gadkari and the states BJP chief minister, Devendra Fadnavis, laughed and applauded.

Gadkari did not respond to questions.

Patanjali had paid some 590 million rupees (about $9.1 million at current rates) for the 234-acre property. The land abuts a special economic zone (SEZ) promoted by the state and its market price was more than 2.6 billion rupees (about $40.5 million), according to comments submitted to the state legislature by Fadnavis.

The land outside the SEZ was given cheaply to Patanjali because it has not been developed. There is no approach road, Fadnavis said in a written reply to an opposition lawmaker who questioned the price.

A trip to the site found it sits just on the other side of a small wall from a police and fire station and across the street from a corporate park. A road under construction at the back of the property will be accessible to Patanjali. A spokesman for the government development authority that oversees the area said the deal included commitments to the community: buying raw materials from local sources, training 2,000 farmers in new skills and employing 5,000 people from nearby villages. Patanjali is an Indian company, an ayurvedic company, so many states give them free land, the spokesman, Deepak Joshi, said.

Assam land deal

The largest transaction was a transfer of some 1,200 acres of undeveloped land in the eastern state of Assam in October and December 2014. The deal was struck by the Bodoland Territorial Council, an agency that oversees an autonomous region and is controlled by the Bodoland Peoples Front (BPF). The BPF had broken from a Congress-led coalition in the state earlier in 2014, before allying with the BJP in January 2016. Kampa Borgoyary, deputy chairman of the council and spokesman for the BPF, said the party had known from the beginning it would support the BJP.

According to state legislature documents reviewed by Reuters, the land was allotted without cost  given free of charge  to Patanjali Yogpeeth, a trust controlled by Patanjali Managing Director Balkrishna and Ramdev, on the condition that it be used for the preservation and promotion of cow breeds. The arrangement permitted Patanjali to collect medicinal plants, a vital component for its expanding line of natural products. Borgoyary said the deal reflected the councils confidence that Patanjali would protect the land.

Commercial transactions involving land of this sort are unusual, making it difficult to put a value on the plot.

In Uttar Pradesh, where Ramdevs company acquired a tract of land not overseen by the BJP or an administration favorable to the ruling party, the savings were smaller: 300 acres of land at 25 per cent below market prices in November 2016. The discount was in keeping with standard practice for deals that size, the chief executive officer of the industrial area said.

Patanjali and, to a lesser degree, other Indian companies attached to what are known colloquially as god men and other spiritual leaders have received government support and tax breaks under Modi.

The companys rising fortunes appear to be putting pressure on its foreign rivals.

Unilevers head of investor relations, Andrew Stephen, spoke about intense local competition in Indias personal care market, including from Patanjali, when presenting the firms third quarter earnings last year. Hindustan Unilevers Chief Financial Officer P.B. Balaji said this month the firm was introducing natural variants of its existing brands.

In another sector, a Reuters investigation earlier this year found that the ideological parent of the BJP was instrumental in a lobbying campaign that supported an Indian firm and its allies against Monsanto Co, the worlds largest seed company. In response to a Reuters query about that turn of events, a Monsanto executive released a statement saying it was unfortunate that these disputing companies sought policy interventions to address a bilateral matter.

Product support

Within half a year of Modi coming to power, his administration transformed an obscure government department of traditional Indian medicine into a standing ministry dedicated to popularizing, among other things, the practice of yoga and the use of ayurvedic products, for which Patanjali is a market leader.

The ministry now regulates many of Patanjalis products. It has participated in promotional and training sessions with Ramdev and his organization, from online presentations to a mass yoga demonstration with the minister of housing and urban development on New Delhis central boulevard.

The Ministry of Finance in 2015 defined yoga as a charitable purpose, reducing the associated tax burden. That particularly benefits corporations such as Patanjali that have espoused support for the kind of Hindu nation envisaged by the ruling party. The finance ministry is headed by Arun Jaitley, who was one of the signatories of the pledge before the 2014 elections. Jaitley, Ramdev and other Patanjali executives did not respond to questions about the policy.

Yoga guru Ramdev and Union minister Venkaiah Naidu practise yoga along with others at a yoga camp at Rajpath in New Delhi. (PTI File Photo)

Modis BJP is pushing back against the secular legacy of its political predecessors in what some party leaders have referred to as a cultural revolution in a nation that is almost 80 percent Hindu, with Muslims forming roughly 14 per cent.

As the BJP wins a steady march of state elections, the party and its ideological backers are increasingly public about their nationalist, Hindu agenda. On the ground, that movement is accompanied by multiple incidents of Hindu mobs beating or killing Muslim men and other minorities because of suspicions they were involved with the slaughter of cows.

Modi has spoken out against the so-called cow vigilantes.

No ordinary business

Modi and Ramdev have much in common. Like Modi, the son of a train-station tea seller, Ramdev came from humble beginnings. The son of a farmer, he was born in north India in the mid-1960s.

Jeevraj Patel, a businessman in the construction sector, said that when he first met Ramdev in 1992, the swami was running small yoga camps and mixing medicinal herbs. He lived in an ashram, a spiritual retreat, in Haridwar.

Patanjali Managing Director Balkrishna said he and Ramdev started their first enterprise in 1995 as they learned how to make ayurvedic medicines and supplements. They had 3,500 rupees (about $90 at the time) and borrowed 10,000 more.

Balkrishna described the two of them making fires to mix ingredients for chyawanprash, a traditional jam, and then carrying vats of it home on their heads  neither had the money for a rickshaw ride.

His (Ramdevs) language was straight. People were impressed by his stomach asanas

-- Ajit Gupta, CEO of firm that owned Aastha

Ramdev might have remained a local character if not for a spiritual TV channel named Aastha. In 2001 the station sent talent scouts to look for new faces, said Ajit Gupta, at the time the chief executive of the firm that owned Aastha. They came across Ramdev.

His language was straight. People were impressed by his stomach asanas, a yoga position, Gupta said. The more slots the channel put Ramdev on, the more requests it received from viewers to see him, said Ved Sharma, then marketing manager at Aastha. Ramdev was becoming a star.

Today Ramdev is the public face of the company that he and Balkrishna founded, looking down from billboards across India. Aditya Pittie, who runs one of Patanjalis largest distributors, calls Ramdev the super boss. Yet current corporate filings make no mention of him. Ramdevs name did appear on a document published by the company on its website in 2011. Dated from 1999, it showed Ramdev signing as the president of one of the firms trusts. Three years prior, his signature appeared on a balance sheet of the same trust. Ramdev told Reuters hed given signing authority  permission to sign on his behalf  to Balkrishna.

About finances

At his office in Haridwar recently, Balkrishna sat at a desk with his back to an image of Ramdev in meditation. We dont have any planner, he said, meaning an executive charged with corporate strategy. We have swami-ji, he said, referring to Ramdev.

Balkrishna pointed to the plain slippers on his feet. They had cost 400 rupees (about $6), he said. Neither he nor Ramdev collect salaries, he added. Balkrishnas net worth was estimated at $2.5 billion last year by Forbes, making him the 48th richest Indian in a nation of some 1.3 billion people. Nothing is known publicly about Ramdevs assets.

Yoga guru Ramdev shows Patanjali products in New Delhi in 2016. (HT FIle Photo)

A Reuters review of the financial filings of dozens of Patanjali companies found large dividend payments to Balkrishna, Ramdevs brother Ram Bharat and other owners. In one company, Balkrishna and minority shareholders received about $18 million in five years. In another company controlled by Ramdevs brother, dividends declared one year amounted to 60 per cent of profits. Balkrishna told Reuters that dividends were used to repay original investors: I took money out of the company in the form of dividends to pay them. So today our company is neat and clean.

Neither Ramdevs brother nor other company representatives responded to written questions about the dividend payments.

Politics and religion

Ramdev burst into politics in 2011 when he joined anti-corruption protests directed against the ruling Congress Party. In 2013, he made a series of public remarks backing Modi as the man to lead India. It was the beginning of a multi-pronged campaign by Ramdev in support of Modi, the full details of which have not previously been reported.

A communications firm called Social Revolution Media and Research Pvt Ltd was started by two directors from companies under the Patanjali umbrella, according to corporate filings. It held weekly meetings with the BJPs information technology division to coordinate messages on Twitter and other social platforms, said Shantanu Gupta, the communications firms CEO.

Members of Ramdevs organisation describe how hundreds of thousands of volunteers spread out to mobilize votes for Modi. In Mumbai, Narendra Shastri, a yoga teacher with a Patanjali trust, said he worked from dawn to dark, ringing doorbells and handing out pamphlets backing Modis party.

Two days after the election results were announced, a pair of senior BJP leaders attended a stadium event in New Delhi to thank Ramdev and his volunteers. Both had signed the pledges shown in Ramdevs video earlier in the year.

On a different stage this May, at an inauguration ceremony for a Patanjali research institute in Haridwar, Modi clapped his hands in a gesture of respect toward Ramdev. Ramdev returned the gesture, tilting his head with a wide smile.

Modi proclaimed to the audience, and to those watching the live broadcast at home, Baba Ramdev will take Bharats ayurveda - Indias ancient medicine - before the world.
Tejika, an Asiatic lioness at Nahargarh Biological Park who recently gave birth to five cubs, was shown documentaries of cats bringing up their cubs in forests of South Africa and Gujarats Gir National Park to teach her about motherhood.

This was done after her sister, RT, littered two cubs in Jodhpurs Machia biological park and accidentally killed one of them earlier this month. RT had picked up the cubs in her mouth and pierced the body of one, killing him instantly. The other was seriously injured.

Tejika is taking good care of her cubs, said Rajasthans chief wildlife warden Arindam Tomar. We dont know what impact the documentaries had on her but she is doing better than her sister in Machia.

The two were rescued from a circus and had never experienced motherhood. So taking care of cubs was new for them, said forest officials. Injuries to cubs are not uncommon for first litter of big cats in the wild as well, the officials added.

The Jodhpur incident was an eye-opener and the department installed an LED TV in Tejikas enclosure showing her BBC and Nat Geo documentaries on how lions behave with their cubs in the wild. The videos focused on showing big cats lifting cubs in their mouth and moving around without hurting them.

Tejika with her mate Siddhartha. (HT File Photo)

Tomar said the videos were about motherhood in the wild and it was shown to Tejika for a short duration each day. Initially, she did not watch the videos but started observing the screen after a few days.

Wildife expert Raza H Tehsin said behaviour of lionesses towards their newborn is not homogeneous and it would be very difficult to say what impact the documentaries had on a particular lioness.

Tejika gave birth over a period of three days. The first three cubs were born on the intervening night of May 20 and May 21. One of them was born dead, while another is struggling for life due to excessive weakness. Three cubs are healthy and being fed by their mother regularly, Tomar said.

The cubs and their mother are in a secluded area and officials are keeping a watch through CCTVs.

Motherhood was not easy for Tejika, who was shifted from Gujarat a few years ago. For months, she was not able to adjust to the zoo atmosphere and was battling diseases. With doctors tending to her around the clock, she survived and then got intimate with a lion named Siddhartha.

Park officials, however, are keeping their fingers crossed for Tejikas cubs. We hope that the TV experiment will be successful, but it is early days, said a park official, requesting anonymity.

Asiatic lions are found only in Gir National Park in Gujarat and some rescued from circuses have been kept in zoos across India.

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Walking up a flight of stairs was like climbing Mount Everest for Asha Jhajdiya until 2014. But that was then.

The 38-year-old mother of two from Rajasthans Jhunjhunu climbed the worlds highest peak on Monday, after overcoming a debilitating slipped disc to achieve a feat only a handful of diehard climbers have pulled off.

Jhajdiya, a nurse at a public health centre in Alwar, suffered bouts of nagging backache since 2005. She could barely stand, let alone walk, during those attacks. The pain was so numbing sometimes that husband Ajay Singh Takhar had to carry her in his arms to hospital.

Sustained physiotherapy and medication cured her of the condition in 2014 and the family decided next year to celebrate with a holiday in the hills of Amarnath.

The twisty trails, fresh air and snowcapped peaks injected into Jhajdiya what her husband called the mountaineering bug. The trip changed everything, said Takhar, a Haryana police officer.

She chose the difficult route to the Amarnath shrine through Baltal, and completed the journey really, really quickly.

Army officers praised my sister  they were surprised how quickly she finished the trek. It was at this point that Asha found the urge to climb Mount Everest, brother Vikram Jhajdiya said.

Back then it appeared the studious postgraduate in humanities and business administration had set her goal way too high. The 8,848m Mount Everest is the goliath that only a few have vanquished.

But her grit and gumption didnt surprise her husband, teenage daughter and son, and the rest of her extended family. They supported her. After all she has conquered a morbid condition that threatened to keep her bedridden for the rest of her life.

Jhajdiya and her husband began looking for sponsorship for her training and expedition after the Amarnath trip.

They went to politicians, government departments and influential people  but all they got were assurances. So she borrowed money from relatives and withdrew from the couples pension savings, her brother said.

They pooled enough to pay for the expedition  around Rs 28 lakh  and her training at the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute in Darjeeling last year.

The retired naval officers daughter set off for the mountains this April 8.

She reached the summit at 4.05am on Monday  people from the expedition informed us over a satellite phone from base camp, Takhar said.

The family jumped for joy after the news. Jhajdiyas mother, Savitri Devi, summed up the mood. She made the impossible possible

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Union roads minister Nitin Gadkari cautioned last month that he might be forced to re-examine all new projects in Uttarakhand if the state government led by Trivendra Singh Rawat doesnt reconsider its order for a CBI probe into a national highways scam.

For his part, Rawat said on Tuesday his government will not withdraw the decision.

The conflicting stands of the BJP-led Union and state governments could disrupt and delay highway projects in Uttarakhand that require good roads to strengthen tourism, the hill states economic mainstay.

The letter sent by Nitin Gadkari to Uttarakhand chief minister Trivendra Singh Rawat. (HT Photo)

The alleged financial scandal in land acquisition for the Rs 4,000-crore national highway 74 project surfaced during the Congress rule in the state.

The BJP accused Congress leaders of corruption and promised a CBI probe during its campaign for the assembly polls this January and February. After the BJPs landslide victory, chief minister Trivendra Singh Rawat ordered an investigation by the central agency.

The decision put Gadkari in a fix as the CBI summoned National Highway Development Authority (NHAI) officials for questioning.

In a letter to Rawat on April 5, he warned that the states actions are bound to have adverse impact on the morale of the officers and would impede execution of projects.

In this background, we would have to re-examine the usefulness of taking up more projects in the state, he wrote, asking Rawat to take immediate corrective measures.

The warning follows Gadkaris announcement that his ministry has taken up expansion and upgradation of highways, including improving connectivity to popular hill stations and the annual Char Dham pilgrimage circuit.

The Char Dham encompasses Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri, drawing thousands of Hindu pilgrims every year. Uttarakhand is often referred to as Dev Bhoomi or Land of the Gods and its majestic mountains and lush valleys are dotted with temples.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had promised Rs 11,000 crore to build and improve roads leading to these four sites before the assembly elections. He laid the projects foundation after the BJPs win.

Gadkaris letter gave the opposition Congress the opportunity to accuse the Union minister of trying to protect corrupt officials.

Its strange that the Union minister has openly threatened the state government, Uttarakhand Congress president Pritam Singh said.
The government suspended two senior Saharanpur officials on Wednesday because of their inability to control caste clashes that has killed two people and injured scores in the western Uttar Pradesh town.

The Saharanpur senior superintendent of police Subhash Chandra Dubey and district magistrate NP Singh were suspended late in the evening. It wasnt immediately clear when and where they would be posted. Orders for posting new officers to Saharanpur was also being issued.

In another development, the DIG and divisional commissioner of the violence-hit district were also transferred.

This comes after fresh clashes between Dalits and Thakurs in Saharanpur on Tuesday evening that left one dead and eight injured. The violence began on May 5 over a rally to commemorate 16th century king Maharana Pratap. Thakurs torched scores of Dalit houses in Shabeerpur village near Saharanpur. Days later, angry Dalits damaged several houses and vehicles.

The caste violence is being seen as the first law and order challenge for chief minister Yogi Adityanath since the BJP came to power in March.

Police have tightened security and arrested more than 20 people after Tuesdays attacks on Dalits who were returning from a rally of Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati. Senior state government officials are camping in the area. Dalits in adjoining villages protested against the killing, damaging some shops that led to closure of markets.

BSPs Saharanpur zonal in-charge Kuldeep Baliyan told HT a meeting of party leaders had been called to take stock of the situation. He said a delegation would meet the DM and the SSP to demand immediate arrest of all suspects and adequate security to Dalits.

On Tuesday, Mayawati met the victims of caste clashes and held the BJP government responsible for incidents of violence in the state. She, however, advised Dalits not to take law in their hands and called upon the people of all castes to work for peace and harmony.

Saharanpur district has 26% Dalit population spread across villages and 10% Thakurs. In Shabeerpur village, the total population of the village is 4,000 that includes 2,500 Thakurs and 600 Dalits. This lop-sided ratio worries the Dalits.
Saharanpur caste clashes, seen as the Yogi Adityanath governments first major law and order challenge, had political undercurrents, claim leaders of the Dalit and Thakur communities that were locked in a bloody conflict which also sucked Muslims into it.

The spiral of violence started from Shabbirpur village, home to around 600 Dalits and over 900 Thakurs. Dalit victims of the clashes say upper caste Thakurs prevented them from installing a statue of BR Ambedkar on the premises of the Ravidas temple in the village.

Later, on May 5, a Dalit group objected to a procession of Thakurs to mark the birth anniversary of Rajput king Maharana Pratap, triggering violence, in which one person was killed and over 15 injured.

Jatav Dalits in the village say Thakurs lay low till Behenji (Mayawati) was in power, but things have changed now.

With Yogi Adityanath, a Thakur, at the helm of the government, members of his community are asserting their authority. During the BSP rule, they used to say do not even touch Dalits. They are high-voltage power lines. Now, they have unleashed carnage. This government is barely two months old, five years is a long time, says 62-year-old Dal Singh, who is nursing his injuries at the district hospital in Saharanpur.

Votebank politics

Shyam Singh (55), whose house was torched in the clashes, alleges, The BJP is trying to consolidate its Thakur votebank through violence as the local bodies polls are close.

The BJP tried to pit Dalits against Muslims in Sadak Dudhli village, where clashes had erupted in April during a rally organised to mark Ambedkar Jayanti. They are eyeing Dalit votes, alleges Swapnil Bhaskar, another victim of the clashes.

Rajya Sabha MP and former chairman of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes, P L Punia, who recently visited Saharanpur to meet those injured in the clashes, says, There is an Ambedkar statue at the residence of the village head. But the other group made a big deal about installing a bust on the temples premises.

Kshatriyas inflicted atrocities on Dalits and the administration was complicit in the deed. BJP leaders enacted a drama of leading an Ambedkar rally in Sadak Dudhli. The party is openly supporting Thakurs, Punia claims.

BJP activists, led by local MP Raghav Lakhanpal Sharma, had on April 20 taken out a march in Sadak Dudhli without the administrations approval to mark Ambedkar Jayanti, which Dalits celebrated on April 14. Its participants clashed with the Muslim residents.

Fascist forces on the loose

Jignesh Mewani, the face of last years Dalit agitation in Gujarat, says, Fascist forces have broken loose ever since Yogi Adityanath became the Uttar Pradesh chief minister. They feel encouraged. Earlier, there were no rallies on the birth anniversary of Maharana Pratap. This time, they broke with tradition.

Dalits in the village alerted the police when the situation took a turn for the worse. According to the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, the administration is required to take pre-emptive measures in such a case, but it did absolutely nothing. It shows someone else was pulling the strings, Mewani, who is a lawyer, alleges.

A pregnant woman was attacked with a sword and an attempt was made to immolate a child. What happened to the policy of sabka sath sabka vikas? he asks.

He says the Bheem Army -- a Dalit group which, the police say, was behind the May 9 violence in the district  is committed to holding peaceful protests.

Fascist forces have broken loose ever since Yogi Adityanath became the Uttar Pradesh chief minister. They feel encouraged. Earlier, there were no rallies on the birth anniversary of Maharana Pratap. This time, they broke with tradition.

-Jignesh Mewani, Dalit leader

The polices highhandedness against a group of Dalits who gathered in Gandhi Park for a mahapanchayat to demand compensation for those affected by the May 5 clashes was responsible for their outburst, he says.

Mewani alleges that Sher Singh Rana, who was in 2014 convicted by a Delhi court for murdering dacoit-turned-politician Phoolan Devi, a Dalit, was invited to garland a statue of Maharana Pratap on his birth anniversary. It is clear that they want to instill fear among Dalits.

Sher Singh, who is out on bail, claims non-allegiance to any political party. He says he was invited as the chief guest at a function in Simlana village, 4 km from Shabbirpur, when he came to know that a Thakur youth had been killed in clashes with the Jatavs.

Shabbirpur village head Shiv Kumar, a Dalit, led a group which blocked the procession of Thakurs, triggering heated arguments. The police were informed, but it was too late, he says.

A few political parties are engineering riots to split the vote bank of the BJP, which trounced them in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls. When the rival parties saw that Dalits had also started believing in the BJP, they pit them against Thakurs, he alleges.

The BJPs Raghav Lakhanpal Sharma represents Saharanpur in the Lok Sabha, while the Samajwadi Partys Sanjay Garg is the local MLA.

Garg defeated the BJPs Rajiv Gumber by over 4,000 votes in the February-March assembly elections. The BSP, which had won four of the seven assembly seats in Saharanpur in 2012, drew a blank this time.

Violence result of desperation

Kartikey Rana, son of former UP minister Rajinder Singh Rana, says the BSP is trying hard to save its vote bank, the violence is the result of this desperation.

He warned of protests by Thakurs across the city if the police failed to arrest Bheem Army founder Chandrashekar Azad and the Shabbirpur village head, who police sources said have gone into hiding. Azad, however, emerged at the Jantar Mantar this week to lead a protest against alleged atrocities on Dalits in Uttar Pradesh.

Manoj Rana, a 26-year-old Thakur who had a close shave on May 9 when the Bheem Army allegedly went on the rampage in several areas in the city, says, The Dalit group is said to be two-year-old, but we never heard of it. It sprang into action only after the assembly elections. Opposition parties, especially the BSP, suffered a severe drubbing in the polls.

Fearing for their future, they are orchestrating riots. Both sides, however, allege police inaction.

Senior Superintendent of Police, Saharanpur, Subhash Chandra Dubey says the situation is under control. 28 people have been arrested in connection with incidents of stone-pelting and arson, and those at large will be soon nabbed.

SP (City) Prabal Pratap says the police have been on their toes and have launched a crackdown on those trying to foment tension by circulating inflammatory messages on social media.
The regional government of Catalonia says in a document the details of which were published by EL PAIS on Monday that it will declare unilateral independence if it is prevented from holding a referendum on sovereignty . But a poll commissioned by EL PAIS shows that only 35% of Catalans support this option, with 61% rejecting it outright. Furthermore, 67% of voters in the northeastern region are opposed to unilateral independence without any kind of debate in the Catalan regional parliament.

A march in favor of Catalan independence in 2016. Consuelo Bautista

Unilateral secession from Spain has steadily been embraced by most of Catalonias pro-independence parties in the face of the refusal by the central government in Madrid and the courts to allow the region to hold a referendum on sovereignty, whether merely consultative or binding.

The option was initially supported only by the Republican Left of Catalonia Party (ERC) and the left-wing CUP, but the center-right Catalan European Democratic Party (PDeCAT)  the successor to the Democratic Convergence of Catalonia, led by regional premier Carles Puigdemont  now supports it and wants a law approving it passed this summer in the Catalan regional parliament.

Around 60% of Catalans say they are worried about the future of their region

A unilateral declaration of independence is supported only by voters of pro-independence parties in the region, with 29% of PDeCat supporters against it, and 21% of ERC and CUP voters opposing the move.

In contrast, one in four voters of Catalunya Si que es Pot, a coalition that includes anti-austerity party Podemos, supports unilateral independence, the EL PAIS poll shows.

An even greater number of voters, 67%, reject the efforts of the government of Puigdemont, supported by CUP, to change procedural rules in the Catalan parliament to allow the draft bill on unilateral independence to be pushed through with minimal debate and no possibility of amendments. Deputies in the regional parliament would be given just a few hours to read the bill before voting on such fundamental questions as the organizational structure of a future Catalan state and language rights.

The EL PAIS poll, carried out by Metroscopia, suggests that the sovereignty process being pushed by the Catalan regional government is losing momentum ahead of the proposed sovereignty referendum in late September. Disputes within the parties driving the secession process, along with upcoming trials of a number of some of their leaders, are undermining morale among wide sections of the Catalan electorate. Two out of three Catalans, or 66%, believe the process is not going well and only one in three, 34%, believe that independence is close to reality, down from 43% in 2014.

There is now a growing sense of fatigue within the pro-independence community

Over the last five years since moderate nationalists embraced independence and set a course toward a referendum, as well as accepting the idea of unilateral secession, there is now a growing sense of fatigue within the pro-independence community, reflected by the dwindling numbers of people prepared to protest against the court cases brought against some Catalan nationalists.

The Metroscopia poll shows that 62% of Catalans say they are worried about the future of their region, compared to 31%, who say they are excited. That 31-point difference is double that of July 2015, shortly before the regional elections that swept the pro-independence parties to power.

Since then, there has been constant fighting with the government of Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy in Madrid, first between former regional premier Artur Mas, and now his predecessor Puigdemont and his Republican Left deputy leader Oriol Junqueras, supported by the radical left of CUP.

At the same time, the Catalan regional government has faced serious internal problems, with spats between Republican Left and PDeCat deputies over organizing a referendum, as well as conflicts with CUP in the regional parliament over the budget.

And then there are the court cases against Mas, his right hand man Francesc Homs and others over the non-binding informal referendum held in November 2014 that produced a vote in favor of a breakaway from the rest of Spain.

Catalan unilateral secession: Worthy of the worst dictatorship Fernando Garea At its next plenary session, the Spanish Congress is to debate a motion presented by PDeCaT, the Catalan pro-independence party that heads the government in the northeastern region, on an independence referendum for Catalonia. Deputies in Congress, led by the ruling Popular Party, the Socialists (PSOE) and Ciudadanos, are expected to reject the proposal. In principle, none of these three groups supports any further congressional initiatives on Catalan independence, unless Carles Puigdemont, the Catalan regional premier, is prepared to appear before deputies. The PP says there are no plans for Congress to debate independence for Catalonia in the foreseeable future unless or until the regional parliament of Catalonia itself approves changes to the law, which it would then present to Congress, as happened in 2005, when the Basque regional parliament approved changing the law on its status within Spain. In such a case, Puigdemont could debate the motion at a plenary session of Congress. The PPs spokesman, Rafael Hernando, said that Puigdemont could be asked to appear before Congresss Constitutional Committee, although he is not obliged to do so, after which a format could be found. Speaking on Tuesday in Senate in response to a question by the Republican Left on his willingness to allow an independence referendum, Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy resorted to his traditional line that a referendum is beyond his powers and would be anti-constitutional, describing Catalan regional premier Carles Puigdemont's proposal for unilateral secession as "worthy of the worst dictatorship, and Spain, for the moment, is a democracy, and we are going to preserve that." Rajoy repeated his "willingness and obligation" since taking office 2011 to "resolve problems rather than create them," accusing Puigdemont and the regional government of Catalonia of refusing to talk and that "a head of government cannot accept blackmail."

English version by Nick Lyne.
The Uttar Pradesh government on Wednesday withdrew internet services in Saharanpur and suspended the district magistrate and police chief as it grappled to contain caste clashes that have killed two people and injured scores since May 5.

Two men were shot at in different places during the day and another person was assaulted by unidentified people but police said it was not clear if the incidents were linked to the clashes between Dalits and upper-caste Thakurs in the area, around 175 km from Delhi.

Officials said in Lucknow, internet and short messaging services (SMS) were suspended indefinitely to check rumour-mongering and provocative posts through social media and mobile phones. The ban will not apply to police and administration officers.

The violence is being seen as the first law and order challenge for Yogi Adityanath since the BJP came to power in March, especially in western UP where caste and communal divide runs deep.

The clashes started over a rally to commemorate 16th century Rajput king Maharana Pratap. Thakurs allegedly torched scores of Dalit houses in Shabeerpur village near Saharanpur. Days later, angry Dalits damaged several houses and vehicles of Thakurs.

Officials said the chief minister ordered suspension of district magistrate NP Singh and senior superintendent of police SC Dubey for their failure to contain the clashes. PK Pandey was appointed as the new DM, Bablu Kumar will take charge as the district police chief.

The government also transferred divisional commissioner and a deputy inspector general of police.

Home secretary Mani Prasad Mishra and three top police officials were rushed to Saharanpur after Yogi Adityanath reviewed the situation on Tuesday, shortly after fresh clashes left one dead and eight injured.

Earlier on Wednesday, motorcyle-borne assailants shot at a youth, identified as Pradeep Chauhan, when he was on his way to Saharanpur. The victim, shot at from behind, was sent to a hospital in Chandigarh.

Unidentified people also attacked two men in Mirzapur village in the morning, the police said. One of them was shot while the other was assaulted, police said, adding they were admitted to hospital.

Police arrested more than 20 people on Tuesday after the attacks on Dalits who were returning from a rally of Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati.

Mayawati met some families of victims and held the BJP government responsible for the violence. She, however, advised Dalits not to take law in their hands and called upon the people of all castes to work for peace and harmony.

State health minister Siddharth Nath Singh said the BSP president was shedding crocodile tears and trying to regain ground she lost in the recent assembly elections.

Saharanpur district has 26% Dalit population villages and 10% Thakurs.
The Sukhoi-30 fighter plane that went off the radar in Indias northeast on Tuesday is still untraceable. The fate of its two pilots is also uncertain after the Russian-made jet lost radio and radar contact 60km north of Tezpur in Assam.

Here are five things about the Indian Air Forces frontline Su-30 fighter planes:

The fleet

The IAF has contracted 272 Su-30 MKI fighter planes out of which nearly 240 have been delivered. The remaining 32 fighters are likely to be inducted over the next three years.

The first 50 jets came in ready from Russia, the remaining were and are being built under licence by the state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.

Safety record

Seven Su-30 jets have crashed since 2009, while one is still listed as missing. The IAF inducted its first Su-30 fighter at the Lohegaon air base in Pune in June 1997.

Engine trouble

Indias Su-30 fleet is plagued by engine troubles. Russian-origin fighters recorded 35 engine failures or engine-related problems between January 2013 and December 2014.

Poor serviceability

The Su-30 fleet is also battling poor serviceability, standing at barely 60%. Simply put, only 60 of 100 fighter planes are mission-ready at any given time.

Way forward

India and Russia signed two agreements in March for long-term supply of spares for Su-30 fighter jets. The agreements lay down the terms and conditions for technical assistance and supply of spares for five years, improving the fleets serviceability.
Staring at countless cameras and media persons, 55-year-old Jeevan Ram looked unrepentant. Meri bahut lambi kahaani hai (My story is a long one), he said when asked why he planned the murder of his son-in-law, Amit Nayar.

His son Mukesh, another accused in the murder, was vocal. My sister used to tie Rakhi on Amit. What kind of a person undermines such a relationship? asked Mukesh before they were taken away by the police.

The Jaipur police arrested four people, including the father-in-law and mother-in-law of Nayar, who was shot dead at his home on May 17 in front of his pregnant wife. The fifth person, Nayars brother-in-law Mukesh, had been arrested last Friday.

The police said that after numerous attempts to separate their daughter, Mamta, from Nayar, the family decided to kill him. For the last few months, the Nayars in-laws were planning his murder. We have arrested Nayars father-in-law Jeevan Ram, mother-in-law Bhagwani Devi. Another person, Bhagwana Ram, was instrumental in planning the crime, and has been arrested, said commissioner of police Sanjay Agarwal.

Jeevan Ram was arrested from Haryana while Devi was nabbed from Sikar district, said Agarwal.

Amit Nayars father-in-law Jeevan Ram, who is accused of his murder. (HT Photo)

The police have also arrested one Ravindra Shekhawat, a car thief, whom the family had earlier approached to murder Nayar but the plan had not gone through.

We are searching for two others who were with them on the morning of the murder, including the person who fired the shot. Investigation suggests that they were seasoned mercenaries, said Agarwal.

On the morning of May 17, 28-year-old Nayar was shot dead in front of his wife and in-laws by his father-in-law henchman.

Officials had said that after the murder, a struggle ensued and Mamta started screaming and didnt go with her parents. Her father Jeevan Ram, mother and the others fled the spot in a car parked outside the house.

Bhagwana Ram is a retired constable of the Rajasthan Armed Constabulary (RAC) and had aided the family in hiring the shooters and planning the attack on Nayar. We will be interrogating all of them to know more about the hired mercenaries, said Agarwal.
Jat, Gurjars give ultimatum to govt over job reservation

The government move to buy time by re-including five castes in other backward class (OBC) list has failed to have much impact with Gujjars now demanding that they be granted 5 per cent reservation in jobs. The community has given a 10-day deadline to the government.

On the other hand the Jats in Bharatpur and Dholpur districts too have threatened to launch a fresh agitation in 15 days if they were not included in the OBC category.

The Bharatpur-Dholpur Jat Aarakshan Sangharsh Samiti held a meeting Wednesday. Convener Nem Singh alleged that the state government has been delaying inclusion of the community in the OBC despite the fact that OBC commission submitted its survey report a few months ago.

The panchayat declared to launch an agitation after 15 days and block all highways and railway routes passing through the district. Meanwhile, we will start village to village meetings to make people aware of the stir for quota. Youths from the community are facing a big loss. Any further delay on the issue will not be tolerated, Nem Singh said.

Barring the Jats from Bharatpur and Dholpur, others in the state have been granted reservation under the OBC category both by the Centre and the state. Jats from the two districts were excluded by the centre.

Meanwhile, Gujjar leader Col Kirori Singh Bainsla has also issued an ultimatum to government to grant the 5% reservation in jobs within 10 days. We want 5% separate quota in OBC category and will not hold any interaction with government representatives after 10 days. Government should solve this matter, Bainsla said.

The Bharatpur administration has prepared a 13-point proposal ahead of the conference between chief minister Vasundhara Raje and collectors and superintendents of police on May 31 to June 3 in Jaipur. The issue of Jat and Gujjar reservation will be discussed during the conference.
The Sikar police on Wednesday arrested two people and detained a juvenile delinquent for allegedly gangraping two minor girls. Another accused is absconding, the police said.

The complainant has alleged that the men befriended one of the girls about seven months ago. After a while, they made acquaintance with another one of her friends, said Surendra Saini, station house officer, Danta Ramgarh police station. The police said that both the girls are minors and are aged 16 and 14 respectively.

The officials added that the girls would regularly meet the accused till their families came to know about it. The father of one of the girls alleged that the accused raped her and posted her obscene pictures on social media. A case was registered on May 19, said Saini.

Police said that the accused have been identified as Roshan Khan, Shakeel and Saddam. The minor accused has been sent to a childrens home after being detained.

The accused have been booked under section 376D (gangrape), 354 (outraging the modesty of a woman) and sections of the Information Technology Act. One of the accused is absconding and we have initiated a search for him, said Saini.

The police said that the family members of the girls have also alleged that the accused wanted to forcefully convert them. However, one of the police officials investigating the case, who did not want to be named, said, Preliminary investigation suggests that nothing of this sort happened. The family members mentioned love jihad as one of the motives in the FIR after being advised by certain fundamentalist social organisations.

Kushal Singh, circle officer, Neem Ka Thana said that medical tests of the girls have been done.

We are investigating the case and further details will come up as the probe progresses, said Singh.
The Yogi Adityanath government appears to have struck gold as it goes ahead with mining of sand under the new mining policy.

If initial reports reaching from district headquarters are to be believed, the states revenue from mining of minor minerals  sand and coarse sand etc.-- would double this year and may go up manifold in coming years.

Yes, we are awarding contracts through e-tendering for mining of sand and coarse sand on higher rates now. In many districts, this rate for mining of sand is expected to go up even 10 times higher. In Rampur, the rate for mining has gone up from Rs 55 per cubic feet to 850 per cubic feet at one of the site. At another site in the district the rate has gone up from Rs 55 to 446 per cubic feet. In Gautam Buddha Nagar the rate has gone up from Rs 65 to 485 per cubic feet. In Agra the rate is up from Rs 55 per cubic feet to Rs 505 per cubic feet. We are giving short term leases for six months and hope to double the revenue from mining this year, said additional chief secretary (Mining) Raj Pratap Singh.

Uttar Pradesh government had received Rs 1500 crore revenue from mining in 2016-2017. We now hope to get Rs 3000 crore in 2017-2018, said Singh adding contracts were being awarded in 60 out of 75 districts.

Chief minister Yogi Adityanath too had recently stated that the state government had been losing large revenue from mining in the past and hoped the states revenue would go up manifold in coming days. UPs mining ministers earnings appear to have gone up more than the state governments revenue during the previous regime, Yogi had said while replying to motion of thanks to governor in the state assembly last week. Yogi however did not name the minister for mining during the previous regime.

The BJP had made large scale irregularities in mining contracts a major issue in 2017 assembly elections. Party leaders had accused the then minister for mining Gayatri Prajapati of irregularities. Once in power, the Yogi government had decided to do away with the mining policy of previous regime and said no to renewal of mining leases. On April 4, 2017, the Yogi cabinet decided to amend the Uttar Pradesh Minor Minerals Rules, 1963, to end the shortage of building material  sand and coarse sand. Amended rules incorporate provision of up to five year of imprisonment and Rs 5 lakh per hectare fine for illegal mining. On April 11, 2017 the state cabinet had approved short term and long term measures that included authorizing district magistrates to issue e-tenders to allocate up to 10-acre area for sand mining for six months.

Read more | Crackdown on illegal sand mining: Mafia on the run, villagers plant vegetables

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For the last three years, a visually impaired teacher at a school in a village in Bulandshahr district, 55 km away from his residence at Modinagar in Ghaziabad, is running from pillar to post to get a transfer in a school close to his place.

Sachin Kumar, who is visually challenged since birth, was in Lucknow on Tuesday to meet Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath at the Janata Darshan. But all his hopes were shattered as he could not meet the CM. One officer took my letter without hearing my plight, said the 33-year-old teacher.

Kumar was appointed as assistant teacher on July 31, 2013 at a primary school in Khushaalpur, Gulaboathi in Bulandshahr. He had applied for a transfer in the previous government, but it in vain. I was denied transfer on the ground that I hadnt completed three years at one posting. They told me to approach them after March 31, 2017, he said.

My other colleagues who had hardly completed one year, were given transfers. One of my colleagues had just completed eight months when he got transferred to Noida, even when there were no vacancies there, said Sachin who even had four minor accidents while commuting from home to school.

This assistant teacher, who is facing inconvenience of long commute every day, said he bears the responsibility of his mother who often stays ill. The village, thus, is not an appropriate place for him to stay at with his mother.

Sachin said, I had written letters to the CM office during the tenure of the previous government, but wasnt given much heed. I again made an attempt on Tuesday, but I dont know who collected my application letter. I couldnt identify his voice, but Im sure it wasnt the CM. They said they will look into it, he said.

Receiving no concrete assurance as of now, Kumar continues to commute to the school, following his passion to teach.

This government has declared that before transferring any applicant, they will look into their track record. I have no issue with it. They can look into my record. Despite hardships I go to the school regularly, he said.

Not able to carry the teaching equipment like projector and laptop over such long distances, Kumar feels helpless at times. Sachin has appealed to the government to sanction his transfer.

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The Sakinaka police arrested two drivers for allegedly killing another in Andheri (East) on Tuesday morning.

Danish Shaikh, 22, and his friend Firoz Shaikh, 37, suspected that Amarkumar Gupta, 24, had stolen their phone and beat him to death.

According to a police source, around 5am on Tuesday, Danish could not find his phone and accused Gupta of stealing it. This led to an altercation and Danish and Firoz punched and kicked Amarkumar. After being assaulted, Amarkumar said that he had thrown Danishs phone near Mithi River.

Around 9am, they took an auto to the site to recover the phone. However, Amarkumar collapsed on the spot and the others fled.

A passerby called the police when he saw Amarkumar lying on the ground. He was taken to Rajawadi Hospital but was declared dead on admission.

The police arrested the accused and presented them before a magistrate court. They have been remanded in custody till May 29.
The story of the two little boys from Ulhasnagar has gone viral. The video of them being tonsured, slapped, stripped, paraded naked with a garland of slippers around their necks went viral too. Theres no one I know who watched the video and did not respond with shock and sympathy for the boys, and with rage and revulsion at the perpetrators.

All that the boys, aged eight and nine, had done to bring on this punishment was to steal chaklis worth two rupees from a neighbourhood shop. Since the horrific abuse they suffered last Saturday, they havent been able to sleep, havent gone out to play, have barely eaten and, by all accounts, were traumatised enough to be shifted to a childrens centre nearby. Their mothers, both single parents, work as domestic help. Their homes are one-room tenements in Prem Nagar slum, divided along communal lines, marked by squalor and the absence of civic facilities.

The three perpetrators, shop-keeper Mehmood Pathan and his two grown-up sons Irfan and Tawwakal, were arrested and charged under sections of the Indian Penal Code, the Atrocities Act and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The Maharashtra State Commission for Child Rights member-secretary visited the anguished boys as did the chairperson of the states Child Welfare Committee. The establishment stirred perhaps because Union minister Maneka Gandhi was directly addressed on a social media platform about the case.

The childrens rights were outrageously violated, their dignity stolen from them. They were left physically and emotionally scarred. The abuse of child rights is so commonplace in the citys slums that few people take note. Girls, too young to know gender, are subjected to sexual abuse and violence; boys are exposed to the worst face of society. Activists who work with under-privileged children have horrifying stories to narrate.

The Prem Nagar incident should shake up the child rights protection system but it cannot end there. It has exposed, once again, the abysmal lack of child care facilities available to women  especially poorer women  who must work for a living. Only a few women can afford the luxury of being stay-at-home mothers (this includes Mira Rajput, actor Shahid Kapoors wife and new mom, who gave us gyaan on the subject). Even fewer have the privilege to afford excellent child care while they work.

Most women make do with family support, neighbourhood facilities, extended school/class timings and so on. Women who work as daily wage labourers or domestic help do not even have these options. They are, more often than not, single mothers struggling to keep their homes running. Their children grow up in their absence, often out of school, unsupervised and unprotected, left to their own devices at a tender age. Their socialisation is brutal and dystopian in every way.

Studies have shown that such women are acutely aware of the dangers they expose their children to but have little choice. An average of 42% women workers believed that work interfered with child rearing and led to their neglect, according to the volume Capturing Womens Work. Among Mumbais women workers, this was an astounding 69%.

The law provides for mandatory child care facilities, but only in formal workplaces with a defined number of employees. That these facilities do not exist is another story. But women at the bottom rungs of the work ladder, in the informal unorganised sectors, do not even have the law on their side. A network of state-supported child care facilities across the city is an absolute necessity; it must be worked into development plans.

That the boys were subjected to such brutality is a sign of how mob violence, uncontrolled rage and vigilante justice have replaced compassion and a sense of proportion in these times. That Pathans wife told the media that it was all done in funThere was no need to go to the police shows how lightly child abuse  and child care  is taken.

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The Central Intelligence Unit at Air Cargo Complex (ACC) in Andheri on Monday arrested five people for allegedly evading customs duty payment of Rs26 crore. According to the police, they were looking to smuggle mobile phones and accessories into the country. The five accused include custom brokers and importers.

Custom brokers are agents for an importer or exporter who are paid brokerage for clearing goods through customs. Gross mis-declaration has been resorted to evade payment of customs duty. The description of the declared goods was vague so as to undervalue the consignment. Most of the goods were branded products, said Atul Saxena, additional commissioner, ACC. Certain entities registered in Hong Kong, China and Chinese Taipei are suppliers for most of the consignments of mobile accessories.

Authorities stated that certain branded products were not declared at all. Around 400 consignments have been cleared in the past and customs duty amounting to Rs 26 crore has been evaded, said Saxena.

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Sri Lankan smuggler takes 3 days to pass 12 gold pieces he swallowed before flying to Mumbai

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The Spanish armys Leopard combat tanks had never participated in a foreign mission until now. And not since the times of the Blue Division  a unit of Spanish volunteers who served with the German army on the Eastern Front during WWII  have Spanish troops been this close to the Russian border: just 200 kilometers away.

Spanish general Francisco Jose Dacoba Cervino in front of a Pizarro combat vehicle. OC BRIGADA XI

Under NATOs umbrella, a tactical subgroup made up of 300 troops and 80 vehicles from the western Spanish area of Badajoz has begun deploying at Adazi military base in Latvia. The guidelines are clear: Keep a defensive profile and avoid provocations.

Its a defensive mission, and above all one of deterrence, said General Francisco Jose Dacoba Cervino, head of the Extremadura Brigade, which is contributing the bulk of the troops, in a conversation with EL PAIS.

If Russia were to attack, troops would have to contain the first advance until reinforcements arrived

Following the annexation of Crimea [in 2014], the Baltic states and Poland asked for a permanent NATO presence on their territory, he adds. The answer to their concerns, approved at the Warsaw summit of 2016, was an unequivocal sign of solidarity and commitment with all our allies. If one of us is attacked, we are all under attack.

The Spanish troops will join a tactical battlegroup made up of around 1,000 servicemen and women led by Canada, and currently with the participation of Poland, Italy, Slovenia and Albania. There are three other battlegroups stationed in Estonia (under UK leadership), Lithuania (led by the Germans) and Poland (under the United States). In total, around 4,000 troops from 16 countries are participating in NATOs Enhanced Forward Presence, which aims to reinforce deterrence and defense strategies on the Alliances eastern and southeastern borders.

The battlegroup will carry out exercises in September and possibly in October, said the Spanish general.

Edgars Rinkevics (right), Latvia's foreign minister, visited Spain in April. Latvia Foreign Ministry

Unlike other missions, however, Spanish troops will not be patrolling the area this time. Instead, they will simply prepare themselves for action.

All our activities, maneuvers and target practices will be announced ahead of time, so nobody can claim that they hadnt been warned. We expect reciprocity from the other side, said the general, alluding to Russia.

We have clear instructions to keep a defensive profile, avoid provocation and not come near the border.

Although less numerous than Canadas own contribution of 450 troops, General Dacoba said that the Spanish contingent is the strongest in terms of capacity and power of all the groups being deployed in Latvia.

The mission guidelines are clear: keep a defensive profile and avoid provocations

Spain is sending six Leopard tanks and 14 Pizarro tanks, which are superior to the Polish PT-91 (which is based on the Soviet T-72) and to the Piranha and Freccia armored vehicles contributed by Canada and Italy.

A Spanish commander will be the number-two official in command, and another will be in charge of training. A Spanish captain will head the sapper unit. Spain is also contributing 12 tracked armored personnel vehicles, support weapons (including mortars and Spike anti-tank guided missiles) and drones.

Dacoba is not contemplating the theory of a Russian attack on Latvia, but he admits that, were one to take place, the troops stationed there would have to contain the first advance until reinforcements arrived. In order for deterrence to work, it has to be credible, notes Dacoba. Otherwise, it could have the opposite effect.

English version by Susana Urra.
The Nagpada police have arrested a former member of the legislative assembly (MLA) Ramesh Kadam for abusing and threatening a policeman posted at Byculla jail. A case was registered on Saturday against Kadam after a video of the former Solapur MLA allegedly threatening Manoj Pawar outside the jail surfaced recently.

Kadam was arrested in August 2015 for alleged misappropriation of Rs132 crore from the funds of Lokshahir Annabhau Sathe Magasvargiya Vikas Mahamandal, which he headed.

The alleged incident took place at 10.45am on Thursday when Kadam was being taken to JJ hospital by Pawar for a medical checkup.

As they were waiting for the police van outside Byculla jail, Kadam started walking around.

The officer asked him to wait at one side, which angered Kadam and he started to abuse the officer, said an officer from Nagpada police station.

Pawar recorded the whole incident with the help of a constable, after the MLA threatened to get him arrested under a false case.

In the video, a copy of which is with HT, Kadam is seen asking the constables stationed outside Byculla jail to call the policemans senior and tell them that he was asking Rs25,000 bribe.

Sources said Kadam then refused to go to a hospital after he was taken back to his cell.

At 12.45pm, Kadam agreed to go to the hospital and was brought back by 1.30pm after the doctor said there was no need for an operation for his ailment, said police sources.

In the fresh case, Kadam was booked under sections 186 (obstructing public servant in discharge of public functions), 189 (threat of injury to public servant), 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace) and 506 (2) (punishment for criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code.

Senior police inspector Baswant from Nagpada police confirmed the arrest and said, We are investigating the case very thoroughly.

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Former MLA Ramesh Kadam booked for threatening, abusing cop in front of Mumbai jail
In a gruesome incident, the 21-year-old son of a Mumbai cop allegedly murdered his mother, drew a smiley with her blood next to her body, with the words Tired of her. Catch me and hang me. In another unfortunate incident, seven people died after a jeep rammed into a truck on the Ahmednagar-Aurangabad road. While your commute to Bandra (East) through Kalanagar junction is about to get congested owing to the construction of a new flyover, the Maharashtra government has decided to revoke the Special Planning Authority (SPA) status given to Lavasa Corporation Limited in 2008. Also, Panvel residents on Wednesday cast their votes for the first time ever for the Panvel City Municipal Corporation (PCMC), which was formed last year.

Here are todays top five picks:

1. Mumbai cops son kills mother, draws smiley with her blood, writes tired of her, catch me, hang me

The wife of a Mumbai police officer who investigated the high-profile Sheena Bora murder case was found stabbed to death early on Wednesday, and police said they suspected the couples 21-year-old son. Dnyeshwar Ganore found his wife with multiple stab wounds in their home at Vakola at about 1am on Wednesday, and a smiley was drawn in her blood next to her body with the words; Tired of her. Catch me and hang me.

2. Traffic jams, bottlenecks to make Mumbais Kalanagar junction a nightmare from first week of June

Your travel to Bandra east via Kalanagar junction is set to get more tedious. The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) will start work on a 1.5-km flyover that will connect Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) and the road leading to Bandra-Worli Sea Link (BWSL) from the first week of June. The flyover is part of a maze of three flyovers that will be built to decongest the busy junction.

3. 7 die as jeep rams into truck on Maharashtra highway

Seven people were killed and two injured as the jeep they were travelling in collided with a truck on the Ahmednagar-Aurangabad road in Maharashtra on Wednesday morning. According to the local police, the group was on a pilgrimage to a shrine in Buldhana. The driver of the jeep, according to police, lost control, hitting the truck head-on .

4. Maharashtra civic polls: 22% voting in Panvel, 16% in Bhiwandi till 11.30am

Around 22% of voters cast their ballot till 11.30am on Wednesday for the first-ever Panvel City Municipal Corporation (PCMC) elections. The Bhiwandi municipal corporation has recorded 16% voting so far. The Panvel election is being held for 78 seats in 20 wards.

5. Lavasa loses special status, set to come under Maharashtra govt authority

The Maharashtra government has decided to revoke the Special Planning Authority (SPA) status given to Lavasa Corporation Limited in 2008 to develop the private hill city near Pune. The government said the decision was taken as a new planning authority  the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA)  has been set up for the Pune region. Lavasa Corporation was given the SPA status in 2008, PMRDA was formed in 2015.
The Maharashtra government has decided to revoke the Special Planning Authority (SPA) status given to Lavasa Corporation Limited in 2008 to develop the private hill city near Pune.

The government said the decision was taken as a new planning authority  the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA)  has been set up for the Pune region. Lavasa Corporation was given the SPA status in 2008, PMRDA was formed in 2015.

CM Devendra Fadnavis confirmed the development. The government also said it would take action if irregularities are found in the development of the hill station. We have decided to revoke the SPA status of Lavasa Corporation Limited, as it comes under the PMRDA. The status was accorded when there was no special planning authority for Pune. It was part of the ease of doing business plan, but now we have PMRDA, and hence their SPA status has been removed, Fadnavis said. The SPA status gives an entity or developer the power to draw up land use plans, develop land in its jurisdiction, sanction constructions and punish irregularities.

Lavasa Corporation said they will respond only after getting an official communication from the government.

We are yet to receive any official communication. We can respond appropriately only after receiving the same, said a spokesperson.

Read more: No special status for Punes Lavasa: NCP chief Sharad Pawar meets CM Devendra Fadnavis

The SPA status is usually granted to government undertakings, such as the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) and CIDCO. In Lavasas case, it was the first time a private entity was given such a status. The then Congress-NCP government had drawn flak for the decision.

Fadnavis said,With the decision, Lavasa will now have to come to the PMRDA for permissions and approvals for developing the rest of the project. What has been done by them so far will now be handed over to PMRDA. He added the government will take action if it finds any irregularities.

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the Maharashtra legislature, in report, had also recommended the state cancels the SPA status, Fadnavis said.

Significantly, in 2011, the states urban development department (UDD) had recommended cancelling the SPA status to Lavasa, after it had sought the opinion of the Union urban development ministry  which pointed out Maharashtra was the only state that had granted such a status to a private company. The erstwhile Congress-NCP government, however, avoided taking any decision, sources said.

The Comptroller and Auditor General, in its 2012 report, too had reprimanded the state for granting the SPA status to a private firm. The CAG, in a report for the year ending March 31, 2011, had said there had been no transparency in the process of granting permissions and approvals to Lavasa.

Amendments, which diluted well-established government procedures, were made to ensure Lavasa Corporation Limited (LCL) had a free hand in developing the project to serve its own commercial interest at the cost of public interest, the report had said.

Suniti SR of the National Alliance for Peoples Movement, which has been agitating over the issue, welcomed the governments decision. She, however, demanded the government should go ahead by taking action against all alleged irregularities in the project.

Read more: Lavasa Corp challenges ministrys pre-conditions

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In separate incidents, two students were killed and two women were grievously injured after lightning struck them in Murbad district, 70km east of Mumbai, on Tuesday.

Sandip Ramesh Pokhla,15, who recently appeared for the SSC exam, was standing outside his house at Muddalwadi village when lightning struck him. It killed him and critically injured his 40-year-old mother Mangi Bai and grandmother, who is in her 60s, said the police. They were in the kitchen at the time. Two oxen that were tied in the house were also killed.

It was drizzling and windy. Local residents heard a loud thud and realised that Sandips house was struck by lightning. The women and the boy were taken to hospital where he was declared brought-dead. The women suffered burns on their legs and back, said Pankaj Giri, additional inspector from Tokavde police station.

In the second incident, at Zadghar village, Hari Uttam Ugda,18, a degree college student, was struck by lightning when he was on his way to relieve himself.

He died of burn injuries in a civil hospital.

Zadghar and Muddalwadi villages are about eight kilometers apart.

We are shocked by this incident. We have heard electronic devices attract lightning, but Sandip and Hira did not have any. We want someone to come ahead and help us financially, said a relative of Sandip.

READ

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India likely to get above average monsoon rainfall, says IMD chief

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Around 22% of voters cast their ballot till 11.30am on Wednesday for the first-ever Panvel Municipal Corporation (PMC) elections. The Bhiwandi municipal corporation has recorded 16% voting so far.

The Panvel election is being held for 78 seats in 20 wards.

The PMC was formed on October 1, 2016 and includes areas of erstwhile Panvel Municipal Council i.e. Panvel city and CIDCO nodes along with several nearby villages.

The region has a population of 5,09,901 and a voter count of 4,25,453. According to PMC officials, 44,434 voters had cast their ballot by 9.30am. These included 16,899 women and 27,535 men voters.

In Panvel, the primary contest is between the BJP and the PWP alliance that includes the Congress and the NCP. The Shiv Sena is going it alone hoping to become the decisive factor in case of a hung house.

In Bhiwandi, more than 40% of the voters are Muslims and have traditionally voted for the Congress and the Samajwadi Party (SP). The Shiv Sena has always succeeded in polarising non-Muslim voters, helping it to remain in second position. The Congress is hoping that Muslim voters choose it over the SP and the AIMIM. Leaders of the Congress, which is in power with the support of the Shiv Sena, said that they would win the highest number of seats though it was not clear if they would win power on their own.

Rajesh Nimbalkar, municipal commissioner, said, The voting process is going smoothly in Panvel. All arrangements are in place. We have offered incentives to the residents to exercise their right to vote. Families that vote and send us a selfie after doing so can get 25% relief in property tax. Five selfies will be selected from each ward and so a total number of 100 residents will get the benefit.

Read more: Maharashtra civic polls: Voting for Panvel, Bhiwandi, Malegaon begins, results on Friday
Panvel, Mumbais neighbouring town, went to polls for the first time after acquiring a municipal corporation last October, and recorded a voter turnout of 55% on Wednesday. The polls in two other municipal corporationsBhiwandi and Malegaon saw voter turnouts of 53% and 60%, respectively.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Shiv Sena are eyeing the 78-seat Panvel Municipal Corporation. There is a contest between the Shiv Sena, the BJP and the Peasants and Workers Party (PWP)  which has formed an alliance with the Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP).

The Panvel civic body comprises areas from Kharghar to Panvel and also includes a few villages in the outskirts of Panvel city. The BJP is considered to be at an advantage in Panvel as there is large number of cosmopolitan voters in the urban areas of PanvelKharghar, Kamothe, Khandeshwar. The party hopes to win a majority of the 60 seats, in which it has fielded candidates. Sena, which is contesting the Panvel civic polls in alliance with Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana, had campaigned hard against the BJP and chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, who was the face of the party in the elections.

In Malegaon and Bhiwandi, the Congress, NCP and AIMIM are hoping to bag a large chunk of seats that are dominated by Muslim voters.

There were close to 12.96 lakh eligible voters for the 252 seats in the civic polls, the official said.

According to officials, the BJP had fielded 189, the Nationalist Congress Party 90, Congress 152, Shiv Sena 144 candidates across the three civic bodies. The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has put up 25 candidates in Panvel.

The results of the three civic elections will be declared on May 26.

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Students of derecognised Borivli college, who appeared for their HSC exams this year, are worried if they will be able to secure admissions to degree colleges, as all their documents are with the recently shut institute. The education department is working out a system to recover the documents from the college.

An education official said they would receive leaving certificates, either from the department or a nearby college.

Two days after the state government shut down the Namdar Ajit Pawar junior college in Borivli for 630 illegal admissions and for cheating students, a delegation of parents and students met BB Chavan, deputy director of education, Mumbai division, on Wednesday. They asked the department how their children will procure leaving certificates if the college is shut.

We appeared for the HSC exams recently, but now with the college derecognised, we are not sure how we will get a leaving certificate which is very important for degree college admissions, said a student of the Borivli college. Out of the total 630 students, 100 are class 12 students.

Education officials said they will try to recover the documents. We will work out a system on how to access the documents. If need be we will get a panchnama from the police to collect all the original documents submitted by the students during admissions, said Chavan.

Chavan said leaving certificates would be issued by the department or a nearby college.

The parents will be told the final decision in a couple of days, he said. He assured students that they would not lose a year as they were not at fault. This is a very rare case and we will treat it as an exception and do everything in our power to help the students, said Chavan.

We will accommodate every student in a college nearby. Junior colleges have already offered to help, he said.

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To demand for reservation in government jobs and education, the Maratha community has planned a massive rally in Mumbai on August 9.

The organisers of the Maratha Kranti Morcha (Maratha Revolution March) expect unprecedented turnout in the rally.

The Maratha community protests across state stirred the Maharashtra politics for several months last year.

It started as protest against rape and brutal murder of a minor girl at Kopardi in Ahmednagar district on July 13 last year.

Over the next few months, massive rallies were taken out by the community members demanding death sentence for the accused, dilution of the Atrocities Act (Prevention of Atrocities against Scheduled Castes and Tribes Act) as well as demand for reservation in government jobs and education for the community.

The Mumbai rally and the programme announced by the community leaders indicate an attempt to revive the agitations that had fizzled out as the focus shifted to district council and civic polls.

The community outfits had announced a rally in Mumbai first on January 31, which was later postponed to March 6, and was finally postponed indefinitely. A bike rally was organized but it was on a smaller scale.

The community leaders will also hold a meeting at Raigad fort on June 6 to take oath to continue their struggle for betterment of their community, said Nana Kute Patil, another community leader.

Raigad fort of King Shivaji is symbolic as the community revers the Maratha warrior king.

The community leaders will meet at Kopardi on July 13, exactly a year after the gruesome incident took place, to plan the rally, said Sanjiv Bhor Patil, a community leader.

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After the two children aged eight and nine were humiliated for stealing chaklis in Ulhasnagar, a citizens group from Mumbai has offered to sponsor their education expenses, including school fees, for a year and help their mothers get jobs.

The group, True Worship, has 25 members, including housewives and children. It will distribute books and other stationery items to the children by the second week of June.

The two children were beaten up, stripped, tonsured, garlanded with shoes and paraded around the area for stealing snacks from a shop in Ulhasnagar on Saturday. They were also made to do 100 sit-ups for their action.

The Hill line police arrested the shop owner Mehmood Pathan,69, and his two sons Irfan, 25, and Tavakkal, 20, for subjecting the kids to such ordeal. The three are in police custody till May 26. The police arrested them under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, the POCSO Act and Sections 355, 500, 323, 34 of the Indian Penal Code.

More charges under the Information Technology Act and the Juvenile Justice Act were added after the Maharashtra State Commission for Protection of Child Rights(MCPCR) intervened.

Jayshree Jethwani,62, one of the core members from the group, said, We will also distribute education materials to other children in the area. We are planning to hunt for jobs for their mothers so that they can overcome their financial distress. The two mothers work as domestic helps.

One of the childrens mother told HT, It feels good that people are coming forward to help us. But all I want is strict punishment for the three men. The police should make sure nobody suffers such treatment only for two chaklis worth Rs1.

Mohan Waghmare, senior inspector from Hill Line police station, said a woman officer will childrens statements on Thursday. After being counselled, the children were not traumatised any more, Waghmare said.

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A man accused in connection with a case of motor vehicle theft in 2014 was savvy enough to change his identity and lay low to avoid being detected. How did cops finally nab him? They looked for him on Facebook.

Police said the accused, Saddam Usman Khan, had been hiding in Nalasopara for the past three years. Investigating officers had searched his former residence in Tardeo and had run out of leads. None of Khans friends and relatives could provide police with information about his whereabouts, said an officer from the Tardeo police who did not wish to be identified.

The Girgaum court had ordered us to speed up our inquiry and nab Khan quickly, he added.

Police finally turned to Facebook and started searching for him with the help of photos that his friends provided.

Khan had uploaded photos of his new look to his Facebook profile. We circulated these photographs to our informers, who told us that they spotted him Uswal Nagri in Nalasopara, added an officer.

Police formed two teams and laid a trap outside his building.We showed Khans picture to Uswal Nagri residents, who told us the name of his building. We nabbed him at the gate of his building, added an officer.

Khan was booked under section 379 (punishment for theft) of the Indian Penal Code. He was produced in court and remanded in police custody.

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On the 14th floor of Londons Leadenhall building  a skyscraper popularly known as The Cheesegrater  British architect Richard Rogers and his team are putting a lot of thought into how to transform the skyline of the Spanish capital.

Simon Smithson (left) and Richard Rogers at their London office. LIONEL DERIMAIS

His firm, Rogers Stirk Harbour+Partners, has been tasked with the Distrito Castellana Norte megaproject, which  after several false starts dating back more than a decade  is back on track, and which aims to transform a huge swathe of the northern edge of the city around Chamartin railway station. The idea is to establish a new business district able to attract foreign investment while at the same time creating a neighborhood that captures the spirit of the capital and provides a gateway to the mountains barely 50 kilometers away. Rogers partner Simon Smithson knows the capital well, having lived here for a decade while he worked on the T-4 extension to Barajas airport.

Question. What can Madrid residents expect from this project?

Simon Smithson. The first thing is to reclaim the area, which is a huge hole in the city that needs repairing. Its a lost area and one that dramatically affects connectivity in the north of the capital. Then there is the question of [using Chamartin for] AVE high-speed trains. Atocha train station is overstretched and there is no room for more trains. At the same time, Spain is emerging from a difficult time. This is an important project to tell the world: Madrid is back.

A mock up of the proposal to transform the north of Madrid. Jaime Villanueva

Richard Rogers. The area around Chamartin has not been well maintained, but has the potential to be the heart of the city. Cities have skeletons, a heart, a brain and hands. This project will reflect the latest transport trends. There are needs that are aligning that didnt exist before: Chamartin needs to be sorted out, the city needs to show that it aspires to be a major European capital, and the north of Madrid has connection problems that need to be resolved.

Q. Traveling up the Castellana [the capitals main avenue] from south to north is a journey through Madrids history. What role will it play in the project?

S.S. True, its amazing: the Castellana tells the history of this countrys development. This is the root of our analysis. The first stretch was a place to walk, to promenade, on the edge of the city. Then it extended to the [upmarket] Salamanca neighborhood, [the government area of] Nuevos Ministerios, Azca [a mixed-use Madrid business district close to the Castellana], the four [skyscraper] towers each stretch of the Castellana represents the values of an age. This section should return it to its origins. There is something marvelous about the idea of the promenade in Spanish culture. For the Castellana to return to being a place to walk is a lovely idea.

Our vision is a green network that stretches all the way from the mountains almost to the city Simon Smithson, architect

Q. You are both proponents of compact cities.

R. R. Cities should be compact. A dense city uses half the amount of energy. Vertical is more sustainable, it is more efficient to use a lift than a car. I argue that we should build new villages within cities, not outside them. Sustainability means developing new centers.

Q. How do you keep a business district alive outside office hours?

R. R. This is the biggest challenge and the most interesting part of the project. We dont want to create ghettos and it is important to create mixed-use areas. It isnt just about proportions between different uses, but also about the dynamics you create. Cities are chemical equations.

S. S. Azca, for example, has mixed use, but is a desert and doesnt work. There is something particular about the character of Madrid, that mix of work and pleasure that gives character to its streets. Quality of life has to be a factor. We would like to create a business district that says something about living in Madrid. For an international company looking for a place to locate, Madrid has to offer what other capitals offer and then something of its own.

Seen from Chamartin station, the view across part of the area to be developed. ALVARO GARCIA

Q. The idea is for six large skyscrapers. Is that right?

S. S. Its not a done deal. Tall buildings will be important, but the most important thing is to create a vibrant business district with mixed use.

Q. Construction in Madrid is still associated with speculation and corruption. How can that be combated?

S. S. The idea of viewing projects as property development hasnt worked. But there is another way, which is to build the city, and that isnt the same as property development. It goes way beyond a simple numbers game. Making a good city is good for everybody, including developers.

Q. Aside from the international aspect, this is about the type of city Madrid should be for the people who live there.

We dont want to create ghettos and it is important to create mixed use areas Richard Rogers, architect

S. S. The main thing is the ability of Madrilenos to use and bring life the streets, but the right spaces need to be there. Las Tablas, Sanchinarro [neighborhoods in the north of the city created over the last two decades] have been successful in providing housing for young families, and they work well at that level, but they dont work as cities. We have to create a business district that says something about Madrid. We have to create spaces that invite people to live in them, in the way that the people of Madrid do so well.

Q. What will the green areas be like?

S. S. Returning to the wonders of the place, the Pardo [protected parkland to the northwest of the city] is on the doorstep. Youve got wild boar five kilometers from the center of Madrid! There is a nature reserve that at the moment is difficult to access, it would be wonderful to open it up. Our vision is a green network that starts in the new national park in the mountains and that would be directed to the city, bringing it almost into the center, bringing the mountains.

English version by Nick Lyne.
A 24-year-old man who allegedly snatched a womans bag on April 26 was arrested on Monday.

Kherwadi police said the accused, Jaffer Mohammad Ali Shaikh, was riding pillion at the time of the incident. His accomplice sped up, approached the 25-year-old from behind and snatched her bag around 9.30 pm in Bandra. The woman said her bag contained important documents, her mobile phone and cash.

The police are trying to recover these valuables. Shaikh was produced before a magistrate court and remanded in police custody till May 24.

The Goregaon police had earlier arrested Shaikh in connection with a chain snatching case.
The Anti-Narcotics Cell (ANC) arrested a businessman from Mankhurd for allegedly possessing 8kg of mephedrone (MD) or Meow Meow drugs, worth Rs1.60 crore.

The businessman runs a chemical factory in Pune, which was raided on Wednesday. Investigations are on to find out the exact amount of drugs was manufactured there.

Deputy commissioner of police (ANC) Shivdeep Lande had received information about Harischandra Nanasahed Dorge, 52, an alleged drug manufacturer and supplier. After working for 45 days, a team led by senior inspector Santosh Bhalekar arrested Dorge from Mankhurd around 11.45pm on Tuesday.

On Wednesday, Dorges licensed chemical factory at Kurkumbh in Pune was raided and around six chemicals were found manufactured there.

The sources said that Dorge had a Masters degree in chemistry and manufactured the drugs. He had been running the factory for five years. An FIR has been lodged and he has been remanded in police custody by a Sessions court till May 3.
State education minister Vinod Tawde on Wednesday removed Rustom Kerawalla, founder chairman of Vibgyor High Group of Schools, from a state panel appointed to suggest changes to the Maharashtra Educational Institutions (Regulation of School) Fee Act, 2011. He took this step after parents complained against Kerawalla alleging his involvement in fee hikes.

Tawde, in a statement, said Kerawalla was appointed to represent school managements in an 11-member panel formed on May 7 to review the existing fee act and plug loopholes that allow indiscriminate increase in fees. The committee met last week for the first time. Tawde said he was appointed by education officials and was fired after parents complained. The department had given Kerawalla a chance to represent the school managements following the schools participation in the fee hike hearings, but this appointment will no longer continue, said the minister.

When contacted, Kerawalla said the department has not yet informed him about their decision. He added that he didnt know he was part of the committee. Although I attended the meeting last week, I did not know that it was a formal meeting of the panel. I thought that the department had only invited stakeholders to give their suggestions, said Kerawalla.

Parents were against his appointment because of his past conduct  in 2010 the Vibgyor School in Goregaon had expelled a class 9 student on account of her parents opposing fee hike. Later, the Supreme Court in 2011 set aside her expulsion but she didnt return to the school. Many members of the committee objected when we found out about the appointment. There are many complaints against him and so his inclusion in the committee was not right.,Anubha Sahai, member of the Parents of Private Schools of Maharashtra (POPSOM).

Other members of the panel include two parent representatives, education officials, and retired judge of Bombay High Court.

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At Mumbais first 3D printing hub, Yoda, Bulbasaur and Einstein co-exist in harmony.

Time to 3D, which opened in Vile Parle a month ago, features several busts of popular fictional characters and even local residents. All have been created from scratch using the centres six three-dimensional printers.

Its founder, Rahul Shah, has been working in the field of 3D printing for several years. I wanted to bring this technology directly to customers. Here, they can walk in and get a hands-on experience of how the process works.

So how does it work? The process is simple, Shah explains. A majority of people walk into the hub requesting 3D images of their selfies. To do this, we mount a scanner on an iPad, which uses infrared technology create a 3D image of the person, once we have filmed them from a 360 angle. We touch up the image on the iPad and then the printer does the rest.

Busts as tiny as 1.5 inches going up to 6 inches are all the rage at this hub. (HT Photo)

The applications of 3D printing are fast catching on with the citys residents, from homemakers who come in to conceptualise jewellery designs to architecture and engineering students who order customised pieces for their projects and doctors who place orders for 3D printed internal organs so they can practise before a surgery.

A doctor recently came in saying a patient had fallen off a train and cracked his skull. In the past, doctors would first try to fit a titanium plate in a patients skull. If the fit was off, they would take it out and file it down. Now, this process is redundant as the plate can be customised to the patient, he says.

A 3D printed titanium plate. (Time to 3D)

We also make customised casts. Ordinary casts are made of plaster of Paris. Theyre tight, itchy and you cant get them wet. Here, we scan the patients arm to make a them cast that is waterproof and well-ventilated, he adds.

Shah says the response to the project has been overwhelming, even as awareness about 3D printing is dismally low among Mumbaiites. When we started the hub, we knew that not a lot of people knew what 3D printing was. The past month has only confirmed our suspicions. But, the reception has been good. A lot of women bring their children here, hoping to spark their interest in the subject. Sometimes, we get students who probably know more about the technology than we do. On the other hand, several people walk in wanting to experience 3D printing for the first time, he says.

A peacock created using a doodle pen. (HT Photo)

As if on cue, an elderly man walks into the store, looks around and says, I dont know anything about 3D printing, but Raj Bhanushali, an employee, later tells me the man has ordered a 3D bust of his late friend. We get a lot of orders for 3D busts of people who have died. Their friends and family see this as a sentimental gesture. Busts range from 1.5 inches, which cost Rs1,000, to 6 inches.

A client recently requested a 12-inch bust, which were working on for the first time, says Shah.

One of the stores six 3D printers. (Time to 3D)

While the printers predominantly use plastic to mould these 3D creations, the demand for sandstone, gold, silver and titanium creations is picking up. The hub also experimented with 3D models made from chocolate. Unfortunately, the product started melting while it was still in the process of being built. Were still working on it, says Shah.

The hub also uses a product called a doodle pen, which works just as an ordinary pen does, except the ink is replaced by a filament. The pen heats the filament, which solidifies when a stencil is traced. Time to 3Ds employees have used the pen to create models of bridges and miniature animals.

The doodle pen in action (left). The finished product (right). (HT Photo)

Every day is a challenge as each client wants something new. We can print anything under the sun. I can print this chair if you ask me to, its just the how that needs to be figured out, says Shah.

What is 3D printing? The simplest way to explain 3D printing is that its the process of converting digital files into physical objects, says Rahul Shah, founder, Time to 3D.

He adds that he sees the technology making significant leaps in the future. The technology is still in its nascent stage. In the future, the printing process will be faster and well be able to work with a wider range of materials. Ive heard that companies in the US are working with pancake batter and jam. Maybe well be able to 3D print food in the future, he says wistfully.

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The Maharashtra government plans to use 12 British-era plots to build Mumbais 33.2-km coastal road. So whats the catch? These plots are all underwater. Thats why theyve remained unused all these years.

Now, the government plans to reclaim them to facilitate construction of the coastal road connecting Nariman Point to Kandivli.

The ministry of environment and forest (MoEF) issued a notification on December 30 last year, permitting the reclamation of land for building coastal roads across the country. Earlier, land reclamation was only permitted for the construction of ports and harbours, jetties and sea links.

The Rs15,000-crore coastal road project, meant to ease traffic, will see a combination of under-sea tunnels, roads on reclaimed land and an elevated road. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is the projects nodal agency.

Sanjay Mukherjee, additional municipal commissioner of the BMC said all the plots are in the Arabian Sea. The British wanted to reclaim land, but this did not happen. The leases of nine plots have expired, while the leases of three others are valid for 99 years. The state government plans to cancel the lease agreement. We will now reclaim the land and use it to build the coastal road, Mukherjee told HT.

We have also received a no objection certificate from the state revenue department, he added.

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The income tax department conducted raids on Wednesday at properties linked to four bureaucrats in Uttar Pradesh, including two Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers, over complaints that they have accumulated wealth beyond their known sources of income, officials said.

A team of around 100 from the income tax office and UP police staff are involved in the search operations at various properties linked to Vimal Kumar Sharma, the additional chief executive officer of the Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority, and his wife Mamta Sharma. Mamta is the regional transport officer (RTO) in Meerut.

These properties are located in Noidas Sector 50, Mainpuris Chhota Bazar area, Lucknow and Meerut among other cities, income tax department officials said.

Read | Noida: Taxmen unearth crores of cash and gold, also seizes BMW, Audi cars from UP babus

Sharma was the district magistrate of Ghaziabad before the UP government under former chief minister Akhilesh Yadav appointed him as the ACEO of the Greater Noida authority. In the past, Sharma also worked as the district magistrate of Firozabad district.

We have received many complaints of accumulation of disproportionate assets by many IAS and PCS officials working in Uttar Pradesh. We begin search operations as and when we get adequate evidence of disproportionate assets against an official or other people, an official said.

The department also conducted search operations at two other officials including IAS officer Hriday Shankar Tewari, who is a director of the health department, and the special secretary for prisons SK Singh.

Read | Noida: IT raids Axis Bank branch, seizes 20 accounts with Rs 60 crore

A combined team of income tax department officials from Noida, Lucknow and Kanpur is conducting these searches.

The department is likely to conduct search operations at benami properties linked to other UP IAS and Provincial Civil Service officials as well. The investigation wing of the income tax department has witnessed a surge in complaints against Noida, Greater Noida and Yamuna Expressway staff in the last one month, said officials.

Many persons have also filed complaints against tehsildars and other government officials, who are working at the Noida, Greater Noida and Yamuna Expressway authority. We are gathering evidence and doing preparations to conduct a search against others against whom genuine complaints are filed, the official said.

But we cannot conduct search operations merely on the basis of a complaint. We have to gather adequate proof before seeking permission to conduct a search operation, the official added.

Last month, the department carried out similar raids against other bureaucrats based in the state.

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Homebuyers of Amrapali Heart Beat City housing project on Wednesday said that they have been cheated by the builders who misled them by not revealing that there was a dispute regarding the projects land, which led to delay in delivery.

The homebuyers attended a tripartite meeting with officials of Noida authority and the promoters of the builders, at the Indira Gandhi Kala Kendra in Sector 6.

Located in Sector 107, Amrapali Heart Beat City project was launched by Three Platinum Softech Private Limited, Pebbles Prolease Heart Beat City and Amrapali Group in 2009-10 with a promise of delivery in 2014. However, the project got delayed because of a land dispute pertaining to Sector 107 between the Noida authority and land owners in village Bhangel. Now, builders developing the project have demanded an interest waiver on payments between 2013 and 2016 when the construction was disrupted.

Both the Noida authority and the builders cheated us by hiding the fact that a dispute was pending in Allahabad high court and the Supreme Court over the land on which the project was proposed. Builders also keep changing the directors, thereby harassing us, said Puneet Parashar, a buyer.

Amrapali Heart Beat City, launched on 30,000 square metres, has 2,100 flats and the civil work has been completed. However, construction has been disrupted since 2013.

Homebuyers also alleged that the builder has siphoned off money collected from them. Had the builder not diverted our funds, the project would have been delivered in 2014 itself, before the construction was halted due to court orders. Now we demand an audit of the builders funds, said Bhuvan Chaturvedi, another homebuyer.

Buyers also alleged that the builder has accumulated Rs200 crore in funds that were not invested into the project.

We will get the builders funds audited so that homebuyers are aware how the the funds collected from them for construction have been spent. I have directed the builder to submit tower-wise completion schedule in 10 days and expedite construction work at the site. The builder will also not change the layout of the building map without the consent of 60% of the homebuyers, said Shishir Singh, additional CEO, Noida authority.

Sankalp Shukla, promoter, Amrapal Heart Beat City, said, The Noida authority should give us interest waiver for the period in which construction was disrupted. Also, buyers should pay the remaining amount due through escrow so that we can revive our project. The project was delayed due to the land dispute. The authority did not tell us about the dispute at the time of land purchase in 2009.

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With the rise of a power determined to expand its control throughout India, other powers based on local apparatuses of rule now face the Shakespearean dilemma: To resist or not to resist. With this will be linked an important question: How to survive and live on?

This dilemma is not new. Consider the trajectory of imperial power from the middle ages. The empire ruled from Delhi or Agra, and demanded submission from the rulers of the fur-flung regions. Either these kingdoms would be eaten up by the empire, or they would survive only by becoming fiefs. At times these kingdoms would form alliances and set up new emperors, who they thought would be obedient to them. But the pattern would return. During the colonial age the pattern continued. Either the country would be ruled from Kolkata and later Delhi, or some of its parts would become what was known as the native princely states. This pattern supposedly ended with the introduction of constitutional rule in India.

However during Indira Gandhis rule this pattern re-emerged, and now has revived with a vengeance. Once again, states such as West Bengal, Orissa, Tamil Nadu, Bihar, Karnataka, and Kerala, are worried: How to face this aggressive power? How to form once more an alliance earlier known as the Janata party, Janata Dal, etc. and confront the new empire? Is the way out one of playing with this new power, avoiding, evading, humouring, coaxing, cajoling, or even lying low, hoping that the storm would pass sooner or later, or one of mustering strength, resisting, and mobilising others  in short, to resist or not to resist?

The trouble is that the choice does not appear clear. Most prefer to bypass or lie low, only at times resisting when they think that the core interests are being hurt. Yet even that line is not defined. As the negotiations over GST showed, states are now confused as to how to face the aggrandisement.

One reason for this vacillation is that the social basis on which local power rests is now weak. Aggression has unsettled the hitherto settled caste, class, and other alliances on which the local power rested. Globalisation has produced new middle classes. There is an urban turn in political mobilisations. And these two factors now find reflections in new Hindu mobilisations. New capital, religious bigotry, conservatism, a State bent upon coming down on any protest forgetting that compassion is an essential part of governing, now happily co-exist. Market liberalism in economy and orthodoxy in politics and administration can now operate together. This had happened in Sri Lanka, Thailand, Burma, South Korea, and the Gulf region. There is no reason to think that it cannot happen in India.

Soft communalism is on the rise here, particularly in parts where we still do not witness the depredations of the vigilante squads. New money is its basis. Rent and extraction of resources are the roots of this new wealth. States do not want to tackle the so-called soft menace firmly lest it should antagonise Delhi, the centre of empire. In West Bengal, the old syncretic culture is under attack and all that made a region based on the interface of particular languages, religions, castes, and other communities are now asked to be standardised into a Hindi-Hindu polity where regions will lose their specificities. To create a riot and polarise the populace along a single divide it will require only a deliberately engineered breakdown of administrative power supported by a determined push by the bigots.

The Muzaffarnagar riot is a model for the aggressive general power today. The clashes between the Hindu and Muslim communities in Muzaffarnagar in UP in AugustSeptember 2013 resulted in at least 62 deaths that included deaths of 42 Muslims and 20 Hindus and 100 injured, and left more than 50,000 displaced. The riot was described as the worst violence in Uttar Pradesh in post-Babri Masjid demolition history, with the Army, as a result, being deployed in the state for the first time in last 20 years. The Supreme Court held the Samajwadi Party-led government guilty of negligence in preventing the violence and blamed the Centre for its failure to provide intelligence inputs to the state in time to alert the latter. In this case soft communalism and passivity of the state government took only days to develop into a riot there and riot like situation elsewhere.

Such riot-like situations have recurred in West Bengal in the last few years. While the TMC-led government has reacted with alacrity in several of these cases, these incidents show that the powder is being readied dry for the eventual occasion. Kolkata had seen one of the worst communal massacres in the country in the 20th century. The middle classes had witnessed silently the Great Calcutta Riots of 1946 that eventually led to the Partition. Then there was the riot of 1964. They also tolerated the large scale killings of youth on the streets in early 1970s. Hence to think that Bengalis are syncretic and tolerant by birth is a myth that the liberal educated Bengalis love to hold as true. The upper caste educated Bengalis are mostly anti-Dalit and think that reservation is the root cause of decline of education in Bengal, and that the disorderly conduct of the lower classes is the cause of the nemesis of the state. Many TMC followers joined the recent Ram Navami processions and Hanuman Jayanti with gusto. Even one or two ministers joined the celebrations on the ground that people in their respective constituencies wanted the festivities and that by organising these events they were taking the wind out of the sail of the religious Right. On the other hand those brandishing weapons in festivals have got scot free and are now emboldened.

The Congress also used to justify such conduct as a means to stem the tide of communalism. But they could not protect secularism. The Congress rule over India in 1992 in this way facilitated the demolition of the Babri Masjid. There is no reason to think that such fate will not overtake the regional parties.

The writing is on the wall is clear: Whatever tactics the local powers may adopt, they have their tasks clearly cut out. The administration must be geared up to prevent any attack on secularism and the syncretic or tolerant culture of the state/s they rule, and mobilise the masses for this political task.

For both these tasks the popular governments in the states have the required legitimacy. They have to pull their acts together. Otherwise they will be swamped by the juggernaut of a conservative Right. Their pro-people policies will be of no avail. The vacillating elements as in Goa and Manipur will veer towards the Right for both existence and profit.

Ranabir Samaddar is Distinguished Chair, Calcutta Research Group

The views expressed are personal
Functioning of Patna and Darbhanga medical college hospitals were partially affected on Wednesday, as post graduate students and junior doctors boycotted work in the two medical colleges in protest against a police baton charge on junior doctors appearing for PG counselling at the IAS Bhawan last Monday.

In Patna, president of the PMCH unit of Junior Doctors Association (JDA) Dr Vinay Kumar claimed that the strike by PG students largely disrupted the medicare system in the hospital. Our strike call is for 24 hours, but we may intensify our agitation if our demands are not met, he said.

He, however, said the striking PG doctors did not force senior doctors to abstain from their duties.

The association is demanding immediate release of four arrested junior doctors, withdrawal of all cases against them and action against the police personnel, who were responsible for the baton charge.

In Darbhanga, nearly 350 junior medicos struck to protest the incident, demanding immediate action against the guilty police personnel and threatened to prolong the strike indefinitely, if action was delayed. It left hundreds of patients on a limb and no new patient could be admitted through the day.

Even the DMCH and emergency wings were left badly affected due to the impact of strike.

DMCH principal Dr Rabindra Kumar Sinha said he had forwarded the letter containing demands of DMCH junior doctors association (JDA) to health department authorities, besides Darbhanga DM and SSP, while requesting the civil surgeon to deploy at least 40 doctors to man the emergency services.

DMCH superintendent Dr Santosh Kumar Mishra said that patients coming to outdoor patients department (OPD) and emergency wing were provided treatment facilities despite constraints.

Admitting that the functioning of the hospital was partially affected owing to the strike by the PG students, principal of Patna Medical College Dr SN Sinha said interns and senior doctors managed to run the emergencies and outdoor services. He denied any reports of death. The strike started at 8 am and no report of death has come to my notice after that, said the principal.

He said PG students of gynaecological department had not boycotted work and assisted their seniors in carrying out medical services. Also, the PG students deputed in medical and surgical intensive care units (ICUs) had boycotted the strike call.

He said operation theatres were also functioning and patients admitted in the indoor wards were attended to by senior doctors.

Sinha said the hospital management had requisitioned 15 doctors from Patna civil surgeons office to substitute for the striking PG students. As many as 15 doctors have already joined the hospital and if need be, we would requisition more doctors, he added.
A local court on Tuesday awarded seven years in jail to a visually impaired man, 33, for raping a 20-year-old woman on the campus of Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) last year. The court of additional district and sessions judge Poonam Joshi also imposed a fine of Rs 1.05 lakh on the convict.

The convict, Lal Chand, 33, had come to the institute from Uttar Pradesh for eye treatment, while the victim was accompanying her mother who had come from Amritsar also for treatment around the same time, June 25, 2016.

It was alleged that Chand took the victim  who was initially declared to be 16, thus a minor, but later turned out to be 20 years old  to a jungle-like area on the campus for wrong acts... 2-3 times.

The matter came to the fore when the mother on July 23, 2016, made a complaint. She said the victim had disclosed the matter to her after she noticed her upset.

The sewadar (worker) at the campus gurdwara, Jaswinder Singh, was informed first, and he called the police who then took the complaint from the mother.

The FIR was registered on the basis of the victims statement under section 376 (punishment for rape) of the Indian Penal Code and also under the Protection of Children From Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

But the POCSO sections were removed later, after it emerged that the victim was over 18 years of age.

The case was lodged after medical examination.

Chand didnt deny his acquaintance with the victim. The victims mother died during her treatment in the course of the trial.
Officially, the priority is on programs related to combating criminal organizations and border security . But the reality is that the US Department of States 2018 budget proposals for Latin America mean drastic cuts. President Trumps America First policy translates into $614 million less in aid to the region compared to last year, with Mexico and Central America  hit hard by turf wars between drug cartels and structural poverty, two factors that drive illegal immigration to the United States  the most affected.

Trump arrives in Rome on Tuesday. Riccardo Antimiani (AP)

More information Trump propone un recorte drastico de la ayuda economica a Mexico y Centroamerica

Trump made humiliating Mexico one of the pillars of his election campaign, along with scapegoating undocumented migrants for his countrys ills. He promised to build a wall along the border with Mexico to halt rapists and drug traffickers and continues to insist that he will build the wall and that Mexico will pay for it.

Paradoxically, the State Departments budget, which has been slashed, but could be modified as it makes its way through Congress, reduces aid to Mexico and Guatemala to combat drug trafficking and improve security.

The Trump administrations proposals, released on Tuesday as the president arrived in Italy, where he met with Pope Francis, will see Mexico receive $87.7 million in aid next year, a 45.3% drop on 2016. The amount to be spent on security and fighting drug trafficking will fall from $100 million to $60 million. Funding to combat corruption will increase slightly, but money for defending human rights and strengthening the rule of law will be cut by half. Aid to help overhaul the armed forces there will fall to less than a quarter. More than 100,000 people have died in Mexico since 2006 in drug cartel-related violence.

The White House insists it will continue to address the root causes of instability in Central America

Similar cuts will be applied to aid to Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras, the three countries that supply most of the undocumented migrants who make their way through Mexico to the United States.

The Trump administrations decision to cut aid undermines the strategy of Barack Obama to strengthen the institutions of these countries, particularly in the wake of the 2014 crisis that saw huge numbers of unaccompanied minors make their way into the United States.

Under the budget proposals, Guatemala would receive $80.7 million, a 40% cut on 2016, with Honduras and El Salvador, respectively, being assigned $67.8 million and $46.3 million, a cut of around a third. Aid to Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama will also be slashed.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Hari Sastry, director of the office of US foreign assistance resources at the State Department, said that while funding was being cut, the aim was to prioritize programs focused on interrupting the activities of transnational criminal organizations, strengthening border security and combating corruption and insisted that the root causes of instability in Central America would continue to be addressed.

Arrivals of undocument immigrants fell sharply in April

Arrivals of undocumented immigrants from Mexico to the United States have fallen sharply in the first months of the Trump presidency. US police detained 15,780 people in April, around 1,000 fewer than in March, the month with the lowest number of arrivals since the year 2000. Experts attribute the fall in numbers, which could be temporary, to the new administrations tough polices, which have made it easier to deport people without papers.

The State Departments cuts will also affect other Latin American nations. There will be no aid to Cuba, which in 2016 received $20 million in funding for human rights and civil society projects. A $6.5 million program created for Venezuela to strengthen good governance and respect for democracy also disappears.

Since taking office, Trump has toughened his rhetoric toward Havana, but so far has not made any changes to the diplomatic thaw begun under Obama. He has also toughened sanctions on members of the government of Venezuela in light of the countrys ongoing political crisis.

English version by Nick Lyne.
Promising early waiver of their debt, Punjab chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Tuesday assured farmers that the government would not backtrack on its promise and urged them not to resort to suicide as the high-powered committee set up to work out the waiver modalities was on the job.

Pointing out that his government had already put a stop on kurki (auction) of mortgaged land of farmers to fulfil its poll promise, the CM said there was no question of going back on any of the commitments made to the people.

Addressing captains of industry at an interactive session organised here by PHDCCI, the CM lamented that agriculture, despite being of critical importance, was not resulting in economic growth.

The CM cited examples of Japan and Germany to express the optimism that Punjab would also get out of its current mess to become Indias topmost state. Revival of industry, he said, was critical for the restoration of the states growth.

Promising his governments full support in cutting red tape and addressing the woes of industry, the CM said while he could not promise financial support in view of Punjabs dire straits, he would ensure ease of doing business, backed by affordable power, as promised in the poll manifesto. We are trying to ascertain the extent of financial mess and would soon bring a white paper on it, he said.

Amarinder said the new industrial policy was being drafted and would be implemented without any delay.

The CM agreed that the truck unions, with their monopoly, were a big problem for the industry and assured early resolution. The PHDCCI has demanded a legislation to regulate the operations of such unions, which it said were indulging in massive extortion and intimidation.

Amarinder also promised to look into other issues raised by the industry during the interactive session, including delay in VAT refund, environmental clearances and support in reviving the closed cotton ginning mills in the Malwa belt.
Wednesday morning began like any other for 40-year-old Babloo and his teenage son, Rahim, as the two swept the area in front of their garage at Indra Chowk in Jharia township. It was 7 am, and they were supposed to open for business in a while.

The next few moments passed in a blur.

The earth under Rahims feet suddenly gave way, and before they realised what was happening, the 12-year-old plummeted into a pit that spewed black, hot smoke. Babloo acted as any concerned father would, and jumped after him.

They were not seen again.

Hundreds of passersby had gathered at the spot by then, but nobody could summon the courage to go after them. The temperature in the pit, as learnt later, was a fairly hot 85 degrees Celsius.

Indra Chowk lies on the Dhanbad-Sindri main road, which falls in the underground mines fire zone. While incidents of land subsidence are a common phenomenon here, mostly due to the blaze raging under them, death is not something one gets used to.

Soon afterwards, a team of experts from the Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL)  which has coal mines in Jharia  reached the spot to launch a rescue operation. Residents of the area, however, would have none of that. Blaming the BCCL for the death of their neighbours, irate agitators vandalised the vehicles they arrived in and threw stones at rescue workers. It took a police squad headed by Dhanbad sub-divisional magistrate Rakesh Kumar to bring the crowd under control.

Two JCB machines were pressed into service. They dug 20 feet in an area of 50 metres, but the two could not be traced even till 1.30 pm. Then we put two earthmovers capable of digging up to 100 feet into service, said Kumar, who was monitoring the rescue operation on the behalf of the district administration.

According to BCCL rescue officials, the crater that swallowed Babloo and Rahim was at least 100 feet deep.

Dr Instiyaque Ahmed, a scientist at the Central Institute of Mineral Fuel Research, said the chances of a human surviving at 85 degrees Celsius were bleak. He, however, would not hazard a guess on the father-son duos likely fate.

The incidents of land subsidence in this area are caused by an underground fire encompassing an area of 17.32 square kilometres. The lives of as many as 1.20 lakh families are endangered by this phenomenon, which was first detected in 1973.

As the entire zone has been declared dangerous, the Director General of Mines Safety had ordered rehabilitation of the entire population inhabiting the region. Though the Centre established the Jharia Rehabilitation and Development Authority in 2008 to carry this out at an estimated cost of Rs 31,000 crore, only 3,000 families have been shifted to safer places so far.
An arrest warrant has been issued against Tamil actors Suriya, Sathyaraj, Vijay Kumar, Arun Vijay, Vivekh, Sri Priya, Sarath Kumar and Cheran, in connection with missing the recent court hearing related to a defamation case filed against them for their alleged derogatory comments against journalists. In 2009, when actor Bhuvaneshwari was arrested on prostitution charges by the Tamil Nadu police, she had revealed names of other actors who were involved in the racket. Several reports were written based on Bhuvaneshwaris statement and it had irked some members of Tamil filmdom.

Following extensive media coverage on Bhuvaneshwaris statement, while tarnishing the image of few actors, the aforementioned eight stars insulted journalists who wrote the article in a Nadigar Sangam meeting. Following upsetting remarks made by these actors, journalist Rozario Mariya Susai filed a private complaint against the eight actors. The court case was heard at the Ooty court, in the absence of the eight actors. Since this was the second occasion on which the actors had failed to appear before the case, a warrant was issued.

None of the actors were available for comment. However, sources close to a few actors said that now they will fight the case in court.

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It wasnt long ago that it was announced that Malayalam superstar Mohanlal will be seen in the big screen adaptation of Mahabharata. The film, an adaptation of MT Vasudevans book Randamoozham, is reportedly to be made on a budget of a whopping Rs 1,000 crore. With the project set to take off later this year, it has already faced its first big blow in the form of protests from pro-Hindu groups over the films title. Apparently, members of Kerala Hindu Aikya Vedi are opposing the release of the film unless its title is changed.

According to president KP Sasikala of the pro-Hindu group, Although we are happy that a big budget film is coming from Kerala named Mahabharatham, we strongly feel a film which is close to the story of real Mahabharatham written by Vyasan should only carry its name. No other movie can be named Mahabharatham. If the movie is based on Randamoozham, let the name of the film also be named same. Veda Vyasan also has his rights. She went on to say that Dan Browns Da Vinci Code is another version of Bible, but the book or its film adaptation was not titled Bible.

The film will be helmed by ad-filmmaker Shrikumar Menon, and it will be made as a two-part film. It will go on the floors next year and release in 2020.

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The fabled temples of Angkor Wat in Cambodia are the highest-rated landmark in the latest ranking from TripAdvisor. Of all the landmarks listed on the site, Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world, received unanimously high marks from its more than 32,800 reviewers, who gave it a five-out-of-five bubble rating.

Simultaneously eerie and majestic and in miraculous condition. A truly memorable experience, like absolutely nothing else Ive ever, wrote one visitor.

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center in Abu Dhabi, UAE. (Shutterstock)

Rounding out the three spots are Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre in Abu Dhabi and the Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba in Spain.

An evening view of the Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba in Spain. (Shutterstock)

Winners were determined using an algorithm that took into account the quantity and quality of reviews for landmarks worldwide over a 12-month period. Overall, 706 landmarks in 82 countries were rated.

St. Peters Basilica in Vatican City, Rome, Italy (Shutterstock)

The list of the top 10 landmarks in the world is comprised of addresses in Asia, the Middle East, Europe and Latin America, but has none from North America.

The lost Incan City of Machu Picchu near Cusco, Peru. (Shutterstock)

Regionally, the top-rated landmark in the US is the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, while the top-rated landmark in Europe is the Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba in Spain.

The crowded souvenir market on the Griboedov Canal embankment at the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Shutterstock)

Here are the top 10 landmarks in the world 2017, according to TripAdvisor users:

1. Angkor Wat, Siem Reap, Cambodia

2. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

3. Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain

4. St. Peters Basilica, Vatican City, Italy

5. Taj Mahal, Agra, India

6. Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, St. Petersburg, Russia

7. Great Wall at Mutianyu, Beijing, China

8. Machu Picchu, Machu Picchu, Peru

9. Plaza de Espana, Seville, Spain

10. Duomo di Milano, Milan, Italy



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Often called a perfect gentleman, Cary Grant was one of the greatest actors that the world ever saw. Suave and sophisticated, Grant was at remarkable ease playing in screwball comedies as he was in classics of the kind Alfred Hitchcock created for eternity.

Remember, Cary achieved all this despite a traumatic childhood -- when his mother disappeared for many years, resurfacing when he was 31. His father was callous and irresponsible, and the boy grew up in the homes of relatives, experiencing the cold of England in houses where there was no heating and no food either.

For Grant, it was indeed a marvellous journey when he travelled to Hollywood later. But a much more eventful voyage happened in the late 1950s when he began searching for his true inner self. He tried yoga and hypnosis, eventually settling down for LSD sessions, 100 odd in fact. During my LSD sessions, I would learn a great deal, he would remark. And the result was a rebirth. I finally got where I wanted to go. A restless Grant found peace, and could come to grips with his childhood dilemma of having to grow up without his mother.

All this and more has been narrated in a gripping documentary called Becoming Cary Grant by Mark Kidel that was screened on Tuesday at the ongoing Cannes Film Festival.

Kidel portrays Grant as an actor who was forever in flight. He was a Bristol (that is where he was born) street urchin, who set off to conquer Hollywood. He did become an American prince, an embodiment of grace and glamour.

Born Archie Leach, Cary Grant once admitted that he had always been overwhelmed by an identity crisis. Was he Archie or Cary? It was only after his LSD therapy - a legitimate form of psychiatric treatment in those days for agitated minds - that he learnt to be at peace with himself and the world. I have spent the greater part of my life fluctuating between Archie Leach and Cary Grant, he once confessed. Unsure of each, suspecting each.

The documentary in addition to presenting a wonderful window to Grants life and times and career, tells us all about LSD - an experimental form of medication that flourished before the hippies came on the scene. Some 40,000 patients were given lysergic acid between 1950 and 1965 to cure various forms of mental illness like alcoholism, schizophrenia and so on. LSD was later banned, as we all know.

The movie gives us such rare insights into Grants life. Culled from the stars unpublished autobiography, Becoming Cary Grant also draws from the cinematic material that he shot. Much of these have never been seen before. And Kidels biopic gives us a rich tapestry of people, places and impressionistic images that evocatively reflect the ups and downs of Grants inner journey.

The film features contributions from friends who have never spoken before, from critic David Thomson, who regards Cary as the greatest actor of all time, and Professor Mark Glancy, whose new findings and comments feature throughout the movie. It includes a treasure trove of extracts from Grants films, some of the well-known ones - comedies and Hitchcock classics - as well as the less familiar ones that throw a revealing light on the mans identity - None But the Lonely Heart, Mr. Lucky and Father Goose. We also get to see the famous scene in Hitchcocks North By Northwest, where Grant is attacked by a small plane in an open field, and where he has to run to save his life.

And this was a run he started when he was 14. He became an acrobat with the Bob Pender Stage Troupe, and two years later, he set sail for America. He changed his name and his accent, walked in and out of marriages - forever grappling with a fear of intimacy. His lonely childhood was one of the causes for this, and it was during his 30s that he chanced upon the truth about his mother, whom Grant had assumed to be dead. She had been pushed into a lunatic asylum by Grants philandering father! The meeting between the mother and son was poignant. When Grant went to get her out of the institution, she looked at him disbelievingly. She asked: Archie, Is that really you?

The reunion - apart from the LSD - certainly helped Grant to find solace. His films like His Girl Friday, North by Northwest and Notorious pushed him to the skies.

Grant decided to quit stardom when he was really at the peak, up there. Kidel says that Grants decision to exit was also prompted by the fact that he had made enough movies and money. On top of that, his life had changed. I think he stopped because he became a father, Kidel adds.

Becoming Cary Grant wraps up with his autumn years. It shows father and daughter lounging in front of the TV or dancing together on the terrace of his home.

Indeed, the documentary was one of the best works at the festival, running till May 28.

(Gautaman Bhaskaran is covering the 70th edition of the Cannes Film Festival.)

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At least 16 civilians were killed in bombing raids on Wednesday by the US-led coalition near the Islamic State groups Syrian bastion Raqqa, a monitor said.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the toll included a woman and her five children, as well as three couples.

The coalition strikes hit Al-Baruda, a village about 15 kilometres (10 miles) west of Raqa city, said Observatory head Rami Abdel Rahman.

Most of those killed had fled eastern parts of the province of Homs, he added.

The US-led coalition is providing air cover for a major offensive to capture Raqa city, the heart of IS territory in Syria.

US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) were only three kilometres from Raqa at their closest point to the east.

The strikes on Al-Baruda come after the Observatory reported the highest monthly civilian death toll for the coalition since it began bombing Syria on September 23, 2014.

Between April 23 and May 23 of this year, coalition strikes killed a total of 225 civilians in Syria, the Britain-based Observatory said.

Earlier this month, the US military said that coalition air strikes in Iraq and Syria had unintentionally killed a total of 352 civilians since 2014.

More than 320,000 people have been killed and millions more displaced since Syrias conflict broke out in March 2011.
Five people were killed in Bahrain on Tuesday when police opened fire on a protest by supporters of a top cleric in a Shia village, the interior ministry said, in the latest unrest to hit the Sunni-ruled Gulf state.

Five deaths have been registered among the outlaws in Diraz, near the capital of Manama, where the police opened fire to disperse the sit-in outside the home of cleric Isa Qassim, the ministry said in a Twitter message.

Witnesses had earlier told AFP that several civilians were wounded when police officers fired at demonstrators throwing stones and Molotov cocktails at security forces.

A total of 286 arrests were made, including fugitives that had escaped from Jau Prison, the ministry said.

Several terrorists and convicted felons were also apprehended with a large number of them hiding in the residence of Isa Qassim, it added.

Qassim is considered the spiritual leader of Bahrains majority Shiite community.

Read more | Bahrain jails 36 Shias, strips them of citizenship

A US State Department official said Washington was concerned by the reports of protesters killed and was following events in Bahrain very closely.

We urge restraint on all sides in responding to Wednesdays developments and call on all parties to contribute to a climate conducive for dialogue and reconciliation, the official told AFP.

Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said the deadly crackdown by Bahraini forces on protesters was the first concrete result of US President Donald Trump cozying up to despots in Saudi Arabia.

- A blank cheque for repression -

In a meeting with Bahrains King Hamad in Saudi Arabia at the weekend, Trump made a clear break from previous US policy.

The US leader told the king on Sunday it was a great honour to be with you and said there has been a little strain but there wont be strain with this administration.

The Britain-based Bahrain Institute for Rights and Democracy (BIRD) said Trump had effectively (given) King Hamad a blank cheque to continue the repression of his people.

It said the US had blood on its hands for supplying arms to Bahrain despite what it called an intensified repressive campaign on civil society in Bahrain.

An activist said one protester was killed. Bahrain's Interior Ministry said on Twitter Tuesday that the operation targeting Diraz was to "maintain security and public order." (AP Photo)

The kingdom has been rocked by unrest since 2011, when local authorities backed by a Saudi military force crushed Shiite-led protests demanding a constitutional monarchy and an elected prime minister.

Earlier Tuesday, BIRD had announced one death as the police moved to disperse the long-running protest.

Amnesty International identified that protester as Mohamed Zayn al-Deen, 39, and said he had died of birdshot wounds to the head.

The human rights watchdog called for an independent investigation into the security forces use of excessive force against protesters it said were mostly peaceful.

- Stripped of citizenship -

Bahrain police arrested 50 fugitives, including prison escapees convicted over terrorism charges, the Nahrain interior ministry said earlier.

Several members of the security forces were injured, it added.

The Bahrain authorities have accused Qassim, sentenced Sunday to a suspended one-year jail term for illegal fundraising and money laundering, of serving foreign interests and promoting sectarianism and violence.

A court last year stripped him of his citizenship, sparking repeated sit-ins outside his residence in Diraz.

Bahraini authorities have also accused Iran of fomenting unrest in the kingdom, ruled for more than two centuries by the Sunni Al-Khalifa dynasty. Tehran has denied any involvement.

The governments clampdown on dissent has drawn harsh condemnation from international rights groups and governments.

Pictures posted on Twitter by opposition groups showed demonstrations that purportedly broke out in nearby Shiite villages protesting the crackdown in Diraz.

- Rights concerns -

The tiny Gulf state is a key regional ally of the United States and is home to its Fifth Fleet, but the administration of former president Barack Obama frequently scolded Manama over rights concerns.

Manama has imprisoned dozens of Shiites accused of taking part in demonstrations and stripped at least 316 Bahrainis of their nationality since 2012, according to Amnesty.

BIRD says Manama has escalated its repression since mid-2016.

An Iraqi Shiite cleric holds a picture of top Bahraini Shiite cleric Isa Qassim during a demonstration in front of the Bahraini consulate in Najaf on May 24, 2017 in solidarity with the Bahraini Shiite opposition and with the leading cleric. (AFP Photo)

A court last year ordered the dissolution of the kingdoms main opposition group Al-Wefaq after authorities accused it of harbouring terrorism.

An 18-year-old Bahraini died in March, nearly two months after he was shot in the head fleeing a raid on Qassims house, Amnesty said.

Bahrains parliament in March voted unanimously to grant military courts the right to try civilians charged with any act of terrorism.

Rights activists fear Qassim could be among the first to face court-martial.
Taiwans top court ruled in favour of gay marriage on Wednesday, a landmark decision that paves the way for the island to become the first place in Asia to legalise same-sex unions.

Crowds of supporters cheered, hugged and wept as the court said current laws preventing the practice violated the Constitutions guarantees of freedom of marriage and equality.

It gave the government two years to implement the ruling.

Momentum has been growing behind the push for equal marriage rights, with Taiwans president Tsai Ing-wen openly supporting the campaign.

But there has also been anger among conservative groups, who have staged mass rallies against any change in the law.

The constitutional court said if parliament does not make the change within two years, same-sex couples could register to marry regardless, based on its interpretation.

Currently Taiwans Civil Code stipulates an agreement to marry can only be made between a man and a woman.

The current provisions of the marriage chapter do not allow two persons of the same sex to create a permanent union of an intimate and exclusive nature for the committed purpose of managing a life together. This is obviously a gross legislative flaw, the court said in a statement.

The decision to allow gay marriage would bolster social stability and protect human dignity it added.

Hundreds of gay marriage supporters gathered outside parliament in central Taipei erupted at the news, some breaking down in tears.

Countries where gay marriage is legal. (AFP)

President Tsais Democratic Progressive Party, which holds a majority in parliament, backed the ruling.

The party is happy to see and affirm the results of the grand justices constitutional interpretation to guarantee and legalise same-sex marriage, it said in a statement.

However, some campaigners fear opposing voices in parliament may try to delay the process of changing the law.

A panel of 14 grand justices made the ruling -- a majority of 10 was needed. Only two judges dissented.

The court said the physical and psychological need for permanent unions was equally essential to homosexuals and heterosexuals, given the importance of the freedom of marriage to the sound development of personality and safeguarding of human dignity.

It also pointed out that attempts in parliament to legalise gay marriage have stalled in the past 10 years, affecting peoples fundamental rights.
Foreign Minister of Armenia to participate in the Fifth Paris Peace Forum

Armenia: EU and Armenia Hold annual Dialogue on Human Rights

Todays Shushi, Occupied and Cleared of Armenians, is a Real Example of Turkish-Azerbaijani Policy of Ethnic Cleansing of Artsakh

Ookla, the the global leader in internet testing and analysis has awarded Ucom

Sweden will hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union

Ameriabank: At the Vanguard of Armenia's Banking Sector

STATEMENT OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARTSAKH

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Armenia-Azerbaijan: EU sets up monitoring capacity along the international borders

PACE co-rapporteurs on Armenia concerned by reports of alleged war crimes or inhuman treatment perpetrated by Azerbaijans armed forces

There is still 35% gender pay gap: Sona Ghazaryan

Global Finance Names Ameriabank the Safest Bank in Armenia

Mikayel and Karen Vardanyans provided 136 million AMD support for the overhaul of the Myasnikyan statue, which was in unsafe state of disrepair

Believe me, as a representative of a country which uses the Schengen system very often, it is quite important. Vardanyan

I really look forward to having answers from the Azerbaijani side for these alleged gross human rights violations: Secretary General

I call on Armenian and Azerbaijani parliamentarians to use this Assembly as an agora of opportunities President Tiny Kox

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There is no place for the death penalty in a State that respects human rights: PACE General Rapporteur

EU and CoE call on two Member States that have not yet acceded to this Protocol  Armenia and Azerbaijan  to do so without delay

An urgent debate requested on "The military hostilities between Armenia and Azerbaijan".

UCOM AND PES-PES CONTINUE COOPERATION WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF EDUCATIONAL PROJECT

The statement of the meeting between Prime Minister Pashinyan, President Aliyev, President Macron and President Michel of October 6, 2022

Largest Corporate Bond Program at the Securities Market of Armenia Completed Successfully

The statement of the Defender on the video of the execution of Armenian PoWs by the Azerbaijani armed forces

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STATEMENT BY SECRETARY ANTONY J. BLINKEN

This criminal act is another proof that the Armenophobia policy. Tatoyan

Nikol Pashinyan, Nancy Pelosi discuss a number of issues related to the Armenian-American agenda and regional developments

Delegation by Nancy Pelosi Accompanied by Alen Simonyan Visits Tsitsernakaberd Memorial Complex
The China-Pakistan Economic Corridors route through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir could create tensions with India and lead to further political instability in the region, a UN body has warned in a new report.

The report on Chinas Belt and Road Initiative, released on Tuesday by the Economic and Social Commission for Asia Pacific (ESCAP), the UNs regional development arm, said President Xi Jinpings ambitious project has the potential to position the region as an epicentre for growth and trade.

However, the report prepared at the request of the Chinese government flagged concerns about social and environmental safeguards and the route of the CPEC passing through Kashmir.

The dispute over Kashmir is also of concern, since the crossing of the (CPEC) in the region might create geo-political tension with India and ignite further political instability, the 94-page report said.

India has repeatedly voiced its objections to the route of the CPEC passing through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). New Delhi did not send a representative to the Belt and Road Forum held in Beijing last week because of these concerns.

China has said the CPEC is an economic initiative that is not relevant to disputes over territorial sovereignty. Beijing has also said the project does not affect its position on the Kashmir issue, which should be addressed through negotiations between India and Pakistan.

The ESCAP report also referred to the political instability in Afghanistan and said this could limit the potential benefits of transit corridors to population centres near Kabul or Kandahar, as those routes traverse southern and eastern Afghanistan where the Taliban are most active.

It was more critical about the implications of the CPEC for Balochistan, Pakistans resource-rich province that has been troubled by a long-running insurgency. It referred to the impact of migrants on the ethnic Baloch, who have been demanding a greater say in the use of the provinces abundant natural resources, including gas and minerals.

The CPEC, the report said, could lead to widespread displacement of local communities.

In Balochistan, there are concerns that migrants from other regions of Pakistan will render ethnic Baloch a minority in the provinceIn addition, Hazaras are another minority of concern. If the benefits of the proposed (CPEC) are reaped by large conglomerates, linked to Chinese or purely Punjabi interests, the identity and culture of the local population could be further marginalized, the report said.

There were also concerns that the CPEC would pass through an already narrow strip of cultivable land in mountainous western Pakistan, destroying farmland and orchards.

The resulting resettlements would reduce local population into an economically subservient minority. Marginalisation of local population groups could re-ignite separatist movements and toughen military response from the Government, the report said.

ESCAPs executive secretary Shamshad Akhtar, a former chief of the State Bank of Pakistan, was silent on the concerns related to Kashmir in her foreword to the report but said the success of an initiative of this scale and ambition will depend on intelligent implementation built on strong analysis.

For it to be inclusive, the BRI should be informed by broad consultation of affected communities, including on health, employment and land rights issues, she wrote.

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Two Chinese nationals were kidnapped at gun point from Quetta, the capital of Pakistans restive Balochistan province, on Wednesday, prompting authorities to launch a search operation for their recovery.

A third Chinese national managed to evade the kidnappers while a passerby was shot in the foot when he tried to intervene. The Chinese embassy in Islamabad confirmed the incident.

No one claimed responsibility for the abduction though reports suggested the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), a separatist group, might be involved.

Eyewitness Muhammad Zahir told the media the incident occurred in Jinnah Town, an upmarket residential area of Quetta. He said he tried to stop two men who were forcing a Chinese woman into a white car. When he challenged them, a third man emerged from the car and shot him.

Initially, the kidnappers told Zahir they were from the special branch of police and were taking in the Chinese woman for questioning. It is believed the Chinese man was already in the car at the time.

Balochistan chief minister Sanaullah Zehri ordered a manhunt for the kidnapped Chinese nationals. Police and Frontier Corps personnel began a search operation while the deputy chief of the Chinese mission in Islamabad, Lijian Zhao, said the embassy too was working for their release.

The BLA is protesting against the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in Balochistan on the ground that local residents are being ignored and the provinces resources are being taken away by outsiders. The BLA has been fighting the Pakistan Army for the past decade.

Pakistan has accused India of being behind the troubles in Balochistan and is currently holding an Indian national, Kulbushan Jadhav, in jail after he convicted of involvement in subversive activities in Sindh and Balochistan.

A large number of Chinese nationals, most of them associated with projects that are part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, are based in Quetta and other parts of Balochistan, including Gwadar port.

In November last year, two Chinese engineers were killed by unidentified assailants in Pasni district of Balochistan. Two more Chinese engineers were killed in a roadside blast in Hub district last September.

Pakistan has set up a special force  the Special Security Division  comprising 9,000 soldiers and 6,000 paramilitary personnel to protect the projects that are part of the $46-billion CPEC and Chinese nationals working on them.
Suspicious contacts between members of the Trump campaign and Russian officials in 2016 prompted the CIA to trigger an FBI investigation that has thrown this White House into an unrelenting crisis.

Testifying before a congressional committee on Tuesday, former CIA director John Brennan, an Obama appointee and 24-year veteran of the agency, gave the most detailed public account yet of the Russia probe.

I was worried by a number of contacts that the Russians had with US persons... felt as though the FBI investigation was certainly well-founded and needed to look into those issues, he said.

At a separate congressional hearing, director of national intelligence Daniel Coats, a Trump appointee, refused to deny or confirm a news report that the President had asked him  and NSA head Michael Rogers  to dispute allegations of collusion between his campaign and Russians.

Both Coats and Rogers had turned down the request, which was made to them by the President after then-FBI director James Comey confirmed investigation into the allegation.

When asked about Trumps request, Coats told the Senate Armed Services Committee that as the Presidents chief intelligence adviser, its not appropriate for me to comment publicly on any conversation with him.

The former CIA director, however, was far more forthcoming about Trump campaigns contacts with the Russians, which, he clarified, he had not yet confirmed was collusion because they might have been done so unwittingly.

I know what the Russians try to do. They try to suborn individuals and try to get individuals, including US individuals, to act on their behalf, wittingly or unwittingly, the former CIA director said.

I have studied Russian intelligence activities over the years, and I have seen it manifest in many different of our counter-intelligence cases and how they have been able to get people  including inside CIA  to become treasonous.

Frequently, individuals who go along that treasonous path do not even realise theyre along that path until it gets too late. And thats why my radar goes up early when I see certain things that I know what the Russians are trying to do, and I dont know whether or not the targets of their efforts are as mindful of the Russian intentions as they need to be, he said.

Brennan was so worried about the Russian interference, through hackers and those involved in the distribution of the stolen data, that he called the head of Russias Federal Security Service, or FSB, Alexander Bortnikov, to warn him that the meddling could harm ties.

Brennan took no names but some members of the Trump campaign have come under scrutiny, including one-time campaign manager Paul Manafort  who on Tuesday turned over some 300 documents sought by a congressional committee, and Carter Page, who was called a foreign policy adviser o the campaign.

And, Trumps first National Security Adviser Michael Flynn who was fired by February for lying about his interactions with Russian ambassador to the US Sergey Kislyak, especially on the day, last December, when President Barack Obama slapped Russia with sanctions for its poll meddling.

In response to the two testimonies, the White House said, This mornings hearings back up what weve been saying all along: that despite a year of investigation, there is still no evidence of any Russia-Trump campaign collusion, that the President never jeopardised intelligence sources or sharing, and that even Obamas CIA Director believes the leaks of classified information are appalling and the culprits must be tracked down.

For a long time, Trump refused to acknowledge Russian interference in the elections, going against the combined wisdom of the American intelligence community, as he believed it was an attempt to delegitimise his presidency by those who couldnt accept his victory.

The White House and allies on the Hill have also sought to fight back by focussing on the leaks that have continued to drive the Russia controversy, and caused one dismissal  that of Flynn  and a plethora of unflattering headlines and commentary of a presidency in trouble, with talk, lately, tending towards impeachment.
A suspected suicide bombing rocked a busy bus terminal in the Indonesian capital Jakarta Wednesday, killing one policeman in the latest terror attack to hit the Muslim-majority country.

Five police officers were also injured in the explosion at the bus station in the east of the city.

There has been a bomb, for now we suspect it is a suicide bombing, deputy national police chief Syafruddin, who like many Indonesians goes by one name, told TV station TVOne.

Police secure the area following an explosion at a bus stop in Kampung Melayu in Jakarta. (REUTERS)

He said the bomber was killed along with one police officer, adding that five other policemen were injured.

The police personnel had been providing security, to people in the area, he added.

The terminal, Kampung Melayu, is a local hub served by minibuses and buses. It is a working class district of the city, not popular with foreigners or tourists.

Police and witnesses said earlier they had heard two blasts during the attack.

An Indonesian bomb squad police officer checks for other explosive devices at the Kampung Melayu bus terminal in Jakarta. (AFP)

At first I saw smoke and shattered glass, the earth was shaking, I was shocked. After a few minutes there was another blast, a woman at the terminal, Rosmala, a shopkeeper who goes by only one name, told AFP.

Another eyewitness, Sultan Muhammad Firdaus, told local television station Kompas TV that he had heard two explosions.

I was on a flyover and then I heard the first explosion... There was a 10 minute gap between the two explosions.

The explosions were quite loud, I could hear them clearly, he said.

An armed Indonesian police officer guards a bus terminal in Jakarta after a suspected suicide bomber set off two blasts. (AFP)

East Jakarta police chief Andry Wibowo said that the damage at the bus terminal indicated that the explosion had been pretty big.

Indonesia, the worlds most populous Muslim-majority country, has long struggled with Islamic militancy and hundreds of radicals from the Southeast Asian state have flocked to fight with IS, sparking fears that weakened extremist outfits could get a new lease of life.

Police officers clear the area around the site of an explosion in Jakarta. (AP)

A gun and suicide attack in the capital Jakarta left four attackers and four civilians dead in January last year, and was the first assault claimed by the Islamic State group in Southeast Asia.

Indonesia has suffered a series of Islamic militant attacks in the past 15 years, including the 2002 Bali bombings that killed 202 people, mostly foreign tourists.

A sustained crackdown weakened the most dangerous networks but the emergence of IS has proved a potent new rallying cry for radicals.

Numerous recent IS-linked plots in Indonesia have been botched or foiled, with analysts saying that many of the countrys militants lack the capacity to launch serious attacks.
Iraqs Interior Ministry said it launched an investigation into allegations of human rights violations perpetrated by its forces fighting the Islamic State group in Mosul.

The allegations were first reported by Germanys Der Spiegel magazine last weekend. The report, authored by an Iraqi photographer reportedly embedded with the police unit, claims he witnessed killing, torture and rape of IS suspects.

The ministrys spokesman, Brig. Gen Saad Maan, said on Tuesday that the newspaper report identifies the Emergency Response Division  an elite unit that answers to the Interior Ministry and has been closely backed by the U.S.-led coalition in the Mosul fight  as the perpetrator of the abuses. Maan did not give a time frame for the investigating but said legal measures will be applied ... against wrongdoers.

An officer with the ERD reached by The Associated Press said his unit is not authorized to comment and that all inquiries should be directed to the Interior Ministry. In other developments, Amnesty International released a report on Wednesday saying the U.S. Army in Iraq and Kuwait failed to keep track of more a $1 billion worth of arms and other military equipment provided to forces in the fight against IS, according to a 2016 Department of Defense audit obtained by the rights group.

The report makes for especially sobering reading, given the long history of leakage of U.S. arms to multiple armed groups committing atrocities in Iraq, including the armed group calling itself the Islamic State, said Patrick Wilcken, a researcher with Amnesty. Iraqs ERD forces have been closely backed by airstrikes from the U.S.-led coalition in the fight to retake Mosul. Coalition forces also shared surveillance and intelligence information with the forces to aid in their advances on the citys eastern and western sides.

Following the Interior Ministry statement, Brett McGurk, U.S. envoy for the global coalition against IS, said Iraqi security forces have bravely placed civilian protection as top priority throughout the Mosul campaign but that individuals or units failing to uphold that standard ... must be investigated and held accountable.

U.S.-backed Iraqi forces are closing in on the last IS held neighborhoods in western Mosul nearly three years after the extremists overran almost a third of Iraq in 2014. With the help of more than 12,000 airstrikes and $12.5 billion dollars in training, logistics and support from the U.S.-led coalition, in addition to Iranian training and support, Iraqi forces have retaken more than half of the territory IS once held in the country.

The operation to retake Mosul was launched in October and the citys east was declared fully liberated in January.
From taxi driver Mann Singh and volunteers from Birmingham, to local gurdwaras, members of the Sikh community were at hand to offer transport, food, water and shelter as people struggled to come to terms with the Monday terror attack in Manchester.

Members of the community with placards reading I Love MCR were among the most conspicuous in Tuesday evenings vigil in Manchester, attended by thousands of people mourning the 22 killed in the Manchester Arena blast.

Names and addresses of four gurdwaras near the area which offered shelter and food to anyone in need were retweeted. Mann Singh and other Sikh drivers switched off their taxi meters on Monday night, transporting many people in panic to their homes or hospitals.

Anybody who's stranded in Manchester needs shelter and somewhere safe, any Sikh Gurdwara (temple) will be happy to accommodate.#Manchester pic.twitter.com/863HZULMyR  Nav Sawhney (@navsproject365) May 23, 2017

Not just Gurudwaras in Manchester offering victims food & accommodation, this Sikh cab driver is offering free taxi service to the needy #RT pic.twitter.com/AJNXL6JurW  Harjinder S Kukreja (@SinghLions) May 23, 2017

Many tweeted video clips and photos of Sikhs offering help. Such help was also extended by the local Muslim communities.

The four gurdwaras that remained open throughout the intervening night of Monday and Tuesday were Sri Guru Gobind Singh Gurdwara Educational and Cultural Centre, Gurdwara Sri Guru Harkrisham Sahib, Dasmesh Sikh Temple and Central Gurdwara Manchester.

The Sikh Council UK said in a statement: The Sikh community stands in solidarity with the people of Manchester at this difficult time and we are heartened to read the stories of Sikhs assisting the victims and their families during this atrocity.

We encourage all Sikh gurdwara managements to arrange prayers for the victims and their families and to attend community initiatives to show solidarity at this time.

It was a cowardly & barbaric act to target innocent victims including young children at a concert. Thoughts & prayers with victims &families pic.twitter.com/8KVI5jvshE  Sikh Council UK (@SikhCouncilUK) May 23, 2017

The gurdwaras of Manchester offering shelter and more to those impacted by the atrocities at the Manchester Arena are simply fulfilling their remit, a spokesperson for Everythings 13, a Sikh educational charity, was quoted by Metro.co.uk as saying.

Gurdwara means Gurus door, and all are open to all people, regardless of faith, race or gender. The Sikh community has historically been one people in need could turn to.

It is up to modern day Sikhs to ensure this continues and it is heartening to see the younger generation taking this responsibility, as we saw when many took to social media to encourage people to use Manchesters gurdwaras for shelter, as well as in the actions of Sikh taxi drivers who offered free rides across the city.

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There were emotional scenes on Wednesday as people laid flowers, cards, lit candles and said silent prayers for the 22 killed in Mondays terror attack in Manchester, and Britain saw the rare spectacle of the army being deployed in key places in London and elsewhere.

The army was deployed in Northern Ireland during the troubles, but rarely in mainland Britain. The deployment of 3,800 soldiers in places such as Buckingham Palace, Downing Street, foreign missions and Westminster indicated the level of threat assessed by security agencies.

As large vigils were held across the country, a Downing Street spokesperson told Hindustan Times that Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed to Prime Minister Theresa May Indias deepest condolences, and said Indias prayers were with all of those affected.

Prime Minister Modi congratulated the people of Manchester on their courage, patience and spirit. They agreed the UK and India would continue to cooperate closely on counter-terrorism, including aviation security and countering online radicalisation, the spokesperson added.

The Greater Manchester Police said a network of accomplices was being investigated as three people were arrested on Wednesday, bringing the total to four after one man was held on Tuesday. One of the arrested is said to be the brother of the suspect, Salman Abedi.

The police also confirmed that one of the dead was a serving police officer who was off duty, and added that all the deceased had been identified. Counter-terrorism operations were described as intense and included a raid in a block of flats in Manchester on Wednesday.

A meeting of the governments emergency committee (called Cobra) was held on Wednesday morning  the third in 24 hours  as home secretary Amber Rudd suggested that Abedi may not have acted alone in the Manchester Arena attack. Tuesday evenings meeting raised the terror threat level from severe to critical.

Officials tracing his life and recent activities suggested that Abedi, 22, of Libyan parentage, had recently returned from a visit to Libya. It was also likely that he was a mule for a bomb made by others who were still at large.

A BBC Radio station was briefly evacuated and a man with a knife was arrested near the Buckingham Palace as London saw heightened security, but the two incidents were said to be unrelated to the counter-terrorism investigations.

Abedis Libya-based father reportedly said his son was not guilty, while the British-Libyan community in Manchester issues a statement: This attack was an attack on all of us. Such depraved acts have no basis in Islam.

We support the police in bringing the perpetrators to justice, and in protecting the people of Manchester and the rest of the UK. Many members of the community in Manchester are doctors who stand side by side with their colleagues to ensuring that victims and other patients receive the best possible care at this difficult time, it added.

Campaigning for the June 8 election remained suspended, but senior Labour leader Yvette Cooper, who also chaired the influential home affairs committee in the last parliament, said all parties will want to support the police and security agencies.

She said: This was a truly vile attack - its just incomprehensible, the idea of attacking children in this way - and they have got a job to do in the police force, they have got a job that we have to support them in doing.

The expert advice about raising the threat level will be because they want to make sure that they have investigated every possibility about whether there is a network in place that this man was a part of. And we need to support them in doing that.

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Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda resigned on Wednesday, paving the way for Nepali Congress chief Sher Bahadur Deuba to assume the post in line with an agreement between the two leaders last year.

Prachanda, 62, who led a decade-long insurgency before entering politics, announced his resignation during a televised address to the nation from his office. The move, he said, would end what he called a drought of trust in Nepali politics.

The Nepali Congress and Prachandas Communist Party of Nepal-Maoist Centre had reached an agreement on the change of prime minister before forming a coalition government in August last year.

I have made a vow to end a long drought of morality in Nepali politics, Prachanda said, highlighting the achievements of his government that was in office for 10 months.

There were several examples in Nepals politics of leaders never keeping their promises about a transfer of power, he said while raising the issue of morality in politics. But today I am going to set an example and as per the accord reached with the Nepali Congress, I am going to announce my resignation, he added.

After his address, Prachanda went to President Bidhya Devi Bhandari and handed over his resignation.

After approving the resignation, Bhandari will call on political parties to form a new government on the basis of two-thirds majority, according to the constitutional process. The president will set a deadline of seven days for the parties to install a new government.

If the parties fail or the prime ministerial candidates fail to garner two-thirds of the votes, the president will call for the formation of a government on the basis of majority votes.

Deuba will contest for the post of prime minister on the basis of majority votes with the support of CPN-Maoist Centre.

The new government will hold the second round of polls to local government bodies on June 14. According to last years pact, the Nepali Congress and CPN-Maoist Centre were to run the government on a rotational basis until elections to the Parliament are held in February 2018.

Referring to the achievements of his government, Prachanda listed the balancing of ties with India and China, ending power outages and good beginnings in economy, health, infrastructure and education.

This was Prachandas second stint as the premier and he was elected to the office after he forged an alliance with the Nepali Congress in August last year. He became prime minister for the first time in August 2008, after his party emerged as the largest entity in the Constituent Assembly elections.

After then President Ram Baran Yadav turned down a Cabinet decision to remove the army chief Gen Rookmangud Katawal, Dahal resigned from the top post of May 4, 2009.

Prachanda deferred his resignation after the main opposition CPN-UML obstructed proceedings in Parliament on Tuesday. The Opposition members opposed the governments move to increase of number of local administrative units in the Terai region, calling it a violation of the election code of conduct.

The units were increased to address the grievances of Madhes-based parties and to ensure their participation in the second phase of local polls.

Nepal held the first phase of local elections on May 14 in three provinces, mostly in the hills, where the CPM-UML is reportedly ahead.
China on Wednesday said it has no information about the Sukhoi-30 combat jet of the Indian Air Force that went missing near the Sino-Indian border, adding that New Delhi should avoid disturbing the stability of the region.

The aircraft with two pilots on board went missing near the border on Tuesday after taking off from Tezpur airbase in Assam.

Asked whether China would help in locating the aircraft, foreign ministry spokesperson Lu Kang said his country hoped India would not disturb peace near the eastern border.

As for the situation you mentioned, I have no relevant information to offer at the moment, he said about the missing jet.

China claims Arunachal Pradesh as south Tibet and relations between the two countries took a hit when Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama visited the state in April.

The IAFs decision to deploy frontline aircraft such as the Su-30 at forward bases in northeastern states has also caused disquiet in Beijing.

Lu told a regular foreign ministry news briefing: First of all, on the eastern section of China-India border, our position is consistent and clear. We have been following the situation in south Tibet very closely. We hope India can stick to arrangements between two sides and avoid disturbing peace and stability in border areas.

India accuses China of occupying 38,000 sq km in Jammu and Kashmir while Beijing claims about 90,000 sq km in Arunachal Pradesh.

Following the Dalai Lamas visit to Arunachal Pradesh, China unilaterally renamed six places in the state in what appeared to be a retaliatory move. The names were changed to show to India the sovereignty of the region, the Chinese state media reported.

On several occasions, the state media has also warned India of consequences for allowing the Dalai Lama to visit the disputed area.

The Chinese government has never recognised Arunachal Pradesh. In 1987, India abruptly announced that it was officially designating the region as Arunachal Pradesh but the Chinese government has never recognised Indias occupation of the region, nor the legitimacy of the province, a state media article said in April.

In a sharp response to the Dalai Lamas visit, spokesperson Lu had said: I said the Dalai Lama is visiting the disputed eastern section of the China-India boundary. It is not Indian territory.
Amid heightened tension with India, Pakistan Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman on Wednesday warned his forces would respond to any aggression by the enemy in a manner that their future generations would remember it.

Aman, who was at the Qadri airbase in Skardu, said Pakistan would give a befitting response to any misadventure by the enemy, Radio Pakistan reported.

The Air Force chief made the remarks after taking part in air force exercises and flying a Mirage fighter jet. He also reviewed the exercises and operational preparedness of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF).

His visit coincided with reports in the Pakistani media that the PAF on Wednesday flew fighter jets near the Siachen Glacier, the worlds highest battleground.

The Indian Air Force in New Delhi denied that the Pakistani fighter jets violated the Indian air space.

Talking to reporters at the Qadri airbase, Aman said Pakistan should have zero concerns over the statements of the enemy.

Our response to any aggression by the enemy will be such that their future generations will also remember it, he said according to the report.

Tensions between India and Pakistan have run high since the attack on an Indian army base in Uri in September last year in which 18 soldiers were killed by militants based in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Ten days after the attack, India launched surgical strikes across the Line of Control to destroy terrorist launchpads.

On Tuesday, the Indian Army announced the launch of punitive fire assaults on Pakistani positions across the Line of Control earlier this month, inflicting some damage. The action was taken in response to the beheading of two Indian soldiers in Kashmir by Pakistani special forces.
Erdogans Guards Beating Protesters Reinforces Terrible Turk Image

By Harut Sassounian Publisher, The California Courier www.TheCaliforniaCourier.com Armenians and non-Armenians alike were saddened and outraged seeing videos of the attack on 11 protesters who were injured after being hit, kicked and choked by Pres. Erdogans security guards in front of the Turkish Embassy in Washington, D.C., on May 16. Regrettably, several thousand Turks shamelessly sent tweets expressing their joy that Armenians, Assyrians, Kurds, Greeks and Yezidis were bloodied by Turkish thugs! This vicious brawl has done more damage to the image of Turkey in the United States and around the world than any other brutality recently committed by Turkish soldiers, police or security guards inside Turkey. Turkish denialists constantly complain that Armenian propaganda on the Armenian Genocide has stained the reputation of Turks worldwide, ignoring the fact that Turks have tarnished their own image by committing a heinous mass crime. In fact, the May 16 nasty attack by Turkish goons on peaceful protesters has done more to reinforce the Terrible Turk image than anything Armenians or others could have done. The Turkish government spends millions of dollars each year to pay public relations firms to present Turkey in the best possible light. However, the latest incident, which was condemned by many Members of Congress and covered widely by the mass media, has blackened the reputation of Turkey and its autocratic President Erdogan to such an extent that even $100 million spent on public relations cannot undo the damage inflicted on their image. Here are some of the critical comments made by Members of Congress: Sen. John McCain (Rep.-AZ), Chairman of Senate Armed Services Committee, told ABC Nightly News and MSNBC: We should throw [Turkeys] Ambassador the hell out of the United States of America! In addition, Sen. McCain and Sen. Dianne Feinstein (Dem.-CA), Ranking Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, sent a joint letter to Pres. Erdogan asking for an apology. Four Republican Senators: Marco Rubio (FL), Tom Cotton (AR), Mike Lee (UT), and Ted Cruz (TX) issued a joint statement demanding an immediate apology from the Turkish government. Condemnatory statements were also issued by: Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (Dem.-NY), Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (Dem.-RI), Sen. Jack Reed (Dem.-RI), Sen. Ben Cardin (Dem.-MD), Sen. Patrick Leahy (Dem.-VT), and Sen. Ben Sasse (Rep.-NEB). House Foreign Relations Committee chairman Ed Royce sent a letter to Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Attorney General Jeff Sessions stating: Agents of foreign governments should never be immune from prosecution for felonious behavior. Several other House members also issued statements condemning the Turkish attack: Don Breyer (Dem.-VA), Devin Nunes (Rep.-CA), Adam Schiff (Dem.-CA), Steny Hoyer (Dem.-MD), Frank Pallone (Dem.-NJ), Dave Trott (Rep.-MI), David Valadao (Rep.-CA), Brad Sherman (Dem.-CA), James McGovern (Dem.-MA), Jim Costa (Dem.-CA), Zoe Lofgren (Dem.-CA), Ron DeSantis (Rep.-FL), Tulsi Gabbard (Dem.-HI), Ted Deutch (Dem.-FL), and District of Columbia Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton. Former U.S. Ambassador to the UN, Samantha Power, tweeted: Clearly Erdogans guards feel complete impunity, drawing on tools of repression they use at home and knowing he has their back, no matter what. In addition, both the Mayor and Police Chief of Washington, D.C., condemned the brutal attack in the nations Capital, shortly after Pres. Erdogan met with Pres. Trump in the White House. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson told FOX news that the Turkish attack is simply unacceptable and is under investigation. Turkeys Ambassador to Washington, Serdar Kilic, was summoned to the State Department by Under Secretary of State Thomas Shannon. The State Department issued a statement condemning the Turkish government in the strongest possible terms. The Wall Street Journal reported that the State Department is exploring ways to block members of Erdogans security detail from re-entering the United States. This is the least the U.S. government should do! Amazingly, Amb. Kilic was quoted as telling a police officer who was trying to break up the fight, you cannot touch us, referring to the possible diplomatic immunity granted to some of the Turkish guards. Incredibly, the Turkish Foreign Ministry summoned the U.S. Ambassador in Ankara to complain about the behavior of Washington, D.C., police. The most serious aspect of this attack was the fact that Pres. Erdogan was video-taped by Voice of America (Turkish news service) directing his security detail to attack the protesters, according to the Washington Post. Regrettably, this is not the first time Pres. Erdogans bodyguards have gotten involved in beating or threatening individuals during his overseas trips. In 2009, then-Prime Minister Erdogans security members were involved in a brawl with Pres. Obamas Secret Service agents. In 2011, Erdogans bodyguards broke the ribs of a United Nations security guard, during an attack at the U.N. headquarters in New York City. In 2014, Turkish security in New York threatened and pushed around journalists working for a newspaper unfriendly to Erdogan. In 2015, during a visit to Brussels, Pres. Erdogans security guard attacked a Belgian government bodyguard. In February 2016, Pres. Erdogans bodyguards assaulted three women who were protesting his speech at the National Institute of Higher Studies in Quito, Uruguay. The Turkish security members also broke the nose of an Ecuadorian Parliament member who was trying to intervene. Erdogan arrogantly justified the attack: Appropriate responses will always be taken to handle these disrespectful people. Rosana Alvarado, deputy speaker of Ecuadors Parliament, responded: We dont want to see Erdogan in our country again! In March 2016, Pres. Erdogans security attacked journalists and protesters outside the Brookings Institution in Washington, D.C., where the Turkish leader was invited to give a speech. After listing some of the aforementioned attacks, National Review Online columnist Tom Rogan concluded: As Erdogan centralizes power and attacks his opponents, the TPPD [Turkish Presidential Protection Department] has morphed from law enforcement into suited thuggery. It will take a long time for Turkey to recover the flood of negative publicity in hundreds of U.S. newspapers, TV stations, and websites, including a devastating editorial in the Washington Post. Anders Corr writing in Forbes magazine suggested that next time Turkey comes to town, mobilize the riot police to corral Erdogans thuggish security if they get out of hand. In an editorial, The New York Times aptly described the May 16 attack: The enduring image of Mr. Erdogans visit will not be the pomp at the White House but that of his security guards and other supporters beating up protesters outside the Turkish ambassadors residence. Erdogans security exhibited their typical criminal behavior in front of the whole world. They behaved in the United States the way they behave routinely in Turkey! Two Turkish journalists, writing in the independent Al-Monitor website, correctly characterized the recent ugly incidents with Erdogans bodyguards: The Washington visit ended with scenes making a mockery of Turkeys image, wrote Fehim Tastekin. Pinar Tremblay added: Erdogans security personnel are notorious for attacking protesters all around the globe, thus presenting a brutal face of Turkey that no anti-Turkey lobby could accomplish in one day.
Pakistan is harbouring terrorists and using them as reserve in Afghanistan, a top US intelligence official has told lawmakers.

Pakistan views Afghanistan or desires for Afghanistan some of the same things we want: a safe, secure, stable Afghanistan. One addition -- one that does not have heavy Indian influence in Afghanistan, Lt Gen Vincent Stewart, director, Defense Intelligence Agency told members of the powerful Senate Armed Services Committee during a Congressional hearing on worldwide threats.

They view all of the challenges through the lens of an Indian threat to the state of Pakistan, Stewart said.

So they (Pakistan) hold in reserve terrorist organisation -- we define them as terrorist organisations, they hold them in reserve so that -- if Afghanistan leans towards India, they will no longer be supportive of an idea of a stable and secure Afghanistan that could undermine Pakistan interest, Stewart said.

He said Pakistan needs to be told very clearly that Afghanistans security and stability is in the interest of all of the parties in the region and does not pose a risk to Pakistan.

Weve got to convince Pakistan that if theyre harbouring any of the Haqqani network members that it is not in their interest to continue to host of Haqqani network, that we ought to be working together to go after those 20 terrorist organisations that undermine not just Afghanistan, not just Pakistan, but all of the region, he said.

And so weve to make sure were pushing them to do more against the Haqqani network. Then (they should) separate the Taliban from the Pashtun, which want a Pashtun dominated Afghanistan, he said.

So weve got to get the conversation going again with Pakistan about their role in not harbouring any of these terrorists, helping to stabilise Afghanistan, he added.

Hoping that US may have some progress in this, Stewart said Pakistan also have some influence in bringing the Taliban to the peace table.

So, weve got to get them to think about reconciliation, that the status quo is not in their best interest, he said.

Dan Coats, director of National Intelligence said there is need to evaluate how to address the situation of Pakistan harbouring terrorist.

I think certainly an evaluation of how we work with Pakistan to address the situation of the harbouring of terrorist groups would be essential to a strategy that affects Afghanistan, going forward in Afghanistan, he said in response to a question.

Because that is potentially a very disrupting situation, putting our own troops at risk and undermining the strategy of dealing with the Taliban and local groups that are trying to undermine the government, Coats said.
Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda, the Maoist rebel-turned-politician, resigned as Nepal Prime Minister on Wednesday, paving the way for Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba to form the next government as per their agreement last year.

Prachanda, 62, who led a decade-long insurgency before entering politics, announced his resignation during a televised address, and will formally put in his papers to President Bidhya Devi Bhandari.

I announce my resignation from the post of the prime minister today, right now, with a pledge to continue being active for the upliftment of the country and the people as a politician, parliamentarian and a citizen, Prachanda told his countrymen.

I have decided to fulfil the commitment made to the Nepali Congress when I became prime minister. I am going to the president to tender my resignation right now, he said, while highlighting his governments achievements, which was in office for nine months.

For the time being, Prachanda will lead a caretaker government till 70-year-old Deuba gets parliament approval to form the new administration, which will be the 25th in 27 years. However, some observers pointed out that the process could take longer due to acrimony in the House.

Prachanda was earlier scheduled to address parliament on Tuesday before putting in his papers, but due to obstruction by the main opposition CPN-UML, he could not do so. CPN-UML opposed his resignation, alleging it was a violation of election code of conduct for him to quit in the middle of local-level polls, the second phase of which is scheduled for June.

Prachanda, who chairs the CPN (Maoist Centre), had reached an understanding with Deuba last August that he would step down as premier and hand over the leadership to him after nine months. The pact was to run the government on a rotational basis until elections to the parliament are held in February 2018.

Deuba is the same man who, as then prime minister, announced a $50,000-bounty for Prachandas capture, dead or alive.

Prachanda was to hold office till local polls are held and remaining two elections  provincial and central - are to be conducted under Deuba.

The first phase of the local elections, which were held after a gap of two decades, took place on May 14, and the second phase is scheduled for June 14. (With inputs from agencies)
Last July, when Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda gave his first interview to the Hindustan Times soon after it became clear he would be Nepals new Prime Minister, he told us, I will hand over power in nine-ten months to the Nepali Congress, as soon as I can do the local elections.

The change of yet another Prime Minister in Nepal is not a surprising development in itself.

The country has had close to 25 prime ministers in the last 25 years. In the past ten years itself, since the Peoples Movement and restoration of democracy, there have been 10 ministers and since the second constituent assembly elections at the end of 2013, Prachanda is the third head.

What is striking though is that in the cynical and deeply dishonest political culture of Kathmandu, Prachanda has stuck to his word.

On Wednesday, he did resign - after holding the first phase of local elections.

India, the architect of this power sharing a deal between Maoists and the Nepali Congress, would be smiling for it wanted to see a smooth handover.

Prachanda, however, exits with a mixed legacy.

The southern tilt

Prachanda came to power after breaking ranks with the hardline nationalist KP Oli. This was a difficult decision. China wanted Prachanda to stick to Oli under the rhetoric of left unity - the unstated goal was having a prime minister who was averse to Delhis special relationship with Kathmandu.

India, for its part, was keen that Maoists, Nepali Congress and Madhesis get together. It wanted to get rid of Oli, who had deepened a toxic variant of anti Indian nationalism and was the primary driver of an exclusivist constitution.

Prachanda tilted south and entered a power sharing arrangement with the NC president Sher Bahadur Deuba. The deal was simple. Both sides explicitly committed to amending the constitution to accommodate Madhesi aspirations - the people of the plains have been waging a movement since 2015 against constitutional provisions which entrench exclusion from the power structure.

Prachanda would then hold local elections, and hand over power to Deuba, who would hold national and provincial elections - by January, 2018.

Prachandas stint was important, for within Nepal, it reduced - somewhat - the visibly hostile relationship between the Kathmandu government and the Madhes. He spoke a language of inclusion and reconciliation, and consistently reiterated his commitment to an amendment.

Externally, Prachanda restored a semblance of warm ties with India. He visited India twice and both publicly and privately was careful to be sensitive to Indian concerns on security, China, and internal political reform. Under him, Nepal signed on to OBOR but Prachanda was careful to first consult India, address its concerns even as he laid out his constraints.

The big failure

But Prachandas biggest failure would be his inability to translate the words into actions and move on the constitutional question. If he had succeeded, he would truly have got the hills and plains together and after a period of deep division, laid the foundations of a common future.

To be fair, any amendment required two thirds majority. And Prachanda did not have the numbers on his own. However, it can be argued he did not try hard enough. And he took the short cut - of announcing the local elections before the amendment.

The Madhesi forces resisted this sequence of events; the elections were then divided into two phases; the first phase- in Kathmandu and mid hills - is now done; and Prachanda has walked away a satisfied man at having conducted elections and kickstarted the process of constitution implementation.

But here is the thing.

He has left the problem unaddressed, for the second phase of local elections are due on June 14. NCs Sher Bahadur Deuba is expected to take office next week - and will have a huge challenge.

The newly unified Madhesi party - Rashtriya Janata Party led by the veteran Mahant Thakur - has made it clear that it will not participate in elections unless there is an amendment. Deuba will either have to make a serious effort at constitutional accommodation immediately after taking over to bring them on board - this is unlikely.

Or he will have to push elections even as the major Madhesi force remains outside the process - a scenario that could well deepen the divide between the hills and plains, raise questions about the legitimacy of the election, and even lead to violence if there are active obstructions.

In this scenario, even if the state forces through elections, it will leave an angry and restive younger Madhesi population willing to explore more radical paths including secession. Or he might have to postpone the election - this will give him some time to work on the constitutional question, bring the Madhesis on board, and then go in for inclusive elections in due course.

Prachanda has shown rare political honesty in handing over power. He has also been a relatively successful prime minister, given the extraordinarily low standards of performance in Nepal, after a disastrous first stint when he antagonised all sides back in 2008-09.

This was a far more mature Prachanda in power. But he made a mistake in holding the elections before the amendment. This has left Nepals thorniest problem of the constitution unaddressed.

It is now upto Deuba to correct the sequence of politics and get the constitutional question sorted out before the next phase of elections. If this requires more time, he should show the courage to postpone the elections. His real success would be in uniting the pahad, hills and Tarai, widening the ownership of the constitution and then moving on to its implementation.
Muslim extremists abducted a Catholic priest and more than a dozen churchgoers while laying siege to a southern Philippine city overnight, burning buildings, ambushing soldiers and hoisting flags of the Islamic State group, officials said Wednesday. President Rodrigo Duterte has declared martial law in the southern third of the nation and warned he would enforce it harshly.

The violence erupted Tuesday night after the army raided the hideout of Isnilon Hapilon, an Abu Sayyaf commander who is on Washingtons list of most-wanted terrorists with a reward of up to $5 million for his capture. The militants called for reinforcements from an allied group, the Maute, and some 50 gunmen managed to enter the city of Marawi.

Archbishop Socrates Villegas, president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, said the militants forced their way into a cathedral in Marawi and seized a priest, 10 worshippers and three church workers.

The priest, Father Chito, and the others had no role in the conflict, Villegas said.

He was not a combatant. He was not bearing arms. He was a threat to none, Villegas said of Chito. His capture and that of his companions violates every norm of civilized conflict.

Villegas says the gunmen are demanding the government recall its forces.

Duterte declared martial rule for 60 days in the entire Mindanao region, the restive southern third of the Philippine archipelago. He had vowed to be harsh.

I warned everybody not to force my hand into it, Duterte said on a plane en route to the Philippines on Wednesday. I have to do it to preserve the republic.

Martial law allows Duterte to harness the armed forces to carry out arrests, searches and detentions more rapidly. He has repeatedly threatened to place the south, the scene of decades-long Muslim separatist uprisings, under martial law. But human rights groups have expressed fears that martial law powers could further embolden Duterte, whom they have accused of allowing extrajudicial killings of thousands of drug suspects in a crackdown on illegal drugs.

Details from inside Marawi were sketchy because the largely Muslim city of more than 200,000 people appeared to be largely sealed off and without electricity.

The whole of Marawi city is blacked out, there is no light, and there are Maute snipers all around, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said late Tuesday in Moscow, where he was accompanying Duterte on an official trip. Duterte cut the trip short and headed back to the Philippines.

Lorenzana said dozens of gunmen occupied city hall, a hospital and a jail and burned a Catholic church, a college and some houses in an assault that killed at least two soldiers and a police officer and wounded 12 others.

Hapilon, an Arabic-speaking Islamic preacher known for his expertise on commando assaults, pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group in 2014. He is a commander of the Abu Sayyaf militant group and was wounded by a military airstrike in January.

Troops sealed off major entry and exit points to prevent Hapilon from escaping, military chief of staff Gen. Eduardo Ano told The Associated Press by telephone late Tuesday from Moscow, where he was accompanying Duterte.

We will conduct house-to-house clearing and do everything to remove the threat there. We can do that easily, Ano said, but added it was more difficult in an urban setting because of the need to avoid civilian casualties.

He said the group erected Islamic State flags at several locations.

Duterte met late Tuesday with Russian President Vladimir Putin and said he is counting on Russia to supply weapons for the Philippines to fight terrorism.

Of course, our country needs modern weapons, we had orders in the United States, but now the situation there is not very smooth and in order to fight the Islamic State, with their units and factions, we need modern weapons, he said, according to Russian state news agency Tass.

While pursuing peace talks with two large Muslim rebel groups in the south of this predominantly Roman Catholic nation, Duterte has ordered the military to destroy smaller extremist groups which have tried to align with the Islamic State group.

The Maute group is one of less than a dozen new armed Muslim groups that have pledged allegiance to the Islamic State and formed a loose alliance with Hapilon reportedly designated as the alliances leader.

The Maute has been blamed for a bombing that killed 15 people in southern Davao city, Dutertes hometown, last September and a number of attacks on government forces in Lanao, although it has faced setbacks from a series of military offensives.

Last month, troops backed by airstrikes killed dozens of Maute militants and captured their jungle camp near Lanao del Surs Piagapo town. Troops found homemade bombs, grenades, combat uniforms and passports of suspected Indonesian militants in the camp, the military said.
Salman Abedi, the suicide bomber who killed 22 people in an attack on a pop concert in Manchester, was a business student who dropped out of university.

Born to a devoutly Islamic Libyan family in Britains third biggest city, newspapers said he was known to the security services and the Financial Times said he had turned to radical Islam in recent years.

Abedi, 22, worshipped at a suburban mosque, where his father was a well-known face who sometimes performed the call to prayer.

He was named by police and Prime Minister Theresa May the day after the deadly attack, which also left dozens wounded, on the concert by US pop star Ariana Grande, who has a large teenage girl following.

The perpetrator was Salman Ramadan Abedi, who was born and brought up in Britain, May said, condemning his actions as callous and cowardly.

Abedis family have lived in the Fallowfield area of south Manchester for at least 10 years, according to The Daily Telegraph newspaper.

Armed police raided an address in the modestly well-to-do area on Tuesday, carrying out a controlled explosion to gain entry.

A 23-year-old man was also arrested in the south of the city in connection with the attack.

Fallowfield resident Peter Jones, 53, described the area as quiet and safe.

Jones told AFP that he was shocked and surprised when he heard that the suspect was from there.

Media reports said Abedis parents fled Libya to escape the regime of former dictator Moamer Kadhafi.

Around 16,000 Libyans live in Britain and Manchester is home to the largest community, according to the BBC. It was a focus of celebrations when the Kadhafi regime fell in 2011.

Reports said the suicide bomber was the second youngest of four children, including another son and one daughter.

One member of Manchesters Libyan community told The Guardian newspaper: He was such a quiet boy, always very respectful towards me.

His brother Ismael is outgoing, but Salman was very quiet. He is such an unlikely person to have done this.

Abedi had recently returned from Libya, according to The Times newspapers front page Wednesday, which cited a school friend as saying he left three weeks ago and returned in the last few days.

Police said they were urgently seeking to establish whether Abedi worked alone, or acted as part of a larger network.

Abedis family were closely linked to the Didsbury Mosque, a Victorian former Methodist chapel in a leafy suburb that was bought in 1967 by donors from the Syrian Arab community.

His father Ramadan had sometimes performed the call to prayer and his brother Ismael had been a volunteer.

One senior figure from the mosque however, Mohammed Saeed, told The Guardian that when he once gave a sermon denouncing terror, Abedi stared him down.

Salman showed me a face of hate after that sermon, Mohammed Saeed said of the 2015 encounter.

He was showing me hatred.

Abedi began studying business and management at Salford University in Manchester in 2014, a source told the Press Association news agency, but he dropped out after two years and did not complete his degree.

He did not live in university accommodation, had not been in any trouble at the university, was not on any radar for pastoral or social care and was not known to have participated in any university societies.

It is understood Abedi never met with the universitys resident imam.

Abedi used an improvised explosive device, apparently packed with metal, to massacre concertgoers and end his own life.

Citing CCTV footage recovered by detectives, The Times reported Abedi had placed the device in a suitcase which he set on the ground before it detonated.
Saudi Arabia on Wednesday defended the actions of Bahraini authorities who opened fire on a protest by supporters of a top Shia cleric, killing five people.

The security of Bahrain is an integral part of Saudi security, the official Saudi Press Agency quoted a source in Riyadhs foreign ministry as saying.

The source affirmed the support of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the measures being taken, including in Diraz village near the capital Manama, it said.

These measures are to address all terrorist attempts aimed at destabilising and damaging security and order, it added.

The Sunni-ruled Gulf state, where Shiites are a majority, has been shaken by unrest since 2011, when Bahraini authorities backed by a Saudi military force crushed Shiite-led protests.

Demonstrators were demanding a constitutional monarchy and an elected prime minister.

Bahrains interior ministry on Tuesday said five people died among the outlaws in the Shiite village of Diraz, where supporters of cleric Isa Qassim were holding a sit-in outside his home.

Witnesses had earlier told AFP that several civilians were wounded when police fired at demonstrators throwing stones and Molotov cocktails at security forces.

Bahrain is located just across a causeway from Saudi Arabia, most of whose Shiite minority live in Gulf coast or other eastern communities.

Shiites in Saudi Arabia, who have long complained of marginalisation, also began protesting in 2011.

Sporadic security incidents that have continued since then escalated this month in the Shiite town of Awamiya.

Authorities said a policeman died in a rocket propelled grenade attack on May 16, while at least two other people were earlier shot dead in unrest centred on a neighbourhood slated for redevelopment.

A resident of the area reported gunfire early on Wednesday.
President Donald Trump and Pope Francis, two leaders with contrasting styles and differing worldviews, met at the Vatican City on Wednesday, setting aside their previous clashes to broadcast a tone of peace for an audience around the globe.

Trump, midway through his grueling nine-day maiden international journey, called upon the pontiff at the Vatican early Wednesday where the two had a private 30-minute meeting laden with religious symbolism and ancient protocol. The president, accompanied by his wife and several aides, arrived at the Vatican just after 8 a.m. local time. The president greeted Francis in Sala del Tronetto, the room of the little throne, on the second floor of Apostolic Palace Wednesday morning.

Upon completing their meeting, the pope gave the president a medal featuring an olive branch, a symbol of peace, among other gifts.

We can use peace, the president responded.

The visit began with a handshake between the two men. Trump could be heard thanking the pope and saying it was a great honor to be there. They then posed for photographs and then sat down at the papal desk, the pope unsmiling, as their private meeting began.

Pope Francis shakes hands with Vatican Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, at the Vatican, Wednesday. (AP Photo)

It ended a half hour later when Francis rang the bell in his private study. The pontiff was then introduced to members of Trumps delegation, including his wife Melania, his daughter Ivanka and son-in-law Jared Kushner, as well as aides Hope Hicks and Dan Scavino.

Smiling for the staff, Francis had a light moment with the First Lady, asking via translator, What do you give him to eat, pizza?

Melania giggled and said Pizza? Yes.

As is tradition, the pope and president exchanged gifts. Trump presented the pontiff some books written by Martin Luther King Jr, saying I think youll enjoy them. I hope you do. The pope presented Trump with the medal, a message of peace and three bound papal documents that to some degree define his papacy and priorities.

Pope Francis talks with US President Donald Trump and his wife Melania during a private audience at the Vatican on May 24. (Reuters File Photo)

When Trump departed, he told the pope: Thank you, I wont forget what you said.

Trumps predecessor, Barack Obama, had a private audience with Francis at the Vatican in 2014 that lasted 50 minutes. But the timing on Wednesday was tight as Francis had his weekly Wednesday general audience, the thousands of pilgrims on hand forced Trumps motorcade to enter Vatican City from a side entrance rather than the grand entrance through St. Peters Square.

The meeting, which concluded Trumps tour of the worlds largest monotheistic religions, could provide powerful imagery to Catholic voters back in the United States as well as the possibility for conflict between a president and a pope who have not often seen eye-to-eye.

U.S. President Donald Trump, first lady Melania, and the U.S. delegation pose with Pope Francis during a private audience at the Vatican, May 24, 2017. REUTERS/Alessandra Tarantino/Pool (REUTERS)

The two collided head-on early last year, when Francis was sharply critical of Trumps campaign pledge to build an impenetrable wall on the Mexican border and his declaration that the United States should turn away Muslim immigrants and refugees.

A person who thinks only about building walls, wherever they may be, and not building bridges, is not Christian, Francis said then. The pontiff has been a vocal advocate for aiding refugees, particularly those fleeing the violence in Syria, deeming it both a moral imperative and Christian duty to help.

Trump then called Francis disgraceful for doubting his faith.

Trump arrived in Rome Tuesday evening, his motorcade closing a busy Italian highway just after rush hour and prompting hundreds of onlookers to briefly step out of their gridlocked cars to gawk at the fleet of armored vehicles. He spent the night at the U.S. ambassador to Italys residence.

Though both Trump and Francis are known for their unpredictability, papal visits with heads of state are carefully arranged bits of political and religious theater that follow a specific program, with little room for deviation or unwanted surprises. Trump was expected to be given a tour of the Vatican after his papal meeting.

Trump is the 13th president to visit the Vatican and, as part of his tour, he will view the Sistine Chapel.

In recent days, Francis and Trump have been in agreement on a need for Muslim leaders to do more against extremists in their own communities. But there are few other areas where their views align.

The presidents prior anti-Muslim rhetoric  including his musing that Islam hates the West  is the antithesis of what the pope has been preaching about a need for dialogue with Muslims. Francis also differs sharply with Trump on the need to combat climate change and economic inequality. And he could react to events this week, including the release of Trumps budget, which would dramatically cut funding to programs that help the poor, and the presidents agreement to sell military equipment to Saudi Arabia,.

Pope Francis waves as he arrives to lead his Wednesday general audience in Saint Peter's square at the Vatican, on May 24. (Reuters Photo)

Trumps visit to the Eternal City comes after two stops in the Middle East where he visited the cradles of Islam and Judaism. In Saudi Arabia, he addressed dozens of Arab leaders and urged them to fight extremists at home and isolate Iran, which he depicted as menace to the region. And in Israel, Trump reaffirmed his commitment to strong ties with the nations longtime ally and urged both the Israelis and the Palestinians to begin the process of reaching a peace deal. No details or timetable have yet to be established for negotiations.

But while Trump received extravagantly warm welcomes in Riyadh and Jerusalem, the reception could grow much cooler now that hes reached Europe, site of widespread protests after his election. Climate change activists projected the words Planet Earth First on the massive dome of St. Peters Basilica at the Vatican Tuesday night and protests are expected Wednesday in Rome and later in the week when Trump travels to Brussels for a NATO meeting and Sicily for a G7 gathering.
Washington Irving was Americas first author-celebrityone moccasined step ahead of James Fenimore Cooper, who gained fame for his Leatherstocking Tales, featuring frontier rifleman Natty Bumppo, his Indian foster brother, Chingachgook, and foster nephew Uncas, the last of the Mohicans. By the time Cooper first forayed into the literary frontier in 1823, Irving had already introduced readers to the Hudson Valley Dutch in his short stories Rip Van Winkle (1819) and The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (1820). Those two comic ghost tales remain the most-read Irving works, as opposed, for example, to a five-volume biography of his namesake, George Washington, whom the author met when he was a child. But Irving, too, wrote about the frontier, based on firsthand observation. As in Coopers works, the Indians in Irvings narrative were more noble than savage, and some of the frontier whites he described were very rough articles indeed.

Irvings introduction to the American frontier came in 1832 during a monthlong trek across what soon became Indian Territory (present-day Oklahoma). His adventure began that spring on a ship headed back to the United States from Europe. During the crossing Irvingwho had kept up his writing while touring the Continent and later served as secretary to the American legation in Londonmet Charles Joseph Latrobe, a 31-year-old Englishman of French ancestry with all the buoyancy and accommodating spirit of a native of the Continent, and traveling companion Albert Alexander de Pourtales, a 19-year-old Franco-Swiss count full of talent and spirit, but galliard in the extreme and prone to every sort of wild adventure. That summer the trio met up for a ramble through the White Mountains of New Hampshire, then set out from Buffalo on Lake Erie aboard a Detroit-bound steamer. While aboard they had a chance encounter with Judge Henry Leavitt Ellsworth of Connecticut, whom President Andrew Jackson had recently appointed to a board of commissioners arranging for the removal of the Southern Indian tribes west of the Mississippi. Irving described the judge as a man in whom a course of legal practice and political life had not been able to vitiate an innate simplicity and benevolence of heart. Ellsworth explained that he was headed into largely unexplored Indian country and asked Irving, Latrobe and Count Albert if they wanted to join him. They jumped at the chance.

Born into a merchant-class family in New York City, Irving spoke French and German and had spent two decades in the cultured cities of Europe. He was pushing 50 and more of a bon vivant than a frontiersman. But aside from some lumps and bumps he had the time of his life in Indian country. He kept a journal and ultimately wrote a book about the experience. First published in 1835, A Tour on the Prairies has never been out of print.

Commissioner Ellsworth and party disembarked at Ashtabula, Ohio, traveled southwest to Louisville, steamed down the Ohio to the Mississippi, then made their way upriver to St. Louis, arriving on September 13. There they met Indian Affairs Superintendent William Clark, famed co-commander of the 180406 Lewis and Clark Expedition and former governor of Missouri Territory. After agreeing to rendezvous in Independence, Mo., Ellsworth boarded a steamer headed up the Missouri while Irving, Latrobe and Count Albert set off cross-country. To help them tote supplies and set up camp, the trio retained a little, swarthy, meager French creole named Antoine but familiarly dubbed Tonish. In his narrative Irving assigned Tonish the role of comic Frenchman, a familiar literary figure of the era. If all this little vagabond said of himself were to be believed, he was without morals, without caste, without creed, without country and even without language, for he spoke a jargon of English, French, and Osage. Tonish apparently had a nose for class, however, as he promptly volunteered to squire the young count, to teach him how to catch the wild horse, bring down the buffalo and win the smiles of Indian princesses. At months end Ellsworth rejoined them in Independence, and the men set out south. They arrived at Fort Gibson, at the junction of the Arkansas and Neosho rivers, on October 8.

Ellsworth was as eager as his traveling companions to explore Indian country. He learned that three days earlier a party of 15 rangers had ridden out on a reconnaissance south to the Red River. Determined to join them, the commissioner arranged for a soldier escort and sent two Indian scouts to halt the rangers. Irving selected a stout silver-gray as a riding horse when the party set out from Fort Gibson on October 10. Packhorses toted their provisionstwo weeks worthand Tonish was assigned to drive the train. He was in high glee, having experienced a kind of promotion, Irving recalled. Now he was master of the horse.

As they forded the Verdigris River, Irving spotted on the far bank a rifle-toting Creek Indian on horseback wearing a blue shirt trimmed in scarlet and a colorful, turbanlike head covering. [He] looked like a wild Arab on the prowl, Irving noted. Our loquacious and ever-meddling little Frenchman called out to him in his Babylonish jargon, but the savage, having satisfied his curiosity, tossed his head in the air, turned the head of his steed and, galloping along the shore, soon disappeared among the trees.

At a trading post on the Verdigris the party caught up to the rangers. They were a heterogeneous crew, Irving wrote, some in frock coats made of green blankets, others in leathern hunting shirts, but the most part in marvelously ill-cut garments, much the worse for wear and evidently out on for rugged service. While there Irving met Sam Houston, future hero of Texas, then living with his Cherokee wife and family on the Neosho.

The author also got his first close look at the Indians:

[Near the rangers] was a group of Osages: stately fellows; stern and simple in garb and aspect. They wore no ornaments; their dress consisted merely of blankets, leggings and moccasins. Their heads were bare; their hair was cropped close, except a bristling ridge on the top, like the crest of a helmet, with a long scalp lock hanging behind. They had fine Roman countenances and broad, deep chests; and, as they generally wore their blankets wrapped round their loins, so as to leave the bust and arms bare, they looked like so many noble bronze figures.

In contrast to these was a gaily dressed party of Creeks. There is something, at the first glance, quite oriental in the appearance of this tribe. They dress in calico hunting shirts of various brilliant colors, decorated with bright fringes and belted with broad girdles, embroidered with beads; they have leggings of dressed deerskins or of green or scarlet cloth, with embroidered knee-bands and tassels. Their moccasins are fancifully wrought and ornamented, and they wear gaudy handkerchiefs tastefully bound round their heads.

Seeking a dedicated hunter, Ellsworth and Irving hired Pierre Beatte, a muscular French-Osage half-blood in his mid-30s. His features were not bad, being shaped not unlike those of Napoleon, but sharpened up with high Indian cheekbones, Irving noted with romantic flair. He had, however, a sullen, saturnine expression set off by a slouched woolen hat and elf locks that hung about his ears. Beatte became the noble savage of the tale. Cooper had published The Last of the Mohicans six years earlier, and Irving, without fabrication, highlighted those aspects of the sturdy guides character in sincere emulation if not competition with Cooper.

And so the party set out with the comic Frenchman who was part Indian and the noble savage who was part French. The pair soon proved their worth at a ford on the Arkansas.

As the rangers felled trees to make rafts, Beatte and Tonish prepared another mode of transport. They had procured a dried buffalo skin, Irving recalled. Cords were passed through a number of small eyelet holes with which it was bordered, and it was drawn up until it formed a kind of deep trough. Sticks were then placed athwart it on the inside to keep it in shape. After loading the makeshift coracle with supplies, Beatte took the cord in his teeth and pulled while Tonish steadied the burden. Irving and Ellsworth were next to cross:

It was with a sensation half serious, half comic that I found myself thus afloat on the skin of a buffalo in the midst of a wild river, surrounded by wilderness and towed along by a half savage, whooping and yelling like a devil incarnate. To please the vanity of little Tonish, I discharged the double-barreled gun, to the right and left, when in the center of the stream. The report echoed along the woody shores and was answered by shouts from some of the rangers, to the great exultation of the little Frenchman, who took to himself the whole glory of this Indian mode of navigation.

It was with a sensation half serious, half comic that I found myself thus afloat on the skin of a buffalo in the midst of a wild river, surrounded by wilderness and towed along by a half savage, whooping and yelling like a devil incarnate

Completing Irvings cast of characters was Old Ryan, an experienced frontiersman bearing a remarkable likeness to Coopers Natty Bumppo. He is as much at home in the woods or on a prairie as he would be in his own farmyard, the ranger captain told Irving. Hes never lost, wherever he is. Old Ryans marksmanship, like Bumppos, is renowned, and like Coopers aging hero in The Pioneers, he deplores the senseless killing of animals and especially hates the practice of bleating deerimitating the distress cries of fawns with homemade calls to lure does into easy rifle range. Ive been with hunters who had bleats and have made them throw them away, the otherwise hardened frontiersman tells Irving. It is a rascally trick to take advantage of a mothers love for her young.

That said, Old Ryan and the other hunters took a large number of deer and wild turkeys over the month the party spent in the wilds of Indian country. The outdoorsmen certainly didnt stand on ceremony. Bread consisted of dough wrapped around a green stick and roasted over the campfire. While Irving despaired as their flour supply dwindled, Beatte merely grunted, Bread is only fit for a child. Wild honey was another matter. Finding a hollow tree packed with honey-filled combs, bee hunters among the party dipped into them with the holiday appetite of a schoolboy. In a literary reverie Irving noted that the honeybee was the emblem of approaching white settlers, as much as the buffalo was of the receding Indian.

Though Irving was admittedly nothing of a sportsman, he confessed a longstanding desire to hunt a buffalo on horseback. He ultimately got his wish, and a desperate hunt it turned out to be:

I singled out a buffalo and by a fortunate shot brought it down on the spot. The ball had struck a vital part; it could not move from the place where it fell but lay there struggling in mortal agony.Now that the excitement was over, I could not but look with commiseration upon the poor animal that lay struggling and bleeding at my feet.It became now an act of mercy to give him his quietus and put him out of his misery. I primed one of the pistols, therefore, and advanced close up to the buffalo. To inflict a wound thus in cold blood I found a totally different thing from firing in the heat of the chase.The ball must have passed through the heart, for the animal gave one convulsive throe and expired.I stood meditating and moralizing over the wreck I had so wantonly produced.

Irving found aspects of wild horse wrangling equally disturbing. On the gallop, rangers would slip a noose over a wild horses neck with a forked stick, in the manner of the Mongols, rather than with a thrown lariat in the manner of the Mexicans. Another trick they employed was to crease a horse with a rifle shot to the nape of its neck. A well-aimed ball would stun the animal long enough to secure it, while a miss might maim it or kill it outright. Though he kept it to himself, Irving was glad whenever a horse escaped.

Two weeks into their journey the party finally encountered Indiansseven Osage warriors, three armed with indifferent fowling pieces, the rest with bows and arrows. Recalling his duty, Commissioner Ellsworth made a speech, exhorting them to abstain from all offensive acts against the Pawnees[and] informing them of the plan of their father at Washington to put an end to all war among his red children.

The warriors listened politely, spoke briefly among themselves and rode away.

Fancying I saw a lurking smile in the countenance of our interpreter, Beatte, Irving recalled, I privately inquired what the Indians had said to each other.The leader, he said, had observed to his companions that, as their great father intended so soon to put an end to all warfare, it behooved them to make use of the little time that was left them. So they departed, with redoubled zeal, to pursue their project of horse stealing!

In his dual capacity as translator, Beatte also passed along to Irving an Indian romance of the type he so much admired. It centers on a young hunter, betrothed to an Osage maiden, who returns to camp after some weeks only to find it abandoned:

At a distance he beheld a female seated, as if weeping, by the side of the stream. It was his affianced bride.

What art thou doing here alone?

Waiting for thee.

Then let us hasten to join our people.

He gave her his pack to carry and walked ahead, according to the Indian custom.

They came to where the smoke of the distant camp was seen rising from the woody margin of the stream. The girl seated herself at the foot of a tree. It is not proper for us to return together, said she. I will wait here.

The young hunter proceeded to the camp alone and was received by his relations with gloomy countenances.

What evil has happened, said he, that ye are all so sad?

No one replied.

He turned to his favorite sister and bade her go forth, seek his bride and conduct her to the camp.

Alas! cried she. How shall I seek her? She died a few days since.

The relations of the young girl now surrounded him, weeping and wailing; but he refused to believe the dismal tidings. But a few moments since, cried he, I left her alone and in health! Come with me, and I will conduct you to her.

He led the way to the tree where she had seated herself, but she was no longer there, and his pack lay on the ground. The fatal truth struck him to the heart; he fell to the ground dead.

The credulous Osages believed the story. Even Beatteraised Catholic, a sometime worker in a Protestant mission and a hellion on the warpath against the Pawneesretained some of his Indian superstitions. On hearing the rangers would pass the site of a Pawnee massacre, the surgeon of the troop offered Beatte money for a skull. The latter was appalledeven though he had been in the Osage war party and participated in the killing. No! Beatte barked. Dat too bad! I have heart strong enoughI no care kill. But let the dead alone!

The expedition began thinking of home as the young rangers ran all the fat off their horses and exhausted their supplies, even the flour for dough on a stick. After a slog of a return march, during which the men were forced to abandon some horses and reduced to eating soup made of boiled turkey bones, they arrived at a settlers cabin on the Arkansas River. Their hostess was a hefty black woman named Madam Bradley. Her white husband was away, but she happily fixed a banquet for the famished travelers. Irvings gratitude was in proportion to his hunger:

I hailed her as some swart fairy of the wild that had suddenly conjured up a banquet in the desert.Placing a brown earthen dish on the floor, she inclined the corpulent cauldron on one side, and out leaped sundry great morsels of beef, with a regiment of turnips tumbling after them and a rich cascade of broth overflowing the whole.Head of Apicius, what a banquet!

Irving and companions arrived at Fort Gibson on November 9, and the author boarded a steamboat that evening, headed down the Arkansas and then the Mississippi to New Orleans. The book he distilled from his notes includes a sympathetic look at Osages and Creeks very much at variance with stereotypes expressed elsewhereeven in his own earlier writings or those of Cooper, in which Indians, heroic or savage, come off rather solemn.

The Indians that I have had an opportunity of seeing in real life are quite different from those described in poetry. They are by no means the stoics that they are representedtaciturn, unbending, without a tear or a smile. Taciturn they are, it is true, when in company with white men whose goodwill they distrust, and whose language they do not understand; but the white man is equally taciturn under like circumstances. When the Indians are among themselves, however, there cannot be greater gossips. Half their time is taken up in talking over their adventures in war and hunting and in telling whimsical stories. They are great mimics and buffoons, also, and entertain themselves excessively at the expense of the whites with whom they have associated and who have supposed them impressed with profound respect for their grandeur and dignity. They are curious observers, noting everything in silence, but with a keen and watchful eye, occasionally exchanging a glance or a grunt with each other, when anything particularly strikes them, but reserving all comments until they are alone. Then it is that they give full scope to criticism, satire, mimicry and mirth.

In 1835 Irving purchased a neglected riverfront house in Tarrytown, N.Y. Dubbed Sunnyside, it remained the authors home through his death in 1859. Among the personal secretaries who worked for Irving at Sunnyside was Henry Beebe Carrington, who later served in the Civil War and seven years after the authors death was assigned command of the Armys forts along the Bozeman Trail at the outset of Red Clouds War. One wonders if he ever read A Tour on the Prairies. WW

John Koster wrote Custer Survivor (in its third edition) and Custers Lost Scout. For further reading he recommends A Tour on the Prairies, by Washington Irving; The Rambler in North America: 18321833, by Charles Joseph Latrobe; and Washington Irving on the Prairie, by Henry Leavitt Ellsworth.
Summer trends in hotel search

With trivago's 1.4 billion annual searches, we see many clear trends in user search behavior and preferences. From that data*, we ascertained some best practices for hoteliers to follow when marketing their properties and establishing their price strategy. What follows are a few factoids and infographics as they relate to summer trends 2017.

Comparison of North American markets: Mexico, Canada, and the US

The United States tops the charts for North American average room-night price clicked on trivago.com at $188.89. Mexico has the lowest average price per night clicked at $160.08. Canada is only marginally more expensive than Mexico, with the average price per night being $168.62.

The total basket value of the three counties also trends in the same way, with Mexico starting off at $790.80, and the United States coming in at $976.48. Interestingly, the average duration of stay between the three counties is consistent at 5 nights.

What summer trends do hoteliers need to know to maximize bookings? | By Judson Moore Photo by trivago

Top destinations in the United States for summer 2017

Now for summer, we see a shuffle of the top 10 cities being searched on trivago as recently reported in our spring trends 2017 report. Whereas New York City hotels had the greatest portion of clickouts for the spring time, both Las Vegas and Myrtle Beach have overtaken the Big Apple for summer clickouts on trivago.

What summer trends do hoteliers need to know to maximize bookings? | By Judson Moore Photo by trivago

Top international destinations for American travelers

American international travel plans indicate steady trends in Latin America and Western Europe. The most popular country abroad for Americans to travel to this summer will be Mexico, with 3 cities in the top 10 destinations.

What summer trends do hoteliers need to know to maximize bookings? | By Judson Moore Photo by trivago

Does your hotel attract international guests? If so, you need to have a translation of your hotel description on trivago. You easily do this when you register for a free account on trivago Hotel Manager.

There is a very clear rising trend of year-over-year interest for Americans to travel to Latin America in the summer. With 9 out of the 10 top emerging destinations (comparing summer 2017 to summer 2016), in Latin America, our data indicates a surge of increased interest for travel south of the United States.

What summer trends do hoteliers need to know to maximize bookings? | By Judson Moore Photo by trivago

National parks create a boon for hotels

Among the top American domestic emerging destinations, we found a very interesting trend with destinations near national parks. Comparing trivago's data with the National Park Service Visitor Use Statistics, we see that in the last two to thee years there has been a massive increase in national park visitors across the United States.

For hotels that are located near national parks, the impact has been a substantial increase in clickouts.

Grand Canyon: Kingman, AZ (+28.89%) and Williams, AZ (+31.67%)

Joshua Tree: Indio, CA (+33.33%)

Boise National Forest: Boise, ID (+30%)

What summer trends do hoteliers need to know to maximize bookings? | By Judson Moore Photo by trivago

Turning trends into action for your hotel

If your hotel is in one of the destinations listed in this report, then you should take this into account when assessing your pricing strategy for summer 2017. If your city is not listed here, then check out the trivago Hotel Price Index for further data.

*The findings in this report are based on data gathered from all trivago.com searches in the USA between 01.01.2017 and 04.05.2017, for the travel period from 06.01.2017 until 08.31.2017 which were for a hotel stay of 3 nights or longer.

Judson L Moore

Industry Manager

trivago

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Ariana Grande is back in the states following last nights horrific terrorist attack at her show in Manchester, England, and awaiting her return was boyfriend Mac Miller. Mac Miller was in Boca Raton, Florida today to greet Ariana as she walked off the private plane.

Grande was accompanied by her mother, Joan, who was said to have helped escort some concert attendees backstage in the chaos of the bombing. After exiting her private plane, Grande was seen being driven to a gated community in Boca Raton.

While Ariana hasnt made a public statement quite yet, she did take to twitter last night to tweet Broken. from the bottom of my heart, i am so so sorry. i dont have words.

In the photos that surfaced online from Arianas arrival back in the states, its clear that shes still shook up, and understandably so. Mac can be seen comforting her at the stairs with a hug and kiss. Check out the pictures in the gallery (above).

Ariana x Mac
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A powerful consortium of oil producers that includes Saudi Arabia and Russia will try to goose lackluster oil prices this week with promises to extend previous output cuts for several months and perhaps into next year.

At a semiannual gathering in Vienna on Thursday, Saudi-led OPEC and other oil-producing nations are expected to strike a deal that would continue or possibly even deepen output cuts that stabilized the unruly oil market. These nations began reducing production in January.

Higher crude prices would fatten profits for oil companies and energy services firms that make up the core of Houston's economy, which is already poised for faster growth in 2017 after struggling through a two-year oil bust. So far, though, OPEC's cuts haven't curbed the global oil glut nearly as much as anticipated, as $50-a-barrel oil fueled a U.S. drilling recovery that threatens to counteract the cartel's efforts to lift prices.

"It's a battle over barrels," said Robert McNally, president of the Rapidan Group, an energy consultancy. "All we know is the market rebalancing keeps getting delayed."

In December, the U.S. Energy Department forecast that daily oil production outside of OPEC would only increase by about 600,000 barrels in 2017.

But now it projects daily output will rise by nearly 1.4 million barrels this year, spurred most of all by a surge of shale drilling that could lift American oil production next year past its 1970 record of more than 10 million barrels a day. Surging oil production in Brazil and Canada, and recoveries in Libya and Nigeria, may also offset the cuts by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries.

All this has diminished OPEC's influence over global oil markets. Last year, OPEC officials almost doubled the price of oil by merely talking about the possibility of capping oil production, even though they boosted output by 1.4 million barrels a day.

But so far this week, signals from Saudi Arabia and Russia that the group is already close to an agreement haven't caused prices to spike like they would have just five years ago, analysts said.

"There's a recognition that the world has changed," said Jamie Webster, a fellow at the Center on Global Energy Policy at Columbia University.

Oil traders also have grown increasingly skeptical of OPEC's production cuts in part because oil exports are still flowing at full speed from several OPEC producers to overseas buyers.

OPEC's exports to the United States, for example, have risen 9 percent in the first few months of the year compared with the same period last year, according to energy research firm ClipperData, which tracks oil vessels. The month, however, OPEC's exports declined significantly, the firm discovered.

Some analysts believe the cartel may have sold off oil it had kept in storage in a bid to maintain revenues as it slowed production. That could be a big reason oil inventory levels in oil-importing countries like the United States haven't dropped as far or as fast as OPEC expected.

Last year, OPEC's export revenues dropped to their lowest point since 2004 at about $433 billion as prices fell to the lowest levels in more than a decade, bottoming at $26 a barrel in February 2016. But as prices climb, the group's export sales could increase to $539 billion this year, despite its oil production cuts, the Energy Department said last week.

At the moment, OPEC's 13 member countries and 11 other nations appear to be on the verge of reaching a deal this week. These two-dozen countries had agreed in December to slash output by a combined 1.8 million barrels a day over six months, hoping to reduce bloated global oil inventories to the five-year average and lift prices to support their oil-dependent economies.

This week, Iraq agreed to support a move to extend the cuts after a visit by Saudi Arabia's energy minister, Khalid Al-Falih, appeared to quell tensions. But analysts say it's foolhardy to assume other obstacles won't arise that could prevent OPEC from reaching a deal.

"There's plenty of kindling for an explosive discussion," McNally said. "You never know with OPEC. One producer can upset the whole apple cart."

For example, it's not yet clear how long OPEC might extend its cuts. Falih has argued extending oil production cuts of 1.8 million barrels a day through the first quarter of 2018 would bring global oil storage levels back down to the five-year average.

Other countries like Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates have said there is still a debate among the producers over whether they should extend cuts for just six months rather than nine.

Issam Almarzooq, the Kuwaiti oil minister, warned on Tuesday that not all of the oil-producing countries have agreed it's necessary to extend the cuts by nine months, according to media reports.

U.S. oil prices settled at $51.47 a barrel on Tuesday, rising 34 cents in a sign traders have baked into the price of oil an expectation that OPEC and its non-OPEC rivals will make a deal to keep output capped.

"OPEC would have to go above and beyond to give prices a lift," said Jason Bordoff, director of the Center on Global Energy Policy at Columbia University. "If it broke down, that would truly send prices into a tailspin."
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A firm hired by the U.S. to distribute $4 billion to victims of Bernard Madoff's Ponzi scheme has racked up $38.8 million in billings over four years. The investors are still waiting for their first checks, though.

The Justice Department disclosed its payments to Richard Breeden, the Madoff Victim Fund administrator, in response to a Freedom of Information Act request from Bloomberg News. Breeden's fees, which are being paid from cash in the fund, cover his work through 2016.

The delay highlights how, 8 years after Madoff's arrest, investors are still scrambling to recover money from a U.S. fund that was announced with great fanfare. Victims have recovered billions of dollars from another fund, but they have yet to be made whole.

'Very frustrating'

"It's very frustrating that people are making money off us like this, using money that was recovered for victims," said Daphne Brogdon, a Food Network personality, whose family lost about $5 million in the Madoff scam. "They're eating away at whatever percentage we could possibly get."

Messages left with a representative of Breeden's firm, RCB Fund Services, weren't returned. Justice Department spokeswoman Dawn Dearden declined to comment on the fees or claims process but pointed to information on the fund's website.

"We now expect that the initial distribution will take place sometime in 2017 and will be larger than we originally had anticipated," Breeden, a former chairman of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, wrote on the website.

The compensation fund was created in December 2012 to repay thousands of Madoff's victims after the U.S. seized $2.4 billion from the estate of one of his biggest investors, the late Jeffry Picower. The fund grew by $1.7 billion following a 2014 forfeiture deal with Madoff's bank, JPMorgan Chase & Co., which was accused of turning a blind eye to the scam.

Breeden's hiring came months after he handed out more than $728 million to about 8,500 Adelphia Communications victims, which he described as "the largest single distribution of forfeited assets to victims in Department of Justice history."

Breeden, 67, estimated in February 2016 that as many as 40,000 victims would get initial payments by the end of that year. They didn't. An update on the website in January cited the time-consuming claims process and issues with inadequate paperwork from some victims.

The Justice Department is "notoriously slow" making decisions on forfeited assets, said Jon Barooshian, a white-collar defense lawyer in Boston who has dealt with forfeiture issues.

"I'm surprised it's taking so long, but I don't know if the fault will fall at Richard Breeden's feet. It might be more of an internal DOJ issue," said Barooshian, who isn't involved in the Madoff case.

Another's success

By comparison, Irving Picard, who is overseeing the liquidation of Madoff's firm, has paid out more than $9 billion since 2009. Picard, a lawyer at Baker & Hostetler, brought numerous lawsuits to recover assets, and his fund is administered separately from Breeden's under different U.S. laws.

Picard has racked up considerable fees himself, telling ABC News in 2015 that his firm might collect as much as $1 billion when all is done. He called it a "very good return on an investment." His fees are paid by the industry-financed Securities Investor Protection Corp. rather than from money recovered for victims.

Breeden will eventually make recommendations to the Justice Department's Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section on which claims to pay and which to deny. His firm has already been paid the $38.8 million in fees, the Justice Department said.

Feeder funds

Picard accepted claims only from Madoff's direct account holders. That meant customers of so-called feeder funds, which directed cash to Madoff's firm for years, weren't eligible. Feeder funds could, however, file claims with Picard and repay their investors if they received payments from the trustee.

Breeden accepted claims from all Madoff investors, including feeder funds. That increased the amount of work, particularly because Madoff's records don't have any information about feeder-fund customers that could be used to verify claims.

Madoff, 79, pleaded guilty to fraud in 2009 and is serving a 150-year sentence. His victims lost a combined $17.5 billion in principal, though their final account statements totaled about $64 billion including profit from bogus trades.

Two TV movies

His downfall has been the subject of two TV films. In February 2016, an ABC docudrama starred Richard Dreyfuss as Madoff and Blythe Danner as his wife Ruth.

This month HBO is presenting "Madoff: The Wizard of Lies." Robert De Niro is Madoff and Michelle Pfeiffer is Ruth.
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Total Wine & More is taking over two Houston-area Goody Goody liquor stores as the Maryland-based company continues its aggressive growth and goes head-to-head with local stalwart Spec's.

Goody Goody spokesman Armando Gonzalez said Total Wine approached his company about the deal. He described it as "an offer that we couldn't refuse" and said it would have been "a miserable experience for everybody" if Total Wine instead opened a location across the street.

"Total has such deep pockets. If they wanted that location, they would have found a way to start a location there," said D. Christopher Taylor, director of the Beverage Management Program at the University of Houston's Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management.

The Goody Goody store in Houston's Copperfield Village Shopping Center closed over the weekend and is expected to reopen as Total Wine on or around Thursday. Another Goody Goody store in Humble will close June 3, and it will reopen as Total Wine on or around June 8. They will both undergo renovations.

"Houston has very sophisticated wine, beer and spirit lovers," said Total Wine spokesman Edward Cooper. "That works out terrifically for us."

Some of the employees are being transferred to other Goody Goody locations, and Total Wine hired others for its new stores. All employees were offered a job if they wanted one.

Goody Goody will have two Houston-area stores remaining, and it is looking to open others. Total Wine, after taking over the leases, will have grown to eight Houston-area stores within a year of opening its first area location.

"Total Wine has been marketing their entry to Houston very, very aggressively and effectively," said Kenneth Katz, principal at retail brokerage and development firm Baker Katz.

Taylor said Total Wine enters new markets by competing on price. When it opened on San Felipe, Taylor said the store sold a popular Kendall-Jackson chardonnay for below cost, meaning it lost money when selling that bottle. It has used good deals on popular products to lure customers.

He said Total Wine is looking to dominate the industry nationwide. It touts 158 stores  160 after taking over the two Goody Goody locations  across 20 states.

Spec's was unavailable to comment.

"It's been a pretty rough-and-tough competitive business since before Prohibition," Taylor said. "And I think this shows that nothing's changing very quickly on that front."

Dallas-based Goody Goody entered Houston in 2013. At the time, owner Joe Jansen said it was because Spec's entered its home town in 2011.

Goody Goody may be parting with a couple retail locations but its wholesale business is booming. It outgrew its original 8,000-square-foot location in 2015 and moved into a 50,000 square-foot facility.

"We remain committed to Houston," Gonzalez said, adding that it's used to the competition. Goody Goody competes with Spec's and Total Wine in northern Texas.

Katz said several factors may have affected Goody Goody's entrance into Houston. It could have been the locations, quality of real estate or slow pace at which the company opened new locations. He said Goody Goody came in with a few stores and then stopped growing. Many retailers choose to open a lot of stores in a relatively short period of time to help brand awareness.

"They may choose to make Houston more of a priority at some point in the future," Katz said, "but the fact that they're going from four stores to two in all likelihood means they're not very committed right now to growing a store base in Houston."

He said Houston-area companies that sell beer, wine and liquor may feel short-term effects from Total Wine. But as the city continues to grow, there is room for a variety of competitors ranging from Spec's and Total Wine to grocery stores.

"In general, a market the size of Houston can successfully support at least two major retailers in any given category," he said.

Taylor added that the wholesale business is an area where Spec's and Goody Goody can continue operating without pressure from Total Wine, which only does retail.

Overall, Taylor is less concerned about Total Wine affecting the market than if Wal-Mart begins selling liquor. Wal-Mart is suing the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission over rules that prohibit the company from selling liquor in the state.

If Wal-Mart wins, he said competitors could be put out of business. Or they may offer less variety, sticking with money makers and forgoing some of the more unique offerings.

"There's a lot of people watching that litigation," Taylor said.

Wal-Mart spokeswoman Anne Hatfield said there's room for more competition in Texas. The company expects the trial to start this year.

"As we've seen in other states where we are able to compete on a fair and level playing field, we co-exist with liquor stores," she said.
Apps are one of the main ways that Apple attracts people to the iPhone, and in the interest of training more people to make them, the tech behemoth is launching a new curriculum for community colleges  starting in Houston.

Houston Community College will be among the first educational institutions to teach the Apple-designed course in developing applications for the iOS operating system, the company announced in Houston on Wednesday. It's part of a new iOS Coding and Design School that will offer both short-term boot camps and programs for degree credits starting in June.

"We have been excited about the links they have to the community, to businesses, to government, to everyone there," said Apple CEO Tim Cook, about HCC. "Because that means that lots of students will wind up in good jobs."

The course builds on Apple's educational programs for K-12 classrooms, as well as a network of iOS app development centers that the company launched in Italy last year. HCC Chancellor Cesar Maldonado says he noticed the iOS development center in Milan about nine months ago, and thought that Houston should have something similar. Upon reaching out to Apple, he learned that the company was already planning a curriculum for community colleges.

"There was some magic in the timing," Maldonado says. Although the new Coding and Design School will focus on Apple's Swift programming language, he says that won't preclude students from learning to create programs for Android phones as well. "The skills are transferable across devices and platforms."

Google doesn't have anything similar, but hinted that a program is under development.

"While we don't have an analogous program we're offering to college students at the moment," wrote Google spokeswoman Charlotte Smith in an email, "be sure to keep an eye out for updates as we get closer to the next school year :)"

Approximately 1.7 million mobile app developers in the United States, according to a study by the Progressive Policy Institute, a center-left think tank in Washington. The Bureau of Labor Statistics counts about 800,000 software developers for apps  which can be either web or mobile based  who make a median salary of $100,000 per year.

Although consumer-oriented smartphone apps are the most well-known variety, Houston might have a greater demand for developers who can create them for industrial uses, says Greater Houston Partnership CEO Bob Harvey.

There are a number of ways to land a job as a mobile developer: You can either teach yourself, using various free online tools, or take a course through non-accredited schools like General Assembly or Hack Reactor. Those can be expensive, though, and often require taking time off from regular jobs.

Those intensive programs aren't available in Houston, which only has a couple coding schools. Kevin Colten is the chief technology officer for Austin Coding Academy, which has a Houston office at Station Houston, a co-working space downtown. He says that demand for courses has been low so far, but that it makes sense for HCC to teach Apple's program.

"If you look at the numbers, iOS developers get paid more because it's more of a luxury phone," Colten says. In addition, he says many university app development courses have a hard time keeping up with changes in technology, which an Apple-directed course might be able to avoid.

Apple won't provide financial support for the courses, but the curriculum will be free to use for community colleges, beginning this year at institutions in Alabama, Pennsylvania, California and Ohio. It will also be available for free online to anyone who wants to teach themselves.

It's a welcome bit of momentum for Houston's nascent tech scene, which got a push last week with the launch of an "Innovation Strategy Office" within the Greater Houston Partnership aimed at boosting the city's startup ecosystem. One of the recommendations in a report from the consulting firm Accenture was for Houston to attract an office of a big Silicon Valley tech firm, such as Apple.

Apple employs about 8,400 in Texas. Six thousand of those jobs are in Austin, including the Maps team as well as other research and development functions. When asked if the company would start an office in Houston, Apple's Cook  who spent a few months in Houston in the 1990s while working for Compaq  said the city should instead focus on having people build on top of Apple's platform.

"Any city that's looking to expand, whether it's startups or just their tech workforce, my recommendation would be to focus on app development," Cook said.
The Trump administration would kill the watchdog agency established to protect consumers from unscrupulous financial companies by eliminating its funding.

The White House budget submitted to Congress Tuesday contains no money for the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, created in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis after millions of Americans fell victim to predatory mortgage lending. The agency scrutinize banks, payday lenders, debt collectors and other financial services on behalf of consumers.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, however, has drawn the ire of industry since its founding in 2011 for fining bad actors and writing tough new rules on lending practices. Republicans have said they want to "rein in" the agency.

The CFPB is funded by the Federal Reserve System according to a pre-set formula, as well as through fees and legal settlements. Republicans have proposed subjecting the agency to congressional appropriation to have more control over its budget and operations.

Trump's budget adopts the approach of the Republicans who control Congress and then proposes wiping out the $650 million per year escalating appropriation the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau needs to operate. The Trump administration, in its drive to cut taxes, increase military spending and balance the budget in 10 years, claims a saving of about $6.8 billion by 2027.

Related: Dodd-Frank hasn't hurt banking or the economy, evidence shows

The Office of Management and Budget offered the following justification for the changes: "Subjecting the reformed agency to the appropriations process would provide the oversight necessary to impose financial discipline and prevent future overreach of the agency into consumer advocacy and activism."

OMB did not respond to requests to explain how the agency would operate without funding.

The President's budget is only a wish list, and the House and the Senate will draw up their own spending plans. Even Congressional Republicans say they don't want to axe the Bureau entirely in their bill that overhauls the broader financial overhaul law known as Dodd-Frank that created the CFPB.

"The Financial CHOICE Act re-establishes the CFPB as a civil enforcement agency responsible for enforcing consumer protection laws so, yes, it will need to be funded," said Jeff Emerson, a spokesman for the House Financial Services Committee, which is led by Dallas Republican Jeb Hensarling.

Still, Emerson declined to specify what the CFPB's budget should be, and said he didn't know the details of the OMB proposal. "Republicans and Democrats in Congress will determine the appropriate level of funding," he said.

The CFPB and the office of Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, who conceived the Bureau and pushed for its creation, declined to comment. Rep. Maxine Waters, the House Financial Services Committee's ranking Democrat, issued a statement slamming the cuts.

"The Trump budget mirrors efforts by Congressional Republicans to roll back Wall Street reform and take us back to the bad old days of weak oversight, lax enforcement and taxpayer bailouts," Waters said. "The budget proposes to functionally terminate the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the only federal agency with the sole purpose of protecting consumers, and once again expose communities across the country to predatory financial institutions."
"Never say never" is a maxim I try to live by as a food writer. That's how I ended up eating a preposterously tall burger at Guy Fieri's Kitchen in the Cancun International Airport recently  and, to my great surprise, liking it.

Let me back up a little. I had spent just four days in Tulum, eating at Rene Redzepi's Noma Mexico popup and at the magnificent Hartwood, the acclaimed live-fire restaurant right near the Noma site.

After nonstop ingestion of ant eggs, grasshoppers, beach greens, seaweeds, chiles, mamey seeds, tropical fruits and manifold Caribbean shellfish in forms raw and cooked, my traveling companion and I had reached that classic stage well-known to American tourists: by the time we made it back to Cancun for our flight home, we craved a burger.

We stood in front of the wall menu at Johnny Rockets, one of the many, many chain choices available in the airport's vast Terminal 3. Uh-uh, we decided. Then my friend Misha spotted the Guy Fieri's American Kitchen & Bar nearby, and we were overcome with the impish urge to try the TV megastar's wares  the fruits of his travels across America for "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives," his Food Network show.

Like many of the food-obsessed, we had read New York Times critic Pete Wells' epic takedown of Guy's American Kitchen & Bar in Times Square. That was the November 2012 review that opened with a question ("Guy Fieri, have you eaten at your new restaurant in Times Square?") and continued with question after question until the bitter end, at which point the queries had devolved into "Why did the toasted marshmallow taste like fish?" and "Did you taste that blue drink?"

It was a rhetorical tour de force, and unforgettable. Now, we had the chance to experience for ourselves the thrills and spills of Fieri's vaunted "Flavortown!"

We had 25 minutes until boarding. Our droll waiter ("I'm the supervisor here," he deadpanned) informed us we could do it. He was right: our burgers came out promptly, towering high, spilling forth shredded iceberg, rashers of bacon, elbow macaroni and rivulets of the chef's infamous Donkey Sauce.

Donkey Sauce turns out to be an amalgam of mayonnaise, Worcestershire, mustard and oh, you don't really want to know what all. As Wells so memorably inquired, "When we hear the words Donkey Sauce, which part of the Donkey are we supposed to think about?"

My cheeseburger, which lacked the over-the-top bacon and mac-and-cheese components of the one across from me, turned out to be just what the doctor ordered. The smashed-down beef patty had nice frizzly edges and a tight sear. Its texture was crumbly, not overly compacted. It dripped juice and, let's be honest here, yummy grease in a highly satisfying way.

The yellow cheese was every bit as melty as the florid menu had promised. A big, crunchy onion ring contributed some extra texture. I even liked the buttery, grilled brioche bun. The Donkey Sauce did its job. I scarfed the whole burger in record time, pausing only to extract the usual pallid tomato slice (a curious sin in the land of gloriously red tomatoes).

Okay, I was not enthralled by the four-count-'em-four species of differently cut fries, each somehow less thrilling than the last. I have never eaten a really good French fry in an airport, and I honestly don't expect to. I fished out the big flaps of fried potato and skipped the waffle cuts, the matchsticks and the mesh-like nests.

But I was happy. Happy enough that when Misha bolted for the gate, I stayed behind for a few last burger bites and a sip of my perfectly decent frozen margarita.

"I'm going to steal my coaster," I informed our waiter as I paid our bill, which came to a not inconsiderable 40 bucks, American.

"Just a moment," he said, and returned with a stack of them.

So now I own a bunch of official Guy Fieri skull coasters. I'm keeping them around as reminder to never say never.
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The Texas Commission on the Arts, expecting a 28 percent cut in its $17.7 million budget from the state legislature for the next biennium, is eliminating a grant program that helped to support 35 cultural districts across the state, including five in Houston.

That program received $5 million for fiscal years 2016 and 2017, funneling $1.7 million to Houston's Museum District, the Theater District, the Midtown Arts & Cultural District, the Washington Avenue Arts District and the East End Foundation.

Grant proposals were due soon for 2018 and 2019. But on Wednesday, Gary Gibbs, the commission's executive director, notified organizations not to bother submitting them.

As a result, the Washington Avenue Arts District will not have the $60,000 in operating funds it sought.

"It's a pretty big hit," said Susannah Mitchell, who directs that two-year old district west of downtown. She had planned to combine the state funds with a matching grant that would have given the district a budget of $120,000.

"We're still fully volunteer-run. Those funds represented a chance to get the district off the ground and hire staff," she said.

Museum District executive director Julie Farr called the news "a major bummer." Her district's members include the Menil Collection and the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, which were each hoping for $250,000 in cultural district funds.

MFAH director Gary Tinterow said his institution was "terribly disappointed" that the legislature voted not to fund the cultural districts.

"In the last two years, our two most popular exhibitions, 'Sculpted in Steel' and 'Degas: A New Vision,' were made possible through generous grants from the TCA. It is difficult to imagine how we could have produced those exhibitions without that support, and those exhibitions brought visitors from around the world, generating millions of dollars in local spending," Tinterow said. "With less support we will have no alternative but to curtail our programs, with the attendant consequences for our audience and for the local economy."

Organizations will continue to receive funds from other TCA programs, Gibbs said. He did not feel that the arts ware targeted; other state programs will be cut, too, in the wake of lower oil and gas revenues. The commission has endured bigger slashes in the past, including a 56 percent cut in 2011.

A House amendment to eliminate the TCA during the current session failed by a vote of 119 to 29, "so there is broad support for the arts," Gibbs said. "But it's just a tight budget year."

He said he hopes to revive the cultural district program when the legislature meets again in 2019.

" 'Suspending the program' is better terminology than 'canceling the program'," Mitchell said. "But it's really frustrating."
There's a surf vs turf war heating up in Houston's culinary scene. But this one involves a lawsuit and threat of a countersuit, and it's likely to move from the kitchen to the courtroom.

Omar Pereney has filed suit against the owners of Peska Seafood Culture, 1700 Post Oak in the Galleria area, where he served as executive chef from its opening in April 2015 until a cuisine change toward steaks and other fare two years later. He resigned Feb. 1.

Described as a prodigy and world-famous chef, Pereney starred in a Latin American cooking show with 50 million viewers at age 15. The next year, the Venezuela native became executive chef at Dalai Restaurant & Lounge in Caracas. At 18, he became a Le Cordon Bleu instructor in Cancun, Mexico. Pereney went to work for Maite Ysita at La Trainera in Mexico City around 2013, and accepted an offer from the company to move to its new Peska in Houston two years later.

His lawsuit, filed in Harris County state district court on May 18 against the owners, Ceviche Trainera and Trainera Enterprises, alleges breach of contract and seeks a declaration of his rights, actual damages, attorney's fees and other relief. There's no preliminary court date yet.

(Story continues below...)

"I think it's frivolous and frankly, ridiculous," said Peska's attorney, Matthew Hoeg with Andrews Kurth LLP, about the lawsuit.

Pereney's attorney, Ashish Mahendru of The Litigation Group, said Tuesday that Pereney is in a "hostage situation," with a non-compete clause and "name and likeness agreement" just part of the problem with Peska. There's also the problem of "disparagement."

The suit cites a media report in which Grazia Italian Kitchen owner Adrian Hembree, a business partner with the rebranded Peska Seafood & Steaks, described Pereney's dishes as "overdressed."

Houston Culture Map quoted Hembree: "I look at a plate he puts out, and it looks like art. I know he put every ounce of passion into putting out that dish. I think when something came out, a beautiful piece of fish that was sauced just right, it felt absolutely incredible. You take that same fish and you overdress it and over-decorate it and put some twist to it and get really creative with it, that feeling of 'I want to dig into that fish' really went away. ...".

On the disparaging remarks claim, Hoeg said the "works of art" quote was not disparaging. "If that's disparaging, I wouldn't mind people disparaging me every day."

"Under Preney's guidance, Peska Seafood Culture garnered significant press coverage, rave reviews, and was soon named as one of Houston's top restaurants," according to the lawsuit.

The non-compete clause covers two years after employment is terminated and applies to an area within 20 miles of Harris County.

"A world famous chef was asked to go from gourmet seafood to mac and cheese and onion rings. Then he was disparaged, told he could not compete and that the restaurant still owned rights to his name and likeness. We need the courts to help this superb chef get back to his craft," Mahendru said. "Why would you want to hold onto his name and likeness?"

Mahendru said he has been in contact with Peska's attorneys, who have threatened a countersuit stemming from his resume and cooking classes at Central Market.

"As for your question below, since your client has not listed or described his entire resume, and solely plays up his connection with Peska, to drum up business for his cooking class, it is clear that he is trying to use, and to capitalize on, my client's name for his own financial benefit. If your client would rather that we pursue a claim against him, than advise him to continue doing just that," according to an email Mahendru said he received from Peska's attorneys.

The grocery store's ad for one of those classes describes Pereney as "former executive chef from Peska" and later lists the instructor as "private chef and consultant."



"He has so lost his identity now that he can't even say on his resume that he's the former chef at Peska without drawing the threat of a lawsuit," Mahendru said. "They think that they have counterclaims against Omar? You want to sue Omar for using his own name?"
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Houston area venues are assuring fans that concerts will remain as safe as possible in the wake of a Manchester, England, concert bombing that killed 22 people and injured more than 100. But they've also enacted subtle security changes or increased awareness for some concerts this week, including Wednesday night's U2 concert at NRG Stadium.

"We are going to up our posture," Houston Police Department Chief Art Acevedo said during a press conference, though he declined to offer specifics.

Tuesday evening's John Legend concert at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion included more entry point scrutiny by security and patrons were not allowed to bring in a bag larger than 8.5 by 11 inches. Bag size restrictions vary per show.

"Whenever we have guests, staff and artists on property we always are at heightened security," said a Woodlands Pavilion spokesperson. "The safety of our patrons is always a top priority at The Pavilion."

Matthew Keever, a freelance music writer in Houston who attended the Legend show, said fans seemed "excited" despite the bag restrictions.

"A bunch of fans were sent back to their cars to drop off their purses. Otherwise, it all seemed normal," Keever said. "The only noticeable change was that no one really put up much of a fuss when security sent them back to their cars."

The next concert at the Woodlands pavilion is a June 8 date with Jimmy Buffett.

Toyota Center and Houston Rockets CEO Tad Brown said his team has frequently met with the City of Houston over the last few years to address safety concerns, particularly in the wake of a 2016 attack in Nice, France, that killed 86 people and the shooting at Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Fla. that killed 49 people and injured 53.

"We've been concerned about just where the world has been going and potential soft target issues that we can face as an issue," Brown said. "Security is what keeps me up at night. It's something that we've been thinking about for many years."

To that end, Toyota Center has implemented "a series of upgrades," including magnetometers at every entrance during every event and increased police presence inside and outside the building.

The Toyota Center's concert schedule is open until a June 18 show with Enrique Iglesias and Pitbull. Ariana Grande, who was the star of the tragic concert in Manchester, performed at Toyota Center in April.

"You hope and pray that the systems you put in place work," Brown said.

A spokesperson for the upcoming Free Press Summer Festival, June 3-4 at Eleanor Tinsley Park, said the event does not publicly comment on its specific security plans. The festival has several security guidelines on its website.

"All patrons are subject to a full and complete search prior to entry," the FPSF site reads. "By purchasing a ticket, you agree to submit to a full body pat-down before entry. Persons that refuse to comply with the search policy will be refused entry into the event."

The Houston Office of Emergency Management, which focuses not on prevention but on disaster response efforts, referred specific questions to event venues and said it does not expect that the attack will have much impact on the office's work.

"What the City of Houston does is we continually prepare using an all hazards approach," said spokesman Mike Walter. "The presence of a terrorist attack in another part of the world doesn't necessarily change what we do but it does provide us information and best practices after the fact."

Chief Acevedo encouraged civilians to pitch in when attending concerts, looking out for unauthorized or empty vehicles, people who appear to be conducting surveillance and anyone wearing bulky clothes in hot weather.

"When you see something that doesn't look right, you know it," he said. "You know it in your gut."
Serzh Sargsyan, you could bang your fist on the table and say you want a third term - economist (video)

Armenia remains one of the most corrupt countries in the world. This means it is difficult to imagine economic development in the country, says economist Bagrat Asatryan. He does not exclude that investments will be made in Armenia, but they will not be enough for our country. "An ordinary person cannot make an investment here. Instead of extending its meaningless power, the ruling force [Republican Party of Armenia-HHK] had better take concrete steps to develop the country, Mr Bagratyan stresses. The elections were rigged, the results show it. In March, the cash turnover in Armenia increased by 18 billion drams. It makes about 40 million drams which is the sum distributed to people as pre-election bribes, he continues. In the first four months of 2017, we had an economic growth of 5.7%, which is welcomed by the economist. However, he says that what happened in Armenia in the first months of 2017 tarnishes everything. What the authorities did was shameful. Serzh Sargsyan, you could simply bang your fist on the table and say that you would like to rule for a third term instead of resorting to such shady steps. Bagrat Asatryan does not believe Serzh Sargsyans statement that the population in Armenia is increasing. In 2018-2019, we shall face numerous problems thanks to the Republican Party of Armenia. I cannot understand how Serzh Sargsyan can make such loud statements saying that in 2040 we will have 4 million people living in the country. This means that from now on, 50,000 people will be arriving in Armenia, but we witness people leaving the country. According to him, the authorities are leading Armenia to the Soviet period, where corruption was flourishing, people were indifferent to the fate of the country.
The walls of Texas' Painted Churches are awash in robin's-egg blue, aqua or pink with floral stenciling and hand-painted frescoes of angels on the ceilings. While the state has more than 20 painted churches, built by early Czech and German settlers, those in Fayette County are famous for their Easter egg colors; four are included on the Greater Schulenburg Chamber of Commerce tours. All are within a 12-mile drive of Schulenburg. For tour information, check schulenburgchamber.org or call 979-743-4514.

Dubina: The little Sts. Cyril and Methodius Church's sanctuary is drenched in light, reflecting the Czech preference to let the sun shine in. It wasn't always this way; church leaders painted over the beautiful little chapel's pastel blue walls in 1952 in an effort to modernize. But Fayette County Judge Ed Janecka grew up there and remembered the early colors and stenciling. In 1983, he led the effort to restore it to its former glory. Today, it's the sunniest of Texas' painted churches. Dubina, settled in 1856, is known as the "Mother of Czechs in Texas." 4148 FM 1383, Dubina
The new Wortham Theater Center, the Old Barn out in the East End and the Shamrock make up just a few of the photos in this month's roundup of Houston as it was in 1987.

* Thirty years ago, the Chronicle's editorial board noted that there were two things residents could depend on: "One was that downtown was deserted after 5 p.m.; the other was that cultural offerings dwindled substantially during the warmer months."

The Wortham Center, which provided a much-needed home for Houston Grand Opera and Houston Ballet, would change that. Opening its doors as the city entered the summer months, the performing arts hall proved to be a testament to how residents step up in good economic times and, as you'll see, in lean times as well.

That idea was not lost as Ann Holmes, Chronicle fine arts editor, noted on May 10:

It may be ironic that just at the moment of their greatest leap into the house of their dreams, both the opera and the ballet, like almost everything else in Houston, are experiencing a historical wallet squeeze. This was the city that went through past depressions and recessions without much of a bobble. Now Houston, as the American petroleum capital, is really feeling a wallop.

Nevertheless, the community's leaders came through with a glowing record of fund raising to pay for their $72 million house, with no government funds. It was a triumphant private-sector performance, done in cooperation with the city, which furnished the land and which in the transaction today will be handed a gorgeous facility, worth twice the estimated value of the land. The excitement about the opening, the success of the fund effort - all in a city that is supposed to be down on its luck - turns into magical public relations.

But the arrival of the new Wortham is more than that. This opening marks a great step for the people who financially support the ballet and the opera. They have not only broken their backs to help raise the funds for this building, but they have also come through again and again, to make their own organizations ready for the big step into a dream house, with lengthened seasons and bigger budgets. Those board members came through repeatedly when asked to find the funds. It was the Harris Mastersons who have several times answered the call for help - once notably when it appeared the ballet would have no dance stage to dance on, and so another $350,000.

[...]

The presence today of this magnificent facility suggests that the future of the arts for this city has every chance to be busy and bold and beautiful. What many people don't seem to realize is that Houston is one of the handful of cities in the nation with the full complement of significant performing and visual arts entities. Houston, New York, Chicago and San Francisco and make up the Fortunate Four cities that have their own top-flight opera, ballet, symphony, resident professional theater, chamber groups and professional choruses.

Among the cities that don't have such a complete arts establishment are: Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Atlanta, and on and on. Had Houston not had Jones Hall as a crucible in which the opera and the ballet could grow (albeit as in a pressure cooker), those two entities would not have been in a position to make the definitive move into their own two-theater house. Had these not been sufficiently developed, there would not have been a reason enough to undertake the vast project of this new Wortham Theater Center. It has been a cycle of need and growth.

For the artists who will work there and for the audiences who will experience their gifts and inspirations, the future has every right to be dazzling. By the end of the century, Houston's performing arts, in their expanded venues in one of the finest theater districts in the country, should be among the top three.

* The late Eagle Pennell's 1983 film "Last Night at the Alamo" captures efforts by patrons to keep their favorite watering hole -- called, yep, the Alamo -- from closing for good.

The Alamo actually was longtime East End watering hole the Old Barn, 4317 Harrisburg.

In 1987, Chronicle reporter Barbara Karkabi dropped in on the Old Barn and its aged proprietors, Nick and Joe Petronella. Did the film put the bar on the map, perhaps similar to what "Cheers" had done for the Bull & Finch Pub in Boston?

From her article:

Five years ago a film maker's hot lights shone on the Old Barn, a down-home neighborhood bar in Houston's East End.

The owners, two brothers who were sure the making of a movie in their very own establishment meant fame and fortune, printed up T-shirts with the bar's logo. They handed out promotional wooden nickels good for one "surprise." Then they sat back and waited for the crowds they fully expected to appear as soon as the movie premiered.

But things didn't quite turn out the way Nick and Joe Petronella had hoped when Texas film maker Eagle Pennell chose their place for the site of "Last Night at the Alamo," a film depicting the final night at an old north Houston watering hole.

The crowds never showed, and the T-shirts went largely unsold.

For the most part, the Old Barn, which recently celebrated its 40th year in business, remained what it had always been - a home away from home for working-class patrons and a slice of Houston the way it used to be. But "Alamo" and the making of it has become part of the Old Barn's legend - like the night a drunken dwarf danced on the shuffleboard table.

Whenever stories are swapped about the bar's life and times, regulars are sure to bring up "The Movie."

"We were all excited a film was being made here - there was some pretty good acting in it, too," said Lois Hollen. She and husband Joe have been patrons of the Old Barn for 25 years.

[...]

Much of the action that takes place during "Alamo" centers on the frantic efforts of the patrons to keep the bar from closing down. When the Alamo dies, so do their dreams. In many ways, the same can be said of The Old Barn. For most of the customers it's the "best place in town, the only place in town," as Shelldrake loves to say.

"I've told Nick that I'd like to keep the bar open in his memory. He just laughed and said: 'Well, we'll see about that.' But when Nick and Joe go, I'm sure it will be boarded up and disposed of," said [bar patron Ray] Conner.

"And then... well, it will be just like the "Last Night at the Alamo," won't it?"

Eventually it was Last Night at the Old Barn. The East End fixture eventually closed and, judging by Google Maps, has been torn down.

* Finally, despite pleas from the community to save the building, demolition began on the Shamrock Hilton. You'll recall the Texas Medical Center purchased the hotel in 1985, by that time a green-tinged shadow of its former self. The building would come down, brick by brick, over the summer.
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Houston is a city of the world. All languages and food can be found nestled in our vast suburban fabric. This diversity is often discussed, but it is represented little in the public spaces of the city.

With Bayou Greenways, though, we have an opportunity to physically create space that embraces diversity and brings out the range of cultures in a more public setting.

Among the bayous, Brays stands out as a unique Houston waterway. This bayou might be the most diverse waterway in the world. The span of its 30 short miles begins with its mouth in the East End, near our historic Hispanic neighborhood of Magnolia Park. The newly built greenway continues past UH, westward through the Third Ward.

Next, Brays winds past the international microcosm of the Medical Center through West University and Braeswood. Exiting 610, the bayou touches on Meyerland (our Jewish enclave) and past Hillcroft, near the base of our south and west Asian communities.

Beyond, the bayou crosses Bellaire near the Asiatown shops and into a hodgepodge of nondescript neighborhoods that jumble all the above.

This route makes neighbors of everyone while brushing up against our museums, universities, parks and medical center. Buffalo Bayou is a beautiful downtown jewel that draws the city together, but Brays is how Houston actually lives.

EXCITING URBAN WORK: Allyn West on Beth White, the new president and CEO of the Houston Parks Board

Bayou Greenways is a great first step. We needed these paths to connect the parks and bike lanes that we have. But they only create lines that people are able to exercise and travel along, not spaces where they can congregate to perform, protest or celebrate.

Outside of downtown, Houston lacks the historic "town squares" that used to meet this need in communities. The square brings people together, out of their houses and into the enclaves that have distinctively developed.

While the square hasn't been a part of our city's fabric, the ice house serves many of the same purposes. Through their small scale and physical openness, these bars developed closely with the neighborhoods that they served ice. Along with a commercial purpose, they act as collective front porches. Importantly, the architecture also provided shade and breezeways in the summer months before air conditioning.

David Richmond

As a speculative project, I've taken the ice house type and tested how it might translate to a public use. The form presented in the renderings above has been abstracted into simple interior/exterior relationships involving roof, curtain, steel and glass.

Within the edges of each material, the body's relationship to the city changes. The roof provides shade and cover from rain, while framing the view.

The curtain creates some privacy and a surface for projection and lighting at night.

At center, steel frames a completely enclosed space for small events while being structure for the building.

At the far corner from entering, a glass box is visually transparent while physically controlled, an opposite of the steel.

PUBLIC SPACE WHERE IT SHOULDN'T BE: David Richmond on what ice houses mean to Houston

This simple pavilion is designed to be copied at six locations along Brays Bayou. Each would be physically identical but programmed specifically to the site. The idea is to create a new cultural backbone that embraces our many cultures, bringing events, markets and performances farther out into the city where Houston lives.

On an average day, the pavilion might provide coffee to medical students, fresh produce to food deserts or shade to runners and cyclists. At night, movies might be projected onto the curtains or a wedding reception might fill up the glass box. I don't know what all the uses would be, but not every modest event needs to happen at Discovery Green or NRG Stadium.

We have this new infrastructure on the bayou that connects us; we just need a place to go.

David Richmond is an architecture graduate from Rice University and project manager at Metalab Studio in Houston. Since graduating, he has also been working on an ongoing study of ice houses in the Houston area. You can follow him on Instagram @HoustonIcehouse.





Bookmark Gray Matters. The idea is to create a new cultural backbone.


A family in mourning was met with a surprise when they were saying their last goodbyes at Mainland Memorial Cemetery in Hitchcock.

Mike Lamb arrived to the grave site prepared to bury his late mother, Marguerite Jules Lamb, after leaving her memorial service. According to the Galveston Daily News, when he approached the grave marked with her tombstone, he saw that a different coffin with another body was already occupying that plot of land.
A Mississippi state lawmaker is under fire after calling for the lynching of leaders who supported the recent removal of Confederate monuments in Louisiana.

In a Facebook post published Saturday night, Mississippi state Rep. Karl Oliver went on a diatribe about the controversial statues in his neighboring state, which have been taken down in recent weeks:

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The destruction of these monuments, erected in the loving memory of our family and fellow Southern Americans, is both heinous and horrific. If the, and I use this term extremely loosely, "leadership" of Louisiana wishes to, in a Nazi-ish fashion, burn books or destroy historical monuments of OUR HISTORY, they should be LYNCHED! Let it be known, I will do all in my power to prevent this from happening in our State.

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Oliver included with the post a picture of a statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee, which was the last of the four controversial monuments in New Orleans to be removed.

By Monday afternoon, the post was no longer publicly visible. Oliver issued an apology, saying he regretted his word choice:

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I, first and foremost, wish to extend this apology for any embarrassment I have caused to both my colleagues and fellow Mississippians. In an effort to express my passion for preserving all historical monuments, I acknowledge the word "lynched" was wrong. I am very sorry. It is in no way, ever, an appropriate term. I deeply regret that I chose this word, and I do not condone the actions I referenced, nor do I believe them in my heart. I freely admit my choice of words was horribly wrong, and I humbly ask your forgiveness.

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Lynching means "to put to death (as by hanging) by mob action without legal approval or permission." It is a particularly fraught term in the South, where thousands of black Americans were lynched in the 19th and 20th centuries. Oliver, a Republican, was elected to the Mississippi legislature in 2015. His district includes Money, Miss., the town where a 14-year-old black boy named Emmett Till was lynched by two white men in 1955.

Oliver's Facebook post had set off a litany of comments, from those who supported him "for speaking the truth in this world of political correctness" to others who lambasted the lawmaker for his "disgusting" and "appalling" remarks. Many called on him to resign.

Earlier Monday, Oliver was not reachable at his office in the Mississippi State Capitol and did not immediately respond to questions sent by email. A woman who picked up the phone Monday morning at his workplace, Oliver Funeral Home, said she could not take any calls regarding the Louisiana monuments and hung up.

Two other Republican state representatives, John Read and Doug McLeod, "liked" Oliver's Facebook post, along with Mississippi Highway Patrol spokesman Tony Dunn, according to Mississippi News Now. Read and McLeod did not immediately respond to inquiries made by The Washington Post on Monday. Mississippi Today reported that Read later unliked the post; he told the news site that he didn't remember liking it himself and referred questions about it to Oliver.

Several Republicans had spoken out against the Facebook post.

"Rep. Oliver's comments were offensive, do not represent the Mississippi Republican Party and have no place in our public discourse," Mississippi Republican Party Chairman Joe Nosef said in a statement to Mississippi Today. "I hope he will quickly clear up his remarks to make his point without these inappropriate comments."

"Rep. Oliver's language is unacceptable and has no place in civil discourse," Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant said in an email to Mississippi Today on Monday morning.

In a statement, Republican House Speaker Phillip Gunn said using the word "lynched" was "inappropriate and offensive" and that Oliver's post did not reflect the views of the Republican Party or the state House of Representatives. Gunn's spokeswoman also told the news site that Gunn had called Oliver to say his comments were inappropriate.

Numerous Democratic state lawmakers also spoke out against Oliver's post.

"I am offended and outraged that a public official in 2017 would, with an obvious conviction and clear conscience, call for and promote one of the most cruel, vicious, and wicked acts in American history," state Sen. Derrick Simmons said in a statement posted to Twitter.

State Rep. Jeramey Anderson called Oliver's statement "a shame."

And Democratic state Rep. Chris Bell said he was "angered beyond words" by Oliver's "inflammatory remarks," according to an image by Mississippi News Now of a Facebook post that was not publicly visible.

"His constant and consistent disrespect for those who are offended by the images of hate is unacceptable!" Bell wrote, according to the news station. "I will fight with vigor and tenacity to ensure not only our current state flag is removed along with those images that glorify hate."

In 2015, the New Orleans City Council voted to take down the four statues around the city - a move that triggered a heated, prolonged debate that involved legal challenges, death threats, violent protests and the national spotlight. The removal process finally began in April, two years after the city council vote.

"It won't erase history," New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu, who led the effort, wrote in a guest column for The Post this month. "But we can begin a new chapter of New Orleans's history by placing these monuments, and the legacy of oppression they represent, in museums and other spaces where they can be viewed in an appropriate educational setting as examples of our capacity to change."

But protesters resisted the statues' removal up until the end, with some staging 24-hour vigils where they stood. Like Oliver, many felt that their Confederate heritage was under attack.

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Mississippi Today reporters Kate Royals and Kayleigh Skinner contributed to this report.
President Donald Trump labeled North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un a "madman with nuclear weapons" during a private phone conversation with Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte last month, just days before stating publicly that he would be "honored" to meet with Kim.

In the April 29 call, Trump sought Duterte's input on whether Kim is "stable or not stable" and expressed some satisfaction in North Korea's recent failed missile tests, noting that "all his rockets are crashing. That's the good news," according to a transcript of the conversation made by the Philippines government on May 2 and obtained Tuesday by The Washington Post.

Duterte responded that Kim is "playing with his bombs, his toys" and offered that "his mind is not working well and he just might go crazy one moment." That prompted Trump to point out that the United States has "a lot of firepower over there," including "two nuclear submarines" sent by the Pentagon to the region last month.

Later in the call, Trump raised the stakes of the escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula when he observed: "We can't let a madman with nuclear weapons let on the loose like that. We have a lot of firepower, more than he has, times 20 - but we don't want to use it."

The focus between Trump and Duterte on North Korea comports with a brief public readout of the call from the White House on the day it took place. But the details of their conversation, first reported here, offer a deeper view of the urgency with which Trump is attempting to enlist foreign leaders to ramp up pressure on Pyongyang to halt its nuclear and ballistic missile programs.

A senior Trump administration official acknowledged that the transcript is accurate but declined to speak on the record about "a leaked document from a foreign government." The Post obtained the document from a person who asked not to be identified because the transcript, labeled by the Philippines government as "confidential," is not intended for public release.

Trump is "rallying as much support as he can on North Korea," the administration official said, speaking on the condition of anonymity. "Regional support is extremely meaningful. This is how he's trying to proactively manage a very difficult situation."

Trump's call with Duterte, during which he extended an invitation to visit him at the White House, was met with skepticism from some foreign policy analysts and human rights groups. Since taking office in June, Duterte has moved to hedge on the Philippines' long-standing defense alliance with the United States by establishing closer relations with China. And his administration has overseen a brutal extrajudicial campaign that has resulted in the killings of thousands of suspected drug dealers.

Trump has not spoken out against that strategy, and in their call he praised Duterte for doing an "unbelievable job on the drug problem."

"Many countries have the problem, we have the problem, but what a great job you are doing and I just wanted to call and tell you that," Trump said, according to the transcript.

After Duterte replied that drugs are the "scourge of my nation now and I have to do something to preserve the Filipino nation," Trump appeared to take a swipe at his predecessor, Barack Obama, who had canceled a bilateral meeting with Duterte after the Philippines leader insulted him.

"I understand that and fully understand that and I think we had a previous president who did not understand that," Trump said.

On his first foreign trip this week, Trump said during a speech in Saudi Arabia that his administration will not "lecture" foreign governments on human rights as the United States pursues partnerships to fight terrorism.

The senior Trump administration official said that the president was not condoning Duterte's "individual tactics" for cracking down on illicit drugs. Rather, this was Trump's "way of expressing solidarity over a common scourge," the official said.

Most of his conversation with Duterte focused on how to deal with North Korea and whether China can exert more leverage on Kim's regime. Trump acknowledged after meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping in mid-April that "it's not so easy" for Beijing to alter Pyongyang's behavior.

But when he asked Duterte whether China has "power over" Kim, the Philippines president responded: "Yes, at the end of the day, the last card, the ace, has to be with China. It's only China."

In an interview with Bloomberg News three days after his call with Duterte, Trump said he would be "honored" to meet Kim "under the right circumstances," opening the possibility of bilateral or multilateral talks. No sitting U.S. president has met with a North Korean leader. In another interview that week with CBS News, Trump called Kim "a pretty smart cookie" and expressed admiration for the North Korean leader having assumed power "at a very young age" after the death of his father, Kim Jong Il.

Trump told Duterte he hopes "China solves the problem . . . But if China doesn't do it, we will do it." Duterte then offered to call Xi and emphasize the importance of altering Pyongyang's behavior.

"You can tell him I am counting on him," Trump replied. "I have a very good relationship with him. I had him in Florida for two days and got to know him well. He is a good guy."

On May 3, the Chinese state media reported that Xi and Duterte spoke about North Korea, among other topics.

Toward the end of the call, Trump switched topics to invite Duterte to the White House, calling him a "good man."

"I will love to have you in the Oval Office," Trump said. "Any time you want to come . . . Seriously, if you want to come over, just let us know. Just take care of yourself, and we will take care of North Korea."
Edward Nalbandian: Armenia contributes to international efforts for protection of vulnerable communities in Middle East (video)

Address by Edward Nalbandian at the conference on Victims of Ethnic and Religious Violence in the Middle East Dear Colleagues, I would like to thank Spanish hosts along with Jordan for their efforts to follow up the discussions on this challenging issue. Armenia continues to actively contribute to international efforts in this regard. For centuries the Armenian nation has constituted a part of the multicultural and multi-religious mosaic of the region. This diversity of the Middle East - deeply rooted in the traditions of coexistence and tolerance - was once a remarkable asset not just in civilizational terms but also security wise. The mass exodus from this region of the most vulnerable groups, representing different ethnic and religious communities is largely an outcome of inhumane ideology and atrocities perpetrated by terrorist organizations. Thus, safeguarding the remnants of diversity and tolerance in the Middle East is important for restoration of regional safety and security. It may contribute to the prevention of the spillover effect that threatens the neighboring regions and far beyond. The terrorist acts in Europe are illustrative in this regard. The phenomenon of the terrorists returning from the Middle East battlefields threatens not just the security of the countries of their origin, but may become a destabilizing factor in other regions, stimulating crisis situations and regional conflicts. The Daesh style beheadings and other despicable atrocities are already not limited just to the Middle East. It should be made clear once and again that religion has nothing to do with the violence. What we are countering here are crimes against civilization perpetrated by Daesh and other terrorist groups. Barbarism has declared a war against the civilized world. Indeed, the threat that the ethnic and religious communities of the Middle East face, is not merely a physical, but also a civilizational challenge. To what extent the international community is able to unite and jointly fight against this evil would demonstrate to what extent it is ready to protect its own civilizational values. It is in this spirit that Armenia expressed its resolve to join the international efforts in eliminating this scourge. I share the opinion of my Jordanian colleague, that from one side there is a terrorist minority, and from other side the whole civilized world. I would like to underline that the efforts of civilized majority should be first and foremost directed at countering the breeding ground and root causes of terrorism. Dear Colleagues, It is not a coincidence that the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan has a leading role in countering ethnic and religious violence in the Middle East. During the Armenian Genocide the Emir of Hashemite dynasty of Mecca Hussein Bin Ali issued a decree calling to protect Armenians, as they protect themselves and their children. The values of compassion and care are not outdated. They are well grounded in the century long traditions of the Middle East and should serve as an example for the current protection efforts. The Syrian crisis has deepened divisions in the Middle East and beyond. We may hold different views on its underlying causes, dynamic or the ways of the settlement but we should stand on the same footage on the humanitarian issues. Any efforts to protect and rehabilitate victimized communities should be supported irrespective of the political and religious differences. Next year we will mark the 70th anniversary of the adoption of the Genocide Convention. The actions of terrorists against ethnic and religious groups indicate the relevance of the Convention which clearly establishes the punishable actions, including the complicity. Any support to the terrorist entities involved in identity based crimes should be viewed under this Convention. The violence has not bypassed Syrian Armenians, many of whom lost their lives in terrorist attacks. The Armenian settlements, churches, schools and cultural institutions were destroyed. One hundred years ago Armenian refugees found shelter in many Arab countries after the Armenian Genocide. Today thousands of Armenians, together with other people of the Middle East, again are forced to abandon their places of residence. Armenia has received more than twenty two thousand refugees only from Syria, making our country the third largest recipient of Syrian refugees in Europe on per capita basis. We have also tried to reach out to the people who need assistance in Syria by continuous provision of humanitarian aid. Throughout the recent Constitutional and Legislative Reforms Armenia enabled its four main minorities to ensure an assigned seat in the Parliament. Three out of these groups - namely Yazidis, Assyrians and Kurds have been subjected to the identity based violence in Syria and Iraq. We have a long shared history with these people. Today Armenia contributes to the international efforts for the protection of the Armenian and other vulnerable communities in the Middle East. The quest of preserving, protecting and promoting ethnic and religious plurality and diversity of the Middle East is of high importance for civilizational, humanitarian and security reasons that make it one of the most challenging issues of the modern times. Thank you.
It took three auctions before anyone bought the "lunar sample return bag" the U.S. Marshal's Office put up for sale, unaware that astronaut Neil Armstrong had used it to retrieve pieces of the moon during the historic Apollo 11 mission.

At a 2014 auction, no one bit when the opening bid was set at $20,000. An amateur collector bought the item the following year for $995.

After NASA lost a legal fight earlier this year to reclaim what it called a "national treasure," the dinner-plate-sized cloth bag is now slated for yet another sale, this one on July 20 - the 48th anniversary of the famed lunar landing. Sotheby's auction house expects a winning bid of $2 million to $4 million, if not more.

The bag held the first dollop of dust and rocks that Armstrong scooped up from the moon's surface to bring to scientists back on Earth eager to figure out what, exactly, the moon was made of. People at the time knew so little about our planet's natural satellite that when the astronauts returned to earth, NASA stuck them in a decontamination chamber for 88 hours for fear of possible "moon germs."

The agency launched a fiery response to Friday's announcement about the new auction.

"This artifact was never meant to be owned by an individual," NASA said in a statement from William Jeffs, spokesman for the astromaterials division. "This artifact, we believe, belongs to the American people and should be on display for the public, which is where it was before all of these unfortunate events occurred."

Those events began in the early 1980s when the bag was sent to the Kansas Cosmosphere, one of the world's largest space museums. At some point in the following decades, it seemed to get lost in a black hole.

Decades later, federal investigators found it at the home of one of the museum's founders. It was seized sometime before October 2005, when museum president Max Ary went on trial, accused of stealing memorabilia and selling it for personal gain. Among the witnesses who testified for the defense was Capt. Gene Cernan, the last man to walk on the moon.

Ary, who led the museum for 26 years and counted astronauts among his friends, was convicted of theft, fraud and money laundering. He spent two years in federal prison. In the aftermath of the trial, some evidence wasn't clearly labeled and it was not returned to its proper owners. The bag got lost in the shuffle.

In 2014, a small auction house put some of Ary's seized items up for sale on behalf of the U.S. Marshals Service, which manages federal asset forfeiture. Sotheby's said three separate auctions went without a single bid.

The next year, a Chicago area attorney with an interest in space memorabilia noticed the listing and put in the winning bid. Like every other American kid of the time, 11-year-old Nancy Lee Carlson had watched the 1969 moon landing on television. The space program inspired her to pursue big dreams, Carlson said in February, when federal judges ruled against NASA's attempt to reclaim the mistakenly auctioned artifact.

Items from the moon landings generally cannot be sold; the federal Smithsonian Institution maintains the historic collection, puts on displays in its museums and loans items to other institutions. There may be a black market for such goods, but never before was NASA equipment from the Apollo missions legally put up for sale.

"There are no other lunar bags out there," Joseph Gutheinz, a former NASA enforcement officer who sided with Carlson, said in February. "It's unique as all get out. And because of that, the value of the bag is incalculable."

Yet when Carlson turned to Sotheby's, the nearly 250-year-old auction house somehow had to calculate a value for the item it bills as "the most important space artifact to ever appear at auction."

"When we place auction estimates, they are very much based on detailed research," said Cassandra Hatton, the Sotheby's vice president in charge of the sale who looked at items with similar rarity and significance. "It is very much an educated estimate. It wasn't just pulled out of the air."

The highest price for space-related items came in 2011, when a Russian businessman paid $2.9 million for a Soviet space capsule that carried a live dog into space in 1961.

"But Apollo 11 is an entirely different thing," she added, explaining that Soviet artifacts became widely available after the Soviet Union collapsed in the 1990s. American items are extremely rare, so Sotheby's thinks the bag's selling price may eclipse the record.

"You just couldn't get your hands on this kind of thing," Hatton said. "The only way you could do it was by theft."

The bag, made of specially designed Beta-cloth, has smudges of moon dust visible to the naked eye, Hatton said. Just like Armstrong described to Mission Control, it looks like "powdered graphite."

The archivist laughed when asked if she got to handle the bag - which she did, wearing nitrile examination gloves.

"It's an exciting moment," she recalled. "That's the closest I'll ever get to walking on the moon."

Gabrielle Banks contributed to this report.
WASHINGTON - On a day when President Donald Trump proposed $2.6 billion in new spending for border security, including $1.6 billion for a wall, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection chief told Congress that would-be border crossers are already being scared away by the administration's sweeping executive order on immigration.

"The message is out," said Ronald Vitiello, the border agency's acting deputy commissioner, told a Senate panel Tuesday. "The executive order calls for the end of catch and release."

Noting the dramatic reduction in border apprehensions in recent months, Vitiello testified that "We are seeing a historic shift in illegal crossings along the Southwest border."

Vitiello's testimony came at the invitation of Texas U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, who chaired a hearing on border security and immigration as Trump seeks more money from Congress to strengthen the border and boost deportations.

Some immigrant-rights activists denounced the law-enforcement focus of the hearing, saying that it appeared calculated to justify Trump's deportation sweeps and calls for costly new border security measures.

More for you Amid spending cuts, Trump budget renews the call for a border...

"We don't need more enforcement-only laws," said Frank Sharry, executive director of America's Voice Education Fund, which opposes Trump's immigration sweeps. "We need Congress to put a check on Trump's executive orders, to hold [the administration] accountable for its ruthless expansion of deportations and to stand up to his idiotic border wall."

The Senate Judiciary hearing, Sharry added, "has all the authenticity of a Kabuki show."

Borders still 'porous'

As expected, Cornyn called for more border funding, saying "The fact is our borders are still porous, and we have not done a good enough job of making sure that the Department of Homeland Security has the resources you need in order to get the job done."

In the past, Cornyn has questioned whether a physical barrier is appropriate for the length of the U.S.-Mexico border. Like some other border-region Republicans, he has focused instead on the need for technology, law enforcement and infrastructure improvements.

Those kinds of improvements, including sensors, aerial surveillance and communications equipment, make up less than half of Trump's $2.6 billion request for the border.

But according to Vitiello, the word seems to be spreading about tougher interior immigration enforcement, including Trump's well-publicized raids, many more now involving people with no criminal past.

"We have seen indications that individuals' perception of their ability to remain in the United States after illegal entry has been affected by recent policy changes," Vitiello said. "Individuals who might seek to enter the country through unlawful channels do not want to invest significant resources only to be turned around at the border or removed soon after they arrive in the United States."

The number of illegal border crossers dropped 30 percent from February to March, which was also down 64 percent from the same time last year, according to new Border Patrol figures. The drop, Vitiello said, comes amid the same conditions of poverty and violence in Central America, the source of an increasing number of illegal immigrants.

"Push factors creating a demand for both legal and illegal immigration to the United States remain fairly constant for Latin America populations and Eastern Hemisphere populations," he testified. He noted that while more than 16,000 family units were apprehended at the border in December, only 1,125 were caught in March.

Democrats have criticized Trump's priorities on the border, citing both the new data on illegal border crossings as well as data showing zero or negative net growth in the nation's population of illegal immigrants.

'Layered' defense

Trump's new request to fund a wall - a central promise of his campaign - also has become a symbol of Democrats' opposition to his budget, which emphasizes military and national security spending while making massive cuts in domestic safety net programs.

"Putting taxpayers on the hook to pay for it is just the latest brick in a wall of broken campaign promises," said San Antonio U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett. "If we are going to pour billions into concrete, it ought to be an investment in ourselves, rebuilding our crumbling infrastructure. Spending billions more locking up immigrant families escaping violence isn't making America great or safe."

New budget documents released Tuesday show that the $1.6 billion for wall construction in Trump's 2018 budget would pay for 32 miles of new border wall and 28 miles of levee wall along the Rio Grande Valley. The money also would pay for 14 miles of new border wall to replace fencing in San Diego. Department of Homeland Security officials say those sites are priority areas where apprehensions are the highest along the Southwest Border.

Much of the rest of the new border spending, more than $975 million, would go to tactical infrastructure and border security technology, including sensors and radios, to provide a "layered" defense at the border. Trump's budget also would provide another $100 million to hire 500 new Border Patrol agents.

Another $109 million would go toward cargo scanners at border crossings and ports of entry, including technology that can detect materials that pose potential nuclear and radiological threats.

The new spending would come on top of some $1.6 billion Congress approved for border security through September, though none of that can be used for a wall. But whatever happens with Trump's 2018 budget, Vitiello said Trump's new arrest and detention orders are being felt.

"We have the laws in place to secure our borders," he said, "and we are enforcing them."
Memorial Day weekend is the start of the summer season, making it popular road trip weekend for families and friends to get away.

Whether you're planning on driving to a different city or hitting up various parties around town, you'll want to be sure that your gas tank is full, but be sure you're going to a properly maintained and honest gas station.

I-10 ROAD TRIP: Fun places to stop along the I-10 route from Houston to Florida

From March 22 to May 23, gas stations across Greater Houston were inspected by the Texas Department of Agriculture officials to catch any possible dishonest pump charges, maintenance issues or safety hazards.

Check out the images above to see those who were cited. (Story continues below ... )

Fortunately for drivers, getting shorted at the pump is uncommon, but it can come in different forms. Here's a list of the most common reasons gas pumps (often known as multi-pump dispensers) are found to be out of compliance:

Short measure in excess of tolerance: The pump shorted the customer gasoline by an amount greater than the allowed amount. According to the agriculture department, the allowed tolerance for diesel and gas pumps in six cubic inches, or about six tablespoons of gas when a five-gallon test measure is used.

Two times the tolerance: The pump delivered less fuel than the amount indicated on the display by more than twice the allowed amount.

Improperly maintained: The gas pump, whether regular gas or diesel pump, is not properly maintained to the state's requirements.

See the gallery above for a look at the Houston area stations that have been flagged.

BEST IN TEXAS: Unique places to vacation in the Lone Star State
AUSTIN  The House-passed version of the so-called "bathroom bill" will be rejected by the Senate and be sent to a conference committee to make revisions, a key senator confirmed late Tuesday.

Senate Education Committee Chairman Larry Taylor, R-Friendswood, said he will not agree to the House wording because he thinks it misses the mark and accomplishes little.

The House passed Senate Bill 2078 on Sunday after lengthy debate. Taylor is the Senate sponsor of that bill, and will head the conference committee on it.

Taylor said he thinks the measure can be reworked with minor wording changes. Other senators said Tuesday night that a one-sentence is being considered as a fix.

Whether the House will agree to a conference committee with the Senate on the bill remains unclear, along with whether the House will accept the change the Senate wants.

Taylor said the Senate will not try to insert its original, controversial wording that was blasted for discriminating against transgender Texans, and sparked large protests.

The House amended the bill to require public schools and open-enrollment charter schools to limit the use of bathroom and locker rooms to each student's "biological sex," barring transgender students from using the facility of their gender identity.

Schools instead would have to provide single-occupancy bathrooms and changing rooms for transgender students.

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick had criticized House version, questioning its about its "ambiguous language, which doesn't appear to do much." Republican senators who voted for the stronger Senate version hinted on Monday they would not approve it.

Failure of the Legislature to approve some version of the bill had earlier been cited by Patrick and Gov. Greg Abbott as one that could cause a special session.
AUSTIN - After a six-hour debate, the Texas House voted Tuesday to overhaul the state's 2011 voter ID law, among the strictest in the nation, but not before adding major changes to the Senate-backed legislation that has emerged as one of the top priorities for lawmakers in the session's last week.

A legal challenge from Democrats is likely if the bill clears the Legislature, as expected, and is signed into law by Gov. Greg Abbott.

While the House debated voter ID, the Senate moved ahead on passage of dozens of pieces of legislation Tuesday and negotiations continued on several key pieces of legislation still bottled up by controversy, including a major property tax reform measure and the so-called "bathroom bill."

As approved by the House on a 95-54 vote, Senate Bill 5 would allow a voter to present an outdated ID from a list of approved documents if it has been expired no longer than four years. The Senate version includes a two-year limit. However, no similar time limit applies to voters who are at least 70 years old; they would be able to use an acceptable form of ID so long as the document was otherwise valid.

The Senate bill also would allow a person to cast a ballot if they present alternate identification, such as a current utility bill or bank statement showing their name and address, but they must sign a declaration stating they faced a reasonable impediment to obtaining an approved ID.

SB 5 lists seven factors as impediments, including lack of transportation, a lost or stolen photo ID, a disability or an illness. Voters would be subject to prosecution if they make false statements on the declaration form, which the Senate version makes a third-degree felony punishable by two to 10 years in prison and a fine. The House voted to change the penalty to a Class A misdemeanor.

Finding middle ground

The bill's House sponsor, GOP Rep. Phil King of Weatherford, also accepted a Democratic amendment to prohibit an election officer from refusing to accept documentation solely because the address on it does not match the address on the list of registered voters.

The House's changes to Senate Bill 5 could cause some heartburn in the Senate, which now must decide whether to accept them or request a conference committee to iron out differences. King, who likely would be appointed to such a committee, said he would "do my best to represent the House" when a Democrat asked him about the fate of the seven amendments that senators could demand be stripped from the bill.

"I hope today we've made the bill a little better than when we started," King said, later adding that the changes, if approved, will be debated in court immediately. "This bill is going to be before a court the day it is signed by the governor."

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, the Senate's presiding officer, said SB 5 was a must-pass bill before the legislature adjourns Monday. In a rare Sunday night order last weekend, Gov. Greg Abbott named it an emergency item to allow lawmakers to take up the bill immediately.

In recent days, Republican leaders have scrambled to revive the bill, which many thought was stalled for good. There were growing fears that ending the session without addressing court rulings that found the voter ID law was too restrictive and discriminated against minority voters could jeopardize the state's arguments to the contrary.

Last year, the U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled state lawmakers discriminated against minority voters when they passed the bill. In April, U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos went further in her ruling, declaring that legislators intentionally discriminated to keep primarily Latino and African American voters from casting ballots. Ramos has scheduled the next hearing in the case June 7, when she will decide how to proceed with the litigation.

Given their string of losses and the upcoming hearing, some Republicans feared inaction could lead to a court forcing Texas back under preclearance, or requiring the state to get federal approval before making any election law changes, four years after the landmark U.S. Supreme Court case Shelby v. Holder undid the supervision.

King said the bill was the legislature's attempt to bring the voter ID law into compliance with Ramos's opinion.

"The concern is that if we do not do this - which is simply codifying the Ramos intermediate court decision that we had the last election under - we could quite possibly see any kind of voter ID struck from Texas law by being permanently enjoined," King said. "What I'm hoping to do is to take what is current state law and conform it to the interim order."

Democrats, who long have argued GOP lawmakers passed the voter ID law to burden minority voters at the polls, disputed King's assessment of the bill. They argued SB 5 does not address discriminatory concerns in the judge's ruling.

"This bill does not mirror the order," said Rep. Chris Turner, a Democrat from Grand Prairie.

"It's very close," King responded.

An 'archaic' system

Democrats offered several amendments, many of which the Republican majority soundly defeated, that would have loosened SB 5's requirements, including shielding voters from prosecution for unknowingly providing faulty information on the declaration form.

"Folks are not going to vote because they fear they are going to break the law," said Rep. Ramon Romero, a Fort Worth Democrat, adding that many voters in his Latino-majority district are not fluent in English and have to trust interpreters when they fill out government forms.

King said, "If it was just an accident, then they're not guilty of an offense."

Before the vote, Rep. Helen Giddings, a Democrat from DeSoto, said the House's rushed action Tuesday will do nothing to eliminate voting barriers for Texans that opponents claim were created by the law.

"This body has made a habit of making it hard for our constituents to vote," Giddings said. "Our voter registration system is archaic and is intentionally inefficient. Why are we not ashamed of this?"

In other legislative developments:

Passionate arguments about a House proposal touted as restricting which school restrooms transgender students can use gave way Tuesday to arguments over whether the legislation would actually restrict much of anything.

"I don't think it's near strong enough," said Rep. Jonathan Stickland of Bedford, a member of the tea-party aligned Texas Freedom Caucus who, like almost all House Republicans, voted for the proposal. "I don't think it's anything."

That sentiment was far from universal in the caucus or the House, but importantly, it's shared by Lt. Gov. Patrick, who has long pushed for passage of such restrictions, has called the House proposal's language "ambiguous" and has threatened to force a special session if lawmakers don't address his key priorities.

Capitalizing on outrage over "food shaming" in Texas schools, the Feeding Texas food bank is launching a campaign asking the public to help pay down school lunch tabs that parents of poor students are unable to pay off.

It's part of a effort sparked by the Texas House derailing legislation earlier this month that would have granted a two-week grace period to children without money on their lunch accounts while schools reach out to parents to make the account current. Children who run out of money are given a sandwich or cereal instead of the lunch being served to other students.

More than 78,000 students in the Houston area collectively owed more than $673,000 for unpaid meals, the Chronicle reported last month. Only four of 32 school districts surveyed did not serve different food to students who ran out of money on their accounts.

Andrea Zelinski and Mike Ward of the Chronicle and Peggy Fikac and Lauren Caruba of the San Antonio Express-News contributed to this report.
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Three months after a Chicago woman came to Houston to visit NASA, her souvenir is headed to auction, where it's expected to fetch $2 million to $4 million.

Space memorabilia collector Nancy Lee Carlson's souvenir was no ordinary gift-shop trinket. Southeby's auction house says it's a bag that Neil Armstrong used to collect lunar dust and rocks in 1969, when he became the first human to set foot on the moon.

The bag, about the size of a dinner plate, still has traces of moon dust and small rocks, according to Sotheby's auction house.

Carlson first bought the bag for $995 two years ago in a government auction after it was seized from the home of a Kansas space museum's director during an unrelated criminal investigation.

READ MORE: NASA ordered to return historic lunar bag, moon dust to highest bidder

The collector, who previously said she's been captivated by space since watching the landing on television as a child, sent the bag to NASA to verify its authenticity. The space agency, however, tried to hold on to the historic item from the 1969 flight. Story continues below

"Nearly all of the equipment from that historic mission is housed in the U.S. National Collections at the Smithsonian," Sotheby's said in a news release. "A recent court ruling has allowed this to be the only such artifact in private hands."

Federal judges agreed that Carlson bought it fair and square, ordering NASA to hand it over. Carlson and her son came to Houston for the Feb. 27 transfer.

READ MORE: Dust-up over moon bag ends with friendly hand-off

Sotheby's auction house announced recently that the bag will go up for auction on July 20 in New York. The firm expects to see a price betwen $2 million and $4 million.

Carlson said she will share some of the proceeds with charities including the Immune Deficiency Foundation and the Bay Cliff health Camp Children's Therapy and Wellness Center, according to the 250-year-old auction house.

NASA officials in February mourned the bag's loss.

"NASA is obviously disappointed by the decision of the court due to the fact that it was primarily through the unlawful activity of a third party that put this historical artifact into the public domain," according to a statement from William Jeffs, the NASA spokesman for the astromaterials division. "This artifact was never meant to be owned by an individual. Moreover, this artifact is important, not just for its scientific value, but also because it represents the culmination of a massive national effort involving a generation of Americans, including the astronauts who risked their lives in an effort to accomplish the most significant act humankind has ever achieved."

Recordings of the Apollo 11 mission feature Armstrong talking with fellow astronaut Michael Collins about the bag, according to Sotheby's:

Armstrong: "If you want to have a look at what the moon looks like, you can open that up and look. Don't open the bag though."

Collins: "What was that bag?"

Armstrong: "Contingency sample."

Collins: "Rock?"

Armstrong: "Yes, there's some rocks in it too."
Matthew 11:12 And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.

Although most people do not realize, the appearance of John the Baptist was a turning point in time.

According to the prophecy of Malachi 4:1, Gods fiery judgment is coming, For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble:

and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the LORD of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch. However, before that final destruction, God made a way of escape by sending the prophet Elijah back to prepare humanity for Christs first

arrival, Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD: 6 And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth

with a curse. Malachi 4:5-6

By Jesus testimony, John the Baptist was Elijah, returned to prepare the way of salvation, For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John. 14 And if ye will receive it, this is Elijah,

who was to come. 15 He that has ears to hear, let him hear. Matthew 11:13-15 Christs concluding statement is unique, If you have ears capable of hearing, then you really need to listen!

But why?

Understanding that Malachis prophecy of Elijahs return was finished by John the Baptists ministry of repentance and baptism, then nothing now remains to forestall Gods final wrath! JUDGMENT

IS ON THE WAY!

Knowing this, we return to our opening text, And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force. Matthew 11:12 So, what

did Jesus teach about the believers violent effect on the Kingdom of God?

Well, the Greek word is biazo, which means to apply force as an army might storm a fortification. We have a better clarification in Luke 16:16, when Jesus restated the idea, The law and

the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it. But today are we actually pressing or forcing our way into Gods Kingdom?

In Europe, only 3% of Danes attend church regularly, 5% of Swedes, 5% of Fins, less than 10% of the French and Germans. In Belgium, Holland, Luxemburg, and the United Kingdom, only 10-15% of professing

Christians bother to attend Church on a regular basis. So, you be the judge. Does that sound like Christians applying force, storming, or pressing their way in to Gods Kingdom? Hardly!

What about America? Most churches in the United States now only have services on Sunday morning, and among these, many are permanently locking their doors each and every week. No, going out of

business for God is definitely NOT what Jesus had in mind when He admonished His followers to press in. Rather, the modern secular mentality of the apostate church is best expressed, And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many

years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. Luke 12:19

To which God responds, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? 21 So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and

is not RICH TOWARD GOD! Luke 12:20-21

As materialism eats away at our spiritual devotion like a cancer, we are no longer rich toward God. We have fallen prey to the very snare Jesus forewarned his Church about, Because iniquity

shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. Matthew 24:12

And here we are on the jagged edge of time, precariously perched on the precipice of final judgment, ignoring Gods declaration, For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God:

and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? 1 Peter 4:17

Rather than dropping off or shutting down, the Church of Jesus Christ needs to be firing up, This is all the more urgent, for you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for our salvation

is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is almost gone, and the day of salvation will soon be here! Romans 13:11-12 NLT Along with judgment!

Edwin Woolseys family has lived in Shannon, Texas, and Howell counties since 1860. He taught 31 years at Missouri public schools and is currently the pastor of a small country congregation at Pilgrim Rest Community Church. Follow him on Twitter at @edwinwoolsey.
The Houston Lions Club hosted the District 26-1 cabinet meeting last Saturday.

The districts includes all of southeast Missouri and there were approximately 40 Lions from 15 clubs in attendance. Leaders gave reports on their activities for the past quarter in supporting Lions Clubs International celebration of the 100th anniversary of the organization that was founded in Chicago in 1917 by businessman Melvin Jones. Since then the organization has grown to the largest service club in the world with more than 4.5 million members in more than 200 countries.

Bob Wilson, district governor from the Dixon Lions Club, presented Melvin Jones Fellowship award to two local Lions: Houstons past president, James Jay Brown and treasurer Robert Bob Krantz. He also presented current Houston club president and former district governor Don Shelhammer with the Centennial Award for recruiting new members and helping form a new club in Licking.
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.
If a company is known for their purpose and values and showcases an ongoing commitment to those values, and hire in accordance with them, then they will only attract the best talent, said Megan Alexander, GM of Robert Half New Zealand  the firm that commission the study.

People want to fit in and identify with their organisations company culture, which makes them more likely to develop good working relationships with their employer, be more productive and more likely to stay loyal to their company, she added.

In second place, a good work-life balance was identified by 52 per cent of New Zealand HR managers followed by an innovative culture (41 per cent), a competitive salary (40 per cent), and promoting career advancement (31 per cent).

Company branding is an essential component of any organisations corporate strategy, and goes beyond just logos, said Alexander. It not only promotes the companys reputation to all stakeholders, but is also a key part of the strategy in attracting and hiring the best professionals.

Alexander pointed to firms such as Google, Apple, Facebook and Coca Cola as prime examples of the successes companies can reap in terms of staff acquisition and retention.
Under the new name, the website and e-newsletter will continue to serve as a key information resource here in New Zealand, covering the latest news and content focused on helping HR professionals in their day-to-day work, said Iain Hopkins, managing editor of HRD.

From today, the HRD brand will reach audiences in New Zealand, Australia and Asia with a combined monthly readership of over 220,000 industry figures.
Summer is almost here, which means summer festivals are in full swing.

This summer's food and drink festival circuit is bigger and better than ever with countless craft beer fests, rib fests and street fests. But just because some share the same name, doesn't mean you can expect them all to feature the same foods.

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Every year brings something new, and this year Toronto will be hosting a brand new brunch fest and importing Jamie Oliver's popular family-food fest The Big Feastival, which is technically outside of the city but worth the trek.

Find out when, where and how much each of this year's festivals will cost you, below:

3 days until Brunch Fest! Our good friends at @bustersseacove will be serving 'Lobster Eggs Benny' and a couple other surprises all weekend long  A post shared by Brunch Fest (@thebrunchfest) on May 23, 2017 at 9:52am PDT

When: May 26 to 28

Where: 99 Sudbury

Cost of tickets: $9.95

What to expect: Food will range from $4 to $8 per item. All vendors will serve at least 1 item priced at $4

When: May 28

Where: Artscape Wychwood Barns

Cost of tickets: $10

What to expect: 60 vendors, guest speakers, and delicious gluten free eats.

When: June 2 to 4

Where: Streetsville, Mississauga

Cost of tickets: $2 to $5

What to expect: Carnival rides, games, demonstrations, not to mention, FREE bread and honey!

When: June 1

Where: Distillery District

Cost of tickets: $32.40 to $117.20

What to expect: Taste more than 150 sakes from breweries across Japan, Canada and the U.S.

A little taste from the Mac and cheese festival! #torontomacandcheesefestival #macandcheesefest #GidTimes #fromEdinburghtoToronto A post shared by Craig Dudgeon (@dudge92) on Jun 6, 2016 at 8:40am PDT

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When: June 2 to 4

Where: Ontario Place

Cost of tickets: Free

What to expect: After a problematic first year, this festival is back, but with free admission once again you can be sure to expect long lines. Samples range between 2 to 9 tokens with 10 tokens for $15 initially, then 10 tokens for $10 thereafter.

When: June 3 to 4

Where: Queen St. E.

Cost of tickets: Free!

What to expect: With over 75 vendors, theres bound to be long lines. The festival's busiest time is between 2 to 4 p.m. so come early or arrive a little later to skip the lines.

When: June 10

Where: Yonge-Dundas Square

Cost of tickets: $40-$120

What to expect: Tasting pass ($40) includes commemorative glass, five tasting tokens, access to top 10 celebrity collaboration beers, 100 + craft beers and live music.

When: June 4

Where: Queens Quay

Cost of tickets: $260 (with a $150 tax receipt)

What to expect: Considered one of the best events of the summer, Toronto Taste is pricey but has limited wait times and is all-you-can-eat and drink! This year Toronto Taste is expecting 1,500 guests which is small enough to give you an opportunity to rub shoulders with the chefs.

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When: June 9 to 11

Where: Ontario Place

Cost of tickets: Free

What to expect: This new festival promises ethnic barbecue flavours from some of the city's top chefs.

When: June 14 to 15

Where: 181 Sterling Rd

Cost of tickets: $100

What to expect: ALL YOU CAN EAT feasting, for a good cause.

When: June 15 to 18

Where: Fort York

Cost of tickets: $10 to $21

What to expect: Decent portions of signature dishes from world-class chefs. Tickets are sold by session with each session lasting 4 to 5 hours. This year, Taste of Toronto allows visitors to use their own debit or credit cards to purchase samples. Cash and last year's Crown Cards will not be accepted.

When: June 16 to 18

Where: Ontario Place

Cost of tickets: $9.95

What to expect: Looking for the best taco in Toronto? You'll find it here. This tasty event has moved from 99 Sudbury to Ontario Place so it'll be bigger and better than ever.

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When: June 16 to 17

Where: Sugar Beach

Cost of tickets: $25 to $35

What to expect: Beaching and boozing. Admission includes five vouchers for sampling. More can be purchased on-site in strips of 5 for $5.

When: June 16 to 18

Where: Woodbine Park

Cost of tickets: Free or $25 VIP pass with line bypass

What to expect: Long lines that move quickly. And come hungry  the portion sizes are large.

#tasteoflittleitaly #collegestreet #toronto A post shared by brandienannette (@brandienannette) on Jun 19, 2016 at 5:06pm PDT

When: June 16 to 18

Where: College St. between Bathurst and Shaw

Cost of tickets: Free

What to expect: College Street is home to some of the city's best bars and restaurants. Expect to sample classic Italian fare and so much more. Just be warned, it gets VERY busy.

When: June 17

Where: Mel Lastman Square

Cost of tickets: Free

What to expect: Part of the African Experience Festival, this one-day food fest is so much more than that. Try authentic cuisine while learning about African culture.

When: June 23 to 24

Where: 15 Saskatchewan Rd.

Cost of tickets: $15

What to expect: The ultimate street party with incredible food, music and art.

When: June 23 to 25

Where: Kennedy Road just north of Steeles Ave. E.

Cost of tickets: Free

What to expect: Dubbed the largest Asian festival in Canada, this festival has over 150,000 attendees each year.

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Our artery-exploding ranking of the citys top 20 doughnuts, crullers and custard-filled confections is full of sugary surprises. Find out who makes the city's best at torontolife.com. @chichi_photo A post shared by Toronto Life (@torontolife) on May 19, 2017 at 8:55am PDT

When: June 25

Where: Dufferin Mall

Cost of tickets: $5 to $30

What to expect: Your general admission ticket comes with a six-pack of doughnuts!

When: June 25

Where: Downsview Park

Cost of tickets: Free

What to expect: Practice yoga outdoors, shop in a pop-up farmers marker and pick your own greens.

When: June 30 to July 3

Where: Centennial Park

Cost of tickets: Free

What to expect: Same rib fest, different location.

When: July 1

Where: Evergreen Brickworks

Cost of tickets: Free

What to expect: As nice as a cold one on a patio sounds, a beer in the backyard is best. Brewer's Backyard is exactly that, complete with local food vendors at the picturesque Evergreen Brickworks.

When: July 7 to 23

Where: Across the city

Cost of tickets: Varies

What to expect: Prix fixe dinner menus across the city.

Taste of Lawrence

When: July 7 to 9

Where: Lawrence Ave. E. from Warden Ave. to Birchmount Rd.

Cost of tickets: Free

What to expect: 130 vendors, midway rides, live performances

When: July 9

Where: 5183 Sheppard Ave. E.

Cost of tickets: Free, donations accepted

What to expect: Indoor and outdoor sections, and so many food options.

When: July 9

Where: Albion Rd. & Islington Ave

Cost of tickets: Free

What to expect: Experience the rich culture of Albion Islington square.

When: July 13

Where: 171 East Liberty St.

Cost of tickets: $22.5 to $35

What to expect: Big crowds, long lines and not a lot of deals.

When: July 14-15

Where: 525 King St. West

Cost of tickets: $34.50-$139.50

What to expect: A scaled down version of the Calgary Stampede complete with mechanical bull rides, smoked meat, carnival rides and dancing.

How many boxes would you like? Outdoor food area is always Lit  . JULY 15-16, 2017 - #HFFTO17 A post shared by Halal Food Fest TO (@halalfoodfestto) on May 11, 2017 at 1:26pm PDT

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When: July 15 to 16

Where: International Centre

Cost of tickets: $5

What to expect: There will be food booths that will be sampling their foods in exchange for a sample ticket. Sample tickets are $10 for 20 tickets.

When: July 28 to 30

Where: Exhibition Grounds (Bandshell)

Cost of tickets: $42.50 to $95

What to expect: General ticket includes: Five sample tokens and one commemorative festival sampling cup. VIP tickets grant you access to air-conditioned venues, a catered meal, 10 drink samples and express entrance. Plus, musical talent like Redman and Methodman.

When: August 5 to 7

Where: Danforth from Broadview to Jones Ave.

Cost of tickets: Free

What to expect: This three-day long festival is one of the biggest and best in the city.

When: August 4 to 7

Where: Woodbine Park

Cost of tickets: Free

What to expect: 30 to 50 food trucks pile into massive parks for a delicious showcase of international eats

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When: August 10 to 13

Where: Centennial Park

Cost of tickets: TBA

What to expect: Sample jerk spiced meats including: chicken, pork, and even alligator

When: August 12 to 13

Where: David Pecaut Square

Cost of tickets: Free

What to expect: Get all of your sugar needs filled with local chefs and artists offering up plenty of desserts.

When: August 12 to 13

Where: Yonge-Dundas Square

Cost of tickets: Free

What to expect: The best of Pan American food and dance.

When: August 18 to 20

Where: Burls Creek Event Grounds

Cost of tickets: $96.05 to $220.35

What to expect: The Jamie Oliver-created family-friendly food and music festival is the epitome of urban boho. Musical acts include Weezer, Basia Bulat, The Strumbellas and way more, while food will come from the likes of Chuck Hughes, Rob Gentile, Vikram Vij and Devin Connell.

When: August 18 to Sept. 4

Where: Exhibition Place

Cost of tickets: Free with CNE admission

What to expect: All the gluttony of fair food, from trucks.

When: August 19

Where: Fort York

Cost of tickets: $10

What to expect: Comfort foods and craft brews all with a vegan twist.

Soaking up the last bit of summer #daydrinking #craftbeer #leslievillebeerfest @leslievillebeerfest A post shared by Kelly White (@kellysparkles) on Aug 27, 2016 at 2:43pm PDT

When: August 26

Where: Dundas St. E. from Logan Ave. to Carlaw Ave.

Cost of tickets: $20

What to expect: Includes a commemorative event mug and three sample tokens.

When: August 26

Where: Sugar Beach

Cost of tickets: $30-60

What to expect: 60 different varieties of cider concerts and giveaways

When: August 26

Where: David Pecaut Square

Cost of tickets: Free

What to expect: Coconut everything. The fruit will be cooked into dishes from all around the world.

When: September 1-4

Where: Harbourfront Centre

Cost of tickets: Free

What to expect: Try spicy dishes, hot sauces and drinks. Be sure to pack an antacid.

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When: September 8-10

Where: Bloor street, Montgomery to Prince Edward

Cost of tickets: TBA

What to expect: A classic car show, buskers and over 200 vendors.

When: September 16 -17

Where: Sherbourne Common

Cost of tickets: Free or $25 for Foodstar Pass

What to expect: Foodstar upgrade: Entry 90 minutes before general public for no lineup food truck access and Foodstar photo experience!

When: September 17

Where: Artscape Wychwood Barns

Cost of tickets: $5

What to expect: Garlic cocktails, desserts, cooking demos and even a garlic breath contest!

Also on HuffPost
EAQ via Getty Images Forefront of a glasses of rosA wine, as a background, the vineyard and the Andes. Mendoza, Argentina.

Aurelio Montes gestures out the window and toward the mass of granite and ice in the distance.

"That wall," he says with awe, "it is incredible what it can do."

Montes's "wall" is the highest barrier in the Western Hemisphere, the stretch of the Andes Mountains that divides Chile from Argentina and includes Aconcagua, the highest peak in the Americas. The natural obstruction has been a catalyst for all kinds of occurrences, including having an impact on the life one of South America's most distinguished winemakers.

A Chilean, Montes founded his eponymous winery in the 1980s after years as a winemaker in his home country. In the late 1990s, not long after Argentina began exporting wines for the first time, Montes became more curious about what was on the other side of the wall. The continental divide, it turned out, forged a drastically different terroir, and for a winemaker that presented a challenge. In Chile, the cooling breezes from the Pacific and the steep rise from sea level to the mountains created a climate for flavourful whites and lighter-bodied reds, emblematic of Montes Wines. On the other side of the wall, however, were hot temperatures, summers that were long and dry, and land with rocks embedded deep into the ground, lending minerality to the vines and firmer tannin structure to the grapes.

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Montes began operations in Argentina in 2002 at one of the nation's oldest wineries, a location where grapes were first planted in the 1920s. He eventually purchased the entire property and dubbed it Kaiken, named after the caiquen -- a bird that migrates back and forth over the Andes, just like Montes.

Kaiken is one of the more than 1,500 wineries in the province of Mendoza, which has three primary viticulture regions: Maipu, Lujan de Cuyo and the Uco Valley. The Andes Mountains make for a dramatic backdrop, and a range of accommodations, restaurants and tours provide amenities to complement the winery operations.

More than 15,000 visitors arrive at Kaiken each year. It was the first of three wineries I visited in May. Here's what I learned from each of them:

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When you visit the cellar at Kaiken, you'll be treated to Gregorian chants, which are piped through speakers to tickle the wine and cajole the liquid in the French oak barrels to better enjoy the aging process. It's a method Montes has used in Chile for years, citing scientific studies of the positive effect soothing music has on wine production.

A biodynamic operation, Kaiken is also home to sheep, chicken and a flock of very friendly ducks, one of whom greets guests with affectionate pecks on the leg and proved to be an accomplished photobomber.

Like the approachable duck, Kaiken's products and the craftsmanship will win you over. The best and most expensive of the wines, Mai, is a Malbec blend with complex flavours of fruit, hints of pepper and spice, and a soft texture that gives the quality of elegance that is characteristic of all great wines. It reminded me of Brunellos I have enjoyed, but at about one-third of the price.

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Like Montes, Susana Balbo is a pioneer and an innovator. The first female winemaker in Argentina, Balbo has been making internationally acclaimed wines since the 1980s. Many in Argentina credit her for bringing Torrentes, a grape grown in the north of the country, into mass production. A white grape unique to Argentina, Torrentes produces a dry, light-bodied wine that's easy to drink and excellent for pairing with light fare such as salads, pasta and fish.

At the winery, you can sample it -- or one of Balbo's other distinct wines -- with cuisine from the on-site restaurant, Osadia de Crear, which prepares beautiful plates featuring Argentinian favourites, including Patagonian trout and steak.

I visited on the day of an end-of-harvest feast, where Balbo, who is also a politician, oversaw a feast of barbecued fare and took part in discussions about the quality of the winery's products. Notably, Balbo's Crios line of entry-level wines are gaining attention in Canada, thanks in part to strong reviews and a social media-focused marketing campaign targeted at millennial consumers.

If you think a winery so precious it has a piano amidst its barrels would produce exquisite #wines, you'd be right. And great apple pie & ice cream too. Fantastic tasting experience at @salenteinbodega, the 1st commercial winery in #Mendoza's Uco Valley. #Argentina A post shared by AdrianBrijbassi (@adrianbrijbassi) on May 11, 2017 at 10:45am PDT

A fascinating operation, Salentein is a full-day attraction by itself. Founded in 1992 by Mijndert Pon, a Dutch entrepreneur and automobile industry magnate, Salentein boasts a facility featuring an art gallery that draws visitors all on its own. Pon's collection of Dutch landscapes and Argentinian contemporary art is an odd coupling but it works in a space designed by staff from Buenos Aires' acclaimed MALBA (Latin American Art Museum of Buenos Aires).

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Its airy restaurant overlooking the upper Uco Valley serves gourmet cuisine. Pair a glass of Salentein's Killka Malbec with grilled tenderloin and you'll be overjoyed. The tasting room is often bustling as the winery sees more than 33,000 visitors per year. Luckily there are wide open spaces to linger and a separate winemaking facility to tour.

Salentein also has accommodations at its Posada, where there is also a separate restaurant operation. The rooms are in cottage-style abodes that include contemporary decor.
Let's cut to the chase -- should we allow euthanasia?

A Quebec man -- Michel Cadotte -- is facing murder charges after respecting his wife's request to end her life when her dementia had progressed too far. "I gave in to her demand for help in dying. I'm waiting for the police," he wrote in a Facebook post in March.

When the country was debating the proposed law on assisted dying I wrote about the ethical dilemma of balancing two important principles: Preserving life versus preventing suffering. (See: How would you like to die, Sir?) The debate comes down to this: if we do not offer choice, then we are in fact making a choice. The default choice means that no matter what your living circumstances are -- confusion, anger, tears, bedsores, immobility -- so be it.

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The law, as it stands, is a brave one. But we have made another choice. We have decided that only those with a "grievous and irremediable" medical condition, and for whom natural death must be "reasonably foreseeable" can opt for it. Except that represents only a small percentage of people who actually want the freedom to choose the circumstances of their own deaths. For those with a cognitive decline and no reasonably foreseeable end, this means the law cannot apply to them. They are forced to wait for nature to take its course. Or more precisely, nature plus modern medicine.

The crystal ball test

If we had a crystal ball, and saw what the latter parts of our golden years looked like, what would we want for ourselves? Many of our younger selves would be mortified. More importantly most of us will never meet the criteria of the current law.

The law is based on the principle of proper consent. This seems like an important place to start. Consent requires that the person is fully informed of and able to appreciate the pros and cons of every option and that the person is also completely free to choose. Furthermore the person has the right to withdraw consent at any time. Unfortunately, when it comes to assisted-dying these conditions can rarely be fully realized.

Should we allow for euthanasia?

Should we as a modern society allow for euthanasia? The old argument that we allow it for animals seems trite but remains apropos. Are human lives far too sacred and beloved for something we only tolerate for lowly animals? Or is it because we know it is more humane to end the animal's life rather than watch it slowly fade away in a pitiful deathwatch? If so then why deny ourselves and our loved ones the same humanity?

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Ethical debates are never simple ones. They occur when equally important values clash.

This is not about whether life is sacred. It is. But whatever your position happens to be on end of life issues it comes down to this: Should we be allowed to decide for ourselves how and when we die?

I don't want to die any more than anyone else. And as a psychologist I take suicide prevention very seriously. But when I deal with a suicidal individual it is with the conviction that, if the person can get through this difficult period, a better and more normal life awaits. When someone is facing a degenerative condition there is no returning to normal. Every day is worse than the previous one...and better than the next.

I understand the slippery slope argument and the potential for abuse but as I wrote in my earlier post this must be weighed against the abuse produced by lack of choice. Ethical debates are never simple ones. They occur when equally important values clash. There is never a clean resolution to such debates but when we weigh all values and consider them as a whole, any decision made at that point is generally the best one. It doesn't have to be clean. It has to be the cleanest.

An imperfect decision-making process

So what are we left with if we are too far gone to properly consent? Advanced directives are a good place to start. We can tell our loved ones what we would want under various conditions but who can accurately predict all the possibilities and their severity? Advanced consent cannot be fully informed nor meet the reversibility principle. Nevertheless it remains one part of a necessary formula.

Most of us want to live as long as possible. Like them I want to see my loved ones and feel the warmth of their touch for as long as I can. I don't want to give that up until the last possible minute. If I remain lucid I want to be free to decide.

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But if I wait a little too long and can no longer be lucid I don't want to be forced to linger. And what if my medical condition came on suddenly and I didn't have time to express myself on my current condition. What then?

For me the answer is relatively simple. I want my loved ones to decide for me. And decide for me alone. A substitute decision maker, such as my son, for example, must make the choice that I would make for myself. Substitute decision makers must not choose what they want to see happen, nor what they believe is best for the patient, nor what they would do in similar circumstances. Their obligation is to choose as the person would choose for him or herself, even if the substitute disagrees.

I trust that my loved ones would make the right call. I want it in my hands as long as I am able. But beyond that it should be in theirs. Especially if I have made my opinions abundantly clear to them. The Michel Cadottes of the world should be supported and consoled, not led away in handcuffs.
U.S. President Donald Trump visited the Middle East and met with leaders of many countries in a few short days. During this brief visit he seems to have solidified his position and his influence to an extent that makes it possible to push a deal between the Israelis and the Palestinians, something that has eluded many consecutive U.S. administrations.

Is it good news? I am not so sure. It may be very bad news, actually. For what may be presented to the world as a "peace deal" could be nothing but a path to instability.

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And there are many examples in history. One such deal was struck during the First World War, dividing areas of influence in the Middle East between Britain and France following negotiations between Mark Sykes of Britain and Francois Georges-Picot of France. It was thus known as the Sykes-Picot agreement, and is sometimes traced back as the source of all the instability, troubles and wars that plague the Middle East to this day.

The problem is that most of the leaders Trump met during his visit do not have the long-term interests of their people or the stability of the region and the world in mind. Some came to power through military coups, and others depend on outside powers for their existence. They all lack the vision, will and determination to make difficult decisions, not to mention the ability to stand up to the U.S. or other dominant world powers.

The leaders can be pressured by Trump to accept a deal that could be bad for their country.

If we exclude Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the leaders with a stake in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict are in a weak negotiating position and can be pressured by Trump to accept a deal that could be bad for their country, their people, the region and the world as a whole.

Other than war mongers, who benefit from wars one way or another, and racists, who have a sick view of others, no one denies that injustice, hopelessness and poverty are what fuels terrorism in today's world. Yet here we see Donald Trump and Middle-Eastern leaders touching a glowing orb at the new Global Center for Combating Extremist Ideology in Riyadh -- as if these theatrics are the solution to the terrorist attacks that are hitting the world day in and day out -- right after signing arms deals worth billions of dollars.

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This happens while millions in refugee camps cannot find basic needs, and while hunger, plague and disease spread in war-torn countries a few hindered kilometres both to the north and south of Riyadh, where the "orb" glows.

The "peace" deal which Trump may be able to shove down Middle-East countries' throats will not bring any peace, because the stakeholders, the people of the Middle East and the people of the world have no one at the table advocating for them and their interests.

It will not solve the problem of terrorism that will continue to hit us all around the world, it will not end the sectarian violence and wars we are witnessing today, and will probably bring more war, suffering, violence and terror -- not to the Middle East alone, but to the whole world, even if that takes a while to happen. Twenty years?

The unfortunate reality is that this seems to be where things are heading, whether we like it or not.

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These words were written by Hal David in 1965 and set to music by Burt Bacharach. The song reached number seven in the US charts that year and number one in Canada. Since then it has been performed by more than 100 artists (Wikipedia) from Dionne Warwick to Ronan Keating. It's a great song that has stood the test of time. Nevertheless, I hope that David & Bacharach will allow me to make a small amendment to bring their song up to date. Delete the words 'love sweet love' and replace them with the single word 'empathy'. Now try singing "what the world needs now is empathy. It's the only thing that there's just too little of". If you don't know the tune, you can pick up Will Young's cover or Dionne's on YouTube. As you can see, it works a treat.

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The Oxford Dictionary defines empathy as 'the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person'. This skill has never been more important. The lack of it is at the heart of much of our angst on issues such as human trafficking, war, famine, gender-based violence, the effects of energy and climate change, inequality in the digital economy and rising levels of migration.

These last three issues are the subject of the G(irls)20 Summit in Munich, June 16-22; the plan is for the girls to examine them through the lens of the need to increase female labour force participation. To secure the commitments and policy changes required, the G(irls)20 will need to channel their empathy into their communique to the G20 Leaders. So what can the G(irls)20, policy-makers and the rest of us do to increase our levels of empathy? Well we can start with simple acts of visualisation. This is a way of creating space for empathy.

Just for a moment imagine that you live in a country where you do not have ready access to a computer and the internet. And (or) that climate change in your area has led to recurring floods that have washed away the soil and now you can no longer grow the crop that you need to sell in order to feed your family. You can't get a job, because there are none. All of your family and friends are in the same situation, so they cannot help.

What will you do? Will you sit there complaining, maybe crying, or will you do something?

What about moving to another town? You think about that option; but you have heard from people you know that it's the same everywhere in your country and in the countries that border your own. You know that there are better countries: you've seen pictures about life in Europe on the village's communal TV, and you've heard good things from friends, relatives or acquaintances who live there. However, your country of choice will not grant you legal entry. So you turn to the trafficker. He says that they can get you in if you pay them.

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You borrow the money or you accept a work-for-pay deal and you pay the trafficker. The day you are to travel arrives. You are nervous and feel sick to the stomach because the boat is in terrible condition; hundreds of people are packed onto it. You remember the stories you have heard about boats sinking and people dying. Or ending up in a refugee centre with no work, no home and little money--and no idea of whether you will be allowed to stay in the country or be sent back.

Taking all of this into account, what will you do?

Is it possible that your thought track might be as follows: "I know it's very risky. But anything has to be better than the situation I'm in now. I'll take a chance. I may be one of the lucky ones."

It's empathy of this kind which helps us to understand what motivates and drives people to do the desperate things they do in situations such as these. It also enables us to accept the need to help others and find better solutions to these problems that are of the world and caused by it.

Something we can all do is to work to improve our levels of empathy by understanding our biases. I can hear some of you thinking, "Nothing to do with me. I don't have biases." Sadly you do. In fact, we all have them. Every one of us makes judgements about people's capabilities based on stereotypes of what it is to be: able-bodied or disabled; rich or poor; first world or third world; city or country-dweller; man or woman; religious or agnostic, etc. This is a problem because stereotyping is an empathy blocker. It accentuates a person's perception that someone is different to me and therefore less worthy and/or entitled to have what I have and/or am entitled to because of who I am.

So, let's try that again. What are your biases? List them. I know, it happened to me. You are shocked by what you've put down. Don't be despondent, as the good news is that you can manage them if you want to. For example, when you find yourself thinking, "Well, she would do that, because she is from a different country or culture", switch your thoughts to asking yourself these questions: "Is this always true? Where is the evidence that she does do what I think she does?" You may find that there is no evidence and that, as a result of the simple process of telling yourself to think differently, you do. You may, as a result, find yourself willing and able to put yourself in that person's shoes in a manner in which you previously would not have been able to do.

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Something else you can do is invest time in talking to others with different points of view. Reading articles and blogs which challenge and test your own beliefs can also help you become more empathetic, especially if you focus on accepting and respecting difference.

The fact is that with a little more empathy in the world governments, groups and individuals are likely to make better decisions, "not just for some but for every one".

By Carolann Edwards,

Global Director of Learning and Organisational Development,
Electricity is not a new electoral issue for Ontario Liberals. In 2011, thousands of Ontarians worked together to decimate the Ontario Liberal rural caucus (including three cabinet ministers), reducing them to a minority government over the Green Energy Act.

Those local communities were fighting for-profit developers, mostly heavy donors to the Liberal Party. Urban voters lied to, being told that wind would replace coal and electricity bills would rise just one per cent per year for fifteen years, as a result. Neither of these claims was true. The 50,000 jobs promised never happened either.

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Ontario's Auditor General reported Ontarians had overpaid for electricity by $37 billion dollars between 2006 and 2014, and would be on the hook for $137 billion more. The government negotiated multi-billion dollar contracts with companies lining their party's election war chests, while trampling local democracy, ignoring science and refusing to accept the legitimate concerns of host communities. Kathleen Wynne eventually banned that kind of cozy relationships she and her predecessor Dalton McGuinty previously enjoyed.

Here are some ideas Wynne can implement today that would address the chronic oversupply of expensive and unreliable electricity in the grid, lower prices for consumers, and keep prices competitive:

Create a per megawatt levy on private electricity producers

The government has the right to tax and manage energy within their jurisdiction, and could create levies designed to pay the cost of transporting electricity to market to shift some of the burden to for-profit power producers. A separate levy could be applied against the global market adjustment, meaningfully reducing electricity bills for all power users. Neither of these moves would require renegotiating a single contract and would address the Auditor General's over payment findings.

Remove the cap on market value assessments so for-profit power producers pay their fair share of tax

The Green Energy Act caps the market value assessment on wind turbines to just $40,000 per megawatt, despite having a construction value closer to $2.5 million per megawatt. Municipalities hosting wind turbines are not getting their fair share of taxes.

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Ontario could remove this regulation at the next Cabinet Meeting without a contract renegotiation or even a vote in the legislature, increasing municipality and school board budgets to offset increased electricity costs.

Allow electricity fuel type to be determined by science, not political dogma

Wind generated electricity has been around since the 1880s and has never been able to compete with hydroelectricity or any fossil fuel because you cannot control the supply of power. Without the ability to store massive amounts of wind energy that gets created when it isn't needed, we essentially 'waste' any surplus by selling it below market rates to neighbouring jurisdictions. Ontario has built fossil fuel plants to back it up.

Ten years ago, Ontario should have focussed on building the most affordable power, using reliable, safe, and dispatchable forms of electricity production, and would benefit from doing so now.

Restore public ownership of electricity production and transmission

Instead of borrowing money to invest in public infrastructure, Ontario Liberals let their donors build costly power plants, forcing Ontario electricity users to bear the burden of long term power purchase agreements through their hydro bills.

Electricity would be less expensive if profit margins and rates of return on debt weren't built into our electricity pricing. It is far more practical when power generation resources are publicly owned and controlled. Ontario could then mothball provincially-owned surplus systems without any other considerations.

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Protect people and the environment from for-profit electricity producers

There is evidence that wind turbines cause a degradation in the overall health of a segment of the population living near them. The wind industry, Health Canada, and courts around the world accept this. Wind turbines built inappropriately close to the Great Lakes are having adverse effects on bird and bats, including endangered species. Ontario's wind turbines killed nearly 50,000 bats and birds in 2015.

A 2013 study by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service suggests wind turbines should not be placed within five kilometres of the shore line of the Great Lakes, while the Nature Conservancy of Canada believes the distance should be eight kilometres, and American Bird Conservancy supports a 16 kilometre buffer. Ontario should review the current placement of wind turbines and shut down those that cannot safely operate.

The steady litany of human and animal health and environmental concerns from the imposition of wind projects in rural areas shows these projects are fundamentally flawed and need to be reviewed. If developers have created conditions that adversely impact humans or the environment, Wynne can act. The Supreme Court has ruled a government cannot fritter away their power through commercial contracts.Developers with unsafe projects do not have an automatic legal right to compensation and as long as the Liberals don't do a repeat of the gas plant scandal and hand their donors billions of dollars they didn't need to legally, this move would be a major money saver for Ontarians.

Wynne Can Act -- Doesn't Need to Negotiate With Anyone

Each of these five ideas are easily implemented without contracts being renegotiated or having to be cancelled. All of them would make life better in Ontario and could be enough to convince the voting public that Kathleen Wynne's political deathbed conversion on energy might just be real.

One thing is for sure, the cynical 25 per cent off hydro bills isn't going to save the Ontario Liberals from an electoral disaster, but the ideas above just might.

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Relatives waiting for Hrachya Harutyunyan's extradition

Relatives of Hrachya Harutyunyan, an Armenian truck driver sentenced to 6 years and 9 months in prison by a Moscow court, are waiting for news about his extradition. We are still waiting. Let us see what will happen, Victor Martirosyan, the father of Harutyunyans wife, told A1+ Company. On April 25, Victor Martirosyan met with Deputy Minister of Justice to discuss Hrachyas possible extradition to Armenia. During the meeting, he was informed that Hrachya would be transferred to Armenia in a month or two. On July 13, 2013 the gravel-loaded truck driven by Hrachya Harutyunyan, an Armenian citizen working in Russia, collided with a packed commuter bus outside the Russian capital. The impact of the crash was so powerful that the bus had split in two. The accident claimed 18 lives and injured more than forty others. The investigation revealed that the accident resulted from poor maintenance of the truck resulting in a brake malfunction. Harutyunyan, according to investigators, was to know about it. In August, a Moscow district court sentenced Hrachya Harutyunyan to 6 years and 9 months in prison on charges of violating traffic and vehicle operation rules, which unwittingly led to the death of two or more persons. The families of the 18 victims have received 18 mln rubles as compensation from Ara Abrahamyan, Chairman of the Union of Armenians of Russia. This means that that the financial liabilities are removed and Hrachya can serve the rest of his sentence in Armenia.
Critics of Islam are often concerned about the treatment of LGBTQ Muslims, though often it is in an effort to criticize Islam rather than to help LGBTQ Muslims. They raise concerns about the institution of sharia laws in North America and Western Europe.

Their concerns are justified if we limit our focus to reactionary clerics, zealous young converts and some Muslim institutions that pit Islam as the antithesis of the West.

However, they do not speak for all Muslims.

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Such self-styled spokesmen of religion need to be rendered obsolete. One way is to ban them for the poison they spread, as in countries like Bangladesh and Philippines.

Another way is to highlight the voices of those Muslims who are working very hard, sometimes at great personal costs, to affirm human dignity. As an illustration, here is a snapshot of 10 LGBTQ-affirming Muslim politicians.

1. Rana Bokhari

Former leader of the Liberal Party in Manitoba, Bokhari expressed in 2015 that her party was the first to call for banning conversion therapy for LGBTQ youth. She mentioned in a tweet:

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2. Salma Zahid

Canadian MP Zahid has supported a bill to add "gender identity" and "gender expression" to the list of prohibited grounds of discrimination in the Canadian Human Rights Act. In a Facebook post she expressed that "LGBT rights are human rights, and in Canada everyone is welcome."

3. Mobina Jaffer

Canadian Senator Jaffer strongly supports Bill C-16, which adds "gender identity" and "gender expression" to the list of prohibited grounds of discrimination. She wrote:

"These protections are incredibly important for transgender people across Canada, especially as many face daily discrimination on multiple fronts."

4. Keith Ellison

Ellison is the deputy chair of the Democratic National Committee in the U.S. He has consistently supported the LGBTQ community on various issues including anti-discrimination of LGBTQ persons at school and workplaces and enforcing against anti-gay hate crimes. In a YouTube video, he has candidly expressed:

"If the person you happen to love and want to be with happens to be the same sex and gender as you, then I say God bless you and try to be happy as you can in this very difficult world."

5. Sadiq Khan

The Mayor of London had a fatwa issued on him by extremists for his affirmation of same-sex marriage. Yet, he remains defiant. He came out for the vigil after the Orlando gay bar shooting to assert "we stand shoulder to shoulders with the victims and remember their families as well." Recently, on the International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and biphobia (IDAHOT), he expressed:

"I could not be more proud to raise the Pride flag to mark IDAHOT 2017 at City Hall. ... I want London to be a place where LGBT+ people feel valued, happy and safe. ... From day one of Mayoralty, I've made it clear that homophobic, transphobic and biphobic abuse has no place in our city ..."

6. Tulip Rizwana Siddiq

British Labour Party politician, Siddiq once challenged Putin on his gay rights record. She expressed:

"You have the man in front of you, why wouldn't you ask for his stance on the treatment of LGBT people in Russia?"

7. Humza Yousaf

Yousaf is a Scottish government minister, who has previously served as minister for external affairs. In 2014, when Uganda approved anti-gay laws, he wrote a letter to the U.K. Foreign Secretary to "offer asylum to any Ugandans who feel threatened or persecuted by the legislation." On same-sex marriage he expressed:

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"Religious freedom cuts both ways, so those who are Unitarians, Reform Jews, Quakers, who believe that that is their religious right should absolutely have that religious right to do so ... Just because my mosque or my faith doesn't believe in it, doesn't mean that I should be stopping people of another faith."

8. Tasmina Ahmed Sheikh

In 2015, Scottish politician Sheikh wrote about the One Scotland LGBTI Conference, expressing the need to continue to fight for equality:

"Positive action undermines the arguments of those around the world who would push LGBTI people out of the public arena or, worse, condemn them to chastisement, arrest, imprisonment and torture."

9. Ahmed Marcouch

A member of the Dutch Labour party, Marcouch participated in the campaign holding hands in response to homophobic violence inflicted on a gay couple. In 2009, despite opposition, he expressed:

"It is necessary to confront this issue, to say that homosexuals are normal people like all of us and that we require them to be respected, ... For cultural or religious reasons, some people reject homosexuals and compare them to animals, ... They don't see homosexuals as humans. These people can be orthodox Christians, Muslims or immigrants ..."

10. Kamal Qureshi

Despite controversies on other issues, Danish politician Qureshi has been a staunch supporter of the LGBTQ community. In 2010, he expressed:

"People kept asking me about LGBT issues and I didn't know why, and then I found out that because I have a Muslim background people kept expecting me to have a certain attitude. ... I was one of the first people to attend a gay parade in Denmark who was not gay himself. ... I've heard a lot of times that people in the gay community have a fear that people in the Muslim community will attack them. ... But so far it has been white/right-wing homophobes."

There are many other affirming Muslim politicians including Canadian Minister Ahmed Hussein, Yasir Naqvi, who is noted as a vocal supporter of the LGBTQ community in Ontario, Naheed Nenshi, who made history as the first Mayor of Calgary to marshal the Pride Parade and British Labour Party MP Rushanara Ali, who voted for same-sex marriage despite criticism.

In essence, the above politicians prove the thesis of "creeping sharia," ironically made by those who themselves espouse sexist and homophobic viewpoints, as utterly wrong.

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Canadians have been very clear. We believe the growing inequality in our country is unacceptable.

In a recent poll commissioned by the Broadbent Institute, an overwhelming 84 per cent of people said they consider the gap between the rich and the rest of us a problem. The same poll found there's broad support for government action on the issue, from cutting down on the wealthiest hiding money in tax shelters, to increasing the minimum wage and putting more money toward income assistance programs.

Our own polling at Community Food Centres Canada also shows people are genuinely concerned about our fraying social safety net and high levels of food insecurity -- a key marker of poverty -- in this country. Three out of four people feel the issue is getting worse and believe the government should be doing more to address it.

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So where's the government action?

In April, the Ontario government made headlines by announcing it will roll out a Basic Income Pilot for low-income people in four municipalities. It's a step in the right direction, to be sure, but the devil will be in the details. Meanwhile, anti-poverty activists watched the release of the 2017 budget hoping to see a down payment on this commitment -- a serious investment in the poverty crisis, now. But the government failed to address the urgency of this issue when it announced just a meagre two per cent increase to social assistance rates.

For the poorest Ontarians, it's simply inadequate. For individuals living on welfare it translates to just over $14 more a month. This, as the cost of living in the province continues to skyrocket. If the Ontario government truly wants to reduce inequality and enable people to live with health and dignity, they're going to have to do better than that.

On the federal stage, the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development has been leading consultations on the National Poverty Reduction Strategy, consultations that will wrap up in June. There is a real opportunity to develop a strategy that, backed by major dollars and clear timelines, will make a real difference for the nearly five million Canadians currently living in poverty.

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But there wasn't a single mention of the strategy in the government's spring budget. And while the feds' promised investment in affordable housing is welcome, the government missed the opportunity to make immediate impact in low-income communities through such supports as improving income adequacy and access to the CPP disability benefit or increasing the Canada Child Benefit.

So, where's the disconnect? Why all the inequality-busting rhetoric but very little concrete action in the here and now? It's not for lack of public support, if you can believe the polls. And it's not for lack of evidence that strong income support programs work: as soon as a person reaches 65, they become eligible for Old Age Security and the Guaranteed Income Supplement, and the likelihood that they'll be food insecure is cut in half. The impact on their health, and on the public purse, is considerable.

We need to give our politicians no choice but to take meaningful action.

How do we make ending poverty a real -- not a rhetorical -- exercise? Can we simply lay the blame on politicians for not taking decisive action? What role do we play?

We can't ever forget that we, as citizens, give politicians the courage to move in one direction or another. If we want them to be bold on the poverty file, we need to go beyond nice words in polls and give our politicians no choice but to take meaningful action. Change starts with us.

If you agree, join us and thousands of other Canadians in pushing our governments to go beyond consultations and invest in making Canada a more equitable country. Write and visit your elected representatives. That's what they're there for -- let's not let them off the hook. Support a non-profit or coalition advocating for social justice, like the Dignity for All campaign, which is working to create a poverty-free Canada.

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Start conversations and get involved wherever you are. We are all diminished when so many Canadians are left behind. It's only by keeping up the pressure, fighting for inclusion and fairness now, that we'll get the Canada we say we want.

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"One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors." Plato

I remember where I was standing when I casually mentioned the word "Global warming" to my friend and neighbor. What happened next stunned me. I watched in shock and awe when the top of this funny nice guy's head blew off. He was shrieking "It's a pack of lies, utter BS." Wow. I was blown away. After that very brief but explosive incident he sent a message from his wife to mine that we were not to discuss politics. Needless to say things have not been the same since. It appears as if there is no way to respectfully discuss our political differences. People I know are refusing to be friends with Trump supporters and vice versa. Something has either changed or what's been hidden is now out. It does seem like the polarity is greater than ever.

What can we do to bridge what appears to be a tectonic ideological divide? How can we partake in meaningful dialogue and find agreement if there is such a thing? The roots of this polarity go all the way back to the Mayflower when dissidents arrived on our shores seeking religious freedom. Over the centuries, the original settlers and others like them have remained steadfast in their religious conservative individualism while other more progressive groups have sprung up. Conservatives believe that religion guides all our actions and government should be small and pertain to the rights of the individual. The other side believes that government should play a role in protecting and supporting its population, including those in need.

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In our recent election cycle many things changed. The core political call was the idea that America has lost its previous glory and that evil elements are flooding our country and making it less safe. Trump trumpeted the promise of a return to glory and a removal of those criminal elements who seek to tear our country down, otherwise known as illegal immigrants and terrorists. It's true that times have changed and our cities have become more diverse. The Normal Rockwell world of the fifties has largely vanished, giving way to a more urban, sexually open world and a more varied set of values and life styles. Things that were hidden are out, gay rights, transgender, and drugs are all on display and many folks don't like it.

People are frustrated with not getting raises and the move to technology and away from manufacturing. That irks a lot of people in rural areas who have lost their jobs. There's not talk of retraining but instead we are given the paradise lost paradigm and the promise that the "The good old days" are just around the corner. All we gotta do is kick out those illegals and charge the hell out of China for shipping in their goods made by low wage workers and all will be well.

There are lots of fear based assumptions and let's face it politicians know how to work the fear card. There is political hay to be made by proffering the idea of closed borders and safe harbors. How do we overcome these perceptions and create compassion for those who are suffering and not condemn a whole group of people for the actions of a few? The politics of differences is escalating and the divide is deepening. With one side compelling us to go back to our mythic glory days and the other pressing hard to move forward, we find our country in an ideological head on collision.
Twenty years ago, they were the preserve of the elderly, academic, or the middle-aged.

But now beards are ubiquitous among twenty-somethings in the UK, following an explosion in popularity that has been quite staggering.

And like the lines of an aesthetically-pleasing car, or the swooping curves of carved furniture, crafting the perfect beard also takes real artistry.

If you're a fuzz-free male with facial hair envy, unable to grow a decent set of bristles, rest assured you're not alone.

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Hair transplant surgeons, like myself, are seeing a growing demand for cosmetic beard enhancements.

In 2015, beard transplants represented around three per cent of the work I carried out. Now, it's more like 10 per cent, a threefold increase, and rising fast.

Done well, the results are impressive and can offer a real psychological boost to the man underneath the whiskers.

But done wrong....well, the results can be jarring to the eye, creating something that looks fake, or almost painted on.

Facial hair transplants offer unique challenges.

The skin around the face is soft, squidgy and pliable - it moves around much more than the scalp while you're trying to work on it, which creates certain difficulties.

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It takes great skill to get right.

And facial hair transplants are also more time consuming. With the hair on your head, you can typically achieve around 4,000 'grafts', which is the placing of an individual hair follicle in its new home, in a day.

For a beard, you're looking at around 1,500 to 2,000 grafts per day.

It requires a steady hand and lots of patience.

And then there's the actual aesthetics at play. It might sound bizarre, but I actually think there's great flair and finesse in creating a good beard.

There needs to be subtle irregularities in the outline and pattern in order to make it look natural.

Like a painter, you need to stand back, get new perspectives, and make sure it's coming together as a whole.

As for the surgery itself, it can be performed in two ways, and each involves the process of transferring healthy hair follicles from the patient's own permanent donor areas to the areas lacking in hair.

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Follicular Unit Transplant technique, aka 'FUT' or 'strip' surgery, sees a thin strip of hair-bearing skin removed from a 'donor' area - typically from the scalp - under local anaesthetic before it is divided into the individual healthy follicles under microscopes and transplanted into the face.

Follicular Unit Extraction, aka 'FUE', avoids having to remove a thin strip of skin by extracting individual follicular units directly from the donor area using a 'punch' around 0.9mm in width.

The surgeon next makes microscopic slits in the receiving area of the patient's face, and the individual grafts will be placed into these recipient sites.

The procedure, which costs anything from around 4,000, takes around eight hours per session.

Once implanted into the face, the beard takes root.

And while some hair is expected to shed, the root stays and, after a few months, will begin to grow new hair.

Within six months, most men will see their beard starting to take shape and can shave and watch it grow back like normal.

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Is growing your own beard a sign of a man's virility? Absolutely not.

It's purely down to your genes, underlying medical conditions or trauma to that region.
For most of us an eyelash occasionally rubbing against your eye is a mild and momentary irritation. But try to imagine if all of your eyelashes were constantly and painfully rubbing against your eye, scratching and scraping the surface of your eyeball with every single blink and progressively damaging your cornea until you eventually went blind. This is the shocking reality for those who live with untreated advanced trachoma. The disease is the world's leading infectious cause of blindness and is responsible for the visual impairment of an estimated 2.2million people, of whom 1.2million are irreversibly blind.

Yet blinding trachoma is preventable, treatable at a low cost, and can be eliminated.

In March I had the opportunity to travel to Malawi, as Vice-Patron of The Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust. Malawi is one of the poorest countries in the world and faces many health challenges. When the Trust's initiative to eliminate blinding trachoma started in 2014, eight million people in the country were at risk from the enduring cycle of poverty that trachoma brings - the loss of independence, the inability to work and care for their families.

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Now, an historic milestone has almost been reached; Malawi is on track to eliminate the disease as a public health problem by the end of next year. Very soon no one in the country need lose their sight, or their livelihoods, as a result of blinding trachoma. This incredible achievement has not come easily, and has required the steadfast leadership and backing of the country's Ministry of Health; the engagement of local communities; and a strong collaborative effort involving many organisations and partners supported by The Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust.

During my visit I travelled to Kasungu, a few hours' drive north of the capital city Lilongwe. At the District Hospital I met a woman with advanced trachoma who recently had surgery to correct her turning-in eye lashes, relieving her of extreme and incessant pain and, wonderfully, restoring her sight. She told me that she had suffered from trachoma since 1958 and of her joy when she saw her Grandchildren for the first time. At nearby Chisuwe Primary School, I met a young girl called Safira, who was giving a presentation to her classmates about how they can reduce the spread of trachoma, something that had affected most of their families, by regularly washing their faces and hands.

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In the neighbouring village of Salipira I was shown a pit latrine, built and maintained by the villagers and now replicated across the District. These improvements in sanitation have significantly reduced the number of flies and, together with better hygiene and carefully dosed antibiotics, means the Kasungu District will soon have eliminated the disease. I also met a family living in the village where the Grandmother told me how thankful she was her infant Grandson would not have to grow up in the shadow of trachoma in the same way her daughter had.

Malawi has shown what can be achieved. Blinding trachoma is endemic in 54 countries across the world, yet global elimination is well within our grasp through a proven strategy of better sanitation and hygiene, antibiotics and simple, inexpensive surgery. But the organisations battling trachoma need help to complete this critical work.

We know that global elimination is possible; Malawi is showing that. This week sees the 70th World Health Assembly being held in Geneva. What an extraordinary achievement it would be to end this terrible blinding disease everywhere.
Opening my Instagram account, I scroll through picture after glossy picture of lycra-clad lunges, impossible inversions and brilliant back-bends, taken on some sun-drenched Californian beach or an extraordinarily idyllic mountain-top. Social media has been accused of providing us with an 'echo chamber' where we only encounter people like us, or in the case of consumption-centric Instagram, people who like things like us. My yoga-filled feed is a good example of this - a product of being unable to resist staring open-mouthed at these perfectly aligned, beautifully formed bodies, as they demonstrate one of my favourite hobbies far better than I can.

Being exposed to these kind of posts is of course self-selected. As a newly-qualified yoga teacher, I have surrounded my online presence with other yogis and readily consume their content. Sometimes I even produce my own in an effort to join the club, be affirmed by others and 'liked' for the shapes I can produce with my body. Yet increasingly, I wonder how helpful it really is to participate in this kind of behaviour. I'm becoming anxious about the tendency of the booming yoga industry towards focussing on an idealised body image and an unrealistic and rigid idea of what yoga poses should look like.

Furthermore, my personal experience of struggling with eating disorders and body image issues leads me to worry about these kinds of presentations of yoga possibly reinforcing behaviours that are ultimately unhealthy. On this basis, amongst other reasons, it seems that there's not much yoga to be found in static, constructed images that are removed from a dynamic, fluid and individual practice which has non-harm at its heart.

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The historical roots of yoga tell us that it isn't just a physical practice, that the postural work (or 'asana') is only one part of a bigger journey of spiritual development. But taking the Western craze for physical yoga alone, I still struggle to see what static pictures of poses has to do with yoga as I understand it. Yoga is about movement and about breath, and these things are never static. An image or even a video of a 'downward facing dog' can never reflect the actual practice of doing downward facing dog, just as any phenomenal presentation of an object is not the same as the 'thing-in-itself'.

As yoga is a practice, it is something that we subjectively experience. When we observe another's yoga practice, we might see movement and shape, but we do not have full access to their experience of the union of breath, body and mind. Yoga after all derives from the Sanskrit 'to join', and any image of someone doing yoga will always fall short of conveying their experience of this.

Like all projections of an idealised body type, the exacting physical standards exhibited by the most popular online yogis can also encourage comparisons with ourselves that might fuel feelings of inadequacy and lower our self-esteem. At worst, for people with body image sensitivities and disordered eating like myself, this can even feed into behaviours aimed at controlling weight and shape. The pressure is felt all the more keenly if you are a yoga teacher, with the need to market yourself in an increasingly saturated market. In a society where success is too often predicted by how you look, the way I present myself physically will inevitably play some role in attracting students, alongside the skills I have as an instructor.

In light of this, I am all the more determined to cultivate an ethos of self-acceptance in my classes. I hope to help people reject comparisons with ideals, and dispel any myths around yoga practitioners and teachers as being special, other-worldy, or privy to insights on enlightenment. We are just humans, and yoga - whilst at best being a practice that can enhance our holistic wellbeing - is just another human activity, not one to be fetishised or with a monopoly on spiritual virtue.

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For me, I hope to avoid taking inspirational messages from Instagram as motivation to pursue the experiences of others and failing to respect my own enquiry as equally valid. Rather than holding the flawless forms and deep expressions of complex poses as a standard I should try and emulate, I seek instead to respect where I am in my own practice, and accept what my body can or cannot do. In reality, there is no 'one' way a pose is supposed to look, just as no two bodies are the same. Setting high standards in these areas runs the risk of people pushing themselves contrary to their own nature into poses that can cause injury and long-term damage to the joints, possible against a backdrop of rigid thinking and even feelings of failure. This is not representative of compassion and non-harming.
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Earlier this year, The House of Lords passed an amendment to the Higher Education and Research Bill that would remove international students from net migration figures. True to form, the government quietly removed this amendment in a pre-election 'wash up' when the bill was sent back to the House of Commons.

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It's the latest stage of Theresa May's long campaign against overseas students - a single-minded and irrational mission that has resulted in wrongful deportations, the perpetuation of ugly myths about phantom student overstayers, and a decline in long-term immigration to study of 71,000 between YE June 2010 and 2016 - 30 percent of the original total (234,000).

This mission is rejected by the Home Secretary, the Foreign Secretary, and the Chancellor of the Exchequer; it's rejected by an overwhelming majority of the British public; it's even rejected by Enoch Powell and those bleeding heart liberals over at UKIP. It's not hard to see why. International students make an enormous contribution to our institutions, our economy, our local communities, and our soft power.

Despite this, the government seems intent on alienating and deterring them from coming here. If it continues to do so, our universities, our international standing, and our finances will be poorer for it.

The 'student killer' of No. 10 strikes again?

China is a global economic powerhouse and we self-evidently want to expand our trade with them. Indeed, international education is already our second biggest export to the country. However, in China they reportedly call Theresa May '', which translates literally as 'the student killer'. As we roll out the red carpet for Chinese tourists, we pull up the drawbridge for Chinese students, even though every year these students spend four times more in our economy than the tourists. Students should be seen as highly valuable education tourists, not migrants. Policies that restrict them can only stem from blatant economic illiteracy.

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International students already contribute 25 billion a year to the UK economy, according to Universities UK research, but if they hope to contribute further by securing gainful post-study employment, they face several roadblocks. Since the government's 2012 removal of the post study work visa, a decision that only six percent of people backed during a government consultation, students who've come to the end of their courses find it very difficult to stay and apply for work.

Only three percent of non-EU graduates transfer to a Tier 2 work visa when they finish their degree. Since students have to leave the country before they receive their degree results, most will have to apply for jobs from their home countries. This means that the UK, even as it battles a prolonged STEM skills shortage, is actively making it harder for qualified engineers to join the workforce.

Compare our system with Germany's - where, in recognition of the national need for manpower, they offer free tuition for all and an 18-month post-study work visa. Yes, we have world-class institutions, but in the face of relatively high fees and hostile visa requirements, it's easy to see why able students might start to look elsewhere.

It's a destructive agenda, and it's not even being pursued because students are overstaying, or burdening our public services. A leaked Home Office report indicated that only one percent of students remain in the UK after their studies in breach of their visas. And yet, whilst students remain in the net migration figures, they will be sitting ducks for further crackdowns.

As Home Secretary, Theresa May claimed that immigration makes it impossible to have a 'cohesive society'. In her first manifesto as Prime Minister, she effectively made this position dogma - reaffirming the last government's commitment to reduce net migration to 'tens of thousands' of people. It's worth mentioning that this policy, according to the George Osborne-edited Evening Standard, is rejected by every single senior cabinet minister. The UK has effectively joined North Korea as one of the only countries in the world that wants to restrict international student numbers.

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And yet, what do these international students do for mainstream Britain? Well, they sustain over 200,000 jobs, half of which are in the local economies of every region in the country. They subsidise domestic student fees to the tune of roughly 1.3 Billion each year. They sustain many STEM courses, as well as Master's programmes, and enrich the learning environment for domestic students.

Ironically, according to HESA data, the policies pursued by the Prime Minister have cost 72 UK universities 43,800 international students since 2010. These students take with them around 24,000 jobs from precisely the places that need them most, such as Teesside, Sunderland, Derby and Hull. Simply put, reducing international student numbers just exports British jobs to Canada, Australia and other competitors, as these students increasingly decide to turn elsewhere. Is that really what our Prime Minister and her close advisers desire?

Righting the ship

It's clear that international students can't be left at the mercy of these single-minded, ideologically-driven policies. But what can the UK's higher education community do about it?

One way forward is for university Vice Chancellors to band together and propose a form of self-regulation. This would take responsibility for making sure students leave at the end of their studies out of the government's hands, and ensure appropriate penalties for universities that don't comply. Self-regulation could prevent further heavy-handed and counterproductive visa restrictions of the kind hinted at in the latest Conservative manifesto, and help to promote the UK as a welcoming destination. In addition we, as a sector, need to better demonstrate the benefits for local people, and for mainstream Britain. Initiatives such as the #weareinternational campaign, originated by the University of Sheffield and since adopted by over 100 universities, show that the sector is committed to maintaining a diverse and inclusive higher education sector.

Politically, it is not too late to turn things around. Although we continue to lose market share, the UK is still the most popular global study destination after the US - and according to the OECD, the market is growing by six percent a year. A few small policy changes, a commitment to inclusive, rather than divisive rhetoric, and finally removing non-EU students from migration statistics would help us build on these gains. There is still the potential for us to consolidate our standing in the international education community and grow what is surely the number one post Brexit industry growth opportunity.
World politics have taken some unexpected and, arguably, unwelcome turns in recent times and the world of film and TV is beginning to reflect this with a must-see range of current affairs-focused films about to be released at both film festivals and in the cinemas. Politics, from present-day issues surrounding race, freedom, technology and citizenship to past conflicts, are currently at the forefront of film-making and the raft of political documentaries and non-fiction films being presented next month at Sheffield Doc/Fest, a world-leader in documentary festivals, reflect this. Here are your must-see political documentaries:

Jo Cox: Death of an MP

The British MP Jo Cox was murdered just days before the EU election. Through the testimony of those closest to the crime - including Jo's family, detectives who investigated the murder, and those who knew her attacker - this film reveals the complex set of circumstances that caused one man with extreme political views to commit an act of terrible violence.

Armed With Faith

At the Afghan-Pakistani border of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where landmines and suicide bombings are frightfully commonplace, Award-winning filmmakers Asad Faruqi and Geeta Gandbhir and Academy Award-nominated producer Sharmadeen Obaid Chinoy show that the real war is still fought at home. They embed with the local bomb squad, whose members describe different yet sadly identical scenes of pain and temerity, and whose families brim with anxiety that their loved ones will not make it back one day.

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Freedom for the Wolf

In an attempt to understand what 'freedom' means in different cultural contexts, sociologist-turned-filmmaker Rupert Russell traverses the globe to find out how people - particularly the younger generations - are fighting for it. Sensitively researched, the documentary features interviews with key counter-political players around the world as well as commentary from today's most eminent scholars.

Insha'allah democracy

In this personal exploration of the politics of turbulent post 9/11 Pakistan, filmmaker Mohammed Naqvi goes in search of a leader who can keep him safe in a climate of escalating terror attacks. He finds himself drawn to the exiled enigmatic General Musharraf, filming him over four years. The former president hopes to govern once again, but is soon accused of treason.

Wilders

Wilders follows right wing populist Geert Wilders as he runs for Dutch Prime Minister. The filmmakers obtained exclusive access to Wilders, who has lived under 24-hour security protection for the past 12 years due to threats on his life. This film unearths the man behind the media mask, providing many revelations about "The Dutch Donald Trump."

Strike A Rock

Two years after the Marikana Massacre left 37 mine workers killed, filmmaker Aliki Saragas finds that the women of Sikhala Sonke ("We Cry Together") are still struggling for justice."Ma" Primrose Sonti is the matriarchal founder of the group, who hopes to take the fight to parliament as a newly elected MP. Her close friend Thumeka must now continue the work at home, but will she be able to overcome her sense of trepidation?

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Winnie

Featuring interviews with Winnie Mandela herself, filmmaker Pascale Lamche depicts the activist and former first lady of South Africa as a deeply complex political figure in her own right. Dedicated to the liberation of black South Africans, she and her family, friends, and foe provide different perspectives on her deep yet problematic impact on the country's struggle for racial justice.

Accidental Anarchist

After 14 years at the highest levels of the British Foreign Service, Carne Ross resigned over his country's lies about the Iraq war. He embarked on an extraordinary search for new forms of social and political organisation in America, Europe and, most remarkably, Syria. An inspiring journey into the possibilities of a better society.

Brexitannia

Following the referendum that saw the UK vote to leave the EU by a small margin, filmmaker Timothy George Kelly travels up and down the British isles to meet with people from both sides of the ballot. Supplemented by thoughtful observations that take into account complexities of race, labour, and the environment, an uncomfortable image of Britain today emerges.

Politics, An Instruction Manual

Fernando Leon de Aranoa shows how a mixture of brilliant malcontents brought together by the 2011 social and economic crisis in Spain dared to challenge the country's bipartisan system by starting a new party from the ground up. Palpitating with a vital energy that defines moments of great change, the film is an inside look at the exhilarating and frustrating work of movement-building worthy of the party's name: Podemos,"We Can".

Risk

Filmed over six years, Poitras brings viewers closer than they have ever been before to Julian Assange and those who surround him. Risk is a portrait of power, principles, betrayal, and sacrifice when the stakes could not be any higher. From the director of the Academy Award- winning CITIZENFOUR.

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An Insignificant Man
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Take a close look at this image, tweeted yesterday by President Trump:

We stand in absolute solidarity with the people of the United Kingdom. pic.twitter.com/X6fUUxxYXE  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 23, 2017

What's wrong with it?

When British ships are in trouble and want to send a coded distress signal, for example if boarded by pirates, they will hang the union flag incorrectly. Any British vessel seeing another ship flying the flag upside down will know that there is a problem, but the crew cannot openly send a Mayday signal.

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Was President Trump trying to acknowledge the distress of the United Kingdom after the terrorist bomb in Manchester this week - or do his team just not know how to display the British flag?

Donald Trump shares this confusion over the British flag with many British people, who also don't know how to display their own flag correctly. According to a poll by YouGov published earlier this year, 55% of Brits could not choose which flag is displayed correctly when presented with different options.

The YouGov research also shows that most people don't know what to call their flag. 49% believed it is the 'Union Jack' and 27% said the 'Union flag', but just 16% gave the right answer - which is that both are acceptable names for the flag.

It might seem trivial to many that the flag is displayed correctly, the British flag is often displayed upside down because many people assume the design is symmetrical, but the Brexit debate means that British people may soon need to have a more intimate understanding of their flag.

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The current design has existed since 1801. It combines the crosses of St Andrew, St Patrick, and St George representing England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. Wales was united with England in the 13th century and therefore the flag designers in later years didn't feel there was any need to add the Welsh dragon.

Could Brexit change all this? Nobody knows how the negotiations will go and what the eventual effect will be on the United Kingdom, but if the coming decades see an independent Scotland and united Ireland then England and Wales will need to design their own new flag. All the Commonwealth nations that use the union flag as a component of their flag design will also need to change.
Reading coverage of the Facebook Files in the Guardian reporting on Facebook's secret moderation rules, I was left with one question: why is the tech giant so reluctant to censor? Their rules are so complicated that they betray their lack of commitment to removing offensive content. That is not to say they are not trying, but their heart is clearly not in it.

Each rule seems to have many caveats and exceptions, to the point at which one is no longer surprised that the moderators have a high turnaround, with only ten seconds to apply these rules per post. For example, graphic violence against animals can be ignored if it is a photograph, but not if it is a video. If it is a video, it will be marked as disturbing. If the photo counts as animal mutilation, it too can be marked as disturbing, but not deleted. My inner communist dictator screams out, "Why don't you just delete the whole lot?!"

"Freedom of expression" is the obvious answer to this question, but just because it is obvious doesn't mean it is true. Freedom of speech and expression are about our right to make a statement, but a video of an individual mutilating an animal is not a statement, it is them relishing and broadcasting their sadism. A statement has to have political intent, like a charity sharing the video as part of a campaign to make the public take abuse more seriously.

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However, Facebook's rule is not about the intention of the user, but about the potential effects the content might have. The rule is "We allow photos and videos documenting animal abuse for awareness", not "If the user is intending to raise awareness, we do not delete it". The importance of this emphasis cannot be understated, Facebook are not protecting their users' right to raise awareness, they are protecting their content's right to raise awareness. They seem to believe that, regardless of the original intent, Facebook content might do good for society, therefore it should at all costs be left alone.

You might accuse me of reading too much into a leaked phrase from an internal handbook, but this falls directly within the philosophy of technology offered by 20th Century German philosopher, Martin Heidegger. In an essay from 1954, Heidegger argues that problem of technology is not about which devices are good for us and which are bad, the problem is the cultural mindset that produces them: everything in the world should be catelogued and made available and accessible to everyone as a resource.

Even though Heidegger was writing in the fifties, his picture of technology is most applicable to the digital technologies of our time. Consider your smartphone. Its purpose is not really for talking to people, but about making information and people available to you, and you available to them. Anyone who has been enjoying a quiet moment only to be dragged out of it by receiving a batch of emails and a phone call has experienced this; here technology is yanking you from where you are to make you available somewhere else. The task of the smartphone is to turn you into a resource for others and to allow you to use others as a resource.

To return to Facebook, consider their mission statement:

Founded in 2004, Facebook's mission is to give people the power to share and make the world more open and connected. People use Facebook to stay connected with friends and family, to discover what's going on in the world, and to share and express what matters to them

What most of us would consider to be Facebook's prime purpose, speaking to our friends and families, is almost an afterthought. Facebook's task is really about making the world "open and more connected" by giving "people the power to share", in other words by getting humans to produce Facebook content, the world has more information as a resource. If we ask why this is a good thing, the only possible answer is "because more information, more connectedness, and more availability of resources is a good thing".
Shirkhanyan's health condition still critical - lawyer

The results of forensic examination of Vahan Shirkhanyan, a former Minister of Defense arrested in December 2015 on suspicion of being part of a criminal group which the National Security Service (NSS) claimed plotted to seize power, are not known yet. On March 17, Judge Armen Bektashyan postponed the hearing of the case and appointed a forensic medical examination to find out why Shirkhanyan did not attend the court sittings. Shirkhanyan, 69, denies the coup charges. Moreover, his lawyer Hayk Alumyan claimed that his client could not move on his own and law-enforcement authorities refused to transfer Shirkhanyan from prison to hospital. The lawyer insisted that Shirkhanyan needed a wheelchair. Despite the objections, a forensic medical examination was appointed and medical check-ups were conducted. Both Shirkhanyan and his documents were examined but the conclusion has not been received yet. The lawyer says Shirkhanyans health condition continues to deteriorate and there is no progress. On November 25, 2015, Armenias National Security Service (NSS) said it had uncovered a criminal gang in one of the house of Yerevans Nork district, which had hidden arms and ammunition inside the building. The NSS claimed that the gang planned to stage serious crimes and that Artur Vardanyan, a citizen of Armenia living in Spain since 1997, was the mastermind of the gang. Shirkhanyan is one of the defendants in the case. He is charged with being an accomplice to the conspiracy. The NSS claimed afterwards that Vardanyan and his associates planned to seize the presidential administration, government, parliament, Constitutional Court and state television buildings in Yerevan.
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A month ago I was invited to a lunch in La Paz, the highest capital in the world and the capital of my country Bolivia. It was at the stylish residence of the French ambassador. We were a group of filmmakers, invited to wine and dine at the embassy. Two of us were indigenous and the rest belonged to the traditional ruling class of Bolivia. Sitting around a fancy table with diplomats, a butler served us quiche and wine.

During lunch, the French Ambassador made a comment about Bolivia, saying, it had taken France hundreds of years to become a Republic and that we need to forget in Bolivia about this business of being Indigenous or European. Then he said, "Bolivia is just being born."

I felt like my head was about to explode and I can tell you, it wasn't the wine or the altitude!

"Excuse me dear Ambassador, who has just been born? My people have lived on this land for thousands of years. We built an empire that you helped to destroy, but today we have an indigenous President of Aymaran origin, Evo Morales who was elected democratically in 2005. The idea of a Republic might have worked in France, but not in The Plurinational State of Bolivia, a multi-ethnic country with 38 official languages!"

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This little incident made me think about how much respect European countries actually have for my people.

Last night, when I was in Paris of all places, I heard the news and I felt the fuzzy feeling of another head explosion. I'd just seen on Twitter that Bolivia's presidential jet carrying Evo Morales was denied permission to fly through French, Portuguese and Italian airspace on route to Bolivia on the grounds of a rumor. It was suspected Edward Snowden was hiding on board winging his way to safety in Bolivia.

President Morales had been visiting Moscow, as one of the 13 members of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF). An overlooked fact, however, is that while he was in Moscow, President Morales' jet was never at Sheremetyevo airport where Edward Snowden is supposed to be waiting in transit. It seems like a bad joke that with all the access the NSA has to everyone's email and phone calls that they couldn't figure out if one guy was on a plane.

So, where did the rumor start?

Was it the U.S. government's intention to stop Evo's plane? Or was it to scare Bolivia, because Evo Morales had said he would consider an asylum request from Snowden? Or to scare any country who might consider helping Snowden? Or was it to scare Snowden himself so he stays put in Russia and has no other option but to accept Putin's condition to stop releasing more documents?

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The intentions are anyone's guess, but what would the U.S. response have been if Obama's jet, Air Force One, had received the same treatment as Bolivia's president and been forced down while on route to Washington?

As for the rumors about Snowden being on Evo's jet... Beyond ridiculous. How do you think Russia would react if Snowden disappeared from under the watchful eye of Russian security? I have no doubt President Putin is happy to have Snowden in transit waiting to play him as a pawn at the right time. The U.S. Government can't be that naive to think a good-hearted Putin would let Snowden go so easily? Would the U.S. allow a Russian whistleblower to slip through their fingers at the airport in Washington?

I think we can say for certain that all the countries involved in this little saga knew Snowden wasn't on or anywhere near the Bolivian presidential jet. But what if, hypothetically Snowden was able to sneak past the FSB, Russian police, airport security and get on that plane? The Bolivian government has the right to grant asylum to whomever they decide is facing persecution.

I would like people to know that today the U.S. hosts some of Bolivia's largest criminals. One such person is the former president, Gonzalo Sanchez de Lozada, and two of his ministers who are wanted in Bolivia, not for information leaks, but to face charges for the killing of 60 people who were protesting against his government's policies to sell Bolivia's resources to U.S. corporations. Sanchez de Lozada escaped Bolivia in a jet in 2003 and to this day the U.S. refuses to accept Bolivia's extradition request for him.

I can only wonder looking out my hotel window in Paris why the French government started this nonsense that could have put the life of Bolivia's president at risk?

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Remember, it wasn't the U.S. refusing air space to a presidential jet; it was the Republic of France, an independent country founded on the principles of Liberte, Egalite and Fraternite, refusing air space to a jet carrying the first indigenous president of Bolivia.

And now, the French government has said they didn't know Bolivia's president Evo Morales was on the presidential jet, the Spanish government say they didn't do it, and the Portuguese say it was a technical problem.

Today is the 4th of July and the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR) is holding an emergency meeting in my hometown of Cochabamba to formulate their response to what was done to Bolivia's presidential plane. Evo Morales has threatened to close the U.S. Embassy in Bolivia and the "Poncho Rojos" -- Aymara Warriors have burned French flags outside the French Embassy in La Paz as a symbolic declaration of war.
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Armed police are patrolling Hull city centre after the UK's threat level was raised to critical in the wake of Monday's terror attack at Manchester Arena.

Officers wearing black clothes and body armour and carrying guns were photographed outside St Stephen's shopping centre, Paragon Interchange and around the city centre on Wednesday.

The increase in armed personnel comes a day after Prime Minister Theresa May announced that the UK's terror threat level would be raised from severe to critical in light of the explosion at Manchester Arena.

A total of 22 people died in the blast and 64 more have been injured, some critically. So far, at least 10 of the victims' names have been released.

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One Facebook user who spotted the armed officers in Hull posted: "F****** terrifying when there's armed police all over hull, I must have a death wish going to big weekend. We're no longer safe.."

Another wrote: " Armed police patrolling hull train station! F*** terrorism! F*** war!"

Mrs May became the first Prime Minister to activate Operation Temperer - a government plan to deploy up to 5,000 soldiers on streets across the country.

The troops are likely to be placed at major music and sporting events in the days to come but some have already been positioned at key locations across London, including Buckingham Palace, Downing Street, the Palace of Westminster and embassies.

Soldiers will replace armed police at many sites under the operation which has been enacted after security experts warned the Government that another terrorist attack could be imminent.

Humberside Police Assistant Chief Constable Andy McDyer said: "The public will see an enhanced policing presence, including armed police, across Humberside as the UK police, together with security and intelligence services, work around the clock to keep communities safe.

"Acts of terrorism attempt to create distrust and fear in communities. It is important that our communities stand together during difficult times.

"It is also important that we all continue to remain vigilant, but also to go about our daily lives. We would ask people to be alert and report any suspicious activity to police on the Anti-Terrorist Hotline 0800 789321 or dialling 999."

Earlier this year, armed officers were deployed by Humberside Police in spots across Hull after the Westminster terror attack in March which killed six people.
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A Hull landlord has blasted the city council for wasting taxpayers' money after trying to force him to carry out work on a property he does not even own.

David Wood was first served an enforcement notice by the council in 2012. It required him to carry out works on a first-floor flat he owns to stop a potential fire spreading from another flat below.

But he objected because defects identified as a fire risk were in the ceiling of the ground-floor flat which was owned by someone else.

When a tribunal found in his favour, the council appealed against the decision. Now, three high court judges have rejected the council's appeal.

Mr Wood, who represented himself throughout the proceedings, said: "I am pleased the court agreed with my argument but I am disappointed the council continued with this for so long when I offered to meet with them on several occasions to resolve it in a sensible fashion.

"It's unfortunate that Hull City Council has wasted tens of thousands of pounds of taxpayers' money fighting a cause that defies common sense.

"I stuck it out on a point of principle and to ensure enforcement legislation is followed properly.

"At last, repair notices will now be served on the owners of the property where the deficiency exists, rather than where the hazard exists."

Mr Wood, 57, was issued with an enforcement notice after an inspection of a ground floor flat in Princes Avenue, west Hull, found the poor condition of the original lath and plaster ceiling posed a fire risk.

The notice was also issued to the freehold owner of the ground floor flat. The council specified two alternative schemes to rectify the problem.

One involved taking down a section of the ceiling and replacing it with new plasterboard at an estimated cost of 1,000.

The other called for a fire resistant product to be installed between the existing floor joists of the flat owned by Mr Wood at a likely cost of 7,000.

The notice required Mr Wood to pay towards the cost of most expensive repair.

But tribunal chairman Martin Rodgers said: "It was irrational for the local authority to have required the carrying out of the second scheme when a cheaper and easier alternative was available."

A former chairman of the Hull Landlords Association, Mr Wood said he had spent between 4,000 and 5,000 of his own money representing himself during the case.

"It would have cost a fortune had I engaged a solicitor and a barrister," he said.

"As it was, I represented myself when the council decided to appeal to the High Court. It's taken five years to establish a point of principle but it has been worth it."

A Hull City Council spokesman said: "This is a complex matter and has been ongoing for several years. We not the court's decision and are considering the implications of the judgement."
Jason Bean valued being able to become bowl eligible with Kansas
Guide To Department of Justice Ruling On 100% Licensing

A new ruling from the Department of Justice has confused many in the industry, from songwriters to publishers and even some lawyers. Here we break down the new ruling in a helpful chart, giving you a better idea of where you stand depending on your level of involvement with a given creative work.

________________________

Guest post by Steve Winogradsky and Chris Castle of Music Technology Policy

The recent ruling by the U.S. Department of Justice in United States v. Broadcast Music, Inc. and United States v. American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers has left many songwriters, publishers, motion picture and television producers and, yes, even lawyers scratching their heads to understand the import of the ruling. Not to mention Texas Governor Greg Abbott who has written to Attorney General Loretta Lynch asking her to reconsider the DOJ ruling.

The authors have summarized the ruling in the chart that follows. The thing speaks for itself.

As you will see, the left hand column lists the various roles of a music creator (starting with Songwriter) or music user. The rows describe some of the potential combinations of co-writers who will run afoul of the DOJs ruling. The chart is followed by a list of descriptions of what rule will apply to your situation.

If you find yourself in the left hand column, scan across the rows to see if you fit in any of the co-writer positions. Then look for which note applies to you in the list of notes below the chart.

For example, if you are an ASCAP songwriter who has co-written with a BMI songwriter (1st box in column and 6th row across), Note E applies to you.

This chart is based on the authors interpretations of the DOJs statement and is not dispositive or based on a court ruling as there has been none as of this writing. Obviously, this is not meant as legal advice and you should not rely on it. This is a complex area that has gotten even more complex, and you should consult with your own lawyers.

For further background, listen to the MTP podcast with Steve Winogradsky, David Lowery and Chris Castle and read Steves book Music Publishingthe Complete Guide. And essential reading on the issue is that evergreen resource for legal research on takings and other government behavior in the digital age, The Trial, by Franz Kafka.

By popular demand, download a copy of this post with the chart here.

100% ASCAP or 100% BMI (single writer or all co-writers belong to the same PRO) 100% SESAC and/or GMR (single writer or all co-writers belong to one of these PROs) 100% Foreign PRO/ASCAP Collects in US 100% Foreign PRO/BMI Collects in US Co-write ASCAP & BMI Co-write ASCAP or BMI with Other U.S. PRO Co-write foreign writers, where 1 is represented in the U.S. by either ASCAP or BMI and the 2nd is represented by a different PRO Songwriter Note A, below Note B, below Note A, below Note A, below Note E, below Note E, below Note E, below Publisher Note A, below Note B, below Note A, below Note A, below Note F, below Note F, below Note F, below TV Producer Note C, below Note B, below. Note C, below Note C, below Note G, below Note G, below Note G, below Film Producer Note C, below Note D, below Note C, below Note C, below Note G, below Note G, below Note G, below Webcaster Note A, below Note B, below Note A, below Note A, below Note G, below Note G, below Note G, below TV Broadcaster Note A, below Note B, below Note A, below Note A, below Note H, below Note H, below Note H, below Radio broadcaster (terrestrial or satellite) Note A, below Note B, below Note A, below Note A, below Note I, below Note I, below Note I, below Interactive Streaming (Subpart B&C) Note A, below Note B, below Note A, below Note A, below Note J, below Note J, below Note J, below

Notes

A. All songs may be licensed under either ASCAP or BMIs blanket licenses

B. All songs may be licensed under both SESAC and GMRs blanket licenses

C. Obtain synchronization licenses from each party for their respective shares, as is current custom and practice. All songs may be licensed under either ASCAP or BMIs blanket licenses

D. Obtain synchronization licenses from each party for their respective shares, as is current custom and practice. All songs may be licensed under both SESAC and GMRs blanket licenses

E. Songs may not be licensed under a blanket license from ASCAP or BMI unless the co-writers agree to have only one PRO administer a particular song, which may require restructuring their co-writer agreement and PROs setting up a structure for paying non-member writers. Depending on their songwriter/publisher agreements, writers could issue direct licenses to users upon request and collect performance royalties directly

F. Songs may not be licensed under a blanket license unless the co-publishers agree to have only one PRO administer a particular song, which may require restructuring their co-publishing agreement and PROs setting up a structure for paying non-member writers & publishers. Publishers could issue direct licenses to users upon request (which might include the writers share) and collect performance royalties directly

G. Obtain synchronization licenses from each party, as is current custom and practice. Songs may not be licensed under a blanket license unless the co-publishers agree to have only one PRO administer a particular song, which may require restructuring their co-publishing agreement. TV, film or webcaster producer could request directly performance licenses and pay parties directly. If no direct licenses are available and songs are not covered under the blanket license, producer may not include songs in their productions.

H. Songs may not be licensed under a blanket license unless the co-publishers agree to have only one PRO administer a particular song, which may require restructuring their co-publishing agreement. Broadcaster can either require TV & film producers to obtain direct licenses or broadcaster can obtain them directly from publishers (which would include the writers share of royalties. If no direct licenses are available and songs are not covered under the blanket license, producer may not include songs in their productions.

I. Songs may not be licensed under a blanket license unless the co-publishers agree to have only one PRO administer a particular song, which may require restructuring their co-publishing agreement. Broadcaster can obtain direct licenses from publishers (which would include the writers share of royalties). If no direct licenses are available and songs are not covered under the blanket license, broadcaster may not include these songs in their broadcasts.

J. Songs may not be licensed under a blanket license unless the co-publishers agree to have only one PRO administer a particular song, which may require restructuring their co-publishing agreement. Streaming service can obtain direct licenses from publishers (which would include the writers share of royalties). If no direct licenses are available and songs are not covered under the blanket license, broadcaster may not include these songs in their streaming service.

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Republican lawmaker does not know what Karabakh will cede to Azerbaijan (video)

Who said that the new parliament would agree to the return of the liberated territories which are strategically crucial as security zones? says Republican lawmaker Raffik Grigoryan. I cannot imagine a single Armenian who would agree to cede these territories. Rafik Grigoryan says he has no idea what Karabakh might cede to Azerbaijan. The newly elected lawmaker is not sure that the Karabakh issue will be resolved during Serzh Sargsyan's presidency. He [Sargsyan] will not do it with Ilham Aliyev. There are the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs and super powers, who will have their say." Armen Rustamyan, head of the parliamentary group of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation-Dashnaktsutyun, does not agree with the opinion that Serzh Sargsyan had the Constitution amended to be able to surrender the aforesaid territories to Azerbaijan. The Armenian side has a very clear stance. There can be no talk about concessions at all as Azerbaijan does not recognize the right [of the Karabakh people] to self-determination. Through a referendum held recently, the people of Karabakh announced that it is meaningless to speak about the return of territories unless the territorial integrity of the Republic of Nagorno Karabakh is restored and the independence of the country is recognized. Dashnaktsutyun is of the same opinion, Armen Rustamyan said.
The Fire District approved a fiscal 2018 budget of $2 million.

Adams Fire District Sets $2M Budget for Fiscal 2018

ADAMS, Mass.  The Fire District has been approved for a $1,953,440.52 budget for fiscal 2018.

Water district members met May 9 in the Fire Station garage to vote for the almost $2 million budget, of which $1,906,440.52 will be raised by water revenue.

In Article 6, water district members voted to raise or appropriate from available funds $470,796.91 for the general fund.

 $122,298.59 will be appropriated from this funding for administration and $151,479.57 for the Fire Department.

 $28,699.40 will be appropriated for insurance and $43,919.35 for employee benefits.

 $124,000 will be appropriated for street lighting and $400 will be appropriated for the fire alarm system.

In this same article, the Fire District voted to raise and appropriate $1,271,643.61 for the Enterprise Fund.

 $194,113.26 will be used for administration and $828,903.57 for the Water Department

 $209,687.06 will be appropriated for employee benefits and $38,939.72 for insurance.

District voters also approved taking $200,000 from surplus revenue and $11,000 from the capital outlay fund.

For Article 7, the district voted to take $40,000 from surplus revenue and transfer it into the reserve fund.

For Article 8, the district voted to raise and appropriate from available funds $35,000 to fund the East Orchard Terrace mixer

For Article 9, the district voted to take $11,000 from the capital outlay fund to fund work on the 2A Pump Station Well Roof.

The district voted in Article 10 to pull $75,000 from available funds in the treasury for the chlorination permit engineering for the three wells.

The district voted in Article 11 to take $50,000 from available funds in the treasury for the radio read meter replacement.

The Fire District also appointed offers who were elected that day.

John Pansecchi was elected chief engineer with a clear victory, garnering 240 of the 287 votes cast. Seven other candidates were written in and Tim Ziemba was the closest to Pansecchi with 12 votes.

Timothy Ziemba was elected as first assistant engineer, David Lennon Jr. as second assistant engineer and Edward Capeless as third assistant engineer.

The only race was for fourth assistant engineer. Although Mark Therrien was the clear winner with 207 votes, challenger Dylan Grimes was able to secure 76 votes.

There was also an 11-way write-in race for a Prudential Committee member. Allen Mendel and Norman Schutz tied with six votes apiece, however, it was decided at a later date that Schutz would take the seat.

Tim Zeimba was able to gather two votes for the committee.

Kathleen Fletcher was re-elected as water district clerk and treasurer. She ran unopposed.

Of the 5,148 eligible water district voters, only 287 cast votes on May 9.

Article 5 set the salaries for Prudential Committee members. As approved by voters, the chief engineer's salary was set at $15,090.57 and the clerk and treasurer's salary was set at $1,753.28.

The chairman of the Prudential Committee's compensation was set at $750 and the two other members' compensation was set at $500.
Clarksburg Elects New Select Board, Planning Board

CLARKSBURG, Mass.  The town has a new Select Board with the election on Tuesday of Carlyle "Chip" Chesbro Jr. and Kimberly Goodell.

Goodell and Chesbro join Jeffrey Levanos on the three-member board. Chesbro was elected to fill the final two years of the three-year term of Williams Schrade Jr., who resigned when he took a job in Pittsfield. Goodell won in a write-in campaign to replace Linda Reardon, who chose not to run for a another three-year term.

In an odd coincidence, it was three years ago that a similar situation occurred . Then it was Reardon, newly retired as Clarksburg School principal, who won in a write-in for a vacant three-year seat and Schrade who was on the ballot to finish off the last two years of a three-year term. Levanos was also chairman at that time.

Town Clerk Carol Jammalo said turn out was light at 17 percent, with 190 of the town's 1,138 registered voters casting ballots. By 2 p.m. on Tuesday, only 62 votes had been cast.

Newcomer Laura Wood was elected without opposition to the School Committee, taking the three-year seat left vacant by Levanos.

Tuesday's election also ensured that the town would have a full Planning Board this year. With several resignations and decisions not to run for re-election, there was no one on the ballot for three seats. Town officials had pushed to get a controversial cell-tower siting decision completed prior to the election and appointed Town Administrator Carl McKinney as an interim planner to ensure a quorum.

Vincent King was elected to the full five-year position that was open; Erin Scott to complete four years of a five-year term, and Gregory Vigna to complete the last year of a full term.

In a two-way race for the Board of Health between to write-in candidates, Ronald Pierce was elected to the vacant seat. The incumbent, Cynthia Schock, had not returned nomination papers in time to be on the ballot and was defeated in her write-in campaign to return to the board.

Re-elected unopposed were Moderator Bryan Tanner, Tree Warden Ernest Dix, War Memorial Trustee Joseph Bushika, and Library Trustee Linda Hurlbut.

Elected positions can be sworn in after the annual town meeting to be held Wednesday, May 24. at 6:30 p.m. at Clarksburg School or by making arrangements with Jammalo. She can be reached at 413-663-8255 or ClarksburgTClerk@gmail.com

"Thank you to all the election workers for their dedication in serving the town," she said. "Thank you to all the people who came out to vote."




iciHaiti - FLASH : What security force for Haiti ?





On the initiative of the "Fondation des Anciens de Saint-Louis" (FASLG), a talk-chat will be organized on Thursday 25 May at 6.30 p.m. in the Acajou room of the Hotel Karibe, on the theme "What security force for Haiti ?"



Dr. Herold Toussaint, Vice-Rector of the State University of Haiti (UEH), will present the academic aspect of the issue and the institutional role of an army. Senator Youri Latortue, President of the Senate, will discuss the difference between a military force and a national police force based on his experience in these two bodies. General Herard Abraham, retired from the Armed Forces of Haiti (FADH), will speak about the philosophical aspect of the army. The historical context will be presented by Dr. Georges Michel.



The Saint-Louis Thursday Committee hopes that this evening will allow discussions on the perennial question : "Should we reconstitute the army ?" Some will remain on their fixed ideas while others will undoubtedly leave with new arguments, new perspectives for a more enlightened position.



Reservation / information (509) 2813 2754;

Entrance fee 15.00 USD for the public; 10.00 USD with the FASLG card



IH/ iciHaiti


















Dutch dairy farm deploys six Redflow batteries

Andrew Kempster with Photon Farmer Jan BorgmanIn a Netherlands first, a Dutch dairy farm has deployed six Redflow ZBM2 zinc-bromine flow batteries to store self-produced solar energy that can support its milk production with sun-harvested energy.

Dubbed the Photon Farmer, the project aims to store solar energy for the farms use with six 10 kilowatt hour (kWh) ZBM2 batteries, the first Redflow deployment in theNetherlands.

Located at Vierakker in the eastern Netherlands, the 57.5-hectare family-owned farm currently stocks 110 diary cows. Due to public importance, the European Union is co-financing the deployment, which could revolutionise energy supply by supporting businesses to become energy independent.

ICL, a leading global producer of bromine and supplier of the advanced zinc-bromide electrolyte used in ZBM2 batteries, proposed Redflow for the Photon Farmer project because of the ground-breaking advantages of zinc-bromine flow batteries over older battery types such as lithium and lead-acid.

Redflow Global Sales Director Andrew Kempster, who is visiting the Netherlands this week for the projects launch, said the Photon Farmer had produced energy with solar panels for several years. The battery project is seeking the best business model for future local sustainable energy production, including energy storage in a battery, he said. Our zinc-bromine flow battery technology is well-suited for this project.

A prime driver for the project is to enhance the ability of farms to produce energy from renewable sources, leveraging large roofs with room for solar panels and even available space for windmills.

The Dutch energy system is based on large, central production facilities with many small users whereas renewable energy production typically occurs at distributed locations. Currently, energy is produced in line with demand, which is not possible with renewable energy. For example, a dairy farmer cannot choose to milk cows only when the sun shines or when the wind blows.

Batteries solve this problem by storing surplus renewable energy. The Photon Farmer project aims to learn if the ZBM2, with its intelligent battery management system, can optimally match supply and demand. The Redflow ZBM2 is the worlds smallest flow battery.

Redflows unique battery is intrinsically fire safe, due to its design and the fact that its bromine electrolyte is inherently non-flammable. The ZBM2 delivers superior energy storage performance, being capable of 100 per cent daily Depth of Discharge and delivers 10 kWh of sustained storage for its warranted 10 years. This means no loss of energy storage capacity over time, as occurs with other battery chemistries such as lithium and lead-acid.

The Redflow ZBM2 battery is sold and installed globally for use in small to large-scale telecommunications, industrial and commercial applications. ZBM2 batteries are already in use in Austria, Germany, Portugal and Spain.

Redflow has also launched its ZCell residential energy storage system for homes in Australia.

The ZBM2 zinc-bromine flow battery is made from components that are easily recyclable or reusable, which makes it a sustainable battery solution. Due to this unique design, the ZBM2 was nominated for the Responsible Care Award in 2016 by the VNCI  an annual sustainability prize within the Dutch chemical industry. To find out more about Redflow visit www.redflow.com.

For media assistance, call John Harris on +61 8 8431 4000 or email john@impress.com.au.

About Redflow www.redflow.com

Redflows unique zinc-bromine flow batteries are designed for stationary energy storage applications ranging from its ZCell residential battery to its scalable ZBM2 batteries for industrial, commercial, telecommunications and grid-scale deployment. Redflow Limited, a publicly-listed company (ASX: RFX), produces high energy density batteries that are sold, installed and maintained by an international network of system integrators. Redflow batteries offer unique advantages including 100 per cent depth of discharge, tolerance of ambient temperatures as hot as 50 degrees Celsius and sustained energy storage of 10 kilowatt hours (kWh) throughout its 10-year warranty.




This Isnt Our Last Love Letter



Dear Don Don,

Way back in 92



I walked into the room and knew



Never felt this way before



I shook your hand while gazing into your eyes



And the feeling grew



As I took a seat I knew



A love that would have my heart



Forever



I knew



Way back in 92





They say love at first sight doesnt always last or isnt true



We were the exception to that rule



Our love had no where to hide



A spark set fire



As if this is how the universe started





I never doubted our love or what we could do



Together we grew



Forming a bond everlasting



That became our glue



My euphoria was YOU



Im eternally grateful for the love and life we shared



For how fortunate we were :



to have and to hold

through sickness and in health

Til death do us part



Until we are together again



This isnt our last love letter



I love you with all my heart and soul



Yours forever,



Deirdre (Mrs. Hank Snow)





Im fortunate to have fallen in love with, marry and make a life with the sharpest, coolest, funniest, most rare, bad ass, tender loving, loyal man on the planet, my husband Don Imus.









A True American Hero

I dont know why it has been so hard for me to write about my dear friend Don Imus.



I certainly know what he meant to me, my family, my charity, my hospital and the millions of fans that listened and loved him for so many years.



I keep reading all the beautiful condolences that people are writing about how much a part of their lives were effected by listening to him over the years.

But what most people dont talk enough about is what he did for all of us.

In every sense of the word, he was an American Hero. His work with children with so many different illnesses and his dedication to their future was unmatched by anyone I have ever known or heard about.



Besides raising over $100,000,000 for so many causes, he took care of young people for over 20 years in a state where he could not breathe. Along with his incredible wife Deirdre, he created a world where children were not defined by their disease. That was a miracle! He was a miracle.

I will miss him ever day for the rest of my life.

I was blessed to be a part of his and Deirdes life.

No one will ever do what he did.

I love you Don Imus - A TRUE AMERICAN HERO





David Jurist

IMUS IN THE MORNING

FIRST DAY BACK!
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Roger Moore  best known for playing James Bond seven times  sent the manuscript for an as-yet-untitled autobiography to his publisher just two weeks before his death.

Michael OMara, of publishing house Michael O'Mara Books, labelled the book a "typically amusing and self-deprecating look at old age, calling it "a suitable subject for a man in his 90th year

Paying tribute to Moore, OMara said, according to The Bookseller, that hed "never worked with a more professional author or one with a more positive attitude to life.

The actor previously released two memoirs through the OMara label  My Word is My Bond in 2009 and Last Man Standing in 2014  along with film history Bond on Bond in 2015.

Roger Moore: A life in pictures Show all 16 1 /16 Roger Moore: A life in pictures Roger Moore: A life in pictures Roger Moore Chaloner Woods/Getty Images Roger Moore: A life in pictures British actor Roger Moore as Lord Brett Sinclair, whilst filming the action television series 'The Persuaders' Reg Lancaster/Daily Express/Getty Images Roger Moore: A life in pictures Roger Moore and Elizabeth Taylor in 'The Last Time I Saw Paris' Rex Roger Moore: A life in pictures English actor Roger Moore on set during filming of the TV series 'The Persuaders' Hulton Archive/Getty Images Roger Moore: A life in pictures Patricia Donahue and Roger Moore in 'The Saint' ITV/Rex Roger Moore: A life in pictures Roger Moore in 'The Saint' Rex Roger Moore: A life in pictures English film and television actor Roger Moore on location for the filming of the James Bond 007 movie 'Live and Let Die' Hulton Archive/Getty Images Roger Moore: A life in pictures Former Prime Minister Harold Wilson (1916 - 1995) meets American actress Barbara Bach and British actor Roger Moore at Pinewood Studios, UK Express/Hulton Archive/Getty Images Roger Moore: A life in pictures Roger Moore Moviestore Collection/REX Roger Moore: A life in pictures Actors Barbara Bach and Roger Moore, stars of the James Bond film 'The Spy Who Loved Me', sitting on the now-famous 'amphibious' Lotus Esprit at Pinewood House, UK, 1977 Fox Photos/Hulton Archive/Getty Roger Moore: A life in pictures Queen Elizabeth II greets Help The Aged Living Legend award winner, actor Sir Roger Moore, as compere, TV presenter Michael Parkinson, looks on at a ceremony at Windsor Castle Getty Images Roger Moore: A life in pictures Sir Jackie Stewart and Roger Moore Christian Fischer/Bongarts/Getty Images Roger Moore: A life in pictures British Oscar winner Michael Caine and actor Roger Moore after presenting a mini-coach to a children's charity in London Getty Images Roger Moore: A life in pictures Roger Moore and manager Alex Ferguson Getty Images Roger Moore: A life in pictures Roger Moore dons a Man Utd shirt before the Manchester United v Boca Juniors Unicef Benefit match at Old Trafford Getty Images Roger Moore: A life in pictures A cast of Sir Roger Moore's hands is displayed at The Odeon Cinema in Leicester Square Getty Images

O'Mara told the publication: "When I published Roger Moores memoir, My Word is My Bond, nearly ten years ago, I thought it must be his swan song. After all, he was 80 years old and had done it all. In fact, Roger was only just getting started as an author.

Moore died aged 89 in Switzerland following a short battle with cancer. Sean Connery, Pierce Brosnan, and more have paid tribute to the fellow Bond actor.
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With her jagged smile and pointed nose, this 27-year-old British actress has a face you dont forget. In the past decade, she has played every kind of role imaginable. She has been in horror films (28 Weeks Later), a teen romcom with Zac Efron (That Awkward Moment); comedy (Shes Funny That Way), experimental art-house drama (Terrence Malicks Knight Of Cups), brutal indie fare (Green Room), Irvine Welsh adaptations, biopics and even a car racing movie (Need For Speed). She can do rebels, ingenues, screwball characters or tragic heroines.

At Cannes, Poots was basking in the sun, showing no sign of tiredness. Given that she only arrived at the festival a few hours before and was due to head back to London not long after the interview ended, her relaxed demeanour came as a surprise. The British actress is currently appearing on stage in London in a production of Whos Afraid Of Virginia Woolf? opposite Imelda Staunton, Conleth Hill and Luke Treadaway. She was on stage at the Harold Pinter Theatre late on Saturday night, flew out to Nice in the morning, and would be back in London for the next performance on Monday.

Its a long play, nearly three hours. We finished it last night around 11pm. Tomorrow, we start again, she says. Not that shes complaining. Whos Afraid Of Virginia Woolf? is a masterpiece and each night listening to it, its such a rich experience. You take so much from that writing, that material, and you can continue to get deeper and deeper into it the more you do it, she says, sounding more like a student of the play than one of its stars.

Poots plays Ali, a homeless mother, in Mobile Homes

Poots is clearly used to duress and hard work. The film which she is in Cannes to promote, Vladimir De Fontenays Mobile Homes, was shot in a remote part of Canada in the dead of winter and was a considerable trial of endurance in its own right. In the film, Poots plays Ali, a young mother who lives a hand-to-mouth existence as she travels across country with her son in tow. Her lover Evan (Callum Turner) is charismatic, good looking but a manipulative petty thief and drug dealer who treats her very badly.

The film was clearly a challenge for Poots. First, there was the setting. The weather, the circumstances in which we made the film were so harsh  the conditions sucked! It was during the Arctic vortex in Canada, so it was freezing, freezing, freezing all the time, she says, pretending to shiver.

Then there was the role itself. In the course of the film, there are graphic and brutal sex scenes, moments in which Poots is plunged into icy water and scenes when she is forced to flee her vengeful, headbanging lover. She has to wash in public toilets. In one scene, we see her trying to look after her hair using a Dyson hand-dryer. Glamorous, the film is not.

Whos Afraid of Virginia Woolf? is the actresss first theatre production (Johan Persson)

I ask her about Alis relationship with the abusive, Heathcliff-like delinquent played in flamboyant fashion by Turner in Mobile Homes. Its toxic, she says with enthusiasm. Hes certainly a noxious presence in her life. That noxiousness is strangely attractive. She despises him but cant resist him.

In the film, Ali is desperately trying to find a home for herself and her son. Evan may betray her but he is as close as she comes to having a stable presence. She sticks with him even when she knows she shouldnt. Her character is needy, erratic and makes some very bad decisions.

The actress takes it all in her stride. After all, she relishes strung-out characters. Ali may be poor and homeless but otherwise isnt so far removed from Pootss role as Debbie Raymond, the beautiful but self-destructive daughter of porn mogul Paul Raymond in The Look Of Love or from her role as Jess, a suicidal woman, in A Long Way Down.

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Poots is generally game for anything. She had never done a play before Whos Afraid Of Virginia Wolf? but that didnt put her off in the slightest. Nor was she wary about taking the part in Mobile Homes. Shed far rather accept a role in a challenging, low-budget indie movie than waste her time in mainstream Hollywood fare.

28 Weeks Later was Pootss breakthrough role

I think Hollywood is still struggling with the idea of the female anti-hero, she suggests. It is almost trendy to talk about this notion of the strong female character but actually we want weak female characters and flawed female characters. Equating strength with something interesting doesnt make sense to me. I think Hollywood has a long, long way to go. Independent films allow you to take risks. Independent film is where you find the most inspiring scripts. They make them for nothing and so you have more creative control.

Its a decade now since the Hammersmith-born actresss breakthrough role in London-based zombie movie, 28 Weeks Later (2007). Since then, she has established herself as one of the most versatile and adventurous screen stars of her generation. As she puts it, You always seek diversity and risk. Otherwise why bother?

Yes, she likes the glamour of the movie business  but only to a limited extent. Its nice to wear nice clothes but there again, Ive always liked to wear things that interest me rather than that flatter me or make me look pretty, she says. Why would you ever want to seek vanity? Thats stupid and futile. Go and do something else. I dont see the point in any of that. I think its pretty stupid to want to be pretty. That seems disingenuous given that she manifestly is pretty  but she makes it very clear she doesnt want to take roles based on her looks.

Poots talks of the magical feeling she experiences when she receives a costume for a role and how that helps her mould a performance. Its a really glorious feeling because you dont feel like you. In Mobile Homes, it was her decision that Ali should have braids in her hair. She consulted closely with the director about what the character wore and how she looked.

As Debbie Raymond, the self-destructive daughter of porn mogul Paul Raymond in The Look Of Love

She throws herself into her projects in such an intense way thats its sometimes a struggle to move on. After a film, you want to wear something similar to what youve been wearing. I remember after Green Room [Jeremy Sauniers redneck thriller], I really wanted to wear certain things but then (thought) no, you cant wear that. Thats white supremacy shit!

The actress doesnt take her profession lightly. Movies have always been important, Poots says, and she dismisses the idea that cinema is ever mere escapism. What she asks from her collaborators is that theyre up for it  that theyll be ready to throw themselves into projects in the same fearless way that she does. On Mobile Homes, that was certainly the case. Everybody had to be with that budget and schedule.

Poots time to talk is limited. She is only in town for the day and has to get back to London for the next performances of Virginia Woolf. Its a schedule that would drive less resilient actors toward breakdown. Poots, though, is thriving. As a teenager, she may once have toyed for a few moments with the idea of becoming a vet but it is apparent that shes now in the profession she loves  and enduring sub-zero temperatures or being forced to go on day trips to Cannes to speak to the press is a small price to pay for staying in it.

Mobile Homes screens in the Cannes Quinzaine this week. Whos Afraid Of Virginia Woolf? is at the Harold Pinter Theatre until 27 May
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Javier Bardem was visiting his pregnant wife Penelope Cruz on the Hawaiian set of Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides in 2010 when he got his first taste of life onboard Disneys blockbuster franchise.

I saw how well everything worked and how much they respected the fact she was pregnant while she was shooting. And I remember talking to [producer] Jerry Bruckheimer saying how I would love to be a part of it. I wasnt asking for a job, but more saying how fun it looked, recalls Bardem, who had wed Cruz in a small, private ceremony in the Bahamas prior to her filming the fourth Pirates movie.

Five years later he would receive a call from Bruckheimer inviting him to follow in his wifes footsteps, starring as the ghostly Captain Salazar in Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales.

Not quite a ghost, Salazar has been under the sea for 25 years trapped with his crew in a maritime limbo where theyve become underwater creatures, preying on other pirate ships. Blaming Johnny Depps Captain Jack Sparrow for his plight, his thirst for revenge runs deeper than any of Sparrows previous adversaries.

On board: Geoffrey Rush (left) and Bardem in the new Pirates film (Walt Disney) (Film Frame/Walt Disney/Kobal/REX)

Best known for his complex portrayals of villainy  as James Bonds nemesis Silva in Skyfall and as a psychopathic assassin called Anton Chigurh in No Country for Old Men, for which he won an Oscar  the Spanish leading man is barely recognisable beneath a chalk white face and hollow sunken eyes, black squid ink spitting from his mouth every time he speaks. Not to mention the special effects which render him with his brain rotting away beneath long-flowing black hair which seems to have a life of its own.

I see Salazar as a wounded bull, full of rage and revenge. One of the things that attracted me as an actor to play it is because Salazar has a point. I can understand his mentality. Of course, hes a villain, but we can also find empathy for him, recalls the actor when we meet at a Beverly Hills hotel. Sporting a few weeks facial stubble, hes dressed in jeans and a pale blue shirt, the top buttons opened to reveal a muscular hairy chest.

The idea I wanted to bring is that if somebody is so taken by the rage that, even if he succeeds in his goal, he would never be liberated of that pain, no matter what they do. And we see that with the death penalty, people dont get freedom with that either.

Born in the Canary Islands to a family of actors, Bardem originally shunned the family business. Playing rugby for the junior Spanish national team, he went on to enrol at art school in Madrid, only taking acting jobs to support his art.

Spanish connection: Bardem and Cruz performed together in Vicky Cristina Barcelona

Ultimately concluding he would never be a great painter, he was 20 years old when his mother, Pilar Bardem, helped swing a small role for him in her 1990 drama The Ages of Lulu. Immediately hitting his stride, two years later he received broader recognition in romantic comedy Jamon, Jamon, co-starring with his future wife Cruz, although they didnt become a couple until 2007 when they worked together again on Woody Allens Vicky Cristina Barcelona.

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Jamon, Jamon proved to be his calling card to Hollywood, Al Pacino and John Malkovich both recognising his talent and expressing a desire to work with him.

Javier is an actors actor, says his Pirates co-star Geoffrey Rush, reprising his role as Captain Barbossa.

Recalling his shock when he first saw Bardem in full make-up, he adds, He was very scary. Nobody told me he was going to have black squid ink coming out of his mouth. Off camera I was going Jesus Christ, what must this guy smell like? I told him, Youre like a prawn thats gone off in the sun.

Javier would approach me on his sticks looking like a crustacean and Im there on my crutch with my wooden leg, the two of us dancing around each other  we looked like two crabs about to have sex.

The names Silva: Bardem as the villain in Skyfall

Likewise, Bardems young British co-star Kaya Scodelario recalls, I thought he was going to be super intense all the time because hes so amazing at what he does  but hes actually super lovely and fluffy and friendly in between, so its very confusing. I thought, Do I hate you or do I love you? Hes definitely now one of my favourite actors ever.

As a child, Bardem grew up with legends of Spanish pirates. Of course I played like a pirate but I preferred playing spaceships from Star Wars. Not Darth Vadar or Luke Skywalker  I was playing a spaceship, I remember that. And part of doing a movie like this is reminding yourself to have fun because otherwise whats the point? Of course its a good pay cheque, its work, its a good role, its a good company, but beyond that  if you dont have joy doing it, people will notice, he says.

Admittedly he lost sight of some of that joy during long sessions in the make-up chair. Ive been taught how to be patient after making The Sea Inside, he says referring to the 2004 drama based on the true story of quadriplegic Ramon Sampedro and his 30-year campaign for his own right to die. Delivering a moving portrayal as Sampedro, the film would win an Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film.

In that movie I had to stay still for six hours every day so that was a very good baptism, compared to that, nothing is that long. When I know that Im going to go through make-up, I record all my notes so I can listen to them, but still you go through different states and you curse and you stand up and you go, I dont want this anymore! And then you leave and then you come back, and then you try to sleep while they put a hairdryer on your face, and you go, Oh no. But then you laugh and say, It looks great. And then they say, One more hour to go  so its many things, he says, his command of the English language only allowing for brutal honesty, delivered with a wily humour.

The actor also played a psychopathic assassin in No Country for Old Men, for which he won an Oscar

Filmed on locations around Australia, on this fifth Pirates movie it was Cruzs turn to visit her spouse on set, now with their two children Leo, six and Luna, four, in tow.

However, he was careful not to let his children see him in his scary make-up.

Theyre too young. They were on set but I only brought them to set when I was alive and proud, he says, referring to the two different states of his Captain Salazar. I didnt want them to miss the chance to be on a pirate boat full of cannons and extras dressed like pirates, that was something extraordinary, like a Disney ride.

Unlike many show-business couples who try to separate work from pleasure, the Madrid-based duo enjoy working together as much as possible, co-starring in upcoming films Escobar  Cruz as a journalist who falls for the Bardems notorious drug lord Pablo Escobar  and Asghar FarhadIs untitled drama.

Co-starring in Ridley Scotts 2013 crime thriller The Counsellor, Bardem also happily obliged when his wife was hired to direct a video for sexy lingerie company Agent Provocateur that same year, casting him as a construction worker amid scores of scantily clad supermodels.

Considered as one of the finest actors of his generation, Bardem, 48, allows a chuckle when he reflects on his early ambitions as a younger man. I think when you are younger, its important that you have ambition and you make some plans and you realise, as they say, If you want God to laugh, tell him your plans, says the lapsed Catholic who now considers himself an atheist. But I am a very lucky, blessed person who has had the gift of working with great people; sometimes the movies were better than others, but I have been very blessed to have the chance to make a living out of my job, so in this moment to have the chance to entertain people in a good entertaining movie which is not easy to do, because there are many movies that are supposed to entertain and they are boring  but this is not one of them.

Asked if he feels a sense of pride representing his Spanish countrymen for an audience of millions, he says, I dont know. I do my job. I dont represent anybody otherwise it would be too much weight on me  I have enough representing myself.

Taking mock offence at the notion he has become typecast as a villain, he argues that Captain Salazar is only his third true villain, coming behind his roles in Skyfall and No Country for Old Men. I think Ive only played three, he grins. But then I also play people that are in the line of evil but thats life, we are always playing with good and bad. But I see them all as people, I try not to make them as caricatures, maybe I fail? I try to see whats behind them.

Certainly he doesnt envision playing a superhero any time soon. I dont think so. But I have played some good guys, I guess, he says scratching his head. Vicky Cristina Barcelona was a good guy. Eat Pray Love, I was a good guy. The Sea Inside was a good guy. I dont know, theres some there. We just have to look harder.

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales is released 25 May
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The long-awaited return of Sofia Coppola has arrived at Cannes following this morning's screening of The Beguiled.

The Lost in Translation filmmaker's latest feature offers a new take on a 1966 novel set in a Virginia women's boarding school in 1864 at the height of the Civil War.

Generating much attention has been the film's stellar cast comprised of Nicole Kidman - as headmistress Miss Martha Farnsworth - as well as Elle Fanning (Somewhere) and Coppola's Marie-Antoinette lead Kirsten Dunst.

The films to know about at Cannes 2016 Show all 14 1 /14 The films to know about at Cannes 2016 The films to know about at Cannes 2016 Julieta Director: Pedro Almodovar

Starring: Adriana Ugarte, Emma Suarez

What's it about? The Spanish filmmaker's 20th film is based on three short stories from Alice Munro's 2004 book, Runaway which tracks a woman's search for her missing daughter. The films to know about at Cannes 2016 American Honey Director: Andrea Arnold

Starring: Sasha Lane, Kate Mara, Shia LaBeouf

What's it about? In British filmmaker Andrea Arnold's (Red Road) American road movie - her first film set and filmed outside the UK - a teenage girl who gets caught up in a whirlwind of hard partying as she crosses the Midwest with a band of misfits. The films to know about at Cannes 2016 Personal Shopper Director: Olivier Assayas

Starring: Kristen Stewart, Lars Eidinger, Nora von Waldstatten

What's it about? Stewart reteams with French filmmaker Assayas following Clouds of Sils Maria for this ghost story set in the fashion underworld of Paris. The films to know about at Cannes 2016 It's Only the End of the World Director: Xavier Dolan

Starring: Lea Seydoux, Marion Cotillard, Vincent Cassel

What's it about? Xavier Dolan (Mommy) returns with this film based on the play Juste la fin du monde which tells the story of a terminally ill writer who returns home after 12 years to announce his impending death. The films to know about at Cannes 2016 Paterson Director: Jim Jarmusch,

Starring: Adam Driver, Golshifteh Farahani

What's it about? An original film from Amazon Studios that follows Paterson, a bus driver in the city of Paterson, New Jersey who lives an inhibited life compared to that of his wife, Laura. The films to know about at Cannes 2016 I, Daniel Blake Director: Ken Loach

Starring: Dave Johns, Hayley Squires, Micky McGregor

What's it about? Written by Paul Laverty (the man behind Loach's Palme d'Or winner The Wind That Shakes the Barley, the film follows the titular protagonist, a joiner who seeks financial felp from the state following an illness. The films to know about at Cannes 2016 Loving Director: Jeff Nichols

Starring: Joel Edgerton, Michael Shannon, Marton Csokas

What's it about? Jeff Nichols' Midnight Special follow-up tracks an interracial couple based in Virginia sentenced to prison in 1958 for getting married. The films to know about at Cannes 2016 The Handmaid Director: Park Chan-wook

Starring: Kim Min-hee, Ha Jung-woo, Kim Tae-ri

What's it about? The Oldboy director's latest South Korean film follows an heiress who falls in love with a petty thief. The films to know about at Cannes 2016 The Neon Demon Director: Nicolas Winding Refn

Starring: Elle Fanning, Jena Malone, Keanu Reeves, Christina Hendricks

What's it about? Winding Refn's third consecutive film to compete for the Palme d'Or, this horror thriller follows an aspiring model who moves to Los Angeles where 'her vitality and youth are devoured by a group of beauty-obsessed women who will take any means to get what she has.' The films to know about at Cannes 2016 Cafe Society Director: Woody Allen

Starring: Jesse Eisenberg, Kristen Stewart, Blake Lively

What's it about? Woody Allen's latest will open the Festival. It is a New York romantic comedy set in the 1930s with a cast including Steve Carell, Parker Posey, Corey Stoll and Judy Davis. The films to know about at Cannes 2016 The BFG Director: Steven Spielberg

Starring: Mark Rylance, Rebecca Hall, Bill Hader

What's it about? Based on the Roald Dahl classic, the story follows a young girl named Sophie (Ruby Barnhill) who befriends a friendly giant. The films to know about at Cannes 2016 Money Monster Director: Jodie Foster

Starring: George Clooney, Jack O'Connell, Julia Roberts

What's it about? A money-oriented live TV show is interrupted when the presenter is taken hostage by a blue-collar worker compelled to turn to violence following his recent financial losses. The films to know about at Cannes 2016 The Nice Guys Director: Shane Black

Starring: Ryan Gosling, Russell Crowe

Reason to see: Shane Black (Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang) and his razor sharp wit return in a comedy set in 70s LA. The films to know about at Cannes 2016 Captain Fantastic Director: Matt Ross

Starring: Viggo Mortensen, Frank Langella, Kathryn Hahn

What's it about? In the forests of the Pacific Northwest, a father who devoted his life to raising his six kids with an irreverent education is forced to leave his paradise and enter the 'real' world.

The plot sees the women's world disrupted by the arrival of a wounded Union army soldier played by Colin Farrell who was the focus of a 1971 film starring Clint Eastwood. Coppola, however, shifted the focus onto the dynamics between a group of women stuck together.

Critics across the world - including The Independent's Kaleem Aftab - have provided their first-look reactions to The Beguiled, which you can see for yourself below.

 The Beguiled - Trailer 2

The Beguiled will be released in UK cinemas on 14 July.
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Baywatch (15)



Dir: Seth Gordon, 116 mins, starring: Dwayne Johnson, Zac Efron, Alexandra Daddario, Priyanka Chopra, Kelly Rohrbach, Ilfenesh Hadera

"Get it through your head, Mitch, youre not a cop, youre not The Equaliser, the beefed up hero of Baywatch is told again and again. He aint Superman, hes just a damn lifeguard.

This isnt news that Mitch (Dwayne Johnson) is ready to accept. It also goes a long way to explaining why the film makes such little sense. Mitch is leader of a Lifeguard squadron. By rights, he should be rescuing drowning surfers and keeping the beach safe. However, he just cant help behaving as if hes on leave from the latest Marvel summer blockbuster.

Baywatch is an exercise is self-reflexive irony and kitsch. Its mocking the original TV series  which seems pretty pointless given that the series was tongue in cheek anyway. Director Seth Gordon wastes no opportunity in showing women in swimsuits running in slow motion down the beach and making jokes about the men who lust after them.

There is a very painful bit of sub-Porkies comic business early on involving Ronnie (Jon Bass), the overweight youngster who wants to join the Baywatch lifeguard squad. Whenever he sees C.J., (Kelly Rohrbach), one of the female lifeguards, he gets an erection and then has to go to extreme lengths to hide it.

If the filmmakers cant help slavering over the women in swimsuits, theyre equally obsessed with the physiques of Mitch and of Matt Brody (Zac Efron), the disgraced Olympic swimmer who has come to join the crew.

 Baywatch - Red Band Trailer

Matt won two gold medals but vomited in the pool during the team relay after a night of heavy partying. He is supremely arrogant, drives a motorbike and has pecs almost as big as those of Mitch himself. Matt may be a celebrity whose presence on the team will be good PR but the screenplay asks us to believe that hes also homeless and down on his luck.

The real challenge for screenwriters Mark Swift and Damian Shannon is to find something meaningful for the lifeguards to do. Saving mums and drowning toddlers is all very well but hardly enough to sustain a feature length movie.

Thats why they come up with a very flimsy storyline involving a beautiful and ruthless nightclub owner Victoria Leeds (played by former Miss World Priyanka Chopra) who is smuggling drugs, bribing politicians and trying to drive real estate prices down as she strives to get control of the bay. The cops are either too busy or too stupid or too corrupt to do anything about her. Mitch therefore takes on the task.

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The most important relationship here is that between Mitch and Matt. Early on, Mitch goes out of his way to taunt and humiliate Matt, calling him One Direction or High Street Musical (another of the many in-jokes in the film.) Matt taunts Mitch in turn. Nonetheless, the bad mouthing is really just the prelude to the bromance we all know is bound to spring up between them.

Just occasionally, the filmmakers do squeeze out a few laughs. Theres a memorably grotesque scene in a morgue involving embalming fluids and the private parts of corpses. Basss Ronnie has an appealing lost puppy innocence about him as he continually makes a fool of himself in the showers and on the dance floor.

Yahya Abdul-Mateen gives an enjoyably sardonic performance as the cop on Bay duty, always trying to warn Mitch that he isnt Batman. Many of the performances have a self-parodic quality as if the actors are playing live action versions of characters in a LEGO movie.

Whenever the plot is about to stall, there will be yet another slow motion close up of a female lifeguard in a swimsuit. You can tell that everyone is running out of inspiration by the final reel in which were treated to a spectacular but completely redundant fireworks display to stop our interest from ebbing away.

Director Gordon himself could do with some assistance from lifeguards as he flounders between scenes, uncertain whether hes making a thriller, a bawdy National Lampoon style comedy or a public information film about how to stay safe in the water.

There are the inevitable cameos late on from David Hasselhoff and Pamela Anderson  stars of the original Baywatch  and hints that another sequel might be in the offing. This, though, is a franchise that doesnt need saving.

The Red Turtle (PG)



Dir: Michael Dudok de Wit, 81 mins

Dutch director Michael Dudok de Wits The Red Turtle is a rarity  an animated feature which feels utterly personal. This is a world away from Pixar or Disney. There is no dialogue. The animals dont talk or pull funny faces. The film, co-produced by Hayao Miyazakis Studio Ghibli, has a dream-like quality and an air of mystery.

The story is simple enough. A man is shipwrecked on an island. We dont learn his identity or where he is from. He tries to escape, using trees to build himself rafts. Hes like Sisyphus. Whenever he takes to the sea, the rafts fall apart.

He is furious when a red turtle buffets one of his rafts, and he later has his revenge when the turtle is washed up on shore. This turtle, though, turns into a woman and there is the prospect of a blissful, Edenic life with her on the island.

The screenplay, by de Wit and French writer-director Pascale Ferran (best known internationally for her version of Lady Chatterley) is deliberately very spare. If a turtle becomes a woman with long, red hair, we are not provided with any explanation as to why. By refusing to provide background information, Dudok de Wit invites us to interpret events in any way we choose.

You can see the film as a Robinson Crusoe-like story of a castaway or as an allegory about human endurance and the cycle of life. Either way, it is exquisitely crafted. Whether its the movements of a crab, the way that the man casts shadows on the sand, the furious patter of a rainstorm or the shape of the sea waves, everything here is depicted in a precise way.

We have a sense of the stifling heat that the man is enduring and of how puny he is in the face of the natural world when storms or tidal waves threaten him.

There is no differentiation between fantasy and reality. If the man suddenly sees a classical music quartet playing on the beach or a bridge opens up across the water or he suddenly starts to fly, these scenes are represented in exactly the same way as the ones of him desperately trying to stay alive on the island.

At times, when he is together with the woman and their child and the weather is benign, the island appears a paradise. It can seem hellish too. The music by Laurent Perez del Mar plays a crucial role in setting the rhythm of the film and establishing its many changing moods. Kids may find it a little austere. (There arent many merchandising opportunities here.) Nonetheless, the film has an emotional kick that youre certainly not going to get with Donald Duck.

The British-based Dudok de Wit is an immensely distinguished figure who has won Oscars and BAFTAs for his short films. The Red Turtle is his first full length animation. Its a superb piece of work, beautiful and enigmatic.

The one critical question it provokes is why it needed to be made at feature length. At times, there are repetitions here. The ideas could all have been been communicated equally well in a shorter piece.

The Other Side Of Hope (12A)



Dir: Aki Kaurismaki, 100 mins, starring: Kati Outinen, Ville Virtanen, Tommi Korpela, Matti Onnismaa, Sherwan Haji, Jorn Donner

The great Finnish director Aki Kaurismaki is an unsung hero in real life. He secretly helped smuggle Chechen couple Khadijat and Malik Gataev into Finland and fought for them to be given political asylum when they faced extreme persecution back home.

His new feature The Other Side Of Hope is a typically deadpan and brilliantly observed comic study of the plight of a fictional asylum seeker in Finland. This is Khaled (Sherwan Haji), first seen emerging from the coal on the ship he has stowed away on. Hes from Syria. His unlikely benefactor is travelling salesman turned restaurateur Wikstrom (Sakari Kuosmanen), another of Kaurismakis stoical and impassive heroes.

Kaurismaki tells his stories with a simplicity and directness reminiscent of old Charlie Chaplin movies. His films are effortlessly funny, even when theyre dealing with the darkest subject matter. He is one of the only filmmakers who could take a scene of a refugee being stabbed by a right wing thug and give it a comic pathos.

As Khaled, Haji has a Chaplin-like innocence. We see him at the refugee centre, treated as if he is a criminal, fingerprinted and photographed, and then put in a cell with an Iraqi refugee (who advises him of the importance of always seeming cheerful).

He has endured terrible suffering in the course of his journey to Finland and he and his sister are the only members of their family surviving. Hes desperate to be reunited with his sister.

There is a quirkiness here that you wouldnt find in, say, a Ken Loach film on the same subject. Khaleds plight is bleak. Parts of the film are very downbeat but the film comes complete with the familiar Kaurismaki ingredients: scene-stealing dogs, incongruous rock music and absurdist humour, much of it revolving around Sushi and Japanese ornaments. Its also a redemptive story in which we see more of the best of human nature than of the worst.

Diary Of A Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul (U)



Dir: David Bowers, 91 mins, starring: Alicia Silverstone, Tom Everett Scott, Charlie Wright, Jason Drucker, Alexa Blair Robertson

Bodily functions are to the fore in excruciating new family comedy Diary Of A Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul. We see nappies becoming stuck to peoples hands or vomit landing on their faces or little boys urinating in bottles during car journeys or the humour comes just from old fashioned potty jokes. These gags grow ever more desperate as the filmmakers pursue a throw enough poo at the windscreen strategy and hope some of it will stick.

The Long Haul has the same characters as in the earlier Wimpy Kid movies but there are new actors playing them.The story follows the Heffley family on a long road trip to grandmas 90th birthday party. Plot wise, this is very similar to the National Lampoon 2015 feature Vacation  but even cruder and less funny.

Little nerdy Greg (played this time out by Jason Drucker) has been humiliated on a video that has gone viral and is now known as diaper hands. His far-fetched plan to redeem his online reputation is to trick his family into taking him to gaming convention, Player Expo. Here, he hopes to shoot a video with his hero, Mack Digby, an obese and obnoxious gamer and YouTuber.

Alicia Silverstone, in one of her more thankless roles, plays the uptight mom Susan Heffley, who insists on her sons and husbands giving up their mobile phones so they can spend more time interacting as a family during their cross country trip. Its a painful journey for everyone concerned, most especially the viewers. There are filthy, cockroach-infested motel rooms to endure, traffic jams and mechanical mishaps.

They pick up a piglet at a fair. Somehow, this cute but foul smelling little runt raids the mini-bar and lands the perpetually harassed dad Frank Heffley (Tom Everett Scott) with an enormous bill. (How the creature used its trotters to open the mini-bar door, let alone the packets of crisps, is never explained.)

Every so often, well see some squiggly animation in the style of the books, and one or two of the jokes do actually work. Theres funny scene in which the baby younger brother Mannys Spanish speaking ability gets the family out of a tight hole and the old fashioned slapstick (characters smeared with mud by a car wheel, Greg himself turning the strident orange colour of a cheesy wotsit) is fitfully effective.

What the film completely lacks, though, is the Adrian Mole-like pathos and gentle irony of the original Wimpy Kid movies. They focused closely on Gregs best (and only) friend, the overweight but always cheerful, Rowley Jefferson.

Unfortunately, Rowley isnt along for the ride here. Gregs only foil and companion is his thoroughly unlikable and dim witted brother, Rodrick, the would-be rock drummer who is part of a band called Loaded Diaper. As portrayed here, the Heffleys make horrific travelling companions. This is a road trip best avoided.
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Rocked by the news of the terror attack at Ariana Grande's Manchester Arena concert which killed 22 fans, musicians have postponed UK shows out of respect.

Blondie and Take That are among the acts to have decided not to perform last night, while, according to The Hollywood Reporter, Celine Dion, Shawn Mendes and more will keep their scheduled European dates.

"Out of respect to all of the people and their families that were affected by the horrific incident last night at The Manchester Arena we have decided to postpone our show tonight in Liverpool. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all," Take That wrote on Twitter.

Blondie's Debbie Harry posted a similar tweet meanwhile: "Out of respect for the victims of the terrible attack at the Manchester Arena last night we will not go ahead with the performance scheduled for this evening at the Round Chapel in Hackney, London.

 Manchester attack: Theresa May raises terror threat rating to 'critical'

"We are working to reschedule the event, and we will communicate details as soon as possible. Thank you for your understanding."

Justin Bieber's fans meanwhile have been pleading him on Twitter to cancel his planned upcoming UK shows.

Recommended Ariana Grande flies home to Florida after Manchester concert bombing

Ariana Grande has suspended her world tour following the tragic events of Monday night, which saw 22 killed and 59 injured by suicide bomber Salman Ramadan Abedi.

Manchester Arena said in a statement: "Due to the tragic events in Manchester last night and the ongoing police investigation, the scheduled concerts for Thursday 25, Friday 26 and Saturday 27 May at Manchester Arena have been postponed.

"Further details will be released as soon as possible."

Theresa May has announced the terror threat level in the UK is being raised to "critical" and soldiers will now be deployed on the streets to protect key sites, in a significant escalation of the policing response following the attack.
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The production company behind US series America's Got Talent is being sued amid claims that her daughter was left traumatised after being physically manipulated and verbally abused by host Tyra Banks.

An 18-page lawsuit was filed in Los Angeles Superior Court on Tuesday (23 May) detailing how the woman - referred to as Jane Doe - performed a duet with her husband which left them publicly humiliated by the AGT judges, including Simon Cowell, Mel B and Heidi Klum, on 19 March.

The duo sang a song that celebrated the birth of their daughter, referred to in the lawsuit as Mary Doe. It's alleged that Banks shook Mary's shoulder, pulled Mary's hair back and physically manipulated Mary, something their daughter did not stop because she was fearful.

Banks is also said to have ridiculed the song by insinuating that Mary was accidentally conceived, all while cameras were focused on the young girl's face. Mary was then asked in front of active and filming cameras what her opinion of her parents were following their negative response from the judging panel and members of the audience,

Following the abusive experience, the lawsuit states that Mary became deeply depressed.

The show's executive producers have since agreed to edit Mary out of the episode, acknowledging her emotional distress. They refused to completely edit Jane and her husband's performance, maintaining they will exploit all footages despite not airing it in its entirety.
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Angela Merkel, Emmanuel Macron and other world leaders  but not, apparently, Theresa May  will try to convince Donald Trump that the US should remain part of the international fight against climate change when they meet at the G7 summit.

The Prime Minister has been accused of having a pact of silence with the Republican billionaire over his description of climate change as a hoax, his plan to withdraw the US from the landmark Paris Agreement and pledge to reinvigorate the US coal industry.

A petition by Greenpeace urging Ms May to use your influence to save the Paris climate deal has attracted more than 155,000 signatures.

Speaking at a meeting of about 30 nations in Berlin before meeting Mr Trump at the G7 summit on 26 and 27 May, the German Chancellor said dealing with climate change must be an international effort.

We are responsible for each other, Ms Merkel said. I am trying to convince doubters. There is still work to do.

Mr Macron, the newly elected French president, will also attempt to convince Mr Trump to keep the US within the terms of the Paris Agreement, a senior French official told Reuters.

Whats at stake is to be firm on the Paris accord, the diplomat said, adding that Mr Macron would put his case to Mr Trump in person.

We dont want the US to pull out because it would be a very bad signal and lead others to pull out.

Ms May has sent mixed messages on climate change. One of her first acts as Prime Minister was to close the dedicated climate change department and move its responsibilities into the new Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.

The Government has persistently failed on attempts to come up with an effective plan to reduce air pollution to within minimum safety standards, and its Emissions Reduction Plan  the key policy setting out how the UK will cut its greenhouse gases  is long overdue.

However it also ratified the Paris Agreement and approved the UKs Fifth Carbon Budget, which sets tough emissions reduction targets.

There has been speculation that Ms May is keen to have Mr Trump as a political ally, particularly because of the talks with the European Union over Brexit. With the US on its side, the UK might be in a stronger negotiating position than if this were not the case.

This could explain her reluctance to expend political capital on climate change, particularly if she thinks it would only aggravate Mr Trump.

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

But the US President seemed happy enough to receive advice from Pope Francis during his visit to the Vatican.

Francis gave Mr Trump a signed copy of a message of peace, called Nonviolence: A Style of Politics for Peace, and a copy of his 2015 encyclical letter on the need to protect the environment from the effects of climate change.

Well, Ill be reading them, Mr Trump said.

The Sierra Club, the largest grassroots environmental group in the US with about two million members, noted the Pope had been at the forefront of calls for action on climate change for years.

Speaking ahead of the meeting with Mr Trump, John Coequyt, the groups global climate policy director, said the Popes sentiments and actions have been echoed by nearly every other world leader around the globe, yet Trump is heading into [their] meeting as the only climate-denying world leader.

Trump stands on one side of this issue, while the Pope, a large majority of the American public, business leaders and the global community stand on the other, he added.

If one thing is already clear from this meeting, Donald Trumps denial of the climate crisis has isolated him from the rest of the world and ceded US leadership on the most pressing issue of our lives.

The Trump administration had been due to decide whether to remain a signatory of the Paris Agreement before the G7 meeting, but two internal meetings to discuss the issue were postponed without explanation.

In November, Fiji is due to be the official host of talks about climate change involving about 200 countries, held in Bonn, Germany, for logistical reasons.

Frank Bainimarama, Fijis Prime Minister, suggested everyone was worried about what Mr Trump would ultimately decide to do.

We have an elephant in the room, he said. That is uncertainty over the position of the United States.

Downing Street did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Reuters contributed to this report
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The transformation of "bringing a bottle" equating to "bring a prosecco" began about four years ago, for me. While my student days were reliant on cheap vodka and whatever mixer I had around the house, shamefully incorporating Ribena squash on more than one occasion, my mid-twenties have been replaced with prosecco. I head to the supermarket, select the bottle on offer (usually around 7) and head to a friends house, often skipping the bar or club in that classic "millennial" fashion.

Prosecco, sparkling wine from the Veneto region of Italy, is often regarded as champagnes younger, more broke and trashier cousin. However, its rise in popularity over the last few years has been phenomenal and unprecedented: From 2013- 2014, prosecco consumption in the UK doubled.

Sainsburys own-label prosecco has grown 40 per cent year-on-year and its Taste the Difference Conegliano Prosecco, which was launched in 2011, is consistently one of its top-performing products from the premium range.

Tesco says its sales of the drink started soaring five years ago, and this year alone customers are buying 26 per cent more bottles than the last.

The craze peaked earlier this month when there was a two-day prosecco festival in London where revellers could enjoy eight different brands and attend masterclasses.

Prosecco has become an increasingly popular drink over the last few years in the UK but real knowledge about the product, brands and methods seems to be lacking, the festival's founder, Jordan Gross, told The Independent. We wanted to bring together the best bits of wine-tasting events with the fun of a festival environment all under one roof, where customers can sample, learn and have fun."

Gross believes the drinks ever-increasing popularity has partly come from the fact that many of the prosecco brands are now able to rival champagne in taste as well as price.

The rise of prosecco has been more apparent in Britain than anywhere. According to the International Wine and Spirit Research (IWSR) company, the UK is the biggest consumer of the drink behind its native Italy. The UK is also the largest importer of all sparkling wines in the world.

The 10 countries that drink the most alcohol Show all 10 1 /10 The 10 countries that drink the most alcohol The 10 countries that drink the most alcohol 10. Poland Results from an OECD report The 10 countries that drink the most alcohol 9. Germany The 10 countries that drink the most alcohol 8. Luxembourg Rex Features The 10 countries that drink the most alcohol 7. France The 10 countries that drink the most alcohol 6. Hungary Rex Features The 10 countries that drink the most alcohol 5. Russia AFP/Getty Images The 10 countries that drink the most alcohol 4. Czech Republic The 10 countries that drink the most alcohol 3. Estonia Rex Features The 10 countries that drink the most alcohol 2. Austria Getty Images The 10 countries that drink the most alcohol 1. Lithuania AFP/Getty Images

So why has it tempted the tastebuds of Brits more than anyone? The IWSRs wine analyst Ania Zymelka said that buying a bottle to mark an event is part of British life, therefore the UK was a natural fit for a new sparkling wine trend.

How did prosecco become this new sparkling wine trend? According to the experts, it is down to a number of factors.

A gap in the market

Ms Zymelka says that there was a gap in the sparkling wine category that prosecco has managed to fill. Champagne was too luxurious, heavy and unaffordable for a weekly treat or small event. On the other hand, cava was affordable but had a dusty image and was viewed as the cheap alternative to champagne.

Prosecco came along and presented itself as a life-affirming, positive, Italian drink  this hit a nerve, she said. In essence, consumers get the bubbles which are associated with luxury, at a good price point  an affordable, everyday luxury.

The changing nature of events

It is a change in the "occasions" we drink bubbly that has also allowed for prosecco to flourish.

In an age, where staying in is the new going out, buying a bottle of prosecco can feel celebratory even when you are only celebrating on your own or with a friend at home, Ms Zymelka says.

James Davis, master of wine at Tesco, echoes these sentiments, telling The Independent: Peoples attitudes to drinking bubbly has changed It has become a much more accessible experience and an everyday luxury.

Andy Barr, a branding expert at 10 Yetis, said that most people dont really care what fizzy wine they are drinking at a celebration, so there is no reason why it shouldnt be a cheaper, yet for many just as enjoyable, alternative, such as prosecco.

They just want the feelgood fizz factor, he said. Ive been to plenty of weddings where the bride and groom have switched champagne for prosecco in the toast to save money and most people wont even notice, or care for that matter.

The price is right

The reasonable price of the beverage has helped its cause, also explaining its popularity among young adults.

As the nation has become less focused on splurging and more on saving (some might blame the recessions weve faced), it has become more widely acceptable to celebrate the cheaper alternatives that are so readily available to us, and prosecco is one of them, Mr Barr says.

In fact, the celebrated affordability of the wine can actually hamper individual prosecco producers efforts to ramp up prices, Ms Zymelka says.

Attempts to try and premiumise prosecco have so far been very limited, she says. Consumers are not brand loyal, with prosecco itself regarded as the brand. People will generally just buy whichever prosecco is currently on promotion, which makes it difficult for suppliers to up the price.

There are mixed feelings as to whether this trend will slow down. Brits are drinking an incredibly large amount of a beverage whose producers are concentrated in one small area in Italy. Last year, following the UKs decision to leave the European Union, bottomless brunch go-ers and anticipant brides and grooms alike were concerned by the news that Brexit could impact importation.

So far, the dire prophecy has not yet materialised, but Ms Zymelka says that as with most volume-driven trends, growth rates are slowing. She also warned that production capacity is not endless, so increased demand and supply pressure could forecast a deterioration of quality.

However, Tescos Mr Davis says that so far prosecco sales have not weakened.

We dont see any signs of it slowing down, he said. At the moment, over half of the sparkling wine we sell is prosecco, and the sparkling wine category as a whole is continuing to grow.
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Facebooks controversial guidance for moderators isnt as ill-conceived as many people believe, according to a forensic linguist whose work on threat and language analysis helps the police convict criminals.

Leaked internal documents revealed that the sites moderators are instructed to delete certain threats but leave others up, depending on how credible they are.

They were heavily criticised and widely considered to be confusing, with some people branding the guidance as counterintuitive.

There was nothing [in the leaked slides] that struck me as being completely in the wrong direction, Aston Universitys Professor Tim Grant told The Independent.

It all makes sense in a simplistic way. Theres nothing that makes you think thats completely wrong. Its not counterintuitive in that sense. Its the idea that there can be simple criteria that is worrying. Threat analysis is a bit more complicated than this.

Gadget and tech news: In pictures Show all 25 1 /25 Gadget and tech news: In pictures Gadget and tech news: In pictures Gun-toting humanoid robot sent into space Russia has launched a humanoid robot into space on a rocket bound for the International Space Station (ISS). The robot Fedor will spend 10 days aboard the ISS practising skills such as using tools to fix issues onboard. Russia's deputy prime minister Dmitry Rogozin has previously shared videos of Fedor handling and shooting guns at a firing range with deadly accuracy. Dmitry Rogozin/Twitter Gadget and tech news: In pictures Google turns 21 Google celebrates its 21st birthday on September 27. The The search engine was founded in September 1998 by two PhD students, Larry Page and Sergey Brin, in their dormitories at Californias Stanford University. Page and Brin chose the name google as it recalled the mathematic term 'googol', meaning 10 raised to the power of 100 Google Gadget and tech news: In pictures Hexa drone lifts off Chief engineer of LIFT aircraft Balazs Kerulo demonstrates the company's "Hexa" personal drone craft in Lago Vista, Texas on June 3 2019 Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures Project Scarlett to succeed Xbox One Microsoft announced Project Scarlett, the successor to the Xbox One, at E3 2019. The company said that the new console will be 4 times as powerful as the Xbox One and is slated for a release date of Christmas 2020 Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures First new iPod in four years Apple has announced the new iPod Touch, the first new iPod in four years. The device will have the option of adding more storage, up to 256GB Apple Gadget and tech news: In pictures Folding phone may flop Samsung will cancel orders of its Galaxy Fold phone at the end of May if the phone is not then ready for sale. The $2000 folding phone has been found to break easily with review copies being recalled after backlash PA Gadget and tech news: In pictures Charging mat non-starter Apple has cancelled its AirPower wireless charging mat, which was slated as a way to charge numerous apple products at once AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures "Super league" India shoots down satellite India has claimed status as part of a "super league" of nations after shooting down a live satellite in a test of new missile technology EPA Gadget and tech news: In pictures 5G incoming 5G wireless internet is expected to launch in 2019, with the potential to reach speeds of 50mb/s Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Uber halts driverless testing after death Uber has halted testing of driverless vehicles after a woman was killed by one of their cars in Tempe, Arizona. March 19 2018 Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures A humanoid robot gestures during a demo at a stall in the Indian Machine Tools Expo, IMTEX/Tooltech 2017 held in Bangalore Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures A humanoid robot gestures during a demo at a stall in the Indian Machine Tools Expo, IMTEX/Tooltech 2017 held in Bangalore Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Engineers test a four-metre-tall humanoid manned robot dubbed Method-2 in a lab of the Hankook Mirae Technology in Gunpo, south of Seoul, South Korea Jung Yeon-Je/AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Engineers test a four-metre-tall humanoid manned robot dubbed Method-2 in a lab of the Hankook Mirae Technology in Gunpo, south of Seoul, South Korea Jung Yeon-Je/AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures The giant human-like robot bears a striking resemblance to the military robots starring in the movie 'Avatar' and is claimed as a world first by its creators from a South Korean robotic company Jung Yeon-Je/AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Engineers test a four-metre-tall humanoid manned robot dubbed Method-2 in a lab of the Hankook Mirae Technology in Gunpo, south of Seoul, South Korea Jung Yeon-Je/AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Waseda University's saxophonist robot WAS-5, developed by professor Atsuo Takanishi Rex Gadget and tech news: In pictures Waseda University's saxophonist robot WAS-5, developed by professor Atsuo Takanishi and Kaptain Rock playing one string light saber guitar perform jam session Rex Gadget and tech news: In pictures A test line of a new energy suspension railway resembling the giant panda is seen in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures A test line of a new energy suspension railway, resembling a giant panda, is seen in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures A concept car by Trumpchi from GAC Group is shown at the International Automobile Exhibition in Guangzhou, China Rex Gadget and tech news: In pictures A Mirai fuel cell vehicle by Toyota is displayed at the International Automobile Exhibition in Guangzhou, China Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures A visitor tries a Nissan VR experience at the International Automobile Exhibition in Guangzhou, China Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures A man looks at an exhibit entitled 'Mimus' a giant industrial robot which has been reprogrammed to interact with humans during a photocall at the new Design Museum in South Kensington, London Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures A new Israeli Da-Vinci unmanned aerial vehicle manufactured by Elbit Systems is displayed during the 4th International conference on Home Land Security and Cyber in the Israeli coastal city of Tel Aviv Getty

According to the documents, some forms of abuse, such as Someone shoot Trump and #stab and become the fear of the Zionist, should be deleted straight away.

Others, like fuck off and die, kick a person with red hair, I hope someone kills you and to snap a bitchs neck, make sure to apply all your pressure to the middle of her throat, can be left on the site, as they apparently arent credible.

I certainly have some concerns over that, says Professor Grant. Focusing on that final example, he explains, That seems to me to be quite a specific threat. Its detailing an action that should lead to an outcome.

We dont know who the individuals are that have been trained, but from the material I have seen, it seems that its intended as training for inexpert editors rather than a coherent threat analysis. The impression you get is that there will be a lot of variation between individuals in the threat analysis.

Threat analysis experts use the specificity of a threat as a measure of how likely someone is to carry through that threat, as Facebooks moderators are instructed to do.

Certain measures, such as the amount of time, energy and effort someone puts into a threat, and whether or not its repeated, can be used as indicators of intent, but this is far from straightforward.

I might threaten to shoot you but actually throw a brick through the window, or I might threaten to throw a brick through your window and actually shoot you. No simple criteria is going to capture that.

If you look at school shooters Facebook pages, you get lots of disturbing threats and sometimes manifestos and other material that has been posted, which look obvious in retrospect. That the person was dangerous. But then you see that for every school shooter who goes out and performs an action, there might be 100 or 1,000 others who are posting similar material online.

Facebook has promised to recruit 3,000 new members of staff to moderate the site, and also uses algorithms to help spot unacceptable material that has been posted by users.

Professor Grant, though, says threat analysis isnt a job for a computer system.

Its about a broader profile of a threat rather than an algorithm that can be simplistically applied. Theres no wholly automated method that can do this, that Im aware of. Social media analytics doesnt really look at the linguistics, which is all about the context of language use.

This is a really awkward halfway house between doing a proper job and doing no job at all.

Recommended Facebook and Google should start being honest about what they are

However, he recognises that only some of Facebooks documents have been leaked, and the companys internal processes could be more nuanced than they currently appear to be.

Unfortunately, Facebook isn't planning to share the details of its policies anytime soon, as the company believes that doing so could encourage people to work around them.

Its an interesting and difficult area to get right, says Professor Grant. Trying something is probably better than doing nothing at all.
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The government may use the deadly attack in Manchester to launch a crackdown on internet securities.

Government officials appear to have briefed newspapers that they will put many of the most invasive parts of the relatively new Investigatory Powers Act into effect after the bombing at Manchester Arena.

The specific powers being discussed  named Technical Capability Orders  require big technology and internet companies to break their own security so that messages can be read by intelligence agencies. Government will ask parliament to allow the use of those powers if Theresa May is re-elected, senior ministers told The Sun.

Manchester explosion in pictures Show all 37 1 /37 Manchester explosion in pictures Manchester explosion in pictures People running down stairs as they attempt to exit the Manchester Arena after a blast, where U.S. singer Ariana Grande had been performing, in Manchester Twitter/@ZACH_BRUCE/ via REUTERS Manchester explosion in pictures Helpers attend to people inside the Manchester Arena after a suspected suicide bomber detonated an explosive device at the end of an Ariana Grande concert, killing 22 people PA wire Manchester explosion in pictures Armed officers guard outside a hotel near the Manchester Arena following reports of an explosion, in Manchester, Britain EPA Manchester explosion in pictures Police officers are seen outside the Manchester Arena, where U.S. singer Ariana Grande had been performing, in Manchester, northern England Reuters Manchester explosion in pictures Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police and fans close to the Manchester Arena, after reports of an explosion Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures There have been reports of explosions at Manchester Arena where Ariana Grande had performed Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police deploy at scene of explosion in Manchester, England, at a concert in Manchester Arena AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police stand by a cordoned off street close to the Manchester Arena Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police deploy at scene of explosion in Manchester, England AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police deploy at scene of a reported explosion during a concert in Manchester, England, on May 23, 2017. British police said early May 23 there were "a number of confirmed fatalities" after reports of at least one explosion during a pop concert by US singer Ariana Grande. Ambulances were seen rushing to the Manchester Arena venue and police added in a statement that people should avoid the area AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures An ambulance drives away from the Manchester Arena, where U.S. singer Ariana Grande had been performing, in Manchester Reuters Manchester explosion in pictures Police escort members of the public from the Manchester Arena in Manchester, England. Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures A woman sits in the street in a blanket near the Manchester Arena as police guard the area following reports of an explosion, in Manchester, Britain EPA Manchester explosion in pictures Two women wrapped in thermal blankets stand near the Manchester Arena, where US singer Ariana Grande had been performing, in Manchester Reuters Manchester explosion in pictures A Royal Logistic Corps (RLC) bomb disposal robot is unloaded outside the Manchester Arena following reports of an explosion, in Manchester. At least 19 people have been confirmed dead and others 50 were injured, authorities said. It is being treated as a terrorist incident until police know otherwise EPA Manchester explosion in pictures A Royal Logistic Corps (RLC) bomb disposal robot is unloaded outside the Manchester Arena following reports of an explosion, in Manchester EPA Manchester explosion in pictures Members of the public receive treatment from emergency service staff at Victoria Railway Station close to the Manchester Arena on May 23, 2017 in Manchester, England. There have been reports of explosions at Manchester Arena where Ariana Grande had performed this evening. Greater Manchester Police have have confirmed there are fatalities and warned people to stay away from the area Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Armed police after a suspected terrorist attack at the Manchester Arena at the end of a concert by US star Ariana Grande left 19 dead PA wire Manchester explosion in pictures Emergency services arrive close to the Manchester Arena in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures An amoured police vehicle patrols near Manchester Arena in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures A man carries a young girl on his shoulders near Victoria station in Manchester AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police officers stand at the Miller Street and Corporation Street Crossroads, in front of the Manchester Arena in Manchester, England Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police block a road near to the Manchester Arena in central Manchester, England AP Manchester explosion in pictures Armed police patrol near Victoria station in Manchester, northwest England. Twenty two people have been killed and dozens injured after a suspected suicide bomber targeted fans leaving a concert of US singer Ariana Grande in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police forensic officers leave the Manchester Arena as they investigate the scene of an explosion in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures A forensic officer collects evidence on a walkway between Victoria station and Manchester Arena following a deadly terror attack in Manchester, Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures A woman and a young girl wearing a t-shirt of US singer Ariana Grande talks to police near Manchester Arena following a deadly terror attack in Manchester, Getty Manchester explosion in pictures EPA Manchester explosion in pictures Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham and Manchester City Council Leader Sir Richard Leese speak to the media outside Manchester Town Hall after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving a pop concert in Manchester Dave Higgens/PA Wire Manchester explosion in pictures The media gather behind a police cordon in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Flowers left close to the Manchester Arena, the morning after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving a pop concert in Manchester Danny Lawson/PA Wire Manchester explosion in pictures Ariana Grande concert attendees Karen Moore and her daughter Molly Steed, aged 14, from Derby, leave the Park Inn where they were given refuge after last night's explosion at Manchester Arena Getty Manchester explosion in pictures Signs saying 'We love Manchester' are displayed in a window in Manchester, England Getty Images

We will do this as soon as we can after the election, as long as we get back in," The Sun said it was told by a government minister. "The level of threat clearly proves there is no more time to waste now.

The social media companies have been laughing in our faces for too long."

Recommended Police arrest three more people in connection with Manchester attack

The anonymous briefings to the paper come soon after the Conservatives launched their manifesto promising "regulation" on the internet. Those proposals included what appeared to be a reiteration of the government's plans to weaken security and encryption.

Home secretary Amber Rudd appeared to attempt to limit the application of the powers, suggesting that security services already have the powers they need and that she wouldn't push for increased powers until further work had been done. Ms Rudd had previously suggested that the government will seek to dramatically weaken the encryption that apps like WhatsApp use to keep messages safe.

There has been no suggestion yet that encryption, which keeps messages from being read by hackers, played any part in the attack. Neither has it been suggested that the extended powers would have prevented such an attack.

Internet companies have repeatedly argued that the powers made possible under the Investigatory Powers Act will make everyone less safe. While building "backdoors" into security will mean that intelligence agencies can read messages, it will also mean that those messages can potentially be read by anyone else, too.

Technology companies have told The Independent that it is still impossible to know whether it would be possible to legally comply with such orders. Weakening encryption in one country like the UK might lead the companies to be in breach of  and it still isn't clear whether the UK government could force them to break security across the world, as has been suggested.
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We're told that a quarter of young French people are jobless.

This is a particularly bad rate according to the BBC.

Levels of French youth unemployment are twice the levels of the UK and Germany notes the Financial Times, suggesting that this fact likely drove many of them into voting for Marine Le Pen in the recent Presidential election.

French youth are part of Europes lost generation, says CNN.

Sky-high youth unemployment is frequently cited in the media as an illustration of the sclerotic French economy that the new President, Emmanuel Macron, urgently needs to reform.

But is it true? In fact, these headline jobless figures should be handled with more care.
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Sainsburys will start selling its own-brand tea under a new Fairly Traded label, sparking a fierce backlash from the Fairtrade Foundation, which currently has its brand on the tea.

The foundation said that it is concerned that the new untested model, which the supermarket is due to start using in an open-ended trial next month, will not help the most marginalised tea farmers and producers.

In Malawi, one of the countries to be enrolled in the new Fairly Traded pilot scheme, 75 per cent of the population already live below the international poverty line.

Tea is the second largest export after tobacco for this landlocked nation, one of the poorest countries in Africa. Around 90 per cent of its tea is sold to Britain. Sainsburys, the UKs second biggest supermarket and the worlds biggest Fairtrade retailer, is a major buyer.

Sainsburys say Fairly Traded will operate in a similar way to Fairtrade  by guaranteeing farmers a minimum price for their tea, and providing a premium per kilo on top of that for development projects, such as agricultural training and improving health and education facilities.

Fairtrade and Rainforest Alliance certified farmers will automatically qualify for the scheme, and farmers will have the option of being certified Fairly Traded, too.

The key difference is how the premium is paid to producers.

Fairtrades premium fund is given directly to communities, and an association made up of farmers decides how the money is used.

Under Fairly Traded the funds will be managed by the Sainsburys Foundation, who will work with the farmers to create action plans for how to use the premium.

Michael Gidney, CEO of the Fairtrade Foundation says this does not meet Fairtrades core principles, particularly in the area of producer empowerment.

Sainsburys say their model provides farmers with data and expert insight to help future-proof their livelihoods.

This is what were being asked by our farmers to do, says Anna Harland, Sainsburys head of corporate responsibility and society. By showing them that they may be vulnerable to more drought, disease or health issues they will be able to build action plans that will create more resilient businesses over the long-term.

Food and drink news Show all 35 1 /35 Food and drink news Food and drink news Healthy living makes us more inclined to binge, research suggests Gluten-free breads, dairy-free milks and other plant-based products have been some of the most favoured foods in British supermarkets this year. However, while were busy filling our shopping trolleys with gluten-free goodness, were also jamming it with junk food and alcohol, new research suggests Getty/iStock Food and drink news Growing list of Vegan celebs Making the switch to veganism is a major lifestyle choice, one that many claim can improve energy levels, lower the risk of cardiovascular disease and clear up any skin issues. Beyonce, Natalie Portman and Jessica Chastain are among the growing list of Hollywood stars who have eschewed animal products from their diets in recent years. Theres also been an increasing number of professional athletes who have gone vegan, such as boxing champions Mike Tyson and David Haye, thus debunking the myth that following a plant-based diet will leave you feeling weak and malnourished. AFP/Getty/NARAS/iHeartMedia Food and drink news McDonald's has announced the launch of a new vegan burger on its menu in Germany This will mark the first time the German franchise of the fast food chain has offered a vegan burger to its customers. The Big Vegan TS burger consists of a patty made from soy and wheat. It is served in a classic sesame seed bun, and contains salad, tomato, pickles and red onion. McDonald's Germany Food and drink news Drinking too many protein shakes could lead to an increased risk of obesity and a reduced lifespan, a new study has claimed Researchers from the University of Sydney's Charles Perkins Centre carried out an investigation to determine the impact excessive consumption of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) has on the body. BCAA supplements are often consumed in the form of powder, which is then added to water to make a shake. Published in journal Nature Metabolism, the study found that while BCAAs help to build muscle, they can also negatively impact an individual's temperament, cause weight gain and lead to a shortened lifespan Getty Images/iStockphoto Food and drink news Britain consumes more chocolate than any other country Most people love chocolate but it turns out no one does more than the Brits  with the average Brit found to have consumed 8.4 kg of chocolate in 2017, according to new data. Chocolate consumption around the world is on the rise, according to Mintel Global New Products Database (GNPD), which found that in the past year alone, Easter chocolate production has risen by 23 per cent Food and drink news 'Easter eggs should be banned for children under four' Dr Becky Spelman, chief psychologist at Harley Streets Private Therapy Clinic, is calling for Easter eggs to be banned for consumption for children under the age of four, claiming that giving them the opportunity to binge on chocolate so young will give them an unhealthy relationship with food later on. "This is a nightmare situation for parents of this generation as they have no idea how to teach their children to delay their response to cravings, she said, explaining that too many young kids binge on these chocolates because their parents dont know how to stop them. "Once a child starts overeating behaviour at a young age its very hard to turn things around for them in terms of food and their eating habits moving forward, leading to obesity from at very young age," she added PA Food and drink news Pineapple overtakes avocado as the UK's fastest-selling fruit According to Tesco, pineapple has overtaken avocado as the UKs fastest-selling fruit, with sales increasing by 15 per cent in 2017. In comparison, avocado sales rose by just under 10 per cent last year. The popular supermarket says the surge in popularity comes as shoppers buying the versatile fruit are beginning to use it as a main ingredient in everything from curries and barbecues, to juices and cocktails Getty Food and drink news Marks & Spencers launches stoneless avocados Rather than the result of genetic modification, the avocados are formed by an unpollinated avocado blossom. The fruit develops without a seed which in turns stops the growth, creating a small, seedless fruit. Whats more, the skin is actually edible, unlike a regular avocado. The flesh is much like that of a normal avocado - smooth and creamy, pale in colour and rich in flavour M&S Food and drink news Office teabags contain 17 times more germs than a toilet seat, reveals study The average bacterial reading of an office teabag was 3,785, in comparison to only 220 for a toilet seat. Other pieces of kitchen equipment also stacked up highly in their findings, with the bacterial readings averaging at 2,483 on kettle handles, 1,746 on the rim of a used mug and 1,592 on a fridge door handle Getty Images/iStockphoto Food and drink news New study shows drinking more coffee leads to a longer life There is good news and a final hope for coffee addicts and lovers. You will now be able to drink coffee for longer as new study shows its can lead to a prolonged life. Scientists showed that those who drank between two and four cups of coffee a day had 18% lower risk of death compared to non-coffee drinkers. PA Food and drink news Coke Zero is replaced with Coke Zero Sugar Coca-Cola is pulling the plug on its Coke Zero. The much loved drink will be replaced with a new improved taste. The move, backed with a 10 million campaign, is said to come from Coca-Cola supporting people to reduce their sugar intake. Coca-Cola want people make this move while not sacrificing sugary taste of Coca-Cola. Coca-Cola Food and drink news Starbucks introduce new avocado spread The avocado craze has grown from hipster brunch restaurants to Starbucks. Starbucks have introduced their new avocado spread earlier this year and it has the internet in debate. Some argue that it not a spread but guacamole while others question if there is any avocado in there at all. When buying the new spread you can also buy an optional toasted bagel. It is a must try for all avocado connoisseurs. Starbucks Food and drink news New Mars chocolate bar The iconic British chocolate bar is about to get its partner in crime. The new bar, named Goodness Knows, will replace the gooey caramel goodness of the mars bar with oats. It is said to be more like a Florentine biscuit with a thin dark chocolate bottom. While being moderately healthy Mars says that is has good intentions. One pack has 154 calories and will sell for about 90p. Mars Food and drink news Wine prices could increase because of Brexit Wine lovers across the UK might soon have to shell out close to a quarter more for their favourite tipple after Brexit, as a weaker pound and sluggish economy takes its toll, a new study shows Rex Food and drink news Chocolate may be good for the heart A new study, published in the British Medical Journal: Heart, found that moderate chocolate intake can be positively associated with lessening the risk of the heart arrhythmia condition Atrial Fibrillation Getty Images/iStockphoto Food and drink news Brits throw away 1.4 million bananas each year British families are throwing away 1.4 million bananas that are perfectly good to eat every day at cost of 80m a year, new figures have shown PA/Armin Weigel Food and drink news Rosemary sales spike over exam time There has been a surge a surge in sales of the herb rosemary after a recent study found it helps improve memory. According to high street health food chain Holland & Barrett, sales of the herb have increased by 187 per cent compared to the same time last year Getty Images/iStockphoto Food and drink news Gluten-free diets 'not recommended' for people without coeliac disease Avoiding wheat, barley and rye in the belief that a gluten-free diet brings health benefits may do more harm than good, according to a team of US nutrition and medicine experts Getty Images/iStockphoto Food and drink news Starbucks launches two new coffee-based drinks Starbucks is launching two new coffee-based drinks in the UK, as it strives to tap into consumers growing appetite for healthy beverages. The Cold Brew Vanilla sweet cream and the Cappuccino Freddo, will both be available in stores throughout the UK from the start of May Twitter/@SbuxCountyHall Food and drink news Cadburys Dairy Milk Tiffin is making a permanent comeback after 80 years The Cadbury Dairy Milk Tiffin, first produced in 1937, is making a permanent comeback to the UK. The raisin and biscuit-filled chocolate bar is being launched after a successful trial last summer saw 3 million chocolate treats  at the cost of 1.49 for each 95g bar- purchased by nostalgic customers Cadburys Food and drink news Pizza restaurant makes worlds cheesiest 'Scottie's Pizza Parlor' in Portland Oregon has created the worlds cheesiest pizza using a total of 101 different cheese varieties. Facebook/Scottie's Pizza Parlor Food and drink news A pizza joint in Portland Oregon has created the worlds cheesiest pizza using a total of 101 different cheese varieties. Why not eating before a workout could be better for your health A study published in the American Journal of Physiology by researchers at the University of Bath found you might be likely to burn more fat if you have not eaten first Getty Images/iStockphoto Food and drink news New York restaurant named best in the world A New York restaurant where an average meal for two will cost $700 has been named the best in the world. Eleven Madison Park won the accolade for the first time after debuting on the list at number 50 in 2010. The restaurant was praised for a fun sense of fine-dining, blurring the line between the kitchen and the dining room Getty Images Food and drink news Why you crave bad food when youre tired Researchers at Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University in Chicago recently presented their results of a study looking into the effects of sleep deprivation upon high-calorific food consumption. Researchers found that those who were sleep-deprived had specifically enhanced brain activity to the food smells compared to when they had a good nights sleep Shutterstock Food and drink news Drinking wine engages more of your brain than solving maths problems Drinking wine is the ideal workout for your brain, engaging more parts of our grey matter than any other human behaviour, according to a leading neuroscientist. Dr Gordon Shepherd, from the Yale School of Medicine, said sniffing and analysing a wine before drinking it requires exquisite control of one of the biggest muscles in the body Getty Images/iStockphoto Food and drink news British dessert eating surges after people ditch healthy eating in February : In heartening news for anyone feeling guilty about quitting their New Year diet, it seems lots of us have given in to our sweet tooths once again. New data from nationwide food-delivery service Deliveroo reveals there was a surge in Brits ordering desserts in February compared to the first month of 2017 Getty Images/iStockphoto Food and drink news US congress debates definition of milk alternatives A new bill has been created that seeks to ban dairy alternatives from using the term milk. Titled the DAIRY PRIDE Act, the name is a tenuous acronym for defending against imitations and replacements of yogurt, milk, and cheese to promote regular intake of dairy every day. It argues that the dairy industry is struggling as a result of all the dairy-free alternatives on the market and the public are being duped too Getty Images Food and drink news Cadburys launches two new chocolate bars UK confectionary giant Cadbury has launched two new chocolate bars, hoping to lure those with a sweet tooth and perhaps help combat some of the challenges it faces from rising commodity prices and a post-Brexit slump in the value of the pound.The companys new products will be peanut butter and mint flavoured. They will be available in most major super markets as 120g bars, priced at 1.49, according to the company Cadburys Food and drink news You can now get a job as a professional chocolate eater The company responsible for some of your favourite chocolate brands  think Cadbury, Milks, Prince and Oreo  have officially announced an opening to join their team as a professional chocolate taster. The successful candidate will help them to test, perfect and launch new products all over the world. Getty Images/iStockphoto Food and drink news MSG additive used in Chinese food is actually good for you, scientist claims For years, weve been told MSG (the sodium salt of glutamic acid) - often associated with cheap Chinese takeaways - is awful for our health and to be avoided at all costs. But one scientist argues it should be used as a supersalt and encourages adding it to food. Getty Images/iStockphoto Food and drink news Lettuce prices are rising Not only are lettuces becoming an increasingly rare commodity in supermarkets, but prices for the leafy vegetables seem to be rising too. According to the weekly report from the Governments Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, a pair of Little Gem lettuces had an average market price of 0.86 in the week that ended on Friday, up from an average of 0.56 in the previous week  thats an almost 54 per cent increase. Getty Images Food and drink news Do-It-Yourself restaurant To encourage more people to cook and eat together, IKEA has launched The Dining Club in Shoreditch  a fully immersive Do-It-Yourself restaurant . Members of the public can book to host a brunch, lunch or dinner party for up to 20 friends and family. Supported by their very own sous chef and maitre de, the host and their guests will orchestrate an intimate dining experience where cooking together is celebrated and eating together is inspirational Mikael Buck / IKEA Food and drink news Ping Pong menu with a twist Gatwick Airport has teamed up with London dim sum restaurant Ping Pong to create a limited edition menu with a distinctly British twist; including a Full English Bao and Beef Wellington Puff, to celebrate the launch of the airports new route to Hong Kong Food and drink news Zizzi unveil the Maamgharita Unique pizza art has been created by Zizzi in celebration of the Queens 90th birthday. The pizza features the queen in an iconic pose illustrated with fresh and tasty Italian ingredients on a backdrop of the Union Jack Food and drink news Blue potatoes make a comeback Blue potatoes, once a staple part of British potato crops, are back on the menu thanks to a Cambridge scientist turned-organic farmer and Farmdrop, an online marketplace that lets people buy direct from local farms. Cambridge PhD graduate-turned farmer, Adrian Izzard has used traditional growing techniques at Wild Country Organics to produce the colourful spuds, packed with healthy cell-protecting anthocyanin, which had previously disappeared from UK plates when post-war farmers were pushed towards higher-yielding varieties

Sainsburys released a statement from a general manager of a tea farming association in Malawi, saying: We wholeheartedly welcome the idea of working with Sainsburys on the Fairly Traded initiative.

Meanwhile, Fairtrade has released an open letter to Sainsburys from tea producers in Africa that states: We are unanimous in our decision to reject this unequal partnership with the Sainsburys Foundation.

Exporting tea is a global industry worth 7bn, yet the majority of the 13 million farmers worldwide still earn barely enough to survive.
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A child murder case from 20 years ago is once again getting enormous attention in Sweden. Two young brothers  aged five and seven  were believed at the time to be responsible for the death of four-year-old Kevin Hjalmarsson in 1998. But concerns over the way the investigation into the so-called Kevin case was conducted led the police to reopen the case in May. This has highlighted serious questions about the way children are treated in the countrys legal system.

The Kevin case was one of the most high-profile murder investigations of the 1990s in Sweden  and the first in modern Swedish history where such young children were accused of having murdered another child.

The little boy was found dead by the shoreline of a lake outside the small town of Arvika in northern Sweden on August 16, 1998  the last day of the school summer holidays. He had been strangled and had bruises on his body. After being killed, he was dragged 30m from the seaside to a raft, where his grandfather later found him.

Two brothers accused

Initially announced as a drowning accident, the police soon changed their minds and said they suspected it was a paedophile case. But they were then to reach another conclusion: Kevin had been murdered by two brothers, Robin and Christian, aged five and seven years old.

Recommended Sweden drops Julian Assange investigation

The younger brother had initially been interrogated by the police as a witness, along with 120 other children in the town. But the boy soon became the head suspect together with his brother.

At a press conference in November 1998, the police announced the conclusion of their investigation: the boys had killed Kevin. The police said they had confessed to the crime, but would not be prosecuted nor formally convicted because children younger than 15-years-old cannot be convicted for crimes in Sweden. This meant that the case was never passed on to the district court. The boys were subsequently taken into institutional care for a while. Social services later tried to find a foster home for one of the boys but no family wanted to have him and he was finally allowed to return home. The boys both still live in Sweden.

Case file reopened

During the autumn of 1998, the case was in the news almost every day. It is now making national news again. In late April, the main Swedish newspaper Dagens Nyheter and the Swedish public television, SVT, began to reveal possibly serious flaws with the old murder investigation in a series of documentaries.

This was sparked by a neuroscientist, Rickard Sjoberg at Umea University, who contacted the media because he found the interview techniques used in this, and other cases, to be unscientific.

Since then, parts of the police investigation have been made public, including police interrogations of the youngest boy. The material reveals that there were no documented confessions or technical evidence that supported the police opinion at the time. And no one can explain how young Kevin was dragged from the scene of the crime to the place he was found.

The boys confessions came after more than 30 long interrogations, sometimes without a parent  and with methods that have been criticised as unprofessional. The new material also reveals that the boys may not have been around the crime scene at the time of the murder. Due to the new circumstances, the prosecutor decided to reopen the case on 8 May.

SVT interviewed the two boys in its documentary series. Neither of them say they have any memory of the incident today, but they think they did not do it. Now in their late 20s, they have grown up in the eyes of society as child murderers. Robin, the younger brother, said on the documentary: There is no person in the whole world that will ever understand what we have been through, how we have felt and how terrible it has been. In a press conference on 19 May, the two men  whose full names Robin Dalen and Christian Karlsson have now been released  said the SVT investigation was a big relief and thanked the media for helping them.

The right to the truth

In a painful way, the Kevin case highlights the challenges of involving children in crime investigations. Even if a child under a certain age cannot be convicted in a legal sense, the consequences are still very drastic for the child.

There could have been a possible way to avoid this outcome. In Sweden, it is possible to raise the question of guilt in court without pursuing a formal conviction, a process known as bevistalan. But this was never used in the Kevin case. Instead, the prosecutor decided not to continue the investigation, thereby concluding the case without a trial.

Bevistalan is rarely used: to my knowledge there have only been two cases in Sweden since Kevins murder when a court has assessed a case involving children without delivering a formal sentence. But I think the Kevin case should have been treated in this way  allowing for a trial of sorts for the minors suspected of the crime, but without the threat of conviction or punishment. This would have meant a higher burden of proof was needed from the police, which could have changed the outcome of the investigation. Instead, the case remained at the police level and was never brought to court, meaning nobody really assessed the evidence except for the police themselves.

The Kevin case shows that there is need for a repeated discussion of how to uphold childrens rights in the legal system. The general legal principle that a person is always considered innocent until he or she is convicted of a crime must also apply to young children.

Titti Mattsson is a professor in the department of law at the Lund University. This article was originally published on The Conversation (www.conversation.com)
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The number of children feared to be victims of labour exploitation in the UK has risen by more than 60 per cent in the past year, an analysis of government statistics has revealed.

There were 1,575 referrals for labour exploitation in 2016, among whom 1,107 were adults and a record 468 were children  marking a significant 63 per cent increase.

Overall referrals of potential victims of labour exploitation to the Government's National Referral Mechanism (NRM)  the official framework for identifying victims of human trafficking  increased by 33 per cent from 2015 to 2016, according to analysis of National Crime Agency data.

The figures, compiled by Kroll, the global leader in risk mitigation and response solutions, come after The Independent revealed that hundreds of people identified as victims under the NRM are being abandoned by the authorities as soon as they are identified, placing them at risk of falling straight back into the hands of traffickers.

Support is provided during the NRMs assessment process, which includes giving those fleeing exploitation a place in a safe house, but victims are required to leave the housing just two weeks after a final decision is made.

Charities warned that this often sees vulnerable people who have been trafficked for sex or labour exploitation fall into destitution, alcoholism and exploitation because of a lack of government-funded care.

Alarmingly, while numbers of potential victims of trafficking increased, positive conclusive decisions  which enable victims to access support  decreased to the lowest point in NRM history to 635, compared with 1,028 the previous year.

Kevin Braine, Head of Krolls Compliance Practice in EMEA, said there was a lack of awareness about the scale of labour exploitation taking place in the UK.

There is sometimes a false assumption that modern slavery only occurs in certain countries or certain types of industry but the increase in the number of referrals of labour exploitation victims indicate that modern slavery is very much an issue for UK employers," Mr Braine said.

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"Any commercial activity involved in the production of low-margin, low-skill, labour-intensive goods or services is potentially at risk of modern slavery offences."

Vietnam was the country of origin for the highest number of potential labour exploitation victims in the UK referred in 2016, with a total of 307 individuals, according to the figures, followed by Albania, with 194 potential victims and Poland with 140.

It is estimated there are between 10,000 and 13,000 victims of modern slavery in the UK, but Kroll warned that these numbers may be scraping the surface of the true picture of modern slavery in companies operating in the UK.
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Nearly seven out of 10 people in the UK support the creation of a form of world government that would be able to force countries to deal with major risks facing the world such as climate change and nuclear weapons, according to a major new survey.

And 62 per cent said they considered themselves to be a global citizen in addition to being British, which will likely disappoint Theresa May who told the last Conservative conference if you believe you are a citizen of the world, youre a citizen of nowhere.

The ComRes survey, commissioned ahead of the G7 Summit in Sicily by the Global Challenges Foundation, interviewed 8,100 people in eight countries, Australia, Brazil, China, Germany, India, South Africa, the UK and US, which are collectively home to half the worlds population.

The Swedish foundation also issued a report, called Global Catastrophic Risks 2017, which detailed a diverse range of possible threats.

A giant asteroid hitting Earth, disease pandemics, a massive volcanic eruption, artificial intelligence turning against us, weapons of mass destruction and ecological collapse all made the list.

The report warned that if the bleakest scientific estimates of how bad global warming could get turned out to be correct there was a high likelihood of human civilization coming to an end.

So it was perhaps encouraging that, across all eight countries, the survey found significant support for taking action on global warming.

Some 88 per cent of respondents said they would be prepared to make changes that would affect their living standards to prevent catastrophic climate change in the future.

Mats Andersson, the foundations vice-chairman, urged the G7 to work together to address peoples fears.

As world leaders gather for the G7 Summit, they should be aware that citizens across the planet are yearning for them to collaborate and work harder to find solutions for these critical threats to humanity, he said.

Whether its the spectre of nuclear conflict over North Korea or our planet tipping into catastrophic climate change, the need for effective global cooperation has never been greater.

In the UK, some 71 per cent ranked the potential use of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) as one of the main dangers and 80 per cent agreed climate change could turn into a global catastrophe.

Sixty-two per cent felt the world had become more insecure in the last two years and 69 per cent said they would support the creation of a new supranational organisation to make enforceable global decisions about major threats.

A lower proportion, but still a majority (54 per cent), said they would be happy for the UK to give up some of its sovereignty to address the worlds most serious problems.

The countries most concerned about global insecurity were Brazil (80 per cent), Germany (71 per cent) and South Africa (70 per cent). Of the eight countries, China was the least concerned (41 per cent), followed by India (47 per cent).

Support for a supranational organisation was highest in India (84 per cent), China (78 per cent) and South Africa (76 per cent).

But this idea was popular across the board with the US on 67 per cent and Germany, which had the lowest figure, on 62 per cent.

Some 74 per cent of people in the US thought climate change could become a global catastrophe, the lowest level among the eight countries; Brazil and South Africa were the most concerned (both 91 per cent) followed by India (90 per cent) and China (86 per cent).

On the risk posed by nuclear weapons, the Global Catastrophic Risks report said since their first use against Japan in 1945 the world has lived in the shadow of a war unlike any other in history.

Although the tension between nuclear states has diminished since the end of the Cold War and disarmament efforts have reduced arsenals, the prospect of a nuclear war remains present and might be closer today that it was a decade ago, it said.

Lisa Murray's climate change photography Show all 12 1 /12 Lisa Murray's climate change photography Lisa Murray's climate change photography Dinka cattle herders starting their migration in South Sudan Lisa Murray Lisa Murray's climate change photography A Dinka woman fetches water in South Sudan Lisa Murray Lisa Murray's climate change photography Veronica in South Sudan preparing tea outside her home, recently ravaged by heavy flooding Lisa Murray Lisa Murray's climate change photography Children playing in Vietnam. When it floods, transport to and from school is a major challenge Lisa Murray Lisa Murray's climate change photography Sugeng, a fish and crab farmer from Indonesia who suffers financially every time the area floods Lisa Murray Lisa Murray's climate change photography Tan, a vegetable farmer, learning new methods through Oxfam in Vietnam Lisa Murray Lisa Murray's climate change photography Maluk, a 19-year-old from Tonj South, South Sudan Lisa Murray Lisa Murray's climate change photography Normally this farmer in South Sudan would be harvesting sorghum, but rains are late so the hunger season continues Lisa Murray Lisa Murray's climate change photography Herders bringing home their cattle in Afar, Ethiopia Lisa Murray Lisa Murray's climate change photography Farmers harvesting chilli in Ethiopia Lisa Murray Lisa Murray's climate change photography A woman in Tigray, Ethiopia, scares birds away from her crops with a slingshot Lisa Murray Lisa Murray's climate change photography Irula tribe woman in Tamil Nadu Lisa Murray

Its immediate effect would be a catastrophic destruction of lives and cities and debilitation, illness and deaths from radiation, but another concern is the risk that the dust released from nuclear explosions could plunge the planet into a mini ice age, with dramatic ecological consequences, severe agricultural collapse and a large proportion of the world population dying in a famine.

On climate change, it noted that discussions tended to focus on the prospect of an increase in the average global temperature of one to three degrees Celsius.

These would have severe consequences with potentially devastating effects on the environment and human societies, the report said.

However there is also a non-negligible and less often considered tail end risk that temperatures might rise even further, causing unprecedented loss of landmass and ecosystems.

Even in mid-range scenarios, entire ecosystems would collapse, much agricultural land would be lost, as would most reliable freshwater sources, leading to large-scale suffering and instability.

Major coastal cities  New York, Shanghai, Mumbai  would find themselves largely under water and the populations of low-lying coastal regions  currently more than a billion people  may need to be relocated.

In high-end scenarios, the scale of destruction is beyond our capacity to model with a high likelihood of human civilization coming to an end.
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A man has been arrested by counter-terror police at Stansted Airport on suspicion he planned on travelling to Syria.

The 37-year-old man was stopped before boarding a flight to Turkey on Tuesday night.

He was arrested on suspicion of preparing for acts of terrorism, although the arrest was not connected to the Manchester Arena attack, Scotland Yard said.

The man, who has not been identified, is being held at a south London police station while officers search two residential addresses in the north of the city.

Manchester explosion in pictures Show all 37 1 /37 Manchester explosion in pictures Manchester explosion in pictures People running down stairs as they attempt to exit the Manchester Arena after a blast, where U.S. singer Ariana Grande had been performing, in Manchester Twitter/@ZACH_BRUCE/ via REUTERS Manchester explosion in pictures Helpers attend to people inside the Manchester Arena after a suspected suicide bomber detonated an explosive device at the end of an Ariana Grande concert, killing 22 people PA wire Manchester explosion in pictures Armed officers guard outside a hotel near the Manchester Arena following reports of an explosion, in Manchester, Britain EPA Manchester explosion in pictures Police officers are seen outside the Manchester Arena, where U.S. singer Ariana Grande had been performing, in Manchester, northern England Reuters Manchester explosion in pictures Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police and fans close to the Manchester Arena, after reports of an explosion Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures There have been reports of explosions at Manchester Arena where Ariana Grande had performed Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police deploy at scene of explosion in Manchester, England, at a concert in Manchester Arena AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police stand by a cordoned off street close to the Manchester Arena Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police deploy at scene of explosion in Manchester, England AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police deploy at scene of a reported explosion during a concert in Manchester, England, on May 23, 2017. British police said early May 23 there were "a number of confirmed fatalities" after reports of at least one explosion during a pop concert by US singer Ariana Grande. Ambulances were seen rushing to the Manchester Arena venue and police added in a statement that people should avoid the area AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures An ambulance drives away from the Manchester Arena, where U.S. singer Ariana Grande had been performing, in Manchester Reuters Manchester explosion in pictures Police escort members of the public from the Manchester Arena in Manchester, England. Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures A woman sits in the street in a blanket near the Manchester Arena as police guard the area following reports of an explosion, in Manchester, Britain EPA Manchester explosion in pictures Two women wrapped in thermal blankets stand near the Manchester Arena, where US singer Ariana Grande had been performing, in Manchester Reuters Manchester explosion in pictures A Royal Logistic Corps (RLC) bomb disposal robot is unloaded outside the Manchester Arena following reports of an explosion, in Manchester. At least 19 people have been confirmed dead and others 50 were injured, authorities said. It is being treated as a terrorist incident until police know otherwise EPA Manchester explosion in pictures A Royal Logistic Corps (RLC) bomb disposal robot is unloaded outside the Manchester Arena following reports of an explosion, in Manchester EPA Manchester explosion in pictures Members of the public receive treatment from emergency service staff at Victoria Railway Station close to the Manchester Arena on May 23, 2017 in Manchester, England. There have been reports of explosions at Manchester Arena where Ariana Grande had performed this evening. Greater Manchester Police have have confirmed there are fatalities and warned people to stay away from the area Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Armed police after a suspected terrorist attack at the Manchester Arena at the end of a concert by US star Ariana Grande left 19 dead PA wire Manchester explosion in pictures Emergency services arrive close to the Manchester Arena in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures An amoured police vehicle patrols near Manchester Arena in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures A man carries a young girl on his shoulders near Victoria station in Manchester AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police officers stand at the Miller Street and Corporation Street Crossroads, in front of the Manchester Arena in Manchester, England Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police block a road near to the Manchester Arena in central Manchester, England AP Manchester explosion in pictures Armed police patrol near Victoria station in Manchester, northwest England. Twenty two people have been killed and dozens injured after a suspected suicide bomber targeted fans leaving a concert of US singer Ariana Grande in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police forensic officers leave the Manchester Arena as they investigate the scene of an explosion in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures A forensic officer collects evidence on a walkway between Victoria station and Manchester Arena following a deadly terror attack in Manchester, Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures A woman and a young girl wearing a t-shirt of US singer Ariana Grande talks to police near Manchester Arena following a deadly terror attack in Manchester, Getty Manchester explosion in pictures EPA Manchester explosion in pictures Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham and Manchester City Council Leader Sir Richard Leese speak to the media outside Manchester Town Hall after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving a pop concert in Manchester Dave Higgens/PA Wire Manchester explosion in pictures The media gather behind a police cordon in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Flowers left close to the Manchester Arena, the morning after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving a pop concert in Manchester Danny Lawson/PA Wire Manchester explosion in pictures Ariana Grande concert attendees Karen Moore and her daughter Molly Steed, aged 14, from Derby, leave the Park Inn where they were given refuge after last night's explosion at Manchester Arena Getty Manchester explosion in pictures Signs saying 'We love Manchester' are displayed in a window in Manchester, England Getty Images

On Monday 22 people were killed and dozens injured in a suicide bomb attack at the Manchester Arena.

Copyright Press Association
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Prime Minister Theresa May has raised the terror threat in the UK to its highest level for the first time in a decade and activated Operation Temperer - allowing military personnel on the streets to free up police resources - for the very first time.



The announcement follows a blast outside a concert in Manchester which left 22 people dead.

After 22-year-old Salman Abedi was identified as the suspected suicide bomber, the threat level was eventually raised to critical and the Operation Temperer was established.

What is a critical threat level?

Critical threat levels means that a terrorist attack is expected imminently. Ms May said that the decision to raise the threat level to critical was taken in part because of the potential that the suspected Manchester attacker may have been part of a network of other terrorists who may attempt another attack.

What is Operation Temperer?

Operation Temperer is an established security measure that means citizens can expect to see soldiers helping law enforcement at sensitive security points like rail stations, Parliament, and other destinations or events with big crowds. The operation, first unveiled in 2015, is a practised procedure, and allows UK soldiers to replace armed police in many areas so that those police can patrols in key areas.

The plan will reportedly allow as many as 5,000 troops to be deployed in the UK.

But military assets have been used to protect against the terrorist threat before, including in February 2003 when troops were drafted in to Heathrow, with armoured vehicles patrolling amid fears that extremists could be on the loose with a surface-to-air missile launcher.

Manchester explosion in pictures Show all 37 1 /37 Manchester explosion in pictures Manchester explosion in pictures People running down stairs as they attempt to exit the Manchester Arena after a blast, where U.S. singer Ariana Grande had been performing, in Manchester Twitter/@ZACH_BRUCE/ via REUTERS Manchester explosion in pictures Helpers attend to people inside the Manchester Arena after a suspected suicide bomber detonated an explosive device at the end of an Ariana Grande concert, killing 22 people PA wire Manchester explosion in pictures Armed officers guard outside a hotel near the Manchester Arena following reports of an explosion, in Manchester, Britain EPA Manchester explosion in pictures Police officers are seen outside the Manchester Arena, where U.S. singer Ariana Grande had been performing, in Manchester, northern England Reuters Manchester explosion in pictures Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police and fans close to the Manchester Arena, after reports of an explosion Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures There have been reports of explosions at Manchester Arena where Ariana Grande had performed Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police deploy at scene of explosion in Manchester, England, at a concert in Manchester Arena AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police stand by a cordoned off street close to the Manchester Arena Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police deploy at scene of explosion in Manchester, England AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police deploy at scene of a reported explosion during a concert in Manchester, England, on May 23, 2017. British police said early May 23 there were "a number of confirmed fatalities" after reports of at least one explosion during a pop concert by US singer Ariana Grande. Ambulances were seen rushing to the Manchester Arena venue and police added in a statement that people should avoid the area AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures An ambulance drives away from the Manchester Arena, where U.S. singer Ariana Grande had been performing, in Manchester Reuters Manchester explosion in pictures Police escort members of the public from the Manchester Arena in Manchester, England. Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures A woman sits in the street in a blanket near the Manchester Arena as police guard the area following reports of an explosion, in Manchester, Britain EPA Manchester explosion in pictures Two women wrapped in thermal blankets stand near the Manchester Arena, where US singer Ariana Grande had been performing, in Manchester Reuters Manchester explosion in pictures A Royal Logistic Corps (RLC) bomb disposal robot is unloaded outside the Manchester Arena following reports of an explosion, in Manchester. At least 19 people have been confirmed dead and others 50 were injured, authorities said. It is being treated as a terrorist incident until police know otherwise EPA Manchester explosion in pictures A Royal Logistic Corps (RLC) bomb disposal robot is unloaded outside the Manchester Arena following reports of an explosion, in Manchester EPA Manchester explosion in pictures Members of the public receive treatment from emergency service staff at Victoria Railway Station close to the Manchester Arena on May 23, 2017 in Manchester, England. There have been reports of explosions at Manchester Arena where Ariana Grande had performed this evening. Greater Manchester Police have have confirmed there are fatalities and warned people to stay away from the area Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Armed police after a suspected terrorist attack at the Manchester Arena at the end of a concert by US star Ariana Grande left 19 dead PA wire Manchester explosion in pictures Emergency services arrive close to the Manchester Arena in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures An amoured police vehicle patrols near Manchester Arena in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures A man carries a young girl on his shoulders near Victoria station in Manchester AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police officers stand at the Miller Street and Corporation Street Crossroads, in front of the Manchester Arena in Manchester, England Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police block a road near to the Manchester Arena in central Manchester, England AP Manchester explosion in pictures Armed police patrol near Victoria station in Manchester, northwest England. Twenty two people have been killed and dozens injured after a suspected suicide bomber targeted fans leaving a concert of US singer Ariana Grande in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police forensic officers leave the Manchester Arena as they investigate the scene of an explosion in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures A forensic officer collects evidence on a walkway between Victoria station and Manchester Arena following a deadly terror attack in Manchester, Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures A woman and a young girl wearing a t-shirt of US singer Ariana Grande talks to police near Manchester Arena following a deadly terror attack in Manchester, Getty Manchester explosion in pictures EPA Manchester explosion in pictures Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham and Manchester City Council Leader Sir Richard Leese speak to the media outside Manchester Town Hall after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving a pop concert in Manchester Dave Higgens/PA Wire Manchester explosion in pictures The media gather behind a police cordon in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Flowers left close to the Manchester Arena, the morning after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving a pop concert in Manchester Danny Lawson/PA Wire Manchester explosion in pictures Ariana Grande concert attendees Karen Moore and her daughter Molly Steed, aged 14, from Derby, leave the Park Inn where they were given refuge after last night's explosion at Manchester Arena Getty Manchester explosion in pictures Signs saying 'We love Manchester' are displayed in a window in Manchester, England Getty Images

When has the threat level been raised to critical before?

It has been a decade since the threat level was last raised to its highest point. On 10 August 2006  a little over a week after the first publication of a terror threat level  the level was raised from severe to critical when a plot to blow up as many as six to 10 flights leaving London Heathrow airport was thwarted.

The second time came on June 30, 2007, when a dark green Jeep Cherokee loaded with propane canisters was driven into Glasgow Airport and set on fire. That jeep was unable to enter the terminal, but several people including the driver were severely harmed. There were no deaths.

Two car bombs had been discovered just a day earlier in London. They were disabled before they could be detonated.

How long have critical threat levels lasted before?

The instance in 2006 lasted just three days and the incident in 2007 lasted four days.
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Police and security services have found bomb-making materials which could be primed for imminent attacks in the extensive raids following the Manchester suicide bombing, The Independent has learned.

One suspect device was blown up in a controlled explosion and security sources say that there is a real possibility that there are other materials yet to be found. The law agencies are convinced that a terrorist network had been established to carry out a sustained assault and further arrests are likely in and outside Manchester.

Meanwhile family members of the Manchester suicide bomber Salman Abedi have been arrested in Libya and the UK. The bombers father, Ramadan Abedi, was taken away in Tripoli by masked gunmen from a government militia as he was giving a television interview declaring that his dead son was innocent. Another son living in the city with him, Hashem, was detained soon afterwards, with Libyan officials stating that he had links with Isis. Salman Abedis mother, Samia Tabbal, and another son, Ismail, have been arrested in Manchester.

Three arrests were made on Tuesday night, and a further three arrests followed on Wednesday of a man in Wigan, a man in Nuneaton and a woman in Blackley, north Manchester.

The focus is now very much on the Libyan connection. Abedis father was a fighter with an Islamist group banned by the UNs Al-Qaeda Sanctions Committee after the 9/11 attacks in New York. The Independent has learned he once worked for the Gaddafi regimes security apparatus before turning towards hardline Islam: one of his associates once ran a group called the Islamic Martyrs Movement.

The Abedi elder, also known as Abu Ismail al-Obaidi, was a long-term member of the Libyan Islamist Fighting Group (LIFG), which had forged links with al-Qaeda during the war against the Russians in Afghanistan. He left Manchester to take part in the uprising against Muammar Gaddafi in 2011 and currently works with a militia, the Nawasi Brigade, in the Libyan capital, Tripoli.

Abedi had joined LIFG when it was run by Abdelhakim Belhaj who now heads a political party, Al Watan, in Libya and is taking legal action against the British government for the "rendition"of him and his wife to the Libyan regime in which MI6 played a part. This was at a time when Muammar Gaddafi was being presented by the UK as a valued ally and feted by prime minister Tony Blair.

Abedi claimed today his son had nothing to do with the murders of 22 people at the Ariana Grande concert. "We dont believe in killing innocents. This is not us," he insisted. His son, he claimed, was preparing to go to Saudi Arabia before spending the month of Ramadan with the rest of the family in Libya.

The police and security agencies had managed to establish Abedis identity quickly after finding his bank card at the scene of the attack. It has also emerged that a member of the family, as yet unnamed, had contacted the police after being alarmed by Abedis increasingly aggressive Islamist statements.

Manchester explosion in pictures Show all 37 1 /37 Manchester explosion in pictures Manchester explosion in pictures People running down stairs as they attempt to exit the Manchester Arena after a blast, where U.S. singer Ariana Grande had been performing, in Manchester Twitter/@ZACH_BRUCE/ via REUTERS Manchester explosion in pictures Helpers attend to people inside the Manchester Arena after a suspected suicide bomber detonated an explosive device at the end of an Ariana Grande concert, killing 22 people PA wire Manchester explosion in pictures Armed officers guard outside a hotel near the Manchester Arena following reports of an explosion, in Manchester, Britain EPA Manchester explosion in pictures Police officers are seen outside the Manchester Arena, where U.S. singer Ariana Grande had been performing, in Manchester, northern England Reuters Manchester explosion in pictures Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police and fans close to the Manchester Arena, after reports of an explosion Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures There have been reports of explosions at Manchester Arena where Ariana Grande had performed Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police deploy at scene of explosion in Manchester, England, at a concert in Manchester Arena AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police stand by a cordoned off street close to the Manchester Arena Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police deploy at scene of explosion in Manchester, England AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police deploy at scene of a reported explosion during a concert in Manchester, England, on May 23, 2017. British police said early May 23 there were "a number of confirmed fatalities" after reports of at least one explosion during a pop concert by US singer Ariana Grande. Ambulances were seen rushing to the Manchester Arena venue and police added in a statement that people should avoid the area AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures An ambulance drives away from the Manchester Arena, where U.S. singer Ariana Grande had been performing, in Manchester Reuters Manchester explosion in pictures Police escort members of the public from the Manchester Arena in Manchester, England. Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures A woman sits in the street in a blanket near the Manchester Arena as police guard the area following reports of an explosion, in Manchester, Britain EPA Manchester explosion in pictures Two women wrapped in thermal blankets stand near the Manchester Arena, where US singer Ariana Grande had been performing, in Manchester Reuters Manchester explosion in pictures A Royal Logistic Corps (RLC) bomb disposal robot is unloaded outside the Manchester Arena following reports of an explosion, in Manchester. At least 19 people have been confirmed dead and others 50 were injured, authorities said. It is being treated as a terrorist incident until police know otherwise EPA Manchester explosion in pictures A Royal Logistic Corps (RLC) bomb disposal robot is unloaded outside the Manchester Arena following reports of an explosion, in Manchester EPA Manchester explosion in pictures Members of the public receive treatment from emergency service staff at Victoria Railway Station close to the Manchester Arena on May 23, 2017 in Manchester, England. There have been reports of explosions at Manchester Arena where Ariana Grande had performed this evening. Greater Manchester Police have have confirmed there are fatalities and warned people to stay away from the area Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Armed police after a suspected terrorist attack at the Manchester Arena at the end of a concert by US star Ariana Grande left 19 dead PA wire Manchester explosion in pictures Emergency services arrive close to the Manchester Arena in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures An amoured police vehicle patrols near Manchester Arena in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures A man carries a young girl on his shoulders near Victoria station in Manchester AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police officers stand at the Miller Street and Corporation Street Crossroads, in front of the Manchester Arena in Manchester, England Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police block a road near to the Manchester Arena in central Manchester, England AP Manchester explosion in pictures Armed police patrol near Victoria station in Manchester, northwest England. Twenty two people have been killed and dozens injured after a suspected suicide bomber targeted fans leaving a concert of US singer Ariana Grande in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police forensic officers leave the Manchester Arena as they investigate the scene of an explosion in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures A forensic officer collects evidence on a walkway between Victoria station and Manchester Arena following a deadly terror attack in Manchester, Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures A woman and a young girl wearing a t-shirt of US singer Ariana Grande talks to police near Manchester Arena following a deadly terror attack in Manchester, Getty Manchester explosion in pictures EPA Manchester explosion in pictures Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham and Manchester City Council Leader Sir Richard Leese speak to the media outside Manchester Town Hall after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving a pop concert in Manchester Dave Higgens/PA Wire Manchester explosion in pictures The media gather behind a police cordon in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Flowers left close to the Manchester Arena, the morning after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving a pop concert in Manchester Danny Lawson/PA Wire Manchester explosion in pictures Ariana Grande concert attendees Karen Moore and her daughter Molly Steed, aged 14, from Derby, leave the Park Inn where they were given refuge after last night's explosion at Manchester Arena Getty Manchester explosion in pictures Signs saying 'We love Manchester' are displayed in a window in Manchester, England Getty Images

The developments came on a day when authorities scrambled to piece together the events that led to Monday night's atrocity in Manchester:

- Police arrested six people in the UK in connection with Monday night's attack after discovering evidence of a wider terrorist cell functioning in the city

- Crime scene photos of shrapnel, a battery pack and the detonator used in the attack were published by The New York Times in a suspected intelligence leak, condemned by UK officials

- 1,000 armed soldiers were deployed to key sites across the country, including Buckingham Palace and the Houses of Parliament

- Police confirmed they had identified the 22 who died, including a serving off-duty police officer from Cheshire Constabulary

Abedi had been to Libya several times. His last visit, according to his father, was six weeks ago. The French foreign minister, Gerard Collomb, claimed today that the British security agencies believe he went on to Syria from Libya. But a senior security source said: "We think he got a few things garbled there, we know that Abedi had gone to Libya, whether he went to Syria or not remains a line of inquiry."

Abedis behaviour changed after he returned from his last Libyan visit, according to neighbours and friends with espousal of hardline Islam. It is at this time, it is believed, that one of the calls to the police was made by a member of the extended family.

His father's path to militancy began when he fell out with Gaddafi regime. The Independent has learned that in 1991 he left Libya for Saudi Arabia where he began to attend sermons by Salafist preachers. It was a time when Saudi Arabia was funding, with the US and UK, the mujaheddin war against the Russians in Afghanistan and at a time when LIFG built connections with al-Qaeda. There is no evidence that Abedi had fought in Afghanistan or had links with al-Qaeda.

Abedi left Saudi Arabia for Britain in 1992 with his wife. They lived in London before joining the Libyan community in Manchester, the largest in the UK where they started their family. He returned to Libya in 2008 under a reconciliation programme started by the Gaddafi regime. This involved him, and others taking part, to renounce extremism and violence.

Three years later Abedi was back in Libya in the uprising against Col Gaddafi. The regime fell after months of Nato bombing instigated by Britain and France. In the chaotic aftermath which followed extremist groups, including Isis, moved in. Conditions became ripe for exporting jihad to the UK.
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A truly wonderful mother-of-three who was waiting for a friends daughter outside the Manchester Arena when the suicide bomber struck has been named as the latest victim of the attack.

The principal of the school in Blackpool where Jane Tweddle, 51, worked as a receptionist described her as a well-loved member of staff and said they had inundated with messages of condolence.

Ms Tweddle had been waiting outside the arena where Ariana Grande had been performing when the bomb went off, her partner Mark Taylor told BBC Radio Lancashire.

He said she was a lovely lady and a very good mother to three daughters.

The friend and her children all survived, Mr Taylor said.

"I was actually in London, away on business," he said of the moment he realised something was wrong. "One of my daughters rang me to tell me mum had gone missing and there was an explosion."

He contacted hospitals in the area and discovered that his partner had been killed.

Mr Taylor, who was in tears as he spoke to the BBC, praised the emergency services and the help he had received from counsellors assigned to help relatives.

"One of the biggest challenges we've had is one of my daughters was away travelling in Australia, so we were trying to pick a time to notify her," he said.

Recommended The Manchester attack had everything to do with young women

"Some of the counsellors arranged flights for her and her friend to come back, without a second thought."

Jane Bailey, principal of South Shore Academy, said the school community was devastated.

Jane was a well-loved member of staff and our thoughts are with her friends and family at this terrible time, she said.

Jane was a truly wonderful friend and colleague to all of us at South Shore Academy.

As our receptionist, she was, in many ways, the public face of the school and she represented us amazingly in this role.

She said the school had been sent numerous messages of condolence from students, parents, colleagues and ordinary people in Blackpool for which we are very grateful.

All of them say the same things about our lovely Jane ... bubbly, kind, welcoming, funny, generous... the list goes on, Ms Bailey said.

Our thoughts are also with her family at this dreadful time and in particular her three daughters. In our school family and theirs ... she is irreplaceable, much loved and will never be forgotten.

Manchester explosion in pictures Show all 37 1 /37 Manchester explosion in pictures Manchester explosion in pictures People running down stairs as they attempt to exit the Manchester Arena after a blast, where U.S. singer Ariana Grande had been performing, in Manchester Twitter/@ZACH_BRUCE/ via REUTERS Manchester explosion in pictures Helpers attend to people inside the Manchester Arena after a suspected suicide bomber detonated an explosive device at the end of an Ariana Grande concert, killing 22 people PA wire Manchester explosion in pictures Armed officers guard outside a hotel near the Manchester Arena following reports of an explosion, in Manchester, Britain EPA Manchester explosion in pictures Police officers are seen outside the Manchester Arena, where U.S. singer Ariana Grande had been performing, in Manchester, northern England Reuters Manchester explosion in pictures Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police and fans close to the Manchester Arena, after reports of an explosion Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures There have been reports of explosions at Manchester Arena where Ariana Grande had performed Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police deploy at scene of explosion in Manchester, England, at a concert in Manchester Arena AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police stand by a cordoned off street close to the Manchester Arena Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police deploy at scene of explosion in Manchester, England AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police deploy at scene of a reported explosion during a concert in Manchester, England, on May 23, 2017. British police said early May 23 there were "a number of confirmed fatalities" after reports of at least one explosion during a pop concert by US singer Ariana Grande. Ambulances were seen rushing to the Manchester Arena venue and police added in a statement that people should avoid the area AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures An ambulance drives away from the Manchester Arena, where U.S. singer Ariana Grande had been performing, in Manchester Reuters Manchester explosion in pictures Police escort members of the public from the Manchester Arena in Manchester, England. Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures A woman sits in the street in a blanket near the Manchester Arena as police guard the area following reports of an explosion, in Manchester, Britain EPA Manchester explosion in pictures Two women wrapped in thermal blankets stand near the Manchester Arena, where US singer Ariana Grande had been performing, in Manchester Reuters Manchester explosion in pictures A Royal Logistic Corps (RLC) bomb disposal robot is unloaded outside the Manchester Arena following reports of an explosion, in Manchester. At least 19 people have been confirmed dead and others 50 were injured, authorities said. It is being treated as a terrorist incident until police know otherwise EPA Manchester explosion in pictures A Royal Logistic Corps (RLC) bomb disposal robot is unloaded outside the Manchester Arena following reports of an explosion, in Manchester EPA Manchester explosion in pictures Members of the public receive treatment from emergency service staff at Victoria Railway Station close to the Manchester Arena on May 23, 2017 in Manchester, England. There have been reports of explosions at Manchester Arena where Ariana Grande had performed this evening. Greater Manchester Police have have confirmed there are fatalities and warned people to stay away from the area Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Armed police after a suspected terrorist attack at the Manchester Arena at the end of a concert by US star Ariana Grande left 19 dead PA wire Manchester explosion in pictures Emergency services arrive close to the Manchester Arena in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures An amoured police vehicle patrols near Manchester Arena in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures A man carries a young girl on his shoulders near Victoria station in Manchester AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police officers stand at the Miller Street and Corporation Street Crossroads, in front of the Manchester Arena in Manchester, England Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police block a road near to the Manchester Arena in central Manchester, England AP Manchester explosion in pictures Armed police patrol near Victoria station in Manchester, northwest England. Twenty two people have been killed and dozens injured after a suspected suicide bomber targeted fans leaving a concert of US singer Ariana Grande in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police forensic officers leave the Manchester Arena as they investigate the scene of an explosion in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures A forensic officer collects evidence on a walkway between Victoria station and Manchester Arena following a deadly terror attack in Manchester, Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures A woman and a young girl wearing a t-shirt of US singer Ariana Grande talks to police near Manchester Arena following a deadly terror attack in Manchester, Getty Manchester explosion in pictures EPA Manchester explosion in pictures Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham and Manchester City Council Leader Sir Richard Leese speak to the media outside Manchester Town Hall after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving a pop concert in Manchester Dave Higgens/PA Wire Manchester explosion in pictures The media gather behind a police cordon in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Flowers left close to the Manchester Arena, the morning after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving a pop concert in Manchester Danny Lawson/PA Wire Manchester explosion in pictures Ariana Grande concert attendees Karen Moore and her daughter Molly Steed, aged 14, from Derby, leave the Park Inn where they were given refuge after last night's explosion at Manchester Arena Getty Manchester explosion in pictures Signs saying 'We love Manchester' are displayed in a window in Manchester, England Getty Images

Ms Tweddle was one of three people from the Blackpool area who died in the explosion.

Gordon Marsden, the Labour candidate for Blackpool South, said: It brings home the wicked and senseless waste of human life. My thoughts are with their family, friends and colleagues.
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A man has reportedly discharged himself from hospital to help ensure there are enough beds for the victims of the Manchester terror attack.

David Priestman, 35, was in Wythenshawe Hospital with kidney problems when he heard the news of the attack.

Immediately, taking to Facebook he said he would "give my bed at Wythenshawe Hopsital to somebody if it's needed" adding that he was not important but the injured and wounded were.

Recommended All the victims confirmed dead after the Manchester bombing

The Army veteran told The Mirror that he felt terrified as news filtered in about the attack at Manchester Arena after an Ariana Grande concert, which eventually claimed the lives of 22 people, including a number of children, and injured 64.

The father-of-two nonetheless made good on his promise and just hours after the attack on Tuesday morning, he discharged himself, despite the nurses insisting he was too ill to leave.

I wanted to go out and help, he said. I can move and walk, I mean, yes, Im in a little bit of pain but if Im OK, why shouldnt I give up my bed?

Manchester explosion in pictures Show all 37 1 /37 Manchester explosion in pictures Manchester explosion in pictures People running down stairs as they attempt to exit the Manchester Arena after a blast, where U.S. singer Ariana Grande had been performing, in Manchester Twitter/@ZACH_BRUCE/ via REUTERS Manchester explosion in pictures Helpers attend to people inside the Manchester Arena after a suspected suicide bomber detonated an explosive device at the end of an Ariana Grande concert, killing 22 people PA wire Manchester explosion in pictures Armed officers guard outside a hotel near the Manchester Arena following reports of an explosion, in Manchester, Britain EPA Manchester explosion in pictures Police officers are seen outside the Manchester Arena, where U.S. singer Ariana Grande had been performing, in Manchester, northern England Reuters Manchester explosion in pictures Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police and fans close to the Manchester Arena, after reports of an explosion Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures There have been reports of explosions at Manchester Arena where Ariana Grande had performed Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police deploy at scene of explosion in Manchester, England, at a concert in Manchester Arena AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police stand by a cordoned off street close to the Manchester Arena Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police deploy at scene of explosion in Manchester, England AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police deploy at scene of a reported explosion during a concert in Manchester, England, on May 23, 2017. British police said early May 23 there were "a number of confirmed fatalities" after reports of at least one explosion during a pop concert by US singer Ariana Grande. Ambulances were seen rushing to the Manchester Arena venue and police added in a statement that people should avoid the area AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures An ambulance drives away from the Manchester Arena, where U.S. singer Ariana Grande had been performing, in Manchester Reuters Manchester explosion in pictures Police escort members of the public from the Manchester Arena in Manchester, England. Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures A woman sits in the street in a blanket near the Manchester Arena as police guard the area following reports of an explosion, in Manchester, Britain EPA Manchester explosion in pictures Two women wrapped in thermal blankets stand near the Manchester Arena, where US singer Ariana Grande had been performing, in Manchester Reuters Manchester explosion in pictures A Royal Logistic Corps (RLC) bomb disposal robot is unloaded outside the Manchester Arena following reports of an explosion, in Manchester. At least 19 people have been confirmed dead and others 50 were injured, authorities said. It is being treated as a terrorist incident until police know otherwise EPA Manchester explosion in pictures A Royal Logistic Corps (RLC) bomb disposal robot is unloaded outside the Manchester Arena following reports of an explosion, in Manchester EPA Manchester explosion in pictures Members of the public receive treatment from emergency service staff at Victoria Railway Station close to the Manchester Arena on May 23, 2017 in Manchester, England. There have been reports of explosions at Manchester Arena where Ariana Grande had performed this evening. Greater Manchester Police have have confirmed there are fatalities and warned people to stay away from the area Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Armed police after a suspected terrorist attack at the Manchester Arena at the end of a concert by US star Ariana Grande left 19 dead PA wire Manchester explosion in pictures Emergency services arrive close to the Manchester Arena in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures An amoured police vehicle patrols near Manchester Arena in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures A man carries a young girl on his shoulders near Victoria station in Manchester AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police officers stand at the Miller Street and Corporation Street Crossroads, in front of the Manchester Arena in Manchester, England Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police block a road near to the Manchester Arena in central Manchester, England AP Manchester explosion in pictures Armed police patrol near Victoria station in Manchester, northwest England. Twenty two people have been killed and dozens injured after a suspected suicide bomber targeted fans leaving a concert of US singer Ariana Grande in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police forensic officers leave the Manchester Arena as they investigate the scene of an explosion in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures A forensic officer collects evidence on a walkway between Victoria station and Manchester Arena following a deadly terror attack in Manchester, Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures A woman and a young girl wearing a t-shirt of US singer Ariana Grande talks to police near Manchester Arena following a deadly terror attack in Manchester, Getty Manchester explosion in pictures EPA Manchester explosion in pictures Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham and Manchester City Council Leader Sir Richard Leese speak to the media outside Manchester Town Hall after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving a pop concert in Manchester Dave Higgens/PA Wire Manchester explosion in pictures The media gather behind a police cordon in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Flowers left close to the Manchester Arena, the morning after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving a pop concert in Manchester Danny Lawson/PA Wire Manchester explosion in pictures Ariana Grande concert attendees Karen Moore and her daughter Molly Steed, aged 14, from Derby, leave the Park Inn where they were given refuge after last night's explosion at Manchester Arena Getty Manchester explosion in pictures Signs saying 'We love Manchester' are displayed in a window in Manchester, England Getty Images

He added: The nurses said I wasnt well enough but I didnt want to keep to my bed. They can have it if they need it.

Mr Priestly is now recovering at home.
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Teenager Laura MacIntyre, who was reported missing after the Manchester bomb attack, has been been found in hospital suffering from serious burns.

Laura, 15, and her friend Eilidh MacLeod, 14, had been missing since the deadly attack at the Ariana Grande concert at Manchester arena on Monday night which left 22 people dead and around 59 injured. Eilidh is still unaccounted for, along with 13 others.

Family friend and SNP MP Angus MacNeil confirmed the 15-year-old from the Isle of Barra in Scotland, was located following desperate appeals on social media from her family and friends.

"Laura is alive and in hospital in a serious condition," he said.

"We are obviously still extremely worried about Eilidh. We have no news at the moment."

Recommended City unites in defiance after suicide bomber kills 22 at concert

Speaking before she was found, Laura's father revealed it was the teenagers first concert and the two friends had travelled with Eilidhs mother from the remote Hebridean island to Manchester.

Michael MacIntyre said earlier today: I was a bit hesitant about her going to a concert so far away but she seemed so happy. Im waiting by the phone all day in case I hear any news.

The friends are in year nine at Barra Community School and the tickets were a birthday present for Eilidh, whose mother Nan was waiting in her hotel room when the concert ended.

The last message she received was a text to say the last song had started and the girls would be out soon.

Family and friends from the remote island, which has a population of just 1,100, many of them Gaelic speakers, issued frantic appeals on social media for any information on the whereabouts of the two teens.

Eilidhs aunt Margaret MacNeil wrote on Facebook: My niece and her friend were at the Ariana Grande concert tonight and there has been no contact since the explosion. Please let us find the girls safe and well.

Mr MacNeil, the SNP candidate for the area, who knows both families well, had also taken to social media to appeal for help in finding the girls.

Donald Manford, a local councillor on Barra and the great uncle of Eilidh MacLeod, said she was a bright and highly motivated girl who was looking forward to a special treat with her friend.

He drove Eilidhs father Roddy to the airport so he could fly to Glasgow and then on to Manchester in the early hours of the morning.

Mr Manford said of Mr MacLeod: He is distressed but he is a very strong individual and they are a very strong family. We are extremely grateful for the understanding and help the family has received from all quarters although I wish we could have some good news.
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Families bereaved by the Omagh bomb have supported an appeal for money for the Manchester victims.

The 1998 blast was the single most bloody attack of the Northern Ireland conflict and killed 29 people after a dissident republican car bomb exploded on a busy shopping street.

Michael Gallagher lost his son Aiden, 21, and extended the hand of friendship across the Irish Sea.

Mr Gallagher said: We know many of the trials and tribulations that the families affected by the Manchester bomb will go through.

In a situation that is totally despairing I think there is great hope in the fact that the people of Manchester from right across the communities of all religions have come together, have sent a very positive message and not allowed this individual, whether working alone or with others, to poison the community by bringing out racial hatred which these things often do.

I think that is a very powerful message.

He said he coped with his own tragedy by focusing on the goodness of his murdered son, a young mechanic and only son who had gone to a shop to buy some clothes, rather than concentrating on those responsible.

The bomb devastated Omagh town centre just months after the 1998 Good Friday Agreement sealed Northern Ireland's emergence from conflict.

It was blamed on the Real IRA and in 2009 four men were held responsible in a civil case brought by families of the victims.

Mr Gallagher said he felt helpless in recent days, being unable to attend rallies in Manchester to show solidarity.

Generally the families that have not been affected would not be listening to news and keeping a close eye as we would on what is happening.

It is important that they concentrate on the wonderful people that they lost and what I have found in my experience I had to dig very deep inside my soul to have the strength to carry on and it was all the good things, all the good people I met in life, the good person that Aiden was, that is what gave me the strength and energy to go forward.

He said the Omagh families had supported an appeal for money for the families and hoped others would too.

This is something that has been thrust on a family who never in their wildest dreams could ever imagine, their lives being turned upside down by their children going to a concert.

Manchester explosion in pictures Show all 37 1 /37 Manchester explosion in pictures Manchester explosion in pictures People running down stairs as they attempt to exit the Manchester Arena after a blast, where U.S. singer Ariana Grande had been performing, in Manchester Twitter/@ZACH_BRUCE/ via REUTERS Manchester explosion in pictures Helpers attend to people inside the Manchester Arena after a suspected suicide bomber detonated an explosive device at the end of an Ariana Grande concert, killing 22 people PA wire Manchester explosion in pictures Armed officers guard outside a hotel near the Manchester Arena following reports of an explosion, in Manchester, Britain EPA Manchester explosion in pictures Police officers are seen outside the Manchester Arena, where U.S. singer Ariana Grande had been performing, in Manchester, northern England Reuters Manchester explosion in pictures Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police and fans close to the Manchester Arena, after reports of an explosion Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures There have been reports of explosions at Manchester Arena where Ariana Grande had performed Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police deploy at scene of explosion in Manchester, England, at a concert in Manchester Arena AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police stand by a cordoned off street close to the Manchester Arena Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police deploy at scene of explosion in Manchester, England AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police deploy at scene of a reported explosion during a concert in Manchester, England, on May 23, 2017. British police said early May 23 there were "a number of confirmed fatalities" after reports of at least one explosion during a pop concert by US singer Ariana Grande. Ambulances were seen rushing to the Manchester Arena venue and police added in a statement that people should avoid the area AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures An ambulance drives away from the Manchester Arena, where U.S. singer Ariana Grande had been performing, in Manchester Reuters Manchester explosion in pictures Police escort members of the public from the Manchester Arena in Manchester, England. Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures A woman sits in the street in a blanket near the Manchester Arena as police guard the area following reports of an explosion, in Manchester, Britain EPA Manchester explosion in pictures Two women wrapped in thermal blankets stand near the Manchester Arena, where US singer Ariana Grande had been performing, in Manchester Reuters Manchester explosion in pictures A Royal Logistic Corps (RLC) bomb disposal robot is unloaded outside the Manchester Arena following reports of an explosion, in Manchester. At least 19 people have been confirmed dead and others 50 were injured, authorities said. It is being treated as a terrorist incident until police know otherwise EPA Manchester explosion in pictures A Royal Logistic Corps (RLC) bomb disposal robot is unloaded outside the Manchester Arena following reports of an explosion, in Manchester EPA Manchester explosion in pictures Members of the public receive treatment from emergency service staff at Victoria Railway Station close to the Manchester Arena on May 23, 2017 in Manchester, England. There have been reports of explosions at Manchester Arena where Ariana Grande had performed this evening. Greater Manchester Police have have confirmed there are fatalities and warned people to stay away from the area Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Armed police after a suspected terrorist attack at the Manchester Arena at the end of a concert by US star Ariana Grande left 19 dead PA wire Manchester explosion in pictures Emergency services arrive close to the Manchester Arena in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures An amoured police vehicle patrols near Manchester Arena in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures A man carries a young girl on his shoulders near Victoria station in Manchester AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police officers stand at the Miller Street and Corporation Street Crossroads, in front of the Manchester Arena in Manchester, England Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police block a road near to the Manchester Arena in central Manchester, England AP Manchester explosion in pictures Armed police patrol near Victoria station in Manchester, northwest England. Twenty two people have been killed and dozens injured after a suspected suicide bomber targeted fans leaving a concert of US singer Ariana Grande in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police forensic officers leave the Manchester Arena as they investigate the scene of an explosion in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures A forensic officer collects evidence on a walkway between Victoria station and Manchester Arena following a deadly terror attack in Manchester, Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures A woman and a young girl wearing a t-shirt of US singer Ariana Grande talks to police near Manchester Arena following a deadly terror attack in Manchester, Getty Manchester explosion in pictures EPA Manchester explosion in pictures Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham and Manchester City Council Leader Sir Richard Leese speak to the media outside Manchester Town Hall after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving a pop concert in Manchester Dave Higgens/PA Wire Manchester explosion in pictures The media gather behind a police cordon in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Flowers left close to the Manchester Arena, the morning after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving a pop concert in Manchester Danny Lawson/PA Wire Manchester explosion in pictures Ariana Grande concert attendees Karen Moore and her daughter Molly Steed, aged 14, from Derby, leave the Park Inn where they were given refuge after last night's explosion at Manchester Arena Getty Manchester explosion in pictures Signs saying 'We love Manchester' are displayed in a window in Manchester, England Getty Images

So it is difficult but I would say, don't concentrate on the individual who committed this atrocity because that is exactly what they want you to do.

They want hatred to build up inside people and cause community strife and that is the last thing we need.

We need to show a united front that our democracy, our freedom and our humanity will not be affected by their acts no matter how brutal they are.

Copyright Press Association
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The suicide bomber who attacked the stadium after Ariana Grande's concert does not represent Muslims, in the same way that Thomas Mair, the man who killed Jo Cox does not represent white Christians, the mayor of Greater Manchester has said.

In a televised interview after the terror event which caused the death of 22 people  many of whom were children  Andy Burnham said: We wont let this act of terrorism divide us from one another. Those who would like to make it all the responsibility of the Muslim community well, Im afraid that is wrong.

This is an extremist act and the person who did it in no more represents the Muslim community than the person who killed Jo Cox represents the white Christian community.

Recommended Polish couple who went missing in Manchester attack confirmed dead

Mr Mair had reportedly shouted Britain First a number of times before shooting and then stabbing the Labour MP one week before the European Union referendum.

Brendan Cox, the widower of the murdered MP, responded to the attack by urging people to remain united.

In a Twitter post, he wrote: Thinking of every family whose lives have been destroyed today by a cowardly, hate-filled attack. So much pain and so pointless.

"People who use this to push hatred are doing exactly what the terrorists want. Division & hate make us weak, Unity & Resolve make us strong.

Of the Manchester attack, Mr Burnham was clear: Its an act of extremism and people need to remember that at all times.

His comments come in the wake of the most serious terrorist attack in Britain since the 7/7 suicide bombings taking 52 lives.

The Manchester Arena attacker has been identified as 22-year-old Salman Abedi, who carried out the crime with a home-made bomb.

Isis claimed responsibility for the attack, and the terrorist group released a statement in several languages through its central media body.

The English version said: "With Allah's grace and support, a soldier of the Khilafah [caliphate] managed to place explosive devices in the midst of the gatherings of the crusaders in the British city of Manchester.

Chief Constable Hopkins said investigators believe the attack was perpetrated by a lone bomber carrying a homemade device.

In a visit to Manchester shortly after the event, Theresa May called the attack appalling, sickening.

Manchester explosion in pictures Show all 37 1 /37 Manchester explosion in pictures Manchester explosion in pictures People running down stairs as they attempt to exit the Manchester Arena after a blast, where U.S. singer Ariana Grande had been performing, in Manchester Twitter/@ZACH_BRUCE/ via REUTERS Manchester explosion in pictures Helpers attend to people inside the Manchester Arena after a suspected suicide bomber detonated an explosive device at the end of an Ariana Grande concert, killing 22 people PA wire Manchester explosion in pictures Armed officers guard outside a hotel near the Manchester Arena following reports of an explosion, in Manchester, Britain EPA Manchester explosion in pictures Police officers are seen outside the Manchester Arena, where U.S. singer Ariana Grande had been performing, in Manchester, northern England Reuters Manchester explosion in pictures Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police and fans close to the Manchester Arena, after reports of an explosion Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures There have been reports of explosions at Manchester Arena where Ariana Grande had performed Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police deploy at scene of explosion in Manchester, England, at a concert in Manchester Arena AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police stand by a cordoned off street close to the Manchester Arena Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police deploy at scene of explosion in Manchester, England AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police deploy at scene of a reported explosion during a concert in Manchester, England, on May 23, 2017. British police said early May 23 there were "a number of confirmed fatalities" after reports of at least one explosion during a pop concert by US singer Ariana Grande. Ambulances were seen rushing to the Manchester Arena venue and police added in a statement that people should avoid the area AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures An ambulance drives away from the Manchester Arena, where U.S. singer Ariana Grande had been performing, in Manchester Reuters Manchester explosion in pictures Police escort members of the public from the Manchester Arena in Manchester, England. Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures A woman sits in the street in a blanket near the Manchester Arena as police guard the area following reports of an explosion, in Manchester, Britain EPA Manchester explosion in pictures Two women wrapped in thermal blankets stand near the Manchester Arena, where US singer Ariana Grande had been performing, in Manchester Reuters Manchester explosion in pictures A Royal Logistic Corps (RLC) bomb disposal robot is unloaded outside the Manchester Arena following reports of an explosion, in Manchester. At least 19 people have been confirmed dead and others 50 were injured, authorities said. It is being treated as a terrorist incident until police know otherwise EPA Manchester explosion in pictures A Royal Logistic Corps (RLC) bomb disposal robot is unloaded outside the Manchester Arena following reports of an explosion, in Manchester EPA Manchester explosion in pictures Members of the public receive treatment from emergency service staff at Victoria Railway Station close to the Manchester Arena on May 23, 2017 in Manchester, England. There have been reports of explosions at Manchester Arena where Ariana Grande had performed this evening. Greater Manchester Police have have confirmed there are fatalities and warned people to stay away from the area Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Armed police after a suspected terrorist attack at the Manchester Arena at the end of a concert by US star Ariana Grande left 19 dead PA wire Manchester explosion in pictures Emergency services arrive close to the Manchester Arena in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures An amoured police vehicle patrols near Manchester Arena in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures A man carries a young girl on his shoulders near Victoria station in Manchester AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police officers stand at the Miller Street and Corporation Street Crossroads, in front of the Manchester Arena in Manchester, England Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police block a road near to the Manchester Arena in central Manchester, England AP Manchester explosion in pictures Armed police patrol near Victoria station in Manchester, northwest England. Twenty two people have been killed and dozens injured after a suspected suicide bomber targeted fans leaving a concert of US singer Ariana Grande in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police forensic officers leave the Manchester Arena as they investigate the scene of an explosion in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures A forensic officer collects evidence on a walkway between Victoria station and Manchester Arena following a deadly terror attack in Manchester, Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures A woman and a young girl wearing a t-shirt of US singer Ariana Grande talks to police near Manchester Arena following a deadly terror attack in Manchester, Getty Manchester explosion in pictures EPA Manchester explosion in pictures Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham and Manchester City Council Leader Sir Richard Leese speak to the media outside Manchester Town Hall after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving a pop concert in Manchester Dave Higgens/PA Wire Manchester explosion in pictures The media gather behind a police cordon in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Flowers left close to the Manchester Arena, the morning after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving a pop concert in Manchester Danny Lawson/PA Wire Manchester explosion in pictures Ariana Grande concert attendees Karen Moore and her daughter Molly Steed, aged 14, from Derby, leave the Park Inn where they were given refuge after last night's explosion at Manchester Arena Getty Manchester explosion in pictures Signs saying 'We love Manchester' are displayed in a window in Manchester, England Getty Images

She said: We struggle to understand the warped and twisted mind that sees a room of young people as an opportunity for carnage.

The Prime Minister has since raised the terrorist threat level to critical, the highest level, indicating an attack is thought to be imminent.
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A fifth man has been arrested following the Manchester Arena terrorist bombing, Greater Manchester Police has said.

The arrest took place in Wigan and a package the man was carrying is now being assessed.

We have made an arrest in Wigan this afternoon in connection with the investigation into the horrific incident at Manchester Arena, a spokeswoman for Greater Manchester Police said.

When arrested, the man was carrying a package which we are currently assessing.

Earlier on Wednesday it was announced the younger brother of suicide bomber Salman Abedi had been arrested in Libya.

Hashem Abedi, who was born in 1997, was detained on Tuesday evening in the capital Tripoli.

The father of the Manchester bomber, Ramadan Abedi, has also been arrested by security forces in Libya, ITV reported.

Overnight three men were arrested in the south of Manchester as investigators worked to establish whether the 22-year-old Abedi acted alone or was part of a wider terrorist network, raiding several properties across Manchester.

Manchester explosion in pictures Show all 37 1 /37 Manchester explosion in pictures Manchester explosion in pictures People running down stairs as they attempt to exit the Manchester Arena after a blast, where U.S. singer Ariana Grande had been performing, in Manchester Twitter/@ZACH_BRUCE/ via REUTERS Manchester explosion in pictures Helpers attend to people inside the Manchester Arena after a suspected suicide bomber detonated an explosive device at the end of an Ariana Grande concert, killing 22 people PA wire Manchester explosion in pictures Armed officers guard outside a hotel near the Manchester Arena following reports of an explosion, in Manchester, Britain EPA Manchester explosion in pictures Police officers are seen outside the Manchester Arena, where U.S. singer Ariana Grande had been performing, in Manchester, northern England Reuters Manchester explosion in pictures Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police and fans close to the Manchester Arena, after reports of an explosion Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures There have been reports of explosions at Manchester Arena where Ariana Grande had performed Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police deploy at scene of explosion in Manchester, England, at a concert in Manchester Arena AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police stand by a cordoned off street close to the Manchester Arena Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police deploy at scene of explosion in Manchester, England AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police deploy at scene of a reported explosion during a concert in Manchester, England, on May 23, 2017. British police said early May 23 there were "a number of confirmed fatalities" after reports of at least one explosion during a pop concert by US singer Ariana Grande. Ambulances were seen rushing to the Manchester Arena venue and police added in a statement that people should avoid the area AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures An ambulance drives away from the Manchester Arena, where U.S. singer Ariana Grande had been performing, in Manchester Reuters Manchester explosion in pictures Police escort members of the public from the Manchester Arena in Manchester, England. Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures A woman sits in the street in a blanket near the Manchester Arena as police guard the area following reports of an explosion, in Manchester, Britain EPA Manchester explosion in pictures Two women wrapped in thermal blankets stand near the Manchester Arena, where US singer Ariana Grande had been performing, in Manchester Reuters Manchester explosion in pictures A Royal Logistic Corps (RLC) bomb disposal robot is unloaded outside the Manchester Arena following reports of an explosion, in Manchester. At least 19 people have been confirmed dead and others 50 were injured, authorities said. It is being treated as a terrorist incident until police know otherwise EPA Manchester explosion in pictures A Royal Logistic Corps (RLC) bomb disposal robot is unloaded outside the Manchester Arena following reports of an explosion, in Manchester EPA Manchester explosion in pictures Members of the public receive treatment from emergency service staff at Victoria Railway Station close to the Manchester Arena on May 23, 2017 in Manchester, England. There have been reports of explosions at Manchester Arena where Ariana Grande had performed this evening. Greater Manchester Police have have confirmed there are fatalities and warned people to stay away from the area Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Armed police after a suspected terrorist attack at the Manchester Arena at the end of a concert by US star Ariana Grande left 19 dead PA wire Manchester explosion in pictures Emergency services arrive close to the Manchester Arena in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures An amoured police vehicle patrols near Manchester Arena in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures A man carries a young girl on his shoulders near Victoria station in Manchester AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police officers stand at the Miller Street and Corporation Street Crossroads, in front of the Manchester Arena in Manchester, England Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police block a road near to the Manchester Arena in central Manchester, England AP Manchester explosion in pictures Armed police patrol near Victoria station in Manchester, northwest England. Twenty two people have been killed and dozens injured after a suspected suicide bomber targeted fans leaving a concert of US singer Ariana Grande in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police forensic officers leave the Manchester Arena as they investigate the scene of an explosion in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures A forensic officer collects evidence on a walkway between Victoria station and Manchester Arena following a deadly terror attack in Manchester, Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures A woman and a young girl wearing a t-shirt of US singer Ariana Grande talks to police near Manchester Arena following a deadly terror attack in Manchester, Getty Manchester explosion in pictures EPA Manchester explosion in pictures Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham and Manchester City Council Leader Sir Richard Leese speak to the media outside Manchester Town Hall after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving a pop concert in Manchester Dave Higgens/PA Wire Manchester explosion in pictures The media gather behind a police cordon in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Flowers left close to the Manchester Arena, the morning after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving a pop concert in Manchester Danny Lawson/PA Wire Manchester explosion in pictures Ariana Grande concert attendees Karen Moore and her daughter Molly Steed, aged 14, from Derby, leave the Park Inn where they were given refuge after last night's explosion at Manchester Arena Getty Manchester explosion in pictures Signs saying 'We love Manchester' are displayed in a window in Manchester, England Getty Images

Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said authorities would leave no stone unturned to find out who was responsible for Mondays attack.

We don't yet know whether [Abedi] was acting alone, whether there were accomplices, whether others had access to the explosives he devised, he told Sky News.

Abedi killed 22 people, including children, and injured dozens of others with an improvised explosive device he detonated after an Ariana Grande concert on Monday night.
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Police investigating the Manchester Arena suicide bomb attack are convinced they are dealing with a "network" of terrorists, a senior officer has said.

Following the explosion that killed 22 people and injured 64 outside a concert by pop star Ariana Grande, Theresa May announced that the UK terror threat level had been raised to "critical", meaning an attack is expected imminently.

And Ian Hopkins, the Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police, has now essentially explained why.

"I think it's very clear that this is a network that we are investigating. As I've said, it [the investigation] continues at pace," he said.

"There's extensive investigations going on and activity taking place across Greater Manchester as we speak."

He added that the level of police activity was "intense".

Earlier Amber Rudd, the Home Secretary, said the suicide bombing had been "more sophisticated" than other attacks.

Recommended All the victims confirmed dead after the Manchester bombing

"It seems likely  possible  that he wasn't doing this on his own," she said.

There have been reports that the suicide bomber, Salman Abedi, was not the bombmaker but acted as a "mule" for others who were behind the attack.

Four other people have been arrested by police investigating the attack. At least one person was detained at a house in Aston Avenue, south Manchester.

Neighbours reported seeing a man in handcuffs on the street along with members of his family, including his wife, an adult son, a teenage daughter and two teenage sons.

There was also a controlled explosion at a flat in Granby Row in central Manchester as police carried out a search of the property.

Soldiers have been ordered onto the streets to protect potential targets such as the Houses of Parliament, Downing Street and New Scotland Yard.

Manchester explosion in pictures Show all 37 1 /37 Manchester explosion in pictures Manchester explosion in pictures People running down stairs as they attempt to exit the Manchester Arena after a blast, where U.S. singer Ariana Grande had been performing, in Manchester Twitter/@ZACH_BRUCE/ via REUTERS Manchester explosion in pictures Helpers attend to people inside the Manchester Arena after a suspected suicide bomber detonated an explosive device at the end of an Ariana Grande concert, killing 22 people PA wire Manchester explosion in pictures Armed officers guard outside a hotel near the Manchester Arena following reports of an explosion, in Manchester, Britain EPA Manchester explosion in pictures Police officers are seen outside the Manchester Arena, where U.S. singer Ariana Grande had been performing, in Manchester, northern England Reuters Manchester explosion in pictures Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police and fans close to the Manchester Arena, after reports of an explosion Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures There have been reports of explosions at Manchester Arena where Ariana Grande had performed Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police deploy at scene of explosion in Manchester, England, at a concert in Manchester Arena AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police stand by a cordoned off street close to the Manchester Arena Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police deploy at scene of explosion in Manchester, England AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police deploy at scene of a reported explosion during a concert in Manchester, England, on May 23, 2017. British police said early May 23 there were "a number of confirmed fatalities" after reports of at least one explosion during a pop concert by US singer Ariana Grande. Ambulances were seen rushing to the Manchester Arena venue and police added in a statement that people should avoid the area AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures An ambulance drives away from the Manchester Arena, where U.S. singer Ariana Grande had been performing, in Manchester Reuters Manchester explosion in pictures Police escort members of the public from the Manchester Arena in Manchester, England. Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures A woman sits in the street in a blanket near the Manchester Arena as police guard the area following reports of an explosion, in Manchester, Britain EPA Manchester explosion in pictures Two women wrapped in thermal blankets stand near the Manchester Arena, where US singer Ariana Grande had been performing, in Manchester Reuters Manchester explosion in pictures A Royal Logistic Corps (RLC) bomb disposal robot is unloaded outside the Manchester Arena following reports of an explosion, in Manchester. At least 19 people have been confirmed dead and others 50 were injured, authorities said. It is being treated as a terrorist incident until police know otherwise EPA Manchester explosion in pictures A Royal Logistic Corps (RLC) bomb disposal robot is unloaded outside the Manchester Arena following reports of an explosion, in Manchester EPA Manchester explosion in pictures Members of the public receive treatment from emergency service staff at Victoria Railway Station close to the Manchester Arena on May 23, 2017 in Manchester, England. There have been reports of explosions at Manchester Arena where Ariana Grande had performed this evening. Greater Manchester Police have have confirmed there are fatalities and warned people to stay away from the area Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Armed police after a suspected terrorist attack at the Manchester Arena at the end of a concert by US star Ariana Grande left 19 dead PA wire Manchester explosion in pictures Emergency services arrive close to the Manchester Arena in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures An amoured police vehicle patrols near Manchester Arena in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures A man carries a young girl on his shoulders near Victoria station in Manchester AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police officers stand at the Miller Street and Corporation Street Crossroads, in front of the Manchester Arena in Manchester, England Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police block a road near to the Manchester Arena in central Manchester, England AP Manchester explosion in pictures Armed police patrol near Victoria station in Manchester, northwest England. Twenty two people have been killed and dozens injured after a suspected suicide bomber targeted fans leaving a concert of US singer Ariana Grande in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police forensic officers leave the Manchester Arena as they investigate the scene of an explosion in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures A forensic officer collects evidence on a walkway between Victoria station and Manchester Arena following a deadly terror attack in Manchester, Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures A woman and a young girl wearing a t-shirt of US singer Ariana Grande talks to police near Manchester Arena following a deadly terror attack in Manchester, Getty Manchester explosion in pictures EPA Manchester explosion in pictures Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham and Manchester City Council Leader Sir Richard Leese speak to the media outside Manchester Town Hall after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving a pop concert in Manchester Dave Higgens/PA Wire Manchester explosion in pictures The media gather behind a police cordon in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Flowers left close to the Manchester Arena, the morning after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving a pop concert in Manchester Danny Lawson/PA Wire Manchester explosion in pictures Ariana Grande concert attendees Karen Moore and her daughter Molly Steed, aged 14, from Derby, leave the Park Inn where they were given refuge after last night's explosion at Manchester Arena Getty Manchester explosion in pictures Signs saying 'We love Manchester' are displayed in a window in Manchester, England Getty Images

Abedi, 22, who was born in Manchester in 1994 to parents of Libyan birth, had recently returned from Libya, according to Ms Rudd.

French Interior Minister Gerard Collomb told BFMTV that Abedi had been linked to Isis and may have visited Syria.

Today we only know what British investigators have told us  someone of British nationality, of Libyan origin, who suddenly after a trip to Libya, then probably to Syria, becomes radicalised and decides to carry out this attack, he said.

Asked if he believed Abedi had the support of a network, Mr Collomb said: That is not known yet, but perhaps. In any case, (he had) links with Daesh (Isis) that are proven.

Reuters contributed to this report
 Close Manchester attack: Theresa May raises terror threat rating to 'critical'

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The UK terror threat has been raised to critical in the wake of the Manchester suicide bombing attack amid fears attacker Salman Abedi did not act alone.

Monday night's attack at an Ariana Grande concert left 22 people dead and injured 64. Some 20 people are being treated for "horrific injuries" in critical care and 12 of those rushed to hospital were children.

Thousands of soldiers are set to bolster police forces after Theresa May raised the threat level to the highest possible rating, meaning another atrocity is expected imminently.

Five more suspects have been arrested in relation to the attack by Greater Manchester Police in new counter-terror raids.

Manchester explosion in pictures Show all 37 1 /37 Manchester explosion in pictures Manchester explosion in pictures People running down stairs as they attempt to exit the Manchester Arena after a blast, where U.S. singer Ariana Grande had been performing, in Manchester Twitter/@ZACH_BRUCE/ via REUTERS Manchester explosion in pictures Helpers attend to people inside the Manchester Arena after a suspected suicide bomber detonated an explosive device at the end of an Ariana Grande concert, killing 22 people PA wire Manchester explosion in pictures Armed officers guard outside a hotel near the Manchester Arena following reports of an explosion, in Manchester, Britain EPA Manchester explosion in pictures Police officers are seen outside the Manchester Arena, where U.S. singer Ariana Grande had been performing, in Manchester, northern England Reuters Manchester explosion in pictures Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police and fans close to the Manchester Arena, after reports of an explosion Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures There have been reports of explosions at Manchester Arena where Ariana Grande had performed Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police deploy at scene of explosion in Manchester, England, at a concert in Manchester Arena AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police stand by a cordoned off street close to the Manchester Arena Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police deploy at scene of explosion in Manchester, England AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police deploy at scene of a reported explosion during a concert in Manchester, England, on May 23, 2017. British police said early May 23 there were "a number of confirmed fatalities" after reports of at least one explosion during a pop concert by US singer Ariana Grande. Ambulances were seen rushing to the Manchester Arena venue and police added in a statement that people should avoid the area AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures An ambulance drives away from the Manchester Arena, where U.S. singer Ariana Grande had been performing, in Manchester Reuters Manchester explosion in pictures Police escort members of the public from the Manchester Arena in Manchester, England. Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures A woman sits in the street in a blanket near the Manchester Arena as police guard the area following reports of an explosion, in Manchester, Britain EPA Manchester explosion in pictures Two women wrapped in thermal blankets stand near the Manchester Arena, where US singer Ariana Grande had been performing, in Manchester Reuters Manchester explosion in pictures A Royal Logistic Corps (RLC) bomb disposal robot is unloaded outside the Manchester Arena following reports of an explosion, in Manchester. At least 19 people have been confirmed dead and others 50 were injured, authorities said. It is being treated as a terrorist incident until police know otherwise EPA Manchester explosion in pictures A Royal Logistic Corps (RLC) bomb disposal robot is unloaded outside the Manchester Arena following reports of an explosion, in Manchester EPA Manchester explosion in pictures Members of the public receive treatment from emergency service staff at Victoria Railway Station close to the Manchester Arena on May 23, 2017 in Manchester, England. There have been reports of explosions at Manchester Arena where Ariana Grande had performed this evening. Greater Manchester Police have have confirmed there are fatalities and warned people to stay away from the area Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Armed police after a suspected terrorist attack at the Manchester Arena at the end of a concert by US star Ariana Grande left 19 dead PA wire Manchester explosion in pictures Emergency services arrive close to the Manchester Arena in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures An amoured police vehicle patrols near Manchester Arena in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures A man carries a young girl on his shoulders near Victoria station in Manchester AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police officers stand at the Miller Street and Corporation Street Crossroads, in front of the Manchester Arena in Manchester, England Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police block a road near to the Manchester Arena in central Manchester, England AP Manchester explosion in pictures Armed police patrol near Victoria station in Manchester, northwest England. Twenty two people have been killed and dozens injured after a suspected suicide bomber targeted fans leaving a concert of US singer Ariana Grande in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police forensic officers leave the Manchester Arena as they investigate the scene of an explosion in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures A forensic officer collects evidence on a walkway between Victoria station and Manchester Arena following a deadly terror attack in Manchester, Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures A woman and a young girl wearing a t-shirt of US singer Ariana Grande talks to police near Manchester Arena following a deadly terror attack in Manchester, Getty Manchester explosion in pictures EPA Manchester explosion in pictures Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham and Manchester City Council Leader Sir Richard Leese speak to the media outside Manchester Town Hall after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving a pop concert in Manchester Dave Higgens/PA Wire Manchester explosion in pictures The media gather behind a police cordon in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Flowers left close to the Manchester Arena, the morning after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving a pop concert in Manchester Danny Lawson/PA Wire Manchester explosion in pictures Ariana Grande concert attendees Karen Moore and her daughter Molly Steed, aged 14, from Derby, leave the Park Inn where they were given refuge after last night's explosion at Manchester Arena Getty Manchester explosion in pictures Signs saying 'We love Manchester' are displayed in a window in Manchester, England Getty Images

Theresa May said a "wider group of individuals" could have been involved in the Manchester Arena blast rather than just suicide bomber Abedi.

In a sign of the increased threat, the military could be deployed to support armed police officers, Ms May added during a live televised statement from Downing Street.

Monday night's attack at a concert by US pop star Ariana Grande left 22 people dead, including an eight-year-old girl, and dozens injured.

Isis has claimed responsibility for the barbaric attack, which involved a home-made device packed with nuts and bolts which exploded in the venue's foyer as thousands of young people were leaving.

Abedi, believed to have been born in Manchester and of Libyan descent, has been named as the suicide bomber.

The 22-year-old studied business at Salford University but dropped out before completing his degree.

He is thought to have attended the Manchester Islamic Centre, also known as Didsbury Mosque, along with his parents and siblings.

Elsewhere in the city, the first arrest was made in connection with the inquiry when a 23-year-old man was detained near a Morrisons in Chorlton.

The terror threat level was increased after investigations revealed he may not have acted alone.

Ms May said Operation Temperer - allowing military personnel to take to the streets - is now in force.

Counter-terrorism agencies have mounted a massive inquiry into the outrage - the worst terrorist attack since 52 innocent people were killed in the July 7 bombings in London in 2005:
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As more of the 22 victims of the Manchester Arena bombing are identified, the anguish increases for desperate families who are still searching for missing loved ones after the attack.

Of the 59 injured, 20 are still under "critical care" in hospital, some with major organ damage and potential loss of limbs.

However some people remain unaccounted for.

If you see any of these people, contact Greater Manchester Police's casualty bureau on 0800 096 0095 immediately.

The police force can also be contacted on 0161 856 9400 or 0161 856 9900.

They include:

Chloe Rutherford and Liam Curry

Chloe Rutherford and Liam Curry (Facebook)

The couple, both 19, are students from South Shields. They have been together for two years, but neither has answered their phone after the attack.

Courtney Boyle

Courtney Boyle (Facebook)

The teenager from Gateshead, attended the concert with her mother Deborah Hutchinson's partner, Philip Tron. An appeal to find her has been launched on Facebook.

Philp Tron

Philip Tron (Facebook)

Also from Gateshead, Ms Hutchinson's boyfriend Mr Tron has been missing since the suicide bomb attack.

Eilidh MacLeod

Eilidh MacLeod (Facebook)

The 14-year-old, from the remote Isle of Barra in Scotland, was originally reported missing with her friend Laura MacIntyre, who has now been found in intensive care with severe burns. However Ms MacLeod is still missing. She was reportedly given tickets to the concert for her birthday.

Wendy Fawell

Wendy Fawell (Facebook)

A mother from Leeds, Ms Fawell is believed to have been near the exit area of the arena shortly before the blast.

Ashley Taylor

Ashley Taylor (Facebook)

Ms Taylor, from New York, was visiting Manchester with her friend Hailey Wilson. Ms Wilson said the pair were sitting in a different area of the arena and hasn't been able to reach her by phone since the attack.
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A Muslim taxi driver has told of the three trips he made to take concert-goers to safety on the night of the Manchester terror attack.

There were so many people coming out, Saf Ismail told CBSNews. It was like seeing my daughter there.

Mr Ismail, a Pakistani-Muslim who grew up in the city, said his 15-year-old daughter had meant to attend the Ariana Grande concert, but had changed her mind a few months ago to prepare for her exams.

On the night of the attack Mr Ismail saw the streams of people coming out of the Manchester Arena and ferried as many as he could to safety.

They werent injured but they were crying, shouting, screaming  basically very, very emotional, he said. Emotions are running so high its like seeing your own flesh and blood walking.

Mr Ismail made three trips and managed to help 24 people with his people carrier.

He dismissed the idea of Manchester being a no-go zone and said: These people are very strong. We have had differences but we get together and we stay together.

Manchester explosion in pictures Show all 37 1 /37 Manchester explosion in pictures Manchester explosion in pictures People running down stairs as they attempt to exit the Manchester Arena after a blast, where U.S. singer Ariana Grande had been performing, in Manchester Twitter/@ZACH_BRUCE/ via REUTERS Manchester explosion in pictures Helpers attend to people inside the Manchester Arena after a suspected suicide bomber detonated an explosive device at the end of an Ariana Grande concert, killing 22 people PA wire Manchester explosion in pictures Armed officers guard outside a hotel near the Manchester Arena following reports of an explosion, in Manchester, Britain EPA Manchester explosion in pictures Police officers are seen outside the Manchester Arena, where U.S. singer Ariana Grande had been performing, in Manchester, northern England Reuters Manchester explosion in pictures Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police and fans close to the Manchester Arena, after reports of an explosion Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures There have been reports of explosions at Manchester Arena where Ariana Grande had performed Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police deploy at scene of explosion in Manchester, England, at a concert in Manchester Arena AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police stand by a cordoned off street close to the Manchester Arena Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police deploy at scene of explosion in Manchester, England AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police deploy at scene of a reported explosion during a concert in Manchester, England, on May 23, 2017. British police said early May 23 there were "a number of confirmed fatalities" after reports of at least one explosion during a pop concert by US singer Ariana Grande. Ambulances were seen rushing to the Manchester Arena venue and police added in a statement that people should avoid the area AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures An ambulance drives away from the Manchester Arena, where U.S. singer Ariana Grande had been performing, in Manchester Reuters Manchester explosion in pictures Police escort members of the public from the Manchester Arena in Manchester, England. Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures A woman sits in the street in a blanket near the Manchester Arena as police guard the area following reports of an explosion, in Manchester, Britain EPA Manchester explosion in pictures Two women wrapped in thermal blankets stand near the Manchester Arena, where US singer Ariana Grande had been performing, in Manchester Reuters Manchester explosion in pictures A Royal Logistic Corps (RLC) bomb disposal robot is unloaded outside the Manchester Arena following reports of an explosion, in Manchester. At least 19 people have been confirmed dead and others 50 were injured, authorities said. It is being treated as a terrorist incident until police know otherwise EPA Manchester explosion in pictures A Royal Logistic Corps (RLC) bomb disposal robot is unloaded outside the Manchester Arena following reports of an explosion, in Manchester EPA Manchester explosion in pictures Members of the public receive treatment from emergency service staff at Victoria Railway Station close to the Manchester Arena on May 23, 2017 in Manchester, England. There have been reports of explosions at Manchester Arena where Ariana Grande had performed this evening. Greater Manchester Police have have confirmed there are fatalities and warned people to stay away from the area Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Armed police after a suspected terrorist attack at the Manchester Arena at the end of a concert by US star Ariana Grande left 19 dead PA wire Manchester explosion in pictures Emergency services arrive close to the Manchester Arena in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures An amoured police vehicle patrols near Manchester Arena in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures A man carries a young girl on his shoulders near Victoria station in Manchester AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police officers stand at the Miller Street and Corporation Street Crossroads, in front of the Manchester Arena in Manchester, England Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police block a road near to the Manchester Arena in central Manchester, England AP Manchester explosion in pictures Armed police patrol near Victoria station in Manchester, northwest England. Twenty two people have been killed and dozens injured after a suspected suicide bomber targeted fans leaving a concert of US singer Ariana Grande in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police forensic officers leave the Manchester Arena as they investigate the scene of an explosion in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures A forensic officer collects evidence on a walkway between Victoria station and Manchester Arena following a deadly terror attack in Manchester, Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures A woman and a young girl wearing a t-shirt of US singer Ariana Grande talks to police near Manchester Arena following a deadly terror attack in Manchester, Getty Manchester explosion in pictures EPA Manchester explosion in pictures Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham and Manchester City Council Leader Sir Richard Leese speak to the media outside Manchester Town Hall after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving a pop concert in Manchester Dave Higgens/PA Wire Manchester explosion in pictures The media gather behind a police cordon in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Flowers left close to the Manchester Arena, the morning after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving a pop concert in Manchester Danny Lawson/PA Wire Manchester explosion in pictures Ariana Grande concert attendees Karen Moore and her daughter Molly Steed, aged 14, from Derby, leave the Park Inn where they were given refuge after last night's explosion at Manchester Arena Getty Manchester explosion in pictures Signs saying 'We love Manchester' are displayed in a window in Manchester, England Getty Images

Many people in the city responded to the attack by rushing to help the victims. Taxi drivers turned off their metres and took people home to safety for free. Others offered stranded concert-goers places to stay for the night, and homeless people rushed inside the arena to help the wounded.

Vigils were held across the country for the victims of the attack, with thousands descending on Manchesters city centre to pay tribute to the 22 people who lost theirs lives and 59 who were injured.

The attacked has been identified as 22-year-old suicide bomber Salman Abedi, a Manchester native of Libyan descent.
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Nell Jones, 14, has been confirmed dead after the terror attack in Manchester.

The schoolgirl was at the Ariana Grande concert on crutches after a previous ligament injury.

One of her classmates was also "badly injured" in the blast that killed 22 and wounded 59, said the head teacher of Nell's school, Holmes Chapel Comprehensive.

Recommended These people are still missing after the Manchester attack

Nell was from Goostrey, a village 18 miles south of Manchester.

Before her death was confirmed, her cousin Hollie Webb posted an appeal on social media to find her.

"This is our cousin Nell Jones aged 14 missing in Manchester after the concert last night," she wrote.

"Please could everybody share for our family, if anyone known of anywhere we can try as we are heading to Manchester now."
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Suicide bomber Salman Abedi may have carried the powerful explosive used in the terror attack on Manchester Arena in a lightweight metal container concealed within either a black vest or a blue Karrimor backpack, according to reports published by The New York Times.

Abedi is also thought to have held the detonator in his left hand, the paper said, attributing the intelligence to "preliminary information gathered by British authorities".

The paper published crime scene photos of what appeared to be the blood-smeared silver detonator, with wires trailing from one end.

Remnants of a blue Karrimor backpack can be seen

"The apparent detonator, which British law enforcement officials said was carried in the bomber's left hand, is also unusual for a manual detonator in a suicide device, in that it appears to have contained a small circuit board soldered inside one end," the paper reported.

Nuts and screws were used as shrapnel in the device

"It is not clear from the law enforcement images if the object was a simple plunger switch, or included a timer or a receiver that could be operated remotely via radio signal  or some combination."

A screw believed to have been used as shrapnel

A 12-volt battery that was the possible power source for the bomb

Remnants of what is thought to be the bombers backpack

A label from the battery

The Home Office declined to comment on the suggestion that the intelligence had been leaked by US authorities, just hours after Home Secretary Amber Rudd warned US officials not to share details about terror attacks, such as the Manchester bombing, before their UK counterparts.

The disclosure is regarded as "completely unacceptable" by Britain, both because of the distress it may cause families of those killed or injured and because of the risk it could complicate ongoing investigations.

The row  which goes to the heart of the close intelligence-sharing relationship between the transatlantic allies  provides an awkward backdrop to the Prime Minister's meeting with President Trump at the Nato summit in Brussels.

A Whitehall source said: "We are furious. This is completely unacceptable.

"These images leaked from inside the US system will be distressing for victims, their families and the wider public.

"The issue is being raised at every relevant level by the British authorities with their US counterparts."

 Home Secretary Amber Rudd condemns US for leaks of shared Manchester attack intelligence

Ms Rudd said she had reprimanded US officials who appear to have shared information with US media before it was released in the UK by British security services.

"I have been very clear with our friends that that should not happen again," she said, calling it "irritating" when information was released as British authorities continued their investigation.

There was no immediate response from Downing Street, but it is possible that Theresa May could raise the issue with President Donald Trump when they meet at the Nato summit in Brussels on Thursday.

Police and security agencies investigating the case regard it as crucial to the success of their operation to be able to control the release of information.

Abedi's name was circulating in the US media on Tuesday, hours before it was confirmed by UK police, who had earlier urged reporters not to publish speculation about the bomber's identity.

Additional reporting by agencies
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The Manchester mosque where bomber Salman Abedi used to pray has accused the media of manufacturing stories after it was reported the attacker worked at the centre.

Representatives for Manchester Islamic Centre expressed concern that a small section of the media were making unfounded points without any verification.

Spokesperson Fawzi Haffar denied Abedi had ever worked at the centre and condemned the horrific atrocity as having no place in our religion.

He said: Some media reports have reported that the bomber worked at the Manchester Islamic Centre. This is not true. I assure everyone, listeners, viewers in the UK, around the UK, this bomber has never worked in this centre.

We express concern that a small section, a very small section, of the media are manufacturing stories and making unfounded points without any verification or context or collaboration.

Manchester explosion in pictures Show all 37 1 /37 Manchester explosion in pictures Manchester explosion in pictures People running down stairs as they attempt to exit the Manchester Arena after a blast, where U.S. singer Ariana Grande had been performing, in Manchester Twitter/@ZACH_BRUCE/ via REUTERS Manchester explosion in pictures Helpers attend to people inside the Manchester Arena after a suspected suicide bomber detonated an explosive device at the end of an Ariana Grande concert, killing 22 people PA wire Manchester explosion in pictures Armed officers guard outside a hotel near the Manchester Arena following reports of an explosion, in Manchester, Britain EPA Manchester explosion in pictures Police officers are seen outside the Manchester Arena, where U.S. singer Ariana Grande had been performing, in Manchester, northern England Reuters Manchester explosion in pictures Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police and fans close to the Manchester Arena, after reports of an explosion Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures There have been reports of explosions at Manchester Arena where Ariana Grande had performed Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police deploy at scene of explosion in Manchester, England, at a concert in Manchester Arena AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police stand by a cordoned off street close to the Manchester Arena Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police deploy at scene of explosion in Manchester, England AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police deploy at scene of a reported explosion during a concert in Manchester, England, on May 23, 2017. British police said early May 23 there were "a number of confirmed fatalities" after reports of at least one explosion during a pop concert by US singer Ariana Grande. Ambulances were seen rushing to the Manchester Arena venue and police added in a statement that people should avoid the area AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures An ambulance drives away from the Manchester Arena, where U.S. singer Ariana Grande had been performing, in Manchester Reuters Manchester explosion in pictures Police escort members of the public from the Manchester Arena in Manchester, England. Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures A woman sits in the street in a blanket near the Manchester Arena as police guard the area following reports of an explosion, in Manchester, Britain EPA Manchester explosion in pictures Two women wrapped in thermal blankets stand near the Manchester Arena, where US singer Ariana Grande had been performing, in Manchester Reuters Manchester explosion in pictures A Royal Logistic Corps (RLC) bomb disposal robot is unloaded outside the Manchester Arena following reports of an explosion, in Manchester. At least 19 people have been confirmed dead and others 50 were injured, authorities said. It is being treated as a terrorist incident until police know otherwise EPA Manchester explosion in pictures A Royal Logistic Corps (RLC) bomb disposal robot is unloaded outside the Manchester Arena following reports of an explosion, in Manchester EPA Manchester explosion in pictures Members of the public receive treatment from emergency service staff at Victoria Railway Station close to the Manchester Arena on May 23, 2017 in Manchester, England. There have been reports of explosions at Manchester Arena where Ariana Grande had performed this evening. Greater Manchester Police have have confirmed there are fatalities and warned people to stay away from the area Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Armed police after a suspected terrorist attack at the Manchester Arena at the end of a concert by US star Ariana Grande left 19 dead PA wire Manchester explosion in pictures Emergency services arrive close to the Manchester Arena in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures An amoured police vehicle patrols near Manchester Arena in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures A man carries a young girl on his shoulders near Victoria station in Manchester AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police officers stand at the Miller Street and Corporation Street Crossroads, in front of the Manchester Arena in Manchester, England Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police block a road near to the Manchester Arena in central Manchester, England AP Manchester explosion in pictures Armed police patrol near Victoria station in Manchester, northwest England. Twenty two people have been killed and dozens injured after a suspected suicide bomber targeted fans leaving a concert of US singer Ariana Grande in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police forensic officers leave the Manchester Arena as they investigate the scene of an explosion in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures A forensic officer collects evidence on a walkway between Victoria station and Manchester Arena following a deadly terror attack in Manchester, Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures A woman and a young girl wearing a t-shirt of US singer Ariana Grande talks to police near Manchester Arena following a deadly terror attack in Manchester, Getty Manchester explosion in pictures EPA Manchester explosion in pictures Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham and Manchester City Council Leader Sir Richard Leese speak to the media outside Manchester Town Hall after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving a pop concert in Manchester Dave Higgens/PA Wire Manchester explosion in pictures The media gather behind a police cordon in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Flowers left close to the Manchester Arena, the morning after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving a pop concert in Manchester Danny Lawson/PA Wire Manchester explosion in pictures Ariana Grande concert attendees Karen Moore and her daughter Molly Steed, aged 14, from Derby, leave the Park Inn where they were given refuge after last night's explosion at Manchester Arena Getty Manchester explosion in pictures Signs saying 'We love Manchester' are displayed in a window in Manchester, England Getty Images

We are concerned about reports about anti-Muslim acts these are terrible anti-Muslim acts ranging from verbal abuse to acts of criminal damage to mosques in the area and outside the area."

He added: We encourage again we do encourage any incidents to be reported as a hate crime, these incidents have to be reported as hate crimes.

The mosque held a minutes silence in memory of the victims of the terror attack that claimed 22 lives and injured 64 people at an Ariana Grande concert at Manchester Arena.

Mr Haffar said: The horrific atrocity that occurred in Manchester on Monday night has shocked us all it had indeed shocked us all. This act of cowardice has no place in our religion or any other religion for that matter.

We encourage anyone and I repeat we encourage anyone who have information about the individual involved to contact the police without any delay so they can assist with their investigations.
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A Polish couple died in the suicide attack in the Manchester terror attack, Poland's Foreign Minister has said.

Angelika and Marcin Klis died on Monday evening, when a suicide bomber detonated a suitcase bomb as crowds were leaving an Ariana Grande gig.

Their daughter been publicly searching for them since the explosion.

A selfie taken by Angelika and Marcin Klis shortly before the attack (Facebook/Alex Klis)

"The parents came after the concert to collect their daughters and unfortunately we have information that they are dead. The children are safe," Witold Waszczykowski told private radio RMF FM.

Another Polish father was injured in the blast and underwent surgery, he added.

 Manchester attack: Theresa May raises terror threat rating to 'critical'

Britain is on critical terror alert with military troops set to bolster police forces amid fears Manchester Arena attacker Salman Abedi did not act alone.

Prime Minister Theresa May has raised the threat level to the highest possible rating, meaning another atrocity is expected imminently.

She said a "wider group of individuals" could have been involved in the Manchester Arena blast rather than just suicide bomber Abedi.

In a sign of the increased threat, the military could be deployed to support armed police officers, Ms May added during a live televised statement from Downing Street.

Manchester explosion in pictures Show all 37 1 /37 Manchester explosion in pictures Manchester explosion in pictures People running down stairs as they attempt to exit the Manchester Arena after a blast, where U.S. singer Ariana Grande had been performing, in Manchester Twitter/@ZACH_BRUCE/ via REUTERS Manchester explosion in pictures Helpers attend to people inside the Manchester Arena after a suspected suicide bomber detonated an explosive device at the end of an Ariana Grande concert, killing 22 people PA wire Manchester explosion in pictures Armed officers guard outside a hotel near the Manchester Arena following reports of an explosion, in Manchester, Britain EPA Manchester explosion in pictures Police officers are seen outside the Manchester Arena, where U.S. singer Ariana Grande had been performing, in Manchester, northern England Reuters Manchester explosion in pictures Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police and fans close to the Manchester Arena, after reports of an explosion Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures There have been reports of explosions at Manchester Arena where Ariana Grande had performed Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police deploy at scene of explosion in Manchester, England, at a concert in Manchester Arena AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police stand by a cordoned off street close to the Manchester Arena Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police deploy at scene of explosion in Manchester, England AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police deploy at scene of a reported explosion during a concert in Manchester, England, on May 23, 2017. British police said early May 23 there were "a number of confirmed fatalities" after reports of at least one explosion during a pop concert by US singer Ariana Grande. Ambulances were seen rushing to the Manchester Arena venue and police added in a statement that people should avoid the area AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures An ambulance drives away from the Manchester Arena, where U.S. singer Ariana Grande had been performing, in Manchester Reuters Manchester explosion in pictures Police escort members of the public from the Manchester Arena in Manchester, England. Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures A woman sits in the street in a blanket near the Manchester Arena as police guard the area following reports of an explosion, in Manchester, Britain EPA Manchester explosion in pictures Two women wrapped in thermal blankets stand near the Manchester Arena, where US singer Ariana Grande had been performing, in Manchester Reuters Manchester explosion in pictures A Royal Logistic Corps (RLC) bomb disposal robot is unloaded outside the Manchester Arena following reports of an explosion, in Manchester. At least 19 people have been confirmed dead and others 50 were injured, authorities said. It is being treated as a terrorist incident until police know otherwise EPA Manchester explosion in pictures A Royal Logistic Corps (RLC) bomb disposal robot is unloaded outside the Manchester Arena following reports of an explosion, in Manchester EPA Manchester explosion in pictures Members of the public receive treatment from emergency service staff at Victoria Railway Station close to the Manchester Arena on May 23, 2017 in Manchester, England. There have been reports of explosions at Manchester Arena where Ariana Grande had performed this evening. Greater Manchester Police have have confirmed there are fatalities and warned people to stay away from the area Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Armed police after a suspected terrorist attack at the Manchester Arena at the end of a concert by US star Ariana Grande left 19 dead PA wire Manchester explosion in pictures Emergency services arrive close to the Manchester Arena in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures An amoured police vehicle patrols near Manchester Arena in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures A man carries a young girl on his shoulders near Victoria station in Manchester AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police officers stand at the Miller Street and Corporation Street Crossroads, in front of the Manchester Arena in Manchester, England Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police block a road near to the Manchester Arena in central Manchester, England AP Manchester explosion in pictures Armed police patrol near Victoria station in Manchester, northwest England. Twenty two people have been killed and dozens injured after a suspected suicide bomber targeted fans leaving a concert of US singer Ariana Grande in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police forensic officers leave the Manchester Arena as they investigate the scene of an explosion in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures A forensic officer collects evidence on a walkway between Victoria station and Manchester Arena following a deadly terror attack in Manchester, Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures A woman and a young girl wearing a t-shirt of US singer Ariana Grande talks to police near Manchester Arena following a deadly terror attack in Manchester, Getty Manchester explosion in pictures EPA Manchester explosion in pictures Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham and Manchester City Council Leader Sir Richard Leese speak to the media outside Manchester Town Hall after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving a pop concert in Manchester Dave Higgens/PA Wire Manchester explosion in pictures The media gather behind a police cordon in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Flowers left close to the Manchester Arena, the morning after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving a pop concert in Manchester Danny Lawson/PA Wire Manchester explosion in pictures Ariana Grande concert attendees Karen Moore and her daughter Molly Steed, aged 14, from Derby, leave the Park Inn where they were given refuge after last night's explosion at Manchester Arena Getty Manchester explosion in pictures Signs saying 'We love Manchester' are displayed in a window in Manchester, England Getty Images

Monday night's attack at a concert by US pop star Ariana Grande left 22 people dead, including an eight-year-old girl, and dozens injured.

Counter-terrorism agencies have mounted a massive inquiry into the outrage - the worst terrorist attack since 52 innocent people were killed in the 7 July bombings in London in 2005.
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A homeless man who pulled nails from the arms and faces of injured children before paramedics arrived to treat victims of the Manchester Arena terror attack has been offered a roof over his head for six months by the co-chairman of West Ham United.

Stephen Jones, 35, was sleeping rough near Manchester Arena when he heard the explosion from the homemade bomb, which killed 22 people and injured 59.

On seeing a lot of children with blood all over them crying and screaming, he immediately rushed to help the injured, pulling nails out of their arms.

Now his actions have been recognised and rewarded by West Ham co-chairman David Sullivan and his son, who have offered to pay rent on a house for him for the next six months to help him get on his feet

Speaking to ITV News about the horrific incident on Tuesday, Mr Jones said: Its just instinct to go and help if someone needs your help and it was children.

It was a lot of children with blood all over them  crying and screaming. We were having to pull nails out of their arms and a couple out of this little girls face.

Some lady, she got cut from her side, so my mate had to hold her legs up... we just held her legs up because we thought she was just going to bleed right out.

If I didn't help, I wouldn't be able to live with myself for walking away and leaving kids like that. Just because I'm homeless it doesn't mean that I haven't got a heart and I'm not human still.

Mr Sullivan's son, Dave Sullivan Junior, made an appeal on Twitter on Tuesday to "find Steve", saying that if he was found he and his father would pay rent on a house for him for six months.

Manchester explosion in pictures Show all 37 1 /37 Manchester explosion in pictures Manchester explosion in pictures People running down stairs as they attempt to exit the Manchester Arena after a blast, where U.S. singer Ariana Grande had been performing, in Manchester Twitter/@ZACH_BRUCE/ via REUTERS Manchester explosion in pictures Helpers attend to people inside the Manchester Arena after a suspected suicide bomber detonated an explosive device at the end of an Ariana Grande concert, killing 22 people PA wire Manchester explosion in pictures Armed officers guard outside a hotel near the Manchester Arena following reports of an explosion, in Manchester, Britain EPA Manchester explosion in pictures Police officers are seen outside the Manchester Arena, where U.S. singer Ariana Grande had been performing, in Manchester, northern England Reuters Manchester explosion in pictures Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police and fans close to the Manchester Arena, after reports of an explosion Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures There have been reports of explosions at Manchester Arena where Ariana Grande had performed Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police deploy at scene of explosion in Manchester, England, at a concert in Manchester Arena AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police stand by a cordoned off street close to the Manchester Arena Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police deploy at scene of explosion in Manchester, England AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police deploy at scene of a reported explosion during a concert in Manchester, England, on May 23, 2017. British police said early May 23 there were "a number of confirmed fatalities" after reports of at least one explosion during a pop concert by US singer Ariana Grande. Ambulances were seen rushing to the Manchester Arena venue and police added in a statement that people should avoid the area AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures An ambulance drives away from the Manchester Arena, where U.S. singer Ariana Grande had been performing, in Manchester Reuters Manchester explosion in pictures Police escort members of the public from the Manchester Arena in Manchester, England. Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures A woman sits in the street in a blanket near the Manchester Arena as police guard the area following reports of an explosion, in Manchester, Britain EPA Manchester explosion in pictures Two women wrapped in thermal blankets stand near the Manchester Arena, where US singer Ariana Grande had been performing, in Manchester Reuters Manchester explosion in pictures A Royal Logistic Corps (RLC) bomb disposal robot is unloaded outside the Manchester Arena following reports of an explosion, in Manchester. At least 19 people have been confirmed dead and others 50 were injured, authorities said. It is being treated as a terrorist incident until police know otherwise EPA Manchester explosion in pictures A Royal Logistic Corps (RLC) bomb disposal robot is unloaded outside the Manchester Arena following reports of an explosion, in Manchester EPA Manchester explosion in pictures Members of the public receive treatment from emergency service staff at Victoria Railway Station close to the Manchester Arena on May 23, 2017 in Manchester, England. There have been reports of explosions at Manchester Arena where Ariana Grande had performed this evening. Greater Manchester Police have have confirmed there are fatalities and warned people to stay away from the area Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Armed police after a suspected terrorist attack at the Manchester Arena at the end of a concert by US star Ariana Grande left 19 dead PA wire Manchester explosion in pictures Emergency services arrive close to the Manchester Arena in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures An amoured police vehicle patrols near Manchester Arena in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures A man carries a young girl on his shoulders near Victoria station in Manchester AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police officers stand at the Miller Street and Corporation Street Crossroads, in front of the Manchester Arena in Manchester, England Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police block a road near to the Manchester Arena in central Manchester, England AP Manchester explosion in pictures Armed police patrol near Victoria station in Manchester, northwest England. Twenty two people have been killed and dozens injured after a suspected suicide bomber targeted fans leaving a concert of US singer Ariana Grande in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police forensic officers leave the Manchester Arena as they investigate the scene of an explosion in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures A forensic officer collects evidence on a walkway between Victoria station and Manchester Arena following a deadly terror attack in Manchester, Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures A woman and a young girl wearing a t-shirt of US singer Ariana Grande talks to police near Manchester Arena following a deadly terror attack in Manchester, Getty Manchester explosion in pictures EPA Manchester explosion in pictures Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham and Manchester City Council Leader Sir Richard Leese speak to the media outside Manchester Town Hall after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving a pop concert in Manchester Dave Higgens/PA Wire Manchester explosion in pictures The media gather behind a police cordon in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Flowers left close to the Manchester Arena, the morning after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving a pop concert in Manchester Danny Lawson/PA Wire Manchester explosion in pictures Ariana Grande concert attendees Karen Moore and her daughter Molly Steed, aged 14, from Derby, leave the Park Inn where they were given refuge after last night's explosion at Manchester Arena Getty Manchester explosion in pictures Signs saying 'We love Manchester' are displayed in a window in Manchester, England Getty Images

He wrote: Me and dad want to rent the homeless man in Manchester a house for 6 months to help him get on his feet [...] If anyone can help us get in touch much much appreciated. Such a self less act needs rewarding. Please tag anyone who can help us.

Shortly afterwards, Mr Sullivan posted: "WE HAVE FOUND STEVE ! Shows the power for good social media has. Thank you to all those involved, you have helped change a mans life."

The UK terror threat has been raised to critical in the wake of the Manchester suicide bombing attack amid fears attacker Salman Abedi did not act alone.

The attack on Monday night was the worst seen in the UK since 56 people were killed during the 7 July London bombings in 2005.
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A Muslim man comforted an elderly Jewish woman and the pair prayed together at a floral tribute in the centre of Manchester in a symbol of the city's unity following a suicide bomb attack which killed at least 22 people.

Sadiq Patel came and comforted Renee Rachel Black, who was visibly upset, and prayed next to her beside a display of flowers in Albert Square, where a vigil was held on Tuesday for victims of Monday night's attack at an Ariana Grande concert.

He then helped her away, linking arms with her and carrying her chair in his other hand.

It came as British police said they were investigating a network in their probe into the Manchester suicide bombing that killed 22 people on Monday, the head of Greater Manchester Police said.

Muslim man comforts elderly Jewish woman in symbol of Manchester unity Show all 4 1 /4 Muslim man comforts elderly Jewish woman in symbol of Manchester unity Muslim man comforts elderly Jewish woman in symbol of Manchester unity A Jewish woman named Renee Rachel Black and a Muslim man named Sadiq Patel react next to floral tributes in Albert Square REUTERS Muslim man comforts elderly Jewish woman in symbol of Manchester unity REUTERS Muslim man comforts elderly Jewish woman in symbol of Manchester unity REUTERS Muslim man comforts elderly Jewish woman in symbol of Manchester unity REUTERS

"I think it's very clear that this is a network that we are investigating," Chief Constable Ian Hopkins told reporters.

"And as I've said, it continues at a pace. There's extensive investigations going on and activity taking place across Greater Manchester as we speak.

Reuters
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Hashem Abedi, the younger brother of Manchester attacker Salman Abedi, has been arrested in Tripoli, Libya.

He was planning a "terrorist act" in the city, Libyan authorities have said.

A local counter terror force known as Rada detained Mr Abedi, 20, on Tuesday evening.

His brother Salman killed 22 people and injured many more after detonating a suicide bomb at a concert in Manchester on Monday night.

Hashem Abedi had been in touch with attacker Salman Abedi, spokesman Ahmed Bin Salem told Reuters.

"We have evidence that he is involved in Daesh (Isis) with his brother," Mr Bin Salem said. We have been following him for more than one month and a half."

"He was in contact with his brother and he knew about the attack."

Salman Abedi is also believed to have spent time in Libya, from where his family originates, prior to the attack.

The north African country is highly unstable and home to numerous militias and factions, including Isis and other Islamist extremists.

Another sibling, Ismail Abedi, 23, was arrested yesterday in Manchester by UK counter-terror officers.

The Abedi parents are living in Libya and have reportedly denied their son's involvement in the attack.

Manchester explosion in pictures Show all 37 1 /37 Manchester explosion in pictures Manchester explosion in pictures People running down stairs as they attempt to exit the Manchester Arena after a blast, where U.S. singer Ariana Grande had been performing, in Manchester Twitter/@ZACH_BRUCE/ via REUTERS Manchester explosion in pictures Helpers attend to people inside the Manchester Arena after a suspected suicide bomber detonated an explosive device at the end of an Ariana Grande concert, killing 22 people PA wire Manchester explosion in pictures Armed officers guard outside a hotel near the Manchester Arena following reports of an explosion, in Manchester, Britain EPA Manchester explosion in pictures Police officers are seen outside the Manchester Arena, where U.S. singer Ariana Grande had been performing, in Manchester, northern England Reuters Manchester explosion in pictures Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police and fans close to the Manchester Arena, after reports of an explosion Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures There have been reports of explosions at Manchester Arena where Ariana Grande had performed Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police deploy at scene of explosion in Manchester, England, at a concert in Manchester Arena AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police stand by a cordoned off street close to the Manchester Arena Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police deploy at scene of explosion in Manchester, England AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police deploy at scene of a reported explosion during a concert in Manchester, England, on May 23, 2017. British police said early May 23 there were "a number of confirmed fatalities" after reports of at least one explosion during a pop concert by US singer Ariana Grande. Ambulances were seen rushing to the Manchester Arena venue and police added in a statement that people should avoid the area AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures An ambulance drives away from the Manchester Arena, where U.S. singer Ariana Grande had been performing, in Manchester Reuters Manchester explosion in pictures Police escort members of the public from the Manchester Arena in Manchester, England. Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures A woman sits in the street in a blanket near the Manchester Arena as police guard the area following reports of an explosion, in Manchester, Britain EPA Manchester explosion in pictures Two women wrapped in thermal blankets stand near the Manchester Arena, where US singer Ariana Grande had been performing, in Manchester Reuters Manchester explosion in pictures A Royal Logistic Corps (RLC) bomb disposal robot is unloaded outside the Manchester Arena following reports of an explosion, in Manchester. At least 19 people have been confirmed dead and others 50 were injured, authorities said. It is being treated as a terrorist incident until police know otherwise EPA Manchester explosion in pictures A Royal Logistic Corps (RLC) bomb disposal robot is unloaded outside the Manchester Arena following reports of an explosion, in Manchester EPA Manchester explosion in pictures Members of the public receive treatment from emergency service staff at Victoria Railway Station close to the Manchester Arena on May 23, 2017 in Manchester, England. There have been reports of explosions at Manchester Arena where Ariana Grande had performed this evening. Greater Manchester Police have have confirmed there are fatalities and warned people to stay away from the area Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Armed police after a suspected terrorist attack at the Manchester Arena at the end of a concert by US star Ariana Grande left 19 dead PA wire Manchester explosion in pictures Emergency services arrive close to the Manchester Arena in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures An amoured police vehicle patrols near Manchester Arena in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures A man carries a young girl on his shoulders near Victoria station in Manchester AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police officers stand at the Miller Street and Corporation Street Crossroads, in front of the Manchester Arena in Manchester, England Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police block a road near to the Manchester Arena in central Manchester, England AP Manchester explosion in pictures Armed police patrol near Victoria station in Manchester, northwest England. Twenty two people have been killed and dozens injured after a suspected suicide bomber targeted fans leaving a concert of US singer Ariana Grande in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police forensic officers leave the Manchester Arena as they investigate the scene of an explosion in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures A forensic officer collects evidence on a walkway between Victoria station and Manchester Arena following a deadly terror attack in Manchester, Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures A woman and a young girl wearing a t-shirt of US singer Ariana Grande talks to police near Manchester Arena following a deadly terror attack in Manchester, Getty Manchester explosion in pictures EPA Manchester explosion in pictures Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham and Manchester City Council Leader Sir Richard Leese speak to the media outside Manchester Town Hall after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving a pop concert in Manchester Dave Higgens/PA Wire Manchester explosion in pictures The media gather behind a police cordon in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Flowers left close to the Manchester Arena, the morning after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving a pop concert in Manchester Danny Lawson/PA Wire Manchester explosion in pictures Ariana Grande concert attendees Karen Moore and her daughter Molly Steed, aged 14, from Derby, leave the Park Inn where they were given refuge after last night's explosion at Manchester Arena Getty Manchester explosion in pictures Signs saying 'We love Manchester' are displayed in a window in Manchester, England Getty Images

Ramadan Abedi told the AP he spoke with his son, Salman, less than a week ago and that he sounded "normal".

Five people in total have been arrested in the UK in connection with the bombing.

In the UK, the investigation into the bombing is continuing and the government has placed the threat level at 'critical'.

Armed troops are patrolling the streets in support of the police around sensitive sites.
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The family of the Manchester Arena suicide bomber reportedly warned authorities he was dangerous, a US intelligence official has claimed.

Salman Abedi detonated a homemade device as crowds left an Ariana Grande concert, killing 22 people and leaving 64 injured.

He was reportedly known to police and intelligence services and members of his family had even warned authorities about him in the past, a US intelligence official told NBC News.

It was unclear which members of his family had approached authorities but his father Ramadan Abedi is understood to have protested his innocence after Mondays attack.

Mr Abedi said that he had spoken to his 22-year-old son, Salman, five days ago. He added that he was getting ready to visit Saudi Arabia and sounded "normal.

He said that his son visited Libya a month-and-a-half ago.

The elder Abedi, speaking to the Associated Press by telephone from the Libyan capital of Tripoli, said: "We don't believe in killing innocents. This is not us."

Manchester explosion in pictures Show all 37 1 /37 Manchester explosion in pictures Manchester explosion in pictures People running down stairs as they attempt to exit the Manchester Arena after a blast, where U.S. singer Ariana Grande had been performing, in Manchester Twitter/@ZACH_BRUCE/ via REUTERS Manchester explosion in pictures Helpers attend to people inside the Manchester Arena after a suspected suicide bomber detonated an explosive device at the end of an Ariana Grande concert, killing 22 people PA wire Manchester explosion in pictures Armed officers guard outside a hotel near the Manchester Arena following reports of an explosion, in Manchester, Britain EPA Manchester explosion in pictures Police officers are seen outside the Manchester Arena, where U.S. singer Ariana Grande had been performing, in Manchester, northern England Reuters Manchester explosion in pictures Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police and fans close to the Manchester Arena, after reports of an explosion Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures There have been reports of explosions at Manchester Arena where Ariana Grande had performed Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police deploy at scene of explosion in Manchester, England, at a concert in Manchester Arena AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police stand by a cordoned off street close to the Manchester Arena Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police deploy at scene of explosion in Manchester, England AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police deploy at scene of a reported explosion during a concert in Manchester, England, on May 23, 2017. British police said early May 23 there were "a number of confirmed fatalities" after reports of at least one explosion during a pop concert by US singer Ariana Grande. Ambulances were seen rushing to the Manchester Arena venue and police added in a statement that people should avoid the area AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures An ambulance drives away from the Manchester Arena, where U.S. singer Ariana Grande had been performing, in Manchester Reuters Manchester explosion in pictures Police escort members of the public from the Manchester Arena in Manchester, England. Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures A woman sits in the street in a blanket near the Manchester Arena as police guard the area following reports of an explosion, in Manchester, Britain EPA Manchester explosion in pictures Two women wrapped in thermal blankets stand near the Manchester Arena, where US singer Ariana Grande had been performing, in Manchester Reuters Manchester explosion in pictures A Royal Logistic Corps (RLC) bomb disposal robot is unloaded outside the Manchester Arena following reports of an explosion, in Manchester. At least 19 people have been confirmed dead and others 50 were injured, authorities said. It is being treated as a terrorist incident until police know otherwise EPA Manchester explosion in pictures A Royal Logistic Corps (RLC) bomb disposal robot is unloaded outside the Manchester Arena following reports of an explosion, in Manchester EPA Manchester explosion in pictures Members of the public receive treatment from emergency service staff at Victoria Railway Station close to the Manchester Arena on May 23, 2017 in Manchester, England. There have been reports of explosions at Manchester Arena where Ariana Grande had performed this evening. Greater Manchester Police have have confirmed there are fatalities and warned people to stay away from the area Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Armed police after a suspected terrorist attack at the Manchester Arena at the end of a concert by US star Ariana Grande left 19 dead PA wire Manchester explosion in pictures Emergency services arrive close to the Manchester Arena in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures An amoured police vehicle patrols near Manchester Arena in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures A man carries a young girl on his shoulders near Victoria station in Manchester AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police officers stand at the Miller Street and Corporation Street Crossroads, in front of the Manchester Arena in Manchester, England Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police block a road near to the Manchester Arena in central Manchester, England AP Manchester explosion in pictures Armed police patrol near Victoria station in Manchester, northwest England. Twenty two people have been killed and dozens injured after a suspected suicide bomber targeted fans leaving a concert of US singer Ariana Grande in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police forensic officers leave the Manchester Arena as they investigate the scene of an explosion in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures A forensic officer collects evidence on a walkway between Victoria station and Manchester Arena following a deadly terror attack in Manchester, Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures A woman and a young girl wearing a t-shirt of US singer Ariana Grande talks to police near Manchester Arena following a deadly terror attack in Manchester, Getty Manchester explosion in pictures EPA Manchester explosion in pictures Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham and Manchester City Council Leader Sir Richard Leese speak to the media outside Manchester Town Hall after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving a pop concert in Manchester Dave Higgens/PA Wire Manchester explosion in pictures The media gather behind a police cordon in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Flowers left close to the Manchester Arena, the morning after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving a pop concert in Manchester Danny Lawson/PA Wire Manchester explosion in pictures Ariana Grande concert attendees Karen Moore and her daughter Molly Steed, aged 14, from Derby, leave the Park Inn where they were given refuge after last night's explosion at Manchester Arena Getty Manchester explosion in pictures Signs saying 'We love Manchester' are displayed in a window in Manchester, England Getty Images

It came as a spokesperson for the Manchester Islamic Centre denied Abedi had been radicalised at the mosque.

Some media reports have reported that the bomber worked at the manchester islamic centre.

This is not true. I assure everyone, listeners, viewers in the UK, around the UK, this bomber has never worked in this centre, he said.

We express concern that a small section, a very small section, of the media are manufacturing stories and making unfounded points without any verification or context or collaboration.
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Security agencies are investigating whether Salman Abedi, named as the Manchester suicide bomber responsible for the slaughter of 22 people, including an eight-year-old girl, had any links with the Isis group which was set up in Libya.

Abedi, 22, who was known to the security authorities, is reported to have been born in Manchester of Libyan parents, Ramadan Abedi and Samia Tabbal, who had arrived as refugees to escape persecution from Muammar Gaddafis regime.

An unnamed school friend of the Salford University dropout told The Times Abedi had just arrived back from Libya, a country where terrorist training is available from jihadist camps.

"He went to Libya three weeks ago and came back recently, like days ago," the friend is reported to have said.

It is believed some of the family visited Libya recently and a 23-year-old man, understood to be a family member, was arrested today.

Trustees at Didsbury Mosque said Abedis father, who used to be a regular worshipper, had returned to live in Libya.

Isis has claimed credit for the Manchester bombing, which targeted victims as they left an Ariana Grande concert at Manchester Arena on Monday night.

The group routinely takes responsibility following terrorist attacks in the West, although no evidence has been produced so far to support the claim.

The link with Libya emerged last night as police and security forces worked to establish how Abedi was radicalised and what support he may have received in committing the deadliest terror attack ever launched in the north of England.

Security sources questioned whether Isis, if it was indeed responsible for the attack, would sacrifice the life of a bomb-maker, thus raising the possibility that Abedi was supplied with the device by someone else or by a group.

The explosive device has been described by security sources as being a relatively sophisticated construct made with nails, nuts and bolts. This was the most serious terrorist attack in Britain since the 7/7 suicide bombings taking 52 lives, not just in the sheer number of the victims, but also the fact that a suicide bombing was used to carry out the atrocity.

Manchester explosion in pictures Show all 37 1 /37 Manchester explosion in pictures Manchester explosion in pictures People running down stairs as they attempt to exit the Manchester Arena after a blast, where U.S. singer Ariana Grande had been performing, in Manchester Twitter/@ZACH_BRUCE/ via REUTERS Manchester explosion in pictures Helpers attend to people inside the Manchester Arena after a suspected suicide bomber detonated an explosive device at the end of an Ariana Grande concert, killing 22 people PA wire Manchester explosion in pictures Armed officers guard outside a hotel near the Manchester Arena following reports of an explosion, in Manchester, Britain EPA Manchester explosion in pictures Police officers are seen outside the Manchester Arena, where U.S. singer Ariana Grande had been performing, in Manchester, northern England Reuters Manchester explosion in pictures Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police and fans close to the Manchester Arena, after reports of an explosion Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures There have been reports of explosions at Manchester Arena where Ariana Grande had performed Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police deploy at scene of explosion in Manchester, England, at a concert in Manchester Arena AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police stand by a cordoned off street close to the Manchester Arena Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police deploy at scene of explosion in Manchester, England AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police deploy at scene of a reported explosion during a concert in Manchester, England, on May 23, 2017. British police said early May 23 there were "a number of confirmed fatalities" after reports of at least one explosion during a pop concert by US singer Ariana Grande. Ambulances were seen rushing to the Manchester Arena venue and police added in a statement that people should avoid the area AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures An ambulance drives away from the Manchester Arena, where U.S. singer Ariana Grande had been performing, in Manchester Reuters Manchester explosion in pictures Police escort members of the public from the Manchester Arena in Manchester, England. Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures A woman sits in the street in a blanket near the Manchester Arena as police guard the area following reports of an explosion, in Manchester, Britain EPA Manchester explosion in pictures Two women wrapped in thermal blankets stand near the Manchester Arena, where US singer Ariana Grande had been performing, in Manchester Reuters Manchester explosion in pictures A Royal Logistic Corps (RLC) bomb disposal robot is unloaded outside the Manchester Arena following reports of an explosion, in Manchester. At least 19 people have been confirmed dead and others 50 were injured, authorities said. It is being treated as a terrorist incident until police know otherwise EPA Manchester explosion in pictures A Royal Logistic Corps (RLC) bomb disposal robot is unloaded outside the Manchester Arena following reports of an explosion, in Manchester EPA Manchester explosion in pictures Members of the public receive treatment from emergency service staff at Victoria Railway Station close to the Manchester Arena on May 23, 2017 in Manchester, England. There have been reports of explosions at Manchester Arena where Ariana Grande had performed this evening. Greater Manchester Police have have confirmed there are fatalities and warned people to stay away from the area Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Armed police after a suspected terrorist attack at the Manchester Arena at the end of a concert by US star Ariana Grande left 19 dead PA wire Manchester explosion in pictures Emergency services arrive close to the Manchester Arena in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures An amoured police vehicle patrols near Manchester Arena in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures A man carries a young girl on his shoulders near Victoria station in Manchester AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police officers stand at the Miller Street and Corporation Street Crossroads, in front of the Manchester Arena in Manchester, England Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police block a road near to the Manchester Arena in central Manchester, England AP Manchester explosion in pictures Armed police patrol near Victoria station in Manchester, northwest England. Twenty two people have been killed and dozens injured after a suspected suicide bomber targeted fans leaving a concert of US singer Ariana Grande in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police forensic officers leave the Manchester Arena as they investigate the scene of an explosion in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures A forensic officer collects evidence on a walkway between Victoria station and Manchester Arena following a deadly terror attack in Manchester, Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures A woman and a young girl wearing a t-shirt of US singer Ariana Grande talks to police near Manchester Arena following a deadly terror attack in Manchester, Getty Manchester explosion in pictures EPA Manchester explosion in pictures Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham and Manchester City Council Leader Sir Richard Leese speak to the media outside Manchester Town Hall after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving a pop concert in Manchester Dave Higgens/PA Wire Manchester explosion in pictures The media gather behind a police cordon in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Flowers left close to the Manchester Arena, the morning after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving a pop concert in Manchester Danny Lawson/PA Wire Manchester explosion in pictures Ariana Grande concert attendees Karen Moore and her daughter Molly Steed, aged 14, from Derby, leave the Park Inn where they were given refuge after last night's explosion at Manchester Arena Getty Manchester explosion in pictures Signs saying 'We love Manchester' are displayed in a window in Manchester, England Getty Images

It began at 10.33pm on Monday, just minutes after Grande left the stage. The bomb was triggered as her young fans made their way out of the arena, catching them in the foyer.

Video footage showed panic spreading quickly among the crowd still inside the venue. Parents and children poured, screaming, toward the exit and safety, as hundreds of police officers and paramedics raced in the opposite direction.

An eight-year-old girl, Saffie Roussos, was among the dead. The head teacher of her school called her a beautiful little girl in every aspect of the word. Grande, herself only 23, said she was broken. From the bottom of my heart, I am so so sorry. I don't have words, she tweeted.

The first confirmed victim was Georgina Callander. On its website, Bishop Rawstorne Church of England Academy in Croston, north west of Manchester, called her a lovely young student who was very popular with her peers and the staff.

Some 59 people were injured in the explosion and, as the initial chaos subsided, families searched desperately for missing loved ones. Scottish teenager Laura MacIntyre, who had been reported missing, was being treated in hospital for serious injuries, family friend and SNP candidate Angus MacNeil said.

Theresa May, who visited Manchester yesterday, described the attack as appalling, sickening. She said: We struggle to understand the warped and twisted mind that sees a room of young people as an opportunity for carnage.

Heavily armed police raided Abedis home in Elsmore Road, Fallowfield, and used explosives to get inside before forensics officers descended. They carried out a separate raid in Whalley Range.

A 23-year-old man from Manchester has been arrested in connection with the bombing, Chief Constable Ian Hopkins, of Greater Manchester Police, said. Mr Hopkins said his priority was now to establish whether Abedi was acting alone or as part of a network.

Thousands of people gathered in central Manchesters Albert Square in a show of defiance against his actions. Poet Tony Walsh read from his 2013 poem, This Is The Place, saying: There's hard times again in these streets of our city, but we won't take defeat and we don't want your pity, because this is the place where we stand strong together with a smile on our face, Mancunians forever.

The Right Rev Dr David Walker, the Bishop of Manchester, said the attacker represented the very few, but we are the many. We are Manchester. He spoke of a unity that has been strengthened by our diversity and said people who had come to the city from abroad have become Manchester.

The vigil was not Mondays only act of togetherness. The Royal Manchester Childrens Hospital tweeted pictures of piles of donated food and other items, one cafe offered free hot meals to emergency workers, and the Manchester Evening News fundraising appeal gained more than 500,000 in donations.

In London, Ms May chaired two meetings of the emergency Cobra committee. She called off a planned visit to the south west of England as general election campaigning was suspended.

Condemnation of the attack came from across the world. President Donald Trump called bombers like Abedi evil losers and added: I extend my deepest condolences to those so terribly injured ... And to the so many families of the victims.

French President Emmanuel Macron, speaking in the UK embassy in Paris, said: The whole of Europe, free Europe, has been attacked; Europe and Britains young people have been struck at their heart. Above all we wanted to express these condolences, this feeling of solidarity and this full support this afternoon. Were also determined to strengthen European cooperation in the fight against terrorism.

Recommended Birmingham vigil interrupted by man with axe

In a rare public statement, MI5 chief Andrew Parker said: Everyone at MI5 is revolted by the disgusting terrorist attack in Manchester. Our hearts go out to the families of the victims, the injured and everyone affected by it.

Our teams have been working with the police through the night to assist the investigation.

We remain relentlessly focused, in numerous current operations, on doing all we can to combat the scourge of terrorism and keep the country safe.

Most of the recent attempts to carry out attacks with explosives in the UK have failed, either because the plots have been infiltrated at an early stage by MI5 or the bombs have malfunctioned, on a few occasions injuring those trying to make them.

Contrary to popular belief, it is not that easy to get the right ingredients and equipment and manufacture a viable device from the Internet, and then maintain secrecy while planning and executing plots.

A direct result of this has been the use of other weapons. Firearms are much more difficult to obtain in the UK than the Continent and thus there has been a rise in attacks involving knives and vehicles.

Isis has, meantime, repeatedly exhorted its followers to use items readily available every day as weapons.

One of the most horrific and high-profile use of knives by Islamist terrorists was the public killing of Fusilier Lee Rigby in 2013. Since then plots have been uncovered using knives and cars, with the use of both by Khalid Masood in Westminster two months ago.

Monday nights attack in Manchester will prompt fear that attackers in the UK now have at least limited access to more high-tech weaponry.

As investigators look into the background of Abedi, they will examine whether support has been provided from terrorists based in Libya.

There are long-standing links between Manchester and the north African country, with members of Manchesters Libyan community having taken part in the uprising against Col Gaddafi.

Members of Manchesters Libyan community are believed to have taken part in the uprising against Col Gaddafi in 2011.

Some were, and may continue to be, members of the Libyan Islamic Fighting Group (LIFG) which was proscribed as a terrorist organisation by the UN for its affiliation with al-Qaeda following the 9/11 attacks in New York.

Isis, expanding its "caliphate" from Syria, had moved to Benghazi in eastern Libya, and Col Gaddafis hometown of Sirte in the west.

The jihadists had carried out a number of attacks abroad from there, including the massacre at Sousse in June 2015 in which 38 people, 30 of them British, were killed. Since then Isis had been driven out of their strongholds by Libyan militias aided by Western special forces, with Sirte falling in December last year. However it retains a presence in the country.

Robert Emerson, a security analyst, said: We know from past experience that it is very difficult to work out whether an attack was carried out solely by an individual.

A number of supposed lone wolf attacks in Europe, we now know, were guided by Daesh (Isis) handlers. This is obviously a very early stage of the investigation, but it would be surprising if this guy [Abedi] did this just by himself.
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The father of the alleged Manchester bomber has said his son is innocent, according to a report.

Ramadan Abedi is understood to have denied his son is linked to extremist militants or the suicide bombing that killed 22 people.

Mr Abedi said he spoke to his 22-year-old son, Salman Abedi, five days ago and he was getting ready to visit Saudi Arabia and sounded "normal, Associated Press (AP) reported.

He said that his son visited Libya a month-and-a-half ago.

The elder Abedi, speaking to AP by telephone from Tripoli, said: "We don't believe in killing innocents. This is not us."

He said his other son, Ismael, was arrested on Tuesday morning.

A family friend told The Independent Abedi and his brother remained in the UK when their parents returned to Libya with the rest of the family four years ago but travelled back and forth to the war-torn country.

Manchester explosion in pictures Show all 37 1 /37 Manchester explosion in pictures Manchester explosion in pictures People running down stairs as they attempt to exit the Manchester Arena after a blast, where U.S. singer Ariana Grande had been performing, in Manchester Twitter/@ZACH_BRUCE/ via REUTERS Manchester explosion in pictures Helpers attend to people inside the Manchester Arena after a suspected suicide bomber detonated an explosive device at the end of an Ariana Grande concert, killing 22 people PA wire Manchester explosion in pictures Armed officers guard outside a hotel near the Manchester Arena following reports of an explosion, in Manchester, Britain EPA Manchester explosion in pictures Police officers are seen outside the Manchester Arena, where U.S. singer Ariana Grande had been performing, in Manchester, northern England Reuters Manchester explosion in pictures Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police and fans close to the Manchester Arena, after reports of an explosion Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures There have been reports of explosions at Manchester Arena where Ariana Grande had performed Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police deploy at scene of explosion in Manchester, England, at a concert in Manchester Arena AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police stand by a cordoned off street close to the Manchester Arena Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police deploy at scene of explosion in Manchester, England AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police deploy at scene of a reported explosion during a concert in Manchester, England, on May 23, 2017. British police said early May 23 there were "a number of confirmed fatalities" after reports of at least one explosion during a pop concert by US singer Ariana Grande. Ambulances were seen rushing to the Manchester Arena venue and police added in a statement that people should avoid the area AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures An ambulance drives away from the Manchester Arena, where U.S. singer Ariana Grande had been performing, in Manchester Reuters Manchester explosion in pictures Police escort members of the public from the Manchester Arena in Manchester, England. Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures A woman sits in the street in a blanket near the Manchester Arena as police guard the area following reports of an explosion, in Manchester, Britain EPA Manchester explosion in pictures Two women wrapped in thermal blankets stand near the Manchester Arena, where US singer Ariana Grande had been performing, in Manchester Reuters Manchester explosion in pictures A Royal Logistic Corps (RLC) bomb disposal robot is unloaded outside the Manchester Arena following reports of an explosion, in Manchester. At least 19 people have been confirmed dead and others 50 were injured, authorities said. It is being treated as a terrorist incident until police know otherwise EPA Manchester explosion in pictures A Royal Logistic Corps (RLC) bomb disposal robot is unloaded outside the Manchester Arena following reports of an explosion, in Manchester EPA Manchester explosion in pictures Members of the public receive treatment from emergency service staff at Victoria Railway Station close to the Manchester Arena on May 23, 2017 in Manchester, England. There have been reports of explosions at Manchester Arena where Ariana Grande had performed this evening. Greater Manchester Police have have confirmed there are fatalities and warned people to stay away from the area Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Armed police after a suspected terrorist attack at the Manchester Arena at the end of a concert by US star Ariana Grande left 19 dead PA wire Manchester explosion in pictures Emergency services arrive close to the Manchester Arena in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures An amoured police vehicle patrols near Manchester Arena in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures A man carries a young girl on his shoulders near Victoria station in Manchester AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police officers stand at the Miller Street and Corporation Street Crossroads, in front of the Manchester Arena in Manchester, England Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police block a road near to the Manchester Arena in central Manchester, England AP Manchester explosion in pictures Armed police patrol near Victoria station in Manchester, northwest England. Twenty two people have been killed and dozens injured after a suspected suicide bomber targeted fans leaving a concert of US singer Ariana Grande in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police forensic officers leave the Manchester Arena as they investigate the scene of an explosion in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures A forensic officer collects evidence on a walkway between Victoria station and Manchester Arena following a deadly terror attack in Manchester, Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures A woman and a young girl wearing a t-shirt of US singer Ariana Grande talks to police near Manchester Arena following a deadly terror attack in Manchester, Getty Manchester explosion in pictures EPA Manchester explosion in pictures Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham and Manchester City Council Leader Sir Richard Leese speak to the media outside Manchester Town Hall after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving a pop concert in Manchester Dave Higgens/PA Wire Manchester explosion in pictures The media gather behind a police cordon in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Flowers left close to the Manchester Arena, the morning after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving a pop concert in Manchester Danny Lawson/PA Wire Manchester explosion in pictures Ariana Grande concert attendees Karen Moore and her daughter Molly Steed, aged 14, from Derby, leave the Park Inn where they were given refuge after last night's explosion at Manchester Arena Getty Manchester explosion in pictures Signs saying 'We love Manchester' are displayed in a window in Manchester, England Getty Images

Mr Abedi, Salman's father, fled Tripoli in 1993 after Muammar Gaddafi's security authorities issued an arrest warrant and eventually sought political asylum in Britain.

He is now the administrative manager of the Central Security force in Tripoli.

Suspected suicide bomber Abedi was born in Britain to a Libyan family, grew up in Manchester's southern suburbs and once attended university there.
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Salman Abedis journey from cannabis-smoking university dropout to Isis suicide bomber is being gradually pieced together by investigators as Manchester reels from the worst terror attack to hit the UK in over a decade.

The 22-year-old was remembered as a fun guy who drank, took drugs and possibly had links with local gangs before appearing increasingly religious as his radicalisation deepened.

The same transformation has been documented in many of Europes deadliest terrorists, including petty criminals and drug dealers in the Isis super cell behind the Paris and Brussels attacks.

A report by the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation (ICSR) found that more than half of known European jihadis had criminal histories, making them easy fodder for Isis recruiters offering redemption in the name of jihad.

Professor Peter Neumann, director of the ICSR at Kings College London, said the emerging crime-terror nexus was making radicalisation harder to spot for security services.

There is now a perfect fit between these young men and a group that has shed any attempt at serious theological discourse, he told The Independent on the report's release.

Criminals are already used to violence, so for the jump from being an extremist to being a violent extremist is much smaller.

 Police name Manchester attack suspect as Salman Abedi

Mr Neumann warned that the UK and other countries need to rethink our strategy to spot the warning signs for this new and dangerous form of jihadi.

Analysts said Isis propaganda portraying a life of action, adventure, brotherhood and purpose was particularly appealing for those facing dim prospects at home.

Research by the Combating Terrorism Centre additionally found the majority of Isis recruits had not always been observant Muslims, were unemployed or students and had an immigrant background  all factors shared by Abedi.

Investigators are probing his potential links with militants and recruiters from Isis, which claimed responsibility for his massacre in a statement hailing a soldier of the caliphate.

Abedi, who was born in the UK to Libyan parents who had fled Muammar Gaddafis regime, had shown signs of extremism including flying an Islamist flag from his Manchester home but not raised sufficient alarm to spark intervention by British security services.

The Burnage Academy for Boys confirmed he attended the school between 2009 and 2011 but said it could give no further details due to the ongoing investigation.

Abedi went on to study for a business and management degree at the University of Salford but dropped out at the start of his second year in September, getting a job in a bakery.

He was not well-known by neighbours in the tight-knit Fallowfield community in Manchester, but some noticed he had grown a beard and started to wear religious dress in recent months.

Police raid a house on Elsmore Rd in Fallowfield, where suspected suicide bomber Salman Abedi lived (Eamonn and James Clarke) (Eamonn and James Clarke)

A person who said they knew Abedi from school told the Manchester Evening News: He was an outgoing fun guy but since he went to Libya in 2011 he came back a different guy.

He used to drink, smoke weed then all of a sudden he turned religious and Ive not seen him since 2012.

Other clues pointing to radicalisation include the appearance of a black flag associated with Islamist groups on Abedis house in Elsmore road.

There was a black flag with Arabic writing on it on the roof for a bit, a few years ago, a neighbour told the BBC.

Leaders at the nearby Didsbury Central Mosque, where his father and brother are said to have prayed, told The Independent they were shocked and did not know Abedi.

Fawzi Haffar said: We have many Libyans here but the sermons are extremely moderate, we are very liberal...the preaching and the way we teach Islam is the correct Islam, in our opinion.

We have no hardcores as far as I know. We always make sure we are very mainstream.

Abedi used a suitcase bomb packed with homemade explosives and nails for the attack  the same method used for Isis bombings at Brussels Airport and Molenbeek metro station last year.

Police officers arrive at a residential property on Elsmore Road in Fallowfield, Manchester, on May 24, 2017, (AFP/Getty Images)

CCTV footage reportedly showed the 22-year-old putting the suitcase down in the foyer between Manchester Arena and Victoria station shortly before it detonated amid Ariana Grande fans pouring out of the concert.

The Times reported that Abedi was known to security services as an associate of Isis recruiter Raphael Hostey, also from Manchester, who was killed in a drone strike in Syria last year.

Other prolific militants from the city include Abdalraouf Abdallah who was jailed last for attempting to help fellow jihadis reach Isis territories in Syria after being shot and paralysed during the Libyan uprising.

A family friend told The Independent Abedi and his brother, Ismael, remained in the UK when their parents returned to Libya with the rest of the family four years ago but travelled back and forth to the war-torn country.

He returned from his most recent trip just days before Mondays attack, sparking suspicions he may have been acting as a mule carrying a suitcase bomb built by Isis militants.

"He went to Libya three weeks ago and came back recently, like days ago, a friend told The Times.

Chaos engulfing Libya since the British-backed removal of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011 has left armed groups including Islamist factions battling for control as smugglers launch thousands of refugees from its shores.

Isis has gained a foothold in the country, using it for terror training camps bombed by the US in January over intelligence that external plotters were actively planning operations against Europe.

Manchester explosion in pictures Show all 37 1 /37 Manchester explosion in pictures Manchester explosion in pictures People running down stairs as they attempt to exit the Manchester Arena after a blast, where U.S. singer Ariana Grande had been performing, in Manchester Twitter/@ZACH_BRUCE/ via REUTERS Manchester explosion in pictures Helpers attend to people inside the Manchester Arena after a suspected suicide bomber detonated an explosive device at the end of an Ariana Grande concert, killing 22 people PA wire Manchester explosion in pictures Armed officers guard outside a hotel near the Manchester Arena following reports of an explosion, in Manchester, Britain EPA Manchester explosion in pictures Police officers are seen outside the Manchester Arena, where U.S. singer Ariana Grande had been performing, in Manchester, northern England Reuters Manchester explosion in pictures Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police and fans close to the Manchester Arena, after reports of an explosion Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures There have been reports of explosions at Manchester Arena where Ariana Grande had performed Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police deploy at scene of explosion in Manchester, England, at a concert in Manchester Arena AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police stand by a cordoned off street close to the Manchester Arena Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police deploy at scene of explosion in Manchester, England AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police deploy at scene of a reported explosion during a concert in Manchester, England, on May 23, 2017. British police said early May 23 there were "a number of confirmed fatalities" after reports of at least one explosion during a pop concert by US singer Ariana Grande. Ambulances were seen rushing to the Manchester Arena venue and police added in a statement that people should avoid the area AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures An ambulance drives away from the Manchester Arena, where U.S. singer Ariana Grande had been performing, in Manchester Reuters Manchester explosion in pictures Police escort members of the public from the Manchester Arena in Manchester, England. Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures A woman sits in the street in a blanket near the Manchester Arena as police guard the area following reports of an explosion, in Manchester, Britain EPA Manchester explosion in pictures Two women wrapped in thermal blankets stand near the Manchester Arena, where US singer Ariana Grande had been performing, in Manchester Reuters Manchester explosion in pictures A Royal Logistic Corps (RLC) bomb disposal robot is unloaded outside the Manchester Arena following reports of an explosion, in Manchester. At least 19 people have been confirmed dead and others 50 were injured, authorities said. It is being treated as a terrorist incident until police know otherwise EPA Manchester explosion in pictures A Royal Logistic Corps (RLC) bomb disposal robot is unloaded outside the Manchester Arena following reports of an explosion, in Manchester EPA Manchester explosion in pictures Members of the public receive treatment from emergency service staff at Victoria Railway Station close to the Manchester Arena on May 23, 2017 in Manchester, England. There have been reports of explosions at Manchester Arena where Ariana Grande had performed this evening. Greater Manchester Police have have confirmed there are fatalities and warned people to stay away from the area Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Armed police after a suspected terrorist attack at the Manchester Arena at the end of a concert by US star Ariana Grande left 19 dead PA wire Manchester explosion in pictures Emergency services arrive close to the Manchester Arena in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures An amoured police vehicle patrols near Manchester Arena in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures A man carries a young girl on his shoulders near Victoria station in Manchester AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police officers stand at the Miller Street and Corporation Street Crossroads, in front of the Manchester Arena in Manchester, England Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police block a road near to the Manchester Arena in central Manchester, England AP Manchester explosion in pictures Armed police patrol near Victoria station in Manchester, northwest England. Twenty two people have been killed and dozens injured after a suspected suicide bomber targeted fans leaving a concert of US singer Ariana Grande in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police forensic officers leave the Manchester Arena as they investigate the scene of an explosion in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures A forensic officer collects evidence on a walkway between Victoria station and Manchester Arena following a deadly terror attack in Manchester, Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures A woman and a young girl wearing a t-shirt of US singer Ariana Grande talks to police near Manchester Arena following a deadly terror attack in Manchester, Getty Manchester explosion in pictures EPA Manchester explosion in pictures Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham and Manchester City Council Leader Sir Richard Leese speak to the media outside Manchester Town Hall after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving a pop concert in Manchester Dave Higgens/PA Wire Manchester explosion in pictures The media gather behind a police cordon in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Flowers left close to the Manchester Arena, the morning after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving a pop concert in Manchester Danny Lawson/PA Wire Manchester explosion in pictures Ariana Grande concert attendees Karen Moore and her daughter Molly Steed, aged 14, from Derby, leave the Park Inn where they were given refuge after last night's explosion at Manchester Arena Getty Manchester explosion in pictures Signs saying 'We love Manchester' are displayed in a window in Manchester, England Getty Images

Abedis movements inside the country are unclear, but Frances new interior minister said he may have travelled onwards to Syria.

All of a sudden he travelled to Libya and then most likely to Syria, became radicalised and decided to commit this attack, Gerard Collomb told BFMTV.

Asked whether Abedi was part of a larger terror network, he replied: We don't know yet. In any case, links with Daesh (Isis) are proven.

Of at least 850 extremists known to have left the UK for Isis territories in Iraq and Syria, at least half are believed to have returned and 15 per cent been killed.

As the group loses swathes of territory Europol warned of an increased rate in the return of foreign fighters either to the EU or to other conflict zones including Libya.

They will include militants with the expertise to build devices like the nail bomb Abedi used to kill at least 22 people and injure more than 60 others.

As well as training an extensive network of bombmakers, Isis has periodically released manuals on how to manufacture homemade explosives using commonly available materials, as well as picking out targets including concerts for terror attacks.

Amber Rudd, the Home Secretary, confirmed Abedi had recently returned from Libya and said the nature of his attack suggested he may have had support.

It was more sophisticated than some of the horrific events that we have seen in the past or in other parts of Europe so people are reasonably wondering whether he did this on his own, she added.

When this operation is over, we will want to look at his background and what happened, how he became radicalised and what support he might have been given.
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Salman Abedi returned from a visit to Libya just days before carrying out the Manchester attack and may have travelled to terrorist strongholds in Syria, it has been revealed.

The 22-year-olds potential links to Isis militants and recruiters around the world are being probed by investigators attempting to find out how he was able to transport a nail bomb into Manchester Arena and use it to massacre 22 people.

A family friend told The Independent Abedi and his brother, Ismael, remained in the UK when their parents returned to Libya with the rest of the family four years ago but travelled back and forth to the war-torn country.

Chaos engulfing Libya since the British-backed removal of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011 has left armed groups including Islamist factions battling for control as smugglers launch thousands of refugees from its shores.

Isis has gained a foothold in the country, using it for terror training camps that were bombed by the US in January over intelligence that external plotters were actively planning operations against Europe.

Abedis movements inside the country are unclear, but Frances new interior minister said he may have travelled onwards to Syria.

All of a sudden he travelled to Libya and then most likely to Syria, became radicalised and decided to commit this attack, Gerard Collomb told BFMTV.

 Neighbour of Salman Abedi explains his experience of the perpetrator of the Manchester Attacks

Asked whether Abedi was part of a larger terror network, he replied: We don't know yet. In any case, links with Daesh (Isis) are proven.

Amber Rudd, the Home Secretary, confirmed Abedi had recently returned from Libya and the nature of his attack suggested he may have had support.

It was more sophisticated than some of the horrific events that we have seen in the past or in other parts of Europe so people are reasonably wondering whether he did this on his own, she told the BBC.

When this operation is over, we will want to look at his background and what happened, how he became radicalised and what support he might have been given.

Abedi used a suitcase bomb packed with homemade explosives and nails for the attack  the same method used for Isis bombings at Brussels Airport and Molenbeek metro station last year.

CCTV footage seen by The Times showed the 22-year-old putting the suitcase down in the foyer between Manchester Arena and Victoria station shortly before it detonated amid Ariana Grande fans pouring out of the concert.

The newspaper reported that Abedi was known to security services as an associate of Isis recruiter Raphael Hostey, also from Manchester, who was killed in a drone strike in Syria last year.

Isis claimed the attack was carried out by a soldier of the caliphate in a lengthy statement littered with inaccuracies and threatening further atrocities targeting crusaders.

Manchester explosion in pictures Show all 37 1 /37 Manchester explosion in pictures Manchester explosion in pictures People running down stairs as they attempt to exit the Manchester Arena after a blast, where U.S. singer Ariana Grande had been performing, in Manchester Twitter/@ZACH_BRUCE/ via REUTERS Manchester explosion in pictures Helpers attend to people inside the Manchester Arena after a suspected suicide bomber detonated an explosive device at the end of an Ariana Grande concert, killing 22 people PA wire Manchester explosion in pictures Armed officers guard outside a hotel near the Manchester Arena following reports of an explosion, in Manchester, Britain EPA Manchester explosion in pictures Police officers are seen outside the Manchester Arena, where U.S. singer Ariana Grande had been performing, in Manchester, northern England Reuters Manchester explosion in pictures Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police and fans close to the Manchester Arena, after reports of an explosion Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures There have been reports of explosions at Manchester Arena where Ariana Grande had performed Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police deploy at scene of explosion in Manchester, England, at a concert in Manchester Arena AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police stand by a cordoned off street close to the Manchester Arena Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police deploy at scene of explosion in Manchester, England AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police deploy at scene of a reported explosion during a concert in Manchester, England, on May 23, 2017. British police said early May 23 there were "a number of confirmed fatalities" after reports of at least one explosion during a pop concert by US singer Ariana Grande. Ambulances were seen rushing to the Manchester Arena venue and police added in a statement that people should avoid the area AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures An ambulance drives away from the Manchester Arena, where U.S. singer Ariana Grande had been performing, in Manchester Reuters Manchester explosion in pictures Police escort members of the public from the Manchester Arena in Manchester, England. Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures A woman sits in the street in a blanket near the Manchester Arena as police guard the area following reports of an explosion, in Manchester, Britain EPA Manchester explosion in pictures Two women wrapped in thermal blankets stand near the Manchester Arena, where US singer Ariana Grande had been performing, in Manchester Reuters Manchester explosion in pictures A Royal Logistic Corps (RLC) bomb disposal robot is unloaded outside the Manchester Arena following reports of an explosion, in Manchester. At least 19 people have been confirmed dead and others 50 were injured, authorities said. It is being treated as a terrorist incident until police know otherwise EPA Manchester explosion in pictures A Royal Logistic Corps (RLC) bomb disposal robot is unloaded outside the Manchester Arena following reports of an explosion, in Manchester EPA Manchester explosion in pictures Members of the public receive treatment from emergency service staff at Victoria Railway Station close to the Manchester Arena on May 23, 2017 in Manchester, England. There have been reports of explosions at Manchester Arena where Ariana Grande had performed this evening. Greater Manchester Police have have confirmed there are fatalities and warned people to stay away from the area Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Armed police after a suspected terrorist attack at the Manchester Arena at the end of a concert by US star Ariana Grande left 19 dead PA wire Manchester explosion in pictures Emergency services arrive close to the Manchester Arena in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures An amoured police vehicle patrols near Manchester Arena in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures A man carries a young girl on his shoulders near Victoria station in Manchester AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police officers stand at the Miller Street and Corporation Street Crossroads, in front of the Manchester Arena in Manchester, England Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police block a road near to the Manchester Arena in central Manchester, England AP Manchester explosion in pictures Armed police patrol near Victoria station in Manchester, northwest England. Twenty two people have been killed and dozens injured after a suspected suicide bomber targeted fans leaving a concert of US singer Ariana Grande in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police forensic officers leave the Manchester Arena as they investigate the scene of an explosion in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures A forensic officer collects evidence on a walkway between Victoria station and Manchester Arena following a deadly terror attack in Manchester, Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures A woman and a young girl wearing a t-shirt of US singer Ariana Grande talks to police near Manchester Arena following a deadly terror attack in Manchester, Getty Manchester explosion in pictures EPA Manchester explosion in pictures Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham and Manchester City Council Leader Sir Richard Leese speak to the media outside Manchester Town Hall after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving a pop concert in Manchester Dave Higgens/PA Wire Manchester explosion in pictures The media gather behind a police cordon in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Flowers left close to the Manchester Arena, the morning after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving a pop concert in Manchester Danny Lawson/PA Wire Manchester explosion in pictures Ariana Grande concert attendees Karen Moore and her daughter Molly Steed, aged 14, from Derby, leave the Park Inn where they were given refuge after last night's explosion at Manchester Arena Getty Manchester explosion in pictures Signs saying 'We love Manchester' are displayed in a window in Manchester, England Getty Images

Abedi was not well-known by neighbours in the tight-knit Fallowfield community in Manchester, but some noticed he had grown a beard and started to wear religious dress in recent months.

A person who said they knew Abedi from school told the Manchester Evening News: He was a outgoing fun guy but since he went to Libya in 2011 he came back a different guy.

He used to drink, smoke weed then all of a sudden he turned religious and Ive not seen him since 2012.

Other clues pointing to radicalisation include the appearance of a black flag associated with Islamist groups on Abedis house in Elsmore road.

There was a black flag with Arabic writing on it on the roof for a bit, a few years ago, a neighbour told the BBC.

Leaders at the nearby Didsbury Central Mosque, where his father and brother are said to have prayed, told The Independent they were shocked and did not know Abedi.

Fawzi Haffar said: We have many Libyans here but the sermons are extremely moderate, we are very liberal...the preaching and the way we teach Islam is the correct Islam, in our opinion.

Messages and floral tributes left in Albert Square in Manchester, in solidarity with those killed and injured in the terror attack at the Ariana Grande concert at Manchester Arena (BEN STANSALL/AFP/Getty Images) (Getty)

We have no hardcores as far as I know. We always make sure we are very mainstream.

The UKs official threat level has been raised to critical level as the investigation continues, meaning an attack is expected imminently,

Up to 3,800 soldiers have been deployed to patrol sensitive sites across the UK, freeing up police officers to carry out patrols and investigatory work.

Mondays attack  the deadliest to hit the UK since the 7/7 bombings - came exactly four years after the murder of Fusilier Lee Rigby and two months after the Isis-linked Westminster attack.

More than 60 victims remain in hospital, including some with severed limbs and organ damage, while several of those killed have been named.

They include an eight-year-old girl, two teenage girls, a 28-year-old man and Polish couple who had come to collect their daughters after the concert.

Thousands of people gathered in Manchester for a vigil on Tuesday evening where crowds chanted the citys name after a poet called on the city to choose love.
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Ukip leader Paul Nuttall has called for the general election campaign to restart, and has said Ukips manifesto launch planned for tomorrow morning will go ahead.

Mr Nuttall said: "We are all horrified by the horrific events that took place in Manchester. Following those events it is right and proper that political parties suspended their campaigns for a short period as a mark of respect to those who lost their lives or suffered appalling injuries.

Recommended Police arrest three more people in connection with Manchester attack

"But we cannot be cowed or allow our way of life to be undermined by those who wish to do us harm. These people hate the way we live, hate our freedom and hate our democracy.

"The best response we can make is to ensure that the democratic process continues and therefore I have decided that we must to go ahead with the launch of the Ukip general election manifesto tomorrow. For those who say that nothing must change, but then complain, it is by prolonging the disruption to normality that we allow the terrorists to win. Politics has never been more important, politicians must deal with these issues."

The Conservatives have not formally indicated when they intend to resume the campaign. Theresa May is to spend the rest of the week first in Brussels and then in Sicily, where she will attend a meeting of G7 leaders including US President Donald Trump.

Labour believes a decision about when to restart the campaign could be made as early as today  and that the suspension will end no later than Friday.

However, it depends on ongoing discussions with the other parties and a judgment about when it feels appropriate for politicians to be actively campaigning.
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The Home Secretary has criticised the US after confidential details about the Manchester Arena attack appeared to have been leaked to the media by American intelligence officers.

Amber Rudd said US conduct had been "irritating" and said she had made clear to her American counterparts that such leaks "shouldn't happen again".

The episode comes just a week after US president Donald Trump defended his right to leak classified intelligence to other countries' leaders. Mr Trump has also criticised leaking from the US intelligence establishment.

Recommended Trump brushes off Russia leak scandal as nations question US trust

Asked on BBC Radio 4's Today programme about the US leaks, Ms Rudd said: "The British police have been very clear that they want to control the flow of information in order to protect operational integrity, the element of surprise.

"So it is irritating when it gets released from other sources and I have been very clear with our friends that that should not happen again."

Asked whether US conduct had compromised the investigation into the Manchester Arena attack, she said: "I wouldnt go that far but I can say they are perfectly clear about the situation and that it shouldnt happen again."

A number of details about the Manchester Arena attack appeared in the US media  most notably on networks NBC and CBS  before British police had publicly released them to the UK media.

The initial death tolls, the fact the attack appeared to be a suicide bombing, and the name of the attacker, were all released through US outlets, apparently via leaky US intelligence sources.

Intelligence is shared between Britain, America, Canada, Australia and New Zealand under the UKUSA agreement, the so called "Five Eyes" programme.

The latest leaks come after Theresa May personally expressed confidence in the US-UK intelligence sharing programme. Questioned about Mr Trump's apparent leaking to the Kremlin, Ms May had said: "We continue to work with the United States and we continue to share intelligence with the United States, as we do with others around the world."

Manchester explosion in pictures Show all 37 1 /37 Manchester explosion in pictures Manchester explosion in pictures People running down stairs as they attempt to exit the Manchester Arena after a blast, where U.S. singer Ariana Grande had been performing, in Manchester Twitter/@ZACH_BRUCE/ via REUTERS Manchester explosion in pictures Helpers attend to people inside the Manchester Arena after a suspected suicide bomber detonated an explosive device at the end of an Ariana Grande concert, killing 22 people PA wire Manchester explosion in pictures Armed officers guard outside a hotel near the Manchester Arena following reports of an explosion, in Manchester, Britain EPA Manchester explosion in pictures Police officers are seen outside the Manchester Arena, where U.S. singer Ariana Grande had been performing, in Manchester, northern England Reuters Manchester explosion in pictures Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police and fans close to the Manchester Arena, after reports of an explosion Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures There have been reports of explosions at Manchester Arena where Ariana Grande had performed Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police deploy at scene of explosion in Manchester, England, at a concert in Manchester Arena AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police stand by a cordoned off street close to the Manchester Arena Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police deploy at scene of explosion in Manchester, England AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police deploy at scene of a reported explosion during a concert in Manchester, England, on May 23, 2017. British police said early May 23 there were "a number of confirmed fatalities" after reports of at least one explosion during a pop concert by US singer Ariana Grande. Ambulances were seen rushing to the Manchester Arena venue and police added in a statement that people should avoid the area AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures An ambulance drives away from the Manchester Arena, where U.S. singer Ariana Grande had been performing, in Manchester Reuters Manchester explosion in pictures Police escort members of the public from the Manchester Arena in Manchester, England. Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures A woman sits in the street in a blanket near the Manchester Arena as police guard the area following reports of an explosion, in Manchester, Britain EPA Manchester explosion in pictures Two women wrapped in thermal blankets stand near the Manchester Arena, where US singer Ariana Grande had been performing, in Manchester Reuters Manchester explosion in pictures A Royal Logistic Corps (RLC) bomb disposal robot is unloaded outside the Manchester Arena following reports of an explosion, in Manchester. At least 19 people have been confirmed dead and others 50 were injured, authorities said. It is being treated as a terrorist incident until police know otherwise EPA Manchester explosion in pictures A Royal Logistic Corps (RLC) bomb disposal robot is unloaded outside the Manchester Arena following reports of an explosion, in Manchester EPA Manchester explosion in pictures Members of the public receive treatment from emergency service staff at Victoria Railway Station close to the Manchester Arena on May 23, 2017 in Manchester, England. There have been reports of explosions at Manchester Arena where Ariana Grande had performed this evening. Greater Manchester Police have have confirmed there are fatalities and warned people to stay away from the area Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Armed police after a suspected terrorist attack at the Manchester Arena at the end of a concert by US star Ariana Grande left 19 dead PA wire Manchester explosion in pictures Emergency services arrive close to the Manchester Arena in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures An amoured police vehicle patrols near Manchester Arena in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures A man carries a young girl on his shoulders near Victoria station in Manchester AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police officers stand at the Miller Street and Corporation Street Crossroads, in front of the Manchester Arena in Manchester, England Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police block a road near to the Manchester Arena in central Manchester, England AP Manchester explosion in pictures Armed police patrol near Victoria station in Manchester, northwest England. Twenty two people have been killed and dozens injured after a suspected suicide bomber targeted fans leaving a concert of US singer Ariana Grande in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police forensic officers leave the Manchester Arena as they investigate the scene of an explosion in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures A forensic officer collects evidence on a walkway between Victoria station and Manchester Arena following a deadly terror attack in Manchester, Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures A woman and a young girl wearing a t-shirt of US singer Ariana Grande talks to police near Manchester Arena following a deadly terror attack in Manchester, Getty Manchester explosion in pictures EPA Manchester explosion in pictures Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham and Manchester City Council Leader Sir Richard Leese speak to the media outside Manchester Town Hall after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving a pop concert in Manchester Dave Higgens/PA Wire Manchester explosion in pictures The media gather behind a police cordon in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Flowers left close to the Manchester Arena, the morning after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving a pop concert in Manchester Danny Lawson/PA Wire Manchester explosion in pictures Ariana Grande concert attendees Karen Moore and her daughter Molly Steed, aged 14, from Derby, leave the Park Inn where they were given refuge after last night's explosion at Manchester Arena Getty Manchester explosion in pictures Signs saying 'We love Manchester' are displayed in a window in Manchester, England Getty Images

The Associated Press news agency last week reported an official from an unnamed European country saying that they might stop sharing intelligence with Washington due to leaks, and that continuing to do so could be a risk for our sources.

Twenty two people were killed and 59 injured, many of them children, in Monday night's attack on the Manchester Arena during a concert by pop star Ariana Grande.
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Labour and the Conservatives are to resume their national general election campaigning on Friday following the terrorist attack at the Manchester Arena that left 22 dead.

As a mark of respect to those killed in the attack on Monday evening, all the major political parties suspended campaigning for the general election in two weeks time.

But Jeremy Corbyn and Theresa May will recommence their partys national campaigning on Friday, with local campaigning resuming on Thursday.

Liberal Democrat sources told The Independent the party had made no judgement yet on when to resume campaigning.

Mr Corbyn added: The British people are united in their resolve that terror will not prevail. It will not prevent us going about our daily lives or derail our democratic process.

Resuming democratic debate and campaigning is an essential mark of the countrys determination to defend our democracy and the unity that the terrorists have sought to attack.

It comes after the Prime Minister addressed the nation on Tuesday from Downing Street and raised the terror threat from severe to critical, meaning another is feared to be imminent. Army troops have also been deployed on the streets of London and the Palace of Westminster was closed to the public on Wednesday following police advice.

Recommended Ukip will restart election campaign with manifesto launch tomorrow

Under Operation Temperer, up to 5,000 soldiers are being deployed to transport hubs and other crowded public places, in order to release the armed police for other duties.

It is the first time troops have been used in this way since Tony Blair was criticised for sending 400 soldiers and a number of armed vehicles to Heathrow in 2003.

Monday night's attack at an Ariana Grande concert left 22 people dead and injured 64. Some 20 people are being treated for "horrific injuries" in critical care and 12 of those rushed to hospital were children.

Paul Nuttall, the Ukip leader, announced earlier on Wednesday that his party would launch its manifesto on Thursday.

Mr Nuttall said: "We are all horrified by the horrific events that took place in Manchester. Following those events it is right and proper that political parties suspended their campaigns for a short period as a mark of respect to those who lost their lives or suffered appalling injuries.

"But we cannot be cowed or allow our way of life to be undermined by those who wish to do us harm. These people hate the way we live, hate our freedom and hate our democracy.
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Theresa May will urge Nato to step up the fight against the Isis terror group in the Middle East in the wake of the Manchester bomb attack.

The Prime Minister will call for the military alliance to formally join operations against the Islamic militants in its stronghold, when she meets fellow heads of government in Brussels.

However  underlining the continued terror threat in Britain  she will then cut short a planned two-day trip to a summit of G7 countries to return to Downing Street.

At present, Nato supports the US-led Global Coalition to Counter Isis in Iraq and Syria, by sharing information collected by its surveillance aircraft, for example.

But in Brussels Ms May will throw her weight behind a proposal put forward by Jens Stoltenberg, the Nato Secretary General, for the alliance to become a full member of the coalition.

The move would see Nato expand air-to-air refuelling and other support for coalition planes, also contributing training and the expertise it has gained from the war in Afghanistan.

The Prime Minister will point to the deaths of 22 people at the hands of a suicide bomber in Manchester as strengthening the need for a strong, capable and united Nato to do more to fight terror.

The attack was a callous and cowardly act that was all the more sickening in the way it targeted innocent and defenceless children and young people, she will tell Nato leaders.

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

Ms May is expected to say: Our unity in responding to common threats is our most potent weapon.

We must redouble our resolve to meet the threats to our shared security, whether from terrorism or Russia.

The inclusion of Russia on a list of security threats alongside terrorism is likely to raise eyebrows, given Vladimir Putins offer to step up counter-terror cooperation after the Manchester tragedy.

However, the Prime Minister has previously described her Russia policy as engage but beware. A senior government official told The Independent: That remains our position.

France and Germany also support Nato becoming a full member of the anti-Isis coalition, but on the basis it is symbolic  and not involving Nato planes in a combat role.

The UK has already sent 1,250 military personnel to the region and the Royal Air Force has conducted more than 1,200 air strikes in Iraq and Syria  more than any other coalition country bar the US.

Mr Stoltenberg said: Nato joining the coalition will also provide a better platform for coordinating the activities of Nato allies ... in the fight against terrorism.

It sends a strong and clear message of unity in the fight against terrorism and especially in light of the terrorist attacks in Manchester.

Later on Thursday, Ms May will move on to the G7 summit in Sicily, where she will lead the counter-terrorism discussion and join talks on Russia, Syria, North Korea, trade and climate change.

However, she will miss discussions on Africa, food security and migration by returning to Britain late on Friday, rather than on Saturday as originally planned.

The official said the early departure followed the decision to raise the threat level to critical, its highest for the first time in 10 years, meaning another attack is feared to be imminent.

However, the election battle is likely to be back in full swing by the weekend, after the parties agreed to resume national campaigning on Friday.
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Africa subsidises the rest of the world to the tune of $41bn (32bn) a year, according to a new analysis of the amount of money flowing in and out of the continent.

The Honest Accounts 2017 report by Global Justice Now, the Jubilee Debt Campaign and other groups estimated the total amount going into sub-Saharan Africa at $161.6bn, while the total amount going out was put at $202.9bn.

The outflows included debt repayments by governments and the private sector, multinational company profits, the brain drain effect, illegal logging, fishing and poaching, and costs associated with climate change, a problem largely caused by Europe, America and other developed countries.

Africa is rich  in potential mineral wealth, skilled workers, booming new businesses and biodiversity. Its people should thrive, its economies prosper, the report said.

Yet many people living in Africas 47 countries remain trapped in poverty, while much of the continents wealth is being extracted by those outside it.

Research for this report calculates the movement of financial resources into and out of Africa and some key costs imposed on Africa by the rest of the world. We find that the countries of Africa are collectively net creditors to the rest of the world, to the tune of $41.3bn in 2015.

Thus much more wealth is leaving the worlds most impoverished continent than is entering it.

The sub-Saharan countries in Africa received a total of $19.7bn in aid, but paid back $18bn in debt repayments, the report said.

Africans sent about $32bn in personal remittances from overseas, but multinational companies took $32.4bn in profits and illicit financial outflows  linked to misreporting the value of imports and exports  totalled some $67.6bn.

Recommended Tories open door to changing definition of international aid

An estimated $29bn was stolen by pirate fishing fleets and as a result of illegal logging and the trade in endangered animals and plants.

Aisha Dodwell, a campaigner with Global Justice Now, said: Theres such a powerful narrative in Western societies that Africa is poor and that it needs our help.

This research shows that what African countries really need is for the rest of the world to stop systematically looting them.

While the form of colonial plunder may have changed over time, its basic nature remains unchanged.

Martin Drewry, director of Health Poverty Action, which also helped produce the report, said: To end poverty we need to focus our efforts on preventing the policies and practices that are causing it.

That means we need to stop our tax havens facilitating the theft of billions, clamp down on illegal activities and compensate African countries for the impact of climate change that they did not cause. 

Bernard Adaba, a policy analyst Integrated Social Development Centre, a policy research and advocacy group in Ghana, said the idea of economic development was a lost cause in Africa while we are haemorrhaging billions every year to extractive industries, western tax havens and illegal logging and fishing.

Some serious structural changes need to be made to promote economic policies that enable African countries to best serve the needs of their people rather than simply being cash cows for Western corporations and governments. The bleeding of Africa must stop! he added in a statement.

Africa Rising - in pictures Show all 12 1 /12 Africa Rising - in pictures Africa Rising - in pictures Men using the natural Bogolan dyeing technique, which is an ancient craft tradition in the Niger River, particularly Mali. By Le Ndomo / Boubacar Doumbia. Photography by Adriaan Louw / Design Network Africa Gestalten 2016 Africa Rising - in pictures An art piece by South African-born artists Athi-Patra Ruga. Photography by Adam McConnachie, Courtesy of Athi-Patra Ruga and WHATIFTHEWORLD Gestalten 2016 Africa Rising - in pictures An image from C-Stunners by Nairobi-based artist Cyrus Kabiru. The phrames were made using scraps of disused technology. Photography by SMAC Gallery, South Africa Gestalten 2016 Africa Rising - in pictures Photography by Flurina Rothenberger published in the magazine 'I love to dress like I am coming from somewhere and I have a place to go'. Gestalten 2016 Africa Rising - in pictures From the photographic series Proud Women of Africa: Rainbow Girls, which captures the lesbians of South African townships of Gugulethu and Khayelitsha who have been disowned by their families. Photography by : Magic Group Media, Amsterdam, NL Gestalten 2016 Africa Rising - in pictures Babylonstoren, where guests partake in curated dining experiences. Most of the food is planted and cultivated on the farm. Photography by Babylonstoren Gestalten 2016 Africa Rising - in pictures Work by The Nest Collective which spans film, music, fashion and visual arts. Photography by Phyllis Galembo Gestalten 2016 Africa Rising - in pictures Photography by Phyllis Galembo, who documented the clothing of people across Nigeria, Benin, and Burkina Faso. Gestalten 2016 Africa Rising - in pictures Architecture by Kunle Adeyemi / NLE Photography by Reze Bonna. In collaboration with Makoko Waterfront Community, Blok Kats van Veen architecten, Dykstra Naval Architects, Thieu Besselink, Roel Bosch architecten, Urhahn + Borra, Pieters Bouwtechniek, Ikeyi & Arifayan, Matrix Design & Works Nig Ltd., Solarmate Engineering Nig Ltd. Gestalten 2016 Africa Rising - in pictures A collaboration between Amandine David and Marie Douel, inspired by Burkina Faso. Photography by Emile Barret / Hors Pistes Gestalten 2016 Africa Rising - in pictures Photography by Hector Mediavilla, whose photo series the SAPE Society of Ambianceurs and Elegant People captures the dandies of Congo. Gestalten 2016 Africa Rising - in pictures Fantasma, a 'superband' formed in 2014 by producer and rapper Spoek Mathambo who recruited members from acros South Africa. Photography by Fantasma Gestalten 2016

Commenting on the report, Professor John Weeks, who has studied this issue for 20 years, said it confirmed long-standing evidence that wealth was flowing out of Africa.

The greater part is legal, allowable as the result of deregulation of foreign exchange markets and weak central bank oversight and monitoring, all strongly encouraged by International Monetary Fund and World Bank lending policies, he wrote in an email to The Independent.

So-called capital flight occurs in two major ways. First, as a result of deregulation, people and corporations can convert domestic currency into foreign currency and send it abroad, usually into accounts in Western Europe or North America.

Second, combining the legal with the illegal, corporations  especially those involved in resource extraction  misrepresent their production and profits (illegal) when remitting their declared earnings (legal).

To take but one example, copper production and trading companies in Zambia massively understate their exports by formally contracting exchanges through the Zurich metals market.

This ruse makes Switzerland appear one of the world's largest importers of copper ore. In fact almost all goes to China and not a kilogram to Switzerland.

Professor Weeks, of SOAS University of London, added that the outflow of foreign currency reduced countries abilities to buy imports, undermining growth and employment.

The essential cause is not criminality or political corruption. Rather, it is an ideological policy framework that blocks effective public policy measures, he wrote.


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The father of Manchester bomber Salman Abedi has reportedly been arrested in Libya.

Ramadan Abedi was being interviewed by a TV crew in the country's capital Tripoli, when he was taken by masked gunmen, eyewitnesses told ITV News. His son and Salman's brother, Hashem Abedi, was also arrested in Libya by local security forces.

They were taken to unknown locations.

It is thought that Hashem was arrested by members of Rada  a special operations military police investigations and operations unit formed in Tripoli to fill the political and security vacuum left in the city after the downfall of the country's former leader Colonel Muammar Gaddafi.

It is unclear whether his father was taken by the same unit.

Mr Abedi Sr had earlier been participating in interviews with journalists over the phone.

He told the Associated Press that he believed his son was innocent of the attack at Manchester Arena after an Ariana Grande concert, which claimed the lives of 22 people and injured 64.

"We don't believe in killing innocents. This is not us," Mr Abedi said.

Manchester explosion in pictures Show all 37 1 /37 Manchester explosion in pictures Manchester explosion in pictures People running down stairs as they attempt to exit the Manchester Arena after a blast, where U.S. singer Ariana Grande had been performing, in Manchester Twitter/@ZACH_BRUCE/ via REUTERS Manchester explosion in pictures Helpers attend to people inside the Manchester Arena after a suspected suicide bomber detonated an explosive device at the end of an Ariana Grande concert, killing 22 people PA wire Manchester explosion in pictures Armed officers guard outside a hotel near the Manchester Arena following reports of an explosion, in Manchester, Britain EPA Manchester explosion in pictures Police officers are seen outside the Manchester Arena, where U.S. singer Ariana Grande had been performing, in Manchester, northern England Reuters Manchester explosion in pictures Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police and fans close to the Manchester Arena, after reports of an explosion Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures There have been reports of explosions at Manchester Arena where Ariana Grande had performed Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police deploy at scene of explosion in Manchester, England, at a concert in Manchester Arena AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police stand by a cordoned off street close to the Manchester Arena Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police deploy at scene of explosion in Manchester, England AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police deploy at scene of a reported explosion during a concert in Manchester, England, on May 23, 2017. British police said early May 23 there were "a number of confirmed fatalities" after reports of at least one explosion during a pop concert by US singer Ariana Grande. Ambulances were seen rushing to the Manchester Arena venue and police added in a statement that people should avoid the area AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures An ambulance drives away from the Manchester Arena, where U.S. singer Ariana Grande had been performing, in Manchester Reuters Manchester explosion in pictures Police escort members of the public from the Manchester Arena in Manchester, England. Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures A woman sits in the street in a blanket near the Manchester Arena as police guard the area following reports of an explosion, in Manchester, Britain EPA Manchester explosion in pictures Two women wrapped in thermal blankets stand near the Manchester Arena, where US singer Ariana Grande had been performing, in Manchester Reuters Manchester explosion in pictures A Royal Logistic Corps (RLC) bomb disposal robot is unloaded outside the Manchester Arena following reports of an explosion, in Manchester. At least 19 people have been confirmed dead and others 50 were injured, authorities said. It is being treated as a terrorist incident until police know otherwise EPA Manchester explosion in pictures A Royal Logistic Corps (RLC) bomb disposal robot is unloaded outside the Manchester Arena following reports of an explosion, in Manchester EPA Manchester explosion in pictures Members of the public receive treatment from emergency service staff at Victoria Railway Station close to the Manchester Arena on May 23, 2017 in Manchester, England. There have been reports of explosions at Manchester Arena where Ariana Grande had performed this evening. Greater Manchester Police have have confirmed there are fatalities and warned people to stay away from the area Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Armed police after a suspected terrorist attack at the Manchester Arena at the end of a concert by US star Ariana Grande left 19 dead PA wire Manchester explosion in pictures Emergency services arrive close to the Manchester Arena in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures An amoured police vehicle patrols near Manchester Arena in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures A man carries a young girl on his shoulders near Victoria station in Manchester AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police officers stand at the Miller Street and Corporation Street Crossroads, in front of the Manchester Arena in Manchester, England Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police block a road near to the Manchester Arena in central Manchester, England AP Manchester explosion in pictures Armed police patrol near Victoria station in Manchester, northwest England. Twenty two people have been killed and dozens injured after a suspected suicide bomber targeted fans leaving a concert of US singer Ariana Grande in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police forensic officers leave the Manchester Arena as they investigate the scene of an explosion in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures A forensic officer collects evidence on a walkway between Victoria station and Manchester Arena following a deadly terror attack in Manchester, Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures A woman and a young girl wearing a t-shirt of US singer Ariana Grande talks to police near Manchester Arena following a deadly terror attack in Manchester, Getty Manchester explosion in pictures EPA Manchester explosion in pictures Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham and Manchester City Council Leader Sir Richard Leese speak to the media outside Manchester Town Hall after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving a pop concert in Manchester Dave Higgens/PA Wire Manchester explosion in pictures The media gather behind a police cordon in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Flowers left close to the Manchester Arena, the morning after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving a pop concert in Manchester Danny Lawson/PA Wire Manchester explosion in pictures Ariana Grande concert attendees Karen Moore and her daughter Molly Steed, aged 14, from Derby, leave the Park Inn where they were given refuge after last night's explosion at Manchester Arena Getty Manchester explosion in pictures Signs saying 'We love Manchester' are displayed in a window in Manchester, England Getty Images

"We aren't the ones who blow up ourselves among innocents," he said. "We go to mosques. We recite Koran, but not that."

He added that he spoke to his son less than a week ago and that he sounded "normal".
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President Donald Trump has tapped a longtime legal adviser to serve as his private attorney while a special counsel investigates whether his campaign worked with Russia in last year's election, a source familiar with the decision told Reuters Tuesday.

Fox Business News and ABC first reported that Trump hired Marc Kasowitz, a New York-based trial lawyer known as a tenacious litigator, to represent him in a Justice Department investigation headed by former Federal Bureau of Investigation Director Robert Mueller.

The appointment of a private attorney may indicate that Trump is seriously considering the impact the federal investigation could have on him personally and that he may wish to protect himself should others in his administration turn against him.

The source said Kasowitz is expected to bring other lawyers on to work as a team to protect Trump.

Other candidates for the job, including Brendan Sullivan and Robert Giuffra, withdrew their names from consideration, the source said.

He can be aggressive - he's got that in him for sure, said John Quinn of Quinn Emanuel Urquhart and Sullivan, who has worked with and opposite Kasowitz. He also can be smooth as silk, respectful and deferential.

Kasowitz and the White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Reuters.

Kasowitz has represented Trump for more than 15 years but he is not known as a criminal defence lawyer. During last year's presidential campaign, Kasowitz threatened to sue the New York Times if it did not retract a story about women who accused Trump of touching them inappropriately. The Times did not retract the story.

He also assisted in the defence of fraud claims against Trump University, a series of real-estate seminars. After the election, Trump settled the claims for $25 million.

Trump has looked to Kasowitz's firm to fill positions in his administration. He has described former Senator Joseph Lieberman, a senior counsel at the firm, as a top candidate to serve as FBI director and is considering Edward McNally, a white-collar defence lawyer at the firm, as the next US attorney in Manhattan. A former partner at the firm, David Friedman, was chosen by Trump as US ambassador to Israel.

Kasowitz also represents OJSC Sberbank of Russia, the country's largest bank, which is being accused in a US federal court of conspiring with granite company executives and others to raid the assets of a competitor.

The outside counsel would be separate from the White House Counsel's Office, led by Donald McGahn.

Mueller was appointed as special counsel by the Justice Department last week to investigate the Trump campaign's possible ties to Russia. Several congressional committees and the FBI are also investigating the matter.

The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Show all 17 1 /17 The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Paul Manafort Mr Manafort is a Republican strategist and former Trump campaign manager. He resigned from that post over questions about his extensive lobbying overseas, including in Ukraine where he represented pro-Russian interests. Mr Manafort turned himself in at FBI headquarters to special counsel Robert Muellers team on Oct 30, 2017, after he was indicted under seal on charges that include conspiracy against the United States, conspiracy to launder money, unregistered agent of a foreign principal, false and misleading US Foreign Agents Registration Act statements, false statements, and seven counts of failure to file reports of foreign bank and financial accounts. Getty The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Rick Gates Mr Gates joined the Trump team in spring 2016, and served as a top aide until he left to work at the Republican National Committee after the departure of former Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort. Mr Gates' had previously worked on several presidential campaigns, on international political campaigns in Europe and Africa, and had 15 years of political or financial experience with multinational firms, according to his bio. Mr Gates was indicted alongside Mr Manafort by special counsel Robert Mueller's team on charges that include conspiracy against the United States, conspiracy to launder money, unregistered agent of a foreign principal, false and misleading US Foreign Agents Registration Act statements, false statements, and seven counts of failure to file reports of foreign bank and financial accounts. AP The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation George Papadopoulos George Papadopoulos was a former foreign policy adviser for the Trump campaign, having joined around March 2016. Mr Papadopoulos plead guilty to federal charges for lying to the FBI as a part of a cooperation agreement with Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation. Mr Papadopoulos claimed in an interview with the FBI that he had made contacts with Russian sources before joining the Trump campaign, but he actually began working with them after joining the team. Mr Papadopoulos allegedly took a meeting with a professor in London who reportedly told him that Russians had "dirt" on Hillary Clinton. The professor also allegedly introduced Mr Papadopoulos to a Russian who was said to have close ties to officials at the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Mr Papadopoulos also allegedly was in contact with a woman whom he incorrectly described in one email to others in the campaign as the "niece" to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Twitter The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Donald Trump Jr The President's eldest son met with a Russian lawyer - Natalia Veselnitskaya - on 9 June 2016 at Trump Tower in New York. He said in an initial statement that the meeting was about Russia halting adoptions of its children by US citizens. Then, he said it was regarding the Magnitsky Act, a US law blacklisting Russian human rights abusers. In a final statement, Mr Trump Jr released a chain of emails that revealed he took the meeting in hopes of getting information Ms Veselnitskaya had about Hillary Clinton's alleged financial ties to Russia. He and the President called it standard "opposition research" in the course of campaigning and that no information came from the meeting. The meeting was set up by an intermediary, Rob Goldstone. Jared Kushner and Paul Manafort were also at the same meeting. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Jared Kushner Mr Kushner is President Donald Trump's son-in-law and a key adviser to the White House. He met with a Russian banker appointed by Russian President Vladimir Putin in December. Mr Kushner has said he did so in his role as an adviser to Mr Trump while the bank says he did so as a private developer. Mr Kushner has also volunteered to testify in the Senate about his role helping to arrange meetings between Trump advisers and Russian Ambassador to the US Sergey Kislyak. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Rob Goldstone Former tabloid journalist and now music publicist Rob Goldstone is a contact of the Trump family through the previously Trump-owned 2013 Miss Universe pageant, which took place in Moscow. In June 2016, he wrote to Donald Trump Jr offering a meeting with a Russian lawyer, Natalya Veselnitskaya, who had information about Hillary Clinton. Mr Goldstone was the intermediary for Russian pop star Emin Agalaraov and his father, real estate magnate Aras, who played a role in putting on the 2013 pageant. In an email chain released by Mr Trump Jr, Mr Goldstone seemed to indicate Russian government's support of Donald Trump's campaign. AP images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Aras and Emin Agalarov Aras Agalarov (R) is a wealthy Moscow-based real estate magnate and son Emin (L) is a pop star. Both played a role in putting on the previously Trump-owned 2013 Miss Universe pageant in Moscow. They allegedly had information about Hillary Clinton and offered that information to the Trump campaign through a lawyer with whom they had worked with, Natalia Veselnitskaya, and music publicist Rob Goldstone. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Natalia Veselnitskaya Natalia Veselnitskaya is a Russian lawyer with ties to the Kremlin. She has worked on real estate issues and reportedly counted the FSB as a client in the past. She has ties to a Trump family connection, real estate magnate Aras Agalarov, who had helped set up the Trump-owned 2013 Miss Universe pageant which took place in Moscow. Ms Veselnitskaya met with Donald Trump Jr, Jared Kushner, and Paul Manafort in Trump Tower on 9 June 2016 but denies the allegation that she went there promising information on Hillary Clinton's alleged financial ties to Russia. She contends that the meeting was about the US adoptions of Russian children being stopped by Moscow as a reaction to the Magnitsky Act, a US law blacklisting Russian human rights abusers. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Mike Flynn Mr Flynn was named as Trump's national security adviser but was forced to resign from his post for inappropriate communication with Russian Ambassador to the US Sergey Kislyak. He had misrepresented a conversation he had with Mr Kislyak to Vice President Mike Pence, telling him wrongly that he had not discussed sanctions with the Russian. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Sergey Kislyak Mr Kislyak, the former longtime Russian ambassador to the US, is at the centre of the web said to connect President Donald Trump's campaign with Russia. Reuters The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Roger Stone Mr Stone is a former Trump adviser who worked on the political campaigns of Richard Nixon, George HW Bush, and Ronald Reagan. Mr Stone claimed repeatedly in the final months of the campaign that he had backchannel communications with WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange and that he knew the group was going to dump damaging documents to the campaign of Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton - which did happen. Mr Stone also had contacts with the hacker Guccier 2.0 on Twitter, who claimed to have hacked the DNC and is linked to Russian intelligence services. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Jeff Sessions The US attorney general was forced to recuse himself from the Trump-Russia investigation after it was learned that he had lied about meeting with Russian Ambassador to the US Sergey Kislyak. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Carter Page Mr Page is a former advisor to the Trump campaign and has a background working as an investment banker at Merrill Lynch. Mr Page met with Russian Ambassador to the US Sergey Kislyak during the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland. Mr Page had invested in oil companies connected to Russia and had admitted that US Russia sanctions had hurt his bottom line. Reuters The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Jeffrey "JD" Gorden Mr Gordon met with Russian Ambassador to the US Sergey Kislyak during the 2016 Republian National Convention to discuss how the US and Russia could work together to combat Islamist extremism should then-Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump win the election. The meeting came days before a massive leak of DNC emails that has been connected to Russia. Creative Commons The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation James Comey Mr Comey was fired from his post as head of the FBI by President Donald Trump. The timing of Mr Comey's firing raised questions around whether or not the FBI's investigation into the Trump campaign may have played a role in the decision. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Preet Bharara Mr Bahara refused, alongside 46 other US district attorney's across the country, to resign once President Donald Trump took office after previous assurances from Mr Trump that he would keep his job. Mr Bahara had been heading up several investigations including one into one of President Donald Trump's favorite cable television channels Fox News. Several investigations would lead back to that district, too, including those into Mr Trump's campaign ties to Russia, and Mr Trump's assertion that Trump Tower was wiretapped on orders from his predecessor. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Sally Yates Ms Yates, a former Deputy Attorney General, was running the Justice Department while President Donald Trump's pick for attorney general awaited confirmation. Ms Yates was later fired by Mr Trump from her temporary post over her refusal to implement Mr Trump's first travel ban. She had also warned the White House about potential ties former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn to Russia after discovering those ties during the FBI's investigation into the Trump campaign's connections to Russia. Getty Images

US intelligence agencies concluded in January that Moscow tried to sway the November vote in Trump's favour. Russia has denied involvement, and Trump has denied any collusion between his campaign and Russia.

Controversy has engulfed Trump since he fired FBI Director James Comey two weeks ago as Comey oversaw an investigation into possible collusion between his presidential campaign and Russia.

Copyright Reuters
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Pope Francis urged Donald Mr Trump to be a peacemaker at their highly anticipated first meeting on Wednesday, and the US President promised he would not forget the pontiff's message.

Under clear blue skies, Mr Trump, who exchanged sharp words with the pope during the US election campaign last year, received a tribute from the Swiss Guard in a Vatican courtyard when he arrived to meet the pope.

Mr Trump entered a small elevator taking him to the third floor of the Apostolic Palace and, after a long ceremonial walk past frescoed corridors, shook the pope's hand at the entrance to the private study, which the frugal pope uses only for official occasions.

Francis smiled faintly as he greeted Mr Trump outside the study and was not as gregarious as he sometimes is with visiting heads of state. Mr Trump, seeming subdued, said "it is a great honour."

Even when the two were sitting at the pope's desk in the presence of photographers and reporters, the pope avoided the kind of small talk that usually occurs before the media is ushered out.

The two talked privately for about 30 minutes with translators.

Both men looked far more relaxed at the end of the private meeting, with the pope smiling and joking with Mr Trump and his wife Melania.

Francis gave the president a small sculptured olive tree and told him through the interpreter that it symbolised peace.

"It is my desire that you become an olive tree to construct peace," the Pope said, speaking in Spanish through an interpreter.

Mr Trump responded: "We can use peace."

Francis also gave Mr Trump a signed copy of his 2017 peace message whose title is "Nonviolence - A Style of Politics for Peace," and a copy of his 2015 encyclical letter on the need to protect the environment from the effects of climate change.

"Well, I'll be reading them," Mr Trump said.

Mr Trump's softer stance on environmental regulations is at odds with Francis' view that climate change is caused mostly by human activity.

Mr Trump gave the pope a boxed set of five first edition books by slain U.S. civil rights leader Martin Luther King.

As Mr Trump and the pope said goodbye at the door of the study, Mr Trump told the pope: "Thank you, thank you. I won't forget what you said."

The meeting with the pope was the third stop on a nine-day foreign tour due to end on Saturday, and part of his world tour of religions after meeting leaders of Muslim nations in Saudi Arabia and visiting holy sites in Jerusalem.

While his talks in Saudi Arabia and Israel were mostly friendly, the meeting between the head of the Roman Catholic Church and the thrice-married, blunt-spoken Mr Trump had the potential to be a little more confrontational.

The pope said last year a man who thinks about building walls and not bridges is "not Christian," a sharp reprimand for Mr Trump's vow to build a wall along the U.S. border with Mexico.

Mr Trump said it was "disgraceful" of the Argentine-born pope, who represents just over half of the world's two billion Christians, to question his faith.

In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour Show all 39 1 /39 In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 20 May 2017 US President Donald Trump and Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud arriving for a reception ahead of a banquet at Murabba Palace in Riyadh Getty Images In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 20 May 2017 US President Donald Trump, accompanied by First Lady Melania Trump, and Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud being welcomed at Murabba Palace in Riyadh Getty Images In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 20 May 2017 US President Donald J. Trump with King of Saudi Arabia Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud during a welcome ceremony with traditional sword dancers at Murabba Palace, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia EPA In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 20 May 2017 King of Saudi Arabia Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud with US President Donald J. Trump and wife Melania during a welcome ceremony at Murabba Palace, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia EPA In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 20 May 2017 US President Donald Trump adjusts the Collar of Abdulaziz Al Saud Medal, after it was bestowed upon him by Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud at the Royal Court in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 20 May 2017 Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud presents U.S. President Donald Trump with the Collar of Abdulaziz Al Saud Medal at the Royal Court in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 21 May 2017 Palestinians print posters depicting US President Donald Trump in preparations for his planned visit, in the West Bank town of Bethlehem Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 21 May 2017 US President Donald Trump accompanied by first lady Melania Trump, his daughter Ivanka Trump and her husband White House senior advisor Jared Kushner, before delivering his remarks to the Arab Islamic American Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 21 May 2017 US President Donald Trump looks on as U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Muhammad bin Nayef exchange a memorandum of understanding Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 21 May 2017 First Lady Melania Trump shares a laugh with a child during a visit to the American International School in the Saudi capital Riyadh Getty Images In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 21 May 2017 US President Donald Trump holds a bilateral meeting with Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa AP In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 Israeli soldiers rest during preparations ahead of President Trump's landing in Tel Aviv, Israel Getty Images In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 First Lady Melania Trump makes her way to board Air Force One in Riyadh as she heads with her husband the US President to Israel Getty Images In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump board Air Force One for Israel, the next stop in Trump's international tour, at King Khalid International Airport AP In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 Israeli soldiers wait for the arrival ceremony of US President Donald Trump at Ben Gurion airport near Tel Aviv, Israel AP In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump arrive aboard Air Force One at Ben Gurion International Airport in Lod near Tel Aviv, Israel Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump disembark Air Force One on arrival at Ben Gurion International Airport AP In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US President Donald J. Trump and his wife, US First Lady Melania Trump are welcomed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu upon arrival at Ben Gurion Airport, in Lod outside Tel Aviv, Israel EPA In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sit during welcome ceremony in Tel Aviv AP In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US First Lady Melania Trump chats wife Sara Netanyahu as US President Donald Trump chats to Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a welcoming ceremony to welcome Trump at Ben Gurion International Airport Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US President Donald Trump delivers a speech upon his arrival at Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv Getty Images In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US President Donald Trump gestures during a press conference with Israel's President at the President's Residence in Jerusalem Getty Images In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US President Donald Trump watches as First Lady Melania Trump signs the guest book at the President's Residence in Jerusalem Getty Images In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US President Donald Trump walks with first lady Melania Trump in Jerusalem's Old City Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US President Donald Trump visits the Western Wall, the holiest site where Jews can pray, in Jerusalems Old City Getty Images In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US President Donald Trump stands next to Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz at the plaza in front of the Western Wall, Judaism's holiest prayer site, in Jerusalem's Old City Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and White House senior advisor Jared Kushner leave notes at the Western Wall in Jerusalem Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US First Lady Melania Trump touches the Western Wall, Judaism's holiest prayer site, in Jerusalem's Old City EPA In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 Ivanka Trump, assistant and daughter of US President Donald J. Trump, touches the Western Wall, Judaism's holiest prayer site, in Jerusalem's Old City EPA In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 President Donald Trump visits the Western Wall AP In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 24 May 2017 US President Donald J. Trump arrives in a vehicle to Saint Damaso's Court for a private audience with Pope Francis in Vatican City EPA In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 24 May 2017 Pope Francis walks past Ivanka Trump and First Lady Melania Trump on the occasion of the private audience with President Donald Trump, at the Vatican AP In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 24 May 2017 Pope Francis exchanges gifts with US President Donald Trump during a private audience at the Vatican Getty Images In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 24 May 2017 Pope Francis meets US President Donald Trump and his wife Melania during a private audience at the Vatican Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 24 May 2017 Pope Francis with US President Donald J. Trump EPA In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 24 May 2017 Pope Francis gets into is car after meeting with US President Donald Trump AP In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 24 May 2017 President Donald Trump and his wife Melania look at the frescoed ceilings during their visit to the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican L'Osservatore Romano/Pool Photo via AP In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 24 May 2017 US President Donald Trump security vehicles are seen in front of Air Force One before take off from Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport in Rome, Italy Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 24 May 2017 US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump wave to reporters before boarding the Air Force One to Brussels, at the end of a 2-day visit to Italy including a meeting with Pope Francis at the Vatican, at Rome's Fiumicino international airport AP

"If and when the Vatican is attacked by Isis, which as everyone knows is Isis' ultimate trophy, I can promise you that the pope would have only wished and prayed that Donald Trump would have been president," Mr Trump said during the campaign.

The Vatican also took a dim view of Mr Trump's anti-Muslim campaign rhetoric, although he softened his tone considerably in a major speech in Riyadh.

Part of Mr Trump's motivation for meeting the pope was to dramatise how the three major religions should rally against the threat from Islamist militants.

Mr Trump at first did not plan to stop in Rome during his visit to Europe, which some in the Vatican saw as a snub. When he changed his mind, the Vatican squeezed him in at 8.30am on a Wednesday morning, an unusual day and an unusually early time.

After the meeting, Francis held his weekly audience with the general public in St Peter's Square.

Reuters
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US President Donald Trump has arrived at the Vatican and begun talks with one of his most high-profile critics, Pope Francis, after the two men exchanged sharp words during the presidential campaign last year.

Under clear blue skies, Trump received a tribute from the Swiss Guard in a Vatican courtyard where he was greeted by Archbishop Georg Ganswein, the prefect of the pontifical household.

Mr Trump looked uncomfortable as he entered a small elevator taking him to the third floor of the Apostolic Palace, where he was accompanied by Ganswein and other officials along a frescoed corridor to the pope's private study.

Following behind Mr Trump were daughter Ivanka, her husband, Jared Kushner, a top White House aide, national security adviser HR McMaster and adviser Hope Hicks.

The pope did not smile as he greeted Trump outside the study. Trump, seeming subdued, said "it is a great honour".

The two men then posed for photograghs and the pope kept a stern face while Trump beamed for the cameras. The meeting began at precisely 8.33am (9.33am BST).

Mr Trump's meeting with Pope Francis, his third stop on a nine-day foreign tour due to end on Saturday, is part of his world tour of religions after meeting leaders of Muslim nations in Saudi Arabia and visiting holy sites in Jerusalem.

But while his talks in Saudi Arabia and Israel were mostly friendly, the meeting between the head of the Roman Catholic Church and the thrice-married, blunt-spoken Mr Trump could be a little more confrontational.

The pope said last year a man who thinks about building walls and not bridges is "not Christian," a sharp reprimand for Mr Trump's vow to build a wall along the US border with Mexico.

Mr Trump said it was "disgraceful" of the Argentine-born pope, who represents just over half of the world's two billion Christians, to question his faith.

"If and when the Vatican is attacked by Isis, which as everyone knows is Isis's ultimate trophy, I can promise you that the pope would have only wished and prayed that Donald Trump would have been president," Mr Trump said during the campaign.

Mr Trump's softer stance on environmental regulations also is at odds with Francis' view that climate change is caused mostly by human activity.

The Vatican also took a dim view of Mr Trump's anti-Muslim campaign rhetoric, although Mr Trump softened his tone considerably in a major speech in Riyadh.

 Trump: Israelis and Palestinians are 'reaching for peace'

Francis said last week he would be "sincere" with Mr Trump but did not want to judge him before listening to him in person.

Part of Mr Trump's motivation for meeting the pope was to dramatise how the three major religions should rally against the threat from Islamist militants.

"We thought that this trip was essential to put together the Muslim faith, the Jewish faith and then the Catholic faith, the Christian faith," said a senior White House official who briefed reporters on the Air Force One flight to Rome.

"By putting everybody together you can really build a coalition and show that it's not a Muslim problem, it's not a Jewish problem, it's not a Catholic problem, it's not a Christian problem, it really is a world problem," the official said.

In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour Show all 39 1 /39 In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 20 May 2017 US President Donald Trump and Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud arriving for a reception ahead of a banquet at Murabba Palace in Riyadh Getty Images In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 20 May 2017 US President Donald Trump, accompanied by First Lady Melania Trump, and Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud being welcomed at Murabba Palace in Riyadh Getty Images In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 20 May 2017 US President Donald J. Trump with King of Saudi Arabia Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud during a welcome ceremony with traditional sword dancers at Murabba Palace, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia EPA In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 20 May 2017 King of Saudi Arabia Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud with US President Donald J. Trump and wife Melania during a welcome ceremony at Murabba Palace, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia EPA In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 20 May 2017 US President Donald Trump adjusts the Collar of Abdulaziz Al Saud Medal, after it was bestowed upon him by Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud at the Royal Court in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 20 May 2017 Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud presents U.S. President Donald Trump with the Collar of Abdulaziz Al Saud Medal at the Royal Court in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 21 May 2017 Palestinians print posters depicting US President Donald Trump in preparations for his planned visit, in the West Bank town of Bethlehem Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 21 May 2017 US President Donald Trump accompanied by first lady Melania Trump, his daughter Ivanka Trump and her husband White House senior advisor Jared Kushner, before delivering his remarks to the Arab Islamic American Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 21 May 2017 US President Donald Trump looks on as U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Muhammad bin Nayef exchange a memorandum of understanding Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 21 May 2017 First Lady Melania Trump shares a laugh with a child during a visit to the American International School in the Saudi capital Riyadh Getty Images In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 21 May 2017 US President Donald Trump holds a bilateral meeting with Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa AP In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 Israeli soldiers rest during preparations ahead of President Trump's landing in Tel Aviv, Israel Getty Images In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 First Lady Melania Trump makes her way to board Air Force One in Riyadh as she heads with her husband the US President to Israel Getty Images In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump board Air Force One for Israel, the next stop in Trump's international tour, at King Khalid International Airport AP In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 Israeli soldiers wait for the arrival ceremony of US President Donald Trump at Ben Gurion airport near Tel Aviv, Israel AP In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump arrive aboard Air Force One at Ben Gurion International Airport in Lod near Tel Aviv, Israel Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump disembark Air Force One on arrival at Ben Gurion International Airport AP In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US President Donald J. Trump and his wife, US First Lady Melania Trump are welcomed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu upon arrival at Ben Gurion Airport, in Lod outside Tel Aviv, Israel EPA In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sit during welcome ceremony in Tel Aviv AP In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US First Lady Melania Trump chats wife Sara Netanyahu as US President Donald Trump chats to Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a welcoming ceremony to welcome Trump at Ben Gurion International Airport Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US President Donald Trump delivers a speech upon his arrival at Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv Getty Images In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US President Donald Trump gestures during a press conference with Israel's President at the President's Residence in Jerusalem Getty Images In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US President Donald Trump watches as First Lady Melania Trump signs the guest book at the President's Residence in Jerusalem Getty Images In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US President Donald Trump walks with first lady Melania Trump in Jerusalem's Old City Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US President Donald Trump visits the Western Wall, the holiest site where Jews can pray, in Jerusalems Old City Getty Images In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US President Donald Trump stands next to Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz at the plaza in front of the Western Wall, Judaism's holiest prayer site, in Jerusalem's Old City Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and White House senior advisor Jared Kushner leave notes at the Western Wall in Jerusalem Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US First Lady Melania Trump touches the Western Wall, Judaism's holiest prayer site, in Jerusalem's Old City EPA In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 Ivanka Trump, assistant and daughter of US President Donald J. Trump, touches the Western Wall, Judaism's holiest prayer site, in Jerusalem's Old City EPA In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 President Donald Trump visits the Western Wall AP In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 24 May 2017 US President Donald J. Trump arrives in a vehicle to Saint Damaso's Court for a private audience with Pope Francis in Vatican City EPA In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 24 May 2017 Pope Francis walks past Ivanka Trump and First Lady Melania Trump on the occasion of the private audience with President Donald Trump, at the Vatican AP In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 24 May 2017 Pope Francis exchanges gifts with US President Donald Trump during a private audience at the Vatican Getty Images In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 24 May 2017 Pope Francis meets US President Donald Trump and his wife Melania during a private audience at the Vatican Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 24 May 2017 Pope Francis with US President Donald J. Trump EPA In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 24 May 2017 Pope Francis gets into is car after meeting with US President Donald Trump AP In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 24 May 2017 President Donald Trump and his wife Melania look at the frescoed ceilings during their visit to the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican L'Osservatore Romano/Pool Photo via AP In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 24 May 2017 US President Donald Trump security vehicles are seen in front of Air Force One before take off from Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport in Rome, Italy Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 24 May 2017 US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump wave to reporters before boarding the Air Force One to Brussels, at the end of a 2-day visit to Italy including a meeting with Pope Francis at the Vatican, at Rome's Fiumicino international airport AP

Mr Trump at first did not plan to stop in Rome during his visit to Europe, which some in the Vatican saw as a snub. When he changed his mind, the Vatican squeezed him in at 8.30am on a Wednesday morning, an unusual day and an unusually early time.

Francis holds his weekly audience with the general public on Wednesday at 10am in St Peter's Square.

After the meeting, Mr Trump moves on to Brussels for a Nato summit, followed by the last stop on his trip, to a Group of Seven summit in Sicily.

Reuters
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Donald Trump reportedly told the president of the Philippines the United States has two nuclear submarines off the coast of North Korea.

The US leader was quoted as telling Rodrigo Duterte: We have two submarines  the best in the world. We have two nuclear submarines, not that we want to use them at all

Part of a leaked telephone transcript between the pair circulated online under a confidential cover sheet and comes amid rising tensions between the White House and Pyongyang.

A US official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, confirmed to the Washington Post that the document was an accurate representation of the interaction between the two leaders.

They also claimed the US President's private conversation with Mr Duterte indicated an attempt to collect as much regional support as possible in an effort to create a bulwark against the North Korean regime.

In the same phone call, the US President called Kim Jung-un a madman with nuclear weapons, days before stating publicly that he would be honoured to meet the dictator.

North Korea fired a medium-range ballistic missile in its latest test, and has indicated it is ready to begin mass production of the weapon, which is capable of reaching Japan and US bases.

In a show of force, the United States has sent the nuclear-powered USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier to waters off the Korean peninsula, where it joined the USS Michigan, a nuclear submarine that docked in South Korea in late April.

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

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said he wanted to raise the issue of North Koreas militarisation at the G7 summit in Italy.

The leaked transcript emphasises the importance of China as a potential power against Pyongyang, and the Philippines president said at the end of the day, the last card, the ace, has to be with China.

North Korea continues to defy calls from the United Nations Security Council to halt its nuclear missile program, on the grounds that weapons are needed for defence against US aggression.

Mr Trump also praised Mr Duterte on an unbelievable job on the drug problem. The president of the Philippines has been accused of committing possible crimes against humanity for his governments war on drugs, which Amnesty International claims targets poor individuals.
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A Florida man told police that he fatally shot his neo-Nazi roommates because he wanted to prevent a planned act of domestic terrorism.

Court documents filed Tuesday show that 18-year-old Devon Arthurs made the comment to police on Friday after he led officers to the bodies.

Arthurs, who told police he was a recent convert to Islam, said his roommates had disparaged his new religion. He says their behaviour also spurred his actions.

Investigators also found bomb-making materials, Nazi propaganda and a framed photograph of Oklahoma City bomber Timothy McVeigh in the apartment with the bodies.

Also arrested was a fourth roommate, Brandon Russell, an active member of the Florida National Guard who police say admitted to being a neo-Nazi and who gathered the explosives.

Arthurs is due in court on Wednesday morning.

Arthurs is being charged with two counts of first-degree murder, two counts of aggravated assault with intent to commit a felony and three counts of armed kidnapping. Court records did not list an attorney for him.

Federal agents arrested Russell, 21, on Saturday on charges related to the explosives.

The FBI said Russell admitted to his neo-Nazi beliefs and said he was a member of a group called Atomwaffen, which is German for atomic weapon.

Major Caitlin Brown, spokeswoman for the Florida National Guard, confirmed that Russell was a current member of the Florida National Guard. But she couldn't immediately provide any other information.

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. 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Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. 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Arthurs started the chain of events on Friday when he held two customers and an employee hostage at gunpoint at a Tampa smoke shop, police said. He was complaining about the treatment of Muslims.

He further informed all three victims that he was upset due to America bombing his Muslim countries, police Detective Kenneth Nightlinger wrote in his report.

Officers talked Arthurs into letting the hostages go and dropping his weapon, and took him into custody.

While in custody, police said Arthurs started talking about killing two people, and then he directed them to a condominium complex where the four roommates shared an apartment.

I had to do it, Arthurs told police.

Inside the apartment, the officers found the bodies of 22-year-old Jeremy Himmelman and 18-year-old Andrew Oneschuk. Both had been shot.

Police called in the FBI and a bomb squad, which found enough explosives to constitute a bomb, according to federal agents.

At first, Russell told agents that he kept the explosives from his days in an engineering club at the University of South Florida in 2013 and he used the substances to boost homemade rockets. The agents wrote that the substance found was too energetic and volatile for these types of uses.

Russell has been charged with possession of an unregistered destructive device and unlawful storage of explosive material. Court records did not list an attorney for him.

Associated Press
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The father of a black student who was murdered in a suspected hate crime, has accepted his sons degree.

In an emotional ceremony at Maryland's Bowie State University, Richard Collins Jr was cheered as he took the podium.

"I really have not tried to process motive or intentions behind this yet," he told NBC News before the ceremony. I'm in no place to feel very many emotions beyond sadness and just deep sense of personal loss.

His son Richard Collins III, a 23-year-old newly commissioned Army officer, was stabbed to death over the weekend, days before he was due to accept his Business Administration degree.

The 23-year-old had recently been commissioned as an officer in the army (Facebook)

Police have charged 22-year-old Sean Urbanski with his murder.

As he was a member of a racist Facebook group called Alt-Reich: Nation, the FBI have joined the investigation because it could be a possible hate crime.

He is alleged to have stabbed Mr Collins as he waited with friends for an Uber taxi near the College Park campus just north of Washington DC.

After approaching the group, Mr Urbanski, a student at the nearby University of Maryland, allegedly said: Step left, step left if you know whats best for you.

After Mr Collins refused Mr Urbanski stabbed him in the chest and fled the scene. Mr Collins later died in hospital.

The attack was caught on CCTV and a knife was recovered, police said.

At the graduation ceremony, Mr Collins' graduation gown was draped over front row chairs.

 Member of online hate group accused of knifing young black soldier to death on campus

Bowie State President Mickey Burnim asked graduates to remember Mr Collins.

"Let us pause now in a moment of silence and contemplation of what each of us might do to promote greater peace, harmony and love that seems to be so lacking in our country and our world today," he said.

Indeo Ragsdale, a friend of Mr Collins from Bowie State's officer training program, said he would be "truly missed. "

He said: "It's sad that it happened up the street from here, but it's out of our control. We're not focused on the negativity today. We're focused on the positivity. Collins was a joyful person."

Additional reporting by AP
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Former National Security Adviser Mike Flynn, already the subject a Senate Intelligence Committee subpoena, is now being subpoenaed by the House of Representatives as well.

Representative Adam Schiff, the ranking Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, said he planned to issue the subpoenas this week, as part of his committees investigation into Russian meddling in the US election.

Mr Flynn has refused the committees previous requests for information.

Recommended Senate committee issues two new subpoenas related to Michael Flynn

"We will be following up with subpoenas, and those subpoenas will be designed to maximise our chance of getting the information that we need," Mr Schiff said at an event sponsored by the Christian Science Monitor.

Mr Flynn has also refused to comply with a Senate Intelligence Committee subpoena seeking records of his communications with Russian officials. He is expected to plead the fifth, invoking his right against self-incrimination to avoid turning over the documents.

"The subpoena seeks to compel [Flynn] to offer testimony through the act of producing documents that may or may not exist. In these circumstances, [Flynn] is entitled to, and does, invoke his Fifth Amendment privilege against production of documents," Flynn's lawyer wrote in a letter to the Senate committee.

The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Show all 17 1 /17 The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Paul Manafort Mr Manafort is a Republican strategist and former Trump campaign manager. He resigned from that post over questions about his extensive lobbying overseas, including in Ukraine where he represented pro-Russian interests. Mr Manafort turned himself in at FBI headquarters to special counsel Robert Muellers team on Oct 30, 2017, after he was indicted under seal on charges that include conspiracy against the United States, conspiracy to launder money, unregistered agent of a foreign principal, false and misleading US Foreign Agents Registration Act statements, false statements, and seven counts of failure to file reports of foreign bank and financial accounts. Getty The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Rick Gates Mr Gates joined the Trump team in spring 2016, and served as a top aide until he left to work at the Republican National Committee after the departure of former Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort. Mr Gates' had previously worked on several presidential campaigns, on international political campaigns in Europe and Africa, and had 15 years of political or financial experience with multinational firms, according to his bio. Mr Gates was indicted alongside Mr Manafort by special counsel Robert Mueller's team on charges that include conspiracy against the United States, conspiracy to launder money, unregistered agent of a foreign principal, false and misleading US Foreign Agents Registration Act statements, false statements, and seven counts of failure to file reports of foreign bank and financial accounts. AP The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation George Papadopoulos George Papadopoulos was a former foreign policy adviser for the Trump campaign, having joined around March 2016. Mr Papadopoulos plead guilty to federal charges for lying to the FBI as a part of a cooperation agreement with Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation. Mr Papadopoulos claimed in an interview with the FBI that he had made contacts with Russian sources before joining the Trump campaign, but he actually began working with them after joining the team. Mr Papadopoulos allegedly took a meeting with a professor in London who reportedly told him that Russians had "dirt" on Hillary Clinton. The professor also allegedly introduced Mr Papadopoulos to a Russian who was said to have close ties to officials at the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Mr Papadopoulos also allegedly was in contact with a woman whom he incorrectly described in one email to others in the campaign as the "niece" to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Twitter The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Donald Trump Jr The President's eldest son met with a Russian lawyer - Natalia Veselnitskaya - on 9 June 2016 at Trump Tower in New York. He said in an initial statement that the meeting was about Russia halting adoptions of its children by US citizens. Then, he said it was regarding the Magnitsky Act, a US law blacklisting Russian human rights abusers. In a final statement, Mr Trump Jr released a chain of emails that revealed he took the meeting in hopes of getting information Ms Veselnitskaya had about Hillary Clinton's alleged financial ties to Russia. He and the President called it standard "opposition research" in the course of campaigning and that no information came from the meeting. The meeting was set up by an intermediary, Rob Goldstone. Jared Kushner and Paul Manafort were also at the same meeting. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Jared Kushner Mr Kushner is President Donald Trump's son-in-law and a key adviser to the White House. He met with a Russian banker appointed by Russian President Vladimir Putin in December. Mr Kushner has said he did so in his role as an adviser to Mr Trump while the bank says he did so as a private developer. Mr Kushner has also volunteered to testify in the Senate about his role helping to arrange meetings between Trump advisers and Russian Ambassador to the US Sergey Kislyak. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Rob Goldstone Former tabloid journalist and now music publicist Rob Goldstone is a contact of the Trump family through the previously Trump-owned 2013 Miss Universe pageant, which took place in Moscow. In June 2016, he wrote to Donald Trump Jr offering a meeting with a Russian lawyer, Natalya Veselnitskaya, who had information about Hillary Clinton. Mr Goldstone was the intermediary for Russian pop star Emin Agalaraov and his father, real estate magnate Aras, who played a role in putting on the 2013 pageant. In an email chain released by Mr Trump Jr, Mr Goldstone seemed to indicate Russian government's support of Donald Trump's campaign. AP images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Aras and Emin Agalarov Aras Agalarov (R) is a wealthy Moscow-based real estate magnate and son Emin (L) is a pop star. Both played a role in putting on the previously Trump-owned 2013 Miss Universe pageant in Moscow. They allegedly had information about Hillary Clinton and offered that information to the Trump campaign through a lawyer with whom they had worked with, Natalia Veselnitskaya, and music publicist Rob Goldstone. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Natalia Veselnitskaya Natalia Veselnitskaya is a Russian lawyer with ties to the Kremlin. She has worked on real estate issues and reportedly counted the FSB as a client in the past. She has ties to a Trump family connection, real estate magnate Aras Agalarov, who had helped set up the Trump-owned 2013 Miss Universe pageant which took place in Moscow. Ms Veselnitskaya met with Donald Trump Jr, Jared Kushner, and Paul Manafort in Trump Tower on 9 June 2016 but denies the allegation that she went there promising information on Hillary Clinton's alleged financial ties to Russia. She contends that the meeting was about the US adoptions of Russian children being stopped by Moscow as a reaction to the Magnitsky Act, a US law blacklisting Russian human rights abusers. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Mike Flynn Mr Flynn was named as Trump's national security adviser but was forced to resign from his post for inappropriate communication with Russian Ambassador to the US Sergey Kislyak. He had misrepresented a conversation he had with Mr Kislyak to Vice President Mike Pence, telling him wrongly that he had not discussed sanctions with the Russian. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Sergey Kislyak Mr Kislyak, the former longtime Russian ambassador to the US, is at the centre of the web said to connect President Donald Trump's campaign with Russia. Reuters The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Roger Stone Mr Stone is a former Trump adviser who worked on the political campaigns of Richard Nixon, George HW Bush, and Ronald Reagan. Mr Stone claimed repeatedly in the final months of the campaign that he had backchannel communications with WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange and that he knew the group was going to dump damaging documents to the campaign of Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton - which did happen. Mr Stone also had contacts with the hacker Guccier 2.0 on Twitter, who claimed to have hacked the DNC and is linked to Russian intelligence services. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Jeff Sessions The US attorney general was forced to recuse himself from the Trump-Russia investigation after it was learned that he had lied about meeting with Russian Ambassador to the US Sergey Kislyak. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Carter Page Mr Page is a former advisor to the Trump campaign and has a background working as an investment banker at Merrill Lynch. Mr Page met with Russian Ambassador to the US Sergey Kislyak during the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland. Mr Page had invested in oil companies connected to Russia and had admitted that US Russia sanctions had hurt his bottom line. Reuters The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Jeffrey "JD" Gorden Mr Gordon met with Russian Ambassador to the US Sergey Kislyak during the 2016 Republian National Convention to discuss how the US and Russia could work together to combat Islamist extremism should then-Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump win the election. The meeting came days before a massive leak of DNC emails that has been connected to Russia. Creative Commons The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation James Comey Mr Comey was fired from his post as head of the FBI by President Donald Trump. The timing of Mr Comey's firing raised questions around whether or not the FBI's investigation into the Trump campaign may have played a role in the decision. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Preet Bharara Mr Bahara refused, alongside 46 other US district attorney's across the country, to resign once President Donald Trump took office after previous assurances from Mr Trump that he would keep his job. Mr Bahara had been heading up several investigations including one into one of President Donald Trump's favorite cable television channels Fox News. Several investigations would lead back to that district, too, including those into Mr Trump's campaign ties to Russia, and Mr Trump's assertion that Trump Tower was wiretapped on orders from his predecessor. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Sally Yates Ms Yates, a former Deputy Attorney General, was running the Justice Department while President Donald Trump's pick for attorney general awaited confirmation. Ms Yates was later fired by Mr Trump from her temporary post over her refusal to implement Mr Trump's first travel ban. She had also warned the White House about potential ties former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn to Russia after discovering those ties during the FBI's investigation into the Trump campaign's connections to Russia. Getty Images

Leaders of the Senate investigation now say they may hold him in contempt of Congress.

"The only thing I can tell you is immunity is off the table, Senator Richard Burr, chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, said this week.

Both the Senate and House committees are hoping that Mr Flynn will provide information relating to the Trump campaigns possible ties to Russia, and whether they engaged in any collusion during the 2016 presidential election.

Mr Trump has called the ongoing investigation the single greatest witch hunt of a politician in American history. The White House has refused to turn over documents related to Mr Flynns foreign payments to the House Oversight Committee.

The former national security adviser first came under scrutiny after it was revealed that he had spoken with the Russian ambassador, Sergey Kislyak, about US sanctions against the country. He was fired shortly thereafter for misrepresenting the conversations to Vice President Mike Pence.

It has since been revealed the Mr Flynn received payment from Russian state media outlet RT for a speaking engagement in 2015, and was contracted by the Turkish government to aid in negotiations with the US in 2016.

The House Oversight Committee has accused Mr Flynn of misleading the Pentagon about his contacts with and payments from foreign governments when he applied for renewed security clearance last year.
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Former CIA director John Brennan told Congress he had personally warned Russia last summer against interfering in the US presidential election and was so concerned about Russian contacts with people involved in Donald Trump's campaign that he convened top counterintelligence officials to focus on it.

Meanwhile, a Senate committee issued two additional subpoenas to businesses of ousted Trump national security adviser Michael Flynn, one of several key figures in the Russia-Trump campaign probe, and sent a letter to his lawyer questioning his basis for claiming a Fifth Amendment right not to provide documents.

If there is no response from Mr Flynn, the Senate Intelligence Committee may consider a contempt-of-Congress charge, said Chairman Richard Burr of North Carolina.

Tuesday's letter narrowed the scope of the documents the panel is seeking. Mr Flynn had rejected the earlier subpoena for records as being so broad that providing them could make him vulnerable.

Former CIA chief Mr Brennan's testimony to the House intelligence committee on Tuesday was the clearest public indication yet of the significance the Russia contacts play in counterintelligence investigations that continue to hang over the White House.

Mr Brennan, who was President Barack Obama's CIA director, said he couldn't say whether there was collusion between Russia and the Trump campaign, an issue being investigated by congressional committees and now a federal special counsel.

I don't have sufficient information to make a determination about whether or not such cooperation or complicity or collusion was taking place, Mr Brennan said. But I know there was a basis to have individuals pull those threads.

Mr Brennan noted anew that US intelligence agencies had concluded Russia's goals were to undermine public faith in the US democratic process, denigrate Secretary [Hillary] Clinton and harm her electability and potential presidency, and to help President Trump's election chances.

It should be clear to everyone that Russia brazenly interfered in our 2016 present election process and did so despite strong protests and his warning, he said.

Former CIA director John Brennan testifies before the House Intelligence Committee (REUTERS) (Reuters)

Mr Trump has predicted the investigations will not find collusion, and his efforts to cast doubt and curb the probes have led to the appointment of a special counsel at the Justice Department.

News reports that Mr Trump asked his national intelligence director and National Security Agency chief to state publicly there was no evidence of collusion have heightened criticism.

Dan Coats, the current US director of national intelligence, declined to comment Tuesday on a Washington Post report that said the president had asked him to publicly deny any collusion between Russia and Trump's campaign.

Coats told senators at a Senate hearing that it would be inappropriate to discuss private conversations he'd had with the president.

Nevertheless, Mark Warner of Virginia, the top Democrat on the Senate intelligence committee, said Mr Coats and NSA director Mike Rogers should provide explanations.

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 day earlier, Mr Flynn had invoked his constitutional right not to incriminate himself in response to the Senate committee's request for details about interactions between him and the Russians. Trump associates Paul Manafort and Roger Stone have provided the committee with information, while former campaign adviser Carter Page has not.

The Senate panel on Tuesday decided to issue two additional subpoenas to Mr Flynn's businesses and sent the letter to his lawyer asking about the legal basis for his invoking his Fifth Amendment right over documents as opposed to testimony.

Mr Burr said if there is no response from Mr Flynn his committee may consider a contempt-of-Congress charge.

Everything is on the table, Mr Burr said. Everything but immunity, he added.

Investigators also have questions about contacts between the Russians and Mr Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner and Attorney General Jeff Sessions.

Mr Brennan said he had seen intelligence that revealed contacts and interactions between Russian officials and Americans involved in the Trump campaign. He said this was cause for concern because of known Russian efforts to suborn such individuals, and it raised questions in my mind, again, whether or not the Russians were able to gain the cooperation of those individuals.

In late July of last year there was so much concern that he convened a group of officials from the CIA, FBI and National Security Agency to focus on it exclusively.

He said he had personally told a senior Russian security official that continued meddling would backfire and prevent any warming of relations after the election. He said the Russian official denied such interference but also said he would relay the concern to President Vladimir Putin.

Mr Trump, currently on a nine-day international trip, has had his own conversations with the Russians questioned in light of reports that he shared extremely classified intelligence with Russian diplomats in the Oval Office on 10 May.

Mr Brennan said that while he was CIA director he shared classified information with Russia and other nations about threats related to terrorism. But if reports about what Mr Trump shared with the Russians are true, he said, it would be a violation of protocol. This type of information is typically shared in intelligence channels and not between the US president and foreign diplomats, Mr Brennan said.

AP
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Donald Trump called North Korean leader Kim Jong-un a madman with nuclear weapons in a phone call with President Rodrigo Duterte of the Philippines.

A transcript of the controversial phone call, obtained by multiple news outlets, suggests the two leaders spoke extensively about North Korea and the possibility of a nuclear attack.

We cant let a madman with nuclear weapons on the loose like that. We have a lot of firepower, more than he has, times 20  but we dont want to use it, Mr Trump said at one point.

Recommended North Korea orders mass production of new missile

Mr Duterte, who has been condemned by human rights groups for promoting violence in the name of public safety, called Mr Kim unstable, and warned that he has a dangerous toy in his hands which could create so much agony and suffering for all of mankind.

The President added that the Philippines are increasingly fearful of the leader, as they are in striking distance of his rockets.

Mr Trump responded by bragging about Americas firepower, telling Mr Duterte, We have two submarines  the best in the world.

Both men agreed that China had an important role to play in the situation.

Mr Trump had previously said he would be honoured to meet Mr Jong-un, under the right circumstances.

The most controversial quotes from Rodrigo Duterte Show all 9 1 /9 The most controversial quotes from Rodrigo Duterte The most controversial quotes from Rodrigo Duterte On killing drug addicts These sons of whores are destroying our children. I warn you, dont go into that, even if youre a policeman, because I will really kill you. If you know of any addicts, go ahead and kill them yourself as getting their parents to do it would be too painful The most controversial quotes from Rodrigo Duterte Message to China I will go there on my own with a Jet Ski, bringing along with me a [Phillipino] flag and a pole, and once I disembark, I will plant the flag on the runway and tell the Chinese authorities, Kill me  AP The most controversial quotes from Rodrigo Duterte Christmas message to law-breakers If you do not want to stop, and just continue committing crimes, then this would be your last Merry Christmas AP The most controversial quotes from Rodrigo Duterte On sex life I was separated from my wife. Im not impotent. What am I supposed to do? Let this hang forever? When I take Viagra, it stands up AFP/Getty Images The most controversial quotes from Rodrigo Duterte On the drugs trade None of my children are into illegal drugs. But my order is, even if it is a member of my family, kill him'" AP The most controversial quotes from Rodrigo Duterte Insulting the Pope We were affected by the traffic. It took us five hours. I asked why, they said it was closed. I asked who is coming. They answered, the pope. I wanted to call him: Pope, son of a wh**e, go home. Do not visit us again AFP/Getty Images The most controversial quotes from Rodrigo Duterte Joke about rape I saw her face and I thought, 'What a pity... they raped her, they all lined up. I was mad she was raped but she was so beautiful. I thought, the mayor should have been first AFP/Getty The most controversial quotes from Rodrigo Duterte Insulting Barack Obama "Mr Obama should be respectful and refrain from throwing questions at me about the killings, or son of a bitch, I will swear at you in that forum" REUTERS The most controversial quotes from Rodrigo Duterte On Abu Sayyaf Islamic militants "If I have to face them, you know I can eat humans. I will really open up your body. Just give me vinegar and salt, and I will eat you. If you annoy me to the fullest... I will eat you alive. Raw" EPA

If it would be appropriate for me to meet with him, I would absolutely, I would be honoured to do it, he told Bloomberg News.

US defence intelligence officers have declined to estimate when North Korea could develop a missile capable of reaching the US, but Defence Intelligence Agency Director Vincent Stewart on Tuesday called the possibility inevitable".

"If left on its current trajectory the regime will ultimately succeed in fielding a nuclear-armed missile capable of threatening the United States homeland," Mr Stewart said.

Senior Trump administration officials told The Washington Post that the US President's call with Mr Duterte was his attempt at rallying as much support as he can on North Korea.

Regional support is extremely meaningful. This is how hes trying to proactively manage a very difficult situation, the official said.

The call nonetheless drew criticism, with some accusing Mr Duterte of being responsible for the deaths of thousands in the country's war on drugs. Human Rights Watch has accused Philippine police of falsifying evidence to justify more than 7,000 killings in the drug crackdown.

Mr Duterte, who previously promised to kill all the countrys criminals, claims these killings were carried out by lawless vigilantes.

According to the call transcript, Mr Trump praised the countrys war on drugs, calling it an unbelievable job.

Many countries have the problem, we have a problem, but what a great job you are doing and I just wanted to call and tell you that, Mr Trump said, adding that former President Barack Obama did not understand that, but I understand that and we have spoken about this before.

Mr Duterte on Wednesday placed Mindanao, a group of islands in the Philippines, under martial law  suspending the writ of habeas corpus and ordering the military to embargo the islands. He later warned he may extend martial law to the entire country.
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Once Donald Trump steps into Nato's headquarters in Brussels he will hope that he can navigate a tricky gathering with nervous European allies in a similar way to his meeting with Pope Francis in the Vatican.

Mr Trump's penchant for outlandish and dismissive statements meant that before his arrival in Europe, both the meeting in Brussels and the audience with the Pontiff, were being dissected for their potential for awkwardness. But while there were moments of obvious disagreement between Pope Francis and Mr Trump  namely a pointed gift from the Pontiff of a papal letter on climate change for the US President to read, given his previous statements declaring it a "hoax"  both appeared visibly more jovial after their 30 minute private meeting.

For Mr Trump's Nato allies the issue has been the uncertainty the commitment of the US to the group, particularly after Mr Trump labelled it "obsolete" and ill-equipped to fight terrorism, but that stance has softened and in the wake of the attack in Manchester, both sides appear keen to try and find common ground.

As with the meeting for the Pope, which centred on a call for Mr Trump to pursue peace, something the President said he was "determined to do", the Nato mini-summit will focus on fighting terrorism, one of Mr Trump's main pledges.

There will also be a number of mutual assurances given following months of uncertainty over Mr Trump's commitment to Nato since his inauguration. The President has repeatedly pushed for Nato allies to commit to a greater role in combating terrorism, including joining the coalition fighting against Isis in Syria. He has urged Nato allies to assume a greater share of defence spending.

Mr Trump repeatedly complained about the financial burden that the US takes on in ensuring the security of the alliance during his presidential campaign. Those comments created concern among European allies fretting about escalating Russian aggression and the repeated terror attacks faced by member states. Mr Trumps silence on whether or not he would endorse Natos mutual defence pledge, known as Article 5, has further added to that trepidation.

Mr Trump pulled back from his obsolete comments last month, and he is expected to publicly break his silence on Article 5 in Brussels this week.

Of course we support Article 5, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson told reporters after landing in Brussels with Mr Trump. The only time Article 5 has been invoked was in 9/11.

Article 5 was invoked for the first and only time soon after the September 11 terrorist attacks in the US, and saw Nato allies deploying several counter-terrorism operations including the deployment of a larger naval presence in the Eastern Mediterranean to monitor shipping and trafficking. Nato allies also assisted US defence by flying radar aircraft missions in American airspace.

In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour Show all 39 1 /39 In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 20 May 2017 US President Donald Trump and Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud arriving for a reception ahead of a banquet at Murabba Palace in Riyadh Getty Images In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 20 May 2017 US President Donald Trump, accompanied by First Lady Melania Trump, and Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud being welcomed at Murabba Palace in Riyadh Getty Images In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 20 May 2017 US President Donald J. Trump with King of Saudi Arabia Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud during a welcome ceremony with traditional sword dancers at Murabba Palace, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia EPA In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 20 May 2017 King of Saudi Arabia Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud with US President Donald J. Trump and wife Melania during a welcome ceremony at Murabba Palace, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia EPA In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 20 May 2017 US President Donald Trump adjusts the Collar of Abdulaziz Al Saud Medal, after it was bestowed upon him by Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud at the Royal Court in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 20 May 2017 Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud presents U.S. President Donald Trump with the Collar of Abdulaziz Al Saud Medal at the Royal Court in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 21 May 2017 Palestinians print posters depicting US President Donald Trump in preparations for his planned visit, in the West Bank town of Bethlehem Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 21 May 2017 US President Donald Trump accompanied by first lady Melania Trump, his daughter Ivanka Trump and her husband White House senior advisor Jared Kushner, before delivering his remarks to the Arab Islamic American Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 21 May 2017 US President Donald Trump looks on as U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Muhammad bin Nayef exchange a memorandum of understanding Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 21 May 2017 First Lady Melania Trump shares a laugh with a child during a visit to the American International School in the Saudi capital Riyadh Getty Images In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 21 May 2017 US President Donald Trump holds a bilateral meeting with Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa AP In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 Israeli soldiers rest during preparations ahead of President Trump's landing in Tel Aviv, Israel Getty Images In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 First Lady Melania Trump makes her way to board Air Force One in Riyadh as she heads with her husband the US President to Israel Getty Images In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump board Air Force One for Israel, the next stop in Trump's international tour, at King Khalid International Airport AP In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 Israeli soldiers wait for the arrival ceremony of US President Donald Trump at Ben Gurion airport near Tel Aviv, Israel AP In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump arrive aboard Air Force One at Ben Gurion International Airport in Lod near Tel Aviv, Israel Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump disembark Air Force One on arrival at Ben Gurion International Airport AP In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US President Donald J. Trump and his wife, US First Lady Melania Trump are welcomed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu upon arrival at Ben Gurion Airport, in Lod outside Tel Aviv, Israel EPA In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sit during welcome ceremony in Tel Aviv AP In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US First Lady Melania Trump chats wife Sara Netanyahu as US President Donald Trump chats to Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a welcoming ceremony to welcome Trump at Ben Gurion International Airport Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US President Donald Trump delivers a speech upon his arrival at Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv Getty Images In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US President Donald Trump gestures during a press conference with Israel's President at the President's Residence in Jerusalem Getty Images In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US President Donald Trump watches as First Lady Melania Trump signs the guest book at the President's Residence in Jerusalem Getty Images In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US President Donald Trump walks with first lady Melania Trump in Jerusalem's Old City Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US President Donald Trump visits the Western Wall, the holiest site where Jews can pray, in Jerusalems Old City Getty Images In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US President Donald Trump stands next to Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz at the plaza in front of the Western Wall, Judaism's holiest prayer site, in Jerusalem's Old City Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and White House senior advisor Jared Kushner leave notes at the Western Wall in Jerusalem Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US First Lady Melania Trump touches the Western Wall, Judaism's holiest prayer site, in Jerusalem's Old City EPA In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 Ivanka Trump, assistant and daughter of US President Donald J. Trump, touches the Western Wall, Judaism's holiest prayer site, in Jerusalem's Old City EPA In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 President Donald Trump visits the Western Wall AP In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 24 May 2017 US President Donald J. Trump arrives in a vehicle to Saint Damaso's Court for a private audience with Pope Francis in Vatican City EPA In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 24 May 2017 Pope Francis walks past Ivanka Trump and First Lady Melania Trump on the occasion of the private audience with President Donald Trump, at the Vatican AP In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 24 May 2017 Pope Francis exchanges gifts with US President Donald Trump during a private audience at the Vatican Getty Images In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 24 May 2017 Pope Francis meets US President Donald Trump and his wife Melania during a private audience at the Vatican Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 24 May 2017 Pope Francis with US President Donald J. Trump EPA In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 24 May 2017 Pope Francis gets into is car after meeting with US President Donald Trump AP In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 24 May 2017 President Donald Trump and his wife Melania look at the frescoed ceilings during their visit to the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican L'Osservatore Romano/Pool Photo via AP In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 24 May 2017 US President Donald Trump security vehicles are seen in front of Air Force One before take off from Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport in Rome, Italy Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 24 May 2017 US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump wave to reporters before boarding the Air Force One to Brussels, at the end of a 2-day visit to Italy including a meeting with Pope Francis at the Vatican, at Rome's Fiumicino international airport AP

That US commitment to mutual defence has been of particular concern for Baltic member states who have experienced increased aggression from Russia, which annexed Crimea from Ukraine in March 2014, claiming it was protecting citizens from a conflict that is still raging in eastern Ukraine. A swirling scandal back in the US surrounding Mr Trumps campaigns potential ties to Russia have only added to the concerns.

Mr Tillerson, however, said in Brussels that the US remained convinced that Russia should move forward with the 2014 Minsk cease fire agreement in Ukraine and move toward restoring Ukrainian sovereignty.

They are going to have to address the situation in Ukraine and we have been pretty clear with them what that means, Mr Tillerson said when asked if it is still appropriate for Russia to be sidelined at G7 summits, one of which Mr Trump will attend later in the week in Sicily. It means moving forward with the Minsk accord and restoring Ukraine sovereignty."

To show Mr Trump that Nato is responding to his calls to take on a greater role in combating terrorism, France and Germany are expected to agree to a US plan for Nato to take on a bigger role in fighting Isis and join the coalition fighting the terror group in Syria. French and German leaders have, however, indicated that the commitment is purely symbolic.

An anti-terror coordinator may also be named, but most changes will be cosmetic, as Nato allies have no intention of going to war against Isis. It's totally out of the question for Nato to engage in any combat operations, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said Wednesday, on the eve of the meeting.

Nato as an institution will join the coalition, a senior diplomat involved in those discussions told Reuters. The question is whether this is just a symbolic to the United States. France and Germany believe it is.

Mr Tillerson said that the President also plans on pushing Nato allies to fulfil their financial commitments to the alliance. Just five of 28 allies have met a 2014 agreement to spend at least 2 per cent of their gross domestic product on defence. The US is one of those countries.

As the president has said, he really wants participating Nato members to step up and fully meet their obligations of the burden sharing, Mr Tillerson said. Two per cent of GDP was a target they all agreed to. I think you can expect the president to be very tough on them, saying: Look, the US is spending 4 per cent. We're doing a lot. The American people are doing a lot for your security for our joint security. You need to make sure you're doing your share for your own security as well.

However, this will not be easy - with Germany already making clear that it cannot afford to spend double

Aside from security and financing concerns, American officials may hear from Nato allies who have written a series of reports in recent weeks highlighting the risks poised by climate change. Those countries have urged the Trump administration to respect the Paris Climate Agreement and to ensure that the US meets its commitments to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It will certainly be a topic for the G7 summit on Friday.

Pope Francis made clear he sees climate as a priority for Mr Trump in gifting him a signed copy of his 2017 peace message whose title is Nonviolence - A Style of Politics for Peace, and a copy of his 2015 encyclical letter on the need to protect the environment from the effects of climate change. Well, I'll be reading them, Mr Trump said.

After Mr Trump flew from Rome to Belgium, the countries Prime Minister Charles Michel said he also insisted that Mr Trump should unequivocally back the Paris Agreement on climate change.

It is clear that there are a number of delicate issues facing Mr Trump on the latest leg of his first foreign trip - but having told Pope Francis "we can use peace" and come away from their meeting declaring that it went "great" and the Pontiff "is something... he is really good" - Mr Trump will hope he can emerge of the Nato mini-summit similarly unscathed.
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President Donald Trump has left a guest book entry at the Israeli memorial for the Holocaust that some have observed looks a lot like what you might expect a teenager to write in a yearbook at the end of a school year.

In typical Trump fashion, the message he left at Yad Vashem was full of enthusiastic adjectives, and was, at least compared to his predecessors message, pretty short. It clocked in at less than 140 characters  so it could have easily been written on a Twitter app at 3 a.m. It also did not mention the Holocaust.

It is a great honor to be here with all of my friends, he wrote. So amazing + will never forget!

Some commentators on social media called the note outrageous, while others said it was sad.

The note Trump left at Israels holocaust memorial is what you write in someones yearbook that you dont know very well, a US-based journalist wrote.

Other Twitter users contrasted Mr Trumps note to that of former President Barack Obamas, who visited the memorial during his first presidential campaign 2008. Mr Obamas message was much longer and spoke to the importance of remembering the history of the Holocaust, and to the resilience of the human spirit.

In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour Show all 39 1 /39 In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 20 May 2017 US President Donald Trump and Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud arriving for a reception ahead of a banquet at Murabba Palace in Riyadh Getty Images In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 20 May 2017 US President Donald Trump, accompanied by First Lady Melania Trump, and Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud being welcomed at Murabba Palace in Riyadh Getty Images In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 20 May 2017 US President Donald J. Trump with King of Saudi Arabia Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud during a welcome ceremony with traditional sword dancers at Murabba Palace, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia EPA In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 20 May 2017 King of Saudi Arabia Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud with US President Donald J. Trump and wife Melania during a welcome ceremony at Murabba Palace, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia EPA In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 20 May 2017 US President Donald Trump adjusts the Collar of Abdulaziz Al Saud Medal, after it was bestowed upon him by Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud at the Royal Court in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 20 May 2017 Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud presents U.S. President Donald Trump with the Collar of Abdulaziz Al Saud Medal at the Royal Court in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 21 May 2017 Palestinians print posters depicting US President Donald Trump in preparations for his planned visit, in the West Bank town of Bethlehem Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 21 May 2017 US President Donald Trump accompanied by first lady Melania Trump, his daughter Ivanka Trump and her husband White House senior advisor Jared Kushner, before delivering his remarks to the Arab Islamic American Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 21 May 2017 US President Donald Trump looks on as U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Muhammad bin Nayef exchange a memorandum of understanding Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 21 May 2017 First Lady Melania Trump shares a laugh with a child during a visit to the American International School in the Saudi capital Riyadh Getty Images In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 21 May 2017 US President Donald Trump holds a bilateral meeting with Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa AP In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 Israeli soldiers rest during preparations ahead of President Trump's landing in Tel Aviv, Israel Getty Images In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 First Lady Melania Trump makes her way to board Air Force One in Riyadh as she heads with her husband the US President to Israel Getty Images In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump board Air Force One for Israel, the next stop in Trump's international tour, at King Khalid International Airport AP In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 Israeli soldiers wait for the arrival ceremony of US President Donald Trump at Ben Gurion airport near Tel Aviv, Israel AP In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump arrive aboard Air Force One at Ben Gurion International Airport in Lod near Tel Aviv, Israel Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump disembark Air Force One on arrival at Ben Gurion International Airport AP In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US President Donald J. Trump and his wife, US First Lady Melania Trump are welcomed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu upon arrival at Ben Gurion Airport, in Lod outside Tel Aviv, Israel EPA In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sit during welcome ceremony in Tel Aviv AP In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US First Lady Melania Trump chats wife Sara Netanyahu as US President Donald Trump chats to Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a welcoming ceremony to welcome Trump at Ben Gurion International Airport Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US President Donald Trump delivers a speech upon his arrival at Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv Getty Images In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US President Donald Trump gestures during a press conference with Israel's President at the President's Residence in Jerusalem Getty Images In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US President Donald Trump watches as First Lady Melania Trump signs the guest book at the President's Residence in Jerusalem Getty Images In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US President Donald Trump walks with first lady Melania Trump in Jerusalem's Old City Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US President Donald Trump visits the Western Wall, the holiest site where Jews can pray, in Jerusalems Old City Getty Images In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US President Donald Trump stands next to Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz at the plaza in front of the Western Wall, Judaism's holiest prayer site, in Jerusalem's Old City Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and White House senior advisor Jared Kushner leave notes at the Western Wall in Jerusalem Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US First Lady Melania Trump touches the Western Wall, Judaism's holiest prayer site, in Jerusalem's Old City EPA In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 Ivanka Trump, assistant and daughter of US President Donald J. Trump, touches the Western Wall, Judaism's holiest prayer site, in Jerusalem's Old City EPA In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 President Donald Trump visits the Western Wall AP In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 24 May 2017 US President Donald J. Trump arrives in a vehicle to Saint Damaso's Court for a private audience with Pope Francis in Vatican City EPA In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 24 May 2017 Pope Francis walks past Ivanka Trump and First Lady Melania Trump on the occasion of the private audience with President Donald Trump, at the Vatican AP In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 24 May 2017 Pope Francis exchanges gifts with US President Donald Trump during a private audience at the Vatican Getty Images In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 24 May 2017 Pope Francis meets US President Donald Trump and his wife Melania during a private audience at the Vatican Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 24 May 2017 Pope Francis with US President Donald J. Trump EPA In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 24 May 2017 Pope Francis gets into is car after meeting with US President Donald Trump AP In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 24 May 2017 President Donald Trump and his wife Melania look at the frescoed ceilings during their visit to the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican L'Osservatore Romano/Pool Photo via AP In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 24 May 2017 US President Donald Trump security vehicles are seen in front of Air Force One before take off from Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport in Rome, Italy Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 24 May 2017 US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump wave to reporters before boarding the Air Force One to Brussels, at the end of a 2-day visit to Italy including a meeting with Pope Francis at the Vatican, at Rome's Fiumicino international airport AP

I am grateful to Yad Vashem and all of those responsible for this remarkable institution, Mr Obama wrote. At a time of great peril and promise, war and strife, we are blessed to have such a powerful reminder of mans potential for great evil, but also our capacity to rise up from tragedy and remake our world. Let our children come here, and know this history, so that they can add their voices to proclaim never again. And may we remember those who perished, not only as victims, but also as individuals who helped and loved and dreamed like us, and who have become symbols of the human spirit.

That the two presidents took a different approach to writing in a museum guest book shouldnt be surprising. Mr Obama was widely regarded as a bookish and even monkish president who would dive into the intricacies of policy. Mr Trump reportedly takes a different approach to his job, preferring shorter briefings on issues with bullet points condensed into as few pages as possible.

The chairman of the Yad Vashem memorial, Avner Shalev, said that Mr Trumps brief guestbook note wasnt offensive, and that the President had given very meaningful remarks before writing the note.

He touched all the essential elements that should be touched like remembering victims of the Holocaust and standing up to evil, Mr Shalev told ABC News.
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Greenpeace has sent a clear message to President Donald Trump during his visit to the Vatican by projecting a message in lights on to the dome of St. Peters Basilica that read: Planet Earth First.

It seemed to be a play on Mr Trumps America First slogan that has guided much of his young presidency. Climate change is one of the many issues on which Mr Trump and Pope Francis disagree.

Police allowed the lights to shine for a few moments before shutting down the peaceful protest.

Recommended Oil and gas giants urge Trump to stay in Paris climate agreement

The environmental campaign group's Executive Director Jennifer Morgan said: We delivered to Trump a message that his first priority must be to people and planet, not the profits of polluters. Trump cannot stop the clean energy transition and should instead focus on accelerating it.

The US is one of the largest emitters of carbon in the world, however Mr Trump hs repeatedly called climate change a hoax perpetrated by the Chinese in the past - a stance which appears to have softened a bit after his face-to-face meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

China has become a leader in renewable energy investments, which topped new money pouring into the oil and gas industry for the first time in 2015 to the tune of $350 billion.

He also appointed former Exxon CEO Rex Tillerson as Secretary of State and a known climate denier, Scott Pruitt, to lead the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

However, Pope Francis took a far different stance in his 2015 encyclical, or papal letter, in which he called for the faithful to protect the planet.

He wrote that it was a global problem which has grave implications: environmental, social, economic, political, and for the distribution of goods.

The pontiff presented Mr Trump with a copy of the encyclical as a gift during his Vatican meeting.

The president has also caused consternation for many countries in the group of seven (G7) for not making a decision on whether to keep the US in the historic Paris Agreement on climate change.

Nearly 200 countries signed the deal in December 2015 and President Obama bypassed Congress in order to approve the deal, which took effect just days before the 2016 election.

Several alliances, including the 28-member military alliance North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (Nato) have declared climate change as a global security threat, especially in the Middle East where drought and famine are growing concerns.

The Vatican's Secretary of State brought up climate change during the meeting as well and encouraged Mr Trump to stay in the Paris Agreement. The White House said a decision whether to remain in the agreement would be made after the G7 meeting later this month in Sicily, Italy.
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Donald Trump was given a gift during his meeting with Pope Francis at the Vatican: a papal letter detailing why the world should fight against climate change.

Pope Francis issued the encyclical in 2015, just months before nearly 200 countries signed the historic Paris Agreement on climate change.

The agreement is considered a large part of President Obama's legacy, particularly his work on environmental issues like establishing a protected national park in Hawaii and passing legislation on clean energy.

The US is one of the largest emitters of carbon in the world and so its role is crucial to the success of the agreement along with China and India, also large carbon emitters.

The encyclical, titled Laudato Si or "Praised Be," essentially tied protection of the planet made by God to Catholics' faith in God.

In it he writes that climate change is a global problem which has grave implications: environmental, social, economic, political, and for the distribution of goods.

Mr Trump and his aides have often played up the president's business acumen and experience running a global company. Pope Francis addresses the ties between multinational corporations and climate as well.

Lisa Murray's climate change photography Show all 12 1 /12 Lisa Murray's climate change photography Lisa Murray's climate change photography Dinka cattle herders starting their migration in South Sudan Lisa Murray Lisa Murray's climate change photography A Dinka woman fetches water in South Sudan Lisa Murray Lisa Murray's climate change photography Veronica in South Sudan preparing tea outside her home, recently ravaged by heavy flooding Lisa Murray Lisa Murray's climate change photography Children playing in Vietnam. When it floods, transport to and from school is a major challenge Lisa Murray Lisa Murray's climate change photography Sugeng, a fish and crab farmer from Indonesia who suffers financially every time the area floods Lisa Murray Lisa Murray's climate change photography Tan, a vegetable farmer, learning new methods through Oxfam in Vietnam Lisa Murray Lisa Murray's climate change photography Maluk, a 19-year-old from Tonj South, South Sudan Lisa Murray Lisa Murray's climate change photography Normally this farmer in South Sudan would be harvesting sorghum, but rains are late so the hunger season continues Lisa Murray Lisa Murray's climate change photography Herders bringing home their cattle in Afar, Ethiopia Lisa Murray Lisa Murray's climate change photography Farmers harvesting chilli in Ethiopia Lisa Murray Lisa Murray's climate change photography A woman in Tigray, Ethiopia, scares birds away from her crops with a slingshot Lisa Murray Lisa Murray's climate change photography Irula tribe woman in Tamil Nadu Lisa Murray

"[T]he pollution produced by companies which operate in less developed countries in ways they could never do at home, in those countries in which they raise their capital: We note that often the businesses that operate this way are multinationals. They do here what they would never do in developed countries or the so-called first world."

He went on to write that by itself the market cannot guarantee integral human development and social inclusion.

Mr Trump has repeatedly called climate change a hoax perpetrated by the Chinese in the past - a stance which appears to have softened a bit after his face-to-face meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

China has become a leader in renewable energy investments, which topped new money pouring into the oil and gas industry for the first time in 2015 to the tune of $350 billion.

He also appointed former Exxon CEO Rex Tillerson as Secretary of State and a known climate denier, Scott Pruitt, to lead the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

In his proposed federal budget, Mr Trump also plans to cut the State Department and EPA budgets - the agencies where much of federal climate change work is done - by nearly a third.

Climate change programmes across the whole federal government, but especially in the Coast Guard, the maritime security agency of the US which also does ocean and endangered species conservation work.

The president has also caused consternation for many countries in the group of seven (G7) for not making a decision on whether to keep the US in the Paris Agreement. The G7 has issued a cohesive statement on climate change until this year, where they cited the Trump administration's lack of clarity on their message as a problem.

Several alliances, including the 28-member military alliance North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (Nato) have declared climate change as a global security threat, especially in the Middle East where drought and famine are growing concerns.

The Vatican's Secretary of State brought up climate change during the meeting as well and encouraged Mr Trump to stay in the Paris Agreement. The White House said a decision whether to remain in the agreement would be made after the G7 meeting later this month in Sicily, Italy.
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US President Donald Trump's bid to slash funding for the United Nations would make it impossible for it to continue its essential work, a UN spokesman has said, adding that the organisation was ready to discuss reform with Washington.

The Trump proposal cuts about a third from US diplomacy and aid budgets, or nearly $19bn (14.7bn). This includes cutting some $1bn from UN peacekeeping funding and a steep cut to funding for international organisations.

The United States is the biggest UN contributor, paying 22 per cent of the $5.4bn core budget and 28.5 per cent of the $7.9bn peacekeeping budget. These assessed contributions are agreed by the 193-member UN General Assembly.

The figures presented would simply make it impossible for the UN to continue all of its essential work advancing peace, development, human rights and humanitarian assistance, Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, said in a statement.

Congress sets the federal government budget, and Republicans who control both houses and Democrats have said they do not support such drastic cuts.

Mr Trump has said the US share of the UN budgets was unfair. The General Assembly is currently negotiating the UN regular budget for both 2018 and 2019 and the peacekeeping budget from July 1, 2017 to June 30, 2018.

Mr Trump wants to cap the US peacekeeping contribution at 25 per cent. The United States is reviewing each 16 UN peacekeeping missions as the annual mandates come up for renewal by the Security Council in a bid to cut costs.

The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Show all 9 1 /9 The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the media White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer takes questions during the daily press briefing Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the Trans-Pacific Partnership Union leaders applaud US President Donald Trump for signing an executive order withdrawing the US from the Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations during a meeting in the Roosevelt Room of the White House in Washington DC. Mr Trump issued a presidential memorandum in January announcing that the US would withdraw from the trade deal Getty The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the Mexico wall A US Border Patrol vehicle sits waiting for illegal immigrants at a fence opening near the US-Mexico border near McAllen, Texas. The number of incoming immigrants has surged ahead of the upcoming Presidential inauguration of Donald Trump, who has pledged to build a wall along the US-Mexico border. A signature campaign promise, Mr Trump outlined his intention to build a border wall on the US-Mexico border days after taking office Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and abortion US President Donald Trump signs an executive order as Chief of Staff Reince Priebus looks on in the Oval Office of the White House. Mr Trump reinstated a ban on American financial aide being granted to non-governmental organizations that provide abortion counseling, provide abortion referrals, or advocate for abortion access outside of the United States Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the Dakota Access pipeline Opponents of the Keystone XL and Dakota Access pipelines hold a rally as they protest US President Donald Trump's executive orders advancing their construction, at Columbus Circle in New York. US President Donald Trump signed executive orders reviving the construction of two controversial oil pipelines, but said the projects would be subject to renegotiation Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and 'Obamacare' Nancy Pelosi who is the minority leader of the House of Representatives speaks beside House Democrats at an event to protect the Affordable Care Act in Los Angeles, California. US President Donald Trump's effort to make good on his campaign promise to repeal and replace the healthcare law failed when Republicans failed to get enough votes. Mr Trump has promised to revisit the matter Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Donald Trump and 'sanctuary cities' US President Donald Trump signed an executive order in January threatening to pull funding for so-called "sanctuary cities" if they do not comply with federal immigration law AP The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the travel ban US President Donald Trump has attempted twice to restrict travel into the United States from several predominantly Muslim countries. The first attempt, in February, was met with swift opposition from protesters who flocked to airports around the country. That travel ban was later blocked by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. The second ban was blocked by a federal judge a day before it was scheduled to be implemented in mid-March SANDY HUFFAKER/AFP/Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and climate change US President Donald Trump sought to dismantle several of his predecessor's actions on climate change in March. His order instructed the Environmental Protection Agency to reevaluate the Clean Power Plan, which would cap power plant emissions Shannon Stapleton/Reuters

During a lunch with UN Security Council ambassadors at the White House last month, Mr Trump described the US contributions to the United Nations as peanuts compared to the important work as he pushed the world body to reform.

The Secretary-General is totally committed to reforming the United Nations, Mr Dujarric said. We stand ready to discuss with the United States and any other member state how best we can create a more cost-effective organisation to pursue our shared goals and values.

Mr Trump's budget proposal included a 44 per cent cut to funding for international organisations, but does not specify the cuts, other than funding for organisations that work against US foreign policy interests.

The State Department said last month it was ending funding for the UN Population Fund, an agency focused on family planning, maternal and child health in more than 150 countries. Mr Guterres warned the cut could have devastating effects.

UN agencies such as the UN Development Program (UNDP), the children's agency Unicef, and the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), are funded by governments voluntarily.

In 2016, the United States was the top contributor to the UNDP's core budget, with an $83 million donation; the leading donor to Unicef's core budget in 2015 with $132 million; and the fourth-largest donor to the UNFPA, giving $75 million.

Reuters
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Indonesian police have set up a new task force to investigate activities by gay men and women in the country's most populous province, amid outrage over the caning of two men.

West Java police chief Anton Charliyan said the unit includes police, army and provincial officials, and will monitor and search for locations used for parties by LGBT people.

He told reporters in Bandung that gay people suffered a disease of the body and soul and will not be accepted in society.

I hope there are no followers in West Java, no gay or LGBT lifestyle or tradition," Mr Charliyan said. If there's anyone following it, they will face the law and heavy social sanctions."

His announcement on Wednesday came after two gay men were publicly caned in front of baying crowds wh called on enforcers to hit them harder as punishment for having sex.

The couple, in their 20s, were sentenced to 85 lashes each by a Sharia court in Aceh province after being filmed by local vigilantes.

A man is caned in the Indonesian region of Banda Aceh for having gay sex (EPA)

The brutal sentence  the first of its kind  was carried out in front of a mosque in the city of Banda Aceh in front of a 2,000-strong crowd.

Cane him on the ass so it wont happen again! onlookers shouted, according to Vice News. Hit him harder!

The crowd reportedly cheered with each strike of the cane on their backs by five hooded executioners who swapped to prevent tiring.

One man managed to stand until the end of the ordeal, which human rights groups say amounts to torture, while the second broke down.

They were each given 83 strokes  two short of the sentence  as after a remission for time already spent in prison.

Four heterosexual couples had been lashed first to cheers under lesser sentences for violating Islamic laws forbidding contact between unmarried couples.

Many in the crush of spectators filmed the caning with mobile phones, months after footage of the men naked in a rented room was used as evidence to convict them.

A police officer escorts two men accused of having gay sex into a holding cell prior to their trial at sharia court in Banda Aceh (AP)

Sarojini Mutia Irfan, a female university student who witnessed the caning, said it was a necessary deterrent.

What they have done is like a virus that can harm people's morale, she said. This kind of public punishment is an attempt to stop the spread of the virus to other communities in Aceh.

Members of the Islamic Defenders Front, a hard-line group known for vigilante attacks on shops, bars, nightclubs, non-Muslims, secular campaigners and LGBT activists.

They erected a banner at the mosque that declared the group was ready to defend Sharia law, whatever the cost.

The men were arrested in March after local Banda Aceh broke into their rented room to catch them having sex, taking video that showed the men naked and begging to be freed.

Human Rights Watch had said the caning was torture under international law and had called on Indonesian President Joko Jokowi Widodo to intervene.

The court's less-than-maximum sentence of 85 lashes is no act of compassion. It does not change the reality that flogging is a grotesque display of medieval torture, said Phelim Kine, the groups deputy Asia director.

Acehs Shariah code allows up to 100 lashes for morality offences including adultery, gambling, drinking alcohol, women who wear tight clothes and men who skip Friday prayers.

It is the only province in Indonesia to practice Sharia laws brought in two years ago as a concession made by the national government in 2006, aiming to end a war with separatists.

LGBT+ rights around the globe Show all 9 1 /9 LGBT+ rights around the globe LGBT+ rights around the globe Russia Russias antipathy towards homosexuality has been well established following the efforts of human rights campaigners. However, while it is legal to be homosexual, LGBT couples are offered no protections from discrimination. They are also actively discriminated against by a 2013 law criminalising LGBT propaganda allowing the arrest of numerous Russian LGBT activists. AFP/Getty LGBT+ rights around the globe Brunei Brunei recently introduced a law to make sodomy punishable by stoning to death. It was already illegal and punishable by up to 10 years in prison AFP/Getty LGBT+ rights around the globe Mauritania Men who are found having sex with other men face stoning, while lesbians can be imprisoned, under Sharia law. However, the state has reportedly not executed anyone for this crime since 1987 Alamy LGBT+ rights around the globe Sudan Both male and female same-sex sexual activity is illegal under Sudanese law. Men can be executed on their third offence, women on their fourth Getty LGBT+ rights around the globe Saudi Arabia Homosexuality and gender realignment is illegal and punishable by death, imprisonment, whipping and chemical castration Getty LGBT+ rights around the globe Yemen The official position within the country is that there are no gays. LGBT inviduals, if discovered by the government, are likely to face intense pressure. Punishments range from flogging to the death penalty Getty LGBT+ rights around the globe Nigeria Both male and female same-sex sexual activity is illegal and in some northern states punishable with death by stoning. This is not a policy enacted across the entire country, although there is a prevalent anti-LGBT agenda pushed by the government. In 2007 a Pew survey established that 97% of the population felt that homosexuality should not be accepted. It is punishable by 14 years in prison Reuters LGBT+ rights around the globe Somalia Homosexuality was established as a crime in 1888 and under new Somali Penal Code established in 1973 homosexual sex can be punishable by three years in prison. A person can be put to death for being a homosexual Reuters LGBT+ rights around the globe Iraq Although same-sex relationships have been decriminalised, much of the population still suffer from intense discrimination. Additionally, in some of the country over-run by the extremist organisation Isis, LGBT individuals can face death by stoning Getty

Reforms allow members of the public as well as the special Sharia police to publicly identify and detain anyone suspected of violating its rules, which specifically outlaw liwath (sodomy) and musahabah (lesbian sex).

They have seen several LGBT suspects detained, including two teenage girls arrested in 2015 on suspicion of being lesbians after embracing in public, as the state parliament has gradually adopted hardline laws to criminalise women who do not wear headscarves, drinking alcohol, gambling, and extramarital sex.

Homosexuality is not illegal elsewhere in Indonesia but a case before the country's Constitutional Court is seeking to criminalise consensual same-sex relations and sex outside marriage.

On Monday, 141 men were detained in a police raid on a gay sauna in Jakarta, with several filmed and photographed by police in what campaigners said was deliberate public shaming.

It came weeks after police in Surabaya, Indonesia's second-largest city, arrested 14 men at what they alleged was a sex party and forced them to have HIV tests.

Indonesia's reputation for tolerance is already under scrutiny after the governor of Jakarta, a Christian, was sentenced to two years in prison for alleged blasphemy.

There are growing fears that Islamists including the Islamic Defenders Front are in the ascendancy in a country home to sizeable communities of Hindus, Christians, Buddhists and other minorities.

As well as home-grown groups, Indonesia is among the Asian nations targeted for expansion by Isis, which launched an attack in Jakarta in January 2016.

Additional reporting by agencies
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Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has warned he would deal harshly with militants, after declaring martial law on Mindanao island following a failed raid on a hideout of Isis-linked rebels.

Duterte cut short a visit to Russia and placed the southern island of 22 million people under military rule on Tuesday, and said he would keep it that way for a year if necessary.

Fighting abated in the mainly Muslim city of Marawi as troops sought to contain dozens of rebels of the Maute group, who escaped a botched raid on Tuesday on an apartment and took over streets, bridges and buildings and sought to block army reinforcements.

Duterte is a Mindanao native and has long threatened martial law to destroy two groups linked to Isis, which he warns is trying to gain a foothold in the Philippines.

He said the situation in Mindanao would be similar to the tough 1970s rule of late dictator Ferdinand Marcos, remembered by many Filipinos as one of the darkest chapters of their recent history.

To my countrymen who have experienced martial law. It would not be any different from what President Marcos did. I'd be harsh, Duterte said onboard a flight back to Manila, in a video sent by his staff.

If it would take a year to do it then we'll do it. If it's over with a month, then I'd be happy. To my countrymen, do not be too scared. I'm going home. I will deal with the problem once I arrive.

Two soldiers and a policeman were killed and 12 people wounded in Marawi, where Maute fighters took over buildings and set fire to a school, a church and a jail.

The military and government gave few details about the clashes nor did they say if any rebels had been killed.

Authorities insisted the situation was under control but residents who fled told a different story and said Marawi was in the hands of the rebels, who had allowed civilians to leave.

The city is still under the control of the armed group. They are all over the main roads and two bridges leading to Marawi, student Rabani Mautum told Reuters in nearby Pantar town, where some residents were leaving in overloaded trucks.

I was in school when we heard gunfire... When we came out there were blood stains in the building but we did not see dead or wounded.

Critics and even economists chided Duterte for what they saw as an overreaction in declaring martial law on an island the size of South Korea after an incident in one city.

Some activists expressed concern that it would lead to human rights abuses.

Martial law will last an initial 60 days. According to the constitution, Duterte has until Thursday night to explain his decision to congress.

He was due back in Manila on Wednesday afternoon.

Tuesday's raid was aimed at capturing Isnilon Hapilon, a leader of the Abu Sayyaf group notorious for piracy, banditry and for kidnapping and beheading Westerners.

The United States has since 2001 offered a bounty of $5 million for Hapilon's arrest. The military said they believed he had was wounded during the latest fighting.

The Maute and Abu Sayyaf have pledged allegiance to Isis and have proved fierce opponents for the military.

A photograph from one resident showed a black flag flying in Marawi that looked similar to that of Isis.

Duterte has warned repeatedly that Mindanao, an impoverished region beset by decades of unrest by separatist and Marxist guerrillas, was at risk of contamination by Isis fighters driven out of Iraq and Syria.

He has made development and foreign investment in Mindanao a priority of his presidency.

Armed forces spokesman Edgard Arevalo urged the public not to be alarmed if they saw checkpoints and soldiers.

This is not a reflection of a major conflict looming, but this is a reflection of the capacity of our security forces to respond to any threat, he said.

The most controversial quotes from Rodrigo Duterte Show all 9 1 /9 The most controversial quotes from Rodrigo Duterte The most controversial quotes from Rodrigo Duterte On killing drug addicts These sons of whores are destroying our children. I warn you, dont go into that, even if youre a policeman, because I will really kill you. If you know of any addicts, go ahead and kill them yourself as getting their parents to do it would be too painful The most controversial quotes from Rodrigo Duterte Message to China I will go there on my own with a Jet Ski, bringing along with me a [Phillipino] flag and a pole, and once I disembark, I will plant the flag on the runway and tell the Chinese authorities, Kill me  AP The most controversial quotes from Rodrigo Duterte Christmas message to law-breakers If you do not want to stop, and just continue committing crimes, then this would be your last Merry Christmas AP The most controversial quotes from Rodrigo Duterte On sex life I was separated from my wife. Im not impotent. What am I supposed to do? Let this hang forever? When I take Viagra, it stands up AFP/Getty Images The most controversial quotes from Rodrigo Duterte On the drugs trade None of my children are into illegal drugs. But my order is, even if it is a member of my family, kill him'" AP The most controversial quotes from Rodrigo Duterte Insulting the Pope We were affected by the traffic. It took us five hours. I asked why, they said it was closed. I asked who is coming. They answered, the pope. I wanted to call him: Pope, son of a wh**e, go home. Do not visit us again AFP/Getty Images The most controversial quotes from Rodrigo Duterte Joke about rape I saw her face and I thought, 'What a pity... they raped her, they all lined up. I was mad she was raped but she was so beautiful. I thought, the mayor should have been first AFP/Getty The most controversial quotes from Rodrigo Duterte Insulting Barack Obama "Mr Obama should be respectful and refrain from throwing questions at me about the killings, or son of a bitch, I will swear at you in that forum" REUTERS The most controversial quotes from Rodrigo Duterte On Abu Sayyaf Islamic militants "If I have to face them, you know I can eat humans. I will really open up your body. Just give me vinegar and salt, and I will eat you. If you annoy me to the fullest... I will eat you alive. Raw" EPA

He said the Maute group was showing off to Isis.

They are merely courting the acclamation of Isis which until now they haven't received.

Copyright Reuters
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Members of the EU-backed Libyan coastguard have allegedly opened fire while forcing refugees back to the war-torn country in the latest clash with international rescue ships.

It came as more than 30 migrants, including several toddlers and children, drowned in the Mediterranean Sea in the deadliest period ever recorded.

The Luventa, a vessel operated by German charity Jugend Rettet, was among the vessels deployed by maritime commanders in Rome to help around a dozen refugee ships carrying more than 1,800 people on Tuesday.

Crew members said they were on the scene when the Libyan coastguard arrived in several speedboats, despite the refugee vessels having reached international waters.

The personnel of the Libyan boats were armed and first fired in the direction of a fishing boat, a spokesperson said.

Afterwards they directed shots to the [refugee] boats in distress.

The Luventas crew photographed a member of the coastguard on a migrant dinghy pointing what appeared to be a large weapon at refugees, saying officers also beat those on board.

Around 100 people jumped into the sea in the ensuing panic, swimming towards Jugend Rettets ship and others waiting nearby.

In pictures: A day of refugee rescues in the Mediterranean Sea Show all 7 1 /7 In pictures: A day of refugee rescues in the Mediterranean Sea In pictures: A day of refugee rescues in the Mediterranean Sea A baby being taken on to MSF's Bourbon Argos ship from a boat carrying 130 migrants and refugees Lizzie Dearden In pictures: A day of refugee rescues in the Mediterranean Sea A refugee boat carrying 101 people being rescued by MSF's Bourbon Argos Lizzie Dearden In pictures: A day of refugee rescues in the Mediterranean Sea A refugee boat carrying 101 people being rescued by MSF's Bourbon Argos all images by Lizzie Dearden In pictures: A day of refugee rescues in the Mediterranean Sea A baby among refugees on a boat carrying 185 people off the coast of Libya Lizzie Dearden In pictures: A day of refugee rescues in the Mediterranean Sea Migrants and refugees sleeping after being rescued by MSF's Bourbon Argos ship Lizzie Dearden In pictures: A day of refugee rescues in the Mediterranean Sea A crew from MSF's Bourbon Argos ship rescuing a boat carrying 130 migrants and refugees off the coast of Libya, at sunrise Lizzie Dearden In pictures: A day of refugee rescues in the Mediterranean Sea A woman in a stretcher being lifted onto MSF's Bourbon Argos ship from a boat carrying 130 migrants and refugees off the coast of Libya Lizzie Dearden

The Iuventas captain, Jonas, said the refugees were saved by life vests provided by his crew before they were forced back.

For ourselves, the situation was extremely tough, he added. We are here to help, but we were compelled to stand inactive, so we would not catch a bullet.

Save the Children, which had also been deployed to the rescue, said the coastguard started off by sinking empty boats but changed to aggressive behaviour as missions continued.

They boarded several boats and multiple gun shots were fired, a spokesperson said.

While we believe these were warning shots, this hostile behaviour caused panic and tens of people entered the water as a resultthis type of aggressive behaviour during rescues of multiple dinghies is extremely dangerous and endangers lives.

It was unclear whether the coastguard unit involved was among those trained by countries including the UK as part of the EUs Operation Sophia mission.

Libya has also recently received new boats from Italy, while the EU considers a lengthy list of requested equipment including armed ships.

Authorities linked to the fragile Government of National Accord (GNA) have been forcing boats launched by smugglers back to the coast in what human rights organisations say is a violation of non-refoulement protections under international law.

 Libyan Coast Guard puts refugees and rescuers in danger during rescue operation at sea

While intercepting another rescue earlier this month, a Libyan coastguard ship was filmed cutting across the bow of a vessel operated by charity Sea-Watch.

Aid workers said they were lucky to be alive after the near miss, which followed another incident where officers shot at a MSF rescue ship.

Recommended Aid workers recount Libyan coastguard attacks on refugee rescue boats

Ayoub Qassem, a spokesperson for the coastguard, accused NGOs of trying to hinder the agencys work. A representative of the GNA has not yet responded to The Independents request for comment.

Tensions have been rising as the number of smugglers boats launch from Libya rockets to record levels with improving weather, seeing almost 60,000 people arrive in Italy so far this year and more than 1,500 killed attempting the worlds deadliest crossing.

More than 30 asylum seekers drowned on Wednesday after a wooden boat packed with hundreds of migrants suddenly listed, throwing them into the water.

Chris Catrambone, co-founder of the Migrant Offshore Aid Station (MOAS), documented chaotic scenes from on board his organisations ship as hundreds of people fought to stay afloat.

Comparing the situation to a horror film, he said at least 31 bodies had been brought on board, adding: Most are toddlers.

A Spanish search and rescue plane dropped inflatable rafts for those in the water, while an Italian navy helicopter and the coastguard helped recover victims and bodies.

The death toll from the disaster was expected to rise as commercial vessels called to help reported new sightings of bodies.

The Italian coastguard said around 1,800 migrants were rescued in from four rubber boats and six wooden vessels on Wednesday, with the Royal Navy's HMS Echo among those deployed off the coast of Libya.

The GNA has so far been unable to bring stability the the country two rival governments, tribes and Isis fight for territory in its ongoing civil war.

Widespread lawlessness has allowed people smugglers to expand their lucrative trade, linking up with gangs who detain and extort migrants, ransoming them or forcing them into labour at slave markets and prostitution.

At least 20,000 migrants are believed to be held in irregular detention centres in the country, where survivors report torture, rape and starvation in dire conditions  sparking a probe by the International Criminal Court.

The dire humanitarian situation has slowed moves by the EU to back detention centres as part of a package of support to bolster Libyan to stem boat crossings in the Mediterranean Sea.

Waning European will to stop refugee deaths has seen NGOs accused of aiding or even colluding with smugglers  charges they all vehemently deny.

Our role as NGOs in the search and rescue zone is to stop people drowning, a spokesperson for Save the Children said.

It is deeply concerning that people appeared to be returned to Libya. Rescued refugees and migrants should not be returned to places where their security and well-being cannot be guaranteed.
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Donald Trump was the guest of honour at a summit in the Saudi Arabian capital of Riyadh last week attended by the kings, clerics and other representatives of 50 Muslim nations.

While the US president delivered what he said was a message of friendship and hope and love to the Arab world, it appears Mr Trump is not willing to put his money where his mouth is: on Tuesday his administration moved to slash its Middle East and North Africa aid budget by up to 80 per cent.

Mr Trump reiterated his desire to build a safer and more prosperous world, and strike the ultimate deal of Arab-Israeli peace during his four-day stint in Saudi Arabia, Israel and the West Bank, during which he paid his respects at Jerusalems holy sites.

 Trump brands terrorists 'evil losers' after Manchester attack

But as he and wife Melania boarded Air Force One on the fourth and final day of the Middle East leg of his maiden trip abroad as president, back in Washington DC, 2018 fiscal year proposals released by the White House unveiled proposed drastic cuts to the US diplomacy and foreign aid budgets.

The plans, first announced in March, aim to reduce spending on the State Department and USAID by 28 per cent, while increasing funds for military programmes.

Under the budget proposals the Palestinian Territories would receive a 4.6 per cent rise for both the West Bank and Gaza - a total of $215m (168m) for fiscal year 2018 - and Israels current $3.1bn (2.4bn) security aid package preserved.

Syria, Iraq and Libya would also receive increased aid spending, the 400-page proposal says, as the administration seeks to more closely link aid with the US national security objectives.

Overall, though, Middle East and North African countries would see their assistance slashed by $850 million (656 million), estimates from thinktank the Project on Middle East Democracy said.

In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour Show all 39 1 /39 In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 20 May 2017 US President Donald Trump and Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud arriving for a reception ahead of a banquet at Murabba Palace in Riyadh Getty Images In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 20 May 2017 US President Donald Trump, accompanied by First Lady Melania Trump, and Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud being welcomed at Murabba Palace in Riyadh Getty Images In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 20 May 2017 US President Donald J. Trump with King of Saudi Arabia Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud during a welcome ceremony with traditional sword dancers at Murabba Palace, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia EPA In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 20 May 2017 King of Saudi Arabia Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud with US President Donald J. Trump and wife Melania during a welcome ceremony at Murabba Palace, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia EPA In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 20 May 2017 US President Donald Trump adjusts the Collar of Abdulaziz Al Saud Medal, after it was bestowed upon him by Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud at the Royal Court in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 20 May 2017 Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud presents U.S. President Donald Trump with the Collar of Abdulaziz Al Saud Medal at the Royal Court in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 21 May 2017 Palestinians print posters depicting US President Donald Trump in preparations for his planned visit, in the West Bank town of Bethlehem Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 21 May 2017 US President Donald Trump accompanied by first lady Melania Trump, his daughter Ivanka Trump and her husband White House senior advisor Jared Kushner, before delivering his remarks to the Arab Islamic American Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 21 May 2017 US President Donald Trump looks on as U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Muhammad bin Nayef exchange a memorandum of understanding Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 21 May 2017 First Lady Melania Trump shares a laugh with a child during a visit to the American International School in the Saudi capital Riyadh Getty Images In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 21 May 2017 US President Donald Trump holds a bilateral meeting with Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa AP In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 Israeli soldiers rest during preparations ahead of President Trump's landing in Tel Aviv, Israel Getty Images In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 First Lady Melania Trump makes her way to board Air Force One in Riyadh as she heads with her husband the US President to Israel Getty Images In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump board Air Force One for Israel, the next stop in Trump's international tour, at King Khalid International Airport AP In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 Israeli soldiers wait for the arrival ceremony of US President Donald Trump at Ben Gurion airport near Tel Aviv, Israel AP In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump arrive aboard Air Force One at Ben Gurion International Airport in Lod near Tel Aviv, Israel Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump disembark Air Force One on arrival at Ben Gurion International Airport AP In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US President Donald J. Trump and his wife, US First Lady Melania Trump are welcomed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu upon arrival at Ben Gurion Airport, in Lod outside Tel Aviv, Israel EPA In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sit during welcome ceremony in Tel Aviv AP In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US First Lady Melania Trump chats wife Sara Netanyahu as US President Donald Trump chats to Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a welcoming ceremony to welcome Trump at Ben Gurion International Airport Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US President Donald Trump delivers a speech upon his arrival at Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv Getty Images In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US President Donald Trump gestures during a press conference with Israel's President at the President's Residence in Jerusalem Getty Images In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US President Donald Trump watches as First Lady Melania Trump signs the guest book at the President's Residence in Jerusalem Getty Images In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US President Donald Trump walks with first lady Melania Trump in Jerusalem's Old City Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US President Donald Trump visits the Western Wall, the holiest site where Jews can pray, in Jerusalems Old City Getty Images In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US President Donald Trump stands next to Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz at the plaza in front of the Western Wall, Judaism's holiest prayer site, in Jerusalem's Old City Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and White House senior advisor Jared Kushner leave notes at the Western Wall in Jerusalem Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US First Lady Melania Trump touches the Western Wall, Judaism's holiest prayer site, in Jerusalem's Old City EPA In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 Ivanka Trump, assistant and daughter of US President Donald J. Trump, touches the Western Wall, Judaism's holiest prayer site, in Jerusalem's Old City EPA In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 President Donald Trump visits the Western Wall AP In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 24 May 2017 US President Donald J. Trump arrives in a vehicle to Saint Damaso's Court for a private audience with Pope Francis in Vatican City EPA In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 24 May 2017 Pope Francis walks past Ivanka Trump and First Lady Melania Trump on the occasion of the private audience with President Donald Trump, at the Vatican AP In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 24 May 2017 Pope Francis exchanges gifts with US President Donald Trump during a private audience at the Vatican Getty Images In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 24 May 2017 Pope Francis meets US President Donald Trump and his wife Melania during a private audience at the Vatican Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 24 May 2017 Pope Francis with US President Donald J. Trump EPA In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 24 May 2017 Pope Francis gets into is car after meeting with US President Donald Trump AP In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 24 May 2017 President Donald Trump and his wife Melania look at the frescoed ceilings during their visit to the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican L'Osservatore Romano/Pool Photo via AP In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 24 May 2017 US President Donald Trump security vehicles are seen in front of Air Force One before take off from Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport in Rome, Italy Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 24 May 2017 US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump wave to reporters before boarding the Air Force One to Brussels, at the end of a 2-day visit to Italy including a meeting with Pope Francis at the Vatican, at Rome's Fiumicino international airport AP

The planned budget acknowledges that US diplomacy engagement and aid programmes must be more efficient and more effective, and that advancing our national security, our economic interests, and our values will remain our primary mission, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said in a statement.

Almost half of the money currently earmarked for economic development would be axed, while anti-terrorism and military training resources would be kept.

While Jordans King Abdullah is the only Middle Eastern leader to have been invited to meet the president in DC twice so far, Jordan - which hosts more than 1.4 million Syrian refugees - would have its aid slashed by 21.7 per cent.

Lebanon, where one in four of the population is now Syrian, would have its budget cut by 22.7 per cent, and Yemen - currently embroiled in a two-year-long civil war, and where the UN estimates more than half of the 27million strong population is food insecure - would see its aid reduced by 16.8 per cent.

Morocco would also be badly affected by a security assistance drop by 65 per cent and economic assistance cut by one third, as would Bahrain, which would see an 86 per cent drop in security assistance.

Other swingeing cuts target health programmes worldwide, which face a 25 per cent decrease in funding, as well as food security institutions, womens issues programmes and climate change initiatives.

Some of the savings will go towards a new $200 million (154 million) global military financial assistance budget to give the State Department the flexibility to shore up security where it sees fit, rather than tying the budget to loans and grants for specific countries.

 Donald Trump becomes first sitting US President to visit Western Wall

Earlier this year more than 120 retired US generals and admirals wrote to Congress urging the body to fully fund diplomacy and foreign aid, arguing the functions were critical to keeping America safe.

Congress is highly unlikely to approve the Trump administrations proposals in their current form.

The budget plans have already faced bipartisan opposition among politicians. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham called the leaked documents dead on arrival".
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A well known Egyptian human rights lawyer who has suggested he may run against President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in elections scheduled for 2018 has been arrested and detained in a move critics say is politically motivated.

Khaled Ali, 45, was apprehended by police on Tuesday, and taken to al Dokki police station for questioning over a photograph from January in which he allegedly made an obscene gesture on the steps of a Cairo court house.

He was arrested on charges of offending public decency and kept at the station overnight. A prosecutor is due to decide whether to release Mr Ali on bail or extend his detention later on Wednesday.

 Donald Trump shakes hands with Egypt President El-Sisi and pledges support to his regime

The lawyer denies the allegations against him and the authenticity of the photo.

Eight members of Mr Alis left-wing Bread and Freedom Party (BFP) have been arrested in the last two months on spurious charges ranging from misusing social media to incite against the state and insulting the president, Elham Eidarous, the partys legal advisor, said in a statement.

We are in a state of repression. Every now and then the state launches another attack, he said. This is happening to scare people from running for president or even considering alternatives."

Can Egypt's revolution stay the distance? Show all 2 1 /2 Can Egypt's revolution stay the distance? Can Egypt's revolution stay the distance? 551103.bin AP Can Egypt's revolution stay the distance? 551048.bin AP

Egypt's interior ministry has repeatedly denied the arrests are politically motivated.

Mr Ali previously ran for president in Egypts 2012 election, held after the 2011 Arab Spring protests which overthrew incumbent autocrat Hosni Mubarak. The election was won by the Islamist Muslim Brotherhood movements Mohamed Morsi.

In 2013, Mr Morsis government was toppled by a military coup led by General Sisi, who went on to win a presidential election in 2014.

Mr Sisi has been widely criticised by the international community for his bloody crackdown on members of the Muslim Brotherhood and other encroachments on citizens' human rights such as the freedom of speech and assembly.

The president has not yet said whether he will seek re-election in 2018 when his current term in office ends. He remains a popular figure with the wider Egyptian public.
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The alleged targeting of Qatars state-run news agency by hackers who published controversial statements attributed to the countrys monarch has led to renewed tensions in the Gulf.

The supposedly fake report, published late on Tuesday, quoted Emir Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, the Emir of Qatar, on a number of sensitive regional issues and Dohas relationship with Donald Trump.

Mr Thani was quoted as saying there is no wisdom in harbouring hostility towards Iran and that his relationship with the Trump administration was tense despite a positive meeting between the two leaders in Riyadh, the Saudi Arabian capital, on Sunday. The report also claimed that Mr Thani did not believe the US President would last long in power.

 Donald Trump joins sword dance in Saudi Arabia

Qatars ties to Israel were good, the alleged false story quoted the sovereign as saying, and that he hoped to help broker a peace deal in the Arab-Israeli conflict. The story attributed to the ruler positive statements about Lebanese militant group Hezbollah and Gaza-based extremist organisation Hamas.

The remarks were allegedly made during a speech the Emir gave at a military academy graduation ceremony on Tuesday.

The unknown hackers are also accused of briefly gaining control of the agencys Twitter account, posting three messages attributed to Qatars foreign minister ordering the removal of other Gulf nations ambassadors to the country within 24 hours  claims later dismissed by the authorities.

 Five things to know about Qatar's first 2022 World Cup stadium

The comments were picked up by several other news outlets and broadcasters in the Arab world, and met with a particular storm of criticism in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

On Wednesday authorities in Riyadh and Abu Dhabi blocked the main website of Qatars Al Jazeera broadcaster, which the two countries have often seen as being critical of their governments.

The development signalled a possible revival of a 2014 rift between Qatar and its neighbours over Dohas backing of the Islamist Muslim Brotherhood, and suggests behind-the-scenes disarray among US Gulf allies despite the positive sentiments expressed during Mr Trumps visit to Riyadh last week.

Disputes between Arab states of the Gulf can have significance far beyond their energy-rich region.

Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE have used their oil and gas revenues to influence events in other Middle Eastern countries, and rifts between them can alter the political environment in Libya, Egypt, Syria, Iraq and Yemen.

A statement from Doha issued on Wednesday said that the Qatar News Agency website was hacked by an unknown entity and that a false statement attributed to His Highness has been published. An investigation into the alleged incident was under way, and those responsible would be held accountable, the government communications office continued.

The incident is not the first time Qatari organisations have been targeted by cyber criminals, Doha News reported.

An attack on the Qatar National Bank in 2016 leaked more than 1,200 customers details into the public domain, and several other hacks on official websites in recent years have redirected traffic or illegally collected user data.

Reuters contributed to this report
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Small talk in a foreign language; one of the many potential stumbling blocks a fledgling world leader would be well-advised to side-step on their first trip abroad.

And so it fell to Donald Trumps wife, Melania, and her pontiff host, Pope Francis, to engage in what initially appeared to be a linguistic muddle during the US Presidents Vatican visit.

Greeting the First Couple, the Pope asked Ms Trump if she fed her husband a nut-filled Slovenian cake. What are you feeding him, potica? he asked.

The pontiff was referring to a traditional sweet bread, which can also be filled with chocolate or honey, and is baked in the form of a Swiss roll.

A translator repeated the question in English and Ms Trump, who grew up in the Slovenian town of Sevnica, replied, potica, yes, before both parties laughed.

However, the Vatican initially suggested Pope Francis was not enquiring about potica, pronounced po-teet-sah, but about another bread-based food, pizza - a mistake repeated by some who watched the video.

The Vatican later clarified that he had in fact been asking about the cake, and there was no mention of whether the pontiff had been referring to the stature of Mr Trump, who at a reported 16-and-a-half-stone has previously acknowledged he "could lose a little weight".

Mr Trump met the Pope for 30 minutes on Wednesday morning, during his first overseas trip since entering the White House.

Potica roll with walnuts, a traditional Slovenian dessert (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

He was given a small sculptured olive tree and told through the interpreter that it symbolised peace.

"It is my desire that you become an olive tree to construct peace," the Pope said, speaking in Spanish.

Mr Trump responded: "We can use peace."

In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour Show all 39 1 /39 In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 20 May 2017 US President Donald Trump and Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud arriving for a reception ahead of a banquet at Murabba Palace in Riyadh Getty Images In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 20 May 2017 US President Donald Trump, accompanied by First Lady Melania Trump, and Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud being welcomed at Murabba Palace in Riyadh Getty Images In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 20 May 2017 US President Donald J. Trump with King of Saudi Arabia Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud during a welcome ceremony with traditional sword dancers at Murabba Palace, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia EPA In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 20 May 2017 King of Saudi Arabia Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud with US President Donald J. Trump and wife Melania during a welcome ceremony at Murabba Palace, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia EPA In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 20 May 2017 US President Donald Trump adjusts the Collar of Abdulaziz Al Saud Medal, after it was bestowed upon him by Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud at the Royal Court in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 20 May 2017 Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud presents U.S. President Donald Trump with the Collar of Abdulaziz Al Saud Medal at the Royal Court in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 21 May 2017 Palestinians print posters depicting US President Donald Trump in preparations for his planned visit, in the West Bank town of Bethlehem Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 21 May 2017 US President Donald Trump accompanied by first lady Melania Trump, his daughter Ivanka Trump and her husband White House senior advisor Jared Kushner, before delivering his remarks to the Arab Islamic American Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 21 May 2017 US President Donald Trump looks on as U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Muhammad bin Nayef exchange a memorandum of understanding Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 21 May 2017 First Lady Melania Trump shares a laugh with a child during a visit to the American International School in the Saudi capital Riyadh Getty Images In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 21 May 2017 US President Donald Trump holds a bilateral meeting with Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa AP In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 Israeli soldiers rest during preparations ahead of President Trump's landing in Tel Aviv, Israel Getty Images In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 First Lady Melania Trump makes her way to board Air Force One in Riyadh as she heads with her husband the US President to Israel Getty Images In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump board Air Force One for Israel, the next stop in Trump's international tour, at King Khalid International Airport AP In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 Israeli soldiers wait for the arrival ceremony of US President Donald Trump at Ben Gurion airport near Tel Aviv, Israel AP In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump arrive aboard Air Force One at Ben Gurion International Airport in Lod near Tel Aviv, Israel Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump disembark Air Force One on arrival at Ben Gurion International Airport AP In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US President Donald J. Trump and his wife, US First Lady Melania Trump are welcomed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu upon arrival at Ben Gurion Airport, in Lod outside Tel Aviv, Israel EPA In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sit during welcome ceremony in Tel Aviv AP In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US First Lady Melania Trump chats wife Sara Netanyahu as US President Donald Trump chats to Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a welcoming ceremony to welcome Trump at Ben Gurion International Airport Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US President Donald Trump delivers a speech upon his arrival at Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv Getty Images In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US President Donald Trump gestures during a press conference with Israel's President at the President's Residence in Jerusalem Getty Images In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US President Donald Trump watches as First Lady Melania Trump signs the guest book at the President's Residence in Jerusalem Getty Images In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US President Donald Trump walks with first lady Melania Trump in Jerusalem's Old City Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US President Donald Trump visits the Western Wall, the holiest site where Jews can pray, in Jerusalems Old City Getty Images In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US President Donald Trump stands next to Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz at the plaza in front of the Western Wall, Judaism's holiest prayer site, in Jerusalem's Old City Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and White House senior advisor Jared Kushner leave notes at the Western Wall in Jerusalem Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US First Lady Melania Trump touches the Western Wall, Judaism's holiest prayer site, in Jerusalem's Old City EPA In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 Ivanka Trump, assistant and daughter of US President Donald J. Trump, touches the Western Wall, Judaism's holiest prayer site, in Jerusalem's Old City EPA In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 President Donald Trump visits the Western Wall AP In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 24 May 2017 US President Donald J. Trump arrives in a vehicle to Saint Damaso's Court for a private audience with Pope Francis in Vatican City EPA In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 24 May 2017 Pope Francis walks past Ivanka Trump and First Lady Melania Trump on the occasion of the private audience with President Donald Trump, at the Vatican AP In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 24 May 2017 Pope Francis exchanges gifts with US President Donald Trump during a private audience at the Vatican Getty Images In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 24 May 2017 Pope Francis meets US President Donald Trump and his wife Melania during a private audience at the Vatican Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 24 May 2017 Pope Francis with US President Donald J. Trump EPA In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 24 May 2017 Pope Francis gets into is car after meeting with US President Donald Trump AP In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 24 May 2017 President Donald Trump and his wife Melania look at the frescoed ceilings during their visit to the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican L'Osservatore Romano/Pool Photo via AP In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 24 May 2017 US President Donald Trump security vehicles are seen in front of Air Force One before take off from Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport in Rome, Italy Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 24 May 2017 US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump wave to reporters before boarding the Air Force One to Brussels, at the end of a 2-day visit to Italy including a meeting with Pope Francis at the Vatican, at Rome's Fiumicino international airport AP

Pope Francis also gave Mr Trump a signed copy of his 2017 peace message whose title is "Nonviolence - A Style of Politics for Peace", and a copy of his 2015 letter on the need to protect the environment from the effects of climate change.

"Well, I'll be reading them," Mr Trump said.

Mr Trump gave the Pope a boxed set of five first-edition books by US civil rights leader Martin Luther King.

As Mr Trump and the Pope said goodbye at the door of the study, the President said: "Thank you, thank you. I won't forget what you said."

In a statement, the Vatican said the two sides agreed on their "joint commitment in favour of life and freedom of worship and conscience.

The statement continued: "It is hoped that there may be serene collaboration between the state and the Catholic Church in the United States, engaged in service to the people in the fields of healthcare, education and assistance to immigrants."

It said talks also covered promoting peace through dialogue with people of other faiths.
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Seen from the deck of a catamaran that's slicing its way through azure waters, it's easy to understand why Barbados is the perfect luxury getaway.

Its a captivating sight, with miles of idyllic beaches and picture-perfect palm trees framing an island paradise thats a breathtaking testament to natures beauty.

What to do?

St Nicholas Abbey in the north of the island is well-worth a visit too

Ease yourself into the laid-back Bajan lifestyle with a walk around Bridgetown's charming colonial-era Downtown district, a Unesco world heritage site. And make sure to stop by Carlisle Bay, one of the islands most beautiful and serene beaches where, if you arrive early on a Sunday morning, you might see the local racehorses bathing in the sea.

What to see?

Take to the sea to find the sea turtles

The north-east is an Edenic nature reserve, brimming with tropical plants and animals, where you could expect to see agouti, armadillos, brocket deer, caimans and monkeys. Take to the ocean and you might even find yourself swimming with sea turtles, or why not head below the surface? A tour of the islands many underwater treasures, such as its shipwrecks and reefs, can be made by snorkel, scuba or even submarine.

What to eat and drink?

Discover the delights of Bajan cuisine

But sun, sand and beautiful beaches are just a part of the islands charm. No trip to Barbados, the birthplace of rum, is complete without a cocktail. Try a glass of punch at the Mount Gay Visitor Centre (mountgayrum.com) while finding out more about the oldest rum in the world. Theres also a full calendar of food and artistic festivals to keep you entertained throughout the year, including the islands first beach wellness festival on 2 and 3 September.

Where to stay?

Sandals Resort swim-up pool is right next to the sea

When youre ready to really unwind, head to Sandals Barbados, or from December 2017, the brand new Sandals Royal Barbados. These all-inclusive resorts provide gourmet dining in up to 11 restaurants, premium brand drinks, unlimited watersports including scuba diving (free for certified divers), and accommodation in some of the Caribbeans most innovative and luxurious suites. And if all that fun becomes too exhausting, you can always head to the spa to be pampered back to life.

See sandals.co.uk/ barbados for more information and to book online

Book your 2 for 1 offer now Sandals Royal Barbados 7 nights all-inclusive in a Butler Suite 2,099 inc. flights with British Airways* Book Now Sandals Barbados 7 nights all-inclusive in a suite with outdoor tranquility soaking tub 1,629* inc. flights** Book Now

*Terms & Conditions apply
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Eurostar, the cross-Channel train operator, is claiming it is charging less than the Heathrow Express and Gatwick Express on trains to and from the Continent.

On Wednesday only, Eurostar is selling tickets from London St Pancras to Paris and Brussels for 19 each way. The deal is available only through its Snap sales channel, which allows buyers to choose only their destination and either a morning or afternoon train. Travellers must log in using Facebook or Twitter.

The company says: In little over 2 hours, travellers can explore the cafes, culture and cuisine of Paris or Brussels for less than the price of an express train to London airports.

Eurostar points out that the standard one-way Gatwick Express fare is 19.90, while a standard class, buy on-board Heathrow Express single is 27.

Recommended Refugee electrocuted while attempting to climb on Eurostar train to UK

The airport express operators also offer a range of cheaper tickets which undercut the 19 Eurostar fare.

When Eurostar first began services in 1994, the cheapest return ticket cost 95. The reduction by 60 per cent to just 38 return reflects pressure from low-cost airlines and a willingness to fill seats at prices that just cover marginal costs.

The very short window of the flash sale, and the fact that the actual train departure time is revealed only two days before travel, are designed to avoid cannibalising existing sales.

The cheap tickets are on sale until midnight on Wednesday, and are for travel on some Eurostar services from 6 to 29 June.

Virgin Trains East Coast is also conducting a flash sale with one-way seats from London to Leeds for 5, to Newcastle for 10 and to Edinburgh for 20. They are for travel only on Saturday and Sunday, 27 and 28 May; traffic temporarily dips during bank holiday weekends. The sale closes at one minute to midnight on Thursday.
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After two days lecturing a collection of head-choppers, dictators, torturers and land thieves, Donald Trump at last met a good guy on Wednesday. Pope Francis didnt ask for a $100bn (77.2bn) arms deal for the Vatican. He wouldnt go to war with Iran. He didnt take the Sunni Muslim side against the Shia Muslim side in the next Middle East conflict. He didnt talk about Palestinian terror. And he looked, most of the time, grim, unsmiling, even suspicious.

So he should have been. Trumps broad, inane smile on confronting the Holy Father might have been more appropriate for the first of the Borgias, Alexander VI, whose 15th century womanising, corruption and enthusiasm for war would match Trumps curriculum vitae rather well. But the poor mans pope, who last year suggested that Trump wasnt much of a Christian because he wanted to build walls, didnt seem to be very happy to see the man who called him disgraceful for questioning his faith. One offers peace through dialogue, the other security of arms, one of Francis advisers said of the visit. Which pretty much sums it up.

 Pope and Melania Trump joke about what Donald Trump eats

It was indeed an odd sight to see the head of the Catholic church  whose anti-war, anti-corruption, anti-violence and pro-environment beliefs must surely now represent the secular world  greeting the present if very temporary leader of the secular world, whose policies are most surely not those of the Western people he would claim to represent. For more and more, the Good Old Pope is coming to represent what the Trumps and Mays will not say: that the West has a moral duty to end its wars in the Middle East, to stop selling weapons to the killers of the Middle East and to treat the people of the Middle East with justice and dignity.

No wonder the 29 minutes which the insane president and the sane pope spent together  Francis himself suggesting that they both keep away from the microphones  remain secret. Until, I suppose, Trump starts twittering again. They supposedly chatted about climate change, immigration, even arms sales. O fly upon the wall, speak up. And they talked, we are told, about interreligious dialogue and the need to protect Christians in the Middle East. They shared, we were finally informed, a commitment to life, and freedom of speech and conscience  which is more than most of Trumps other hosts would have approved of these past two days.

In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour Show all 39 1 /39 In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 20 May 2017 US President Donald Trump and Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud arriving for a reception ahead of a banquet at Murabba Palace in Riyadh Getty Images In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 20 May 2017 US President Donald Trump, accompanied by First Lady Melania Trump, and Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud being welcomed at Murabba Palace in Riyadh Getty Images In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 20 May 2017 US President Donald J. Trump with King of Saudi Arabia Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud during a welcome ceremony with traditional sword dancers at Murabba Palace, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia EPA In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 20 May 2017 King of Saudi Arabia Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud with US President Donald J. Trump and wife Melania during a welcome ceremony at Murabba Palace, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia EPA In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 20 May 2017 US President Donald Trump adjusts the Collar of Abdulaziz Al Saud Medal, after it was bestowed upon him by Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud at the Royal Court in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 20 May 2017 Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud presents U.S. President Donald Trump with the Collar of Abdulaziz Al Saud Medal at the Royal Court in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 21 May 2017 Palestinians print posters depicting US President Donald Trump in preparations for his planned visit, in the West Bank town of Bethlehem Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 21 May 2017 US President Donald Trump accompanied by first lady Melania Trump, his daughter Ivanka Trump and her husband White House senior advisor Jared Kushner, before delivering his remarks to the Arab Islamic American Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 21 May 2017 US President Donald Trump looks on as U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Muhammad bin Nayef exchange a memorandum of understanding Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 21 May 2017 First Lady Melania Trump shares a laugh with a child during a visit to the American International School in the Saudi capital Riyadh Getty Images In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 21 May 2017 US President Donald Trump holds a bilateral meeting with Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa AP In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 Israeli soldiers rest during preparations ahead of President Trump's landing in Tel Aviv, Israel Getty Images In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 First Lady Melania Trump makes her way to board Air Force One in Riyadh as she heads with her husband the US President to Israel Getty Images In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump board Air Force One for Israel, the next stop in Trump's international tour, at King Khalid International Airport AP In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 Israeli soldiers wait for the arrival ceremony of US President Donald Trump at Ben Gurion airport near Tel Aviv, Israel AP In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump arrive aboard Air Force One at Ben Gurion International Airport in Lod near Tel Aviv, Israel Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump disembark Air Force One on arrival at Ben Gurion International Airport AP In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US President Donald J. Trump and his wife, US First Lady Melania Trump are welcomed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu upon arrival at Ben Gurion Airport, in Lod outside Tel Aviv, Israel EPA In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sit during welcome ceremony in Tel Aviv AP In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US First Lady Melania Trump chats wife Sara Netanyahu as US President Donald Trump chats to Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a welcoming ceremony to welcome Trump at Ben Gurion International Airport Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US President Donald Trump delivers a speech upon his arrival at Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv Getty Images In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US President Donald Trump gestures during a press conference with Israel's President at the President's Residence in Jerusalem Getty Images In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US President Donald Trump watches as First Lady Melania Trump signs the guest book at the President's Residence in Jerusalem Getty Images In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US President Donald Trump walks with first lady Melania Trump in Jerusalem's Old City Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US President Donald Trump visits the Western Wall, the holiest site where Jews can pray, in Jerusalems Old City Getty Images In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US President Donald Trump stands next to Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz at the plaza in front of the Western Wall, Judaism's holiest prayer site, in Jerusalem's Old City Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and White House senior advisor Jared Kushner leave notes at the Western Wall in Jerusalem Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 US First Lady Melania Trump touches the Western Wall, Judaism's holiest prayer site, in Jerusalem's Old City EPA In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 Ivanka Trump, assistant and daughter of US President Donald J. Trump, touches the Western Wall, Judaism's holiest prayer site, in Jerusalem's Old City EPA In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 22 May 2017 President Donald Trump visits the Western Wall AP In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 24 May 2017 US President Donald J. Trump arrives in a vehicle to Saint Damaso's Court for a private audience with Pope Francis in Vatican City EPA In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 24 May 2017 Pope Francis walks past Ivanka Trump and First Lady Melania Trump on the occasion of the private audience with President Donald Trump, at the Vatican AP In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 24 May 2017 Pope Francis exchanges gifts with US President Donald Trump during a private audience at the Vatican Getty Images In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 24 May 2017 Pope Francis meets US President Donald Trump and his wife Melania during a private audience at the Vatican Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 24 May 2017 Pope Francis with US President Donald J. Trump EPA In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 24 May 2017 Pope Francis gets into is car after meeting with US President Donald Trump AP In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 24 May 2017 President Donald Trump and his wife Melania look at the frescoed ceilings during their visit to the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican L'Osservatore Romano/Pool Photo via AP In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 24 May 2017 US President Donald Trump security vehicles are seen in front of Air Force One before take off from Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport in Rome, Italy Reuters In pictures: President Donald Trump on tour 24 May 2017 US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump wave to reporters before boarding the Air Force One to Brussels, at the end of a 2-day visit to Italy including a meeting with Pope Francis at the Vatican, at Rome's Fiumicino international airport AP

Trump duly handed over a bunch of books by Martin Luther King which he hoped Pope Francis would enjoy  whether he had read them himself remains a mystery  and the Pope gave Trump some of his own writings on the environment. Well, Ill be reading them, said the US President. A likely story.

When the Pope emerged from his private meeting with Trump, he was smiling in a relieved, almost charming way  like a man who had just left the dentists chair  and his joke with the veiled Melania about Croatian cookies, if not quite understood, showed that even a distressed pontiff can retain a sense of humour amid spiritual darkness. Trump thought it all a great honour. Not for the Pope, one imagines.

And there was the inevitable send-off from Trump, the kind he probably gave to all the greedy kings and criminals of the Middle East. I wont forget what you said, he told Pope Francis as he left. O but he will, reader, he will.
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I can understand why, when theres a murderous terrorist outrage, politicians decide to cease campaigning and opt for a period of reflection and truce. After the assassination of Labour MP Jo Cox it happened; after the Westminster attack we saw the same; and now, again, after the Manchester bombing.

It seems a matter of good taste, of putting aside petty squabbles and silly insults at a time when the nation wants to focus on real human tragedy. Many parliamentary candidates, in a quite natural way, have no wish to argue about the economy or pensions when human lives have been taken in such a cruel fashion. It seems like poor taste when children have died.

And yet, is this not in fact another example of the terrorist having won. That statement, in itself, a bit of a cliche, I appreciate. But the point is that, as in France recently, if terrorists know that normal democratic activity can be suspended or disrupted via a bomb, that simply offers them an incentive to go about precisely that kind of disruption at election time.

Imagine if they targeted polling stations? What could be better than putting people off voting?

BBC 5Live's studio evacuated during live broadcast in Manchester

To put it at its most difficult: if the Manchester attack had occurred on the evening of 7 or 8 June this year, would we postpone our democratic election?

Or if, say, we were facing a very close election during which both leading parties were relying on those last few days of vital campaigning, but then there was another atrocity, would we just freeze the campaign? And again, perhaps, postpone the election?

If so, how long for? A day, a week, a month? Are we happy for an act of terror to change the way we are governed? That is, surely, not right.

It is perfectly possible to have a normal political debate about the future of the NHS, for example, while also feeling and expressing both sorrow and anger about what happened at Manchester Arena on Monday evening. Some ministers will, rightly, be distracted by their day jobs around national security at this time, but the major work of debating and campaigning could carry on, albeit sensitively.

Indeed, if the parties truce only extends to national and media activities and not to local door knocking, then that is hardly rational or consistent.

After the IRA murdered Margaret Thatchers minister and friend, Ian Gow, in 1990  the last political assassination in Britain before the murder of Jo Cox last year  there was talk of the opposition parties not standing in the by-election that followed as a gesture of defiance and a mark of respect. In that case, again, the terrorists sought to change the course of politics, but the democratic imperative prevailed and normal politics resumed; the people in Gow's seat of Eastbourne were given a choice as to who they wished to represent them. (In the event the Conservatives lost the seat, but that was down to domestic issues. No-one, not even the IRA, thought that was their win).

 Police confirm serving police officer was killed in Manchester attack

In Batley and Spen last year, by contrast, the Conservatives, Ukip and Liberal Democrats did stand down, and the Labour candidate succeeded Jo Cox  but the election was still contested. Looking back, that by-election could have been fought conventionally with no gain to extremists.

The truth is that the politicians, the media and indeed the voters have a much-diminished appetite for party politics when a huge story such as the Manchester terror attack breaks. The parties have no need for a formal close-down of political activity in an environment that would be naturally and respectfully subdued. When people feel like moving on, looking again to the future and talking politics again, then they will do so. It is self-regulating and driven by the public.

We now end up with the unhappy sight of Ukip preparing to make maximum political advantage out of the outrage in a political vacuum by launching their manifesto on Thursday. It may not secure the party many votes, but it demonstrates how tricky an enforced truce can be in terms of the democratic process.

We have a right not to have our democratic election hijacked by a terrorist.
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When Theresa May announced that the terrorism threat level was being raised from severe to critical following the horrific attack in Manchester, she said she did not want the public to feel unduly alarmed, pointing out that Britain had faced a serious terror threat for many years.

Her understandable attempt to reassure people when the sight of troops on the streets will create fear showed what a difficult balancing act our political leaders must perform. They must be strong and in control, but calm and measured at the same time.

May will cut a reassuring figure for the nation at this terrible time. The election campaign pales into insignificance against the human suffering and heart-warming community spirit seen in Manchester. Yet there was a noteworthy contrast between the Prime Ministers nervy, defensive BBC interview with Andrew Neil after her spectacular U-turn on social care on Monday, and her confident media appearances since the Manchester attack.

Her two forays into domestic policy, on grammar schools and social care, may have gone badly, and the Budget retreat over national insurance contributions by the self-employed was a disaster. But it is obvious that May, after six years as Home Secretary, is comfortable in her own skin when handling security matters.

 Manchester attack: Theresa May raises terror threat rating to 'critical'

That does not mean that, when it is the right time to learn lessons from this weeks tragedy, her record should avoid scrutiny. Mays mantra on public services, that it is possible do do more with less, is based on her experience of cutting police numbers  down by 20,000 since 2010  and seeing crime fall by a third. However, experts point out that the fall in crime is part of a wider international trend. Senior police officers have grave concerns about the drop in numbers, especially in the big cities outside London. Fears in the security services of a terrorist attack there have now been realised. The police cuts are one reason why the armed forces are now needed to fill the gaps  for example, in the number of police carrying firearms.

True, there is always room for greater efficiency in any organisation. It is also true that more with less will reach its limit at some point.

Mays huge experience on the security front should thankfully ensure she avoids repeating Tony Blair's knee-jerk response to the 2005 London Tube and bus bombings. Most of his 12-point plan was made up on the hoof and dropped. If re-elected, May would probably force social media companies to hand over encrypted messages to the police and security services. That was already planned following the March attack at Westminster. This weeks events will make it harder for the big firms to oppose it. But the risk is that terrorists would merely switch to lesser-known ones.

Manchester explosion in pictures Show all 37 1 /37 Manchester explosion in pictures Manchester explosion in pictures People running down stairs as they attempt to exit the Manchester Arena after a blast, where U.S. singer Ariana Grande had been performing, in Manchester Twitter/@ZACH_BRUCE/ via REUTERS Manchester explosion in pictures Helpers attend to people inside the Manchester Arena after a suspected suicide bomber detonated an explosive device at the end of an Ariana Grande concert, killing 22 people PA wire Manchester explosion in pictures Armed officers guard outside a hotel near the Manchester Arena following reports of an explosion, in Manchester, Britain EPA Manchester explosion in pictures Police officers are seen outside the Manchester Arena, where U.S. singer Ariana Grande had been performing, in Manchester, northern England Reuters Manchester explosion in pictures Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police and fans close to the Manchester Arena, after reports of an explosion Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures There have been reports of explosions at Manchester Arena where Ariana Grande had performed Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police deploy at scene of explosion in Manchester, England, at a concert in Manchester Arena AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police stand by a cordoned off street close to the Manchester Arena Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police deploy at scene of explosion in Manchester, England AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police deploy at scene of a reported explosion during a concert in Manchester, England, on May 23, 2017. British police said early May 23 there were "a number of confirmed fatalities" after reports of at least one explosion during a pop concert by US singer Ariana Grande. Ambulances were seen rushing to the Manchester Arena venue and police added in a statement that people should avoid the area AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures An ambulance drives away from the Manchester Arena, where U.S. singer Ariana Grande had been performing, in Manchester Reuters Manchester explosion in pictures Police escort members of the public from the Manchester Arena in Manchester, England. Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures A woman sits in the street in a blanket near the Manchester Arena as police guard the area following reports of an explosion, in Manchester, Britain EPA Manchester explosion in pictures Two women wrapped in thermal blankets stand near the Manchester Arena, where US singer Ariana Grande had been performing, in Manchester Reuters Manchester explosion in pictures A Royal Logistic Corps (RLC) bomb disposal robot is unloaded outside the Manchester Arena following reports of an explosion, in Manchester. At least 19 people have been confirmed dead and others 50 were injured, authorities said. It is being treated as a terrorist incident until police know otherwise EPA Manchester explosion in pictures A Royal Logistic Corps (RLC) bomb disposal robot is unloaded outside the Manchester Arena following reports of an explosion, in Manchester EPA Manchester explosion in pictures Members of the public receive treatment from emergency service staff at Victoria Railway Station close to the Manchester Arena on May 23, 2017 in Manchester, England. There have been reports of explosions at Manchester Arena where Ariana Grande had performed this evening. Greater Manchester Police have have confirmed there are fatalities and warned people to stay away from the area Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Armed police after a suspected terrorist attack at the Manchester Arena at the end of a concert by US star Ariana Grande left 19 dead PA wire Manchester explosion in pictures Emergency services arrive close to the Manchester Arena in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures An amoured police vehicle patrols near Manchester Arena in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures A man carries a young girl on his shoulders near Victoria station in Manchester AFP/Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police officers stand at the Miller Street and Corporation Street Crossroads, in front of the Manchester Arena in Manchester, England Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police block a road near to the Manchester Arena in central Manchester, England AP Manchester explosion in pictures Armed police patrol near Victoria station in Manchester, northwest England. Twenty two people have been killed and dozens injured after a suspected suicide bomber targeted fans leaving a concert of US singer Ariana Grande in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Police forensic officers leave the Manchester Arena as they investigate the scene of an explosion in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures A forensic officer collects evidence on a walkway between Victoria station and Manchester Arena following a deadly terror attack in Manchester, Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures A woman and a young girl wearing a t-shirt of US singer Ariana Grande talks to police near Manchester Arena following a deadly terror attack in Manchester, Getty Manchester explosion in pictures EPA Manchester explosion in pictures Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham and Manchester City Council Leader Sir Richard Leese speak to the media outside Manchester Town Hall after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving a pop concert in Manchester Dave Higgens/PA Wire Manchester explosion in pictures The media gather behind a police cordon in Manchester Getty Images Manchester explosion in pictures Flowers left close to the Manchester Arena, the morning after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving a pop concert in Manchester Danny Lawson/PA Wire Manchester explosion in pictures Ariana Grande concert attendees Karen Moore and her daughter Molly Steed, aged 14, from Derby, leave the Park Inn where they were given refuge after last night's explosion at Manchester Arena Getty Manchester explosion in pictures Signs saying 'We love Manchester' are displayed in a window in Manchester, England Getty Images

There will rightly be a debate over how best to stop Muslims being radicalised. Amber Rudd, the Home Secretary, already planned a shake-up of the Governments controversial Prevent strategy. Critics claim Prevent has alienated many Muslims, who feel spied on, and created a climate of fear in some communities, making it counterproductive. Reform is even more urgent after Manchester. Today Rudd promised an uplift in both budget and effectiveness. She insisted the programme had stopped 150 people, including 50 children, heading to Syria last year, as she hit back against what she called the industry that opposes Prevent.

Right-wing voices will call for Prevent to have a much harder edge, and more extremist groups to be banned. That would be the wrong response; the top priority is surely to win the trust of the Muslim community. The industry cited by Rudd has raised legitimate criticisms shared by the Governments advisers, MPs and peers. David Anderson, the former independent reviewer of terrorism laws, told MPs: Prevent has become a more significant source of grievance in affected communities than the police and ministerial powers.

Sir David Omand, who was the Governments security and intelligence co-ordinator when Prevent began, has said: The key issue is, do most people in the community accept [Prevent] as protective of their rights? If the community sees it as a problem, then you have a problem. Baroness Warsi, the former Tory chairman and first Muslim cabinet minister, says the Prevent brand has become toxic.

One thing that would reassure Muslims would be for May and Rudd to ensure a much tougher response to hate speech and hate crimes, whether in the street or online. It would be a powerful signal that the Government is determined to bring the country together and to ensure its values are applied for the benefit of all.
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As a journalist and development professional living and working in Katmandu, I have had the chance to see menstruating womens situation across Nepal from close quarters. I found that the practice of isolating women during their period exists across the country in differing forms. The situation of women living at the rural areas is terrible.

In some places, women cannot be in their own homes during their period; in others women can be in the house, but not in the kitchen and worship room. They are also forbidden from touching other people (especially male members of the family or neighbours) or cattle and from growing fruit and vegetables. Women become untouchable.

In the mid and far western parts of the country, the seclusion is practised in its most extreme from. In some parts of these regions, menstruating women are literally banished to a shed while they bleed.

 What if men had periods?

Thanks to freezing conditions and poor hygiene, women  including young girls  have died in these huts. Only a few months ago, a woman died in Achham, a remote district located in the western part of Nepal. The exact number of deaths in menstrual huts is not available but it is believed that dozens of women suffer and some die every year in the name of tradition.

For 17-year-old Kalpana Majhi, the biggest fear of menstruation was being forced to sleep in an outdoor shed, commonly known as goths. Kalpana lives in Kuine, a small village in Tatopani in mid-west Nepal. The village still practices chaupadi, the tradition that banishes menstruating girls and women to live outside the home.

Kalpana was 16 when she had her first period. I remember the day when I first menstruated. I was going to my sisters house and suddenly felt the gush of blood running through my body. She recalls that, as soon as she reached her house, she asked her sister for a piece of cloth: I felt shy to admit to my father that I was menstruating. It was my mother and sister who told my father that I was on my period.

Kalpana, who lives in a rural village in Nepal, is confined to a menstrual hut during her period (Anjana Saud/Tatapani)

Kalpana was afraid when she menstruated. The feeling of staying outside often made her sad. I stayed in goth with my friends. That somehow took away all my fears. But I am still scared of snakes, she adds. I missed my home, my sisters and mother. Despite being with friends, I felt alone and odd, she adds. I kept asking question to myself: why am I not allowed to sleep in my own home?

The tradition has been followed by locals due to the fear that menstruating women are impure and that God becomes angry if they stay inside the house, touch things and plants during their period.

Tulasi Majhi, 50, Kalpanas mother says, We grew up hearing that the God becomes angry if menstruating woman enter in the kitchen or touch male members of the house. We fear whether what we are told for generations comes true and all bad will happen if we break the rules.

Apart from fear of God, another main reason for the continuity is fear of isolation from society. Villagers may stop coming to our home if we discontinue the tradition, she says. The entire village follows the tradition and we are not in the position to challenge it.

We alone cannot initiate the change, she explains. We love our daughters a lot. Some of our neighbours keep their daughters in goth for seven days but we keep only for five days.

Chhaupadi was outlawed by the supreme court of Nepal in 2005, but the tradition is still rampant. One of the main reasons behind continuity of the tradition is that law enforcement agencies often see menstruation as a private family issue.

Kalpana does not talk about periods with male members of the family and her male friends.

We never talk about menstruation with boys. But, I think, they know about menstruation as the school books have chapters about it, Kalpana shares. Even if textbooks have included information about menstruation, we [both boys and girls] never feel comfortable to study chapters related to menstruation. Many of us cover our face and look down to escape the shyness. We just feel embarrassed.

An example of a menstrual hut in remote areas of Nepal (Anjana Saud/Tatapani) (Tatapani)

Apart from the social, cultural and religious aspects, one of the largely ignored parts of the use of menstrual huts is the severe health impacts associated with the taboos and stigmas. Women suffer from pneumonia, diarrhoea, suffocation and respiratory tract infections while they are in seclusion. Not all rural women cannot afford hygienic sanitary pads; the use of rags and cloths as an alternative to pads is a common, especially in remote parts of Nepal.

Kalpana divulges that she washes clothes but I do not need to go to markets or urban centres, so I do not need sanitary pads that are available in medical shops, she says. I have to walk a long distance to purchase a sanitary pad, she adds, indicating the remoteness of her home village.

Kalpanas story is just one of many such cases. Banishment for having a period is a form of injustice. After seeing the practice of seclusion and the plight of these women, I have long been advocating that taboos around periods are not a cultural issue  they are a human rights issue. Society should stop using religion as an excuse to continue the tradition. In fact, it is not even about religion; its mere superstition. In modern society, menstruation should be treated as a legal issue and womens rights issue.

It is time to ensure a world where women are entitled to the right to live with dignity, respect and confidence.

Pragya Lamsal is a Kathmandu based development professional and sustainable development goals advocate and has contributed this piece through the NGO ActionAid. Menstrual Hygiene Day will take place on 28 May 2017 to raise awareness of the importance of good menstrual hygiene for women and adolescent girls
Irish law firms may have to develop competence in international trade law, cross border regulation and knowledge of the post-Brexit UK regime to maintain a competitive advantage, the President of the Law Society of Ireland has said.

Stuart Gilhooly told the International Bar Association conference in Belfast that the strategic advantage of Ireland as one of the main common law jurisdictions with the European Union cant be underestimated in the context of Brexit.

He confirmed top UK law firms Pinsent Masons and DLA Piper are interested in coming to Dublin to open reasonably substantial branch offices.

Although Brexit wasnt their original catalyst, it is the driving force behind their current interest in doing so this year, if possible, Mr Gilhooly said.

If others have similar plans, they are keeping their cards close to their chest.

He also said more than 1,100 lawyers from the UK have joined the roll of Irish solicitors, but less than a quarter have taken out practising certificates.

As Brexit divorce draws closer, it is likely that we will see more joining the roll and a considerably higher percentage taking out practising certificates in order to guard against possible regulatory change.

As the economy recovers, he said, so to does the demand for legal practitioners.

Demand for talent is high, and will be higher with Pinsent Masons and DLA Piper entering the market, he added, saying the competition for associate level talent is likely to heighten.

Arguable more a post Brexit impact, Irish law firms may need to develop a competence on international trade law, cross border regulation and a knowledge of the post Brexit UK regime, he said.

As clients continue to trade to and through the UK, or establish families across these islands, firms that do not master these areas will be at a competitive disadvantage.

In short: firms will have to upskill and think smart in relation to Brexit affairs

Mr Gilhooly said the Law Society must improve its collaboration with the states trade and enterprise agencies by reiterating the advantages and clarity of dispute resolution norms that exist within the common law framework, continue to educate and inform policy makers and assess the future needs of the legal sector and recalibrate its approach to training.

It may well be that we will be the UKs only EU friend in the next two years but we must not be swayed by the potential animosity of some other EU countries, Mr Gilhooly said.

Everyone will have their own boat to paddle but the Irish Law Society needs to guide its ship into less choppy waters with the UK in its slipstream.
The Government will have to state in its formal bids to host the EU's banking and drugs regulators whether it will pay their rent if they move here after Brexit.

The European Council has asked member states applying to host the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and/or the European Banking Authority (EBA) to state if they would be willing to cough up the rent for a specific period of time, or indefinitely.

The Department of Finance said the issue of the EBA's rent will be a matter for Cabinet to decide. It is understood that in the case of the EMA, the Department of Health is waiting for further details on the bid process.

Governments also have to set out specific premises for the agencies, and detail the terms concerning maintenance, including upgrading and future extensions if needed.

The European Council has also set out specific requirements for each agency, including, in the case of the EMA, having a daily peak hotel capacity of 350 rooms to cater for its 36,000 visitors, and enough school places for the roughly 650 children of EMA staff.

The Government is preparing formal bids for both agencies, with the EMA arguably the more valuable politically given that it brings with it 900 staff.

The bid for the EMA is being led by Health Minister Simon Harris and faces stiff competition from 20 other member states.

Two potential sites have been located for the agency - at Dublin Airport and Docklands. One of the key arguments made by the Irish bid team, which includes 24 people across a number of departments and agencies, is that given Dublin's close proximity to London and extensive air connection, staff can commute, at least initially, to allow for a smoother transition.

Read more: Post-Brexit border could add 24pc to cost of doing business here

The bid for the EBA, which employs 189 staff, is being led by Financial Services Minister Eoghan Murphy. He has argued that shifting its operations to Dublin is the least disruptive option for the agency's work and staff, but again Ireland faces tough competition, most notably from Frankfurt.

It is understood that no location has yet been chosen for the EBA bid, although options will be presented once the bid document is finalised in the coming weeks. Member states interested in applying must submit their offers by the end of July at the latest, with a decision expected in October.

Governments will have to show that the agencies will be able to set up on site and start work at the date of the UK's EU withdrawal, which is slated for March 2019. It also states Governments must detail the accessibility of the location, including frequency and duration of flights, availability and frequency of public transport, as well as housing.

The latter point is an issue for the EMA bid in particular given the number of staff, but the Government is confident that the demand can be met.

It also believes that it will be able to meet the hotel requirement, citing figures from Failte Ireland showing that, as of 2015, Dublin had roughly 40,000 rooms registered with the body. The Irish Hotels Federation also said there would be enough capacity.
Zurich Insurance is calling on candidates with farming experience for a dedicated Apprenticeship in Insurance Practice.

The Apprenticeship, which is open to new applicants for the second year, is designed to offer job seekers the opportunity to secure a three year training and development opportunity with Zurich, at its centre of excellence in Wexford.

The programme will this year create two specialist opportunities to work as part of Zurichs Agri Team, with a focus on managing the business farm portfolio.

Initiated by Zurich and developed by the insurance industry and the III, the programme centres on developing learners core skills through challenging on the job experience and an extensive range of world-class training supports.

Apprentices will be able to earn while they learn and work towards achieving their Professional Diploma in General Insurance, with the opportunity to go on to secure a Level 8 BA Honours Degree in Insurance Practice.

In addition to professional training during their placement, successful applicants with a farming background will experience first hand the extensive skills required to work within Zurichs Agri division, and will gain extensive knowledge of the farm insurance industry, working with Zurichs wide range of coverage including farming property, livestock, farm home and business interruption.

Speaking about the announcement, Head of HR at Zurich in Ireland Daragh Byrne said, Were delighted to launch this programme for the second year running, following the success seen in 2016. Working alongside some of the top professionals in the insurance industry, participants in the Apprenticeship to date have really impressed us with their enthusiasm and ability to learn new skills. Were seeking out hard working, passionate people with a willingness to engage, and look forward to seeing the new candidates that 2017 has in store.

The Apprenticeship in Insurance Practice is open for online applications, which will be accepted up until Wednesday 31 May 2017.

Zurich has 30 years experience in insuring farmers worldwide and is Irelands fastest growing farm insurer. The company employs over 1,000 people across its locations in Dublin and Wexford.

For further information about the Apprenticeship in Insurance Practice, or to submit an application, visit www.zurichinsurance.ie/apprenticeship
FARMERS seeking more help for difficult jobs on the land may be key to reducing the numbers of accidents and deaths in the countrys most dangerous workplaces, experts have warned.

The often solitary profession has seen 138 people killed in farm accidents over the past seven years  this makes farming the most lethal job in the country in terms of lives lost.

A new report pinpoints extra help on farms as a major factor in reducing near misses and accidents at a time when workplace burnout is on the rise following the increase in the countrys herd of dairy cows following the lifting of milk quotas.

Farm safety is a critical issue, said Dorothy Watson, one of the authors behind the latest Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) and Health and Safety Authority (HSA) research.

Future policies should emphasise the importance of getting help with difficult tasks on the farm, as the research indicated that failing to do so is associated with a higher risk of accidents and near misses.

The Irish Farmers Associations (IFA) Maura Canning said addressing the labour shortage on farms is central to improving farm safety.

Farmers need two things: extra help to cope with an expanding workload and skilled workers who can handle specialist tasks on farms, particularly those with machinery, said the IFAs farm family chairperson, as she highlighted the recent increase in working hours in the dairy sector. This is of concern from a health and safety and quality of life perspective.

She said the IFA has suggested the Government issue employment permits to skilled farm workers from non-EEA countries to meet the demand for workers in the dairy sector.

The figures show the rate of fatalities in farming is nearly 10 times the average across all workplaces.

The new research found 27pc of farmers take a risk by failing to get help with difficult jobs, with 26pc admitting failing to use safety gear such as goggles or ear protection another precautions.

Some 12pc of the 800 farmers surveyed reported that they do not use power take-off shafts to avoid becoming entangled in machinery.

It found unmarried farmers were more likely to take risks in not checking machinery before use.

Farmers with larger farms, over 100 hectares, were more likely to take risks by not routinely using safety gear, however they were more likely to have help for difficult jobs.

In both cases, accidents and near misses were more common on larger farms.

Overall 12pc of farmers were personally involved in an accident in the previous 10 years, while 27pc reported a near miss. However, researchers pointed out they selected farmers in counties with a high accident rate.

Martin OHalloran, chief executive of the HSA, said research helps give an understanding of the mind-set of unsafe practices on farms so they can help reduce it.
It has been announced that Dawn Meats has acquired Dunbias operations in the Republic of Ireland.

It comes following an agreement between both companies to establish a majority owned joint venture in the United Kingdom comprising the UK operations of both organisations.

The deal is subject to approval by the relevant competition authorities.

In Ireland, Dawn Meats will have 9 facilities (including 5 abattoirs), following the addition of two complementary Dunbia facilities - one abattoir in Slane, and one boning hall in Kilbeggan.

The development is the second major merger in the Irish beef sector in the last 12 months following link up between the Larry Goodman owned ABP Group and Slaney Meats in 2016 which was vigorously opposed by farmers.

The companies say the combined UK businesses will trade as Dunbia and will deliver enhanced scale and market presence to better serve existing farmer suppliers and customers of both organisations across the retail, manufacturing, wholesale and food service sectors.

The businesses are highly complementary, and will offer customers regionally sourced solutions for both beef and lamb from 15 facilities across Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Across Dawn Meats and Dunbia, the businesses process approximately 900,000 cattle and 2.6m sheep annually.

Dawn Meats is also a 49pc shareholder in Elivia, the number 2 beef processor in France, which processes approximately 500,000 cattle annually.

Dunbia is a leading processor of beef and lamb with 9 sites located across the UK and Ireland, employing around 4,000 people. The company is one of Northern Irelands largest privately owned companies and currently exports to 36 countries worldwide.

Dunbias CEO Jim Dobson, OBE will be CEO of the new Dunbia JV, and Dawn Meats CEO Niall Browne, will be Executive Chairman. The Joint Venture will be run from Dunbias existing headquarters in Dungannon, Northern Ireland.

Commenting, Niall Browne, CEO of Dawn Meats said both companies are family businesses with a deep connection to farming and a culture and business ethos that is centered on quality and sustainability.

"Given the uncertainty posed by Brexit, this partnership should further underpin the competiveness of both operations to the benefit of all stakeholders in the UK, Ireland and across Europe.

We are very excited about the future of both companies and the opportunities that this transaction will bring for our staff, customers and suppliers.

"In our key operating markets we will be involved in 3 leading national businesses with Dawn Meats in Ireland, Dunbia in the UK and Elivia in France, with our cooperative partners Terrena, he said.

Meanwhile Jim Dobson, CEO of Dunbia said the right strategic partnership for Dunbias staff and customers and sees us joining with a company with a shared heritage of excellence in the production of premium beef and lamb products.

"The new UK joint venture confirms our future as a leading supplier in the UK market. In a consolidating industry this deal makes strategic sense for both companies, our customers and our farmer suppliers.
AN English company cannot fund legal action here taken over the 1996 award of the State's second mobile phone licence to a company headed by businessman Denis O'Brien, the Supreme Court has ruled.

The Supreme Court upheld the High Court's April 2016 finding that Persona Digital Telephony's funding arrangement with Harbour III Limited Partnership is impermissible. Harbour was to get an estimated 40pc of any return from the litigation against the State and Mr O'Brien whose Esat Digifone company won the licence.

The court upheld a finding that the Persona arrangement was unlawful under laws prohibiting "maintenance and champerty".

Chief Justice Susan Denham said third party funding to support a plaintiff is unlawful and none of the exceptions to that provision applied in the case.

A person who assists another's case without a bona fide independent interest acts unlawfully, she held.

Maintenance involves improper interference in civil proceedings including by providing financial help. Champerty refers to financial support provided in exchange for a share of proceeds if the case is won.

A number of judges voiced disquiet that the ruling may prevent a case of major importance going to court.

There is "a very real problem" in practice about access to justice, Mr Justice Frank Clarke said.

Mr Justice William McKechnie said he personally would defer making any order and invite the State to address the "deeply disturbing" situation of Persona being unable to prosecute its case "solely because of the continuing existence of ancient principles of law".
The chairman of the DAA, the semi-State body which controls Dublin and Cork airports, has indicated he might seek permission to breach the government-imposed pay cap as it hunts for a new chief executive.

The cap - introduced in 2010 by then Finance Minister Brian Lenihan - means that no CEO at a semi-State firm can be paid an annual salary of more than 250,000. The DAA's outgoing chief executive, Kevin Toland, is paid that basic salary, but in 2016 also received pension and other taxable benefits totalling 149,000, bringing his total remuneration to 399,000.

"Clearly, the cap on pay is way below market," said chairman Padraig O'Riordain. He said that while the DAA doesn't necessarily need to compete with pay offered by big stock market-listed companies, CEO pay at the DAA should rise.

Declan Collier, a former DAA chief executive, was paid a total of 530,000 (614,000) for his role as chief executive of London City Airport in 2015, which included a 31,000 pension contribution. London City Airport handled 4.3 million passengers that year, generated revenue of 106.7m (122.8m) and posted a profit after tax of 25.1m (29m).

Yesterday, the DAA reported that its revenue rose 17pc last year to a record 793m, while its profits after tax climbed 75pc to 108m, also a record. Dublin Airport handled 27.9 million passengers last year. The DAA will pay a 29m dividend this year to the State. It paid 18m last year.

Mr O'Riordain has previously argued for a review of the salary cap, but declined to say yesterday what he believed would be a CEO salary at the DAA which would be commensurate with the role. "I do think we need to get pay for chief executives up to a level that is in some way reasonable," he said. "It's something that really does have to change."

Read more: DAA 'on different level' now - Toland

He confirmed that he will see what the DAA can do in relation to the remuneration package it can offer a new chief executive, but until then will continue to abide by government guidelines. Mr Toland is leaving this year to become CEO of troubled baked goods giant Aryzta. Mr O'Riordain conceded that Mr Toland's pay is "a lot of money".

"The important thing to understand is that there is a market out there for top chief executives," he said. "For Ireland to say that we'll just ignore market conditions entirely in terms of what people are paid, is not very positive."

Mr Toland said it's also time that regulation of airport charges at Dublin Airport is revamped. The Commission for Aviation Regulation determines how much the DAA can levy in passenger charges, taking into account capital expenditure requirements. Mr Toland said he does not believe there should be any regulation, or at the very most, "light touch" regulation. He said the current framework continually puts the DAA "in a position of adversity with our customers every five years".
Kevin Toland was not being drawn yesterday on his new job as chief executive at Aryzta. The former Glanbia executive will take up the post at the embattled firm within a matter of months.

But he did reflect on his time at the DAA, where he has overseen a dramatic acceleration of capital expenditure as Dublin Airport in particular benefits from a revived economy. He said he had "thoroughly enjoyed" his time as CEO.

Passenger numbers have surged at Dublin during his time at the DAA, and so too has the number of services out of the capital. Construction of a controversial new runway has begun, while the DAA has also been building office blocks and investing heavily in other infrastructure at Dublin Airport.

There are challenges ahead, particularly in relation to the new runway, which has two restrictive usage conditions that the DAA wants removed.

He also said that the DAA continues to work towards establishing a service to China. Chinese airline Hainan is eyeing a route from Beijing to Dublin via Edinburgh, but Mr Toland said that if a such a service is launched he would expect Dublin to be able to quickly sustain a direct link.
ELECTRICITY prices are likely to increase by up to 15pc as Ireland deploys more renewable energy in a move to a low-carbon economy, but the costs will be far higher if we continue with business as usual.

A report setting out how the State can dramatically reduce emissions from power generation, residential heating and the transport sector also says the cost of retrofitting homes to make them warmer and cheaper to heat will be as high as 25bn, but that the costs will be repaid over a period of up to 12 years.

The PwC report, commissioned by the Electricity Association of Ireland, says that rapid deployment of electric vehicles, a possible ban on conventional cars and hikes to the carbon tax will all be needed to reduce emissions and prevent dangerous climate change.

While the cost of electricity is likely to rise by 10pc-15pc, investment in energy efficiency and transport will result in average household energy spend falling by 20pc. An 11pc hike in electricity costs would add 220 a year to bills, but business as usual with a high carbon price would add 510.

And it says the transition will provide economic opportunities. Development and deployment of clean technologies will provide job opportunities and create health benefits through cleaner air quality. Businesses will also gain a competitive advantage due to a reduction in energy and use of raw resources including water. Companies which have committed to drawing all their energy from renewable sources, like Apple, will be encouraged to invest here.

"Ireland's ability to attract Apple and its 850m data centre investment could be an insight into future opportunities," it says. "The marketing of Ireland's favourable climate, which reduces air conditioning requirements for data farms, when coupled with a low-carbon energy system could give Ireland a comparative advantage in the competitive market for FDI technology related investment."

The Paris climate deal, signed by 195 countries, commits to limiting average global temperature rises to no more than 2C which will require emissions to fall by up to 80pc in developed nations including Ireland.

The Government's draft National Mitigation Plan has been roundly criticised for failing to set out meaningful policies to reduce emissions in the short term, which the report warns will eventually add to costs.

"Failure by policy makers, consumers and businesses to prioritise mitigation action now will only serve to increase future cost and risk," it says, adding that failure to make efforts to decarbonise between 2020-2030 could impose additional costs globally of up to 5.6trn in the period up to 2050.

On transport, it says mass adoption of electric vehicles from 2025 - when they reach price parity with conventional motors - coupled with fuelling HGVs with biogas will help reduce transport emissions by up to 94pc. Biofuels may have to be imported to avoid impacting on food production.

Emissions from residential heating will drop by 80pc through extensive retrofitting of older homes and stringent building regulations on new-builds. It would take up to 12 years to repay the typical cost of a 'deep retrofit' costing 30,000, but average household energy consumption would drop by 71pc. The bill to retrofit all households could be 25bn.

A 92pc reduction in the electricity sector can be achieved by building a power system largely based on onshore wind and solar, with back-up to be provided by lower-emitting gas-fired power stations.

There should be limited supports for solar, and farms should be located beside wind developments to make use of grid connections. More interconnection will also be required, and coal and peat use phased out by 2025. The Government should also introduce a system of "continually-reducing" carbon budgets, where the amount which can be emitted over a particular period of time is set out. This already applies in the UK.
A FIRM controlled by billionaire US investor Charles Brandes has boosted its stake in Bulmers maker C&C to more than 9pc, confirming its position as the second-largest shareholder in the Irish drinks firm.

It's the second time in weeks that the Brandes Investment Partners vehicle has increased its holding in C&C.

The stake building comes just days after C&C released full-year results that showed it had slashed the value of its US assets by 129m during its last financial year as a recovery in its business there continues to elude it.

San Diego-based Brandes Investment Partners - which has its European HQ in Dublin and describes itself as a value investor - has raised its stake in C&C by 50pc since February this year. A US investment fund, controlled by Southeastern Asset Management, increased its stake in C&C to more than 15pc in February.

At the end of February 2016, C&C's biggest shareholder was Franklin Templeton, with a 10.7pc stake. At the time, Brandes owned 4.3pc of the drinks maker, whose large stable of brands also includes Tennent's.

But Franklin Templeton has slashed its holding in the Irish firm since then. The most recent stock exchange filing by the firm shows that on May 8, it held 4.9pc of C&C, having cut its stake from the previous 5.9pc level.

The latest stock exchange filing by Brandes Investment Partners shows that the US firm most recently raised its C&C holding on Monday this week. It now controls 28.1m shares in the cider maker, which are worth 98m. C&C has a market capitalisation of almost 1.1bn.

In its first-quarter update earlier this year, Brandes Investment Partners told investors that stock volatility would increase this year with elections in France, Germany and the Netherlands. Two of those elections have now been completed.

"The elections and the speculation leading up to them will likely increase volatility," it noted. "This could translate into opportunities at the company level, particularly within Europe where valuations have already appeared significantly discounted relative to those in the United States."

C&C's full-year results were welcomed by analysts. Net revenue fell 6.9pc to 559.5m in the year to the end of February. Its operating profit was unchanged at 95m. C&C raised its final dividend by 5pc to 9.3 cent per share.

Last year, it returned 66m to shareholders via dividends and share buybacks. Its shares have declined about 10pc since the start of the year.
Pre-tax profits at the construction firm that built the new 80m Central Bank HQ last year declined by 25pc to 2.82m.

New accounts filed by Walls Construction with the Companies Office show that the firm sustained the drop in profits in spite of revenues, increasing by 44.5pc from 101.49m to 146.5m in the 12 months to the end of December last.

The strong performance by the business last year resulted in it paying a dividend of 440,000 to its parent company.

Established in 1950, Walls is one of Ireland's oldest and largest construction firms. The directors state that the financial position of the company is strong and the directors expect that the company will continue its growth and build on its financial trading position.

The business was subject to an investor-backed management buyout in 2015 that was led by management and a number of private investors that includes a number of shareholders in PJ Walls Holdings.

Walls Manager Director, Eugene O'Shea said yesterday: "Since the management buyout, turnover for Walls Construction has steadily grown to 146.5m and the company now has the capacity and projects to ensure that this steady growth continues in 2017 and beyond.

"Following on from the recent completion of the Central Bank of Ireland and LinkedIn's EMEA HQ, Ballymore's Dublin Landings project on Dublin's North Wall Quay along with a major residential development for Park Developments in Churchtown, Dublin, are two of our key projects for Walls Construction in 2017."

Numbers employed by the firm increased from 156 to 163 and staff costs increased from 11.24m to 12.5m.
The Ireland Strategic Investment Fund (ISIF) has ploughed 45m into a venture aimed at easing the ongoing credit squeeze on SMEs, marking its latest intervention in the sector since the onset of the financial crisis.

The Government's ISIF is funnelling the cash into a new pan-European debt fund run by the New York-based credit specialist, Muzinich.

The US firm yesterday confirmed it plans to open an office in Dublin shortly and said it is in the "process of hiring a private debt specialist to head up" its new Irish operations.

ISIF has pledged 40m to the fund's first close and 5m to a second funding round. Muzinich has previously said it is aiming to raise between 500m to 1bn for the vehicle.

The State contribution means Muzinich will inject at least 67.5m into Irish SMEs, and in an effort to ensure the debt winds-up where the credit restrictions are tightest, the fund will target firms looking for loans of 10m or less.

A spokesperson for ISIF yesterday confirmed the investment and said discussions about Muzinich establishing a presence in Ireland had been underway since early 2016.

News of the Government's involvement with the US firm, which manages $28bn worth of assets, came as Muzinich revealed it had raised 180m from pension funds, insurance companies and family offices as a first close of its Pan-European Private Debt Fund.

The Irish loans will be rolled into the closed-end vehicle, which has an eight-year investment term.

Veteran investor, George Muzinich, who founded the credit boutique in 1988, has previously described the push into Ireland as part of a longer-term strategy to provide financing to medium-sized enterprises in Europe.

While Muzinich has only just launched the new European fund that can co-invest with the likes of ISIF, filings with the Securities & Exchange Commission show it has been preparing the groundwork for years.

A document lodged with the SEC in 2015 states the firm "invests in the credit of middle-market companies in Italy and Iberia (ie Spain and Portugal) which do not have access to public capital markets".

The fund, headquartered in Luxembourg and mandated to invest across the capital stack is targeted at SMEs with an ebitda of between 3m and 20m. The loan maturities range from five-to-eight years. Kirsten Bode, a co-manager of the fund said the withdrawal of banks from the SME sector had created a "compelling opportunity" for it and its investors.
Jonathan Cheban, Allie Rizzo, Simon Huck and Kourtney Kardashian attends the 2016 Angel Ball hosted by Gabrielle's Angel Foundation For Cancer Research on November 21, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Gabrielle's Angel Foundation)

Kim Kardashian's best friend Jonathan Cheban will co-host TV3's Xpose this Thursday and Friday.

The former CBB housemate will join Karen Koster, Glenda Gilson and Cassie Stokes to kick off Xposes summer series of guest presenters who will be popping in over the coming months.

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The reality TV star and entrepreneur is best known for his recurring role on Keeping Up with the Kardashians but has had some notable appearances on the small screen in the UK including Celebrity Big Brother and Celebs Go Dating.

Speaking ahead of his Xpose hosting duties Jonathan said: Ive done lots of TV is the US and the UK but never in Ireland so I cant wait

Expand Close Jonathan Cheban, Allie Rizzo, Simon Huck and Kourtney Kardashian attends the 2016 Angel Ball hosted by Gabrielle's Angel Foundation For Cancer Research on November 21, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Gabrielle's Angel Foundation) / Facebook

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The 43-year-old is an entrepreneur who has many credits under his name, including publicist, CEO, reality star, designer, restauranteur, and a self-proclaimed "food god."

TV3 are expected to announce more high-profile guest presenters over the coming days, following the recent departure of Ruth ONeill.
People rush out of the Arndale shopping centre as it is evacuated in Manchester. Photo: REUTERS

Serious concerns were raised at a Cabinet meeting about the lack of security measures at concert and sport venues in Ireland.

Super Junior Minister Finian McGrath is understood to have told colleagues he had "serious concerns for public safety" in the wake of the horrific concert bombing in Manchester.

Mr McGrath and Transport Minister Shane Ross both asked Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald for assurances on the State's preparations for the eventuality of a terror attack.

But Mrs Fitzgerald insisted she had confidence in security arrangements currently used by gardai to prevent a terrorism incident in Ireland.

Garda Commissioner Noirin O'Sullivan briefed her yesterday morning on the response to the latest developments.

Gardai are planning to take part in a series of exercises with specialist units from other European police forces in a bid to streamline the response to the growing threat from international terrorism.

Joint training between the police forces is already well advanced but is being stepped up and remodelled to deal with events similar to recent attacks in Paris, London, Stockholm and now Manchester.

Senior Garda officers are also reviewing current tactics and planning to protect the public and prevent an atrocity here.

Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Previous Next Close People gather ahead of a vigil in Albert Square, Manchester, after a 23-year-old man was arrested in connection with the Manchester concert bomb attack. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday May 23, 2017. The attack killed 22 people, including children, and injured dozens more in the worst terrorist incident to hit Britain since the July 7 atrocities. See PA story POLICE Explosion. Photo credit should read: Martin Rickett/PA Wire Women wait to take part in a vigil for the victims of an attack on concert goers at Manchester Arena, in central Manchester, Britain May 23, 2017. REUTERS/Darren Staples People gather ahead of a vigil in Albert Square, Manchester, after a 23-year-old man was arrested in connection with the Manchester concert bomb attack. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday May 23, 2017. The attack killed 22 people, including children, and injured dozens more in the worst terrorist incident to hit Britain since the July 7 atrocities. See PA story POLICE Explosion. Photo credit should read: Martin Rickett/PA Wire A woman waits to take part in a vigil for the victims of an attack on concert goers at Manchester Arena, in central Manchester, Britain May 23, 2017. REUTERS/Jon Super Former England cricket captain Andrew 'Freddie' Flintoff in the crowd ahead of a vigil in Albert Square, Manchester, after a 23-year-old man was arrested in connection with the Manchester concert bomb attack. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday May 23, 2017. The attack killed 22 people, including children, and injured dozens more in the worst terrorist incident to hit Britain since the July 7 atrocities. See PA story POLICE Explosion. Photo credit should read: Martin Rickett/PA Wire Sikhs wave placards before a vigil for the victims of an attack on concert goers at Manchester Arena, in central Manchester, Britain May 23, 2017. REUTERS/Jon Super People hold a placard as they take part in a vigil for the victims of an attack on concert goers at Manchester Arena, in central Manchester, Britain May 23, 2017. REUTERS/Peter Nicholls People attendn a vigil for the victims of an attack on concert goers at Manchester Arena, in central Manchester, Britain May 23, 2017. REUTERS/Jon Super TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY People gather for a vigil in George Square, Glasgow, after a 23-year-old man was arrested in connection with the Manchester concert bomb attack. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday May 23, 2017. The attack killed 22 people, including children, and injured dozens more in the worst terrorist incident to hit Britain since the July 7 atrocities. See PA story POLICE Explosion. Photo credit should read: Paul Ward/PA Wire People leave flowers during a vigil in George Square, Glasgow, after a 23-year-old man was arrested in connection with the Manchester concert bomb attack. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday May 23, 2017. The attack killed 22 people, including children, and injured dozens more in the worst terrorist incident to hit Britain since the July 7 atrocities. See PA story POLICE Explosion. Photo credit should read: Paul Ward/PA Wire People leave flowers during a vigil in George Square, Glasgow, after a 23-year-old man was arrested in connection with the Manchester concert bomb attack. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday May 23, 2017. The attack killed 22 people, including children, and injured dozens more in the worst terrorist incident to hit Britain since the July 7 atrocities. See PA story POLICE Explosion. Photo credit should read: Paul Ward/PA Wire People attend a vigil in Albert Square outside Manchester Town Hall after a 23-year-old man was arrested in connection with the Manchester concert bomb attack. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday May 23, 2017. The attack killed 22 people, including children, and injured dozens more in the worst terrorist incident to hit Britain since the July 7 atrocities. See PA story POLICE Explosion. Photo credit should read: Danny Lawson/PA Wire People gather for a vigil in Albert Square outside Manchester Town Hall in Manchester after a 23-year-old man was arrested in connection with the Manchester concert bomb attack. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday May 23, 2017. The attack killed 22 people, including children, and injured dozens more in the worst terrorist incident to hit Britain since the July 7 atrocities. See PA story POLICE Explosion. Photo credit should read: Joe Giddens/PA Wire Scenes at the vigil in Albert Square in Manchester for the bombing victims Credit: Kyran O'Brien Scenes at the vigil in Albert Square in Manchester for the bombing victims Credit: Kyran O'Brien Scenes at the vigil in Albert Square in Manchester for the bombing victims Credit: Kyran O'Brien Scenes at the vigil in Albert Square in Manchester for the bombing victims Credit: Kyran O'Brien Scenes at the vigil in Albert Square in Manchester for the bombing victims Credit: Kyran O'Brien Scenes at the vigil in Albert Square in Manchester for the bombing victims Credit: Kyran O'Brien Scenes at the vigil in Albert Square in Manchester for the bombing victims Credit: Kyran O'Brien Scenes at the vigil in Albert Square in Manchester for the bombing victims Credit: Kyran O'Brien Scenes at the vigil in Albert Square in Manchester for the bombing victims Credit: Kyran O'Brien Scenes at the vigil in Albert Square in Manchester for the bombing victims Credit: Kyran O'Brien Scenes at the vigil in Albert Square in Manchester for the bombing victims Credit: Kyran O'Brien / Facebook

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Whatsapp People gather ahead of a vigil in Albert Square, Manchester, after a 23-year-old man was arrested in connection with the Manchester concert bomb attack. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday May 23, 2017. The attack killed 22 people, including children, and injured dozens more in the worst terrorist incident to hit Britain since the July 7 atrocities. See PA story POLICE Explosion. Photo credit should read: Martin Rickett/PA Wire

Read more: 'An attack on innocence and happiness' - Taoiseach Enda Kenny's strong words following Manchester suicide bomb attack

The threat level in this country remains at "moderate" after the Manchester bombing. This means a terror attack here is possible, but not likely.

The Tanaiste said: "While there has been no change to the security assessment here and no specific information about a threat to us, the attack is a reminder that no one can be considered immune from those whose hatred of our values drives such evil acts."

This morning Ms O'Sullivan will again meet with the other commissioners and chiefs.

Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Previous Next Close An injured woman is helped out of the Manchester Arena after last nights blast at a gig by Ariana Grande, which left 19 dead Police escort members of the public from the Manchester Arena on May 23, 2017 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images) Police stand by a cordoned off street close to the Manchester Arena. Photo: Dave Thompson/Getty Images Two women wrapped in thermal blankets stand near the Manchester Arena. Photo: Reuters Concert goers react after fleeing the Manchester Arena after the explosion. Concert goers wait to be picked up at the scene of a suspected terrorist attack during a pop concert by US star Ariana Grande in Manchester A tweet from U.S. singer Ariana Grande is seen as she makes her first comment since a bombing at her concert in Manchester Armed police man roadblocks outside the arena after reports of an explosion at the venue during an Ariana Grande gig. Photo: PA A police officer escorts people near the Manchester Arena Police escort members of the public from the Manchester Arena on May 23, 2017 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images) People running down stairs as they attempt to exit the Manchester Arena after a blast Police corden off an area close to the Box Office entrance to the Manchester Arena. Photo by Dave Thompson/Getty Images Emergency services at the scene. Photo: PA A police officer talks to locals outside the Manchester Arena. Photo: Reuters Armed police officers stand outside the Manchester Arena. Photo: Reuters An armoured police Land Rover drives away from the Manchester Arena on May 23, 2017 in Manchester, England (Photo by Dave Thompson/Getty Images) People sit by the side of the road next to a police cordon outside the Manchester Arena. Photo: Reuters Still image taken from video shows a street scene near Manchester Arena after the blast Armed police block a road near to the Manchester Arena / Facebook

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According to the Commissioner, the Garda force has to be conscious of the changing environment in which it operates.

She said the face of terrorism was changing and would continue to change and the force had to make sure it was able to respond to whatever threat arose.

Briefing documents given to ministers at yesterday's Cabinet meeting confirmed that there was a "small number of people here whose activities are a cause of concern in terms of supporting terrorism".

"They will continue to be monitored by authorities and, where evidence is available, they will face the full rigours of the law", a memo said.

Read more - Analysis: Threat of extremist attack in Ireland lies more with the lone wolf - but what are we doing to prevent it?

Earlier, Defence Minister Paul Kehoe confirmed that security here will be kept under constant review.

"There is ongoing training between members of An Garda Siochana and the Defence Forces as to how deal with such challenges if something was to happen here in Ireland.

"This is kept under constant review. We have to look at what happened in Britain, of course.

"It would be very foolish if we didn't look at what happened in Britain and I know that Minister Frances Fitzgerald will be in touch with her counterpart in the UK, as will the Garda Commissioner with her counterpart in the UK, to look at how this happened," he said.

More than 400 gardai will be drafted in to Slane Castle for this Saturday's sold-out Guns N' Roses concert.

A senior Garda source said that a "high-level" risk assessment is expected to be carried out prior to the event to ensure all precautions are put in place for the event, which will be attended by 83,000 fans.

"Nothing is being left to chance with this event. A major security operation will be put in place on the day and a full risk assessment is due to be carried out to highlight any potential weak points," he said.
A number of car dealerships in Co Donegal are joining forces to raise money for cancer research.

The Donegal International Car Push 2017 is a race between 11 of Donegals main car dealers to raise money for Relay for Life Donegal.

The car dealerships are coming together to maximise their impact and raise vital funds.

Organiser Ciaran Shields told Independent.ie that the car dealers hope to raise thousands of euro for cancer research.

Expand Close Donegal International Car push participants with members Ena Barrett and Robert O'Connor from Relay for Life / Facebook

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"It's going to be a fun event supported by the main car dealerships in Letterkenny. We decided this year we would all come together to raise vital funds for the fight against cancer."

The event is taking place on Thursday May 25 at 7pm at the Canal Road, Letterkenny, Co Donegal.

Each dealer has a team of eight who push their car for three kilometres leaving the start line at two minute intervals and racing against the clock.

The cars are being pushed by staff members of each of the 11 garages in Donegal.

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To add to the excitement and the fun of the event each dealer is getting a Rally Driver/Celebrity to steer the car around the course.

Celebrity drivers include Eugene Donnelly, Garry Jennings, Manus Kelly, Badminton player Chloe Magee as well as previous Rally winners.

All funds raised before and during the Relay for Life Donegal event this year will go directly to a major research programme presently underway at Letterkenny University Hospital for cancer survivors.
The family of a woman who was killed in a freak Luas accident have secured 548,000, plus costs, under a settlement of their High Court action.

Yao Webster (35) was on her way to work in Ushers Island post office, and may have stopped to tie her lace, when the crash happened at the junction of Abbey Street and Jervis Street around 8.45am on April 7th 2014.

A Luas tram, which was travelling on the Red Line towards Tallaght, collided with a silver BMW car coming from the direction of the quays towards Parnell Street.

After being hit by the tram, the car spun out of control and into Ms Webster who was on the footpath outside the Leprechaun Museum.

The car had broken a red light, Hugh OKeeffe SC, for Robin Webster, husband of the deceased, told the court today when asking it to approve a settlement of the proceedings.

It seemed death was instantaneous but, after being advised about the extent of Ms Websters injuries, her husband and parents had decided against seeing her body, counsel outlined.

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Mr Webster (44), a software developer of Eden Grove, Donabate, Co Dublin, had sued Quentin Hannezo, of Hapenny Bridge House, Lower Ormond Quay, driver of the BMW, and Transdev Dublin Light rail Ltd, trading as Luas, over the accident.

The settlement is against the defendants but it includes an indemnity in favour of Transdev.

The bulk of the 548,000 goes to Mr Webster and his daughter while his wifes parents, who live in China, will get 20,000. The deceased was their only child.

Outlining the case, Mr OKeeffe said Mr Webster met his wife met her when she came here to study English and they married in August 2003. Both worked and Ms Webster had various jobs. At the time of the accident, she was a post office assistant in Ushers Quay.

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Mr Webster suffered a severe grief reaction but did his best to maintain his daughters routine after the accident, counsel said. Her parents remain in contact with their grandchild and Mr Webster hoped she would learn Mandarin and Chinese customs.

Mr Justice Kevin Cross approved the settlement as a very good one for this tragic and difficult case.

After the settlement, Mr Webster's solicitor Dermot McNamara said the case highlighted the potential danger for motorists approaching Luas crossings.

He said a momentary lapse in concentration by the motorist in this case proved to be "devastating" for the Webster family.

"A momentary lapse in concentration by the motorist in this case proved to be devastating for the Webster family and led to Yao being taken from her adored daughter Chloe (who only turned five yesterday), her loving husband Robin and her parents in China who lost their only child, said Mr McNamara.

"An unfortunate set of circumstances led to the instant ending of the life of a devoted mother, wife and daughter as she walked along the footpath to her place of work. She is dearly missed by her family whose life will never be the same.

"This case should be a warning to all motorists to exercise caution when driving near Luas lines and not take chances when approaching traffic lights as the consequences of a collision with a Luas Tram could be catastrophic."
A woman who alleged, as a student with dyslexia, she was discriminated against because special explanatory notes were attached to her Leaving Certificate has lost her Supreme Court appeal over the rejection of her claims.

The notes stated Kim Cahill was not assessed on spelling and grammatical elements of language subjects.

Her case involved interpretation of discrimination provisions of the Equal Status Act 2000 in relation to provision of education services here.

Before she sat the Leaving in 2001, Ms Cahill asked for, and got, an exemption from assessment in relation to spelling and grammar elements of language subjects and her Certificate stated she received those exemptions.

The Equality Tribunal upheld her complaint the annotations effectively labelled her as disabled and directed the Minister for Education to pay compensation of 6,000 to her, and to another student who made a similar complaint. The Minister was also directed to issue both students with new Leaving Certificates without the notations.

The Minister successfully appealed to the Circuit Civil Court in 2007 and the High Court in 2010 rejected Ms Cahill's appeal against that decision. The Minister denied discrimination and argued deletion of the notation from Ms Cahill's certificate would constitute a misrepresentation to employers or others relying on it and call the integrity of the exam into question.

Ms Cahill's appeal to the Supreme Court was run by lawyers assigned by the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, successor to the Equality Authority. Ms Cahill, who has since graduated from Dublin City University and is employed and a mother, was in court on Wednesday when all five judges dismissed the appeal. Costs issues will be addressed later.

In her judgment, Ms Justice Mary Laffoy said important legal issues raised concerned the proper construction and application of provisions of the Equal Status Act 2000, particularly Sections 3, 4 and 5, all concerning discrimination.

Section 3 generally defines discrimination, Section 4 addresses its meaning in the context of a disability ground and Section 5 prohibits disscrimination on grounds including in providing a service.

The basis of Ms Cahill's case was she was discriminated against within the meaning of Section 4.1 and the notes attached to her Leaving, plus the waiver relating to spelling and grammar assessment, did not meet the Minister's obligation to accommodate her needs as a disabled person. She alleged she was treated less favourably than another student whose Leaving Cert was not annotated.

The judge held there was no error in findings that, as a result of the waiver and annotation, the Minister had not failed to do all that was reasonable to accommodate Ms Cahill's needs and she had not been discriminated against.

There was no discrimination, within the meaning of Section 3.1 or Section 4.1 contrary to Section 5, on the Minister's part, she ruled.

The Chief Justice, Ms Justice Susan Denham, Mr Justice Donal O'Donnell and Ms Justice Elizabeth Dunne agreed with Ms Justice Laffoy.

In his judgment, Mr Justice John MacMenamin said, while it was not hard to understand Ms Cahill's concern the annotation creates a form of "stigma", cases must be decided on evidence.

The evidence here was "all one way", established, where accommodation is provided internationally, it is "always" accompanied by some form of annotation.

While he considered the Circuit Court and High Court had erred in their findings concerning Section 4.5, this case allowed for compatible findings under Section 3.1 there was no unlawful discrimination and, in the substantive sense, the Department did all that was reasonable in "accommodation", accompanied by annotation

Because the relevant law is in a stage of development and the appeal has clarified it, that "must represent a vindication, although perhaps a limited one", for Ms Cahill, he added.

Mr Justice O'Donnell expressed reservations about Mr Justice MacMenamim's view whether a potential other case may have been made concerning the procedures followed by the Department and said he was concerned whether the relevant provisions of the 2000 Act - Sections 4 and 5.2.h - could be read as suggested in order to make such a case.
Gayle Killilea has separated from her bankrupt developer husband Sean Dunne and claims she has not received any benefit from the 14m sale of a house on Dublin's Shrewsbury Road.

Ms Killilea is a businesswoman in her own right and Mr Dunne owes her and her children a lot of money, she said in an affidavit to the High Court.

She said she has produced evidence to show Mr Dunne transferred ownership of 'Walford', on Shrewsbury Road, to her in 2005 long before he was declared bankrupt in 2013 over default on some 164m in loans to Ulster Bank.

However, Ms Killilea believes the likely beneficiary of the sale of Walford last year is John Dunne, her stepson and Sean's son from his first marriage. It was sold for 14.2m by a Cypriot-registered company, Yesreb, to Celtic Trustees which is held in a family trust whose settlor is financier Dermot Desmond.

Injunction

Ms Killilea is challenging the basis for an injunction preventing her reducing her assets below 50m, because of an alleged scheme by the couple to put Mr Dunne's assets beyond the reach of his creditors.

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Ms Killilea wants to cross-examine bankruptcy official assignee Chris Lehane over the evidence which was used to obtain the injunction freezing her assets.

She said Mr Lehane did not substantiate the grounds on which he got the freezing injunction, and was reckless as to how he did so by not providing evidence for matters which he purported to be beliefs or facts.

Mr Lehane denies her claims.

Ms Killilea has complained the Irish freezing proceedings were an abuse of process as a similar freezing order had been sought in the US in 2012 by Nama but was refused.

Mr Lehane sought the injunction on the basis that Ulster Bank had undertaken it would pay any damages should the full action against Ms Killilea be unsuccessful, the court heard.

Ms Killilea said she was judicially separated in 2010 and has suffered abuse, harassment and intimidation which has had an effect on her wellbeing.

She said neither she nor Sean Dunne owns the Cypriot company, Yesreb, which had sold Walford, as Mr Lehane had claimed.

The court heard some of the evidence Mr Lehane obtained for his case came from a search on a house in the K-Club in Kildare in 2007.

A handwritten "letter of wishes" was found, which was signed by Sean Dunne, Ms Killilea and John Dunne in which Sean Dunne said he "regarded himself as the owner of Walford".

Alan Doherty SC, for Ms Killilea, said there were several matters, including that letter of wishes, which his client wanted to challenge Mr Lehane on. The case continues.
A beautician stabbed her toddler son to death with a pair of scissors while suffering from a delusion that he was a 'clone', a court has heard.

Hazel Waters (47) left the body of two-year-old Hassan at her apartment and went to her sister-in-law's house, where gardai were called. Officers then went to Waters's home to find the child in his bedroom with scissors in his neck and his mother's bloody footprint beside the body.

The Central Criminal Court heard Waters, a "devoted mother", had an emotionally unstable personality disorder, was under extreme stress and had suffered a psychotic episode when she killed her son. Psychiatrists said while she was not considered insane in law, her mental state left her with diminished responsibility at the time of the killing.

In a victim impact statement, her sister Olivia said the family were "double victims" of the tragedy, and they had never fully recovered.

She questioned "why couldn't the services have done more to intervene when they knew there was a problem?"

Distressed

Waters, of Ridge Hall, Ballybrack, Dublin, pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of Muhammad Hassan Khan between October 15 and 16, 2014. Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy adjourned her sentence hearing to June 1.

Detective Sergeant Joe O'Hara said when Waters went to the home of her sister-in-law Maria Waters she was in a distressed state.

When asked where Hassan was, she said "they had taken him". She was unable to say who they were or where he was.

There had been a previous CRI child safety alert and gardai were called. When gardai went inside Waters's apartment, it was in disarray, with a lot of material that had been torn and put into bags. The body of the child was found in his bedroom. He had a pair of scissors in his neck, to the left-hand side.

Read more: 'Our family are double victims in this tragedy' - Broken hearted family of mum who stabbed son (2) to death

Staining from what appeared to be blood splattering was on Waters's jeans.

The accused did not recall the events of the killing. In a text to her older son Jessie on the morning Hassan died, she had said "they are coming for me now. Hassan is a fake child and they are making people and children to look the same".

A social worker had tried to contact her up to the morning of the killing, when she could not gain access to the apartment.

When told she was suspected of her son's murder, Waters said she would never hurt him.

"I definitely did not harm my son," she told gardai. "I would never harm him."

"When asked about his death, she was unable to recall, or did not wish to recall," Luan O Braonain SC, prosecuting, said.

Waters could not recall sending the text to Jessie, and asked why she would mention cloning, she said: "I have no idea."

She had scrapes on her face and when asked how she got them she said: "I have no idea."

The court heard Waters had begun acting strangely before the killing.

She had been in a relationship with Hassan's father Saleem Khan since 2008 and alleged it was abusive both mentally and physically on occasion.

In a victim impact statement, Mr Khan said he had returned to Pakistan and forgave his wife "for this hideous crime".
A two-year-old child suffered terror on almost a daily basis for five months while in the care of a creche exposed by RTE on its A Breach of Trust documentary in 2013, a judge heard today Wednesday.

Barrister Michael Connellan told Circuit Court President, Mr Justice Raymond Groarke, in the Circuit Civil Court that when being taken to the Giraffe Childcare creche by her parents little Emilie Kiely used to plead with them: no creche, no creche.

Mr Connellan, who appeared with Carley and Connellan Solicitors for Emilie and her parents, John and Caroline Kiely, said Giraffe Childcare, which was responsible for the running of Belarmine Childcare in Stepaside, Enniskerry Road, Co Dublin, had offered Emilie a damages settlement of 23,000

Counsel told Judge Groarke that Emilie, now aged six, suffered personal injury in the form of stress and emotional upset and terror over a five month period between September 2012 and January 2013 in the Toddlers Room.

The court heard that Emilie had been under the care of a certain individual who was abusive towards the children in her care.

Emilie showed signs of behavioural changes of anxiety and distress and when collected each evening was often withdrawn, red faced, tired and would fall into a disturbed sleep.

Mr Kiely, in an affidavit to the court, said he and his wife discussed the problem with Emilies carer who reassured both of them she was receiving an appropriate level of care under her supervision.

A month later Emilies demeanour improved when she was changed to a new room.

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Then in May 2013 he and his wife learned of RTEs programme A Breach of Trust and viewed it in June and, while their daughter did not feature in any video footage, it showed the minder they had previously confided in behaving angrily and screaming at children.

Afterwards they made alternative arrangements for Emilies care and took out a claim for compensation on Emilies behalf. Two years ago Judge James ODonoghue rejected a settlement offer of 15,000 from Giraffe Childcare.

The court heard that Emilie first attended the creche at the age of eight months and was all right for the first 13 months.

It was in September 2012 when she was transferred to the Toddlers Room that her personality changed after having been introduced to a harsh childcare regime for five months.

Judge Groarke, who was assured there was no serious risk to Emilies future psychological development, approved the 23,000 offer.
There is no need for cross examination of the official overseeing developer Sean Dunne's bankruptcy arising out of efforts to find out whether assets have been transferred to his wife Gayle Killilea, the High Court heard.

Mark Sanfey SC, for the official assignee in bankruptcy, Chris Lehane, said a court will be more than able to assess whether beliefs of Mr Lehane, based on his investigations, were over-stated.

A court could do so without cross examination and, if it finds Mr Lehane had over-stated matters, that would accordingly weaken his case, counsel said.

Mr Sanfey was making submissions in a challenge by Ms Killilea to the basis for Mr Lehane obtaining a temporary order freezing her assets below 50m.

She wants the court to allow her lawyers cross-exam Mr Lehane about his affidavits which led to the that order. The freezing order case has yet to go to a hearing on whether it should remain in place pending full trial of all matters.

A central part of Mr Lehane's assertion that there was a scheme by the couple to put assets beyond the reach of creditors relates to a house in Dublin bought in 2005 by Mr Dunne and shortly afterwards transferred to Ms Killilea.

Walford, Shrewsbury Road was bought by Mr Dunne for 58m, making it the expensive home in Ireland at the time. It was sold for 14.2m by a trust company called Yesreb last year to another trust whose ultimate settlor is businessman Dermot Desmond.

The proceeds of that sale are in an escrow account pending the outcome of legal proceedings.

The court heard both Mr Dunne and Ms Killilea had denied knowledge of Yesreb at other hearings.

In one of his affidavits, Mr Lehane says Ms Killilea had stated in evidence, in a separate case related to other companies she was involved in, that in 2013 she gave a loan note for 11.5m to her stepson John Dunne, Sean Dunne's son from his first marriage, to buy Walford from her.

Ownership was transferred to Yesreb, a Cyprus-registered trust, whereby if Walford was sold, the profits would go to the children of Ms Killilea and Mr Dunne and also to John Dunne.

Mr Sanfey said despite the claim of the 11.5m loan note, John Dunne has not to date sworn a statement in relation to it.

Mr Lehane had been given no evidence to show 11.5m was repaid to Ms Killilea by Yesreb, counsel said.

The court heard Ms Killilea, who was referred to as Dunne by the Lehane side and Killilea by her own counsel, had judicially separated in 2010. She says she is a businesswoman in her own right and cannot be held responsible for what Mr Dunne has said.

She insists Mr Dunne had bought Walford for her, in trust, in 2005.

Mr Lehane says there is evidence to show Mr Dunne claimed ownership, including in a "letter of wishes" signed in 2007.

When the full hearing of the freezing order injunction takes place, these are matters which can be addressed, counsel for Mr Lehane argued.

They were not matters which required the cross-examination of Mr Lehane, he said.

If the court does decide he should be cross-examined then his (Lehane's) side would seek to cross-examine Ms Killilea too, counsel said.

In reply, Alan Doherty SC, for Ms Killilea said this freezing order application was exceptional for a number of reasons.

These included mis-statements and over statements by Mr Lehane in his affidavit, including a claim by him that Yesreb was not to be trusted. The level of omissions by Mr Lehane in his affidavits was exceptional, counsel said.

Ms Killilea is prepared to, and wants, to give evidence when the full freezing order hearing takes place, he said.

Ms Justice Caroline Costello reserved her judgment.
Flag day: Rama Shaban (at back) and Diaa, Ajnana and Sheffa Zlhnah, all from Syria, at Scoil Ghobnatan Bellevue, Mallow, Co Cork Photo: Michael Mac Sweeney/Provision

Primary teachers and principals are concerned that there is not enough English language support being given to immigrant children in schools.

Primary teachers and principals are concerned that there is not enough English language support being given to immigrant children in schools.

Teaching English to migrant families, who are not fluent, is seen as a crucial part of integration.

The Government's own Migration Integration Strategy says migrants have a need for well-developed English language skills in order to integrate well and participate fully in the life of the state.

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The Government has stated that it will review the adequacy of English language supports in schools.

But the Irish National Teachers Organisation (INTO) says the number of English language support teachers in schools was slashed by 1000 in the recession - and the numbers have never recovered.

After the upsurge in immigration at start of the last decade, the Government appointed special teachers to help migrant children with English.

Peter Mullan, INTO assistant general secretary, said: "This meant that schools could tackle language barriers and within a couple of years, the children were able to access the curriculum reasonably well.

"When the crisis hit, those teachers were among the first to be taken out of the system."

At the time of the crash, Dr Colm McCarthy, author of the 'An Bord Snip' report, justified cuts of English language support by saying: "Those who teach English to newcomer children... are not needed as much as they were before."

Dr McCarthy based his remarks on estimated immigration patterns. But any forecast of a significant exodus of migrant families proved wide of the mark, and numbers have continued to rise during this decade.

The 2016 census figures show 612,018 Irish residents speak a foreign language at home, an increase of 19pc since 2011. Polish is the most common language, followed by French, Romanian and Lithuanian.

Of these foreign language speakers, 77,000 did not speak English well, or they did not speak the language at all. Among the nationalities professing the least ability at English were Poles, Romanians, Chinese and Brazilians.

Despite the continuing increase in the number of migrant families, the number of language support teachers has not been restored to the levels before the economic crash, according to Peter Mullan.

Mullan says the budget for English language support has tended to be rolled in with special needs.

Schools are only assigned extra language support teachers in exceptional circumstances.

The number of migrant children entering education varies enormously from school to school.

In some schools, over half the pupils are from migrant backgrounds, and the school population can be affected by a sudden influx of families.

Scoil Ghobnatan in Mallow, Co Cork is among the most cosmopolitan schools in the country, welcoming children of 40 different nationalities. Up to 55pc of the 570 pupils in the school come from backgrounds where English is not the primary language.

The school only has one full-time teacher devoted to English language support, and the school is assigned a temporary support teacher every year after pupils are tested for language proficiency.

Principal Mick Walsh said: "Before the recession we had far fewer children needing language provision, but we had four English language teachers at the time."

He says the number of migrant children is high throughout the school.

More than half of the students arriving into Junior Infants next autumn have an international background. The new intake will include four Syrian children. English language support teachers have special training, often through continuous professional development. Walsh says: "These teachers are very well trained. The problem is that they are spread far too thin." The focus in Scoil Ghobnatan and many other schools is on giving children help with English in the Junior and Senior Infants classes.

The language support teachers often work in the classroom.

At various points during the year children would also be taught in a resource room.

"The problem in the school is that for English language support we now have much larger groups for shorter periods of time."

Problems with English language support can continue at second level, particularly if children arrive from abroad during that period without the benefit of language learning at primary level.

In a 2015 paper on second-level supports, Trinity College academics found that most principals felt that staff were not prepared for the inter-cultural classrooms now facing them.

One education official who has worked in the area of English language support says helping students with poor English can be more complex at second level. Because children are taught subjects by separate teachers, timetabling for English language support can be more difficult. Despite the concerns, the census figures appear to show that the ability of migrants to speak English improves rapidly once children start school. Only 386 children at primary level are unable to speak English at all.

In families where a foreign language is spoken at home, children of second-level school age are the cohort with the best English speaking ability and they outperform adults, according to the census figures.

Close scrutiny of the census figures may serve to highlight the need for more comprehensive English language classes for adults.

According to the 2016 census, 15pc of people in the 25-64 age group who speak foreign languages at home speak English either "not well" or "not at all".

Local education and training boards organise free language classes for newcomers, but these are limited in their scope.

Inez Bailey, director of the National Adult Literacy Agency, says: "It's a very basic service - usually between two and four hours a week - and in areas where there are high population densities, there can be waiting lists to get on a course.

"Having good English language classes is very important. A lot of these people are trying to improve their prospects in terms of careers and support their children in education.

"Being able to speak the language is essential in terms of socialisation and integration in communities."

'How can refugees integrate if they don't chat and talk to Irish people?'

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Journalist Razan Ibraheem believes learning good English is crucial for the Syrian refugee families that have arrived here since the start of the year.

The former teacher came here from Syria to study for a master's degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) at the University of Limerick in 2011.

Ibraheem (above) now works in Dublin as a journalist for Storyful.

She says good English will help refugees and immigrants integrate into the new society and culture.

"How can refugees integrate if they don't chat and talk to Irish people and know how Irish people think, their values and their dreams and vice versa?"

She is in favour of maximising the number of English classes for refugee children.

"From my own experience, schools in Ireland have been making great efforts to integrate the new refugee students by providing extra classes."

"However, children learn English more easily than adults.

"I think more focus and effort should be spent on adults to empower them - and help them to break the ice with the new community and help them to find jobs.

"The English courses should be intensive and should not only focus on grammar and conversation. They should also introduce refugees to Irish law, history and culture."
Irish people paid tribute to the victims of the Manchester bombing this morning as a Book of Condolence was laid out by the Lord Mayor of Dublin in the Mansion House.

Minister Simon Coveney was one of the first to sign the book, as a steady stream of people arrived to pay their respects to the victims of the "absolutely devastating" tragedy.

At least 22 people were killed and dozens more injured when a suicide bomber detonated an explosive at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester Arena on Monday night. Many of the victims of the attack were teenagers and children, with 8-year-old Saffie Rose Roussos named as the youngest fatality.

A number of people are still missing following the attack by British-born Salman Abedi, who had proven links with Islamic terror group Islamic State, according to the French interior minister.

One man who arrived to sign the book described the attack as "just horrible" and urged people to stand together with Muslims to combat the extremist groups "terror tactics".

Speaking to Independent.ie, Patrick Redmond said: "I think we need to make a stand. Its probably more than likely trying to create a backlash against the ordinary Muslims in England and it is terror tactics, we need to stand up and support them and we need to eradicate the evil thats going on.

"As Christians were supposed to love our enemies but how far do we go?"

He added: "I just think its horrible. Children have no defence, nobody expected it. I think there has to be a strong hand and iron will to sort it out, one way or another."

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Roisin Warren, who came to sign the book with her young daughter, reflected Mr Redmonds sympathies.

She said: "What happened on Monday is just devastating, I mean young people out having a good time and for that to happen to them. Its just unbelievable, theres no words that can describe it.

"God help them, thats all I can say."

Another who came to pay her respects was Madeline Doyle, a grandmother who told of her empathy for the victims families.

Ms Doyle said: "I woke up at 1 oclock and I turned on the radio and heard of the tragedy, so I turned on the television and was up most of the night. Its just so, so upsetting.

"I have a grandson and Id be terrified now if I heard of him going (to a concert). You cant stop young people but its just awful, awful."

Ms Doyle said the growing wave of anti-Islamic sentiment may be to blame for the slew of attacks experienced in Europe over the last few years.

She said: "I dont think Muslims get the hassle (in Ireland) that they would over there. We really have very little of that here. Most people live and let live but over there theres such a mix of different countries, youll always get that sort of thing."

Costa Rican native Mark Johnson agreed that while the tragedy may be rooted in religious hatred, people must stand in solidarity in the face of such attacks.

He said: "I think that as humans of any place, any race, we need to stand together against these kinds of things and let everybody know that even though we have differences, we should still stick together."

Mr Johnson said such events make you feel "disappointed to be a human" and that the death of children because "we dont understand each other" is "really disappointing."

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He added: "What we need to figure out is how we react to this, whether we react with violence, we react by trying to increase security or we react by trying to understand each other- its difficult to solve."

One of the oldest people to sign the book was World War II veteran, Michael Cummins. He said it is now up to the Irish Government to "wake up" to the countrys security concerns because "were not too safe here."

With family members living in Manchester, Mr Cummins described the events as "very, very sad."

"Theyre our next door neighbours and we depend on them a lot. I thought itd be only appropriate for me to come and sign the book."

Security concerns were mirrored by Frank Walpole, who said the world had gone mad.

Speaking about the threat of a similar attack happening in Ireland, Mr Walpole said: "We like to think were a neutral country but you really wouldnt know.

"Evil is evil and evil can strike anywhere."

The Lord Mayor of Dublin, Brendan Carr officially opened the Book of Condolence at 10am on Wednesday morning. It will stay open until 4pm today and will also be available to sign tomorrow.

Mr Carr described the deep impact the tragedy has had on many Irish people and encouraged solidarity in "this dark hour."

He said: "Theres a very long and very friendly relationship between the people of Manchester and Dublin and in this dark hour its vitally important that were all standing shoulder to shoulder, that were standing beside them, that this is hurting people in Dublin just as much as its hurting people in Manchester.

"To see a city so close to us, that we can relate to so closely, to see so many innocent people, both young and old being attacked in this manner is something that I just cant comprehend."

A Book of Condolence was also opened at Cork City Hall this morning by Lord Mayor Cllr Des Cahill. It will remain open until Tuesday, June 6.
Crewmen aboard the LE Eithne at it departs from the Naval Base in Haulbowline, Cork, with Cobh in the background. Photo: Michael Mac Sweeney/Provision

Defence Minister Paul Kehoe said Ireland was immensely proud of the humanitarian work being carried out in the Mediterranean by the Naval Service.

He was speaking as LE Eithne sailed to start Ireland's third summer of migrant rescue missions under Operation Pontus.Mr Kehoe attended Haulbowline Naval Base to personally wish Captain Brian Fitzgerald and his 72-strong crew well on their three-month mission.

"I feel immensely proud of the crew members that are going out to the Mediterranean.

"We have seen over the last number of years the immense difference that the Naval Service has made in rescuing migrants," he said.

LE Eithne has been assigned to begin the rotation of three ships on rescue operations in the Mediterranean.
Emergency services at Manchester Arena after reports of an explosion at the venue during an Ariana Grande gig. Photo: Peter Byrne/PA Wire

Two women wrapped in thermal blankets stand near the Manchester Arena. Photo: Reuters

Police corden off an area close to the Box Office entrance to the Manchester Arena. Photo by Dave Thompson/Getty Images

Police at Manchester Arena after reports of the explosion during the Ariana Grande concert. Inset: Armed police at the scene

Police stand by a cordoned off street close to the Manchester Arena. Photo: Dave Thompson/Getty Images

Scenes at the Vigil in Albert Square in the Center of Manchester for the bombing victims. Photo: Kyran O'Brien

Armed police close to the Manchester Arena, the morning after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving a pop concert in Manchester. Photo: Danny Lawson/PA Wire

Flowers are left in St Ann's Square, Manchester, the day after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving a pop concert in Manchester. Photo: Martin Rickett/PA Wire

People gather ahead of a vigil in Albert Square, Manchester, after a 23-year-old man was arrested in connection with the Manchester concert bomb attack. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday May 23, 2017. The attack killed 22 people, including children, and injured dozens more in the worst terrorist incident to hit Britain since the July 7 atrocities. Photo: Martin Rickett/PA Wire

Scenes at the Vigil in Albert Square in the Center of Manchester for the bombing victims Photo: Kyran O'Brien

The architecture of Ireland's national security is not fit for purpose with grossly inadequate resourcing and training to protect against possible attack by Islamist terrorists.

And despite assurances from senior security officials and government ministers that the situation is under control the chilling reality is that this assertion is based more on hope than a tried and tested security infrastructure.

There is an implied assumption that the maniacal, merciless Islamic State nihilists have given the white western Irish people a pass and somehow view us benignly because we are peace-loving, neutral people.

Our securocrats and ministers have consistently described the threat of attack as moderate but unlikely.

So far we have been lucky.

There is a considerable amount of good work being done by the dedicated Garda intelligence unit, Counter Terrorism International (CTI), which liaises with counterparts around the world.

Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Previous Next Close Police stand by a cordoned off street close to the Manchester Arena. Photo: Dave Thompson/Getty Images Injured concert-goers outside Manchester Arena Police at Manchester Arena after reports of the explosion during the Ariana Grande concert. Inset: Armed police at the scene Emergency services at Victoria Railway Station, close to the Manchester Arena. Photo: Dave Thompson/Getty Images Police and fans close to the Manchester Arena. Photo: Dave Thompson/Getty Images Police corden off an area close to the Box Office entrance to the Manchester Arena. Photo by Dave Thompson/Getty Images / Facebook

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CTI has successfully identified a number of ISIS fund raising and money laundering operations here and have secured the deportation of a leading Islamic State activist.

However this is only one strand of the State security mechanism which is not fit for purpose.

In a recent investigation in both the Sunday and Irish Independent senior military sources revealed how devastating cut backs and an alarming brain drain of specially trained personnel has dramatically reduced the ability of the Defence Forces to provide even a minimal effective response to any major security incident.

They warned that an unprecedented crisis has been unfolding behind the walls of military barracks across the country which both the Department of Defence and the Government have been desperate to keep under wraps.

The representative associations of rank-and-file and mid-ranking gardai have also publicly revealed that their members have received no training to deal with major incidents like the Manchester atrocity.

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Speaking at the Garda Representative Association conference last month Garda Colin Moran, who is based at Dublin airport, revealed that "there is no plan in place" for gardai in the event of a co-ordinated terrorist attack similar to that which took place in Brussels airport in March 2016.

Even more alarming was the disclosure that there are only three armed detectives based in what is one of Europe's busiest airports.

"There isnt adequate cover  Ive been there ten years and I havent been told if theres a direct line to the Defence Forces if something happens," he said.

Expand Expand Expand Expand Previous Next Close Armed police officers stand outside the Manchester Arena. Photo: Reuters Police and fans close to the Manchester Arena. Photo: Dave Thompson/Getty Images Two women wrapped in thermal blankets stand near the Manchester Arena. Photo: Reuters Emergency services at Manchester Arena after reports of an explosion at the venue during an Ariana Grande gig. Photo: Peter Byrne/PA Wire / Facebook

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"And the only people with tactical training are the Emergency Response Unit and the Armed Support Unit. In my opinion, every detective in the city of Dublin should be trained tactically because they are the first line of defence."

As part of our investigation into State security I saw internal documents which clearly show how the Army, Navy and Air Corps have been run down to such a level that they are ill-equipped to tackle major security challenges such as those posed by a potential Islamist terror attack.

Last month we revealed how, in the wake of increased threats from Islamic fundamentalists, a Government commitment to double the size of the Defence Forces' special forces unit, the Army Ranger Wing, has not been acted upon almost two years after it was first announced.

The announcement was made in November 2015 by the then Defence Minister Simon Coveney immediately following the deaths of 130 people in Paris during a co-ordinated attack by Islamic State (IS).

The Minister had also previously announced the Government's commitment to increase the size of the unit to 100 troops when he launched the White Paper on Defence in August 2015.

However, the Irish Independent revealed that as of March there were just two vacancies in the Ranger Wing whose actual strength remains less than 60 members.

Military sources claimed that there has been no increase in the unit strength and no plan is in place for an expansion which would require the recruitment of at least 40 new members.

A source close to the elite unit told us: "Despite Minister Coveney prioritising the expansion of the ARW the management in the Defence Forces has done nothing to implement this.

"In January of this year, eighteen months after the Minister first announced the expansion of the unit, there were just two vacancies and the unit is officially at its full strength of three platoons which have a total of no more than 60 members.

"There is no one in place to measure or evaluate the actual expansion as directed by the Government. The public are not being told the truth about the state of the Defence Forces; that will only come out when something terrible happens and then it will be too late."

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A spokesperson for the DOD would not comment on the ARW expansion citing "operational security".

Meanwhile we also revealed how a war gaming desk top exercise involving gardai and military experts, which was designed to test and evaluate the personnel and equipment resources required to deal with a serious security situation, was quietly shelved at the behest of the Department of Defence because it had showed up so many shortcomings in capabilities.

The Government, and indeed the opposition in the form of Fianna Fail, have completely ignored these revelations which are only the tip of the iceberg.

A number of politicians have been extensively briefed and presented with evidence backing up the claims by unofficial senior military sources who are deeply concerned about the security deficit.

But everywhere political and media enquiries are being met with a solid wall of silence with officials in all the relevant departments citing "national security".

The senior security sources have also claimed that the body which administers our national security, the much-hyped National Security Committee (NSC) is "not fit for purpose" as it hides behind a cloak of secrecy.

Former soldier and independent senator Ger Craughwell attempted to raise this very issue in the Seanad yesterday but was rebuffed by a Government Minister using the security of the state mantra.

The NSC has six permanent members: the Garda Commissioner, the Defence Forces Chief of Staff and four secretaries general from the departments of Foreign Affairs, Justice, Defence and the Taoiseach.

Commissioner Noirin O'Sullivan and Vice-admiral Mark Mellett are the only members of the NSC who actually have corporate knowledge of security and are responsible for the operation outputs.

However, they are public servants appointed by Government who implemented the swinging cutbacks which have undermined the two agencies of State security.

'Everyone was screaming and crying' - concert-goers describe their experience at fatal #Manchester incident pic.twitter.com/7RWkjTT99T  Sky News (@SkyNews) May 23, 2017

"The problem here is that both the police and military committee members police and evaluate the ability of their respective organisations and that is not good enough.

"There is no Oireachtas oversight or independent, professional evaluations of capabilities or procedures."
Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin has warned his front bench TDs to desist from leaking from private meetings.

Mr Martin said recent leaks from a strategy meeting in Dublin City have proven to be "undermining".

The meeting took place at the Mont Clare hotel last Thursday - around the same time 12 Fine Gael TDs came out publicly in support of Leo Varadkar.

Details of the meeting were published in the Irish Independent and Sunday Independent.

But at yesterday's meeting of the Fianna Fail front bench , Mr Martin said he was deeply unhappy about the leaks.

"He is very paranoid about that sort of thing," one source said.
Gardai are appealing for witnesses to help trace a missing 15-year-old girl from Limerick City.

Maja Brablix was last seen in Limerick on Sunday May 21.

Maja is described as, 5'2" and of average build with blonde hair and blue eyes.

When last seen she was wearing a black t-shirt with pink writing and a white hoodie.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Roxboro Garda station on 061 214340, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.
Gardai have arrested two men in Dublin in relation to an elaborate 900,000 international hoax

Two men remained in garda custody last night, where specialist officers were grilling them about the alleged swindle of 900,000 in an elaborate international fraud.

The pair, a Nigerian father and son aged 31 and 67, live in the Mulhuddart area of west Dublin and are suspected of being involved in a cash transfer scam against a Danish company.

The suspects, who have been living in Ireland for a number of years, were being held at Blanchardstown Garda Station after their arrest by fraud squad officers yesterday morning.

"This was a sophisticated invoice redirection fraud in a scam that could have netted the criminals up to 1m," a source said last night.

"A Danish company was targeted by these criminals, who have been operating from a base in Mulhuddart."

Invoice redirection fraud happens when a business falls prey to requests, purporting to emanate from trusted suppliers or service providers, for a beneficiary's bank account details to be changed.

As a result, funds that are due to be paid out are transferred to a fraudulent account.

Gardai announced details of the operation yesterday.

"The two men were arrested as part of the Money Laundering Investigation Unit's (MLIU) investigation into an invoice redirection fraud, where a European-based company was induced to sending a VAT payment to the bank account of an individual instead of its true recipient," a garda spokesman said.

"It is believed that the database of the company who were due to receive payment had been the target of a malware attack that allowed the issuing of a request to change details of the true recipient's banking accounts.

"Once the funds were received, there were a number of onward transactions, both within and outside this jurisdiction.

"Arising from liaison between the Financial Intelligence Unit/MLIU and the financial institution, in excess of 900,000 was recovered before it could be dissipated."

Arrests

Last month it emerged that Trinity College had been targeted in a similar fraud, but there have been no arrests in that case.

That crime was discovered after police in the UK raised concerns with Bank of Ireland over a number of suspicious transactions connected to the Trinity Foundation.

It has since emerged that the scam could involve up to 1m and that 250,000 has been frozen in a number of bank accounts in the UK and US as a result. Some of the money, but not all of it, has since been recovered.

A special unit probes fraud cases such as these, and gardai say that, in many cases, the organisers of invoice direction frauds use "money mules" in order to transfer the stolen money out of this jurisdiction, while keeping the criminal's identity hidden.
Two young tourists had a lucky escape after they got cut off by the tide on a popular Dublin beach.

The two young people, from Finland, were walking on Sandymount Beach when they realised the tide had come in around them.

They were quickly sighted by nearby walkers who immediately raised the alarm.

Dun Laoghaire Coast Guard members received the call while training on the East Pier in Dun Laoghaire Harbour.

Upon arriving to Sandymount Beach, the team spotted people in the water. RNLI Dun Laoghaire Inshore Lifeboat and R116 were also requested to attend the scene.

Two Coast Guard teams made their way by foot to the safest point on the beach, but the casualties had managed to make their way to dry land.

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They didnt need any medical assistance, according to a Coast Guard spokesperson.

Dun Laoghaire Coast Guard members helped the tourists by offering transport back to their accommodation.

"In the distance, it was a grateful sound to hear the engines of R116 making its way to us," the Dun Laoghaire Coast Guard wrote on their Facebook page.

Dun Laoghaire Coast Guard thanked everyone who had assisted in the call out. It was an emotional but thankful sight to see our helicopter, R116 keeping an eye on us.
The phones at one veterinary clinic have been ringing "non-stop" since they posted an advert looking for someone to fill their cat cuddling role.

Just Cats Veterinary Clinic in Clonsilla, Dublin created a job post yesterday in search of a full-time 'cat cuddler.'

The job post detailed that they want a cat calming expert to join their 'feline friendly staff.'

"Its not a standard veterinary role, its slightly different," Roisin Foran, head of Just Cats veterinary nursing, told Independent.ie.

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"We want the cats to enjoy their time here after visits or surgeries, we want someone to reassure them and make them happy.

"The phones have been ringing non-stop since the job was posted, the lines havent stopped all morning."

The purrfect candidate, should be able to say yes to the following questions:

- Does cattitude come naturally to you?

- Have you counted kittens before you go asleep?

- Do you feed the stray cats in your locality?

- Does petting cats make you feel warm and fuzzy?

The job post can be found on their website and the ideal "crazy cat lover" should have the ability to "understand the different types of purring" and have "gentle hands capable of petting and stroking cats for long periods of time."

"Were trying to appeal to a wider audience, perhaps a student nurse or someone who wants a change from the clinical side of things," Roisin added.

A qualification recognised by the veterinary council of Ireland is also required.

For more information on the position and how to apply, visit justcats.ie.
Couple Michael and Niamh travelled through France and Switzerland on their holidays

Michael Lawless has just returned from a 3,000km-plus road-trip around France and Switzerland in his 1991 - a rare motor here. How did it do? Here's his account.

Since 1949 Volkswagen has created some iconic vehicles - from the Beetle to the Split Screen Transporter and many more. The Volkswagen camper has built a huge following over the decades. I've been lucky to own a 1971 T2 Bay Window model along with my 1970 Beetle.

I think nothing beats the drive of a vintage Camper, the fun factor and the countless waves it evokes from people. It's amazing the distances these old VWs can travel too, once maintained properly.

For me, with a limited amount of space and the desire to cover more ground in shorter times, I moved up the years to a full factory-fitted camper. I sold my T2 in January 2016 and bought a 1991 Westfalia California from John Hickey, classic Volkswagen specialist, in Kilkenny.

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After spending last year holidaying across Ireland, Wales and Scotland with fellow Vdub camping friends and girlfriend Niamh (right), we decided on France for a road-trip.

A 10-day break was planned; in reality it would be eight days' driving. Some people might be concerned about travelling such distances in a 26-year-old Transporter with 325,000km+ on the clock. We Irish are probably slightly snobbish around mileage; it's not unusual to see double that mileage on similar vehicles abroad. I had no worries.

A vehicle registered as a camper is taxed at 102/year. As well as insurance, it must have a Certification of Roadworthiness (CRW), the equivalent of NCT.

As the T4 California was only produced in left-hand drive by Westfalia, it makes driving on the continent straightforward.

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We left Cherbourg (Irish Ferries got us there) with a tank of diesel, bikes and luggage and headed east to Rouen (250km). Next day, we went south through Paris' tunnels to Beaune.

Making good time can mean using motorways. Although they're not free and can seem frequent, sometimes they're the best option. However, for this leg, we opted for ordinary roads to view the small, old villages.

Remember Lyon from the Ireland v France finals last year? It was our next destination, bringing us further south so we could U-turn home through Switzerland. The T4 Transporter was still clocking up kilometres without any bother. Being one of the first T4s made, the 2.4 diesel engine is still quite powerful even without a turbo, coping with motorway speeds and overtaking other campers and lorries with ease. The price of diesel in France was 1.26/1.38/litre.

Factory-built campers are in a league of their own on camping sites, with fridges, night heaters, cookers, pop up roofs, swivel seats and more.

The unique thing about camping is it allows you to get to some of the best locations without lugging bags through airports and dealing with hire companies.

The French campsites are exceptional, with swimming pools, showers, mains electricity, fresh baguettes delivered each morning and cycle tracks at the gate to the big towns and villages.

All at a fraction of the cost of an equivalent hotel: most campsites with camping card cost 16-20/night.

After some time in Switzerland, we returned through France, stopping in Colmar for a night. We spent the last two days visiting WWII museums and D-Day beaches. It is amazing what you can pack into a short time. Having the T4 take us around made it rather special.

l Costings: ferry 361.80; fuel: 341.35; tolls: 106.81; campsites: 173.00 for 3,000km travelled.
Questions are being raised over why so few people are being hit with penalty points for driving with dangerous tyres.

Around 28,000 people were caught using a phone at the wheel last year.

But only 853 penalty-point notices have been issued for those driving with potentially lethal tyres since May 2016.

Worn, damaged and dangerous tyres were added as offences to the penalty-point list last May. Driving with "defective or worn tyres" invokes two penalty points and a fixed charge of 80.

But the move - heralded as a major road-safety advance at the time - seems to have had little impact.

The perceived-to-be-low detection rates are this week prompting questions about how or why so many drivers are getting away with having dangerous tyres.

The concern is based on a high proportion of potentially lethal tyres discovered in a detailed nationwide study of old ones that were changed for new.

On that basis it is claimed that the numbers being caught for penalty points over the last year should be substantially higher.

Tom Dennigan, of German tyre manufacturer Continental Tyres Ireland, can be accused of having a vested interest in getting people to buy more tyres by raising the issue.

But, anticipating accusations of self-interest, he insisted: "Our sole motivation is to ensure the worst examples of bad tyres that we uncovered are kept off our roads."

In a statement to Motors, he said that, in common with road safety campaigners, he welcomed the introduction of the tyre safety penalty-point regime.

"However, with only 853 notices issued for tyre offences in that year, we are very disappointed with the extremely low level of enforcement," he added.

"When you consider that a vehicle's tyres are its only contact with the road, their importance to overall road safety can not be overestimated."

Given the number of people caught using a phone at the wheel, Mr Dennigan said the Garda's focus on enforcement in that area is to be warmly welcomed.

"But equally, our own analysis of replacement tyres at depots around the country has shown that vehicles running on dangerous or illegal tyres are extremely common," he insisted.

As a result, he believes they would have "expected the number of tyre-related penalty point notices to be much higher than the recorded figure".

When contacted by Motors, a Garda spokesman said they didn't comment on claims by third parties. A reply from the Traffic division came too late for inclusion but will, if necessary, be carried next week.

The background to the issue lies with Continental analysing tyres replaced at a number of Advance Pitstop branches over several weeks last year as part of a long-term global initiative to reduce accidents.

A high percentage of the tyres that had only minutes earlier been on vehicles were found to be "seriously dangerous" or "defective".

Among the findings were: tread depth worn to below the legal minimum of 1.6mm; some worn so badly the tyre's wire carcass was visible; lumps, bulges and holes in tyres showing the wire carcass; and uneven wear - one side worn to dangerous levels due to incorrect balancing and tracking.

Mr Dennigan said: "Even to the untrained eye, the faults on those tyres were immediately apparent. But the only way we can tackle this problem is with more stringent enforcement of the new regulations."

He said a vehicle's tyres could be easily and quickly be checked by a Garda in the course of road tax/insurance checks or breathalyser tests.

At the same time, he said we can't put all the onus on the gardai as every motorist has a responsibility to make sure their vehicle is roadworthy.

"The condition of a vehicle's tyres are hugely important in this regard," he stressed.

Motorists are being urged to carry out regular checks of their tyres, looking out for any damage, cuts or bulges.
Aidan Timmons and Motoring Editor Eddie Cunningham team up to help readers make the right choice with their next car. Aidan visits dealers all over the country to produce a monthly guidebook on the values of used cars. He is co-editor of Motor Trade Publishers, who supply a car-valuing service to the motor trade, insurance companies and finance houses. Eddie is author of former best-seller 'Clever Car Buying'.

I'm thinking of selling my car privately. What is the safest way to conclude the deal? What steps do we take after we've agreed a price? My car is worth about 10,000, so I can't expect a buyer to bring that in cash. Should I ask for a cash deposit and the rest by electronic transfer? Do we write the buyer's name in the log book after they've paid a deposit? The car is a 2010 Toyota Prius (38,000km). I've owned it from new: good condition, regularly serviced by main dealer

Aidan: There is always a risk when dealing privately. I can't precisely recommend what you should do as all deals and buyers are different.

Have you already been given a Cost-to-Change figure from a dealer for the new car you are interested in? A one-owner, 2010 Prius with that mileage is in keen demand; you might fare better than you think.

Anyway, if you and the private buyer have accounts with the same bank, an EFT payment can be a simple, quick solution. Be sure to call your bank at the moment of the transaction to confirm the funds have been received. There have been reports of bank drafts and other seemingly secure payment methods being used by crooks: a buyer purports to be a dealer, uses a phoney bank draft and arranges to transact the deal outside of business hours. This means you can't confirm provenance until the following day (or Monday, if you sell on a Friday evening).

Be vigilant. Only write the buyer's name in the change-of-ownership form when payment has been received. Retain the document after the transaction is complete and post it yourself.

It is a good idea to print two copies of a 'bill of sale', citing the car's registration number, your name, buyer's name, buyer's license number, date/time of the transaction and mileage (handy for toll charges). You and the buyer can sign and retain a copy each. Anyone unwilling to do this should be avoided.

Eddie: I think Aidan has done a brilliant job outlining what to do and what to look out for.

1. Ask for a sizeable/substantial cash deposit. 2. Hand over NO documents (receipts etc) or keys until the EFT or bank draft has cleared into your account. I think you'd get a good deal on the Prius from a dealer with no hassle.

We have a holiday home in the south east; we visit at least three times a year. We have a 'spare' car in the UK and wondered about bringing it and leaving it here permanently for our own use. It's a Mini Paceman, estimated value 10,000. What would we need to do to bring it to Ireland and what would it cost.

Aidan: I encourage you to verify with Revenue your exact requirements on VRT as this is primarily a tax compliance issue.

My understanding is that if you live in the UK but the car is based here, you are not exempt from VRT, so you need to pay a tax to register the car as 'Irish'.

To determine the amount of tax, consult the VRT calculator online (also provided by Revenue).

If importing, you must make an appointment to bring it to an NCT test centre within seven days of landing it. The NCT centre carries out a pre-registration examination. When complete, you have to pay the VRT and complete the transaction within 30 days.

Then you will receive your Irish license plate number. You should then get new Irish registration plates. Anyway, that's the route as it stands for making a car 'Irish'.

Please double-check your situation with the authorities.

Eddie: Take my advice, go online and expend your energy on getting a good rental deal for the few times you're in the south east.

It should work out a lot less expensive and flexible than going through all the hoops and spending that Aidan has outlined. Sell your 'spare' car if it's not being used. Leaving a car lying idle in the UK or here for long periods is not good for the vehicle (battery, tyres etc).

Total budget 25k plus trade in: 11k. Annual mileage: 18k. Need car with 7 seats (2 adults, 4 children - 17, 15, 12, 9). Current car: 2012 Opel Zafira 2.0 diesel Ecoflex 136bhp; tax 200pa; 1-car family. We are facing a dilemma: we have a diesel, do lots of short city driving and want to trade before the car starts costing too much. With all the talk about petrol and diesel I'm confused. We have looked at the Prius + hybrid, the only petrol we can find with 7 seats and a reasonable engine size. There is the Zafira 2.0 diesel 170bhp and the VW Touran, but the petrol model is a 1.2l. The diesels are larger. Don't like the Picasso. We are looking for a bit of power for the longer (once-a-month long motorway drive/holidays) and find the car we have is losing oomph. Bad experience with Ford so SMax/Galaxy out. Any suggestions welcome.

Aidan: Your short, stop-start city driving lends itself to a petrol. Yet your longer motorway spins would be better served by a diesel. Your children span primary school age to young adult. You need something with decent pulling power. Diesel usually fits that bill better. If you think the Zafira is losing oomph I don't know if a petrol MPV with six on-board will be a suitable replacement.

You have made a diesel car work so far, and if the profile of your mileage has not changed, then it looks like diesel is the right option again. Consider another Zafira Tourer or the VW Touran. The Prius+ is a suitable balance for you and as it is an a hybrid it also has an automatic transmission. Don't make a decision without driving the Prius+.

Eddie: In addition to what Aidan outlined I'd add the Skoda Kodiaq 7-seater. It's diesel, roomy and the extra row of seats only adds 1,000. Leg space in the third row is surprisingly good. The 2-litre diesel with DSG (36,095) would be my pick. No worries on power. Prius+ good too.

What should I buy? Petrol or diesel? I have a 2012 VW Polo 1.2-litre diesel (90,000km) to trade in. I am hoping to get 10,000 for it. I will have a further 15,000: total budget 25,000. I'm looking for a compact car but with a boot big enough for a buggy; I need room for 2/3 passengers in the back. I'd like a high driving position and high seats in the back so I don't have to bend too much when putting our one-year-old in her car seat. I'm looking at compact SUVs (Qashqai etc are a bit too big) including the Renault Captur, Opel Mokka, Peugeot 2008, Opel Crossland X. I do approx 18,000km/year, mostly 15km to work on country roads, 18km motorway and final 3km city. I am considering petrol. I hear the new 1-litre engines are almost as efficient as diesels. But does my type of driving, mileage, make buying petrol or diesel the more sensible option?

Aidan: Total annual mileage generally determines fuel type, but either petrol or diesel could work for you. The nature of your driving allows for a diesel to clear its throat, but your mileage makes petrol a real option.

The only question mark is the amount of leisure driving you do outside your 18,000km commute. I'd have no issue with buying another diesel. I know this doesn't really help settle that consideration, so l'll play devil's advocate and go for some petrols even though they might not be quite right in the grand scheme.

There are such strong offers for the 172 period I think you need to loosen your 10,000 expectation for your car and focus on how much the trade-up will cost. Don't lose heart if someone values your car less than your figure. The reality might be the new car at 25,000 will be sold for less. So the net sum you pay will be the same. You've picked some great models. The Peugeot 2008 will suit you. Your budget might just let you treat yourself to an Allure model. Have you considered the Nissan Juke? It's a 1.2-litre petrol engine too. SV models have been most popular, but you can probably stretch to SV Premium.

Eddie: You are probably doing 22/25,000km a year when you add a bit of social/leisure driving to your 18k commute. So I'd go for a diesel; no doubt about it. You've researched well. I'd go for either the 2008 or Crossland X. A facelifted Captur comes in August.

JUST TO SAY

Welove getting your enquiries but can't reply to all queries in as full a manner as this due to time and space restraints. We try to deal with as many as possible via email. But you can help us help you if you make sure to include the following critical elements in your query:

* Total budget.

* Annual mileage.

* Size of car required (number of seats).

* Present car (make, model, year and mileage).

ecunningham@independent.ie
The architecture of Ireland's national security is not fit for purpose, with grossly inadequate resourcing and training to protect against possible attack by Islamist terrorists.

And despite assurances from senior security officials and Government ministers that the situation is under control, the chilling reality is that this assertion is based more on hope than a tried and tested security infrastructure.

There is an implied assumption that the maniacal, merciless Isil nihilists have given the white western Irish people a pass - and somehow view us benignly because we are peace-loving, neutral people.

Our securocrats and ministers have consistently described the threat of attack as moderate but unlikely. So far we have been lucky.

There is a considerable amount of good work being done by the dedicated Garda intelligence unit, Counter Terrorism International (CTI), which liaises with counterparts around the world.

CTI has successfully identified a number of Isil fundraising and money-laundering operations here and has secured the deportation of a leading Isil activist.

However, this is only one strand of the State security mechanism.

In a recent investigation in both the 'Sunday Independent' and Irish Independent, senior military sources revealed how devastating cutbacks and an "alarming" brain drain of specially trained personnel has dramatically reduced the ability of the Defence Forces to provide "even a minimal effective response" to any major security incident.

They warned that an "unprecedented crisis" has been unfolding behind the walls of military barracks across the country.

The representative associations of rank-and-file and mid-ranking gardai have also publicly revealed that their members have received no training to deal with major incidents like the Manchester atrocity.

Speaking at the Garda Representative Association conference last month, Garda Colin Moran, who is based at Dublin Airport, revealed that "there is no plan in place" for gardai in the event of a co-ordinated terrorist attack similar to that which took place in Brussels airport in March 2016.

Even more alarming was the disclosure that there are only three armed detectives based in what is one of Europe's busiest airports.

"There isn't adequate cover. I've been there 10 years and I haven't been told if there's a direct line to the Defence Forces if something happens," he said.

Last month we revealed how, in the wake of increased threats from Islamic fundamentalists, a Government commitment to double the size of the Defence Forces' special forces unit, the Army Ranger Wing (ARW), has not been acted upon almost two years after it was first announced.

The announcement was made in November 2015 by the then-defence minister Simon Coveney immediately following the deaths of 130 people in Paris during a co-ordinated attack by Isil militants.

The minister had also previously announced the Government's commitment to increase the size of the unit to 100 troops when he launched the White Paper on Defence in August 2015.

However, the Irish Independent revealed that as of March there were just two vacancies in the Ranger Wing - whose actual strength remains less than 60 members.

A source close to the elite unit told us: "Despite Minister Coveney prioritising the expansion of the ARW, the management in the Defence Forces has done nothing to implement this."

A spokesperson for the Department of Defence would not comment on the ARW expansion, citing "operational security".

Meanwhile, we also revealed how a war-gaming desk-top exercise involving gardai and military experts, which was designed to test and evaluate the personnel and equipment resources required to deal with a serious security situation, was quietly shelved at the behest of the Department of Defence because it had showed up so many shortcomings in capabilities.

The Government, and indeed the Opposition in the form of Fianna Fail, has completely ignored these revelations, which are only the tip of the iceberg.

A number of politicians have been extensively briefed and presented with evidence backing up the claims by unofficial senior military sources who are deeply concerned about the security deficit.

But everywhere, political and media enquiries are being met with a solid wall of silence with officials citing "national security".

The senior security sources have also claimed that the body which administers our national security, the much-hyped National Security Committee (NSC) is "not fit for purpose" as it hides behind a cloak of secrecy.

Former soldier and independent senator Ger Craughwell attempted to raise this very issue in the Seanad but was rebuffed by a government minister using the security of the State mantra.

The NSC has six permanent members: the Garda Commissioner, the Defence Forces Chief of Staff and four secretaries general from the departments of Foreign Affairs, Justice, Defence and the Taoiseach.

Commissioner Noirin O'Sullivan and Vice-admiral Mark Mellett are the only members of the NSC who actually have corporate knowledge of security and are responsible for the operation outputs.

However, they are public servants appointed by the very same politicians who have implemented the swingeing cutbacks that have undermined the two agencies of State security.

Paul Williams is also a co-presenter of 'Newstalk Breakfast'
The suicide bombing attack on the Ariana Grande concert in Manchester must be seen for what it is - an act of cold, calculated terrorism. Regardless of whether the bomber acted on behalf of a terrorist cell or was a 'lone wolf', he remains a cold-blooded terrorist.

Exploding a bomb at an event full of teenagers strikes right to the core of any nation's sense of security. Those who perpetrate attacks such as this walk freely among us, yet we do not see them because, for the most part, their faces are familiar. Just what does a terrorist actually look like?

In an age of habitual terrorist attacks, is it time for all nations in Europe to strengthen their domestic security arrangements? People need to be identifiable. EU states should share information relating to known criminals on a pan-European database and people should be obliged to carry an official form of identification at all times. Yes, civil liberties campaigners and anarchists will decry this as an invasion of our privacy, but can we really afford that luxury anymore? Is it that much of an imposition if it means our streets could be safer?

At least 22 people lie dead today, with countless more injured and maimed. And for what? Ideology? Revenge? Hatred? Doubtless this attack will buoy far-right elements in Europe and encourage even more hatred, more revenge and more ideological bile that will only deepen the already growing schism between nations.

As Europeans, we need to strengthen our resolve and stand resolute against terrorism and extremism in all segments of society. As the American political satirist PJ O'Rourke said: "Any terrorism is an attack on libertarian values." Protecting our free, liberal democratic values cannot be taken for granted.

Philip Jones

Ballyvolane, Co Cork

Shame on those who glorify death

Yesterday, I had a day off and woke up slightly later than usual and heard this dreadful news. I have two nieces working in Manchester and my first calls were made to find out how they were.

What mad people do this? Tormented by an ideology which glorifies death and destruction.

My feelings are with Manchester and yet just as this atrocity unfolds, US President Donald Trump agrees an arms deal with Saudi Arabia, putting more weapons of destruction into a region from where Isil is waging a war on the West. Shame on him and the disgusting people who carried this out.

Paul Doran

Clondalkin, Dublin 22

The deliberate killing of children is the most heinous of crimes, and the atrocity carried out in Manchester falls into this terrible category.

The individuals who organised and carried out this crime are in the same category as the Moors murderers, Myra Hindley and Ian Brady, who committed their crimes in and around Manchester.

No war or no cause justifies the deliberate or reckless killing of children. Like so many Irish families, I have grandchildren and nieces and nephews living in this part of England. The outrage being widely expressed at this latest bombing is fully justified.

On April 15, 2017, up to 80 children were killed near Aleppo as they were lured to a car bomb while they were being evacuated from war-torn villages. These 80 Syrian children were no less precious or important than the children in Manchester, or my grandchildren.

Ryan Tubridy, on RTE One, speaking on this atrocity, said that "children should be immune from war". This is very true and desirable, but unfortunately is almost impossible in modern indiscriminate warfare.

The solution is to end wars, and actively promote peace and reconciliation internationally, as we have succeeded in doing in Ireland. The pity is that we cannot seem to promote peace and reconciliation instead of wars, in Ireland and internationally, before such dreadful atrocities occur.

Edward Horgan

Newtown, Co Limerick

My thoughts are with the people of Manchester - the victims and the now distraught parents who woke up knowing one of their children or loved ones will not be coming home.

A despicable act, perpetrated by animals with no respect for human life whose misinterpretation of the words of a great prophet allow them to justify such barbarity.

People of all religions and none should stand together in prayer or silence to a show of respect and send a message to these murdering thugs that they will not win. May all of those affected by this atrocity find the strength to carry the cross they are now being asked to carry. Stay strong Manchester, we are with you.

Eugene McGuinness

Kilkenny, Co Kilkenny

Leo won't get us to 'step down'

David Bradley's 'Leo won't listen, call an election' letter (Irish Independent, May 23) was very apt.

We have an aspiring Taoiseach leading a party that supports people who get up early. No mention of those up all night with children with disabilities and no respite care, those crossing the cities for school, coming from hotel rooms with children in tow, those up all night worried sick about rent payments.

Leo Varadkar would love us all up, suited and booted, and heading to the IFSC for 7am, coming from a newly built apartment after the morning run. And now the latest - he's going to channel funds to provide step-down housing for older people. Well, listen Leo, older people are not stepping anywhere.

We have a tradition in Ireland, (Leo is too young to know) of handing the family home to our children. Farmers' kids get farms, generally Dublin kids get the home, without any 'step down'. If Leo thinks he can shunt us all into two-bed micro units till we conveniently get out of the way, he's gravely mistaken. Older people are not going to water the balcony plants in Lilliput-style abodes while some yuppies work from home in our houses.

Leo, wake up - we are not Germans, and if our grandkids want to play in granny's garden and eventually live there, that's exactly what they will do. Leo can keep on running if he believes otherwise.

Margaret Docherty

Terenure, Dublin 6W

Extorting more money

I heard the Government and the public service unions are debating how much more money they would like to extort from decent, hard-working taxpayers.

It reminded me of the story about the two wolves and the sheep discussing what to have for lunch.

As French economist Frederic Bastiat said about 150 years ago: "The state is that great fiction by which everyone tries to live at the expense of everyone else." It is why so many civilisations have collapsed and will continue to do so.

Richard Barton

Tinahely, Co Wicklow
A French national has been fined 4,000 for careless driving causing the death of a mother-of-one in a 'tragic' incident involving a Luas last year.

Sergeant Karl Mackle said that Quentin Hannezo broke a red traffic light and collided with an oncoming Luas tram before going into a skid. The silver BMW car hit Donabate resident Yao Webster (35), who had been walking on the footpath, killing her immediately.

Hannezo (31) with a previous address at Ha'penny Bridge House, Lower Ormond Quay, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to careless driving causing the death of Mrs Webster at Jervis Street on April 7, 2014. He has no previous convictions.

Peter Le Vert BL, prosecuting, read out a victim impact statement in which the victim's husband described how his 'happiness for the future has been replaced with depression, anxiety and fear',

Robin Webster said he would never understand how his partner of ten years could be taken from him and their daughter while doing a 'most mundane thing' as walking through the city centre.

He added that his wife's parents in China were now 'broken, alone and scared for their future' after the death of their only child.

Sgt Mackle told Mr Le Vert that a motorist behind Hannezo's car saw it hit the Luas, but didn't notice the traffic lights changing. This witness told gardai that he thought the BMW had been travelling at normal speed and hadn't accelerated.

A pedestrian saw the car strike Mrs Webster and went to help her, but realised her injuries were fatal.

Sgt Mackle told the court that Hannezo appeared 'extremely upset and shocked' when he met him at the scene.

He said Hannezo told him he wanted to go to the Garda Station immediately while the incident was fresh in his mind.

Hannezo revealed he couldn't remember what colour the light had been and described driving that route to work for over a year and a half.

Sgt Mackle said garda forensics officers concluded from CCTV, that there was nothing Hannezo could have done to alter the speed and course of the car after the collision with the tram. He told Mr Le Vert that Hannezo had been driving between 37 and 41kmph in the 30kmph zone.

Sgt Mackle agreed with Dominic McGinn SC, defending, that the incident lasted 1.2 seconds.

He further agreed that Hannezo, who has since moved back to France, is a 'good employee and upstanding member of the community'.

Mr McGinn submitted to Judge Martin Nolan that Hannezo wished to apologise to the Webster family and added that his client's employers were aware of the situation.

Judge Nolan described the case as 'tragic' and expressed his condolences to the Webster family, but noted that Hannezo had driven 'at a relatively normal speed and missed a red light'. 'We are all capable of inattention, it is a human failing. We are not automatons.'

He imposed a 4,000 fine, taking into account that there was no evidence of major speeding, drink driving or reckless driving.
Irish Snapchatter James Kavanagh has paid tribute to his friend Martyn Hett, one of the victims of the Manchester terror attack.

The 29-year-old from Stockport was confirmed as one of the victims from Monday night's tragedy by his 'soulmate', Russel Hayward.

The popular YouTube star was a writer and PR manager who made appearances on television documentaries and reality shows such as Come Dine With Me (which he won) and Tattoo Fixers.

He made a huge impression with the online community through his Twitter and YouTube accounts, eventually befriending Dublin-based Snapchatter James Kavanagh.

As the tributes pour in for Martyn, James took to Facebook to remember his friend.

"The world has lost one of its most hilarious and iconic people. From the moment we met, I knew I struck gold in the friend department. I was instantly in love with him & his equally iconic and beautiful other half, Russell," he wrote.

"Last night, I went back through our Facebook messages and was laughing and crying at how razor sharp and witty he always was no matter what he was saying to me. He was a total joy in my life, and I'm now seeing that he didn't just light up my life, he enriched and lit up hundreds (probably thousands) of other peoples' [sic] lives too."

He continued: "You'll always be in my mind Martyn Haken Hett, you total and utter gas bitch of life I'm imagining you glugging wine and eating marrow with Deirdre Barlow somewhere. My love and thoughts are with his family, legions of friends & Russell."

Soulmate doesn't even come close. Come back to us Martyn so we can watch last nights Corrie together pic.twitter.com/cXbehUgoxc  Russell (@RussellHayward) May 23, 2017

Martyn was popular with the online community through his Twitter account and humorous YouTube videos, some of which were watched more than 400,000 times.

This morning, his heartbroken boyfriend with whom he appeared on Come Dine With Me, tweeted: "We got the news last night that our wonderful, iconic and beautiful Martyn didn't survive.

Video of the Day

"He left the world exactly how he lived, centre of attention. I'm in a really bad way so please forgive if I don't reply.

"Thankfully I have his wonderful and amazing friends to keep each other strong. I love you Martyn. I always will".
Ellen Kavanagh Jones at the official launch of Christmas at Kildare Village. Picture: Kieran Harnett

In a new series on Independent.ie Style, we speak to Irish women who inspire us and find out how they got the job they're in today, what trials and tribulations they faced on their career path and what advice they have to give to working women in today's world.

This week, we speak to Ellen Kavanagh Jones, CEO and creator of award-winning wax brand Waxperts.

What is your job title?

Waxpert! Officially, I suppose Im CEO.

Did you always want to own your own business?

No I didnt, it kind of just happened. I found myself without a job so I just went for it and havent looked back. Now I own two businesses: Waxperts, our salon in Dun Laoghaire which opened in 2008 and Waxperts Wax, our professional brand that supplies our waxing products into salons and spas since 2012.

Growing up, what did you want to be?

Mostly a teacher. A Home Economics teacher, in particular.

How did you find yourself on this career path?

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I began working in retail after school and after a few years, I decided to go to beauty college on my day off. I suppose I approached it with a retailers brain and decided Id specialise in whatever I was best at, which turned out to be waxing weirdly enough.

Did you face any challenges along your way to this career?

Not really. I mean I worked really, really hard in college while holding down a full-time job and looking back I dont know how I managed it all. But when you want something and enjoy it, you make it happen.

What are some notable obstacles you faced and how did you overcome them?

When I decided to open my salon in 2008, the recession had hit and no banks were giving out business loans. I remember that being extraordinarily tough. I felt like I was on an episode of Dragons Den that wouldnt end!

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Whats a typical day like?

I drop my son Cooper to pre-school and then head to our office in Dun Laoghaire. We have our training academy there too so I might meet and chat to some Waxperts stockists that are in to train. Then the day is spent catching up with the team and ensuring were all on course for whatever goals were working on.

In between replying to emails, its really varied. I could be working on new product development, marketing, or our export expansion. Theres a bit of social media and Snapchatting thrown in too! Then Ill finish around 5pm, collect Cooper and head home to be mammy and wife again!

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

Winning the Image magazine award for Beauty Innovator. We are so proud of what we have created and the fact that it is so unique, so to win for innovation was brilliant. Securing Sweet Squared as our UK distributors was another highlight. They are the best in the business at what they do so having them take on Waxperts was massive for our brand.

What skills and traits do you think are necessary for your job?

Good leadership skills, and the ability to be creative, innovate and resilient.

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Are you a believer in having a five year plan?

Kind of, even having a three year plan is a good idea. You need to have a plan and know where youre going and what your ultimate goals are, especially if you have a team. Everyone needs to be working together towards the same goals.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to start their own business?

Just begin! Starting can be the hardest thing for people. Do lots of research. Be objective about your business. Make sure there's a market for what you want to do.

What women inspire you?

Mostly real women I know. Louise Phelan from PayPal, Pippa O'Connor Ormond, Oonagh OHagan from Meaghers Pharmacy. These are all exceptional businesswomen that Im lucky to call my friends.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Happy and healthy along with my family, still enjoying life and whatever comes with it.
The Duchess of Cambridge with her daughter Princess Charlotte outside St Mark's church in Englefield, Berkshire, following the wedding of Pippa Middleton and James Matthews.

The Duchess of Cambridge, arrives with pageboys and flower girls for her sister Pippa Middleton's wedding at St Mark's church in Englefield, Berkshire, to millionaire groom James Matthews at an event dubbed the society wedding of the year

It seems that no matter how beautiful a bride or gorgeous a groom may be, it's the little ones who steal the show every time!

At least that was the case at the wedding of Pippa Middleton and James Matthews this weekend, where all eyes were on the cute kids in their darling getups.

Expand Close The Duchess of Cambridge, arrives with pageboys and flower girls for her sister Pippa Middleton's wedding at St Mark's church in Englefield, Berkshire, to millionaire groom James Matthews at an event dubbed the society wedding of the year / Facebook

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Whatsapp The Duchess of Cambridge, arrives with pageboys and flower girls for her sister Pippa Middleton's wedding at St Mark's church in Englefield, Berkshire, to millionaire groom James Matthews at an event dubbed the society wedding of the year

Unsurprisingly, it was was Britain's Prince William's two little ones, Prince George and the adorable Prince Charlotte, who were on their best behaviour as mum Kate Middleton monitored their every pre-ceremony move.

They looked every inch the royal pair in outfits reported to be by Spanish childrenswear designer Pepa & Co.

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Whatsapp The Duchess of Cambridge with her daughter Princess Charlotte outside St Mark's church in Englefield, Berkshire, following the wedding of Pippa Middleton and James Matthews.

The flower girls wore short white dresses with ruffle collars and sleeves that featured a dusky pink bow to match their pomps. They carried little baskets for scattering petals and wore floral crowns on their heads.

There are lots of similar styles to that of the flower girls' dresses on the high street at the moment, with stores like Next, H&M and department stores like Debenhams carrying some great options for little princesses.

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Monsoon have some particularly pretty gunas, with gorgeous details and embellishments for couples looking for something with a bit more colour for their younger bridesmaids.

A pink, purple or blue dress for flower girls and young bridesmaids can be a great option as it means they can ofter get a few wears out of their dress after!
Donald Trump and the Pope met at Vatican City to set aside their differences and spread a message of peace across the world.

The US president visited Pope Francis with his wife Melania and several aides, including daughter Ivanka, and the two had a private chat for half an hour.

The pair havent always seen eye to eye with Francis criticising the presidents campaign pledge to build a wall along the Mexican border and claims the US should turn away Muslim immigrants and refugees.

The Pope had said: A person who thinks only about building walls, wherever they may be, and not building bridges, is not Christian.

Nevertheless, after the meeting he handed Trump a medal featuring an olive branch  a symbol of peace  and posed for photographs.

The awkward photos  in which Trump is grinning like a Cheshire cat while Melania, Ivanka and the Pope look like theyd be anywhere but the Vatican  didnt go unnoticed, and soon spurred another great meme from Trumps nine-day international trip.

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Melania Trump appears to have swatted away her president husbands invitation to hold hands for the second day in a row.

The couple were arriving in Rome ahead of Trumps meeting with Pope Francis at the Vatican City, as part of his first international overseas trip as US president.

As the Trumps stepped off Air Force One to greet the awaiting crowds, the president extended his hand to his wife, who quickly pulled her hand away.

Its not the first time Melania appeared to have rejected Trump. The day before, she was seen apparently swatting his hand away while the pair were welcomed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Tel Aviv.

Neither instance went unnoticed and soon video clips were the talk of social media.

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When one of Manchester United or Ajax lift the Europa League trophy in Stockholm, they will bring to an end Sevillas three-year hold on the cup.

The Spanish team were champions in 2014, 2015 and 2016, and the end of that domination came, somewhat ironically, because they played too well, progressing to the second round of the Champions League, therefore bypassing Europes secondary cup competition.

2013/14: Benfica 0-0 Sevilla (Sevilla win 4-2 on penalties)

The first of Sevillas three consecutive titles was won the hard way, on penalties, with a team that included Barcelona-bound Ivan Rakitic and former Arsenal Invincible Jose Antonio Reyes.

Their time as champions began that day: May 14 2014.

2014/15: Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk 2-3 Sevilla

Sevilla successfully defended their title against Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk with a thrilling 3-2 win, a brace from Carlos Bacca sealing the title again, after going behind just seven minutes in.

2015/16: Liverpool 1-3 Sevilla

And the third and last of the consecutive titles came against Liverpool in another entertaining game.

The five-time European champions went ahead thanks to a glorious Daniel Sturridge finish, but Kevin Gameiro scored the equaliser for Sevilla immediately after half-time, and a quick brace from Coke ensured title number three.

Therell be no European trophy of any sort for Sevilla this season, after Leicester City surprisingly knocked them out of the Champions League at the last-16 stage.

Someone alert the trophy engraver: youll be carving someone elses name into the cup this year.
Theresa May has announced that the official terror threat level is being raised to critical, the highest level, in the wake of the Manchester attack which killed 22 people.

The threat level means the authorities believe an attack may be imminent. Heres everything you need to know.

Is this an unusual step?

Yes  though not unprecedented. It is the first time the assessment has been placed at the highest level for a decade.

It has only been at critical twice in nearly 11 years, in August 2006 and June 2007. On both occasions the assessment was lowered after a few days.

What is the terror threat level?

The threat level is decided by an organisation called the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre. It was established in June 2003 and is based at MI5s London headquarters. JTAC comprises representatives from 16 government departments and agencies.

A number of factors may be taken into account to decide the level, including available intelligence, terrorist capability, terrorist intentions and timescale.

It was first made public in 2006. Since then, it has most often been at severe, and not been lower than substantial (an attack is a strong possibility).

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The threat level has five levels in total. The other two levels are moderate (an attack is possible but not likely), and low (an attack is unlikely).

Why has it been raised now?

Theresa May said in this case it was raised because it is possible a wider group of individuals were involved in the terror attack in Manchester beyond suicide bomber Salman Abedi.

Monday nights attack at a concert by US pop star Ariana Grande left 22 people dead, including an eight-year-old girl, and dozens injured  the worst terrorist attack since 52 innocent people were killed in the July 7 bombings in London in 2005.

May also said the military could be deployed to support armed police officers to face the threat.
Demonstrators create a flaming barricade during an anti-government protest in Brasilia (Eraldo Peres/AP)

Brazil's president has ordered federal troops to restore order in the country's capital after some ministries were evacuated during clashes between police and protesters who are seeking the leader's removal.

Tens of thousands of demonstrators marched to congress to protest against economic reforms that President Michel Temer is pushing through and to demand he step down amid a corruption scandal.

What began as small scuffles between police and protesters who tried to jump a cordon mushroomed into a series of clashes in which officers fired tear gas and pepper spray to contain the crowd.

Protesters set fires and used portable toilets to create barricades.

As the clashes grew, some government agencies were evacuated, the president's office said.

The G1 news portal reported that protesters set a fire in the agriculture ministry.

In a brief national address during the unrest, defence minister Raul Jungmann said troops were being sent to guard federal buildings, including the presidential palace.

The deployment was authorised by a presidential decree that left open the possibility that soldiers could be used more widely in Brasilia.

The decree said Mr Jungmann would decide the scope.

"This mess, this mayhem is unacceptable," Mr Jungmann said.

"President Temer will not allow that."

Mr Jungmann added that troops had already entered the foreign ministry.

Images on television showed soldiers outside the presidential palace.

Mr Temer is struggling to retain power after the release of a recording that appears to capture him approving hush money for a convicted former politician.

Brazil's top court is investigating him for alleged obstruction of justice and involvement in passive corruption.

The president is resisting calls to resign and has said he will fight the accusations.

The move to use the military in the face of protests could heighten anger at the government and senior officials were already distancing themselves from the decision.

Rodrigo Maia, the speaker of the lower house of congress, said he had asked Mr Temer to instead use the National Force, an elite police entity.

Justice Marco Aurelio Mello, of Brazil's highest court, said he was "a little concerned about the context" of Mr Temer's decision.

Mr Temer's popularity was low even before the latest scandal broke, in part because of opposition to an economic overhaul that he wants to push through congress, including loosening work rules and changing the pension system.

Several of his allies and aides have also been caught up in a wide-ranging corruption investigation that has jailed business leaders and senior politicians.

Since the scandal broke, the pressure on Mr Temer has continued to ratchet up.

Federal police asked Mr Temer on Wednesday to submit to questioning, the president's defence team said in a statement, but his lawyers called the request inappropriate.

Mr Temer lost yet another aide when Sandro Mabel resigned on Wednesday and published a letter saying he needs to spend more time with his family.

He is the latest in a string of aides and allies who have resigned or been fired amid corruption allegations.

With Brazil deeply divided and a political crisis deepening, a session of the lower house of congress became chaotic, with opposition politicians surrounding the speaker's desk in protest and holding signs saying congress's workings should be transparent.

Several politicians have submitted requests for Mr Temer's impeachment to Mr Maia, the speaker, and he has angered them by saying he will take his time to review the requests.

"Right now there is only one option, and your excellency cannot run away from your responsibilities, the first thing that has to be done is to immediately form a commission to impeach Michel Temer," said politician Glauber Braga.

Mr Maia eventually called an end to the session.

While congress debated, 35,000 people were marching towards the chamber down a long avenue lined with the main government buildings, including the Supreme Court, the presidential palace and the ministries.

Protesters shouted "Out with Temer!" and carried signs calling for immediate direct presidential elections.

If Mr Temer resigned, the constitution says congress would elect the next president, who would hold power for the rest of his term, which runs to the end of 2018.

But many Brazilians, disgusted with the political class, want to vote themselves.

While the demonstration was initially peaceful, police and protesters began clashing as the protest neared congress.

Police in riot gear, some on foot holding shields and others on horseback, lined up near the chamber.

The violence began when protesters tried to break through a cordon, the security department said.

Protesters later began to disperse, but small clashes continued with police.

In Rio de Janeiro, a protest in front of the state legislature also became briefly chaotic.

"The state today is in a sea of debt because of corruption," said Julio Cesar Azevedo, a leader of a union that represents prison guards.

"It's not right that public servants are paying this bill."

The state of Rio is in serious financial trouble and many public servants have received their salaries late or not at all.

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Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has hit out at the EU. (AP/Lefteris Pitarakis)

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan believes the EU wants Turkey to abandon its membership bid and says it is up to the bloc to decide whether the accession talks should be terminated.

President Erdogan also said that Turkey did not want to break away from the EU, but criticised the group for treating Turkey like a "beggar".

He was speaking before leaving for Brussels for a Nato summit and holding talks with EU officials.

His visit comes amid tensions with the EU over human rights and other issues.

President Erdogan said: "They want Turkey to withdraw (from negotiations) on its own. That's what they seem to be waiting for."

He added that Turkey would not "make it hard for them" if the EU decided to end the talks.
Leading members of the Muslim community in Manchester have condemned the terror attack that claimed 22 lives, saying that the attacker will be "insignificant" in history.

They added that religious gatherings which are suspected of including hate speeches should be monitored by the police and those responsible "brought to justice".

It comes as police confirmed the identity of the attacker as 22-year-old Salman Abedi, a British-born suicide bomber responsible for the worst terror attack on British soil in over a decade.

The attacker was raised in a Muslim household, but religious leaders said that he did not represent the Muslim fate.

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The UK's terror-level has also been raised to 'critical' in recent hours, meaning that a further terror attack is not only likely but imminent.

Religious leaders this morning spoke of their disbelief as they gathered at the Darul Aman Mosque in Manchester.

"The more I think of it, it's heartbreaking. An eight year-old girl. Not even an animal would do this," Imam Muhammad Khursid said.

"We are going to a school later to give a talk. This how we promote Islam, not by attacking children but by talking to them."

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"One person does not signify that he represents all of Islam. One person is one person and he can not be a role model for all Muslims.

"This person who carried out this awful attack, I wish he knew the true peaceful teaching of Islam. So one person is, it is very unfortunate that he took this route but the other Muslims should be... the public knows that other Muslims are very active in society," he said.

"Just from my community I can say that on the night of this attack we had taxi drivers who gave free rides, to those people affected- children who didn't have parents around them who were worried - they gave them free rides.

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"Our spiritual leader has openly said that they (police) should be monitoring mosques if there are hate speeches and they should be condemned. If this is so, they should be brought to justice because Muslims or non-Muslims this is not acceptable," Imam Khursid added.

"Everyone just started running. People were screaming and crying." Eyewitnesses describe the moments after an explosion hit Manchester arena pic.twitter.com/C7eoNU5qjD  Channel 4 News (@Channel4News) May 23, 2017

The armed police presence in the city has increased further since the terror threat level was raised, while the scene around the Manchester Arena remains sealed-off.

In total 22 people have been confirmed dead while another 59 are seriously injured in hospital. This morning, three more people were arrested in Manchester City Centre, in relation to the terror attack. It brings to four the total number of people who are being questioned by police after a 23-year-old male was detained yesterday.

Asked if he was concerned about the possibility of negative reaction against Muslims, he said: "There is a natural reaction. People are worried, people are concerned but I think events like yesterday when the Mayor of Manchester did a great thing with this vigil, with the thousands of people who turned up- it was a great opportunity to show that the city of Manchester will rise higher than before.

"Regardless of who you are, where you are from. This city is Manchester and it will rise again, and these people who carried out these attacks, whoever they may be, whatever their agenda, they will be insignificant in the city of Manchester."

Members of various religious groups including representatives of the Sikh community spoke out against the attack at a peace vigil in Albert Square yesterday evening.

In a defiant call, the Bishop of Manchester Rev David Walker told the crowd: "You can not defeat us because love is always stronger that hate. We will pull together because we stand together. Whatever our background, our religion, our beliefs, our politics, we wil stand together because this city is greater than those that align itself against it."
Photo issued by Greater Manchester Police of Elaine McIver, who has been named as the off-duty police officer who died in the Manchester bombing (Press Association)

19 of the 22 victims of the Manchester terror attack

The 22 victims who were killed in the attack on the Ariana Grande concert in Manchester have been named.

Among them are parents who were coming to greet their children after the concert and take them safely home, as well as excited youngsters attending their first ever concert.

The youngest victim is just eight years old.

Here is all we know on the victims of the atrocity so far:

Megan Hurley

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The final victim of the Manchester terror attack has been named as 15-year-old Megan Hurley from Halewood.

Megan Hurley's neighbours and friends have remembered a "gentle, unassuming" girl who loved her music and had a devilish sense of humour.

Local teenagers held a vigil for her last night, releasing pink balloons into the air.

Pat Byrne, whose garden backs onto Megan Hurley's in the Liverpool suburb of Halewood, said: "It's a little tight-knit community.

"They are a lovely family - always lots going on, very happy, smiling, lots of parties and barbecues.

"We've been there for 20 years and they have been there all the time."

"The local teenagers held a vigil for her last night. They had a picnic in the field and released pink balloons into the sky. It was tragic, but a lovely little tribute.

Her husband Steve Byrne said: "They are one devastated family.

"You take your kids for granted then something like this happens. It's just tragic.

The parents Michael and Joanne run a sandwich shop in nearby Hunts Cross.

Some local friends, who preferred not to be named, said: "Megan was a lovely, quiet, sensitive person, who absolutely loved her music."

They said she was also an animal lover, and kept rabbits.

A friend said: "She turned 15 in March.

"She was very gentle and unassuming, not an extravert, but she had a great sense of humour and loved to make people laugh.

"She loved to play on the trampoline.

"The parents have barely left Bradley's bedside since it happened on Monday. They haven't even begun to start grieving - they haven't left the hospital."

On Thursday pupils at Megan's school Halewood Academy, could be seen standing in silence, paying their respects at a tribute of pink balloons at the entrance to the school.

She was confirmed as dead by her aunt Maxine Benson, as her parents are believed to be at the hospital bedside of her brother Bradley, 20, who was injured in the attack.

Courtney Boyle

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Leeds Beckett University student Courtney Boyle (19) was from Gateshead. Her mother, Ms Hutchinson, said: "My stunning amazing beautiful daughter you were my rock, you made me so proud with all you had achieved."

Philip Tron

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Ms Hutchinson's partner, Philip Tron (32) was also killed in the explosion. Ms Hutchinson said: ""And my gorgeous crazy Philip, you made my world a happy place and now you are both my angels flying high in the sky."

Eilidh MacLeod

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A 14-year-old who travelled to the concert with her school pal has been named as the 18 victim of the bomb attack.

Eilidh MacLeod attended the concter with her friend Laura MacIntyre (15). Both girls were reported missing by their worried families and Laura was located in hospital nearly 20 hours after the incident.

However, the parents of Eilidh said in a statement on Thursday: "Words cannot express how we feel at losing our darling Eilidh."

Sorrell Leczkowski

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A 14-year-old schoolgirl has been confirmed as among the dead.

Sorrell Leczkowski, from Leeds, was at the Ariana Grande concert in Manchester with her mother and grandmother, both of whom are recovering in hospital.

Sorrell's grandmother is critically ill, and has been unconscious since the blast.

According to her family, her grandmother had a 15-hour operation to remove shrapnel from her body.

Her heartbroken grandfather revealed that she dreamed of being an architecht.

Michael Healey said granddaughter Sorrell was "our rock" as he paid tribute to the "clever, talented, creative girl".

In a statement issued through Greater Manchester Police, he said his wife Pauline remains in intensive care and Sorrell's mother Samantha is recovering from surgery "as she tries to make sense of the devastating loss of her daughter".

Mr Healey said: "I am absolutely heartbroken to confirm that my granddaughter was killed in the terror attack that claimed so many innocent lives.

"Sorrell was only 14, but she was our rock, she kept us all grounded. She was such a clever, talented, creative girl, there was nothing she couldn't do.

"She was going to be an architect and wanted to go to Columbia University in New York to study so that she could build hotels with slides coming out of the rooms and so that she could build her mum a house.

"My wife is currently in intensive care, and Samantha is recovering from surgery as she tries to make sense of the devastating loss of her daughter."

Chloe Rutherford and Liam Curry

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A teenage couple also killed in the bombing "wanted to be together forever and now they are", their families have said.

Chloe Rutherford (17), and Liam Curry (19), from South Shields, were "inseparable" and "beautiful inside and out", their grieving relatives said as they became the latest youngsters known to have died in the atrocity.

In a joint statement released through Greater Manchester Police their relatives said: "On the night our daughter Chloe died and our son Liam died, their wings were ready but our hearts were not.

"They were perfect in every way for each other and were meant to be.

"They were beautiful inside and out to ourselves and our families, and they were inseparable.

"Chloe always described herself as ditzy who Liam adored and would do anything for, including dealing with Chloe's demands for chocolate.

"They lived to go to new places together and explore different cities. They wanted to be together forever and now they are."

Mr Curry, a former pupil of Gateshead College, was studying for a degree in sport and exercise science at Northumbria University.

His father, Andrew Curry, died aged 49 in March after a long illness.

An obituary posted in the Shields Gazette said: "My dad was my hero. I don't know how we can go on without him! I will be strong though and look after them as you asked me to Dad."

Elaine McIver, off-duty Police Officer

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Elaine McIver, a Cheshire Police officer killed in the Manchester bombing, has been confirmed dead by her heartbroken family.

In a statement issued through Greater Manchester Police, Ms McIver's family said: "Elaine was a much-loved daughter, sister, auntie, friend and colleague, the best we could ever have wished for.

"She was everyone's friend, thoughtful beyond belief, with an effervescent and outgoing personality.

"She would have been devastated by the injuries sustained by her partner Paul, and we all wish him a speedy recovery.

"Elaine just loved life, and had a major love of music. Despite what has happened to her, she would want us all to carry on regardless and not be frightened by fear tactics; instead she regularly urged us all to rise up against it.

"Although we will all miss her beyond belief, we absolutely know she will live in our hearts forever."

Wendy Fawell

Staff at a primary school have expressed their "deep sadness" after confirming the death of one of their former colleagues in the Manchester bombing.

The family of Wendy Fawell, from Otley, West Yorkshire, had mounted a frantic campaign to find the 50-year-old who had been missing since Monday night's explosion.

On Thursday, St Oswald's C of E Primary School, in Guiseley, said on Twitter: "It is with deepest sadness that I confirm that our former colleague Wendy Fawell was killed in the Manchester bombing. RIP, Wendy."

Ms Fawell was reported to have been about to leave the concert with her 15-year-old daughter Charlotte, along with a friend and her sons, when they were caught in the attack.

Charlotte was taken to hospital in Oldham and her brother, Adam Fawell, 29, began a desperate search for his mother.

Speaking to the Yorkshire Evening Post earlier this week, Mr Fawell said: "We are just hoping for anything and something but there is just nothing, nothing, nothing."

He said: "The support we are getting from friends and family is unbelievable and the stuff that is going around generally is incredible and a little bit overwhelming."

More than 100 people attended a vigil for Ms Fawell in Otley on Tuesday evening.

Nell Jones

Nell Jones, who works with my boyfriend. was at the concert last night & hasn't been in contact, please RT and share! #MissingInManchester pic.twitter.com/wTs265Ey6L  Gina R (@georginaarobins) May 23, 2017

Fourteen-year-old Nell Jones has been confirmed as one of the 22 victims of the Manchester terror attack at an Ariana Grande concert.

Holmes Chapel Comprehensive School, told Express.co.uk that police have confirmed their pupil was one of 22 to die in Manchester Arena on Monday night.

Headteacher Dennis Oliver, told Express.co.uk: It has now been announced in the school that Nell has unfortunately died.

I have just done six assemblies to tell the pupils. Children are all over the place crying. We are all devastated.

The heart wrenches for me and everyone else.

Martyn Hett

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Martyn Hett, a Coronation Street superfan who had a tattoo of Deirdre Barlow on his ankle and with his boyfriend won Come Dine With Me, has been named as one of the dead.

His heartbroken partner tweeted the sad news.

Russell Hayward, his boyfriend with whom he appeared on Come Dine With Me, tweeted: "We got the news last night that our wonderful, iconic and beautiful Martyn didn't survive.

"He left the world exactly how he lived, centre of attention. I'm in a really bad way so please forgive if I don't reply.

"Thankfully I have his wonderful and amazing friends to keep each other strong. I love you Martyn. I always will".

On Tuesday, Mr Hett's partner wrote: "Soulmate doesn't even come close. Come back to us Martyn so we can watch last nights Corrie together".

In a statement issued by Greater Manchester Police, his devastated family said he "just happened to be at the wrong place at the wrong time".

The statement added: "Words cannot describe the generosity and kindness our families have received over the last few days.

"We are overwhelmed with the amount of lives he has touched and the kind words that are being said about him.

"Martyn was the icon of all our lives. His infectious laugh and his niche sense of humour will stay with us forever.

"He lived for every moment of every day and fitted an entire lifetime of memories into his 29 years.

"Whilst they have taken the life out of Martyn, no one can, and ever will, take Martyn out of our lives."

Michelle Kiss

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A mother, Michelle Kiss, has been confirmed as one of the victims of the Manchester terror attack at the Ariana Grande concert on Monday night.

Her niece, Laura Murray, wrote the sad news on Facebook.

She said: "It's true thankyou everyone for your help we are all heartbroken".

Ms Kiss had been excited to take two young female children, believed to be hers, to the concert.

She wrote on Facebook: "Excited girlies ready to watch Ariana".

At least one of the children is thought to have been found safe, family friends posted on social media.

A mother of children who are reportedly at the same school as the girls Ms Kiss took to the concert wrote: "The girls at school are all saying the other little girl she was with is in contact and they are definitely safe but in hospital. Let's hope so".

Her family have said they are "absolutely devastated" by her death, adding that "we hope to draw from the courage and strength she showed in her life to get through this extremely difficult time".

Jane Tweddle-Taylor

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A 50-year-old mother of three who went to the Manchester Arena on Monday night to pick up a friend's daughter has been confirmed as another victim of the terror attack.

Jane Tweddle-Taylor, a school receptionist from Blackpool, had gone to the venue with a friend.

Jane Bailey, Principal of South Shore Academy, where Jane worked said the school had been left "devastated" by the news.

"Jane was a well-loved member of staff and our thoughts are with her friends and family at this terrible time.

"Jane was a truly wonderful friend and colleague to all of us at South Shore Academy.

"As our receptionist, she was in many ways, the public face of the school and she represented us amazingly in this role.

"We have received numerous messages of condolences from parents, students, community members and colleagues across Blackpool for which we are very grateful.

"All of them say the same things about our lovely Jane.... bubbly, kind, welcoming, funny, generous..... the list goes on. Our thoughts are also with her family at this dreadful time and in particular her three daughters. In our school family and theirs ...... she is irreplaceable, much loved and will never be forgotten."

Marcin and Angelika Klis

Marcin and Angelika Klis, Polish parents of a student at the University of York, have been confirmed dead after the Manchester attack.

Marcin was 42 years old, and Angelika was 40, and they both were at the concert to pick up their children.

Their 20-year-old daughter had posted a plea for help on Facebook after they didn't contact her following the attack at the Ariana Grande concert on Monday night.

The Polish foreign minister has confirmed that a couple from the country had died in the attack.

They had arranged to meet their children at the entrance where the attack occurred to take them to their home in York.

The pair leave behind two daughters, Alex and Patricia.

Kelly Brewster

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A woman from Sheffield's family have confirmed she is one of the victims of the Manchester terror attack after her body reportedly "shielded" her niece from the blast. She leaves behind a young daughter, Phoebe.

Kelly Brewster, 32, had been reported missing after the suicide bombing at Manchester Arena on Monday night.

Her partner, Ian Winslow, later wrote on Facebook: "Not sure how this works but it isn't good news. Kelly Brewster wasn't one of the unidentified hospital patients. She has sadly passed away in the terror attack yesterday.

"Kelly really was the happiest she has ever been and we had so many things planned together. My daughter Phoebe will be absolutely devastated like we all are."

Her local paper, the Sheffield Star, praised her for her bravery on the front page of the newspaper after confirming her death.

It said that she will be remembered by her community for her selfless act.

Ms Brewster had been attending the Ariana Grande concert with her sister Claire and her niece Hollie Booth when the home-made device packed with nuts and bolts exploded in the venue's foyer as thousands of young people were leaving.

Hollie has two broken legs and Claire has a broken jaw, Hollie's grandmother Tracy Booth wrote on Facebook.

Olivia Campbell

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Olivia Campbell, a fifteen-year-old, was killed in the Manchester terror attack, her mother said on Tuesday night.

Ms Campbell's mother, Charlotte Campbell, paid tribute to her daughter on Facebook.

She said: "RIP my darling precious gorgeous girl Olivia Campbell taken far far to soon go sing with the angels and keep smiling mummy loves you so much."

A heartbroken Mrs Campbell had broken down in tears on ITV's Good Morning Britain earlier in the day, when her daughter was missing.

She spoke of how she had not spoken to her daughter Olivia since she set off for the event.

"All I know is she was at the Manchester Arena with her friend watching Ariana Grande and shes not turned up yet.

"I cant get through to her. Ive called the hospitals, Ive called all the places, the hotels where people say that children have been taken.

"Ive called the police. Theres no news, Ive just got to wait. Im waiting at home just in case she turns up here," she told the morning program.

John Atkinson

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26-year-old John Atkinson has been confirmed dead by family and friends.

The pop fan, from Radcliffe , was reportedly leaving the venue when he was targeted by the attacker.

A local police force tweeted: "As the news comes in, the sympathies and condolences to the familes of Georgina Callander, Saffie Rose Roussos and John Atkinson #RIP"

Tributes were paid by the local adult dance troupe, Freak Dance Radcliffe, for whom Mr Atkinson danced competitively.

A message on Facebook from the group read: Today is an amazingly sad day! We have lost a member of our dance family."

They described him as a happy gentle person and a real pleasure to teach.

He was a true friend, not just to our staff but many of the parents and students from the school. Our thoughts are with the family at the very sad and hard time!

Many have posted their condolences online, saying he was an "amazing young man" and a "beautiful soul".

Lee Paul posted on Facebook: Sleep tight John Atkinson. Thoughts and prayers with all your family and the other 21 people who lost there lives last night.

Tracey Crolla wrote: Thinking of all the Atkinsons at this very sad time John Atkinson you turned into an amazing young man so kind and thoughtful you will be missed by everyone x x.

Nana Julie Mills said: Just heard one of my good friends whom Ive known since he was a little boy passed away last night. Condolences to his family and friends. RIP John Atkinson.

Talie Andrea wrote: Heartbroken for the Atkinson family at this sad time never would I imagine this happening so close to home. Rest in paradise John you beautiful soul.

A GoFundMe has been launched by the local community and it has raised almost 2,000.

Well-wishes wrote: "We are trying to help his family in any way possible at this tragic time. I know all us Radcliffe people can pull together and help this local family out.

"Please donate generously as we all know funeral cost are expensive and will help the family at this sad time! John was one one in a million and loved by so many!! A true gentleman. R.I.P John thoughts and prayers with you family and all of the other victims effected by this tragedy"

Alison Howe and Lisa Lees

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Two mothers waiting to collect their teenage daughters after the Ariana Grande concert were among the victims of the suicide attack at the Manchester Arena, their families said on Tuesday night.

Alison Howe, 45, and Lisa Lees, 47, from Royton, Oldham, were waiting together in the foyer of the arena when a home-made device packed with nuts and bolts exploded.

Both had been reported missing after the attack and on Tuesday night their relatives confirmed they were among the 22 victims of the atrocity.

"They took a caring beautiful mum and step mother away from us all she was amazing to us all x love you loads Alison Howe xx," Ms Howe's stepson Jordan Howe wrote on Facebook.

Ms Lees' brother, Lee Hunter, confirmed her death around the same time.

"For those who dont know Lisa is gone but never, ever forgotten. I love you Lisa Ill miss you so much," he wrote.

Saffie-Rose Roussos

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Saffie-Rose Roussos died from her injuries at the concert on Monday night.

The headteacher at her school, Chris Upton, said: "Saffie was simply a beautiful little girl in every aspect of the word. She was loved by everyone".

In a statement released this afternoon, Tarleton Community Primary School headteacher, Chris Upton, said the news was "heartbreaking".

"News of Saffie's death in this appalling attack has come as a tremendous shock to all of us and I would like to send our deepest condolences to all of her family and friends," said Mr Upton.

"The thought that anyone could go out to a concert and not come home is heartbreaking."

He added: "Saffie was simply a beautiful little girl in every aspect of the word.

"She was loved by everyone and her warmth and kindness will be remembered fondly.

"Saffie was quiet and unassuming with a creative flair.

"Our focus is now on helping pupils and staff cope with this shocking news and we have called in specialist support from Lancashire County Council to help us do that.

"We are a tight-knit school and wider community and will give each other the support that we need at this difficult time."

Saffie's parents are believed to run a fish and chip shop in Leyland, Lancs.

Saffie-Rose's mother and sister, Lisa and her older sister Ashlee are being treated for shrapnel injuries in separate hospitals.

Kate Tinsley, whose daughter Jessica was a friend of Saffie at Tarleton Community Primary School, near Preston, had earlier told The Sun: "Everybody is worried, the whole village. Everybody is in bits waiting for news, just some news that she's okay, she's alive."

Saffie-Rose was at the concert with her mother Lisa and her older sister Ashlee, who are both reportedly being treated in hospital.

Georgina Callander

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The first named victim of the Manchester terror attack was Georgina Bethany Callander, an 18-year-old Ariana Grande superfan who was excited to see her idol on Monday night.

Ms Callander had met Ariana Grande in 2015, and posted excitedly about the time she met her star on Instagram.

She attended Runshaw college in Lancashire.

The young fan, from Whittle-le-Woods in Lancashire, was one of 22 people killed by the blast as she left the Ariana Grande concert at the 21,000-capacity venue.

Her college confirmed she was dead, telling The Telegraph: "It is with enormous sadness that it appears that one of the people who lost their lives in Mondays Manchester attack was one of our students here at Runshaw College.

"Georgina Callander was a former Bishop Rawstorne pupil studying with us on the second year of her Health and Social Care course.

"Our deepest sympathies, thoughts and prayers go out to all of Georginas family, friends, and all of those affected by this loss.

"We are offering all available support possible at this tragic time, including counselling with our dedicated student support team."

Friends posted heartbroken messages on social media mourning their friend, who loved pop music and frequently attended concerts and shows.

Telegraph Media Group Limited [2022]
UK Prime Minister Theresa May yesterday called the bombing an act of sickening cowardice as it targeted defenceless children. Photo: PA

The Manchester Arena suicide bomber had made trips to Libya, Downing Street said last night, as intelligence agencies combed his connections with al-Qa'ida and Isil in his parents' homeland.

Salman Abedi (22) was born in Manchester and grew up in a tight-knit Libyan community that was known for its strong opposition to Colonel Muammar Gaddafi's regime.

He had become radicalised recently and had worshipped at a local mosque that has, in the past, been accused of fundraising for jihadists.

The imam last night said that Abedi, who wore Islamic dress, had shown him "the face of hate" when he gave a talk warning on the dangers of so-called Isil.

He was born in 1994, the second youngest of four children. His parents were Libyan refugees who fled to the UK to escape Gaddafi.

His mother Samia Tabbal (50) and father Ramadan Abedi, a security officer, were both born in Tripoli but appear to have emigrated to London before moving to the Whalley Range area of south Manchester, where they had lived for at least a decade.

Abedi went to school locally and then to Salford University in 2014, where he studied business management before dropping out. His trips to Libya, where it is thought his parents returned in 2011 following Gaddafi's overthrow, are now subject to scrutiny.

A group of Gaddafi dissidents, who were members of the outlawed Libyan Islamic Fighting Group (LIFG), lived near the Abedi family in Whalley Range.

Read more: What we know about Salman Abedi, the man named as Manchester suicide bomber

Among them was Abd al-Baset Azzouz, a father-of-four from Manchester, who left Britain to run a terrorist network in Libya overseen by Ayman al-Zawahiri, Osama bin Laden's successor as leader of al-Qa'ida.

Azzouz, 48, an expert bomb-maker, was accused of running an al-Qa'ida network in eastern Libya. 'The Telegraph' reported in 2014 that Azzouz had 200 to 300 militants under his control.

Another member of the Libyan community in Manchester, Salah Aboaoba, told Channel 4 News in 2011 that he had been fundraising for LIFG while in the city. Aboaoba had claimed he had raised funds at Didsbury mosque, the one attended by Abedi. The mosque vehemently denied the claim.

Mohammed Saeed El-Saeiti, the imam at the Didsbury mosque, yesterday branded Abedi a dangerous extremist. "Salman showed me the face of hate after my speech on Isis," he said. "He used to show me the face of hate and I could tell this person does not like me. It's not a surprise to me."

At the Abedi family home in Elsmore Road, a nondescript red-brick terrace, neighbours said Abedi had become increasingly devout and withdrawn.

Lina Ahmed, 21, said: "They are a Libyan family and they have been acting strangely. A couple of months ago he [Salman] was chanting the first kalma [Islamic prayer] really loudly in the street. He was chanting in Arabic."

Police and special forces blasted down the door of the family home at 11.30am yesterday. Locals said two helicopters and at least 30 police officers arrived for the raid.
The Manchester bomber Salman Abedi is believed to have travelled to Syria and had "proven" links with Islamic State, France's interior minister has said.

Gerard Collomb told French television that both British and French intelligence services had information that Abedi had been in Syria.

The disclosure came as Home Secretary Amber Rudd confirmed the UK security services had been aware of the British-born 22-year-old.

"We do know that he was known up to a point to the intelligence services," she told Sky News.

Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Previous Next Close People gather ahead of a vigil in Albert Square, Manchester, after a 23-year-old man was arrested in connection with the Manchester concert bomb attack. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday May 23, 2017. The attack killed 22 people, including children, and injured dozens more in the worst terrorist incident to hit Britain since the July 7 atrocities. See PA story POLICE Explosion. Photo credit should read: Martin Rickett/PA Wire Women wait to take part in a vigil for the victims of an attack on concert goers at Manchester Arena, in central Manchester, Britain May 23, 2017. REUTERS/Darren Staples People gather ahead of a vigil in Albert Square, Manchester, after a 23-year-old man was arrested in connection with the Manchester concert bomb attack. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday May 23, 2017. The attack killed 22 people, including children, and injured dozens more in the worst terrorist incident to hit Britain since the July 7 atrocities. See PA story POLICE Explosion. Photo credit should read: Martin Rickett/PA Wire A woman waits to take part in a vigil for the victims of an attack on concert goers at Manchester Arena, in central Manchester, Britain May 23, 2017. REUTERS/Jon Super Former England cricket captain Andrew 'Freddie' Flintoff in the crowd ahead of a vigil in Albert Square, Manchester, after a 23-year-old man was arrested in connection with the Manchester concert bomb attack. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday May 23, 2017. The attack killed 22 people, including children, and injured dozens more in the worst terrorist incident to hit Britain since the July 7 atrocities. See PA story POLICE Explosion. Photo credit should read: Martin Rickett/PA Wire Sikhs wave placards before a vigil for the victims of an attack on concert goers at Manchester Arena, in central Manchester, Britain May 23, 2017. REUTERS/Jon Super People hold a placard as they take part in a vigil for the victims of an attack on concert goers at Manchester Arena, in central Manchester, Britain May 23, 2017. REUTERS/Peter Nicholls People attendn a vigil for the victims of an attack on concert goers at Manchester Arena, in central Manchester, Britain May 23, 2017. REUTERS/Jon Super TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY People gather for a vigil in George Square, Glasgow, after a 23-year-old man was arrested in connection with the Manchester concert bomb attack. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday May 23, 2017. The attack killed 22 people, including children, and injured dozens more in the worst terrorist incident to hit Britain since the July 7 atrocities. See PA story POLICE Explosion. Photo credit should read: Paul Ward/PA Wire People leave flowers during a vigil in George Square, Glasgow, after a 23-year-old man was arrested in connection with the Manchester concert bomb attack. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday May 23, 2017. The attack killed 22 people, including children, and injured dozens more in the worst terrorist incident to hit Britain since the July 7 atrocities. See PA story POLICE Explosion. Photo credit should read: Paul Ward/PA Wire People leave flowers during a vigil in George Square, Glasgow, after a 23-year-old man was arrested in connection with the Manchester concert bomb attack. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday May 23, 2017. The attack killed 22 people, including children, and injured dozens more in the worst terrorist incident to hit Britain since the July 7 atrocities. See PA story POLICE Explosion. Photo credit should read: Paul Ward/PA Wire People attend a vigil in Albert Square outside Manchester Town Hall after a 23-year-old man was arrested in connection with the Manchester concert bomb attack. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday May 23, 2017. The attack killed 22 people, including children, and injured dozens more in the worst terrorist incident to hit Britain since the July 7 atrocities. See PA story POLICE Explosion. Photo credit should read: Danny Lawson/PA Wire People gather for a vigil in Albert Square outside Manchester Town Hall in Manchester after a 23-year-old man was arrested in connection with the Manchester concert bomb attack. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday May 23, 2017. The attack killed 22 people, including children, and injured dozens more in the worst terrorist incident to hit Britain since the July 7 atrocities. See PA story POLICE Explosion. Photo credit should read: Joe Giddens/PA Wire Scenes at the vigil in Albert Square in Manchester for the bombing victims Credit: Kyran O'Brien Scenes at the vigil in Albert Square in Manchester for the bombing victims Credit: Kyran O'Brien Scenes at the vigil in Albert Square in Manchester for the bombing victims Credit: Kyran O'Brien Scenes at the vigil in Albert Square in Manchester for the bombing victims Credit: Kyran O'Brien Scenes at the vigil in Albert Square in Manchester for the bombing victims Credit: Kyran O'Brien Scenes at the vigil in Albert Square in Manchester for the bombing victims Credit: Kyran O'Brien Scenes at the vigil in Albert Square in Manchester for the bombing victims Credit: Kyran O'Brien Scenes at the vigil in Albert Square in Manchester for the bombing victims Credit: Kyran O'Brien Scenes at the vigil in Albert Square in Manchester for the bombing victims Credit: Kyran O'Brien Scenes at the vigil in Albert Square in Manchester for the bombing victims Credit: Kyran O'Brien Scenes at the vigil in Albert Square in Manchester for the bombing victims Credit: Kyran O'Brien / Facebook

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Whatsapp People gather ahead of a vigil in Albert Square, Manchester, after a 23-year-old man was arrested in connection with the Manchester concert bomb attack. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday May 23, 2017. The attack killed 22 people, including children, and injured dozens more in the worst terrorist incident to hit Britain since the July 7 atrocities. See PA story POLICE Explosion. Photo credit should read: Martin Rickett/PA Wire

"I am sure that we will get more information about him over the next few days and the next few weeks."

It is also believed Abedi perpetrated the worst outrage Britain has seen in a decade just days after returning from Libya.

The 22-year-old's visit to his family's native country fuelled concerns he was preparing for Monday's deadly assault under the guidance of hardened jihadists.

The Times reported the Manchester-born bomber spent three weeks in the war-torn north African nation before the attack on Manchester Arena, in which he was killed.

A friend told the paper: "He went to Libya three weeks ago and came back recently, like days ago."

Both Islamic State (IS), who claimed responsibility for the atrocity, and al Qaida have a presence in Libya, but the possibility remains that Abedi travelled to their heartland in Syria for training.

Prime Minister Theresa May said on Tuesday night it was possible he had planned his deadly attack with a "wider group of individuals".

Born and raised in Manchester, Abedi grew up in a Muslim household - but matured into a university dropout with an appetite for bloodshed.

He was registered as living at Elsmore Road as recently as last year, where police raided a downstairs red-bricked semi-detached property on Tuesday.

Neighbours recalled an abrasive, tall, skinny young man who was little known in the neighbourhood, and often seen in traditional Islamic clothing.

He is thought to have lived at a number of addresses in the area, including one in Wilbraham Road, where plainclothes police made an arrest on Tuesday.

Read More

Abedi previously lived with his mother Samia Tabbal, father Ramadan Abedi and a brother, Ismail Abedi, who was born in Westminster in 1993.

He is thought to have a younger brother, Hashim Abedi, and a sister Jomana, whose Facebook profile suggests she is from Tripoli and lives in Manchester.

A family friend, who asked not to be named, said they were known to the Libyan community in the city and described Abedi as "normal".

He told the Press Association: "He was always friendly, nothing to suggest (he was violent). He was normal, to be honest."

Abedi is believed to have attended the Manchester Islamic Centre, also known as the Didsbury Mosque.

Here, he reportedly caught the attention of one imam whom he stared down during a sermon denouncing terrorism.

"Salman showed me a face of hate after that sermon," Mohammed Saeed told The Guardian of the 2015 encounter.

"He was showing me hatred."

Fawaz Haffar, a businessman and trustee of the mosque, said he "probably" did attend there, given his father used to perform the call to prayer and his brother Ismail attended as a volunteer until recently.

He said: "I see him (the father) praying but I don't know really who he is. I see him sometimes raising the azan, or call to prayer, but that was a long time ago.

"As far as I knew he went back to Libya when things were much better over there, to work over there.

Read More

"He was devout as far as I know. He had three sons, one of them is detained, one of them is a suspect and the third one I have no idea who he is."

He said the mosque is moderate, modern and liberal and that he is a member of an organisation liaising with police, the Independent Advisory Group.

Abedi studied business and management at Salford University two or three years ago, a source said, but dropped out of the course and did not complete his degree.

The source said Abedi began his course in 2014 and attended lectures for two years but then stopped going.

He would have graduated this summer.

He did not live in university accommodation, had not been in any trouble at the university and was not on any radar for pastoral or social care.

It is understood Abedi was not known to have participated in any clubs or societies during his time in higher education - and never met with the resident imam.

Dr Sam Grogan, the university's Pro-Vice Chancellor Student Experience, said: "All at the University of Salford are shocked and saddened by the events of last night. Our thoughts are with all those involved, their families and their friends."

Meanwhile, the Elysee Palace announced that France's president Emmanuel Macron is seeking to extend the country's state of emergency, imposed after Islamic State attacks, until November.
Scenes at the vigil in Albert Square in Manchester for the bombing victims Credit: Kyran O'Brien

Scenes at the vigil in Albert Square in Manchester for the bombing victims Credit: Kyran O'Brien

Scenes at the vigil in Albert Square in Manchester for the bombing victims Credit: Kyran O'Brien

Scenes at the vigil in Albert Square in Manchester for the bombing victims Credit: Kyran O'Brien

Scenes at the vigil in Albert Square in Manchester for the bombing victims Credit: Kyran O'Brien

Scenes at the vigil in Albert Square in Manchester for the bombing victims Credit: Kyran O'Brien

Scenes at the vigil in Albert Square in Manchester for the bombing victims Credit: Kyran O'Brien

Scenes at the vigil in Albert Square in Manchester for the bombing victims Credit: Kyran O'Brien

Scenes at the vigil in Albert Square in Manchester for the bombing victims Credit: Kyran O'Brien

Scenes at the vigil in Albert Square in Manchester for the bombing victims Credit: Kyran O'Brien

Scenes at the vigil in Albert Square in Manchester for the bombing victims Credit: Kyran O'Brien

People gather for a vigil in Albert Square outside Manchester Town Hall in Manchester after a 23-year-old man was arrested in connection with the Manchester concert bomb attack. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday May 23, 2017. The attack killed 22 people, including children, and injured dozens more in the worst terrorist incident to hit Britain since the July 7 atrocities. See PA story POLICE Explosion. Photo credit should read: Joe Giddens/PA Wire

People attend a vigil in Albert Square outside Manchester Town Hall after a 23-year-old man was arrested in connection with the Manchester concert bomb attack. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday May 23, 2017. The attack killed 22 people, including children, and injured dozens more in the worst terrorist incident to hit Britain since the July 7 atrocities. See PA story POLICE Explosion. Photo credit should read: Danny Lawson/PA Wire

People leave flowers during a vigil in George Square, Glasgow, after a 23-year-old man was arrested in connection with the Manchester concert bomb attack. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday May 23, 2017. The attack killed 22 people, including children, and injured dozens more in the worst terrorist incident to hit Britain since the July 7 atrocities. See PA story POLICE Explosion. Photo credit should read: Paul Ward/PA Wire

People leave flowers during a vigil in George Square, Glasgow, after a 23-year-old man was arrested in connection with the Manchester concert bomb attack. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday May 23, 2017. The attack killed 22 people, including children, and injured dozens more in the worst terrorist incident to hit Britain since the July 7 atrocities. See PA story POLICE Explosion. Photo credit should read: Paul Ward/PA Wire

People gather for a vigil in George Square, Glasgow, after a 23-year-old man was arrested in connection with the Manchester concert bomb attack. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday May 23, 2017. The attack killed 22 people, including children, and injured dozens more in the worst terrorist incident to hit Britain since the July 7 atrocities. See PA story POLICE Explosion. Photo credit should read: Paul Ward/PA Wire

People attendn a vigil for the victims of an attack on concert goers at Manchester Arena, in central Manchester, Britain May 23, 2017. REUTERS/Jon Super TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

People hold a placard as they take part in a vigil for the victims of an attack on concert goers at Manchester Arena, in central Manchester, Britain May 23, 2017. REUTERS/Peter Nicholls

Sikhs wave placards before a vigil for the victims of an attack on concert goers at Manchester Arena, in central Manchester, Britain May 23, 2017. REUTERS/Jon Super

Former England cricket captain Andrew 'Freddie' Flintoff in the crowd ahead of a vigil in Albert Square, Manchester, after a 23-year-old man was arrested in connection with the Manchester concert bomb attack. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday May 23, 2017. The attack killed 22 people, including children, and injured dozens more in the worst terrorist incident to hit Britain since the July 7 atrocities. See PA story POLICE Explosion. Photo credit should read: Martin Rickett/PA Wire

A woman waits to take part in a vigil for the victims of an attack on concert goers at Manchester Arena, in central Manchester, Britain May 23, 2017. REUTERS/Jon Super

People gather ahead of a vigil in Albert Square, Manchester, after a 23-year-old man was arrested in connection with the Manchester concert bomb attack. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday May 23, 2017. The attack killed 22 people, including children, and injured dozens more in the worst terrorist incident to hit Britain since the July 7 atrocities. See PA story POLICE Explosion. Photo credit should read: Martin Rickett/PA Wire

Women wait to take part in a vigil for the victims of an attack on concert goers at Manchester Arena, in central Manchester, Britain May 23, 2017. REUTERS/Darren Staples

People gather ahead of a vigil in Albert Square, Manchester, after a 23-year-old man was arrested in connection with the Manchester concert bomb attack. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday May 23, 2017. The attack killed 22 people, including children, and injured dozens more in the worst terrorist incident to hit Britain since the July 7 atrocities. See PA story POLICE Explosion. Photo credit should read: Martin Rickett/PA Wire

The little girls of Manchester had been the same as the little girls of Dublin on Saturday night.

For many, it was their first concert, their excitement palpably bubbling over as they waved their glowsticks amid the crowd.

Ariana Grande is pre-teen territory, young kids who love the American's bubblegum pop music.

Some of the concert goers in Dublin had noted how many children had to stand on seats and crane their necks to see their idol.

This concert was the ultimate treat.

For some, the tickets had been a present from Santa an interminable number of months before.

It heralded the start of the summer - the school holidays not far behind, stretching out in a succession of happy times, freedom and youthful optimism as they lifted their voices and sang along with Ariana Grande to her finale, 'One Last Time'.

Manchester had been no different to Dublin right up until the moment the crowds of small patrons and their parents flooded out of the doors to leave, after having the night of their young lives, their hope and innocence shattered in a heart-stopping moment.

Medics yesterday declined to go into detail about the vicious injuries that had been inflicted.

They did not want to add to the trauma, they explained. Suffice to say the injuries were life changing for many.

Expand Close Well-wishers pay their respects to all those affected by the bomb attack, following a vigil in central Manchester. REUTERS/Peter Nicholls / Facebook

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Whatsapp Well-wishers pay their respects to all those affected by the bomb attack, following a vigil in central Manchester. REUTERS/Peter Nicholls

An urgent and heartbreaking request for sandwiches had gone out for the parents sitting at the bedsides of their children in intensive care.

As thousands gathered at Albert Square for last night's vigil, a collection of paper hearts dangled from a lamppost.

They had been placed there by the children of Trinity High School in Manchester, their careful round lettering conveying their bewilderment at what had happened far better than even the sorrowful messages they had written.

"Dear God, please help all the victims of yesterday that have tragically died in the attack," wrote one.

Expand Close Women pay their respects to all those affected by the bomb attack, following a vigil in central Manchester. REUTERS/Peter Nicholls / Facebook

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Whatsapp Women pay their respects to all those affected by the bomb attack, following a vigil in central Manchester. REUTERS/Peter Nicholls

It seemed like everyone from Manchester had come to express their grief and revulsion, but what was striking was the youth of the crowd - this city is one of the youngest places in Britain, with a quarter of the population in their 20s.

College students stood in groups; young couples with their arms entwined.

The evening sunshine was still so balmy that a T-shirt sufficed.

At a corner of Mount Street a large group of volunteers from St John's Ambulance gathered for a briefing.

Read more: 'Whatever our religion this city is greater' - Thousands gather for vigil in Manchester show of solidarity

Expand Close A message is left for the victims of the Manchester Arena attack in central Manchester. REUTERS/Stefan Wermuth / Facebook

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Whatsapp A message is left for the victims of the Manchester Arena attack in central Manchester. REUTERS/Stefan Wermuth

At the opposite side of the street stood heavily armed police, their presence all day throughout the city striking an uneasy note.

The streets were so uncharacteristically quiet, and deserted, that the signal for the pedestrian traffic lights pierced the air.

The wide and sweeping cordon around the Manchester Arena stood in place all day, meaning much of the city centre was out of bounds.

People spoke of their disbelief at what had happened here in a place so friendly and no-nonsense.

"We're not like other places. We all get along together. You can be who you want to be here," said one college student at Manchester University, who had previously been discussing her holiday plans with a Muslim friend wearing a hijab.

Just before the vigil was about to begin, a group of Sikhs had set up trestle tables and were giving out bottles of water, cans of fizzy drinks and juice.

Expand Close Flowers and messages are left for the victims of the Manchester Arena attack in central Manchester. REUTERS/Stefan Wermuth / Facebook

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Whatsapp Flowers and messages are left for the victims of the Manchester Arena attack in central Manchester. REUTERS/Stefan Wermuth

They had arrived at Albert Square singing, explaining: "We're Mancs, we don't get knocked back."

Then just as it began, another knot of people struggled valiantly through to take a position at the front.

They held aloft a sign which read: "Love for all, hatred for none. UK Muslims for Peace". The crowd parted readily to allow them easy passage.

Another man held up the sign: "Prayers and love from Manchester's Syrian Community".

Three gold heart-shaped balloons were set adrift to float overhead as the vigil commenced with music, applause and then silence, broken by the subdued sobbing of young girls from the back of the crowd.

The Lord Mayor of Manchester, Eddy Newman, thanked the emergency services, which prompted a massive round of applause.

"The people of Manchester will remember the victims forever and we will defy the terrorists by working together to create cohesive, diverse communities that are stronger together," he said.

"We are the many; they are the few. The people of Manchester will remember the victims forever."

There was another roar of support as the crowd heard: "You cannot defeat us because love in the end is always stronger than hate."

Then Tony Walsh, a local Mancunian poet known as 'Longfella', stood to read out his rip-roaring, inspirational poem about the city he holds in his heart. There was a massive roar as he invoked the name of Emmeline Pankhurst, this being the birthplace of the Suffragette movement.

"This is the place.

"In the north-west of England. It's ace, it's the best.

"And the songs that we sing from the stands, from our bands.

"Set the whole planet shaking," it began.

"This is a place that has been through some hard times: oppressions, recessions, depressions and dark times," it continued.

"But we keep fighting back with greater Manchester spirit. Northern grit, northern wit and greater Manchester's lyrics.

"And these hard times again, in these streets of our city, but we won't take defeat and we don't want your pity.

"Because this is a place where we stand strong together, with a smile on our face, greater Manchester forever." Tears streamed down the faces of some of those in the crowd. This was the place they knew.

Not somewhere dark and pitiless where their children became a pawn in someone else's war.
In this photo released by Proactiva Open Arms NGO on Friday, March 24, 2017 a sunken rubber boat in the Mediterranean Sea off the Libyan coast, during a search and rescue operation by Spanish NGO Proactiva Open Arms. (Proactiva Open Arms via AP)

Libyan coastguards have been accused of threatening the lives of people rescued in the Mediterranean Sea, according to Medecins Sans Frontieres/Doctors Without Borders (MSF).

A team from MSF and SOS Mediterranee were reportedly in the middle of assisting passengers from boats in distress when a Libyan coastguard vessel approached and stepped into one of the boats.

"Two Libyan coastguards, wearing uniforms and armed, stepped onto one of the rubber boats. They took phones, money and other belongings from the passengers," says Annemarie Loof of MSF.

The Libyan coastguard then fired gunshots from a mounted weapon into the air, causing mass panic amongst those being rescued.

"People became panicked and felt threatened. The passengers were terrified from the aggressive conduct of the Libyan coastguards," Loof added.

"Many passengers  who had luckily already received lifejackets before the shooting began  jumped off the boats into the sea in fear. Our teams pulled 67 people out of the water as gunshots were fired in the air. Its a miracle that no one drowned or was injured."

The teams of MSF and SOS Mediterrannee were still brought over 1,000 people to safety on board the Aquarius ship, including a two-week-old baby, despite the chaos.

One passenger brought on board told SOS Mediterannee that he would have preferred to die than be taken by the Libyan coastguard.

"When the Libyans pointed their weapons at us, asking us to give them all our money and cell phones and telling us to jump in the water, we did what they said and many of us jumped into the water," the survivor said.

"I was not afraid, I preferred to die at sea rather than being repressed and to die in Libya."

MSF have since condemned the Italian and European authorities for providing support and training to Libyan coast guards, saying it is "further endangering peoples lives."

The charity has previously condemned Libyas treatment of migrants, tweeting "Libya is currently a lawless state where migrants are starved, beaten and forced into slavery" earlier this year.
Police at the scene after they raided a block of flats (rear) in Blackley, north Manchester, following the attack on Manchester Arena where a suicide bomber killed 22 people leaving a pop concert at the venue on Monday night Credit: Danny Lawson/PA Wire

Police at the scene after they raided a block of flats (rear) in Blackley, north Manchester, following the attack on Manchester Arena where a suicide bomber killed 22 people leaving a pop concert at the venue on Monday night Credit: Danny Lawson/PA Wire

Police at the scene after they raided a block of flats in Blackley, north Manchester, following the attack on Manchester Arena where a suicide bomber killed 22 people leaving a pop concert at the venue on Monday night Credit: Danny Lawson/PA Wire

Counter-terror police have carried out a controlled explosion as they searched a property in the Moss Side area of Manchester in connection with Monday's attack.

Locals reported hearing a "loud bang" in the area south of the city centre at around 1.45am on Thursday.

Six men are in custody following a series of raids across Manchester, Wigan and Nuneaton, Warwickshire, following the attack by bomber Salman Abedi that claimed 22 lives.

A woman who was arrested in the Blackley area of Manchester on Wednesday has been released without charge.

Greater Manchester Police confirmed another search of an address had taken place, although there were no reports of any further arrests.

The force said in a statement: "This morning (Thursday 25 May 2017) we have been carrying out searches at an address in the Moss Side area during which a controlled explosion took place.

"These searches are connected to Monday's attack on the Manchester Arena, but this is a fast, ongoing investigation and we are keeping an open mind at this stage.

"As it stands, six men and one woman have been arrested in conjunction with the investigation and remain in custody for questioning."

Expand Expand Previous Next Close Vigil held in Manchester after terror attack that killed at least 22 people, inset: suicide bomber Salman Abedi Salman Abedi (Photo: Sky News) / Facebook

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Whatsapp Vigil held in Manchester after terror attack that killed at least 22 people, inset: suicide bomber Salman Abedi

The explosion was heard in the neighbouring areas of Rusholme and Fallowfield, with concerned locals taking to social media.

One wrote: "Does anyone know if the loud bang heard at 1:45amish this morning in/near Moss Side & Rusholme was an un/controlled explosion?"

Meanwhile, later on Thursday morning Manchester police confirmed a further two men where arrested in connection with the attack, one after a search of an address in the Withington area.
Social media sites have been under pressure to crack down on misinformation and fake news in recent months. Stock photo: Getty/NurPhoto

Social media has been swamped with false reports of missing children and other seemingly intentional hoaxes in the wake of the suicide bomb attack at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester.

Images and posts widely shared across Twitter included false photos of the scene and claims that terrorists had posted online warnings in the hours leading up to the attack.

The hoaxes, interspersed with real requests for help from family members looking for missing loved ones, highlight how easy it is for lies to spread online amid confusion and high tensions. They also show the difficulty internet giants have in addressing fake news.

Many users posted images taken from the internet, pretending that they were of lost friends and family, apparently in a bid to attract retweets. They included images of a 12-year-old girl in Australia, who was in fact safe at school, and of a young boy whose photo was used in an article about a clothing line for people with Down's Syndrome.

A disturbing photo that posters claimed was of Manchester Arena was also widely circulated after the event, appearing to show bodies on the floor in the foyer of the building. While the photo does appear to be from the arena, and possibly from the correct area, several people pointed out the colour scheme in the building and the Metrolink branding has since changed, suggesting it is an old photo. Many said it was from a training exercise staged some years ago.

Social media sites have been under pressure to crack down on misinformation and fake news in recent months. Facebook has begun flagging stories as questionable and embarking on education campaigns amid pressure from politicians and claims social media is damaging democracy.
A stunning poem read at a vigil for the victims of the Manchester bombing is urging people to "stand strong together."

Tony Walsh (51) read his poem This Is The place at a vigil in Albert Square on Tuesday evening.

As thousands gathered to remember the 22 people killed and dozens injured by suicide bomber Salman Abedi at the Manchester Arena on Monday night, Walsh paid tribute to the region and its citizens.

An extract from the poem reads: "And theyve covered the cobbles, but theyll never defeat, all the dreamers and schemers who still teem through these streets.

"Because this is a place that has been through some hard times: oppressions, recessions, depressions, and dark times.

"But we keep fighting back with greater Manchester spirit. Northern grit, northern wit, and greater Manchesters lyrics.

"And these hard times again, in these streets of our city, but we wont take defeat and we dont want your pity.

"Because this is a place where we stand strong together, with a smile on our face, greater Manchester forever."

Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Previous Next Close An injured woman is helped out of the Manchester Arena after last nights blast at a gig by Ariana Grande, which left 19 dead Police escort members of the public from the Manchester Arena on May 23, 2017 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images) Police stand by a cordoned off street close to the Manchester Arena. Photo: Dave Thompson/Getty Images Two women wrapped in thermal blankets stand near the Manchester Arena. Photo: Reuters Concert goers react after fleeing the Manchester Arena after the explosion. Concert goers wait to be picked up at the scene of a suspected terrorist attack during a pop concert by US star Ariana Grande in Manchester A tweet from U.S. singer Ariana Grande is seen as she makes her first comment since a bombing at her concert in Manchester Armed police man roadblocks outside the arena after reports of an explosion at the venue during an Ariana Grande gig. Photo: PA A police officer escorts people near the Manchester Arena Police escort members of the public from the Manchester Arena on May 23, 2017 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images) People running down stairs as they attempt to exit the Manchester Arena after a blast Police corden off an area close to the Box Office entrance to the Manchester Arena. Photo by Dave Thompson/Getty Images Emergency services at the scene. Photo: PA A police officer talks to locals outside the Manchester Arena. Photo: Reuters Armed police officers stand outside the Manchester Arena. Photo: Reuters An armoured police Land Rover drives away from the Manchester Arena on May 23, 2017 in Manchester, England (Photo by Dave Thompson/Getty Images) People sit by the side of the road next to a police cordon outside the Manchester Arena. Photo: Reuters Still image taken from video shows a street scene near Manchester Arena after the blast Armed police block a road near to the Manchester Arena / Facebook

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Mr Walsh told the Press Association how much the experience was for him.

He said: "As a proud Mancunian, I was worried that I'd find that emotional, particularly when I mentioned my mum, who passed away a while ago.

"It meant a lot to me. I wanted to do it for Manchester. I didn't want to crack, because Manchester won't crack.

Expand Close Pictured left to right; Olivia Campbell, John Atkinson, Saffie Rose Roussos, Georgina Bethany Callander / Facebook

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Whatsapp Pictured left to right; Olivia Campbell, John Atkinson, Saffie Rose Roussos, Georgina Bethany Callander

"I felt quite calm actually, when it came to do it.

"It was a privilege."

He also said that the piece has an important message about not giving in to hate.

Mr Walsh said: "There was flashes of humour in there because that's Manchester all the time, and it's Manchester even in its darkest hours.

"And it's important to me that the poem is true to Manchester and its people, and we fight through these things with humour, as hard as it is sometimes. That's the Mancunian way."
Migrants after being rescued by Libyan coast guards at sea near the capital Tripoli yesterday. Photo: AFP/Getty Images

Europe could face a new wave of migrant arrivals this summer, a leaked German government report has warned.

Up to 6.6 million people are waiting in countries around the Mediterranean to cross into Europe, according to details of the classified report leaked to Bild newspaper.

They include more than 2.5 million in North Africa waiting to attempt the perilous crossing by boat.

Angela Merkels government has not commented on the report.

There are fears of a dramatic rise in arrivals as the summer weather turns favourable for sea crossings.

Growing numbers of migrants are known to be attempting to reach Europe by boat in the wake of the closure of the Balkan land route last year. They include refugees fleeing the turmoil in Syria and Iraq as well as economic migrants from Africa, the Middle East and Asia. The report warns the number waiting to cross into Europe has risen by 650,000 since the end of January alone  an increase of 12pc.

It says one million are waiting in Libya, where smugglers use often unseaworthy boats to carry migrants to outlying Italian islands. Another million are waiting in Egypt, 430,000 in Algeria, 160,000 in Tunisia, and 50,000 in Morocco.

Telegraph Media Group Limited [2022]
French President Emmanuel Macron, centre, flanked by Secretary General of the Elysee presidential Palace Alexis Kohler, left, and Admiral Bernard Rogel, chairs a Defence Council at the Elysee Palace on Wednesday (AP)

France's President Emmanuel Macron is seeking to extend a state of emergency, in place since Islamic State attacks on France in 2015, following the bombing at a concert in Manchester.

Mr Macron said in a statement he will ask parliament to prolong the measure from July 15, its current expiration date, until November 1.

It would be the sixth extension of the state of emergency, which gives police exceptional powers.

He made the decision after a security meeting on Wednesday in which top officials "studied the implications of this new terrorist attack on measures of protection to ensure the security of our compatriots".

Mr Macron also asked his government to prepare draft legislation to reinforce security measures permanently beyond the state of emergency.
Barcelona's Lionel Messi is not expected to go to jail.

Lionel Messi has lost his Supreme Court appeal over a tax fraud conviction in Spain.

The court confirmed the 21-month prison sentence handed to Messi for defrauding tax authorities of 4.1 million euro (3.5 million) from 2007-09.

He is not expected to go to prison because sentences of less than two years for first offences are usually suspended in Spain.

The court maintained the two million euro (1.72 million) fine handed to the Argentina player in last year's trial.

Messi's father, Jorge Horacio Messi, also had been convicted of tax fraud, but the court reduced his sentence from 21 months to 15 months because he cooperated by returning the defrauded money to the tax authorities.

He also is not expected to face prison time.

Barcelona said it was fully behind the player and his family.

"The club reiterates, once again, its full support for Leo Messi, his father Jorge Messi, and his family," Barcelona spokesman Josep Vives said in a statement.

"Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu contacted the player's family to communicate this support.

"The family was very grateful, not only for today's gesture, but also for the support the player and his family have received from the club throughout this process.

"The club will continue to stand with Leo Messi, his father, and his family."

AP
When he arrived in Italy, Donald Trump might have been hoping for a little bit of La Dolce Vita. Maybe even a squeeze of his hand.

But barely 24 hours after his wife, Melania, appeared to refuse to accept his palm as the pair arrived in Israel, Mr Trump was on the end of the First Ladys rejection once again.

Video of the couple landing in Rome and stepping out of Air Force, seemed to show Mr Trump reaching for his wifes hand, and her moving her hand away.

The apparent snub came a day after a similar scene at Ben Gurion International Airport in Israel, where Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife, Sara, rolled out the red carpet for the US leader.

On that occasion, Mrs Trump seemed to swat away her husbands hand with a flick of her wrist.

Well this is embarrassing, the Israeli publication Haaretz wrote on its Twitter account.
Donald Trump and wife Melania with a Carabinieri officer on their arrival at Leonardo Da Vinci airport, near Rome, yesterday. Photo: AP

DONALD TRUMP ended his trip to Israel and the occupied West Bank yesterday without once mentioning the idea of an independent Palestinian state.

A two-state solution  with an independent Palestine next to a secure Israel  has been a cornerstone of US policy for decades but since taking office President Trump has cast significant doubt over whether America still supports it.

After visiting Israels Holocaust memorial and meeting Palestinian leaders in Bethlehem, Mr Trump delivered a speech before Benjamin Netanyahu, the prime minister, and his ministers at the Israel Museum in Jerusalem.

The president said he believed the Palestinians were ready to reach for peace but stopped short of endorsing the idea of a Palestinian state.

Both Israeli and Palestinians seek lives of hope for their children and we know that peace is possible if we put aside the pain and disagreements of the past, he said.

The absence of any talk of two states was immediately picked up on by right-wing ministers such as Naftali Bennett, who leads the pro-settler Jewish Home party.

Peace doesnt always have to mean Israel severing part of its land and handing it over to its enemies, he said. That doesnt bring peace, that brings misery.

Oded Revivi, the mayor of the Israeli settlement of Efrat, also noted that Mr Trump did not mention the idea of two states. We hope this means that we have moved on from this failed policy and will now work together to build true and lasting peace from the ground up, he said.

Palestinian officials said they were struggling to reconcile Mr Trumps rhetoric about making the ultimate deal between Israelis and Palestinians with his unwillingness to talk about two states.

Its clear the settlers are happy, said one Palestinian official. He says he wants a solution but what solution?

Mahmoud Abbas, the Palestinian president, reiterated his commitment to two states when he met Mr Trump in Bethlehem. The president first began to muddy the waters of his position on two states during a visit by Mr Netanyahu to the White House in February, when he said he was open to a one-state solution. Im looking at two-state and at one-state and I like the one that both parties like, he said at the time.

Israeli supporters of the two-state solution said they were not alarmed by Mr Trumps words.

Im sure the solution will be two states, because there is no other solution, said Isaac Herzog, the leader of the opposition Labour Party. Its the only solution that can be accepted by all sides concerned. At the end of it all one cannot escape from it.

Mr Trump left Israel after laying a wreath at Yad Vashem, the national Holocaust memorial. Words can never describe the bottomless depths of that evil, he said.

He will meet Pope Francis in Rome today. Despite being on the ground for just 30 hours, Mr Trump did offer challenges to both sides during his brief visit to Israel.

Telegraph Media Group Limited [2022]
Police officers escort people suspected of links to US-based cleric Fethullah Gulen, in Kayseri, Turkey (Olay Duzgun/DHA-Depo Photos via AP)

Paramilitary police officers and commandos escort the alleged main ringleaders of last summer's failed military coup before their trial at a courthouse in the outskirts of Ankara (AP)

Turkish authorities ordered the detention of 139 staff from Ankara municipalities and two ministries in an investigation targeting supporters of the U.S.-based cleric accused of being behind last July's failed coup, CNN Turk said on Wednesday.

Since the attempted putsch, authorities have jailed pending trial 50,000 people and sacked or suspended 150,000 from a wide range of professions including soldiers, police, teachers and public servants, over alleged links to what the government calls terrorist organisations.

Detention warrants on Wednesday were issued for 60 staff at the Ankara city council, 19 at district councils, 30 staff at the development ministry and 30 at the education ministry, broadcaster CNN Turk said.

The cleric Fethullah Gulen, who has lived in self-imposed exile in the United States for almost 20 years, has denied involvement in the putsch.

Ankara accuses Gulen, a former ally of President Tayyip Erdogan, of infiltrating Turkish institutions, including the judiciary, police and military in a decades-long campaign. Government critics say the post-coup crackdown has been used to crush dissent.

State-run Anadolu news agency said the municipality staff, some of whom had previously been dismissed from their jobs, were found to have used ByLock, an encrypted messaging app the government says was used by Gulen's followers.
US President Donald Trump visits the Western Wall, the holiest site where Jews can pray, in Jerusalems Old City on May 22, 2017. Photo:AFP PHOTO / MANDEL NGANMANDEL NGAN/AFP/Getty Images

Donald Trump is fond of comparing himself to Barack Obama, describing how he is stronger, and generally better than his predecessor.

But when it comes to signing guest books, Mr Trump may decide it's better to cede the field.

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Social media users seized on a 19-word, mixed-capitals note that Mr Trump left at Israel's Holocaust memorial and compared it to a much longer, more thoughtful note written by Barack Obama.

"IT IS A GREAT HONOR TO BE HERE WITH ALL OF MY FRIENDS  SO AMAZING AND WILL NEVER FORGET!" Mr Trump wrote at Yad Vashem on Tuesday after laying a wreath in memory of the six million Jews killed by the Nazis.

Expand Close Donald Trump's note at Yad Vashem, Israel's Holocaust memorial Photo: Reuters / Facebook

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The note was immediately compared to an entry by Mr Obama from July 2008.

"I am grateful to Yad Vashem and all those responsible for this remarkable institution. At a time of great peril and promise, war and strife, we are blessed to have such a powerful reminder of man's potential for great evil, but also our capacity to rise up from tragedy and remake our world.

"Let our children come here, and know this history, so that they can add their voices to proclaim 'never again'. And may we remember those who perished, not only as victims, but also as individuals who hoped and loved and dreamed like us, and who have become symbols of the human spirit."

Trump, Obama notes left at Yad Vashem, Israel's memorial for the Holocaust.



This makes me sad. pic.twitter.com/QgOpILPyeQ  ian bremmer (@ianbremmer) May 23, 2017

The stark differences in the entries reflect the literary tastes of the two presidents.

Mr Obama is an avid reader who wrote several books and enjoyed long dinners with novelists and other artists to talk about their work.

Mr Trump rarely reads book and prefers to watch television. His bestselling book The Art of the Deal was written by a ghostwriter.

Others also are compared Mr Trump's note to one left by Hillary Clinton.

Compare the note Donald Trump just left at Yad Vashem to the note Hillary Clinton left at Yad Vashem. pic.twitter.com/6PLllAeYtH  Matt McDermott (@mattmfm) May 23, 2017

Telegraph Media Group Limited [2022]
President Donald Trump and Pope Francis, two leaders with contrasting styles and differing worldviews, met at the Vatican City on Wednesday, setting aside their previous clashes to broadcast a tone of peace for an audience around the globe.

Mr Trump, midway through his gruelling nine-day maiden international journey, called upon the pontiff at the Vatican where the two had a private 30-minute meeting laden with religious symbolism and ancient protocol.

The president, accompanied by his wife and several aides, arrived at the Vatican just after 8am local time.

The president greeted Francis in Sala del Tronetto, the room of the little throne, on the second floor of Apostolic Palace.

Upon completing their meeting, the pope gave the president a medal featuring an olive branch, a symbol of peace, among other gifts.

"We can use peace," the president responded.

The visit began with a handshake between the two men.

Mr Trump could be heard thanking the pope and saying it was "a great honour" to be there.

They then posed for photographs and then sat down at the papal desk, the pope unsmiling, as their private meeting began.

It ended a half hour later when Francis rang the bell in his private study.

The pontiff was then introduced to members of Mr Trump's delegation, including his wife Melania, his daughter Ivanka and son-in-law Jared Kushner, as well as aides Hope Hicks and Dan Scavino.

Smiling for the staff, Francis had a light moment with the First Lady, asking via translator, "What do you give him to eat, pizza?"

Melania giggled and said "Pizza? Yes."

As is tradition, the pope and president exchanged gifts.

Mr Trump presented the pontiff some books written by Martin Luther King Jr, saying "I think you'll enjoy them. I hope you do."

The pope presented Mr Trump with the medal, a message of peace and three bound papal documents that to some degree define his papacy and priorities.

When Mr Trump departed, he told the pope: "Thank you, I won't forget what you said."

Mr Trump's predecessor, Barack Obama, had a private audience with Francis at the Vatican in 2014 that lasted 50 minutes.

But the timing on Wednesday was tight as Francis had his weekly Wednesday general audience, the thousands of pilgrims on hand forced Mr Trump's motorcade to enter Vatican City from a side entrance rather than the grand entrance through St. Peter's Square.

The meeting, which concluded Mr Trump's tour of the world's largest monotheistic religions, could provide powerful imagery to Catholic voters back in the United States as well as the possibility for conflict between a president and a pope who have not often seen eye-to-eye.

The two collided head-on early last year, when Francis was sharply critical of Mr Trump's campaign pledge to build an impenetrable wall on the Mexican border and his declaration that the United States should turn away Muslim immigrants and refugees.

"A person who thinks only about building walls, wherever they may be, and not building bridges, is not Christian," Francis said then.

The pontiff has been a vocal advocate for aiding refugees, particularly those fleeing the violence in Syria, deeming it both a "moral imperative" and "Christian duty" to help.

Mr Trump then called Francis "disgraceful" for doubting his faith.

Mr Trump arrived in Rome on Tuesday evening, his motorcade closing a busy Italian road just after rush hour and prompting hundreds of onlookers to briefly step out of their gridlocked cars to gawk at the fleet of armoured vehicles.

He spent the night at the US ambassador to Italy's residence.

Though both Mr Trump and Francis are known for their unpredictability, papal visits with heads of state are carefully arranged bits of political and religious theatre that follow a specific programme, with little room for deviation or unwanted surprises.

Mr Trump was expected to be given a tour of the Vatican after his papal meeting.

Mr Trump is the 13th president to visit the Vatican and, as part of his tour, he was due to view the Sistine Chapel.

In recent days, Francis and Mr Trump have been in agreement on a need for Muslim leaders to do more against extremists in their own communities. But there are few other areas where their views align.

The president's prior anti-Muslim rhetoric, including his musing that Islam "hates" the West, is the antithesis of what the pope has been preaching about a need for dialogue with Muslims.

Francis also differs sharply with Mr Trump on the need to combat climate change and economic inequality.

And he could react to events this week, including the release of Mr Trump's budget, which would dramatically cut funding to programmes that help the poor, and the president's agreement to sell military equipment to Saudi Arabia.

Mr Trump's visit to the Eternal City comes after two stops in the Middle East where he visited the cradles of Islam and Judaism.

In Saudi Arabia, he addressed dozens of Arab leaders and urged them to fight extremists at home and isolate Iran, which he depicted as menace to the region.

In Israel, Mr Trump reaffirmed his commitment to strong ties with the nation's longtime ally and urged both the Israelis and the Palestinians to begin the process of reaching a peace deal.

No details or timetable have yet to be established for negotiations.

But while Mr Trump received extravagantly warm welcomes in Riyadh and Jerusalem, the reception could grow much cooler now that he's reached Europe, site of widespread protests after his election.

Climate change activists projected the words Planet Earth First on the massive dome of St Peter's Basilica at the Vatican on Tuesday night and protests are expected on Wednesday in Rome and later in the week when Mr Trump travels to Brussels for a Nato meeting and Sicily for a G7 gathering.

AP
Protesters carry effigies of US President Donald Trump and Belgian PM Charles Michel during a demonstration in the centre of Brussels (AP)

Donald Trump arrived in Brussels as thousands of demonstrators took to the streets and the Belgian prime minister said he spoke with the US president "without taboos".

Mr Trump, who a year ago said Brussels had turned into a "hellhole", oozed charm as he met with Belgian King Philippe and moved onto a powwow with top ministers on the eve of a Nato summit, the main event of his two-day stopover in Belgium.

Prime Minister Charles Michel said he insisted that Mr Trump should unequivocally back the Paris Agreement on climate change and honour the US commitment to multilateral trade agreements, two issues about which Mr Trump has raised doubts.

"It was a discussion without taboos. There was no diplomatic language. The messages were direct from both sides," Mr Michel said of their meeting.

Climate change will take centre stage at a G-7 meeting in Sicily on Friday, and Mr Trump has yet to clearly commit to respecting the landmark Paris Agreement aimed at controlling global warming.

Mr Trump and Mr Michel said they were on the same page when it came to terrorism, once again an immediate topic in Europe in the wake of the Manchester attack this week.

"We will win. 100%," said Mr Trump, whom Mr Michel called an ally in the global fight against terror.

About a mile away, thousands of protesters shouting "We don't want Trump! We don't want Trump!" were not as kind towards the visiting president.

They harangued Mr Trump on everything from his plans to build a wall on the US-Mexican border to his treatment of women and promotion of the coal industry.

"We are here today because we are against sexism. This is my main reason, and I find Trump really horrible," demonstrator Dorien Vanden Boer said.

The route of the marchers stayed away from the US Embassy and the Royal Palace, where Mr Trump was holding meetings.

He had a light schedule in Brussels on Wednesday before talks with European Union top officials scheduled for Thursday morning and a full summit of Nato leaders in the evening.

Mr Trump plans to fly to Sicily late on Thursday.

AP
Muslim extremists have abducted a Catholic priest and more than a dozen churchgoers while laying siege to a southern Philippine city, officials said.

President Rodrigo Duterte has declared martial law in the southern third of the nation and warned he would enforce it harshly.

The violence erupted on Tuesday night after the army raided the hideout of Isnilon Hapilon, an Abu Sayyaf commander who is on Washington's list of most-wanted terrorists.

The militants called for reinforcements from an allied group, the Maute, and some 50 gunmen managed to enter the city of Marawi.

"We are in a state of emergency," Mr Duterte said after landing in Manila from a visit to Moscow, adding that skirmishes were continuing.

"I have a serious problem in Mindanao and the Isis footprints are everywhere."

He said he may declare martial law elsewhere in the Philippines if militants expand their attacks.

Archbishop Socrates Villegas, president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, and Marawi Bishop Edwin de la Pena said the militants forced their way into the Marawi Cathedral and seized a priest, 10 worshippers and three church workers.

The priest, Father Chito, and the others had no role in the conflict, Mr Villegas said.

"He was not a combatant. He was not bearing arms. He was a threat to none," Mr Villegas said of Mr Chito.

"His capture and that of his companions violates every norm of civilized conflict."

Mr Villegas says the gunmen are demanding the government recall its forces.

President Duterte declared martial rule for 60 days in the entire Mindanao region, the restive southern third of the Philippine archipelago.

He had vowed to be "harsh".

"I warned everybody not to force my hand into it," President Duterte said on a plane en route to the Philippines.

"I have to do it to preserve the republic."

Martial law allows Mr Duterte to harness the armed forces to carry out arrests, searches and detentions more rapidly.

He has repeatedly threatened to place the south, the scene of decades-long Muslim separatist uprisings, under martial law.

But human rights groups have expressed fears that martial law powers could further embolden Mr Duterte, whom they have accused of allowing extra-judicial killings of thousands of drug suspects in a crackdown on illegal drugs.

Details from inside Marawi were sketchy because the largely Muslim city of more than 200,000 people appeared to be largely sealed off and without electricity.

"The whole of Marawi city is blacked out, there is no light, and there are Maute snipers all around," Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said late on Tuesday in Moscow, where he was accompanying Mr Duterte on an official trip.

President Duterte cut the trip short and headed back to the Philippines.

Mr Lorenzana said dozens of gunmen occupied city hall, a hospital and a jail and burned a Catholic church, a college and some houses in an assault that killed at least two soldiers and a police officer and wounded 12 others.

Hapilon, an Arabic-speaking Islamic preacher known for his expertise on commando assaults, pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group in 2014.

He is a commander of the Abu Sayyaf militant group and was wounded by a military airstrike in January.

Troops sealed off major entry and exit points to prevent Hapilon from escaping, military chief of staff Gen Eduardo Ano told The Associated Press by telephone late on Tuesday from Moscow, where he was accompanying Mr Duterte.

"We will conduct house-to-house clearing and do everything to remove the threat there. We can do that easily," Gen Ano said, but added it was more difficult in an urban setting because of the need to avoid civilian casualties.

He said the group erected Islamic State flags at several locations.

President Duterte met late on Tuesday with Russian President Vladimir Putin and said he is counting on Russia to supply weapons for the Philippines to fight terrorism.

"Of course, our country needs modern weapons, we had orders in the United States, but now the situation there is not very smooth and in order to fight the Islamic State, with their units and factions, we need modern weapons," he said, according to Russian state news agency Tass.

While pursuing peace talks with two large Muslim rebel groups in the south of this predominantly Roman Catholic nation, Mr Duterte has ordered the military to destroy smaller extremist groups which have tried to align with the Islamic State group.

The Maute group is one of less than a dozen new armed Muslim groups that have pledged allegiance to the Islamic State and formed a loose alliance with Hapilon reportedly designated as the alliance's leader.

The Maute has been blamed for a bombing that killed 15 people in southern Davao city, Mr Duterte's home town, last September and a number of attacks on government forces in Lanao, although it has faced setbacks from a series of military offensives.

Last month, troops backed by airstrikes killed dozens of Maute militants and captured their jungle camp near Lanao del Sur's Piagapo town.

Troops found homemade bombs, grenades, combat uniforms and passports of suspected Indonesian militants in the camp, the military said.

AP
House Speaker Paul Ryan has rejected President Donald Trump's assessment that former FBI director James Comey is a "nut job".

"Yeah, I don't agree with that. And he's not," Mr Ryan told the Axios website.

Mr Ryan said he likes Mr Comey, who was fired by President Trump two weeks ago amid an FBI investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 election and possible collusion by the Trump campaign with Moscow.

The New York Times reported last week that President Trump told Russian diplomats that firing "nut job" Comey had relieved "great pressure" on him.

The White House has said Mr Comey's firing was unrelated to the Russia investigation.

Mr Ryan, who has frequently disagreed with the president, said he works well with Mr Trump and that Mr Trump's best quality is "his energy and his engagement".

When President Trump "sees a goal he wants to achieve - health care is a perfect example - he just focuses on it. He has no pretension about him," Mr Ryan said.

On other issues, Mr Ryan said he took President Trump's description of him as a Boy Scout as a compliment.

"I'm not sure it was meant that way. We're just different people," he said.

While politicians from both parties have criticised President Trump's proposed cuts to food stamps, payments to the disabled and other social programmes, Mr Ryan called the budget proposal a "refreshing" change from President Barack Obama.

"We have a president who, for the first time in eight years, said, 'Let's actually balance the budget.' ... I think that's refreshing," Mr Ryan said.

As for Congress, many Americans "think that everything is in chaos. It really actually isn't," Mr Ryan said.

"We're focused and determined to get our work done."

AP
Three police officers have been killed when their vehicle ran over an improvised bomb in Kenya

Three police officers have been killed and two others injured when their vehicle ran over an improvised bomb near Kenya's eastern border with Somalia.

The police vehicle was moving from Kula Police Post towards the border town of Liboi, an official said.

He said three other officers were unhurt.

The incident came a day after police chief Joseph Boinnet announced al-Shabab extremists were stepping up attacks on Kenya.

Mr Boinnet said al-Shabab is under pressure from African Union troops supporting Somalia's weak government against the group's insurgency.

In the last two weeks, attacks by the group in Garissa and Mandera counties have increased after a lull.

Last week, an improvised bomb killed four people in a vehicle.

Mandera County has been hardest hit in recent years by an al-Shabab campaign to avenge Kenyan troop presence in Somalia since 2011.

Kenya's troops are part of the African Union force in Somalia.

Kenya has managed to stop the frequency of al-Shabab attacks in its capital, Nairobi, and major towns, but human rights groups claim the government uses methods such as extrajudicial killings that can fuel revenge attacks.

AP
CONCORD- The Concord assistant city manager has been selected for new leadership role in NC National Guard.

Lloyd Wm. Payne, Jr. has been selected as the Command Sergeant Major (CSM) of the 113th Sustainment Brigade, North Carolina Army National Guard, and is effective May 1 per the approving order of Major General Gregory A. Lusk, North Carolina Army National Guard Adjutant General.

Payne, who has served as Concord Assistant City Manager since 2015, is a native of Hays, North Carolina. He began his military career in the North Carolina Army National Guard in 1993 and served as Heavy Wheeled Vehicle Driver for the 1450th, 1452nd, and 1454th Transportation Companies. His leadership experiences include roles as Team Leader, Squad Leader, Platoon Sergeant, First Sergeant and Battalion Command Sergeant Major.

Payne was deployed to Bosnia in support of Operation Joint Endeavor in 1997-1998, to Kuwait/Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2004-2005, and once more to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2009-2010. In addition to federal mobilizations, Payne has performed multiple State Active Duty assignments for natural disasters.

Payne graduated from North Wilkes High School in 1994 and attended Appalachian State University where he received his Bachelor of Science in Political Science and Master of Public Administration in Town, City, and County Management. He is also a graduate of Class #38 of the United States Army Sergeants Major Academy at Fort Bliss, Texas.
Meet the oldest graduate in the Catholic Charities' GED program this year. She's 78 years old.

Standing on the auditorium stage with her diploma in hand, 78-year-old Maria Castro felt like a queen.

A lifetime of sacrifice and limitations prevented her from pursuing the school experience, but the newly minted American persevered.

Castro and 62 other students from Catholic Charities education program celebrated their graduation from high school Tuesday evening at the Cascia Hall Performing Arts Center, 2520 S. Yorktown Ave.

Castro moved from Dallas to Tulsa six years ago after emigrating from Mexico and obtained U.S. citizenship in December. She always dreamed of earning a basic education but never had the means to do so, as standard GED tests were English-only. But then she discovered a new initiative that offers testing in Spanish, and she jumped right in.

A lot of people my age say, Well Im already older. I dont need to study this, Castro told the Tulsa World through a translator. But its beautiful to be able to learn and get a better understanding.

Since starting about five years ago, the program has allowed Spanish-speakers better access to GED certificates and also offers high school equivalency preparation courses in Tulsa, Bartlesville and Muskogee. The youngest graduate at Tuesdays ceremony was 16, while Castro was the oldest. They hailed from nine cities, including two from Kansas. All but three are native Spanish-speakers.

Castro joined the organizations middle school for adults program in 2013 and completed that within a year. She started the GED program in 2014. She failed the math portion of the exam four times but passed it on the fifth.

That was my dream, my goal, she said.

Her next goal is to learn English as a second language.

Her teacher, Giani Kantor, said Castros unwavering drive and self-determination propelled her to succeed, and she believes the woman can accomplish whatever she sets her mind to.

Shes just a prime example of what it means to never give up on your dreams, Kantor said. She has worked so hard, and this is something she has always wanted to do for herself and for her kids.

Catholic Charities, the only agency in eastern Oklahoma approved by the U.S. State Department to resettle refugees, is one of two centers in the area teaching high school equivalency classes in Spanish. Kantor, who is the organizations education coordinator, said the programs enrollment has steadily grown due to student success and dedication from teachers.

Tuesdays graduation ceremony was the first held by Catholic Charities. Previously, the graduates would walk alongside those in the Union Public Schools adult education program, but a recent spike in students prompted the organization to start its own ceremony. The 2017 class doubled the size of last years, Kantor said.

Because Catholic Charities is primarily volunteer-based, Kantor said further expansion is difficult. She hopes to bring in more educators so they can reach more people.

A lot of immigrants come to the United States to find work and better support their families but lack the formal education needed for many jobs, Kantor said. With GED certificates, they have the same opportunities as a high school graduate. Many continue their schooling at Tulsa Community College.

I think its so important to bring education to everyone, Kantor said. Education is such an important part of life and for the community to progress. I think it inspires other generations.

They see that and start to think you can never be too old to go back to school. Its never too late to go back to school. Were supposed to be learning our whole lives. Were not supposed to just stop at 18.

Tulsa World (OK)

5/24/2017 7:14:17 AM Central Daylight Time
New Delhi, Mar 24 (IBNS): Australia handed over three ancient stone sculptures to India which were stolen and smuggled out of India and inadvertently acquired by he National Gallery of Australia, according to media reports.

The exhibition titled Return of the Three Stone Sculptures from Australia to India in National Museum, New Delhi, was inaugurated on Tuesday Minister of State (I/C) for Culture and Tourism Dr. Mahesh Sharma

It has been organised to mark the safe return of three stone sculptures (seated Buddha, worshippers of Buddha and Goddess Pratyangira) from Australia to India.

These sculptures were purchased by National Gallery of Australia from the Nancy Wiener, New York in 2007 and Art of the Past, New York, 2005.



The Union minister had attended a special event at National Gallery of Australia (NGA) in Canberra, Australia in which Senator Mitch Fifield formally handed over the three ancient artefacts.



Earlier, during the visit of Australian Prime Minister to India in September, 2014, the Australian government had also returned sculpture of Dancing Shiva.



Image: PIB
New Delhi, May 24 (IBNS) : Pakistani fighter jets flew near the Siachen Glacier on Wednesday, Pakistani media reports said, though Indian Air Force said there was no violation of India's air space.

Pakistan-based Samaa TV reported that Pakistan Air Force (PAF) fighter jets made flights near Siachen Glacier on Wednesday morning.



Quoting Pakistan Air Force sources, it said all of PAF's forward operating bases have been made fully operational.

Chief of Air Staff Sohail Aman paid a visit to the forward airbase in Skardu on Wednesday. He was accompanied by top leadership of the Pakistan Air Force, the report said.

Samaa TV quoted PAF as saying that Aman met the pilots and technical staff of the fighting force. A fighter squadron carried out higher and lower altitude flights.

The report of Pakistani jets flying near Siachen came a day after the Indian Army announced that it had launched "punitive fire assaults" on Pakistani positions across the Line of Control, inflicting some damage.

However, media reports quoted IAF sources as denying violation of airspace by Pakistan in Siachen.



Image: Wikimedia Commons
Kabul, May 24 (IBNS) : At least ten militants affiliated with the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) terrorist groupas offshoot in Afghanistan, ISIS Khurasan, were killed during the ongoing counter-terrorism operations in eastern Nangarhar province of Afghanistan.

The state-run Khaama Press quoted a statement issued by the provincial Government as saying that the militants were killed during the Hamza counter-terrorism operations conducted in the vicinity of Achin district.

The statement further added that the militants were targeted in Pekha and Gawdara aras of Achin, leaving ten of them dead including four of their leaders.

The ISIS leaders killed during the operations have been identified as Omari, Omar Shah, Sabit, and Abu Talha, the statement added.

The provincial government in its statement also added that the local residents and the security personnel did not suffer any casualties during the operations.
Luxury housing in India is the proverbial sitting duck for target practice in the shooting gallery that is the Indian residential property sector. Market pundits and the media never get tired of taking potshots at it, and claiming that this segment has got run out - even though Indian luxury housing is actually something of a newbie on the pitch and still has very long innings ahead of it. Maybe the fact that there are a lot of wealthy people in a country with so much poverty strikes some as an aberration, rather than a reason for pride.Nevertheless, it is a hard fact that within the Asia Pacific region, India has the fourth-largest population of millionaires with around 2.36 lakh individuals who fall firmly in the high net worth category. In the Forbes list of the 'World's Billionaires' for 2017, India accounts for an impressive 101.These are the people who buy or build homes which fall squarely in the super-luxury category of housing. Their homes can be found in every major city's ritziest locations, towering over the rooftops of older buildings in the priciest areas of land-starved cities like Mumbai, or in serene estates sprawled across generous acres of prime land in cities like Delhi, Pune and Bangalore.What bears noting here is that these homes are not even counted in any census of luxury housing units in the country - they are clearly in a class of their own, and not part of any inventory that will ever hit the market and be up for grabs.Taking a broader market perspective, luxury housing in India refers to the category of homes which are bought by people who do not necessarily come from 'old wealth' but have often managed to rise above the 'middle class' median by dint of entrepreneurial success, savvy investments, sheer hard work - or, in some cases, financial windfalls. They represent the nouveau riche category of Indians who are on the lookout for housing which gives them a great lifestyle and also reflects their success in life.In India, luxury or premium housing - as opposed to super-luxury housing - is the category of homes which caters to this demand.The buyers of such housing are often in their late 40s or early 50s and still quite active professionally. Often having earned their money the hard way, they may not be willing to cough up massive premiums for snob-value addresses. They do prefer locations which offer quick connectivity to their places of work.An illustration of 'location value' in this context is in order here.When India witnessed its IT boom, it quickly became evident that software companies see sense in setting up shop in areas with lower land rates or lease rentals, as their operations do not depend on proximity to CBDs or even SBDs. Nevertheless, the pay packages they offered to appropriately trained personnel were unheard-of in India, and suddenly there were a lot of very wealthy young people at large.They worked odd hours which were usually aligned to US time zones and were on the market for high-end homes which provided fast access to their workplaces as well as a relaxed, modern lifestyle for them and their families.Developers were quick to identify this opportunity and began churning out premium housing projects around such hubs, giving rise to an entirely new crop of luxury locations which derived their value from performance rather than from snob value.Today, luxury housing in India is still very much a work in progress, but the segment has made giant strides in transforming and keeping pace with the rising expectations of the well-heeled and well-travelled in terms of global standards of luxury and comfort. Also, with every passing year, more Indians are joining the ranks of the wealthy and are automatically on the market for luxury homes.If we go by the absorption rates of luxury housing over the last three years, we can see that while the uptake of such units is not spectacular by any yardstick, it remains steady - and, despite the ominous warnings, it remains steady as ever, even showing signs of definite growth.
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We all felt the pain that Munni a.ka. Harshaali Malhotra had to go through in Bajrangi Bhaijaan. We all cried and laughed along with the little girl who struggled her way to Pakistan after being lost in India. And what we loved, even more, was her camaraderie with Salman Khan, which remains intact in real life too.

filmibeat.com

And who doesnt know that Salman Khan loves to be around kids? After all, we have all seen his adorable pictures with nephew Aahil. Whats more, the superstar will soon be seen going mischievous among the kids in his forthcoming film Tubelight.

And guess what? His rapport with the kids didnt only win our hearts but it was one of the main reasons why Kabir Khan had cast him in the both the films.

One of the main reasons I cast Salman in this film as well as in Bajrangi was his connection with kids, Kabir Khan told Mid-day.

But did you know that he will be seen sharing the cutest bond with his six-year-old co-star Matin Rey Tangu, who Kabir Khan says was selected among 1000 kids?

Twitter

None of us was looking for an actor in a six-year-old. We wanted a wonderful child artiste who had the spunk and the ability to withstand a 100-day shoot. Making one perform is always a director's job. Be it Matin here or Harshaali in 'Bajrangi Bhaijaan' (2015), we never cast actors. They are babies, after all. We went through over a 1,000 kids before finding Matin. He had the attitude and determination to last till the end.

Heres the Tubelight making teaser, which will give you the Bajrangi Bhaijaan feels.

Also starring Sohail Khan in a lead role, Tubelight is hitting the theatres on June 23.
After a womens organisation filed a case against Tammareddy Chalapathi Rao for his derogatory statements against women, the Tollywood actor has issued an apology in the same regard, and also defended as to what led him to make such a controversial statement.

Telugu Actor Chalapathi Rao caught himself in a rough spot after the video in which he said that women are fit for having sex with men went viral. The actor received a lot of backlash for his lewd remarks, and thereafter a complaint was registered against him at the Hyderabad police station in the regard. He was booked under Indian Penal Codes sections 354A (4) and 509 (for making sexually coloured remarks).

Several South Indian stars including Nagarjuna, Naga Chaitanya and Rakul Preet slammed the actor his inappropriate statements, and now he has issued an apology in the same regard.

I came to the program a bit late. Just as I sat down the anchor asked me the question, I answered without applying my mind. I didn't mean to hurt anyone. If I had hurt your feelings, I am sorry, he said in a statement as quoted by India Today.

telugucinema.com

At the same time, he defended his remarks by giving a clarification too.

But, I was angry when they asked me if 'girls are harmful'? Do we sleep with snakes? No. That's why I said woman are harmless and that's why we sleep with them. I don't even understand what's wrong in that. Some channel, which does not know Telugu, reported it and others are spreading it like cancer. I will never insult a woman. I will always treat women with respect like mothers and sisters.

He had apparently made the remark on the pre-release function of Telugu movie Rarandoi Veduka Chuddam, which is hitting the screens on May 26.
The security forces involved in anti-naxal operations in the Visakhapatnam district would get technical and sophisticated arms support from Israel very soon.

The security forces are set to launch a series of major assaults on Maoists, top sources said.

BCCL

Andhra would be the first state affected by the naxals to utilise the services of a foreign nation to tackle the naxal menace. Apart from this, the state police department had already got the strength in the form of former DG of CRPF and also PM's security chief Kode Durga Prasad, who was appointed as advisor to state home department. Durga Prasad had served as Greyhounds chief and also initiated many actions against naxals in Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Odisha in the capacity of DG CRPF.

A two-member Israeli team along with DGP N Sambasiva Rao, higher officials of intelligence, state intelligence bureau (SIB), anti naxal special force Greyhounds and CRPF conducted an aerial survey of Visakha agency on Monday. The aerial survey was conducted to give a picture of the difficult terrain of the Andhra-Odisha border, especially Visakha agency, to the Israel experts.

BCCL

According to sources, the expert team had a comprehensive picture over the terrain and also the problems facing by the security forces after the survey. "They had well experience the issues involved in anti- extremist operations as they have been facing on the borders of Israel-Gaza borders. They would give suggestions about what are the changes to be adopted while combing and facing the ambush planted by the naxals. We are expecting a report of suggestions and advice from the expert team," one of the senior officer involved in the anti-naxal operations told TOI.

The expert team would focus more on the surveillance and the safety aspects of the combined security personnel. "We are facing the enemy in the form of difficult terrain and not the naxals. The terrain has been giving ample space for the reds to their advantage. Now, the expert team is expected to give suggestion about how to protect ourselves from the ambush, booby traps or other tactics of the naxals, who have been enjoying the advantage of the terrain in AOB," a senior IPS officer said.

BCCL

According to sources, the expert team was brought following the initiative of the chief minister of the state. A technical team would visit Israel soon to learn about the technical aspects in dealing with the naxals and also about the modern weapons usage. The state would get sophisticated weapons from Israel soon. A trial would also be conducted in the next four months about how to use the modern weapons of Israel and precautionary methods suggested by the experts, sources said.

The state government would also reportedly asked the police department to focus on the proposed outposts at various places in Maoist stronghold areas. "At least two outposts' construction will also be started in couple of months. Once the outposts were constructed then the cops will get more inputs about the safety and security, besides assault from the experts' team," sources said.
After a retired CRPF officer was denied entry into Canada, the government lodged a strong protest with the Canadian government forcing the latter to express regret for the inconvenience caused to the officer.

calgaryherald

The retired CRPF IGP was turned away for allegedly having worked with a force which "committed widespread and systemic human rights abuses". After the protest, Canada made amends for the "unacceptable" act as its high commissioner Nadir Patel issued a statement late in the evening expressing regret for the inconvenience caused and also declaring that CRPF played an important role in upholding law and order in India.

reuters/representational image

After he landed at the Vancouver airport, Tejinder Singh Dhillon, a retired IGP with CRPF, was told by Canadian immigration authorities that he could not enter the country as he had been part of a force which indulged in terrorism and genocide.

Patel said though that from time to time, with such a large number of applications, oversights on visa applications can happen which is regrettable. "In situations where established procedures may not have been followed, a review takes place to avoid any reoccurrence," he said, adding that Canada valued its relationship with India, based on shared values of democracy, pluralism, human rights and rule of law.

reuters/representational image

In its protest, the government had said that such characterisation of a reputed force like CRPF was completely unacceptable. "We have taken up the matter with the government of Canada," said MEA spokesperson Gopal Baglay.

According to agency reports, Dhillon, who had retired six years ago, was declared inadmissible under a subsection of Canada's Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. "I've been travelling to Canada for 30 years but this is the first time I faced such insult and humiliation," Dhillon was quoted as having told anews channel. In the past too, Canada has denied visas to serving and former officials of armed forces, leading home ministry in 2010 to threaten retaliatory measures.
A TV programme about Iraqis who fled to Europe has inspired an Indian management consultant to start a chai stall business in London that employs refugees from across the world.

Pranav Chopra, who was born and raised in Delhi, left his full-time job as a management consultant in London in February to focus fulltime on Chaigaram [meaning 'hot tea']. He now has stalls at two London food markets manned by refugees and sells chai to more than 20 independent cafes.

artefactmagazine

So far the business has helped seven refugees from Syria, Eritrea, Iraq, Sudan and Pakistan.They either work on the chai stalls or pack and blend the Fairtrade Assam tea.

Serving a cup of 3 (Rs 250) steaming hot chai at Druid Street Market in South London, Chopra says his aim was to help refugees get a job in the UK. Working for Chaigaram and interacting with locals boosted their confidence, improved their communication skills and gave them critical work experience, he said.

He now plans to open a series of tea stalls across London and offer them as franchises to refugees."The idea is to promote entrepreneurship among refugees," he said. "A lot of people in the UK now drink chai lattes but I want to make masala chai a trend," he said. Chaigaram sells four blends, all Chopra's great grandmother's recipes. "It's great to be using my Indian connection to make a social impact," he said. He also plans to sell tea from the refugees' own countries in the future such as Chai Istikan, a beverage from Iraq, and Mate from Syria.

Representational Image

The idea came to him when he saw a TV programme about the global refugee crisis in Europe. "This refugee family was voluntarily heading back to Iraq from Germany and it showed a 12-year-old saying: 'I don't want to go back but I have to, I also know I am going to die.'" Those words affected Chopra, 33, who left India at the age of 12. "How much do you have to hate Germany to go back to Iraq?" he said. He did some research and discovered that many refugees were not integrated into Europe and one of the best ways to help them was to offer employment.

Sudanese refugee Anwar Elsamani is busy at the Chaigraram stall in the middle of the trendy street market alongside stalls selling gluten-free salted caramel brownies, Mexican street food, ice cream sandwiches, and Burmese tea.

"It is great to get away from my hostel for 10 hours. It's a harrowing place," says the 44-year-old, as hip Londoners wander past. He shares a hostel with people released from prison and the homeless.

Elsamani was flown to London for medical treatment from Cairo in 2013 after being tortured in Sudan, which has been ravaged by civil wars for decades.

TOI

"The situation now is worse than before so I can't go back," he said, Despite having a diploma in media and a science degree and having worked as a journalist for the Arabic media for 24 years, he has not yet found a job in the UK. He said he had applied for more than 1,000 jobs, even cleaning roles, but only had one interview, which he did not get.

He said Britain was "hard." "In Sudan, you have your community, you know how to manage your life. If you don't get a job you can do your own business. Here you have to start from scratch and it's a different culture and a different system," he said.

But the Chaigaram job has helped. Besides the 50 (Rs 4,000) he earns for working one day a week at Chaigaram, he also gets a chance to improve his English.

He now has ambitious plans to start his own media agency which will focus on stories about Africa and refugees in London. Till then, he's busy brewing shai as they call it in Sudan.
Pakistan's infamous military courts are often called 'Kangaroo Courts' by the critics all over the world as they are known to sentence people without relevent evidence in the cases that are primarily aimed at vengeance against the rivals of the military establishment.

With former Inter-Service Intelligence (ISI) official Lieutenant General (retd) Amjad Shoaib admitting that Pakistan abducted Kulbhushan Jadhav from Iran, Pakistans claims of Jadhav being arrested on Pakistans soil have got punctured once again.

Now India can further use his admission to sabotage Pakistans bundle of lies and expose how the military courts in Pakistan are dictating terms and taking decisions on peoples lives as per their whims and fancies.

Pakistan is the only country in South Asia where military courts trial the civilians behind closed doors despite it being against the country's constitution. Its no more a clandestine fact that military is the de facto government in Pakistan and the civilian government, judiciary and all other institutions arent even the rubber stamps.

Here is all you should know about military courts in Pakistan

Military courts dont share any evidence against the accused and their four-star generals play demigods and sentence people punishment as per their fancies and Kulbhushan Jadhavs case of no different.

Military Courts have a history, but lately, they came into being after Peshawar school attack

The terrorist attack on an army school in Peshawar on December 16, 2014, in which 140 people mostly school children had died paved way for the revival of military courts.

On January 6, 2015, Pakistans Parliament unanimously passed the 21st amendment of the Constitution which legalised special military court trials for hardcore terrorists which also included suspected civilians. The courts were revived for two years and in these two years the military courts had awarded death sentence to 161 militants and roughly 21 have been executed.

AP

In January 2017, the trial period of military courts had expired, but in March Pakistan parliament once again extended their period for two more years.

Roughly 11 courts in Pakistan

If the story published in Dawn in March is believed, there are roughly 11 military courts in Pakistan: three in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, three in Punjab, two in Sindh and one in Balochistan.

But wherever General saheb sits, becomes a court

AFP

According to Pakistan Army Act 1952, a military trial can be held at any place whatever, which means that it depends on Generals mood where he wants to put the accused on trial.

Accused cant hire lawyer as the military provides them with one

AFP

Under the military court system, the accused cant hire a lawyer. The military will provide him with one counsel who will present the case of the accused before the court. Aren't they so magnanimous?

Neither media nor family allowed to observe the trial

Military courts neither allow family nor the media to follow the trail it takes place in one closed room. It also doesnt divulge the details of the trial before the verdict is pronounced.

Once verdict is out, the guilty cant appeal in civil court

Reuters

The guilty doesnt have any right to appeal in civil court against the verdict of the military court. Yes, you heard it right, not even in Supreme Court of Pakistan

No wonder, they were started by General Zia-ul-Haq

Reuters

General Zia-ul-Haq had started these military courts soon after he imposed martial law in 1979. Though he gave an argument that military courts to established to clear the old backlog, but in reality, these courts took good care of those who dared to oppose the military dictatorship of General Zia.

Pakistani journalist Abdus Sattar Ghazali, wrote in his book Islamic Pakistan: Illusions & Reality that military courts in the General Zias period reversed the most fundamental principle of justice  in Pakistan you were guilty until proven innocent.
Indian woman, Uzma, who accused Pakistani man of forcibly marrying her has been allowed to return to India, say media reports.

facebook

The Islamabad High Court said Uzma was free to return to India at any point and would be escorted to the Wagah Border with police security.

Uzma, in her early 20s, has sought refuge at the Indian mission in Islamabad after accusing a Pakistani man of forcibly marrying her. She had travelled to Pakistan earlier this month.

She has claimed that the Pakistani national, Tahir Ali, "forced" her to marry him at gun point.

facebook

Uzma refused to speak to her husband during the court hearing.

She also accused Ali of stealing her travel documents.

Uzma had petitioned the court on May 12 with the request and had submitted a medical report, showing that her daughter was suffering from thalassemia - an inherited blood disorder characterised by abnormal hemoglobin production - and she urgently needed to return to India.

facebook

Uzma and Ali reportedly met in Malaysia and fell in love, after which she travelled to Pakistan on May 1 via the Wagah Border. The two contracted nikkah (marriage) on May 3.
In the last few years, the plight of refugees from Syria, in particular, has dominated world humanitarian news. Rightly so, also. Since the media operates according to certain agenda and limitations several equally important stories are left unattended. The problem of internally dicplaced people in the world is something that people seldom talk about.

India too has a large number of people who are left internally displaced due to a variety of reasons. In 2016, one person every second around the world was forced to flee their home inside their own country, revealed a report by the Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC) and the Norwegian Refugee Council.

Reuters

Who are internally displaced people?

According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Internally displaced people have not crossed a border to find safety. Unlike refugees, they are on the run at home.

The Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC) defines IDPs as, Persons or groups of persons who have been forced or obliged to flee or to leave their homes or places of habitual residence, in particular as a result of or in order to avoid the effects of armed conflict, situations of generalised violence, violations of human rights or natural or human-made disasters, and who have not crossed an internationally recognised State border.

One of the biggest differences between IDPs and refugees is that the latter crosses from his/her country to international borders for safety and security.

Armed conflict

Reuters

India ranked seventh in internal displacement caused by armed conflict. Ahead of it were countries torn apart by years of civil war, war or terrorism including Democratic Republic of Congo, Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, Nigeria, and Yemen.

NRC found that in India there was no evidence of systematic collection or sharing of displacement data by the government. Procuring data on displacements caused by the conflict in Jammu and Kashmir, intercommunal violence in UP and Gujarat, and also conflict and violence in the Northeast. However, here is some data by IDMC on where and how many people were displaced from their homes:

1. In February 2015, clashes between two Nagaland tribes in Tuensang district over a land dispute caused the displacement of 1,000 people to camps in nearby villages and Shamator town.

Reuters

2. Since 1990, about 60,500 families from Kashmir have been registered as displaced. Cross-border tensions between Pakistan and India displaced an additional 20,000 people in October 2014, and another 10,000 in December 2014/January 2015.

3. Intercommunal violence between Hindus and Muslims in Muzaffarnagar of UP displaced 51,000 people, according to a report by the National Human Rights Commission in January 2014. Reports from April 2015 suggest that there are 750 families residing in 11 camps, amounting to 4,275 people in the districts of Shamli and Muzaffarnagar.

Reuters

4. The 2017 report by NRC also said that there are 796,000 displaced people as a result of conflict and violence in India.

5. India also has a large number of people displaced by developmental projects  that is, land acquired by the state either for industrious projects or to sell off to private stake holders. According to study by the University of Bielefeld in Germany in 2011, an estimated 50 million people have been displaced in India over 50 years because of development projects.

Natural disasters

Reuters

Apart from conflict, natural disasters were the main reason why India produced 2.4 million new displaced people in 2016. Flooding in Bihar in July and August 2016 alone created two distinct waves of new displacements leading to 1,670,000 displacements.

Internally displaced people are everywhere  just take a quick look outside your window and the person you see sleeping on the street is most likely someone who fled a life of comfort because of natural disaster, conflict or perhaps because the state occupied his/her land.
First Lady of The United States has once again got social media tickling, not late after she swatted Trump a.k.a the US Presidents hand away when they landed in Tel Aviv, Israel.

Reuters

The Trumps were getting off the plane in Rome when at the top of the stairs Trump reached out for his wifes hand. Rather than shooing him like a fly, this time she evaded it by tucking a strand of hair behind her ear instead. Trump was left to cover up by placing his hand on her back instead. His projections of unity for the media are getting lost in vain, it seems.

Of course, Twitteratis caught up and the GIF, which is now going viral, has left social media gasping for air.

Melania isn't even trying to hide it anymore pic.twitter.com/pITnqjmpFq  Dory (@Dory) May 24, 2017

Melania has no problem with PDA*

PDA- Pushing Donald Away  Tony Posnanski (@tonyposnanski) May 23, 2017

Melania Trump visibly hating Donald Trump's guts is my favorite meme.  Alex Goldschmidt (@alexandergold) May 23, 2017

@Phil_Lewis_ @Dovil And THAT was the moment Melania became First Lady.  Harbor Hound8 (@harborhound8) May 23, 2017

melania trump: *swats donald trump's hand twice*

white liberal feminists: all hail our new feminist icon  re (@dienrot) May 23, 2017

In Israel, Melania swatted Trump's hand, in Italy she blew him off, who else can't wait for Belgium?  pic.twitter.com/xgOG8pkcgg  Linda Childers (@lindachilders1) May 23, 2017

On the First Couples first official trip to Israel, Melania smacked Donalds hand away as he reached out for hers.

Also read: Why Did Melania Slap Donald Trump's Hand Away? The Internet Has Many Theories

The Internet asked and answered:

First he mindlessly forced her off the red carpet

then reached back for her hand

then she swatted it away#Trump #Israel #Melania #Denied pic.twitter.com/ttVIe4dtwr  Christopher_Tracy (@ChristpherTracy) May 22, 2017

Melania Trump's least favourite Beatles track. pic.twitter.com/cewYo354Pd  Tommy Campbell (@MrTommyCampbell) May 22, 2017

And since we are already talking about the Trumps marriage, lets take a moment to recall the first time Melania was transparent about her feelings for her husband at the Presidents inauguration ceremony:

Also read: People On The Internet Are Really Worried For Melania Trump After 'Sad' Pics Of Her Go Viral

Lastly (for now at least, who knows what will happen in Sicily), soon after Trump became President, Melania liked a Tweet, which said, Seems the only #Wall @realDonaldTrump's built is the one between him and @FLOTUS #Melania #trump.

Also read: Melania Trump Liked A Tweet Mocking Her Relationship With Donald Trump, Internet Thinks It's A Cry For Help
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Fire Burn and Cauldron Bubble for Trump

By Eric Margolis

`Double, double toil and trouble; Fire burn and cauldron bubble. The witches in Macbeth.

May 23, 2017 " Information Clearing House " - President Trumps administration is now at a high boil as he faces intense heat from all sides. The Republican Party has backed away from their embattled president. US intelligence agencies are baying for his blood. The US media plays the role of the witches in Macbeth as it plots against Trump.

One increasingly hears whispers about impeachment or the wonderful 1964 film about a military coup in Washington, Seven Days in May.

As in Shakespeares King Lear, Trump stands almost alone on a blasted heath, howling that he has been betrayed. The world watches on in dismay and shock.

One thing is clear: the US presidency has become too powerful when far-fetched talk of possibly Russian involvement in Trumps campaign could send world financial markets into a crash dive. And when Trumps ill informed, off the cuff remarks can endanger the fragile global balance of power.

Trump has made this huge mess and must now live with it. Yes, he is being treated unfairly by appointment of a special prosecutor when the titanic sleaze of the Clintons was never investigated. But thats what happens when you are widely detested. No mercy for Trump, a man without any mercy for others.

Trump is not a Manchurian candidate put into office by Moscow though his bungling aides and iffy financial deals often made it appear so. His choice of the fanatical Islamophobe Gen. Michael Flynn was an awful blunder. Flynn was revealed to have taken money from Turkey to alter US Mideast policy. Who else paid off Flynn? Disgraceful.

But what about all the politicians and officials who took and take money from the Saudis and Gulf emirates, or Sheldon Adelson, the ardent advocate of Greater Israel? What about political payoffs to the flat-earth Republicans who now act as Israels amen chorus in Washington?

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The growing scandals that are engulfing Trumps presidency seem likely to delay if not defeat the presidents laudatory proposals to lower taxes, prune the bureaucracy, clean up intelligence, end Americas foreign wars, and impose some sort of peace in the Mideast.

By recklessly proposing these reforms at the same time, Trump earned the hatred of the media, federal government, all intelligence agencies, and the Israel lobby, not to mention ecologists, free-thinkers, cultured people, academia and just about everyone else who does not raise cotton or abuse animals for a living.

No wonder Trump stands almost alone, like Romes Horatio at the Bridge. One increasingly hears in Washington what Trump needs is a little war.

That would quickly wrong-foot his critics and force the neocon media  Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, New York Times, and CNN  to back him. We already saw this happen when Trump fired salvos of cruise missiles at Syria. It would also provide welcome distraction from the investigations of Trump that are beginning.

Trump has appeared to be pawing the ground in a desire to attack naughty North Korea or Syria, and maybe even Yemen, Somalia or Sudan. A war against any of these small nations would allow the president to don military gear and beat his chest  as did the dunce George W. Bush. Bomb the usual Arabs!

The Pentagon wants 50,000 more troops for Afghanistan. US warplanes are buzzing angry North Korea. In Syria, the US and Russia are a falafels length from open clashes. Now is the time for extreme caution, but an enraged President Trump, who avoided military service in his youth, is ready to lash out.

For Trump, next weeks visit to the Mideast should prove a welcome respite after the madness of Washington. But isolated and besieged as Trump is, he may have to depend more on support from Israel and its American partisans rather than forcing a Mideast peace settlement. Israel insists there be no change to the status quo that leaves Palestine an open air prison.

America has not so far become great again.
Home President Donald Trump Press Conference with Palestinian President Abbas

Video Posted May 23, 2017 Donald Trump's Remarks in Bethlehem Alongside Palestinian President Abbas



Donald Trump's speech condemned the "evil losers" behind the Manchester terror attack on Tuesday alongside Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Bethlehem.



As President of the United States, on behalf of the People of the United States, I would like to begin by offering my prayers to the people of Manchester in The United Kingdom. I extend my deepest condolences to those so terribly injured in this terrorist attack, and to the many killed and the families of the victims. We stand in absolute solidarity with the people of the United Kingdom.



So many young, beautiful innocent people - living and enjoying their lives - murdered by evil losers in life. I won't call them monsters because they would like that term. I will call them losers from now on - because that is what they are - losers.



This is what I've spent these last few days talking about during my trip oversees - our society can have no tolerance for this continuation of bloodshed, we cannot stand a moment longer for the slaughter of innocent citizens.



The terrorists and extremists, and those who give them aid and comfort, must be driven out from our society forever. This wicked ideology must be obliterated, and innocent life must be protected. All civilized nations must join together to protect human life and the sacred right of our citizens to live in safety and peace.



I want to offer my deep appreciation to the Palestinians and President Abbas for hosting me today. It is an honor to join you in Bethlehem - a city that is precious to people around the world.



As I discussed with President Abbas in Washington earlier this month, I am committed to trying to achieve a peace agreement between the Israelis and Palestinians and I intend to do everything I can to help them achieve that goal.



President Abbas assures me he is ready to work toward this goal in good faith. And Prime Minister Netanyahu has promised the same.



I look forward to working with these leaders toward lasting peace.



I also look forward to working with President Abbas on other important matters, such as unlocking the potential of the Palestinian economy and building on our very positive counter-terrorism efforts.



Several days ago in Saudi Arabia, I met with the leaders of Muslim and Arab nations across the region. I called on them to join in a partnership to drive terrorism from their midst once and for all. It was a deeply productive meeting, and many leaders agreed to cooperate with us on this vital goal.



I was gratified that President Abbas joined the summit and committed to taking firm but necessary steps to fight terrorism and confront its hateful ideology.



Peace can never take root in an environment where violence is tolerated, funded or rewarded. We must be resolute in condemning such acts in a single, unified voice.



Peace is a choice we must make each day - and the United States is here to help make that dream possible for young Jewish, Christian and Muslim children across the region. In so doing, we will all enjoy a safer and brighter future.



In this spirit of hope, we come to Bethlehem, asking God for a more peaceful, safe and more tolerant world for all.



I am truly hopeful that America can help Israelis and Palestinians forge peace, and bring new hope to the region and its people. No Advertising - No Government Grants - This Is Independent Media Get Our Free Daily Newsletter The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Information Clearing House. Click for Spanish , German , Dutch , Danish , French , translation- Note- Translation may take a moment to load. What's your response? - Scroll down to add / read comments Please read our Comment Policy before posting - It is unacceptable to slander, smear or engage in personal attacks on authors of articles posted on ICH. Those engaging in that behavior will be banned from the comment section. Click here to comment on our Facebook page
US Journalisms New Golden Age?





The Washington Post and other big media are hailing a new journalistic golden age as they punish President Trump for disparaging them, but is this media bias a sign of good journalism or itself a scandal, asks Robert Parry.



By Robert Parry

May 23, 2017 " Information Clearing House " - The mainstream U.S. media is congratulating itself on its courageous defiance of President Trump and its hard-hitting condemnations of Russia, but the press seems to have forgotten that its proper role within the U.S. democratic structure is not to slant stories one way or another but to provide objective information for the American people.

By that standard  of respecting that the people are the nations true sovereigns  the mainstream media is failing again. Indeed, the chasm between what Americas elites are thinking these days and what many working-class Americans are feeling is underscored by the high-fiving thats going on inside the elite mainstream news media, which is celebrating its Trump- and Russia-bashing as the new golden age of American journalism.

The New York Times and The Washington Post, in particular, view themselves as embattled victims of a tyrannical abuser. The Times presents itself as the brave guardian of truth and the Post added a new slogan: Democracy dies in darkness. In doing so, they have moved beyond the normal constraints of professional, objective journalism into political advocacy  and they are deeply proud of themselves.

In a Sunday column entitled How Trump inspired a golden age, Washington Post columnist Dana Milbank wrote that Trump took on the institution of a free press  and it fought back. Trump came to office after intimidating publishers, barring journalists from covering him and threatening to rewrite press laws, and he has sought to discredit the fake news media at every chance. Instead, he wound up inspiring a new golden age in American journalism.

Trump provoked the extraordinary work of reporters on the intelligence, justice and national security beats, who blew wide open the Russia election scandal, the contacts between Russia and top Trump officials, and interference by Trump in the FBI investigation. Last weeks appointment of a special prosecutor  a crucial check on a president who lacks self-restraint  is a direct result of their work.

Journalism or Hatchet Job?

But has this journalism been professional or has it been a hatchet job? Are we seeing a new golden age of journalism or a McCarthyistic lynch mob operating on behalf of elites who disdain the U.S. constitutional process for electing American presidents?

For one thing, you might have thought that professional journalists would have demanded proof about the predicate for this burgeoning scandal  whether the Russians really did hack into emails of the Democratic National Committee and Hillary Clinton campaign chairman John Podesta and then slip the information to WikiLeaks to influence the outcome of the 2016 election.

You have surely heard and read endlessly that this conclusion about Russias skulduggery was the consensus view of the 17 U.S. intelligence agencies and thus only some crazy conspiracy theorist would doubt its accuracy even if no specific evidence was evinced to support the accusation.

But that repeated assertion is not true. There was no National Intelligence Estimate (or NIE) that would compile the views of the 17 intelligence agencies. Instead, as President Obamas Director of National Intelligence James Clapper testified before a Senate Judiciary subcommittee on May 8, the Russia-hacking claim came from a special intelligence community assessment (or ICA) produced by selected analysts from the Central Intelligence Agency, National Security Agency and Federal Bureau of Investigation, or as Clapper put it, a coordinated product from three agencies  CIA, NSA, and the FBI  not all 17 components of the intelligence community.

Further, as Clapper explained, the ICA was something of a rush job beginning on President Obamas instructions in early December and completed by Jan. 6, in other words, a month or less.

Clapper continued: The two dozen or so analysts for this task were hand-picked, seasoned experts from each of the contributing agencies. However, as any intelligence expert will tell you, if you hand-pick the analysts, you are really hand-picking the conclusion.

You can say the analysts worked independently but their selection, as advocates for one position or another, could itself dictate the outcome. If the analysts were hardliners on Russia or hated Trump, they could be expected to deliver the conclusion that Obama and Clapper wanted, i.e., challenging the legitimacy of Trumps election and blaming Russia.

The point of having a more substantive NIE is that it taps into a much broader network of U.S. intelligence analysts who have the right to insert dissents to the dominant opinions. So, for instance, when President George W. Bush belatedly ordered an NIE regarding Iraqs WMD in 2002, some analysts  especially at the State Department  inserted dissents (although they were expunged from the declassified version given to the American people to justify the 2003 invasion of Iraq).

An Embarrassing Product

Obamas ICA, which was released on Jan. 6, was a piece of work that embarrassed many former U.S. intelligence analysts. It was a one-sided argument that lacked any specific evidence to support its findings. Its key point was that Russian President Vladimir Putin had a motive to authorize an information operation to help Hillary Clintons rival, Donald Trump, because Putin disdained her work as Secretary of State.

But the Jan. 6 report failed to include the counter-argument to that cui bono assertion, that it would be an extraordinary risk for Putin to release information to hurt Clinton when she was the overwhelming favorite to win the presidency. Given the NSAs electronic-interception capabilities, Putin would have to assume that any such undertaking would be picked up by U.S. intelligence and that he would likely be facing a vengeful new U.S. president on Jan. 20.

While its possible that Putin still took the risk  despite the daunting odds against a Trump victory  a balanced intelligence assessment would have included such contrary arguments. Instead, the report had the look of a prosecutors brief albeit without actual evidence pointing to the guilt of the accused.

Further, the report repeatedly used the word assesses  rather than proves or establishes  and the terminology is important because, in intelligence-world-speak, assesses often means guesses. The report admits as much, saying, Judgments are not intended to imply that we have proof that shows something to be a fact. Assessments are based on collected information, which is often incomplete or fragmentary, as well as logic, argumentation, and precedents.

In other words, the predicate for the entire Russia-gate scandal, which may now lead to the impeachment of a U.S. president and thus the negation of the Constitutions electoral process, is based partly on a lie  i.e., the claim that the assessment comes from all 17 U.S. intelligence agencies  and partly on evidence-free speculation by a group of hand-picked analysts, chosen by Obamas intelligence chiefs.

Yet, the mainstream U.S. news media has neither corrected the false assertion about the 17 intelligence agencies nor demanded that actual evidence be made public to support the key allegation that Russia was the source of WikiLeaks email dumps.

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By the way, both Russia and WikiLeaks deny that Russia was the source, although it is certainly possible that the Russian government would lie and that WikiLeaks might not know where the two batches of Democratic emails originated.

A True Golden Age?

Yet, one might think that the new golden age of American journalism would want to establish a firm foundation for its self-admiring reporting on Russia-gate. You might think, too, that these esteemed MSM reporters would show some professional skepticism toward dubious claims being fed to them by the Obama administrations intelligence appointees.

That is unless, of course, the major U.S. news organizations are not abiding by journalistic principles, but rather see themselves as combatants in the anti-Trump resistance. In other words, if they are behaving less as a Fourth Estate and more as a well-dressed mob determined to drag the interloper, Trump, from the White House.

The mainstream U.S. medias bias against Putin and Russia also oozes from every pore of the Times and Posts reporting from Moscow. For instance, the Times article on Putins comments about supposed secrets that Trump shared with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov at the White House had the headline in the print editions: Putin Butts In to Claim There Were No Secrets The article by Andrew Higgins then describes Putin asserting himself with his customary disruptive panache and seizing on foreign crises to make Russias voice heard.

Clearly, we are all supposed to hate and ridicule Vladimir Putin. He is being demonized as the new enemy in much the way that George Orwell foresaw in his dystopian novel, 1984. Yet, what is perhaps most troubling is that the major U.S. news outlets, which played instrumental roles in demonizing leaders of Iraq, Syria and Libya, believe they are engaged in some golden age journalism, rather than writing propaganda.

Contempt for Trump

Yes, I realize that many good people want to see Trump removed from office because of his destructive policies and his buffoonish behavior  and many are eager to use the new bete noire, Russia, as the excuse to do it. But that still does not make it right for the U.S. news media to abandon its professional responsibilities in favor of a political agenda.

On a political level, it may not even be a good idea for Democrats and progressives who seem to be following the failed strategy of Hillary Clintons campaign in seeking to demonize Trump rather than figuring out how to speak to the white working-class people who voted for him, many out of fear over their economic vulnerability and others out of anger over how Clinton dismissed many of them as deplorables.

And, by the way, if anyone thinks that whatever the Russians may have done damaged Clintons chances more than her colorful phrase disdaining millions of working-class people who understandably feel left behind by neo-liberal economics, you may want to enroll in a Politics 101 course. The last thing a competent politician does is utter a memorable insult that will rally the opposition.

In conversations that Ive had recently with Trump voters, they complain that Clinton and the Democrats werent even bothering to listen to them or to talk to them. These voters were less enamored of Trump than they were conceded to Trump by the Clinton campaign. These voters also are not impressed by the endless Trump- and Russia-bashing from The New York Times, The Washington Post, CNN and MSNBC, which they see as instruments of the elites.

The political danger for national Democrats and many progressives is that mocking Trump and thus further insulting his supporters only extends the losing Clinton strategy and cements the image of Democrats as know-it-all elitists. Thus, the Democrats risk losing a key segment of the U.S. electorate for a generation.

Not only could that deny the Democrats a congressional majority for the foreseeable future, but it might even get Trump a second term.

Investigative reporter Robert Parry broke many of the Iran-Contra stories for The Associated Press and Newsweek in the 1980s. You can buy his latest book, Americas Stolen Narrative, either in print here or as an e-book (from Amazon and barnesandnoble.com ).
5 Reasons For Thinking ISISs Leadership Ordered Manchester Attack

By Alexander Mercouris

May 23, 2017 " Information Clearing House " - Known facts about the terrorist attack in Manchester suggest this was not an attack carried out by an individual terrorist or group of terrorists but that it was ordered by ISIS's leadership.

What makes ISISs latest attack  on young people happily enjoying a concert in Manchester  look particularly sinister is not just the deliberately indiscriminate nature of this attack. Unfortunately that is the pattern of all of ISISs terrorist attacks.

Rather it is the fact that unlike some of the other attacks carried out across Europe by individuals on behalf of ISIS, this attack looks planned, and was almost certainly ordered by ISISs leadership.

The reasons for thinking this are as follows:

(1) ISIS has claimed responsibility for the attack before the British authorities have released any information about the terrorists who carried it out. That suggests that ISIS knows who the terrorists are, and that they working under its orders;

(2) the nature of the attack suggests that more than one person was involved, a fact which points to a conspiracy and to the attack being the work of an ISIS terrorist cell;

(3) the target appears to have been carefully chosen to cause the maximum impact, causing the greatest possible fear and alarm amongst parents of teenage children and young adults, who must now fear for their childrens safety if they attend such concerts.

(4) the attack appears to be intended to underline the contrast between what ISIS calls Western decadence and the austerity it purports to live by.

A concert like this brings together many of the things in the West which ISIS condemns as hedonistic and decadent: pop music, dancing, gender mixing, girls dressed in party clothes etc. The intention is to be to appeal to Muslim youth in the West by underlining the contrast between ISIS  which supposedly champions Islam, which supposedly condemns and prohibits these things  and their practice in the West.

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ISISs claim to austerity is in fact hypocritical and bogus. Reliable reports from Syria confirm that ISIS sustains the morale of its fighters by supplying them with plentiful quantities of sex slaves and drugs. However in a propaganda war it is the perception amongst young Muslims in the West of what ISIS is, not the reality, which is what matters.

(5) the timing of the attack  in the middle of Britains election campaign  is surely not coincidental, and also points to careful planning. In the most brutal way imaginable ISIS has now intruded itself into the British political process.

The fact that it is highly likely that an ISIS terrorist cell was behind this attack unfortunately leaves open the possibility that more such attacks are planned.

It also raises important questions about the attack itself. Reports suggest that it was the work of a suicide bomber, in which case he must have somehow managed to gain access to the concert venue. That suggests a breakdown of security. Unfortunately it also points to the possibility that the suicide bomber had inside help, which is another reason for thinking that the attack was planned.

Undoubtedly over the next few days we shall learn more about this attack. The British authorities claim that they have already identified those responsible. Lets hope they are right, and that they have all been caught.
Home Rosenstein and Mueller: the Regime Change Tag-Team



By Mike Whitney May 23, 2017 " Information Clearing House " - Lets say you own a big US corporation but need help managing your domestic accounts. So you hire a bright, young man named Bruno who just graduated from Harvard Business School with a Masters in corporate finance. And the first day on the job, you discover that Bruno has secretly employed a private detective who has obtained subpoena power to dig through all of your business accounts, all your investments past and present, all your taxes going back decades, and any personal transactions you might have made in the last 20 years or so. And, oh yeah, and he also has the authority to interview anyone he chooses, including people who might have a grudge against you or who lost money on one of your dodgy real estate deals or who simply doesnt like the way you comb your hair. And, of course, Bruno knows that the information he gathers is going to be deliberately tweaked to look as suspicious as possible, then its going to be leaked to the press and splashed across the headlines, then its going to be presented as evidence to a Grand Jury, and then, finally after months of excruciating testimony and nonstop mud-slinging it will be used in criminal proceedings that will lead your removal as CEO of your corporation. How would you feel about that? Would you feel like your new employee had betrayed you? Would you think that Bruno was a back-stabbing scoundrel who was secretly working for your enemies? Rod Rosenstein is Bruno. The man is a skunk, theres no two-ways about it. And, yes, I know, people are going to swarm to Rosensteins defense and say, Yeah, but, Trump is a bloviating buffoon and a mentally-unstable despot. And, theyre right, too, the man is a menace, a narcissist and maybe even a crackpot. Just look at the Saudi arms deal where Trump agreed to provide hundreds of billions of dollars of weapons to a fanatical government that will undoubtedly use them to arm its jihadist army in Syria or kill women and children in Yemen. It just shows that Trump is a vicious, unprincipled militarist. But that doesnt change what Rosenstein did. People need to look beyond Trumps failings to appreciate what type of man were dealing with here. Rosenstein is a duplicitous back-stabbing serpent. End of story. When a president makes an appointment, like Deputy Attorney General, the assumption is that the appointee is going to play for the home team. That doesnt mean that Rosenstein was expected to do anything dishonest or illegal. Not at all. He was simply expected to be moderately loyal and defend the administration against politically-motivated attacks. Thats it. But that was too much for Rosenstein whose first big decision as Deputy AG was to pull the rug out from under his boss, betray his team, and sabotage the administrations entire political agenda. He blew up the whole damn operation with one sweep of the hand. Kaboom. By appointing a Special Counsel, Rosenstein not only destroyed any chance Trump had at achieving his policy objectives, he also effectively rolled-back the results of the 2016 presidential election. Not bad for a days work, eh? We can now be 100 percent certain that Trumps political agenda will never get off the ground. His tax plan, his infrastructure plan, his health care plan; all of them have gone up in smoke thanks to Rosenstein. Which is good, right, since the Trumps pamper the rich and screw-the-working-man plan was crappy policy anyway? So, good riddance. But was that Rosensteins decision to make? Is that how democracy is supposed to work? Does one unelected, meddlesome lawyer at the DOJ get to overturn the results of the election and bring the government to a screeching halt? No. Thats not how the system is supposed to work. The president is supposed to set the agenda because, well, because hes the president and thats what the people voted for. Its called democracy. But Rosenstein doesnt like democracy, hed rather do the work of his paymasters who want to see Trump drawn and quartered before hes given the boot. His paymasters? Rosenstein has paymasters? Yer darn right, he does. Rosenstein didnt make the decision to appoint a Special Counsel by himself. Thats baloney. He got his marching orders from someone else higher up the foodchain. Thats obvious. Does anyone seriously believe that a second-string attorney at the Justice Department would launch a full-blown attack on the president of the United States unless he got the greenlight from the deep-state fatcats who operate behind the scenes? No way. If the big boys werent on board, the media would have blown Rosenstein out of the water 5 minutes after he made the announcement. As it stands, the witchhunt is going forward without a shred of solid evidence, without any eyewitnesses, without a hint of wrongdoing, and without any probable cause. Its like a novel by Franz Kafka only everyone already knows how it ends. And Rosenstein didnt pick hatchetman Robert Mueller by himself either. Thats more malarkey. Mueller was picked by the same shadowy throng of elites that selected the 9-11 Commission, the big money guys who own this fecking country lock, stock and barrel. In this case, they wanted a political assassin who could be trusted to do everything in his power to force Trump to resign. Mueller was the perfect man for the job, a cold-blooded Mafia hitman who wont leave his fingerprints at the scene of the crime. In his more than 10-year stint at the FBI, Mueller managed to conceal his utter contempt for the law behind a mask of smug sincerity and icy self-righteousness. His qualifications speak for themselves. Heres a little background on Mueller from Sputnik News: Robert Mueller, picked as special prosecutor to investigate President Donald Trump, violated the US Constitution as FBI Director by using secret domestic spy programs, National Security Agency (NSA) whistleblower William Binney told Sputnik. My problem with Mueller is that he agreed with and used the Stellar Wind spying program at NSA against common crime since 2001, Binney said Wednesday. He admitted to this in a 2011 interview with [Time magazine correspondent] Bart Gellman. Binney said that Muellers willingness to use secret espionage surveillance techniques designed only for national security functions against suspects in regular criminal investigations revealed his willingness to ignore or break safeguards in the US Constitution. This means he [Mueller] did not live up to his oath of office to protect and defend the Constitution against foreign and domestic threats. So, he clearly has a selective view of how you apply the Constitution, Binney explained James Comey, Muellers successor as FBI Director, who was fired by Trump on May 9 had also been willing to ignore the US Constitution in order to use NSA data collected without any legal warrant against ordinary criminals, Binney recalled. (Special Counsel for Russia Probe Violated Constitution  NSA Whistleblower, Sputnik) Repeat: He used secret espionage surveillance techniques designed only for national security functions against suspects in regular criminal investigations. Nice. So instead of dogging-down the crooked bankers on Wall Street who blew up the financial system and fleeced We The People out of trillions of dollars, Mueller spent his time stomping on the Forth Amendment so he could add a few more warm bodies to our ballooning prison population. Way to go, Bob. And theres more about Mueller that people should know, too, like the fact that he was the architect of an FBI entrapment program that lured simple-minded gangbangers into terrorist scams and then threw them in the slammer for the rest of their lives. Check out this blurb from an article at Electronic Intifada titled The FBIs penchant for manufacturing terrorists: What the FBI was doing before, during and after the financial crisis is the subject under examination in Trevor Aaronsons new book The Terror Factory: Inside the FBIs Manufactured War on Terrorism. The book unveils the FBIs domestic counterterrorism program that began after the 11 September attacks and has continued well into Barack Obamas second term in office. The program, vividly portrayed by Aaronson, is defined by a wanton use of informants and sting operations in order to produce a high rate of convictions No Advertising - No Government Grants - This Is Independent Media Get Our Free Daily Newsletter Since the 11 September attacks, the FBI has employed more than 15,000 confidential informants nationwide. And, according to Aaronson, for each official informant there are as many as three unofficial informants  known within the FBI as hip pockets. By 2011, the Justice Department had prosecuted more than 500 individuals on terrorist charges, a handful of whom Aaronson categorizes as actual terrorists. The rest were hatched within the context of FBI sting operations, informants and agents provocateur.. What Aaronson discovered was that, far from preventing terrorism, the FBI uses its funds to manufacture terrorists out of marginalized, desperate, mentally ill or immature men (many of the convicted individuals profiled are in their early twenties). In Aaronsons words, The FBI has been effective at creating the very enemy it is hunting.. Taking his readers through several FBI sting operations, Aaronson reveals a sordid practice in which the FBI often employs criminals to infiltrate Muslim communities to turn otherwise powerless malcontents into terrorists. According to Aaronsons accounts, these so-called terrorists would have no more than the capability to mouth off in a chat room if it werent for the inert weapons and cash that informants would literally place in their hapless hands, thus creating bogeymen from buffoons. Aaronsons book is a powerful portrait of the FBIs insidious and destructive counterterrorism program that enables the contortion of the innocuous into the threatening, ruining hundreds of lives in its wake. (FBIs penchant for manufacturing terrorists probed in new book by Trevor Aaronson, Charlotte Silver, Electronic Intifada) So this is what Mueller and his FBI pals were up to before Comey arrived on the scene? Apparently so. They were devoting a considerable amount of time and resources to operations that framed hapless dupes and patsies as dangerous terrorists threatening our precious national security. And the man who oversaw these operations, Robert Mueller, is the same guy the media has been praising as the embodiment of integrity and moral rectitude. Give me a break. Mueller knew these operations were a hoax, he had to know. The FBI was working a sting to lure hard-luck dimwits into doing things theyd never normally dream of doing. Its called entrapment, which is exactly what it is. What the FBI was doing is no different than coaxing a hungry dog into a steelcage with a T-Bone steak. The Bureau calls the practice counter-terrorism. Anyone in their right mind would call it Baloney. This is why the bigshots chose Mueller to spearhead their Russia hacking witchhunt. They figure his experience with entrapment will help him to bag his biggest trophy yet, the President of the United States, Donald J. Trump. Thats the plan at least. So what are the odds that Trump will get a fair shake in this deal? How about zero? Theres zero chance that Grand Inquisitor Mueller and his Star Chamber assistants are going to conduct an objective, independent investigation. In fact, the whole Special Counsel meme is just an attempt to dignify the railroading of the Chief Executive. Theres not much more to it than that. They need these sham legal proceedings to create the impression that the final outcome hasnt already been decided. But it has already been decided. Trumps going to be driven from office and theres not a damn thing he can do about it. The die has been cast, and Trump came up snake-eyes. Now, its only a matter of time. Mike Whitney lives in Washington state. He is a contributor to Hopeless: Barack Obama and the Politics of Illusion (AK Press). Hopeless is also available in a Kindle edition . He can be reached at fergiewhitney@msn.com . This article was first published by Counterpunch - The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Information Clearing House. Click for Spanish , German , Dutch , Danish , French , translation- Note- Translation may take a moment to load. What's your response? - Scroll down to add / read comments Please read our Comment Policy before posting - It is unacceptable to slander, smear or engage in personal attacks on authors of articles posted on ICH. 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Manchester Attacks: What Price Hypocrisy?





By John Wight

May 23, 2017 " Information Clearing House " - The lack of a coherent anti-terrorism strategy in Washington and by extension the West, as emergency services deal with the devastating aftermath of yet another terrorist atrocity in Europe  this time a suicide bomb attack at a concert in Manchester, England  has been thrown into sharp relief during President Trumps tour of the Middle East.

Specifically, on what planet can Iran be credibly accused of funding and supporting terrorism while Saudi Arabia is considered a viable partner in the fight against terrorism? This is precisely the narrative we are being invited to embrace by President Trump in what counts as a retreat from reality into the realms of fantasy, undertaken in service not to security but commerce.

Indeed those still struggling to understand why countries such as the US, UK, and France consistently seek to legitimise a Saudi regime that is underpinned by the medieval religious doctrine of Wahhabism, which is near indistinguishable from the medieval religious extremism and fanaticism of Daesh and Nusra in Syria  those people need look no further than the economic relations each of those countries enjoy with Riyadh.

The announcement that Washington has just sealed a mammoth deal with its Saudi ally on arms sales  worth $110 billion immediately and $350 billion over 10 years  is all the incentive the US political and media establishment requires to look the other way when it comes to the public beheadings, crucifixions , eye gouging , and other cruel and barbaric punishments meted out in the Kingdom on a regular basis.

The sheer unreality of Saudi Arabias King Salman, as he stood shoulder to shoulder with President Trump during the latters state visit to the country recently, lamenting the chaos and carnage in Syria, which he described as having been one of the most advanced countries prior to a conflict that has wrought so much death and destruction, the sheer unreality of this is off the scale  and especially so considering the role the Saudis have played in providing material, financial, and ideological and religious support to groups engaged in the very carnage in Syria as has just been unleashed in Manchester.

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There are times when the truth is not enough, when only the unvarnished truth will do, and in the wake of the Manchester attack  in which at time of writing 22 people have been killed and 60 injured  we cannot avoid the conclusion that neither principle nor rationality is driving Western foreign policy in the Middle East, or as it pertains to terrorism.

Instead it is being driven by unalloyed hypocrisy, to the extent that when such carnage occurs in Syria, as it has unremittingly over the past 6 years, the perpetrators are still described in some quarters as rebels and freedom fighters, yet when it takes place in Manchester or Paris or Brussels, etc., they are depicted as terrorists. Neither is it credible to continue to demonize governments that are in the front line against this terrorist menace  i.e. Iran, Russia, Syria  while courting and genuflecting at the feet of governments that are exacerbating it  i.e. Saudi Arabia, previously mentioned, along with Qatar, Kuwait, and Turkey. Here, too, mention must be made of the brutal and ongoing injustice meted out to the Palestinians by an Israeli government that shares with the Saudis a doctrine of religious exceptionalism and supremacy, one that is inimical to peace or the security of its own people.

Ultimately a choice has to be made between security and stability or economic and geopolitical advantage, with the flag of democracy and human rights losing its lustre in recent years precisely because the wrong choice has been made  in other words a Faustian pact with opportunism.

As the smoke clears, both literally and figuratively, from yet another terrorist atrocity, we are forced to consider how we arrived at this point. And when we do we cannot but understand the role of Western extremism in giving birth to and nourishing Salafi-jihadi extremism. Moreover, in the midst of the understandable and eminently justifiable grief we feel at events in Manchester, it behooves us not to forget the salient fact that Muslims have and continue to be the biggest victims of this terrorist menace, unleashed in the name of religious purity andsectarianism, and that it is Muslims who are also doing most to confront and fight it, whether in Syria, Iraq, Libya, or Afghanistan. It should not escape our rendering of the issue either that what each of those countries have in common is that they have all been victims of the Western extremism mentioned earlier.

It bears repeating: you cannot continue to invade, occupy, and subvert Muslim and Arab countries and not expect consequences. And when those consequences amount to the slaughter and maiming of your own citizens, the same tired and shallow platitudes we are ritually regaled with by politicians and leaders intent on bolstering their anti-terrorism and security credentials achieve little except induce nausea.

Enough is enough.
Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike has listed, Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi, among several persons to be honoured by the state.

Prospective honourees will be honoured for their individual contributions to the development of Rivers State.

A list of honourees prepared by the Jubilee Anniversary Committee set up by Mr. Wike had Mr. Amaechis name at number 18 amongst 29 people to be awarded Grand Service Star of Rivers State.

Former Nigerian leaders Goodluck Jonathan and Yakubu Gowon are also on the list, alongside late activist, Ken Saro-Wiwa, who would be honoured posthumously.

Mr. Amaechi served as governor of Rivers State from 2007 to 2015. Mr. Wike succeeded him.

The awards ceremony is slated to hold on May 27 in Port Harcourt, the state capital, according to the program pamphlet seen by PREMIUM TIMES.

It was not immediately clear if the minister would accept the honour or personally show up to receive his medal from Mr. Wike, with whom hed been locked in bitter political contest for more than three years.

Mr. Amaechis spokesperson, David Iyofor, said he was not aware of his principal being identified amongst those to be honoured.

Although Mr. Wike once served as Mr. Amaechis chief of staff during the formers first term from 2007 to 2011, the duo soon fell out with each other shortly after Mr. Wike was appointed as Minister of State foe Education by former President Goodluck Jonathan.

Mr. Wike was scheming to succeed Mr. Amaechi in office, but the then governor had a different plan.

The disagreement soon snowballed into an all-out political chaos between the duo.

When a friction ensued between Mr. Amaechi and former First Lady Patience Jonathan, Mr. Wike took sides with the latter.

The award comes even as Mr. Wike appears to intensify attacks against his predecessor.

Within the last few weeks, the governor has levelled many allegations against the minister.

Shortly after a huge stash of cash was discovered in an apartment in Ikoyi, Mr. Wike took to media to link Mr. Amaechi with the money.

The claim turned out to be false after it was confirmed that the money belonged to the National Intelligence Agency.

On Monday, the governor accused Mr. Amaechi of raising a cult militia in the state, to prepare for 2019 elections but Mr. Amaechi denied the allegation.

Source: (Premium Times )
Titi Atiku, wife of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, on Tuesday told an Ikeja High Court that she trusted a business partner who allegedly defrauded her of N918 million because of his status as a pastor.

I thought that the first defendant, being a pastor, he will not defraud me.

I thought that he was being genuine with me during our business dealings, Mrs Abubakar said while being cross examined in the ongoing fraud trial against a pastor, Nsikakabasi Akpan-Jacobs, Abdulmalik Ibrahim and Dana Motors Ltd.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had slammed the accused with a 15- count charge bordering on conspiracy, stealing and fraudulent conversion of property worth N918 million belonging to THA Shipping Maritime Services Ltd.

Amos Ibe, the defence counsel to Mr. Akpan-Jacobs, while cross examining Mrs Abubakar, questioned why she used different monikers in company documents relating to the fraud.

Before I start cross examining you Ma, should I refer to you as Your Excellency? Why was the name Florence Doregos used in the petition from the EFCC which is exhibit one, as well as other fake names in documents you used to transact business with the first defendant?, Mr. Ibe queried.

Replying, Titi said: I am Her Excellency forever, it was under my instruction and direction that the petition was written.

My name is Florence Doregos, my name is Titi Amina Atiku Abubakar, the Mrs in the petition is a mistake made by my Lawyer.

Florence is my name and it was easy for me to use Doregos while I was in state service.

The name of my biological father is Dorego Albert, we are from Ilesha but I have cousins who are from the Republic of Benin.

I can choose Doregos, I can choose Albert as my surname, they are all my names, even Dino Melaye, his name is Daniel but he calls himself Dino.

I can twist my name anyhow I want.

Responding to Mr. Ibes questions about her identity when she married the former Vice-President, she said I married my husband at the Ikoyi Registry in 1971.

I was a Christian before I married my husband, Angelina is my baptismal name, Florence is my confirmation name. When I got married to my husband, I converted to Islam and I have been called Amina Titilayo, Titilayo was what I was called at home, she said.

Mr. Ibe, however, still questioning Mrs Atikus real identity, told her that a book written in honour of her husband titled Atiku: The Story of Atiku Abubakar, claimed that she was from a Local Government Area in Adamawa.

I am from my husbands Local Government Area by virtue of marriage. Whether Im from the moon o, thats not the matter on ground, she said.

Mr. Ibe sought to tender the book written in honour of the former Vice-President to the court but it was rejected by Justice Oluwatoyin Ipaye.

The document does not fall under the definition of a public document under the Evidence Act, it is a private document, it is therefore rejected, Justice Ipaye said.

NAN reports that THA Shipping Maritime Services Ltd, a company created in 2000 belonged to Mrs Atiku, Akpan-Jacobs and Fred Holmes.

She was allegedly to be the majority shareholder with 49 per cent shares, while Holmes and Akpan-Jacobs each had 25 per cent shares.

Mr. Akpan-Jacobs, who also doubled as the companys Managing Director and Secretary, was accused to have gone to the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and altered the share holding in his favour and forging the companys board resolution.

He allegedly under the new share arrangement allotted 70 per cent shares to himself and 15 per cent shares each to Titi and Holmes.

According to the EFCC, welding a fraudulent shareholding power, Mr. Akpan-Jacobs sold a property belonging to the company to Dana Motors Nigeria Ltd for N918 million.

The property is located at Plot C63 A, Amuwo-Odofin Commercial Layout along Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, Lagos.

During Tuesdays proceedings, the defence disputed Mrs Abubakars claims that she invested over N1.2billion in the business transactions with the defendants.

Your petition stated that you invested over N200 million and in another document it stated that you invested over N1.2billion, which fact is correct? Do you have accounting reports, did you hire an auditor to look at the accounts, how did you arrive at N1.2billion? N200 million is the money I spent in building the bonded terminal, by the time it was ready, it was worth N1.2billion. Akpan-Jacobs never gave me any records, I was in the state service, I did not get any auditor, Akpan-Jacobs has the evidence of the money I spent, I didnt know that our business transactions will become a court case, she said.

Mrs Abubakar, while in the witness box, accused Mr. Akpan-Jacobs of using her company property as a collateral for a bank loan that he sought when he wanted to run for the Akwa-Ibom governorship election.

He used my bonded terminal as a collateral for a loan when he wanted to run for governorship of Akwa-Ibom, when he couldnt refund the money the bank wanted to acquire the bonded terminal, he sold it to Dana Motors Ltd, I was the largest shareholder of THA Shipping Company with 49% of shares, my German partner Fred Holmes had 26% and Akpan-Jacobs has 25%. Akpan-Jacobs never contributed a dime to the company, I couldnt be involved in all the documentation because I was in service. He did the registration and promotion of the company, he brought all the papers to me at the villa to sign, he later fraudulently changed the shareholding powers of my shipping company to favour himself. He gave me 15 percent, Holmes 15 percent and he took 70 percent shareholding power for himself. I never entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with him to sell the company, that is why Im in court, when he couldnt repay the loan, he sold the company to Dana Motors Ltd. When the fraud happened, we initially agreed to settle out of court, but instead of settling, he went to sell the cranes and the company, giving the EFCC N16 million which I received,  she said.

Mr. Akpan-Jacobs lawyer asked the court to cancel the next court date slated for May 24 for continuation of the trial on the grounds of his Ill health.

My Lord, I ask for the previously adjourned date of May 24 to be vacated because I am currently battling ill health, Mr. Ibe said.

Babatunde Sonoiki, the EFCC counsel however, opposed Mr. Ibes request.

There have been four adjournments at the cost of the plaintiff, she flies in at great risk to her safety from Abuja for every court date and she is supposed to be helping to take care of a newborn of one of her children. We have another witness who has travelled on four occasions for 15 hours by road from Yola and the case keeps being adjourned, I will like to request for a cost of N750,000 from the defendants to cover the financial expenses of the plaintiff, he said.

Justice Ipaye granted a cost of N100,000 against Mr. Akpan-Jacobs and adjourned the case until July 5 and 6 for continuation of trial.

Source: Naijaloaded
The three-man gang which abducted a one year-old child from her mother and also raped the baby are been haunted by the Katsina State Police Command. The baby was ganged raped in the Danja Local Government Area of the state.

Northern City News learnt Suwaiba was returning from Angwan Bawa area in the Danja LGA, when the suspects perpetrated the act.

Our correspondent gathered that the incident occurred on Sunday, when two members of the gang allegedly met the mother along a lonely road and lured her to take a ride with them on a motorcycle to her destination.

It was gathered that the suspects on getting to a junction, grabbed the baby from her mothers back and fled to a nearby bush where a third accomplice joined them. They reportedly took turns to rape the child.

The Katsina State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Isha Gambo, confirmed the incident, adding that the police had arrested one of the gang members, while the remaining two were still on the run.

He said, At a point along the bush path, the baby, who was strapped to the back of the mother, was forcefully taken from the mother by two members of the gang. They ran inside the bush with the baby, where another member was waiting for them. The trio thereafter gang-raped the baby.

One of the gang members, Saleh Suleiman, is already in the police net while the other two, whose names we cannot disclose yet, are still on the run.

The police spokesman added that the father of the baby, Jibril Ahmadu, reported the incident at the Central Police Station, Funtua, noting that the baby was taken to the General Hospital, Funtua, where she was admitted for treatment.
Come Saturday May 27th, Rivers state governor, Nyesom Wike, will honor his predecessor, Rotimi Amaechi, with one of the states highest awards.

The awards ceremony is part of activities lined up to mark the states golden jubilee. Governor Wike at the ceremony will honor Amaechi with the Grand Service Star of Rivers State.



At the ceremony, Wike will also be honoring past leaders of the state for their contributions towards the growth and development of the state. Former president Goodluck Jonathan and former military leader, Yakubu Gowon, would be be part of the honorees.

Both Wike and Amaechi have overtime become arch enemies after Wike who used to be Amaechis chief of staff during his first term in office from 2007 to 2011, aligned with former First lady of Nigeria, Patience Jonathan, and contested for governorship of the state in the 2015 general election, a decision that did not go well with Amaechi.

It is not yet certain whether Amaechi would receive the award himself or would send a representative.
An insider has revealed that Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu released $30,000 (N11.4 million) towards the ferrying of the corpse of Moji Olaiya from Canada to Nigeria, and other expenses.

The national leader of All Progressives Congress and pillar of democracy donated the sum on Monday, May 22, 2017, when he met with family members of the star actress, her daughter and burial committee members, encomium.ng learnt.

One of them inadvertently mentioned the figure today.

He wrote:

I may be wrong, Asiwaju who promised the committee $40k on Saturday changed it to $30k by Monday. Perhaps he had been fed Gov Ayo Fayose had helped. Meanwhile the committee had thought they will use the excess to pay Aduns school fees and empower the grandmum who will take up the upkeep of the 2 months old the deceased left behind.

Moji Olaiya, 42 and mother of two daughters, died in the early hours of Thursday, May 18, in Canada of cardiac arrest following childbirth complications.

A cry for help was taken to Asiwaju Tinubu at the weekend that they wanted her buried in Nigeria, and he entertained their request on Monday.

Mojis corpse is being prepared for freight to Nigeria as one of her siblings, Femi Olaiya arrived Canada from his London base in the night of Saturday, May 20.
Microsoft has made major strides to take its development tools out of a Windows-only world, both for the applications you can create and the platforms they run on. The open source .Net development tools that Microsoft got when it acquired Xamarin two years ago are key to Microsofts cross-platform transformation.

That transformation is very much evident today, with much of the Xamarins tools folded into Microsofts Visual Studio development platform over the last year, and its MacOS Xamarin Studio rebranded as Visual Studio for Mac with additional features for working with Azure and .Net Core.

To support Microsoft CEO Satya Nadellas focus on an intelligent cloud and intelligent edge mission, Xamarins cross-platform development strategy is key to delivering the edge elements of that vision. Microsofts mobile strategy has pivoted away from its own Windows Mobile OS (at least for now), and the company is now concentrating on delivering applications for the previously alien platforms iOS and Android. Its a shift that also means bringing its developer ecosystem to new platforms  especially if its to deliver on its Project Rome vision of applications and content that migrate from device to device, letting your work follow you wherever you go.

Building for the new edge

The edge of the cloud is now predominantly mobile devices. Android hardware outnumbers Windows PCs, and Apples iOS now dwarfs its MacOS business. If youre building business apps, you need to build cross-platform code, targeting a fleet of both managed corporate devices and the many personal devices that will be where we do much of our work. Customer-facing code is also likely to target those two main mobile platforms, along with desktop apps.

Microsofts .Net tools and languages have become the basis of Microsofts desktop PC strategy. Now with Xamarin, the C# and F# code you use to build Windows .Net and Universal Windows Platform (UWP) applications can form the basis of your mobile apps.

Keeping UI and business logic separate is key to taking advantage of Xamarins tools and controls; it means you can deliver device appropriate user interface elements using Xamarins native controls or through its cross-platform Xamarin.Forms components.

One of the key issues facing developers who are moving code from Windows to Xamarin is in how the two platforms approach Microsofts XAML UI layout technology. Although they mainly use the same names for controls and for display elements, there are many places where they differ. If youre trying to bring Windows code into Xamarins own Forms, youve got the added workload of converting all your existing layout markup.

Standardizing XAML

That layout conversion wont be a problem soon, with Microsofts announcement of XAML Standard 1.0. Best thought of as a companion to the upcoming .Net Standard 2.0 library, XAML Standard will standardize markup so that layout code from Windows can easily be ported to iOS, Android, and even MacOS. A common XAML format should also help other .Net implementations support GUIs, giving you the option of adding UI to, for example, .Net Core applications running on Linux.

Delivering a common version of XAML will take some time, and although Microsoft is developing the new standard in the open on GitHub, its clearly a Microsoft project. You can suggest possible features and issues, but Microsoft has the final say on what goes into the standard. For now, its an in-house process, though its easy to see future releases coming through the .Net Foundation or a similar organization, with a wider set of stakeholders driving the standard.

Once XAML Standard is released, and Xamarin.Forms has been ported to the new markup, youll be able to build one UI that works across multiple platformsand across multiple XAML layout engines. In practice, of course, youll need to optimize your layout for each target platform, with separate projects and builds. But instead of having to create an app UI from scratch, your XAML assets will be portable.

Write once, build and test everywhere

Code that runs on multiple platforms needs to be tested on those platforms. That can be a time-consuming process, especially if youre delivering iOS apps. Having to push code from a Windows development PC to a Mac to compile and then push it to iOS takes time, time that can be better spent debugging your code.

One possible answer to the problem is Microsofts bundling of many of its and Xamarins cloud-hosted tools into its new Visual Studio Mobile Center. Using cloud-hosted build machines means you dont need to invest in Mac hardware. Sure, Xamarin Test Cloud lets you test code on live hardware, across many devices and many OS variants. But Mobile Center is really for the final stage of app development, when youre ready to go beyond simulators and finalize your code before delivering it to an app store.

Modern development environments have gone back to the idea of the REPL, the Read Eval Print Loop, where you can try out snippets of code without leaving your IDE. Its an approach that works well when youre trying out business logic or a local user experience. However, it struggles when youre developing code for mobile devices. Apples Xcode playgrounds help when youre building native code in Swift, but thats not much help when working in Xamarin.

Play it again, Xam

Apples app store policies can make it hard to use an iPhone as a developer device, but Microsoft has come up with an innovative solution. The new Xamarin Live Player, available for both iOS and Android, acts as a host for snippets of code, with debugging tools that link a phone and a PC running Visual Studio. You pair PC and phone via an on-screen QR code, then you can deploy the code and run it on a device (with some limitations). Its a good way to see how a page of XAML will render, or how a user interaction will work, without having to build and install an entire app. It also avoids downloading all the SDKs youll need for a final build, letting developers work on less-powerful hardware and with limited storage.

Its important to note that this isnt a way to deliver apps without going through either iOSs App Store or Androids Google Play. Code isnt persistent and, because it runs through a local interpreter, performance is poor. Plus, your test device needs to be on the same Wi-Fi network as your development PC.

Still, whats significantly improved is the build-and-test cycle. You can now try things out without worrying about wasting time building, deploying, and testingagain and again. Once youre happy with your code, you can download the appropriate SDKs and start working with tools like Mobile Center to build and deliver your final app.

Microsofts cross-platform future depends on Xamarin. With Xamarin baked into Visual Studio, and with upcoming releases of .Net Standard and XAML Standard, its driving Windows development as well as delivering code on other platforms. Microsoft is now much more than a Windows company, and in time were likely to see the W disappear from UWP. You wont build code for just Windows, youll build code that runs everywhere.
Selecting the highest-quality service providers for defined contribution (DC) plans has never been so important and difficult. With heightened fiduciary concerns owing to increased lawsuits and regulations, DC plan sponsors need to be more vigilant than ever. One place to start: hiring the right vendors.

Institutional Investors inaugural DC Industry Leaders study identifies the industrys top recordkeepers, DC investmentonly (DCIO) firms, and distributors based on surveys of plan advisers managing at least $100 million and more than $500 million on average.

Respondents rated Legg Mason as the best DCIO, whereas Captrust came in first among broker-dealers and registered investment advisors (RIAs) providing services to plan advisers. Merrill Lynch earned high marks in two categories, ranking as the No. 1 retail DC recordkeeper and second-best broker-dealer/RIA.

The only other firm to crack the top five across two categories was T. Rowe Price, which ranked high for both its recordkeeping and its DCIO services.

Most recordkeepers offer the same services, making it difficult to determine which ones are doing a good job overall and are likely to remain viable in a consolidating market, says Fred Barstein, founder of 401kTV, who advised on the study. It is important to know which providers offer the best services to plan sponsors and their employees.

The study marks the first time support services from broker-dealers have ever been rated. The surveys design and methodology were developed with guidance from Barstein, Boston Research Technologies president Warren Cormier, and an advisory board of leading institutional plan advisers.

By focusing on wisdom from DC plan advisers that have more than $100 million in DC AUM, these results can help the entire industry to fulfill their roles and improve their respective businesses, Barstein says. Selection and monitoring of DC providers will finally become more institutional  a long time coming for the retail DC marketplace.

The best retail DC recordkeepers as rated by DC plan advisers are:

1. Merrill Lynch

2. T. Rowe Price

3. Prudential

4. MassMutual

5. Empower-Retirement

The top five DCIOs are:

1. Legg Mason

2. Allianz

3. J.P. Morgan

4. BlackRock

5. T. Rowe Price

Broker-dealers and RIAs providing the best services to plan advisers are:

1. Captrust

2. Merrill Lynch

3. Morgan Stanley

4. GRP

5. UBS

In addition to these results, in early September II will be naming the top 50 institutional plan advisers by region.

Theres a glaring need for and lack of credible ratings in the retail DC market, Barstein notes. Hopefully, this study is just the beginning of efforts to bring institutional-grade research and due diligence to the retail DC market  something that is sorely needed, especially now.
The dismantling of public pension funds by policymakers who push defined contribution plans as a replacement could set off severe effects for the economy, including lower growth and greater income inequality.

Thats the conclusion from a new study by the National Conference on Public Employee Retirement Systems, a trade association representing more than 500 U.S. and Canadian funds, which estimates the economy will suffer severe setbacks by 2025 if defined benefit public pensions are dismantled at its current pace.

Based on its 2015 analysis of data, NCPERS estimates that if pensions continue to be replaced with defined contribution plans, total personal income in the U.S. could decline by $3.3 trillion by 2025, while national economic growth, currently predicted at 4 percent by the Congressional Budget Office, could be dragged down to 3.29 percent in 2025.

Opponents, having little or no understanding of how public pensions are funded, promote misleading information about rate-of-return assumptions and huge unfunded liabilities to convince policymakers to dismantle public pensions, NCPERS said in the report. Some states are taking actions that are chipping away at public pensions without realizing the economic damage their actions will inflict on their states and our countrys economic future.

Spending by retirees stimulates local economies, and pension funds are important long-term investors who stabilize the markets, underscoring the importance of pension systems in the economy, according to NCPERS. Yet, much of the criticism of public pensions is based on a faulty understanding of how they are funded, said Michael Kahn, NCPERS director of research, who presented the study at the groups annual conference this week in Florida.

Opponents of public pensions tend to whip up fear by arguing that cities and states cant cover their long-term pension liabilities with current revenues, Kahn said in a statement accompanying the study. Thats like saying your 30-year mortgage is in trouble if you cant pay it off from this years salary.

NCPERS looked at how public pensions are currently funded, finding that 76 percent of money coming into pensions in 2014 were from investment earnings, up from just 22 percent in 1940. Its own survey of state and local pensions found that average funding levels have been improving since 2014, with the data showing that the majority of professionally managed public pension systems are adequately funded, Hank Kim, NCPERS executive director, said in the statement.

Several major U.S. cities have found ways to increase funding for their pensions when needed without dismantling them, according to the report. For example, Philadelphia said in 2009 that it was increasing its sales tax by 1 percent for five years to help increase city pension payments. The City of Portland, Oregon authorized a special property tax levy to generate the money required for its Fire & Police Disability, Retirement & Death Benefit Plan.

Dismantling pensions in a state increases its income inequality by 15 percent, leading to slower economic growth, NCPERS found.

This relationship holds even when other factors contributing to income inequality, such as lack of investment in education, are taken into account, the trade association said in its report.
"The response side is absolutely critical" says expert
icare has announced that an industry stalwart will step down from the business.Steve Hunt will retire after 17 years with the New South Wales government, 12 of which he spent leading the self insurance business.Hunt was responsible for creating both the NSW Self Insurance Corporation, now icares self insurance division, and the Home Building Compensation Fund (HBCF) and was instrumental in the development of Tort Law reform in Australia.Tim Plant, currently group executive innovation and formerly CEO of QBE s Australia and New Zealand operations, will expand his responsibilities into the newly created role of group executive, self insurance, community and innovation.As Hunt transitions into retirement, he will lead the transformation of icares self insurance business as group executive, icare self insurance transformation.Over the next few months Steve and Tim will work together to ensure a smooth transition of leadership as we work with our government agency clients to transform the operating model and deliver even stronger outcomes for NSW, Vivek Bhatia, icare CEO, said of the move.In the newly created role, Plant will lead the self insurance business as well as continue to push an innovation agenda across the organisation whilst keeping his role as leader of the icare Foundation and icares health and community engagement teams.Bhatia praised Hunts magnificent career as he leaves a strong legacy with the business.Id like to thank Steve for his guidance, hard work and dedication. His commitment to driving the best outcomes for government agencies and for NSW residents is an example for all, Bhatia continued.
New research from Conning has revealed that global merger and acquisition activity dipped over the last year.The industry has been rife with M&A activity over the past several years but new research indicates that 2016 was well below activity levels of the previous year.Alan Dobbins, a director in insurance research at Conning, said the research firm had identified 165 insurer transactions globally over the course of 2016, with a value of US$33bn.The year was marked by this retreat in activity, with many companies looking inward. While the property-casualty sector continued to have strong activity by its more offensive-minded competitors, the life sector pulled back significantly, Dobbins said.M&A activity still has an impact on the marketplace but 2016 was marked by a select number of non-life insurers playing both offense and defence in the M&A market, Steve Webersen, head of insurance research at Conning said.Webersen noted that the insurance sector has been impacted by several key themes over the last 12 months.Japanese pursuit of established and global underwriting platforms was highlighted as one theme, whilst serial acquirers continue to build out, as run-off acquisitions and specialty P&C businesses remain a target.
The explosion which rocked Manchester last night, killing 22 and leaving more than 50 injured, could have an impact on the insurance industry.The tragic attack, which Greater Manchester Police have said they are treating as a terrorist incident until they know otherwise, struck outside of Manchester Arena at around 10:30pm local time as concertgoers left an Ariana Grande concert held in the venue.Whilst details surrounding motives of the attack are still unknown, the insurance industry could be impacted in both terrorism and contingency lines of cover.Natasha Barker, manager, corporate at AJG and subject matter expert on terrorism insurance and venues & events, said that the international terrorism market could be impacted as more details emerge surrounding the attack. However, she added that Australian coverage will not be directly impacted.In my opinion there is sure to be an impact but to what extent will depend on the scale of the costs involved with this and other recent attacks, Barker toldIn the last few years, the international market for terrorism has tended to provide a bit more capacity and broader coverage but there has been some speculation following attacks in Paris, Brussels and London that this would likely be reviewed  particularly as the types of attacks have been changing, for instance the use of vehicles.Barker also noted that the attacks in Manchester are sure to have repercussions on any further event insurers are considering to cover and price.As contingency cover becomes more widely known, Barker noted that take-up still remains a challenge due to pricing and policy exclusions.Barker said that it is important for brokers to keep clients updated on emerging risks and new products that cover terrorism-related risks.Broader policy wordings in active assailant policies offer clients coverage for a range of risks and Barker noted that these may increase in popularity.I think it will hit home to a lot of Australian venues and, whether that prompts them to buy contingency style coverage, I think more emphasis will be on risk mitigation but I wouldnt be surprised if more active assailant policies are taken up, Barker continued.
US private equity firm Carlyle Group has brought its spat with its insurer Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Underwriting (now known as MS Amlin) to a New York court after the latter refused cover for its losses in the bankruptcy of Moroccos sole oil firm, Samir.Carlyle filed a claims suit with the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York over the US$400m losses it sustained when Samir went under during the oil price slump of 2014 to 2015.The private equity firm alleged that the insurers have reneged on their obligations by refusing to cover the losses, according to a Reuters report on court documents related to the matter.However, MS Amlin have countered that the nature of the firms dealings with the refinery operator excludes the losses from cover. It also said that Carlyle did not give an early enough notice of the plants financial woes for the company to do something about it.According to a court filing, Carlyle Commodities, a subsidiary of Carlyle Group, said it had 7 million barrels of crude oil products stored in Moroccos refinery in 2015 before the state halted its operations.The refinery is able to produce 200,000 of oil products per day. It was shut down in 2015 after the Moroccan government slapped a US$1.35bn bill in unpaid taxes on Samir, the refinerys operator, and froze its bank accounts.Records show that the refinery went into crisis in 2014 when oil prices took a nosedive, drastically reducing the value of oil Samir bought and held in its tanks, Reuters reported.Carlyle went on to say that Samir eventually emptied the tanks without seeking consent from the private equity firm.The company then filed the first request of cover to Mitsui in January 2016, saying the oil could no longer be recovered.Mitsui responded by denying cover late this February, which resulted in litigation.As a response to the claim, the underwriters said they denied coverage because Carlyle served as a lender and not as a supplier to Samir since the group never actually owned the oil it claims was stolen.Thus, insurance for physical loss does not apply, the insurer argued.As the transactions were financings rather than true sales of the commodities and Carlyle did not take title to the commodities, the loss or losses allegedly suffered by Carlyle was an uninsured credit loss, the insurers said in a court filing.Further, Carlyle has breached its contractual duties by failing to take any steps to mitigate the alleged loss or losses upon becoming aware that Samir had been processing the commodities.To the contrary, Carlyle entered into numerous additional transactions with Samir, thereby exacerbating the size of the alleged loss or losses by hundreds of millions of dollars, the report concluded.
Chris Moulder, the Prudential Regulation Authoritys director for general insurance, is set to step down at the end of June, reports said. In his current role, Moulder is the most senior non-life insurance supervisor in the watchdog.Reports said Anna Sweeney, the PRAs current director for life insurance, will take over his responsibilities. Moulder joined the watchdog in December 2011, after spending more than 25 years at KPMG Moulder steps down amid industry concerns over directives such as Solvency II, which took effect in 2016. Last January, some insurance giants appeared before parliament to criticise the Solvency II regime, which the companies said have driven insurance business out of the UK. The insurers also claimed that the capital rules have made it difficult for them to invest in real assets in Britain such as infrastructure.In February, PRA chief executive and Bank of England (BoE) deputy governor Sam Woods told parliament that insurance companies are overstating the issues regarding Solvency II. Treasury Select Committee that Solvency II is basically a sensible regime, Reuters reported.However, he admitted that Solvency II needs some changes. I am not a cheerleader for Solvency II... There are some bugs that need to be ironed out, Woods was quoted as saying by Reuters, adding that insurers are exaggerating the problems.The PRA is responsible for the prudential regulation and supervision of around 1,700 banks, building societies, credit unions, insurers and major investment firms.Last March, Woods vowed to increase its focus on protecting policyholders by devoting more resources to those who would suffer most if insurers do not pay out as promised.It is, in my view, entirely appropriate that we should direct more of our resources towards policyholders who will suffer greater financial hardship if their policies do not pay out as promised, or those for whom there is the greatest asymmetry of information between company and customer, or who face the highest possibility of being unable to replace cover if it is lost, said Woods in a speech.
The European Commission (EC) has called on Malta to ensure the effective supervision of internationally-oriented business by financial institutions, in cooperation with the host supervisors in the countries where they operate.Maltas supervision of internationally-oriented business is challenging, according to the commission in its 2017 country-specific economic recommendation published Monday. The Mediterranean states financial system is characterised by a favourable tax environment that attracts a significant number of foreign institutions.Hundreds of insurance insurers have a presence in the Mediterranean state. View the Malta Financias Services Authoritys list here The commission said Malta is the only EU member state utilising the full imputation system of company taxation and a refundable tax credit scheme. There is also an extensive network of double taxation treaties, and attractive tax residency status for individuals.The financial sector carries out most of its activities outside Malta. The ability of a relatively small supervisory authority to oversee a large system, in particular in the insurance sector but also in banking, is under pressure.In recent days, Maltas financial system has come under scrutiny after a network of journalists reported that the country works as a pirate base for tax avoidance inside the EU.Although profiting from the advantages of EU membership, Malta also welcomes large companies and wealthy private clients who try to dodge taxes in their home countries, according to the Malta Files report of European Investigative Collaborations. The network said it dug into hundreds of thousands of documents that show how Malta operates a tax system where companies pay the lowest tax on profits in the EU.In a press conference, Malta Prime Minister Joseph Muscat said Malta is being attacked over its taxation policies. [N]obody is saying Malta is breaching EU directives or that there is any wrongdoing. We have a competitive edge, he said as quoted by Malta Today. Whats wrong with that? Our register is more transparent than Germanys or Luxembourgs, and we dont give tax rulings like Ireland gave to Apple. Our competitive edge is similar to giving a manufacturing company land on the cheap to encourage it to set up a factory in our country.


Alpha Underwriting and a Malta-based company are partnering to offer caravan insurance to UK brokers and direct to consumers.Alpha and Building Block PCC will initially distribute the product through broker panels and networks, according to a report in Insurance Age. The partnership comes after an announcement earlier this year that Alpha and Building Block had partnered to distribute a pet insurance product.The product will give UK and temporary overseas cover, with maximum liability limes of2m, Mark Allen, Alpha managing director, told Insurance Age.Building Block will provide capacity to underwrite the caravan insurance product, according to Paul Brierley, the EU companys chief executive officer.We intend to deliver a disciplined and structured book of business, Brierley said. Policies will initially be sold to brokers, as well as accommodating scheme business for brokers who want to transfer existing books, or have plans to launch a caravan schemes product.The UK caravan industry generates 250m in gross written premium annually, Insurance Age reported.
Poor human judgment and lax telephone security protocols are allowing fraudsters to rip off insurance companies.Call centers are seen as a weak backdoor for scammers. As insurance companies boost their cyber security profiles, telephone security can be forgotten  exposing vulnerabilities that are being exploited, in a scamming technique called social engineering, for big money.David Dewey, director of research at Pindrop, a telephone security firm, recently spoke to Insurance Business about his companys 2017 Call Center Fraud Report and the issues specifically facing the insurance industry.According to the report, the insurance industry is  taking severe hits from phone fraud.Life insurance policies and policies for mobile phone replacements, in particular, have been heavily hit.Dewey said about one in every 12,000 calls to life insurance companies are fraudulent. About one in every five of those is successful, he said. For mobile device insurance firms, about one in every 200 calls is fraudulent, while the same one in five success rate applies.The major failing is in the knowledge-based authentication questions, Dewey said. The problem is they just dont work.Its very often that the legitimate customer doesnt know the correct answers to the questions. And those call centre operators are used to dealing with legitimate customers who dont know the answers.Theyll oftentimes help them [the customers] work through it.The target of call center fraud attacks is the employee on the other end of the line. Call center employees are trained to remedy problems for often disgruntled customers. Taking dozens or hundreds of calls a day, it can be difficult to spot the real from the fake customer.One of the most devious and costly [scams] we see is in life insurance, specifically, is where fraudsters will  call in pretending to be a policyholder, Dewey said. After tricking the call center that they are the genuine policyholder, the scammer will take out a loan against the policy, or claim back some of the policy in cash.And a lot of times these things can go unnoticed for years, because how often do you really look at your life insurance policy? It happens a lot more frequently than we would think, he explained.With social engineering, the scammers will research a target customer and do background about where they live, where they went to school, their family connections, workplace, geography near their home  all things that can be searched online, but all things which might be asked in security questions over the phone. If a scammer is able to get most of these correct, then the call center operator may end up believing them.In some phone systems, it is also possible for a fraudster to try and try again through an automated system until they have the answers they need, before moving on to a real phone operator.By far, the highest fraud rate of any single industry is seen in the device insurance sector, the Pindrop report stated. For companies that provide payments to consumers whose mobile phones are lost or stolen, one in every 194 calls is fraudulent. That rate increased 55% over 2015, when device insurance already had the highest phone fraud rate of any vertical.To counter the telephone fraudsters, companies should employ phone security technology, Dewey said. Phone security can feature voice recognition or, in the case of Pindrops system, phone printing  whereby the technology can identify a phones unique audio signature, and flag it in a register to tip off call centres to fraudsters on the line.Phone security needs to be enhanced in line with cyber technology. Otherwise, Dewey said, all that work thats done on cyber threat prevention can be completely unwound with a single phone call.
Insurance agent Paul Garceau is set to appear in court at the end of the month to face charges of eight felony counts for allegedly embezzling more than $800,000 from unsuspecting senior citizens.Garceau, of Grosse Point, was arraigned before Magistrate Daniel Goulette over the weekend with a bond set for $50,000 and a 10% surety. He faces embezzlement and criminal enterprise charges over an alleged Ponzi scheme which he facilitated through his insurance agency, Apex Wealth Management, in the Harrison Township, according to Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette.Crains reported that the state alleges that Garceau convinced a dozen victims between 2018 and 2015 to withdraw funds from legitimate investments on the claim that he would reinvest them into more lucrative accounts with higher yields. Instead of making good on his word, he used the funds for personal gain as well as perpetuate the scheme.The reported victims come from Livingston, Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties, according to the report.The Department of Insurance and Financial Services revoked Garceaus Michigan insurance producer license on February 16, 2016, as well as his companys license.
Insurance officials in Oklahoma are warning residents against scammers who are posing as representatives of well-known insurance companies offering to inspect their roofs.According to the Oklahoma Insurance Departments Anti-Fraud Division, reports of the scam have surfaced from Elk City and Perkins.NewsChannel4 reports that these scammers call storm victims, claiming they are insurance representatives. Authorities say these callers can be very persuasive and refuse to take no for an answer.These con artists are the lowest of the low, said Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner John Doak in a statement.He continued, They prey on disaster victims at a time when theyre emotionally vulnerable, stressed out and dealing with an unfamiliar situation. By giving consumers a heads up, we hope they can better protect themselves.The scammers also go door to door and offer goods and services.Officials have yet to receive reports of storm victims losing money to these scammers.Authorities also reminded residents to always ask for references and verifiable information, such as license numbers and drivers licenses in dealing with contractors. They were also advised to not sign any contracts with blanks, and to contact the Oklahoma Insurance Department over any concerns or suspicions of fraud.
Local governments in Iowa will receive more than $1.3 million in refunds from an insurance firm after it was found by the state Insurance Division to have engaged in unfair and deceptive acts and practices.Two Rivers Insurance Co. was accused in 2014 of padding its premiums with fees to cover expenses for the insurance it purchased from Wellmark Blue Cross & Blue Shield, the states dominant health insurance carrier.According to the Des Moines Register, the brokerage had improperly included up to 7% in its own fees in premium costs that it billed to local governments for insurance for 10,500 public employees.Two Rivers has denied it committed any wrongdoing in the matter.Such representations had the capacity to mislead members into believing the presented amounts were entirely premium established by Wellmark and concealed the amounts of Two Rivers compensation, the regulators were quoted as saying in the report.Wellmark cut ties with the brokerage in 2014 after an audit revealed the irregularities.Meanwhile, the settlement will be divided among the 33 local government units that purchased insurance through Two Rivers for their employees. The payments range from around $2,000 to $250,000. The local governments can accept the payments or pursue their own complaints for a larger settlement, the report also said.Insurance Commissioner Doug Ommen said in a statement, Any compensation apart from premium, any partial self-funding charges or any other producer or administrator fees or charges must be clearly disclosed so that these amounts and their purpose can be understood by insurance purchasers.Our industry has been trending toward disclosure of all agent compensation to avoid even the appearance of a conflict of interest with the customer. We are pleased that Two Rivers made the decision to make changes when the issue arose and has now agreed to settle the investigation.Meanwhile, Two Rivers president Todd Ackerman explained, Rather than prolong what would be an extremely costly and burdensome legal process, Two Rivers is pleased to conclude the review through this agreement. While we still believe our past practices were appropriate at the time, we appreciate the efforts of Iowa Insurance Commissioner Doug Ommen to bring this matter to a resolution."
A group of former homeowners from a Vermont lakeside neighborhood hopes to recover some of the nearly $4 million they lost after they were forced to vacate.

The Burlington Free Press reports the Mallets Bay Homeowners Association says the 24 former Colchester residents failed to repair damages from a tropical storm and violated a lease.

The group has sued the association, alleging breach of contract when dealing with its landlord, and negligence. It says the associations insurance carrier should foot the bill.

The associations lawyer has asked a judge to appoint a legal guardian, or receiver, to act on the associations behalf.

Last summer, the state Supreme Court ruled the association failed to protect shoreline property from erosion damage stemming from a 2011 case.

Information from: The Burlington Free Press

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Homeowners Vermont
The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court has ruled that an injured public employee is still eligible to receive workers compensation benefits after being suspended from employment.

The court concluded that workers compensation benefits are not compensation as defined in the states employee suspension statute because they are not payments made in return for services.

The case, Brian Benoit vs. City of Boston, comes after the plaintiff, who had worked for nearly 20 years as an emergency medical technician and paramedic for the defendant citys emergency medical services, suffered an ankle injury while transporting a patient on September 5, 2011.

Unable to work, the plaintiff received workers compensation payments for almost one year. In August, 2012, the defendant, a self-insured municipal employer, notified the plaintiff that his workers compensation payments would be terminated, and the plaintiff filed a claim contesting the termination of the payments with the Department of Industrial Accidents (DIA). Just over a week later, the plaintiff was indicted on 73 counts of criminal misconduct involving controlled substances in his ambulance. The defendant suspended the plaintiffs employment shortly after.

The DIA conducted a hearing regarding the plaintiffs workers compensation claim and eventually ruled in favor of the plaintiff, ordering the defendant to resume making workers compensation payments. The defendant appealed from the DIAs decision and did not comply with the order, so the plaintiff brought an action in the Superior Court.

The defendant argued that the provision of the Massachusetts suspension statute barring suspended public employees from receiving any compensation or salary during the period of suspension overrides the requirements of the workers compensation act and that the DIA order should not be enforced. A Superior Court judge agreed and dismissed the enforcement actions.

The judge granted the defendants motion to dismiss after concluding that the suspension statute prohibited the plaintiff from receiving workers compensation payments while he was suspended because it constituted compensation under the statute, according to the Supreme Court document. The plaintiff appealed from the decision.

On August 5, 2015, the plaintiff pled guilty to one felony count and 17 misdemeanor counts and resigned from his employment with the defendant. He then brought another enforcement action in the Superior Court on the basis that the suspension statute no longer barred his compensation payments because he was no longer suspended.

A different Superior Court judge granted the defendants motion to dismiss, deciding that the suspension statute still barred the plaintiff from receiving workers compensation because his suspension had not been lifted prior to his resignation. The plaintiff appealed from the ruling, and his request that both cases be consolidated was allowed in the Appeals Court. The Supreme Court then transferred the case from the Appeals Court.

The plaintiff argued instead that workers compensation does not constitute compensation within the meaning of the suspension statute. The statute states that any suspended employee shall not receive any compensation or salary during the period of suspension, according to the Supreme Court document. The term compensation is defined as any money, thing of value or economic benefit conferred on or received by any person in return for services rendered or to be rendered by himself or another, the document added.

The suspension statute was enacted in 1972 to remedy situations arising when people who have been indicted for misconduct in office continue to perform public duties while waiting for trial. This is because the statute allows for the temporary removal of the employees from office and prevents compensation during their suspension period.

The workers compensation act was enacted in 1911, however, and guarantees workers certain benefits as the exclusive remedy for injuries they suffer in the course of employment, regardless of the employers fault, the Supreme Court document stated. The period of time during which the injured employee will receive payments is dependent upon the extent and duration of the employees incapacity for work.

The question before us is whether the meaning of the statutory term compensation in the suspension statute encompasses such workers compensation benefits, the Supreme Court document stated. The Legislature defined compensation as any money, thing of value or economic benefit conferred on or received by any person in return for services rendered. The phrase in return for services rendered, given its plain meaning, denotes a reciprocal relationship between the benefits received and the services provided.

The Supreme Court stated that in order for a benefit to qualify as compensation that a suspended public employee may not receive, it must be provided in return for the employees services.

The receipt of workers compensation benefits differs from these because, while such benefits are triggered by injuries that arise in the course of employment, they are not in exchange for services rendered during that employment, the court document said. The reciprocal exchange that occurs in the workers compensation context is not between services and benefits, but between the waived right to sue the employer in tort for injuries and the guarantee of benefits when injured.

Because of this, the Supreme Court concluded that workers compensation benefits are not compensation as defined in the suspension statute, because they are not payments made in return for services. It ruled that the Superior Court actions brought by the plaintiff to enforce the orders of the DIA were dismissed in error, the judgement was reversed and the matter was remanded to the Superior Court for further proceedings consistent with the Supreme Courts opinion.

Topics Workers' Compensation Massachusetts
State regulators say an Iowa insurance agency accused of a deceptive practice has agreed to repay more than $1.3 million to local governments.

The Des Moines Register reports that Two Rivers Insurance Co., which is based in Burlington, was accused in 2014 of inflating the amount it spent on premiums for health coverage purchased from Wellmark Blue Cross & Blue Shield.

The agency had been acting as an independent agent selling insurance for Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield and other companies.

Documents released Monday say Wellmark complained to state regulators that the brokerage had improperly included up to 7 percent in its own fees in premium costs that it billed to local governments for insurance for 10,500 public employees.

Two Rivers President Todd Ackerman says the brokerage still denies any wrongdoing but is settling the dispute to avoid an extremely costly and burdensome legal process.

Related:

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Iowa
Target Corp. on Tuesday agreed to pay $18.5 million to settle claims by 47 states and the District of Columbia and resolve a multi-state investigation into the retailers massive data breach in late 2013.

The investigation  led by the Attorneys General of Connecticut and Illinois  found that cyber attackers had accessed Targets gateway server through credentials stolen from a third-party vendor, New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman said in a statement on Tuesday.

In one of the biggest data breaches to hit a U.S. retailer, Target had reported that hackers stole data from up to 40 million credit and debit cards of shoppers who had visited its stores during the 2013 holiday season.

California will receive more than $1.4 million from the settlement, the largest share of any state, California Attorney General Xavier Becerra said.

The total cost of the data breach had been $202 million.

The costs associated with the settlement are already reflected in the data breach liability reserves that Target has previously recognized and disclosed, the company said in a statement.

Target also said the total cost of the data breach had been $202 million.

Target spokeswoman Jenna Reck said the company has so far settled with financial institutions and states but is yet to finalize a consumer settlement. There is a class action settlement that is outstanding. We have reached an agreement but it hasnt been legally finalized yet.

As part of the settlement announced on Tuesday, Target is required to adopt advanced measures to secure customer information such as employing an executive to oversee a comprehensive information security program as well as advise its chief executive and board.

The company is also required to hire an independent, qualified third party to conduct a comprehensive security assessment and encrypt or otherwise protect card information to make it useless if stolen.

The Minneapolis-based retailers shares were down 0.6 percent at $55.13 in afternoon trade.

(Reporting by Sruthi Ramakrishnan, Nandita Bose; Editing by Anil DSilva, Bernard Orr)

Related:

Topics Cyber Claims
It is not a bad thing for us, that the route known as the Goldene Strae or the Golden Road as we will get to know it- has escaped the attention of so many. It has been spared being overrun by hordes of tourists and as you will discover the
Insurance groups breathed a sigh of relief this week after legal scholars delayed a vote on a controversial restatement of liability insurance law.

As reported by Insurance Journal, the American Legal Institute (ALI) on Tuesday formally decided to postpone a final vote on its full liability insurance restatement until next year. The authors in charge of the Restatement of the Law, Liability Insurance agreed to spend some more time working on the document, with an eye to bringing a new final draft before the 2018 annual meeting for consideration.

The proposed controversial restatement would give policyholders more clout in disputes with insurers over policy language, claims settlements, application misrepresentations, an insurers duty to defend and other matters.

Insurance groups have been calling for a vote delay and reconsideration of key sections of the restatement.

The industry associations also claim that significant changes were made to the proposal since an earlier draft version was approved by the ALI membership but those changes have not been discussed in any meetings.

Given our serious concerns about the unfairness and uncertainty this restatement would likely lead to, we are pleased ALI did not take a vote for final approval yesterday. We look forward to working over the next year to ensure this restatement is improved for everyone  insurers and policyholders, commentedJ. Stephen Zielezienski, general counsel and senior vice president for the insurer trade group, American Insurance Association.

The ALI, a group of legal scholars that provides summaries of the current state of case law and statutes that courts use as a guide, had been scheduled to vote on the full restatement on Tuesday. However, after what ALI termed a thought-provoking discussion, ALI members voted to approve some new sections but the authors  Tom Baker, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania Law School, and Kyle Logue, a professor at the University of Michigan Law School agreed to do further work on the complete document. They said they hope to have a revised draft ready in the fall and a new final draft of the full restatement ready to be presented for consideration at next years ALI annual meeting.

Insurers, defense lawyers, regulators and lawmakers have expressed concerns about numerous sections of the redrafted document, arguing that they go beyond summarizing current legal thinking and adopt minority opinions on certain issues. They fear the changes will tip the scales in favor of policyholders in ways that could raise premiums and hurt the availability of insurance.

Tom Considine, CEO of the National Council of Insurance Legislators (NCOIL), also welcomed the reconsideration. NCOIL legislators are pleased that the ALI heeded our advice, said Considine in a written statement. We continue to call for an immediate dialogue with the ALI to ensure their restatements do not creep into the realm of legislative prerogative.

Tom Karol, general counsel for the National Association of Mutual Insurers (NAMIC), applauded ALI for listening to critics and being willing to weigh amendments.

NAMIC is grateful that its serious concerns regarding the Restatement of Insurance Liability, which are shared by an array of legal experts, has helped convince the ALI to delay the approval on the full proposed final draft and consider several important amendments. Restatements that create new legal standards rather than restate the common law could have direct and serious impact on the availability of insurance coverage and increase premiums for policyholders, Karol said.

Among the provisions being criticized is one that would limit an insurers defense when an applicant misrepresents information to only misrepresentations that were intentionally or recklessly committed.

Critics have also questioned changes affecting an insurers breach of duty to defend and breach of duty to settle claims.

The restatement also carves out an exception to the traditional plain meaning rule governing contracts for cases where extrinsic evidence shows that a reasonable person in the policyholders position would give the term a different meaning.

Baker and Logue, the authors of the draft, have defended their work. They have rejected the criticisms that the changes are not grounded in solid legal opinion. They maintain that the industry has not proven that the changes will harm insurance markets. They also maintain their work is informed by and consistent with modern economic and psychological research on how insurance markets work.

Topics Carriers
Meteorologists say seven tornados that occurred in northeast Oklahoma last week have received preliminary damage ratings.

The Tulsa World reports tornados near Wagoner, Red Bird and Porter reached estimated wind speeds of up to 105 mph. The storms uprooted trees, snapped power poles, and damaged houses, buildings and boat docks.

The National Weather Service has not yet assessed reports of tornadoes in Peggs, Hulbert and two near Muskogee. Preliminary reports of the Muskogee tornadoes indicate one was an EF1 tornado, which can reach wind speeds up to 110 mph, while the other was an EF2 tornado, which can reach wind speeds of up to 135 mph.

Meteorologists say wet weather will return to the area this week, but they dont expect any severe weather.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Catastrophe Natural Disasters Windstorm Oklahoma
Higher taxes in India may kill the cryptocurrency trade in the country, according to Binances CEO, while the UK government faces calls from BT to extend its 130% super-deduction.
The court denied a direct delivery resulting in an intra-community supply because there was no binding purchase contract in place at the beginning of the transport of the stock.

Case background

A Dutch BV delivered screens to a German customer. The screens were brought to a call-off stock on the customers site. The BV remained the owner of the consignment stock until such time as the BVs customer transmitted its weekly list of the consignment stock sold in the previous week. The purchase price charged by the BV was only set on the day on which the customer resold the consignment stock. The BV was obliged to leave the consignment stock in the warehouse for at least three weeks. After this period, the customer was entitled to return the whole stock or part thereof to the BV.

Courts rational

Since there are no special regulations for consignment stocks in Germany, the Federal Fiscal Court decided the case using the general VAT principles. Therefore, the court considered whether section 3, paragraph 6 of the German VAT Act could be applied and if the place of delivery was consequently in the Netherlands, from where the goods were transported to the warehouse. Since section 3, paragraph 6 of the German VAT Act requires shipment to the customer, it must be clear who the customer is at the beginning of the shipment. The German Federal Fiscal Court decided that, at the beginning of the shipment, a binding purchase contract is therefore crucial.

However, according to the agreement between the parties in the case, the customer was not obliged to buy the goods brought to the warehouse. Moreover, the customer was not obliged to make a payment until the goods were taken out of stock. According to the German Federal Fiscal Court, a binding purchase contract was not concluded until after the storage period (or, to be more precise, when the goods were removed from the warehouse). The place of delivery was, therefore, in Germany and not in the Netherlands, as it would have been in the case of a direct delivery.

Apparently, the German Federal Fiscal Courts decision was influenced by the fact that the goods were in the books of the supplier and not the customer until their removal from the stock.

This is surprising because entering the goods in the balance sheet is only a result of the person being the beneficial owner. It is not an indication of the VAT treatment, even if the right to dispose of the goods and the economic ownership have certain similarities.

All in all, the questions of how binding a purchase contract needs to be and which conditions need to be fulfilled remain open. German civil law cannot be relevant because cross-border transactions are to be assessed, which means that eventually, the civil law of the ship-from country also needs to be considered. This might differ from German civil law.
E arrivata, finalmente, lattesa ufficialita: Papa Francesco ricevera in udienza il presidente degli Stati Uniti, Donald Trump. La data fissata per lincontro e il 24 maggio prossimo, alle ore 8.30 presso il Palazzo apostolico vaticano. La notizia e stata diramata in contemporanea da Washington e dalla Sala stampa della Santa Sede: quel giorno il Tycoon attraversera per la prima volta, da presidente, lOceano Atlantico per incontrare un Capo di Stato estero, in quello che sara anche il suo primo viaggio internazionale. Prima dellincontro con il Papa, infatti, Trump si rechera in Arabia Saudita e, dopo aver fatto tappa in Israele, volera in Vaticano, concludendo quindi il suo tour oltreoceano con un vertice Nato a Bruxelles, il 25 maggio, e con il G7 di Taormina, il 26.

Un incontro atteso

Dopo aver ricevuto il Premio Nobel per la Pace Aung San Suu Kyi, sara dunque la volta dellinquilino della Casa Bianca, in un colloquio che, certamente, avra in agenda argomenti delicati sul futuro dellequilibrio mondiale. A cominciare, molto probabilmente, dalla questione migranti sulla quale, in fase di campagna elettorale, Papa Francesco fu molto critico nei confronti del futuro presidente, specie in relazione allidea di realizzare un muro al confine con il Messico. Daltronde, non incontrare il Papa durante il primo viaggio in Italia e un fatto del tutto inusuale dalle parti di Washington (lultimo fu addirittura Franklin D. Roosevelt, presidente dal 1933 al 1945).

Gli altri colloqui di Trump

Terminato il colloquio con il Pontefice, Trump incontrera anche il segretario di Sua Santita, il cardinale Pietro Parolin, e il segretario per i Rapporti con gli Stati, mons. Paul Richard Gallagher. Successivamente, il presidente si rechera in visita al presidente della Repubblica, Sergio Mattarella. Il viaggio in Italia e, nello specifico, lincontro in Vaticano era stato auspicato dal Tycoon nel corso della conferenza stampa congiunta con il premier Paolo Gentiloni, durante la quale aveva manifestato interesse a incontrare il Pontefice. Uneventualita che, da augurio, si e ora tradotta in realta ufficiale.
How the Lowe's Credit Card Works

Lowe's (LOW) offers its customers financing options to help them complete their renovation and home improvement projects. This is through a credit card called the Lowe's Advantage Card.

The company promises cardholders daily advantages. They can choose between a 5% discount on certain purchases, six-month financing options on purchases over $299, or fixed payments for 84 months with a reduced annual percentage rate (APR) on purchases of $2,000 or more. Cardholders can also take advantage of limited-time discounts and financial deals offered by Lowe's.

The card works in similar ways to many other credit cards. The Advantage Card comes with a revolving line of credit, which means you can use the card up to your approved limit as long as you make regular payments every month. Cardholders can avoid interest charges by paying off the full balance every month. 26.99% as of February 2021. And another bonusthere's no annual fee.

Key Takeaways The Lowe's Advantage Card provides Lowe's customers with discounts and financing options.

Cardholders can choose from 5% discounts, special financing for six-months on purchases over $299, or fixed payments over 84 months at a reduced APR of 7.99% with a minimum $2,000 purchase.

You should have a good credit score in order to get the Lowe's Advantage Card.

The regular APR for the Lowe's Advantage Card is 26.99%.



Rewards and Benefits

Benefits of the Lowe's Advantage Card include:

5% off eligible purchases

Special financing for six months on purchases of $299 or more

Up to 84 months of fixed payments at a reduced APR on a minimum purchase of $2,000  

Customers may not combine the 5% off promotion with the six-month or special financing deals. With the six-month promotion, the cardholder must make minimum payments on time each month and pay off the full amount of the purchase by the end of the six months. Otherwise, the 0% interest provision is rescinded, and interest is applied to the purchase. The 84-month special financing offer is structured with fixed monthly payments at a reduced APR of 7.99%.

The company also offers new cardholders with certain perks. For instance, if you open an account before Jan. 31, 2022, you can receive a 20% discount on your first purchase for a maximum of $100.

Where Can Someone Get a Lowe's Credit Card

If you're interested in applying for the Lowe's Advantage Credit Card, you can do so at any Lowe's store. The credit decision takes only minutes. You can also apply online. If you prequalify, you can apply immediately and get a decision just as quickly as you would if you applied in the store. The prequalification doesn't affect your credit score.

Once approved and the card is activated, the cardholder may use it for any purchases made at Lowe's up to a certain credit limit, which is based on the customer's creditworthiness. The Lowe's card is not accepted at any other retailer or at automated teller machines (ATM's).

What Kind of Credit Is Required for the Lowe's Credit Card

Lowe's doesn't indicate the minimum score required in order to be approved for the Advantage Card. But it's always a good idea to check your credit score before you apply. There's a pretty good chance you will qualify if you at least have good credit. That's about 670 and higher, according to Experian.

Where Can the Lowe's Credit Card be Used?

Because the Advantage Card is a store credit card, you can only use it at Lowe's locations. You can also use it on the company's website to make purchases. You can't use it like a regular credit card to make everyday purchases at other retailers.

You can only use the Lowe's Advantage Card at Lowe's locations or on Lowes.com.

Alternatives to the Lowe's Credit Card

The Home Depot (HD) offers a credit card with similar features to the Lowe's Consumer Credit Card. The Home Depot Consumer Credit Card features the same 0% interest for six months' benefit as the Lowe's card. Its APR varies from 17.99 to 26.99% based on creditworthiness. This means if you have excellent credit, you may pay a lower rate than the Lowe's card.

For major purchases, Home Depot offers a separate card known as the Project Loan Card. This card provides loans of up to $55,000 payable over 90 months at a fixed APR of 16.24%.

Terms and Conditions of the Lowe's Credit Card

Like any credit card, the Lowe's Consumer Credit Card features terms and conditions that should be reviewed thoroughly. The terms and conditions include the APR, late payment fees, penalties, and other useful information.

The following is updated information for the Advantage Card as of February 2021:

APR: 26.99%

26.99% Late Payment Fee: up to $40 for consumers who fail to make the minimum payment by the due date  

Cardholders who choose the 0% financing offer for purchases of $299 or greater and do not pay off the full purchase within six months have interest retroactively applied back to the date of purchase. Moreover, making the card's minimum payment each month is not always sufficient to pay off the purchase in full within six months.

Consequently, borrowers who want to avoid surprise interest charges should remain vigilant that they are on pace to not leave any balance left once the six-month period has ended.

Who Should Consider the Lowe's Credit Card

The Lowe's Advantage Credit Card offers great benefits to home improvement gurus and do-it-yourself types who make the most of their purchases at Lowe's. Even if the special financing deals are never used, a cardholder who buys a lot of home improvement products can save significant money each year with the 5% off promotion. For example, a cardholder who spends $2,000 per year at Lowe's saves $100 over the year.

A person planning a major do-it-yourself home renovation who does not want to pay the entire cost upfront can benefit from the card. By financing the cost over 84 months at 7.99% APR, the cardholder pays significantly less in interest than with most credit cards.

The Bottom Line

If you are a loyal Lowe's shopper, you may want to consider the Lowe's Advantage Card. It comes with no annual fee and a lower APR than some other retail credit cards. You can choose to take 5% discount on your everyday purchases or you can take advantage of special financing for six months on purchases made over $299. If you make a purchase of over $2,000, you can make fixed payments over an 84-month period at a lower APR. Like other retail cards, you can only use this card at Lowe's locations or on the company's website.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get a Lowe's credit card?

You can apply for a Lowe's Advantage Card at any Lowe's location. If you want to see if you prequalify without affecting your credit, you can go online and fill out an application. If you qualify, you can then proceed to the application phase. It takes minutes to get a decision whether you apply in-store or online.

At what other stores can I use my Lowe's credit card?

You can't use the Lowe's Advantage Card. That's because it's a store card only. This means you can't use it at other retailers for everyday purchases. But you can use the card online at Lowes.com.

Does the Lowe's credit card build credit?

Just like any other credit product, the Lowe's Advantage Card can help you build your credit. Just remember that you need to make regular payments, otherwise your credit score will take a hit.
Subsidiary vs. Affiliate: An Overview

Depending on the level of ownership an entity has in a connected business, it may be termed as an affiliate, associate, or subsidiary of a parent company. In most cases, affiliate and associate are used synonymously to describe a company with a parent company that only possesses a stake of between 20 and 50% ownership of the company. A minority stake is ownership or interest of less than 50% of a company.

However, a subsidiary is a business whose parent company holds a majority stake (meaning they are a majority shareholder of 50% or more of all shares). Some subsidiaries are wholly owned, meaning the parent corporation owns 100% of the subsidiary.

As a majority shareholder, the parent company owns enough of the subsidiary to exercise majority control over it, making decisions such as appointing the board of directors or other important business decisions.

For example, Disney-ABC Television Group, a unit of The Walt Disney Company (DIS), is involved in a joint venture with Hearst Communications (a private company) called A+E Networks, an American broadcasting company. The Walt Disney Company also owns an 80% stake in ESPN, an American multinational basic cable sports channel (Heart Communications owns the remaining 20% stake). The Walt Disney Company also owns a 100% interest in the Disney Channel. So, in this scenario, A+E Networks, which is independently-run, is an affiliate company; ESPN is a subsidiary, and the Disney Channel is a wholly-owned subsidiary company.

A joint venture is one where both companies own 50% and so Disney and Hearst Communications both hold exactly 50% which is not enough to establish the control necessary for a subsidiary.

Key Takeaways A subsidiary is a company whose parent company is a majority shareholder that owns more than 50% of all the subsidiary company's shares.

An affiliate is used to describe a company with a parent company that possesses 20 to 50% ownership of the affiliate.

In many instances of foreign direct investment (FDI), companies create subsidiaries and affiliates (rather than mergers and acquisitions) in host countries to prevent any negative stigma associated with foreign ownership or negative opinion associated with being owned by a controversial parent company.

Owning an affiliate or subsidiary can allow a company to extend its market share into parts of the world which it otherwise would not have access to.

1:22 Explaining Affiliate, Associate And Subsidiary

Subsidiary

A subsidiary typically becomes part of a parent company to provide the parent company with specific synergies, such as increased tax benefits, reduced regulation, diversified risk, or assets in the form of earnings, equipment, or property.

Usually, companies take ownership of subsidiaries to extend the range of their products and services beyond what would be expected from the parent companys brand.

The purchase of an interest in a subsidiary differs from a merger because the parent company can acquire a controlling interest with a smaller investment.

Affiliate

An investment in an associate or affiliate company is one in which the acquiring company owns between 20 and 50% of the shares. This ownership of shares implies "significant influence'" which is the accounting term that states that a company should be accounted for under the equity method of accounting. This is in contrast with a subsidiary, where control is established and consolidation accounting is undertaken.



Affiliate groups may elect to file a consolidated tax return that combines all tax liability into a single return. To be included in the return, the affiliate must have a shared parent corporation (in addition to meeting other qualifying factors).

Before filing, each affiliate must agree to file a consolidated tax return. All parties are then required to file IRS Form 1122. The advantage of filing a consolidated tax return is that it may lessen the overall tax burden of the company because it ignores sales between members and allows the losses of one member to offset the profits of another. However, consolidated filings are highly complex and complicated and must be approached with care.

How Foreign Ownership Is Handled

In many instances of foreign direct investment (FDI), companies create subsidiaries and affiliates in host countries to prevent any negative stigma associated with foreign ownership or negative opinion associated with being owned by a controversial parent company. Generally, FDI occurs when a company acquires foreign business assets in a foreign company. In this way, owning an affiliate or subsidiary can allow a company to extend its market share into parts of the world which it otherwise would not have access to.

In the banking industry, affiliate and subsidiary banks are the most popular arrangements for foreign market entry. Although affiliate and subsidiary banks must follow the host country's banking regulations, this type of corporate structure allows for these banking offices to underwrite securities.

While Bank of America still generates the majority of its revenue in its domestic market in the U.S., its acquisition of Merrill Lynch allowed for it to establish international operations. For example, London-based Merrill Lynch International is one of Bank of America's (BAC) largest operating subsidiaries outside of the United States. Merrill Lynch International serves customers worldwide and offers wealth management, research, analysis, fixed income, investment strategies, financial planning, and advisory services.

Special Considerations

For liabilities, taxation, and regulation purposes, subsidiaries are distinct legal entities. However, parent companies are required to combine the financial statements of subsidiaries with their financial statements. Affiliate groups may elect to file a consolidated tax return that combines all tax liability into a single return. To be included in the return, the affiliate must have a shared parent corporation (in addition to meeting other qualifying factors).

Before filing, each affiliate must agree to file a consolidated tax return. All parties are then required to file IRS Form 1122. The advantage of filing a consolidated tax return is that it may lessen the overall tax burden of the company because it ignores sales between members and allows the losses of one member to offset the profits of another. However, consolidated filings are highly complex and complicated and must be approached with care.
Following the announcement of bringing Google Assistant to iOS, Google has now made the Assistant app live on the US App Store. The app is only available for iPhone owners in the US for now.

With the standalone Google Assistant app, iPhone owners will be able to enjoy the same functionality that Google Home and Android users enjoy. This includes being able to control their home automation devices, music systems, TVs, lights, and other compatible devices. Assistant on iOS (and Android) will now also support Actions on Google, which allows third-party apps and services to integrate with the assistant.

Additionally, users will also be able to type their queries into Assistant instead of having to speak to it always.

While the Google Assistant app is only available for iPhone owners in the US for now, it will gain support for Japanese, French, Brazillian, Italian, and other languages later this year.

Remember that Google Assistant for iOS does not feature the same level of integration with system settings as it does on Android, so it will not be able to do certain tasks which its Android counterpart would be able to do. On the flip side, Google Assistants voice recognition system should be miles ahead of Siri and it works with more third-party apps and services out there.

 Download: Google Assistant for iOS
Holidaymakers can book return flights to the US for less than 190 as part of Norwegian Airs 6,000-seat sale, writes Padraig Hoare.

In a sales move designed to take the fight to established rivals such as Aer Lingus, Norwegian unveiled a 10-day special offer on fares from today until June 3.
A boy is in a critical condition in hospital after apparently coming into contact with hazardous material believed to have been dumped at a bonfire site in the North.

Police and health officials have issued a warning to the public after barrels containing the substance were left at the site at Glenwood Street, close to the Shankill Road in north Belfast.

A spokeswoman for the Belfast Health Trust said the boy was in a critical condition.

Children in unionist neighbourhoods across Northern Ireland build bonfires through the early summer ahead of lighting them on July 11 to usher in the main event in the Protestant loyal order marching season, the "Twelfth of July".

Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) Superintendent Andrea McMullan said: "We are concerned that a number of other young people in the area could have potentially come into contact with this substance and are asking parents and guardians whose children may have visited this bonfire site to closely monitor them.

"The symptoms, which may include redness of the eyes and sore throats, coughing and breathing difficulties, can take up to 36 hours to become visible and I would encourage anyone who has concerns about their children to seek medical advice immediately.

"Any clothing or skin that may have been exposed should be washed to remove residual chemicals that may be left on them."

Democratic Unionist councillor Frank McCoubrey said there was "no excuse" for using bonfire sites as a dumping ground.

"In this case a child has been hospitalised because of whatever substances were dumped at this site," he said.

"I would appeal for anyone who witnessed the material being left at the site to pass on any information to the police.

"My thoughts are with the child and hope they make a full and speedy recovery."
President Donald Trump has arrived at the Vatican to meet with Pope Francis.

Mr Trump arrived on Wednesday morning at the Apostolic Palace for an audience with the pontiff.

The meeting comes midway through his nine-day international trip.

The president and pope have not always seen eye to eye.

The two mens often opposite worldviews collided head-on early last year, when Francis was sharply critical of Mr Trumps campaign pledge to build an impenetrable wall on the Mexican border and his declaration that the United States should turn away Muslim immigrants and refugees.

Papal audiences usually last for about 20-30 minutes of private talks, followed by introductions of delegations, a photo and exchange of gifts.

The pope gave the president copies of his three main teaching documents as parting gifts, as he typically does for visiting heads of state.

The red leather-bound booklets to some degree define his papacy and priorities.

Some of the main themes contained in them contrast sharply with Mr Trumps policies and campaign promises, particularly concerning approaches to the environment and income inequality.

Mr Trumps gift for Francis was wrapped in a big blue box.

The president said he was delivering "books from Martin Luther King. I think youll enjoy them. I hope you do".

AP
A man has been arrested in possession of a knife near Buckingham Palace in London.

An eyewitness said he saw a man surrounded by officers and handcuffed as he sat on the ground in The Mall at around 10.40am on Wednesday.
Suicide bomber Salman Abedi is believed to have travelled to Syria and become radicalised before returning to the UK to cause carnage at a gig in the city where he was born.

The 22-year-old was the son of Libyan parents, who fled their native country and sought refuge in the UK.

But just five days before he massacred 22 people, including young children, he sounded normal, according to his father Ramadan, who denied his son was linked to the bombing.

Rejecting reports the bomber had recently returned to Britain from Libya, Mr Abedi said his son had visited Libya more than a month ago.

Speaking from Tripoli, Mr Abedi told the Associated Press: "We don't believe in killing innocents. This is not us."

Mr Abedi confirmed his son Ismail, who was born in Westminster in 1993, was arrested on Tuesday.

Further arrests were made on Wednesday.

According to France's interior minister, Salman Abedi has "proven" links with Islamic State (IS).

Gerard Collomb told French television that both British and French intelligence services had information that Abedi had been in Syria.

Mr Collomb said: "All of a sudden he travelled to Libya and then most likely to Syria, became radicalised and decided to commit this attack."

Born and raised in Manchester, Abedi grew up in a Muslim household but became a university dropout.

He was registered as living at Elsmore Road as recently as last year, where police raided a downstairs red-bricked semi-detached property on Tuesday.

Manchester Muslim community leaders "concerned" about some Islamophobic hate crimes in wake of terror attack https://t.co/yNRbU7O8xj pic.twitter.com/pIKTSc1Fmj  BBC Breaking News (@BBCBreaking) May 24, 2017

He previously lived with his mother Samia Tabbal, father Ramadan and brother Ismail.

He is also thought to have a younger brother, Hashim Abedi, and a sister Jomana, whose Facebook profile suggests she is from Tripoli and lives in Manchester.

Salman Abedi had been a "regular kid", who went out and drank until around a year ago when he "dropped off the radar", the Times reported the bomber's former landlord's nephew as saying.

The paper quoted a friend as saying he had returned from a three-week trip to Libya in recent days.

Neighbours recalled an abrasive, tall, skinny young man who was little known in the neighbourhood, and often seen in traditional Islamic clothing.

He is thought to have lived at a number of addresses in the area, including one in Wilbraham Road, where plain clothes police made an arrest on Tuesday.

A family friend, who asked not to be named, said they were known to the Libyan community in the city and described Abedi as "normal".

He told the Press Association: "He was always friendly, nothing to suggest (he was violent). He was normal, to be honest."

Abedi is believed to have attended the Manchester Islamic Centre, also known as Didsbury Mosque.

Sheikh Mohammad Saeed said he believed Abedi had displayed a "face of hate" after the imam gave a sermon denouncing terrorism.

Fawaz Haffar, a businessman and trustee of the mosque, told reporters he did not know the bomber or recall seeing him at the mosque, but said he did recall Mr Abedi attending.

He added: "As far as I knew, he went back to Libya when things were much better over there, to work over there."

Burnage Academy for Boys confirmed Abedi had been a pupil between 2009 and 2011.

He studied business and management at Salford University but dropped out of the course and did not complete his degree.

Abedi is not the first radical associated with the North West.

It has been reported he knew fellow Mancunian Raphael Hostey, who was once described as an "inspirational figure" for would-be jihadis.

Hostey, who left the UK in 2013, was believed to have been killed in a drone strike in 2016.

Libyan refugee Abdalraouf Abdallah was sentenced to five-and-a-half years in jail last year after helping Muslim convert and former RAF Iraq War veteran Stephen Gray try to get to Syria.

Abdallah, wheelchair-bound after he was shot in Libya in 2011, lived in Westerling Way, Moss Side, a short drive from Abedi's Elsmore Road address.

Gray, who lived at nearby Whitnall Street in the city, was jailed for five years for terror offences after he twice attempted to join jihadis in Syria.

Jamal al-Harith, who lived in Manchester and was known as Ronald Fiddler before converting to Islam, left the UK for Syria in 2014.

Earlier this year it was reported that he died after driving a truck packed with explosives into a military base in Mosul, Iraq.

It emerged he had received a compensation payment following his detention in Guantanamo Bay in the early 2000s.

PA
The companies said that Nokia would receive an upfront cash payment and additional revenues from Apple starting from the current quarter, without giving details. Analysts said the revenue was likely to be far higher than a previous deal.

Nokia shares, which fell in December when the patent dispute was announced, jumped as much as 8% to their highest since February 2016 before paring some gains.

We are pleased with this resolution of our dispute and we look forward to expanding our business relationship with Nokia, Apple chief operating officer Jeff Williams said in a joint statement from the companies.

A previous patent license contract between the companies expired last year, and both sides took legal action in December. Apple complained of being overcharged and Nokia responded by accusing Apple of violating technology patents.

In the absence of a new deal, Nokia cut its annual run-rate forecast in December for patent and brand licensing sales to 800m from 950m previously. In its latest quarterly report released in April, Nokia stopped giving an annual run-rate forecast altogether.

[The agreement] moves our relationship with Apple from being adversaries in court to business partners, Nokias chief legal officer Maria Varsellona said in a statement.

Analysts were surprised by the relatively quick resolution, as they had feared a protracted legal dispute.

For Nokia, its good news they got this out of the way, but we still have to wait for details about the financial impact, said OP Equities analyst Hannu Rauhala.

The previous annual rate was 150m, so I assume this to be more, around 500m.

Under the new business agreement, Nokia said it would provide network products and services to Apple while Apple would resume carrying Nokias digital health products in its retail and online stores. The firms will also look into further collaboration in digital health, Nokia said. Mr Rauhala said Apple might have been willing to settle with Nokia as the US companys patent battle with chipmaker Qualcomm has escalated.

Inderes analyst Mikael Rautanen said Nokias aim to expand its sales of network equipment sales beyond telecom operators to global internet and technology giants may also have played a part in the resolution of the dispute.

Reuters
Ireland is disproportionately dependent on air travel services to function while tourism is, relative to other countries, a vital element in the economy, especially outside of Dublin.

These facts underline the urgent need to push aviation and tourism up the political agenda as Brexit negotiations loom. Other sectors are proving to be far more adept on this issue. The agri-food industry is fully energised and campaigning on every facet of Brexit. Financial services lobby groups likewise.

The tourism and aviation sectors are not visible enough on the threats posed by the UK leaving the EU. British tourists remain key consumers of Irish tourism and have proven reliable spenders through various economic cycles. If sterling weakens materially, and obstacles are placed in the way of travelling freely between the UK and Ireland, tourism will be under distinct threat. That risk is heightened by news that airline capacity between the UK and Ireland is being cut in 2017.

It is imperative, not just for the aviation and tourism sectors, but for the economy as a whole that both sectors raise the heat levels domestically and across Europe. To combat the challenges of Brexit, tourism needs to be equipped with the tools that can keep it competitive in the event of a hard Brexit. There are both self-help measures and government initiatives that can assist.

On the self-help side, managing costs will be a critical component of the sectors response. Amid solid economic growth in the past year or more, cost inflation has started to surface across tourism. Labour and property prices, in particular, appear to have inflated. While that is understandable, it creates price inflation in a product that needs to be keenly positioned before UK consumers. Government can help by ensuring direct and indirect taxes affecting the tourist industry are not elevated during Brexit talks.

In aviation, the challenges of Brexit are possibly even more stark. The EU chief negotiator, Michel Barnier, pointedly referenced aviation in his recent Dail speech and warned that air connections between the UK and EU could be severely hampered if Brexit goes wrong.

The top five airports Irish passengers fly to are all British. Imagine the disruption that would ensue if tighter immigration and customs checks apply. Not only would that impact the economy in general but it would also make air travel from Britain to Ireland less appealing for holidaymakers.

Ireland needs to progress some big ideas. Top of this list should be a new runway at Dublin Airport. Not only can that infrastructure investment enliven the local economy, but it would also widen the capacity to grow tourism. I am amazed by the quietness among interest groups dependent on aviation and tourism on that topic. Instead of loudly advocating the critical importance of a new runway for Ireland Inc, they have allowed the agenda to be hijacked by relatively small but vocal opposition groups. Have we reached the stage, again, where the national interest is sacrificed on the altar of local politics?

Brexit is the key issue for anyone who cares about Irelands fortunes. A number of Irish industries have already clearly set out their stalls. Tourism and aviation risk being left behind without a concerted and dynamic effort by all concerned.

Joe Gill is director of corporate broking at Goodbody Stockbrokers. His views are personal.
The Dublin-based company provides e-commerce and retail software solutions to many of the worlds leading airlines and travel booking firms and has been growing in the lucrative Chinese market in recent times.

Our new business pipeline is strong and growing. We are pursuing a number of new opportunities and expect to announce further signings during 2017, chairman Paschal Taggart told shareholders at the companys agm.
Trevor OSullivan, aged 38, was flanked by the six officers and brought before Judge Olann Kelleher at Cork District Court yesterday afternoon.

Garda Joe Maher testified he arrested and charged Mr OSullivan, with an address at Roches Buildings, Richmond Hill, Cork, at the courthouse in Cork yesterday and charged him with assault causing harm to prison officer, Joseph Gallagher, at the courthouse on February 6, 2017.
One minute, and everything changes for everyone. Things which seemed so all-consuming and a metaphorical matter of life-and-death only a short while earlier, suddenly subside in the face of horrific all-too-real death scenes in Manchester.

The dark shadow of the murderous attack stretched the short distance across the Irish Sea and hung over the roof of Leinster House.

There was a subdued atmosphere around the place, and the news from Manchester permeated the usual business of the day as well as (correctly), consigning the Fine Gael leadership contest to the sidelines.

As the dreadful story unfolded as the sun rose, the Taoiseach did an impromptu phone interview on Morning Ireland to denounce what he described as an attack on innocence and on happiness, highlighting the strong ties between the two cities and offering his Governments support.

In the normal course of events, if Enda had made one of his infrequent forays onto the airwaves, he wouldve been peppered with questions from one of the programmes tenacious inquisitors about the Leo versus Simon saga. But then this wasnt a normal day.

By mid-morning, a trio of Fianna Fail TDs arrived out onto the plinth of Leinster House to speak to the media. It was a pre-arranged doorstep interview to give the partys response to the EU Commissions report on Ireland and the autumn Budget, but once again there was no appetite for fighting words.

Michael McGrath revealed he had been in Manchester only hours before the bombing. He had flown to a football match in the city with his young sons as a Holy Communion treat for them.

I came back late last night and turned on the TV and learned what happened, he said.

The sombre mood prevailed in the Dail chamber throughout Leaders Questions. On a normal day, much of the focus wouldve been on the body language between the outgoing Taoiseach and the two wannabe-incoming ones, Leo Varadkar and Simon Coveney.

After all, it was the first time Enda Kenny had taken questions since announcing his departure at the parliamentary party meeting a week ago. But this wasnt a normal day.

It could have been a bit frosty if Enda had found himself cheek-by-scowl on the front-bench with his potential successors. But Leo sat quietly at a discreet distance of three seats away from his party leader and concentrated on his phone, while Simon steered clear of the chamber altogether.

It wasnt the time for banter or troublemaking from the opposition benches, although Tipperarys Mattie McGrath couldnt resist a sly dig while having a voluble go at one member of Team Coveney, Health Minister Simon Harris. Mattie noted that Mr Harris was absent from Leaders Questions.

Hes on the road, working hard, ag lorg votail, he sniped and, across the floor, Leo couldnt quite stifle a grin  either at the mangled Irish or at the wee puck at one of his rivals main men.

But, given the day that was in it, both Leo and Simon dialled down the campaign rhetoric. They were (separately) nabbed by reporters en route to the mornings Cabinet meeting, and the housing minister wasnt in election mood.

I just walked across Merrion Square in the peace and tranquillity of a beautiful sunny morning, listening to reports coming in of families trying to find young daughters who were at the concert last night. Its shocking, said Simon.

The social protection minister had his own words to say on the atrocity.

First I want to add my name to the condemnation of the attack that occurred in Manchester last night, a city I know well and a city that I think many Irish people know well, said Leo.

I also extend my sympathies to the families of those involved.

Leo did venture into campaign territory, bringing up the possibility of some of his rivals supporters switching horses in mid-race. But this was a political ding-dong for another day.

In the immediate aftermath of Manchester, matters of life-and-death were exactly that.
More than 190,000 subscribers are now registered with the service that alerts them to suspicious or criminal activity in their local area.

The service provides a mechanism for a community or residents association to register a community contact with their local garda station.

It also supports established community crime prevention programmes.

It was established by the gardai in late 2013 in consultation with Muintir na Tire, the Irish Farmers Association, and Neighbourhood Watch.

Latest garda figures show there are 1,085 text alert schemes and 191,181 individual subscribers. In April 2014, there were 80,000 registered subscribers signed up via community schemes.

Click here for more information.

The Garda Crime Prevention National Centre of Excellence says the schemes increasing popularity is the result of garda efforts to raise awareness.

Gardai provide information by text or email to each registered community contact and they then forward the information by email or text to members of their community group.

The text alert scheme is a one-way communications system. Initial contact with the gardai must be made in person or by telephone to control and verify information.

When a member of the public reports an incident to the gardai, the officer receiving it confirms the details and decides whether or not the text alert system should be used.

The garda sends a text or email to each registered community contact in their district. The community contact forwards the text to their community group to advise people to watch out and report any developments.

The highest number of subscribers are in Tipperary (21,540), followed by Kilkenny-Carlow (15,026), and Roscommon-Longford (13,939).

Cork has the lowest number of subscribers (3,113).

One successful outcome involved an older adult with dementia who went missing in Dublin where 79 schemes are operating with 7,990 subscribers.

The person was found after a text alert appealing to the local community for help was activated by gardai.

Sergeant Amanda Flood from the Garda Crime Prevention National Centre of Excellence said more communities appreciated the value of setting up a scheme in their local area.

In 2014 there were 80,000 subscribers. This grew to 130,000 the following year, and now we are just shy of 200,000 subscribers, which really is a testament to the effectiveness of the service, said Sgt Flood.

The feedback we are getting on the ground is that it has a reassuring effect on local people who know they will be informed by text if suspicious activity is detected locally. It gives people a sense of ownership over the safety of their local community.

Niall Garvey, Muintir na Tire chief executive, said Text Alert is more than an effective and efficient communication system  when implemented properly it brings community groups together.

It is that coming together that protects the community and particularly the vulnerable members, said Mr Garvey.

Patrick Walsh of Neighbourhood Watch said the text alert scheme has rejuvenated many of their Neighbourhood Watch groups, and its success has been proven by the fall in burglary rates.
A number of Fine Gael TDs who have pledged to vote for Mr Varadkar as the next Fine Gael leader have received emails and calls asking them to instead back Mr Coveney.

Some parliamentary members, who face pressure to walk back on their support for Mr Varadkar, said they would not budge on their decision, despite claims from Mr Coveneys strategists that there are a number of crucial votes which can be turned.

Westmeath TD Peter Burke confirmed he had been contacted by Fine Gael members asking him to change his vote and back Mr Coveney as the next leader.

However, he told the Irish Examiner: Im 100% behind Leo. Im not changing. Im not going to commit political suicide. I thought about this very hard.

Clare TD Pat Breen has also let it be known he will not be walking back.

Sources close to Mr Breen confirmed he informed Mr Coveney in person he would be backing Mr Varadkar  days before the housing minister joined him at an event in Ennis late last week.

Youd wonder why he [Mr Coveney] turned up when he knew, said one party source.

Limerick County TD Tom Neville said he would not be changing his mind, despite suggestions initially he was in the Coveney camp.

Im behind Leo. They are both very strong candidates, but I have made up my mind.

Emails have been sent to some parliamentary members, including from Young Fine Gael members, asking them to instead vote for Mr Coveney.

Some party members have also called TDs, criticising them for publicly declaring votes ahead of the hustings this weekend.

But a key Coveney team member has blamed social media for applying pressure on parliamentary members to vote so quickly.

Dun Laoghaire TD Maria Bailey said: Its so instant that it puts pressure on people. You are talking about peoples livelihoods here as politicians.

She suggested it would be better for any future Fine Gael leadership contest to have hustings first, so voters could make up their minds based on the policies of candidates.

Ms Bailey added: There are a couple of people coming quietly back to us. It is up to them what they want to do.

The Coveney camp believe five to six changed votes out of the total 73 parliamentary members will help narrow the contest.

Campaign director and junior minister Damien English confirmed the Coveney team would be speaking to parliamentary members as well as rank-and-file members in an attempt to reverse the numbers.

There were a number of people who already had confidence in Simon, said Mr English, adding that these individuals would be targeted first to shore up support for Mr Coveneys beleaguered campaign.

Mr Varadkar said yesterday it would take a lot for a colleague to withdraw a declaration.

Meanwhile, the social protection minister will today launch proposals to reform elements within Fine Gael.
Sean Blake, aged 56, with an address at The Mews, Rushbrooke, Cobh, Co Cork, denied ever touching the womans breasts in any way during the therapy session at the Regus building, City Gate, Mahon, two years ago.

A jury agreed with him and yesterday told Judge Patrick Meghan at Cork Circuit Criminal Court that they found Mr Blake not guilty of sexual assault. The defendant wept at the verdict.

The complainant injured her back in a crash when her car skidded on ice at Christmas 2013 and she went to a number of specialists for treatment, including a physiotherapist, chiropractor, osteopath, and acupuncturist.

Her personal trainer later recommended going to Mr Blake for deep tissue message.

She had three sessions, at 60 each time. At the third session on May 22, 2015, she alleged she was sexually assaulted: I went along, there was the usual chit-chat about how my back was. He left the room. I took off my clothes down to my underwear, my panties. I had a towel.

"He worked on my back as normal. He finished with me on my back, with me facing upwards, the towel over my chest. He did work on my neck. He was doing that. His hands started going lower, and lower. I said, if he goes lower I will say something.

He started massaging my breasts. I couldnt move. I remember hearing him breathing, massaging my breasts for (what seemed like) hours but it was for about 15 minutes.

"I was afraid. He is a lot bigger than me. He finished after a while. I went straight home. I said to (my partner) what happened. I was asking him was it normal for massaging your breasts for a back injury.

Mr Blake did not give evidence from the witness box but an account of his interview with gardai and a statement he made to gardai was put before the jury. He said the complainant was incorrect and that it did not happen, he did not massage her breasts.

He said she was wearing underwear and had a towel to keep her warm and for her modesty. He said he could have massaged her upper chest/outer shoulder area but not her breasts.

Asked if he was shocked by the allegation, he said: All I have is my name, all I can see is my name going down the tubes  trial by media I refute categorically all the allegations made by her against me.

Orla Crowe, defending, said that between the womans statement of complaint to gardai, her direct evidence, and her cross-examination, the word used to describe what she alleged happened changed from rubbing to touching to massaging to groping.

She asked the complainant if she didnt see a difference between the words.

She replied: His hands were on my breasts, that is all that matters.

Ms Crowe replied: You never said to him to stop? You never said you were uncomfortable?

The complainant said: I was in shock. I couldnt say anything He just finished and left the room and I got dressed. I paid him and I left. I dont know what I was thinking. He is a little bigger than me. I was helpless on the bed.

Ms Crowe said this was the first time the woman had suggested she was in some kind of fear.

I have to put it to you that that is an elaboration. You are putting in that for extra colour, to impress on the jury the plight you found yourself in. Something as significant as fear is not something you would forget [until now]?

The complainant replied: Trust me, I did not forget.

Ms Crowe said the woman was mistaken and that the accused did not touch her breasts during the massage.

The complainant said: No, that is not true. Why would I come up here?
Alina Rostas, aged 28, was found guilty of stealing the bottle of Flowerbomb perfume from Crowleys Pharmacy in Drimoleague, West Cork, on October 6. She was living at 2 Collins Apartments at the time.

Judge James McNulty was shown CCTV footage from the pharmacy which appeared to show Rostas placing the perfume, worth over 70, in her bag before she approached the counter and paid for some fake nails. She denied the charge.

Sinead Crowley, who owns and runs the pharmacy, told gardai she saw the incident on the camera while in the dispensary. She did not challenge Rostas but later checked with staff and reviewed the till takings before contacting Bantry gardai and providing a memory stick containing the footage.

Rostas, who has 27 previous convictions and is two months pregnant, failed to appear in court, first in Cork and then in Bantry.

The court heard she has been in custody since April 21 and that the case was due to be heard two weeks ago, only for Ms Crowley to fail to appear for that hearing on May 9. Judge McNulty granted a witness summons compelling Ms Crowley to appear yesterday.

When she did not, he heard that she sent an email to the courts office last week stating she would not be able to attend as she had no locum to fill in for her but that she was available on other dates.

In the email, read aloud in court, she said: I feel I would be robbed again if I was forced to close the pharmacy to attend court.

Judge McNulty ordered that Ms Crowley be arrested and brought to court to attend the trial.

That trial concluded with Judge McNulty saying he had no doubt as to Rostass guilt on the theft charge.

Its a sad and sorry day when a judge has to sentence an expectant mother to several months in prison, but that is what it has come to, he said.

Describing Rostas as an experienced thief and a savvy criminal, he sentenced her to 10 months in prison, backdated to April 21, as well as a concurrent four-month jail term for her failure to appear in Bantry court, also backdated.

He turned to Ms Crowley, saying her sending of the email was bad form.

It really needs to be read once or twice to grasp the audacity, he said, claiming it showed an element of professional arrogance at a time when gardai and others had expended considerable resources on bringing the initial theft matter to trial.

Fergus Appelbe, for Ms Crowley, apologised on her behalf and said she was stressed as her mother was recently convicted of serious offences.

Judge McNulty asked why she hadnt closed the pharmacy to attend court and carry out her civic duties.

Ms Crowley apologised and her solicitor agreed she will give 2,000 to the West Cork Women Against Domestic Violence project.
In the first stage of the co-operation, Ryanair customers can book Air Europa tickets to 20 cities in the Americas via the Dublin-based carriers website, the company said.

The second phase will include connections between Ryanairs flights to Madrid and Air Europas longhaul destinations, bringing the no-frills specialists strategy closer to network rivals.
They made their comments as they endorsed proposals to develop the new 2.1m project in the western suburbs specifically for young adults at risk of homelessness.

First reported by the Irish Examiner last month, the Bishopsgrove development in Curraheen will provide supported housing for up to 39 young adults aged over 18 who are pursuing third-level education.

The facility has been developed in an existing student accommodation complex off Curraheen Rd.

The council bought the complex with funding from the Department of Local Government, and it has been refurbished to the councils specifications.

The citys head of housing, Valerie OSullivan, said the project will be managed for the city by the same team which oversees the award-winning Foyer complex in Blackpool  a transitional housing and training centre for clients aged 18 to 25 who were or are at risk of becoming homeless.

The Bishopsgrove facility will be managed along similar lines, with strict tenancy agreements and 24-hour management of the complex. It will house several Foyer clients who are now pursuing third-level education, and as a result, it will free up Foyer beds for new clients in need of help and assistance.

Foyer staff will continue to work with, and support the residents of the new facility through their third-level courses, and help them find suitable, long-term accommodation.

There will be zero tolerance for misbehaviour which will be in stark contrast to the facility which was there before, said Ms OSullivan.

There was cross-party support for the project at Mondays city council meeting, led by local councillors John Buttimer (FG), Mary Shields (FF) and Henry Cremin (SF).

Ms Shields said: Education is the key to success and this project will help young people fulfil their potential.

SF Cllr Henry Cremin says while some local residents were initially concerned about the project, once the ethos underpinning it, and management structure which will be in place was explained, they now support it: This project will be a new tool to help young people move on to third level.

Independent Cllr Thomas Maloney said the project will provide a gateway to a whole new life for vulnerable young people.

The Foyer in Blackpool was developed more than a decade ago arising out of the citys Homeless Forum, which identified the need to provide supported accommodation for young homeless people, and to link this accommodation to special programmes designed to equip people with life skills to prepare them for independent living.

Cork City Council acquired the former Assumption convent complex in 2003, and renovated it. The Foyer was opened in 2006.

Its success over the years is proven by the fact that several clients are now pursuing third-level courses, and are now in need of specific student accommodation.
As part of the lengthy operation, more than 900,000 was recovered by gardai and returned to a foreign company targeted by the cyber criminals.

The cyber attackers hacked into the systems of a company that was due to receive a Vat payment.

It obtained bank account details and requested that the Vat payment be sent into a new account, controlled by them.

The scam is known as invoice redirection fraud.

The monies were then transferred both inside Ireland and outside  at which stage a specialist Garda team pounced.

A statement issued by Garda headquarters said that as part of an ongoing operation by the Money Laundering Investigation Unit (MLIU) of the Economic Crime Bureau (ECB) two men were arrested in Dublin.

The men, one aged 31 and the second aged 67, were detained under the provisions of section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act and held at Blanchardstown Garda Station.

The two men were arrested as part of the Money Laundering Investigation Units investigation into an Invoice Redirection Fraud where a European-based company was induced to sending a Vat payment to the bank account of an individual instead of its true recipient, the statement said.

It said the cyber criminals hacked into the systems of the company that was due to get the Vat money.

It is believed that the database of the company, who were due to receive payment, had been the target of a malware attack that allowed the issuing of a request to change details of the true recipients banking accounts.

It said that once the funds had been received there were a number of onward transactions both inside and outside Ireland.

The statement said that as a result of liaison between the Financial Intelligence Unit of the ECB and the MLIU and a financial institution more than 900,000 was recovered before it could be dissipated.

Banking and Payments Federation Ireland has previously issued alerts about Invoice Redirection Fraud after a number of businesses were targeted.

It said these businesses have received bogus emails being received that purport to be from an existing creditor.

The alert said: The email generally contains a letter as an attachment, the letter purports to notify the receiver of new (amended) bank account details to which all future payments are to be sent.

Banking and Payments Federation Ireland said the email notifying the change of details could be in the name of someone that the receiver is used to dealing with.

However, the fraudsters will have created a bogus email account and the senders name which will carry a minor variation, it said.

The federation advised businesses to make a phone call to a known contact within the firm that was requesting changes in banking details.

It said not to use contact details on the letter or email that was sent, but to use details from documents on file.
BY ITS nature, the horrendous act of terrorism in Manchester will have the greatest emotional effect on teenagers. They will relate to being at a concert and the fear, chaos, and devastation an act like this would create. They will empathise fully with the young people killed or injured, feel the fear of the premature robbing of their lives and the wonder about the effects such injuries would have on their dreams and aspirations.

Making the awfulness more apparent will be the fact that Ariana Grande played a concert here last weekend to an audience consisting mainly of first, second, and third-year secondary school students. The realisation that many of those killed and injured, like those attending the gig in Dublin, would have been attending their first concert, will add significantly to the distress felt.

Most teenagers, by virtue of their age, will still be grappling with the nature and understanding of death and of disability.

Finding meaning, if any can be found, in such circumstances is particularly difficult and they need their parents, their teachers, and their carers to help them resolve the emotional impact. Of course for parents trying to find a meaning for themselves, let alone trying to help their young son or daughter understand such events, will be extremely challenging.

They will also relate directly to the young lives lost or changed forever and in particular to the parents of those directly affected.

This is a time when we have to make ourselves emotionally available to our young people. Giving them space to talk about the events, helping them reason out their own understanding of what has happened and why is essential.

Helping them to resolve their feelings of shock, anger, and sadness while not getting emotionally stuck is the real challenge. Providing the appropriate support will involve us allowing our young people to talk about what has happened and how they feel, no matter how upsetting we find this. It will also require us to step back, being sure we dont force our son or daughter to talk if they dont want to, while remembering they may express their feelings in other ways.

Discussing our own feelings in an open, honest way while trying to balance our emotions will help. Allowing our son or daughter to reason things out for themselves rather than imposing our interpretation of events will be important to the process. Enabling our young people to find balance will be crucial.

Sometimes they will feel guilty about doing nice things so it is important to give them permission. Underpinning all of this we will need to remember the principles of helping our children and teenagers to stay emotionally healthy:

Supporting them to feel good about themselves;

Guiding them to be able to see happiness;

Letting them know they are loved;

Ensuring they feel safe and secure.

Every detail of what happened will be available on social media and our young people will be spared nothing. Any attempts by parents to protect them from this exposure will most likely be unsuccessful and so it will be important to know what is out there and to try and direct them to the most balanced coverage.

These events will undoubtedly raise moral questions, the wrongness of random murder, the reasons why a person might perpetrate such acts. Reaching personal understandings on these issues not only helps young people emotionally resolve them but is also an important aspect of developing as a person. As parents, our role in this process is to support and guide and to avoid imposing our beliefs on them.

Coming in the middle of exam time, parents will worry that their son or daughter will be distracted and lose focus but often such events work in the opposite way, easing stress and helping to put things into perspective.

Naturally most parents will become more protective of their children and teenagers. The already existing worries we have about letting them go to concerts and public events will be exacerbated by the thoughts that no event is safe from random acts of terror anymore. But we need to take stock and to balance these worries with the importance of allowing children to be children, allowing teenagers to be teenagers. We cannot address the physical impact of such an act of terror but we can manage the psychological impacts.

For the young people and parents directly affected, we can only hope that they will find the strength at some time to resolve what for most of us seems unresolvable. We cannot truly relate to their losses but can only hope that they in some way may take comfort from the shared pain we all feel.

For the young people who lost their lives, we must take comfort in hoping that they lived their short lives fulfilling their aspirations and dreams.

Paul Gilligan is a clinical psychologist and chief executive of St Patricks Mental Health Services and author of Raising Emotionally Healthy Children.
China has vetted Ukrainian frozen beef exports, Ukraine's State Service for Food Safety and Consumer Protection reported on May 22.

The Ukrainian agency and the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine of the People's Republic of China (AQSIQ) signed a protocol of inspection, quarantine, veterinary and sanitary requirements for the export of frozen beef from Ukraine to China.

The Ukrainian regulator says that Ukrainian frozen beef was granted access to the Chinese market after a mission of the Chinese competent authority that assessed Ukrainian food safety control of beef production. The mission visited Ukraine late in April.

In addition, the State Food Safety and Consumer Protection Service and AQSIQ representatives are now engaged in approval of phytosanitary and inspection requirements for the export of some Ukrainian agrarian products to China. In particular, these are sunflower meal, beet pulp, dairy foods, poultry meat, eggs, honey, and others.
Apple has begun releasing a new iPhone advertising campaign focused on the potential switchers who currently use Android smartphones. Apple highlighted its excellent performance, camera quality, sequestration and other factors, as well as features, that will give appeal to possible new iPhone consumers. This simply means that Apple just launched a new attack on Google Android.

Apple's new ad campaign currently includes five short clips. Each clip compares user's iPhone experience through its different uses and feature, which include music, speed, images, and much more. Aside from that, Apple has also renewed its apple.com/switch microsite adjacent to the new campaign in order to turn Android users into iPhone owners.

According to BGR, Apple's new page is dedicated to switchers for them to understand more about why life is easier using iPhone. It comprises the usual posts, including Apple assuring possible Android switchers that it is really easy to migrate all of their big and significant data over to the iOS world. iPhone has industry-leading satisfaction rates, the site said.

Aside from Apple being busy on their upcoming devices, they are also back in the business of trying to lure consumers to switch to its products from a rival program. The colorful website also includes a link where to buy an iPhone, as well as answers to questions concerning why people should switch from Android to iOS.

Apple has targeted Android users before with a separate web page, according to Business Insider. The website has been taken down eventually due to unknown reasons and Apple didn't have the chance to explain it. In fact, two years ago, the Cupertino-based company released an app called "Move to iOS for Android," which was designed in order to help switchers decide. Apple's app is already available in Google Play Store and it securely transfers any content from an Android device to iOS.
The new European General Data Protection Regulation goes into effect next May, with onerous notification requirements and high penalties, but a year might not be enough for firms to get ready.

Recent surveys show that most companies are not prepared for the regulations. According to a recent SailPoint survey, 80 percent see GDPR as a priority, but only 25 percent have an established plan. Gartner estimates that the majority of all companies affected by GDPR will still not be in compliance at the end of 2018.

The GDPR requirements are dramatic, said Benjamin Wright, U.S. attorney and senior instructor at Bethesda, Md.-based SANS Institute. He also wrote a white paper for SANS about GDPR earlier this year.

The general idea behind the law isn't new, he said. Europe has long had a tradition of data protection.

"However, through the GDPR, the European Union has added a great deal of detail and greater enforcement and greater expectations for data protection," he said.

In addition, companies must have a Data Protection Officer, notify authorities without 72 hours of discovering a data breach, and delete private data of customers and employees on request.

All of these pose their own unique challenges.

The Data Protection Officer, for example, is a company employee, but answers to regulators.

"In the United States, this is a very very unusual idea," Wright said. "You hire someone and that someone has an obligation to be talking to a regulator and telling a regulator what the regulator wants to know."

If a company wants to replace its Data Protection Officer, or reprimand or demote them, there will be some obstacles in the way, he added.

"They can claim that they were retaliated against because they were doing their job of cooperating with the regulators," he said. "I my experience, it's a unique challenge in employee governance in Western countries."

Who is affected?

In general, any company that has users in Europe should comply with the new regulations, including online companies with no physical presence in the region. However, some aspects of the law vary based on size of company, types of data collected, where the data is kept, and other factors.

For example, not every company needs to have a Data Protection Officer, said Wright, only larger ones -- but it's not yet exactly clear what the size cut-off is.

Breach notification and penalties

The heart of the law is the breach notification requirements. US companies are already familiar with breach notification because most states have some form of it on their books.

However, GDPR goes a lot further.

Companies are required to report a breach within 72 hours of discovering it. That means that companies have just three days to determine the scope of a breach and whether any sensitive data was lost.

For example, the breach may have been limited to intellectual property, which is damaging to the company but not covered by GDPR.

"We might end up in a situation where organizations might report a GDPR breach just to be on the safe side," said Rashmi Knowles, CTO for EMEA at Bedford, Mass.-based RSA Security Inc..

And in addition to reporting to the relevant EU authorities, the company will also need to notify all the people who were affected, she said.

This is one of the hardest things that companies are having to deal with, she said.

Failing to comply can result in a fine of 20 million Euros or 4 percent of annual global revenues, whichever is higher.

"These fines are astronomical," said Dana Simberkoff, Chief Compliance and Risk Officer at Jersey City, NJ-based AvePoint Inc. "We haven't seen anything like this."

Companies that saw fines in the millions of dollars would have had to pay billions if the breaches occurred under GDPR, she said.

In a survey AvePoint conducted last year with the Center for Information Policy Leadership, the fines were the biggest concern for executives, she said.

LINK: https://www.informationpolicycentre.com/

Companies will need to take a very serious look at the data that they're collecting and how they're protecting it, monitoring it, and deleting it when it's no longer necessary.

"What we're advising people is to look at what information you're asking for, that you actually need it, and have a business purpose for why you're asking for this information," said Mark Taylor, managing consultant at Germany-based NTT Security. "And if you don't need it, don't ask for it, don't collect it -- that's the safest way to behave."

For some firms, that might mean using more outside vendors to do the heavy lifting, use specialized data management and protection companies for whom this is their main area of expertise, or try to have their business partners take on the work.

"I definitely think that companies will do everything they can to shift liability off of themselves onto others," Simberkoff said.

A lot of cloud providers are already working on getting their services certified, she said. Using a vendor doesn't absolve the customer of responsibility, but if the provider has a solid platform then customers will feel confident putting their data there.

"Who's going to have a bigger security team, you or them?" she said. "It's a reasoned judgment that companies will make."

Many companies will also be looking for technologies that helps them evaluate the scope of their breaches, and vendors are already rolling out products.

CSPi, for example, offers appliances that track all access to sensitive data records.

"It's like a flight data recorder," said Gary Southwell, general manager of the high performance products group at Lowell, Mass.-based CSPI Inc.

That helps companies figure out which records have been breached, and do it in time to meet the 72-hour deadline, he said.

Or take, for example, the challenge of removing private employee data on request. Employees may be keeping all kinds of sensitive information in their corporate file shares, like copies of their tax returns, telephone finance agreements, children's college applications.

That stuff has been collecting on corporate servers for years, said Linda Sharp, associate general counsel at San Jose-based ZL Technologies.

"We have technology that allows us to go through and identify all those pieces of information and help them remove it," she said.

One type of service that would be very helpful, but is currently hard to find, is comprehensive cyber insurance.

Open-Xchange, a collaboration software company based in Germany, ran into just this problem.

"We supply systems for telcos and other companies that are heavily regulated," said company CEO Rafael Laguna. "And inside those systems is this data protected by GDPR. If we don't do our job properly and the data gets exposed, our customers get fined, and they are saying, 'You screwed up, you have to pay this.'"

Before GDPR, cyberinsurance coverage might have cost in the range of $5 million, he said. "Now it's in the range of $50 to $100 million."

And it might not even be available.

It took Open-Xchange five months to find the insurance it needed to cover the risks associated with one recent customer, he said.

"It took five companies to handle the requirements, and it cost us a lot of money," he said.

But, eventually, as more companies look to buy cyberinsurance, the rates might come down, said Steve Conrad, managing director at Bothell, Wash.-based MediaPro Holdings, LLC.

"Anytime you have an insurance pool and you have more people paying into it, that distributes the cost," he said.

MediaPro provides online security training to employees, and some of its customers are in Europe.

The company has cyberinsurance in place, Conrad said.

"It's becoming more and more of a requirement to doing business," he said. "And, at the end of the day, if something bad happens, you want to be covered."

Data, data everywhere

To start getting ready for GDPR, companies must first take stock of what data they collect, and where they keep it.

That could be hard for large companies, with siloed controls and multiple systems, said Ken Krupa, CTO at San Carlos, Calif.-based database company MarkLogic Corp.

Then, companies need to be able to respond quickly to compliance-related requests from regulators.

Manual processes are no longer an option, he said.

It's not just online retailers who are affected. Take eSentire Inc., a managed security services provider based in Ontario, Canada.

"We have a data center in Ireland," said Eldon Sprickerhoff, the company's founder and chief security strategist.

That means that eSentire has information related to the employees who work there. And then there's the information it handles on behalf of its customers.

"We will be considered data processors under GDPR," he said.

So in addition to helping its customers get up to speed on the law, the company is also reexamining its own processes.

"We have a great idea of where data flow, we have a great idea of consent -- we've tightened up some of the language around that," he said. "But data subjects will also be able to request to be forgotten. How we work through some of the technical aspects can be significant -- there's a lot of data that could be considered personal data. We're trying to figure out what it means."

There are also a lot of edge cases that have to be worked out, he said, which should keep lawyers very happy for a long time.

Say, for example, a company is hacked by someone in Europe. Can you collect information about the hacker without their consent? The hacker, obviously, won't bother to comply with the regulations.

"There's asymmetric adherence to the law," he said. "This is one of those things that you discuss over bar stools with a couple of scotches."

Or take the case of international companies that have a single security operations center located outside of Europe.

"If a company's SOC is located in the U.S. and they are collecting data from offices in the EU, they can well be in violation of GDPR," said Israel Barak, CISO and incident response director at Boston-based Cybereason Inc. "Does it make sense, or even realistic, for most companies to potentially build 27 separate data collection and handling practices, for each of the 27 member counties? Probably not."
One of the most accurate GPS-based location systems in the world isnt a hyper-secret military technology or a top-of-the-line scientific device  its John Deeres worldwide correction network, a dual-band GPS system that lets farmers track their planting, harvesting and more to an accuracy of less than an inch.

Its one of the most difficult and exciting programs that Deeres ever done, according to Terry Pickett, manager of advanced engineering at the companys Intelligent Solutions Group.

+ALSO ON NETWORK WORLD: How Lyft gets a lift from Amazons cloud + Googles machine-learning cloud pipeline explained

The technology is important because everything from tilling to planting to irrigation to harvesting is better and easier when farmers have a more precise way to track their position  crops can be distributed more evenly across a field, seeds planted at exactly the correct depth and position to maximize yield.

Dual-frequency GPS makes for greater accuracy, thanks to a better ability to correct errors introduced by atmospheric interference. Monitoring the difference between delays in the two frequencies lets operators calculate out the interference for a much more accurate positional reading.

Its whats called a refraction-corrected measurement, said Fred Nelson, principal engineer at the ISG.

The system works by pairing a network of base stations  which have a known location  with the GPS receivers in the cabs of the companys machines. The difference between the signals received at the base stations and the cabs can be used as a coefficient to correct for the aforementioned ionospheric distortion.

But farmers face tough conditions beyond simple accuracy issues  the environment these systems work in is, in some ways, more demanding than that for military hardware, according to the Deere engineers.

While military gear has to be rated to work in extreme conditions, it typically has a shorter required service life. Thats not the case for farming equipment, which might have to work for thousands of hours a year for decades.

In many ways, our mission life is long enough that its really difficult to make a system last, said Pickett.

This is part of the reason why Deere has retained a high degree of control over almost every aspect of its increasingly sophisticated technology stack  the software is all in-house and proprietary, and Nelson and Pickett say Deere is the only industrial company in the world that makes its own GPS ASICs, at least as far as they are aware.

Deere clearly believes its got a major technological lead over competitors. At its test farm in Bondurant, Iowa, two huge garages out of three are completely closed to visitors, and a PR chaperone simply opts for using Mi-Fi instead of trying to get us on to the tightly controlled local wireless network.

Its difficult to argue that John Deeres ISG hasnt made farming a lot more sophisticated than the popular imagination of agriculture. The obsession with precision is everywhere  water sprayers correct for rotation speed when making turns, to ensure that soil at the inside of the curve receives precisely the same amount of water as soil at the outside; nutrient and moisture information can be precisely tracked, down to the square inch, and correlated against past yield data.

And the biggest difference, according to the Deere engineers, is that this simply makes life easier for the farmer of today, compared to his or her predecessors.

Your options are a lot more open when youre accurate, said Pickett.
The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine has cancelled the registration of foreign investment and simplified the procedure for issuing permission to employ foreigners, as well as the procedure for issuing temporary residence permits.

Some 239 deputies voted in favor of the draft law in its second reading on Tuesday.

The bill cancels registration of foreign investment, replacing it with formal notification for state statistics purposes.

It also spells out the basic aspects of applying for permission to hire foreigners and persons without Ukrainian citizenship. The changes are expected to simplify procedures for attracting foreign managers and qualified foreign workers, who are necessary during the first stages of setting up subsidiary operations in Ukraine.

In addition, the adopted bill changes procedures for issuing temporary residence permits, giving foreigner investors the right to reside in Ukraine, as well as foreigners working at (and not necessarily for) Ukrainian enterprises. Deputies expect the new law will make it easier to reside in Ukraine while monitoring enterprise activities.

According to Samopomich Party faction deputy Serhiy Kiral, the legislation applies specifically to four categories of highly-paid IT specialists  graduates of the world's top 110 universities, as well as artists. According to Kiral, there are currently 9,000 such [foreign] employees in Ukraine today.

Petro Poroshenko Bloc faction deputy Viktor Pynzenyk said the current law obliges foreign employees to receive work permits each year.

'The [new] law provides permission for three years, and ensures that low-qualified workers are not hired. The law also establishes minimum salary requirements," he said.

Pynzenyk said the new law would not revolutionize the country's investment climate, but should be viewed as a small step on the path to creating a more favorable climate for foreign investment in Ukraine.
The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has adopted a package of resolutions necessary for deregulation and support of doing business in Ukraine.

The decision was made at a government meeting on Wednesday.

First Deputy Minister of Economic Development and Trade Maksym Nefyodov, presenting the innovations, noted that most of the new steps are things aimed at "smart" regulation.

"We eliminated many hundreds of normative acts doe the past two deregulatory Cabinet periods, but this does not mean that instead of them there will be a complete chaos. Instead, we offer clear and understandable rules for business and consumers," he said.

Nefyodov said the main step was the creation of an integrated automated system of state supervision.

"Now a large number of inspection bodies have their own regulatory documents, according to which they come, check, issue orders, impose fines. The result of this is unknown either to businesses or ministries as regulators," the official noted.

He added a large number of intermediate and far-fetched inspections have already been canceled.
Kharkiv's Kyivsky District Court found Yuriy Apukhtin, the founder and coordinator of the Southeast organization, guilty of organizing mass disturbances followed by massacres and public calls for a violent overthrow of the Ukrainian constitutional system and a coup.

"[The court ruled] to sentence Apukhtin Yuriy Mykhailovych to imprisonment for six years," Judge Yana Hubska said, reading a ruling on Tuesday.

In accordance with the so-called 'Savchenko law' the court included the time Apukhtin had spent in a remand prison (from April 30 to May 7, 2014, and from December 19, 2014, to date) into the sentence under the formula 'a day in a remand prison counts as two days in a jail.'

The court also extended Apukhtin's arrest until the sentence enters into force, but no longer than for 60 days, until July 22.

The sentence is yet to enter into force; an appeal can be filed against it.

"I didn't expect any other decision. I considered myself innocent and still do so," Apukhtin said after the judgment was rendered.

Apukhtin's lawyer Dmytro Tyhonenkov said he considers the judgment unfounded and the defense team will appeal against it.

State prosecutor Maksym Mozhovoi said that a decision whether to file an appeal will be made after the consideration of the text of the ruling.

"I believe the court has rendered justified and substantiated. We will make a decision on the appeal after thorough consideration of the text of the ruling," he said.

As reported, Apukhtin was charged with organizing mass disturbances followed by massacres and public calls for a violent overthrow of the Ukrainian constitutional system and a coup.

It was established in a preliminary inquiry that Apukhtin had organized mass riots near the building of Kharkiv Regional State Administration in April 2014. He publically called for an overthrow of the constitutional system, non-recognition of the current state authorities, setting up the Kharkiv People's Republic (KPR) and the so-called KPR Constitution.
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On Tuesday, militants carried out 53 shelling of the positions of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the Anti-Terrorist Operation (ATO) zone, wounding one Ukrainian serviceman, the ATO headquarters press center reported.

In the Prymorsky sector, militants carried out 29 shelling of the Ukrainian military positions. In particular militants fired upon the positions of the Armed Forces in the area of Shyrokyne using 120 mm mortar shells, Talakivka, Hnutove, Novotroitsky and Vodiane using grenade launchers and small arms, Maryinka and Krasnohorivka using mortars of the 82 mm caliber.

In the Donetsk sector, the Ukrainian military positions were shelled by militants 13 times. The southern suburb of Avdiyivka and the city's residential area were shelled from the Grad rocket, 120 mm mortars and 152 mm artillery, as a result of which one civilian was injured, four houses were completely destroyed, more than ten houses were damaged. In addition, Pisky was shelled from 120 mm mortars.

In the Luhansk sector, militants fired at the Ukrainian army positions eleven times using grenade launchers and small arms.
Despite Israels 5th election in four years, it remains a beacon of democracy and freedom

The Israeli elections are fast approaching. On November 1, Israelis go back to the polls for the fifth round of elections in less than four...

What is a Jew? Israeli museum attempts an answer

JERUSALEMI was on a short visit to Israel and spent time with a friend with whom I have been engaged in a 30-year argument. Elli...
Kyiv region's prosecutors have announced they suspect the director of a group of programmers of tax evasion estimated at almost UAH 1 million with the use of funds received from international organizations for the development of a registration system for internally displaced persons (IDPs) and software for the e-declaration system managed by the National Agency on Corruption Prevention (NACP).

"It was established during the pretrial investigation that the director of the IT group signed two contracts for developing software with the International Organization for Migration and the United Nations Development Program. According to the terms of the agreement, the director was tasked with creating an [electronic] register from IDPs and the e-declaration system for NACP," the press service of the Prosecutor's Office in Kyiv region said on Wednesday.

However, according to the prosecutors, having received payment pursuant to the contracts, the director, using forged documents, transferred money to the bank accounts of a (non-Ukrainian) contractor, which is suspected of being a fake company and does not conduct real financial or economic activities.

"During the pretrial investigation and tax checks, the fact of tax evasion amounting to UAH 934,977 was established," the prosecutor's office said.

The 36-year old IT director has been served a notice of suspicion by the Kyiv region prosecutor's office pursuant to Part 1 of Article 366 (forgery) and Part 1 of Article 212 (tax evasion) of Ukraine's Criminal Code. The pretrial investigation continues.
Russia not to withdraw forces from Donbas in 2018  U.S. military intelligence

The U.S. military intelligence expects the hostilities in Donbas to continue in 2018 and believes the Minsk agreements will not to be implemented next year.

Director of the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency, Lieutenant General Vincent Stewart said this at the meeting of the Armed Services Committee of the U.S. Senate.

"The conflict in eastern Ukraine between Russian-backed separatists and the Ukrainian government is likely to persist throughout the coming year as hopes dim for full implementation of the Minsk Agreements," Stewart said.

In his words, Russia is unlikely to abandon its destabilizing actions in Donbas.

Stewart also noted Russia's efforts aimed at modernizing its military potential.

However, he doesn't expect serious escalation in hostilities in Ukraine's east.

"Violence along the line of contact probably will remain limited to smaller engagements, although Russia retains a ready capability to escalate the conflict," Stewart said.
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Ukraine's Armed Forces has announced plans to create a special cyber defense unit, according to Ukrainian Defense Minister Stepan Poltorak.

"Such structures have been created subordinate to various units in many countries. In Lithuania they are under the defense ministry and responsible for the security of the entire ministry, as well as issue recommendations to other branches. We have a certain system, but the decision on whom it is subordinate to is one the nation's leaders must take. The work is important and is now being conducted under the aegis of Ukraine's National Defense and Security Council," Poltorak told the Kyiv-based Interfax-Ukraine news agency on Wednesday.

According to the ministry, "units are being created, a network, software  with the aim of defending Ukraine from cyber attacks."

"A NATO advisor is helping us to create such a network in the defense ministry. So far, we've received advice, but I hope we receive material assistance, as well. As of today, cyber defense is the prerogative of Ukraine's SBU Security Service, but we will make various contributions on our level. Work on creating a separate unit is already going ahead," Poltorak said.

The defense chief earlier said that since the start of the conflict in eastern Ukraine Russia has launched more than 7,000 cyber attacks against Ukraine.

The full text of Poltorak's interview in Russian will be available on the main webpage of Interfax-Ukraine.
MANCHESTER, England  I went to the Ariana Grande concert Monday expecting it to be one of the best nights of my life. I hadnt been to a concert since I saw Miley Cyrus on her Bangerz tour in the same arena back in 2014. Both my friend and I (Im 17, hes 18) are huge fans of Ariana  or Arianators, as were known  and wed been looking forward to this since we bought tickets on pre-sale late last year.

At 10:29 p.m., the show was just wrapping up. Ariana had just finished performing Dangerous Woman, which was the final song. The atmosphere was the same as it had been all night, filled with love and happiness. She finished the song, and people started leaving the arena. I was sitting in the upper tier with my best friend, and we both left via the stairs leading down to the main corridor everybody uses to leave the arena.

Thats when the explosion occurred.

It came from outside near the main foyer, I think. I heard the sound and immediately saw everybodys reactions of fear and panic. It didnt seem real, and, initially, I had no idea how to react. I had no choice but to run with the hundreds of screaming parents, children and fans all heading toward the nearest exit. My head was filled with panic and terror, and my focus was on not losing my friend in the crowd. I was right behind him and made sure it stayed that way. I saw one womans shoe had come off, but she didnt stop to go back for it, and I dont blame her.

It was horrible, and I feel so bad for the children who had no idea what was going on  at this point, I didnt even know what was happening, and I dont think anybody did. There were countless children present at the concert, as well as parents and teenagers. It was complete chaos outside, with crowds of people crying on the phone and trying to get away from the arena. Once I got outside, I immediately rang my mum to let her know I was safe and ordered a taxi home as the Metrolink tram had stopped running by then.

When we entered the arena, security hardly even checked my bag, and I hope security is tightened in the future, because it was ridiculous how little effort they put into checking. Their exam consisted of opening the bag, having a three-second glance, then feeling the exterior of the bag before allowing people to enter.

The entire night had been so amazing, and Ariana preached so much positivity and happiness. What happened makes me sad, because concerts are supposed to be safe and a celebration of music. I am still unable to sleep. I hope Ariana is staying strong, because nobody expected the night to end the way it did, and she is such a kind and compassionate role model. I am shocked and at a loss for words. My heart goes out to the victims and their families  nobody deserved to experience the events of this night. And I truly believe the community of Manchester has been brought even closer together.

Joe Ryan is a college student from Manchester, England.
MIKE SARGENT, Winston-Salem

Spin this

President Trump spoke to dozens of leaders from across the Muslim world in Saudi Arabia on Sunday, telling them, much like President Obama did, that we wanted peace, but that they would have to take a stand against Islamic extremism (Trump urges Mideast to drive out extremism, May 22).

He talked about our shared interests and values. He said that Islam was one of the worlds great faiths. He was very moderate and firm and, yes, presidential. He didnt apologize for anything. And he was well-received by Saudi officials and others who were very pleased to have a strong American president visiting them.

So how are the liberals going to spin this to make him look bad?

***

LINDA PATRICK, Winston-Salem

False narrative

Its so disappointing to see the false narrative being built by conservatives like those who reply to your Scorecard on Saturdays.

The Washington Post newsroom didnt break out into cheers over breaking a story that was detrimental to President Trump, like one of your scorecarders implied (Trump shares classified information, May 20). A Washington Posts staffer tweeted, Applause in the newsroom as the Russia-leak scoop breaks the Hollywood Access record for most readers per minute. They cheered a media record. Thats no different from Fox News bragging about its high number of viewers.

But your scorecarder didnt report the whole story, only part of it, to make The Washington Post look bad.

Conservatives are bending over backward to distort news reports so they can dispute them. But heres the thing: Newspapers cant just make up stories; they make specific, factual statements that can be checked. Thats more than Trump does; he pulls his claims out of thin air and never offers evidence to support them. Somebody told me  thats the best he can do.

I appreciate the fact that you try to print a variety of opinions, but theres not much value in the distortions offered by conservatives, and thats just about all they have. Perhaps its time to rethink giving this print space to dishonest apologists.

***

PHILLIP BENT, Winston-Salem

Twitter-storm

Wow, get the latest Twitter-storm from the president. On May 18 he tweeted:

With all of the illegal acts that took place in the Clinton campaign & Obama Administration, there was never a special councel (sic) appointed!

And:

This is the single greatest witch hunt of a politician in American history!

How ignorant and full of himself does President Trump have to be to think that hes suffering more than any politician ever?

Lets just note, very quickly, that during the administrations of both President Obama and, now, President Trump, Republicans have been in charge of Congress. They could have investigated Obama any day they wanted and would have, if thered been anything to investigate.

They could also have appointed a special council during one of their many investigations of Hillary Clinton, but didnt deem it necessary.

(Lets also note, and return to another day, that the president of the United States is throwing the word illegal around pretty indiscriminately. Hillary Clinton was never convicted of any wrongdoing. Thats a word that not even President Trumps perceived foes in the media will throw around without justification.)

Trump may now be regretting the way he insulted all the officials who will now be looking into his Russian ties.

Theres an old Hollywood saying: Be nice to the people you meet on your way up, because youll see the very same people on your way down.

Please submit letters online to Letters@wsjournal.com or mail letters to: The Readers Forum, P.O. Box 3159, Winston-Salem, NC 27102.
Chief military prosecutor of Ukraine Anatoliy Matios has announced that the National Police of Ukraine and military prosecutors have been conducting over 400 raids at tax agencies in 15 regions as part of a massive anti-corruption crackdown, and detainees will be brought to Kyiv by plane.

"Over 1,700 National Police workers and about 500 military prosecutors are now conducting 454 searches in 15 regions in the country. Simultaneous detentions are under way - detainees will be brought by plane here to be served a notice of suspicion on the spot and be transported to Kyiv's Pechersky district court for the consideration of a measure of restraint - arrest - in keeping with our claims," he said at a briefing at Kyiv's Zhuliany airport on Wednesday.

Ukrainian Interior Minister Arsen Avakov, who was also present at the briefing, descried this move as the biggest anti-corruption operation, which has ever happened in this country.

"The [investigation] group has revealed about UAH 96 billion in damage to the state, and the headquarters has been deployed here to coordinate detentions of the suspects in the special regime across the country. They will be met here, and Matios will send them to court," Avakov said.
Law-enforcement agents have arrested 23 tax administration officials throughout Ukraine in a massive anti-corruption operation, Chief Military Prosecutor of Ukraine Anatoly Matios has said.

"Some 23 high-ranking officials are already in custody," Matios said during a briefing at Zhuliany Airport (Kyiv) on Wednesday.

Law enforcers are currently conducting a special operation as part of inquiry into the Income and Tax Ministry of Ukraine under the former income and tax minister, Oleksandr Klymenko, he said.

In his words, search and seizure operations are currently being conducted involving top officials of tax authorities in a number of regions, "at all tax offices where enterprises of the real sector of the economy were sent."

Matios said helicopters would transport those arrested in southern and eastern regions to Kyiv, where they will be arraigned by prosecutors and charged.

"We came up with the algorithm for holding to account those individuals who organized and profited from this. The real sector of the economy suffered from their activities," Matios said, noting this was only the "first wave" arrests.

"During the course of the criminal investigation we foresee detaining and charging employees of the Prosecutor General's Office (PGO), Ukraine's SBU Security Service and employees of the state tax administration. War would not have been possible without this three-headed hydra in government. The state was robbed of billions of hryvnia, which enriched individuals who are still living quietly in Ukraine," Ukraine's military prosecutor said.

Interior Minister Arsen Avakov, who was present at the briefing, said some of the suspects are seeking to evade arrest.

"The courts now will become the battleground. I am sure that huge amounts of money will be spent in order to prevent these officials from [disgraced ex President Viktor] Yanukovych's era from being held to account. But, I hope investigators worked well. There will be even more proof," Avakov said.

Matios said some of top suspects being brought to Kyiv are from Dnipropetrovsk region, Kharkiv region and Odesa, including the current SBU chief and his "overseer" responsible for the business of [Serhiy] Kurchenko, Lt. General Denisiuk.
Summerville, SC (29483)

Today

Rain. Potential for heavy rainfall. High 71F. Winds ENE at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall possibly over one inch..

Tonight

Rain. Potential for heavy rainfall. Low 69F. Winds SE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall possibly over one inch.
On November 10, 1919, the US Supreme Court ruled in Abrams v. United States that the federal government could criminalize speech if it was of a type tending to bring about harmful results, in this case resistance to the United States war effort. In a powerful dissenting opinion, Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes countered that even during wartime, free speech could only be curtailed when there was clear and "present danger of immediate evil or an intent to bring it about."



Read more on the clear and present danger test by Professor Douglas Linder of the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law.
[JURIST] The Nevada Senate [official website] voted 11-10 on Tuesday to approve a bill [text, PDF] that would allow terminally ill patients the option to end their life. The bill would allow, but does not require, doctors to prescribe [USA Today report] pharmaceuticals intended to end the patients life. In order to be found competent, two doctors must diagnose the patient with a terminal illness and the patient must be at least 18 years of age. Those who voted in favor of the bill have stated that the primary purpose of the bill was to give terminally-ill patients personal control over receiving life-ending treatment. If the bill becomes law, Nevada would become the seventh state in the country to legalize the right-to-die [JURIST news archive].

The right to die has a tumultuous history around the would. In 2013, the Supreme Court of Ireland rejected an appeal [JURIST report] by a paralyzed woman seeking to allow her partner to help her commit suicide. Although Ireland decriminalized suicide in 1993, it is still a crime to assist another to commit suicide. In 2015, guest columnist Kathryn L. Tucker of End of Life Liberty Project explained the 2015 California legislation [JURIST op-ed], which has allowed for options to help patients who wish to achieve a peaceful death. In 2016 the District of Columbia Council [official website] approved a Death with Dignity bill [text, PDF] that would allow terminally ill patients to end their own lives with a physicians help. In February of this year, Montana introduced HB 536 [text, PDF], which would allow homicide charges to be brought against doctors engaged in physician-assisted suicide and would run against the current policy that allows life-ending options.
Ratko Mladic [BBC profile], a former Bosnian Serb commander, has filed a challenge to a UN courts rejection of his request to be sent to Russia, according to court documents [text, PDF] released Tuesday. Mladic is seeking medical attention, as he has alleged that the care he receives at The Hague is inadequate. The Hague refutes these claims and fears, that if released, Mladic would not return. Mladic was indicted on two counts of genocide in 1995. He was not arrested until 2011. Closing arguments in Mladics trial were made in December 2016.

In December prosecutors in Mladics war crimes trial urged [JURIST report] the judges to impose a life sentence. The trial commenced on May 16, 2012, before the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) [official website]. Mladic is commonly referred to as the Butcher of Bosnia for the various war crimes he allegedly committed during the Bosnian conflict from 1992-1995, including genocide and crimes against humanity [ICTY case sheet, PDF]. The charges against Mladic allege that he was responsible for the 1995 Srebrenica massacre [BBC backgrounder] as well as a Serb sniping and mortar campaign.
Taiwans constitutional court, the Judicial Yuan [official website], declared on Wednesday that same-sex marriages will be legally recognized. The court has given two years for the legislature to make amendments allowing same-sex marriage, and a draft of the bill [AI news] is currently being considered. Under the new legislation, same-sex couples will have the same rights as opposite-sex couples. The ruling is a first in Asia [Reuters report], a mostly socially conservative area, but Taiwan has a reputation of being on the progressive forefront for the region. In the last year, the Democratic Progressive Party [party website, in Chinese] swept the national elections on the self-ruled island. Taiwan has a large gay community and holds [CNN report] the biggest gay pride celebration in Asia annually. The countrys first female president, Tsai Ing-wen [BBC profile], expressed support for the LGBT community during her campaign in 2016.

Despite the increase in countries ruling in favor of same-sex marriage [Reuters map], many are still prosecuted around the world for engaging in homosexual relationships. Last month Nigerian prosecutors in Kaduna charged 53 men [JURIST report] for celebrating an LGBTQ wedding in violation of the states law against unlawful assembly and the Same-Sex Marriage Prohibition Act [text]. Earlier last month Human Rights Watch and other advocacy groups urged [JURIST report] UN Secretary General to investigate alleged abuse against LGBT people in Chechnya. According to the open letter about 100 gay and bisexual men have been detained, went missing, were tortured, or were murdered under the authority of Chechen officials. Also in April A UK high court stayed the extradition [JURIST report] of a gay British man, Rosslee Charles, to Turkey given concerns over his safety. In March Germany Justice Minister Heiko Maas [official profile] announced that the countrys cabinet has approved a measure [JURIST report] to pardon and provide compensation to approximately 50,000 men convicted under a Nazi-era law against homosexuality.
The Texas Senate [official website] revived a full bathroom bill early Wednesday morning. In 1AM vote [AP report], the Senate voted 21-10 to attach restroom regulations to an otherwise unrelated proposal concerning county governments. The piggy-backing rules will require transgender Texans to use public restrooms that correspond to the sex identified on their birth certificates. The original bill was written by a democrat who will not accept the changes. On Sunday the House approved a similar bill [WP report] that only applied to schoolchildren, but the author is rejecting those rules as too watered-down. The Texas legislature must reach a compromise on the bills before their session ends on Monday.

The Texas legislature has been attempting to pass regulations on transgender bathroom rights [JURIST op-ed] for several months. In March the Texas Senate approved [JURIST report] the Texas Privacy Act [SB 6], which would require people to use the bathroom that corresponds to the gender listed on their birth certificate, but the bill stalled in the House. Earlier in March the US Supreme Court vacated [JURIST report] a lower court ruling in a case concerning transgender restroom policies following a move by the Trump administration to rescind guidelines that school districts should allow students to use the bathroom of their choice. Also in March, 11 states, led by Texas, filed a document [JURIST report] in federal court to withdraw a lawsuit against the US government, a week after a Dear Colleague letter from the Department of Justice overturned Obama-era guidance regarding bathroom use by transgender students. Other states have been battling access to public restrooms as well. In April the US Department of Justice [official website] dropped a lawsuit [JURIST report] against North Carolina concerning a bill requiring transgender people to use the public bathroom associated with their birth gender. North Carolina repealed [JURIST report] House Bill 2 in March with the passage of House Bill 142. Last May former North Carolina governor Pat McCrory filed a complaint for declaratory judgment asking the federal court to weigh in on the legality of the bill but withdrew [JURIST reports] from the lawsuit in September. In March 2016 North Carolina individuals and civil rights groups filed a lawsuit [JURIST report] against McCrory, claiming that the bill was unconstitutional and discriminatory. Earlier that month McCrory signed the bill into law [JURIST report], preventing local governments from enacting their own nondiscrimination ordinances and making them unable to pass laws allowing transgender people to use the public restroom or locker room that corresponds with their gender identity.
Member of the Vidrodzhennia group in the Ukrainian parliament has admitted to tax evasion and pledged to pay $1 million in unpaid taxes, Prosecutor General Yuriy Lutsenko has said.

"I have just been notified that MP Bobov agrees with the notice and is ready to pay over $1 million of unpaid taxes to the State Treasury. I believe this is a very good example of cleansing the Verkhovna Rada," Lutsenko said while reporting to parliament on Wednesday.

As reported, the Prosecutor General's Office of Ukraine has prepared a submission to the Verkhovna Rada requesting the removal of parliamentary immunity from lawmakers Bobov, Yevhen Deidei and Andriy Lozovoy. "During the checks of submitted electronic declarations by the PGO, Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office and the National Anti-Corruption Bureau, requests for the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine were prepared for the removal of parliamentary immunity from MPs Hennadiy Bobov (under Articles 212 and 366 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine), Yevhen Deidei (Article 368 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine ) and Andriy Lozovoy (Articles 212 and 368 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine)," Lutsenko wrote in his Facebook page on Friday, May 19.

Article 212 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine is dedicated to evasion from payment of taxes and duties, Article 366 of the Criminal Code deals with declaring untrue information and illegal enrichment.

On May 23, the prosecutor general's press secretary, Larysa Sarhan, said that requests for stripping immunity from Lozovy and Deidei were temporary withdrawn for completion.
Indias largest milk producer Amul has said it will be investing US$400m in creating new production capacity over the next three years, just-food has been told.

We are putting new dairy plants in Gandhinagar, Himatnagar [both in Gujarat], Kolkata and Mumbai, Rupinder Singh Sodhi, managing director of Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF), which owns the Amul brand, said. There will also be an expansion of existing plants, which will increase our [milk processing] capacity from 30 million to 38 million litres per day.

Some of the new plants will be ready within a year, while other will take two-and-half years to complete, Sodhi said. All these plants will be serving their respective nearby markets, he added.

The new capacity will focus on a range of products. The Gujarat plants will be expanding the companys powdered milk and butter production. In Kolkata, liquid milk, curd and UHT milk will be produced. Other plants will make ice cream, Sodhi said.

Sodhi explained demand for all dairy products is growing in India but the market for added-value products such as ice cream, cheese, flavoured milk and beverages is expanding quicker. In the last seven years our CAGR has been 19 percent, he said.
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New York City, NY, 05/24/2017 /SubmitPressRelease123/

As the recent disturbing incident involving a passenger violently removed from a United Airlines flight shows, few airline passengers are aware of their rights.

What happens if youre injured on a flight? What if another passenger assaults you? What if you trip over another passengers carry-on and suffer a concussion in the middle of the planes aisle? These are all incidents that can happen. And when youre on an international flight, being injured on an airplane or in an airport can be especially overwhelming.

Whether youre flying halfway around the world for a business meeting, or youre traveling to Mexico for a beach vacation, its important to know your rights. Fortunately, an international airline treaty provides passengers with the right to receive money damages for injuries sustained during international air travel.

What Is the Montreal Convention?

Created in 1999, the Montreal Convention provides compensation to passengers who sustain injuries on international flights. The U.S. became a signatory in 1999, and over 120 countries around the world have also signed  with more coming on board from year to year.

Generally, passengers are covered by the Montreal Convention as long as they are traveling between two countries that have signed on. Furthermore, the passenger is covered even if they are injured while traveling on a domestic part of the trip, such as a long journey that involves a flight from Los Angeles, a layover in New York, and then an Atlantic crossing to London. In that scenario, the passenger would be covered even if the injury happened on the flight from Los Angeles to New York.

NYC Airline Accident Lawyer Discusses Airline Injuries

New York City airline accident lawyer Jonathan C. Reiter states, When most people think of airline accidents, they think only of large scale disasters. In reality, the majority of airline accidents involve injuries like slips and falls, injuries caused by turbulence, and other less catastrophic incidents.

The Montreal Convention also allows injured passengers to file a claim in their own country, as long as the airline on which the injury occurred operates within the passengers primary country of residence. This eliminates the headaches of trying to bring a claim in a foreign country.

If you have been injured in an aviation accident while flying domestically or internationally, protect your rights as soon as possible. Talk to a New York City airline accident lawyer today to discuss your options.

Sources:

Media Contact:

New York airline accident lawyer Jonathan C. Reiter. T: 866-324-9211.

source: http://injuryaccidentnews.jcreiterlaw.com/2017/05/19/airline-accident-lawyer-discusses-montreal-convention-protects-international-travel/

Social Media Tags:Airline Accident Lawyer, Airline Injuries, International Travel, Montreal Convention, NYC Airline Accident Lawyer

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Photos Credit: Alcatraz East Crime Museum

When a Minnesota-based dentist paid $54,000 to trophy hunt in Zimbabwe in 2015 with a professional guide, he unknowingly was about to kill the beloved and iconic lion, Cecil. The images from that hunt went viral, and although the dentists actions were not deemed illegal, the event sparked a worldwide outcry and raised awareness about the plight of wildlife, including lions, tigers, and elephants. Since that incident, the public has become increasingly committed to protecting wildlife and to putting a stop to the trade of illegal wildlife poaching.

According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the illegal wildlife trade is a multibillion-dollar business that involves the illegal trade of live animals and objects made from their parts. Many of the animals involved are endangered, making the practice an international crisis. Poachers either capture animals to sell, or kill them for their fur, bones, shells, and other body parts to be used in everything from traditional medicines to clothing and jewelry. Even locally in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, bears are poached for their gallbladders and bile, which are used in traditional medicines. Only 34 states explicitly ban the trade, and these parts can go for $5,000 on the market in Asia. Those interested in learning more about the wildlife trade can attend the temporary exhibit Ivory, Tortoise Shell & Fur: The Ugly Truth of Wildlife Trafficking at Alcatraz East Crime Museum, which opened on May 15, 2017.

This is a heartfelt exhibit that brings awareness to illegal wildlife trade, an important issue visitors wont want to miss, states Janine Vaccarello, chief operating officer for Alcatraz East, This is a problem that is devastating to animals and the planet. The exhibit will also teach guests how to be proactive and find out how they can help. The exhibit was first displayed at the Crime Museum in Washington, DC in 2015 by the Center for Conservation Impact, in partnership with the Freeland Foundation, International Fund for Animal Welfare, INTERPOL, Kashmir World Foundation, U.S. Department of State, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, WildAid, and Wildlife Trust of India. There was such a positive response to the exhibit, we felt the issue is too important to not share again with new audiences, says Vaccarello.

Many people are unaware of how critical the poaching situation has become around the world, yet the statistics are alarming. Its estimated that 97 percent of the worlds tigers have been lost in the last century, 76 percent of elephants have been lost during the last 13 years, and over 1,200 rhinoceros were killed last year alone. These animal populations have been depleted to supply black market demand for natural medicines, jewelry and other souveniers that are considered status symbols, as is the case with shark fin soup.

International travelers normally take home souvenirs from their trips, but what they may not realize is that the materials used to make those trinkets have been illegally harvested from endangered and protected wildlife. These include items made from ivory and tortoise shell. When shopping for souveniers, it is best to ask questions about what products are made of, where it came from, as it may not be legal to bring back to the US. This exhibit will include items confiscated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and other border agencies.

Wildlife trafficking is a serious epidemic that is plaguing our world due to Asia's sensational demand for rhino horn, which is made from nothing more than keratin, the same as our finger nails. There is also a demand for elephant ivory made from dentine, the same as the human tooth, explains Katie Cleary, model, film producer and writer of Give Me Shelter (available on Netflix). The more that we are educated about wildlife crimes and trafficking of endangered species and the ways to stop it, the better equipped we are to bring it to an end and protect these innocent species before it's too late.

Recent news headlines show this problem is ongoing, with 18 rhino horns being seized in Mozambique in April. There has also been news being shared about the illegal animal smuggling coming across the Mexican border, where birds and lizards are to be sold as pets in the US. "The collaborators are excited Alcatraz East will feature our exhibit on the important and timely topic of illegal wildlife trafficking, says Jennifer Sevin, president of the Center for Conservation Impact, a partner in the exhibit. From ginseng to freshwater mussels and bears, illegal wildlife trafficking is as much a local issue as it is global.

Ivory, Tortoise Shell & Fur began May 15, 2017 and will run through Spring 2018. Alcatraz East officially opened December 16, 2016. The new crime museum is located at the entrance to The Island, at 2757 Parkway in Pigeon Forge, near the Margaritaville Hotel and Paula Deens Family Kitchen. The 25,000 square foot museum is designed with a jail facade, has a star-studded board of experts who make up the Advisory Board, including Jim Willett, a retired prison warden, Anthony Rivera, a combat veteran and Navy SEAL chief, and Judge Belvin Perry, Jr., who is best known for the Casey Anthony trial. The museum will be open 365 days per year, from 10 am to 9 pm, with the last ticket sold 60 minutes before closing.
PGO issues notice of suspicion to businessman Hranovsky for tax evasion and fictional entrepreneurship

Agents from Prosecutor General's Office's (PGO) department for investigating important economic cases has issued a notice of suspicion to Ukrainian businessman Oleksandr Hranovsky charged with a number of crimes.

"Preliminary investigation work has yielded enough evidence to issue Odesa resident and oligarch Hranovsky with a notice of suspicion pursuant to Part 3 of Article 212 (tax evasion) and Part 2 of Article 205 (fictional entrepreneurship) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine," the PGO press service said on Wednesday.

The PGO said the department, along with the economic protection department and National Police of Ukraine's internal security department, is continuing its pretrial investigation of crimes committed by executives of LLC Megapolis Ukraine, which deals with tobacco products (since May 2016 known as LLC Tedis Ukraine).

Investigators and PGO agents serviced Hranovsky with the suspicion notice on Tuesday. The pretrial investigation continues.
There are insufficient grounds for handing over suspicion to judges of Constitutional Court on abetting power grab by Yanukovych

Prosecutor General of Ukraine Yuriy Lutsenko has said that at the moment there are not enough grounds for handing over suspicion to the judges of the Constitutional Court of Ukraine on abetting the power grab by the former president of Ukraine Viktor Yanukovych.

"As for the judges themselves, it is possible that during the interrogation of the employees and heads of the Ministry of Justice, we will receive new data. At present, there are not enough grounds for handing any suspicions to the judges themselves," the Prosecutor General said in a report to the Verkhovna Rada, answering the deputies' question about the investigation of criminal proceedings on the assistance of judges of the Constitutional Court in granting dictatorial powers to Yanukovych.

Lutsenko recalled the existence of a norm of the current legislation, which says that any judge does not bear criminal responsibility for the decisions he made.

"In addition, the testimonies, which were given at the first stage by several judges of the Constitutional Court, were withdrawn by them," the Prosecutor General said.

He said that at present the investigation is "focused on assessing the actions through the delivery of suspicion and further indictment to the former Minister of Justice, who through his voluntary decision entered through the press and into the register of the Constitution, which at that time did not operate in Ukraine."

Lutsenko said: "If the investigation finally establishes all the necessary evidence and passes all the examinations, this case will also be referred to the court in the coming months."
First Deputy Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada, a representative of Ukraine in the humanitarian subgroup of the Trilateral Contact Group (TCG) Iryna Gerashchenko has said that the Ukrainian side is ready for the beginning of the hostage swap process as early as June this year, but at the TCG meeting on Wednesday the corresponding agreement was failed due to the positions of representatives of certain regions of Donetsk and Luhansk regions.

"The Ukrainian side once again noted that we demand the release of all those who are illegally detained and are ready to hand over for their release all those who are on the lists of the ORDLO and where the Ukrainian legislation allows the pardoning procedure. We are ready to release them in June. The main thing is the consent and the desire of the other party, which have not been demonstrated today," Gerashchenko wrote on her Facebook page on Wednesday following the results of the TCG meeting in Minsk.
(File photo/CGTN)

BEIJING, May 23 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping Tuesday stressed the importance of pilot reform while calling for more reform practices that could be replicated and promoted.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks at the 35th meeting of the Central Leading Group for Deepening Overall Reform, which he heads.

Li Keqiang, Liu Yunshan and Zhang Gaoli, all members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and deputy heads of the leading group, also attended the meeting.

A guideline on deepening reform of the educational system was adopted at the meeting, aimed to cultivate students' abilities in lifetime learning and creative thinking, as well as the ability to adapt to the times.

Educational reform should update the methods of school running as well as management mechanisms to promote comprehensive development, according to a statement issued after the meeting.

In a separate topic, the leading group called for enhanced efforts to allow foreign investors easier access to China's key sectors via a "negative list" approach.

The statement outlined several sectors that should further open to foreign investment, including services, manufacturing and mining.

The leading group also urged standardization of Chinese firms' overseas operations, urging the formation of a supervision system featuring clear demarcation of rights and obligations and effective risk control.

According to the meeting, a long-term supervision and early warning system should be established to keep an eye on resources and environmental constraints on economic development. Environmental monitoring should be conducted in a scientific way with collection of reliable data.

The leading group also vowed to push for establishment of the personal information and asset system, and introduce information rating and a traceable security mechanism to ensure that personal information is safe and used properly.

To improve air quality in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region with coordinated efforts, the leading group called for efforts to conduct a pilot program on setting up a cross-region environmental protection agency.

Environmental regulation in the region should apply unified standards, assessment, monitoring and law enforcement.

With the principle of prioritizing environmental protection and proper use of resources, the leading group called for use of market-based and paid-use mechanisms to develop maritime areas and uninhabited islands. Certain such regions that need special protection are prohibited from development.

The statement also said time has been ripe to officially establish the system of public interest litigation by prosecutors after nearly two years of pilot reform.

In July 2015, the Supreme People's Procuratorate began the pilot program that allowed prosecutors in 13 provincial divisions to institute public interest litigation in civil and administrative cases.

So far, prosecutors have filed public interest lawsuits related to environmental protection, food and drug safety, state assets and state land use.

Abundant case samples and rich experience have been gained and the procedural mechanism well tested, according to the statement, which called for legal guarantees for procuratorates to file such litigation.
Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli (L) addresses the opening ceremony of the 40th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM) in Beijing, capital of China, May 23, 2017. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)

BEIJING, May 23 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese government reiterated its commitment to the peaceful development and research of Antarctica as the 40th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM) opened in Beijing Tuesday.

This is China's first time hosting the meeting, an annual decision-making mechanism established under the the Antarctic Treaty.

Peaceful, stable, green and sustainable development of Antarctica is in line with the common interests for mankind and a strong commitment to future generations, said Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli when addressing the opening ceremony.

China acceded to the Antarctic Treaty in 1983 and became a consultative member two years later.

In the past three decades, China has sent nearly 6,000 professionals to Antarctica since the nation dispatched its first Antarctic expedition team in November 1984.

Chinese leaders have stressed on various occasions the need to better protect and research Antarctica due to its special location and environment.

To review its progress on Antarctica, China on Monday published the first full report on its study and use of the region over the past 30 years, titled "China's Antarctic Activities."

According to the report by China's State Oceanic Administration, the country has so far opened four research bases -- the Great Wall station, Zhongshan station, Kunlun station and Taishan station -- and established the Polar Research Institute of China in Shanghai in addition to sailing the icebreaker Xuelong (Snow Dragon).

The number of papers on Antarctic studies published by Chinese scientists and included by the Science Citation Index (SCI) has risen from 19 in 1999 to 157 in 2016, leading China to rank among the top 10 countries.

China has a relatively short history of study in Antarctica, but the progress it has achieved, especially in the past few years, has been huge, said Qin Weijia, director of the Chinese Arctic and Antarctic Administration.

China also raised its financial inputs in Antarctic research. In the past 15 years from 2001 to 2016, China invested 310 million yuan (about 45 million U.S. dollars) in related projects -- 18 times the total for the years 1985 to 2000.

Antarctic research has remained one of the most difficult topics due to the lack of research data, said Qin.

China is not yet a global leader in Antarctic research, Qin said, but as the country grows in technology and overall national power, it is willing to contribute more to a better understanding of Antarctica.

China pays close attention to cooperation and sharing of information in the study of Antarctica. The Chinese National Arctic and Antarctic Data Center has provided data for more than 100 international projects and more than 10 countries.

"In past years, China has cooperated with more and more countries in various aspects such as policy making, expeditions and scientific studies," said China's Vice Foreign Minister Liu Zhenmin.

According to "China's Antarctic Activities," from 2016 to 2020, China plans to elevate its Antarctic activities to a higher level, including installing new Antarctic stations and deploying new and advanced icebreakers.

"Down the road, China is willing to join hands with the rest of the international community in understanding, protecting and using Antarctica," said the report.

Some 400 delegates from 44 countries and 10 international organizations which have signed the Antarctic Treaty attended the 40th ATCM in Beijing.
(File photo)

Confusion clarified after some airports required passengers to show ID card

Chinese passengers can use their passports to board domestic flights as long as they use the same form of ID to make a booking, the country's top airport authority said on Tuesday after several airports began requiring people to present their identity cards.

The Civil Aviation Administration of China released a statement on Tuesday clarifying that Chinese passports can be used as valid ID to board domestic flights.

Many people were confused about new rules adopted on May 8 at some airports, including Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport and Zhuhai Airport, both in Guangdong province.

According to a statement from Zhuhai Airport on Monday, passports are not acceptable as valid travel identification for Chinese passengers, based on new security check procedures, so they must present their ID cards to fly domestically.

After the airport authority released its clarifying statement, China Daily contacted the airport again, and a security officer said people could board domestic flights with a passport only.

The authority didn't explain why some airports adopted the rule and others didn't, including Beijing Capital International Airport.

"The CAAC's intention could be to inform people to board the plane with the form of ID used in making the booking. Something may have gone wrong when it sent out directives to the airports, which has created misunderstandings," said Li Xiaojin, a professor of aviation economics at Civil Aviation University of China in Tianjin.

Under the circumstances, the authority needs to explain to the public and airports as soon as possible to make things right, Li said. "Also, it needs to educate the public about changes in check-in policies, with explanations well in advance, because it will affect so many people."

According to the civil aviation safety inspection rules, which were passed by the CAAC and took effect on Jan 1, a passport is a valid travel document for domestic flightscontradicting the short-lived rule.

Many people complained on social media.

"It took more than 15 days for the CAAC to clarify the situation, which has confused and affected many passengers. I don't think it is acceptable," said Xiong Tiantian, 30, who was scheduled to fly from Beijing to Auckland, New Zealand, via Guangzhou on Wednesday.

She said she called the customer service hotlines at Beijing Capital and Guangzhou Baiyun International airports on Sunday to inquire about the new rule.

"I was confused and a bit shocked when I found out that the two airports have two different policies," she said. "I've decided to travel with my ID card just in case something changes during my holiday."
A Douglas County jury on Tuesday found an Omaha father guilty of five felony counts in the drunken driving crash that has left his 8-year-old daughter in a persistent vegetative state.

Benjamin Thompson, 36, was found guilty of drunken driving, three counts of negligent child abuse and one count of failure to stop and render aid.

However, jurors opted not to find Thompson guilty of intentional child abuse for the October 2016 crash at 30th Street and Sorensen Parkway. Such a finding would have resulted in Thompson facing an additional 34 years in prison.

Under the jurys verdict, Thompson will face up to 31 years in prison  a term that is cut in half under state sentencing guidelines. He will be sentenced in August.

Part of the difficulty for prosecutors: They were not allowed to mention to jurors that this was Thompsons fifth drunken driving offense. Case law prohibits references to a defendants previous convictions.

Unaware that he had multiple DUIs, jurors may have had a hard time believing that Thompsons actions that day were intentional, prosecutors say.

Police have said Thompson was driving a 2013 Nissan Altima east on Sorensen Parkway when the car ran a red light at 30th Street and crashed into a northbound 1997 Oldsmobile LSS sedan driven by Randall Plugge, 61, of Blair, Nebraska.

Thompsons three daughters were taken to the Nebraska Medical Center. Eight-year-old Kazlynn Thompson was critically injured and is now at a rehabilitation center in a persistent vegetative state, prosecutors say.

Aly Thompson, 6 at the time of the crash, was treated for head injuries. Jade Hetrick, 17 months, was in a child-restraint seat and treated for minor injuries. Both later were released from the hospital.

After the crash, Thompson drove north and was found by a police officer a short time later in Miller Park. Thompson had discarded alcohol containers in a trash can.

His blood-alcohol content was 0.115. The legal limit for driving is 0.08.
OMAHA (AP)  Nebraska Congressman Adrian Smith says cuts to farm subsidies and other rural programs outlined in President Donald Trumps budget proposal will likely be perceived as unfair cuts by constituents and Congress.
(File photo)

When you walk in, and witness the locals slurping their noodles in delight, and you see and hear the slap of the noodles before they enter the giant noodle cauldron, you can feel the magic and the soul that is put in each and every bowl of the hand pulled noodles, said Trevor James, aka the Food Ranger, commenting on the hand pulled noodles in southwest China. Currently living in Chengdu, southwest China, the Canadian foodie has recently gone viral online. Soon after the end of Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in China, Trevor has started making videos to record his Chinese food journey along the Silk Road. While Trevor traveled all the ways to savor the most delicious Chinese cuisine, such as hand pulled noodles, pilafs, roasted lamb chops and buns, he deeply felt the local customs and practices.

In recent years, many overseas Chinese and international students have brought the Chinese cuisine worldwide, enriching the local food experience. At the same time, Chinese cuisine documentaries, such as A Bite of China and Tasting Treasures of China, have vividly showcased the delicacy of Chinese food and the cultural connotations behind it. The colorful and tasty Chinese food is always tempting the foodies all over the world.

(File photo)

Chinese cuisine is not only about delicious taste but also represents a unique life style. You can feel the national ethos and even the philosophy of the country from what to eat and how to eat. Chinese people pay great attention to the harmony between the nature and human. Thus, they attach importance to the freshness and pairing of ingredients. They also appreciate the value of labor and the spirit of the craftsman, so they stress the delicate processing and accurate heating of dishes. All in all, the delicious food in the small plate opens the vast imaginary space for the diners. Feel it, not only with your tongue, but also with you heart.

(This commentary is from the editorial board of the People's Daily)
Be careful what you wish for, goes the saying. That wisdom was reinforced Tuesday when the Trump Administration handed down its 2018 budget request. According to the plan, Uncle Sam would slash farm bill spending by $230 billion over 10 years.

Thats the money that funds programs that lend stability and predictability to the farming and ranching industry and feed needy families through programs such as SNAP (the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program). Trumps budget also proposes an additional $8.5 billion in USDA cuts and calls for a 20-percent cut in USDA discretionary spending.

Producers depend upon federal crop insurance and other stabilizing efforts by Uncle Sam, but the future of farming suddenly appears a lot less certain. Dont forget that Trump ended negotiations for the Trans Pacific Partnership, and is calling upon Mexico and Canada  our top customers for ag exports  to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement.

What are American farmers and ranchers to do without Uncle Sams crop insurance assistance or the assurance of loyal overseas markets? To appreciate the gravity of the spending cuts that Team Trump is proposing, consider Tuesdays reactions from the nations leading farm organizations:

- Steve Nelson, president of Nebraska Farm Bureau, said, Crop insurance today serves as the main agricultural safety net. He said Nebraska farmers and ranchers have seen a 50-percent decline in farm revenue since 2013.

- Nebraska Farmers Union President Roger Johnson said, This huge cut to discretionary spending would put rural development, conservation and research programs on the chopping block.

- National Sorghum Producers Chairman Don Bloss of Pawnee City called upon Congress to reject Trumps cuts in view of the hard times in farm and ranch country.

- Citing the budget reductions achieved through the 2014 federal farm bill, American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall said, It is difficult to think of another sector of the economy that has contributed so much, so consistently, over the last several decades (as agriculture).

It is exceedingly unfortunate the administrations budget cuts fail to consider the frail nature of the U.S. ag economy, and regrettable that so many ag producers likely supported Trump for the White House.
I guess the gods wanted to remind me whos in charge. Two years ago when I left Kearney on the second weekend in May, bound for my new home outside Abiquiu, N.M., the gods retaliated with snow, tornadoes, gale winds and cold, so I stayed in Kearney an extra day until the weather settled down.

Last week, when I left Abiquiu to return to Kearney, the gods retaliated with instant replay. Again they hammered me with snow, tornadoes, high winds and cold. This time, however, I did not acquiesce. I pulled out a map and figured out a way to outsmart Mother Nature.

I had driven the first day from Abiquiu to Canon City, Colo., a sweet, gorgeous ride. As I packed up in Canon City Thursday morning, I peered out of the motel window for one last look at the beloved Rocky Mountains.

But I saw no Rocky Mountains. I saw only a sullen gray clouds obliterating those towering peaks and quickly lining up like an army battalion. I flipped on the TV and learned that a nasty spring storm was gnawing at my heels. I closed my suitcase and left.

Turning on the radio, I learned that Colorado Springs was expecting six inches of snow. The motel clerk told me to avoid I-25. That pass north of Colorado Springs gets icy, she said.

Instead I headed straight east to Pueblo, Colo., and out the other side, driving nearly an hour east to empty prairie to avoid the storm. Off I sailed across the lonely rumpled hills that ran in soft dappled waves like the sea and disappeared into the far, far distant horizon. I saw clouds billowing in that distant bruised sky as I headed north, alone in that emptiness.

When I was growing up in Cleveland, we ignorant Ohioans assumed that Colorado was nothing but Rockies poking into the sky. We flatlanders never realized that the eastern half of Colorado is flat as an iron, but it is. I know that because Ive lived in Nebraska and New Mexico, and I was reminded of that Thursday as I drove through it.

As I drove, I admired the beauty of that loneliness as clouds blotted out the sky. I drove through that desolation for more than 150 miles until I picked up I-76 at Fort Morgan. I breathed a sigh of relief, but it was brief. Soon I was swallowed by fog as thick as gravy.

On top of my car, Id covered my suitcases with a tarp, and I heard it raveling in the wind. I stopped in Sterling, Colo., went into a hardware store and asked if they could sell me a new one, but the clerk  hes from Nebraska, it turns out  said I didnt need it. Your suitcases are tied on tight, he said. Youll be fine.

I headed out into the spitting rain and fierce wind, more fog, then thunder and lightning and torrential rains. I limped into Kearney at 9 p.m., weary and hungry, but Id made it.

I used to marvel at the empty prairies, staring, wondering what life is like there. I always wanted to find a little place to live for a week or two out there to experience the nothingness, places where God and the heavens and the sky and the weather reign supreme, and mankind is just an inconsequential speck on the land.

Thats what my life was like in Abiquiu. N.M. I had no TV or radio, and only spotty Internet. My cell phone was useless. I drove on dirt roads. Rattlesnakes and mountain lions lived close by.

Back in Kearney now, I hear noises again: sirens and motorcycles and diesel engines. Be gentle with me, please. It will take me a while to readjust.
On behalf of Branch 312 of the National Association of Letter Carriers I want report and try to thank everyone who helped make this years Stamp Out Hunger food drive a huge success. This was the 25th year for the drive.

This is the largest one-day food drive in the world. It happens in almost every city and many towns across the country. Each Branch of the letter carriers union votes to do it or not. In Kearney, we have done it each and every year.

Our branch includes three towns. In Kearney we collected 6,860 pounds of food. This was slightly down from last year, even though we seemed to have picked up more. Seems we had more box type donations rather than canned food. Nothing wrong with that.

Holdrege collected 1,150 pounds, almost double last years total of 640 pounds. Carrier Dave Opfer did an outstanding job putting it together. This was their third year.

Ravenna collected 665 pounds, about four times as much as the 154 pounds last year. Carrier Monte Steele and new Postmaster Therse Hulinsky were essential in making this happen. This was their third year.

Broken Bow, though not in our branch, had 944 pounds. It was their first year. Outstanding! Supervisor Shannon White had a huge impact on helping make this happen, as she was a supervisor in Kearney just recently.

All food collected will stay in their own towns and food pantries. In Kearney the donations will go to seven of them: Prince of Peace, eFree Church, Family Tabernacle Church, Faith Methodist, First United Methodist East Lawn Ministries, Jubilee Center and the Salvation Army.

Thank you to Apple Market and Hy-Vee for their bag donations for all four towns. Thanks also to United Way and ll the volunteers. Without you, we could never make this happen. Thanks to the rural carriers who took the extra time to take out the postcards and pick up food the volunteers may have missed, Daryl Kozal our retired carrier who still gives his heart and soul to this cause each and every year.

Thanks to the U.S. Postal Service to allow the project and join with us to do the right thing, and my own Branch 312. They vote to do this every year. They voted to purchase new yard signs this year and help Broken Bow get started. Im very proud of my Branch 312.

Ken Nickerson, Kearney

EDITORS NOTE: The author is the president of Branch 312 of the National Association of Letter Carriers.
As a Caucasian septuagenarian, I have never felt disenfranchised, as I have gone to cast my ballot at the polling place in a nearby Lutheran Church in a neighborhood of $200,000 to $300,000 homes. So maybe I dont understand the big push for voter IDs on a real and personal level.

I do understand the push from members of one political party who fear that the other party is somehow cheating by getting allegedly unqualified people to cast ballots. But hey, this is Nebraska where the Republicans have a strong majority in the Legislature and always seem to win statewide elections. I can count the number of Democrats elected to statewide office in the last 25 years on two hands. Besides, folks around these parts are still Nebraska Nice.

So forgive me if I dont understand why Sens. John Murante of Gretna and John Hilgers of Lincoln were pushing a proposed constitutional amendment to allow voters in 2018 to decide if a voter ID containing a photograph or digital image should be required prior to casting a ballot. Murante and Hilgers are both Republicans.

Likewise, I understand why Sens. Justin Wayne of Omaha and Adam Morfeld of Lincoln strongly opposed the measure. They are both Democrats. Wayne is a minority and Morfeld speaks out on social issues. I totally get that.

Murante admits that these sorts of election laws have been used in the past to suppress minority votes. But he contends that America currently has a crisis of voter confidence and needs to demonstrate that steps are being taken to ensure that only those who are qualified to vote are casting ballots. I contend that only you know your level of voter confidence.

Wayne offered a motion to kill the measure on first round of debate, saying it could cost $3.7 million to provide ID to some 160,000 people. That motion failed, but Murante also failed on a motion to invoke cloture and force a first-round vote. That motion, which required 33 affirmative votes, failed on a 26-17 vote and the measure fell off the agenda for the year.

In a related matter, lawmakers had passed LB75, a bill by Wayne to immediately reinstate an individuals voting rights upon completion of a felony sentence or probation. Gov. Pete Ricketts vetoed the measure and said requiring convicted felons to wait two years before allowing them to vote provides an incentive to maintain a clean record and avoid subsequent convictions.

Conflicting studies have addressed a link between the restoration of voting privileges and reduced recidivism. Ricketts said the results dont prove that it has helped. Wayne said they do and filed an unsuccessful motion to override the veto.

Judiciary Committee chair Sen. Laura Ebke of Crete, a Libertarian, supported the override and said the revocation of the waiting period would demonstrate a commitment to criminal justice reform.

She said its good policy not to take civil rights away from people if theyve paid their debt to society.

J.L. Schmidt, a registered Independent, is the Nebraska Press Associations statehouse correspondent.
FILE - In this April 25, 2015 file photo, Andrea Tantaros attends the 2015 White House Correspondents' Association Dinner in Washington. Fox News Channel has asked a federal court to throw out a lawsuit by former anchor Tantaros, saying her claims that Ausock puppetAu Twitter accounts were set up to harass her were false. (Photo by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP, File)
Motorists cross the William R. Bennett Bridge on Tuesday. According to the B.C. Ministry of Transportation, the rising waters of Okanagan Lake pose no immediate threat to the bridge, parts of which float on the water. The lake is projected to crest 60 centimetres below the point at which operating changes would be required to the bridge.
Water is creeping closer to houses in the Green Bay area of West Kelowna. Between Monday and Tuesday, the level of Okanagan Lake rose four centimetres  to 342.91 metres above sea level.
LIBREVILLE, March 23 (Xinhua) -- China and Gabon have pledged to deepen exchanges and cooperation of their legislative bodies.

The commitment was made as senior Chinese legislator Ji Bingxuan visited Gabon on May 21-23, where he met President of the Republic of Gabon Ali Bongo Ondimba, National Assembly President Richard Auguste Onouviet and Senate Speaker Lucie Milebou.

Ji, vice chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), China's top legislature, hailed the deep-rooted friendship and fruitful cooperation in multiple areas between China and Gabon.

He said the two countries have faced new opportunities since Chinese President Xi Jinping and President Bongo in December last year decided to lift China-Gabon relations to a comprehensive cooperative partnership.

Ji said China's NPC is willing to tighten the ties with the Gabonese counterpart to realize the two leaders' consensus, create a favorable environment for cooperation and advance China-Gabon relations.

For his part, President Bongo hailed China as a sincere friend of Gabon and expected the two countries' dynamic partnership to bring more palpable benefits to the people.

Onouviet and Milebou also expressed their commitment to deepen cooperation with China's NPC to contribute to the China-Gabon relations.
A young girl hugs her mother after she and her Haitian family, that did not want to be identified, living in the U.S. with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) spoke during a news conference, Monday, May 22, 2017, in Miami. The Trump administration is going to extend humanitarian protections for tens of thousands of Haitian immigrants who have been living in the United States since a deadly earthquake. Administration officials said the TPS for roughly 50,000 Haitians will expire in December. A final decision about the long-term fate of those immigrants will be decided at a later date. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
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A little known nudist beach has been named as one of the ideal places to sunbath in all your glory in Kent.

Dozens of popular nudist beaches around the UK were listed on walkingclub.org , including five from around the county .

And a naturist location on the Isle of Sheppey was one of them  Shellness beach allows people to get their kit off and enjoy a day of nakedness.

A sign at the beach even encourages visitors to strip down when entering. It reads: "Beyond this notice, clothing need not be worn for bathing, sun bathing, and general recreation."

The beach is a mixture of sand, shingle, shells and - in places - mud. The 'official' naturist beach is situated near Leysdown-on-Sea at the far eastern end of the Isle of Sheppey on the north Kent coast.

It is half a mile beyond the main beach at Leysdown, heading south east, near to the place identified on maps as 'Shellness'.

A recent visitor described it as "small (fairly) clean sandy(ish) beach, over some dunes".

Another visitor said: "The scenery is typical of the Thames estuary - there are good views of Whitstable and of shipping in the Thames. At low tide, the sea can be a long way out. Beach walkers on their way to Shellness may pass the beach but there are no reported problems.

"'Free Sun' reported that the beach was sometimes used by '750 bods' - more recent reports suggest regular use by 20-30 naturists, with up to 100 at busy weekends."

Sadly nudists were bemoaning the constant inappropriate activity at the beach, which the website choose to redact the details.

One said: "Visited today, my second time. I left the dunes and went for a naked paddle in the sea. The beach is full of shells but has some nice sand. The water was surprisingly mild.

"The first time I visited this beach was my first public nude experience. I was very nervous about being nude. Especially as I am overweight, but once I found a nice dip in the dunes I soon had my clothes off and was loving it.

"After a couple of hours I was even feeling confident enough to walk to the rubbish bin with nothing on. I was amazed at my new confidence. I think it was because nobody stares at others and people are just doing there own thing.

"Seems a great beach and friendly place. Apart from the [inappropriate behaviour], this is a fantastic place and I would recommend it to anybody to try. I intend to get there every time the weather looks nice."
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by Ronald Njoroge

NAIROBI, May 23 (Xinhua) -- Kenyan, Chinese and British business organizations on Tuesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to boost cooperation, officials said.

Kenya China Economic and Trade Association (KCETA), British Chamber of Commerce Kenya (BCCK) and Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) sealed an agreement to form a tripartite partnership bringing on board the private sector representatives from the three countries.

KCETA Chairman Zhang Haifeng told a media briefing in Nairobi that the MOU will promote and advance cooperation in areas of common interest.

The MOU has also recognized and agreed on principal areas that will guide in the overall implementation of the agreement.

He noted that in a world where national borders are becoming less of a barrier to trade, the collaboration envisaged under the MOU will enhance the quest of individual countries to benefit more from trade, commerce and investment.

The deal follows a series of discussions and consultations that began in June 2016.

"The signing of the MOU between three private sector bodies in Kenya, China and Britain marks an important milestone in solidifying relations both at the private sector level but also at the national level," KEPSA Chairman Nick Nesbitt said.

He noted that the three countries have a long and established history of economic cooperation that can only be strengthen further.

BCCK Chairman Graham Shaw said the ceremony to sign the MOU shows how important the mutual trade links are to the three countries.

"Today Britain and China are significant trade partners with Kenya and this MOU will assist in promoting our companies and partnerships further as well as assisting in key policy matters," Shaw said.

Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Liu Xianfa said that Britain and China have already agreed on a framework of collaboration on global partnerships and Kenya is one of the countries that have been identified as a beneficiary.

"The framework therefore presents a tripartite arrangement of cooperation between the three countries," Liu said.

He noted that the MOU acknowledges the cardinal role of the private sector and hence facilities coordination at the level of government and private sector.

The Chinese envoy said that the private sector is critical partner of government in advancing economic growth and social development.
LONDON, May 23 (Xinhua) -- The suicide bomber who caused carnage at the Manchester Arena was named by police late Tuesday as Salman Abedi.

Abedi, 22, was killed as he detonated an improvised explosive device on late Monday night when thousands of fans were leaving a concert at the Manchester Arena.

A total of 22 adults and children were killed in the explosion and another 59 were injured.

Manchester chief constable Ian Hopkins did not give details of the suspects address or any further information about him.

But Hopkins said a 23-year-old man had been arrested in the city as part of the investigation into the atrocity. Meanwhile, two houses in Manchester were also being searched.

Hopkins also appealed to drivers to hand police any video material from car dash board cameras recorded in the city center area between 8 p.m. and 11 p.m. local time Monday night.
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In any educational environment, theres a set of buzzwords that create a common vocabulary. Medical students constantly hear about bench-to-bedside research, evidence-based medicine, and compassionate care. Meanwhile, business school students cant stop talking about aligning objectives, disruptive innovation, and of course, synergy.

One of the most frequently used phrases in both schools is big data. The idea is that with bigger, faster computers and new analytical techniques, we can now sift through vast amounts of information to generate new insights.

There are countless applications. For example, electronic health records have led to the digitization of health data, and clinical researchers are trying to use this information to identify traits that predict disease, response to treatment, and a host of other variables. The same techniques can be used on corporate datasets to link business decisions (such as pricing) to consumer behavior.

Data analytics is therefore held up as a panacea for complex problem-solving in both the medical and business worlds.

The shared excitement has led me to a few reflections about big data. First, it highlights that many decisions in both business and medicine are currently based on instinct rather than evidence. While leaders do their best to support reasoning with data, sometimes data isnt available.

A recent report by PricewaterhouseCoopers found that senior executives primarily rely on intuition and experience to make decisions. Similarly, companies often launch products based on feedback from a few people in a focus group because they cannot test a larger scale response.

Medicine has done a better job using data and creating evidence-based guidelines based on randomized controlled trials (RCTs). But when treating patients, doctors must frequently fall back on clinical judgment derived from anecdotal experience as well. Indeed, a study published in PLOS Medicine found that just 31 percent of cardiovascular risk management recommendations were supported by high-quality RCTs.

Big data is exciting because it can make decision-making more rigorous. With enough historical information, it will be possible to build models that can predict future outcomes.

With that said, my second realization was that we need to be cautious with insights from large datasets. In any statistics class, the first lesson includes some variant of the statement, correlation does not equal causation. That statement doesnt become any less true just because the data is big.

Predictive models are useful tools but they dont always work. Google Flu Trends offers an instructive example. In 2009, Google published a letter in Nature announcing that they had developed an algorithm that could track flu outbreaks based on an enormous sample of Google searches. Their approach was remarkably accurate and much faster than the CDC, which tracked flu outbreaks based on reports from doctors.

Commentators hailed the tool as a breakthrough in big data and a sign that the future had arrived. But within a few years, it no longer worked. The search terms that had been associated with flu outbreaks didnt correlate anymore. By 2015, Google Flu Trends shut down. This quickly led to proclamations about the failings of big data.

Examples like this dont prove that big data is a failure. Instead, they demonstrate the importance of developing skills to interpret data. There is a temptation to believe that new statistical tools can be implemented in a black box (by companies like Google) and that we can simply use whatever comes out of it.

I expect that mentality to change. Whether its a doctor or a CEO, decision-makers need to adapt to the growing role of data. Analytical techniques are only useful when they are properly applied, meaning we need to understand their underlying assumptions and think carefully about what to do with the results.

Fortunately, my experience suggests both business and medical schools are preparing students for this reality. While were still in the early days of the big data revolution, there is little question that it will shape the future of medicine, business, and more.

Akhilesh Pathipati is a medical student who blogs at Scope, where this article originally appeared.

Image credit: Shutterstock.com
Former CIA director John Brennan (file photo/CGTN)

Former CIA director John Brennan told a congressional hearing on Tuesday that he believed Russia tried to interfere in the US elections, but he couldnt confirm whether there was a conspiracy between the Trump campaign team and Russia.

He also said that he had noticed contact between Russian officials and people involved in the Trump campaign last summer, and he personally warned the head of Russia's FSB security service, Alexander Bortnikov, that such interference could harm US-Russia ties in a phone call on August 4.

Brennan added that he briefed former President Barack Obama and other top officials and discussed the issue with congressional leaders in August and September.

His words become the most direct recognition by a current or former US official yet that Russia sought to help Trump defeat Hillary Clinton in the 2016 election.

However, Trump has always denied any collusion. A White House official told reporters the hearings showed there is still no evidence of any Russia-Trump campaign collusion."

Brennan's testimony before a House panel in an open hearing is a part of the investigation into whether the Russian intelligence agency intervened in the 2016 US presidential election, an issue which has been a major focus of public attention since Trump's dismissal of former FBI director James Comey earlier this month.
An annual event not only raises money for Catholic Social Services, but honors families helping our community.

This marks the eighth year the Diocese of Laredo is hosting their annual Recognition Dinner.

This year's honorees are the Lamantia and Keene Family.

Money raised at the event goes back to Catholic Social Services to help immigrants and the elderly in Laredo and surrounding communities.

"Both of these couples signify the best of what a community seeks in it's citizens - service, community, care and respect for another - as well as faith," says Diocese of Laredo Bishop James Tamayo.

This year, the event will be held on Thursday, August 24 at IBC on 2418 Jacaman Road. For more information, you are asked to call 956-722-2443.
Power outages and damages to the parts of the bridge have forced officials to close the World Trade Bridge until further notice and reroute traffic to the Colombia Solidarity Bridge.

Trucks were seen at a standstill on Wednesday along Mines Road while on their way to the Columbia Solidarity Bridge.

Paul is one of the thousands of truck drivers that is heading into Mexico but is choosing to rest until traffic speeds up.

Rerouting traffic is a quick fix to allow trade to continue moving back and forth between the two countries, after a storm hit the World Trade Bridge hard.

A driver that was making his second trip to Mexico in less than 24 hours spent about six hours waiting. In the meantime, its all just a waiting game for the truck drivers.

Congressman Henry Cuellar released a statement on Tuesday saying he hopes to have the World Trade Bridge reopened by this weekend.

The Columbia Solidarity Bridge opened additional lanes and extended its operating hours to help speed up the traffic.

Congressman Cuellar says he will continue to monitor the bridges repairs closely to have it up and ready soon.
Police found more than what they were looking for when searching inside a home in central Laredo.

A concerned neighbor reported to the Laredo Police Department that her 73-year-old neighbor had not been seen in about a week.

After speaking to several residents of Ridgemore Lane, some say they are shocked and others say they are creeped out, but they all agree what police found left them with many questions.

Bernie Valdez describes his neighborhood on Ridgemore Lane as quiet and peaceful, especially the home right next door. Bernie says that the man next door was always a mystery.

Despite the minimal interactions from his neighbor, Bernie noticed that he hadnt been seen for over a week. Looking through his backyard fence, Bernie could spot a light shining through his neighbors window that made him curious.

After talking to other neighbors, the police were contacted to check in on the elderly man.

When authorities arrived at the location, nobody answered the door. When police opened the door they made the discovery of a lifeless man in his 70s.

Police say there were no signs of foul play or entry, but after neighbors insisted someone else lived there, police searched the house and found a home-made coffin.

Police have not confirmed the relationship between the two, but neighbors say it was his mother who lived with him, but they had not seen her in several years.

LPD says it is not clear how long the body of the woman had been there, but do confirm it was decomposing.

LPD will begin an investigation on the two deaths. Even though the neighbors say something felt off about the man, they never imagined something like this.

The identity of the male and female have not been confirmed by police, but they are searching for relatives to notify them of the deaths before announcing it.

As the investigation continues, the two bodies are being reviewed by the medical examiner to verify the timeline of the deaths of the two individuals.
County commissioners revisited plans for a new grant-funded water tank in Mirando City.

According to Precinct One Commissioner Jesse Gonzalez, when talking with engineers about the water tank, they decided an elevated storage tank would be better than a standpipe - which was part of their original plans.

Gonzalez says he talked with the grant funding agency for this water tank, and they agreed to the changes. Gonzalez brought back the item to Commissioners Court so they can make changes.

"Mirando is currently in violation with TCEQ, with the capacity of the storage. That's the whole reason of this grant that came down, so we're just happy to move along and with this, push it forward so that we can be able to finish this project," says Precinct One Commissioner Jesse Gonzalez.

Gonzalez goes on to say the water board for Mirando City has agreed to pick up the extra expenses of the water tank so they can be in compliance with the TCEQ and better serve the Mirando community.
Citizens of Rio Bravo were given the tools to become crime fighters on Wednesday.

The Rio Bravo chief of police and Laredo Crime Stoppers came together to introduce the first anonymous Crime Stoppers Hotline for Rio Bravo.

Representatives for Crime Stoppers met with residents on Wednesday to present information on how to successfully use the hotline.

"When they call the 800 number, the police department from Laredo will be receiving the call. After they receive the call, then they'll act accordingly, and then they'll call the Police Department from Rio Bravo, and then we would go ahead and share this information with the combined law enforcement so they can assist us with an arrest," says Rio Bravo Police Chief Rene Cervantes.

Crime Stoppers is a community program comprised of concerned citizens who work closely with law enforcement to help keep their community safe.
(File photo)

SHANGHAI, May 23 (Xinhua) -- China is working on a regulation on satellite navigation and will release it to solicit public opinion soon.

The regulation has been put on the State Council legislation agenda as a basic rule to regulate activities related to satellite navigation in the country, Ran Chengqi, director of China Satellite Navigation Office, said at the 8th China Satellite Navigation Conference which opened Tuesday.

According to the draft, China's self-developed BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS) is defined as state information infrastructure.

The rule will ensure the smooth construction and operation of the BDS and promote its wide application, said Yang Changfeng, the system's chief designer, who also heads the draft panel.

China has formulated a three-step strategy for developing the BDS, aiming to complete the deployment of the 35-satellite constellation around 2020 to provide services to global users.

The Chinese government released its first white paper on satellite navigation in June 2016, elaborating on an action plan for the BDS development.
By Cecile Lefort and Charlotte Greenfield

SYDNEY/WELLINGTON, May 24 (Reuters) - The Australian dollar drifted lower on Wednesday following a downgrade in China's sovereign ratings and a weak domestic construction report, while its New Zealand counterpart held its ground after solid data at home.

The Australian dollar eased to $0.7460, away from a three-week peak of $0.7517 set on Tuesday. It briefly dipped to $0.7455 after Moody's cut China's ratings to A1, from Aa3, citing rising debt amid a slowing economy. China is a key export market for Australia. "The Aussie reaction is not necessarily a direct economic response, it's more a sentiment response," said Annette Beacher, chief macro strategist, FX and rates at TD Securities, adding that anything bad for China is seen as bad for Australia.

Also undermining the Aussie was a 0.7 percent fall in domestic construction work done in the first quarter versus forecasts of a 0.2 percent decrease. The slippage follows a surprisingly hefty 13.4 percent drop in building approvals in March. Support for the Aussie was seen at around $0.7449.

Across the Tasman Sea, the New Zealand dollar held its ground after solid domestic data. It was steady at $0.7014, not far from a one-month high of $0.7050 the previous day.

New Zealand posted a trade surplus of NZ$578 million ($405 million) in April, the largest monthly figure since 2015 thanks to dairy, wood and wine exports. Also supporting the kiwi was news that Fonterra Co-Operative Group Ltd had lifted its forecast milk payout for the 2016-17 season. Investors awaited the release of the national budget on Thursday, which is set to show a stronger-than-expected surplus. "Resistance at $0.7050 proved too hard to break. Expectations of more positive export earning results this morning and a rosy government budget tomorrow suggests this could be tested again before the end of the week," said Con Williams, ANZ economist, in a research note.

New Zealand government bonds eased, sending yields three basis points higher at the long end of the curve.

Australian government bond futures were soft, with the three-year bond contract off 2 ticks at 98.240. The 10-year contract eased 4.5 ticks to 97.4800, while the 20-year contract was steady at 96.9005.

The spread between Australian and U.S. two-year government bonds shrunk to 31 basis points, its smallest level since 2001. ($1 = 1.4271 New Zealand dollars)

(Editing by Randy Fabi)
SYDNEY, May 25 (Reuters) - Rubber products maker Ansell Ltd on Thursday said it would sell its condom business to a Chinese consortium for $600 million, leading the Australian company to launch a $265 million on-market share buyback.

China's Humanwell Healthcare Group Co Ltd and CITIC Capital China Partners have bought the division, which also includes a lubricant and devices business, Ansell said.

"We are delighted with this outcome, following a thorough and competitive process, which realises significant value for Ansell shareholders," Ansell Chief Executive Magnus Nicolin said in a statement. The share buyback announced on Thursday represents 10 percent of shares on issue.

(Reporting by Jamie Freed, editing by G Crosse)
* STOXX 600 up 0.1 pct

* Banco BPM rise on talk of bad loans sale

* But Deutsche Bank drops after U.S. request

* Fiat falls on emission bill worries

* Dixons, Britvic rise after results

(Adds details, closing prices)

By Kit Rees

LONDON, May 24 (Reuters) - European shares, stuck just below 21-month highs for more than a week, struggled to gain momentum on Wednesday, with strength in banks and big oil majors offset by weakness in miners and autos.

The pan-European STOXX 600 index ended up 0.1 percent. Among the national markets, Britain's FTSE 100 rose 0.4 percent, while Germany's DAX fell 0.1 percent, weighed down by stocks including Hugo Boss and Evonik going ex-dividend.

Banks were the biggest contributor to gains on the STOXX index with Banco BPM leading the way with a surge of 4 percent, helped by market talk about the sale of bad loans.

But the sector was weighed down by a 0.9 percent fall in Deutsche Bank after news that U.S. House Democrats had asked the German lender to provide information on whether any accounts connected to U.S. President Donald Trump have ties to Russia. European auto stocks were the biggest sectoral fallers, down 0.6 percent. They were led lower by a 1.6 percent fall in Daimler , which extended losses after its sites were searched on Tuesday by German prosecutors in an emissions probe, and a 0.6 percent fall in Fiat Chrysler . Shares in the Italian-American carmaker recouped some of their earlier losses after the U.S. government sued it over emissions. "This case is likely to take a long time (VW settled in 16 months) and should weigh on FCA's share price for some time as the message regarding the execution of its 2018 plan is likely to be overwhelmed," analysts at Barclays said in a note.

Among mining stocks, hit by a fall in copper after Moody's downgraded China, a big global metals consumer, Rio Tinto declined 0.5 percent while Randgold and Fresnillo fell 1.5 and 0.4 percent respectively.

Glencore lost 0.1 percent after saying it had made an informal approach to U.S. grains trader Bunge to discuss "a possible consensual business combination". But Bunge responded by saying it was not in talks with the mining and commodities group. On the positive side, a well-received set of fourth-quarter results from Dixons Carphone lifted its shares 4.7 percent, while Britvic's first-half update also boosted its shares.

British retailer Kingfisher was the biggest STOXX faller, however, down 7 percent after a trading update, while engineer Babcock also fell 2.3 percent after its full-year results. (Additional reporting by Danilo Masoni; Editing by Vikram Subhedar and Kevin Liffey)
SAO PAULO, May 24 (Reuters) - Brazil's National Treasury called off auctions of fixed-rate government debt scheduled for Thursday, saying it has achieved the aim of setting clear pricing guidelines with earlier transactions. The Treasury announced last week it would offer to sell or buy bonds through extraordinary auctions after a political scandal fueled market volatility. According to a Wednesday statement, it will continue to monitor market conditions to guarantee they are functioning properly.

(Reporting by Bruno Federowski; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama)

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and may not reflect those of Kitco Metals Inc. The author has made every effort to ensure accuracy of information provided; however, neither Kitco Metals Inc. nor the author can guarantee such accuracy. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in commodities, securities or other financial instruments. Kitco Metals Inc. and the author of this article do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication.
BEIJING, May 24 (Reuters) - China has slashed its out-of-quota sugar import permits this year to almost half of last year's allowance, according to two sources familiar with the matter, the latest step by the world's top sugar importer to curb shipments from abroad.

China will grant permits for 1 million tonnes of sugar imports, down from 1.9 million tonnes last year, the sources said.

The permit reductions follow Beijing's decision on Monday to impose extra tariffs on out-of-quota imports for the next three years, saying the imports had "seriously damaged" the domestic industry. China allows 1.94 million tonnes of sugar imports annually at a tariff of 15 percent as part of China's commitments to the World Trade Organization. Imports brought in outside of that quota are charged a higher tariff and subject to permitting. Some 600,000 tonnes of out-of-quota imports permits have been issued for the first five months of 2017, the sources who were briefed on the matter said. They declined to be named because they are not authorised to speak to the press.

The Ministry of Commerce did not respond to a request for comment.

Under the new plan, about 50,000 permits will be issued each month for the rest of this year, according to one of the sources.

With lower permits and higher tariffs, it would be almost impossible to bring imports outside of the annual quota into China and still make a profit, two sugars traders told Reuters. Stocks of sugar piled up at bonded warehouses are estimated to be as high as 700,000 tonnes.

In the first year of the new duty system announced on Monday, import duties for out-of-quota tariff sugar would increase to 95 percent.

That means it would cost about 7,047 yuan ($1,022) per tonne to import refined sugar from Brazil, almost 400 yuan higher than sugar from Guangxi province, a major producing region in China, according to calculations by , a trade website.

Buying refined sugar from Thailand would cost 7,300 yuan per tonne under the new tariff, according to the calculations. ($1 = 6.8899 Chinese yuan renminbi)

(Reporting by Hallie Gu and Josephine Mason; Editing by Christian Schmollinger)
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte (Xinhua file photo)

MANILA, May 23 (Xinhua) -- Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday declared martial law in the entire island of Mindanao and nearby island provinces following clashes between government forces and armed Maute group.

Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano also announced in Moscow that Duterte, who is on an official visit to Russia, has decided to cut short his visit, adding that Duterte's face-to-face meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin may not happen.

Duterte's spokesman Ernesto Abella said Duterte declared martial law "in the entire island of Mindanao, including (the island provinces of) Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi. The details will be forthcoming."

Duterte imposed martial law on Mindanao island and nearby provinces as of 10 p.m. local time. "This is possible on the grounds of existence of rebellion because of what is happening in Mindanao. This is good for 60 days," Abella said.

Duterte "has full confidence in the military and the police's management of the situation," he added.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, who is also with Duterte in Moscow, said the military is in full control of the situation, adding that more troops will be sent there.

By declaring martial law, Lorenzana said the military can control the movement of the rebels, conduct searches, arrest people and suspend the habeas corpus.

The fighting broke out after a joint team of the military and police tried to serve a warrant of arrest on Isnilon Hapilon, a leader of the Abu Sayyaf group, around 2 p.m. local time, Lorenzana said.

The Maute Group started to occupy some establishments in the city, including a hospital, the city hall, the city jail and part of the Mindanao State University compound, he said.

The Maute Group "burned several facilities, including a Roman Catholic church, the city jail, and a school," he said, adding that "the Maute fighters still occupy the main street of Malawi City and two bridges leading to the city."

As of Tuesday night, he said three government troops were killed and 12 were wounded.

The whole of Malawi City is experiencing blackout. "There is no light and there are Maute snipers all around so the troops are still on holding and several groups elements have already joined them from other neighboring units, and tomorrow morning we are bringing in more troops," he said.

According to the military, the Maute group was formed by the Maute family led by brothers Omar and Abdullah Maute, former members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. The group has declared loyalty to the Islamic State (IS), an international jihadist group.

But the military downplayed the group, saying it is a bunch of rebels that carry out bombings and kidnappings in the southern Mindanao region.

The group, which displays a black flag and insignia of IS, has attacked army troops and beheaded their kidnapped victims.

The group was also involved in a series of bombing and extortion activities in the province.

They were also notorious for raiding police jails to free their detained comrades.
FRANKFURT, May 24 (Reuters) - The euro zone housing market is not overheating but there are pockets of elevated prices which require attention, especially around major cities, European Central Bank Vice President Vitor Constancio said on Wednesday.

Such increases should be carefully monitored as they can have a ripple effect on prices in the rest of the country, Constancio added.

The ECB warned earlier on Wednesday that prime commercial property prices had departed further from their long-term average and continue to see strong increases.

"Thus, a close monitoring of regional residential real estate price trends seems warranted, as they may provide an early indication of a potential build-up of vulnerabilities in housing markets at the national level," the ECB said.

(Reporting by Balazs Koranyi; Editing by Catherine Evans)
* Bompard tipped as external candidate for Carrefour job

* CEO says "I am still here" when asked about Carrefour

* Majority of shareholders approve Bompard 2016 payout

By Dominique Vidalon

PARIS, May 24 (Reuters) - The chief executive of French consumer electronics retailer Fnac Darty on Wednesday shrugged off talk he was leaving the company, speaking at a shareholders' meeting that approved his 2016 payout of 13.8 million euros ($15.4 million).

Alexandre Bompard, 44, is seen as a favourite among external candidates for the top job at French retailer Carrefour , sources told Reuters last week. "In nearly six years and a half my departure has been announced each quarter. You see it, I am here," Bompard told shareholders when asked about Carrefour.

"I have a principle, I never comment on rumours. My best response is that I am still here facing you. My best response is our successes, my best response is our projects," he added.

If Bompard were to leave, it would come at a crucial time for the recently merged group Fnac Darty.

Fnac, which sells books and music, won a bidding war with Conforama for control of household goods and electronics equipment maker Darty last year under Bompard's leadership.

The merger created a French market leader with sales of more than 7 billion euros and a market value of 1.7 billion euros.

The deal was seen as an opportunity for Fnac to build scale to compete with online retailers, such as Amazon , as well as to create synergies in purchasing and other areas.

Bompard has led Fnac since January 2011. Fnac shares have nearly tripled in value since its stock market listing in 2013.

A successor to Carrefour's Chairman and CEO Georges Plassat is widely expected to be disclosed before June 15, when Carrefour holds its annual shareholders meeting.

Sources said Plassat prefers an internal appointment to avoid an abrupt shift in strategy. Candidates include Jacques Ehrman, the CEO of property unit Carmila, and Carrefour Spain CEO Pascal Clouzard, who both joined forces to press for a dual candidacy, one source said.

Key Carrefour board members such as Brazilian tycoon Abilio Diniz, Moulin family representative Philippe Houze and LVMH head Bernard Arnault appear to favour an external candidate to lead a strategy rethink, the sources said.

At Fnac Darty's annual meeting, Bompard's 2016 payout was approved by 81.71 percent of the votes cast. It included 900,000 euros in fixed salary, 931,500 euros in variable pay and a further 12 million euros in bonuses.

($1 = 0.8945 euros)

(Reporting by Dominique Vidalon; Editing by Leigh Thomas and Edmund Blair)
* LME/ShFE arb: (Updates with closing prices)

By Peter Hobson

LONDON, May 24 (Reuters) - The copper price fell on Wednesday after Moody's downgraded China's credit ratings for the first time in 30 years, raising concerns about demand in the world's largest consumer of industrial metals, but a drop in copper stockpiles limited losses. Nickel, much of which goes into making stainless steel, also fell sharply as Chinese iron ore and steel futures tumbled and a rise in stockpiles pointed to ample supply. Copper demand is, however, less dependent on Chinese economic stimulus measures than steel, said Julius Baer analyst Carsten Menke. "This is a sentiment-driven correction rather than a fundamentals-driven correction," he said.

LME COPPER: Copper on the London Metal Exchange closed down 0.6 percent at $5,682 a tonne, having fallen to $5,635.50 earlier in the session.

COPPER STOCKS: Traders said prices were supported by a 18,825-tonne fall in on-warrant copper stocks available to the market at LME-registered warehouses. On-warrant stocks have declined by 28 percent to 176,225 tonnes from a high of 243,300 tonnes on May 4. COPPER TECHNICALS: Technical support was around $5,635-$5,660. "It needs to close below the $5,620 area to look lower again," said a copper trader.

CHINA DOWNGRADE: Moody's said it expected the financial strength of China's economy to erode in the coming years as growth slows and debt continues to rise. CHINA STEEL: Chinese steel futures fell and iron ore tumbled 7 percent following the downgrade and on concerns about ample supply. U.S. PROPERTY: New U.S. single-family home sales tumbled from near a 9-1/2-year high in April, but the housing recovery likely remains intact amid a tightening labour market. LME NICKEL: Lower Chinese steel and iron ore prices and a surge in Chinese nickel ore imports from the Philippines drove LME nickel to finish down 2.6 percent at $9,100 a tonne. NICKEL STOCKS: Traders said a 4,128-tonne rise in on-warrant nickel at LME-registered warehouses to 269,808 tonnes helped drive prices down by signalling good supply. ZINC & LEAD SUPPLY: The global zinc and lead markets fell into a deficit in March after surpluses in February, data from the International Lead and Zinc Study Group (ILZSG) showed on Wednesday. PRICES: Lead closed down 1 percent at $2,076 a tonne Zinc was 0.9 percent lower at $2,635, tin fell 0.6 percent to $20,375 and aluminium gained 0.1 percent to close at $1,945.

<^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Top base and precious metals analysis -GFMS LME/ShFE arb ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^> (Additional reporting by Melanie Burton; Editing by Greg Mahlich and Edmund Blair)
DUBAI, May 24 (Reuters) - Oman has raised $2 billion in Islamic bonds, pricing at par a seven-year sukuk with a profit rate of 4.397 percent, a document issued by one of the banks leading the deal showed.

The order book for Oman's bond was in excess of $6.9 billion, demonstrating that despite Oman's financial vulnerabilities, highlighted by a recent credit downgrade by rating agency Standard & Poor's and a spike in its external debt position, demand for its paper remained hefty.

In March, when Oman issued a triple-tranche $5 billion conventional bond, the order book topped $20 billion.

The pricing of Oman's debut public sukuk was in line with portfolio managers' expectations ahead of the bond launch, although some investors said they expected more upside given the large size of the deal. The bond was "flattish" in the secondary market on Wednesday, said a Dubai-based trader, while a portfolio manager said the sukuk was gaining value in early trading activity but headed back to its par value after London opened.

In its push to replenish its coffers, strained by low oil prices, the Gulf state is also in the process of raising $3.6 billion through a syndicated loan to be provided by Chinese banks.

Oman's funding needs are expected to remain significant this year because of slow fiscal consolidation and a widening account deficit, a research report by Standard Chartered showed.

The bank estimated Oman's debt would go up to 35 percent of its GDP this year from 4.8 percent of GDP in 2014.

Alizz Islamic Bank, Citi, Dubai Islamic Bank, Gulf International Bank, HSBC, JP Morgan and Standard Chartered Bank were the sukuk bookrunners.

(Reporting by Davide Barbuscia; editing by Jason Neely)
Following are news stories, press reports and events to watch that may affect Poland's financial markets on Wednesday. ALL TIMES GMT (Poland: GMT + 2 hours):

TAX COLLECTION

The finance ministry is working on new legislation that will force firms operating in Poland to send their daily bank account statements via banks to the finance ministry to facilitate efforts to fight tax evasion, Rzeczpospolita daily reported.

INVESTMENT

Investment by Polish non-financial firms with 50 or more employees fell by 0.4 percent year-on-year in the first quarter, while their combined net profit rose by 14.1 percent year-on-year, statistics office data showed on Tuesday.

BUSES

Analysts are expecting that the sales volume of buses this year in Poland could reach about 2300 and be the highest in years, Rzeczpospolita reported.

FIGHT WITH ISIS

Poland is ready to increase its military contribution to the fight with the Islamic State (ISIS), for example by sending more F-16 fighter jets to the Middle East, Dziennik Gazeta Prawna reported citing advisors to Polish President Andrzej Duda.

SEPARATE EURO ZONE BUDGET

Creation of a separate budget with the European Union for the euro zone would be a "catastrophe" for the EU, Polish Foreign Minister Witold Waszczykowski told Dziennik Gazeta Prawna in an interview.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT

The value of investments planned by Polish local governments is 44 percent higher this year than the plan from 2016, Puls Biznesu daily reported.

****Reuters has not verified stories reported by Polish media and does not vouch for their accuracy.****

For other related news, double click on: Polish equities E.Europe equities Polish money Polish debt Eastern Europe All emerging markets Hot stocks Stock markets Market debt news Forex news For real-time index quotes, double click on: Warsaw WIG20 Budapest BUX Prague PX (Reporting by Warsaw Bureau)
May 24 (Reuters) - The following are the top stories on the New York Times business pages. Reuters has not verified these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.

- Uber Technologies Inc said Tuesday that it had made a mistake in the way it calculated its commissions, at a cost of tens of millions of dollars to its New York drivers, and the company vowed to correct the practice and make the drivers whole for the lost earnings. - Fannie Mae, the government-controlled mortgage finance giant, said on Tuesday that it had stopped selling properties to the firm, Vision Property Management, after conducting a review of the firm's rent-to-own program, which operates in more than a dozen states. - Moody's Investors Service downgraded its credit rating on China's sovereign debt by a notch on Wednesday, saying the steady buildup of debt in the Chinese economy would erode the country's financial strength in the coming years. - Target Corp will pay $18.5 million to 47 states and the District of Columbia as part of a settlement with state attorneys general over a huge security breach that compromised the data of millions of customers. - Congressional Republicans greeted President Trump's first full budget on Tuesday with open hesitation or outright hostility. But it was not clear that they could come up with an alternative that could win over conservatives and moderates while clearing a path for the tax cuts and policies they have promised for years. - Glencore Plc , the mining and energy giant, said Tuesday that its agriculture business had made an informal takeover approach to the commodity company Bunge Ltd . - The U.S. federal government filed a lawsuit against Fiat Chrysler Automobiles on Tuesday, accusing it of using illegal engine-control software to enable its diesel-powered vehicles to pass emissions tests. (Compiled by Bengaluru newsroom)
By Ed Stoddard

JOHANNESBURG, May 24 (Reuters) - Around 2.8 billion rand ($215 million) in pension funds, some of it going back to the 1970s, has been uncollected by ex-miners and their families who are entitled to the money, South Africa's Chamber of Mines said on Wednesday.

The mining industry in South Africa is under pressure from the government to deal with "legacy issues" from the apartheid era, when it relied heavily on cheap, migrant labour from rural areas and neighbouring countries.

Unpaid pensions for rural families in such areas, where many households rely on subsistence farming, could be the difference between abject poverty and a more secure lifestyle.

"One of the legacy issues is related to pension funds and the pension fund amounts that are due to ex-mine workers and their families," chamber Chief Executive Roger Baxter told journalists after the organisation's annual general meeting.

"This is where a mine worker left the industry, did not collect his or her pension, and went to the rural areas or neighbouring countries. They have not collected on it and don't know they are entitled to it, or their family if that person has passed on," he said,

Neighbouring countries that have provided labour historically to South Africa's mines include Lesotho, Swaziland, Mozambique and until the 1970s, Malawi.

Baxter said there was about 4.5 billion rand in uncollected pensions going back but 1.7 billion had now been paid to former miners or their families who had been tracked down and identified.

"We don't control the pension funds, but we have trustees who sit on those pension funds and what we are trying to do as the chamber is to help them in the search for people," he said.

"Workers often worked in multiple operations so you didn't have just one unique reference number to an employee. They would get different reference numbers so there is a bit of complexity to this issue," he said.

($1 = 12.9200 rand)

(Editing by Susan Thomas)
HANOI, May 24 (Reuters) - Here's a snapshot of Vietnamese dong exchange rates in the official and unofficial markets, indicative SJC gold prices in Hanoi and interbank offered rates at 0408 GMT.

May 24 USD/VND mid-point 22,384 USD/VND interbank 22,680/22,685 USD/VND unofficial 22,700/22,715 SJC gold (mln dong/tael) 36.32/36.54

Interbank offered rates Overnight 3.4-3.9

1 week 3.5-4.0

1 month 3.9-4.3

3 months 4.4-4.8

NOTES: As of Jan. 4, 2016 the State Bank of Vietnam has begun setting the mid-point rate on daily basis, allowing dollar/dong transactions to move in a band of +/- 3 percent around the mid point. The dong's exchange rate against other currencies is not restricted by a band. Interbank offered rates are the latest indicative bid/ask prices, quoted from market sources.

One tael is equivalent to 37.5 grams or 1.21 troy ounces. SJC gold prices are quoted by state-owned Saigon Jewelry Co.

For more interbank rate fixings released at 0400 GMT, click on .

For Vietnam market overview click on: Vietnam's bonds market auctions: Bonds auction results: (Compiled by Hanoi Newsroom)
The following company announcements, scheduled economic indicators, debt and currency market moves and political events may affect South African markets on Wednesday.

ECONOMIC EVENTS

- South Africa April consumer inflation. 0800 GMT

COMPANIES

- Northam Platinum H1 results.

- Adcock Ingram Q2 results.

- South Africa Chamber of Mines AGM.

- Mediclinic reports FY results.

- Tsogo Sun FY results.

SOUTH AFRICAN MARKETS

- South Africa's rand raced to a four-week high against the U.S. dollar on Tuesday on a media report that the ruling African National Congress (ANC) will discuss the removal of President Jacob Zuma at a major party meeting this weekend. Stocks were slightly firmer. GLOBAL MARKETS

Chinese stocks fell and the Australian dollar skidded on Wednesday after Moody's downgraded its sovereign credit rating on China, adding to worries about the global impact of slowing growth and rising debt in Asia's economic powerhouse. WALL STREET

Wall Street ended higher on Tuesday after the release of President Donald Trump's budget plan but gains were tempered by declines in consumer discretionary stocks amid weakness in auto-parts companies. GOLD Wall Street ended higher on Tuesday after the release of President Donald Trump's budget plan but gains were tempered by declines in consumer discretionary stocks amid weakness in auto-parts companies. EMERGING MARKETS

For the top emerging markets news, double click on - - - -

Some of the main stories out in the South African press:

BUSINESS DAY

- Finance minister Gigaba says state carrier SAA can be fixed

- Prosecutions head Abrahams says treated former finance minister Gordhan fairly.

BUSINESS REPORT

- Verimark taps into European markets.

Keywords: SAFRICA MARKETS/FACTORS
STOCKHOLM, May 24 (Reuters) - Rising household debt is a serious threat to Sweden's economy while regulators need to introduce tougher measures to strengthen banks against future shocks, the central bank said in its semi-annual Stability Report, published on Wednesday.

"Further measures need to be introduced to increase the resilience of the household sector and reduce risks," the Riksbank said in a statement.

"There are also vulnerabilities in the Swedish banking system and its resilience therefore needs to be reinforced."

(Reporting by Stockholm Newsroom)
Models present creations of school uniforms at a school uniform design contest in Hunan Arts and Crafts Vocational College in Yiyang, central China's Hunan Province, May 23, 2017. The design contest, displaying 114 school uniforms from 19 series, kicked off here Tuesday. (Xinhua/Li Ga)
ZURICH, May 24 (Reuters) - The following are some of the main factors expected to affect Swiss stocks on Wednesday.

UBS The biggest Swiss bank has agreed to buy a majority stake in Brazil's Consenso, its first purchase in Latin America in four years as the world's biggest wealth manager looks to grow its business in the region's largest economy. For more click SUNRISE COMMUNICATIONS The Swiss telecom company plans to boost its 2017 dividend after agreeing to sell 2,239 telecom towers for 500 million Swiss francs ($511.98 million) to a consortium led by Spain's Cellnex . The shares are seen rising. For more click COMPANY STATEMENTS ** OC Oerlikon said it was building a new surface solutions center in Japan to serve Japanese car manufacturers. ** Kuehne und Nagel said it had begun a strategic partnership to support the Shanghai to Taicang Express sea link in China ** Implenia said it was adjusting its urban civil works business due to overcapacities in Basel, Bern and elsewhere in Switzerland. It did not give specifics about employee impact, but said it would seek to make changes in a "socially responsible way." ** HBM Healthcare Investments said U.S.-based Bioverativ had acquired True North Therapeutics for up to $825 million plus assumed cash. HBM had a roughly 3 percent stake in True North after participating in a financing round in 2016. ** Interroll said it won an order in the low double-digit million U.S. dollar range to supply sorter systems to a leading express and parcel delivery service in North America. ** Aevis Victoria said it supports the increased offer of BioTelemetry for LifeWatch that gives LifeWatch shareholders the option of 10 francs in cash and 0.1617 shares of BioTelemetry stock or 8 francs in cash and 0.2350 shares of BioTelemetry stock.

** Leclanche said a fire in its office building in Yverdon-les-Bains was caused by a single third-party battery system using third-party battery cells. The blaze was contained within two hours and did not affect an adjoining production facility. ** EFG International said Michael Vlahovic has been appointed head of private banking UK, effective July 1 and subject to regulatory approval. He will report to Anthony Cooke-Yarborough, head of UK region. ** Roche said new data being supports the use of its medicine Esbriet in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. ** SHL Telemedicine said it will hold a special general meeting on June 28 to elect two independent directors to the board. ** Basler Kantonalbank said it had placed nearly 800,000 participation certificates, corresponding with a transaction volume of 54.4 million francs.

** Sunrise Communications said it had entered a strategic partnership with a consortium led by Cellnex and that it plans to boost its dividend to 3.90 francs to 4.10 francs per share, reflecting a stronger financial profile. * Ypsomed said full-year net profit rose 29 percent to 46.2 million francs. Sales rose to 389.6 million francs, up from 336.9 million the previous year. ECONOMY (Reporting by Zurich newsroom)

Daily Swiss stock market report in German................ All SMI constituent stocks............................ News on major Swiss stock price moves.................. FTSE Eurotop 300 index................................ DJ STOXX index........................................ Top 10 STOXX sectors............................. Top 10 EUROSTOXX sectors........................ Top 10 Eurotop 300 sectors....................... Top 25 European pct gainers... , losers... Swiss mid-cap index SMI futures Swiss all-share index Market statistics Swiss market digest Sector overview All Swiss news Swiss research news All equity news INTERNET ADDRESSES: Swiss Exchange / Eurex STOXX Ltd SPEED GUIDES: ))

Keywords: MARKETS SWISS STOCKS/
NEW YORK, May 24 (Reuters) - U.S. 10-year Treasury yields fell to session lows in early U.S. trading on Wednesday, underpinned by some safe-haven demand in the wake of Moody's downgrade of China's debt rating, citing its slowing growth and rising indebtedness. At 8:54 a.m. (1254 GMT), benchmark 10-year government note yield was down 0.5 basis point at 2.278 percent, while the 30-year bond yield was 1.3 basis points lower at 2.932 percent, Reuters data showed.

(Reporting by Richard Leong; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama)

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and may not reflect those of Kitco Metals Inc. The author has made every effort to ensure accuracy of information provided; however, neither Kitco Metals Inc. nor the author can guarantee such accuracy. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in commodities, securities or other financial instruments. Kitco Metals Inc. and the author of this article do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication.
ISTANBUL, May 24 (Reuters) - Here are news, reports and events that may affect Turkish financial markets on Wednesday.

The lira stood at 3.5790 against the U.S. dollar at 0510 GMT, little changed from 3.5775 at Tuesday's close.

The yield on the benchmark 10-year bond was at 10.70 percent in spot trade on Tuesday and stood at 10.68 percent in Wednesday-dated trade.

The main BIST 100 share index rose 1.37 percent to 97,717.48 points on Tuesday.

GLOBAL MARKETS

China's main stock index fell one percent and the Australian dollar slipped on Wednesday after Moody's cut its sovereign credit rating on China. Asian shares also slipped, with MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan down 0.2 percent, despite modest gains on Wall Street overnight. ERDOGAN

President Tayyip Erdogan will attend the general assembly of the TOBB Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (0800 GMT). He will also attend an international Koran reading competition (1000 GMT). He will then travel to Brussels for a NATO summit (1300 GMT).

HUNGER STRIKERS JAILED

Turkey jailed two teachers who have been on hunger strike for more than two months protesting against a government crackdown in which they lost their jobs after last year's failed coup, their lawyer said. Their detention led to protests on Tuesday when police fired tear gas at pockets of demonstrators in Ankara and Istanbul and detained a dozen people. RULING AK PARTY

Erdogan's ruling AK Party will hold a parliamentary group meeting behind closed doors.

For other related news, double click on:

Turkish politics Turkish equities Turkish money Turkish debt Turkish hot stocks Forex news All emerging market news All Turkish news For real-time quotes, double click on:

Istanbul National-100 stock index , interbank lira trading , lira bond trading (Writing by Daren Butler)
* Initial 19 pct sale valued at up to $480 mln

* To sell remaining 10 pct subject to market conditions

* Sale comes ahead of new capital requirements, tax

(Recasts, adds Westpac comment)

SYDNEY, May 24 (Reuters) - Westpac Banking Corp on Wednesday said it plans to divest of its 29 percent stake in BT Investment Management Ltd (BTIM) , in a sale that would bolster the lender's capital base and add to its cash balance as it faces a new tax.

Australia's second-biggest bank by assets said it would initially offer 19 percent to institutional investors through broker Macquarie Capital at a price that valued the holding at up to A$645 million ($480.85 million).

Jim Cooper, head of Westpac's wealth division, said the bank's focus on its wealth platform for financial planners combined with BTIM's push to grow its investment business outside Australia meant Westpac no longer needed a shareholding. Westpac said its Tier 1 capital ratio, which stood at 10.0 percent as of March 31, will rise by 10 basis points as a result of the sale.

The sale comes after the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority flagged it would require banks to hold additional capital against their mortgage books later this year. Westpac also has the prospect of a new tax on big Australian banks that it said could lower annual profit by A$260 million. The bank said it would sell its remaining 10 percent holding in BTIM in the future, subject to favourable market conditions. It said the 10 percent stake would be held in escrow until the release of BTIM's 2018 first-half results, expected next May.

BTIM was not available for comment.

($1 = 1.3414 Australian dollars)

<^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Australia banking watchdog warns of more curbs on housing Australia's 'Big Four' banks launch fresh attack on new tax ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^> (Reporting by Jamie Freed; Editing by Christopher Cushing)
(Adds background, reference to Intesa CEO comments)

MILAN, May 24 (Reuters) - The European Commission on Wednesday turned down a request to reduce a 1 billion euro ($1.1 billion) private capital injection for two ailing regional banks, needed to approve a state-backed rescue plan, four sources said.

The meeting between top managers of Popolare di Vicenza and Veneto Banca, Italian Treasury representatives and EU Commission officials turned out negatively, the sources said.

The Veneto banks, two of the country's most under-pressure lenders, have asked for state aid to help plug a capital shortfall of 6.4 billion euros after loan writedowns pushed their capital below minimum thresholds.

The rescue plan envisages private capital being used, but last Friday a source said EU competition authorities had asked for an extra 1 billion euros in private money as a condition for giving a green light. New EU rules for resolving banking crises aim to limit the amount of public money that can be used to save weak lenders by imposing some losses on shareholders and bondholders.

The sources said the two banks will now attend a meeting at the Italian Treasury on Thursday to assess the situation.

The EU Commission has never said the Wednesday meeting would be decisive.

The two banks and the Italian Treasury declined to comment.

Rome has set aside 20 billion euros to help its ailing banking sector, worried that any failures would destabilise the whole industry.

The two Veneto banks both failed to raise funds on the market last year and had to be rescued by a government-sponsored bailout scheme funded by other lenders and finance institutions.

A concern is that Italy's stronger banks may now face fresh pressure to stump up more money to help rescue the lenders.

Carlo Messina, the head of Italy's biggest retail bank Intesa Sanpaolo , said on Wednesday healthy Italian banks should not be forced to spend more money rescuing weaker rivals. The comments from one of Italy's most influential bankers highlight frustration among the country's lenders which have spent about 8.5 billion euros since the end of 2015 bailing out ailing competitors.

Messina also criticised European authorities for taking too long to approve state aid for the two lenders and their bigger rival Monte dei Paschi di Siena .

Talks with the two Veneto banks over how to bail them out have been bogged down for months. ($1 = 0.8925 euros)

(Reporting by Andrea Mandala, Paola Arosio and Stefano Bernabei, writing by Stephen Jewkes, editing by Isla Binnie and John Stonestreet)
(Updates with quotes, context)

By Fumbuka Ng'wanakilala

DAR ES SALAAM, May 24 (Reuters) - Tanzania President John Magufuli fired his mining minister and the chief of the state-run mineral audit agency on Wednesday after an investigation into possible undeclared exports by mining companies to evade tax.

Magufuli's decision, announced in a televised speech, signals an escalation of tensions between the government and the mining industry, which has denied engaging in tax evasion.

Mining accounts for about 4 percent of Tanzania's gross domestic product.

Magufuli said the investigation findings revealed that Acacia Mining declared the presence of gold, copper and silver in its mineral sand exports but did not declare other precious metals in the consignments, including titanium and iridium.

The company denied any wrongdoing and said it had not yet seen the report.

"Acacia reiterates that it fully declares everything of commercial value that we produce and pay all appropriate royalties and taxes on all of the payable minerals," its said in a statement

President Magufuli also said that the Minister for Mines and Minerals, Sospeter Muhongo, and the state-run Tanzania Minerals Audit Agency (TMAA) were guilty of failings in the monitoring of gold and copper concentrate exports.

"I like Professor Muhongo very much ... he is my friend, but I would like him to assess himself on this issue and vacate his position without delay," Magufuli said after receiving the report on examinations of 200 shipping containers of gold and copper concentrates.

Magufulu also sacked the agency's chief executive, Dominic Rwekaza, and disbanded the board of the mineral audit agency, saying they failed to supervise exports properly.

Muhongo was not immediately available for comment, and neither was anyone from the Tanzania Minerals Audit Agency.

(Report by Fumbuka Ng'wanakilala; Writing by Katharine Houreld; Editing by David Goodman)
* Increases tensions between government and mining sector

* Latest move in president's anti-graft crackdown

(Adds detail, quotes, background)

By Fumbuka Ng'wanakilala

DAR ES SALAAM, May 24 (Reuters) - Tanzania President John Magufuli fired his mining minister and the chief of the state-run mineral audit agency on Wednesday after an investigation into possible undeclared exports by mining companies to evade tax.

Magufuli's decision, announced in a televised speech, signals an escalation of tensions between the government and the mining industry, which has denied engaging in tax evasion.

Mining accounts for about 4 percent of the East African nation's gross domestic product.

Magufuli said the investigation report revealed that Acacia Mining declared the presence of gold, copper and silver in its mineral sand exports but did not declare other precious metals in the consignments.

"The committee (investigating the exports) found that there were many other minerals in those shipping containers that were not declared, such as sulphur, iron, iridium, titanium and zinc," Magufuli said. "They were also under-invoicing the actual gold, copper and silver content in those shipping containers."

The report said that Acacia declared about 1.1 tonnes of gold in the containers but an analysis established that the shipment contained up to 15 tonnes.

The company denied any wrongdoing and said it had not yet seen the report.

"Acacia reiterates that it fully declares everything of commercial value that we produce and pay all appropriate royalties and taxes on all of the payable minerals," the company said in a statement.

SHARES PLUNGE

Acacia's share price fell by more than 14 percent to 374 pence after the announcement -- its biggest fall since March 3. By 1111 GMT the shares had recovered some ground to 388 pence, down 10.6 percent. Acacia, majority owned by Barrick Gold , has three Tanzania gold mines that also produce copper. It is also exploring in other parts of Africa.

Magufuli also said that the Minister for Mines and Minerals, Sospeter Muhongo, and the state-run Tanzania Minerals Audit Agency (TMAA) were guilty of failings in the monitoring of gold and copper concentrate exports.

"I like Professor Muhongo very much ... he is my friend, but I would like him to assess himself on this issue and vacate his position without delay," Magufuli said after receiving the report on examinations of more than 250 impounded shipping containers of gold and copper concentrates.

Magufuli also sacked the agency's chief executive, Dominic Rwekaza, and disbanded the board of the mineral audit agency, saying they failed to supervise exports properly.

Neither Muhongo nor representatives of the Tanzania Minerals Audit Agency were immediately available for comment.

Magufuli, nicknamed The Bulldozer for his propensity to push projects through, launched a major crackdown on corruption shortly after taking office in 2015.

The anti-graft drive has felled ministers, the head of the port, the tax chief and thousands of civil servants, though some companies claim they are being fined for crimes they did not commit. <^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Foreign firms hit by tax demands rethink Tanzanian expansion Acacia halts gold, copper exports from Tanzania, shares plunge ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^> (Writing by Katharine Houreld; Editing by David Goodman)
(Adds Boeing comment, background on deals)

By David Lawder

WASHINGTON, May 24 (Reuters) - The U.S. Treasury is reviewing licenses for Boeing Co and Airbus to sell aircraft to Iran, department head Steven Mnuchin said on Wednesday, telling lawmakers he would increase sanctions pressure on Iran, Syria and North Korea.

"We will use everything within our power to put additional sanctions on Iran, Syria and North Korea to protect American lives," Mnuchin said in testimony to the House Ways and Means Committee. "I can assure you that's a big focus of mine and I discuss it with the president."

Mnuchin did not elaborate on the review of the licenses, which were issued under a 2015 agreement between Tehran and world powers to lift sanctions in return for curbs on Iran's nuclear activities.

His statements followed President Donald Trump's Middle East trip, in which he called on Iran to stop funding "terrorists and militias." The review suggests that Trump's support for Boeing's defense and jetliner businesses could have political limits.

Iran has accused Washington of supporting terrorism by backing rebels in Syria and says halting the airplane deals would breach the 2015 nuclear agreement.

Mnuchin told the Ways and Means hearing that sanctions "really work" and were responsible for bringing Iran to the negotiating table ahead of the nuclear deal.

For Boeing, losing the IranAir deal could affect 777 production, since 15 of the widebody jetliners are incluced in the first approved batch of Boeing aircraft due for delivery to IranAir by 2020. Deliveries start in May next year.

Boeing said in December it would cut 777 output by 40 percent this year under plans that include IranAir's still-tenative order.

IranAir has agreed to buy 200 U.S. and European passenger aircraft worth up to $37 billion at list prices, though such deals typically include big discounts.

They include 80 jets from Boeing, 100 from Airbus and 20 turboprops from Franco-Italian ATR . All the aircraft need U.S. licenses because of their reliance on U.S. parts.

"Boeing continues to follow the lead of the U.S. government with regards to working with Iran's airlines, and any and all contracts with Iran's airlines are contingent upon U.S. government approval," a spokeswoman said by email.

An Airbus spokesman had no immediate comment.

In its first business with the Islamic Republic since U.S. President Donald Trump took office vowing a tougher stance on Iran in January, Boeing last month announced a tentative deal to sell 30 jets to Iran Aseman Airlines, its third-largest carrier.

Boeing said it would apply for licenses for the deal.

People involved in the deals say the Treasury has so far issued licenses for the main contracts between Western suppliers and IranAir, but that many need to be renewed beyond 2020.

IranAir does not need further approvals to take delivery of the first 70 or so aircraft, they say, though legal experts have said the U.S. Treasury can withdraw licenses at any time.

About a third of the Airbus jets, or some 37, also are due to arrive by 2020, including three already delivered. IranAir last week took delivery of four ATR turboprops and plans to take the remaining 16 next year.

Even with licenses in place, bankers say talks between Iran and Western banks to fund deliveries of the aircraft have been disrupted by concerns that sanctions could be reintroduced or that banks could be penalized for dealing with Iran.

(Additional reporting by Tim Hepher in Paris, Alwyn Scott in Seattle; editing by Cynthia Osterman and Andrew Hay)
HANOI, May 24 (Reuters) - Vietnam will receive an estimated $6.15 billion in actual foreign direct investment (FDI) during January-May, up 6 percent from a year ago, the government said on Wednesday. FDI pledges in the five-month period rose 10.4 percent from a year ago to $12.13 billion, which included new FDI pledges of $5.6 billion and additional funds to existing projects of $4.7 billion, the investment ministry said in an online report. The country's FDI inflows hit a record high of $15.8 billion in 2016. (Reporting by My Pham; Editing by Subhranshu Sahu)

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and may not reflect those of Kitco Metals Inc. The author has made every effort to ensure accuracy of information provided; however, neither Kitco Metals Inc. nor the author can guarantee such accuracy. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in commodities, securities or other financial instruments. Kitco Metals Inc. and the author of this article do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication.
Stuff reports:

There is a strong case for adjusting tax brackets and cutting income tax in Thursdays Budget, business lobby group BusinessNZ argues. Chief executive Kirk Hope listed cutting company tax first in a pre-Budget wish-list published on Friday. But he said reducing personal tax and loosening tax thresholds would also be positive. The case for adjusting tax brackets was strong, Hope said.  He said one option was to:  make the 10.5 per cent rate for incomes up to $14,000 apply to incomes up to $20,000

 raise the top end of the income band for the 17.5 per cent tax rate from $48,000 to $64,000

 apply the 30 per cent rate to income up to $80,000, instead of $70,000

The approximate cost of each would be $960 million, $2 billion and $100 million. So around the $3 billion the Government used to talk about.

Someone earning $80,000 would benefit from each change by $420, $2,000 and $300 so $2,720 all up which would be an extra $55 approximately take home pay.

Hope said that while cutting income tax would help small businesses, reducing the company tax rate of 28 per cent was a key need. Its important for international competitiveness to keep the New Zealand business tax rate below that of key trading partners. Australia is currently reducing its business rate from 30 to 25 per cent while the US is moving to a 15 per cent federal business rate, Hope said, referring to a one-page tax proposal released last month by President Trump.

A drop from 28% to 25% would cost around $720 million a year,

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The pigeon was caught with Chinese tags in Anjaw district of Arunachal Pradesh. (HT Photo)

A pigeon with a tag bearing numbers written in Chinese has thrown Indian authorities into a flutter, as fears spread that the feathered prisoner could be a Chinese spy. The Chinese public, meanwhile, has ridiculed the accusation as groundless and ludicrous.

The pigeon, which was reportedly caught in the disputed border region between China and India on May 20, has become a full-blown suspect of Chinese espionage. According to the Hindustan Times, the bird was found with an inscribed tag on its left leg.

This is not the first time that a pigeon has been singled out by India authorities as a potential perpetrator of foreign espionage. In 2016, a white pigeon was caught and caged by Indian security forces in a border district adjoining Kashmir, as it was suspected of having Pakistani "links.

Such seizures have been ridiculed across Chinese social and traditional media. Many have suggested that, instead of punishing an innocent bird, Indian authorities should first deal with the country's security shortcomings.

After reading the information circulating online, I would say that the bird might be a homing pigeon participating in a contest. Pigeons used for contests are normally tagged with rings bearing numbers and characters; I see no reason for Indian authorities to panic about it, one netizen wrote on Sina Weibo.

Despite its large population and territory, India remains a country without a shred of security. Maybe it should start to trust its neighbors, rather than making groundless accusations, wrote another.
A guest post by Auckland Councillor Greg Sayers:

When there is a vote for the Mayors targeted rate on hotels to fund the Council owned ATEED organisation odds-on I will be voting against this measure. Introducing a new form of rates is a cop out for an organisation that should spend more time concentrating on efficiencies and cost savings and less time trying to take more money out of ratepayers pockets.

The targeted rate is flawed in its design. It is not a bed tax which travellers may be familiar with seeing overseas whereby an itemised surcharge is added onto the bill. The revenue raised is then ring fenced for building city infrastructure which visitors can use. Such a tax would have to be central government initiated and I would support this. As I am sure my constituents would.

With a bed tax the amount charged overseas is a percentage of the room cost. Auckland Council, however, is planning to use the capital value of a property as the calculation tool for introducing a new kind of rate, called a targeted rate. This is a blunt and highly inappropriate financial instrument and is the second major flaw in the model.

All the money will go to ATEED, the arm of Council which promotes Auckland as a tourism destination. This benefits a wide range and a large number of diverse businesses. However, the Mayor is asking for 100% of the targeted rate to be paid entirely by the hotel and motel sector  a sector which gains only 9% of the benefits. This is grossly unfair. The model is again fundamentally flawed.

Essentially the Mayor is asking a few businesses to fund all of Aucklands promotions and advertising. Using smoke and mirrors the Mayor then promises more money will be allocated to fixing traffic congestion.

It is really just a money grab and Aucklanders need to understand the deceitfulness behind it. This has included direct threats from the Mayor if I dont vote with him there will be future consequences for myself and my electorate.

So, what about the tourism and accommodation industry providers themselves  what do they say? They say the Mayors campaign is built on untruths, uneducated assumptions, distorted facts and public consultation documents that harbour clear biases. They are telling me they are thinking Mayor Goff is becoming more like Mayor Brown by the day.

Bottom line, the test for Mayor Goffs leadership is not whether he can get enough of us as Auckland Councillors to vote with them. It is whether he does the right thing.

This targeted rate is definitely not the right thing. It is a poorly conceived tax on a small number of businesses that allows the Mayor to continue freely spending ratepayers money. He should drop this targeted rate, and go back to consult transparently with the people affected. Properly understand how the visitor industry works without a predetermined outcome. Gain buy-in to a workable solution and a fair way of charging visitors to pay their fair share towards Aucklands growth challenges.

The fight over this targeted rate raises a broader issue about Auckland Councils costs. Those supporting the Mayor tell us that costs are under control, and that adding targeted rates is a solution to the underlying problem of Council not having control of its spending. The Mayor and his supporters have decided to increase rates and also introduce new rates rather than aggressively attack Councils waste and overspending.

The Council has an proposed annual budget of approximately $4.2 billion, up from $3.8 billion. The Council staff have come back with a proposal to make $17 million in savings this year on Len Browns budget. This is a fractional savings goal of the total Council budget. This would be completely unacceptable in the commercial sector whose Board of Directors would be looking for 10% savings as a minimum if their companys debt and financial performance looked anything like Auckland Councils.

Any accountancy firm or Chief Financial Officer presenting savings this low in the private sector would be sacked. Before entering politics I spent a good part of my career looking at cost savings and efficiencies in businesses. My experience is that all organisations can find efficiency gains, however, it is only by setting tough goals that they do find these gains.

Aucklands Mayor and Council are too weak. The bureaucrats are running the show in the vacuum. Ratepayers remain the soft target being hit with more rates increases, rather than Council initiating a thorough cost cutting process to find savings that can be passed onto ratepayers.

When I was running for Auckland Council I made a series of pledges, including to adhere to rates increases of no more than 2%. I am standing by that pledge, and will be voting against the new targeted rate to fund ATEED. I will consistently call on the Mayor to present options for cutting wastage and cutting overspending not increasing revenue, and I believe he should be more effective in managing the costs across all of council.
Stuff reports:

OMG, could this be true? Its still illegal to blaspheme in New Zealand. Parliament had the opportunity to remove decades-old anti-blasphemy laws but, heavens above, bailed out on Tuesday night. Labour MP Chris Hipkins introduced an amendment to remove anti-blasphemy laws but both the National Party and the Maori Party voted against throwing it out of the Crimes Act..

They voted against throwing it out without allowing the public a chance to submit on it.

Its understood National changed its mind about dealing with the law quickly and with the help of the Maori Party stopped it going through. Instead, the government wanted to go through the process of select committee and give the public the opportunity to submit on the potential law change.

Which is absolutely proper. It is an outdated law that should go, but Parliament should not be making changes to the Crimes Act without public consultation, except where it is urgent.

Hipkins said it was a sad day for freedom of speech, tolerance and leadership. What moral authority does New Zealand have condemning other countries for draconian blasphemy laws when we have one of our own that we refuse to repeal?

Chris is being hypocritical. He has often ranted against the Government pushing law changes through without consultation. Now he is demanding they do just that.

No one is refusing to repeal the law. They are just saying it should go to a select committee for submissions.

Chris could submit a members bill to do so, and I suspect it would get 121 votes if drawn.

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The Herald reports:

The Labour Partys parliamentary and local body wing is taking different tacks on the privatisation of Ports of Auckland.

The parliamentary wing is strongly opposed to a sell-off, whereas some Labour councillors on Auckland Council are prepared to consider a sale of some or all of the $1 billion port company.

Auckland Mayor Phil Goff, who promised to Stop Asset Sales as Labour leader during the 2011 general election, has ruled out selling the port companys land holdings but has not ruled out privatising part or all of the operating company. 

The position of some Labour councillors is at odds with Labours MP for Te Atatu and Auckland issues spokesman Phil Twyford who said the party strongly opposes the sell-off to fix a short-term cash crisis.
Fred Hiatt of the Washington Post reports:

To everyone dreaming of a quick and easy impeachment: What do you imagine happens the day after? Passions subside. President Mike Pence begins his orderly reign. Donald Trump retreats to Mar-a-Lago. Normalcy returns. Thats about what you have in mind, right? Dream on. Heres a likelier scenario: Trump goes to Mar-a-Lago to regroup, not retreat. Early in the morning, he tweets: Join me on Day One of our campaign to reverse the most corrupt theft in political history and reclaim the White House in 2020. His supporters vow to reverse the coup detat.

And they may not restrict themselves to political protest. Unless there was clear and undeniable proof of wrong-doing, his supporters would think there was no way to change the system from within.

Trump was legitimately elected by Americans who knew they were voting for an inexperienced, bombastic, intermittently truthful, thin-skinned, race-baiting businessman. If Trump turns out to be an inexperienced, bombastic, intermittently truthful, thin-skinned, race-baiting president, that should not come as a surprise. Nor is it grounds for impeachment. Even if Trump turns out to be worse than feared, a failure, a disappointment even to his voters, someone who would, say, boorishly disparage Americas FBI chief as a nut job while speaking to Americas adversaries  even that would not be grounds for impeachment. The remedy for poor performance is not to re-elect. It is a decision for the voters.

Yep. Unless you have proof of criminal behaviour, lying under oath etc.

Would Trump, if convicted by the Senate, stage a run for redemption in 2020, fuelling and feeding on that kind of paranoia? That would depend on many factors, including whether Congress chose to bar him from future service, which it is allowed but not required to do in an impeachment trial. But certainly many among the 46 per cent of the electorate who rallied to Trumps side in order to drain the swamp of Washington elitism would not subside quietly if the swamp, as they saw it, swallowed him. Maybe their candidate would be Donald Jr or Eric Trump, who last week tweeted, This entire thing is a witch hunt propagated by a failed political campaign. Maybe they would find another champion.

President Ivanka?

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The CRH6F train is manufactured in Qingdao (file photo/qingdaonews.com)

China's first inter-city express train was delivered on May 23 to the Ningbo municipal government in Zhejiang province, Xinhua reported.

The CRH6F train can travel at speeds of up to 160 kilometers per hour, and is designed to make medium- and short-distance trips between cities, according to Sifang Locomotive and Rolling Stock, an express train manufacturer based in Qingdao, Shandong province.

The manufacturer emphasized that the CRH6F train has a maximum capacity of 2,000 passengers, and can transfer 40,000 passengers within one hour, more than any other existing train. The train will travel between Ningbo and Yuyang, both in Zhejiang province, according to its manufacturer.
Shenandoah, IA (51601)

Today

Windy with periods of rain early. Breaks of sun in the afternoon. Morning high of 67F with temps falling sharply to near 40. Winds WNW at 20 to 30 mph. Chance of rain 70%. Higher wind gusts possible..

Tonight

Clear. Low around 20F. Winds NNW at 10 to 20 mph.
Foreign children living in Chinese mainland demonstrate better performance than the world average in multiple areas including openness to new experiences, multilingual communication and social group expansion, according to an international expat survey issued on May 23 by HSBC.

The survey, conducted over nine years, is the world's largest sustained investigation of its kind, inviting interviewees to share their experiences living overseas. It covered more than 26,000 expatriates from countries and regions including Chinese mainland, Hong Kong, Taiwan, France, the U.K., the U.S., Australia, India and Indonesia.

The survey showed that about 80 percent of foreign parents in China believe their children have become more open-minded since coming to Chinese mainland, 10 percent higher than the world average. Meanwhile, 80 percent of the foreign children living in Chinese mainland can communicate in the local language, far above the global average of 59 percent.

In addition, nearly 60 percent of foreign parents in China believe their children's social circles have been expanded by expatriation. Over half of them think their children have become more confident, and that their expat lives will benefit their overall development.

The survey also found that living in another country brings challenges for children, alongside the advantages. Nearly 50 percent of foreign parents in Chinese mainland consider adapting to new schools the biggest challenge for their kids, while homesickness and the language barrier ranked second and third.

More than half of foreign parents in Chinese mainland recognize the value of education at local schools, while nearly 80 percent judge the tuition for international schools to be expensive.
(Xinhua) 15:01, May 24, 2017

BEIJING, May 24 (Xinhua) -- Liu Xinqi, former commander of Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps (XPCC), has been expelled from the Communist Party of China (CPC) and demoted for "severe violations of Party code" including graft, authorities announced Wednesday.

Liu, also former deputy secretary of the CPC committee of the XPCC, allegedly took advantage of his post to obtain benefits for others and allowed relatives to use his influence to profit and take bribes, according to a statement from the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI).

Based on CPC disciplinary regulations, Liu has received punishments, including expulsion from the CPC, removal from his administrative post, demotion to a non-leadership position at the divisional level, and confiscation of his ill-gotten assets.
Xi says both sides across Strait are community of shared future

BEIJING, May 24 (Xinhua) -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, has hailed both sides across the Taiwan Strait as a community of shared future that cannot be prised apart.

Xi made the remarks in a congratulatory letter, made public Wednesday, to the Association of Taiwan Investment Enterprises on the Mainland (ATIEM) on its 10th founding anniversary.
Tune into Kootenay Morning each Monday, Wednesday and Friday to hear interviews with our areas newsmakers.

Click below to listen to the catalogue of Kootenay Morning interviews.
As summer approaches and temperatures rise in most parts of China, "sun-proof" car stickers have hit the market to help drivers keep their cars cool. While most shine like aluminum foil, others sport funny or scary images.

A citizen in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province on May 22 spotted Vin Diesel inside a minibus parked on the street. Of course, as the vehicle model was far too shabby to be part of the Fast and Furious franchise, the citizen soon realized it was just a car sticker with Vin Diesel's image.

"But it looked so real, I was shocked," the citizen wrote.

After the post was reported by Qianjiang Evening News, more netizens began to post photos of different car stickers, including one of ghost-like figures stuck to the rear window of a car.

A search on Taobao reveals many shops selling the car stickers, and almost all boast that they can customize such stickers in accordance with customers' preferences. Many of the pre-made images are scary ones, including figures from the horror movie "Ju-on: The Grudge."

According to the shops, such stickers look especially clear on rear windows when the car behind turns on its high beams.

"Let's give those high-beam drivers a surprise!" reads one advertisement.

China, however, bans stickers and other accessories that can affect a driver's field of vision from the front and rear windows. Those who violate the law face a fine of up to 200 RMB.
This is the sixth in a series of interviews with international experts on Korea giving advice to President Moon Jae-in on how to overcome challenges and create a better future for the Korean people.  ED.

By Kim Jae-kyoung

Tara O

President Moon Jae-in should utilize the right balance of "carrot and stick" to make North Korea behave, according to Tara O, an adjunct fellow at the Pacific Forum CSIS (Center for Strategic and International Studies).

She said that besides carrots, the new President needs some sticks for his policy options to secure flexibility in his approach to North Korea and prompt the reclusive country to abandon its nuclear program.

"Like any president looking out for national security and the welfare of his or her own country and its citizens, Moon should consider all options," O said in an interview.

She pointed out that Moon's stated position up to now focuses on rewards only, citing his campaign pledges of the reopening of the Gaeseong Industrial Complex and the forming of a federation with North Korea.

"All of these policies focus on rewarding the North Korean regime, but none of them will hold Kim Jong-un accountable for its continued Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) development or suppression of human rights in North Korea," she said.

"For its North Korea policy, the Moon administration should consider all policy options, not just carrots," she added.

O said that returning to the Sunshine Policy of the Kim Dae-jung and Roh Moo-hyun administrations won't be the solution to the North Korean nuclear issue.

In the 1990s and the 2000s, despite the South's unconditional financial aid to the North, Pyongyang criticized the pro-North Korea approach as Seoul's effort to unify Korea through absorption, and made far more progress on its nuclear and missiles development.

"So to go back to that policy doesn't seem promising as a way to tackle North Korea's nuclear threat," she said.

O is a retired U.S. Air Force officer. She worked on numerous assignments in Asia, Europe, and the U.S., including the Pentagon and U.S.-South Korea Combined Forces Command.

To come up with effective options, O suggests that Moon "conduct a careful review of the sanctions implication of reopening the Gaeseong Industrial Complex and apply the lessons learned, including emphasis on reciprocity, transparency, and accountability on both sides of the DMZ."
A portrait of Phillip Clay, a deported Korean-American adoptee, is displayed at his funeral, Tuesday, in Myongji Hospital, Goyang, Gyeonggi Province. He allegedly committed suicide, Sunday. / Courtesy of Simone Eun Mi



Korean-American's death reflects hardship facing adoptees



By You Soo-sun

A deported Korean-American adoptee was found dead in an apparent suicide in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, officials said.

Phillip Clay, 42, was found dead around 11:40 p.m., Sunday, outside an apartment building in Ilsan, according to officials from Global Overseas Adoptees' Link (G.O.A'.L), a non-governmental organization run by adoptees in Seoul.

While a police investigation is underway, surveillance camera footage reportedly showed he was alone in the elevator when he went up to the 14th floor of the building he jumped from, alluding to suicide.

The funeral was held at Myongji Hospital by Holt Children's Services Inc in Korea. Around 30 people attended his funeral, including representatives from adoptee organizations such as KoRoot and Adoptee Solidarity Korea and the Ministry of Health and Welfare.

According to AK Salling, secretary general for G.O.A'.L, he was not well known by the adoptee community in Korea. On Wednesday, however, a Christian ceremony took place at the same hospital, where other adoptees visited.

Clay was deported from the United States to Korea in 2012. Adopted by an American family at age 10, Clay never attained American citizenship, a common problem that generations of Korean adoptees face in the U.S. His difficulties, however, did not end there. He was deported to Korea in 2012 and suffered from psychological issues, a prevalent feature in the lives of many adoptees.












Mo Kyung-hwan, president of the Korean Association for Multicultural Education and professor at Seoul National University (SNU), speaks during an interview with The Korea Times at his office on SNU's campus in southern Seoul, Tuesday. / Korea Times photo by Kim Bo-eun



KAME president stresses need for related law



By Kim Bo-eun

Korea's multicultural population continues to grow, but the government has yet to establish a law that requires teachers to receive training to better address a racially diverse classroom.

In 2010, a multicultural education class was introduced in the university curriculum for students aspiring to become teachers, but under the current system it is not compulsory.

Mo Kyung-hwan, president of the Korean Association for Multicultural Education (KAME) and professor at Seoul National University (SNU)'s Department of Social Studies Education, teaches this class, but only seven students are taking it this semester.

"If only seven students signed up for a class taught by a part-time instructor, it would be canceled. As dean of the department of social studies education, I was not required to teach the class, but decided to as students need to learn about multiculturalism," Mo told The Korea Times in an interview at SNU, Tuesday.

Classes on school violence and special education are mandatory, but those on multiculturalism are not.

Classes teaching multicultural education were initiated at universities and departments of education with government funding, but the education ministry has cut subsidies and many schools no longer offer the classes.

Teachers who attended university before the classes were introduced in the curriculum have even less opportunities.

Since 2008, the Seoul and Gyeonggi offices of education started offering classes on multiculturalism for teachers. However, they are limited to 15 hours a year, which is far from enough, Mo said.

"The number of Korean students is shrinking, but that of multicultural students is growing. Students' receptivity of multiculturalism has improved, but multicultural students still face prejudice and bullying at school," he said, pointing to the need for teacher training to be made mandatory under the new Moon Jae-in administration.

Data from Statistics Korea shows the number of school aged children stood at 9.38 million in 2016, a 10.4 percent decrease from 10.5 million in 2010.

In contrast, the number of school-aged multicultural children stood at 99,186 in 2016, more than a 200 percent increase from 31,788 in 2010.

Multicultural children, who accounted for 0.44 percent of the student population in 2010, now accounted for 1.68 percent in 2016.

Korea's efforts to embrace multiculturalism

Korea was mostly homogeneous up until the 1980s, but it saw an influx of immigrant workers in the 1990s and immigrant brides in the 2000s. Due to the growing population of immigrants and their children, the government drew up its first policy to support them in 2006.

In line with the policy, the education ministry revised the school curriculum so that textbooks would help students enhance their receptivity of multiculturalism.

In the meantime, schools aid multicultural children in learning Korean and building their academic skills, and assist them in planning their careers.

"Multicultural education has grown tremendously both in quantity and quality in the past decade," Mo said.

"In the next decade, as the multicultural population grows further, their countries of origin, reasons for immigration, socio-economic status and Korean language abilities will be diversified _ and education for these students will be specialized to accommodate their needs."

Learning from immigrant nations

Countries such as the U.S. or Canada, which began as immigrant nations, have far more advanced policies for immigrants.

"What we can learn from these countries is the premise they had of immigrant policies _ that they were not merely welfare for minorities but for the nation as a whole," Mo said.

This is because immigrants contribute to the economy with the labor they provide, and with the taxes they pay. Young immigrants and their children can also provide a solution to countries with low birth rates, he said.

"When neglecting them, they could pose instability to the nation, but providing them support will lead to social integration," Mo said.

He added these countries regarded policies for immigrants as important as defense, economic or labor policies.

"In the long-term, Korea will need a government body solely dedicated to immigrant affairs," he said.

KAME hosted a conference last week, in which 40 presenters came from 17 countries.

"There was a consensus that governments must adopt multiculturalism as the basis of policies, amid a widespread sense right-wing extremism and nationalism around the world," Mo said.
South Korea's military court sentenced an Army captain to six months in prison, suspended for a year, Wednesday on charges of having sex with a fellow male soldier, a civic group said.



The captain, whose identity was withheld, was convicted for violating the Military Criminal Act, according to the Center for Military Human Rights Korea. Under the law, a soldier who commits "sodomy" or "other disgraceful conduct" can face up to two years in prison.



"It is a bizarre clause that only has a perpetrator, without a victim," the group said in a press release, adding the captain had sexual intercourse at a private place under consent.



The defendant, however, will not appeal the ruling, according to an official at the group.



"The captain was fulfilling his military duty and was originally scheduled to be discharged in April," the official said. "If he appeals the ruling he will have to stay in the military without knowing when the legal battle will be finished."



The captain collapsed after the ruling was delivered and was transferred to a nearby hospital but is known to have left the hospital in stable condition, according to the official.



In April, the civic group claimed that Army Chief of Staff Gen Jang Jun-gyu ordered the military to hunt down homosexual soldiers. It said the military carried out a probe to find homosexuals and put some 40 to 50 soldiers on the list.



The Army, however, has denied the allegations, adding that the investigation met all due legal procedures.



Following the ruling, civic groups immediately expressed concerns and criticized the court's decision.



"This unjust conviction should be immediately overturned," said Roseann Rife, East Asia research director at Amnesty International in a press release. "No one should be persecuted based on their sexual orientation, activity or gender identity alone. What counts is their service not their sexuality." (Yonhap)




By Kim Se-jeong



A military court sentenced an army captain to six months of imprisonment suspended for one year Wednesday for sleeping with another male soldier.

The ruling drew quick condemnations from his lawyer and human rights groups.

The captain, whose name was undisclosed, collapsed in the courtroom after the verdict was read. Under the ruling, the captain is not obliged to spend time in jail physically as long as he shows good conduct during the next year. The man will be dishonorably discharged if he does not appeal the ruling.

Homosexual activity is illegal in the Korean military and can be punished with up to two years in prison if a soldier is caught having gay sex.

According to the Center for Military Human Rights Korea, the captain was arrested on April 17 after having sex outside the military compound. There was mutual consent between the two men.

"It's a ridiculous ruling," Kim In-sook, the captain's lawyer, told the Associated Press.












Rotary International provided help for 22 international couples  Korean men marrying women from Cambodia, Vietnam, the Philippines and China  in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, on Oct. 4, 2010. / Korea Times file



By Eom Da-sol

Seoul had Korea's highest international divorce rate in 2016.

According to the city's March report, among 17,700 Seoul couples who divorced last year, 1,600 (9.2 percent) were international couples  a Korean national married to a foreigner.

The divorce rate between Korean male and foreign spouse couples was 62 percent, compared with that of Korean women divorcing foreign husbands at 38 percent.

For Korean men, divorces from Chinese spouses topped the list at 59.7 percent, followed by Vietnamese wives (13.9 percent) and Japanese wives (5.3 percent). For Korean women, divorcing Chinese husbands accounted for the biggest proportion (46.7 percent), followed by Japanese husbands (21.8 percent) and American husbands (14.1 percent).

The Korean Statistics data showed that Jeju Island had the highest international marriage rate  9.4 percent. Seoul recorded 7.9 percent. A Jeju Island official said: "The region's comparatively high international marriage rate derives from the large foreign population and good living conditions compared to other provinces."

An official from Seoul's Gwanak District Multicultural Family Support Center said: "If people marry their foreign or Korean spouses without understanding their background, they will soon face big obstacles such as cultural differences, different social views and language barriers."
President Moon Jae-in wears the Dokdo eared seal tie during a press conference on Friday to announce Kim Yi-su as the new chief justice. / Screen captured from KBS news



By Lee Han-soo

President Moon Jae-in's tie featuring Dokdo eared seals has become a huge hit and has sold out in major online malls.

Moon wore the tie during a meeting with the major party floor leaders on Friday.

The tie received further public attention the same day when it was caught on camera during a press conference where Moon announced Kim Yi-su as the new chief justice.

A designer company made the tie to celebrate Korea's 112th anniversary of proclaiming sovereignty over the East Sea island in 2012.

The eared seal on the orange tie is a kind of sea lion that was commonly found on Dokdo in the 18th century. Japanese fishermen hunted the seals to extinction during Japan's colonial rule of Korea.

The tie is priced at 55,000 won ($48).
By Choi Ha-young





Hong Joon-pyo

Former Liberty Korea Party (LKP) presidential candidate Hong Joon-pyo made his bid to become the chairman of the main opposition party, Wednesday.

"Looking at the boundless wilderness here in Arizona, I refreshed myself and decided to make a new start," Hong posted on Facebook. "With a new mindset, I will dedicate myself to rebuilding liberal democracy in the Republic of Korea."

Hong's aides said he will return from the United States on June 4 and join the race for the chairmanship of the LKP. A party convention to elect its new leader and members of the decision-making Supreme Council is slated for July 3.

The LKP leadership race is expected to be a tough battle between Hong and loyalists of ousted former President Park Geun-hye.

Hong left for the U.S. after losing to Moon Jae-in of the Democratic Party of Korea in the May 9 election.

Hong once claimed the 24.03 percent of the votes he won in the presidential election show the public wants him to reform the LKP. However, the pro-Park faction has blamed him for the election defeat.

Since the election, Hong has actively commented on Moon and the LKP through social media. Last week, he described Park followers as "cockroaches," claiming they are making a shameless attempt to retake control of the party without taking responsibility.

Once Moon ordered a state audit of the Four Major Rivers Restoration Project carried out under conservative ex-President Lee Myung-bak, Monday, Hong defended the initiative. "This is no more than political revenge," he said.

In an attempt to distance himself from the far-right politicians, Hong has touted "neo-conservatism," while defining the pro-Park faction as "old conservatives." At the same time, he has called for the conservatives' unity, saying "the leftist administration is trying to annihilate the right wing."

To prevent the LKP's factional dispute from escalating, floor leader Chung Woo-taik declared Monday he will not run for the party chairman post. Since last year, the second-largest party has struggled to remove the traces of the disgraced ex-president, but the pro- and anti-Park factions are still exchanging barbs.
BEIJING, May 24 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will pay an official visit to Russia from Thursday to Friday, at the invitation of his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov, a foreign ministry spokesperson said Wednesday.

Wang will meet Russian leaders and hold talks with Lavrov during this visit, spokesperson Lu Kang said at a daily press briefing.

The two sides will make preparations for high-level visits and exchange opinions on international and regional issues of common concern, according to Lu.

"China and Russia will strengthen communication and coordination, based on the consensus reached by Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin, maintain the steady progress of bilateral ties, and contribute to world peace and stability," Lu said.
By Jun Ji-hye





Kim Young-woo

The National Assembly Defense Committee Chairman Kim Young-woo called on the Moon Jae-in government Wednesday to take a cautious approach in reviewing economic sanctions imposed on North Korea following a torpedo attack in 2010.

Kim, a Bareun Party lawmaker, warned that if the Moon government eases or lifts the sanctions, with the North showing no signs of changing its attitude, it will send the wrong signal to the country.

Kim made the comment in a news conference to mark the seventh year since the so-called May 24 Sanctions were slapped on Pyongyang in retaliation for the North's torpedo attack on the Navy corvette Cheonan, which killed 46 sailors.

"If the Moon government decides to lift the sanctions, there will be no way for the Assembly to stop it," Kim said. "But the government should take a cautious attitude in handling this matter after taking all aspects such as principles, international cooperation and national integration into consideration."

The Moon administration has been moving to resume humanitarian assistance to the North and civilian inter-Korean exchanges to end nearly a decade of frozen ties between the two Koreas under his two conservative predecessors.

One major obstacle in doing so is the May 24 Sanctions that banned all economic cooperation with the North and put aid projects on hold.












By Kim Rahn

President Moon Jae-in has been briefed on the trips made by his special envoys who have returned home after relaying his messages to leaders of three major countries and discussing urgent diplomatic and bilateral issues.

Moon had a meeting at Cheong Wa Dae Wednesday with the envoys: Hong Seok-hyun, who went to the United States, former Prime Minister Lee Hae-chan who traveled to China, and Rep. Moon Hee-sang of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) who visited Japan.

Two other envoys  DPK Rep. Song Young-gil in Russia and Sogang University professor Cho Yoon-je in the European Union and Germany  have not yet returned.

Expressing gratitude for their work, the President said he would work to develop what was discussed during their visits.

"We have had diplomatic vacuum for long following the political chaos (the impeachment of former President Park Geun-hye), and it seems your visits to the countries have filled up the vacuum at a stroke," Moon said.

"I think our messages about key issues, such as the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery and comfort women, have been properly heard."

Hong, who returned to Korea Sunday after meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump and other high-profile officials there, said he saw the chance for the two countries to produce a good result on the North Korea nuclear issue.

"The U.S. puts the issue on top of its diplomatic lists, so this can be a good opportunity to resolve the issue," Hong said.












Prime Minister-nominee Lee Nak-yon answers a question during a confirmation hearing at the National Assembly, Wednesday. / Korea Times photo by Shim Hyun-chul



Lee supportive of inter-Korean private exchanges



By Kim Hyo-jin

The opposition parties started a tough two-day confirmation hearing on Prime Minister-designate Lee Nak-yon, Wednesday, raising various allegations including one concerning his son's exemption from military service.

On the first day of the hearing, the main opposition Liberty Korea Party (LKP) and the minor opposition People's Party focused on pounding the minister nominee about alleged flaws involving his family members.

However, this ended up as a mere political offensive, according to commentators, with no particular grounds for the disqualification of Lee himself.

The nominee is expected to be endorsed without much difficulty, given the People's Party whose support base is the Jeolla region is less likely to veto the former South Jeolla governor when voting on the nomination, party officials said.

The 120-member ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) can meet the requirements to pass an endorsement motion, a majority of the 299 sitting lawmakers, with the backing of the 40-seat second-biggest opposition party.

Opposition lawmakers repeatedly put Lee on the defensive, accusing his son of evading military service in 2002.

"A shoulder dislocation is the most common practice used to evade military service. It's also suspicious that your son had made efforts to prove the poor condition of his body, voluntarily submitting hospital documents beforehand," said Lee Tae-kyu of the People's Party.

Lee responded by saying his son got a serious shoulder injury two to three months before the physical examination, and though he wanted to be re-examined later, it was impossible because he went through several operations for a pituitary tumor.












By Walt Gardner





South Korea is winning the battle but losing the war in education. At least that's what a survey of 540,000 15-year-olds in 72 countries found. When it comes to "life satisfaction," South Korean students posted an average score of 6.36 on a scale from zero to ten, which was far lower than the OECD average of 7.31.

What makes the results so troubling is that South Korea consistently ranks near the top on tests of international competition. Nevertheless, it's becoming increasingly clear that the stress caused by long hours of study and cutthroat competition to enter universities is having a negative effect on attitudes.

The question is whether high rankings that reflect cognitive outcomes are worth the price. If the United States is any indication, the answer is a resounding no. According to The New York Times, there is a "nationwide epidemic of school-related stress" that cuts across socioeconomic lines. For example, one in three teenagers said that stress has driven them to sadness or depression, with school being the single biggest cause.

Children in early elementary school are not immune. Doctors in the U.S. say this is a new phenomenon brought about by pressure to excel. As children mature, the pressure mounts. Ninety-four percent of counselors in American universities in a 2015 survey reported seeing increasing numbers of students with severe psychological problems.

Unless South Korea addresses the causes of the problem in its young people, it will eventually be faced with higher and higher costs in the form of disease and shortened life spans. Contrary to widespread belief, however, the choice is not between high life satisfaction or low academic rankings.

Finland serves as a case in point. Starting in 2001 with the release of the first results of the Program for International Student Assessment, Finland suddenly emerged out of nowhere to hold its own against the best East Asian countries. Since then, its students have consistently finished near the top on all tests of international competition, and yet its students enjoy learning.

Observers from other countries have flocked to Finland in an attempt to find out why. They've concluded that one of the reasons is that Finns let children be children. They believe that children learn best through play. Schools there have a mandatory 15-minute outdoor free-play break every hour of every day, regardless of the cold weather. Moreover, Finnish schools place great emphasis on cooperation, rather than competition. As a result, students feel as if they're part of an extended family.

That's the antithesis of highly structured schools in South Korea, where relentless competition unavoidably intensifies stress. It's little wonder that students express low life satisfaction. When peers are seen as barriers to personal success, the atmosphere resembles an arena.

Despite these observations, it's unlikely that what has worked so well in Finland will find similar success in South Korea. That's because tradition dies hard. But given the potential threat to the well being of the young in South Korea, it's worthwhile looking inward. Too much is on the line to do otherwise.





Walt Gardner writes the Reality Check blog for Education Week in the U.S. Write to walt.gard376@gmail.com.
By Park Yoon-bae





President Moon Jae-in appears to have made a successful debut as the nation's new leader despite having no transition period. It is good to see that he has gotten off to a good start by reaching out to the people.

Three days after his May 10 inauguration, he visited Incheon International Airport Corp. to meet part-time airport workers. He promised to put them on the regular payroll, as part of his campaign pledge to give regular job status to about 300,000 non-regular public workers.

Moon also instructed the government to offer proper compensation for bereaved families of two part-time high school teachers who died while helping students get out of the sinking ferry Sewol on April 16, 2014, in the country's worst maritime disaster.

I hope relevant ministries will soon recognize their sacrifice as the "death on duty" to honor their heroic act and noble cause. It is unfair for the authorities to deny the bereaved families of what they deserve for the loss of their loved ones just because they were part-timers.

Judging from what Moon has done for the last 15 days in office, he is a really new president who is much different from his predecessors, particularly the impeached former President Park Geun-hye.

Moon is apparently trying to set a new leadership style to better serve the people and the nation without resorting to authoritarian ways. He is also making efforts to communicate better with the public.

He humbled himself by visiting the headquarters of opposition parties to meet their leaders before his swearing-in ceremony.

He was also quick to invite floor leaders of the ruling and opposition parties to a luncheon meeting at the presidential office to seek their cooperation and a better relationship with the National Assembly in managing state affairs.

What Moon has done so far as the Chief Executive would have been unthinkable under any previous government. It is because both his supporters and critics highly appreciate his efforts to make good on his campaign commitment to reform and national unity.

The lineup of his presidential secretaries and Cabinet nominees, including Prime Minister nominee Lee Nak-yon, clearly shows that the new government is different from that of his conservative predecessors who filled the key posts with their loyalists.

One of the striking differences is the appointment of Cho Kuk, a progressive Seoul National University law professor and activist, as senior presidential secretary for civil affairs. It is the first time that anyone with no career as a prosecutor or a judge has taken over the powerful post.

The selection of Cho indicates Moon's strong will to firmly establish the rule of law by reforming the prosecution which has come under criticism for serving as the handmaiden to power.

Particularly, the rule of law is crucial to uprooting the deep-rooted evils and rebuilding the nation after Korea was hit by the massive corruption scandal involving ex-President Park and her confidant Choi Soon-sil.

Moon also named Hansung University economics professor Kim Sang-jo, better known as a "chaebol sniper," to take the helm of the Fair Trade Commission (FTC). He also appointed Jang Ha-sung, a Korea University professor advocating chaebol reform and shareholder activism, as presidential chief of staff for policy.

The two picks demonstrated that the new administration under Moon will push for drastic reform of family-controlled conglomerates, or chaebol, which dominate the economy.

Chaebol reform is urgently needed not only to break the corrupt ties between businesspeople and politicians, but also to promote inclusive growth and fair distribution of wealth.

It is impossible to completely break up conglomerates. We have to admit their contribution to the economic development of Korea. But the nation should overhaul chaebol's monopolistic market positions and unfair business practices.

The Moon government must take drastic measures to force chaebol to improve transparency and accountability, engage in fair competition, and ease the concentration of wealth in the hands of owner families.

The President will have to push for "economic democratization" so that small- and medium-sized companies can coexist with conglomerates and workers can have a fair share of the economic pie.

Moon can become a successful president as long as he avoids making the same mistakes that his predecessors committed. He needs to bear in mind that self-righteousness and arrogance is the No. 1 enemy of the top leader as seen in most former presidents.

I hope he will be a president who can sympathize with the people, tolerate criticism, embrace opponents and solve problems with dialogue and compromise.

Every citizen wants President Moon to keep his promise to usher in a new society in which all members will have equal opportunities, fair processes and righteous outcomes.
By Oh Young-jin





The United States doesn't have it. Nor does Korea.



Still, Cheong Wa Dae has insisted that Kang Kyung-hwa, now the first female foreign minister nominee, should have her adult daughter give up her American citizenship and switch to Korean.



An inquiry to the U.S. Embassy in Seoul came up with nothing of such restrictions.



"We have checked but it came with no such restrictions," an official told The Korea Times Wednesday. The inquiry regarded whether the U.S. legally requires a secretary of state nominee to have offspring hold American citizenship.













It is said that the U.S. is liberal in this regard with speculation that Melania Trump, the U.S. first lady, still holds her birth nation Slovenia nationality as well as U.S. citizenship that she acquired in 2006. Privacy stands in the way of confirmation.



The Foreign Ministry also said that there is no Korean law, either.



"We bar dual citizenship," a ministry official said. "At age 18, one has to pick one."



Foreign Minister nominee Kang has a 34-year-old daughter who chose American citizenship.



Announcing her nomination, the presidential office said that she agreed to have the daughter switch to Korean nationality. Kang said that she would talk to the daughter, while her husband told the media that they had the daughter's consent.



The "requirement" for the nationality switch is aimed at eliminating the room for partisan attack during the National Assembly confirmation hearing. At this age of globalization, such a demand looks silly and for the daughter, it has an element of human rights infringement.
Naver CEO Han Seong-sook speaks during a press conference at the company's Partner Square office in Haeundae, Busan, Wednesday. / Courtesy of Naver



By Yoon Sung-won



BUSAN  Naver is pushing to foster business platform operation for small enterprises and individual content creators by establishing support centers throughout the nation, the company said Wednesday.



Naver CEO Han Seong-sook pledged to boost the initiative to vitalize a bottom-up economic structure in Korea led by small businesses, instead of the top-down system controlled by major conglomerates.



"We have already witnessed that the so-called trickle-down effect led by large enterprises is not very effective. What we are attempting to realize is the foundation effect made by great individuals," Han said during a press conference in Busan, Wednesday.



"We believe that this is what Naver can do best. We promise to become a platform operator that facilitates entrepreneurs to start their businesses."



Toward that end, the nation's top internet service company launched its second Partner Square branch in Haeundae, Busan. The first Partner Square office was opened in Yeoksam-dong, Seoul, earlier in May 2013. The Yeoksam office is providing lectures on e-commerce, taxation and customer management for small business entrepreneurs for free.



Besides lectures and consulting, the Haeundae office also focuses on infrastructure support for video content creators. It has devices such as a 360-degree virtual reality camera, live broadcasting studios and audio rooms.



Last year, when Naver was led by former CEO Kim Sang-hun, the company said it would boost business platform operations for small businesses and individual content creators under a project it calls "Flower."



Han said the project aims at helping small businesses that are increasingly losing opportunities amid aggravating gentrification in highly populated areas such as Mapo, Seongsu and Mangwon in Seoul, through technologies.



"Until now, search engines offered most-read articles and best-selling products. We are introducing technologies to provide more personalized search results on everything. We would like to call it de-gentrification," Han said.



"As internet business platforms expand through technological advancement, more small businesses and content creators will be able to find business opportunities on the platform."



Naver said it will continue the initiative even if it hurts profitability. The company said the project will help it expand its database on e-commerce, especially in the online shopping sector.



Naver is planning to establish two additional Partner Square branches in Gwangju this year and in Daejeon by next year. Once the company opens the Daejeon branch next year, the Partner Square program will be able to attract some 100,000 small business owners and individual content creators under its network annually throughout the nation, Han said.



Naver said still only a few firms are actively using such platforms for their businesses although internet service providers try to expand online business platforms to lower the entrance barrier for small firms.



Citing a 2015 research project by Statistics Korea, the company said only 300,000 small businesses and content creators have registered their business information with online platforms such as Naver. This is 6 percent of the 4.79 million businesses in Korea.



Naver also said even fewer small businesses in non-capital areas are using online business platforms. It said 80 percent of the small businesses and content creators registered with its free online shopping startup platform Store Farm are in the capital region. Only about 50 percent of the nation's total self-employed business people are based in the metropolitan area.



"We believe that the Partner Square initiative can play a key role in settling the local gap in small businesses by providing them with resources for success," Han said.
By Lee Hyo-sik



Hyundai Engineering & Construction (E&C) has been sharing its knowhow and expertise with the developing world over the years to fulfill its corporate social responsibility (CSR) as a leading global builder.



The company has built vocational training centers in Southeast Asia to pass on its construction skills and knowledge to young students, contributing to the development of the construction industry there.



On Jan. 22, the builder opened the Hyundai-KOICA Dream Center at the College of Urban Works Construction in Hanoi, Vietnam, the second of its kind in the country.



In February 2016, Hyundai E&C opened its first such facility at Hanoi Industrial Vocational College, in cooperation with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and Hyundai Motor.



It said Vietnamese students looking for jobs in the construction industry are acquiring necessary skills through training programs the centers offer.



"We will continue to look for more opportunities to share our knowhow with young people in Southeast Asia and elsewhere," a company spokesman said. "In a close partnership with our affiliates and host countries, we would like to help empower communities. We plan to turn the Hyundai-KOICA Dream Center into our signature global CSR program."



While the first center has been covering courses on car repair and construction safety for 250 students, the second center offers an 18-month course on plant piping to about 100 students. It plans to add another program on welding construction to its curriculum in 2018.



"We plan to hire students completing courses at the two centers and dispatch them to our construction sites in Southeast Asia," the spokesman said. "We will screen 250 students scheduled to graduate this year from the first center at Hanoi Industrial Vocational College and recruit as many as possible."



Hyundai E&C, the construction unit of Hyundai Motor Group, also has vocational training centers in Ghana, Indonesia and Cambodia.




By Park Si-soo



Taiwan's top court ruled in favor of same-sex marriage on Wednesday, making the island the first place in Asia to recognize gay unions.

The Constitutional Court said the current civil code that does not permit same-sex marriages was a violation of two articles of the constitution of the Republic of China, Taiwan's official name. It said that authorities must either enact or amend related t laws within two years.

"The need, capability, willingness and longing, in both physical and psychological senses, for creating such permanent unions of intimate and exclusive nature are equally essential to homosexuals and heterosexuals, given the importance of the freedom of marriage to the sound development of personality and safeguarding of human dignity," the court said in its ruling.

Two of the court's 15 justices filed dissenting opinions and one recused himself in the case.












The Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) and Russias United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) on May 22 officially established a joint company, China-Russia Commercial Aircraft International Co., Ltd (CRAIC). The Shanghai-based corporation will be responsible for the development and manufacturing of a wide-body aircraft.

The company's establishment signals the official launch of the superjet project. According to the Global Times, the two countries have confirmed a serialized scheme of development and have already completed the preliminary definition of each aircraft index. The wide-body airliner will be equipped with 280 seats and will be able to cover a range of 12,000 kilometers.

Its assembly will be completed in Shanghai, and the research center will be located in Moscow, said Jin Zhuanglong, chairman of COMAC. He explained that specific arrangements are still being finalized, and each party has invested an equal amount.

Composite materials will be used for the wide-body jet, noted Yury Slyusar, chairman of UAC. The Russian side, which has accumulated rich experience in this field, will provide reliable technologies to ensure the smooth progress of the project.

Wide-body airliners occupy an important position in the global civil aviation market, noted Vladislav Masalov, vice president of UAC and president of Sukhoi Civil Aircraft Company.

Though wide-body jets account for less than 20 percent of the worlds total civil aircraft, they nevertheless account for half the value of all civil aircraft.

The Russian side predicted that there will come to be more than 7,000 wide-body airliners between 2023 and 2045, 15 percent of which will go to China. Five percent will go to Russia and the Commonwealth of Independence States.

The new wide-body jet will be developed on a new technology platform, saving 10 to 15 percent on cost compared with the Boeing 787 and Air Bus A350. Slyusar said the jet will likely make its maiden flight between 2025 and 2027.

Some Chinese netizens are calling the new jet C929. However, Masalov explained that the name of the aircraft has not yet been confirmed, and the decision must be discussed with COMAC.
Lee Dong Wook recently greeted his fans at Jakarta "For My Dear" tour. "My Girl" actor brought a lively atmosphere in the event, especially when a fan sent him a parody video of his performance with Gong Yoo in "Goblin".

Lee Dong Wook answered everything that fans have been curious about him, including what his next project is. According to Soompi, Lee Dong Wook is open to any upcoming project, whether it's a movie or a drama. However, he said that he currently wants to take part in another variety show like "Roommate".

Lee Dong Wook, who recently greeted his fans via V-App as per Allkpop, shared his impression about Jakarta. This isn't the first Lee Dong Wook came to Jakarta for a fan-meeting. In 2007, when his drama with Lee Da Hae became a hit in the country, he was invited by the TV station that aired "My Girl" in Indonesia for a fan meeting. He shared his personal photos from 2007's "My Girl" fan meeting event.

Gong Yoo's best companion on "Goblin" couldn't help to hide his big smile and laugh when a fan submitted a parody video of her favorite scene in "Goblin". Days before the show, the organizer asked fans to submit their favorite Lee Dong Wook's scene from "Goblin", and their favorite is none other than the hilarious scene between him and Gong Yoo trying out to use a smartphone for the first time.

The low-budget video was enough to put a big smile and laugh to Lee Dong Wook's face. To show his gratitude to a fan who has made the hilarious homemade video, Lee Dong Wook asked the lucky fan to go on a romantic cafe date, which obviously has made every other fan at the event jealous.

Lee Dong Wook concluded "For My Dear" tour in Jakarta with a special performance and a special video message from Indonesian fans.
BEIJING, May 24 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping said Wednesday that he hoped China-Germany people-to-people exchanges would advance bilateral ties and China-Europe relations.

Xi made the remarks in a congratulatory message to the first meeting of the China-Germany people-to-people exchange dialogue, held Wednesday in Beijing.

Hailing the long-lasting friendship and the deepened pragmatic cooperation since the two countries established diplomatic relations 45 years ago, Xi noted the bilateral ties had entered a mature development phase.

"Cooperation in people-to-people exchanges in recent years has pulled the hearts of the two peoples closer," Xi said.

Xi hopes that the China-Germany people-to-people exchange dialogue will help enrich communication, widen exchange and deepen cooperation between the two countries.
A ropeway in Southwest China, said to be the longest and highest in Asia, will stop operation once a bridge is built in the next few years, putting an end to the decades-long history of risky passages for residents living in surrounding villages.

Built in 1999, the Ying'ge ropeway near Yinggecun, Yunnan province is a shortcut for villagers to cross the 440-meter-wide valley and reach the outside world. Although there is a paved road, residents still use the ropeway because it's considerably faster.

Jiang Shixue, who originally proposed building the ropeway and has been serving as its operator for the past 18 years, recalled: It used to be hand-powered at the very beginning, and then it switched to a diesel engine. Thanks to the electric power introduced several years ago, a single ride now takes just five minutes.

However, when affected by severe weather or a power failure, the ropeway - which is suspended more than 250 meters above the raging Jinsha River - has to shut down for the sake of safety. Frequent passengers also complain about the uncomfortable riding experience in a swaying cable car.

Locals have been dreaming of crossing the valley on a bridge for years, and now their dream is becoming reality. A 385-meter-long concrete bridge is taking shape just 400 meters away from the ropeway. The main body of the two-lane bridge is scheduled to be complete at the end of this year, and it will be open to traffic in early 2018.

Yang Chaofu, the chief director of the bridge project, said that once it is complete, the bridge will not only put an end to treacherous crossings, it will also pave the way to a better life for about 80,000 locals, who will be able to deliver agricultural products into the hands of urban customers in a much safer, faster way than ever before.
Baku, Azerbaijan, May 24

By Anakhanum Hidayatova  Trend:

Azerbaijan and Jordan plan to further strengthen economic and trade relations, Jordans Ambassador in Baku Nassar Ibrahim Mohammad Al-Habashneh told Trend May 24.

As of today, more than 30 agreements and protocols were signed between the two countries, however, a lot of time has passed since the signing of these documents, and therefore, today there is a need to review all these documents, said the diplomat.

He noted that during the upcoming meeting of the intergovernmental commission, which is scheduled for the second half of 2017, the parties will be able to review all agreements and determine which obstacles stand on the way of development of trade and economic ties.

A business forum with participation of both countries entrepreneurs and investors is planned to be held as part of the upcoming meeting of intergovernmental commission, said the ambassador.

The two sides will be able to discuss the nearest and future prospects for cooperation, he added.

According to Al-Habashneh, during the meeting, the parties will also discuss the opportunities for creating joint enterprises, as well as the ways of strengthening relations between the state enterprises.

According to Azerbaijans State Statistics Committee, trade turnover between Jordan and Azerbaijan amounted to more than $3.62 million in the 1Q17.

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @Anahanum
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Baku, Azerbaijan, May 24

By Elmira Tariverdiyeva  Trend:

While terrorism by ISIS engulfs the Middle East, Armenian aggression against US ally Azerbaijan is largely neglected, reads the article published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch, the US online newspaper.

May 18 marks the 25th anniversary of occupation of Lachin district of Azerbaijan, the article said. After occupying the Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan on May 18, 1992, the Armenian units attacked and ethnically cleansed the city of Lachin, subsequently destroying hundreds of cultural facilities monuments. More than 63,341 Azerbaijani citizens living in 121 villages of Lachin district were driven out their homes as a result of the occupation. As per official statistics, 267 residents of Lachin were killed during the occupation.

District after district followed suit after Lachins occupation, resulting in the displacement of nearly 750,000 Azerbaijani civilians, according to the article.

Following the ceasefire agreement of May 1994, Armenians started an illegal mass resettlement program relocating Armenians from Armenia and abroad to Lachin district in order to change the demographic situation, reads the article.

According to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), as of April 2011, Armenians have illegally resettled 14,000 persons of Armenian origin to occupied Lachin district against all accepted international laws and norms, including the Article 49 of the 1949 Geneva Convention forbidding the occupying power to transfer parts of its own civilian population into occupied territories, the article said.

For justice to prevail, the US must exert pressure on Armenia to comply with UN Security Council resolutions and remove all Armenian military forces illegally stationed in Azerbaijan, allow return of Azerbaijani displaced persons back to their homes and condemn Armenian aggression against Azerbaijan, according to the article.

The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts.

The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts.
Baku, Azerbaijan, May 24

Trend:

The OSCE is expected to monitor the line of contact between Azerbaijani and Armenian troops on May 25, Azerbaijans Defense Ministry said May 24.

The monitoring will be held under the mandate of the OSCE chairperson-in-office personal representative along the line of contact in Azerbaijans Tartar district, the ministry said.

On the Azerbaijani side, the monitoring will be held by Gennady Petrica and Martin Schuster, field assistants of the OSCE chairperson-in-office personal representative.

On the Azerbaijani territories occupied and controlled by Armenian armed forces, the monitoring will be held by Simon Tiller and Mikhail Olaru, field assistants of the OSCE chairperson-in-office personal representative.

The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts. The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts.
Baku, Azerbaijan, May 24

Trend:

Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov has left for a working visit to New York, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry said May 24.

Mammadyarov will take part in an event timed to the 25th anniversary of Azerbaijans establishing relations with the UN.

The Azerbaijani foreign minister will also hold a number of meetings with UN officials within the framework of the visit.
After repeatedly soliciting the attendance of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Southern California air traffic manager Barry Davis, members of the Airport Noise Advisory Committee (ANAC) subcommittee were delighted to have his presence, knowledge and solutions at its May 17 meeting in Point Loma.

We hear your concerns and La Jolla is something that resonates with me, and we are going to do something when we can, Davis started, But folks, this is what we have, he said, referring to the growing number of noise complaints since the FAA enacted Metroplex, a system-wide change in how airplanes fly over cities across the country.

Bruce Bailey, Wooded Area representative, expressed content with the subcommittees session. We have made more progress tonight than in the past (few meetings) together, he said, seeking Davis presence at all the bimonthly meetings.

However, Davis politely declined the proposal explaining, Our commitment is going to be having a representative from the FAA in all meetings (who) brings back feedback.

Waypoints and Procedures

Also in attendance, flight path consultant Garry Boyce related the process of flight procedure design and approval to help representatives understand how they can better influence change and improve airplane noise in their communities. We have rules of the road that need to be followed, he said, If we want to make a procedural change, anything we design must meet the rules of the road and the engineering guidelines.

The rules of the road are a massive set of criteria compiled in several official documents that deal with standards for altitude, distance, energy, airplane separation, different air spaces, among other measurements. However, what these documents dont cover, are the nuisances to communities near airports. For that, an environmental study is needed.

(For Metroplex) the Feds didnt do a whole lot of environmental study because these were huge changes, he said. He then he went over some of the changes the ANAC subcommittee is studying to recommend to the Airport Authority, and said that small nudges would be easier to accomplish, where moving waypoints (intermediate points along airplane routes) or changing procedures could be a long, drawn-out process.

Nighttime Early Turns

As it was revealed during the April ANAC meeting, of the top five airplane noise events that garnered the most complaints January-March 2017, three were right turns over La Jolla, two of them after 10 p.m. Thats concerning to me because I want to make sure that if were making a right turn, is at a reasonable (place), Davis shared.

These planes have in common filing the ZZOOO departure route, which normally turns left after takeoff and heads south before heading east, but instead of going south theyre turning right after takeoff over La Jolla. Eventually, all these planes head to a waypoint called MTBAL in north eastern San Diego.

For Davis, the reason for clearing a pilot to turn right directly to MTBAL is separation. When theres traffic down there (or a slower airplane flying the ZZOOO departure), air traffic controllers make a conscious decision to go right over La Jolla. Do I like that decision? No, he clarified.

La Jolla representative on the ANAC subcommittee Chris McCann told La Jolla Light taking the right turn directly to MTBAL is quicker than following the ZZOOO departure. Its simple, efficient for the pilot. Unfortunately, it has the airplanes flying at 5,000 feet over La Jolla.

Davis said the FAA is working on solving this problem. What Im looking at is, can we develop a procedure that would allow us to have some night departure back into the ZZOOO? And were going to pursue it, but its not something we can do like that (snaps his fingers).

For McCann, that solution involves having the airplanes fly over the ocean longer before they go south to the ZZOOO departure route. This is one of these simple things that cost one or two more minutes in the air, at the risk of being a terrible neighbor, he said, adding that Davis had assured him post meeting that he had instructed air traffic control to watch the problem. There we are at least 20 (incidences) in April, (Davis) said he had been addressing this with his people since last month, and he hoped that we would see a decrease, so Im watching the data.

Landings over La Jolla Shores

The number of households complaining about air noise in La Jolla Shores rose to 12, according to information provided at the April ANAC meeting. Most of those complaints are, presumably, from airplanes that fly over La Jolla Shores in the COMIX landing procedure. The two crucial waypoints of this procedure are LNTRN and XMANS.

LNTRN, located off the Torrey Pines State Beach coast, sits 1,000 feet under the pre-Metroplex waypoint LCOVE. McCann asked Boyce what drove the altitude change from 9,000 to 8,000 feet above ground, because the difference in terms of noise is vast.

Boyce replied there are many stakeholders involved in the design of a flight path, and for a landing procedure like this, the design usually starts with the airplane touching ground, and then goes back. He ventured that this particular change could be because before (airplanes) were coming with a very high energy, if they come at a lower altitude (lower energy), thats easier to manage.

One of the change proposals the ANAC subcommittee is studying involves moving the XMANS waypoint to the I-805 and CA-52, where as North Pacific Beach representative Alan Harris explained, the airplanes wouldnt bother anyone.

Boyce noticed that to make the change planes would have to fly over Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, That would trigger a quick look at environmental process. Is there an environmental reason why we cant fly more planes there?

Bird Rock and the PADRZ

Another hot area for noise complaints within La Jolla, and the first area to notice the changes, is Bird Rock. McCann said that the cause of the problem in this area isnt any deviations, but airplanes flying to the (PADRZ) procedure, he said. Wherever theyre headed, theyre going out to the PADRZ, theyre paralleling the coast for a long times, ringing with noise the whole area.  It seems like a simple solution for that particular problem would be (to go back to the former waypoint) 0.5 miles off the coast.

Boyce suggested getting together a group of stakeholders, including Miramar Airport, to look into what that change might look like and if its possible.

Whats Ahead

The Airport Noise Advisory Committee (ANAC) next meets 4 p.m. Wednesday, June 21 at a place to be announced. Look for meeting agendas at bit.ly/AirportMeetings

Congress member Scott Peters former ANAC rep moved on to another job, so Kiera Galloway, whos been his field rep in La Jolla and Bird Rock for the past two years, was appointed to the board.

San Diego Airport Authority recently switched to a different system for logging complaints. To submit a noise complaint, visit bit.ly/SDFlightTracker
The Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial will honor Gold Star Families at its 2017 Memorial Day Ceremony, 2-3 p.m. Monday, May 29 at 6905 La Jolla Scenic Drive South in La Jolla.

The Gold Star first made an appearance during World War I after being placed over a service flags blue star when a service member was killed in combat. The Gold Star signified the familys pride in the loved ones sacrifice rather than the mourning of their personal loss.

Captain Howard C. Warner III, a native of San Diego and current Commanding Officer of Naval Base Point Loma, will give the keynote address. He is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, has had a distinguished career in submarines, and served with multiple commands in support of global operations.

Last years event was attended by over 1,000 patrons and visitors this year are encouraged to arrive early.

The Mt. Soledad Memorial Day ceremony will include music by Marine Band San Diego, Marine Corps Recruit Depot Color Guard and a Fly By conducted by San Diego Performance Team Aircraft, which will cross over the Memorial, executing the traditional Missing Man Formation.

The Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial is considered one of the most unique veterans memorials in the United States. It is the only one honoring veterans, living and deceased, from the Revolutionary War to the current War on Terror. Plaques include a picture of the veteran with a summary of their military experience.

Marie and Dominick Addario are sponsors of this years Memorial Day event.

 For more information, visit soledadmemorial.com

Miramar National Cemetery event

About 600 active duty, veterans and their families are expected to attend the Veterans Memorial Service open to the public, 1-2 p.m., Sunday, May 28 at Miramar National Cemetery, 5795 Nobel Drive, just west of the Marine Corps Air Station, off Miramar Road and I-805 in San Diego.

Brig. Gen. Russell A. Muncy, commander, March Air Reserve Base, will be the featured speaker. Muncy recently was selected as vice-commander of the 4th Air Force, a command with Reserve units nationwide.

Music will be provided by Westwind Brass Ensemble, bugler Roy Zanni, and bagpiper John Forrest. Miramar National Cemetery Support Foundation is sponsoring the event. Free parking for the public will be on cemetery streets.

 Find more details at cem.va.gov
Baku, Azerbaijan, May 24

By Elmira Tariverdiyeva  Trend:

While the worlds attention was absorbed by President Trumps address to Muslim leaders in Saudi Arabia offering Americas partnership to its allies and calling for rejection of radical ideologies, another major international event was concluding in a different predominantly Muslim nation, Azerbaijani Ambassador to the US Elin Suleymanov wrote in his article published by Huffington Post.

To be more specific, the Republic of Azerbaijan just hosted the Fourth Islamic Solidarity Games in the capital city of Baku this month, the article said. Following the newly established pattern, the opening and closing ceremonies in Baku, an increasingly frequent destination for significant sport and cultural events, offered a colorful, spectacular and, more importantly, a meaningful, show.

In addition to the stunning visuals, the ceremonies focused on Islamic traditions of learning, science and inclusiveness, a welcome message in the world full of divisions, the article said.

According to the article, the 2017 Solidarity Games follow the inaugural European Games held in Azerbaijan in 2015 and, along with the annual Formula One Azerbaijan Gran Prix, indicate Bakus emergence as a regional convening center.

This should not be surprising, the article said. Standing right at the heart of the historic Silk Road and the cross-roads of civilizations, Azerbaijan established the first ever republic in the Muslim world in 1918 and granted equal voting rights to all its citizens, including women and minorities.

With its heritage of tolerance, diversity and inclusiveness, Azerbaijan is home to centuries-old Christian, Jewish and Zoroastrian communities and temples, the article said. Today, Azerbaijans emphasis on promoting inter-cultural dialogue and bringing different cultures together, among other things, by sharing its own experience and hosting the Baku Forum of the worlds religious and cultural leaders.

As the sadness envelopes the globe following the treacherous attack in Manchester, a necessary and a timely response would be to empower young women internationally and to provide equality in education and employment, the article said.

Even more symbolic is that the organizing committees for both the European and the Islamic Solidarity Games were led by Azerbaijans First Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva, the article said.

According to the article, through her leadership, Mrs. Aliyeva secured the success of these major events in Azerbaijan and inspired young women to pursue greater opportunities in their lives.

Therefore, long before the United States reiterated its call to Muslim friends to take concrete steps in order to curtail the spread of intolerance, Azerbaijan has been working diligently to bridge divides and to promote equality, the article said. In partnership with the United States, Europe, Israel and other Muslim nations, Azerbaijans initiatives provide exactly the example of capitalizing on a strategic location and celebrating diversity that is so eagerly sought globally.
An attorney representing the estate of a Lake Geneva woman who was struck and killed on Edwards Boulevard in December said he is in the process of investigating the facts in the incident.

Attorney Chris Duesing of Habush, Habush & Rottier, Lake Geneva, said he cant comment on his investigation into the traffic death of Samantha L. Norris at this time or where it might lead.

In a notice of circumstances of claim issued to the city, Duesing notes that the crosswalk button was pulled out of the traffic light standard and dangling by a wire.

The notice reads in part:

 (T)he call button/crosswalk button on the traffic light standard at the intersection where Samantha L. Norris was crossing was in a state of disrepair and dangling by a wire from the traffic light standard.

The city of Lake Geneva is responsible for the installation, inspection, maintenance and/or repair of the aforementioned call button/crosswalk button.

 (T)he city of Lake Geneva  was negligent as to the installation, inspection, maintenance and/or repair of the  call button/crosswalk button.

As a result, claims Duesing, the city was negligent and that led to Norris death.

The city council rejected the notice at the May 8 council meeting.

Duesing said the notice was issued this month to cover any deadlines for making notice of claim.

Mayor Al Kupsik and City Administrator Blaine Oborn said that the traffic signals in the city have a fail-safe mechanism. When the crosswalk button is disabled, the traffic light flashes the walk signal when the red light stops cross traffic without activating the button.

In fact, said Oborn, pedestrians get the walk signal longer when the fail safe is activated.

Norris, 29, was crossing Edwards Boulevard south of State Highway 50 in the early evening of Dec. 27, 2016, when she was struck by a car driven by Mark G. Mogan, 50, of Hebron, Illinois. Mogan is also a sergeant on the Lake in the Hills, Illinois, Police Department and, according to the village of Hebron website, a trustee on the Hebron Village Board.

Norris was a 2007 Badger High School graduate. At the time of her death, she was working in food service at Grand Geneva Resort.

Mogan refused a Breathalyzer test and a blood test.

He was arrested by Lake Geneva police for causing injury by intoxicated use of a vehicle and was taken to Walworth County Jail.

He was later released after posting $5,000 cash bond.

Mogan was not charged criminally in the accident.

According to an earlier Regional News story, in a March letter to the Lake Geneva police, Walworth County District Attorney Zeke Wiedenfeld wrote that he made his decision after a full review of the police reports, crash reconstruction, lab test results, recorded statements and photographic evidence.

Mogan, Wiedenfeld wrote, was traveling about 40 mph in a 35 mph zone, meaning that speed did not play into the crash and would not factor into any potential charges.

Furthermore, Wiedenfeld wrote, Norris walked into the crosswalk when the dont walk symbol was on and oncoming traffic had the green light.

An examination of Mogans phone revealed that he was not talking or texting on his phone leading up to the crash, Wiedenfeld continued.

Wiedenfeld did acknowledge that Mogan drank two 22-ounce beers with dinner before the crash, but he said that the results of the blood test showed he was below the 0.08 legal limit at the time of the collision.

However, Wiedenfeld did initiate civil action against Mogan for refusing the Breathalyzer and blood test.

During a February hearing, Judge Phillip Koss determined that Mogans refusal to take the tests was not reasonable.

On Feb. 15, the judge ordered that Mogans drivers license be revoked for one year, that he complete a mandatory alcohol assessment with counseling and that he drive with an interlock device for a year following the revocation.

According to a March 31, 2017, story in The Chicago Tribune, on the same day Koss issued his ruling, Mogan renewed his Illinois drivers license.

He also returned to duty with the Lake in the Hills Police Department.

The Illinois Department of Transportation did not revoke Mogans drivers license until April 8, and only after the Tribune faxed Mogans Wisconsin traffic records to the Illinois DOT.

Whether he will be required to take the alcohol assessment with counseling or have to have an interlock on his car is still unknown, Wiedenfeld said.

Wiedenfeld said that once the judge made his decision, the case became an interstate issue between the two transportation departments. He said his office is no longer involved in the case.

Asked if the Norris estate is considering a civil injury case against Mogan, Duesing said he had no comment.
Badger High Schools ProStart Team restaurant and culinary arts team cooked up a first at state competition and served up a pretty impressive showing at the national competition, as well.

The team works in two parts.

The culinary team does the cooking.

The management team comes up with a restaurant concept, right down to the menu, prices for the food and interior design.

This years culinary team was Anthony Walton, Melanie Schintgen and Liz DAuria, all seniors. The management team consisted of seniors Kelli Conder and Everett Black and junior Cloe Acup

The culinary team took a first in state and took 12th in a field of 48 culinary teams at the national ProStart competitions. The management took second in state and eighth of 42 teams at the national level.

The ProStart nationals were in Charleston, South Carolina, from April 27 to May 1, said Angela Yager, Badger culinary teacher. The state competition, with 23 teams, was in Milwaukee on March 13.

Two butane burners are all a culinary team is allowed to heat its entree entries in the state and national competitions. No electricity, running water or kitchen conveniences are allowed, said Melanie.

All of the food has to be prepared by hand, she said.

The three-member Badger team had to assemble a three-course meal consisting of an appetizer, entree and dessert in just an hour under the constant scrutiny of a team of food service professionals, who judged the team on taste, skill, team work, safety and sanitation.

This year, Badger culinary teams state-winning menu was titled Asian Inspirations.

According to team member Liz, the students researched Asian cuisine to come up with the menu.

The meal consisted of a starter course of seared sea scallop, sweet potato carrot ginger puree, pan-fried quail egg and honey garlic eel sauce.

The entree was Gojuchang-spiced pork belly-stuffed squid, sesame Chinese long beans, vegetable sticky rice and Gojuchang sauce. The dessert course was a key lime matcha tart, coconut whipped cream, poached nashi pear and spun sugar.

Gojuchang is a red chili paste native to Korea.

Matcha is a Japanese green tea powder, used for cooking and drinking. Nashi pears, sometimes called Asian pears, are large, rounded and quite sweet.

Quail eggs are about half the size of a chicken egg and are considered a delicacy in many parts of the world - its just not that common around here. Liz said the team arranged to buy the eggs from an Asian grocery in Chicago.

On the management side, Everett said that the team went with a traditional American breakfast restaurant with an Indian twist.

Called Homespice Kitchen, the restaurant was to be located in a town called ProStartville.

The judges provided the imaginary towns demographics and set a population of 130,000.

The management team had to come up with a restaurant concept that could be successful in that market.

However, Cloe said she thought the concept would work in Lake Geneva, as well.

Yager said this is her fourth year teaching culinary arts at Badger and her second year in the ProStart program.

She said David Ross, executive chef at the Lake Lawn Resort, Delavan, has been the chief mentor to the Badger program for the past 10 years.

Ross works with the students three times a week from January through April, Yager said.

Badger principal Russ Tronsen built the Badger culinary arts class when he was the culinary arts teacher and started the ProStart teams to compete at the state and national levels.

He really developed the program, Yager said of Tronsen. I just have to keep it going.

Yager said competition in the ProStart program provides students with access to scholarships through both Badger and university schools of culinary and food sciences.

Students said they were impressed with the national competition.

Liz said she was especially impressed that the team was taken to the competition by limosine.

The trip to the national competition was paid for by the Wisconsin Restaurant Association, which is a member of the National Restaurant Association.

ProStart is a program through the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation.

ProStart provides a curriculum that covers culinary techniques to management skills.

The program involves about 140,000 students in more than 1,800 high schools.
Chicago folks will not be able to buy their Chicago hot dogs in Flat Iron Park.

The Lake Geneva City Council on Monday rejected a request by former Chicagoan Greg Powers to set up a small hot dog food cart in the park this summer.

Powers first brought his request before the Lake Geneva Board of Park Commissioners on March 1.

Powers said his cart would not move and would dispense skinless Vienna Beef hot dogs along with the cold condiments that go into building a traditional Chicago hot dog.

He also said hed sell chips and canned soda from the cart.

The park board listened to Powers informal proposal. And while no one on the commission spoke out against his plan, he was warned that the city council had been less than welcoming to carts selling food in the parks.

And with good reason.

When Powers proposal went before the councils Public Works Committee on May 16, Alderman Bob Kordus, who chairs the committee, said the city has an ordinance that bans commercial sales in the city parks.

Food and refreshments can be sold in the parks, but only nonprofits may do it for special events.

The public works committee recommended that the request be rejected by the council.

However, hot dogs may still have their day.

On April 17 Lake Geneva Plan Commission recommended that the city council approve a conditional use permit for Nicolas Carone of Gilberts, Illinois, to allow him to open a hot dog stand at 272 Broad St., the former location of Global Hands.

The proposed restaurant would occupy the eastern portion of the building with counter seating for 18 guests. An outdoor patio at the corner of Broad and Geneva Streets would provide seating for about 16 more guests.

Carone told the commissioners in addition to hot dogs, the restaurant would also serve hamburgers, Polish sausages, bratwurst and chorizoes.
Honoring Cesar Chavez

Op Ed by Ruben Martinez, Ph.D.

Cesar Chavez died near his hometown of Yuma, AZ on April 22, 1993 at the age of 66. Chavez was in San Luis, AZ to assist UFW attorneys defend the union against a lawsuit brought by Bruce Church Inc. (BCI), a giant California-based lettuce and vegetable producer.

Eastern Michigan University's 12th annual Cesar Chavez celebration

YPSILANTI: Eastern Michigan University is the most diverse university in Michigan, which it holds as a defining and singular strength. As part of that, EMU is proud to host various events throughout the year that celebrate all races, cultures and ethnicities.

Por: Isabel Flores, corresponsal La Prensa

DETROIT, MI: La Comision Nacional de Libros de Textos Gratuitos (Conaliteg) cuenta en su portal de internet con el acervo digital de todos los libros de texto gratuitos para el ciclo escolar 2019 - 2020. El catalogo puede consultarse en la direccion: http:/libros.conaliteg.gob.mx De esta manera, los ninos podran mantenerse entretenidos con informacion en su propio idioma y estar al dia con sus materias, mientras se encuentran en casa por la contingencia.

Census 2020: Todos Debemos ser Contados
Baku, Azerbaijan, May 24

By Anakhanum Hidayatova  Trend:

Israeli Ambassador to Azerbaijan Dan Stav paid an official visit to the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, the Israeli Embassy in Baku told Trend.

During the visit, the diplomat held a meeting with Chairman of the Supreme Assembly of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic Vasif Talibov, and the sides discussed potential cooperation in agriculture, water management, health care, tourism and education spheres.

The ambassador also met agriculture and health care ministers, as well as vice president of Gemikaya Holding, one of the largest companies operating in Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, and the sides discussed the possibilities of expanding and strengthening bilateral relations.

During the visit, Ambassador Dan Stav together with Health Minister of Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic Niyazi Novruzov got acquainted with the Nakhchivan Central Hospital.

The ambassador also delivered speech to the students of Nakhchivan State University.
PRESS RELEASE

9/11 Families for Justice Chair Strada Requests Trump Demand Saudis Take Responsibility for Attack

May 23, 2017 (EIRNS)9/11 Families and Survivors United for Justice chair Terry Stradas May 12 letter to President Trump prior to his trip to Saudi Arabia, first published by Breitbart News on May 20, has become international news, covered by RT and the U.K.s Daily Express, among others.

Strada expressed the families continuing gratitude for President Trumps support for the passage of JASTA (Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act) during the Presidential campaign, which "was essential" to its passage.

"As you know, Saudi Arabia is a defendant in our lawsuit because of the involvement of its agents in supporting the 911 hijackers, and for support that flowed to al Qaeda from proselytizing institutions that the Saudis established and funded to spread a radical form of Islam that lies at the root of al Qaeda. The Saudis continue to REFUSE TO ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY for their actions... [emphasis in original],"

she continued.

"We fully expect that the Saudis will try to convince you to betray the 9/11 families," and agree to their demands to "modify" JASTA so that it excludes the Saudis, Strada specified. "Would you please make it very clear to the Saudis that you will never support any weakening of the 9/11 families legal rights?" And, second,

"the Saudis need to hear directly from you that Americans do not appreciate being manipulated by propaganda and fake news peddled by foreign agents."

She cities the mid-May Associated Press story on Saudi Arabias $1.3 million-per-month campaign to buy veterans into lobbying against JASTA.

Strada told the Daily Express that
May 23, 2017 (EIRNS)Asked today about President Donald Trumps remarks on Iran while in the Middle East, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov replied, as reported by TASS wire service:

"Tackling any problems, including those we see in the Middle East and Northern Africa, will be possible only on the inclusive basis. This implies the need for all ethnic, religious and political forces of any country concerned, be it Syria, Iraq, Yemen or Libya, to participate in each particular case.

"It also applies to the need for the involvement of all external actors who one way or another influence the situation on the ground. To a full extent, this also refers to Iran and to what has to be done to settle the Syrian crisis.

"The International Syria Support Group (ISSG) focuses precisely on the principle of inclusiveness, the principle of involving all external actors, and Iran is in the nucleus of this group.... The Astana process is also based on the principle of inclusiveness, considering that Russia, Turkey and Iran have come up with an initiative of a direct inter-Syrian dialogue with the participation of the government and the armed opposition.

"In this trio, Turkey also acts as a representative of some Persian Gulf Arab states, including Saudi Arabia and Qatar. The ministers of these countries confirmed during their visit to Moscow that Turkey also represented their approaches at the Astana venue. The fact that the Astana format and the decision on the ceasefire that was reached late last year, guaranteed by Russia, Turkey and Iran, was approved at the UN Security Council, demonstrates quite vividly the attitude of the international community to this situation."
PRESS RELEASE

Macron To Meet with Putin in France on May 29

PARIS, May 23, 2017 (Nouvelle Solidarite)While the entire country is currently mobilizing for the June 11-18 legislative elections, and the domestic policies are just beginning to come into being, newly-elected French President Emmanuel Macron is rapidly moving to define his territory in the international arena. Clearly, the European dossier and the Franco-German relations are, at this point, his top priority, and he made his first trip to Germany to confirm that choice.

Through Xi Jinpings and Putins initiative, however, the urgent questions of peace and the international order have come knocking at his door very quickly. While Xi Jinping made a point to invite Macron personally to come to the Belt and Road Forum in Beijing, Putin is doing his best to repair the terrible relations that developed between Russia and Macron during the Presidential election.

The day after the election, on May 8, Putin first congratulated Macron on his election and called upon him "to go beyond the mutual distrust" and to "unite forces to ensure the stability and security internationally." Again on May 18, on Putins initiative, both presidents had a telephone conversation and agreed on that occasion "to work together on international and regional questions, including the fight against terrorism."

Today a meeting between both presidents was announced for next Monday May 29. A most appropriate historical event, the inauguration of an exhibit at the Great Trianon of the Versailles palace, celebrating the 300th anniversary of Peter the Greats coming to France in 1717, has been taken as the occasion to organize this meeting! "The development of Franco-Russian relations in all areas, will be at the heart of the discussions," stated the Kremlin in a communique. Russias Ambassador in Paris, Alexander Orlov is very vocally promoting those contacts. "Macron is a very intelligent, realistic, pragmatic man," he said last Friday in a speech to French business leaders. "With him we have better chances to progress than before.... We will be able to return to the relations we had with Francois Mitterrand."

The Atlanticists are already beginning to panic and rationalize all this by saying, as did the Russian expert at the French Institute of International Relations Thomas Gomart, that "this meeting has come up quite soon," but that it is only happening after a trip by Macron to Berlin and after the NATO summit (on Thursday this week) and the G7 meeting over the weekend. He believes "its a message that underlines that the French priority is Germany and the European project."
Amazon will open its seventh bookstore on Thursday in New York, the companys first brick-and-mortar location in the home city of Americas publishing industry.

The 4,000-square-foot store, near the headquarters of publishers Penguin Random House, Hachette and Simon & Schuster, held a soft opening on Tuesday, Publishers Weekly reports.

The New York Times toured the store with Jennifer Cast, the vice president of Amazon books. We call this a physical extension of Amazon.com, she said. We incorporate data about what people read, how they read it and why they read it.

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She said each stores inventory is tailored to the tastes of local customers, as is the case in Amazon Books six other locations in California, Illinois, Massachusetts, Oregon and Washington.

We are excited to be here and learn about our New York customers, Cast said.

Amazons first New York store is at the Shops at Columbus Circle in Manhattan, just southwest of Central Park. The company plans to open another physical location this summer across from the Empire State Building, and a store in nearby Paramus, N.J., is also in the works.

Like Amazons other locations, books in the New York store are displayed face out, limiting the number of titles in stock. In addition to books, the store sells a range of Amazon electronic devices, like their Kindle e-readers and Echo smart speakers.

Amazons foray into New York is likely to alarm the citys independent bookstores, like Housing Works, the Strand and McNally Jackson, many of which are near the Columbus Circle store and the planned 34th Street location.

Indie booksellers blame Amazon for the decline of smaller bookstores, most of which are unable to offer the deep discounts that Amazon can provide.

The website Recode published photographs of Amazon Books New York store, including one of a display that recommends books to customers based on what they might have read before. If you like J.D. Vances Hillbilly Elegy, for example, the store urges you to buy Matthew Desmonds Pulitzer Prize-winning Evicted.

Recode writer Dan Frommer was less than enthusiastic about the bookstore. Really, it just feels like a normal mall bookstore, he writes. Theres no cafe, not really anywhere to sit and read, nothing special about the fixtures, a very boring magazine selection and a collection of books that feels blandly standard  not the sense of opinionated curation youd find at a boutique like Brooklyns new Books Are Magic.

At the website Quartz, writer Thu-Huong Ha was even more critical, writing, [W]hile the physical store succeeds as an ad for a Prime membership, it fails to be joyful, or even effective, as a bookstore.

Los Angeles readers will soon have a chance to decide for themselves whether Amazon Books is a winner. Later this year, Amazon will open a physical bookstore in an upscale Century City shopping mall. Amazon already has a bookstore in San Diego, and plans to open locations in Walnut Creek and San Jose.
We wanted a lot of light in the space, says Bea Koch from one of the baroque, Victorian couches that form a makeshift living room in the center of the Ripped Bodice, Americas sole romance-only bookstore, which she owns with her sister Leah. Romance is hidden a lot, and this store is not hiding anything.

The high-ceilinged space is located behind an unapologetically pink storefront in downtown Culver City, and contains dozens of surprisingly specific subgenres of romance and erotica, curated and organized for its audience. Chicago natives Bea and Leah Koch, sisters who opened the shop on March 4, 2016, after raising more than $90,000 on Kickstarter, conceived of the Ripped Bodice as a safe, sex-positive, feminist space where fans of the genre (or the romance-curious) can browse and commune without fear of feeling judged  something theyve encountered in general-interest bookstores.

The Kochs are not only devoted, voracious romance readers themselves, but astute observers and critics of its routine, often out-of-hand dismissal.

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No other genre has to defend itself as much as we do, says Leah. At 24, she is the younger, and wears a sprig of small white flowers behind her ear. Bea, 27, in clear-framed glasses, pets Fitzwilliam Waffles, a one-eyed rescue dog of possibly Pomeranian stock lounging on the cushion between them. (Fitzwilliam, if youll recall, is Mr. Darcys first name.) It extends beyond just what romance novelists are writing. Its also about how they present themselves, Bea says, and how theyre seen in the larger literary world as this kind of side show.

The interior of the Ripped Bodice in Culver City (Katie Falkenberg / Los Angeles Times)

Not so at the Ripped Bodice, where romance is the main event. Historical romance, shelved chronologically by the era in which the book is set, includes Georgian, Regency and Gilded Age; contemporary houses cowboys, suspense and bikers and tats; there are sections for LGTBQ and romances in Spanish; a romance adjacent wall for books such as Sarah Waters Tipping the Velvet and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichies We Should All

Be Feminists; and in the back, erotica and paranormal romances. While vampires were popular at the apex of the Twilight franchise, says Bea, after that moment we moved to shifters. Shifters? Think werewolves but with a wider taxonomy. There can be a werepanther, or a werebunny, says Leah. Theres a hedgehog one, she adds with delight.

For customers with less specific proclivities  or newbies to the genre  both Bea and Leah are happy to offer guidance. Leah estimates that eight out of 10 customers leave with a title the sisters have personally recommended, and they encourage first-timers to stay within their comfort zone. You need to read something that is like what you already like to read, says Leah. If you love history, its not going to be vampire romance for you.

What they wont recommend: a story without a happy ending, because, according to the definition established by the Romance Writers of America, that wouldnt be a romance. (The other criteria being, of course, a central love story.) If you call it a romance and then one of the people dies at the end, you are a lying liar who lies, says Leah, and her sister laughs.

Leah cuts to the chase, Bea says. Leah is the more outspoken of the two, Beas replies more measured. When I ask what plans they have for the shop, Bea riffs on the possibility of curating a mini Ripped Bodice inside independent bookstores nationwide. Leah says simply, World domination.

Family photos sit framed around the Ripped Bodice bookstore in Culver City. (Katie Falkenberg / Los Angeles Times)

In addition to owning a business together, the sisters share a home nearby; framed pictures of themselves as children decorate the store walls. Both Kochs grew up devouring romance novels; Bea received her masters at NYU with a thesis titled Mending the Ripped Bodice. The decision to open a romance bookstore came after Bea visited Leah at USC.

Leah was driving me to the airport and we were talking about like, Oh, what should we do with our lives?, says Bea. They began to consider the idea of selling romance novels because those are the only books we read, says Leah, who describes the next moment as a record scratch  we should only sell romance novels. A quick Google search found only one bookstore of the kind  in Australia. When you think of a good idea, says Leah, and Bea jumped in to finish her thought: You know.

Part of the storefront display of the Ripped Bodice bookstore in Culver City. (Katie Falkenberg / Los Angeles Times)

Romance, which includes erotica like the mega-selling Fifty Shades trilogy, accounted for 34% of the U.S. fiction market in 2015, according to Nielsen BookScan/PubTrack Digital. In 2013, BookStats estimated that romance earned $1.08 billion in sales. Romance is a juggernaut of publishing. We keep the lights on at most major publishing houses, says Leah. Thats the general line  that romance is really whats paying the big advances that [literary] fiction writers get, Bea explains. People are so wedded to this idea that its something to be made fun of, she says, that theyve missed a business opportunity.

The sisters are frustrated by criticism that romance creates unrealistic expectations. This idea that romance readers are so bamboozled that they expect that theyll fall in love with a duke is so offensive, says Bea. Similarly, like any other literature, genre fiction can tackle more serious themes. Abusive parents or alcoholic ex-husbands or miscarriages, says Leah, youre going to see all of that because all of those people are deserving of love, and romance is about giving happy endings to people who are deserving of love.

A corner of the Ripped Bodice in Culver City. (Katie Falkenberg / Los Angeles Times)

The Ripped Bodice hosts a monthly comedy show (Romantic Comedy) and book club, as well as author readings. The Kochs prioritize working with female-owned businesses: a tank top for sale proclaims I am the heroine of my own story. Because Bea and Leah were already a part of the market they tapped into, they created the kind of business they wished they had for themselves. Leah describes the store as unabashedly catering to women.

Ill start with the bathroom, she says. Youre always gonna find diapers, tampons, pads and hair ties. The space has become a haven for local romance writers who use [the store] like a coffee shop, says Bea, setting up their laptops where they please. Rebekah Weatherspoon, author of At Her Feet, and Sarah Kuhn, author of Heroine Complex, are regulars. If someone has already made the decision to buy Rebekahs book, says Leah, she then points her out; a customer visiting from Atlanta got the welcome surprise of a personal, one-on-one signing.

To judge from the extensive and thoughtfully curated shelves of the Ripped Bodice, it may seem as if theres a romance novel for everyone, but although the sisters priority is to carry as diverse a selection as possible, the source material does have limitations.

A detail inside the Ripped Bodice bookstore in Culver City. (Katie Falkenberg / Los Angeles Times)

The publishing industry is not representative of the world and they need to work harder to do that, says Leah. People who are not straight, white and Christian are not adequately represented in romance novels, especially those being released by major publishing houses. Publishers, she ventures, havent had the experience where a young Asian woman walks into our store and sees a cover with an Asian woman on it and freaks out. The Kochs have witnessed readers finding themselves on the cover of a romance novel  for the first time  firsthand.

Its some variation of the question: Do you have a romance about someone like me? says Leah. Whether that is, Im Jewish, or Im in a wheelchair, or Im black, or Im Muslim, or Im a lesbian, or Im pansexual, or Im transgendered or Im whatever. A lot of times the answer is yes, but you only have one option. Strides are being made, she says, but its slow. I wish I had 10 options for you  but right now I only have one.

I ask if, in addition to their hopes for greater inclusivity, they foresee any trends in the genre. Their answer solidifies the growing sense that, whether or not youre a romance fan, its an interesting lens through which to consider the greater milieu.

Protest romance, says Leah.

Ive seen people talking about their investigative journalist projects on Twitter, adds Bea. Leah nods in agreement. Her prediction for the next romantic heroes and heroines? Its gonna be like, the people from the national parks, she says.

The Ripped Bodice storefront in Culver City. (Katie Falkenberg / Los Angeles Times)

agatha.french@latimes.com

@agathafrenchy
The Department of Health and Human Services seemed mightily pleased with a statistic it issued Tuesday. The agencys figures showed that premiums on the Affordable Care Act exchanges doubled from 2013 through this year.

This might not sound like good news for the people buying their coverage on those exchanges, but to HHS it was vindication. This report is a sobering reminder of why reforming our healthcare system remains a top priority of the Trump administration, agency spokesperson Alleigh Marre said.

Actually, its a sobering reminder of something completely different: the Trump administrations stunning dishonesty about the ACA. Thats shown by the HHS statistic in two ways. First, the agency cherry-picked its time frame to make the premium increases under the ACA look much worse than they are. Second, the agency ignored the effect of Obamacares subsidies, which for many buyers has reduced the premium increases to zero.

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Decisions are based on an applicants medical history, [and] the overall risk the applicant poses.  Pre-ACA Blue Shield of California rejection guidelines

When Marre states that the data show that Americans are paying nearly $3,000 more for health insurance per year, thats deceptive. The HHS report acknowledges that its using pre-subsidy prices, but only in a footnote to one chart in the report, in very small print. In other words, its deliberately hiding the truth.

Lets take a closer look at the report, which is based on premiums in the 39 states using the federal governments healthcare.gov website to enroll residents in ACA plans.

Well start with the time frame. HHS artfully compares 2017 premiums with 2013 premiums. But thats not even comparing apples with orangesits more like comparing apples with gruel. The 2013 market was pre-ACA, the year before the laws mandates for benefits and protection for pre-existing conditions kicked in.

These were very different markets. In 2013, insurers could reject individual insurance applicants for even trivial glitches in their medical histories, impose steep surcharges on those with pre-existing conditions, or issue policies that excluded those conditions from coverage. Hundreds of conditions made it onto insurers rejection or surcharge lists, as this typical guide from Blue Shield of California showsit runs to 25 pages. Coverage decisions are based on an applicants medical history, [and] the overall risk the applicant poses, the guide states.

Thats not even to mention conditions that almost no policies covered, such as maternity. Prior to the ACAthat is, in 2013only 12% of policies in the individual market covered pregnancy and childbirth, surely among the most common medical conditions of women aged 18 to 45. As of 2014, maternity benefits were required of every individual policy by law.

In other words, the 2013 market was profoundly cherry-picked. Premiums were lower because insurers chose the youngest and healthiest customers they could find. In some states as many as one-third of all applicants were rejected, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. And thats almost certainly an underestimate, because many people with medical conditions didnt bother to apply because they knew theyd be rejected.

The 2013 market also was rife with policies that ACA analyst Charles Gaba rightly labels effectively garbagehealth plans that were little more than discount cards with limited applicability or plans with so many exclusions they offered buyers virtually no protection.

Starting in 2014, those stratagems were outlawed on the individual market. Insurers in any given region had to accept almost all applicants at the same premium. (They could surcharge smokers and charge older customers slightly more than younger.) Of course average premiums would rise, since insurers no longer could exclude risks. But for millions of Americans, health coverage was obtainable for the first time.

Not only that, policies in 2014 and beyond were much more useful than their predecessors. They could no longer include annual or lifetime benefit caps, and they had to cover maternity and nine other categories of benefitssignificantly richer coverage, in the view of Loren Adler and Paul Ginsburg of the Brookings Institution. Some buyers, notably younger people and those with no adverse medical history, had to pay more on average, but for many more the change was a boon. Theres simply no reasonable way to compare the premiums of the average individual market policies before the Affordable Care Act regulations kicked in to those sold since then, Gaba observes.

The agencys report acknowledges this too, but very quietly, noting that its analysis does not account for the fact that the overall populations enrolling in the individual market in 2017 are different from those enrolling in 2013among other things, theyre older and less healthy.

The HHSs own figures show that the bulk of the premium increases took place in the changeover from 2013 to 2014, when the entire market was revolutionized. For 2014, average premiums jumped about 24.5%, according to HHS figures. Recalculating the premium change under Obamacare alonethat is, from 2014 to 2017one finds that average premiums rose a total of 39.5%. Thats comparing apples to apples, and it gives the lie to the Trump administration claim that Obamacare premiums doubled.

During that time frame, in fact, individual market premiums rose at roughly the same rate as they did during some periods in the pre-ACA era. In 2008-2010, for example, individual market premiums rose at a compounded rate of 36% (following annual increases of 9.9%, 10.8%, and 11.7%).

That brings us to the second deception in the administrations reportthe subsidy effect. An average of 85% of customers in the 39 healthcare.gov states are eligible for subsidies, which shelter them from the premium increases, reduce the effective increases to zero, or in some cases even yield lower rates. Thats because the subsidies are designed to rise in tandem with premiums.

Sometimes the subsidies even outpace premiums, especially if buyers shop around each year to find cheaper plans. In Arizona, for instancea state whose eye-popping 116% premium increase for 2017 is regularly hauled out by Obamacare critics as a marker of the laws failurethe subsidy increased 428% for low-income buyers in their 20s and 270% for families of four.

HHS acknowledges in a footnote to a chart in its report that the data do not take into account premium tax credits. One might ask, Why not? since the subsidies are an inextricable part of Obamacare.

The reason, plainly, is that including the subsidies would destroy the administrations argument for repealing the law.

Its proper to note that treating the revolutionary change from 2013 to 2014 as an apples-to-apples comparison was a favorite stunt of Obamacare detractors from the inception of the exchange market. The HHS report even links to some of their work from 2014, even though the methodology has been thoroughly debunked.

Nor is this the only example of the Trump administrations cherry-picking. Kevin Drum of Mother Jones caught them at it just this week in their budget document, in which they attacked the Obama administrations record on investment growth by incorporating the deep recession that began in 2008, before Obama took office.

All that underscores how little the figures coming out of this White House can be trusted. The only question is whether theyre being shameless, showing incompetence, or lying. Well leave that for you to judge.

Keep up to date with Michael Hiltzik. Follow @hiltzikm on Twitter, see his Facebook page, or email michael.hiltzik@latimes.com.

Return to Michael Hiltziks blog.
Fox News once again found itself at the center of a media storm Tuesday as it retracted a story pushing a right-wing conspiracy theory that a Democratic National Committee staffer may have been killed because he provided emails to WikiLeaks.

The story had been heavily promoted by popular Fox News host Sean Hannity, who said he is trying to find the truth about the July 10 unsolved killing of Seth Rich. On his show Tuesday night, Hannity expressed sympathy for the Rich family but criticized the liberal effort to silence him.

I am not going to stop doing my job, he told his viewers.

Tuesdays events highlighted the chaotic environment at Fox News, which 21st Century Fox Co-Chairman Rupert Murdoch has been managing since July, when he and his sons ousted the late founder of Fox News, Roger Ailes, amid a sexual harassment scandal. Federal investigators are examining whether the company properly disclosed payments made to settle complaints of harassment against Ailes.

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The conservative cable news channel is also still reeling from the loss of its other star anchor, Bill OReilly, who was ousted last month after reports that several women had been paid a combined $13 million to settle claims of sexual harassment and verbal abuse. OReilly denied any wrongdoing.

OReillys departure has taken a toll on Fox News, which is showing signs that it may be losing its perch as the dominant force in cable news. Last week, Fox finished behind CNN and MSNBC among viewers ages 25 to 54, the demographic most important to advertisers who buy commercial time on the network. Fox News has not finished third in that category for a full week since Dec. 28, 2008, when the murder trial of Casey Anthony was a dominant cable news story for MSNBC and CNNs sister channel, HLN.

Fox News has suffered major blows, said Judy Muller, a journalism professor at USC and a former television correspondent. Bill OReilly was huge. He was one of the major personalities of our time, and in his absence Fox is scrambling.

Its too soon to say whether the loss of OReilly will continue the ratings decline for Fox, which has been the perennial ratings leader since 2002. Analysts also blamed the stream of negative headlines for President Trump about his campaigns alleged collusion with Russia and the firing of FBI Director James B. Comey.

Last week, MSNBC won all five weekdays over CNN and Fox News in prime time, according to Nielsen data. The NBC-owned network led by The Rachel Maddow Show, now the No. 1 show in cable news with an average of 2.9 million viewers last week, became the go-to destination for viewers transfixed by the unfolding White House scandal.

The story is having the opposite effect at Fox News, where conservative commentators were more skeptical about the significance of the leaks related to Trumps handling of Comeys dismissal.

The sheer cascade of events last week that made Trump look so bad, it was simply too much for that audience and they didnt want to tune in to the news last week, said Jonathan Klein, a former president of CNN. Fox News better hope that thats the case.

Ratings held up for the most part in the first few weeks after Fox replaced OReilly at 8 p.m. Eastern time with Tucker Carlson and moved its late-afternoon panel show The Five to 9 p.m., followed by Hannity at 10 p.m. But Carlson lost last week to Anderson Cooper as CNN broke developments in the story.

Klein believes the Fox audience probably missed OReilly, who would have been able to make the Trump-Russia story more palatable for Fox viewers by explaining it rather than dismissing it as media hysteria as the channels hosts often did last week.

Fox News correspondents from Washington appeared on The Five to report developments on the White Houses problems with Russia and Comey, only to have the shows irreverent co-hosts, Jesse Watters and Greg Gutfeld, mock the storys significance (Watters called it a boring scandal.)

Bill was able to pull off the image of a guy who called them as he saw them and could make sense of a bewildering world for Fox News viewers, Klein said.

Hannitys program remains a strong audience draw at 10 p.m., but his willingness to push a story that his own network has retracted may not help the networks credibility. The retracted story said an FBI forensics examination showed Rich leaked work emails to WikiLeaks before he was fatally shot. Police have said they believe the killing was a botched robbery.

The Fox News story on Rich followed an initial story that first ran May 15 on Fox 5 DC, a local news station. That story cited Rod Wheeler, a private investigator looking into the killing, in which he said he had sources at the FBI confirming there was evidence of communication between Rich and Wikileaks.

But Fox 5 later amended the story to say that Wheeler had backtracked his statements.

In a statement, Fox News said, The article was not initially subjected to the high degree of editorial scrutiny we require for all our reporting. Upon appropriate review, the article was found not to meet those standards and has since been removed. 

In an opinion piece published Tuesday on the Washington Posts website, Mary and Joel Rich said conspiracy theories about their sons killing are baseless, and they are unspeakably cruel.

There are people who are using our beloved Seths memory and legacy for their own political goals, and they are using your outrage to perpetuate our nightmare, they wrote. We ask those purveying falsehoods to give us peace, and to give law enforcement the time and space to do the investigation they need to solve our sons murder.

Hannity, who earns more than $10 million a year, did not discuss the Rich story further Tuesday night out of respect for the familys wishes. But he made no apologies. He told viewers that he will continue to keep trying to find the truth and will stay on at Fox for as long as they seem to want me.

Media Matters, a liberal watchdog group, criticized Fox News.

Just retracting the one online story hardly undoes the damage Fox News  and specifically Sean Hannity has done by pushing baseless conspiracy theories about Richs death, the group said.

Media Matters also published a list of his shows advertisers to put pressure on the network to drop Hannity. Dozens of advertisers fled The OReilly Factor after allegations of sexual harassment  a move that ultimately pressured Fox News into firing OReilly.

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Earlier in the day, Hannity tweeted defiantly to his 2.37 million followers: IMPORTANT! Mediamatters is trying to silence me, get me fired, pressure my advertising on radio & TV. Liberal Fascism. I need your help!!

The conservative firebrand has repeatedly cited tweets made by Kim Dotcom, the founder of the piracy website Megaupload, who has said that Rich passed DNC emails to WikiLeaks. I knew Seth Rich. I know he was the @WikiLeaks source. I was involved, Dotcom tweeted Saturday.

The Internet entrepreneur currently resides in New Zealand and is wanted by the FBI regarding piracy activity. WikiLeaks didnt comment on the source of the material, but the site, run by Julian Assange, has offered a $20,000 reward for information leading to a conviction in the murder of Rich.

stephen.battaglio@latimes.com

Twitter: @SteveBattaglio

Times Staff Writer Meg James contributed to this report.

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Two weeks before the Democratic National Convention in July, Democratic National Committee staffer Seth Rich was shot and killed in his Washington neighborhood. His family and Metropolitan D.C. police have said his death was the result of a botched robbery. But conspiracy theories have circulated in right-wing and conservative social and news media spheres fueling unsubstantiated rumors that Rich's killing was political in nature.

Ten months later, the unsolved homicide and the conspiracy theories attached to it reached their biggest audience yet when they aired on Fox News, bringing fringe speculation about Richs death into the mainstream.

Heres how the rumors took off.

Seth Rich is killed

Before dawn, 27-year-old Rich spoke to his girlfriend, Kelsey Mulka, over the phone as he walked home from a bar. Just days before, Hillary Clinton s campaign had offered him a new job that would bring him to New York.

As the couple talked, Mulka heard voices on the other end. Rich abruptly ended the call.

Then gunshots rang out.

There had been a rise in street robberies that summer in the northwest D.C. neighborhood of Bloomingdale. Some blamed a lack of lighting surrounding a vast construction project that had turned much of the area into a dark maze. Residents were troubled.

When police got to the scene, they found Rich had been shot multiple times, and his credit cards, wallet and watch were still on him. He was later pronounced dead at a hospital.

Police ruled his death a homicide  an attempted robbery turned deadly.

But questions loomed.

"There had been a struggle. His hands were bruised, his knees are bruised, his face is bruised, and yet he had two shots to his back, and yet they never took anything," Rich's mother, Mary, told NBC shortly after his death.

With no suspects or witnesses to the crime, it remained one of 65 unsolved cases in the District of Columbia that year.

Julian Assange fuels conspiracy rumors

Our sources take risks, WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange said in an interview with a Dutch television program, just after addressing Richs murder.

When asked if he was implying that Rich was a source for WikiLeaks, which on July 22 released thousands of emails from DNC accounts  centering around Clinton, her campaign and the DNC's treatment of Sen. Bernie Sanders  Assange cryptically responded.

We dont comment on our sources, he said. We have to understand how high the stakes are on the case.

Julian Assange seems to suggest on Dutch television program Nieuwsuur that Seth Rich was the source for the WikiLeaks-exposed DNC emails and was murdered.

The comments fueled a growing conspiracy theory on Twitter, and later on message boards Reddit and 4chan that Richs death was connected to the DNC. Despite police statements and Richs family concluding that his death was the result of an attempted robbery, the rumor spread within the same circles that churned out the bogus PizzaGate story  a theory that a Washington, D.C., pizza parlor was at the center of a child sex-trafficking operation that involved Hillary Clintons campaign manager, John Podesta .

WikiLeaks has stated that it doesnt confirm or deny whether any person has ever been a source as a matter of policy.

But the site has offered a $20,000 reward for information leading to a conviction in Richs slaying.

Republican lobbyist offers his assistance to Rich family

After police came up empty-handed in solving Richs case, Republican lobbyist Jack Burkman offered his public relations services, pro bono, to Richs family. He increased the reward for information to $130,000 and plastered posters throughout the Bloomingdale neighborhood and its surrounding areas that asked Do you know who murdered Seth Rich?

In late November, he held a joint news conference with Richs family.

None of us can solve this. Only you can solve this, Burkman said. Its only through the media that this can be solved.

When asked to address the conspiracy theories about Richs slaying, it was clear that Burkman and the Rich family were on different pages.

There is no politicization here. There are no ulterior motives here. There is no conspiracy theory here. This is a genuine attempt to get to the facts of the case, Brad Bauman, a spokesperson from the family, said.

But Burkman contradicted.

I dont believe theres much evidence of a robbery.

Richs father, Joel, interjected.

There are signs of a struggle, he said. Theres no other evidence to show anything else.

Richs father tries to quell conspiracy theories

Six months after his sons death, Joel Rich tried to dispel the rumors that followed Assanges statements.

Anyone who knew Seth knew that wasnt the way he would have handled the problem," he told Fox News. "He would not go outside the system.

Rich continued to reiterate what police and his family had said before, that his son was in the wrong place at the wrong time.

There are all kinds of scenarios, but until something else is proven, these are just scenarios, he said.

Burkman pushes another conspiracy theory

Conspiracists theorized that the Clinton campaign and the DNC were connected to Richs slaying. Burkman didnt believe that the Clinton campaign was involved in Richs death. But he did think someone, beyond random robbers, was behind it.

During an interview with the local Fox News affiliate, Burkman said he was approached by a man he believed to be the first credible lead in the case.

Seth discovered that the Russians had been hacking [the DNC], and therefore the Russian government did away with Seth, Burkman theorized.

Meanwhile, the Rich family distanced themselves from the lobbyists statements. Richs brother Aaron set up a GoFundMe page in an attempt to raise money for the investigation into Richs slaying, seemingly separate from Burkmans initial funds.

Mass media publications, retractions

On May 15, Fox 5 DC  the local Fox News affiliate  aired a story that cited Rod Wheeler  a man claiming to be a private investigator in Richs death. Wheeler said he had evidence that Richs slaying was connected to the DNC. Fox 5 DC said it corroborated the claims with an unnamed federal investigator who said an FBI analysis of Richs computer showed he had transferred more than 44,000 DNC emails to someone connected with WikiLeaks.

The national Fox News website prominently featured the local report, and Sean Hannity gave the story attention on his show that same night.

But a law enforcement official said the FBI wasnt involved in Richs case, and Wheeler walked back his claims.

The Rich family called for Fox, both local and national, to retract the stories. Though the local affiliate did so two days after the story aired, the national news network waited one week, until Tuesday.

By then, former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich had already discussed the unsubstantiated claim on Fox and Friends, citing it is as proof that Russia was not involved in the DNC email leak.

We have this very strange story now of this young man who worked for the Democratic National Committee, who apparently was assassinated at four in the morning, having given WikiLeaks something like 23,000  Im sorry, 53,000 emails and 17,000 attachments. Nobody is investigating that. What does that tell you about what was going on? Because it turns out, it wasnt the Russians. It was this young guy, he said.

And Hannity refused to stand down.

I am not Fox.com or FoxNews.com. I retracted nothing, he said on his nationally syndicated radio program Tuesday.

Hannity refuses to back down

Hannity insisted there was more to Richs death, despite his network pulling its initial report. He continued to cite tweets made by Kim Dotcom , the founder of the piracy website Megaupload, who has claimed that Rich passed DNC emails to WikiLeaks.

I knew Seth Rich. I know he was the @WikiLeaks source. I was involved, Dotcom tweeted on Saturday.

Dotcom issued a statement on his website Tuesday elaborating on his claims, saying that in 2014, he was contacted by an individual going by the name Panda who said he was working on voter analytics tools and other technologies that would be useful in starting a branch of the Internet Party in the U.S.

I now know that Panda was Seth Rich, said Dotcom. He added that he communicated with Panda on a number of topics including corruption and the influence of corporate money in politics.

Dotcom said he believes a full statement should be provided to the authorities and I am prepared to do that so that there can be a full investigation.

Hannity  a Trump booster and quasi-advisor during his presidential campaign  has also been a longtime critic of the medias coverage of Russias possible collusion with the Trump campaign. Like Gingrich, he implied that Richs death is bigger than that issue, which has dogged Trumps young presidency.

This issue, its so big now that the entire Russia collusion narrative is hanging by a thread, he said on his radio show.

If in fact, take Seth out of it, there was a whistleblower within the DNC, a truth-teller that actually [was] the source for WikiLeaks, and not Russia, working with the Trump campaign, these are questions that I have a moral obligation to ask. And I will do the mainstream medias job, like I have most of my career.

Rich family calls for end to conspiracy theories

As Hannity tweeted out conspiracy allegations surrounding Richs death and stood by his assertions on radio and T.V. broadcasts on Tuesday, Richs parents penned a Washington Post op-ed titled Were Seth Richs parents. Stop politicizing our sons murder.

In it, they addressed the unknown factors surrounding their sons death.

The circumstances of what happened next are still unclear. We know that Seth was abruptly confronted on the street, that he had been on the phone and quickly ended the call. We also know that there were signs of a struggle, including a watchband torn when the assailants attempted to rip it off his wrist. Law-enforcement officials told us that Seths murder looked like a botched robbery attempt in which the assailants  after shooting our son  panicked, immediately ran and abandoned Seths personal belongings. We have seen no evidence, by any person at any time, that Seths murder had any connection to his job at the Democratic National Committee or his life in politics. Anyone who claims to have such evidence is either concealing it from us or lying.

They pleaded with media and online commentators to stop fueling conspiracy claims.

Conservative news outlets and commentators continue, day after painful day, to peddle discredited conspiracy theories that Seth was killed after having provided WikiLeaks with emails from the DNC. Those theories, which some reporters have since retracted, are baseless, and they are unspeakably cruel, the wrote.

On his show Tuesday night, Hannity said he would respect the Rich familys wishes and refrain from discussing the case, with the caveat, for now.

But he doubled down on his belief that theres more to Richs death than what police, and Richs family, have already said.

I promise you I am not going to stop doing my job. I am not going to stop trying to find the truth.

Times staff writer David Ng contributed to this report.

Questions? Comments? Tweet @cshalby or email colleen.shalby@latimes.com.

UPDATES:

1 p.m.: This article was updated with additional information about the crime scene and comments from Seth Richs parents on what was found and what they were told.

This story was originally published at 11:10 a.m
Baku, Azerbaijan, May 24

Trend:

Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Elizabeth II has sent a congratulatory letter to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev.

It gives me great pleasure to send Your Excellency my congratulations on the celebration of your National Day, together with my best wishes for happiness of the people of Azerbaijan in the coming year, Queen Elizabeth II told Ilham Aliyev in her letter.
Members of the Writers Guild of America have voted overwhelmingly to ratify the new three-year contract that was approved by the unions leadership this month after a nail-biting round of negotiations with the major Hollywood studios.

The guild said in an announcement Wednesday that of the 3,647 votes cast, there were 3,617 yes votes, or 99.2%, versus 30 no votes, or less than 1%. There were 9,441 eligible voters. The new contract covers the period May 2, 2017, through May 1, 2020.

Negotiators for the WGA reached a tentative agreement with studios in the early hours of May 2 after a cliffhanger series of talks with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, the bargaining organization that represents major Hollywood studios, networks and independent producers.

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The negotiations focused on issues of compensation and benefits, with writers arguing that their incomes have declined in recent years as TV series have moved toward shorter seasons. The guilds employer-funded health plan was also facing mounting deficits.

The WGA said earlier this month that the new agreement secures $65 million more in health plan contributions from employers as well as increases in minimum pay and residuals from streaming TV services such as Netflix and Amazon.

On Wednesday, WGA, West President Howard Rodman said in a statement that the new contract was due to a highly engaged and dedicated membership, working in tandem with a tireless and informed negotiating committee and an extraordinary guild staff.

The Directors Guild of America ratified its new three-year contract in January. SAG-AFTRA, which represents actors, was expected to begin negotiations with studios this month.

david.ng@latimes.com

@DavidNgLAT
A Star Is Born: Morgan Freeman turns 80 today By Los Angeles Times Staff (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times) I like to play characters who are the absolute opposite of me. I think the farther you get from yourself, the more fun you have because the real you is hidden away. Those are the kind of parts where you can become totally empty and let the character fill you up. Thats what I look for -- a role that gives me a chance to be someone completely different.  Morgan Freeman, 1993 FROM THE ARCHIVES: No Sweat: Morgan Freeman Slides Into the Directors Chair Facebook

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Chloe Grace Moretz addresses body-shaming controversy over Snow White movie By Josh Rottenberg (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times) Actress Chloe Grace Moretz has long been known as a strong voice when it comes to issues of feminism, whether its over-sexualization of female characters or equal pay for women. Now shes speaking out against the marketing campaign behind one of her own projects. Moretz went on social media Wednesday to address criticism that marketing for the animated film Red Shoes and the 7 Dwarfs  an updated tweak on the Snow White story, with Moretz as the voice of the classic fairy-tale character  engages in body-shaming. I have now fully reviewed the [marketing] for Red Shoes, I am just as appalled and angry as everyone else, this wasnt approved by me or my team, the actress wrote. According to the website of the South Korean animation studio behind the film, its story centers on a Princess who doesnt fit into the celebrity world of Princesses  or their dress size. When she puts on a pair of magical red shoes, she instantly becomes skinnier. The films synopsis promises an empowering message in which Snow White learns not only to accept herself, but to celebrate who she is, inside and out. But the films trailer and other marketing materials have been blasted as fat-shaming. Plus-size model Tess Holliday took to Twitter to criticize a billboard for the film that appeared at the Cannes Film Festival, where Red Shoes was seeking distribution, that suggested that the less svelte Snow White was no longer beautiful. How did this get approved by an entire marketing team? Why is it okay to tell young kids being fat = ugly? @ChloeGMoretz pic.twitter.com/PVhgwluGTM  Tess Holliday  (@Tess_Holliday) May 30, 2017 Hearing the complaints about the films tone-deaf marketing, Moretz agreed  and told her more than 3 million followers so in a pair of tweets. I have now fully reviewed the mkting for Red Shoes, I am just as appalled and angry as everyone else, this wasn't approved by me or my team  Chloe Grace Moretz (@ChloeGMoretz) May 31, 2017 Pls know I have let the producers of the film know. I lent my voice to a beautiful script that I hope you will all see in its entirety https://t.co/IOIXYZTc3g  Chloe Grace Moretz (@ChloeGMoretz) May 31, 2017 Even as she apologized, she promised that the marketing doesnt represent the complete picture and the films ultimate message is a far more positive one than initial impressions may suggest. The actual story is powerful for young women and resonated with me. I am sorry for the offense that was beyond my creative control https://t.co/HZP2ydPCAX  Chloe Grace Moretz (@ChloeGMoretz) May 31, 2017 Facebook

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Singing tween ventriloquist from Americas Got Talent is the cure for what ails you By Christie DZurilla Had enough outrage? Heres the cure for what ails you, courtesy of Americas Got Talent. Take a deep breath, exhale slowly and witness one Darci Lynne Farmer, a 12-year-old singing ventriloquist from Oklahoma City, who on Tuesday night got the Golden Buzzer from AGT judge Mel B for a performance that exuded unadulterated joy. Armed with bunny-puppet pal Petunia on lead vocals, Darci Lynne delivered a surprising version of Summertime for her audition. She ended up earning a ticket straight to the competitions live shows. You made my heart melt, said Mel B, who Darci Lynne later dubbed the best Spice Girl. I believe that that rabbit is a real separate person, judge Howie Mandel said. I love you. I believe youre gonna go far. You just changed your life tonight, young lady. https://t.co/VZmgRXv4PZ  Darci Lynne (@ItsDarciLynne) May 31, 2017 Facebook

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John Legend makes case to take canceled drama Underground elsewhere By Nardine Saad (Katie Falkenberg / Los Angeles Times) John Legend is making a case for the recently canceled TV drama Underground to be picked up by other content providers. The Oscar-winning musician, who is an executive producer and played abolitionist Frederick Douglass on the Underground Railroad-centered show, rallied fans to give it a second life when cable broadcaster WGN America announced Tuesday it would be canceling the series after two seasons. The network has been scaling down its investment in original programming as part of a deal that its parent company, Tribune Media, made with conservative-leaning Sinclair Broadcast Group Inc. Sinclairs purchase of Tribune gives it control of more than 200 local TV stations and WGN America. The shift was not lost on Legend, who fired off a series of tweets to promote the content brought forth by Underground and its creators, Misha Green and Joe Pokaski. WGN America has been bought and is going a different direction strategically. We will find a new home for Underground! he tweeted, adding, Content wins. Were not reliant on a particular network to make great content. Were so proud of our show and the audience that supported! Legend, who has made no secret about his liberal politics, cautioned fans to be wary of Sinclair and claimed that theyre trying to make local stations mini Fox Newses that lean even further to the right. He completed his plea by asking followers to feel free to drop some hints to the network/streaming services you want to pick up #Underground. Show them who will be watching! View Instagram post Despite Underground being a terrific and important series, it no longer fits with our new direction and we have reached the difficult decision not to renew it for a third season, Peter Kern, president and CEO of Tribune Media, said in a statement. It is our hope that this remarkable show finds another home and continues its stories of courage, determination and freedom. Sony Pictures Television, the studio that produces Underground, is said to be trying to find it a new home. See The Times roster of new, returning and canceled series here. Facebook

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Liam Gallagher plays new music at Manchester benefit show By August Brown In the wake of the terrorist attack outside an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester, scores of artists joined forces to raise money for the victims. Among them was Liam Gallagher, the former singer and frontman for the citys most beloved rock band, Oasis. Gallagher played a benefit show for the bombing victims on Tuesday at the O2 Ritz Manchester. At the show, his first as a solo artist, he played several new songs, including the single Wall of Glass, which you can watch above. It was a preview of his forthcoming solo LP, As You Were. (Previously, Gallagher fronted the post-Oasis rock band Beady Eye.) For Oasis fans, he played several classic tracks, including Be Here Now with Oasis guitarist Paul Bonehead Arthurs and an a cappella take on Live Forever. Facebook

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CNN fires Kathy Griffin from New Years Eve show over controversial Trump picture By Christie DZurilla (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times) Kathy Griffin is out of a job at CNN. The cable network on Wednesday terminated its agreement with the comic, who for years has co-hosted its New Years Eve program with Anderson Cooper, after a photo of Griffin holding a bloody, severed head in the likeness of President Trump went viral on social media. The image, taken by photographer Tyler Shields, elicited strong criticism from liberals and conservatives alike. Griffin apologized for the gory image in a 30-second video posted online Tuesday night. I beg for your forgiveness, Griffin said in the video. I went too far. Trump denounced the image Wednesday, calling it Sick! and saying Griffin should be ashamed. CNN has terminated our agreement with Kathy Griffin to appear on our New Year's Eve program.  CNN Communications (@CNNPR) May 31, 2017 Facebook

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Lebanon officially bans Wonder Woman from theaters By Josh Rottenberg If you live in Lebanon, Wonder Woman wont be coming to a theater near you anytime soon. On Wednesday, the country officially banned the superhero film just hours before it was set to arrive in theaters. The ban followed an effort by a group called Campaign to Boycott Supporters of Israel, which urged the Lebanese governments Ministry of Economy and Trade to block the film because its star, Gal Gadot, is Israeli. News of the ban, which had been the subject of speculation since Monday, was announced on social media by Lebanons Grand Cinemas and Campaign to Boycott Supporters of Israel. Lebanon has had a contentious relationship with the state of Israel for decades and has an official law on the books that encourages boycotts of products from its neighbor to the south. Israeli citizens and anyone whose passport shows theyve traveled to Israel are prohibited from entering Lebanon. Earlier films featuring Gadot, including Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and Furious 7, have successfully screened in theaters in Lebanon, however. Batman v Superman, which introduced Gadots Wonder Woman, was the third biggest hit at the box office in Lebanon last year. And, as has been pointed out, Wonder Woman was, in fact, made by three companies based in America and two based in China, so calling it an Israeli product is debatable. But, on its Facebook page, the Campaign to Boycott Supporters of Israel complained that Gadot had served two years in the Israeli Defense Forces (national military service is mandatory for Israeli citizens over 18) and boasted about the army training her for Hollywood. Wonder Woman lands in American theaters on Friday and, fueled by overwhelmingly positive reviews, is expected to perform strongly. Read our recent profile of director Patty Jenkins, in which she explains why the world needs Wonder Woman, right here. Facebook

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If President Trumps got the whole world in his hands, Trevor Noah says were in trouble By Robert Lloyd Having caught fire too late Tuesday for late-night TV, and with several hosts extending their Memorial Day weekend, the #covfefe hashtag would have to wait at least until Wednesday for its monologue moment. There were, however, some late-night-related tweets reacting to Twitter addict @realdonaldtrumps since-deleted mistyping of what is assumed to be the word covering or coverage. What makes me saddest, wrote Jimmy Kimmel, is that I know Ill never write anything funnier than #covfefe. The account for CBS Late Late Show poked some fun at Trumps gaffe, too. who do you want to see on the next covfefe karaoke  The Late Late Show with James Corden (@latelateshow) May 31, 2017 Meanwhile, Trevor Noah and Comedy Centrals The Daily Show were back after a week off, above, catching up with President Trumps whole first trip abroad. International Hand Stuff was the name of the segment, which framed the excursion in terms of the presidents mitts. There were references to Trump touching the glowing white orb and Jerusalems Western Wall (they build one wall 2,000 years ago, Noah said in his Trump voice, zero Mexicans in their whole country); the question of whether First Lady Melania Trump swatted away her husbands hand on the tarmac in Tel Aviv (leave it to Fox News not to recognize what rejection from a woman looks like); and Trumps power handshake from new French President Emmanuel Macron (the first time that President Trump was on the receiving end of an unwelcome hand grab). The last manual metaphor was given to the German chancellor, who, after her visit with the American president, said, We Europeans must take our fate into our own hands. Yeah, said Noah, clearly Angela Merkel got one look at Trump and was like, All right, our fate is in our own hands, because his clearly ruin everything they touch. Jimmy Kimmel also looked at Trumps trip abroad, which he described, with probable irony, as spreading joy and optimism all over the world. Titled Drunk Donald Trump: Sicily, the segment replayed a portion of Trumps speech at half-speed. The effect is uncanny. Later, sitting outside on some steps -- urine-stained steps, apparently -- Kimmel asked a series of kids, who really do say the darnedest things, about the state of the union. If we measure a late-night host solely by an ability to engage with children in a way thats friendly, direct, deadpan and mostly honest, Kimmel is in a league with David Letterman, nearly. How did he think Donald Trump was doing, Kimmel asked one boy. Not really well, the child replied. My sister told me that Donald Trump is against another state. Which state? Is it  Nebraska? Yeah, Nebraska. A lot of people are happy that he is bombing Nebraska, said Kimmel. (I did say mostly honest.) Do you think it was a good idea? No, replied the boy, cause they have, like, better bombs. I think theyre going to be OK, though, I really do, the host said. Once football season starts, theyre usually pretty solid. Facebook

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Kathy Griffin apologized for that bloody severed-head stunt. But few are forgiving her By Nardine Saad (Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times) First Lady Melania Trump is the latest detractor of Kathy Griffins bloody depiction of the presidents decapitation. As a mother, a wife, and a human being, that photo is very disturbing, FLOTUS said in a statement to NBC News. When you consider some of the atrocities happening in the world today, a photo opportunity like this is simply wrong and makes you wonder about the mental health of the person who did it. Griffins photographs and video by photographer Tyler Shields showed the comic straight-faced, holding up a blood-splattered severed head that appeared to be Trumps. The president denounced Griffins stunt, saying that she should be ashamed of herself and that the piece greatly disturbed his 11-year-old son, Barron. Griffins apology wasnt accepted by some on Twitter either, which spewed a variety of reactions, including several right-wing jabs that Griffin had been radicalized by Islamic State, the terror group that frequently beheads its victims. Several also sympathized with the presidents family, citing TMZs story about Barron believing that something horrible had happened to his father when he saw the images on the news. CNN subsequently fired Griffin from her co-hosting duties for its New Years Eve broadcast, and she has also been dropped as a spokesperson for Squatty Potty. Trumps eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., was delighted by the bathroom footstool makers response but criticized CNN for not immediately doing the same. So Squatty Potty pulls the plug on Kathy Griffin, but CNN still evaluating and weighing their options, the presidents eldest son tweeted. Insane whats going on there!!! He then added, Apologies for my last tweet. I didnt mean to group Squatty Potty with CNN. Obviously one of them has moral/ethical standards. Griffins CNN compatriot, Anderson Cooper, who co-hosts the giggle-filled New Years Eve show for the cable news channel, did not come to his pals defense. For the record, I am appalled by the photo shoot Kathy Griffin took part in. It is clearly disgusting and completely inappropriate, Cooper tweeted. CNN host Jake Tapper also said on the air that he thought the beheading imagery by Griffin about the president was disgusting and inappropriate. For the record, I am appalled by the photo shoot Kathy Griffin took part in. It is clearly disgusting and completely inappropriate.  Anderson Cooper (@andersoncooper) May 31, 2017 For those asking, I said on air that I thought the beheading imagery by Griffin about the president was disgusting and inappropriate.  Jake Tapper (@jaketapper) May 30, 2017 Meanwhile, others believed that Griffins apology was a step in the right direction. Kathy Griffin did the right thing by apologizing. That sort of behavior, that sort of message, isn't acceptable in any setting.  George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) May 31, 2017 I think she did the right thing asking for forgiveness and acknowledging that this was a horrible mistake, so I think she can, Minnesota Democrat and former Saturday Night Live writer Sen. Al Franken told CNN on Wednesday. Kathys a friend and shes a terrific comedian, but this had no business being in our public discourse..., Franken said. And I talked to her. She has apologized  a real, fulsome apology. Shes actually begged for forgiveness, and I believe in forgiveness. Still, there was more snark to be had. Kathy Griffin's stupid photo was gross & offensive. She should lose her leadership role in the DNC and no longer be a candidate for office.  Josh Marshall (@joshtpm) May 31, 2017 Update, 10:55 a.m.: Story added news that CNN has fired Griffin from its New Years Eve broadcast. Facebook

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Melania Trump questions Kathy Griffins mental health after inflammatory photo shoot By James Reed President Trump and Melania Trump (Brendan Smialowski / AFP/Getty Images) As a mother, a wife, and a human being, that photo is very disturbing. When you consider some of the atrocities happening in the world today, a photo opportunity like this is simply wrong and makes you wonder about the mental health of the person who did it.  Melania Trump, responding to Kathy Griffins controversial stunt involving a severed head in the likeness of President Trump Read More Facebook

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A Star Is Born: Clint Eastwood turns 87 today By Los Angeles Times Staff (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times) If you want to be in for the long haul, you just have to trust your judgment about the material. ... If you go whoring for the money, the audiences will figure you out. They know when youre being a jerk, when youre just trying to get them in a room and show them a movie you dont even care about.  Clint Eastwood, 1993 FROM THE ARCHIVES: Clint, closing in on El Dorado Facebook

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This Is Us not moving to Thursdays, after all By Yvonne Villarreal Consider it a flash-forward flashback: Poised to help NBC reclaim its Must See TV glory on Thursday nights, This Is Us is now staying put in its Tuesday time slot before the switch even happened. The breakout drama from last season will keep hold of the 9 p.m. hour on Tuesdays where it performed mightily in its debut season, the network announced Tuesday. Itll retain its lead-in, The Voice. The move means some rejiggering for Thursdays. The revival of Will & Grace, which was slated to open the night, will now kick off the 9 p.m. hour. It will be surrounded by comedies Superstore, The Good Place and Great News to create a two-hour comedy block. Chicago Fire will take up the 10 p.m. hour instead of Law & Order True Crime: The Menendez Murders. That drama will keep its This Is Us lead-in by moving to Tuesdays. Heres NBCs revised schedule: Tuesdays 8 p.m.  The Voice 9 p.m.  This Is Us 10 p.m.  Law & Order True Crime: The Menendez Murders Thursdays 8 p.m.  Superstore 8:30 p.m.  The Good Place 9 p.m.  Will & Grace 9:30 p.m.  Great News 10 p.m.  Chicago Fire Facebook

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Erin Moran died of cancer, autopsy report confirms By Christie DZurilla Erin Moran is shown in 1992. (Wally Fong / Associated Press ) The coroner reportedly says Happy Days actress Erin Moran died of complications from cancer and cancer alone. Thats in line with what her husband said in an open letter written shortly after her death on April 22 at age 56. Tests showed no illegal narcotics were involved in her death, according to an autopsy report obtained by TMZ on Tuesday from the coroners office in Harrison County, Ind. Moran struggled with substance abuse earlier in her life, and media assumptions about her cause of death were amplified by a comment from Scott Baio during an early morning radio interview April 24. When Baio learned his former costar had been battling cancer, he fell all over himself trying to set the record straight. I was asked ONLY about Erins troubled past due to drug & alcohol abuse. I was still upset and said I felt that living that kind of a lifestyle will catch up with you and nothing good would come of it, he said on Facebook. THIS WAS BEFORE THE CAUSE OF DEATH WAS ANNOUNCED STATING STAGE 4 CANCER. One of the former child stars brothers, Tony Moran, told the Sun on May 30: My first thoughts were she must have had a heart attack caused by years of substance abuse. She has always battled demons and in recent years things have gone from bad to worse. In reality, as described by her husband, Moran had discovered last December that she had squamous cell carcinoma of the throat. After undergoing chemotherapy and radiation, by April she could no longer speak, eat or drink. She had a feeding tube. Baio posted the open letter from Steve Fleischmann, Morans husband of nearly 24 years, on his own Facebook page April 25. It got so bad so fast, Fleischmann said. The coroner told me it was really really bad. It had spread to her spleen, she had alot of fluid in her lungs and part of her brain was infected, Fleischmann wrote. The coroner said even if she was in the hospital being pumped full of antibiotics she still would not of made it. He said it was the best that she was with me and went in her sleep. Facebook

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WGN America cancels Underground, but will it really be the end? By Yvonne Villarreal  A chat with Aisha Hinds and Jurnee Smollett-Bell, the badass women from Underground. WGN America has canceled slavery-era-set drama Underground. The fate of the series, which centered around the Underground Railroad, seemed doomed given how the network has been scaling back its investment in original programming. Until now, the drama, from creators Misha Green and Joe Pokaski, had stood as the lone original scripted series on the network following the recent cancellation of Outsiders. The shift away from original programming comes after Sinclair Broadcast Group Inc., the conservative-leaning Baltimore-based company, announced it had agreed to buy Tribune Media in a deal that would give it control of more than 200 local TV stations and WGN America. As WGN America evolves and broadens the scope and scale of its portfolio of series, we recently announced that resources will be reallocated to a new strategy to increase our relevance within the rapidly changing television landscape, Peter Kern, president and CEO of Tribune Media, said in a statement. Despite Underground being a terrific and important series, it no longer fits with our new direction and we have reached the difficult decision not to renew it for a third season. Kern added: It is our hope that this remarkable show finds another home and continues its stories of courage, determination and freedom. Sony Pictures Television, the studio that produces Underground, is said to be trying to find it a new home. When Underground stars Jurnee Smollett-Bell and Aisha Hinds stopped by the Los Angeles Times video studio last week, both seemed hopeful that Undergrounds story wasnt over. We havent heard anything yet on the status of Season 3, said Hinds, who joined Season 2 portraying Underground Railroad icon Harriet Tubman. But I do know there is quite a bit more of this story to tell. And I know that we have engaged viewers waiting to see the story. If WGN is not our home, well find a home. Facebook

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Lebanon might ban new Wonder Woman because of stars Israeli heritage By Libby Hill A new foe has arisen to oppose Wonder Woman at the box office: Lebanon. The Associated Press reported Tuesday that Lebanon is seeking to ban Warner Bros.'s new Wonder Woman movie because lead actress Gal Gadot is an Israeli. On Monday, Lebanons National News Agency reported that the Ministry of Economy and Trade was adopting measures necessary to ban the film from screening. Relations between Israel and Lebanon have been strained since Israels independence in 1948, with Lebanon still abiding by the Arab League boycott of Israel adopted in 1945. Lebanon does not recognize the State of Israel and does not accept Israeli passports or passports indicating a person has entered Israel. But is Wonder Woman an Israeli product? The film is produced by five production companies DC Films, Atlas Entertainment, Cruel and Unusual Films, Tencent Pictures and Wanda Pictures  three companies based in the United States and two in China. Gadot, however, is proud of her heritage. She served two years in the Israel Defense Force as required by the countrys conscription requirements and has posted in the past in support of IDF during the 2014 Israel-Gaza conflict. The ban of the film would have to move quickly, as screenings are scheduled to begin in Beirut on Wednesday. But such action would require approval from a six-member committee from the Ministry of Economy, a process that had yet to begin, according to the Associated Press. Wonder Woman debuts in U.S. theaters Friday. 4:10 p.m.: This article was updated with information from Lebanons National News Agency. Facebook

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Olivia Newton-John has a new cancer diagnosis; her June shows are postponed By Christie DZurilla (Esteban Felix / Associated Press) Olivia-Newton John has reluctantly postponed her June concert dates after learning that the back pain shes been waylaid by recently is caused by breast cancer that has metastasized to her sacrum. I decided on my direction of therapies after consultation with my doctors and natural therapists and the medical team at my Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness and Research Centre in Melbourne, Australia, the 68-year-old singer said Tuesday in a statement on social media. Those therapies include a short course of photon radiation therapy in addition to natural wellness therapies, the statement said. Newton-John was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1992, at which time she underwent chemotherapy after a modified radical mastectomy with reconstruction. Her treatment also included acupuncture, which she said helped her with nausea, as well as yoga, meditation and massage. Three weeks ago, Newton-John postponed her May shows, with her team citing a bad issue with Olivias sciatica. Now, her June shows in the U.S. and Canada have been put off. Ticket-holders are being directed to venues for refunds, and any rescheduled dates will be posted on Newton-Johns official website. Olivia ... is confident she will be back later in the year, better than ever, to celebrate her shows, the Tuesday statement said. Facebook

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After Cannes delay, Victoria & Abdul trailer debuts By Amy Kaufman One week after Focus Features scrapped plans to unveil the trailer for Victoria & Abdul during the Cannes Film Festival, a preview of the upcoming British drama has debuted online. Set in 1887, the film stars Judi Dench as Queen Victoria and follows the monarch as she strikes up an unlikely friendship with a Muslim Indian (Ali Fazal) who has traveled to the U.K. to deliver a ceremonial coin to her majesty. Focus, which is owned by Universal Pictures, was set to debut the trailer last Wednesday but postponed the release after the bombing at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester, England, on May 22. A source told The Times the decision was made in part because a big piece of marketing right after the attack could seem insensitive. Directed by Stephen Frears, Victoria & Abdul is set for release at the start of awards season in September. The trailer centers on the real-life relationship that blossomed between the two, with Abdul going from servant to teacher while informing the queen about everything from the Koran to the joys of Indian mangoes. Facebook

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Ready for Alanis Morissettes Jagged Little Pill as a musical? Its happening By August Brown (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times) Alanis Morissettes angsty, groundbreaking 1995 album, Jagged Little Pill, always seemed like it had enough melodrama to make it into a theatrical production. Now its coming to a stage in Massachusetts. The new production of Jagged Little Pill, helmed by Juno writer Diablo Cody and director Diane Paulus, will debut at the American Repertory Theater in Cambridge next May. The musical will feature songs from the LP  famed for its unsparing look at relationships  along with other music from Morissettes catalog and Pill producer Glen Ballard. This team that has come together for this Jagged Little Pill musical is my musical theater dream come true, Morissette said in a statement. The chemistry between all of us is crackling and I feel honored to be diving into these songs again, surrounded by all of this searing talent. Facebook

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Reunited Brady Bunch kids fondly remember Florence Henderson on Today By Nardine Saad It was a very Brady reunion on Tuesday. The Brady Bunch kids Barry Williams (Greg), Christopher Knight (Peter), Mike Lookinland (Bobby) and Susan Olsen (Cindy) came together on NBCs Today show to reflect on the iconic family sitcom and pay tribute to its late matriarch, Florence Henderson, nearly 50 years after the show debuted in 1969. The syndicated series about a blended family of six children and their housekeeper has permeated the pop culture zeitgeist with its unmistakable style and earworm theme song. With numerous parodies and attempted reboots in its wake, the comedy has endured because of its wholesome values, the cast members said. What you have on The Brady Bunch is something youre not going to see these days, which is a family where the parents and the kids respect each other today the formula is get the parents out of the show for the kids shows, said Olsen, a.ka. the youngest one in curls. You know how you dont grow old for yourself until you see yourself in a photo? Somehow you just dont see it, Knight explained. Its as though the show keeps us young in everyones mind, but were really this old. Added Williams: Everyone always refers to us as kids. No matter how we mature, were still the kids. After acknowledging that they would always be best known for The Brady Bunch, the actors said, they realized early on that they would never be able to walk away from the series at different stages of their careers. For Williams it was when a teenage girl asked him to sign an autograph for her mother and for Lookinland it was when he realized that his fans now had grandchildren. Knight said the show was always going to be in the room before me and it was always going to be in the room after me. Olsen, who claimed that she had written some off-color lyrics attached to the theme song, added that you spend a little while trying to run away from it, but you cant. Its like having a hunchback. You cant disguise it, so you might as well dress it up. As for their TV mom, Henderson, who died in 2016, the kids remembered her fondly. Everyone she met felt better about themselves and about the world around them after having spent a moment with Florence, Knight said. She was a mentor, a friend. We learned from her, added Williams. We learned how to interact with the public. She was so gracious with her fans, and we all learned how to do that graciously. Mostly she loved to make people laugh. You probably know that if youve been in her space. Facebook

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Prince William talks about taboo of mental illness and death of Diana in new interview By Libby Hill As the 20th anniversary of the death of Diana, Princess of Wales approaches, her son Prince William has opened up to British GQ about the loss. I would like to have had her advice, William told the magazine. I would love her to have met Catherine and to have seen the children grow up. It makes me sad that she wont, that they will never know her. The prince was just 15 when his mother was killed in a high-speed car crash on Aug. 31, 1997, and he and younger brother Harry were left to deal with their grief under great public scrutiny. While Prince William has of late found the words to speak publicly about his mother, the journey to that place has not always been easy. It has taken me almost 20 years to get to that stage, William said. I still find it difficult now because at the time it was so raw. And also it is not like most peoples grief, because everyone else knows about it, everyone knows the story, everyone knows her. View Instagram post It may have taken years, but William and Harry have found a way to honor their mother in a fashion that she would likely greatly appreciate: charitable work. Known as the Peoples Princess, Diana was a tireless advocate for those in need and worked to destigmatize AIDS in the 1980s, to fight the use of landmines and to better the lives of the underprivileged. In the last year, William and his brother, alongside Williams wife, Kate, have expanded their involvement in Heads Together, a mental health campaign led by the Royal Foundation, which aims to start a productive conversation about the reality of mental illness. Smashing the taboo is our biggest aim. We cannot go anywhere much until that is done. People cant access services till they feel less ashamed, so we must tackle the taboo, the stigma, William said. The Heads Together campaign has sparked several headlines for the royal family in recent months. In April, Prince Harry admitted that the death of his mother left him very close to a complete breakdown for which he finally sought professional help three years ago. The experience that Ive had is once you start talking about [mental health], you suddenly realized, actually, youre part of a big club ... and everybodys gagging to talk about it, Harry said during the Mad World podcast with Bryony Gordon. The GQ interview is not the only conversation that Prince William has had recently about mental health, either. He participated in a highly publicized FaceTime chat with Lady Gaga on the matter. In the interview, Prince William acknowledged that his public persona might suggest otherwise, but privately, he is impassioned about the issue. I cannot understand how families, even behind closed doors, still find it so hard to talk about it. I am shocked we are so worried about saying anything about the true feelings we have, the prince said. Prince Williams full interview with British GQ is available in its July issue, on newsstands June 1. Facebook

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Ariana Grandes mom has a message for Manchester bombing victims By Christie DZurilla Joan Grande, left, and Ariana Grande in September 2015. (Kevin Mazur / Getty Images) Days after daughter Ariana Grande issued a statement about last weeks post-concert bombing in Manchester, England, mom Joan Grande posted her own thoughts about the incident that left 22 dead and scores more injured. I join my daughter in extending my help & services to all those affected by the diabolical act of terror which occurred in Manchester! she wrote on Twitter as a Memorial Day message that also thanked U.S. servicemen and women. My heart goes out to all the victims: those who lost their lives, those injured, those recovering & all survivors of that night, along with the families and friends whose grief knows no bounds. The elder Grande was still in her front-row seat at the show, about to go see her daughter backstage, when the suicide bomb went off, TMZ reported. Mama Grande took about 10 kids who were seated around her to safety backstage, the website said. Ariana Grande similarly offered her assistance to those in need on Friday in a statement declaring her intention to return to the incredibly brave city of Manchester for a benefit concert. We will never be able to understand why events like this take place because it is not in our nature, which is why we shouldnt recoil, the Bang Bang singer said. We will not quit or operate in fear. We wont let this divide us. We wont let hate win. #MemorialDay pic.twitter.com/oUDmB7VD6x  Joan Grande (@joangrande) May 29, 2017 Facebook

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A Star Is Born: Annette Bening turns 59 today By Los Angeles Times Staff (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times) "[W]hen they teach you to act, they teach you about objectives. You have a need -- a kind of emotional imbalance -- its not neurotic, but you want something. I try to consciously beef up that motivation in order to intensify what Im doing. You get an image in your head of what you want and then you find a way of expressing that.  Annette Bening, 1991 FROM THE ARCHIVES: Regarding Annette Facebook

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Swedens The Square wins Palme dOr and Sofia Coppola wins best director at Cannes By Los Angeles Times Swedish director Ruben Ostlund reacts on stage after he was awarded with the Palme dOr for the film The Square during the closing ceremony of the 70th edition of the Cannes Film Festival. (Alberto Pizzoli / AFP / Getty Images) Ruben Ostlunds The Square, a ferocious drama of conscience, according to Times critic Justin Chang, about how a single lapse in judgment can cause a mans entire life to unravel, won the Cannes top prize, the Palme dOr on Sunday. The Grand Prix award went to Robin Campillos 120 Beats per Minute. Sofia Coppola won best director for her film The Beguiled, which stars Nicole Kidman and Colin Farrell. Kidman also won the festivals 70th anniversary prize. Joaquin Phoenix won best actor for Lynne Ramsays You Were Never Really Here and Diane Kruger won best actress award for Faith Akins In the Fade. More coverage to come. Meanwhile... Here is what Justin Chang wrote about Ostlunds The Square, and Steven Zeitchiks interview with the director, who talked about the element of surprise in his movies: I really like scenes that when they end where you dont know 100% where to put them. It starts funny or it starts sad and then it becomes something else. When you get that shift, you know youve succeeded. Read More Facebook

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A Star Is Born: Kylie Minogue turns 49 today By Los Angeles Times Staff (Axel Koester / For The Times) I have this following  mainly young girls. This album had to appeal to those fans. If the singing was too R&B, they wouldnt like it, I guess. These producers think pop music is candy music. Theyre saying: Here, kids, have a piece of candy.  Kylie Minogue, 1988 FROM THE ARCHIVES: Fame, fortune, but no respect Facebook

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Gregg Allman, pioneer of Southern rock, dies at 69 By Nardine Saad Gregg Allman performs with the Allman Brothers Band in 1979. (George Rose / Los Angeles Times) Gregg Allman, the gravel-voiced singer who helped lift the Allman Brothers Band to prominence with a hard-churning brand of soulful rock that became part of the soundtrack of the 1960s and 70s and set the coordinates for a musical genre known as Southern rock, died Saturday at the age of 69. According to a statement posted on his official website, Allman, who had canceled concerts and entire tours in recent years as he battled a variety of health issues, passed away peacefully at his home in Savannah, Ga. Read More Facebook

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70 years of Cannes in 17 seconds: The art of the yacht deal, from Steven Spielberg to Steve Bannon By Steven Zeitchik  Steven Zeitchik, Justin Chang and Kenneth Turan are bringing us Cannes moments from the 70 years of the international film festival -- in 17-second increments (or thereabouts). Here, Zeitchik, with Chang behind the camera, recalls the time he wound Steven Zeitchik, Justin Chang and Kenneth Turan are bringing us Cannes moments from the 70 years of the international film festival -- in 17-second increments (or thereabouts). Here, Zeitchik, with Chang behind the camera, recalls the time he wound up on a yacht with a future member of the Trump administration. Facebook

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70 years of Cannes in 17 seconds: The time Sofia Coppolas Marie Antoinette was booed By Justin Chang Steven Zeitchik, Justin Chang and Kenneth Turan are bringing us Cannes moments from the 70 years of the international film festival -- in 17-second increments (or thereabouts). Here, Chang, with Zeitchik behind the camera, recalls the year Sofia Coppolas Marie Antoinette played in competition and was booed by certain members of the media audience.  Steven Zeitchik, Justin Chang and Kenneth Turan are bringing us Cannes moments from the 70 years of the international film festival -- in 17-second increments (or thereabouts). Here, Chang, with Zeitchik behind the camera, recalls the year Sofia Cop That same year, when the film debuted in theaters, Times critic Kenneth Turan looked back on the boos at Cannes and concluded the reaction wasnt just about the filmmaking. Here is the essay he wrote on Oct. 13, 2006: -------------------- WHO OWNS HISTORY? And, more to the point, who owns Marie Antoinette? Though theyre not usually phrased that way, those questions have swirled around Sofia Coppolas quietly exuberant new film about the doomed young French queen (only 18 when she ascended the throne, 37 when she was executed) since it premiered at the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year to some scattered  and widely misunderstood  boos. For the displeasure came not, as might be expected, from the French critics -- whod already seen the film and whose generally positive notices were already on record in Le Film Francais, the French trade paper -- but from political types who had an ax to grind about the films portrait of the woman in question. Read More Facebook

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Ben Stiller and Christine Taylor split after 17 years of marriage By Christie DZurilla (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times) Ben Stiller and Christine Taylor have split up after 18 years together, 17 of them as husband and wife. With tremendous love and respect for each other, and the 18 years we spent together as a couple, we have made the decision to separate, they said Friday in a joint statement. Our priority will continue to be raising our children as devoted parents and the closest of friends. We kindly ask that the media respect our privacy at this time. The Zoolander director and the Brady Bunch Movie actress met in L.A. in 1999, while he was developing a pilot in which she was going to star. They started dating that April and by November were engaged. They got married in May 2000. Stiller, 51, who proposed to Taylor while he was doing Meet the Parents, told Parade in 2013 that art imitated life when he was about to pop the question. I asked her father for permission before I did it, he said. It was like Meet the Parents in real life, because Christines father is an intimidating guy who owns a security company; were good friends now, but at the time I was in the basement rec room saying, I really would like to marry your daughter... Why the basement? " He was trying to find a place to sort of secretly ask my dad if it was OK to ask my hand in marriage, Taylor told New York magazine in 2008. The Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story costars have two kids together, daughter Emma, 15, and son Quinlan, 11. Facebook

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70 years of Cannes in 17 seconds: The home away from home for luminaries By Kenneth Turan  Kenneth Turan, Justin Chang and Steven Zeitchik are bringing us Cannes moments from the 70 years of the international film festival -- in 17-second increments (or thereabouts). Here, Turan, with Chang behind the camera, brings us to the historic Hot Kenneth Turan, Justin Chang and Steven Zeitchik are bringing us Cannes moments from the 70 years of the international film festival -- in 17-second increments (or thereabouts). Here, Turan, with Chang behind the camera, brings us to the historic Hotel Splendid, which over the last 146 years has been a home away from home for luminaries ranging from the French composer Jacques Offenbach to the late critic Roger Ebert. Facebook

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L.A. music fixture Rodney Bingenheimer will leave KROQ next month By Mikael Wood Rodney Bingenheimer, the veteran radio DJ and rock-scene insider familiar to several generations of Los Angeles music fans, is ending his long-running show on L.A.'s KROQ-FM (106.7) after more than 40 years. Rodney on the ROQ will air for the final time on June 4 at midnight, Bingenheimer, 69, wrote on Facebook Thursday. It has been an amazing run, and I will be thanking all of you when I say goodbye to KROQ next week, he said in the post. I am planning on some special callers and special music as I say a proper goodbye. In a statement to The Times, KROQ program director Kevin Weatherly called Bingenheimer one of the most influential voices on the radio and said he and his staff will forever be grateful for the indelible mark that Rodney on the ROQ has left on this station, our listeners and the alt-rock music scene. Bingenheimer launched his show on the influential modern-rock station in 1976, four years after he opened Rodneys English Disco, a nightclub on Sunset Boulevard popular among the decades glam acts. On the radio, Bingenheimer quickly became known for championing new artists including the Sex Pistols and Blondie; he continued playing music by up-and-coming talent over the years, throwing his considerable enthusiasm behind the likes of Oasis and Coldplay. In his Facebook post, Bingenheimer  the subject of a 2003 documentary called Mayor of the Sunset Strip  didnt say why he was leaving KROQ. But he noted that hes not retiring from music. As this chapter closes, he wrote, I will be opening another chapter of my rock life soon. Heres his full statement on Facebook: Facebook

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Ariana Grande to hold benefit concert in incredibly brave city of Manchester By Christie DZurilla (Valerie Macon / AFP/Getty Images) Ariana Grande on Friday announced her intention to return to the incredibly brave city of Manchester to spend time with fans and play a benefit concert to assist victims of the suicide bomb attack launched after her show in the British city earlier this week. I have been thinking of my fans, and of you all, non stop over the past week. The way you have handled all of this has been more inspiring and made me more proud than youll ever know, the 23-year-old singer said in a statement on social media. The compassion, kindness, love, strength and oneness that youve shown one another this past week is the exact opposite of the heinous intentions it must take to pull off something as evil as what happened Monday. YOU are the opposite. Grande gave no details about when she would return other than to say theyd be coming as soon as things were confirmed. The statement was her first since a brief tweet after the bombing saying she was broken and so so sorry. That day, Grande and her mother left Britain for Florida. She acknowledged her own reaction to the incident in saying she was sorry for the pain and fear you must be feeling and the trauma that you, too, must be feeling. She also talked about not wanting to go the rest of the year without being out there for her fans; at this point, her tour has been suspended only until June 5. There is nothing I or anyone can do to take away the pain you are feeling or to make this better, she said to the victims of the attack and their loved ones. However, I extend my hand and heart and everything I can possibly give to you and yours, should you want or need my help in any way. Those who were most tragically affected, Grande said, will be on my mind and in my heart everyday and I will think of them with everything I do for the rest of my life. View Instagram post Facebook

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Equality, not feminism, is the watchword at Wonder Woman premiere By Sonaiya Kelley Victoria Ikerd from San Diego, left, and Sylvia Vale from Culver City strike their best Wonder Woman pose. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times) The stars of Warner Bros. Wonder Woman took to the red carpet outside Hollywoods Pantages Theatre Thursday night to celebrate the films premiere with a unified message. It just wasnt the message some people might expect. I think the world needs all types of superheroes, director Patty Jenkins said when asked why we need Wonder Woman. What a beautiful message right now because were in a dark place, and thats the only way were going to get to the other side, if everyone becomes a hero. (Warner Bros. canceled the films London premiere after Mondays attack in Manchester.) Despite the obvious girl power on display, many of the films stars and creators shied away from identifying it as a feminist film, hoping not to isolate the male fans in attendance. SEE PHOTOS FROM THE WONDER WOMAN PREMIERE  I think that the film just takes a great character and tells a great story about how that character came to be, Charles Roven, the films producer, told the Los Angeles Times. Obviously the character wouldnt be who she is if she wasnt a woman, but shes a very specific woman, Roven added. Theres no other superhero character in the DC Universe who embraced their legacy and knew what they wanted to be and became [it]. And thats completely inspirational to everyone, not just women. Read More Facebook

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Bella Thorne and Scott Disick together in Cannes? Legit nothing By Christie DZurilla (Joshua Blanchard / Getty Images, left; Lars Niki / Getty Images) In whats been called a battle of strategic hookups between exes Kourtney Kardashian and Scott Disick, Bella Thorne has put up a white flag and flown away. Disick, 34, and Thorne, 19, were seen Monday at LAX on their way to the Cannes Film Festival, where  surprise!  Kardashian, 38, was already hanging out and getting handsy with Younes Bendjima, a 24-year-old boxer-turned-model. According to E! News, the latter twosome is for real but keeping it light. The Kardashian ex and the actress from The DUFF? Perhaps not so much. Thorne and Disick raised eyebrows Wednesday with a high-profile cuddle-fest by a pool in Cannes. Alas, by Thursday, word has it via TMZ, Thorne wasnt comfortable with her party-boy travel partner when he got his drink on: After tweeting Thursday that Yo this #cannes fancy life isnt for me, she told one person that she had been doing Legit nothing trolololo with Scott and another, Hahahah Im not talking to scott or anyone else. Scott is partially using Bella and a few other girls as a crutch to make Kourtney upset and feel jealous, a Keeping Up With the Kardashians"-related source told People on Thursday, sounding like a description of an upcoming episode of the show. They are both playing this game with each other and at the moment neither one of them are backing down. Around 3 a.m. Friday, Cannes time, Disick was paying attention to another lady, putting this pic of his and Kardashians 4-year-old daughter, Penelope, up on Facebook: Um, hashtag #supersad? Bye Cannes you were boring Thorne said Friday on Snapchat, posting video from the seat of what appeared to be a private plane. Kardashian, Bendjima and half-sis Kendall Jenner left Cannes on Friday as well. Yo this #cannes fancy life isn't for me  BITCHIMBELLATHORNE (@bellathorne) May 25, 2017 @bellathorne bells, what were you doing with Scott?  chrystal (@justintheslayer) May 25, 2017 Legit nothing trolololo https://t.co/t9eW4B17oI  BITCHIMBELLATHORNE (@bellathorne) May 26, 2017 Facebook

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Netflix cancels London premieres of Orange Is the New Black and GLOW By Libby Hill The fatal terrorist incident at an Ariana Grande concert Monday in Manchester, England, continues to resonate throughout the entertainment industry. Netflix canceled its plans for a London premiere for Season 5 of Orange Is the New Black and the pilot for GLOW, the latest series from Orange creator Jenji Kohan. Following the terrible events in Manchester on Monday night, we have decided to cancel our special screening of Orange Is the New Black and GLOW on Tuesday [May 30], a Netflix spokesperson told The Times on Friday. Our thoughts are with all of those affected by this tragedy. According to those knowledgeable about the decision, the streaming services choice to forgo its screenings comes from internal discussions only, not from any pressure from local authorities. This is just the latest cancellation in the wake of Mondays tragedy, which took the lives of 22 individuals, including victims as young as 8 years old. On Wednesday, Warner Bros. scuttled plans for a London Wonder Woman premiere, originally scheduled for May 31. Similarly, Universal Pictures announced Thursday that it had canceled its London premiere for The Mummy originally slated for June 1. Facebook

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Oasis Liam Gallagher schedules Manchester benefit show By Mikael Wood (Ken Hively / Los Angeles Times) Former Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher will play a hometown concert next week in Manchester, England, to benefit the families of Mondays bombing at the Manchester Arena. Its outrageous, the singer told the Manchester Evening News regarding the terrorist attack that killed 22 people following a concert by Ariana Grande. There are kids and people dying all over the world. And for what? He went on to say, I want to try and help pick people up. People like me, doing what we do, its our duty to give people a good time. The show, scheduled for Tuesday night at the O2 Ritz, will serve as Gallaghers first solo gig and comes ahead of the release of his debut solo single, Wall of Glass, from an album expected in October. Facebook

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Body-slamming? Late-night hosts remind us that Donald Trump once did that on TV By Yvonne Villarreal Lest America forget the nations history of political candidates with body-slamming tendencies, the late-night circuit offered a refresher course Thursday night. Playing catchup to Wednesdays news that Greg Gianforte, the billionaire Republican candidate in Montanas special congressional election, had allegedly body-slammed a Guardian reporter after the journalist asked him about the Republican healthcare bill, TV hosts weighed in on the matter. Think about that, Late Night host Seth Meyers said. The GOP healthcare plan is so bad, Republicans would rather body-slam reporters than answer a question about it. His response to the question, Meyers continued, was to give the reporter a preexisting condition. Late Show host Stephen Colbert expressed faux skepticism about Gianfortes ability to move past the incident and win the election. That happened the night before the election, Colbert said. I just dont know how anyone could vote for a candidate who body-slams people. Cue a clip of Donald Trump performing such a move in 2007 when he appeared on WrestleMania 23" and tackled WWE Chairman Vince McMahon to the ground before shaving his head. I forgot, Colbert said after playing the clip. Nothing matters. During his A Closer Look segment, Meyers also played the Trump clip. That was a thing, a real thing that happened. and we still said Yeah, he should be president. For the record: Gianforte won Montanas special election Thursday. Facebook

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A Star Is Born: Stevie Nicks turns 69 today By Los Angeles Times Staff (Lori Shepler / Los Angeles Times) I think if people like to dress like a gypsy and they get a little inspiration from me to do it, then its great. Its definitely something everyone should try at least once in their lives. Dress like a gypsy!  Stevie Nicks, 1997 FROM THE ARCHIVES: Airy Godmother Facebook

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For the 40th anniversary of Star Wars, see how fans packed L.A. theaters in 1977 By Los Angeles Times Staff When the original Star Wars opened on May 25, 1977, only about 40 theaters across the country initially screened the movie. In Los Angeles, fans packed showings in ways theater managers and moviegoers had never seen. For the 40th anniversary of Star Wars, we revisit this story examining the earliest stages of the Star Wars phenomenon. The Times originally published this story on June 4, 1977. Read More Facebook

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George Lucas predicted Star Wars Disney future in 1977 interview with The Times By L.A. Times staff Happy 40th anniversary, Star Wars! Before the first-ever Star Wars premiered on screens across America on May 25, 1977, Los Angeles Times writer Paul Rosenfield sat down with the creator of a galaxy far, far away. Then 33, George Lucas was just a few days shy from the release of his space opera, prophetically claiming that Star Wars was the movie he thinks Disney would have made when Walt Disney was alive. Who knew decades later that the droids and the mouse would reside in the same castle? This story was originally published on June 5, 1977, and titled, Lucas: Film-Maker With the Force. (Also from our archives, read The Times original Star Wars review here.) I think of this as a movie Disney would have made when Walt Disney was alive ... I call it space opera. Thats a genre thats been around a long time, in the books of Burroughs and Heinlein, but never really done on film.  George Lucas in 1977 Read More Facebook

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Guns N Roses is playing Los Angeles again By Mikael Wood Guns N Roses will play two hometown concerts this fall, the reunited Los Angeles hard-rock band announced Thursday, one Nov. 24 at Staples Center and another Nov. 25 at the Forum. The dates are part of a new extension of GNRs Not in This Lifetime Tour, which launched in April 2016 with a show at the Troubadour that marked the first time in decades that frontman Axl Rose had performed in public with guitarist Slash and bassist Duff McKagan. The tour went on to hit Coachella and Dodger Stadium. Opening acts for the L.A. shows werent announced, but GNR revealed that country singer-songwriter Sturgill Simpson will warm up crowds at stadium shows in August in Denver; Little Rock, Ark.; and Miami. Other acts with opening slots on the tour include ZZ Top, Deftones and Royal Blood. Tickets for the newly scheduled concerts go on sale June 3. Facebook

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Claire Foy shoots down Lisbeth Salander rumors: I dont know about any of this By Glenn Whipp Claire Foy (Jennifer S. Altman / For The Times) Claire Foys sister called her last week, none too pleased that her sibling hadnt told her that shed be playing Lisbeth Salander in The Girl in the Spiders Web, the long-delayed follow-up to the 2011 David Fincher film The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo. My sisters like, Oh, what are you doing? and I was like, Im not doing anything! I dont t know about any of this! Foy told The Times Wednesday in an interview before an Emmy season promotional event for the actress Netflix series, The Crown. Its really weird, Foy added. Ive never experienced that before where theres a rumor about a possible job like this. Its very surreal. News broke last week that Foy was either in talks, eyeing or had been all but cast to play Lisbeth in the reboot of the Stieg Larsson book series. So is Foy, who plays Queen Elizabeth on The Crown, even in the running? No. Im not even in the same arena, Foy said. I cant even contemplate doing anything at all, to be honest, at this present time. The 33-year-old British actress just finished shooting Season 2 of The Crown last week. The ambitious series requires a nine-month commitment, meaning that Foy hasnt had much down time the last two years. She also has a 2-year-old daughter with her husband, actor Stephen Campbell Moore. So you can understand why, when asked about her immediate future, she emphatically states: Good God, no. I have got no plans to do anything. Those sentiments would seem to preclude her from The Girl in the Spiders Web, which is scheduled to begin filming in September to make an Oct. 15, 2018, release date. Then again, when asked what kind of role shed like to do after playing the reserved Elizabeth, a woman nicknamed Shirley Temple, Foy replied: I think I need to play somebody who expresses themselves and is able to communicate on a more open level, something really different. Like the avenging anti-heroine Lisbeth? Well ... Foy answered, with a hint of a smile. Well just have to wait and see. Facebook

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Sony taps Gina Prince-Bythewood to direct Spider-Man spinoff Silver & Black By Libby Hill (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times) Sony continues to get its superhero ducks in a row, with Deadline reporting Thursday that the studio had tapped Gina Prince-Bythewood to direct Silver & Black, a film centered around comic book characters Silver Sable and Black Cat. Prince-Bythewood also will rewrite the script for the film, originally written by Christopher Yost, screenwriter of Thor: The Dark World. Silver Sable and Black Cat are characters that originated in correlation to Spider-Man and have served as both allies and antagonists to the web-slinging superhero over the years. Silver & Black is the latest Spidey-related endeavor for Sony, with Spider-Man: Homecoming, starring Tom Holland, premiering July 7, and Venom, starring Tom Hardy as the sometimes villain, sometimes anti-hero, hitting theaters Oct. 5, 2018. The film will not be Prince-Bythewoods first dalliance with superheroes. She directed the pilot for Freeforms upcoming series Marvels Cloak & Dagger, about two teenagers learning to deal with both superpowers and love. Prince-Bythewood is an experienced director of critically acclaimed films including Love & Basketball and Beyond the Lights, and she is well-versed in the world of television, where Foxs Shots Fired, the show she created and produced with husband Reggie Rock Bythewood, just concluded its first season. The director becomes the latest woman tapped to helm a superhero film, with Patty Jenkins Wonder Woman debuting in theaters June 2. Facebook

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Happy puking: Baywatch is the summer blockbuster critics love to hate By Christie DZurilla  Dwayne Johnson, Zac Efron and Priyanka Chopra star in Baywatch. Whats more fun than seeing the new Baywatch movie? Having movie reviewers see it for you! Los Angeles Times critic Jen Yamato was in the Enjoy It for What It Is camp, describing the film thusly: "[I]t not only owns its dumbness but hurtles itself all the way back around through a flurry of genitalia jokes and F-bombs to splash unapologetically in an R-rated surf of winking postmodernism, led by the charismatic Dwayne Johnson, Hollywoods most unsinkable movie star. But although not everyone hates it  64% of audiences dug it, according to Rotten Tomatoes  a lot of reviewers put the bouncing-beach-bodies flick firmly in its place, damning it, and then damning it with faint praise. That said, here are a few snacks, both bad and (relatively) good, from the Baywatch snark buffet. Over at the Chicago Tribune, they took the Yeah, and ...? approach to the review. The Bad: The movies comic instincts... are consistently coarse and frequently scrotal. The Good: The bodies on screen are pretty, which I seem to remember was a selling point of the 1989-2001 TV series. As we said, yeah, and ...? The Roger Ebert website perhaps cut closest to the bone, pulling few punches. The Bad: "[T]his is another one of those raunchy comedies thats barely a movie, that looks like it was edited by dumping a bunch of footage into whatever movie-cutting software theyre using and hitting randomize. The Good: "[T]he movie has a pervading air of crass amiability about it  its almost like a two-hour end-credits gag reel. (Nevertheless, it contains an end credits gag reel.) Now could you tell us what you really think?: Rolling Stone painted a vivid picture of the Baywatch experience. The Bad: Think of yourself sitting down for a big two-hour wallow in instant stupid with a vat of popcorn, slathered in fake butter and possibly a mound of melted M&Ms on top. It feels great chugging it down, then your stomach hurts, your head aches and you puke the whole thing up so you can forget about it in the morning. Thats Baywatch in a nutshell. Happy puking. The Good: Of the recent spate of moldy TV material morphing into movies, with 21 Jump Street on top and CHIPs bringing up the rear, Baywatch barely escapes the basement. One reason it does: The Rock. Helpful! Turns out if you liked 21 Jump Street and CHiPs, this flick is for you! The New York Times loosened up its necktie for this one. The Bad: The digital effects  fire and water, mostly  are lackluster, and the whole thing has a crummy, overcast, second-rate-theme-park look to it. The Good: Like its source material, Baywatch is sleazy and wholesome, silly and earnest, dumb as a box of sand and slyly self-aware. Its soft-serve ice cream. Crinkle-cut fries. A hot car and a skin rash. Tacky and phony and nasty and also kind of fun. Tacky? Phony? Nasty? We didnt know it was a date movie. The Washington Post, of course, just couldnt leave politics out of it. The Bad: Its no shock that the women in Baywatch dont have much to do beyond look good. ... Maybe dodging bad lines was a relief for the actresses. Its not like the screenplay, by Damian Shannon and Mark Swift, gives performers a lot to work with. The Good: If, indeed, Dwayne the Rock Johnson ditches Hollywood to become our next commander in chief, Baywatch may be singled out as the low point of his pre-political career. Well, at least Johnson has that out of the way. The Tampa Bay Times went deadpan. The Bad: Imagining Johnson and genetically gifted co-stars in swimsuits is all it took to pitch Baywatch. Director Seth Gordon and six writers didnt come up with much beyond that. The Good: What Baywatch has in its favor is Dwayne Johnson fireman-carrying a dead weight comedy to safety. We think thats a compliment. Maybe. Variety noted the films nods to current market and societal trends. The Bad: Baywatch ... is a stupidly entertaining trash folly, the kind that could only be made today: an obscenity-and-insult-laced, aggressively competent adaptation of a 25-year-old TV show that manages to repackage every aspect of the series except, perhaps, the reason it was popular in the first place. The Good: They wear their butt-hugging red bathing suits with dignity and pride, which makes this a highly sexually responsible Baywatch. The reviewer at the New York Post appeared to be familiar with the TV series global success. The Bad: Even the action scenes need CPR, often undermined by effects so chintzy, you wonder if the money intended for them was instead eaten up by the productions seven-figure waxing budget. The Good: On the bright side, itll probably do killer business in Germany. Wait, were they just dissing the Hoff? Finally, one need go no further than the AV Club to understand Rotten Tomatoes 19% positive critics rating. The Bad: "[N]obody not even the filmmakers cares about Baywatch all that much. Yet the jokes on them: In spoofing something so forgettable, theyve made something even less memorable. The Good: Nobody cares about Baywatch. Nuff said. Facebook

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Seth Meyers says Trumps cruel budget cuts would harm the presidents supporters most By Chris Barton After a number of weeks filled with late-breaking developments on the Trump administrations apparent ties to Russia, Wednesday night was a chance for late-night hosts to sort of catch their breath and essentially choose their own adventure. Jimmy Kimmel focused on the seemingly less-than-happy photos of the pope with President Trump that circulated on Wednesday, while Stephen Colbert took a brief swipe at the $2-trillion double-counting error in Trumps budget. Seth Meyers, however, took advantage of his shows A Closer Look segment to make time for all of the above. After addressing the photo of the stone-faced pope with Trump, Meyers recapped the latest developments in the investigations into whether, among other things, the president engaged in obstruction of justice by firing FBI Director James Comey. But then Meyers took on the administrations proposed federal budget, which could cause harm to many. While noting the budget amounts to a wish list that Congress will battle over, Meyers said the proposals harshness was not to be discounted. What someone wishes for tells you a lot about that person, Meyers said before recounting the many cuts the budget proposes to Social Security and Medicaid. The show then rolled a number of clips in which Trump the candidate promised not to do just that. This budget lays bare just how much of a fraud Trumps campaign was, Meyers added, noting how hard many of these cuts to the social safety net would hit Trump supporters. He then squared off the pointed words of Trump the candidate versus his actions as president to underscore his point. Maybe its better those two never meet, Meyers said. I think they would hate each other. Watch the clip above. Facebook

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Universal Pictures cancels London premiere of The Mummy in wake of Manchester bombing By Libby Hill  Tom Cruise, Russell Crowe, Annabelle Wallis and Sofia Boutella star in The Mummy. The specter of Mondays terrorist attack in Manchester, England, continues to loom large. Universal Pictures announced Thursday morning the cancellation of next weeks London premiere of The Mummy, the second such development this week. All of us at Universal have been devastated by the terror attack in Manchester and continue to stand with the community and country as it recovers, the statement from the studio read. Out of respect to those affected by this tragedy we have decided not to move forward with the London premiere for The Mummy scheduled to take place next week. The film, starring Tom Cruise and Russell Crowe, serves as the launch of Universal Pictures Dark Universe, an extended universe that will see the reboot of several classic monsters from the Universal vault, including the Invisible Man and Frankensteins Monster. Cancellation of the June 1 London premiere for The Mummy comes just a day after Warner Bros. nixed its May 31 Wonder Woman London premiere. Ariana Grande, whose concert was targeted in the Manchester attack that killed 22 people, similarly suspended her tour through June 5 on Wednesday. A statement from the artists representatives said the suspension comes until we can further assess the situation and pay our proper respects to those lost. Facebook

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Al Gore on the French Riviera: Why he was reluctant to make An Inconvenient Sequel By Kenneth Turan Former Vice President Al Gore arrives on the red carpet for the screening of The Killing of a Sacred Deer at the Cannes Film Festival. (Alberto Pizzoli / AFP / Getty Images) It has not been a very good year for those concerned with climate change. The U.S. is considering leaving the landmark Paris climate pact, a hostile appointee leads the Environmental Protection Agency, and right-wing websites chortle, Trumps Latest Move Will Make Al Gore Fry. But is Al Gore himself despondent or depressed about it all? Not in the slightest. Ive been inoculated in the year 2000, he says, combining a burst of genial good humor with a reference to his presidential election loss to George W. Bush. I now have a resistance to being disheartened, the antibodies are still thriving in my bloodstream. As we all learn, one of the hidden secrets of the human condition is we learn the most from our most painful experiences. Former Vice President Al Gore at the Carlton hotel for the Cannes Film Festival, which is screening his documentary An Inconvenient Sequel. (Stephanie Cornfield / For The Times) To spend time with Al Gore is to meet a man enough at ease with himself to dress as if for a Senate hearing in white shirt, suit and tie even though hes in the south of France; a warm, engaged, surprisingly funny individual whose innate courtesy has him personally hang a reporters sports coat on a nearby hotel room hanger. Yes, he does tend to stay on message when he talks (how could he not) and he likes to draw graphs in the air with his hands (Im going to get a little geeky for a moment, he apologizes with a smile, Im sorry, its a failing). But he combines this with good-humored self-awareness and a fiercely committed intelligence. If you think Im earnest now, you should have seen me earlier, he says. You cant change who you are. At times Ive tried, but Im old enough to stop worrying. Gore is in Cannes to promote the worldwide release of an impassioned and involving new documentary, An Inconvenient Sequel. Due in U.S. theaters on July 28, it brings us up to speed on where the battle against climate change stands more than a decade after the Oscar-winning documentary An Inconvenient Truth. Im here for a lot of to-ing and fro-ing is how Gore puts it. I think Ive done 75 seven-minute interviews  Japan, Russia, Brazil, everywhere. The day before yesterday I was live on [the French cable channel] Canal Plus when the interpreter talking in my earpiece was evacuated from his building because of a bomb scare. The questioner was going a mile a minute in French, but because of those 75 seven-minute interviews, I picked up enough key words to fight my way through it. Gore has been concerned with climate change since he took a class with pioneering global warming theorist Roger Revelle as a college student in the 1960s. Not only did Gore never imagine when I was a young man that this would become an all-consuming body of work for me, he also never anticipated that the work would involve the movies. More than that, he was frankly dubious about both of his films. Read More Facebook

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Ellen DeGeneres says shes in for a Netflix stand-up comedy special By Christie DZurilla Ellen DeGeneres is working on a new comedy special  for the first time in a very long time  and this time shes working with Netflix. Looks like its been 15 years since you did a stand-up special. ... How about one for Netflix? the streaming service asked her Wednesday on Twitter. Minutes later, DeGeneres replied, Let me think about it. Ok Im in. Heres how in she is: Im writing it now, I cant wait, DeGeneres said in a statement confirming the upcoming gig. Ill keep you posted when and where Im gonna shoot my Netflix special. Im excited to do it; Im excited for you to see it. Previously, HBO was home for DeGeneres comedy specials: her One Night Stand in 1992, Ellen DeGeneres: The Beginning in 2000 and Ellen DeGeneres: Here and Now. The second and third shows notched two Emmy nominations each. In March, the former sitcom star announced shed be returning to prime time with Ellens Game of Games, which shes hosting for six episodes on NBC. No air dates have been set. Its going to be like a combination of American Ninja Warrior, RuPauls Drag Race and a water park, DeGeneres said in a statement. OK, its nothing like that, but you should still watch. Looks like it's been 15 years since you did a stand-up special, @TheEllenShow. How about one for Netflix?  Netflix US (@netflix) May 24, 2017 Let me think about it. Ok I'm in. https://t.co/kUAdHyXAjS  Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) May 24, 2017 UPDATES 2:30 p.m.: This article was updated with confirmation from Netflix and a statement from DeGeneres. Facebook

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Chris Cornells body has been cremated, report says; funeral set for Friday By Christie DZurilla Chris Cornell in 1991. (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times) The body of Soundgarden frontman Chris Cornell, who died last week in Detroit, was reportedly cremated Tuesday in Hollywood, and a funeral is planned for later this week. Widow Vicky Cornell, brother Peter Boyle and friends Linda Ramone and singer J.D. King were at Hollywood Forever Cemetery for the cremation, sources familiar with the service told TMZ. Cornells body was flown to Los Angeles from Detroit on Sunday, family attorney Kirk Pasich told Rolling Stone on Monday, and a private funeral will be held Friday. Pasich told Variety on Sunday that public memorials will be held when its decided. The short time between the end of Soundgardens May 17 show and 52-year-old Cornells death was chronicled in a police report obtained by the Detroit News. He and the band walked offstage around 11:15 p.m. May 17. Fifteen minutes later Cornell was in his hotel room, the report said, where bodyguard Martin Kirsten (who used to work for and date Heidi Klum) helped him fix his computer and gave him two Ativan. At 11:35 p.m. Cornell was talking to his wife, Vicky, who said Friday through her attorney that she had been concerned because her husband was slurring his words and told her he might have taken a few too many anxiety pills. She called Kirsten at 12:15 a.m. Thursday and asked him to check on the singer, the report said; the bodyguard kicked in the hotel room door, then the locked bathroom door, and found Cornell. At his final show, Cornell seemed high and was out of character from note 1, lead sound engineer Ted Keedick told TMZ in an interview published Wednesday. He said the Soundgarden frontman did not appear depressed. However, Keedick said: Id never heard his voice that way before. He was having serious control problems. One concert-goer told the Detroit News last week that as far as she could tell, Cornells final show was honestly great. Nothing seemed off. Tuesday at Detroits Fox Theatre, the site of that last performance, Norah Jones played a tribute to Cornell: an acoustic version of Black Hole Sun. Facebook

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Ariana Grande suspends tour through June 5 By Christie DZurilla Ariana Grandes tour has been suspended through June 5, her management team said Wednesday. That includes the cancellation of concerts planned for Thursday and Friday at Londons O2 Arena. Twenty-two people died and at least 59 were injured in a suicide attack Monday night outside Manchester Arena, where Grande had just concluded a stop on her Dangerous Woman Tour. We ask at this time that we all continue to support the city of Manchester and all those families affected by this cowardice and senseless act of violence, the singers reps said in a statement. Our way of life has once again been threatened but we will overcome this together. The dates that have been put on hold until we can further assess the situation and pay our proper respects to those lost, the statement said, are: London, May 25-26

Antwerp, Belgium, May 28

Lodz, Poland, May 31-June 1

Frankfurt, Germany, June 3

Zurich, Switzerland, June 5 The next tour stop after that is a June 7 concert in Paris. Speculation that the tour would be put on hold has been rife since the day after the bomb went off  actually, immediately afterward and before the number of casualties was known, many on social media were already worried that shows would be axed  but the situation had been in limbo until now. An exhausted"-looking Grande returned home Tuesday to Florida, where she and her mother were met at the airport by Mac Miller, who hugged and kissed his girlfriend in an emotional reunion. Facebook

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Warner Bros. cancels London Wonder Woman premiere following Manchester attack By Josh Rottenberg In the wake of Mondays deadly terrorist attack at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester, England, Warner Bros. has announced it is canceling a planned premiere in London next week for its superhero film Wonder Woman. Our thoughts are with those affected by the recent tragedy in the UK, the studio said in a statement. In light of the current situation, we will not be proceeding with our plans for the premiere and junket activities in London. Starring Gal Gadot and directed by Patty Jenkins, the highly anticipated film  which is set in Europe during World War I  will hold its U.S. premiere on Thursday in Los Angeles. It arrives in theaters June 2. The studio faced a similar situation last year when its European premiere of Batman v. Superman was scheduled to be held in London just hours after terrorist attacks struck Brussels, killing 32 people and injuring many others. In that case, the studio said in a statement that it had decided to go ahead with the event rather than yield to terror. But as Britain mourns the 22 people killed in the Manchester bombing, with scores more wounded, and with the countrys security threat level raised to its highest, signaling the possibility of another imminent attack, Warner Bros. clearly determined that the circumstances called for a different course of action. Facebook

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New Spider-Man: Homecoming trailer shows off Spideys tricked-out, Iron Man-style super-suit By Josh Rottenberg Spider-Man has a few new tricks up his spandex sleeve, with the latest trailer for Sonys upcoming franchise reboot Spider-Man: Homecoming offering a deeper look at Spideys newfangled, tech-enhanced super-suit. Courtesy of billionaire inventor/playboy Tony Stark, the suit is embedded with Iron Man-style technology. A Jarvis-like computer assistant informs Peter Parker (Tom Holland) of the 576 possible web shooter combinations he has at his command. A parachute can also be deployed out of the back of the suit when needed, and the chest piece can detach and turn into a drone. For those who prefer their Spidey old-school, though, the trailer also promises a return to Parkers teenage roots  though with a decidedly cockier spin than the shy, alienated high school nerd weve often seen depicted in the comics and onscreen. Hollands Parker is clearly feeling his superhero oats, boasting to Stark of taking down a petty bike thief and raring for bigger challenges, Spanish quiz or no Spanish quiz. (Cue Michael Keatons villainous Vulture.) Informed by his best friend Ned that Stark has installed a training-wheels protocol on his super-suit to disable some of its abilities, Parker gripes, Im sick of Mr. Stark treating me like a kid. But you are a kid, Ned reminds him. Yeah, Parker says, a kid who can stop a bus with his bare hands! Spider-Man: Homecoming hits theaters July 7. Watch the trailer below. Facebook

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Performers move U.K. concerts after Manchester bombing, but for some, the show goes on By Christie DZurilla Floral tributes in Manchesters St. Anns Square on May 24, 2017. (Jeff J. Mitchell / Getty Images) Manchester Arena has postponed concerts by Take That, an English pop group from the city that was to play there Thursday, Friday and Saturday. But its working to see that a KISS show proceeds next week. Unfortunately, due to the tragic events that unfolded on Monday night, it is not possible for the concerts to take place, the arena said in a statement. These have now been postponed and more information will follow. In another statement, the arena cited the ongoing police investigation. Take That had previously postponed a show at another location, saying Tuesday on its website, Out of respect to all of the people and their families that were affected by the horrific incident last night at the Manchester Arena, we have decided to postpone our show tonight in Liverpool. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. KISS is scheduled to play Manchester Arena on Tuesday, and the venue said it is working on that show with promoters and police. pic.twitter.com/HkR9ilSTSt  Manchester Arena (@ManchesterArena) May 23, 2017 As far as the Ariana Grande concerts set for Londons O2 arena on Thursday and Friday, as of Wednesday morning no decision had been made. Were still in contact with the tour promoters regarding a final decision, the O2 team said on Twitter Wednesday morning. As yet the tour is not officially postponed or canceled, despite media reports. Katy Perry, Lorde, Lana Del Rey, Imagine Dragons, Shawn Mendes and the Chainsmokers will all go ahead with performances this Saturday and Sunday in Hull, England, at BBC Radio 1s Big Weekend, according to TMZ. Hull is about two hours from Manchester. Blondie postponed a Tuesday-night show at the Round Chapel in London, saying in a series of tweets the day of the show that the move was out of respect for the victims of the terrible attack at the Manchester Arena, and noting that plans to reschedule the show were in the works. The Afghan Whigs have moved their Friday show to the O2 Ritz Manchester from Manchester Cathedral, which, as of Wednesday morning, was still cordoned off by police. The Ritz said Tuesday that it would stay silent on social media for two days in sympathy with those who lost their lives or were injured, physically or mentally, but that it would have news Thursday about any rescheduled shows. Other acts that had been scheduled to perform in the Manchester area but not in the arena in coming days, including Colour of Noise, Damien Dempsey, Shriekback and the Cranberries, canceled their shows for reasons unrelated to the suicide attack. Most announced those plans well before Monday. Facebook

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A Star Is Born: Bob Dylan turns 76 today By Los Angeles Times Staff (Lori Shepler / Los Angeles Times) When people think of me, they are not necessarily going to buy the latest record anyway. They may buy a record from years ago. Besides, I dont think interviews sell records.  Bob Dylan, 1985 FROM THE ARCHIVES: Bob Dylan -- Still A-Changin Facebook

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Late-night TV hosts, U2 plead for love after Manchester bombing By Robert Lloyd After the news, late-night talk shows are televisions most topical forum. We turn there for the satirical distance and perspective that might allow us to process the day and get to sleep  for laughs when laughter is appropriate, but also for a thoughtful response when events go beyond ordinary human folly to the terrible and unthinkable. Mondays suicide bombing after an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester, England, was on the minds of some late-night hosts Tuesday night. Theres really nothing you can say that can approach the shock and the grief of the victims and their families, said Stephen Colbert on Late Show, asking his audience to go online to hear what his CBS colleague James Corden, who follows him on The Late Late Show, had to say the night before. All we can add here, said Colbert, is that following acts of senseless violence like this, its all the more important not to be controlled by fear, but instead to be reminded by the action of people of Manchester who rushed to the aid of their friends and strangers alike. It is just more proof that evil cannot succeed as long as good people are willing to love each other. On NBCs Late Night, host Seth Meyers had similar thoughts. At its best, being at a concert is an incredible collective experience, he said. Its a chance through a shared love of music to connect with, to sing with and to dance with people you dont know.... And so this comes down to the way we treat strangers, and while some cowards chose to treat strangers with hate, from everything I read, Manchester was filled with people last night who provided aid and comfort to help victims who were total strangers to them. He ended with a plea for all of us to not need a tragedy to remind us of the importance of treating those we do not know with love instead of hate. The Irish band U2, in Los Angeles to perform concerts of their own, were among Jimmy Kimmels guests on ABCs Jimmy Kimmel Live. Kimmel brought up Manchester. I imagine that is something you guys have been thinking about, he said. They hate music, they hate women, they even hate little girls  they hate everything that we love, lead singer Bono replied. The worst of humanity was on view in Manchester last night  but so was the best, as people took perfect strangers into their houses and queued up for blood banks. Manchester has an undefeatable spirit, I can assure you. Kimmel wondered how growing up in Northern Ireland in an era of political and sectarian violence had affected their music. It was so commonplace for a number of years, answered the Edge, the bands guitarist, that it just became a constant background to life. And occasionally something particularly awful would happen and it would really affect you  but that was almost the worst of it. You got to the place where [it was] just ongoing every week, every month. Punk rock helped, added Bono. It made us suspicious of partisanship, it made us up suspicious of sectarian ideas. Facebook

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Elisabeth Moss and BBC America join forces for Typhoid Mary limited series By Libby Hill (Patrick T. Fallon / For The Times) The Handmaids Tale star Elisabeth Moss is wasting no time in lining up new projects. BBC America announced Tuesday its partnership with Moss and Annapurna Television in developing Fever, a limited series focused on the tale of Typhoid Mary. The series will adapt the novel of the same name, written by Mary Beth Keane and set in early 20th century New York, where Mary Mallon is unknowingly transmitting typhus to those around her. She was an immigrant in turn-of-the-century New York, a time of huge change and progress in America, Moss said of the character in a statement released by the network. She was incredibly unique, stubborn, ambitious and in fierce denial of any wrongdoing until her death where she lived out her days imprisoned on an island just off of the Bronx in N.Y. She is incredibly complicated, something I seem to enjoy playing, said Moss. Moss will star in the series and serve as executive producer alongside director Phil Morrison (Enlightened, Junebug) and writer Robin Veith (The Expanse, True Blood). Annapurnas Sue Naegle and Megan Ellison will also serve as executive producers. Facebook

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Universal Music Group CEO on Manchester attack: A level of evil beyond comprehension By Christie DZurilla Lucian Grainge, CEO of Universal Music Group, in November 2016. (Frazer Harrison / Getty Images) Lucian Grainge of Universal Music Group sent a company-wide memo Tuesday, calling it a day of remembrance of victims of the suicide attack in Manchester, England, and acknowledging that emotions were raw. "[W]e grieve for all of those lost there, offering our deepest condolences to their families and loved ones, said the chief executive of UMG, parent company of Ariana Grandes recording label Republic, in a note obtained by Variety. Twenty-two people, one only 8 years old, were killed Monday night and at least 59 were hurt when a bomb exploded as Grandes concert at the Manchester Arena was ending. This hits home for us as a music company, Grainge said, because so many of us, myself included, spend so much time out seeing our artists perform, let alone attending concerts as fans. Thats why weve chosen music as our career  or rather music has chosen us. No UMG employees, including Grande and her crew, were injured in the blast, he confirmed, and help from human resources and security was offered to those with questions or concerns. That said, Grainge continued, the fact that such an unspeakable act can be committed at a place where innocent people  including so many young people  come together peacefully to enjoy music reflects a level of evil beyond comprehension. READ MORE: Suspected Manchester suicide bomber identified as U.K. son of Libyan immigrants>> Facebook

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Ariana Grande returns home to Florida after Manchester attack By Christie DZurilla People attending a vigil for Mondays suicide-attack victims brought flowers to St. Ann Square in Manchester, England, on Tuesday. (Jeff J. Mitchell / Getty Images) Ariana Grande reportedly returned home to Florida on Tuesday after the bombing outside her Manchester, England, concert that left 22 dead and at least 59 injured. As they exited a private plane, Grande, her mom and her dog were met on the tarmac in Boca Raton, E! News said, by family members and rapper Mac Miller, whom the 23-year-old has been dating since last summer. Miller gave Grande a long hug and a kiss, a source told E! It was a very emotional reunion and they stood talking for a minute before getting into the car, t
What does one of the worlds most highly regarded filmmakers have to do to earn a competition slot at the Festival de Cannes?

That was a question many were asking in regard to Claire Denis  and not for the first time  following last weeks Cannes premiere of her exquisite and bittersweet love comedy, Let the Sunshine In (Un Beau Soleil Interieur).

Starring Juliette Binoche as Isabelle, a middle-aged Parisian artist, mother and divorcee searching for romantic fulfillment, the film screened on Thursday as the opening-night attraction of the Directors Fortnight, a parallel program to the festivals official selection. It was acquired shortly afterward by Sundance Selects for North American distribution.

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Denis landed in the Cannes competition with her 1988 debut film, Chocolat. Since then, several of her rigorously intelligent and intensely atmospheric movies, including Beau Travail, The Intruder, White Material and 35 Shots of Rum, have competed for prizes at other festivals like Berlin and Venice, and her harrowing 2013 thriller, Bastards, played in Cannes out-of-competition Un Certain Regard sidebar.

But subsequent chances for the Palme dOr? Rien.

Sitting down to talk about her latest at the J.W. Marriott Hotel overlooking the Croisette, the 71-year-old Denis gently waves away this critics indignation on her behalf.

To make a film is such a challenge, that to complain is a little bit difficult. I cannot complain, she says. You cannot make films and be sad because youre not in competition at Cannes.

For her, the satisfaction of making Let the Sunshine In, a process that she describes as a joy, came from her close collaboration with her co-writer, the novelist Christine Angot. The two had originally played with the idea of adapting Fragments: A Lovers Discourse, a 1977 essay by the French semiologist Roland Barthes, but quickly scrapped that idea in favor of telling their own story  what she describes as our own love agonies  focused on a woman who would combine elements of their own experience.

Christine and I were like two women sharing a story, and two women not with the same experience, obviously, but who were interested by each other, she says. This was very different for me, this frankness between two women.

The film follows Isabelle through a series of alternately delightful and exasperating romantic encounters with men of varying ages, backgrounds and body types, played by actors including Xavier Beauvois, Bruno Podalydes and two of Denis regular collaborators, Nicolas Duvauchelle and Alex Descas. In one particularly amusing scene, Isabelle visits a clairvoyant played by Gerard Depardieu, a sly wink to an incident years ago when the veteran French actor insulted Binoche in an interview. (Theyve long since patched things up.)

Denis says she has long wanted to work with the Oscar-winning Binoche, who has acted for directors such as Leos Carax (Mauvais Sang) and Olivier Assayas (Summer Hours, Clouds of Sils Maria) whom Denis is friendly with. But they both had to wait for the right project to come along.

Juliette first tried to adapt herself, to learn those long dialogues, and then when she had done that work, she felt free to be that woman, Denis says.

The film is in many ways a comic essay on the difficulties of language, particularly between two potential lovers trying to connect. The screenplay is filled with repetitions and hesitations that sound almost improvised on-screen but were in fact meticulously written on the page, with nary a single deviation in the shooting process.

Despite these strictures, a low budget and an intense five-week shooting schedule, Binoche says that acting for Denis gave her an extraordinary sense of freedom.

Shes so true and sensitive that I could feel her next to me, directing me, Binoche says. And that frees me in a way, so that I dont have to defend anything or prove anything, because shes allowing whatever is coming.

Denis notes that for all their preparation, the character was really brought to life by her striking wardrobe and makeup choices -- heavy black eyeliner, short skirts, leather jackets and high-heeled boots.

Often with wardrobe you can say things that, if you had to say them in psychological terms  you are a woman like this or like that  would be a little bit hard, she says.

Tonally, the result is on the gentler end of the Denis spectrum, closer to the wistful sense of possibility in Friday Night, her 2002 movie about a brief encounter abroad, than, say, the outre erotic horror of her 2000 cannibal thriller, Trouble Every Day. But while Let the Sunshine In is almost certainly the funniest film Denis has ever made, it possesses the same patient, rigorous intelligence as her earlier work.

With its smoothly choreographed long takes (framed by Denis usual cinematographer, Agnes Godard) and elegant, flowing story structure, the movie at times suggests a French art-house corrective to the glossy pandering of female-centric Hollywood fantasies like Nancy Meyers Its Complicated. For Denis, however, the movie feels more informed by the Italian comedies she used to watch as a teenager, in which life was a tragedy, but told with a lot of humor.

Even amid the festivities in Cannes, Denis mind already seems beyond the festival, looking ahead to her next project.

To make film is a very strange thing. Its very addictive in a strange way, she says. A film is never an achievement. Its not the last one. There must be another, better one.

justin.chang@latimes.com
They call themselves retired grandma Nancy Drews. One is a former emergency room nurse, the other a longtime elementary school teacher.

They make notes on coffee filters instead of index cards and wear clam diggers and sensible sneakers.

But thanks in part to the amateur sleuth work of Gemma Hoskins and Abbie Schaub, the 47-year-old unsolved murder of a young Catholic nun is gaining national attention. Earlier this year the Baltimore County Police Department conducted DNA tests on the exhumed body of a priest in relation to the case. And now, with the debut last Friday of Netflixs The Keepers, the seven-part docu-series in which the two are central figures, Hoskins and Schaub are being treated like Cagney and Lacey.

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The two were classmates at Archbishop Keough High School in the 1960s, where Sister Cathy Cesnik served as their teacher. But the nun disappeared suddenly on Nov. 7, 1969, after driving to a local shopping center to buy some Muhlys dinner rolls, cash a paycheck and purchase an engagement gift for her sister. She never returned home, and her car was found directly across the street from where she lived, parked haphazardly, the rear jutting out into the road. The tires were caked with mud, and a twig hung from the steering wheel. The Muhlys bag was still inside the vehicle.

The driveway across from Sister Cathy Cesniks apartment where her car was found abandoned. (Amy Kaufman / Los Angeles Times)

Cesniks body wasnt discovered until Jan. 3, 1970, abandoned in a snowy, wooded area just a few miles from where she lived.

Her death remained a sad, murky mystery until Hoskins got a call from a former Baltimore Sun reporter searching for anyone who had been a student of Cesniks.

Hoskins, wanting to help reporter Tom Nugent figure out who had hurt Cesnik, posted a message to a Facebook page for Keough High alumni, but was berated for muddying up a space usually filled with birth and anniversary announcements with such an unpleasant topic. One person, however, came to Hoskins defense: Schaub.

It wasnt long before the two started a new Facebook group, this one seeking justice for Cesnik.

Amateur sleuths

Hoskins has always liked true-crime stories; shes watched Dateline and 20/20 every Friday night for years. But it wasnt until this mystery turned up in her own backyard that she realized just how adept she was at detective work.

Following tips often submitted through the Facebook page, Hoskins and Schaub began seriously investigating Cesniks death, which led to the theory explored in The Keepers that the teacher was killed after students confided in her about sexual abuse taking place at Keough. Numerous subjects interviewed by Hoskins and Schaub say they were molested by Father Joseph Maskell, who served as the schools chaplain, counselor and religion teacher.

The two made a good team: Schaub, the retired nurse, had a knack for research. Through Google, she learned how to access public records, digging up old court documents, sifting through microfilm and even filing Freedom of Information Act requests. She kept all of her findings in organized spreadsheets and file folders, some days working for up to 10 hours on the investigation.

Hoskins, meanwhile, preferred to do the face-to-face work. If a new Maskell survivor popped up, shed be the one to go and conduct the interview. She wasnt afraid of knocking on doors or flirting to get information.

Gemma Hoskins sits on her patio with her dog, Teddy. (Amy Kaufman / Los Angeles Times)

Gemma and I are opposite souls, explains Schaub, 65, who was on a vacation in West Virginia the week before the release of The Keepers. She is outgoing, confident and knows everybody in the community. I am far more of an introvert. I am keen to find substantive, hard facts. I want to see a paper trail. I dont really like cold-calling people. So her strengths are my weaknesses.

Director Ryan White, who began work on the series after the release of his and Ben Cotners 2014 documentary, The Case Against 8, immediately saw cinematic potential in the pair. But it wasnt always smooth sailing. Often he and Hoskins would butt heads. She jokes that she told White she was quitting the project about a dozen times.

We always knew Gemma would come back, so I never took her seriously, he says with a laugh as he rides inside a car making its way through Baltimores suburbs. Hes showing a reporter key spots from The Keepers: Keoughs soon-to-be-shuttered campus (now plastered with no trespassing signs and patrolled by security guards), the haunted house-esque rectory where the priest Maskell once lived, Cesniks apartment and the shopping village where she was last seen, which is now home to both a Family Dollar and a Dollar General store.

A no trespassing sign has been posted at the entrance of Seton Keough High School. (Amy Kaufman / Los Angeles Times)

Can we stop at Dunkin Donuts? White asks, halting the tour to pull into a drive-through and pick up the drink that fueled him throughout production: A large black cold brew.

This was not fun to make, he says, sipping on his iced coffee. Its been very eye opening for me about an institution that I had respect for and had a very positive experience with. I was raised with values by my mom in that church. Its been very disappointing.

Schaub feels the same way. For one, shes been disheartened to learn how difficult it is to get information from public sources. She recently put her daughters name on an outstanding FOIA request in case she dies before the government gets back to her. And talking to scores of sexual abuse victims has taken a toll.

Its been worrisome. Ive lost a lot of sleep. Its a very strange twist of life, but something in me says I have a duty and obligation to see this through.  Abbie Schaub

I have always struggled whether or not it was a good thing to open this Pandoras box of pain and misery and memories, because I have been concerned that reopening this might be more emotional pain and someone might hurt themselves and the outcome would be a bad one, she admits. Its been stressful. Its been worrisome. Ive lost a lot of sleep. Its a very strange twist of life, but something in me says I have a duty and obligation to see this through.

Unearthing the past

Hoskins journey began with the motivation to find justice for Cesnik, but grew into a quest to expose long-buried secrets of sexual abuse by Father Maskell against some of her fellow Keough classmates.

She had no idea about the molestation allegations until two anonymous women  Jane Doe and Jane Roe  filed a $40-million civil lawsuit against Maskell in 1994. The case was thrown out because the statute of limitations had expired.

At school, Hoskins had never had much interaction with Maskell. She thought he was just a nerdy priest.

He reminds me of  what is that new show that Kiefer Sutherland is in? Designated Survivor! You know how nerdy he looks in that? Thats Maskell, exactly, she says, sitting in a rocker inside the Ocean City apartment she shares with her dog, Teddy, an Australian labradoodle.

It was when she learned that the Maskell allegations might be tied to Cesnik that Hoskins took a greater interest in the case. As a teenager, shed been terrified of the nuns who taught at her all-girls private school. They were old and serious, the white headdresses framing their faces so tightly it looked painful. There was a rumor that one of them didnt have any toes.

The apartment building where Sister Catherine Cesnik last lived. (Amy Kaufman / Los Angeles Times)

But Cesnik was different. She was in her 20s, pretty and charismatic. She used the Socratic method and bused her students to downtown Baltimore to see a production of Franco Zeffirellis Romeo and Juliet. Hoskins felt so close to her that when school let out for the summer, she and some classmates took a pizza over to the nuns apartment.

It was the last time Hoskins would see the woman who inspired her to become an elementary school teacher. When she found out about the murder, she felt sick.

The idea of her laying there for two months just makes me want to scream, she says, because she was so special. I cant imagine her beautiful body and face  her presence  laying in the snow. It wasnt right.

Today, a small metal placard has been drilled onto an ivy-covered tree near where Cesniks body was found:

In Memory Of

Cathy Cesnik

1942  1969

with Love & Appreciation!

It would be hard to find the memorial if you werent with someone who had been there before. The tree is located on private land, hidden about 50 yards off the street in some woods thick with underbrush.

Back when Cathy was found, this was just a place where people dumped their garbage. All these trees werent here, says White, pointing through the greenery.

He estimates hes been to this spot, about 20 minutes south of downtown Baltimore, 50 times since he started working on The Keepers. His mother was raised just a few miles from here, and his aunt was a student at Keough. In 2014, when Jane Doe revealed her identity  Jean Hargadon Wehner  members of Whites family realized theyd been childhood friends with her and passed along the news.

A placard to commemorate Sister Cathy Cesnik has been placed on a tree in the area where her body was found. (Amy Kaufman / Los Angeles Times)

Mom is constantly sending me bad articles as ideas for documentaries, says White, 35, who lives in Los Angeles Atwater Village. She definitely hit it out of the park with this one.

Though hed left the church by the time he went to college at Duke University, White was raised a staunch Catholic. He was a eucharistic minister, assisting the priest in giving out communion. His youth group traveled to Honduras every couple of years on mission trips.

So making a story set in Baltimore, a city with deep ties to the religion, piqued his interest. He set up a meeting with Wehner, who became central to the series, and soon began traveling to the city for a week every month, staying in his uncles attic for free.

A safe place

Since filming on the documentary was finished, Hoskins, after 64 years of living in Baltimore county  and seeing Schaub several times a week  decided to move permanently to Ocean City. Its a resort town where hundreds of thousands of tourists crowd the sand during the summer, picking up steamed crabs and salt water taffy on the wooden boardwalk.

Hoskins feels safe here. Her diabetes is causing her eyesight to deteriorate, and she no longer has peripheral vision. Soon, she wont be able to drive. But shell be able to use the local mobility van for free. And she can see the ocean from the patio of her two-bedroom place, which shes filled with shabby chic decor. Theres a lot of distressed wood and aquamarine. The couch has a tropical palm leaf print. In the corner, theres a chair she upholstered with the T-shirt she bought at a Billy Joel and Elton John concert.

A chair Gemma Hoskins made from a concert t-shirt of Elton John and Billy Joel. (Amy Kaufman / Los Angeles Times)

It also makes for a good place to study. She recently decided to pursue a criminal justice degree through a local community college. She can take courses online from her rocker and just finished criminology this spring. When she graduates, shed like to start working for a private investigator.

Looking back on the last few years, Hoskins feels confident that she and Schaub have made a dent in the cold case. Recently, she says, Baltimore County Police Officer Robin Teal asked to meet with them to hear about what kind of information theyd gathered. (Teal did not respond to a request for comment.)

She told us, You have done my homework for me, says Hoskins. As we were leaving, she said wed given her some really good smoking guns. She calls me probably once a week. But we just hope it isnt a PR thing because of the documentary.

Gemma Hoskins living room in Ocean City, Maryland. (Amy Kaufman / Los Angeles Times)

The Keepers has garnered strong reviews from critics and is already inciting the Archdiocese of Baltimore. On its Facebook page, the organization says it does not dispute the abuse committed by Fr. Maskell, but The Keepers premise and conclusion are wrong. It also published a lengthy question-and-answer segment discussing the archdioceses Efforts to Protect Children and Promote Healing for Victims of Abuse.

Its for this very reason that Hoskins thinks The Keepers could end up having a bigger impact than recent crime stories like Making a Murderer, The Jinx and Serial.

This is something in a really sad, distraught world that everybody can agree on: Who wants to see children hurt? she says. This is something that has nothing to do with politics or where you live. Its doing the right thing for kids.  How can that not be a good thing? I think that with Cathy dying so young, she could have had such an impact on our lives  but shes having a bigger one now. And maybe that was the way it was supposed to be. My life is so rich because of hers.

Investigating Cesniks death, Hoskins says, has given her purpose. Her husband died when she was 35, and shes fought loneliness ever since. She was only with him for five years  a relationship that took her completely by surprise. At 30, she was single and overweight, facing a future of health struggles because of her diabetes. But then she met Ernie, a bearded Kenny Loggins-lookalike with an affinity for flannel. He was so taken with her that one day, when she left a box of tampons in the bathroom, he drove to the elementary school where she taught just to drop them off.

His devotion perplexed her. He must think I have money, she thought.

But Ernie had his own issues. Before theyd met, hed fallen off a telephone pole on the job for a local cable company and accidentally kicked himself in the groin. Now, one of his testicles was the size of an orange.

It was cancer, and by the time Hoskins insisted he visit the doctor, it had already metastasized.

Still, they wed. She stayed by his side until his death in 1989.

I think hes got his hand on my shoulder all the time. And Cathy  I think shes driving the bus, she says, her eyes watering. My teeth are in this thing. I love that woman and [Maskell] was a monster and Im going to see what I can do about it. I feel like this is what Im here for.

amy.kaufman@latimes.com

Follow me on Twitter @AmyKinLA

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For Wednesday mornings meeting with Pope Francis at the Vatican, First Lady Melania Trump was all about Italy, wearing Dolce & Gabbana. She also arrived at Romes Leonardo da Vinci Airport Tuesday afternoon in a Dolce & Gabbana button-front coat with gold brocade on a fluted neck collar and at the wrists. A spokesman for Dolce & Gabbana did not respond immediately for comment Wednesday.

The First Lady has been somewhat of a loyalist to Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana, choosing a suit from them for her official White House portrait, a slimming Dolce & Gabbana cocktail dress with bows on each shoulder on New Years Eve and a black ruched off-the-shoulder dress for the first presidential debate last fall. Contrary to some American designers who have been very vocal about not wanting to dress the First Lady (regardless if they have been given the choice), Gabbana thanked the First Lady, describing her as a DG Woman via Instagram earlier this year. And the Italian designer took some heat for doing so.

Raised in Slovenia, where nearly 74 percent of residents are Catholics, the First Lady kept things conservative, wearing a veil for Wednesdays meet-and-greet with the pontiff. After a tour of the Sistine Chapel, she removed the veil when chatting reportedly in Italian with youngsters at the pediatric hospital Bambino Gesu.

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Joining the President and his wife at the Vatican was Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump, who also wore a long-sleeved black dress and a black veil. While in the Middle East earlier in the week, many media outlets noted each had opted not to don head coverings. Both women also wore all-white dresses in Israel with the First Daughter, accessorizing her long-sleeved white dress with Dannijo statement emerald earrings.

Pope Francis sounded a very different statement during Wednesdays early morning meeting. The First Ladys spokeswoman confirmed that His Holiness had in fact joked with the First Lady about feeding the President potica, a Slovenian hand-rolled pastry.

Only in Rome until Wednesday afternoon, the Trumps will soon be bound for Belgium, where the First Lady is expected to touch down at Brussels International Airport wearing another favorite label  Michael Kors with Manolo Blahnik heels. And upon arrival at the Royal Palace, their first order of business will be taking an official photo with King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium.

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Its beer festival season in Los Angeles, and with more than 60 breweries in L.A. County, theres never been a better time to dive in. And if youve never attended a beer festival, or if its been a few years, you can catch up on the local beer scene at some upcoming events. Who knows? You might even discover some new favorite brews. Heres what to expect, and how you can make the most of the cant-miss beer festivals of 2017.

Not all beer festivals are created equal

In years past, many of the beer festivals in L.A. were more about getting hammered than they were about showcasing the best beers. While theres nothing wrong with getting sloppy on IPA in the middle of the day, the crowds, lines and atmosphere of the generic beer fest isnt the best showcase of local beer culture. Your best bet is to find a festival organized by, or in support of, a nonprofit. Next time youre at your favorite local brewery, ask them which upcoming events theyre excited to attend.

One of the biggest differentiators between festivals is how the beer is served. In all cases, you can expect a small taster-sized pour (between 2 and 5 ounces), but where some events offer unlimited samples, other events provide a number of drink tickets. The all-you-can drink events are usually more expensive up front but they can work out to a better value if your goal is to try as many brews as possible.

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Where to go first

Having trouble deciding on a first festival? Theres no better opportunity to experience the state of L.A.s thriving beer scene than the L.A. Beer Week kickoff festival, organized by the Los Angeles County Brewers Guild. Beer week launches on June 17 this year with the marquee event at Los Angeles Center Studios downtown. Besides unlimited samples from the 50-plus local breweries, a couple dozen guest breweries from across the country are also featured alongside local food and bands.

Beyond trying a myriad of brews, the festivals are also great opportunities to learn more about the breweries and even connect with some of the folks making your favorite local beers. Some festivals are staffed with volunteers, but the best also feature brewers and other brewery employees either pouring the beer or on-hand, or chatting with fans. Instead of asking for the strongest or the most hoppy beer available, ask for advice on what you should try. Especially if youre new to beer, the brewery staff can point you toward the styles and brands to try first. A good opportunity to have some quality brewer interactions is at Beer Camp Across America, the touring beer festival organized by Sierra Nevada Brewing, which returns to Long Beach to close out L.A. Beer Week on June 24.

Dealing with the crowds

With so many events throughout the summer, its tough to gauge how busy some of the festivals will be. Long lines for beer, food and the restrooms are common at the popular festivals, but less-cramped events are just as common. One way to combat the crowds is to arrive early; time spent waiting before the gates open will pay dividends once you get inside the festival. What you really want to watch out for is the lengthy wait for food at some festivals. Once youre a few beer samples into the day, the throngs clustered around the food trucks can dissuade you from having that snack. Avoid the problem by putting down a solid base; a hearty breakfast will give you the stamina and the fortitude to persist to last call. And while the pretzel necklace (exactly what it sounds like  small hard pretzels strung around your neck to facilitate easy snacking) have become a beer-bro cliche, the idea of a pocket or purse full of something carb-y to munch on to help counterbalance all that beer is a good one.

Alternatively, you can hit up a festival that puts as much emphasis on the food as the booze. The annual Eat Drink Vegan festival is one event that youll want to show up to hungry (even if youre not vegan). With 80-some breweries curated by Beer Bellys Jimmy Han  including lots of beer-geek favorites  alongside coffee, kombucha and wine, theres many options to wash down food from favorite local restaurants and trucks (Mandoline Grill, Badmaash, Trejos Tacos and 70 others). The festival formerly known as Vegan Beer Fest takes over the Rose Bowl on Saturday. , May 27.

Three more pro tips

It might go without saying, but youre probably going to get good and buzzed at whichever festival you choose. The best way to avoid getting too sloppy and dodge the dreaded same-day hangover, is to drink water throughout the event. Hit up a water station after every couple of beer samples and your future self will thank you.

At the events offering unlimited pours, theres no reason to stick with a sample that you dont like. If you find yourself with a glass of dud, dont hesitate to dump it. If your goal is to try as much as you can stomach, theres no need to waste valuable liver enzymes on something you arent enjoying. Likewise, you can always ask for a half-pour, an especially prudent tactic if youre exploring the strongest of the brews on offer.

Finally, dont expect to drive home after a few hours of sampling craft beer under the sun. The Metro and ridesharing services are worth the extra time and cost, and they are certainly easier than trying to rope a friend into designated-driver duty.

food@latimes.com

@latimesfood

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Nick Metropolis went to court Monday with $6,000 in his pocket and everything on the line.

Namely, his one-of-a-kind collectibles corral on South La Brea Avenue. His only source of income. And his long-running love affair with clients ranging from A-list celebs to treasure-hunting vagrants.

It was a lousy time for Metropolis eviction hearing to come up, because Monday was also his 18th wedding anniversary. His wife, Rita, was at the store, nervously awaiting the verdict on their livelihood as her husband tried to buy a little more time.

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A customer came in and spotted a piece he had to have, so Rita dialed Nicks cell.

How much for the Buddha fountain? she asked her man.

Two hundred dollars, said Nick.

Sold.

Nick Metropolis, shown in 2014 inside a tent of alphabet letters for sale at his store, survived eviction hearing. He is on a payment plan. (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

A reminder of a different L.A.

Every day in Los Angeles, theres a tornado. It spins over the city, vacuuming up statues, bowling pins, ornaments, Hollywood sign replicas, patio furniture, movie posters, vintage telephones, school lockers, mannequins, ashtrays, albums you never heard of and the occasional Buddha fountain.

When the spinning stops, a fantastic assortment of rejected goods are deposited at 100 S. La Brea, home of a 26-year-old museum of second chances  an enterprise closed in on all sides by rising rents and luxury retail.

To some, the corner emporium is a borderline junkyard. To others, its a refreshing throwback to a time of funkier mid-city commerce  those good old days before modern living became impossible without dog boutiques and overpriced, chic nonessentials for home and hearth.

The name of the owner and the store are the same, as my colleague Nita Lelyveld wrote three years ago in a feature on Nick Metropolis, now 71. Even back then, keeping the doors open required nonstop hustle and the unexpected arrival of a rare Elvis bust or a Hollywood set designer with an urgent need for a broken couch, a pinball machine or a reasonable facsimile of Colonel Sanders.

The rent is $16,000 a month, Metropolis told me when I dropped by over the weekend, and the kindhearted rabbi who owned the property used to give him a few breaks, as Metropolis tells the story. But then came a string of bad luck.

A burglar made off with some of Nicks most valuable Marilyn, Beatles and Elvis collectibles. Then the rabbi died, and a property management company was stricter about overdue rent. And then came the relentless rains, which damaged some goods  half the shop is open-air  and washed away shoppers.

Does everything have to be a Starbucks?

So how much does he owe?

A lot, said Metropolis, who wore a lion and tiger necktie and had stuffed an impressive number of pens, pencils and notepads into his shirt pocket.

Joanna Friedman, a shop neighbor, started a GoFundMe page for Metropolis but said the money was not exactly pouring in. Some neighbors think of the place as an eyesore, she said, and Metropolis himself told me he has to do a better job of organizing and cleaning up. But to Friedman, the store is not just about things. Its about the vibe, the spectrum of people drawn to the place, and the way the owner treats them.

Does everything have to be a Starbucks? she asked.

If he could pull together $6,000 by Monday morning, Metropolis told me, he was hoping the judge would agree to a payment plan of $4,000 a week, plus $1,000 back payment, until his debt was buried. And if he missed a single payment, he said, thats it.

But the son of Greek immigrants has always found a way to survive, ever since he came west from New York in the 1960s to make it in the music business  he liked Dylan and he dressed like the Beatles. When the music didnt go so well, he tried a little acting, then landed on the stage he was meant for all along.

As bargain hunters and curiosity seekers streamed in on Sunday, Metropolis wore five rings and six bracelets he bought from a homeless woman named Alice, who once tried to sell him a microwave oven with no door. Miley Cyrus happened to be shopping for a Hollywood sign at the time and gave Alice $200, according to Metropolis.

Kayla Fitzgerald gets comfortable on an art deco-style ultrasuede sofa and chair at the collectibles store in 2014. (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

The daily haggle continues

Do you see why I say Im in a Fellini movie every day? he asked as four UC Irvine students lugged a mannequin with a missing hand to the checkout stand. They said their plan was to dress it up, just to make their apartment look hip.

Are you buying him or renting him? Metropolis asked the students.

They were buying, and the price was $150. When the students balked, Metropolis came down to $80, telling them he paid $75.

Still no deal. The missing hand and all.

They finally agreed on $60. But the students felt guilty, given Metropolis financial jam, and agreed to pay $80.

An art student named Valentin Salazar drove down from Fresno when he heard Metropolis was in trouble. Salazar made a small donation and began painting an elaborate Nick Metropolis mural on the back of the shop, no charge, all because eight years ago, when Salazar couldnt find work, Nick hired him to make a sign.

On Monday, Metropolis got some financial assistance from Ethel Watson, a 94-year-old friend who hangs out at the shop now and then.

I like his generosity toward people, Watson told me. Race, color and creed mean nothing to him. Hes just a man of love. In his need to help others, I think he hurts himself sometimes. I just couldnt stand to see him go down the drain.

The homeless jeweler came by on Monday. So did Ricky McLemore, also homeless, who brings in found treasures and sometimes does odd jobs.

A reprieve  for now

Metropolis came back from court with good news. The judge approved a deal to keep him in business, as long as he sticks with the payment plan. The property manager told me the lot could bring in much more rent, but the owners would like to see Metropolis find a way to make it work.

Its a wake-up call, said Metropolis.

As we spoke, a customer bought $700 worth of block letters, recycled from signs, to stage a promotion for a shoe company. And not long after that, Fermin Castellanos pulled up in a pickup truck with a fresh set of letters. The Taco Stop, in Laguna Hills, had just closed, and Castellanos, a sign maker and dismantler, knew where to unload the letters and make a few bucks.

It was a good day for Metropolis, with lots of work ahead and no guarantees, but Nick had enough money in his pocket to get his wife something nice for their anniversary.

Get more of Steve Lopezs work and follow him on Twitter @LATstevelopez

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USC names retired aerospace executive Wanda Austin as acting president, announces Nikias departure By Harriet Ryan USC appointed a retired aerospace executive as interim president and laid out a detailed plan for selecting a permanent leader Tuesday, ending speculation about whether outgoing President C.L. Max Nikias might remain in the post. Nikias, embattled over his administrations handling of a campus gynecologist accused of sexually abusing patients, relinquished his duties after a meeting of USCs board. The trustees tapped one of their own, Wanda Austin, an alumna and former president of the Aerospace Corp., to temporarily run the university. The trustees also approved the formation of a search committee and the hiring of firm Isaacson, Miller to coordinate the selection of a successor. A second search company, Heidrick & Struggles, will also advise trustees. Read More Facebook

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Ex-student sues elite Brentwood School after teacher is charged with sexually abusing him By Richard Winton A former student sued the elite Brentwood School on Monday in the wake of a female teacher being charged with repeatedly having sex with the minor, alleging that other faculty members encouraged the unlawful behavior and failed to report it to authorities. The lawsuit accuses the private school, whose students include the children of many of Hollywoods elite and L.A.s powerful, of acting negligently and allowing Aimee Palmitessa to abuse and batter the teenager sexually. The suit alleges that the student was abused in summer 2017 after one of the schools counselors offered words of encouragement to the then-17-year-old, identified in the suit as only John Doe, to engage in an illegal relationship with the teacher. Read More Facebook

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Civil jury vindicates fired Montebello school executives in whistleblower case By Howard Blume The Montebello school district is in dire straits  at risk of insolvency and under apparent criminal investigation. An outside audit in July found some teachers earning more than $200,000 a year, as well as improper raises, excess paid vacation time and inappropriate overtime, sick leave and car allowances. Fixing the district and pinpointing blame could take time. Read More Facebook

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L.A. schools fall short on safety measures, new report warns By Howard Blume After the mass shooting at Floridas Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in February, Los Angeles school officials reassured parents that much had been done to keep local schools safe. California had tougher gun laws, after all, and the school district paid close attention to students mental health. But a new report issued Monday by a panel convened to take a close look offers some cause for concern, flagging inconsistent campus safety measures, thinly spread mental health staff and inadequate coordination between the school district and other public agencies. With the stakes this high, we must strive to do better, said L.A. City Atty. Mike Feuer, who assembled the panel. Read More Facebook

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L.A. school district says more are graduating, but rate may not show it By Howard Blume The L.A. Unified School District has hopes of continuing its winning streak this year with another record graduation rate, but the official numbers may not show it. A senior district administrator warned the board Tuesday that graduation rates were likely to decline 2% to 3% across the state, even though L.A. Unified is likely doing better than ever in producing graduates, he said. The issue is that the state will now count high school students who transfer to adult school as dropouts, said Oscar Lafarga, who heads the districts office of data and accountability. Previously, schools treated these students as though they had simply enrolled in another high school, he said. Read More Facebook

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Betsy DeVos to California: Not so fast on that federal education plan By Joy Resmovits In April, Californias top education officials breathed a sigh of relief. After months of debate and back-and-forth with Betsy DeVos staff, they had finalized a plan to satisfy a major education law that aims to make sure all students get a decent education. The state focused on aligning its plan to fulfill the requirements of the federal Every Student Succeeds Act with Californias Local Control Funding Formula, which gives extra money to districts to help students who come from low-income families, are in the foster system or are English learners. But this week, DeVos team said not so fast. Jason Botel, the U.S. Department of Educations principal deputy assistant secretary, sent California education officials a letter asking for more information in such areas as measuring student progress, graduation rates and English learners. In an unsigned statement, the California Department of Education declared itself surprised and disappointed because officials thought  after a meeting with federal officials in Washington  that they were on the right track to get approval. Now the Every Student Succeeds Act plan will be up for discussion once again at the July meeting of the State Board of Education. The U.S. Department of Education has already approved most state plans. Every Student Succeeds is the Obama administrations 2015 replacement for the No Child Left Behind Act. Facebook

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L.A. school board sets a new goal: prepare every grad to be eligible to apply for Cal State or UC By Sonali Kohli Last month, Los Angeles school board president proposed a spate of highly ambitious mandates aimed at ensuring that every district graduate be eligible to apply to one of the states public four-year universities by 2023. By the time the L.A. Unified school board unanimously approved the resolution Tuesday, the original language had been watered down. The goal is no longer that in five years 100% of students meet the long list of benchmarks, which include not just college eligibility for graduates but first-grade reading proficiency and English fluency by sixth grade for all students who enter the district in kindergarten or first grade speaking another language. The original college-readiness goal, for example, called for 100% of all high school students to be eligible to apply to one of the states four-year universities. Now the goal seems to offer more wiggle room: Prepare all high school graduates to be eligible to apply to a California four-year university. Read More Facebook

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We have been hurt. More women say they were mistreated by USC gynecologist By Richard Winton USC student Anika Narayanan says she vividly recalls her first appointment with Dr. George Tyndall at the campus health center, alleging that he made several explicit comments during an examination she felt was inappropriate and invasive. When she came back for a second visit in 2016 after a nonconsensual sexual encounter, he allegedly chastised her, she said in a civil lawsuit and at a press conference Tuesday. He asked me if I had forgotten to use a condom again,  said Narayanan, 21. At one point, she said, Tyndall asked if I did a lot of doggy style,  she said. Read More Facebook

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L.A. Unified gives inspector general brief contract extension By Howard Blume The Los Angeles school board on Tuesday extended the contract of Ken Bramlett, its inspector general, by three months, though his job is far from secure and questions remain about the future direction of his watchdog office. Board members also unanimously promoted Vivian Ekchian, who had been the runner-up for the superintendents job, to deputy superintendent  the districts No. 2 position. Both moves had elements of peacemaking between different factions on the board. Read More Facebook

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USCs handling of complaints about campus gynecologist is being investigated by federal government By Harriet Ryan The U.S. Department of Education announced Monday that it has launched an investigation into how the University of Southern California handled misconduct complaints against a campus gynecologist, the latest fallout in a scandal that has prompted the resignation of USCs president, two law enforcement investigations and dozens of lawsuits. In revealing the inquiry by the departments Office of Civil Rights, officials rebuked USC for what they alleged was improper withholding of information about Dr. George Tyndall during a previous federal investigation. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos, who has been criticized for taking a less vigorous approach to examining sexual misconduct than predecessors, called for a systemic examination of USC and urged administrators to fully cooperate. Read More Facebook

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Judge to sentence woman and her boyfriend for the murder of an 8-year-old that led to L.A. child welfare reforms By Marisa Gerber A woman and her boyfriend are expected to be sentenced Thursday for the torture and murder of an 8-year-old boy whose killing in 2013 provoked public outrage, prompted sweeping reform of Los Angeles Countys child welfare system, and led to unprecedented criminal charges against social workers who handled the childs case. Pearl Sinthia Fernandez, 34, faces life in prison without the possibility of parole for her role in the death of her son, Gabriel. A jury decided last year that her boyfriend, Isauro Aguirre, 37, should be executed. When paramedics arrived at the boys Palmdale home in May 2013, Gabriel had slipped out of consciousness. He had a fractured skull, broken ribs, burned skin, missing teeth and BB pellets embedded in his groin. A paramedic would later testify that every inch of the boys small body had been abused. Read More Facebook

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L.A. Unifieds spending out of step with similar school systems, task force says By Howard Blume The Los Angeles school district is out of step with similar school systems, spending more on teachers pay and health benefits and less on activities that could enhance student learning, according to a new report by an outside task force. The L.A. Unified School District Advisory Task Force did not make specific recommendations, but instead posed a series of questions it said the district needs to answer to make sure its funding is aimed at providing a full opportunity for all students to succeed. What were trying to say is: Lets put the data on the table. Lets look at the truth. Lets be transparent and here are the numbers, said task force member Renata Simril. This is not to say that  we should cut teachers salaries. Read More Facebook

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Top USC medical school official feared dean was doing drugs and alerted administration, he testifies By Paul Pringle A former vice dean of USCs Keck School of Medicine testified Tuesday that he feared the schools then-dean, Dr. Carmen A. Puliafito, could be doing drugs and expressed concerns about his general well-being to the universitys No. 2 administrator before Puliafito abruptly left his job in 2016. Dr. Henri Fords testimony at a hearing of the state Medical Board marks the first suggestion that any USC administrator had suspicions about Puliafitos possible drug use before he stepped down. A Times investigation in 2017 found Puliafito led a secret second life of using illegal drugs with a circle of young criminals and addicts. Puliafito testified about his behavior at the hearing Tuesday, saying he took drugs with one young woman on a weekly basis. Ford said that he decided to alert USC Provost Michael Quick after receiving reports in early 2016 that Puliafito was partying in hotels with people of questionable reputation, and that he came to worry about his mental stability. Read More Facebook

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Why L.A. Unified may face financial crisis even with a giant surplus this year By Jessica Calefati With more than half a billion dollars socked away for next school year, the Los Angeles Unified School District hardly seems just two years from financial ruin. Its a scenario that is especially tough to swallow if youre a low-wage worker seeking a raise or a teacher who wants smaller classes. But budget documents show that todays $548-million surplus cannot be sustained  and that even basic services face steep, seemingly unavoidable cuts because of massive problems barreling the districts way. Theres a disconnect between the rosy short-term picture and what we know is coming, said board member Kelly Gonez. Read More Facebook

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We have failed: Top USC officials try to reassure students amid gynecologist scandal By Joy Resmovits Top administrators at USC are reaching out to students in the wake of misconduct allegations against the universitys longtime gynecologist, acknowledging failings and vowing reforms as they try to address growing outrage over the revelations. Several USC deans have sent out messages trying to reassure students and faculty that the university is committed to changing. We have failed, wrote Jack H. Knott, dean of USCs Sol Price School of Public Policy, in a May 24 letter. What happened is antithetical to everything we know is right. Read More Facebook

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Rick Caruso is named chair of USCs trustees, vows swift investigation of gynecologist scandal By Thomas Curwen The University of Southern Californias board of trustees has elected mall magnate Rick Caruso to be the new chair of the board, giving fresh leadership as the university navigates a widening scandal involving a longtime campus gynecologist. The move marks the latest effort by USC to address the case, which has sparked a criminal investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department and dozens of civil lawsuits. More than 400 people have contacted a hotline that the university established for patients to make reports about their experience with Dr. George Tyndall. In his first act as chairman, Caruso announced that the white-shoe L.A. law firm OMelveny & Myers would conduct a thorough and independent investigation into the gynecologists conduct and reporting failures at the clinic. He set an ambitious timeline for the review, pledging it would conclude before students return for the fall semester. Read More Facebook

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UC Berkeley students persistence helps win more liberal rules for in-state tuition By Teresa Watanabe Ifechukwu Okeke thought shed be a shoo-in for in-state tuition when she was admitted to UC Berkeley for fall 2016. She had moved to the United States from Nigeria in 2012 to go to Chaffey College in Rancho Cucamonga. By the time she got her acceptance to transfer to UC to study molecular and cell biology, she had lived in California four years. She had a California drivers license, bank account and rental records as proof. UC Berkeley, however, ruled she was a nonresident  which meant she would have to pay nearly $27,000 more. Read More Facebook

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State medical board calls former County-USC doctor a sexual predator, suspends his license By Matt Hamilton A UCLA cardiologist has been temporarily stripped of his medical license after state regulators described him as a sexual predator who assaulted three female colleagues when he was working and training at L.A. County-USC Medical Center. Read More Facebook

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Global California 2030 aims to get more students learning more languages By Joy Resmovits Tom Torlakson (Andrew Seng / Associated Press) Outgoing state Supt. of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson on Wednesday announced a new statewide effort to encourage students to learn more languages. Called Global California 2030, its goal is to help more students become fluent in multiple tongues. Torlakson said that by 2030, he wants half of the states 6.2 million K-12 students to participate in classes or programs that lead to proficiency in two or more languages. By 2040, he wants three out of four students to be proficient enough to earn the State Seal of Biliteracy. Torlakson announced the initiative at Cahuenga Elementary School, which offers a dual-language immersion program in English and Korean. Californias public school students speak more than 60 languages at home, and 40% come to school with knowledge of a language other than English. Torlakson called his plan a call to action that invites parents, legislators, educators and community members to pool resources to expand language offerings in schools and get more bilingual teachers trained. He said the state already is working with Mexico and Spain to expand a teacher-exchange program. Fluency, the plan argues, can help students succeed economically  and language acquisition can help their overall critical thinking. The initiative builds on Proposition 58, a ballot initiative passed in 2016 that undid an earlier requirement that English learners be taught in English-immersion classes unless their parents signed waivers. Torlakson recently visited Mexico and met with that countrys education secretary. They later signed a pact to increase collaboration, particularly in language education. This [Global California 2030] is great follow-through on Toms part and very important, Patricia Gandara, a UCLA education professor who hosted the Mexico meeting, said in an email. It hands over a plan to move forward in an area in which California has a unique advantage, but must seize the opportunity. Facebook

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Jury convicts man of murder in 2015 slaying of UCLA student found inside her burning apartment By Marisa Gerber A jury on Tuesday convicted a man in the 2015 slaying of a UCLA student found dead inside her burning apartment  a gruesome stabbing case that led to a fierce rebuke of the police response amid concerns that the killing could have been prevented. The panel deliberated for about six hours before finding Alberto Medina, 24, guilty of murder, arson, burglary and animal cruelty. On Sept. 21, 2015, firefighters found the charred body of Andrea DelVesco inside her apartment after responding to the complex a block from campus. The 21-year-old student  an Austin, Texas, native known to her sorority sisters as a fearless giver who befriended others with ease  was stabbed at least 19 times, authorities said. Read More Facebook

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LAPD begins sweeping criminal probe of former USC gynecologist while urging patients to come forward By Adam Elmahrek The Los Angeles Police Department said Tuesday it is investigating 52 complaints of misconduct filed by former patients of USCs longtime campus gynecologist as detectives launch a sweeping criminal probe into the scandal that has rocked the university. LAPD detectives also made an appeal for other patients who feel mistreated to come forward, noting that thousands of students were examined by Dr. George Tyndall during his nearly 30-year career at USC. More than 410 people have contacted a university hotline about the physician since The Times revealed the allegations this month. Tyndalls behavior and practices appear to go beyond the norms of the medical profession and gynecological examinations, said Asst. Chief Beatrice Girmala. We sincerely realize that victims may have difficulty recounting such details to investigators. We are empathetic and ready to listen. Read More Facebook

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At L.A.'s only school for the deaf, parents want leaders who speak the same language By Anna M. Phillips Ever since her son was 6 months old, Juliet Hidalgo has been bringing him to the Marlton School, a low-slung building in Baldwin Hills that for generations has been a second home for deaf and hard-of-hearing students in Los Angeles. Marlton staff taught Hidalgos brother and sister, both of whom are deaf. The school was where her deaf son learned to make the signs for milk and food. Hidalgo had planned to enroll her daughter, taking advantage of a popular program that allows hearing children to learn American Sign Language alongside their deaf siblings. But after more than a decade of involvement, she and other family members are considering withdrawing their children. They are not alone. Read More Facebook

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Fueled by unlimited donations, independent groups play their biggest role yet in a California primary for governor By Ryan Menezes An unprecedented amount of money from wealthy donors, unions and corporations is flowing into the California governors race, giving independent groups  unrestricted by contribution limits  a greater say in picking the states chief executive than ever before. The groups have already spent more than $26 million through Thursday, the most ever spent by noncandidate committees in a gubernatorial primary, according to a Times analysis of campaign finance reports. California elections have always been expensive, and the future is even more expensive, said Jack Pitney, a political science professor at Claremont McKenna College and a former state Republican leader. The stakes are very real. Read More Facebook

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2 hurt in Indiana middle school shooting; suspect in custody, authorities say By Associated Press Authorities say two victims in a shooting at a suburban Indianapolis school are being taken to a hospital and the lone suspect is in custody. Bryant Orem, a spokesman for the Hamilton County Sheriffs Office, said in a news release that the victims in Friday mornings attack at Noblesville West Middle School are being taken to Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis and their families have been notified. He says no other information is available about the victims. Orem said the suspect is believed to have acted alone and was taken into custody. No additional information about the suspect was made public. Read More Facebook

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For new L.A. schools chief Austin Beutner, some key unions are giving no honeymoon period By Howard Blume In the less than two weeks since Austin Beutner took charge of Los Angeles schools, unions representing teachers and administrators have staged a job action and a protest. Theyve made it clear that they will not give the new superintendent the traditional honeymoon period, and they are bashing him for his wealth and lack of experience running either a school or a school district. Beutner is a billionaire investment banker with zero qualifications, local teachers union President Alex Caputo-Pearl told members in a phone alert urging them to participate in a Thursday afternoon rally in Grand Park. The board is saying that billionaires who made their money blowing institutions up and making money off it know best  not the education professionals who have dedicated our careers to working with students. Read More Facebook

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Pressure grows on Board of Trustees amid USC gynecologist scandal By Paul Pringle USCs large and powerful Board of Trustees is coming under growing pressure to provide a stronger hand as the university faces a crisis over misconduct allegations against the campus longtime gynecologist that has prompted calls for President C.L. Max Nikias to step down. Allegations that Dr. George Tyndall mistreated students during his nearly 30 years at USC have roiled the campus, with about 300 people coming forward to make reports to the university and the Los Angeles Police Department launching a criminal investigation. USC is already beginning to face what is expected to be costly litigation by women who say they were victimized by the physician. So far, the trustees to whom Nikias reports have expressed sympathy for the women who have come forward and launched an independent investigation while also publicly backing the president. Read More Facebook

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UC regents approve leaner budget for Janet Napolitano By Teresa Watanabe University of California regents on Thursday unanimously approved a leaner, more transparent budget for President Janet Napolitano, moving to address political criticism over the systems central office operations. The $876.4-million budget for 2018-19 reflects spending cuts of 2%, including reductions in staffing, travel and such systemwide programs as public service law fellowships, carbon neutrality and food security. Napolitano shifted $30 million to campuses for housing needs and $10 million to UC Riverside to support its five-year-old medical school. She also permanently redirected $8.5 million annually to help enroll more California students, as required by the state. Read More Facebook

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USCs Academic Senate calls on university president to resign after a series of scandals By Matt Hamilton The body that represents USCs faculty called on President C.L. Max Nikias to resign Wednesday in the wake of relevations that the universitys longtime gynecologist faced years of accusations of misconduct by students and colleagues at the campus health clinic. The Academic Senate took the vote late Wednesday afternoon after a fiery town hall meeting attended by more than 100 faculty members, many of whom voiced outrage over Nikias and the Board of Trustees leadership. The vote came a day after the trustees executive committee stood firmly behind Nikias, saying it has full confidence in his leadership, ethics and values. At the town hall meeting, Senate President Paul Rosenbloom said he did not think Nikias or Provost Michael Quick committed wrongdoing but that the university president deserved criticism for a lack of transparency. Read More Facebook

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Californias public universities on the way to getting a big longed-for boost in funding By Teresa Watanabe The University of California and California State University systems are poised to get major funding boosts that will help them enroll thousands of additional state students and eliminate the need for tuition increases in the coming school year. A key Assembly budget panel on Wednesday approved $117.5 million in new funds for the UC. A Senate panel approved a similar sum last week. The same committees recently approved even more funding for the Cal State system. Read More Facebook

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UC regents to scrutinize Janet Napolitanos office budget in a step toward stronger oversight By Teresa Watanabe University of California regents this week plan to scrutinize the budget of President Janet Napolitano, whose office came under political fire last year for questionable spending and murky accounting. Regents will vote on the proposed $876.4-million budget for 2018-19 during their two-day meeting, which starts Wednesday, at UC San Francisco. They also will discuss state funding, financial aid, online education and transfer student policies. Board Chairman George Kieffer said regents are stepping up to exert stronger oversight of the presidents office after a blistering state audit last year found financial problems including an unreported $175 million budget reserve. Read More Facebook

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State legislative panels approve major funding boost for Cal State By Teresa Watanabe After months of intensive lobbying, Cal State University has convinced two key legislative panels to approve funding to enroll nearly 11,000 more students, hire more faculty and expand housing aid to those without shelter this fall. An Assembly budget panel on Tuesday approved $215.7 million more for Cal State, adding to Gov. Jerry Browns proposed $92.1 million general fund increase. A Senate budget panel approved a similar increase last week. The extra funding  which went beyond Cal States own request to the Legislature of $171 million  is still subject to final budget negotiations with Brown. But the actions by the Senate and Assembly panels amount to a demand from Democrats that the governor hike higher education spending. Cal State University is the workhorse undergraduate university serving hundreds of thousands of Californians, said Assemblyman Kevin McCarty (D-Sacramento), who heads the Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Education Finance. We need more graduates for the California workforce and higher education is the ticket to the middle class. Cal State Chancellor Timothy P. White hailed the actions, but said it was too soon to celebrate. The CSU has a singular focus on helping students earn high-quality degrees sooner, and the entire university community has rallied to reinforce that message to our states lawmakers, he said in a statement. The actions taken thus far by the Assembly and Senate are promising and show that our message is being received, but there is still work to be done. Funding for the University of California was not taken up Tuesday as originally scheduled. McCarty would not comment on sticking points but said he was confident that a resolution would be reached this week. Were looking to provide resources above whats in the governors budget, but negotiations are ongoing, he said in an interview. State per-student funding is not what it once was, leaving both Cal State and the UC in a tough financial squeeze. Both systems raised tuition last year after a six-year freeze on higher costs. For this year, Cal State had asked for funding to enroll an additional 3,621 students, but both the Senate and Assembly panels approved three times that amount. Cal State, the largest public university system in the nation, turned away 32,000 eligible students last year because its campuses werent able to accommodate them. The panels asked that at least $50 million of the extra funding be used to hire more tenure-track faculty to help boost graduation rates. The Assembly panel also approved one-time funding of $5 million to ease hunger on campuses and $14 million for rapid rehousing pilot projects at three campuses, offering needy students rental support and short-term case management. Other items approved include $5 million to support the CSU Long Beach Shark Labs research on sharks and beach safety and $2 million for equal employment opportunity practices. This post has been updated to include comments from Assemblyman Kevin McCarty and Cal State Chancellor Timothy P. White. Facebook

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Faculty members call for USC president to step down: He has lost the moral authority to lead By Matt Hamilton Two hundred USC professors on Tuesday demanded the resignation of university President C. L. Max Nikias, saying he had lost the moral authority to lead in the wake of revelations that a campus gynecologist was kept on staff for decades despite repeated complaints of misconduct. Read More Facebook

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Gun battle, negotiations lasted 15 minutes before Texas school shooter was apprehended, sheriff says By Molly Hennessy-Fiske Minutes after a school shooter opened fire in an art class last week, killing 10 people and wounding 13, including a local police officer, fellow officers returned fire in a protracted gun battle before isolating the suspect, the local sheriff said Monday. Galveston County Sheriff Henry Trochesset praised first responders as well as Santa Fe Police Officer John Barnes, who was working as a resource officer at the school the day of the shooting. Their actions, he said, prevented the attack from spreading to other classrooms and potentially claiming additional victims. As officials continue to probe last Fridays shooting at Santa Fe High School, students are worried about returning to the scene of the attack when classes resume next week. Read More Facebook

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6 women sue USC, alleging they were victimized by campus gynecologist By Richard Winton Six women filed civil lawsuits Monday alleging that a longtime gynecologist at the University of Southern California sexually victimized them under the pretext of medical care and that USC failed to address complaints from clinic staff about the doctors behavior. One woman alleged Dr. George Tyndall forced his entire ungloved hand into her vagina during an appointment in 2003 while making vulgar remarks about her genitalia, according to one of the lawsuits. Another woman alleged that Tyndall groped her breasts in a 2008 visit and that later he falsely told her she likely had AIDS. A third woman accused the doctor of grazing his ungloved fingers over her nude body and leering at her during a purported skin exam, the lawsuit states. The wave of litigation comes as USC continues to grapple with the scandal, which legal experts said could prove costly to the university as scores of former patients come forward about their experiences with the gynecologist. Read More Facebook

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Fatalities reported in Texas high school shooting; suspect arrested, officials say By Associated Press Houston-area media citing unnamed law enforcement officials are reporting that there are fatalities following a shooting at a local high school Friday morning. Television station KHOU and the Houston Chronicle are citing unnamed federal, county and police officials following the shooting at Santa Fe High School, which went on lockdown around 8 a.m. The Associated Press has not been able to confirm the reports. The school district has confirmed an unspecified number of injuries but said it wouldnt immediately release further details. Assistant Principal Cris Richardson said a suspect has been arrested and secured. Read More Facebook

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This student followed the new L.A. schools chief on his first-day tour Melissa Barales-Lopez, a senior at Garfield High School followed Supt. Austin Beutner on his first day on the job, as he toured a variety of programs around the Los Angeles Unified School District. Heres what she took from the experience. LAUSD students and staff alike are looking for a personal champion, someone who will address and improve the difficulties afflicting their education.  What LAUSD students need is someone whos willing to listen and learn, someone who can understand the current issues affecting their schools and act to efficiently amend them, someone who can unlock the full potential of LAUSD students and enable them to reach their goals. During the entirety of his first day, superintendent Austin Beutner did indeed demonstrate a willingness to learn. Posing questions to teachers and students, Beutner engaged with the student communities he encountered to gain a better comprehension of the minutiae and nuances that distinguish each school inside an overwhelmingly large district. From inquiries about Grand View Boulevard Elementary Schools dual language program to questions regarding the services of LAUSDs after-school program, Beyond the Bell, Beutner revealed he has a lot to learn about the system. But, Beutner also showcased a willingness to tackle challenges head-on on his first day. Read More Facebook

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USC let a gynecologist continue treating students despite years of misconduct allegations By Matt Hamilton For nearly 30 years, the University of Southern Californias student health clinic had one full-time gynecologist: Dr. George Tyndall. Tall and garrulous with distinctive jet black hair, he treated tens of thousands of female students, many of them teenagers seeing a gynecologist for the first time. Few who lay down on Tyndalls exam table at the Engemann Student Health Center knew that he had been accused repeatedly of misconduct toward young patients. The complaints began in the 1990s, when co-workers alleged he was improperly photographing students genitals. In the years that followed, patients and nursing staff accused him again and again of creepy behavior, including touching women inappropriately during pelvic exams and making sexually suggestive remarks about their bodies. Read More Facebook

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Cal State trustees to discuss Browns latest budget proposal, which they say still falls $171 million short By Joy Resmovits Just how much money does California State University need to serve its students? In recent years, this question has been front and center for the nations largest public university system. Cal States leaders say that to keep their campuses quality from slipping, they need much more money than the state is giving them. This year, theyre also at odds with Gov. Jerry Brown on the question of whether any extra money should come in one-time bursts or be ongoing. Read More Facebook

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On his first day as L.A. schools chief, Beutner plans a day of visits across the district By Howard Blume L.A. Unifieds new superintendent, Austin Beutner, will kick off his first day of work on Tuesday with a choreographed tour of the nations second-largest school district, from the San Fernando Valley to Carson. His day is scheduled to begin at 5:15 a.m. at a school bus depot and end more than 12 hours later at a parent meeting at Garfield High School. Along the way, Beutner is expected to be joined by school district administrators, L.A. Unified board members and the vice president of the union that represents school bus drivers. Though he will be covering a lot of ground, Beutners tour has him skipping Tuesdays school board meeting, when board members are expected to discuss labor negotiations in closed session. Read More Facebook

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Cal State trustees to discuss Browns latest budget proposal, which they say still falls $171 million short By Joy Resmovits Just how much money does California State University need to serve its students? In recent years, this question has been front and center for the nations largest public university system. Cal States leaders say that to keep their campuses quality from slipping, they need much more money than the state is giving them. This year, theyre also at odds with Gov. Jerry Brown on the question of whether any extra money should come in one-time bursts or be ongoing. Read More Facebook

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Why a handful of rich charter school supporters are spending millions to elect Antonio Villaraigosa as governor By Ryan Menezes California voters have seen a barrage of sunny television ads in recent weeks touting former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosas record on finances, crime and education, aired by Families & Teachers for Antonio Villaraigosa for Governor 2018. But the group is, in fact, largely funded by a handful of wealthy charter-school supporters. Together they have spent more than $13 million in less than a month to boost Villaraigosas chances in the June 5 primary  at a time when his fundraising and poll numbers are lagging. Reed Hastings, the founder of Netflix, jump-started the group with a $7-million check, by far the largest donation to support any candidate in the election. Their efforts are part of a broader proxy war among Democrats between teachers unions  longtime stalwarts of the party  and those who argue that the groups have failed low-income and minority schoolchildren. Read More Facebook

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Talking schools with L.A. Unifieds new superintendent By Anna M. Phillips Austin Beutner, who officially starts Tuesday as the new superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District, is taking on a famously difficult job at a particularly difficult time. The school board is divided and did not back him unanimously. The nations second-largest school district has deep-seated problems, including declining enrollment, lagging academic achievement and rising pension and healthcare costs that eat away at its budget. The 58-year-old former investment banker and former L.A. Times publisher has years of experience in the financial world but none as an educator. Earlier this week, he sat down with the Times education team to discuss the challenges facing the district, which has about 60,000 employees and 500,000 students in traditional public schools. He did not talk about his plans  saying repeatedly, stay tuned  but he spoke in broad terms about his mindset in approaching the tough decisions ahead. Read More Facebook

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Suspect detained, authorities search campus after reports of armed man at Palmdale high school By James Queally One person has been detained after a report of an armed man at a Palmdale high school sparked a massive law enforcement response Friday morning. The suspect was spotted at 7:05 a.m. on the campus of Highland High School in Palmdale, according to Sheriffs Department spokeswoman Nicole Nishida. The person was detained in a nearby parking lot, according to Nishida, who did not know whether that person was an adult or juvenile. Deputies at the scene are clearing the school methodically, and students will be transported home via school buses once the campus is deemed safe, Nishida said. Read More Facebook

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The education of Bertha Perez: How a UC Merced custodians disenchantment led to a political awakening By Robin Abcarian Its the third day of a three-day strike, and UC Merced custodian Bertha Perez is taking a break from a picket line at the universitys unremarkable entrance, an intersection with stop lights. Photos from other UC campuses this week have shown big crowds of striking service workers  members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees  marching and chanting pro-labor slogans as they try to force the University of California back to the negotiating table. But here, at UC Merced, whose handful of big buildings rise from a flat expanse of farmland, the picket line is tiny, maybe two dozen workers and a few students. Its not a big-city-style show of force. Then again, a union sympathizer is banging relentlessly on a snare drum, so its noisier than youd expect. Read More Facebook

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Ref Rodriguez resigns from teacher credentialing commission By Howard Blume Ref Rodriguez appears during a court appearance. (Al Seib/Los Angeles Times) Los Angeles school board member Ref Rodriguez has resigned from the states Commission on Teacher Credentialing, which oversees the integrity and quality of Californias teachers. Rodriguez faces felony and misdemeanor charges for political money laundering. Separately, his former employer, a charter school organization, has accused him of improperly authorizing checks to a nonprofit under his control. Rodriguez has denied wrongdoing. Rodriguezs resignation from the state body was effective May 4, days after he cast a crucial vote as part of a narrow majority that voted to authorize contract negotiations with Austin Beutner to become superintendent of the L.A. Unified School District. Beutners first official day on the job is Tuesday. Rodriguez remains in his $125,000-a-year position on the Los Angeles Board of Education. The mission of the state body is to ensure integrity, relevance, and high quality in the preparation, certification, and discipline of Californias teachers. Critics had questioned Rodriguezs continued service on the commission, given that teachers can be suspended from work if they face criminal charges. They also can lose their jobs for lapses in personal behavior, such as excessive drinking, with the potential to affect their performance. Police in Pasadena arrested Rodriguez on a Friday afternoon in March for public drunkenness. He was not charged in the incident and has apologized. The state commission reviews teacher discipline cases and can take action to remove a teachers credential to work in a California classroom. The commission has 15 members. Rodriguezs departure was disclosed in a one-sentence announcement on the agencys website. Facebook

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School board members request for restraining order against blogger is rejected By Priscella Vega An Orange County Superior Court judge on Wednesday denied a school board members petition for a permanent restraining order against a Huntington Beach blogger. Attorney Jeffrey W. Shields filed the petition on behalf of Ocean View School District trustee Gina Clayton-Tarvin, 46, who alleged in court documents that Charles Keeler Johnson, 56, has threatened her on social media and at school board meetings, causing her to fear for my own safety and for that of my immediate family members. Johnson, who goes by Chuck and publishes HBSledgehammer.com, said the trustee tried to stifle his freedom of speech. He also contended that Clayton-Tarvin took his blog posts and Facebook comments too seriously and out of context, saying anyone who is afraid of metaphors has serious issues. Read More Facebook

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Deal with workers averts one-day strike that could have shut down L.A. schools By Howard Blume Los Angeles school district and union officials announced a contract agreement Tuesday night that averted a one-day strike planned for next week. The pact, which runs through June 2020, removes one labor problem from the desk of incoming Supt. Austin Beutner  whose first day on the job would have coincided with the strike. Plenty of other challenges remain. Read More Facebook

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UC labor strike expands with show of support from more unions By Teresa Watanabe Fong Chuu is a registered nurse who has assisted with countless liver transplants, kidney surgeries and gastric bypasses during 34 years at UCLA. Working with her are scrub technicians who sterilize equipment, hand medical instruments to the surgeon and dress patient wounds. They are a team, Chuu says, which is why she walked off her job Tuesday in support of those technicians and other members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 3299. The 25,000 member AFSCME local, the University of Californias largest employee union, launched a three-day strike Monday. Read More Facebook

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We are humans too: Voices of UCLAs striking custodians, hospital aides and imaging technicians By Joy Resmovits Demonstrators parade in front of Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times) This week, thousands of UC employees are staging a three-day strike for better pay and working conditions. On Monday, more than 20,000 custodians, cooks, lab technicians, nurse aides and other members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 3299 walked off their jobs. By Tuesday, two more unions joined in sympathy strikes. The union and UC reached a bargaining impasse last year. The university has said it wont meet the workers demands. The strikers said they wanted better pay, more equity in the allocation of work, stable healthcare premiums and an end to the universitys use of contract workers. These are their stories. Read More Facebook

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Massive UC workers strike disrupts dining, classes and medical services By Joy Resmovits A massive labor strike across the University of California on Monday forced medical centers to reschedule more than 12,000 surgeries, cancer treatments and appointments, and campuses to cancel some classes and limit dining services. More than 20,000 members of UCs largest employee union, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 3299, walked off their jobs on the first day of a three-day strike. They include custodians, gardeners, cooks, truck drivers, lab technicians and nurse aides. Two altercations involving protesters and people driving near the rallies were reported at UCLA and UC Santa Cruz. At UCLA, police took a man into custody Monday after he drove his vehicle into a crowd, hitting three staff members. They were treated for minor injuries at the scene and released, said Lt. Kevin Kilgore of the UCLA Police Department. Read More Facebook

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Sen. Kamala Harris to skip UC Berkeley commencement in support of striking workers By Teresa Watanabe California Sen. Kamala Harris has canceled plans to deliver UC Berkeleys commencement address this weekend in support of UC workers who are on strike over wages and health benefits. Due to the ongoing labor dispute, Sen. Harris regretfully cannot attend and speak at this years commencement ceremony at UC Berkeley, said a statement from Harris office issued Monday. She wishes the graduates and their families a joyous commencement weekend and success for the future. They are bright young leaders and our country is counting on them. UCs largest employee union, the 25,000-member American Federation of County, State and Municipal Employees Local 3299, launched a three-day strike Monday and had earlier called for a speakers boycott. The union and university reached a bargaining impasse last year and subsequent mediation efforts have failed to produce an agreement. The union is asking for a multiyear contract with a 6% annual pay increase while the university is offering 3% annual increases over four years. UC Berkeley Chancellor Carol Christ will deliver the keynote address instead, the university announced. About 5,800 students are expected to participate in the ceremony Saturday. Facebook

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School mural depicting Trumps bloody, severed head sparks controversy By Gary Warth A Chula Vista school mural that depicts the bloody, severed head of President Trump on a spear sparked a controversy that prompted officials to cover it and issue a response distancing themselves from the work. The statement also said the artist will alter the painting. We understand that there was a mural painted at the event this past weekend that does not align with our schools philosophy of non-violence, read the statement from MAAC Community Charter School director Tommy Ramirez. We have been in communication with the artist  who has agreed to modify the artwork  to better align with the schools philosophy. Read More Facebook

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New blackface incident at Cal Poly prompts calls for state investigation By Kim Christensen Cal Poly San Luis Obispo officials have asked the state attorney generals office to investigate after a new photo of a white student in blackface surfaced on a fraternity groups private Snapchat. I am outraged, Cal Poly President Jeffrey D. Armstrong said in a video address Friday to the campus. These vile and absolutely unacceptable acts cannot continue. We must not allow these acts to define us as an institution. Armstrong said the latest photo was intended to imitate an incident last month in which a white member of the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity was photographed at a party wearing blackface. Read More Facebook

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More than 50,000 UC workers set to strike this week but campuses will remain open By Teresa Watanabe More than 50,000 workers across the University of California are set to strike this week, causing potential disruptions to surgery schedules, food preparation and campus maintenance. The systems 10 campuses and five medical centers are to remain open, with classes scheduled as planned. UCs largest employee union, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 3299, plans to begin a three-day strike Monday involving 25,000 workers, including custodians, gardeners, cooks, truck drivers, lab technicians and nurse aides. Read More Facebook

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New L.A. schools chief Beutner pledges to listen, learn and take action By Howard Blume New Los Angeles schools Supt. Austin Beutner proved Wednesday that hes a quick learner even without an education background. Like countless public officials before him, he appeared at an important event  his first speech and news conference  with a photogenic background of students. His message  that he would put those students first  seemed heartfelt if hardly original. Nor was it a huge surprise that he pledged to push cooperatively but unflinchingly to improve the districts academic performance and stabilize its finances. As an introduction, Beutner, a former investment banker who made a fortune on Wall Street, offered little flash, but that was partly the point. Read More Facebook

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In a school lockdown, one student takes stock of the stressful scene At the beginning of lunch one day late last month, Duarte High School, Northview Middle School, and California School of the Arts-San Gabriel Valley were advised by the Los Angeles Sheriffs Department to go into lockdown mode due to police activity in the immediate area. Phalaen Chang, a junior at the California School of the Arts, wrote a series of notes on her iPhone while she sat in a room with her classmates. By the time the lockdown ended an hour later, she wrote, she knew which of her friends would hold open the door for others, be the ones calming others down, be the ones barricading the doors. She knew that all of them have the potential to be such strong people. Read More Facebook

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Tale as old as time: L.A. Unified superintendent pick follows a historical pattern of outside-the-box choices By Joy Resmovits L.A. Unified has long gone back and forth between picking insiders and outsiders to run the nations second largest school district. The choice of Austin Beutner, announced Tuesday, places the district squarely back in the outsider camp  months after a consummate insider, Supt. Michelle King, announced that she had cancer and would not return to the job. Check out this timeline of former L.A. superintendents to see how the school board members have changed their minds, sometimes favoring leaders who come from the world of education and sometimes executives from elsewhere, recruited to shock the system into change. At one point, the district hired someone from the military  retired Navy Vice Adm. David L. Brewer III, who served as superintendent from 2006-2008. In hiring Brewer, board members had opted for a non-educator  largely because they sought a fresh thinker, unwedded to the bureaucracy, unafraid to make bold, even unorthodox moves, reads a 2008 Times story. Facebook

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Austin Beutner named superintendent of Los Angeles schools By Howard Blume Austin Beutner, a philanthropist and former investment banker, on Tuesday was named superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District, the nations second-largest school system. His selection was the biggest move yet by a Los Angeles school board majority elected with major support from charter school advocates. The decision came after lengthy public testimony, most of it in support of the other remaining finalist, interim Supt. Vivian Ekchian, who is well known within the school system. Beutner, 58, has no background leading a school or school district. Less than 2 years ago, a school board with a very different balance of power named Michelle King, a former teacher who rose through the district throughout her career, to L.A. Unifieds top job. Read More Facebook

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Hearing delay gives both sides more time in Ref Rodriguezs potential trial By Howard Blume Ref Rodriguez and his attorneys will have more time to prepare their defense against charges of political money laundering, a judge ruled Monday. The preliminary hearing in the case had been scheduled to begin May 9, but that date will now be pushed back to July 23 per the ruling from L.A. Superior Court Judge Deborah S. Brazil. Rodriguez, 46, faces three felony charges of conspiracy, perjury and procuring and offering a false or forged instrument, as well as 25 misdemeanor counts related to the alleged campaign money laundering. Read More Facebook

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L.A. school board poised to name Beutner as superintendent By Howard Blume The Los Angeles Board of Education is poised to select philanthropist and former investment banker Austin Beutner to be the next superintendent of the nations second-largest school system. Barring a last-minute development, the only mystery is whether Beutner emerges with four or five votes from the boards seven members. Terms of his contract already have been under discussion, according to sources close to the process who requested anonymity because they are not authorized to speak. The selection of Beutner, 58, who has no experience managing a school or a school district, would be a signal that the board majority that took control nearly a year ago wants to rely on business management skills instead of insider educational expertise. Read More Facebook

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Teacher walkouts in Arizona and Colorado continue national debate on money for schools By Michael Livingston Following the lead of teachers who walked off the job in other states in recent weeks, thousands of teachers and their supporters took to the streets in Arizona and Colorado for the second day in a row to demand better pay and more funding for education. Read More Facebook

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Three decades before the #MeToo movement, UC San Diego led the way against sexual assault By Teresa Watanabe When Nancy Wahlig first started her fight against sexual assault, one company was marketing a capsule for women to stash in their bras and then smash to release a vile odor. Because of the very nature of society, the only person who can prevent rape is the woman herself, read a 1981 advertisement for the Repulse rape deterrent. Ideas about how to prevent sexual violence have come a long way since then, and Wahlig has helped lead that evolution on college campuses. In 1988, she started UC San Diegos Sexual Assault Resource Center (SARC), the first stand-alone program at the University of California. Today, she remains the systems most senior specialist. Read More Facebook

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Andres Alonso withdraws from consideration for L.A. schools job By Howard Blume Andres Alonso, believed to be one of three remaining finalists to lead the Los Angeles school system, has withdrawn from consideration. The remaining known candidates in the confidential search are former investment banker Austin Beutner and interim Supt. Vivian Ekchian. Alonso, 60, announced his decision on Twitter on Thursday night, saying he had notified the L.A. Unified School District on Monday. The exit of Alonso, the former Baltimore schools chief, seems to solidify the front-runner status of Beutner, who also was a former L.A. Times publisher and a Los Angeles deputy mayor. He held each of those positions for about a year. Read More Facebook

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Heres why the apparent increase in autism spectrum disorders may be good for U.S. children By Karen Kaplan The prevalence of autism spectrum disorder among American children continues to rise, new government data suggest. And that may be a good thing. Among 11 sites across the U.S. where records of 8-year-olds are scrutinized in detail, 1 in 59 kids was deemed to have ASD in 2014. Thats up from 1 in 68 in 2012. Normally, health officials would prefer to see less of a disease, not more of it. But in this case, the higher number is probably a sign that more children of color who are on the autism spectrum are being recognized as such and getting services to help them, according to a report published Thursday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Read More Facebook

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UC shelves tuition increase for now, in hopes of getting more state funding By Teresa Watanabe University of California regents will not vote on a tuition increase next month, shelving the plan for now in hopes that state lawmakers will come through with more funding. Raising tuition is always a last resort and one we take very seriously, UC President Janet Napolitano said Thursday in a statement. We will continue to advocate with our students who are doing a tremendous job of educating legislators about the necessity of adequately funding the university to ensure UC remains a world-class institution and engine of economic growth for our state. Last week, Cal State Chancellor Timothy P. White said the 23-campus system no longer would consider a plan to raise tuition for the 2018-19 academic year. But unlike Cal State, UC officials have not taken a tuition increase off the table entirely. Read More Facebook

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A chemical spill, unchecked eyewash stations, poor training: Audit details Cal States lax lab safety By Joy Resmovits In May 2016, two bottles tumbled off a poorly supported shelf and broke, leading to a chemical spill in a Sacramento State University lab. The liquid got onto one students legs and soaked anothers feet. Five employees cleaned up the mess, even though no one knew for sure what it was and whether it was dangerous. They called fellow employee Kim Harrington, their union representative, to let her know what happened. Read More Facebook

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After blackface incident, minority students at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo say they dont feel welcome By Hailey Branson-Potts Aaliyah Ramos was walking through the Cal Poly San Luis Obispo campus last year when a prospective student approached her. Ramos was the only black person, the young woman said, that she and her mother had seen that day. They asked about the quality of education and the diversity of the student body. Ramos, a mechanical engineering student, didnt want to sugarcoat the truth: Cal Poly long has been predominantly white. But she told the young woman  who also was black  that she didnt want to discourage her from applying, because that wouldnt help with diversity at a school where only 0.7% of students are African American  the lowest percentage of any university in the California State system. Read More Facebook

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El Camino Real Charter High School in Woodland Hills wins the 2018 U.S. Academic Decathlon By Carlos Lozano El Camino Real Charter High School in Woodland Hills has won the 2018 U.S. Academic Decathlon, officials said. The winner was announced early Saturday at a ceremony in Frisco, Texas. More than 600 students from the U.S., Canada, China and the United Kingdom gathered there over the last three days to compete in the 37th annual U.S. Academic Decathlon. Congratulations to El Camino Real Charter High School for another impressive victory, said Vivian Ekchian, interim superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District. Your academic stamina and competitive spirit to win is remarkable. The entire L.A. Unified family is so proud of you. Read More Facebook

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Anticipation mounts as L.A. school board meets over superintendent selection By Howard Blume The Los Angeles Board of Education is reconvening in closed session Friday at noon as anticipation mounts about the choice of the next leader of the nations second-largest school system. The presumed front-runner is former investment banker and philanthropist Austin Beutner, but interim Supt. Vivian Ekchian and former Baltimore Supt. Andres Alonso also are in the running. Most district insiders appear to be rooting for Ekchian, who has spent her entire career in education within the school system. After her 10 years as a teacher, her roles have included head of human resources, chief labor negotiator and regional administrator for campuses in the west San Fernando Valley. Shes managed the district since September, when then-Supt. Michelle King went on medical leave and chose Ekchian to fill in for her. King, who is battling cancer, never returned and announced her retirement in January. Numerous influential civic leaders have urged  and pressured  the board to select Beutner. Also lending their weight have been advocates for charter schools, which are independently operated, growing in number and competing for students with district-operated campuses. Four of the seven board members  enough to control the outcome  were elected with major financial support from charter supporters. Beutner has two ongoing connections with the L.A. Unified School District. The first is his leadership of an outside task force that is making recommendations on how to improve the school system. The second is his charity, Vision to Learn, which supplies glasses to low-income students. The charity and the school system are in a dispute at the moment over who is responsible for delays in providing services to students as part of a $6 million contract, half of which is paid for by L.A. Unified. Unlike Ekchian and Buetner, Alonso, who currently teaches at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, has no deep-seated local constituency, but the prospect of his selection has generated some excitement. While in Baltimore, Alonso was recognized for pushing for progress at low-performing schools, and for being willing to take strong action. While in Baltimore, he also weathered a test-score cheating scandal and occasionally rocky relations with the teachers union. But by the time he resigned, after six years, he and union leaders seemed to be working together without rancor. Leaders of some community groups have split from the pro-Beutner camp. They worry that Beutners approach to confronting the districts financial problems could shut out their voices or involve severe economic cutbacks that would undermine programs that are helping students. Some prefer Ekchian; some Alonso. Theyve been reluctant to speak out publicly because theyll have to work with whoever is selected, but they have tried to get the ear of board members. On Friday morning, one leader of a community group decided to come out in favor of Alonso. L.A. Unified has the opportunity to bring in an instructional leader of color with a history of success, said Alberto Retana, president and chief executive of Community Coalition, which works on behalf of low-income students and families in South Los Angeles. If we have a shot at that, we should go for it  because its in the best interests of our kids and of our community. Retana said his statement was not meant to criticize Beutner or Ekchian but to alert board members that there also is community support for Alonso. Facebook

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Cal State leader shelves proposed tuition hike: Its the right thing to do, but its not without risk By Joy Resmovits Cal State, the nations largest public university system, will no longer consider a plan to raise tuition for the 2018-19 academic year, Chancellor Timothy P. White announced Friday. The decision is a bet that Sacramento will come through in the end. If Cal State loses that bet, it could mean cuts to campus programs. White said in an interview that Californias economy is strong enough that families should not be shouldering the burden of higher college costs. Read More Facebook

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L.A. students to participate in national walkout activities on Friday By Joy Resmovits Students are taking to the streets again Friday to protest gun violence on the 19th anniversary of the Columbine school shooting. Starting at 10 a.m., students at many schools will spend 13 seconds honoring the 13 people  12 students and one teacher  killed on that day in Littleton, Colo. After that, theyll participate in a host of different activities. Within L.A. Unified, one school is having an open-mic event for students to talk about school violence, and lawmakers are visiting campuses to hear students thoughts. According to a central hub for organizing the protests  written by the students of Ridgefield High School in Connecticut  the walkouts are intended to drive the political change necessary to curb school violence. The day is also a time for students to interact on an elevated platform they have never had before, the site states. It is a day of discourse and thoughtful sharing. Bringing together communities and students to get a national discussion rolling. Organizers have suggested using the event to convey the importance of curbing gun violence to legislators. They are encouraging students to push legislation that would ban assault weapons and tighten up rules around who can buy guns and how. Over 2,500 schools nationwide are expected to participate. In L.A., some students  at campuses including Eagle Rock High School, the Ramon C. Cortines School of Visual and Performing Arts and Bravo Medical Magnet  plan to walk out. Students from various schools expect to join area marches, including those in Santa Monica and Huntington Park. Other schools are hosting career days and voter registration drives. At 1 p.m., students plan to start a rally in front of L.A. Unified headquarters. For the record: An earlier version of this article stated that 12 teachers and one student were killed in the Columbine shooting. The opposite is true: twelve students and one teacher died. Facebook

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Stabbing of popular student devastates South El Monte High School; teen friend suspected in slaying By Sonali Kohli When administrators at South El Monte High School called Jeremy Sanchezs parents to say he never showed up for class Wednesday, his father began to worry. It was unusual for the 17-year-old junior to miss school, so his father filed a missing persons report and assembled two of Jeremys close friends to look for the popular student-athlete. Their search took them to a scenic stretch of the San Gabriel River Trail, where one of the friends  a 16-year-old boy  made a tragic discovery. Among the bushes in the riverbed near Thienes Avenue and Parkway Drive was Jeremys body, punctured with stab wounds, according to Lt. John Corina of the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department. Read More Facebook

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Racist fliers spark outrage at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo By Alene Tchekmedyian Soon after Neal MacDougall arrived on the Cal Poly San Luis Obispo campus Tuesday, the professor noticed university police standing outside a restroom near his office. A racial slur against African Americans had been scrawled in red marker on a stall wall. Later, he discovered a series of racist fliers pinned up next to his door. Someone had also slashed posters hed hung outside his office supporting students in the country illegally. The discovery was the latest controversy on the prestigious campus  which the president said is less than 55% white  that MacDougall said demonstrates a culture of racism at the university. Last week, photographs emerged of white fraternity members, including one in blackface, flashing gang signs. Read More Facebook

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The superintendent waiting game, paying for L.A.'s College Promise, Princetons slave history: Whats new in education By Joy Resmovits Acting LAUSD superintendent Vivian Ekchian is a finalist for the permanent job. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) In and around Los Angeles: The L.A. Unified school board spent 10 hours interviewing and discussing candidates for superintendent. When they adjourned after 10 p.m., they said they would reconvene on Friday. Who is paying for Mayor Eric Garcettis much-touted College Promise, a program that promises two years of community college for LAUSD grads? In California: The Legislature is considering a proposal that would boost K-12 education funding for black students. When the cost of living is taken into account, California has the highest rate of child poverty. Nationwide: The families of two children killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School are suing Alex Jones and Infowars for saying the school massacre never occurred. Princeton will name two spaces  an arch and a garden  after slaves who lived or worked on the campus. Facebook

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L.A. school board meets privately with finalists and debates choice for school district leader By Howard Blume The Los Angeles Board of Education adjourned late Tuesday after spending more than 10 hours interviewing candidates and trying to reach a decision on who would be the next leader of the nations second-largest school system. When the meeting finally recessed at 10:11 p.m., a spokesman announced only that the school board would reconvene Friday at noon. Going into the days meetings, there were apparently four finalists, according to sources who could not be named because they were unauthorized to speak. Read More Facebook

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Two Sandy Hook families sue Alex Jones and Infowars for saying the school massacre never happened By David Altimari Families of two children killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School have filed lawsuits in Texas against controversial radio host Alex Jones for continually claiming the massacre never happened. Neil Heslin, the father of Jesse Lewis, and Leonard Pozner and Veronique De La Rosa, whose son Noah Pozner died in the massacre, filed separate lawsuits late Monday in Travis County, Texas. The lawsuits allege that Jones defamed the parents by constantly calling them crisis actors and insisting the shooting was a false flag operation; they also claim Jones accusations have led to death threats against the Sandy Hook families by Jones followers. Read More Facebook

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Beutner emerges as a top pick for L.A. schools superintendent amid last-minute jockeying By Howard Blume Austin Beutner has emerged as a leading contender to run the Los Angeles school district, with backers saying he is smart enough and tough enough to confront its financial and academic struggles. Though he does not have a background in education, the former investment banker has in the last year examined some of the districts intractable problems, serving as co-chair of an outside task force with the support of then-Supt. Michelle King. Sources inside and outside the school district said Beutner appears to have more support on the seven-member board than other finalists, and his name could come up for a vote as early as Tuesday. Read More Facebook

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Challenge at Chicago school construction site: Watch for 38,000 unmarked graves By Nereida Moreno A 15-year effort to build a school in Chicagos Dunning neighborhood is underway with an unusual complication: Construction workers are taking careful steps to avoid disturbing human remains that may lie beneath the soil. The $70-million school is to be built on the grounds of a former Cook County Poor House, where an estimated 38,000 people were buried in unmarked graves. Among the dead are residents who were too poor to afford funeral costs, unclaimed bodies and patients from the countys insane asylum. There can be and there have been bodies found all over the place, said Barry Fleig, a genealogist and cemetery researcher who began investigating the site in 1989. Its a spooky, scary place. Read More Facebook

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Oklahoma teacher walkout winds down despite lawmakers failure to meet demands By Washington Post Oklahomas largest teachers union has announced an end to a walkout that has drawn thousands of educators out of classrooms and to the state Capitol demanding greater investment in the states schools, which have endured the nations steepest funding cuts. The announcement Thursday from the Oklahoma Education Assn. does not necessarily end the protests at the Capitol, as teachers not affiliated with the union vowed to stay longer. Instead of a walkout, the union and school districts across the state have said they plan to send delegations of teachers to Oklahoma City to keep the pressure on lawmakers. Teachers and their supporters have also promised to push education issues to the forefront of November elections, when the state chooses a new governor. As school districts begin to reopen, the protests may lose steam. The Legislature is not in session Friday, and observers are waiting to see what happens Monday, when lawmakers return. Read More Facebook

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Most Californians are worried about school shooting threats and oppose arming teachers, survey finds By Joy Resmovits Hamilton High School student Aiyana Dabriel holds a sign during a March 14 walkout in support of the Parkland shooting victims. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) Most Californians are worried that a school shooting like the one that occurred in Parkland, Fla., in February could shed blood closer to home, a new survey found. Some 73% percent of adults and 82% of public school parents said they were very concerned or somewhat concerned about school shootings. The Public Policy Institute of California surveyed 1,704 adults in the state by phone just after the March for Our Lives protest against gun violence. Latino and black respondents were significantly more likely to be concerned about school violence than white or Asian respondents, the institute found. Two-thirds of adults and public school parents said they opposed letting more educators carry weapons in school. The response differed across party lines, with 86% of Democrats and 69% of independents voicing their opposition, while 60% percent of Republicans said they would support a measure to arm educators. The poll, which had a margin of error of 3.2% in either direction, also asked Californians about school funding, educational issues in the governors race and the impact of immigration enforcement on students. You can find the full results here. Facebook

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Californias largest virtual charter school network agrees to contract with its teachers By Anna M. Phillips Nearly four years after teachers at Californias largest online charter school voted to unionize, they have reached a deal to increase pay and create job protections, according to a spokesman for the California Teachers Assn. The contract, which is still tentative and subject to ratification, is a victory for the teachers union. Although charter schools are publicly funded, most are privately managed and their employees arent protected by labor contracts. Under the terms of the contract  the result of years of negotiation and legal wrangling  approximately 500 teachers working for California Virtual Academies will no longer be at-will employees who can be dismissed for almost any reason. Their average salary will rise to just over $45,000, according to union estimates, a figure that remains far below the norm for traditional public school teachers. Still, it is an improvement over the previous average of $38,000. The accord also places a limit on the number of students each teacher is responsible for monitoring in online homeroom classes. Were very satisfied with the gains we made, said teacher Brianna Carroll, president of California Virtual Educators United. I think were going to see some extraordinary changes in our schools. According to Carroll, teachers at California Virtual Academies  better known as CAVA  had grown frustrated with the organizations foot-dragging and were making preparations to go on strike when CAVAs leadership agreed to the deal. CAVA and K12, the Virginia-based for-profit company linked to its schools, did not immediately respond to an email Tuesday asking for comment. The network currently operates nine virtual charter schools across California. In 2016, the charter network agreed to pay $8.5 million to settle claims of false advertising, misleading parents and inadequate instruction. The state attorney generals office had also accused K12 of controlling the charters for its own financial benefit. Neither CAVA nor K12 admitted to wrongdoing in the settlement. A year later, the state imposed a $2-million fine on CAVA after an audit found that it had misspent public funds. The network disputed the findings. Facebook

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School board approves a new formula for funding high-need schools By Sonali Kohli L.A. schools will soon get more money if they are located in neighborhoods with such problems as high levels of gun violence and asthma. The Los Angeles Unified school board voted unanimously Tuesday to adopt a new formula to determine how to dole out some funding to schools, based not only on the characteristics of the student populations but on the traumas that affect the communities around campuses. The new formula will be applied to $25 million in funding next fiscal year and about $263 million annually in future years  a small part of the districts $7.5 billion annual budget. Read More Facebook

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Protesters demand Ref Rodriguez resignation outside school board meeting By Sonali Kohli Students, parents, teachers and UTLA marching outside the board meeting chanting "Ref resign" pic.twitter.com/W0LRWZSIXY  Sonali Kohli  (@Sonali_Kohli) April 10, 2018 A few dozen parents, students and teachers marched outside the Los Angeles Unified School Board meeting Tuesday, some calling for board member Ref Rodriguez to resign the week after news broke that he was taken into custody on suspicion of being drunk in public at a Pasadena bar and restaurant. Rodriguez was not cited or charged in that incident, but was held for more than five and a half hours before being released. The school board member faces felony and misdemeanor charges for political money laundering. He is accused of getting more than two dozen people people to donate to his campaign for his school board seat with the understanding that he would reimburse them. He stepped down from his post as school board president after he was charged last fall, but he did not give up his seat on the board. He has pleaded not guilty to three felony counts of conspiracy, perjury, and procuring and offering a false or forged instrument, as well as 25 misdemeanor counts related to the alleged campaign money laundering. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for May. He cant give his full focus to our students, said Rebecca LaFond, a Highland Park parent whose three children marched with her as she chanted, Ref resign. One daughter marched in front of her, using a drum stick to hit the bottom of a gallon-size empty water jug. Our kids deserve someone who has the utmost ethical standards representing them, LaFond said. The protests continued into the board meeting, where some addressed Rodriguez directly, calling on him to step down during public comment portions of the meeting. Rodriguez, through his chief of staff, declined to comment. Some parents outside the board meeting did not know about the charges against Rodriguez but came out to protest the possibility of sharing their school campuses with charter schools. Protesters also oppose colocation  not all of the parents are here to ask Ref Rodriguez to step down pic.twitter.com/1Co8zQ9zSi  Sonali Kohli  (@Sonali_Kohli) April 10, 2018 Cynthia Martinez said her son, who goes to Christopher Dena Elementary School in Boyle Heights, has been bullied in the past by students from a charter school sharing the campus. She said she didnt know who Rodriguez was. Some parents and teachers are worried about losing computer labs, robotics rooms and fitness centers if they are required to share their campus with charter schools, said Ilse Escobar, a parent community organizer for United Teachers Los Angeles. The issues of Rodriguez and colocation are related, Escobar said. Rodriguez is part of a majority on the school board elected with financial backing from charter school supporters, and many parents, she said, feel that the school board is compromised if he is a part of it. Staff reporter Howard Blume contributed to this post. Facebook

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Delaine Eastin tries to gain momentum in the California governors race, one voter at a time By Seema Mehta Delaine Eastin was a sophomore in high school when a drama teacher urged her to try out for a part in The Man Who Came to Dinner. She hesitated until he told her: This is a metaphor for your whole life. If you never try out, you will never get the part. Eastin auditioned and won the role. Decades later, the advice sticks with the former state schools chief, this time in her unlikely run for governor. Despite calls for more women in leadership roles in state politics following sexual misconduct allegations in Sacramento, Eastin has been largely overlooked in the race, lagging far behind her Democratic rivals in fundraising and the polls. Read More Facebook

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Arizona high court rejects in-state tuition for DACA recipients By Associated Press Young immigrants granted deferred deportation status under a program started by President Obama are not eligible for lower in-state college tuition, the Arizona Supreme Court ruled Monday. The unanimous ruling will affect at least 2,000 students attending the states largest community college district and hundreds more at other colleges and the states three public universities. The Maricopa County Community Colleges District and state universities said they would begin raising tuition immediately for the coming school year. Read More Facebook

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New York high school students injured when bus strikes overpass By Associated Press A charter bus carrying teenagers returning from a spring break trip Sunday night struck a bridge overpass on Long Island, seriously injuring six passengers and mangling the entire length of the top of the bus. The crash happened shortly after 9 p.m. Sunday on the Southern State Parkway in Lakeview, according to New York State Police. One of the six injured passengers had very serious injuries, said State Police Maj. David Candelaria. Thirty-seven other passengers suffered minor injuries. Read More Facebook

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Some good news for California in national student test scores By Joy Resmovits Every two years, the nations fourth- and eighth-graders are tested in math and reading  and newly released results from last years tests give California at least a little reason to be pleased. The 2017 results  out Monday night  were mostly flat nationwide compared with 2015, though the average score in eighth-grade reading went up. But while that improvement largely came from the increased scores of the highest-performing students, California eighth-graders showed some reading progress from the lowest levels to the highest. Read More Facebook

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Under state control, Inglewood school districts financial picture worsened By Anna M. Phillips When Eugenio Villa agreed to return to the Inglewood schools for a second tour last summer, he knew the district remained one of Californias most troubled. Inglewood Unified had been nearly insolvent when it was taken over by the state Department of Education in 2012. Six years later, its enrollment was still declining. Its school buildings were tired  some edging into decrepitude. Its test scores and graduation rates were still below the state average. And the public was out of patience. Still, Villa, who had signed back on as the districts chief business official, was shocked at what he found when he arrived in June 2017. Two years earlier, he had left the school system on what he thought was firm ground. Read More Facebook

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Charter school group drops two lawsuits against L.A. Unified By Howard Blume A charter schools advocacy group last week announced that it would end two long-running lawsuits in which it was seeking more classroom space and construction money from the Los Angeles school district. The decision, the California Charter Schools Assn. said, reflects better relations between charter schools and the L.A. Unified School District. But the move also suggests that the litigation, which already contributed to significant gains for area charters, was unlikely to produce much more. It takes time, money and effort to litigate, said Ricardo Soto, general counsel for the charter group. Maybe its better to see if we can find the time and opportunity for collaboration. Read More Facebook

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L.A. school board member Ref Rodriguez is arrested on suspicion of public intoxication By Richard Winton Los Angeles school board member Ref Rodriguez was arrested recently on suspicion of being drunk in public at a Pasadena restaurant, the latest trouble for an elected official who faces political money-laundering charges. Pasadena police took Rodriguez into custody on March 16, according to city spokeswoman Lisa Derderian. Officers arrested Rodriguez at about 4:30 p.m. at the Yard House restaurant and bar at the Paseo Mall and held him in jail for more than five-and-a-half hours. Rodriguez was ultimately released without being cited or charged, Derderian told The Times. Other details about the arrest were not available, she said. Read More Facebook

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Kentucky teachers rally at Capitol over state budget By Associated Press Thousands of Kentucky teachers filled the streets near the state Capitol in Frankfort on a cold, overcast Monday to rally for education funding. Teachers and other school employees gathered outside the Kentucky Education Assn. a couple of blocks from the Capitol chanting, Stop the war on public education and holding or posting signs that say, Weve Had Enough. Were madder than hornets, and the hornets are swarming today, said Claudette Green, a retired teacher and principal. Read More Facebook

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Baku, Azerbaijan, May 24

By Azad Hasanli  Trend:

Azerbaijani companies exported non-oil products worth $143 million in April 2017, according to the Export Review, published by the Azerbaijani Center for Economic Reforms Analysis and Communications May 24.

According to the center, 377 local companies participated in export operations over the month.

Besides oil and gas, Azerbaijan mainly exported raw gold ($ 21.3 million), tomatoes ($18.38 million), electricity ($12.6 million), polyethylene ($8.57 million) and peeled walnuts (almost $8.4 million) in April 2017.

The biggest volume of Azerbaijani products is exported to top five countries, namely, Russia ($37 million), Turkey ($32 million), Switzerland ($25 million), Georgia ($21 million) and Italy ($6 million).
Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos answered a battery of tough questions Wednesday for the first time since her confirmation hearing.

She hasnt taken questions from reporters at mainstream news outlets, and she recently declined an invitation to address a conference of education writers in Washington, D.C.

On Wednesday, she was cross-examined by lawmakers in a House appropriation subcommittee as she sought to justify the education cuts in President Trumps proposed budget.

This budget lays out a series of proposals and priorities that work toward ensuring every student has an equal opportunity to receive a great education, DeVos told them It focuses on returning decision-making power and flexibility to the states, where it belongs, and giving parents more control over their childs education.

Here are a few moments that stood out.

On civil rights enforcement

The issue of civil rights enforcement came up quickly.

Rep. John Moolenaar (R-Mich.) asked DeVos, on behalf of a student in his district, whether there is a role for the federal government in meeting this challenge of reducing incidents of sexual assault on college campuses.

DeVos responded by saying the department's Office for Civil Rights is very committed to investigating complaints that reach the office. We are invested in fully funding OCR.

But Trump's budget proposal actually would cut just under $2 million from that office.

"There are a number of viewpoints on how the rules surrounding this have been implemented, and we are looking at this very closely, DeVos continued. It is certainly an issue for the Office of Civil Rights to engage with and for the Department of Education to grapple with, but we are not at a point where we can communicate any change in direction or any new information at this point.

It is unclear from DeVos response whether OCR, which is responsible for enforcing civil rights laws, will continue to take the Obama administrations approach of actively seeking out wrongdoing and naming the colleges under investigation  or whether it will return to the Bush-era style of doing lower-key "desk audits" of website and just responding to queries that come its way.

DeVos also has never addressed numerous other OCR questions. Does she believe that the racial disparity in school discipline rates is a problem? Should ADHD be classified as a federally protected disability?

We are not at a point where we can communicate any change in direction.  Betsy DeVos, on her department's approach to reducing sexual assault on college campuses

On states rights, flexibility and the role of the federal government

Democrats accused DeVos of hurting students by leaving everything up to the states.

Following a tense exchange about the federal governments role in protecting students from discrimination, especially in private schools accepting public money, Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Oakland) lit into DeVos: When you say its up to the parents and local communities, even when young people are being discriminated against ... to take the federal governments responsibility out of that, it is just appalling and sad, she said. Your cutting $1.7 million from the office of civil rights  to me, its outrageous.

DeVos said she was not in any way suggesting that students should not be protected, and reiterated her promise to investigate any complaints  surrounding allegations or issues of discrimination.

Earlier, when pressed, DeVos would not say that she would prevent federal money from flowing to states that fund private schools that discriminate against LGBT students. (Her staff later clarified that DeVos would uphold anti-discrimination laws.)

Betsy DeVos would not agree to bar discrimination by private schools that get federal money 

On what constitutes a budget cut

There was some disagreement about the flow of money.

Several lawmakers accused DeVos of taking money from poor students to fund new school-choice programs, including a $250-million pilot program to encourage states to help families use public money to attend private schools. DeVos said she wasnt pulling cash from those programs helping poor students because the new ones also are intended to help disadvantaged kids.

The money has to come from somewhere, said Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-Downey). Maybe the intentions are good, but the actual impact is not meeting those intentions.

When DeVos talked about supporting historically black colleges, Lee said a program that would help students in those schools pursue masters degrees got no money in the Trump budget.

Its not a cut because we havent funded it yet, DeVos said.

Lee said the program had been funded once, to the tune of $7 million.

You are eliminating it, or youre not? Lee pressed.

No, DeVos said.

Okay, so youre going to restore it? Lee asked.

DeVos said it would be up to Congress.

To which Lee replied: So youre cutting it!

7 things you need to know about how Trump's budget would affect schools in California and nationwide 

On standards, curriculum and the Common Core

The Every Student Succeeds Act prohibits the federal government from prescribing states curricula. That provision was added in response to concerns about the federal governments role in promoting the Common Core.

Rep. Martha Roby (R.-Ala.) asked if DeVos would promise, as currently required by law, not to coerce states to change their academic standards. She said she wanted to make sure that DeVos would not ignore the law and exert undue influence.

Absolutely, DeVos told her. You have my commitment that the department is going to implement and follow the law.

DeVos comments on that score seem to conflict with previous promises that she and other administration officials have made to end the Common Core  since doing so would require the federal government to meddle with states curriculum choices.

In what seemed to be ad libbing, DeVos also said she might create a competition that encourages states to set higher standards  something the Obama administration basically did  but in no way should it be a top-down, one-size-fits-all solution from the federal government.
President Trump s budget proposal, released Tuesday, seeks to cut education funding by $9.2 billion overall. It would take away some federal support, such as money for the Special Olympics and a reading initiative, while promoting school vouchers and boosting dollars for charter schools.

To U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos, the plan is an historic investment in Americas students.

To others, it is anything but.

Lily Eskelsen Garcia, president of the National Education Assn., called it a wrecking ball, California Supt. of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson said it fails, and Obama administration Education Secretary John B. King Jr. called it an assault on the American dream.

Heres what you need to know about how the proposal would affect schools and students in California and nationwide.

1. There would be deep cuts overall, for both K-12 and higher education

The $9.2 billion in cuts represent a 13.5% drop from the U.S. Department of Educations 2017 budget of $68.2 billion. It includes a $2-million cut to the Office for Civil Rights, the group responsible for enforcing civil rights law in the nations schools.

Observers dont expect Congress to pass the budget in its current form, but King, who now leads the Education Trust, a Washington-based nonprofit focused on educational equity, said it shows the administrations values and frames the conversation around cuts instead of investments.

The administration is creating a committee to overhaul the Education Department. Its members are expected to submit a draft plan by the end of June that would propose areas for workforce reduction.

2. It would use part of a funding stream for disadvantaged kids to pay for school choice

The federal program known as Title I pays for services for low-income students. The Trump administration is proposing to use $1 billion in Title I money to pay for a new school-choice program. The $550-million increase in Title I that a recent budget deal gave states would be cut from their shares of the regularly scheduled funding formula moving forward. California got $1.74 billion from this program for the current school year.

Changes in the biggest federal school funding stream for poor students Trump budget proposal States would get most of the money without conditions, but $1 billion would be doled out in new grants, called Furthering Options for Children to Unlock Success.

FOCUS grants would give money only to school districts that use open enrollment systems and funding systems that are weighted based on individual students needs.

To qualify, these open enrollment systems would need to include all district and charter schools, a federal official said. Currently States get the money without specific conditions beyond those written into the Every Student Succeeds Act.

L.A. Unified is preparing to build an open enrollment portal, but the current plan would not include any independent charter schools.

3. It would turn an innovation competition into a school voucher incentive

The Obama administration used a program called Investing in Innovation to help states experiment with new ideas in education. The budget proposal would beef up that program by $250 million, but the newer version would encourage states to use the funding to create or expand school voucher programs.

California twice voted down school voucher proposals. I dont see this happening in California, said Stanford University professor David Plank of potential participation in a federal voucher program.

Federal funding for charter schools would increase by $167 million. The Los Angeles Unified School District already has more charter schools than any other school district in the country.

4. College students on balance would get less help in paying for school

The budget would consolidate multiple programs for student loan forgiveness into one program, which would cap repayment at 12.5% of graduates income and forgive balances from undergraduate loans after 15 years.

The proposal would eliminate the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program  but currently enrolled students would not be affected. It would end federally subsidized student loans, meaning that college students would have to pay interest on the money they borrowed from the federal government, even while in school.

Students would be able to access Pell grants for classes they take during summer semesters.

(Bryan Chan / Los Angeles Times)

5. It would eliminate a slew of programs

The budget would get rid of a $190-million literacy program, a $2.3-billion program meant to enrich instruction and the $1.2-billion 21st Century Community Learning Center program, which provides after-school options for students at disadvantaged schools. It also cuts Special Olympics education programs, a move an administration official called a tough but necessary trade-off.

The administration justifies these cuts by saying that these programs are duplicative or show no evidence of success.

6. Indian reservation schools and military students could lose out

The budget would eliminate Impact Aid Support Payments for Federal Property, dollars the federal government gives directly to school districts that dont generate property taxes, including those that serve students on Indian reservations or public schools on untaxed federal land such as military bases. In California, about 15 school districts could be affected.

7. Cuts to other agencies would affect kids, too

Low-income students and their families depend on the federal government for help accessing healthcare, food and shelter. The budget would cut $193 billion in food stamp dollars. It would also slash $800 billion in funding for such programs as Childrens Health Insurance, Medicare and Obamacare. Head Start , however, would get a small funding increase.

Joy.Resmovits@LATimes.com

@Joy_Resmovits
California State Universitys Board of Trustees, which recently approved a controversial tuition hike, grappled Tuesday with Gov. Jerry Browns revised budget proposal, which takes away some additional funding on the grounds that the rise in tuition will cost the state more in aid to low-income students.

Browns proposal would reduce additional funding for the system by $4 million to help offset an anticipated increase in such state grants.

The $4 million would be be redirected to maintaining current levels of state support for low-income students who choose to attend private colleges.

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When the public universities raise tuition, Browns May budget revision said, there is less funding available for other financial aid programs.

Brown initially had allocated about $157.2 million in additional funding to Cal State for the next fiscal year, which would have raised the systems total state support to about $3.6 billion. University officials have said they need an extra $324.9 million to improve graduation rates, enroll more students, tackle a $2-billion backlog of building upgrades and accommodate salary raises for faculty  agreed upon last year to avert a systemwide strike.

Even with the tuition increase, which will bring in about $75 million, administrators of the largest public university system in the country say they still will have to do more with less. Faculty, students and staff said they would continue to lobby legislators for more funding until the budget is finalized in June.

Administrators on Tuesday also updated trustees on their efforts to double the systems four-year graduation rate, from 19% to 40%, by 2025.

Each campus will get funding from the new tuition revenue to hire more faculty, offer additional high-demand courses and provide more advising, mentoring, tutoring and other supplemental instruction and support, said Loren Blanchard, executive vice chancellor for academic and student affairs.

Administrators also are looking into providing micro-grants to students who are close to graduating but are struggling financially and prioritizing their jobs over coursework.

A sum as small as $150  can really make the difference between a student dropping out or earning a degree, Blanchard said.

During Tuesdays meeting in downtown Long Beach, trustees also heard impassioned public comments from members of the California State University Employees Union, which represents about 16,000 staff  including office workers, nurses, custodians and library assistants. The union is negotiating a new contract and demanding reforms to what representatives describe as a broken compensation system. Members are seeking a host of improvements including more predictable salary raises, promotion opportunities and flexibility in work schedules.

Staff are underpaid as well as unequally paid, Neil Jacklin, an instructional support technician at Cal State Stanislaus, told the trustees. There seems to be no limit to the workload. ... Our skills and talents are not often recognized, utilized, credited or appreciated.

As Jacklin and his colleagues addressed the board, dozens of employees from across the state rallied outside, chanting and waving signs with messages such as, They say cut back, we say fight back, and 2% dont pay the rent. Union leaders said they have received no response to a proposal they presented to the chancellors office in March.

Compensation for CSU employees will be a critical factor in upcoming negotiations, Cal State spokesman Michael Uhlenkamp said. We look forward to engaging the CSUEU leadership on this topic and others at the bargaining table.

The board is scheduled to continue its meeting Wednesday morning. The meeting is open to the public, and a live stream can be viewed here.

To read the article in Spanish, click here

rosanna.xia@latimes.com

Follow @RosannaXia for more education news

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One bicyclist was killed and another injured in Woodland Hills after a driver crashed into them and drove off early Wednesday, police said.

The cyclists were traveling north on Winnetka Avenue near Gilmore Street around 1 a.m. when a white truck, possibly a Ford or Chevrolet, hit them and kept driving, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

Both victims were taken to the hospital, where one was pronounced dead. The other is in critical condition, police said.

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sarah.parvini@latimes.com

For more California news follow me on Twitter: @sarahparvini

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The Orange County Sheriffs Department insists it has been working hard to comply with a judges long-standing orders to divulge records concerning its handling of jailhouse informants.

On Tuesday, however, a 24-year veteran of the department testified that he did not know whether anyone in the department had gone through 68 bankers boxes worth of files  including informant-related material  dating from the 1980s.

Lt. Andrew Stephens testified that he took possession of the boxes  each containing 100 files  in late 2016, when he took over the jails Custody Intelligence Unit, which handles informants.

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I am underwhelmed at this moment by the diligence of the search, based on what this witness said, Orange County Superior Court Judge Thomas Goethals said after Stephens testimony.

The Sheriffs Departments repeated failure to turn over informant-related evidence to the defense team of mass murderer Scott Dekraai is central to hearings underway this week before Goethals.

It is the third round of hearings in the case of Dekraai, a former tugboat captain who has pleaded guilty to the murders of eight people at a Seal Beach salon in 2011.

The penalty phase of his trial  to determine whether Dekraai should serve life in prison or go to death row  has been indefinitely delayed as the hearings play out.

Assistant Public Defender Scott Sanders is arguing that the death penalty should be tossed out because authorities cannot be trusted to turn over relevant evidence.

In the current hearings, Sanders said he intends to determine how and why the Sheriffs Department in 2014 sought permission from the county Board of Supervisors to destroy records three years after their creation. He said the order, which has been put on hold, would have resulted in the potential destruction of informant evidence, including the 68 boxes.

Sanders told the judge that he wishes to call Orange County Sheriff Sandra Hutchens to the stand, a possibility Goethals said he would entertain.

I would like the think Sheriff Hutchens would welcome the opportunity to answer questions under oath, Goethals said. I hope Im not being naive when I say that.

Sanders also hopes to question numerous jailers who handled informants. As they have before, some of the jailers are expected to invoke their 5th Amendment right against self-incrimination.

Goethals said he is satisfied beyond any doubt that the Sheriffs Department operated an informant program in which jailers planted snitches next to inmates with the aim of coaxing confessions out of them  a practice the Sheriffs Department has denied and which the law forbids.

More than four years have passed since Goethals ordered the Sheriffs Department to turn over snitch-related evidence, and the judge has grown increasingly frustrated with the departments failure to comply.

Frustrated by the lack of forthcoming evidence, Goethals threw the office of Orange County Dist. Atty. Tony Rackauckas off the Dekraai case 2015, and the California attorney generals office is now handling the mass shooters prosecution.

The attorney generals office is also investigating Orange County authorities use of jailhouse informants, as is the U.S. Justice Department and the Orange County grand jury.

In his testimony Tuesday, Stephens said the Justice Department had asked the Sheriffs Department to scan the material in the 68 bankers boxes of evidence, to ensure their preservation.

christopher.goffard@latimes.com

Twitter: @LATchrisgoffard

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A Japanese immigrant who graduated from USC law school but could not practice because of his race received a license posthumously Wednesday from the California Supreme Court.

The states highest court decided unanimously to grant bar admission to Sei Fujii, who died in 1954 after working for decades to help other Japanese Americans in Southern California.

Fujiis work in the face of prejudice and oppression embodies the highest traditions of those who work to make our society more just, said the order, issued in response to a motion by the Little Tokyo Historical Society and the Japanese American Bar Assn.

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The state high court granted a similar motion in 2015 on behalf of a Chinese immigrant who had been barred from practicing during his lifetime under a law that prohibited citizenship for members of the Mongolian race.

Fujii immigrated to the U.S. in 1903 and received a law degree eight years later. California law barred legal licenses for immigrants at the time unless they were eligible for citizenship. Federal law limited naturalization to free white persons and those of African descent.

Despite his unjust exclusion from the legal profession, Fujii undertook extraordinary efforts to apply his education and talents to advancing the rule of law in California, the court order said.

After federal law changed in 1952, Fujii became a citizen at age 73. He died of a heart attack 51 days later.

Though unable to obtain a law license, Fujii used his legal education to challenge discriminatory laws.

After the flu epidemic of 1918, when Japanese American doctors were barred from admitting their patients to hospitals, Fujii helped five Japanese physicians win a court ruling that allowed them to buy land for a hospital to serve Japanese Americans.

Fujii later was among the more than 100,000 people of Japanese ancestry  most of them American citizens  sent to internment camps during World War II.

While they were away, California used the Alien Land Law, which prohibited property ownership for noncitizens, to take away the land of many internees.

Fujii, hoping to end the law, bought a small parcel of land in Los Angeles after the war. The state tried to confiscate his property under the Alien Land Law, and Fujiis case led to a landmark decision by the California Supreme Court.

The court, deciding the real purpose of the Alien Land Law was to eliminate competition by Japanese immigrant farmers, found it violated the 14th Amendment. Three justices dissented.

We do not know what more Fujii might have accomplished had he been admitted to the bar, or what others in Fujiis position might have accomplished had our laws not wrongfully excluded or deterred them from becoming lawyers, the court said.

maura.dolan@latimes.com

Twitter: @mauradolan
Fear of earthquakes is part of life in California.

But people experience this anxiety in different ways. For some, the fear prompts them to take steps to protect themselves: strapping down heavy furniture, securing kitchen cabinets and retrofitting homes and apartments.

For others, the fear prompts denial  a willful ignorance of the dangers until the ground starts shaking.

Seismologist Lucy Jones has spent her career trying to understand public attitudes about earthquakes, with a focus on moving people past paralysis and denial.

Jones said the way experts like her used to talk about earthquakes wasnt very effective. They tended to focus on the probability of a major earthquake striking in the next 30 years  the length of a typical home mortgage. They also took pains to say what they didnt know, which she now believes allowed the public to tune out and hope for the best.

Now she is making a dramatically different point, emphasizing that a devastating earthquake will definitely happen, and that there is much the public can do to protect themselves.

Denial may getting a bit harder these days. Over the last several years, a few California cities have taken dramatic steps to require retrofits of thousands of vulnerable buildings. And next year, scientists and the U.S. Geological Survey are expected to unveil the first limited public phase of an earthquake early warning system that would eventually offer seconds and perhaps more than a minute of warning through smartphones and computers. The system has been planned for years but still could be derailed by budget cuts proposed by President Trump.

OK, now what? Here's how to plan your actions for before  and during  an earthquake 

Three factors that make something especially frightful

There are several factors that make a peril especially frightening, Jones told a joint meeting of the Japan Geoscience Union and American Geophysical Union. She named three of the biggest ones, citing the work of University of Oregon psychologist Paul Slovic:

Something that cannot be seen.

Something that is very uncertain.

Something that seems unknowable.

All of these trigger our primal fears of the unseen predator hiding in the jungle, Jones said.

Researchers inspect a fissure running through fields for five miles following an earthquake near Kobe, Japan, in 1995.. (Tokyo Shimbun/ Associated Press) (Tokyo Shimbun/ Associated Press)

Humans hate randomness

We have literally evolved to be afraid of randomness, Jones said at a recent conference in Japan.

So we respond by trying to find the pattern. We evolved to find these patterns to infer that waves in the grass means a predator in hiding. We find patterns even when theyre not real, she said. We see constellations in the stars. When there is no pattern, we still try to make one.

But theres a problem

Rather than accepting the randomness, the public has turned to scientists to take the uncertainty out of future earthquakes, and researchers have spent much effort trying to find an answer.

There was some optimism in the successful prediction of the magnitude 7.3 earthquake in Haicheng, China, in 1975, in which people were evacuated before the quake struck, saving lives, Jones said.

A large part of the answer? There were more than 500 foreshocks to the big temblor, most of them in the 24 hours before the largest quake hit.

The prediction did not happen because the Chinese knew more than we do about foreshocks, Jones said. They used the basic principle  quantified more than a century ago: One earthquake makes another earthquake more likely, and guessed that having a swarm of over 500 events made a big earthquake even more likely.

Officials in that region of China had more to gain by ordering evacuations because of the weakness of the buildings against earthquakes. And they had less to lose from a false alarm, given the political and economic system of China at the time, she said.

Success in predicting a 1975 earthquake in China was shortlived. In 1976, scientists did not predict a magnitude 7.6 earthquake that killed a quarter-million people. Visitors stop at a memorial to the dead in 2016. (European Pressphoto Agency) (European Pressphoto Agency)

It wasnt repeatable

But the great guess of 1975 wasnt repeated when California scientists tried to do the same thing in the central part of the state.

Scientists in California were so convinced of a seemingly logical pattern of earthquakes in the Monterey County town of Parkfield that they projected a 95% chance of another magnitude 6 earthquake happening between 1988 and 1993.

The scientists were wrong. It would be until 2004 before the quake hit. The model, it turned out, wasnt always right.

Murray and Kelly James look at their Christchurch, New Zealand, home, destroyed in an earthquake in 2011. (Mark Baker / Associated Press) (Mark Baker / Associated Press)

Telling us the future probability of a quake wasnt making us safer

And therein lies the great problem of being so obsessed with when the next big earthquake will come: It wasnt making us safer.

Publicizing the odds of a devastating earthquake in the next 30 years just didnt translate well to the public.

Cities up and down California were doing little, if anything, about ordering vulnerable buildings to be strengthened or demolished before they collapsed in a future earthquake.

Psychologists tell us that uncertain things are more frightening. Something that is frightening and uncertain is something we would like to ignore, Jones said.

So what could be done?

A home in Fillmore, Calif., nearly six months after the 1994 Northridge earthquake. (Joe Pugliese / Los Angeles Times) (Joe Pugliese / Los Angeles Times)

Changing the question

Instead of asking themselves, What does society want from us? scientists began considering a separate question: What does society need from us?

So, in the case of earthquakes, Jones shifted the answer.

Seismologist Lucy Jones stands on the San Andreas fault on May 3. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Talking about what scientists know  instead of what they dont

Jones said she learned to focus her talking on what she did know, rather than what she did not.

For one, she and a team of researchers published a scientifically plausible scenario of a magnitude 7.8 earthquake on the San Andreas fault that could cause many deaths and the collapse of numerous buildings.

Also, Jones said she learned to tell property owners they would have to pay for how their building fares in an earthquake  either as a retrofit or by picking up the pieces after the building collapses.

By emphasizing the financial aspects, I moved people away from fear that can paralyze decision-making, Jones said. I showed them that they were going to have to pay for the earthquake, one way or another. Either now or after it happens. It was just a matter of when.

Plus, there was a community responsibility  the collapse of one building would affect their next-door neighbor, as well as the entire community. Someones decision not to be ready increases the chances that others will suffer, Jones said.

After decades of doing little to nothing, political leaders and property owners agreed something had to be done. In 2015, Los Angeles passed the nations most sweeping seismic retrofit law, which will require as many as 15,000 buildings at risk of damage in an earthquake to be strengthened.

Wooden apartments can collapse because of flimsy ground-story columns. Click on the link for an explainer of this flaw, and how it can be fixed. (Raoul Ranoa / Los Angeles Times) (Raoul Ranoa / Los Angeles Times)

A moral responsibility

Tragedy can happen when the public does not understand the risk as scientists do.

Jones recalled a previous trip to a devastated area of Japan washed away by a tsunami after the magnitude 9 earthquake off the nations east coast in 2011. Communities there endured a death toll as high as 10% of the population, she said.

She remembered being taken to Otsuchi, where the city hall sat behind a 20-foot sea wall. Experts had forecast a 16-foot tsunami from the quake.

The city leaders ignored protocol that said to move to higher ground and conducted their emergency meeting in the city hall. When the tsunami poured over the sea wall, they lost over 1,000 people, including most of their city government, Jones said.

The woman who gave me the tour asked me to begin by entering this shrine constructed in front of the city hall and to pray for the victims, because, as she said, we need to remember why we are doing this, Jones said.

I want us to remember the victims. Remember that society wants our help  needs our help  to save peoples lives and their livelihoods, she told her fellow scientists. I am saying that, as a scientific community, I believe we should  as a moral duty  be fostering the creation of information that can be used to make a safer society.

Get ready for a major earthquake. What to do before  and during  a big one 

ron.lin@latimes.com

Twitter: @ronlin

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UPDATES:

4:30 p.m.: This story article has been updates with information on President Trumps budget proposal.

This article was originally published May 24.
Detectives are searching for a homeless man who they said punched and kicked a 74-year-old rabbi several times Monday as he walked along a residential street in the Fairfax District.

The random attack occurred about 8:30 a.m. in the 100 block of Formosa Avenue, according to the Los Angeles Police Department. Police said they dont believe the assault was a hate crime.

Surveillance video footage of the attack showed the rabbi walking in the neighborhood when he was suddenly pushed by another man.

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The man then punched the rabbi repeatedly and kicked him until he fell.

Witnesses told KTLA-TV that the victim was a rabbi in the community, and had been walking home from a synagogue.

Alison Mayersohn, associate director for the Anti-Defamation League in Los Angeles, said the organization has been in contact with police.

ADL was shocked by the images, caught on this very disturbing tape, of an elderly, identifiably Jewish man being the victim of a brutal assault, she said.

Anyone with information about the suspect is urged to call detectives at (213) 922-8260.

veronica.rocha@latimes.com

Twitter: VeronicaRochaLA
Weeks after Los Angeles police opened fire from a helicopter to end a five-hour standoff with an armed suspect in Sunland, police leaders discussed the guidelines for using such force during a contentious meeting of the citys Police Commission on Tuesday.

Los Angeles Police Department Asst. Chief Beatrice Girmala told commissioners that a situation must meet a number of highly specific conditions before the department will consider opening fire from the air.

The department had weighed using the tactic only four times since 2012, Girmala said. But the May 8 shooting marked the first time an LAPD officer used it.

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Girmala said current policy calls for police to open fire from a helicopter if a suspect in a violent crime poses an extreme officer safety concern and is on terrain that gives them a significant advantage, creating a situation in which normal tactics would be ineffective.

In the Sunland shooting, officers on the ground and in the air fired on the suspect, who had broken into a home, Police Chief Charlie Beck has previously said. It appears the suspect was fatally struck by gunfire from the air, Beck has said.

The decision to open fire airborne is made at high levels, Girmala said. In the May 8 case, Beck said an assistant chief discussed the matter with him before taking action. On Tuesday, Girmala said the incident commander at the scene of such a situation can also wave off the intervention of officers in the air.

Girmalas comments were met with some criticism from attendees at the hearing, some of whom argued that use of force from helicopters could serve as a pretext to the increased use of helicopters for surveillance, or the deployment of drones by Los Angeles police.

The department doesnt use drones. Seattle Police gifted the LAPD with two drones years ago, but they have never been launched and remain in storage, officials have said.

The meeting came to an abrupt end during Becks public comments. Matthew Johnson, the commissions president, had been sparring with several activists who had been interrupting other speakers. His frustration boiled over when a woman seemed to rejoice after Beck said an officer had been seriously injured in a motorcycle crash early Tuesday morning.

Johnson said the meeting would not continue until the woman left, but she refused to depart. Police declared the meeting an unlawful assembly, and threatened the dozen or so activists in the room with arrest. The group eventually dispersed, and no arrests were made.

james.queally@latimes.com

Twitter: @JamesQueallyLAT
California State University Chancellor Timothy P. White has appointed Sally Roush the new interim president of San Diego State, marking the first time that women outnumber men as campus presidents in the nations largest public university system.

Once Roush takes office in July, 12 of Cal States 23 presidents will be women. She will replace Elliot Hirshman, who announced earlier this year that he would be leaving to lead Stevenson University in Maryland. Roush  who worked at San Diego State in various positions for three decades  will lead the campus until the Board of Trustees names a permanent president next summer.

Trustees on Wednesday, after some debate, agreed to give Hirshmans $428,645 salary  the highest of any Cal State president  to Roush.

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In 2011, Cal State took heat for approving Hirshmans compensation  $100,000 more than his predecessor made  as it also raised tuition by 12%. The following year, Cal State adopted a policy that froze compensation paid with state funds while allowing a 10% increase paid with private donations. In November 2015, to quell criticism and controversy, the trustees voted to eliminate the use of private funds to supplement salaries.

Officials have long argued that restricting compensation makes it hard to attract the most qualified candidates.

As interim president, Roush has the tough job of keeping up Hirshmans momentum, officials said. During his tenure, San Diego State raised its profile as a major public research university and moved up 37 spots in U.S. News & World Reports college ranking. It made the top 10 for students studying abroad and for ethnic and socioeconomic diversity, officials said, and produced 85 Fulbright scholars in the last decade.

Hirshman also raised about $800 million for scholarships and created a new strategic plan for the university.

Roush retired in 2014 after 31 years at San Diego State  including 19 as a senior vice president. Her name came up when White started looking for someone with the skills and experiences that faculty, students and staff said they wanted in their interim leader.

Familiarity with the campus and the CSU, interest in fulfilling the last year of their strategic plan, the ability to provide good leadership for some of the big decisions going on around San Diego State University, White said. Sally Roush came up on the top of each one of those checklists.

Trustees on Wednesday unanimously supported the appointment, but some questioned giving her Hirshmans salary  which is much higher than those at the other 22 campuses and not far below the chancellors $439,361.

This comes at a time when every meeting were focused on the lack of money, and the level of state support continues to go down, said trustee Douglas Faigin, who brought up the boards recent approval of a controversial tuition increase. I think its the wrong message for our students, who some are having to deal with homelessness, food insecurity. The difference of these salaries are not going to significantly affect that, but its the sense of how we respect our students.

Other trustees argued that the salary, while high for Cal State, is comparable to what other universities across the nation now pay.

White said it wouldnt make sense to pay an interim president less, because some would say the job is actually harder when you have to parachute in and are expected to keep the momentum of a very successful president like Hirshman.

Although more than 57% of students enrolled in U.S. colleges and universities are women, they account for only about a quarter of college presidents, according to the American Council on Education.

Roush is the sixth female campus leader Cal State has named within two years. Ellen N. Junn was selected last May to lead Cal State Stanislaus. Gayle E. Hutchinson and Erika D. Beck were named in March 2016 to lead Chico State and Cal State Channel Islands respectively, and Mary A. Papazian and Judy K. Sakaki were selected in January 2016 to head the San Jose and Sonoma campuses.

Cal State previously had come under criticism for a gender imbalance in top leadership. White said that after he became chancellor in 2012, retirements gave him the opportunity to start to change that.

The search committee for the next San Diego State president, led by trustee Adam Day, will meet for the first time this week. The committee will be hosting an open forum on campus in the fall to hear from faculty, students and staff.

rosanna.xia@latimes.com

Follow @RosannaXia for more education news
Baku, Azerbaijan, May 24

Trend:

The meeting with foreign creditors of the International Bank of Azerbaijan (IBA) in London was highly constructive, Abbas Ibrahimov, first deputy chairman of IBAs Management Board, told reporters in Baku.

According to him, a restructuring plan envisaging the classification on three categories was presented to creditors during the meeting. The restructuring of foreign liabilities will be carried out in line with the plan.

Ibrahimov noted that one of main expectations in the coming days, based on the experience of foreign banks that have undergone a similar process, is a review of the banks ratings by international rating agencies.

It is possible that international rating agencies will temporarily lower the ratings of the bank. It is assumed that this will happen in the coming days. However, this does not mean the worsening of situation in the bank. As we noted earlier, this approach by agencies is traditional. This decision in the restructuring process reflects agencies standards and normal practice. The ratings of the bank in the process of restructuring, as a rule, are temporarily reduced and at the end of the process, they rise again, he said.

According to him, the restructuring process will strengthen the financial positions of the IBA and the banks ratings will be even higher than before.

The Azerbaijani government continues to provide its support to the bank, noted Ibrahimov.

The announcement of a restructuring plan is also a significant step for the banks future operations. This plan is a roadmap for our creditors, who, cooperating with us can be assured of stable development, sustainability and success of the IBA. We are absolutely sure of the successful completion of the restructuring process. After the completion of this process, the International Bank of Azerbaijan will further strengthen its financial positions, added the first deputy chairman.

The International Bank of Azerbaijan has been operating since 1992 and is one of the countrys two state-owned banks.
The Santa Ana Police Department is seeking help from the public in identifying a man it says was captured on video trying to sexually assault an intoxicated woman last weekend.

The incident occurred about 3 a.m. Sunday in the 200 block of North Broadway when a 26-year-old woman was approached by a man who forcefully removed her clothing and attempted to sexually assault her, a police statement read.

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On Tuesday police investigators released video footage of the incident. The video shows an adult Latino man dressed in blue jeans, a plaid shirt and black sneakers. The man is walking several feet behind a woman who appears to be intoxicated. At one point, the woman disappears from the cameras view.

Moments later the man approaches her and is seen trying to assault her and drag her to the bottom of a stairwell. Shortly after, the man is seen running away.

Cpl. Anthony Bertagna, a spokesman for Santa Ana police, said the woman was groped by the assailant but managed to fight back. She found two officers nearby and reported the incident.

Bertagna hopes that someone will recognize the man, whom officers suspect may have perpetrated other sexual assaults.

In my opinion he targeted her and we believe hes a sexual predator, Bertagna said. He may have done it in the past.

Police urge anyone going out to go in groups, rather than alone.

ruben.vives@latimes.com

For more Southern California news, follow @latvives on Twitter.
As a heavy hitting New York lawyer, Marc Kasowitz has stepped in to help Donald Trump navigate predicaments ranging from divorce to bankruptcy, allegations of sexual harassment and fraud.

Now, President Trump is giving the $1,500-an-hour attorney a new assignment as his private counsel in the probe of Russias meddling in the 2016 presidential election. His hiring was first reported by Fox Business and ABC News.

The 64-year-old Kasowitz fits into the pattern of other Trump appointees as somebody within the presidents comfort zone who has proven his loyalty over the years. However, he has less Washington experience than others who were reportedly under consideration.

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Kasowitz is the founding partner of Kasowitz Benson Torres & Friedman LLP, a law firm whose partners have included David Friedman, Trumps former bankruptcy lawyer who now serves as his ambassador to Israel. Former Connecticut Sen. Joe Lieberman, now special counsel to the firm, is under consideration as director of the FBIalthough Kasowitzs role as Trumps attorney might preclude such an appointment on conflict-of-interest grounds.

The son of a scrap yard dealer from New Haven, Conn., Kasowitz is a graduate of Yale College and Cornell Law School. His official law firm profile quotes from various profiles in which he was alternately described as a heavy hitter, powerhouse, uberlitigator and the toughest of the tough guys.

The American Bar Assn. Journal reports that he bills $1,500 per hour.

Ive never seen a president who had to hire defense counsel so early in his term. This is unprecedented and abnormal.  Norm Eisen, former White House ethics counsel

Kasoswitzs specialty is complex financial litigation, sometime suing and at other times defending large Wall Street firms, insurance and real estate companies. In a departure from his customary work in financial litigation, Kasowitz has also represented Fox News Bill OReilly against allegations of sexual harassment.

He represented the tobacco company Liggett Group, which reportedly introduced Trump to his firm. And he represented the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey in a civil case involving the 1993 bombing of the World Trade Center, which the Port Authority owned.

The law firm helped Trump restructure debt when his casinos entered bankruptcies. Kasowitz sued successfully to keep records sealed from Trumps divorce from first wife, Ivana; he was less successful suing an author who questioned Trumps net worth. His firm also represented Trump in fraud claims brought against Trump University by the New York state attorney general.

Obviously they know each other. He has represented the president for many, many years. He knows how to deal with Donald Trump and obviously has Trumps trust and respect, said John B. Quinn, the name partner in Los Angeles-based Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan, who has known Kasowitz for 20 years.

Although Kasowitz does not specialize in criminal law, I think of him as a broad-gauged business litigator and these days, from time to time, when you are involved in business litigation there is a white-collar criminal aspect to it, Quinn said. He added: I dont know that anybody knows that this situation calls for a criminal lawyer.

During the presidential campaign, Kasowitz fought unflattering coverage in the news media. He threatened the New York Times with a lawsuit for publishing information about Trumps 1995 tax returns and wrote a letter to the newspaper complaining about an article about women who claimed to have been groped by Trump, complaining that it was reckless, defamatory and constitutes libel per se.

Since the inauguration, Kasowitz has continued to represent Trump in matters unrelated to public office. In a sexual harassment lawsuit brought by a contestant from Trumps reality show The Apprentice, Kasowitz filed a motion in March arguing that Trump should be immune from civil litigation until the end of his presidential term.

Kasowitz also is representing OJSC Sberbank, Russias largest bank, in a lawsuit brought in U.S. District Court in New York charging that it raided the assets of a competitor. The bank does not appear to be directly involved in the probe of the Trump campaigns ties to Russia.

Former FBI Director Robert Muller was appointed last week as a special counsel to investigate whether campaign staff colluded with the Russians to interfere in the presidential election.

It is not unusual for a president to hire private counsel, although more commonly the lawyers have handled routine matters such as book royalties and tax returns, said Norm Eisen, former White House ethics counsel and co-founder of Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington.

Ive never seen a president who had to hire defense counsel so early in his term. This is unprecedented and abnormal, to have a president who has to worry about obstruction of justice charges instead of governing the country, said Eisen.

The presidents private counsel cannot be paid with government funds. In the past, presidents have raised money through legal defense funds, or under some circumstances have used campaign funds. In this case, Eisen said, it is expected that Trump will pay personally.

Given that you have a person of great wealth who has a pre-existing relation with this attorney, it is probably most expeditious for Trump to pay himself, said Eisen.

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barbara.demick@latimes.com

Twitter: @BarbaraDemick
The path to legalizing pot often leads the same way: through the ballot box.

Eight states, including California, Colorado and Oregon, have passed voter-approved ballot measures legalizing the purchase and possession of marijuana for anyone 21 and older.

But a new path toward legalization  lawmaker-inspired reforms  is emerging.

The shift is, perhaps, a sign of lawmakers picking up on public opinion. A Pew Research Center survey from October indicated 57% of Americans support legalized marijuana, compared with 37% who want it to remain illegal. A similar Pew survey in 2006 showed almost the opposite  60% believed it should be illegal, compared with 32% who supported legalization.

This trend also is reflected in many state-level polls, emboldening lawmakers enticed by, among other things, possible tax revenue to move forward with legalization efforts.

Yet while pro-pot measures have advanced in some legislatures, lawmakers and governors still move with a modicum of caution.

How many state legislatures have attempted to legalize marijuana for recreational use in 2017?

A lot.

Lawmakers in 17 states introduced measures to legalize recreational pot for adults and tax its sale. While many of those efforts faltered  some were squashed in committee hearings, while others died during floor votes  pot advocates were right in guessing a regional sweet spot of sorts: the Northeast. So far, Maine and Massachusetts have legalized marijuana through ballot measures, placing pressure on other states  which border or are a short drive away  to act.

Heres a look at how the debate over legalizing pot is playing out in three New England states and Delaware:

Delaware

In March, nearly a dozen lawmakers introduced a measure in the House that would legalize recreational marijuana.

The measure has seen some promise.

This month, it cleared a House committee by a 10-2 margin. Its now waiting for a vote on the House floor, where the bills sponsors are trying to corral enough support.

Vermont

The Democratic-controlled Legislature in May passed a measure that allows adults 21 and older to possess and grow up to six marijuana plants beginning in 2018. The measure, however, does not allow pot to be sold in dispensaries.

To be blunt: Its a big, historic win for backers of marijuana legalization. No state legislature has passed a law that legalizes marijuana for recreational use.

But it ran into a roadblock Wednesday as Republican Gov. Phil Scott decided to veto the measure. Scott said, among other things, that he wants lawmakers to address penalties surrounding driving while high and to take steps to make sure that legalization doesnt make it easier for minors to access pot. The governor said if these issues are addressed in a special summer session, he will reconsider whether to sign the bill into law.

Im not philosophically opposed to ending the prohibition on marijuana, Scott said.

Proponents of marijuana legalization in Vermont note that a survey by Public Policy Polling in March found that 57% of voters in the state supported legislation that would allow adults to use and possess small amounts of marijuana, while 39% were against it.

Rhode Island

For three years, some lawmakers in the nations smallest state have tried to pass measures legalizing marijuana  and for three years, theyve failed.

But when state Sen. Josh Miller, a Democrat, introduced a measure in February to legalize pot, he assumed his colleagues would vote in favor of it.

Why?

Well, next door in Massachusetts  less than an hours drive from anywhere in the state  voters in November passed a measure to legalize marijuana. To Miller, the calculus was simple: Why let Massachusetts rake in all the tax dollars of legal pot? Besides, he knew polls showed that his constituents back legal marijuana.

But his effort hit a roadblock. The bill stalled in the Legislatures Judiciary Committee, where his colleagues have held off on taking action at the request of Democratic Gov. Gina Raimondos administration.

In April, three of Raimondos Cabinet members, including the states health director, wrote a letter to members of the committee asking them instead to support legislation to create a 15-member commission to study the pros and cons of legalization. The commission would look at how states like Colorado and Washington implemented legal pot and report back to Rhode Island lawmakers next year with recommendations on whether to move forward with legalization.

Miller does not agree.

This should and needs to happen, he said last week about legalizing marijuana.

Connecticut

Lawmakers in support of pot legalization have said  like their counterparts in Rhode Island  that they dont want to lose tax dollars to their neighbors in Massachusetts. Even so, the allure of such revenue only goes so far.

Four bills to legalize and tax the sale of marijuana were introduced this year, but each died in committee hearing rooms.

In a last-minute effort, lawmakers this month sought to insert marijuana legalization into a 2018 budget bill. Still, Democratic legislators have conceded that they do not have enough votes in their own caucus to pass the measure.

As the legislative session nears its finale, the marijuana portion likely will be stripped from the budget.

kurtis.lee@latimes.com

Twitter: @kurtisalee

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Salt Lake City police are on the hunt for four people captured on surveillance video stealing a 700-pound statue of Mormon prophets Joseph Smith and Brigham Young from a business park early Tuesday.

The heist of the bronzed iconic figures of the Mormon Church  which is headquartered in Salt Lake City  was likely the work of thieves hoping to chop it up and sell it in chunks, according to Det. Robert Ungricht.

Its not something they could easily move intact on the market, he said. If they did, theyd likely wait until the heat was off.

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The camera footage shows a white Suburban with a black trailer pulling into a parking lot and backing up to the statue. The four people  three men, one with a noticeable limp, and a woman  are seen loading and hauling the statue off in a matter of minutes.

Police say the statue is estimated to be worth about $125,000.

Lena Toritch and Roger Young worked on the statue for a year, completing it in 2007. Toritch said that they stored it at their Salt Lake City studio before it was moved to Northgate Business Park last year, and that the owners of the statue, which depicts Young and Smith sitting on a bench, were looking for a permanent home for the work.

Moving and stealing the statue, Toritch said, wouldve required planning.

When we moved it, we had to use a variety of hoists, she said. Its not like you can just put it in a bucket.

Ungricht said it was unclear exactly how the four lifted the statue  that portion of the heist took place off camera  though he speculated a skid lift may have been used to get it into the open trailer. He said the crime occurred around 4 a.m., and a neighboring business called police a few hours later when the footage was reviewed.

Ungricht said that despite the high-profile subjects of the statute, the crime was reminiscent of a statue theft about four years ago outside a local school. He said that statute was made of bronze as well.

We suspect [that statue] went to a refinery in a million pieces, Ungricht said. It was never recovered.

david.montero@latimes.com

Twitter: @davemontero

ALSO

Unprecedented landslide buries Pacific Coast Highway in Big Sur

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Trump found Holocaust museum amazing  which has many people cringing
New Jerseys Newark Liberty International Airport has temporarily closed after a plane engine caught fire.

United Airlines Flight 1579 from Newark to San Francisco was scheduled to take off Tuesday night when its engine caught fire, officials say.

A spokesman for United, Jonathan Guerin, said the tower notified the crew of what appeared to be flames from one of the engines. He said the crew immediately deployed the planes slides and evacuated the passengers.

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Guerin reported one minor injury. He said the airline was working to get the passengers to San Francisco as soon as possible.

Just had to evacuate my @united flight using the slide and everything @EWRairport pic.twitter.com/0YhAAPeoFF  Lo Toney (@lo_toney) May 24, 2017

The airport said on Twitter that it was temporarily closed due to deployment of emergency chutes on the plane.

It was unclear late Tuesday when the airport would reopen.

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Britain is mobilizing troops to help protect key locations from another potential terror attack. Im Davan Maharaj, editor-in-chief of the Los Angeles Times. Here are some story lines I dont want you to miss today.

TOP STORIES

Britain Goes on High Alert

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As Britain mourns those killed in Monday nights suicide bombing at a concert in Manchester, the government is warning that another attack could be imminent. Investigators are looking at a possible connection with Islamic State, which claimed responsibility for the bombing that killed 22 people, while military personnel were deployed at key locations around the country. The bomber has been identified and four men arrested. Manchesters mayor struck a defiant tone: We are united, we will not let them win. Here is the latest.

Trump Heads to the Vatican, but Congress Wants to Hear About the Kremlin

President Trump met Pope Francis today on the European leg of his grueling trip, but back in Washington, the drip-drip of details about what led to the investigation of Russian involvement in the presidential election continues. Former CIA Director John Brennan told Congress that the agency received intelligence last summer indicating Trumps campaign aides were in contact with Russian government officials. Meanwhile, the Senate Intelligence Committee issued two subpoenas for Michael Flynns businesses.

More Politics

-- With healthcare in turmoil, Senate Republicans are under pressure to push back against Trump.

-- So amazing and will NEVER FORGET! Trumps guest book signing at the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial museum made some people cringe.

-- Trumps standing in the polls has dropped: How significant is the slide?

-- Who wins and who loses in Trumps budget proposal? This graphic breaks it down.

How an LAPD Officer Pleaded His Way to Probation

The video from 2014 is undoubtedly disturbing: It shows LAPD Officer Richard Garcia running to the middle of a South L.A. street, where two other officers were holding a man on the ground. Garcia kicks the man near his head, then uses a knee, elbow and fist to strike him repeatedly. Thanks to a plea deal with prosecutors, a felony charge against Garcia was dropped  and he got two years of probation. Now, activists are letting their displeasure with Dist. Atty. Jackie Lacey be known.

A Story You Wont See on Fox News

Fox News is again making headlines of its own. Since Bill OReillys ouster and amid a stream of bad news for Trump, the longtime ratings powerhouse has seen viewership drop. Whats more, another host is at the center of a media storm. Sean Hannity said he is the target of liberal fascism trying to silence him from talking about a conspiracy theory alleging that Democratic staffer Seth Rich may have been killed because he provided emails to WikiLeaks. The network retracted an online story about the slaying, and Richs parents say the theories are baseless, and they are unspeakably cruel.

In Cannes, Virtual Reality Meets Border Reality

If you go to the Cannes Film Festival this year, prepare to be transported  to the Arizona desert. There, youll join a group of desperate immigrants who are confronted at gunpoint by U.S. authorities as they attempt enter the country. This scene playing out in a hangar 20 minutes from the Croisette is the work of Oscar-winning director Alejandro G. Inarritu, and its the first virtual-reality project to be an official Cannes selection. We are using the highest technology to express the stories of the people treated like the lowest in society, he says.

MUST-WATCH VIDEO

-- A massive new landslide along Californias coastal Highway 1 has buried the road under a 40-foot layer of rock and dirt.

-- Former CIA Director John Brennan explains why we should care about the investigation into Russian meddling.

-- Surfers are bummed about the sharks off San Clemente.

CALIFORNIA

-- A Culver City defense contracting engineer has pleaded guilty after trying to forge a pact with phony Russian spy a la The Americans.

-- Gov. Jerry Brown took a tour of southeast Los Angeles County to meet with activists who have criticized his administration for doing too little to protect residents health.

-- Here are seven things you need to know about how Trumps budget would affect schools in California and nationwide.

-- Endless winter? California ski resorts are planning to keep the slopes open this summer.

HOLLYWOOD AND THE ARTS

-- Roger Moore has died at age 89. Watch him in action in all seven of his James Bond films.

-- Al Gore is back and still battling climate change with An Inconvenient Sequel. Times film critic Kenneth Turan caught up with him in Cannes.

-- Times art critic Christopher Knight says L.A.s newest showcase for contemporary art has an opening a show that is a winner, but the Marcianos collection is more iffy.

-- Author Neil Gaiman says he will do a dramatic reading of the Cheesecake Factory menu if fans raise $500,000 for a refugee charity.

CLASSIC HOLLYWOOD

Producer, songwriter and musician T Bone Burnett called him the Homer of our time, and last year Bob Dylan was honored as the Nobel laureate for literature. Today, the voice of a generation turns 76.

NATION-WORLD

-- Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte declared martial law on Mindanao after a city on the island was rocked by clashes between government forces and Islamist militants.

-- Salt Lake City police are on the hunt for four people captured on surveillance video stealing a 700-pound statue of Mormon prophets Joseph Smith and Brigham Young.

-- Not so high anxiety: States are moving quickly to protect their pot industries.

-- In 2016, scientists discovered 18,000 new species. Meet the Top 10.

BUSINESS

-- The median home price in Los Angeles County has reached the all-time high set in 2007: $550,000. Is it a sign the market is overheated?

-- An Orange County jury awarded $256.5 million to a former Southern California car dealer who alleged that Nissans financing arm forced him out of business.

-- Google is watching you. Now its keeping an eye on what people buy in physical stores.

SPORTS

-- Runner Danny Harris took silver at the 1984 Summer Olympics and won three NCAA titles. Then, cocaine addiction brought him down. But life on the streets taught him some lessons.

-- Call it the Super Bowl Reshuffle. Los Angeles will host the big game in February 2022 now that the Inglewood stadium is delayed.

OPINION

-- The Manchester bombing and Trumps dubious Middle Eastern strategy.

-- Its time to acknowledge the genocide of Californias Indians.

WHAT OUR EDITORS ARE READING

-- After he was reprimanded at school, a 16-year-old boy committed suicide. I think they wanted to scare him straight, his mother says. Instead, they scared him to death. (Chicago Tribune)

-- The residents of some Baltimore-area rental complexes have lots of complaints, but not many of them know Jared Kushner is the landlord. (ProPublica)

-- Music file sharing, 1920s-style: the lathe. (Wired)

ONLY IN L.A.

The play Fefu and Her Friends is set in the home of an eccentric socialite. So where better to stage it than at Hollyhock House, designed in the early 1900s by Frank Lloyd Wright for heiress Aline Barnsdall? Its probably the only play youll see where the audience must first don protective booties.

Please send comments and ideas to Davan Maharaj.

If you like this newsletter, please share it with friends.
The most natural questions to ask about the Manchester terrorist attack are also the most intractable: Who was the perpetrator, and what caused him to carry it out?

His name, revealed on Tuesday, is known to us: Salman Ramadan Abedi. He was a British-born 22-year-old of Libyan descent from Manchester, and he was on the radar of the British security services. He attended Salford University but dropped out in the second year of a business and management degree. More details are certain to emerge over the coming days and weeks.

Often, the implicit working assumption in the who question is that it will help unlock the mystery of the why question. But this assumption rarely bears fruit. Nearly always it is frustrated by the parents, friends or acquaintances of the terrorist, whose testimony  faithfully relayed by journalists in what has become a standard ritual of reporting  attests to the all-too-human traits of the person obliterated by the terrorist label: to his ordinariness, to his decency, to his banal enthusiasms and affinities. (Abedi was a Manchester United supporter.)

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Whenever a terrorist atrocity occurs, we expect a monster, someone roughly equivalent to the monstrosity perpetrated. But nearly always our expectation is defeated and we are confronted with the glaring discrepancy between the act and the person who authored it. Because the actions are so monstrous, we so badly want the actors to be monsters, but they rarely are.

People are prone to lie about their motives, either to others or to themselves, so as to preserve their moral self-image.

According to a Guardian news report, Abedi was a slightly withdrawn, devout young man, always respectful to his elders. This is disconcerting: First, because it eliminates the distance between the perpetrator and us, raising all kinds of uncomfortable questions. If Abedi  this ordinary, respectful person  could do what he did, then who else among the vast community of ordinary souls is capable of such a monstrosity (my neighbor, my brother, my son, me)? Second, it complicates the why question. If the perpetrator was indeed a monster, then the mystery of the why is dissolved and the explanation revealed: It was his monstrousness that caused him to act so monstrously. But what if the perpetrator is not a monster?

In the absence of monstrousness, the natural inclination is to search for motives or reasons to understand the atrocity. But this too is fraught with difficulty. A motive or reason is an inner subjective state that explains what caused someone to act. Accordingly, motives are difficult to recover, because they cant readily be empirically verified. You cant see a motive, and often the rationale for an action isnt always clear even to the person who performs it. As terrorism scholar John Horgan has acknowledged, The most valuable interviews Ive conducted [with former terrorists] have been ones in which the interviewees conceded, To be honest, I dont really know.

At best, one can only intuit or surmise a motive, based on a searching examination of a persons interests, beliefs and the wider context in which he acted. But even here the project of explanation is massively complicated and constricted by several factors.

For example, even in cases where people have carefully and fully explained their actions, either before or after carrying them out, what is presented is often less a guide to their inner subjectivity and drives than a self-serving catalog of justifications or excuses for doing what they did. So instead of providing a neutral account of a persons actions, author-verified explanations serve to explain only why they were right or justified in acting, rather than explaining why they acted.

New York University law professor Stephen Holmes puts it in this way: Sometimes people do what they do for the reasons they profess. But private motivations cannot always be inferred from public justifications. In other words, people are prone to lie about their motives, either to others or to themselves, so as to preserve their moral self-image.

A second and related complicating factor is the way commentators explain jihadist atrocities by identifying the reason or cause that most readily coheres with their own politics and wider philosophical view of the world. For left-leaning intellectuals, the primary reason or cause is secular, anti-Western political grievance. For sociologists, it is any number of social ills, including alienation, anomie, racism, anti-imperialist war and Islamophobia  but almost never religious imperatives. For some right-leaning politicians and commentators, it is the theological edicts of Islam itself. Invariably, the reason or cause identified turns out to be the very thing to which that explicator is diametrically opposed.

Who was Salman Ramadan Abedi and what caused him to murder and maim so many young people at Manchester Arena on Monday night? No matter how hard we look and probe, we may never know who Abedi really was, for the simple reason that he is or was, like everyone else on the planet, more or less unknowable at the level of the core self. This is made all the more difficult by the monstrosity of his deed, for which every significant experience or gesture in his tangled life-history is set to become pregnant with a retrospective meaning, as if it somehow anticipated what transpired Monday night.

And however much we learn about Abedis radicalization and beliefs, or about any possible psychic wounds he encountered in his short life, there remains an inordinate causal abyss between all this convoluted human entanglement  into which so many like Abedi are immersed  and the singular act of murdering innocent teenagers at a pop concert. No amount of expertise or knowing is likely to fully bridge that gap and make the inexplicable explicable.

Simon Cottee is a visiting senior fellow at the Freedom Project, Wellesley College. He is the author of The Apostates: When Muslims Leave Islam.

Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinionand Facebook
Ever wondered what its like to be pursued, badgered and threatened legally by a special counsel, like the one appointed last week to investigate the Trump campaigns ties to Russia? I can tell you firsthand.

In 2003, the George W. Bush administration leaked the name of a CIA operations officer, Valerie Plame, to syndicated columnist Robert Novak. A week later my Newsday colleague Knut Royce and I wrote a story disclosing that Plame had worked undercover  Novak had assumed she was simply an analyst. So when the Justice Department tapped a special counsel to look into the matter, he turned to us first.

The counsel, Patrick Fitzgerald, first tried sweet-talking our lawyers, saying he did not need us to name our sources, just to specify how many sources we had and when we had talked to them. No deal!

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Then he did something diabolically clever. He got everyone who could possibly have been a source to sign a waiver of confidentiality, then claimed Knut and I could no longer claim reporters privilege. This got some traction with our lawyers, but Knut and I were not going to let coercion stop us from protecting our sources.

I had to ready my family for the possibility that I would go to jail and even lose my job in the bargain.

I had been through this before, when the U.S. Senate appointed a special counsel in 1991 to investigate my story in Newsday that Anita Hill had accused Supreme Court nominee Clarence Thomas of sexual harassment. But things had changed dramatically. A decade later, newspaper lawyers were worrying about the bottom line as well as the 1st Amendment, and the legal protections for journalists had been seriously diminished.

Fitzgerald threatened us with a subpoena, provoking a nasty internal dispute at Newsday about cooperation. The deputy attorney general who appointed him, the same James B. Comey who was just fired as head of the FBI by President Trump, called Fitzgerald Eliot Ness with a Harvard law degree. Someone else called him a bulldog.

He certainly pursued us like one, though he eventually decided we were not essential to his case and let it drop. Later he convicted top White House aide Lewis Scooter Libby of perjury and obstructing his investigation.

Fitzgerald, Comey, former FBI Director and new special counsel Robert Mueller, even Rod Rosenstein, the deputy attorney general who appointed Mueller, are all tough, apolitical bulldog prosecutors who know one another well from the Justice Department Criminal Division. Anyone who gets in Muellers way, including reporters who have received leaks from government sources, had better be careful. And Trump administration officials in particular can take it from me: Theyre in serious trouble.

As always, the subjects of the investigation will wonder how high it will go. We know that Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions met with the Russian ambassador. He could be in jeopardy. Was Trump dumb enough to become personally involved? He did, after all, publicly ask Russia for help discrediting Hillary Clinton. Could that be construed as a criminal act? What about Trumps request to Comey to go easy on his former national security advisor, Michael Flynn?

From what we know so far, it is unlikely that Muellers investigation will bring down Trump. But the adage in Washington investigations is always follow the money, and thats where the real peril lies for Trump and his family.

The Trumps have bragged at times that they do not have to borrow much from U.S. banks because they get their money overseas, much of it from Russia. Because Trump has refused to make his tax returns, or any other documents from his business, public, we do not know the details, or what the unnamed Russian investors got in return. Mueller will want to find out.

But problems in following the money trail could arise from Rosensteins rather narrow mandate to Mueller.

After Comey appointed Fitzgerald, he clarified that Fitzgerald had full authority to pursue his investigation as if he was the attorney general. For example, he did not have to seek permission from the Justice Department to go after reporters. It was pretty close to being a blank check.

Mueller, by contrast, will be dependent on the Justice Department and the FBI  the appointment of a new FBI director could still influence this investigation  for money and people. Also, Rosenstein will retain the authority to veto Muellers prosecutorial initiatives if he feels the investigation has strayed too far from the mandate, or to fire him for good cause. And of course, Trump can always fire Rosenstein and appoint someone who will fire Mueller, though that strategy did not work out well for Richard Nixon.

A special counsel investigation can cause a lot of wreckage. I had to ready my family for the possibility that I would go to jail and even lose my job in the bargain. New York Times reporter Judith Miller actually did spend 85 days in jail trying to protect her sources from Fitzgeralds inquiry before agreeing to testify.

Im not sure all that collateral damage was worthwhile, but the Trump investigation is on a different plane  its necessary to the survival of our system of government. For that reason Mueller should have at least as much authority as Fitzgerald did.

Timothy M. Phelps is a former Los Angeles Times Washington bureau editor and Justice Department correspondent.

Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion or Facebook

MORE FROM OPINION

Surprise, surprise: Trumps budget punishes the sick and the poor while rewarding the wealthy

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The Manchester bombing and Trumps dubious Middle Eastern strategy

Our Dishonest President
The latest report from the Congressional Budget Office once again exposes the sharp and bitter truth about the House Republican efforts to repeal and replace President Obamas Affordable Care Act. The American Health Care Act  now in the hands of the Senate  represents a glaring transfer of wealth, security and opportunity from low-income to high-income individuals.

Should the AHCA or anything close to it become law, the students we serve in the California State University system and California Community Colleges system will be among the hardest hit.

Almost 2.5 million students are enrolled at a Cal State campus or a California community college. They come predominantly from lower-income families. In both systems, about two-thirds of students work, many full time, supporting themselves and often their families. In the CSU system, more than 60% have taken out loans and more than half qualify for low-income grants. At the states community colleges, about half the students come from households with incomes of less than $30,000. In both systems, the students are highly diverse, although they seem to have one thing in common: a desire to ensure their future and improve their economic circumstances.

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The AHCA trades benefits for low-income Americans for tax benefits to high-income Americans.

Obamacare offered our students real help in achieving that goal. Most importantly, it greatly expanded Medicaid  Medi-Cal in California  and it also provided generous subsidies that helped families and individuals purchase insurance in the Covered California marketplace. These benefits removed one more socioeconomic barrier to our students ability to earn a degree and to their future economic success.

Before Obamacare, a survey of CSU students indicated that 25% to 30% were uninsured. At Cal State L.A. alone the percentage was 35%. By the end of the second Obamacare enrollment period, less than 10% of CSU students overall and at Cal State L.A. were uninsured. Put another way: Approximately 80,000 more CSU students were covered than in the pre-Obamacare days. Just as striking, 40% of surveyed CSU students reported that a member of their family, other than themselves, were able to sign up for health insurance under the law.

Although there is no comparable data on community college students, given what we know about their individual and family incomes, there is every reason to assume that the reductions of the numbers of uninsured students there have also been substantial.

The AHCA would largely obliterate these gains. According to the CBO score, it would reduce federal government spending on Medicaid and insurance subsidies by a staggering $1.5 trillion over the next 10 years, replacing some of that with a new health insurance tax credit. But unlike Obamacare, in which subsidy dollars are targeted to those most in need, much of the new credit would benefit higher-income individuals. The savings generated by the reductions would go to eliminating Obamacare taxes on the wealthy.

The end result? By 2018, 14 million more Americans will be uninsured; by 2026, 23 million more will be added to that total. The tradeoff is painfully transparent: low-income Americans lose, high-income Americans gain.

Just as perniciously, the AHCA ignores the long-term costs of its rollbacks. To the extent that a lack of health insurance impedes our students ability to graduate and get work, it also increases the overall need for subsidized healthcare. Research shows that many students at the community college level will see their incomes increase 50% or more just two years after graduating. With a good job, these graduates will no longer need taxpayer help paying for insurance. They will contribute more in state and federal taxes and return the nations investment in them many times over.

Fortunately, the AHCA is not yet law, and a number of Republican senators appear concerned about its dramatic cuts in healthcare accessibility. But even a less onerous version of the act would almost certainly have a substantial negative effect on our students and millions of other Americans. Its passage would represent a rejection of core American values regarding equality of opportunity, something that should concern us all.

Walter Zelman is chairman of the Department of Public Health at Cal State L.A. Tom Epstein is vice president of the California Community Colleges Board of Governors and the former vice president of public affairs for Blue Shield of California.

Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinionand Facebook
Baku, Azerbaijan, May 24

By Huseyn Valiyev  Trend:

Azerbaijans Sumgait Technologies Park (STP) plans to export high-voltage cables to the markets of Europe and Middle East, the STP told Trend May 24.

The export of this product requires a certificate, and the STP is now making efforts to get one.

The STP produces high-voltage 220, 330 and 500 kV cables.

Azerbaijan is one of the few countries producing the 500 kV cables. A necessary certificate for the sale of high-voltage cables in the domestic market has already been obtained and the cables are already sold locally, said the STP.

The Sumgait Technologies Park is the biggest enterprise implementing new infrastructural projects in the power industry of Azerbaijan.
To the editor: Back when I was a young idealistic activist in the Democratic Party, I supported Hubert H. Humphrey for president over the more moderate John F. Kennedy in 1960. Still, I was very satisfied when Kennedy defeated Republican nominee Richard Nixon, because I felt that Kennedy would be a much better president than the man who would later go on to cause a constitutional crisis.

I say this to exhort those left-wing California Democrats who are reluctant to accept their new state chairman because he may not be as pure as they would like. (A battle of liberal versus more liberal exposes a divided California Democratic Party at state convention, May 22)

This is the same insistence on purity that prevented some people from voting for Hillary Clinton and thus allowed the most ill-equipped president in history to have the nuclear codes.

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My years of activism in the party taught me that although purity in the air and water is essential, in politics it is much less important than getting Democrats elected. As that old political pro John Burton said so eloquently at the partys recent convention, Parade all you want, but unless we put it on the ballot or elect new Democrats ... people still arent going to have decent healthcare.

Donald L. Singer, Redlands

..

To the editor: It is difficult to change the culture of an institution overnight. The state Democratic Party leadership vote  in which the establishment candidate narrowly defeated an organizer favored by Bernie Sanders supporters  gave me hope.

People are rejecting politics as usual. Yes, that mantra of going along, getting along and waiting your turn in this party must end. The party of opportunity and diversity has failed to provide much opportunity to a diverse group of progressives.

I can see the logic used by those with political aspirations to favor the status quo so they can garner support for when they run for office, but so many Democrats will end up disillusioned by this process that this support may never actually materialize.

This could very well be the beginning of the end of the California Democratic Party if it fails to include different voices among its leaders.

Chamba Sanchez, Silver Lake

..

To the editor: I suggest a new name for the California Democratic Party: the Democratic Peoples Party of Unintended Consequences.

Robert Wagner, Sherman Oaks

Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook
Im on a brief vacation in Americas wide-open spaces, so I offer this updated version of a drawing done a few years ago when NASAs space shuttle program ended. At the time, the American space agency had no way to get to the International Space Station without hitching a ride with the Russians.

Now, NASAs work could be made more difficult by a very different problem: The Trump administrations proposed NASA budget eliminates money for gathering data about climate change, apparently because the president would rather not learn any inconvenient facts that get in the way of boosting the fossil fuels industry.

My lonely cartoon astronaut looks even more lonely today.

1 / 51 la-1491523602-y7ephyarj1-snap-image (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 2 / 51 la-1491368625-0bgh58ihw8-snap-image (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 3 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 4 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 5 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los angeles Times) 6 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 7 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 8 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 9 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 10 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon. (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 11 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 12 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 13 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 14 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 15 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 16 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon. (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 17 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 18 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 19 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 20 / 51 Trump inspires millions to take to the streets -- to oppose him. (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 21 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 22 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 23 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon. (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 24 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 25 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 26 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon. (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 27 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 28 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 29 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 30 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 31 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 32 / 51 Cartoon caption contest winner at the DENT conference in Sun Valley, Idaho: Jon Duval, executive director of the Ketchum Community Development Corporation. (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 33 / 51 Old radicals and big media descend on Selma (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 34 / 51 Horsey imagined the creation of the Ann Coulter phenomenon in this cartoon from 2007. (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 35 / 51 This David Horsey drawing is a reconfiguration of a cartoon he first published in 2006. (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 36 / 51 Donald Sterling, owner of the L.A. Clippers, should give Cliven Bundy a call. After Sterling loses his NBA franchise and the deadbeat Nevada rancher loses his cattle, the two old racists will both need a buddy. Maybe they can team up together and open an all-white rodeo. (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 37 / 51 Besides sending a chill up the spine of the international community, Vladimir Putin has accomplished one other thing by seizing Crimea and threatening the rest of Ukraine: Putin has brought back the bear. (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 38 / 51 The right-wing insurrection at the Bundy ranch in Bunkerville, Nev., has taken another weird turn with new revelations about the family history of Cliven Bundy. (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 39 / 51 See full story (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 40 / 51 See full story (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 41 / 51 See full story (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 42 / 51 See full story (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 43 / 51 See full story (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 44 / 51 See full story (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 45 / 51 David Horsey / Los Angeles Times (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 46 / 51 See full story (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 47 / 51 See full story (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 48 / 51 See full story (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 49 / 51 See full story (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 50 / 51 See full story (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 51 / 51 See full story (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times)

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David.Horsey@latimes.com

Follow me at @davidhorsey on Twitter
Sen. Kamala Harris says she hasnt considered running for president By Phil Willon U.S. Sen. Kamala Harris (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times) Despite swirling speculation, Californias U.S. Sen. Kamala Harris said shes not giving any consideration to running for president in 2020. Harris was appearing at the annual Code Conference hosted by the tech news site Recode in Rancho Palos Verdes on Wednesday night when site co-founder Kara Swisher asked if she had eyes on the White House. Im not giving that any consideration. Ive got to stay focused, said Harris, a Democrat who was elected to the Senate in November after serving as Californias attorney general. After she won the seat vacated by former Sen. Barbara Boxer, Harris quickly gained a reputation as a potential presidential candidate in 2020. Harris took questions from Swisher alongside Laurene Powell Jobs, a philanthropist and the widow of Apple founder Steve Jobs. Though she brushed off the presidential rumors, Harris urged Democrats to try harder to make convincing arguments on issues such as climate change instead of just criticizing those who disagree with them. She told the audience at the posh Terranea Resort where the conference is being held that it would be a mistake to dismiss the concerns of Americans who supported Trump in the November election. She said the issues that concern them  good jobs and the future of their families  are the concerns of all working-class Americans. There is a healthy number of people in our country who are feeling displaced, rightly, Harris said. I think we have to deal with that. Still, Harris dished out plenty of jabs at the Trump administration. She criticized Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions for resuscitating the war on drugs and told him to leave Grandmas medical marijuana alone. Harris also criticized the Trump administrations more hard-line immigration policies, and said she was concerned about allegations of collusion between Trumps campaign and the Russian government. These are serious times. These are not issues we can just sit around with a glass of Chardonnay debating and philosophizing about, Harris said. The decisions that are being made right now are impacting real human beings. Watch the entire interview: Facebook

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Trump wouldnt release his tax returns, so lawmakers move to make it mandatory for Californias primary By John Myers (Evan Vucci / Associated Press) Legislation to require presidential candidates to disclose their tax returns in order to gain a spot on Californias presidential primary ballot won passage in the state Senate on Wednesday, but only after a tense debate that largely centered on President Trump. Senate Bill 149 was approved on a strict party-line vote, 27-13. The bill now moves to the state Assembly, and was one of the last bills debated during a marathon session at the state Capitol to consider bills before a Friday deadline for action. The bill would require presidential candidates to file copies of their income tax returns with state elections officials for the five most recent taxable years. Failure to do so would mean their name wouldnt appear on Californias presidential primary ballot. The legislation was introduced in December, in the wake of Trumps refusal to disclose his tax returns during the 2016 campaign. The president has continued to reject calls for the information. Hes shaping international policy which could enrich himself, and the American public has no way to know, state Sen. Mike McGuire (D-Healdsburg) said of Trump during Wednesday nights floor debate. This legislation will help make transparency great again. Republicans denounced the bill as another in a long line of efforts by Democrats in the Legislature to lash out at the election of Trump and the defeat of Hillary Clinton. I get it that some people hate Trump, state Sen. Joel Anderson (R-Alpine) said. Weve got to move ahead. Weve got to get over it. Tensions flared after Anderson tried to amend the bill on the floor  first, to require statewide and legislative candidates to also release their tax returns, and then to require a birth certificate from candidates who want access to the states primary ballot. Both were rejected by Democrats. A legislative analysis of SB 149 said some legal scholars believe the plan, which would be the first of its kind in the nation, would pass muster with the U.S. Constitution. Nonetheless, the analysis concluded that it would probably be challenged in court if signed into law. Facebook

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California Senate moves forward with bill that would overhaul Los Angeles County MTA By Patrick McGreevy Sen. Tony Mendoza (D-Artesia) proposed to revamp the Los Angeles County MTA. (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) The state Senate on Wednesday approved a bill that would expand and reshape the agency that oversees mass transit in Los Angeles County. Opponents of the measure include Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, the city and county of Los Angeles and the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce. The bill by Sen. Tony Mendoza (D-Artesia) was sent to the Assembly for consideration after squeaking by with a 22-11 vote in the Senate. The measure would expand the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority board from 12 to 15 members. It would also reduce the number of county supervisors on the board from five to two, remove the appointment of two public members and increase Los Angeles City Council member appointments by the mayor from two to five. This will allow for proportional and fair representation, Mendoza told his colleagues, adding that the board currently is made up of haves and have-nots fighting to get their share. Sen. John Moorlach (R-Costa Mesa) opposed the measure because he said he saw it as Sacramento meddling in local policymaking. But Sen. Scott Wilk (R-Palmdale) supported SB 268. Too much power is concentrated in too few people, he said of the current board. Facebook

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Single-payer healthcare is popular with Californians  unless it raises their taxes By John Myers (Rich Pedoncelli / Associated Press) Almost two of every three Californians in a new statewide poll said they like the idea of a single-payer, government healthcare system, but far fewer support the idea if it includes a tax increase. The poll released Wednesday night by the nonpartisan Public Policy Institute of California found that 65% of adults surveyed support the creation of a single-payer state healthcare program to cover all of the states residents, and 56% of likely voters approved of the idea. Opinion was sharply divided between Democrats (75% support) and Republicans (66% oppose) who were surveyed. The single-payer proposal under consideration in the state Capitol, Senate Bill 562, assumes at least $50 billion in new taxes to fund the healthcare system. Asked about taxes, support drops to 42% of the adults surveyed and 43% of likely voters. While a majority of Democrats in the PPIC poll continued to support the idea if it means more taxes, support drops substantially among unaffiliated independent voters. The state Senate is expected to consider the single-payer bill before the end of the week. A legislative analysis put the estimated total cost of a new healthcare system that covers all Californians at $400 billion, while an analysis released on Wednesday by supporters provided a $331-billion estimate. The pending legislation by state Sen. Ricardo Lara (D-Bell Gardens) does not identify what taxes would be raised but makes the enactment of the plan contingent on a full funding proposal. Facebook

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Knowingly exposing others to HIV should no longer be a felony, state Senate says By Patrick McGreevy The Senate voted to no longer make it a felony for HIV-positive people to donate blood or semen without telling the blood bank they are infected. ( (Toby Talbot / Associated Press)) The state Senate on Wednesday voted to no longer make it a felony for someone infected with HIV to knowingly expose others to the disease by having unprotected sex without telling his or her partner about the infection. The crime would be downgraded to a misdemeanor, and the bill would also apply to people who donate blood or semen without telling the blood or semen bank that they have acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, or AIDS, or have tested positive for human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, the precursor to AIDS. The measure, which next goes to the Assembly for consideration, was introduced by Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco), who said it is unfair to make HIV/AIDS the only communicable disease given such harsh treatment by prosecutors. These laws are irrational and discriminatory, Wiener told the Senate, adding that the current felony status is creating an incentive not to be tested, because if you dont know your status you cant be guilty of a felony. The measure was widely opposed by Republican lawmakers including Sen. Joel Anderson of San Diego. If you intentionally transmit something that is fundamentally life-threatening to the victim, you should be charged and go to jail, he said. Sen. Jeff Stone (R-Murrieta) said, My friends, its not a gay issue. Its a public health issue. We shouldnt allow someone to play Russian roulette with other peoples lives. Sen. Richard Pan (D-Sacramento), a physician, voted for the bill and argued that it undermines public health to imprison those with HIV under the current law. Facebook

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Hillary Clinton: I was the victim of a very broad assumption I was going to win By Seema Mehta Hillary Clinton said on Wednesday that she has no plans to run for office again, but she plans to remain involved in civic life, particularly helping the Democrats efforts to regain control of the House in 2018. Im not going anywhere, Clinton said at the annual Code Conference in Rancho Palos Verdes. I have a big stake in what happens in this country. I am very unbowed and unbroken about what happened because I dont want it to happen to anybody else. I dont want it to happen to the values and the institutions I care about in America. And I think were at a really pivotal point, she said. And therefore Im going to keep writing and keep talking and keep supporting people who are on the front lines of the resistance. The 2016 Democratic presidential nominee said she woke up on election day expecting to win. Clinton told the gathering that she was responsible for every decision the campaign made, though she did not believe they caused her surprise loss. She attributed that to several things, including alleged Russian interference in the election and weaponizing stolen information and fake news. She also pointed a finger at the Democrats for falling behind the GOP in using technology and data to target voters, the media for covering her e-mail controversy like it was Pearl Harbor, misogyny and the high expectations many had for her candidacy. I was the victim of a very broad assumption I was going to win, she said, adding that she always expected the race to be close. Trump responded on Twitter, saying that Clinton still refused to accept that she lost because she was a terrible candidate. Crooked Hillary Clinton now blames everybody but herself, refuses to say she was a terrible candidate. Hits Facebook & even Dems & DNC.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 1, 2017 Clinton, who has increasingly jabbed President Trump, including at last weeks commencement address at Wellesley College, blasted his reported plan to pull out of the Paris climate accord as really stupid because of the economic implications. She described his personality as impulsive and reactive. And she joked about his peculiar overnight tweet about constant negative press covfefe, saying she thought it was a hidden message to the Russians to laughter from the audience. Going forward, Clinton said that she believes that it was realistic for Democrats to retake the House in 2018, notably by focusing on Republican congressional districts she won  including seven in California. She sounded less optimistic about the Senate. Updated at 6:06 p.m.: This post was updated to add President Trumps response to Clintons remarks. This post was first published at 5:41 p.m. Facebook

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California lawmakers take aim again at establishing statewide rules for drones By Jazmine Ulloa A state senator from Santa Barbara is taking another shot at establishing statewide regulations for the use of drones after the budding industry thwarted her efforts to pass similar legislation last year. Senate Bill 347, introduced by Democratic Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson, would limit disruptive drone use near private property and prohibit the weaponization and reckless operation of the unmanned aerial vehicles. It also would require pilots to obtain insurance and to license, register and mark the aircrafts per federal regulations. The bill moved out of the Senate on Wednesday with a 26-13 vote. It heads to the Assembly for consideration. Speaking on the Senate floor, Jackson urged support for what she called comprehensive drone legislation, saying California needs common-sense rules that provide certainty for everyone and keep the public safe. Washington is not going to be acting on this issue very soon, she said, citing a federal appeals court decision that this month found the Federal Aviation Administration doesnt have the authority to regulate the use of drones by hobbyists. Debate has raged in recent years over just where federal authority begins and ends. And Jacksons attempts at drone legislation last year were blocked amid opposition from lobbyists who argued against creating a patchwork of laws that varied by state. Under Jacksons new proposal, violations would be punishable by a fine of up to $250 or a misdemeanor, and the California Department of Transportation would be tasked with developing liability insurance requirements. It has the support of the California State Assn. of Counties, the League of California Cities and the Los Angeles County Professional Peace Officers Assn, but it once again faces tough industry opposition. Facebook

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School districts would be prohibited from shaming students whose parents havent paid for school lunches By Patrick McGreevy Students eat lunch at Francisco Bravo Medical Magnet High School in Los Angeles. (Christina House / For the Los Angeles Times) Students whose parents have not kept their school lunch bills current would no longer go through shaming that includes marking their hand so they cannot be served, under legislation approved Wednesday by the state Senate. The measure by Sen. Bob Hertzberg (D-Van Nuys) would require school districts to ensure that any student whose parent has unpaid school meal fees is not treated differently, or delayed or denied a nutritiously adequate meal. Hertzberg introduced the legislation after hearing of school districts taking lunch trays from students whose accounts were not current and throwing the food in the trash, embarrassing the students in front of their friends. No more shaming, Herzberg told his colleagues. Dont visit the failures of the parents on their kids. The measure passed on a 39-0 vote and was sent to the Assembly for consideration. Facebook

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Emilio Huerta, undaunted by 2016 loss, is back to challenge Rep. David Valadao By Sarah D. Wire (Sarah D. Wire / Los Angeles Times) Bakersfield lawyer Emilio Huerta came more than 13 percentage points short of winning Californias 21st Congressional District seat in 2016, but he plans to try again in 2018. Huerta, 59, blames his loss to Rep. David Valadao (R-Hanford) on inexperience and a rash of negative ads at the end of the campaign. We learned a lot in the last campaign. As a first-time candidate there was certainly a lot to learn and I think we did a good job, Huerta said Wednesday. The son of labor icon Dolores Huerta, he has worked for the United Farm Workers union  which his mother co-founded  throughout the Central Valley district. Huerta said Valadaos vote for the Republican healthcare plan shows hes ignoring Valley residents needs because it would end the expansion of the MediCal program, which many of the districts residents use for healthcare. Its going to be a pretty significant issue, he said. He is the first Democrat to announce a bid for the seat. Democrats are heartened by the fact that, while Valadao won the seat with 56.74% of the vote, the district has continued to trend Democratic in voter registration and chose Hillary Clinton for president with 54.72% of the vote. That tells me that there were die-hard Democrats, committed Democrats that vote, Democrats that were not convinced that my campaign should be supported and I think a lot of that has to do with me being a first-time candidate, Huerta said. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has made the seat a target for 2018. The majority-Latino district includes parts of Fresno, Kern, Kings and Tulare counties. Facebook

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Gov. Jerry Brown and Democrats say Trump is going backwards if he pulls out of Paris climate pact By John Myers Gov. Jerry Brown warned Wednesday that a decision by President Trump to withdraw the United States from a 2015 global climate change agreement could be tragic, and vowed to keep Californias ambitious efforts in place and on track. Here we are, in 2017, going backwards, Brown said in an interview with the Los Angeles Times. It cannot stand, its not right and California will do everything it can to not only stay the course, but to build more support  in other states, in other provinces, in other countries. The governor also criticized efforts to the president to dismantle climate change initiatives launched by former President Barack Obama. Trump is going against science. Hes going against reality, the governor said. We cant stand by and give aid and comfort to that. News that the president had either made the decision to pull the country out of the Paris Accord on climate change or was on the verge of doing so drew swift condemnation from California leaders. Brown and other top lawmakers attended the talks in late 2015 that resulted in the international agreement, and insisted on Wednesday that it would not hurt the states own efforts to sharply curtail greenhouse gas emissions. As with so many other matters, from human rights to healthcare, the Trump administration has continued to surrender our nations longstanding role as a global leader, Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de Leon (D-Los Angeles) said. Others pointed out that a decision to remove the United States from the agreement would leave it in rare company among other nations. Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom tweeted that such a decision by Trump would be more than just dumb + destructive. Brown, who leaves Friday for a weeklong visit to China to encourage more climate-change cooperation, predicted any decision to step away would suggest the countrys priorities arent clear. It sends a very muddled message, the governor said during an interview in his state Capitol office. Is the message [that] we like dirty cars and gas guzzlers? And were going to have a coal future? That cant happen. And Brown again suggested that Californias experience on the issue offers a road map for others. If we want to retain and enhance manufacturing, we have to do what California is doing, in clean energy and clean technology, he said. Thats the future of jobs, the future of sustainability. And we better get on board. And California will be right there with the best of them. Facebook

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This Orange County congressmans immigration town hall turned chaotic and led to three arrests By Sarah D. Wire The majority of calls into Rep. Lou Correas Orange County congressional office are about immigration worries and what the Trump administrations enforcement policies mean for Correas many Latino constituents. Theres a lot of fear in my district, he said. So the freshman Democrat has held seven town halls, all focused on immigration and explaining immigrants rights. Theyve been peaceful, with representatives from groups such as the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles and the Mexican Consulate invited to help Correa answer questions. But as the crowd of about 100 people gathered at Santa Anas Delhi Center on Tuesday evening, Correa knew this time would be different. We had some people there, probably a dozen of them, that immediately had signs that were not complimentary to yours truly, he said. Two women arguing about immigration issues had already gotten into an altercation outside the town hall. They were cited for assault and battery, and barred by police from going inside. Correa told the crowd inside he would give a short presentation about immigration policy coming out of Washington and then have a question-and-answer session. About a dozen people were having none of it. Some of the most tense moments came when Correa started talking about green card holders who served in the U.S. military and have since been deported. Maam, Im trying to be courteous here, he said as a woman kept speaking over him. As soon as I started speaking, it became very clear they were not going to let me speak, Correa said Wednesday. They just got louder and louder. Video of the town hall posted on social media shows people in the crowd yelling Americans first and Illegals have no rights. Correa repeatedly asks them to let him speak. Are you guys going to cooperate, or am I going to have to ask you to leave? he said. About 15 minutes in, as some in the crowd continued to shout and their attention turned to berating a group of counter-protesters, Correa declared the meeting over. A handful of people circled around Correa as he tried to leave, yelling Shame, shame and You guys all want welfare. One womans voice can be heard repeatedly yelling Coward! Police emptied the room amid chants of USA. The crowd streamed into the parking lot, where confrontations quickly started between supporters of President Trump and others who appeared to be focused on Native American rights. Videos posted on social media show men shouting at one another, their faces so close their noses are practically touching. Police officers kept trying to separate the groups. (Warning: The video below includes language that some readers might find offensive.) Santa Ana Police Department spokesman Anthony Bertagna said a man struck a Trump supporter on the head with a pole bearing an anti-fascism flag. He was arrested on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon, Bertagna said. The man was brought to police headquarters, and a group of about 10 people followed along to protest, he said. Shortly after, the town hall peacefully resumed in a different room with a much smaller crowd, Correa said. Several California members of Congress have held similar immigration-specific town halls or workshops in the last few months as questions swirl about changes to federal immigration policies and enforcement. The purpose of the town halls is to let people know how to follow the law, let them know their legal rights and responsibilities, Correa said. Protesters have characterized it as teaching people who are in the country illegally how to avoid deportation and get federal benefits. Facebook

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California plan for 100% renewable energy by 2045 clears key hurdle By Liam Dillon California will receive all of its power from renewable energy, such as solar and wind power, by 2045 under legislation that passed the state Senate on Wednesday. Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de Leon (D-Los Angeles) touted his bill, Senate Bill 100, as the most ambitious program in the world. Clean energy is the future, De Leon said. SB 100 ensures that California leads into the future. The measure would also speed up the states goal of reaching 50% renewable energy, changing the deadline from 2030 to 2026. SB 100 passed over objections from Republican senators. Sen. Jeff Stone (R-Temecula) criticized the measure as government getting ahead of technological capacity. What if we cant make that mandate that were putting into law today? Stone said. What its going to do is drive up electricity bills for our businesses. De Leons bill now moves to the Assembly. Facebook

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A new proposal on Californias cap-and-trade program emerges as vote is delayed By Chris Megerian Assemblyman Adam Gray (D-Merced), left. (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) A coalition of business-friendly Democrats is detailing their own ideas for cap and trade, a centerpiece of Californias fight against global warming, the latest bid in a crowded field of efforts to extend the program. Cap and trade requires polluting companies to buy permits to release greenhouse gas emissions, and lawmakers have been considering a push from Gov. Jerry Brown to extend the program beyond 2020. The new plan would force the program to sunset in 2025, earlier than previous proposals from other lawmakers. It would also direct revenue from the program toward improving air quality and helping agricultural and trucking companies lower their emissions by replacing aging equipment. The plan is also aimed at keeping costs down for industries regulated by cap and trade, allowing them to support green projects known as offsets instead of reducing their own emissions. California must continue to lead the world by implementing a strong climate policy that ensures both a healthy environment for future Californians and growth in all sectors of our economy, Assemblyman Adam Gray (D-Merced) said in a statement. The pro-business Democrats plan is the fourth such effort announced by various factions within the states ruling Democratic Party this year with two others emerging from the Assembly and one from the Senate. The plans offer varying degrees of changes to the existing program, either to prioritize pollution reductions in disadvantaged communities or eliminate offsets. Republican lawmakers also have said they want to be part of the cap-and-trade debate. Brown has pushed for a two-thirds supermajority vote of the Legislature to extend the program by the state budget deadline next month. But Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de Leon (D-Los Angeles) said at a Wednesday news conference that that wasnt going to happen. Cap-and-trade is a very complex issue, De Leon said. Its very arcane. We want to make sure we get it right. De Leon said he hoped for a deal by the end of the year. Read More Facebook

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Senate fails to back bill to delay the Aliso Canyon reopening, but lawmaker will try again Facebook

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California state Senate advances bill to ban smoking and use of e-cigarettes in government housing By Patrick McGreevy Californians would no longer be able to use tobacco products, including electronic cigarettes, in public housing and within 25 of those buildings under a measure approved Tuesday by the state Assembly. Assemblyman Jim Wood (D-Healdsburg) said the measure builds on a smoking ban approved last year for federal public housing projects by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. In addition to applying the smoking ban to state housing, expansion to include e-cigarettes makes sure the law cover new technology in tobacco use. The bill takes effect by July 30, 2018. Wood said tobacco-related diseases cost taxpayers significant funds each year. This bill will save money but will more importantly save lives, Wood told his colleagues before the vote. The measure is opposed by the Western Center on Law and Poverty, which worries it will lead to more evictions. Facebook

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Californians would not be able to buy more than one rifle a month under bill approved by state senators By Patrick McGreevy Terry McGuire, owner of Get Loaded in Grand Terrace, shows a customer a Cobalt Kinetics BAMF rifle about a week after the 2015 shooting rampage in nearby San Bernardino. (Barbara Davidson / Los Angeles Times) Californians would be prohibited from buying more than one firearm in any 30-day period under a measure approved Tuesday by the Senate to reduce straw purchasing and circumvention of gun laws. California already bars people from buying more than one handgun a month. The bill by Sen. Anthony Portantino (D-La Canada Flintridge) expands the limit to also cover long guns, including rifles and shotguns. The measure, which next goes to the Assembly for consideration, seeks to address concerns that some people buy large quantities of guns and then sell them on the underground market to criminals and others not eligible to own guns. There is no need or reason why a person would need to purchase more than one gun a month, Portantino said during the floor debate. Republicans, including Jeff Stone of Murrieta, opposed the legislation. This is yet another example of the government trying to infringe on the 2nd Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens, Stone said. Sen. Jim Nielsen (R-Chico) said he has seen no proof that past gun-control measures approved by the state have made the state safer. Its more of the same that will not decrease violent crime, Nielsen said. Facebook

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California state senators want to stop the public from smoking at California beaches and parks By Patrick McGreevy Californians would be barred from smoking or using electronic cigarettes in state parks and at beaches under a bill approved Tuesday by the state Senate. Sen. Steve Glazer (D-Concord) said his bill would address the health problems caused by smoking but also the harm done to the environment by discarded cigarette butts and the fire danger posed by the practice. Cigarette butts contain more than 150 toxic chemicals and although small in size, have a huge negative impact on the environment and the animals that live in them, Glazer told his colleagues. A legislative analysis said the bill does not address the concerns raised by Gov. Jerry Brown when he vetoed a similar bill last year. The veto message read, in part, The complete prohibition in all parks and beaches is too broad. A more measured  and less punitive  approach might be warranted. Facebook

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School day wouldnt begin before 8:30 a.m. in California under bill that clears the state Senate By John Myers (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times) California teenagers wouldnt be required to start their school day before 8:30 am under a bill approved Tuesday by the state Senate. The legislation by Sen. Anthony Portantino (D-La Canada Flintridge) would not fully take effect until 2020, and sparked a lively floor debate over the science on the sleep patterns of middle and high school students, and whether they simply need to go to bed earlier. I expect this would only dispose them to stay up later, said state Sen. Jim Nielsen (R-Gerber). Another Republican lawmaker, Sen. Jean Fuller (R-Bakersfield), said students need to learn what its like in the workforce. Job preparation is what schooling is all about, Fuller said. Unless youre a musician or someone who works nights, you probably did not start in the later morning. Opponents also said the later start time could affect collective bargaining agreements with teachers and other school employees. Supporters, however, pointed to a recommendation for later start times from the American Academy of Pediatrics. A University of Minnesota study linked school start times to sleep deprivation and the rate of car crashes among teenage drivers. The morning sleep time is the most valuable for student health, said Portantino. Their test scores go up, their attendance goes up, their graduation rates go up. The bill would allow rural school districts to obtain a waiver if they couldnt make the change. Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de Leon (D-Los Angeles) ended the debate with a simple request of the senators on behalf of teenage students. "Lets just let them sleep in a little bit, he said with a smile. Facebook

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More transparency proposed for prescription drug price increases under bill passed by California Senate By Patrick McGreevy Sen. Ed Hernandez (D-Azusa), shown speaking in March, won Senate approval Tuesday on a bill that would require more transparency on drug prices. (Melanie Mason / Los Angeles Times) Alarmed by skyrocketing prices for some prescription drugs, the California Senate on Tuesday approved a measure aimed at increasing pressure to hold down costs to consumers by requiring more public reporting of price hikes. The lawmakers approved a bill that would require drug manufacturers to notify health plans and state purchasers such as the prison department of increases in the wholesale cost of drugs in writing at least 90 days before the new costs were to take effect. The measure also requires that health plans and insurers notify state regulators of pricing information for the most costly drugs. Were not saying that they cant raise the price. Were just saying notify us, Hernandez said during the floor debate. And if [the price] goes up a significant amount, we should be able to question why. The measure passed by a 26-10 vote with some Republicans, including Sen. Ted Gaines of El Dorado Hills, opposed. Gaines said the pharmaceutical industrys pricing of drugs helps it pay for development of new medications. It funds their research, Gaines said during the debate. The measure next goes to the Assembly, where a similar bill last year failed to win passage. Hernandez said more opponents are talking to him this year about possible compromises, although the bill is opposed by the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America. Hernandez said the bill is needed, adding that current regulations allow pharmaceutical companies to reap obscene profits at the expense of the entire healthcare system. Facebook

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California Senate advances bill to make pot use in cars an infraction By Patrick McGreevy San Bruno police officers stop cars at a DUI checkpoint. State officials are proposing to make it an infraction to use marijuana in motor vehicles. (Justin Sullivan / Getty Images) Just months after state voters legalized the recreational use of marijuana, the state Senate on Tuesday voted to prohibit its use in automobiles because of concerns over drugged driving. A bill by Sen. Jerry Hill (D-San Mateo) makes it an infraction for drivers and passengers to use marijuana in motor vehicles. Stiffer penalties already exist for motorists found to be driving while impaired by drugs. California voters legalized recreational use of marijuana in November although the state does not plan to begin issuing licenses for its legal sale until January. In Washington state, which previously legalized pot, the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that the number of drivers who had recently used marijuana before fatal accidents doubled from 2013 to 2014, Hill told his colleagues. Washington serves as an eye-opening case study for what other states may experience with road safety after legalizing the drug, Hill told his colleagues before the unanimous vote to approve the measure and send it to the Assembly for consideration. Facebook

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California lawmakers want to give parents at smaller companies 12 weeks of protected family leave By Jazmine Ulloa State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara). (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) California lawmakers are once again seeking to expand the states paid family leave program to smaller businesses after Gov. Jerry Brown vetoed a similar measure last year. SB 63, authored by Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara), on Tuesday moved out of the state Senate with a 25-13 vote. It now heads to the Assembly for consideration. The legislation, a priority bill for the California Legislative Womens Caucus, would allow parents at companies with 20 to 49 employees to take 12 weeks of leave to care for a newborn or newly adopted child  without fear of losing their jobs. Under the current state law, only workers at businesses with 50 or more workers can take advantage of program. On the Senate floor Tuesday, the debate on the issue echoed that of last year. Republican lawmakers argued the bill would kill jobs and hurt small businesses already struggling in California. Those in favor argued progressive family leave policies attracted a strong and healthy workforce. Jackson said her bill would impact only 6.3% of California companies, while helping 16% of its workforce, a population of 2.7 million residents across the state. With so many women in the workforce than ever before, and with so many struggling, two-income families, this is a critical moment in time, she said. Facebook

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Kimberly Ellis files formal challenge over result of state Democratic Party chairperson election By Seema Mehta (Jay Clendenin / Los Angeles Times) The candidate who narrowly lost the race to be the next leader of the California Democratic Party on Tuesday filed a formal challenge of the election result. Kimberly Ellis campaign, which was already in the process of reviewing the ballots cast during the state partys convention two weekends ago, said they were filing the challenge to meet a requirement in the party bylaws that such an action must be taken within seven days of the contested act. Our review process is ongoing. Its critical that all formal processes outlined by the CDPs bylaws are followed at this time so that there can be no concern about raising issues in the manner prescribed by our party, said Hilary Crosby, immediate past controller for the state party and an Ellis supporter. Ellis campaign said challenges were also being filed in races for a vice chair, secretary and multiple regional directors. Chris Masami Myers, state party executive director, acknowledged receiving the challenges and said in a statement that they would be reviewed in accordance with the standard practices described in the bylaws. The partys compliance review commission, made up of six members who were appointed during former Chairman John Burtons tenure, will review the evidence and take oral or written testimony before issuing a ruling in mid- to late June. The state party chair race was the most heated and contentious. Longtime party leader Eric Bauman entered the race with advantages, but Ellis made the contest competitive. In the election, held this month at the state party convention in Sacramento, Bauman beat Ellis by just over 60 votes. But amid allegations levied by her supporters of ballot-box stuffing and ripped-up ballots, she refused to concede the race. Her campaign has been reviewing individual ballots for a week. Bauman did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Updated at 4:57 p.m.: This post was updated to add additional information about how the review will be conducted. Updated at 3:35 p.m.: This post was updated to add a comment from a state party official. This post was originally published at 2:37 p.m. Facebook

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Darrell Issa gets on his office roof to take a picture of protesters. A mild hubbub ensues By Sarah D. Wire Yes, this is really @DarrellIssa on the roof of his district office building. Too afraid to come speak with assembled constituents below. pic.twitter.com/wCYRjO8Ev8  Mike Levin (@MikeLevinCA) May 30, 2017 It began when one of Rep. Darrell Issas 2018 opponents, Mike Levin, posted an image on Twitter, saying the Vista congressman was hiding on his office roof from hundreds of protesters on the street below. The photo of Issa standing on the roof ricocheted around Twitter, with many comparing it to a scene from the popular television show The Office, and left-leaning media outlets quickly publishing headlines like Darrell Issa Appears to Flee to Building Roof to Avoid Protesters. Like most things, what happened at Issas office appears to have been a bit more nuanced. Issa soon tweeted that he had spent the morning talking with constituents gathered outside the office today, then popped upstairs to take a quick pic!. Multiple images, including one from Levins account and from Issas account, show the congressman on the street with protesters. Spent the morning talking with constituents gathered outside the office today, then popped upstairs to take a quick pic! pic.twitter.com/K2CFdenOIj  Darrell Issa (@DarrellIssa) May 30, 2017 I just received an unprompted call from @DarrellIssa who said he tried, unsuccessfully to speak with protesters outside his district office.  Joshua Stewart (@jptstewart) May 30, 2017 .@DarrellIssa said the protesters wouldnt' speak with him, so he went up to the roof and took pictures.  Joshua Stewart (@jptstewart) May 30, 2017 The protests occur weekly outside Issas Vista district office, and the congressman has come out to speak with the group at least twice since President Trumps inauguration. Issa narrowly won reelection in 2016 over a novice opponent, and Democrats are targeting his seat in 2018. Issas staff said he tried to speak with all the protesters using their sound system, but was rebuffed. Rally organizer Ellen Montanari said she decided not to hand over the protesters microphone so Issa could take questions from the crowd because he refused to shake her hand before the protest began. He refused to do that, and he said, Step away, you are a protester. And I said I am a constituent,  Montanari said. She said he also made disparaging remarks about the protesters and the signs they carry. Issas spokesman, Calvin Moore, said Montanari cant simultaneously organize people to stand outside our office with Where is Darrell? signs and feign outrage how he wont answer her questions  and then deny him the ability to answer his constituents questions, he said. Facebook

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State Senate Democrats pass bills designed to protect against Trumps possible changes Facebook

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Rep. Adam Schiff says alleged Russian meddling in election was an effort to destroy American democracy By Seema Mehta U.S. Rep. Adam Schiff, left, discusses Russias threat to liberal democracies around the world at discussion discussion hosted by Erwin Chemerinsky at UCI. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times) Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Burbank) said Tuesday that the alleged Russian meddling in last years presidential election was about far more than favoring one candidate over another. He said it was an effort to undermine the foundation of American democracy in order to prop up an authoritarian regime in Moscow. Now if you look at this as just a one-off intervention, you might be inclined to dismiss the greater significance of it, or if you listen to the president, you might be inclined to dismiss this as simply efforts to relitigate a lost election, Schiff told several hundred people at UC Irvine. But the significance is really far greater. Quite separate and apart from the desire of the Russians to help Donald Trump and hurt Hillary Clinton was a more fundamental objective, and that was really to tear down at our democracy. Schiff is the ranking Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, which is investigating allegations of Russian intervention in the presidential election, including the leaking of hacked Democratic emails and contacts between Trump associates and Russians. Trump has declared the investigation the single greatest witch hunt of a politician in American history on Twitter. Rep. Devin Nunes (R-Tulare), the former chairman of the committee, recently told hundreds of Republicans at a fundraiser that the investigation is about nothing more than Democrats trying to justify Clintons loss. Nunes stepped down from his position after allegations arose that he mishandled classified information. Schiff said Russian President Vladimir Putin would have reasons for wanting to see Clinton fail and Trump succeed  he believed that the CIA and Clinton were secretly behind mass demonstrations in Russia in 2011, and because Trumps positions on issues such as the North Atlantic Treaty Organization were more favorable to Russia than Clintons. But Schiff argued the larger point was sowing discord in the U.S., so Putin could argue that American democracy is no better than his government. Talk of rigged elections and surveillance, questioning the independence of the judiciary and freedom of the press  as Trump has done  boost Putins message, Schiff said. And the efforts are not limited to the United States, he added, pointing to allegations that the Russians made an effort to interfere in Frances recent election. The reality is there is new ideological struggle. Its not communism versus capitalism anymore. It is authoritarian versus democracy, he said. This is the broader challenge we are facing. Schiff also warned that there is no way to prevent Russian cyber-spying and that future attempts to interfere with American elections will only be more sophisticated, so voters must be educated. One of the most important conclusions the intelligence agencies have reached is the Russians will do this again, he said. The only real defense is to inoculate ourselves, to educate ourselves about what the Russians have done, why they are doing [it and] what they may do in the future and somehow we have to develop a consensus regardless of which party it helps and which party it hurts  that we will reject it. Facebook

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Rep. Devin Nunes: Democrats are using Russia investigation to justify Clintons loss By Sarah D. Wire (Jim Lo Scalzo / EPA) House Select Intelligence Committee Chairman Devin Nunes told hundreds of local Republicans at a recent private fundraiser that congressional investigations into Russias interference in the 2016 election are about Democrats trying to justify Hillary Clintons loss. The Democrats dont want an investigation on Russia. They want an independent commission. Why do they want an independent commission? Because they want to continue the narrative that Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump are best friends, and thats the reason that he won, because Hillary Clinton would have never lost on her own; it had to be someone elses fault, Nunes told Republicans the day after he stepped away from leading the House investigation. His remarks were recorded on video and provided to The Times. Read More Facebook

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Californias embattled tax board would lose power over staff and funding under lawmakers plan By John Myers Following months of accusations about mistakes and improper use of power by its elected members, the state Board of Equalization could lose substantial power and gain an independent overseer under legislation introduced in the state Assembly. The bill by Assemblyman Sebastian Ridley-Thomas (D-Los Angeles) would shift much of the power over staff and spending authority away from the independent tax board and create a new inspector general to watch over its actions. What were trying to do is make sure that the reform is transparent, Ridley-Thomas said. Thats what I think the moment demands. The plan, introduced as an amended bill just before the Memorial Day holiday, comes in the wake of audits alleging the tax agency made multimillion dollar miscalculations on revenue allocations and that some of its elected members improperly used staff members who were supposed to be focused on tax collection. Earlier this month, Gov. Jerry Brown called the situation a mess and in April asked for an investigation by the state Department of Justice. Four members of the Board of Equalization are directly elected by voters. The fifth, state Controller Betty Yee, serves in an ex officio capacity. The Assembly bill would transfer significant staff decisions to the agencys executive director and would require the Board of Equalizations members to have their operations funded in detailed line items included in the state budget. It would also create an inspector general office and would require the boards members to disclose all ex parte communications with those seeking action by the agency. I think that these issues can be addressed if we keep them in the sunlight, said Ridley-Thomas. Facebook

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New advertising campaign targets lawmakers over votes for climate change policies By Chris Megerian A coalition of California businesses launched a new advertising campaign on Saturday to pressure lawmakers against enacting tighter policies on climate change and air pollution. The campaign includes online videos and television advertising that warn of higher costs for business and residents. It arrives as Gov. Jerry Brown and lawmakers are debating whether to extend the cap-and-trade program, which requires companies to buy permits to release greenhouse gases, and how restrictive the system should be. The first lawmaker being targeted is Assemblyman Ken Cooley (D-Rancho Cordova), accusing him of allowing unelected state employees to raise hidden taxes on gasoline and electricity because he voted last year for a tougher target to reduce emissions by 2030. Other lawmakers could face similar advertisements. Were locked, loaded and ready to go statewide, said Rob Lapsley, president of the California Business Roundtable, which is funding the campaign through an advocacy group called Californians for Affordable and Reliable Energy. The roundtable represents the states largest corporations, including oil refineries and manufacturers who have been critical of climate policies. A dollar figure was not disclosed for the advertising campaign, which will represent a balancing act for the roundtable. It supports the cap-and-trade program as an alternative to more restrictive regulations, but it opposes some of the current proposals to extend it. One measure would tie the program to air quality, targeting a wider range of pollutants than just greenhouse gases, and another would make it function more like a tax and charge higher prices for emission permits. Were at a tipping point here, Lapsley said. We need to get this information out into the public in order to try and create balanced policies. Although polls show broad support for fighting global warming in California, concerns about higher costs for constituents could be influential with some lawmakers who recently passed legislation to raise gas taxes to fund road repairs. Sen. Josh Newman (D-Fullerton) is facing a recall campaign over his vote. Nonpartisan legislative analysts have said cap and trade could boost the price of gasoline by 24 cents to 73 cents by 2030. Environmentalists have said its inaccurate to tie any single policy to fluctuations in gas prices. Facebook

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California Politics Podcast: The debate among Democrats didnt end at their convention By John Myers The official gathering of California Democrats lasted only three days, but the lingering debate and simmering tensions could keep going well into next years elections. On this weeks California Politics Podcast episode, we look back at the line in the sand drawn at last weeks California Democratic Party convention by some of the partys most passionate progressive activists -- including the blunt speech delivered by an influential labor union leader last weekend. We also discuss big new developments this week on the topic that energized those Democratic activists: a single-payer healthcare system for California. On Monday, a fiscal analysis put a large price tag on legislation to enact that sweeping healthcare change. Im joined this week by Times staff writer Melanie Mason. Facebook

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California lawmakers quietly refuse to stop unlimited cash flowing from political parties to their campaigns By John Myers (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) An ambitious effort to close a widely used loophole that allows large donations from political parties to be funneled into California races was rejected on Friday. The bill by Assemblyman Marc Levine (D-San Rafael) would have made political party money donated to statewide and legislative candidates subject to the same contribution limits as individuals. Under the language of a voter-approved initiative, Proposition 34, money from political parties is exempt from those existing limits. Its a money-laundering scheme that has completely duped voters, Levine said last fall when he first promised to introduce the bill. The proposal was quietly killed, without a formal vote, by the Assembly Appropriations Committee during its biannual session to act on bills placed on the so-called suspense file due to their estimated costs. Committee staff estimated that Levines AB 1234 would have six-figure costs both for enforcement and for placing the issue before voters in 2018. Facebook

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Veteran Democratic operative criticizes Kimberly Ellis for refusing to concede party chair race By Seema Mehta Supporters of Kimberly Ellis make signs, refusing to accept her loss to Eric Bauman for the California Democratic chair post. (Jay Clendenin / Los Angeles Times) Veteran Democratic operative Bob Mulholland slammed infighting among California Democrats, and urged Kimberly Ellis, who came up short in a nasty party chair election, to work to unify the party. I  and others did not understand some of your supporters  attacks on those of us who have spent decades or years building the Democrats in California as the most successful political Party in the country, he wrote in an open letter to Ellis on Thursday. He sent the email in the aftermath of the partys rancorous convention last weekend that featured a bitter leadership battle between Ellis, a favorite of newer members including the backers of Bernie Sanders failed presidential bid, and longtime party leader Eric Bauman. After Bauman was declared the winner by a razor-thin margin of just over 60 votes, Ellis refused to concede and demanded an audit of the vote as some of her backers floated rumors of ballot-box stuffing and discarded ballots. Ellis demurred when asked about Mulhollands scathing letter. While our review continues, we are refraining from making any statement that might cause further division, Ellis said. If we hope to truly unify this party, it will require patience by all. Officials with the Ellis campaign have been reviewing ballots this week. A spokesman said they had looked at about two-thirds by the end of Friday and hope to be done by the middle of next week. Joe Macaluso, Ellis strategist, declined to discuss the results and said her team needed to review additional documentation beyond the ballots. Were trying to stay true to our process and not release anything, but were in it, he said. Its an extensive process. Mulholland argued in his public letter that the convention should have showcased the partys message, not intraparty spats. Our annual Conventions should take care of internal business (Platforms, election of Officers, Resolutions, etc.), but more importantly a communication to voters, especially moderate Democrats and Independents about their concerns and issues, Mulholland wrote. If such busy people had a minute to read some news about our Convention, they saw Democrats yelling and arguing about ballots being stuffed, sounding like a Trump event. This Convention failed them. Mulholland listed the partys successes in the state, including Democrats lopsided voter registration edge, its nearly three-decade record of supporting Democratic presidential candidates, its election of female senators since 1992 and its hold of every statewide office, supermajorities in both chambers of the Legislature and nearly three-quarters of the congressional delegation. Over the last 29 years, thats a [1.000] batting record, he wrote. Mulholland called on Ellis to hold a news conference with Bauman once she is satisfied with her audit of the vote. Then, he wrote, lets move on. Facebook

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California lawmakers block proposals meant to make it easier to track and report hate crimes By Jazmine Ulloa Graffiti mars the steeple on the Greater Holy Faith Missionary Baptist Church in Compton in January. Cases of vandalism make up close to one-third of reported hate crimes, according to a new report. (Bob Chamberlin / Los Angeles Times) California lawmakers Friday stalled measures meant to help report and track hate crimes across the state, proposals filed amid a wave of incidents reported after the 2016 presidential election. The state Assembly Appropriations Committee shelved bills that would have created new hate-crime reporting requirements for police and a hotline under the attorney generals office for victims wishing to report an attack. Of those bills, a proposal filed by Assemblyman Raul Bocanegra (D-Pacoima) initially sought to develop a state government database with the names of felons convicted of hate crimes related to race, religion and sexual orientation. That proposal was amended to instead require every law enforcement agency to forward a summary of a reported hate crime, upon conclusion of an investigation, to the human relations commission within its jurisdiction. But a committee analysis found it could cost the state more than $150,000 to help agencies redact personal information from their records. The committee also shut down bills that would have required police to update policies to address hate crimes and include a checkbox on the front pages of reports that would prominently provide an option to indicate whether a crime was bias-related. Local law enforcement officials have reported a recent rise in reported hate crime incidents. Existing state laws require local and state law enforcement officials to compile hate crime information. California jurisdictions reported a 10.4% statewide increase in those incidents last year. Facebook

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Here were the top six moments from last nights L.A. congressional race debate By Christine Mai-Duc Robert Lee Ahn, left, and Assemblyman Jimmy Gomez sparred in a debate Thursday night ahead of the runoff for the 34th Congressional District seat. (Michael Owen Baker / For The Times) Attorney Robert Lee Ahn and Assemblyman Jimmy Gomez sparred Thursday night at the first and only debate in the runoff race for the 34th Congressional District seat. The candidates, both Democrats, offered little in the way of policy differences. Both agreed President Trump has racist tendencies, that keeping the Affordable Care Act is a top priority, and that they would fight to protect immigrants rights. Ahn came out swinging, repeatedly calling Gomez an insider whos sponsored by special interests, while Gomez pointed to his work supporting progressive policies in the Legislature and endorsements hes received from left-leaning groups. Here are the top six exchanges: The numbers problem: Gomez again criticized Ahn for a response he gave in an L.A. Times questionnaire that suggested he would negotiate with Republicans to protect parts of Obamacare. Gomez said Democrats need to take a hard line and that Ahn was too soft on support for Medicaid. In case you havent noticed, we have a numbers problem in Congress, Ahn shot back. Until were able to take back the House, were going to have to talk to the other side.

Gomez again criticized Ahn for a response he gave in an L.A. Times questionnaire that suggested he would negotiate with Republicans to protect parts of Obamacare. Gomez said Democrats need to take a hard line and that Ahn was too soft on support for Medicaid. In case you havent noticed, we have a numbers problem in Congress, Ahn shot back. Until were able to take back the House, were going to have to talk to the other side. Gomez fact-checks Ahns name-check: Ahn made the case that voters should send an attorney to Congress to help in the legal battles against the Trump presidency. I will join fellow attorneys and Congress members Ted Lieu and Adam Schiff in the fight, Ahn said to the crowd. Gomez, who spent much of the evening bringing up his legislative experience and vast array of endorsements, responded: I hate to mention it, but, you know, Adam Schiff and Ted Lieu have endorsed me.

Ahn made the case that voters should send an attorney to Congress to help in the legal battles against the Trump presidency. I will join fellow attorneys and Congress members Ted Lieu and Adam Schiff in the fight, Ahn said to the crowd. Gomez, who spent much of the evening bringing up his legislative experience and vast array of endorsements, responded: I hate to mention it, but, you know, Adam Schiff and Ted Lieu have endorsed me. Getting more personal: In discussions about immigration and healthcare, Gomez and Ahn delved a little deeper into their backgrounds. Gomez talked about his young nephew who feared that his mother, a permanent resident, might be deported after Trump was elected. Ahn told the story of how his parents came to the United States with $700 each and cobbled together enough money to open a hamburger stand, eventually building their piece of the American Dream.

In discussions about immigration and healthcare, Gomez and Ahn delved a little deeper into their backgrounds. Gomez talked about his young nephew who feared that his mother, a permanent resident, might be deported after Trump was elected. Ahn told the story of how his parents came to the United States with $700 each and cobbled together enough money to open a hamburger stand, eventually building their piece of the American Dream. Ahn on the attack: Ahn repeatedly criticized Gomez for taking money from corporate interests. Special interests, big pharma, big bankers. ... Its all payback time [for Gomez donors] on Day One, Ahn said. On Day One, I owe the people of the 34th District and thats it. Ahn pitched himself as an outsider who understands the district and whose small-business experience will help him relate to the problems facing everyday residents.

Ahn repeatedly criticized Gomez for taking money from corporate interests. Special interests, big pharma, big bankers. ... Its all payback time [for Gomez donors] on Day One, Ahn said. On Day One, I owe the people of the 34th District and thats it. Ahn pitched himself as an outsider who understands the district and whose small-business experience will help him relate to the problems facing everyday residents. A litmus test: Gomez fought back against the idea that hes a corporate Democrat, primarily by pointing to several endorsements hes received from left-leaning groups. If I was so establishment, I dont think Our Revolution ... would actually endorse me, Gomez said of the Bernie Sanders-affiliated group. If you want a litmus test, thats a litmus test if youre a progressive ... if youre actually able to take on the status quo.

Gomez fought back against the idea that hes a corporate Democrat, primarily by pointing to several endorsements hes received from left-leaning groups. If I was so establishment, I dont think Our Revolution ... would actually endorse me, Gomez said of the Bernie Sanders-affiliated group. If you want a litmus test, thats a litmus test if youre a progressive ... if youre actually able to take on the status quo. Gomez gets skewered on gas tax: As part of his argument that he has fought for the little guy, Ahn expressed outrage that Californias gas taxes will increase July 1, saying theres nothing progressive about the gas tax hike Gomez voted for. We already paid 38 cents per gallon. Where is that money going? Ahn said, echoing a line many legislative Republicans have used. Sacramento politicians, this is what they do, they take our money and they spend it and theres no accountability. Gomez responded by saying public safety was at stake and that fixing roads was the responsible thing to do. If you missed it, you can watch the entire thing here. The election is set for June 6. Facebook

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Rob Reiner, Hollywood bigwigs and Netflix co-founder team up to give Villaraigosas campaign a major cash boost By Seema Mehta (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times) Hollywood heavyweights are set to host a major fundraiser for Antonio Villaraigosas gubernatorial campaign on June 15, ensuring an infusion of large contributions shortly before a key fundraising deadline. Donors are being asked to contribute up to $29,200 to attend a summer reception at the home of media executive Peter Chernin and his wife Megan, the site of a celebrity-studded fundraiser for President Obama in 2013. Co-hosts include Paramount Pictures chief Jim Gianopulos, Netflix co-founder Reed Hastings, video game honcho Robert Kotick, comedian George Lopez, Sony chief Michael Lynton, NBCUniversal vice chairman Ron Meyer, producer Rob Reiner, super-agent Rick Rosen, producer Orly Adelson, former U.S. Ambassador to Spain James Costos, former White House decorator Michael Smith and attorney Michael Tuchin. Villaraigosa, the former mayor of Los Angeles, entered the governors race in November. Through the end of 2016, he raised $2.7 million, a respectable haul in a short time period when Democratic donors were reeling from the presidential election and distracted by the holidays. But his fundraising lags behind that of his top rivals, Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom and state Treasurer John Chiang. So political observers will be scrutinizing his next financial disclosure report, which will cover the first six months of 2017. The fundraiser occurs 15 days before the fundraising period closes on June 30. Read More Facebook

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A delay on cap-and-trade vote would be a victory for Donald Trump, Gov. Jerry Browns office says By Chris Megerian (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) Despite hesitance and resistance from state lawmakers, Gov. Jerry Brown is refusing to budge from his goal of reaching a deal next month to extend Californias cap-and-trade program. The latest tug-of-war on the issue came this week in an email exchange circulated among Capitol staff members and advocates working on climate change policies. Kip Lipper, an environmental advisor for Senate leadership, wrote in a Thursday email that there were no plans to take up a cap and trade reauthorization bill anytime soon. Echoing concerns that have percolated among lawmakers, Lipper said senators were gas tax weary about the possibility of another difficult vote after deciding to raise gas taxes to pay for road repairs earlier this year. The cap-and-trade program, which is a cornerstone of Californias fight against global warming, requires companies to buy permits to release greenhouse gas emissions and could boost the price of gasoline. With votes hard to come by, Lipper wrote, the issue should not be rushed. Camille Wagner, Browns legislative secretary, responded on Friday saying there was no reason to delay. Weve all been meeting for months on this issue, she wrote. We know the areas of agreement and disagreement  now is the time to work through those. She added that NOTHING is more important than getting a deal as soon as possible. This is not a time for retreat or a time to give aid and comfort to Donald Trump by undermining a pillar of Californias bold program to arrest climate change, Wagner wrote. If Californias Cap and Trade falls because we fail to act, climate denial wins. Brown had already faced resistance to his push to reach a deal on cap and trade in June, when the state budget is due. Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Paramount) previously said we dont have to extend it this year. The disagreement over the timeline for reaching a deal is only one of the disputes surrounding cap and trade. Assembly leaders have raised the possibility of pushing legislation with only a majority vote, an idea the governors office rejected. Brown wants a two-thirds vote to insulate cap and trade from legal challenges. There are also varied ideas about how the program should function in the future. Assembly legislation would modify cap and trade so it also targets local pollution, rather than just greenhouse gases. Senate legislation would make the program function more like a carbon tax. Facebook

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The effort to make tampons tax free in California has been delayed until 2018 By John Myers (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) Legislation to eliminate California sales taxes on the purchase of tampons was delayed Friday by the Assemblys fiscal committee until 2018, a blow to advocates who say the tax is an unfair burden on low-income women and families. The delay imposed on AB 9 is the second setback this month for efforts to eliminate taxes on products for women and children. A separate bill that included a tax-free provision for diapers was killed in a legislative committee on May 8. The bill that was held back on Friday, written by Assemblywoman Cristina Garcia (D-Bell Gardens), would have excluded tampons, sanitary napkins and other menstrual products from sales taxes. A legislative committee analysis estimated the proposal would reduce state general fund revenues by $10.5 million a year. Dozens of other bills with a cost to state government were killed by the Assembly Appropriations Committee, while AB 9 was instead reclassified as a two-year bill, meaning it is eligible to be heard again in the second year of the legislative session. Gov. Jerry Brown last year rejected a similar measure that sought to make tampons tax-free, writing in his veto message that tax breaks are the same as new spending  they both cost the general fund money. Facebook

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Outside money spills into L.A. congressional race as election day nears By Christine Mai-Duc Spending by outside groups hoping to influence Los Angeles congressional race is picking up, with less than two weeks to go before the runoff for the 34th Congressional District. Assemblyman Jimmy Gomez and attorney Robert Lee Ahn, both Democrats, are competing to fill the former seat of Xavier Becerra in the June 6 election. Becerra stepped down months ago to become the states attorney general. Spending separate from the candidates campaigns is reaching into the six-figure range, with most of the outside money going to support Gomez, the heavy favorite of establishment Democrats. One group funded primarily by an Ahn donor, Citizens for a Better Government, has spent $40,264 on data, printing and postage for mailers, and $8,000 on treasury services to support Ahns bid. The Latino Victory Fund, which has endorsed Gomez, recently spent $29,640 on direct mail and $30,000 on phone banking and voter canvassing for the candidate. Billboard company Outfront Media LLC has spent $1,973 on billboards for him. Also backing Gomez is a group called Middle Class Values PAC. The group spent $19,653 on mailers supporting Gomez despite not having reported receiving any major contributions so far this year. The groups biggest donors last year were a handful of Nevada casino owners and developers, but most of that money appears to have been spent on Democrats running for Congress in Pennsylvania and Nevada. Outside spending in the 34th Congressional District race has been dwarfed by candidate spending. As of March 31, Gomez had spent $446,455 and Ahn had dropped about $767,315 on his run. New campaign finance figures from both candidates are due at midnight Friday. Facebook

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Gov. Jerry Browns budget team drops its hotly debated plans to redefine the states spending limit By John Myers (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) With questions mounting about the legal justification for omitting some $22 billion in expenses from Californias long-standing spending cap, Gov. Jerry Browns administration dropped the plan Thursday while promising to work on the issue again later this year. Browns advisors told the Assembly Budget Committee that this could include some changes in state law to clarify the rules surrounding whats known as the Gann limit, a cap on state spending growth imposed by voters in 1979. The cap has rarely come into play in state budgeting in recent years, as it was loosened by a subsequent ballot measure in 1990. The governors administration said it continues to worry about how the law interacts with other mandates related to school funding. School financing has changed significantly since the limit was first established in 1979, said H.D. Palmer, Browns budget spokesman. Because of that, we continue to believe we need statutory clarifications related to these school funding changes. Legislative analysts warned lawmakers in April that the governor may have been overestimating how much room for spending was left under the cap, a dispute that continued for weeks while lawmakers began drafting plans for formal budget negotiations next month. Earlier this week, state senators again raised concerns about the complex estimates used to determine how much spending the Gann law would allow in the budget year that begins July 1. And they provided an analysis by the Legislatures lawyers that suggested Browns proposal could be unconstitutional. The spending limit is enforced over two fiscal years, which means Brown and lawmakers have time to reconcile different estimates. But absent changes similar to those advocated by the governor, a portion of future tax revenues would have to be split between schools and rebates to taxpayers. Facebook

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California Senate, Assembly advance their own plans on how to spend tobacco tax revenue By Melanie Mason (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) Perhaps the biggest budget skirmish that remains unsolved this year is how California should spend revenue from the tobacco tax voters approved last fall. Gov. Jerry Brown wants to put that money to expand overall spending on Medi-Cal, which provides subsidized healthcare for the poor. But the some of initiatives backers, namely doctor and dental groups, have cried foul, arguing that money is meant to go to increasing payments for providers. Now, the Senate and Assembly are weighing in. In plans approved in their respective budget committees this week, both houses stray from Browns proposal to put the money toward general Medi-Cal costs and lay out their own ideas on how to divvy up the revenue. But while both houses reject Browns approach, there are key differences between their proposals. Most significantly, the Assembly would allocate all $1.1 billion in projected tax revenue in the next budget year. The Senate, meanwhile, would spend just under $350 million next year, gradually ramping up spending to $1.1 billion by fiscal year 2020-21. Both houses also would increase provider payments, but in different ways. The Assembly would put around $857 million toward once-yearly incentive payments to physicians and dentists that would be tied to their Medi-Cal and Denti-Cal caseloads. The Senate proposed putting $150 million next year to physician rate increases that would be targeted for those working in high-need areas and specialties. That number would increase in successive years, topping out at $700 million by 2020. The Senate also would put $130 million toward higher rates for dentists. The California Medical Assn., which has been pushing for higher reimbursement rates, praised both houses for including the higher rates, but group spokeswoman Joanne Adams noted that the current Legislature cannot tie the hands of a future governor or Legislature, indicating a preference toward the Assembly approach. Each house would allocate $50 million for reimbursement rates for family planning providers, a priority of Planned Parenthood. And both houses put money toward expanding Medi-Cal to cover young adults up to age 26 who are in the country illegally. The proposal builds on Californias policy of making children without legal status younger than 19 eligible for Medi-Cal, which went into effect last year. Anthony Wright, of the advocacy group Health Access, noted that by expanding coverage for those up to age 26, it would align with Obamacares policy of letting children stay on their parents health insurance until that age. This is a concrete and tangible way to show we are actually taking steps forward in expanding coverage, Wright said. The Brown administration estimates that around 130,000 people would be eligible for Medi-Cal under such a proposal, and such an expansion would cost the state just under $230 million. The Senate proposal would put around $63 million toward that expansion in the upcoming budget year and around $85 million in subsequent years. The Assembly would put $54 million toward the plan. The Brown administration did not take a position on the Medi-Cal expansion proposal, but H.D. Palmer, spokesman for Browns Department of Finance, noted that the Senate was using higher revenue projections than Browns plan, which allows legislators to propose more funding. Palmer said the administration was sticking with its original proposal to use tobacco tax dollars for general Medi-Cal spending. The budgets proposal for Prop. 56 will provide increased funding for healthcare programs and services in a way thats consistent with the measure that voters approved last fall, Palmer said. ------------ FOR THE RECORD May 25, 2017, 4:58 p.m.: A previous version of this article reported that both houses were using higher revenue projections than Gov. Browns budget proposal. The Senate is using higher projections; the Assembly is using the same estimates as the Brown administration. Facebook

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California chief justice says she stands by her decision to speak out against Trumps immigration actions By Jazmine Ulloa California Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) California Supreme Court Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye on Thursday said she stands by her position that courthouses should be areas where immigration arrests should not occur. Cantil-Sakauye, a former prosecutor who rose through the judicial ranks as an appointee of Republican governors, drew national attention in March after she blasted the federal governments expanded immigration actions, among which she said included stalking immigrants at courthouses. Speaking at a Sacramento Press Club luncheon on Thursday, she said the Supreme Court chambers fielded an outpouring of calls and letters after her comments. Some were profane and angry, from residents living outside the state. Others came from supporters. At Sac Press Club luncheon, Chief Justice Cantil-Sakauye said she fielded lots of anger, support after courthouse enforcement remarks. pic.twitter.com/6OBrZOfI45  Jazmine Ulloa (@jazmineulloa) May 25, 2017 Many said that as a judge, she should not wade into politics. U.S. Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions and Homeland Security Secretary John F. Kelly admonished her in a letter, spurring California state leaders to respond in defense of state policies. On Thursday, Cantil-Sakauye stood by her decision to denounce the actions, saying, If I couldnt speak out as chief justice, I dont know who could. Courthouses in California have numerous programs to encourage people to come forward and ask questions, seek services and mediate issues, Cantil-Sakauye said. If we have a segment [of the population] that is afraid to come, then we are looking at no access to justice, [and] potentially public safety issues, which is antithetical to what the justice system exists for, she said. To me, it is a safe zone, and I ask that courthouses be placed on par with school districts and hospitals and churches. Facebook

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Rep. Darrell Issa says the federal employee insurance program should be expanded to all Americans By Sarah D. Wire Though it wasnt included in the House Republicans healthcare bill, Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Vista) still believes Americans should have access to the same insurance plans federal employees pick from, and hes hoping the Senate will embrace the idea. In a letter Thursday, Issa asked the Senate Health Care Working Group to consider opening the Federal Employee Health Benefits Program to more, or all, Americans. Its a national insurance idea thats persisted since the program began in 1960, and a proposal Issa has pitched before. The program allows more than 8 million current and retired federal employees across the country to shop among hundreds of health insurance plans and then apply their employer contribution to whatever plan they choose. Private insurance companies have pulled out of several state insurance marketplaces, where people whose employers dont offer insurance can purchase insurance using a federal subsidy. That leaves people with fewer health insurance choices, a common complaint cited by Republicans as a reason to repeal the Affordable Care Act. Its choice. If the government can maximize choice to you and then subsidize where appropriate based on need, then weve met the two bases for government involvement, Issa said. Issa voted for the American Health Care Act, the GOP bill to roll back much of Obamacare that passed May 4 without Democratic support, but he stresses that he did so just to keep momentum. One of the reasons I voted for this in the House was to keep the process alive so we could do reform, Issa said. Leveraging business models that work is the goal that somebody like me wants to do. Find out what works and invest in it, find out what doesnt work and fix it or abandon it. On Thursday, the Congressional Budget Office said the bill as passed by the House would cause 23 million fewer people to have health insurance by 2026. The budget office, which Congress relies on to analyze the complex legislation, projected that many additional consumers would see skimpier health coverage and higher deductibles. The Senate has essentially said it will write its own version of the bill. Issas letter to his Senate colleagues also urges members to protect people with preexisting conditions, safeguard coverage for people with mental illnesses and protect people near retirement age from a spike in their premiums. Theres still more to be done. This bill is going to be about compromise, and a down payment on change, Issa said. Facebook

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Senate President Kevin de Leon is busy raising campaign funds  but for what office? By Phil Willon Senate President pro Tem Kevin de Leon. (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) California Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de Leon (D-Los Angeles) stirred up speculation about a possible run for governor or U.S. Senate when he released a slickly produced video just before the California Democratic Partys convention last weekend, but he has remained coy about his future political plans. That doesnt mean he isnt padding his campaign war chest, though. De Leon has two fundraisers lined up in Los Angeles in June, presumably for his 2018 campaign for California lieutenant governor. The question is whether De Leon actually will run for lieutenant governor. In the past, he has said he hasnt made a decision. He has also given his supporters the go-ahead to endorse state Sen. Ed Hernandez (D-Azusa), a longtime political ally, in the race. De Leons campaign account for lieutenant governor had $1.7 million in the bank at the end of last year. He raised close to a half-million this year, according to state political financial disclosure reports. The first fundraiser in June is being hosted by veteran Hollywood executive Peter Guber and his wife, Tara, in Bel Air on June 8, with suggested contributions ranging from $500 to $2,500. The second is in late June at the Palm in Los Angeles. The fundraiser is hosted by Craig Darian, CEO of the Occidental Entertainment Group, and his wife, Kimberly, as well as Albert Sweet, the founder of the company. The suggested donations are the same as for the earlier fundraiser. De Leon made history in 2014 when he was selected by his colleagues as the first Latino to lead the California Senate. The tenure has been marked by significant action on climate change, immigration and gun control. Facebook

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Volkswagens clean car plan falls short in low-income neighborhoods, California regulators say By Chris Megerian (Markus Schreiber / Associated Press) State regulators have asked Volkswagen to revise its plan to invest in zero emission technology in California, a victory for critics who said the automaker wasnt doing enough in disadvantaged communities. The investment plan, which will total $800 million over 10 years, is part of Volkswagens obligation under a multi-billion settlement for evading pollution rules. California, which is struggling to get enough zero emission vehicles on the road to meet its goals, is eager to move forward, wrote Air Resources Board Executive Officer Richard Corey in a Wednesday letter to Electrify America, a Volkswagen subsidiary. However, Corey wrote, we need more information on how the company will meet its target of spending 35% of its investment in disadvantaged communities, a target set by state regulators in hopes of broadening the adoption of electric vehicles. Corey also asked Electrify America to consider supporting hydrogen fueling stations, rather than just electric chargers. Once the company submits an updated version of its plan, state regulators will consider whether to approve it. Electrify America said it is reviewing the letter. Dean Florez, a member of the Air Resources Board, said the original investment plan had significant holes and included no real investment in disadvantaged communities. He praised the decision to request revisions and said the board should hold VWs feet to the fire. This story has been updated with additional comments. Facebook

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Lawmakers scrap effort to make it easier to pass local transportation taxes By John Myers An effort to boost the chances of local ballot measures raising taxes for transportation needs was quietly killed Thursday in the state Capitol. The proposal, which would have ultimately required changing the California Constitution through a statewide vote, was in response to the high hurdle set decades ago for local taxes earmarked for specific projects. Those kinds of taxes in cities and counties require two-thirds of the vote. The constitutional amendment by state Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) would have lowered the vote threshold to 55% of ballots cast for any transportation proposal. Wiener argued the long list of local transportation projects lacking funds wont completely be erased by the $52-billion transportation plan signed into law last month. And he pointed specifically to examples like a transportation tax plan in the Bay Area last year that garnered 62% of the vote  still slightly shy of the two-thirds mandate. While the effort can be brought back before lawmakers adjourn the current session in the summer of 2018, Thursdays action represented a major setback for transportation groups and labor unions that supported it. The measure was opposed by business and anti-tax advocates. Wiener said he intends to re-introduce the measure in the coming weeks. We must improve and expand transportation throughout our state, which has suffered from decades of underfunding, he said in a written statement. Update 1:29 p.m. This story was modified with additional information regarding constitutional amendments and the legislative process. Update 4:10 p.m. This story was updated with comment from Sen. Wiener. Facebook

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Sex offenders will not be banned without exception from school grounds after state bill is shelved By Jazmine Ulloa State Sen. Connie M. Leyva, right. (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times) The state Senate Appropriations Committee on Thursday shelved a bill that would have banned all registered sex offenders from school campuses without exception. Senate Bill 26 by Sen. Connie M. Leyva (D-Chino) would have made it a misdemeanor for a registered sex offender to enter any school building or grounds without lawful business. State laws keep registered sex offenders from living near schools. But those who have not been convicted of having sex with a minor under age 16 can visit or volunteer with groups or organizations that work with children if they give proper notice, and are granted permission. They cannot work directly with children. The committee advanced another bill by Leyva that would extend benefits under the Safe at Home initiative to former victims of forced prostitution or labor. Senate Bill 597, introduced with Secretary of State Alex Padilla, passed with a unanimous 7-0 vote. Read More Facebook

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Measure to help California students refinance private loans is shelved By Melanie Mason State Treasurer John Chiang, a candidate for governor, is behind a new effort to help people with student debt refinance their loans. (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) A measure to help Californians saddled with student debt refinance their student loans was shelved in a key fiscal committee on Thursday. The measure by state Sen. Benjamin Allen (D-Santa Monica) was touted as a way for the state to coax private lenders to offer more favorable interest. The proposal would have carried a $25-million price tag. We will continue to push for sensible solutions to the student loan crisis that provide real relief to the millions of Californians saddled with too much debt, Allen said in a statement. State Treasurer John Chiang, a 2018 gubernatorial candidate, had championed the bill, SB 674, as a way to try to get [Californians] out of debt as quickly as possible. College graduation is supposed to be synonymous with opportunity and prosperity and not a detour into a modern-day debtors prison, Chiang said in a statement. Although I am disappointed SB 674 will not be moving forward, I will continue to use my position as the states banker to invest in Californias young people and its future with innovative solutions that will make it more financially feasible to obtain a higher education, he added. 3:58 p.m.: This article was updated to add comments from Sen. Benjamin Allen and Treasurer John Chiang. This article was originally published at 11:17 a.m. Read More Facebook

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Where bills go to die: Lawmakers begin clearing the suspense file with hundreds of measures in limbo By John Myers (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) From a sales tax exemption on tampons to healthcare rules and marijuana regulation, a massive stack of proposed laws faces a major deadline Friday morning at the state Capitol. To survive, they must clear whats known as the suspense file -- the place where bills that would cost taxpayers money are held in legislative limbo. By law, bills with a fiscal impact must be sent to the floor of the Assembly and Senate by the close of business on Friday. That means its decision time for more than 800 pieces of legislation. The Senates fiscal committee will decide the fate of bills on Thursday; the Assembly will do so on Friday. Bills are generally sent to the suspense file if their projected cost to the state is $150,000 or more. The procedural move was widely used during Californias deficit years as a way for lawmakers to weigh the pros and cons of proposals in light of limited resources. But government watchdog groups have long pointed out that the clearing of the suspense file ends up hiding some of the legislative sausage-making from public view. Thats because bills that dont clear Fridays hurdle are essentially killed without a recorded vote. And neither chamber offers any explanation for why those bills were killed. Decisions on the fate of the suspense file are made in private, hours or days before the public hearing. In the Assembly, the appropriations committee chairperson will simply tell the public that a decision has been made to hold the bill. In the Senate committee, killed legislation wont even be mentioned during Thursdays hearing. That means that no one will know for sure whether a bill is really killed because of its price tag or its politics. Facebook

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Formal apology sought after U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters was cut off during state convention speech By Jazmine Ulloa (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times) In my 20 years as a Democratic Party leader, I have never experienced such the type of behavior as I did at the Sacramento Convention hall on Saturday evening.  Darren Parker, longtime chairman of the African American Caucus The California Democratic Party African American Caucus is asking the state party for a formal apology to U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters and its members for what it called disrespect by a private subcontractor at its weekend state convention. Waters, a Los Angeles Democrat known for her comments on President Trump, had been speaking at a caucus meeting during the event Saturday night when the sound to her microphone was cut off. SEE THE VIDEO OF WATERS SPEECH> Read More Facebook

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California sees a rebound in cap-and-trade auction, bolstering key climate change program By Chris Megerian (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times) State regulators announced strong results from Californias cap-and-trade program on Wednesday, spurring analysts and supporters to say the system remains solid despite questions about its political future. The program requires oil refineries, food processors, power plants and other facilities to buy permits to release greenhouse gas emissions. Nearly all of the permits offered by the state in its latest auction were purchased, generating an estimated $500 million in revenue. Thats a shift from other recent auctions, where most of the permits went unsold, reducing revenue that state leaders have counted on for 
The deadly suicide bombing in Britain and threats of more attacks thrust counter-terrorism to the top of President Trumps agenda for talks with NATO leaders here on Thursday, buttressing his bid to enlist the alliance he had called obsolete to join the fight against Islamic State.

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, anticipating the alliance meetings, told reporters flying with the president to Brussels from Rome, where Trump met Pope Francis earlier Wednesday, that Mondays attack in England is going to strengthen the resolve in this fight against terrorism.

Tillerson stopped short of predicting that NATO would agree to formally join the U.S.-led coalition fighting Islamic State in Syria and Iraq, but said it would be a really important step if the alliance did so.

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The attack, which killed 22 people at a pop concert and was said to be the work of a 22-year-old British man whose family is from Libya, also figured in Trumps brief meeting with the pope at the Vatican.

Although the White House had said the president and the pontiff would discuss human trafficking and religious freedom, they ended up having pretty extensive conversations around extreme terrorist threats and extremism, radicalization of young people, Tillerson said. Thats one of the reasons the meeting went long.

On another issue important to Francis, the Vatican secretary of State separately urged Trump to not abandon the global accord to address climate change that was reached in Paris in 2015. Tillerson, a former chief executive of Exxon Mobil, said he and the president remained noncommittal and told the papal envoy, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, that the United States must weigh the cost to its economy and job creation of environmental actions to avert global warming.

The president will decide whether to revoke the Paris accord, as he promised during his campaign, after we get home, Tillerson said.

Trump returned to the subjects of terrorism and the Manchester attack, for which the militant group Islamic State has claimed responsibility, soon after his arrival in Belgium and his introduction to its king and prime minister.

We are fighting very hard, doing very well under our generals, making tremendous progress, Trump said. But when you see something like what happened a few days ago, you realize how important it is to win this fight. And we will win this fight.

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization meetings will be Trumps debut before the nearly 70-year-old alliance. Skeptical members are eager to assess whether he has warmed to the organization after his repeated criticisms during his campaign, when he suggested that the United States, under a Trump administration, might not come to the defense of NATO allies.

Tillerson said Trump will press his demand that allied countries spend more on their mutual defense. You can expect the president to be very tough on them, he told reporters.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, at a briefing Wednesday, indicated the organization was poised to formally join the effort against Islamic State. One of the main topics would be stepping up NATOs contribution to the fight against terrorism, he said, adding that the summit will demonstrate NATOs ability to change as the world changes.

NATO has the expertise, partnerships and staying power to make a real difference, Stoltenberg said.

In Brussels, which bears the scars of a series of terrorist attacks last year, Trump will take part in ceremonies inaugurating NATOs new facilities  a role that would have been hard to imagine when he was a candidate. He will unveil a piece of wreckage from the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks against the United States, which prompted NATOs first invocation of its mutual defense agreement.

The president will not be announcing a decision on increasing troops in Afghanistan, as some had speculated he might during this first foreign trip. His national security team continues to review Afghan policy, Tillerson said, and will not make a recommendation to Trump for at least a couple of weeks.

For a president who puts a premium on personal encounters, and sizing up people, his meeting with the pope appeared to have left him impressed. Their one-on-one meeting was fantastic, Trump told reporters, adding, He is something. Later on Twitter he called it the honor of a lifetime.

The two met privately in Francis study at the Apostolic Palace for half an hour, slightly longer than was typical for papal audiences with visiting dignitaries, but shorter than the roughly 50-minute meeting between President Obama and Francis in 2014.

Obama and the Argentine pope had quickly made common cause both in combating climate change and advocating for the poor, and Francis was a key mediator in 2015 in the restoration of diplomatic relations between the United States and Cuba.

For Trump and Francis, however, their meeting was an icebreaker after their public spat during the 2016 presidential campaign, when Francis called Trumps proposed border fence not Christian and Trump dismissed the popes put-down as disgraceful.

Still, in photos of an initial meeting, Francis seemed to scowl while Trump grinned broadly. Observers described the mood as stiff, with Francis stone-faced, until he and the president exchanged gifts.

Trump gave Francis, who is said to appreciate simple gifts, a custom-bound first-edition set of the writings of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. in a handmade display case. The White House noted that Francis had quoted the civil rights leader during an address to a joint session of Congress in 2015  the first by a pope. Francis gave the president a large medal by a Roman artist featuring an olive branch, a symbol of peace.

We can use peace, the president responded.

Also among Francis gifts was one that seemed to symbolize his hope for Trumps political conversion: a copy of three papal encyclicals including Laudato Si, which advocates a moral case for addressing climate change.

I signed it personally for you, Francis said.

michael.memoli@latimes.com

For more White House coverage, follow @mikememoli on Twitter.

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If a whiff of uneasiness hung over the trade show that drew thousands of marijuana entrepreneurs here last week, it wasnt because they were just around the corner from a White House that has threatened to shut them down.

They had bigger worries, like sorting out the legitimate business ventures from the hype among row upon row of exhibitors showcasing cannabis growing, smoking, eating and even banking products. The Trump administrations menacing signals seemed a mere sideshow to those who make their living off reefer, or aspire to.



For the record: An earlier version of this article stated that Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper had warned against allowing medical marijuana deliveries in California. He warned against allowing them in his own state.

After an initial period of postelection anxiety, pot businesses are increasingly confident that states where they are setting up shop have their backs, despite Justice Department warnings meant to rattle marijuana enthusiasts.

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State leaders are proving themselves nimble at responding to the threat, moving to inoculate local marijuana industries that are fast becoming too important to state economies to leave vulnerable to the whims of Washington.

And they are moving not just in the places where it is politically easy, like California. Even some Republican states are signaling Trump to back off.

We are seeing states have become very territorial about their rights to do this, regardless of what the Trump administration does.  John Hudak, marijuana policy expert at the Brookings Institution

We are seeing states have become very territorial about their rights to do this, regardless of what the Trump administration does, said John Hudak, a marijuana policy expert at the Brookings Institution. He points to Nevada, where Republican Gov. Brian Sandoval opposed the states successful legalization initiative but is nonetheless vowing to move forward with recreational pot there.

This is someone who easily could have said, No, lets wait and see what Trump does,  Hudak said. But he is not doing that.

Some of the more than 200 marijuana entrepreneurs who walked the halls of the Capitol this month during the industrys annual lobby day  an event that has grown exponentially in size  were surprised by how many Republican congressional offices were eager to engage.

People here are treating this more seriously, said Morgan Paxhia, a San Francisco marijuana investor who was among those lobbying.

Trumps intentions on pot are unclear. The White House has warned that recreational pot businesses could be subject to federal enforcement actions. Trump tacked a signing message onto the budget he recently signed that indicates he may not honor its prohibition on busting medical pot businesses operating legally under state laws. Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions is an old-school drug warrior eager to restore some of the zero-tolerance tactics that havent been part of the federal playbook for years.

But states say they cant afford to wait to see how federal policy plays out.

You have to have blinders on to not understand how large this industry can become, said California Treasurer John Chiang. He has been taking a lead in the states efforts to move the industry into legitimacy, holding lengthy hearings aimed at helping banks step around the federal rules that make them reluctant to work with pot firms.

The easier it is for companies to get out of the shadows and operate like other normal businesses, Chiang says, the quicker they can start paying taxes to the state  and the harder it will be for the Justice Department to undermine the industry.

In several states, lawmakers are scrambling to find creative ways to keep federal agents out. California lawmakers are debating giving pot businesses the same kinds of protections as it has extended to immigrants in the country illegally, prohibiting local law enforcement from helping federal agents target them.

Colorado is mulling over a law that would let pot sellers instantly reclassify all their recreational pot as medical in the event of a federal crackdown. (The White House condones medical pot.) Oregon lawmakers passed a bill aimed at protecting the privacy of pot users from federal intrusions by requiring cannabis shops to destroy records of what consumers purchase.

Not that some states arent tapping the brakes. Amid the federal uncertainty  and to the deep disappointment of marijuana advocates  Massachusetts lawmakers voted in December for a six-month delay in opening the states first recreational marijuana shops, pushing it back to mid-2018.

Colorado lawmakers eager to allow clubs where pot connoisseurs could consume the product opted to hold off, worried their efforts could antagonize the Justice Department. Gov. John Hickenlooper warned legislators off plans to allow medical marijuana deliveries in Colorado, saying they would send the wrong message to Washington and put the state at risk.

Hickenlooper, who opposed the ballot measure legalizing recreational pot in his state but has embraced the industry it created, has taken a diplomatic approach to keeping Washington at bay. He and Sessions had an hourlong meeting in Washington a few weeks ago, from which the governor emerged mildly optimistic.

At one point he said, You havent seen us cracking down, have you?  Hickenlooper recalled to MSNBC. I interpreted that as: Hes got his hands full.

Other state officials are more antagonistic, as in California. State Atty. Gen. Xavier Becerra recently mocked the warnings from Sessions, suggesting he just try to disrupt legalization in California.

Portland, Ore., congressman and longtime legalization crusader Earl Blumenauer suggested the administration is too scandal-consumed to do much damage to the vibrant legalization movement. These people are like one dumpster fire after another, the Democrat said.

Some in the nascent marijuana industry suggest the dose of uncertainty Trump has injected isnt entirely bad. John Vardaman, a former Justice Department official now at a tech firm called Hypur that helps marijuana sellers and other businesses comply with financial regulations, said the threat from Washington intensifies pressure on companies and state regulators to operate with high ethical standards and not cut corners as the pot trade increasingly moves out into the open.

In some ways, this potential threat could be a blessing, he said. It could ultimately create an industry that takes compliance with the rules more seriously.

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In the bustling main hall of the Marijuana Business Conference & Expo last week, worries about what Trump may do were taking a back seat to deal-making and networking. A fledgling headhunting firm devoted exclusively to pot companies called Vangst reported that it had placed 3,000 workers in two years. A Colorado company that makes neon signs advertising craft beer had on display some trippy designs now being used to hawk edible pot products.

Is business threatened by this administration?

Who knows? said Alan Bloom, chief executive of Zeon, the sign company. We are dealing with politicians. I never underestimate the stupidity of politicians. But there is a lot of tax revenue on the line, and this industry has been growing like crazy since the election.

evan.halper@latimes.com

Follow me: @evanhalper

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Even President Trump distanced himself from his inaugural budget, literally, as it was released on Tuesday while he was overseas. Republicans in Congress said they will write their own, and Democrats uniformly condemned the $4.1-trillion plan for its proposed mix of big tax cuts for the wealthy and benefits cuts for the poor and working class.

With his budget for the fiscal year starting Oct. 1, Trump has provided fiscal details that could hardly be more at odds with the bold but vague populism of his campaign. It proposes a reordering of the nations priorities, ending the decades-old parity between annually appropriated military and domestic spending to favor Defense and slash much else, especially the safety-net programs keeping millions of Americans  including many Trump supporters  out of poverty.

In some ways, Trumps budget  titled A New Foundation for American Greatness  suggests the sort of outrageous opening bid he has boasted of in his real estate deals.

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Congress will likely reject the most dramatic spending cuts, as it did his partial skinny budget for the current fiscal year, along with particulars such as his infrastructure initiative. Still, the broad outlines of the Trump budget could well inform the contours of what a Republican-controlled Congress eventually passes: reduced taxes, increased Pentagon spending and deep cuts in the full range of domestic spending, including Medicaid, nutrition and housing services, medical research, education and air traffic control.

Clearly, Congress will take that budget and then work on our own budget, which is the case every single year, House Speaker Paul D. Ryan (R-Wis.) said, playing down Republicans arms-length reception. But at least we now have common objectives.

Democrats easily were united in opposing a plan that would, among much else, cut $616 billion over 10 years from the Medicaid program for low-income and disabled Americans and the Childrens Health Insurance Program. Trump had promised as a candidate to leave Medicaid untouched, along with Medicare and Social Security, though those fast-growing entitlement programs are a main contributor to projections of future federal debt.

The Senate Democratic minority leader, Charles E. Schumer of New York, lambasted the budget as conservative fantasy.

What is going on in the White House with this kind of budget? Schumer asked. How many people in America want to cut cancer research? President Trump evidently does.

But White House budget director Mick Mulvaney, who over two days orchestrated the budgets rollout in Trumps absence, on Tuesday lashed out at critics who said the budget showed a lack of compassion.

Compassion needs to be on both sides of that equation, he said. Yes, you have to have compassion for folks who are receiving the federal funds, but you also have to have compassion for the folks who are paying it.

That Trump was far from Washington for his inaugural budgets unveiling was yet another way in which his presidency is breaking with traditions and norms. Typically, first-year presidents have been prominent in introducing what is their most important statement of national priorities, whatever its fate in Congress.

Even some Republicans did not take seriously the administrations claim to reach balance in 10 years, with a small $16-billion surplus by 2027. Critics assailed the budgets exceedingly sunny projections for economic growth to be spurred by tax cuts, especially considering that Trump has not yet spelled out his tax plan and  as his Treasury secretary, Steven Mnuchin, acknowledged on Tuesday  it would not get out of Congress this year in any case.

Also, the budget was faulted for being gimmicky in gilding its bottom lines. The administration counts $2.1 trillion in additional revenue over 10 years from a booming economy growing at 3% annually after 2019  more than a percentage point higher than other government and private forecasters. But missing from the budget baselines are the direct costs in foregone revenues from cutting corporate and individuals taxes. Critics, including former Treasury Secretary Lawrence H. Summers, called that double-counting.

You cant use the same money twice, said Marc Goldwein, a senior vice president for the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, a nonpartisan group that advocates for fiscal restraint.

Administration officials have said Trumps tax overhaul will be revenue neutral  that is, it will neither add to federal debt nor reduce it. Yet Trump has not identified what tax deductions, credits and other breaks he would repeal to offset the losses from slashing corporate and individual rates.

Reflecting Trumps hard-power emphasis over the so-called soft power of diplomacy and foreign assistance, his budget would increase Defense spending 10% in next years budget, or $54 billion, while funding for the State Department and U.S. Agency for International Development would be cut by roughly 30%.

Among the few spending increases proposed are one for Trumps infrastructure initiative and down payments for his immigration crackdown and beautiful wall on the countrys southern border.

The budget calls for $200 billion to be leveraged to entice private investors to underwrite a total $1 trillion in public works projects. While there is bipartisan support for improving the nations roads, airports, waterways, ports and other infrastructure, Trump provided few details of how his plan would work, and the 5-to-1 return on the governments investment is widely seen as overly optimistic.

Democrats were disdainful, though Trump must get votes from some of them to offset opposition from anti-spending Republicans for the initiative.

Its a series of words and numbers that are not attached to reality, said Rep. John Garamendi (D-Walnut Grove), a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. What is more, he added, the administration is proposing to cut the agencies that oversee public works, such as the departments of Energy and Agriculture and the Army Corps of Engineers.

For border security, the budget includes $2.6 billion to add ground sensors, cameras and other technology for stopping illegal crossings; to build 74 miles of wall along the 2,000-mile border with Mexico, and to finance studies for further expansions. It also seeks increases to hire 500 Border Patrol agents, 1,000 deportation officers and 450 new attorneys and support workers for the immigration courts, which are now clogged with a backlog of 560,000 cases.

The presidents budget arrives on Capitol Hill as Congress is already confronting a fiscal morass given Republicans infighting over repealing the Affordable Care Act and overhauling the tax code. Four months out, speculation has started about a government shutdown after Oct. 1, the start of fiscal year 2018, given Republicans challenges in passing a budget to maintain operations.

Ultimately, said Sen. John Cornyn of Texas, a Republican leader, we will have to come up with a budget ourselves.

JoeTanfani and Tracy Wilkinson in Washington contributed to this report.

brian.bennett@latimes.com

Twitter: @ByBrianBennett

ALSO

Trumps budget will hit hard for Californias most vulnerable, advocates and state lawmakers warn

Economists say Trumps budget proposal doesnt add up

Winners and losers in Trumps budget proposal

Travel leaders say Trumps budget would kill program that promotes trips to the U.S.
While news about President Trump has been dominated for weeks by accusations of scandal, theres a new thread to talk about as the week reaches its midpoint: his plan to make major cuts in a slew of domestic spending programs.

And thats gotten the attention of state lawmakers, too. You wont be surprised as to how many of them feel.

Good morning from the state capital. Im Sacramento Bureau Chief John Myers, and while weve got a lot to cover with Trumps overseas trip and important news in the saga that is the Russian election meddling investigation, lets begin with dollars and cents.

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TRUMPS BUDGET: BOOSTS DEFENSE, CUTS SOCIAL PROGRAMS

The new presidents first at-bat when it comes to the federal budget came while he was more than 4,000 miles away on his first foreign trip.

It might have been better that way. After all, it seems Trumps $4.1-trillion spending plan didnt impress anyone on Capitol Hill. Republicans said theyll write their own, while Democrats decried many of its proposed cuts.

Military spending? Trump would raise it. Border security? Up. Medicaid? Down. Taxes? Down.

The proposal also failed to win applause from a number of economists, who were skeptical about the promise to reduce the deficit while also cutting taxes.

You cant use the same money twice, said Marc Goldwein, a senior vice president for the nonpartisan Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget.

Our graphics team has a sharp look at the big winners and losers in Trumps budget plan. And again, its worth remembering that were a long ways off from any of this becoming law.

Still, theres a worry in California that it could provide a template for whats ahead.

IN CALIFORNIA, SCORN FOR TRUMPS PLAN

In Sacramento, the details of the presidents plan reinforced the idea that the only alternative for leading Democrats is to fight.

The proposed cuts to health and human services, if enacted, would have far-reaching impacts on the Golden State. And it would leave Gov. Jerry Brown and legislative leaders in a pickle: either try to subsidize some of the programs being cut or watch Californians most vulnerable struggle to find the help they need.

Our budget is fairly robust, said Assemblyman Phil Ting (D-San Francisco) of the states own finances. But I cant see being able to plug billions of dollars of cuts from the federal government.

Tops on the nothing-we-could-do list would be replacing the billions of dollars that could be lost in the repeal of the Affordable Care Act.

TODAY: THE NEW SCORE

By the way, stay tuned for todays big news on the healthcare front: the long-awaited analysis from the Congressional Budget Office of the cost and coverage impact expected by the version of the American Health Care Act passed by House Republicans three weeks ago.

Well have the early details on our Essential Washington news feed.

THE $400-BILLION HEALTHCARE QUESTION FOR CALIFORNIA

The healthcare frenzy explains the intense demand by liberal activists these days for California to create a single-payer system that would provide health coverage for all of its citizens  a replacement of private and public insurance.

A bill to do just that finally was affixed with a price tag this week: $400 billion per year.

For some context, keep in mind the state budget is only about $183-billion.

The legislative estimate released Monday immediately served as a political Rohrschach test. Detractors noted that half of that sum would have to come from new revenue, such as possible 15% payroll tax on employers. Proponents pointed out that the system would save employers and workers between $100 billion and $150 billion that is currently being spent on the private insurance market.

Melanie Mason has a rundown of the key takeaways from the report. And keep in mind that the bill, which will almost certainly clear the state Senates appropriations committee this week, doesnt offer any specifics on the taxes needed to pay for it. Thats very unusual, a clear sign of how white-hot the politics are for Democrats right now.

FROM ISRAEL TO THE VATICAN

The president met privately with Pope Francis on Wednesday for 30 minutes. Trump declared the meeting a great honor despite their past public dissension. Remember that Francis seemed to take issue in 2016 with Trumps signature campaign promise.

A person who only thinks about building walls, wherever they may be, and not building bridges, is not Christian, he said at the time.

As Brian Bennett and Tracy Wilkinson report, both men have a reputation for disrupting the status quo  for being, in the words of one scholar, loose canons in their respective circles.

And from there, the presidents visit with European leaders could get more uncomfortable. How Trump handles the pressure will be important.

EVEN IN ISRAEL, THERES RUSSIA

He may be overseas, the president hasnt been able to completely escape the tempest back in Washington. Trumps visit to Israel, and hints of the tough work that lies ahead should he try to broker a peace deal, eventually veered back to allegations surrounding his recent meeting with Russian officials in the Oval Office.

Specifically, allegations that he told the Russian diplomats that classified information had been provided by Israel. It didnt happen, said Trump as he sat next to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

I never mentioned the word or the name Israel, the president said.

THE INTEL CHIEFS SPEAK OUT

A trio of intelligence chiefs made their way to Capitol Hill on Tuesday, in three more tense question-and-answer sessions with members of Congress on the Russian election interference investigation.

The most riveting may have been the testimony by former CIA Director John Brennan, in his first public discussion of the investigation that began while he was still on the job.

I encountered and am aware of information and intelligence that revealed contacts and interactions between Russian officials and U.S. persons involved in the Trump campaign that I was concerned about, Brennan told the House Intelligence Committee.

Testimony also came from National Intelligence Director Dan Coats and National Security Agency Director Mike Rogers.

THE FLYNN FRENZY

And then theres the question of what happens next for Trumps former national security advisor, retired Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn.

Flynns attorneys said on Monday that a daily escalating public frenzy against him and the Justice Departments appointment of a special counsel have created a legally dangerous environment for the embattled general to cooperate with a Senate investigation.

And then, Flynn invoked his 5th Amendment privilege against the production of documents.

On Tuesday, subpoenas were issued to Flynns businesses, and senators didnt rule out the possibility that all of this results in a contempt of Congress charge against the former presidential advisor.

THE HIT ITS TAKING ON TRUMP

President Trumps standing in national polls has consistently declined since the end of last month. His approval rating now sits at the lowest point of his presidency.

David Lauter offers a few answers about what the polls do  and dont  tell us.

TODAYS ESSENTIALS

-- Congressional Democrats have asked the Trump administration for information on any link being made between the health insurance industrys political support for GOP healthcare efforts and financial aid for low-income Americans who rely on Obamacare.

-- The Trump administration has settled on a narrow definition of what it means to be a sanctuary city and limited the potential financial consequences for local governments.

-- Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions is seeking hundreds of millions in new funding to pay for an immigration crackdown on the border and a surge in resources to fight violent crime.

-- On Thursday, the political world will look to Montanas special congressional race for a test of Democratic strength and Republican resilience in the age of Trump.

-- Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle raised concerns Tuesday that Browns state budget plan relies on a faulty calculation of a spending limit imposed by voters in 1979.

-- Supporters of Kimberly Ellis, who lost her bid to lead the California Democratic Party by a razor-thin margin last weekend, started sifting through convention delegate ballots on Tuesday to see if there were any voting irregularities.

-- By a 7-2 vote, the U.S. Supreme Court on Monday upheld limits set in the McCain-Feingold Act of 2002, with a dissent by the new arrival, Justice Neil M. Gorsuch.

-- The high court also struck down two congressional districts in North Carolina on Monday, because they had been gerrymandered along racial lines.

-- The U.S. Transportation Department released $100 million in funds for the electrification of the Bay Areas Caltrain transit system after Californias Republican House members tried to stop it.

-- Democrats have added Reps. Devin Nunes and Duncan Hunter to their list of 2018 targets.

-- A conservative group is running ads thanking the California GOP for their healthcare vote.

--The left flank of the Assembly Democrats is looking to boost its clout by forming an official Progressive Caucus in the state Legislature.

LOGISTICS

Essential Politics is published Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

You can keep up with breaking news on our politics page throughout the day. And are you following us on Twitter at @latimespolitics?

Miss Mondays newsletter? Here you go.

Please send thoughts, concerns and news tips to politics@latimes.com.

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In the realm of political odd couples, state Sen. Jim Nielsen of Gerber and aspiring public interest lawyer Nicolas Tomas may be among the oddest. Tomas, a 26-year-old Democrat, is a promoter of the vegan lifestyle. Nielsen, a 72-year-old Republican, is a cattleman and dairyman by trade.

The unlikely duo found common cause in pushing back against what they see as a climate of restricted free speech on college campuses. Two years ago, Tomas sued Cal Poly Pomona for preventing him from distributing pro-vegan leaflets outside of the free speech zone a 144-square-foot area designated for such activities. Now, Nielsen is carrying a bill to dismantle the use of these zones on public campuses.

The growing number of lawsuits aimed at knocking down speech limits on campus  along with recent high-profile cancellations of controversial speakers such as Ann Coulter at UC Berkeley because of safety concerns  has sparked a raucous public debate over how the 1st Amendment is practiced at colleges and universities.

And California legislators, particularly Republicans, have responded with proposals to hem in the ability of schools to regulate where and how students share their views.

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The motivation is just to ensure there truly is free speech on our campuses in California, Nielsen said.

Nielsen said it was a great irony that California, the birthplace of the free speech movement at UC Berkeley in the 1960s, is now facing scrutiny over how students can express themselves on campus.

Ann Coulter, free speech and UC Berkeley: How a talk became a political bombshell 

But todays debate is a natural product of our polarized political landscape, said Kevin Baker, legislative director for the American Civil Liberties Union of Northern California.

Its understandable that people react very strongly to ideas and speech that they find offensive  frankly, that a lot of people find offensive, Baker said.

Still, he added, weve learned through history that the best response to speech that we dont agree with is more speech and more education.

The proposed measures tackle the issue of campus speech in different ways. Nielsens bill would reaffirm that outdoor spaces on campus are public forums. Institutions would only be able to impose reasonable restrictions on the time, place and manner of speech, such as barring demonstrations with bullhorns in front of the library during finals week. School policies would also need to allow for spontaneous assembly and distribution of literature, so students can react to breaking news events.

Assemblywoman Melissa Melendez (R-Lake Elsinore) is carrying the Campus Free Speech Act, which would bar school administrators from disinviting speakers and establish disciplinary action for anyone who infringes on the free speech right of others.

Under the proposal, youre not allowed to just disinvite people because theyre controversial, Melendez said. You cant have mob rule.

Recent incidents have primarily been focused on figures from the political right  Coulter at UC Berkeley or former Breitbart editor Milo Yiannopolous at UC Davis  but Melendez said the cause should not be seen exclusively as a conservative one.

Today its one type of speaker who is getting pushback from college campuses, she said. But 10 years from now, it could be quite the opposite. Thats the danger of not dealing with this right now.

Joe Cohn, legislative director at the Philadelphia-based Foundation for Individual Rights in Education, said the Coulter and Yiannopolous incidents brought attention publicly in a way that both legislators and the general public can no longer ignore that something is happening on college campuses with regard to how free speech is valued  and it isnt positive.

But proponents of Nielsens bill recognize that Coulter and Yiannopolous may not be the most sympathetic figures for free speech to the largely liberal California Legislature.

Democrats view it as bigoted speech, Tomas said. In his conversations with lawmakers, he said he tries to make a distinction between those controversial examples and less high-profile forms of speech restrictions, such as the clampdown on his distribution of pamphlets.

Scenarios such as the Coulter and Yiannopolous brouhahas are also more difficult to address in legislation. The prospect of large counter-demonstrations, with the potential for violence, presents knotty considerations for officials who must balance civil liberties with maintaining campus safety.

Instead of tackling the thorny question of regulating controversial invited speakers, Cohns nonprofit group has focused on college policies that limit expressive activities such as protests or pamphleteering to certain geographic zones on campus  areas that can sometimes be small or hard to access. Other policies require students to get advance permission or permits.

Free speech zones would be the lowest hanging fruit that would have huge impact on students free speech rights across the board, Cohn said.

Such zones have prompted a spate of lawsuits. Tomas suit against Cal Poly Pomona was settled for $35,000. Earlier this month, the Alliance Defending Freedom, a conservative Christian group, sued on behalf of an anti-abortion group at Fresno State, after a teacher said the students chalk messages ran afoul of the schools speech zone policy.

The universitys president, Joseph Castro, said that policy had been overturned two years ago.

The universitys policy is clear: free speech on campus is not limited to a free speech zone or any other narrowly tailored area, Castro said in a statement.

But with individual UC, CSU and community college campuses determining their own policies, Cohn said there was a need for legislators to send a message to administrators that overly restrictive policies run afoul of the 1st Amendment.

After successfully pushing bills in Colorado, Virginia and several other states, the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education is now sponsoring Nielsens bill.

The legislation would effectively put an end to the practice of free speech zones. UC and the chancellor of California Community Colleges havent taken positions on the measure; CSU is working with Nielsen on wording tweaks.

The bill, SB 472, sailed through two policy committees with unanimous support. But a possible hitch looms: UC has estimated that enforcing the measure could add millions of dollars of costs for administrative, security and legal fees.

The potentially high price qualifies the measure for the suspense file, in which the fates of all bills pegged with a fiscal impact are decided in one hearing  scheduled in the Senate Appropriations Committee on Thursday  without the typical roll call vote. The bills backers worry its suspense file status could enable lawmakers to quietly kill the proposal.

Theres a natural impulse to vote for motherhood and apple pie and free speech, said Baker of the ACLU. Bills can die without a vote against them on the suspense [file].

Cohn scoffed at UCs cost estimates, noting that many courts have ruled against campus free speech zones as violating the 1st Amendment.

The idea that the bill will add costs to the state is silly on its face, he said. They already have this same liability and same legal obligation, regardless or not if the bill passes.

If the bill advances, Tomas said, he plans to continue traveling to Sacramento to lobby for Nielsens measure.

I find it really great to team up with the cattle rancher, he said. It really symbolizes the issue. Free speech at its finest is two people disagreeing with each other and saying, Lets discuss it.

melanie.mason@latimes.com

Follow @melmason on Twitter for the latest on California politics.

Pierce College student files free speech zone lawsuit

Cal Poly Pomona reaches settlement with student over free speech rights

Updates from Sacramento
Vienna, Austria, May 24

By Ilaha Mammadli, Azad Hasanli  Trend:

Azerbaijan and Slovakia plan to sign a number of agreements in the sphere of investments, agriculture and taxes, Head of Azerbaijans diplomatic mission in Slovakia Jafar Huseynzade told Trend May 24.

Huseynzade said that as of today, the contractual base between the two countries is based on 7-8 agreements, which doesnt reflect the level of existing capacity.

Currently, we work to expand the contractual base in four directions  political, economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres. As part of this work, we prepared several documents, among which there are agreements on investment promotion, on avoidance of double taxation, on cooperation in the field of education and tourism, said the diplomat.

We also work on a strategic cooperation document. It is important that the issue of settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict within Azerbaijans territorial integrity will be reflected in this document.

Three more documents, noted Huseynzade, on preparation of which work is being carried out, touch upon various areas of cooperation in the field of agriculture: this is the cooperation in the field of veterinary medicine, plant cultivation and, in general, in the agrarian sector.

However, the diplomat added that these documents will be signed not earlier than 2018.

We also aimed at creating a joint commission, which will help to stimulate mutual investments and establish closer cooperation in the economic sphere. That is why we want this commission not to be an intergovernmental one, but to operate between the economy ministries of the two countries, said the head of Azerbaijani diplomatic mission.

According to him, Azerbaijan and Slovakia have good opportunities for development of cooperation in the spheres of tourism and education.

Particularly, we have quite big potential for cooperation in the tourism sphere. We are working to simplify the visa regime between our countries. Slovakia is very attractive in terms of tourism, because at the European level of quality, services are offered here at lower prices. As for the sphere of education, it should be noted that Slovakias universities provide qualitative education, and the cost of education in them is also lower than in Germany and Austria. Meanwhile, universities offer language courses for foreign students, which facilitates studying in this country, noted Huseynzade.
Boy Scouts: Top leaders didnt call Trump to praise speech as the president said By Associated Press The Boy Scouts denied Wednesday that the head of the youth organization called President Donald Trump to praise his recent politically aggressive speech to its national jamboree. Trump told the Wall Street Journal in an interview published Wednesday, I got a call from the head of the Boy Scouts saying it was the greatest speech that was ever made to them, and they were very thankful. Politico published the transcript of the interview. We are unaware of any such call, the Boy Scouts responded in a statement. It specified that neither of the organizations two top leaders  President Randall Stephenson and Chief Scout Executive Mike Surbaugh  had placed such a call. The White House had no immediate response to the Boy Scouts denial. Surbaugh apologized last week to members of the scouting community who were offended by the political rhetoric in Trumps July 24 speech in West Virginia. Other U.S. presidents have delivered nonpolitical speeches at past jamborees. To the dismay of many parents and former scouts, Trump promoted his political agenda and derided his rivals, inducing some of the scouts in attendance to boo at the mention of former President Obama. I want to extend my sincere apologies to those in our Scouting family who were offended by the political rhetoric that was inserted into the jamboree, Surbaugh said. That was never our intent. Surbaugh noted that every sitting president since 1937 has been invited to visit the jamboree. Stephenson told the Associated Press two days after the speech that Boy Scout leaders anticipated Trump would spark controversy with politically tinged remarks, yet felt obliged to invite him out of respect for his office. Hoping to minimize friction, the Boy Scouts issued guidelines to adult staff members for how the audience should react to the speech. Any type of political chanting was specifically discouraged. Stephenson, who did not attend Trumps speech, said the guidance wasnt followed impeccably. Facebook

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Mayor of London again calls on Trump to cancel state visit By Christina Boyle (AFP/Getty Images) The mayor of London has reiterated his calls for President Trumps state visit to Britain to be canceled in the wake of the citys terrorist incident, saying his policies go against everything we stand for. The war of words between the two leaders intensified further Monday evening after Trump criticized Mayor Sadiq Khans response to the London Bridge terrorist attack in two tweets, and the mayor said Trump should not be welcomed in the capital. Since Saturday Ive been working with the police, with the emergency services, with the government and others to deal with the horrific attack on Saturday, Khan said Monday evening. I just havent got the time to deal with tweets from Donald Trump. But when pressed on whether he thinks a state visit for later this year should go ahead as planned, Khan was unequivocal. My position remains the same. I dont think we should be rolling out the carpet to the president of the United States in the circumstances where his policies go against everything we stand for, Khan told Channel 4 news. When you have a special relationship, it is no different to when you have a close mate: You stand with them in times of adversity, but you call them out when theyre wrong. And there are many things about which Donald Trump is wrong. Trump initially criticized Khan hours after the London attack posting on Twitter: At least 7 dead and 48 wounded in terror attack and Mayor of London says there is no reason to be alarmed! Khans office soon pointed out that the president had, in fact, misquoted Khan, who actually said that Londoners should not be alarmed by the increased armed police presence on the streets. Trump took to Twitter again on Monday to slam the London mayor once more. Pathetic excuse by London mayor Sadiq Khan, who had to think fast on his no reason to be alarmed statement. MSM [Mainstream media] is working hard to sell it! the president wrote. This is not the first time Khan, the first Muslim mayor of a major Western capital city, has called for Trumps state visit to be banned. He previously branded Trumps policies on immigration and proposed travel ban on people entering the U.S. from predominantly Muslim countries cruel. An online government petition calling for the invitation to be withdrawn also gathered more than 1.8 million votes. The visit was first announced during Prime Minister Theresa Mays trip to Washington, where she became the first foreign leader to meet the newly-inaugurated president. State visits are personal invites from the British monarch and involve a significant amount of pomp and ceremony, and usually a state banquet. Facebook

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He helped bring down President Nixon. He thinks President Trump is even worse. By Mark Z. Barabak (Francine Orr/Los Angeles Times) John Dean is a connoisseur of coverups, a savant of scandal, so he can more than imagine what its like inside the Trump White House right now. Its a nightmare, he said, presiding in a high-backed leather wing chair off the lobby of the Beverly Hills Hotel. Not just for those in the headlines  political strategist Steve Bannon, jack-of-many-duties Jared Kushner  but for their unsung assistants and secretaries as well. They dont know what their jeopardy is. They dont know what theyre looking at. They dont know if theyre a part of a conspiracy that might unfold. They dont know whether to hire lawyers or not, how theyre going to pay for them if they do, Dean said in a crisp law-counsel cadence. Its an unpleasant place. Dean was a central figure in Watergate, the 1970s political scandal against which all others are measured, serving at the tender age of 32 as President Nixons White House attorney. In that capacity Dean worked to thwart investigators after the clumsy break-in at Democratic Party headquarters, then flipped and helped sink Nixon by revealing the presidents involvement in the coverup. Read More Facebook

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Two decades ago, Washington state Republicans repealed and replaced a healthcare overhaul there. It didnt end well By Noam N. Levey Republicans in the state of Washington didnt wait long in the spring of 1995 to fulfill their pledge to roll back a sweeping law expanding health coverage in the state. Coming off historic electoral gains, the GOP legislators scrapped much of the law while pledging to make health insurance affordable and to free state residents from onerous government mandates. It didnt work out that way: The repeal left the states insurance market in shambles, sent premiums skyrocketing and drove health insurers from the state. It took nearly five years to repair the damage. Two decades later, the ill-fated experiment, largely relegated to academic journals, offers a caution to lawmakers at the national level as Republicans in the U.S. Senate race to write a bill to repeal and replace the federal Affordable Care Act. Its much easier to break something, said Pam MacEwan, who led a Washington state commission charged with implementing the law in the mid-1990s and now oversees the state insurance market there. Its more difficult to put Humpty Dumpty back together again.  And thats when people get hurt. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office echoed that warning last week, when it concluded that the healthcare bill passed by the House last month would destabilize insurance markets in a sixth of the country and nearly double the number of people without health insurance over the next decade. Read More Facebook

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Companies accelerate hiring, adding a robust 253,000 net new jobs, ADP says By Jim Puzzanghera A now hiring sign is seen in Baton Rouge, La., on May 5. (Justin Sullivan / Getty Images) Companies accelerated their hiring last month, adding a robust 253,000 net new jobs in a sign the labor market remains healthy and the economy is strengthening after a weak winter. The private-sector job creation figures reported Thursday by payroll firm Automatic Data Processing far exceeded analyst expectations and was well above the downwardly revised 174,000 net new positions added in April. Job growth is rip-roaring, declared Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moodys Analytics, which assists ADP in preparing its report. Read More Facebook

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All jokes aside, Trumps covfefe tweet sparks questions too By Brian Bennett President Trump sparked a global kerfuffle over covfefe with his bizarrely truncated tweet just minutes into Wednesday, spawning countless jokes across Twitter but also more serious questions for which the White House gave no answers. Press Secretary Sean Spicer, during an unusually short 11-minute briefing in which he insisted he not be on camera, declined to give any explanation for Trumps tweet posted just after midnight. Nor would he translate what the president was trying to say in the garbled message that broke off midsentence. But Spicer told reporters that the public should not be concerned that the president sent what the questioner called somewhat of an incoherent tweet. The president and a small group of people know exactly what he meant, Spicer said. Read More Facebook

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Biden launches new PAC, keeping the 2020 door open By David Lauter (Steven Senne / Associated Press) Former Vice President Joe Biden is launching a new political action committee, a platform that will allow him to provide help to favored candidates and, inevitably, boost speculation about a possible run for the Democratic nomination in 2020. The organization, which Biden is calling American Possibilities, will be staffed by a former top political aide to the vice president, Greg Schultz, who is also a veteran of President Obamas reelection campaign. The PAC will allow Biden to raise money that he can use to travel the country, contribute to candidates in governors races this year and congressional and state races in 2018 and generally do the sorts of things that aspiring politicians do to keep their names in the headlines. All that cant help but nurture questions about whether Biden, 74, will try yet again to attain the office he first started running for in 1987. In public appearances, which have taken him to electorally important states, and interviews since the 2016 election, Biden has been sharply critical of the Trump administration, but has also pointed to flaws in his own party. In one interview, he pointed to a bit of elitism thats crept in to the partys approach to working-class voters. At the same time, he has given carefully ambiguous answers when asked about his plans. At a conference in Las Vegas earlier this month, he responded to the question about a presidential run by saying: Could I? Yes. Would I? Probably not. In the announcement for the new group, Biden said that the negativity, the pettiness, the small-mindedness of our politics drives me crazy. Its not who we are. Its time for big dreams and American possibilities, he said. Facebook

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U.S., regions foreign ministers debate Venezuela By Tracy Wilkinson (AFP / Getty Images) The United States and foreign ministers from across the hemisphere met in Washington on Wednesday to attempt to force Venezuelas leftist government and its angry opposition into talks. Hunger and violence have pushed Venezuela to the brink of humanitarian disaster, diplomats say. But Wednesdays meeting of the Organization of American States faced unlikely prospects for success: Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro does not trust the organization and has said his nation will withdraw its membership. Some OAS nations, including several U.S. allies in the Caribbean, have criticized the regional bodys efforts as intervention promoted by Washington. But U.S. officials are hoping the sheer weight of the crisis will unite the region to put pressure on Venezuela. Theres more and more concern about what were seeing, and so more and more countries have gotten over their reluctance to question or go against the wishes of the Venezuelan government, a senior State Department official said in a briefing for reporters. Its really hard to stand by and do nothing in the face of the kinds of institutional steps weve seen in Venezuela, and the increasing humanitarian suffering, said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, in keeping with frequent administration practice. Although the OAS periodically brings its members foreign ministers together, this is the first time a meeting has been convened to deal with a single topic, U.S. officials said. At the conclusion of Wednesdays session, diplomats said they had discussed two resolutions. One, promoted by Caribbean nations, called on Venezuela to reconsider withdrawing from the OAS. A second more pointed resolution authored by the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Panama and Peru urged the Maduro administration not to go ahead with a constituent assembly that would rewrite the Venezuelan constitution. Many fear it would dissolve the few democratic institutions that remain and favor the ruling Socialist Party. Separately, the Venezuela opposition, emboldened by a string of increasingly massive street demonstrations, sharply criticized Wall Street for extending what it called a lifeline to the Maduro government. At issue is the purchase by Goldman Sachs of Venezuelan government bonds for a reported $865 million, a major discount for paper originally worth $2.8 billion. Goldman Sachs confirmed the purchase of the bonds, issued in 2014 by the state oil company PDVSA, after it was reported in the Wall Street Journal. We are invested in PDVSA bonds because, like many in the asset management industry, we believe the situation in the country must improve over time, Goldman said in a statement. The firm added that it made the purchase through a secondary dealer to avoid direct interaction with the Venezuelan government. That distinction meant nothing to the Venezuelan opposition, which accused Goldman of making a buck off the suffering of the Venezuelan people. The Trump administration previously has targeted the Maduro government, slapping economic sanctions on its vice president and pro-Maduro Supreme Court justices. Facebook

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Former FBI director spoke with new special counsel and is cleared to testify before Senate panel By Joseph Tanfani The special counsel investigating possible links between Russia and the Trump presidential campaign has cleared former FBI Director James Comey to testify before a congressional committee about his contacts with President Trump, according to an associate close to Comey. Comey met with Robert S. Mueller III, whom the Justice Department appointed on May 17 to investigate any Russian ties to the Trump campaign, and Mueller said he had no problems with Comeys testifying, the associate said. Trump abruptly fired Comey as head of the FBI on May 9. The president later said in an interview on NBC News that he was concerned about the FBI investigation into what he called the Russia thing. Comey reportedly wrote internal memos after his meetings with Trump. In one, he wrote that the president had requested he ease up on the FBI probe of Michael Flynn, who served as Trumps national security advisor until he was ousted in February for lying about his contacts with Russian officials. The Senate Intelligence Committee announced on May 19 that Comey had agreed to testify after the Memorial Day holiday. The hearing has not been scheduled. The FBI separately declined a request from the House Oversight Committee to turn over Comeys memos. The bureau said it would need to consult with Mueller before making any decisions. Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah), the committee chairman, said in response that he would not push the matter. The focus of the committees investigation is the independence of the FBI and the events leading to Comeys firing, he wrote. In a separate development, a senior Justice Department lawyer with experience in complex financial fraud investigations has agreed to join Muellers investigation. Andrew Weissman has led the fraud section at Justice, where he oversaw probes into corporate wrongdoing at Volkswagen and Takata. Weissman also is a veteran of the FBI. Weissman is the highest-ranking Justice Department official to join the special counsel office being set up a few blocks from the main Justice building in downtown Washington. Mueller also hired two colleagues from the WilmerHale law firm, where he worked, and brought on a former Justice Department spokesman, Peter Carr, to handle media inquiries. Facebook

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Analysis: In President Trumps wake, divisions mark both Democratic and Republican parties By Cathleen Decker Democratic National Committee Chairman Tom Perez address a crowd at the California party convention in May. (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times) Six months after President Trump breached long-standing political boundaries to win the White House, the nations major political parties still muddle in his wake. On the sun-swept lawn of the Hotel del Coronado two weeks ago, national Republican leaders sipped cocktails and listened to San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer, one of the partys brightest lights in the most populous state, praise a brand of moderate Republicanism that looks nothing like the versions coming out of Washington  either the populism of the president or the more orthodox conservatism of congressional leaders. A week later, Democratic National Committee Chairman Tom Perez talked in a Sacramento interview of the remarkably constructive debate underway in his party, characterizing its divisions as largely in the past. Within hours, he and other party leaders were booed as they welcomed delegates to a state convention that would be filled with persistent internal warfare on healthcare and other issues. No political party is immune to disagreement; indeed the path to power often relies on combustible ideological diversity. But Democrats and Republicans alike seem particularly adrift and quarrelsome these days. Read More Facebook

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Trump preparing to pull U.S. from Paris climate accord, amid last-minute lobbying By Evan Halper President Trump hasnt made a final decision on whether the U.S. will quit the Paris Accord on climate change, but White House officials indicated Wednesday that he was headed in that direction, setting off a worldwide reaction. A flurry of leaks, counter-leaks and public statements thrust back into the spotlight a decision that has been agonized and untidy even by the standards of a White House known for internal drama. Wednesday morning, when officials told some news organizations that Trump had settled on pulling out of the climate agreement, seemingly everyone in the world jumped in to try to influence or spin his decision, from the Chinese government to the coal industry to the state of California. That offered a foretaste of the reaction Trump likely will receive if he does follow through on his vow to pull the United States out of the 195-nation pact, which President Obama hailed in 2015 as one of his major achievements. Other nations have swiftly moved to take over the leadership role on climate that the United States would be abandoning. Some states have followed suit, promising they would break with Washington to work with other countries in their efforts to contain global warming. During Trumps recent overseas trip, U.S. allies warned him that Americas broader diplomatic influence would be undercut if the administration gave up its seat at the climate negotiating table. All the public lobbying on Wednesday moved Trump to weigh in himself. He knocked down reports that he had decided to withdraw with a tweet announcing that he was still making up his mind. The mixed messages coming out of the White House left open the possibility that the original news reports reflected the views of officials who were aiming to steer the final outcome by presenting withdrawal as a done deal. Trumps schedule for the day includes meetings with advisors hoping to talk him into staying in the agreement, at least to some extent. If Trump does withdraw the U.S. fully from the Paris pact, scientists warn it will be a tremendous setback to the worldwide effort to contain temperatures from rising an average of 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. The consequences for the United States would extend beyond global warming. It will be a very big deal all over the world, said Todd Stern, the lead U.S. climate negotiator during the Obama administration. There will be consequential blowback with respect to our diplomatic position across the board. UPDATES 9:27 a.m.: This post was updated throughout with staff reporting and additional details. 6:23 a.m.: This post was updated with Trumps tweet. 6:04 a.m.: This post was updated throughout with additional details. Facebook

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U.S. Supreme Court makes it harder to sue police for barging into homes By David Savage The U.S. Supreme Court made it harder to sue police for barging into a home and provoking a shooting, setting aside a $4-million verdict against two Los Angeles County deputies on Tuesday. The money was awarded to a homeless couple who were startled and then shot when the two sheriffs deputies entered the shack where they were sleeping. The unanimous ruling rejected the so-called provocation rule that some lower courts have used. Under that rule, police can be sued for violating a victims constitutional rights against unreasonable searches if they provoked a confrontation that resulted in violence. Read More Facebook

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Trump lashes out at Germany over NATO spending and trade after Merkel questions the U.S. commitment to its allies By Brian Bennett (Saul Loeb / AFP/Getty Images) President Trump took aim at German trade practices and defense spending Tuesday following pointed criticism from Chancellor Angela Merkel that Germany may not be able to rely on its allies. We have a MASSIVE trade deficit with Germany, plus they pay FAR LESS than they should on NATO & military. Very bad for U.S. This will change, Trump wrote in a tweet. Last week, White House spokespeople had denied that Trump criticized German trade practices after the German newspaper Der Spiegel quoted him as having done so. Trump unsettled Merkel and other allies during the recent NATO summit when, during his remarks, he did not mention the central commitment members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization make to defend each other. We have a MASSIVE trade deficit with Germany, plus they pay FAR LESS than they should on NATO & military. Very bad for U.S. This will change  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 30, 2017 Trumps policy toward climate change is another point of contention with many European countries. Trump promised during the election to tear up the landmark Paris climate accord. Merkel said the conversation with the U.S. on climate change last week during the G-7 meetings in Sicily, which followed the NATO summit, was extremely difficult. During a campaign speech in Munich on Sunday, Merkel said Germany must rethink how much it can rely on its allies. The era in which we could rely completely on others is gone, at least partially, Merkel said. I have experienced that over the last several days. In a 2014 meeting, NATO defense ministers agreed that each state would move toward a goal of raising military spending to 2% of its annual economic output by the year 2024. German defense spending is below that goal. The U.S. trade deficit with Germany shrank to $65 billion in 2016 from $75 billion the year before. Facebook

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Consumers spend at fastest pace in four months in a sign of spring economic rebound By Jim Puzzanghera (Wilfredo Lee / Associated Press) Americans ratcheted up their spending in April at the fastest pace in four months, in a sign the economy has rebounded this spring after a lackluster winter. The new data also could help push Federal Reserve officials to hike a key interest rate again when they meet in two weeks. Personal consumption expenditures increased 0.4% in April, up from 0.3% the previous month, the Commerce Department said Tuesday. Americans had more money to spend, with personal incomes also rising 0.4%  twice the pace of growth in March. Read More Facebook

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White House communications director Michael Dubke resigns By Associated Press White House Communications Director Mike Dubke listens as a reporter asks a question during a press conference in the East Room of the White House on April 20. (Shawn Thew / EPA) White House communications director Michael Dubke has resigned. Kellyanne Conway, White House counselor, told The Associated Press that Dubke handed in his resignation before President Donald Trump left for his international trip earlier this month. In an interview on Fox News on Tuesday, Conway said Dubke made very clear that he would see through the presidents international trip, and come to work every day and work hard even through that trip because there was much to do here back at the White House. Dubke issued a statement Tuesday morning: It has been my great honor to serve President Trump and this administration. It has also been my distinct pleasure to work side-by-side, day-by-day with the staff of the communications and press departments. A Republican consultant, Dubke joined the White House team in February after campaign aide Jason Miller  Trumps original choice for communications director  withdrew from consideration. Dubke founded Crossroads Media, a GOP firm that specializes in political advertising. -- 6:03 a.m.: Updated with Dubkes statement Facebook

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Should Jared Kushner keep his security clearance? Adam Schiff isnt sure By Laura King The top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, Rep. Adam B. Schiff (D-Burbank), says hes not sure that President Trumps son-in-law and advisor, Jared Kushner, should retain his security clearance. The California Democrat, who has been a sharp critic of Trump, also said in an interview aired Sunday that national security advisor H.R. McMaster, a highly respected military officer, had been tarnished by his association with the White House. Schiffs comments, on ABCs This Week, came amid growing questions about Kushners contacts with Russian officials before Trump took office. Trump has denounced the latest round of news reports, saying that some of them could be based on fabricated sources. Top Trump aides, including John F. Kelly, the secretary of Homeland Security, pushed back Sunday against the suggestion that there was anything untoward about establishing back channel communications with the Russians during the presidential transition. Schiff said he regretted that McMaster had done so as well, saying he believed the White House used the solid reputations of people like him to back up dubious actions. Sadly, I think this is an administration that takes in people with good credibility and chews them out and spits out their credibility at the same time, said Schiff, who acknowledged that what McMaster said about back channel communications was true in the abstract. I think anyone within the Trump orbit is at risk of being used, he said. Kelly, in separate talk-show appearances on Sunday, said there was nothing untoward about an incoming administration establishing communications with a foreign power in order to lay the groundwork for better relations. Schiff declined to discuss the substance of the allegations regarding Kushners contact with Russian officials during the transition and whether Kushner had been forthcoming about them, but said enough questions had been raised that his access to top-secret intelligence should be scrutinized. I think we need to get to the bottom of these allegations, Schiff said. But I do think there ought to be a review of his security clearance to find out whether he was truthful, whether he was candid. If not, then theres no way he can maintain that kind of a clearance. Schiff was also critical of continuing involvement in aspects of the Russia probe by fellow Californian Devin Nunes (R-Tulare), the chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, who stepped aside from the probe earlier this year after the House Ethics Committee began investigating whether he had improperly revealed classified information. Nunes remains involved in decision-making about the issuance of subpoenas, Schiff said, adding: I dont think that he should, given that he has stepped aside or recused himself. The committee is investigating Russian entanglements by figures in Trumps circle, including fired national security advisor Michael Flynn, who has been the target of multiple subpoenas. Facebook

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Trump still wide open on climate change, Pentagon chief says By Laura King With President Trump set to make a decision this week about whether the U.S. should remain part of the landmark Paris climate accord, Defense Secretary James Mattis said Trump remains wide open on the issue. During a visit to Europe that ended Saturday, Trump dismayed European allies by refusing to commit to remaining in the 2015 accord during talks with European Union officials in Brussels and at the Group of Seven gathering in Sicily. The president said in a tweet that he will make a decision this week. Mattis, who was present at some of the Brussels talks, said that Trump is still making up his mind, and that he has been inquisitive about other leaders opinions. The president was open  he was curious about why others were in the position they were in, his counterparts in other nations, the Defense secretary said in an interview aired Sunday on CBS Face the Nation. And Im quite certain the president is wide open on this issue as he takes in the pros and cons of that accord. During his European trip, Trump met privately at the Vatican with Pope Francis, who presented him with a copy of his papal encyclical on environment and climate change. French President Emmanuel Macron, who met with Trump in Brussels, also said he had pressed the issue with the U.S. president, though the White House did not mention that appeal in a summary of their meeting. Facebook

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Homeland Security secretary defends Jared Kushner, blasts Manchester intelligence leaks By Laura King There is nothing inherently wrong with an incoming presidential administration establishing back channel communications with a foreign power such as Russia, Secretary of Homeland Security John F. Kelly said Sunday. Appearing on Fox News Sunday, Kelly was asked about reports by the Washington Post and other outlets that President Trumps son-in-law and close advisor, Jared Kushner, sought to set up secret lines of communication with Russian officials prior to Trump being sworn in. The retired general did not confirm the reports, but said the principle of establishing secretive contacts during a presidential transition doesnt bother me and is a legitimate means of building relationships. I think that any channel of communication, back or otherwise, with a country like Russia is a good thing, he said. Kelly did not address a central element of the reports  that Kushner discussed the possibility of using Russian communications channels from a Russia diplomatic outpost to shield from U.S. intelligence surveillance whatever discussions Trump transition officials wanted to have with Moscow. The FBI, a special counsel and multiple congressional committees are probing Russian interference in the presidential campaign and whether the Trump camp colluded in it. The U.S. intelligence community says Russian cyberattacks were meant to boost Trump and harm his opponent, Hillary Clinton. In a separate interview on NBCs Meet the Press, Kelly defended the integrity of Kushner, whose involvement in communications with Russia has brought the investigation closer to Trump personally than has previous scrutiny of others in his campaign circle or the White House. Calling Kushner a great guy, a decent guy, the Homeland Security secretary said the presidents son-in-laws No. 1 interest, really, is the nation. Also in the NBC interview, Kelly excoriated intelligence leaks in the wake of last weeks deadly bombing in Manchester, England. British officials including Prime Minister Theresa May were angered by disclosures about details of the investigation, including the release of the dead attackers name and detailed photos from the bomb scene that were published by the New York Times. Several outlets cited unnamed U.S. officials as the source of the information including the bombers identity. The Times did not say how it obtained the photos. Britain routinely shares intelligence with close allies like the United States with the expectation that it will be kept confidential. Kelly said that failing to keep such secrets could seriously damage intelligence-sharing arrangements with other nations. I believe when you leak the kind of information that seems to be routinely leaked - high, high level of classification I think its darn close to treason, Kelly said. It is not clear what level of classification, if any, the information about the British investigation would have had. Trump himself, who recently caused controversy when he passed sensitive intelligence on Islamic State to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and discussed the location of U.S. nuclear submarines with the president of the Philippines, Rodrigo Duterte, has denounced the Manchester leaks and vowed to track down the source or sources. Facebook

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In tweets, Trump says stories based on White House leaks are fabricated By Laura King President Trump is back  and tweeting. In a Sunday morning series of posts on Twitter, the president repeated his denunciations of the fake media, celebrated the Republican victory in a Montana special election and declared his overseas trip a success. Trump returned to the White House late Saturday after a swing through the Middle East and Europe, the first foreign trip of his presidency. During it, he tweeted only sparingly. While Trump was away, controversy continued to swirl around his White House, with media reports focusing on son-in-law Jared Kushners role in Trump campaign contacts with Russian officials. The GOP healthcare plan and Trumps budget also came under withering scrutiny during the presidents absence. In Sundays tweets, Trump said cascading leaks from within his administration were in fact fabricated lies by news organizations based on sources that did not exist. One tweet was corrected to fix the spelling of exist. It is my opinion that many of the leaks coming out of the White House are fabricated lies made up by the #FakeNews media.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 28, 2017 Trump also complained that the special congressional election in Montana, called to fill the seat vacated when Ryan Zinke became his Interior secretary, was such a big deal to Dems & Fake News until the Republican won. The V was poorly covered, he said, referring to the Republican victory. The victory by Republican candidate Greg Gianforte received extensive coverage. It was widely expected, given Montanas significant Republican edge, but made more suspenseful on the eve of the election when Gianforte was charged with misdemeanor assault for an incident in which he struck a reporter who had asked him a question. The president received mixed reviews for his inaugural overseas venture. He was praised by some for his outreach to Sunni Arab allies in the Persian Gulf, but continued his administrations practice of making no public criticism of serious human rights violations. In Europe, he rattled allies by declining to explicitly endorse the NATO alliances bedrock common defense pledge or pledge to adhere to the Paris climate accord. Whatever the commentary surrounding the trip, Trump counted it a success. Hard work but big results, he wrote. Facebook

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Trumps international trip underscored what America First looks like on the world stage By Michael Memoli Donald Trump made no secret during the presidential campaign of his disdain for Americas trading partners, his skepticism of longtime alliances and his eagerness to refocus U.S. foreign policy on the single-minded pursuit of American security. That was the largely the president the world got as Trump made his way through the Middle East and Western Europe over the last nine days, Trumps first foreign trip may have produced memorable, and at time cringe-inducing, images of the new president, whether grasping a glowing orb in Saudi Arabia or shoving the prime minister of Montenegro at a NATO meeting in Brussels. But perhaps most profoundly, the trip underscored what America First, as Trump has branded his governing philosophy, looks like on the world stage. Read More Facebook

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Trump says hell decide on Paris climate deal next week By Associated Press Seven wealthy democracies ended their summit Saturday in Italy without unanimous agreement on climate change, as the Trump administration plans to take more time to say whether the U.S. is going to remain in the Paris accord on limiting greenhouse gas emissions. The other six nations in the Group of Seven agreed to stick with their commitment to implement the 2015 Paris deal that aims to slow down global warming. The final G-7 statement, issued after two days of talks in the seaside town of Taormina, said the U.S. is in the process of reviewing its policies on climate change and on the Paris agreement and thus is not in a position to join the consensus on these topics. Trump tweeted he would decide his stance on the Paris agreement next week. The announcement on the final day of the U.S. presidents first international trip comes after he declined to commit to staying in the sweeping climate deal, resisting intense international pressure from his peers at the summit. I will make my final decision on the Paris Accord next week!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 27, 2017 Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni, who chaired the meeting, said the other six wont change our position on climate change one millimeter. The U.S. hasnt decided yet. I hope they decide in the right way. Gentiloni said climate was not a minor point and that he hoped the United States would decide soon and well because the Paris accords need the contribution of the United States. French President Emmanuel Macron also chimed in on the climate issue, praising Trumps capacity to listen. Macron said he told Trump it is indispensable for the reputation of the United States and the interest of the Americans themselves that the United States remain committed to the Paris climate agreement. German Chancellor Angela Merkel was more downbeat, calling the G-7 climate talks very unsatisfactory. Facebook

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Everyones a winner! Or what to take away from that special congressional race in Montana By Mark Z. Barabak Republicans were celebrating Friday, and relieved, and it was easy to see why: The party hung on to Montanas sole congressional seat even though its candidate faced a freshly lodged criminal charge for physically assaulting a reporter on election eve. Though they fell short in yet another special election  Greg Gianforte won handily, 50% to 44%  Democrats also found reason to be pleased: Their candidate, flawed as he was, continued a pattern of polling better than might be expected  over-performing, to use the political parlance, and that could hold future promise. Its possible, as elections analyst Nathan Gonzales put it, to lose and still have momentum. Read More Facebook

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In commencement address, Hillary Clinton remembers fallout from Nixon, makes subtle jab at President Trump By Kurtis Lee Hillary Clinton delivers the commencement address at Wellesley College in Wellesley, Mass., on Friday. (Josh Reynolds / Associated Press) Hillary Clinton delivered a subtle dig at President Trump on Friday, offering some parallels between his presidency and that of former President Nixon. While delivering a commencement address at her alma mater, Wellesley College, a private womens liberal arts school in Massachusetts, Clinton, without naming Trump, recalled how many young people in the 1970s reacted to Nixons reelection and later battles with the Justice Department. We were furious about the past presidential election of a man whose presidency would eventually end in disgrace with his impeachment for obstruction of justice, she said, pausing to note she was referring to Nixon. Actually, Nixon was not impeached, though many in Congress, including members of his own party, called for it. Clinton said Nixons resignation came after he fired the person heading the investigation into him at the Department of Justice. In 1973, Nixon ordered Justice Department officials to fire a special prosecutor who was looking into taped conversations recorded in the Oval Office as part of the Watergate investigation. A year later, in August 1974, Nixon resigned. Some political observers  mostly Democrats -- have compared Trumps recent firing of FBI Director James B. Comey, who was overseeing an investigation of possible collusion between Russians and Trumps campaign, to Nixons actions. Last week, Rep. Al Green (D-Texas) called for Trump to be impeached. Clinton, who has made few public appearances since Trump defeated her in last years presidential election, also assailed the Republicans new budget proposal. She called the budget, which proposes cuts to education and Medicaid, an attack of unimaginable cruelty on the most vulnerable among us  the youngest, the oldest, the poorest and hard-working people who need a little help to gain or hang on to a decent, middle-class life. In a statement, the Republican National Committee said Clinton was lashing out after her election loss. Clinton graduated from Wellesley in 1969 and last delivered a commencement address at the school in 1992. Facebook

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At G-7 Summit, a day of clarification for the White House By Michael A. Memoli (Sean Gallup / Getty Images) As President Trump met with leaders of the worlds leading economies here Friday within miles of an active volcano, the White House was working to ease a pair of diplomatic eruptions. Trump was due to meet with British Prime Minister Theresa May on the sidelines of the G-7 Summit in this coastal Sicilian resort town, amid tensions between their countries, longtime allies, following leaks to U.S. media outlets involving Britains investigation of the Manchester terrorist bombing. Separately, a top White House adviser partially confirmed reports that Trump had said Germany is very bad during Thursdays NATO meetings in Brussels, but clarified that the president was referring only to German trade policies. Trump said, according to the German magazine Der Spiegel, See the millions of cars they are selling to the U.S.? Terrible. We will stop this. Gary Cohn, director of the National Economic Council, acknowledged that Trump made the remark but added that the president doesnt have a problem with Germany. He said his dad is from Germany. He said I dont have a problem with Germany, I have a problem with German trade, Cohn said. Press access to the G-7 meetings has been extremely limited, though the surrounding setting has produced abundant compelling visuals. Editorial press access extremely limited for G7 meetings. But man, pretty pictures & good times for Taormina Chamber of Commerce (via AP) pic.twitter.com/WT2EdKrwJ5  Mike Memoli (@mikememoli) May 26, 2017 Trump tweeted that he expected to spend the day focused on economic growth, terrorism and security. The summit, and Trumps eight-day inaugural foreign trip, ends Saturday. Other allies here were likely to press Trump on another issue: climate change, specifically whether Trump will carry out his campaign promise to pull the United States out of the landmark Paris climate deal. Trump was hoping to better understand the European position, Cohn said. White House officials have said the president will make a decision once he is back in the United States. He knows that in the U.S. theres very strong opinions on both sides but he also knows that Paris has important meaning to many of the European leaders. And he wants to clearly hear what the European leaders have to say, Cohn said. Facebook

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As Trump wavers over Paris climate accord, European leaders give him an earful By Evan Halper Mining operation near Grevenbroich, Germany. (Martin Meissner / Associated Press) With President Trump balking on his vow to shred the Obama-negotiated Paris agreement on climate change, the last place the pacts staunch opponents wanted to see the president is where he will be this weekend  meeting other world leaders unanimous in their warnings that withdrawal from the accord would seriously damage Americas economy and world stature. Trump has repeatedly delayed fulfilling his campaign pledge to move against the agreement. The longer the White House deliberates over Paris, the more Trump seems to be searching for a face-saving excuse to walk back his previous position. The White House indecision over the climate accord  which has the support of every nation except Syria and Nicaragua  reflects a deeply divided worldview in a Trump inner circle now packed with establishment Republicans. The issue also presents yet another policy reckoning for Trump. On the campaign trail, he vowed to strike blows against the existing world order. But on the Paris agreement, as on other matters, he is finding that political backup for such pledges can fade quickly when the moves lack robust support from major U.S. companies or majority voting blocs. Read More Facebook

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Overcoming assault charge, Republican Greg Gianforte wins Montana congressional seat By Mark Z. Barabak Republican Greg Gianforte overcame a last-minute assault charge to win Montanas special congressional election Thursday, keeping its lone House seat in GOP hands and dealing Democrats a setback in their bid to gain a red-state toehold ahead of the 2018 midterm election. Gianforte, 56, a wealthy businessman who ran unsuccessfully for governor in November, had long been the front-runner against Democrat Rob Quist, a professional bluegrass musician making his first run for public office. With more than 90% of the votes counted, Gianforte was holding a healthy lead with just over 50% support. Appearing at an exuberant victory rally in Bozeman, the congressman-elect hushed the crowd and apologized to the reporter with whom he tangled on election eve, reversing his campaigns initial assertion that the journalist was to blame. Read More Facebook

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FBI investigating Kushner meetings, report says; House leader seeks more Comey documents By Associated Press (Andrew Harrer / Getty Images) The chairman of the House Oversight Committee asked the FBI on Thursday to turn over more documents about former FBI Director James B. Comeys interactions with the White House and Justice Department, including materials dating back nearly four years to the Obama administration. Meanwhile, the Washington Post reported that the FBI is investigating meetings that President Trumps son-in-law, Jared Kushner, had in December with Russian officials. The FBI and the Oversight Committee  as well as several other congressional panels  are looking into Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential election and possible connections between Russia and the Trump campaign. Trump fired Comey on May 9 amid questions about the FBIs investigation, which is now being led by special counsel Robert S. Mueller III, a former FBI director. Kushner, a key White House advisor, had meetings late last year with Russias ambassador to the U.S., Sergey Kislyak, and Russian banker Sergey Gorkov. The Post story cited anonymous people familiar with the investigation, who said the FBI investigation does not mean that Kushner is suspected of a crime. Kushners attorney, Jamie Gorelick, released a statement saying: Mr. Kushner previously volunteered to share with Congress what he knows about these meetings. He will do the same if he is contacted in connection with any other inquiry. Earlier Thursday, House Oversight Committee Chairman Jason Chaffetz told acting FBI Director Andrew McCabe that he wants records of Comeys contacts with the White House and Justice Department dating to September 2013, when Comey was sworn in as FBI director under President Obama. In a letter to McCabe, Chaffetz said he is seeking to review Comeys memos and other written materials so he can better understand Comeys communications with the White House and attorney generals office. Facebook

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Banks want higher debit-card swipe fees, but an effort to allow them has crumbled By Jim Puzzanghera Banks had hoped Congress would let them charge merchants higher fees to process debit card purchases, but an effort to allow that has crumbled  a victory for retailers and, possibly, shoppers who might have had to shoulder those costs. In the latest chapter of a long-running fight, a repeal of federal limits on so-called swipe fees no longer will be part of a House financial regulation bill, said the legislations author, Rep. Jeb Hensarling (R-Texas). Hensarling, chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, said he decided to strip the provision from the bill because many lawmakers are balking at removing the limits. Read More Facebook

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Appeals court rules against Trump travel ban By David Lauter A federal appeals court has ruled against President Trumps travel ban, upholding a nationwide injunction barring the administration from enforcing the executive order. The ruling is the latest legal setback for Trump on the travel issue and, like several previous court rulings, the outcome rested heavily on his own words. Trumps order restricting travel from six majority-Muslim countries speaks with vague words of national security, but in context drips with religious intolerance, animus and discrimination, Chief Judge Roger L. Gregory of the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals wrote in his ruling. Read the 4th Circuits decision to uphold the block on Trumps travel ban The 10-3 ruling included numerous citations to campaign statements in which Trump called for a ban on Muslims immigrating to the United States. The plaintiffs who have challenged the travel order have argued that it is a disguised version of the Muslim ban that he called for during the campaign. Trumps statements provide direct, specific evidence of what motivated both EO-1 and EO-2, the court said, referring to ther first and second versions of the travel order: President Trumps desire to exclude Muslims from the United States. The 4th Circuit, based in Richmond, Va., is one of two appeals courts that have recently heard arguments on the travel ban. A similar case is pending before the 9th Circuit, based in San Francisco. Read More Facebook

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Obama, in Berlin with Merkel, says world cant hide behind a wall By Erik Kirschbaum Hours before German Chancellor Angela Merkel flew to Brussels to meet with President Trump and other NATO heads of state, she rekindled an old acquaintance with Trumps predecessor, Barack Obama. About 70,000 people packed an avenue by Berlins landmark Brandenburg Gate on Thursday to hear the two leaders speak, with cheers and chants of Barack, Barack! breaking out when the former president took the stage. Without mentioning Trump by name, Obama spoke of the need for universal healthcare and a nuanced approach to immigration in response to security threats. This is a new world we live in  we cant isolate ourselves, the former president declared, with Merkel looking on. We cant hide behind a wall. Obama spoke of this weeks deadly bombing at a pop concert in Manchester, England, saying leaders had to find ways to balance security fears and fundamental rights. One of the biggest challenges is how do you protect your country and your citizens from the kinds of things that we just saw in Manchester, he said. And how do you do it in a way that is consistent with your values and your ideals? Making his first European speech since his presidential term ended, Obama told the crowd he had spent the last four months trying to catch up with my sleep and devoting more time to his family. Im very proud of the work I did as president, he said to more cheers, adding that he considered healthcare reform a signature achievement. Republicans are now in the midst of trying to dismantle his Affordable Care Act. My hope was to get 100% of people healthcare, he said. We didnt quite achieve that, but we were able to get 20 million people healthcare who didnt have it before. Obamas speech was not timed to coincide with Trumps first visit to Europe as president, aides said. The invitation was extended before Trumps trip to Brussels  the fourth leg on multi-stop tour  was scheduled. Facebook

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Macron says he pressed Trump on climate accord By Catherine Stupp French President Emmanuel Macron, who met President Trump for the first time on Thursday, said he urged the U.S. leader to respect the Paris climate accord. The White House, however, did not mention the issue in its readout on Trumps working lunch in Brussels with the newly elected French president. Macron told reporters as he headed into the meeting that climate change would be one of the issues he raised, along with concerns about terrorism and the economy. Afterward, at a news conference, the French president said that in his talk with Trump, he reiterated the importance of the landmark climate accord. No hasty decision on this subject should be taken by the U.S., Macron said. Our collective responsibility is to make sure this commitment remains a global commitment. Referring to the agreement, he added: Its one of a kind. In its readout, the White House said Trump urged Macron to meet NATO commitments on French defense spending and help ensure that the alliance is focused on counter-terrorism. It also said the two leaders talked about the importance of defeating Islamic State and other vital issues. Facebook

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Trump lawyers ask Supreme Court to reject 2nd Amendment claim by men who lost gun rights over nonviolent crimes By David Savage President Trump speaks at an NRA event in Atlanta in April. ( Scott Olson / Getty Images) Trump administration lawyers are urging the Supreme Court to reject a 2nd Amendment claim that would restore the right to own a gun for two Pennsylvania men who were convicted more than 20 years ago of nonviolent crimes. The case of Sessions vs. Binderup puts the new administration in a potentially awkward spot, considering President Trumps repeated assurances during the campaign that he would protect gun ownership rights under the 2nd Amendment. But the Justice Department under Trump has embraced the same position in this case that was adopted under President Obama: to defend strict enforcement of a long-standing federal law that bars convicted criminals from ever owning a gun, even when their crimes did not involve violence. Read More Facebook

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Former Sen. Joe Lieberman withdraws from FBI director search By Associated Press (AFP/Getty Images) Former Sen. Joe Lieberman of Connecticut has withdrawn his name from consideration for the role of FBI director. Lieberman interviewed last week with President Trump, who publicly identified him as a leading candidate. But in a letter sent to the White House, Lieberman says hes pulling out. He says he wants to avoid the appearance of a conflict of interest, given Trumps hiring of one of Liebermans law partners to represent him in the investigation of ties between Russia and the Trump campaign. The White House declined to comment. Several other people interviewed for the job have also withdrawn from consideration. Trump fired former FBI Director James B. Comey earlier this month. Facebook

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At NATO celebration, Trump tells allies to spend more on defense By Michael A. Memoli (Mandel Ngan / AFP/Getty Images) President Trump used his first NATO meeting to rebuke member nations who fail to meet the trans-Atlantic alliances defense spending target, saying American taxpayers unfairly are left to pick up the slack. Speaking at dedication ceremonies for NATOs new headquarters, Trump noted that the defense budgets of 23 of the 28 members dont meet a target equal to 2% of each respective nations economic output, while the United States has spent more on defense in eight years than the other 27 combined. Many of these nations owe massive amounts of money from past years, he said. We have to make up for the many years lost. By his scolding, Trump was directly delivering to NATO allies the criticism that was a staple of his nationalist campaign for president. But his lecture came at an event intended to be celebratory, showcasing unity and resolve for the nearly 70-year-old alliance: the dedication of its shining, glass-enclosed new headquarters in Belgiums capital. The ceremony also was meant to call attention to the fact that the only time NATO has invoked its collective defense agreement was on behalf of the United States, after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on New York and Washington. Trump stood beside a section of wrenched steel from the downed World Trade Center Towers, a relic NATO calls the Article V artifact, to signify that post-9/11 invocation of the NATO charters article holding that an attack on any one member would be considered an attack on all. Speaking to reporters before the president arrived, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg acknowledged that the alliance had a long way to go to meet its goals. But its much better than it was just two years ago, he said. The reality is that when we decrease defense spending when tensions are going down, as we did after the end of the Cold War, we have to be able to increase defense spending when tensions are going up. And now we see that tensions are going up. Facebook

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Watch: Trump lectures NATO leaders on defense spending By L.A. Times staff  As NATO leaders looked on, President Trump told NATO members that they must finally contribute their fair share of defense payments. President Trump lectured members of the NATO alliance on Thursday, urging them to pay their fair share on defense. As NATO leaders looked on during a ceremony at the alliances new headquarters, Trump said that member nations must finally contribute their fair share and meet their obligations. The president has been urging NATO leaders to live up to a 2011 decision to increase spending on defense to 2% of GDP by 2024. Trump said 23 of the 28 member nations are not paying what they should and that the situation is not fair to the people of the United States. Facebook

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President Trump promises to review Manchester investigation leaks after anger from Britain By Noah Bierman Trying to head off a diplomatic rift with Britain, President Trump on Thursday issued a statement promising a complete review of possible intelligence leaks related to this weeks deadly terrorist attack at a Manchester concert. Some British officials have suggested that U.S. officials are leaking sensitive information to American media outlets about the investigation into the attack. The New York Times posted forensic photographs collected from the scene of the Manchester concert bombing, which upset British officials. Whether the photographs were provided by U.S. officials or came from some other source is not publicly known. Trump avoided questions earlier Thursday about the possible leaks. His statement came just before he was set to address NATO at its new headquarters in a speech considered pivotal to his first trip abroad as president. British Prime Minister Theresa May was expected to confront Trump over the issue when they meet later in the day. May told reporters as she entered the NATO gathering that she would make clear to Trump that intelligence shared between law enforcement agencies must remain secure. We have a special relationship with the USA. Its our deepest defense and security partnership that we have, she said. Of course that partnership is built on trust, and part of that trust is knowing that intelligence can be shared confidently, and I will be making clear to President Trump today that intelligence shared between law enforcement agencies must remain secure. In his statement, Trump said that the alleged leaks coming out of government agencies are deeply troubling. These leaks have been going on for a long time, and my Administration will get to the bottom of this. The leaks of sensitive information pose a grave threat to our national security. The statement continued with a promise to request the Department of Justice and other relevant agencies to

launch a complete review of this matter, and if appropriate, the

culprit should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Trump also reiterated said there is no relationship we cherish more than the special relationship between the two countries. Separate leaks within his own administration and related to investigations of his campaign ties to Russia have also been a source of anger to Trump. Facebook

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Montanas congressional election: that assault charge, the Trump factor, and why is it on a weird day (Thursday)? By Mark Z. Barabak Its election day in Montana after a wild 24 hours, with voters deciding who will fill the House seat vacated when Republican Ryan Zinke left to head the Interior Department under President Trump. The contest Thursday has drawn nationwide attention and an extraordinary amount of money  and that was before the GOP front-runner was accused of attacking a national political reporter. The events have turned the contest into one of the strangest in memory. Read More Facebook

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Trump ignores questions about intelligence sharing ahead of NATO meeting By Michael A. Memoli (Peter Dejoing / Associated Press) President Trump refused to answer questions Thursday about concerns among key allies on intelligence sharing with the United States, just as he prepares to join many of them here to inaugurate the new NATO headquarters. During a brief photo opportunity at his first meeting with Emmanuel Macron, Frances newly elected president, Trump for a second time remained silent as a reporter asked about a potential breakdown in the U.S.-United Kingdom intelligence-sharing relationship. British Prime Minister Theresa May is expected to press Trump on the issue when they meet later Thursday, after the New York Times posted forensic photographs collected from the scene of the Manchester concert bombing. The acting U.S. ambassador to Britain told the BBC that the leaks were deeply distressing. Speaking to reporters at the site of a NATO leaders meeting, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also deflected questions about whether the incident has led him to reevaluate his nations intelligence-sharing arrangements. We will continue to work with all our allies to keep Canadians and all citizens around the world safe, he said. Ahead of a working lunch with Macron, Trump said terrorism was at the top of the agenda, while also offering his congratulations to the 39-year-old for his tremendous victory. All over the world, theyre talking about it, he said. In addition to terrorism and the economy, Macron said he planned to discuss climate change and energy. His nation hosted the climate summit that produced the agreement under which countries pledged to reduce their carbon emissions, of which the Trump administration is considering dropping out. Trump also ignored a question about whether former national security advisor Michael Flynn should cooperate with the investigations into Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential election. Trump has no news conference scheduled with reporters for the entirety of his eight-day foreign trip, which ends Saturday. Facebook

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Trump visits European Union headquarters; EU leaders cite some differences By Catherine Stupp Donald Tusk, the president of the European Council, said Thursday that differences remain between the Trump administration and the European Union on Russia, energy and trade. I am not 100 percent sure that we can say today that we have a common opinion about Russia, Tusk, a former Polish prime minister who is sometimes called the other Donald, said after a meeting with President Trump at EU headquarters. Tusk added that while some issues remain open, like climate and trade, the leaders agreed first and foremost on the need to combat terrorism. EU officials were skeptical in advance of Trumps visit. Their concerns were driven in part by the U.S. leaders positive stance on Britains vote last year to leave the bloc. Trump at the time called it a great idea. However, he has since spoken of the importance of European unity. European officials are also concerned that the Trump administration might withdraw from the 2015 Paris climate agreement to limit global warming, and turn away from trade arrangements with the EU. Trumps visit to Brussels marked the fourth leg of his first overseas trip. Before heading into the talks with Tusk and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, he spoke enthusiastically about his earlier stops in Saudi Arabia and at the Vatican. His ceremonial welcome last week in the Saudi capital of Riyadh, Trump told the European officials, was beyond anything anyones seen. The Saudis staged elaborate festivities including a traditional sword dance. And the president called his private encounter with Pope Francis on Wednesday very impressive. The president and the pontiff met privately for half an hour, and Francis presented Trump with gifts including a copy of a papal encyclical on climate change. The pope was terrific, Trump said. After the visit to the EUs sprawling new headquarters, Trump headed to a luncheon with the newly elected French president, Emmanuel Macron. The two men were meeting for the first time. During the French presidential campaign, Trump had praised Macrons far-right opponent Marine Le Pen for her tough positions on immigration and borders, but he had stopped short of endorsing her. Facebook

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Manchester attack makes terrorism the focus of Trumps NATO meeting By Michael A. Memoli (Emmanuel Dunand / AFP/Getty Images) The deadly suicide bombing in Britain and threats of more attacks thrust counter-terrorism to the top of President Trumps agenda for talks with NATO leaders here on Thursday, buttressing his bid to enlist the alliance he had called obsolete to join the fight against Islamic State. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, anticipating the alliance meetings, told reporters flying with the president to Brussels from Rome, where Trump met Pope Francis earlier Wednesday, that Mondays attack in Britain is going to strengthen the resolve in this fight against terrorism. Tillerson stopped short of predicting that NATO would agree to formally join the U.S.-led coalition fighting Islamic State in Syria and Iraq, but said it would be a really important step if the alliance did so. The attack, which killed 22 people at a pop concert and was said to be the work of a 22-year-old British man whose family is from Libya, also figured in Trumps brief meeting with the pope at the Vatican. Read More Facebook

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Analysis says 23 million more people would be uninsured by 2026 under GOP healthcare bill By Noam N. Levey (Evan Vucci / Associated Press) An analysis released Wednesday by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office finds that the Republican healthcare bill that passed the House earlier this month would nearly double the number of Americans without health insurance over the next decade. The report likely will complicate Republican efforts to get the controversial bill through the Senate. Read More Facebook

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By throwing Americas lot in with Sunni Arabs, does Trump miss opportunities with Iran? By Tracy Wilkinson On his first official trip to the Middle East, President Trump has resoundingly thrown Americas lot in with Sunni Arab states and cast Shiite Iran as a global pariah, even as Iranians reelected a president who has offered to work with the West. During his two days in Riyadh, Trumps full-throated support for the autocratic monarchies in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states, as well as his fierce denunciation of Iran, allowed him to claim an historic new coalition of interests. In the next two days, in Jerusalem, he doubled down and argued that Israel and the Arabs should join forces against Iran and along the way, resolve Israels conflict with Palestinians in a grand bargain that has eluded diplomats for decades. But as he departed for Rome on Tuesday, Trump had little to show beyond lofty rhetoric, symbolic visits and a shower of flattery from kings, potentates and a prime minister. Read More Facebook

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Fed officials appear ready for another interest rate hike and are considering how to reduce assets By Jim Puzzanghera Federal Reserve Chairwoman Janet L. Yellen (Michael Dwyer / Associated Press) Most Federal Reserve monetary policymakers indicated they were ready for another small interest rate hike -- perhaps as soon as next month -- if economic data strengthened as expected following a weak winter, according to an account released Wednesday of their most recent meeting. Fed officials also considered a plan to start reducing the $4.5 trillion in Treasury and mortgage securities and other assets the central bank has purchased since 2008 in an attempt to stimulate the economy. The plan, which they said likely would begin later this year, would involve slowly allowing some of the maturing securities to be cashed in instead of reinvesting the money in new securities, the meeting minutes showed. The goal would be to avoid roiling financial markets and causing interest rates to jump. Read More Facebook

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So whats with the president and Melania Trump holding, or not holding, hands? By Tom Kington First Lady Melania Trump does not say much in public, but her actions seemed to speak louder than words  or at least sent tongues wagging  when she appeared to rebuff the presidents proffered hand as the couple descended from their plane in Rome late Tuesday. As President Trump looked to take her hand on the steps of Air Force One, Melania Trump quickly moved it out of reach, raising it to her head to adjust her hair. That made for two such episodes in two days. She had appeared to brush Trumps hand away at the airport in Tel Aviv during the previous stop in the presidents foreign tour. Video of that scene, often accompanied by snarky commentary, quickly went viral. Compare that to Melania Trumps positively hands-on visit on Wednesday to a Rome childrens hospital, Bambino Gesu, following the couples visit with Pope Francis. After praying to a statue of the Madonna at the entrance to the hospital, the Catholic first lady smiled cheerfully and chatted to children, posing for selfies and providing a very happy, maternal presence, according to one onlooker. Great visiting you! Stay strong and positive! Much love, Melania Trump, she wrote in the visitors book. Staff at the hospital said Melania Trump had been buoyed by her meeting with Pope Francis, and further proof came when photos emerged of the Trumps quick visit to the Sistine Chapel on Wednesday. As the president and first lady stood together to admire Michelangelos 16th century fresco, the Last Judgment, they held hands. Facebook

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House Intelligence Committee will subpoena Michael Flynn, Schiff says By Sarah D. Wire The House Intelligence Committee is preparing to issue subpoenas to President Trumps former national security advisor, Michael Flynn, according to the committees ranking Democrat, following the lead of the Senate Intelligence Committee. Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Burbank) said the House subpoenas will be designed to maximize our chance of getting the information we need for the committees investigation of Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential campaign. I think we need to use whatever compulsory [processes] necessary to get the information that he possesses, Schiff said. Earlier this week, Flynns lawyers said he would refuse separate Senate subpoenas for any records about his former business dealings with Russia, citing his constitutional right to avoid self-incrimination. The Senate committee then issued separate subpoenas to two of Flynns businesses, which the panel said were not entitled to 5th Amendment protections. A federal grand jury in Virginia also has issued subpoenas regarding Flynns business dealings with Turkey and Russia, and the newly appointed special counsel investigating the Russia matter, Robert Mueller III, is expected to focus on Flynns role as well. Given the criminal investigations, Schiff said the House panel is highly unlikely to grant Flynns earlier request, through his lawyers, for immunity in exchange for his testimony. He said the panel would need more information about what Flynn would say and whether the testimony would be truthful. It also would need to ensure that granting immunity wouldnt affect the special counsels ongoing investigation, he said. Thats not somthinge I think we would entertain until far later, if at all, said Schiff, a former prosecutor. Certainly count me as very skeptical that we would get to that point. Trump forced Flynn to resign as national security advisor in February after news accounts revealed Flynn had misled White House officials, including Vice President Mike Pence, about his contacts with Russian officials. Schiff spoke to reporters at a breakfast Wednesday hosted by the Christian Science Monitor. Facebook

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Watch live: Education Secretary Betsy DeVos testifies on Trumps budget Follow live coverage from Times education reporter Joy Resmovits: Facebook

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Israel acknowledges pinpoint change needed after Trump intelligence disclosure By Joshua Mitnick After a week of silence, Israel publicly acknowledged for the first time, though in oblique terms, that it was the source of sensitive intelligence that President Trump shared with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov last week in a White House meeting. Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman told Israels army radio on Wednesday that Israeli officials had carried out an internal pinpoint correction after discussing and reviewing the episode. Lieberman did not elaborate, and declined to confirm or deny whether Trumps remarks had endangered an agent of Israel. But he said his government considered the matter resolved. Everything that needed to be clarified with the friends in the U.S. was done, he said. All of the conclusions we had to draw  it was all done. The Israeli defense ministers comments came the day after Trump wrapped up a two-day visit to Israel and the West Bank. When word of Trumps disclosure to Lavrov emerged in U.S. news reports last week, the defense minister and other Israeli leaders confined themselves to expressing public confidence in the two countries intelligence cooperation. Israel did not comment more directly, presumably to avoid embarrassing the U.S. president just before his visit. But Trump himself mentioned the controversy anyway, in an awkward on-camera moment during the trip. With Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu biting his lip alongside, Trump volunteered to reporters being hustled out of a news appearance: Just so you know, I never mentioned the word or name Israel. Never mentioned it during the conversation. News reports, however, had not said the president mentioned Israel in connection with the intelligence, only that the specificity of his remarks to Lavrov would in all likelihood have allowed the Russians to determine the source. The White House at first denied Trumps disclosure to Lavrov had occurred as reported, but then the president himself tweeted about it, saying he had the right to share information as he deemed fit. Facebook

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Trump calls meeting with Pope Francis an honor By Michael A. Memoli "A very great honor," Trump says to the pope when they began their meeting in the pope's private study pic.twitter.com/NGsbsahAyT  Carol Lee (@carolelee) May 24, 2017 President Trump held a half-hour private meeting with Pope Francis at the Vatican on Wednesday, declaring it a great honor despite their past public dissension. The unconventional Republican and the first Jesuit pontiff made for an unlikely pair in the Vaticans Apostolic Palace, where Catholic leaders have presided or centuries and American presidents have come or decades. Francis was silent as the two sat across one another at the popes wooden desk to begin the audience at approximately 8:30 a.m. local time. Exactly a half-hour later, the ringing of a bell signified the end of the private encounter. For the White House, the Vatican stop caps a tour through key sites of the worlds three major religions, following stops in Saudi Arabia and Israel, designed to promote tolerance and a united approach to terrorism. When you put it all together, youre really showing that this problem of radical extremism is one of the great problems of our time, a senior Trump aide told reporters Tuesday en route from Israel to Rome, briefing anonymously as is common White House practice. By putting everybody together you can really build a coalition and show that its not a Muslim problem, its not a Jewish problem, its not a Catholic problem, its not a Christian problem, it really is a world problem. In an exchange of gifts after their private meeting, Francis offered the president a medal by a Roman artist of an olive, a symbol of peace. We can use peace, Trump responded. Where Trumps and Francis interests may align on peace and combating terrorism, they disagree sharply on issues like immigration and poverty. Like Trump, the Argentine pope has shown a predilection for unscripted comments that have shaken the staid Vatican bureaucracy, as when he criticized candidate Trumps proposed stricter immigration policies including a border wall as not Christian. Trump fired back, calling the popes remarks disgraceful. Any animosity was not apparent Wednesday, as a meeting between Francis and a larger U.S. delegation ended. Thank you. I wont forget what you said, Trump said. Facebook

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Proposed budget would deeply cut State Department and its programs By Tracy Wilkinson (AFP / Getty Images) The State Department leadership voiced support for President Trumps proposed budget, which would impose deep cuts on spending for diplomacy and foreign aid, but critics vowed to fight to restore the funds in Congress. In a statement, the department said the presidents $37.6-billion request for it and for the U.S. Agency for International Development would support a leaner, more efficient government in line with Trumps America first mantra. If approved by Congress, that would represent a reduction of roughly 30% from the current fiscal year. Nongovernmental agencies that receive State Department support to carry out humanitarian and other work around the globe expressed deep alarm. The State Department statement said its new priorities would include efforts to counter terrorism, support Israel, promote border security and battle transnational crime and the spread of infectious diseases. The statement makes no mention of women-empowerment programs or efforts to fight climate change, issues that rose to prominence under the Obama administration. The proposed budget would allow the United States to remain engaged in the United Nations, but officials would seek a more fair distribution of the funding burden, the statement said. And it would eliminate direct funding for quasi- and non-governmental organizations that serve niche missions. The American Jewish World Service, which fights poverty all over the world through 450 local organizations, said much of its work would be jeopardized. At a time when poverty, human rights abuses, famines and conflicts are wreaking havoc globally, said the groups president, Robert Bank, the United States must not abdicate its long bipartisan tradition of providing development assistance and diplomatic support to the most vulnerable people around the world. Mercy Corps, a U.S.-based development and advocacy organization that works in 40 countries, said gutting development programs was short-sighted and absolutely shameful and could put millions of lives at risk. Rep. Eliot Engel (D-N.Y.), ranking member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, called the budget cruel and mean-spirited and said it would force the United States to abandon our global role as a champion for freedom, democracy and the rule of law. If President Trump thinks the United States can shrink into a defensive crouch without long-term repercussions, hes sorely mistaken, Engel said. Facebook

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Sessions first proposed budget: A crackdown on immigration and violent crime By Joseph Tanfani Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions. (Alex Brandon / Associated Press) In the first budget proposal under President Trump and Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions, the Justice Department is seeking hundreds of millions in new funding to pay for an immigration crackdown on the border and a surge in resources to fight violent crime. Like the Department of Homeland Security budget, which includes billions for expanded immigration detention, more border agents and technology to catch those crossing the border illegally, the Justice Department budget is a reflection of the new get-tough policies promised by Sessions. The budget asks for another 300 federal prosecutors  230 to focus on violent criminals and gangs, and another 70 to concentrate on filing criminal charges on those crossing the border illegally. The shift in the spending priorities are in line with other policy changes ordered by Sessions, including a renewed focus on seeking stiff mandatory minimum sentences for drugs and other crimes. The $27.7-billion budget seeks 450 new attorneys and support workers for the immigration courts, which are now clogged with a backlog of 560,000 cases. There would also be another $50 million for increased immigration detention, plus 40 new U.S. marshal jobs to help take care of the expected increase in immigrants heading to federal court. With Trumps immigration initiatives tied up in federal court, the budget seeks another 15 lawyers to handle that litigation, plus 12 more to help handle property acquisition needed for Trumps promised Southwestern border wall. Violent-crime enforcement would get another $198 million, with the largest amount, $70 million, going toward setting up more anti-violence and gang task forces. Deputy Atty. Gen. Rod J. Rosenstein said more resources are needed because of what he called an alarming increase in the rates of murder and other violent crimes. The department is also asking for another $40 million for more drug enforcement to combat the opioid epidemic, which he said is spreading havoc throughout the United States. Sessions new policies should lead to an increase in prison population, so the budget contains funding to fully open a new supermax prison in Thomson, Ill., with room for 1,500 to 2,000 inmates. The department also wants to put more resources behind the FBIs efforts to counter cyber attacks and to figure out ways around encryption technology, along with another 50 agents to counter foreign intelligence and threats from homegrown terrorists. Facebook

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Economists say Trumps budget proposal doesnt add up By Don Lee President Trumps inaugural budget proposal claims to eliminate the nations deficit in 10 years, thanks largely to faster economic growth that it projects will come from the presidents sweeping tax cuts. Never mind the overly optimistic projections on economic growth. Or that Trumps tax overhaul has not happened yet. Even allowing for both, economists say Trumps budget still does not add up. The administration is counting on generating $2.1 trillion in additional revenue over 10 years from better economic growth. But Trumps budget proposal leaves out the cost, or the revenue lost, from the massive tax cuts. In other words, the economic gains that the administration has said it would use to pay for tax reform is apparently also being counted on to pay for deficit reduction. Some people call that double-counting. You cant use the same money twice, said Marc Goldwein, a senior vice president for the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, a nonpartisan group that advocates keeping government budgets under control. Lawrence Summers, former Treasury secretary in the Clinton administration and top economic advisor to President Obama, called it an elementary but egregious accounting error. Douglas Holtz-Eakin, president of the right-leaning American Action Forum and former director of the Congressional Budget Office, said the proposal did not necessarily mean there was an outright omission or a double-counting. Its possible that the administration is looking for such strong economic growth to drive significantly extra revenue from payroll taxes, he said, or it could be that Trump officials were using different base lines from which they were drawing their results. But on the face of it, he said, the budget and tax-plan numbers dont seem to match. The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget has estimated that Trumps plan to cut corporate and individual taxes would cost the federal government about $5.5 trillion over 10 years, adding more than $6 trillion to the national debt. Details of Trumps tax overhaul, however, are still being developed, and its possible that the administration is assuming a revenue-neutral tax plan  although experts say big tax cuts never pay for themselves. On Tuesday, Mick Mulvaney, Trumps budget chief, did not provide a direct answer or explanation to questions about double-counting. Instead, he told reporters that you have to make assumptions about a budget. He went on to say that one of the assumptions that was not made was to take into account the uncollected taxes every year, which he said amounted to $486 billion last year. And we dont assume an additional penny of that being closed as part of our tax reform, said Mulvaney, director of the Office of Management and Budget. Of the 3% annual economic growth assumption, Mulvaney responded that the Obama administration in its first couple of years had based its budget on growth of 4.5%. In fact, Obamas first budget proposal as president, in May 2009, assumed economic growth of between 4% and 4.6% for the budget years 2011 to 2013. Since the Great Recession ended in mid-2009, the U.S. economy has been growing on average about 2% a year, and the Congressional Budget Office, the Federal Reserve and most private economists see the economy advancing at about 2% annually over the next 10 years. Alice Rivlin, a former Fed vice chair and director of the Office of Management and Budget under Clinton, said its true that the Obama administrations growth assumptions proved too optimistic. But she noted that those projections were not unreasonable for that time and period in the economic cycle. Then, there was greater potential for growth with unemployment high and many more people than today available for work. Today, the economy is nearing its eighth year of expansion, and the jobless rate is 4.4%, at or near full employment. With the aging of baby boomers, labor force growth slowing, and lackluster productivity gains, economists see the current moderate growth persisting for the foreseeable future. This has been a very long period of growth and were at the high end already, Rivlin said. If we are so lucky to have continuous, steady growth, its not likely to be at 3% or 4% or 5%. Facebook

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Who wins and who loses in Trumps budget The White House Office of Management and Budget sent Congress the presidents inaugural budget today, projecting spending and revenues over the next 10 years. The fiscal package, which include a partial skinny budget from March, reflects President Trumps priorities for the nation, but lawmakers are sure to reject many of the deep cuts in domestic and foreign affairs programs. The departments of State, Agriculture, Health and Human Services, Education and Housing, as well as the Environmental Protection Agency, are the biggest losers. The winners are the Pentagon and Homeland Security programs. Even with the increases in defense spending and large tax cuts, the administration projects that economic growth spurred by tax cuts will erase annual deficits by 2027. Take a look at some of the numbers released today. Read More Facebook

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What that Montana special congressional race will  and wont  tell us about Trump and his political problems By Mark Z. Barabak Democrat Rob Quist is a quintessential cowboy who doesnt seem to relish campaigning in Montanas special congressional election. (Justin Sullivan / Getty Images) On Thursday, the political world will eagerly look to Montana and a closely fought congressional race for the latest test of Democratic strength and Republican resilience in the turbulent age of Trump. The major candidates and outside groups have sunk more than $8 million into the contest, a huge sum in a state where $250,000 pays for a robust week of television advertising. But for all that money and all the outside interest, the election will turn less on national trends than circumstances close to home: on the personalities and histories of the main contestants, their different campaign styles and, perhaps most of all, on who is regarded as the more authentic Montanan. Read More Facebook

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Terrorist attack in England has conservative media focused on safety of allies By Kurtis Lee (Dave Thompson/Getty images ) Its a sight witnessed all too often: an explosion, screams, people sprinting to safety. Late Monday night, this was the scene at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester, England, after a man with possible ties to Islamic State militants set off a suicide bomb, killing 22 people and, once again, setting in motion a global discourse on how to fight terrorism. President Trump, while visiting Bethlehem, said the attack was committed by evil losers in life. Throughout the campaign and early in his presidency, Trump has said defeating the Islamic State is a top priority. (He reiterated that point in a speech Sunday in Saudi Arabia, urging Muslim leaders to plot their own course in combating terrorism.) In recent months, with attacks in Berlin, Paris and London, conservative media have questioned the safety of Europe and warned that the United States could face similar attacks. With the latest attack, some on the right are again homing in on the safety of our allies. Here are some of todays headlines: 2017 has seen a terror attack attempted in Europe every nine days (Breitbart) The attack in Manchester blankets the home page of the right-wing website. Europe has indeed been the location of high-profile attacks this year. In Paris last month, Islamic State claimed responsibility for an attack on the Champs-Elysees in which a man fired an automatic weapon, killing a police officer. And in March, a man plowed his car into pedestrians on Westminster Bridge, near the British Parliament in London, and then fatally stabbed a police officer. In all, four people were killed and dozens injured in what police called a terrorist attack. The Breitbart piece is an analysis of different terrorist attacks attempted and carried out in Europe since January. Attacks and attempted attacks have taken place in Austria, France, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Italy, Russia, Sweden, Norway, and Germany, on average every nine days, the piece says. Pences message of civility and open debate lost on those who most needed to hear it (Weekly Standard) The debate over free speech on colleges campuses continues. In recent months, conservative speakers have canceled speeches on college campuses in the face of anticipated protests. And others, who have opted to speak, have faced vocal backlash. On Sunday, as Vice President Mike Pence began to address students at the University of Notre Dame commencement, several dozen stood and walked out of the ceremony. In his speech, Pence talked about civility and open debate, and this piece argues that the m
Under the heading Putting Americas Health First, the Trump administrations 2018 budget blueprint includes a $5.8-billion cut for the National Institutes of Health, a move that would slash the medical research agencys funding by just over 18%.

It would reduce public health spending by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention by $1.32 billion, a 17% decline from 2017 spending levels.

And it would cut the Food and Drug Administrations spending by $854 million, a 31% decrease cut from current funding levels.

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In shifting federal spending toward the military, immigration enforcement and other America first priorities, the Trump budget would result in deep cuts to areas in which the U.S. has long led the world, including biomedical research, public health and drug safety.

The detailed 2018 budget proposal for the Department of Health and Human Services includes substantial reductions in funds for cancer research, HIV/AIDS prevention, efforts to secure the food supply, and programs to improve environmental and occupational health and safety.

In response to a nationwide epidemic of addiction to opioid drugs, the proposed budget sets aside $75.4 million to improve the way narcotic painkillers are prescribed and help healthcare providers offer safer, more effective treatments for pain.

The budget blueprint details plans to charge pharmaceutical companies and device makers significantly more to have their products evaluated by the FDA. It would also change the way the agency evaluates the safety and effectiveness of those products.

And with the creation of a $500-million block-grant program, it would give states more control over the planning and execution of programs to counter childhood obesity and other initiatives aimed at driving down chronic diseases.

Medical research and public health organizations slammed the budget proposal.

Dr. William Powderly, president of the Infectious Diseases Society of America, said the proposed cuts were shortsighted and destructive. Dr. Darrell G. Kirch, president and chief executive of the Assn. of American Medical Colleges, said the administrations plan would put national health security at risk. And Harold Wimmer, president and chief executive of the American Lung Assn., said the budget would put Americans health and safety in jeopardy.

In Congress, Rep. Doris Matsui (D-Sacramento) said the proposed cuts to scientific and medical research would take our country backwards.

Families battling devastating diseases every day deserve hope, not a budget that senselessly takes that hope away, Matsui said in a statement.

Heres how the Trump budget would affect specific agencies and programs related to public health and biomedical research:

National Cancer Institute

The institutes budget would be cut by $1 billion, to just under $4.5 billion. It was $5.5 billion in 2017.

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

NIAID oversees research on vaccines, diagnostic tests and antiviral medications for scourges like HIV/AIDS and emerging threats like Zika and Ebola. Its budget would be cut by about $840 million, to just under $3.8 billion.

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

This institute would get $2.54 billion in 2018, $575 million less than in the 2017 budget.

Obama administration initiatives

President Trumps first budget proposal includes $496 million to be spread across for four key initiatives launched under the Obama administration  the Precision Medicine Initiative, the Brain Research through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies (BRAIN) Initiative, the Beau Biden Cancer Moonshot, and regenerative medicine. In passing the 21st Century Cures Act last year, Congress authorized a 10-year commitment of $4.8 billion for all four.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

The 2018 budget proposal includes $952 million for health promotion activities and preventing chronic diseases, $222 million less than for 2017. Cancer prevention and control would decline by $18 million, to $337 million.

Worker health and safety

Funding for the CDCs National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health would be slashed 40%, to $200 million. The budget will discontinue all funding of state and academic partners for conducting, translating or evaluating research, the administration says.

The budget plan includes $366 million in mandatory funding for the CDCs World Trade Center Health Program, which tracks and treats the first-responders who worked at sites attacked on Sept.11, 2001.

Evaluating prescription drugs

The Trump administration intends to have pharmaceutical companies and medical device-makers cover the entire cost of the FDAs review process for evaluating the safety and effectiveness of prescription drugs and devices.

In addition, the budget lays out changes to the drug approval process intended to speed patients access to new medications.

NIH-funded research at universities

The Trump administration proposes to set a uniform cap on the piece of an NIH research grant that universities and research institutions can claim for indirect costs.

The current funding process requires each grant recipient to provide hundreds of pages of documentation to negotiate their indirect rate. The result: Over the last two decades, university administrators have skimmed off some 30 cents of every dollar NIH handed out for research, the administration said.

Private foundations spend a much higher portion of their grants on direct science. A uniform limit for NIH grants would bring federally funded science closer in line with privately funded research, the administration asserted.

melissa.healy@latimes.com

@LATMelissaHealy

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How does science fare under President Trumps proposed budget?

Not too well.

The American Assn. for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) estimated that the budget released Tuesday morning represented a 16.8% decrease in overall funding for scientific research compared with the current budget.

The proposed cuts include:

11% reduction to the National Science Foundation

22% cut to the National Institutes of Health

17% reduction to the Department of Energys Office of Science

70% cut to the Energy Departments energy efficiency and renewable energy research

The White House dubbed the budget proposal The New Foundation for American Greatness, but thats not how the research community sees it.

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What we see is not just a reduction in government programs, said Rush Holt, a former congressman who heads AAAS. What we see is a failure to invest in America.

He said science and research have been a source of economic growth for the country as well as the primary driver of improvements in public health, energy, agriculture and overall quality of life as well as the nations economic well-being.

Funding science is not just about the employment of scientists, he said. Science and technology have been the source of economic growth for decades.

Norm Augustine, the former chairman and chief executive of Lockheed Martin Corp., said that if the authors of this budget expect industry to start paying for the basic research that is essential for technological innovation, then they should think again.

Candidly, shareholders are not interested in funding research which tends to be costly, very long term and very risky, he said. Yet research is a public good  and the rewards tend to go to the public as a whole. Therefore research really warrants government support.

deborah.netburn@latimes.com

Do you love science? I do! Follow me @DeborahNetburn and like Los Angeles Times Science & Health on Facebook.

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With body-camera footage becoming increasingly vital nationwide in cases relating to officer-involved incidents, its only a matter of time before the Burbank Police Department is outfitted with the technology.

Hoping to get ahead of the curve, department officials are drafting a policy to have in place when the body-worn cameras are put into use. During a Burbank Police Commission meeting last Wednesday, Deputy Chief Mike Albanese said the department has a 60-day window to complete a policy and present it to the city managers office.

Our goal is to draft a policy that will be the industry standard for other organizations to come to us to have that best policy, he said.

Albanese said the department has been in contact with other agencies, including the Los Angeles Police Department, for information about their camera policies. The Burbank Police Officers Assn., police commission and a civilian oversight organization will be brought in to provide feedback about the new policy, he said.

Its unknown when the department would start using body-worn cameras.

During the commission meeting, Albanese said its inevitable that officers will be wearing them.

Everyone knows its coming, he said. Whether its going to be mandated legislatively or from an officer-safety component, risk management component, all of those considerations  Its going to happen.

As of now, Burbank officers have been using digital-audio recorders since 2012.

The biggest roadblock in adopting the cameras has been their cost  from purchasing and maintaining the equipment to storing the recordings.

In 2015, the department considered purchasing cameras, but a proposal was shot down by the City Council. The roughly $570,000 price tag to purchase the cameras was too high for a still-developing technology, council members said at the time.

It would also cost the city nearly $2 million over five years for maintenance and storage.

In the years since, the high price hasnt changed.

Earlier this month, the City Council held a meeting on its proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year. With Burbank facing a projected $1-million deficit and the possibility of eliminating some firefighter positions, the topic of body-worn cameras came up.

Police Chief Scott LaChasse brought up the possibility of the city earmarking $586,000 to purchase the cameras in the future.

While money can be found in the upcoming budget for the cameras, it has not yet been figured out how the city would pay for the recurring costs to maintain the equipment.

According to Albanese, the cameras are currently in the unfunded-needs list for the city.

The Burbank Police Officers Assn. has come out against the chiefs proposal.

In an open letter dated May 12, Jay Hawver, union president, said it did not make any sense for LaChasse to make such a large request in the face of a deficit.

Hawver, a lieutenant in the department, said during a commission meeting on May 9 was also the first time the police union had learned of the request. He said the department is overlooking understaffing issues in favor of the cameras.

There is no identifiable need for the cameras, zero public demand for them, and no substantive justification for this expense has ever been articulated, he said.

Despite the high price, LaChasse said during the City Council meeting that the cameras would help provide better evidence that would be needed in certain situations, such as officer-involved shootings. The chief also said it would help make for a more transparent organization, and departments that have been using the cameras have seen a reduction in complaints against officers.

Its not just a nice-to-have item. What were finding is that people need them, he said. Its part of the transparency. Its part of the openness. Its a part of accountability right now.

andy.nguyen@latimes.com

Twitter: @Andy_Truc
A state appeals court has issued a tentative ruling in favor of the city of Huntington Beach in its years-long legal battle with an affordable housing advocacy group over the citys Beach and Edinger Corridors Specific Plan.

Last weeks decision by a panel of the California 4th District Court of Appeal comes a year and a half after a Los Angeles County Superior Court judge backed the Irvine-based Kennedy Commission, which filed a lawsuit in 2015 over a city amendment to the Beach-Edinger plan that the group said made the city non-compliant with state housing law.

The Beach-Edinger plan was originally adopted in 2010 as a way to revitalize portions of Edinger Avenue and Beach Boulevard by streamlining the approval process for development projects. But after many residents complained about high-density residential projects popping up on Beach Boulevard, the City Council amended the plan in May 2015, reducing its allowed housing units from 4,500 to 2,100.

The Kennedy Commission argued that the amendment severely restricts housing development within the [specific plan], contrary to the mandates of [the citys] own housing element and state law, and would render the city short of its low-income housing requirements.

The groups lawsuit sought reversal of the change and for the city to abide by the state-approved housing plan it submitted in 2013.

The city appealed the county judges decision, and the state court said in its tentative ruling Thursday that the amendment should stand because Huntington Beach is a charter city, exempting it from sections of state zoning law, City Attorney Michael Gates said. A charter city is organized under a charter adopted by local voters, placing more power in the hands of the city.

The Kennedy Commission did not provide an immediate comment Tuesday.

Under the Superior Court decision, the city was required to pay the group about $700,000 in attorneys fees, but the tentative Court of Appeal ruling declared that void.

A tentative ruling is sometimes issued by a court as a preemptive statement on where its leaning, though it is still open to persuasion. However, Gates said he believes that the appeals court in this case isnt likely to change its tentative ruling because it was lengthy, detailed and well-researched.

Gates said the city will be notified to participate in oral arguments before the appeals court gives its final decision.

If the tentative ruling sticks, the Kennedy Commission could appeal to the California Supreme Court, Gates said.

benjamin.brazil@latimes.com

Twitter:@benbrazilpilot
Hundreds of images that prosecutors describe as child pornography found in a Newport Beach doctors home will not be presented as evidence against him at trial, according to a federal judges ruling.

In his May 15 decision, U.S. District Judge Cormac Carney cited concerns about false and misleading statements an FBI agent made in an affidavit presented to obtain a search warrant for Dr. Mark Rettenmaiers home.

Rettenmaier, a gynecological oncologist who practiced at Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach and lives in Laguna Hills, was indicted in 2014 on two felony counts of possession of child pornography.

Rettenmaiers attorneys have asked Carney to throw out photographic evidence in the case, alleging that it was discovered through an improper search of the doctors home.

The issue centers on the description of what officials call the Jenny image that allegedly was found in unallocated space on Rettenmaiers computer after he took it to Best Buy for repairs. The image is of a nude pre-pubescent girl on her hands and knees on a bed wearing a choker collar around her neck. In an affidavit, FBI agent Cynthia Kayle described it as child pornography.

However, Rettenmaiers attorneys argued in a January hearing  and Carney ultimately agreed in his ruling  that the image was instead child erotica. For a photo to be considered child pornography under federal guidelines, it must depict sexual intercourse, lascivious exhibition of genitals, bestiality, masturbation or sadomasochistic abuse.

However, the Jenny image, although distasteful and disturbing, was not child pornography, Carney said, according to transcripts of last weeks hearing. It was child erotica, the possession and viewing of which is not unlawful.

Carney also noted that Kayle didnt mention in her request for a warrant that the image on the doctors computer was found in unallocated space, an area where deleted files are kept, making it difficult to determine whether he was ever aware of it.

The photo alone was not sufficient to grant a search warrant for Rettenmaiers home, Carney concluded, meaning that photographs officials have described as child pornography that allegedly were found on Rettenmaiers iPhone, laptop and multiple hard drives inside his home cannot be presented during the trial.

Prosecutors allege the phone alone held more than 800 pictures of naked or partially nude girls.

U.S. Attorney Sandra Brown defended Kayle and the information she presented in the affidavit. Brown said she considers the Jenny image to be child pornography.

She did the best she could, Brown said of Kayle. She provided an accurate description of one of the images. She also described other images that displayed the vaginas of young girls, and that was enough to provide probable cause.

Carney disagreed.

A persons home is sacred to me, he said. And Im not trying to get on my high horse, but, you know, close is not good enough for me when youre asking to search someones home.

Rettenmaiers attorneys also have requested that photo evidence found on his computer hard drive be excluded because it was discovered by Best Buy Geek Squad technicians who the attorneys contend were improperly acting as paid FBI informants.

Carney said during last weeks hearing that he found no constitutional problem with any of the searches performed by Best Buy employees because Rettenmaier had no reasonable expectation of privacy after he authorized them to recover data on the hard drive.

As a consequence, the government and its purported confidential human sources at Geek Squad City were free to conduct any search of the hard drive without a warrant and without violating Dr. Rettenmaiers Fourth Amendment rights, Carney said.

Rettenmaiers case began in November 2011 when he took a computer hard drive to a Best Buy store in Chino for repairs.

The drive was shipped to the Geek Squad maintenance center in Kentucky, and in January 2012, Justin Meade, a supervisor at the center, contacted a local FBI office to say a technician had found something suspicious.

Meade showed FBI agent Tracey Riley thumbnail photos on Rettenmaiers hard drive that the agent said she recognized as child pornography. Authorities said the first photo the agent saw was the Jenny image. Other photos were close-ups of pre-pubescent female genitals, according to testimony given during a January hearing.

Best Buys policy prohibits employees from accepting money from the FBI in exchange for information about customers. However, one FBI agent testified in January that he compensated Geek Squad technicians for the time they spent showing agents the photos at their facility.

Thom Mrozek, a spokesman for the U.S. attorneys office, said Tuesday that prosecutors are continuing to assess Carneys ruling and its effect on the case.

Rettenmaiers trial is expected to begin in February.

hannah.fry@latimes.com

Twitter: @HannahFryTCN
The Armenian Embassy in Japan invited Glendale artist Srboohie Abajian to exhibit her art earlier this month during Armenia Culture Week in Tokyo.

At the exhibit, Abajian showed video footage of her Murals on the Sky project, which she displayed locally last year at Deukmejian Wilderness Park in La Crescenta.

The work consists of five 9-foot-by-4-foot outdoor sculptures, depicting eyes, hands and faces that show human emotion expressed by people demanding their rights.

In Tokyo, she also exhibited an art-on-canvas piece from the series, All Roads Lead to People, which was on display at the Brand Library & Art Center in 2014.

The series explores the human need for companionship. With a focus on the immigrant population in Los Angeles, the work highlights eyes, faces and hands searching for a connection with others.

In her artist statement, Abajian said she prefers line drawing for its simplicity and immediacy, and that she enriches the line with emotion to heighten the impact of her images.

The cultural event in Tokyo from May 9 to 14 aimed to introduce Armenian culture to the Japanese. For the Glendale artist, it was the first time exhibiting her work in Japan.

She was able to do so with help from her daughter Mayreni Abajian, who is currently an exchange student in Tokyo.

When Mayreni Abajian went to visit the embassy to work with officials on sharing Armenian culture with Japanese children as part of a volunteer project, she told officials that her mother is an artist.

Thats when ambassador Grant Pogosyan and attache Yervand Markosyan, who organized the cultural event, reached out to Srboohie Abajian.

Every exhibition is important to me because this is giving me a chance to reach out to the public with my experience or story, Srboohie Abajian said.

The artist said she represented the Armenian diaspora as she shared her experience, through her art, in what it also means to be an immigrant.

She said she deeply values listening to and learning from others.

It doesnt matter which country we live in. As human beings, we are looking to connect to each other and understand each other and invest in honest relationships. I think thats the most important thing for us, she said.

Others featured in the exhibition in Tokyo were New York-based artist Dana Walrath and the late French-Armenian painter Jean Jansem.

kelly.corrigan@latimes.com

Twitter: @kellymcorrigan
Meet political leaders, artists, academics and business leaders on a 15-day tour of Israel and Jordan organized by the Los Angeles World Affairs Council.

Highlights in Israel include meetings with Tel Aviv Mayor Ron Huldai and representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Knesset.

A swim in the Dead Sea, an excursion to a winery in the Golan Heights and a visit to the West Bank and several Palestinian towns are also on the itinerary.

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In Jordan, participants will meet with a U.S. Embassy official, tour Amman, visit the ancient rock city of Petra and Wadi Rum, and experience a Bedouin dinner.

Dates: Oct. 16-30

Price: $6,525 per person, double occupancy, based on 15 participants. $1,450 single supplement. Includes accommodations, most meals, all sightseeing and excursion fees. International airfare to and from Tel Aviv not included.

Info: Los Angeles World Affairs Council, (424) 258-6160

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travel@latimes.com

@latimestravel
Details added (first version posted on 12:26)

Baku, Azerbaijan, May 24

By Anvar Mammadov - Trend:

The revenues of the Azerbaijani state budget amounted to 5.6 million manats as a result of holding of the first Baku Shopping Festival, Azerbaijani Culture and Tourism Minister Abulfas Garayev said.

Garayev made remarks at a press conference dedicated to the results of the festival in Baku May 24.

He added that the revenues greatly exceeded the funds spent for holding the festival.

We expected the countrys state budget revenues to reach around 40-50 million manats by late 2017 as a result of holding two shopping festivals, the minister said. Moreover, we expected certain expenses for organizational work and advertising as part of the festival."

But the amount of revenues and expenses was different as a result of a short period and a rather tight budget, he added. So, 700,000 manats was spent from the state budget for holding of the shopping festival, while total expenses did not exceed 1 million manats, which means that revenues exceeded expenses by almost six times."

"We also carried out a customer satisfaction survey, Garayevsaid. As a result of this survey, we found out that 98 percent of the participants appreciated this festival."

The Baku Shopping Festival was held April 10-May 10. The Festival was held with organizational support of the Azerbaijan Convention Bureau under the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

The next Baku Shopping Festival will be held in October 2017.

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @Anvar_Mammadov
The slow-moving, unidentified object flying over South Koreas border on Tuesday afternoon caused so much concern that soldiers issued loudspeaker warnings and ultimately fired more than 90 machine gun rounds in the air.

What first seemed like a provocative North Korean military incursion  perhaps a drone flight over the two countries highly secured border  turned out to be much more innocuous, the South Korean military said Wednesday.

After studying radar evidence and thermal imagery, those military officials now believe the incident was sparked by a group of large North Korean balloons  likely an effort to drop propaganda leaflets on the rogue states ideological adversaries in the South.

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Though less serious than first reported, the incident underscores the heightened tensions along the border, and the region generally. Thats because of the Norths continued advancement as a nuclear state and its increasing technical prowess in developing missiles that can deliver warheads.

On Tuesday, though, the payload was obviously less threatening  a fact that emerged many hours after military officials fired shots and later told the news media about the incident.

South Korean military officials, closely allied with American forces, said Wednesday that their troops hadnt overreacted to the potential provocation, which to them was reminiscent of a drone flight 18 months ago by the North that also prompted gunfire.

We prepared for the worst-case scenario of the object being an enemy drone, said Moon Sang-gyun, a South Korean military spokesman. We prepared thoroughly according to procedure until the object was clearly identified.

The governments of both nations, still locked in a decades-old and unsteady truce after Korean War, on occasion send propaganda messages across their shared border. The South has used massive loudspeakers to announce propaganda to the Norths troops and residents in its southern villages, for example.

But South Korean officials said the wind direction and the balloons shape in this case pointed to an effort by the North to most likely deliver anti-democracy messages.

The Norths past propaganda messages, which fall as balloons lose altitude, have sometimes landed atop high-rise apartments in Seoul  and even around the vast and leafy American military headquarters in the capital citys center.

The Souths armed response, in some ways, reflects current tensions.

The North has conducted more than 60 missile tests since its young, dynastic ruler, Kim Jong Un, took power in late 2011. That includes more than two dozen missile tests and two underground nuclear detonations in the last 18 months.

The latest missile test, of a medium-range device that raised eyebrows among security analysts for its advanced fuel capability and potential distance, came on Sunday. The North had already conducted another missile test just a week before.

All of these activities  considered provocations by American and South Korean officials  violate a series of United Nations Security Council resolutions.

The council Monday issued a strong statement of condemnation, saying more potential sanctions against the North Korean regime might be coming.

The condemnation was announced after the Norths state media said the apparent success of its most-recent Pukguksong-2 missile test had prompted the leader to order their mass production.

More than half of the launches under Kims tenure have been with short-range missiles, which have a range of roughly 600 miles, according to data collected by the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a Washington-based bipartisan research group.

Seoul, a metro area of 20 million people, is roughly 120 miles from Pyongyang, and much closer to the Norths border, making it a target for more conventional weapons, like artillery. U.S. forces here have installed a new defense system designed to protect other parts of South Korea from missiles.

The number of tests of medium-range missiles  which in theory could fly 1,500 miles, and perhaps be used against American targets elsewhere in Asia  has been on the rise, however.

The Norths recent behavior, coming immediately after the election of a new South Korean president who has signaled an intention to improve relations between the two countries, is puzzling, some say.

That, of course, is another hallmark of the Norths regimes, including under the previous leader, Kim Jong Il.

Im not sure what to make of this, honestly, said Robert Kelly, a political science professor at Pusan National University in South Korea who also runs a blog about security in Asia.

Security experts, of course, worry most about the North developing an intercontinental ballistic missile capable of reaching the American mainland or other distant foe with a nuclear warhead.

Thats a challenging but not impossible goal for the regime, which is somewhat isolated technologically, slowing its progress. The regime faces a learning curve building not just the multistage vehicle for launching a warhead far into the atmosphere, but also the ability for it to hurtle back to Earth safely and accurately.

Such a capability would vastly improve the regimes hold on power internally and externally  and its ability to negotiate with the international community on economic issues, like sanctions.

They are going to sprint toward it regardless, because it will vastly improve their bargaining position, Kelly said.

Kelly said he had no clear answers for what prompts the regime, which at times seems somewhat decentralized militarily, to try something like a balloon launch.

The balloon ... might just be some random act by a local commander trying to impress his superiors, he said.

Stiles is a special correspondent.
Thousands of people with flags, bullhorns and bongos crowded the center of Belgiums capital Wednesday to protest President Trumps arrival for meetings with officials including Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel and NATO leaders.

Women wearing pink cat-ear hats known as pussy hats led the protest, giving a nod to the womens march through Washington and around the world in January in opposition of Trumps stances on such issues as abortion and reproductive rights, discrimination and climate change.

Protesters also carried signs that referenced refugees, LGBTQ rights and other issues.

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Joanna Maycock, who runs the European Womens Lobby, an organization in Brussels, wore a pink hat knit by her friend and carried a bullhorn.

Any attempt in Europe to normalize Donald Trumps language and behavior on women creates a climate that undermines womens rights and the gains weve made here on gender equality, she said.

Trump has been criticized for his behavior toward women. During the presidential campaign, a 2005 Access Hollywood recording emerged featuring Trump speaking crudely about women, including saying they let him grab them in the crotch. He later referred to it as locker-room banter.

Several protesters held signs instructing Trump to get out of the hellhole, a word he used as a candidate to describe Brussels, outraging local residents.

Belgian police said 9,000 people marched through a busy two-mile stretch of Brussels, the nations and European Unions capital, filling the streets with chants of Go away, Donald Trump and Solidarity with women. It was the larger of two official protests registered Wednesday, a police spokeswoman said.

Its about the environment, womens rights, migration. He failed on all three in his first five months, said Jurrian Persyn, 34, who traveled from Ghent, Belgium, with his family to march. Everyday you wake up and theres a new thing you cant believe.

Trump met with Prime Minister Michel and the Belgian king and queen in Brussels royal palace. He is scheduled to meet European Union leaders Thursday and have lunch with newly elected French President Emmanuel Macron before going to a NATO meeting.

Nikias Verschraegen, a 19-year-old student from Antwerp, Belgium, carried an EU flag through the streets and said he was protesting Trumps disparaging comments against the EU. Trump said this year that Brexit, Britains planned exit from the multi-nation bloc that has stirred enormous upset in Brussels, was a great idea.

Hes not standing with us; hes trying to break us apart, Verschraegen said.

Nearby, a large sign put a twist on Trumps campaign slogan Make America Great Again, reading, Make PEACE great again.

Stupp is a special correspondent.
Seven additional people were taken into custody in Britain and Libya on Wednesday in connection with the suicide bombing that killed 22 people at a pop concert in Manchester, England, as officials examined the attackers possible ties to jihadis in the Middle East.

As Britain deployed hundreds of soldiers to the streets and the nation remained under critical alert for another possible terrorist attack, investigators searched several locations around England for evidence that might tie the English-born bomber, Salman Abedi, 22, to a larger terrorist network.



For the record: An earlier version of this article said the latest arrests included five men in the Manchester region. There were four men.

Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the attack, and new reports that Abedi had traveled to Libya and Syria, home to the militant groups self-declared caliphate, probably raise serious red flags for investigators seeking to confirm whether the group managed to orchestrate a devastating attack inside Britain.

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The nine people now in custody include two of Abedis brothers and his father, a Libyan security official who had fled to Britain as a dissident of the Moammar Kadafi government in the 1990s before returning in 2011. Salman and at least one of his brothers remained in England.

Before his arrest in Tripoli on Wednesday, the father, Ramadan Abedi, 51, had protested in an interview with the Associated Press that his son was innocent and had been preparing to go on a pilgrimage soon to Saudi Arabia.

We dont believe in killing innocents. This is not us, said Abedi, who is an administrative manager of the Tripoli Central Security Force, which is aligned with Libyas U.N.-backed government. We arent the ones who blow up ourselves among innocents. We go to mosques. We recite Koran, but not that.

Abedi said his son had sounded normal the last time he spoke to him. There was nothing worrying at all until two days ago [when] I heard the news that they suspect he was the bomber.

Salman Abedis younger brother, Hisham, also was arrested in Libya on Tuesday, according to a statement from the Libyan Special Deterrence Forces.

Hisham Abedi confessed that he belonged to Islamic State and was in Britain when his brother was preparing for the bombing and aware of his brothers plans, said the statement on the forces Facebook page. The pair remained in constant contact since Hisham left Britain on April 16, it said.

The Manchester bombers brother, Hisham Abedi, at the Tripoli-based Special Deterrence Forces anti-terrorism unit, which arrested him. (Ahmed Bin Salman / Associated Press)

Another of the bombers brothers, Ismail, was arrested in the Manchester area shortly after the Monday evening attack, but officials have not said why.

Security services continued to work around the clock to determine what motivated Abedi, who was born in Manchester, to blow himself up just outside the exits of the 21,000-seat Manchester Arena moments after American singer Ariana Grande had finished her packed concert. Grande, whose fans include legions of teenage girls, has since canceled her shows through June 5, which were to be held in London and Switzerland.

British Prime Minister Theresa May has raised the countrys threat level from severe to critical, indicating another attack might be imminent, marking the first time in 10 years that the nation had reached the highest possible threat level.

Armed soldiers were visible at key locations around the country Wednesday, including outside Downing Street, the houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace.

Authorities said as many as a thousand soldiers were mobilizing to assist armed police and help protect key locations such as airports, transport hubs and nuclear plants.

But political leaders already were preparing to resume campaigning on Thursday and Friday for parliamentary elections set for June 8.

The spirit of Manchester  and the spirit of Britain  is far mightier than the sick plots of depraved terrorists, May said after meeting with her security chiefs.

The latest arrests in Britain include four men and one woman in the Manchester region, plus one man in Nuneaton, a town outside Birmingham about halfway between London and Manchester. Officials have not released names or given details about the accusations against the suspects.

Given the nature of the attack and the bomb used  filled with nails and bolts designed to cause maximum carnage  Home Secretary Amber Rudd said Wednesday that it was likely the 22-year-old had not acted alone.

It was more sophisticated than some of the attacks weve seen before, she said.

News that Abedi had traveled to Syria came from Frances interior minister, Gerard Collomb, who told BFMTV that the bomber had proven links to Islamic State.

Today we only know what British investigators have told us  someone of British nationality, of Libyan origin, who suddenly after a trip to Libya, then probably to Syria, becomes radicalized and decides to carry out this attack, he said.

Much of the information about the Manchester investigation has come from law enforcement sources outside Britain who have been briefed by their British counterparts. The leaks have irritated officials in Britain, where such investigative information is not shared with the media as commonly as it is in the U.S.

The British police have been very clear that they want to control the flow of information in order to protect operational integrity, the element of surprise, Rudd said. So it is irritating if it gets released from other sources, and I have been very clear with our friends that should not happen again.

1 / 26 People pause in front of candles set up in Albert Square in Manchester, England. (Ben Stansall / AFP/Getty Images) 2 / 26 Fawaz Al Haffar, center, Manchester Islamic Centre and Disbury Mosque trustee, speaks to the news media Wednesday. (Oli Scarff / AFP/Getty Images) 3 / 26 A soldier and police officer patrol outside the Houses of Parliament in London on Wednesday. Nearly a thousand military personnel are being deployed around the country as the UK terror status is elevated to critical in the wake of the terrorist attack at Manchester Arena. (Carl Court / Getty Images) 4 / 26 Members of the public pause to look at floral tributes and messages in St Anns Square in Manchester. (Jeff J Mitchell / Getty Images) 5 / 26 Manchester City Council workers move the floral tributes from Albert Square to St Anns Square on Wednesday. (Jeff J Mitchell / Getty Images) 6 / 26 A woman hugs a girl wearing a T-shirt from Ariana Grandes Dangerous Woman tour near Albert Square in Manchester. (Chris J Ratcliffe / AFP/Getty Images) 7 / 26 Messages of unity at Manchesters Albert Square on Tuesday, the day after the deadly attack at a pop concert. (Ben Stansall / AFP/Getty Images) 8 / 26 A woman lights candles set up in front of floral tributes in Albert Square on Tuesday. (Ben Stansall / AFP/Getty Images) 9 / 26 Police officers on Tuesday add to the flowers in Manchesters St. Anns Square for the victims of a deadly explosion at the nearby Manchester Arena. (Martin Rickett / Associated Press) 10 / 26 Messages are among the tributes left at a growing memorial in St. Anns Ann Square in Manchester, England. (Jeff J Mitchell / Getty Images) 11 / 26 Ariana Grande concert attendees Vikki Baker and her 13-year-old daughter, Charlotte, leave the Park Inn, where they were given refuge after the explosion at Manchester Arena. (Christopher Furlong / Getty Images) 12 / 26 Police stand guard Tuesday near Manchester Arena, where 22 people were killed in a suicide bombing at an Ariana Grande concert the night before. (Jeff J Mitchell / Getty Images) 13 / 26 Forensic officers work the scene at Manchester Arena on Tuesday. (Dave Thompson / Getty Images) 14 / 26 Tributes are being left in St. Anns Square in Manchester, England. (Jeff J Mitchell / Getty Images) 15 / 26 Workers hug each other after being evacuated from the Arndale Centre shopping mall in Manchester on Tuesday following a security alert. (Ben Stansall / AFP/Getty Images) 16 / 26 People sit under a billboard in Manchester city center on Tuesday. (Kirsty Wigglesworth / Associated Press) 17 / 26 A man embraces a woman and a teenager on Tuesday as he collects them from the Park Inn Hotel, where they were given refuge after the explosion at Manchester Arena. (Christopher Furlong / Getty Images) 18 / 26 Concert-goers are escorted away from Manchester Arena, where Ariana Grande had performed. (Christopher Furlong / Getty Images) 19 / 26 Police block a road to Manchester Arena after the explosion. (Rui Vieira / Associated Press) 20 / 26 Police stand guard at the scene of a suspected terrorist attack in Manchester, England. (Paul Ellis / AFP/Getty Images) 21 / 26 Emergency services personnel speak to people outside Manchester Arena after reports of an explosion at the venue Monday night. (Peter Byrne / Associated Press) 22 / 26 Police stand by a cordoned-off street close to the Manchester Arena on Monday night following an explosion after an Ariana Grande concert. (Dave Thompson / Getty Images) 23 / 26 Armed police stand guard at Manchester Arena after reports of an explosion after an Ariana Grande concert. (Peter Byrne / Associated Press) 24 / 26 Armed police at Manchester Arena after reports of an explosion at the venue during an Ariana Grande concert Monday night. (Peter Byrne / Associated Press) 25 / 26 Armed police and ambulances at Manchester Arena after reports of an explosion at the venue during an Ariana Grande concert Monday night. (Peter Byrne / Associated Press) 26 / 26 Emergency services work at Manchester Arena after reports of an explosion during an Ariana Grande concert. (Peter Byrne / Associated Press)

Rudd said that Abedi had been known to intelligence services up to a point and that his recent trips to Libya, where his parents live, are being investigated.

Hamid El-Sayed, an employee at the University of Manchester, told the BBC that Abedis family had tried but failed to keep him on the right path.

Eventually he was doing very bad at his university, at his education, and he didnt complete, and they tried to take him back to Libya several times, El-Sayed said. He had difficulties adjusting to European lifestyle.

Fawzi Haffar, a trustee of the Manchester Islamic Center and Didsbury Mosque, denied news reports that Abedi had worked there in the past.

This is not true. I assure everyone. Listeners, viewers in the U.K., around the U.K., this bomber has never worked in this center, he said.

Haffar did not directly answer questions about whether Abedi and his father prayed at the mosque, which also has been alleged, although a prayer leader at the mosque told The Times that he had seen the bomber at the mosque previously.

This center has been part of our fine and great city and the Didsbury community, Haffar said. This has been going on since the 1960s. The doors of the center are open to all.

He pleaded with anyone with any information about Abedi to contact the police without delay and expressed concern about reports he was receiving of a rise in anti-Muslim acts in recent days, ranging from verbal abuse to criminal damage of mosques.

These incidents have to be reported as hate crimes, he said.

As the identities of the victims became public, the indiscriminate toll of the bombing became clearer.

Among those killed: an 8-year-old girl, an aunt who relatives said shielded her niece from the blast, parents waiting to pick up young concertgoers and a Polish couple from York, a city in the north of England.

An off-duty female police officer also was killed.

And Olivia Campbell, 15, whose mother, Charlotte, had put out a desperate and heartbreaking plea for information about her daughters whereabouts on Monday, was finally confirmed among the dead.

Go sing with the angels and keep smiling. Mummy loves you so much, Charlotte Campbell wrote on Facebook.

In a week of memorials, another vigil was being held Wednesday evening, this one in the Bury district of Manchester. It was for one of the victims who lived in the area, John Atkinson, 26  and for Olivia.

Police said they are now confident they know the identity of all 22 victims in Manchester, but autopsies will take four to five days because of the number of cases.

Sixty-four people are being treated in hospitals across Manchester, 20 of whom are dealing with life-changing injuries, including major wounds, damage to organs, embedded objects, said Jon Rouse, chief officer of the Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership.

In one of a string of public events that were resuming under heavy caution, the Manchester United soccer team announced it would play the Europa League final Wednesday night, although players were said to still be deeply shocked by recent events.

Players will wear black armbands and hold a minute of silence, and somber fans plan to unveil a massive banner reading, Manchester  a city united #prayforManchester.

Campaigning for the June elections had been suspended, but the leader of the UK Independence Party announced Wednesday it would release a party manifesto on Thursday, and the Labor Party is likely to return to the campaign trail Friday but in a low-key fashion.

The best response we can make is to ensure that the democratic process continues, said Paul Nuttall, leader of the UK Independence Party. It is by prolonging the disruption to normality that we allow the terrorists to win. Politics has never been more important; politicians must deal with these issues.

There was no indication that any of the other main parties planned to resume campaigning anytime soon.

Special correspondents Boyle reported from London and Kelly from Manchester, and staff writer Pearce reported from Los Angeles. Times staff writer Melissa Etehad contributed.

ALSO

After Manchester attack, support pours in for Ariana Grande: This could have been any of us

Members of Manchesters Muslim community among those most strongly condemning deadly bombing

Manchester attack points to vulnerabilities even at venues with high security, counter-terrorism experts say

UPDATES:

6:27 p.m.: This article was updated with more details from a statement from the Libyan Special Deterrence Force, including what it said was a confession from the bombers brother.

3:45 p.m.: The article was updated with additional details on new arrests.

1 p.m.: This article was updated with comments from Muslim community leaders in Manchester.

11:20 a.m.: This article was updated with news that the bombers father has been arrested in Libya.

10:20 a.m.: This article was updatedwith news of a fifth arrest in the investigation.

9:10 a.m.: This article was updated throughout with staff reporting.

7:23 a.m.: This article was updated with the police chiefs comment and an interview with suspect Salman Abedis father.

3:30 a.m.: This article was updated with more background on the men in custody.

This article was originally published at 2:40 a.m.
Greater Manchester police ran a mock anti-terrorist operation a year ago featuring a bomber shouting in Arabic, Allahu akbar, or God is great.

Eight hundred volunteers took part in the overnight drill at a huge shopping center on the outskirts of the city to make it as realistic as possible and prepare the citys emergency services for an attack.

But the day after the practice drill, authorities apologized to the citys Muslim community and admitted they had been guilty of stereotyping.

After Monday nights suicide bombing, many Manchester residents praised police, fire and ambulance workers for their rapid response. The 22-year-old suspect in the suicide bombing, for which the Islamic State extremist group claimed responsibility, was described as an English-born son of Libyan immigrants.

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Muslim leaders were among those who were quick to condemn the attack, which killed 22 people and wounded dozens, and declare that the city would not be divided.

Mohammed Shafiq, the chief executive of Ramadhan Foundation in Manchester, said in a statement that the deadly explosion after an Ariana Grande concert was the darkest day in the citys history.

Shafiq said the people of Manchester would not be divided and would instead mourn, remember the victims and get on with our lives.

I love Manchester and its people  we are a resolute people and will not be divided by these barbaric animals or cowered by their violence, he said.

Mohammed Saeed Saeiti, the imam at a mosque attended by the suspected suicide bomber, Salman Abedi, considered him dangerous, the Telegraph reported.

Salman showed me the face of hate after my speech on ISIS, the imam, using an acronym for Islamic State, told The Telegraph. He used to show me the face of hate and I could tell this person does not like me. Its not a surprise to me.

About 15% of Greater Manchesters 2.5 million population is Muslim, largely as a result of an influx of workers  mainly from Asia  from the 1960s onward.

Many were drawn to the cotton industry upon which grew the wealth of cities like Manchester and Salford, and the surrounding towns such as Oldham, Bury and Wigan, as well as those farther north in the neighboring county of Lancashire.

But cotton even then was a dying industry in Britain with new factories opening up and providing cheaper goods in Asia.

With few jobs left in the cotton industry, immigrants had to find jobs elsewhere, causing occasional tensions with the local population.

But the north of England is regarded as a welcoming place and  to a large extent  assimilation for many people has not been a problem.

There have been exceptions. In 2001 the Oldham race riots  six miles from Manchester city center  caused a massive upheaval between poor, white, working class families and their Muslim counterparts.

But religious leaders of all faiths along with local politicians have worked in the intervening years to heal the wounds of the disparate communities of Manchester and its surrounding environs.

Many Muslims were among the mix of people at the forefront of Monday nights emergency operations, from doctors to taxi drivers.

One Twitter user wrote: A Muslim driver took me home last night gave me water and charged my phone. Absolutely stars in my eyes.

Kelly is a special correspondent.
From the hushed halls of government to cobblestoned streets and plazas across the Continent, Europeans are greeting Donald Trumps first visit with considerable skepticism, no small degree of apprehension  and even overt hostility.

The presidents inaugural overseas trip, which began Friday in Saudi Arabia, has so far been dominated by friendly encounters with Mideast leaders, who feted and praised Trump as a canny deal-maker and wise statesman. At a sideline meeting in Riyadh, the Saudi capital, the U.S. leader voiced enthusiastic agreement when Egypts president called him a unique personality  capable of doing the impossible.

But in Europe, the reception is likely to be quite different.

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Protesters were set to march in Brussels, encouraged by organizers to wear pink cat-ear hats. A respected German newsweekly said America under Trump was a laughingstock, and called for his removal from office. A French author mused that we just dont take him seriously. And in Rome, where Trump landed Tuesday, some saw echoes of Italys own flamboyant ex-prime minister, Silvio Berlusconi.

For whoever occupies the White House, policy differences with Europe  sometimes vehement ones  are nothing new. But Trumps first visit as president prompted a wave of trepidation not only over issues ranging from climate change to womens roles in society, but also his impulsive mode of governance and mercurial temperament.

Trump has held face-to-face talks already with several European leaders in Washington, including German Chancellor Angela Merkel, British Prime Minister Theresa May and Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni. Even so, there was palpable anxiety in advance of his scheduled arrival on Wednesday in Brussels, the Belgian capital and seat of institutions like the European Union and NATO.

In Brussels, people seem to be walking on eggshells, hoping nothing controversial will happen during the visit, said Marietje Schaake, a Dutch member of the European Parliament. This is not how the first visit of the president of Europes most important partner should feel.

Trump has fans and political allies on this side of the Atlantic, of course. Europeans whose views tend to echo those of the presidents backers at home  those who mistrust the political establishment, or feel left behind by globalization, or hold hard-line views on immigration, for example  welcome this U.S. president as a breath of fresh air.

I like him! declared Marco Bouquet, a 56-year-old manager at a Rome tobacconist. He makes decisions and doesnt waste time.

But recent European election results, as well as public opinion polling, suggest the U.S. presidents brand of nationalistic populism alienates large swaths of the European public.

Hes said a lot of totally outrageous things  I was surprised Americans elected him. But at least he seems to be learning a bit as he goes on.  Hartmut Meyer, a truck mechanic in Berlin

The scandals that Trump left behind in Washington scarcely intruded during five days in the Saudi capital of Riyadh, Jerusalem and the West Bank town of Bethlehem. Even in Israel, where intelligence professionals were furious over reports of Trumps casual passing of classified information to visiting Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, the only one who brought up the matter publicly was Trump himself  telling his hosts that he hadnt mentioned Israel.

In European capitals, though, the fast-moving developments on investigations into the Trump campaigns possible collusion with Russia during last years election have been prime topics for discussion, with many wondering if his presidency can weather the storm.

The man is his own worst enemy, German public-television correspondent Ulf Roeller said in a commentary last week from the U.S. capital. Many in Washington are asking how long this can go on.

On his European swing, Trump will meet leaders with whom he is a study in contrasts, such as Frances newly elected President Emmanuel Macron, a 39-year-old who is known for his intellectual bent. The two are scheduled to lunch together on Thursday, when Trump will hold a day of talks with officials from NATO and the European Union, both of which he has disparaged in the past.

Even the devastating news out of Manchester, England, where a bombing at a pop concert on Monday night left 22 people dead, illustrated European leaders stark stylistic differences with Trump. While most of them offered up solemn condolences and expressions of solidarity to the British government and the victims, the U.S. president employed unusually informal language to deride those who stage terrorist attacks as losers.

Trumps commerce secretary, Wilbur Ross, spoke approvingly in a CNBC interview of the lack of visible protests in Saudi Arabia  failing to note that any anti-Trump demonstrators would have faced harsh punishment, even if they could have gotten anywhere near the president.

But in Brussels, more than 70 organizations were planning to march Wednesday under the slogan Trump Not Welcome  hoping, organizers said, to send a message to Belgiums homegrown right-wing politicians as well.

Donald Trump has this extraordinary ability to unite a very large number of opponents against him, Leila Lahssaini, a spokeswoman for the protest, told the Belgian broadcaster RTBF. Taking a page from womens marches in Washington and elsewhere on the day after Trump was inaugurated, organizers encouraged marchers to wear pink knit hats with cat ears to evoke his famous boast about grabbing women by their genitals.

In Rome, Trumps arrival triggered operatic complaints about a worsening of the Eternal Citys eternal traffic jams, but also sparked unease about the U.S. leaders fitness to lead.

A small group of people in Rome hold posters protesting the visit of President Trump, on May 23, 2017. (Andreas Solaro / AFP/Getty Images)

He doesnt seem to be very intelligent, said Nache Ezeiza, a 30-year-old clerk in a store near Romes Trevi Fountain. She said Trump reminded her of Berlusconi, whose legal and political woes finally forced him from office.

Germany, mindful of its past as the aggressor in two world wars of the last century, seemed more worried than most of its European neighbors about far-right movements and figures being emboldened by Trump. German media reports have had a strong anti-Trump undercurrent, culminating with a demand this week from the editor in chief of Germanys leading weekly news magazine, Der Spiegel, for the U.S. presidents ouster.

In a signed editorial, editor Klaus Brinkbaeumer called Trump a liar, a racist and a cheat who had made a laughingstock of the United States. He added: He must be removed from the White House before things get even worse.

Political scientists in Germany cited the countrys Nazi past as inspiring revulsion over any indication of tyrannical behavior in leaders at home or abroad.

Germans have had their own historical experience, and grow up on the lookout for even the slightest signs of a dictator, because we have this nie wieder idea  That can never be allowed to happen again, said Thorsten Hasche, a political scientist at Goettingen University.

Many ordinary Germans expressed angst over Trump, but some said it was too soon to pass judgment. Hes said a lot of totally outrageous things  I was surprised Americans elected him, said Hartmut Meyer, a 56-year-old truck mechanic in Berlin. But at least he seems to be learning a bit as he goes on.

In neighboring France, media commentary about Trumps presidency has generally been more restrained than in Germany, but outlets have followed in minute detail the succession of White House crises.

The Trump presidency is in complete chaos, Le Monde, considered the countrys most cerebral newspaper, declared in a May 17 editorial. The controversies are accumulating. Every day that passes brings a new affaire.

French author Marie-Cecile Naves, who has written a book about populism and Trump, said Frances own repudiation of far-right presidential candidate Marine Le Pen in this months election may have settled nerves somewhat. And the French public may see Trumps struggles with Congress and the U.S. courts as a check on more extreme policy measures.

The more time passes, the less afraid we become, she said. In general, we just dont take him seriously.

Whatever their sentiments, European leaders can almost certainly be counted upon to follow norms of diplomatic behavior in dealing with a visiting American head of state, analysts said.

There are general concerns that Donald Trump as an individual is simply not suitable for the job, but there is also a recognition that he was legitimately elected president of the U.S., said Nicholas Dungan, a senior research fellow at the French Institute for International and Strategic Affairs.

In official circles, he said, that will be the attitude  nothing other than the proper respect that the president of the United States deserves.

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Trump found Holocaust museum amazing  which has many people cringing

Special correspondent Kirschbaum reported from Berlin and staff writer King from Washington. Staff writer Alexandra Zavis in Los Angeles and special correspondents Catherine Stupp in Brussels, Tom Kington in Rome and Kim Willsher in Paris contributed to this report.

laura.king@latimes.com

@laurakingLAT
Bearing a message of peace to a strife-torn region, Pope Francis embraced Christian pilgrims and refugees Saturday, the inaugural day of a three-day Mideast pilgrimage.

The pope landed in Jordan for a sojourn he vowed would be religious in nature, but which inevitably reflects the regions volatile politics.

After touching down at Ammans Queen Alia International Airport, he received a red-carpet welcome, accepting bouquets from children, reviewing an honor guard and shaking hands with assembled dignitaries and religious leaders. A Muslim imam and a Jewish rabbi accompanied him on what is his first visit to the Holy Land as pope, a trip that will also take him to the West Bank and Israel.

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Security was tight, with Francis clearly making his hosts somewhat nervous by eschewing a bulletproof popemobile in favor of an open car. Jordanian soldiers lined the airport road at 100-yard intervals and patrolled nearby overpasses. The 77-year-old Argentina-born pontiff, whose brief tenure to date has been marked by gestures of humility and identification with the poor, has said he believed that riding in a fortified vehicle would isolate him from the public.

Francis met with King Abdullah II and Queen Rania at the royal palace, and then said Mass in a stadium before at least 15,000 celebrants, some of whom had waited for hours in the blazing sun to be sure they would catch a glimpse of him.

The pope coming here. It is as if he is enfolding us in his arms, said Mariam Bassam, who escaped from Iraq with her family nearly a decade ago, as she waited outside the venue. Though she is not Roman Catholic but follows Eastern rites, as do many Middle Eastern Christians, she said she felt that Francis had made a profound gesture of solidarity.

He loves us. You can feel it  he loves us, she said tearfully. At the stadium, the pope kissed children held up for him by the faithful who pressed close to his vehicle.

During the open-air ceremony, the pontiff made a cautious allusion to regional tension, urging conciliation rather than surrendering to old hatreds.

Peace is not something which can be bought, he said. It is a gift to be sought patiently and to be crafted through actions, great and small, of our everyday lives. The way of peace is strengthened if we realize that we are all of the same stock and members of the one human family.

Later, Francis visited what many hold to be the site of Jesus baptism on the banks of the Jordan River, hearing there the firsthand stories of refugees, many of whom had fled Syrias grinding civil war.

At a welcoming ceremony in Amman, the Jordanian capital, he thanked Jordan for taking in so many who had no choice but to desert their homeland, despite the enormous strain on its limited resources, and expressed hope for an end to the three-year Syrian conflict.

Jordan has about 600,000 registered refugees from Syria, but the actual number is probably double that, according to aid groups. Christians compose about 5% of Syrias population, but they make up a disproportionate share of refugees, as some historically Christian enclaves have been hit particularly hit hard by fighting.

A major theme of the papal visit is offering encouragement to the regions ever-dwindling flock of Christian faithful. Francis, like his predecessors, has mourned the decline of Christian populations in the cradle of Christianity.

In the West Bank and Israel, the pope will face the delicate task of navigating a long-standing political minefield. His visit comes on the heels of the latest collapse of peace efforts, with U.S. Secretary of State John F. Kerry, despite a concentrated effort, unable to bring Palestinian and Israeli leaders any closer.

In a break with protocol, Francis was to fly directly from Amman to Bethlehem, in the West Bank, rather than transiting through Israel. And he will visit a Palestinian refugee camp, highlighting the plight of those displaced when Israel was founded in 1948.

The Vatican supports a two-state solution to the conflict, and Israel is unhappy about the official papal agenda describing the West Bank stop as a visit to the State of Palestine.

Cairo bureau chief Laura King is on assignment in Amman.
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President Donald Trump made his way up gilded steps to greet Pope Francis in Vatican City early Wednesday morning.

The meeting was brief, lasting only 30 minutes, but several reports say the president was effusively gracious to the pope throughout the meeting. Trump gave Francis books by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and the pope also gave Trump a symbolic olive tree.

Honor of a lifetime to meet His Holiness Pope Francis. I leave the Vatican more determined than ever to pursue PEACE in our world. pic.twitter.com/JzJDy7pllI  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 24, 2017

Trump's first state tour around the Middle East and Europe has been rocky and fraught with PR misfires, but the air around this meeting between this particular pontiff and this particular president has been tense to say the least. Beyond living in fancy homes and promising to become a voice for the forgotten masses that helped them get elected, Pope Francis and Donald Trump have little to nothing in common.

From the beginnings of Francis' election to the papacy, the two have sparred in the media over climate change, income inequality, and particularly immigration, especially since Trump's ascendancy into the White House. Things started off so well:

Congratulations to my Catholic friends on the selection of Pope Francis I to lead the Catholic Church. People that know him love him!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 14, 2013



Then Trump became a bit critical:

I dont like seeing the Pope standing at the checkout counter (front desk) of a hotel in order to pay his bill. Its not Pope-like!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 19, 2013

Tensions between the two came to a head buring the heat of the 2016 Presidential Election when in February, Francis condemned Trump's proposed border wall and mass deportations as "not Christian" and Trump responding with a trademark fiery response about an ISIS attack at a campaign rally.

Here is the video of Pope Francis making comments about the wall & Trump's response concerning an ISIS attack on The Vatican.#PopeFrancis pic.twitter.com/tDzkOxB1pi  Red T Raccoon (@RedTRaccoon) May 24, 2017



What was spoken about in their meeting, and how it was spoken about, remains to be seen, but suffice to say that rarely the context behind the meeting of a pontiff and president has been this contentious and combative.
Manchester police authorities are reporting that they executed arrest warrants on 3 individuals connected to Monday night's horrific bombing attack outside Manchester Arena.

The Greater Manchester Police aren't just yet releasing the names of the suspects that were taken into custody during several raids conducted on Wednesday, but are working under the suspicion that a larger conspiracy is behind the bombing.

GMP statement - Three men arrested pic.twitter.com/ohuGs4iR8g  G M Police (@gmpolice) May 24, 2017

"I think it's very clear that this is a network that we are investigating," Greater Manchester Police Chief, Ian Hopkins, said in a press conference.

The still ongoing police investigation has now brought in a total of 5 suspects connected to the case. Suicide bomber Salman Abedi's father was detained in Tripoli, Libya and his younger brother arrested on suspicion of having links to the Islamic State group.

Manchester police also set off a controlled explosion of what was believed to be another homemade explosive device.

In the wake of Prime Minister Theresa May's raising the country's threat level to "critical", increased militiary and police presence has been visible across Britain since Monday night's bombing.

As the wreckage clears, biritsh media confirmed an off-duty female officer was among the 22 victims.
Baku, Azerbaijan, May 24

By Anvar Mammadov  Trend:

About 260,000 tourists visited Azerbaijan during the first Baku Shopping Festival (BSF), said the countrys Minister of Culture and Tourism Abulfas Garayev.

Garayev made the remarks in Baku at a press conference dedicated to the results of the Festival on May 24.

In April 2017, 187,577 tourists arrived in the country, he said, adding that compared to April 2016, an increase of 23 percent was achieved in tourist flow from the 15 countries targeted for attracting tourists.

Moreover, 70,776 people visited Azerbaijan on the first 10 days of May, which means a growth by 32 percent from the 15 target countries, noted the minister.

He said that under the strategic roadmap for development of specialized tourism industry, 26 countries are targeted for attracting tourists from.

Most of these countries are our neighbors and there are also countries of the Far East and Europe among them, noted Garayev.

The total increase in the tourist flow to Azerbaijan was 24 percent, he said.

The Baku Shopping Festival started April 10 and lasted until May 10. The Festival was held with organizational support of the Azerbaijan Convention Bureau under the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

The next Shopping Festival will be held in October 2017.
Baku, Azerbaijan, May 24

Trend:

The liabilities of Azerbaijans Bank Standard to individuals and legal entities amount to 1.199 billion manats, Chairman of the banks Creditors Committee Akram Hasanov said at the committee meeting in Baku May 24.

As many as 45,235 creditors of Bank Standard have been registered so far, Hasanov said. Of them, 43,272 creditors are individuals, and the banks liabilities to them amount to 156 million manats. As many as 1,963 creditors are legal entities, and the banks liabilities to them amount to 1.043 billion manats. Of them, 154 million manats account for the liabilities to the Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA).

The total number of Bank Standards real estate objects is 33, and 24 of them are pledged to the CBA, he added. In general, it is planned to receive 42 million manats from the sale of the Bank Standards assets.

Bank Standards license was revoked October 1, 2016, and on October 4, the bank was declared bankrupt. The banks depositors received compensation worth 436.6 million manats since then.
Baku, Azerbaijan, May 23

By Leman Zeynalova  Trend:

The Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP), and the Southern Gas Corridor at large, is a key project both for Italy and for Europe, a source in Italian Snam company, which is one of the shareholders of TAP, told Trend.

The Southern Gas Corridor represents the most concrete opportunity to further diversify gas sources and routes, as well as to strengthen security of supply in Europe, said the source.

The source pointed out that Snam is supporting TAP with its capacity, experience, qualifications etc. in permitting and project management services in Italy to ensure the delivery of Caspian gas according to the schedule.

The microtunnel area has been prepared with the temporary removal and safe transplantation of the olive trees, said the source, adding that TAP remains on schedule to transport Shah Deniz gas in 2020.

TAP is a part of the Southern Gas Corridor, which is one of the priority energy projects for the European Union. The project envisages transportation of gas from Azerbaijan's Shah Deniz Stage 2 to the EU countries.

The pipeline will connect to the Trans Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline (TANAP) on the Turkish-Greek border, run through Greece, Albania and the Adriatic Sea, before coming ashore in Italys south.

TAP will be 878 kilometers in length (Greece 550 kilometers, Albania 215 kilometers, Adriatic Sea 105 kilometers, and Italy 8 kilometers).

TAPs shareholding is comprised of BP (20 percent), SOCAR (20 percent), Snam S.p.A. (20 percent), Fluxys (19 percent), Enagas (16 percent) and Axpo (5 percent).

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Follow the author on Twitter: @Lyaman_Zeyn
May 24, 2017, 4:13pm ET

German prosecutors 'in contact' with US in Daimler inquiry

Daimler says it is cooperating with both US and German authorities as prosecutors explore potential diesel emissions violations.

German prosecutors have been in contact with US authorities as both countries explore suspicions of diesel emissions violations in Daimler vehicles.

Prosecutors from across Germany recently raided 11 different office locations to search for evidence that might support allegations of illegal diesel emissions control systems.

"We are in contact with US authorities," the Stuttgart prosecutor's office has now confirmed, without elaborating, according to a Reuters report.

The statement suggests US and German authorities may be collaborating on potential enforcement actions, though the extent of such cooperation, if any exists at all, remains unclear.

"As part of our cooperation with authorities, we have made the same information available to the Stuttgart prosecutor and the US authorities," Daimler said in a statement.

Daimler, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and other automakers have faced emissions scrutiny in the wake of the Volkswagen TDI scandal as regulators attempt to determine if any other companies are guilty of cheating emissions regulations.
He needed to stand on a soapbox to reach the counter at his father's store.

But when it came to heart or drive or political influence, few were as big as Pat Vulcano Jr.

The former Easton treasurer, city councilman and school board member died Tuesday at age 69.

"I learned to be a leader from Pat," said Easton Mayor Sal Panto Jr.

The mayor choked back tears recalling his lifelong friend, whom he met as a child.

"It's a big loss for me. He was a dear friend," Panto said. "He was the kind of friend who you might not see for two months, three months, maybe even a year. But when you got back together it was like old times."

Vulcano was a longtime teacher in the Northampton Area School District and a longtime political figure, holding every elected office in the city except mayor.

A crowd of family members and dignitaries gathered on short notice to watch his wife, vice mayor and city councilwoman Sandra Alercia Vulcano, lower the city flag to half-staff Wednesday morning in Easton's Centre Square. Helping her was Vulcano's brother, Jim.

Sandra Vulcano said her husband died Tuesday. He stopped breathing and was battling pneumonia at the time. He fought myasthenia gravis, a chronic muscle disease, for the past 40 years. It forced him to retire as a teacher in 2001 and ultimately curtailed his public service.

"He's in a better place," his wife said Wednesday.

Vulcano served on city council from 1980 through 1986, when he resigned because he was appointed the city treasurer. The longtime South Side resident served on the school board for 12 years until he lost re-election in 2013.

City councilman Ken Brown said he went to Vulcano for advice when he was a political novice considering a run for school board. The elder statesman gave Brown a whirlwind course on whom to meet, what to sign and whose doors to knock on.

"He taught me my political career," Brown said. "He surely will be missed."

Pennsylvania Superior Court Judge Jack Panella got to know the Vulcanos when they ran Columbus Day ceremonies for the city. That friendship spawned a mutually-owned business, Easton Downtown Video.

"It was just such great years, Sandy," the judge said. "Wonderful, wonderful thoughts of our years with Pat and Sandy."

Panto remembers working with Vulcano in his father's store, participating in various youth organizations and flying down to meet Vulcano when he was in college in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. As they grew into adulthood they ascended the Easton political ladder contemporaneously.

"He was a dedicated public official until his health started to fail," Panto said. "He's been failing for several years but we never expected this to happen so soon."

Vulcano was a business and marketing teacher and high school cooperative education coordinator in the Northampton Area, where he worked for 27 years.

He joined the Easton City Democratic Committee in 1976. In 2000, he was one of five Lehigh Valley residents chosen to represent the area at the Democratic National Convention in Los Angeles.

Vulcano served on the committee that formed the city's home rule charter. He was a 1966 graduate of Easton Area High School and held bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees.

Calling hours will be from 1 to 3 pm and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday and from 8:15 to 9:15 a.m. Saturday at the Morello Funeral Home, 3720 Nicholas Street, Palmer Township.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on at 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, Ninth and Lehigh streets, Easton. Interment will be in St. Anthony's Cemetery in Williams Township.

Donations may be made to:

The Northampton Area High School Marketing / Business Scholarship Fund. Please make checks payable to Sandra Vulcano and mail in care of the Morello Funeral Home, Inc., 3720 Nicholas Street, Easton, Pa. 18045.

The Career Institute of Technology Foundation for scholarships in care of the C.I.T. 5335 Kesslersville Road, Easton Pa. 18040.

The Muscular Dystrophy Association, 5940 Hamilton Blvd., Suite F, Allentown, Pa. 18106.

The family requests no flowers or plants.

Rudy Miller may be reached at rmiller@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @RudyMillerLV. Find Easton area news on Facebook.
A Bethlehem man already charged with theft and receiving stolen property in the robbery of a Forks Township Verizon store now is facing a conspiracy to commit robbery charge in the holdup.

Charged is Nadir Naim Chandler, 25, of the 1200 block of Livingston Street. Chandler in March was arrested in Georgia, in which prosecutors said he fled after being involved in the Oct. 29 armed robbery of the Forks cellphone store.

Dressed in an orange prison jumpsuit with handcuffs and shackles, Chandler appeared Wednesday before District Judge Jacqueline Taschner and gave up his right to a preliminary hearing.

Chandler answered with a "Yes, ma'am" and "No, ma'am," respectively, when the judge asked if he understood what waiving the hearing would mean to his case and if anyone coerced him into making the decision.

Wednesday's appearance is among the latest developments in an ongoing investigation into a string of armed robberies targeting cellphone stores in the Lehigh Valley. Northampton County Assistant District Attorney Patricia Mulqueen is leading a task force investigating the crimes.

Mulqueen Wednesday asked the judge to approve the addition of a felony conspiracy to commit robbery charge against Chandler, which was granted by Taschner. Defense attorney Tyree Aquill Blair said afterward Chandler was ready for the hearing, but when he saw the affidavit of probable cause, his client decided against it.

Taschner then sent the case to Northampton County Court, where Chandler could face trial unless the case is disposed of in an alternate way. A formal arraignment date has been set for Aug. 3.

Mulqueen said after the appearance no plea arrangements have been discussed for Chandler. Blair said the added charge was "unexpected."

Unsealed records

A judge prior to Wednesday's appearance had sealed court records in the Forks Township robbery case. The documents were unsealed after Chandler waived the hearing, shedding more light on the investigation.

A masked man wearing a red hooded sweatshirt at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 29 entered the Verizon store, 301 Town Center Blvd., brandishing a handgun. He then forced store manager Michael DeRose, 29, into a back room.

The robber made off with 77 electronic devices, most of which were cellphones, according to police.

Court records state Verizon provided investigators with a list of stolen cell phones and IMEI numbers -- unique identification numerals linked to each phone. A Facebook posting on Nov. 3 contained various photos of cellphones with a Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge Plus, valued at $645, reported stolen from the Forks robbery, according to records.

Records indicate the confidential source posted the Facebook photos.

Detectives got another break in the case when a Samsung Galaxy phone stolen in the Forks robbery was activated Nov. 21 and located based on its identification number. The owner told police he bought the phone from "Offer Up," an online marketplace.

Police have charged some folks in the selling of the stolen cellphones on online marketplaces, including Eric Quentin Watson, 25, of Bethlehem. Patricia Calcano, 29, who was staying with Watson at a friend's Allentown home, allegedly was found with various stolen cellphones and is charged with receiving stolen property.

Watson is accused of selling more than $4,000 in cellphones stolen from robberies in both Forks and the AT&T store in Bethlehem Township through the online website. Calcano is accused of possessing phones stolen from the Forks Township store between last Oct. 29 and Nov. 16.

Court records say Palmer Township police contacted a confidential source who told investigators he met with a woman at her Bethlehem home. The woman had another person, known as "Starz," sitting at the table with a bag of cellphones, the source said, according to records.

The source identified Chandler as "Starz" when presented with a photo by police.

Verizon employee killed

Michael Davis, a Verizon store employee, later was shot dead Nov. 21 outside his home in Palmer Township and DeRose, the store manager, was reportedly abducted and roughed up the next day in that township, police said.

No motives have been released in those crimes. Authorities early on tied those crimes to the Forks robbery, but no one has been charged in either the killing or the abduction.

DeRose, however, is headed to trial on separate charges he stole $8,093 from the business. A human resources representative of Wireless Nation USA contacted Forks police and reported thousands missing in nightly deposits from the store between Oct. 3 and Nov. 22. Prosecutors previously said DeRose's theft case is not related to the robbery and he remains a victim in that case.

Blair, the defense attorney representing Chandler, said after Wednesday's appearance his client is adamant he has no connection to the killing of Davis.

"He assures me he had nothing to do with that at all," Blair said. "He says, 'I have absolutely nothing to do with that. Track my cellphone and see. I was definitely not there.'"

When walking with constables to a car waiting to transport him back to Northampton County Prison, Chandler said he was happy to travel by airplane back to the Lehigh Valley from Georgia and not a 12-hour car ride.

"It could have been first class," he said of the flight.

Asked repeatedly about his involvement in the Forks Township robbery, Chandler called out just before ducking his head into the car, "Ask Vaughn Felix."

Felix, of Easton, and Gregory Lewis Jr., of Wilson Borough, both 26, are accused of robbing on Feb. 9 a Verizon store in Wind Gap. They also are charged with receiving stolen property in a Dec. 23 robbery at JC Jewelry, 24 N. Second St., Easton.

Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @pamholzmann. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
From the road, the fuel pumps may look like a good place to get gas in a remote section of Forks Township, where agricultural meets industrial.

But don't pull in looking for gasoline, or diesel, or even even propane for the grill.

This station, at 3715 Glover Road, carries only compressed natural gas -- a clean-burning fuel piped down from Pennsylvania's Marcellus Shale fields to the north.

The Keystone Compressed Natural Gas Filling Station was operational during a sneak-peek tour Tuesday, and its fast-fuel pumps are set to open to the public next week -- provided you have a compatible vehicle.

"It's opened up for anybody that has vehicles, that has the CNG, they can come up here, it'll take a credit card," said Michael Hedges, senior project manager for Columbus, Ohio-based Design Develop Contract, one of the site's general contractors.

The traditional-looking filling station pumps are what's known as fast-fill dispensers. They are what's open to anyone with a vehicle that burns CNG.

Think fleets, like transit bus, long-haul trucking, refuse and concrete-mixing companies, said Tony Bandiero, executive director of the Eastern Pennsylvania Alliance for Clean Transportation. The nonprofit helped secure grant funding from Pennsylvania for the roughly $4.4 million installation.

Keystone CNG also has 34 time-fill connections for its partner on the project, W.W. Transport Inc. Both are based in West Burlington, Iowa, said Kyle Weuve, president of Keystone and chief financial officer at W.W. Transport.

Fast-fill will top off a CNG vehicle in 18 to 20 minutes, said Hedges. Time-fill takes about six hours, for the W.W. Transport trucks parked there overnight. The company is also building a garage with truck wash and other amenities on site for its fleet.

Made up of at least 90 percent methane, compressed natural gas is sold in units known as gasoline gallon equivalents, each equal to about 5.66 pounds of the gas.

"This quantity of natural gas delivers approximately the same amount of energy to your vehicle as a typical gallon of gasoline," reads one of the labels affixed to the pumps.

A topped-off tractor-trailer cab has a range of up to 360 miles, said Friedo Meyer, a fuel technician and driver for W.W. Transport. He was filling up a cab Tuesday.

At another pump, Paul Esteves with Mobile Fueling Solutions was filling up containers with a capacity of 11 gasoline gallon equivalents apiece. His flat bed carried two pods housing, between them, 68 of these containers. It's used to deliver CNG to trucks or buses that may not have time to make it to the station.

Statewide, Pennsylvania has only 10 or so of these dual private-public CNG stations, said Bandiero, with the Eastern Pennsylvania Alliance for Clean Transportation. Great River Energy LLC built a public CNG filling station on Lower Mud Run Road in Lower Mount Bethel Township, and Waste Management has one for its fleet in Plainfield Township.

"In Pennsylvania, they're a little rare but they're definitely becoming more common," he said. "We need more of these things in the state to help promote alternative fuels and natural gas."

Keystone CNG features a compressor, storage and dispensing system built by the Appleton, Wisconsin-based CMD Corp. The gear was installed by DDC, one of two general contractors on the project. The other is Alfero Co., based in Easton.

The natural gas flows in from underground along Glover Road. It is supplied by UGI Utilities Inc., which gets about 90 percent of its natural gas for residential and commercial use from hydraulic fracturing of the Marcellus Shale geologic formation that underlies much of Pennsylvania.

Natural gas vehicles reduce carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide and volatile organic compound emissions by as much as 90 percent compared to other motor fuels, according to UGI.

"It burns cleaner for one," Hedges, from DDC, said of the benefits of CNG. "You don't have the diesel fuel that's going through your motor, through your engine, through your vehicle. Your maintenance costs are going to go down from a fleet standpoint. ... It's better for the environment.

"And for the state of Pennsylvania, it's better for the economy because we're getting our fuel local from ... Pennsylvania, using it to deliver the goods to the people of Pennsylvania."

Natural gas flowing into a home comes in at about 2 pounds per square inch. Keystone CNG's compressors begin with a booster that ups the pressure to 60 psi. From there, the gas runs through dryers that eliminate moisture before it is compressed to about 3,600 psi. The finished CNG is stored in six storage vessels containing 85 to 90 gasoline gallon equivalents each.

An automated priority panel determines whether CNG from the vessels goes to the fast-fill or time-fill dispensers.

"If everything is fueled up and storage is topped off and complete to the pressure, the system will shut down and wait until the demand draws it," said Brad Schmoll, business development manager for CMD Corp., the equipment provider.

For safety, the entire facility is equipped with pressure-release valves and emergency stop buttons.

"You hit the emergency stop and it can shut down the whole system and once that whole system shuts down, it immediately sends out an email because this whole site's monitored 24 hours a day," Hedges said.

Problems are diagnosed remotely and can be repaired by W.W. Transport staff.

"Each one of the compressors also has gas detection inside so if there was a leak internal to one of the enclosures, it would shut that portion of the system so the whole site's not off," Schmoll said. "We would also get that remote notification."

As of Tuesday, contractors were adding a top coat of asphalt around the time-fill connections and going through some punch-list items identified during a recent inspection. But otherwise, Keystone CNG was ready to roll.

"At this point, we're just kind of waiting for a couple of things to tie up and we should be, Memorial Day week, looking at starting to fuel," Hedges said.

Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @KurtBresswein. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
Baku, Azerbaijan, May 24

By Leman Zeynalova  Trend:

World oil prices are rising on May 24 ahead of the OPEC meeting to be held today in Vienna.

The price for July futures of Brent crude oil has increased by 0.22 percent to $54.27 per barrel as of 06:05 (GMT +4).

Meanwhile, the price for July futures of West Texas Intermediate (WTI) has grown by 0.17 percent and stood at $51.56 per barrel.

OPEC monitoring committee meeting will be held May 24 in Vienna.

Russia and Saudi Arabia earlier said that they will propose during the OPEC meeting to be held May 24-25 the extension of the oil output deal by nine months.

The two countries agreed to do whatever it takes to achieve the desired goal of stabilizing the market and reducing commercial oil inventories to their 5 year average level, as well as to underscore the determination of oil producers to ensure market stability, predictability and sustainable development  the joint actions of the participating producers should be extended by 9 months.

In December 2016, OPEC and non-OPEC producers reached their first deal since 2001 to curtail oil output jointly and ease a global glut after more than two years of low prices.

Non-OPEC oil producers such as Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Brunei, Equatorial Guinea, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Mexico, Oman, Russia, Sudan, and South Sudan agreed to reduce output by 558,000 barrels per day starting from Jan. 1, 2017 for six months, extendable for another six months.

OPEC agreed to slash the output by 1.2 million barrels per day from Jan. 1.

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Follow the author on Twitter: @ Lyaman_Zeyn
Longtime Easton Area School Board and city council member Pat Vulcano Jr. has died, according to a news release from Easton's mayor.

Mayor Sal Panto Jr. said a flag lowering ceremony to honor Vulcano will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday in Easton's Centre Square.

Vulcano's wife, Sandy, who serves as a councilwoman and as vice mayor, will attend with other city officials.

The mayor said on Monday that Vulcano had been moved into hospice. Vulcano held every elected office in Easton except mayor.

The longtime South Side resident served on the school board for 12 years until he lost re-election in 2013.

He served on city council from 1980 through 1986, when he resigned because he was appointed the city treasurer.

The longtime Democrat ran for mayor in 1999 but lost to Republican Thomas Goldsmith.

Vulcano was a business and marketing teacher and high school cooperative education coordinator in the Northampton Area School District, where he worked for 27 years until he retired in 2001.

He joined the Easton City Democratic Committee in 1976. In 2000, he was one of five Lehigh Valley residents chosen to represent the area at the Democratic National Convention in Los Angeles.

Vulcano served on the committee that formed the city's home rule charter. He was a 1966 graduate of Easton Area High School and held bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees.

Calling hours will be from 1 to 3 pm and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday and from 8:15 to 9:15 a.m. Saturday at the Morello Funeral Home, 3720 Nicholas Street, Palmer Township.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on at 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, Ninth and Lehigh streets, Easton. Interment will be in St. Anthony's Cemetery in Williams Township.

Donations may be made to:

The Northampton Area High School Marketing / Business Scholarship Fund. Please make checks payable to Sandra Vulcano and mail in care of the Morello Funeral Home, Inc., 3720 Nicholas Street, Easton, Pa. 18045.

The Career Institute of Technology Foundation for scholarships in care of the C.I.T. 5335 Kesslersville Road, Easton Pa. 18040.

The Muscular Dystrophy Association, 5940 Hamilton Blvd., Suite F, Allentown, Pa. 18106.

The family requests no flowers or plants.

Rudy Miller may be reached at rmiller@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @RudyMillerLV. Find Easton area news on Facebook.
In 2009 and 2010, Republicans fired up about the Affordable Care Act took out their frustrations on Democratic politicians during town halls.

It didn't stop the health care insurance law, but it did lead to charges in the one-party government's structure, dominated at that moment by Democrats.

Now that Republicans hold the House, Senate and White House, it's aggrieved Democrats upset with the likely repeal and replacement of Obamacare shouting down the GOP politicians in town halls.

So, unless local Republicans want to raise concerns about the treatment of President Trump during the investigations over his campaign's alleged contacts with Russians, U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright, a Democrat, should have a relaxed hour with his constituents on May 30 in Wilson Borough.

His local town hall is scheduled 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Strausser Community Center, 2210 Liberty St.

The event is open to the public. There will be a brief presentation and then time for questions, the congressman's office said in a news release.

Cartwright represents parts of Northampton County in a district that stretches into the Scranton area.

Tony Rhodin may be reached at arhodin@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyRhodin. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
A man who participated in a robbery tied to a sneaker sale arranged on Facebook and another man who pleaded guilty to a drug crime were arrested Tuesday morning in Allentown on Pennsylvania parole violation warrants.

The U.S. Marshals Violent Fugitive Task Force, the Northampton County Sheriff's Department Criminal Warrants Division, Pennsylvania State Parole agents and Allentown police served the warrants at two city locations to make the arrests, sheriff's department Sgt. Michael Orchulli said.

Javon Gordon, 21, was picked up at 551 Mohawk St., Orchulli said. Alex Ali, 28, was arrested at 40 N. 12th St., Orchulli added. Both were taken to Lehigh County Prison.

Gordon was on parole after a 16-month to five-year sentence from a Sept. 20, 2015, robbery that began when a 15-year-old agreed with another teenager to buy three pairs of Jordan sneakers and other items in Allentown, police said at the time. Gordon and another teen accompanied the 15-year-old and Gordon pulled the victim to the ground while the 15-year-old pointed a gun, police said.

Instead of buying sneakers, the trio took them and a Mongoose bicycle, an Under Armor bag, three Gucci belts, two hats and a Droid phone, police said.

Gordon pleaded guilty on March 26, 2016, to robbery and conspiracy, but records show he was paroled well short of serving his full sentence.

Court papers don't show how Gordon violated parole.

Ali was arrested in March 2016 during a Moore Township police narcotics operation, police said at the time.

Alex Ali. (Courtesy photo | For lehighvalleylive.com)

Officers knew he was wanted on a parole violation tied to previous drug crimes so when they saw him March 19 in the first block of Woodsdale Court in the Hickory Hills mobile home development, they took him into custody, they said.

When searched, it was learned he had 30 individually wrapped packets of heroin in a pack of cigarettes, police said.

He was paroled Jan. 21 of this year, records show. Orchulli didn't specify the nature of the parole violation, but Ali owed $2,333.99 in court fees and fines and hadn't made any payments, records show.

Tony Rhodin may be reached at arhodin@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyRhodin. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
Pennsylvania is closing in on having a Real ID system, but it will be two-tiered, involve choice and likely additional cost for those residents who want the enhanced driver's licenses, according to a published report.

The Keystone State was one of several to pass on the program in 2012, but federal authorities have more recently warned that Pennsylvanians won't be able to use driver's licenses in 2018 as ID to board domestic flights without the enhancement being approved.

The state Senate voted 49-1 on Tuesday to send the bill back to the state House for final OK, pennlive.com said. Gov. Tom Wolf said Wednesday morning he will sign it if the House makes no changes.

Pennsylvania aims for a federal homeland security waiver through October 2020 to get the program fully up to speed, the news website said. The state was also at risk for its licenses not being accepted to enter military bases, federal courthouses or nuclear power plants.

Drivers would be given the choice between the enhanced license and a normal license, with those using the federally approved ID paying the additional price for the program, pennlive.com said. A specific price wasn't mentioned.

The federal Real ID Act set standards for the new ID cards, including "requiring a raised birth certificate and proof of legal residency," pennlive.com.

Pennsylvania, under total Republican control in 2012, rejected the mandate over concern that the federal government didn't fund it and worries about privacy, the news website said.

The two-tiered system was developed earlier in May in the state House.

"Now it is time for us to do the right thing again," Sen. Kim Ward, R-Westmoreland County and the bill's prime sponsor, said, according to pennlive.com.

"We need to acknowledge that complying with Real ID will not adversely impact the Commonwealth, as it might have in 2012, but non-compliance will mean more than just simple inconveniences for many of our constituents."

Wolf praised Ward for her efforts.

"I want to thank Sen. Ward and her colleagues for their cooperation with PennDOT and my administration to ensure Pennsylvania can comply with the federal REAL ID law," Wolf said in the prepared statement. "I am hopeful that the House will not make further changes and I can sign this bill in its current form when it reaches my desk."

Tony Rhodin may be reached at arhodin@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyRhodin. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
A Mauritian national falsely claimed that the father of her child was an Irish man in order to remain in Ireland, the district court heard.

Tanuja Dookhy (36), Beechfield, Mountmellick Road, Portlaoise, was charged with giving false information to the Civil Registration Office in Portlaoise.

Inspector Maria Conway said that in November, 2010, the accused, a Mauritian national, registered the birth of her baby, with herself and a male accompanying her both signing a document to say she wasnt married.

The male, a Mr Flanagan, subsequently began to believe that he was not the father of the child.

Insp Conway told the court that the accused also had a Mauritian husband. The accused had registered Mr Flanagan as the father, because it allowed her stay in Ireland as the mother of an Irish child.

Defence for the accused said that the case had previously been adjourned for a DNA test on the child.

Defence said that the accused had submitted herself for the test, but the evidence of the test was not in court.

Defence also handed into the court a number of references and letters on the accuseds behalf.

After reading the documents, Judge Catherine Staines convicted and fined the accused 40.
Baku, Azerbaijan, May 24

By Leman Zeynalova  Trend:

Serbias joining the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) would provide diversification of energy supply to the country, Professor Jonathan Stern, distinguished research fellow at Oxford Institute for Energy Studies, told Trend.

Regarding the prospects for the countrys joining the Turkish Stream gas pipeline project, the expert noted that this would make no contribution to diversification.

The question would be: does Serbia have the finance to build connections to either Turkish Stream 2 or TAP? My guess would be no, because the Serbian market is not large enough to warrant a special pipeline link to be created, said Stern. This means that Serbia has to hope that a pipeline will be routed through its territory without any financial contribution.

As for the possibility of Russian gas flow through TAP, the expert said that this will depend on a) Turkish Stream 2 being built and gas from that pipeline being accepted by the EU regulatory authorities and then b) whether transportation through TAP would be lower cost than building the ITGI (Interconnector TurkeyGreeceItaly) pipeline.

TAP is a part of the Southern Gas Corridor, which is one of the priority energy projects for the European Union. The project envisages transportation of gas from Azerbaijan's Shah Deniz Stage 2 to the EU countries.

The pipeline will connect to the Trans Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline (TANAP) on the Turkish-Greek border, run through Greece, Albania and the Adriatic Sea, before coming ashore in Italys south.

TAP will be 878 kilometers in length (Greece 550 kilometers, Albania 215 kilometers, Adriatic Sea 105 kilometers, and Italy 8 kilometers).

TAPs shareholding is comprised of BP (20 percent), SOCAR (20 percent), Snam S.p.A. (20 percent), Fluxys (19 percent), Enagas (16 percent) and Axpo (5 percent).

Russia and Turkey signed an intergovernmental agreement October 10 on the implementation of the Turkish Stream project.



The agreement envisages construction of two branches of the main gas pipeline under the Black Sea, the capacity of each branch being 15.75 billion cubic meters of gas.



One branch is meant to supply gas directly to the Turkish market and the other for the supply of gas by transit through Turkey to Europe.

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @Lyaman_Zeyn
Kildare has been home to relatively fewer prisoners than other counties in Ireland in recent years, according to a Leinster Leader survey.

Using the Irish Prison Service annual average prison numbers from 2008 to 2014, and county populations in 2011, we estimated that Kildare has averaged 1.8 residents in jail for every 1,000 of population.

The was one of the lowest levels in the State with just Mayo, Roscommon, Meath, Donegal and Leitrim having a lower proportion.

While the average number of prisoners with Kildare addresses was 377, there was an increase in the county numbers between 2008 and 2014 when they grew 69% from 248 to 420.

In 2011, the county provided 412 prisoners out of its 210,312 population or 2 per 1000 people.

The numbers peaked at 489 in 2012.

The differences in rates of prisoners may be explained by the age profile of the county and other factors, largely because the prison population has tended to be comprise a certain age category of younger people.

For the 26 counties, as a whole, there were 2.6 people per 1,000 population in jail, with 12,706 locked up in 2014, a 34% rise on 9,459 in 2008.

We used the average prison population from each county over the seven years and divided that by the 2011 population.

Limerick topped the league with 4.7 per 1000, followed by Longford (3.5), Dublin (3.3) and Cork (3.2). Louth and Waterford were next with 2.8.

Tipperary was 2.6 and Laois, 2.2. Carlow and Kilkenny were 2.1 and 1.8 respectively.

The largest % increase in the seven years was in Wicklow (2.4), which saw a 145% rise. Dublin saw an 8% drop from an average of 3,888 in 2008 compared with 3,560 in 2014.

Leitrim had the lowest relative prison population, with eleven prisoners in 2014, representing 1.1% of the population.

In 2014, the 26 counties housed 12,706 prisoners with addresses in the Irish state. Another 657 were either of no fixed address 9265); their address was not stated (257) or they were from outside the country (135).

In addition 46 had Northern Ireland addresses

According to the annual report of the Irish Prison Service 2016, over a quarter (26.7%) of all persons committed declared Dublin as their county of residence.

Cork with 12.6%, Limerick with 8.1% and Galway with 5.3% were the next largest counties of residence indicated.

Of the 12,579 persons committed, 82.4%, which is a decrease of 13.5% on the 2015 figure.

Other EU nationals (excluding Irish) accounted for 1,233 (9.8%) of people committed.

Other European nationals accounted for 141 (1.1%), African nationals for 314 (2.5%), Asian nationals for 159 (1.3%) and Central/South American nationals accounted for 75 (0.6%).
Concertina wizard Padraig Rynne plays with Notify at The Dock, Carrick-on-Shannon on Thursday night, May 25.

Described as "one of the freshest sounds in Irish music" by fRoots, Clare native Padraig Rynne is a virtuoso musician, prolific composer and is regarded as one of the finest concertina players in Irish music today.



Hell be playing at The Dock on Thursday, May 25 with Notify a band made up of some of Irelands finest young musical talent.

As an ensemble Notify seamlessly fuses a deep knowledge of Irish musical tradition with forward thinking innovation in a tasteful way that has connected with audiences worldwide.



The multi talented group of musicians come from backgrounds in Jazz, Traditional Irish, Electronic, Pop and Funk music. What they produce both on their award winning recording and in their acclaimed live shows is a mixture of styles that bustles with exciting possibilities at a crossroads of Irish Traditional music, jazz, and even elements of electronica.

Based on the reviews of their music here in Ireland, in Europe and the USA , there is little doubt that Notify are headed for great things.



The musical seam they are mining is a rich one and well worth exploring on tomorrow, Thursday night at The Dock. Their gig will start at 8.30pm and tickets are available now on (071) 9650828 or at www.thedock.ie
My poor husband doesnt get a lot in the way of post. It tends to be bills, or adverts for stair lifts or begging letters from the Liberal Democrats.

The latter do not please him so I tend to intercept them so he doesnt see them. He is of the not entirely unjustified opinion that his household has more than enough disruption because of his wifes involvement in the party that they dont need his money as well. The begging letters, 3 issues of Ad Lib a year and an absent wife sum up his membership experience. That and every five years, he stands in a ward of our Council that he has huge affection for because he worked there three decades ago.

So, yesterday, the postman left a strange looking cream envelope addressed to him with no indication of where it came from. I was fairly certain it wasnt a begging letter from the Liberal Democrats so I gave it to him to open.

In fact, it was a very nice letter from Tim Farron thanking him for being a candidate in the local elections and commiserating with him for not being elected.

He was seriously chuffed to get it.

So, whoever in Great George Street thought this one up, well done. Take a bow.

I think that the People directorate in LDHQ are really starting to do some exciting and thoughtful stuff to make sure that members feel included and appreciated.

* Caron Lindsay is Editor of Liberal Democrat Voice and blogs at Caron's Musings
Baku, Azerbaijan, May 24

By Leman Zeynalova  Trend:

Saudi crude oil exports in March rose by 275,000 barrels per day month-on-month to 7.232 million barrels per day from Februarys 26-month-low, according to the report of the Joint Organizations Data Initiative (JODI).

The countrys crude oil export stood at 6.957 million barrels per day in February 2017, the lowest level since May 2015.

Moreover, Saudi Arabias crude oil output has dropped from 10.011 million barrels per day in February to 9.900 million barrels per day in March 2017, the data shows.

Saudi Arabia has undertaken the largest cut in oil output (486,000 barrels per day) among the participants of the OPEC deal signed last year in Vienna.

In December 2016, OPEC and non-OPEC producers reached their first deal since 2001 to curtail oil output jointly and ease a global glut after more than two years of low prices.

Non-OPEC oil producers such as Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Brunei, Equatorial Guinea, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Mexico, Oman, Russia, Sudan, and South Sudan agreed to reduce output by 558,000 barrels per day starting from Jan. 1, 2017 for six months, extendable for another six months.

OPEC agreed to slash the output by 1.2 million barrels per day from Jan. 1.

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @Lyaman_Zeyn
LIMERICK Fire and Rescue Service has officially added two new state-of-the art vehicles to its operational fleet in the city

The vehicles  a Scania water tender and a specialist/river rescue Citroen van  will be based at Limerick Fire Station, Mulgrave Street.

While Limerick Fire and Rescue Service took delivery of the two vehicles a number of weeks ago, they only entered active service on Monday morning.

Both vehicles were officially registered last year and carry 162-registration plates.

The Scania water tender was built by Sidhean Teo in Spiddal, County Galway, over the last 12 months having been commissioned by Limerick Fire and Rescue Service early last year.

The vehicle cost in the region of 280,000 and was funded by a central government capital scheme.

A spokesperson for Limerick City and County Council confirmed that the arrival of the new appliance will facilitate the replacement of an older vehicle which is currently in use in County Limerick.

This (new) fire appliance will have an expected life span of 20 years within Limerick Fire and Rescue service and will attend roughly 1,300 incidents each year, Paul McMahon, senior assistant chief fire officer told the Leader.

While the new Citreon van will be primarily used for river rescue incidents, it is also capable of being deployed elsewhere when required.
A LIMERICK student studying in Manchester has spoken of how she first realised the deadly terror attack on the English city was underway.

Marisa Kennedy, a third year University of Limerick journalism student who has spent six months studying at the University of Salford was left in complete shock at the explosion at the end of an Ariana Grande gig in the Manchester Arena - which was carried out by 22 year old Salman Abedi, while responsibility has been claimed by Isis.

The attack has claimed the lives of 22 people  12 of them children  and left scores more injured. A book of condolence opened at City Hall Limerick yesterday, while flags flew at half mast over the local authority offices. It is also available online.

Mayor Kieran OHanlon said he was shocked and saddened by the tragic events.

Speaking to the Leader from Manchester, Marisa  who will end her placement and return to Ireland this Wednesday  said she had turned off her phone early in the night to try and get some sleep.

Then I heard a huge amount of sirens. This wouldnt be strange, Im right beside the police station. But they would normally stop early in the night. But they continued  and the volume was incredible. Then there were helicopters. I got the sense there was something wrong. I knew I wasnt going to sleep, and then I saw all these messages coming on my telephone asking if I was okay. A terrorist attack was the last thing I imagined, she said.

I couldnt believe it when I turned on the news and saw what had happened just down the road.

Mayor OHanlon said: Im totally shocked and saddened that any individual would have the mentality to do this to such innocent people. My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims and all those who were injured. To target young people is particularly unbelievable.

The mayor confirmed he would write to his counterpart in Manchester Andy Burnham on behalf of the city to express our horror at the attack and our support for the people there.
A VOTE to rename The Square in Newcastle West after the executed Easter Rising leader Con Colbert has been rejected.

Counting in the plebiscite  featuring 39 people eligible to vote  took place in the Newcastle West District Office of Limerick City and County Council at Aras William Smith O'Brien, this Wednesday morning.

A total of 39 residents and ratepayers were eligible to vote and were asked to tick yes or no to the following question: I consent to an application being made for change of the name of The Square to Con Colbert Square

Of the 39 ballots, 27 were returned, one was invalid as the ballot paper had not been witnessed, giving a total poll of 26. There were six in favour and 20 against, the council said.

According to the bye-laws, a plebiscite will be carried if 4/7ths of the total eligible poll vote in favour. In this case it meant that in order for the plebiscite to be carried 22 votes in favour would have had to be cast.

Name of The Square in NCW will remain the same after ballot to change name to Con Colbert Square was defeated. 20 to 6, the council tweeted.

Name of The Square in NCW will remain the same after ballot to change name to Con Colbert Square was defeated. 20 to 6 1/2  Limerick Council (@LimerickCouncil) May 24, 2017

Plebiscite Total Eligible to vote 39 Ballots returned 27 Invalid 1 Total valid poll 26 For 6 Against 20. Result No change in name 2/2  Limerick Council (@LimerickCouncil) May 24, 2017

Ballot papers being sorted in the plebiscite for renaming The Square in NCW. pic.twitter.com/Ptz2WC9dTW  Limerick Council (@LimerickCouncil) May 24, 2017

The idea was first proposed, last November, by Fianna Fails Cllr Michael Collins. He was told by Fine Gaels Cllr Jerome Scanlan that there was no appetite for a name change for the Square.

Two submissions were received when the proposal became public, one from the sixth class pupils of Scoil Iosaf NS in the town who argued the idea was a waste of time, money and resources. And if a name change were to occur, they said, Michael Hartnett Square would be more suitable. Students from the class attended the count.

Mayor Kieran O'Hanlon speaking to pupils from Scoil Iosaf in Newcastle West at start of plebiscite for changing name of The Square in NCW pic.twitter.com/ueg6QzBsHC  Limerick Council (@LimerickCouncil) May 24, 2017

Another submission from Seamus Hennessy, An Post, Newcastle West suggested Pearse Square as an alternative.

However, these submissions were regarded as invalid as the submissions sought by the council were not about agreeing or disagreeing but solely about who was entitled to vote. In the end, some 39 people were listed as being eligible to vote: 11 resident electors and 25 rate-payers.

When Cllr Collins proposed the naming of the Square after Con Colbert, who was executed in May, 1916 for his part in the Easter Rising, he reminded councillors that a similar attempt was made in 1966 but came to nothing, I think this is very apt, he said. I see this as unfinished work from 1966 which now needs to be completed.

Con Colbert was born in Castlemahon where a memorial statue was erected last year on the centenary of the Rising. He was reared in Athea where the local hall is named in his honour and where a memorial weekend took place last year.
GARDAI have recovered a weapon which they believe was used during a fatal assault in the city centre this Wednesday lunchtime.

The implement was located during forensic examinations of the scene at Roches Row which links Thomas Street and Roches Street.

It is expected a murder investigation will be formally launched this Thursday once the results of a post mortem  to be conducted by Deputy State Pathologist, Dr Michael Curtis  are known.

The alarm was raised at around 1.20pm after an altercation broke out between a number of men at the narrow laneway, which runs adjacent to a multi-story car park.

A Romanian national who was found with serious injuries was initially treated by paramedics before being transferred to University Hospital Limerick where he was pronounced dead.

An Irish man, is aged in his 50s, who was arrested at the scene is being detained at Roxboro Road garda station under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act.

Gardai have obtained CCTV footage from the locality and any witnesses are asked to contact Henry Street garda station at (061) 212400.

Superintendent Derek Smart, who is leading the investigation, is particularly appealing to anyone who was in the multi story car park around the time of the incident to contact them.

We know there were people in the car park  either dropping off or collecting cars and they may have heard or seen something, he said.
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An East Midlands Ambulance Service boss has apologised after an 86-year-old woman was force to lie in a gutter as she waited "more than two hours" for an ambulance after a fall.

The woman suffered bruising to her face and a suspected broken arm in the incident, which happened near the entrance to Fantasy Island, in Sea Lane, Ingoldmells, on Thursday, May 11.

East Midlands Ambulance Service officials said an ambulance did attend the incident at 2.03pm, after a call at 1.26pm, and the patient was taken to Pilgrim Hospital, Boston - but according to one onlooker, the incident itself happened at noon, and a call was made to EMAS at that time.

Richard Hunter, ambulance operations manager for Lincolnshire at East Midlands Ambulance Service, said: "We are very sorry that we were unable to get to the patient sooner.

"She had suffered minor injuries, and while we understand she may have been uncomfortable, at the time of the call we were experiencing a high number of 999 calls to patients in a life-threatening condition.

"Patients who are unconscious, not breathing or have chest pains require immediate help and we have to prioritise them.

"The past year has been a real challenge, not only for UK ambulance services, but for National Health and Social Care Services as a whole.

"Despite this, we got to more people faster than ever before to provide quality emergency clinical care and treatment."

EMAS operates over six counties covering 6,425 sq miles and a population of around 4.8 million people and deals with about 2,400 calls to 999 a day.

Fran Jones, from Stoke-on-Trent, who was visiting the resort with husband David, 60, was so shocked about the apparent delay to the fallen woman in Ingoldmells that she photographed the scene to raise awareness.

She said: "We were driving along at about midday when we saw the old lady laying in the gutter.

"She had fallen over while crossing the road and taken her daughter with her. There was a first aider with her as well.

"No-one wanted to move her because she was injured. I asked the daughter if an ambulance had been called and she said they had already called 999 and were waiting.

"We then went shopping and had something to eat but we were shocked to see the woman still there when we went past again just before 1.30pm.

"I called 999 and they told me an ambulance had been sent but then had been turned around to go to an emergency.

"I thought it was so disgusting that this woman had been left waiting in the gutter for over two hours, so I took a photo to show people what was going on.

"Even a police officer at the scene told me to make a complaint."

By June 2015 EMAS had failed to meet its 'Red 1' (life-threatening cases such as cardiac arrest) response times for the fifth year running, but it did meet its target in 2016/17.

In the past financial year EMAS responded to 1,264 more 'Red 1' patients within eight minutes than the previous year, and a further 9,950 more 'Red 2' patients (also life threatening) within eight minutes.

On an average day in Lincolnshire EMAS receives more than 500 emergency and urgent 999 calls for an ambulance, and it has 45 ambulances and 14 fast response cars with skilled clinicians on board to respond.

Significant peaks in demand bring real challenges and sometimes the service cannot get to people as quickly as it wants or needs to, officials say.
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Armed police officers are on patrol in Lincoln just hours after the Government raised the terror alert to its highest level in the wake of the Manchester Arena killings.

Officers with guns have been seen patrolling along the Brayford this morning, Wednesday, May 24.

It is understood several armed patrols are taking place in the city.

It comes after the terrorism threat in Britain was raised to its highest level, "critical", over concerns of another imminent attack.

The military has been called in as a result of the raised alert level and as many as 5,000 troops will be put on the streets as part of Operation Temperer.

Home Secretary Amber Rudd told the Today programme this morning that in order to give the police all the support they needed, the Government was supporting them in Operation Temperer so they could have Armed Forces assistance in order to "free up police".

She said: "They will basically be backfilling where police are otherwise occupied now, where they can do more work on this or on keeping people safe and we fully expect it to be temporary."

She added: "This is a temporary arrangement in order to respond to an exceptional event."

She has also disclosed that the intelligence services had been aware of suspected attacker, British-born Salman Abedi.

Asked if she knew whether Islamic State (IS) directed the attack, she said: "We don't have that information yet, no."

Ms Rudd said the investigation was "ongoing" when asked if another attack was planned.

She said: "It was a devastating occasion, it was ... more sophisticated than some of the attacks we've seen before and it seems likely, possible that he wasn't doing this on his own, so the intelligence services and the police are pursuing their leads in order to make sure that they get all the information and reduce therefore the risk that they need to keep us all safe."

Speaking on BBC Radio 4's Today programme, she added: "Well the security services will know a lot of people, it doesn't mean that they are expected to arrest everybody they know, but it is somebody who they had known before and I am sure when this investigation concludes, we'll be able to find out more."

She went on: "I have complete confidence in our security services, in our intelligence services and I am determined to make sure that they get the support they need to carry on this investigation to keep us safe."
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The UK terror threat level has been raised to 'critical' for the first time in 10 years after the Manchester bomb attack.

Army officials will now be deployed to major events, such as the upcoming FA Cup final, across the country alongside police.

Twenty-two people were killed and dozens more injured on Monday night at the Manchester Arena when a lone suicide bomber detonated a homemade device in the foyer at the end of an Ariana Grande concert.

The 'critical' level means another attack could be imminent.

Mark Rowley, National Policing for Counter-Terrorism lead, said: "The investigation into the terrorist attack in Manchester is large scale, fast moving and making good progress. There has been an arrest and there are currently multiple searches and other activity taking place as I speak.

"However at this stage it is still not possible to be certain if there was a wider group involved in the attack; 24 hours in we have a number of investigative leads that we are pursuing to manage the ongoing threat.

"This concern has led to the independent Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre to raise the threat level to "critical" this evening. It means that their assessment is not only that an attack remains highly likely but a further attack may be imminent.

"The public would expect the police to do everything possible to prevent further attacks and keep them safe. We are flexing our resources to increase police presence at key sites, such as transport and other crowded places and we are reviewing key events over the coming weeks.

"As the Prime Minister has already said this evening I have asked for support from the military to be deployed alongside the police. This will free up armed officers from certain guarding duties to release our officers to support the wider response.

"This is part of an agreed and well-rehearsed plan and military personnel will remain under the command and control of the police service.

"At this time we are asking the public to remain calm but alert. If you see anything that causes you concern, then let us know immediately, if you have suspicions about someone's behaviour call us.

"Look out for anything that seems out of place, unusual or doesn't seem to fit in with day-to-day life. It may be nothing but if you see or hear anything that could be terrorist related trust your instinct no matter how small then ACT and call 999."

A 23-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the attack.

US authorities have named the suicide bomber as Salman Abedi.

Students at the University of Lincoln held a vigil for the victims of the attack last night.
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A forensic scientist had his fingers blown off by a bomb after it was declared safe - prompting a six figure payout from the MOD.

Lee Peters was left injured after using a small plastic box for forensic testing when he was working in an MOD laboratory in Kandahar, Afghanistan.

The device exploded, ripping off three of his figures and damaging his eye sight.

The 51-year-old, from Wrangle, Boston, feared he would bleed to death during the explosion.

He said: "It was like being in a movie - everything went into slow motion. I knew my fingers were blown clean off but I could barely see. I thought if I fainted in there, I would die because there was so much blood.

"I was swearing quite a bit as I shouted for help and one of my colleagues and good friends came to my aid.

"Initially I wasn't actually worried about my hand as the pain was on the same level as a punch. It was my sight I was frantic about. My eyes were burning and I could barely see. It was like someone had put a cloth sack over my head in the dead of night. That's how impaired my vision was."

The 104mm by 38mm opaque container was recovered from a compound south of Camp Bastion.

When it arrived it was put through the usual clearance tests and was declared as safe by the Weapons Intelligence Specialist, according to Mr Peters' lawyers.

It was believed to be an empty box and was declared as a low priority, the lawyers say.

They say it had stayed in the lab for seven days before it was tested by Mr Peters.

As part of routine checks he logged its size, construction and checked for finger prints before trying to prise the lid open with a scalpel.

The chemical weapon ripped away his index, third and ring finger down to the knuckle. It also blew out the palm of his hand and penetrated his eyes with shards of plastic.

It's now thought the bomb was a Chinese replica of a Russian landmine detonator, a type of explosive device the MOD had identified before as a chemical weapon but failed to pass on as intelligence.

It is thought the weapon was a Chinese replica of a Russian landmine detonator, a type of explosive device the MOD had identified before as a chemical weapon but failed to pass on as intelligence, his lawyers say.

He was also told the scanner was faulty and hadn't been serviced for two years.

Mr Peters added: "I feel like a catalogue of errors was made during this incident. The whole thing is dreadful - it just shouldn't have happened.

"The overriding principal of the lab is that it is a completely safe environment and void of explosives. We only wear simple forensic gear in there as there shouldn't have been a risk.

"I've since been told, if that device had gone off as quickly as it was designed to, it would have blown my head clean off.

"I shouldn't be here today."

Within half an hour he was rushed to hospital and doctors spent 13 hours trying to save his fingers.

After a number of days he was flown back to hospital in London.

The surgeons took a skin graft from his right leg and tattooed right arm.

The remainder of the Capricorn star-sign tattoo on his arm has been stretched across what little is left of his hand.

He added: "All the surgeons did what they could for me. They tried to salvage as much of my hand as possible by covering the three stumps but unfortunately the fingers below the knuckle had already died.

"I had explosive abrasive injuries to my eyes from the shards of plastic as well. Four separate splinters of the box went into my right eye which had to be removed and the cornel scarring has permanently damaged my vision but luckily it healed as much as possible over time.

"Now everything looks like I am looking underwater."

Mr Peters has since retired on medical grounds and has won a negligence case against the Ministry of Defence.

Liability lawyer, Tracey Benson, from Slater & Gordon, who represented Lee, added: "This is a tragic case.

"My client should never have come into contact with this item.

"Not only did it strip Lee of his career that had spanned over 20 years but his wife had to stop working in order to look after him.

"He has also suffered with post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of the incident and had to come to terms with facing the rest of his life with his physical limitations and employment limitations."
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A woman has spoken of how her mother waited four hours for an ambulance after a fall at home and died five days later.

Natalie Ewing shared her moving account on the Facebook Page of Lincolnshire Live after in response to our story about an 86-year-old woman who apparently waited more than two hours for an ambulance after a fall in Ingoldmellls.

Natalie wrote: "I wonder how many ambulance crews were stood waiting in corridors of hospitals unable to off load their patients due to no beds.

"This is probably a bigger problem than people realise. My mum fell at home and waited four hours for an ambulance. We couldn't pick her up but she was considered low priority. She died five days later."

An 86-year-old woman fell as she crossed the road near the entrance to Fantasy Island, in Sea Lane, Ingoldmells, on Thursday, May 11, and suffered bruises to her face and a suspected broken arm.

Passer-by Frances Jones, 62, was so shocked at how long the woman had been kept waiting that she photographed the incident to highlight it.

East Midlands Ambulance Service has confirmed that an ambulance did attend the incident at 2.03pm, after a call at 1.26pm, and the patient taken to Pilgrim Hospital, Boston.

It is not clear whether this was following a first or a second 999 call.

Colin Ross commented on Facebook: "There was a few major incidents on Thursday, May 11, two of them involving helicopters and first responders due to two cardiac arrests.

"I'm afraid the lady who fell was placed on low priority because of this. I'm pretty sure the families of the folk who had the cardiac arrests wouldn't have been happy if the ambulance had to divert to a fall rather than the heart attack. Hope the lady was OK."

EMAS operates over six counties covering 6,425 sq miles and a population of around 4.8 million people and deals with about 2,000 999 calls a day.

By June 2015 EMAS had failed to hit the target of reaching someone who has suffered a cardiac arrest within eight minutes when they are unconscious or not breathing. It has reached this target for the last two years.

Several readers said much of the ambulance service's problems in meeting its targets concerned calls about non-emergencies.

Tommy Atkin wrote: "Wouldn't be so bad if there weren't "emergency" calls for broken toes, dead hamsters, grazed knees and earache.

"It's the public that's putting the strain on our valuable resources. Your "emergency" services are actually police, fire and coastguard. Your ambulance is a luxury that's sadly taken for granted."

Ian West said: "Blame the idiots who phone ambulances for sprained fingers and other stupid calls.

"Blame idiots who go to hospital for a sprained ankle or even colds...they block up A&E and block up ambulances."

And Christine Burton wrote: "There is always a good reason why it took so long....they have to prioritise who needs the most help!

"Yes I do feel very much for the poor lady, but I also feel very much for our amazing emergency services."

Mrs Jones, from Stoke-on-Trent, who was visiting the resort with husband David, 60, told Lincolnshire Live: "We were driving along at about midday when we saw the old lady laying in the gutter.

"She had fallen over while crossing the road and taken her daughter with her. There was a first aider with her as well.

"No-one wanted to move her because she was injured. I asked the daughter if an ambulance had been called and she said they had already called 999 and were waiting.

"We then went shopping and had something to eat but we were shocked to see the woman still there when we went past again just before 1.30pm.

"I called 999 and they told me an ambulance had been sent but then had been turned around to go to an emergency.

"I thought it was so disgusting that this woman had been left waiting in the gutter for over two hours, so I took a photo to show people what was going on.

"Even a police officer at the scene told me to make a complaint."
Baku, Azerbaijan, May 23

By Elena Kosolapova  Trend:

From an EU perspective, Iran could be an important direct or indirect contributor to European natural gas supply diversification efforts, a source in the European Commission told Trend on May 23.

The source noted that Iranian gas supplies to Europe could be realized via the possibility to link up Iran to the Southern Gas Corridor.

"The opening of the Southern Gas Corridor would present a great opportunity for Iran to reach the EU gas market," the source said.

At the same time, Iranian gas could be delivered to Europe in the form of LNG, the source noted according, adding that Iranian LNG could raise the liquidity/availability of gas in the global market which could increase availability of supplies and decrease prices.

However, the source stressed it is up to Iran to decide how to export its gas  via pipe or as LNG.

According to OPEC, Iran has 33.5 trillion cubic meters of proven gas reserves - the second largest in the world after Russia.

For the moment Iran does not have the facilities to liquefy gas, but the country is negotiating such projects with foreign companies.

The Southern Gas Corridor is one of the priority energy projects for the EU. It is designed to transport gas from the Caspian region to the European countries through Georgia and Turkey.

The gas to be produced as part of Azerbaijans Shah Deniz Stage 2 is considered as the main source for the Southern Gas Corridor.

As part of the Shah Deniz Stage 2, the gas will be exported to Turkey and European markets by expanding the South Caucasus Pipeline and constructing Trans Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline and Trans Adriatic Pipeline. Other sources can also connect to this project at a later stage.

Follow the author on Twitter: @E_Kosolapova
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A courageous police inspector put his life on the line during a break at his holiday home near Skegness by going into the sea at night to save a woman from drowning.

Inspector Darren Sears was staying at the home he may retire to at Anderby Creek in October 2015 when the incident happened.

He had gone to the beach with his wife to see if he could spot a local woman after hearing someone asking if she had been seen.

Now he has been honoured by royalty in London.

Officials say that when he got to the beach, he heard a woman's voice coming from the sea.

He removed his clothing and waded out into the dark waters which also had dangerous currents.

When he finally located her he swam to her and although she struggled, he pulled her back to the beach where his wife was waiting.

Nottinghamshire Police inspector Sears, 47, attended a ceremony at London's Haberdasher's Hall to be presented with a Royal Humane Society silver gilt Police Medal for the officer who has shown the greatest gallantry in the UK during the year of the incident.

And he had also earlier received one of the Society's Testimonials on Vellum.

The presentations were made by the society's president, Princess Alexandra, who had personally approved the awards and signed the testimonial.

She later talked to him about the incident.

The award was made at the Royal Humane Society's Annual Court and as he announced the presentation the society's Secretary, Dick Wilkinson, added his praise for Insp Sears.

He explained how Insp Sears swam out of his depth in the sea and in the darkness using only a torch held by his wife to guide him to rescue the woman.

Afterwards Mr Wilkinson said : "He could easily have been swept away and drowned. It was incredibly lucky that he was on the beach, heard the woman and then managed to find her in the water and get her back to safety. He put himself in grave danger going into the sea, which had treacherous currents in the dark of night, but he did not hesitate.

"Those chosen to receive their awards at our Annual Court are the ones we considered to be the bravest of the brave and without doubt Insp Sears fits that description perfectly."

The inspector said: "I was just thankful I managed to find her and get her to safety. It was pitch black on the beach. I felt terrible about the way my wife must have felt. All she could see was me disappearing into the darkness."

The roots of the Royal Humane Society stretch back more than two centuries. It is the premier national body for honouring bravery in the saving of human life.

It was founded in 1774 by two of the day's eminent medical men, William Hawes and Thomas Cogan. Their primary motive was to promote techniques of resuscitation.

However, as it emerged that numerous people were prepared to put their own lives at risk to save others, the awards scheme evolved, and today a variety of awards are made depending on the bravery involved.

The society also awards non-health care professionals who perform a successful resuscitation.

Since it was set up, the society has considered more than 86,000 cases and made over 200,000 awards.

The society is a registered charity which receives no public funding and is dependent on voluntary donations.
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Police officers carrying firearms are patrolling the streets and promenade in Skegness.

People have spotted officers walking along the town's seafront after the terrorism threat in Britain was raised to its highest level of "critical" over concerns of another imminent attack.

Skegness Neighbourhood Policing Team's sergeant has tweeted a picture of two armed police officers patrolling the area.

Police sergeant Kate Odlin said the town had brought in extra resources.

It comes after a terror attack at Manchester Arena following Ariana Grande's concert on Monday night. A total of 22 people were killed, many of them young girls.

Armed police have also been seen in Lincoln.

Chief Constable Bill Skelly said the armed officers were patrolling because the terror threat level in the UK had been raised to critical.

He said: "People in Lincolnshire can expect to see more officers on the streets, more routine checks and patrols will be taking place and, quite simply, you can expect that those officers will be around for you to approach if you have any concerns or if you need any information.

"Some of those officers will be armed. If you've ever been to a big event in the county or anything large scale and pre-planned, then you'll be used to seeing officers carrying firearms; this is a necessary response to the events of the last few days.

"At the moment you won't see soldiers on our streets. Military capability is there if we need it and, if we do, will be in accordance with a well-considered plan.

"I understand people will be anxious and concerned and I want to reassure everyone that we are well prepared. There are a number of events planned across the county coming up which people might be worried about. We are working with organisers to ensure those events are as safe and secure as possible and we hope that you are still able to go and enjoy them."

"This is an exceptional and difficult time. The key things to take away are that we are constantly reviewing and assessing and that you should be alert, not alarmed. If something seems out of place to you, talk to us. We'd much rather hear about something that comes to nothing than receive information too late to act.

"Please take note of safety advice and, in the very rare event you are caught up in any kind of weapons attack, please remember to follow the 'Run, Hide, Tell' advice."

And images have also emerged of armed police officers patrolling Boston.

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They have been spotted on the footbridge in the town near the B&M store.

It is not yet known how many Lincolnshire police officers have been deployed across the county and at which locations.
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Soldiers will take to streets in Lincolnshire if they are needed, police have confirmed.

The announcement comes as officials shore up security following the Manchester bomb attack.

Armed officers have been spotted by people across the county on Wednesday afternoon after the UK terror threat level was raised to 'critical' for the first time in 10 years following the attack on May 22.

The rating means a terror attack could be imminent.

Police say there are no current plans to put soldiers on the streets, but say this step is available to them.

Twenty-two people were killed and dozens more injured at the Manchester Arena when a suicide bomber activated a homemade explosive design.

Now, Bill Skelly, chief constable of Lincolnshire Police, has tried to ease concerns across the county but has said soldiers could be called upon in the future.

He said: "People in Lincolnshire can expect to see more officers on the streets, more routine checks and patrols will be taking place and, quite simply, you can expect that those officers will be around for you to approach if you have any concerns or if you need any information.

"Some of those officers will be armed. If you've ever been to a big event in the county or anything large scale and pre-planned, then you'll be used to seeing officers carrying firearms. This is a necessary response to the events of the last few days.

"At the moment you won't see soldiers on our streets. Military capability is there if we need it and, if we do, will be in accordance with a well-considered plan.

"I understand people will be anxious and concerned and I want to reassure everyone that we are well prepared. There are a number of events planned across the county coming up which people might be worried about.

"We are working with organisers to ensure those events are as safe and secure as possible and we hope that you are still able to go and enjoy them.

"This is an exceptional and difficult time. The key things to take away are that we are constantly reviewing and assessing and that you should be alert, not alarmed.

"If something seems out of place to you, talk to us. We'd much rather hear about something that comes to nothing than receive information too late to act.

"Please take note of safety advice and, in the very rare event you are caught up in any kind of weapons attack, please remember to follow the Run, Hide, Tell advice.

"I'd also like to take this opportunity to remind people that any type of hate crime will not be tolerated. Emotive incidents like these can sometimes cause discord within communities.

"Over the coming days and weeks we will be reaching out to make sure those existing bonds and relationships stay strong. If you or anyone you know has been a victim of hate crime please report it straight away on 101 or via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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"Terrorists seek to create fear and distrust. As the police, but more importantly as people, we will not let that happen.

"We stand with Manchester and we stand together as a country. A small amount of people carry out these heinous crimes and we will not let them win.

"Let us work closely together to unite against those who seek, through violence and extremism, to intimidate or cause fear."

A 23-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the terror attack.
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A Lincolnshire D-Day veteran who played a vital part in communications during the war will be honoured by the French people exactly 73 years after he first landed on the beaches of Normandy.

Pat Constance, will be officially presented with the Legion D'honneur medal at the Normandy Veterans annual Memorial service and parade held at the National Memorial Arboretum on June 6.

The 94-year old who lives near Lincoln, has already received his medal unofficially and took it to show to his friends at the weekly meeting of Lincoln Camaraderie Club.

(Image: Anna Draper)

As a teenager, Mr Constance, who was originally from Devon, planned to go to university when he was a teenager, but that all changed when war broke out.

He signed up with the Territorial Army Royal Signals as a wireless operator and when he was 18 he went for training in North Wales in morse code and setting up and using all the equipment needed to keep vital communications in place.

Mr Constance said: "When our unit of around 28 trainees passed out I was kept back for an interview. I wondered what I'd done wrong. The officer said he'd got a problem. He said that he really should recommend me to be a signal school instructor but I was too young."

Instead Mr Constance was sent on his own to work in the secure and secret rooms underneath Dover Castle. There he worked as part of a two-man team providing vital 24 hour contact with the commander of the coastal artillery team.

With communication playing such an essential part in the success or failure of war, as D-Day approached Mr Constance found himself training and preparing to be part of the invasion force.

(Image: Anna Draper)

As his landing craft left Tilbury Docks, and Thames estuary and then out to sea, it was pitch black but he still recognised the familiar outline of Dover Castle.

"Ahead I could see a flashing light, it was a morse signal. It said that there was loose floating mines." Mr Constance said that he decided to keep it to himself rather than unnecessarily panic his shipmates.

In the darkness the men didn't realise what an immense armada was around them but when the light broke it brought the scene into view.

"I had never seen anything like it," Mr Constance said. "There were barrage balloons attached everywhere."

After driving inland they took over communications from another vehicle at Douvres la Delivrande conveying essential information between the corps HQ and England.

"Every now and then heads would appear above the high wall. The French kids used to come along and we'd have a long chinwag. The French were so friendly and really welcoming.

"Eventually we moved through to Belgium. The civilians were very welcoming in fact too much so sometimes, some were even chucking apples. As we went through the main road in Brussels people went mad."

Although the French people showed their appreciation through their kindness during the war, the Legion D'honneur medal will finally give Mr Constance and his comrades the official seal of recognition for the part they played in the liberation of France.
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A man who recently lost his partner of 62 years, has been left 18,000 out of pocket after crooks raided his business and home, stealing a haul of sentimental items.

James Baker, 84, from Ollerton, was awoken in the middle of the night on Monday, May 8 to be told thieves had raided his shop of 30 years, CH Sperink Jewellers on Forest Road.

He said thieves cut through barbed wire fencing surrounding the yard and climbed up a fire escape before spending an hour chipping away at the wood around a steel security door at the back of the shop to get in.

The door had four heavy duty Chubb locks which he says were chiseled out of the woodwork.

But finding another security door blocking their way from the shop itself, the thieves made their way into James' flat above.

The only unlocked door in the flat was to James' bedroom, where he kept items of sentimental value in a box which belonged to his partner of 62 years, Marion Devey, who died in December.

Mr Baker, who was not at home at the time of the burglary, said: "They got in and the intruder alarm went off. That goes through to a company and they rang one of my staff to go down to the shop and see if someone is breaking in.

"I'm very angry and astounded.

"The jewellery, my personal stuff, has all gone.

"All the other doors were locked so they just went into my bedroom."

Items that were stolen, many of which were gifted over the years, include an 18 carat gold ring, a Queen Victoria sovereign ring and a gold curb bracelet.

He estimated the combined value of the items to be around 18,000.

"To make it even worse I lost my partner in December and I'm just getting used to the idea of her not being here.

"But the few things I have of hers were in the safe so they didn't get them."

He said the thieves emptied his partner's jewellery box, containing some of his sentimental items he collected over 50 years, using a bin bag or pillow case.

Mr Baker said he has now had the wooden casing around the door replaced with steel to improve security even more.

It is not the first time he has been targeted by thieves.

About 10 years ago, his shop was burgled three times within a matter of months.

Mr Baker said: "My friend has replaced numerous doors and windows over the years.

"But it will take them a lot longer to get in if they ever try it again."

And still working hard at the age of 84, James is not going to let the crooks win.

"I'm too old to shut up shop - I'll keep going undoubtedly," he said.

Anyone with any information about the incident is urged to contact Nottinghamshire Police, quoting incident number 19 of May 8.
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A 70-year-old woman was left walking the streets of Lincoln after being "refused" a room at a Premier Inn.

Pauline Ricketts from Chapel St Leonards was left "sad and lonely" after trying to get a room at the hotel in Broadgate but turned away as she had no identification.

Ms Ricketts recently had to spend a night in Lincoln due to her sister having to undergo a nine-hour operation the following morning.

"Two very kind visitors dropped me outside the Premier Inn and I went inside and secured a room until I was asked for identification.

"As I had walked in off the street and I don't drive, I had no driving licence so offered my bus pass and bank cards but to no avail.

"By this time, it was getting late [around 9pm]. I was refused a room and left sad and lonely walking the streets of Lincoln looking for a hotel.

"I encountered one or two undesirables but eventually found a room at the Holiday Inn which was excellent.

"They could not believe the treatment I had endured."

The following morning, Ms Ricketts then struggled to get a taxi to see her sister before she went in for surgery.

She says she couldn't get a taxi for an hour.

But she says the "very kind" help of both an ambulance lady and male receptionist helped her on her way.

"The male receptionist who had rang several taxi firms said he was just ringing his boss to get 10 minutes off so he could take me to the hospital himself," she said.

"I was much touched and thank him and the kind ambulance lady for their kindness.

"So, it shows that not everyone is uncaring and that there are still nice people in the world."

Premier Inn has been contacted for comment.
Apr 27, 2021, 1 PM

President Donald Trump's proposed fiscal 2018 federal budget proposes a number of cost-cutting measures for the United States Postal Service that found little sympathy among members of Congress in the past.

Washington Postal Scene  By Bill McAllister

President Donald J. Trump has entered the debate over the future of the United States Postal Service, endorsing some cost-cutting ideas that even the postmaster general has abandoned.

The presidents long-awaited ideas were contained on page 1207 of an annex to Trumps proposed fiscal 2018 federal budget, released May 23.

Thats where the president urged Congress to give the U.S. Postal Service authority to reduce mail delivery frequency where there is a business case for doing so.

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The idea of ending Saturday deliveries has proved so unpopular with members of Congress that Postmaster General Megan Brennan has dropped the idea.

Trump also urged Congress to endorse another controversial cost-saving idea  Shifting to centralized and curbside delivery where appropriate.

The administration also urged enhancing Postal Service governance to ensure sound financial management, and requiring the future rate structure for the Postal Service to provide enough flexibility to ensure both the stability of postal operations and the ability of the postal service to meet its statutory obligations for retiree health and pension costs.

Advance payment of retiree healthcare and pension costs was a major feature of a 2006 postal law. It is a requirement that the USPS has been unable to make, causing a large deficit with the federal treasury.

The president said lawmakers should allow increasing collaboration with state and local governments, a step that might allow post offices to offer some state and local government services at postal counters.

Some members of the presidents party condemned the presidents budget proposals, saying the overall budget plan was dead on arrival on Capitol Hill. The Postal Service welcomed the presidents ideas.

The U.S. Postal Service appreciates that the Presidents proposed 2018 budget recognizes the need to enact postal legislative and regulatory reform, said spokesman David Partenheimer.

Both are essential to enabling the Postal Service to meet its obligations in a financially sustainable manner, he said.

The Postal Service looks forward to continuing to work with the Administration and with Congress to enact postal reform legislation.

The Houses effort to pass postal legislation might have suffered a setback when Rep. Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah, the chief proponent of a bill Brennan has endorsed, announced he was leaving Congress June 30.

As chairman of the House Oversight Committee, Chaffetz had pushed the panel to endorse legislation that would give the USPS some relief from its congressionally imposed costs.

Whether the House leadership will agree to push that legislation after Chaffetz leaves Washington could be a key factor in whether Congress enacts postal legislation this year.

The Trump budget claims its operational reforms could improve the Postal Services financial position by $47 billion over 10 years.

Other provisions of the Trump budget are likely to cause concern among postal retirees.

The president wants Congress to make postal retiree benefits the same as other federal employees, a step that would save the Postal Service $33 billion over the next decade by cutting the retirees pay.

Trump would also like to increase the contributions postal workers make for health and life insurance benefits.

Most postal workers are covered by union agreements that spell out their benefits in detail. These would have to be renegotiated if Congress wants to reduce the benefits postal retirees receive.

On May 12, the National Association of Letter Carriers announced it had reached a tentative 40-month agreement with the USPS covering 213,000 postal workers.

If approved by members of the union, the agreement will run until Sept. 20, 2019.

It provides small wage increases for letter carriers in three steps, as well as cost of living increases.

A previous agreement calls for the percentage of USPS payments for health costs to drop 3 percent during the contract, but a fact sheet issued by the union noted that the Postal Service will continue to pay a higher percentage of healthcare costs than any other federal agency participating in the federal employee health benefit program.

Fredric Rolando, president of the NALC, called the Trump budget a missed opportunity on postal reform.

The budget recycles outdated and counterproductive proposals to slash service, attack postal employees and raise [postage] rates on business mailers that will be met with universal opposition, Rolando said.

Now is not the time to curtail delivery days or reduce door delivery, he added, saying his union remains hopeful that we can work with the White House on sensible reform thats good for business, labor and the American public.
May 24, 2017, 1 PM

Canada Post issued an Eid stamp May 24 to celebrate the Islamic festivals of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. The stamp was unveiled the day before the issue date.

By Denise McCarty

On May 23, Canada Post unveiled an Eid stamp at two events held with members of Muslim communities in Montreal, Quebec, and Richmond Hill, Ontario.

The nondenominated, permanent P domestic-rate (85) stamp was issued May 24 to recognize Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, two of the most important festivals celebrated by Muslims in Canada and worldwide, according to Canada Post.

Eid al-Fitr marks the end of the month-long Ramadan fast. This year Eid al-Fitr begins on the evening of June 25 and ends June 26.

Eid al-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, begins Sept. 1 this year. The festival commemorates Abrahams willingness to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God and also marks the end of the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca.

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Canada Post added, Both celebrations can include special ritual prayers, lavish meals, visits with friends and family, gift-giving, and acts of charity.

Doreen Colonello and Erin Enns of the firm Entro Communications designed the Eid stamp.

Canada Post described the design and its Islamic elements: The Arabic script on the stamp reads Eid Mubarak, which translates to Have a happy Eid or Have a blessed Eid. It appears under a pointed arch, which symbolizes the division between sacred and worldly space in Muslim culture.

The stamps deep blues and warm gold and yellows, as well as its geometric pattern, are seen in Islamic architecture. The new moon atop the stamp signifies the start of Eid.

Also, designer Colonello commented that the turquoise color was often found in the mosaic tiles covering the walls of mosques.

As with all of this years stamps from Canada, the Eid stamp includes references to Canadas 150th anniversary.

A tiny Canada 150  inscription is visible just outside the yellow rectangle on the stamp, on the lower right. Canada Post reports that another reference is included in the taggant.

The stamp measures 28 millimeters by 35mm. Colour Innovations in Toronto printed it by offset in booklets of 10 (Canada Post product number 414041111).

The printing quantity is 200,000 booklets. However, in its Details magazine for collectors, Canada Post said that the Eid stamp is considered a special commemorative, which means that additional quantities could be printed.

Other special commemoratives include Christmas stamps, which Canada has issued annually since 1964, and the Diwali and Hanukkah stamps to be issued later this year.

The stamp for Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, will be a joint issue with India, as announced in Linns, March 27, page 13.

Canada Post said, Together the Eid, Diwali and Hanukkah stamps build on the tradition of Christmas stamps and depict our pride in Canada being a land of diverse faiths, customs and celebrations.

Canada Posts official first-day cover for the Eid stamp is canceled in Toronto, Ontario (414041131).

The Eid stamp and FDC are available at the Canada Post online shop. and by mail order from Canada Post Customer Service, Box 90022, 2701 Riverside Drive, Ottawa, ON K1V 1J8 Canada; or by telephone from the United States or Canada at 800-565-4362, and from other countries at 902-863-6550.

Canadas stamps and stamp products also are available from many new-issue stamp dealers, and from Canada Posts agent in the United States: Interpost, Box 420, Hewlett, NY 11557.
May 24, 2017, 11 AM

The other four stamps in the United Nations World Environment Day issue feature a snowy owl in Quebec, the Supreme Court of Canada in Ottawa, red maples and aspens in the fall, and Moraine Lake in Banff National Park.

The two United Nations World Environment Day stamps for use from the post office at U.N. headquarters in New York City depict Hopewell Rocks in New Brunswick and a polar bear on Baffin Island.

By Denise McCarty

The United Nations is celebrating World Environment Day, June 5, by issuing six stamps six showcasing the natural beauty of Canada.

Canada is the host of this years World Environment Day. The theme is Connecting People to Nature.

World Environment Day is the United Nations principal vehicle for encouraging worldwide awareness and action for the environment.

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The United Nations General Assembly designated June 5 as World Environment Day in 1972 in conjunction with the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment. Since 1987, a different country has hosted World Environment Day.

In the spirit of this years theme, Connecting People to Nature, I encourage all Canadians to explore our countrys beautiful natural areas, including our national parks, national wildlife areas, and migratory bird sanctuaries, said Canadas Minister of Environment and Climate Change Catherine McKenna.

The UNPAs World Environment Day issue includes two stamps for each U.N. post office: 49 and $1.15 for the office at U.N. headquarters in New York City; 1 franc and 2fr for the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland; and 0.68 and 1.70 for the Vienna International Center in Vienna, Austria.

The stamps reproduce photographs of Canadian landscapes, two of which include animals.

The 49 stamp shows one of the formations at Hopewell Rocks in the Bay of Fundy in New Brunswick, and the $1.15 denomination depicts a polar bear on Baffin Island in the territory of Nunavut.

A snowy owl in Quebec is pictured on the 1fr stamp. An autumn scene of Canadas red maples and aspens is featured on the 2fr.

The 0.68 denomination is the only stamp in the set to include a city scene. It shows the Supreme Court of Canada in Ottawa, Ontario, and also includes a view of the Ottawa River.

Pictured on the 1.70 stamp is Moraine Lake in Banff National Park in the Canadian Rocky Mountains in Alberta.

Sergio Baradat of the United Nations designed the stamps using AGE Fotostock photographs by Bill Gozansky, Michael S. Nolan, Malcolm Schuyl, Don Johnston, Barret & MacKay, and Roy Langstaff.

Lowe-Martin of Canada printed the stamps by offset in sheets of 20.

Each stamp measures 50 millimeters by 35mm. Quantities printed are 110,000 each of the U.N./New York stamps; 80,000 each of the U.N./Geneva stamps; and 90,000 each of the U.N./Vienna stamps.

The first-day cover depicts Gonzalo Azumedis photograph of Jasper National Park in Alberta inside a maple leaf. A souvenir card also includes a symbolic maple leaf, along with a photograph of Canada geese in flight and a statement by Minister of Environment and Climate Change McKenna.

For ordering information for the World Environment Day stamps, visit the UN Stamp website, email unpanyinquiries@un.org; telephone 800-234-8672; fax 212-963-9854; or write to UNPA, Box 5900, Grand Central Station, New York, NY 10163-5900.
Baku, Azerbaijan, May 24

By Maksim Tsurkov  Trend:

Azerbaijan will support the proposal to prolong the agreement on reducing oil output between OPEC and non-OPEC countries, said Azerbaijans Energy Minister Natig Aliyev in his interview with the Caspian Energy magazine.

According to him, the Vienna agreement, signed in November 2016, was the first important joint agreement reached throughout the whole history of OPEC and non-OPEC states.

The second significant advantage of this meeting was the determination of the method and mechanism of influencing the market by means of consecutive and agreed reduction of oil production. Monitoring and technical committees were established to study and control the market situation. They have already held two sessions this year. They gave positive conclusions about the fulfillment of these agreements and about the influence of undertaken obligations on the market. Thanks to it, the oil price remained practically stable within $50-55 per barrel starting from January, noted the minister.

He said also that the current oil prices are acceptable for Azerbaijan.

It is rather acceptable for Azerbaijan. Price stability and predictability is of great importance to us. We are the country which is certainly dependent on oil price at the world oil market as it is included into the calculation when setting the budget revenues. As you know, this year we have taken $40 as the basis. If the price stays at $50, it means that we are going to have a budget surplus during five months. It is rather a positive factor for our economy and is certainly of great importance, he noted.

Aliyev also spoke about his expectations from the probable prolongation of the agreement.

Minister of Energy, Industry, and Mineral Resources of Saudi Arabia Khalid Al-Falih has recently paid a two-day visit to Baku on my invitation. I should say that besides him I talked to ministers of Kuwait, Egypt and they are all quite optimistic. On the other hand, they highly appreciate the results of the reached agreements. I have not had relevant consultations with Iran, but I think that Iran will not also oppose the agreement in this case either, said the minister.

The way the OPEC members were going to settle this issue among themselves was their internal business. During my meeting with Saudi Arabian Minister Khalid Al-Falih we exchanged opinions, held consultations and agreed that at the next Vienna meeting we would speak for extension of the agreement as it gave such a positive effect  the producers are satisfied and the most important thing is that the global economy managed to absorb this prices. Then the minister left for Russia and Kazakhstan in order to reach agreement with these countries. I think his trip was successful. We also agreed that Azerbaijan would support the proposal to prolong the agreement until the end of the year.

It is a little bit harder with Kazakhstans position as it launched a new field Kashagan. And it is quite natural that the new field has to reach a certain rate of commercial production. But I think that Kazakhstan will find a solution for this problem. Russian Federations Energy Minister Alexander Novak has recently met with Khalid Al-Falih. In the course of the meeting it was offered to prolong the Vienna agreement for the following 9 months, namely till the end of the first quarter of 2018, he said.

I think that the results of the monitoring held by the technical committee will be announced at the next meeting fixed for May 25. Besides, there will be made certain conclusions regarding the trends and tendencies we are to face till the end of the year. I mean trends and tendencies on economic growth rates of continents and countries, the rate of current oil demand and supply, and whether there is a too high difference between supply and demand. I think each of us will make a suggestion how to make sure that oil supply does not exceed demand too much. After discussing these issues we will probably decide to prolong the agreement and in case of the necessity maybe we even will increase the production cut. The appeal to other countries to take adequate measures on oil production cut is also rather important, said the Azerbaijani minister.

One thing is clear that everybody will gain if the price is preserved at $50-60 rate till the end of the year, according to Aliyev.

The higher rate will involve other factors, which will level the production cut. Nevertheless, today I give quite an upbeat assessment of the market condition. Therefore, I do not expect any tricks and surprises from the results of the Vienna agreement. We will manage to reach consensus on the matter that makes the world uneasy, noted the minister.

On May 23-25, Vienna will host a meeting of ministerial council of OPEC and non-OPEC states, during which it is expected that a decision will be made on prolongation of the agreement on oil production cut.

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @MaksimTsurkov




Baku, Azerbaijan, May 24



By Fatih Karimov  Trend:



Iran has started exporting its surplus wheat to Europe and regional countries in flour form, Iranian Deputy Minister of Agriculture Ali Akbar Mehrfard said.



The exports have started three months ago, Mehrfard said, Mehr news agency reported May 24.



The Iranian official further said that over 200,000 tons of flour has been exported so far to the target markets.



It is the first time that the Islamic Republic exports wheat and flour, Mehrfard added.



He also said that Iran is exporting agricultural products to over 30 countries.



Irans wheat production reached 14 million tons during the last fiscal year (ended March 20, 2017). It was earlier announced that the country will export its surplus wheat to Iraq and Afghanistan in flour form.



Almost 7.5 million tons of wheat is used by bakery units in Iran and the countrys food industry also needs 2.5 million tons of wheat every year.



Adding the amount considered as strategic reserves to the figure, the Islamic Republic needs over 13 million tons of wheat annually.
Baku, Azerbaijan, May 24

By Fatih Karimov  Trend:The Export Guarantee Fund of Iran (EGFI) has signed a cooperation document with Export-Import Bank of the Slovak Republic (Eximbanka SR), Slovakias official export credit agency.The memorandum of understanding was signed by Kamal Seyyed Ali, head of the EGFI and Dusan Keketi chairman of the Eximbanka SR, on the sidelines of the Berne Union Spring Meeting in Copenhagen, Denmark, the Iranian Industry, Mine and Trade Ministrys SHATA news website reported.The Berne Union, also known as the International Union of Credit and Investment Insurers, is an international non-profit association and community for the global export credit and investment insurance industry.Iran became a member of the Berne Union in May 2016.Under the MoU, the EGFI and Eximbanka SR will cooperate for facilitating trade and in exchange of economic, banking, and insurance information.The EGFI has signed similar documents with Germanys Hermes, which offers export credit guarantee (ECG), and Swiss Export Risk Insurance (SERV) as well as the Hungarian Export Credit Insurance Plc (MEHIB), the Portuguese export credit agency (COSEC), Sri Lanka Export Credit Insurance Corporation (Slecic), Finlands official export credit agency (Finnvera) and Brazilian Guarantees and Fund Managements Agency (ABGF) in recent months.During the meeting, Seyyed Ali expressed hope that signing the cooperation documents will contribute for upgrading Irans risk rating in the near future.The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has classified Iran at Level 6, though Iranian officials expect an upgrade to Level 4.Seyyed Ali further said that mutual banking and insurance cooperation between Iran and Slovakia will increase in the near future, thanks to opportunities created following the removal of the international sanctions against Iran last year.
Baku, Azerbaijan, May 24

By Emil Ilgar  Trend:

Irans Oil Minister Bijan Namdar Zangeneh said that Iran agrees with extension of 1.8 mb/d oil cut by deal between OPEC and 11 non-OPEC producers, but the negotiations are focused on the period of extension, Shana reported May 24.

Earlier, OPEC members had planned to extend the oil cut deal for the second half of 2017. OPEC and some of non-OPEC producers, including Russia, started oil cut deal in January for six months, which leads to decreasing glut by around 1 mb/d to about 0.8 mb/d in 1H17 t compared to 1H16.

The figure is expected to decrease to 0.1 mb/d in 2H17.

Earlier, Iraq and Saudi Arabia announced that they support extension of oil cut deal for further 9 months (March 2018).

OPEC members are preparing to hold meeting on May 25 to discuss the market and oil cut deal in Vienna.

Iran was allowed to produce 3.797 mb/d of crude oil in 1H17.

Extension of oil cut deal is in favour of Iran, because the country plans to increase oil output from new fields by 0.35 mb/d, while its oil output would decrease by 0.3 mb/d from old fields during the current fiscal year, started March 21.

In total, Irans oil output would stand flat. Zanganeh said Iran supports OPEC's decision on oil cut deal extension for six or nine months.
Tehran, Iran, May 24

By Mehdi Sepahvand  Trend:

The state-owned National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC) signed a $550 million contract on May 24 with a consortium composed of Spanish Tubacex and Iranian Esfahan Steel Company for providing CRA (corrosion resistant alloy) pipes, NIOC told Trend.

This is the first contract with a foreign firm after the removal of international sanctions in January 2016.

Under the contract, the Spanish-Iranian consortium will provide 600 kilometers of CRA pipes for Pars Oil and Gas Company, operator of giant South Pars gas field.

The technology for manufacturing the CRA pipes will be transferred to Iran as well by the Spanish company, NIOC said.

Tubacex is a global leader in manufacture of stainless steel and high-alloyed seamless tubes. It has production plants in Spain, Austria, China, Italy, the United States and India, providing tubes for oil and gas, petrochemical and power generation industries.

Iran has been importing CRA entirely from abroad and this is the first time that it plans to produce the needed CRA pipes domestically.
Tehran, Iran, May 24



By Mehdi Sepahvand, Khalid Kazimov Trend:



Iran and Azerbaijan will witness a considerable progress in bilateral ties over the next four years, Iranian ICT Minsiter Mahmoud Vaezi told Trend.



Considering President [Hassan] Rouhanis approach, the trust built up between the two presidents and also friendly ties between Dr Rouhani and President Ilham Aliyev, I have no doubt that we will take many positive steps in President Rouhanis second term, Vaezi, who is the co-chairman of Azerbaijan-Iran Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation told Trend.



He made the remarks on the sidelines of a ceremony held in the premises of Azerbaijans embassy to Tehran marking the nations Republic Day.



Ties between Iran and Azerbaijan will turn to strategic and exemplary ties in the next four years, he added.



The minister further congratulated President Ilham Aliyev, and Azerbaijans nation on the occasion of the Republic Day.



Iranians re-elected Hassan Rouhani as the countrys president on May 19 election for a four-year term. Bilateral ties between the two countries significantly grew over the past four years.
Astatine is the rarest element on Earth; only approximately 25 grams occur naturally on the planet at any given time. Its existence was predicted in the 1800s, but was finally discovered about 70 years later. Decades after its discovery, very little is known about astatine. Indeed, physicists infer many of its properties  such as its radioactive properties, conduction and color  based on other halogen group members.

History

Dmitri Mendeleyev, the Russian chemist who in 1869 organized the elements into the periodic table that is still used today, predicted properties of the unknown element that would fill the blank space on the periodic table for element No. 85, according to Peter van der Krogt, a Dutch historian. Mendeleyev named this unknown element eka-iodine due to its position directly below iodine in the halogen group of elements.

As the search for the new element began, several reports were published about element 85, according to a 2010 article published in the Bulletin for the History of Chemistry by Brett F. Thornton and Shawn C. Burdette, researchers in Sweden and the United States, respectively. These reports included claims that the element couldn't exist, that researchers finding the element were unable to isolate it, and that the reported properties were inconsistent with tests.

There is a great deal of ambiguity as to who first discovered astatine, according to Thornton and Burdette. The discovery could be attributed to a handful of researchers, most notably one of the following groups.

The first claim that the mystery element had been discovered was in 1931 by Fred Allison at the Alabama Polytechnic Institute, according to Thornton and Burdette. Allison suggested the name "alabamine" for the new radioactive element that he had discovered. However, as no other researchers were able to replicate his results, and because several faults were found in his equipment, the search for the elusive element continued. Not before, however, the discovery was published in a few student textbooks.

Horia Hulubei and Yvetter Cauchois, researchers at the Sorbonne in Paris, published the results of their discovery of element 85 in 1938. They used chemical separation and published that they found three X-ray spectral lines for the element that closely matched previous predictions. Unfortunately, the breakout of World War II disrupted their research as well as communications among scientists around the world.

The first successfully recognized discovery of astatine was in 1940 by Dale R. Coson, Kenneth Ross Mackenzie and Emilio Segre, researchers at the University of California Berkeley, according to Chemicool. As no one had been able to find the rare element in nature, this group of scientists artificially produced it by bombarding bismuth-209 with alpha particles in a particle accelerator. This reaction created astatine-211 as well as two free neutrons. The element was highly radioactive and unstable, which led to the name astatine from the Greek word that meant "unstable."

Yet another group of researchers independently identified and characterized element 85 in the early 1940s, according to Thornton and Burdette. Berta Karlik and Traude Bernert in 1942 reported the results of their studies, including the proposed name "viennium." However, because of WWII, the news was kept inside the German territories, and science news from other regions of the world was not brought in, so Karlik and Bernert were not aware of similar results from the Berkeley group. When Karlik and Bernert were made aware of the published results from the group at Berkeley, they still continued to study element 85 and added greatly to the knowledge about the decay chain that forms the element.

Just the facts

Atomic number (number of protons in the nucleus): 85

Atomic symbol (on the periodic table of elements): At

Atomic weight (average mass of the atom): 210

Density: approximately 4 ounces per cubic inch (approximately 7 grams per cubic cm)

Phase at room temperature: solid

Melting point: 576 degrees Fahrenheit (302 degrees Celsius)

Boiling point: unknown

Number of natural isotopes (atoms of the same element with a different number of neutrons): at least 30 radioactive isotopes

Most common isotopes: At-210 (negligible percent of natural abundance), Am-211 (negligible percent of natural abundance)

Who knew?

Astatine is named after the Greek word 'astatos,' which means unstable, according to the Jefferson Laboratory.

There are only about 25 grams of naturally occurring astatine in Earth's crust at any given time, according to Chemicool.

According to Lenntech, astatine is the heaviest known halogen. According to Elemental Matter, halogen elements, including astatine, share similar properties; they are non-metals, have low melting and boiling points, are brittle when solid, are poor conductors of heat and electricity, and are diatomic (their molecules contain two atoms).

Astatine is the least reactive and has the most metallic properties of any element in the halogen group, according to Chemicool.

The isotope of astatine with the longest half-life is astatine-210 with a half-life of 8.1 hours, according to the Jefferson Laboratory.

Many physical properties of astatine are still unknown, including its color, according to a 2013 article by D. Scott Wilbur published in Nature (opens in new tab) . Based on the color patterns shown by other members of the halogen family, it is believed that astatine is dark, probably close to black.

. Based on the color patterns shown by other members of the halogen family, it is believed that astatine is dark, probably close to black. Astatine is highly radioactive yet poses nearly no health or environmental effects at all due to its rarity and very short half-lives, according to Lenntech. Although if one does come into contact with it, astatine is thought to accumulate in the thyroid gland similarly to iodine.

Current research

The scarcity of astatine makes it an incredibly difficult element to study. Nevertheless, some researchers think astatine may have uses in treating cancer. Astatine may behave like iodine, which tends to collect in the thyroid gland, according to Chemistry Explained. Astatine may also go to the thyroid, and its radiation could kill cancer cells in the gland.

In a 2015 paper published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, a group of French researchers led by Francoise Kraeber-Bodere describe a radioimmunotherapy (RIT) method of cancer therapy that uses radionuclides that emit either beta or alpha particles. Astatine-211 is one such isotope that could be beneficial to alpha therapy because it has a longer half-life than traditionally used bismuth-213, and it can be produced in particle accelerators. Astatine-211 has been studied for this use since at least 1989, according to the authors, and has shown to have promising results, including trials with bone marrow transplants in leukemia patients, stem cell transplantation studies in mice, and in chemotherapy treatments with patients with brain tumors.

The conclusions reached by the researchers shows that using a radioactive isotope, such as astatine-211, can improve RIT efficiency for treating tumors and other cancers, especially if treatment is started early in the disease. This method of RIT also has the potential to kill remaining tumor cells that are typically resistant to chemo and radioactive therapy.

Additional resources
The artificial Venus flytrap could be used to help soft robots grasp and release objects autonomously, according to the researchers.

An artificial Venus flytrap can open and then close on cue, just like its namesake in nature, according to a new study. Scientists said this flexible gripping device could give soft robots a way to grasp and release objects autonomously, without the need for programming or computer-controlled parts.

"If you want to make something intelligent, oftentimes it's made using computers and some control circuitry that incorporates sensors and detectors. You have a system with many different pieces that have to be integrated to make the device work," said the studys lead researcher Arri Priimagi, an associate professor of chemistry and bioengineering at Tampere University of Technology in Finland. [Biomimicry: 7 Clever Technologies Inspired by Nature]

The team tried to make this simpler he told Live Science.

Priimagi and his colleagues described their device in a study published online today (May 23) in the journal Nature Communications (opens in new tab) .

Although the device could serve in a range of applications, from biomedical manipulators to microchip-assembly lines to warehouse robots that stock shelves, Priimagi said he hasn't devoted much time to thinking about how the technology might be used.

"This wasn't application-driven," he said.

The artificial Venus flytrap could be used to help soft robots grasp and release objects autonomously, according to the researchers. (Image credit: Owies Wani et al./Nature Communications)

In nature, the carnivorous Venus flytrap waits with its jaw-like leaves open until an insect descends to drink from a nectar gland inside the plant. Last year, a study published in the journal Current Biology by researchers at the University of Wurzburg in Germany, showed that the plant doesn't react instantly if a fly lands on it. Instead, hair-like sensors inside the flytraps' leaves need to be triggered twice in 20 seconds for the jaws to close, and five times to trigger the production of digestive enzymes, the scientists found.

Priimagi's gripper doesn't trap or ingest insects, but it does use a stimulus in order to close its trap, he said. What's more, the power source, sensors and devices that convert energy into motion are combined into one simple device.

The device has two main components: an optical fiber stem and a leaf made from a light-responsive liquid crystal elastomer. When open, the leaf and the fiber form a capital letter "T."

When light in the fiber-optic stem shines up through the leaf and out into the air, it creates a cone-shaped beam. If an object passes into the beam, light scatters back to the bendy leaf, triggering molecules inside the material that respond by changing shape. This changing of shape generates heat, causing the molecules to misalign, and this creates a bend in the elastomer. The leaf closes, opening when the light is turned off.

The leaf is tiny: a strip measuring no longer than 0.4 inches (1 centimeter) and thinner than a strand of human hair. But because it's made of soft material that becomes even softer when it heats up a bit, the leaf's gripping strength is high, the researchers said. It's able to grasp objects that have a mass hundreds of times higher than itself, the scientists added.

In lab experiments, the team showed that the device could grab objects of any shape, including round or square objects, as well as random bits of Styrofoam and thin sheets covered with reflective material, such as aluminum foil. The scientists used lasers for the study, but Priimagi said they could do the same with LEDs or even with white light.

"We just need light and optical fibers," he said.

Priimagi said his team has more work to do, such as experimenting with different colors of light, finding ways to move heavier objects and making the device snap shut more quickly, the way a real Venus flytrap does.

Original article on Live Science.
During a meeting today (May 24) at the Vatican, Pope Francis not only urged President Donald Trump to be a peacemaker, but also brought up the need to protect planet Earth  the pope gave the U.S. president his 2015 encyclical on the environment and climate change.

The text within the encyclical is in sharp contrast to the president's views and actions regarding the environment. Trump has dismissed human-caused global warming as a hoax, chose Scott Pruitt as the leader of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), someone who doesn't believe that the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide is warming the planet (it is), and has proposed big cuts to the agency. His administration has also erased climate change pages from the White House website.

In the gifted encyclical, the pope proclaims the scientific consensus on global warming and the urgency to act before it's too late for the planet: "A very solid scientific consensus indicates that we are presently witnessing a disturbing warming of the climatic system. In recent decades, this warming has been accompanied by a constant rise in the sea level and, it would appear, by an increase of extreme weather events, even if a scientifically determinable cause cannot be assigned to each particular phenomenon. Humanity is called to recognize the need for changes of lifestyle, production and consumption, in order to combat this warming or at least the human causes which produce or aggravate it," Pope Francis wrote.

There is no doubt the Earth is warming, and humans are primarily to blame, scientists say. For instance, according to the fifth report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), released in 2014, the planet has warmed by 1.4 degrees Fahrenheit (0.8 degrees Celsius) since the beginning of the industrial age.

The pope met with Trump at his residence, the Apostolic Palace, in Vatican City. There, the two spoke privately (with translators) for 30 minutes, according to Reuters. In addition to the gift of the encyclical, the pope gave Trump a signed copy of his 2017 message of peace, called "Nonviolence - A Style of Politics for Peace," Reuters reported.

Original article on Live Science.
Supporters of same-sex marriage wave rainbow Taiwanese flags in Taipei on May 24 following a ruling by the island's Constitutional Court in favor of same-sex marriage.

A ruling by Taiwan's Constitutional Court this morning paves the way for the island to become the first place in Asia to approve same-sex unions.

The Constitutional Court, Taiwan's top court, decided today (May 24) that an article of Taiwan's Civil Code violated the constitution because it stated that only a man and a woman could marry. The judges' ruling gives the parliament two years to amend or enforce the new law, according to CNN.

The case is a hard-fought victory for Taiwan's LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) community, which has spent decades campaigning for equal rights and has organized large protests during the past several months to raise awareness about the cause, CNN reported. [10 Milestones in Gay Rights History]

Barring any anti-same-sex marriage legislation, the court's decision means that same-sex couples will be able to wed in May 2019, even if Taiwanese lawmakers do not pass a bill that allows same-sex marriage in the coming two years, Yu Mei-nu, a Taiwanese legislator, told CNN.

While same-sex marriage has gained support throughout the globe since the early 2000s, Asian countries have not jumped on board. Gay people are arrested and beaten in Indonesia, gay sex is criminalized in Singapore and LGBT groups face crackdowns in mainland China, according to The Washington Post.

Meanwhile, some gay armed-service members are facing criminal investigations in South Korea, and gay marriage is not recognized in Japan except in a few cities and wards, according to CNN.

Other places with anti-LGBT laws include many predominantly Muslim countries; former Soviet and Eastern Bloc countries; and sub-Saharan African countries, Live Science reported previously.

Given the laws and practices of its neighboring Asian countries, Taiwan has become a beacon for LGBT rights, especially considering today's court decision. While LGBT people still face stigma and discrimination in Taiwan, the island's school textbooks promote equality; gay and lesbian soldiers serve openly in the military; and Taipei has a well-known, annual gay pride parade, The Washington Post reported.

Taiwan's acceptance of LGBT groups may result from its vast cultural influences, which include indigenous groups, folk practices, and Dutch and Japanese colonizers, The Washington Post said. Tsai Ing-wen, Taiwan's first female president, also showed her support for same-sex marriagebefore being elected in 2016, CNN reported.

However, religious groups in Taiwan have opposed the same-sex marriage case, saying that same-sex unions can threaten children and families. This view contradicts studies showing that same-sex marriage may reduce teen suicide attemptsand that there are no known differences between children raised in homes with two heterosexual parents and children raised by lesbian parents.

Original article on Live Science.
Tehran, Iran, May 24

By Mehdi Sepahvand  Trend:

The Republic of Azerbaijan and the Islamic Republic of Iran made a fresh show of determination to continue robust ties over four years of President Hassan Rouhanis second administration.

During a ceremony held by the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Tehran May 24 to mark the Republic Day, Ambassador Bunyad Huseynov and Irans Minister of ICT Mahmoud Vaezi, who acts as the Iranian sides head of a joint economic committee, voiced the two sides determination to act toward booming ties in the years ahead, Trend correspondent reported from the event.

Rouhani, who was elected for a second term on May 19, pushed the relations with Azerbaijan to an unprecedented point to become exemplary among the countries of the region.

Addressing the ceremony, Mr. Huseynov underlined that during the past four years, the presidents of the two countries have met eight times.

Over the past four years about 50 documents of cooperation have been signed between the two countries and in 2016 their trade turnover increased by 75 percent, the ambassador said.

Vaezi, on the other hand, also praised the past efforts to bring the two neighbors together.

I have no doubt that we will take many positive steps in President Rouhanis second term.

The minister further congratulated President Ilham Aliyev, and Azerbaijans nation on the occasion of the Republic Day.

On May 21, President Rouhani in his first press conference after reelection hailed Azerbaijan as a great neighbor, adding the Iran-Azerbaijan relations are strategic.
A housing density law that took two years to craft was approved by the San Francisco Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, notching a win for developers and pro-growth advocates who say the only way to make San Francisco affordable is to keep building.

The ordinance, which allows developers to build taller residential structures in exchange for making 30 percent of the units affordable, passed 10-1, with Supervisor Norman Yee dissenting. Yee had asked for a special exemption for the Ocean Avenue corridor in his district, but failed to get support from the majority of his colleagues.

Supervisor Katy Tang first proposed the city density law in 2015 as a means to produce more homes for middle-class families who dont qualify for federally subsidized housing. Her initial version died under opposition from her progressive colleagues, who said it didnt demand enough of developers, and from westside homeowners, who said it would cause new real estate projects to flood their neighborhoods.

But Tang managed to revive the law this year, amid increased interest in helping the teachers, firefighters, nonprofit workers, small business owners and other people finding it harder and harder to squeeze by in a city with escalating rents and a rapidly changing labor market.

Some of them showed up to speak during a rally held outside City Hall on Tuesday to drum up support for the law, known as Home-SF.

What Im finding is that fewer and fewer police officers can afford homes, said Tracy McCray, a sergeant at Bayview Police Station who grew up in a public housing project in the Western Addition, at the rally.

McCray bought a two-bedroom house west of Twin Peaks in 2001 and considers herself lucky. She said many of her peers wind up renting rooms or bunking with roommates once they graduate from the Police Academy. Others commute from as far away as the San Joaquin Valley.

Supervisor Ahsha Safai, who co-sponsored the legislation, called it a critical form of government intervention to keep working- and middle-class residents in the city.

Supervisor Hillary Ronen, who was considered a swing vote but wound up supporting the law, unsuccessfully pushed for an amendment that would have prevented developers from evicting the legacy businesses that give San Francisco its character.

I dont want cookie-cutter neighborhoods, Ronen said.

Her colleagues shot the amendment down, fearing they would scare off developers by adding too many protections. Tang pointed out that most businesses in the city would benefit from denser housing, regardless of how old they are.

Some corridors such as Taraval (Street) struggle, Tang said. When you have more density, more people can walk to the Laundromat or coffee shops. And that helps all the small businesses were not thinking about.

The supervisors on Tuesday also unanimously approved a settlement with short-term rental services Airbnb and HomeAway. The companies must now ensure that all of their local hosts are registered with the city.

Rachel Swan is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: rswan@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @rachelswan
Natural gas has been something of a stepchild in the 400-mile Eagle Ford Shale oil field, but its having a moment.

With Mexicos natural gas production on the decline  even as Mexican demand for natural gas is surging  Texas companies operating in the southernmost part of the Eagle Ford near Laredo are drilling natural gas wells so they can sell the product across the border.

Since 2010, Webb Countys gas production has soared from around 100 million cubic feet per day of natural gas to around 2 billion cubic feet per day today. Eight drilling rigs are working in Webb County, up from about three this time last year.

Brandon Seale, president of Howard Energy Mexico, said it doesnt make sense for Mexico to rush to drill its own shale gas, even though it has its vast reserves.

Seale spoke Wednesday at the second annual Mexico Gas Summit at the St. Anthony Hotel in San Antonio, on the first of a two-day conference delving into the details of Mexicos energy reform.

A big issue is the declining production in Mexico, Seale said. Realistically, its probably going to keep happening, and why not?

He said the South Texas market is among the most prolific, liquid and cheapest gas markets in the world.

Theres no reason that Mexico should be chasing natural gas with a drill bit when they can buy it at the border for a lot cheaper, he said.

Bill Deupree, CEO of Escondido Resources, said its not hugely profitable, but it makes economic sense to drill for gas in the southern part of the Eagle Ford. Webb County has long been a big natural gas producer, mostly from formations like the Olmos and Escondido sandstones. The deeper Eagle Ford is a more recent target.

I think youre going to see a lot of things coming into Mexico from this part of the trend, Deupree said. Weve been quietly drilling in the Eagle Ford.

The first Eagle Ford wells in 2008 and 2009 were gas wells. Companies later abandoned gas en masse, and started chasing the more profitable crude oil and other liquids. In much of the Eagle Ford, natural gas has been burned off as an unwanted byproduct.

The shale formation extends across the border, too, and Mexico has its own shale reserves, which have been the subject of speculation as the country opens its oil and gas fields to outside investment for the first time since the 1930s. Mexicos state oil company, Petroleos Mexicanos, or Pemex, controlled nearly every aspect of the nations oil production and distribution since 1938, but Mexican officials decided in 2013 to end the monopoly.

Thomas Tunstall, economic development research director with the University of Texas at San Antonio, who moderated a panel at the conference, asked participants about infrastructure for Mexican shale. Its prospective shale fields are in rural, remote areas where theres been little oil and gas activity over the decades.

A lot of people wonder what kind of timeline were looking at for pipelines and housing and roads and those kinds of issues Tunstall said.

Its a difficult question. I would say 10 years, said Hector Moreira Rodriguez, a commissioner with Mexicos National Hydrocarbons Commission. To really open the areas is going to take time.

Part of the infrastructure would include bringing in more services companies  the ones that supply equipment and do all the workaday tasks of the oil field  and training a workforce.

Mexicos shale fields produce more gas than oil, and oil projects are more profitable right now and drawing most of the international investment dollars.

I would love it if it would develop now, but I dont see it, Tunstall said.

Until Mexico can get through the years-long processing of increasing its own oil and gas production, imports will fill the gap.

Last year, Mexico imported 53 percent of the natural gas that it used, mostly from Texas, said Daniela Flores Ramirez, deputy general director of planning for natural gas and petrochemicals with Mexicos Ministry of Energy.

Imported liquified natural gas is covering the gaps between what Mexico can bring into the country by pipeline from the U.S. or produce itself.

Flores said LNG imports are cost-competitive now and expected to get cheaper with time. For Mexico, the LNG acts as a backstop to prevent supply interruptions.

LNG import terminals also help Mexico solve another problem  natural gas storage.

We have no storage, Flores said. The only real storage is LNG.

The country is trying to build out its pipeline and storage infrastructure for all sorts of hydrocarbons.

In February, it held the first annual auction for import pipelines. Theres a need for more  what was auctioned in February can serve about 3 percent of the countrys demand, which is growing each year because of population growth and increasing demand from industry, Flores said.

jhiller@express-news.net

Twitter: @Jennifer_Hiller
A six-week nationwide hunt for gang members in the U.S. recently concluded in Houston and across the country.

The anti-gang operation nabbed nearly 1,400 transnational and local gang members. Among them were the infamous MS-13, a violent street gang with ties to El Salvador.
G-Man

By Stephen Hunter

Blue Rider. 464 pp. $27

---

"Man, I bet that bad boy has a story to tell," a man says after a demolition crew finds a pristine .45 automatic under an old house.

Indeed, that .45 has a mean story to tell, as do other guns, guns and more guns in Stephen Hunter's ambling saga, "G-Man."

Hunter follows the story behind the pistol along two tracks. In the first, set in the present day, Vietnam War vet Bob Lee Swagger feels "too old and too tired to start anything new." His wife urges him to write the story of his father, Earl, a decorated World War II hero, and his grandfather Charles, a rural Arkansas sheriff.

The Swagger men were a sorely troubled clan. Earl's brother hanged himself. And everything Earl did, Bob suspects, was to oppose his father, whose skill with a gun made death "too sure a thing." Especially disturbing to Bob is the possibility that his grandfather may have been too friendly with the mob.

As Bob mulls his family's past, an Arkansas lawyer contacts him about a steel box that turned up on what was, for generations, Swagger family land. A Colt .45 ACP automatic in the box was probably illegally appropriated. Also in the box were a cylinder that may have been a machine gun part, a $1,000 bill, a map marked with an X and a special agent's badge from the Justice Department.

Convinced that these artifacts could solve the dark mysteries of the men in his family, Bob sets out in search of their meaning. Before long, he senses someone who wants this past kept quiet is following him.

Again and again, Bob's sources point to something that happened in 1934. His grandfather's exploits that year as a G-Man thus become the book's alternate track. Across America, during the depths of the Depression, Charles faces off with John Dillinger, Pretty Boy Floyd and Baby Face Nelson.

Hunter renders these gun battles with great skill. The glimpses into Charles's lightning fast mind are sharp, and the rendering of the gunman's whiplash moves are impressive. Hunter's descriptions of the shootouts evoke the war correspondence of Stephen Crane and Ernest Hemingway:

"There was probably also, if you listened close enough, the low hiss of breath, sucked hard into lungs for the enriching force of the oxygen, being now expelled as each man, seeing action on the come, tried to breathe his way toward control of the yips that coursed through hands and arms and the fear that suddenly lubricated each thought and breath."

But unfortunately, Hunter stalls the momentum of his story with an inordinate amount of detail about guns. We see how they look. We learn of their histories. We study how they're maintained, and, again and again, we're told how they work. This level of detail will, admittedly, fascinate some readers, just as surely as it will turn away others.

Equally off-putting to some readers will be the meager roles that Hunter gives women to play in his story. Baby Face Nelson's girlfriend has a feisty appeal, but she comes off as determined to stand by her man. The few other women who appear exist to give their husbands phone messages or to appear when their husbands call for a beer. One wonders why the author bothered to include them.

Hunter's double-barreled finish, though, should satisfy everyone. In a series of crosscuts that ramp up to a rat-a-tat pace, the story cuts from Charles facing down Baby Face Nelson to Bob confronting men who want to keep him quiet about the past. Hunter, who garnered a Pulitzer Prize by writing film criticism for The Washington Post, then caps his tale with a perfectly chosen, ironic reference to a classic film. It's a first-rate fade-out.

---

Bartell is an arts writer who lives in Manhattan.
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Artists love a good, kinda scrappy, casual venue where they can present adventurous, quality work. So do audiences.

That's one reason the intimate Rec Room, in a 19th century warehouse on the eastern edge of downtown, seems to be flourishing.

The venue's theater has just 82 seats, and tickets to performances there never cost more than $25. And did we mention the nice beer and wine bar, and that 600-square foot flexible room in the back where one of the Rec Room's six resident artists, modern dancer Laura Gutierrez, recently climbed the walls during a site-specific performance with Houston Ballet's Chun Wai Chan?

Artistic director Matt Hune and executive director Stephanie Wittels Wachs now plan to keep the space even busier by presenting a season of five live productions. While the shows include dance, theater and music of several types, all have a theme of "what one does with the circumstances he or she has been given," Hune said. "In a time of social divide and deadlock, I want to explore how we can move on, how we can continue to grow and change in a time where everything seems unchangeable."

Each show clocks in at under 90 minutes, an effort to attract a new generation of audiences. "This is theatre in the age of television, texting and technology," Wittels Wachs said. "We have to adapt in order to survive."

Here's the season:

June 15-July 28: "The Rite of Spring." A new modern dance version of Igor Stravinsky's turbulent, ritual-inspired ballet directed by Hune and choreographed by Guteirrez. Back Room.

July 20-Aug. 12: "Dead Rock Star Sing-A-Long Club." Wittels Wachs directs a new concert/moveemnt piece honoring the music of George Michael and Sharon Jones. Theater.

Oct. 19-Nov. 11: "Sender." Regional premiere of Chicago playwright Ike Holter's comedy about what it means to grow up, and whether anyone really wants to. Theater.

Dec. 7-23: "Hansel and Gretel." An immersive "up-close opera" by Engelbert Humperdinck, directed by Hume and designed by visual artist Mina Gaber. Back Room.

Feb. 22-March 17: "A Number." Charles Krohn stars in Caryl Churchill's psychological thriller about cloning. Theater.

Season passes are $100; individual tickets are $25, and year-long memberships that include all events and discounted drinks are $19-$49 month at RecRoomArts.org.
In "The Wedding Plan," Israeli director Rama Burshtein attempts a more complicated story than she did in her debut feature for general audiences, "Fill the Void." She doesn't quite pull it off, however. But the film's structural shortcomings will matter less to most viewers than the personality of the central character, Michal. It's tough to spend two hours with this marriage-obsessed ultraOrthodox woman, who's still single at the scandalous age of 32.

Less solemn than "Void," Burshtein's first film to be shown beyond her ultra-Orthodox community, "The Wedding Plan" has even been described as a romantic comedy. Given the tale's mystical aspects, that doesn't seem quite right. But the movie does have some elements of the rom-com genre: notably, a heroine who's so zany that she schedules her nuptials without having a groom.

Persuasively played by stage actress Noa Koler, Michal is profoundly needy - but only of a husband. She seems to be managing the rest of her life well, and quite independently, running a mobile petting zoo that brings bunnies, birds and a snake to kiddie parties. And she looks after her friends and her sister, whose tumultuous marriage refutes the starry-eyed notion that a woman's story ends with her wedding.

Yet that's exactly what Michal wants to believe. In the opening scene, she even allows some sort of Jewish shaman to rub fish guts on her face, in a bid to change her fate. "I'm sick of being handicapped," Michal says.

Then, in one of several disconcerting jumps in continuity, we meet Michal's fiance. There's no need to distinguish him from all the other Hasidic men Michal encounters on her quest, because he's just there to dash her hopes.

He calls off the wedding, but she doesn't. Michal keeps the hall booked for the eighth night of Hanukkah - a holiday that commemorates a supposed miracle. Then she calls two matchmakers and embarks on a speed-dating sprint. As a backup, she makes a pilgrimage to the tomb of a rabbi crucial to her sect.

That's where she meets a touring musician named Yos - played by Israeli pop star Oz Zehavi - who's moved by her plight. Although not ultra-Orthodox, Yos gets Michal in a way that her sidelocked suitors don't. Yet he's just one of several contenders to fill the void in Michal's wedding plan.

All her machinations are perplexing in places. Events feel scattered in time, and characters who haven't been properly introduced suddenly become important. Occasionally, it seems the confusion is intentional, as a means of conveying Michal's own state of mind.

If she's bewildered, so will be viewers who are skeptical of Burshtein's view of the proper female role. Like "Fill the Void," "The Wedding Plan" extols a woman who takes control of her life - just so she can give it away.

---

Two and one-half stars. Rated PG. Contains mature thematic material. In Hebrew with subtitles. 110 minutes.

Ratings Guide: Four stars masterpiece, three stars very good, two stars OK, one star poor, no stars waste of time.

Advance fri may 26
Tehran, Iran, May 24



By Mehdi Sepahvand, Khalid Kazimov Trend:



Turkey enjoys good ties with President Hassan Rouhanis government, Turkish Ambassador to Iran, Riza Hakan Tekin told Trend.



We [Turkey] have very good relations with Doctor Rouhanis government, so we are happy to see that he got reelected, the envoy told Trends correspondent in Tehran.



What we hope is that doctor Rouhanis second term will bring more peace, prosperity and atmosphere of cooperation to our region, he added.



Our region is going through a very difficult period so we hope that this election result will also have such an effect beyond Iran, on the region, he concluded.



Iranians re-elected Hassan Rouhani as the countrys president on May 19 election for a four-year term.
It may not be the cutest dog in the world, but that's not stopping social media users from plastering its ugly mug all over the Internet.

The pooch in question has come to be known as 'Chilaquil,' based on the Facebook comment that appears to have sparked the dog's widespread popularity.
Tehran, Iran, May 24

By Mehdi Sepahvand, Khalid Kazimov  Trend:

Iran is expected to host an international conference on dusts and sandstorms in early July, a UN official told Trend.

UN Resident Coordinator in Iran Gary Lewis has expressed his excitement regarding cooperation with Iran during President Hassan Rouhanis second term.

In fact we are very excited about the first prospect of such cooperation with the new government, which is going to be a conference in early July on the issue of sand and dust storms which is a problem affecting the entire region, all the way from Morocco to the Republic of Korea and it is going to be based here in the Islamic Republic of Iran, he said.

Speaking about the outcome of Irans May 19 presidential election, he said that the UN has an excellent working relationship with the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

We are confident that President Hassan Rouhani will surround himself again with another set of talented and technocratic and capable individuals with whom the United Nations can work, Lewis added.

So we are very happy we look forward to very fruitful future cooperation, he concluded.

Iranians re-elected Hassan Rouhani as the countrys president on May 19 for a four-year term.

A UN report suggested last year that the Middle East has been worst hit by the significant rise in sand and dust storms, with major impacts on human health, adding that Iran and Kuwait are the most affected countries, largely because of sand and dust blowing in from Syria and Iraq.
International Bridge I has reopened after a bomb threat forced it to temporarily close Wednesday morning, according to Laredo police.

Traffic was cleared from the bridge as Laredo Police Department's bomb squad conducted a sweep of the Gateway to the Americas International Bridge.
Throughout the course of his life, Oscar Villarreal worked to make a difference in the lives of children and their families working in agriculture.

Villarreal, founder of Teaching and Mentoring Communities, formerly known as Texas Migrant Council, died last week. Funeral services occurred 10 a.m. Wednesday at St. Patrick Church, 555 E. Del Mar Blvd.

He began his mission in 1969 to serve low-income migrant children and their families, a statement on the TMC website states. He felt very strongly that the migrant child and family were the forgotten Americans that toiled the fields, that feed America. He believed that children needed to be educationally prepared if the child was to be successful.

His work career started with Colorado Migrant Council in 1969. Returning to Laredo, Mr. Villarreal was encouraged by his longtime friend, Hank Aguirre, to apply for grant monies to begin a Texas mobile migrant head start program for these families. This was the start of Texas Migrant Council.

READ MORE: Mother of unarmed man shot by Laredo police officer says authorities are lying

TMC was established in 1971. While Villarreals work touched the lives of migrant children and their families, he also left a lasting impression on his staff.

Back in 1971, six months after TMC was founded, Dolores Milera applied for a secretarial position with the organization. Milera, now the accounts payable supervisor, was hired and has been a part of TMCs family for 46 years. She regarded Villarreal as the heart of TMC and said she was honored having had the opportunity to work with him.

He was a great leader, he was compassionate and he cared about the children and about the staff, Milera said. Nothing I say will ever describe all the things that he did.

Cindy Garcia, a former TMC employee, said she was blessed to have worked with Villarreal for 10 years. She recalled Villarreals commitment to the children and staff, and praised his big heart. When a head start program was set to open in another state, Villarreal would travel beforehand to ensure housing for staff.

It was always about the children but he never forgot about his staff, Garcia said. Not only was I blessed to learn about the migrant population, the work that they did and the challenges that they go through, but I learned from a man that had the biggest heart ever how to be humble and how to actually open my heart.

RELATED: 70-year-old Laredo man found dead in makeshift coffin with mother's remains

Villarreal retired from TMC in 2000, however, his work remains a constant influence in many lives. Milera said she learned the value of hard work and importance of education from Villarreal. Both Garcia and Milera have seen the impact TMC has had on others as well. Children who once attended the migrant head start center are now board members or a part of the staff at TMC.

And all because of the heart of Mr. V, Garcia said. I know I come across people that God puts in my path and Mr. V was one of those people I met to learn how to be a better person. Mr. V was a special man to all of us.

Villarreal founded numerous programs including the Barrio Youth Program, Food Assistance Program and the Child Abuse and Neglect Program, but the one most dear to his heart was TMC. Through Villarreals commitment, TMC has grown to become the nations biggest provider of educational services to children migrants and their families.

Now that hes gone, even though he had been retired for some time, theres going to be an empty space there at the office, Milera said. Its hard to fit into words and he will be greatly missed.
A former UISD employee arrested in March for allegedly having an inappropriate relationship with a 16-year-old student is facing several more charges, according to Laredo police.

Jesus Garza, 25, was served with warrants Tuesday evening. He was charged with four counts of sexual assault of a child, three counts of improper relationship between an educator and a student and one count of indecency with a child by sexual contact.
The University of St. Thomas said that it will issue continuous contracts to its philosophy professors on Wednesday or Thursday, more than a week after it threatened to reorganize the department or eliminate programs within it.

The private Catholic university  named after philosopher and theologian Thomas Aquinas  withheld contracts to philosophy and English professors last week, explaining that the university was in the midst of a review of those departments. Robert Ivany, the universitys president, cited financial instability and a shift toward science, technology, engineering, math and nursing as reasons for the review.

That decision galvanized faculty and alumni, who saw the possible elimination as a betrayal of the institutions core. English professors received contracts later last week.

Administrators are now discussing a two-year plan to keep academic plans stable, according to the St. Thomas statement, sent to media on Wednesday afternoon.

The core academic disciplines such as English and Philosophy will continue to contribute to the future growth of the university. These departments will remain separate and integral to the curriculum, the statement read.

It was not immediately clear if any philosophy professors had received contracts by Wednesday afternoon.

Professors from the University of Notre Dame in Indiana and the University of Cologne in Germany wrote to St. Thomas administrators backing philosophy earlier this week. Supporters raised more than $11,680 for a legal defense fund online.

"In our estimation the (Center for Thomistic Studies) is one of the top three graduate programs in the English-speaking world for the study of Thomas Aquinas and, more broadly, the field of Catholic Philosophy and Theology," wrote the president and dean of Thomas Aquinas College in California to St. Thomas administrators.

The Basilian Fathers, who emphasize Catholic philosophy and theology as crucial to higher education, founded St. Thomas 70 years ago. Today, St. Thomas holds as its mission statement a commitment to the Catholic intellectual tradition and the interplay between faith and reason. The university enrolled about 3,300 students last fall, and it says its Center for Thomistic Studies is the only graduate philosophy program focused on St. Thomas Aquinas' thought in the U.S.

Experts say private colleges have moved toward more practical disciplines as concerns over college costs and the value of a degree have grown.

Nationwide, many low-income and minority students seek pre-professional programs as the country recovers from the economic recession, said Richard Ekman, president of the Council of Independent Colleges.

And in Texas, many independent colleges have responded to guidance from state leaders by emphasizing science, technology, engineering and math degrees, said Ray Martinez, president of the Independent Colleges and Universities of Texas.

Ivany is departing the university at the end of June after 13 years as president.
Every year Frameline, the worlds largest festival of LGBTQ films, announces an ambitious lineup, but this years festival is more special than most. The selections look especially tempting. Look through the titles and descriptions, and you will see a succession of movies you may want to build your time around. Frameline is also taking place at a special time, in a distinctly different political environment from last years festival.

The announcement of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer-themed films for this years 41st installment was made Tuesday evening, May 23. There will be 147 films from 19 countries, including 19 narrative features, which will be screened in a variety of venues throughout San Francisco and the East Bay.

The documentary, The Untold Tales of Armistead Maupin, about the groundbreaking author of Tales of the City, opens the festival at 7 p.m., June 15, at the Castro.

Mick LaSalle/Frameline

This is a beautiful way to open Frameline 41, with a loving and deeply probing look at a treasure of the Bay Area, says Des Buford, Framelines director of exhibition and programming. The documentary is directed by Jennifer Kroot and edited and co-directed by Bill Weber.

This years centerpiece U.S. feature is Becks, starring San Francisco native Lena Hall as a musician who relocates to Los Angeles with her girlfriend, only to be dumped for a younger woman. So she returns home to her ex-nun mother, played by Christine Lahti. Its the debut feature of Daniel Powell and Elizabeth Rohrbaugh and will screen at 6:30 p.m., June 21, at the Castro.

This years closing-night film will be After Louie, starring Alan Cumming. Its about an older gentleman with HIV, struggling with survivors guilt and being bewildered by a generation of carefree gay men, says Buford. Its a fascinating intergenerational drama that will deeply resonate with the audience. And Alan Cumming is exquisite in this role.

Cumming will be in attendance for the 7 p.m., June 25, screening, at the Castro, and will be presented with the 27th annual Frameline Award. Its an award given for a body of work. Previous winners include George Takei, Divine and B. Ruby Rich.

Mick LaSalle/Frameline

This year Frameline is introducing a new section dedicated to episodic content. There is such a boom in short-form episodic queer content, says Buford. Some of these are docuseries, and some of them are Web series.

Female filmmakers are well represented in this section  86 percent of the episodic content is from women. Indeed, women are well represented throughout the festival, with 42 percent of all the feature-length films being directed by women, including 52 percent of the documentaries.

This year were doing an initiative in partnership with California Humanities and the motion picture academy, the Oscar people, looking at filmmakers of color, highlighting LGBTQ filmmakers of color, Buford says. There will be two free panels on the subject, both dealing with issues of representation.

The change in the national political climate since last year wont be reflected in the actual films being shown  the movies were made before the election of Donald Trump in November. But Buford anticipates a difference in how they will be perceived.

If anything, as a programming team, she says, weve seen things amplified in terms of how they land with us and our audiences. They would have landed in a different way last year. For example, were showing a film called Signature Move by Jennifer Reeder about an openly lesbian Muslim Canadian Pakistani woman. The things it brings up in terms of her multilayer identity will land very differently this year. Or look at the hit that Hulu is having with The Handmaids Tale. What would have happened if that came out last year?

Signature Move will play in San Francisco at 6:30 p.m., June 23, at the Castro and the following night at 6:45 at the Landmark Piedmont in Oakland.

Mick LaSalle is The San Francisco Chronicles movie critic. Email: mlasalle@sfchronicle.com. Twitter: @MickLaSalle

Frameline 41

The festival plays from June 15 to June 25 at the Castro Theatre, the Roxie Theatre and the Victoria Theatre in San Francisco; the Landmark Piedmont in Oakland; and the Rialto Theatre in Berkeley. Tickets go on sale for Frameline members on May 26, and for the general public on June 2. For details: www.frameline.org
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WASHINGTON  A Trump administration budget proposal released Tuesday that even some Republicans dismissed as too draconian would slash hundreds of billions of dollars from programs that provide health coverage to low-income people in California and the rest of the country.

The $4.1 trillion budget proposal, called America First: A Budget Blueprint to Make America Great Again, takes an ax to domestic programs nearly across the board, from health care to education, science to environmental protection, food stamps to farm programs. The budget would hit Trump voters in poorer red states especially hard by severely reducing the safety net for the poor and working class.

Democratic-leaning states such as California fare no better. The budget seeks $600 billion in cuts to Medicaid, called Medi-Cal in California that 1 in 3 people in the state rely on for health coverage. The proposed reductions add to the $840 billion in Medi-Cal cuts proposed in the Republican health care plan that passed the House last month. All federal funding for Planned Parenthood, which provides health services to many women without insurance, would cease.

The plan, released while Trump is on a tour of the Middle East, seeks to balance the federal budget over the next 10 years by cutting federal spending by more than $3.6 trillion, but would boost military spending and cut taxes. It assumes a sustained 3 percent annual economic growth rate for the first time in two decades, although the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office projects 1.9 percent growth, which many analysts said is far more realistic.

Democrats universally panned the budget document. California Gov. Jerry Brown dismissed it as based on utterly bogus economic assumptions, saying it provides a massive tax break to the wealthiest, while imposing painful and debilitating burdens on tens of millions of decent and hard-working people. It's unconscionable and un-American.

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-San Francisco, said Trumps budget perfectly reflects what Republicans in Congress have been trying to inflict on America for years.

But it was also met with unusual skepticism and even scorn by some Republicans in Congress, which controls spending, and often rewrites or ignores presidential budget plans.

Rep. David Valadao, R-Hanford (Kings County), a member of the House Appropriations Committee, which oversees spending, urged caution.

We must balance our duty to reduce spending with the needs of communities, Valadao said. Its important to adequately fund the critical programs and services many Americans, like my constituents in Californias Central Valley, rely on every day.

House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy of Bakersfield described the document as a starting point.

It puts an investment into the military, McCarthy said in television interview Tuesday. He balances the budget over 10 years. He reforms welfare. So he puts people back into work. I think this is a framework that people are looking at, as we start the budget process going forward.

Second-ranking Senate Republican John Cornyn of Texas called the budget dead on arrival.

House Speaker Paul Ryan of Wisconsin had a more optimistic outlook. President Trump has proven his commitment to fiscal responsibility with a budget that will grow the economy, he told the Associated Press.

The budget plan is an amplification of a preliminary skinny budget the White House released in March. That plan also met heavy resistance in both parties, and stunned scientists and environmental and health groups.

In California, under the plan released Tuesday, the Lawrence Berkeley National Lab would see a $190 million cut and the Lawrence Livermore National Lab a $123 million cut.

A $5 million-a-year program that has helped restore San Francisco Bays tidal marshes would be eliminated, along with far larger programs to restore the estuaries of Puget Sound in Washington, the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland and the Great Lakes in the upper Midwest. The San Francisco Bay restoration provides habitat for endangered species, protection from sea-level rise and improves water quality.

Similarly, the Sea Grant program, which spends around $70 million a year to protect Californias coast, is among hundreds of other proposed eliminations.

This is a huge cut to a tiny slice of federal budget and it doesn't make sense to balance the budget by hurting public health and environmental protection in San Francisco Bay or anywhere else in the country, said David Lewis, executive director of Save the Bay, an environmental group focused on San Francisco Bay.

Nationally, the administration would cut funding for disease research at the National Institutes of Health, including a $1 billion cut to the National Cancer Institute and similar cuts for other diseases, along with a 17 percent cut at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which its director, Tom Frieden, said would increase health risks.

The Environmental Protection Agencys budget would be reduced by nearly a third. Grants to state and local governments for pollution cleanup would be slashed, dozens of pollution programs terminated, and climate research gutted.

Other departments, including Interior, State and Labor, would get double-digit percentage cuts.

While often ignored by Congress, a presidents budget provides a detailed framework for an administrations governing priorities. But unlike predecessors for whom the budget release was an elaborately choreographed event, Trump left the release to White House Budget Director Mick Mulvaney.

Mulvaney said the thrust of the budget is to put the taxpayer first, and cut social safety net programs as a way to get people back to work to speed economic growth.

We need people to go to work, Mulvaney said. If you're on food stamps, and you're able-bodied, we need you to go to work. If you're on disability insurance and you're not supposed to be  if you're not truly disabled, we need you to go back to work.

Seven of the 10 states with the most residents on food stamps are states that Trump won in November. The budget also proposes big cuts to crop insurance and other subsidies that go primarily to large farming operations in rural states that voted overwhelmingly for Trump.

The budget seeks to increase Pentagon spending by $52 billion and increases Homeland Security spending by at least 5 percent, with an emphasis on immigration enforcement.

Conservative-leaning budget hawk groups such as the Concord Coalition dismissed the budget document as not credible in terms of deficit reduction, while the conservative Heritage Foundation noted a double counting of the revenue that the administration claims a tax cut would deliver. The double-counting error would amount to $2 trillion in higher deficits over 10 years.

Carolyn Lochhead is The San Francisco Chronicles Washington correspondent. Email: clochhead@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @carolynlochhead

Effect on the state

Examples of how President Trumps budget plan would affect California and Bay Area:

Bay Area

Loss in aid to help cities prevent and respond to terrorism threats: $7 million

California

Loss in aid to local emergency food and shelter boards: $18,291,648

Loss in legal aid to the poor: $43,598,18

Loss with proposed elimination of the National Endowment for the Arts: $47,716,874

Loss with proposed elimination of the National Endowment for the Humanities: $47,597,874

Loss in grants from Environmental Protection Agency: $30,889,589

Loss of block grants to produce affordable housing: $129,452,836

Loss in loans and grants to poor rural communities to improve drinking and wastewater treatment: $23,682,504

Loss from proposed elimination Low Income Energy Assistance program for the poor: $176,127,000
A number of Houston-area water systems, including the City of Houston itself, are included in a new report highlighting contaminants found in drinking water that could post a risk to human health.

The report, created by the nonprofit National Resources Defense Council, calls for more stringent enforcement of the 1974 Safe Drinking Water Act, which regulates various contaminants found in drinking water.
State trials of three new types of active radar homing missiles for Russias new S-350E Vityaz short-to-mid range air defense missile system will be completed in the near future, TASS reported.

"We are to complete state trials of three new surface-to-air missiles with active radar homing to be mounted on S-350 Vityaz systems and naval air defense systems," Yan Novikov, the head of the state-owned Almaz-Antey Air Defence Concern, said in an interview with the Rossiiskaya Gazeta daily.

Novikov added that missiles for the S-500 new generation surface-to-air missile systems are also undergoing trials at the moment.

With the ability to engage targets at ranges from 5 to 400 km, at altitudes between 5 meters to near space, the S-350E will complement the Morfey, S-400 and the S-500 air defense systems in Russias future aerospace defense network. The system will ensure protection against current and future air threats, including tactical and operational-tactical ballistic missiles and threats that employ the "stealth" technology. S-350E trials are expected to be over this year.
ISTANBUL - A raid by forces in Bahrain against a pro-opposition stronghold has left at least five people dead and hundreds detained in one of the deadliest crackdowns since protests erupted in 2011 against the Persian Gulf nation's Western-backed monarchy.

Bahrain's Interior Ministry said they had carried out the raid on Tuesday in the village of Duraz and officers had come under attack including from assailants wielding explosives, the state news agency said.

Opposition activists said that the police had targeted a peaceful sit-in outside the home of Bahrain's leading Shiite cleric, and that the dead included an environmental activist.

Protests and clashes have flared for years in the tiny but strategic island nation between the Sunni-led monarchy and Bahrain's large Shiite population, which claims it suffers discrimination and other abuses. Bahrain hosts the U.S. Navy's Fifth Fleet.

In addition death toll in Tuesday's raid, the timing was striking: Two days after President Donald Trump publicly assured the king of Bahrain that their relationship would be free of the kind of "strain" that had occurred in the past - an apparent reference to periodic chiding of Bahrain by the Obama Administration for human rights violations.

"Our countries have a wonderful relationship together, but there has been a little strain, but there won't be strain with this administration," Trump said during a photo session with the king, Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa, during a conference in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, according to the Reuters news agency.

Trump's attendance at the Riyadh conference was in large part aimed at winning back Persian Gulf allies who had bristled at Obama's outreach to Shiite power Iran.

Trump's widely-anticipated speech, ostensibly about Islam and extremism, included assurances to the Sunni Gulf states that "our friends will never question our support."

In Bahrain, the government's opponents viewed the conference and Trump's appearance with the Bahraini monarch as providing tacit approval for the raid on Tuesday.

"The killing of five protesters is a heinous crime enabled by the unconditional support of the Bahraini rulers' key allies in Riyadh, Washington and London," Sayed Ahmed Alwadaei, Director of advocacy at the London-based Bahrain Institute for Rights and Democracy, said in a statement on Wednesday.

"This bloodshed - the blood that's on their hands - will only continue unless it is met with severe consequences from the international community."

A State Department official told the AFP news agency that Washington was "concerned" by the reports of deaths during the raid. "We urge restraint on all sides," the agency quoted the official as saying.

Bahrain's Ministry of Information Affairs did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment about the identities of the victims, the circumstances of their deaths or the evolving U.S. relationship with Bahrain.

Bahrain's Shiite majority has long complained of widespread discrimination at the hands of the Sunni dynasty ruling the country.

Political life and sectarian relations have steadily deteriorated since the government, with help from Persian Gulf allies, quashed a Shiite-led pro-democracy uprising in 2011. Since then, Bahrain's most prominent opposition figures have fled the country, been imprisoned or are facing prosecution.

Bahrain's government has accused Iran of stirring unrest in the country and increasingly aiding violent attacks against its security agents.

After the raid, Iran's foreign minister, Javad Zarif, denounced Bahrain and the U.S. for the raid on Twitter, calling it the "First concrete result of POTUS cozying up to despots in Riyadh: Deadly attack on peaceful protesters by emboldened Bahrain regime. Google it."
They call him "Moon-bama."

Two weeks after his election win, South Korean President Moon Jae-in is captivating a nation shaken by scandal and economic struggles. He's even drawn comparisons to Barack Obama for his cool demeanor and the pop star status both attained during their first days in office.

While honeymoon periods are normal for new leaders, Moon's focus on relating with average citizens shows that he's learned from the demise of impeached predecessor Park Geun-hye, who was seen as aloof and corrupt. Whether he can convert the popularity bump into legislative wins -- particularly on reforming family-run conglomerates known as chaebol -- remains to be seen.

"The high support rate now may help Moon push through some of his agenda, but that support is likely to wane as time passes," said Lee Jae-mook, who teaches political science at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies in Seoul. "There are issues liberal and conservative voters disagree on, such as whether it is good to pursue dialogue with North Korea."

A former civil rights lawyer, Moon is South Korea's first liberal president in about a decade. Unlike Park, the daughter of a dictator who ruled the country for almost two decades, Moon came from a family of North Korean refugees.

Images of Moon as a man of the people have played over and over on Korean television since the election. He has been shown hugging the families of victims at a memorial for a pro-democracy uprising; carrying his own lunch tray at a cafeteria; and sitting under a tree on the grounds of the presidential Blue House with senior aides, jacket off and coffee cup in hand.

Choi Byoung-hwa, a manager at a construction company in Seoul, is among those who see similarities between Moon and Obama.

"I used to be frustrated looking at media reports, learning about Park and the people who committed wrongdoings, but watching television news is really enjoyable these days," said Choi, who said she didn't vote for Moon. "Korean society is very hierarchical, and to see the number one person in power avoiding formality was refreshing."

Park appeared in court on Tuesday for the first time since she was jailed on bribery charges in March, and denied all 18 charges against her. When she left office, her approval rating was in the single digits.

By contrast, Moon is at astronomical heights. A Gallup poll released May 19 found 87 percent of respondents were positive about the outlook for his performance, the most since Gallup started asking the question in 1993. Seventy-one percent said that of Park at the start of her term.

The front pages of Korea's three major newspapers on Wednesday carried starkly different images of Moon and Park from the previous day. Moon was pictured attending a memorial service for former President Roh Moo-hyun, while Park was shown sitting in court next to her confidante and co-defendant Choi Soon-sil.

"The photo of Moon having coffee with staffers doesn't just show his personality, but suggests the new government would be less hierarchical and more open to diverse views," said You Hye-young, an assistant professor of political science at Vanderbilt University.

Moon has also earned points with his personnel appointments. He has chosen some candidates with no previous relationship to him in contrast to Park, who was impeached over a confidante wielding inappropriate influence on state affairs. He has also named women to key posts.

Moon selected as his foreign minister United Nations adviser Kang Kyung-wha. If confirmed, she would be the first women to head the 70-year-old ministry. And for the first time in its half-century history, the Veterans Affairs Ministry is headed by a woman, a former helicopter pilot who fought the defense ministry after it forced her to step down following surgery for breast cancer.

"So far Moon's appointments to key posts have showed his openness to reforms and consideration of diversity," said Hankuk's Lee.

According to the Gallup survey, 60 percent of respondents approved of Moon's choice of prime minister. Only 23 percent supported Park's nominee at the beginning of her term, a similar poll found.

Some are already trying to capitalize on Moon's K-pop-like celebrity. The owner of a coffee shop near the Blue House is selling "Moon-blend" beans, based on flavors Moon liked when working as a staffer for Roh.

Sportswear brand Black Yak, which made the outfit Moon wore on a hike with reporters several days after the election, decided to reintroduce the outdated model after customers started asking for it.

Moon's popularity will almost certainly wane in time. Delivering on campaign promises to reform the chaebol and create jobs for young people will be difficult. He also must face tensions with China over the deployment of a U.S.-led missile defense system, as well as North Korea's nuclear threats.

Compromise will be essential to pass legislation, as his party only holds 40 percent of seats in parliament -- short of the 60 percent necessary to pass key bills.

Nonetheless, polls show he's off to a good start. Moon could remain popular if he continues to seek the public's understanding on contentious issues, according to Vanderbilt's You.

"Given that Koreans put a high weight on transparency and communication, Moon's government could consider a policy briefing for big initiatives, preferably held by the president himself," she said.

--Bloomberg's Kanga Kong contributed.
Classroom fights are posted on social media regularly but rarely are adult educators the ones fighting.

A teacher and classroom paraprofessional were captured on camera in a fistfight inside a science class at Stone Mountain Middle School in Tucker, Ga., about 20 miles outside of Atlanta. A student filmed the May 19 fight and posted it on social media.

In the 24-second clip, two women appeared to punch and grab each other several times, while students yelled at them to stop.

"Everyone was screaming like stop, stop, stop," a student told CBS46.

"I really couldn't believe it," student Madison Hall told WSB-TV2. "Like I thought it was kids fighting and then found out it was teachers. It was just bad.

The DeKalb County School District has declined to name the women. School officials told local media the women were arrested and charged with disorderly conduct in a public space.

The school sent a letter home to parents on May 23, notifying them of the incident and said that it remained under investigation, according to WSB-TV.

"The interaction and conduct in the video is completely unacceptable and contrary to our district's tenets and core principles," the school said in a statement. "Those staff members that participated in the conduct have been removed from the learning environment."

Some parents have called for the women to be fired.

CBS46 spoke to students who said that after the fight, school officials came into the classroom, went through their cellphones and told them to delete any evidence of the brawl.

"Nobody apologized they just came in and were like who videotaped this and stuff like that," one student said. "I think they were trying to push it under the rug so nobody would know about it and the school's reputation wouldn't be messed up"

The school district said it was unaware of staff members going through student's cellphones.
Tuesday morning, during a White House conference on President Donald Trump's proposed 2018 federal budget, Office of Management and Budget Director Mick Mulvaney invoked a musical that, seven years ago, won a government grant worth nearly $700,000.

When asked if the administration considered climate change programs to be taxpayer waste, Mulvaney replied, "The National Science Foundation last year used your taxpayer money to fund a climate change musical. Do you think that's a waste of your money?"

Mulvaney said that the previous administration funded "crazy stuff" and spent too much money in its climate change efforts. "Does it mean that we are anti-science? Absolutely not," he said. "We are simply trying to get things back in order."

When asked during an NSF budget briefing Tuesday afternoon, Director France Cordova declined to say whether she felt that Mulvaney's "musical" comment characterized the current White House approach to climate research. "Just as a point of fact, that was actually awarded and proposed in 2010," Cordova said, rather than last year, as Mulvaney suggested.

The musical in question, "The Great Immensity," received $697,177 under a continuing grant that was awarded in August 2010 and ended in mid-2014. Brooklyn-based theater company the Civilians produced the musical. "The play uses real places and stories drawn from interviews conducted by the artists to create an experience that is part investigative journalism and part inventive theater," according to the grant's abstract published at the NSF website. "Attendance at the performances is projected to be about 75,000."

The narrative follows a woman whose husband, a nature filmmaker, vanished from a tropical island. Along the way, she uncovers a caper to disrupt a "Global Climate Summit" held in Paris. (The New York Times wrote that the "witty but unwieldy" production "sometimes feels as if it were constructed by an impassioned college student with a brain full of facts and a fierce determination not to turn to Big Pharma to control that pesky attention-deficit problem.")

"The Great Immensity," which debuted in February 2014 in Missouri, ran for about four weeks off-Broadway in New York. Republican politicians, most vocally Rep. Lamar Smith, Texas, condemned the project as wasteful. As Science magazine noted in late 2014, the musical remained a "favorite target" of conservative media outlets. A September 2014 Fox News article reported that just 5 percent of the anticipated audience saw the production before it closed.

Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson, D-Texas, questioned whether Smith or his staff may have leaked the attendance figures, which were not public; both Johnson and Smith, as members of House Committee on Science, Space and Technology, had access to those numbers.

Three years later, Republicans continue to hold up the dead show as the standard for taxpayer waste. Except it appears "The Great Immensity" has mutated into musicals, plural (or at least it was longer-lived, per Mulvaney). This month, in the House Science Committee authorization and oversight plan, Smith listed "climate change musicals" as examples of NSF projects that fail to meet national interest.

Under the 2018 proposal, the NSF budget would be leaner by $776 million (enough to fund 1,100 climate change musicals). The $6.7 billion NSF budget would be reset to the level it was circa 2006 or 2007, Cordova said. "We understand and appreciate the apprehension felt within the community," she said. But Cordova also said that the budget kept the agency's "core values" intact and that it could support some 8,000 grants. The NSF would "continue to fund the very best research," she said, "because our goal is to be the very best."
For longtime Conroe ISD educator Diana Ochoa, the eight years teaching math at Olen Underwood Juvenile Justice Center has been the least stressful position in her 40-year teaching career.

"When I got here, I said, 'This job is not as stressful as where I was at Conroe High School," Ochoa laughed. "The guards are doing the discipline; I don't have contact with parents  It was just an easy eight years compared to where I was."

Most of Ochoa's career was spent in Conroe ISD, 36 years to be exact, but she will be retiring on June 1. She earned her degree at the University of Houston, taught in Houston ISD for three years and one year in Aldine ISD before getting a job as a math teacher at Conroe High School.

She taught at CHS for 28 years, bought a property in Conroe and started a family with her husband, Guadalupe. Both of her two daughters, Lisa and Christine, graduated from Conroe High School while Ochoa taught there.

Lisa Garcia said while her mom was never her teacher, she remembers Ochoa being a teacher chaperone for her prom and walking to Garcia' then-boyfriend's classroom to visit him. Garcia said her teachers knew Ochoa was Garcia' mom, and Ochoa would connect with some of her daughter's teachers.

After spending 28 at Conroe High School, Ochoa said she was ready for a change of scenery-so she obtained a job in the Juvenile Justice Center.

The Juvenile Justice Center serves as a temporary holding facility for children over 10 but under 17 years old from roughly 20 surrounding counties, Director Bruce Gusler said. Juveniles stay in the facility an average of 14 days while the court or department can "determine what's in the child's best interest," whether that means returning home on probation, going to a rehabilitation facility or other options.

Instead of teaching high school students for a full academic year, Ochoa says she acted as a "tutor," because she would teach students of varying ages and education levels for roughly two weeks. In an average week, Ochoa tries to incorporate real-life skills into math, such as balancing one's checkbook, making credit card payments and calculating overtime pay.

"They're only here for up to two weeks, so I'm not going to accomplish a whole lot in two weeks," Ochoa said. "But I just try to add value to their education, and my goal this year was to try to teach them something they can use as an adult."

Looking back at her career, Ochoa said she has learned patience and how to interact with different personalities. As for her students, Ochoa hopes she has taught them to "work hard and not give up."

"There's always something you can learn," Ochoa said. "I always make them do things over if it's not right, because if you don't look at your mistakes, how are you going to know you've even made one?"

In celebration of Ochoa's retirement, Garcia said her family has been doing a 40-day countdown, counting the last 40 working days of her career. With little notes, silly phrases or a heartfelt poem, Ochoa's family has been ensuring her last 40 days after 40 years of teaching is particularly special.

Her coworkers at the Juvenile Detention Center even managed to throw her a surprise retirement party last Friday, Garcia said. Old friends, colleagues and Ochoa's family gathered at her work, to celebrate the good she has done in the district.

"She's always doing nice things for others, like throwing birthday parties, surprising people, doing arts and crafts with her students," Garcia said. "We just wanted to return the love that she gives every day back to her  it's great because you always think that your mom hands the moon, but just to hear other people talk about how wonderful my mom is felt really special."

Retired Conroe ISD teacher Norma Herndon worked with Ochoa for almost 20 years at Conroe High School, with Herndon's classroom across the hall from Ochoa's. Herndon, who calls Ochoa "more of a friend than a colleague," said Ochoa decorated her classroom's door for any and all occasions (like holidays and school events), which Herndon admitted was unusual for a math teacher to do.

"I think it's her nature that made her a good teacher," Herndon said. "If she hosts a party, she wants everybody to have a good time. That trait carried over to her classroom: you're in my classroom, you're at my party, I want you to have fun and be successful  she was always looking for ways to make the student successful but be interested in being successful for themselves."

For those who ask 61-year-old Ochoa what her plans are after she retirees from her 40-year teaching career, she can give them a list-literally. She will pull a narrow scroll of paper from her pocket, unraveling it with a flourish to reveal a hand-written list of 27 things (so far) she wants to do after retiring.

Many items on the list involve traveling with her husband, such as visiting Machu Picchu, going to South America, swimming the Great Barrier Reef and touring all 50 states. Other items on her list include playing with her granddaughter, Isabella, volunteering at church and refinishing her piano so she can finally take lessons.

"I could stay here and keep working, but I think it's time to move on and get busy on my list," Ochoa said with a bittersweet smile. "I love the people here, and I think they love me  I'm sure I'll miss it - I even said I would come substitute for them and kind of slowly get away - but I've got other things I need to do."
U.S. President Donald Trump visits the Vatican on Wednesday for talks with one of his most high-profile critics, Pope Francis, after the two men exchanged sharp words during the presidential campaign last year, Reuters reported.

Trump's meeting at the Vatican's Apostolic Palace, his third stop on a nine-day foreign tour due to end on Saturday, is part of his world tour of religions after meeting leaders of Muslim nations in Saudi Arabia and visiting holy sites in Jerusalem.

But while his talks in Saudi Arabia and Israel were mostly friendly, the meeting between the head of the Roman Catholic Church and the thrice-married, blunt-spoken Trump could be a little more confrontational.

The pope last year said a man who thinks about building walls and not bridges is "not Christian," a sharp reprimand for Trump's vow to build a wall along the U.S. border with Mexico.

Trump said it was "disgraceful" of the Argentine-born pope, who represents just over half of the world's two billion Christians, to question his faith.

"If and when the Vatican is attacked by ISIS, which as everyone knows is ISIS' ultimate trophy, I can promise you that the pope would have only wished and prayed that Donald Trump would have been president," Trump said during the campaign.

Trump's softer stance on environmental regulations also is at odds with Francis' view that climate change is caused mostly by human activity.

The Vatican also took a dim view of Trump's anti-Muslim campaign rhetoric, although Trump softened his tone considerably in a major speech in Riyadh.

Francis said last week he would be "sincere" with Trump but did not want to judge him before listening to him in person.

Part of Trump's motivation for meeting the pope was to dramatize how the three major religions should rally against the threat from Islamist militants.

We thought that this trip was essential to put together the Muslim faith, the Jewish faith and then the Catholic faith, the Christian faith," said a senior White House official who briefed reporters on Trump's Air Force One flight to Rome.

"By putting everybody together you can really build a coalition and show that its not a Muslim problem, its not a Jewish problem, its not a Catholic problem, its not a Christian problem, it really is a world problem," the official said.

Trump at first did not plan to stop in Rome during his visit to Europe, which some in the Vatican saw as a snub. When he changed his mind, the Vatican squeezed him in at 8:30 a.m. on a Wednesday morning, an unusual day and an unusually early time.

Francis holds his weekly audience with the general public on Wednesday at 10 a.m. in St Peter's Square.

After the meeting, Trump moves on to Brussels for a NATO summit, followed by the last stop on his trip, to a Group of Seven summit in Sicily.
WASHINGTON - Nine of the 13 D.C. Council members, along with Mayor Muriel Bowser and city staff, were returning Tuesday from three days of socializing and meeting in Las Vegas with real estate developers and major retailers.

A record number of city lawmakers flew to Vegas at taxpayer expense for the annual conference hosted by the International Council of Shopping Centers, which bills itself as the world's largest gathering of retail companies.

Bowser, D, and the council members threw a party - funded in part with tax dollars - at the plush Foxtail Nightclub on Sunday night, where Bowser told retailers that the District has options and wants more.

The message was similar on Monday night at an invitation-only gathering of business leaders and developers at the rustic La Cave restaurant at the Wynn Las Vegas hotel, where Bowser made a pitch for more grocers, especially east of the Anacostia River.

Awash in a building boom and flush with millions of square feet of new retail space downtown, District leaders have not let up in their courting of national retail chains that began when the city was shunned by developers during the deadly drug wars that plagued it in the 1980s and 1990s.

"It's great. D.C. has changed, and we can make a different pitch than we could make years ago," said D.C. Council member Jack Evans. "It used to be that we had to tell them about the vision of what D.C. could become. Now, everybody wants to come open a store in the District."

But that turnaround - coupled with the city's staggering income disparity - is fueling questions about whether the mayor and a supermajority of the council should have traveled to Las Vegas to pitch retail executives on coming to the District.

"It doesn't make any sense that elected officials need to go pitch prospective tenants," said Greg LeRoy, executive director of Good Jobs First, a watchdog group that tracks government subsidies for businesses. "The decision of a national retailer is a cold, hard calculation about whether you can justify enough sales to afford the rent; that's it, it's not about what politicians say."

Monica Kamen, co-director of the DC Fair Budget Coalition, echoed that concern.

"There's been a lot of development in D.C. that has led to massive gentrification and a rise in the cost of living, and we need to be looking at how we continue development without further displacing people," Kamen said, noting that the lawmakers' excursion comes only a week before the D.C. Council is scheduled to vote on a $13.8 billion city budget.

"A week before the budget vote, I would hope that that is where most of their focus was - on how to maximize spending for those in need . . . not in Las Vegas talking about giving away too many tax dollars to retailers," Kamen said.

Council members and representatives for the mayor defended the trip Tuesday in a series of phone interviews.

Brian Kenner, the deputy mayor for planning and economic development, who has attended the conference almost every year for a decade, said that the District has benefited from a consistent presence at the event.

"The fruits are evident in the amount of retail we have gotten in D.C.," Kenner said. "Retailers take a long time to make decisions, not weeks or months, but years.

"You can talk to one retailer and they're downsizing and not interested, and three years later, it's completely reversed. We know we've got to be here talking to retailers when they are up or down."

By several estimates, the District's contingent of taxpayer-funded lawmakers and staffers was the largest of any city. The city had a large walk-in display area at the conference, hosted parties and receptions and was represented by 24 lawmakers and government staffers, according to a document circulated among participants.

Additional staffers and executives also traveled under the auspices of the public-private Washington DC Economic Partnership, which is partly funded by taxpayer money. The partnership paid for all attendees' registration, the District's display area, the welcome reception and other events.

Few of the nation's top 20 cities sent representatives, according to lists of attendees on the ICSC website.

The full accounting of how much the trip cost taxpayers was not available Tuesday. An attorney for the D.C. Council said the request for that information would be treated under open-records guidelines, giving the council 15 days to respond. The mayor's office also did not provide a breakdown and declined to identify where the mayor and her top aides stayed.

Evans, who has been attending the conference since the administration of Anthony Williams, said that the District would be foolish not to go and that the travel costs are a sound investment.

"Frankly, if we weren't here, we wouldn't be doing our jobs," Evans said.

He noted the Saturday announcement that popular grocery chain Wegmans plans to open a store along Wisconsin Avenue in 2022.

"We've been talking to them here for five years - and now we've got them," Evans said.

Evans said this year he and other council members met with German grocer Lidl about sites in the District and discussed with grocers Giant and Safeway how to encourage them to expand in the city's poorest areas east of the Anacostia River.

But an itinerary for the group also showed several meetings with D.C. developers, including the JBG Cos. and Hines, and with others seeking tax incentives for development around Union Market.

Along with Evans, eight other council members were on the trip: Brandon Todd; Kenyan McDuffie; Vincent Gray; Trayon White; Robert White; Anita Bonds; David Grosso; and Chairman Phil Mendelson.

The nine amount to a supermajority of the council, but Mendelson said he was never in a meeting with more than four or five at a time and the council members never held an official meeting that would violate open-meeting laws.

"It's no different than when the council members are in Washington, D.C.," Mendelson said. "We are not required to file an open meeting notice when we go to a party in D.C.; we are not required to file one when we go to a party here."

Mendelson said he was sensitive to the perception that council members were using a lot of public tax dollars for the trip and was concerned about whether lawmakers were being "careful" to keep expenses to a minimum.

Council members each have an annual budget of roughly $19,000 for office supplies and nonpersonnel expenses. The money can be used for travel for both lawmakers and their staffs, and with the council session nearing an end, some council members have been known to use the majority of what is left each year on the Vegas trip.

Evans, McDuffie, Grosso, Todd, and Robert White brought along staff, according to the list of attendees.

McDuffie, who chairs the committee with oversight of business affairs, said it was important to have his top two staffers to organize meetings, arrange follow-ups, and visit booths of retailers when he could not.
Montgomery County commissioners on Tuesday finally approved a $5 million-per-year contract for a California-based company to provide health and mental health services for inmates housed at the Montgomery County Jail.

The cost is about $800,000 less than what was originally proposed during the May 9 Commissioners Court meeting, where Montgomery County Sheriff Rand Henderson said the year-to-year costs would be $5.8 million for the contract with Southwest Correctional Medical Group. The $5 million figure came about following two weeks of negotiations between county and SCMG officials.

That full year of coverage for the jail will not start until the 2018 fiscal year begins in October, however. In the meantime, SCMG will be providing full medical and mental health services for about $1.25 million for the remainder of this fiscal year, which ends Sept. 30.

The Sheriff's Office will use about $450,000 of its current budget for jail medical services along with about $800,000 from funds previously swept away from former Sheriff Tommy Gage in 2016.

County officials swept away about $2.5 million from Gage's budget in 2016 in the middle of the fiscal year. After confronting commissioners months later in June 2016, they eventually gave Gage $1 million back from the $2.5 million they swept.

Almost since his first day in office, Henderson has asked commissioners to return the remaining $1.5 million of swept funds, which they did Tuesday. While only $800,000 will help pay for this year's remaining jail medical contract, the other $700,000 will go toward capital projects within the Sheriff's Office.

Henderson also alerted commissioners to the high price tag the new contract would bring. The county was only paying $1.6 million to Correct Care Solutions for jail medical services, which recently terminated its contract with the Sheriff's Office after telling Henderson they were "woefully understaffed."

"(The $5 million contract is) a little hefty, but you get what you pay for," Precinct 1 Commissioner Mike Meador said Tuesday as he motioned for the contract's approval. "Obviously this is the next step we need to take in their medical coverage."

One of the biggest changes in service with SCMG is additional mental health services for inmates. The contract is also future proofed in anticipation of Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signing the Sandra Bland Act, which was sent to the governor's desk Tuesday with unanimous approval among state legislators in both the Texas House and Texas Senate.

Senate Bill 1849 requires jails to ramp up around-the-clock monitoring of prisoners and to install sensors or cameras to ensure "timely in-person checks of cells" containing at-risk prisoners, according to a Houston Chronicle report. The sensors and cameras would be paid for through a gubernatorial grant program and are only required when funding to pay for them is available.

It also mandates additional mental health training for jailers and mental health de-escalation training for police officers, as well as diverting people with mental health issues to treatment.

Henderson has consistently voiced his opposition to the bipartisan legislation, often times telling commissioners it's an unfunded mandate that will hurt sheriffs across the state. However, Henderson said the new contract is built with those regulations in mind.
VATICAN CITY - Pope Francis welcomed President Donald Trump to the cradle of Roman Catholicism on Wednesday, delivering a message of peace even as the pontiff emphasized his role as the world's moral counterpoint to the president's nationalist agenda.

The two met in the pope's private study for nearly half an hour, joined only by an interpreter. The pontiff, in white papal dress and a pectoral cross on a chain around his neck, sat behind a small desk while Trump, in a dark suit and navy striped tie, took the single chair across from him as if interviewing for a job.

After some initial awkwardness - Trump looked somewhat uneasy as he was kept waiting for a few seconds in the Saint Ambrose room before shaking hands with Francis, who was stone-faced at first - the atmosphere soon warmed.

The pair seemed to set aside their differences from last year's campaign, with Trump appearing both presidential and deferential, while the pope, smiling slightly, seemed to be visually appraising him.

A brief Vatican communique later called the meeting "cordial," and expressed hope for collaboration with the administration on "health care, education and assistance to immigrants."

It said Trump and Francis had exchanged views on "international affairs and the promotion of peace in the world through political negotiation and interreligious dialogue, with particular reference to the situation in the Middle East and the protection of Christian communities."

Trump and Francis spoke about how religious communities can combat suffering in "crisis regions," such as Syria, Libya and areas controlled by Islamic State terrorists, according to the White House. The president told the pope that their states share "many fundamental values," such as promoting human rights, combating global famine and protecting religious freedom, the White House said.

Trump later met with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican secretary of state, who raised the issue of climate change and encouraged the president to maintain the U.S. participation in the Paris climate accords, a decision the administration is debating.

"We had a good exchange [about] the difficulty of addressing climate change, responses to climate change, and ensuring that you still have a thriving economy and you can still offer people jobs so they can feed their families and have a prosperous economy," Secretary of State Rex Tillerson told reporters.

Trump called the meeting "great" and "fantastic."

"He is something," Trump said of Francis. "We're liking Italy very, very much, and it was an honor to be with the pope."

Once Francis rang a bell signaling that the one-on-one discussion had concluded, the pair exchanged official gifts. The pope presented Trump with a medallion by a Roman artist in the shape of an olive tree, the symbol of peace.

"We can use peace," Trump said.

Later, moments before taking off for Brussels, Trump tweeted: "Honor of a lifetime to meet His Holiness Pope Francis. I leave the Vatican more determined than ever to pursue PEACE in our world."

At the Vatican, Francis also offered copies of his writings on the topics of family, the joy of the gospel and "care of our common home, the environment."

"Well, I'll be reading them," the president said.

Trump's visit to the Vatican capped his quest this week to promote "tolerance" among followers of three of the world's religions and cooperation against extremism. On his maiden foreign trip as president, Trump has addressed a summit of Muslim leaders in Saudi Arabia, and met with Israeli and Palestinian leaders in Jerusalem and Bethlehem.

Arguably the West's most influential leaders, Trump and Francis hold divergent worldviews on everything from migrant rights to climate change.

Underscoring the differences between them, Trump's administration introduced a budget proposal Tuesday that would deeply cut assistance to the poor. Francis, meanwhile, spent Tuesday commemorating the Rev. Oscar Romero, a Salvadoran archbishop gunned down by right-wing death squads and who championed social justice and the rights of the poor.

Following their private meeting, Trump expressed gratitude for the audience.

"Thank you," he said, shaking hands with the pontiff. "Thank you. I won't forget what you said."

First lady Melania Trump, in a black dress with a black veil, also was greeted by the pope and engaged in a brief conversation. She appeared more animated than during the earlier parts of the trip, when she gazed into the distance without expression while her husband was the center of attention.

The first lady chatted with Francis, who said something to her in English that made her laugh.

"What do you give him to eat, potica?" Francis asked, referring to the president and a Slovenian dessert.

The first lady, who was born in Slovenia, smiled and repeated "potica."

One of the pope's attendants gave Melania Trump a small object that appeared to be a rosary, as she was walking away. She turned back and asked the pope to bless it, which he did.

Before departing the Vatican, the Trumps were given a private tour of the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica, and the president held a 50-minute meeting with Parolin and Archbishop Paul Gallagher, who effectively serves as the Vatican's foreign minister.

The president later met with Italian President Sergio Mattarella at the Quirinal Palace in Rome, and with Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni at Villa Taverna.

Among the gifts Francis presented to the president was a copy of the pontiff's 2015 encyclical on the environment and its relationship to social justice. Although it predates Trump's presidency, the document seemed a message to an administration that has questioned climate change and whose economic policies are centered on profit and growth.

In it, Francis chastised the world's leading nations for lacking the will to address man-made climate change. "The warming caused by huge consumption on the part of some rich countries has repercussions on the poorest areas of the world, especially Africa, where a rise in temperature, together with drought, has proved devastating for farming," he wrote.

Trump is in the process of deciding whether to uphold the Paris climate change agreement, amid debate among his advisers. The agreement is expected to be the subject of discussion between Trump and new French President Emmanuel Macron and other European leaders when they meet in Brussels this week.

The pope also gave Trump a copy of his January 2017 World Day of Peace message, saying, "I signed it personally for you."

"Ooh," Trump commented. "That's so beautiful."

The message noted that although the past century was marked by two world wars, "today, sadly, we find ourselves engaged in a horrifying world war fought piecemeal," including "the abuses suffered by migrants and victims of human trafficking; and the devastation of the environment." Echoing the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., he called for increased engagement in "active and creative nonviolence."

Trump gifted Francis a first-edition set of King's five books, which were custom-bound and accented with gold hand-tooling. Francis cited King's march from Selma to Montgomery, Ala., in his 2015 address to a joint session of Congress.

"These are books from Martin Luther King," Trump said. "I think you will enjoy them."

The president also presented a handmade bronze sculpture created by Florida artist Geoffrey Smith, titled "Rising Above," and designed to evoke the values of unity and resilience.

Trump's daughter Ivanka Trump, who wore a black dress and veil, and her husband, Jared Kushner, a senior White House adviser, also met the pope.

In a separate room in the Apostolic Palace, Trump introduced members of his family to Francis, and they shook the pontiff's hand. The Americans included Tillerson, national security adviser H.R. McMaster, State Department officials Margaret Peterlin and Brian Hook, as well as three longtime aides who are close to the president: Hope Hicks, his communications adviser; Dan Scavino, who manages his Twitter account; and Keith Schiller, his former bodyguard who directs Oval Office operations.

In a high-profile exchange last year, Trump and Francis traded barbs. The pope called Trump's proposal to build a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border, a rallying cry for his campaign, "not Christian." Trump replied by calling any religious leader who would say such a thing "disgraceful."

Nevertheless, Vatican officials - while seeking to play down a meeting that many speculated could either be very diplomatic or easily run off script - have described Wednesday's encounter as an opportunity for the U.S. president and the head of the Roman Catholic Church to find common ground.

"It's in nobody's interest to try to win arguments," said a senior Vatican official who spoke on the condition of anonymity to preview the meeting. "The Holy See and the U.S. government will have their differences - as they always do - but there's a whole range of issues they can work together on, and this kind of meeting can serve to get them off to a good start."

Trump was "honored to go and meet the pope," adding that he "has a lot of respect" for Francis, a senior administration official told reporters Tuesday aboard Air Force One, as the president flew to Rome from Israel.

In St. Peter's Square outside the basilica, crowds of tourists and the faithful were gathering for the pope's appearance at his regular General Audience on Wednesdays.

"This is a beautiful meeting," Carlos Castillo, 18, of Vancouver, B.C., said of Trump's visit. "They have been criticizing each other from afar, and now they are face to face."

Herel Hughes, 24, a university student from Chicago, said, "I hope the pope will be able to talk some sense into Trump."

On Tuesday night, a small number of Italians and Americans living in Rome organized an anti-Trump demonstration in Rome's Piazza Bologna.

"I am not a Catholic, but this pope has stood up for migrant rights, for the poor, for everything Trump doesn't," said Michele Renda, 39, who held a sign reading, "Rome Resists." I think it's outrageous that Trump is coming for the photo with the pope, to try to prove he is something he is not."

"We in Italy, in Europe, looked up to the United States for its democracy," Renda said. "But not with Trump. Not with what he stands for."

On Wednesday, police here took a zero-tolerance approach toward protesters. A group of Americans living in Rome reported in a Facebook post that their fliers, with the message "Build Bridges Not Walls," were confiscated. After being briefly detained, according to their statement, authorities told them that "any material that is even directly protesting Trump is prohibited in the center of Rome until he leaves the city."

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The Washington Post's Stefano Pitrelli in Vatican City contributed to this report.

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Video: Pope Francis asked first lady Melania Trump what she feeds Donald Trump during an official visit to the Vatican on May 24 (The Washington Post).

Embed code: <iframe width="480" height="290" scrolling="no" src="//www.washingtonpost.com/video/c/embed/8f41f5ec-4064-11e7-b29f-f40ffced2ddb" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen allowfullscreen></iframe>

URL: http://wapo.st/2rz7Fvd

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Video: Pope Francis met President Trump, first lady Melania Trump, first daughter Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner at the Vatican on May 24.

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URL: http://wapo.st/2qO3dHA
It's one thing to not "lecture" foreign governments who abuse human rights. It's something else entirely to praise them for it. And that's exactly what President Donald Trump did last month when he called Rodrigo Duterte.

The Washington Post's David Nakamura and Barton Gellman yesterday obtained a transcript of his April 29th phone call with the president of the Philippines.

"I just wanted to congratulate you because I am hearing of the unbelievable job (you're doing) on the drug problem," Trump told Duterte at the start of their conversation, according to the document. "Many countries have the problem, we have a problem, but what a great job you are doing and I just wanted to call and tell you that."

"Thank you Mr. President," replied Duterte. "This is the scourge of my nation now and I have to do something to preserve the Filipino nation."

Trump, who affectionately referred to Duterte as "Rodrigo" during their chat, then took an unsolicited dig at Barack Obama. "I . . . fully understand that and I think we had a previous president who did not understand that," the U.S. president said. "You are a good man. . . . Keep up the good work. . . . You are doing an amazing job."

Duterte called Obama the "son of a whore" during a press conference last September. When he promised to curse out the then-president if he brought up his death squads, the White House canceled a bilateral sit-down that had been scheduled. When Obama later raised concerns about his human rights record, Duterte replied that he could "go to hell." (He often uses unprintable profanity.)

The context of Trump's comments matters: Duterte is an authoritarian thug. He has overseen a brutal extrajudicial campaign that has resulted in the killings of thousands of suspected drug dealers. His abuses are well documented, including in reports by the U.S. State Department and Human Rights Watch.

Duterte has publicly compared his campaign to crack down on drugs to the Holocaust, saying he would like to "slaughter" millions of drug addicts just like Adolf Hitler "massacred" millions of Jewish people. "Hitler massacred three million Jews. Now, there are 3 million drug addicts. ... I'd be happy to slaughter them," he told reporters last September. While Hitler (who actually killed closer to six million Jews) spoke of a "final solution," Duterte says his campaign of mass killings is the only way to "finish the problem."

He has said he would kill his own children if they ever took drugs.

One victim of Duterte's crackdown was a 5-year-old girl, who was shot in the head last summer when armed men came to her house in search of her grandfather.

Eleven days before Trump phoned him, Duterte told a group of Filipino workers in the Middle East that if they lose their jobs because of the falling price of oil they can always come home to work for him. "If you lose your job, I'll give you one: Kill all the drug addicts," he said, according to the Philippine Star. "Help me kill addicts. . . . Let's kill addicts every day."

The New York Times won a Pulitzer Prize this year for a series of powerful photographs "showing the callous disregard for human life in the Philippines brought about" by Duterte's policies.

A witness has testified that before Duterte became president, when he was a mayor of Davao City, he paid a squad of hit men to carry out summary executions that involved feeding a body to a crocodile, chopping up corpses and dumping slashed bodies into the sea.

Duterte has boasted to a group of Manila businessmen, on camera, about killing criminals when he was mayor: "In Davao I used to do it personally, just to show the (cops) that if I can do it, why can't you?"

He joked last year that the victim of a gang rape was "so beautiful" that he wishes he had "been first."

Yesterday he declared martial law on the southern island of Mindanao, as his security forces battled heavily armed militants linked to the Islamic State.

Trump caught his own aides off guard during his phone call to Duterte by extending an open invitation for him to come visit the White House at any time, with no preconditions. "I will love to have you in the Oval Office," Trump said, per the transcript. "Seriously, if you want to come over, just let us know."

A senior administration official, who confirmed that the quotes in the transcript produced by the Philippines government are accurate, said that the president was not condoning Duterte's "individual tactics." Rather, the official said, this was Trump's "way of expressing solidarity over a common scourge." But that's not clear from the transcript, and it's certainly not the impression any reasonable person on the other end of the line would have been left with.

Trying to advance our national interest, previous presidents of both parties have certainly looked the other way instead of confronting human rights abuses. But they felt they had no choice, especially during the Cold War, and none seemed to relish this dark side of realpolitik.

As part of his so-called "America First" agenda, Trump seems not just content but determined to have America abdicate its moral leadership in the world. It's hard to claim American Exceptionalism when Trump praises Duterte this way. It's hard to say we're a shining city upon a hill when the American president consistently treats despotic strongmen with greater respect than democratically-elected allies.

The president's sometimes over-the-top praise for totalitarian leaders has been covered extensively, from Russia's Vladimir Putin to Chinese President Xi Jinping, Egyptian President Abdel Fatah al-Sissi, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Thailand Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha.

Coincidentally, Duterte was meeting with Putin at the Kremlin yesterday around the time that the Post's story about the transcript broke. He's referred to the Russian president as his "favorite hero." This is from the write-up by RT, the government-financed propaganda network: "Duterte, who called Russia a 'reliable partner,' also emphasized that Manila is ready to develop relations with Moscow and is looking forward to purchase Russian arms." Putin also lavished him with praise.
WASHINGTON  U.S. spies collected information last summer revealing that senior Russian intelligence and political officials were discussing how to exert influence over Donald Trump through his advisers, according to three current and former U.S. officials familiar with the intelligence.

The conversations focused on Paul Manafort, the Trump campaign chairman at the time, and Michael T. Flynn, a retired general who was advising Trump, the officials said. Both men had indirect ties to Russian officials, who appeared confident that each could be used to help shape Trump's opinions on Russia.

Some Russians boasted about how well they knew Flynn. Others discussed leveraging their ties to Viktor F. Yanukovych, the deposed president of Ukraine living in exile in Russia, who at one time had worked closely with Manafort.

The intelligence was among the clues  which also included information about direct communications between Trump's advisers and Russian officials  that U.S. officials received last year as they began investigating Russian attempts to disrupt the election and whether any of Trump's associates were assisting Moscow in the effort. Details of the conversations, some of which have not been previously reported, add to an increasing understanding of the alarm inside the U.S. government last year about the Russian disruption campaign.

The information collected last summer was considered credible enough for intelligence agencies to pass to the FBI, which during that period opened a counterintelligence investigation that is ongoing. It is unclear, however, whether Russian officials actually tried to directly influence Manafort and Flynn. Both have denied any collusion with the Russian government on the campaign to disrupt the election.

Whether the Russians worked directly with any Trump advisers is one of the central questions that federal investigators, now led by Robert S. Mueller III, the newly appointed special counsel, are seeking to answer. Trump, for his part, has dismissed talk of Russian interference in the election as "fake news," insisting there was no contact between his campaign and Russian officials.

The White House, FBI and CIA declined to comment, as did spokesmen for Manafort. Flynn's attorney did not respond to an email seeking comment.
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said on Wednesday he will deal harshly with terrorism and that martial law on the island of Mindanao would remain in place for a year if necessary, Reuters reported.

Duterte cut short a visit to Russia and placed the southern island of Mindanao under martial rule on Tuesday after a fierce bout of fighting erupted during a raid by security forces at a hideout of Islamic State-linked militants.

"To my countrymen who have experienced martial law. It would not be any different from what President Marcos did. Id be harsh, Duterte said in an interview with his assistant communications secretary while onboard a flight back to Manila.

"If it would take a year to do it then we'll do it. If it's over with a month, then I'd be happy. To my countrymen, do not be too scared. I'm going home. I will deal with the problem once I arrive," said Duterte, a native of Mindanao.

Two soldiers and a policeman were killed and 12 people wounded amid chaos in Marawi, a predominantly Muslim city of about 200,000 people, where members of the Maute militant group took control of buildings and set fire to a school, a church and a detention facility.

The Philippines endured a decade of martial law under the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos from the early 1970s and memories of campaigns to restore democracy and protect human rights are fresh in the minds of many people.

The military said it was optimistic they could end the conflict sooner rather than later.

"The intent of these security forces, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, is to conclude this rapidly so that we can restore normalcy in that area," military spokesperson Edgar Arevalo said in an interview with news channel ANC.

The purpose of Tuesday's raid was to capture Isnilon Hapilon, a leader of the Abu Sayyaf group which is notorious for piracy and for kidnapping and beheading Westerners. The U.S. State Department has offered a bounty of up to $5 million for Hapilon's arrest.

The Maute and Abu Sayyaf militant groups have pledged allegiance to Islamic State, also known as ISIS, and have proved fierce opponents for the military as Duterte seeks to crush extremists and prevent radical Islamist ideology from spreading in the Philippines.

Duterte has warned repeatedly that Mindanao, an impoverished, restive region the size of South Korea, was at risk of "contamination" by Islamic State fighters driven out of Iraq and Syria.

Arevalo insisted there is no ISIS in the Philippines.

"This so-called group who are posing to be ISIS, they are merely courting the acclamation of ISIS which until now they havent received, thats why they continue with their atrocities," Arevalo said.
The informal dinner later today with 'Prime Ministers and PM-designate of six Balkan countries', aims at advancing the cooperation between them and the Union, European Union foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini told a press conference on Wednesday, MIA reported.

PM-designate and SDSM leader Zoran Zaev is invited to represent Macedonia at the gathering.

'We have seen that the Western Balkan is vital for Europe in terms of security and prevention from radicalization. We have strong cooperation with them in the management of migrant inflow and of our borders. I often say that we are not speaking about the European prospect, as they (these countries) are already in Europe, but the point is their EU membership prospect,' Mogherini said.

Today's meeting, she said, will address the development in the region and how it should move forward. It will also review possibilities for the EU to advance the cooperation with the Western Balkan, contribute to advancing the good-neighborly relations in the region and consolidate the 'transforming power' of the EU membership prospect.

'We wish for a development of inclusive societies, good-governance and broad economies,' Mogherini said.

Today's event in Brussels will be also attended PMs of Serbia, Montenegro, Albania, Kosovo and Bosna/Herzegovina.
OPEC and non-member oil producers moved closer on Wednesday to clinching a deal on extending output cuts by nine months to clear a global stocks overhang and prop up the price of crude, Reuters reported.

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries meets in Vienna on Thursday to consider whether to prolong the accord reached in December in which OPEC and 11 non-members agreed to cut oil output by about 1.8 million barrels per day in the first half of 2017.

The market sees an extension by nine months as the base-case scenario since OPEC's de facto leader Saudi Arabia and top non-member Russia said this month they favored such a move.

Saudi ally Kuwait signaled on Wednesday OPEC could discuss deepening the cuts, in what would come as a positive surprise for market bulls, but hopes quickly faded after a key committee recommended keeping the curbs unchanged.

Two OPEC sources told Reuters a ministerial committee comprising OPEC members Algeria, Kuwait, Venezuela, current OPEC president Saudi Arabia and non-OPEC producers Russia and Oman recommended keeping the cuts "at the same level".

The committee said in a statement it had recommended extending the cuts by nine months to March 2018.

Saudi Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih gave the thumbs up when asked whether the committee had agreed on a nine-month extension.

"Before the end of the year, prices may go above $55 a barrel," Algerian Energy Minister Noureddine Boutarfa told Reuters before the committee meeting, saying an extension by nine months should help clear the glut by the year-end.

Saudi Arabia and Russia have said that extending output curbs by nine months rather than the initially planned six months would help speed up market rebalancing and prevent crude prices from sliding back below $50 per barrel.

"OPEC has already achieved a lot. They stopped the oil market surplus from building even before they started cutting," said Gary Ross, head of global oil at PIRA Energy, a unit of S&P Global Platts.

Most OPEC ministers including Iraq's have already voiced support for extending cuts by none months.

Iranian Oil Minister Bijan Zanganeh, who clashed with Saudi Arabia in many previous OPEC meetings, has so far kept a low profile, saying extensions of six or nine months were possible. Zanganeh is due in Vienna later on Wednesday.

Under the existing deal, Iran received an exemption slightly to raise output, which has been curtailed by years of Western sanctions. Iran's production has been stagnant in recent months, suggesting limited upside potential at least in the short term.
A Texas man and two women were arrested Wednesday at a bar after the owner caught them in a threesome.

Brandon Mabery, 30, Tiffany Thibodeaux, 26, and Amy Hammers, 19, face charges of indecent exposure and have been released on bond.
SAN ANTONIO  Police are searching for a woman who has been missing since late April, and she may be somewhere in the Alamo City, the department said this week.

Crystal Ana Lopez, 34, was last seen in the 17000 block of Henderson Pass on April 26 and is believed to have her white Maltese dog with her. She likes to frequent Eisenhower Park, Golden Canyon Park and Oak Haven Park, a news release said Wednesday.
Houston's pension reform plan is one vote away from the governor's desk with the final approval of the Texas Senate Tuesday evening.

The upper chamber gave Mayor Sylvester Turner's landmark proposal the same 25-5 margin of victory it received three weeks ago when the proposal came to the Senate floor the first time.

The reform package is expected to reach a final vote in the House on Wednesday. Three amendments friendly to firefighters  who oppose the reforms  that had been added in the House were stripped Sunday night by a conference committee tasked with reconciling the bill's two versions.

STING: There's a reason firefighters are feeling it more deeply

"The people of Houston can now be assured that the pension systems will remain solvent in the years to come," Sen. Joan Huffman, the Houston Republican who carried the bill, said after the vote. "They don't have to worry that police and fire workers will have to be laid off. It's a good solution for everybody, I think."

Fire pension chairman David Keller disagreed, saying he was disappointed, though not surprised, by the vote. He called on the House to reject the proposal, which he says is "punitive" to firefighters.

"The House voted overwhelmingly to amend SB 2190 and to make it more fair for firefighters," he said. "With these amendments stripped it is no longer the legislation they approved and sent to conference; it is now back to the unfair legislation it was before and should be defeated."

Read more details about what's next to fix the city pension system, only at HoustonChronicle.com
Baku, Azerbaijan, May 24

Trend:

The possible withdrawal of the German air force contingent from the Incirlik airbase in southern Turkey poses no problem for Ankara, Sputnik quoted Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan as saying May 24.

Turkey blocked a group of German lawmakers from visiting the servicemen earlier in May prompting Chancellor Angela Merkel to suggest that Berlin may consider moving 250 troops stationed at Incirlik to one of the neighboring countries.

We have not been officially notified by Germany that it is going to leave to Jordan from the Incirlik base, Erdogan said before traveling to Brussels to attend the NATO summit.

"But if they do so, then for us it's not a problem. If they leave, we'll tell them "happy journey," the Turkish president noted.
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Paula Emma DeGrasse, who joined the Army Air Forces during World War II, serving in Germany in the immediate aftermath of the war, died May 1 at 93.

Raised in the small town of Millington, Tennessee, DeGrasse worked as a phone operator after graduating from high school in the early 1940s.

Enlisting in the Army Air Forces toward the end of World War II, DeGrasse was amongst the first American troops to fly into Berlin in July of 1945, said her son, William F. Frank DeGrasse. She talked about walking around Berlin and seeing women who were picking through the bricks of the buildings that had been destroyed, trying to find functional bricks so they could begin rebuilding.

DeGrasse met her future husband, who also was in the military, in Berlin, marrying in June 1946.

More Information Paula Emma DeGrasse Born: Nov. 26, 1923, Memphis, Tennessee Died: May 1, 2017, Floresville Preceded by: Husband Bill DeGrasse; parents Emma Dison and William F. Burns; two brothers; a sister. Survived by: Son Frank DeGrasse and daughter-in-law Patricia Schofield; daughters Patricia King, and Alice Watts and son-in-law Carroll; five grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren. Services: Memorial at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Alamo Heights Presbyterian Church, 6201 Broadway, followed by burial at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Road. See More Collapse

Although she considered making the miliary her career, DeGrasse, a staff sergeant, was discharged after finding out she and her husband were expecting their first child.

Settling in Memphis after the war, the family moved to Newport, Arkansas, for her husbands job in 1957.

Teaching her children to have tolerance for people of all kinds, DeGrasse made friends with African-American families in the small, segregated town.

In rural Arkansas  there was a great deal of racial intolerance at that time, Frank DeGrasse said. My mother was very much not that way; her father was politically active and was liberal in racial issues in Memphis in the 1940s.

Moving to Little Rock in 1967, DeGrasse eventually separated from her husband and moved to South Carolina, living near her daughter in Myrtle Beach.

It was there she began managing concessions on the deep-sea fishing boats that were out to sea for hours every day.

She had never really had any connection with the ocean, or living on the coast, Frank DeGrasse said. She fell in love with it.

After living in Japan with her sons family, from where she was able to visit Korea and Vietnam, DeGrasse returned to South Carolina before moving to San Antonio in 2009.

Active until just recently, DeGrasse was chosen by Honor Flight Austin to visit Washington, D.C., in 2016 with women veterans of World War II and the Korean and Vietnam wars.

She was beyond herself getting ready for it, and after she came back, her son said. That was a truly memorable experience that she had.

mheidbrink@express-news.net
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Are you selling your entire collection?

Yes, the 43 watches represent the vast majority of my collection. There are a couple of pieces that I withdrew from the sale on the advice of Aurel [Editors note: Aurel Bacs is co-founder of the watch department of auction house Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo] either due to their specifics or due to a lesser interest for such pieces. For both sentimental and market reasons I havent put my Gerald Genta models from the end of the 1980s in the sale.



What period do these 43 watches cover?

They cover the past 25 years and they are representative of what we have done at Chronopassion and what I have purchased over the years. Many of them are number 0 prototypes or number 1 from limited editions because when I wanted to buy a watch for myself I didnt really want to buy a watch from stock so I would buy a watch with a particularity that made it unique.



There are also some unique pieces and prototypes that I discussed with some brands, such as H. Moser & Cie, with whom we did a prototype Funky Blue model with quite a bright dial. I bought it and we produced one more as a unique piece for sale. With Gino Macaluso [Editors note: the late President and Chairman of the Sowind Group, owner of Girard-Perregaux] we worked on a Laureato with a round bezel and he sent me the prototype with a special engraving. There is also the Richard Mille RM008, which for me has the craziest movement, and we made it unique with a black coating. I also have the very first HYT model ever produced.

Richard Mille RM008

At the same time as you are opening your redesigned store you are getting rid of your personal collection. Had the time come for a change?

No, its just a coincidence in terms of timing. We have been working on the sale for a while and I dont really look too far ahead into the future whenever Im planning anything. When I met Aurel in the context of the Cultural Foundation of the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie I mentioned that I had a few watches that I was interested in selling. But he said it would be more interesting if there was a bigger collection. Then came the hard part, because buying a watch is relatively easy, but when you have to decide which ones to sell, its a lot tougher.



So how did you choose?

In the end, I just decided it would be easier to sell everything. And that is when Aurel said that we could do something interesting. He discarded a few pieces but kept the large majority. When we started preparing the sale more seriously, I decided that I wanted to add some goodies to make it a bit more special.



Is this an end to collecting for you?

Not at all! Selling these watches will allow me to buy some new ones that I have had my eyes on. Ive decided that I will wait until the day after the sale before I start to do this, however. There have been a few occasions when I almost jumped the gun, but I managed to resist and respect my own decision. For me its a new way of thinking. Maybe its also a question of age because its something I might not have done a few years ago. Im finding it quite fun.



Why sell at the Hong Kong auction?

There is a commercial aspect to the sale, because my name is closely linked to Chronopassion and I actually have a lot of customers in Asia. Ive mentioned the sale to a lot of my customers and they think it is great. It may even bring new customers who are attracted by our philosophy of offering unique and special pieces.



What is the total estimate for the sale?

It is between 1.3 million and 2 million Swiss francs based on the estimates, but Aurel has quite clearly told me that he has no idea how well some of the pieces will sell. You only need two or three competing bidders for the same piece for prices to shoot up quickly. On the other hand, there are some pieces below 30,000 Swiss francs, for example, where I havent put a reserve.



What will be the first watch you buy after the sale?

Im 98% sure that it will be a Legacy Machine Perpetual Calendar by MB&F. One of the watches I have worn a lot, because I think it represents very well Chronopassions position in the marketplace, is the first Legacy Machine. It is the perfect blend of tradition and modernity and its the type of watch we like.
2017 is proving to be a fantastic year for Ganlys with their flagship store being  yet again  recognised as a nationally award winning shopping destination.

Ganlys Athlone was crowned the Octabuild 'Overall Builders Merchant Award Winner' in the same week that Expert Electrical honoured the family run store with the 'Store of the Year' title.

All roads led to the Guinness Storehouse, Dublin on May 11, where the nations leading builders merchants and hardware companies were represented as they gathered for the biggest awards ceremony within the industry.

This ceremony saw Ganlys not only walk away with the Connacht/Ulster regional title, but also go on to win the overall National Award  for an unprecedented fourth time  beating competition from almost 100 other builders merchants throughout the country.

The previous week saw Michael Ganly collect the highly sought after 'Store of the Year' award from Expert Electrical at a ceremony held in The Heritage, Killenard.

Its absolutely brilliant to have won not only one, but two, prestigious awards, said Michael Ganly.

He added, These national awards are great recognition for not only all the hard work, dedication and expertise of our staff, but also of the range of products, prices and services available to our customers. We can honestly say that we offer the very best this country has to offer without the need to travel for choice, price or service.

Michael went on to say Naturally, well have a bit of a celebration to thank our staff for winning these awards for the store, and then well plan and hold several customer events and promotions  my way of passing my thanks onto my very loyal customer base.

Established in 1989, Ganlys has come a long way from its start in a disused garage with four employees to operating out of three stores in Athlone, Longford and Mountbellew, with a current staff of 105.
Two peacekeepers were killed and a third wounded on Tuesday in an ambush in restive northern Mali, the nation's UN mission said.

The troops were patrolling on foot near Aguelhok, which is close to the border with Algeria, when they were attacked, the mission said in a statement.

A military source told AFP that the soldiers belonged to Chad's contingent.

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Cars / Cars and Bikes

Classic cars continue to break boundaries at auctions and we take a look at one of them that serves as the perfect example

May 24, 2017 | By AFP Relaxnews

The Mercedes-Benz has long been a classic car favourite, boasting sleek lines and finishes that are iconic even today. In true classic car fashion, a 1958 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster fetched an astonishing 1,127,000 at a recent Bonhams auction held alongside the Spa-Classic meeting at the Spa-Francorchamps motor racing circuit in Belgium. Originally estimated at 600,000 to 800,000, it is the only model to have broken the 1 million mark.

The 1958 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster was part of a prestigious collection of 12 cars recently discovered in a Swiss chateau. All of the models were snapped up, for a total of more than two million euros. As well as the Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster, the collection included a 1969 Maserati Ghibli SS 4.9-Litre Coupe (which sold for 174,800), a 1980 Aston Martin V8 Volante Convertible (172,500) and a 1933 Rolls-Royce 40/50hp Phantom II Roadster (111,550).

Of all the lots in the sale, Porsche models reached particularly dizzying heights, with sales including a 1958 356A Super Speedster (322,000), a 1989 911 3.2-Litre Speedster (280,000) and a 1993 911 Turbo 3.6-Litre Type 964 Coupe (195,500). A few Ferraris also changed hands, including a 2006 575 Superamerica F1 (293,250) and a 1996 F355 Challenge Coupe (158,500).

The next Bonhams car auction will be held at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in the UK, June 30, 2017.
Additional armed and unarmed police have been deployed at 'key locations' around the Thames Valley after the national terror threat was raised to critical in the wake on the Manchester concert attack.

The new threat level, which was confirmed by Prime Minister Theresa May last night, means another attack could be imminent.

Thames Valley Police said there is no intelligence to suggest a specific threat to the Thames Valley, but security measures were stepped up overnight.

Additional officers have been posted at crowded places, including transport hubs and shopping centres.

The force is advising the public not to be alarmed if they see armed officers on foot or in vehicles.

The details of locations, tactics and numbers of police officers on duty have not been confirmed for 'operational reasons'.

Deputy Chief Constable John Campbell said: "I would like to reassure you that the move to critical is something that we prepare for. We will continually review our deployments and take all possible steps to keep people safe within Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire.

"At this time we need everyone to remain alert but not alarmed. We need your help to help us protect our communities and disrupt those who seek to harm us. I would urge you to contact the police straight away if you believe that someone is acting suspiciously.

"Our officers and staff will continue to provide a visible presence in our communities and we have the specialist resources in place to respond in an emergency."
Internet companies have faced widespread controversy in Egypt, as they have elsewhere, over how they analyse the personal data of users with the aim of targeting them for advertising

In November, Ahmed Zaki, an Egyptian journalist based in London, wrote a post on his Facebook account that went viral telling of how a private conversation with a friend resulted in him receiving online ads pertaining to his conversation.

According to Zaki, he and his friend were speaking of a rare disease that his friend had, after which he found ads promoting medicines to treat this specific disease on his Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram accounts.

Zaki believes his conversation was recorded using his phone's microphones.

In January 2016, Zaki posted about a tablet he bought from online shopping company Amazon.

When I first used the tablet, I found a message greeting me with my full name, and on the main menu I found all my favourite books, music and movies, which I never even wrote about online, Zaki said.

In the old days, intelligence agencies collected information about people from their garbage. Now they do not need to do this, they can get everything through talking to Amazon or Facebook.

Zaki told Ahram Online via Facebook chat, I am aware that I am being spied on, and this has happened with other people as well.

However, Zaki is still not overly bothered or worried, as he believes he still has control over how much internet services affect him, though he knows these services are subconsciously manipulating the ideas and desires of their users, including himself.

I still believe that their purpose [in data gathering] is only commercial, Zaki says, adding that, out of laziness, he never reads the terms of service of social media sites, though he believes that these terms most likely outline how user data will be used.

Internet companies have faced widespread controversy in recent years regarding how they analyse the personal data of users with the aim of targeting them for advertising.

Several campaigns have been launched worldwide against internet companies gathering user data.

An inevitable evil?

In the end, Zaki benefits from using these communication tools, and he tries to push away the idea of being watched so as not to get paranoid, as he believes that any low-grade intelligence body could effortlessly hack anyone's account.

In Egypt, as numbers of internet users continue to grow and millions use sites like Facebook and Google, more and more people face having their personal data exposed.

According to the Information and Communications Technology Indicators report issued in June 2016 by the Egyptian Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), the number of internet users in Egypt reached 29.8 million, or a 37.8 percent penetration rate according to ICT access and use by households and individuals in 2015.

Ahram Online searched via Facebook for people facing situations similar to Zaki, talking to some of them through Facebook chat.

Kamal Samir, a director of photography, told Ahram Online, I already have a privacy issue, and I have a big problem with the feeling that I'm being watched... and this had led me to not post any photos of myself on social networks until 2010.

For Samir, social media is a double-edged sword, with both advantages and disadvantages.

[I have a] a subtle feeling of insecurity as to whether these analyses of my personality could be used against me. And you cannot really escape this, because you will not exist [without social media], as entire circles of work, friends and social life are virtual, Samir said.

Nashwa Maatouk, a fashion designer who also faced similar issues, told Ahram Online that this is understandable because Facebook takes permission in its terms of service to access our phone's microphone, location, photo gallery and WhatsApp messages.

Internet companies know us better than we know ourselves now. They know our taste in everything. But I cannot stop using these apps, which I use for work as well, and if the target [of data gathering] is only advertising, I'm fine with that, Maatouk concluded.

Nessma Nassr, a textile engineer, told Ahram Online, I have this feeling that Facebook is tracking me and my phone.

A friend request was sent to me by someone from my college even though I have no common friends with this person, who is very pro-regime. I have anti-regime ideas that I post on Facebook, and this could cause me trouble if I accept the friend request, and embarrassment if I ignore it, Nassr said.

If I call someone who previously did not have my number, all my information will be visible to them [if they have the] Truecaller app; my photo, my full name, my email, and my location.

Ahmed Ellabad, a painter and graphic designer, recalls a situation where he asked a friend to buy me a pair of shoes from abroad, sending them information about the type and model of the shoes.

Months later when I asked my friend to buy me the same shoes, this time without providing details, I was surprised to find that I keep getting ads about the specific shoes I had wanted.

Ellabad knows he gave up some of his privacy in return for the service, and although he says he has nothing to hide, he feels the danger because there is some party that could anticipate my behaviour, analyse my trends, plans, and know my future decisions, and could use all this to direct me and other people in certain ways, and with this, the free will of the individual decreases.

Ellabad says that internet companies should use publicly-shared data for directed advertising, and that users should have the right to prevent anyone from using their private data.

Karim Farrag, a computer systems engineer, told Ahram Online that most internet users utilise one of three internet browsers; Internet Explorer, Firefox, and Google Chrome. He says that these browsers track your online habits by using cookies.

According to Farrag, Google, Facebook and other websites also use cookies to track users' online habits without obtaining prior consent, though users could negate this by using anti-tracking programmes.

The problem is that even if you use the alternatives, almost all of our mobile systems are controlled by Google, which has your email, YouTube account, and is connected to the mobile applications we use. The tracking happens once you log onto any application, Farrag said.

Amr Gharbeia, a technology and human rights officer at the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights (EIPR), tells Ahram Online that internet companies are monopolists that seek to buy any possible competitor, and if they cannot, they attempt to push them out of the market through various means, including exploiting the legal system.

Mobile devices are becoming spy tools. [Internet companies] have access to your device, including your password, your purchases and expenditures, and your browsing habits, so they can build profiles for people to improve their advertising system.

Starting last year, Facebook messenger had the ability to open your device's microphone offline and record the television ads you are watching, Gharbeia said.

Worldwide campaigning against Google and Facebook

According to the 2015 world development indicator by the World Bank, about 43 percent of the world population has internet access, and 208,712 in every one million people use secure internet servers, which help provide protection from internet hackers.

Several campaigns have been launched worldwide against data gathering by internet companies, including the Google Transparency Project, an American research initiative that is part of the Campaign for Accountability.

The project website says that over the past decade, Google has transformed itself from the dominant internet search engine into a global business empire that touches on almost every facet of peoples lives, often without their knowledge or consent.

The campaign accuses the company of gathering information from unprotected Wi-Fi networks, scanning the content of peoples emails and tracking their activities online and their movements in the real world.

The campaign asks how a company that calls for transparency has done little to make its dealings with government more visible to the public, from its relationships with American government officials to its lobbying operations.

A European campaign called Europe versus Facebook considers Facebook a monopoly, as users have no alternative to using the site if they want to stay connected to their social groups. The campaign asserts that there is no free market for social networks.

The campaign says that it is impossible for people to really know how their personal data is being used when they go on Facebook.

Users have to deal with vague and contradictory privacy policies and cannot fully estimate the consequences of using Facebook, the campaign says, accusing the company of lacking transparency.

The campaign calls for the company to abide by European data protection laws, as the right to data protection is a fundamental right in the European Union.

Facebook is just one of many that have a bad reputation when it comes to the handling of users data, the campaign says.

The campaign has filed 22 complaints against Facebook in Ireland for breaching basic privacy rules.

In August 2016, British newspaper The Guardian reported that mobile messaging service WhatsApp would be giving its parent company Facebook the personal information of its users.

In response, the German Data Protection Agency has ordered Facebook to stop collecting data from its Whatsapp users, and to delete any data it has already collected, as the company had not obtained approval from WhatsApp users and there is an absence of a legal basis for the data gathering.

In June 2016, The Guardian reported that Facebook successfully appealed a 2015 ruling by a Belgian court that blocked the social network from using cookies to track the internet activity of logged-out users in the country.

The court had ordered an end to the tracking and registering of internet data of users in Belgium, though Facebook won an appeal against the ruling on the grounds that the European base of operations is in Ireland, not Belgium.

In 2015, research by the Belgian Data Protection Agency revealed that Facebook tracks the web browsing habits of anyone who visits the site, even if the user does not have a Facebook account or had explicitly opted out of tracking in the EU.

The headquarters of these [internet] companies are located in the United States and are protected by influential lobbies, very powerful and clever legal teams, as well as the absence of legal data protection acts, Gharbeia says.

When the users sign their contracts, they do it with the parent companies, not the branches located in their countries, so the branches do not keep the data, and they are not subject to local regulations.

Facebook privacy policy and the user being the product

According to Facebooks data policy, the site collects information from or about the computers, phones, or other devices where you install or access our Services, depending on the permissions youve granted. We may associate the information we collect from your different devices, which helps us provide consistent services across your devices.

If a user utilises Facebook services for purchases or financial transactions, the site collects payment information, bank card numbers and other card information, as well as billing, shipping and contact details.

The site also collects information from or about the computers, phones, or other devices where the user has installed or accessed their services, and it receives information about users and their activities on and off Facebook from third-party partners, as well as information about users from companies that are owned or operated by Facebook.

Facebook says the information it collects is used to personalise content for users, conduct surveys and research, test features in development, evaluate and improve products and services, and facilitate marketing and improve advertising and measurement systems.

We share information we have about you within the family of companies that are part of Facebook, we work with third party companies who help us provide and improve our Services or who use advertising or related products, which makes it possible to operate our companies and provide free services to people around the world, Facebook says.

The site adds that it only shares with third parties advertising, measurement and analytics services that include non-personally identifiable information.

We want our advertising to be as relevant and interesting as the other information you find on our services. With this in mind, we use all of the information we have about you to show you relevant ads, says Facebook.

What enables Google, Yahoo, Facebook and other companies to provide a free service to their users is their business model, which involves tracking the data of users and selling it to advertising companies, says Gharbeia.

According to Gharbeia, in the 1990s and early 2000s, users paid for email, which was mostly provided by small university groups, with limitations on data capacity that required payment to increase.

Today, email services are provided by giant companies like Microsoft, Apple, Google, Facebook and Amazon.

In 2004, Google announced it would give users a large data capacity for free in return for tracking and storing data, says Gharbeia.

The real business of companies such as Facebook or Google is selling this data, this is why Google is the biggest advertising company. So the user himself is the product to be sold in return for the service.

Gharbeia adds that these companies phrase their terms of agreement in a complicated and tedious way so as to discourage users from reading them.

However, a Facebook spokesperson told Ahram Online that protecting the privacy of Facebook users is of utmost importance to us.

We have clear guidelines that prevent information from Facebook being accessed [by a third party]. Everyone who uses Facebook has control of the information they share, this includes the information people include within their profile, and who can see this information. Our Privacy Basicstool explains how people can quickly and easily decide what information they share.

We do not monitor user activity on the site, but we do have a set of Community Standards that are designed to help people understand what is acceptable to share on Facebook. These standards prohibit hate speech, which includes content that directly attacks people based on their race, ethnicity, national origin, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, sex, gender or gender identity and serious disabilities or diseases. We take any violations of our standards seriously, and that is why we remove content, profiles and pages when we are made aware of it.

However, the spokesperson did not respond to Ahram Online's question about the sites use of personal information for advertising.

What are the options for Egyptian users?

According to Ellabad, campaigns against tracking by internet companies are not as big in Egypt as it is in Europe.

According to the world development indicator by the World Bank, 5,442 in one million internet users in Egypt use secure internet servers.

Computer engineer Karim Farrag suggests preventing tracking by using anti-tracking programmes such as CCleaner to erase cookies stored on your computer or device, or activating the do not track option on your internet browser.

One can also use alternative browsers that do not track user data, such as DuckDuckGo, Comodo Dragon/Ice Dragon, Tor, Dooble, Maxthon Cloud Browser, HTTPS Everywhere, Cocoon browsing, IceBrowser, and Avira Scout.

According to Gharbeia, users have limited options when it comes to browsers, which vary in quality and popularity.

Gharbeia also says that the popular internet browsers connect to the widely-used Android mobile system, and although there are alternatives to these companies, they are less developed and not available to most people. If users opt out of using social media sites, they will miss out on social connectivity.

However, the good thing is that internet companies have reached their peak, so their influence will naturally start to decrease as alternatives come to the forefront, Gharbeia says, adding that more and more people around the world are starting to see the problems with these companies.

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The statement from Egypt's foreign ministry comes in response to 'Sudanese statements accusing Egypt of supporting Darfur rebel groups'

Egypt respects the sovereignty of Sudan and would not interfere to destabilise it or harm its people, the countrys foreign ministry said in a statement Tuesday in response to Sudanese statements accusing Egypt of supporting Darfur rebel groups.

Egypts foreign policy, according to the statement, is based on respecting international law and principles of good neighbourliness, especially when it comes to countries that have a special brotherly bond with Egypt such as Sudan.

[Everyone] knows that Egypt was a major supporter of the unification of the north and south of Sudan, and that it made every effort to make unity the appealing choice for the people of South Sudan before [they chose] independence, the statement read.

The ministry also expressed its sorrow that such accusations would surface after Egypt had employed its diplomacy for almost 15 years to defend Sudan from foreign interference and attempts to impose sanctions on Sudanese officials.

On Tuesday, Sudanese President Omar Al-Bashir said in a public speech that his countrys army had foiled a huge conspiracy by intercepting vehicles carrying weapons, on their way from Libya and South Sudan.



Al-Bashir said that some of the weapons found were Egyptian.

Earlier this year, tensions grew between the two countries. However, Cairo and Khartoum have since agreed to work on a new phase of brotherly relations.

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The Islamabad High Court today allowed an Indian woman, who has sought refuge at the Indian mission here after accusing a Pakistani man of forcibly marrying her, to return to India, a media report said. Uzma, in her early 20s, had travelled to Pakistan earlier this month. She has said that Pakistani national Tahir Ali "forced" her to marry him at gun point. Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kiyani was hearing pleas filed by Uzma and Ali. While Uzma had requested to be repatriated to India, Ali had asked to be allowed to meet his wife.

The HC assured Uzma, who hails from New Delhi, that she was free to return to India at any point and would be escorted to the Wagah Border with police security, Dawn newspaper reported. During the hearing, the judge asked Uzma if she wished to speak to her husband but she refused.

She has alleged that her travel documents were stolen by Ali. Uzma had petitioned the court on May 12 with the request and had submitted a medical report, showing that her daughter was suffering from thalassemia - an inherited blood disorder characterised by abnormal hemoglobin production - and she urgently needed to return to India. PTI
Editors' Note: MarketMinder does not recommend individual securities. The below merely represent a broader theme we wish to highlight.

Do stocks outperform Treasury bills? The widely accepted answer is yes-and by a significant margin over the long term. However, one paper recently challenged this conventional wisdom, arguing most stocks aren't great investments because only a sliver-less than 4%-have generated all the return. This prompted responses from financial pundits, with some asking if stock investing is a futile exercise akin to finding a needle in a haystack. However, in our view, this conclusion misses some important context and wrongly focuses on the importance of individual stocks-not the most critical ingredient to successful long-term investing.

The paper in question found, "The positive performance of the overall market is attributable to large returns generated by relatively few stocks." Specifically, the author tracked 25,782 stocks since 1926 and found the top 1,000 performers-less than 4% of the total-accounted for all of the stock market's wealth creation. Even more striking: 86 companies generated more than half of those returns. With positive performance overly skewed by a handful of high-flyers, the paper argued most common stocks-about 4 out of 7-don't outperform Treasurys over their lifetime, and that less than half (49.2%) have a positive lifetime return over a holding period of ten years. Thus, the paper concludes actively picking good stocks is a futile task since the odds are overwhelmingly against it.

While historical data are fun to play with, the paper lacks some important context for the long-term, growth-oriented investor. While tracking returns for 26,000 stocks over 90 years sounds like a robust dataset, this portrays market history as static-yet it is very dynamic. As the paper notes, "Just thirty six stocks were present in the database for the full ninety years." Of those 26,000 stocks, the median lifespan was just over seven years. While that may sound bad at first blush, it also makes sense: Companies go bankrupt and fail all the time, and new businesses emerge and take their place.[i] That's how the business cycle works, and just because a firm was successful in 1925 does not mean its model will last until 1965, 1995 or 2015. So inevitably the number of "losers" in this dataset will only rise over time. In contrast, not every firm in the "winners" column will enjoy this unidirectional movement. One company's good fortunes today could flip in the not-too-distant future when the economy shifts.

To illustrate how drastically the economy can-and has-changed, consider this fun, though trivial, anecdote: At the end of 1925, Remington Typewriter joined the Dow sporting a $113  share price.[ii] It merged with the Rand Kardex Bureau and Dalton Adding Machine Company a little more than a year later, and on its last day in the Dow on March 15, 1927, Remington traded at $168.[iii] Almost 90 years later, Apple-currently the world's biggest company by market cap-entered the trivial index[iv] at a price of $127.50 on March 19, 2015.[v] Unlike Remington's relatively short stint, Apple is still listed in the Dow with a share price of $153.99 as of May 22, 2017.[vi] The vast differences between those two companies' products-and their applications to day-to-day life-show how much the economy and markets have changed over the past century.[vii] Investors need to account for this dynamism in their investment plan. Basing forecasts solely on past performance is always an error.

This super high-level historical approach also isn't practical for many investors. Over the course of 90 years, capital markets will look littered with failed firms and dud stocks. However, most regular investors don't have 90-year time horizons-the timeframe they need their investments to work for them. Even during your time horizon, there is a fair likelihood you'll need some sort of cash flow from your portfolio, which may necessitate selling stocks or even changing asset allocation (depending on your personal circumstances). Moreover, time horizon isn't necessarily equal to an appropriate holding period for a stock. If your time horizon is 30 years, your personal needs will change as you get closer to the end of that period-perhaps necessitating portfolio adjustments. You will probably also adapt to market conditions as they evolve. Thus, chances are you won't be holding the same individual security the entire time.

Plus, even if most stocks fail in the very long term, that doesn't prevent investors from reaping and enjoying long stretches of gains along the way. Exhibit A: Bear Stearns. Though most folks today only remember the precipitous plunge of Bear Stearns's stock during the last bear market-and perhaps its acquisition by JPMorganChase-the bank was one of the country's most successful financial firms for decades. It wasn't until Q4 2007, near the firm's demise, when Bear recorded the first loss in its 85-year history. As historical stock price charts show, Bear Stearns did pretty well before its failure-easily a meaningful enough period for investors to capitalize. Heck, in the 20 years preceding its January 18, 2007 high, Bear posted trailing returns of 2,120.4%.[viii] Not the biggest, but not a disaster by any stretch. If you need growth, reaping those kinds of gains is integral.

Moreover, if an investor owns a globally diversified portfolio, this discussion about a handful of individual stocks is largely for naught. The explosive returns of high-flyers-like a prominent online retailer that IPOed 20 years ago-naturally grab attention. However, long-term investors don't need to hunt for the needle in a haystack-not every holding needs to be a homerun for your portfolio to grow. For example, during the October 9, 2002 - October 9, 2007 bull market, the vast majority of stocks that spend the entire span in the the S&P 500-specifically, 410-were positive; just 22 were negative.[ix] Even accounting for the caveat that these data exclude 68 firms delisted during the bull (either due to failure, merger or private equity buyout), more than 80% of the S&P 500 was positive. Plus, 228 of those firms outperformed the S&P 500's 120.7% total return during that bull market.[x] That is more than a handful. Our point: Investors' portfolios should not only have enough in stocks, they also need to own enough stocks to get market-like results. By properly diversifying-ensuring no individual company comprises more than 5% of your portfolio-you decrease the risk and potential damage if one or more holdings unexpectedly tank.

Investors face a lot of noise, especially with the financial media's myopic focus on individual securities. It could be tempting to adjust your portfolio based on what's hot (and not). Likewise, the rarity of "super stocks" could make stock investing seem like a fool's errand. But a big part of successful long-term investing is tuning out the noise and ensuring your plan is designed to meet your individual goals-that's what matters most.
Global Warming - Saving Us From Us

According to Al Gore if we would all pony up US$15,000,000,000,000.00 he and his cronies will save us from ourselves.

Gores Energy Transitions Commissions (ETC) stated goal is net zero carbon emissions by 2050 to keep global temperatures from rising 2 degrees Celsius by 2100.

To this scribbler and question asker net zero carbon emissions costing $15T to accomplish seems like a radical environmental vision and a steep price for us to pay for it.

Glacials/Interglacials

The Quaternary Period encompasses the most recent 2.6 million years of Earths existence and it has had dozens of glacial advance/retreats over its lifetime.

since the 1950s the marine record has become more useful because of its greater continuity and preservation. Marine cores may contain microscopic fossils of single-celled organisms called foraminifera, whose shells contain a record of water temperature and composition as stable isotopes of oxygen and carbon. These isotopes have revealed that dozens of major glacial-interglacial episodes have taken place during the Quaternary. Quaternary, Encyclopedia Britannica

Glacials refer to the colder phases within an ice age while interglacials are the warmer periods between cold spells.

During the last 800,000 years of the Quaternary, the ice has advanced and retreated on 100,000 year cycles.

The end of the last glacial period was about 12,000 years ago.

At the start of the Quaternary, the continents were just about where they are today, slowing inching here and there as the forces of plate tectonics push and tug them about. But throughout the period, the planet has wobbled on its path around the sun. The slight shifts cause ice ages to come and go. By 800,000 years ago, a cyclical pattern had emerged: Ice ages last about 100,000 years followed by warmer interglacials of 10,000 to 15,000 years each. The last ice age ended about 10,000 years ago. Sea levels rose rapidly, and the continents achieved their present-day outline.

When the temperatures drop, ice sheets spread from the Poles and cover much of North America and Europe, parts of Asia and South America, and all of Antarctica. With so much water locked up as ice, sea levels fall. Land bridges form between the continents like the currently submerged connector across the Bering Strait between Asia and North America. The land bridges allow animals and humans to migrate from one landmass to another.

During warm spells, the ice retreats and exposes reshaped mountains striped with new rivers draining to giant basins like today's Great Lakes. Plants and animals that sought warmth and comfort toward the Equator return to the higher latitudes. In fact, each shift alters global winds and ocean currents that in turn alter patterns of precipitation and aridity around the world. Quaternary Period, National Geographic

At one point during the Ice Age, sheets of ice covered all of Antarctica, large parts of Europe, North America, and South America, and small areas in Asia.

At the height of the most recent glaciation, some 18,000 years ago, the ice sheets were more than 12,000 feet thick. Sea levels plunged more than 400 feet and global temperatures dropped an average of 10 degrees Fahrenheit (up to 40 degrees in some areas).

On the march

By 15,000 years ago modern humans had reached the Americas.

Just twelve thousand years ago, the ice sheets started to retreat at the beginning of the current interglacial  the Flandrian.

Compared to the last interglacial, the Eemian (130,000 to 114,000 years ago), the Flandrian has been slightly colder and sea levels are currently at least 3 meters lower.

Between 12,800 to 11,500 years ago, during the Younger Dryas (YD) mini ice age (one of the most well known examples of abrupt climate change), present day Great Britain froze solid within a year and a lot of the northern hemisphere, on both sides of the North Atlantic, fell into perpetual winter.

Almost as remarkable as the quick start of the YD was the speed of its demise.

It is estimated from Greenland ice-cores, which display annual banding, that the annual-mean temperature increased by as much as 10C in 10 years.

Breathless

Bloomberg breathlessly reported the following in early 2016.

Humanity's experiment with planetary warming has reached a new level of extremes. Last month was the hottest February in 137 years of record keeping, according to data released Thursday by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. It's the 10th consecutive month to set a new record, and it puts 2016 on course to set a third straight annual record.Tom Randell, Bloomberg Stunning Global Heat Wave Pushes Planet Into Uncharted Territory

All these hottest year records are based on temperature data that have only have differed by just a few hundreths of a degree to tenths of a degree Fahrenheit.

Useful Idiots

Just as the weather has changed over time, so too has the reporting  media outlets blow hotter or colder following the short-term changes in temperature.

Its easy to follow mainstream medias climate change coverage dating back to the late 1800s with several major publications, including The New York Times, Time magazine and Newsweek reporting on four different climate shifts since 1895.

In 1895 the page six headline of The New York Times warned about the looming dangers of a new ice age. Reporting on ice age threats lasted from the late 1800s well into the late 1920s.

After the earths surface warmed less than half a degree, remember we are in an interglacial, newspapers and magazines responded with sensational stories about the new threat with the Times out in front, cautioning the earth is steadily growing warmer.

British amateur meteorologist G. S. Callendar was arguing that mankind was responsible for heating up the planet with carbon dioxide emissions as early as 1938.

In 1954, Fortune magazine was writing about another cooling trend and ran an article titled Climate  the Heat May Be Off.

Stories about global cooling started in the 50s but didnt gain much traction until about 1975. Some of the stories were remarkably similar in subject to todays - severe weather and deadly storms would occur much more frequently, climate changes pose a major threat to the food supply.

In 1975, The New York Times reported: A Major Cooling Widely Considered to Be Inevitable.

The Cooling Worlds was the title of a Newsweekarticlein 1975. The paper wrote;

the Earths weather patterns have begun to change..a drop of half a degree in average ground temperatures in the Northern Hemisphere between 1945 and 1968. The evidence in support of these predictions has now begun to accumulate so massively that meteorologists are hard-pressed to keep up with it.what causes the onset of major and minor ice ages remains a mystery not only are the basic scientific questions largely unanswered, but in many cases we do not yet know enough to pose the key questions

Just 6 years after publishing A Major Cooling Widely Considered to Be Inevitable, the New York Times, on Aug. 22, 1981, quoted seven government atmospheric scientists who predicted global warming of an almost unprecedented magnitude.

The global warming hiatus in which the rise in Earths average temperature slowed during the late 1990s early 2000s is written off as a minor and temporary abnormality.

Global cooling, warming, cooling again, and finally today (well maybe not so finally) warming.

Fun Facts:

Over 80% of the 20th century's carbon dioxide increase occurred after 1940 - but most of the century's temperature increase occurred before 1940.

According to the journal Science, back in early 1982, termites alone emit ten times more carbon dioxide than all the factories and automobiles in the world.

The rule of thumb in regards to global temperature/carbon put into the atmosphere (from any source) is: one trillion tonnes of carbon causes temperatures to rise by about 1.5C. Since 1750 the planet has pumped out half a trillion tonnes of carbon - temperatures rose by 0.8C. The next half-trillion tonnes will be emitted by 2045, thats a 1.5C temperature rise between 1750 and 2045.

In 1772 an intact frozen woolly rhinoceros was discovered. A frozen mammoth was discovered 15 years later. Both these animals had grass in their stomachs.

From 950 to 1250 A.D. the Earth was in the Medieval Warm Period. The Little Ice Age happened in the 1600s to the 1800s. Temperatures are not as warm now as in the Medieval Warm Period.

The global warming experienced during the past century pales into insignificance when compared to the magnitude of at least ten sudden, profound climate reversals over the past 15,000 years. In addition, small temperature changes of up to a degree or so, similar to those observed in the 20th century record, occur persistently throughout the ancient climate record.

Red lines represent times of sudden warming, blue lines represent times of rapid cooling. Numbers refer to the events listed below.

Temperature changes over the past 15,000 years.

The magnitude and timing of past climatic changes are recorded in the isotope data from Greenland and Antarctic ice cores. These data clearly show that abrupt climate changes many times greater than those of the past century have occurred many times in the geologic past.

Numbers correspond to the temperature curves on above chart.

About 15,000 yrs ago, a sudden, intense, climatic warming (+12 C) caused dramatic melting of large Ice Age ice sheets that covered Canada and the northern U.S., all of Scandinavia, and much of northern Europe and Russia. Sea level that had been 120 m (~400 ft) lower than present rose quickly and submerged large areas than had been dry land during the Ice Age. This warming occurred abruptly in only a few years (Steffensen et al., 2008). A few centuries later, temperatures again plummeted (-11C) and glaciers advanced. About 14,000 years ago, global temperatures rose rapidly (+4.5C once again and glaciers receded. About 13,400 years ago, global temperatures plunged again (-8C) and glaciers advanced. About 13,200 years ago, global temperatures increased rapidly (+5C) and glaciers receded. 12,700 yrs ago global temperatures plunged sharply (-8C) and a 1000 year period of glacial re-advance, the Younger Dryas, began. 11,500 yrs ago, global temperatures rose sharply (+10C) marking the end of the Younger Dryas cold period and the end of the Pleistocene Ice Age.

Convulsions and revolutions violent beyond our experience or conception, yet unequal to the destruction of the globe, or the whole of the human species, have both existed and will again exist [terminating] an astonishing succession of ages.George Hoggart Toulmin in his 1785 book, The Eternity of the World

97% Consensus

Polls say 97 percent of working climate scientists now see global warming as a serious risk.

Historically, the claim of consensus has been the first refuge of scoundrels; it is a way to avoid debate by claiming that the matter is already settled. Whenever you hear the consensus of scientists agrees on something or other, reach for your wallet, because youre being had. Lets be clear: the work of science has nothing whatever to do with consensus. Consensus is the business of politics.Michael Crichton, 17th January 2003, speaking at the California Institute of Technology

A consensus of the worlds leading scientists back in Galileos time thought the Sun revolved around the Earth. Consensus does not equal scientific fact  is the Earth flat?

A key study in the journal Nature Climate Change revealed that nearly all climate models are dramatically inaccurate. On average, the predictions forecasted two times more global warming than actually occurred.

When someone says the science behind climate change is settled just remember real science is never settled.

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change

TheIntergovernmental Panel on Climate Change(IPCC) is a scientific andintergovernmental bodyunder the auspices of theUnited Nations, set up at the request of member governments, dedicated to the task of providing the world with an objective, scientific view of climate changeand its political and economic impacts - Wikipedia

The last released report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) warns, with a 95% certainty, that global warming is man-made and that the resulting climate change will lead to:

Rising temperatures, drought and increasing desertification

Warming of the oceans and rising sea levels

Loss of ice sheets & shrinking of glaciers

Increasing intensity and size of storms

Well DUH! Theres no doubt our climate is changing, but the Earth's climate has been continuously changing throughout its history. From ice covering large amounts of the globe to interglacial periods where there was ice only at the poles - our climate and biosphere has been in flux for millennia.

The fundamental point has always been this. Climate change is governed by hundreds of factors, or variables, and the very idea that we can manage climate change predictably by understanding and manipulating at the margins one politically selected factor (CO2) is as misguided as it gets. Its scientific nonsense. University of London professor emeritus Philip Stott

I think that the latest IPCC report has truly sunk to level of hilarious incoherence. They are proclaiming increased confidence in their models as the discrepancies between their models and observations increase.MIT Climate Scientist Dr. Richard Lindzen speaking to Climate Depot

What the IPCC is doing is chasing a symptom. You cannot cure, fix or regulate cyclical variations as the Earth travels through space around the sun.

As far as this skeptic is concerned the IPCCs scientific opinion on climate change is influenced by nothing more than funding and political factors.

The theory of man-caused, catastrophic, global warming is embraced not because of any science, (that sham is for the useful idiots,), but because it is a justification for a government takeover of the energy industry, with massive increases in regulation, taxes and government spending. The United Nations loves it because it inspires fantasies of the UN growing up to be a world government, with real government powers of global taxation, spending and regulation, all to save the planet. Scientists who go along with the cause are rewarded not only with praise for their worthy social conscience, but also with altogether billions in hard, cold cash (government and environmental grants), for their cooperation in helping to play the useful idiots. Moreover, many academic scientists are progressives themselves, and so favor sharp increases in government spending, taxes and regulation, because they are certain they know how to run your life better than you do.Peter Ferrara, The Coming Revelation Of The 'Global Warming' Fraud Resembles The Obamacare Lie, Forbes

Carbon Tax

Al Gore ambitious global carbon tax proposal, set to cost all of us US$15 trillion dollars, is enough to give every American almost $50k cash.

This video is a must watch - three minutes of Primary School CO2 Science and why Australias (or Canadas), carbon tax is sheer idiocy.

Carbon taxes are nothing more than government boondoggles and a straight cash grab from working families. In British Columbia the biggest carbon tax losers are actually hospitals and schools while the winners are corporate entities like Canfor and Interfor. B.C.s carbon tax hasn't reduced greenhouse gas emissions, might have slowed economic growth and hurts the poor while benefitting the rich.

Ontarios first hydro bills of 2017 included a $20.00 increase to cover the cap and trade tax and another $2.00 of HST on the cap and trade tax. But cap and trade doesnt apply to just hydro, it also applies to gasoline, natural gas and any sector of Ontarios economy using fossil fuels to produce energy. Thats virtually all sectors  from manufacturing to transportation to agriculture.

Albertas carbon tax is expected to fill the provincial coffers to the tune of $6,000,000,000.00 dollars AFTER rebates. Of course the Federal government takes its tax from the collected monies as well.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has told the provinces they'd have until 2018 to implement a price on carbon or have Ottawa do it for them.

If the government really believes its apocalyptic preaching, and if it really wants to help people prepare for climate changes, whether of human origin, natural origin, or a combination of the two, itll stop slinging money into PR efforts and other governmental exercises in navel gazing, and either leave us our tax money so we can put it to use as we see fit, or at the very least, put our taxpayer dollars to intelligent use securing our decaying infrastructure, securing our water supplies, securing our coastlines, securing our energy grid, and helping to build the kind of economically resilient society that can withstand whatever changes Mother Nature cares to throw at us. And, to avoid the inevitable waste that comes with government programs that lack grounding in results-based accounting, somebody should be accounting for the money allocated to climate change, and reporting on it in detail, to the general public. Fraser Institute, The $5 Billion Boondoggle

Ironic isnt it? That carbon taxesallow industries to keep consuming fossil fuels at the same rate because all those corporate tax cuts offset the additional costs of the carbon tax.

Political world

I do appreciate the complexity of and the fact that all of the individual aspects of the different systems that combine to influence our climate are barely understood (or at all) on an individual basis. What I dont get, or appreciate is, why were suppose to JUST BELIEVE, have faith in models that take the data from all these systems we dont fully understand, combine them to come up with answers to how the Earths climate works, then spew predictions that are constantly wrong, that time after time overestimate what is suppose to happen.

Excuses are made, the utter wrongness of previous models is brushed aside and of course a new adjusted report, with new predictions, is trotted out. Meanwhile all objections, refuting facts and hard line evidence against is ignored, the presenters vilified.

With computer modeling garbage in has always equaled garbage out. Yet were suppose to believe the results and calmly accept misguided blatant cash grabs like carbon taxes.

Taxes which steal from poor Paul to pay rich Peter. Our government takes money from the people who can least afford it, gives it away to corporations and special interest groups (if they even bother to inform us where they are spending our money), while our schools and hospitals suffer staffing shortages, maintenance shortfalls and equipment budget cutbacks.

We live in a political world

Wisdom is thrown in jail

It rots in a cell

Is misguided as hell

Leaving no one to pick up the trail

Bob Dylan, Political World

Just believe that I know whats best for you and all will be fine. Go back to sleep in your pod and dream away your little doggy life. Its all good, you caused it, Ill fix it. No problemo. Just send US$15,000,000,000,000.00

No thanks Al Gore.

Combating Pollution

I am definitely open to cleaning up our planet. Stopping the burning of fossil fuels (as much as practical) is a very good idea. Why not start by banning the use of fossil fuel based methods of transportation for humans and goods in city cores? That ban can later be stretched out to the suburbs. Advancing renewable energy usage and electric vehicle adoption along with improving electrical energy storage capabilities go hand in hand.

Instead of hydraulic fracturing and digging up the most expensive oil on the planet, Canadas tar sands, to produce what is an already outdated product (links authors timeline seems a little aggressive and 100% adoption seems unrealistic), all in a quest for energy independence. Each of the millions of fracked wells and each pipeline are ticking time bombs laid up against our most precious resource  our fresh water.

Also, still concerning our water, we could legislate away the use of chemicals in cooling towers saving billions of gallons of fresh water a year. We can make it mandatory for buildings of a certain size to have waste water heat exchangers installed to provide a good portion of the buildings heating/cooling requirements. Bio-leaching can be used to remediate old mine sites and stop acid mine drainage.

Im going to be featuring all of the technologies mentioned above (and the companies who own the rights to them) and more in future articles. To make sure you dont miss any of the reports sign up for my ahead of the herd free newsletter.

Bard Bob Dylan is right, we do live in a political world. But cleaning up our planet is too important to leave to politicians. The people, you, me, we, them, US, all need to act. Climate change is going to happen. Humans arent causing it and we cant stop it. But what each and every one of us can do is our own little part in cleaning up the planet.

The world is going to go clean and green, but its obvious it isnt going to happen because of combating global climate change and it sure as heck isnt going to happen under the guidance of Al Gore et al. Its going to happen because it makes sense economically for individuals and companies to use the technologies. And isnt that, for us retail investors, how we get in on the ground floor of building something of increasing value?

Conclusion

Water vapor, methane and CO2 are not causes of global warming, they are symptoms or feedbacks - warming starts before gas levels increase.

Methane, as a greenhouse gas, is 30 times worse than CO2. Water vapor, so far the largest contributor to warming (because there is so much of it from the worlds oceans), amplifies the effect of other greenhouse gases by twofold. Yet with most methane frozen in arctic tundra or at the bottom of the worlds oceans it was just as impossible to criminalize methane as it would have been to criminalize water vapor from the Earths oceans. How could you say you can stop the Arctic from melting or the oceans from warming? So they picked CO2, a gas much easier to banditize and make the culprit. No matter its just .04% of our atmosphere, absolutely essential to life on this planet and that plants and animals do exceedingly well with much higher levels.

If not, maybe it should be.

By Richard (Rick) Mills

www.aheadoftheherd.com

rick@aheadoftheherd.com

If you're interested in learning more about the junior resource and bio-med sectors please come and visit us at www.aheadoftheherd.com

Site membership is free. No credit card or personal information is asked for.

Richard is host of Aheadoftheherd.com and invests in the junior resource sector.

His articles have been published on over 400 websites, including: Wall Street Journal, Market Oracle, USAToday, National Post, Stockhouse, Lewrockwell, Pinnacledigest, Uranium Miner, Beforeitsnews, SeekingAlpha, MontrealGazette, Casey Research, 24hgold, Vancouver Sun, CBSnews, SilverBearCafe, Infomine, Huffington Post, Mineweb, 321Gold, Kitco, Gold-Eagle, The Gold/Energy Reports, Calgary Herald, Resource Investor, Mining.com, Forbes, FNArena, Uraniumseek, Financial Sense, Goldseek, Dallasnews, Vantagewire, Resourceclips and the Association of Mining Analysts.

Copyright  2017 Richard (Rick) Mills - All Rights Reserved

Legal Notice / Disclaimer: This document is not and should not be construed as an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to purchase or subscribe for any investment. Richard Mills has based this document on information obtained from sources he believes to be reliable but which has not been independently verified; Richard Mills makes no guarantee, representation or warranty and accepts no responsibility or liability as to its accuracy or completeness. Expressions of opinion are those of Richard Mills only and are subject to change without notice. Richard Mills assumes no warranty, liability or guarantee for the current relevance, correctness or completeness of any information provided within this Report and will not be held liable for the consequence of reliance upon any opinion or statement contained herein or any omission. Furthermore, I, Richard Mills, assume no liability for any direct or indirect loss or damage or, in particular, for lost profit, which you may incur as a result of the use and existence of the information provided within this Report.

 2005-2019 http://www.MarketOracle.co.uk - The Market Oracle is a FREE Daily Financial Markets Analysis & Forecasting online publication.




Another Useless Gold Golden Cross Signal

Once again gold moved higher for some time, which once again made the short-term moving averages (including the 50-day moving average) rise faster than the long-term ones (including the 200-day moving average), which in turn generated the "all-important" golden cross and it is once again heavily commented by financial journalists and reported as something bullish.

There is one tiny problem with the above "analysis" - it's not analysis. Those, who are reporting this "bullish" development didn't check if it is indeed bullish  they are simply repeating the dictionary definition of the "golden cross" and they automatically assume that it applies to all markets, in which it is seen.

Golden Cross is not so Golden

This, however, does not apply to gold. We have analyzed and described the golden cross in gold and we commented on it multiple times. Yet, the vampire myth (refusing to die) about supposedly very bullish implications of the golden cross in gold is still present.

Why isn't golden cross bullish for gold? Because of the very reason why patterns are likely to work in the first place  because history tends to repeat itself to a considerable extent. Price patterns tend to repeat themselves and if one sees that a specific development repeats over and over again on a given market, then one can say that seeing that development once again has some specific implications. For instance, the RSI indicator proves to be a useful trading indicator for gold over and over again.

Moving back to the topic, what was the performance of the golden cross in the recent years?

Golden Cross  Past Performance

Before 2009, 3 out of 4 signals were good buying opportunities (the 2009 one was seen at a local top), but does this make a signal useful in a long-term bull market? Picking any 4 dates randomly between 2003 and 2009 gives us a good chance that at least 3 of them will be good or rather good buying opportunities. Consequently, there was nothing special about this particular technique until 2009.

After 2009, golden crosses have been seen at or close to local tops  in particular, the 2012 top is clearly seen along with a supposed "buy" signal from the golden cross. In 2014 the gold market formed a golden cross a few times, but the rallies were not sustained. This means that the golden cross is not a reliable bullish indicator and viewing it as such does not seem like a profitable thing to do.

Is the current golden cross in gold useless as the title of this article seems to imply? Time will tell, but what's useless right now is being excited about or putting a lot of weight to the signal that didn't work for almost a decade and there were 4 cases when it was seen close to local tops.

There are multiple factors that are important for the gold price right now, including but not limited to, the USD Index, the Japanese yen, the popular indicators (RSI, Stochastic), the less popular indicators and ratios (for instance gold to bonds and Dow to gold ratios), relative performance of gold vs. the USD Index, silver vs. gold, miners vs. gold, True Seasonal patterns. However, the golden cross is not one of them  it's a development that may be useful in other markets, but the history shows that this patterns reliability on the gold market is limited to say the least. If anything was to be expected based on the golden cross in gold, it would be a looming local top as that's what we've seen in the past several years.

For more details on the golden cross (and a big chart illustrating the above analysis) please visit our golden cross in gold definition.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Przemyslaw Radomski, CFA

Founder, Editor-in-chief

Tools for Effective Gold & Silver Investments - SunshineProfits.com

Tools fur Effektives Gold- und Silber-Investment - SunshineProfits.DE

* * * * *

About Sunshine Profits

Sunshine Profits enables anyone to forecast market changes with a level of accuracy that was once only available to closed-door institutions. It provides free trial access to its best investment tools (including lists of best gold stocks and best silver stocks), proprietary gold & silver indicators, buy & sell signals, weekly newsletter, and more. Seeing is believing.

Disclaimer

All essays, research and information found above represent analyses and opinions of Przemyslaw Radomski, CFA and Sunshine Profits' associates only. As such, it may prove wrong and be a subject to change without notice. Opinions and analyses were based on data available to authors of respective essays at the time of writing. Although the information provided above is based on careful research and sources that are believed to be accurate, Przemyslaw Radomski, CFA and his associates do not guarantee the accuracy or thoroughness of the data or information reported. The opinions published above are neither an offer nor a recommendation to purchase or sell any securities. Mr. Radomski is not a Registered Securities Advisor. By reading Przemyslaw Radomski's, CFA reports you fully agree that he will not be held responsible or liable for any decisions you make regarding any information provided in these reports. Investing, trading and speculation in any financial markets may involve high risk of loss. Przemyslaw Radomski, CFA, Sunshine Profits' employees and affiliates as well as members of their families may have a short or long position in any securities, including those mentioned in any of the reports or essays, and may make additional purchases and/or sales of those securities without notice.

Przemyslaw Radomski Archive

 2005-2019 http://www.MarketOracle.co.uk - The Market Oracle is a FREE Daily Financial Markets Analysis & Forecasting online publication.




Egypt congratulated on Tuesday former Ethiopian health minister and foreign minister Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on his election as the next director-general of the World Health Organization (WHO) and said it looks forward to working with him.

The foreign ministry said in a statement late Tuesday that Adhanom's triumph was a "deserved win for Ethiopia and Africa as a whole."

Adhanom willl be the first African to lead the Geneva-based United Nations agency.

The former health minister and foreign minister prevailed over six candidates who sought to take the helm at the 69-year-old organisation, which works to improve international public health.

The ministry said Egypt was among the first countries to support the Ethiopian candidate in the race.

"Cairo is looking forward to cooperating with the new director-general to achieve the objectives of the organisation and face the challenge of improving international healthcare," the statement added.



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Russias Deputy Transportation Minister Valery Okulov said on Wednesday that negotiations between Moscow and Cairo on the resumption of Russian flights to Egypt remain unresolved.

In statements reported by Sputnik News Agency, Okulov said he cannot take it upon himself to predict when flights would resume.

Different information is being reported in the media about a change in the Egyptian position. We, however, have not changed our stance since February, Okulov told reporters on Wednesday.

The Egyptian civil aviation ministry declined to comment to Ahram Online about the Russian statement, saying it would respond in an official statement if needed.

Russia, which was the top source of tourists visiting Egypt, suspended flights to the country pending the implementation of tighter security measures at all Egyptian airports following the 2015 crash of a Russian passenger jet after takeoff from Egypts Sharm El-Sheikh, which killed all 224 people on board, most of them holidaymakers.

In February, Russia signed off on new security measures adopted by Egypt as a condition for the resumption of Russian flights.

An agreement between Egypt and Russia prepared by the Russian transportation ministry to resume flights was set to be signed by Egypts civil aviation minister Sherif Fathy during a visit to Moscow, the date of which has not been announced, raising speculation about a possible rift between the two countries.

The agreement states that flights would resume upon the condition that a Russian company chosen by Russias aviation watchdog Rosaviatsia would be responsible for monitoring security, according to TASS.

The company would have the right to inspect aircraft, passengers, cargo, baggage, mail and flight catering on planes heading to Russia.

A source at the Egyptian civil aviation ministry told Sputnik earlier this month that Egyptian authorities consider the presence of Russian security in the country's airports to be a violation of Egyptian sovereignty and therefore not acceptable.

Egypt has been implementing tighter security measures at its airports since the 2015 crash, and Russian experts have carried out a series of inspections at Egyptian airports throughout the past year.

A number of European countries that suspended flights to Sharm El-Sheikh following the 2015 crash have recently reinstated direct flights to the South Sinai tourist hotspot.

The UK, however, another main source of tourists for Egypt, still maintains a ban on flights to the Egyptian resort city.

Egyptian tourism, a pillar of the country's economy and a key source of hard currency, has taken a blow since the crash. Sharm El-Sheikh's economy is believed to have suffered the most.

Egypt's revenues from tourism dropped to $3.4 billion in 2016, a 44.3 percent decline from the previous year, the Central Bank of Egypt said in January. The figure is a far cry from the $11 billion in revenues generated by the sector in 2010, when 14.7 million tourists visited the country.

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Published: Pravda No. 54, May 24 (11), 1917.

'What do you take the class-conscious workers and soldiers for? Or do you really regard them as rebellious slaves?'

Now that socialists have become members of the cabinet, things will be different, the defencists have been assuring us. It did not take more than a few days to reveal the falsity of these assurances.

We all know what indignation was aroused among the soldiers and workers by ex-Minister Milyukovs statement that he had no intention of publishing the secret treaties which ex-Tsar Nicholas II had concluded with the British and French capitalists. And now, what does Mr. Tereshchenko, the new Minister of Foreign Affairs, the associate of Skobelev and Tsereteli, have to say on this question?

Tereshchenko admits that this question [i.e., the secret treaties] arouses passions. But what does he do to cool these passions? He simply repeats what Milyukov, who has just been deposed, said before him.

Immediate publication of the treaties would amount to a break with the Allies, Tereshchenko declared in a statement to the press.

And the socialist ministers are silent and condone the system of secret diplomacy.

The coalition cabinet has brought no changes. The tsars secret treaties remain sacred to it.

And you, gentlemen, want this not to arouse passions? What do you take the class-conscious workers and soldiers for? Or do you really regard them as rebellious slaves?

Source: Marxist Internet Archive.
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WWLP, 22News anchor Juliana Mazza bid farewell to Western Massachusetts on Wednesday night.

She has accepted a post in New Orleans.

"Today is bittersweet for me friends. Tonight is my last night on-air here at 22News. I am so so grateful for all of you who tune in to watch me everyday night and have followed my journey here over the last three years," she posted on Facebook prior the broadcast.

During the 6 p.m.broadcast, she was bid adieu by anchor Barry Kreiger and meteorologist Brian Lapis.

She told her co-workers she considered them family.

Mazza joined WWLP in February 2014.

She currently anchors 22News weeknights at 5, 6 and 11 p.m. on WWLP, Channel 22. She also anchors the news at 10 p.m. weeknights on its sister station, The CW Springfield.

A graduate of the University of Connecticut, Mazza was a National American Miss Connecticut in 2012.
Egypt's President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi stressed on Wednesday that his country "does not conspire against anyone," in response to claims by Sudans President Omar Al-Bashir that Cairo has supported rebel groups in Sudan fighting against government forces.

On Tuesday, Al-Bashir accused Egypt of supporting fighters in Darfur, saying his forces seized Egyptian armoured vehicles in the possession of rebel groups.

Speaking at a joint press conference with Austrian Chancellor Christian Kern in Cairo, El-Sisi said that Egypt's policy of not interfering in any other nations internal affairs has not changed and will not change.

Political tension has flared up between Cairo and Khartoum recently over Egypts southern Halayeb Triangle region, which Sudan says is rightfully Sudanese.

Last week, President Al-Bashir said in an interview with Al-Jazeera that his country is "still patient despite Egypt occupying part of our land."

The Halayeb Triangle, which comprises three cities under Egyptian control, has been a source of tension between the two countries since Sudan gained independence from joint British-Egyptian rule in 1956, with rows occurring at times over the right to manage the region's petroleum resources.

Egypt insists that the Halayeb triangle is part of its territory as set by an Anglo-Egyptian Condominium in 1899, which defines Egypts southern border as the 22nd parallel north.

The Egypt-Sudan Political Consultation Committee released a statement last month calling for a shift in media discourse between the two countries, though the Sudanese president has claimed that Egyptian media is still "defaming" his country.

The committee  which held a meeting last month in Khartoum headed by Sudan's Foreign Minister Ibrahim Ghandour and Egyptian FM Sameh Shoukry  vowed to maintain cooperation and mutual support between the two countries in issues of common interest.

Shoukry also met with Al-Bashir during his most recent visit to Khartoum, conveying a message from Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi that Cairo is committed to maintaining strategic ties between the brotherly countries of the Nile Valley.

Al-Bashir pointed to historic relations between the two countries, affirming that Egypt and Sudan are both "targeted" by the same challenges and that any split between the two would serve the "enemies of the nation," without giving further clarification.

Media outlets in both countries exchanged attacks in recent month after Sudans media minister said in public statements that his country's civilisation is older than that of Egypt.

In February, Al-Bashir made his first accusations that Egypt is harbouring and backing Sudanese opposition figures fighting his troops in Darfur, the Blue Nile and the South Kordofan regions.
LM drunk driving check.JPG

Pictured left to right: Hampden District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni, DA's Office Communications Director Jim Leydon, Vivian Li, Chief John Stankiewicz and Principal Thomas Landers.

LONGMEADOW  Longmeadow High School was among several area schools to receive prize money from the district attorney's office after submitting a winning design for a billboard discouraging drunken driving.

At Longmeadow High School on May 16, Hampden District Attorney Anthony Gulluni presented a $10,000 check to Longmeadow High School Principal Thomas Landers and student Vivian Li after Li and fellow student Noelle Ehrenberg won first place for their submission to the DA's Impaired Driving Public Service Announcement and Billboard Challenge.

"I am tremendously proud to be able to present this award to Longmeadow High School. The students' work shows their early commitment to public service and the safety of their communities" Gulluni said in a statement. "The students involved did a superb job and the residents of Longmeadow and Hampden County as a whole should be proud of their efforts."

The contest asked area high school students to create billboards and public service announcements that highlight the dangers of driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol. Entries had to be original, note risks associated with driving under the influence, and relay messages about public safety.

The winning billboard design features an overturned bottle with brown liquid spilling out to form what appears to be a slick road on which a damaged car lies upside down. The text reads, "Don't let alcohol drown you. Drive sober."

Reminding students of the dangers of driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol is important this time of year, with a few annual high school milestones coming up in the next few weeks, Longmeadow Superintendent Martin O'Shea said in an interview.

"We're really proud that they participated and they represented their school and their community effectively," O'Shea said. "It's an issue that's particularly important to us, especially as we approach the prom and graduation."

The winning design will be displayed on a billboard along Interstate 91, according to Gulluni's office. The contest was funded through a grant from the Drunk Driving Trust Fund, which is administered by the Massachusetts Office of Victim Assistance.
A bill authorizing the construction of Connecticut's third casino has passed the state Senate, moving the state's tribal gaming operators closer to their goal of building a gaming facility to compete with the upcoming MGM Springfield casino.

The bill, which passed by a 24 to 12 vote, would authorize the tribal gaming company MMCT to build a casino in East Windsor -- and has drawn strong pushback from MGM, which has criticized it as granting an unfair monopoly on commercial gaming to the tribes.

The Mohegan and Mashantucket Pequot Tribes, which jointly run MMCT, celebrated the Senate's approval of the bill, describing it as a necessary measure to protect Connecticut's economy and state revenue from MGM Springfield's competition.

"We want to thank every senator who voted in for of Senate Bill 957," said Mohegan Tribal Council Chairman Kevin Brown said in a statement. "The state faces serious financial challenges. This overwhelming, bipartisan vote shows we can be part of the solution."

MGM, which has launched public relations and legal campaigns against tribe-centered casino process in Connecticut, said the bill "shortchanges" towns near the proposed East Windsor casino site and the state as a whole.

Instead, the House of Representatives should pass MGM's preferred casino bill, which would open up the process to other companies, MGM Resorts International Senior Vice President and Legal Counsel Uri Clinton said in a statement.

"If the Senate bill were to ultimately become law, numerous national gaming operators - including MGM - would be precluded from offering a competitive bid for consideration," Clinton said. "To shut down that opportunity would seem to be a disservice to Connecticut's hardworking taxpayers."

MGM and MMCT have sparred about the financial effects of the competing sets of legislation.

MGM has submitted letters from former U.S. Secretary of the Interior Kenneth Salazar and Sen. John McCain to argue that the MMCT bill would invalidate the state's revenue compact with the tribes' existing casinos -- a seismic shift that would destabilize Connecticut's budget.

But MMCT has submitted a letter from the Bureau of Indian Affairs stating that the Trump administration "does not anticipate" altering the compact due to the proposed law -- though the letter is not a formal decision. And MMCT has further argued that MGM's favored competitive casino bill would violate the tribes' exclusivity under the agreement, costing Connecticut hundreds of millions of dollars if the compact is invalidated.

The bill still must pass the House of Representatives and be signed by Gov. Dannel Malloy before it becomes law.

In February, MMCT selected East Windsor as the potential site of the casino, which is targeted at competing with the MGM Springfield casino project and which tribal leaders have described as necessary to protect jobs and revenues from the Springfield facility.

The construction of a new Connecticut casino has drawn interest both in Connecticut and across the Massachusetts border, with supporters of the Connecticut casino measure framing the new casino as a way to protect state gaming revenues and jobs from Massachusetts competition.

A study funded by both tribes suggested out-of-state casino competition could cost Connecticut 9,300 jobs. An analysis by the Connecticut's Office of Fiscal Analysis suggested the competition could cost the state $68 million in annual gaming revenues. And Mohegan Tribal Council Chairman Kevin Brown has described the project as in direct competition with MGM Springfield, which is scheduled to open in late 2018.

MGM sued in federal court to overturn the state's 2015 gaming act, alleging that it violated the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment. It also alleged the act violates the Constitution's Commerce Clause by restricting the RFP process to a joint company formed by the Mohegan and Mashantucket Pequot tribes.

A federal judge dismissed the suit in June of 2016, finding that the law did not exclusively favor the tribes and that MGM had no standing to sue. MGM has appealed the decision, and the appeal is still pending.
NORTHAMPTON -- The trial for Soknang Chham, the man charged with fatally shooting Jose "Joselito" Rodriguez in Amherst last year, has been tentatively scheduled for January.

Chham returned to Hampshire Superior Court on Wednesday for a pretrial hearing.

More than a dozen family members and friends of Rodriguez, who was 31, attended the hearing. Afterward they got an update from Assistant Northwestern District Attorney Matthew Thomas.

Some wore T-shirts with Rodriguez' photo that read "Southside We Outside" and his dates of birth and death.

Chham, 35, of New Salem, has denied charges including murder, armed assault with intent to murder, assault and battery with a firearm, assault with a dangerous weapon (firearm), illegal possession of a firearm (subsequent offense) and illegal possession of a firearm with two prior convictions for violent crimes in connection with the killing at South Point Apartments.

A second man was shot in the Oct., 15 incident at Southpoint Apartments but survived.

A charge of being an accessory after the fact against alleged accomplice Soksot Chham, 33, was dropped in February.

A status hearing for Soknang Chham has been scheduled for July 24

,

giving Thomas and defense attorney William O'Neill a chance to review evidence and consider motions. Thomas said forensic work from Chham's computer and phone is still being conducted. O'Neill said he might make a motion to suppress evidence in the case.

A final pretrial hearing will be held Nov. 10 to determine whether the case can go to trial in January.

Jorge Rodriguez, the older brother of Jose Rodriguez, was one of the family members who attended the hearing. As Chham was taken from the courtroom, he said, "F------ coward."

Before the hearing, Jorge Rodriguez, who lives in Amherst, said the family was staying strong. "It's the only option," he said.

He said he wanted to attend the hearing to find out anything he could about the case. "I just want to look him (Chham) in the face. It's the only chance I get before the trial."

"I feel so much anger," he said.

Jorge Rodriguez said his brother and Chham were friends and he doesn't know why Chham allegedly shot him.

"It's a senseless act." He said his brother was shot in the back.

Authorities have not revealed what they believe to be the motive in the killing.

Chham is being held at the Hampshire Jail and House of Corrections without the right to bail. He did not speak at the hearing and stayed seated before Judge John Agostini.
Egypt's President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi said that there is a "strong bond" between Cairo and Vienna during a meeting with Austria's Chancellor Christian Kern, who arrived in Cairo on Wednesday to discuss bilateral relations with El-Sisi.

During a meeting at the Presidential Palace in Cairo, the Egyptian president said he wished to enhance cooperation between the two both countries in the upcoming period, according to Egypt's presidential spokesman Alaa Youssef.

The two leaders also discussed coordination on regional and international issues as well as counterterrorism efforts.

Youssef said the two leaders agreed that efforts should be exerted to reach political solutions to conflicts in the region.

Egypt also expressed its wish to see more Austrian companies invest in the country.

President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi met with Austrian Chancellor Christian Kern during the 71st United Nations General Assembly meeting in New York in late September 2016 to discuss boosting Egyptian-Austrian political and economic relations.

In October 2016, the Egyptian-Austrian business forum agreed on boosting bilateral commercial relations, with Austrian Foreign Minister Sebastian Kurz saying that there are 600 Austrian companies looking to invest in Egypt during the upcoming period.
"For small to medium to national organizations, for events and fundraisers of any size, in any format  live, virtual or hybrid  the platform is built for scale."
Its no surprise to most Idahoans by now: In everything from trick-or-treating to home-brewed beer, the Treasure Valley tends to show up in top 10 lists. Were often touted as the wildcard, and Boises latest nod  from business magazine Forbes  is no different.

BY NICOLE BLANCHARD

[email protected]

Full Story: http://www.idahostatesman.com/news/local/community/boise/article152161132.html
The University of Montana aims to save $4 million a year with a set of buyout offers that might be only the first round of incentives to reduce faculty, according to a higher education official.

KEILA SZPALLER [email protected]

Full Story: http://missoulian.com/news/university-of-montana-looks-to-save-million-with-buyouts/article_e677e398-9f23-5051-9268-039ae159fcc1.html
Qatar said hackers posted fake remarks by its Emir criticising U.S. foreign policy on Wednesday in an incident which renewed tensions with fellow wealthy Gulf Arab nations just days after President Donald Trump met with regional leaders.

Gulf Arab countries including oil giant Saudi Arabia permitted their state-backed media to run the remarks attributed to Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani on Qatar's official news agency even after Doha had issued a robust denial.

The development signalled a possible revival of a 2014 rift between Qatar and its neighbours over Doha's backing of Islamists and suggests behind-the-scenes disarray among U.S. Gulf allies after Trump's visit to Riyadh this week.

Disputes between Gulf Arab states can have significance far beyond their energy rich region.

The report said Sheikh Tamim, in a speech to a military graduation ceremony, was critical of renewed tensions with Tehran, expressed understanding for Hezbollah and Hamas, and suggested Trump might not last long in power.

A government spokesman told Reuters the Emir had attended a graduation ceremony for Qataris doing national service, "however, he did not make any speech or give any statements".

But Saudi Arabia's Okaz daily thundered: "Qatar splits the rank, sides with the enemies of the nation." Riyadh's Arab News said the comments sparked "outrage" among other Gulf states.

An official in the Qatari Foreign Ministry expressed "surprise at the position of some media and satellite channels."

Disunity

Qatar will track down and prosecute the perpetrators, the statement continued.

Authorities in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) blocked the main website of Qatar's al Jazeera television, which Riyadh and Abu Dhabi have often seen as being critical of their governments. Al Jazeera says it is an independent news service giving a voice to everyone in the region.

"The Qatar News Agency (QNA) website has been hacked by an unknown entity. A false statement attributed to His Highness has been published," a government statement early on Wednesday said.

The incident happened days after Qatar complained it was the target of "an orchestrated barrage" of criticism by unknown parties in the run-up to Trump's visit alleging the Gulf state supported militant groups in the Middle East.

"The reality is that the region is on the verge of further escalation," a Western diplomat in Doha said. "It's total chaos and no one has vision."

The falling out is especially awkward for the Gulf Arab states after their leaders met Trump last weekend at a Riyadh summit of Muslim nations meant to showcase solidarity against Sunni armed militant groups and Shia regional adversary Iran.

In Riyadh Trump renewed his assertion that Iran was a leading state sponsor of terrorism. Iran denies that and says Saudi Arabia, the dominant GCC power, supports militant Islamist armed groups such as al Qaeda and Islamic State. Riyadh, in turn, denies that accusation.

Ties between Qatar and other Gulf Arab states suffered an eight-month breach in 2014 over Qatar's alleged support for the Muslim Brotherhood, an Islamist group whose political ideology challenges the principle of dynastic rule.

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At least 20 migrants including young children drowned on Wednesday when an overloaded vessel sank in the Mediterranean, the Italian coastguard and a humanitarian worker said.

"There's a critical situation today. About 200 people fell into the water and for the moment we have 20 bodies," a coastguard spokesman told AFP.

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Soldiers were on their way to the British parliament for guard duty after the government raised its terror threat level following an attack that killed 22 people, police told an AFP photographer at the scene.

Armed soldiers will replace police at key sites under the plan announced by Prime Minister Theresa May, freeing up police resources to pursue an investigation into a possible wider network behind Monday's attack in Manchester.

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Israeli usurpation of land and water have helped create a major economic crisis, which is driving Palestinians into debt

One of the pretexts which were heard in justifying the weak participation of some people in backing the captives' hunger strike or national activities in general is the daily living concerns that preoccupy people's minds.

The majority of the people are struggling to survive in the face of the high cost of living, which is worsening every day.

Despite that, I am persuaded that the struggle for supporting one's family does not hinder the ability to participate in the national action. The proof of this lies in the amount of time that many spend in different activities which are not their daily work.

We must clarify the connection between the rising cost of living and its political causes.

We can divide the causes of the monstrous rising cost of living and the economic crisis into causes; one of them is subjective, related to the Palestinian economic options, and the other is objective and has to do with what an occupation and racial discrimination regime practises against the Palestinian people.

Objectively speaking, the Palestinian people are suffering from a chronic deterioration in their economy due to the occupation policies, which are represented in five main elements.

First: the Zionist usurpation of land and natural resources.

The deprivation of the Palestinian people from the right to build on and invest in more than 70 percent of the West Bank's and Gaza's land has led to a fantastic rise in land prices. Consequently, the prices of houses, commodities and services have risen too.

The value of the land itself is lost, for it is transformed into supporting the Israeli economy and society, especially the settlers.

For instance, the value of the land Israel usurped through annexation and settlement activity from Bethlehem alone (which is one of the smallest areas) is approximately $30 billion, which was utilised in supporting the Israeli building sector.

Second: usurping the water.

The occupation usurped at least 86 percent of the West Bank and Jerusalem's water. The West Bank's water resources amount to 926 million cubic metres, of which Israel usurped 800 million cubic metres.

On water distribution, the Palestinian gets on average 50 cubic metres per person annually while the settlers get 2,400 cubic metres, i.e. 48 times greater than that what a Palestinian gets.

As for besieged Gaza, the water's salinity or pollution is up to 96 percent in underground water. Getting potable water has become expensive and tiring at the same time. Most areas in the West Bank suffer from water cuts in summer for weeks and may be for months in some areas. That is because the occupation government pumps water to the settlements first.

Third: the disparity in income and price controls.

The average income in Israel is $38,000 annually. This means that the average income of a family made up of four members is $52,000 annually. In the West Bank, the average income per capita does not exceed two thousand dollars annually, while in the Gaza Strip it does not exceed one thousand dollars.

There are Arab countries that have the same rate of income, however, commodity prices are still in proportion with the rate of income. As for Palestine, the state of occupation imposes by force the unified market and unified taxes (the level of VAT is almost the same and it is unacceptable that the difference between its percentages in Israel in comparison with that of the occupied lands exceedes 1.5 percent).

The occupation state also controls borders, imports and exports. Thus, it imposes unified prices. In other words, commodities are sold to Palestinians at the same price as to Israelis, despite the fact that the income of Israelis is about 20 times bigger than that of Palestinians.

The Palestinian pays in proportion 20 times more than the Israeli for the same commodity. What worsens things is that the Palestinian pays twice what the Israeli pays for water and electricity.

Fourth: Improving the economic situation is connected to the freedom of investment, mobility, exportation and importation and the freedom of attracting external investments and cutting taxes in order to encourage economic growth.

Palestinians are deprived from all the aforementioned due to the occupation and the pathetic and unjust agreements such as the Protocol on Economic Relations signed in Paris and the Oslo Agreement.

We must remember that 70 percent of the tax revenues paid by Palestinians go through the Israeli government, which takes a commission that reaches 3 percent of these taxes' value, and controls the transfer of the funds as it pleases. For it can withhold them totally as it did during the term of the National Unity government, or seize big chunks from it on the pretext of repaying debts it has calculated the way it pleases.

Fifth: Exploiting Palestinian labourers through the disparity in wages or by depriving them from health and educational services and the allocations of social security.

Definitely, exploitation reaches its climax against the labourers who work without permits and constitute about 50 percent of all labourers in Israel and the settlements.

For all the aforementioned, the struggle against the high cost of living and against economic discrimination cannot be separated from the struggle against the occupation and the Israeli racial discrimination system. There will never be economic justice without political freedom and independence from the Israeli exploitation system.

As for the subjective reasons related to Palestinian economic policies-- this needs another article. However, a main issue is the mechanisms of distributing the tax revenues paid by the Palestinians and the dangerous and catastrophic applied policy through which people are drowned by exorbitant loans in order to encourage non-productive consumerist patterns. This has made thousands and maybe millions fall captive to bank loans. They are unable to think of both: ways to repay loans which strangulate them and managing their living conditions from month to month and from salary to salary.

To be continued.

The writer is Secretary-General of the Palestinian National Initiative.

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On Monday, the McDowell County Commissioners voiced their strong opposition to state legislation that would do away with the protective buffers along Lake James and the Catawba River.

At a special meeting, the commissioners unanimously approved a resolution opposing Senate Bill 434, which would change certain environmental and natural resources laws in North Carolina. Last month, the N.C. Senate passed SB434 after language was added to repeal the 50-foot protective buffer along more than 1,000 miles of shoreline along the Catawba River and its lakes in North Carolina, including Lake James. It would also prohibit local governments like McDowell County to enact their own buffer restrictions on streams and lakes greater than the state or federal standards.

Whereas, the Lake James buffer rules enjoy broad support from homeowners, environmentalists and outdoors enthusiasts, reads the resolution adopted by the McDowell commissioners. Now therefore, the McDowell County Commissioners hereby oppose SB434 and oppose any effort to remove the environmental riparian buffer zones that best suit local needs.

These buffers are in place, said Commission Chairman David Walker. Why go back and strike them?

We know how to operate in our county, said Commission Vice Chairman Barry McPeters.

County Manager Ashley Wooten said this resolution mirrors the one that the Burke County Commissioners recently adopted.

This doesnt advocate for something we dont have, he added.

This legislation has been met with strong opposition from environmental groups like the Catawba Riverkeeper and the Lake James Environmental Association.

SB434 passed in the N.C. Senate 31-17 last month. N.C. Sen. Ralph Hise, a Republican from Spruce Pine who represents McDowell, voted to support removing the buffer restrictions saying to The McDowell News it is not shown that the measures are effective.

The bill now goes to the N.C. House of Representatives. County officials said they will let Rep. Josh Dobson, R-McDowell, know how they feel about removing the protective buffers around the lake.
Morgan County Veterans Day Parade slated Nov. 11 Audio Article The Morgan County Veterans Day Parade will be held on Friday, Nov. 11. The parade will form at the Commons, in McConnelsville, at 9:30 a.m. and set out at 10 a.m. The American Legion Post 24 will render honors at the monuments at the Commons, Riecker Building, the Square, at...

A concert with two purposes Audio Article Wednesday, Nov. 30, a concert with dual purposes is being held at the Twin City Opera House in McConnelsville, Ohio. Its a thank-you to healthcare workers, who can attend for free, and its a benefit for the Lymphoma and Leukemia Society. In September 2021, Rick Shriver contracted COVID-19. He collapsed...

BOE reminder of early voting hours and polling location change Audio Article Remaining early voting hours at the Morgan County Board of Elections are as follows: from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov, 2 through Friday, Nov. 4; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 5; from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 6; and from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m....

Lions Club announces annual Wreaths Across America Audio Article On Saturday, Dec. 17, the Chesterhill Lions Club will be joining with National Wreaths Across America in the laying of wreaths at each of the seven cemeteries located in Marion Township. The mission is to honor the local veterans who have served our nation so their families can rest assured...

Governor DeWine awards $6.7 million for domestic violence survivor programs Audio Article Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has announced that he is awarding $6.7 million to support the work of the Ohio Domestic Violence Network (ODVN) to offer mobile and health advocacy services and temporary residential services for domestic violence survivors across the state. The announcement comes during National Domestic Violence Awareness Month....

CDC committee vote wont change Ohio school vaccine requirement Audio Article Ohio Department of Health Director Bruce Vanderhoff, MD, MBA has released the following statement: The CDCs Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendation for the COVID-19 vaccine to be added to the formulary or schedule of vaccines for children does not mandate this vaccine for school children. Ohio law determines...
OTTAWA

May 24, 2017

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Geneva, Switzerland

Theresa Tam

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Argentina

Canada's

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$1M

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Geneva

Geneva

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$1.39 million

Switzerland

Canada

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Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus

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Theresa Tam

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/CNW/ - Global health challenges require global health solutions, andis committed to collaborating with its international partners in order to improve the health of Canadians, and global citizens as well.Over the past week,participated in the G20 Health Ministers' Meeting (HMM) in, as well as the 70World Health Assembly (WHA) in. The Honourable Jane Philpott, Minister of Health, and Dr., interim Chief Public Health Officer of, sharedperspectives on a number of global health priorities with health leaders from other G20 countries as well as representatives of the member states of the World Health Organization (WHO) and other international organizations.The G20 HMM marked the first time that global health has been addressed broadly at the Ministerial level within the G20. At this meeting, Ministers participated in a simulated health emergency aimed at improving global health crisis management, and discussed strengthening health systems, as well as challenges related to preventing and responding to antimicrobial resistance (AMR). A declaration agreed upon by all participating nations, committed G20 Health Ministers to the continuation of dialogue on global health at their next meeting in, and to further promoting health within the G20. The Declaration also reaffirmed the G20 commitment to achieve the health-related goals and targets of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.As part ofongoing commitment to address life-saving global health needs, Minister Philpott announced the Government ofcontribution ofto support the World Health Organization's Contingency Fund for Emergencies () and life-saving health services to assist conflict-affected people in(500K).At the World Health Assembly, Minister Philpott and the Canadian delegation engaged with international colleagues directly onglobal health priorities. In her address to the WHA plenary, Minister Philpott reinforcedposition that protecting and promoting health means building health systems that address the needs of all, including the most vulnerable.The Minister also took the opportunity to experience first-hand from localofficials about their 25-year approach to harm reduction, including a tour of a supervised consumption site and a heroin treatment facility.While in, Minister Philpott also confirmed the Government ofcommitment to develop a Pan-Canadian Framework on Antimicrobial Resistance and Use inby 2017. To address the emergence and spread of AMR, she also announcedfrom the Canadian Institutes of Health Research to support innovations with the goal of implementing the best diagnostic tools in health care settings and the right use of antibiotics.Further, the Minister co-chaired a roundtable discussion on mental health with the World Health Organization, bringing together more than 50 international counterparts and representatives from international organizations to share challenges and discuss actions to improve global mental wellness. She also co-hosted an event withto draw attention to continued attacks on medical workers in conflict zones, and she provided remarks at the Immune Nations event, a unique art exhibitco-sponsored withto foster conversations about immunization and vaccine hesitancy.The WHA saw the election of Dr.as the next Director General of the WHO.recognizes the important role that he will play in addressing today's global health challenges, and congratulates Dr. Tedros for a successful campaign."I am honoured and proud to have representedat the first-ever G20 Health Ministers' Meeting and at the World Health Assembly. These international meetings are vital to establishing the consensus and collaboration needed to address pressing and complex global health challenges. I look forward to continuing to work closely with my international colleagues to protect and promote good health worldwide."has a long history of public health leadership on the global stage. The discussions and outcomes from meetings like the G20 HMM and the WHA are important reminders that we must take collective action and remain vigilant against global public health threats like antimicrobial resistance and other emerging diseases."Berlin Declaration of the G20 Health MinistersG20 Leaders Summit70World Health AssemblySOURCE Public Health Agency of
Yes, you heard it right. Brad Pitt quietly came to Mumbai and it was, clearly, a closely guarded secret.

We were invited to a secret event where Pitt chatted with Shah Rukh Khan about everything (pretty much). Brad Pitt is in Mumbai (his second visit to India) to promote his new film War Machine which has been produced by Netflix.

The chat began with a friendly conversation about how Brad Pitt would never it make in Bollywood because he cannot dance. To which Shah Rukh Khan responded with a gesture (while opening his arms wide open) We can make anyone dance.

During the course of the interview/chill session, Pitt explained to us why he chose to release a movie with Netflix and not through the traditional studio framework. He explained, the current business model adopted by studios in Hollywood does not allow us to make films like these anymore. The studios cannot support risky films like War Machine. Movies require advertising, which is expensive and involves other high costs due to which many movies arent getting made. The business model in studios at Hollywood cannot support risky films like War Machine. From a viewers perspective, more films are getting made thanks to a delivery system like Netflix.

Director David Michod echoed the same feeling stating, the Netflix window opened up a window for me to do the kind of movies I wanted to make. War Machine is exactly the kind of movie the traditional Hollywood studios arent making any more. Since its a war film, it would never be cheap to make and I feel lucky that Netflix came through to provide me with the freedom.

Netflix as a delivery system has been challenging the traditional moving making methods and studios alike, but would it actually make a dent in the Indian market? Shah Rukh Khan said, weekend collections, monthly collections bog down our industry. Streaming platforms like Netflix will take that away in the coming 5 years.

War Machine is a story about a four-star US general Glenn McMahon who is trying to win the war in the troubled region of Afghanistan. However, he keeps finding himself in a hilarious yet tragic situation which leads to one thing: the war machine cannot be stopped. The film is inspired by Michael Hastings' book, The Operators: The Wild & Terrifying Inside Story of America's War in Afghanistan.

It will stream on Netflix starting May 26th, 2017.
If you are a wanderer at heart and have New Mexico in your bucket list, theres no way on earth that you will miss out on visiting the Roswell airport. For those who have already been there, you guys will know what we are talking about  Elvis Presleys private red 1962 Lockheed Jetstar jet, which is parked on the runway for nearly 30 years.

 elvis presley live auctioneer

All this while you may have seen it from a distance or just been fanboying over the interiors, but heres your ultimate chance to make it yours. Dont rub your eyes in amazement; this little masterpiece has been put on auction for $351,000 (Rs. 2.2 crore approx.) by Liveauctioneers. According to the site, This jet was personally owned by Elvis Presley, and is the Lost jet he owned with his father Vernon Presley.

 elvis presley live auctioneers

Well, if you think you dont love The King of Rock & Roll enough to buy this jet that was once owned by him, then here are some interesting facts that you should, at least, consider. Apparently, some portions of the planes interior were said to be custom designed by Presley - the woodwork, red carpet, red velvet seats and the gold-tone hardware. In fact, some say that it has been left in the same condition and not restored after Presley last owned it.

 elvis presley live auctioneers

Further, this jet has been privately owned for over 35 years now and is said to be the only airplane of Elvis that is private owned. The other two are a part of The Elvis Presley Museum. Dont let your dreams fly too high because the plane has no engines and the cockpit has not been restored. So, if hypothetically you strike gold and buy this plane, it will be disassembled and then shipped to you. The jet will be auctioned on May 27 at an event in California.

 elvis presley live auctioneers

So, technically, to make this jet yours, even if you sell your house, your entire familys kidneys, your home, your car and your other organs; you will still be short on cash. But, if we look at the recent spending habits of people, we wont be surprised if someone buys it. We have earlier ditched YouTube and paid Rs. 75,000 to listen to Justin Bieber lip sync, and listened to Coldplay for Rs. 25,000. One has even paid $270,000 to buy President Donald Trumps Ferrari. So, we are now eagerly waiting to see who buys this jet.
Innovation

Humans, animals and the environment  our health is all connected

Why the One Health approach is important now more than ever
Alternate Foreign Minister G. Katrougalos today met with the Vice President of the European People's Party, Portuguese MEP Paulo Rangel.

During the meeting there was an exchange of views on cooperation of national parliaments with the European institutions and on the functioning of national parliaments.

In statements he made following the meeting, Mr. Katrougalos said it is important for Democracy and the survival of the European Union that citizens feel that their opinions matter, not only regarding political decisions that are taken, but also concerning the general course of the economy. These issues, he noted, will be discussed in the European Parliament's Constitutional Affairs Committee, with Mr. Rangel as rapporteur, contributing significantly, in his assessment, to the improvement of the quality of Democracy in Europe.

Mr. Rangel stated that the issues raised by Greece concern a more democratic dimension on European Union issues, through the democratic control carried out in the Hellenic Parliament and on the level of the Union.

The Portuguese MEP also referred to Greece's proposal that the president of the Eurogroup concurrently serve as a vice president of the European Commission. Which would mean, as he clarified, that a given Eurogroup president would be answerable to the European Parliament and the national parliaments, as he/she would have greater democratic legitimacy.

Mr. Rangel is carrying out a visit to Athens as part of a delegation from the European Parliament's Constitutional Affairs Committee that is tasked with strengthening parliamentary control, including through national governments.
Alternate Foreign Minister G. Katrougalos today met with the Tunisian Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Sabri Bachtobji.

During the meeting, which took place in a very positive atmosphere, Mr. Katrougalos praised the two countries' traditionally friendly relations, and there was a discussion of further potential for developing bilateral economic relations. It was agreed that more frequent meeting will be held on the political, economic and business level.

Issues of European interest were also discussed, including the Union for the Mediterranean and EU-Tunisian relations.

Mr. Bachtobji praised the significance of the Rhodes Conference for Security and Stability, in which he participated.
Deputy Foreign Minister Terens Quick met with the Israeli Ambassador to Athens, Irit Ben-Abba, today, Wednesday, 24 May.

The meeting focused on preparations for the upcoming Greece-Cyprus-Israel trilateral meeting on Diaspora issues, which is being held next month in Thessaloniki, and at which Deputy Foreign Minister Quick, the Cypriot Presidential Commissioner for Humanitarian Issues and Overseas Cypriots, Fotis Fotiou, and the Chairman of the Jewish Agency for Israel, Natan Sharansky, will be representing their respective sides.
N. KOTZIAS: The 2nd Conference for Security and Stability in the Eastern Mediterranean was held successfully in Rhodes.

Last year, 11 states and delegations participated, and this year we had 20 delegations: 10 states from the Arab world, the Arab League and the Gulf Cooperation Council  two international organizations of the Arab world  as well as Indonesia, as an observer. We also had 7 EU member states and European states participating.

The Rhodes conference is one of the initiatives we have promoted, as the Foreign Ministry, and it is one of the 14 new international institutional actions we have put together. It is one of the three initiatives that go beyond the EU space and the existing trilateral cooperation schemes.

We recently held a meeting of the Ancient Civilizations Forum, in Athens, with 9 participating states: From China to Bolivia and Peru. At the meeting we held here, we had bilateral meetings with a number of states  particularly with Egypt and Bulgaria  and we decided together with Bulgaria to move ahead with two new trilateral cooperation schemes: One includes Greece, Bulgaria and Armenia, and the other is comprised of Greece, Bulgaria and Georgia.

We also agreed to promote an idea I have had for some time now for the cooperation of the four Balkan EU member states with the four Visegrad countries. That is, we will have regular meetings on the future of Europe between the Visegrad countries and the Balkan EU member states.

Of course, the main subject of our Conference was security and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean. We don't mean security solely or mainly in its hard sense. We mean security in all its forms, which include maritime security, environmental security, transport security and the creation of new cooperation networks.

In general, the content of the Rhodes initiative, like that of the other initiatives we have taken in international politics, is a positive agenda. That is, how we can develop cooperation and networks among these 20 states and organizations taking part.

We agreed that the 3rd Rhodes Conference, which will take place at the end of June 2018, will focus on a discussion of the creation of a security framework and structure in the Eastern Mediterranean, along the lines of the CSCE and the OSCE that we have in Europe.

So that we can capitalise on our experience and promote this cooperation.

At this Conference, we are very interested in issues of what are called 'soft power' and 'soft security', smart security and smart power. We included two things: one is the preparation of the OSCE of the Eastern Mediterranean, and the second is the promotion of specific collaborations.

Regarding the specific collaborations, we have taken a number of decisions, which are:

First, to create a team of experienced diplomats that will guide our work in the intervening time, until summer 2018.

Second, to set up a working group of young diplomats that will move ahead with the various plans we have decided to implement. These plans include cooperation between universities and research centres of the member states participating in this initiative. There is cooperation in the economic sector, particularly on tourism and transport, but also support of SMEs. We may also choose new technologies and the pharmaceutical industry. There is cultural cooperation, a field in which we support Egypt's initiative for the hosting of a Mediterranean film festival, headed by a committee drawn from the states that will be participating in this initiative.

We have also agreed to cooperate on the issue of migration and to hold a forum in Lebanon on the subject of migration and refugees.

Cyprus has undertaken to organize a meeting on blue economy; that is, maritime economy, and a meeting of young people. At the same time, there are a number of other initiatives.

Our spirit  and I think this is the main thing I want to be understood  is that this institutional entity we are forming is not just another meeting between Arab and European countries. It is not a meeting between the European Union and the Arab League. It is a single grouping of Arab and European states. And this grouping is based on the large traditional space of Southeast Europe, North Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean, where there have been cultural and economic contacts for 4,500 years now. Contacts that  if they were possible in those times, when there were major transport, cultural and economic problems in comparison with today  it is imperative we develop today, shaping these new structures, these new transport, cultural and economic networks, and networks for combating terrorism.

Given that we are endeavouring to stabilise the Eastern Mediterranean region, on the security issue we would like, in the future, to expand to the south and east.

We took a serious step. We formed another international organization, on Greece's initiative, and we are meeting with a greater response than ever before. This response shows that our country's standing and the recognition of its role is greater than ever before. Thank you very much.

FOREIGN MINISTRY SPOKESPERSON: We will give the floor to the local media, who have embraced this initiative from the outset.

JOURNALIST: (off microphone)

N. KOTZIAS: Rhodes has a tradition of linking the European and Arab spaces. I remind you that the wonderful building still stands where, in 1948, the negotiations were held on the formation of a state of Israel and Palestine.

Rhodes is also a space and a point on the horizon where the most diverse cultures met; cultures that coexist in the composition of this Conference. Geographically, Rhodes is a star linking all of these regions and states. I hope that next year and in the future there will be more extensive air links between Rhodes and the participating states, so that our access to this meeting is easier.

Regarding the refugee and migration issue, as I already said, we decided to hold a special forum in Lebanon, which will be one of the many meetings in preparation for our Conference in 2018.

That is, we decided that, between now and our next meeting, we will hold a number of preparatory meetings, which will really facilitate the achievement of our goal for 2018. I hope we will be able to stabilise and, in the future, impart momentum to this initiative for peace, stability and security.

JOURNALIST: Mr. Minister, how easy is it, after all, for two different worlds, the Arab and European worlds, to sit down together and talk? What problems have you come up against in these initiatives of yours?

N. KOTZIAS: The difference with these meetings is that they aren't meetings between Europeans and Arabs. This is a meeting of the Eastern Mediterranean neighbourhood, in which we have coexisted for thousands of years now.

When we launched this initiative, the risk was that we didn't know what kind of response there would be from the other states. This year we have doubled the participation of last year, and this is in spite of the fact that most of the Arab Foreign Ministers were in Riyadh the previous day for a scheduled meeting with the U.S. president, Mr. Trump. Nevertheless, they came. And you will have seen that the Libyan representative even arrived this morning, and he had to go from Riyadh back to Tripoli, and then come to Rhodes via Athens.

JOURNALIST: Mr. Minister, why do you consider this initiative for a proposed new security structure in the region necessary, and how do you see future participation in this new security structure of countries that are key to the region's stability, like Palestine and Israel?

N. KOTZIAS: The reason this meeting is termed "Eastern Mediterranean" is precisely that these two countries are not invited. The reason is that we wanted to start with a positive agenda. Everyone knows that we end up talking about the conflicts in the Middle East  the wars in Syria, Iraq  whenever European and Arab states meet.

There are hundreds of international events that deal with these issues. We wanted to turn the agenda around and discuss the positive things. How can we develop networks of cooperation on research, culture, education between our universities? How can we give some scholarships and promote joint research programmes?

How can we develop transport? A transport network developed in this region 4,000 years ago, when, at some times, the transport network was more extensive than today. What we aspire to do, in other words, is to restore a geographical, social, cultural space with long traditions; a space that, because of the Arab world-EU divide, has lost its dynamic.

We have to re-impart this dynamic to the region. And allow me to share a general thought with you. Greece has been through economically difficult years. In my opinion, these years do not have to do with just the European Union or with just our domestic policy.

In my opinion, they have to do with the environment the country found itself in. Our three neighbouring countries were in a state of political instability. Fortunately, they are moving towards stability now. Bulgaria has a new government. Albania has elections in a month. Our northern neighbour, Skopje, has already held elections.

We have a restless neighbour that went through the ordeal of an attempted coup, and we have, more widely, the conflict in Ukraine and, closer to home, the wars in Syria and Iraq, the conflicts in Yemen and Libya.



It is obvious that this environment does not help us in the direction of more cooperation and the growth of our economy. So we have to actively change the agenda as much as we can. We have to bring out positive elements of consolidation and economic, social and cultural synergies to create a better environment for our economy.

That is, beyond the issues of peace, security and relations with other states, there is an issue of particular interest to Greece: the environment in which Greece's society and economy are developing. And we have to improve this. We are in a position to consciously help matters in this direction.

JOURNALIST: You had some bilateral meetings within the framework of this Conference. Would you like to give us some details regarding the bilateral meetings you had?

N. KOTZIAS: It was a great pleasure to see the new leadership of the Bulgarian Foreign Ministry, and we are very pleased that, following Brussels, where she carried out an unofficial visit, her first official visit came with the Rhodes Conference.

We had a long meeting with the Bulgarian delegation. I told them what we have done to date, how we need to move ahead with all of the things we did with the previous leadership for the stability and development of the region. And I also set out for them the new proposals that arose from the trips I have carried out in recent months, and these proposals were the trilateral cooperation schemes with Armenia and Georgia, and the meeting with the Visegrad countries. I think the response from the Bulgarian leadership was very, very positive and that we will move toward greater and more intensive cooperation between the two states.

Allow me to make an historical observation. In Europe, we often talk about the good cooperation between France and Germany; that, thanks to the European Union, they overcame 150 years  some say 200 years  of conflicts and tensions between the two states.

I underscore that, if there is a model for a change in the flow of history  a change from conflicts to deep friendship  it is the relations between Greece and Bulgaria. From the Bulgarian occupation during World War II to the fact that, at one time, to become the emperor of Byzantium you had to be called "Bulgar slayer".

There is nothing left of all this in our relations, and this is why I believe that Greece and Bulgaria are a much better exemplar  with a history of hostility going back 1,500 years  than France and Germany.

What's more, we had a very important bilateral meeting with Egypt  a meeting I will be continuing following the press conference  with which we have well-developed economic relations. For the first time, we had meetings with Oman, which wants to have more intensive contacts with us. We also had a broader meeting with Indonesia, which asked to have a more upgraded presence in this Conference in the future.

I remind you that Indonesia is the largest Muslim country in the world, with a population of 280 million, and is one of the emerging 'tigers'. It is one of the countries  like Vietnam, which I visited recently  to which we must pay great attention for our special economic interests.

We also met with Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia. What interests us a great deal is good preparation for their participation in the next international Conference we are holding on a Greek initiative, on 1 and 2 November this year, which concerns  and this is the second such meeting  the protection of the cultural and religious communities in the Middle East.

Because, as you know, wonderful religious and cultural communities are being lost to the wars in Syria and Iraq  Christian populations in the region, in particular  and we have to protect those communities and given them a future in the region.

JOURNALIST: A few months ago, my concern was whether, in the end, you would manage to go beyond the standard promises of politicians and implement what you wanted from the outset: For there to be this Conference for stability and security in the Eastern Mediterranean. You are showing us, some eight months later, that you set your goal and achieved it. What is the next goal at the Foreign Ministry, given that you are collaborating with states whose value to democracy is not all that clear? That is, you have to negotiate this very sensitive political issue of the democracy of these states. Thank you.

N. KOTZIAS: It is true that our foreign policy is very interested in democracy, our democratic visions, the values we have and our principles, included in which are human rights. And it is well known that if you take the measure of many of the societies further south than Greece, you will not find that they meet our standards.

But I have two things to note on this matter. First, these societies are open societies; that is, they are societies in which major changes really are happening. The last time I was in the Emirates, it impressed me that I saw women fighter pilots. And this indicates an open society.

And the second thing I have to note  I say it bitterly and pointedly at the same time  is that defence of human rights has to first safeguard human lives. If there are no people, there is no point in talking about rights.

Why do I say this? Because some countries in the West carried out military interventions in Syria. Half a million people have been lost in Syria, 12 to 14 million have been displaced, they don't have homes, they cannot secure food for their families or futures for their children, and I ask myself to what extent we  not Greece, of course, but the West  defended human rights through this disaster.

This is why I continue to say that our primary goal is human life, respect for human life. And for there to be human life and respect, it is very important for their to be stability and security in the region.

I want to say that, if someone tries  we won't allow him  to destabilise Egypt and, behind Egypt, Sudan, which is in a civil war, and, further down, Somalia and so on, he will cause the movement of 150 to 200 million people. And we won't see the refugee flows we saw from Syria or the other Muslim countries. We will be facing tens of millions of people on the move.

I recommend to all our partners in the West not to try it. It's good for us to contribute to stability and security, to good cooperation, and every democratic aspect will have our support. But not the other way round. Not destroying human lives in the name of democracy. Because the half a million people who were lost in the civil war and interventions in Syria are no longer enjoying any kinds of rights.

I want to take this opportunity to say something else: our thinking on development and cooperation in the Eastern Mediterranean is associated with a principle. In the future, we must not allow outside players to intervene in our region and use it as a testing ground for ideas and wars.

JOURNALIST: I want you to say a few words about the people who helped organize the Conference.

N. KOTZIAS: Thank you very much. First of all, I want to thank the Foreign Ministry itself and those who were on the front lines in this project.

Second, I want to thank the Rhodes Regional Unit and the Governor of Rhodes, who was our host yesterday evening at the very beautiful castle of Rhodes.

I would like to thank the Hellenic Post, which honoured us with a special postage stamp. I want to thank them because these postage stamps will carry the message of the spirit of Rhodes  as it is called by my Arab friends and colleagues  throughout the world, wherever Greek mail goes. This is our second collaboration with the Hellenic Post, because special postage stamps were also printed on the occasion of the Ancient Civilizations Forum that Greece held together with the People's Republic of China.

I want to thank the Secretariat General for Information and Communication and the Hellenic Broadcasting Corporation (ERT) for spreading our message to every corner of Greece. And of course I want to thank the Rodos Palace Hotel, which hosted us in a manner that satisfied our demanding Protocol Directorate, which I want to thank in particular. I want to thank Mrs. Baltas, our ambassador, and Mrs. Vagena, both of who did a great deal of work concerning protocol.

I want to thank our diplomats and experts for preparing the texts and documents for this Conference. Once again we see that genuine and good people are needed to implement good ideas.

JOURNALIST: Mr. Minister, yesterday we had a terrorist attack in Manchester. I'd like your comment on that.

N. KOTZIAS: This morning I made a statement to the journalists who were good enough to be waiting for me at the entrance to this hall. I came in, made a statement at the meeting, and we had a minute of silence. And we had the minute of silence not just because there were victims of a terrorist attack, but also because their were young children among the victims.

And, you know, the way I see it  because I myself am a parent  is that there is no more terrifying thing for a parent than losing his child. Because the loss of the young generation is absurd, it is outside of the rational order of things, and contrary to nature.

We should go before our children do. Lives do not matter to terrorists  not even the lives of young people. In this sense Manchester shocked us. It shocked me personally, and I believe that terrorism, which is used to take lives when some supposedly god-fearing people play the hand of God, is the most terrifying and horrifying thing there is in human life.

I believe no human being has the right to take the life of another human being. No human being can decide about the lives of others. In this sense, our Ministry always supports and does whatever it can to show solidarity with the countries, peoples and families that suffer such losses.

I cannot but express my sadness once more; everyone's grief at such terrible incidents.

Thank you very much.




The head of the National Guard Bureau told Congress Wednesday not to expect training and deployment schedules to slow down as the Army Guard is intensifying efforts to prepare its armored brigades for war.

The Army National Guard has been adjusting the training schedule for its five armored brigade combat teams to satisfy the Army's intention to deploy them like active combat units, General Joseph L. Lengyel, chief of the National Guard Bureau, told lawmakers at a May 24 hearing before the House Appropriations Committee's Defense Subcommittee.

The hearing occurred a day after the Army unveiled its budget request for fiscal 2018. The service's base budget of $137.2 billion is $3.9 billion more than the recently enacted fiscal 2017 budget.

Part of the increase will pay for 19 annual combat training center rotations at either the National Training Center at Fort Irwin, California, or at the Joint Readiness Training Center at Fort Polk, Louisiana. The active Army will do 15 rotations a year and the Guard four.

"What is new is the United States Army has decided to increase the training available to the brigade combat teams," Lengyel said. "We are going to from two combat training center rotations a year to four."

Rep. Betty McCollum, D-Minn., said she was concerned that the operating tempo for part-time soldiers "has been drastically increased for the number of training days for the National Guard soldiers" from 39 to as many as 60.

"We know this increase in training days is important ... but it is putting more and more of a burden on the quality of life for soldiers, the units and their families. I am concerned; the Minnesota National Guard is concerned about long-term retention in these brigades.

"How are you going to be monitoring this?" she added.

"We are aware of this issue and this is one of the things as the chief of the National Guard Bureau that I track closely," Lengyel said. I worry about the business model of the National Guard which means our soldiers and airmen have a civilian life and military life ... If he or she is forced to make a choice, then I know which one they will pick and most likely I will lose that soldier or airman."

Some soldiers have already decided that they can't support the increased demands and they will change military occupational specialties, or MOSs, Lengyel said.

As far as monitoring the effort, Lengyel said "this is a leadership issue; we have to watch the people and have personal engagement on my part on the adjutant generals' part, on the commander's part with making sure that the schedules that we give these soldiers are predictable. And that we let the employers know that you can count on these soldiers and that these increased training times actually result in a deployment for the soldiers at the end."

Otherwise, Lengyel said, employers may not understand why they should endure having employees be away from work for extended time if a deployment doesn't come at the end this more intense training period.

"The plan is for the Army to use these forces and deploy them," Lengyel said. "This is the first cycle of this.

"There will be a change as this goes forward, and we are going to have to work with the employers on the numbers ... so we don't lose them."

McCollum thanked Lengyel, but cautioned him that "this isn't about leadership to put up and be quiet about it. This is also about leadership to see if we need to go back and review and figure out how these folks are not only trained but deployed in the future."

Rep. Harold Rogers, R-Ky., asked how the Guard will use the additional 1,000 soldiers that Congress authorized as part of the fiscal 2017 budget.

The National Guard was on a glide path to have 335,000 soldiers, but Congress intervened and stopped that reduction at 342,000 last year, Lengyel said.

"We are able to grow it back by 1,000 to 343,000 this year," Lengyel said. "Our intent is to take that additional manpower, and as I talked about it on the five armored brigade combat teams, we are going to place it against and increase the readiness of these high-demand, operationally deploying units."

"One of the concerns of the increased manpower is "we didn't get the increased full-time support back with it," Lengyel said.

"We took the full-timers out all the way down to 335,000, and we built the Army Guard back up to 343,000, but they are part-time billets and not full-time billets and that hurts our ability to generate the force quickly and keep it ready."

-- Editor's note: This story has been updated to correct the number of training days referenced by the congresswoman in the sixth paragraph.

-- Matthew Cox can be reached at matthew.cox@military.com.
Camp Lejeune Town Halls Aim to Help Those Exposed to Toxic Water. Heres How You Can Go.

Retired Marine Master Sgt. Jerry Ensminger made it his mission to tell the world that if they lived or served on Camp Lejeune...
The Navy's much-anticipated track suit is finally here.

The service announced Thursday that recruits at the Navy's only boot camp in Great Lakes, Illinois, began receiving the navy-blue, moisture-wicking ensemble in April. Other eligible enlisted sailors began to receive an increase in their sea bag allowance at the same time to cover the cost of the gear items, about $100.

The suit consists of a jacket and pants, both made of water-repellent nylon, with a mesh fabric lining. The items are unisex and feature a few distinctive details, including silver reflective piping and gold "Navy" logos applied via heat transfer.

The jacket will have elastic at the wrist, side pockets and a hidden chest pocket, and a drawcord adjustable waist, according to an administrative message. The Navy logo will appear on both the chest and back, though it will not be reflective, as some services' uniforms are.

The pants will have silver trim down the sides, side pockets, and side zippers at the bottom leg openings.

The appearance, including the material used and the placement of the logo at the back, is very similar to the olive green warm up suit in use by the Marine Corps and the navy tracksuit midshipmen wear at the U.S. Naval Academy.

While sailors were initially supposed to be issued the fitness suit in 2016, there were "unforeseen technical difficulties" with production that delayed the rollout by roughly half a year, according to the message.

The Navy's traditional PT outfit includes a gold "Navy" T-shirt and blue mesh shorts. Those aren't going away; the new items are just designed to offer a warmer alternative for exercise.

The fitness suit will be a seabag requirement for all officers and enlisted personnel, with a mandatory possession deadline of Sept. 30, 2021, according to the Navadmin. While recruits are already getting the suit, it will not be available for purchase in the fleet until July, when it will be made available in select fleet concentration areas. By October, all Navy uniform centers and exchanges will carry the suit items, according to the message.

Designed to be worn for group and unit PT and during the semi-annual physical readiness test, the suit will facilitate running and exercises done upright and on non-abrasive surfaces, the message notes. Sailors can also wear the suit on and off-base for individual PT, but are not required to do so. While at sea, commanding officers will dictate how and when the uniform is worn.

While wearing the uniform, sailors can wear a blue Navy or command ball cap or a watch cap if they choose. Thermal undergarments can also be worn, according to the message.

The Navy is now also selling the soon-to-be-required white choker-style dress coat for officers and chief petty officers, ahead of the mandatory wear date of Jan. 31, 2020. The coat went on sale at Navy exchanges in January. The coat is tailored and features a single-breasted design with princess seams, but is otherwise nearly identical in detail to the existing men's coat.

It was approved in 2015 as part of a rash of Navy uniform changes designed to make uniforms more gender neutral. The changes came at the initiative of then-Navy Secretary Ray Mabus, who said the move would promote gender equality within the service.

-- Hope Hodge Seck can be reached at hope.seck@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at @HopeSeck.
ANN ARBOR, MI - The owner of Ann Arbor's Sava's Restaurant said Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials took at least three of her employees into custody the morning of Wednesday, May 24. She said they were being released later Wednesday.

ICE agents were in the restaurant, 216 S. State, around 11:30 a.m. and had breakfast before entering the kitchen area, where they took three people into custody, said owner Sava Lelcaj. She was not in the restaurant at the time.

"They came in looking for one person, who was not on duty," said Lelcaj.

Instead, the agents started to question kitchen workers and apprehended three people who were taken to ICE's Detroit office, Lelcaj said. Those people are now being released, she said Wednesday afternoon.

Lelcaj said her company, Savco Hospitality, goes through a vetting process to make sure potential employees have the right documentation to work in the United States.

"We do the best we can to hire, to vet and screen and be compliant," said Lelcaj.

While those taken into custody do have the proper documents to work in the country, they did not have the papers on hand when the agents were at Sava's, she said. Her team is now working to send that documentation to the Detroit ICE office where the individuals were taken.

ICE officials could not be reached immediately for comment.

Update: ICE says three men arrested at Ann Arbor restaurant were in US illegally

Sava's remained open for business, Lelcaj said, and community members gathered at the restaurant as the news of what happened spread.

"It's really sad," Lelcaj said. "It scares the whole community. Today's a great indication even if you have your documentation, and you're at the wrong place at the wrong time, you can still be at risk."

Luis Paez, who assists immigrants in the area, said he heard from a customer who was at Sava's during the ICE visit and made his way to downtown Ann Arbor to help the individuals and their families. He was born in Colombia, and is an American citizen.

"I am appalled at the current situation in the United States," Paez said. "I am trying to get information about what really happened and help as much as we can."

Some of the other kitchen workers left the restaurant after the incident and are now returning to work. When she was made aware of what was happening, Lelcaj prepped her kitchen stuff so she could jump in and help her staff.

"It's a very sad day here at Sava's," Lelcaj said. "These things really shake people up. We have a lot of people who have family roots here."

Ann Arbor Police Chief Jim Baird was made aware by ICE of a targeted enforcement detail at an Ann Arbor restaurant on Wednesday morning, within an hour of the ICE presence there, said Ann Arbor police Detective Lt. Matthew Lige. The department was not asked to participate in the enforcement and did not take part.

Lige said the department was not involved in any prior investigation related to immigration at the restaurant and did not provide any information to ICE prior to the enforcement effort.

Staff writer Darcie Moran contributed to this report.
ANN ARBOR, MI - Carlos Rivera-Ochoa says his permanent resident card is always on him, tucked in his wallet, in case he needs to prove his identity and his ability to work legally in the U.S.

It did not prevent him from being handcuffed and placed in a government vehicle when U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents arrived at Sava's Restaurant around 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 24, in Ann Arbor.

Rivera-Ochoa's wife, Nicki Sanchez, translated for her husband of three years, who speaks Spanish and a little English, as he talked about the experience.

It took all of 5 minutes before he was back at work, shaken from what had just happened.

Rivera-Ochoa was working on the cooking line at the restaurant, 216 S. State St., when he heard an ICE agent was standing out front. He stepped out the back door to call Sanchez and was approached by two ICE agents, who asked him if he knew the person they were seeking.

He told them no. He said he was then handcuffed by two ICE agents and placed inside a vehicle. He was then fingerprinted and released from custody. Rivera-Ochoa was one of three individuals detained by ICE at the location.

Now, Sanchez said her husband is afraid the incident could happen again in the future.

"His whole persona just changed," she said. "He was terrified."

Sava Lelcaj, who owns the restaurant, said she was not there when the agents took three of her employees into custody.

Her company, Savco Hospitality, goes through a vetting process to make sure potential employees have the right documentation to work in the U.S., she said.

"We do the best we can to hire, to vet and screen and be compliant," said Lelcaj.

While those taken into custody do have the proper documents to work in the country, some did not have the papers on hand when the agents were at Sava's, she said. Her team was working to send that documentation to the Detroit ICE office where the individuals were taken.

Sanchez said her husband told her the ICE agents did not identify themselves as immigration officers when they were in the restaurant.

"They just slapped some handcuffs on him," Sanchez said. "Not only is that offensive, he was embarrassed in front of the whole restaurant. Why didn't they ask him before they detained him?"

ICE officials could not be reached immediately for comment.

Update: ICE says three men arrested at Ann Arbor restaurant were in US illegally

Audrey Shepherd said she was working as a hostess at the restaurant when a man entered wearing black clothing emblazoned with "police" on the front, and what she said looked like a bulletproof vest.

She said some customers were eating at the restaurant when they noticed the ICE agents and made calls to a local Rapid Response Team, an organization that assists residents with immigrants' concerns and questions.

Rivera-Ochoa was approved as a permanent resident of the U.S. this year, and received the card in April. It took three years to get the paperwork together, said Sanchez, who began the process with her husband once they got married.

"It's a very sad day here at Sava's," Lelcaj said. "These things really shake people up. We have a lot of people who have family roots here."

Sava's remained open for business Wednesday, May 24.

Rivera-Ochoa knew there was no reason for the ICE agents to detain him and that he has a clean record, Sanchez said. She advised other permanent residents to keep their identification on them at all times.

"Be careful, because you never know when immigration is going to arrest you," Sanchez said.

Ann Arbor Police Chief Jim Baird was made aware by ICE of a targeted enforcement detail at an Ann Arbor restaurant on Wednesday morning, within an hour of the ICE presence there, said Ann Arbor police Detective Lt. Matthew Lige. The department was not asked to participate in the enforcement and did not take part.



What expanded deportation efforts could mean for Washtenaw County
Editor's note: Some of the images in the photo gallery show nudity.

WHITMORE LAKE, MI - Annette Sargent just didn't feel whole. She felt like something was missing, and saw a painful reminder of that when she looked in the mirror.

Nearly five years after a breast-cancer diagnosis, the 52-year-old survivor from Birmingham said the process of reconstructing her breasts following a double mastectomy in 2012 left her feeling unhappy and incomplete.

"During the process of the reconstruction, I'd ask my husband what he thinks and he'd say, 'I don't care. Your real ones tried to kill you so I don't care if you have nothing,'" Sargent said. "But for me as a female, it's sort of like if I didn't have an elbow.

"It's a part of me that's so deeply embedded that part of my body should have that contour or those characteristics that it was always just weird. Other people didn't know, but I knew."

Sargent found a way to regain the feeling of being in control of her body from an unlikely source - a tattoo parlor.

At Lovely Monkey Tattoo in Whitmore Lake, artist Jamie Espy-Bollerud is working to restore confidence in women impacted by breast cancer by providing realistic areola and nipple tattoos.

Sargent took advantage of the procedure and is happy with the result.

"Getting out of the shower and getting a glimpse of myself, it was like, 'Wow,'" Sargent said. "If I had known how much different this would make me feel about how this all looks, I would have done it sooner."

A labor of love

Lovely Monkey is the second tattoo shop opened by Dana Forrester and James Trunko in Washtenaw County. The duo has owned and operated Lucky Monkey Tattoo Parlor in Ann Arbor for 15 years and recently moved into a new space.

As that business grew, one of the more important services offered at the shop has been realistic areola and nipple tattoos. An artist at the shop specialized in the tattoos, but he was only available one day a week.

That limited availability made it tough to properly serve the women interested in the tattoos.

"We had to put it on hold and, every week, I would get these emails and calls from women needing this service," Forrester said.

Thanks to an angel investor who agreed to buy a building for sale in Whitmore Lake and sell it to Forrester and Trunko on a land contract, the new shop was possible.

"We didn't need to open another tattoo shop, Lucky Monkey was doing good," Forrester said. "But those emails and phone calls just told me this had to be done."

Espy-Bollerud is key to making the shop work. She is available throughout the week to meet with clients, discuss their stories and consult with them through the process.

The studio feels more like a salon than a tattoo parlor. Bright, warm colors are painted on the walls - a stark contrast to the rough and tumble, industrial look of other tattoo shops. There is a private room that Espy-Bollerud works out of to give her clients privacy.

"The vibe is mellow and vivid and calm. This place is so gentle where a typical tattoo shop can be intimidating to women," Forrester said.

Built in the 1890s, the building that houses Lovely Monkey was in need of some minor work in order to create the atmosphere Forrester envisioned. Eventually, Lovely Monkey opened its doors last fall and has been working with women since.

"It's really been a labor of love," Forrester said.

Two other artists work at Lovely Monkey doing more traditional work, and they aren't involved with the breast tattoos.

Nipple and areola tattoos are $300 per breast and include an extensive consultation and touch-up session following the initial tattoo.

Since the shop opened, Espy-Bollerud said she has tattooed more than 20 women ranging in age from their late-20s to mid-60s.

"These women are amazing. They're probably the strongest people I've ever met," Espy-Bollerud said.

Patient and caring

The process of tattooing the areola and nipple begins with a meeting between Espy-Bollerud and the client. The meeting is important because Espy-Bollerud gets a chance to learn the story of each woman, the history of their surgeries and what they want as a result.

Espy-Bollerud said the conversation also gives the women a chance to be in control.

"A lot of conversations I've had with the women, they don't really get to choose what happens when they get cancer," Espy-Bollerud said. "They get to take back their body."

Dee Bretz, 53, of Rochester Hills, said her entire process of working with Espy-Bollerud has been fantastic.

"She is so caring and patient," Bretz said.

After meeting with Espy-Bollerud, Bretz and her husband Jerry decided a tattoo might be the best option.

"I had some questions too and Jamie answered all my questions," Jerry Bretz said. "There's a personal connection. She connected with both myself and Dee. You have to have that level of confidence to say 'I trust this person.'"

Sargent said meeting with Espy-Bollerud felt different than other meetings because Sargent felt like she was being treated so respectfully.

"The whole process with Jamie was wonderful. She was so professional about it. I was really nervous going in," Sargent said. "I knew within a few minutes that she was handling it as a professional, and it's a work of art to her."

Instead of a "one size fits all" mentality that both Bretz and Sargent said they experienced at doctor's offices, Lovely Monkey allows the women to pick the size, shape and color of their new areolas and nipples.

Espy-Bollerud says it's a very detailed process of working on the tattoos because the skin has been compromised in the past. Because of that, she won't typically work on the women until six months to a year after their breast cancer surgeries.

Once the tattoo is complete, the client returns a few weeks later to see how the skin is reacting to the ink and touch up the coloration.

"I really liked her approach to it, which was wanting to create something that would feel natural for me," Sargent said.

The process

Depending on the type of cancer and the type of surgery a woman chooses to have to remove their cancer, the nipple and areola can be severely impacted by the surgery. In a mastectomy, the tissue inside the breast is removed and skin can be removed as well.

Some mastectomy surgeries preserve the skin along with the nipple and areola, but each case is different. For the women who have had skin and tissue removed, the reconstruction process involves a handful of decisions.

Some women choose to receive breast implants to restore the physical shape of the breast. Other choose not to restore the shape.

Once the skin is healed, the woman may choose to have a nipple crafted from skin around the breast or a suctioning prosthetic can be attached to the skin.

However, women like Bretz and Sargent say they felt dissatisfaction with those options.

'I never liked it'

It's been nearly 15 years since Bretz was diagnosed with breast cancer and it wasn't until she came to Lovely Monkey that she was able to feel whole again. Although cancer was discovered in just one breast, she opted to have a bilateral mastectomy in the summer of 2002.

"Once I was diagnosed, I knew what I wanted to do. I wasn't keeping both," Bretz said, adding that with two children at home, she didn't want to give cancer a chance to return.

Like Sargent, Bretz also opted to have breast reconstruction and nipple replacement surgery once the cancer was removed. However, she too was not happy with the results.

"I never liked it, and there were some side effects to it. It never really looked real," Bretz said.

She began asking her sisters if they knew of any other options because she was so unhappy. One of them mentioned tattooing the skin, but after looking at the work from other places that also provided a similar service, Bretz wasn't excited about the prospects.

When Bretz got home after her first session at Lovely Monkey, she was stunned by what she saw.

"When I got (the bandages) off, I just literally stared at myself in the mirror. It looks so good," Bretz said. "You would not think that it's a tattoo. If you saw me, you'd really have to take a close look to know they weren't real."

Typically outgoing and bubbly, Bretz said she was embarrassed in the past to show people the results. Following her tattoos, Bretz said she has shown several people who've asked to see if the tattoo looks real. Jerry said he's noticed a difference too.

"You can see by her reaction that she's more confident," he said.

A sense of closure

Sargent, too, was diagnosed with cancer in one of her breasts and opted to have a double mastectomy.

"I told the surgeon, 'I don't want to be back in your office again in five years,'" she said. "And I don't want my son to experience what I experienced of this recurring terror of, 'Is my mother going to survive?'"

The process of reconstructive nipple surgery was difficult for Sargent, who said she grew tired of multiple procedures and appointments that always resulted in her being unhappy. The active and otherwise healthy Sargent just wanted to move past constantly thinking about what she'd been through.

She was grateful to receive a suggestion from a doctor telling her about Lovely Monkey.

When she first met with Espy-Bollerud, Sargent had a friend accompany her because she was nervous. Her anxiety quickly faded away after meeting with Espy-Bollerud.

"I wish I would have known how satisfied I would be with that result earlier," Sargent said. "I may have skipped some of those other steps in the reconstruction process."

Now that she has finished up her tattoos and touchups, Sargent said she is looking forward to putting that part of her life behind her.

"It's definitely a sense of closure," Sargent said. "I'm finally done with all of those decisions... I'm as complete as I'm going to be now. It's a nice feeling."

And being complete means no longer shying away from looking at her body. Espy-Bollerud says she glad to help.

"It's probably the most rewarding thing that I've ever done." Espy-Bollerud said. "Ultimately they just want to feel normal. They want to be able to look in the mirror and just feel like even at a glance, even though cancer took away so much from them, they get a sense of themselves."

Lovely Monkey is located at 9541 N. Main St., Whitmore Lake, MI 48189. For more information, visit lovelymonkeytattoo.com or call 734-333-5067.
Michigan's beer industry is worth $10.5 billion to the state, according to a new national report that looked at employment and wages in 2016.

That's up from $6.64 billion two years ago, according to the same study from 2014.

About 34,390 jobs in Michigan are directly tied to beer, whether through brewing, wholesale or in retailing.

Those employees earn a combined $941,748,800, according to the report by the National Beer Wholesalers Association and the Beer Institute.

And another 14,134 people are employed in Michigan as suppliers to the beer industry, generating another $851 million in wages.

Meanwhile, taxes paid by consumers and businesses totaled a combined $1.49 billion in Michigan in 2016.

"This new data shows that Michigan's beer industry is flourishing," said Spencer Nevins, president of the Michigan Beer and Wine Wholesalers Association, in a news release.

He added: "(O)ur state is a top five beer producer in the country."

While overall numbers show an increased economic impact from beer in Michigan, a closer look at the 2014 numbers show changes:

Brewing employment in Michigan grew 81 percent over two years to 2,093.

Wholesaling employment grew 12 percent to 4,752.

Retailing jobs dropped 8.6 percent to 27,545.

"Beer is still growing in Michigan," said Scott Graham, executive director of

. "Even with no major industrial producers in Michigan."

About 10 percent of Michigan's beer sales is craft beer, Graham said, with top brands Bell's and Founder's followed by Short's. The next most-distributed brands include New Holland, Atwater, Dark Horse and Arcadia.

Michigan has more than 200 brewers, with many smaller operations accounting for the state's growth in brewing in wholesaling.

Nationally, the beer industry accounts for a total $414.3 billion in economic activity and $63.5 billion in taxes.

Overall beer sales are flat, but growth is coming from craft beer - which has 12 percent of the U.S. market share - and imports, while domestic sales are declining, according to the national Brewers Association.

Top-selling brands in the U.S. are Bud Light, Coors Light, Miller Lite and Budweiser.

The most recent economic impact report from the Beer Institute shows other ways the U.S. beer market is changing:

The direct and supplier components of the malt beverage industry have grown by more than 17 percent since 2014.

About 15,160 more people work in breweries than did in 2014.

Nearly 2,950 additional beer wholesaling jobs were created in 2016 than were in 2014.

Unclear is the reason for the retail job declines in Michigan. The category is based on U.S. Department of Labor data for employment in convenience stores, restaurants and taverns that sell beer, with about two-thirds of national workers in 'on-premise' beer consumption jobs, with the rest sell for 'off-premise.' There are about 16,000 stores that sell beer in Michigan.
Editor's note: Jim Harger was among a group of U.S. journalists who recently visited China through the China-United States Exchange Foundation, a non-government organization that seeks to build trust and understanding between the countries.

BEIJING, CHINA - Its cities may look like freewheeling centers of capitalism, but China still remains a communist nation in which party officials call the shots.

That became evident during a recent 10-day tour of Beijing, Suzjou, Nanjing and Shanghai.

China's urban centers are meccas of conspicuous consumption. The streets are dotted with designer stores like Louis Vitton, Gucci, Cartier and Versace. Not surprisingly, China is Amway Corp.'s largest market -- far surpassing the United States.

Luxury auto brands like Mercedes Benz, BMW, Audi, Porsche, Buick and Cadillac crowd the busy streets as Chinese entrepreneurs and business leaders savor their success. (Unlike U.S. streets, I saw few four-wheel drive pickup trucks.)

But behind the scenes, party leaders are setting their agenda for the next 10-year plan or declaring the success of the last 10-year plan. Their grip may be a loose one, but it's still there.

"Government should not interfere, but it needs to play a role," one Chinese government official told us in a meeting.

That means Chinese government officials sometimes make business decisions based on politics, not the bottom line. Bad loans are overlooked or extended if the right strings are pulled, we were told by American officials during our visit.

"China is still a developing country. Don't be deceived by what you see and hear," another American diplomat told us during a background session.

As we were shown the brightest and best of China's economy, we were also reminded that some 300 million of China's 1.4 billion residents still live as peasants without access to healthcare or meaningful income.

We also saw air pollution that forces many Chinese to deal with respiratory problems by wearing surgical-style masks. As soon as I landed in Beijing, I was confronted with the smell of burning coal - something I had not experienced since my childhood.

Much of that is overlooked by China's media, whose reporters and editors exercise self-censorship rather than get sideways with the government. On the other hand, Chinese reporters do challenge local corruption -- as long as it does not reach into the upper echelons.

During our visit, headlines swirled over investigations surrounding President Donald Trump. Our Chinese counterparts seemed puzzled by our insistence that the news media should play a watchdog role over its leaders.

The government also keeps a lid on social media. While in China, I could not access Google, YouTube, Twitter, the New York Times or Facebook from my laptop without a virtual private network (VPN) that sent my Internet traffic to a server in the U.S.

For the average Chinese resident without access to a VPN, they were looking at the Internet through Chinese servers that only allow access to government-approved websites or apps.

Religious and artistic expression are not forbidden as long as they do not challenge the government's authority.

On Sunday morning, I attended a Christian worship service in downtown Nanjing, the historic capitol of South China. The doors next to the bright red crosses were wide open and the sanctuary was packed as worshipers heartily sang hymns that could be heard on the street.

One day earlier, we toured the 798 Art Zone, a former industrial neighborhood where artists produce, display and sell their paintings, sculptures and music.

But there was no trace of Ai Weiwei, the local artist who was placed under house arrest and whose studio was destroyed after he protested the government's cover-up of shoddy school buildings that collapsed in the 2008 Sichuan earthquake.

Chairman Mao Zedong, who led the tragic Cultural Revolution that killed millions, is now fondly revered in posters and statues in the 798 Art Zone. Historians gloss over his violent legacy by declaring he was "70 percent right and 30 percent wrong."

China has come a long way since 1978, when Deng Xiaoping opened the door to foreign businesses that wanted to set up in China in the wake of Mao Zedong's death.

Whether they can hang onto power as the economic revolution matures may be the party's biggest challenge in the future.
ANN ARBOR, MI - Three individuals remain in federal custody after Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents detained a group of men at Sava's Restaurant in Ann Arbor on Wednesday, May 24, the agency confirmed.

Restaurant owner Sava Lelcaj told The Ann Arbor News that ICE agents ate at the restaurant, 216 S. State Street, around 11:30 a.m. before entering the kitchen area to look for an employee who was not on duty.

The agents detained multiple people, but released one, she said.

ICE confirmed Wednesday evening that three men accused of being in the U.S. illegally were arrested and remain in custody.

"While conducting a targeted enforcement action at Sava's restaurant in Ann Arbor, Michigan, ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) officers encountered and arrested three individuals on immigration violations," said ICE public affairs officer Rachael Yong Yow.

"Sergio Cardenas Rubio and Jesus Ortiz Hernandez unlawfully entered the United States without inspection at an unknown date and location. Mohamed Souman lawfully entered the country, but did not depart in accordance with the terms of his status. All three are currently in ICE custody."

The agency did not respond to requests for further comment.

Lelcaj said Wednesday afternoon that her company, Savco Hospitality, puts potential employees through a vetting process to determine employment eligibility, and that she believes the arrested employees were legally in the U.S.

She could not immediately be reached for comment Wednesday evening.

Ann Arbor Police Chief Jim Baird was made aware by ICE of a targeted enforcement detail at an Ann Arbor restaurant on Wednesday morning within an hour of the ICE presence there, Ann Arbor police Detective Lt. Matthew Lige said.

The department was not asked to participate in the enforcement, did not take part in it and was not involved in any prior investigation related to immigration at the restaurant, he said.
ANN ARBOR, MI - Three people are charged and arraigned in connection with the assault of a University of Michigan student near campus.

Alexandra Marie-Fox Tincher, Troy Silas and Jabarrow D. Bentley were charged in Washtenaw County 15th District Court related to the incident reported in the early morning hours of May 17 on South University Avenue at East University Avenue.

Tincher was arraigned Friday, May 19, on charges of assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder, a felony, and assault and battery, a misdemeanor.

She remains jailed on a $100,000 cash bond and is scheduled for a probable cause conference June 1.

Silas was arraigned Tuesday, May 23 on a misdemeanor charge of assault and battery. He is lodged in the Washtenaw County Jail on a $50,000 cash bond and is scheduled to appear in court June 14 for a pre-trial conference.

Bentley was arraigned Friday on a misdemeanor charge of aggravated assault. He'll appear in court July 26 for a pre-trial conference.

At 1:30 a.m. May 17, two women approached a student near the West Hall Arch on South University Avenue and began punching her, according to UM's Division of Public Safety and Security.

A man on a bicycle attempted to intervene when a man with the two attacking women confronted him, police say.

Another man approached the bicyclist from behind and knocked him unconscious, and one of the two attacking woman kicked him in the head, according to police. All four suspects then left the scene and walked toward the Diag.

Police subsequently arrested four people in connection with the incident and prosecutors authorized charges against all of them. The fourth suspect has not yet been arraigned, according to UM.

Prior to his arrest, Silas said the incident was a misunderstanding.

He said he saw a female student being attacked by a man, and he and his friends intervened to help her. The student then attacked two of his friends, Silas said, and he tried to break things up.

An unknown person knocked down the student's assailant, he said. Silas's girlfriend, Tincher, kicked him because she was scared he'd get up and attack her, he said.

Silas and his friends then walked away and called 911, he said.

"I don't like it being made out like we were trying to cause trouble," he said. "It was all a misunderstanding. We felt someone needed help. I feel terrible. (Tincher) doesn't deserve this."

UM Police have not released further information about the incident.
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Washtenaw Community College is moving forward with plans to implement a school resource officer model, in which the college would recruit, hire and manage a staff of professional, full-time sworn school resource officers. Martin Slagter l The Ann Arbor News

ANN ARBOR TOWNSHIP, MI - A proposal to create an armed campus police force at Washtenaw Community College will move to a vote, despite some urging the board of trustees to scrap or alter the plan.

Three people - two residents and one faculty member - spoke out against the college's recommendation to add four campus resource officers during a second public hearing before the board Tuesday, May 23.

Now that the two hearings are complete, WCC Vice President of Student and Academic Services Linda Blakey said a motion to create the positions will go before the board of trustees for a vote sometime in the fall.

WCC English professor Kimberly Jones, who has been a faculty member for 15 years, said she was initially excited about the possibility of a police force patrolling the campus, but isn't satisfied with the proposed review process for complaints against officers.

She'd like to see more student input on the force's Public Safety Advisory Committee, which would have two faculty and two staff members review complaints of misconduct, with the ability to recommend disciplinary action.

There is no reason, Jones said, that additional seats on the committee couldn't be created to allow students to have a role in oversight of the force.

"I still believe that we do need a police force on this campus, but I'm extremely concerned about who leads that force, who is hired and how they are trained," she said.

"If the board votes to move forward with a police force, I urge the board to consider adding two students to the Public Safety Advisory Committee that is required.

"Students shouldn't fear police. A community policing model is imperative to preventing the types of mistakes of violence against students and community members seen at other institutions."

WCC officials believe the addition of campus resource officers would enhance safety measures on campus and provide the college with immediate response capability in the event of an emergency.

Since arriving in November, WCC Chief of Campus Safety Scott Hilden analyzed security practices at peer institutions and gathered input from around 400 faculty members, staff and students, ultimately recommending the college revamp its current Campus Safety Department to include four additional campus resource officers.

Under the proposal, the college would recruit, hire and manage the staff of professional, full-time sworn school resource officers who would patrol campus from around 7 or 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.

WCC currently spends around $1.5 million to employ 27 full and part-time security staff members, which includes clerical and support personnel in addition to officers who provide "customer service" on campus, including assisting motorists and helping out in the event of minor car accidents.

The college has considered contracting with the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Department and private security agencies, and even set aside $330,000 in the current budget year to hire two sheriff's deputies to contract as resource officers with the school.

Instead, the school hopes to train its own officers, with the same funds set aside to employ four full-time officers.

WCC alumna Judy Bonnell-Wenzel argued the money should instead be invested in counseling services for students struggling to complete their degrees, which is key to the college's academic mission.

"Counseling skills are very important in a college setting," she said. "It is more cost effective to increase the number of well paid counseling positions and to recognize our wonderful safety officers at the college.

"As helpful as the new police officers would want to be, they do not have experience on our Washtenaw campus. They are not licensed as counselors and social workers are, and they would be paid higher wages.

Hilden has said campus resource officers are trained to work specifically in a campus environment.

Unlike its current security patrol officers, who have no authority to deal with threats of violence, weapons or criminal matters, hired campus resource officers would be certified law enforcement officers under the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards, meaning their authority would be identical to an officer working for a city or county police agency, Hilden said.

They also would be able to carry a weapon on campus.

Superior Township resident Michael-David BenDor called the college's proposal to create a police force "irresponsible," given the associated costs and the potential liabilities that come with having armed officers.

"There's been no compelling case made for a new police force," he said. "WCC is located very close to the sheriff's office and across the street. There's a full-time sheriff's deputy on the St. Joe (Hospital)."
BAY CITY, MI -- After spending 12 years at The Salvation Army of Bay City, Majs. Mike and Shirley Myers have many things they'll miss heading into retirement.

What they'll miss most, however, is the people they were privileged to serve.

Mike and Shirley Myers officially retire as majors of The Salvation Army of Bay City on June 25. The couple arrived in Bay City in 2005. Since then, they have been instrumental in building a new center for The Salvation Army, which is located at 410 10th St., and implementing programs dedicated to serving the community.

Shirley Myers has been a member of The Salvation Army for 35 years. Her husband, who served with the Hillsdale Salvation Army, married his former minister, Shirley, in 1990. After their wedding, they spent time in Howell and Chicago, where Mike was ordained. After his ordainment, their first appointment was in Bedford, Indiana.

The couple spent a year in Bedford then transferred to Muncie, Indiana. They returned to Howell as captains from 1999-2005. The couple then moved north to Bay City.

After arriving in Bay City, the couple surveyed the unmet needs in the community. Among them was feeding the hungry.

The Myers opened a soup kitchen, which today, serves 45,000-50,000 meals per year. Making meals was nearly secondary to the socialization residents craved from the soup kitchen, Shirley Myers said.

"It's a constant flow of people," she said. "At first it was immediate community but it has expanded to the East Side, the West Side and down in the south part."

The Salvation Army of Bay City offers a variety of programs and services including haircuts, HIV testing and dental work. Sunday school and church services run at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m., respectively, on Sundays. The soup kitchen is open from Monday through Saturday and a men's breakfast is available the first Saturday of the month.

"We try to meet a variety of needs that encompass people who may not have the means to be able to meet themselves," Shirley Myers said.

Mike Myers said The Salvation Army has collaborated with several groups, such as Grace United Methodist Church on children education programs.

"We're always looking at different programs within this building so that they'll meet the needs of our people in our community," he said.

The Myers realized the organization's old building had barriers such as steps that made it difficult for some to be a part of the community. They decided to build a new building.

The new building officially opened in January 2011 at a cost of about $3 million. The Salvation Army raised a significant portion; the Doll Loesel Foundation of Bay City donated $1 million.

The homeless and addicts are among those who use The Salvation Army, Shirley Myers said. The organization sends male addicts to The Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center in Flint, where they can stay for a year to recover.

"(The Salvation Army) is a help in the interim of having to get from Point A to Point B -- helping them advance their business position in the community to help them find a job and get back on their feet," she said.

In an effort to be closer to Mike Myers' parents, the couple decided last year on a retirement date. His father was diagnosed with brain cancer in January and died in April. The decision to retire was aided by the Myers' need to be closer to Mike's mother, who lives in Hillsdale.

The Myers will retire in Howell. It is an hour-plus drive to Mike's mother in Hillsdale and close to Flint, where Shirley's sisters live.

Their heart, however, is with the people of Bay City.

"We love Bay City," Shirley said. "This is our home. This is where we've been for 12 years. It feels like our family is right here."

The couple plans to spend their final month packing, cleaning and saying goodbye to friends.

On June 25, the Myers' will hold service for the final time as majors of The Salvation Army of Bay City. Mike said a band comprising members of The Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center in Flint is slated to play from 10-11 a.m. that day, with a church service from 11 a.m. to noon.

A farewell ceremony is scheduled for 2-3 p.m., with a dinner from 3-5 p.m.

After the Myers' depart, they will be replaced by Rick and Kimberly Ray of Pekin, Illinois. Officials with The Salvation Army Central U.S. Central Territory scans the 11 states in the region and pick officers whose ministries are identical to the departing majors.

The Myers want residents to treat the next officers with the same respect they received.

The Salvation Army of Bay City has been in existence for more than 125 years. Under the Myers' leadership, it has welcomed 125-150 people daily.

It is those people, including children, that the Myers' will miss the most.

"Bay County is a loving, caring community and it's a very supportive community," Mike Myers said. "It loves what the Army is doing in the community as far as helping people."
TAYLOR, MI -- The American Civil Liberties Union is asking the Taylor Police Department to open an investigation in response to dashcam video of a 2016 arrest it calls "terrifying" and "violent."

The ACLU sent a letter dated May 23 asking the downriver Detroit suburb's police department to review the stop, retrain officers if necessary, amend policies and discipline the officers involved.

Taylor police declined to comment on the incident, but said an investigation would be conducted.

"We have just received the complaint today," Police Chief Mary Sclabassi told MLive by email. "We take all complaints seriously. A thorough and diligent investigation will be conducted. We will refrain from comment until such investigation is complete."

Video footage posted to YouTube by the ACLU shows the April 16 arrest of then-26-year-old Calvin Jones, who had his wife and brother-in-law, a minor, in the car when a Taylor police officer stopped him for allegedly running a stop sign.

Jones asked the officer why he was being stopped and refused to present his ID, according to police reports obtained by the ACLU.

"I informed Calvin I would be happy to tell him the reason for the stop once I saw his information and knew who I was talking to," the officer said in his report.

The ACLU acknowledged the officer was correct that Jones is obligated to present his driver's license upon request and without explanation during a traffic stop, but contends the officer could have handled the situation without escalating tensions.

The group wrote that after a "protracted" debate about Jones' rights, the officer called for backup.

Screenshot of Taylor police dashcam related to May 23, 2017 letter from the ACLU.

When backup arrived, the officer told Jones failure to provide ID is an offense that justifies arrest and ordered him out of the car. When Jones again refused, the officer checked the door, which was locked, and then grabbed the top of the cracked driver's-side window.

The officer placed his knee on the door and pulled backwards, causing the window to shatter. The officer fell backward onto the road, nearly into the path of a passing minivan.

"The shattering of the car window was violent and terrifying and had the potential to endanger all present," the ACLU wrote.

The officer popped up after falling and began grabbing Jones through the window, the dashcam video shows.

The officer wrote in his report that Jones "actively resisted" and attempted to "grab of something in the center console."

Jones told the ACLU he was not reaching for a weapon -- and no weapon was noted in the police report -- but rather trying to undo his seat belt.

Three Taylor police officers are seen wrestling Jones from the vehicle, and according to the ACLU, Jones says he was placed in a choke-hold by the lead officer and temporarily lost consciousness.

While the officers have Jones handcuffed behind the vehicle, the same officer who broke the window is seen ordering Jones' wife from the passenger seat.

She refused to drop her cellphone when ordered to do so, according to the police report. The officer is seen aggressively handcuffing her and throwing her phone into the road. According to the ACLU, she was charged with a misdemeanor.

Upon arrival to the jail, Jones said he was ordered to remove all of his clothes, except for his underwear, and forced to lie face down in a cold holding cell before being booked into the jail.

Letter to Taylor police from ACLU:

ACLU complaint letter sent to Taylor police May 23, 2017 by Fergus Burns on Scribd
Detroit 2017 State of the City -03

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan's gives his 2017 State of the City address at Focus Hope in Detroit Tuesday night, Feb. 21, 2017. (Tanya Moutzalias | MLive Detroit)

(Tanya Moutzalias | MLive file photo)

Detroit is looking to crack down on ensuring landlords register rental units and meet compliance codes at more than 50,000 properties across the city.

The mayor's office is pursuing the creation an interactive online map that tracks code compliance and other information about rental properties and landlords.

"Everybody in the city ought to be able to go on our website and see where the rental property is," Mayor Mike Duggan said in a Wednesday press conference.

"Does it have its certificate of compliance? Is it up to code? Can you build a website where a landlord can go on and register their property?"

The tool would also allow tenants and neighbors to register complaints against properties that are not well-maintained or properly registered.

"As we hear the concerns from residents as to the importance of improving and building stronger neighborhoods, this rental ordinance will give us another tool to hold landlords accountable in maintaining their property and treating their tenants with dignity and respect," Duggan said in a news release.

City Councilman Andre Spivey introduced a revised rental property ordinance that would tighten regulation of rental properties. The proposed changes include:

The ability for the city to withhold certificates of compliance to landlords who are more than six months delinquent on their property taxes and owe more than $1,000.

Providing landlords an expedited process for appealing the denial or suspension of a certificate of compliance.

Less frequent inspections required for quality landlords who, for at least one year, have remained current on their taxes and have received no blight violations. The ordinance would extend certifications from one year to two years for multi-family dwellings and to three years for one- and two-family dwellings.

Maintaining annual lead hazard inspections. Under the proposed ordinance, all rental properties, including those with two- and three-year certifications, would be required to undergo annual lead risk assessments. The annual assessment can be waived only if the property owner has taken more long term or permanent measures to abate lead.

Compliance certificates would also be tied to tax law adherence.

The initiative will also keep landlords from leasing out units or evicting tenants if they have not met city codes.

The mayor's office expects ramped-up enforcement efforts to reach five zip codes by Jan. 1, 2018 and another five or six by April until all 28 are enforced by spring 2019.
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Demonstrators outside Detroit's Cobo Center protest water being cut off from Detroit residents with overdue bills on July 18, 2014. (Gus Burns | MLive)

State Sen. Coleman Young II, D-Detroit, speaks at a January 2017 press conference. (Emily Rose Bennett | MLive.com)

DETROIT -- State Sen. Coleman A. Young II is asking Attorney General Bill Schuette to investigate a recent spike in hepatitis A cases in and around Detroit, and any connection the outbreak might have with the city's mass water shutoffs.

The Detroit Water and Sewerage Department began cutting off water to thousands of residents with delinquent accounts in 2014, and has executed rounds of shutoffs each year since, while urging low-income customers onto payment plans.

But public health experts say a link to the hepatitis A outbreak is unlikely.

Young sent a memo to Schuette's office on Monday requesting a formal inquiry into the cause of the hepatitis A spike. He also implored Schuette to "intervene and stop" the city's practice of cutting off water to homes with unpaid bills.

"I am asking for an official inquiry to be launched immediately on behalf of the general health and welfare of the citizens of Detroit," Young said in a press release issued by his office. "There is an imminent health crisis unfolding with hepatitis A, which is contagious, and there are people being exposed to unnecessary health risks because of it."

Young, a Detroit Democrat, is also a candidate for mayor. He is running against incumbent Mayor Mike Duggan, also a Democrat.

The water shutoff policy was first instituted under Detroit's former emergency manager, during the city's bankruptcy case, and has continued under Duggan.

Megan Hawthorne, Schuette's deputy press secretary, said his office has received the memo and is currently reviewing the matter. She did not say whether Schuette is considering an investigation.

Cases of hepatitis A rose "eight-fold" between August 2016 and March of this year, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

The department reported at least 107 cases in that time period, resulting in two deaths and 85 hospitalizations.

State health officials in March urged residents to get vaccinated for the viral liver disease.

A majority of the cases were detected in men, and two-thirds of the patients were substance abusers, according to the Department of Health and Human Services.

A root cause of the spike has yet to be determined, but professors at Wayne State University's School of Medicine say blaming the outbreak on water shutoffs is a leap in logic.

Dr. Pranatharthi Chandrasekar, a professor and chief of Wayne State's infectious diseases division, said hepatitis A transmission is unlikely to be associated with water shutoffs.

Todd Lucas, an associate professor teaching in Wayne State's master's of public health program, believes the state should collect more evidence before politicians, officials and activists form associations that may not be there.

"It's tempting to make a causal inference, but that's still a long way from correlation and causation," Lucas said.

"It certainly strikes me as conceivable, but there's still a lot that needs to be established to determine the source of an outbreak."

Lucas said the Flint water crisis has elevated the spectre of water issues and connections to public health crises. He added that public health paranoia could be at play here.

"It is an intriguing situation that's worth a follow up because there could be lives at stake," he said. "I can see why he's concerned about it, but part of due diligence is to investigate other parameters to make a (solid) inference."

Last year, the Henry Ford Health System Global Health Initiative studied a possible association between Detroit's water shutoffs and the transmission of gastrointestinal and skin infections.

The study did not, however, study hepatitis A transmission.

The research did uncover a potential association, but not a causal link.

"The study, at this point, is merely a general correlation," said Brenda Craig, director of Media Relations for Henry Ford Health System.

"It was very limited in scope and stops short of any causality. (It's) way too early to make definitive statements."

Henry Ford Health System has shared the study with city officials and are working with them to "ensure the health and safety of the residents of the city of Detroit," Craig added.

Hepatitis A is contracted by consuming contaminated food or water, and can be contracted through close personal contact, needle sharing and sex.



"Symptoms of hepatitis A include jaundice (yellowing of the skin), fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, and light-colored stools," according to the Department of Health and Human Services.

"Symptoms usually appear over a number of days and last less than two months; however, some people can be ill for as long as six months. Hepatitis A can sometimes cause liver failure and death."
The April 16 ferry disaster was the result of a combination of disregard for safety regulations, poor helmsmanship and negligence by maritime authorities, prosecutors have concluded.

Ending a 173-day investigation on Monday, the Supreme Prosecutors' Office said the disaster is mainly to blame on excessive cargo that was not fastened properly, illegal redesign of the ship to carry more passengers, and negligent navigation by crew members in one of the country's most treacherous waterways off the southwest coast.

The tragedy was compounded by the Coast Guard's botched initial response that failed to save trapped passengers, most of whom were high school students on their way to a field trip to Jeju Island.

Prosecutors newly indicted Kim Kyoung-il, the captain of a Mokpo Coast Guard vessel that arrived first at the scene, on charges of dereliction of duty as he failed to make efforts to board the ferry to save trapped passengers and tell them to abandon ship.

They also indicted 13 Coast Guard officials at the vessel traffic service on Jindo Island for dereliction of duty. The center was unaware that the Sewol had entered its jurisdiction and failed to respond properly to the distress call.

A total of 399 people have been booked as part of the investigation and 154 were indicted.

Prosecutors formed an investigation team on April 17, a day after the ferry sank, to discover the cause of the accident, violations of safety regulations, negligence on the part of rescue workers, as well as corruption in ferry operator Chonghaejin Marine and the maritime shipping industry.

Many believe the accident points to larger problems in Korean society, which puts a premium on quick material gain.
British Prime Minister Theresa May has raised the country's terrorism alert to critical -- the highest level, meaning an attack is imminent. May addressed the country Tuesday, one day after a suicide bomber blew himself up at a Manchester concert hall, killing 22 and wounding more than 50.

British police are urgently trying to determine if the bomber acted alone or was part of a larger terror network. The man who blew himself up following an Ariana Grande concert at the Manchester Arena has been identified as Salman Abedi, police said.

Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable Ian Hopkins identified the 22 year-old Abedi as the alleged attacker, but provided no other details.

The Islamic State terrorist group has claimed responsibility for Monday's blast that killed at least 22 people and injured 59 others. The group said "a soldier of the caliphate" was responsible for the attack on people IS described as "crusaders." Many of those killed and injured in the blast were children and teenagers, police said.

British police said investigators believe the attacker was carrying an improvised explosive device, which he detonated, and that he died at the site.

On Tuesday afternoon, police raided a residential area and performed a controlled explosion at a house in Fallowfield, a racially-mixed suburb south of Manchester. Earlier Tuesday, police arrested a 23 year-old man in connection with the bombing at a different location outside Manchester but they did not give any information about how he was involved. The blast happened in the lobby of the 21,000 seat Manchester Arena at the end of a concert by Grande.

Prime Minister Theresa May said the blast was timed to "cause maximum carnage" and targeted "the young people of our society with cold calculation." She added that many of those injured were being treated at hospitals for life-threatening conditions.

"All acts of terrorism are cowardly attacks on innocent people, but this attack stands out for its appalling, sickening cowardice, deliberately targeting innocent, defenseless children and young people who should have been enjoying one of the most memorable nights of their lives," she said.

May and Jeremy Corbyn, the leader of the opposition Labour Party, agreed to suspend campaigning ahead of the country's June 8 elections.


The president reportedly made the requests shortly after then-FBI Director James Comey told lawmakers the agency was investigating possible coordination between Russian interests and Trump aides during the election.

In recent days, news outlets have reported that Trump made separate appeals to Coats and to National Security Agency Director Michael Rogers, urging them to rebut allegations that Russia colluded with Trump campaign aides to help the real estate magnate win the White House.

Coats later said that he does not dispute the validity of ongoing Russia investigations, saying the probes "are in place to get us to the right conclusion with a known result," so the country can move on to other issues.

"Given the nature of my position and the information that we share [with the president], it's not appropriate for me to comment publicly on any of that," National Intelligence Director Dan Coats told a Senate panel. "I don't feel it's appropriate to characterize discussions and conversations with the president."

Donald Trump's intelligence chief declined to comment Tuesday on media reports that the president pressured him to publicly deny that evidence existed of collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia to influence the 2016 U.S. presidential race.

 Brennan: 'It Raised Questions in My Mind'

While Coats testified before the Senate, the man who led the CIA during last year's presidential campaign, John Brennan, told a House panel he saw information indicating contacts between Russian officials and members of the campaign.

"I encountered and am aware of information and intelligence that revealed contacts and interactions between Russian officials and U.S. persons involved in the Trump campaign," Brennan said. "And it raised questions in my mind, again, whether or not the Russians were able to gain the cooperation of those individuals."

Brennan stressed he could not say whether the Trump campaign colluded with Russian interests, only that there was contact between the two. "I don't know whether or not such collusion... existed," the former CIA director said, adding that he warned Russia's intelligence chief that election meddling would backfire -- to no avail.

"It should be clear to everyone that Russia brazenly interfered in our 2016 presidential election process and that they undertook these activities despite our strong protests, and explicit warning that they not do so," he said.

Last week, against White House wishes, Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein named another former FBI director, Robert Mueller, as special counsel to lead the criminal investigation of possible Russian collusion with the Trump campaign. Trump blasted the appointment of a special counsel as a "witch hunt."

Several congressional panels are also investigating Russian meddling in the election, including hacking into the computer of Democrat Hillary Clinton's campaign chief, John Podesta, and the subsequent release of thousands of his e-mails by the anti-secrecy group WikiLeaks that showed embarrassing behind-the-scenes efforts by Democratic operatives to help Clinton win the party's presidential nomination.

The White House offered no comment on the reported calls Trump made to Coats and Rogers. "The White House does not confirm or deny unsubstantiated claims based on illegal leaks from anonymous individuals," a spokesperson said. "The President will continue to focus on his agenda that he was elected to pursue by the American people."
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Bharat Forge Ltd has informed BSE that the Board of Directors of the Company at its meeting held on May 24, 2017, inter alia, has recommended a final Dividend of Rs. 5/- (Rupees Five only) i.e. at the rate of 250% per share on 232,794,316 fully paid Equity Shares of Rs. 2/- each for the financial year ended March 31, 2017, subject to approval of Members of the Company at the ensuing Annual General Meeting of the Company.Source : BSE
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Gujarat Gas Ltd has informed BSE that the Board of Directors of the Company at its meeting held on May 24, 2017, inter alia, has recommended dividend of Rs. 3/- each per Equity share of Rs. 10/- each to the shareholders for the financial year 2016-17.Source : BSE
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Jain Irrigation Systems Ltd has informed BSE that the Board of Directors of the Company at its meeting held on May 24, 2017, inter alia, has recommended Dividend on Ordinary Equity/DVR Equity Shares @ Rs. 0.75 per share (37.5%)of the Company, subject to approval of Shareholders at ensuing 30th Annual General Meeting.Source : BSE
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The Company hereby inform that the Board of Directors of the Company, in their meeting held on today, i.e. on May 24, 2016, at the Registered office of the Company situated at Office No 5, Mangaldeep CHS, Opp. St. Joseph School, Sector - 4, Kalamboli ,Navi Mumbai  410218 Maharashtra, which was commenced at 12:00 Noon and concluded at 03:30 P.M., have considered, approved and took on record the audited financial result for the quarter and year ended on March 31, 2017 along with Audit Report and Declaration by the Company for the Audit Report with Unmodified Opinion.Source : BSE
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The Board of Director of the Company in its meeting held today i.e. on Wednesday 24th May, 2017 have approved an acquisition in London, United Kingdon. The Board of Directors have further authorised Mr. Ripu Sudan Kundra , Managing Director of the Company and/or Mr. Darshit Shah Executive Director of the Company to take all necessary steps to complete the Acquisition.Source : BSE
Ex-President Park Geun-hye on Tuesday pleaded not guilty to all 18 criminal charges as her corruption trial got underway in open court in central Seoul. All 150 spectator seats were filled as Park entered the courtroom in the Seoul Central District Court at around 10 a.m., handcuffed and dressed in a dark suit with her prisoner number 503 pinned to her chest. She looked older and there were patches of gray in her normally impeccably coiffed hair. Her longtime confidante Choi Soon-sil arrived shortly after and took her seat next to her lawyer at the same table. It was the first time the two women were spotted together in public since the 1980s. Park stared straight ahead and did not acknowledge the friend who did more than anyone to bring her down.



Former President Park Geun-hye (left) and her confidante Choi Soon-sil (right) sit in a courtroom at the Seoul Central District Court in Seoul on Tuesday.

Asked by presiding Judge Kim Se-yun to state her occupation, Park said, "I don't have an occupation." In a trace of her old status-consciousness she stated her former address in tony Samseong-dong rather than her new, humbler house further outside the city. She also waived her right to be tried by a jury. Park's lawyer said the charges, including bribery, abuse of power, extortion and leaks of government secrets, are based on "inference and imagination, not strict evidence." Asked if she also denies all charges, Park said, "My stance is the same as my attorney's." Asked if she had anything to say she told the judge she would elaborate later. Prosecutors and defense attorneys argued for more than two hours. Prosecutors accused Park of "seriously damaging the rule of law by abusing her power and paying little respect to due process in order to pursue her private interests." They acknowledged the oddness of Park's predicament, saying the ex-president carried out her crimes "despite being unable to benefit" from allegedly extorting billions from top conglomerates and running the presidential office like her private fiefdom. Park's lawyer claimed the charges are based on "imagination" and that Park had no reason to commit the wrongdoings.

Former President Park Geun-hye gets on a bus outside the Seoul Central District Court in Seoul on Tuesday.

Choi, on the other hand, put on a typically histrionic performance. Sighing and frowning, she requested a toilet break at around 11:30 and came back to make a speech brimming with the florid rhetoric that allegedly rendered many of Park's speeches barely comprehensible once she had finished editing them. "I am like a sinner who made the president, who I have been with for 40 years, appear in the courtroom," she said. "I hope this trial truly frees Park from accusations and lets her be remembered as a president who has devoted herself to the country." After the day's session ended, Park headed straight to the exit while Choi remained seated. Park was taken by bus back to the remand prison where she is being held.
Mitessh Thakkar of mitesshthakkar.com told CNBC-TV18, "I have two calls. One of them is Tata Motors. That is one of the result reaction. Big gap up; that is a buy with a stop loss at Rs 457 and look for target of Rs 480."

Dabur India looks slightly negative. I think I would want to sell this one if it starts breaking below Rs 270 - that being the key pivot support. So, if it breaks Rs 270, take a short position with a stop loss at Rs 275 and look for target close to about Rs 260," he said.
Yogesh Mehta of Motilal Oswal told CNBC-TV18, "We have a mixed bag today. Tech Mahindra is a buy at around Rs 416-417. Keep Rs 410 as a stop loss and we are looking at Rs 440 as the target."

"Another one is buy on Yes Bank. The stock has fallen from Rs 1,600 to Rs 1,400 levels recently. So, a bounce back is on the cards. So, we are looking at buying this stock with a stop loss of Rs 1,400 and target could be around Rs 1,500 region," he said.

"The third one which we are looking at on the short side is Tata Steel . Currently the stock is around Rs 491, multiple resistance at Rs 498-500 level. So that is the stop loss we are maintaining, Rs 500, and we are looking at Rs 470 as the price target."
Like any proud new mother, Madhumita Mukherjees (name changed to protect identity) Whatsapp status says: My baby, my sunshine. But it is her newfound status of a mother that got Mukherjee into trouble with her employer Cognizant Technologies.

Mukherjee, who joined Cognizants Kolkata branch in 2012, went on maternity leave early 2016 and resumed in September that year. But on resuming work, she found that her manager was reluctant to assign her projects. She was told that she may not be able to do justice to her work.

When she insisted on a project, she was given one requiring her to stay in office beyond 10 pm. And when she asked for better hours, Mukherjee was benched. On January 3, 2017 she was asked to resign for not being flexible.

In the worst of times, few companies would resort to firing women employees who have just come back from maternity leave. What is surprising is such desperate measures are being taken by IT companies which have strong balance sheets.

And while they preach gender equality in public, most companies in India view pregnant women as unproductive assets. And the recent government decision extending maternity leave benefits could only lead to further discrimination against women, say HR experts.

In response to a query, Cognizants spokesperson said: We cannot comment on individual cases without verifying facts. We have robust checks and balances in place to make sure maternity leave does not impact performance reviews. As a responsible corporate, we adhere to applicable laws and regulations in both letter and spirit, and are proud of our commitment to diversity and the empowerment of women professionals.

Senior officials at Cognizant confirmed that there have been such cases of termination, some of which were subsequently revoked.

However, Mukherjee and some other women Moneycontrol spoke to said that they had not been reinstated, as they were asked to resign voluntarily. Some of these women are contemplating legal action. What will make the fight harder for these women is that they were asked to resign voluntarily. When Moneycontrol asked the company why it was asking employees to resign, Cognizants response was: "We do not terminate employees or conduct layoffs. We have performance-related discussions with all employees irrespective of their ratings."

Revenue productivity of employees in IT services is directly linked to projects they work on and the actual amount billed to clients. And women who go on maternity leave are treated as unbillable and, therefore, during their appraisals this reflects as time spent on the bench, said the affected women employees.

Sunita Reddy (name changed), another affected female employee at Cognizants Bengaluru branch, says: I went on maternity leave last year and when I came back I was given a poor rating of MS (meets some expectations). When I asked my manager, I was told that it was a normalization process since I was not going to be billable while I was on maternity leave."

On paper, the companys policies on women cannot be faulted. Cognizant allows women to avail an extra eight months unpaid leave after their paid maternity leave is exhausted. But many women in Cognizant claim that no sooner do managers know that a woman is pregnant, she is taken off projects as she is not considered to be reliable. Says Mukherjee, I was benched and made to hand over my project even before I went on maternity leave as I was told I would end up taking leave and the project would suffer. But I was shocked when I was called for a discussion in January and made to resign.

Women constitute 30 percent of the workforce in IT, which is significantly higher than in other industries. But Kris Lakshmikanth, Founder CEO & Managing Director of Head Hunters India, says: On their way to the top, the percentage of women in IT drops to five percent, as women pursue a better work-life balance. It is worth asking why more than 80 percent women opt out.

A senior human resource manager at Bangalore says IT companies tend to go after women as they are easy targets. Says Kingshuk Chatterjee, spokesperson for the Kolkata chapter of the Forum for IT Employees (FITE), We strongly condemn the unfair practices employed by the IT industry against women who have returned from maternity leave. We have been approached by several women who have also told us that their appraisals have been affected while they were on maternity leave. We are currently consulting our lawyers to see what recourse she has since the lady has been forced to resign.

Other than giving a poor rating to women on maternity leave and forcing them to resign, Cognizants human resource department also appears to be resorting to pressure tactics to force women employees into submitting their resignations.

R Sujatha (name changed), a Bengaluru-based techie, who joined Cognizant in 2013 after completing her BTech, says she did a course in cloud computing just so she could opt out of the low-end work she was doing of generating tickets and filling log sheets. Despite the upskilling she was asked to resign in April.

When she resisted, her access card was blocked. Says Sujatha, who hails from Tumkur, The human resource department applied for leave on my behalf when I refused to resign. So I took a temporary access card and started entering the campus. I even mailed the human resource manager but got no reply.

After a few days Sujatha got a call from her parents, who had received a letter from the human resource manager. The letter dated May 5, which has been reviewed by Moneycontrol, says: Dear Sujatha, you have been absent from work since April 22. You are hereby directed to report to work immediately. We would like to inform you that your continued absence from work without authorization will render yourself liable for disciplinary action.

Sujatha showed Moneycontrol her attendance logs which shows that she was present in April, barring the days she claimed a leave application was filed without her knowledge.

Sujathas senior colleagues claim that her refusal to resign is making the company resort to such tactics.

Another woman employee claims that after she was asked to resign, her access to company transport was restricted and she had to manage her commute on her own. Cognizants campus in Bantala in Kolkata is at a remote location and the commute is not easy. Several women said that they have had to find their own way back from the remote campus in Bantala after 8 pm. Moneycontrol could not verify this allegation as there was nothing on record to establish this charge.

Others claim that they cannot afford to pay Rs 1,800 in bus charges that the company levies on employees for availing the service.

An IT analyst says Cognizant is desperate, which is why it is resorting to such drastic steps. It is under pressure from Elliott Management, a hedge fund shareholder, to cut costs and improve margins, he says. So far Cognizant has been a very benign employer and paid 100-150 percent bonuses, but now the strain is showing.

And, so far, Cognizant had maintained a strong bench strength to meet a sudden ramp-up in projects. But as the business environment tightens and pressure from investors mounts, the company is using the obvious lever available to it  job cuts -- to shore up margins.

Also read: 16 Labour Court ruling could make it tough for IT firms to sack staff at will
Attorney General Mukul Rohtagi has returned the HDFC-Max Life merger proposal back to the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India without giving any opinion. The insurance regulator had sought AG's opinion for legal validity of the proposal.

The AG's view or lack of it now throws the ball in IRDAI's court. The insurance regulator will now have take the final call on the matter.

Max Life and HDFC Life had sought an in-principle approval from IRDAI for the merger on September 21, 2016. The insurance regulator had then referred the proposal to the Law Ministry and the Attorney General as they felt that the scheme of arrangement was not in compliance with the Section 35 of the Insurance Act.

In June 2016, Max Financial Services and HDFC had received a board approval for the merger of their life insurance businesses, Max Life and HDFC Life, respectively.
India's tax regime is set for a sea change as the goods and services tax (GST) era unleashes in the country come July 1.

In an interview to CNBC-TV18, Sunil Duggal, CEO of Dabur India spoke about GST and the latest happenings in the company.

Below is the verbatim transcript of the interview.

Surabhi: Start by talking about your company because it seems that in general consumers as far as hair oil is concerned, toothpaste is concerned and even fruit juice. It is either beneficial or neutral but particularly for Dabur how much will you end up saving in terms of lower tax?

A: In oral care and in hair oils, we pay approximately 24-25 percent and it will come down to 18 percent, so it brings saving of 3-4 percent but the precise quantum of saving can only be ascertained once we know the input credit etc which will be applicable. So there will be some savings. We do not know exactly how much. We are working on that and will know in couple of days.

Juices are pretty flat. It was around 11 percent earlier. It is 12 percent now, so not much of a change. The only downside is in Ayurvedic medicines which came as a bit of a surprise. Today we are paying rates between 5 and 11 percent and this ramp up to 12 percent. We believe that the government should relook at this. Ayurvedic medicines are part of the government's agenda to promote indigenous medicines and this would definitely mean that there would be increases in prices. So we would look to have some relief there.

Surabhi: What about excise benefit because you were enjoying certain benefits, geographical benefits. They will no longer be available with the company is what I imagine?

A: We believe the excise benefits would be grandfathered, so there would be no implications in terms of central GST. Therefore, I do not think there would be any difference but we are still reading the fine print, if there is anything which we have missed here but as of now we do not think so.

Reema: Any ballpark figure on how much you could perhaps save on taxes?

A: We will know only by today or tomorrow. We are doing the fine print here. We have a meeting later in the day. I think it won't be anything significant. I do not think it will have a material impact on this year's results because there would be some dislocation consequent to GST, so there will be some negative elements coming out too. So I do not think there would be any change in our outlook for the year.
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Shares of Tata Motors added over 5 percent intraday on Wednesday as investors cheered the stellar results by the automobile major for the March quarter.

The automobile major posted better than expected consolidated net profit figures for the March quarter at Rs 4,296 crore against a CNBC-TV18 poll of Rs 3,502 crore. The company had posted a net profit of Rs 5,176 crore during the same period last year.

Meanwhile, consolidated revenue was higher 2.9 percent higher year on year, but was slightly lower than estimates at Rs 77,272 crore against the poll figure of Rs 82,866 crore. Its revenue last year was Rs 79,549 crore. The company said that its consolidated revenue came in lower by Rs 9,032 crore due to translation impact from  to Indian rupee.

On an operating level, its earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) came in at Rs 5,166 crore against Rs 5,888 crore during April 2016.

Brokerage: Nomura | Rating: Buy | Target: Rs 518 | Upside: 15%

The global brokerage firm observed that the companys March quarter earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) was 17 percent ahead of its estimates and 28 percent ahead of the consensus. Meanwhile, standalone EBITDA margin is set to rise to 5.6 percent in FY18 and 6.8 percent in FY19.

For JLR, it volumes to be driven by 10.6 percent in FY18 on strong F-Pace demand, launch of Velar and Sport.

Domestic margins were also strong at 2.7% vs. our estimate of 1.9%. Management has given an aggressive guidance of 500bps market share gain across businesses over the next two years and sharp cost reduction. Hence, we estimate standalone EBITDA margins to rise to 5.6% in FY18F and 6.8% in FY19, the brokerage said in its report.

Going forward, successful ramp up of new models, margin expansion are the key catalysts for the stock, it added.

Brokerage: Morgan Stanley | Rating: Overweight | Target: Rs 588 | Upside: 31%

Morgan Stanley said that the automobile majors earnings were much better than expected and that the entire beat was driven by JLRs financials. The margin beat was led by leverage gain, better mix and lower forex losses, the brokerage said in its report.

"In terms of outlook, it was encouraging the see the India management acknowledging loss in market share and margins in domestic business and sharing a detailed road map on their plans ahead," the report from Morgan Stanley added.

Brokerage: Deutsche Bank | Rating: Buy | Target: Rs 555

The global investment bank expects JLRs new launches to aid volume growth by 13 percent per annum as well as boost margin from 11 percent to 16 percent. It sees share of mid/high-priced models to increase from 38 percent to 43 percent in FY19. Among key risks are model failures and a sharp deceleration in pricing.

While the management acknowledged that the general pricing environment remains challenging, they are targeting a medium term EBIT margin range of 8-10% (vs. 5% in FY17). We believe this can be achieved in the next two years, driven by stronger mix, it said in its report.

Brokerage: Bank of America Merrill Lynch | Rating: Buy | Target: Rs 600

The investment bank sees tailwinds to earnings in FY18 on lowering losses in India.

This is on the back of three factors:

1) Further improvement (310bps in FY18) at JLR with a rich product mix and favourable exchange rates

2) Lowering of losses in India as cost cutting measures take effect.

It also outlined the managements plan to launch new products in CVs to regain market share, launch new platforms in PVs to lower cost structure; 3) undertake cost reduction measures to lower break-even levels. In our view, this is incrementally positive and should result in marginal profit by FY19, the report added.

Brokerage: CLSA | Rating: Sell | Target: Rs 405

CLSA sees margin pressures for JLR in FY17 likely to continue in the next fiscal. The brokerage believes that the Indian business continues to languish in loss-making territory. It has assumed EBIT margins of 7.5 percent in FY18 & 9.5 percent in FY19 Vs 6.0

percent in FY17. Further, it said that it had fine-tuned FY18-19 EPS, factoring in lower JLR/India volume, but higher JLR margin.

Brokerage: JPMorgan | Rating: Overweight | Target: Rs 570

JPMorgan thinks model story at JLR for FY18 is compelling and should aid FY18 performance.

Having said that, macro risks for the stock could remain, it said. especially given that the share of diesel for JLR at the company level is 50%. Further macro risks around a US slowdown / residual financing risks remain although we think JLR is unlikely to see a negative impact just yet, the report added.
Jindal Steel and Power (JSPL) today said its consolidated loss narrowed to Rs 100 crore in the quarter ended March 31, 2017, on the back of higher income. The company had posted consolidated a loss of Rs 635.8 crore in the year-ago period, JSPL said in a filing to BSE.

JSPL's consolidated total income during January-March period increased to Rs 6,765.07 crore, over Rs 5,549.84 crore in the corresponding quarter of previous fiscal.

Ravi Uppal, MD & CEO, JSPL is confident of delivering at least EBITDA per tonne of Rs 10,000/tonne or even improve in FY18. With the commissioning of Angul plant the cost of production would come down, he said.

For the quarter gone by, the company delivered an EBITDA/tonne of Rs 10,000/tonne versus Rs 6800/tonne in Q4FY16.

He also expects higher domestic steel sales in FY18 to the tune of 6 million tonnes as compared to FY16 sales of 4.66 million tonnes.

From the 2 million tonne capacity in Oman, the company hopes steel sales would be to the tune of 1.7 million tonnes. Therefore, on a consolidated basis the company hopes to sell 7.5-7.8 million tonnes in FY18, said Uppal.

Talking about the power business, he said only about 35 percent of the capacity is being utilised out of the total 3400 MW. They are eagerly waiting for the demand to rise, he said.

In term of coal production, he said they are targeting 1,50,000 to 2,50,000 tonne of production from Mozambique and around 150,000 to 1,75,000 tonne from Australia.

On the capex front, he said they need an investment of Rs 1200 crore to finish Angul project and Rs 700-800 crore for maintenance. So they plan not exceed Rs 2000 crore in terms of capex in FY18, he added.
business Maintain buy call on Tata Motors; raised target price to Rs 570 from Rs 550: IIFL In an interview to CNBC-TV18, Prayesh Jain, AVP-Research at IIFL shared his readings and outlook on the Q4 numbers of Tata Motors.
A man walks past a logo of State Bank of India outside a branch in New Delhi, India, February 1, 2017. REUTERS/Adnan Abidi

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Public sector banks (PSBs) are planning to exit non-core assets worth Rs 20,000 crore in an effort to cut their losses.

Major state-owned banks State Bank of India (SBI), Punjab National Bank (PNB), Bank of Baroda (BoB), Canara Bank, Bank of India and IDBI Bank have expressed an interest to sell further stakes in their non-core assets.

Non-core assets are investments made by banks that are not related to core areas of lending and borrowing, and includes strategic investments in other firms, real estate, holdings in subsidiaries and joint ventures.

In August last year, India Ratings and Research had estimated the value of about 21 listed public sector banks non-core assets at about Rs 19,500 crore.

However, this includes the market valuation of the listed entities and book value of the unlisted ones.

The current valuation could be much higher, sometimes even 2-3 times. Also, all this is subject to the stake sale being looked at, the market environment, the buyers and the strategic decision of the buyers and sellers In our estimate, large PSBs account for 80 percent of the value under non-core assets," said Udit Kariwala, Financial Analyst with India Ratings.

This means that weaker and smaller banks will still struggle to raise capital

According to Finance Ministry estimates, PSBs will require Rs 1.8 lakh crore additional capital in the next four financial years. Of this, the banks will have to raise Rs 1.1 lakh crore from the market and through the sale of non-core assets, it added.

Earlier this month, in a press briefing regarding the banking ordinance empowering the central bank to speed up the NPA resolution process, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley indicated that the weaker banks will have to sell assets, reduce overheads, shut loss-making domestic and foreign branches and temporarily stop employee benefits, if necessary, in order to independently raise capital to meet the shortage.

Of the Rs 70,000 crore earmarked under the Indradhanush plan to be infused into PSBs over four years, the government is slated to inject only Rs 10,000 crore this year.

Viral Acharya, Deputy Governor of RBI, also said that banks can look at selling non-core assets which are in good shape such as insurance subsidiaries, market-making divisions, foreign branches, etc.

Banks' non-core assets

After selling 5 percent stake in NSE at Rs 911 crore in July last year, SBI now holds 5.19 percent stake while its subsidiary SBI Capital holds 4.33 percent stake in NSE as on March end.

SBI has plans to monetise 8 percent stake in its life insurance joint venture SBI Life through an IPO likely by September and reduce its 74 percent stake in SBI general insurance subsidiary.

It is also evaluating options to sell a 21.67 percent stake in Central Warehousing Corp and 18.3 percent stake in UTI Asset Management Company. Moreover, as per last years estimates, SBI has real estate assets worth Rs 20,000 crore.

PNBs new CEO and MD Sunil Mehta said the bank has identified a few of the non-core assets to divest. We will go for a cost-benefit analysis on whether they can add value to the existing shareholders if we retain those assets. If that is the case, we will revamp these businesses, otherwise, we will divest our stakes. We are looking to sell stake in PNB Housing Finance and will finalise our strategy on this front in the first or second week of June. These businesses are valued around Rs 9,000 crore in total."

Among top assets, PNB holds 39 percent stake in Punjab Housing Finance, 15.3 percent stake in Asset Care & Reconstruction Enterprise (ACRE) and 10 percent stake in Asset Reconstruction Company (India) (Arcil).

In May last year, IDBI Bank said it aimed to raise Rs 19,000-20,000 crore by March 2019, of which about Rs 6,500 crore would come from sale of non-core assets.

BoBs chief PS Jayakumar estimates the bank owns non-core assets worth Rs 5,000-6,000 crore, a part of which could be sold including the banks stake through an initial public offering of UTI Asset Management.

On the other hand, Canara Bank, which divested 13.45 percent stake in its subsidiary Canfin Homes to realise Rs 703 crore, hopes to conclude the process of selling stake in its factoring subsidiary Canbank Factors by June.
By Satish Gupta of astrostocktips.in

Todays planetary position: Moon will be transiting in Aires, Jupiter in Virgo, Lord Rahu in Leo. Lord Saturn in Sagittarius. Mercury in Aries. Venus in Pisces. Sun & Mars in Taurus. Ketu in Aquarius. Pluto in Sagittarius. Neptune in Aquarius & Uranus in Pisces.

Rahukal time: - 12:00-13:30

Following sectors will be receiving astrological support:

Technology: Infosys, TCS, Tech Mahindra, HCL Tech, Wipro, etc.

To identify and buy such stocks at right time and exit at right time. Timing is most crucial element in investing or trading. This timing can be known through Financial Astrology. Astrology is only science which can predict future correctly & guide us about sectors which have to outperform.

Every year with commencement of new Samvat (Hindu New Year), astrologically, based on planetary position, certain new sectors start getting strong astrological support & start outperforming, while some others sectors which were performing earlier start underperforming. Some sectors/stocks remain laggards. Stocks of astrological supported sectors outperform resulting in exorbitant gains irrespective of market behaviour, either bull market or bear market.

Predicting bullish sectors of next Samvat 2074

Every year we release sectors of new Samvat in the month of March/April when new Samvat starts. But this year, we shall prepone release of next Samvat sectors, which are going to get strong astrological support & stocks from those sector outperform markets. Purpose of releasing sectors of next Samvat earlier is that investors & traders should get maximum advantage of down trend of markets by good timing.

We firmly believe that these special astrological positions present very unique opportunities to investors and traders both. This opportunity, if utilised properly, can safeguard your existing portfolio and simultaneously optimise your future investments and trading also. After all successful investing and trading is all about good timing only.

Needless to mention our innumerable past predictions, where most stocks from the SECTORS of SAMVAT gave exorbitant returns & certain stocks appreciated by over 500 percent.

During current Samavat 2073 among other sectors  dyes/chemical/sugar sector received strong astrological support & out performed gave exorbitant return. Many stocks from dyes/ chemical sector appreciated by over 500 percent.

Sectors which get very strong astrological support are not normally affected by downfall in the market.

: The views and investment tips expressed by investment experts on moneycontrol.com are their own, and not that of the website or its management. Moneycontrol.com advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.
The chairmen of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in South Korea, the U.S., and Japan held an urgent video conference on Tuesday after back-to-back missile tests by North Korea in recent weeks.

Gen. Lee Sun-jin, Gen. Joseph Dunford and Adm. Katustoshi Kawano discussed substantial cooperation to counter the nuclear and missile threats from the North, according to the JCS here.

Their discussion focused on how to reinforce surveillance, boost intelligence sharing, and upgrade missile detection and intercept drills.
An exterior view of Life Insurance Corporation of India's (LIC) headquarters is seen in Mumbai September 18, 2014. LIC Chairman S. K. Roy said he was "very bullish" about the banking, pharmaceutical, metals and IT outsourcing sectors because of expectations for a cyclical recovery and a stabilising rupee currency. Roy added LIC was headed for a "very good year", both in terms of its market investments and its core insurance business. The chairman said he expected growth of 12 percent in insurance premiums this fiscal year, in line with 13.4 percent last year. REUTERS/Danish Siddiqui (INDIA - Tags: BUSINESS) - RTR46PN8

A new unit-linked insurance plan (Ulip) from Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) may take some more time., While the insurer's one existing Ulip has collected premiums of around Rs 200 crore, it has consciously decided to go at a slower pace in this segment.

VK Sharma, Chairman, LIC said that while their Ulip product performed well, their focus will be on traditional products. "At the end of the day, our policyholder interest is supreme and their returns should not be impacted," he said.

In 2015, LIC had launched a Ulip product after a hiatus of almost two years. This was after the new norms for traditional products kicked in from January 1, 2014 that made changes in the product design and structures. Due to this, life insurance companies had to stop selling existing products and introduce new ones.

During this period, LIC also had to withdraw its products from the market that included their market-linked Ulip plan as well.

Traditional products constitute almost 90 percent of the insurer's product portfolio while Ulips constitute the rest. Several private life insurers, which are primarily bank-promoted, gave up to 50-60 percent of business from the Ulip segment.

It is to be noted that commission structures for traditional products are much higher than that of Ulips. Due to this, life insurance agents are also not very keen to sell these products.

In September 2010 new regulations had mandated the minimum lock-in term for Ulips to be five years compared to three years earlier.

Product structures including NAV disclsoures were also made very transparent in order to curb misselling of these products.

Post this, insurers heavily reduced their Ulip portfolio and shifted their focus to traditional products. In terms of features and charges, insurers agree that Ulips are more transparent than traditional products.
Realty firm Lodha Developers' UK arm has raised USD 375 million (about Rs 2,400 crore) from investment company Cain Hoy for construction of its housing project in London.

Lodha UK has "raised USD 375 million (GBP 290 million) as construction funding for its Lincoln Square development in London", the Mumbai-based developer said in a statement.

The project is being constructed by Multiplex, the construction arm of global investment major Brookfield, and is expected to be completed in the last quarter of 2018.

Lodha Developers said the company has sold over 78 units worth almost USD 170 million (GBP 130 million) since the launch of this project in May 2016.

"The facility includes GBP 80 million to replace the existing debt, provided by Cain Hoy last autumn, and the balance will be used to complete the project over the next two years," the statement said.

Lodha UK Finance Director Ab Shome said the company has completed the first development funding in the UK which showcases the confidence of the market in the Lodha UK platform.

"Having already supported Lodha UK through an initial financing to enable the start of construction on site, we are pleased to continue our relationship with the Lodha team by providing this significant loan," said Matteo Milan, Director of Cain Hoy.

Lodha UK will unveil its flagship development 'No 1 Grosvenor Square' this summer. Located in the heart of Mayfair, the project will offer premium residences at one of Londons most prestigious addresses.

Lodha Developers forayed into the London market in November 2013 with the acquisition of the landmark MacDonald House at 1 Grosvenor Square in prime Central London from the Canadian Government for over GBP 300 million (Rs 3,100 crore).

The group acquired another premium site in prime central London, 'New Court' at 48 Carey Street, taking the combined investment to about GBP 400 million.
By CNBCTV18.COM

"A lot depends on this meeting, at least in the wording," Amrita Sen, chief oil analyst at Energy Aspects, said Wednesday when asked whether oil could surge to $60 a barrel after OPEC's meeting on Thursday.

Oil traders are eagerly anticipating an extension to OPEC's production cut this week, but one analyst has told CNBC that comments from the oil cartel could be just as powerful in propping up the price of the commodity.

"A lot depends on this meeting, at least in the wording," Amrita Sen, chief oil analyst at Energy Aspects, said Wednesday when asked whether oil could surge to $60 a barrel after OPEC's meeting on Thursday.

"Even if they (OPEC) don't do extra cuts, it's very important to come out and say: 'Look, we are going to concentrate on the exports', and not just say it, actually do it," she added.

Sen explained that the only way that oil producers can get "visible inventories" to fall would be by cutting exports, as opposed to just production. This would mean that countries like Saudi Arabia would draw down their own oil stocks, which would subsequently mean consumers drawing down on these oil reserves. This would provide a quicker fillip to the oil price, rather than continuing to export at the same rate and just cutting production, she suggested.

"Summer demand is picking up, refineries are back, if they can get it right, if they can cut exports I do think we see 60 (dollars a barrel) by late Summer," Sen added.

In December, OPEC and 11 non-members, including Russia, agreed to cut output by about 1.8 million barrels per day in the first half of 2017. The decision has pushed oil prices back above $50 per barrel. However, the U.S. shale industry has also grown since then, which challenges OPEC's efforts to rebalance the oil market and has weighed on prices.

Saudi Arabia said earlier this year that it wants to see oil prices back near $60 a barrel in 2017. On Wednesday morning, Brent was 0.2 percent higher trading at $54.26 a barrel and WTI was up by 0.16 percent at $51.55 a barrel.

Ahead of Thursday's crucial meeting, Algerian Energy Minister Noureddine Boutarfa said Tuesday that OPEC was discussing a possible nine-month extension to oil output cuts, according to Reuters. However, the news agency also reported that UAE (United Arab Emirates) Energy Minister Suhail bin Mohammed al-Mazroui said OPEC is debating whether to extend oil output cuts by six or nine months.

"Nine months is a good start because everyone has been expecting six," Sen told CNBC Wednesday.

"But I think that the market now, given they announced nine months already a few weeks ago, is expecting a little bit more, maybe deeper cuts, maybe at least keeping the door open possibly for more cuts if inventories don't fall," Sen added.
Tejas Khoday

We live in a world where everyone has his or her own perspectives on any issue under the sun. Consequently, by and large, free thinking is encouraged in many aspects of our day-to-day life. But think about it, when it comes to investing in the stock markets, there is a sheer lack of customization in the choice of investment due to the fact that there is limited knowledge and inclination to learn about the intricacies of public listed companies. Due to these inherent limitations among the retail community, the practice and habit of investing is restricted to traditional thinking and the age-old culture of tips continues to prevail in India.

However, best investment companies manage investors money wisely similar to a doctor assessing the health of person by the pulse beats. I understand and believe that people will always have ideas and preferences when it comes to anything; even if there is no thorough understanding of the underlying subject. Hence, to empower people to take investing decisions based on their fondness and biases, the concept of thematic investing provides an alternative approach to a traditional index strategy and beats sector-based investing in the Indian stock market. In comparison to traditional equity investing, it is much more holistic, simple and hassle-free. It is specifically designed for the millennial generation who are looking to un-complicate the equity markets.

The concept:

The primary focus of thematic investing is to invest in concepts that can evolve relatively independently of the economic cycle. Unlike mutual funds which base their equity allocation primarily on the equity benchmark indices (Nifty & Sensex), thematic investing is about identifying distinct growth opportunities which are not directly dependent on the general outcome of the economy. As an investor, if you use this strategy to construct a portfolio by buying the most suited themes you are likely to outperform the indices by a big margin if your convictions turn out to be right. A diverse mix of themes gives you a broader exposure which goes beyond beating the benchmark equity returns (Nifty or Sensex).

Portfolio building vs portfolio shopping:

Building an optimal portfolio all by yourself is harder than it seems because you will need to have a broad approach and a wider understanding of what is likely to do well in the future. Very few people have the skill, time and privileges to implement this professionally. Since this approach consumes a lot of intellectual resources, juggling it with daily activities may not be feasible to most people.

The other alternative is to go shopping for portfolios and choose from over 100+ unique themes which are based on specific ideas, strategies, sectors, government policies etc. Some popular examples are cashless economy, Digital India Programme, Smart Cities Mission, Durable Dividends etc. These pre-researched portfolios can be ranked using various performance metrics including price performance, volatility and sharp ratio. In other words, investments based on themes are equi-weight by default and can be fully customised with complete focus on investors risk preferences. For instance, if an investor wants to take on more risk, he can choose Max Return variant of the theme and likewise if an investor is risk averse, then he can choose the Low Risk variant of the theme. The stock constituents are also fully customisable and literally, one can start with an account balance as little as Rs 1000. This option makes complete sense for the busy millennials who can make most of their time by engaging in other productive activities instead of stock market research alone.

How themes are built

Although you dont have to construct themes, its important to know how it is done. This will help you gain confidence in the system and give you a sense of satisfaction.

1. Defining the stock universe.2. Identifying companies and sub-sectors within the stock universe.3. Shortlist their scope and business activities.4. Proprietary quantitative research.5. Thorough fundamental research.6. Proprietary performance analysis & projections.

7. Right mix of stocks to ensure the optimal exposure.

Multiple benefits of thematic investing

Although investing in themes is easy, it gives you knowledge of whats hot and whats not in the Indian economy. It is built with a top-down approach as such for those who want to understand the big picture, thematic investing is the right medium since it has many unique perspective-driven modes which enable you to experience the entire scenario including the trends. Also, if you want to understand how business works, you could drill down into the constituent stocks to assess in-depth all the relevant details. If used effectively, it can make you more aware of what is in store for you by paving the way to be financially wise and successful, too.

Despite the governments efforts to encourage financial investments, the uptake in retail participation has been moderate given the bullish conditions prevailing in the stock market. Indeed, there is a common desire for all things to move in the right direction but there has been a lack of innovation in the capital markets. In such a scenario, the concept of thematic investment is the apt solution. It contributes to the ecosystem to encourage the young earning population to chip in their savings using theme based investing.
Ashwani Gujral of ashwanigujral.com told CNBC-TV18, "Tata Motors will get back towards Rs 480-500, so, big morning for Tata Motors should be expected today. Overall, all Tata Group stocks, particularly ones which are UK based or kind of have a foreign component, they are doing well. So, I think that Tata Steel and Tata Motors in the next couple of months should be good for them."

"Some things are good and some things are not so good. So, Bharat Financial continues to collapse. So, that is a sell with a stop loss of Rs 675 and target of Rs 640. The kind of collapse it is seeing, chances are there is something fundamentally changing and it is true for Ujjivan Financial, Equitas Holdings, etc. We will know in the results maybe next quarter," he said.

"Jain Irrigation is a sell with a stop loss of Rs 90 and target of Rs 82."

"Meanwhile all of the buys, they had very sharp up moves from yesterdays lows, 8-10 percent up moves. So that way possibly a bottom is in place. So, L&T Finance Holdings is a buy with a stop loss of Rs 124 and target of Rs 136."
Representative image

India's largest online restaurant guide Zomato suffered a security breach last week with over 17 million accounts of users being accessed and sold on a dark web marketplace. The database included emails and password hashes of registered Zomato users.

Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal this week has clarified that the breach was done by an ethical hacker to get the attention of the company to the vulnerabilities. The hacker had listed these data points on a dark web marketplace, which Zomato claims it has convinced him to remove.

Statement from Zomato CEO on why the hack happened and how he controlled it:

A part of our infrastructure that was used to store users information was breached by an ethical hacker. The data downloaded as a result of this breach contained five data points for 17 million users - names, emails, numeric user IDs, usernames, and password hashes. The password hashes leak was a little more contained and impacted a subset of 6.6 million users - all the other users were using Facebook/Google for login - we dont have any password information for those accounts.

The hacker had listed these data points on a dark web marketplace.

We were lucky we could get in touch with the person (hacker) in good time. As it turned out, the hacker was a security researcher (ethical hacker) who had put up the data for sale to get our attention (and/or to teach us a lesson). He/she only wanted us to launch a good bug bounty program on Hackerone, as he/she wanted to make sure that security researchers were rewarded well for their work. The hacker also shared the database with us and took the sales link down once we promised to launch the bug bounty program. He/she also agreed to destroy the data at their end immediately.

Since we hope no other company faces a breach like we did, we wanted to share our learnings from this incident and hope this is helpful for other growing companies.

How did the hacker get access to this data?

The hacker explained to us how he/she was able to breach our infrastructure to access a part of our database.

It all started in November 2015, when 000webhosts user database was leaked online (with plain text passwords). One of our developers had his personal hosting account with the service. As a result of 000webhosts user account data breach, his email address and password also became available publicly.

Unfortunately, the developer was using the same email and password combination on Github. Back then, when 000webhost passwords leaked, we were not using 2-factor authentication on Github (we have been using two-factor authentication on Github since the last few months). With the login credentials for the developer, the hacker was able to use the developers password to get into his Github account and review one of our code repositories to which the developer had access (this happened sometime last year, but for some reason, the hacker only exploited the code very recently).

Getting access to a part of the code didnt give the hacker direct access to the database. Our systems are only accessible for a specific set of IP addresses. But the hacker was able to scan the code, and he ended up exploiting a vulnerability in the code to access the database (via remote code execution). The piece of code which was vulnerable was a part of a deprecated system and hadnt been modified for a few years now.

Yes, someone has some of our code, and thats a risk. But we have taken every step conceivable to us to make sure that the code cannot be exploited in any way possible to breach Zomatos infrastructure. Also, one more thought that gives us comfort - with every passing day, the leaked code is getting more and more out-of-date.

While this is a case of extraordinarily bad luck, we were fortunate enough to resolve this with minimal damage. This incident taught us a good lesson on the importance of security and how we have to be paranoid about it going forward.

In hindsight, what helped Zomato contain the extent of the breach?

# Our use of multiple environments, each segregating and containing a part of business ensuring that the data breach was limited to only one part of Zomatos database, and the hacker did not gain access to all the various databases used by different businesses.

# Additionally, we had made two-factor authentication on Github mandatory a few months back, which cut off the hackers access to the developers Github account for updated code. The hacker was working off an old code base - and this code base had changed significantly over the last few months, limiting the extent of data the hacker could access the copy of the old code base.

# Keeping lines of communication open with the hacker helped us understand his/her motive of the breach and address his/her (very reasonable) demands. This in turn, led to the hacker cooperating with us by pulling down the sales listing from the dark web.

# We have good network restrictions in place, which ensured that our servers werent compromised. Which also means that our payment processing systems which run on a separate secure environment (PCI DSS Level 1 Certified) were never compromised. We have also submitted a compliance report after a detailed assessment to our payment partners - Visa Inc, and our payment gateway partners.

How did this impact Zomato's business?

We got an overwhelming amount of support from our users. Our traffic and food ordering have been holding flat or growing in the aftermath of the incident. We are thankful and extremely lucky to have a brand/product which people love and are willing to forgive for even some very big mistakes. We really hope we dont let any of our users down anytime in the future.

Whats next?

Our teams commitment to addressing reports for all security issues in a responsible and timely manner has become even stronger. We will continue to follow best practices and learn from the ethical hacker community to make Zomato a safer place for all users.

We are actively working to ensure all our systems are secure, and will also continue to invest in securing our users data by adopting more stringent security practices.

We are also going to invest time and effort in creating a working group of internet companies in India and exchange knowledge about best practices for security. We will also hold meet-ups so that young internet companies can get together and learn from each other about security.

Last thing - we have since been advised by multiple industry experts to take some action against the developer, in order to set an example and influence public perception. We know that this mishap is on the organisation, and not on an individual. Instead of pinning the responsibility on someone, we are going to use this as a learning opportunity for all of us.
Serge Huguenin of the Blondeau foundry pours the metal into the mould during the preparation of the Rio 2016 bronze bells in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland January 21, 2016. At this year's Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, no matter how elaborate the opening ceremony or how sophisticated the live broadcasts, the final lap of athletics races will be announced the traditional way by ringing an old-fashioned bell. Omega, the official timekeeper of the event, has ordered 21 bells, forged almost entirely by hand by Blondeau's Bell Foundry in the Jura Mountains in Switzerland. Each last-lap bell is branded with the RIO 2016 logo and circled with the words "2016 GAMES OF THE XXXI OLYMPIAD." Picture taken January 21, 2016. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse - RTX24VD3

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Share price of Bharat Forge gained 3.3 percent intraday Wednesday post strong numbers declared by the company for the quarter ended March 2017.

The company's consolidated net profit increased 25.3 percent at Rs 207.5 crore, includes exceptional gain of Rs 38 crore, which beat the analysts' expectations of Rs 169.4 crore.

The company had reported net profit of Rs 165.6 crore in March 2016.

Revenue of the company rose 11.6 percent at Rs 1,183 crore versus Rs 1,060 crore.

The operating profit (EBITDA) was up 4.9 percent at Rs 320 crore, while EBITDA margin was down at 28.4 percent.

The company has recommended a final dividend of Rs 5 per share (250 percent) for the financial year ended March 31, 2017.

At 13:26 hrs Bharat Forge was quoting at Rs 1,070.50, up Rs 26.60, or 2.55 percent on the BSE.

Posted by Rakesh Patil
May 24, 2017 / 08:18 AM IST

Bull's Eye, CNBC-TV18's popular game show, where market experts come together to dish out trading strategies for you to make your week more exciting and compete with each other to see whose portfolio is the strongest.

Remember these are midcap ideas not just for the day, but stocks that look attractive in the medium-term as well.

This week, Vijay Chopra, Ruchit Jain and Jay Thakkar battle it out for top honours.

Below their top stock picks and analysis:

Vijay Chopra of enochventures.com

Buy Tata Steel with a stoploss at Rs 480 and target of Rs 498

Buy Indiabulls Ventures with a stoploss at Rs 136 and target of Rs 144

Buy Container Corporation of India (CONCOR) with a stoploss at Rs 1210 and target of Rs 1240

Buy Jindal Steel & Power with a stoploss at Rs 102 and target of Rs 115

Ruchit Jain of Angel Broking

Buy Siemens with a stoploss at Rs 1322 and target of Rs 1427

Buy Pidilite Industries with a stoploss at Rs 716 and target of Rs 770

Sell Bharti Infratel with a stoploss at Rs 390 and target of Rs 362

Sell Shriram Transport with a stoploss at Rs 990 and target of Rs 916

Jay Thakkar of Sharekhan

Sell Piramal Enterprises with a stoploss at Rs 2779 and target of Rs 2585

Buy Polaris Consulting with a stoploss at Rs 212.40 and target of Rs 232.70

Buy Container Corporation of India (CONCOR) with a stoploss at Rs 1188 and target of Rs 1285

Buy Rajesh Exports with a stoploss at Rs 640.50 and target of Rs 662
business Here are SP Tulsian's top trading ideas In an interview to CNBC-TV18's Surabhi Upadhyay and Nigel D'souza, SP Tulsian shared his readings and outlook on the fundamentals of the market and specific stocks.
A bushel of soybeans are shown on display in the Monsanto research facility in Creve Coeur, Missouri, July 28, 2014. Monsanto engineers designed a chipper to shave a tiny tissue sample off a seed to analyze the seed's genetics. If the sample is positive for desirable genetic traits, the seed is still viable so a breeder can plant it in a field test and use it in the breeding process to create more seeds of its kind. Picture taken July 28, 2014. 20 of 25 Monsanto Stand Alone Picture Package. REUTERS/Tom Gannam (UNITED STATES - Tags: ENVIRONMENT FOOD SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY AGRICULTURE) - RTR42TJN

Angel Commodities' report on Soybean

Soybean Jun futures closed lower on Tuesday on reports of higher stocks of soybean with farmers and traders. Soybean prices is trending down because farmers, reluctant to sell at "low prices" so far this season, will soon begin liquidating stocks trying to raise money for sowing operations beginning June.

Outlook

Soybean futures are expected to trade lower of good supplies and lower demand but the prices may recover in current week on lower level buying but prices.

For all commodities report, click here

Disclaimer: The views and investment tips expressed by investment experts/broking houses/rating agencies on moneycontrol.com are their own, and not that of the website or its management. Moneycontrol.com advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions.

Read More
The Seoul Central District Court is expected to summon the first key witnesses on Thursday in the trial of ex-President Park Geun-hye.

The court on Tuesday declined an application from Park's lawyers to reduce its weekly sessions in light of her unspecified health problems.

The court said it will sit three to four times a week because more than 100 witnesses are expected to be cross-examined since Park denies all 18 criminal charges. The court has until Oct. 16 to reach a ruling before Park's remand period ends.

The court also declined a request from Park's lawyers for the ex-president to be tried separately from her alleged accomplice Choi Soon-sil.

Choi was indicted in February, but Park resisted questioning until the last moment while she remained holed up at Cheong Wa Dae until March. That meant that Choi has been on trial for months while Park's trial is only just beginning.

But the court said the charges "are completely identical" and the same witnesses would have to be summoned twice if the trials are held separately. Park's lawyers complained about the decision but did not contest it.

Meanwhile, the trials of other suspects including de facto Samsung chief Lee Jae-yong, who is on remand for bribing Park, have almost wrapped up, but their sentencing has been put off until Park's trial ends.


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For Shakti Pumps, FY16 was a weak year. The company, which manufacturers pumps used in agriculture, industrial and commercial activities, had suffered because of a poor monsoon and subdued demand from the industrial segment. Also, the geopolitical crisis at the time and decline in crude oil prices had hit its export markets, particularly the Gulf countries which account for 30-35 percent of its sales.

During FY16, when the downturn had hit both the domestic and exports market, Shakti Pumps was operating at 45 percent capacity utilisation.

While the turnaround is clearly visible in recent quarters, there is a lot more headroom in terms of growth and benefits of operating leverage. For instance, in FY12, the company was clocking a sales turnover of close to Rs 200 crore on a fixed assets base of Rs 52 crore. By the end of FY16, it was still doing a sales turnover of Rs 270 crore despite three times increase in fixed assets to Rs 164 crore.

However, this is now changing. In Q4FY17, the company's sales grew by 124 percent from the year-ago period to Rs 164 crore and profits saw a huge spurt from Rs 0.22 crore in the period under question to Rs 10.94 crore.

The company is witnessing a demand recovery both in agriculture and industrial segments coupled with higher export volume, which accounts for about 41 percent of its total revenues.

Demand drivers

Back home, the Indian government is already stepping up its efforts to encourage upgradation of existing pumps (used in agriculture) with more energy-saving pumps. Besides, a few states are giving pumps free of cost to replace the old ones. Moreover, a lot of money is now being spent on solar-based pumps, an area in which the company is already present.

Industry estimates suggest that close to 2.6 crore pumps need to be replaced to conserve both electricity and diesel which will lead to lowered costs. This is huge compared to the current capacity of players like Shakti which has an annual production capacity of 5 lakh pumps.

While replacements would be an incentive, implementation of GST could be another trigger worth noting. The proposed introduction of the Goods and Services Tax in July this year could remove inter-state tax variations, reduce the competitiveness of unorganised pump manufacturers and enhance the proportion of organized manufacturers from 15 percent of all new pump off-takes to a projected 50 percent over the foreseeable future," said Dinesh Patidar, Chairman, Shakti Pumps in a shareholder address in its last Annual Report.

Brand-building

To capitalise on the demand, the company has already started building its brand by roping in Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachhan as its brand ambassador. The company is also developing a distribution network and extending its reach to tap higher demand.

Valuation

Operating leverage could further boost company's financials, while improving profitability will have a positive rub-off effect on valuations.

While the stock had a stellar run up in the last one year  by close to 140 percent -- it still remains reasonably valued. Based on Q4FY17 net profit of Rs 10.9 crore the company might deliver profits in excess of Rs 40 crore in FY18. At current market capitalisation of Rs 710 crore, the price-to-earnings works out to 16 times, which is reasonable, considering the growth and quality of the business.

It is noteworthy that except for FY16 when the ROE had dropped to 0.56 percent, the company had been generating RoE of about 15-20 percent. At the current pace of profitability (Q4FY17 profit at Rs 10.9 crore), it will again reach to near 18-20 percent return on equity in the coming years.

Valuation also looks to be in a healthy zone given the fact that Shakti Pumps has a reasonably strong balance sheet, having negligible debt in the books (debt to equity 0.4 times in FY17 and interest coverage of close to 5 times in Q4FY17) and it is expected to generate large free cash flows in the absence of immediate capex requirement.
air-conditioners-ac-cooler

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Air-conditioner maker Voltas and Turkey's Arcelik have decided to set up a USD 100 million joint venture for making a foray into the country's consumer durables market. The proposed JV will launch refrigerators, washing machines, microwaves and other white goods and domestic appliances in India, the two companies said in a joint statement.

"Voltas Limited, a Tata Enterprise; and Ardutch BV, a subsidiary of Arcelik AS - part of the Koc Group, have agreed to establish a joint venture company (JVC) in India, to enter the consumer durables market in the country.

The new company to be incorporated in India will be an equal partnership joint venture," the companies said in a joint statement. "Consumer durables is a logical extension for Voltas and we are delighted to be forming this joint venture with Arcelik.

The Voltas-Beko partnership will also leverage the well-known brand and distribution strengths of Voltas, and we will work towards establishing the joint venture as a market leader for consumer durables in India," Tata Sons Director and Chairman of Voltas Ishaat Hussain said.

Arcelik has been selling home appliances under Beko brand name in Europe for the past seven years. The JV will leverage the brand presence, sales and distribution network of Voltas, which is the market leader for residential air-conditioners in India, with over 20 per cent market share.

"The JVC will have an equity capital of USD 100 million, and Tata Investment Corporation Limited (TICL) and Koc Holding (KOC) will also hold 1 per centy equity stake each, in the new joint venture," the statement said.

While Arcelik will bring to the JVC its R&D and manufacturing speciality along with product range and global sourcing capabilities.

"The brand is the market leader in the UK...The complementary strengths of the two partners will help build a sustainable consumer durables business in India," the statement said.

The JVC will set up a manufacturing facility in the country, and it will also source products from Arcelik's global manufacturing facilities and vendor base.

"Given the accelerating shift of global economic power to Asia, this joint venture will be a critical step for Beko's growth in the region. India stands out as an important opportunity window as it offers a great potential with its 1.3 billion population," President of Consumer Durables Group of Koc Holding, Fatih Kemal Ebiclioglu said.
wipro-new

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Wipro, Indias third largest IT services company, has tightened its appraisal and separation policy, following protests from employees who were asked to resign because of a poor appraisal rating in the current appraisal cycle.

Under the earlier appraisal policy, employees rated More Contribution Expected (MCE) for two consecutive years could be asked to leave. However, the company faced resistance when it asked employees with one MCE rating to resign during the latest round of lay-offs.

Consequently, on May 10 , the companys human resource department sent out a mail which said: MCE rating for two consecutive years is a mark of non-performance of an employee. All consequent appraisals of these employees will be blocked and separation process will be initiated for them. Nevertheless, the organization reserves the right to initiate the separation process for employees who are rated MCE for one year, irrespective of the rating the previous year. For Geos other than India, laws of the land shall take precedence and action will be taken in alignment with those laws. The mail further said that no exception to this policy would be valid unless such exceptions are expressly approved by the CEO/CHRO of the company.

Wipro is in the process of trimming its workforce by 10 percent this year as its aims to boost productivity through automation. However, the company has called these baseless rumours.

As a result, several employees who got a low rating of MCE (more contribution needed) this year were asked to resign instead of referring them to a performance improvement plan (PIP) as was the practice.

The performance evaluation guidelines are a part of the well documented appraisal system and have nothing to do with the separation policy, Wipro said in a statement.

Employees of Wipro have alleged that the company is looking at weeding out the middle management under the pretext of poor performance. Employees say the company is targeting employees in a certain age bracket (35 years and above) and salary bracket (Rs 10 lakh per annum and above) and which is why managers are giving poor rating indiscriminately.

The revised appraisal policy will make it easy for Wipro to weed out employees without putting them through a performance improvement programme.

In response to a questionnaire on the change in policy, Wipro said: Wipros transparent and robust performance appraisal system offers multiple opportunities to employees to improve their performance along with regular quarterly feedback. Also, the appraisal rating process includes reviews by the manager, followed by the managers supervisor. They look at the output for all four quarters to arrive at the final rating of the employee. The annual appraisal process including the finalisation of merit salary increases extends from April to June.
A screenshot of CBSE website cbse.nic.in

The Central Board of Secondary Education has declared CBSE Class 12 Result 2017.

The 12th result is available on the board's official websites cbseresults.nic.in. The other site cbse.nic.in is currently down. Results will also be available on results.nic.in.

As per available information Raksha Gopal of Noida's Amity International School topped the CBSE with 99.6 percent. Bhumika Sawant of Chandigarh closely followed with 99.4 percent marks.

However, the overall pass percentage this year dipped slightly to 82 percent from 83.05 percent last year.

The CBSE 12th result 2017 declaration means closure for lakhs for students and their parents who have been awaiting the results for some time now. (READ: CBSE 12th Result 2017: How to beat results stress)

CBSE website notification announcing CBSE 12th Result 2017 date and time.

They come after the government's controversial announcement -- following the exams -- that it would scrap the marks moderation policy.

Last week, the Delhi High Court voided the decision, saying the CBSE board should reinstate the policy this year -- a ruling that appeared to have delayed the results declaration date a bit.

Here's how students can check their results:

> Log on to official websites: cbseresults.nic.in, results.nic.in or cbse.nic.in. If the websites experience slowness, students can also try checking private exam-tracking websites such as Indiaresults or Examresults, which also post results on their websites.

> Look for the tab/link Senior School Certificate Examinations (Class 12) Results 2017 (All Regions)

> Enter your roll and school number. Your CBSE result will be displayed.

> Take a print out for future reference.

What is marks moderation policy?

According to the marks moderation policy, marks of students, who are believed to have been given an easier set of question papers during the exams, are revised higher.

There is a grace marks system within it too, with which scores of students whose marks are just below the passing line are pushed above.

Following the Delhi High Court verdict, HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar has gone on record to say that while the CBSE Board will not spike marks for high scorers, it would continue to give grace marks for 12th Result 2017 and 10th Result 2017.

CBSE Class 10th Result 2017 is expected to come out on June 2.

This year, nearly 11 lakh students appeared for the CBSE 12th exams while close to 9 lakh students appeared for the 10th exams.
Pakistan Air Force flew Mirage fighter planes near the Siachen glacier this morning and has made all of its forward operating bases fully operational.

A report by Pakistan-based Samaa TV said Pakistan Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman visited the airbase in Skardu and flew a Mirage fighter plane today.

The move comes after the Indian Army yesterday launched a punitive assault on Pakistani post along the Line of Control (LoC) which was aiding infiltration of terrorists.

Mirage jets of PAF are part of exercises since the forward base was made operational. Aman met the pilots and technical staff of the fighting force. A fighter squadron carried out higher and lower altitude flights.

"The nation should not worry about the enemys statements. We are peace loving people but are ready to face all kinds of challenges," the PAF Air Chief said in an address to the media.

Meanwhile, Indian Air Force denied violation of Indias airspace.

The Siachen glacier is the highest battleground on the earth. It is located in the eastern Karakoram range in the Himalayan mountains where the Line of Control between India and Pakistan ends.

The terror attacks on military camps continue to rise in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, and Indian Air Force Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa recently wrote a personal letter to the IAF officers asking them to be prepared for operations at a very short notice, according to a report in the The Times of India.

Yesterday, Defence Minister Arun Jaitley said that the government fully supports the action taken by the army against Pakistani post along the LoC involved in aiding infiltration of terrorists into India.

He further said the Army is taking such "preemptive" and "measured" actions to counter terrorism in the Kashmir Valley, necessary to maintain peace.
The Maratha community has decided to hold its "biggest" silent march in Mumbai on August 9 to press for its 20 demands, including reservation.

This planned rally would mark the completion of the one year of the Maratha Kranti Muk Morcha, the silent marches taken out by the community, as the first such rally was taken out on August 9 last year in Aurangabad, followed by other cities across the state.

One of the organisers of the Maratha Kranti Muk Morcha, Sanjeev Bhor Patil, said, "We will hold the biggest rally on August 9 this year in Mumbai. It will start from Jijamata Udyan in Byculla and end at Azad Maidan."

The Sakal Maratha Samaj, an umbrella organisation of several Maratha groups, will organise the event.

"As the first Maratha Kranti Muk Morcha was held on August 9 last year, the community members decided to hold the biggest rally in Mumbai on the same day this year," he added.

The Marathas have been holding silent marches in different parts of the state to press for their demands, including punishment for culprits in the Kopardi rape and murder case and quota in education and government jobs, Amendment in SC, ST Prevention of Atrocities Act to stop its misuse, loan waiver to farmers to curb suicides, and guaranteed rate for agricultural produce.

According to Bhor Patil, before the march, a meeting will be held in Kopardi village in Ahmednagar district on July 13 in memory of the Kopardi gang-rape and murder victim.

"A meeting will take place in Kopardi village of Karjat tehsil in Ahmednagar on July 13. A girl from Maratha community was raped and murdered on that day last year, which triggered an outrage among the Marathas and led to the silent marches. The meeting will be held in her memory," Bhor Patil said.

A member of the organising committee, Nanasaheb Patil said, "The code of conduct for the rally will be the same as it was in the past. There will be no slogan-shouting, and everyone will march silently and peacefully."

Another member, Rajendra Kondhare, said the community had submitted a list of 20 different demands to the state government.

A meeting will also be held in June at Raigad Fort, where the members would take a pledge to continue the struggle for the welfare of the community.

"We will meet on Raigad Fort on June 6, the anniversary of the coronation ceremony of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj," Shantaram Kunjir, a member of the Sakal Maratha Samaj, said.
While one shouldn't dwell in the past, it shouldn't be forgotten either for it shapes events which play out in the future. Moneycontrol takes a look at some of the crucial episodes on May 24 which had a bearing on the fortunes of India and the world.

On May 24, 1991, former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi was cremated in New Delhi three days after he was assassinated by a suicide bomber. On May 21, Gandhi was visiting Sriperumbudur in Chennai for an election rally, when a woman who had explosives strapped underneath her clothes bent down and touched his feet. She then detonated the device, killing Gandhi and 14 other people.

Sri Lanka's militant LTTE was blamed for the attack, their motive being India's involvement in peacekeeping efforts during the Lankan Civil War.

Let's go back in time and see what else happened on this day in history:
The BJP is leaving no stone unturned to woo Tamil actor Rajinikanth who has dropped strong hints of joining politics in recent days. After Union minister Nitin Gadkari, BJP chief Amit Shah has welcomed the southern superstar to join the party ranks.

We welcome every good individual in the party. The final decision has to be taken by Rajinikanth ji, Shah said. Speaking to CNN-News18, the BJP president admitted that the party was weak in Tamil Nadu. As of now, our party is weak in the state. We will publicise the central governments policies and good governance to improve our base in the state.

Read More: http://www.news18.com/news/politics/now-amit-shah-woos-rajinikanth-says-bjp-is-weak-in-tamil-nadu-1410507.html
On May 26, 2017 the Narendra Modi-led Government will complete three years in office. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) stormed to power riding on a landslide victory in the 201 Lok Sabha polls. It won 282 Lok Sabha seats, securing a majority of its own for the first time in its 37-year history.

To mark the occasion, PM Narendra Modi is expected to make a speech to the nation and launch a series of vital projects from Assam, signalling the importance he attaches to a remote region that is hemmed in by China, Bangladesh and Myanmar.

From Demonetisation to Surgical Strikes on Pakistan to landslide victory in Uttar Pradesh  We bring to you a recap of PM Modis three years in power. Watch this video to know more
Disgraced former President Park Geun-hye showed up in court on Tuesday in handcuffs with her prisoner number 503 pinned to her chest, her first public appearance since she was indicted on April 17. She would still be president had it not been for the massive influence-peddling and corruption scandal that brought out millions into the street to demand her ouster. To the court, she is simply "the accused Park Geun-hye." This is undeniably humiliating for an ex-president, but it is worse for the public to witness.

Park denies all of the 18 criminal charges she faces, including bribery and abuse of power, and now faces a protracted legal battle. The court must ensure that the trial proceeds purely according to law and that any decisions judges make are made based solely on the evidence before them. Political groups must not seek to wield any influence or pressure. Many people are incredulous at the events unfolding before their eyes because the ousted leader had so many opportunities to avoid her present fate.

What she fails to understand is that her fault goes far beyond letting someone like her secret confidante Choi Soon-sil wield so much control over her administration. Park erred by keeping herself shut away, using authoritarian methods that turned the clock back decades, being incapable of accepting criticism, relying on a small coterie of advisers, and invariably choosing the wrong people to work for her -- in short, treating the presidency like her private fiefdom rather than a public office.

Park is the third president of Korea to appear in court facing criminal charges, but other former leaders have faced other dire outcomes, including asylum, assassination and suicide. This is tragic for a country with only a 70-year history of constitutional rule. How long will this continue?

The existing presidential system, in which leaders wield tremendous power while their policies are stonewalled by the National Assembly, has run its course. Koreans will get to vote on a new Constitution in June next year. We must put an end to a political landscape where parties battle it out simply to ensure that their candidate gets to be president, and a system that hands absolute power to the president who then goes on a vendetta against his or her rivals once in office. It is time for Korean democracy to grow up.


business We would welcome Rajnikanth if he decides to join BJP: Amit Shah As the Modi government completes three years in power -- the BJP is working with a renewed vigour to expand the party's footprint across the country. The party has been weak in southern states like Tamil Nadu and BJP President Amit Shah is focussing on strengthening the party organisation in those states. As a party of that strategy -- Amit Shah has reiterated road and transport minister Nitin Gadkari's offer to Rajnikanth to join the BJP.
In a countdown to three years of Modi government, CNBC-TV18 spoke to the heads of different ministries to know all about the work done by them over the years.

Power and Coal Minister Piyush Goyal proudly said that India today had moved from being a nation of power shortages to a nation that is grappling with power surplus.

He said they have set an ambitious target of electrifying all the villages by the year-end and electrifying the entire nation by August 15, 2022.

He said now with power in surplus, the tariff policy needs to be relooked keeping this in mind.

Talking about different states, he said the Tamil Nadu State Discom will turn profitable, for the Rajasthan Discom the losses have halved, while one of Haryanas Discoms have also turned profitable and the UP government is working hard to turnaround UP Discom.

He said, The despondency of the past turning into a sense of optimism, self-reliance, India on its own feet, energy secure, that I think is the biggest story as far as the power and coal sector go.

Below is the transcript of the interview

Q: To look at the record of the last three years, what would you say is the seminal achievement of your own ministry?

A: The big picture is that a country which was accustomed to shortages is today grappling with the problem of surplus. That change of mind set has completely changed the way policy is made, the way companies are planning their investments.

I was recently telling my colleagues that the entire tariff policy also needs to be relooked in this new scenario.

The coal linkages in the earlier days were a prized possession. Today we have made it so transparent that everybody has an equal opportunity to bid and get a coal linkage of his choice, where he saves money on transportation. It is an efficient way of utilising coal. I see the records every day and I worry for the fact that India over the years could not imagine being self-sufficient in coal.

Therefore we have setup 83100 megawatt of thermal capacity which is largely based on imported coal or imported blends of coal because of which Coal India today can produce much larger quantities, India could be domestically self-reliant at least for thermal coal. We are helplessly importing coal to feed these plants.

Now this despondency of the past turning into a sense of optimism, self-reliance, India on its own feet, energy secure, that I think is the biggest story as far as the power and coal sector go.

Q: What would say is the agenda for the next two years?

A: Prime Minister Narendra Modi believes that we have to take power to every household in this country. Every child deprived of power, 70 years after independence is a matter of shame for this country, collectively.

We have set a deadline of August 15, 2022 by when we want to ensure that everybody gets access to affordable and good quality power.

On a personal note, we will make sure that the villages get electricity by the end of this year. We will make sure that every household in the 18,452 villages, the target Prime Minister Modi has set for 1000 days, will within those 1000 days not only have power reach them but every household in these 18,452 villages will have electricity. I am trying to advance the target of 2022 as much as possible. Hopefully, by 2019 about 2.5 years from now we want to ensure that every house in this country gets power either through the grid or through off-grid solutions, which also we are employing in a large way.

Q: While coal is not a bottleneck anymore, the big bottleneck is still demand. We have not heard of a PPA in a long time or at least a substantial amount of PPA. You have brought the DISCOM debt considerably down because of UDAY but they are still not surplus enough to put out PPAs. How do you solve that problem?

A: There are three aspects to your question, first of all yeh dil maange more, I am delighted that it is yeh dil maange more. Even a beggar doesnt go to anybody unless he believes that he can give him something. So, it is a great thumbs-up for the trust that the people of India have in Prime Minister Modi and his government. The fact that they believe if there is somebody who can transform their lives, if there is somebody who can meet the aspirations of a billion people, it is Prime Minister Modi. With his commitment, with his zeal to serve the poor, the farmers, rural India, the people know that he is the man who can take this country to the next level.

As regards to the second question of demand, I think you need to get the right perspective to the people of India. In the first place, the demand in power sector has grown 6.5 percent from the established power infrastructure, all three years. The CAGR is about 6.5 percent.

In the last 10 years when the UPA Congress was in power the growth was 6.16 percent CAGR and the so called boom years also included. So, the demand has not slowed down at all.

The thrust on energy efficiency, which the Modi government has brought in was never there in the country or in fact in the world before. The kind of huge rollout on LEDs, on tubelights, on fans, on better air conditioning systems, the fact that we are working with agricultural pumps becoming more energy efficient, my next programme is going to rollout around motors with new DC Brushless Motors. A rough assessment indicates that when we will turn 100 percent LED by 2019 or so, and the pace is rapid, we will be saving about 112 billion units of electricity annually. My consumers in India will save Rs 40000 crore in electricity bills every year.

If you put that in perspective of energy demand, it would have added another 3 percent. So, if we had not done this big savings for the consumers, energy demand would have been 9.5 percent. I would lastly like to submit that captive power is still not captured in all this.

If you recall earlier, captive power plants were all starving for coal. Today they are all surplus, flush with coal. Captive power generation was not been captured in the past. I have asked my office to have a look at that but I would not be surprised if that power generation has grown by leaps and bounds in the last three years.

In terms of the PPAs, with this kind of demand and in the peak summer this has been one of the worst summers. You have not heard of any power outages anywhere in the country, Delhi is a little bit of an exception more because the Delhi government failed to create the enabling infrastructure to meet this high demand.

We had a small tenure when we were handling the Delhi government before November 2014, in which period recognising the problems of Delhi and you recall my baptism by storm, my early days as power minister, we drew up a Rs 7000 crore programme to upgrade the Delhi infrastructure to meet this growing demand particularly in peak months.

Sadly the new government that was elected failed to implement that programme. I had meetings with them, I had meetings with the power minister and his officials, and they said we believe we dont need to invest this money.

Q: That is really the problem, state governments are not going behind DISCOMs, ensuring them to be financially well equipped to go out and put PPAs. It is not as if India doesn't have a power need.

A: Not all the state governments, there may be a few which .

Q: Have you actually seen some of the DISCOMs becoming financially profitable?

A: Yes. I had the power minister of Tamil Nadu with me yesterday and he said that a state which was making Rs 15000 crore loss will by next year be making a profit.

Rajasthan which was also making about Rs 15000 crore loss during the Ashok Gehlot regime when they had messed up the entire power infrastructure, Vasundhara Raje Scindia has been working steadfastly and I believe they will have halved their losses this year. By next year we are quite hopeful that that state will also breakeven.

Haryana has two DISCOMs, one has turned into profit, the other we are working on. Uttar Pradesh was in a very bad state of flux. Yogi Adityanath has taken this up as a mission to take power to every home, to strengthen the power infrastructure, to eliminate corruption in his state. I may have had about 12 or 13 interactions in less than two months with Chief Minister of UP.

Q: I will tell you the number of power plants that are operating at less than 50 percent PLF in thermal. GMR, GVK, Adani, Reliance Power, everybody will tell you that they have some plants which are operating at 50-60 PLF for want of PPA.

A: This has gone to prove that Prime Ministers decision to scrap the planning commission was correct. After all the figures that the planning commission used to come out with in terms of what the country needs, what the shortages are, have caused this distress.

There was a small shortage and you had 100000 megawatt of capacity being created. Today all of that stress is because of surplus capacity.

Q: You will have to admit there are two issues where there is need for power. Our annual consumption level is about 1000 kilowatt hours. China is 4000 kilowatt hours, developed countries are 15000 kilowatt hours. So, clearly there is a bit of a catch-up in terms of demand and DISCOMs are not giving PPAs.

A: China's demand largely is fuelled by the large manufacturing bases that they had setup. Second, India's per capita income is one fifth or one fourth of China. So, your perspective of looking at it is entirely wrong.

India's growth can be juxtaposed to its own economic growth and the growth in power demand can go in tandem with that. I would aspire to have 4000 kilowatt certainly but not tomorrow, there is a trajectory.

Q: The problem is that there are these power plants which are not operating to capacity.

A: Obviously they won't. If the denominator goes up very significantly, irrationally - by the way I could have let all of these plants remained stressed and stalled, the banking system would have collapsed. So, rather than that we have tried to get all of them into operation, get them to operate even if the whole plant load factor of the nation falls because we are still meeting energy needs. We have Vidyut Pravah as an app which gives you real time data. Yesterday while I was sitting with the owner of a very large newspaper chain, I looked up the Vidyut Pravah app and I was a little sad that the price has gone up to Rs 3.82 per unit. So, this is the stage where India has come where at Rs 3.82 per unit the power minister is worried that why has it gone beyond Rs 3.50 per unit as against Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Telangana and at times UP also buying power at Rs 11-12 per unit.

Q: Are you seeing the DISCOMs put out any PPAs because that is the hunger for the banks also.

A: Nobody will put out a PPA unless there is a need for a PPA. There were irrational amounts of PPAs signed in the past which are now coming into use and people are buying power out of that. I can't force the states to have a PPA to solve out a problem of a private generator when he has set it up without having a PPA on a calculation which was flawed in the first place.

Q: Do you think gas based plants therefore have to be scraped, no possibility of them being.

A: All options are open. I am talking to several countries and several suppliers of gas to see if we can get an assured long term supply of gas which allows power to be generated at an affordable price. We cannot allow very expensive power into the system today with solar, wind all of them coming below grid parity now. I am sure gas also we will have to find solutions around that.

Looking at the whole ecosystem, right from supply of gas, liquefaction, shipping, regasification upto power generation if we can address the entire ecosystem and make power affordable, we will be delighted.

Q: Is that the project for the next two years?

A: It is amongst many other things that are also on our radar.

Q: Do you think solar is also likely to create bad loans and default loans because the price has crashed to Rs 2.4 per unit, are you worried about that?

A: You need to get out of being a naysayer always. Get a little more optimistic, believe in India, believe in this country. You said the same thing at Rs 4.64, you said the same thing when it breached Rs 4, you said the same thing when we breached Rs 3, you can keep talking about it. I am confident that if Softbank - a company as famous for giving absolutely humongous returns to their investors has bid at Rs 2.44 per unit, I believe that the private sector should know what they are bidding for.

Q: What is your one goal for the next two years?

A: We want to take electricity to every man because I believe those poor children have a right to education, have a right to electricity which will help them have a better quality of life.
In an epoch-defining moment in Indian foreign policy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi would be the first Indian Head of the Government to visit Israel. In his two-day visit starting July 5, the PM will visit Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, during the course of which India and Israel are slated to sign agreements on defence, agriculture, water conservation and innovation/start-ups.

CNN-News18s Sumit Pande spoke to Dr Vijay Chauthaiwale, the Head of BJP's Foreign Policy Department. The micro-biologists who is said to have created the Madison Square template for Modis foreign trips says that UPA may have kept Indias relationship with Israel under the radar due to vote bank politics.

Read More: http://www.news18.com/news/india/pm-modi-to-address-indian-diaspora-in-israel-on-july-5-bjps-foreign-policy-dept-chief-1410453.html
A Chinese academic has raised an outcry among demographers by claiming that India outruns China as the most populous country in the world.

Yi Fuxian, a University of Wisconsin-Madison academic, first expressed his views at a conference in Beijing, only to reiterate the same on an interview with The Guardian on Wednesday.

I think the real number is 1.29 billion but the (Chinese) government thinks it is 1.38 billion, Yi said. India is maybe 1.32 billion right now, he told the paper.

Yi was convinced that the last 26 years saw the Chinese overestimating the countrys population by about 90 million, partly by inflating rates of fertility. He asserted that Chinas population at the end of last year would have been 1.29 billion as opposed to the accepted figure of 1.37 billion.

He hoped his controversial findings would prompt a debate over Chinas demographic time-bomb which he called the countrys number one problem.

Chinese and Indian scholars expressed bewilderment and scepticism at his claims, and refuted Yis arguments.

Wang Feng, a leading demographer from the University of California, Irvine, dismissed Yis claims as sensational, extremely sloppy and based on highly politicised back-of-the-envelope calculations.

Asked what he thought Chinas true population was, Wang said: I would go with the government number.

India's population rose four times to around 1.3 billion since 1947, the year the country gained independence. World Health Organisation pegs India's population to reach 1.7 billion by 2050.
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August 28, 2011

Abdelhakim Belhadj And Saif al-Islam Gaddhafi

The Independent reports today what was to be expected of some of the rebels in Libya:

Yesterday, The Independent on Sunday learned that the rebel military commander behind the successful assault on Tripoli had fought in Afghanistan alongside the Taliban and was an Islamist terror suspect interrogated by the CIA. Abdelhakim Belhadj, the newly appointed commander of the Tripoli Military Council is a former emir of the Libyan Islamic Fighting Group (LIFG)  banned by Britain and the US as a terrorist organisation after the 9/11 attacks.

Maybe the Independent on Sunday learned this from watching Pepe Escobar who reported it yesterday on Russia TV (video).

Or maybe Pepe Escobar and the Independent read about this in the piece by Hossam Salama published last Thursday in the English version of Asaraq Al-Awsat:

Cairo, Asharq Al-Awsat  Abdelhakim Belhadj is the commander of the Libyan rebel Tripoli Military Council; he emerged as a leader during the Libyan rebels operation to liberate the Libyan capital from Gaddafi control. Belhadj is also a former Emir of the Libyan Islamic Fighting Group (LIFG), which was banned internationally as a terrorist organization following the 9/11 attacks.

...

Funny how much gets reported without giving credit where its due to those who did the original work.

But away from that the the issue is interesting because what follows from it. Abdelhakim Belhadj and his fellow LIFG fighters now in charge of Tripoli have personal reasons to hate the U.S. and to like Saif al-Islam. This could further a comeback for Saif.

Abdelhakim Belhadj (aka Abdelhakim Al-Khoweildy aka Abu Abdullah Assadaq aka Abdallah al-Sadeq) fought with the Mujahedeen against the Soviets, was caught after 9/11 and tortured by the CIA.

According to Human Rights Watch which later interviewed him in a Libyan prison:

Malaysian security officials had arrested him on March 3, 2004 and handed him over to the CIA which he says interrogated and tortured him in Thailand. The CIA rendered Abdelhakim Al-Khoweildy to Libya on March 9, 2004.

In a footnote HRW notices:

His claims are consistent with what is known about the CIA's treatment of detainees, ...

In Libya Abdelhakim Belhadj was kept in prison on death row until March 2010 and was released on the insistence of Gaddhafi's son Saif al-Islam:

"These releases come in the context of national reconciliation and social peace," said Mohamed al Allagi, chairman of the human rights committee of the Gaddafi Foundation, the charity which helped organize the release. The charity is headed by Saif al-Islam, a reform-minded son of Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi who some analysts say could eventually succeed his father. Saif al-Islam has campaigned for reconciliation with Islamists who promise to lay down their arms. His initiative has met resistance from conservatives in his father's entourage with whom he is competing for influence.

Saif al-Islam seems to have trusted Abdelhakim Belhadj's on others claimed conversion to peaceful means. He has some reason to be disappointed by them. But he has even more reason to be disappointed with the "west".

In his last public interview Saif al-Islam said that he will join forces with the Islamists:

The liberals will escape or be killed, the son, Seif al-Islam el-Qaddafi, vowed in an hourlong interview that stretched past midnight. We will do it together, he added, wearing a newly grown beard and fingering Islamic prayer beads as he reclined on a love seat in a spare office tucked in a nearly deserted downtown hotel. Libya will look like Saudi Arabia, like Iran. So what?

By no means is the rebellion or revolution in Libya over. Lots of things will still happen.

Saif al-Islam has personally helped to get Abdelhakim Belhadj and many other LIFG folks off the death row and out of prison. He knows them well. They have at least some good reason to be thankful to him.

The "western" forces that arranged for the current upper hand of the rebels will now try to scheme their ways into installing a pliant puppet regime. The LIFG folks will not like that and Abdelhakim Belhadj will remember who tortured him.

An "expert" in the Independent says 30% of the rebel front fighters are Islamists. They do have the force and military means to win against the more liberal revolutionaries. They did not join the rebellion for seculatity, liberty or democracy. If Gaddhafi or his son can get some of their constituency to join with them, there may well be a comeback to the top for at least Saif al-Islam.

Posted by b on August 28, 2011 at 17:41 UTC | Permalink

Comments
Jonathan Miller: Welcome to the Morningstar manager check up where we start with the JOHCM UK Growth fund that Mark Costar has run since launch in late 2001. The manager focuses on finding undervalued, undiscovered, and mispriced growth opportunities. Its a bottom-up approach, that requires thorough analysis of a companys prospects, risks, and opportunities.

The portfolio is underweight mid-caps on valuation grounds, with new ideas being typically found in the large- and small-cap segments of the market. The unconstrained mandate, coupled with the often-contrarian positioning mean returns can deviate meaningfully from the index. This therefore requires patience, but we believe investors will be compensated over the long term, so the fund retains its Morningstar Analyst Rating of Silver.

Next up is the Blackrock Gold & General fund that Evy Hambros managed since April 2009, and who brings a wealth of experience to this specialist area. Hes proved that hes a talented portfolio manager and is supported by a well-resourced team, with Tom Holl appointed as comanager a couple of years ago. The investment approach centres around the teams detailed commodity and company research.

The valuation analysis is rigorous and his leads to an emphasis on large producers with the ability to grow their production in a relatively low-cost manner. Performance has been strong, with returns substantially ahead of the FTSE Gold Mines Index and strong stock-picking has been the main driver behind the funds outperformance. We see this fund as best in class in this space and it retains is Gold analyst rating.

Finally, the Matthews Asia, Asia Dividend fund. The managers Yu Zhang and Robert Horrocks have been at the helm since mid-2013. They focus on companies with clear dividend policies and commitments to growing their dividends.

We find a portfolio thats different from the index in terms of country and sector weightings, and the duo also invests in small caps. Given the resilience of dividend payers, the fund moderates downside risks, while retaining upside potential. Taking a wider view, of this specialist Asia house, thats actually based on the West Coast of the US, theres a team of 38 on the investment side producing good results across a wide variety of offerings.

Although the clean share class is more expensive than peers, theres strong execution of the process backed by a dedicated team, and the fund maintains its Morningstar analyst rating of Bronze.
Society, movies or peers: Who is to blame for crimes by jilted lovers, stalkers? | News Brake Ep 41
A 27-year-old Midland man died Saturday morning in a two-vehicle wreck, 5 miles west of Odessa in Ector County, according to a press release from the Department of Public Safety.

Robert A. Ybarra was driving a Dodge Ram pickup north on Farm-to-Market Road 1936, and another Dodge pickup towing a trailer was eastbound on State Highway 302. Ybarra failed to yield right of way at the intersection and was hit by the other pickup, according to the release.
Information about Missouri Southern

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The attack in Manchester, England is the type of trigger event that can make survivors relive the Pulse tragedy.

Manchester attack triggered mental health response for some connected to Pulse attack

Mental Health Association dispatching some counseling resources early

Pulse anniversary events set for June 12, 2017; free counseling offered

RELATED: Many react to UK bombing at Ariana Grande concert

"I've already gotten a call this morning -- that incident last night has a triggered response," said Candy Crawford, who serves as the President/CEO of Mental Health Association of Central Florida.

The Mental Health Association has been preparing to offer free counseling at several Pulse anniversary events on June 12, 2017.

In response to the Manchester attack, they are dispatching some of those resources early.

"We're already dispatching one of our counselors to go and meet with some folks that are experiencing some difficulties," Crawford continued.

You cant get used to something like that. Its shocking every time it happens and every time you have something like that, youre going to have repercussions," Crawford explained.

For nearly a year, Crawford's team at the Mental Health Association of Central Florida has been providing free counseling services to about 100 Pulse survivors.

"Most of the people that we helped absolutely had zero options of any other place to go, either they were just totally uninsured or they were out of work and could not pay for it," Crawford said.

Crawford also said people who were inside the club that night are not the only ones who need support. Emergency crews who worked that night -- from medical staff to law enforcement -- also may be needing help.

"I couldn't emphasize that enough," Crawford responded.

The Mental Health Association of Central Florida plans to offer the free counseling and support services long term. However, they need to raise awareness and money to do that.

Mental health advocates said it's important to remember tragedies around the world will always hit closer to home in Central Florida, because of Pulse.

"And it's never too late. No matter how long you've been dealing with something or not dealing with it, it's never too late to get help and you can be helped," Crawford said.

The Mental Health Association of Central Florida will honor 60 first responders who worked the Pulse tragedy on at their annual Legacy of Champions luncheon on Wednesday, May 24 at 11:30 a.m. at the Rosen Centre Hotel on International Drive in Orlando.
British police have arrested a seventh person in connection with the Manchester Arena bombing.

Bomber British-born Libyan Salman Abedi 'likely' did not act alone

Abedi believed to have 'proven links' to ISIS

A total of 7 have been arrested in connection to bombing that left 22 dead

Ariana Grande to postpone the rest of her concert tour

The man was held Wednesday after police carried out searches in the English town of Nuneaton, which is about 161 kilometers (100 miles) south of Manchester.

His arrest was the first in England to take place outside of Manchester since the bombing.

Greater Manchester Police says six men and one woman remain in custody as the department investigates the Monday night bombing that killed 22 people.

Greater Manchester Police said the woman was detained during a series of property searches in the Blackley area of the city.

One of the men arrested is the older brother of the alleged bomber, Salman Abedi.

The Manchester police said in a statement: This is a fast-moving investigation and we are keeping an open mind at this stage.

Abedis father and younger brother also have been detained in Libya.

A Libyan anti-terror force that arrested the brother says he had links to the Islamic State extremist group and was aware of his brothers plans.

The Special Deterrent anti-terror force said in a statement on its Facebook page that the arrest took place in Tripoli as Hashim Abedi was receiving cash transferred from his brother, Salman.

The forces statement says: The brother was aware of all the details of the terrorist attack.

The Libyan security force claimed that Hashim Abedi told authorities that both he and his brother belonged to IS.

The Facebook statement says Hashim left Britain for Libya in April.

Special Deterrent force spokesman Ahmed bin Salem also told the Associated Press that Ramadan Abedi, the father of Salman Abedi, was detained in Tripoli on Wednesday.

Bin Salem says the elder Abedi was detained for interrogations.

Before his arrest, the father told the AP that his son was innocent and had been planning a trip to Saudi Arabia for a pilgrimage.

Ramadan Abedi also had said he worked as the administrative manager of the Central Security force in Tripoli.

He said he fled Tripoli in 1993 after Moammar Gadhafis security authorities issued an arrest warrant and eventually sought political asylum in Britain.

Meanwhile, the British government says a national minute of silence will be observed on Thursday to remember those who died or were affected by Mondays bombing at a Manchester arena.

The silence will take place at 11 a.m. local time on Thursday. Officials also said that flags will remain at half-mast on government buildings until Thursday evening.

Britains political parties say they plan to resume campaigning Friday for the June 8 general election after putting campaign events on hold to show respect to bombing victims.

Ariana Grande suspends world tour

Ariana Grande suspended her "Dangerous Woman" world tour and canceled several European shows Wednesday due to the deadly bombing at her concert in Manchester, England.

Shows Thursday and Friday in London were canceled, along with concerts through June 5 in Belgium, Poland, Germany and Switzerland. Refunds will be granted, the pop stars managers said in a statement. The tour was suspended to further assess the situation and pay our proper respects to the 22 dead and dozens injured in Mondays suicide attack in the northern England town.

Grandes tour is to pick up June 7 in Paris, followed by several more countries in Europe before moving on to Latin America, Asia and elsewhere.

We ask at this time that we all continue to support the city of Manchester and all those families affected by this cowardice and senseless act of violence. Our way of life has once again been threatened but we will overcome this together, the statement said.

Grande, who reportedly is in Boca Raton, Florida, with her family, has kept a low profile since the blast. An 8-year-old girl was among the dead. Grande took to Twitter afterward to say she was broken and i dont have words.

Sylvie Hui in London, Rob Harris in Manchester and Angela Charlton in Paris contributed.
A Brevard County sheriff's deputy has been suspended without pay after being arrested on domestic violence charges.

Richard Lemons is 10-year veteran of force

He is suspended without pay

Lemons is accused of assaulting estranged wife



Richard Lemons, 42, is accused of assaulting his estranged wife at his Melbourne home.

Police arrived mid-Tuesday afternoon to his beachside apartment. That's where they say his daughter was having an argument with his wife, her stepdaughter.

An arrest report sheds more light on the circumstances -- Lemons said his wife was arguing over her "living in the ghetto" and he was "living on the beach."

He told officers he didn't know how she found out where he lived, and believes she went to the apartment complex with a spare set of keys, looking for his vehicle.

Sheriff Wayne Ivey said he doesn't tolerate this type of behavior from his employees. The deputy was off-duty but still in uniform when it happened.

"She had some marks to the wrist, and I'm told the deputy threw her to the ground," Ivey said.



A scuffle ensued on the ground, with Lemons losing the name tag off his uniform.

The deputy is suspended without pay until an investigation by the state attorney's office.

Deputy Lemons is a 10-year veteran of the force, assigned to the South Precinct in Melbourne.

The report says Lemons told officers nothing physical happened.
Fremont police spent hours searching in vain for an escaped sheep Monday night, ultimately locating it Tuesday afternoon, officials said.

The sheep escaped from a yard and was running free through a Fremont neighborhood on Monday night, but no one could catch it, according to Geneva Bosques, a spokeswoman for the Fremont Police Department.

Eventually, searchers lost sight of the sheep, Bosques said. He was found Tuesday afternoon at the Fremont Fire Training Center on Stevenson Boulevard and taken to the Tri-City Animal Shelter in Fremont, where he enjoyed a leafy snack, according to police.

Police have since been in contact with the owner, Bosques said.

Baby Goat Gone Wild! This goat eluded our staff last night for 2+ hours. He was just located & brought to the #TriCityAnimalShelter, police wrote on Twitter Tuesday afternoon.

They were quickly informed the goat was, in fact, a sheep, and tweeted an amended hashtag  #BabySheepGoneWild  20 minutes later.

Filipa Ioannou is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: fioannou@sfchronicle.com
Carrier, the company President Donald Trump pledged to keep on American soil, informed the state of Indiana this week that it will soon begin cutting 632 workers from an Indianapolis factory. The manufacturing jobs will move to Monterrey, Mexico, where the minimum wage is $3.90.

That was never supposed to happen, according to Trumps campaign promises. He told Indiana residents at a rally last year there was a 100 percent chance he would save the jobs at the heating and air conditioning manufacturer.

About 1,400 positions were on the chopping block, per company estimates. Over the last year, Trump has claimed he could maintain at least 1,100 of those jobs in the U.S. But on Monday, the company gave official notice to Indiana officials that it would start laying off workers at the factory on July 20 and keep slashing staff until approximately 800 employees remain.

This action follows a thorough evaluation of our manufacturing operations, wrote Steven Morris, a Carrier manager in Indianapolis, in a memo to Indianas department of workforce development,and is intended to address the challenges the business faces in a rapidly changing industry.

The dismissals, he added, are expected to be permanent.

Trumps saga with Carrier began last spring, when he declared to an Indianapolis crowd that he would stop the company from uprooting in search of cheaper labor.

Heres whats going to happen, Trump said at the Indiana rally last April . Theyre going to call me and they are going to say Mr. President, Carrier has decided to stay in Indiana. 

He kept going. One hundred percent, Trump said. Its not like we have an 80 percent chance of keeping them or a 95 percent. 100 percent.

After the election, Trump took credit for rescuing the Carrier jobs, tweeting on Thanksgiving that he had called the companys leadership to cut a deal.

United Technologies, Carriers parent company, agreed to spare some of the positions in exchange for $ 7 million in state tax credits. (If the company outsourced any of those jobs over the next ten years, it would have to pay back the money, according to the IEDC.)

A celebratory Trump visited the factory in December and announced that, thanks to his negotiating, more than 1,100 of the jobs would stay in the heartland.

Carrier stepped it up, and now theyre keeping over 1,100 people, Trump told an audience of cheering factory workers.

He said those numbers could go even higher, noting that United Technologies had agreed to invest roughly $16 million into updating the plant.

And by the way, that number is going to go up substantially as they expand this area, this plant, Trump said. The 1,100 is going to be a minimum number.

But later that month, Greg Hayes, chief executive of United Technologies admitted that the $16 million investment would go towards automation.

What that ultimately means is there will be fewer jobs, he told CNBCs Jim Cramer.

Chuck Jones, president of the United Steelworkers 1999, which represents Carrier employees in Indianapolis, then provided further evidence that Trump had inflated the number of jobs that would remain in Indianapolis. Only 800 Carrier employees would be able to keep their jobs  770 factory workers plus 30 or so more employees, counting supervisors, according to the union count.

Jones told the Post days later that Trump had lied his a off. He suspected the then-president-elect was including in his count design and engineering jobs that were never going to leave. Trump responded on Twitter by saying Jones had done a terrible job as union president.

The full extent of the layoffs emerged Monday with Carriers announcement of 632 job losses. The company did not specify how many jobs, exactly, would stay in Indianapolis, but United Technologies told the Post in December that number was close to 800.

Holly Gillham, a spokesperson for the Indiana Economic Development Council, which was formerly led by Vice President Mike Pence, said Mondays notice of jobs cuts was consistent with Carriers arrangement with the state and Trump.

As announced in December, Carrier is fully committed to retaining more than 1,000 jobs in Indiana over the next 10 years, she said in an email. By choosing to maintain these Hoosier jobs, Carrier is showing confidence in Indianas skilled manufacturing workforce.

According to Jones, 550 union members will be laid off, plus another 82 temporary factory staffers who were brought on to help with the transition. The lay-offs begin in late July.

July 20, Jones said. Everyone knew it was coming, they just didnt know when, exactly. Its closure to a bad situation.

Michael Strain, director of economic policy studies at the right-leaning American Enterprise Institute, said Trumps deal with Carrier offered a partial solution to a broader problem.

American manufacturing employment, he noted, has dwindled for decades, especially in Indiana, where a third of workers held those jobs fifty years ago and the share today is closer to ten percent.

I wouldnt even call it a deal, Strain said. It seemed to be that Carrier was responding to political pressure and did so in a way that allowed them to make it through a political moment.

Trump, he said, benefited from the optics.

The president, Strain said, took the opportunity to position himself as a champion of American workers.

The number of Carrier jobs that will be eliminated is twice the size of the imminent job loss at Rexnord, the ball bearing factory about a mile away from the Carrier facility. Trump has slammed that company on Twitter, too, for outsourcing work to Mexico  but the firm has stuck to its plan and is dismissing the last hundred of its 300 employees in Indianapolis this summer.
A powerful consortium of oil producers that includes Saudi Arabia and Russia will try to goose lackluster oil prices this week with promises to extend previous output cuts for several months and perhaps into next year.

At a semiannual gathering in Vienna today, Saudi-led OPEC and other oil-producing nations are expected to strike a deal that would continue or possibly even deepen output cuts that stabilized the unruly oil market. These nations began reducing production in January.

Higher crude prices would fatten profits for oil companies and energy services firms that make up the core of Houstons economy. So far, though, OPECs cuts havent curbed the global oil glut nearly as much as anticipated, as $50-a-barrel oil fueled a U.S. drilling recovery that threatens to counteract the cartels efforts to lift prices.

Its a battle over barrels, said Robert McNally, president of the Rapidan Group, an energy consultancy. All we know is the market rebalancing keeps getting delayed.

In December, the U.S. Energy Department forecast that daily oil production outside of OPEC would only increase by about 600,000 barrels in 2017.

But now it projects daily output will rise by nearly 1.4 million barrels this year, spurred most of all by a surge of shale drilling that could lift American oil production next year past its 1970 record of more than 10 million barrels a day. Surging oil production in Brazil and Canada, and recoveries in Libya and Nigeria, may also offset the cuts by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries.

All this has diminished OPECs influence over global oil markets. Last year, OPEC officials almost doubled the price of oil by merely talking about the possibility of capping oil production, even though they boosted output by 1.4 million barrels a day.

But so far this week, signals from Saudi Arabia and Russia that the group is already close to an agreement havent caused prices to spike like they would have just five years ago, analysts said.

Theres a recognition that the world has changed, said Jamie Webster, a fellow at the Center on Global Energy Policy at Columbia University.

Oil traders also have grown increasingly skeptical of OPECs production cuts in part because oil exports are still flowing at full speed from several OPEC producers to overseas buyers.

OPECs exports to the United States, for example, have risen 9 percent in the first few months of the year compared with the same period last year, according to energy research firm ClipperData, which tracks oil vessels. This month, however, OPECs exports declined significantly, the firm discovered.

Some analysts believe the cartel may have sold off oil it had kept in storage in a bid to maintain revenues as it slowed production. That could be a big reason oil inventory levels in oil-importing countries like the United States havent dropped as far or as fast as OPEC expected.

Last year, OPECs export revenues dropped to their lowest point since 2004 at about $433 billion as prices fell to the lowest levels in more than a decade, bottoming at $26 a barrel in February 2016.

But as prices climb, the groups export sales could increase to $539 billion this year, despite its oil production cuts, the Energy Department said last week.

At the moment, OPECs 13 member countries and 11 other nations appear to be on the verge of reaching a deal this week. These two-dozen countries had agreed in December to slash output by a combined 1.8 million barrels a day over six months, hoping to reduce bloated global oil inventories to the five-year average and lift prices to support their oil-dependent economies.

This week, Iraq agreed to support a move to extend the cuts after a visit by Saudi Arabias energy minister, Khalid Al-Falih, appeared to quell tensions. But analysts say its foolhardy to assume other obstacles wont arise that could prevent OPEC from reaching a deal.

Theres plenty of kindling for an explosive discussion, McNally said. You never know with OPEC. One producer can upset the whole apple cart.

For example, its not yet clear how long OPEC might extend its cuts. Falih has argued extending oil production cuts of 1.8 million barrels a day through the first quarter of 2018 would bring global oil storage levels back down to the five-year average.

Other countries such as Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates have said there is still a debate among the producers over whether they should extend cuts for just six months rather than nine.

Issam Almarzooq, the Kuwaiti oil minister, warned Tuesday that not all of the oil-producing countries have agreed its necessary to extend the cuts by nine months, according to media reports.

U.S. oil prices settled at $51.36 a barrel Wednesday, down 11 cents.

OPEC would have to go above and beyond to give prices a lift, said Jason Bordoff, director of the Center on Global Energy Policy at Columbia University. If it broke down, that would truly send prices into a tailspin.

collin.eaton@chron.com

twitter.com/CollinEatonHC
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Rackspace Hostings board of directors tapped Joe Eazor from EarthLink Holdings Corp. to replace Taylor Rhodes as the companys new CEO.

Eazor, most recently the CEO of dial-up internet service pioneer EarthLink until he led the companys sale this year to Windstream Holdings, Inc., comes to Rackspace about nine months after it announced it was being acquired by New York private equity firm Apollo Global Management in a deal valued at $4.3 billion. About six months after that sale, then-CEO Taylor Rhodes said he was leaving the company.

Eazors appointment will be effective on June 12, according to a news release.

Joe has had a long and successful career growing IT services businesses, said David Sambur, senior partner at Apollo Global Management and chairman of the Rackspace board of directors, in a statement. He has a proven reputation for driving investment and allocation of resources to the areas that will generate the best returns.

Rackspace President Jeff Cotten served as CEO in the interim, and will continue to serve as president, according to a news release.

When Cotten was first appointed interim CEO, he had hoped he would eventually become the companys permanent chief executive, he acknowledged Wednesday in a blog post.

But my attitude was that if our board of directors could find someone better  someone with more relevant experience; someone I could learn from and collaborate with, I would be all for it, Cotten wrote. And thats exactly what the board has done.

Cotten called Eazor one of the most seasoned and effective executives in the entire technology industry.

In Februrary, , Eazor guided EarthLink through its sale to Windstream valued at about $1.1 billion, according to the release.

While at EarthLink, Eazor transformed its strategy, investing in profitable new products and exceptional customer service, according to the news release. He doubled free cash flow, sharply lifted employee culture scores and achieved a 79 percent CEO approval rating on Glassdoor.

Eazor, 54, also spent time at other tech companies before EarthLink.

As soon as the call came about Rackspace, I knew that was where I wanted to go, Eazor said in a statement. I know the company. Ive visited the headquarters and felt the spirit there, and watched Rackers at work.

Former Rackspace CEO Rhodes has been named chief executive officer of SMS Assist, the company announced Monday. SMS Assist is a Chicago-based technology company that has developed software to provide property management services to landlords, corporations, restaurants and other types of businesses.

Rhodes said in a blog post earlier this month that he would be leaving San Antonio-based Rackspace because he felt he had taken the company as far as he could given his strengths and skills.

The new job would play to his strengths, he said, adding that he thought it will provide a reinvigorating change. He did not specify the company name at the time.

This new job, at a smaller company, will also give me more control over my schedule and more time with my kids before the two oldest, who are now in high school, leave home for college, he wrote in the post.

In a blog post Wednesday, Eazor touted Rackspaces early lead in the managed cloud space.

Ive worked for some of the old giants like HP, and theyre too tied to the legacy ways of doing things to lead in this new era, Eazor wrote. Rackspace, in contrast, is purpose built for it. My goal here is to build on that foundation and make Rackspace the worlds preeminent IT-services company.

He said the company is well-positioned to take advantage of the increasing numbers of companies wanting to move their workloads out of corporate data centers and into cloud environments.

And the companys move to go private, Eazor wrote, is a big advantage.

As a private company, we can move more aggressively and rapidly to allocate resources for long-term growth, to enhance our product offerings, to expand into new geographies, and make smart acquisitions, Eazor said in a blog post Wednesday.

He hinted that Rackspace would have some big news on that last front very soon.
San Antonio has settled long-running criminal and civil battles over a city ordinance regulating payday and auto-title lenders.

A few businesses that opposed the ordinance, which took effect in 2013, have now registered with the city as credit access businesses and agreed to pay $60,000 to cover the citys costs, including investigative expenses. A civil lawsuit brought by one of the companies seeking to have the law declared unconstitutional has been dropped.

In addition, the city has agreed to dismiss criminal cases against the businesses, which had been charged with failing to register with the city and for refusing to present business records. Identical charges against one of the businesss store managers also are being dropped.

The two sides reached a settlement following a mediation last month, according to Joe Nino, deputy city attorney.

Our main goal was getting the CAB companies to go ahead and register with the city of San Antonio, which is what they did, he said. Were happy.

Nino said the companies that settled are Cash Station, doing business as Power Finance Texas; Rapido Dinero, doing business as Power Finance; and Texas Loan Brokers I, which operates two Texas Title Loan stores.

State corporate records show Cash Stations owners include state Rep. Gary Elkins, a Houston Republican who has fought state legislation to regulate payday lenders.

Charges also were dropped against Erika Escobar, who was store manager of the Power Finance store at 5431 Blanco Road in January 2014 when she was cited for violating the ordinance. She was the first person in the city to fight criminal misdemeanor offenses relating to the operations of a payday lender.

Escobar was found guilty by a jury in late 2014 and a judge ordered to pay $400 in fines and $140 in court fees. Her case was being appealed.

We settled our cases. Were registered, said John Dwyre, a Cash Station lawyer.

Nino said he believed all payday lenders and auto-title lenders operating in the city are now registered. As of Monday, there were 92 such businesses registered with the city. Thats down from 96 at the beginning of the year.

The number of payday and auto-title lenders in San Antonio has fallen by 130, or almost 60 percent, from the 222 that were in operation when the ordinance took effect more than four years ago. Among those to pull out of the city were Fort Worth-based Cash America International Inc. EZCorp closed about 30 stores that operated under the names EZMoney and EZPawn, the San Antonio Express-News reported in 2015.

A variety of factors were behind the downturn. They included increasing regulation, declining profitability, a rebounding economy and too much competition, the Express-News reported at the time.

In 2012, the city sought to end what the ordinance describes as abusive and predatory lending practices by some businesses that trap consumers in a cycle of high-interest debt.

The ordinance limits cash advanced to no more than a borrowers gross monthly income. Auto-title loans are limited to either 3 percent of a borrowers income or 70 percent of a vehicles value, whichever is lower. Loans are limited to three rollovers or renewals.

Cash Station, Rapido Dinero and Texas Loan Brokers together sued the city on New Years Eve 2012, a day before the ordinance took effect. An amended version of the suit alleged the businesses were victims of a systematic campaign of intimidation and oppression by city officials.

Specifically, detectives of the bunko unit have come to the places of business and have flashed their badges in public so that the customers can see and for the express purpose to intimidate the customers and employees, the lawsuit alleged. In these visits they seek to give legal advice to those not their clients in violation of the canons of ethics and the law.

A Bexar County district judge later tossed the suit in February 2014, but allowed the lenders to refile it. Cash Station sued the city in a separate suit in November 2014.

In Austin, a municipal court judge there struck down a portion of that citys payday lending ordinance in March, the Austin Monitor reported. The judge ruled that state law preempts the ordinances limits on the frequency and amount of installment payments. The city has appealed.

pdanner@express-news.net

Twitter: @AlamoPD

News Researcher Misty Harris contributed to this report.
For May, the Express-News invited teachers of creative writing programs in local high schools to select work from their students and celebrate the exciting creative energy of young writers throughout the community.

An Ode to Nature

Roots

Buried in the fossils of seashells

Placed with intention,

Removed out of aggravation,

Stepped on, pulled out, swept away

Foundation of life,

Foundation of breath.

Thin, paper thin.

Weak and easy to break,

Forage through the years;

Clasp down

And secure a place to grow.

Stem

Reaching for your destruction,

Bend to the light,

But dont stay too long.

Send your wishes to the sky,

Use your strength to stand tall

Even as you burn.

Leaf

You are the hands

We all wish to touch:

Soft, pleasingly rough.

You curve and flop and

When it gets too cold you fall.

The wise know your beauty.

They know your wrinkles are a miracle and

Cherish them through art,

Capturing the serenity of

Your old hands,

Your young hands

And return it to the world.

Forever spread,

Never destroyed

Calm.

Veronica Berger is a junior at the Young Womens Leadership Academy. In addition to creative writing, she enjoys dancing with a Fandango dance troupe through the citys Parks and Recreation Department. Her poem was selected by her teacher Michelle Grajeda.

Jim LaVilla-Havelin is the Express-News poetry editor. West, his fifth collection of poems, will be published by Wings Press in 2017.

Send poems to: Poetry, Express-News Book Editor, P.O. Box 2171, San Antonio, TX 78297-2171 (40-line limit).
JERRY LARA /San Antonio Express-News

While baguettes and croissants are still abundant on the 200 block of Broadway Street downtown, fans of French cuisine have been without one popular dining destination since Sylvain and Sylvie Nykiel suspended regular operations at Saveurs 209.

The couple opened Saveurs at 209 Broadway in 2013 and later launched the bakery La Boulangerie next door. The restaurant delivered Parisian-style fare in a fine dining environment for several years, but the Nykiels shuttered the shop about six months ago following a kitchen staff shakeup.
For Guy and Tara Capparelli, their latest namesake establishment marks a homecoming for the veteran restaurateurs. The two are weeks away from opening Capparelli's at 226 W. Bitters Road in the Embassy Oaks shopping plaza. The space was most recently home to Los Balito's Taco Shop, which recently moved into a larger unit directly next door.

The Capparelli's restaurants -- there are several locations across San Antonio -- are all owned independently by members of the Capparelli family or franchisees. The new spot will be the sole location run by Guy and Tara Capparelli, and it's located just blocks away from the first Capparelli's location, which they opened and sold years ago.
Brian A. Pounds / Hearst Connecticut Media

TRUMBULL  Tim Herbst, who announced on May 4 that he wouldnt seek a fifth term as first selectman, is expected to announce Thursday, June 8, that hell be seeking the state Republican partys nomination as its candidate for governor.

In an email to his supporters on Wednesday, Herbst wrote: On Thursday, June 8th, Ill be making a big announcement and I wanted to you to be among the first to know. I would be very grateful if you are able to attend and show your support!
Dear Toni,

Last year, my mother got into the "donut hole" in October. I can see from the Part D statement she receives that she is rapidly approaching the donut hole and it is only the beginning of May. None of her drugs have changed from 2016.

She can afford her co-pays of $180 per month that she pays at the pharmacy. The monthly Part D statement says the prescription drugs' cost is $950 per month. I'm confused.

Please give me some ideas to help control this cost! Thanks, Jennifer from Dallas.

Hello Jennifer,

Your mother's prescription drug problem is a typical problem since the cost of brand name prescriptions has risen dramatically. She can afford her $180 co-pays, but has no idea that the true cost of her prescription drugs is $950 each month.

Once her Medicare Part D prescription drug plan and the co-pays she pays total $3,700 for 2017 for her covered drugs, then she is in the famous "Donut Hole" or coverage gap.

She must pay the next $4,950 to get out of the "donut hole." She will pay 40 percent for a brand name drug and the brand name drug manufacturer will pay 50 percent of that covered brand name drug. Now the remaining 10 percent will be paid by the prescription drug plan which she enrolled in.

What happens if your brand name drug is not a "covered" brand name drug on your specific Part D plan? You will have to pay 100 percent of that brand name drug.

Generics cost less, and for 2017, the cost is a 51 percent co-pay when in the "donut hole." Many brand name drugs do not have a generic alternative to use.

That is why it is important when choosing a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan, whether beginning Medicare for the first time or during Fall's Medicare's annual enrollment, to be sure all prescriptions are covered on one's Part D plan.

Do research prior to enrolling in a Part D plan because if you choose the wrong plan, you cannot change it until Medicare's annual enrollment period, which is from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7 every year.

Jan. 1 of each year, the process starts all over again with a new Medicare Prescription Drug plan and different costs, deductibles, and a new donut hole.

Toni's Tips to help you stay out of the donut Hole or not get in it as soon!

1) Visit www.medicare.gov when selecting a Medicare Part D plan, whether it is your first time or changing during Medicare's Annual Enrollment Period in the fall. This is an accurate way to view the cost of drugs and which plan and pharmacy are most cost effective.

2) Talk to your doctor or doctors about which brand name drugs can be changed to generics.

3) Get samples from your doctor.

4) See what generics are in a $4 or $5 generic prescription drug programs at H-E-B, Wal-Mart, and Costco etc. Pay for the generics out of your pocket. To get their discounted price, you only need a prescription from your doctor.

5) Contact the Prescription Assistance Program in Lake Jackson at 979-285-1430, which has saved more than $64 million dollars helping people get their prescriptions at affordable prices when they can't pay for them.

6) Sign up for Toni's newsletter and receive a free copy of the new Medicare Prescription Drug Survival Guide e-book version at www.tonisays.com.

Toni King is the author of Medicare Survival Guide available only at www.tonisays.com and not sold in bookstores. Email questions to info@tonisays.com or call 832-519-TONI (8664).
For the third time in seven years, the Kingwood Rotary Club received the award for Rotary District 5890 Small Size Rotary Club of the Year.

District Governor Eric Liu presented the award during the Governor's Gala at the 2017 Greater Houston Area District 5890 Conference at La Torretta Lake Resort in April.

This award is given to clubs that exhibit service and support to the local and international communities, the Rotary District 5890 and The Rotary Foundation.

Small Size Rotary Club of the Year was not the only award presented to the Kingwood Rotary this year. The club also took home the 2017 Rotary District 5890 No. 1 Club in Membership Percentage Growth, as well as the No. 4 Ranking in Overall Membership Growth.

Additionally, Kingwood Rotarians Charlie and Tommie Buscemi were awarded for their contributions to greater Houston area youth.

Kingwood Rotary participates in a variety of volunteer and community service projects.

Locally, the Kingwood Rotary sponsors the EarlyAct FirstKnight Character Education Program at Bear Branch Elementary School in Humble ISD. The program educates students about morals and ethics through a 10-minute, daily curriculum.

The club also helps to support community organizations including a local Boy Scout troop, VFW, JROTC, FamilyTime Crisis and Counseling Center and Mission Northeast. They provided scholarships for students of Humble ISD to attend the Rotary Youth Leadership Award Camp, and club members volunteered during the Alspaugh's Fourth of July Barbecue and the Kingwood Fourth of July Parade.

Internationally, the Kingwood Rotary Club has partnered with other Rotary clubs over the past couple of years for more than $500,000 of Rotary Foundation Global Grants for international service projects.

The Kingwood Rotary club meets every Thursday from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at The Union Kitchen in Kingwood.

Kingwood Rotary President Deirdre Murray invites the community to join the Kingwood Rotary in its mission to uphold the core values of Rotary, which are service, fellowship, diversity, integrity and leadership.

For more information, visit www.KWRotary.org or call 281-359-7193.
Pasadena mayoral runoff candidates Jeff Wagner and John Moon Jr. both pledge changes regarding the volunteer fire department and the city's neighborhood grant program, which was portrayed in a federal voting rights trial as having been used as a tool to influence elections.

Moon and Wagner will face off in a June 10 runoff. Mayor Johnny Isbell is stepping down due to term limits.

Over the last 18 months, five people died as a result of residential fires. In two instances over the last year, police officers were injured by smoke inhalation because they arrived at fires before firefighters and tried to rescue people without the proper equipment.

The city did not issue public reports on the incidents.

Wagner, 53, a former Houston Police Department officer, wants to require the city to provide a full public report in cases where people died or were injured in fires.

"As a former first-responder, the safety of all citizens and the department personnel is a top priority of mine," said Wagner, 53. "When I become mayor, incident reports will be passed down to City Council and the public."

Wagner said he would make sure incident reports as well as finance documents related to the fire department would be made public to show how taxpayer funds are being spent.

"It's important that you understand that in my administration all incident and financial reports will be made public and are transparent," Wagner said.

Moon said he would work for speedier response by the fire department and examine what could be done to avoid residents' deaths in blazes.

Fire Chief Lanny Armstrong didn't return calls seeking information about the department's response times.

"First of all, I want to say I wholly support the Pasadena Volunteer Fire Department," said Moon, 57, a certified public accountant and a former trustee for San Jacinto College. "Regarding the deaths, we need to see what investigations have been done as to the causes of those deaths and see how they could possibly have been prevented."

According to the city's comprehensive annual financial review, the number of volunteer firefighters has remained relatively stagnant at 200 active members over the last decade despite that the city's population has grown by more than 4,000 to 153,784 since 2008.

"There are a variety of things we could look at - whether that involves additional equipment for the trucks or additional incentives to attract new volunteers to keep pace with the city's growth in the future," Moon said. "I'm not sure exactly because of the lack of transparency how funds (for volunteers) have been spent on a monthly basis. But, we may need to spend additional funds for volunteers or to improve morale so response times decrease. Regardless, we need to keep the citizens of Pasadena safe and we need to honor the commitment and dedication of the volunteer firefighters. I plan on improving the standards that we have for the volunteer fire department by helping them with whatever resources they need."

The city pays the volunteer fire department roughly $25,000 a month and provides for much of the department's needs. Volunteers receive a small stipend from the city allocation.

Reports related to the department's finances are not posted on the city website or provided to the City Council.

Pasadena Fire Marshall David Brannon said he believes the department is transparent regarding information about incidents.

"We are very transparent with what we do anytime anybody calls for a report," Brannon said. "This is something that comes up every time there is a major event, and these are not questions that we have ever hidden. We do everything we can to make sure we put that information out."

Changes to grant program?

Another issue for the next mayor is the Neighborhood Network Grant Program, which provides matching grants to homeowners' association and organizations for various projects. Judge Lee Rosenthal singled out the program in a 133-page November ruling that required the city to revert to a City Council system in which all seats are elected by district.

In the ruling, which followed a voting rights trial, Rosenthal said that Pasadena's voting system intentionally discriminated against Hispanic voters. According to court documents, the grant program was used to lobby residents from south Pasadena to support a 2013 charter-change election that resulted in at-large seats being added to a system of district representation.

Records shows in the weeks leading up to that election, neighborhood associations in south Pasadena received $99,532.22 in city grants, whereas organizations in the predominantly Hispanic north side received $776.23.

Richard Scott, who was the city's communications director in charge of the grant program department, admitted under oath in the trial to using city resources to campaign for the charter change and to help certain council candidates during the 2013 and 2015 election. Scott later retired.

Moon said he would work to expand the structure of the grant program to make sure funds are fairly distributed.

"I have concerns, because the Neighborhood Network Grant Program is currently oriented toward existing homeowners' associations, and in the older parts of Pasadena they don't have established HOAs," Moon said.

Help should be provided for older neighborhoods seeking to establish an HOA and city officials should explore others ways to expand the grant program to all parts of the city, Moon said. Other cities have developed similar programs with success that could be used as a pattern, he said.

"We should find out what answers other cities' programs can provide so we don't have to reinvent the wheel," he said.

Wagner said he would work to make sure the grants were distributed more fairly and put new leadership in place over the neighborhood grant department.

"I will appoint a new communications director and assure all neighborhood grants are equally balanced throughout this city," he said. "I will restructure this department with new leadership."

Wagner also said he would work to improve the city's reputation, which many residents believe has taken a beating over the last year.

"I've got my own vision for this city that will move us in a forward direction," Wagner said. "As I drive through the city, I see major developments of restaurant chains, hotels and major international industries that will create jobs in Pasadena."

To improve the Pasadena's image, Moon's strategy is to focus on the positive aspects of the city.

"I think we need to talk more about how wonderful this town and its people are," he said. "This is the biggest 'small town' atmosphere in the entire world, and I think this is the best city in the entire world.

"This is how we leave behind the bad headlines, negativity about Pasadena and have a new day in Pasadena," he said.
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Montgomery County District Attorney Brett Ligon made a formal request to the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office Tuesday to investigate County Judge Craig Doyal  previously indicted on a charge of conspiring to circumvent the Texas Open Meetings Act - for allegedly using his county office to film a political advertisement for his upcoming fundraiser.

According to a letter from Ligon to Sheriff Rand Henderson, the incident may be a violation under Texas Penal Code Section 39.02 which is abuse of official capacity. Violations under the provision are misdemeanors and punishable by a fine not to exceed $4,000, confinement in jail for a term not to exceed one year or both a fine and confinement.

"Please investigate the matter captured on social media regarding County Judge Craig Doyal appearing in a video promoting his fundraising event and his alleged use of county facilities and/or resources in the course of a political advertisement," Ligon stated in the letter.

According to the code, a public servant commits an offense if, with intent to obtain a benefit or with intent to harm or defraud another, he intentionally or knowingly violates a law relating to the public servant's office or employment; or misuses government property, services, personnel, or any other thing of value belonging to the government that has come into the public servant's custody or possession by virtue of the public servant's office or employment.

Doyal declined to comment on the situation.

Violation of the code led to 435th state District Court Judge Mike Seiler's resignation during the 2016 primary campaign in order for Seiler to avoid criminal prosecution.

Abuse of official capacity also recently affected the political career of a Liberty County commissioner.

Doyal released the video Saturday on Facebook  then later removed it  encouraging the public to attend his upcoming fundraiser for his campaign for county judge. The video was filmed in Doyal's county office in the Alan B. Sadler Building, located at 501 N. Thompson St., by Nathan Arrazate. Arrazate promotes local businesses, events, organizations, politicians and causes on his public Facebook pages Montgomery County Lifestyle and Conroe City Limits.

Arrazate told The Courier Monday he was not paid to shoot the video but is helping with the promotion of Doyal's fundraiser.

"Come join us June 20 at the convention center for our annual fundraiser," Doyal states in the 30-second video. "I say annual, last year I didn't have a fundraiser, but this upcoming political season is going to be a tough one and we need your help and we need your support."

Doyal has come under fire in the past year for allegedly conspiring to circumvent the Texas Open Meetings Act regarding negotiations for the November 2015 road bond. Precinct 2 Commissioner Charlie Riley, Precinct 4 Commissioner Jim Clark and political consultant Marc Davenport also were indicted on the same charge. A visiting district court judge in March ruled that portion of TOMA unconstitutional, resulting in each charge being dropped. However, those charges remaining dismissed hinges on the state's appeal of the judge's TOMA ruling, which is in the hands of the Ninth Court of Appeals in Beaumont.

In addition to the TOMA issues, Doyal has faced a barrage of allegations  from not disclosing relationships with county vendors, allegedly compiling a hit list of political enemies and nepotism.

Doyal's campaign video was uploaded to the Conroe City Limits Facebook page with a caption that read "County Judge Craig Doyal extends his personal invitation for you to join him June 20th at his dinner and Auction." The video was shared numerous times before being removed 24 hours after it was posted.

Seiler's Case

In Seiler's case, the former judge allegedly used juror names and addresses to mail campaign fliers.

Seiler resigned from the bench Feb. 16, 2016.

Seiler was running for re-election to the 435th state District Court bench against challengers Patty Maginnis and Thomas Brewer III in the Republican primary.

In early February 2016, the Montgomery County District Attorney's Office launched an investigation into Seiler after a Conroe resident delivered a letter to the office's Public Integrity Office claiming Seiler disclosed her confidential juror information, and possibly others, to mail out a letter inviting the recipients to a meet and greet for his campaign at Genuwine Tasting Room in Magnolia.

Ligon to The Courier then that it could be a misdemeanor offense of abuse of official capacity, and the DA ultimately reached a deal with Seiler for the judge's resignation. Under the agreement, Seiler is prohibited from seeking judicial office in the future and cannot sit as a visiting judge. He also had to forgo his salary, benefits and ability to qualify for a judicial pension.

Liberty County Case

In April, Liberty County Precinct 1 Commissioner Mike McCarty was convicted on two counts of official abuse of capacity. McCarty was found guilty of using a county employee and county equipment to do work on his property such as mending fences and taking care of livestock.
WASHINGTON -- Education Secretary Betsy DeVos refused to say Wednesday whether she would block private schools that discriminate against LGBT students from receiving federal dollars, explaining that she believes states should have the flexibility to design voucher programs and that parents should be able to choose schools that best fit their children's needs.

DeVos returned frequently to the theme of what she called a need for more local control in her first appearance before Congress since her rocky confirmation hearing in January.

Fielding questions from members of a House Appropriations subcommittee, she said that states should decide how to address chronic absenteeism, mental health issues and suicide risks among students and that states should also decide whether children taking vouchers are protected by federal special-education law.

Researchers have found that many states allow religious schools that receive taxpayer-funded vouchers to deny admission to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students or children with LGBT parents.

Asked by Rep. Katherine Clark, D-Mass., whether she could think of any circumstance in which the federal government should step in to stop federal dollars from going to private schools that discriminate against certain groups of students, DeVos did not directly answer.

"We have to do something different than continuing a top-down, one-size-fits-all approach," DeVos said.

Democrats immediately criticized DeVos' philosophy, saying the nation's top education official must be willing to defend children against discrimination by institutions that get federal money. "To take the federal government's responsibility out of that is just appalling and sad," said Rep. Barbara Lee, D-Calif.

DeVos pushed back against the notion that the Education Department would be abdicating its authority. "I am not in any way suggesting that students should not be protected," she said.

Liz Hill, a DeVos spokeswoman, said later Wednesday that panel members had asked questions about a voucher program that doesn't exist yet and about topics not covered under federal law. "There seems to be a fundamental misunderstanding about the Federal and State roles in education. When States design programs, and when schools implement them, it is incumbent on them to adhere to Federal law," Hill said in an email. "The Department of Education can and will intervene when Federal law is broken."

DeVos traveled to Capitol Hill to defend a spending plan that has drawn criticism from both ends of the political spectrum.

President Donald Trump has proposed slashing $10.6 billion from federal education initiatives, including after-school programs, teacher training, and career and technical education, and reinvesting $1.4 billion of the savings into promoting his top education priority: school choice, including $250 million for vouchers to help students attend private and religious schools.

The administration is also seeking far-reaching changes to student aid programs, including the elimination of subsidized loans and Public Service Loan Forgiveness and a halving of the federal work-study program that helps college students earn money to support themselves while in school.

In her opening remarks Wednesday, DeVos said that while the size of the proposed cuts to K-12 and student financial programs "may sound alarming for some," the president's budget proposal reflects a push to return more decision-making power to states and more educational choice to parents.

"We cannot allow any parent to feel as if their child is trapped in a school that is not meeting their needs," DeVos said.

Democrats predictably attacked the administration's budget proposal as an effort to undermine public schools and low-income students' ability to attend college.

"This budget reflects the views of an administration filled with people who frankly never had to worry about how they were going to pay for their children going to college," said Rep. Nita Lowey, N.Y., the ranking Democrat on the Appropriations Committee. "And yet I'm most upset that this budget would undermine our public education system and the working families who depend on them."

Several Republicans praised DeVos, particularly for her push to expand school choice.

"I've always made known my preference for giving parents the choice of where to send their students, because in the end the parents are the taxpayers. The parents are the ones who probably know best," said Rep. Andy Harris, R-Md.

But GOP members also displayed their share of skepticism about the administration's proposed cuts.

Rep. Tom Cole, R-Okla., chairman of the education subcommittee, questioned the proposal to dramatically cut college financial aid programs such as work-study and college-access programs for low-income students. "Frankly, I will advise you," Cole said, "I have a different point of view."

Another key Republican, Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen, N.J., chairman of the Appropriations Committee, emphasized that it is members of Congress and not the president who hold the power of the purse and will ultimately design the federal budget.

Declaring "awe" for special-education teachers' hard work, Frelinghuysen also questioned whether the administration had proposed adequate funding for students with disabilities. DeVos seemed open to devoting more money, calling it a "matter for robust conversation."

A 1975 federal special-education law promised that Congress would pay 40 percent of the cost of providing additional services to students with disabilities. Lawmakers have never come close and in 2017 are footing only about 15 percent of the cost. The Trump administration is proposing to hold funding at that level.

Critics said they are hopeful that Congress will reject many of Trump's ideas, as lawmakers did this month when they reached a bipartisan deal to fund the government through September.

But even in that scenario, Trump's proposal creates damaging uncertainty for school districts and students seeking to pay for college, said John King, who served as President Barack Obama's education secretary and now helms the nonprofit group Education Trust.

"The administration has framed the conversation as a conversation about cuts rather than a conversation about investment," King said. "We should be talking about investing more."

While the administration's proposed cuts have been embraced by fiscal conservatives who argue that Education Department programs need to be trimmed or eliminated, some conservatives are also troubled by the administration's proposal to invest new money in school choice, saying that represents an unwelcome expansion of the federal footprint in education.

"As much as I want to see every single child in America have school choice, it is just not appropriate for the federal government to be using new dollars and new programs to push states in that direction," said Lindsey Burke, an education policy expert at the conservative Heritage Foundation. "You need local buy-in for these school-choice options to really be supported and viable in the long run."

Trump and DeVos are seeking to increase the federal investment in charter schools by 50 percent, bringing the total appropriation to $500 million per year. They also want to establish a new $250 million fund to expand and study private-school vouchers, and they want to dole out $1 billion in grants to school districts to adopt policies that allow tax dollars to follow students to the public school of their choice.

In a speech Monday night, DeVos called the push for school choice "right" and "just" and an opportunity to "drag American education out of the Stone Age and into the future." She referred to her critics as "flat-earthers" and said that while the federal government would never force states to adopt choice-friendly policies, those who opt out are making a "terrible mistake."

---

VIDEO:While testifying before Congress on May 24, Education Secretary Betsy DeVos skirted around questions from Rep. Katherine Clark, D-Mass., about whether she would withhold federal dollars from private schools that discriminate against LGBT students. (House Appropriations Committee)

--http://wapo.st/2qkNkoH

--<iframe width='480' height='290' scrolling='no' src='//www.washingtonpost.com/video/c/embed/e7bf3c88-40b0-11e7-b29f-f40ffced2ddb' frameborder='0' webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen allowfullscreen></iframe>
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NORWALK  An effort to secure more parking for the Main Library on Belden Avenue while respecting the rights of a private property owner is out of the hands of the Norwalk Common Council and back in Stamford Superior Court.

On Tuesday evening, the council removed from its agenda a scheduled closed-door discussion of a proposed purchase agreement between the city, the Norwalk Public Library Board and 587 CT Ave. LLC, owner of the parking lot at 11 Belden Ave.

Were continuing discussions with Mr. Milligan but at this point theres no deal, Mario F. Coppola, head of the citys law department, said earlier Tuesday.

Last year, Norwalk Public Library Foundation Inc., a nonprofit organization that supports the library through donations and volunteerism, appealed to the citys Zoning Commission for approval of 69 apartments for the parking lot owned by 587 CT Ave.

The parking lot, which fronts Mott Avenue, is part of a larger parcel that is home to Peoples United Bank. Library customers have long eyed the private lot as potential future parking.

The appeal, which had been on hold, according to one city attorney, is scheduled to go forward Thursday morning with a pre-trail conference in Stamford Superior Court. The trial is set to proceed May 31, according to the court.

Milligan, principal with 587 CT Ave. LLC, said Wednesday that he is frustrated with the frivolous appeal, which his attorney maintains has no standing given that the library foundation doesnt own nor abut the library at 1 Belden Ave. But he indicated that talks to come to an agreement are still under way.

More Information Parking problems 25 - number of parking spaces at the Main Library 500,000 - number of annual visitors system-wide 80 - percentage of annual visitors who frequent the Main Library See More Collapse

We have continued to explore and discuss potential options for the library and our property, Milligan said. We are engaged in the discussion despite the lawsuit not because of it.

Municipalities, he continued, often complete their best work in the final hours of deadlines.

Alex Knopp has worked very hard to formulate an agreement that can work for all parties, Milligan said. To date we do not have a formal agreement. We have come very close and continue to discuss.

Former Mayor Alex Knopp, chairman of the library foundation as well as of the Norwalk Public Library Board of Trustees, couldnt be reached for comment Wednesday.

The Main Library, which was built in the early 20th century, has about 25 parking spaces for up to several hundred visitors daily. About half of the spaces are located in the small library parking lot immediately west of the library building.

In September 2015, representatives of the library system and First Taxing District announced the availability of parking spaces at the district-owned property at 3 Belden Ave. next door.

Of the 33 parking spaces there, the 11 nearest People's Bank were made available to library patrons at all hours and the remaining 22 spaces became available to them after 5 p.m. and on weekends.

rkoch@hearstmediact.com
MANCHESTER, England -- With its red brick buildings, large villas and green lawns, the Fallowfield area of southern Manchester might appear to be an unlikely location for an investigation into Britain's worst terrorist attack since 2005.

But on Tuesday, police forces launched at least three operations in Fallowfield and surrounding neighborhoods in connection with the devastating attack four miles away in the north of Manchester. Authorities identified the suspected suicide attacker as Salman Abedi, a 22-year-old British citizen of Libyan descent, and Fallowfield residents said he spent time in the area with his family.

In other communities at the center of recent terrorism investigations - such as the Molenbeek district of Brussels and some Parisian suburbs - authorities have openly acknowledged problems with Islamist extremism. Poverty, crime and high unemployment in these areas have long played into the hands of radicals, they say.

Manchester is different. Suburbs such as Fallowfield are mostly culturally or ethnically diverse and wealthy, with little to suggest that neighborhoods there have dealt with extremism for years.

But even before Monday's attack, counterterrorism operations had focused on the small part of the city's south.

Experts say Manchester's hidden radicalization problem is not unique to the city.

"What we have seen recently is the emergence of clusters where groups of people - who often live close to one another - radicalize relatively quickly," said Raffaello Pantucci, the director for international security studies at the Royal United Services Institute in London. "This isn't only happening in London or Manchester, but also in much smaller towns."

The British government has taken action as networks of extremists have developed across the country. Over the past few years, several laws have been passed to give authorities greater powers to arrest and prosecute attack suspects. Security services say they foiled 13 major terrorism plots between 2013 and March of this year. But at times, the expansive operations have come at a high price.

In 2010, authorities in the city of Birmingham set up surveillance cameras to monitor Muslims suspected of terrorism. But critics argued at the time that the operation placed all Muslims under suspicion. By the time the project was eventually stopped, it had damaged relations between counterterrorism officers and the city's Muslim community. News of the surveillance scheme fed suspicion of authorities nationwide, officials say.

Manchester "has avoided making such mistakes," said Jim Bonworth, a retired chief inspector with the Greater Manchester Police. "The British police very much relies on tips by community members. We cannot afford to lose their trust."

Manchester's experience shows that even praised community policing efforts struggle to prevent the radicalization of closed social circles across Britain.

"In the past, such radicalization processes have often taken place in mosques," Pantucci said.

More recently, however, authorities have largely lost the ability to monitor terrorism suspects during their visits to mosques or community centers. Instead, groups of friends or acquaintances are meeting in apartments, making it nearly impossible for Britain's stretched security services to monitor suspects, a dynamic that could explain the seemingly sudden emergence of groups of radicalized individuals in places such as southern Manchester.

Members of the community said they were distraught by the police operations in their districts Tuesday after the attack, which was claimed by the Islamic State.

"I sometimes saw him walk into his building alone or with friends," said 32-year old Neville Edwards, a neighbor of the suspect. "But nobody here ever really talked to him."

In Manchester's Libyan community, Abedi was not unknown, however.

A man who identified himself as a friend of the Abedi family said many of the Libyans who live in the area fled the government of Moammar Gaddafi and supported the uprising against his regime.

"The Libyan community was standing by the rebels," he said, speaking on the condition of anonymity for security reasons.

"I saw the boy here and there and we were even once on the same flight to Libya, but we weren't close," he said of the suspect. "I am more from his father's generation."

"We don't know what happened to him or why he committed this attack on behalf of Daesh," he said, using the Arabic acronym for the Islamic State. "But we are worried that this might make us Libyans look very bad."

A taxi driver from the area said he had never seen Abedi but had witnessed the aftermath of attack. The man said he was parked outside the venue where the concert was taking place Monday night when he heard the explosion. He then picked up two survivors.

"This is such a cosmopolitan city, but there are circles and groups of people which are extremely closed to outsiders," said the man, who spoke on the condition that only his first name, Jay, be used. "That is where teenagers or young men and women become radicalized. If it can happen here, it can happen anywhere."

Pointing at a school in front of him, he added, "That's the school two twin girls attended until they traveled to Syria to join the Islamic State." Their case made international headlines.

Three years later, TV satellite trucks are on the same street again.

Abedi lived several hundred yards away from the school, according to his former neighbors.
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MANCHESTER, England - British Prime Minister Theresa May on Tuesday night raised the nation's threat level and deployed the military to guard concerts, sports matches and other public events, saying another attack "may be imminent" following a bombing Monday night that left 22 people dead.

The announcement, which takes Britain's alert level from "severe" to its highest rating, "critical," clears the way for thousands of British troops to take to the streets and replace police officers in guarding key sites.

May announced the move after chairing an emergency meeting of her security cabinet and concluding that the attacker who carried out Monday's bombing may have been part of a wider network that is poised to strike again. The decision, she said, was "a proportionate and sensible response to the threat that our security experts judge we face."

The worst terrorist attack on British soil in over a decade was carried out by a 22-year-old British citizen who lived a short drive from the concert hall that he transformed from a scene of youthful merriment into a tableau of horror.

But whether Salman Abedi acted alone or with accomplices remained a question that British investigators were urgently trying to answer Tuesday night as they reckoned with an attack more sophisticated and worrisome than any seen here in years.

The prospect of a wider plot, May said, was "a possibility we cannot ignore."

The killing of 22 people - many of them teens - following a concert in this northern English city by American pop star Ariana Grande was claimed Tuesday by the Islamic State, which said one of its "soldiers" was responsible.

Even as officials and experts cast doubt on the terrorist group's assertion, however, authorities were scrambling to execute searches, arrest potential accomplices and reinforce security systems at a spectrum of public events that look newly vulnerable to attacks like Monday's.

After years of successfully fending off more-sophisticated strikes even as countries across continental Europe have fallen victim to bombings, Monday night's carnage underscored that Britain is not immune amid a rising tide of extremist violence.

The highest priority for police, said Greater Manchester Chief Constable Ian Hopkins, was to "establish whether [Abedi] was acting alone or as part of a network."

Earlier he had said that Abedi executed the bombing alone and that he "was carrying an improvised explosive device, which he detonated, causing this atrocity."

But unlike in previous high-profile attacks - including one in March in which an assailant driving a speeding car ran down pedestrians on a London bridge, then stabbed to death a British police officer - experts said it was unlikely that Monday's attack had been carried out without help.

"Getting a car or a knife is easy," said Raffaello Pantucci, a terrorism expert at the London-based Royal United Services Institute. "Making a bomb that works and goes off when you want it to go off takes preparation and practice. And it usually involves other people."

Pantucci said British authorities "are going to try to figure out who [Abedi] knows, who he's linked to. Did he build the bomb itself, or did someone build it and give it to him?"

If police have an answer, they did not say so publicly Tuesday. But there was ample evidence of a widening security operation, with the arrest of a 23-year-old from south Manchester in connection with the bombing. Police also carried out searches at two homes, including the house in the leafy suburban neighborhood where Abedi's was registered as having lived.

A senior European intelligence official said the attacker was a British citizen of Libyan descent. The official, who was not authorized to speak on the record and thus spoke on the condition of anonymity, said the suspect's brother has been taken into custody.

A family friend said Abedi traveled frequently between Libya and Britain. "We have an ISIS problem in Libya. We wonder whether he met people there who trained him," said the friend, who spoke on the condition of anonymity. ISIS is another name for the Islamic State.

Even before May's announcement of a "critical" threat level for just the third time ever - the first two came in 2006 and 2007 - authorities from London to Scotland said that they would be reviewing security plans for upcoming public events. Even smaller gatherings that would not have been policed in the past may now get protection, they said.

"Over the coming days as you go to a music venue, go shopping, travel to work or head off to the fantastic sporting events, you will see more officers, including armed officers," said Commander Jane Connors of London's Metropolitan Police Department.

May's decision to deploy the military means the public may now see soldiers rather than police. May said the military would operate under police command.

The escalation came as the nation grieved for the young victims, with thousands of people converging on Manchester's graceful Albert Square for a vigil that was part solemn remembrance and part rally against extremism.

To roaring applause, Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham vowed that the city - which has seen hardship, having been bombed relentlessly during World War II - would not succumb to division or anger. A poet named Tony Walsh delivered an ode to the city titled "This Is the Place." And in what has become a dark mainstay of life in Western Europe, passersby left candles, flowers and cards for the dead.

The casualties included children as young as elementary school students. Police said that among the 59 people injured, a dozen were younger than 16.

Among the dead was Saffie Rose Roussos, who was just 8 years old. The first victim to be publicly identified was Georgina Callander, an 18-year-old student.

Other names were expected to be released Wednesday, with authorities bracing the public for deaths among the teens and tweens who form the core of Grande's enthusiastic fan base.

The Islamic State did not give any details about the attacker or how the blast was carried out, raising doubts about the truth of its claim. Its statement was posted on the online messaging service Telegram and later noted by the SITE Intelligence Group, which monitors militant websites.

The Islamic State often quickly proclaims links to attacks, but some previous boasts have not been proved.

In Washington, Director of National Intelligence Daniel Coats said Tuesday that despite the group's statement, "we have not verified yet the connection." He noted in a Senate hearing that "they claim responsibility for virtually every attack."

In a speech outside 10 Downing Street, where flags were lowered to half-staff, May called the Manchester killings a "callous terrorist attack."

"This attack stands out for its appalling, sickening cowardice deliberately targeting innocent, defenseless children and young people who should have been enjoying one of the most memorable nights of their lives," she said.

May later visited Manchester, meeting with local authorities and signing a condolence book honoring the victims.

Queen Elizabeth II, meanwhile, led guests of a garden party at Buckingham Palace in a moment of silence and issued a statement expressing her "deepest sympathies."

"The whole nation has been shocked by the death and injury in Manchester last night of so many people, adults and children, who had just been enjoying a concert," she said.

Across the world, other leaders expressed revulsion and scorn toward the bomber.

During a visit to the West Bank city of Bethlehem, President Donald Trump pledged "absolute solidarity" with Britain and called those responsible for the attack "evil losers in life."

Organizers of the Cannes Film Festival denounced the bombing as an "attack on culture, youth and joyfulness" and observed a minute of silence Tuesday. Cannes is 15 miles from Nice, where an attacker driving a truck plowed into crowds celebrating Bastille Day in July, killing 86 people.

The Monday night attack was the worst terrorist strike on British soil since 2005, when Islamist extremists bombed the London subway and a bus, killing 54 people.

And as with that attack, Monday's bombing prompted desperate searches for missing loved ones that continued through the night and into Tuesday.

Charlotte Campbell told the BBC that she was "phoning everybody," including hospitals, trying to locate her 15-year-old daughter, Olivia. She last spoke to her daughter Monday night while she was at the concert.

"She'd just seen the support act and said she was having an amazing time, and thanking me for letting her go," Campbell said in an emotional interview.

The attack occurred near one of the exits of the arena, in a public space connected to a bustling train station.

Jake Taylor, a former security guard at the arena, said its layout makes absolute safety impossible.

"You can't stop people from getting through the train station," Taylor said.

Mark Harrison, who accompanied his 12-year-old daughter to the concert from Cumbria in northern England, said there were no metal detectors or body checks at the arena's entrance, although bags were inspected and items such as water bottles had to be discarded.

"There was definitely a security presence, but anyone can come through the train station," said Harrison, 44.

In France, the scene of several terrorist attacks in recent years, Prime Minister Edouard Philippe called on people to be vigilant in the face of "a threat which is more present than ever before."

Britain's threat level had been classified as "severe" since the summer of 2014, meaning the chance of an attack at any given time was highly likely.

Pantucci, the security expert, said that authorities had disrupted several plots in recent months but that Monday's attack somehow slipped through. Understanding why, he said, will be crucial.

"They've been dealing with a very high threat tempo," he said. "But this is one they weren't able to stop."

---

Adam reported from London. Isaac Stanley-Becker, James McAuley and Rick Noack in Manchester; Paul Schemm in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; and Devlin Barrett, Brian Murphy and Ellen Nakashima in Washington contributed to this report.

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Video: An explosion at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester, England, on May 22 left at least 22 people dead, according to police. (Victoria Walker,Amber Ferguson/The Washington Post)

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AUSTIN -- The Senate unanimously approved Tuesday a proposal to fix the pension fund that pays for the retirement of Dallas police officers and firefighters. Years of mismanagement and poor investments led to the fund facing an insolvency crisis, but the new plan would make the fund solvent for the foreseeable future.

The agreement was the result of cooperation between Dallas lawmakers, city leadership and union officials. Led in the Senate by Sens. Don Huffines and Royce West, the proposal would change the governance structure to give the city a majority on the governing board but would require a two-thirds majority to make changes to benefits or contributions. It would require an independent actuarial study in 2024 to ensure proper management of the fund.

"Now we provide the City of Dallas the ability to nurture and further develop this pension fund into what we want it to be, a model for not only for the Great State of Texas but also the United States," said West.

With the end of the session looming, the Senate met in session for many hours Tuesday, passing a flurry of legislation. One measure was HB 2, the supplemental budget bill, by Sen. Jane Nelson of Flower Mound, which would spend about $1 billion in state revenue to true up current fiscal year expenses with what was appropriated in 2015.

Because the budget is written two years in advance, the state must pay for unexpected costs and account for actual revenue at the end of the biennium. This year, the big costs were growth in Medicaid and prison healthcare, as well as $100 million in emergency appropriations for Child Protective Services approved over the interim.

"It meets our supplemental needs and it rights the ship at Child Protective Services to ensure the safety of children at risk," Nelson said of the measure. Passed unanimously by the Senate, it goes back to the House for consideration of Senate changes to the bill.

Also passed Tuesday was HB 2908, a bill that would extend hate crime protections to police officers and judges. A priority of Gov. Greg Abbott, the bill would enhance penalties for crimes committed against a police officer. Restraining, assaulting or threatening an officer would go from a class A misdemeanor to a second degree felony, which carries a penalty of 2 to 20 years. Causing serious bodily harm to an officer, a second degree felony under current law, would be enhanced to a first degree offense, meaning the perpetrator could face five to 99 years in prison.

"House Bill 2908 sends a clear message that the state of Texas stands with our police officers," said bill sponsor Sen. Joan Huffman of Houston. The bill will now head to the governor's desk for his signature.

Finally Tuesday, the Senate passed a measure that would ensure that parents can adequately say goodbye when they face the ultimate tragedy of losing a child. "When a child dies, the parents may be prohibited from seeing the body and saying goodbye until after the body has even gone as far as autopsy," said New Braunfels Sen. Donna Campbell, who sponsored the bill, HB 298. It would affirm in statute that a parent has the right to see their child before the body is released to the county or state for examination or autopsy.

Before final passage, Campbell introduced her constituent, Laura McDaniel, whose tragic loss of her 7-year-old son Wyatt led to the crafting of the bill. After Wyatt died after being buried by a sand pile, McDaniel had to wait days to finally see the body of her son.

Following the incident, she fought for changes in law. "I'm honored to have her join us today to be part of this significant moment," said Campbell. "Laura, thank you for your courage, thank you for your passion, and for your perseverance." The Senate passed the bill unanimously.

The Senate reconvenes Wednesday, May 24 at 11 a.m.
Taiwan just got a lot closer to becoming the first place in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage, after a landmark court ruling declared it unconstitutional to keep people of the same sex from getting married.

Videos on social media showed people in the streets celebrating the news, a culmination of decades of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transexual, and queer activism in Taiwan.

"Disallowing two persons of the same sex to marry, for the sake of safeguarding basic ethical orders" has no "rational basis," the court wrote Wednesday, adding that "sexual orientation is an immutable characteristic that is resistant to change."

The court, formally known as the Council of Grand Justices, has given Taiwan's parliament two years to either amend its current law or pass new legislation to legalize same-sex marriage. But many are worried conservative and religious groups in the region might continue to stall such an effort.

While Taiwan is at the forefront of same-sex rights in Asia - it has held an annual gay pride parade since 2003 - some religious conservatives believe Taiwan's fourteen high court justices should not effect such an extreme shift in the country's policies.

"The majority of the population does not know what's happening," Robin Chen, a spokesperson for the Coalition For Happiness of Our Next Generation - which links support for same-sex marriage to an uptick in HIV infections - told the Guardian. "We need to discuss things on different levels because family is the foundation of society."

Last year, when a bill to legalize same-sex marriage was presented in parliament, an estimated 20,000 conservatives came to protest in Taipei.

However, since Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party came to power last year, it has done much to bolster LGBTQ rights. President Tsai Ing-wen openly supported it on the campaign trail, though she has since declined to put her full weight behind the issue. Nevertheless, the office of the president reinforced the court's ruling in a statement, urging government agencies to draft new legislation "as quickly as possible."

The ruling has also instilled hope in activists abroad.

"The decision by Taiwan's Constitutional Court is a huge victory in ensuring the right of loving and committed same-sex couples to marry," said Human Rights Campaign President Chad Griffin. "Coming at a time when LGBTQ people around the globe are being targeted and harassed just because of who they are, this victory reinvigorates our crucially important work to advance equality."

If parliament fails to pass a bill in two years, the court says, "two persons of the same sex who intend to create the said permanent union shall be allowed to have their marriage registration effectuated . . . by submitting a written document signed by two or more witnesses."

The ruling came in response to two separate petitions: one from Chi Chia-wei, a long-time LGBTQ activist in Taiwan, and another from the capital city of Taipei, which was sued after it refused to grant marriage licenses for same-sex couples.
Hours before the start of Wednesdays As-Marlins series finale, the As revealed another injury.

The team announced it placed right-handed pitcher Bobby Wahl on the 10-day disabled list with a strained right shoulder. The As brought up pitcher Zach Neal from Triple-A Nashville to take Wahls roster spot.

"He just had some shoulder soreness. Biceps tendinitis on and off for a little bit, but it really came to a head last night," manager Bob Melvin said of Wahl. "So hell see the doctor here today, but enough to where we felt like the DL was a prudent thing to do."

Jesse Hahn (strained triceps) and Yonder Alonso (sore wrist) were injured in Tuesday nights game. Alonso, who was not in Tuesdays lineup, was a "little bit sore today," Melvin said. But the As dont figure his injury to be serious. "We dont feel like it will be a lingering issue," Melvin said, "With the day off tomorrow, we feel like come the (New York Yankees series starting Friday), hell be back in the lineup."

Melvin said Hahn, who had an MRI, was still under evaluation.

"A doctor will take a look at him today as well," Melvin said, "If we need to make a move, it will not be today. So with his start six days away now, we have some time to figure out where we are going with that.

Pitcher Ryan Dull (strained right knee) is not close to returning. Melvin said Dull would likely be on the shelf for more than 10 days.

"Its going to be more than that, whether its several weeks, were not sure yet," Melvin said.

The As have six players on the disabled list: Wahl, Dull, Chris Bassitt, Sean Doolittle, Marcus Semien and Jake Smolinski. The team has had at least five players on the DL all season. Last year, the As used the DL 27 times with players missing a combined 1,810 games.

"I dont know what to make of it to tell you the truth," Melvin said before the start of Tuesdays game. "It seems like it gets worse every year."

Tacuma Roeback is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: troeback@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @TacumaRoe
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San Antonio-area high schools were put to the test for the 2017 school year.

Children at Risk, an educational research group, ranked 75 San Antonio-area high schools as a way to guide parents and "spark important community dialogue on the quality of public education in Texas."

The non-profit organization used letter grades in their list, which scored schools across the state. The San Antonio-area ranking includes: Bexar, Comal, Atascosa, Bandera, Guadalupe and Medina County.

Measures like indexes for student achievement, campus performance, growth and college readiness were taken into account to rate each school.

RELATED: Rank: San Antonio high schools with the best teachers in 2017

Health Careers High School took the top spot, while Poteet High School in Atascosa County holds the other end of the spectrum with an F.

Athlos Leadership Academy was also given an F, making it the lowest-scoring campus in Bexar County.

Children at Risk will release state-wide ranking on June 4, according to the website.

See which schools landed in the top 45 San Antonio-area campuses in the galley above.

mmendoza@mysa.com

Twitter: @MaddySkye
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AUSTIN  A Texas Senate proposal that would have provided access to public school dollars to subsidize private school tuition for about 6,000 students with disabilities has killed legislation that would have added up to $1.9 billion in public education funding.

The Senate let House Bill 21 die Wednesday, deadlocked with the House over the relatively small-scale proposal it had added to the proposed major overhaul of school finance.

The Senate has made so-called school vouchers a priority and its leaders have insisted that such a program become law this year, although more than two-thirds of House members oppose vouchers.

Senate Education Committee Chairman Larry Taylor said the upper chamber would not appoint members to a conference committee to work out differences between the two versions of HB21, legislation that sought to change the states school funding formula and pump up extra money into public education  an estimated $1.9 billion in the House version and $500 million in the Senates.

I think it's just dead, said Taylor, R-Friendswood, who blamed the House's order to its negotiators to refuse any so-called voucher program. A very quiet ending.

In an impassioned speech on the House floor earlier Wednesday, Rep. Dan Huberty, R-Humble, the House education chairman who sponsored HB 21, said he would not accept the Senate's changes to his bill. Even as he called for a conference committee, he said the Senates inclusion of the voucher program had made it virtually impossible for us to come to some meaningful financial reform.

San Antonio area school district officials reacted with disappointment but not much surprise.

Greg Gibson, superintendent of Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City Independent School District, said it was frustrating, especially in light of last summers Texas Supreme Court decision ruling that the states school finance system, though constitutional, was deeply flawed.

We hoped at that time the entire 85th Legislature was going to take seriously the opportunity they had to at least make a step in the right direction toward a permanent fix for this Byzantine formula, Gibson said. It appears to us that the Senate was never serious about that.

Texas continues to recruit businesses but wont adequately fund its public schools, he added.

Youve got 80,000 new schoolchildren a year moving to the state of Texas, and then were not providing educational infrastructure for them, Gibson said. Were just leaving it to the (local) taxpayers to take care of that.

Some officials, including North East ISD spokeswoman Aubrey Chancellor, said their districts were proceeding with budget decisions for the coming fiscal year under the assumption that there will be no additional money from the state.

Legislators were in agreement that a fix was needed, and its disappointing that an agreement hasnt been reached, Chancellor said.

The bill would have provided funding to keep up with rising costs, said Leslie Price, spokeswoman for San Antonio ISD, in an email. The districts leaders had been so pessimistic last year about the chances of additional state funding that they asked voters to approve a tax rate increase of 13 cents per $100. It passed overwhelmingly in November.

In Alamo Heights ISD, a small, wealthy district, Superintendent Kevin Brown put the onus for the bills failure on Senate leaders and called it a major step backward.

Im very disappointed that the Senate has not taken school finance seriously nor have they made attempts to fund public schools adequately, he said.

Clearly theres a burden on all school districts in the state when the state doesnt do its share of the funding, and thats what the House was trying to achieve, Brown added. Its a missed opportunity. Everybody knows that the school finance system is broken.

After years of litigation by groups of hundreds of school districts, the Texas Supreme Court last year rejected a lower courts finding that the states school finance system was unconstitutional, though it agreed the system was too complicated and needed reform.

State spending makes up 37 percent of the states public school funding. Local property taxes and federal funds provide most of the rest, Huberty pointed out in his speech Wednesday.

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, a staunch voucher proponent, issued a statement saying he was appalled that the House would reject a proposal with an additional half-billion dollars for public schools simply because it included a program that might allow some disabled child somewhere in Texas to attend a private school that his parents believe would be better for him or her.

The special education voucher program would have affected only a small number of students, would not have fully covered their private school tuition and would have given false hope to parents, said Clay Robison, spokesman for the Texas State Teachers Association.

Many private schools do not provide special education services. Theyre not required to. Theyre not equipped to, he said.

In a statement issued Wednesday evening, House Speaker Joe Straus praised Huberty and Rep Diego Bernal, D-San Antonio, for incredibly diligent and thoughtful work over the last year on school finance.

The House passed a bill that put more dollars into almost every district, made needed changes to our funding formulas, and kept more local dollars in local schools.  but we can't fix school finance by ourselves, and this hasn't been a priority for the Senate, Straus said.

Unfortunately, the Senate walked away and left the problems facing our schools to keep getting worse.

Staff Writers Lauren Caruba, Alia Malik, Silvia Foster-Frau contributed to this report from San Antonio.
This past weekend Pastor Joel Osteen of Lakewood Church joined countless other proud fathers at colleges across the country celebrating the graduations of their children.

Osteen and wife Victoria were in Austin to attend the graduation of son Jonathan from the University of Texas.

ORIGIN STORY: From feed store to basketball arena, Lakewood Church ministers to city of second chances

The pastor and best-selling author posted a photo (as did Mrs. Osteen) of the happy parents and Jonathan celebrating the occasion by flashing the customary "Hook 'Em" hand gesture that so many Longhorns are prone to do in photos.

The social media peanut gallery took it to mean something a bit more nefarious, accusing the pastor of one of the biggest churches in all the land of being in league with Satan.

"Joel showing the sign of the devil is bad enough, you too Victoria.. unbelievable, what are you thinking??" wrote one certified weirdo on Twitter.

HOOK 'EM: Legends, secrets and myths of University of Texas at Austin

The responses were variations on the theme of secret devil worship. Not everyone seemed to be trolling, as the kids say.

They must have been Aggies.

And hey, maybe just maybe the Osteens were throwing their H's up in Austin to show the city who's boss.
Courtesy /

NEW BRAUNFELS  A local man with a history of mental issues has been sentenced to 50 years in prison for the shooting death last fall of his wife, whose body was discovered in their burned-out home.

Gary Hendry, 61, pleaded guilty Monday to murder in the Nov. 15 death of Gayle Hendry, 57, under a sentencing agreement that set his punishment at 50 years and a $5,000 fine, according to court records, which show he also waived his right to appeal.
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A Bexar County jury sentenced a man Wednesday to 60 years in prison in the 2015 fatal shooting of a Stone Oak homeowner.

It took the jury about two hours to decide the sentence for Richard Luis Amezquita, 37, who was convicted of murder Monday in the Nov. 7, 2015, death of Kerry OToole, 53. Amezquita said OToole attacked, kicked, choked and threw rocks at him and his car. Amezquita said he ran to his car to get a gun and fired in self-defense because he was in fear for his life.

Amezquita faced five to 99 years or life in prison. In his closing argument, defense laywer Edward Bartolomei asked the jury to consider that Amezquita was under the influence of sudden passion, a legal argument that lessens the punishment for defendants convicted of murder. He would have faced two to 20 years had jurors found he acted out of sudden passion, but they did not.

Bartolomei told the jury Amezquita had the right to defend himself and that the rocks hurled at Amezquita could have proved fatal.

In her closing argument, prosecutor Kimberly Gonzalez reminded jurors that testimony from ex-girlfriends pointed to a pattern of violence and threats.

Before the jury got the case, Amezquita, who did not testify in the first phase of the trial, took the stand and said he didnt know why OToole attacked and threw rocks at him after he answered the door.

It surprised me so much, all I thought was I cant believe this guy is doing this, Amezquita said.

When the attacks continued, Amezquita ran to his car, got the gun and shot. He said he didnt realize he had killed the man until after he was in police custody.

Why did he have to keep attacking me to the point that I had to shoot him? said Amezquita. I felt righteous; I did what I felt I had to do to protect my own life.

Earlier, former associates who worked alongside Amezquita told the jury that no solicitation signs dont deter but attract door-to-door sales.

No soliciting signs equals money, Nathaniel Young told the jury. Amezquita had approached OTooles home despite such signage on his front door.

Young said their boss at Vivint believed if his salespeople could sell home security systems to people who had those signs on their doors, we could sell anything.

You wouldnt pass that door because of the sign, said Ali Farajadian, who worked alongside Amezquita and has been in the industry nine years. No soliciting is as important as we make it, and we act as if we didnt see the sign.

When Bartolomei asked him if hed ever been assaulted, Farajadian told the jury he carries a firearm in his car because he was nearly carjacked by two people while he was working.

I grabbed my weapon and drove off with my door open and someone hanging off, Farajadian said. If I hadnt driven off, I would have used the firearm. I wasnt thinking, and I just drove off.

So even when you were threatened by more than one person, you drove away, prosecutor Michelle Haden asked under cross-examination.

The jury also heard from several members of Amezquitas family, who said Amezquita was kind, loving and very protective. They said although they did not agree with the verdict, they respected it but asked the panel to show mercy and grace when deliberating punishment.

Members of the OToole family read victim impact statements to the defendant before he was formally sentenced.

Amezquita will have to serve at least 30 years before he is eligible for parole.

ezavala@express-news.net
Bexar County Sheriff's Office

San Marcos police will be enforcing a no refusal program for motorists who are believed to be driving drunk this weekend for Memorial Day, the city announced Monday.

From Friday through Sunday, officers will be applying for search warrants to draw blood from anyone who refuses to submit to a breathalyzer test after being arrested on suspicion of driving while intoxicated.
SAN ANTONIO  A man with ties to San Antonio and San Marcos was arrested this week in the Alamo City by the Lone Star Fugitive Task Force shortly after being placed on the Texas 10 Most Wanted Sex Offenders List, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.

The task force captured 25-year-old Everett Cole Rainey, who was considered a high-risk sex offender, a news release said Tuesday.
Law enforcement agencies in North Texas arrested 11 people last week in a human trafficking sting in the area, according to a news release.

The Lewisville Police Department, The Denton County Sheriffs Office and the Department of Homeland Security conducted the sting on Thursday and Friday, arresting eight women on prostitution charges, two men on charges of compelling prostitution and one man on charges of prostitution and possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver.
A blind spider creeping through Americas judicial thicket might be heading to the Supreme Court, which will have to decide if the contentment or even the survival of the Bone Cave Harvestman spider species, which lives only in two Central Texas counties, is any of the federal governments business. If it is, what isnt?

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which administers the Endangered Species Act, is blind to the limits of its imperium, which it thinks encompasses telling John Yearwood what he can and cannot do on the ranch that has been in his family since 1871. To stymie the USFWS, Yearwood must surmount, among other things, a precedent involving Roscoe Filburn, the Ohio farmer whose 1942 loss in the Supreme Court mocked the doctrine that the federal government is one of limited, because enumerated, powers.

Filburn was minding what he thought was his business when Washington taught him that the Constitutions Commerce Clause (Congress shall have power to  regulate commerce  among the several states) means that almost everything is the federal governments business. To stabilize prices, the government set production quotas not only for wheat sold into interstate commerce but for wheat consumed on the farm for animal feed. Filburn expressed his dissent by producing 269 bushels in excess of his quota and refusing to pay the fine.

His insubordination reached the Supreme Court, which by then was thoroughly deferential to the New Deals capacious theory of federal power. The court held that Congress could regulate even Filburns wheat that never reached interstate commerce, because that wheat supplies a need of the man who grew it which would otherwise be reflected by purchases in the open market. Home-grown wheat in this sense competes with wheat in commerce.

Seventy-five years on, some recent decisions have brought Commerce Clause jurisprudence closer to the framers intention as presented by Chief Justice John Marshall in McCulloch vs. Maryland (1819). The clause requires a plain connection, not merely attenuated chains of inferences, between a congressional act and an enumerated power. Furthermore, recent decisions require not only that a federal statute pertain to activities having a substantial relation to interstate commerce, but also that the statute pass muster under the Necessary and Proper Clause: Congress may make all laws ... necessary and proper to executing enumerated powers.

A lower court has sided with the USFWS against Yearwood, dogmatically postulating that all species are interdependent. Therefore, even the tiniest bit of the ecosystem is presumptively implicated in potentially substantial effects on interstate commerce.

So, Yearwood, who hitherto made his property available cost-free to 4-H, church and military groups for camping, horseback riding and other activities, has stopped this, and even ceased clearing brush to reduce the risk of snakes and fires, lest he be subject to federal prosecution for disturbing, harming or endangering the spiders.

So far, the spider story  the application of the Endangered Species Act to an entirely intrastate species that is neither bought nor sold nor traded in interstate commerce  demonstrates that federal power, like kudzu, will expand everywhere and into everything until it is stopped.

The Supreme Court can stop it if the spider case gets there. The court can apply its 2005 ruling that congressional regulation of intrastate, noncommercial activity is proper only when the activity is an essential part of a larger regulation of economic activity, in which the regulatory scheme could be undercut unless the intrastate activity were regulated.

The blind spider might make other courts, and the rest of the government, see the Supreme Courts 1995 ruling that the government may not convert congressional Commerce Clause authority to a general police power of the sort held only by the states.

georgewill@washpost.com
OTTAWA  With their season on the line, the Senators found a way to dig a little deeper Tuesday, rebounding from a humiliating outing two days earlier to earn a 2-1 victory over Pittsburgh that kept them from being eliminated.

The win tied the Eastern Conference finals at three games apiece, with Game 7 set for Thursday in Pittsburgh. Thursday nights winner will advance to face the Nashville Predators for the Stanley Cup

The performance was all the more impressive in light of Ottawas 7-0 loss just two days earlier.

Mike Hoffman scored the winner 1 minute, 34 seconds into the third period, Bobby Ryan picked up his sixth goal of the playoffs, and Craig Anderson made 45 saves.

We bought ourselves two more days together, and this team just wants to be around each other, Ryan said. Its exciting.

Evgeni Malkin gave Pittsburgh, the defending Stanley Cup champion, the lead early in the second period, and Matt Murray finished with 28 saves.

Ottawa was looking primarily for a return to structure in Game 6, beginning with a smoother start  which it got. Notable in a scoreless opening period were two effective penalty kills; Viktor Stalberg got the best opportunity shorthanded during one of them.

Pittsburgh had four shots with the man advantage, but Anderson stopped them all. The 35-year-old struggled through Games 4 and 5  allowing seven goals  but it was evident early that he had his game back in this one.

He stopped Nick Bonino off a rebound in transition, Scott Wilson off a deflected shot by Phil Kessel, and Bonino again when Kyle Turris gave away the puck.

You cant change what happens in the past, Anderson said. From that moment on, you have to look forward and get ready for the next one.

The Penguins appeared to have opened the scoring just more than three minutes into the second, but Trevor Daley was deemed to have interfered with Anderson following an Ottawa challenge.

Less than two minutes later though, Pittsburgh took the 1-0 lead, anyway, off a few moments of brilliance from Malkin. The playoff scoring leader (24 points) bounced off a check from Zack Smith behind the goal and after being stopped on his drive to the net, followed with a nifty backhand rebound to beat Anderson.

The Senators had little going until a lengthy 5-on-3 advantage for 1:24 just past the midway point of the period. The Ottawa power play, which had gone 0-for-29 in the previous 10 games, produced, with Ryan ultimately wiring a one-timer short-side to tie the score.

Dont want to say it was a turning point, but it was a building point, Ryan said.

Early in the third, Hoffman fired a slap shot through traffic off a pass from Fredrik Claesson to give the Senators a lead that they held.
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WILTON  Mason Mitchell likes having a Chromebook he can check out from the library at Middlebrook School.

The compact laptop is convenient to access and to complete class assignments, with a built-in suite of free Google Education Apps like Gmail, Google Docs and Google Classroom.

While the seventh-grader has his own laptop at home that he can do homework on, and sometimes brings to school, he said having a district-owned Chromebook to use at school and at home would enhance his learning experience.

Its definitely helpful for research, projects and anything that you need typing for, Mitchell said, describing the Chromebook. I think having your own would be helpful because you can always have one on hand.

This 1:1 digital learning environment is the vision behind the districts Ready Access plan for the 2017-18 school year, according to Fran Kompar, the districts director of instructional technology and digital learning.

Some of the districts classrooms already have access to Chromebooks and Google Education Apps, but the plan is to fully integrate the devices and apps into the curriculum as appropriate.

Kindergartners and first-graders at Miller-Driscoll will have periodic access to iPads and second-graders will have access to Chromebook carts.

Students at Cider Mill and Middlebrook will be able to borrow a Chromebook on a yearly basis, with grades 5-8 having the option to bring the device home.

And every student at Wilton High School will be required to bring their own device for educational purposes  or, if they cant afford one, borrow one from the Learning Commons or apply to have one provided to them.

Kompar said the idea is to incorporate a natural progression of learning how to use different devices, now that students are living in a global world that requires 21st century skills, such as online collaboration, creativity with technology and effective communication.

The fact of the matter is that these are skills that students need in order to be successful in whatever career that they choose or whatever college that they embark on, Kompar said.

Such thinking was the reasoning behind training district teachers by September to use Google Classroom, a Learning Management System that allows teachers to create classes, distribute assignments and send feedback all in one place. Students and parents can access the classroom with a unique code.

With this change, Edline will be replaced with Finalesite but Powerschool Parent Portal will remain.

Familiarizing students with Google Classroom early on will be advantageous, since the system is similar to Moodle, Blackboard and other learning platforms professors tend to use in college, Kompar said.

Its the same idea where you have access to assignments, discussions, resources, readings  all of the things that make up a classroom, but then that classroom then becomes wall-less, she said. It does become something where learning doesnt stop just because the last bell rang.

Just as teachers will be trained to use Google Classroom, students will be trained to use the new devices and apps appropriately.

Students will be introduced to the basics of keyboarding starting from second grade through TypingClub  a program similar to Type To Learn but with a system thats much easier for parents to access, Kompar said.

Students will then have benchmarks for every year leading up to fifth grade, when they are expected to type 25 words per minute. In sixth grade, every student will take a digital literacy course during one of their quarter tutorial classes. This class will pre-access their keyboarding skills in case they need additional help and will also equip them with appropriate knowledge of how to use their devices and apps effectively and responsibly.

I think that were at a point now where the kind of skills that are part of the curriculum would be very difficult, if not impossible, to teach without having the resources, Kompar said.

Developing tech

A large part of making sure the new digital plan transitions smoothly by September is updating the technological infrastructure.

The lead of this effort is Erik Haakonsen, the districts director of technology and liaison with Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology.

Prior to joining the district at the start of the 2016-17 school year, Haakonsen managed tech operations at Weston and Bridgeport schools for 12 years.

The fact that we are rewriting the curriculum to leverage the technology in a meaningful way is going to allow us to really expand and enhance the instructional practices and the outcomes of the students, he said. I think thats what everyone needs to understand.

Haakonsen said the district is in the process of providing one wireless internet access point for every classroom and multiple access points in bigger spaces, such as gyms, cafeterias and libraries. Significant changes will also be made to the districts server rooms at the high school throughout the summer. These changes will double the network speed and provide ubiquitous coverage if completed by September, he added.

The technology should be like electricity or heat or air conditioning  its there, it works and it supports whatever activity is going on in that space, he said.

The plan also saves the district $1 million in its technology budget for the 2017-18 school year, Haakonsen said, largely from the inexpensive costs of Chromebooks and Google apps. A Chromebook costs the district between $225-300, while Google apps are free. Other software will be purchased through a license, available for download only on district-owned devices.

Some of these savings were re-invested into the Library Learning Commons to hire a second library media specialist at Middlebrook and Wilton High School.

For further savings, Haakonsen and his team are looking to provide the district with a more sustainable replacement plan that includes a five-year recurring lease payment. His team is also coming up with a comprehensive plan of redoing the districts inventory this summer, which will be the baseline for purchases in the next five years, he added.

Im just very excited with where the district is heading, he said. With Frans leadership, with the Learning Commons, and on the instructional side and the support of the district, its a very thoughtful and comprehensive and forward-thinking plan of deployment.

Educating parents

With more than 20 million students and teachers using Chromebrooks and Google Classroom worldwide, Kompar said the districts decision to go full Google wasnt just to keep up with the times  but to be innovative and progressive.

Based on her 25 years of experience as a digital consultant and library specialist for Fairfield County schools, Kompar said most districts shes worked with opted for a one-size-fits-all approach for grades K-12.

Wiltons plan, however, considers both curriculum needs and age appropriateness of device usage at each grade level, she said.

It was very purposeful and intentional in terms of the way that we delivered it, she said. Dr. Smith likes to call it Ready Access and I think its the perfect name for it because its about when and how the technology is needed, and thats when the technology will be used. It doesnt mean that its going to be used all the time.

Since the plan was approved and budgeted for the 2017-18 school year, Kompar said shes heard positive feedback from parents.

Yet, parents will be given the option of opting their child out of using any district-provided devices or apps before the beginning of the school year as in years past.

Jung Soo Kim, a parent in the school district, chose to opt her eighth-grade son out of using Google Classroom this year, so he turned in paper assignments instead. Kim said she felt uncomfortable about her son using Google Classroom because of recent lawsuits accusing the tech giant for data-mining student emails for a variety of purposes, including advertising.

And she intends on opting out her younger children for as long as she can, she said.

My concern is that Google is basically training an entire generation of future customers to be familiar with the Google suite of products, just like Microsoft trained us to be familiar with Microsoft Office, she said.

Though she recognizes the nationwide push to transition students to the online environment of Google Classroom, she said she is frustrated with the districts enthusiasm for its integration at younger ages.

As a functioning adult, you can figure out how to navigate university-level online tools, so I think to push children to learn at this age is unnecessary, Kim said.

Kim attended a parent meeting at Middlebrook School with Kompar and Haakonsen on Tuesday, along with dozens of other parents with questions and concerns.

They asked how they will be able to access their childrens homework, how the district will manage usage of personal devices, and how the district will balance their childrens screen time at school and home, among other topics.

Middlebrook Principal Lauren Feltz addressed such concerns, explaining that phones will not be allowed in classrooms or in the cafeteria and that the district will provide additional meetings and workshops to keep parents informed about the plans progress.

Overall, she voiced her support for the full deployment of Google Chromebooks and Classroom at Middelbrook but also noted that the district will continue to provide alternatives for students who opt out of the plan.

I think that those kids who stay only in the hard-copy environment are going to lose something in their ability to get frequent, early, personalized and actionable feedback on their work, Feltz said Tuesday. So I think there are always pros and cons as we struggle with what we want to participate in.

skim@hearstmediact.com; 203-354-1044; @stephaniehnkim
1 Refugee deaths: The bodies of at least 34 refugees, many of them young children, were recovered from the sea off Libya after some 200 people tumbled into rough waters when their overcrowded smugglers boat capsized Wednesday, the Italian coast guard said. The capsizing incident was one of several rescue operations coordinated by the Italian coast guard. In all, some 1,800 refugees were rescued Wednesday from unseaworthy dinghies or wooden fishing boats.

2 Kenya bombings: Eight Kenyan police officers were killed when their vehicles ran over improvised bombs in two separate incidents near the border with Somalia, officials said Wednesday. The deaths came a day after Kenyas police chief, Joseph Boinnet, said al-Shabab extremists based in Somalia were stepping up attacks inside the country. He said al-Shabab is under pressure from African Union troops supporting Somalias government, which recently declared an offensive against the extremist group. Al-Shabab, which has ties to al Qaeda, claimed responsibility for the first attack. Kenya has managed to stop the frequency of al-Shabab attacks in its capital, Nairobi, and major towns, but human rights groups say the government uses methods such as extrajudicial killings that can fuel revenge attacks.
Mnangagwas Govt blocks Zim students stranded in China

Health and Child Care minister Obadiah Moyo has said Zimbabwean students stranded in China after the coronavirus outbreak should stay in the Asian country because their return might be dangerous, inadvertently confirming the governments lack of preparedness to handle the fast-spreading deadly virus.

Speaking at an inter-ministerial meeting held in Harare to map the way forward on containing the virus, Moyo said the fight to stop the coronavirus entering into Zimbabwe was giving government sleepless nights.

We have our students in China and this meeting has agreed and feels they are better off in China at this stage, he said.

We have had conversations with the students and they have indicated they prefer to be in China at this moment because if they were to fall sick, there is already some treatment which has been applied which is successful. They are better off rather than coming here. We havent even tried any treatment at all, so they are better off in China at this very stage.

Government, however, is reluctant to institute travel bans to people coming from China and areas affected by the virus.

We realise that the incidence of the disease is increasing everywhere around the world. We called this meeting particularly realising its no longer confined to China. We also needed to highlight the fact that our airlines, Kenyan Airways and Emirates, are not flying from China, but it is the Ethiopian Airlines which is flying into Zimbabwe from China, Moyo said.

He said as government, they were working on containing the virus at all costs.

We do not want it to come, but sometimes when you see the trend, you just cant go to sleep, you wake up and be prepared. If it was to arrive in your home, how will you deal with it? That is what we are doing, Moyo said.

To date, only two suspected cases of the virus have been recorded in the country, with Moyo expressing confidence on their current testing mechanism.

He said a new testing regime was on the cards to do away with delayed release of results.

Parents of students in China yesterday met Chinese embassy officials to get an appreciation of the state of affairs regarding their childrens safety in the wake of the deadly virus. About 2 000 Zimbabwean students are studying in China.

Speaking to the parents, Chinese deputy ambassador to Zimbabwe, Zhao Baogang said his country was prepared to assist those who wanted to evacuate their children should they choose to do so.

He, however, said it was not advisable to evacuate foreign nationals from China, saying it may further complicate the situation.

India, Germany and Iran have reported new cases of the coronavirus, while the World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned that the world was in uncharted territory.

WHO said more than 90 000 cases had been confirmed globally, with deaths reaching 3 110 yesterday.

Meanwhile, local financial institution, Ecobank has responded to the current efforts to curb and control the transmission of coronavirus by donating test kits to the Health ministry.

The donation of US$30 000 will go towards the procurement of rapid testing kits that will be deployed at all ports of entry including airports and border posts to strengthen efforts to break the virus transmission chain after the disease was discovered in China and now has been spreading to other parts of the world.

In handing over the donation, Ecobank managing director Moses Kurenjekwa said the financial institution was alive to the potential business and human threat posed by the virus globally.

We are taking these steps at a local level as a show of our commitment to this country, he said.

It is our hope that we can come together as a nation and deal collectively with this serious threat to social and economic progress.

Cabinet yesterday resolved that all visitors from countries that had reported coronavirus should hold valid medical clearance certificates issued by a government health institution.

Speaking during yesterdays Cabinet briefing, Moyo said visitors without the certificate would be immediately deported at the port of entry.

You dont have a certificate, we have no choice, but send you back to where you are coming from, he said.

Information minister Monica Mutsvangwa urged all government emergency agencies, including the Department of Civil Protection, to be prepared in the event of the virus spreading to Zimbabwe.

 NewsDay

Breaking News via Email
Wednesday: India is going closer isolating Pakistan diplomatically and is considering punitive actions against Islamabad, a top American defence intelligence chief has told lawmakers.

Lt Gen Vincent Stewart, Director, Defense Intelligence Agency said, "India has sought and continues to move to isolate Pakistan diplomatically and is considering punitive options to raise the cost to Islamabad for its alleged support to cross- border terrorism,"

"Continued threat of high level terror attacks in India, violence in Kashmir and bilateral diplomatic recriminations will further strain India-Pakistan ties in 2017," he said.

Following a terrorist attack on an Army base Kashmir last September, New Delhi conducted a highly publicised operation against militants across the Line of Control, he added.

"In 2016, Indian and Pakistani forces exchanged some of the heaviest fire in years along the Line of Control in Kashmir, and each expelled a number of the others diplomats amid growing tension," Stewart said.

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Blast in England's Manchester on Monday night
Synapse Services is a privately owned Centre for Psychological Medicine located in the heart of Nigeria - Lagos, Abuja and Niger state. We currently have a staff strength of 138 and have been in operation for the last 8years in Nigeria. We provide first class psychological and psychiatric care as well as treatment of addictions, with a range of therapeutic programs suited to individual needs.The post holder is expected to:Prospect for new clients by networking, and using other acceptable means of generating interest from potential clients and ultimately converting them into clients;Involved in generation relevant partnership proposals with support from the clinical services teamIdentify innovative tactics, corresponding business plans and sustainable; operations to drive revenue and volume growth while meeting the market's needs;Develop and implement community workshops and seminars, with a bid to grow business;Assist in developing and maintaining psychiatrist, psychologist and other allied mental healthcare professional relations, both inside and outside the hospital and amongst sector actors;Increase Synapse Bed Occupancy;Develop short and long-term management and organizational plans to define responsibilities and business activities consistent with hospital goals and objectives;Effectively work with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint.Experience of managing external client relationsExperience of developing and converting business opportunitiesExperience of contributing towards strategic planningAttention to detail i.e. the ability to produce high quality proposals and reports with minimal supervisionDesirable:Experience of international donor institutions, funding sources and application proceduresEvidence that you have worked in a corporate environmentMinimum of 3 years working experience as a Business Development ManagerEmotionally mature and a team playerMinimum of a Master's degreeSalaryN150,000 MonthlyApplicants should send their applications to: recruitment@synapseservices.org with the job title and location as subject of the Email. e.g. Business Development Manager - Abuja OR Lagos Please also submit a current CV with a proposal (not more than 3 pages) on what you will do within your first 100 days of working with Synapse Services.10 June, 2017
An International Development Organization (NERI) is seeking applications from qualified Nigerian nationals for the positions belowNorth East NigeriaThe STTA Engineer will work to develop and implement CCI infrastructure rehabilitation grants activities at the State and Local Government Area (LGA) level. The STTA Engineer will support the Engineering, Design and Environmental Compliance Manager (ED&ECM) and the State Engineer to ensure that all projects are implemented in accordance with sound technical, environmental and engineering standards. The STTA Engineer will provide technical support, training and supervision to implementing small and medium-sized infrastructure projects. The STTA Engineer will provide technical input to NERI staff during the project identification, development and implementation: including budget preparation, scheduling, environmental reviews and compliance monitoring, preparing and reviewing designs, and progress monitoring and reporting. The STTA Engineer will ensure that all infrastructure projects are completed within the available timeframe, allowing sufficient time for close down, demobilization, handover, final invoicing, and, if necessary, contract termination.Successful STTA Engineer must have strong analytical skills, knowledge of material methods and the tools involved in the construction or repair of building structures, in accordance with proper engineering of international standards and be good at meeting deadline. Should be able to work independently with little or no supervision and must have at least ten (10) years of working experience performing in building construction performing duties related to supervision.Reporting & Supervision:The STTA Engineer will report technically to the Engineering, Design and Environmental Compliance Manager (ED&ECM) based at Abuja and administratively to the State Engineer (based in the North East) to oversee various projects.Directly supervise construction and renovation works in the program area, and/or provide technical assistance, training and supervision to Project Engineers for all NERI infrastructure projects within the program area.Assist the Program team in identifying and developing infrastructure projects. Input will include, but not be limited to, establishing constructability, identifying potential field difficulties, daily/weekly project reports and budget preparation to include material, labor, equipment and service costs.The STTA Engineer will provide technical input during the project identification, development and implementation: including scheduling, environmental reviews and compliance monitoring, preparing and reviewing designs and materials tests, and progress monitoring and reporting.Conduct final checks on project designs and specifications to ensure that all designs, drawings and BOQs are in accordance with sound technical, environmental (EMMPs) and engineering standards before passing on to Abuja for final approval.Prepare EDFs, identifying mitigation measures into projects. Ensure that these mitigation measures are planned, budgeted and carried out.Conduct monitoring visits to infrastructure project sites, including unannounced visits in order to monitor progress and ensure compliance.Assist in evaluating and prequalifying potential subcontractors.Set up and maintain local price databases using inputs from the procurement teams, past activities and assessment visits.Assist in the tendering, tender evaluation and contract recommendation processes for sub consultants and sub contracts.Directly carry out, or oversee Project Engineer pre-final and final inspection of all infrastructure worksTechnically review all invoices for state infrastructure subprojects submitted according to project invoice review procedures;Interface with grantees, sub-contractors and vendors as required ensuring transparent program processes are upheld.Participate in final review and close out of grant activities.Any other duties suitable to task and commensurate with ability.University degree in Civil Engineering or similar field of study.5 years general work experience and 3years specific work experience with a large portfolio assistance program providing infrastructure project implementation: Construction supervision as Resident Engineer, Construction Manager or Contractors Site Representative.Familiarity with USAID Environmental Compliance regulations and experience in preparation of EDFsAbility to work independently, think creatively and apply problem solving skills and provide technical supervision.Excellent interpersonal skills and an ability to manage a diverse range of professional relationships essential.Proficient oral and written communication skills in English.Fluency in Hausa or Kanuri desired.Position Start Date: ImmediatelyThe State Program Manager (SPM) will be responsible for the development, contracting, implementation and close-out of a portfolio of activities at the state-level. The SPM will work with Abuja-based Program Development staff, NERI Senior Management, and community stakeholders to identify, prioritize and design activities that will respond to community development priorities in order to further the objectives of the NERI project. The SPM, working with state-level grants and implementation staff, will be charged with oversight of project activities to ensure that all tasks are completed within timeframe and budget parameters defined during project design. The SPM will be tasked with the programmatic and administrative closeout of all activities, including final reporting, disbursement of funding (in concert with finance staff) and disposition of any project inventory. The SPM will serve as the main point of contact for state-level actors and community stakeholders to ensure that all activities fit within a strategic and coherent portfolio. The SPM will be expected to regularly report to Program Development and Grants staff and receive management and guidance from NERI Senior Management. The SPM will be expected to liaise with various levels of stakeholders, including government officials, civil society organizations and community actors; the selected candidate must be able to maintain good relations with all associated parties. This position will be based at Adamawa State (north eastern Nigeria,) with frequent coordination visits to Abuja.Reporting & Supervision:The State Program Manager reports to the Program Development Manager.Primary responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:General oversight of a portfolio of state-level projects.In concert with program development staff and senior management, advice on programmatic design of new projects, monitor implementation to ensure timely completion and adherence to budget and administrative and programmatic closeout at state-level.Work alongside Government of Nigeria (GoN) officials, community stakeholders and civil society actors to ensure coherent and strategic programming as part of a unified project.Serve as the focal point for all state-level programming and ensure that the GoN and communities are informed of the objectives and purposeIn coordination with Community Development Facilitators, establish community-level project oversight committees to ensure community buy-in of activities.Help set up transparent management and oversight mechanisms and work to incorporate with a wide range of project beneficiaries, GoN and other important stakeholders as possiblePerform other tasks, as assigned.University degree in a related field is required.Five years experience in grants management with international donor programs is required.Experience in working with communities to implement grassroots development projects.Prior experience with internationally-funded projects is highly desirable.Proficiency at using Microsoft office software: MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc. is required.Ability to work under short deadlines and efficiently handle multiple tasks.Attention to detail and the ability to function well in a team.Experience of working in a conflict environment is a plus.Fluency in oral and written English is required.Fluency in Hausa or any of the local state languages in the North Eastern part of Nigeria is requiredPosition Start Date: ImmediatelyThe Grants Manager will serve as the principal point of contact and Manager for Grant Administration. S/he will be responsible to ensure effective and efficient management of grants administration and to ensure flexible, innovative, and rapid-response mechanisms are designed to target key zones within Nigeria. S/he will also ensure that the Grant Management and administration function is always in compliance with Creative and USAIDs policies and procedures; and will work towards capacity building of the recipients as well as the other staff members in the area of grants management.Reporting & Supervision:The Grants Manager reports to the Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP). The Grants Manager supervises the Senior Grants Officer, Grant Officers and Grants Assistant.Primary responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:Provides oversight and management of grants staff and grants program;Organizes and coordinates organizational staffing structure and workflow of grants staff activities and administration;Responsible for ensuring quality control and the integrity of the data in both OTI and Creatives online grants database and ensures that the data in the system is always up-to-date;Responsible for ensuring compliance with Creatives grants policies as detailed in the Field Manual and the projects Grants Manual;Coordinate closely with program staff to ensure timely administration and monitoring of grant agreements;Coordinate with finance, procurement, and program staff to facilitate grantee kick-off meeting, monitoring and closeout of grant activities;Provide guidance and interpretation for program staff as well as grantees of Creatives grants policies and procedures and USG regulation;Manage the grants and direct implementation pipeline;Ensure that grant master files are always up-to-date and ready for audit;Lead the grants management team to serve as a central point of grant activity coordination and facilitation;Provide support to technical units on grants compliance and the online grants database;Provide training in grants compliance to project staff;Other tasks as neededMinimum of five (5) years professional experience (including at least two year of supervisory experience) working in complex and challenging field operational contexts;Bachelors degree or professional accounting/financial qualification is required;Experience managing teams,Minimum two years financial administration experience essentialCompetent in computers and using financial software essentialUnderstanding of budget and cost control management essentialExcellent written and spoken English essentialUSAID program experience desirableGrants program experience desirableAbility to work under pressure and efficiently handle multiple tasksAbility to work under own initiative or as a part of a team5th June 2017:Interested applicants for this position MUST submit the following documents to nigeria_recruitment@neri-nigeria.com A current resume or curriculum vitae (CV) listing all job responsibilities;A cover letter; ANDPlease reference the job title and location on the subject line, your cover letter and resume/CV.Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.22 June, 2017
Yves here. The difference between different flavors of austerity in Greece may seem like what the Japanese would call a height competition among peanuts. And it may seem even more peculiar to find the IMF trying to act as a moderating force on Germany.

The IMF has been pushing for some time for bona fide debt reduction for Greece, not more extend and pretend. As weve discussed at length in earlier posts, the staff at the IMF has been in an internal revolt over the Fund continuing in the Greece bailouts, to the extent of repeatedly leaking documents, like a program review that said in bureaucrat-speak that Greece couldnt pay off its massive borrowings. The IMFs rules require that loan be made to borrowers that look viable at the time of the loan, as they wont require yet more lending to service outstanding debt.

While Greece not meeting that standard seems like a no-brainer, for the IMF to be revealed to be saying as much put the various European governments that have been telling their citizens otherwise in a hot spot.

With elections coming up this fall, Germanys government is particularly loath to admit now that the loans to Greece need to be written down, even though this is a matter of loss recognition, not of the loans ever having a chance of being money good. The guest post below has some mind-boggling stats on how far the Greeks gone in squeezing their budgets to satisfy Troika paymasters.

The immediate pressure come from yet another bailout deadline, this one in early July. And a Financial Times story yesterday makes clear how important the optics in Germany are:

Eurozone finance ministers and the International Monetary Fund are exploring a compromise plan for Greeces bailout that would provide much-needed funds this summer while delaying sensitive talks on debt relief. Diplomats said the proposal, put forward by the IMF, would involve the fund taking a formal decision to join Greeces bailout with the proviso it would not provide any money until the euro area gives further details on how it is prepared to ease Athens debts. Supporters of the plan argue that it would deliver formal IMF backing for the Greek programme, which Germany has made a prerequisite for Athens to receive any further tranches of aid from its 86bn bailout. At the same time, the approach would buy time for politically sensitive talks on a debt relief package, which the IMF says is essential for Greece to recover The Washington-based fund had previously insisted it would decide to join the bailout only if the euro area provided much more detail on the debt relief it would give. But people involved in the talks said the IMFs plan to initially withhold its bailout loans would remove this urgency and allow talks on debt relief after Germanys elections in September.

Note that Greece met the conditions of its last bailout round, at even more domestic pain. The IMF will not join the July financing under the scheme sketched out above but has committed to participate if Europe, meaning Germany and other hard-core austerians like The Netherlands agree to, as opposed to make handwaves under duress about, debt cuts. While it still seems more likely than not that the IMF will blink in the end, sitting out a round of financing is a harder line than it has held so far.

By Zsolt Darvas, a Senior Research Fellow at the Corvinus University of Budapest. Originally published at Kathimerini; cross posted from Bruegel

The Eurogroup faces a difficult choice on Greece  implementing a debt reduction plan drastic enough to make a return to market borrowing possible, or agreeing to a fourth financial assistance programme and continuing to fund Greece at the preferential lending rate.

After long delays and tough negotiations, the Greek parliament has formally adopted the measures needed to conclude the current review of the third financial assistance programme, amid protests on the streets. The Greek government now expects the Eurogroup to come up with debt relief measures.

We have been here before. The conclusion of almost every review of the various Greek financial assistance programmes went the same way and left largely unfulfilled expectations for debt relief.

Meanwhile, even though almost two-thirds of the three-year financial assistance programme has passed, the IMF is still hesitating to join this third programme. Beyond various reforms, IMF demands lowered fiscal targets and debt relief  applied only to the European part of the official loans, not its own.

Debt relief measures were promised by European lenders at the inception of the current third financial assistance programme. Those measures were supposed to be specified toward the end of the programme, conditional on Greece implementing the programme conditions.

The programme ends in only about a year from now and Greece is implementing it, so it is time to think about what will come after.

There is certainly promising good news: economic growth in the past two years was much better than expected and growth is set to accelerate in the coming years. Unemployment is decreasing, though painfully slowly. The Greek governments primary budget surplus well exceeded expectations and reached 3.9% of GDP in 2016. Whats more, since the Greek economy is estimated to perform well below its potential output level, the so-called cyclically-adjusted primary budget surplus reached an astonishing 8.7% of GDP in 2016, according to the European Commissions May 2017 estimates. While the Commissions cyclical adjustment methodology has a number of weaknesses (as I argued here), the 8.7% primary surplus estimate is remarkable. It suggests that, after all the negotiations and the pain, Greece has implemented major fiscal adjustments.

So whats next? While Greek public debt is expected to fall, it remains very high. The European Commissions most recent projection foresees a decline from 179.0% of GDP in 2016 to 174.6% in 2018. Even if Greece maintains an overall budget balance, new borrowing will be needed, because a large amount of debt will mature in the coming years which will have to be repaid (see here). Given the high level of debt, the dominant share of official creditors in Greek debt and all the uncertainties that characterise the Greek economy and politics, it is unreasonable to assume that Greece will be able to return to market borrowing at an affordable rate in the foreseeable future.

This leaves bitter choices for the Eurogroup: implement a debt reduction plan drastic enough to make a return to market borrowing possible, or to agree to a fourth financial assistance programme and continue to fund Greece at a preferential lending rate. None of the options is attractive to euro-area lenders.

Greece has suffered a dramatic economic and social collapse since 2008 and all Greek governments have bowed to the decisions of the Eurogroup. It is now time to fulfill the promise of debt relief and thereby offer more hope for the future.
Yves here. Despite pundits originally anticipating that the Tories were set to deliver Labour a crushing, perhaps even party-destroying defeat in the June 8 election, aided and abetted by press and Blairite demonization of Jeremy Corbyn, the tide has turned. Labours release of a program backing big increases in social spending appears to mean at a bare minimum that Labour is far from dead. Voters were given a clear alternative to tired old Tory austerity policies and a meaningful number say they will vote for direct plans to deliver more support to citizens, as opposed to Brexit will make things better hopium.

While May still has a comfortable lead, the change in handicapping has her snap election looking less clever than it did when she called it. She will still contend that it gives her a mandate for Brexit, but a less than thumping victory will mean she may not have improved her position much. And she will have diverted time and energy from preparing for Brexit negotiations. Given how her Downing Street dinner with Jean-Claude Juncker and other members of the EU team revealed how poorly briefed she was, this is a not-inconsequential cost.

From the Independent:

Labour have continued to cut the Tories lead in the polls after the publication of the party manifestos, as party leader Jeremy Corbyn claimed his message was getting through to voters. Survation research gave Theresa Mays party a lead of nine percentage points with the Conservatives dropping 5 per cent to 43 per cent in a week while Labour enjoyed a 5 per cent boost to 34 per cent. There was a similar story in four new polls published in the Sunday papers, which put Labour between 35 per cent and 33 per cent, up from the 26 points the party was showing at the start of the campaign. The YouGov poll for The Sunday Times put Labour on 35 per cent, with the Conservatives nine points ahead on 44 per cent It appears Theresa Mays policies on social care and pensions have damaged her partys approval rating among older voters. A separate Survation survey, conducted entirely after Thursdays Tory manifesto launch, found 28 per cent of voters said they were less likely to vote Conservative because of the social care package, branded a dementia tax by opponents.

Note that this is the highest Labour has scored since the Brexit vote. Oops.

And the reality is that the decline in the standard of living in the UK outside London is due in large measure to Thatcherite policies. Indeed, membership in the EU if anything ameliorated the impact. And before you finger EU immigration, the UK has more non-EU immigrants. Given that the NHS and no doubt other employers have now come to depend on immigrants (10% of NHS doctors are EU immigrants), its not clear how the UK will wean itself of immigrants, even assuming that was a real goal. Do not forget that one of the big reasons for Tory and UKIP support of Brexit was to escape EU labor rules.

By Dr Victoria Cooper, a lecturer in Social Policy and Criminology at the Open University and David Whyte is Professor of Socio-legal Studies at the University of Liverpool. His most recent books are The Violence of Austerity (edited with Vickie Cooper Pluto, 2017). Originally published at Open Democracy

As we move towards the general election, we are paralyzed by what is probably the biggest single issue affecting ordinary people in the country: austerity. We are unable to fully understand both the economic madness of austerity and the true scale of the human cost and death toll that fiscal discipline has unleashed.

Since coming into power as Prime Minister, Theresa May has made a strategic decision not to use the word austerity. Instead she has adopted a more palatable language in a vain attempt to distance herself from the Cameron governments before her: you call it austerity; I call it living within our means.

The experience of countless thousands of people is precisely the opposite: people are actively prevented from living within their means and are cut off from their most basic entitlement to: housing, food, health care, social care and general protection from hardship. And people are dying as a result of these austerity effects. In February, Jeremy Corbyn made precisely this point when he observed the conclusions of one report that 30,000 people were dying unnecessarily every year because of the cuts to NHS and to local authority social care budgets.

But this is really only the tip of the iceberg. The scale of disruption felt by people at the sharp end of these benefit reforms is enormous. Countless thousands of others have died prematurely following work capability assessments: approximately 10,000 according the governments own figures. People are dying as a result of benefit sanction which has fatal impacts on existing health conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease.

Austerity is about dismantling social protection. The crisis we face in social care is precipitated by cuts to local authority funding. In the first 5 years of austerity, local authority budgets were cut by 40%, amounting to an estimated 18bn in care provision.

A decade of cuts, when added up, also means that some key agencies that protect us, such as the Health and Safety Executive and the Environment Agency will have been decimated by up to 60% of funding cuts. Scaling back on an already paltry funding in these critical areas of regulation will lead to a rise in pollution related illness and disease and will fail to ensure people are safe at work.

The economic folly is that austerity will cost society more in the long term. Local authorities are, for example, housing people in very expensive temporary accommodation because the government has disinvested in social housing. The crisis in homelessness has paradoxically led to a 400 million rise in benefit payments. The future costs of disinvesting in young people will be seismic.

Ending austerity would mean restoring our system of social protection and restoring the spending power of local authorities. It would mean, as all the political parties except the Conservatives recognise, taxing the rich, not punishing the poor in order to pay for a problem that has its roots in a global financial system that enriched the elite. It would also mean recognizing that the best way to prevent the worsening violence of austerity and to rebuild the economy is to re-invest in public sector jobs.

In our book published this week, we bring together 31 leading authors to challenge this violent agenda. The book provides a comprehensive guide to the social violence that has been unleashed by austerity and shows, unequivocally, that austerity is not about living within our means like some kind of fantasy household budget in Hampstead. Austerity is designed to punish already disenfranchised populations, in targeted and violent ways.

Both the economic madness and the vicious cruelty of austerity have been almost written out of this election. Come June, the next elected government has to produce a viable alternative strategy to austerity if it wants to reduce the death toll and properly protect its people. No matter how the politics of Brexit or the politics of devolution and independence play out in the future, austerity is the key political issues that will shape the lives and deaths of the British people.

The Violence of Austerity, edited by Vickie Cooper and David Whyte, is published by Pluto Press.
Yves here. The ancient Greeks would probably warn the modern Saudis not to risk taunting the gods.

Due to our focus on finance and economics, we cover the Middle East only incidentally and mainstream media focuses on hot topics, like fighting in Syria, efforts to pressure Iran, and Israel v. Palestine. Yet the US recognizes that Saudi Arabia represents a huge risk for US policy. The old king Abdullah, who died in 2015, was well liked. The former Crown Prince, now King Salman, by contrast, was unpopular and, to put it politely, seen as not up to the job of keeping the country stable as oil revenues were falling, which in turn would strain formerly generous social safety nets.

So I am putting this post up to encourage informed reader comment, particularly in light of what seems to be wishful thinking about how quickly the country can change the configuration of its economy.

By Haley Zaremba, a writer and journalist based in Mexico City. Originally published at OilPrice

The Saudi Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman unveiled the nations ambitious Vision 2030 in an interview with Al-Arabiya in April. The roadmap lays out a wide variety of economic reforms that will transition Saudi Arabia away from oil and into a broader array of investments.

While Saudi Arabias economy is currently suffering from an 18-month decline in oil prices and soaring unemployment rates, they are planning for a future in which they wont have to worry about the price of oil at all. Speaking of the plans outlined in Vision 2030, Saudi finance minister Mohammed Al Jadaan told CNN,We will not really care much whether the price is 40, 45, 50, 55 at that time because we have gone significantly out of our way to be independent of the oil priceWe are planning to totally [end] that dependency that we have been living for the last 40, 50 years. Hopefully by 2030, I wouldnt care if the oil price is zero.

Vision 2030 proposes an economic restructuring that would in theory add 6 million non-oil jobs by 2030 and generate $100 billion per year in additional non-oil revenue by 2020 by reducing subsidies for gasoline, electricity and water and introducing a new value-added tax as well as initiatives to foster more non-oil industries like mining and military hardware. They have also suggested grandiose ideas to create the worlds biggest IPO for Aramco (the worlds biggest oil company) and to establish the worlds biggest sovereign-wealth fund worth over $2 trillion to invest in a wide variety of assets. Related: Kuwait: Deeper Cuts Are On The Table

These proposals, groundbreaking in their extent, are especially radical in a country relying on oil for 90 percent of its GDP. Whether these ambitious goals are realistic for Saudi Arabia, whose national deficit is expected to reach 13.5 percent of GDP this year after over a year of decreasing oil prices, remains to be seen.

The 30-year-old Prince bin Salman also announced that he believed the plan could be realized even sooner, eliminating Saudi Arabias oil dependency by 2020, in a statement that the Economist referred to as manic optimism among the youthful new policy-setters of the royal court.

While the Vision 2030 roadmap is full of general policy suggestions and enterprising statements of intent, it lacks clear directives and detailed strategies. Saudi policy-makers have been promising logistics for months, but have yet to release anything of the sort.

For decades, any efforts to wean the Saudi economy off of oil has been met with opposition ranging from disinterest to disdain. If Vision 2030 is to have any success, it will rely upon bin Salmans ability to mobilize Saudi youth and instill a desire to work within new fields. As the youngest defense secretary in the world with a youthful outlook and a strong presence in social media, bin Salman may just have the sway it takes to realize this endeavor.

Diversifying Saudi Arabias economy could also be the answer to the nations growing youth unemployment. Timothy Callen, the assistant director for the Middle East and Central Asia department at the IMF, says that reducing unemployment among young Saudis will be one of the economys biggest challenges this year, with the rate already at 12 percent for nationals and 33.5 percent for youth and climbing steadily in conjunction with more and more young people entering employment age.

Saudi authorities have said that they hope the reforms proposed in Vision 2030 will decrease unemployment just 7 percent, with the amount of women in the workforce increasing from just 22 percent to 30 percent stemming from increased education and employment opportunities. The Al-Bayan Center for Planning & Studies has criticized the modesty of these goals in comparison to the brash ambition of Vision 2030 as a whole, arguing that the hesitancy to establish the requisite social and political reforms that will inevitably support economic reform questions Saudi Arabias ability to diversify the economy and attract necessary foreign investment.

By 2030, the same year that bin Salman claims that Saudi Arabia will have broken up with oil, some experts predict that youth unemployment will increase to over 42 percent as the population continues to boom. These are two vastly different foresights for Saudi Arabia, but one thing is certain: the country will need more than just a vision to secure a brighter future.
Precise insight into the depths of cells (Nanowerk News) Is it possible to watch at the level of single cells how fish embryos become trout, carp or salmon? Researchers at Goethe University Frankfurt have successfully combined two very advanced fluorescence microscopy techniques. The new high-resolution light microscope permits fascinating insights into a cells interior (PNAS, "csiLSFM combines light-sheet fluorescence microscopy and coherent structured illumination for a lateral resolution below 100 nm").

Live yeast cell embedded in agarose. From left to right: conventional fluorescence, conventionally treated and with csiLSFM. The bar is 1 m wide. (click on image to enlarge)

Using the light-sheet microscopy technology invented and developed by Professor Ernst Stelzer, it was already possible to observe organisms in a very precise and vivid way during cell differentiation. His group at Goethe University Frankfurt has now combined light sheets with a technique which so far only allowed very high spatial resolutions (<100nm) on a cells surface. Combining both methods makes it possible to obtain a three-dimensional insight into a cell with a high resolution.

Light-sheet-based fluorescence microscopy (LSFM) is the most recent three-dimensional fluorescence microscopy technique. In fluorescence microscopy, a fraction of a cells molecules is labelled with fluorescent markers, which are lit up with a beam of light. A camera records the three-dimensional distribution of the fluorescing molecules, i.e. the fluorophores. The outstanding advantage of LSFM is that even sensitive samples such as fish embryos survive observation. This is a major advancement since conventional methods, which illuminate the whole sample, expose the specimens to much more energy and destroy the cells in a very short period of time.

Ernst Stelzer, professor at the Institute of Cell Biology and Neuroscience and a principal investigator in the Cluster of Excellence Macromolecular Complexes of Goethe University Frankfurt, explains that LSFM does not illuminate the entire sample but only micrometre-thin light sheets. Since we examine the biological specimens under conditions that are as natural as possible, we achieve very precise results, says Stelzer. However, not only static images of cells but also dynamic changes in their environment or genetic mutations can be measured in direct comparisons.

Bo-Jui Chang, Victor Perez Meza and Ernst Stelzer have now improved the technique further: We combined light-sheet fluorescence microscopy with coherent structured illumination microscopy (SIM). This allows for an extremely high resolution, he reports. SIM is a super-resolution technique that produces several images, which are combined digitally. As a result, resolution is improved in the physical sense. The technical approach is to excite a fluorescing sample with a very specific illumination pattern. Sub-100 nm resolutions with this method are limited to surfaces but the technique has major advantages. It is fairly moderate in the excitation of the fluorescence, allows very fast imaging and can be used with all fluorescing molecules for high-resolution purposes.

In the new microscope, which we call csiLSFM, we have developed the principle of SIM further in such a way that sub-100 nm resolutions are no longer limited to surfaces but can also be used in extensive three-dimensional objects. Here, two counterpropagating light sheets interfere at an angle of 180 so that they form the smallest possible linear interference pattern. As a result, we achieve an optimal resolution of less than 100 nanometres, explains Ernst Stelzer. The new instrument has three objective lenses. It works via the flexible control of rotation, frequency and phase shift of the perfectly modulated light sheet.
'Bobcat nanowagon' is a first step toward creating a new academic field (Nanowerk News) Dr. Saw-Wai Hla and Dr. Eric Masson are thrilled with their teams performance in the worlds first nanocar race in April, but for them, it was a fun starting point to a much larger goal.

The nanocar race is not the end; it is just the very beginning of our project, Hla, a professor of physics and astronomy, said. We entered this competition not just to win, but to develop a controlled transport system at the molecular scale.

Thats the first part of the goal; the second is to help create a new field of study  quantum mechanical engineering  that is now discussed only at the early theoretical stage.

Dr. Saw-Wai Hla, along with Dr. Eric Masson and their students, created the Bobcat nanowagon, one of the world's first working nanocars.

The nanocar race was a unique competition: Six teams worked to build cars that could race each other on a track. However, these cars were no bigger than a few molecules, and the Ohio University teams car wasnt even in France, where the race was held; instead, it was a quarter of the way around the planet, in Hlas lab at Ohio University.

Masson, an associate professor of chemistry and biochemistry, and his team built OHIOs car, known as the Bobcat Nanowagon, then worked with Hla to get it into a solid-state race track made of gold. From there, Hlas team drove the car along a 100-nanometer track. The driving is done by applying a positive or negative electrical charge to effectively push or pull the nanocar in a given direction.

Ultimately OHIOs entry covered 43 nanometers, but would have finished easily, Hla said, if not for a mundane foe: Ohio weather. A thunderstorm on the day of the race caused power issues that doomed the team  not that anyone was complaining.

This is the first time that we made atomic-level control manipulation across an ocean by remote control. That is the technology itself. This is a technical breakthrough, Hla said. The team that won, comprised of members from Rice University and Austria, also participated remotely, but from a lab in Austria, the same time zone as Toulouse, France, where the race was held. The Ohio team had to operate at six-hour time difference. Like the French teams car, the Ohio Bobcat Nanowagon fit all of the stated criteria for the competition: It had more than 100 atoms (644, in fact), and was operated on a gold surface.

Our car is the only car that looks like a car, its functional, and its a pure American car. It may not be the most beautiful one, but it works, Hla said. OHIOs was also the only one of the six to be a supramolecular car  it had five interlocked molecules.

Basically, its the first supramolecular car ever designed. It is also the largest nanocar ever built, Masson said.

Dr. Eric Masson, along with Dr. Saw-Wai Hla and their students, created the Bobcat nanowagon, one of the world's first working nanocars.

Hla and Masson hope to create larger nanocars that can catch, move or release other molecules in a precise way, effectively building molecular structures for any number of applications. Thats where the quantum mechanical engineering comes in. Hla compared it to our ordinary mechanical engineering used to design cars, buildings and other constructs.

All of those machines are in our scale; we can use the concepts that we already know from mechanical engineers. However, for nanocars that we develop or any molecular machine that we develop in nanoscale, we cannot use any of those concepts. None, Hla said.

The nanocar is a good example; even though it has four wheels and moves across a surface, Hla and Masson are still working to discover if the wheels are gliding or rolling across the surface. On a nano-level, gravity is irrelevant, so the way the nanocar adheres to the surface and how it is moving across is highly important for fundamental scientific understanding.

So the attraction of the car to stick to the surface has nothing to do with gravity. It has everything to do with atomic-level interactions between that wheel and the surface, Hla said. In the quantum regime, the energy transfer to driving the machines, everything, is completely different from our world. However, there is no subject called quantum mechanical engineering. Nobody really knows what will be the energy we need. This is a major challenge right now and a major boost in the research direction. All the funding agencies in the US and around the world are really heavily pursuing it, this year, starting from now; its becoming very popular.

The concept of molecular machines isnt new; Hla said our bodies have them, in the form of DNA making repairs on a constant basis. But there arent many man-made ones, he said.

Especially one that is suitable to operate in solid-state devices, like iPhones or computers, he said. In my group at OHIO, we measure novel properties of molecular machines and try to understand them.

If the nanocars can be mass-produced and controlled, particularly a lot of them at once, they can be used to build or restructure electronic circuits and data storage devices, for example. A nano-sized data storage device would revolutionize the industry.

Modern electronics today is way larger than our scale, Hla said. The scale currently it is still about 1 million times by area larger than ours. We can use our nanocars as data storage. You have ultra-dense data storage. Probably the entire worlds information, you could put in one cell phone, for example.

Or think of the scale this way: A nanocar is about eight square nanometers. The width of a human hair is about 8,000 square nanometers. Thus, about a billion nanocars would fit in that space.

For now, of course, this is all in the theoretical phase. Hla and Masson said there is a lot of research and experimentation to be done. And, they said, they couldnt do it alone; their students have been active in running experiments and one, Ryan Tumbleson, even drove the Bobcat Nanowagon during the race.

Hla said others are working on similar projects, so OHIO has to remain on the forefront.

If we dont do it, somebody else will be doing it, so wed better lead it, he said. Maybe one day the university will have a special department, quantum mechanical engineering.

He said theres no reason Ohio University cant take the lead; in fact, he says it already has.

Dont look down because we are from OHIO; we are unique, he says. There was only one complete group from the US that competed (in the nanocar race). We can change the world, in a good way.

The technology, Hla said, can help in many ways.

There are many areas, I do believe, that will be hugely impacted. Medicine, electronics, information technology, just to name a few. Those are the real impacts. However, it has to start from somewhere.
Wednesday, May 24, 2017 by: Ethan Huff Tags: buyback , guns , police state This article may contain statements that reflect the opinion of the author

(Natural News) Disarming American citizens has never been easier, at least in Los Angeles, California, where hundreds of local residents recently lined up to hand over their firearms in exchange for Target gift cards.

According to reports, many of the participants in L.A.s annual gun buyback program waited in long lines like trained zombies for the opportunity to give up their guns to officers from the Los Angeles Police Department (L.A.P.D.). Handguns, rifles, and so-called assault weapons were all included among the contributions.

For each rifle and handgun that was handed over, individuals received a Target gift card in the amount of $100. For each assault weapon, the reward was $200, even if the weapon in question was worth far more on the market.

The event was praised as a positive step in removing dangerous weapons from L.A. streets, even though every firearm handed over was likely not owned by a criminal. Meanwhile, actual criminals were nowhere to be found in handing over their guns.

Jokingly referring to the charade as the annual Come rob me, Im unarmed! event, Lily Dane for The Daily Sheeple wrote that every single person who lined up to participate in handing over their firearms now has a giant target on his back. Not only did these people willingly sacrifice their right to self-defense, but they broadcasted it to millions of people who watched local news stations that reported on it.

did any of the people who appeared on camera even stop to think, Hey, I am admitting to being unarmed and therefore unprotected on national TV and essentially announced to everyone who sees this video that I am an easy target?' Dane pointed out.

Does anyone actually believe that would-be criminals turned in their weapons at this event?

Only idiots broadcast on television that they are unarmed and open game

These are valid points, but apparently not to folks like the man in the blue shirt featured by CBS Los Angeles for handing over not one, not two, but three firearms. His reason? Grandchildren are now in the picture, and he wouldnt want to put them at risk of gun violence.

The mans four grandchildren are shown in pictures during the segment as he explains how disarming himself will somehow protect his family and keep them safe. You can watch the segment starting at around 35 seconds in the video clip posted to YouTube.

Another woman is seen explaining that she came to turn in her guns because she had been personally robbed on three separate occasions, as well as a fourth time at a liquor store that she and her husband owned. Rather than hold on to her firearms for protection against similar events that might occur in the future, the woman says getting rid of her guns is the better option.

These people are clearly under the impression that guns are never useful in an emergency situation, including one involving a robbery. They presumably believe that police will somehow arrive immediately to protect them, even though statistics suggest that it takes cops an average of 11 minutes to arrive at the scene of a crime.

With all due respect to the folks featured at the gun buyback event, they really would do well to investigate why keeping a gun handy for self-defense is important. Handing guns over to the police for a measly cash card is about the dumbest thing one can do, especially in our volatile world.

As Robert A. Heinlein once said: The police of a state should never be stronger or better armed than the citizenry. An armed citizenry, willing to fight, is the foundation of civil freedom.

Sources for this article include:

TheDailySheeple.com

IJR.com
American Eclipse: A Nation's Epic Race to Catch the Shadow of the Moon and Win the Glory of the World David Baron Liveright: 2017 9781631490163. | ISBN: 978-1-6314-9016-3

The progress of an eclipse seen from Australia in 2012. Credit: Stocktrek Images/National Geographic Creative

On 21 August 2017, the United States will experience its first all-American total solar eclipse. The path of totality's full shadow  some 100 kilometres wide  will for the first time make landfall only in the United States, passing over the homes of 12 million people in 14 states, from Oregon to the Carolinas. Heliophysicists and umbraphiles from around the world are preparing for it, along with Department of Transportation officials. The former are still pondering the results of the 1999 eclipse, whose path crossed Europe from Cornwall to Romania and beyond, and of total eclipses since. The latter are doing their best to ensure that millions of drivers get safely into and out of the path.

A total solar eclipse is the most stupendous sight in nature.

The fuss is understandable. A total solar eclipse is the most stupendous sight in nature: the abruptly darkening sky; Baily's beads, glints of sunlight shining through lunar valleys; the dazzling diamond-ring effect; the spiky, pearly solar corona. Then, a couple of minutes later, the whole show in reverse. Equally compelling is the knowledge that you are witnessing a syzygy, an alignment of Earth, Moon and Sun that darkens the sky by an additional factor of 10,000 in the last minute alone. Now, four books all anticipate the coming celestial event in different ways.

In American Eclipse, journalist David Baron harks back to the total eclipse visible in the United States in July 1878. (I read this book in draft and provided a blurb.) A group of eminent scientists, including astronomer Henry Draper and his wife, Anna (see S. Nelson Nature 539, 491492; 2016), travelled to Rawlins, Wyoming, to witness it. But, as Baron relates, 31-year-old whizz-kid inventor Thomas Edison gained the lion's share of publicity, even though he was just tagging along. Edison brought one of his devices, a tasimeter, to measure minute shifts in heat from the Sun's corona during the eclipse. He was unprepared for the strength of the signal, however, and his instrument's needle pinned at its maximum reading. It wasn't until around 1940 that physicists Walter Grotrian, Bengt Edlen and Hannes Alfven found the solar corona to have a temperature of at least 1 million C. Had the tasimeter worked, the scattering of sunlight that we see as the inner corona would have misleadingly given Edison the Sun's surface temperature, 6,000 C.

Baron's stories are good ones, well told. The pioneering US astronomer Maria Mitchell  the first professor hired at Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, New York  took a group of alumnae, although they weren't offered free rail travel like their male counterparts. Astronomer and inventor Samuel Pierpont Langley, meteorologist Cleveland Abbe and solar spectroscopist-astronomer Charles Young also witnessed the eclipse. Nine years before, Young had co-discovered the green line in the spectrum of the corona that proved key in understanding coronal temperature; in the 1940s, it was found to come from iron gas so hot that many of its atoms have lost half their electrons.

In the Shadow of the Moon: The Science, Magic, and Mystery of Solar Eclipses Anthony Aveni Yale University Press: 2017 9780300223194. | ISBN: 978-0-3002-2319-4

The history of eclipses is global and long. Astronomer and science historian Anthony Aveni's In the Shadow of the Moon mines observations from five millennia. We learn about eclipses in ancient Babylonia, such as those recorded on a tablet fragment from 280 BC. Aveni analyses the story that the Greek philosopher Thales of Miletus predicted the eclipse of 28 May 585 BC, which supposedly halted a battle between the Lydians and Medes; he is sceptical of links between these ancient dates and actual eclipses.

He also delves into total eclipses seen in the United States, such as New York City's in 1925: people sat on roofs along the Hudson River to mark the shadow's lower edge on 96th Street, and the 'diamond-ring effect' was mentioned in the US media for the first time. Aveni concludes that neither rainbows, comets, meteors nor the aurora borealis surpass the transient, exquisite beauty of a total solar eclipse.

Eclipse: Journeys to the Dark Side of the Moon Frank Close Oxford University Press: 2017 9780198795490. | ISBN: 978-0-1987-9549-0

Particle physicist Frank Close tells more-personal stories in Eclipse. In 1954, aged eight, Close viewed a partial solar eclipse; it inspired him to become a scientist. Although clouds all but foiled Close's attempt to see the totality from Cornwall in 1999, he managed to catch subsequent events from Zambia, Libya, Tahiti and, in 2013, a ship off the west coast of Africa. As he notes, Like druids, who gather to greet equinoxes at Stonehenge, I had joined an international cult whose members worship the death and rebirth of the sun at moveable Meccas, about half a dozen times every decade. Although he weaves in a modicum of history and science, this is essentially a travel book.

Mask of the Sun: The Science, History, and Forgotten Lore of Eclipses John Dvorak Pegasus: 2017 9781681773308. | ISBN: 978-1-6817-7330-8

Like Close, astronomer John Dvorak hopscotches through eclipses in Mask of the Sun, but this is science history rather than anecdote. The quotes he interweaves reveal the extraordinary pull the events have had on the human imagination. The writer Virginia Woolf, for instance, who had witnessed the 1927 total solar eclipse in the north of England, wrote of it in her essay 'The sun and the fish' the following year: Show me the eclipse, we say to the eye; let us see that strange spectacle again.

It's a rich chronicle. Dvorak notes, for instance, how in 1684 Increase Mather, the president of Harvard College in Cambridge, Massachusetts, delayed the graduation ceremony by ten days so that faculty members and students could reach Martha's Vineyard off the state's south coast to see a total eclipse. (Mather, a Puritan minister, was less enlightened about the Salem witch trials less than a decade later, refusing to condemn them.) We see how astronomer Edmond Halley predicted the eclipse that crossed England in 1715, and gathered public observations to improve prediction of the 1724 event that traversed the country to Europe. And we are reminded of the part an eclipse played in Albert Einstein's rise to prominence. In his 1916 elaboration of his general theory of relativity, Einstein had predicted a deviation in the positions of stars near the Sun during an eclipse; three years later, English astronomer Arthur Eddington successfully measured it.
Collecting the World: The Life and Curiosity of Hans Sloane James Delbourgo Allen Lane: 2017 9780674737334 9781846146572. | ISBN: 978-0-6747-3733-4

Hans Sloane founded the British Museum. Credit: Photos.com/Getty What do bloodletting, slavery, journal editing and a silver penis protector have in common? The eighteenth-century physician, collector and president of the Royal Society Hans Sloane.

In Collecting the World, historian James Delbourgo charts Sloane's rags-to-riches transformation, from his birth in 1660 into a family of domestic servants in the north of Ireland, to his death in 1753 as one of the most influential figures in England. Sloane became medic to the rich and famous and used his personal wealth to amass the most celebrated cabinet of curiosities of the age.

Despite his celebrity in life, Sloane has managed to slip almost into obscurity: his name lives on mostly in a handful of street and place names, such as London's Sloane Square. And he remains a shadowy figure in Delbourgo's book. There is little about what he looked like, or about his family life  perhaps because his archives are full of letters to, rather than from, him. But Delbourgo sheds magnificent light on Sloane's larger world, providing great insight into the evolution of Britain's early scientific and global ambitions.

At the age of 16, Sloane survived a violent haemorrhage, a formative experience from which he emerged with intense ambition. Moving from Ulster to London in 1679 to study medicine, he developed a talent for self-advancement. He exploited the close-knit Anglo-Irish diaspora to cultivate a connection with chemist and fellow of the Royal Society Robert Boyle, and was introduced to philosopher John Locke, naturalist John Ray and physician Thomas Sydenham. Within a decade, Sloane had emerged as a prominent London doctor, and in 1687 he travelled to Jamaica as physician to the island's new governor, the Duke of Albemarle.

Sloane's timing couldn't have been better: he arrived as the island and its sugar plantations were beginning to assume a pivotal role in Britain's empire. Delbourgo does not shy away from the savagery of the slavery from which the colonists profited  violence and oppression that don't seem to have worried Sloane. Indeed, Sloane's description of public tortures and executions is eerily dispassionate.

When not attending the duke, plantation owners or their slaves, Sloane indulged his dream of universal knowledge. This resulted in his natural history of the region: a lavish folio published in two volumes (in 1707 and 1725), filled with hundreds of detailed, life-sized engravings of local plants, animals and curios. The work set a new standard for scientific illustration, from which botanists such as Carl Linnaeus would benefit. Sloane distributed copies like calling cards, spreading his work and fame.

There seems no limit to Sloane's curiosity, although he was scathing about witchcraft and magic, and paid special attention to anything that could be transformed into a commodity. Natural history, for him, was a speculative exercise in scouring the globe for things that might seem odd or trivial ... but which could ultimately triumph in the discovery of prized new resources and goods, writes Delbourgo. Sloane's account of the West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus) is a perfect example of what Delbourgo calls total commercial cataloguing. The creatures were reckon'd extraordinary food; their cured flesh could last without corruption ... never turning rancid; the skeletons, ground to a powder, had medicinal properties; and the hides could be transformed into either fine shoes or whips for beating slaves.

After his return to London in 1689, Sloane married the widow of one of Jamaica's foremost slave owners and bought property in on-the-up Chelsea. In spite of his reliance on treatments such as superpurgations, he seems to have killed fewer patients than other doctors of his day, bringing him a huge income and the presidency of the Royal College of Physicians in 1719.

As the editor of the Royal Society's journal Philosophical Transactions, he became one of the pivotal information brokers in the Republic of Letters. Not everything he published was palatable to learned society  including a second-hand report of a 68-year-old woman who had breastfed her grandchildren. Such vulgar wondermongering, notes Delbourgo, led some to view him as gullible and guilty of distasteful self-promotion: Isaac Newton is said to have described Sloane as a villain and rascal and a very tricking fellow. This didn't stop Sloane from succeeding Newton as president of the Royal Society in 1727. With exemplary sociability, redoubtable shrewdness and unflappable patience, he had installed himself at the centre of British society, writes Delbourgo.

As Sloane's star rose, he found it easier to access objects and anecdotes for his personal museum. With immense skill, Delbourgo mines Sloane's vast correspondence to uncover the global networks on which he relied to accumulate miscellanea. The number, variety and curious nature of these objects is enthralling; they include blocks of rock from the Giant's Causeway in Ireland, an arrow-shooter from Indonesia and that silver penis protector, from Panama. Sloane catalogued these and thousands of other books, coins, precious stones, animals and oddities.

In his will, he drew up a guest list for his own funeral, and offered his collection to the nation, presumably as part of his personal desire for immortality, as Delbourgo puts it. In this mission, he seems to have failed: his name is today rarely linked to the British Museum, the British Library or the Natural History Museum, although all were founded from his collections. Sloane is nowhere because he was everywhere, suggests Delbourgo.
We urge Canada's government not to act on proposals to imminently ramp up the fishery for northern cod (Gadus morhua) along Newfoundland and Labrador's east coast. Although the stock has made a remarkable comeback since its collapse in the early 1990s  in parallel with other factors such as a greater abundance of cod's key prey, capelin (Mallotus villosus)  numbers are still well below historical norms.

A decision to increase cod fishing would fly in the face of scientists' recommendations under the Canadian government's decision-making framework for fisheries, which uses a precautionary approach. Their advice includes encouraging ecosystem-based management that recognizes the importance of food webs, and keeping fish removals as low as possible until the stock surpasses the minimum abundance needed for optimal production.

After last year's stock assessment, modified management practices allowed the catch to double  even though no rebuilding plan was in place to provide target reference points, timelines or harvest-control rules. There was no stock assessment this spring, despite the advice of the Canadian parliamentary fisheries committee for annual assessments. Meanwhile, the available data indicate that the cod's comeback may have stalled (see go.nature.com/2r9stje).
Some of China's many cities have scientific expertise that complement each other, contributing to a rich and varied research environment.

Research papers that result from international collaborations have increased markedly since the Nature Index began tracking papers in 68 top journals in 2012, and Chinese research is no exception. But domestic partnerships remain a large part of the country's high-quality research output. In fact, partnerships between two Chinese institutions have significantly greater contributions to journals included in the index than partnerships between a Chinese and an international institution (see the tables, page S73). The industrial city of Changchun is losing young researchers to more prosperous cities in the south. Credit: Wang Zhe/Rex/Shutterstock

The collaborations between institutions in mainland Chinese cities highlight the appeal of Beijing and Shanghai. Institutions in those cities formed the largest number of partnerships in 2016.

But beyond these metropolises, institutions in smaller cities have expertise that makes them strong collaborators in their own right. In the case of Kunming, the region's unique biodiversity is a boon for scientists interested in studying plants and ecology. Whereas Changchun in China's northeast has a long history specializing in chemistry research.

A chemistry hotspot

Changchun is sometimes called the Detroit of China. The capital of Jilin province in the northeast has for decades been the country's unofficial car manufacturing capital.

The city is also a hotspot of chemistry research. The Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry (CIAC) has been a stronghold in this field since the 1970s. Last year more than 80% of the city's contribution to high-quality research in the Nature Index was in this field, led by Jilin University and CIAC, the city's top two institutions in the index in 2016.

Changchun's partnerships with institutions in other Chinese cities increased from 100 in 2012 to 174 in 2016. In this context, a partnership occurs when researchers from organizations in Changchun co-author papers in index journals with scientists from institutions in other Chinese cities.

Changchun's strongest partnership last year was between the CIAC and the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS) in Beijing, both part of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. All of CIAC's master's and PhD candidates are also students of UCAS.

Changchuns city connections

Institutions in Changchun collaborated with 190 institutions in 26 other cities in mainland China in 2016. Connections are ordered by number of bilateral partnerships.

Credit: VCG/Getty

Among CIAC's research divisions are several well-funded state key laboratories and CAS key laboratories. According to the institute's 2016 annual report, it received about 354 million RMB funding (US$51 million) in 2015.

The CIAC-affiliated State Key Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry receives about a third of its funding from industry, says director Yang Xiaoniu. His lab, which works on polymer structure and properties, secures even more industry funding, between 50 and 70%. In 2014 CIAC established a new company, Changchun A & Z Science Co, to manufacture a new type of water lubricating bearing, based on Yang and his team's research.

Commercialization of research is very risky.

Yang's research has had mixed success. His work on an efficient, cheap to manufacture variety of solar cells, known as donoracceptor copolymer solar cells, has yet to achieve commercial reach, despite significant investments of time and money. Commercialization of research is very risky, he says.

Changchun is the unofficial car manufacturing capital, sometimes called the Detroit of China. Credit: Keystone-France/Getty Finding local industry partners to translate research findings into products is an additional challenge for Changchun's research institutions. The region's business sector is dominated by largely inefficient state-owned businesses. Yang says opportunities for Changchun's institutions to cooperate with industry mostly come from businesses based in southern provinces that have become manufacturing hubs, such as Jiangsu and Zhejiang. His lab, for instance, mostly collaborates with businesses in southern provinces or overseas.

Changchun's academicindustry partnerships in the index between 2012 and 2016 reveal a similar trend. None of the 12 corporations with which the city's institutions coauthored papers were based in the city. The six Chinese corporate partners were based in either Beijing or Shanghai, or in cities in Zhejiang and Jiangsu provinces.

The more prosperous southern provinces are also drawing young educated people away from former industrial cities like Changchun. Several academics have told Nature Index that scientists are leaving Changchun's institutions such as CIAC for better career development and greater industry cooperation in southern cities. To stay competitive, CIAC has this year begun recruiting master's and PhD candidates from The University of Science and Technology of China in Hefei, a member of the C9 group of elite universities.

Credit: VCG/Getty The Southwest China Germplasm Bank in Kunming was established by the Kunming Institute of Botany. The inland province of Yunnan is home to many rare plants, and the critically endangered Yunnan Snub-nosed monkey (bottom right). The Nujiang River (bottom left) snakes around a horseshoe bend in Bingzhongluo, Yunnan. The river originates in the Tibetan Plateau and travels through Myanmar, China and Thailand. Credit: Adam Dean/Panos; XI Zhinong/Minden Pictures/Getty

Kunming's natural advantage

On paper, China's southwestern province of Yunnan is poor. It has one of the country's lowest GDPs per-capita. The region is also prone to devastating earthquakes.

Yet its capital Kunming belies its size when considering its value as a research hub. Last year scientists at the city's institutions formed 190 domestic research partnerships with other Chinese institutions to co-author papers included in the index. With a weighted fractional count (WFC) of 34.87, the research output of Kunming's institutions remains small compared to giants like Beijing (WFC 1,663.04) and Shanghai (WFC 734.03). But, it ranks 16th of the 184 Chinese cities in the Nature Index for its number of domestic research partnerships.

Xu Jianchu, a pioneering Chinese ethno-ecologist, attributes this performance to scientists' fascination with Yunnan's cultural and biological diversity. The inland province contains more than half of China's plant and animal species. Although Yunnan spans just 4% of China's land mass, a comprehensive review published in Biodiversity & Conservation in 2004 found it contained 1,836 vertebrate species, including the critically-endangered golden monkey, and around 18,000 higher plant species, including more than 40% of China's rare and endangered plants. Xu, who is based at the Kunming Institute of Botany, said this diversity gave Kunming-based scientists an advantage. Any international and national partners who want to do research into plants, ecology, conservation  they need to collaborate with us, Xu said.

More than two thirds of Kunming's output on the Nature Index is the field of chemistry, with many articles investigating the chemical structures and processes of plants.

Xu said Yunnan sits at the nexus of three biodiversity hotspots: the mountains of southwest China, the eastern Himalayas, and Indo-Burma in the south (it shares borders with Burma, Laos and Vietnam). It has 25 officially-recognized minority ethnic groups and dozens of languages.

Xu is collaborating with researchers from the Xinjiang Institute of Geography and Ecology, part of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, to develop an ecological calendar for the region to monitor the impact of climate change on the mountain region using indicators from indigenous groups, as well as the group's own studies.

He is also working on a joint study of fungi with Guizhou University that includes researchers from Beijing. Yunnan's diverse fungi species are renowned across China where they are used in food and traditional Chinese medicine.

American social-ecological researcher R. Edward Grumbine first visited Yunnan in 2005 to understand the potential cultural and biodiversity impact of controversial efforts to dam the Nu river, which extends from the Tibetan plateau to the Andaman Sea. Captivated by the region's diversity, Grumbine took on some small research projects while travelling between Yunnan and the US.

Scholars who are interested in China, who do any kind of general homework at all, will come quickly to see the value of doing research in Yunnan, he told Nature Index from Arizona, where he now works for a non-profit organisation. One was early 20th-century Austrian-American explorer and botanist Joseph Rock, whose stone-walled former residence still sits outside the historical town of Lijiang, near where Grumbine conducted fieldwork.

From 2010 to 2014, he worked with Xu's team as a research fellow, part of a Chinese government effort to jump-start the publishing productivity of Chinese sciences in high-impact factor journals. About 150 international scholars were embedded in CAS research institutes across the country, he said. Our job was to pursue whatever research we wanted and to publish in the most prestigious journals that we could manage, and then act as lightning rods, role models [for] teams full of Chinese researchers.

For Yunnan, efforts such as these are hampered by the brain drain that draws scientists to China's more developed coastal cities. We've lost several groups of researchers in recent years. They went to Shenyang. They went to Shanghai.

Unfortunately, in Yunnan we don't have enough of a private sector.

Xu contrasted Kunming with the coastal boomtown of Shenzhen in China's southeast, where the private sector has attracted top talent. Unfortunately, in Yunnan province we don't have enough of a private sector, he said. We have government support, but compared to coastal areas the support is not so significant.

Kunmings city connections

Institutions in Kunming collaborated with 174 institutions in 28 other cities in mainland China in 2016. Connections are ordered by number of bilateral partnerships.
Construction crews have begun demolishing the destroyed portion of the main spillway at Oroville Dam as they race to repair the structure in time for the next rainy season.

State water officials and construction managers said Wednesday they expect to begin pouring fresh concrete in June, starting at the bottom of the 3,000-foot chute and working their way up.

The spillway is the main outlet for Oroville Dam, the country's tallest.

Huge swathes of the spillway began washing away in February. When a second, emergency spillway also began giving way Feb. 12, authorities ordered the temporary evacuation of 188,000 people downstream.

Crews aim to replace the lower portion of the spillway by Nov. 1, when winter rain and snow increase the flow of water into the lake.
Salman Abedi, the 22-year-old man believed to have killed 22 people in a suspected suicide bombing, had ties to al Qaeda and had received terrorist training abroad, a U.S. intelligence official told NBC News Tuesday.

The U.S. intelligence official, who has direct knowledge of the investigation, said Abedi was identified by a bank card found in his pocket at the scene of the explosion at Manchester Arena following an Ariana Grande concert.

Abedi had traveled to Libya within the last 12 months, one of the multiple countries he had visited, the official said. And while he had "clear ties to al Qaeda," the official said, Abedi could have also had connections to other groups.

His own family, of Libyan descent, had even informed authorities about him in the past, telling British officials that he was dangerous, according to the intelligence official.
A Quincy, Massachusetts, waitress was robbed at knifepoint by a woman, according to police.



On Sunday around 8 p.m., a female suspect entered a Friendlys Restaurant located on Hancock Street in Wollaston and allegedly asked a waitress to lead her to the restroom because she was partially blind.

As the suspect and the waitress reached the restroom door, the suspect pulled out a black knife and demanded the victim hand over money.

The waitress gave the suspect the money and walked to the front door with the suspect following behind. The suspect exited the restaurant and headed South on Hancock Street.

The suspect is being described as a female of medium build with dark hair. She was wearing black pants, a pink T-shirt, and a black jacket. The suspect was said to be under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol.

Anybody with information about this individual is asked to contact Detective Montieth at wmonteith@quincyma.gov or call 617-745-5767.
While authorities maintain there is no known threat to Chicago after a deadly attack at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester, England, on Monday, Allstate Arena announced plans to increase security for a performance by The Weeknd Tuesday night.

The pop star is scheduled to perform beginning at 7:30 p.m. at the Rosemont venue, where security is provided by Rosemont police, rather than being contracted out, according to Allstate Arenas Executive Director Pat Nagle.

The police chief was over here last night, and we decided to step up the number of uniformed officers and patrol vehicles outside, Nagle said, adding that he has not seen a single incident in his 27 years with the venue.

We do have bomb sniffing dogs and plainclothes officers throughout the arena, and we wand everyone, even kids, Nagle continued.

The heightened police presence comes in the wake of a suicide bombing that killed 22 people and wounded 59 others  including 12 children under the age of 16  at Manchester Arena, where Ariana Grande was scheduled to perform on Monday night. [[423720184, C]]

The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the carnage, though a top American intelligence official said the claim could not be verified.

Manchester police identified the bombing suspect as 22-year-old Salman Abedi but gave no further details. British police also raided two sites in the northern English city and arrested a 23-year-old man at a third location.

Grande, who was not injured in the blast, tweeted: "broken. from the bottom of my heart, i am so so sorry. i don't have words."

Chicago police said Monday that there is no known threat to the area following the deadly attack, but asked the public to stay alert.

"CPD is closely monitoring the incident in Manchester and we are in real-time communication with our federal partners," CPD spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said in a statement.

At this time, there is no nexus or known threat to the Chicago area but as always, we encourage individuals to report suspicious activity to 911, Guglielmi continued. Our thoughts and prayers goes out to all of those affected by this horrible tragedy. [[423720783, C]]

A spokesman for Allstate Arena echoed the sentiment Tuesday in a statement announcing the heightened security measures.

Our condolences, thoughts, and prayers go out to all those affected by the recent attack in Manchester. As one of the largest concert venues in the country, we recognize the need for the highest safety and security standards, the statement reads. In light of yesterdays events, concert-goers will see an even greater police presence tonight. Concert-goers are reminded that no backpacks or liquids are allowed into the Allstate Arena, and that all persons entering the venue are subject to magnetic screenings and pat-downs.

We are confident that our patrons will be safe and secure as they enjoy tonights show, as well as all other public events at the Allstate Arena, it concluded.
Islamic State group-linked militants swept through a southern Philippine city, beheading a police chief, burning buildings, seizing a Catholic priest and his worshippers and raising the black flag of ISIS, authorities said Wednesday. President Rodrigo Duterte, who had declared martial law across the southern third of the nation, warned he may expand it nationwide.

At least 21 people have died in the fighting, officials said.

As details of the attack in Marawi city emerged, fears mounted that the largest Roman Catholic nation in Asia could be falling into a growing list of countries grappling with the spread of influence from the Islamic State group in Syria and Iraq.

The violence erupted Tuesday after the army raided the hideout of Isnilon Hapilon, a commander of the Abu Sayyaf militant group who has pledged allegiance to ISIS. He is on Washington's list of most-wanted terrorists with a $5 million reward for information leading to his capture.

The militants called for reinforcements and around 100 gunmen entered Marawi, a mostly Muslim city of 200,000 people on the southern island of Mindanao, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said.

"We are in a state of emergency," Duterte said Wednesday after he cut short a trip to Moscow and flew back to Manila. "I have a serious problem in Mindanao and the ISIS footprints are everywhere."

He declared martial rule for 60 days in the entire Mindanao region  home to 22 million people  and vowed to be "harsh."

"If I think that you should die, you will die," he said. "If you fight us, you will die. If there is open defiance, you will die. And if it means many people dying, so be it."

But he said he would not allow abuses and that law-abiding citizens had nothing to fear.

Duterte said a local police chief was stopped at a militant checkpoint and beheaded, and added that he may declare martial law nationwide if he believes the group has taken a foothold.

Marawi Bishop Edwin de la Pena said the militants forced their way into the Marawi Cathedral and seized a Catholic priest, 10 worshippers and three church workers.

The priest, Father Chito, and the others had no role in the conflict, said Archbishop Socrates Villegas, president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines.

"He was not a combatant. He was not bearing arms. He was a threat to none," Villegas said of Chito. "His capture and that of his companions violates every norm of civilized conflict."

Villegas said the gunmen are demanding the government recall its forces.

Military spokesman Col. Edgard Arevalo said 13 militants had been killed, and that five soldiers had died and 31 others were wounded. Other officials said a security guard and two policemen were also killed, including the beheaded police chief.

Arevalo said troops had cleared militants from a hospital, the city hall and Mindanao State University. About 120 civilians were rescued from the hospital, the military said.

Thousands of people have fled the city, said Mary Jo Henry, an emergency response official. She quoted another official as saying Marawi was like "a ghost town."

Broadcaster ABS-CBN showed people crammed inside and on top of public vehicles leaving the area, and some walking on foot with their belongings as they passed through a security checkpoint manned by soldiers.

Martial law allows Duterte to use the armed forces to carry out arrests, searches and detentions more rapidly. He has repeatedly threatened to place the south, the scene of decades-long Muslim separatist uprisings, under martial law. But human rights groups have expressed fears that martial law powers could further embolden Duterte, whom they have accused of allowing extrajudicial killings of thousands of people in his crackdown on illegal drugs.

Hapilon, an Arabic-speaking Islamic preacher known for his expertise in commando assaults, pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group in 2014. He is a commander of the Abu Sayyaf militant group and was wounded by a military airstrike in January.

Troops sealed off major entry and exit points to prevent Hapilon from escaping, military chief of staff Gen. Eduardo Ano told The Associated Press late Tuesday.

"We will conduct house-to-house clearing and do everything to remove the threat there. We can do that easily," Ano said, but added it was more difficult in an urban setting because of the need to avoid civilian casualties.

He said the group erected Islamic State flags at several locations.

Duterte met late Tuesday with Russian President Vladimir Putin and said he is counting on Russia to supply weapons for the Philippines to fight terrorism.

"Of course, our country needs modern weapons, we had orders in the United States, but now the situation there is not very smooth and in order to fight the Islamic State, with their units and factions, we need modern weapons," he said, according to Russian state news agency Tass.

While pursuing peace talks with two large Muslim rebel groups in the south, Duterte has ordered the military to destroy smaller extremist groups which have tried to align with the Islamic State group.

At least one of those smaller groups, the Maute, was involved in the Marawi siege. It's one of less than a dozen new armed Muslim groups that have pledged allegiance to the Islamic State and formed a loose alliance, with Hapilon reportedly designated as the alliance's leader.

Political analyst Ramon Casiple said the Maute is a clan-based group with members in Marawi who came to Hapnilon's assistance, with some directly assisting in the fighting and others fanning out to different parts of the city, setting up checkpoints and burning some buildings and taking hostages from the cathedral.

"It is difficult to root out because they are from there," he said. "The Mautes are embedded in the population."

The group has been blamed for a bombing that killed 15 people in southern Davao city, Duterte's hometown, last September and a number of attacks on government forces in Lanao, although it has faced setbacks from a series of military offensives.

Last month, troops backed by airstrikes killed dozens of Maute militants and captured their jungle camp near Lanao del Sur's Piagapo town. Troops found homemade bombs, grenades, combat uniforms and passports of suspected Indonesian militants in the camp, the military said.
A movement  first inspired by Oprah Winfrey is now being recognized by her magazine.

The Kindness Rocks Project was first started in 2015a few months after Megan Murphy of Barnstable met the queen of talk. Oprah told her to find a way to help others. So, Murphy began painting rocks, and leaving them along the shore on Sandy Neck Beach.

Originally, Megan explains it was never called anything, it was just a hobby, but her daughter encouraged her to add a hashtag. Soon many rocks were appearing on social mediaall with the hashtag #theKindnessRocksProject .

The project has now grown, spanning over all 7 continents and has been shared millions of times. Murphy says she feels so blessed that Im the person that people share these stories with.

Oprah Magazines June issue also features the projectincluding the Instagram @the kindnessrocksproject . Its a full circle moment for a movementthat is spreading Kindness worldwide.
State lawmakers are moving closer toward changing Connecticut's constitution to allow people to cast their ballots before Election Day.

The House of Representatives on Tuesday voted 78-70 in favor of the proposed constitutional amendment. It now awaits action in the Senate.

Voters will be asked in 2020 to approve such a change if both chambers pass the bill again next year by a simple majority. The bill needed 114 votes Tuesday for the question to automatically appear on the 2019 ballot.

While the bill allows the General Assembly to determine the details of early voting, it provides an overall framework, such as limits on when the voting can occur.

Secretary of the State Denise Merrill says Connecticut will join the majority of other states if it ultimately allows early voting.

Rep. William Tong (D-Stamford, Darien), who introduced legislation on early voting from which the measure was inspired, praised the decision.

"With dozens of other states already allowing early voting, it is time that we give that same right to the people of Connecticut, Tong said in a statement. Early voting will help decrease long lines on Election Day and encourage more eligible voters to make their voices heard. Our democracy will become stronger if we have more people turn out to vote."
Waterford police have arrested a man accused of stealing a donation jar for a dog rescue.

Police said 34-year-old Joseph Tonelli is suspected of stealing a jar filled with donations meant for Fridays Rescue Foundation, a non-profit dog adoption organization in Southeastern Connecticut, from the counter of the Hess gas station at 124 Boston Post Road around 8:15 p.m. on Tuesday, May 16.

After releasing surveillance photos, police received several calls and direct messages identifying a suspect.

Police said Tonelli is being charged with sixth-degree larceny.

Several addresses are listed for Tonelli and he was previously arrested on failure to appear warrants, according to police.
NBC 5 produced a special in-depth investigative report revealing the latest developments in the ongoing investigation into Dallas County Schools, the taxpayer-funded agency responsible for the daily transportation of 75,000 North Texas students. NBC 5 anchors Brian Curtis and Meredith Land and Senior Investigative Reporter Scott Friedman explained the latest findings.

The special report can be seen above.

NBC 5 Investigates has learned as school bus provider Dallas County Schools began to sink into financial trouble, the agency sold taxpayer-owned land to get fast cash. But the agency still needed the land -- and entered into a lease deal that obligates taxpayers to cover millions of dollars in payments over the next two decades.



The Characters

DCS board president Larry Duncan did not want to discuss the real estate transaction with NBC 5. There are questions about who profited from the deal and whether campaign contributions made to Duncan played any role in who cashed in.

DCS is the taxpayer-supported school bus agency that serves a dozen school districts in three North Texas counties, including the Dallas, Cedar Hill and Irving ISDs, among others.

Over the last six months, NBC 5 Investigates has uncovered serious safety lapses and misuse of taxpayer money inside the agency. Our reporting has revealed a dramatic increase in school bus crashes, millions spent to settle school bus accident claims, and a scandal involving taxpayer money used to pay traffic tickets for hundreds of bus drivers who ran red lights. Earlier this year DCS ended up $42 million behind budget and is millions more in debt. Some state lawmakers are now pushing legislation that calls for the agency to be abolished.

Watch the Special Report: The $25M DCS Land Deal

The Connection

So, how are they all connected? To understand what led up to the land deal, flashback first to 2012.

Thats when DCS started spending millions on school bus camera systems; security cameras were mounted inside the buses but also along the exterior where they were designed to record drivers ignoring the buss extended stop-arm  a safety device intended to alert drivers to school children crossing the road.

In addition to purchasing camera systems for its entire fleet, DCS decided to launch a business venture with Force Multiplier Solutions, the camera company that provided the equipment for the agencys school buses. Financial records show DCS has paid Force Multiplier Solutions about $75 million for equipment and services.

DCS business venture with Force Multiplier Solutions was supposed to work like this:



DCS would buy cameras from Force Multiplier Solutions and then give them to school districts for free.

DCS hoped to cover the cost of the cameras and eventually profit from the deal by collecting a portion of the fines from tickets issued to drivers caught on camera running past extended school bus stop signs.

But it didn't work out the way DCS leaders hoped. Signing up large school districts to participate in the program was tough and many drivers who got caught running the stop signs never paid the tickets. In some cases DCS failed to convince local officials to pass ordinances that would give DCS the authority to levy a fine.

By 2014 records show DCS was millions of dollars in debt and borrowing from its own general fund to cover losses on the camera business.

In April 2014, bond rating agency Moody's lowered DCS's credit rating citing concerns about, significant risk related to the stop-arm enterprise. Moodys followed with two additional downgrades in December 2014 and January 2015, expressing concerns about cash flows at DCS and saying the camera program had underperformed the districts projection.

With DCS struggling financially, the agency sold taxpayer-owned land in a deal that provided capital.

New records obtained by NBC 5 Investigates raise questions about who orchestrated and profited from the land deal and about campaign contributions made to the politician who heads board that approved the deal.

In February 2015, the DCS board approved the sale. Its a deal DCS Board of Directors President Larry Duncan does not want to discuss publicly.

We wanted to know how a man whose family gave tens of thousands of dollars to Duncans campaign ended up profiting from the land deal. When asked about the deal in person, Duncan declined every opportunity to answer questions. In an email he later said details of the transaction were left up to the DCS administration.

A major development in our NBC 5 Investigates series Big Buses, Bigger Problems. For more than a year -- our investigative team has been looking into Dallas County Schools. From buses running red lights to millions in spending that put DCS on the verge of financial collapse, our team, led by Senior Investigative Reporter Scott Friedman, has uncovered big problems with how DCS has handled taxpayer money. Now they've uncovered questions about a $25 million land deal at DCS.

Former DCS Superintendent Rick Sorrells has also declined to answer questions from NBC 5.

First, lets explain the land deal and how it will cost Dallas County taxpayers millions over the next 20 years.

The Sale-Leaseback Deal

If you pay taxes in Dallas County, the property in question once belonged to you. In fact, taxpayers owned all four massive lots where DCS services its school buses.

In February 2015, DCS decided to sell the four service center properties in a deal called a sale-leaseback  where they sold the land and received cash, but immediately leased it back from the new owner for a monthly fee.

The deal provided an instant source of cash and at least temporarily improved the agencys balance sheet.

Joseph Cahoon, Director of the Folsom Institute for Real Estate at Southern Methodist University, said sale-leaseback deals are extremely common in commercial real estate and that DCS basically went from being an owner to a renter.

DCS received about $25 million in cash for the lots, $7 million more than the appraised value of the land. However, the deal came with a significant long-term cost. Taxpayers are now obligated to make more than $47 million in lease payments over the next 20 years.

Thats $47 million owed on land taxpayers owned free and clear just over two years ago.

They got cash in exchange for a long-term rent liability, Cahoon said.

Denise Hickman, former executive director of business at DCS when the deal was made, said her boss, then Superintendent Rick Sorrels, didnt involve her in the deal. When Hickman learned of the land sale she said she had huge concerns about the long-term expense.

That wasnt all.

After we did the sale-leaseback, I got a request for $80,000 to repair the driveway and I was saying, Why am I repairing a driveway on property I don't own? Hickman said.

Hickman said she was also surprised to receive property tax bills, bills she was obligated to pay, on the land which DCS no longer owned.

As it turns out, the deal DCS cut is what's called a triple-net sale-leaseback, a common practice in sale-leasebacks where the renter is responsible for the property maintenance, taxes and insurance even though they dont own the property.

Before the sale, DCS never had to pay property taxes because government agencies are tax exempt. But a copy of the land purchase agreement provided by DCS said the agency is now obligated to pay the taxes on the property which went back on the tax rolls after it was bought by a private leasing company.

Dallas County property records show the yearly taxes on the land were more than $380,000 in 2016. Thats a new $380,000 expense as a result of the sale-leaseback that the agency never had to cover before -- in addition to the new monthly rent payments.

NBC 5 News

Denise Hickman's concerns only grew when she saw the paperwork for the sale-leaseback.

So, in the paperwork, I remembered seeing similar names, just remembered seeing similar names in the sale document that are part of the Force Multiplier Solutions staff. And that was surprising to me, Hickman said.

Land Deal, Camera Vendor Connection

NBC 5 Investigates obtained a copy of the purchase agreement from DCS. It said a man named Slater Swartwood from Anroc Realty was the seller's broker, representing DCS on the land deal.

We've learned Swartwood's son, Slater Swartwood Jr., was a vice president at Force Multiplier Solutions -- the company DCS partnered with on the camera program that was straining the finances at the agency.

That was the first thing that I was like, This is not right, Hickman said.

While the purchase agreement describes Swartwood Sr. as the broker for DCS -- it said the company that bought the land was supposed to pay Swartwood Sr. a Sellers Broker Fee of $555,000.

But the final closing documents told a different story.

In the end, a copy of the final settlement statement provided by DCS shows Swartwood actually made $750,000, $555,000 of that from the buyer as agreed to, plus an additional $195,000 paid by DCS -- money that belonged to taxpayers.

So how did that happen? And who is Slater Swartwood? NBC 5 Investigates hit the road to find out.

The trail took us from Dallas all the way to Louisiana where we found Swartwood's company, Anroc Realty, registered to a building in a suburb of New Orleans.

We discovered that same building also houses the Louisiana office of Force Multiplier Solutions. In fact, the company was once headquartered there before opening another office in downtown Dallas.

Louisiana and Texas records obtained by NBC 5 Investigates also show Force Multiplier Solutions CEO Robert Leonard has relied on Swartwood for decades as a real estate consultant. In a statement to NBC 5, Leonard identified Swartwood as, my personal real estate consultant for over 40 years.

When we caught up with Swartwood in New Orleans, he said it was Leonard who brought him in on the DCS land deal because of his background as a consultant for him.

Swartwood left before we could ask him about records that showed his family, and a business registered to his home in New Orleans, have donated more than $32,000 to DCS board President Larry Duncan's campaign since 2012  the same year DCS launched the bus camera program.

That money was just part of $245,000 in donations Duncan has received from people with connections to Force Multiplier Solutions.

In an email, Slater Swartwood later told us his family's contributions were "legally made and reported  my contribution was based on my support of the candidate I believed could benefit the interests of public education and child safety."

Swartwood also said he never acted as a broker for DCS, that he only worked as a consultant for the buyer and that he had no idea DCS ended up paying almost $200,000 of his fees.

"At all times during this transaction I acted as a consultant for (the buyer) and upon the successful completion of this $25 million transaction, I was paid a consulting fee of $750,000. The entire fee was wired into my account without any indication as to the source of the payment," Swartwood said.

Swartwood said he only recently learned the buyer negotiated with DCS to pay a portion of his fees, which he said is not expected but happens on occasion.

I Already Made a Statement

Months ago, DCS Board of Directors President Larry Duncan insisted donations made to his campaign by people tied to Force Multiplier Solutions were legal when first questioned about them by NBC 5 Investigates.

Every penny is legal, honest, open and ethical. The state legislature set up this system so that people like me could hold office and run for office, said Duncan.

But since that interview, new records obtained by NBC 5 Investigates raise more questions about the timing of those campaign contributions.

We now know some of the donations were made the same week the DCS board approved the land deal.

On Feb. 24, 2015  Duncans campaign finance records show Slater Swartwood's daughter donates $5,000.

That same day, Robert Leonard and another Force Multiplier Solutions employee also make two $5,000 donations.

On Feb. 26, 2015 - the day the DCS board approved the land deal - records show a "Slater Swartwood" donated another $5,000.

It's unclear if that donation was from Swartwood senior or his son. Duncans campaign records do not indicate whether it was Swartwood junior or senior. The donation was sent from an address connected to Swartwood Jr., but neither Swartwood would answer questions about who made the donation when asked by NBC 5 Investigates.

We wanted to ask Larry Duncan how Slater Swartwood Sr., whose family donated so much to Duncan's campaign, ended up making nearly $200,000 from DCS.

For several weeks Duncan did not respond to messages, so we approached him at DCS headquarters and asked him how Swartwood became involved in the land deal.

I've already made a statement, Duncan told NBC 5 Investigates.

We asked to see the statement, which he had not provided at that time and asked why he wouldnt respond to questions multiple times, and each time Duncan uttered the same phrase.

I already sent a statement, Duncan answered, repeatedly.

When asked if he took campaign contributions in exchange for actions on contracts, he replied, I already sent a statement. When told taxpayers deserved answers to the questions and NBC 5 again asked what was in the statement, Duncan was silent.



After that meeting, Duncan did send a statement that said, "The board approved the final sale-leaseback transaction, but the details were left up to the administration."

What Sale-Leaseback Deal?

At the time of the sale-leaseback deal the DCS administration was run by Superintendent Rick Sorrells. Sorrells did not respond to our phone calls, so we approached him in person and said wed been trying to reach him.

Scott, Im not interested in talking with you, Sorrells said.

We said we had questions about the sale-leaseback deal and he again said he wasnt interested in speaking with us. We said we were trying to understand how someone with connections to Force Multiplier Solutions profited from the sale-leaseback and Sorrells referred us to interim Superintendent Leatha Mullins who took over when he stepped down amidst questions about the agencys finances.

Mullins told NBC 5 Investigates she was unaware of any details of the sale-leaseback until we asked her about it.

This was brought to my attention by you, so I'm looking into it, Mullins said.

On Tuesday, a day after NBC 5 Investigates first published this report, Mullins issued the following statement:

"This transaction happened in 2015. I have no knowledge of how it was done or why it was done. We met with the previous state auditor and are working on a plan to make sure that it never happens again. This agency is in turnaround mode and we deserve the chance to do what we do best  taking children to and from school every day. We hope the legislators will give us a chance to do that.

Campaign Donations, Timing Questioned

NBC 5 consultant Don Southerland, a former FBI agent and forensic auditor who investigates Texas school districts, said after reviewing records related to the deal he was very concerned about the timing of the campaign donations and about why businesses and individuals from Louisiana are making contributions to a local Dallas politician.

Out-of-state donors are allowed to contribute, but Southerland said the question becomes whether any donations were made in exchange for business  a practice thats not allowed.

There can't be a tit for tat. There can't be, I'll give you a campaign donation if you use my company to provide services, Southerland said.

As Dallas County Schools began to sink into financial trouble, NBC 5 Investigates has learned the agency sold taxpayer-owned land to get fast cash. But in return, that land deal has obligated taxpayers to cover a huge long-term price tag.

While Duncan received $245,000 in campaign donations from people connected to Force Multiplier Solutions, he ran unopposed in the last election.

In a statement, Force Multiplier Solutions CEO Robert Leonard said his donations to Duncan had nothing to do with business his company received from DCS.

We felt it was our responsibility to politically support the program in Dallas and throughout the state. Larry Duncan had a history of supporting child safety and public education. When he asked for contributions and we donated, never for any other reason nor expected anything in return," Leonard said.

In his statement to NBC 5 Investigates, Leonard also acknowledged he had a hand in bringing together the key players involved in the sale-leaseback deal. He said he connected Slater Swartwood with an Illinois leasing company that bought DCSs bus lots.

Leonard said he knew that companys CEO from prior business deals and that company even financed some of the bus camera purchases for DCS.

NBC 5 Investigates tried to reach the CEO of that leasing company, but he has not yet responded to our questions.

In his statement Leonard also said that Swartwood first met DCS officials when the camera program began years ago as Swartwood was involved in negotiating another lease deal with the agency. In the early days of the camera program Force Multiplier leased office space in Dallas from DCS.

After that, Leonard said Swartwood saw potential for other business with DCS.

It is my understanding that he observed some opportunities for DCS to capitalize on assets that he felt might benefit the agency, if reorganized. Independently he worked for over a year looking through different models and created a sale leaseback package that he shopped with multiple financial markets hypothetically without disclosure of any specific client, Leonard said.

According to Leonard, Swartwood took the proposal to then Superintendent Sorrels who started an RFP (Request for Proposal) process, without any contractual commitment to Swartwood.

DCS records show the agency ultimately obtained two bids for the land. NBC 5 Investigates requested copies of both bid proposals from DCS. The Office of the Texas Attorney General recently ruled that DCS must release those records. But DCS has not yet provided the documents to NBC 5.

Consulting Pays

NBC 5 Investigates has learned the land deal wasn't the only time a member of the Swartwood family ended up making money from DCS. Just weeks after the land deal closed in June 2015, Swartwood's son, Slater Swartwood Jr., landed a consulting deal with DCS that paid him more than $160,000.

A contract said DCS paid Swartwood $10,000 a month to consult with DCS on the development and implementation of the school bus camera program.

Swartwood Jr., who used to be a vice president at Force Multiplier Solutions, declined to speak to NBC 5 Investigates on camera. But, in an email, he said: My responsibility was to educate school districts about the benefits of the much-needed safety program. I am proud that this program has helped make our state safer for school children. From North and Central Texas to San Antonio, school children in Texas are safer because of our efforts."

In an email Duncan said he had no idea Swartwood Jr. was being paid by DCS and said, "The consulting contract was handled by staff and did not require board approval, so we did not know about that contract."

Beyond that statement, Duncan refuses to answer questions and fell back on his previous statement.

I already sent a statement, Duncan said.

Larry, a statement doesn't suffice here. We've got questions, why won't you answer the questions? NBC 5 asked.

I already sent a statement, Duncan said.

After the Deal: More Spending at DCS

While DCS business manager Denise Hickman questioned the wisdom of the sale-leaseback deal, she at least hoped the $25 million in cash DCS received in June 2015 would provide a temporary fix to the agencys cash flow situation.

But Hickman said to her surprise her bosses kept on spending, purchasing $30 million of new school buses and more bus camera equipment from Force Multiplier Solutions.

Within days of the land deal closing, DCS records show the agency wired another $2.6 million to Force Multiplier Solutions; we have been unable to determine payment was for. NBC 5 Investigates has made an open records request for invoices connected to that wire transfer but DCS has not yet provided the records.

It concerned me. It really concerned me given the fact that we did not stop our spending, said Hickman, who added that camera orders kept coming across her desk even after she'd discovered DCS had a warehouse full of cameras on one of the bus lots.

Force Multiplier Solutions said DCS kept buying cameras because they believed they were on the verge of getting more school districts to join the stop-arm camera program.



At a recent hearing with the Texas House Committee on Public Education, a new financial consultant DCS hired acknowledged the agency did not use the sale-leaseback proceeds to pay down debt and instead spent the money on day-to-day operational expenses.

Hickman was pushed out of DCS in the fall of 2016 in the wake of a school bus driver ticket scandal first reported by NBC 5 Investigates. Hundreds of DCS school bus drivers ran red lights and the agency used more than $85,000 of taxpayer money to pay the tickets. The drivers were not punished until NBC 5 Investigates questioned why.

DCS accused Hickman of failing to perform her job duties, an allegation Hickman believes her superiors manufactured in order to make her a scapegoat for the agencys problems.

DCS later reinstated Hickman and allowed her to retire after she filed what her attorney describes as a whistleblower claim.

Hickman said decisions about how money was spent were made by Sorrels and she only paid bills at his direction.

When Hickman arrived at DCS to work in the accounting department in 2007, she remembers the agency had little debt and millions in the bank.

Just last week, the bond rating agency Moodys said DCS now has $130.7 million in debt. Moodys downgraded DCS bond rating to a level that is considered junk bond status. Moodys said DCS will likely default on some debt payments due on June 1 unless the agency can restructure some of its debts. Moodys said the issues at DCS were due in part to, considerable financial challenges posed by the nonessential school bus stop-arm camera enterprise.

In January, DCS also revealed it had a $42 million budget deficit because of a revenue shortfall. The agency laid-off about 100 employees and announced it would no longer operate the bus camera program outside of Dallas County.

Internal Investigation

In February, DCS hired former FBI agent Dennis Brady to conduct an internal investigation into whether financial crimes contributed to the money troubles at DCS.

NBC 5 Investigates obtained a copy of an initial report Brady issued earlier this spring.

In the report he writes, It is likely that this matter, which has received extensive media attention, has already been referred to the Dallas County District Attorneys Office for potential further investigation.

The Dallas County DAs office has declined to comment on the matter.

Brady said his own investigation was ongoing, but to date has failed to develop evidence of criminal conduct substantial enough to cause DCS a financial problem of this scale.

At the time, Brady said his investigation going forward would partly focus on, transactions involving Force Multiplier Solutions.

NBC 5 Investigates has learned Brady recently submitted an updated investigative report to DCS interim Superintendent Leatha Mullins. However Mullins has declined to release that report, even to her own board members. She maintains the report is in a draft format and that it would not be appropriate to make the findings public.

Force Multiplier Solutions CEO Robert Leonard insists his firm is not to blame for any of the financial problems at DCS. Instead he said the camera program suffered from negative publicity after some state lawmakers questioned DCS spending on the camera program in 2016.

Leonard also told NBC 5 that he believes DCS had a harder time making a run at the camera business because it is a government agency.

The reason I believe DCS had such a difficult time was that they did not realize that what they thought was an advantage was an albatross at the end of the day. Entrepreneurial companies can give incentives and bonuses over time and have a broader rule book to play from (than government agencies), Leonard said.

In the fall of 2015, the DCS board implemented a new ethics policy after NBC 5 Investigates first reported that board president Duncan had received more than $245,000 in campaign contributions from people tied to Force Multiplier Solutions.



Texas lawmakers are reacting after NBC 5 Investigates uncovered DCS sold taxpayer-owned land to get fast cash, obligating taxpayers to cover a huge long-term price tag, on the eve of a critical hearing at the state capitol that could determine the fate of DCS.

Duncan Steps Down, Replaced as President

On May 17, two days after this report was first published, longtime Dallas County Schools Board of Trustees President Larry Duncan announced during a scheduled board meeting that he was not seeking reelection as president.

"Obviously, our organization has had a rough six months, and its been difficult for many of us. We are so very fortunate to have Leatha Mullins fighting for DCS in Austin. She has been tireless in that effort and she has instituted changes that will make us stronger. It is clear to me now, that we have to make a full commitment to the future because theres nothing we can do to repair the past. I love this organization with all my heart but I have made a decision not to run for re-election as its president. There is a lot of work to do. I am truly hopeful this will redirect the focus to the work that lies ahead," Duncan said in a statement.

Though he stepped down as president, Duncan remains on the board as a trustee. Following his announcement, the DCS board immediately elected at-large trustee Gloria Levario who then thanked Duncan for his years of service.



That same day, the DCS board also announced that they had secured bond refinancing that will allow them to continue operations.

Texas Lawmakers React

Some Texas lawmakers said Monday the deal raises significant concerns about how DCS has been managing taxpayers' money.

"You know, when I first heard about it I basically said, 'Now why in the world would you do something stupid like that?' Of course the reason it was done is that the agency was in dire straits," said State Sen. Royce West (D-Dallas).

"Now you hear about this land deal and it's just one more thing to be concerned about," said State Rep. Rafael Anchia (D-Dallas).

Anchia said May 15 he believed a majority of lawmakers from the Dallas area are now determined to do something about the problems at DCS in the next two weeks, either by passing that bill or by some other means.

Texas Rep. Lance Gooden (R-Dist. 4) pressed Mullins for answers the day after this report was first published and suggested she contact law enforcement about what NBC 5 Investigates uncovered.

"I would pick up the phone, maybe tomorrow, and call other law enforcement folks tomorrow and ask them to come and do a quick audit ... because this article is very serious and I just can't impress upon that enough," Gooden said.

Mullins responded to questions about the land deal saying, "It is very concerning to us as well. We were not a part of those decision-making processes and the people who were are no longer with our organization.

A day later, NBC 5 Investigates caught up with Mullins who said she did plan to ask for a criminal investigation but had not yet determined who she'd call for help. Mullins has since said she has made a call but has not divulged which agency.

A proposal that could shut down DCS is still working its way through the Texas legislature. If it passes, voters would decide whether to keep DCS open or close the agency, pay off their debts and give the buses to local school districts that could then either run their own transportation programs or contract with another provider.

Since NBC 5 Investigates first looked into DCS in the fall of 2016, nearly the entire management team has been replaced -- including Superintendent Rick Sorrells and Board of Trustees President Larry Duncan (though he remains a trustee). The board has also passed a new ethics policy where trustees must recuse themselves from votes if they received more than $500 from a vendor in that calendar year.

At one recent meeting, since the new policy took effect, Duncan left the meeting when Force Multiplier Solutions was discussed.

DCS: Legislation Will Create Chaos, Cost Increases for Districts

Interim Superintendent Leatha Mullins said in a prepared statement Wednesday that if proposed legislation to dissolve the agency passes it will cost the school districts money while creating chaos for the families who depend on them to get their children to and from school.

In a statement, Mullins said if the agency is shuttered it would cost school districts in Dallas County more than $262 million to provide their own or alternate transportation. Citing a RFP (Request for Proposal) obtained by the Cedar Hill ISD, one of DCS smaller clients, it would cost them an additional $900,000 per year for equivalent service from another provider.

Mullins reiterated her frustration with state legislators and the media who continue to investigate the agency's history and financial dealings while saying the agency has truly transformed from what it was just months ago.

We have met every single demand from the legislature. We have completed an audit, refinanced the bonds, reorganized procedures and theres a complete team of new leadership including the Board of Trustees. Weve truly transformed DCS and are moving forward," said Mullins. We accomplished the impossible with this new team and did everything we were asked to do but we cant seem to be heard over this runaway freight train.

Mullins added that she's contacted law enforcement to investigate all of DCS' operations, past and present, and has invited former state auditor John Keel to implement a corrective action plan that includes new policies and procedures to strengthen the operating control environment. Mullins said she's also ordered a forensic audit trail of stop-arm camera contracts and the sale-leaseback of select real estate, the subject of an NBC 5 Investigates special report.
A strange virus is attacking endangered sea turtles along the Texas Gulf Coast, leaving some unable to see and eat and putting them at risk of starving to death.

"They're essentially the canaries in the coalmine for our ocean health," said Dr. Tim Tristan, a veterinarian and director of the Texas Sealife Center in Corpus Christi.

The herpes virus, called fibropapillomatosis, causes large tumors to grow on green sea turtles, one of five species of sea turtles that live along the Texas coast.

"Some of those external masses will grow to the size of softball size," said Tristan. "They can be under the flippers which may cause them difficulty in swimming."

"They can also grow on the eyes, so they'll grow to a size where they'll essentially make the sea turtle blind so they can't see and so they can't eat," said Tristan. "As a result, they slowly starve to death."

Already this year, Tristan and his team have operated on 20 sea turtles to surgically remove tumors caused by the FP virus.

Another 30 green sea turtles are being kept in holding tanks until their operations can be performed.

"There's been decades of research into this and we're still not to the point of being able to solve mysteries of exactly why its caused and exactly how to deal with it other than surgical removal," said Donna Shaver, chief of the division of Sea Turtle Science and Recovery at the Padre Island National Seashore.

Prevalent in both Florida and Hawaii for decades, the FP virus started to appear in Texas less than seven years ago.

"Unfortunately it's getting worse and not better," said Tristan.

The FP virus does not affect people, but the rapid spread of the disease among turtles adds to concerns about other potential health threats.



"We always recommend [people] wear footwear when you're going either into the Gulf of Mexico, or the bay, so that you don't cut your foot and have an open wound," said Shaver. "There are other types of viruses and things that do occur in the water and if people have a compromised immune system it can become a problem."

Beach patrols are now on watch for the green sea turtles to begin nesting any day now, carrying with them a possible warning as they come ashore.



"They're giving us a signal that there is something wrong with the oceans out there, that somethings changing that we need to be aware of and we need to take notice of," said Tristan.

The Texas Sealife Center is funded and operated from public donations. For more information, visit TexasSealifeCenter.org. The website for the Padre Island National Seashore is nps.gov/pais/index.htm


The California Assembly has approved a bill to bar landlords from threatening to call immigration authorities on tenants.

Lawmakers voted 46-15 to send the bill to the state Senate.

The bill is one of two measures introduced by a San Francisco Democrat that would to regulate how landlords and private business owners interact with federal immigration agents.

AB291 by Assemblyman David Chiu would prohibit landlords from disclosing tenants' immigration status.

Chiu also authored a measure currently in an Assembly committee to prohibit employers from allowing federal immigration agents into their offices or files without a warrant.

Chiu says the measures will protect against mass deportation of immigrants. His bills are among several measures proposed by California lawmakers to thwart President Donald Trump's vow to crack down on illegal immigration.
Police Tuesday have identified and are seeking the rideshare driver suspected in the sexual assault of a University of California, Riverside student last week after he dropped her off at her apartment complex on campus.

Campus police have issued a warrant for Jamaal Andrew Lee, 41, of Moreno Valley, the Uber driver who picked up the female victim from an off-campus location before the alleged assault took place.

It was reported at 2:47 a.m. Sunday, May 14, at the school's The Plaza apartments, located at 1020 Linden Street, UC Riverside police said Monday.

"The suspect was an app-based transportation service driver who drove her to her residence from another location within the city of Riverside," campus police said in a statement.

Lee may be driving a white 2004 Ford Explorer with a California license plate 6AOG427.

UC Riverside Police Department

Initially, campus police did not reveal the rideshare service. However, NBC4 reached out to an Uber spokesman, who said the driver was banned shortly after the incident was reported.

The company also said it does not tolerate any sexual conduct and has been cooperating with police.

"What the rider reported is appalling. We will continue to work with police on the investigation. The driver has been banned from Uber," the Uber spokesman said in an emailed statement.

Riverside students, cautious of their surroundings after news of the incident came out, said they frequently use ridesharing services. Some students depend on them because they don't have cars on campus.

"At the end of the day you don't know who that person is," Lorenzo Santamaria said. "They just came to pick you up with their cars."

NBC4's Hetty Chang and Marin Austin contributed to this report.
Two people have died after a boat overturned in the ocean off Dania Beach Tuesday afternoon, U.S. Coast Guard officials said.

Officials said three men were on board the 22-foot boat when it overturned around 2 p.m. The incident happened off N. Ocean Drive and Dania Beach Boulevard.

One of the boaters swam to another vessel for help but the other two were found dead in the water. The names of the victims haven't been released.

The boat was completely submerged and later sunk, Broward Sheriff's Fire said. Crews were salvaging the boat and bringing it to a Fort Lauderdale boat ramp.

It's unknown how the boat became capsized.

Crews from the Coast Guard, Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Broward Sheriff's Office all responded to the scene after a 911 call about a vessel in distress.

Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue spokesman Mike Jachles urged caution on the water ahead of the Memorial Day weekend.

"Please use caution. We want everyone to enjoy the holidays, but be safe and be smart," Jachles said.



Check back for updates on this developing story.
Fort Lauderdale Police are hoping new Narcan kits can help save lives while combating opioid overdoses and also keeping officers safe.

Dozens of officers were in training Tuesday on how to use the kits after Police Chief Rick Maglione bought 25 of them at $60 each. It's a purchase at a time when the police and fire departments are seeing increasing numbers of opioid overdoses.

"Last year in Broward County we had nearly 600 overdoses county-wide," Maglione said.

"Probably year to date we've administered Narcan over 450 times," Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue Chief Daniel Oatmeyer said.

The fire department is teaching officers how to administer the 4 mg of Narcan, a small lifesaver against the potent drug.

"Even just serving a search warrant or opening a package or getting it on your skin, it could be absorbed to the point that the first responder can overdose on it as well," Maglione said.

That's how strong opioids like Fentanyl can be, even with simple absorption through the skin. An East Liverpool, Ohio, officer found that out the hard way when he accidentally overdosed after ingesting opioid through his skin during a traffic stop.

Narcan reverses the slowed respiratory effects of opioids, competing with the same receptors and almost immediately waking a patient.

"We're using a nasal atomizer to deploy each dose," Maglione said. "There's really no consequences, you can't do it wrong and if you give it to someone who may not have been in need, it doesn't have any adverse affects."

Officers are training because nine out of ten times they can respond 2-3 minutes faster than fire rescue, precious moments in lifesaving techniques.

"We can distribute the drug in a quicker manner, it buys extra time until the fire department can arrive and take over the care," Maglione said.

Fort Lauderdale Police are funding their own overdose kits but it's such a big problem that the federal government is giving $54 million to the state of Florida to combat the issue. The city expects to start to apply for those resources to buy more overdose kits.
A retired South Florida teacher who encouraged her classes to chase their dreams received a big thank you from a former second-grade student who recently landed his dream job within the Miami-Dade Police Department.

Officer Mario Hernandez, an 11-year veteran with the department, has dreamed about fighting crime from the sky for most of his life. It's a dream that literally came from above.

Second gradecareer day on a field and I was a kid," said Miami-Dade police officer Mario Hernandez. "I saw this helicopter land and it was captivating. It said Miami-Dade PoliceAnd ever since then I knew I wanted to become a police officer.

Hernandez joined the department's aviation unit as a tactical flight officer six months ago.

He and a pilot form a team that serves as the eyes in the sky for thousands of South Florida officers in and out of the department; Hernandez operates the chopper gadgets that assist with vehicle pursuits, suspect searches and even missing persons cases.

Its the best job in the county," said Hernandez.

It's a dream that may have never gotten off the ground had it not been for career day and his second-grade teacher Juli Prieto, who drove to the department's Opa-Locka airport hangar to take a ride with her former student, who is now living his dream.

NBC6 was there for the ride.

Hes one of my Everglades students," said Prieto. "Thats what we used to call them  the dynamite kids.

Mrs. Prieto is now retired but still remembers officer Hernandez' 1993 class. It's a trip down memory lane that she couldn't pass up.

Its wonderful that that day he was inspired," said Prieto. "To know hes taken this course  policeman, you know, police officer so he goes and protects us; His community; I couldnt be prouder.

Im blessed, honored and humbled to have her riding with me," Hernandez said.

Hernandez, who wants to one day fly a Miami-Dade police helicopter, is thankful for Prieto's encouragement all those years ago.

One phrase that sticks out is he who says he can, and he who says he cant  are both usually right," said Hernandez. "And Mrs. Prieto told me that in second grade and she told me I could do anything I put my mind to.
The owners of local concert venues are re-evaluating security plans after a suicide bomber struck outside an Ariana Grande concert in the U.K.

The American Airlines Arena is home to many concerts and is about the same size as Manchester Arena, where 22 people were killed Monday. A spokesperson for American Airlines Arena said the arena takes the safety and security of guests very seriously, but said they don't talk openly about it.

Jorge Quesada is a former FBI agent who lives in South Florida and specializes in counter terrorism.

It could happen anywhere," said Quesada. "They want to cause disruption, they want to cause chaos and to them that's when their mission is accomplished," said Quesada.

Earlier this month, police held an active shooter drill at the BB&T center in Sunrise to test emergency response times. Quesada said behind the scenes, all major venues are reevaluating plans and safety procedures.

Experts also encourage every family to have an emergency plan in place before attending large events and that should include a place to meet away from the property in the case of an emergency.

The owner of the Manchester Arena also owns venues in South Florida, including the Miami Convention and Conference Center.
The sailors, marines and guardsmen are coming to town for Fleet Week.

Fleet Week New York is set to take place from May 24 through May 30, with an estimated 5,000 servicemen and servicewomen expected to participate.

The celebration kicks off with the arrival of Naval of Coast Guard ships into New York City on the Hudson River Wednesday morning.

Later in the evening, the Grammy Award-winning band Alabama Shakes will perform at a welcome party for incoming servicemen and women at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum Wednesday night, according to the USO of Metropolitan New York and Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum, who are co-sponsoring the event.

During Fleet Week, New Yorkers will be able to visit participating ships and attend free screenings and events, including a screening of "Top Gun" on the Intrepid at Pier 86 and a Battle of the Big Bands music and swing dancing event. See the full schedule below.

The annual Memorial Day commemoration ceremony will also feature the unfurliing of a 100-foot American flag, the playing of Taps, a ceremonial wreath-laying and a three-volley rifle salute.

This will be the 29th year of Fleet Week New York. The theme this year is "Celebrating the Sea Services and Commemorating the 75th Anniversary of the Seabees," according to organizers.

Ships sailing in will include USS Kearsarge, USGC Hamilton, HMCS Glace Bay, U.S. Naval Academy Yard patrol boats, RV Neil Armstrong, USS San Jacinto, USS Monterey, USS Lassen, USCGC Katherine Walker, USS Zephyr, USNS Yuma, II Marine Expeditionary Force and U.S. Navy Seabees/Naval Construction Force.



For more information, visit www.IntrepidMuseum.org

FLEET WEEK NEW YORK SCHEDULE

Wednesday, May 24, 2017

Event: Fleet Week New York Parade of Ships

Time: 8:15 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Location: New York Harbor

Watch as U.S. Navy, including U.S. Marine Corps personnel, U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Coast Guard, and Royal Canadian ships transit the New York Harbor to kick-off 2017 Fleet Week New York. Event is free and open to the public for viewing.





Event: Fort Hamilton Salute to the Ships of Fleet Week

Time: 8 a.m. - noon

Location: Brooklyn, New York (Bluff at Fort Hamilton)

Annual salute to the ships of Fleet Week at U.S. Army Garrison Ft. Hamilton. Event is free and open to individuals with base access.

Event: Fort Wadsworth Fleet Week and National Park Centennial Celebration

Time: 9 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Location: Staten Island, New York (Fort Wadsworth Overlook)

The National Parks Service (NPS) will host an event in celebration of Fleet Week New York and the Centennial of the NPS. Event is free and open to the public.

Event: U.S. Navy Divers at New York Aquarium

Time: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Location: Brooklyn, New York (New York Aquarium - 602 Surf Ave.)

U.S. Navy divers will dive at the New York Aquarium in honor of Fleet Week New York.

Thursday, May 25, 2017

Event: General Public Ship Tours

Time: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.; 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. (Intrepid, Pier 86)

Location: Piers 88, 92 and Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum, Pier 86 in Manhattan; Brooklyn Cruise Terminal in Brookln; and Homeport Pier in Staten Island

Lines may be capped early to allow guests to finish their tours

Ship tours will be held on Piers 88 and 92 (Manhattan) (8 a.m. - 5 p.m.); Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum, Pier 86 (Manhattan) (10 a.m.- 5 p.m); Brooklyn Cruise Terminal (Brooklyn) (8 a.m. - 5 p.m.); and Homeport Pier (Staten Island) (8 a.m. - 5 p.m.). Notice to guests, electronic smoking devices are prohibited. Additionally, all guest over the age of 18 will be required to show a valid photo I.D. Events are free and open to the public.

Event: U.S. Coast Guard Silent Drill Team Performance

Time: 9 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.

Location: Manhattan, New York (9/11 Memorial Plaza)

U.S. Coast Guard Silent Drill Team will perform on the 9/11 Memorial Plaza. Event is free and open to the public.

Event: U.S. Navy Dive Tank in Times Square

Time: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Location: Manhattan, New York (Times Square - 43-44 St. Plaza)

U.S. Navy divers will hold demonstrations in a dive tank on the plaza in Times Square. Event is free and open to the public.

Event: U.S. Coast Guard Silent Drill Team Performance

Time: 11 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Location: Manhattan, New York (Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 Fifth Ave.)

U.S. Coast Guard Silent Drill Team will perform in front of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Event is free and open to the public.

Friday, May 26, 2017

Event: General Public Ship Tours

Time: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.; 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. (Intrepid, Pier 86)

Location: Piers 88, 92 and Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum, Pier 86 in Manhattan; Brooklyn Cruise Terminal in Brookln; and Homeport Pier in Staten Island

Lines may be capped early to allow guests to finish their tours

Ship tours will be held on Piers 88 and 92 (Manhattan) (8 a.m. - 5 p.m.); Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum, Pier 86 (Manhattan) (10 a.m.- 5 p.m); Brooklyn Cruise Terminal (Brooklyn) (8 a.m. - 5 p.m.); and Homeport Pier (Staten Island) (8 a.m. - 5 p.m.). Notice to guests, electronic smoking devices are prohibited. Additionally, all guest over the age of 18 will be required to show a valid photo I.D. Events are free and open to the public.

Event: U.S. Navy Dive Tank in Times Square

Time: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Location: Manhattan, New York (Times Square - 43-44 St. Plaza)

U.S. Navy divers will hold demonstrations in a dive tank on the plaza in Times Square. Event is free and open to the public.

Event: U.S. Coast Guard Silent Drill Team Performance

Time: 1:15 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.

Location: Manhattan, New York (9/11 Memorial Plaza)

U.S. Coast Guard Silent Drill Team will perform on the 9/11 Memorial Plaza. Event is free and open to the public.

Event: Joint Re-enlistment/Promotions Ceremony

Time: 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Location: Manhattan, New York (9/11 Memorial Plaza)

Service members from the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, and U.S. Coast Guard will participate in a re-enlistment and promotion ceremony at the National September 11 Memorial. Event is free and open to the public.

Event: U.S. Coast Guard Silent Drill Team Performance

Time: 5:30 p.m. - 6 p.m.

Location: Manhattan, New York (Military Island, Times Square)

U.S. Coast Guard Silent Drill Team will perform at Military Island in Times Square. Event is free and open to the public.

Event: Navy Band Concert

Time: 8 p.m. - 9:15 p.m.

Location: Manhattan, New York (Military Island, Times Square)

Navy Band Northeast "Rhode Island Sound" will perform a concert at Military Island in Times Square. Event is free and open to the public.

Saturday, May 27, 2017

Event: General Public Ship Tours

Time: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Location: Piers 88, 92 in Manhattan; Brooklyn Cruise Terminal in Brookln; and Homeport Pier in Staten Island

Lines may be capped early to allow guests to finish their tours

Ship tours will be held on Piers 88 and 92 (Manhattan) (8 a.m. - 5 p.m.); Brooklyn Cruise Terminal (Brooklyn) (8 a.m. - 5 p.m.); and Homeport Pier (Staten Island) (8 a.m. - 5 p.m.). Notice to guests, electronic smoking devices are prohibited. Additionally, all guest over the age of 18 will be required to show a valid photo I.D. Events are free and open to the public.

Event: Marine Day

Time: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Location: Brooklyn, New York (Prospect Park)

U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) will host Marine Day in Prospect Park. Event will feature a formation run followed by military static displays, demos, and a performance by the USMC Battle Color Detachment. Event is free and open to the public.

Event: Seabee STEM Informational Static Display

Time: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Location: Manhattan, New York (Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, Pier 86)

U.S. Navy Seabee Historical Foundation will host a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) informational static display for visitors at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum Pier. Event is free and open to the public.

Event: Joint Aviation Static Display Event

Time: 10 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Location: East Meadow, New York (Eisenhower Park)

U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps will host displays of aviation and personnel equipment. Navy Band Northeast scheduled to perform from 10 a.m. - noon. Event is free and open to the public.

Event: U.S. Navy Dive Tank in Times Square

Time: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Location: Manhattan, New York (Times Square - 43-44 St. Plaza)

U.S. Navy divers will hold demonstrations in a dive tank on the plaza in Times Square. Event is free and open to the public.

Event: U.S. Coast Guard Silent Drill Team Performance

Time: 11 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Location: Manhattan, New York (Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum Pier 86)

U.S. Coast Guard Silent Drill Team will perform on Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, Pier 86. Event is free and open to the public.

Event: U.S. Coast Guard Search & Rescue Demo

Time: Noon - 12:30 p.m.

Location: Staten Island, New York (In view from Homeport Pier)

U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) will conduct a Search and Rescue demonstration in the water of the Homeport Pier for visitors and ships to see. During the demo, a USCG rescue crew will drop a mannequin into the water to simulate a person in distress. A rescue swimmer will then jump into the water to secure the mannequin. Both the rescue swimmer and the mannequin are then lifted securely back into the helicopter. Event is free and open to the public.

Event: U.S. Coast Guard Silent Drill Team Performance

Time: 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Location: Manhattan, New York (Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum Pier 86)

U.S. Coast Guard Silent Drill Team will perform on Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, Pier 86. Event is free and open to the public.

Event: U.S. Coast Guard Silent Drill Team Performance

Time: 3:30 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Location: Manhattan, New York (Military Island, Times Square)

U.S. Coast Guard Silent Drill Team will perform at Military Island in Times Square. Event is free and open to the public.

Event: Navy Band Concert

Time: 6 p.m. - 7:15 p.m.

Location: Manhattan, New York (Military Island, Times Square)

Navy Band Northeast "Rhode Island Sound" will perform a concert at Military Island in Times Square. Event is free and open to the public.

Event: U.S. Marine Corps Battle Color Detachment Performance

Time: 8 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Location: Manhattan, New York (Father Duffy Square, Times Square)

U.S. Marine Corps Battle Color Detachment will perform at Father Duffy Square in Times Square in front of the TKTS red steps. Event is free and open to the public.

Sunday, May 28, 2017

Event: Fleet Week Freedom Run

Time: 8 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

Location: North Cove Marina to 9/11 Memorial Site

Sea service members and New York-based first responders will participate in annual Freedom Run. U.S. Marine Corps Battle Color Detachment scheduled to perform following the run. Event is free and open to the public to view.

Event: General Public Ship Tours

Time: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Location: Brooklyn Cruise Terminal in Brookln; Homeport Pier in Staten Island; and Pier 92 (USCG cutter only) in Manhattan; NO TOURS ON PIER 88 TODAY

Lines may be capped early to allow guests to finish their tours

Ship tours will be held at Brooklyn Cruise Terminal (Brooklyn) (8 a.m. - 5 p.m.); Homeport Pier (Staten Island) (8 a.m. - 5 p.m.); and Pier 92 (USCG cutter only) (8 a.m. - 5 p.m.) only. Notice to guests, electronic smoking devices are prohibited. Additionally, all guest over the age of 18 will be required to show a valid photo I.D. Events are free and open to the public.

Event: Seabee STEM Informational Static Display

Time: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Location: Manhattan, New York (Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, Pier 86)

U.S. Navy Seabee Historical Foundation will host a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) informational static display for visitors at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum Pier. Event is free and open to the public.

Event: Veterans Appreciation Day & Memorial Tribute

Time: Noon - 4 p.m.

Location: Rye, New York (Rye Playland)

Event will include a ceremony in honor of Memorial Day, U.S. Marine Corps aviation static display (Noon - 4 p.m.), and more. Event is free and open to the public.

Event: 2nd Annual Fleet Week at Liberty State Park

Time: Noon - 5 p.m.

Location: Jersey City, New Jersey (1 Audrey Zapp Dr., Liberty State Park - take Exit 14B off NJ Turnpike)

Event will include the U.S. Navy (USN) Parachute Team, The Leap Frogs; USN Dive Tank; Navy Band Northeast performance; USN helicopter static display; U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Search and Rescue demonstration; military static displays; kids activities; and much more. Event is free and open to the public. View event flyer here

Event: Fleet Week New York Community Music Festival

Time: Noon - 8 p.m.

Location: Staten Island, New York (40 Mithorne St., Flagship Brewery)

Flagship Brewery and community members will host a music festival in honor of Fleet Week. Event is free and open to the public. View event flyer here

Event: Navy Band Concert

Time: 4 p.m. - 5:15 p.m.

Location: Manhattan, New York (Military Island, Times Square)

Navy Band Northeast "Rhode Island Sound" will perform a concert at Military Island in Times Square. Event is free and open to the public.

Monday, May 29, 2017 (Memorial Day)

Event: General Public Ship Tours - Last Day For Ship Tours

Time: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Location: Pier 88, Pier 92 (USCG cutter only) in Manhattan; Brooklyn Cruise Terminal in Brookln; and Homeport Pier in Staten Island

Lines may be capped early to allow guests to finish their tours

Last day for tours - ship tours will be held on Pier 88, Pier 92 (USCG cutter only) (Manhattan) (8 a.m. - 5 p.m.); Brooklyn Cruise Terminal (Brooklyn) (8 a.m. - 5 p.m.); and Homeport Pier (Staten Island) (8 a.m. - 5 p.m.). Notice to guests, electronic smoking devices are prohibited. Additionally, all guest over the age of 18 will be required to show a valid photo I.D. Events are free and open to the public.

Event: New Rochelle Memorial Day Ceremony

Time: Noon - 6 p.m. (tentatively)

Location: New Rochelle, New York (Glen Island Park)

Event will include memorial ceremony (noon), free concert in the park, and U.S. Marine Corps aviation static displays (2 p.m. - 5 p.m.). Event is free and open to the public.

Event: Seabee STEM Informational Static Display

Time: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Location: Manhattan, New York (Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, Pier 86)

U.S. Navy Seabee Historical Foundation will host a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) informational static display for visitors at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum Pier. Event is free and open to the public.

Event: Soldiers' and Sailors' Memorial Day Observance

Time: 10 a.m. - noon

Location: Manhattan, New York (Riverside Dr. & 89th St.)

Annual Memorial Day Commemoration Ceremony will take place at Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument in Manhattan. This year's event will commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Midway. Event is free and open to the public.

Event: Intrepid Memorial Day Commemoration

Time: 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Location: Manhattan, New York (12th Ave. & 46th St. Pier 86N)

Honor the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice serving in the armed forces. Join hundreds of veterans, representing wars and conflicts from WWII to the present. Event is free and open to the public.





Event: U.S. Coast Guard Search & Rescue Demo

Time: 2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Location: Manhattan, New York (In view from Intrepid Pier 86)

U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) will conduct a Search and Rescue demonstration in the water of the Intrepid Pier 86 for visitors and ships to see. During the demo, a USCG rescue crew will drop a mannequin into the water to simulate a person in distress. A rescue swimmer will then jump into the water to secure the mannequin. Both the rescue swimmer and the mannequin are then lifted securely back into the helicopter. Event is free and open to the public.





Event: Annual New York Mets Military Appreciation Game

Location: Queens, New York (Citi Field, 123-01 Roosevelt Ave.)

Time: 4:10 p.m.

New York Mets will host the annual Military Appreciation Game. Mets will take on the Milwaukee Brewers. Events will include: first pitch, Oath of Enlistment; the U.S. Navy (USN) Parachute Team, The Leap Frogs; national anthem; and more!

Tuesday, May 30, 2017

Event: Ships Depart

Time: TBD

Location: New York Harbor

Participating ships depart, signaling the completion of the 2017 Fleet Week New York. Event is free and open to the public to view.
A newborn boy was found wrapped in women's clothing behind a grocery store in Danbury, Connecticut, police say.

A man called 911 after finding the newborn late Sunday night behind the Zaytuna Grocery Store at 397 Main St., police said. He'd heard the baby's cries coming from some bushes.

Danbury Deputy Fire Chief Bernie Meehan, was among the first responders, told NBC Connecticut that the baby was cold when they arrived and still had its umbilical cord attached.

"We took the baby to the ambulance to warm him up," he said. "I clamped the cord while the EMS was clearing his airway."

"The baby was breathing OK. But the baby was cold because it must have been in the 50s," said Meehan. "He was only wrapped in a couple of rags, basically."

The baby was checked by EMS and taken to Danbury Hospital, where he was admitted to the neo-natal care unit.

"I'm not a father, but you could feel the anxiety was present because people just don't abandon babies," said Meehan.



With the baby secure, Meehan said his team worked on finding who may have left the newborn there.

"I had the guys search the back alleyways with thermal cameras looking for the mother because we didn't know if she was sick or if there was another baby," he said. "We went out of our way to search."

Neighbor Sandy Gotthardt told NBC Connecticut that a detective told her the baby was only a couple hours old when he was dropped off Sunday night.

"I just hope whoever it is, they're able to find them and the baby is safe," Gotthardt said.

The owner of Zaytuna told NBC Connecticut the store closes at 10 p.m., and that no one saw or heard anything. He said he was shocked and saddened to hear that a newborn was abandoned outside.

Danbury Police Department's SVU is investigating and trying to locate the mother; they say they're concerned she may need medical treatment or require other services.

"It was a very dangerous situation leaving it where the baby was left," Danbury Police Chief Patrick Ridenhour told NBC Connecticut.

Connecticut's Safe Haven Act for Newborns indicates that a parent of an infant 30 days or younger can bring their baby to the nursing staff of an emergency room. For more information on the state's safe haven laws, click here.

Anyone with information is asked to call Danbury Police SVU detectives at 203-797-4662.
A New York City school district superintendent has been fired following his arrest on sex abuse and forcible touching charges in a case involving another Department of Education employee, authorities say.

Lenon Murray, 56, the community superintendent for school district no. 29 in Queens, was arrested Tuesday, police say, and was fired from the DOE the same day, officials said.

The Daily News reports that the first case of abuse happened May 2 at P.S. 35 in Hollis, when the 34-year-old victim was seated at her desk. A criminal complaint states that Murray approached her from behind as she was seated at her desk and grabbed her breasts, according to a criminal complaint.

Several weeks earlier, on April 19, he also allegedly ran his hands up and down her buttocks and fondled her, the complaint states.

The victim had repeatedly told Murrary not to touch her and to stop, the complaint said.

Murray was arraigned on the misdemeanor charges Tuesday night in Queens Criminal Court and released with a return date of June 15.

An attorney for Murray says he denies the charges and claims they are "retaliatory allegations" for a poor review of her work performance.

Murray is not commenting on the arrest, his attorney says.

Murray started working at the Department of Education in 1987 and was appointed principal at P.S. 38 in Queens in 2002, according to officials. He became community superindent in the district in 2007, and was most recently making $174,680.

He had no prior disciplinary history, officials said.

Toya Holness, a spokeswoman for DOE, said in a statement, "This alleged behavior is unacceptable and has no place in our schools. Mr. Murray's employment was immediately terminated and he was removed from our payroll."

Beverly Mitchell, the principal leadership facilitator in District 29, will serve as acting superintendent, officials say.
A Maryland college student thought a man she met online paid her $450 cash for her old iPhone -- but he actually gave her an envelope full of fake "movie money" used in film shoots.

The 18-year-old no longer has the phone and is out $50 in real money after her encounter with the scammer. He handed her what she thought was $500 cash, and she gave him $50 change.

NBC News

Hannah Buehrle, of Frederick, wanted to sell the old phone to help finance a Memorial Day weekend trip to the beach. Earlier this month, she used an app to advertise it for $400. Before long, she was contacted by a man who called himself Xavier.

Xavier said he would pay Buehrle $450 if she would meet him in Germantown, about 30 miles from where she was in Walkersville. She said she wasn't suspicious when he offered to pay more than the listed price.

"I think it was mostly because I was taking the time out of my day to drive all the way to Germantown, from Walkersville, so I think maybe he wanted to be nice," she said, making air quotes around the word "wanted."

They met in the parking lot of a Kohl's store. Xavier handed Buehrle the envelope. She gave the contents a quick look and saw what appeared to be five $100 bills.

Buehrle handed over the phone and Xavier's $50 change.

They went their separate ways, and Buehrle headed to deposit the payment. She inserted the bills into an ATM, but the machine kept spitting them out.

Then, she looked at them closely.

"I saw at the bottom of one of the bills 'for prop use only,'" she said.

Montgomery County police are investigating.

The movie money looks a lot like real cash. The fonts are the same. The design is largely the same. But if you look closely, warnings appear all over it.

A real $100 bill says "federal reserve note" on the upper left. The movie money says "for cinematic use only." A real bill says "the United States of America" on the upper right. The phony bill says "for motion picture use only."

Benjamin Franklin also has a slight smirk on his face on the movie money and eyebrows are much higher on his forehead.

One company that sells the fake cash, Prop Movie Money LLC, says its bills are designed to look like the real thing on camera. But they say again and again on their website that they will not modify the bills to look and feel exactly like the real thing, with working holograms and the same feel as real cash.

"Our prop money is solely designed for TV, film, photography, training and media productions," the site says. "It will not pass as real currency and cannot be modified to look exactly like real USA currency."

A stack of fake $100 bills costs $25.

Police warn that you have to be careful when making cash deals with strangers. Many police departments suggest doing handoffs outside police stations.
Peter Hodges two daughters fight cystic fibrosis daily, their medications, doctor visits and hospitalizations costing about $1 million in health care benefits a year. Should the Republican-controlled Senate upend insurance similarly to what the House of Representatives has already approved, their lives could be jeopardized, he said.

Hodge worries that his older daughter could end up on a newly defined Medicaid, with spending and other limits determined by the states. His younger daughter could face lifetime caps on the amount his insurance plan would pay for her treatment.

"People with cystic fibrosis and their families are terrified, absolutely terrified," said Hodge, who works in technology in South Florida.

April's jobs report bought positive news for the Trump administration, with the unemployment rate at the lowest since 2007 at 4.4 percent. The report came as the Trump administration pushes on with a health care bill that some Republican lawmakers, and nearly all Democratic lawmakers, oppose.

Congressional attempts to revamp the health care system have been overshadowed by the drama centered on the White House: the Russian meddling in the U.S. presidential election, President Donald Trump's firing of FBI Director James Comey and the appointment of a former FBI director, Robert Mueller, as a special counsel. But even as some political analysts say Trump's problems threaten the GOP legislative agenda, senators have begun discussing health care.

And as they do, people across the country are trying to make sense of what Republican efforts to repeal and replace Obamacare will mean for them and those with pre-existing conditions are particularly anxious.

The House-approved American Health Care Act dismantles many of Obamacare's provisions, which has resulted in an additional 20 million people receiving insurance. It allows insurers to reinstate caps on lifetime coverage, loosens protections for people with pre-existing medical conditions, rolls back state expansions of Medicaid and slashes more than $800 billion from the joint state-federal program over 10 years as it moves from an open-ended federal guarantee to one that gives states control over how to spend a set amount. The Medicaid cuts would affect about 10 million people, according to an estimate from the Congressional Budget Office.

Las autoridades investigan la muerte sospechosa de un expolicia en Toa Alta.

Trump's $4.1 trillion budget proposal for 2018, released on Tuesday, includes $600 billion in decreases to Medicaid, apparently on top of the House cuts. Medicaid provides health care not only to the poor, but also to elderly and disabled Americans, who account for 60 percent of the cost.

A GOP-backed health care reform bill passed House lawmakers by the slim margin of 217 to 213 on Thursday. President Donald Trump praised the American Health Care Act after its house passage, calling it a repeal and a replace of Obamacare, as it makes it way to the Senate floor.

The House vote was taken before the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office analyzed the effects of the revised legislation. Its report on an earlier version found it would shrink the federal budget deficit significantly but leave 24 more million Americans without insurance in 2026.

The new analysis, released on May 24, projects 23 million people without insurance over the next decade and says the federal deficit would be reduced by $119 billion, down slightly from $150 billion.

It estimates that low-income 64-year-olds could face premium spikes of 800 percent or more in 2026 compared to premiums now, while premiums for young adults would be reduced substantially.

Costs for people who have pre-existing conditions or who are sick would soar in states that take waivers, the report said.

Republicans have been pledging to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act since it was signed by former President Obama in 2010. Some have philosophical disagreements over what role government should play in health care, others want to repeal taxes it imposed on the wealthy or argue that too many insurers are pulling out of the marketplaces. Trump has repeatedly insisted Obamacare is collapsing, a characterization disputed by his critics, who blame Republicans for the uncertainty facing insurers.

The House waited for the new report before forwarding the bill to the Senate, which is expected to make major changes now negotiations begin in earnest. Some senators are trying to work across party lines, but conservatives remain committed to more radical changes, and a group of Republicans picked by the party leadership has been meeting in private, with no plans for public committee hearings.

"Your morning reminder that under the cloud cover of the FBI story, 13 GOP Senators are still secretly writing a bill to destroy the ACA," Democratic Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut tweeted on May 15 as news organizations focused on Comeys firing.

In an interview on May 24 with Reuters, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell declined to provide a timetable for a draft of a health-care bill and said he did not know how Republicans would get the 50 votes needed for passage.

"But that's the goal," he said.

The changes already approved by the House would be devastating to twin sisters Anastasia and Alba Somoza of New York City, particularly any decreases in Medicaid, according their mother, Mary Somoza.

The twins, now 33, were born prematurely with cerebral palsy, and though unable sit up on their own, Alba Somoza works as an artist who teaches children in New York City and Anastasia Somoza as an advocate for others with disabilities. She also spoke on behalf of Hillary Clinton at the Democratic National Conventional last summer, when she said she feared Trumps election.

Getty Images

Everything they have accomplished could be at risk, Mary Somoza said.

"They will require from-womb-to-tomb assistance," she said. "And I'm not always going to be around to provide it."

In 2004, the Centers for Disease Control estimated that the lifetime cost to care for a person with cerebral palsy at $1 million. Both women need extensive assistance from aides to live as independently as they do, and Alba Somoza, who cannot speak, communicates through a $10,000 computer that must be updated every five years. However progressive New York is as a state, it cannot cover the costs that the federal government does, Mary Somoza said.

"They both do extraordinary things and all of that would come to a halt if anything happened to their Medicaid coverage," she said.

United Cerebral Palsy, which advocates for independent lives for those with cerebral palsy, fought the House bill, calling it potentially devastating to anyone who relies on Medicaid for health coverage and longterm services.

"We are hopeful that as the Senate deliberates, more information about the projected impact of the House bill will become known and that the Senate will not pass a bill that would bring harm to our community," it said in a statement.

[NATL] Donald Trump's Presidency in Pictures

It is among the major health organizations that have take positions against the House bill, including the American Medical Association, the American Hospital Association, the American Academy of Family Physicians, and the American Academy of Pediatrics. Even the chief medical officer of Medicaid, Dr. Andrey Ostrovsky, tweeted his opposition in March.

"Despite political messaging from others at HHS, I align with the experts from @aafp @AmerAcadPeds @AmerMedicalAssn in opposition to #AHCA," he tweeted.

According to a Quinnipiac University poll released on May 11, 56 percent of American voters disapprove of the plan passed narrowly at the beginning of the month by House Republicans under Speaker Paul Ryan.



Norma Brockman, the director of a pre-school in New York City, has already had one of her knees and a hip replaced, but needs the same operation for her other hip.

Brockman is insured through her job, plus she bought supplemental coverage, but fears that what had cost her $500 would no longer be covered and be more than she could afford, she said. The cost of a hip replacement in New York City can be as high as $69,654, according to a 2015 report done by Blue Cross, Blue Shield.

"I will be in a wheelchair for the rest of my life if this happens," she said.

The changes approved by the House would allow states to waive the requirement that insurers not penalize people with pre-existing conditions, provided they have had a lapse in coverage. High-risk insurance pools would be available but critics say they are often under-funded. Six million Americans with pre-existing conditions could face significant premium increases, according to an analysis done by the Kaiser Family Foundation.

"We cannot afford to let people die," Brockman said. "We cannot afford to let people be sick. I don't understand how they look us in the eye and say, 'Oh you have choice.' If you can't afford it, you just don't have it."



Delilah Talbot, a mother from Kearny, New Jersey, was covered by a corporate insurance plan when she was diagnosed with what was thought a very early stage of breast cancer. But various rounds of testing revealed that the then 32-year-old actually had advanced breast cancer that had already moved into her lymph nodes and one of her hips. Talbot's treatment  surgery, chemotherapy and radiation  was covered by her plan and whenever her insurance company balked, her doctor was able to petition successfully, she said.

"I had a very experienced oncologist who understood the nature of breast cancer at a young age," she said. "As he calls it, it's a vicious monster and it really doesn't let up."

She went into remission for two-and-a-half years. Early last year her cancer returned, this time as lesions in her spine. For six months she was able to keep the tumors from spreading through medication but by December she was in too much pain, and now her chemotherapy is so debilitating, she is often not able to leave her home. She is fighting for her life for her son, she said, who lives with his father.

"Everything that I do is for him," she said. "Every bit of work that I did, every penny that I earned was to provide a life for him."

This time, she is insured through Obamacare, with premium costs of just under $600 a month, which she offsets with a $300 credit. She is eligible for Medicare, but out-of-pocket costs would be higher. Were the Republican changes to take effect, she would not be able to get insurance she could afford and the treatments she needs, she said.

"I believe people creating these policies have no absolutely idea how it affects your life from A to Z  not just from the point of your health and your physical health and how you have to treat that but your mental health and your finances and trying to recover from that and possibly having to file for bankruptcy," she said.

Hodge's daughters, now 24 and 16, are insured through his employer but he is apprehensive about lifetime caps, which he said his daughters' drugs alone could exhaust in a year or two. Equally worrying to him are the cuts to Medicaid, through which half of children with cystic fibrosis and a third of adults receive care.

Hodge's eldest daughter will turn 26 in two years and will no longer be eligible for coverage under his insurance. If she is assigned a high-risk pool, there is little likelihood that she will be able to get affordable, adequate treatments, he said. Or if she finds herself on Medicaid, she will be at risk if her treatments are restricted.

"The American Health Care Act is woefully inadequate for people with cystic fibrosis," said Mary Dwight, senior vice president for policy and patient assistance programs at the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. "To be clear, the legislation does not protect people with pre-existing conditions. In fact, it undermines vital safeguards against being charged more for insurance based on health status."

Currently, Hodge's daughters receive care at centers that offer multidisciplinary teams, an approach that has been successful for people with cystic fibrosis. It helps to keep them out of hospitals and emergency rooms, where they can be exposed to bacterial infections that will do further damage to their lungs, he said. Kalydeco, a drug that both daughters take, and which has allowed his elder daughter to live and work in Washington, D.C., costs more than $300,000 a year. Copay programs could be in jeopardy, he said.

"There is absolute potential in there for the protections that we have for existing conditions to go away," he said. "As much as Paul Ryan wants to stand up and say that isn't the case, he should read his own bill."
The Trump administration is proposing "the most ambitious expansion" of school choice in American history, Education Secretary Betsy DeVos announced Monday while giving few details on how the program would work.

"We must offer the widest number of quality options to every family and every child," DeVos said in a speech in Indianapolis. "We stand on the verge of the most significant opportunity we have ever had to drag American education out of the Stone Age and into the future."

DeVos gave few specifics other than to say that the state of Indiana could serve as a model. Indiana has one of America's largest and fastest-growing school voucher programs to give low-income families scholarships to help pay private school tuition.

DeVos insisted that decisions on school choice must be left for states, not the federal government, to make. But she also warned states against boycotting reform.

"If a state doesn't want to participate, that would be a terrible mistake on their part. They will be hurting the children and families who can least afford it," DeVos said at an event hosted by the American Federation for Children, the school choice advocacy group she used to lead. "If politicians in a state block education choice, it means those politicians do not support equal opportunity for all kids."

Earlier this month, President Donald Trump asked Congress to work with him on expanding charter and private school voucher programs nationwide, but he gave no specifics. School choice advocates are divided over whether to push charter schools and vouchers on the federal or state level.

Voucher and charter school programs are facing fierce criticism from teachers unions and many Democrats, who believe they drain resources from already underfunded public schools while failing to produce clear academic gains.

"Once again, Secretary DeVos is putting her extreme privatization agenda ahead of our students," said Washington Sen. Patty Murray, the top Democrat on the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee. "DeVos claims she wants to provide more choices for students and families, but in reality, voucher programs siphon taxpayer funds from public schools to unaccountable private and religious schools that often leave children worse off."
Repeat DUI drivers are killing at an astounding rate, according to PennDOT and AAA. But the NBC10 Investigators discovered efforts to get them off the road sooner are going nowhere.

According to multiple studies by the Traffic Injury Research Foundation, in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware at least 40 percent of deadly drunk driving crashes involve repeat offenders.

In Pennsylvania and New Jersey, repeat drunk driving isnt a felony. In Delaware its only a felony after the third time a driver is caught drunk.

Unfortunately when it comes to impaired driving it is not on the radar screen of legislators, Stephen Ernie, the head of the Pennsylvania DUI Association, said. Until members of the general assembly realize that public health policy should be their number one priority, we are going to be fighting an uphill battle.

The NBC10 investigators found 13 bills sitting idle in the Pennsylvania legislature that would make drunk driving laws tougher. Each bill calls for stricter sentences for repeat drunk drivers. State Senator John Rafferty, who is also the chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee in Harrisburg, explained why those bills havent become law.

Who votes against this? NBC10 investigative reporter Mitch Blacher asked.

Nobody votes against it, Rafferty said. Its whether the bills come up or not.

Rafferty was able to get an ignition interlock bill passed out of the committee he controls. Harsher DUI sentences have eluded him so far with other committees however.

If there are 13 bills that arent making it to a vote, there are people out there, your colleagues, who dont think this is important, Blacher said.

Its my job to make sure they realize that and to educate them and I will continue to, just as I did with the ignition interlock, Rafferty replied. I will continue to push this legislation forward.

The NBC10 Investigators are looking into the growing number of impaired drivers behind the wheel. NBC10 Investigative Reporter Mitch Blacher found out why efforts to stop the deadly problem have hit a road block.

New Jersey and Delaware have also had state laws requiring ignition interlock devices for some offenders. Law enforcement officials told NBC10 thats not enough however.

Ignition interlock doesnt stop them from driving, Newark Police Lieutenant Andrew Rubin said. It might stop them from driving that specific car but there is nothing to say they cant borrow a friends car.

The drunk driver who struck and killed Pat Crowleys 23-year-old son Liam was driving a truck that was registered to his mother. He was also a six-time drunk driver.

He hit the side of the pickup truck and he never recovered, Pat Crowley said.

Crowley watched his son linger in a coma for several days. Doctors told him there was nothing left to do.

I had to make the decision to put him out of his misery and pull the plug, Crowley said. That was not easy.

Crowley wants stiffer laws but realizes lawmakers may never fully understand his pain.

Whats the cost of a life? Crowley asked. It means nothing unless its a life that means something to you.

Drunk driving isnt the only issue. Drugged driving is also becoming a common occurrence in our area as Debra Iwaniec knows far too well. Her son Kenton Iwaniecs fifth day as a Pennsylvania State trooper was his last due to a drugged driver.

No one deserves to die that way, Debra Iwaniec said. No one deserves to suffer at the hands of a drunk or drugged driver.

The woman who struck and killed her son was driving 73 mph in a 45 mph zone. She had oxycodone and vodka in her system.

She crosses the center line, hits our son head on, Iwaniec said. He never saw her.

According to PennDOT, more than 8,000 drivers have been killed or injured since 2010 by a drugged driver. They also say 12,000 more have been hurt or killed by someone who was under the influence of both drugs and alcohol. Pennsylvania State Police Corporal Scott Davies is trying to bring those numbers down.

Those numbers are a lot higher than what were showing on paper, Corporal Davies said.

Davies, who trains both Philadelphia and Upper Darby Police on how to catch drugged drivers, believes the reason for the high numbers is because most officers arent trained to detect them. In Pennsylvania there are only 174 drug recognition experts, according to Davies. The experts work specifically to test suspected drugged drivers. While officers can use a breathalyzer for a suspected drunk driver, when drugs are involved there needs to be a blood test  which requires more time and money.

We dont test them for the drugs because it costs money for the test, Davies said. It takes more time.

In Delaware, Newark Police Lieutenant Andrew Rubin is one of 23 drug recognition experts in the state.

You dont know how many lives you may save because you took some guy off the street, Rubin said. Wed like to get more.

While both Lieutenant Rubin and Corporal Davies train police in their states, they told NBC10 they cant keep up. Theyve caught people driving while on legally prescribed painkillers and illegal stimulants like cocaine but say the most common drug theyve found is marijuana.

Weve had an increase, I think, in the number of multiple offenders, Rubin said.

If not for a drugged driver, Trooper Iwaniec might be working alongside Rubin and Davies. Since his death, his mother has become a fierce advocate to get police more help.

Everything that Kenton was, or would have been, was taken in an instant because someone else decided to drive impaired, she said.



Repeat drunk drivers are killing people at an astounding rate. Investigative Reporter Mitch Blacher discovered efforts to get them off the road sooner have hit a road block.
Authorities and loved ones continue to search for a Chester County mother who has been missing for more than a month.

Anna Bronislawa Maciejewska-Gould, 43, was last seen by her husband leaving her home on Hedgerow Lane in Malvern, Pennsylvania at 9:45 a.m. back on April 10. Her husband said she was in a panic and she never arrived at her job at Voya Financial in West Chester, Pennsylvania.

Maciejewska-Gould was driving her 2011 Navy Blue Audi A4 with the Pennsylvania license plate HTF 2919 at the time of her disappearance.

NBC News recently published a report on her disappearance that included interviews with family members who claimed she abruptly canceled a scheduled trip to her native Poland. The trip is an annual tradition for Maciejewska-Gould who planned on bringing her 4-year-old son with her to visit her father on his 80th birthday, according to her nephew. The family members also said Maciejewska-Gould called out of work the week of April 3 which was unusual for her.

A group of residents searched through Malvern Tuesday night, spoke with neighbors and handed out fliers.

The biggest problem is there has been so much time thats gone by and that concerns all of us, Alan Neves, a member of the search group, told NBC10.

Maciejewska-Gould is a white female standing 5-foot-4 with blue eyes and dark blonde hair weighing 160 pounds. If you have any information on her whereabouts, please call Pennsylvania State Police at 610-486-6280 or the Pennsylvania Crime Stoppers at 1-800-4PA-TIPS (1-800-472-8477).

You can also email tips to Findingannam@gmail.com and donate to the Finding Anna Maciejewska GoFundMe page.


Two counselors at an addiction treatment center in Chester County died of opioid overdoses Sunday afternoon, according to a statement issued by Chester County District Attorney Tom Hogan.

First responders found the counselors in separate rooms at the Freedom Ridge Recovery Lodge in West Brandywine Township. Both were unresponsive. Needles, baggies and cigarettes littered the scene. The counselors each tested positive for heroin and fentanyl.

Residents at the facility attempted to revive the counselors using naloxone, which reverses the effects of an overdose if administered immediately. Pennsylvania has a standing order that was issued in 2015 by Physician General Rachel Levine that requires every pharmacy to dispense naloxone or narcan to any patient who asks for it. A prescription from a primary care physician is not necessary.

If anyone is wondering how bad the opioid epidemic has become, this case is a frightening example, Hogan said in news release. The staff members in charge of supervising recovery addicts succumbed to their own addiction. [[238427591, C]]

The counselors lived and worked at the home as on-site counselors with six male residents. The counselors' duties included organizing daily activities for the residents and keeping medications under lock-and-key.

A call seeking comment from the owner of the group home, located in a quiet residential area in West Brandywine, weren't immediately returned Wednesday.

Many addiction counselors are former addicts. It wasn't immediately clear if that was the case for the two who died.

Baggies stamped with a Superman symbol and danger logo were found next to the bodies of each counselor. The baggies tested positive for heroin and fentanyl, officials said.

Hogan warned the public to stay away from baggies with those markings, saying they contain drugs likely to kill anybody who uses them.

Law enforcement officers weren't even allowed to handle the drugs without special precautions because of the extreme danger of death or injury, Hogan said.

Last week, a Philadelphia advocate for safe injection clinics died of a heroin overdose in Kensington. Paul Yabor, a volunteer with Prevention Point, spent the last morning of his life handing out clean needles to heroin users.

By 7:45 p.m. that evening, he was found face down near train tracks favored by drug users.

People recovering from addiction are at especially high risk of overdosing. The danger comes in taking the same dose as they did while using regularly. If their system is clean from drugs, a heavy dose can prove fatal.

"Thank you for your efforts Paul and condolences to your family, friends and all that knew and loved you. Salute," Prevention Point wrote on its Facebook page.

Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro has made fighting the opioid epidemic his top priority.

Speaking at a forum Tuesday, he called addiction the No. 1 public safety challenge in Pennsylvania.

"Treatment has to be a part of this," he said. "We have to change the public stigma surrounding treatment, and we have to make treatment available and accessible."
Police in Northern California spend several hours searching for a sheep that escaped Monday night from a yard in Fremont.

The sheep led Fremont police officers on a chase and evaded capture until Tuesday afternoon when it was found at the Fremont Fire Training Center on Stevenson Boulevard and Blacow Road.

Officers posted a video of the animal merrily munching on grass at the Tri-City Animal Shelter.

Police tracked down the wayward sheeps owner and reunited them.

In a case of mistaken identity, Fremont police first said they had found a goat.

They acknowledged the flub with a amended tweet and hashtag.
What to Know The second largest school district in the state is working with the City of San Diego to collect samples from 5 schools a day

The water at all schools, including charter schools on SDUSD property, will be tested by the end of the school year

Samples will be collected Tuesday through Saturday since there are rules that water can't be sitting too long before testing

In the most recent test results released by San Diego Unified School District, unusually high levels of lead were found in eight schools. In each case, the levels measured were below state guidelines requiring the district to take action.

As school districts test for lead in their drinking water, they are required by the state to fix problems if they discover lead in water at levels greater than 15 parts per billion (ppb).

Angier Elementary had one kitchen water source return with lead measured at 10.2 ppb.



Language Academy had three positive results: one fountain with results at 5.58 ppb, a classroom sink with a 6.61 ppb result and Kindergarten class sink showing lead levels at 6.13 ppb.



Wegeforth Elementary had three positive results: A cafeteria sink was measured to have lead at 5.85 ppb, a Kindergarten class fountain had levels at 6.12 ppb and one fountain was sampled at 5.16 ppb.



Chesterton Elementary had two positive results: auditorium area fountain and a kitchen faucet return results over 5 ppb.



Euclid Elementary had one outdoor fountain return with a 6.65 ppb result.



Farb Middle School had a fountain in the office return with a 6.97 ppb result.



Garfield Elementary had a classroom sink/faucet receive a 5.26 ppb result.

Kimbrough Elementary had a restroom fountain receive a 5.05 ppb result.

Of the schools within San Diego Unified School District that have been tested, three have tested at a level where action has to be taken.

The three schools are Birney Elementary School in University Heights, Emerson Campus of the Emerson/Bandini Elementary School and the Emerson Campus of the San Diego Cooperative Charter School.

The California Public Interest Research Group (CALPIRG) and the American Academy of Pediatrics maintain there is no safe level of lead in drinking water provided to children.

In 2009, Californias health department, OEHHA, set the public health goal for lead in drinking water at 0.2 parts per billion.

Lead poisoning in children can cause symptoms ranging from headaches and hearing or speech problems to learning and behavioral problems or damage to the brain and nervous system.

San Diego Unified School District is publishing test results for each school here.

NBC 7 is mapping the schools and the results. Parents can view how the testing is going and click on each location for updates and links to test results.

NBC 7 is gathering our coverage of concerns regarding drinking water in our special section "Safe to Drink?' here.



The potential for lead contamination in the water supply is greater in buildings built before 1986, according to health, water and city experts.

There are 447 schools across San Diego County built before 1986.

See our map of schools where the risk is greater here.


As a warm breeze wafts in from the Gulf of Mexico, Carol Mize paces across the street from Biloxi's white marble City Hall. In one hand, she carries a Mississippi flag and in the other, a sign with the slogan: "Fly the flag, Mayor."

Both the flag and the sign prominently display the Confederate battle emblem, which caused a rift for generations between those who say it represents Southern heritage and those who call it racist. Discussion of the emblem has stirred Mize's passion as Biloxi finds itself the latest front line in a broad regional dispute over Confederate symbols after the mayor recently ordered the state flag to be pulled from city buildings.

"This flag right here had nothing to do with slavery," insists Mize, 55, who says she's also been protesting the removal of Confederate monuments in New Orleans.

The assertion puts Mize  and the other protesters keeping a nearly daily vigil outside City Hall  at odds with many historians and opponents of the banner that Mississippi has flown since 1894.

It's the last state flag in the nation that prominently features the Confederate battle emblem  a red field topped by a tilted cross dotted with white stars. Like many symbols of the Old South, the Mississippi flag has come under intense scrutiny since June 2015, when an avowed white supremacist killed nine black worshippers at a Charleston, South Carolina, church. The man, Dylann Roof, had posed for photos holding the rebel flag.

Many places across the South have debated whether to take down the flag or other Confederate images. New Orleans recently went so far as to remove four statues  three with Confederate figures and one a monument to white supremacy.

Mississippi voters chose to keep the state flag in a 2001 election. Since the Charleston shooting, Mississippi legislators have declined to change the design, with the governor saying voters should decide the issue if it is reconsidered.

The debate this time around is different from the one in 2001. Instead of waiting for a top-down decision, many cities and counties and all eight public universities have acted on their own to remove the flag from display since 2015. The capital city  Jackson, with a majority-black population  furled it years earlier.

Biloxi is the latest and one of the largest cities to act. Republican Mayor Andrew "FoFo" Gilich ordered the flag removed from city buildings in April, saying he believes the Confederate emblem makes people feel unwelcome. He said he'd intended to fly only the American flag at city buildings once in office, but the state flag still fluttered in some places. Gilich, seeking a second term in June, was asked about it at a candidate forum hosted by the NAACP.

Hospitality is important in Biloxi, a diverse city that is home to an Air Force base and has an economy heavily dependent on tourists who gamble in casinos and sunbathe on white-sand beaches.

"This is a gumbo of opinions and experiences," Gilich said of Biloxi. "I wanted to make sure, as mayor, that everybody feels welcome."

Gilich, 69, was born and raised in Biloxi and speaks with the distinctive regional accent similar to the New Orleans melange of Brooklyn-meets-the-Deep South. Before taking public office two years ago, Gilich ran a software company that managed school-lunch information systems.

Gilich's flag decision immediately sparked a backlash. Protesters showed up at City Council meetings. Councilman Robert Deming II proposed an ordinance to require the state flag to fly at all municipal buildings.

A vote on that ordinance is scheduled for Tuesday but could be delayed if city officials seek guidance from the state attorney general about whether Mississippi law even allows a council to consider such a proposal, Republican Councilwoman Dixie Newman said.

Deming said there's lots of "drummed-up opposition" to the flag, and that he's heard from a variety of people, including black and Asian residents, who support it.

"If a politician can unilaterally take down the state flag if he disagrees with something, then he can take down the American flag if he disagrees with something," Deming said.

Democrat Felix Gines, the only African-American on Biloxi's seven-member council, calls Deming's proposal "a punch in the gut" and wants Mississippi to revert to a previous flag featuring a magnolia tree.

"We need a symbol that brings us all together," Gines said.

Michael Cavanaugh, a white attorney, grew up in Biloxi, graduating from a Catholic high school in 1967. The mascot was the Rebels; students waved the Confederate battle flag while the band played "Dixie." Cavanaugh says that was an innocent expression of school spirit, but he now views the Confederate battle emblem as bad for business.

"It was hijacked by the Klan, neo-Nazi groups, skinheads, white supremacists and people like Dylann Roof," said Cavanaugh, who supports the mayor's decision.

Others view the flag with less intensity.

Alex and Kendra Winnick of Meridian, Mississippi, were vacationing in Biloxi with their 1-year-old. The African-American couple, sitting on a beach near the landmark Biloxi lighthouse, said they barely notice the state flag, though they understand older African-Americans find it offensive.

"We don't pay attention to it because we're a younger generation," Kendra Winnick said.
The Washington, D.C.-area Metrobus system is experiencing a spike in fare cheaters, according to a review by the News4 I-Team.

Agency records show an almost 80 percent rise in police citations and warnings for bus fare evasion since 2016. The I-Team review found the surge occurred because of  or in spite of  crackdowns by Metro Transit Police.

Fare evasion by passengers reduces revenue for the agency and also endangers employees. Transit police officials said a series of recent assaults against bus drivers were triggered by disputes over unpaid bus fare. Bus surveillance camera footage of one of those incidents was obtained by the I-Team under a public records request. In the video, a 64-year-old passenger is seen arguing with a bus driver during an afternoon trip through Washington, D.C. According to police records, the passenger pulled a white-handled, three-inch knife and slashed the bus driver in the face. The passenger and driver were arguing over an unpaid bus fare, according to police records.

Top Metrobus Routes for Fare Evasion

The passenger arrested for the slashing incident was charged with assault but avoided trial after being ruled mentally incompetent by a D.C. judge.

In other footage obtained by the I-Team, passengers are seen spitting on or punching bus operators in fare disputes. The footage was released by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, which operates Metrobus.

At least four bus operators are on leave from the agency because of injuries suffered from attacks by passengers after disputes over bus fare, leaders with the Local 689 Amalgamated Transit Union said.

There are risks to bus operators who challenge fare cheats, union official and 17-year bus operator Carroll Johnson said.

When (drivers) put themselves at risk, they put the public at risk, Johnson said. Something can happen. An innocent passenger can get hurt. We need more transit police on these buses.

Agency records show a spike in fare evasion cases between 2015 and 2016. In 2015, the agency reported 1,077 citations, arrests and warnings for fare cheating issued by transit police. The number spiked to 1,870 during the same time period in 2016, according to agency records. The increase carried over into 2017, the I-Team learned. The A2 and X2 routes are among the most frequently targeted by fare evaders.

Metro Transit Police said they are combatting fare cheats with specialized enforcement details. The I-Team deployed a series of cameras to watch one of those enforcement efforts, which WMATA calls HITE  High Intensity Targeted Enforcement. The agencys officers, many wearing fluorescent green vests, board buses during peak hours to check for fare cheats or unruly behavior.

According to a February board of directors report, the HITE enforcement details have helped reduce assaults against bus drivers.

Bus operator assaults were reduced by 14%, from 87 in 2015 to 75 assaults in 2016, the report said. At three Metrobus divisions, Four Mile, Shepherd Parkway, and Western, bus operator assaults were reduced by at least 50%.

The I-Team saw suspected fare cheating occur on the same buses being policed by the special enforcement details. One officer, who was authorized to speak with the I-Team, said it is common to see fare evasion occur in plain sight during special bus enforcement details.

Its the same situation on the rail system, the officer said.

This is not a new problem, Johnson said. This is a systemic problem that's been going on for quite some time."

Reported by Scott MacFarlane, produced by Rick Yarborough, and shot and edited by Jeff Piper.


A travel industry group is now asking the Federal Trade Commission to investigate an anti-Airbnb ad, claiming it's deceptive.

The commercial -- first investigated by the News4 I-Team in April -- features an actress portraying a resident of the Anacostia neighborhood of Washington, D.C., who is upset about the impact of short-term rentals in her neighborhood.

In a letter addressed to the acting chairwoman of the Federal Trade Commission, Travel Technology Association President Steve Shur asks FTC investigators to examine the degree to which the ad's content is deceptive to consumers. He also accuses the Share Better Coalition, which produced the ad, of violating FTC guidelines for endorsements and testimonials.

"I'm tired of feeling like an outsider in my own neighborhood," the actress states in the commercial, after claiming to have moved to Anacostia at age 5, that she grew up there and raised her family there.

The News4 I-Team revealed the woman actually felt like an outsider because she's an actress from New York City.

The ad first surfaced right around the time the D.C. Council began considering regulations for the short-term rental industry.

"Every city contemplating regulations for short-term rentals deserves an open and honest discussion about STRs," said Shur. "False advertising, fake grassroots organizations and the misinformation campaign put forth by the hotel lobby serve no public good and wont lead to the viable solutions cities seek."

Shur claims the ad was funded by the hotel industry in an effort to impact policy and eliminate competition.

FTC guidelines say ads like that should use actual consumers or clearly disclose that the people featured in the ad are actors.

Share Better Coalition did not return a call for comment regarding the FTC letter, but at the time of the original I-Team story, a Share Better spokesman defended the ad, saying it was intended to reflect the overall Airbnb experience in many neighborhoods, even though Anacostia is what was written on the screen.

"At some point, the credibility of the sponsors of these misleading campaigns needs to be called into question," said Shur. "Travel Tech urges the Federal Trade Commission to examine the degree to which the advertisements content is deceptive to consumers and violates the Commissions guidelines for endorsements and testimonials in advertising."

The Share Better spokesman also defended the decision not to disclose that the woman is an actress.

"This ad is deceptive and disingenuous, Airbnb said in a statement. While Airbnb is helping real D.C. residents make ends meet, hotels have continued to ignore the District's east of the river communities, and we're glad their deceptive tactics have been brought to light."

An FTC spokesman said the agency does not confirm if or when it opens an investigation.
A teenager has died after police say he lost control of the car he was driving and struck a tree in Clinton, Maryland.

Norman White, 17, was driving home from his job at a pizza parlor on Temple Hill Road Tuesday night when he slammed into a tree near Salima Street about 10:15 p.m., Prince George's County police said. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police are trying to learn how White lost control.

He was a sophomore at Gwynn Park High School in Brandywine.

"He was a good kid. No fights in school. No drugs. No gangs. Nothing negative. He just got baptized in church," Norman's father Phillip White said.

"Right before he left work, maybe 9:15, I text and said, 'the roads are wet please be safe,'" Norman's mother Yolanda White said.



Police are asking anyone with information to call 301-731-4422.

Callers wishing to remain anonymous may call Crime Solvers at 866-411-TIPS, text PGPD plus your message to CRIMES (274637) on your cell phone or go to www.pgcrimesolvers.com.
A Maryland man scammed out of $4,400 when he tried to buy a car using bitcoin got his money back from the owner of the bitcoin ATM he used.

Vietnam veteran Jerome Harrell said he found a 1955 Chevrolet like the one that had been his first car online for an affordable $3,000. The seller told him she got the car in a divorce settlement, which was why she was selling it at a bargain.

She told him the car would be delivered from West Virginia after he paid using Google Wallet, a service that allows payments to be made digitally.

Then he got what looked to him like an official invoice that instructed him to pay using a bitcoin ATM, a machine that allows the exchange of cash and bitcoins, the uninsured digital currency created and exchanged anonymously and independent of banks or governments.

Never heard it before or anything, but we went on the computer and looked at it and it says it's in Wal-mart, so I figured it had to be legit, Harrell said.

He sent a total of $4,400 to the seller and was told the car would arrive in three days, but it didn't come. He emailed the seller, but she didnt reply.

Google Wallet told him they dont use bitcoin and confirmed hed been scammed.

Bitexpress, which owns the bitcoin ATM Harrell used, contacted NBC4 Responds after hearing his story.

Bitexpress machines can now freeze transactions of first-time users and call them to ensure they are not victims of scams, the company said, but that update went into effect after Harrell's transaction.

But the company said it wanted to make things right with Harrell and refunded him the $4,400. He put the money back in his life insurance.

To prevent becoming a victim of such a scam, here are four things to know:
Maryland high school student Maddi Runkles has stood out in the classroom for the past four years. She has a 4.0 GPA, she was student council president and she's an officer in the Key Club. But the spotlight is now on her for another reason.

The high school senior has been barred from participating in her private Christian school's graduation ceremony because she is pregnant.

School principal Dave Hobbs defended the decision.

"To have a girl who's seven months pregnant walk in a graduation would be easily misunderstood, bringing even more pressure onto Maddi," he told WHAGTV in Hagerstown, in a story published Tuesday.

The school's board of directors previously said in a statement that the matter was "an internal issue about which much prayer and discussion has taken place."

Runkles will be excluded from the June 2 ceremony at Heritage Academy in Hagerstown, Maryland, because she violated the school's code of conduct by having premarital sex. Runkles discovered she was pregnant in January.

After her pregnancy became known, officials at the small school suspended her for two days and removed her from her student council position.

When students enroll at Heritage Academy, they sign a pledge promising they will abstain from sex and avoid alcohol, tobacco and illegal drugs. Runkles was disciplined because she violated that pledge, Hobbs said.

"When Maddi chose to breach that Bible standard, a discipline plan had to be established," he said.

Runkles' father once sat on the Heritage board and recused himself from decisions involving his daughter. He ultimately quit the board to protest how she was treated.

Runkles said she feels she has been treated more harshly than students who have been suspended for other reasons. The baby's father does not attend the school, she said.

The anti-abortion group Students for Life says barring Runkles from participating in her graduation ceremony goes too far, and even encourages students to have abortions.

"The school has shown students that it would be easier to choose abortion than to choose life," the president of the group, Kristan Hawkins, said by phone. "Because she chose to carry her child, and courageously made that decision, she's been punished this entire semester for being pregnant, and that's just wrong."

Runkles' family is holding an alternative graduation ceremony for her next weekend.

She's due to deliver her baby in September, and is planning to start taking online classes through Liberty University.
For the 30th year, the annual Rolling Thunder "Ride for Freedom" rumbled into Washington with hundreds of thousands of bikers.

Since 1988, thousands of bikers and spectators have converged in Washington to honor military veterans and members of the military missing in action. More than 1 million people were expected to participate.

Vietnam War-era veteran Bob Atkinson and his wife, Brenda Atkinson, said they were honored to ride in Rolling Thunder for their 17th year. They rode 900 miles to D.C. from their home in Perkins, Illinois.

Bob Atkinson said he rides to "keep people aware that there's still people missing in action."

"Until we get rid of that and treat everybody fairly and right, then the government needs to be aware, and this is one way that they're aware every year -- that people come here for this," he said.

Being part of the huge wage of bikers approaching the National Mall never fails to make him cry, he said.

News4's Chris Gordon rode on the back of retired Navy veteran Ken Gulledge's bike. Gulledge rode to D.C. from South Carolina and will return to Afghanistsn soon following 30 years of service to the Navy.

"This is what I do. I defend freedom. This is the reason I'm on earth," he said.

The Events

The official events started Friday evening, with the "Blessing of the Bikes" at Washington National Cathedral.

On Sunday, thousands of bikers crossed Memorial Bridge onto Thunder Alley for the annual Ride For Freedom. They rode to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial to pay their respects.

"My dad is actually on the Wall," said biker Vince Cobos. "I make it a point to come here every year. This is my tribute."

Though the major events were Sunday, there are also events Monday, including a wreath presentation at the World War II Memorial at 9 a.m.

There will be another wreath presentation at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery at 11 a.m. and for Vietnam War veterans at 1 p.m. The National Memorial Day Parade is set to start at 2 p.m.

For the full schedule, see the Rolling Thunder website.

Thousands of bikers rode through D.C. Sunday for the annual Rolling Thunder Ride for Freedom. News4's Derrick Ward reports.

The Road Closures

Expect major, rolling road closures. The closures for Sunday were all complete as of 6:30 p.m., but more closures could happen Monday.

The NBC Washington traffic map will be updated throughout the day as roads open and close.

Go here for the full Memorial Day weekend weather forecast.

If you're driving a car this weekend, keep an eye out for motorcyclists even more than usual.

Even the smallest collision between a car and a motorcycle can be deadly for the motorcyclist," Officer Nathan Probus of the Prince William County Police Department told WTOP.

The ride is open to anyone who wishes to show their support. Organizers recommend that all participants be experienced in riding in slow, stop-and-go traffic.
If youre so important, well, so am I.

My security detail is bigger than your detail. My security barrier is bigger  Oh, never mind. You get the point. The image of having security is epidemic in the nations capital.

For way too much of official D.C., the bottom line is this: If you dont flash personal security, then you are a nobody.

The Notebook calls it security envy. It is the twin sister of security theater, which is a concept that showboating security at least makes people feel secure even if it doesnt actually provide it.

Now, security envy and theater is spreading.

NBC4 investigative reporter Scott MacFarlane revealed this past week that the House sergeant-at-arms is seeking $2 million to upgrade security at the home state offices of House members.

Members of Congress have made an increasing number of requests to improve home-office security, MacFarlane reported, citing Sergeant-at-Arms Paul Irving. The House official is seeking the additional money from the House Appropriations Committee. MacFarlane reported that Irving did not specify the nature of any threats against members.

But the work of securicrats  another word weve used for some time  is expanding.

Surely you have noticed the proliferation around town of what we call two-car motorcades. Invariably the vehicles are whomping, jet-black SUVs. There are two grim-faced men  almost always men  in the lead car, ready to blast a siren or turn on threatening blue police lights in the grille and other panels of the vehicle.

You also can notice them because theyve all gone to the same protective driving school that teaches them to inch over one lane into another to discourage anyone from driving alongside. And, of course, they park illegally outside of restaurants, at crosswalks and other places.

We almost forgot. Whos in the follow car? Basically anybody. It could be a federal department head, an elected official, top staff, a congressional leader, or even top security officials themselves. Thats a lot of people, folks.

How many are there? Ask that question and you get the classic answer: We dont talk about our security measures.

Being just a regular citizen, we cant help but wonder just how effective all this might really be. The hyper-SUV showboating seems to call attention to the very potential target supposedly needing protection. Each protectee must decide if its security necessity or maybe official Washingtons inflated view of itself.

A couple of caveats are necessary. The security impulse is powerful. Some officials are told by agencies that they must have security details and those officials simply go along. Its not always personal egos involved but agencies.

Of course, security is a real concern. It would be naive to think no one needs security or that its all inflated egos. Ever since 9/11, police and law enforcement officials have privately told us the same thing  that much of what passes as security to the public is there to make the public feel secure. In fact, the security presence is there as much to respond quickly to attacks, not so much to prevent them.

But security squads bullying their way around town dont have to be part of that equation.

 Marion Barry redux. President Donald Trump gave a remarkable speech last week to U.S. Coast Guard graduates in Connecticut. No politician in history, and I say this with great surety, has been treated worse or more unfairly, Trump declared of himself. Whether true or not, it reminded us of an occasion involving the late Mayor Marion Barry many years ago:

At a news conference, Barry was discussing his successes and troubles. In his defense, he said for all his years of public service that he had suffered a thousand wounds. Without missing a beat, then-D.C. Council member Charlene Drew Jarvis remarked in a quiet aside, Yes, all self-inflicted.

 Going nowhere. Columbia Heights at the intersection of 14th and Irving streets NW is both a success and a failure.

The shops, apartments and retail at the Metro stop have brought new life to a formerly run-down area.

But traffic at this intersection is ridiculously stupid. One unloading truck or bus heading eastward at 14th clogs one lane. If another vehicle is turning left, the other lane is clogged and traffic backs up. People rushing to the Metro or emerging from it crowd the sidewalks and cross streets sometimes in spite of the traffic signals.

Now the D.C. Department of Transportation is going to try fixing part of the pedestrian problem.

Starting next month, it plans to redo the intersection to allow a moment when all lights are red at the same time. Pedestrians will be able to cross every direction, including diagonally. Its similar to a crosswalk design at 7th and H streets NW.

The idea is that pedestrians get a real chance to cross, helping traffic flow more smoothly. There will be new no-left-turn restrictions, too, which will move traffic along.

The whole operation  part of the Vision Zero initiative to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries by 2024  should be up in running by mid-to-late June. Traffic control officers, and hopefully police, will be out there helping everyone figure out the new configuration.

Good luck, all.

Tom Sherwood, a Southwest resident, is a political reporter for News 4.
A Virginia man stole almost $100,000 in equipment from the U.S. Marines helicopter squadron responsible for transporting the U.S. president.

Branden Roy Baker, 34, of Stafford, pleaded guilty to theft of government property Tuesday, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District Virginia.

He stole $94,392 worth of image intensifier tubes and other night vision parts from Helicopter Squadron One between September 2013 and April 2015, according to the plea agreement. He found buyers on eBay.com and negotiated with them via email.

The U.S. Attorney's Office did not say how he stole the equipment.

Baker faces up to 10 years in prison after his sentencing on August 11.

Helicopter Squadron One transports the president and VIPs and tests and evaluates aircraft and systems for the Fleet Marine Forces.


A Worcester dentist has been acquitted of sexually assaulting a female patient while performing a dental procedure last year.

The Telegram & Gazette reports that a jury deliberated for about 45 minutes Tuesday before finding Nikhilkumar Patel, of Shrewsbury, not guilty of a single count of indecent assault and battery.

The 36-year-old woman testified that the 55-year-old Patel had touched her breast while performing a procedure at his office in August.

Patel's lawyer said the patient had intended to sue the dentist and misinterpreted "some inadvertent touching." The attorney said there had been a "rush to judgment" by investigators.

Patel still faces charges of inappropriately touching two other women patients.

His license to practice dentistry remains active.
Two friends from Walpole, Massachusetts, were allegedly killed by their roommate, according to authorities in Florida.



The crime took place Friday at the apartment the three shared in Tampa Palms.

The victims are identified as 18-year-old Andrew Oneschuk and 22-year-old Jeremy Himmelman.

"Its heartbreaking," said Jared Fiske, a friend of Himmelman. "It hurts everybody. There are a lot of people who are upset."

Investigators say the suspect is 18-year-old Devon Arthurs.

Arthurs told police the three shared a common interest in neo-Nazis, but when Arthurs recently converted to Islam, the two others did not respect his decision and thats why he allegedly shot them.

"He always loved everybody," Fiske said of Himmelman. "Never held any grudges, friends with everybody."

Andrew Anglin, publisher of the neo-Nazi website The Daily Stormer, says Arthurs was kicked off a chat room associated with the site for trying to convert people to Islam.

Arthurs has been charged with murder and is expected to be arraigned Wednesday in a Hillsborough County courtroom.
A Massachusetts family is making a plea with their school district to allow their son to be in the classroom via a robot, when he physically can't.

Twelve-year-old Keegan Concannon was born with Common Variable Immunodeficiency which causes him to not have an immune system to fight infections or illness.

As a result, he misses anywhere from 49 to more than 100 days of school each year.

"There are some days I do get mad because I cant do my work, because I dont understand it," Concannon said.

In the 2nd grade, he began using a robot known as VGo which allows him to participate in class when he can't physically can't be there.

When Concannon reached the 4th grade, his mother said administrators at Hudson Public Schools told them the robot was no longer allowed in school because it was a distraction to other kids and it was expensive.

She's been fighting to get it back in the classroom ever since.

"He wants to learn from his teachers. He wants to collaborate with his projects and not just put his name on projects," said Keegan's mom, Laura Concannon.

On Tuesday night, family and friends ade an emotional plea to the Hudson School Board Tuesday night for them to reconsider.

Laura Concannon says a foundation is now offering to provide Keegan with a robot  free of charge.

"It's very heartbreaking. I just don't understand why a parent has to fight and continue fighting. It should be much easier than this," said Laura Concannon.

During Tuesday's meeting, members of the school board were sympathetic but said they aren't allowed to vote on Keegan's situation. They say that decision is up to the superintendent and administrators.
A New Hampshire prep school graduate convicted of sexually assaulting a classmate has appealed a judge's ruling denying him a new trial to the state supreme court.

Owen Labrie of Tunbridge, Vermont, was acquitted in 2015 of raping a 15-year-old classmate the previous year as part of a game of sexual conquest at St. Paul's School in Concord. He was convicted of misdemeanor sexual assault and child endangerment, as well as using a computer to lure the girl for sex, a felony requiring him to register as a sex offender.

The 21-year-old Labrie is appealing his conviction. A judge last month denied his request for a new trial, calling some of his claims of ineffective counsel absurd.

Labrie's lawyer appealed that decision last week, saying issues raised on appeal are of "broad public interest and present novel questions of law" that haven't been addressed in court.


Why God loves science and science needs God

Professor Tom McLeish spoke at the annual Science lecture at Norwich Cathedral on May 10 and encouraged people to think of science as God's gift to us.

"God loves Science and Science needs God: This was the thought-provoking title of a recent lecture in Norwich Cathedral. The theme was that science and curiosity-driven research should be at the heart of a Christian worldview. Christian faith can help science be a healing enterprise, rather than the inhuman, threatening one that some fear.



In his lecture, Professor Tom McLeish, a distinguished scientist from Durham University, presented a positive framework for Christian thinking relevant to the needs and interests of science and technology today. How should Christians understand science? What is Gods gift of science for? How should we use our science to develop the Kingdom of Heaven on Earth?



As Chair of the Education Committee of the prestigious Royal Society, Professor McLeish is concerned to promote scientific understanding. However, he sees no conflict between his Christian beliefs and his responsibility to promote science. Taking a historical perspective, he illustrated how Christianity is a natural foundation for scientific thinking, and has motivated many scientists to make discoveries and to apply their new knowledge with wisdom for the betterment of humankind. He quoted from Nicolaus Copernicus who speaks for many scientists with a religious viewpoint: To know the mighty works of God, to comprehend His wisdom, majesty and power; and to appreciate the wonderful workings of His laws, surely all this must be a pleasing and acceptable mode of worship to the Most High, to whom ignorance cannot be more grateful than knowledge.



Drawing on his new book Let there be Science, McLeish explained how modern science arose in a Christian culture from natural philosophy, meaning the love of wisdom about nature, which has always been closely inter-twined with religious thought. This powerful relationship has driven human enquiry for thousands of years.



For example, in the book of Job, God asks a series of questions about understanding the natural world, culminating in Do you know the laws of the heavens? And can you apply them to the earth? Indeed, Job is seen by McLeish as a fascinating early celebration of enquiry and human investigation into the nature of the earth and sea, the plants and animals, and the heavens and stars. Thus, the creative questions motivating science and faith have been intertwined from early times. Christian thought is concerned with the whole created order, not just human beings.



In the New Testament, in the writing of St Paul for example, we find an understanding of all creation in need of redemption. Biblical books like Job recognise that engaging with nature can be painful and mysterious. Christ brings in a New Creation and gives Christians a ministry of reconciliation and healing, cooperating with God. McLeish gave examples of how the practice of science can heal the broken relationships of humans with themselves, with each other and with the natural world.



However, we cannot ignore the fact that there is considerable resistance and mistrust, not only between some members of the scientific community and the Church, but also between scientists and non-scientists, who see science as opposed to art and threatening to humanity. Moreover, the media thrives on stories of conflict. Too often, science is presented as a dispassionate, inhuman process of discovery, while Christianity is dismissed as being a set of backward-looking superstitions with no relevance to the modern world. Neither of these viewpoints is accurate or helpful: Science, like religion, is a deeply human activity, pursued through the passions and creative questions of scientists, while Christianity challenges and encourages every one of us (scientists and non-scientists) to develop loving, wise, hopeful relationships with creation, with humanity and with God.



Many would argue that religion has done a lot of damage over the centuries, enforcing reactionary attitudes in the face of science-driven progress. On the other hand, many note that science and technology have also been a mixed blessing. The media thrives on stories of the alarming threats that science and technology can create: global warming; nuclear holocaust; Frankenstein foods; designer babies, and so on. McLeish sees in many media stories about science echoes of ancient, pagan attitudes and fears, ideas that nature is sacred and that scientists are messing with it, opening Pandoras Box, and that ordinary people are the victims of conspiracies by uncaring, powerful, mysterious elites.



McLeish offered a more hopeful vision. For a Christian, there are no pre-determined histories or boundaries for science and technology, but God ought to be at the centre. The church should celebrate the deep humanity of science. The intellectual relationship with nature can be healing and the larger Christian vision of science as part of a love of wisdom can help heal divisions between science and the arts and humanities and promote a more thoughtful engagement with the media and public about the opportunities and challenges that science creates.



This was the ninth annual Cathedral Lecture organised by Science Faith Norfolk (SFN) a local group affiliated to Christians in Science.



The next SFN meeting will be held on Monday 3rd July (7.30  8.45 pm) at Trinity Meeting Place, Essex St. Norwich. Dr Peter Woodford (from the Department of Zoology, Cambridge University) will give a talk on What can evolution tell us about altruism? - Implications for ethics and morality. All are welcome to attend. For further information, contact: Prof Nick Brewin, Secretary, Science Faith Norfolk: 07901 884114 sfnorfolk1@gmail.com. There is more information on the SFN website.



The new book by Tom McLeish: Let there be Science! is co-authored with physics teacher Dave Hutchings. A previous book, Faith and Wisdom in Science, explores the same topics at greater depth.




Pathway Cafe - Great Yarmouth Team Ministry

The Pathway Cafe and Resource Centre based at the Mission Ministry in Great Yarmouth serves around 90 three-course dinners on weekdays plus soup and a one dish main course on Saturdays to the marginalised in the community.

Barbara Rowe said : Our aim is to provide a safe and comfortable space offering friendship, respect, support and a hot meal to the vulnerable, lonely, displaced and homeless within our community.



"Sadly, we have recently been experiencing an upsurge in the number of clients requiring our services and advice  around 90 meals are served each session and an increased number of clients are seeking advice and/or signposting to local support agencies.



Users of the Pathway Cafe and Resource Centre in Great Yarmouth are given access to support networks. This service relies on generous support provided by the team of volunteers, visiting support agencies, funding grants, and fresh food donations from local food outlet stores and other sources.



Volunteers are provided with development opportunities such as 'Foundation Course - Good Practice for Food Handlers within the Catering Environment' developed in collaboration with Great Yarmouth College. Four volunteers have gained Level 2 Food Standard Agency Certificate.



There is an Open Day in June to celebrate the service and progression with a buffet lunch to give clients and volunteers information about their services and how to access them.



The Pathway Choir is newly formed and meets on Wednesdays with members drawn from both the ministry's client group and volunteers.



Factfile

Project: Minster Mission  Pathway cafe

Who: Great Yarmouth Team Ministry

What: Community Meal

Where: Great Yarmouth

When: 12noon  2pm every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday (excluding Christmas day)

Numbers: 120 people  840 meals each month

Contact: Rev Jemma Sander-Heys, Team Vicar at teamvicar@gtyarmouthminster.org or Barbara Rowe at barbara.rowe@sky.com

The Living Room is run in conjunction with Imagine Norfolk Together (CUF) and provides a hot meal and the breakfast at the night shelter.

Factfile
Pop-up Christian radio returns to Aylsham

2017: Pop, Corn & Grace, the popular Christian community radio project based across communities around Aylsham will be broadcasting on 87.7 FM and on-line, continuously from May 31 until June 4.

After months of preparation, and in conjunction with the month-long 12 Towers Festival , the all-age team have put together a fascinating schedule packed with thought provoking, inspirational and uplifting stories from the heart of Aylsham and the surrounding rural parishes, whilst looking at what is happening in the wider world.





Broadcasts start at 6pm on Wednesday May 31, and will continue 24 hours a day until 9pm on Sunday June 4. They will include daily reflections from bishops and the archdeacon as they celebrate all Gods gifts in this inspirational season leading up to Pentecost on June 4, which is during the Archbishops special prayer initiative Thy Kingdom Come.





Highlights of the week will include:

A special look at pilgrimages with the Bishop of Norwich;

Truth and Reconciliation in S. Africa from two senior clergy who lived there in the 1980s at the height of apartheid;

Parish Nursing;

Our Kids Team (ages 8+) will be producing and presenting their own 30 minute slot each evening, followed by our teenage team and their take on life and music.

Proms in the Church and news from the 12 Towers Festival,

Outside Broadcasts with roving reporters in Aylsham Town Square on Saturday June 3;

A specially recorded service on Sunday June 4 led by the Bishop of Lynn celebrating the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.



The projects Patron, The Rt. Revd. Jonathan Meyrick, Bishop of Lynn, right, said:

Pop, Corn & Grace has come a long way in four years. Always ambitious and willing to push boundaries, I am thrilled to hear their plans for 2017 and am delighted be taking part on Thursday June 1.



When we set out in 2014, outside broadcasts and live streaming of concerts were things we could only dream about; but here we are now  thanks to the commitment of our excellent technical team  with the ability to make this happen.



We are also going to be engaging with some thought-provoking topics in our discussion programmes for example: features on Restorative Justice, Apartheid, and How We Care for our Planet. There is much to entertain too and virtually every genre of music will be represented in the playlists.



We are Pop, Corn & Grace  engaging with Popular culture, a little bit Corny (on occasions) but with Gods Grace we seek to reach out to all in our communities in love and service.





Visit:

www.norfolkchristian.media



www.facebook.com/popcornandgrace



www.aylshamparishchurch.org.uk





Do you have a news story or forthcoming event relating to Christians or a church in North Norfolk?


Norfolk joins thousands for global prayer Norfolk joins thousands for global prayer

Christians across Norfolk will join with those around the world to take part in the global prayer movement called Thy Kingdom Come between Wednesday 25 May and Sunday 4 June.



In the UK 34 special beacon services are taking place in Cathedrals, and churches across the country have planned activities including prayer walks, candlelit services, street parties, psalm drumming, fireworks and prayer tepees.



On Wednesday 25 May Norwich Cathedral, Kings Lynn Minster and Great Yarmouth Minster are all holding special beacon events.



The Bishop of Norwich, The Rt Revd Graham James said: Jesus gave his followers a single prayer  the Lords Prayer. The line thy kingdom come expresses a hope for a better world  more peaceful, joyful, loving. Thats what Gods kingdom is like. The Archbishops initiative is to get the whole Church to pray intensively over the next ten days for a transformed world. Its an accident of timing that it now comes just before the General Election but what could be better? Prayer is about our deepest longings brought before God. Im sure this is going to be a very special time.



Events happening in Norfolk
In my recent blogs, I have written about automation tying the network to other domains of IT, and how its a capability available today that you should start using.

Machine learning is another hot topic. While the timeline is several years out for many machine learning applications in networking, it has the potential to be one of those rare technologies that comes along every few decades and fundamentally transforms how networks run.

+ Also on Network World: 4 ways Google Cloud will bring AI, machine learning to the enterprise +

After all, leading companies such as Amazon, Apple, Facebook, Google and Baidu are already transforming their products and business processes with machine learning.

Hopefully, as the technology matures, much of the inner workings of it will be deep inside the systems and clouds of your vendors. But I wouldnt be surprised if your company begins looking to you soon to help support early machine learning applications or experiments.

Therefore, I thought it was timely to sit down for a Q&A with one of the industrys foremost machine learning experts, David Meyer, a long-standing leader who has spent the past four years investigating how ML can help us tackle difficult problems in networking and security.

Q: What is machine learning?

In traditional programming, the programmer establishes the rules for generating the output. In machine learning, you provide data, along with observed outcomes (e.g., supervised learning), and the role of the software is to learn the rules. The image below illustrates the contrast in the approaches.

Machine learning software learns by seeking to discover the processes that generate the observed outcomes of particular inputs. The training set of input data and outcomes determines the prediction accuracy of the model. After this training phase, the trained software is ready to make inferences. Given a new piece of input data, the trained model can now infer the expected outcome. In some cases, such as online systems, the software continues its learning.

Brocade

Q: Can you provide examples that work today?

Search engines are an example of machine learning software that we all use daily. Search engines improve their results through continuous online learning in their algorithms. This learning not only includes past experiences with clicks, but also typically includes a large set of additional factors based on the performance outcomes defined for the search engine. Ad revenue is a great example of this.

Additionally, those who use Apples Siri or Amazons Alexa products may notice that personalized results improve over time as the device gains knowledge of a users specific preferences.

Q: Where does machine learning software run?

One option for running machine learning software is in the cloud. Googles search engine, Apples Siri and Amazons Alexa are examples of this. Another option is to run a trained machine learning program in the traditional modelwhere the software no longer learns, but the user gets the advantage of all its prior learning through inference.

Optical character recognition to "read" written text and natural language processing to "listen" to spoken words are examples in many traditional software packages today. The advantage of both of these approaches is providing access to the intelligence without requiring the compute power locally that is required to run machine learning software.

Q: With mapping of inputs and outputs as a fundamental principlehow well does machine learning apply to networking?

An advantage of machine learning is that it can tackle real-world problems of high complexity. You may have read how machine learning systems are becoming increasingly accurate in diagnosing health problems from a set of symptoms. This is because we can train machines using data from extremely large groups of patients, such as those who have had strokes and those who did not, and instruct the software to learn how to tell them apart.

We have these same types of scenarios in networking, where using large amounts of observed inputs and outcomes means machine learning can help us anticipate what is happening. Machine learning will be able to analyze the structure of collected data to find patterns we didnt know were there. This will address a far wider range of networking and security behaviors than those we are able to describe numerically in functional relationships.

Q: Where can we apply machine learning in networking?

We will apply machine learning to networks to understand the processes that generate the datasets we observe so as to classify events and predict and respond to various and previously unknown types of network and security events.

Right now, the types of problems that machine learning can tackle in networks are limited by a lack of behavioral data from a large sample set of networks, especially large networks. In addition, we are limited by our ability to label the data and to describe the outcomes in a common way. Yet there are important problems we can tackle in the next two years, such as security and anomaly detection, component failure, congestion, and optimized network orchestration.

In the long term, machine learning could fundamentally change the algorithms by which we run networks, even an algorithm as foundational to the network as routing. Today, our routing rules are simple, numerical math based on limited factors for the link metrics. How much more efficient could our networks be if they could factor a much larger set of real-time states to determine the best ways to move traffic around? Over the next 10 years, machine learning could change almost everything about how we administer networks and how they run.

The first use cases for machine learning will be in critical problems where we have observable outcomes. Advancing our existing analytic and prediction tools beyond simply processing in statistical or numerical ways to truly consider a wide range of observed network behaviors is a hot area of research for many vendors, including the following developments:

Security and anomaly detection

We have known examples of malicious network traffic on which to train machine learning systems so that they can alert network and security administrators of potential active risks. In the future, machine learning will not only aid in detection, but also in the prediction and remediation of threats. As more and more devices join the network through the Internet of Things and machine-to-machine connections, rapid-learning capabilities will be critical to a strong security stance.

As in all tools, it wont only be those who are protecting networks that will use these new systems; those who threaten the network will surely apply machine learning to find vulnerabilities. So, security is indeed a critical area of the network for us to apply machine learning quickly.

Prediction and mediation

Machine learning systems are now learning how to analyze network behavior and predict network protocol anomalies that signal nascent problems in the network, such as congestion. They also can learn to recognize other issues, such as component failures or performance slowdowns in the earliest stages of their origin, to proactively mediate and avoid user-impacting events.

Network orchestration and control

The complex dynamics of network orchestration and control is another area where we are likely to see applications of machine learning systems. Machine learning will enable these systems to adapt to evolving environments, optimizing the resources made available in virtualized networks, as well as the configuration and management of the network.

Automation tools

The automation of networks is a rich area to apply machine learning because of the vast amounts of data created and managed. For example, last year KDDI Laboratories announced the worlds first proof of concept (PoC) for an AI-assisted automated network operation system. KDDI was able to show a system capable of learning and predicting when hardware or software anomalies would lead to catastrophic network failures.

Additionally, the PoC system could initiate recovery plans through an integrated management system. Others in the space are exploring how machine learning can be used to link network automation tools to automated processes beyond networking, such as those for DevOps.

Q: What do you recommend network architects do to get ready?

If you are responsible for architecting a network of any size, keep following the machine learning space. I recommend you start with a Coursera course by Andrew Ng, associate professor at Stanford University. From there, a Google search on machine learning and networking will yield additional resources, including my recent podcast.

You will want to know enough to assess the potential value of machine learning tools from vendors for your particular network and the considerations in deploying it. Once you have the foundation, you may see some specific challenges in your network that are worth experimentation in the development of a machine learning system to see how it can help you.

Q: What do you recommend network and security administrators do to get ready?

Get more comfortable with basic tools and simple programming for automation, such as those used in NetOps. This foundation will not only help you operate your network today, but also prepare you to benefit from early machine learning capabilities that can help you protect your network and operate it more efficiently. You may wish to start using machine learning tools available today for your personal life, such as Apples Siri or Amazon's Alexa, to experience how they learn over time about preferences and needs.
By PTI

MELBOURNE: India could look elsewhere for its coal requirements if Queensland government delays its decision on a royalty holiday deal with the Indian energy giant Adani Group, Australian Resource Minister Matthew Canavan has warned.

"India has a massive need for energy resources in the next couple of decades. A huge part of that will be increased coal use... We have the ability to produce the most environmentally sustainable energy resources for India," Canavan said, referring to the controversy involving the Adani Australia's 16.5 billion dollar Carmichael coal project in Queensland.

"But eventually there's going to come a point, after seven years, if there are continued deferrals, India will go elsewhere to look for coal," he said at a press briefing yesterday.

"They (India) will look elsewhere if Australia can't provide that resource, and that would be a great cost to our country in terms of export revenues, in terms of royalties and taxes and of course most importantly in terms of jobs," he said.

"That's certainly the message I've heard from the Indian Government," he added.

His comments came two days after the Adani Group announced deferring a final investment decision on the project until the Queensland government gave "clarity" over lower or deferred royalties.

Adani, which was due to decide on whether to build the Carmichael mine at a board meeting next week, said they were waiting for the state government to advise on whether it would offer a lower royalty rate or deferred royalties.

The Queensland State Cabinet on Monday discussed whether to give Adani a royalty discount or deferral, but no decision was made.

Canavan stressed Adani had already spent billions trying to develop the project and disclosed that Premier Annastacia Palasczuk held urgent crisis meetings last night with her senior bureaucrats.

Canavan, a Queensland Senator, in a separate interview to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation described "a remarkable and embarrassing situation" for the state for not having a tax regime in place.

"This project has been under consideration for nearly seven years now. The Palaszczuk Government has been in power for more than two years, and at the eleventh hour, to not even be able to tell Adani what tax they will pay less than a week before they were going to take it to their board is just unbelievable," he commented.

According to Adani Australia spokesperson, the company was now waiting for the state government's decision on the new royalties scheme.

"Adani notes the Queensland government has again foreshadowed a new royalties scheme for all new mining provinces in the state," he said, adding that the company was awaiting a decision on the matter.

Canavan further said that Adani mine would produce 25 million tonnes of coal per annum and in its first stage, it would pay about 100 to 150 million dollars a year in royalties to the state government, depending on the price of coal of course.

He said the 320 million dollar figure of royalties concession reported earlier was derived from "leaks and innuendo" and said Galilee Basin was the best place to build a coal mine and that it would potentially create thousands of jobs and make lots of export revenues and royalties and taxes for the country.

Meanwhile, a recent report released by an independent body Climate Council of Australia has warned against the project, stating that the Carmichael mine posed serious risks to the environment, public health and North Queensland tourism.

The project involves dredging 1.1 million cubic metres of spoil near the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, which will then be disposed of on land

MELBOURNE: India could look elsewhere for its coal requirements if Queensland government delays its decision on a royalty holiday deal with the Indian energy giant Adani Group, Australian Resource Minister Matthew Canavan has warned. "India has a massive need for energy resources in the next couple of decades. A huge part of that will be increased coal use... We have the ability to produce the most environmentally sustainable energy resources for India," Canavan said, referring to the controversy involving the Adani Australia's 16.5 billion dollar Carmichael coal project in Queensland. "But eventually there's going to come a point, after seven years, if there are continued deferrals, India will go elsewhere to look for coal," he said at a press briefing yesterday. "They (India) will look elsewhere if Australia can't provide that resource, and that would be a great cost to our country in terms of export revenues, in terms of royalties and taxes and of course most importantly in terms of jobs," he said. "That's certainly the message I've heard from the Indian Government," he added. His comments came two days after the Adani Group announced deferring a final investment decision on the project until the Queensland government gave "clarity" over lower or deferred royalties. Adani, which was due to decide on whether to build the Carmichael mine at a board meeting next week, said they were waiting for the state government to advise on whether it would offer a lower royalty rate or deferred royalties. The Queensland State Cabinet on Monday discussed whether to give Adani a royalty discount or deferral, but no decision was made. Canavan stressed Adani had already spent billions trying to develop the project and disclosed that Premier Annastacia Palasczuk held urgent crisis meetings last night with her senior bureaucrats. Canavan, a Queensland Senator, in a separate interview to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation described "a remarkable and embarrassing situation" for the state for not having a tax regime in place. "This project has been under consideration for nearly seven years now. The Palaszczuk Government has been in power for more than two years, and at the eleventh hour, to not even be able to tell Adani what tax they will pay less than a week before they were going to take it to their board is just unbelievable," he commented. According to Adani Australia spokesperson, the company was now waiting for the state government's decision on the new royalties scheme. "Adani notes the Queensland government has again foreshadowed a new royalties scheme for all new mining provinces in the state," he said, adding that the company was awaiting a decision on the matter. Canavan further said that Adani mine would produce 25 million tonnes of coal per annum and in its first stage, it would pay about 100 to 150 million dollars a year in royalties to the state government, depending on the price of coal of course. He said the 320 million dollar figure of royalties concession reported earlier was derived from "leaks and innuendo" and said Galilee Basin was the best place to build a coal mine and that it would potentially create thousands of jobs and make lots of export revenues and royalties and taxes for the country. Meanwhile, a recent report released by an independent body Climate Council of Australia has warned against the project, stating that the Carmichael mine posed serious risks to the environment, public health and North Queensland tourism. The project involves dredging 1.1 million cubic metres of spoil near the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, which will then be disposed of on land
By Express News Service

CHENNAI: A man aged 44 has been arrested by Teynampet police for allegedly sexually abusing his 12-year-old daughter.He works as a watchman and had migrated to the city from Bihar nearly 15 years ago.

On Sunday night, the girl woke up crying, said the investigating official. Her mother and elder brother were very concerned but when they asked her she said nothing and went back to sleep. On Monday, she confided in her 14-year-old brother and told him that she was being abused by their father.

Police said that on hearing the matter, the mother got enraged and a fight ensued between her and her husband. Later, the mother spoke to the officer at a Child Welfare Organisation who assisted them to lodge a police complaint.

The man is an alcoholic, said the investigating official. He had been allegedly abusing his daughter for two years. He had threatened her saying that if she told anyone about the incident, he would kill her mother and elder brother.

CHENNAI: A man aged 44 has been arrested by Teynampet police for allegedly sexually abusing his 12-year-old daughter.He works as a watchman and had migrated to the city from Bihar nearly 15 years ago. On Sunday night, the girl woke up crying, said the investigating official. Her mother and elder brother were very concerned but when they asked her she said nothing and went back to sleep. On Monday, she confided in her 14-year-old brother and told him that she was being abused by their father. Police said that on hearing the matter, the mother got enraged and a fight ensued between her and her husband. Later, the mother spoke to the officer at a Child Welfare Organisation who assisted them to lodge a police complaint. The man is an alcoholic, said the investigating official. He had been allegedly abusing his daughter for two years. He had threatened her saying that if she told anyone about the incident, he would kill her mother and elder brother.
By Express News Service

The last song of Vishwaroopam 2 has been recorded and Kamal Haasan himself confirmed this on Twitter, adding that he has penned the Tamil lyrics. Recorded the last song in VR2. Hindi Lyrics by Prasoon Joshi; Tamizh lyrics by me. Tune is infectious to say the least. Telugu to record soon, he said on the social media site.



Kamal also thanked the composer Ghibran for his soul-stirring music.

Currently working on the post-production of Vishwaroopam 2, Kamal Haasan is also shooting for his new reality show Bigg Boss for a popular Tamil TV channel.



Once the work on Vishwaroopam 2 is wrapped up, he plans to resume the shoot of Sabaash Naidu. This is tentatively expected to happen by the end of this year.

The last song of Vishwaroopam 2 has been recorded and Kamal Haasan himself confirmed this on Twitter, adding that he has penned the Tamil lyrics. Recorded the last song in VR2. Hindi Lyrics by Prasoon Joshi; Tamizh lyrics by me. Tune is infectious to say the least. Telugu to record soon, he said on the social media site. Kamal also thanked the composer Ghibran for his soul-stirring music. Currently working on the post-production of Vishwaroopam 2, Kamal Haasan is also shooting for his new reality show Bigg Boss for a popular Tamil TV channel. Once the work on Vishwaroopam 2 is wrapped up, he plans to resume the shoot of Sabaash Naidu. This is tentatively expected to happen by the end of this year.
Namita Bajpai By

Express News Service

LUCKNOW: As violence continued on the second consecutive day in trouble-torn Saharanpur, the Uttar Pradesh government suspended the district magistrate (DM) NP Singh and senior superintendent of police (SSP) Subhash Chandra Dubey on Wednesday.

While SSP of Muzaffarnagar, Babloo Kumar was sent to Saharanpur in the same capacity, Pramod Kumar Pandey has been appointed as the new DM.

Pandey was sent to Saharanpur by a State plane in the evening to take charge immediately. He had been holding the post of additional chief electoral officer (CEO) in Lucknow.

Earlier, the district administration lodged three FIRs against trouble-makers and 24 people were arrested for Tuesdays clashes which left one person dead and six injured. The Uttar Pradesh government, meanwhile, announced a financial assistance of Rs 15 lakh for the family of Ashish (24) of Sarsawan town, who was killed in the unrest and Rs 50,000 each for the injured.

In another incident, one person was shot at and two were attacked in Nanota Badgaon area on Wednesday morning. The one who was shot later succumbed in the hospital. The police authorities, however, denied that the incident was related to the ongoing violence. It was a case of loot and intimidation, said SP (City) Prabal Pratap Singh.

So far, four officers have been suspended in violence-ridden Saharanpur. Earlier, after the first round of caste clashes in the district on April 20, axe had fallen on two senior police officers SP(City) Vidya Sagar and SP (rural) Rafeeq Ahmad. Over three dozen people have been arrested in cases of caste violence.

We will leave no stone unturned to stop the unrest and to bring normalcy back to the district as soon as possible, said ADG (Law &Order) Aditya Mishra. He added the special team of officers of which he is also a part would stay put in Saharanpur till the situation became normal.

According to the ADG, mistrust had set in between both the communities. Police administration now has the onerous task to reconstruct the shattered faith. We will ensure impartiality while dealing with the situation and see to it that such incidents are not repeated, said ADG Mishra adding that authorities would not let anyone raise a finger on the police department.

Meanwhile, UP chief minister Yogi Adityanath has appealed to the people of Saharanpur to maintain peace and harmony. He also assured the people of Saharanpur the troublemakers would not be spared and wont be allowed to go unpunished.

Violence had again broke out on Tuesday in Saharanpur's Shabbirpur village as some unidentified people had set afire at least 12 houses of Thakurs ahead of the arrival of Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati.

After Mayawatis visit to the trouble-torn village, a mob of sword-wielding Thakurs attacked the vehicle of some BSP supporters who were returning from BSP chiefs meeting. In the clash, one person was shot dead and six others were left injured. They were later admitted to the district hospital.

While Mayawati held the State government responsible for the unrest in the district, UP governments official spokesman and power minister Shrikant Sharma said the BSP chiefs visit had lead to the latest flare-up. Shabbirpur is home to around 600 Dalits and over 900 Thakurs.

LUCKNOW: As violence continued on the second consecutive day in trouble-torn Saharanpur, the Uttar Pradesh government suspended the district magistrate (DM) NP Singh and senior superintendent of police (SSP) Subhash Chandra Dubey on Wednesday. While SSP of Muzaffarnagar, Babloo Kumar was sent to Saharanpur in the same capacity, Pramod Kumar Pandey has been appointed as the new DM. Pandey was sent to Saharanpur by a State plane in the evening to take charge immediately. He had been holding the post of additional chief electoral officer (CEO) in Lucknow. Earlier, the district administration lodged three FIRs against trouble-makers and 24 people were arrested for Tuesdays clashes which left one person dead and six injured. The Uttar Pradesh government, meanwhile, announced a financial assistance of Rs 15 lakh for the family of Ashish (24) of Sarsawan town, who was killed in the unrest and Rs 50,000 each for the injured. In another incident, one person was shot at and two were attacked in Nanota Badgaon area on Wednesday morning. The one who was shot later succumbed in the hospital. The police authorities, however, denied that the incident was related to the ongoing violence. It was a case of loot and intimidation, said SP (City) Prabal Pratap Singh. So far, four officers have been suspended in violence-ridden Saharanpur. Earlier, after the first round of caste clashes in the district on April 20, axe had fallen on two senior police officers SP(City) Vidya Sagar and SP (rural) Rafeeq Ahmad. Over three dozen people have been arrested in cases of caste violence. We will leave no stone unturned to stop the unrest and to bring normalcy back to the district as soon as possible, said ADG (Law &Order) Aditya Mishra. He added the special team of officers of which he is also a part would stay put in Saharanpur till the situation became normal. According to the ADG, mistrust had set in between both the communities. Police administration now has the onerous task to reconstruct the shattered faith. We will ensure impartiality while dealing with the situation and see to it that such incidents are not repeated, said ADG Mishra adding that authorities would not let anyone raise a finger on the police department. Meanwhile, UP chief minister Yogi Adityanath has appealed to the people of Saharanpur to maintain peace and harmony. He also assured the people of Saharanpur the troublemakers would not be spared and wont be allowed to go unpunished. Violence had again broke out on Tuesday in Saharanpur's Shabbirpur village as some unidentified people had set afire at least 12 houses of Thakurs ahead of the arrival of Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati. After Mayawatis visit to the trouble-torn village, a mob of sword-wielding Thakurs attacked the vehicle of some BSP supporters who were returning from BSP chiefs meeting. In the clash, one person was shot dead and six others were left injured. They were later admitted to the district hospital. While Mayawati held the State government responsible for the unrest in the district, UP governments official spokesman and power minister Shrikant Sharma said the BSP chiefs visit had lead to the latest flare-up. Shabbirpur is home to around 600 Dalits and over 900 Thakurs.
By Express News Service

NEW DELHI: Senior AAP leader Ashish Khetan on Wednesday approached the Supreme Court seeking protection alleging that he has received threats from right-wing organisations.



Khetan's petition is likely to be heard in first week of June.



Khetan, who is the vice-chairman of Delhi dialogues commission, has alleged that he has received several anonymous letters threatening that he will be killed. His plea mentions the name of groups like Abhinav Bharat, Sanatan Sanstha and Hindu Jan Jagran Samiti.

Khetan said he had also complained to the Delhi Police but no action was taken so far.



His petition also stated that Khetan has written to the Union home minister seeking action in the matter. He also said that several journalists, writers and activists have been threatened by the right wing forces and there is urgent need to formulate guidelines with this regard.



Khetan had received a similar threat letter last year.

NEW DELHI: Senior AAP leader Ashish Khetan on Wednesday approached the Supreme Court seeking protection alleging that he has received threats from right-wing organisations. Khetan's petition is likely to be heard in first week of June. Khetan, who is the vice-chairman of Delhi dialogues commission, has alleged that he has received several anonymous letters threatening that he will be killed. His plea mentions the name of groups like Abhinav Bharat, Sanatan Sanstha and Hindu Jan Jagran Samiti. Khetan said he had also complained to the Delhi Police but no action was taken so far. His petition also stated that Khetan has written to the Union home minister seeking action in the matter. He also said that several journalists, writers and activists have been threatened by the right wing forces and there is urgent need to formulate guidelines with this regard. Khetan had received a similar threat letter last year.
By Express News Service

NEW DELHI: Union urban development minister M Venkaiah Naidu on Wednesday said that government is working hard to double the income of farmers by the year 2022 and partnership of states is needed to realize the dream. The minister said that State should work hard to provide proper power facility to farmers.

The minister was in Rajasthan to review the progress of urban projects in the state. He along with CM Vasundhara Raje conducted an aerial survey of Dravyavati river project in Rajasthan. The project is meant for beautification of Jaipur city. The union minister along with Rajasthan CM Vasundhra Raje conducted the aerial survey and reviewed the progress of the project undertaken by Tata Projects.



The 47.5-km long Dravyavati river, which has shrunk into a 'nala' (drain), is being rejuvenated under the project. The project will ensure seamless water supply in the river throughout the year. More than 16,000 trees will be planted and 65,000 square meters green area will be developed under the project worth Rs 1,667 crore.

Naidu also attended Global Rajasthan Agritech Meet (GRAM) in Kota where he said that the Centre is trying its best to provide electricity in the villages as well. This will enable the empowerment of the women, farmers, middle classes, and the youth in the villages. He emphasized on the need for diversification of crops as the only way forward for the progress of the agriculture sector and in turn the nation.



Naidu in Rajasthan reiterated the fact that the Centre is committed to achieve the Prime Ministers mission of doubling farmers income by 2022. The minister said the governments ambitious scheme of one nation one market through e-NAM (National Agriculture Market) will help the farmers to sell their produce wherever they get the best price across the country.

NEW DELHI: Union urban development minister M Venkaiah Naidu on Wednesday said that government is working hard to double the income of farmers by the year 2022 and partnership of states is needed to realize the dream. The minister said that State should work hard to provide proper power facility to farmers. The minister was in Rajasthan to review the progress of urban projects in the state. He along with CM Vasundhara Raje conducted an aerial survey of Dravyavati river project in Rajasthan. The project is meant for beautification of Jaipur city. The union minister along with Rajasthan CM Vasundhra Raje conducted the aerial survey and reviewed the progress of the project undertaken by Tata Projects. The 47.5-km long Dravyavati river, which has shrunk into a 'nala' (drain), is being rejuvenated under the project. The project will ensure seamless water supply in the river throughout the year. More than 16,000 trees will be planted and 65,000 square meters green area will be developed under the project worth Rs 1,667 crore. Naidu also attended Global Rajasthan Agritech Meet (GRAM) in Kota where he said that the Centre is trying its best to provide electricity in the villages as well. This will enable the empowerment of the women, farmers, middle classes, and the youth in the villages. He emphasized on the need for diversification of crops as the only way forward for the progress of the agriculture sector and in turn the nation. Naidu in Rajasthan reiterated the fact that the Centre is committed to achieve the Prime Ministers mission of doubling farmers income by 2022. The minister said the governments ambitious scheme of one nation one market through e-NAM (National Agriculture Market) will help the farmers to sell their produce wherever they get the best price across the country.
Fayaz Wani By

Express News Service

SRINAGAR: The Lashkar-e-Toibas Kashmir chief and most wanted militant, Abu Dujana, has once again given slip to security forces during an anti-militancy operation in South Kashmir Pulwama district on Wednesday.

The polices Special Operations Group (SOG), army and paramilitary CRPF men on a specific information about presence of Lashkar militants had laid siege around Hakripora village of Pulwama district last evening.

As the security men were laying siege around the area, they came under fire from the hiding militants. The fire was returned by the troops, triggering a brief encounter, sources said.

They said the operation was halted for the night but cordon was maintained.

After the exchange fire, the locals, mostly youth and women took to roads and staged protest demonstrations near the encounter site. They pelted stones on the security men, who fired tear smoke shells and resorted to heavy baton charge to disperse them.

The clashes continued for more than an hour and during this time, more security personnel could not be rushed to the area to tighten the siege to prevent holed-up militants from escaping, the sources said.

They said the holed up militants, who included Abu Dujana and two local LeT militants, managed to escape from the cordon during the night.

When the security forces launched the combing operation in the morning, there was no fresh contact with the militants, sources said.

They said after continuing the operation for two hours, the security forces called off the search operation.

According to sources, it was for the fifth time that Abu Dujana has given slip to security forces during a combing and search operation in the Valley.

He recently escaped a security forces encounter in South Kashmir but his apple phone was seized by the security forces.

Dujana took over as Lashkars Kashmir chief after killing of his predecessor Abu Qasim in an encounter with security forces in October 2015.

He has been involved in all the major attacks on security forces in Valley, especially in South Kashmir, since November 2015.

Dujana was also involved in an ambush on a BSF convoy on Srinagar-Jammu national highway in Udhampur in August last year in which two border guards were killed.

Duajana was seen at the funeral of slain Hizb commander Burhan Wani, who was killed in an encounter with security forces on July 8, last year.

He had also attended some processions during over five months unrest last year over killing of Burhan.

SRINAGAR: The Lashkar-e-Toibas Kashmir chief and most wanted militant, Abu Dujana, has once again given slip to security forces during an anti-militancy operation in South Kashmir Pulwama district on Wednesday. The polices Special Operations Group (SOG), army and paramilitary CRPF men on a specific information about presence of Lashkar militants had laid siege around Hakripora village of Pulwama district last evening. As the security men were laying siege around the area, they came under fire from the hiding militants. The fire was returned by the troops, triggering a brief encounter, sources said. They said the operation was halted for the night but cordon was maintained. After the exchange fire, the locals, mostly youth and women took to roads and staged protest demonstrations near the encounter site. They pelted stones on the security men, who fired tear smoke shells and resorted to heavy baton charge to disperse them. The clashes continued for more than an hour and during this time, more security personnel could not be rushed to the area to tighten the siege to prevent holed-up militants from escaping, the sources said. They said the holed up militants, who included Abu Dujana and two local LeT militants, managed to escape from the cordon during the night. When the security forces launched the combing operation in the morning, there was no fresh contact with the militants, sources said. They said after continuing the operation for two hours, the security forces called off the search operation. According to sources, it was for the fifth time that Abu Dujana has given slip to security forces during a combing and search operation in the Valley. He recently escaped a security forces encounter in South Kashmir but his apple phone was seized by the security forces. Dujana took over as Lashkars Kashmir chief after killing of his predecessor Abu Qasim in an encounter with security forces in October 2015. He has been involved in all the major attacks on security forces in Valley, especially in South Kashmir, since November 2015. Dujana was also involved in an ambush on a BSF convoy on Srinagar-Jammu national highway in Udhampur in August last year in which two border guards were killed. Duajana was seen at the funeral of slain Hizb commander Burhan Wani, who was killed in an encounter with security forces on July 8, last year. He had also attended some processions during over five months unrest last year over killing of Burhan.
Fayaz Wani By

Express News Service

SRINAGAR: Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and opposition National Conference leader Omar Abdullah Wednesday described as "farce" Army's Court of Inquiry (CoI) against Major Leetul Gogoi for tying a Kashmiri youth to army vehicle as a human shield and reminded India of Geneva conventions while his uncle and firebrand NC leader alleged that army has gone out of control in the State.

"In future, please don't bother with the farce of a military Court of Inquiry. Clearly the only court that matters is the court of public opinion," Omar wrote on Twitter.

Omar also reminded India of Geneva conventions.

And international conventions like the Geneva and Vienna ones only count when India can accuse others of violations. Do as we say not as we do, he tweeted.

His statement came two days after Major Gogoi was honoured by Army chief General Bipin Rawat with a 'Commendation Card' for his sustained efforts in counter-insurgency operations.

The awarding of 'Commendation Card' by army chief to Major Gogoi has outraged the Valley.

Hardline separatist leader Syed Ali Geelani had yesterday asked International Court of Justice (ICJ) to take suo-moto action against Major Gogoi saying there were sound grounds and valid proof for human shield incident for ICJ to deliver justice.

A video had gone viral on April 14 showing a Kashmiri man Farooq Ahmad Dar of Chill village of Budgam tied to bonnet of army vehicle as a human shield against the stone pelters in Utligam village of Budgam. He was paraded in at least a dozen villages.

The video had been shot on April 9 during bypolls to Srinagar parliamentary seat.

After the video caused outrage, Army and police ordered separate probes into the human shield incident.

Inspector General of Police Kashmir Munir Khan has said police investigation into human shield incident is going on.

FIR has been registered by police into the human shield incident and investigation carried on. The FIR has not been quashed, he has said.

Major Gogoi in a press conference yesterday had defended himself saying about 1200 stone-pelters had surrounded a small group of security personnel at a polling booth and if he had ordered firing, there could have been at least 12 casualties.

Omars uncle and firebrand NC leader Sheikh Mustafa Kamaal also hit out at army for honouring the erring Major.

The human shield incident is total disregard to rules of engagement and operating procedure in peace time and has taken all right thinking people at home and abroad by complete surprise, he said.

According to Kamal, after watching the human shield video, there is no supporting evidence of a protesting crowd or for that matter Army column. It was done to humiliate and insult a people of Kashmir.

Alleging that army is out of control in J&K, he said, This can be gauged from the fact army flouted Supreme Court direction in Pathribal fake encounter case. Besides, Justice is still awaited in February 23, 1991 mass rape case in Kunan Poshpora village in border district of Kupwara where soldiers had raped over 50 women including elderly women.

Kamal said there are scores of incidents of human rights violation and crimes against society committed by Army in J&K in last 27 years and most of them still await justice.

Awarding soldiers for their inhuman acts is the unkindest of all and an insult to injury. Is this reward for demanding our right given to us by Indian constitution, he said adding the central government has brazenly eroded states autonomy since 1953.

The activists of NCs womens wing today staged a rally in Srinagar against awarding of Major Gogoi by army chief.

Chanting anti-government slogans, the protesters said, Honouring Major Gogoi sends a message loud and clear that army and government are establishing a reign of terror here.

SRINAGAR: Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and opposition National Conference leader Omar Abdullah Wednesday described as "farce" Army's Court of Inquiry (CoI) against Major Leetul Gogoi for tying a Kashmiri youth to army vehicle as a human shield and reminded India of Geneva conventions while his uncle and firebrand NC leader alleged that army has gone out of control in the State. "In future, please don't bother with the farce of a military Court of Inquiry. Clearly the only court that matters is the court of public opinion," Omar wrote on Twitter. Omar also reminded India of Geneva conventions. And international conventions like the Geneva and Vienna ones only count when India can accuse others of violations. Do as we say not as we do, he tweeted. His statement came two days after Major Gogoi was honoured by Army chief General Bipin Rawat with a 'Commendation Card' for his sustained efforts in counter-insurgency operations. The awarding of 'Commendation Card' by army chief to Major Gogoi has outraged the Valley. Hardline separatist leader Syed Ali Geelani had yesterday asked International Court of Justice (ICJ) to take suo-moto action against Major Gogoi saying there were sound grounds and valid proof for human shield incident for ICJ to deliver justice. A video had gone viral on April 14 showing a Kashmiri man Farooq Ahmad Dar of Chill village of Budgam tied to bonnet of army vehicle as a human shield against the stone pelters in Utligam village of Budgam. He was paraded in at least a dozen villages. The video had been shot on April 9 during bypolls to Srinagar parliamentary seat. After the video caused outrage, Army and police ordered separate probes into the human shield incident. Inspector General of Police Kashmir Munir Khan has said police investigation into human shield incident is going on. FIR has been registered by police into the human shield incident and investigation carried on. The FIR has not been quashed, he has said. Major Gogoi in a press conference yesterday had defended himself saying about 1200 stone-pelters had surrounded a small group of security personnel at a polling booth and if he had ordered firing, there could have been at least 12 casualties. Omars uncle and firebrand NC leader Sheikh Mustafa Kamaal also hit out at army for honouring the erring Major. The human shield incident is total disregard to rules of engagement and operating procedure in peace time and has taken all right thinking people at home and abroad by complete surprise, he said. According to Kamal, after watching the human shield video, there is no supporting evidence of a protesting crowd or for that matter Army column. It was done to humiliate and insult a people of Kashmir. Alleging that army is out of control in J&K, he said, This can be gauged from the fact army flouted Supreme Court direction in Pathribal fake encounter case. Besides, Justice is still awaited in February 23, 1991 mass rape case in Kunan Poshpora village in border district of Kupwara where soldiers had raped over 50 women including elderly women. Kamal said there are scores of incidents of human rights violation and crimes against society committed by Army in J&K in last 27 years and most of them still await justice. Awarding soldiers for their inhuman acts is the unkindest of all and an insult to injury. Is this reward for demanding our right given to us by Indian constitution, he said adding the central government has brazenly eroded states autonomy since 1953. The activists of NCs womens wing today staged a rally in Srinagar against awarding of Major Gogoi by army chief. Chanting anti-government slogans, the protesters said, Honouring Major Gogoi sends a message loud and clear that army and government are establishing a reign of terror here.
By IANS

NEW DELHI: Bollywood actor and BJP MP Paresh Rawal has deleted his controversial tweet suggesting that instead of a Kashmiri stone-pelter, author Arundhati Roy should be tied to an Army jeep.

"Instead of tying (a) stone-pelter on the Army jeep, tie Arundhati Roy," Paresh Rawal wrote on the micro-blogging site, triggering an online outrage. Roy has been a vocal supporter of Kashmir separatist campaign and alleged human rights abuses in the state.

However, the tweet is no longer visible in Rawal's account.

It came days after an Army Major in Kashmir trussed up a civilian, Farooq Dar, on his jeep bonnet using him as a human shield against a stone-pelting mob. The incident sparked a huge uproar, particularly after the officer was commended by Army chief General Bipin Rawat for his counter-insurgency service in Jammu and Kashmir.

Rawal's tweet came after the Pakistani media reported that Roy had said that the "Indian aggression in the Kashmir was shameful and that New Delhi`s "oppression cannot subdue Kashmiri struggle."

However, the news could not be verified and was reported to be a "fake news".

NEW DELHI: Bollywood actor and BJP MP Paresh Rawal has deleted his controversial tweet suggesting that instead of a Kashmiri stone-pelter, author Arundhati Roy should be tied to an Army jeep. "Instead of tying (a) stone-pelter on the Army jeep, tie Arundhati Roy," Paresh Rawal wrote on the micro-blogging site, triggering an online outrage. Roy has been a vocal supporter of Kashmir separatist campaign and alleged human rights abuses in the state. However, the tweet is no longer visible in Rawal's account. It came days after an Army Major in Kashmir trussed up a civilian, Farooq Dar, on his jeep bonnet using him as a human shield against a stone-pelting mob. The incident sparked a huge uproar, particularly after the officer was commended by Army chief General Bipin Rawat for his counter-insurgency service in Jammu and Kashmir. Rawal's tweet came after the Pakistani media reported that Roy had said that the "Indian aggression in the Kashmir was shameful and that New Delhi`s "oppression cannot subdue Kashmiri struggle." However, the news could not be verified and was reported to be a "fake news".
By ANI

LUCKNOW: Former MLA and president of the Peace Party Dr. Mohamed Ayub was arrested on charges of rape in Lucknow yesterday.



According to reports, he was apprehended last evening near Aliganj thane in Lucknow on charges of allegedly raping a 22-year-old nursing course student.



The girl, whose liver and kidneys were damaged, was undergoing treatment at the trauma centre of King George Medical University in Lucknow and died on February 24.



The victims brother had lodged a complaint with Madiaon police alleging that Ayub prescribed his sister wrong medicines which led to her death, besides accusing Dr Ayub of sexually harassing her.



A case has been registered under section 376(2)(F) , 506 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) against Ayub.



The first information report (FIR) was registered with Madiaon police station in Lucknow on February 25.

LUCKNOW: Former MLA and president of the Peace Party Dr. Mohamed Ayub was arrested on charges of rape in Lucknow yesterday. According to reports, he was apprehended last evening near Aliganj thane in Lucknow on charges of allegedly raping a 22-year-old nursing course student. The girl, whose liver and kidneys were damaged, was undergoing treatment at the trauma centre of King George Medical University in Lucknow and died on February 24. The victims brother had lodged a complaint with Madiaon police alleging that Ayub prescribed his sister wrong medicines which led to her death, besides accusing Dr Ayub of sexually harassing her. A case has been registered under section 376(2)(F) , 506 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) against Ayub. The first information report (FIR) was registered with Madiaon police station in Lucknow on February 25.
By PTI

NEW DELHI: A CRPF Inspector General (IG), posted in the Northeast, has alleged that an encounter carried by a joint squad of security forces in Assam in March was fake and it killed two persons in cold blood claiming they were NDFB rebels.

Rajnish Rai, a 1992-batch IPS officer of Gujarat cadre, said he has conducted a "discreet" inquiry on his own chronicling how a team of the Assam Police, the Army, the CRPF, its jungle warfare unit CoBRA and the border guarding force Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) conducted the encounter on March 29-30 in Simlaguri area of Chirang district and killed what they called were two insurgents of the banned group NDFB (S).

Rai, in his 13-page report, alleged that information about the incident and FIR filed by the joint squad of forces present a "fictitious account" of the operation to "conceal pre-planned murders of two persons in custody and present it as some brave act of professional achievement".

The home ministry acknowledged receiving the report and said it is being studied and action on its content will be taken soon.

"It is with the CRPF DG and he is examining it. The DG is expected to send the report to the home ministry in a day or two," advisor to the home ministry Ashok Prasad said.

Late in the evening, CRPF DG Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar met Union Home Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi and briefed him about the report.

"The IG had sent the report when my predecessor was in charge. The state police is investigating the matter. So there is no need for any other immediate action," Bhatnagar told reporters.

The IG, deputy chief of the CRPF formations in the northeastern states after the additional DG, has also sent the April 17 report to the Chief Secretary of Assam and chairperson of the Unified Command of security forces, the Central Reserve Police Force headquarters here, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 4 Corps in Assam and the Director General of the SSB.

Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal told PTI over phone from Guwahati that he has not received any report till now and his government will conduct an inquiry once it gets it.

Rai has identified the two persons killed as Lucas Nazary alias N Langfa and David Islary alias Dayud as he alleged that they were "already" in the custody of the security forces and the entire encounter operation is "very likely to be a case of premeditated custodial killing".

The forces, the IG said, have mentioned in the FIR that the two were killed in an exchange of fire.

He said as multiple security forces are involved in the incident, "it is necessary to entrust the investigation of this matter to an external independent agency for an unbiased, impartial and thorough investigation."

"The security forces involved in the joint operation must truly reflect how systems and processes have weakened over a period of time, resulting in commission of such unlawful acts in a planned and coordinated manner.

"It is absolutely necessary that urgent systemic reforms be initiated to prevent such wrongdoings in future," Rai said in his concluding remarks in the report.

NEW DELHI: A CRPF Inspector General (IG), posted in the Northeast, has alleged that an encounter carried by a joint squad of security forces in Assam in March was fake and it killed two persons in cold blood claiming they were NDFB rebels. Rajnish Rai, a 1992-batch IPS officer of Gujarat cadre, said he has conducted a "discreet" inquiry on his own chronicling how a team of the Assam Police, the Army, the CRPF, its jungle warfare unit CoBRA and the border guarding force Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) conducted the encounter on March 29-30 in Simlaguri area of Chirang district and killed what they called were two insurgents of the banned group NDFB (S). Rai, in his 13-page report, alleged that information about the incident and FIR filed by the joint squad of forces present a "fictitious account" of the operation to "conceal pre-planned murders of two persons in custody and present it as some brave act of professional achievement". The home ministry acknowledged receiving the report and said it is being studied and action on its content will be taken soon. "It is with the CRPF DG and he is examining it. The DG is expected to send the report to the home ministry in a day or two," advisor to the home ministry Ashok Prasad said. Late in the evening, CRPF DG Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar met Union Home Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi and briefed him about the report. "The IG had sent the report when my predecessor was in charge. The state police is investigating the matter. So there is no need for any other immediate action," Bhatnagar told reporters. The IG, deputy chief of the CRPF formations in the northeastern states after the additional DG, has also sent the April 17 report to the Chief Secretary of Assam and chairperson of the Unified Command of security forces, the Central Reserve Police Force headquarters here, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 4 Corps in Assam and the Director General of the SSB. Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal told PTI over phone from Guwahati that he has not received any report till now and his government will conduct an inquiry once it gets it. Rai has identified the two persons killed as Lucas Nazary alias N Langfa and David Islary alias Dayud as he alleged that they were "already" in the custody of the security forces and the entire encounter operation is "very likely to be a case of premeditated custodial killing". The forces, the IG said, have mentioned in the FIR that the two were killed in an exchange of fire. He said as multiple security forces are involved in the incident, "it is necessary to entrust the investigation of this matter to an external independent agency for an unbiased, impartial and thorough investigation." "The security forces involved in the joint operation must truly reflect how systems and processes have weakened over a period of time, resulting in commission of such unlawful acts in a planned and coordinated manner. "It is absolutely necessary that urgent systemic reforms be initiated to prevent such wrongdoings in future," Rai said in his concluding remarks in the report.
By Express News Service

NEW DELHI: A day after Indian army released a video of destroying Pakistani army posts aiding infiltrators across the Line of Control, reports from Pakistan media claim that the Pakistani fighter jets flew close to the Siachen glaciers as Pakistan upgraded its forward airbase of Skardu region.

However, Indian Air Force has denied any violation of Indian air space by Pakistani jets.

According to Pakistani media reports, quoting sources that all forward operating bases have been made fully operational and on Wednesday morning, even fighter jets made flying near Siachen Glacier.

Pakistans Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman, who visited Skardu airbase reacted sharply on Indian armys claims of destroying Pakistani posts, said his forces will respond to any aggression by the "enemy" in a manner that their future generations will also remember it.

In fact, in a tit for tat response, Pakistan army also released a video, hours after Indian armys video, claiming heavy damage caused to the Indian military posts across.

Calling it desperation on Pakistani side, a senior Indian army official denied of any such damage to any Indian posts in the sector. Refuting Pakistani armyus claim, he said that the burst and impact of the fire is not clear in the video of Pakistan army, as normally the impact of a shell is seen, so it seems it was from down below.

So there is concern that it was blown by them from within, officer said. Officer added that Indian posts facing Bimber sector, where they claim this occurred, we have hardened concrete bunkers. So the impact on it would be different. Naushera sector faces Pakistans Bimber sector and in that sector our bunkers are of hardened concrete. But in the video it does not seem so.

Pakistan Army has claimed that the incident was of May 13. Army sources said that on that particular there was no unusual movement on the LoC.

They can hide their casualties, But we cannot. Nothing has happened on May 13 and no unusual movement, the officer said.

NEW DELHI: A day after Indian army released a video of destroying Pakistani army posts aiding infiltrators across the Line of Control, reports from Pakistan media claim that the Pakistani fighter jets flew close to the Siachen glaciers as Pakistan upgraded its forward airbase of Skardu region. However, Indian Air Force has denied any violation of Indian air space by Pakistani jets. According to Pakistani media reports, quoting sources that all forward operating bases have been made fully operational and on Wednesday morning, even fighter jets made flying near Siachen Glacier. Pakistans Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman, who visited Skardu airbase reacted sharply on Indian armys claims of destroying Pakistani posts, said his forces will respond to any aggression by the "enemy" in a manner that their future generations will also remember it. In fact, in a tit for tat response, Pakistan army also released a video, hours after Indian armys video, claiming heavy damage caused to the Indian military posts across. Calling it desperation on Pakistani side, a senior Indian army official denied of any such damage to any Indian posts in the sector. Refuting Pakistani armyus claim, he said that the burst and impact of the fire is not clear in the video of Pakistan army, as normally the impact of a shell is seen, so it seems it was from down below. So there is concern that it was blown by them from within, officer said. Officer added that Indian posts facing Bimber sector, where they claim this occurred, we have hardened concrete bunkers. So the impact on it would be different. Naushera sector faces Pakistans Bimber sector and in that sector our bunkers are of hardened concrete. But in the video it does not seem so. Pakistan Army has claimed that the incident was of May 13. Army sources said that on that particular there was no unusual movement on the LoC. They can hide their casualties, But we cannot. Nothing has happened on May 13 and no unusual movement, the officer said.
Vikram Sharma By

Express News Service

NEW DELHI: With the open Indo-Nepal border posing new challenges such as huge infiltration and exfiltration of terrorists and criminals, massive human trafficking besides large scale smuggling of narcotics and fake Indian currency notes (FICN) to security forces, para-military force Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), which mans the 1,751-km-long border, is all set to install "laser walls'' or infrared fencing at the border to maintain an effective vigil.

As the Indo-Nepal border is open under the international friendship treaty, it witnesses hectic activity since people do not require a visa or other documents, except an ID proof, which facilitates easy movement of illegal immigrants, terrorists, human traffickers and those involved in FICN and narcotics smuggling.

SSB director general Archana Ramasundaram, IG (operations) A K Singh and DIG (Operations) Vikas Arora were among several SSB officials who gathered at the SSB headquarters in New Delhi on Wednesday for a demonstration of infrared fencing and other state-of-the-art electronic surveillance gadgets.

Sources disclosed to The New Indian Express that the SSB officals, taking a cue from their counterparts in the Border Security Force (BSF), came up with the proposal to install infrared fencing at the Sonauli checkpost on the Indo-Nepal border at the earliest. ''Terrorists, criminals who are into smuggling narcotics and FICN and human traffickers use this route to sneak into the country and over the years, this border has become extremely porous.

Therefore, there is a need to have effective surveillance mechanisms,'' sources said. Last year, the BSF had installed operational ''laser walls'' or infrared fencing along the India-Pakistan International Border in Punjab to keep an effective vigil on terrorists and narcotics smugglers. Sources said the sensors would be monitored through a satellite-based signal command system that will also have night and fog operability tools besides other latest features. ''For any person to cross the Indo-Nepal border in Uttar Pradesh, all that is required is an ID proof.

Over the years, smuggling has become rampant and so also the movement of intruders and terrorists who then travel to different parts of the country to execute their nefarious designs. We wanted non-obtrusive checking mechanisms as this border witnesses hectic activity involving genuine citizens of both countries,'' said a field official posted on the Indo-Nepal border. Recently, the SSB personnel had nabbed active Hizbul Mujahideen militant Naseer Ahmed at the Sonauli border checkpost when he sneaked in from Nepal. His handlers in Jammu and Kashmir had asked him to go to Gorakhpur and await further instructions. For all terror groups, the Indo-Nepal border has been the easiest way of sneaking into the country with explosives and there have been regular intelligence inputs about the terrorists, human traffickers and narcotic smugglers.

MORE GADGETS FOR SSB

Besides infrared fencing, the SSB officials are also introducing state-of-the-art explosive-cum-narcotic detectors, fibroscope (a flexible fiber-optic bundle with an eyepiece on one end and a lens on the other used to examine and inspect small, difficult-to-reach places such as the insides of machines, locks, and the human body to check smuggling of explosive material, narcotics, etc) and X-ray baggage scanners.

TRAFFICKING ON THE RISE

A steady increase in cases of human trafficking from across the Nepal border and Indian towns in the vicinity has prompted security agencies to undertake new measures to check the menace. As per data available with the SSB, a total of 33 victims, both Indian and Nepalese, were apprehended on the border by the force in 2014, while eight traffickers were nabbed. The figures rose to 336 in 2015 when more than 100 traffickers were nabbed. In 2016, the figures went up to an alarming 501 and 148. From the beginning of 2017 (first four months), close to 200 victims have been rescued by the SSB, while more than 50 traffickers have been arrested so far.

FICN, ARMS AND NARCOTICS

In 2015, the SSB seized fake currency worth Rs 36,000, six arms along with ammunition and 2.55 kg potassium besides huge quantities of heroin, brown sugar, cocaine, charas and smack (worth Rs 20 crore) and arrested 51 people. In 2016, eight arms with ammunition besides large quantities of narcotics (worth over Rs 71 crore) were seized and 93 accused were arrested. Similarly, in the first couple of months of 2017, narcotics worth Rs 57 lakh was seized and three persons were apprehended. Besides narcotics, people have also been smuggling forest products, sand, beetul nuts, idols, gold and silver among other items. Sashastra Seema Bal The personnel of the Central para-military force guard the Indo-Nepal and Indo-Bhutan borders and are also involved in anti-Naxal operations in the Maoist-infested states of Bihar and Chattisgarh besides counter-insurgency operations in Jammu and Kashmir.

NEW DELHI: With the open Indo-Nepal border posing new challenges such as huge infiltration and exfiltration of terrorists and criminals, massive human trafficking besides large scale smuggling of narcotics and fake Indian currency notes (FICN) to security forces, para-military force Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), which mans the 1,751-km-long border, is all set to install "laser walls'' or infrared fencing at the border to maintain an effective vigil. As the Indo-Nepal border is open under the international friendship treaty, it witnesses hectic activity since people do not require a visa or other documents, except an ID proof, which facilitates easy movement of illegal immigrants, terrorists, human traffickers and those involved in FICN and narcotics smuggling. SSB director general Archana Ramasundaram, IG (operations) A K Singh and DIG (Operations) Vikas Arora were among several SSB officials who gathered at the SSB headquarters in New Delhi on Wednesday for a demonstration of infrared fencing and other state-of-the-art electronic surveillance gadgets. Sources disclosed to The New Indian Express that the SSB officals, taking a cue from their counterparts in the Border Security Force (BSF), came up with the proposal to install infrared fencing at the Sonauli checkpost on the Indo-Nepal border at the earliest. ''Terrorists, criminals who are into smuggling narcotics and FICN and human traffickers use this route to sneak into the country and over the years, this border has become extremely porous. Therefore, there is a need to have effective surveillance mechanisms,'' sources said. Last year, the BSF had installed operational ''laser walls'' or infrared fencing along the India-Pakistan International Border in Punjab to keep an effective vigil on terrorists and narcotics smugglers. Sources said the sensors would be monitored through a satellite-based signal command system that will also have night and fog operability tools besides other latest features. ''For any person to cross the Indo-Nepal border in Uttar Pradesh, all that is required is an ID proof. Over the years, smuggling has become rampant and so also the movement of intruders and terrorists who then travel to different parts of the country to execute their nefarious designs. We wanted non-obtrusive checking mechanisms as this border witnesses hectic activity involving genuine citizens of both countries,'' said a field official posted on the Indo-Nepal border. Recently, the SSB personnel had nabbed active Hizbul Mujahideen militant Naseer Ahmed at the Sonauli border checkpost when he sneaked in from Nepal. His handlers in Jammu and Kashmir had asked him to go to Gorakhpur and await further instructions. For all terror groups, the Indo-Nepal border has been the easiest way of sneaking into the country with explosives and there have been regular intelligence inputs about the terrorists, human traffickers and narcotic smugglers. MORE GADGETS FOR SSB Besides infrared fencing, the SSB officials are also introducing state-of-the-art explosive-cum-narcotic detectors, fibroscope (a flexible fiber-optic bundle with an eyepiece on one end and a lens on the other used to examine and inspect small, difficult-to-reach places such as the insides of machines, locks, and the human body to check smuggling of explosive material, narcotics, etc) and X-ray baggage scanners. TRAFFICKING ON THE RISE A steady increase in cases of human trafficking from across the Nepal border and Indian towns in the vicinity has prompted security agencies to undertake new measures to check the menace. As per data available with the SSB, a total of 33 victims, both Indian and Nepalese, were apprehended on the border by the force in 2014, while eight traffickers were nabbed. The figures rose to 336 in 2015 when more than 100 traffickers were nabbed. In 2016, the figures went up to an alarming 501 and 148. From the beginning of 2017 (first four months), close to 200 victims have been rescued by the SSB, while more than 50 traffickers have been arrested so far. FICN, ARMS AND NARCOTICS In 2015, the SSB seized fake currency worth Rs 36,000, six arms along with ammunition and 2.55 kg potassium besides huge quantities of heroin, brown sugar, cocaine, charas and smack (worth Rs 20 crore) and arrested 51 people. In 2016, eight arms with ammunition besides large quantities of narcotics (worth over Rs 71 crore) were seized and 93 accused were arrested. Similarly, in the first couple of months of 2017, narcotics worth Rs 57 lakh was seized and three persons were apprehended. Besides narcotics, people have also been smuggling forest products, sand, beetul nuts, idols, gold and silver among other items. Sashastra Seema Bal The personnel of the Central para-military force guard the Indo-Nepal and Indo-Bhutan borders and are also involved in anti-Naxal operations in the Maoist-infested states of Bihar and Chattisgarh besides counter-insurgency operations in Jammu and Kashmir.
By PTI

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Army today dismissed as "false" India's assertion that it decimated a Pakistan Army post in the Naushera sector.

"Indian claims of destroying Pakistani post along LoC in Naushera Sector and firing by Pakistan Army on civilians across LoC are false," Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Major General Asif Ghafoor said in a tweet.

A top Indian Army official in New Delhi said today that the assaults were carried out recently as Pakistani posts were supporting infiltration inside India.

Additional Director General Public Information Major General Ashok Narula said a video of the strike had been released.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Army today dismissed as "false" India's assertion that it decimated a Pakistan Army post in the Naushera sector. "Indian claims of destroying Pakistani post along LoC in Naushera Sector and firing by Pakistan Army on civilians across LoC are false," Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Major General Asif Ghafoor said in a tweet. A top Indian Army official in New Delhi said today that the assaults were carried out recently as Pakistani posts were supporting infiltration inside India. Additional Director General Public Information Major General Ashok Narula said a video of the strike had been released.
By PTI

WASHINGTON: India is moving towards isolating Pakistan diplomatically and is considering punitive actions against Islamabad for its alleged support to cross border terrorism, a top American defence intelligence chief has told lawmakers.

"India has sought and continues to move to isolate Pakistan diplomatically and is considering punitive options to raise the cost to Islamabad for its alleged support to cross-border terrorism," Lt Gen Vincent Stewart, Director, Defense Intelligence Agency told members of the powerful Senate Armed Services Committee during a Congressional hearing on worldwide threats.

His statement came a day after Indian Army launched "punitive fire assaults" on Pakistani positions across the Line of Control, inflicting some damage. India, he said, is modernising its military to better posture itself to defend New Delhi's interests in the broader Indian Ocean region and reinforce its diplomatic and economic outreach across Asia.

Bilateral relations between India and Pakistan worsened following several terrorist attacks in India, he said. "Continued threat of high level terror attacks in India, violence in Kashmir and bilateral diplomatic recriminations will further strain India-Pakistan ties in 2017," he said.

Following a terrorist attack on an Army base Kashmir last September, New Delhi conducted a highly publicised operation against militants across the Line of Control, he added. "In 2016, Indian and Pakistani forces exchanged some of the heaviest fire in years along the Line of Control in Kashmir, and each expelled a number of the others diplomats amid growing tension," Stewart said.

He also told lawmakers that in 2017, Islamabad is likely to slowly shift from traditional counter-insurgency operations along Pakistan's western border to more counter terrorism and paramilitary operations throughout the country, which have had some success in reducing violence from militant, sectarian, terrorist, and separatist groups.

"Anti-Pakistan groups probably will respond to this sustained pressure by focusing their efforts against soft targets," he said.

Noting that Pakistan's nuclear stockpile continues to grow, Stewart said the US is concerned that this growth, as well as an evolving doctrine and inherent security issues associated with Pakistan's developing tactical nuclear weapons, presents an enduring risk. "Islamabad is taking steps to improve its nuclear security and is aware of the extremist threat to its program," Stewart said.

Observing that China has long identified the protection of its sovereignty and territorial integrity as a "core interest," he said in the South China Sea, China has embarked on a multi-year, whole-of-government approach to securing sovereignty, principally through maritime law enforcement presence and military patrols.

In 2016, China rejected the international arbitration ruling on its excessive South China Sea claims, built infrastructure at its man made outposts on the Spratly Islands, and for the first time, landed civilian aircraft on its airfields at Fiery Cross Reef, Subi Reef, and Mischief Reef.

"China will be able to use its reclaimed features as persistent civil-military bases, which will enhance its presence and its ability to control the features and nearby maritime space. Beijing recognises the need to defend these outposts and is prepared to respond to any military operations near them," he told the lawmakers.

Stewart said a key component of PLA strategy in a regional contingency is planning for potential US intervention. The PLA Rocket Force has given priority to developing and deploying regional ballistic and cruise missiles to expand its conventional strike capabilities against US forces and bases throughout the region. "In addition to the Rocket Force's fielding of an anti ship ballistic missile, China is fielding an intermediate range ballistic missile capable of conducting conventional and nuclear strikes against ground targets in the Asia-Pacific region as far away as Guam," he said.

WASHINGTON: India is moving towards isolating Pakistan diplomatically and is considering punitive actions against Islamabad for its alleged support to cross border terrorism, a top American defence intelligence chief has told lawmakers. "India has sought and continues to move to isolate Pakistan diplomatically and is considering punitive options to raise the cost to Islamabad for its alleged support to cross-border terrorism," Lt Gen Vincent Stewart, Director, Defense Intelligence Agency told members of the powerful Senate Armed Services Committee during a Congressional hearing on worldwide threats. His statement came a day after Indian Army launched "punitive fire assaults" on Pakistani positions across the Line of Control, inflicting some damage. India, he said, is modernising its military to better posture itself to defend New Delhi's interests in the broader Indian Ocean region and reinforce its diplomatic and economic outreach across Asia. Bilateral relations between India and Pakistan worsened following several terrorist attacks in India, he said. "Continued threat of high level terror attacks in India, violence in Kashmir and bilateral diplomatic recriminations will further strain India-Pakistan ties in 2017," he said. Following a terrorist attack on an Army base Kashmir last September, New Delhi conducted a highly publicised operation against militants across the Line of Control, he added. "In 2016, Indian and Pakistani forces exchanged some of the heaviest fire in years along the Line of Control in Kashmir, and each expelled a number of the others diplomats amid growing tension," Stewart said. He also told lawmakers that in 2017, Islamabad is likely to slowly shift from traditional counter-insurgency operations along Pakistan's western border to more counter terrorism and paramilitary operations throughout the country, which have had some success in reducing violence from militant, sectarian, terrorist, and separatist groups. "Anti-Pakistan groups probably will respond to this sustained pressure by focusing their efforts against soft targets," he said. Noting that Pakistan's nuclear stockpile continues to grow, Stewart said the US is concerned that this growth, as well as an evolving doctrine and inherent security issues associated with Pakistan's developing tactical nuclear weapons, presents an enduring risk. "Islamabad is taking steps to improve its nuclear security and is aware of the extremist threat to its program," Stewart said. Observing that China has long identified the protection of its sovereignty and territorial integrity as a "core interest," he said in the South China Sea, China has embarked on a multi-year, whole-of-government approach to securing sovereignty, principally through maritime law enforcement presence and military patrols. In 2016, China rejected the international arbitration ruling on its excessive South China Sea claims, built infrastructure at its man made outposts on the Spratly Islands, and for the first time, landed civilian aircraft on its airfields at Fiery Cross Reef, Subi Reef, and Mischief Reef. "China will be able to use its reclaimed features as persistent civil-military bases, which will enhance its presence and its ability to control the features and nearby maritime space. Beijing recognises the need to defend these outposts and is prepared to respond to any military operations near them," he told the lawmakers. Stewart said a key component of PLA strategy in a regional contingency is planning for potential US intervention. The PLA Rocket Force has given priority to developing and deploying regional ballistic and cruise missiles to expand its conventional strike capabilities against US forces and bases throughout the region. "In addition to the Rocket Force's fielding of an anti ship ballistic missile, China is fielding an intermediate range ballistic missile capable of conducting conventional and nuclear strikes against ground targets in the Asia-Pacific region as far away as Guam," he said.
By AFP

PHILIPPINES: Islamist militants battling security forces in a southern Philippine city have taken hostages, including a local priest, the Catholic Church said on Wednesday, after President Rodrigo Duterte declared martial law to combat the gunmen.

"Father Chito Suganob and others were in the Cathedral of Our Lady Help of Christians when members of the Maute fighting group forced their way into the Cathedral, taking with them Fr. Chito and others as hostages," Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines president archbishop Socrates Villegas said in a statement.

"They have threatened to kill the hostages if the government forces unleashed against them are not recalled."

PHILIPPINES: Islamist militants battling security forces in a southern Philippine city have taken hostages, including a local priest, the Catholic Church said on Wednesday, after President Rodrigo Duterte declared martial law to combat the gunmen. "Father Chito Suganob and others were in the Cathedral of Our Lady Help of Christians when members of the Maute fighting group forced their way into the Cathedral, taking with them Fr. Chito and others as hostages," Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines president archbishop Socrates Villegas said in a statement. "They have threatened to kill the hostages if the government forces unleashed against them are not recalled."
By AFP

MYANMAR: Myanmar granted amnesty to more than 250 prisoners ahead of peace talks being held on Wednesday with ethnic rebel groups, including two activists sentenced to hard labour for their work promoting interfaith peace.

The president's office announced late Tuesday that it would release 186 Myanmar nationals and 73 foreigners as a gesture of goodwill.

Among them were activists Zaw Zaw Latt and Pwint Phyu Latt, who were detained in 2015 after they travelled to the headquarters of the Kachin Independence Army to deliver a Christian cross and a statue of Buddha as symbols of peace.

Last year they were jailed for two years with hard labour in a case that human rights activists slammed as politically motivated and pandering to a hate campaign by Buddhist nationalists.

They were among some 40 political prisoners, land activists, student activists and farmers greeted by jubilant well-wishers as they walked out of prison in Mandalay on Wednesday morning.

"I am very happy (but) they should not have been in prison in the first place," said Harry Myo Lin, director of human rights advocacy group The Seagull, who went down to meet them.

Myanmar has released more than a thousand prisoners since the former junta ceded power to a quasi-civilian government in 2011.

Hundreds were pardoned shortly after Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi's civilian government took over in 2016 after winning the first free elections in generations.

The veteran democracy activist spent more than 15 years under house arrest ordered by the then-military junta, and her party is stacked with former political prisoners jailed for their activism.

But the initial wave of releases has ebbed and a surge in prosecutions under a controversial online defamation law has raised concerns about lingering curbs on free expression.

Around 100 people are still being held as political prisoners, while more than 200 are awaiting trial for political crimes, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners watchdog.

Harry Myo Lin said the civilian government's hands were tied by the military, which still controls key levers of power under a junta-era constitution.

"One of the difficulties almost all the time here is the government doesn't have control of the home ministry," he told AFP.

"Also, the judiciary is not as independent as it should be."

MYANMAR: Myanmar granted amnesty to more than 250 prisoners ahead of peace talks being held on Wednesday with ethnic rebel groups, including two activists sentenced to hard labour for their work promoting interfaith peace. The president's office announced late Tuesday that it would release 186 Myanmar nationals and 73 foreigners as a gesture of goodwill. Among them were activists Zaw Zaw Latt and Pwint Phyu Latt, who were detained in 2015 after they travelled to the headquarters of the Kachin Independence Army to deliver a Christian cross and a statue of Buddha as symbols of peace. Last year they were jailed for two years with hard labour in a case that human rights activists slammed as politically motivated and pandering to a hate campaign by Buddhist nationalists. They were among some 40 political prisoners, land activists, student activists and farmers greeted by jubilant well-wishers as they walked out of prison in Mandalay on Wednesday morning. "I am very happy (but) they should not have been in prison in the first place," said Harry Myo Lin, director of human rights advocacy group The Seagull, who went down to meet them. Myanmar has released more than a thousand prisoners since the former junta ceded power to a quasi-civilian government in 2011. Hundreds were pardoned shortly after Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi's civilian government took over in 2016 after winning the first free elections in generations. The veteran democracy activist spent more than 15 years under house arrest ordered by the then-military junta, and her party is stacked with former political prisoners jailed for their activism. But the initial wave of releases has ebbed and a surge in prosecutions under a controversial online defamation law has raised concerns about lingering curbs on free expression. Around 100 people are still being held as political prisoners, while more than 200 are awaiting trial for political crimes, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners watchdog. Harry Myo Lin said the civilian government's hands were tied by the military, which still controls key levers of power under a junta-era constitution. "One of the difficulties almost all the time here is the government doesn't have control of the home ministry," he told AFP. "Also, the judiciary is not as independent as it should be."
By Associated Press

DUBAI: Bahrain police raided a town on Tuesday that is home to a prominent Shiite cleric facing possible deportation, arresting 286 people in an assault in which officers fired tear gas and shotguns at protesters. At least five demonstrators were killed and others wounded.

The Interior Ministry said the operation targeting Diraz, home to Sheikh Isa Qassim and a long-running sit-in supporting him, was to "maintain security and public order." It called the area a "haven for wanted fugitives from justice."

Activists shared photographs and videos showing youths throwing stones and climbing on an armoured personnel carrier. Gunfire could be heard in one video as white smoke from tear gas hung in the air. Another video showed a bulldozer smashing through the area that once hosted the sit-in.

Police arrested 286 people, including "terrorists and convicted felons" who hid inside of Qassim's home, the Interior Ministry said. It said 19 members of the island's security forces were wounded in the raid that saw protesters throw gasoline bombs.

"Forces were able to remove a series of illegal road blocks and barricades," the ministry said in a statement. "Police remain deployed in the area to ensure the safety of people."

Amnesty International later said Qassim was not arrested.

At least five protesters were killed, activists and police said. Activists shared images of other protesters suffering what appeared to be birdshot wounds.

The operation followed a Sunday court decision giving Qassim a year's suspended prison sentence and seizing assets belonging to him and his ministry. Two of his aides received similar sentences.

Police have besieged Qassim's hometown of Diraz for months, tightly controlling access. He could be deported at any time after authorities stripped him of his citizenship last June over accusations that he fueled extremism. His supporters deny the allegations and called his trial politically motivated.

Shiites and others took part in 2011 Arab Spring protests for greater rights from the Sunni monarchy of Bahrain, home to the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet and an under-construction British naval base. Bahrain put down the protests with the help of forces from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Since then, Bahrain has seen low-level unrest. But a year-long government crackdown on dissent has raised the stakes, with local Shiite militant groups claiming some attacks. Bahrain long has accused Iran of aiding militants, something the Shiite power denies.

Meanwhile, activists have been imprisoned or forced into exile.

Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa met with U.S. President Donald Trump during a Sunday summit in Saudi Arabia. Already, Trump's administration had approved a multibillion-dollar sale of F-16 fighter jets to Bahrain without the human rights conditions imposed by the State Department under President Barack Obama.

"Our countries have a wonderful relationship together but there has been a little strain but there won't be strain with this administration," Trump said on Sunday.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif tweeted on Tuesday that the raid showed the "first concrete result of POTUS cozying up to despots in Riyadh." The Lebanese Shiite militant group Hezbollah warned that any harm to Qassim, "will open the doors for unpredictable outcome and dangers."

Activists and rights group also warned Trump's embrace of Bahrain only will fuel the crackdown.

"The timing of this operation  two days after King Hamad's convivial meeting with President Trump  can hardly be a coincidence," said Nicholas McGeehan, a senior Bahrain researcher at Human Rights Watch.

DUBAI: Bahrain police raided a town on Tuesday that is home to a prominent Shiite cleric facing possible deportation, arresting 286 people in an assault in which officers fired tear gas and shotguns at protesters. At least five demonstrators were killed and others wounded. The Interior Ministry said the operation targeting Diraz, home to Sheikh Isa Qassim and a long-running sit-in supporting him, was to "maintain security and public order." It called the area a "haven for wanted fugitives from justice." Activists shared photographs and videos showing youths throwing stones and climbing on an armoured personnel carrier. Gunfire could be heard in one video as white smoke from tear gas hung in the air. Another video showed a bulldozer smashing through the area that once hosted the sit-in. Police arrested 286 people, including "terrorists and convicted felons" who hid inside of Qassim's home, the Interior Ministry said. It said 19 members of the island's security forces were wounded in the raid that saw protesters throw gasoline bombs. "Forces were able to remove a series of illegal road blocks and barricades," the ministry said in a statement. "Police remain deployed in the area to ensure the safety of people." Amnesty International later said Qassim was not arrested. At least five protesters were killed, activists and police said. Activists shared images of other protesters suffering what appeared to be birdshot wounds. The operation followed a Sunday court decision giving Qassim a year's suspended prison sentence and seizing assets belonging to him and his ministry. Two of his aides received similar sentences. Police have besieged Qassim's hometown of Diraz for months, tightly controlling access. He could be deported at any time after authorities stripped him of his citizenship last June over accusations that he fueled extremism. His supporters deny the allegations and called his trial politically motivated. Shiites and others took part in 2011 Arab Spring protests for greater rights from the Sunni monarchy of Bahrain, home to the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet and an under-construction British naval base. Bahrain put down the protests with the help of forces from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Since then, Bahrain has seen low-level unrest. But a year-long government crackdown on dissent has raised the stakes, with local Shiite militant groups claiming some attacks. Bahrain long has accused Iran of aiding militants, something the Shiite power denies. Meanwhile, activists have been imprisoned or forced into exile. Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa met with U.S. President Donald Trump during a Sunday summit in Saudi Arabia. Already, Trump's administration had approved a multibillion-dollar sale of F-16 fighter jets to Bahrain without the human rights conditions imposed by the State Department under President Barack Obama. "Our countries have a wonderful relationship together but there has been a little strain but there won't be strain with this administration," Trump said on Sunday. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif tweeted on Tuesday that the raid showed the "first concrete result of POTUS cozying up to despots in Riyadh." The Lebanese Shiite militant group Hezbollah warned that any harm to Qassim, "will open the doors for unpredictable outcome and dangers." Activists and rights group also warned Trump's embrace of Bahrain only will fuel the crackdown. "The timing of this operation  two days after King Hamad's convivial meeting with President Trump  can hardly be a coincidence," said Nicholas McGeehan, a senior Bahrain researcher at Human Rights Watch.
By ANI

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has allowed Indian national Uzma, who has accused her Pakistani husband of marrying her at gunpoint, to return to India and has also ordered police to provide her security till the Wagah Border.



An Islamabad High Court bench, headed by Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani, returned Uzma her original immigration form, which her husband Tahir had submitted to the court on Tuesday, reports Geo News.



Tahir also expressed his desire to meet Uzma in private, which the latter refused.

Justice Kayani remarked that if Uzma does not want to meet Tahir, then she wont be forced to.



On May 19, Uzma had submitted a 6-page reply to the High Court and reiterated her earlier claims and said that she was forced to sign the Nikkahnama [marriage papers].



The reply also claimed that Tahirs affidavit was based on lies. The reply also requested that Uzma is allowed to travel to India as her visa will expire on May 30.



Earlier, while recording her statement before the Court of a Judicial Magistrate Uzma (20) also alleged that she was sedated, assaulted, tortured mentally and physically by the man in Pakistan who had invited her to visit his family in Pakistan.

Uzma, who hails from New Delhi, also stated the she had taken shelter in High Commission of India of her own accord and would stay there till she is sent back to India with security.

The case came to the forefront after her husband claimed that Indian High Commission has stopped her wife from leaving the premises during their visit to apply for visa on May 7.

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has allowed Indian national Uzma, who has accused her Pakistani husband of marrying her at gunpoint, to return to India and has also ordered police to provide her security till the Wagah Border. An Islamabad High Court bench, headed by Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani, returned Uzma her original immigration form, which her husband Tahir had submitted to the court on Tuesday, reports Geo News. Tahir also expressed his desire to meet Uzma in private, which the latter refused. Justice Kayani remarked that if Uzma does not want to meet Tahir, then she wont be forced to. On May 19, Uzma had submitted a 6-page reply to the High Court and reiterated her earlier claims and said that she was forced to sign the Nikkahnama [marriage papers]. The reply also claimed that Tahirs affidavit was based on lies. The reply also requested that Uzma is allowed to travel to India as her visa will expire on May 30. Earlier, while recording her statement before the Court of a Judicial Magistrate Uzma (20) also alleged that she was sedated, assaulted, tortured mentally and physically by the man in Pakistan who had invited her to visit his family in Pakistan. Uzma, who hails from New Delhi, also stated the she had taken shelter in High Commission of India of her own accord and would stay there till she is sent back to India with security. The case came to the forefront after her husband claimed that Indian High Commission has stopped her wife from leaving the premises during their visit to apply for visa on May 7.
By PTI

WASHINGTON: Pakistan is "harbouring terrorists" and using them as "reserve" in Afghanistan, a top US intelligence official told lawmakers.

"Pakistan views Afghanistan or desires for Afghanistan some of the same things we want: a safe, secure, stable Afghanistan. One addition -- one that does not have heavy Indian influence in Afghanistan," Lt Gen Vincent Stewart, Director, Defense Intelligence Agency told members of the powerful Senate Armed Services Committee during a Congressional hearing on worldwide threats.

"They view all of the challenges through the lens of an Indian threat to the state of Pakistan," Stewart said. "So they (Pakistan) hold in reserve terrorist organisation -- we define them as terrorist organisations, they hold them in reserve so that -- if Afghanistan leans towards India, they will no longer be supportive of an idea of a stable and secure Afghanistan that could undermine Pakistan interest," Stewart said. He said Pakistan needs to be told very clearly that Afghanistan's security and stability is in the interest of all of the parties in the region and does not pose a risk to Pakistan.

"We've got to convince Pakistan that if they're harbouring any of the Haqqani network members that it is not in their interest to continue to host of Haqqani network, that we ought to be working together to go after those 20 terrorist organisations that undermine not just Afghanistan, not just Pakistan, but all of the region," he said.

"And so we've to make sure we're pushing them to do more against the Haqqani network. Then (they should) separate the Taliban from the Pashtun, which want a Pashtun dominated Afghanistan," he said.

"So we've got to get the conversation going again with Pakistan about their role in not harboring any of these terrorists, helping to stabilise Afghanistan," he added.

Hoping that US may have some progress in this, Stewart said Pakistan also have some influence in bringing the Taliban to the peace table. "So, we've got to get them to think about reconciliation, that the status quo is not in their best interest, he said.

Dan Coats, Director of National Intelligence said there is need to evaluate how to address the situation of Pakistan harbouring terrorist. "I think certainly an evaluation of how we work with Pakistan to address the situation of the harbouring of terrorist groups would be essential to a strategy that affects Afghanistan, going forward in Afghanistan," he said in response to a question.

"Because that is potentially a very disrupting situation, putting our own troops at risk and undermining the strategy of dealing with the Taliban and local groups that are trying to undermine the government," Coats said.

WASHINGTON: Pakistan is "harbouring terrorists" and using them as "reserve" in Afghanistan, a top US intelligence official told lawmakers. "Pakistan views Afghanistan or desires for Afghanistan some of the same things we want: a safe, secure, stable Afghanistan. One addition -- one that does not have heavy Indian influence in Afghanistan," Lt Gen Vincent Stewart, Director, Defense Intelligence Agency told members of the powerful Senate Armed Services Committee during a Congressional hearing on worldwide threats. "They view all of the challenges through the lens of an Indian threat to the state of Pakistan," Stewart said. "So they (Pakistan) hold in reserve terrorist organisation -- we define them as terrorist organisations, they hold them in reserve so that -- if Afghanistan leans towards India, they will no longer be supportive of an idea of a stable and secure Afghanistan that could undermine Pakistan interest," Stewart said. He said Pakistan needs to be told very clearly that Afghanistan's security and stability is in the interest of all of the parties in the region and does not pose a risk to Pakistan. "We've got to convince Pakistan that if they're harbouring any of the Haqqani network members that it is not in their interest to continue to host of Haqqani network, that we ought to be working together to go after those 20 terrorist organisations that undermine not just Afghanistan, not just Pakistan, but all of the region," he said. "And so we've to make sure we're pushing them to do more against the Haqqani network. Then (they should) separate the Taliban from the Pashtun, which want a Pashtun dominated Afghanistan," he said. "So we've got to get the conversation going again with Pakistan about their role in not harboring any of these terrorists, helping to stabilise Afghanistan," he added. Hoping that US may have some progress in this, Stewart said Pakistan also have some influence in bringing the Taliban to the peace table. "So, we've got to get them to think about reconciliation, that the status quo is not in their best interest, he said. Dan Coats, Director of National Intelligence said there is need to evaluate how to address the situation of Pakistan harbouring terrorist. "I think certainly an evaluation of how we work with Pakistan to address the situation of the harbouring of terrorist groups would be essential to a strategy that affects Afghanistan, going forward in Afghanistan," he said in response to a question. "Because that is potentially a very disrupting situation, putting our own troops at risk and undermining the strategy of dealing with the Taliban and local groups that are trying to undermine the government," Coats said.
By PTI

BEIJING: Six miners were killed and five rescued today from a flooded coal mine in north China's Shanxi Province, authorities said.

The rescue operation ended early this morning. The five survivors are receiving medical checkups and treatment, state-run Xinhua news agency reported.

Eleven miners were trapped when the flooding occurred yesterday in a pit of Dongyu Coal Mine in Qingxu County near Taiyuan, capital of the coal-rich province.

BEIJING: Six miners were killed and five rescued today from a flooded coal mine in north China's Shanxi Province, authorities said. The rescue operation ended early this morning. The five survivors are receiving medical checkups and treatment, state-run Xinhua news agency reported. Eleven miners were trapped when the flooding occurred yesterday in a pit of Dongyu Coal Mine in Qingxu County near Taiyuan, capital of the coal-rich province.
By AFP

COLOMBO: Rights groups accused Sri Lankan police Wednesday of failing to stop a wave of hate crimes against Muslim businesses and mosques in the Buddhist-majority country.

Police are yet to make any arrests in connection with more than a dozen arson attacks against Muslims shops, mosques and a burial ground in the past month.

Prominent rights activist Victor Ivan said the inaction risked a repeat of anti-Muslim riots in 2014 that left four dead.

"Police are responsible for allowing this situation to continue by not taking action against the perpetrators," Ivan told reporters in Colombo, adding that an extremist Buddhist group was believed to be behind the violence.

Only property has been damaged so far in the latest spate of attacks.

The government said Wednesday the violence had been addressed in a cabinet meeting and police and security forces had been instructed to maintain law and order.

"The president directed the Inspector General of Police to instruct all officers in charge of police stations to be responsible for preventing such incidents," the government said in a statement.

The riots in mid 2014 -- led by a hardline Buddhist group -- were widely seen as the catalyst that led to then president Mahinda Rajapakse's downfall in January 2015.

Muslims account for just 10 percent of Sri Lanka's 21 million population and have emerged king makers in a country where the majority Sinhala-Buddhist community is split down the middle between two national parties.

COLOMBO: Rights groups accused Sri Lankan police Wednesday of failing to stop a wave of hate crimes against Muslim businesses and mosques in the Buddhist-majority country. Police are yet to make any arrests in connection with more than a dozen arson attacks against Muslims shops, mosques and a burial ground in the past month. Prominent rights activist Victor Ivan said the inaction risked a repeat of anti-Muslim riots in 2014 that left four dead. "Police are responsible for allowing this situation to continue by not taking action against the perpetrators," Ivan told reporters in Colombo, adding that an extremist Buddhist group was believed to be behind the violence. Only property has been damaged so far in the latest spate of attacks. The government said Wednesday the violence had been addressed in a cabinet meeting and police and security forces had been instructed to maintain law and order. "The president directed the Inspector General of Police to instruct all officers in charge of police stations to be responsible for preventing such incidents," the government said in a statement. The riots in mid 2014 -- led by a hardline Buddhist group -- were widely seen as the catalyst that led to then president Mahinda Rajapakse's downfall in January 2015. Muslims account for just 10 percent of Sri Lanka's 21 million population and have emerged king makers in a country where the majority Sinhala-Buddhist community is split down the middle between two national parties.
By Associated Press

NAIROBI: A Kenyan official said three police officers have been killed and two others injured when their vehicle ran over an improvised bomb near Kenya's eastern border with Somalia.

North Eastern Regional Coordinator Mohamud Saleh said on Wednesday that the police vehicle was moving from Kula Police Post toward the Liboi border town. Saleh said three other officers have been unhurt.

The incident came a day after police chief Joseph Boinnet announced al-Shabab extremists were stepping up attacks on Kenya. Boinnet says al-Shabab is under pressure from African Union troops supporting Somalia's weak government against al-Shabab's insurgency. In the last two weeks attacks by the group have increased after a lull.

Mandera has been hardest hit in recent years by an al-Shabab campaign to avenge Kenyan troop presence in Somalia since 2011.

NAIROBI: A Kenyan official said three police officers have been killed and two others injured when their vehicle ran over an improvised bomb near Kenya's eastern border with Somalia. North Eastern Regional Coordinator Mohamud Saleh said on Wednesday that the police vehicle was moving from Kula Police Post toward the Liboi border town. Saleh said three other officers have been unhurt. The incident came a day after police chief Joseph Boinnet announced al-Shabab extremists were stepping up attacks on Kenya. Boinnet says al-Shabab is under pressure from African Union troops supporting Somalia's weak government against al-Shabab's insurgency. In the last two weeks attacks by the group have increased after a lull. Mandera has been hardest hit in recent years by an al-Shabab campaign to avenge Kenyan troop presence in Somalia since 2011.
By AFP

BRAZILIA: Brazilian soldiers deployed Wednesday to defend government buildings in the capital Brasilia after protesters demanding the exit of President Michel Temer smashed their way into ministries and fought with riot police.

"At this moment, federal troops are already here in (the foreign ministry)," Defense Minister Raul Jungmann said in a brief televised statement. "And next there are troops arriving to secure all the ministerial buildings."

Jungmann said the army was ordered in by Temer, who is fighting for his political life after being placed under a corruption investigation.

The deployment of soldiers sent a psychological shockwave through a capital already shaking from the day's violence and frantic debate over the corruption scandal threatening to bring down the president.

In the lower house of Congress, the session was temporarily suspended after leftist deputies took over the speaker's podium, brandishing signs saying "Temer out."

Troops are regularly used in Brazil to back up police when law and order breaks down or help at major events like last year's Rio Olympics.

However, the issue is deeply sensitive in a country that lived under military rule from 1964-1985 and the decision to bring soldiers into the heart of the government complex spooked even Temer's allies.

"The question of a military presence is always something that frightens us," said Tasso Jereissati, president of the PSDB social democrats.

- Ministry torched -

Violence erupted soon after the crowd, estimated by police at 35,000, marched toward the presidential palace, which is flanked by Congress and the government buildings.

Although most of the protesters were peaceful, small groups wearing masks threw stones at officers ringing the area and smashed their way into the agriculture ministry and reportedly also the culture and planning ministries. Riot police crouching behind black shields lobbed tear gas and stun grenades into the crowd, triggering running battles.

When protesters set a fire in the agriculture ministry, employees were forced to flee.

"There was an invasion of the ministry's private entrance. They lit a fire in a room, broke photos in a gallery of ex-ministers and confronted police," a spokesman for the ministry told AFP. "The building was evacuated."

Jungmann said the protest had been "peaceful but descended into violence, vandalism, disrespect, attacks on state property, and threats against people."

Government employees "were terrorized," he said.

- Left wing smells blood -

Organized by leftist groups and trade unions a week after he was placed under a corruption probe, the protests are calling for Temer's resignation.

Protesters also want the end of austerity reforms centered on cuts in the country's generous but unaffordable pension system.

The left smells blood just over a year since Temer took over from Workers' Party president Dilma Rousseff after she was impeached for illegally manipulating government accounts. Opponents say Temer could soon be forced to resign or subjected to an impeachment trial.

"It's the end of this putchist government. That's why the people have taken to the streets," said Francisca Gomes, 59, who came from Sao Paulo to protest and carried a funeral ribbon with the president's image and the words "RIP Temer."

Inside Congress, Workers' Party Senator Gleisi Hoffmann echoed those words, saying: "Temer will fall. Everyone says this government is dead."

- Temer's end -

Temer insists the austerity reforms are already working and that more measures, especially pension reform, are needed.

Stuck in deep recession for two years, Latin America's biggest economy is just now showing the first signs of returning to growth, although unemployment stands at nearly 14 percent.

However, Temer has been on the ropes since allegations that he attempted to pay hush money to a jailed politician and was involved in bribery. The scandal follows a landslide of other corruption allegations against much of Temer's government and Congress in a huge probe known as "Operation Car Wash."

For now, the president is trying to shore up his congressional alliance to resist calls for his impeachment. He has said he did nothing wrong and will not resign.

But analysts say that intense negotiations are going on behind the scenes to find the least traumatic way possible for Temer to be eased out.

Because he has no vice president, the constitution would require a 30-day period led by the speaker of the lower house, followed by an indirect election in which Congress picks a new president until after scheduled elections in October 2018.

Andre Cesar, a political analyst at Hold consultancy, said Temer "cannot survive."

"He doesn't have the minimum conditions for this. But how the end will come for his government is the question."

BRAZILIA: Brazilian soldiers deployed Wednesday to defend government buildings in the capital Brasilia after protesters demanding the exit of President Michel Temer smashed their way into ministries and fought with riot police. "At this moment, federal troops are already here in (the foreign ministry)," Defense Minister Raul Jungmann said in a brief televised statement. "And next there are troops arriving to secure all the ministerial buildings." Jungmann said the army was ordered in by Temer, who is fighting for his political life after being placed under a corruption investigation. The deployment of soldiers sent a psychological shockwave through a capital already shaking from the day's violence and frantic debate over the corruption scandal threatening to bring down the president. In the lower house of Congress, the session was temporarily suspended after leftist deputies took over the speaker's podium, brandishing signs saying "Temer out." Troops are regularly used in Brazil to back up police when law and order breaks down or help at major events like last year's Rio Olympics. However, the issue is deeply sensitive in a country that lived under military rule from 1964-1985 and the decision to bring soldiers into the heart of the government complex spooked even Temer's allies. "The question of a military presence is always something that frightens us," said Tasso Jereissati, president of the PSDB social democrats. - Ministry torched - Violence erupted soon after the crowd, estimated by police at 35,000, marched toward the presidential palace, which is flanked by Congress and the government buildings. Although most of the protesters were peaceful, small groups wearing masks threw stones at officers ringing the area and smashed their way into the agriculture ministry and reportedly also the culture and planning ministries. Riot police crouching behind black shields lobbed tear gas and stun grenades into the crowd, triggering running battles. When protesters set a fire in the agriculture ministry, employees were forced to flee. "There was an invasion of the ministry's private entrance. They lit a fire in a room, broke photos in a gallery of ex-ministers and confronted police," a spokesman for the ministry told AFP. "The building was evacuated." Jungmann said the protest had been "peaceful but descended into violence, vandalism, disrespect, attacks on state property, and threats against people." Government employees "were terrorized," he said. - Left wing smells blood - Organized by leftist groups and trade unions a week after he was placed under a corruption probe, the protests are calling for Temer's resignation. Protesters also want the end of austerity reforms centered on cuts in the country's generous but unaffordable pension system. The left smells blood just over a year since Temer took over from Workers' Party president Dilma Rousseff after she was impeached for illegally manipulating government accounts. Opponents say Temer could soon be forced to resign or subjected to an impeachment trial. "It's the end of this putchist government. That's why the people have taken to the streets," said Francisca Gomes, 59, who came from Sao Paulo to protest and carried a funeral ribbon with the president's image and the words "RIP Temer." Inside Congress, Workers' Party Senator Gleisi Hoffmann echoed those words, saying: "Temer will fall. Everyone says this government is dead." - Temer's end - Temer insists the austerity reforms are already working and that more measures, especially pension reform, are needed. Stuck in deep recession for two years, Latin America's biggest economy is just now showing the first signs of returning to growth, although unemployment stands at nearly 14 percent. However, Temer has been on the ropes since allegations that he attempted to pay hush money to a jailed politician and was involved in bribery. The scandal follows a landslide of other corruption allegations against much of Temer's government and Congress in a huge probe known as "Operation Car Wash." For now, the president is trying to shore up his congressional alliance to resist calls for his impeachment. He has said he did nothing wrong and will not resign. But analysts say that intense negotiations are going on behind the scenes to find the least traumatic way possible for Temer to be eased out. Because he has no vice president, the constitution would require a 30-day period led by the speaker of the lower house, followed by an indirect election in which Congress picks a new president until after scheduled elections in October 2018. Andre Cesar, a political analyst at Hold consultancy, said Temer "cannot survive." "He doesn't have the minimum conditions for this. But how the end will come for his government is the question."
By AFP

Twenty-two people were killed in Monday's suicide attack on a Manchester pop concert, including an eight-year-old girl, teenagers and several parents who had come to collect their children.

Here are the victims named so far in what was the deadliest terror attack in Britain since the 2005 London bombings:

'Beautiful little girl'

Eight-year-old Saffie Rose Roussos from Leyland in Lancashire, northwest England, is the youngest victim among those named so far.

She attended the concert with her mother and older sister. Friends said they were both being treated in hospital.

Chris Upton, headteacher at the Tarleton Community Primary School, described Roussos as "a beautiful little girl".

"She was loved by everyone and her warmth and kindness will be remembered fondly," he said.

'Centre of attention'

Public relations manager Martyn Hett, from Stockport near Manchester, had appeared on television shows like "Come Dine With Me" and "Tattoo Fixers".

His brother Dan confirmed his death on Twitter saying: "They found my brother last night. We are heartbroken".

His friend Russell Hayward said: "Our wonderful, iconic and beautiful Martyn didn't survive.

"He left this world exactly how he lived: centre of attention."

'Family was her life'

Michelle Kiss was a loving wife to Tony and mother to Dylan, Elliot and Millie, her family said in a statement.

"Family was her life and we are all obviously devastated by her loss. She has been taken away from us, and all that love her, in the most traumatic way imaginable," they said.

'Having an amazing time'

Olivia Campbell, 15, had been enjoying the concert with her friend Adam. He survived and was being treated in hospital.

"RIP my darling precious gorgeous girl Olivia Campbell taken far far too soon," her mother Charlotte wrote on Facebook.

"Go sing with the angels and keep smiling mummy loves you so much."

Her mother said they had spoken two hours before the blast, adding: "She'd just seen the support act and said she was having an amazing time."

'Lovely young student'

Georgina Callander, believed to be 18, had been studying health and social care. Her school, Runshaw College in Lancashire, confirmed her death.

Her former school, Bishop Rawstorne academy, brought together students to pray for her and remember her life.

"Georgina was a lovely young student who was very popular with her peers and the staff and always made the most of the opportunities she had at the school," it said.

Friends waiting for daughters

Alison Howe, 45, and Lisa Lees, 47, from Oldham outside Manchester, were killed while waiting in the foyer to pick up their daughters, the Daily Mirror newspaper reported.

Their girls, both aged 15, are believed to be safe.

Howe's stepson Jordan Howe confirmed his stepmother's death on Facebook, writing: "They took a caring beautiful mum and step mother away from us all she was amazing to us all."

Polish couple

A Polish couple living in Britain were killed as they went to collect their daughters, Foreign Minister Witold Waszczykowski said.

Polish media identified them as Angelika and Marcin Klis.

"The parents went to pick up their daughters after the concert and unfortunately this morning we received news that they did not survive the explosion," he told RMF Radio.

Waszczykowski said their daughters were unhurt.

'One in a million'

John Atkinson, 26, from Bury in Lancashire, was named by friends as one of those killed.

His Facebook account has been "memorialised" -- a process only made possible by verified family members contacting the website directly.

John was "one in a million and loved by so many," wrote Hayley Turk, who organised an online fund for his family.

"A true gentleman," she added.

'Happiest she has ever been'

Kelly Brewster, from Sheffield, northern England, was confirmed as one of the victims by her partner Ian Winslow.

"Kelly really was the happiest she has ever been and we had so many things planned together. My daughter Phoebe will be absolutely devastated like we all are," he wrote on Facebook.

Media reports indicated Brewster died shielding her 11-year-old niece from the blast.

Bright, popular teenager

Nell Jones, 14, died at the scene, her school in nearby Cheshire confirmed.

The teenager was a "very bright and popular student", said Holmes Chapel headteacher Denis Oliver.

'Delightful' pupil

Sorrell Leczkowski, 14, from Leeds, northern England, was "a delightful member of the school community", said Elaine Silson, the head of Allerton High School, in a letter to parents.

"Our staff and students are very upset," she said.

Leczkowski's mother Samantha and grandmother Pauline, who had 15 hours of surgery to remove shrapnel, are among the injured.

Waiting for friend's daughter

Jane Tweddle, 51, a school receptionist, was waiting for a friend's daughter when the blast happened, her friend Mark Taylor told BBC radio.

Jane Bailey, head of South Shore Academy in Blackpool on the Lancashire coast, said she a "truly wonderful friend and colleague".

Twenty-two people were killed in Monday's suicide attack on a Manchester pop concert, including an eight-year-old girl, teenagers and several parents who had come to collect their children. Here are the victims named so far in what was the deadliest terror attack in Britain since the 2005 London bombings: 'Beautiful little girl' Eight-year-old Saffie Rose Roussos from Leyland in Lancashire, northwest England, is the youngest victim among those named so far. She attended the concert with her mother and older sister. Friends said they were both being treated in hospital. Chris Upton, headteacher at the Tarleton Community Primary School, described Roussos as "a beautiful little girl". "She was loved by everyone and her warmth and kindness will be remembered fondly," he said. 'Centre of attention' Public relations manager Martyn Hett, from Stockport near Manchester, had appeared on television shows like "Come Dine With Me" and "Tattoo Fixers". His brother Dan confirmed his death on Twitter saying: "They found my brother last night. We are heartbroken". His friend Russell Hayward said: "Our wonderful, iconic and beautiful Martyn didn't survive. "He left this world exactly how he lived: centre of attention." 'Family was her life' Michelle Kiss was a loving wife to Tony and mother to Dylan, Elliot and Millie, her family said in a statement. "Family was her life and we are all obviously devastated by her loss. She has been taken away from us, and all that love her, in the most traumatic way imaginable," they said. 'Having an amazing time' Olivia Campbell, 15, had been enjoying the concert with her friend Adam. He survived and was being treated in hospital. "RIP my darling precious gorgeous girl Olivia Campbell taken far far too soon," her mother Charlotte wrote on Facebook. "Go sing with the angels and keep smiling mummy loves you so much." Her mother said they had spoken two hours before the blast, adding: "She'd just seen the support act and said she was having an amazing time." 'Lovely young student' Georgina Callander, believed to be 18, had been studying health and social care. Her school, Runshaw College in Lancashire, confirmed her death. Her former school, Bishop Rawstorne academy, brought together students to pray for her and remember her life. "Georgina was a lovely young student who was very popular with her peers and the staff and always made the most of the opportunities she had at the school," it said. Friends waiting for daughters Alison Howe, 45, and Lisa Lees, 47, from Oldham outside Manchester, were killed while waiting in the foyer to pick up their daughters, the Daily Mirror newspaper reported. Their girls, both aged 15, are believed to be safe. Howe's stepson Jordan Howe confirmed his stepmother's death on Facebook, writing: "They took a caring beautiful mum and step mother away from us all she was amazing to us all." Polish couple A Polish couple living in Britain were killed as they went to collect their daughters, Foreign Minister Witold Waszczykowski said. Polish media identified them as Angelika and Marcin Klis. "The parents went to pick up their daughters after the concert and unfortunately this morning we received news that they did not survive the explosion," he told RMF Radio. Waszczykowski said their daughters were unhurt. 'One in a million' John Atkinson, 26, from Bury in Lancashire, was named by friends as one of those killed. His Facebook account has been "memorialised" -- a process only made possible by verified family members contacting the website directly. John was "one in a million and loved by so many," wrote Hayley Turk, who organised an online fund for his family. "A true gentleman," she added. 'Happiest she has ever been' Kelly Brewster, from Sheffield, northern England, was confirmed as one of the victims by her partner Ian Winslow. "Kelly really was the happiest she has ever been and we had so many things planned together. My daughter Phoebe will be absolutely devastated like we all are," he wrote on Facebook. Media reports indicated Brewster died shielding her 11-year-old niece from the blast. Bright, popular teenager Nell Jones, 14, died at the scene, her school in nearby Cheshire confirmed. The teenager was a "very bright and popular student", said Holmes Chapel headteacher Denis Oliver. 'Delightful' pupil Sorrell Leczkowski, 14, from Leeds, northern England, was "a delightful member of the school community", said Elaine Silson, the head of Allerton High School, in a letter to parents. "Our staff and students are very upset," she said. Leczkowski's mother Samantha and grandmother Pauline, who had 15 hours of surgery to remove shrapnel, are among the injured. Waiting for friend's daughter Jane Tweddle, 51, a school receptionist, was waiting for a friend's daughter when the blast happened, her friend Mark Taylor told BBC radio. Jane Bailey, head of South Shore Academy in Blackpool on the Lancashire coast, said she a "truly wonderful friend and colleague".
By AFP

The Manchester pop concert bomber deliberately targeted young fans of US pop star Ariana Grande in Monday night's deadly attack.

Of the 22 victims killed, the youngest identified so far by police was eight-years-old. Another was aged 15.

Here is a recap of some of the worst such attacks targeting children and young people over the past decade:

Pakistan school massacre

The most deadly attack on children took place on December 16, 2014, when Taliban fighters killed more than 150 people, including 134 children, in a school massacre in the northwestern city of Peshawar.

It was claimed by the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), whose militants carried out the assault as revenge for an ongoing military operation against their hideouts.

The Taliban had already carried out an assassination attempt in 2012 of 15-year-old children's education advocate Malala Yousafzai, shooting her in the head in Swat Valley. She was later awarded the 2014 Nobel Peace Prize.

French Jewish children targeted

On March 19, 2012, self-proclaimed Al-Qaeda militant Mohamed Merah murdered three Jewish children and a teacher in an attack at their school in Toulouse, southwestern France. The man, who had killed three soldiers several days earlier, was shot dead on March 22 by police.

Gun attack on Norwegian island

On July 22, 2011, far-right extremist Anders Behring Breivik attacked a youth rally on the Norwegian island of Utoya after detonating a car bomb in Oslo. Posing as a police officer, he gunned down 69 youths on the island, including around 50 between the ages of 14 and 18.

Children in war zones

Many children are also used as suicide bombers in war zones, as in Nigeria, Syria or Iraq.

According to a recent report by UN children's agency Unicef the Islamist group Boko Haram has used 117 children since 2014 to carry out bomb attacks in Nigeria, Chad, Niger and Cameroon.

Boko Haram also kidnapped 276 schoolgirls in Chibok, northeastern Nigeria on April 14, 2014, of which more than 100 are still in the hands of the group.

Many children are regularly victims of attacks in war zones. On April 15 in Syria an evacuation operation in besieged Foua and Kafraya was overshadowed by the explosion of a vehicle bomb which killed 150 including 72 children.

The Manchester pop concert bomber deliberately targeted young fans of US pop star Ariana Grande in Monday night's deadly attack. Of the 22 victims killed, the youngest identified so far by police was eight-years-old. Another was aged 15. Here is a recap of some of the worst such attacks targeting children and young people over the past decade: Pakistan school massacre The most deadly attack on children took place on December 16, 2014, when Taliban fighters killed more than 150 people, including 134 children, in a school massacre in the northwestern city of Peshawar. It was claimed by the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), whose militants carried out the assault as revenge for an ongoing military operation against their hideouts. The Taliban had already carried out an assassination attempt in 2012 of 15-year-old children's education advocate Malala Yousafzai, shooting her in the head in Swat Valley. She was later awarded the 2014 Nobel Peace Prize. French Jewish children targeted On March 19, 2012, self-proclaimed Al-Qaeda militant Mohamed Merah murdered three Jewish children and a teacher in an attack at their school in Toulouse, southwestern France. The man, who had killed three soldiers several days earlier, was shot dead on March 22 by police. Gun attack on Norwegian island On July 22, 2011, far-right extremist Anders Behring Breivik attacked a youth rally on the Norwegian island of Utoya after detonating a car bomb in Oslo. Posing as a police officer, he gunned down 69 youths on the island, including around 50 between the ages of 14 and 18. Children in war zones Many children are also used as suicide bombers in war zones, as in Nigeria, Syria or Iraq. According to a recent report by UN children's agency Unicef the Islamist group Boko Haram has used 117 children since 2014 to carry out bomb attacks in Nigeria, Chad, Niger and Cameroon. Boko Haram also kidnapped 276 schoolgirls in Chibok, northeastern Nigeria on April 14, 2014, of which more than 100 are still in the hands of the group. Many children are regularly victims of attacks in war zones. On April 15 in Syria an evacuation operation in besieged Foua and Kafraya was overshadowed by the explosion of a vehicle bomb which killed 150 including 72 children.
By AFP

BRASILIA: Police fired tear gas and stun grenades Wednesday in confrontations with a crowd of at least 25,000 marching on Brazil's presidential palace to demand the resignation of embattled President Michel Temer and an end to austerity reforms.

Organized by leftist groups and trade unions, the protesters poured into the center of Brazil's capital and advanced on the Planalto presidential palace.

Police stopped them from approaching further with a barrage of gas, while some protesters threw stones back and brandished sticks.

"Out with Temer," the crowd chanted.

Brazil's left is smelling blood just over a year since Temer took over from Workers' Party president Dilma Rousseff after she was impeached for illegally manipulating government accounts.

Temer, from the center-right PMDB party, is reeling from a probe into his alleged corruption and opponents say he could soon be removed from power. The future of his market-friendly reforms package -- especially cuts in the country's generous but unaffordable pension system -- is equally unclear.

"It's the end of this putchist government. That's why the people have taken to the streets," said Francisca Gomes, 59, who came from Sao Paulo for the protest and carried a funeral ribbon carrying the image of the president and the words: "RIP Temer."

Brasilia's security service said that 500 buses had converged on the capital, with some 25,000 protesters. Organizers claimed there were far more, but an independent estimate was not immediately possible.

The protest began peacefully but clashes erupted almost as soon as the crowd got close to the government complex, where large numbers of riot police hiding behind black shields and others on horseback stood in reserve.

Driven back, the protesters spread out, with some throwing stones against ministry buildings.

"Damned government," a man said as he retreated, with eyes streaming from the effects of the tear gas.

"In a democracy, no government can resist when the people take to the streets," said Dorival Pereira, 60, who had traveled 18 hours from Mato Grosso do Sul to be at the protest.

Like many demonstrators, she wore a T-shirt with the slogan "Elections now!"

'Temer will fall'

Temer says the austerity reforms are already working and that more measures, especially pension reform, are needed. Latin America's biggest economy has been stuck in deep recession for two years and is just now showing the first signs of returning to growth, although unemployment is at nearly 14 percent.

However, Temer has been fighting for his political life since last week after allegations that he attempted to pay hush money to a jailed politician and was involved in bribery.

The scandal follows a landslide of other corruption allegations against much of Temer's government and Congress in a huge probe known as "Operation Car Wash."

For now, the president is trying to shore up his congressional alliance to resist calls for his impeachment. He has said he did nothing wrong and will not resign.

But analysts say that intense negotiations are going on behind the scenes to find the least traumatic way possible for Temer to be eased out.

Because he has no vice president, the constitution would require a 30-day period led by the speaker of the lower house, followed by an indirect election in which Congress picks a new president to rule until after scheduled elections in October 2018.

Congress is riddled with its own corruption scandals, however, and popular sentiment is growing in favor of moving up the presidential election -- which would require Congress to approve a constitutional amendment.

"Temer will fall. Everyone says this is government is dead," Senator Gleisi Hoffman, from the Workers' Party, told AFP. Gleisi said the left was "making it clear that our option is for a direct election."

But Mauro Pereira, a pro-government deputy from the PMDB, said Temer wasn't going anywhere. "We're not discussing the president's possible exit. Deputies understand what would happen and the concern that there is for the Brazilian economy," he said.

BRASILIA: Police fired tear gas and stun grenades Wednesday in confrontations with a crowd of at least 25,000 marching on Brazil's presidential palace to demand the resignation of embattled President Michel Temer and an end to austerity reforms. Organized by leftist groups and trade unions, the protesters poured into the center of Brazil's capital and advanced on the Planalto presidential palace. Police stopped them from approaching further with a barrage of gas, while some protesters threw stones back and brandished sticks. "Out with Temer," the crowd chanted. Brazil's left is smelling blood just over a year since Temer took over from Workers' Party president Dilma Rousseff after she was impeached for illegally manipulating government accounts. Temer, from the center-right PMDB party, is reeling from a probe into his alleged corruption and opponents say he could soon be removed from power. The future of his market-friendly reforms package -- especially cuts in the country's generous but unaffordable pension system -- is equally unclear. "It's the end of this putchist government. That's why the people have taken to the streets," said Francisca Gomes, 59, who came from Sao Paulo for the protest and carried a funeral ribbon carrying the image of the president and the words: "RIP Temer." Brasilia's security service said that 500 buses had converged on the capital, with some 25,000 protesters. Organizers claimed there were far more, but an independent estimate was not immediately possible. The protest began peacefully but clashes erupted almost as soon as the crowd got close to the government complex, where large numbers of riot police hiding behind black shields and others on horseback stood in reserve. Driven back, the protesters spread out, with some throwing stones against ministry buildings. "Damned government," a man said as he retreated, with eyes streaming from the effects of the tear gas. "In a democracy, no government can resist when the people take to the streets," said Dorival Pereira, 60, who had traveled 18 hours from Mato Grosso do Sul to be at the protest. Like many demonstrators, she wore a T-shirt with the slogan "Elections now!" 'Temer will fall' Temer says the austerity reforms are already working and that more measures, especially pension reform, are needed. Latin America's biggest economy has been stuck in deep recession for two years and is just now showing the first signs of returning to growth, although unemployment is at nearly 14 percent. However, Temer has been fighting for his political life since last week after allegations that he attempted to pay hush money to a jailed politician and was involved in bribery. The scandal follows a landslide of other corruption allegations against much of Temer's government and Congress in a huge probe known as "Operation Car Wash." For now, the president is trying to shore up his congressional alliance to resist calls for his impeachment. He has said he did nothing wrong and will not resign. But analysts say that intense negotiations are going on behind the scenes to find the least traumatic way possible for Temer to be eased out. Because he has no vice president, the constitution would require a 30-day period led by the speaker of the lower house, followed by an indirect election in which Congress picks a new president to rule until after scheduled elections in October 2018. Congress is riddled with its own corruption scandals, however, and popular sentiment is growing in favor of moving up the presidential election -- which would require Congress to approve a constitutional amendment. "Temer will fall. Everyone says this is government is dead," Senator Gleisi Hoffman, from the Workers' Party, told AFP. Gleisi said the left was "making it clear that our option is for a direct election." But Mauro Pereira, a pro-government deputy from the PMDB, said Temer wasn't going anywhere. "We're not discussing the president's possible exit. Deputies understand what would happen and the concern that there is for the Brazilian economy," he said.
Food Scene: Newport County options that have Thanksgiving covered

Staying home or hitting the road, theres one foolproof way to make sure your Thanksgiving feast is both easy and memorable.
Champaign, IL (61820)

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Sunny skies. High 74F. Winds S at 15 to 25 mph. Higher wind gusts possible..

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Clear to partly cloudy. Low near 45F. SSE winds shifting to WNW at 10 to 20 mph.
Antibiotics used to treat a variety of common bacterial infections are becoming more difficult to access, mostly because the drugs are less profitable for manufacturers to produce and market, say experts.

Writing in a commentary in Clinical Microbiology and Infection, researchers including those at St George's University of London, say the problem is particularly acute for formulations needed to treat sick babies and children.

They say doctors increasingly have to use alternative antibiotic treatments, which may have worse side-effects for patients, including encouraging the growth of drug-resistant bacteria - one of the greatest threats to public health.

Professor Mike Sharland, Pediatric Infectious Diseases Research Group at St George's University of London, who was a co-author of the study said: "Considerable attention has been correctly focused on the need to develop new antibiotics.

"However it is increasingly clear that insufficient attention has been paid to the optimal use of older off patent antibiotics.

"There are increasing global shortages of older antibiotics, the optimal choice of antibiotic, dose and duration for most common infections are very poorly evidence based.

"Many older narrow spectrum antibiotics are becoming unavailable forcing wider use of broader spectrum agents."

Some of these older drugs, for example IV fosfomycin and colistin, have an important role to play in treating multidrug resistant bacteria.

The authors found that absence of marketing of older antibiotics is primarily caused by the high costs involved in registering medicines in multiple countries. This is combined with the relatively small market for these antibiotics, which are sold as low-cost generics and for short courses of treatment.

Previous research in 38 countries has shown that out of 33 older but effective antibiotics, 22 were marketed in fewer than 20 countries, and that the situation was deteriorating.

Research has also revealed repeated and prolonged shortages of many antibiotics. For example, in the USA between 2001 and 2013, 148 different antibiotics were in shortage, many on multiple occasions. The authors say little is known about the situation in poorer nations but evidence suggests it is even worse.
The Francis Crick Institute has signed a new research agreement with global biopharmaceutical company AstraZeneca. The five-year initiative will see researchers from AstraZeneca and the Crick collaborate on early-stage research that could translate into new treatments and health innovations in the future.

The combination of AstraZeneca's expertise in developing new medicines and the Crick's strength in discovery science will maximize the potential to make breakthroughs neither partner could alone. The joint goal is to stimulate and accelerate basic research into the understanding of human health across a range of cancers, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.

The open science agreement will see a research fund established to support Crick researchers in projects at an early, 'pre-competitive' stage of development - both those focused on core discoveries and those that are moving further towards development. The fund will include contributions from AstraZeneca, Cancer Research UK and money from an existing Medical Research Council translational research award to the Crick.

The new partnership will also offer Crick researchers access to AstraZeneca compounds and a range of technology platforms. Crick projects that receive funding through the partnership could see scientists from AstraZeneca join the team at the Crick and vice versa. Knowledge exchange between participants will be at the heart of the collaboration, and it will create opportunities for postdoctoral researchers in both industry and academia to learn from each other.

Accelerating translation for health and wealth is one of the Crick's strategic priorities and this new agreement with AstraZeneca reflects that goal.

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Veronique Birault, Head of Translation at the Francis Crick Institute, said: "Our new collaboration with AstraZeneca will add to the emerging culture of innovation and knowledge exchange between academia and industry fostered in our labs. It is a significant step in the Crick's approach to close distance translation and another of the ways we can make the most of the research and ideas Crick scientists explore every day."

The flexibility of the agreement means there is potential for scientists from all spheres of the Crick's research activity to participate, whether they focus on a basic research problem or already have an idea that may have a more direct application to improve human health.

The partnership will be overseen by a joint steering committee and research results will be shared in joint publications.

Mike Snowden, Vice President Discovery Sciences, Innovative Medicines and Early Development Biotech Unit at AstraZeneca, said: "Open collaboration and scientific exchange are at the heart of AstraZeneca's innovation-led strategy. With the move to our new headquarters in Cambridge, our scientists are now just a short train ride away from the Francis Crick Institute at St Pancras in London. This close proximity provides an exciting opportunity for us to rapidly share knowledge and resources and for scientists from AstraZeneca and the Crick to easily exchange ideas and expertise for the benefit of patients."
A team of researchers led by a University of Colorado School of Medicine faculty member found that measures to evaluate readmission rates at children's hospitals would be more accurate if the social factors of the patients are included.

The study, "Adding Social Determinant Data Changes Children's Hospitals' Readmissions Performance," published online this month by the Journal of Pediatrics, shows that social factors that are outside the hospitals' control have an effect on the risk of readmission and should be included in any rating system that considers readmission rates as part of the hospitals' compensation.

"Our study shows that social determinants of health are important factors that can impact penalties that are levied for readmissions," said lead author Marion Sills, MD, MPH, professor of pediatrics at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. "As a result, evaluating hospital performance and setting pay-for-performance measures should include those factors."

Social determinants of health include such factors as race and ethnicity, public insurance and median household income.

"Our concern is that most readmission penalty measures do not include adjustment for social determinants of health despite evidence that these factors have a greater impact on overall health than the healthcare received," Sills said.

The team of researchers evaluated 458,686 discharges at 47 hospitals reporting data to the Pediatric Health Information database between January 2014 and December 2014. Their analysis was adjusted for factors that included information related to socio-economic data for households by ZIP Code. The team found that performance rankings changed for 77 percent of the hospitals when such factors were included in the analysis.
A Loyola University Chicago study has found that abnormal proteins found in Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and Huntington's disease all share a similar ability to cause damage when they invade brain cells.

The finding potentially could explain the mechanism by which Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Huntington's, and other neurodegenerative diseases spread within the brain and disrupt normal brain functions.

The finding also suggests that an effective treatment for one neurodegenerative disease might work for other neurodegenerative diseases as well.

The study by senior author Edward Campbell, PhD, first author William Flavin, PhD, and colleagues is published in the journal Acta Neuropathologica.

"A possible therapy would involve boosting a brain cell's ability to degrade a clump of proteins and damaged vesicles," Campbell said. "If we could do this in one disease, it's a good bet the therapy would be effective in the other two diseases."

Neurodegenerative diseases are caused by the death of neurons and other cells in the brain, with different diseases affecting different regions of the brain. Alzheimer's destroys memory, while Parkinson's and Huntington's affect movement. All three diseases are progressive, debilitating and incurable.

Previous research has suggested that in all three diseases, proteins that are folded abnormally form clumps inside brain cells. These clumps spread from cell to cell, eventually leading to cell deaths. Different proteins are implicated in each disease: tau in Alzheimer's, alpha-synuclein in Parkinson's and huntingtin in Huntington's disease.

The Loyola study focused on how these misfolded protein clumps invade a healthy brain cell. The authors observed that once proteins get inside the cell, they enter vesicles (small compartments that are encased in membranes). The proteins damage or rupture the vesicle membranes, allowing the proteins to then invade the cytoplasm and cause additional dysfunction. (The cytoplasm is the part of the cell that's outside the nucleus).

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The Loyola study also showed how a cell responds when protein clumps invade vesicles: The cell gathers the ruptured vesicles and protein clumps together so the vesicles and proteins can be destroyed. However, the proteins are resistant to degradation. "The cell's attempt to degrade the proteins is somewhat like a stomach trying to digest a clump of nails," Campbell said.

Flavin said the finding that protein clumps associated with the three diseases cause the same type of vesicle damage was unexpected. Loyola researchers initially focused on alpha-synuclein proteins associated with Parkinson's disease. So they asked collaborator Ronald Melki, PhD, to send them samples of different types of alpha-synuclein. (To do the experiment in a blinded, unbiased manner, the Loyola researchers did not know which types of alpha-synuclein were which.) Melki, a protein researcher at the Paris-Saclay Institute of Neuroscience, is known for his ability to generate distinct types of alpha-synuclein. Without telling the Loyola researchers, Melki sent other types of proteins as well. This led to the surprise finding that tau and huntingtin proteins also can damage vesicles.

Campbell stressed the study's findings need to be followed up and confirmed in future studies.

Source: https://www.loyolamedicine.org/
Emeritus Professor Sheila Payne and Dr. Sean Hughes from Lancaster University have both contributed towards a new book 'Building Integrated Palliative Care Programmes and Services' published by the World Health Organization Palliative Care Initiative.

The book was launched at the 15th World Congress of the European Association for Palliative Care and provides the latest information on palliative care organization and delivery, with expert contributors drawing on examples from around the world.

Professor Payne was a member of the WHO Technical Advisory Group supporting the Initiative and she led the writing of the chapter on Psychosocial Aspects of Palliative Care.

She said: "We are delighted to contribute a chapter on psychosocial palliative care in an important new international book designed to help countries implement better palliative care services."

Lack of access to palliative care and pain relief is a global public health crisis. Every year 40 million people, their families and carers need palliative care, yet only about 3 million are able to access the care they need. The majority of these are adults over 60 but 6% are children.

The WHO defines palliative care as: 'An approach that improves the quality of life of patients and their families facing problems associated with life-threatening illness, through the prevention and relief of suffering by means of early identification and impeccable assessment and treatment of pain and other problems, physical, psychosocial, and spiritual'.

In 2014, the World Health Assembly (the governing body of WHO) passed the resolution: Strengthening of palliative care as a component of comprehensive care throughout the life course, calling on all governments to ensure that palliative care is integrated into their national healthcare systems.

This book is a guide to designing, implementing, and evaluating palliative care programs and services, moving a focus on integrating palliative care into mainstream healthcare systems. It includes the latest definitional, organizational, and clinical aspects of palliative care, and is a great resource for countries wanting to begin or to build palliative care.

Dr Stephen R. Connor, Executive Director of the Worldwide Hospice Palliative Care Alliance and co-editor of the book, said: "Palliative care is too often organized outside mainstream healthcare. If we are to meet the enormous challenges of delivering care to the 40 million worldwide who need it annually we need to imbed palliative care into existing primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare, especially in low and middle income countries where nearly 80% of the need for palliative care exists."

Dr Xavier Gomez-Batiste, MD PhD, Director WHO Collaborating Centre for Public Health Palliative Care Programmes (WHOCC-ICO), Catalan Institute of Oncology and co-editor of the book, said: "This manual not only describes the essentials of palliative care, but also the innovative strategies and actions to design and implement comprehensive programs and services integrated into health systems."

The authors recommend that the book is used by policy makers and practitioners to improve palliative care service delivery for people accessing care and their families.
Most people know that regular exercise can keep a body looking and feeling young.

What about the brain?

"There has been a wealth of evidence from past studies that physical activity has beneficial effects on neurocognitive functions, such as memory and regulatory control," says Mark Peterson, Ph.D., M.S., FACSM, assistant professor of physical medicine and rehabilitation at Michigan Medicine. "Essentially, those studies show that the physical activity alters the brain's aging trajectories to preserve cognitive health."

Peterson and colleagues were recently awarded a two-year grant from the University of Michigan's Exercise & Sport Science Initiative to further examine the role physical activity plays on the brain. The grant is one of four recently awarded by the U-M initiative to study physical activity.

A shortage of comprehensive analyses propelled the new effort.

"Those previous studies did not examine the effects in a large cohort," Peterson says. "We're hoping this study fills that knowledge gap and can validate and extend the previous claims."

Peterson and his U-M colleagues in psychiatry, Chandra Sripada, M.D., Ph.D., and computer science, Jenna Wiens, Ph.D., will obtain and study the cohort and data from the United Kingdom Biobank.

"The U.K. Biobank is the world's largest prospective epidemiological study," Peterson says. "It gathers extensive questionnaires and physical and cognitive measures from 500,000 participants."

"We'll be incorporating deep-learning techniques to predict brain age from raw neuroimaging, and will examine the independent effects of objectively measured physical activity on brain age and cognitive function in the cohort," he adds.

Peterson, also a member of the U-M Global Research, Education and Collaboration in Health and Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, spoke more about the study.

What made you decide to research this topic?

Peterson: There is a wealth of evidence that in middle-age and older individuals, physical activity has beneficial effects on neurocognitive functions (working memory, declarative memory, attention, etc.).

It has been conjectured that physical activity produces these effects by altering typical aging trajectories of critical brain circuits that underlie major cognitive functions. However, at this time, there have been no rigorous, large-scale studies to examine the effects of objectively measured physical activity on aging trajectories of the human brain.

What will be your focus?

Peterson: We expect to better understand the role of physical activity participation and dosage on deviations in brain health and cognitive function. It is now known that distinct brain circuits associated with specific neurocognitive functions exhibit distinct trajectories of change during aging.

Thus, we will generate maps of neurotypical change in order to assess how physical activity influences an individual's position along the expected aging trajectories. To generate these maps of neurotypical change, we will apply deep-learning methodologies.

How will your work differ from prior research efforts?

Peterson: Previous studies have used machine learning to predict brain age in various disease processes (e.g., Alzheimer's). However, this work will be the first ever to use deep-learning algorithms to better understand deviations in brain age by physical activity and functional profiles in otherwise healthy middle-aged adults.

Moreover, we will go substantially beyond previous studies in multiple ways:

The inclusion of participants from the world's largest epidemiologic study

Physical activity will be measured objectively (and not just by self-report)

Utilization of multimodal imaging (not just imaging of brain volume)

Examination of circuit-specific aging trajectories

Employment of advanced deep-learning methods for constructing brain age trajectories

Analyzing complex relationships between physical activity, brain aging and cognitive functioning to gain evidence about potential causal pathways

What are you hoping to accomplish?

Peterson: Our proposed study is poised to decisively answer two critical unanswered questions: What is the effect of physical activity on circuit-specific brain aging, and does this effect mediate the effect of physical activity on improved cognitive functioning?

We anticipate that this work will lead to subsequent cross-disciplinary collaboration within U-M to secure federal funds for prospectively studying the effects of exercise for physical and cognitive health preservation or improvements in adults with and without deficits.

Who might benefit most from this research?

Peterson: This work is poised to inform public health and clinical audiences regarding the benefits of exercise and physical activity on brain health. Therefore, we expect that our findings will support and bolster the movement for integrating recommendations for exercise in clinical care.
Strong or weak, big or small - variations in our genome play a decisive part in how our heart is shaped and works. Scientists of the German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK) together with an international consortium have identified ten new genetic variants associated with cardiac structure and function. The results contribute to the understanding of the complex pattern of genetic and environmental factors that underlies cardiovascular diseases and could thus form the basis for new therapies.

The paper published in The Journal of Clinical Investigation is a comprehensive meta-analysis of 30 population-based and hospital-based studies conducted by the international EchoGen Consortium. Headed by the DZHK sites Greifswald, Hamburg/Lubeck/Kiel and Rhine-Main, the scientists investigated whether certain features of the cardiac structure and function are associated with variations in the genome. Echocardiographic data of 46,533 participants predominantly of European ancestry were analysed for this purpose. The data contain information on the cardiac structure, e.g. left ventricular mass or aortic root diameter. Moreover, they comprise functional measurements of the systole, during which the heart pumps blood into the body, and the diastole, the phase when the heart fills with blood. A disturbance in both of these phases can cause cardiac insufficiency and thus, heart failure.

"For every single feature, we investigated whether there are genetic variants associated with this feature, and in a three-stage approach, we re-examined results from the first analysis in independent cohorts", Prof. Philipp Wild of the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz illustrates the complex study design. In this process, researchers focused on typical variations in the genome, so-called SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms). These are loci in the DNA strand where only a single building block (nucleotide) is modified. SNPs are distributed randomly throughout the whole genome, but on average they appear every 300 nucleotides. They are most commonly located in genomic regions that do not contain any information on the blueprint of proteins. These regions, however, can have regulatory functions, e.g., controlling how often a blueprint is read and implemented.

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Associations to cardiac structure and function

Seven of the identified genetic variations are associated with the size of the aortic root, i.e., the segment of the aorta closest to the left ventricle. Moreover, for four known genetic variants, the researchers could confirm that they are associated to this parameter. "The eleven genetic variants we have now identified account for only 1.7 percent of the differences in the size of the aortic root observed between individuals. That does not sound like a lot at first, but from another large genetic analysis we know that all SNPs known to date account for 30 percent of the inter-individual variance in the aortic root", Prof. Tanja Zeller, scientist of the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, explains the influence of genetic variants on the cardiac structure. Moreover, the researchers discovered two new genetic variants associated with the diameter of the left ventricle. An additional genetic factor is associated with the filling dynamics of the left ventricle which, for example, can be dysfunctional in the case of heart failure.

Important steps towards new therapies

For several of the investigated cardiac parameters, the scientists did not find any genetic variants. "There can be several reasons for this: either the genetic influence is too low that it was not discovered, or this is because we only focused on known SNPs and did not investigate the whole genome. So, having found nothing does not mean that there is no genetic influence", says Prof. Marcus Dorr, physician at University Medicine Greifswald.

Further functional studies have to clarify now how exactly the discovered genetic variants influence cardiac structure and function, since these could open up new possibilities for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Initial steps in this direction are currently being taken within the project group "Omics and Systems Medicine" established by the DZHK.
German police searched the offices of Daimler as part of their investigation into possible manipulation of emissions data by employees at the auto giant. Some 23 prosecutors and 230 police officers participated in the search of 11 sites in the states of Baden-Wuerttemberg, Berlin, Lower Saxony and Saxony, police said in a statement.



"The company is fully cooperating with the authorities," said Daimler, which owns Mercedes-Benz.



The group added that the investigation targeted "known and unknown employees of Daimler AG over suspicion of fraud" and misleading advertising related to the possible manipulation of exhaust gas emissions in passenger cars with diesel engines.



Germany's powerful automobile sector has been hard hit by revelations that car giant Volkswagen fitted emissions cheating devices into 11 million diesel engines worldwide. Since the scandal broke in September 2015, other carmakers have also come under scrutiny. VW has so far set aside more than 22 billion euros (USD 24.4 billion) to cover fines and compensation related to the fraud. But experts estimate that the final bill could be far higher.
The genesis and evolution of Prime Minister Narendra Modis one-of-a-kind public broadcasting show Mann Ki Baat will be unveiled on the eve of the third anniversary of his government in the presence of President Pranab Mukherjee, Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan and Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley.Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has written the preface for Mann Ki Baat - A Social Revolution on Radio, which will be presented to the President.Talking on a one-hour radio show once a month while addressing challenging tasks as Prime Minister requires tremendous efforts, and I cannot but feel his strong passion for dialogue with his people, Abe writes in the book.The book reveals names that were originally considered for the programme ranged from PM ke saath ru-ba-ru to Varta Modi Ji Ke Saath to Modi Vaani.When his officials went back to the PM with the issue of the nomenclature, Narendra Modi exclaimed, Arre isme kya hain? Kaho kuch halki phulki mann ki baaten karoonga, the book says, on how the architects of the programme arrived at the name Mann Ki Baat from a casual conversation with the PM.The book makes special mention of the letters from listeners. So, does PM Modi read all the letters written to him? Most certainly not. The volume is too much for me to do so. But the letters I read, I read word to word and even if I do not talk about them in the programme, I ensure that peoples issues are addressed or their thoughts are given active consideration, he is quoted as saying in the book.On why he chose radio as a medium, the PM says: I have been a quintessential organisation man all my life. I know the difference the radio can make. American Presidents used it well... So many people heard Martin Luther Kings I have a dream speech on the radio. It has a transformative power like no other medium.
As confusion over the marks moderation policy prevails, the CBSE is tight-lipped about when it is going to release the Class 12 results.Meanwhile, students across the country are worried about their future. It makes us much more tensed. College admissions will get delayed and this will become a problem, says Gayathri U, a student of Kendriya Vidyalaya DRDO, Bengaluru.The Delhi High Court had on Tuesday asked the CBSE to continue with the moderation policy and showed likeliness that the bench might order the policy to be scrapped from next year.When results are postponed, your stress level increases. Now that pre-university (PU) results are already out, they will get good seats but CBSE students might not, said a very concerned Nithya B.It is making me more and more nervous. My relatives are bothering me, asking about the results, said Aathira Menon, of Ryan International, Mayur Vihar Phase-III.The CBSE had not released an official date for the results but media reports and exam-tracking portals had said the results were likely to be declared on May 24.They must announce an official date. We keep assuming and there is confusion, said Malvika SV.There is too much pressure from parents, relatives and even those whom I do not know, said Tom Thomas of St. Mary's Senior Secondary School, Mayur Vihar Phase-III.The CBSE is creating a suspense. Will we get it (results) today or will we get it tomorrow? said Anns Rani Charlin also from St. Mary's Senior Secondary School, Mayur Vihar Phase-III.Sources in the CBSE, however, told CNN-News18 that the Board was yet to get the court order, passed on Tuesday. The order was likely to reach the CBSE at 10am after which the officials would take a decision on announcing the results, the source added.CBSE schools association head in Karnataka, M Srinivasan, told CNN-News18 that the results were unlikely to be declared on Wednesday as the results would be have been tabulated without moderation and would have to be re-tabulated after the court order.There seems to be a consensus among students over marks moderation with students saying that it was a necessary element and it should not scrapped."The decision to scrap the moderation policy came on April 24. We were taken aback as there was no prior information. Had they told us before we started preparations, it would have been a fair deal. This time the Maths exams pattern had changed. Physics and Maths were tough papers. We should be given grace marks," said Saloni Singhal, student of a CBSE board school in New Delhi.Karuna Bhatela from DAV Mausam Nagar also agreed with his batch-mates that the CBSEs decision to scrap the moderation policy was too sudden. Glad that the HC questioned the timing of it and has put it on hold. Our batch should not suffer by not getting grace marks when questions were tough," he saidThe Delhi High Court had on Monday termed as "unfair and irresponsible" the CBSE's decision to scrap its moderation policy. The decision, which would come into effect from this year, "would have a drastic effect on the students," a bench of Acting Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice Pratibha M Singh said.Shivani Sharma, student of RSKV New Delhi, said, "Batches before us had advantage of grace marks why should we not get it? This is bias. We were given no time to prepare according to the changed policy."Although most were all for it, Gayathri B believes that the moderation marks only affect the average student. For students who get 90 or 95%, the moderation does not matter. I feel moderation is needed only for students scoring average marks, she said.
New Delhi: Union Human Resource Development Minister Prakash Javadekar on Wednesday told News18 that the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) will continue to give grace marks, but spiking of marks beyond that will not be acceptable.



Clearing doubts around the moderation policy after a Delhi High Court order on Tuesday said the CBSE may choose to scrap the policy from next year, the HRD minister said, Its wrong on part of the school boards to inflate marks awarding of grace marks has logic but hiking of marks has no logic.



Javadekar said the Centre was reviewing the entire process of teaching in government schools across the country and called for better accountability of school teachers.



On the complaints of massive hike in fees of private schools, he said different states were following different methods to ensure that school fees isnt hiked beyond a limit. I am following all such decisions, said the minister.



The government is also set to change the policy of promoting students uninhibited till Class 9. We will have a system to detain a student either in Class 5 or in Class 8, said Javadekar.







When asked about various cases of corruption against RJD supremo Lalu Yadav and his family, HRD minister said he was not interested in the choice of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. But Lalu must answer allegations against him, he said.
BERLIN: German lawmakers cancelled a visit to Turkey where they had planned to talk to opposition lawmakers, governors and rights groups about last month's referendum, saying Ankara had refused to give them a security detail.



Claudia Roth, a Green Party lawmaker and vice president of the Bundestag (German lower house), said on Wednesday Turkish officials had informed her the German delegation would have neither access to parliament in Ankara nor security guards.



The visit's cancellation is likely to further strain relations between the two NATO allies that have deteriorated over Turkey's refusal to allow German parliamentarians access to troops based at the Incirlik air base.



"Yesterday we received the information that the highest level on the Turkish side considers that at the moment it is not suitable for German members of parliament to conduct political discussions in Turkey," Roth said.



"This is de facto a rejection of political dialogue. It is a red card for the German parliament."



A Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesman said: "At this stage, it was thought that it would be better if this visit did not take place, and the demanded meetings were not scheduled for this reason." The spokesman declined to comment why it would be better to cancel the visit.



Turkey has refused permission for German lawmakers to visit Incirlik, where roughly 250 German soldiers are stationed as part of the coalition against Islamic State militants.



Defence Minister Ursula von der Leyen has said she is looking for an alternative base for the troops and that Jordan is an option.



The parliamentary delegation headed by Roth had also wanted to meet the governor of Diyarbakir, the main city in Turkey's mainly Kurdish southeast.



Relations between the two countries soured in the run-up to Turkey's April 16 referendum that approved an increase in President Tayyip Erdogan's powers, which alarmed Western allies concerned about a drift towards authoritarian rule in Ankara.



Erdogan angered German and European officials by accusing Germany of "Nazi-like" tactics after some local authorities, citing safety concerns, cancelled rallies of expatriate Turks to be attended by Turkish ministers to campaign for the referendum.
Kolkata: Bangladesh on Tuesday has once again raised the Teesta water issue and expressed hope that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will resolve the matter soon.



Speaking to the reporters on the sidelines of a seminar on Inland Waterways Transport in India and Coastal Shipping Summit in Kolkata, Bangladesh shipping minister Shahjahan Khan said, We are facing a lot of problem without the Teesta water. We are hopeful that the state CM will give the matter a second thought.



Khan  who came to India on Monday - will be in Kolkata till May 26 and is likely to meet Mamata.



Inland water transport between Bangladesh and India would lead to regional connectivity, effective transportation, increase employment opportunities of people, and also give more impetus to trade and commerce, he said, adding that the two sub regions of India and Bangladesh were bonded by common history, culture and rich heritage.



During 1996 to 2001 under the leadership of Sheikh Hasina there was an increase in the number of fleets, ferries and cargo vessels and from 2009 onwards there was an increase in the total number of dredgers. In order to strengthen bilateral relations, both countries agreed to adopt the standard operating procedure (SOP), Khan said while expressing hope that soon Teesta water issue will be resolved by the Indian government.



On April 8, Prime Minister Narendra Modi promised his counterpart Sheikh Hasina that he will resolve the Teesta issue soon. Soon after Modis assurance, Mamata met him and Hasina at Rashtrapati Bhawan and said there was not enough water in Teesta to share and suggested sharing water from Torsa.
These three Benches were supposed to hear cases on validity of triple talaq, right to privacy for WhatsApp and Facebook users, and the issue of providing Indian citizenship to children of illegal migrants.

CJI Khehars Bench remained the only one that could go the whole hog and complete what it started. This Bench continued hearings for six days to conclude the arguments and reserve it for judgment.

Did Chief Justice of India JS Khehars attempt to send out a message on judiciarys readiness to give up long summer vacation crumble down?Even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi applauded top judiciarys resolve to shorten their vacation to tackle mounting pendency, it seems the CJIs ambitious plan could not take off quite well.Consider this: Out of three Constitution Benches that were supposed to hear important issues of law during the 45-day-long vacation, one could not sit even for a day whereas another Bench wrapped up in two days, adjourning the case for July. The only case that could be heard, incidentally, remains the one where the CJI himself headed the Bench.The summer break in the Supreme Court began on May 11 and it will end on June 30. The duration of vacations are fixed by high courts or the Supreme Court through rules and regulations, not by the government. The 2013 Supreme Court rules lay down that the period of the summer vacation shall not exceed seven weeks, and the top court is availing it for the entire seven weeks.According to sources, the first resistance to sitting in the vacation came from an insider  Supreme Court judge J Chelameswar. The judge reportedly was indisposed to sit in the vacation to hear a clutch of cases relating to validity of Aadhaar.Justice Chelameswar has to head the five-judge Constitution Bench to examine challenges to Aadhaar. The CJI wanted this matter to be heard along with three other Constitution Bench cases during the vacation. But Justice Chelameswar did not play along. He put his foot down, and reportedly made it clear much before the vacation set in that he would not be in the country for most part of the break.Subsequently, on March 30, Justice Khehar declared that he has approved three separate Constitution Benches during the vacation to examine issues, which if not heard now, will not be decided for years.These three Benches were supposed to hear cases on validity of triple talaq, right to privacy for WhatsApp and Facebook users in India, and the issue of providing Indian citizenship to children of illegal migrants born in this country.While the CJI himself led the Bench for adjudicating triple talaq, Justice Dipak Misra was to head the Bench on users privacy policy of WhatsApp. The third Bench was to be presided over by Justice Madan B Lokur.All three Benches sat on two occasions before the break so as to devise modalities of the proceedings. But the judges had excruciating time in convincing the lawyers to stay with them during the vacation.The first case to fizzle out was the one relating to the citizenship of illegal migrants. Senior lawyers said that most of them were appearing in the other two Constitution Bench cases as well, and so they could not remain present before all three Benches at the same time. They also complained against a departure from a convention that cases are fixed in vacation after the consent of the lawyers.Another argument was about retirement of Justice PC Ghose, who was a part of this Bench. It was pointed out that Justice Ghose will retire later in May and if the hearing does not conclude before the date of his retirement, it will have to be heard all over again by a new Bench. Faced with lawyers resistance, this Bench had to let go the idea of sitting during the vacation.Similar arguments were made by a bunch of senior lawyers before the second Bench, led by Justice Misra, as well. Justice Misra, however, convinced the lawyers to begin the arguments and said the court would defer the case after a day or two.But in the process of preceding with the WhatsApp case, a vital point of law was sacrificed. This Bench said that it would not examine right to privacy even though PIL petitioners had cited breach of this right as the most brazen violation WhatsApp committed in allegedly accessing, reading and sharing messages of its users.Despite giving up a debate on such an important issue, the Bench could sit only for two days during which all it heard was whether the PIL in such a matter was maintainable or not. But even this preliminary issue could not be settled during the two-day proceeding.CJI Khehars Bench remained the only one that could go the whole hog and complete what it started. This Bench continued hearings for six days to conclude the arguments and reserve it for judgment.Not to forget, it was a Constitution Bench, headed by Justice Khehar again, which had heard the arguments on the validity of the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) in the summer vacation on 2015.Thus, Justice Khehars willingness to cut down on his vacation is beyond any shadow of doubts. However, to make a plan such as this successful, the CJI would need a deft plan with all his brother and sister judges coming on board. The first judge of the apex court will require an unflinching support of the senior lawyers too because able assistance of the counsel in cases of constitutional importance is a pre-requisite for good judgments. So, even as Justice Khehar has made a beginning, it is going to be a long road ahead where all stakeholders in the justice delivery system would need to come forward for sharing the weight of an overburdened judiciary.
New Delhi: The Income Tax department on Wednesday carried out searches at the premises of four Uttar Pradesh-based bureaucrats, including two IAS officers, in connection with a probe on tax evasion.



Several I-T teams have covered at least 15 premises of the officers in Lucknow, Noida, Greater Noida, Meerut, Baghpat, Mainpuri and Delhi since early morning, officials said.



The officers against whom action was being taken were IAS officer and Director (Health) Hriday Shankar Tewari, IAS officer and Additional CEO of Greater Noida Authority V K Sharma and his wife and Regional Transport Officer (RTO) Mamta Sharma, and Special Secretary (Prisons) S K Singh.



The I-T officials said the department had been investigating charges of tax evasion against them.



The department had carried out similar raids against some other UP bureaucrats last month.
New Delhi: A Chinese academician has set off alarm bells as he claimed that India was now home to the worlds largest number of people.



According to Chinese academician and demographer Yi Fuxian, Chinas population may not be 1.37 billion, as official numbers state, and actually be closer to 1.29 billion, which is less than Indias population.



"China's real population may have been about 1.29 billion last year, which is around 90 million fewer people than the official figure released by the National Bureau of Statistics," reports quoted Yi Fuxian, a scholar and demographer at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, as saying at a seminar in Peking University on Monday.



He added that India, with more than 1.3 billion people, was now the worlds most populous country, thus overtaking China five years ahead of its forecast.



There were 377.6 million new births from 1991 to 2016, which is less than the official figure of 464.8 million, he was quoted as saying. The scholar has been a critic of the Chinese governments family planning measures and had previously voiced concerns of an ageing population crisis in China.



Yi is not the only one who has said that Chinas population was overstated. The government has overestimated the birth rate and simultaneously underestimated the speed of demographic changes, reports quoted Li Jianxin, a demographer at Peking University, as saying.



Indian demographers, on the other hand, had a different story to tell.



China is still the most populated country, but India will overtake them by 2015, reports quoted Indian demographer Laushram Ladu Singh from Mumbai International Institute for Population Sciences as saying.



Indias population which currently stands at around 1.3 billion has increased fourfold since its independence. The World Health Organization has projected Indias population to hit 1.7 billion by the year 2015 and then begin to decline.
New Delhi: In the past five months, the Bahujan Samaj Party has suffered mass defections, a rout in UP Assembly polls and hostility from an expelled party leader. But its latest challenge may be the toughest it has faced so far. Thats because it comes as a direct threat to the political career of party supremo  Mayawati.



Bhim Armys founder Chandrashekhar Azad, who led a massive show of strength in the capital on Sunday, comes from West UP, which was also the initial political training ground for Mayawati.



More crucially, he is a Jatav Dalit, just like Mayawati, and his popularity among Mayawatis core vote base is a cause of concern for the BSP. One could add a third but minor point  he is a lawyer just like Mayawati.



The BSP supremos nervousness at the growing popularity of the two years old outfit  Bhim Army  was visible during her visit to Saharanpur on May 23. Speaking outside Ravidas temple, the desecration of whose idol has sparked a month-long caste riot, she said, Dalits often form smaller outfits to celebrate their icons and that makes it easier for the BJP to oppress them. I appeal to you to celebrate Baba Sahebs anniversary and Ravidas Jayanti on the BSPs platform. If you join the party, the Bharatiya Janata Party will never dare to raise a finger against you.



But for many young Dalits in Saharanpur, Mayawatis speech on Tuesday was too little, too late.



In two years, Azad has been able to create an organisation, whose membership he claims is more than 40,000, from the same vote base which was nurtured and patronised by Mayawati for over two decades.



Senior leaders in the party are worried but they wont admit it. Party spokespersons refused to comment on Bhim Army or Chandrashekhar Azad. But one senior leader, wishing not to be identified, claimed that Bhim Army was nothing but a social phenomenon.



Show me where is Bhim Army? They are scattered across the internet. As far as Sundays protest is concerned, arranging a crowd is not a big deal but sustaining the momentum is. Look at what happened to Jignesh Mevani.



When asked to comment on the rumour circulating around Azad and his movement, that they are being propped up by a rival party, he said, why not. All the signs are there.



Mayawati, who has increasingly confined herself to her Lucknow residence, instead of being always present among the masses, like her earlier self, did not go to Saharanpur only address Dalit grievances. In her hurry to go to Saharanpur on road, when denied permission to travel on a chopper, she betrayed signs of nervousness, of worry that Azad would expand and consolidate his base in Saharanpur and beyond.



Her party leaders may be dismissing Azad as a passing fad, but she knows with municipal elections coming up in UP, Azads rising popularity would only happen at the cost of BSP.
New Delhi: Former Bihar Chief Minister Lalu Prasad Yadavs daughter Misa Bharti and her husband Shailesh Kumar have been summoned by the Income Tax Department for questioning.



This is political vendetta. All of these are baseless rumours. It is Sushil Kumar Modi who is spreading the rumours. We will respond to the notice, said RJD leader Mrityunjay Tiwari.



ED, CBI, I-T and all such investigation agencies are parroting the governments view, alleged Tiwari.



Responding to the allegations, BJP Sushil Kumar Modi said, It is very surprising to hear the RJD accusing me of spreading rumours. If there is corruption happening, it is my duty to speak about it. How is the government not supposed to take any action against corruption?



Do you think the charges against Lalu and his family are fictitious? There are so many allegations against them, all of which are true. I request the agencies to fast-track the investigation on them, said Modi.



On Tuesday, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested a Chartered Accountant in its probe into a Rs 8,000 crore money laundering case. CA Rajesh Agarwal is allegedly connected to RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadavs daughter Misa Bharti.







Agarwal has been arrested under provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and will be produced in court on Tuesday, said I-T officials.



Agarwal was allegedly instrumental in providing accommodation entries to many high-profile people to help launder their funds. These included those being probed by the Income Tax Department in the Rs 1,000 crore benami land deals case allegedly linked to Lalu Prasad's family, an official said.


Today marks the 50th anniversary of the Naxalbari uprising, which has been mythologized as the fount from which Indian Maoism emerged. On May 24, 1967 an unarmed police party was attacked by armed peasants in North Bengal. Those events have left a deep imprint on the Indian state.Dilip Simeon was a college student in the late 60s and deeply inspired by the revolutionary churn. He joined the Naxalite movement in 1970, left it in 1972 in the wake of the Bangladesh crisis, and has been an observer even since. In a conversation with News18, Simeon recounted the momentous events of the past half century.There are two ideological strands of Indian Maoism. One is an offshoot of the Indian Communist Movement and this movement was heavily Stalinized. There was an insurrectionary wing within the Communist movement. The first such event was the Telangana uprising, which was explicitly conceived by certain Communist leaders as being the harbinger of a Maoist style revolution in India. Telangana was referred to as the Yanan of India, because of the impact of the Chinese revolution, which had just succeeded. It was the CPI which launched the Telangana movement. This movement was put an to end on the orders of Stalin. Some top leaders of the Communist Party visited Moscow and finally, after some years, the entire ambience of insurrection that surrounded the Telangana movement was put an end to on the orders of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union that this kind of adventurism will not succeed and the Communist movement should work within Nehruvian democracy.Even then there were people who disagreed with that. Arms were buried to use at a future date. The extremist wing within the Communist movement remained and this fault line in the Communist movement is marked by a difference between immediate insurrection and an inclination to work within Parliamentary democracy. The CPI always had this internal division, which goes back to deeper fault lines about the difference between the Russian revolution and the Chinese revolution, the Sino-Soviet split of the early 1960s and more.This fault line was again brought to the fore during the Sino-Indian conflict of 1962. There was a split even then between those who sided with China and those who opposed the Chinese military action. That marked the beginning of the split that led to the emergence of the CPI(M) from the CPI. When the parties split, the extremist factions (which were pro Maoist) were in the CPI(M). The CPI(M) was an uneasy home for many disparate tendencies.With the advent of the Communists in the United Front government in Bengal, various jotdars and middle level land owners in Bengal began to take aggressive action as a protective measure for themselves because they thought there might be land reform. There was a lot of tension in the class relations in the country side.1966-67 was a period of intense class warfare in Bengal. This led to the emergence of the more articulate nature of the Naxalite ideology. There was a section within the CPI(M) which was calling for immediate action. Kanu Sanyal had a trade union in North Bengal in Siliguri subdivision and Charu Mazumdar was an ideologue who was the district committee head of Darjeeling. Kanus movement became the basis for the Naxalbari uprising in May 1967.There were a series of incidents, not just one, throughout May 1967. On May 24 a police party, which wasnt armed, was attacked and a policeman killed. The next day the police took retaliatory action in which many peasants were killed. There was also seizure of grain and confrontations between peasants and landlords.May 24 is an arbitrary and iconized date. There was a series of events. May 24 was an attack by peasants and tribals on policemen, so it is taken to be the iconic date because it signifies in the mythology of Naxalism an armed action by the people against the state. They interpreted this event as the start of a peasant revolution along Chinese and Maoist lines that would culminate in the formation of a peoples army which would overthrow the State. It was taken to be a confrontation by an insurrectionary peasantry against a semi-feudal, semi-colonial state. These adjectives are added on by ideology. What ideological spin you give it is your choice.Simeon's novel 'Revolution Highway' (Picture: Tushar Dhara)Thereafter, Charu Majumdar converted this event into a signifier of a theoretically conceived idea he had of India undergoing a peasant democratic revolution.Basically, the ideology was that Indian independence was a fraud and that Constitution, legal system and elections were fraudulent and that India was a semi-feudal and semi-colonial country much like China had been in the 1920s. The attempt was to cast India in the theoretical format that the Chinese Communist Party had cast China in the 1920s. In short, India in the 60s was what China had been in the 20s and 30s, according to this vision. Always there is an attempt to use some pre-existing model and impose it on Indian reality, which shows a subjugated mentality and that people are not thinking for themselves.The CPI(ML) began to break up within a year of being set up in 1969 because of a major geopolitical confrontation, the Bangladesh war. The CPI(ML) was being used by the Chinese for their own political aspirations. The Chinese government was furious that Pakistan was being broken up. There was an uprising and guerrilla warfare going on in Bangladesh, but it wasnt a Maoist uprising, it was a Bengali nationalist uprising. Many Naxalites were attracted to it, but the party took the Chinese line which was basically supporting the Pakistani army. This cause a terrible moral, political and ethical crisis for the Maoist movement and it collapsed. It was smashed, physically and ideologically.If it arose again, there are powerful reasons for it. There is always room for ultra left, ultra right and extremist ideologies in any democracy, but why do they get traction?The Maoist movement thereafter grew in Bihar, where it hadnt grown before. In Bihar there were places where there was severe repression by landed classes. The reasons for a violent and extremist ideology to persist is that violence is an aspect of class existence in the villages. The Indian ruling class do not respect the rights of citizens, or the notion of human dignity as envisaged in the Constitution. This has contributed to the violence of extremist left wing ideologies of resistance.After the Naxals grew in Bihar, you find private vigilante armies like the Sunlight Sena and Ranveer Sena. There were vicious movements which were enabled by the State or armed by the State. The Salwa Judum is nothing new. There is a long tradition of crushing popular movements that are non-violent and within the bounds of the Constitution.A socialist movement has to hold itself to a higher moral standard than the behavior of the ruling classes. A theoretical and logical framework where violence becomes the crux of your activism is self-defeating. You are basically annihilating people. Its a form of vigilantism where you take the law into your own hands. Its a tyrannical politics, which can rebound on you. Thats why the Naxalites have attacked so many people from within their own ranks.Factionalism is inherent in Leninism because of the doctrine that the Party is always right, which basically means that the leader is always right. Over and above that there is the violence, where you start annihilating people and over and above that is the inertia inherent when you put up an army or vigilante force. You have to get into the act of logistical support, communications and collection of money, arms, ordnance. The whole thing becomes self-sustaining and generating. You become a mirror image of the system you oppose. You replicate tyranny, authority, whimsical killings without having a trial, without human rights. There is no human rights commission within the Maoist movement. Most of the people they have killed are who they deem informers, more than the number of capitalists, landlords and police. Violence is not justified either politically or morally. The best defense against Naxalism is the implementation of the Constitution, but the ruling class is not interested. In fact, it is not the Maoists who will succeed in overthrowing the Constitution, but the RSS which will succeed in overthrowing the Constitution.The Maoists are always going to be on the retreat, but they cannot be completely crushed because theyve successfully learned the art of guerilla warfare in some areas. Between the Maoists and the state machinery, theyve wrought havoc in those areas. If you [the Naxalites] kill 25 or 75 people in a CRPF camp what the reaction is going to be. The government will send another 75. If it comes to resources they can conjure up more resources than you. But they will come down with a heavy hand on the local people.
Islamabad: The Islamabad High Court on Wednesday allowed an Indian woman, who has sought refuge at the Indian mission in the after accusing a Pakistani man of forcibly marrying her, to return to India, a media report said.



Uzma, in her early 20s, had travelled to Pakistan earlier this month. She has said that Pakistani national Tahir Ali "forced" her to marry him at gun point.



Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kiyani was hearing pleas filed by Uzma and Ali. While Uzma had requested to be repatriated to India, Ali had asked to be allowed to meet his wife.



The HC assured Uzma, who hails from New Delhi, that she was free to return to India at any point and would be escorted to the Wagah Border with police security, Dawn newspaper reported.



During the hearing, the judge asked Uzma if she wished to speak to her husband but she refused.



She has alleged that her travel documents were stolen by Ali.



Uzma had petitioned the court on May 12 with the request and had submitted a medical report, showing that her daughter was suffering from thalassemia - an inherited blood disorder characterised by abnormal hemoglobin production - and she urgently needed to return to India.







Uzma and Ali reportedly met in Malaysia and fell in love,after which she travelled to Pakistan on May 1 via the Wagah Border. The two contracted nikkah (marriage) on May 3.
A day after the Indian Army released a video of proactive attacks on Pakistan army posts, Pakistan Air Force jets reportedly flew over Siachen glacier on Wednesday morning.The Indian Air Force has, however, categorically rejected the reports of any such flight over Siachen.A report in the Pakistan media said that all operating bases of the Pakistan Air Force had been made operational. According to the report, Chief of Air Staff Sohail Aman paid a visit to the forward airbase in Skardu on Wednesday. He was said to have been accompanied by the top brass of the Pakistan Air Force.The report in Pakistan media further said that Aman met pilots and the technical staff and a fighter squadron soon carried out higher and lower attitude flights. Aman, himself, is said to have flown over the region.The move comes a day after a video clip, provided by Army sources, showed heavy artillery bombing on Pakistani bunkers.Indian Army spokesperson Major General Ashok Narula said Pakistan Army has been supporting armed infiltration in Kashmir and targeted attacks have been carried out to put an end to such activities.Earlier on Tuesday, Pakistans Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Qamar Javed Bajwa had said that the military would give a befitting response to the enemy in case of any aggression across the LoC.
Six months since the historic demonetisation of the Rs 1000 and Rs 500 notes, ISI has managed to copy at least 10 of the 17 features.

Sources further said that these notes were being printed in three particular areas of Bangladesh.

The first set of fake notes started coming into the country around December 2016. In January, the BSF caught the first bunch of fake Rs 2000 notes in Malda and since then over Rs 20 lakh worth of fake notes have been seized in this belt.



Officials have now confirmed to CNN-News18 that, for the first time, these notes are now being printed in Bangladesh and on Bangladeshi stamp paper.

The BSF officials say the 18-kilometer border in Malda-Murshidabad is the most vulnerable area, where the forces are said to have a round the clock vigil which has helped them in getting hold of a number of consignments coming in from Bangladesh.

Locals say over 400 youths are engaged in the fake currency smuggling racket in the border villages like Churianpur and others which fall under the KaliaChak police station.

With infiltration and ceasefire violation becoming the order of the day, it would be safe to say that the western front of India is, at the moment, engaged in almost an active combat.The eastern front, on the other hand, is not far behind with respect to turmoil and nefarious designs by Indias immediate neighbours.Indias eastern front is being used as a base by the ISI and its paid agents of Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen, Bangladesh for another form of terror.The 18-kilometer stretch on the Indo-Bangla border has become the hub of the economic terror unleashed by the ISI, with over 80% of fake notes entering the country from this border.Six months since the historic demonetisation of the Rs 1000 and Rs 500 notes, ISI has managed to copy at least 10 of the 17 features.The first set of fake notes started coming into the country around December 2016. In January, the BSF caught the first bunch of fake Rs 2000 notes in Malda and since then over Rs 20 lakh worth of fake notes have been seized in this belt.There has been a major shift in the business of printing the fake notes as well. Before demonetisation, fake notes were printed by Pakistan's ISI in Karachi. Officials have now confirmed to CNN-News18 that, for the first time, these notes are now being printed in Bangladesh and on Bangladeshi stamp paper.So far, the fake currency that we have seized in Malda are printed on the Bangladeshi stamp paper and this gives us reason to believe that the notes are being made in Bangladesh. Its safe to say that there has been a change in strategy, says PSR Anjaneyulu, IG BSF South Bengal Frontier.Sources further said that these notes were being printed in three particular areas of Bangladesh. The headquarters of fake currency business is Chapai-Nawabgunj, which shares the border with Malda. These notes are also being printed in in Mirpur and at two printing hubs in Chittagong.The counterfeit currency comes from these printing presses to Shibganj from the Bangladesh side of the border. There are three key operators here, including a professor in a local college situated near the border. These operatives are actively backed by the Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen.At these presses, these notes are packed into small packets and thrown across the barbed Indian fences. This is where the local coolies become active. These coolies are often young boys, who are quick in movements, and even if they are caught, they are protected by the Juvenile Justice Act. Most of these boys have a family member living and working in other parts of India, who help in distributing the money to the ISI sleeper cells across the country.These notes are instantly handed over to the fresh handlers who use the rail link to move to various parts of the country like Punjab, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and Delhi, among other areas.How did this small border town famous for its mangoes become the hub of the fake note racket?As per the RBI estimates, over 80% of the fake notes in circulation come from here. The BSF officials say the 18-kilometer border in Malda-Murshidabad is the most vulnerable area, where the forces are said to have a round the clock vigil which has helped them in getting hold of a number of consignments coming in from Bangladesh.Even with the vigil, it is hard to ignore the fact that these are extremely porous borders. Those staying here have families on either side of it and work to meet their ends meet. The fact that the villages on the borders are one of the most backward areas in West Bengal only adds to Maldas rising base for the fake currency racket.Local intelligence suggests while these border houses act as the mainstay of smuggling, the bosses of the syndicate are mainly in Kaliachak and Malda town areas.The locals get a commission of Rs 1,000 for every fake note consignment of Rs 1 lakh. That is a lot of money as compared to the mere Rs 300 that we earn by working in the fields, said Muklesur Rehman, a local.Locals say over 400 youths are engaged in the fake currency smuggling racket in the border villages like Churianpur and others which fall under the KaliaChak police station.Less than an hour from the border is the railway station, with connecting trains to Delhi, Mumbai, Lucknow, Bangalore and Trivandrum, which makes it easier for transportation across India.Poverty has ensured that people in this area play into the hands of the diabolical ISI, in spite of the looming threat of arrest.We earn three to four times more than we earn from an honest days at work, locals told News18. Money, at the end of the day, will feed our families.
In an epoch-defining moment in Indian foreign policy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi would be the first Indian Head of the Government to visit Israel. In his two-day visit starting July 5, the PM will visit Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, during the course of which India and Israel are slated to sign agreements on defence, agriculture, water conservation and innovation/start-ups.



CNN-News18s Sumit Pande spoke to Dr Vijay Chauthaiwale, the head of BJP's Foreign Policy Department. The microbiologist who is said to have created the Madison Square template for Modis foreign trips says that UPA may have kept Indias relationship with Israel under the radar due to vote bank politics.



PM Modi would be the first head of the government to visit Israel. This comes almost 25 years after India established diplomatic ties with Israel. Do you think BJPs ascension to power has expedited this transformation in ties between the two countries?



VC: I think, yes. But the ties improved even during Vajpayee era when Areal Sheron became the first Israeli Prime Minister to visit India. We as a party were always vocal about Israel. We were always supportive of the cause of Israel. But may be the UPA for some reasons or vote bank politics tried to keep it under the radar. We are not shy about it.



It does not mean we do not value our relationship with the Arab countries, but we give equal weight-age to Israeli partnership. We have had close ties with Israel in many areas, including defence.



It was not visible earlier though.



VC: It was not visible and now we need to take it to the next level. By next level, I mean to say that it has to be taken to business to business and people to people level.



In the process are we also de-hyphenating our relations with Palestine?



VC: Yes, that is correct. We have always supported the cause of Palestine, but a partnership with Israel has many dimensions. So every time when we link the two, it impedes our attempts to take our ties with Israel to the next level. At the same time, we value our ties with Palestine. Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas was recently in New Delhi.



Does it affect our relations in the Arab nations?



VC: I dont think so. In the last three years, Prime Minister Modi has visited nearly all major Arab countries. Both Saudi Arabia and Iran gave their highest civilian awards to our Prime Minister. The UAE Crown Prince was the chief guest at our Republic Day function this year.



India and Israel, it seems, are collaborating extensively in the defence sector?



VC: I am not privy to any decisions being taken in government to government interactions. But yes, a few days back I did read a media report about some 600 million dollar deal to co-produce Barak missiles.



Do you see our growing relationship as a factor in dealing with Indias immediate neighbours  Pakistan and China?



VC: Well, there is always a web of interactions that take place and there is no one to one correlation; or one to one diplomacy. But beyond that, I do not want to comment on it.



Would the Prime Minister be interacting with the Indian diaspora during his Israel visit?



VC: There is a convention being planned for which registrations have are already open. This would be held in Tel Aviv on July 5. Prime Minister will address the Indian diaspora after a cultural program.



There are about 80-90 thousand Jews who have migrated from India since Independence from areas around Mumbai, Cochin and recently from the North East. Some of these communities have preserved their cultural moorings. For example, some of the Jews from Mumbai speak Marathi and celebrate Ganesh Utsav.



Then there are 8,000-10,000 nurses from Kerala who work for elderly care. About 500 students from India study in Israeli universities. And about 30-40 Gujarati families in trading in diamonds live in Israel.
Mumbai: The wife of a police inspector, who was the part of the team which probed the sensational Sheena Bora murder case, was found dead inside her house in Santa Cruz area in the city on Tuesday night.



The victim, Deepali Ganore, is the wife of police inspector Dyaneshwar Ganore, who has now been transferred to the CBI.



Police sources said, the killer wrote a threat with the blood of cop's wife - 'Tired of her, catch me and hang'. He also made a smiley emoticon with her blood.



An offence of murder was registered against unidentified persons at Vakola Police Station on Wednesday morning.



Deepali was found dead in Prabhat Colony and police suspect that someone known to the family may be behind the murder.



The 42-year-old cop is attached with Khar police station.



According to police, when Ganore returned home on Tuesday night after finishing his duty, he found the doors of his apartment locked from inside.







He tried to call his wife but her cell phone was switched off. Later, he opened the flat himself from outside and found Deepali lying in a pool of blood, police said.



Ganore immediately contacted the Police Control Room to inform about the killing, they said. Investigations are underway and further details are awaited.



(With PTI inputs)




The 18-kilometre stretch on the Indo-Bangla border near Malda has become the hub of the economic terror unleashed by the ISI, with over 80% of fake notes entering the country from this border.



CNN-News18 spoke to Bangladeshs Information Minister Hasanul Haq about Pakistan-sponsored economic terrorism originating from his country.



Here are edited excerpts:



Q: Do you realise that the extremist elements in Bangladesh are now being used by Pakistan to create terror against India?

A: Well, I have listened to your report, as a matter of policy of the Bangladeshi government, led by Sheikh Hasina, we are very serious not to allow anybody to use us to do any sort of subversive activities against our great neighbour India. That is why for the last six months our law enforcing agencies have cracked down on these Pakistani elements and Pakistani citizens. They have been arrested and are now in jail in Bangladesh for production and distribution of fake currency.



Q: Do you give an assurance that you are going to try and track them down and take action against these extremist elements which are now being used by Pakistan against India?

A: Yes, definitely. Bangladeshs policy is against the cross-border terrorism and we have zero tolerance for any Pakistani national who is involved in production and distribution of fake currency. Already, many Pakistani citizens are in jail and we have been successful in tracking down these people.



Q: Bangladesh has also been a victim of terror. This (fake currency nexus) shows Pakistans desperation that when they are unable to attack us from the west, they are trying to bring in terror through the east. Have you also tried to speak to the Pakistani authorities and raise the issue with them about how they are using Bangladeshs soil to export terror?

A: The Foreign Ministry has already raised this issue with the Pakistani High Commissioner about Pakistani citizens on Bangladesh soil indulging in anti-India activities. We are looking forward to an answer. As you know, Pakistan has been responsible for harbouring terrorism for many years. It is a problem faced by every country neighbouring Pakistan.



Q: After this expose by CNN-News18, will you again get in touch with the Pakistani authorities and give this as an example or a proof that how Bangladeshis and Bangladesh is being used in attacks against India?

A: Yes, the point is that the there is a joint cell special post in Delhi. We are looking forward for the exclusive report from Indian authorities. We can then take up the issue with the Pakistani authorities.



Q: The CNN-News18 report also gives you yet another proof. You are going to use that proof won't you?

A: We will definitely use your documents, we will use your reports but we need an exclusive report from the Indian authorities through our counterpart from the ministry. It is good for us to talk with evidence in hand.



Q: Sources say that Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh and Jamaat-e-Islami have been actively helping the ISI. So, are the Bangladesh Border Guards and other agencies taking action against these elements which are a threat to your country also?

A: Our border force is very active and our special force is also on its toes since the last one month. 65 people have been killed in direct confrontation with the law enforcing agencies. So be it Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh or Jamaat-e-Islami, we are pursuing a zero tolerance policy on terrorism and the export of fake currency to India.



Q: Going back to the point where you said that you are going to use the CNN-News18 report as proof against Pakistan and raise the issue with them.

A: CNN-News18s report will help us to formulate evidence but we need an official response from the Indian side to our counterpart in the Home Ministry. That will be more effective, to talk to the respective Pakistani authorities.



Q: You have very good equations with the West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and this fake currency racket is operating in Malda. Have you raised this issue with Mamata, highlighting how Malda is being used as a hub?



A: Since Narendra Modi came to power, Indian authorities have set up a special committee regarding these overt, covert and subversive activities to share information and be on a 24-hour alert. If anything like this happens, information is shared between officials of the two countries.



Q: Does this also worry you, because Bangladesh has also been a victim of terror. And these elements targeting Bangladesh and India.

A: The Bangladesh government has taken up the issue time and again with the Pakistani authorities asking them not to interfere in internal affairs of our country.



Q: What response have you got, any assurance from the Pakistani side?

A: Well, the response is very negative at the moment. They are not responding to the diplomats in Bangladesh, in spite of Pakistanis being caught with fake currency in Dhaka and being in jail. No response from the Pakistani authorities shows that they are not interested in tackling terror.



Q: This is exactly the problem which India faces. Do you think our reports will be substantial proof, in addition to the ones you have already given to Pakistan?

A: Definitely, it is a substantial proof but the Indian and Bangladeshi governments should take up the issue very seriously. Individually and jointly also.



Q: Why do you think Malda is being used as a hub? Why is this particular area being targeted and why are Bangladeshi elements being used?

A: Since the last one year things have improved. We have been able in tackling Pakistani networks successfully and in a covert way. So, I think we will handle this fake currency network also. Bangladesh is very serious about destroying these hideouts. On terrorism, smuggling, cross-border illegal trade we will cooperate with the Indian authorities.



Q: Has your government contacted Mamata Banerjee. Have you raised the issue of Malda?

A: Its not the question of Malda, West Bengal is our neighbour. The whole issue has been discussed.



Q: By Malda, I mean the border you share with West Bengal and the equation, which is even more important.

A: We know those areas (Malda) are vulnerable so we have given special attention and the law enforcing agencies are very active on the border. So that they dont go to India through the zone.
Image: Reuters Pictrues

This beautiful moment #aishwaryarai photo @dayaruci #cannes2017 A post shared by Dayaruci (@dayaruci) on May 23, 2017 at 4:12am PDT

Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan is not an amateur figure at the Cannes red carpet and her looks from the 70th edition of the film festival hold a testimony to that. The actress was trusted to bring the magic of Cannes back to the fore and to the delight of fashion connoisseurs, she didn't disappoint.She opted for varied ensembles during her 2-day visit to the French Riviera and made an iconic appearance when she sashayed down the red carpet in an icy blue Michael Cinco Cinderella-esque couture gown. But as it turns out, Aishwarya wasn't the only one to channel her inner princess.Her daughter Aaradhya gave Aishwarya a tough competition when she decided to twirl her way through. Dressed in a pink gown, the three-year-old along with her ever-gorgeous mother, looked like a princess straight out of a fairytale.In one of the recent pictures doing the rounds of social media, the two make for just the perfect mother-daughter duo as they strike a pose for the shutterbugs.Quite interestingly, in a recent interview Aishwarya spoke at length about Aaradhya's comfort with the paparazzi."There are certain things in her (Aaradhya) that make me smile... Like when fans come to me with a selfie request, at times she photo bombs them. At times, she asks me, 'Mamma, not me na?' as she knows I keep requesting shutterbugs not to click her pictures. In fact, the recent airport photo that you all have seen her waving at in, has a story. When I saw the picture, I asked her, Whom were you waving your hands at?'. She said, No Mumma, I was telling them, no no, no photo please!'. Isn't it cute? She is very spontaneous."Well, I think yes, as she understands the fact that we get photographed everywhere we go, at the airport, outside our house. She knows that we go places and sees our posters everywhere. I think Aaradhya is quite aware, but I do not sit down and talk about these things," she added.(With inputs from IANS)
Mumbai: Actress Manisha Koirala, who is making her comeback with the forthcoming film Dear Maya, says after completing its promotion, she would like to enjoy some time in the mountains.



"I like to know things beyond films. After promoting this film, I am going to take a vacation in the mountains. I like to be with nature. I equally get excited when I talk for hours with saints and fakirs.



"I have a curious mind to understand different people and ideas, explore life and travel. I feel most comfortable in these situations," Manisha said on Monday during a discussion on her life and career with director Imtiaz Ali and Sunaina Bhatnagar, who has helmed Dear Maya.



Talking about the film, she said: "The script was brilliant. For a long time, I was waiting for a good script. I had decided that... I would like to explore something new, meaningful and different."



"The story of the film had a beautiful flow, and in the end, the film has feel good factor. When Sunaina narrated the script to me... that time only, I realized that she has the capacity to make this film."



Manisha, known for 1990s films like Bombay and Khamoshi: The Musical, also spoke about the current scenario of the film industry.



She said: "Now things have changed a lot for the better. Today, the level of professionalism, expectations and demands from actors have increased. Today, actors not only have to perform better, but at the same time they have become calculated in terms of behaviour, communication and public appearance. It has become a responsibility."



"Those days, actors used to work in two to three shifts in one day and that used to make them complacent. Now the quality of films has improved. Realism has taken more space than melodrama and I am loving this phase because the kind of films that we are making is absolutely amazing."



Talking about working with superstar Shah Rukh Khan in Dil Se.., she said: "Shah Rukh has been the same. He is full of energy and enthusiasm. He was a great guy to work with. During 'Dil Se..', he was very protective about me and used to give a lot of advice because he probably felt that I am not getting it right."



Manisha also said that she had a great time working with filmmaker Vidhu Vinod Chopra (1942: A Love Story), Mani Ratnam (Dil Se..) and Sanjay Leela Bhansali (Khamoshi: The Musical).




A magistrate court in Ooty on Tuesday issued a non-bailable warrant against eight Tamil film actors including Sathyaraj, Suriya, R Sarathkumar, Arun Vijay, Vivekh, Sri Priya, Sarath Kumar and Cheran, for their absence in court in connection with a defamation case filed by a freelance journalist, reports Hindustan Times The case dates back to 2009 when the actress Bhuvaneshwari was arrested by the Tamil Nadu police on the charges of prostitution. She had then revealed names of other actors who were involved in the racket. Following which, many stories based on her statements found their way to the forefront and ended up irking some eminent names of Tamil film industry.The South India Cine Actors' Association (Nadigar Sangam), then, held a meeting to condemn a Tamil daily for publishing an article which allegedly tarnished the image of the actor. But according to the complainant, M Rozario, a freelance journalist, the actors who spoke at the meeting attacked all journalists instead of targeting a particular Tamil daily that published the article.The court subsequently issued summons to the aforementioned eight actors to appear before it in 2011. However, the actors filed a petition seeking to dispense with their appearance but the petition was dismissed.On May 17, 2017, the next date of hearing, the actors again didn't appear before the court and hence, the magistrate issued non-bailable warrants against them.
BTP stood by my instructions to prioritise the movmnt of ambulances against VIP convoys; today they allowed an ambulance overtake my convoy pic.twitter.com/zRDtTAb9xK  CM of Karnataka (@CMofKarnataka) May 21, 2017

Hosmat Hosp Ambulance carrying an emergency patient was given precedence & allowed to overtake @CMofKarnataka convoy with their concurrence pic.twitter.com/OC1z9SGyxv  DCP Traffic East (@DCPTrEastBCP) May 21, 2017

@CMofKarnataka So this is a big achievement haan? Come on it's basic common sense to give ambulance priority!    (@shetty_shailesh) May 21, 2017

@CMofKarnataka We know that election is coming! And we never forget that day when your convoy stopped the an ambulance taking old women to hospital!    (@shetty_shailesh) May 21, 2017

@CMofKarnataka WOW. Great achievement! You deserve a NOBLE Peace Prize for this!  Rohit Bhat (@iRohitBhat) May 21, 2017

@CMofKarnataka Our honourable CM of Karnataka just posted an achievement of his. pic.twitter.com/z5Sv60D13p  Sandeep M Shetty (@sandeepmshetty) May 21, 2017

@CMofKarnataka @blrcitytraffic When common sense is boasted upon.. Why do you need a convoy? Take a bus to wherever you are going.. You want public to do it? pic.twitter.com/tH7EpprjdU  Jeba (@Jeba) May 22, 2017

@CMofKarnataka @SrikantSrij26 @CMofKarnataka Dis s too much of self praise.Wat u show as a great achievmnt, luks like a mock https://t.co/dYx5g4pPO3 cultur s indigestibl. pic.twitter.com/cOmTuy4AG3  Rajani NAIR (@RajaniNAIR08) May 23, 2017

@CMofKarnataka What do U mean by ALLOWED?? Do u mean all these days u had dissallowed??  AdiYogi Bahubali (@shiv_g_g) May 21, 2017

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah came under fire on Twitter when the official handle of the CM of Karnataka tweeted how his convoy had allowed an ambulance to overtake. The @CMofKarnataka even retweeted a similar tweet by the traffic police:Twitterverse went after the CM for boasting about giving way to an ambulanceOne Twitter linked the tweet to the upcoming Assembly elections in the state.One trolled the CM, saying he deserved a Nobel peace prize for the gesture.The CM was even asked to ditch his convoy all-together in favour of public transport.One asked if this was the first time he had allowed an ambulance to pass through.
Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is set to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday evening in New Delhi. Sources said Banerjee caught a flight around 3 pm on Wednesday to Delhi, where she will meet Modi at his official residence.



Trinamool Congress insiders claimed that the two will discuss the upcoming Presidential elections besides discussing other issues related to Center-state relations and pending funds from the central government. During her last interaction with PM Modi in April, she had raised the issue of pending central funds. She will meet him again to follow up on the matter, a source in the Chief Ministers Office (CMO) claimed.



However, sources added that the CMs meeting with Modi is being closely watched by other opposition parties since it comes close on the heels of the upcoming Presidential elections. There is a possibility that the two will discuss other issues apart from talking about Central funds. For that issue, secretary-level talks are enough, a TMC source said, adding that Banerjee was scheduled to meet the PM on Wednesday but had to reschedule due to prior engagements.



During her stay in the national capital, Mamata, along with RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, will also call on Congress chief Sonia Gandhi on Friday at her 10, Janpath residence.



A source said the three leaders are likely to discuss a consensus candidate for the Presidential polls and also the possibility of a coalition formula of non-BJP parties for the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, when Modi seeks reelection.



On May 16, in a significant move, the West Bengal CM extended her support to RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadavs mega anti-BJP rally in Patna.



We think that the opposition unity in the Presidential polls will lead to a larger alliance against the BJP ahead of 2019. Didi is likely to agree on former Lok Sabha Speaker Meera Kumar or ex-Governor Gopal Krishna Gandhis name as the opposition candidate. However, it is still too early to comment any further, a TMC source said.



NCP Chief Sharad Pawar and JD (U)s Sharad Yadav are also names doing the rounds as possible candidates. Sonia Gandhi has also held talks with other leaders such as Bihar CM Nitish Kumar, CPI (M)s Sitaram Yechury and CPIs D Raja.



The total strength of electoral college for the presidential polls is 11,04,546 votes and the BJP-led NDAs currently standing is nearly 5.38 lakh votes.
The BJP is leaving no stone unturned to woo Tamil actor Rajinikanth who has dropped strong hints of joining politics in recent days. After Union minister Nitin Gadkari, BJP chief Amit Shah has welcomed the southern superstar to join the party ranks.We welcome every good individual in the party. The final decision has to be taken by Rajinikanth ji, Shah said. Speaking to CNN-News18, the BJP president admitted that the party was weak in Tamil Nadu. As of now, our party is weak in the state. We will publicise the central governments policies and good governance to improve our base in the state.The BJP chiefs statement comes two days after Union road transport minister Nitin Gadkari said the party has an appropriate place for the popular hero. He is welcome in politics and it is my request to him to think about the BJP. There is an appropriate place for him in the BJP, Gadkari told CNN-News18.Asked what this appropriate place was and whether the BJP would make Rajinikanth the CM face to make a grand entry in Tamil Nadu politics, Gadkari had said it was up to the party leadership.These are all important political questions. Neither am I the authority nor am I the decision maker. The party president and party parliament board will make a decision, Gadkari had said.Rajinikanth had earlier this week made statements about politics and the system being rotten. He had asked his fans to be prepared for a "war", saying in olden days kings seldom maintained massive standing armies but the men will always turn up when a battle ensued.The statements by Rajinikanth had sparked off a series of debates about his possible political entry, reminding of the similar hysteria in 1996 when he openly defied the then Chief Minister, late J Jayalalithaa, asking people to vote against her government.Angry over the speculated political entry, members of fringe outfits had protested against the actor outside his residence in Chennai and burnt his effigy. The protest triggered a counter demonstration from the actors fans.
Lucknow: Two months after taking reins of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath presented the first report card of his government at News18 Networks flagship event Rising UP.



Adityanath defended the controversial decisions like anti-Romeo squads and shutting down illegal slaughterhouses, he listed ways in which his government had improved conditions of farmers and revealed that the state had formulated plans to teach regional languages in the state.



Many doubts and many expectations were raised as soon as we were sworn into power. I think in two months we have been able to erase the doubts and raise the expectations. People in UP had almost forgotten what good governance, security and development felt like. We are trying to instil these things in the state, said Adityanath.



He added that what his party had inherited from the previous Samajwadi Party-led government was a messed up system where criminals and mafia where enjoying state patronage. Criminal first used to commit a crime and hide in an influential ministers residence. We have now ensured that criminals are caught no matter where they go that our traders interests are protected.



While talking about safeguarding interests of traders, Adityanath seemed to refer to a recent episode when jewellers in the state went on strike after two traders were murdered by criminals in Mathura.



If they behave ruthlessly with our traders, we will give it back to the criminals twice over, Adiyanath said.



The chief minister of Indias largest state also talked about how his government had waived off farmer loans and ensured that dues to sugarcane farmers were paid in time. It was a cause of deep concern that farmers in UP were committing suicide. It could have been due to bad policies or ill intentions of previous government, we have ensured that we not only give enough relief to the farmers but make them self-reliant in the coming years.



Adityanath also claimed credit for ending VIP culture in the state. Before our government came to power, there was a system by which amenities like power used to be provided to only areas and constituencies of influential ministers of the state. Other places used to suffer in darkness. We have ended this discrimination. And not just roads, weve decided to make roads pothole free in the entire state. Even Nepal had better roads than those in our state.



Defending his governments decisions to launch anti-Romeo squads and shut down illegal slaughterhouses he said, We tried to counsel the people who used to harass our girls. But now were going to take the anti-Romeo squads to another level.



He also said that his government was looking to start a language exchange program with other states.



Why languages of other states cant be taught here in Uttar Pradesh? We are signing a memorandum of understanding with the Maharashtra government so that students in UP could learn Marathi and students in Maharashtra could learn Hindi. Were also looking to introduce Bhojpuri, Awadi, Braj Bhasha and Bundelkhandi in the school curriculum. We will also introduce foreign languages like French, German and Japanese in our schools.






BEIJING: Chinese President Xi Jinping urged a business lobby for Taiwan enterprises on the mainland to support the "one China" principle and contribute to unity between Beijing and Taipei, state media said on Wednesday.



China regards Taiwan as a renegade province to be recovered by force if necessary, after defeated Nationalists fled there in 1949, following the loss of a civil war to the Communists.



Beijing remains deeply suspicious of Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen, who took office just over a year ago, believing she wants to push the island toward formal independence. She says she wants to maintain peace with China.



China welcomes Taiwanese investment, Xi told the Association of Taiwan Investment Enterprises on the Mainland in a letter on its tenth anniversary, the official Xinhua news agency said.



Xi urged the body to make "unremitting efforts to contribute to the realization of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese people (and) wide unity with Taiwan compatriots (by) supporting the one China principle," Xinhua added.



"Both sides of the Strait share an inseparable common destiny," Xi said in the letter, read to a meeting of around 400 Taiwanese in Beijing by Zhang Zhijun, director of the Taiwan Affairs Office, the news agency said.



In the past, the business lobby, which groups about 130 Taiwanese business associations across China, has pushed for greater engagement with Beijing in Taipei.



In 2012, it met then Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou to push for permission for Taiwan citizens to become full-fledged members of the Chinese People's Consultative Conference, an advisory body to the ruling Communist Party.



But the effort failed, relegating Taiwan businessmen to honorary positions.



The lobby has been a target of a concerted campaign by the Communist Party to spread China's influence in Taiwan via its United Front Work Department, which reaches out to non-party groups.



Since ties began to thaw in the 1980s, Taiwan businesses have invested billions of dollars in China, drawn by a common culture and language and the country's vast market and pool of cheap labour.
Manila: Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte threatened Wednesday to impose martial law nationwide to combat the rising threat of terrorism, after Islamist militants beheaded a policeman and took Catholic hostages while rampaging through a southern city.



Duterte declared martial law on Tuesday for the southern region of Mindanao -- which makes up roughly one third of the country and is home to 20 million people -- in an immediate response to the attacks by the gunmen who have pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group.



The roughly 100 militants roamed through Marawi city, taking a priest and an unspecified number of other people hostage from a church, setting fire to buildings and flying black IS flags, according to Duterte and his aides.



Duterte said they also beheaded a local police chief after capturing him at a road checkpoint they had set up, as he expressed outrage at what he said was the growing threat from militants in Mindanao allied to IS.



"I will not hesitate to do anything and everything to protect and preserve the Filipino nation," the president said.



"I might declare martial law throughout the country to protect the people."



Praise for a dictator



Duterte, who has waged a controversial war on drugs that has claimed thousands of lives, warned martial law would be "harsh" and similar to military rule imposed by dictator Ferdinand Marcos a generation ago.



Marcos's two-decade rule ended in 1986 when millions of people took to the streets in a "People Power" revolution. Thousands of critics were jailed, tortured or killed during the dictatorship, according to historians and rights groups.



"Martial law of Mr Marcos was very good," Duterte said, as he railed against human rights campaigners and other critics of his drug war.



Duterte said his own version of martial law meant security forces could conduct searches and arrest people without warrants.



He also said there would be curfews for some provinces in Mindanao, and that martial law would remain until the terrorism threat had ended.



The fighting in Marawi erupted on Tuesday after security forces raided a house where they believed Isnilon Hapilon, a leader of the infamous Abu Sayyaf kidnap-for-ransom gang and Philippine head of IS, was hiding.



The United States regards Hapilon as one of the world's most dangerous terrorists, offering a bounty of $5 million for his capture.



The militants responded to the raid by burning buildings and conducting other diversionary tactics in Marawi, a mostly Muslim-populated city of 200,000 people, according to Defence Secretary Delfin Lorenzana.



He said two soldiers were killed on Tuesday.



The gunmen also raided a church in Marawi and took the local priest, Father Chito Suganob, plus an unspecified number of other people hostage, according to the head of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Philippines, Archbishop Socrates Villegas.



"They have threatened to kill the hostages if the government forces unleashed against them are not recalled," Villegas said in a statement.



Thousands flee



Thousands of residents fled Marawi, according to an AFP photographer at a military checkpoint near Iligan, the next biggest city about 40 kilometres (25 miles) away.



"We heard a lot of gunfire and explosions yesterday. We hid inside, we were too frightened to go out," Noraisa Duca, a Muslim resident of Marawi, told AFP at the checkpoint.



Authorities reported further skirmishes overnight in Marawi but it was unclear on Wednesday night how many militants were still in the city or if they had escaped into nearby mountains and forests that they have long used as hideouts.



The Abu Sayyaf, based on the most southern islands of Mindanao, has kidnapped hundreds of Filipinos and foreigners since the early 1990s to extract ransoms.



Security analysts say Hapilon has been trying to unite Filipino militant groups behind IS.



These include the Maute group, which is based near Marawi.



Muslim rebels have been waging a rebellion since the 1970s for an independent or autonomous homeland in Mindanao, with the conflict claiming more than 120,000 lives.



The main Muslim rebel groups are involved in peace talks with the government.



But the Abu Sayyaf, Maute and other hardline groups want to set up an Islamic caliphate in the south for IS, according to security analysts.




Washington: Seven militants were killed during an intelligence-gathering raid by US Special Forces troops against an al Qaeda compound in Yemen on Tuesday morning, U.S. officials said.



Local tribesmen confirmed a raid in the central Marib governorate, which is controlled by forces loyal to the Western-backed President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi, but said five people were killed and six others were wounded, all from the same extended family.



It was the latest operation by U.S. forces against the Yemen-based Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), which has exploited a two-year-old civil war between the Iran-aligned Houthi and Hadi's Saudi-backed government to enhance its influence in the impoverished country.



U.S. Central Command said in a statement the AQAP militants were killed "through a combination of small-arms fire and precision air strikes" in Marib, with the support of the Yemeni government.



"Raids such as this provide insight into AQAP's disposition, capabilities and intentions, which will allow us to continue to pursue, disrupt, and degrade AQAP," the statement said.



Two U.S. officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Reuters separately that there were no known U.S. casualties and the raid was carried out 40-45 km (25-30 miles) north of another U.S. raid that took place in late January.



One of the U.S. officials said there were no immediate reports of civilian casualties in the raid, which was carried out by U.S. Special Forces troops.



Two sources in Marib said that the attack began with drone strikes at a house in the southern Marib governorate near the border with the al-Bayda governorate, followed by automatic fire from low-flying helicopters.



They said that five members of their al-Moradi clan, a main tribe in Marib, had died in the operation and six others were wounded, adding that they were all civilians.



The January operation, the first of its kind authorised by U.S. President Donald Trump, was hailed as a success by the White House and other U.S. officials.



However, critics questioned the value of the mission after a U.S. Navy Seal was killed. Women and children, as well as several militants, were also killed in the raid.



The U.S. military has carried out more than 80 strikes in Yemen against al Qaeda militants since February.



The group boasts one of the world's most feared bomb makers, Ibrahim Hassan al-Asiri, and AQAP has been a persistent concern to the U.S. government since a 2009 attempt to blow up a Detroit-bound airliner on Christmas Day.



The militant group has also taken advantage of a civil war pitting the Iran-aligned Houthis against the Saudi-backed government of President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi to try to widen its control and influence in the impoverished Arabian Peninsula country, one of the poorest in the Middle East.
New Delhi: The constitutional court of the Republic of China, Taiwan, on Wednesday, in a landmark verdict ruled in favor of gay marriages, making it the first country in Asia to do so.



The highest judicial body of the country held that the current laws preventing such a union was unconstitutional.



According to the press release from the Clerks office of the court, it held that disallowing two persons of the same sex to marry, for the sake of safeguarding basic ethical orders lead to a different treatment which had no rational basis.



The court has now given the parliament two years to amend the existing laws or usher in new ones. The court after deliberating on the provisions of Chapter 2 on Marriage of Part IV on Family of the Civil Code which does not allow two persons of the same sex to create a permanent union of intimate and exclusive nature for the committed purpose of managing a life together, has now held that this section was in violation of both the peoples freedom of marriage as protected by Article 22 and the peoples right to equality as guaranteed by Article 7 of the Constitution.



If the parliament, the court added, fails to amend the laws or enact a new legislation the couples can have their marriage registration effectuated at the authorities in charge of household registration.



If relevant laws are not amended or enacted within the said two years, two persons of the same sex who intend to create the said permanent union shall be allowed to have their marriage registration effectuated at the authorities in charge of household registration, by submitting a written document signed by two or more witnesses in accordance with the said Marriage Chapter, read the court ruling.



The Supreme Court of the Republic of China began hearing the historic case on March 24. There were 14 judges on the panel to decide the fate of the same sex couples intending to marry.





The genesis of the case lies in the rejection of a gay activists attempt to marry his partner in 2013. Even the release by the court notes the painful ordeal of the petitioner.



For more than three decades, Petitioner Chia-Wei Chi has been appealing to the legislative, executive, and judicial departments for the right to same-sex marriage, read the statement.



The court has deliberated on the aspect of Freedom of marriage and has stated that such marriages between same sex couples will not alter the social order or hamper a stable society.



The freedom of marriage for two persons of the same sex, once legally recognized, will constitute the collective basis, together with opposite-sex marriage, for a stable society. The need, capability, willingness and longing, in both physical and psychological senses, for creating such permanent unions of intimate and exclusive nature are equally essential to homosexuals and heterosexuals, given the importance of the freedom of marriage to the sound development of personality and safeguarding of human dignity, read the court verdict.



The court ruling is based upon the Article 7 of the Constitution which speaks about Equality before law just like Article 14 of the Constitution of India.



Though Taiwan has now become the first Asian country to take a step in the legalizing same sex unions, India still has the LGBT community and same sex couples demanding the courts to strike down Article 377 of the Constitution which criminalizes a sexual act between same sex couples. Recently, a verdict by the Supreme Court of India had upheld the constitutionality of the said provision too.
On the left, via @RaoulWootliff, the note Trump just left at Yad Vashem.



'So amazing!'



On the right, the note Obama left at Yad Vashem. pic.twitter.com/rdviJtF3HI  Matt McDermott (@mattmfm) May 23, 2017

On the left, via @RaoulWootliff, the note Trump just left at Yad Vashem.



'So amazing!'



On the right, the note Obama left at Yad Vashem. pic.twitter.com/rdviJtF3HI  Matt McDermott (@mattmfm) May 23, 2017

In Jerusalem earlier Tuesday, President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump, as well as (perpetual shadows) Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump, were on hand at a wreath-laying ceremony at the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial Museum.The event was standard, solemn fare for visiting dignitaries; the memorial is one of the most sacred sites in Israel, second in visitors to the Western Wall.As is tradition for most world leaders, Trump and the first lady also signed the guest book.Here's what the president wrote, via @RaoulWootliff:"It is a great honor to be here with all of my friends. So amazing + will Never Forget!"Tweeted out, the Internet went bonkers. Not only was Trump's inscription fewer than 140 characters -- a Twitter post limit he must know well by now -- it resembles something more akin to what you might jot down on a Hallmark 'Thank You' card, less something to commemorate the occasion of the leader of the free world paying respects at a memorial.The uproar was even more pronounced when there was recall of what then-President Obama had written in a similar visit back in 2013: "It is humbling and inspiring to visit and remember the visionary who began the remarkable establishment of the State of Israel. May our two countries possess the same vision and will to secure peace and prosperity for future generations."Or, perhaps even more striking in the difference of content, length, and tone, from the note Obama left in 2008:It's not surprising that Trump, a man of few adjectives but strong on exclamatory statements, kept his words to a minimum. He's also figuring out this whole POTUS thing as he goes along; to be fair, this is his very first trip abroad as commander in chief. And he still wrote more than then-President George W. Bush, a president also not really known for his way with words, who signed the Yad Vashem guest book with just "God Bless Israel" on a 2008 visit.
Three men have been arrested in Manchester on Wednesday in an investigation into the suicide bomb attack which killed 22 people at a music concert in the northern English city on Monday night, police in the city said."Three police warrants were executed in south Manchester in connection to the ongoing investigation," a spokeswoman for Greater Manchester Police said.The authorities are seeking to establish if Salman Abedi, the Manchester suicide bomber was part of a wider network. Abedi likely did not act alone, a minister said on Wednesday as soldiers were being deployed to key sites to help prevent further attacks.The official threat level in Britain was raised late on Tuesday for the first time in a decade to its highest level, "critical", meaning an attack could be imminent.Interior minister Amber Rudd said up to 3,800 soldiers would be deployed on Britain's streets, taking on guard duties at places like Buckingham Palace and Downing Street to free up police to focus on patrols and investigatory work.The identities of Abedi's victims were becoming known little by little. They included an eight-year-old girl, several teenage girls and a 28-year-old man.A Polish couple who had come to collect their daughters after the concert also died, Poland's foreign minister said. The daughters were safe."It seems likely, possible, that he (Abedi) wasn't doing this on his own," Rudd told BBC radio. She also said Abedi had been known to security services before the bombing.Prime Minister Theresa May chaired a meeting of the government's Cobra emergency response committee at her Downing Street office.Abedi was born in Manchester in 1994 to parents of Libyan origin, according to U.S. sources citing British contacts.Asked about reports that Abedi had recently returned from Libya, Rudd said she believed that had now been confirmed.French Interior Minister Gerard Collomb said British investigators had told French authorities Abedi had probably travelled to Syria as well and that he had "proven links" to the Islamic State militant group.France, which has repeatedly been hit by devastating militant attacks since 2015, extended emergency powers in the wake of the Manchester bombing.Britain has a national election coming up on June 8 but all campaigning has been suspended since the bombing. Coverage of the attack and its aftermath has pushed out political news from the British media.It was the deadliest attack in Britain since July 2005, when four British Muslim suicide bombers killed 52 people in coordinated attacks on London's transport network.The Manchester bombing also left 64 people wounded, of whom 20 were receiving critical care for highly traumatic injuries to major organs and to limbs, a health official said.
Geneva: Angry United Nations staff in Geneva protested on Wednesday against a proposed 7.5 percent cut to their salaries, the equivalent of almost a month's pay, and called for strike action if it is implemented.



The proposal came from the International Civil Service Commission (ICSC), a group of independent experts, which surveyed the cost of living in eight UN locations.



It said the salary cut for Geneva-based staff, due to take effect in August, would align them with colleagues in New York, where purchasing power has dropped.



Hundreds of personnel at the UN European headquarters raised their hands to support a resolution rejecting the plan and marched through the building chanting "No Pay Cuts".



The staff resolution urged UN agencies such as UNHCR and the World Health Organization not to implement the pay cuts and called for "regular, protracted and escalating collective actions including demonstrations and work stoppages".



"If we play that last card of a strike, we need to be damn sure we can turn out everybody - I mean everybody," Daniel Cork, vice chairman of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) staff union, told a cheering crowd.



"Right now we're not sure if the ICSC is willing to negotiate with us. They won't meet with us," Cork said.



Alessandra Vellucci, U.N. spokeswoman in Geneva, said: "UN Geneva is taking very seriously the actions proposed by the unions against the possible pay cuts. We are exploring, in collaboration with the UN Headquarters, the best way forward." Heads of U.N. agencies based in the Swiss city, in joint letters to ICSC chairman Kingston Rhodes, have questioned the calculations and called for deferring the cuts.



"We see no proper justification for imposing such a significant real cut to the renumeration of our staff," said a letter seen by Reuters.



Staff federations argue that the experts lowered their calculations of the city's cost-of-living by including rental prices from neighbouring France, adding: "The option to reside in France is only open to staff of certain nationalities."



Ian Richards, executive secretary of the Staff Coordinating Council, said the average monthly salary subject to the proposed cut was 10,000 to 12,000 Swiss francs ($10,000-12,000).



"The U.N. has said it needs top experts such as energy economists, climate change scientists, patent lawyers and medical practitioners so it can help countries reach the Sustainable Development Goals," Richards told Reuters.



The world body has invoked public service to attract such experts from the private sector, he said.



"However, no-one in their right mind will leave their job for an organisation that from one day to the next can cut pay by one month a year for existing staff," he added.
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4 NABBED AFTER MURDER

Officers on patrol intercepted a car which was speeding along the North Coast Road with no headlights on. They held two men and spotted fresh bloodstains inside the vehicle. The victims have been identified as Kimberly Lewis, 24, and Jonathan Garcia, 22, who collectively were chopped over 30 times.

Police are working on a theory that Garcia was the intended target as he and a group of men had an altercation shortly before the incident. Police said that at 10 pm, the men armed with cutlasses, forced their way into Lewis wooden house and chopped the couple.

Police under the supervision of ASP Sooker, who were on patrol in Maracas near Uncle Sams Bar along the North Coast Road, saw a car proceeding with no headlight on. On nearing the roadblock, the driver made a sudden left turn on to White Street as police gave chase.

Officers forced the car to a stop and held a 31-year-old man from Santa Cruz and a 17-year-old from Paramin, as they were trying to exit the car. Officers were later told that a man and woman had just been chopped in a shack.

Police later held a 26-year-old man from Maraval and a 25-yearold man from Tyrico, in relation to the incident.

As the officers were proceeding towards Tyrico Bay, with the four handcuffed suspects, they found a heavily-bleeding Garcia staggering along the roadside trying to flag down vehicles. Garcia led the officers to his home where police found Lewis on the floor.

Both were taken to the Port-of- Spain General Hospital where Lewis died at 11.40 pm.

An autopsy yesterday at the Forensic Science Centre in St James confirmed that Lewis died as a result of shock and haemorrhaging consistent with multiple chop wounds. Her relatives expressed shock over her murder, describing her as a sweet and friendly young woman. Mother Shaffina Lewis said the last time she spoke to her daughter in person was three weeks ago, but added they would converse regularly over the phone.

Relatives said the couple got married under Muslim rites three years ago. Lewis is expected to be cremated tomorrow following a funeral service. Investigations are continuing.
Forget PI, go straight to high court

The suggestion came in a letter sent to Gaspard by attorney Criston J Williams, who along with Wayne Sturge, represents six men whose frustration led to a near riot at the Port-of-Spain Magistrates Court last month, and to Ayers-Caesars resignation as a judge. The six  Chicki Portello, Anton Cambridge, Kareem Gomez, Levi Joseph, Anthony Charles and Israel Arnold Lara  quietly returned to court yesterday when their matter was adjourned to June 1. That was the date given by acting Chief Magistrate Maria Busby Earle- Caddle for all part-heard cases left behind by her predecessor (Ayers-Caesar).

The six are before the court for the murder of CEPEP employee Russell Antoine at Covigne Road on May 2010. In his letter to Gaspard, Williams suggested the DPP invoke powers under Section 90 of the Constitution and file indictments for the six which would send them straight to the High Court, bypassing the PI stage. His suggestion also included the possibility of discontinuing the charges.

His letter was sent to the DPP last Thursday, but an attorney from the DPPs Office who was in court yesterday, said as she only received a copy of the letter yesterday morning, she would have to follow up with DPP Gaspard on Williams suggestion.

After Ayers-Caesar was elevated to the High Court, the judiciary first said her appointment would not have any negative impact on the administration of justice and in particular matters over which she presided as then chief magistrate.

Ayers-Caesar presided in the Eighth Magistrates Court in Portof- Spain up until she became a judge on April 12. She resigned as a judge on April 27.
There Was No Red Wave,

'That's for Darn Sure'
A mom who attended every class with her 29-year-old quadriplegic son with the goal of helping him earn an MBA degree got a big surprise at his weekend graduation ceremony: She was awarded her own honorary degree, KTLA reports. Judy O'Connor was called to the stage at Chapman University in Orange, Calif., where an announcer explained to the audience that O'Connor had taken notes and worked with her son Marty after he was paralyzed falling down a flight of stairs in 2012. It was his idea for O'Connor to be awarded the honorary degree, and the Chapman faculty, administration, and board of trustees agreed, Fox 61 reports.

"As a mom, you just want to help your kids get through things," O'Connor, a retired elementary school teacher, tells KTLA. "I always believed in him. I knew he could do it and I just wanted to have his back." Marty was able to use voice recognition software and other aids as he worked toward his MBA, but he needed his mom's help to write notes or test answers. While she was helping her son, O'Connor told Chapman's blog she had "enjoyed every minute" of the experience because "I'm a geek. I love being in school." (Read more uplifting news stories.)
Ever wonder why flamingos stand on one leg? So did two Georgia scientists, and their research has found the birds appear to expend less energy when they do so, the BBC reports. A study published in the Biology Letters journal examined both live and dead flamingos and explains how living ones appear to put out no active muscle effort while on one leg, but need that active muscle force when on two. When study co-authors Young-Hui Chang of Georgia Tech and Emory University's Lena Ting headed to Atlanta's zoo, they even noticed that as flamingos dozed off while teetering on one leg, they seemed to become more stable, not less, per the Atlantic, which also offers an explainer about why the birds' legs seem to bend in funny directions. Chang and Ting examined two euthanized flamingos, and that's when they had what Chang says was their "lightbulb moment."

They discovered they could even make these erstwhile flamingos stand on one leg with zero outside support, thanks to what they call a "passive gravitational stay mechanism" that's achievable if the leg is bent at a particular angle. Trying to switch the cadavers to a sustainable two-legged pose didn't work. The position necessary to achieve the one-legged stance isn't some locking of the joints, either: Chang notes that there's a lock in one direction, but "flexibility" in the other, when the pose is engaged. "We call it a 'stay' rather than a 'lock,'" he tells the BBC. "It's more akin to a doorstop." Another researcher not involved in the study notes this research partly answers the how, but not the when, where, or why of this feat, with his own team suspecting the birds may do so to conserve heat. (A rare black flamingo, spotted in Cyprus.)
Tom Cruise has confirmed he'll be in Top Gun 2, and while there aren't many 54-year-old Navy fighter pilots in the real world, Maverick is unlikely to spend the film on desk duty. Cruise told Aussie interviewers Tuesday he'll be appearing in a sequel to 1986's highest-grossing movie, USA Today reports. "It is definitely happening," he told Sunrise. "I'm going to start filming it probably in the next year." Cruise didn't reveal further details on the sequel, which had long been hinted at by producer Jerry Bruckheimer and co-star Val Kilmer, who played Iceman in the original, the Guardian reports. (Read more Tom Cruise stories.)
The last time Peggy Sue Case was seen alive, at a party, Ronald Reagan was president. Her co-workers filed a missing-person report shortly after that July 1988 gathering, but no matter how much digging police didboth in their probe and literally, in the cellar of the 28-year-old's Utah hometheir efforts turned up empty, per KSL. That may have changed Monday, when the current occupant of her former Spanish Fork home noticed a sinking dirt floor in the cellar, recalled a neighbor's tale of the missing Case, and began digging with a friend. Their discovery, 18 inches down: a human skull encased in plastic mesh and a blanket. Questioned by police when Case's disappearance was first reported: Case's live-in boyfriend, Michael Kufrin, who had other troubles with the law, including gun and vehicle theft charges, reported the Deseret News at the time.

Per the Salt Lake Tribune, cops had previously noted that Case allegedly flirted with other men at that 1988 party, and witnesses reported friction between her and Kufrin, who's cited in a police release this week as a "person of interest." He was extradited from Nevada in 1989 to answer queries about Case's disappearance, after which he'd called her in sick to work, then offered a story about how she'd traveled to Reno with a friend to buy a car (that friend denied it). A neighbor interviewed by police was reinterviewed recently, and recalls an encounter with Kufrin just days after Case vanished, per KUTV. She says Kufrin, who's since fallen off the map, banged on her door to show her a machete with blood on it, claiming he'd killed a stray dog. The state medical examiner is now trying to identify the remains. (Remains of a woman missing 40 years were found in an attic.)
The roars of lions, snorts of rhinos, and trumpets of elephants still blend with the cacophony of honking cars in a heavily congested area of Argentina's capital. A year after the 140-year-old Buenos Aires zoo closed and was transformed into a park, hundreds of animals remain behind bars in a noisy limbo. Developers last July promised to move most of the 1,500 animals to sanctuaries but had no firm arrangements, reports the AP. A new master plan announced Tuesday still doesn't specify how, and many animals are so zoo-trained that experts fear they would die if moved. Conservationists also complain the remaining animals still live in antiquated and inhumane enclosuresand say the city's new plan gives few specifics on improvements. "It's gone from bad to worse," says a former Buenos Aires zoo director. "Everything is set for Noah's Ark to be shipwrecked."

When Mayor Horacio Rodriguez Larreta announced its closure last year, he said the animals were a "treasure" that couldn't remain near the noise. Some condors have since been freed, and about 360 animals rescued from trafficking have been sent to other institutions. But not a single animal owned by the city has left. "We knew that this was going to take time," Rodriguez Larreta said Tuesday. "Speeding up the process will just put them at risk, so we're going to take all the time that's necessary." Rodriguez Larreta unveiled a plan showing a revamped layout and expanded green spaces. Many animals will share "controlled zones" instead of cages, and natural limits like rocks or moats will be used instead of bars. "There are minor infrastructural changes, but there is a total deterioration," says a vet who worked at the zoo. "The enclosures haven't been modified, and obviously, the animals suffer." (Read more Buenos Aires stories.)
President Trump met Pope Francis privately Wednesday morning and observers could detect no sign of discord between the president and the man he has clashed with on issues including climate change and immigration. After the talk, which lasted between 20 and 30 minutes, Francis gave Trump gifts, including a copy of his 2015 missive on the environment and a small olive tree to symbolize peace, reports Reuters. Trump, who was overheard telling the pontiff it was a "great honor" to meet him, gave Francis a set of writings by Martin Luther King Jr. "Thank you, I won't forget what you said," Trump said.

During the Vatican visit, Trump was accompanied by Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, National Security Adviser HR McMaster, daughter Ivanka, son-in-law Jared Kushner, and Melania Trump, who is a Catholic, the BBC reports. Ivanka and Melania wore black dresses and veils. CNN captures a light moment when the pope jokingly asked Melania, "What do you give him to eat, potizza?" referring to a Slovenian treat. Trump is scheduled to meet Italian President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni before flying to Belgium Wednesday evening. (Read more President Trump stories.)
An altercation outside a Denver taco eatery ended in death, between a man CBS Denver describes as a "well-known transient" and a suspect who was allegedly made up like a clown and tried to flee on a scooter. KUSA reports that police found an unresponsive Brian Lucero, one stab wound to his throat, lying in the parking lot of Torchy's Tacos, around 1am Tuesday after receiving a call. Witnesses say, per a police statement, that the fight between the 29-year-old Lucero and the alleged perpetrator, 36-year-old Christian Gulzow, actually started at a nearby gas station. Gulzowwho was said to have been sporting white clownlike makeup with black streaks and Freddy Krueger-like gloves, with 2- to 3-inch blades on the fingertipsallegedly started threatening Lucero, then swinging at him.

Lucero fought back, and the two men eventually ended up at Torchy's, where Lucero collapsed in the lot. Gulzow reportedly took off on a scooter, but High Activity Location Observation cameras the Denver PD has scattered about the city picked up his trail, and he was arrested not long after, bloodied and sans weapon (camera operators say they saw him toss a knife, which was later recovered, into the bushes). Gulzow told cops that Lucero tried to steal his scooter and that Lucero may have been stabbed when they fell, perhaps impaled by one of Gulzow's blades or a spike on his wrist bracelet; he says he didn't know Lucero had been stabbed when he zipped away, though that's not what witnesses are saying. He's now being held on suspicion of first-degree murder charges. Lucero died at a nearby hospital of his stab wound. (A skateboarder was allegedly stabbed by a group of clowns.)
A Russian Orthodox bishop is tooling around in a new Land Cruiser he was given, and he's got kind of a unique defense against critics who say he shouldn't have accepted the $106,000 gift: Per a rep from Bishop Nektary's archdiocese in Oryol: "Jesus Christ Himself wore expensive clothes gifted to him, shall we say, by people who celebrated Him." The SUV comes courtesy of a local agribusiness, reports the Moscow Times, which it seems was deeply thankful that Nektary, aka Nikolai Seleznev, visited "the most remote villages at any time of the year in any kind of weather," per the archdiocese. The Times notes that Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill in 2012 urged his clergy to think over such lavish gifts "20 times" before deciding to accept. (Read more Russian Orthodox Church stories.)
There are bitter breakups, and then there's the case of Ana Rockman: State police have charged the 61-year-old New York woman with causing more than $350,000 in damage to artwork, antiques, and other personal property at her ex-husband's home. Troopers say Rockman, of Long Island's Elmont, was charged Monday after surrendering herself to state police in Kingston, reports the AP. Police say in August 2015 they started investigating a burglary and the destruction of items in a home just outside the village of Woodstock.

Troopers say someone had forced their way into the house and damaged expensive artwork, antiques, electronics, appliances, musical instruments, and other personal items. Authorities say the home is owned by Rockman's ex-husband. She was arraigned in Woodstock and freed after posting $5,000 bail but ordered to surrender her passport, notes Newsday. A message left with her attorney wasn't returned. (Read more weird crimes stories.)
While Utah is home to a few of the least boozy cities in the country, Wisconsin houses more than a few of the drunkest, according to 24/7 Wall St. The site lists the booziest cities in the US based on excessive drinking rates, the number of bars, and driving deaths involving alcohol. The top 10 drunkest cities, including seven in the Badger State:

Green Bay, Wis. Eau Claire, Wis. Appleton, Wis. Madison, Wis. Fargo, ND-Minn. Oshkosh-Neenah, Wis. Missoula, Mont. Grand Forks, ND-Minn. Wausau, Wis. La Crosse-Onalaska, Wis.-Minn.

Click for the full list . (The 10 least boozy cities in the US.)
Authorities in Britain are more sure than ever that Salman Abedi didn't act alone when he detonated a suicide bomb at the Ariana Grande concert. But they're also ticked at the US that the world knows Abedi's name. The leak to the media originally came from a US source, and British Home Secretary Amber Rudd has expressed her frustration to Washington, reports UPI. "The British police have been very clear they want to control the flow of information in order to protect operational integritythe element of surpriseso it is irritating if it gets released from other sources, and I've been very clear with our friends that that should not happen again," she said. In other developments:

Brother arrested: A total of four people have been arrested in connection with the attack, including Abedi's older brother, Ismael. The BBC reports that authorities think the younger Abedi was a "mule" who set off a bomb built by others. "I think it's very clear that this is a network that we are investigating," says Chief Constable Ian Hopkins.

A total of four people have been arrested in connection with the attack, including Abedi's older brother, Ismael. The BBC reports that authorities think the younger Abedi was a "mule" who set off a bomb built by others. "I think it's very clear that this is a network that we are investigating," says Chief Constable Ian Hopkins. Father denies: Ramadan Abedi, father of Salman, doesn't think his son is a bomber or a militant. "We don't believe in killing innocents," the elder Abedi, who now lives in his native Libya, tells the AP. "This is not us." He said he spoke to Salman less than a week ago, and he sounded "normal."

Ramadan Abedi, father of Salman, doesn't think his son is a bomber or a militant. "We don't believe in killing innocents," the elder Abedi, who now lives in his native Libya, tells the AP. "This is not us." He said he spoke to Salman less than a week ago, and he sounded "normal." Worried parents: But a friend says Salman Abedi's parents were so worried about his radicalization that they took his passport and returned it only when he said he planned to visit the city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia, reports the New York Times. Instead, he flew from Libya to England, where he grew up. (Salman had traveled to Libya recently to visit his parents.)

But a friend says Salman Abedi's parents were so worried about his radicalization that they took his passport and returned it only when he said he planned to visit the city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia, reports the New York Times. Instead, he flew from Libya to England, where he grew up. (Salman had traveled to Libya recently to visit his parents.) Profile: The BBC pulls together what's known about Salman Abedi, who dropped out of college, went to work in a bakery, and seemed to grow "more and more religious," says a former classmate.

The BBC pulls together what's known about Salman Abedi, who dropped out of college, went to work in a bakery, and seemed to grow "more and more religious," says a former classmate. Victims: The Telegraph continues to compile bios on the 22 people killed. An off-duty police officer was among them, while her husband was critically injured.

(Read more Manchester stories.)
When you've faced your own execution seven times with an eighth on the way, it's important to have the right mindset. You can either let a stressful situation break you ... or you hold on to hope and use your every waking moment to fight," Tommy Arthur tells the Guardian. The 75-year-old has been on death row in Alabama for 34 years. Arthur has had seven executions scheduled over the past 16 years for murdering the husband of the woman with whom he was having an affair. All seven have been delayedsometimes with just minutes to spare. Arthur stopped having visitors after his sixth scheduled execution to save him and them the stress. He also doesn't have last meals. "When they're trying to kill you, you're not hungry."

Arthur's eighth execution date is Thursday night. He won a court ruling Tuesday, but it wasn't enough to stop the execution, AL.com reports. "They are going to kill me this time," the man called the "Houdini" of death row tells the AP. Most of Arthur's delays have been related to the constitutionality of the execution method. But he also maintains his innocence and will continue to do so "until I draw my last breath." His lawyer says there's no physical evidence tying Arthur to the murder and is pushing for new DNA testing. But Arthur does admit to killing his sister-in-law on accident, a crime for which he spent years in prison. He also briefly escaped from prison in 1986 by shooting a guard in the neck. Arthur says his last wish is to apologize to his children. (Read more death row stories.)
A FedEx employee in the Bay Area is accused of burglarizing homes while he was supposed to be working, the San Francisco Chronicle reports. Police say 57-year-old Kevin Baker ripped off three homes near Palo Alto between May 3 and May 17. Baker is a convicted felon with a bunch of theft-related infractions to his name. He's been charged with first-degree burglary, and a FedEx spokesperson says the company is cooperating with authorities. According to the Mercury News, FedEx security personnel helped police in the apprehension of Baker. (A Royal Canadian Mint worker was accused of smuggling gold coins and nuggets from his job site in his rectum.)
A brawl broke out in a middle school classroom in Georgia last weeknot between students, but between a teacher and a staff member. Students say the two women were arguing about a male teacher for a few minutes before things got physical. "Everyone was screaming like stop, stop, stop," one Stone Mountain Middle School student tells CBS 46, which obtained video of the fight from a student's cell phone; the womenone of whom was reportedly a teacher's assistant, per CBS Newsare seen punching and pulling hair. Parents are now speaking out about the May 19 incident, calling for the employees to be fired and criticizing the school for how it handled the aftermath.

Students say another adult ultimately broke up the fight, and then school officials entered the classrooms and went through students' cell phones, forcing them to delete any recordings of the fight. "Nobody apologized," one student says. "I think they were trying to push it under the rug so nobody would know about it." Parents say no letter was sent home about the incident until CBS 46 started questioning the school district. The district says it isn't aware of staff going through student phones and that the employees involved "have been removed from the learning environment." The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that they have also been charged with disorderly conduct. (Read more weird crimes stories.)
While neither President Trump nor Pope Francis has said what the two talked about during their short private meeting Wednesday, White House and Vatican sources state the topics included terrorism, climate change, and peace, CNN reports. A statement from the Vatican states the pope talked about "the promotion of peace in the world through political negotiation and interreligious dialogue." The Vatican also states the two talked about protecting Christians in the Middle East. And Rex Tillerson says the pope encouraged Trump to remain in the Paris climate agreement. Here's what else you may have missed from the meeting, which Trump called "fantastic":

Politico reports Trump was "effusively gracious" with Pope Francis, seemingly having gotten over his earlier feuds with the pope.

The Atlantic runs down a few of those past disagreements.

Photos of a smiling Trump and stern-faced pope have been circulating, making it look likeas Mashable puts itthe 28-minute meeting "went about 27 minutes and 55 seconds too long" for the pope.

While the internet has been having its fun with the dour-faced pope photos, CNN reports there's at least one photo from the meeting in which the pope appears to match Trump's enthusiasm.

Following the meeting, which he called the "honor of a lifetime," Trump tweeted: "I leave the Vatican more determined than ever to pursue PEACE in our world."

The New York Times reports Steve Bannon was noticeably absent from the Vatican visit, having returned to DC early. Bannon has been a frequent critic of the pope, whom he's called an elitist and a socialist and blamed for supporting the migration of Muslim people to Europe.

USA Today explains why Melania and Ivanka Trump were wearing all-black everything, including black veils, when they met the pope. It turns out papal visits include a strict dress code for women.

Finally, as previously reported, Pope Francis caused a bit of confusion when he pointed to the president and asked Melania Trump what she was feeding him. According to the AP, the pope mentioned potica, a traditional Slovenian dish, but the first lady thought he said "pizza."

(Read more Pope Francis stories.)
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New Delhi:

Madurai bench of Madras High Court grants interim stay on release of National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) examination results.

Earlier on May 22, the Madras high court had issued a notice to the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) seeking its stand on a plea to cancel the May 7 National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET).

The mother of the candidate, who took the test in English language, had termed the test as being violative of the Article 14 contending that all the question papers in various language, including Hindi, English and Tamil, were not same and not of same difficulty level.

The petitioner submitted that selection under NEET would not amount to testing equal skills. It would amount to treatment of unequals as equals and thereby violating Article 14 of the Constitution, she submitted.

She submitted though the test was conducted across India in all major languages, including Tamil, English and Hindi, the question paper in English was based on the CBSE syllabus, whereas the one in Tamil was based on the state syllabus.

She alleged the authorities never told the candidates who took up NEET that the question papers in different languages would not be the same and that they have the discretion to frame different set of questions in different languages.

Also read: Madras HC seeks CBSE's stand over plea to cancel NEET, issues notice

Also read: NEET 2017: Female candidate in Kerala forced to remove inner-wear, 4 teacher suspended


Ahmedabad:

The city crime branch sleuths have arrested an accused, wanted for nine years in connection with the 2008 Ahmedabad serial bomb blasts case, from Kozhikode in Kerala, a senior official said on Wednesday.



The accused, Shoaib Pottanikal, was arrested by a team of Ahmedabad crime branch sleuths, Kerala police and intelligence officials from Kozhikode soon after he landed at the airport there on Tuesday, Joint Commissioner of Police J K Bhatt told reporters.



Shoaib, one of the 18 absconding accused in the 2008 Ahmedabad serial bomb blasts case, was arrested from Kozhikode airport after he landed there from abroad. He had escaped overseas after the blasts, following which a Red Corner notice was also issued against him, Bhatt told reporters here.



He said Shoaib knew Sainuddin and Sarfuddin, the two persons arrested for allegedly providing electronic chips used in making bombs for the 2008 blasts, and helped the operatives of Indian Mujahideen and banned outfit SIMI get in touch with them with an intention to make bombs.



Yasin Bhatkal, one of the main accused in the case, had also told the crime branch sleuths about Shoaibs role after he was brought here on a transfer warrant from Tihar jail on March 31 this year, Bhatt said.Shoaib (49) hails from Malappuram in Kerala where his father has a rice mill. He comes from a well-to-do family, the JCP said.



However, the police official did not disclose where Shoaib had escaped and from where he was coming to India when he was arrested, saying it could not be revealed due to the ongoing investigation.



Since last six to eight months we had stepped up the lookout for the absconding accused, including Shoaib. The local police and intelligence officials were also keeping a tab on Shoaibs close friends and relatives.



Upon learning that he was expected to come to his home town and land at Kozhikode airport, a team of crime branch officials went there and with the help of local police, we arrested him, Bhatt said.

ALSO READ | 2008 Ahmedabad serial blasts: Gujarat ATS arrests accused Nasir Rangrej from Karnataka



He will be produced before a court in Ahmedabad today for remand. So far, 79 accused have been arrested in the case and a chargesheet has been filed against them.



With Shoaibs arrest, the number of people being held has gone up to 80.



The city crime branch had recently brought here Yasin Bhatkal, one of the main operatives of Indian Mujahideen, for questioning in connection with the 2008 city serial blasts case.



Bhatkal is presently in the custody of the National Investigation Agency (NIA).



Eighteen blasts had rocked the city on July 26, 2008 in which 56 people were killed and over 150 injured.

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New Delhi:

The Aam Aadmi Party has asked the Election Commission to reconsider the terms set for next week's EVM challenge. The party wants the EC to allow it to be an open 'hackathon' where tampering of any kind can be demonstrated.



An AAP delegation, which visited the Election Commission, told the poll panel that it would be "worrying" if the event disallows tampering of the Electronic Voting Machines.

"We would like to strongly urge you to reconsider the terms of the EVM challenge. Please do not set any such rules and regulations and allow it to be an open hackathon where tampering of any kind can be demonstrated on the machine," AAP's national secretary Pankaj Gupta said in a letter to chief election commissioner Nasim Zaidi.

Read | EVM hackathon: Election Commission writes to CEOs of 5 states to provide machines

The AAP, along with other parties, have pointed to tampering of EVMs as a major reason behind their defeat in recent state assembly and civic body polls.

The AAP also "demonstrated" in the Delhi legislative assembly how EVMs can be "tampered" with.

Gupta also alleged that the tampering with the motherboards in the EVMs was the reason behind BJP's wins in the recent assembly and civic body polls.

In response to the allegations, the EC organised an EVM challenge on June 3 in which political parties can test machines deployed in recently held assembly polls.

Read | EVM hackathon: No clarity given by Election Commission, there should not be guidelines, says AAP leader Sanjay Singh

The challenge would be open only to national and state parties which contested assembly polls in five states -- Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Manipur, Goa and Punjab.

They would not be allowed to change the motherboard of EVMs and take the machines home to prove at a later date that they can be tampered with.

The Commission said with a changed chip, an EVM would no longer be the "ECI-EVM" but simply a look-alike. "This is not an issue related to just one party, it is a question of safeguarding democracy in this country. We urge you to take the right decision in the long-term interests if this nation," Gupta said.

Read | EVM hackathon: CEC throws open challenge to all national, state political parties to prove tampering from June 3 onwards

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Islamabad:

After Pakistans army and Air Force, its Navy has warned India that it was fully capable of thwarting any aggression, according to another Radio Pakistan report.

Pakistans naval chief Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah, while addressing a gathering at Lahore's Naval War College, said that "the Pakistan Navy was fully capable to thwart any aggression and will be equipped with the latest equipment to defend maritime borders of the country".



Earlier on Wednesday, Pakistans Air Force chief warned that his forces will respond to any aggression by the enemy in a manner that their future generations will also remember it.



Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman emphatically said that Pakistan will give a befitting response to any misadventure by the enemy, Radio Pakistan reported.



Talking to reporters at Qadri airbase in Skardu, he said the country should have zero concern over the statements of the enemy.



Our response to any aggression by the enemy will be such that their future generations will also remember it, he said according to the report.



The Air Force chief made the remarks after taking part in Air Force exercises and flying a Mirage fighter jet during his visit to Skardu. He also reviewed the exercises and operational preparedness of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF).

ALSO READ | Pakistan fighter jets fly near Siachen after IAF Chief's 'internal letter' to 12,000 officers



His visit coincided with reports in Pakistani media that the Air Force flew fighter jets near the Siachen Glacier - the worlds highest battleground.



The Indian Air Force in New Delhi denied that the Pakistani fighter jets violated the Indian air space.



Tensions between India and Pakistan have run high since the attack on an Indian army base in Uri in September last year in which 18 Indian soldiers were killed by militants based in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Ten days after the attack India launched surgical strikes there to destroy terrorist launchpads.

ALSO READ | Pakistan Army dismisses Indian claim of 'assault' on its post along LoC



More recently, the Indian Army yesterday announced that it launched punitive fire assaults on Pakistani positions across the Line of Control earlier this month, inflicting some damage. The action was taken in response to the beheading of two Indian soldiers in Kashmir by Pakistani special forces.



On Wednesday, the Pakistani Air force chief said the PAF was fully prepared and capable to defend the countrys frontiers.

ALSO READ | Pakistan says future generations of 'enemy' will remember its response to aggression



Pak Army's video shows damaged Indian posts:



Meanwhile, the Pakistan Army has released a video purportedly showing heavy damage caused to the Indian military posts across the Line of Control, in a tit-for-tat action after the Indian Army released a clip of the punitive fire assaults on Pakistani positions.



Pakistan Army spokesman Major General Asif Ghafoor in a brief statement with the video, posted on the armys Facebook page, alleged that India on May 13 had targeted innocent civilians.



In befitting response, the Pakistan Army destroyed Indian posts in Nowshera Sector, he said.



The 87-second video purportedly shows heavy-artillery pounding several Indian positions, which were completely destroyed.



The Pakistan Armys footage was released in an apparent reaction to the Indian Army releasing a video of the military action which showed some structures in a forested area being destroyed.



Indian Army claims strike on Pak posts, releases video:

The Indian Army had on Tuesday said it launched punitive fire assaults on Pakistani positions across the LoC, inflicting some damage, days after two of its troopers were beheaded.



The Pakistan Army, however, dismissed as false, the Indian Armys assertion of destroying its posts in the Naushera sector.



Sources in the Indian Army said the strike was a message to Pakistan that it will take stronger action with increased frequency against any infiltration attempts from across the border.



The 22-second video released by the Indian Army showed concrete structures being reduced to rubble amid plumes of smoke and balls of fire.



(With inputs from PTI)

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New Delhi:

Defence Minister Arun Jaitley on Wednesday said that Army officers are free to take decisions in a "war-like" zone. This statement by the minister came amid raging controversy over a Major tying a man to a jeep in Kashmir purportedly as a shield against stone pelters.



Without specifically mentioning Major Leetul Gogois action, he said, Well, military solutions are to be provided by military officers. How a situation is to be dealt with when you are in a war-like zone... we should allow our army officers to take a decision."

ALSO READ: Kashmir human shield case: Omar Abdullah terms Army's court of inquiry as 'farce'



"They don't have to consult members of Parliament as to what they should do under such circumstances." Jaitley further added.

Jaitley was responding to a question on the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, a day after the Army went public on fire assaults on Pakistani posts along the LoC.



The Indian Army on Tuesday launched punitive fire assaults on Pakistani positions across the Line of Control. This act by the Army was done days after two of its soldiers were beheaded by Pakistan.



It also released a video of the military action which showed some structures in a forested area crumbling in a heap under the impact of repeated shelling.



(With inputs from PTI)

ALSO READ: Kashmir: Search operation ends in Pulwama as militants manage to flee encounter site due to stone-pelting

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New Delhi:

A special court in Delhi, while dealing with the involvement of bureaucrats in a coal scam case, observed on Wednesday that detection of criminality is a tough task in white-collar crimes committed by well-trained minds who hold high status in the society.



The court, which convicted and awarded two-year jail sentence to former coal secretary HC Gupta and two senior government officials KS Kropha and KC Samaria, said white-collar crimes were more dangerous to the society than ordinary crimes for the damage they inflicted on the public morale.



Special judge Bharat Parashar also noted that "of late, anti-social activities of persons of the upper socio-economic strata of the society in their occupation, known as 'white collar crimes', in which financial losses caused are much higher, have attracted attention."

Read | Coal scam: CBI registers FIR against its ex-chief Ranjit Sinha



Deliberating on white-collar criminals, the judge said they are persons of the upper socio-economic class who violate the criminal law in the course of their occupational or professional activities.

"It is also true that to find criminality in such acts committed by white-collar criminals is often a difficult task primarily because they are committed after much deliberation and planning undertaken by well-trained minds having a higher status in the society."

Read | Coal scam: Former coal secy sentenced to 2-yr jail term, granted bail later

Besides the three bureaucrats, the court had also imposed a fine of Rs one crore on convicted private firm Kamal Sponge Steel and Power Ltd, while its managing director Pawan Kumar Ahluwalia was awarded a three-year jail term by the court.

The case related to the irregularities in the allocation of the Thesgora-B Rudrapuri coal block in Madhya Pradesh to the firm.

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Lucknow:

The Uttar Pradesh government will launch a massive immunisation campaign in 38 eastern districts of the state to protect children from the deadly encephalitis disease that has been claiming hundreds of lives annually.



UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will flag off the campaign in Kushinagar on Thursday.



Yogi Adityanath first raised the issue of encephalitis in 1998 in Parliament and after becoming the chief minister of the state he is fully committed to its eradication and a massive immunisation drive will be conducted in 38 eastern UP districts between May 25 and June 11, the states health minister Siddhartnath Singh told newspersons here.



Children up to 15 years of age will be included in this campaign, the minister said, adding that the chief minister will lauch it from a malin basti (slum area) in Kushinagar, while other cabinet ministers and senior leaders will shoulder the responsibility in other districts.



The minister said the drive will cover over 88 lakh children for which the central government has provided one crore vaccines.



Though vaccines are available for Japanese Encephalitis, there is no such vaccine for checking acute encephalitis syndrome (AES) and better hygiene is the only way to ward it off, the minister said, adding that a swachta abhiyan (cleanliness drive) will also be run alongside.



The chief minister has sought help from MPs, MLAs, ministers and other peoples representatives to join the campaign by issuing an appeal, Singh said.



Some 40,000 children have died of the disease in the past four decades in the region. The minister said that about 85 per cent cases of Japanese Encephalitis and AES are reported among Dalits and minorities.

ALSO READ | UPs soaring crime and CM Yogi Adityanaths matrix of pop nirvana



He took the opportunity to target the opposition parties by saying it would have been better if those shedding tears over Saharanpur caste clashes had got themselves associated with this campaign, a reference to BSP supremo Mayawati who visited the spot yesterday.



He said the state goverment has taken the Saharanpur incident very seriously and sent four senior officials with the instructions to return only after normalcy is restored.



The chief minister has made an appeal to the people to maintain peace and has also sought cooperation from opposition parties, he added.

ALSO READ | Police arrest man for objectionable FB posts on UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath

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New Delhi:

A civilian was injured after suspected militants hurled a grenade on the CRPF and SOG camp in Shopian district of Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday. Following the attack, security forces launched a major search operation to nab the militants.

The attack came just hours after the forces called off a counter-insurgency operation in Pulwama after some militants managed to flee from the security cordon.

The operation was launched on Tuesday on the basis of a tip-off about the presence of militants, including Lashkar-e-Taiba's Kashmir chief Abu Dujana, in Hakripora area, a police official said.

The militants opened fire during the operation, prompting retaliation from the forces which triggered a gunfight. However, a mob threw stones at the security personnel to disrupt the operation, which allowed the militants to flee, he said.

"Searches were concluded this morning. There was no fresh firing as the militants seemed to have escaped from the cordon last night," the official said.

In a separate incident, a PDP worker was shot at by unidentified gunmen in Srinagar's Barzulla. The injured worker was referred to a hospital for treatment.

(More details awaited, with inputs from agencies)

Read | Kashmir: Search operation ends in Pulwama as militants manage to flee encounter site due to stone-pelting

J&K: Encounter between militants, security forces breaks out in Pulwama district



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New Delhi:

The Army's court of inquiry against Major Leetul Gogoi for strapping a man to a jeep's bonnet purportedly as a shield against stone-pelters in Kashmir has been termed a 'farce' by former Jammmu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah.

His remarks came after the Major was honoured by Army chief General Bipin Rawat recently with a 'Commendation Card'"for his sustained efforts in counter-insurgency operations".

"In future, please don't bother with the farce of a military court of inquiry. Clearly the only court that matters is the court of public opinion," Abdullah wrote on Twitter. A video, showing the man tied to the army vehicle during polling in the Srinagar Lok Sabha by-election on 9 April, had triggered a public outcry, prompting the Army to institute aprobe and the police to register a case against the officer.

ALSO READ: Omar Abdullah meets Sonia Gandhi, expresses concern over Kashmir situation

Abdullah suggested that the governemt was adopting double standards on issues of human rights violations. "And international conventions like the Geneva/Vienna ones only count when India can accuse others of violations.

Do as we say, not as we do," the National Conference working president said. Making an appearance on national TV, Major Gogoi had on Teusday explained the circumstances that led to tying the man to the jeep, which he said saved at least 12 lives.

With PTI inputs

READ: Video: Youth allegedly tied to army jeep as human shield against stone pelting; Omar Abdullah demands urgent probe

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Lucknow:

Saharanpur SSP SC Dubey and DM NP Singh were sacked for their inability to control the violence in the wake of clashes between two communities in the area, reports said on Wednesday.



Several people sustained injuries on Tuesday while returning from a BSP rally addressed by party chief Mayawati in Uttar Pradesh's Saharanpur district. According to reports, people, mainly Dalits, were attacked in Chandrapur and Shabbirpur area.

The clash erupted right after the rally when a group of men belonging to upper caste started assaulting people with sharp-edged weapons and guns.

Following the incident, the government swung into action and senior police officials were rushed to the spot to assess the situation. DGP (Headquarters) has also sought a report from the Saharanpur Police in this regard.

Earlier, BSP chief Mayawati held the BJP-led UP government responsible for the violence in Saharanpur and alleged that the ruling party had failed to stop its own brigade from attacking weaker sections.



Thakurs in Shabbirpur village had prevented Dalit residents from installing a BR Ambedkar statue on the premises of a temple. Later, on May 5, a Dalit group had objected to a procession of Thakurs to mark the birth anniversary of Rajput king Maharana Pratap, triggering violence, in which one person was killed and over 15 were injured.

Here are the highlights:

#6:58 PM



CM Yogi Adityanath summons DGP Sulkhan Singh to his office



#6:55 PM



PK Pandey new Saharanpur DM, to take over shortly; Bablu Kumar new SSP



#6:50 PM

A delegation of BSP leaders, including Ram Achal Rajbhar, Lalji Verma, Inderjeet Saroj and SC Mishra, arrive at CM Yogi Adityanath's office



#6:45 PM

Earlier on Wednesday, PM Modi took stock of law and order situation via video conferencing as he interacted with DGP, Chief Secretary and Chief Secretaries of Home Ministry of various states. UP DGP Sulkhan Singh, Chief Secretary Rahul Bhatnagar and Principal Secatary Arvind Kumar interacted with PM Modi via video conferencing.

#6:40 PM

#6:35 PM

BSP trying to politicize the matter. Appeal to ppl to maintain peace, culprits won't be spared: Sanjiv Balyan,Union Minister #Saharanpur pic.twitter.com/btjecGx0pr

 ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) May 24, 2017

#6:34 PM

Saharanpur DM NP Singh also sacked over inability to control violence in the wake of clashes between two communities in the area

#6:30 PM

Saharanpur SSP SC Dubey sacked over inability to control violence in the wake of clashes between two communities in the area

#5:30 PM

SPs of all districts have been alerted following Saharanpur violence

#3:30 PM

After Saharanpur violence, organisations advocating casteism have been banned to stage protests

ALSO READ | UP: Several injured in group clash in Saharanpur after BSP chief Mayawati's rally

Ruling, opposition parties spar over Saharanpur clashes:

The fresh caste violence in Saharanpur in Uttar Pradesh that left one youth dead sparked a political slugfest on Wednesday with BSP chief Mayawati putting the blame on the BJP government and a senior state minister accusing the opposition party of shedding tears.



One person was killed and four others were injured yesterday as fresh violence erupted in Saharanpur, which has been witnessing inter-caste clashes since last month.



The Yogi Adityanath government also came under attack from the CPI(M) which accused it of backing upper caste perpetrators of the violence and asked it to give up its partisan stand to ensure that law prevailed in Saharanpur.



As the caste clashes posed the first major law and order challenge for the Bharatiya Janata Party(BJP) government after it assumed office on March 19, Mayawati alleged that casteist forces in the BJP and RSS have been given a free hand to misuse official machinery in order to harm social amity and brotherhood.

ALSO READ | BSP supremo Mayawati sets off for violence-hit Saharanpur, asks BJP to stop Dalit persecution



After having damaged the communal atmosphere to gain political and electoral victory, the casteist, mischievous and criminal elements in the BJP and RSS are now bent upon unleashing casteist violence, the Bahujan Samaj Party(BSP) chief said in a party release issued in Lucknow. During her visit to Saharanpur, she had accused the ruling party of failing to stop its own brigade from attacking weaker sections.



In the statement, she also alleged that the administration was hand in glove with BJP and RSS leaders.



At a press conference on immunisation campaign in Lucknow, Siddharth Nath Singh, who is the states health minister and also the official spokesperson, returned the fire and targeted the opposition parties.



He said it would have been better if those shedding tears over Saharanpur caste clashes had got themselves associated with the immunisation campaign, in an apparent reference to Mayawati. He, however, did not take her name.



He said the state government has taken the Saharanpur incident very seriously and sent four senior officials with the instructions to return only after normalcy is restored.



The chief minister has made an appeal to the people to maintain peace and has also sought cooperation from opposition parties, he said.



The CPI(M) condemned the murderous attacks on dalits in Saharanpur and demanded that the state government take firm action against those allegedly assaulting the community members.



The situation is totally deteriorating and the atrocities on Dalits and Muslims are taking place right in front of the eyes of the police.

ALSO READ | Fresh violence strikes Saharanpur; police chowki burnt, 20 vehicles torched amidst stone-pelting, clashes



It is a clear case of complete absence of governance, CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury said in New Delhi.



The CPI(M) politburo, in a statement, attributed the steady deterioration in the situation to the state government allegedly not showing the will to act tough against the upper caste perpetrators.



The CPI(M) demands firm action against all those involved in the atrocities against the Dalits. The administration has to provide full protection to the vulnerable people, the party said.



In her statement, Mayawati alleged that it was because of the neglect of the administration that BJP supporters targeted Dalits and indulged in violence after she left Saharanpur yesterday leading to the death of one person.

ALSO READ | Saharanpur: Members of two groups clash over loud music; 1 dead, 15 injured



Ever since BJP came to power in the state, law and order and crime control has deteriorated as in other BJP-ruled states and the saffron brigade has got a free hand to carry out communal and casteist activities to harass people... everyone needs to remain vigilant, she said.



The Dalits are demanding their constitutional rights but casteist forces in the BJP and RSS are out to crush them, she said, adding that those who had condemned Dalit icons all their lives are today out to proclaim themselves as the saviours of Dalits and backwards for the sake of votes.

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New Delhi:

West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday to seek more funds for her state for tackling the financial crisis and Ganga erosion.



During her stay in the capital, Mamata is also likely to meet Congress president Sonia Gandhi.

Her meeting with Modi comes in the backdrop of Mamata, known for taking a strong position against the BJP, intensifying efforts for a joint candidate for the presidential race.

Before leaving for the national capital, she told reporters in Kolkata, "... I will discuss the Ganga erosion problem and will ask for funds to deal with the problem of river erosion."

Mamata has been seeking loan waiver for her state for long. Opposition parties are slated to meet on May 26 here to decide on a candidate. President Pranab Mukherjee's term ends on July 24 and the election has to take place before that.

Read | Presidential polls: Bihar CM Nitish Kumar bats for Pranab Mukherjees re-election, asks BJP to build consensus

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New Delhi:

The fighter jets of Pakistan Air Force (PAF) on Wednesday reportedly made flights near Siachen Glacier. Also, all the forward operating bases were declared fully operational, Pakistani media has claimed. All forward airbases of PAF were made operational on Wednesday after recent Indian Air Force Chiefs internal letter, ARY News reported.

Meanwhile, the Indian Air Force has categorically rejected Pakistan's claims of flying fighter jets over Siachen Glacier on the Indian side.

Reports said earlier that Pakistan Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman visited Forward Airbases at Siachen where the PAF showcased its war expertise and preparedness during its drills.

According to reports, Pak Air Chief Marshal Aman flown a Mirage Jet Fighter himself as he took part in the PAF exercises. Aman met the pilots and technical staff of the PAF, said reports.

"The nation does not need to be worried from such kind of statements from enemy," Pakistan Air Chief Sohail Aman was quoted as saying by Pakistani media.



"If anyone tried to do some kind of misadventure with Pakistan, it will face strong retaliation," he added. "We don't need to tell anyone that we are ready because everyone knows we are," he said.

ALSO READ | Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa warns IAF officers, says be prepared for 'uncalled threat'

This comes after, Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa, in a letter to each officer of the IAF, had asked them to be prepared for operations with our present holdings, at a very short notice. According to reports, the letter was written to more than 12,000 officers on April 30.

The letter also talked about various issues in the Army including favouritism and sexual harassment. The letter was written to the officers by BS Dhanoa three months after becoming the Air Chief Marshal.

ALSO READ | IAF personnel assaulted, robbed by ruffians in Delhi's Sangam Vihar; 3 men arrested



In the present scenario, there is an ever persistent sub-conventional threat. Therefore, we need to be prepared for operations with our present holdings, at a very short notice, Dhanoa was quoted as saying by The Indian Express. Training needs to be focused towards this, he added.

When asked about the letter, IAF spokesperson refused to comment citing this is an internal communication.

On Tuesday, the Indian Army had claimed to have destroyed Pakistan Army posts along the Line of Control (LoC) in Nowshera sector. However, the Pakistan Army had rejected the claim through its media wing  Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). Indian Army had also released a video proof of the same.

It is totally baseless and misleading. On the contrary, Indian Army resorted to unprovoked ceasefire violation including heavy mortar and artillery fire on civil population in Bhimber Sector on 13 May which resulted in civilian casualties and damages to civil infrastructure, said a press release issued by ISPR.

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New Delhi:

In a case of alleged irregularities in facilitating the conversion of about Rs 35 crore worth of demonetised currency, a special court has denied bail to a suspended officer of a private bank.

Special Judge Hemani Malhotra dismissed the bail plea of Ashish Kumar, the then manager of Kotak Mahindra Bank, saying the allegations against him were serious and prima facie showed that he had cheated the government and public of crores of rupees.

Kumar, who is in custody since December 22, 2016 in another case, was arrested by the Delhi Police in this case on March 28 for alleged offences of cheating, criminal breach of trust, forgery of a valuable security, using forged document as genuine and criminal conspiracy.

The facts and circumstances thus prima facie reflect that accused (Kumar) cheated the government and general public to the tune of crores of rupees in a well-thought and systematic manner and was aided by co-accused and other associates of his who are still at large, the court said.

The judge also said that since the allegations against the accused were grave and serious in nature and the fact that investigation is still underway, I do not see any premise to grant bail to Ashish Kumar. Same is accordingly dismissed.

Prosecution alleged that during the probe, it was found that co-accused Raj Kumar Goel and his associates were engaged in earning profits by routing money into various accounts by using forged documents. They received commission from the clients who either needed money by cheque or in cash.

Also read: French economist Guy Sorman describes demonetisation as 'successful political coup'

The accounts were opened by Goel and his associates in Kotak Mahindra Bank and ICICI Bank, Naya Bazar branch here. On November 8, 2016 when the government announced demonetisation, Goel conspired with Kumar, one chartered accountant and a mediator who used to bring demonetised currency to the bank to convert it into new notes and earned profits, it said.

It alleged that though Goels accounts were in different branches, Kumar and the chartered accountant allowed him to deposit old currency notes in the banks Connaught Place branch.

Prosecution alleged that after demonetisation, Goel opened accounts in Naya Bazar branch in the names of various companies and deposited Rs 34.75 crore in both the branches.

Kumar then issued demand drafts in the name of various fictitious persons, it said, adding that the accused were allegedly involved in deep rooted conspiracy to convert black money in old demonetised currency into new ones on commission basis and it was misappropriated by them for illegal monetary gains by violating guidelines of RBI and Ministry of Finance.

The court noted that the findings of departmental enquiry against Kumar concluded that he had accommodated co-accused Goel and one Ramesh Chand Sharma to deposit demonetised currency of Rs 31.75 crore in violation of internal controls.

He also allowed cash deposits of other branch customers without any intimation to or approval of the home branch, as was required under banks internal process, it noted.

Kumars counsel sought bail claiming that as per the RBI guidelines, a customer could have deposited any amount of money in his account in any branch of the bank and there was no restriction on the number of demand drafts a customer could have got prepared from his bank account from any branch.

Regarding the allegations of commission claimed to have been received by him, he said no recovery has been made by the police which points at his innocence.

Public Prosecutor Atul Kumar Shrivastava opposed the bail plea saying the complicity of the accused was evident from the fact that in gross violation of banks guidelines issued the period of demonetisation, he accepted cash deposit of Rs 31.75 crore in non-home branch that is Connaught Place.

The prosecutor said as per the guidelines intimated to all senior officers including Kumar, cash amount of over Rs 25 lakh was to be deposited at the cash points at Kirti Nagar and not at the branches.

Also read: CBDT unearthed Rs 16,398 crore unaccounted money post demonetisation

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Lucknow:

Members from the Mulslim community are expected to participate in the International Yoga Day event in Lucknow on June 21 in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.



"At least 300 Muslim men and women will participate in the International Yoga Day celebrations, which would be held in Lucknow's Ramabai Ambedkar Maidan. The number of participants may go up," Mahiraj Dhwaj Singh, national co-convener (organisation) of Muslim Rashtriya Manch for UP and Uttarakhand told PTI on Wednesday.

Spokesperson of All India Shia Personal Law Board Maulana Yasoob Abbas when contacted said, "We are open to the idea of participation in the International Yoga Day celebrations. We are exploiting all the options in this regard."

Syed Babar Ashraf, president of Sada-e-Sufiyaain Hind was of the view that if yoga is good for an individual's health, then it must be practiced.

"We are all for yoga and will participate in the International Yoga Day festivities. Problem arises when religion is mixed with yoga. As far as we are concerned, there is no problem with yoga," he said.

On May 14, Union home minister Rajnath Singh and Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath reviewed the preparations for the event, which will be held on June 21.

Prime Minister Modi along with 55,000 people are likely to participate in the event. A UP government spokesperson has said that Rajnath Singh met Adityanath to discuss and review the preparations of the International Yoga Day. Union ayush minister Shripad Yesso Naik was present at the meeting.

Adityanath said that for convenience of ordinary citizens, LED screens will be installed at different parks in the city, so that they could also participate simultaneously.

He also issued directions to hold a 28-day workshop for the participants prior to the event.

Read | UP CM Adityanath directs officials to set up yoga wellness centres in 40 districts

The Union ayush ministry had proposed Lucknow as the venue for the main function for IDY celebrations this year. Earlier, the government was considering Bhopal, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Ranchi and Bengaluru as possible venues for the event.

The ministry is also planning to organise a major yoga event in at least one city in each of the districts across the country. The ministry zeroed in on Lucknow as the possible venue at a review meeting for the June 21 event.

The official website of the Ayush ministry on its webpage pertaining to IDY also requests the people visiting the page to make the following pledge -- "I pledge to make Yoga an integral part of my daily life."

So far, 30.46 lakh visitors have pledged to make Yoga an integral part of their daily life. The first IDY celebration was organised at Rajpath in New Delhi on June 21, 2015 in which representatives of 191 countries had participated.

Last year, the main function took place in Chandigarh. The United Nations General Assembly, heeding to a call by Prime Minister Modi, had made a declaration in December 2014 to observe June 21 as IDY every year.

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New Delhi:

Even as this writer was winding up this article a new headline popped up on the home screen. It read - Saharanpur: One shot, 4 Dalits attacked with swords while returning from Mayawatis rally.



Has goonda raj returned to Uttar Pradesh with ferocity twice over? Was law and order situation a shade better or worse in the Akhilesh Yadav government? The two questions are so intricately inter-twined it is hard to answer one with precision without attempting to answer the second, and, yet, without a wee bit of guesswork you know you are closest to the answer than you were ever before.



But, lets try and solve the riddle for you. Lets rewind a bit and go back to days of hectic political campaigning for the state elections three months ago and recall Bhartiya Janata Partys onslaught against the ruling Samajwadi Party in Uttar Pradesh.



The party spared no efforts in decrying the Akhilesh Yadav government for worsening law and order in the state. No less than the Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the attack against SP government urging people to vote against a party that encouraged and nurtured goonda raj and rise up to elect a party which can deliver them from prevailing insecurity and criminalization of politics.



As a result of its massive blitzkrieg the BJP reaped a bumper harvest winning the elections with over three-fourth majority in the UP assembly. It was BJPs moment of delivering what it had promised. Enter Yogi Adityanath into the scene. He made all the right noises as would a chief minister whose party had not only won the set, game and match but had delivered a crushing blow to its political rivals.



Even before the people could square up to the potential of a saffron-robed monk-turned-politician in the new avatar of a chief minister Yogi had already won the day for himself by talking tough on criminals and almost stopped short of bragging he had the panacea for all ills plaguing the state, but promised achche din nevertheless as had his more famous and senior party from Gujarat before taking over his new assignment in Delhi as the countrys Prime Minister in 2014.

Also Read: Now, UP CM Adityanath to monitor crime reports personally through special cell



So far so good. It was time to get down to brasstacks. So what does a powerful chief minister with a backing of over 300 party MLAs and a loyal band of coalition supporters in a 400-strong Vidhan Sabha do to give strong signals that he wanted a more enduring climate of peace and tranquility by chasing away criminals and potential anti-social elements? Well, the new CM announces setting up of an anti-romeo squad.



The anti-romeo squad only turned out to be a vainglorious attempt at moral policing as young innocent couples were spotted, rounded up, questioned, humiliated and interrogated by men in Khakhi. This was monk-turned-CM Yogis attempt at pop nirvana; reaching a state of bliss and happiness himself but failing to realise it has only aggravated peoples sufferings. The drive triggered a public outcry as the newly-installed Yogi government fumbled to have a re-look at it to avoid bad press.



There shall be no place for criminals in Uttar Pradesh. Either they will be chased out of the state or the jails shall be the most suitable resting place for them. Chief Minister Yogis statement should have wrung terror in the hearts of criminals. But the saffron-robed chief minister failed to match up his words with action.

.

Even as he decided to shut down illegal slaughterhouses cow vigilantes were allowed to have a free run. A lynch mob lurks in the vicinity ready to pounce on an innocent. A parallel social media rumour mill provides the necessary grist to these cow vigilantes known for their grisly attacks on suspects transporting beef ( cow meat ) in other states ruled by the BJP.



In the past over two months since Yogi has taken over murders, dacoities, rapes, communal and caste conflicts show no let up rather indicate an uncomfortable trend.



The twin murder of bullion traders in Mathura sent shock waves across the traders community. The victims were battered to death as the murders were captured on CCTV. It was easy to make out the assailants had no fear of the law. In fact, soon after Yogi was sworn-in, two daughters were raped before the accused wiped out the entire family of four in Allahabad.



In Lucknow, two sisters were murdered in broad daylight right inside their home. Similar killings took place in Chitrakoot. A young traders murder in Yogis own parliamentary constituency, Gorakhpur, only adds to the long list of woes indicating no let up in crime.



In fact, between March 15 to April 15 ( Yogi was sworn-in on March 19 ) rapes in UP rose four times and murders rose up twice as compared to the figures in the corresponding period in 2016. This is the data provided by the state police itself. There were 179 rapes recorded in April alone as compared to 41 rapes in the corresponding period in 2016. More than double the number of people were murdered  240, as compared to 101 in the corresponding period the previous year.



Even the Allahabad High Court expressed concern over the soaring crime in UP as a related matter camp up for hearing before the bench of Justice D B Bhonsle and Justice Yashwant Verma. The bench directed the principal secretary ( Home ) to rein in criminal and mafia elements.



So far the state government has sought to counter the worsening law and order by effecting large scale transfer of police officials. The Yogi government has transferred more than 200 police officials in the last two months.



Two months into the government and CM Yogi is already under siege by opposition parties on the issue of law and order. But he appears surprisingly unruffled by criticism. He likened the recent crime incidents to the last few breaths which come very fast before death.



If murders, rapes and dacoities have marked the almost ten-week old Yogi government the May 5 Saharanpur clashes between upper caste Thakurs and Dalits point towards another grey area where police action leaves much to be desired. Dalits protested loud music being played by Thakurs during a function to mark the birth anniversary of Rajput King Maharana Pratap. Minor skirmish snowballed into a full-blown clash with both sides indulging in stone-pelting. Later, a group of Thakurs ransacked and burned down over 25 Dalit houses. In the ensuing violence 15 Dalits were injured.



Police rounded up many people, mostly dalits. Two weeks later Dalits descended in thousands at Delhis Jantar Mantar protesting polices prejudicial and lopsided role .

The police action or inaction indicates a wilful and deliberate move to silence the oppressed even as it underlines governments upper caste bias, in much the same way its predecessors were accused of protecting a certain caste-clan and patronising criminals.



So, the attack on Dalits yet again on May 23rd was enough to indicate the caste cauldron will be allowed to simmer under the Yogi regime as well for political mileage. What was the provocation for those Dalits returning from BSP leader Mayawatis rally, which was in response to the upper caste violence against Dalits in Saharanpur earlier this month, to be attacked with guns and swords.

Also Read | 2 Jewellers shot dead by criminals in Mathura; UP CM orders DGP to launch probe



Will hate crime and caste conflicts continue to have a free run in Yogis Uttar Pradesh. Is Saharanpur the new Una? Will Yogi allow a humongous majority in the Assembly go down the drain without effecting a matrix of change it was most expected of him. Or is the new trend the proverbial straw in the wind in Yogis UP.



So far there is nothing to indicate the Yogi government has any workable strategy at hand to restore peoples faith in law and order. The new administration in Lucknow seems to be working only to widen the differences when tackling crime should have been Yogi governments differentiator.







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New Delhi:

In a tragic incident, as many as 29 pilgrims from Madhya Pradesh were killed when their bus fell into Bhagirathi river near Nalupani on Tuesday evening while returning from Gangotri shrine in the Himalayas.

The mishap occurred at around 6 pm as the bus fell 300 metres down the road into the river, Uttarkashi District Magistrate Ashish Shrivastava said.

Twenty bodies have so far been recovered from the spot and one of the seven injured died at the hospital, he said.

Rescue efforts by the SDRF, the ITBP and police personnel under the supervision of senior officials are continuing in darkness.

There were around 29 pilgrims, mostly from Indore, in the bus at the time of the accident, he said.

Latest visuals from Uttarakhand: Rescue ops by ITBP personnel near Dharasu, where bus carrying 29 pilgrims from MP, fell into a river. pic.twitter.com/fpvDv6Zch2 a ANI (@ANI_news) May 23, 2017

On Chardham yatra since May 12, these pilgrims had already visited Yamunotri and Gangotri and were on way to Haridwar from where they had to go to Kedarnath, he said.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each to the next of kin of the deceased.

Meanwhile, Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan expressed grief over the tragedy and issued instructions for immediate aid to the victims.A

#WATCH: Rescue ops by ITBP personnel near Uttarakhand's Dharasu, where bus carrying 29 pilgrims from MP, fell into river;22 bodies recovered pic.twitter.com/I54Ucd6op3 a ANI (@ANI_news) May 23, 2017

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Mumbai:

A boy belonging to a farmers family in Aurangabad was referred to Sir H N Reliance Foundation Hospital and Research Centre by a noted Paediatric Cardiologist from Pune, Dr Pankaj Sugaonkar. The boy was having a complicated heart defect in which all the heart chambers and arteries were interchanged.



The heart had a large hole and the artery connected to the lung was narrow resulting in very poor supply of impure blood to the heart for purification. Matters were worsened because the heart was located at the right side of the chest instead of the left and the coronary arterial courses were too crowded for an area to be selected for connecting the heart and lungs with the interposition conduits.

There was an initial clinical evaluation after which the child underwent a detailed echocardiography to observe the findings and to chart out the surgical process for correction of the defects. The attending doctors were faced with 3 choices:



1. A simple surgery in which the entire oxygen poor blood would be diverted into the lung arteries that would at best give a limited life to the boy with an inferior quality.



2. Plugging the hole in the heart and installing an artificial tube from the left chamber to the artery carrying the blood to the lungs. A sub -optimal pump would have to be assigned to pump blood in this option.



3. An extremely complex repair to make the natural pumping chamber the main pump of the heart so that a near normal life and longevity of life was ensured.

ALSO READ | Want to prevent irregular heartbeat? Your favourite chocolate may be good for your heart, says study



Additionally, there were high chances that a pace maker to correct the heart rate and repair heart block would be required to be installed owing to the inherent nature of the problem. In the case of Sanket, the surgeon would have to be extremely careful while trying to plug the hole in the heart so that a heart block is not triggered.



After a lot of discussions and thinking, the option of complex repair was chosen by a team of doctors comprising a cardiac surgeon, an intensivist and an anaesthetist. Plan B was also in place should Plan A fail for which the patient was worked up. The pressures in the lung arteries were checked with the help of a cardiac catherization test so as to be prepared for the second surgery if the need arose. All the steps of the surgery were discussed and planned meticulously right from the opening of the chest to closing it.



The operation went smoothly and like clockwork, because of which the operating time was reduced as well as the time required to use the bypass machine while the heart was being operated upon. The lesser amount of time required ensured minimum injury to the lungs and heart. This meticulous planning and execution bore fruit and resulted in the child being taken off the ventilator the very next day after the surgery. The blood pressure medication too had only to be given for a small period. The boy is now taking food orally and is in the ICU.

ALSO READ | Is red wine really good for your heart? 'No', says a new study citing presence of anti-oxidants like resveratrol



Dr Shreepal Jain, Senior Paediatric Cardiologist of the hospital, said, This case highlights the importance of team work, meticulous planning and perfect execution in the entire peri-operative period. Very few hospitals in the country have the kind of surgical expertise and infrastructure required to carry out such a complex surgery on a kid. By undertaking this route, we have provided Sanket with.



The successful execution of this complicated surgery, shows Sir H N Reliance Foundation Hospitals enthusiasm to succeed and stretch the frontiers of science to help humanity. The team of doctors too were inspired to continue breaking the status quo.



The children coming for treatment at Sir H N Reliance Foundation Hospital are ensured that quality will never be compromised. They will always get the best medical option and not just keeping the ease of the operation or immediate safety of the procedure in mind.
Islamabad:

Two Chinese citizens, including a woman, were abdcuted by unknown gunmen from Pakistan's restive Balochistan province, Dawn Online reported on Wednesday. The incident may raise concerns in China over its investment plans in the neighbouring country.



The two were abducted from Jinnah Town area of provincial capital Quetta.



According to witnesses, the unidentified men tried to abduct three of the foreigners, two women and one man. However, one of them managed to escape.

The report said that abductors forced the two into a vehicle at gunpoint and drove away.

A passerby was injured after one of the abductors opened fire at the scene. Police and Frontier Corps personnel reached the scene of the abduction to initiate an investigation. Jinnah Town is one of the affluent residential areas of the city.

Read | Pakistan shows interest in China's new airborne radar for its JF-17 fighter jets

Balochistan chief minister Nawab Sanaullah Zehri has ordered an immediate inquiry into the abduction.

He directed the Balochistan inspector general of police to take immediate steps for an early recovery of the Chinese workers.

Chinese interest in Balochistan has spiked in recent years after the announcement of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which plans to connect Pakistani port of Gwadar to Xinjiang in China.

In the past, China has asked Islamabad to improve security, especially in Balochistan, where China is building a new port and funding roads as part of the CPEC.

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New Delhi:

A suspected suicide bombing near a bus terminal in Indonesias capital on Wednesday night killed a policeman and injured nine other people, including four officers, police said.

There were two blasts at around 9:00 PM (1930 IST), close to each other, there are three victims, East Jakarta police chief Andry Wibowo told TV station MetroTV, without saying whether the victims had been killed or injured.

From the damage I can see the explosions were pretty big. It was not immediately clear what caused the blasts at the Kampung Melayu terminal, which is served by mini-vans and buses.

TV pictures showed smoke rising from the terminal and police rushing to carry casualties away from the scene. Large numbers of police officers were at the scene and had cordoned it off.

Vice National Police Chief Syafruddin, who uses one name, said an initial investigation showed there were two explosions and a suspected suicide bomber had also died.

Tonight, to Indonesian citizens and all of us who are here at the scene, I express very deep concern. There have been bomb explosions at the Kampung Melayu bus terminal and for now they are believed to have been a suicide bombing, he said.

He said the officers had been guarding a parade by a group of local people.

National police spokesman Setyo Wasisto said two people had died and nine others were injured five civilians and four policemen. He said the victims were taken to several hospitals.

The explosion occurred in a parking lot next to the bus terminal in eastern Jakarta. A bomb squad was investigating the explosion as heavily armed police guarded the area.

TV channels showed people helping a victim lying on the ground, and three policemen carrying another victim away from the scene.

Indonesia, the worlds most populous Muslim-majority country, generally follows a moderate form of the faith.

The government has carried out a sustained crackdown on militants since the 2002 Bali bombings by al-Qaida-affiliated radicals that killed 202 people. A new threat has emerged in the past several years from extremists who sympathise with the Islamic State group.

Also read: Explosion in Afghanistan's religious school kills 8 children, chief cleric

Also read: Syria: Massive explosion hit near the Damascus International Airport



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Karachi:

According to a media report, a Pakistani court ordered repatriation of the 350 Indian fishermen who had been convicted for fishing inside the country's territorial waters.



Judicial magistrate Salman Amjad Siddiqui visited the district jail in Malir on Tuesday to indict 350 fishermen, who have been detained since January 27, Dawn newspaper reported.



When the magistrate read out the charges against them, all the fishermen pleaded guilty of fishing inside Pakistani territorial waters, it said. The court then took a lenient view and convicted the fishermen for a period they have already spent in detention and also directed the jail authorities to approach the department concerned to make arrangements for their repatriation.



The Maritime Security Agency had detained the fishermen along with their 60 boats after finding them fishing inside Pakistani territorial waters in the Arabian Sea in separate actions taken between January 27 and May 4 this year. The cases were registered against them at the Docks police station.

ALSO READ: BSF seizes Pak fishing boat in Creek area of Kutch, 4 fishermen escape

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New Delhi:

A US official said that the Donald Trump government has cut its foreign military financing (FMF) to Pakistan from USD 255 million to USD 100 million for the 2018 fiscal, but has kept options open whether it would be a grant or should be converted into a loan.

"While we may use FMF to leverage loans for some countries, we will still maintain the flexibility to use it as grant assistance where needed," a state department spokesman told PTI when asked about the budget proposal of USD 100million in foreign military funding to Pakistan.

"This budget focuses on bilateral FMF assistance requested for Israel (USD 3.1 billion), Egypt (USD 1.3billion), Jordan (USD 350 million), and Pakistan (USD 100million)," the spokesman said on Teusday.

In 2016, the US assistance to Pakistan under the state department budget was USD 534 million, which included USD 225 million towards foreign military funding. In all, the state department has proposed a massive USD 190 million reduction in its financial aid to Pakistan as compared to the 2016 fiscal.

The current 2017 fiscal ends onSeptember 30 in 2017. On Monday, the White House said that FMF to Israel andEgypt would continue to be in the form of grant while forPakistan it would be a loan but a final decision would betaken by the state department.

ALSO READ: Pakistan is 'harbouring terrorists', using them as 'reserve' in Afghan: US intelligence official

"The Foreign Military Funding or FMF for Pakistan wouldbe provided in the form of a loan guarantee," said MickMulvaney, Director of the Office of Management of Budget inthe White House. Responding to questions, Mulvaney said the Trumpadministration has proposed to convert its FMF programme tomany countries from aid to financial loan.

Pakistan is one of those countries. "This is one of the options that the administration had explored in its internal deliberations, but the request itself does not make that determination," the White House later clarified indicating it might revert to the original financial grant to Pakistan to sell military hardware if need be.

"Whether the funding is provided through grants, or as a subsidy for a guaranteed loan, is an option the statedepartment can exercise to ensure our foreign assistance bestsupports our national interests," the White House said.

READ: Trump acknowledges India as victim of terrorism in presence of Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif at Riyadh summit

"Our argument was instead of giving somebody USD 100 million, we can give them a smaller number worth of loan guarantees and they can actually buy more stuff. We did not change it for Israel. We did not change it for Egypt," said Mulvaney.

In another major development, the Trump administration in its annual budget for 2018 fiscal beginning October 1 thisyear has proposed to end the Pakistan Counter insurgency Capabilities Fund (PCCF), which was budgeted as USD 9 millionin both 2016 and 2017.

PCCF was designed to build the counterinsurgencycapabilities of Pakistan's security forces engaged in operations against militant extremists in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.

"While the counter-insurgency purpose underlying the PCCF account and the maintenance of close US Pakistani military ties remain important administration priorities, these needs have been met through other accounts, including Foreign Military Financing (FMF) and International Military Education and Training (IMET), since the FY 2014 Request," the White House said in its budgetary explanation.

The state department said the USD 100 million in FMF to Pakistan will be used to advance US national security interests in that country by supporting Pakistan's capacity to improve stability and security and fight terrorism, including through the elimination of safe havens for terrorist and militant organisations.

The money would be used to continue efforts to build the counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency capabilities of Pakistan's security forces to improve security in the tribal areas along the border with Afghanistan, achieve progress on joint US-Pakistan objectives, including bilateral efforts to decimate core al-Qaeda elements and confront the emerging threat posed by ISIS-Khorasan Province.

Funds will also improve Pakistan's ability to participate in US-led Coalition Maritime Forces and patrol its maritime borders to stem the flow of illicit materials and personnel,it said.

With PTI inputs

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The statistics on smartphone usage are staggering. According to a 2017 survey from ReporterLink, 46 percent of Americans grab for their phone the moment they wake up (its 66 percent for Millennials). In fact, the average person, according to Networkworld, touches their phone 2,617 times per day with a total of 145 minutes of use. The heaviest smartphone users tap or swipe their phone 5,427 time per day with 225 minutes of use daily.

This raises a serious question: Are we on our smartphones this much to be more productive and successful entrepreneurs, or are we just afraid that we are missing out on something? If your answer is missing out, you may be losing valuable productivity time and diverting your attention and energy away from what will make you successful. And, you may be suffering from a new kind of anxiety.

FOMO, the acronym for "Fear Of Missing Out," is actually a real word. The Oxford Dictionary defines it as, "Anxiety that an exciting or interesting event may currently be happening elsewhere, often aroused by posts seen on social media."

It seems to have hit critical mass these days as its being mentioned repeatedly, not only in the news, but on the street too. Here, in New York City, you only need to sit in a busy coffee shop for a few minutes to watch how often people check their phones.

So, if you feel that you are suffering from productivity-robbing FOMO, here are 5 smartphone tips that will help you overcome that success stealing anxiety:

1. Acknowledging the problem

There is little chance to overcome this until you acknowledge this is an issue for you, is causing you anxiety and is stealing your valuable time.

Related: 11 Habits of Truly Happy People

2. Nightly social site diary

Every night, the last action you should do on your cell phone is enter into a memo the five most important things you found out about from social media on your smartphone that day. You will quickly discover the list is comically small and has few items on it that will lead to more success and earnings. This is a technique to train your mind so that when you go to visit a social site, you will be thinking, When was the last time this social site provided something useful?

3. Schedule social media use on your phone

Other than answering a text, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, etc. or a phone call, schedule a handful times per day (use a calendar-type alert), when you will check social sites, engage and post from your phone. Add in the phone check when you wake up and before you turn in for the night, and you have six social site sessions a day.

If you catch yourself opening your phone at any other time, for any other reason other than communication, stop yourself. This will be hard at first, you may even slip, but soon this will become your new habit.

Related: Habits of the World's Wealthiest People (Infographic)

4.Time limit of one hour per day

During the six times you actually use your phone to be on social sites, set a 10-minute time limit. Use a timer on your phone if necessary. When the timer goes off, put your phone away! This will provide you with an hour on your smartphone for social sites every day. Thats almost one full workday per week.

Related: 5 Habits of the Wealthy That Helped Them Get Rich

5. Human-to-human engagement

At least once per day, when you are out in public, if you get the urge to use your smartphone when its not a designated time, turn to someone nearby and ask them how their day is going or ask them if they have heard anything new theyd like to share. You might find the act of engaging another human uplifting or beneficial, and you might even find out something you would have missed had you been on your phone.

If you have a FOMO, and its causing you to be on your smartphone in a way that steals your productivity, time and success, you now have the fix -- its right at your fingertips.

Related:

5 Smartphone Tips to Overcome FOMO

This Agri-tech Entrepreneur Says Indian Farmer is Not Averse to Technology

How Smartphones Are Promoting Online Gaming



Copyright 2017 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved
The title salesperson has a pretty stereotypical connotation to it. We tend to envision the fast-talking hot shots thatll do anything to close in a cutthroat, dog-eat-dog world. Its a picture thats reminiscent of the Glengarry Glen Ross or Wolf of Wall Street characters weve seen, intoxicated by the high-stakes, high-reward environment. While this is what we think sales might be, most people in the industry know thats not the case.

The world of sales is changing drastically. More than ever, consumers have access to an unlimited amount of information, including social media, online reviews and word of mouth. This transparency is making sales more honest as we focus less on "tricking" people and more on building relationships. Despite how much pressure we have to get the deal done yesterday, the sales process has actually gotten a lot easier -- all you need is a few adjustments to your approach.

Related: 3 Traits Every Great Salesperson Needs

Play the long game.

Any successful salesperson can tell you that this is a patient persons game. Long gone are the days of sign now and Ill throw in the air freshener on the house as consumers have better access to information as well as where your competitors currently stand. Nowadays shoppers take more time making decisions, which means your sales approach should follow suit.

The key is quality over quantity. I personally would rather have one person who spends $100 at a store than try my hardest to get 10 people to spend $10 at a store. Why? Because the $100 person has already pledged their brand allegiance to me. This means theyre going to engage with me more on social media, tell their friends about my product and continue to put me at the top of their funnel.

A couple of years ago The Wall Street Journal conducted a study on how the slower someone shops, the more likely theyre willing to spend. This is because consumers feel more engaged in a brand as it feels theyre truly being taken care of. This provides an opportunity for people to learn your story, mission and what separates you from the competition. Remember, this is about building a community, not customers, so take the time to develop genuine relationships.

Related: Learn the Human Approach to B2B Selling

Have actual conversations with your customers.

Whether youre doing B2B or B2C sales, take the time to talk to your customers without pushing a deal. I know its our instinct to have in the back of our minds, Whens the right time to ask? or Oh, Ill plug in X product/service here, but thats being pushy. These people are here to make an investment into you, so invest into them.

Your first primary talking point should always be about what brought them here. Ask questions so you can get to know their motivations and needs, as well as what they do. If nothing else, this is an excellent opportunity to acquire feedback on your market, which is a pretty big advantage in itself. People are interested in learning about the community you call home, so welcome them in by being an educator.

Now, part of being an educator is telling the truth, so having an honest approach is crucial. If your company doesnt have something a client wants or a competitor might serve their needs better, tell them that. While yes, it might seem counterintuitive, youd be surprised how much success it can bring. A huge portion of closing a deal is building a sense of comfort and eventually loyalty, and even if you lose a battle, that doesnt mean youre going to lose the war.

Related: Traditional Sales vs. Social Sales: How to Keep Your Strategy Fresh

Be genuine throughout all your social channels.

Perhaps one of the biggest mistakes I see companies make is by using their social media channels as a means of spamming direct advertising. While yes, social media can be considered "free advertising," no one is willing to engage with this type of content. After all, we use social media as a tool to escape from the hordes of advertising we see on a daily basis, not introduce ourselves to more of it.

Your social channels goal should be to build relationships, not sales. This is your chance to build trust by showing your human side, as well as the types of brands and people you admire. Thats not to say you shouldnt take the proper steps in having a pipeline via your social channels, but if nothing else, this is the hub of your community. These people want to be a part of your story, so let them help write it.

Related:

#5 Social Media Tools Every Entrepreneur Needs To Use

How to Close Deals Without Coming Off as Salesy

Why More Sales Leaders Are Focusing on Sales Coaching



Copyright 2017 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved
The U.S. frequently vetoes United Nations resolutions critical of its friend Israel; it has done so 39 times at least. But that is not all that the U.S. does for Israel. It goes far beyond that.

We got a very small glimpse of it from the horses mouth itself as it were when AIPAC held its annual meeting in March. As usual, the hall was jam packed. The speakers included a long list of VIPs. The undisputed star of the show was U.S. Ambassador to U.N., Nikki Haley, who walked in confidently in her fashionable high heels.

Perhaps bearing in mind her Indian origin, she felt it necessary to explain: I wear heels. It is not for a fashion statement, she said. Its because if I see something wrong we are going to kick them every single time.

A rather strange way of conducting affairs at the UN, especially from the U.S. ambassador.

Speaking about the Kerry speech and Resolution 2334, she said she made it clear to them that happened, but it will never happen again.

When the UN tried to put a Palestinian in one of the highest positions that had ever been given at the UN, the U.S said NO. In her own words, we had him booted out.

When the UN put on its web site a 75-page report commissioned by the UN Economic and Social Commission for West Asia (ESCWA) and authored by Richard Falk and Virginia Tilley, this is how Haley reacted: .a ridiculous report, the Falk Report, came out. I dont know who the guy is. Goes and compares Israel to an apartheid state. So the first thing we do is we call the secretary general and say, this is absolutely ridiculous. You have to pull it. The secretary general immediately pulled the report. And then the director has now resigned.

The Palestinian who Haley claimed credit for blocking is the former Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Salam Fayyad. The position he was to be appointed was to the UN mission in Libya. He is known for his moderate pragmatism and is highly regarded in American and also Israeli circles. Haley did not dispute his qualifications.

The only reason she blocked him was, until the Palestinian Authority comes to the table, until the U.N. responds the way theyre supposed to, there are no freebees for the Palestinian Authority anymore. Obviously she wants the UN to behave as the U.S. wants it to. And what freebees was she referring to? Palestinians have received none.

Her blocking of Salam Fayyad met with criticism even from her peers. Former UN Ambassador Susan Rice wrote: Fayyad is first rate. The UN would be lucky to have him in Libya or anywhere else.

And the guy whom she said she did not know who he was is none other than world renowned Richard Falk. He is the former United Nations Human Rights Rapporteur in the Occupied Territories and knows more about what is happening on the ground in the West Bank, Jerusalem, Gaza and Israel than Haley will ever come to know.

Haley may have thought she was being cute by referring to him as some guy whom she did not know, but she only displayed her abysmal ignorance.

The purpose of the 74-page report she blocked, commissioned by the UN Economic and Social Commission for West Asia, was to examine the argument for regarding Israel as an apartheid state with respect to the whole of the Palestinian people.

The pressure put on the UN by Haley on behalf of the U.S. had three disastrous consequences.

First, most regrettably, it made the Secretary General cave in to the demands made on him by the U.S. Ambassador to the UN and formally request ESCWA to withdraw the Falk-Tilley report.

Second, it led to the resignation of ESCWA Executive Secretary Rima Khalaf. She could not possibly withdraw, in good conscience, that report. So she took the only other course open to her  she resigned.

Third, it ultimately led to the withdrawal of an important report.

A triple win for Haley.

The speech was good for the AIPAC crowd. It was good for Nikki Haley. But the question is, is it good for truth and justice and the fight against oppression? Is it good for the long-suffering Palestinians or for the U.S. or for Israel itself?

In an earlier part of her speech, Haley said, .leading isnt saying and doing things when its comfortable. Leading is saying and doing things when its not comfortable.

She needs to remind herself again and again of that and act according to it.

I am sure her Sikh parents would be prouder of her if she did that, than even if she one day became the President of the United States.

Gulamhusein A. Abba is a retired journalist and a resident of Danbury.
TORONTO, May 23, 2017 /CNW/ - Today, Canadian based Agrisoma Biosciences Inc. signed a new partnership with the country of Uruguay introducing a new, renewable, low carbon cash-crop for farmers.

The deal gives the Quebec-based company the opportunity to grow its business outside of Canada by planting thousands of new hectares of the Carinata seed in Uruguay.

"This is a made in Canada solution," says Steve Fabijanski, CEO of Agrisoma. "Carinata, is a new crop first developed, tested and grown in Canada and now going global, being farmed as a new second, cash-crop alternative," says Fabijanski.

The partnership opens new opportunities for the Canadian agricultural sector to grow more Carinata and feed the global markets demanding a broad solution for world food security and clean energy.

"This partnership is a shining example of how foreign governments and Canadian business can work together to find sustainable farming solutions that address consumer's increasing demand for healthy food production and renewable energy, says Rodolfo Nin Novoa, Uruguay's Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Under this new deal, both parties anticipate significant economic and rural benefits from production of Carinata in Uruguay as a non-food crop that can be made into low carbon bio and aviation fuels as well as nutritious, GMO-free animal feed.

Carinata was the crop that fueled the world's first 100% bio-jet flight in Ottawa in 2013.

Last month, Agrisoma's GMO-free animal feed received approval by the US Food and Drug Administration.

About Agrisoma

Agrisoma Biosciences Inc. is an agricultural company that has commercialized Carinata, a non-food oilseed crop designed for sustainable production of biofuels. Agrisoma sells carinata seed products under the Resonance brand name, and uses advanced crop improvement technologies to provide superior crop varieties to growers. For further information about Carinata, Agrisoma and its technology, collaborations and partnerships, please visit www.agrisoma.com.

SOURCE Agrisoma Biosciences Inc.

For further information: Media Contact: Darryl Konynenbelt, 647-203-4340
SASKATOON, May 24, 2017 /CNW/ - Supporting programs that help at-risk youth stay out of trouble is important to the Government of Canada. Today, the Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister for Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, along with Saskatoon Police Chief Clive Weighill, announced that $2 million in federal funding has been made available under the National Crime Prevention Strategy (NCPS) for the crime prevention project Early Intervention Project in Saskatoon.

The project will support up to 300 youth and their parents or caregivers through an internationally recognized evidence-based parenting and family intervention model, known as the Strengthening Families Program.

The Strengthening Families Program model focuses on strengthening family relationships and teaching youth social skills to avoid problem behavior associated with violence or substance abuse.

Quotes

"Youth violence and substance abuse are serious concerns for Canadians. This project will help provide families in Saskatoon with the tools they need to help deal with problematic behaviours. I'm proud to support this initiative and help make a real difference in the community."

 The Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness

"The Saskatoon Police Service is pleased to partner with the Government of Canada in this innovative approach to assist vulnerable youth and their families in our community. We are hopeful that this program will make a positive difference in many lives."

 Clive Weighill, Saskatoon Police Chief

Quick Facts:

The Early Intervention Project is implemented in collaboration with the Saskatoon Crime and Gang Reduction Strategy Steering Committee (SCGRSS) consisting of: the Saskatoon Tribal Council, the Saskatoon Police Service, the Saskatchewan Ministries of Social Services, Justice, and Correction and Policing, the City of Saskatoon and the Metis Nation  Saskatchewan .

The project is comprised of three core components:

child/youth classes which focus on developing communication, problem solving, and coping skills;



classes which teach parents and caregivers effective skills; and



family classes which allow the children and parents to practice what they have learned through practical exercises.

The National Crime Prevention Strategy provides national leadership on effective and cost-effective ways to prevent and reduce crime among at-risk populations and vulnerable communities by intervening to mitigate the underlying factors that put individuals at risk of offending. Up to $43 million is being used in 2017-2018 through grant (5%) and contribution (95%) to support NCPS in the implementation and evaluation of crime prevention programs.

Associated Links

National Crime Prevention Strategy

Follow Public Safety Canada (@Safety_Canada) on Twitter.

For more information, please visit the website www.publicsafety.gc.ca.

SOURCE Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada

For further information: Scott Bardsley, Office of the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, 613-998-5681; Media Relations, Public Safety Canada, 613-991-0657

Related Links

www.publicsafety.gc.ca


OTTAWA, May 24, 2017 /CNW/ - His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, will be the keynote speaker at the Senate Symposium on the 150th Anniversary of Canadian Confederation. The event will take place inside the Senate Chamber, on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, on Thursday, May 25, 2017, at 9 a.m.

His Excellency will address participants at the opening of the event. This two-day symposium (May 25-26) will be hosted by the Honourable George J. Furey, Speaker of the Senate; the Honourable Serge Joyal, Senator and Symposium Coordinator, and the Honourable Judith Seidman, Senator and Advisor.

Media wishing to cover the event are asked to confirm their attendance in advance with the Senate of Canada.

Follow GGDavidJohnston and RideauHall on Facebook and Twitter.

SOURCE Governor General of Canada

For further information: Media information: Marie-Eve Letourneau, Rideau Hall Press Office, 613-998-0287, 613-302-0218 (cell), [email protected]; Sonia Noreau, Senate Chamber, 613-614-1180, [email protected]
RICHMOND, BC, May 24, 2017 /CNW/ - Photon Control Inc. ("Photon Control" or the "Company") (TSX-V: PHO), a leading developer of optical measurement technologies, will release its first quarter 2017 financial results on Tuesday, May 30 at 5:30 a.m. Eastern time.

The Company will hold a conference call the same day (Tuesday, May 30) at 11:00 a.m. Eastern time hosted by Scott Edmonds, Chief Executive Officer and Gerald Adams, Chief Financial Officer.

A question and answer session will follow the corporate update. Photon Control invites all interested parties to join the call by dialing the numbers below. A taped replay of the conference call will be archived on the Company's corporate website at www.photon-control.com.

Please call the conference telephone number 10 minutes prior to the start time. An operator will register your name and organization. If you have any difficulty connecting with the conference call, please contact Liolios Group at 1 949-574-3860.

Date: Tuesday, May 30, 2017

Time: 11:00 a.m. Eastern time (8:00 a.m. Pacific time)

Toll-Free Number: 1-877-407-9716

International Number: 1-201-493-6779

The conference call will be broadcasted simultaneously and available for replay here.

A replay of the call will be available after 2:00 p.m. Eastern time on the same day through June 13, 2017.

Toll-Free Replay Number: 1-844-512-2921

International Replay Number: 1-412-317-6671

Replay ID: 13663144

About Photon Control Inc.

Photon Control Inc. designs, manufactures and distributes a wide range of optical sensors & instruments to measure temperature, pressure, position, and flow. These products are used by Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) as well as end-users in the Semiconductor, Oil and Gas, Power, Life Science, and Manufacturing industries. Photon Control's products provide high accuracy and reliability in extreme conditions and are supported by a team of experts that offer onsite installation, training, and support. Photon Control Inc. also provides engineering services for customized optical measurement systems. Headquartered in an ISO 9001:2008 manufacturing facility in Burnaby, BC, Photon Control Inc. is listed on the TSX Venture Exchange, trading under the symbol ''PHO". Additional information about the company can be found at www.photon-control.com/investorrelations.html.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE Photon Control Inc.

For further information: Investor Relations Contact: Matt Glover, Liolios Group, Inc., [email protected], 1-949-574-3860

Related Links

http://www.photon-control.com


Elon Musk will likely reveal more details about the Interplanetary Transport system on the one year anniversary of the first announcement at the 2016 International Astronautical conference. IAC2017, hosted by the Space Industry Association of Australia (SIAA) will take place in Adelaide, Australia from 25  29 September 2017.

See more @elonmusk Eta on the ITS/BFR/MCT architecture changes?  RITSpaceExploration (@RITSPEX) May 22, 2017





Robert Zubrin, Longtime Mars Colonization advocate, gave a Critique of the SpaceX Interplanetary Transport System.

Zubrin was struck by many good and powerful ideas in the Musk plan. However, Musks plan assembled some of those good ideas in an extremely suboptimal way, making the proposed system impractical. Still, with some corrections, a system using the core concepts Musk laid out could be made attractive  not just as an imaginative concept for the colonization of Mars, but as a means of meeting the nearer-at-hand challenge of enabling human expeditions to the planet.

Zubrin explains the conceptual flaws of the new SpaceX plan, showing how they can be corrected to benefit, first, the near-term goal of initiating human exploration of the Red Planet, and then, with a cost-effective base-building and settlement program, the more distant goal of future Mars colonization.

Robert Zubrin, a New Atlantis contributing editor, is president of Pioneer Energy of Lakewood, Colorado, and president of the Mars Society.

Highlights

* Have the second stage go only out to the distance of the moon and return to enable 5 payloads to be sent instead of one

* Leave the 100 person capsule on Mars and only have a small cabin return to earth

* use the refueling in orbit and other optimizations to enable a Falcon Heavy to deliver 40 tons to Mars instead of 12 for exploration missions in 2018, 2020 etc

* Reusable first stage makes rocketplanes going anywhere point to point on Earth feasible. Falcon Heavy would have the capacity of a Boeing 737 and could travel in about one hour of time anywhere

There are videos of the Elon Musk presentation and an interview with Zubrin about the Musk plan at the bottom of the article

Spacex Falcon Heavy

Design of the SpaceX Interplanetary Transport System

As described by Musk, the SpaceX ITS would consist of a very large two-stage fully-reusable launch system, powered by methane/oxygen chemical bipropellant. The suborbital first stage would have four times the takeoff thrust of a Saturn V (the huge rocket that sent the Apollo missions to the Moon). The second stage, which reaches orbit, would have the thrust of a single Saturn V. Together, the two stages could deliver a maximum payload of 550 tons to low Earth orbit (LEO), about four times the capacity of the Saturn V. (Note: All of the tons referenced in this article are metric tons.)

At the top of the rocket, the spaceship itself  where some hundred passengers reside  is inseparable from the second stage. (Contrast this with, for example, NASAs lunar missions, where each part of the system was discarded in turn until just the Command Module carried the Apollo astronauts back to Earth.) Since the second-stage-plus-spaceship will have used its fuel in getting to orbit, it would need to refuel in orbit, filling up with about 1,950 tons of propellant (which means that each launch carrying passengers would require four additional launches to deliver the necessary propellant). Once filled up, the spaceship can head to Mars.

The duration of the journey would of course depend on where Earth and Mars are in their orbits; the shortest one-way trip would be around 80 days, according to Musks presentation, and the longest would be around 150 days. (Musk stated that he thinks the architecture could be improved to reduce the trip to 60 or even 30 days.)

After landing on Mars and discharging its passengers, the ship would be refueled with methane/oxygen bipropellant made on the surface of Mars from Martian water and carbon dioxide, and then flown back to Earth orbit.

Zubrins Problems with the Proposed Spacex System

The SpaceX plan as Musk described it contains nine notable features. If we examine each of these in turn, some of the strengths and weaknesses in the overall system will begin to present themselves.

1. Extremely large size. The proposed SpaceX launch system is four times bigger than a Saturn V rocket. This is a serious problem, because even with the companys impressively low development costs, SpaceX has no prospect of being able to afford the very large investment  at least $10 billion  required to develop a launch vehicle of this scale.

2. Use of methane/oxygen bipropellant for takeoff from Earth, trans-Mars injection, and direct return to Earth from the Martian surface. These ideas go together, and are very strong. Methane/oxygen is, after hydrogen/oxygen, the highest-performing practical propellant combination, and it is much more compact and storable than hydrogen/oxygen. It is very cheap, and is the easiest propellant to make on Mars. For over a quarter century, I have been a strong advocate of this design approach, making it a central feature of the Mars Direct mission architecture I first laid out in 1990 and described in my book The Case for Mars. However, it should be noted that while the manufacture of methane/oxygen from Martian carbon dioxide and water is certainly feasible, it is not without cost in effort, power, and capital facilities, and so the transportation system should be designed to keep this burden on the Mars base within manageable bounds.

3. The large scale manufacture of methane/oxygen bipropellant on the Martian surface from indigenous materials. Here I offer the same praise and the same note of caution as above. The use of in situ (that is, on-site) Martian resources makes the entire SpaceX plan possible, just as it is a central feature of my Mars Direct plan. But the scale of the entire mission architecture must be balanced with the production capacity that can realistically be established.

4. All flight systems are completely reusable. This is an important goal for minimizing costs, and SpaceX is already making substantial advances toward it by demonstrating the return and reuse of the first stage of its Falcon 9 launch vehicle. However, for a mission component to be considered reusable it doesnt necessarily need to be returned to Earth and launched again. In general, it can make more sense to find other ways to reuse components off Earth that are already in orbit or beyond. This idea is reflected in some parts of the new SpaceX plan  such as refilling the second stage in low Earth orbit  but, as we shall see, it is ignored elsewhere, at considerable cost to program effectiveness. Furthermore the rate at which systems can be reused must also be considered.

5. Refilling methane/oxygen propellant in the booster second stage in Earth orbit. Here Musk and his colleagues face a technical challenge, since transferring cryogenic fluids in zero gravity has never been done. The problem is that in zero gravity two-phase mixtures float around with gas and liquid mixed and scattered among each other, making it difficult to operate pumps, while the ultra-cold nature of cryogenic fluids precludes the use of flexible bladders to effect the fluid transfer. However, I believe this is a solvable problem  and one well worth solving, both for the benefits it offers this mission architecture and for different designs we may see in the future.

6. Use of the second stage to fly all the way to the Martian surface and back. This is a very bad idea. For one thing, it entails sending a 7-million-pound-force thrust engine, which would weigh about 60 tons, and its large and massive accompanying tankage all the way from low Earth orbit to the surface of Mars, and then sending them back, at great cost to mission payload and at great burden to Mars base-propellant production facilities. Furthermore, it means that this very large and expensive piece of capital equipment can be used only once every four years (since the feasible windows for trips to and from Mars occur about every two years).

7. The sending of a large habitat on a roundtrip from Earth to Mars and back. This, too, is a very bad idea, because the habitat will get to be used only one way, once every four years. If we are building a Mars base or colonizing Mars, any large habitat sent to the planets surface should stay there so the colonists can use it for living quarters. Going to great expense to send a habitat to Mars only to return it to Earth empty makes no sense. Mars needs houses.

8. Quick trips to Mars. If we accept the optimistic estimates that Musk offered during his presentation, the SpaceX system would be capable of 115-day (average) one-way trips from Earth to Mars, a somewhat faster journey than other proposed mission architectures. But the speedier trips impose a great cost on payload capability. And they raise the price tag, thereby undermining the architectures professed purpose  colonizing Mars  since the primary requirement for colonization is to reduce cost sufficiently to make emigration affordable. Lets do some back-of-the-envelope calculations. Following the example of colonial America, lets pick as the affordability criterion the property liquidation of a middle-class household, or seven years pay for a working man (say about $300,000 in todays equivalent terms), a criterion with which Musk roughly concurs. Most middle-class householders would prefer to get to Mars in six months at the cost equivalent to one house instead of getting to Mars in four months at a cost equivalent to three houses. For immigrants, who will spend the rest of their lives on Mars, or even explorers who would spend 2.5 years on a round trip, the advantage of reaching Mars one-way in four months instead of six months is negligible  and if shaving off two months would require a reduction in payload, meaning fewer provisions could be brought along, then the faster trip would be downright undesirable. Furthermore, the six-month transit is actually safer, because it is also the trajectory that loops back to Earth exactly two years after departure, so the Earth will be there to meet it. And trajectories involving faster flights to Mars will necessarily loop further out into space if the landing on Mars is aborted, and thus take longer than two years to get back to Earths orbit, making the free-return backup abort trajectory impossible. The claim that the SpaceX plan would be capable of 60-day (let alone 30-day) one-way transits to Mars is not credible.

9. The use of supersonic retropropulsion to achieve landing on Mars. This is a breakthrough concept for landing large payloads, one that SpaceX has demonstrated successfully in landing the first stages of its Falcon 9 on Earth. Its feasibility for Mars has thus been demonstrated in principle. It should be noted, however, that SpaceX is now proposing to scale up the landing propulsion system by about a factor of 50  and employing such a landing techniques adds to the propulsive requirement of the mission, making the (unnecessary) goal of quick trips even harder to achieve.

Improving the SpaceX ITS Plan

Taking the above points into consideration, some corrections for the flaws in the current ITS plan immediately suggest themselves:

A. Instead of hauling the massive second stage of the launch vehicle all the way to Mars, the spacecraft should separate from it just before Earth escape. In this case, instead of flying all the way to Mars and back over 2.5 years, the second stage would fly out only about as far as the Moon, and return to aerobrake into Earth orbit a week after departure. If the refilling process could be done expeditiously, say in a week, it might thus be possible to use the second stage five times every mission opportunity (assuming a launch window of about two months), instead of once every other mission opportunity. This would increase the net use of the second stage propulsion system by a factor of 10, allowing five payloads to be delivered to Mars every opportunity using only one such system, instead of the ten required by the ITS baseline design. Without the giant second stage, the spaceship would then perform the remaining propulsive maneuver to fly to and land on Mars.

B. Instead of sending the very large hundred-person habitat back to Earth after landing it on Mars, it would stay on Mars, where it could be repurposed as a Mars surface habitat  something that the settlers would surely find extremely useful. Its modest propulsive stage could be repurposed as a surface-to-surface long-range flight system, or scrapped to provide material to meet other needs of the people living on Mars. If the propulsive system must be sent back to Earth, it should return with only a small cabin for the pilots and such colonists as want to call it quits. Such a procedure would greatly increase the payload capability of the ITS system while reducing its propellant-production burden on the Mars base.

C. As a result of not sending the very large second stage propulsion system to the Martian surface and not sending the large habitat back from the Martian surface, the total payload available to send one-way to Mars is greatly increased while the propellant production requirements on Mars would be greatly reduced.

D. The notion of sacrificing payload to achieve one-way average transit times substantially below six months should be abandoned. However, if the goal of quick trips is retained, then the corrections specified above would make it much more feasible, greatly increasing payload and decreasing trip time compared to what is possible with the original approach.

Changing the plan in the ways described above would greatly improve the performance of the ITS. This is because the ITS in its original form is not designed to achieve the mission of inexpensively sending colonists and payloads to Mars. Rather, it is designed to achieve the science-fiction vision of the giant interplanetary spaceship. This is a fundamental mistake, although the temptation is understandable. (A similar visionary impulse influenced the design of NASAs space shuttle, with significant disadvantage to its performance as an Earth-to-orbit payload delivery system.) The central requirement of human Mars missions is not to create or operate giant spaceships. Rather, it is to send payloads from Earth to Mars capable of supporting groups of people, and then to send back such payloads as are necessary.

To put it another way: The visionary goal might be to create spaceships, but the rational goal is to send payloads.

Alternative Versions of the SpaceX ITS Plan

To get a sense of some of the benefits that would come from making the changes I [Zubrin] outlined above, lets make some estimates. In the table below, I [Zubrin] compare six versions of the ITS plan, half based on the visionary form that Elon Musk sketched out (called the Original or O design in the table) and half incorporating the alterations I [Zubrin] have suggested (the Revised or R designs).

Our starting assumptions: The ship begins the mission in a circular low Earth orbit with an altitude of 350 kilometers and an associated orbital velocity of 7.7 kilometers per second (km/s). Escape velocity for such a ship would be 10.9 km/s, so applying a velocity change (DV) of 3 km/s would still keep it in a highly elliptical orbit bound to the Earth. Adding another 1.2 km/s would give its payload a perigee velocity of 12.1 km/s, sufficient to send it on a six-month trajectory to Mars, with a two-year free-return option to Earth. (In calculating trip times to Mars, we assume average mission opportunities. In practice some would reach Mars sooner, some later, depending on the launch year, but all would maintain the two-year free return.) We assume a further 1.3 km/s to be required for midcourse corrections and landing using supersonic retropropulsion. For direct return to Earth from the Martian surface, we assume a total velocity change of 6.6 km/s to be required. In all cases, an exhaust velocity of 3.74 km/s (that is, a specific impulse of 382 s) for the methane/oxygen propulsion, and a mass of 2 tons of habitat mass per passenger are assumed. A maximum booster second-stage tank capacity of 1,950 tons is assumed, in accordance with the design data in Musks presentation.

Using the improved plan to send 40 tons (3.3 times more) to Mars with Falcon Heavy

Consider what this revised version of the ITS plan would look like in practice, if it were used not for settling Mars but for the nearer-at-hand task of exploring Mars. If a SpaceX Falcon Heavy launch vehicle were used to send payloads directly from Earth, it could land only about 12 tons on Mars. (This is roughly what SpaceX is planning on doing in an unmanned Red Dragon mission as soon as 2018.) While it is possible to design a minimal manned Mars expedition around such a limited payload capability, such mission plans are suboptimal. But if instead, following the ITS concept, the upper stage of the Falcon Heavy booster were refueled in low Earth orbit, it could be used to land as much as 40 tons on Mars, which would suffice for an excellent human exploration mission. Thus, if booster second stages can be refilled in orbit, the size of the launch vehicle required for a small Mars exploration mission could be reduced by about a factor of three.

In all of the ITS variants discussed here, the entire flight hardware set would be fully reusable, enabling low-cost support of a permanent and growing Mars base. However, complete reusability is not a requirement for the initial exploration missions to Mars; it could be phased in as technological abilities improved. Furthermore, while the Falcon Heavy as currently designed uses kerosene/oxygen propulsion in all stages, not methane/oxygen, in the revised ITS plan laid out above only the propulsion system in the trans-Mars ship needs to be methane/oxygen, while both stages of the booster can use any sort of propellant. This makes the problem of refilling the second stage on orbit much simpler, because kerosene is not cryogenic, and thus can be transferred in zero gravity using flexible bladders, while liquid oxygen is paramagnetic, and so can be settled on the pumps side of the tank using magnets.

Dawn of the Spaceplanes

Toward the end of his presentation, Musk briefly suggested that one way to fund the development of the ITS might be to use it as a system for rapid, long-distance, point-to-point travel on Earth. This is actually a very exciting possibility, although I would add the qualifier that such a system would not be the ITS as described, but a scaled-down related system, one adapted to the terrestrial travel application.

For a rocketplane to travel halfway around the world would require a DV of about 7 km/s (6 km/s in physical velocity, and 1 km/s in liftoff gravity and drag losses). Assuming methane/oxygen propellant with an exhaust velocity of 3.4 km/s (it would be lower for a rocketplane than for a space vehicle, because exhaust velocity is reduced by surrounding air), such a vehicle, if designed as a single stage, would need to have a mass ratio of about 8, which means that only 12 percent of its takeoff mass could be solid material, accounting for all structures, while the rest would be propellant. On the other hand, if the rocketplane were boosted toward space by a reusable first stage that accomplished the first 3 km/s of the required DV, the flight vehicle would only need a mass ratio of about 3, allowing 34 percent of it to be structure. This reduction of the propellant-to-structure ratio from 7:1 down to 2:1 is the difference between a feasible system and an infeasible one.

In short, what Musk has done by making reusable first stages a reality is to make rocketplanes possible. But there is no need to wait for 500-ton-to-orbit transports. In fact, his Falcon 9 reusable first stage, which is already in operation, could enable globe-spanning rocketplanes with capacities comparable to the DC-3, while the planned Falcon Heavy (or New Glenn) launch vehicles could make possible rocketplanes with the capacity of a Boeing 737.

Nextbigfuture notes that reusable first stages are now technically functioning but safety and reliability would need to be improved by about 1000 to 10,000 times for point to point manned travel.

SOURCES- Spacex, Zubrin, the New Atlantis, Twitter
The US Special Forces is building the TALOS (tactical assault light operator suit) exoskeleton.

The suit has :

* physiological and biological sensors

* actuators that serve as the muscles to power the suit

* processors and computers,

* and a durable exoskeleton that offers support to the operator.

* the helmet has thin, transparent glass with ballistic protection and a heads-up display

It will provide protection against shrapnel and small arms fire, but could be targeted by an electromagnetic pulse weapon.

Special force exoskeletons have need to operate under for shorter times than Army exoskeletons would.



Powered knee joints could help armored exoskeleton wearers to climb 100 flights of stairs and then still engage in combat.

A commando might only need to breach a fortification and be involved in a short fight of an hour or less.

An Army soldier could need powered exoskeletons to operate for days between recharging.
Happy New Month Nigeria! Welcome to the month of June. As the world searches for a respite from all its troubles since 2020 began, one can ...
Nigerias secret police, the State Security Services, SSS, also known as DSSS, have recommended death penalty for the chief executive officer of Capital Oil, Ifeanyi Ubah for allegedly diverting about 80 million liters of petrol, kept in his custody by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC.

The DSS on Tuesday, May 23, 2017 told a court in Lagos that what Ubah allegedly did amounted to economic sabotage, punishable by death. It added that the the oil businessman intention was to plunge the country into economic chaos by creating widespread scarcity of the product worth about N11 billion.

The DSS stated its position in a counter-affidavit to Ubahs application asking a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja to order his release from detention.

Ubah has been detained by the DSS for 14 days following justice Yusuf Halilus order for the agency to keep him pending the completion of its investigation into the matter.

The respondent (Ubah) was arrested on reasonable suspicion of his involvement in the commission of crime. He converted PMS, belonging to the NNPC, kept in the custody of his tank farm, to his personal use.

The action of the respondent is sabotage of NNPCs activities as it relates to the distribution of petroleum products. If not for the urgent steps taken by the Federal Government, the action of the respondent would have plunged the country into widespread scarcity with its attendant effect on the economy.

Petroleum is the lifeblood of the Nigerian economy. NNPC is a major stakeholder in the petroleum industry in Nigeria. An attack on the Nigerian economy is an economic threat to national security dimension.

The Nigerian populace will suffer untold hardship if NNPC is unable to discharge its statutory responsibilities, including distribution of petroleum products as well as generating revenue for the country, the affidavit deposed by Safwan Bello read.

DSSs lawyer, Mr G. Agbadua, told the court that the act was punishable by death under the Petroleum Production and Distribution (Anti-Sabotage) Act, 2004.

He stated, The action of the respondent (Ubah) to sabotage the distribution of petroleum products is a capital offence under the Petroleum Production and Distribution (Anti-Sabotage) Act, 2004.

The punishment of sabotage under this Act attracts death penalty. It is clear that the respondent was arrested for the conversion of the property of the NNPC. It is not just ordinary stealing, it is stealing of the lifeblood of the nation.

Oil is the major source of revenue of the Federal Government. Stealing of the revenue is a crime against the economic interest of Nigeria and therefore, falls within the purview of economic threat of national security dimension.

Ubah had applied to the court to set aside the detention order, arguing among others, that the court was misled by the DSS, which allegedly suppressed material facts from the court.

The court adjourned until May 25 for ruling.








governor of Anambra State, Dr. Chukwuemeke Ezeife, has said that it is either Nigeria is restructured into six geopolitical zones or it goes into referendum to decide if the country will remain as one country or disintegrate.Ezeife also said the Southern Peoples Assembly, SPA, will soon meet to take a decision on whether the people of southern Nigeria will participate in 2019 elections if the country was not restructured.He went further to pre-empt that it is possible the people of southern part of Nigeria will boycott the election if President Muhammadu Buharis administration does not restructure the country immediately.In fact, Ezeife gave Buharis government an ultimatum to immediately convene an urgent national summit, which its agenda, he suggested, would be to adopt a framework for the inevitable restructuring.Ezeife made the statement, yesterday, when he chaired the First Chinua Achebe International Conference organised by the Institute of African Studies, University of Nigeria, Nsukka.At the conference, the Obi of Onitsha, HRM Igwe Alfred Achebe, said the late prolific author, Chinua Achebe, would always be remembered by Ndigbo for projecting the Igbo world view, the history, culture and cosmology.Achebe said the Igbo society existed beyond what Achebe recorded in his books, disclosing that a recent history book has ascribed to the Igbo as the original settlers in Ile-Ife and whom Oduduwa met, other than the present contest between the Ife and the Ugbo sections in Yoruba land.Igwe Achebe, therefore, tasked the academia in the University of Nigeria to conduct further research that would either authenticate or dismiss the new study on Igbo origin and settlement.Most speakers at the opening ceremony of the three-day international conference freely used Chinua Achebes book entitled, Things fall apart to satirize the present political and economic crisis in Nigeria.Ezeife said: Today, the centre cannot hold any longer in Nigeria. Are we going to watch things fall apart and allow Nigeria disintegrate?Today, all speeches have been going in the way of referendum. It has come to a stage where its clear that if nothing is done, there will be no more Nigeria.My appeal, therefore, is that all hands must be on deck and all brains at work, otherwise the country will exist no more. First, there must be restructuring. After that and we dont like it ,then any other things can come .Director of Institute of African Studies, Prof. Emeka Nwabueze, said the conference was a celebration to honour the sage, Chinua Achebe.Nwabueze said the institute decided to host the first Achebe conference since Achebe was a member of the university community.He disclosed that all institutes of African Studies in the world will converge in UNN by November this year to draw a blueprint on how best to teach African studies.Other persons who spoke at the conference included the former Governor of Imo state, Chief Ikedi Ohakim; former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Viola Onwuleri; veteran actor, Pete Edochie, among others.
Niger Delta youths under the auspices of the Pan Niger Delta Youth Leadership Forum (PANDLEAF) have vowed to resist the proposed concessioning of the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries to Oando Plc, Agip and MRS.The group made their position known at the end of a one day forum of the leadership of youth groups in the region coordinated by Richard Akinaka in Calabar, Cross River State yesterday.The PANDLEAF said they held the forum to have a self-appraisal of our region in respect of management of resources so far given.A communique signed by the president of the forum, Famous Daunemigha and its Secretary, Michael Ekpo said: We will resist any attempts to concession these refineries without consideration of the people of the Niger Delta.We as a region are not against the Federal Government concessioning any of the assets of this country. But we will ensure local content provision. We will be involved in the concessioning process. The forum blamed the leadership of the region for the woes over the years saying they were the main cause of the problems.Over the years, we have had had trillions of Naira that have been pumped into this region. We have had our own self-appraisal and found out that it is not showing.So as a people we are also condemning ourselves for not managing the resources well. Our leaders in the past had failed and those that are also currently leading us are also toeing the line of failure, the group added.
Street traders have stoned an officer of the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) to death in Lagos.The KAI officer, identified as Moshood Ayeni was stoned at Iyana Oworo axis of Lagos, Southwest Nigeria.PM News gathered that Ayeni was stoned to death before Ogudu lay-by on the highway by traders on their way back to the office on Tuesday.An officers of the KAI team who gave his name as Mr. Okarutu Eneji, said the team moving with Green Maria van marked KRD 643 DS apprehended one Jeremiah Nnana 28 years old hawking Gala and another hawker, Orichi Nwofokoh 20 years old for selling phone accessories along the highway.Eneji said, The two illegal highway hawkers started shouting and calling the attention of other hawkers around and in no time they gathered and started throwing stones at the Green Maria van.He said the stones eventually hit the deceaseds head, became unconscious and fell down from the vehicle.It was further gathered that other members of the team rushed him immediately to the Lagos State Emergency centre at 7-Up area of the state where they tried to revive him.He was later referred to  the Lagos University Teaching Hospital [LUTH] where he was pronounced death.His remains has since been deposited at the LUTH MortuaryConfirming the tragic incident, the KAI Marshal General, Csp Jimoh Amusat (Rtd) condemned the barbaric act of violence unleashed on the officer of the Brigade while carrying out his Lawful dutiesAmusat vowed that the Brigade  would not be deterred in combating menace of the illegal highway traders and Hawkers within the metropolis.Meantime, the entire KAI Brigade, commiserated with the family of the deceased and pray for fortitude to bear the loss.
The Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, has said Africa cannot continue to be defined as a big market while offering little or nothing in te...

The Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, has said Africa cannot continue to be defined as a big market while offering little or nothing in terms of trade among the countries of the continent.





The Minister, who described the services rendered by Customs organizations as driving forces for regional integration and trade facilitation, called on the Directors General of Customs agencies in Africa to ensure significant increase in the volume of trade among countries in the continent.

She said: We need an Africa focus. We cannot continue to be the worlds biggest market for anybody who wants to sell anything. We need to come to the trade-table book as equal partners selling as well as buying. That is trade. And we must correct some of these historical imbalances that have made our economies very vulnerable.

Similarly, Chairman of the Senate committee on Customs, Senator Hope Uzodimma, urged the service to look into the issues that affected the poor trade volume of the continent.

I equally assume that you shall into the very poor showing of African countries in global trade which the world trade organization (WTO) currently puts at about three percent compared to the 10 percent it was in 1950. The WTO also ranks intra-African trade as the least in the world compared to other regions. Intra-African trade is put at about 12 percent, which is not only the lowest in the world but also the most stagnant, he said:

Uzodimma further called for the digitization of Customs services to enable them discharge their mandate better and contribute to a more conducive business environment.

According to him, lack of automation and marginal use of information technology was yet a major bane of trade facilitation in Africa.





He stressed that the waste of time and money at customs clearing point does not facilitate trade.

In his remarks, the Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) Col. Hameed Ali (rtd) said it has become necessary for Customs organizations in Africa to forge a united front in removing the barriers of trade, and promoting economic development in the continent.
The Federal High Court, Abuja, on Wednesday granted Andrew Yakubu, former Group Managing Director (GMD) of the Nigerian National Petroleu...

The Federal High Court, Abuja, on Wednesday granted Andrew Yakubu, former Group Managing Director (GMD) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) permission to travel abroad for medical treatment. Yakubu was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a six-count charge of money laundering and false declaration of asset.At the resumed hearing of the case, the defendant, through his counsel, Mr Ahmed Raji (SAN), begged the court to allow him travel to the UK to complete his medical treatment.Raji informed the court that the defendant was undergoing medical treatment before he was summoned by the EFCC to return to the country. He also pleaded with the court to order the release of the defendants international passport which was deposited with the Deputy Chief Registrar of the court as part of his bail conditions. In his response, counsel to EFCC, Mr Ben Ikani, said he would not object to the application since it was based on health ground.While leaving the request to the discretion of the court, Ikani however urged the trial Judge to release the passport to Raji, the defendants lawyer. In his ruling, Justice Ahmed Mohammed said he was disposed to granting the motion since it was not opposed by the prosecution. Consequently, he granted the defendant three weeks permission to travel to the UK for completion of his medical treatment. The court held that the three weeks period would commence from May 25. It directed that one of his sureties must file a separate affidavit agreeing to be held liable should the defendant fail to return to Nigeria to face his trial.Before adjourning the trial till July 6, Justice Mohammed directed Yakubu to surrender his international passport with the Deputy Registrar of the court on his return to the country. The defendant was granted bail to the tune of N300 million with two sureties in like sum. Yakubu was arrested following a tip-off by a whistle-blower.The EFCC raided his guest house situated at Sabon Tasha, Kaduna State and discovered 9.7 million dollars and 74,000 pounds hidden in a fireproof safe.
The Archbishop of Abuja Archdiocese, John Cardinal Onaiyekan on Tuesday called for the arrest of clerics who incite violence through their ...

The Archbishop of Abuja Archdiocese, John Cardinal Onaiyekan on Tuesday called for the arrest of clerics who incite violence through their sermons. The revered clergy likened such religious leaders to Boko Haram, stating that terror acts in Nigeria started from preachings of violence.





He spoke to newsmen at a workshop on Preventing Violent Extremism in Nigeria, organized by Club De Madrid in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

Onaiyekan said:In my own opinion there is enough in the law in Nigeria to curb reckless speaking, if somebody stands up on his pulpit in church and start inciting his members to go and kill others,

He has committed a crime under the Nigerian Law; he should be arrested, which is not happening.

They would say if you touch religious leaders there would be backlash. Let the backlash come for goodness sake, so that we can get out of all this mess.

He noted that Boko Haram did not spring up and start shooting on the first day, insisting that the sect incited its followers through hateful speeches.

We must learn from our past mistake, while we defend freedom of worship and freedom of speech, there is obviously a limit as to how far you can carry your freedom.

In Nigeria, we are free, because of that people claim to be bishops, Imams and religious leaders, they say whatever they like and they are not responsible to anybody, Onaiyekan added.
U.S. President Donald Trump arrived at the Vatican on Wednesday for talks with one of his most high-profile critics, Pope Francis, after the two men exchanged sharp words during the presidential campaign last year.Under clear blue skies, Trump received a tribute from the Swiss Guard in a Vatican courtyard where he was greeted by Archbishop Georg Ganswein, the prefect of the pontifical household.Trump looked uncomfortable as he entered a small elevator taking him to the third floor of the Apostolic Palace, where he was accompanied by Ganswein and other officials along a frescoed corridor to the popes private study.Following behind Trump were daughter Ivanka, her husband, Jared Kushner, a top White House aide, national security adviser H.R. McMaster and adviser Hope Hicks.The pope did not smile as he greeted Trump outside the study.Trump, seeming subdued, said it is a great honour.The two men then posed for photographs and the pope kept a stern face while Trump beamed for the cameras.The meeting began at precisely 8:33 a.m.Trumps meeting with Pope Francis, his third stop on a nine-day foreign tour due to end on Saturday, is part of his world tour of religions after meeting leaders of Muslim nations in Saudi Arabia and visiting holy sites in Jerusalem.While his talks in Saudi Arabia and Israel were mostly friendly, the meeting between the head of the Roman Catholic Church and the thrice-married, blunt-spoken Trump could be a little more confrontational.The pope in 2016 said a man who thinks about building walls and not bridges is not Christian, a sharp reprimand for Trumps vow to build a wall along the U.S. border with Mexico.Trump said it was disgraceful of the Argentine-born pope, who represents just over half of the worlds two billion Christians, to question his faith.If and when the Vatican is attacked by ISIS, which as everyone knows is ISIS ultimate trophy, I can promise you that the pope would have only wished and prayed that Donald Trump would have been president, Trump said during the campaign.Trumps softer stance on environmental regulations also is at odds with Francis view that climate change is caused mostly by human activity.The Vatican also took a dim view of Trumps anti-Muslim campaign rhetoric, although Trump softened his tone considerably in a major speech in Riyadh.Francis said last week he would be sincere with Trump but did not want to judge him before listening to him in person.Part of Trumps motivation for meeting the pope was to dramatise how the three major religions should rally against the threat from Islamist militants.We thought that this trip was essential to put together the Muslim faith, the Jewish faith and then the Catholic faith, the Christian faith, said a senior White House official who briefed reporters on Trumps Air Force One flight to Rome.By putting everybody together you can really build a coalition and show that its not a Muslim problem, its not a Jewish problem, its not a Catholic problem, its not a Christian problem, it really is a world problem, the official said.Trump at first did not plan to stop in Rome during his visit to Europe, which some in the Vatican saw as a snub.When he changed his mind, the Vatican squeezed him in at 8:30 a.m. on a Wednesday morning, an unusual day and an unusually early time.Francis holds his weekly audience with the general public on Wednesday at 10 a.m. in St Peters Square.After the meeting, Trump moves on to Brussels for a NATO summit, followed by the last stop on his trip, to a Group of Seven summit in Sicily.
The Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Mustapha Magu, yesterday urged Southsouth residents t...

The Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Mustapha Magu, yesterday urged Southsouth residents to take advantage of the Whistle-Blowers Law to report cases of corruption and money laundering in the region. The EFCC chief said the agency recovered property estimated at over N10 billion from the region in the last two years.Magu spoke at this years annual national anti-corruption walk in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital, through the Head of Southsouth, Ishaku Salihu.The anti-graft chairman said there was need to fight corruption until it is reduced to the lowest level in all sectors, especially when its consequences on recession were biting hard.He said: As a body, EFCC has made great marks in the zone. Between May 29, 2015 and till date, it has traced, tracked and recovered assets worth over N10 billion within the period under review.Today marks another milestone in our quest as a nation and a people to draw a line to walk against corruption.Presently, the Federal Governments anti-craft agency is prosecuting in court an indigene of the zone over N10 billion belonging to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).If this stolen fund was injected into the system, it would have gone a long way in changing the landscape of the zone as well as the cry and agitation about underdevelopment and cases of pipeline destruction. Oil theft would have been taken care of.We have also apprehended an official of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), who collected and shared N23 billion across the country during the last general election. These are funds that would have been used to improve the social and economic conditions of states and communities across the country and their dwellers but were stolen by a few Nigerians.Magu recalled some celebrated corruption cases the agency recorded within the period, under his watch.He said: It was in this country people converted septic tanks, usually constructed for human waste, into United States dollar volt and water tanks into naira containers.Magu urged Nigerians to report every case of corruption to the commission manually or electronically, through social media platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, among others.The EFCC chairman stressed that before any report is made, the petitioner must ensure the information is credible and verifiable.He said: People should take advantage of the Whistle-Blowing Act to join the fight against corruption and save the country from the ill-activities of corrupt citizens.The anti-corruption march is a wake-up call to all Nigerians on the dire consequences of corruption to us and posterity. Basically, the walk is meant to sensitise people on the effects of the twin evil of corruption and money laundering, with a view to getting everybody involved in the fight.The march, which was led by the zonal head of the agency, started from the commissions zonal office on Forces Avenue and passed through the popular Isaac Boro Park and Mile One flyover to the busy Ikwerre Road and other major streets on Azikiwe/Station Road.
This is the Brit-born suicide bomber who killed 22 innocent people and maimed 64 others in the Manchester Arena nail bomb massacre.Sick terrorist Salman Abedi, 22, was unmasked as Theresa May raised the UK threat level to critical for the first time in 10 years with up to 3,800 soldiers on the streets because another terror attack could be imminent.The Home Secretary Amber Rudd has this morning said its likely Abedi was not doing this on his own as police arrested three more men in South Manchester in connection with the incident.Abedi had secret jihadi training during family trips to Syria and spooks fear he was not acting alone when he carried out the atrocity that ISIS has claimed responsibility for.Today French interior minister Gerard Collomb has said the Manchester bomber is believed to have travelled to Syria and had proven links with the Islamic State terror group.Mr Collomb said: He was a British national of Libyan origin, he grew up in Great Britain.All of a sudden he travelled to Libya and then most likely to Syria, became radicalised and decided to commit this attack.The monster  who was killed when he detonated a bomb at Ariana Grandes gig on Monday night that killed concert-goers as young as eight  was born and grew up in Britain.Abedis family originally hail from Libya and he is thought to have visited the North African country  also a haven for ISIS fighters  regularly in recent years.Sources said there were fears Abedi may have taken advantage of the conflict to make the simple journey across the Med to Syria without alerting the British authorities.One revealed: His potential ties to Syria now very much forms one line of inquiry.Cops are also probing whether Abedi, who is believed to have been known to MI5, acted alone or as part of a larger extremist network to carry out the worst terror attack Britain has seen since the 7/7 London bombings.And Met Police Assistant Commissioner Mark Rowley admitted there were gaps in our knowledge about Abedi and the PM said it was possible a wider group of individuals could have been involved in the cowardly attack.
The Federal Government has inaugurated the gender equality and women empowerment campaign, tagged HeForShe campaign, in Abuja.

The Federal Government has inaugurated the gender equality and women empowerment campaign, tagged HeForShe campaign, in Abuja.Inaugurating the campaign on Tuesday, the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Sen. Aisha Alhassan, said it was designed to secure the commitment of one billion men across the globe.Out of the signatories to the campaign in the country, we anticipate that half will take the initial step of making a simple pledge for gender equality.We also project that another quarter will pledge and be inspired to engage more fully, taking a second step to donate towards, advocate for, and sensitise themselves and other gender equality issues, the minister said.She said the final and last quarter would deepen their engagement by pledging and following through on major actions that substantially contribute to social change.Alhassan said the campaign was not to seek equality with men from the religious aspect but to give women opportunity and bridge the gap with men.She said the campaign would crystallised into a strategic shift that increasingly focus on actions bringing men and boys side by side with women and girls in order to break the barrier of women and girls from achieving their full potentials.HeForShe 10 impact Project launched in 2015, the projects brings together 10 heads of states, 10 global Chief Executive Officers and 10 university Presidents or vice chancellors who would sign on to 30 communities to fast track gender equality in board rooms and world capitals.Drawing a leaf from their example, I would like to appeal to acknowledge gender champions which includes royal fathers, religious leaders, celebrities, political leaders, civil society organisation actors, private sector chief executives, institutional and social administrators.READ: Nigeria to assist Sierra Leone to develop NYSCShe said in recognition of the size of the country, a six high calibre men from six segments of the society have been selected; namely the executive, the judiciary, legislature, academia, private sector, traditional and religious institutions from the six geo-political zones.The UN Women Representative to Nigeria, Ms Comfort Lamptey, said Nigeria was the fifth country to officially launch the campaign advocacy platform after Cape Verde, Liberai, Sierra Leone and Senegal.She said globally, more than 1.1 million men had joined the campaign movement to date.The HeForShe journey begins online with a simple affirmation that gender equality is not only womens issues, but also a human right issue that requires everyones participation and commitment to achieve.The campaign is solidarity movement which aims to engage at least one billion men and boys on the topic of gender equality, she said.The Permanent Secretary, of the ministry, Mrs Nwokedi Phyllis, said the campaign would implement a shared vision of gender equality with norms of gender equality, non-violence, respect and positively shaping the society.The newly elected President of Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Mrs Ifeyinwa Omowole, said the association would support by taking the campaign to the grassroots.She advised paramilitary organisations to join in the campaign, saying that pregnancy should not be a barrier but rather it shows a womans completeness.
Benue State governor has fired back at former senate president, David Mark for recently mocking him over the alleged distribution of wheelb...

Benue State governor has fired back at former senate president, David Mark for recently mocking him over the alleged distribution of wheelbarrows to Benue youths.





Mark had while commissioning Brick House and the chapel at government house, Port Harcourt, mocked his state governor, Ortom for distributing wheelbarrows while others were busy building roads and bridges.

While people are commissioning rods, commissioning bridges, commissioning good projects, in my own state, Benue, we are giving out wheel barrows to empower people, so you can compare and contrast, Mark, who represents Benue South in the Senate had said.

Reacting, however, Ortom said Marks comment showed that he was only envious of his achievements after failing to make any impact as number three in the nation for eight years.

The governor in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Tever Akase said We listened to the comments made by the Senator Representing Benue South Senatorial District, David Mark at a function in Port Harcourt where he compared developments in Rivers and Benue States.

Mark accused Governor Samuel Ortom of giving out wheelbarrows to empower people when, according to him, other states are commissioning projects.

We do not intend to belabour the issue of wheelbarrows which we have already made clarification that the carts were donated by the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, NCFRMI, for victims of armed herdsmen attacks in the state. Perhaps only Senator David Mark is not aware of this fact.

Marks statements smack of a man who has obviously been disconnected with the very people who voted him. His utterances also exude envy against Governor Ortom who is succeeding where Mark has failed. In Benue South which Senator Mark represents, the Ortom administration has embarked on a number of projects for the people.

Agatu which is a local government area under David Marks senatorial district affected by herdsmen attacks is today peaceful owing to the security initiatives of Governor Ortom. The people of the area have not hidden their joy and have been appreciating the Governor for ensuring the return of peace. We are not aware of any effort Mark has made to curb the crisis as a serving senator representing the people of that part of the state.

Senator Mark certainly owes the people of Benue South an explanation on why the Otukpo-Enugu federal highway is still a death trap after many years that the contract was awarded by the government. Mark used the road project and his perennial promise for the creation of Apa State as campaign lullabies just to ensure his return to the red chamber of the senate on five occasions.

It is rather unfortunate that Mark has failed to see the deliberate underdevelopment of the state by the government of his political party, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, particularly the part of the state which he has represented as senator for nearly 20 years. It is within the same period that Mark rose to become President of the Senate, the number three helmsman in the country for eight uninterrupted years and had ample opportunity to address the development needs of the people.

Township roads in Otukpo where Mark lives anytime he is in the state were abandoned by the PDP administration with Senator Mark doing nothing for as many years as their government lasted in power until the All Progressives Congress, APC, administration assumed office and concerted efforts at addressing the neglect of the town commenced.

Watch video of David Mark mocking Gov. Ortom over wheelbarrow distribution to youths.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stakeholders in Plateau State have vowed to remain in the party no matter which side the expected Supr...

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stakeholders in Plateau State have vowed to remain in the party no matter which side the expected Supreme Court Judgment would swing between Makarfi and Sheriff-led factions.

The Supreme Court had on Monday reserved judgment in the case brought before it by Makarfis faction, challenging the ruling of an Appeal Court, which declared Sheriff as the authentic national chairman of the party.

This was disclosed by Chief Damishi Sango, Plateau PDP Chairman, on Wednesday in Jos shortly after inaugurating a 7-Man Disciplinary Committee at the Party Secretariat.

Plateau is where is PDP was birthed in 1998 and so it is our baby; we shall not abandon the party no matter whose side the Supreme Court Judgment will swing to at the end of the day.

Sango declared that, We have resolved to stick to the party and bring it out of the mess it has found itself in recent times and go all out to win the 2019 general elections and relief Nigerians of the prevailing hardship.

The Chairman attributed the crisis being experienced in political parties in the country to indiscipline.

Discipline is crucial to the survival of any political group. Without discipline, no organization can forge ahead or achieve its goals.

We must place the political party above our individual interests and return to the old days of party supremacy if we want to move forward,

he said.

He tasked the members to be firm and ensure a thorough job, noting that the revival of the PDP as a strong vehicle for capturing power

was solely in their hands.

Sango said that the party would soon replicate such committee at the local government and ward levels so as to reunite its members toward

focusing on achieving its objectives.

The Chairman tasked the inaugurated 7-Man Disciplinary Committee to be firmed and do a thorough job toward restoring discipline in PDP on the

Plateau.

According to him, the party would soon replicate such a committee at the Local Governments and Federal Wards towards instilling discipline

across the state.

Responding, Mr Ibrahim Kafi, Chairman of the Committee thanked the Party stakeholders for finding them worthy to serve in the committee

and pledged to do their best to restore sanity in the party in the state.

With your prayers, support and cooperation, we shall not fail in this assignment towards ensuring that we remain a formidable party in the

country,  Kafi assured.

Other members of the committee are; Mrs Hanatu Bugama, Zakari Mohammed, Moses Gwom, Simon Barry, Auwal Haruna and Norbert Langkwap.
The Lagos State Government has justified the continued delay in the commencement of National Home Grown School Feeding Programme in the State, seven months after the Federal Government kicked off the programme in other listed states.Speaking with newsmen on the programme execution, the State Deputy Governor, Dr. Idiat Adebule, who doubles as Education Commissioner, said that the atmosphere in the states public schools is not conducive for the programme to commence.According to her, we have 497,318 pupils in our primary schools. And for us to feed these children scattered in 1, 010 public primary schools, we must do proper preparation to ensure that no school is excluded from the programme.We have embarked on renovation and construction of new classes to ensure that the atmosphere in which the students will be fed is right for the exercise.We have embarked on the provision of benches and chairs in the school to assist the programme when it is launched. Things will be done in phases. Aside these, we are collaborating with the office of the Vice President, to see the project to fruition in Lagos State.We have strategies and methodology of dealing with issues like that. And this is to ensure that when the programme commences in the state, it would be a sustainable programme, she added.Meanwhile, the State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, yesterday, decried low number of researchers in the country, saying, we need more Nigerians to embark on research to address the challenges facing the country.Ambode, who decried the low number of researchers in the country at the Commissioning of Isolo Public library, argued that all discoveries were product of rigorous reading.The Governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Science and Technology, Mr. Olufemi Odubiyi, lamented that many Nigerians are not reading and researching promptly.
Mr Femi Adesina, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, has urged Nigerians to ignore the media reports on Coup pl...

Mr Femi Adesina, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, has urged Nigerians to ignore the media reports on Coup plot, saying it should not be stretched beyond what the military authorities had said.Adesina stated this at a media chat with State House correspondents to mark two years of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration on Tuesday in Abuja.According to him, what the Chief of Army Staff, Maj.-Gen. Tukur Burutai, said about the issue was a routine warning that goes to military officers.The presidential aide addressed the correspondents alongside the Senior Special Assistants to the President on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu and Mr Laolu Akande (Office of the Vice-President).Adesina said: The Army has spoken and let us take that position. What the Chief of Army Staff said was a routine warning that goes to military officers, dont hobnob with politicians and the army has explained the position.Lets take that position and not stretch it beyond what the military has said because they are the ones that can give us the definitive position and they have spoken on it.The presidential spokesman also debunked the assertion that the ruling party had failed in fulfilling its political obligations and promises to the electorate in view of the reported hardships being experienced by a cross section of Nigerians.He maintained that it was unfair to assess the performance of the Buharis administration within its first two years.People can always express their opinions, there is liberty on that but you dont have a scientific survey that has given you the percentage of people that believed that the APC has failed.The second point is that, when a government via a party is voted into office, it is voted for a four year term under our own democratic arrangement.When you have spent two years which is like a midterm, the first half of a game, you dont then determined that it has succeeded or it has failed.No. You can be accused of being atomistic using a small part to determine the whole. You cant write the report card of this administration when it is just hitting the half way mark, that will not be fair.This administration will take Nigeria far beyond how it met it. So if anybody says APC has failed just tell them is too early in the day because is a four year-term and this is just two years. You dont reach definitive conclusions in two years.Malam Garba Shehu, who spoke on the Human Rights records of the Buharis administration, said the records were impeccable.The Human rights records of this administration are impeccable, there are unimpeachable. I think we should avoid speaking in general terms.The thing to do is to pin point specific cases to buttress assertions that people make and then we can tackle them.As we speak to you now, we are not aware that the administration of Muhammadu Buhari is in breach of the constitution of Nigeria with regards to the protection of the rights of Nigerians.Journalists in this country ought to bear testimony on this, there is no single journalist that has been expelled from his duty because he has reported or failed to report, there is no single journalist who is in government detention because they have expressed some views that the government does not like.According to Shehu, the Buharis administration is complying with the decision of the courts of the land.I assure that if anybody tries to do otherwise the president will not allow him to get away with it.Laolu Akande, who spoke on alleged weak prosecution of corruption cases across the country, said: The truth of the matter is that our criminal justice system does need a profound and deep reform.The important thing is that this government is working on it. As a matter of fact now, the Acting President has put together a national coordination prosecution team for all the prosecution trying to see how in the medium term we can bring some progress.But also working on judicial sector reforms on the long term on criminal justice system to strengthen both the investigation and prosecution at the courts.And I know it is going to take a while for us to address it, he said.On food security, Akande revealed that the government had recorded tangible achievements in the nations agricultural sector.According to him, the committee on food crisis is still working, while the government has reduced importation of food items especially rice.He disclosed that about 40,000 farmers in Kebbi state had become millionaires due to government favourable agricultural policies.(NAN)
Members of the Senate, on Wednesday, strongly criticised the privatisation of Nigerias power sector, saying the model adopted in the tr...

Members of the Senate, on Wednesday, strongly criticised the privatisation of Nigerias power sector, saying the model adopted in the transfer from public to private operators has failed.The Senate, therefore, called for a review of the privatisation process to maximise the capacity of the power sector.The lawmakers, while speaking on a motion by Senator Dino Melaye (Kogi-West) titled DISCOSs, Electricity Consumers and the Burden of Overbilling, lamented the failure of the power sector even after it had been privatised.Seconding the motion, Senator Bukar Mustapha stated that the problem with the sector was inefficiency.He said, The problem we have is the inefficiency within the system which we have actually, so far, not decided to address. I will give you a small example: Nigeria has an installed capacity of 12,522 megawatts of power; we have non-available of 5,300MW; we have non-operational capacity of 3,180MW; meaning that the amount that is actually available is just over 4,000MW out of 12,500MW.We have transmission loss of 228MW and we have distribution loss of 447MW. At the end of the day, only 3,800MW reaches the consumer, and we have commercial loss of more than 36 per cent. So, what is actually being paid for out of the over 3,000MW is only 1,800MW.So, unless and until we decide to look at this inefficiency within the value chain, there is no way we can have better electricity generation, distribution and also billing system in the country. So, I agree that the model they have used for privatisation has not worked. And unless and until this inefficiency is looked at, it will not work.The senator further stated that if the sector had the capacity to generate 12,500 megawatts but it could only deliver 4,000MW, it meant that more than 75 per cent of the capacity had not been utilised.He added, It means that we are sitting on an emergency situation and something has to be done drastically to address this problem.The value chain is weakest at the distribution companies level because they are the ones who collect the money and you will never know how much money is being collected because they have failed to install the metres that are needed. We need millions of metres.Mustapha recalled that some lawmakers visited a meter testing facility on Monday because each metre has to be tested but there is no capacity to test the millions of metres in Nigeria.According to him, the DISCOs are supposed to provide the meters but lack the fund and technical capacity to provide the devices. So, it means we have to revisit this as urgently as possible, he stated.Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu, who presided over the plenary, ruled that the motion be stepped down pending the outcome of the probe by the Abaribe-led panel.It makes better sense that we consider the report and be free to make our comment based on the recommendations by the committee, he said.
Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Saad Abubakar III, has described elite Nigerians as greedy. According to him, ordinary Nigerians only needed gove...

Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Saad Abubakar III, has described elite Nigerians as greedy. According to him, ordinary Nigerians only needed government support to make life meaningful for themselves.





He, therefore, called on the 19 northern governors to invest on the Small Scale Enterprises, to make life better for people in the region.

The Sultan spoke at the opening ceremony of the second Kano Economic and Investment Summit with the theme, Transforming the Economy of Kano: Turning Challenges into Opportunities.

Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, who declared open the summit, was represented by the Minister of Interior, Lt. Gen. Abdulrahaman Danbazau.

Alhaji Saad Abubakar III said, our people are not greedy like our elite who would want to have all, support the common man with small business to enable them have something to fall back on, and when you do this they would be happy, and we would have peace and decent society.

He stressed the need to invest in agriculture, noting that focus in agriculture would add value to the economy of Kano and Nigeria as a whole.

Economics is not rocket science. Countries that have developed went through a certain act and that act is value creation. We must obviously focus on agriculture and certainly, we must look at agricultural productivity, he said.

Earlier, Osinbajo assured Nigerians that the Federal Government would remain resolute in tackling the economic challenges facing the country.

His speech read by Dambazau, said the Federal Government was also committed in the fight against corruption and insecurity which were impediments to economic prosperity.

We will remain committed on the three focused areas which include fighting corruption, insurgency and providing employment to the teeming number of unemployed youths in the country, he stated.

Osinbajo maintained that the Kano Investment summit was in line with the Federal Governments effort geared toward economic revitalization, assuring that such initiatives would be encouraged so as to improve the doing business climate and make life better for the people .

He expressed the hope that the summit would come up with recommendations that would promote investment opportunities not only in Kano State but the country at large.

Minister of Budget and National Planning Minister, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma announced that funds have been provided in the 2017 Federal Budget to provide infrastructure for the revival of the Free Trade Zone in Kano to stimulate industrial activity.

He added that funding has equally been provided for the revival of the Export Expansion Grant by way of tax relief, as a further incentive to exporters.

Senator Udoma assured that the Federal government would support Kano state towards regain the lost glory of its major industrial estates so as to create jobs and lift Nigerians out of poverty

There is no doubt that Kano leather craftsmen are some of the best in the world. We must provide the enabling environment for the leather industry to grow and become a mark of quality recognized worldwide, the Minister added.

In his remarks, Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje explained that the idea of conceiving this summit is to generate perspectives, strategies and best practices that would showcase viable investment opportunities with a view to attracting local and foreign investors for the sustainable economic transformation of Kano State and by extension Nigeria at large.

Our vision is to have a private sector driven economy and in line with the Federal and State Governments resolutions to improve Nigerias ranking on the World Bank Ease of Doing Business Index, he added.

To fast track development, he stated that his administration has made substantial and far reaching investments in agriculture and infrastructure, while effort is ongoing towards addressing the states power challenge, which has crippled many industries.

Ganduje further remarked his administration has secured a of $1.85 million loan from China, for the Kano intra city light rail project, which would go a long way in enhancing commercial activities in the state capital.




The Katsina State Police Command has launched a manhunt for a three-man gang, which abducted a one-year-old baby from her mother, Suwaiba...

The Katsina State Police Command has launched a manhunt for a three-man gang, which abducted a one-year-old baby from her mother, Suwaiba Ahmadu, and gang-raped her in the Danja Local Government Area of the state.Northern City News learnt Suwaiba was returning from Angwan Bawa area in the Danja LGA, when the suspects perpetrated the act.It was gathered that the incident occurred on Sunday, when two members of the gang allegedly met the mother along a lonely road and lured her to take a ride with them on a motorcycle to her destination.It was gathered that the suspects on getting to a junction, grabbed the baby from her mothers back and fled to a nearby bush where a third accomplice joined them. They reportedly took turns to rape the child.The Katsina State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Isha Gambo, confirmed the incident, adding that the police had arrested one of the gang members, while the remaining two were still on the run.He said, At a point along the bush path, the baby, who was strapped to the back of the mother, was forcefully taken from the mother by two members of the gang. They ran inside the bush with the baby, where another member was waiting for them. The trio thereafter gang-raped the baby.One of the gang members, Saleh Suleiman, is already in the police net while the other two, whose names we cannot disclose yet, are still on the run.The police spokesman added that the father of the baby, Jibril Ahmadu, reported the incident at the Central Police Station, Funtua, noting that the baby was taken to the General Hospital, Funtua, where she was admitted for treatment.
EGG HARBOR -- The Atlantic County Utilities Authorities agreed to pay $70,000 to a second employee who sued alleging racial discrimination by white co-workers who displayed nooses and Confederate flags in the workplace.

Angel Rodriguez, a Puerto Rican employee at the ACUA and Egg Harbor resident, filed a racial discrimination lawsuit in October 2015.

The news of the confidential June 2016 settlement was first reported by government watchdog, and open public records advocate John Paff on NJRandomGovt.blogspot.com on Wednesday.

This is the second settlement the county agency has paid over allegations of racial discrimination by white employees.

In May 2016, the ACUA agreed to confidentially pay $97,500 to a black employee, Scott Henry, who alleged two white co-workers had displayed Confederate flags in their vehicles, and that he had found a noose hanging in his work truck.

Rodriguez, in his lawsuit, alleged that when he was hired, he was told the county agency was known to be "a little bit racist."

While working at the ACUA, Rodriguez said co-workers would repeatedly make racially charged comments about Latino employees, such as, "I don't know why they let all these Mexican immigrants in here," "They are always warming up their rice and beans," and making fun of the Spanish language, according to the lawsuit.

He also alleged that white employees received preferential treatment and that at least one co-worker "routinely" used racial slurs in the workplace.

The minority employees at the ACUA were "routinely segregated" into the break room downstairs in the facility while white employees gathered in the upstairs meeting room, the lawsuit said.

The allegations in the lawsuit include claims similar to those made by Scott.

The settlement includes a confidentiality clause preventing any public disclosure of the settlement's terms. There was no admission of wrongdoing by the ACUA in the settlement.

Spencer Kent may be reached at skent@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @SpencerMKent. Find the Find NJ.com on Facebook.
CAMDEN -- Six New Jersey governors, including current Gov. Chris Christie, honored former Cooper University Hospital CEO and his wife, John and Joyce Sheridan, at a building dedication Wednesday in a ceremony touched with emotion.

Along with Christie, former governors Jon Corzine, Jim McGreevy, Don DiFrancesco, Jim Florio and Tom Kean shared stories of their relationship with John Sheridan just after the unveiling of the Sheridan Pavilion at Three Cooper Plaza.

Sheridan, 72, spent four decades in state government, serving as a deputy attorney general, assistant counsel to Gov. William T. Cahill and a lawyer for the state Turnpike Authority. He joined Cooper in 2005 and served as president and CEO from 2008 until September 2014, when he and his wife were found dead inside the master bedroom of their Montgomery Township home.

The Sheridans suffered stab wounds and the bedroom was badly damaged by a fire. The Somerset County Prosecutor's Office ruled the case a murder-suicide, but in January, the state's medical examiner reversed a ruling that John Sheridan's death was a suicide, filing papers indicating that the manner of death could not be determined.

On Wednesday, Christie, the former governors and George E. Norcross III, Cooper's chairman of the board of trustees, swapped stories about John and Joyce Sheridan and the impact they had in building Cooper Hospital into a catalysis that has helped transform one of the poorest cities in the nation.

"We often did well when we listened to John Sheridan's advice," Christie said. "I look out at this audience and see people from all of the administrations of the governors sitting behind me. And the one constant of that 40 years was John Sheridan and his wife Joyce. They served both Republican and Democratic administrations, when a governor picked up the phone, John Sheridan always answered.

John Sheridan, a Republican, left a successful law practice in central Jersey at the request of Norcross, a Democratic powerbroker. Norcross admitted the two initially seemed to be an "odd couple" during his remarks.

"It's an unprecedented testament to what we did," Norcross said.

Norcross said Sheridan devised the strategic framework enabling the state approval of the Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, a hospital statement said. The medical school graduated its first class in 2016.

Mark Sheridan said his father and Norcross worked so well together it was often hard to tell which one was Republican or Democrat.

"I don't know a better public servant than John Sheridan," Kane said. "Great hospital, great man, perfect together," the former governor said, referencing to the state motto during his term.

Mark Sheridan also urged his children to follow the example of their grandparents.

"If you want to earn your last name, you have to try to live like they did, and be thoughtful and respectful to everyone you meet," he said during his remarks. "If you can do that and follow the lessons of grandma and grandpa, you'll have earned your last name."

His voice trailed off with a hint of emotion.

The Sheridan building is approximately 160,000 square feet in the heart of the hospital's campus in Camden and was built in 1986.

After the ceremony, Mark Sheridan declined to speak about what may happen next in the investigation of his parent's death.

"Now is not the time to talk about that," he said.

Norcross said: "At this point they should rest in peace and God bless them."

Christie said he would leave that to other state officials.

"I've kept myself out of that. It wouldn't be appropriate for me to be involved given my relationship with the family and also governor's shouldn't be involved in law enforcement stuff," Christie said. "That all has to be left to the attorney general's office and I have confidence the attorney general is going to do what he thinks is right."

Bill Duhart may be reached at bduhart@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @bduhart. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

Staff writers S.P. Sullivan and Dave Hutchinson contributed to this report.
CAMDEN -- Cooper University Hospital is set to name a key part of its facility here for a past CEO of the health system, and his wife, who both died in 2014.

The building will be named the John and Joyce Sheridan Health Center at Three Cooper Plaza. Gov. Chris Christie and former New Jersey governors Tom Kean, James Florio, Jim McGreevey, Jon Corzine and Donald DiFrancesco are all expected to attend a 1 p.m. ceremony Wednesday.

John Sheridan, 72, spent four decades in state government, serving as a deputy attorney general, assistant counsel to Gov. William T. Cahill and a lawyer for the state Turnpike Authority.

He joined Cooper in 2005 and served as president and CEO from 2008 until September 2014, when John and Joyce Sheridan were found dead inside the master bedroom of their Montgomery Township home.

The Sheridan building is approximately 160,000 square feet in the heart of the hospital's campus in Camden. It was one of the many projects launched by John Sheridan as part of his revitalization efforts in the city, the hospital said.

Cooper University Health Care Board of Trustees Chairman George E. Norcross III credits Sheridan with helping create a four-year medical school in South Jersey.

Norcross said Sheridan devised the strategic framework enabling the state approval of the Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, a hospital statement said. The medical school graduated its first class in 2016.

The Sheridans suffered stab wounds and the bedroom was badly damaged by a fire. The Somerset County Prosecutor's Office ruled the case a murder-suicide, but in January, the state's medical examiner reversed a ruling that John Sheridan's death was a suicide, filing papers indicating that the manner of death could not be determined.

Bill Duhart may be reached at bduhart@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @bduhart. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

Staff writers S.P. Sullivan and Dave Hutchinson contributed to this report.
By Kelly Heyboer | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

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This story is part of "N.J.'s hardest-to-get-into high schools," an NJ Advance Media special report on the rise of specialized public high schools for top students around the state.

Long before they start dreaming about applying to college, many New Jersey middle school students are striving to get into some of the state's best high schools.

Over the last few decades, the number of county-run specialized high schools for high-achieving students has spiked in New Jersey. Nearly every county in the state now offers specialized programs and schools run by the country vocational-technical school districts.

Some of the New Jersey schools are ranked among the best public high schools in the country because of their rigorous academics and high-scoring students. Admission is free for students.

How do you get in? In many cases, it's not easy.

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Students prepare for a lab at Morris County's Academy for Math, Science and Engineering (Aristide Economopoulos | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)

Admissions process

The county-run schools  which are sometimes called magnet schools, career academies and high tech high schools -- are usually only open to students who live in the county. Most require students to apply and take a test in the 8th grade to get in. Some also require interviews. Only a fraction of the students who apply get admitted to many programs.

Students who get in bypass their local high schools and are bused to the county-run academies for four years, where they can get access to specialized classes, top teachers, career training and courses offering college credit.

There are currently at least 20 stand-alone specialized high schools run by New Jersey's county vo-tech districts. There are more than 60 additional career academies for high-achieving students that often operate as "schools within schools" at larger vocational-technical schools, local colleges and traditional local high schools.

Some local schools district offer similar schools tailored for top students, including McNair Academic High School in Jersey City and Elizabeth High School in Elizabeth. Those schools are limited to residents of their cities.

Here is what is offered by the vo-tech districts for high-achieving students in each county, according to the districts and the New Jersey Council of County Vocational-Technical Schools:

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Atlantic County

Atlantic County's vo-tech district does not offer a stand-alone specialized high schools for top students. But, Atlantic County Institute of Technology in Mays Landing offers several career academies for high-achieving students.

The four-year programs include an Academy for Math, Engineering and Science, an Academy for Information Technology, an Academy for Health, Science and Medicine, an Academy of Performing Arts, an Academy of Aviation Studies and more.

How to apply: The district requires students to attend an information session in September or October of their 8th grade year to learn how to apply. Students must submit an application, their middle school report cards, PARCC scores and a writing sample. Their guidance counselors will also be asked whether they recommend the applicants for the program.

Who gets in: The district uses a point system to rank students based on their grades, test scores and other factors. Those with the highest rankings are recommended to be admitted to the programs.

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Bergen County

Bergen County was among the first in New Jersey to embrace the specialized high school model. Its schools include two stand-alone academies for top students: Bergen County Academies in Hackensack and Bergen Tech- Teterboro.

How to apply: Each school has its own admissions procedures. Bergen County Academies requires 8th graders to attend an open house, apply, submit teacher recommendation letters and take an entrance exam by late February. Then, students are selected for interviews. Bergen Tech-Teterboro has a similar process that requires an application, teacher recommendations and school transcripts.

Who gets in: Bergen County Academies, the most difficult of the schools to get into, limits the number of students admitted from each town in Bergen County. The number of students admitted from each town varies based on the size of the local school district.

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Burlington County

Burlington County's vo-tech school district does not have any stand-alone specialized high schools. But, Burlington County Institute of Technology offers career academies for high-achieving students on the Medford Campus.

The programs include an Academy for Performing Arts and an Engineering Academy.

How to apply: Students entering the 9th or 10th grade must submit an application and their report cards before taking an admissions exam. Applicants to the Academy for Performing Arts also need to schedule an audition.

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Camden County

Camden County's vo-tech school district does not have any stand-alone specialized high schools. But, Camden County Technical Schools offers a Music Academy, Performing Arts Academy and a Medical Arts Academy on its Gloucester Township campus for high-achieving students.

How to apply: Students in the 8th grade must submit an application, take a 90-minute placement test, and submit their report cards, essays and letters of recommendations. Music and performing arts students also need to audition.

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Cape May County

Cape May County's vo-tech school district does not have a stand-alone specialized high school. But, Cape May County Technical High School in Middle Township offers several career programs for top students, including a Pre-Engineering program and a Travel and Tourism program, which uses an eight-unit motel for a classroom.

How to apply: Students must submit an application along with standardized test scores, academic transcripts, attendance and discipline records.

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Cumberland County

Cumberland County has traditional vo-tech schools and programs, but the district does not offer any stand-alone specialized high schools or programs designed specifically for high-achieving students.

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Gloucester County

Gloucester County vo-tech school district does not have a stand-alone specialized high school. But, Gloucester County Institute of Technology in Sewell offers several career academies for high-achieving students.

They include an Academy of Allied Health and Medical Science, an Academy of Engineering, an Academy of Finance and Business Management and an Academy of Information Technology and Digital Communications.

How to apply: Students in the 8th grade considering applying are required to go the school for a "shadow visit" to sit in on classes. Students must submit an application, academic records and standardized test scores by January of their 8th grade year. Acceptance letters go out in March.

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Hudson County

Hudson County's vo-tech district has one of the state's largest county-run specialized high schools for top students  High Tech High School in North Bergen.

How to apply: Applications should be submitted in the fall of students' 8th grade year. Applicants must submit their middle school transcripts, standardized test scores, attendance records, letters of recommendation and an essay. Some programs also require a portfolio or an audition.

Who gets in: An admissions review committee evaluates the applications for the freshman class. The committee uses census data to determine how many students to admit from each town in Hudson County, school officials said.

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Students attend an event for newly-accepted students at the Biomedical Sciences Academy at North Hunterdon High School in 2016. (Biomedical Sciences Academy photo)

Hunterdon County

Hunterdon County's vo-tech district has three academies for high-achieving students, all operating in partnerships with local high schools. The Computer Science and Software Engineering Academy, which opened in 2015, is located at Delaware Valley Regional High School. The Biomedical Sciences Academy, launched in 2016, is located at North Hunterdon High School and a new Environmental Sustainability and Engineering Academy, operating in partnership with Voorhees High School, will open in September.

How to apply: The academies are open to all students in the county. Students in the 8th grade are required to submit an application, schedule an interview and take a placement exam.

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Essex County

Essex County has traditional vo-tech schools and programs, but the district does not offer any stand-alone specialized high schools or programs designed specifically for high-achieving students.

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Mercer County

Mercer County has a stand-alone specialized high school for top students: a Health Sciences Academy at the district's Assunpink Center campus. The district also offers a STEM Academy at Mercer County Community College.

How to apply: Students can apply online in the fall of their 8th grade year. Then, their guidance counselors submit their transcripts.

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Students at lunch at Middlesex County's Academy for Science, Math and Engineering Technology in Edison. (Aristide Economopoulos | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)

Middlesex County

Middlesex County has two stand-alone career academies for high-achieving students: the Academy for Science, Math and Engineering Technology, located on the campus of Middlesex County College in Edison, and the Academy for Allied Health and Biomedical Sciences in Woodbridge.

How to apply: Students must attend a mandatory information session and submit an application by November of their 8th grade year. Admission will be based on middle school transcripts, interviews and students' scores on an admissions exam that tests reading, math and vocabulary.

Who gets in: At least one student from every school district in Middlesex County will be admitted if the municipality has an applicant who meets the schools' minimum standards. This year, 42 students were admitted out of the 330 to 340 who applied to the Academy for Science, Math and Engineering Technology, school officials said. At the Academy for Allied Health and Biomedical Sciences, about 75 students were admitted out of the 330 to 340 who applied.

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Monmouth County

Monmouth County's vo-tech district has the state's most extensive network of specialized high schools for top students. The countywide schools include: the Academy of Allied Health and Science in Neptune; the Academy of Law and Public Safety in Long Branch (for 11th and 12th grades); Biotechnology High School in Freehold; Communications High School in Wall; High Technology High School on the campus of Brookdale Community College; and the Marine Academy of Science and Technology in Highlands.

How to apply: Students in the 8th grade must submit an application, attend an information session and take an entrance exam. Admission is based on exam scores and 7th and 8th grade transcripts. Applications for the Law and Public Safety Academy are submitted in 10th grade and an entrance exam is not required.

Who gets in: Students are ranked based on their grades and test scores. The highest-ranking students from each school district in the country will be admitted so every town in the county will be represented in the specialized high schools. At Communications High School, for example, 80 students are admitted out of about 400 applicants each year. Out-of-county students are permitted to apply to the Marine Academy of Science and Technology, though Ocean County students are excluded because their vo-tech district has a similar school.

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Morris County

Morris County's vo-tech district has two stand-alone specialized high schools for top students: the Academy for Environmental Science, located at Jefferson High School; and the Academy for Mathematics, Science and Engineering, located at Rockaway High School. A new Academy for Biotechnology, located at Mountain Lakes High School, is expected to open in the fall.

Morris County School of Technology in Denville also has nearly a dozen special programs that operate as "schools within schools," including an Academy for Computer and Information Sciences, an Academy for Finance and International Business, an Academy for Health Care Sciences and an Academy for Visual and Performing Arts.

How to apply: The admissions process starts in September and ends in December. Students in the 8th grade can apply to only one academy. Students are admitted based on their 7th grade transcripts, an interview and the results of an admissions exam.

Who gets in: Last year, more than 200 students applied for 26 spots in the freshman class at the Academy for Mathematics, Science and Engineering, the district's top-rated school, school officials said. This year, the district is doubling the size of the freshman class to 48 students. Students are admitted to all of the academies based on their grades, test scores and interviews.

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Ocean County

Ocean County's vo-tech district has two stand-alone specialized high schools for top students: the Marine Academy of Technology and Environmental Sciences in Manahawkin and the Performing Arts Academy in Lakehurst.

The district also has an Academy of Law and Public Safety for 11th and 12th graders at the Ocean County Fire and First Aid Training Center in Waretown.

How to apply: Students must attend an information session and may apply to only one academy. Eighth graders apply to the Marine Academy and Performing Arts Academy in December and take an admissions test in January. Performing arts applicants must also audition. Academy of Law and Public Safety applicants apply by March in a separate application system.

Who gets in: Applicants are given scores based on their 7th and 8th grade transcripts, performance on the admissions test and auditions. Those with the top scores are offered admission.

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A student waits in front of Passaic County Technical Institute in Wayne. (Kelly Heyboer | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)

Passaic County

Passaic County's vo-tech district does not have stand-alone specialized high school for top students. But, the county has several academies for high-achieving students at Passaic County Technical Institute in Wayne.

The programs include the Academy for Criminal Justice, the Academy of Finance, the Academy of Information Technology, the Academy of Medical Arts and a School of Performing Arts.

How to apply: Students apply between between Nov. 1 and Feb. 1 by filling out an application. All applicants must be county residents entering the 9th or 10th grade.

Who gets in: Students are admitted based on two years of school transcripts, attendance and discipline records and standardized test scores. Performing arts students also must audition.

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Salem County

Salem County's vo-tech district does not have stand-alone specialized high schools for the county's top students. But, the county offers nearly a dozen academies, including several housed within local high schools.

The programs include: an Academy for Communications at Woodstown High School; an Academy of Creative and Performing Arts: Dance, Drama and Visual Arts at Schalick High School; an Academy for Engineering at Penns Grove High School; and an Academy for Graphics Technology; an Academy for Creative and Performing Arts: Instrumental and Vocal Music at Pennsville Memorial High School; and an Academy for Biological and Medical Sciences and an Academy for Energy Applications at Career and Technical High School in Pilesgrove.

How to apply: Students applying to the arts, science and technology academies must submit an application by March. Students must also take an admissions test. Some of the academies, including the performing arts and communications academies, also require interviews, portfolios or auditions.

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Somerset County

Somerset County's vo-tech district does not have a stand-alone specialized high school for top students. But, the district has an Academy for Health and Medical Sciences that operates as a "school within a school" at Somerset County Vocational Technical High School in Bridgewater and Raritan Valley Community College.

How to apply: Students in both Hunterdon and Somerset counties can apply to the academy in the fall of their 8th grade year. An interview and an admissions test are required.

Who gets in: Students are admitted based on their middle school grade point averages, standardized test scores and the results of their admission tests and personal interviews. Once admitted, students must maintain a 3.0 grade point average or higher to remain at the academy.

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Sussex County

Sussex County has traditional vo-tech schools and programs, but the district does not offer any stand-alone specialized high schools or programs designed specifically for high-achieving students.

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Students in a modern dance class at Union County's Academy for Performing Arts in Scotch Plains. (Aristide Economopoulos | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)

Union County

Union County's vo-tech district has one of the oldest and most extensive specialized high school systems for high-achieving students in the state. The county has four stand-alone academies in Scotch Plains: Union County Magnet School for Math, Science and Technology; Academy for Allied Health Sciences; Academy for Information Technology; and the Academy for Performing Arts.

Union County Tech in Scotch Plains also has several programs for top students, including a School of Design, a Sustainable Science Academy and a Teacher Education Academy.

How to apply: Students apply to the academies in December of their 8th grade year after attending a mandatory information session in the fall. Applicants take an admissions exam in January. Applicants in the performing arts academy also audition for a spot at the school.

Who gets in: Last year, about 1,500 students applied for 500 to 600 seats at the district's five schools, district officials said. Students are ranked based on their 7th and 8th grade transcripts and their admissions test scores. Students are divided by town and the top-ranked students in each of Union County's 21 municipalities are admitted. The system helps ensure that students from every town in the county are represented in the schools, district officials said.

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Warren County

Warren County's vo-tech district does not have any stand-alone specialized high schools. But Warren County Technical High School in Washington has a Health Science and an Engineering program for high-achieving students.

How to apply: Students in the 8th grade must submit an application, report cards, essays and letters of recommendation and schedule an interview.

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Students walk through the halls on Union County's vo-tech complex in Scotch Plains, home to Union County Magnet School and several other specialized high schools. (Aristide Economopoulos | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)

Read more about N.J.'s specialized high schools

Inside the high-pressure world of N.J.'s hardest-to-get-into high schools

The uncomfortable truth about race in N.J.'s top high schools

About this series

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Lisa Spoonauer, a Rahway native known for playing Caitlin Bree in Kevin Smith's iconic 1994 New Jersey movie "Clerks," has died.

Spoonauer, who ended her acting career not long after starring in the black-and-white film that gave Smith his start in Hollywood, was 44 when she died on Saturday. Her family did not announce the cause of death.

The former actress, who became a restaurant manager and event planner, grew up in Freehold and lived in Jackson at the time of her death, according to her obituary.

Smith, 46, posted a long remembrance of Spoonauer on Instagram Tuesday afternoon, recalling how he first met her in 1992 when visiting an acting class at Brookdale Community College.

"Lisa was easily the most natural and authentic voice in the room," Smith wrote, below several photos of Spoonauer with the "Clerks" cast. "She didn't sound like she was acting at all; she delivered scripted dialogue as if she was inventing her conversation in the moment, like people do in real life."

Smith offered her a role in his movie set around a local convenience store and video rental shop, the same one that would launch his Jersey-set "View Askewniverse" films into motion. Her classic reply to his offer: "Not if it's porn." Later realizing it wasn't porn -- "Well it's not porn, but everybody talks like it is," she told Smith, after reading the script -- Spoonauer joined the production.

Smith, who wrote and directed the film, called her "one of the chief architects" of the movie.

"You changed my life, Lisa," he wrote.

The "Clerks" maestro, who grew up in Highlands, also mentioned how Spoonauer fell for Jeff Anderson, who plays Randal Graves, one of the lead characters in the movie. They married in 1998 -- on Twitter, a friend who called her "Spoony" remembered Spoonauer with a photo of their wedding -- and divorced in 1999.

Spoonauer is survived by her husband, Tom Caron, her daughter, Mia, and her stepson, Tyler.

In the movie, Spoonauer's Caitlin gets back together with her high school boyfriend, "Clerks" lead Dante Hicks, played by Brian O'Halloran.

"She always had a wicked sense of humor and smile," O'Halloran, 47, wrote on Instagram, saying he was "truly gutted" by news of her death. "I was blessed to have been part of an incredible life changing adventure with her. To this day it is a part of my life. Not a day goes by that she (wasn't) mentioned or remembered in some fashion. She will live on in my heart and in the hearts of millions. Always in my heart. Rest in Peace Lisa."

Another "Clerks" co-star, Marilyn Ghigliotti, who played Veronica in the film, also posted a remembrance on Instagram along with a vintage photo with Spoonauer and O'Halloran.

"Words can not even begin to express how heartbroken I am to hear that Lisa Spoonauer passed away on Saturday," she said. "My sincerest and deepest condolences to her husband Tom, her dearest daughter Mia and the rest of the family. I was blessed to have gotten to share an experience with her and the rest of the Clerks family that cannot be measured and will always be remembered. Prayers to you always. You will be forever in our hearts Lisa."

Spoonauer's twin brothers, Michael and Mark Spoonauer, set up a page on JustGiving.com where they explain that if Lisa's condition had improved, "she was going to devote the rest of her life to fighting for those with chronic illness who didn't have the strength or the resources to get the right answers and ultimately obtain the correct course of treatment for themselves."

They are collecting donations in Lisa's name for the Patient Advocate Foundation, a nonprofit that provides case management services and financial assistance to patients.

Words can not even begin to express how heartbroken I am to hear that Lisa Spoonauer passed away on Saturday. My sincerest and deepest condolences to her husband Tom, her dearest daughter Mia and the rest of the family. I was blessed to have gotten to share an experience with her and the rest of the Clerks family that cannot be measured and will always be remembered. Prayers to you always. You will be forever in our hearts Lisa. #RIPLisaSpoonauer <3 A post shared by Marilyn Ghigliotti (Clerks) (@marilynghigliotti) on May 23, 2017 at 2:26pm PDT

@ThatKevinSmith I was lucky to attend her & Jeff's wedding, she was an angel that day, as well as everyday before & after. Love you Spoony. #LisaSpoonauer pic.twitter.com/oveUgJQoEF -- Ariel Stanfield (@arielstanfield) May 23, 2017

Amy Kuperinsky may be reached at akuperinsky@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @AmyKup or on Facebook.
NEWARK -- The last words Latrena May spoke before Andre Higgs fatally shot her in front of an East Orange cop were "officer, officer, officer," an assistant prosecutor told an Essex County jury Tuesday.

Latrena May. (Facebook)

But a defense attorney for Higgs, accused of killing the mother of his child in two years ago, implied the officer -- who shot Higgs -- escalated the situation that ultimately led her client to be charged in the woman's death.

Higgs, 45, of Watchung, is on trial on charges of murder, unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, endangering the welfare of a child and hindering in the May 1, 2015 killing of May, a 27-year-old teacher at Pride Academy Charter School.

The couple's 4-year-old daughter was inside May's home at the time of the shooting in East Orange, but was unharmed, authorities have said.

In openings Tuesday, Assistant Prosecutor Justin Edwab told the jury Higgs and May had been on the top steps of her Tremont Avenue home around 10:15 p.m. that evening when she flagged down a passing police officer.

That officer, Detective Kemon Lee, testified that after turning on his overhead lights and making a U-turn, he pulled up in front of the house and approached the pair, his gun unholstered.

He ordered May to come down the steps to him, he said.

"Before she could do so, (Higgs) stepped back and to the left of Ms. May, and pulled out a gun and shot her," Lee said.

Dr. Di Wang, an assistant medical examiner, testified that May was shot three times, one of the bullets puncturing both lungs and major arteries. He ruled her death a homicide.

Lee said he fired his own department-issued .40-caliber pistol nine times at Higgs, who retreated into the home and closed the door after being shot.

Edwab told the jury that officers arrested Higgs inside the home after an approximately hour-long standoff, and that investigators later found a .45-caliber pistol hidden in a hallway.

A ballistics expert would later identify that gun as a match to bullets recovered from May's body, he said.

But Remi Spencer, representing Higgs with co-counsel Joseph P. Rem Jr., told the jury in her opening remarks that Higgs only stands accused of the crime "because of the actions of a police officer."

Spencer argued the indictment was based solely on the one-sided grand jury testimony of one person, and urged jurors to give her client the benefit of the doubt he is entitled to under the law.

"Andre Higgs is innocent," she said, resting her hands on her client's shoulders.

Dashcam video from Lee's patrol car shown to the jury captured the officer firing his weapon, but does not show May's shooting.

In pre-trial proceedings Tuesday, defense attorneys unsuccessfully attempted to persuade Wigler to allow the defense to question Lee about prior shootings he had been involved in as a police officer.

Lee, who has spent nine years with the East Orange department, fired his weapon three times in three years, said Spencer, who noted in her opening remarks that the officer himself was investigated following the shooting.

The judge denied that request by the defense, saying the prior shootings -- and that of Higgs -- had been ruled justified by the state Attorney General's Office and weren't immediately relevant to the case at hand.

Wigler clarified following Tuesday's proceedings that the defense would be permitted to cross-examine Lee about his training and his department's regulations regarding firearms use.

After being hospitalized following the shooting, Higgs was released on $1 million bail in the form of two bonds, one of them covering equity in his Watchung home.

He was later returned to jail after being charged with drunk driving following a crash on the New Jersey Turnpike, which prompted Wigler to grant a request by prosecutors that Higgs' bail be posted entirely in cash.

The trial is expected to resume at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Thomas Moriarty may be reached at tmoriarty@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter at @ThomasDMoriarty. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
MOUNT HOLLY-- A Beverly City man wanted for a shooting last year was arrested in Pennsylvania Tuesday, the Burlington County Prosecutor's Office said in a statement.

Authorities say Anthony Harris, 31, was part of a group from Beverly City that went to Florence Sept. 21 and got into a confrontation with a group of Florence residents on Zinc Street.

Anthony Harris (Burlington County Prosecutor's Office)

Harris allegedly pulled a gun and shot Ronald Walker, 27, of Florence, who was pronounced dead at Lourdes Medical Center from a chest wound.

Harris was arrested at an apartment in Falls Township, Pa., in a sweep targeting suspects wanted for violent crimes. State Police, the Burlington County Sheriff's Office, Pemberton police, Florence police, the US Marshals Service and other agencies assisted in the arrest.

Harris has been charged with aggravated manslaughter, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, unlawful possession of a weapon and certain persons not to have weapons. He was being held in the Bucks County Jail in Doylestown, Pa., on $500,000 bail pending extradition back to New Jersey.

Paul Milo may be reached at pmilo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter@PaulMilo2. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
MAPLEWOOD -- A fugitive wanted for fatally shooting a man in the head at a Georgia gas station was captured in Maplewood, authorities said Wednesday.

Joseph Priester, 36, is accused of murder and other offenses after he allegedly shot Genaro Rojas Martinez, 39, in the head at point blank range outside the Texaco station in Smyrna, Georgia May 15, according to FOX 5 Atlanta.

Maplewood police on Tuesday learned Priester was at an address on Burnett Avenue in the township and set up surveillance in the area, said department spokesman Detective Sgt. Christopher Black.

As authorities were watching, Priester got in a vehicle and tried to leave a parking lot, Black said in a statement. Police stopped Priester, who was taken into custody without incident.

Records show he was being held at the Essex County jail Wednesday afternoon ahead of extradition to Georgia.

Smyrna police Deputy Chief Robert Harvey told FOX 5 Atlanta the motive for the killing was unclear and the shooting was captured on store security video.

The Cobb County Sheriff's Office in Georgia confirmed fugitive officers and U.S. Marshals located the accused shooter in New Jersey.

Maplewood and Smyrna authorities did not immediately return messages seeking more information.

Murder Suspect Joesph Priester in South Cobb Dr. Texaco shooting located by Cobb SO Fugitive Unit & US Marshalls SERFT in NJ and arrested! pic.twitter.com/XHFE0f2s0A  Cobb County Sheriffs Office (@CobbSheriff) May 24, 2017

Noah Cohen may be reached at ncohen@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @noahyc and on Facebook. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

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BLOOMFIELD --A Bloomfield High School student who went missing has returned home, police said Wednesday night.

Earlier Wednesday police asked for the public's help to find the 15-year-old who was reported missing.

Jack Fernandez was last seen by his parents around 7:15 a.m. Monday, according to an alert from township police.

Noah Cohen may be reached at ncohen@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @noahyc and on Facebook. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

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GLASSBORO -- The brothers of Phi Kappa Psi fraternity at Rowan University are offering a $2,000 reward for information on the arson that destroyed their chapter house.

A fire broke out at the house on Hamilton Road in Glassboro around 4:30 a.m. on May 16. The fire, which started in the garage and ripped through the house, destroyed three cars and all contents in the home.

Three people, two fraternity brothers and a guest, were in the home during the fire. A neighbor knocked, waking them and alerting them to the blaze. No one was injured.

The fire was deemed an arson by authorities and is still under investigation.

The brothers of the fraternity are now offering a reward of $2,000 for information leading to an arrest.

Anyone with information should contact Detective Anthony Garbarino at the Gloucester County Prosecutor's Office at 856-384-5619 or Det. Jack Manning at the Glassboro Police Station at 856-881-1501.

Caitlyn Stulpin may be reached at cstulpin@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @caitstulpin. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
HARRISON TWP. -- Inspira Health Network officials broke ground for a new $349 million hospital during a Wednesday afternoon ceremony.

The hospital, to be known as Inspira Medical Center Mullica Hill, will sit on a 100-acre piece of land at the Route 55/322 interchange, directly across Route 322 from Rowan University's South Jersey Technology Park.

The 204-bed, 467,000-square-foot facility is expected to open in September 2019. Skanska USA is building the 5-story hospital.

The new medical center will employ 1,400 and replace Inspira's hospital in Woodbury.

The Woodbury site will continue to house a satellite emergency department, observation beds, some outpatient services, as well as office personnel handling billing and other administrative duties.

Inspira received final state approval for the Harrison Township project in March when the state health commissioner granted a certificate of need for the new hospital.

"This has been a long journey for us so far," Inspira president and CEO John DiAngelo told the audience assembled under a sprawling tent at the future hospital site.

"We are very pleased to have received so much support in bringing a new hospital to Gloucester County," he said. "Inspira Medical Center Mullica Hill will ensure that our network will be able to meet the growing and changing health care needs of Gloucester County residents -- with high quality care and convenient access -- for decades to come."

Planning for the new hospital began nearly five years ago and included a few challenges.

Woodbury officials have expressed concerns over what losing their hospital would mean for the city. During a public hearing in December, Woodbury Mayor Jessica Floyd said she was worried the move would make it more difficult for city residents to obtain health care and would be an economic blow for the community.

Concerns such as those drove plans to find other uses for the site. Inspira is working with Woodbury officials and the Gloucester County Improvement Authority to craft a redevelopment plan for the Woodbury campus.

About 500 employees will remain at the Woodbury site when the new hospital opens. It currently employs 1,600. Inspira says it plans to spend $7 million on improvements to that facility

"There is a strong commitment to helping Woodbury reinvent that property," state Senate President Stephen Sweeney noted during his remarks. "No one is abandoning Woodbury."

Another challenge came in early 2016 when Kennedy Health questioned Rowan University's plans to sell Inspira the land for the new hospital. Kennedy argued that the proposed location was too close to its Washington Township hospital and would oversaturate the local health care market.

Last spring, Rowan finalized the land sale to Inspira for $11.5 million, $2 million more than the original price announced in January 2016.

The cost to build and furnish the new hospital will be covered by a combination of Inspira's reserves, through fundraising efforts and by issuing bonds, officials said.

Sweeney cited the proximity of the new hospital campus to Rowan University.

"To come here and be so close to Rowan ... This area is growing and this is our hub of economic development," he said. "Quality healthcare in your backyard matters."

Rowan President Ali Houshmand called the project a dream come true, noting that he has long envisioned a wellness village on the university's West Campus that would include a hospital. Inspira and Rowan officials have talked about new partnership opportunities stemming from the medical center.

"I feel that a dream is coming true," he said. "I am so incredibly excited about this particular project."

Matt Gray may be reached at mgray@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @MattGraySJT. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook.
WOODBURY -- A grand jury has indicted a man on charges stemming from a October armed robbery at a variety store in Woodbury.

Avery B. Maxwell, 23, of Smyrna, Delaware, is accused of robbing The Woodbury News, a variety store on South Broad Street.

On Oct. 27, 2016, Maxwell allegedly brandished a handgun and threatened to kill one of the store's employees and his family if the police were called, officials said. Maxwell then threatened another employee, saying "I'll shoot you if you move," and trapped them in a storage closet after demanding money, police said.

Maxwell is charged with aggravated assault, armed robbery, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, unlawful possession of a weapon, terroristic threats and criminal restraint.

Caitlyn Stulpin may be reached at cstulpin@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @caitstulpin. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
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TRENTON -- The state on Wednesday temporarily suspended the license of a Burlington County psychiatrist who is accused of supplying two patients with "tens of thousands'' of painkillers over several years, Attorney General Christopher Porrino announced.

Joel B. Glass of Marlton was ordered to forfeit his medical license and his federal Drug Enforcement Administration card to prescribe controlled dangerous substances. He was also told to stop prescribing and seeing patients, Porrino's statement said.

This is the first time the physician disciplinary panel, the state Board of Medical Examiners, has cited a doctor for violating state rules that require all prescribers to conduct quarterly checks on patients who use opioid painkillers, Porrino's office said. The rule went into effect in November.

Glass supplied one patient with oxycodone and diazepam over several years, including 7,560 30-milligram doses of oxycodone in 2013 alone, according to Porrino's statement.

Glass last checked the patient's record in the database in December, but supplied the patient with more painkillers until April 8, according to the statement.

"The patient could not have taken all the drugs allegedly prescribed to him by this doctor and survived," Porrino said. "Our message to these doctors is clear: if you are not checking the Prescription Monitoring Program database, as required by the new law, we will take swift and punitive action against you."

New Jersey was tipped off to Glass by the Vermont Board of Medical Practice, the state from which the patients purchased the prescription drugs.

"Glass continued to prescribe the drugs, even after several monitoring agencies and peer reviews had flagged the dosages as excessive and or inappropriate," according to the Attorney General's complaint against him.

Glass also is alleged to have prescribed "dramatically high quantities" of oxycodone to a 43-year-old woman without examinations or diagnostic tests.

A woman who answered the telephone at Glass' office said he was not taking calls from reporters.

According to the state consumer affairs website, Glass is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine who has been licensed in New Jersey since 1972. He does not have a history of disciplinary actions, according to the database, which maintains records for 10 years.

The board will hold a hearing on the charges filed by the state.

"It's encouraging to see the level of cooperation between states when it comes to discovering and sharing information on indiscriminate prescribers," Steve Lee, director of the Division of Consumer Affairs, said in the statement.

"We expect to see more situations where we share information and find and discipline those who do not obey the laws governing the prescribing of controlled dangerous substances."

Susan K. Livio may be reached at slivio@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @SusanKLivio. Find NJ.com Politics on Facebook.
JERSEY CITY -- A Bayonne police officer has been placed on modified duty after being charged with lying in a report to cover for a fellow officer who struck a handcuffed suspect with a flashlight in 2013.

On May 15, a federal grand jury indicted Officer Francis Styles, 36, of Bayonne, on charges he falsified an official record and failed to report police brutality by former Bayonne Police Officer Domenico Lillo, acting U.S. Attorney William E. Fitzpatrick said.

Styles, a 13-year veteran of the department who earns just over $104,000 per year, has been placed on modified duty because of the charges, Bayonne spokesman Joseph Ryan said Tuesday.

Styles' attorney, John D. Arseneault of Chatham, declined to comment on the case when reached this morning.

The indictment against Styles stems from the Dec. 27, 2013, arrest of Brandon Walsh, a Bayonne resident who had an outstanding warrant from Sussex County.

Lillo, Styles and an unnamed officer went to Walsh's home on Avenue C to serve the warrant. A nearby bar had four surveillance cameras rolling, which recorded them before and after they arrested and handcuffed Walsh, according to the indictment.

"Just before 5 p.m. ... the video showed defendant Styles and Lillo escorting (Walsh) down an exterior staircase .. in handcuffs, and taking (him) to the ground,'' the indictment says. "Styles, Lillo and Officer 1 then brought the handcuffed individual to his feet and escorted (him) toward 53rd Street, with Lillo to the right of (him) and holding (his) right arm, and Officer 1 to the left of (him) holding (his) left arm, and defendant Styles following closely behind."

Walsh was neither struggling nor resisting arrest and wasn't bleeding from his face or head. The video then showed the officers and Walsh turning the corner from Avenue C onto 53rd Street, the indictment says.

"As they walked toward one of the recording cameras, Lillo looked at what appeared to be a full-sized (i.e., approximately one-foot-long) flashlight in his right hand and thrust the flashlight upwards, intentionally striking Individual's face and causing Individual to double over,'' the indictment charges.

It continues:

"According to the video recording, Styles was looking directly at Lillo as

Lillo struck (Walsh) with the flashlight.''

Among his injuries, Walsh sustained a forehead cut that required 15 stitches, the indictment said.

The charge of falsifying records carries a maximum possible sentence of up to 20 years in prison upon conviction. The second charge faced by Styles, "misprision of felony," carries a possible sentence up three years.

Lillo pleaded guilty to using excessive force during the 2013 arrest, but his sentencing has been postponed several times. Lillo was also among several cops who were accused in a civil suit of beating two men as they left a Bayonne bar in 2007, a suit the city settled for $100,000.
More than 30 people were arrested throughout Hudson and Essex counties on Tuesday following an eight-month narcotics investigation, Hudson County Prosecutors Esther Suarez announced today.

Approximately 150 law enforcement officers from the Hudson County Prosecutor's Office, the Jersey City Police Department, and other local and federal agencies executed a number of search warrants at various locations -- including seven homes, four vehicles and one business -- in Jersey City and East Orange, beginning at 6 a.m.

Additional search warrants and arrest warrants continued to be executed throughout the day. Officers seized two handguns, hollow point bullets, three vehicles, and various amounts of heroin, cocaine, marijuana and illegal prescription drugs during the operation.

"This network was responsible for supplying a significant amount of heroin and other narcotics to the Jersey City area," Suarez said in a statement. "Considering the amount of drug use and the drug distribution trade in this area, it's reassuring that this collaborative effort will help to diminish the harm imposed on the residents of Jersey City by this illegal activity."

The HCPO did not disclose the amount of drugs that were confiscated or the estimated value of the narcotics ring.

The alleged leader of the ring, 38-year-old Jersey City resident Kyleamin Martin, was among the 31 arrested Tuesday. Martin was charged with leading a narcotics trafficking network, multiple counts of conspiracy to distribute heroin, cocaine, and marijuana, as well as distribution of cocaine. He was also charged with conspiracy to possess a firearm and conspiracy to commit official misconduct.

Suarez also thanked the Hudson County Sheriff's Office and the U.S. Marshals Service for assisting in the arrests and execution of the search warrants, and also thanked the Jersey City Medical Center Emergency Medical Services for its assistance during the operation.

In a statement, Jersey City Public Safety Director praised the investigative work of the Jersey City Police Department's Violent Crimes Unit, saying those efforts led to the uncovering of a "network of drugs, guns and violent offenders."

"Their work, and the collaboration with the Hudson County Prosecutor's Office and multiple other county and federal law enforcement agencies, has led to these nearly three dozen arrests and bringing down this illegal and dangerous operation," Shea said.

When the defendants appeared in Criminal Justice Reform Court this afternoon via video link, the state moved to detain many of them through the course of their prosecution. Detention hearings are scheduled for Tuesday before Hudson County Superior Court Judge Paul DePascale.

The following individuals were arrested:
Kewanna Vaughn and her 22-year-old daughter Timiah Calamito began their college educations at different times and in different places.

Yet, the mother and daughter walked down the same aisle today when they graduated from New Jersey City University together with degrees in criminal justice.

Vaughn and Calamito were among the 1,779 graduate and undergraduate students to receive their diplomas during NJCU's commencement ceremony at Prudential Center in Newark.

Calamito followed a rather traditional route to her college degree. After finishing high school, she began her college career at Bloomfield College before transferring to NJCU to study criminal justice.

Vaughn, on the other hand, veered off the standard four-year path to graduation. She started at Atlantic Cape Community College after high school and later transferred to NJCU to study business, but she then dropped out and took a job in finance. It was not until she lost her job that Vaughn decided to return to school.

"I got laid off from my job that I had for 11 years in the finance sector. After that, I just wanted to try something different" Vaughn said.

Taking her career in a different direction, Vaughn decided to pursue a degree in criminal justice. She returned as a readmit to NJCU where, coincidentally, her daughter was also enrolled, also studying criminal justice.

"It's nice. It wasn't planned that way. I would have graduated a long time ago but I had to take time off...It's been a challenge and it's also been good" Vaughn said. "I'm much prouder of her than I am of myself though. For her, I am very proud. For me, it is just something that I needed to do."

Despite attending the same school, Calamito says that she and her mother have very little communication with each other on campus, mostly because their schedules are different.

"We rarely see each other," Calamito said. "We had one class together at one point, but for the most part we don't really have much interaction in school."

During today's ceremony, an honorary doctorate was presented to Josh S. Weston, honorary chairman and former CEO of Automatic Data Processing, Inc. Weston leads numerous non-profit boards and business councils and supports arts, education, and humanitarian efforts globally.

The Presidential Medallion was awarded to Dr. Kim Hunter Reed, executive director of the Colorado Department of Higher Education. Dr. Reed recently served in the Obama administration as deputy undersecretary at the U.S. Department of Education.

Meanwhile, the mother and daughter intend to follow different career paths after graduation. Calamito, who currently works in security and in cargo services at Newark Airport, says she wants to pursue a career with either U.S. Customs or Homeland Security.

"I maybe want to work in either border control or as a C.B.P. Officer (customs and board protection officer), but I will also take the test for security at Port Authority," Calamito said.

Vaughn, who currently works as a supervising office assistant for the Port Authority, says she instead plans to pursue a career in more business-related matters.

"There is a position opening up in management at my current job, so once I get my degree I will apply to that," Vaughn said. "My minor is general business, and we also have departments in public safety, so I might look into that as well."
JERSEY CITY -- A one-year-old male deer spotted strolling through the city's McGinley Square neighborhood this morning was later caught and killed by state wildlife officials.

Killing the deer was necessary because it could have carried a variant of mad cow disease found in deer and elk called chronic wasting disease, according to New Jersey Department of Environmental spokeswoman Caryn Shinske.

"That can be deadly to wildlife," Shinske said. "The only way to test is to euthanize ... we always have to err on the side of being conservative of the health and safety of New Jersey's wildlife."

Lab results on the deer have not returned, she added.

The deer was seen today in the Saint Peter's University parking lot at Montgomery Street and Tuers Avenue, about a half-mile south of the Journal Square PATH hub.

It remains unclear how the deer ended up in Jersey City, but it came here from Staten Island. Shinske said based on tags found on the deer the DEP discovered it was part of a research study of deer population control being performed in the New York City borough.

New York City last year contracted with wildlife conservation nonprofit White Buffalo for up to $3.2 million over a three-year period to study deer sterilization.

New York City parks spokesman Sam Biederman said the study has led to 642 vasectomized adult bucks and 78 younger male deer. The city estimates there are about 2,000 deer on Staten Island.



The deer found today in Jersey City likely either swam to Hudson County from Staten Island or jumped through construction on the Bayonne Bridge, Biederman said.

There is no strong evidence chronic wasting disease can be transmitted to humans, according to the federal Center for Disease Control.

Terrence T. McDonald may be reached at tmcdonald@jjournal.com. Follow him on Twitter @terrencemcd. Find The Jersey Journal on Facebook.
A Maryland man's hopes of halting construction on a Jersey City high-rise and simultaneously ending the Sixth Street Embankment imbroglio are fizzling.

An administrative law judge in October booted the man, James Riffin, from participating in the embankment case and a federal judge in December dismissed Riffin's lawsuit that sought to stop work on the 35-story Hudson Exchange West tower. The federal Surface Transportation Board, meanwhile, twice ruled against Riffin last month and accused him of harassing the tower's developers for his own financial gain.

Riffin's legal defeats -- he said he has one more shot, with the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia -- are good news for Hudson Exchange West's developers, a subsidiary of Forest City. They plan to build 11 more towers on the site of the shopping mall Metro Plaza, located just south of the Newport mall.

A spokesman for the developers declined to comment on Riffin's case. Their attorneys have asked U.S. District Judge Joseph Dickson to bar Riffin from re-filing his federal complaint against them, which Dickson terminated last year.

"Forest City is focused on its commitment to deliver the first mixed-income housing development on the Jersey City waterfront in a generation," the spokesman said.

Hudson Exchange West is the first Downtown Jersey City high-rise that will include 20 percent affordable and 80 percent market-rate housing. Construction is expected to wrap up this summer.

Riffin's case revolves around the complex federal regulations on railroads. Metro Plaza sits on the site of the former Harsimus Cove Rail Yard. In the late 1980s Conrail sold the land to an entity that then sold it in the mid-1990s to some of the current owners of the property.

Riffin alleged in his lawsuit that since the lines of rail that formerly traversed the Metro Plaza property were not properly abandoned by Conrail, the developers of the planned high-rises don't have rights to the land. He staked his own claim on the property, known as an "offer of financial assistance," made by individuals or entities seeking to acquire old lines of rail, and argued that Hudson Exchange West could not continue until the STB determined whether his claim could move forward. The STB regulates the nation's rail industry.

Here's where the continuing Sixth Street Embankment legal fight comes in. Riffin told the STB he wanted both the Metro Plaza parcel and the rail line that formerly ran on the embankment. Jersey City has also sought to acquire the mile-long embankment, which Steve and Victoria Hyman purchased from Conrail in 2005 for $3 million. The city, the Hymans and Conrail have been on either side of numerous lawsuits over the property for the last decade, with the city saying Conrail did not properly abandon the property before selling it. Jersey City says it wants to turn the embankment into a park, while the Hymans want to build on it.

The Sixth Street Embankment runs for a little over a mile in Downtown Jersey City.

Riffin planned to use his attempts to acquire the embankment and Metro Plaza properties as leverage to force a settlement between Conrail, the city, the Hymans, the Hudson Exchange West developers and himself.

According to an April 25 decision from the STB, Riffin's plan was that the Hymans get a financial settlement from Conrail; the city gets the embankment property; the Hudson Exchange West developers get to finish their project; and Riffin gets, from Conrail, a portion of a rail line elsewhere in New Jersey, plus 5 percent of the Hymans' settlement.

But a federal administration law judge booted Riffin from his claim to the embankment and Metro Plaza properties in October. He subsequently attempted to get the STB to declare that another former Downtown Jersey City rail property, the Hudson Street Industrial Track, was not properly abandoned. The STB ruled against Riffin in that matter on April 25. Two days later, the STB rejected Riffin's appeal of the October decision striking him from the embankment dispute.

Attorneys for Hudson Exchange West have accused Riffin of taking advantage of the court system to stall their project. The STB agrees, saying on April 25 that Riffin "is abusing the board's processes by improperly seeking to obstruct the Metro Plaza construction project in order to obtain a settlement in exchange for ceasing his vexatious litigation."

Reached by phone, Riffin told The Jersey Journal those comments had him "scratching my head." The STB should want all the parties to settle, he said.

"You can have a number of reasons why you do something, some of which are laudable and some of which are reprehensible," he said, "but so long as you have a legitimate reason for doing what you're doing (courts) don't inquire as to all the other not-so-legitimate reasons. You just need one legitimate reason."

Terrence T. McDonald may be reached at tmcdonald@jjournal.com. Follow him on Twitter @terrencemcd. Find The Jersey Journal on Facebook.
FLEMINGTON - A report from the Hunterdon County Department of Health outlines how the mouse problem at Robert Hunter Elementary School is being addressed.

The report, released to the public on Monday, also details recommendations made by Daniel Wyckoff of the Hunterdon County Division of Public Health a week after an inspection was made at the school.

The first reports of mice at the school were made on May 1, district officials previously said, and the school was cleaned and sanitized on May 6. Parents and some staff have said the issue was happening before May 1.

According to the report, Alliance Pest Control, Aramark Cleaning Services and the school "are working together to eliminate the mouse activity in the school and have made marked progress minimizing any health threat to the school community at large."

Access to building from the outside has been reduced "by adding screens to vents and door sweeps on exterior doors," according to the report, which noted the school is "aggressively working to physically eliminate the rodents."

Wyckoff's report states that effective communication between the school community and the district will help ensure efforts to control the mice can be "better targeted," noting everyone needs to work together to clean out and organize storage areas.

"The environment at the Robert Hunter School is improving as the rodent population declines and the school is becoming a safer place for the students, faculty and parents of the school community," it was stated in the report.

The inspection included checking the main office mini fridge and copier, art supply storeroom, cafeteria dry storage area, faculty lounge, copier room and closet, kindergarten storeroom and adjoining storage area, a PTO closet, room 116, internal courtyards, the custodian's office and an exterior tour of building.

The report said the school has taken steps to trap and remove mice, eliminate food and water sources, and cleaned and sanitized the building.

Recommendations include:
NEW JERSEY SUMMER FLOUNDER SEASON TO START ON THURSDAY, MAY 25 WITH 18-INCH MINIMUM SIZE INTACT



(17/P50) TRENTON  The recreational summer flounder season will begin tomorrow, May 25, which keeps intact an 18-inch minimum length requirement for the fish, Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Bob Martin announced today.

New Jerseys Marine Fisheries Council adopted the states new regulations last week, which substantially achieve conservation equivalency requested by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrations National Marine Fisheries Service. Conservation equivalency allows for alternative regulations that achieve the same quantified level of conservation.

Despite a motion by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commissions Summer Flounder Management Board on Monday to not accept New Jerseys new rules, the states summer flounder season will remain as scheduled. Any possible federal non-compliance decisions would first need to be voted on by ASFMCs Policy Board and the full Commission before a finding of non-compliance is sent to NOAA Marine Fisheries for consideration.

We are going forward with the regulations because we strongly believe that we have passed regulations that meet the conservation equivalency of the Commissions proposed quota limits, Commissioner Martin said. We have a good relationship with NOAA fisheries and will continue to work with them on any issues relating to the summer flounder stock and recreational harvest limit.

We remain disappointed that the Commissions Summer Flounder Management Board advocates for a quota limit that kills more fish through dead discards than the actual harvesting of fluke. We look forward to working with NOAA Fisheries to bring logic and reason to the implementation of sound fishery management in New Jersey, which will help protect the stock without devastating a multi-billion dollar industry here in the state.

This season, recreational anglers in state waters will get to keep up to three summer flounder per day that meet the 18-inch minimum-length requirement. The season will run from Thursday, May 25, through September 5, and will include the important Memorial Day and Labor Day holiday weekends.

The minimum size limit this season will remain 17 inches for Delaware Bay. Each angler may keep three legally sized fish caught from the bay each day. The Shore-Based Enhanced Fishing Opportunity Program at Island Beach State Park in Ocean County will continue with a 16-inch size limit and two-fish per day, per person possession limit. This program was set up to assist the Division of Fish and Wildlife in its summer flounder research efforts.

Summer flounder, also known as fluke, is one of the states most popular sport fish, attracting many thousands of anglers each summer season because of the abundance of these delicately flavored fish close to beaches and in bays and creeks. A robust recreational fishing season is vital to both the recreational fishing industry and the states summer tourism economy.

Recreational and commercial fishing directly create some 65,000 jobs and contribute $2.5 billion to the states economy. Bait-and-tackle shops, party- and charter-boat operations, restaurants, hotels, gift shops and a wide range of other businesses would be harmed should recreational anglers decide not to go fishing because their prospects for taking home keepers are not good.

In February, the ASMFC voted on a quota reduction that would have forced New Jersey to increase the size limit for summer flounder to 19 inches, along with reductions in the daily possession limit, also known as a bag limit. This prompted New Jersey to file an appeal with the ASMFC, a regional commission set up by an interstate compact that manages fishing resources in state waters from Maine to Florida.

Due to their biological needs and migration patterns, summer flounder in New Jersey tend to be smaller than in waters to the north of the state. Biologists with the DEPs Division of Fish and Wildlife have provided NOAA with detailed information demonstrating that an 18-inch size limit would result in far fewer discard mortalities than the 19-inch limit. A certain percentage of fish that are thrown back because they do not meet size limits will die from hook wounds and stress, which is known as discard mortality.

New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife biologists have also provided data demonstrating that the 19-inch size limit would have resulted in excessive harvesting of breeding females that are key to keeping the population healthy. In New Jersey, breeding females account for some 90 percent of the fish that are 19 inches and longer.

Our conservation equivalency will be met through both the reduction in harvest through a season that will be reduced from 128 days to 104 days and lower bag limits from last year to this year, Commissioner Martin added. In addition, New Jersey will also see a significant reduction in the mortality rate of fish that are caught and discarded.

Anglers who are fishing in federal waters must also adhere to New Jersey regulations when landing fluke in state.

A recent online survey by the DEPs Division of Fish and Wildlife, in conjunction with Montclair State University, confirmed that the proposed ASMFC quota reduction would have had severe economic impacts on the state. Nearly 80 percent of the 26,000 people who responded to the survey said the ASMFC restrictions would have significantly curtailed the number of trips they would take to the Jersey shore, and the amount of money they would spend related to fishing and travel.

An economic impact analysis conducted by Montclair State University, incorporating results of the survey, estimated that this would have resulted in potential economic losses of close to $800 million for the state this summer. Additionally, more than 3,580 jobs might have been lost in the shore area if the full restrictions had gone into effect. Full results of the study will be posted publicly after it is peer-reviewed and finalized.

For detailed information on summer flounder regulations in effect this season, visit: www.njfishandwildlife.com/fluke.htm

For information on the Summer Flounder fishing program at Island Beach State Park, visit: www.njfishandwildlife.com/flounder-ibsp.htm

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Once elected, members of the Public Service Commission typically have an easy time hanging onto their jobs. Voters dont know much about them or their work, and the only real money in the campaigns has traditionally come from utilities and others 
Welcome to nonleaguedaily.coms news provision, your go-to source for all non league updates, rumours, interviews, and much more besides.

Founded by a team with a genuine passion for the world of non league football, nonleaguedaily.com understands exactly what supporters of the so-called lower leagues are looking for. You want the high-quality reporting, in-depth analysis, and match reporting that matches that is more commonly found in the journalism for the top flights, but with the focus firmly fixed on the national leagues.

We understand that your passion, interest, and dedication is constant, and we believe you need a news service that matches that commitment with its own dedication and thoroughness  so thats what you can expect from our site.

The latest non league news, as and when it happens

Conventionally, non league news has always travelled fairly slowly, especially when compared to the instantaneous, constant breaking news cycles found in the upper leagues. Tales are told on terraces, rumours passed between pub patrons and circled between supporters at the latest game, often forced to remain somewhat local initially before word eventually spreads to other locales.

For us, this slow spread may be fairly organic in nature, but it simply isnt compatible with the modern football environment. Its also not conducive to the current fast-paced, always-available media landscape, nor the way that people tend to consume news nowadays. Thats why we have put together a non league news source that fans can turn to for the latest updates, as and when they happen, and as and when you want to read them. Non-league news now is the only acceptable speed at Betting.co.uk.

We update our non-league football news coverage constantly, bringing you all the latest developments and seeking to spread the word as quickly and accurately as possible. So if youre wondering whats happening both with your local team and with the lower leagues as a whole, you can visit us for non league news now, and be confident the stories you find are completely up to date.

News reported by passionate fans

Our efforts to bring you the very best non league football news are undeniably a professional concern, and one that we take seriously. We are  if youll excuse the uncharacteristic tooting of our own horns  good at what we do, and we know that the efforts we make in this regard are one of the reasons our site has enjoyed such success thus far.

However, everyone who writes for us also shares our readers enthusiasm for non league football. Were not just churning out content in the hopes of cashing in on a professional dream; were here because we want to be, and will always be dedicated and committed to non league football as an entity and thriving in the experience of being able to talk about our favourite subject whenever we can. We create non-league news now that is written by genuine fans and enthusiasts, for fans. We know what you want to know and what matters most to an ardent non league supporter, and we always ensure that focusing on these elements is our guiding principle as we seek to solidify our status as an online non league paper fans can always rely on.

When compiling non league news, we think with the mind of a fan first and foremost. We cover the angles and stories that we find compelling and that we know our fellow non league enthusiasts also care about. News doesnt have to be dry and formulaic, in our opinion. When its written by people who are genuinely as fascinated by the stories they are reporting on as their readership will be, we believe news can be interesting, compelling, and even have a sense of personality and humour.

News content written with passion and expertise

We believe that thanks to our dedication, insightfulness, and commitment to our subject matter of non league today, we are offering the best of both worlds to those searching for an online non league paper. We give you the professional approach we feel is appropriate for news about one of the most intriguing aspects of UK football; an aspect that we genuinely feel does not receive the interest and plaudits that it should be generating. Nevertheless, we dont let that professionalism take over everything we do: we remain committed fans, nurturing our own personal interest in non league football and ensuring every word we compose is infused with a sense of passion and dedication that enhances the posts we create.

Its therefore obvious that our non-league content today isnt ever going to be dry, basic, or put together by a tired staff writer who has never heard of any team below the Championship before they rush off to the pub for the evening. Our writers are genuine experts: were covering non league football because we want to, because we believe in it, and because its where our strengths lie. The result is informed content that capitalises on our deep knowledge of the history, as well as the present-day realities, of non league football in the UK.

Beyond news: the nonleaguedaily.com interview series

One of our goals with nonleaguedaily.com is to not just dryly report the news from an outsiders perspective, effectively regurgitating press releases that are devoid of genuinely illuminating information. We also go right to the source of the stories: the managers and club insiders who have direct experience, and often influence, on the sport and how it is managed.

We regularly conduct interviews as part of our news provision, asking the questions that are on everyones lips and providing the best possible view into the non league world. We have reporters pitchside at matches, microphone to hand and plentiful questions ready to be asked. The end result for you, the reader, is the kind of information and close-up looks into the non league world that just cant be found anywhere else.

As our commitment to providing interesting interviews amply demonstrates, we want to be involved in breaking the stories that everyone then talks about, rather than following along and focusing solely on what everyone already knows. If youre looking for leading content that you cant find anywhere else, and that goes right to the centre of the non league world, then you can turn to nonleaguedaily.com for all the benefits of a conventional non league paper, but in electronic, easily-accessed form.

A host of other content to enjoy alongside the non league today

Our focus on providing non league news will always be maintained: we consider this aspect the most important of what we do, and it will always be the recipient of our time, dedication, and interest. Well be here, a consistent and trustworthy news portal, for as long as non league football news exists.

With that said, when you have read up on the latest goings-on, were here with further content for you to enjoy. Naturally, given our partnership with leading brand Betting.co.uk, we provide guidelines for those interested in the world of sports betting. Well help you find the best UK bookmaker with our plentiful coverage of existing brands; ideal if youre looking to put your newfound knowledge, courtesy of us, about non league to use and place a few bets.

Furthermore, we also provide highlights of all the latest UK betting offers, so you can ensure youre achieving the best value with all the latest betting deals whenever youre betting on the latest non league matches. Youll find all of this coverage is as consistent and reliable as our non league news provision,

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As one of just 26 National Historic Landmarks in Iowa, the only one in Council Bluffs, the Historic General Dodge House is operated by just two full-time staff members  aided by a host of dedicated volunteers.

Preserving a structure that is 150 years old, built as a private home rather than a museum, is no small task, and its certainly one that is complicated by the normal wear and tear that comes with hosting thousands of visitors annually.

The only thing that works in an historic home is the owners or the stewards, Executive Director Kori Nelson said of the near-constant efforts required by the staff and volunteers.

The Dodge House was built in 1869 at a cost of $35,000. The house remained in the Dodge family until 1950, when it was offered, along with its contents, to the City of Council Bluffs free of charge following the death of the generals youngest daughter, Anne.

City officials, however, decided against assuming ownership. Instead, the house was purchased by Francis Taylor for $15,000  a figure that was, in 1950 dollars, far less than half of the original construction cost. Taylor lived in the house, but rented out two areas as apartments.

Nelson said the house was purchased by the Council Bluffs Park Board in 1964 with money raised through private donations and a large fund drive by the Historic Society of Pottawattamie County.

Ironically, it had been dedicated as a Registered National Historic Landmark in 1961. She said the Landmark status was granted because of the stature of the man for whom the home was built, not for the structure itself.

Gen. Grenville M. Dodge was a businessman and Civil War veteran who was chief engineer of the Union Pacific Railroad  the historical transcontinental railroad line  and served as a congressman and adviser to most of the presidents in his adult life from Abraham Lincoln to Theodore Roosevelt.

Nelson said it was fortunate that Taylor had done no major renovations to the house, having only put in one partition on the second floor. The lack of significant renovations simplified the task of restoring the home to its condition when the Dodge family lived there.

While many Dodge family possessions had been auctioned off in 1961, the objects sold and those who bought them had been recorded at the time of the sale.

Buyers were contacted by volunteers after the museum was established to inquire about returning the antique objects. Nelson said many had purchased the items in the hopes of preserving them for the day there might be a museum, and many donated the items back to the museum after it opened.

She said the Dodge House complex  which includes the Carriage House, roughly seven acres of land and, since 1974, the Beresheim House that was purchased by the city as an orientation center for the Dodge House  has an annual budget of approximately $150,000, with about half of that total coming from the citys hotel-motel tax revenue.

Nelson said most of the homes 14 rooms have been restored, but much still remains to be done; at this point, the tasks are mostly changing or adding items to be as accurate with the collection as possible.

She said the next major project will be the sleeping porch off Gen. Dodges second-floor bedroom. The project, which will likely require a donation drive to raise the necessary funds, will include painting, window replacement and replacement of bead board along with appropriate furniture acquisitions.

However, Nelson said they were lucky to have an original G.M. Dodge bed that will be perfect for this room. A small sale table in the Beresheim House, called Annies Attic, was initiated to sell vintage and collectible object as an ongoing fundraiser for the museum.

While much of the basic renovation of the house has been completed, were still restoring the house and grounds, Nelson said.

Theres always something, she said. The focus now is on trying to make the home and property more era correct and more energy efficient.

For example, recent renovation has included replacement of more than 30 storm windows with low-emissivity glass to enhance efficiency as well as cleaning and staining more than 60 original shutters.

Nelson said wallpaper, which was used extensively in the house, is among the homes easiest restoration projects to research.

Wallpaper was generally done layer over layer, so its relatively simple to see what would be era-correct, she said. There are a variety of choices now which we didnt have in the 60s during the major renovation.

While there was a caretaker on site until about 2005, that is no longer the case. A part-time employee comes in to clean on Mondays, and one of the volunteers does most of the handyman projects, Nelson said. Other yard work and snow removal is contracted out.

Everybody pitches in with the care of the house, she said of the volunteers, Generals Ladies and board. Its kind of a family atmosphere up here. Its great when we have spouses and friends of our regular volunteers even chip in.
Dont let the name fool you: These pipes and drums arent just in Omaha.

Youll usually hear the band playing before you see them in the crowd at any given event, including weddings, beer festivals, parties and parades.

Omaha Pipes & Drums, formed in 1970, is now one of the oldest groups of its kind  a nonprofit teaching organization to play the bagpipes in the Midwest said Peter Heineman, who is the band president and who calls Council Bluffs home.

Heineman is also a familiar face at Bellevue University, in Bellevue, Nebraska, serving as the director of institutional accreditation.

The group now averages about 60 performances a year, about 40 of which are paid for. The band does plenty of appearances for free for military events, for example.

Heienman joined the band in 2000, staying true to a New Years resolution that he would finally, seriously learn the bagpipes.

I figured, how hard could it be? Its only nine notes, Heineman joked.

Though he had a background with other instruments, Heineman said the bagpipes were no harder to learn than any other given instrument.

It takes practice, just like anything else, he said. I had played stringed instruments before but this was completely different.

Pipers-in-training begin with a practice chanter, kind of like those recorders on which grade schoolers learn Mary Had a Little Lamb. Drills on the scales, embellishments, various tunes and more are learned on that before stepping up to the actual pipes.

Theres not kids version of bagpipes  one size fits all, Heineman said. From there, breathing techniques are key as students learn to not only play the music theyll be performing, but memorize it.

Heineman said theres no stand to hold sheet music while one is marching. It can take about a year before a student is ready to play with the band.

While learning the bagpipes was an accomplishment on its own, joining the organization held other joys, Heineman said.

As soon as I joined, they found out I had a basement so they named me quartermaster, he said with a laugh.

Members have varying levels of interest and commitment due to time, of course, plus their own reasons for joining. Some have a Celtic background and want to explore the history of their culture. Some just enjoy the music, regardless of cultural backgrounds.

I play at more weddings than anything else, and youd be surprised how many Mexican or Native American wedding parties want bagpipes to play, Heineman said.

Those who stick with the group get to enjoy their role in parades and competitions. In fact, the group is preparing to travel to Glasgow, Scotland, in August to compete for the first time there since 2004, Heineman said.

We placed seventh in the preliminaries Heineman said. Its massive, people literally coming from all over the world just for music and to be around each other.

Heinemans musical background doesnt begin and end with the bagpipes, however. A Thomas Jefferson High School graduate of 1976, he sang in the high school concert, madrigal, boys glee and combined glee choirs.

He learned violin, taking lessons from Myron Cohen, who was the concertmaster of the Omaha Symphony, until his junior year of high school. He would eventually learn to play the guitar, banjo, mandolin and lap dulcimer.

Beyond acting as president of the Omaha organization, he is the grand priory of the United States Pipe Band and pipe major for the Royal Confraternity of St. Teotonio.

Heineman also enjoys sailing, diving, canoeing, genealogy and work through various religious affiliations.

Before acting as president, Heineman was elected as pipe sergeant in 2007, which shares much of the responsibility for the groups selection of music, compilations and arrangement.

To help raise awareness, Heineman began to send out weekly emails to students, which eventually became the Highland Bagpipe Tutor, a student manual which helps provide instruction to learning pipers. It has since had a second edition printed.

Those weekly emails also resulted in Behind the Tunes, a CD collection that gathered more than 200 bagpipe songs along with information about the tune, lyrics and more.

Heineman predicts continued success for the organization, which he views as one of the few financially sound musical institutions in the Midwest.

The group continues to offer free lessons, access to professional instructors and scholarships for workshops so students can continue to grow and learn as musicians.

Everyone we meet involved with the piping community is in it to have fun, he said. We take it seriously, and were proud to be part of it.
Does the community of Neola need more senior housing?

Results of a study to determine that should be released this week and will apparently indicate there is that need, according to a spokesperson with the Neola Development Group.

It seems to indicate a definite need for more independent living units than assisted living units, said Anna Killpack, the groups vice president.

That isnt surprising considering the popularity of the communitys six-unit senior housing facility owned by the group.

Our current senior apartments are usually full with a waiting list, Killpack said.

The early results of the study seem to suggest a new facility housing 12 units, she added.

The development group selected the firm of Hanna:Keelan Associates, P.C. out of Lincoln, Nebraska, to conduct the study. It also contributed $4,000 towards the $9,000 study price tag with the community of Neola providing another $2,000.

The remaining amount is coming from two recently awarded grants. One of which was from Aureon, a business solutions provider that connects possibilities to productivity through business support services for large and small organizations, that was for $1,500 grant.

The other was an equal match by Walnut Communications, a locally owned telecommunications company, with offices in both Walnut and Avoca, providing internet, telephone, long distance and cable TV services to smaller area communities, including Neola.

The grant in addition to our matching grant will allow the community to move forward with their study and identify additional housing opportunities for the elderly in Neola, said Janell Hansen, general manager of Walnut Communications. Its a win-win-win for Neola, our company and the entire region.

Killpack said the next step will be to find a suitable location and all available funding sources, including grants.

Its very early in the process, she said.
Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad is scheduled to resign his position at 10 a.m. today as he gets ready to head east as the U.S. ambassador to China.

Branstad will resign in his office at the Iowa State Capitol Building in Des Moines, according to a statement from the governors office. Judge Steven Colloton of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit will then swear Branstad in as the U.S. ambassador to the Peoples Republic of China.

The transition of power in Iowa will continue at the Iowa State Capitol Rotunda. Iowa Supreme Court Chief Justice Mark Cady will swear Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds in as the 43rd governor of Iowa. Reynolds will then deliver her first address as governor of Iowa.

The proceedings will be broadcast on Iowa Public Television.

Reynolds said shell also announce a decision Thursday on whether she plans to appoint a lieutenant governor. Earlier this month Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller said hed concluded that Reynolds does not have the power to appoint a lieutenant governor when she replaces Branstad, a surprise reversal of his previous stance.

Miller, a Democrat, said that Reynolds will have the title of governor and the powers of the office through January 2019 but not the authority to choose a new lieutenant governor.

Millers opinion is a reversal from December, when he said he agreed with the Republican administration that Reynolds would have the power to pick a new No. 2. The opinion or her decision will have significant consequences for the 2018 election in which Reynolds is expected to seek a four-year term and Democrats are trying to win the office back.

Reynolds, Branstad and others criticized the legal opinion as a political move.

Reynolds, 57, will inherit a range of issues in her new job. A look at five of them:

WATER QUALITY

After last-minute disagreements between the Republican-controlled House and Senate, Iowa lawmakers failed to approve a bill this year that would have provided a clear funding plan for water quality initiatives in the state. The issue dominated the 2016 legislative session amid a lawsuit filed by a Des Moines water utility that accused three Iowa counties of wrongly allowing runoff from farms to enter the water that the utility cleans for distribution. The lawsuit was dismissed this year.

TEEN DEATHS

The Iowa Department of Human Services, which oversees child welfare, has been under scrutiny following the October death of a teenage girl who had been part of the states foster care and adoption systems. The girl, Natalie Finn, was allegedly abused and starved by her parents, who face charges in the death.

The death this month of a second teenage girl, Sabrina Ray, under similar circumstances is expected to put more pressure on lawmakers and Reynolds to take action within the agency. Some Republicans recently announced plans for a joint government oversight committee to examine the agency and consider changes. At least one Democrat has called on the agency director to resign.

TAXES

Since taking control of both chambers of the Legislature and the governors office in November, Iowa Republicans have indicated an interest in approving tax cuts. Branstad said budget constraints prevented him from supporting such a plan when lawmakers came back to the Capitol in January.

Reynolds has been purposely mum on any specific policy plans she may have for when shes governor, but shes become more vocal in recent weeks about a push next session for tax cuts that would benefit individuals and businesses. Exact plans arent available yet.

BUDGET

Lawmakers were told before the start of this years session that they would need to cut more than $110 million from the current state budget, which required mid-year reductions to government agencies. A budget projection in March forced lawmakers to tap into a rainy day fund to offset another shortfall of about $130 million. It translated into a stagnant state budget of roughly $7.2 billion that led lawmakers to make cuts to several agencies, including the board that oversees the states three public universities.

Reynolds will face questions over whether she might restore some of the cuts in the future.

ABORTION

Republicans this year approved the creation of a state-run family planning program that excludes organizations that perform abortions, including Planned Parenthood. GOP lawmakers also passed legislation that bans most abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy. A provision in the new law that requires a 72-hour waiting period before a woman can get an abortion is on hold amid a legal challenge.

The legislative moves were major wins for conservatives in the state, though Planned Parenthood and Democrats have voiced concern over the impact to health care in rural Iowa. Reynolds, who spoke at an anti-abortion rally at the Capitol this year, will be expected to push for more restrictions. Several GOP lawmakers attempted to ban abortion altogether, though such a proposal is certain to face a lawsuit over its constitutionality.

 The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Holly Garcia has been a teacher for over a decade.

A science teacher at Riverside High School in Oakland, Garcia works to inspire her students through innovation every day.

For her efforts, Garcia was recently awarded the Excellence in Science Teaching Award in the category of Physical Science by the Iowa Academy of Science. The award was presented at the academys annual meeting held April 21 at the University of Northern Iowa.

Riverside Superintendent Tim Mitchell and Board of Education President Murray Fenn attended the award ceremony alongside Garcia, which meant a lot to her, she said.

I was really happy Murray could go with me, Garcia said. He was the principal that hired me and hes the one that first gave me a chance as a first-year teacher 11 years ago.

Garcia received a plaque and a $200 award to recognize her work in science education. Award winners were nominated by administrators, colleagues or teachers could self-nominate.

It was an honor, especially to be recognized by scientists, Garcia said. The Iowa Academy of Science strives to acknowledge great science in the state of Iowa both by recognizing science in the field and by teachers.

Before Garcia became a teacher, she grew up in Ida Grove, roughly 95 miles northeast of Council Bluffs, graduating from Battle Creek-Ida Grove High School in 2002. She received a degree in chemistry teaching from the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls in 2006.

After student teaching in Council Bluffs, Garcia pursued her masters degree at UNI and graduated in 2013.

Today, Garcia teaches multiple classes at the 7-12 building in Oakland, including physical science, chemistry and advanced chemistry. This year, she also started a new endeavor teaching a class in conjunction with Iowa Western Community College thats geared toward students considering a career in teaching. Students enrolled in the class earn one high school elective credit and one Iowa Western college credit.

Its been really interesting to help students understand things from the teacher perspective on why teachers do certain things and how schools operate, Garcia said.

At Riverside, Garcia is also considered a model teacher through the states Teacher Leadership and Compensation program, which provides staff training and collaboration time between other model teachers. Garcia said the program has helped push her and other teachers to improve their craft of teaching.

Its great to be a part of a team where were trying to do the best we can for our students, Garcia said. We have some of our best teachers really helping other teachers grow and its changed the climate of our school.

This year marks the first year the high school is housed in a brand-new learning facility located at the intersection of U.S. Highways 59 and 6. Garcia is one of three science teachers to receive a new classroom because of the move.

As she nears the end of the first year in her brand-new classroom, Garcia said shes seen instruction improve. In the old building, classrooms and laboratories were separate, but in the new building, theyre combined.

They used to be separate rooms, but the combo provides a better flow, Garcia said. Students have more space to spread out and work.

When it comes to teaching her students, Garcia said she believes in the power of curiosity. She embraces new technologies and works to integrate them into her classroom.

In December, she hosts an annual magic show where high school chemistry students showcase learned skills to fourth-graders.

We change the colors of solutions and start things on fire and create loud noises, Garcia said. But, at the end, students have to explain the science behind the magic.

Garcia said she will continue teaching science, as long as students keep being curious  and isnt planning on that changing anytime soon.

Scientists try to figure out why things happen, we try to understand cause and effect relationships and understand patterns, Garcia said. Were all curious  every kid is born a scientist.
The second of two Council Bluffs men involved in a 2016 robbery of a teenager at a local park has pleaded guilty to amended charges.

Jesse Shipley, 19, received a suspended prison sentence of 15 years on Tuesday and was given two years of probation.

A second man, Darrell Thompson, pleaded guilty to the crime on March 21. He received a suspended jail sentence of 10 years and was also put on probation. However, a probation violation report on Thompson was filed on May 12, with a bench warrant being issued for his arrest, according to court records.

The pair pleaded guilty to robbing a 16-year-old boy at Valley View Park, 1300 Franklin Ave., in October 2016.

That morning, police responded to the emergency room at Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital, where Thompson was being treated for stab wounds. While police spoke with Thompson, they found the victims wallet and marijuana in Thompsons sock.

Thompson told hospital staff while he was being treated he may have received the injuries while performing a robbery, police said.

Investigators went to the victims home and found the boy had several cuts and scrapes around his face. The boy was later treated at CHI Health Mercy Hospital.

The boy told police he had been at the park with Thompson and Shipley when the pair jumped him, knocking the boy to the ground and beating him.

While they fought on the ground, the boy pulled a knife out of his pocket and swung at Thompson and Shipley. The boy said they held a gun to his face and threatened to kill him.

Shipley was found later at Jennie Edmundson, being treated for wounds inflicted during the fight, police said.

Shipley is being held at the Cass County Jail on charges from a separate alleged robbery from March 11.
The following editorial appeared in The Des Moines Register on May 19.

The Iowa Department of Public Health in February released its first report on hepatitis C infections in this state. The number of Iowans diagnosed with the liver-damaging virus that can lead to death has increased nearly three-fold, from 754 cases in 2000 to 2,235 cases in 2015. The number of infected Iowans aged 18 to 30 has quadrupled in recent years.

National data mirror this increase. The highest rate of newly reported cases is among young people who inject drugs, namely opioids, according to a report released this month by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

These new infections are most frequently among young people who transition from taking prescription pills to injecting heroin, which has become cheaper and more easily available, said Dr. John Ward, an author of the new report and director of the division of viral hepatitis at the agency.

An increase in Iowa cases is likely an indication more people are being tested and treated, said Randy Mayer, a bureau chief at IDPH. That is good news  if individuals have health insurance to help pay for treatment, which cures them.

The bad news, however, is that being cured does not provide immunity from contracting hepatitis C again. Someone who underwent treatment and then shares a needle can be reinfected.

That is why preventing the spread of the virus is so important, and Iowa is not doing all it can.

Las Vegas will be the first place in the U.S. to have this kind of service for drug users.

Unlike several other states, we do not have a needle exchange program, which is an important part of infection prevention.

Existing law on drug paraphernalia makes it illegal to carry or possess any equipment used to inject non-prescription drugs. That makes a needle exchange program impossible.

House File 228, introduced in the Iowa Legislature this year, would allow distribution of clean syringes, but the bill did not become law. Next year it should.

Though Republicans have historically opposed needle exchange programs, they are finally seeing the light. Vice President Mike Pence was among those forced to do so as governor of Indiana.

After nearly 200 people in a rural county contracted HIV after sharing needles to inject drugs, public health officials finally convinced the governor to agree to lift a ban on programs that distribute sterile ones. (Of course the outbreak may have been avoided if exchange programs had already been in place, and a subsequent lack of funding has prevented counties from setting up programs.)

In Utah, reported cases of hepatitis C increased by about 37 percent between 2013 and 2014. There was also a small increase in residents newly diagnosed with HIV. In 2016, Gov. Gary Herbert, a Republican, signed a bill allowing public and private organizations to accept used needles and provide new, sterile ones in return.

Utahs staunchly conservative Legislature offered little resistance after learning about the success of such programs elsewhere. Iowa, which also now has a staunchly conservative Legislature, should follow suit.
Increased traffic enforcement for the Memorial Day holiday began Monday in Lincoln County.

Thanks to grants from the Nebraska Department of Highway Safety, the Lincoln County Sheriffs Office and Nebraska State Patrol Troop D will participate in the national Click It or Ticket campaign.

Theyll increase traffic enforcement through June 4, seeking out those who are not buckled up.

The North Platte Police Department will not participate this year.

For the Sheriffs Office, the campaign means two to three more deputies on duty between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m.  a peak time for traffic accidents that involve those who arent wearing seat belts, said Sgt. Larry Meyer with the Sheriffs Office. He said the extra 120 hours also means stopping more people for offenses such as DUI.

Last year, 65 percent of the 181 people who died on Nebraska roads werent wearing a seat belt, Meyer said, quoting the campaign. While 98 percent of drivers restrain their child, 83 percent buckle up themselves, he said.

In his own work on traffic accidents, Meyer has seen people walk away from gruesome scenes after speeds of 75 miles per hour but who were wearing a seat belt. He has seen some people die after crashing their cars at lower speeds while not buckled up. Even the severity of injuries in non-fatal accidents can be greater after not buckling up, Meyer said.

While the campaigns primary focus is on those drivers who are unrestrained, area law enforcement will also keep a sharp eye on those who are driving while distracted or under the influence, Meyer said.

As Memorial Day and summer approaches, Meyer advised drivers to make sure all passengers  front and back  in the vehicle are buckled up, be smart and prepare for busier roads.

Just kind of common sense things, Meyer said. We definitely want a zero percent fatality rate in Lincoln County over the Memorial Day Holiday.
Deputy chief Jim Agler celebrated 40 years as a North Platte police officer at 8 a.m. on Friday.

He dreamed about becoming a cop as a young boy when he would watch the police officers drive by his house.

We lived over on 11th Street, the old police department was on eighth, Agler said. The police officers used to drive down Walnut Street to get to 12th, to get to the main drags of town. They would go by with lights and sirens on and so forth.

That was his first introduction to the world of a police officer. Later on, his interest was piqued again.

When I was in grade school, there was a police officer that happened to be working here when I hired on  Johnny Wardyn, Agler said. He was a tall, slender, good-looking cop and he had pearl handled pistols. He used to do bicycle safety rodeos and I used to sit there and be enamored with that vision.

When he graduated from high school in 1972, Agler decided to go into military service.

I served four years and was stationed in Jacksonville, Florida, and Cherry Point, North Carolina, Agler said. Vietnam was winding down and by the time I finished my schooling, they were withdrawing troops. I never had to do any time overseas.

After he was discharged, Agler came back to North Platte.

I got out and went back to work for the guy I worked for before I went to the Marine Corps, but I still wanted to be a cop, Agler said. Mike Swain was on the police department then. We were friends and he said, Hey theyre hiring, so I took the test.

At that time, prospective hires went in front of the City Council for approval. Agler was given an affirmative vote and hired on.

I showed up to work and was given a uniform shirt and a badge, Agler said. I still had slacks on because they didnt have pants that fit me.

Agler said one of the most important classes he took in high school was typing.

They found out I could type so they put me in the front office, Agler said. I started typing reports and different things and about 1 oclock that afternoon, Mel Hill, who was the lieutenant in charge of the criminal division, came in and tapped me on the shoulder. He asked me if I was ready for my polygraph.

Agler had never heard of a polygraph.

I asked him, he was kind of a gruff old character, and he said, its a lie detector, Agler said. I didnt know it at the time, but I was the first police officer ever to have to take a polygraph.

By the time Agler was finished with the test, he said he was wet to my belt loops.

During his 40 years, Agler said he has seen a lot of changes.

The greatest change has been in equipment and training, Agler said. It used to be mostly on-the-job training. They would send you to Grand Island, but it was only eight weeks.

They would put new officers in a car a couple of days after being hired.

The week before I went to the police academy, I had a gruff old lieutenant who threw me the keys to a car and said, Dont get into anything,  Agler said. He sent me out by myself and Im thinking, I have arrived  until I got the first call. I didnt know what the heck I was doing.

Agler took every promotional exam that came up.

I went and competed for every one, Agler said. I got promoted to investigator, then corporal, got promoted to sergeant in the criminal division, then came out on patrol and worked patrol as a sergeant. Then I got my gold bars and made lieutenant and finally was promoted to captain. Its been a long, rewarding ride.

Agler said he has always been aware of the way his actions as a police officer played out in the public arena.

I knew that what I did as a police officer would reflect on the department, Agler said.

He said there are many stories from his many years.

Police see people when they are dealing with the worst times in their lives, Agler said. Its hard not to become cynical, but there are times we see the good as well.

Agler was reminded of a story that happened with a young police officer.

We had gone to the hospital to handle a situation and while we were there, a woman came up to the officer I was with, Agler said. She told him, you probably dont remember me, but I want you to know you saved my life.

She related the story about an abusive situation she was in and how this officer had helped her get out of it.

I told that young officer how great it was for him to hear that, Agler said. Its not very often you get to see the results of the work you do.

Many awards have come Aglers way through his time with the department, but one stands out to him.

I would have to say the American Legion Award, Officer of the Year Award in 1986, Agler said. That was based on the culmination of a homicide investigation.

The case involved the murder of a woman near the Hub Bar and Agler said the Friday before the trial was to begin, the police felt more evidence was needed for a conviction.

We were ready to go to trial, Agler said. I was able to turn (persuade) a member of his family to show us where he had buried the bloody clothing and all the things he wore that night.

The case resulted in a conviction. Agler said it wasnt just his work, but the work of the entire department, which resulted in bringing the killer to justice.

Agler is married to Mary Ann and said they have no desire to leave North Platte at this time.

Im a couple years away from retirement, Agler said. So Ill keep doing what I love to do until then.
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ArcelorMittal grew its U.S. steel production to 14.55 million tons last year, up from 14.39 tons the previous year, and has reason to believe the upward trend will continue, according to its newly released 2016 United States Integrated Report.

The Luxembourg-based steelmaker estimated it had a $7.8 billion impact on the U.S. economy, including $5.5 billion paid out to suppliers, $2.2 billion in wages, and $42 million in property taxes. The company also said it gave $8.2 million back to local communities like Northwest Indiana, mainly for educational and environmental initiatives.

"ArcelorMittals business in the United States has performed admirably in the challenging times of the past few years," USA President and Chief Executive Officer John Brett said in the report. "Our team has worked diligently to ensure our business is resilient, agile, lean, and positioned for success in the future. In 2016, our business underwent significant transitions. We spent the year undergoing important strategic restructuring in our operations, setting our business on course for a stronger future. The work completed last year is quickly showing signs of positive impact and realized financial improvement."

ArcelorMittal employs 18,000 workers in the United States, mostly in Northwest Indiana, Ohio and Pennsylvania. The company said its entry-level hourly pay is much higher than the local minimum wage and that its competitive wages contribute significantly to the local economy.

The company said it's been seeing a slow but ongoing recovery since the economic downturn of 2009, though that was dampened by a flood of imports in recent years. But market conditions and prices have been improving.

"Last year, I began my message to our stakeholders in this report by acknowledging that 2015 was a challenging year for ArcelorMittal and for the steel and mining industry around the world. This year, I begin this message with a renewed sense of optimism in the state of our business and our industry," Brett said. "Since the latter part of 2008, our industry has weathered the worst economic times in more than 15 years. Though our industry remains challenged by global structural overcapacity, primarily in China, today we look ahead to an innovative, strong future."

The company increased capital investment in the United States last year to $280 million, up from $233 million the previous year. That included investments in ArcelorMittal Indiana Harbor in East Chicago, where it closed several finishing lines in order to reduce overhead and improve efficiency at a time of massive global steelmaking overcapacity.

"At the heart of our business changes in 2016 was building long-term financial sustainability for ArcelorMittal in the United States," he said. "I look forward to working with our stakeholders internally and externally to ensure ArcelorMittals future in the United States remains optimistic and the domestic steel industry remains healthy. Though 2016 began what we hope will be an upward trend in our business and industry, we know there are still significant challenges to face in the future together."
Memorial Day is designated as the country's official kickoff to grilling and barbecue season.

With the holiday just around the corner, it's the perfect time to think about preparing an assortment of delicious grilled fare in all categories. Whether you're a meat lover, vegetable or seafood fan, set up the grill and get ready to cook.

Home cooks who are novices when it comes to grilling often are hesitant to fire up the home grill.

Food experts say with a bit of caution and a great deal of enthusiasm for the craft, home cooks can be successful.

"People often ask us how to cook certain foods and how not to burn things," said Joe Drewenski, manager of Rob's Meat Chop and Deli in Dyer.

Drewenski said one of the main points he stresses to customers is to make sure "chicken does not cross beef" in the grilling process. Because of the dangers of salmonella, both meats should be cooked separately.

In addition, raw and cooked meats should be separated. Meat should be cooked to the right temperature, stressed Drewenski. He suggests using a meat thermometer to determine whether it's fully cooked.

Region cooks visit Rob's for a variety of products fit for the grill. The list of popular items includes kebabs.

"Rob's is the kebab capital of Northwest Indiana," said Drewenski, adding it's the most popular foodstuff sold at the market.

The kebab list includes shrimp, salmon, pork, beef and chicken. "And there are so many different flavorings," Drewenski said. The spices or flavorings starring on Rob's kebabs are creative and eclectic. The shop features an assortment of seasonings.

Personnel at the popular LongHorn Steakhouse also have stepped up to help summer cooks. The chain offers its special Grill Us Hotline to help consumers and home cooks who have barbecue and grilling questions around the warm weather holidays. The hotline will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on May 28. It opens again July 2 for Fourth of July weekend and Sept. 3 for Labor Day weekend. Call 855-LH-GRILL.

LongHorn's executive chef Jens Dahlmann said there are certain questions that come up frequently during the grilling season.

He said the most common hotline questions include asking about the temperature of the grill before cooking, the difference between a dry rub and wet marinade, what types of steaks are best for grilling and how long the grilling process for certain foods should be.

"The Grill Us Hotline was created so that we could share our passion for grilling with our guests," Dahlmann said. The hotline, now in its fifth year, is manned by grill masters from around the country.

"We know that grilling can be intimidating if it's not something you do regularly. That's one of the reasons we launched the Grill Us Hotline in 2012. Judging by some of the calls we've received in the past, I would say one of the main concerns is serving food that is either under or overcooked," he said.

Dahlmann said many meats and other products can be fairly easy to grill. Fresh, high-quality ingredients yield the best results, he said.

"Some of my favorite items to grill are steak, chicken, pork and vegetables. All of these can be easy as long as you have the right skills and tools. It's all about having a nice hot and clean grill, oiling your grill in advance to avoid sticking, selecting the right seasonings and grilling to the correct level of doneness," he said.

Knowing when the meat your cooking is ready is best determined by using a meat thermometer. If you don't have one on hand, though, Dahlmann recommends the following trick.

"A good way to tell if your steak is done is by gently pressing on it with a pair of tongs. Rare steaks have a lot of 'give' and almost feel spongy. A well done steak has almost no 'give' and feels very firm. I look for firmness in-between the two for my preferred doneness, which is medium."

The following 12 tips for better barbecuing and grilling are from Stacy Zuelly, assistant professor of animal sciences at Purdue University in West Lafayette, who runs a BBQ boot camp.

They include:

1. Buy a meat thermometer and use it.

2. If you're looking for an easy barbecuing experience, pick a center cut.

3. Don't discount the limbs. They just need more love.

4. Select front cuts. They will be more flavorful.

5. While at the grocery store or butcher shop, look at the cut information.

6. Use your cut selection to determine your cooking method.

7. Select a steak with marbling.

8. Know what different certified breeds offer you.

9. Know what cuts to look for in beef.

10. Learn to pick out the best pork selections.

11. Don't underestimate the importance of grilling poultry well.

12. Don't ruin lamb by overseasoning.

Looking for new recipes to prepare on the grill? Try the following dishes.

Honey Jalapeno Grilled Pork Chops

3/4 cup olive oil

1/4 cup honey

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

1 tablespoon minced garlic

1 teaspoon paprika

2 jalapenos, sliced

Salt and pepper, to taste

4 bone-in pork chops

DIRECTIONS: Combine all ingredients (except chops) in a small bowl.

Place chops in a shallow dish with a cover, or in a large zip-top plastic bag, and cover with the marinade. Place in refrigerator for at least 2 hours (or as long as overnight).

Grill the marinated chops over direct medium heat until an internal thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat registers 145 to 160 degrees, about 4 to 6 minutes per side.

Transfer cooked chops to a platter and tent with foil. Let meat rest about 5 minutes before serving.

The Beale Street

2 tablespoons butter, softened

2 thick-cut slices sourdough bread

4 slices (3/4 ounces each) Wisconsin pepper jack cheese

1/3 cup crumbled Wisconsin gorgonzola cheese

2 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

Black pepper to taste

1/2 teaspoon garlic salt

Dash of cumin

1/2 Golden Delicious apple, peeled, cored and sliced thin

1 cup kale, chopped

DIRECTIONS: Heat flattop grill. Butter both sides of bread slices. Place 2 slices pepper jack on each bread slice. Sprinkle crumbled gorgonzola over 1 slice. Place on grill; cover and grill until cheeses melt.

Reheat bacon on hot grill until it sizzles. Season with black pepper, garlic salt and cumin. Place bacon pieces on bread with gorgonzola; top bacon with apple slices. Place kale on remaining bread slice and gently press into melted pepper jack. Flip kale slice over bacon-topped slice. Grill covered for a few moments. Remove from grill; let rest briefly. Halve sandwich on the diagonal.

From Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board

Tangy Grilled Back Ribs

4 pounds pork back ribs

1 cup French dressing, reduced-fat

2 tablespoons dry onion soup mix

2 tablespoons honey

1 tablespoon soy sauce, reduced-sodium

Salt and pepper, to taste

DIRECTIONS: Season ribs with salt and pepper. Grill ribs over indirect medium heat for 1 1/2 - 2 hours until tender. Combine dressing, soup mix, honey and soy sauce in a small bowl and mix well. Let stand 15 minutes or until needed.

Brush ribs with sauce during the last 15-30 minutes of cooking. Serve remaining sauce with ribs.

Makes 4 servings
As graduation season gets underway, local high school officials say their graduation rate is inching up each year.

Data also show an increasing number of minority students in local schools are earning their high school diploma.

The Indiana Department of Education recently released the 2016 graduation rates, and data show a slight decline in Indiana's graduation rate overall, to 82.36 percent in 2016, from 82.83 percent in 2015.

Indiana state Superintendent Jennifer McCormick said ensuring that students graduate prepared and ready for life beyond high school is vital to the state.

"Over the next four years, the department will continue to closely partner with our schools to increase the number of students who walk out of high school, degree in hand, she said Monday.

Educators say credit recovery programs and alternative schools play a role in helping students catch up on credits they may have missed. They also say teachers, administrators and guidance counselors play a key role in helping students be successful.

Credit recovery programs across Northwest Indiana public and public charter schools are just that  a way for a nontraditional student or a student who had some personal issues and didn't make it through some required classes to "recover" those lost credits. Many such classes are offered online, but some are offered on site either at the school or at an affiliated alternative school.

Much of the class work at an alternative school also is offered online, but licensed teachers are available to explain concepts and grade tests and perform other assessments.

Portage High School Principal Max Gill said the high school's graduation rate went to 90.62 percent in 2016, with 541 of 597 seniors graduating, from 87.9 percent in 2015, with 529 of 602 seniors graduating.

"I feel this is because the students and teachers worked hard for senior graduation success," he said.

"Our guidance counselors also worked hard by calling students down that were struggling to update them and offer words of encouragement. At the end of the school year, the administration team worked with the counselors to call in all students who did not graduate, to work on a summer plan (summer school and credit recovery) to help them succeed."

Gill said they offer credit recovery through an online program, and students can take up to four classes that way.

"We attempt to place the students first in summer school; if we are not offering the course or they have multiple classes, we then place them in credit recovery," he said.

"Last year we had 65 credit recovery students of which approximately 15 were summer students. It takes the hard work of students, parents/guardians, teachers, principals and guidance counselors all working together with a common goal, the success of the students."

According to state data, 94.9 percent of Portage's black students graduated in 2016, up from 83.9 percent the year before, while 93.8 percent of the school's Hispanic students graduated in 2016 compared with 86 percent the year before.

Of the school's white student population, 88.5 percent graduated in 2016, compared with 89.1 percent in 3015.

Credit recovery used across Region

Porter Township Superintendent Stacey Schmidt said the credit recovery program has been a valuable tool to help students graduate.

"We also started a south county (Union Township, Porter Township, Hebron, East Porter) alternative school at Boone Grove High School in our district," she said. "We have seen kids find success through this program that would have struggled to graduate in the traditional high school setting."

Duneland Superintendent David Pruis said when he looks at the trends, Chesterton High School always has been above the state average.

Despite the fact there are different students each year and that has an effect on the graduation rate, Pruis said students perform well.

"We have a comprehensive curriculum, and we do have a credit recovery program," he said.

"We offer a morning and afternoon alternative school. We have that available because sometimes life gets in the way of young adults. We have high expectations for our students, and they rise to the challenge. We have staff members who look at our curriculum and the sequencing of the coursework so that students who fall behind, sometimes through no fault of their own, get through it."

Jennifer Zinth, director of High School and STEM for the Denver-based Education Commission of the States, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, said schools are finding more ways to help students graduate.

"There are different models for credit recovery," she said. "Some are online, some are face-to-face and some are a combination. The research is mixed on how effective credit recovery programs are and how they are implemented. Credit recovery can work, but if the standards and instruction are not there, students won't see the outcome that educators are hoping for."

Michigan City High School had a graduation rate of 88.4 percent for 2016, with 311 of 352 students graduating. Of that number, the graduation rate for black students was 82.4 percent, with 89 of 108 graduating. Of Hispanic students, 28 out of 30 graduated for 93.3 percent, and 161 of 176 white students graduated for a rate of 91.5 percent.

At LaPorte High School, the graduation rate for 2016 was 88.5 percent, with 393 of 444 students graduating. Of that total, 10 of 13 black students graduated for a rate of 76.9 percent; 34 of 45 Hispanic students graduated for 75.6 percent; and 326 of 360 white students graduated for a rate of 90.6 percent.

Tweaking programs, approaches for success

Sean Egan, principal at Hammond Academy of Science and Technology, said the public charter school has three years of data.

In 2014, 56 of 62 students graduated; in 2015, 62 of 63 students graduated and in 2016, 62 of 64 students graduated. He said he anticipates that in 2017, 93 percent or 65 students will graduate.

He said the school uses credit recovery, summer school and online coursework to assist students to graduate on time.

"Our guidance counselors begin meeting with students and their parents starting in 10th grade if it seems that the student is not earning credits at the correct rate," Egan said.

"Additionally, the HAST daily schedule allows students to earn seven credits per semester, whereas most schools provide five credits per semester. As such, a HAST student has the opportunity to earn up to 56 credits prior to graduation, whereas the state requires only the Core 40 diploma."

Gary schools Superintendent Cheryl Pruitt said in 2012, the overall school graduation rate for the three high schools  Gary New Tech, Wirt/Emerson and West Side  was 60.3 percent compared to the rate in 2016 of 85.9 percent, a significant jump.

"Much of the change can be attributed to a change in leadership style," Pruitt said.

"Our administrators worked closely with counselors to review every transcript and every piece of data that had been collected on students. From there, students were given specific academic plans, so that they would graduate on time."

Pruitt said the district uses credit recovery but says it is a last resort, and students are first given every opportunity to succeed in the classroom.

Graduation waiver rate

State officials said in 2016, Indianas waiver graduation rate was 89.07 percent, and the nonwaiver rate was 82.36 percent. In 2015, the waiver graduation rate was 88.89 percent, with a nonwaiver graduation rate of 82.83 percent.

A graduation waiver allows a student to graduate who has not met the basic expectation that each student pass the state's graduation examination and graduate with a Core 40 diploma. So, the waiver rate is usually higher than the nonwaiver rate.

Even if a student does not pass the graduation qualifying exam tests, or GQE, currently in English and math, the student still has a chance to receive a diploma. This alternative diploma route often is used for students with disabilities.

To graduate with a waiver diploma, a student still must have achieved the following: all the classes required to graduate, taken the GQE once a year, received remediation every year, four-year attendance rate of 95 percent or better, GPA of 1.667 or better in core subjects and a teacher recommendation. If all that is satisfied, then the student is issued a waiver diploma.
CROWN POINT  The Indiana attorney general's office has filed suit against two retired Munster school administrators seeking to recover nearly $851,000 in public funds.

The suit comes almost a year after the Indiana State Board of Accounts issued a scathing report targeting retired Superintendent William Pfister and retired Assistant Superintendent Richard Sopko asking the pair to repay $851,000 to the school district. Sopko was also superintendent for two years.

The special investigatory report then was sent to the Indiana attorney generals office and the Lake County prosecutor. The lawsuit was filed in Lake Circuit Court on Tuesday.

Neither Pfister nor Sopko could be reached at home for comment Wednesday morning. Pfister's attorney, Greg Bouwer, said he had no comment.

When asked about the lawsuit, Munster schools Superintendent Jeff Hendrix said, "The School Board and administration does not comment on any active or current litigation."

The State Board of Accounts audit covered the period from July 1, 1999, to June 30, 2014. Pfister was the superintendent from Aug. 12, 1991, to June 30, 2012.

Sopko was the assistant superintendent and/or treasurer from July 1, 1998, to June 30, 2012, and superintendent from July 1, 2012, to June 30, 2014.

The State Board of Accounts audit asked Pfister to reimburse the district a total of $463,922 for overpayment to his annuity, salary and stipend and other items. It asked Sopko to reimburse the district a total of $377,475 for overpayment to his annuity, salary and stipend and other items.

The civil suit said each of the administrators had a contract that stipulated how much money by percentage would be paid into the administrator's annuity account, but at the superintendent's direction the percentage was changed "without any knowledge or approval by the school board."

In Pfister's case, the suit said, "Pfister's annuity starter percentage compounded to the point that by 2011 to 2012, he was receiving an extra annuity starter contribution of 38 percent of his salary, without any knowledge or approval by the School Town Board."

The suit also alleges that Pfister was wrongfully paid a bonus in the amount of $27,222.50 beyond what he was entitled to according to the terms of his contract.

The suit says Sopko also deviated from the "plain reading" of his assistant superintendent contract in order to receive an annual annuity payment in excess of what he was entitled.

The suit says from July 2000 to July 2014, Sopko was wrongfully paid a bonus in the total amount of $20,365.77, also beyond what he was entitled by his contract as assistant superintendent and superintendent.

The suit said the cost of the SBOA investigation was $10,053 for each administrator, and the suit seeks that payment as well.

According to the lawsuit, the audit report disclosed malfeasance, misfeasance and/or nonfeasance on the part of Pfister and Sopko.

The audit report also disclosed that public funds, which the state is seeking to recover, were either misappropriated, diverted or unaccounted for, illegally received or illegally retained or obtained by fraud.

The suit names the insurance companies that insured the administrators during their tenure.

Munster voters approved a referendum in 2013, but after Sopko retired, the district announced it had an $8 million deficit.

Earlier this month, Munster voters approved a general fund and construction referendum. The new general fund referendum will replace the current 2013 operating referendum of 19 cents per $100 of assessed valuation, increasing the tax to 42 cents per $100 of assessed valuation. It will raise $6.9 million for each of the next seven years.

Munster residents also voted yes for an additional $48 million construction referendum to repair and renovate all the school buildings. It will require property owners to pay an additional 43 cents per $100 of assessed valuation to fund those projects.

Hendrix said he has been able to reduce the deficit by $3.5 million.
VALPARAISO  The Porter County Sheriff's Department has wrapped up its investigation of the Portage police officer, who shot and killed a man April 22 during a traffic stop.

The results of the investigation have been turned over to the Porter County prosecutor's office, according to Sgt. Jamie Erow, public information officer at the sheriff's department.

Porter County Prosecutor Brian Gensel said Wednesday morning he expects to complete his review of the investigation by the end of the week.

William Spates, 39, of Portage, was shot by Portage police Officer Grant Crizer.

Spates attempted to run over Crizer during the traffic stop in the driveway of a home on Royal Avenue, according to the sheriff's department, which investigated the shooting with the assistance of the Indiana State Police.

Crizer reportedly stopped the blue 2004 Jeep Liberty at approximately 1:47 a.m. and Spates pulled into the driveway. At some point the suspect put his vehicle into reverse and accelerated rapidly into the officers fully-marked squad car, striking it, police said.

Witnesses initially reported hearing the officer yelling commands to the driver, and an engine revving, followed by six to seven shots, according police. Police could not say whether all the shots were fired by Crizer or if Spates had a weapon.

Spates had been released from jail on bond hours before the shooting. He had been arrested April 19 and accused of battering his wife and two children.

His home is just around the corner from where the shooting occurred.

Crizer, 34, was put on paid administrative leave. He was hired by the Portage police on Aug. 17, 2014 and had previously served on the Lake Station Police Department since January 2008.

About 50 people held a prayer walk and vigil May 7 on behalf of Spates outside his home in the 2700 block of Brown Street.
CROWN POINT  Police allege a 43-year-old man accused of fatally striking a teenager with his vehicle last fall was under the influence of marijuana and prescription medication at the time of the crash.

Christopher E. Campbell was charged Monday in Lake Criminal Court with two felony counts of intoxicated driving, causing death, and one count of operating a vehicle as a habitual traffic violator.

Police allege in a probable cause affidavit Campbell has had his driver's license suspended 49 times since 1991. He has been convicted of drunken driving in Indiana on two occasions before the incident last fall, according to court records.

Campbell is accused of striking 17-year-old Andrew Salka with his vehicle the afternoon of Oct. 17 in the 800 block of East 73rd Avenue in Merrillville, the affidavit states.

Salka, a junior at Merrillville High School, was transported to Methodist Hospitals Northlake Campus in Gary and then Loyola University Medical Center in Illinois, where he was pronounced dead, the affidavit states.

Campbell underwent a medical evaluation at Methodist Hospitals Southlake Campus, where police obtained a blood sample that was later submitted to the Indiana Department of Toxicology, according to the affidavit.

The toxicology report indicated Campbell had pain medication, anti-anxiety medication and THC  a primary compound of marijuana  in his system at the time of the crash, the affidavit states.

The drugs found in his system are all central nervous system depressants, the affidavit states, which can in combination cause impaired thoughts and actions.

Police found a prescription bottle for hydrocodone, a pain medication, in the pocket of Campbell's shorts at the scene of the crash, the affidavit states.

Campbell's bond is set at $55,000, according to court records.
VALPARAISO  Porter County Prosecutor Brian Gensel has called in a special prosecutor to review the results of an investigation of a Porter County sheriff's deputy accused of having a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old.

"The reason we requested a special prosecutor is because of the close working relationship my office has had with the officer for several years," Gensel said.

Dave Thomas, a one-time elected prosecutor and staffer to former Gov. Mitch Daniels, has been named as special prosecutor in the case, Gensel said.

"He will have complete authority and autonomy to handle the case as he sees fit, including charging decisions (if any), plea negotiations or trial," Gensel said.

The sheriff's department announced in February that the deputy was placed on leave after the department received a complaint about the alleged relationship.

The department said it received the complaint from the parents of a high school student.

On the same day the sheriff's office issued its news release, state police spokeswoman Sgt. Ann Wojas told The Times the agency's investigation was completed.

She deferred additional questions to the Porter County prosecutor's office.
CROWN POINT  Indiana State Police will conduct a criminal investigation into an alleged sex-for-promotion scandal at the county recorder's office.

Prosecutor Bernard A. Carter said he received word Wednesday that members of a state police special investigations unit will look into allegations raised by a former employee of Lake County Recorder Mike B. Brown.

Estela Montalvo filed suit earlier this month in U.S. District Court in Hammond against Lake County government and Brown, who has overseen the county government archive for legal documents since 2013.

The suit states Brown began making sexual advances toward Montalvo soon after she went to work for him in August 2014, as a part-time clerk, and requested he promote her to a full-time job with insurance and pension benefits.

It alleges she agreed to have a sexual relationship with Brown, "only because she believed it was a condition of a promotion to full-time employment." It states she resigned last February because of Brown's continued sexual harassment.

Brown said Wednesday he looks forward to cooperating with state police and the resolution of their investigation.

State police Lt. Al Williamson, of the Lowell post, confirmed members of his investigation team will meet soon with Carter to discuss the scope of their probe.

Carter and Williamson both declined to comment further about what possible misconduct is under investigation.

No trial date has been set in the federal civil suit. U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge John E. Martin recently issued an order to all parties in the case to preserve electronically stored information relevant to any claim or defense in this case.
VALPARAISO  When the $25 per car wheel tax was adopted here last summer, there was a caveat to automatically repeal the new fee if the county adopted its own version.

City Council person Debra Porter, D-at-large, suggested Monday night, that while the county opted not to adopt the wheel tax, she believes the city should consider repealing it after recent state legislation approved upping the gas tax 10 cents per gallon and adding its own wheel tax of $15 per vehicle.

"The state has done something significant and I want us to consider repealing it because of the action by the state," Porter said.

The idea didn't sit well with Mayor Jon Costas.

"The question is, are we raising enough money to take care of our roads and streets," said Costas. "If we don't fund it now, are we pushing it off to the next generation?"

Valparaiso was one of eight Northwest Indiana communities which adopted the wheel tax last year to take advantage of a state grant program. The state program promises a per dollar match to municipalities which raise their own funds for street and road repairs. Other municipalities are Gary, Portage, Crown Point, Dyer, LaPorte, Munster and Merrillville.

Director of Public Works Matt Evans told the council and residents that 71 percent of the city's streets are rated a 5 or less, meaning they are in need of repair. He said he estimates it would take $3.6 million per year to begin "to outpace our deterioration."

The wheel tax will bring in somewhere between $800,000 and $1 million. Using other funding, such as local option income tax or rainy day funds, said Evans, the city would likely have enough to meet the state maximum match and bring in $2.7 million for road work.

"If we repeal the wheel tax, we will have a difficult time," Evans said of raising the matching grant fund.

City Administrator Bill Oeding said the new state tax will bring in an estimate $450,000 for the city's motor vehicle highway fund.

Councilman Robert Cotton, D-2nd, suggested the city lower its wheel tax so that the combine state and local tax would be $25.

"In Valparaiso it is getting that much harder to live," said Cotton, adding that the additional tax will have an impact on seniors and minimum wage earners in the city. "The guy at the bottom is really getting smothered out of Valparaiso."

Resident Kevin Cornett also asked the council reconsider the wheel tax.

"Reconsider getting rid of it or at least getting rid of the ridiculous part of it," said Cornett, adding he believes it is an unfair tax, especially when it taxes things "like a kid's moped or dad's bass boat trailer."

Costas, who told the council it was up to them, discouraged repealing the wheel tax, saying maintaining streets not only brings value to the city, but saves residents money in the long run by lowering the chance of car repairs due to poor streets.

The council took no action, instead saying they would consider the idea after receiving more information.
A convoy of motorcyclists arrived Tuesday afternoon at Portage High School on their way to Washington, D.C.

The National Veterans Awareness Ride began in Sacramento, California. They undertake a 10-day journey across the United States to bring awareness and recognition to all veterans and those who are presently serving. The group stopped at the high school and were given a demonstration by the PHS Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps.

"NVAR is committed to honoring and increasing awareness of the actions, risks and challenges facing the American soldier and veteran. Each day along the route, the riders make time to stop at VA hospitals, nursing homes and other veteran care facilities to visit and honor those brave men and women who have defended our country," NVARs Indiana state coordinator Dan "Lugnut" Kuepker said.

"We also make stops at schools along the way to help promote patriotism among the youth of our country and to emphasize to them that freedom isnt free, but comes with a cost. Also, at the various memorials along the route, we stop to lay a wreath of remembrance to honor those veterans who have passed on."

The group spent Tuesday night in Michigan City.
As the traditional start of summer, the long Memorial Day weekend creates opportunities for families and individuals to embark on holiday travel. This year, more Americans are expected to take to the roads, skies, rails and water  making this the most traveled Memorial Day weekend in 12 years.

An estimated 39.3 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home Thursday through Monday, according to AAA Travel. Thats 1 million more travelers than last year and the most travelers since 2005.

Some 850,000 Hoosiers are expected to travel, a 2.5 percent increase from 2016. Of those travelers, 770,000 are expected to travel by auto (2.4 percent increase) and about 44,000 by air (3.7 percent increase).

In Illinois, 1.95 million people will be traveling for the holiday weekend, a 1.9 percent increase from 2016. AAA Travel estimates 1.8 million will be driving (up 1.8 percent from 2016), and 101,000 will be flying to their destination (a 3.1 percent increase from 2016).

"This expected spike in Memorial Day travel mirrors the positive growth seen throughout the travel industry this year, said Vicky Evans, assistant vice president, travel sales department, AAA  The Auto Club Group.

So far in 2017, travel bookings with AAA in Illinois/Indiana are up 27 percent compared to the same period last year. Higher confidence and falling gas prices have bolstered consumer spending, leaving many Americans with more money to spend on travel this Memorial Day, Evans said.

The great American road trip remains the most popular means of travel, with 34.6 million taking to the highways this Memorial Day, an increase of 2.4 percent compared with last year. While lower gas prices will be a boon to drivers, road construction will be a challenge.

In Northwest Indiana, for example, work continues on several projects on I-80/94 as part of the Restore 94 initiative, said Doug Moats, spokesman for the Indiana Department of Transportations Northwest District in LaPorte.

Most highway maintenance activities and construction projects will halt work during the holiday weekend to increase mobility and safety. INDOT directs its contractors to pull back barriers and barricades to the safest extent possible to accommodate the anticipated increase in holiday travel, Moats said.

However, motorists should expect some restrictions, and reduced speed limits will remain in place due to ongoing road construction. In addition, race fans driving to the Indianapolis 500 festivities should plan their routes to the track and designate a sober driver home, Moats said.

On Sunday, INDOT encourages those traveling through Indianapolis to avoid race traffic on I-465 and I-65 on the citys west side.
There is more controversy surrounding the Puerto Rican Day Parade, with people for and against honoring Oscar Lopez Rivera making their voices heard.

The Puerto Rican Day Parade is still about three weeks away, but lots of people are talking about it, and mostly because political leaders and corporate sponsors can't seem to agree over organizers' plans to honor Puerto Rican nationalist Oscar Lopez Rivera, who was just recently released from from prison.

Lopez Rivera became a free man earlier this month after nearly four decades in prison for his ties to an extremist group.

That group, FALN, was responsible for more than 100 bombings across the country, including in the city, but he was never linked to any specific attack.

Despite that, corporate sponsors for the parade have been dropping out as public officials have announced they will not be participating in this year's festivities because of plans to honor Lopez Rivera.

A statement from the Yankees says in part: "The New York Yankees are not participating in this years Puerto Rican Day parade. However, for many years, the Yankees have supported a scholarship program that recognizes students selected by the parade organizers" they say they will continue to provide financial support for the scholarships.

JetBlue released a similar statement that said, in part "It became clear that the debate about this year's parade was dividing the community and overshadowing the celebration of Puerto Rican Culturethat we had set out to support," adding that they would be directing their funds to support schoalrships for Puerto Rican students in both New York and Puerto Rico.

AT&T and Goya, the largest Hispanic-owned food company in the country, have also dropped out.

The New York City Sergeants Benevolent Association put out a call to the governor, as well as all other public officials, asking them to boycott the event for honoring a man they call a "convicted terrorist."

At this point, Mayor Bill de Blasio says he plans to attend despite the controversy.

"The parade committee made a choice this year about someone to honor. That does not change the basic nature of the parade," de Blasio said. "Whether you agree with the choice or not, it is still Puerto Rican Parade, and my point is that I will be there to honor the Puerto Rican people."

City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito has been a vocal supporter of the plans to honor Lopez Rivera.

Police Commissioner James O'Neill disagrees. On Monday, he said he would not march in the parade.

This is not the end of the controversy. Another group in favor of honoring Lopez Rivera plans to hold a rally later this week.
The Empire State Building went dark Tuesday evening to honor the victims of Monday's explosion in Manchester, England.

The Yankees also played God Save the Queen before their game at the Stadium to show their solidarity with Manchester.

British Prime Minister Theresa May says the terror threat level has been raised, because intelligence officials believe another attack may be imminent.

May says the Manchester Arena attacker. identified as 22-year-old Salman Abedi, may have been part of a larger network.

He and at least 22 others were killed, and dozens more were wounded, after he set off an explosive device outside the arena just as people were leaving the Ariana Grande concert.

Thousands turned out Tuesday for a vigil in front of Manchester City Hall.

Andy Burnham, the mayor of Manchester, says the terrorists will never divide his city.

"The answer isn't to ramp up the rhetoric, as we hear sometimes from politicians around the world. In the end, this is the answer for people to come together and say, 'This is us, these are our values,'" Burnham said.

The pop group "Take That" has postponed three planned shows scheduled at the arena later this week.

Ariana Grande has also suspended her tour.
NEW YORK - The Bronx man accused of mowing down a crowd in Times Square last week has been indicted by a grand jury.

The Manhattan DA's office says 26-year-old Richard Rojas waived his right to appear before a judge Wednesday.

The exact charges have not yet been released, but Rojas had originally been taken into custody on murder and attempted murder charges.

Authorities say Rojas claims to have been high on marijuana and PCP when he drove his car onto the sidewalk on Thursday of last week.

Prosecutors say Rojas said he wanted to quote "kill them all" and police should stop him.

Alyssa Elsman, 18, was killed.

She was visiting the city from Michigan along with her 13-year-old sister who was also hurt, along with 21 others.

Bellevue hospital says it's still caring for five crash victims in total, two in critical or serious condition.

Rojas has multiple prior arrests, including two for driving while intoxicated.

He is due back in court on July 13.
NEW YORK - The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is honoring several employees for their work helping an autistic teen reunite with his family.

Kahchi Ng, 18, was found alone last month on a Metro-North train heading to Grand Central from New Haven.

He had been missing for several hours after wandering away from his home in Astoria, Queens.

Conductors onboard the train in Connecticut noticed he was unable to speak and would not make eye contact.

MTA officers were able to gain his trust and get him to disembark at Stamford.

They then found his family's phone number and address, and drove him back home.

"We encounter a wide range of people and personalities and all kinds of situations come up during the day. So, this just happened to fall in our laps that day. It was pretty easy to recognize that he needed some special attention," said Metro-North Conductor Charles Dolan.

"I very, you know, feel lucky for my son," said Swee Chan Cheong, Ng's mother.

The officers and conductors were honored during Wednesday's MTA board meeting.

The teen's mother thanked them in-person.
One of the victims of an attack last week in Manhattan has died.

Police say 69-year-old Lucio Bravo has died after being beaten on Sherman Avenue in Inwood around 3:30 a.m. Thursday, allegedly by 18-year-old Branlee Gonzalez.

Police say Gonzalez and a woman were walking down the street when Bravo and a 39-year-old man began catcalling her.

Gonzalez allegedly took offense to that and began punching both men.

The 39-year-old was not seriously hurt.

Gonzalez was arrested Monday and has been charged with assault, but charges could be upgraded.
Democrat Brian Benjamin easily won a special election Tuesday for a vacant State Senate seat in Upper Manhattan.

Benjamin was the overwhelming favorite after getting multiple endorsements from labor unions and elected officials.

He got more than 90 percent of the vote in a typically small showing at the polls. Fewer than 9,000 people cast ballots.

Once he gets to Albany, Benjamin says he will join the mainline Democrats and not the breakaway Independent Democratic Conference.

"I am so excited that the people of this district have given me the chance to serve, and I won't let any of them down," Benjamin said. "One of the first things I'm going to do is to say to all of our Democrats, we need to come back together. We 32 Democrats, the state has spoken. Democrats are the majority in the state Senate, and we need to reunite."

The seat became vacant in February when Bill Perkins was elected to the City Council.
The potential impact of President Donald Trump's budget proposal, which was unveiled Tuesday, set the mayor off and had him once again denouncing the New Yorker in the White House. NY1's Grace Rauh filed the following report.

In between an Arthur Avenue bakery stop and a cheese-filled visit to nearby Mike's Deli, the mayor turned his attention to more serious matters: President Donald Trump's proposed budget.

"It is very clear a national fight is about to begin," Bill de Blasio said.

At a sidewalk news conference on the Bronx's famous Italian shopping strip, de Blasio detailed the potential impact on the city. The NYPD's counterterrorism work, for one, is projected to lose $190 million.

"It is a tragic irony that the president proposed massive cuts to homeland security literally the same day as a horrendous terror attack in England," de Blasio said.

De Blasio says the president's proposed $600 billion in national cuts to Medicaid means 125,000 children in New York would lose their health insurance or have their coverage cut back severely.

"It is not an overstatement to say that some children will die because of this," de Blasio said.

The city's public housing system would see $300 million in capital funding disappear, the mayor says.

The president's budget also slashes funding for food stamps. There are 1.7 million New Yorkers on food stamps, including 500,000 children.

"This is why I think President Trump is going to find himself in a lot of trouble," de Blasio said.

The mayor's week in the Bronx has felt like an extended campaign stop, with constituent meet-and-greets, photo-ops at neighborhood businesses and even a visit to a senior gala in Throggs Neck.

Republican mayoral candidate Paul Massey popped up in the borough.

"De Blasio says the city is safe. But in the south Bronx, there were over 2,000 murders, rapes, assaults and robberies in the last year," he said.

The mayor's re-election prospects look very strong at this point. Having Trump in the White House has arguably helped him the most, even more than an extended stay in the Bronx.
Overcrowded schools highlight chronic underfunding

24 May 2017

The revelation that hundreds of schools are overcrowded has again highlighted the need for a huge increase in education funding, and shown that the data-focused government is not even getting the basics right.

NZEI Te Riu Roa President Lynda Stuart said the overcrowding highlighted the chronic underfunding in every area of public education and urgently needed to be addressed in tomorrows Budget.

A few years ago, the government attempted to increase class sizes to save money, but had to back down because parents and educators were outraged. By moving too slowly to accommodate population growth, larger class sizes are becoming a reality anyway.

The population growth data has been available and obvious for a long time, but the government has been far too slow to release funds for new schools and buildings.

There is no excuse for school overcrowding that sees children trying to learn in halls, libraries and gymnasiums, she said.

This week NZEI released data commissioned from Infometrics showing that a billion dollar boost is needed in Budget 2017 to preserve public education and ensure every child has the support they need to learn.

NZEI members chose the key measures based on evidence about which ones would have the most positive impact. These measures and the Infometrics costing can be found here.
76-year-old Zhang Jiwen is almost completely deaf, but he has two able hands and a strong desire to help those less fortunate. Ever since 2012, he has been carrying building materials up a mountain in Fuling Forest Park, near the city of Chongqing, and building safe walking paths leading up from the modern road at the base all the way to an isolated village near the top. He has already completed a safe path a few hundred meters long and has started work on another leading to the water source of the village.

Zhang grew up in a village in the forests of Fuling, and even though he moved to the big city as an adult, he never forgot about his roots. When he heard about an isolated mountain village whose children had to come down precarious slopes in order to reach their school, he decided that he just had to help. For the past five years he has been taking a bus from his home in Chongqing to Fuling Forest Park to work on a better road for the village located on a mountain there.

He paid for building materials out of his own pockets, and also relied on sand from the nearby river bed, bricks from demolished houses in the vicinity and slabs of stone, and after five years of hard labor, he managed to complete a safe mountain path several hundred meters long that spans from the base of the mountain all the way to the village. For steeper slopes, he built rock steps complete with wooden safety railing, and has even added stone tables and chairs where the elderly can rest on their trek, and a shed for the children to take shelter from the rain. It took him five years to complete, but as soon as he was done, Zhang just moved on to the next project, another safe path for the village, this time to its main water source.

Zhang Jiwen lost his hearing almost completely, ten years ago, but instead of making him weaker, he claims that it only made him stronger, more fearless and more independent. When he first started working on the mountain path, staff at Fuling Forest Park and even people from the village he wanted to help thought he was crazy, but he didnt really care. Zhang had a goal and he was sticking to it, despite what anyone thought. Now, even though he cant hear people thanking him for his gift, he says that he can see the gratitude in their eyes and their smiles.

Mr. Jiwens wife, 74-year-old Wang Lanying, is also disabled. She has an eye condition that barely allows her to see anything, but always visits her husband at his job site, bringing him food and keeping him company during his break. At first, she didnt agree to his plan either, but it wasnt because she didnt understand his motivation, she just thought that it was too dangerous. In the end, she gave Zhang her blessing, but only on the condition that he call her every hour to let her know he was ok.

Doing construction on a mountain is not the safest thing to do for someone with a hearing impairment, and Zhang Jiwen admits that he suffered accidents because of it. One time, a big rock fell on his leg, and he suffered a fracture. People screamed at him to watch out and get out of the way, but he couldnt hear them. Luckily, he recovered fast, and was back on the mountain as soon as he could walk.

Now that the road has been completed and villagers can safely walk all the way to the bottom of the mountain without fear of injury, 76-year-old Zhang Jiwen has started work on a second paved road that leads to a water spring. It is located about 100 meters from the village, but the road is precarious, especially after rainfall, so he wants to make it safer.

But this is only the beginning of his self-financed road-building project. He has marked over 100 precarious mountain roads on a map, and plans to improve as many as possible.

Zhangs dedication reminds me of another Chinese hero we recently wrote about. Huang Dafa, chief of Caowangba, a small village in Guizhou Province, spent 36 years chiseling at three mountains in order to bring fresh water to his community.

Sources: Sina, Chongqing Evening News
Epicenter, a technology startup hub in Stockholm, Sweden, has been offering employees the chance to have a small microchip implanted in their hand, ever since 2015. So far, 150 of its 3,000-strong staff have taken bosses up on their offer, and they couldnt be happier with their decision.

Implantable microchips the size of a grain of rice have been around for a while now, but they are usually used as virtual identification plates for pets, or as tracking devices for deliveries. Up until a couple of years ago, when Epicenter started offering its employees the chance to have them implanted into their hands, these tiny devices had never been used to tag humans on a large scale. For many people, having a chip inserted into their body sounds like something out of a dystopian future, or, at the very least, raises privacy questions, but the 150 Epicenter employees who have had them implanted say the technology just makes their life easier.

Photo via Pinterest

Instead of tracking their whereabouts at all times, collecting information about how much they work, or any sinister monitoring data of any kind, these implants are simply designed to help employees get around the workplace easier. No more having to keep an access card on them to open doors, operate company printers or order lunch at the cafeteria. With the chip, all they have to do is wave their hand in front of the scanner and magic happens.

The biggest benefit I think is convenience, Epicenter co-founder and CEO, Patrick Mesterton, told the Associated Press. It basically replaces a lot of things you have, other communication devices, whether it be credit cards or keys.

Photo: Biohax/Facebook

The microchip implantation has become sort of a tradition at Epicenter, ever since Mesterton himself had his inserted in his hand, two years ago. The company offers this option to its employees, for free, and holds parties whenever someone decides that they want to become a rudimentary cyborg.

The procedure is quick and relatively painless. Jowan Osterlund, a self-described body-hacker from Biohax Sweden, visits Epicenter whenever a new employee want to join the cyborg club, and injects the tiny chip into the flesh right next to the thumb. It apparently feels like a quick injection and theres hardly ever any blood involved.

Photo: Biohax/Facebook

We already interact with technology all the time, Epicenter employee Hannes Sjoblad told the BBC, in 2015. Today its a bit messy  we need pin codes and passwords. Wouldnt it be easy to just touch with your hand? Thats really intuitive.

We want to be able to understand this technology before big corporates and big government come to us and say everyone should get chipped  the tax authority chip, the Google or Facebook chip, Hannes added, convinced that this way he will be able to question the way the technology is implemented from a position of much greater knowledge.

Photo: Biohax/Facebook

For some Epicenter employees, getting implanted is all about convenience, others just think its a cool way to experience the future before it happens, and some dont even want to hear about it. Asked if he was considering getting implanted, one young man said absolutely not.

The microchips may be popular at Epicenter, but not everyone is thrilled about this practice. Ben Libberton, a microbiologist at Stockholms Karolinska Institute, said that its a question of how advanced the microchips will become.

The data that you could possibly get from a chip that is embedded in your body is a lot different from the data that you can get from a smartphone, he told AP. Conceptually you could get data about your health, you could get data about your whereabouts, how often youre working, how long youre working, if youre taking toilet breaks and things like that.

For now, the chips used by Epicenter are based Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, the same type used in contactless cards. They are passive, meaning they contain information that other devices can read, but cannot read information themselves.


How Surround-Sound Marketing Puts Your Brand Into Orbit Mon., Mar. 7, 2022 How one marketing method can get your brand off the ground with the media, ensure your companys sustainable growth and expand the breadth and impact of media coverage, relationships and other key objectives.


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Agricultural News

Regarding China's Beef Market, the Opportunity Looks Promising but Expect Some Growing Pains







This week, the United States Meat Export Federation is holding its spring conference in Arlington, Virginia. USMEF Sr. Vice President for the Asia-Pacific Joel Haggard is there, just back from a food conference in China, and he told Ron Hays, Radio Oklahoma Ag Network farm director, that he's excited about the prospect of getting the Chinese market opened to US beef once again. But he says right now, there are still a lot of unknowns when it comes to the details of the deal being negotiated.





"Last week at this annual trade show, there was intense buying interest," Haggard reported. "But without having the details of the protocol, it's very difficult for our exporters to talk about prices."





Haggard says the price factor will be very important once the deal is done, but he says without the details, it is tough to really gauge the export opportunity there. Looking at the short and long term though, Haggard believes the US will eventually find a solid foothold.





"I'm confident on the demand side, but it's going to be a tricky start," he said. "I think it's going to be a slow start, but long-term, I think it looks very promising."





Listen to Haggard talk about his recent trip to China as he explains his impression of the potential market opportunities there with Farm Director Ron Hays, on today's Beef Buzz.





The Beef Buzz is a regular feature heard on radio stations around the region on the Radio Oklahoma Network and is a regular audio feature found on this website as well. Click on the LISTEN BAR below for today's show and check out our archives for older Beef Buzz shows covering the gamut of the beef cattle industry today.





















Listen to Haggard talk about his recent trip to China as he explains the market opportunities there

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Top Agricultural News
LINCOLN  Nebraska lawmakers wrapped up an often difficult and contentious 2017 session on a quiet note Tuesday.

The day included thank-yous from Speaker of the Legislature Jim Scheer of Norfolk and congratulations from Gov. Pete Ricketts.

But there were echoes of the years division and bitterness as well.

Veteran State Sen. Ernie Chambers of Omaha proclaimed the session the worst of his legislative career, which has spanned more than 40 years.

Ricketts praised the Legislature for its accomplishments, especially the work to close a budget gap that grew to $1.1 billion through June 30, 2019.

He noted that lawmakers had passed two budget bills, one that addressed the shortfall in the current fiscal year and another setting the budget for the next two years.

That was a major accomplishment that we were able to get that budget balanced without raising taxes, he said. We demonstrated Nebraska grit.

But Ricketts said lawmakers had not gotten the job done on taxes.

Legislative Bill 461, which incorporated the governors income and agricultural land property tax proposals, stalled at the first stage of debate.

Ricketts vowed to keep working with legislative leaders to build consensus on that package before the next legislative session.

We need to continue to work on how were going to provide that tax relief to our Nebraska families, he said.

Among the sessions accomplishments, Ricketts pointed to passage of bills easing some occupational licensure restrictions.

He noted bills merging the Departments of Roads and Aeronautics into a new Department of Transportation and giving the State Department of Veterans Affairs responsibility for the veterans homes.

Ricketts also highlighted passage of a pair of pro-life bills, one allowing for Celebrate Life license plates and the other making information about perinatal hospice programs more available.

Scheer called the session an interesting one during which the 18 new members challenged the status quo.

There have been points in this session when the 90 days might have seemed as an eternity, others where 90 might have seemed way too short, he said.

The session actually ended on the 86th legislative day, four days earlier than originally planned.

Scheer praised lawmakers for the quality of debate during the session, an outcome encouraged by changes in the process.

Using his power as speaker, he scheduled controversial bills for three hours of debate but did not bring them back for additional time unless the sponsor could show that the bill would advance.

We began to have real discussions on the merits of bills instead of spending time on procedural maneuvers to run out the clock, Scheer said.

Even though three major tax bills stalled, for example, he said the bills gave lawmakers time to have a purposeful debate about the states tax structure.

But Chambers said the session ended as it began, harkening back to the first day, when conservative Republicans claimed leadership positions over moderates and Democrats, and to the 30 days of partisan debate over rules.

He chastised colleagues for sustaining Ricketts budget vetoes that cut funding for services to disabled, elderly and poor Nebraskans.

He also criticized them for sustaining the veto of a bill that would have allowed felons to vote after finishing their sentences.

The session was a virtual shambles, and I was very upset with how things were done, Chambers said.

Sen. Paul Schumacher of Columbus also said he saw echoes of the first day in the budget override votes. He said there were senators who voted as a bloc against the overrides but did not speak during the debate.

However, Schumacher said the session represented a good introduction for the freshman class.

The session started with 17 new senators. One more was added after Sen. Bill Kintner of Papillion resigned.

Sen. Adam Morfeld of Lincoln said the session had its accomplishments but also left work to be done.

It was a tough session, he said.
The crowd at Stinson Park let out a moan as the ball hit the ground, missing its target in the dunk tank.

Another missed throw, another moan.

But every few minutes, cheers would erupt as some unlucky person splashed into the water. Sponsored by the Omaha Home for Boys, the dunk tank was one of several fundraising events held Wednesday for the fifth-annual Omaha Gives, the 24-hour charitable challenge focused on raising money for local nonprofits in Douglas, Sarpy and Pottawattamie Counties.

The effort had raised $7.76 million for 907 organizations, according to preliminary numbers.

Though the number of donations tracked ahead of last year for most of the day Wednesday the amounts were smaller, said Kali Baker, vice president for community relations for the Omaha Community Foundation.

We are so pleased to see the increase (in number of donations), Baker said. Our purpose is about encouraging as many people as possible to give  and give to new organizations.

Since its start in 2013, Omaha Gives has raised more than $35 million for more than 900 local organizations. This year, 922 nonprofits signed up to participate and included, among others, an improv troupe, homeless shelters, animal rescues, private schools and community gardens.

Hourly drawings and prizes helped keep the giving going throughout the day and night, and challenge funds allowed nonprofits to offer their own incentives, including many who matched donations dollar for dollar. This year, nonprofits offered more than $670,000 in challenge funds, Baker said.

We try to offer them many ways to involve the community, Baker said. Its been great to see these nonprofits finding ways to leverage that.

One organization, the Robin Hill Community Support Foundation, made a plan to increase its chances to win one of the hourly prizes.

The foundations treasurer, Bridget Brooks, attended one of the Omaha Gives workshops earlier this year where she learned one tactic would be getting people to donate in the early morning hours. So she organized a group text of members who were awakened at 2 a.m. to make a donation. The tactic worked: The group won a $535 prize from Omaha Steaks.

Rozalyn Bredow, director of employment and career services at Urban League of Nebraska, said Omaha Gives is an awesome opportunity for the public to directly impact what we do.

The minimum $10 donation goes a long way, Bredow said  especially for nonprofits that people might not immediately think of.

On Wednesday, in the upstairs of Wilson & Washburns bar-turned-movie set, Tim Guthrie echoed a similar sentiment, saying he hopes Omaha Gives brings attention to smaller nonprofits.

There are a lot of small organizations that fly under the radar compared to the larger institutions. Those are the ones that need the support, he said.

Film equipment, computers, actors and directors crowded the bar on Wednesday, as a team of 10 filmmakers each directed minutelong segments of a 10-minute short film to raise awareness and money for the Omaha Film Festival.

Victoria Novak, vice president of strategic partnerships for AIM, said she found herself scrolling through the long list of other area nonprofits after donating to AIMs Brain Exchange. The program offers tech learning experiences for children and teenagers.

She ended up giving to about a dozen, she said.

Its amazing that we have more than 900 organizations come together on this day, Novak said. And its really amazing to then see the community come together to learn about them and support them.
Questions concerning the proposed Nebraska Multisport Complex in La Vista are now being raised about the cost estimate, public funding sources, lagging private donations and departure of key individuals (Uncertainties over multisport complex, May 21 World-Herald).

Months ago, backers were claiming that it would be the second-largest tourist attraction in the state. Maybe those in Omaha knew what they were doing by turning down this project.

The cost was projected to be $125 million. That is now subject to change. La Vista Mayor Doug Kindig now says that figure was a rough estimate.

The first red flag was the need for local government funding help.

This project is in line to take advantage of the newly expanded state turnback tax. Elected officials always seem to be creative in their methods of getting subsidies from the taxpayers.

Based on the fact that private donations are lagging, some Sarpy County Board members are expressing doubts about the project. One has expressed doubts that anyone is going to buy the revenue bonds.

All those involved say they are still confident in the project and vow this will not be the next Ralston Arena.

Well soon see whether P.T. Barnum was right.

Klaus Lindner, La Vista
3rd anniversary of Modi govt: Now, dont just listen, read Mann ki Baat too

India

oi-Oneindia

By Oneindia Staff Writer

New Delhi, May 24: Those who are avid followers of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's monthly radio broadcast programme--Mann ki Baat--will be able to know the genesis and evolution of the popular show soon.

Narendra Modi dedicates his next Mann Ki Baat to his 'young friends'

According to News18, book on Mann ki Baat titled-- Mann Ki Baat - A Social Revolution on Radio--will be unveiled on Thursday, just a day ahead of the third anniversary of the Bharatiya Janata Party government at the Centre.

The book will be released in presence of President Pranab Mukherjee, Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan and Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in the national capital.

In fact, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has written the preface for the book.

"Talking on a one-hour radio show once a month while addressing challenging tasks as Prime Minister requires tremendous efforts, and I cannot but feel his strong passion for dialogue with his people," Abe writes in the book.

According to the book, several names like 'PM ke saath ru-ba-ru', 'Varta Modi Ji Ke Saath' and 'Modi Vaani', to name a few, were initially considered for the programme.

However, the name Mann ki Baat was finally zeroed in on by PM Modi and his associates for the radio show.

In the book it is mentioned that PM Modi gets thousands of letters from listeners of Mann ki Baat every month. Although he does not read all of them because they are too many and the PM leads a busy schedule, however, those he reads are read carefully to know the issues and concerns of the citizens of the country.

"I have been a quintessential organisation man all my life. I know the difference the radio can make. American Presidents used it well... So many people heard Martin Luther King's 'I have a dream' speech on the radio. It has a transformative power like no other medium," said PM Modi about the power of radio in the book.

OneIndia News

For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications

Story first published: Wednesday, May 24, 2017, 11:03 [IST]
Who would attend the meeting

Cabinet Secretary PK Sinha and officials from Home Affairs, Personnel and Training, Health and Family Welfare, Railways and Post are likely to attend the Empowered Committee of Secretaries meeting. The meeting would take into account the demands made by the various employees' unions.

What will be discussed?

Arrears on revised allowances and an increase in basic pay are the two main issues which will be taken up at the meeting. Central government employees are now drawing allowances at old rates.

What next?

The E-CoS will have to approve the suggestions made by the Ashok Lavasa committee. The same would then be placed before the Union Cabinet for final approval. This could happen this week itself.

What 7th Pay Commission had suggested?

The Pay Panel had suggested doing away with 52 of the 196 allowances for Central government employees. The pay commission also recommended merging 36 smaller allowances into bigger ones.

On HRA

The Panel wanted the House Rent Allowance (HRA) to be reduced by 2-6 per cent depending on the categories of cities.

The Ashok Lavasa panel, which submitted its report to Arun Jaitley backed Central government employees in their demand to not alter the HRA rates. In that scenario, the employees will continue to draw the HRA as per the standards set by the Sixth Pay Commission.

What employees are likely to get?

The decision on allowance revision affects over 50 lakh employees. Once the recommendations are implemented employees would get their arrears on revised allowances.
Aadhaar blunder: Most residents of this Rajasthan village born on Jan 1

India

oi-Staff

By Staff

If one were to assume that Aadhaar details were absolute truth, then close to 250 people of a small village in Rajasthan are born on January 1. According to Aadhaar records, January 1 has been recorded as the date of birth of most of the residents of Pokhran, Pabupadia in Jaisalmer.

The strange records have exposed the carelessness and lack of credibility by e-Mitra centres which have been set up by the Rajasthan government. The centres have been set up to ensure that the common man has access to government schemes and also functions as Aadhaar record centres. The incident, as reported by the Times Of India comes at a time when loopholes in Aadhaar are being highlighted by netizens and those concerned about privacy.

The incident also comes up at a time when the government is making all its schemes heavily dependent on Aadhaar. The Rajasthan incident punches a hole in the government's claim that Aadhaar is foolproof. Carelessness and lackadaisical attitude of the staff at e-Mitra centres have exposed how easily information can be manipulated in Aadhaar records.

Residents who received their Aadhaar card with wrong information have raised complaints about the same. Villagers have held the carelessness of those working in their centres responsible for the faux pau. They have also alleged that the authorities were unwilling to take corrective measures. District officials in Pokhran maintained that date of birth of an applicant is automatically recorded as January 1 in case the column is left empty and necessary corrections are made after receiving adequate information. Officials have taken cognizance of the incident now and corrective measures are being taken.

OneIndia News
''I had resigned from DDC in April, to join the legal profession'' says AAP leader Ashish Khetan

Ashutosh and Khetan: Kejriwal's Twitter timeline told tale of fall from grace

AAP's Ashish Khetan alleges threats from right-wing groups

India

oi-Vikas

By Vikas

Aam Aadmi Party leader Ashish Khetan has approached the Supreme Court over alleged threats from right-wing groups, said reports.

Khetan has asked for protection, stating that he has been getting life threats from certain groups.

Reports say that he has named groups like Abhinav Bharat, Sanatan Sanstha and Hindu Jan Jagran Samiti in his petition. Khetan has stated that the Delhi Police did not take any action despite his complaints. The case will be heard on June 5.

Following a threat letter on May 9, Khetan had written to Home Minister Rajnath Singh seeking action in the matter.

The letter says that Khetan is responsible for imprisonment on Hindu leaders like Sadhvi Pragya and Virendra Singh Tawde.

"Hindu santon ke khilaf tumhare paap ka ghada bhar chuka hai (Your sins against Hindu saints have crossed the limit)," the letter reportedly says.

Khetan, a former journalist, is the vice-chairman of the Delhi Dialogue Commission.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Wednesday, May 24, 2017, 13:44 [IST]
Abolishing of FIPB approved by Union Cabinet

India

oi-Madhuri

The Union Cabinet on Wedneaday has approved to abolishing of Foreign Investment Proposal Board or the FIPB. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in his Budget speech on February 1 had announced the scrapping of the inter- ministerial body, which comes under the ministry's Department of Economic Affairs.

It may be recalled that the Arun Jaitley in his budget had said that keeping in mind to make India an easier place to do business, reforms for foreign direct investment would include abolishing the FIPB, which is a part of the Finance Ministry.

The FIPB has five senior bureaucrats. The role of the FIPB is to consider foreign direct investments up to Rs 600 crore. Amounts larger than this need to be sanctioned by the cabinet committee.

Companies seeking approval may be asked to apply online through a new website that would direct their applications to the relevant ministry once FIBP is abolished. The Finance Minister had said a road map would be announced in the next few months for how applications for foreign investment would be handled.

OneIndia News
After Anurag Tewari's death, KAS officer alleges harassment, files complaint

India

oi-Anusha

With talks of scam, harassment making the rounds around Karnataka cadre IAS officer Anurag Tewari's death, a KAS officer has alleged harassment by seniors. Senior Karnataka Administrative Service K Mathai approached the Lokayukta on Wednesday with his grievances. He is currently the administrative officer-cum-under secretary to government, DPAR (AR) SAKALA Mission.

Mathai who shot to fame for the crackdown on billboard mafia in the Bengaluru civic body, BBMP, has claimed that he has been fighting for justice for years now. The officer has accused senior bureaucrats Ramana Reddy, Dr Kalpana, Dr T K Anil Kumar and Laxminarayana of harassment. Mathai has claimed that he has been hounded by senior officials for years for being honest and upright.

Mathai highlighted that proposals were made for his suspension in 2012 but was rejected by the Karnataka legislative assembly. He deemed this arm-twisting strategy of seniors. He claimed that he was transferred repeatedly while serving as MUDA Commissioner of Mandya in 2014 and Assistant Commissioner (Advt) in BBMP in 2016. Curtailing increment, adverse remarks in Annual Confidential Reports, delayed promotion, modification of Chief Minister's orders, Mathai claimed, were means of harassment meted out to him by his seniors. "The basic problem that honest officers face today is the lack of a grievance redressal authority and accountability commission because of which senior IAS officers are never taken to task," Mathai said.

He has demanded that IAS officials should give an account of the work they do too on a daily basis. Mathai said that he had been targeted on multiple occasions. Mathai was attacked by sand mining mafia during his stint as tahsildar in Hassan. Miscreants had torched his residence to deter him from taking stringent action. When he was the Commissioner of Mandya Urban Development Authority (MUDA), in 2013, Mathai submitted four reports regarding large-scale illegalities amounting to Rs 300 crore in allotment of sites by the MUDA. Based on that detailed report, the state government had handed over the case to the CBI in 2014.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Wednesday, May 24, 2017, 19:02 [IST]
In India terror down by 34%, civilian deaths by 90% since Art 370 scrapped: Shah

Only those from political families can eye a CMs post in Congress: Amit Shah

Amit Shah had food cooked by non-Dalits, says Telangana CM

India

ians-IANS

By Ians English

Hyderabad, May 24: After former Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa, BJP President Amit Shah also seems to have landed in a controversy reportedly for eating food prepared by non-Dalits at community lunches with Dalits during his visit to Telangana.

Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao on Wednesday claimed that Shah, during his visit to Nalgonda district of Telangana, ate food cooked elsewhere and by non-Dalits.

Shah, during his three-day visit which concluded on Wednesday, ate food with Dalits during 'Saha Pankti Bhojanam' or community lunch in two villages.

Rao told reporters here that the Bharatiya Janata party chief during his visit to Teratpalli village ate food cooked in a nearby village Kammavarigudem under the supervision of a forward caste party functionary.

The Telangana Rashtra Samithi chief said in Peddadevupalli village, Shah had food which was brought from a hotel.

Rao also said that while Shah and other BJP leaders were having lunch on the table, Dalit workers of the party were standing behind them.

Karnataka BJP leader Yeddyurappa had food reportedly brought from a hotel during his visit to the house of a Dalit in Chitradurga district of the state last week.

IANS
My life is 1%, dear death: The spooky diary of the accused in J&K DGPs killing

Anurag Tewari Murder case: Death was not accidental, says forensic report

India

oi-Chennabasaveshwar

By Chennabasaveshwar

In a major development, a forensic expert on Wednesday claimed that Karnataka cadre IAS officer Anurag Tewari's death was not accidental.

According to a report, Forensic Expert Dr. Dinesh Rao, said injuries on the body of Anurag Tewari indicated that the death was not accidental, but clearly a result of an assault. The postmortem report accessed by the channel confirms the brutal assault on Aunrag Tiwari. Cousin brother of Anurag, Rahul Pandey, iterated that Anurag was murdered. There was no clarity in what the police was saying, he added.

Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh Health Minister Siddharth Nath Singh told that SIT has been formed to investigate the matter with transparency.

Anurag Tewari was found dead in Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday morning. A 2007 batch officer was a native of Uttar Pradesh's Bahraich and has discharged duties as the Deputy Commissioner of Bidar in Karnataka. The 35-year-old officer's body was found in Hazratganj in Uttar Pradesh. His identity was established following credentials recovered from his belongings. Officials said that Tiwari's body was found near a guest house. Tiwari's body was found with injuries to the chin, suspected to have been caused when he collapsed near the guest house.

OneIndia News
Few smart cities will not make big difference, says Naidu

No scam in smart City project during Admk tenure: Former minister Cellur Raju

Things are about to get unreal for real estate investors in Coimbatore: watch out for opportunities in Coimbat

Cities must be smart to address urbanisation challenges: Venkaiah Naidu

India

pti-PTI

Jaipur, May 24: Union minister M Venkaiah Naidu on Tuesday said the countrys cities in need to be smart to address the challenges of increasing urbanisation through improved service delivery, enhanced efficiency, improved transparency and accountability.

Informing that urbanisation in India brings with it a host of environmental and humanitarian challenges, from pollution to lack of civic amenities, he said that the governments focus regarding to the Smart Cities Mission is on sustainable and inclusive development.

The Union urban development minister was addressing a seminar on Smart City Development ? Opportunities and Support towards Infrastructure Development, organised by Indo- American Chamber of Commerce.

"The objective of the mission has been to look at compact areas, create replicable models which will act as lighthouse to other aspiring cities. Technology plays an important role in addressing these challenges and technological innovation will become an integral part of urban planning, governance and management in days to come," Naidu said.

He said that "the countrys urban population is projected to increase from 370 million in 2015 to 590 million in 2030 and this unprecedented expansion would change the economic, social, and political landscape of the nation."

Naidu said, "The US, through the US Trade and Development Agency partnered with three cities - Vizag, Ajmer and Allahabad - to provide support for Smart Cities development in India."

Informing that the Smart Cities Mission creates ample investment opportunities, the minister said, "Domestic and foreign investors interested in public-private partnerships in many sectors look for opportunities in IT infrastructure, energy management, environmental sustainability, GIS mapping, engineering, and sanitation."

Private players have played an important role in the development of India's smart cities, he said.

Addressing the inaugural ceremony of Architects Regional Council Asia Forum 2017, Naidu said that "the government has launched several missions and schemes including AMRUT, Smart Cities mission, Swachh Bharat Mission, National Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana for urban infrastructure development."

"There is a major churning happening at the level of urban local bodies, setting off the process of urban renaissance in the country," the minister said.

Naidu said that his ministry has laid down the Model Building Bye Laws with 14 features including rain water harvesting, risk based classification of building, structural safety and segregated sanitations facilities for visitors in public buildings.

On the Real Estate Act, the minister said it is the most far reaching legislation enacted by Parliament seeking to safeguard the interests of lakhs of home buyers across the country.

"The Real EstateAct, 2016 seeks to create an environment of boosting investor confidence by clearly defining the roles and obligations of both the buyers and developers so that the sector can flourish with transparency, accountability and efficiency," Naidu said.

PTI

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Story first published: Wednesday, May 24, 2017, 10:26 [IST]
Truth has come out, says Sasikala in reaction to OPS's remark before panel

Jayalalithaa death probe: TN cabinet to decide on enquiry against Sasikala and others

Never interfered in medical treatment of Jayalalithaa: Sasikala denies all allegations levelled by panel

Convicted in DA case, Jayalalithaa's portrait will adorn TN assembly

India

oi-Anusha

Despite the Supreme Court upholding a lower court's verdict convicting Jayalalithaa in a disproportionate assets case, her portrait will adorn the Tamil Nadu legislative assembly. The AIADMK government will unveil Jayalalithaa's portrait on July 17.

During his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Tamil Nadu Chief minister Edappadi Palanisamy on Wednesday extended an invitation to unveil Jayalalithaa's portrait. While the Supreme Court abated the verdict against Jayalalithaa owing to her death, all other accused were convicted and sent to prison including Sasikala Natarajan.

The DMK had petitioned the Madras high court seeking directives to remove Jayalalithaa's portraits from all government offices and her name from government schemes. The Tamil Nadu government's move to unveil Jayalalithaa's portrait in a chamber of the state secretariat is all set to throw up a controversy once again.

M K Stalin had even written to the Chief secretary of Tamil Nadu asking for the removal of Jayalalithaa's portrait from the state assembly. Despite the opposition, the government is now set to unveil the portrait of the AIADMK leader who is 'constitutionally condemned' given the Supreme court's verdict.

Edappadi Palanisamy who met the Prime Minister also asked for approval of Tamil Nadu's bill seeking exemption from NEET and release of funds for the state under relief schemes.

OneIndia News
Highways within 100 km of LoC, LAC borders wont need green nod: Here is why

Defence experts hail Maj Gogoi for cotrolling situation without firing single shot

India

oi-Vikas

By Vikas

A day after Major Leetul Gogoi came out in the open to explain why he had to tie a stone pelter to jeep, Defence experts on Wednesday lauded his presence of mind for bringing situation under control without having to fire a single round.

Major Gogoi has been both criticised and praised for his act in which he tied a stone pelter to a jeep as a shield to prevent a mob from pelting stones. Major Gogoi on Tuesday said that the action was necessary, added that the man in question was instigating the stone pelters to attack the Indian Army soldiers.

Defence matters expert Praful Bakshi told news agency ANI that given the situation Major Gogoi took best course of action.

"The result of his act was neither any stone-pelting took place, nor any rounds of fire and the situation came under control," he said.

Defence expert P.K. Sehgal said 'cool headedness' shown by Maj Gogoi was 'exemplary'. Sehgal said the army officer saved lives by his timely action, adding that those pointing fingers at him should be ashamed.

Criticised by many for tying a man to an Army jeep and commended by many for his resourcefulness, Major Gogoi spoke to the media for the very first time on Tuesday and said that he only did his duty and was not afraid.

He said that the man who was tied to the jeep was standing at distance 30 meters from the vehicle and tried to flee away. Maj Gogoi suggested that the man who played victim all these days may have been a stone pelter.

"He was the person instigating stone pelters. As soon as we tied the man to the jeep, pelting of stones stopped," he said.

[I back Major Gogoi to the hilt- Period]

Major Gogoi was awarded a commendation certificate by Army Chief General Bipin Rawat for sustained efforts on counter-insurgency. The award was given for his good work in CI operations in the Valley, including this incident," a source said, adding that Gen. Rawat decided to give the Commendation during his recent visit to the Valley and it was presented to Maj Gogoi through proper channels.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Wednesday, May 24, 2017, 9:09 [IST]
Major Gogoi likely to be indicted by Army CoI for hotel incident

Major Gogoi posted out of 53 RR and attached to Victor Force

After loss of seniority, Major Gogoi will now be shifted out of Kashmir valley

FIR not quashed, investigation to continue against Major Gogoi

India

oi-Chennabasaveshwar

By Chennabasaveshwar

The Jammu and Kashmir police on Wednesday denied quashing of FIR registered against Major Leetul Gogoi a day after he was rewarded by the Indian Army for tying a man to a jeep.

Inspector General of Police for Kashmir zone Muneer Khan told a TV channel that investigation would continue based on the FIR.

'The FIR is not quashed. FIR means beginning of the investigation. The results of the investigation shared once it is over,' said Muneer Khan.

A Kashmiri youth, Farooq Ahmad Dar, was tied to the bonnet of a moving jeep in Jammu and Kashmir's Budgam on 9 April, to avoid stone pelting on the armed forces.

The Jammu and Kashmir police had registered an FIR against unnamed Army personnel on April 17 for tying Farooq Ahmad Dar of Chill Bras area in Budgam district to a jeep on April 13, the day re-poll was held for the Srinagar Lok Sabha seat. The FIR was filed under sections 342, 149, 506 and 367 of the Ranbir Penal Code.

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Story first published: Wednesday, May 24, 2017, 13:44 [IST]
UP ATS picks up two more accused in Al-Qaeda radicalisation case

Fresh bout of violence in Saharanpur: 1 dead, 24 arrested so far

India

oi-Vikas

By Vikas

Twenty-four persons have been arrested in connection with fresh bout of violence in Uttar Pradesh's Saharanpur which left one person dead, said reports.

The clash between Dalits and upper caste members, which began on May 5, erupted again on Tuesday. BSP supremeo Mayawati had visited the region on Tuesday.

According to reports, a group of Dalits allegedly threw stones at the houses of a few Rajputs in Shabbirpur before Mayawati's rally, which led to a clash-like situation.

Senior Superintendent of Police S Dubey told news agency ANI that 24 persons have been arrested so far over the clashes.

The BJP had strongly objected to Mayawati visiting the violence-hit area and urged her not to not promote caste politics and help the Yogi Adityanath administration to maintain harmony in the state.

On Tuesday, BJP leader Shrikant Sharma said that Mayawati has always used Dalits for political gains.

The violence erupted in Sharanpur on May 5 after a clash between Thakurs and Dalits. The clashes erupted after some Dalit residents in Shabbirpur raised objections over a Thakur procession that was playing loud music.

Following this around 25 houses belonging to Dalits were torched which left ober a dozen people injured. The situation worsened when the district administration refused to allow the Dalits permission to hold a 'mahapanchayat' on May 9. The gathering was called to demand compensation and relief for those affected in the May 5 clash.

At Jantar Mantar, the protestors demanded that cases be registered against those who had perpetrated violence against dalits on 9 May. They also demanded that the affected families be awarded a compensation of Rs10 lakh.

OneIndia News
No more lovers enemy? UPs anti-Romeo squad sheds its past image with help from IIM

How to be a good anti-Romeo cop: UP police's new training programme

India

oi-Oneindia

By Oneindia Staff Writer

Lucknow, May 24: After the Uttar Pradesh government received severe criticism for its much-publicised anti-Romeo squads, now, the state police department is providing training to cops to become "good" anti-Romeo policemen.

Anti-romeo squad to be called Nari Suraksha Bal: Criticism forced Yogi govt to change name?

The training programme, currently underway in Lucknow, asked police personnel to stay away from harassing young couples in public spaces. A main part of the training sessions is how to spot a "Romeo" and on how cops assigned to the squads must behave.

The newly-formed Bharatiya Janata Party government in UP started the anti-Romeo squads to protect women from eve-teasers and molesters in public spaces.

"Suppose a boy and girl are sitting together and chatting. Is that harassment? No. But suppose the girl draws a line and says I don't want to chat more and the boy persists, that is harassment," said senior officer Navneet Sikera, who is training the cops, part of these squads. Sikera added that the policemen are not against lovers.

The creation of the anti-Romeo squads was a poll promise of the BJP. While many appreciated the Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath government's initiative to protect women in the state, who often faced sexual assaults on the streets during the previous regime of the Samajwadi Party, others protested against the move as many men/boys complaint about harassment faced by them even for talking to girls/women.

A recent report by The Hindustan Times stated that the "pro-women group" will now be called as the Nari Suraksha Bal (Women Protection Force). After UP, BJP-ruled Haryana also formed a special group, Operation Durga, to protect women recently.

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Story first published: Wednesday, May 24, 2017, 7:26 [IST]
I back Major Gogoi to the hilt- Period

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

Major Leetul Gogoi has been both criticised and praised for his act in which he tied a stone pelter to a jeep as a shield to prevent a mob from pelting stones. Major Gogoi has said that the action was necessary and he also added that the man in question was instigating the stone pelters to attack the Indian Army soldiers.

As expected questions relating to human rights were raised. My question to all of you is would you have raised human rights issues had such an incident not taken place and the soldiers of the Indian Army were pelted with stones. I can very safely say, " none of you would have."

This is a very interesting and important episode. There was one person who had said, " would this not become a precedent?" He felt that letting go of Major Gogoi and then awarding him would set a wrong precedent. What does this man have to tell the stone pelters who have set a precedent to attack the Indian Army.

Major Gogoi rightly says that the Army is there for the common people. The Army helps people against those with weapons who fight against the nation. Major Gogoi did what he had to do at that moment. Had he not resorted to such action, there were several stone pelters waiting to attack the Indian Army.

When the soldiers are attacked with stones by a mob which has no rules, the Army is not supposed to fire at them. They can only fire in the air or use the pellet guns. Let us not forget that pellet guns are also being debated under the ambit of human rights.

The religious connection:

To explain what the stone pelters are thinking, one must visit the religious practise during a Hajj pilgrimage. Stone pelting is seen as a protest against the Indian Armed forces. It is one of the most significant forms of protest in the Kashmir Valley and what needs to be borne in mind is the religious significance that the protestors attach to it.

It all began in Palestine where stone pelters came out in large number to oppose the Israeli Army. Stone pelting became prominent in the Valley in 2008 during the Kashmir unrest. However, the most prominent stone pelting protest was witnessed in 2010 and since then it has become a regular occurrence. 2016 has been a very bad year for Kashmir and since the death of Burhan Wani in July, incidents of stone pelting have not stopped.

Stone pelting is not just a form of protest. In this context let us take a look at the ritual called the rami al-jamarat or Stoning the Devil. It is part of the annual ritual during the Hajj pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia. During this ritual Muslim pilgrims throw pebbles at three walls called the jamarat which is in the city of Mina, east of Mecca.

Stoning the Devil is one of the rituals acts that must be performed during Hajj. It is a reenactment of Abraham's hajj in which he stoned three pillars representing the temptation to disobey God and preserve Ishmael. As per the ritual, on the 10th day of the month of Dhu-al-HIjjah, the pilgrims must strike one of the larger pillars with seven pebbles. Once this is completed, the pilgrim must shave their hair. On each of the following two days, the pilgrim must hit each of the three walls with seven pebbles. There are 49 pebbles needed for the ritual.

When the Army is being seen as the devil by some Pakistan sponsored Kashmiris, actions such as the one taken by Major Gogoi are fully justified. Spare a thought for the soldier. It is not easy out there and hence I rest my case by saying, I back Major Gogoi to the hilt-period."

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Story first published: Wednesday, May 24, 2017, 7:45 [IST]
Another targeted killing: Two non-locals killed in targeted attack in J&K

40 down and counting: Forces on the verge of wiping out Pakistani terrorists in Valley

Terrorist involved in terrorising Pandits in Valley gunned down

Mubin did it in Coimbatore: Why do Islamist terrorists shave their body before a suicide mission

DGP Kerala orders FIR against The Kerala Story after TN journalist forwards complaint to CM

J&K: Grenade attack on CRPF, SOG camp in Shopian, three injured

India

oi-Madhuri

Three civilians was injured on Wednesday after terrorists hurled grenade on CRPF and SOG camp in Imam Sahab area of Shopian district in Jammu and Kashmir.

According to sources, the injured civilian has been identified as Umer Rashid. The militants hurled grenade on SoG camp which missed the target and exploded on road injuring one civilian.

Earlier today, J&K bank's security guard foils attempt of bank loot by throwing chilli powder in eyes of terrorists in Shopian.

OneIndia News
Kashmir: 9 policemen have joined militants in the last six months

India

oi-Anusha

Nine policemen have joined militants in the last six months in the valley said Munir Khan, IGP, Kashmir. While the number of youngsters joining militants in the valley has been on the rise since 2014, policemen fleeing with weapons has become an alarming trend.

Just in the last six months, at least nine men from Jammu and Kashmir police force have joined militants. While it was heartening to see close to 3,000 youngsters turning up for police recruitment drives as recently as May 11, instances of men in uniform making away with weapons and joining militants have raised concerns.

The latest incident of constable Syed Naveed Mushtaq fleeing with rifles and joining the Hizbul Mujahideen has set alarm bells ringing. "Our field operational commander, Mehmood Ghaznavi, has welcomed Syed Naveed for joining the militant organisation to fight Indian occupational forces in Kashmir," Burhan-u-Din, a spokesperson for the militant group had told Kashmir News Service after the constable made away with INSAS rifles.

Syed Naveed Mushtaq was posted at a godown of the Food Corporation of India in Budgam. While fleeing he took his own INSAS rifle as well as those belonging to three other policemen.

Oneindia news
Kashmir or Maoists: Modi would use the muscular policy in year four

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

Three years have gone by since Narendra Modi took over as the Prime Minister of India. It has been an eventful three years no doubt and his primary focus has been around the economy and black money. What do we expect in the fourth year.

Two key issues must be taken up with utmost seriousness and a permanent solution found in his fourth year in office. They are the Kashmir issue and the naxalite problem. Both are issues of key importance and if not acted upon will continue to threaten the security fabric of India.

Top officials in the government confirm that at least 60 per cent of the policy in the fourth year will be dedicated to these issues. These issues are burning and can only get worse if not acted upon immediately. The policy is likely to be muscular in nature, but the government wants a solution at the earliest.

Protests are never-ending in the Valley. The infiltrations had gone up and there are 200 terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir. The first action was seen when the Army announced on Tuesday that it had hit a post in Pakistan which aided infiltrations.

There would be back-channel talks with those who want to talk in the ambit of the Indian Constitution the official said. However it would be the government which will set the terms for talks and not the separatists, the official also said.

Another sign that showed that the government wants a solution to the Kashmir problem through a muscle policy was when the Army rewarded Major Gogoi after he used a human shield against stone pelters. This comes just a few days after the NIA registered a Preliminary Enquiry against the separatists who are receiving funds from Pakistan to fuel the unrest.

Naxal policy:

The Home Ministry is also seriously working on its anti-naxal policy. Here too the policy would be a muscular one. From advancing technology to fight the problem to taking the naxals head-on the Modi government would go that extra mile this year to ensure that the menace is eradicated.

The policy would also include tracking down the urban naxalites who are the brains behind the movement. Only recently a naxalite had openly proclaimed that he was the go-in-between man for a Delhi University professor and the Maoist leaders.

Security forces lost 59 personnel in the first four months of 2017, against 31 during the same period last year. Moreover the naxals have also fine-tuned their counter-offensive strategy after suffering huge setbacks last year. These issues are being addressed seriously the official also said.

Apart from coordinating better with the states, the government would also give security forces a free hand and more teeth to deal with the problem. The MHA had said that the naxals are trying to expand to newer areas. While this is a major concern, the entire focus of the Modi sarkar in year four would be to take the naxalites head-on.

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Story first published: Wednesday, May 24, 2017, 8:16 [IST]
Mamata to raise Ganga erosion problem with Modi

India

ians-IANS

By Ians

Kolkata, May 24: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has sought an appointment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss the Ganga erosion issue during her visit to Delhi beginning Wednesday.

Banerjee was scheduled to hold a meeting with Congress President Sonia Gandhi and other opposition leaders in Delhi on Friday to finalise a common non-BJP candidate for the presidential elections in July.

Banerjee, speaking to the media before leaving for the national capital at the city airport, said that she has asked for an appointment with the Prime Minister within the next two days.

She expected to meet Modi either on Wednesday or Thursday and discuss river problems affecting the people, including the Ganga erosion issue.

Claiming that the state was not getting adequate Central aid in certain areas, the Trinamool Congress supremo said she would try to sort out the problem.

"There are some areas where we are not getting funds. I will talk on that. Whenever I go to Delhi at least once or twice I meet him in a year. That is our routine and that is a courtesy. That's why I have asked for his time," she said.

IANS

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Story first published: Wednesday, May 24, 2017, 16:35 [IST]
Next President of India: Decision by opposition on Friday

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

The opposition's candidate for the next President of India will be decided on Friday. Leaders of the opposition will meet on Friday to decide on a joint candidate to fight the presidential polls in July.

The talk of a consensus candidate gained momentum after Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar backed a second term for incumbent Pranab Mukherjee, though the Congress so far has been non-committal on a second term for him. His term comes to an end on July 14 and the polls need to be held before that.

The opposition which is largely united on this issue is now trying to bring into its fold both the Samajwadi Party and the Bahujan Samaj Party. There are also feelers being sent out to the BJD on this issue.

Currently the names doing the rounds are that of Gopal Krishna Gandhi, Sharad Yadav and Meira Kumar. The name of Sharad Pawar too was discussed, but he has ruled himself out.

Congress' communications department chief Randeep Surjewala had said, "All opposition parties including the Congress will work to build a consensus for a candidate with unquestionable record of dedication and commitment to the founding principles of Constitution, bereft of political colour or pressure from the ruling dispensation."

The BJP on the other hand is yet to announce a candidate. Several names have been doing the rounds which include Jharkhand Governor, Draupadi Murmu. The name of RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat too had cropped up, but he has ruled himself out of the race. The BJP is short of 20,000 electoral college votes and would need the support of the AIADMK and the BJD to elect a candidate of its choice as the next President of India.

OneIndia News
Nitish Kumar to launch campaign against dowry, child marriage

India

pti-PTI

Patna, May 24: After enforcing a total liquor ban, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Wednesday said that his government would launch an intensive campaign against dowry and child marriage on Gandhi Jayanti.

"From the birth anniversary of Gandhiji on October two we will launch an intensive campaign against social evils like dowry and child marriage," Kumar said addressing a function on the 141th anniversary of Saint Gadge at Begusarai.

"We need to get rid of child marriage. Marriage of a girl should not take place before 18 years and that of boy before 21 years as per the existing law. A lot of problems emanate as a result of child marriage," he said.

The CM said dowry was another menace gripping the society. "Earlier, it (dowry) was prevalent among affluent sections of society, but now it has become a practice in all sections of society. This is a social evil which needs to be done away with," he said.

Earlier, he unveiled a statue of social worker Piyushendu Gupta at Viplavi library in the Matihani block of Begusarai. Gupta is the father of noted economist Saibal Gupta, founder of Asian Development Research Institute.

PTI
Only BJP can build Telangana of freedom fighter's dreams: BJP chief

India

ians-IANS

By Ians

Hyderabad, May 24: BJP chief Amit Shah on Wednesday said only his party could build Telangana as dreamt by the freedom fighters who fought against the razakars.

Addressing a public meeting at Gundrampally village in Nalgonda district, Shah said that "only a Bharatiya Janata Party government in the state could realize the dreams of martyrs and freedom fighters."

"Have you achieved a Telangana which is free from poverty and prosperous," he asked the villagers adding that only the BJP under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership could ensure this.

On the final day of his three-day visit to Telangana, the BJP president visited the village and paid tributes to the people, who were killed by 'razakars', the private militia which fought for the nizam of the erstwhile Hyderabad State.Shah met the family members of the martyrs and some freedom fighters.

He said that over 160 innocents were massacred in this village. "I just saw a photo exhibition which shows the atrocities committed on our mothers, sisters and children. When the country was celebrating independence, these atrocities were being committed in Telangana and parts of present day Maharashtra and Karnataka."

The BJP leader said that because of the struggle by the people of Telangana and the firm stand taken by iron man Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel that Telangana became a part of India.

He criticized the Congress and Telangana Rashtra Samithi for asking what the BJP would get by recalling the atrocities committed by razakars.

"I want to tell them that the BJP will always remember the heroic struggle of the people of Telangana and we cannot forget the atrocities committed by razakars," he said.

Shah said that his visit was aimed at making BJP strong in every village and every booth so that Telangana becomes a stronghold of the party.

He introduced three booth level leaders, mandal, district and state presidents of the BJP at the public meetings and told people that BJP leaders from booth level to the national level had come together to appeal to them to make Telangana a stronghold of the party.

IANS

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Story first published: Wednesday, May 24, 2017, 13:54 [IST]
IAF rejects Pak's claim of flying jets near Siachen

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

Pakistani fighter jets have flown close to the Siachen glacier and forward bases have been activated, reports in the Pakistan media claim. Reports also stated that the Mirage fighter jets of country's air force flew over Siachen as part of a war exercise. This was however flatly denied by the Indian Air Force. The IAF said that there has been no airspace violation at Siachen as is being reported by the Pakistan media.

The Pakistan media reported that the event was inspected by air force chief Sohail Aman. He also visited forward air base in Skardu today. The air force chief was accompanied by other top Pakistan air force officers. A fighter squadron carried out higher and lower altitude flights in Siachen, reports also stated.

The move by Pakistan comes a day after the Indian Army released a video of Pakistan posts being pounded. India termed it as a punitive fire assault.

Samaa TV reported that all of its forward operating bases have been made fully operational. Attributing the information to sources in the Pakistan Air Force, the report said that Mirage jets of PAF are part of exercises since the forward base was made operational.

According to PAF, Aman met the pilots and technical staff of the fighting force. Air Chief Sohail Aman himself flew a Mirage jet on the occasion as well, the report also stated.

OneIndia News
Palaniswami invites Modi to be chief guest at events to honour Jaya, MGR

India

pti-PTI

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to be the chief guest at two events to honour late AIADMK stalwarts and former chief ministers M G Ramachandran and J Jayalalithaa. A portrait of Jayalalithaa will be unveiled in the chambers of the Tamil Nadu assembly in July, while a valedictory function of party founder MGR's birth centenary celebrations will be held in Chennai in December.

"We have extended an invitation to the unveiling of portrait of J Jayalalithaa and also to the centenary celebrations of MGR," Palaniswami rpt Palaniswami told reporters after a nearly hour-long meeting with the PM at his residence. "There were no discussions on politics. I had submitted a memorandum to the PM raising several state-specific issues," he added.

Release of pending funds from the Centre, exemption of TN students from NEET and the setting up of an AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences) in the state were some of the demands mentioned in the memorandum. He also urged the PM to direct the Kerala government to roll back its plans to construct check dams across the Bhavani river, he said.

The Tamil Nadu CM's interaction with Modi came five days after former chief minister O Panneerselvam's meeting with the PM. OPS too had denied discussing politics with Modi. Palaniswami had also written a letter to Modi asking him to allot a date convenient for him to attend MGR's birth centenary celebration. In a separate letter, he invited him to unveil the portrait of J Jayalalithaa.

The decision to unveil the portrait in the state assembly was taken at a cabinet meeting in December 2016 chaired by then chief minister O Panneerselvam, who revolted against AIADMK chief VK Sasikala in February, before going on to lead a faction in the ruling party. Palaniswami succeeded him as chief minister later that month.

PTI
The press conference about the upcoming 2017 Cultural and Natural Heritage Day was held at the Ministry of Culture, Beijing, May 23, 2017. [Photo by Li Hongrui/Chinaculture.org]

The Ministry of Culture announced that the upcoming 2017 Cultural and Natural Heritage Day will include over 1,700 activities at a press conference on Tuesday.

Wang Chenyang, deputy director-general of the intangible cultural heritage department under the Ministry of Culture, introduced the theme and important activities for this year's event.

Zhai Deyu, deputy director-general of the Bureau for External Cultural Relations of the Ministry of Culture, and Zhou Siyuan, director-general of the department of culture of Sichuan province, also released details on the 6th International Festival of the Intangible Cultural Heritage that will be held in Chengdu from June 10 to 18.

Cultural and Natural Heritage Day, focusing on the theme of dynamic intangible cultural heritage inheritance, will be held nationwide as a collective showcase of achievements on intangible cultural heritage protection since the 18th CPC National Congress. The festival in Chengdu will feature a series of exhibitions, international forums, competitions and performances.

Organized by the Ministry of Culture, each province and autonomous region will have their own activities to promote intangible cultural heritage protection, including a carnival in Shanghai and an intangible cultural heritage exhibition held by Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei.

The ministry will cooperate with China Central Television and China National Radio to create a series of special programs for Cultural and Natural Heritage Day.

Compared to events in previous years, this year's event will focus on the inheritance and promotion of traditional Chinese culture according to President Xi Jinping's speeches. And it will focus on many creative transformations and innovative developments of traditional culture, with more attractive and accessible activities. This event will also engage with more social participants, especially major media outlets that will contribute to the promotion of intangible cultural heritage safeguarding.

In 2006, the second Saturday of every June was marked as Cultural Heritage Day by the State Council. And the name of the festival was officially changed to Cultural and Natural Heritage Day in 2016. The Ministry of Culture has held a series of activities that center on intangible cultural heritage protection on that day in previous years.
IRCTC update: 151 trains cancelled on Nov 09; here is the complete list

Delhi AQI remains 'very poor' but parts of NCR breathe better

Presidential polls: Mamata to visit Delhi, plans to discuss on joint candidate

India

oi-Gulam Rabbani

New Delhi, May 24: As West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is again coming to Delhi on Wednesday evening, the opposition parties are expected to have serious deliberations to decide on a joint candidate for the presidential election this week, said a senior opposition leader.

According to the leader, who did not want to be identified, Banerjee will meet leaders from all major parties to build a consensus on the joint candidate for the presidential election.

There will be a series of meetings of opposition leaders this week.

Among the names doing the rounds as consensus candidates of opposition are of former Governor Gopalkrishna Gandhi and former Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar.

Banerjee met Congress President Sonia Gandhi last week and conveyed that her party was in favour of a consensus candidate for the presidential election.

The term of President Pranab Mukherjee ends in July. The ruling BJP-led National Democratic Alliance, which has clear edge in the presidential election, has not given any inkling so far on its choice of candidate.

Gandhi has been contacting leaders opposed to the ruling BJP to evolve a consensus.

She has spoken to Samajwadi Party leader Mulayam Singh Yadav and RJD chief Lalu Prasad and met JD-U leader and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar, Communist Party of India-Marxist leader Sitaram Yechury and National Conference leader Omar Abdullah.

The Congress chief is also expected to meet Bahujan Samaj Party supremo Mayawati.

DMK leader Kanimozhi also met Gandhi and invited her for her father and DMK chief M. Karunanidhi's 94th birthday celebrations in Chennai on June 3, when another meeting of opposition leaders is likely to take place.

On May 16, Mamata met Sonia Gandhi. The Presidential election was prime agenda in the meeting between the two leaders.

Speaking to the media after the meet, Mamata Banerjee said that the two discussed multiple political issues, "President election was also discussed along with political issues but no discussion was held on the name for the elections," she added.

According to the sources, Sonia Gandhi had invited her on the phone to discuss the presidential elections. Banerjee, who was in Delhi also met with leaders from other parties like Janata Dal-United, Rashtriya Janata Dal and other parties.

But the political alignment is creating a kind of uneasiness in Kolkata, where Congress supports the arch- enemy of state's ruling Trinamool Congress. The two parties are trying to play down the impression by shaking hands. It is said that ahead of the meeting, Bengal Congress chief Adhir Choudhury wrote to Sonia Gandhi advising her to deal carefully with Mamata, discussion of anything could injure the Congress in the state.

With President Pranab Mukherjee's term set to end in July, Congress Chief Sonia Gandhi has met leaders of several parties in the last few weeks to discuss the possibility of a joint candidate for the upcoming presidential polls.

OneIndia News ( With Agency inputs)

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Story first published: Wednesday, May 24, 2017, 10:18 [IST]
Bharat Jodo Yatra will proceed to Srinagar, come what may, says Rahul Gandhi as march enters Maharashtra

Rahul Gandhi meets tribal leaders, discusses their concerns

India

ians-IANS

By Ians English

New Delhi, May 24: Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday met the party's tribal leaders from different parts of the country and sought to know the challenges they face and their perception about the party, and discussed ways to protect the interests of tribal communities.

The tribal leaders whom Gandhi met, however, did not include those from the northeastern states. He also sought inputs from the leaders as to how to improve the party's Scheduled Castes and Tribes department.

"Very useful meeting with tribal leaders of Congress. Discussed issues of tribal welfare and ways to protect the interests of tribal communities," tweeted Gandhi on his official Twitter account.

A senior Congress leader said Gandhi wanted to know their pain areas, their perception about the Congress party, what impediments were coming in the way of tribals' growth in various states and whether they were happy with the Congress in terms of taking up the tribals' cause.

"Be it mining operations, displacement of tribals... He (Gandhi) wanted to know whether the party is taking up those issues in the right manner. He wanted to hear their problems directly from the tribal leaders," he added.

IANS
No compensation for human shield Dar in Kashmir: Here is why

Man who was used as human shield in J&K was on poll duty

Real braveheart is Farooq Dar: Kashmiri journos come in support of man tied to a jeep

India

oi-Oneindia

By Oneindia Staff Writer

Srinagar, May 24: Several journalists working in Kashmir on Tuesday came out in support of the Kashmiri man who was tied to an army jeep in April.

Honour for Major Gogoi: 'Was I an animal?' questions Kashmiri man tied to jeep

The journalists took to Twitter to convey the "reality" behind the entire episode at a time when Major Leetul Gogoi of 53 Rashtriya Rifles alleged that Farooq Ahmad Dar was instigating the crowd to pelt stones against the army jawans and was thus forced to use the man as a human shield to save civilian lives.

The entire episode of "human shield" once again started hogging the limelight after Major Gogoi was awarded the Army Chief's Commendation Card on Monday.

These are what some of the journalists from Kashmir tweeted in support of Dar:

The real braveheart is Farooq Dar, who braved violence & boycott calls to go out & vote. But we've rewarded the man who violated his rights  Aditya Menon (@AdityaMenon22) May 23, 2017

The 'human shield' man Farooq Dar tells us in his village that he will never vote in elections again.Says he wasn't a stone pelter.  Shuja-ul-haq (@ShujaUH) May 23, 2017

See, 2% Kashmiris voted on the re-polling day in Budgam, Kashmir. Farooq Dar, whom the Indian army tied to jeep front, was one of them.  Gowhar Geelani (@gowhargeelani) May 23, 2017

Farooq Dar:"I voted for them & defied boycott call.this is what they gave me in return.I will never vote again.It was last mistake"  Nazir Masoodi (@nazir_masoodi) May 23, 2017

Dar, who was severely injured in the incident, told local reporters, "Why would I pelt stones when I had voted?" He added that the Election Commission could check whether he voted or not on April 9 Srinagar Lok Sabha bypolls.

The video of Dar tied to the bonnet of an army jeep with a placard shocked several across the country. However, many, including defence experts and politicians, have hailed Major Gogoi for adopting "non-violent" measures to fight stone pelting in the Valley.

Even after the passage of more than a month since the incident took place on April 9, Dar is said to be still suffering from physical and mental trauma. Speaking to reporters after the incident, Dar said that he was not a stone pelter.

The resident of Chil village in Beerwah sub-district said he was caught by the army after he went to cast his vote in the Srinagar Lok Sabha bypolls. He added, "I thrashed severely with gun butts and wooden sticks and in an almost unconscious state tied to the front of the jeep and paraded."

The commendation card for Major Gogoi was given for "sustained efforts" in counter insurgency operations, Army officials said. However, Major Gogoi was not honoured for the human shield incident. In fact, the army is conducting an internal probe into the human shield episode for allegedly violating the 1949 Geneva Conventions.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Wednesday, May 24, 2017, 9:27 [IST]
Saharanpur violence: SSP, DM sacked for failing to control clashes

India

oi-Anusha

Following a fresh bout of violence in Saharanpur, the Uttar Pradesh government has sacked Senior Superintendent of Police SC Dubey and District Magistrate Nagendar Parsad Singh. The police officer and senior bureaucrat have been ousted from their posts over 'inability to control violence in the wake of clashes between two communities in the area'.

SC Dubey was posted as SSP in April during a major rejig by the Yogi Adityanath government. Less than a month after he was posted as the Saharanpur SSP, SC Dubey has been shunted out. SC Dubey was carefully posted to Saharanpur in place of SSP Luv Kumar who had handled the sensitive locality tactfully. The former SSP of Saharanpur, Luv Kumar was transferred after his tiff with a BJP MLA. He was, however, posted to Noida, in a better role. Nagendar Parsad Singh was also posted as the district magistrate in the recent rejig.

One person from the Dalit community was killed in fresh clashes that broke out in Saharanpur after BSP supremo, Mayawati's visit on Tuesday. At least 24 people were arrested as clashes broke out between two communities. On Tuesday, a group of Dalits allegedly threw stones at the houses of a few Rajputs in Shabbirpur before Mayawati's rally, which led to a clash-like situation. Saharanpur has witnessed caste clashes multiple times in the recent past.

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Central team roped in as dengue cases in Bihar rise to over 5000

Bihar's Gopalganj by-poll to see a tough fight between BJP and RJD

SC to hear plea on Bihar liquor ban on May 29

India

oi-Gulam Rabbani

New Delhi, May 24: The apex court on Wednesday decided to hear the plea on May 29, on the extension of a deadline for moving liquor stocks out of Bihar.

According to reports, various liquor manufacturers reached the Supreme Court seeking an extension of the May 31 deadline for moving liquor stocks out Bihar.

On May 21, the top court refused to extend the license of four liquor companies in the state.

The court had also asked the Patna high court to set up a bench and hear the matter in a time-bound system and dispose of it by May 10.

A bench led by Justice Dipak Mishra, however, refused to grant any permission for the companies on the same.

In January, the state government approached the top court and had sought transfer of plea against the liquor ban legislation from the Patna high court.

It is to recall that the liquor companies had moved to Patna high court against the liquor ban.

In the new legislation on liquor ban, it had directed to ban the sale and consumption of liquor which includes Indian Made Foreign Liquor, spiced and domestic liquor, It had warned that the prescribers would be subjected to harsher punishment for possession and consumption of liquor.

In October 2016, the top court had stayed the state high court's order quashing the notification banning consumption and sale of liquor in Bihar.

However, the court had admitted Nitish Kumar-led Bihar government's plea and issued a notice to Confederation of Alcoholic Beverage Companies on the same.

Bihar government approached the top court and challenged the high court's order of striking down the Bihar Prohibition of Liquor Act.

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Story first published: Wednesday, May 24, 2017, 15:00 [IST]
Bountiful rains

Like the rest of the country, Karnataka is also expected to witness an average 96 percent rainfall. Unlike last year when rains were affected due to the El Nino effect, no such shortages will be witnessed this time around.

Monsoon arrives

The South-west monsoon will arrive in Kerala on May 30 according to IMD predictions. The department has, however, also added that the state may witness rainfall three days after the arrival of the Monsoon. Another three days later, Karnataka will witness rainfall, according to the Met department's predictions.

Farmers have reason to smile

Farmers across the country have been affected by drought and its aftereffects. At a time when farmer suicides have become a daily affair, timely arrival of monsoons and predictions of bountiful rains have come as a relief. The Karnataka met department has allowed farmers to register themselves on the website. A registered farmer can receive information on weather forecast and plan his farm activities accordingly.

What is a rainfall deficit?

Despite predictions of 96 percent average rainfall and 4 percent variation, this year's South-west monsoon is being treated as satisfactory. When rainfall is lesser than 19 percent of an average, it is considered a deficit. Chikmagalur in Karnataka witnessed rainfall of 106.2 cm while the average rainfall is 165.7 cm. The deficit is -36 and hence considered a drought.

How is rain measured?

Rain gauge installed at district or taluk levels are used to measure rainfall in that particular locality. The installations are generally present at either city, town areas and measuring rain in rural areas have always been a cause of concern. Every state's MET department have installations to gauge rainfall and the same information is referred to while deciding if a state has been hit by drought. While measuring rainfall in villages has always been a concern,m information from the nearest installation is considered while drought relief.

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Tamil Nadu: Heavy rains in several parts of Tamil Nadu in next 2 days

Tamil Nadu CM Palaniswami writes to Modi on TN issues

India

ians-IANS

By Ians English

Chennai, May 24: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K. Palaniswami on Wednesday urged the central government to urgently attend to nine issues related to the southern state.

In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the text of which was released to the media here, Palaniswami drew the former's attention to pending issues like approval for the state's Bills seeking exemption from National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test for state government seat quota; setting up of All India Institute of Medical Sciences; release of pending claims under the National Agriculture Insurance Scheme (Rs 168.66 crore) and the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), among others.

Palaniswami also sought the central government's clearance for Rs 14,500 crore for the National Project for Improvement and Rehabilitation of Irrigation systems in the Cauvery Basin.

Palaniswami said the project will bring benefits for around 6.5 lakh hectares of agricultural land. The other issues raised by Palaniswami in his letter are: construction of dams/check dams across Bhavani river by Kerala; interlinking of peninsular rivers (Pamba-Achankoil-Vaippar link); central government support for Kudimaramath, an age-old practice of people's participation in management of water resources; release of pending grants to Tamil Nadu; and release of boats belonging to Indian fishermen by Sri Lanka.

In another letter, Palaniswami invited Modi as the chief guest at a function to unveil a portrait of late Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa in the assembly chamber in July 2017.

Palaniswami also invited Modi for the valedictory event of birth centenary celebrations of AIADMK founder and late Chief Minister M.G. Ramachandran proposed to be held here between December 15 and 31.

IANS
Telugu actor Chalapathi Rao makes derogatory remarks against women, draws flak

India

oi-Gulam Rabbani

Hyderabad, May 24: Telugu veteran actor Tammareddy Chalapathi Rao was slammed by the celebrities on the social media and through means of other media after he allegedly stated that 'women only fit to sleep with men' during a pre-release of a Tollywood movie 'Rarandoi Veduka Chudham' produced by Akkineni Nagarjuna and in which his son Naga Chaitanya will be playing the lead role, Chalapathi was asked whether women are harmful or not, responding to the statement, he said that 'Ammayilu hanikaram kadu... kani pakkaloki paniki vastharu' ( Women are not dangerous but are fit to sleep with men).

The question was asked based on the dialogue of Naga Chaitanya in the movie trailer where he says 'girls are injurious to peace of mind'.

Soon after his derogatory comments, he drew flak. Film producer Nagarjuna immediately distanced himself from the veteran actor saying these were not his views.

The social media like Twitter and Facebook too condemned the remarks. Actor Nagarjuna took to his Twitter handle and said he always respected women personally and in his films. The producer of the film also added that he definitely did not agree with what Chalapathi Rao's derogatory remarks.

"I always respect women personally and in my films/I definitely do not agree wt Chalapati rao's derogatory comments/dinosaurs do not exist!!" said Narajuna in a tweet.

The co-star Rakul Preet Singh too took to her Twitter and said that she did not understand what the veteran actor was speaking about but later with the buzz around about his comments she understood it was a derogatory remark against the women.

Rakul also said if she would know the language she would have given the response on the stage itself and condemned the remarks made by Rao.

"Apologies 4 a late response 2 #ChalapathiRao comments!wish I understood d exact meanin of it then.I condemn it n my off stmnt wil b out soon," tweeted Rakul Preet.

On Tuesday evening, the veteran actor apologised in presence of Sivaji Raja and Naresh, president and general secretary of Movie Artists Association.

The MAA officials said that they would convene a general body meeting and set up a system to assure such incidents do not occur in future.

On the other hand, a criminal case was registered in the Saroornagar police of Rachakonda Commissionerate near Hyderabad on a complaint form a social activist Kalpana Dayala. Rao was booked under section 354A (4) and 509 of IPC.

How Rao defended his remarks

After being slammed by the celebrities online and offline, Rao took to his Twitter handle and defended his statement saying that he never meant to give such a statement, adding that there is a double meaning for every in Telugu which was misinterpreted by a news and later spread like cancer in other media.

He said that he always respected woman and he said people should have condemned the question which was asked to him 'are women dangerous'.

He added that he feels every woman as his sister, mother and never had the intention to degrade them.

The film 'Rarandoi Veduka Chudham will hit the screens later this year.

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Story first published: Wednesday, May 24, 2017, 12:41 [IST]
These are the 6 weapons which India used to pound Pak Army posts

India

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

The Pakistan Army was hit badly after India pounded posts across the Line of Control which were helping terrorists infiltrate into Jammu and Kashmir. The operation was the need of the hour considering Pakistan was stepping up infiltrations in a bid to further the unrest in the Valley.

The Army termed the strike on the Pakistan posts as a punitive fire assault. In all there were six weapons that were used to carry out the strikes. Army officials say that the post that was hit was instrumental in providing cover fire for terrorists who were infiltrating into the Valley. More such strikes would be carried out the Army has also said.

Here are the weapons that the Army used to hit Pakistan:

130 mm artillery guns: It may be recalled that the Army had used the Bofors guns to hit Pakistan Army posts in October last following the killing of Sepoy Mandeep Singh at the Macchil sector. The 130 mm artillery guns were used in the direct-firing mode.

106 mm recoilless gun: This gun is used against armoured targets such as tanks. This weapon can be fired from the ground or from a mounted vehicle. ZIt fires one round per minute. It has a range of more than 3 km.

Anti-tank guided missiles: The ATGMs are capable of destroying armoured vehicles and bunkers 2.5 kms away. These missiles have been built by the Bharat Dynamics Limited under license from French and Russian firms.

Anti-aircraft guns: The Zu-23-2B anti-aircraft guns have the capability to hit an aerial target and targets on the ground as well. It has a range of 2.5 km.

Automatic grenade launcher: These grenades can hit targets more than 2 km away. These Russian origin AGS-30 grenade launchers were used to hit the Pakistan Army's positions.

Rocket launchers: The army used very extensively the 84 mm Carl-Gustav rocket launchers to target Pakistani posts. It is capable of destroying a target 1 km away.

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Story first published: Wednesday, May 24, 2017, 12:55 [IST]
To strengthen 'weak' BJP in TN, Amit Shah wants Rajinikanth to join the saffron party

India

oi-Oneindia

By Oneindia Staff Writer

New Delhi, May 24: Although it is still not clear whether Rajinikanth would join politics or not, the Bharatiya Janata Party very much want the veteran actor to join them to strengthen its base in Tamil Nadu.

Joke comes true. Rajinikanth not joining politics, politics joining him

After Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, the BJP president Amit Shah welcomed the 66-year-old actor to join the saffron party after he recently hinted at joining politics.

In an interview to CNN-News18, Shah admitted that the party was weak in the state.

"We welcome every good individual in the party. The final decision has to be taken by Rajinikanth ji," Shah said.

"As of now, our party is weak in the state. We will publicise the central government's policies and good governance to improve our base in the state."

Only two days ago, Gadkari commenting on Rajinikanth's possible entry into politics, said, "He is welcome in politics and it is my request to him to think about the BJP. There is an appropriate place for him in the BJP."

"These are all important political questions. Neither am I the authority nor am I the decision maker. The party president and party parliament board will make a decision," Gadkari said about the kind of position to be offered to the actor by the BJP.

Recently, the Kabali actor told his fans at a meeting in Chennai that it is "the god's will" if he would join politics or not. The superstar clarified that if he ever joins politics he would keep "bad" people away from him.

Since that time speculations are rife that Rajinikanth might join the saffron party as he shares good rapport with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

However, when he was asked if he was joining the BJP, Rajinikanth decided not to answer the query of the reporters. Many, including his old friends, say that the actor is planning to float a new party to make his entry into politics.

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Story first published: Wednesday, May 24, 2017, 11:49 [IST]
Burqa clad woman who hurled bomb at CRPF camp is member of rabid Asiya Andrabi headed Dukhtaran-e-Milat

X, Y, Z, Z+ and SPG: The whys and hows of security categories in India

In a first, CRPF appoints 2 women cadre officers as IG of RAF, Bihar sector

Top CRPF official claims fake encounter in Assam, says militants were already in custody

India

oi-Vikas

By Vikas

A top official in the CRPF has claimed that two suspected militants of the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (Songbijit) were not killed in an encounter, but were in custody when security forces shot them dead, said reports.

Central Reserve Police Force Inspector General Rajnish Rai, in a report sent to Assam Chief Secretary V. K. Pipersenia, has raised serious questions about the manner in which security forces operated in this particular case.

The forces had claimed that two NDFB(s) terrorists were killed and a large cache of arms and ammunition was seized during an encounter at Assam's Chirang district.

Rai, who is in-charge of the anti-insurgency force in Assam and other parts of the Northeast, refutes this and states that the two men were picked from another village much earlier. The report also says that only a Chinese-made grenade was seized from them while the rest of the weapons were planted, an NDTV report claimed.

Rai calls for striking balance between individual human rights and societal interests, terming it as key in combating insurgency.

He says that it is immaterial that what background detained individuals are from, asserting that they must be sujected to 'due process of law'.

The report states that security forces committed 'pre-planned murders' and presented it as some 'brave act of professional achievement'. Rai further called it 'cruelest forms of human rights abuse'.

The militants have been identified as Lukus Narzary and David Islary.

The report has also been sent to chiefs of the CRPF, Sashastra Seema Bal and the state police.

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Story first published: Wednesday, May 24, 2017, 14:55 [IST]
Importance of AMCA program: Why is it key for IAF's future?

What really ails the Sukhoi, India's premier fighter

India

oi-Vikas SV

By Vikas

The Sukhoi-30MKI is a twinjet multirole fighter aircraft developed by Russia's Sukhoi and built under licence by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the Indian Air Force (IAF).

One of the Sukhoi-30MKIs flown by a squadron leader and flight lieutenant went missing near the China border on Tuesday. The fighter jet went missing soon after getting airborne from Tezpur. No trace of the twin-engine fighter or the two pilots was found till late Tuesday night despite a major search operation.

Sukhoi-30MKIs, which are the latest and the most potent fighters in IAF's combat fleet, have had technical issues in the past. This incident is worrisome since the IAF has already lost seven of the 240 Sukhoi-30MKIs.

Sukhoi fleets were grounded in April 2009 and December 2011 after crashes in Pokhran region of Rajasthan and Wade-Bholai village near Pune respectively.

Sukhoi fighter taking off at Air Force Station Thanjavur The first Sukhoi-30MKI crashed on April 30, 2009, in the Pokhran region of Rajasthan killing one pilot.The fleet was grounded for around three weeks. It was found during the investigation that the crash was caused by the incorrect position of critical switches behind the pilots. Modifications were then made in the fighter to rectify the problem. On November 30, 2009, another Sukhoi-30MKI crashed in Jathegaon, some 40 km from Jaisalmer. The crew ejected safely while the cause of crash was attributed to accidental ingestion of a foreign material in the engine intake. Sukhoi-30 MKI during 64th Republic Day celebrations On December 13, 2011, a Sukhoi-30 MKI crashed 20kms from Pune at Wade-Bholai village. The crew ejected safely and the post crash investigation revealed that it was due to a malfunction in the fly-by-wire system. Sukhoi touching down on Agra-Lucknow expressway On February 19, 2013, a Su-30MKI crashed at the Pokhran range during the rehearsal of the Iron Fist Exercise. The aircraft's right wing exploded soon after completing a training mission. Both the crew ejected safely. A Sukhoi flyby manoeuver in the sky On October 14, 2014, another Sukhoi crashed20 kms off Pune's Lohegaon Air Force Station. Both the pilots ejected safely and a team of Russian experts came to Idnia the following month to evaluate Sukhoi fleet. Investigation revealed that pilots were ejected out of the aircraftdue to a fault in the ejection system. Sukhoi firing a missile during 'Exercise Iron Fist' On March 15, 2015, a Sukhoi-30MKI crashed near Barmer in Rajasthan while undertaking a routine training sortie. Both the pilots ejected safely.

It may be recalled that in 2016 when Manohar Parrikar was defence minister he had admitted that the Sukhois did have a problem.

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Talented, driven and great potential: President Putin is all praise for India and Indians

After surgical strikes, Pak now denies India's punitive fire assault on its posts

International

oi-Gulam Rabbani

By Gulam Rabbani

New Delhi, May 24: After India's punitive action on Pakistani posts, the Pakistani Army on Tuesday night released a video of its allegedly destroying Indian posts in Nowshera Sector on May 13.

According to reports, Pakistani Army uploaded the footage at 9:40 pm that displayed several clips of thick smoke and blasts, claiming that it struck Indian posts in a befitting reply on May 13.

Taking to Twitter handle Pakistan official spokesperson of Armed Forces Major General Asif Ghafoor said that no Pakistani post was destroyed by India on May 13. India targetted citizens on bot sides of Line of Control, adding that Pakistan's response was restricted to military targets only.

In his series of tweets, Ghafoor released a video dated May 13, 2017, ewhich claimed that Indian targetted civilians along LoC and in befitting reply Pakistan destroyed Indian posts in Nowshera Sector.

The reaction came from Pakistan after Indian Army announced that it will take punitive action against the neighbouring country to counter terrorism from Pakistan.

Major General Ashok Narula, head of army's public information wing on Tuesday informed the media that a recent action by Indian Army in Naushera sector has destroyed some Pakistani posts which are supporting infiltration, adding that it was the part of overall strategy to counter terrorism.

According to reports, The Indian Army carried out strikes on Pakistani posts from May 9-10 in response to the beheading of two Indian soldiers on May 1 along LoC.

It is for the first time that the Indian Army made public footage of punitive action across the LoC.

It is to recall that Pakistan in September 2016 also denied the surgical strike by India and blamed it for cross-border firing that killed two Pakistani soldiers.

Denying the surgical strikes, Pakistani military's media wing had said that the quest by Indian establishment to create sensational media news by rebranding cross-border as the surgical strike is the fabrication of the truth. It mad it clear that it will respond strongly if there were surgical strikes on Pakistani soil.

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Story first published: Wednesday, May 24, 2017, 13:39 [IST]
Custom version of Windows 10 for Chinese government ready

International

ians-IANS

By Ians English

New York, May 24: Tech giant Microsoft has announced a new custom version of Windows 10 which is ready for Chinese government agencies to use.

The Windows 10 China Government edition is based on Windows 10 Enterprise Edition, which already includes many of the security, identity, deployment, and manageability features governments and enterprises need.

"The China Government edition will use these manageability features to remove features that are not needed by Chinese government employees like OneDrive, to manage all telemetry and updates, and to enable the government to use its own encryption algorithms within its computer systems," said Terry Myerson, Executive Vice President, Windows and Devices Group, in a blog post.

The company also announced that Lenovo will be one of the first OEM partners to preinstall Windows 10 China Government Edition on new devices.

"Windows 10 is the most secure version of Windows ever, and we are humbled that governments around the world like the US Department of Defence, the Australian Health Department, and the Italian Ministry of Defence are choosing Windows 10 for their security, and now the Chinese government has a version of Windows created specifically for it," added Myerson.

IANS
Trump likely to announce bid for presidency next week

Defence, anti-terror cooperation figure in Trump's talks with Italian leaders

International

ians-IANS

By Ians English

Rome, May 24: Defence, counterterrorism cooperation and the IS jihadist group were the focus of US President Donald Trump's talks in Rome on Wednesday with Italian head of state Sergio Mattarella and Premier Paolo Gentiloni, the White House said in a statement.

The closed-door talks "discussed the alliance between the United States and Italy, as well as priorities in the areas of defence cooperation, counterterrorism, and efforts to deny terrorists safe havens from Mali to Libya to Iraq to Afghanistan," the statement said.

During the talks, Trump thanked Italy for efforts in fighting terrorism, especially its participation in the US-led global coalition against IS, in which 68 countries are taking part.

He also thanked Italy for "its active role in Iraq and Afghanistan" and praised its "important diplomatic efforts" to end the violence in conflict-wracked Libya, the statement added.

The White House said Trump also "reaffirmed transatlantic unity" on the need to "hold Russia accountable" for its 2014 annexation of Crimea and the continuing conflict in eastern Ukraine, according to the statement.

Trump also stressed the importance of convincing Russia to fulfil its commitments under the Minsk Agreements (a ceasefire deal between the Ukrainian army and Russian-backed separatist rebels signed in Minsk in February 2015), said the statement.

Also on the agenda in Trump's meetings with Mattarella and Gentiloni was the G7 Summit taking place in Taormina, Sicily on Friday and Saturday, the statement concluded.

International issues were also on the agenda at a private meeting between Trump and Pope Francis earlier on Wednesday, the Vatican said.

Trump's talks in Rome with top officials came during the third leg of Trump's first official trip abroad since taking office.

The four-nation tour, aimed at uniting Muslim, Jewish and Catholic leaders in the fight against Islamist terrorism, has included stops in Saudi Arabia, Israel and the Palestinian territories.

Trump's nine-day trip also includes a one-day visit to Brussels on Thursday, where he will attend a NATO summit.

The deadly bombing of Britain's Manchester Arena this week will bring new urgency to Trump's push for NATO allies to commit to a greater role in counterterrorism and the fight against IS in Syria and Iraq, according to observers.

IANS
India to consider disciplinary action against Pak: US

International

oi-PTI

Washington, May 24: India is moving towards isolating Pakistan diplomatically and is considering punitive actions against Islamabad for its alleged support to cross border terrorism, a top American defence intelligence chief has told lawmakers.

"India has sought and continues to move to isolate Pakistan diplomatically and is considering punitive options to raise the cost to Islamabad for its alleged support to cross- border terrorism," Lt Gen Vincent Stewart, Director, Defense Intelligence Agency told members of the powerful Senate Armed Services Committee during a Congressional hearing on worldwide threats.

His statement came a day after Indian Army launched 'punitive fire assaults' on Pakistani positions across the Line of Control, inflicting some damage. India, he said, is modernising its military to better posture itself to defend New Delhi's interests in the broader Indian Ocean region and reinforce its diplomatic and economic outreach across Asia.

Bilateral relations between India and Pakistan worsened following several terrorist attacks in India, he said. "Continued threat of high level terror attacks in India, violence in Kashmir and bilateral diplomatic recriminations will further strain India-Pakistan ties in 2017," he said.

Following a terrorist attack on an Army base Kashmir last September, New Delhi conducted a highly publicised operation against militants across the Line of Control, he added.

"In 2016, Indian and Pakistani forces exchanged some of the heaviest fire in years along the Line of Control in Kashmir, and each expelled a number of the other's diplomats amid growing tension," Stewart said.

He also told lawmakers that in 2017, Islamabad is likely to slowly shift from traditional counterinsurgency operations along Pakistan's western border to more counter terrorism and paramilitary operations throughout the country, which have had some success in reducing violence from militant, sectarian, terrorist, and separatist groups.

"Anti-Pakistan groups probably will respond to this sustained pressure by focusing their efforts against soft targets," he said. Noting that Pakistan's nuclear stockpile continues to grow, Stewart said the US is concerned that this growth, as well as an evolving doctrine and inherent security issues associated with Pakistan's developing tactical nuclear weapons, presents an enduring risk.

"Islamabad is taking steps to improve its nuclear security and is aware of the extremist threat to its program," Stewart said. Observing that China has long identified the protection of its sovereignty and territorial integrity as a 'core interest," he said in the South China Sea, China has embarked on a multi year, whole-of-government approach to securing sovereignty, principally through maritime law enforcement presence and military patrols.

In 2016, China rejected the international arbitration ruling on its excessive South China Sea claims, built infrastructure at its man made outposts on the Spratly Islands, and for the first time, landed civilian aircraft on its airfields at Fiery Cross Reef, Subi Reef, and Mischief Reef.

"China will be able to use its reclaimed features as persistent civil-military bases, which will enhance its presence and its ability to control the features and nearby maritime space. Beijing recognises the need to defend these outposts and is prepared to respond to any military operations near them," he told the lawmakers.

Stewart said a key component of PLA strategy in a regional contingency is planning for potential US intervention. The PLA Rocket Force has given priority to developing and deploying regional ballistic and cruise missiles to expand its conventional strike capabilities against US forces and bases throughout the region.

"In addition to the Rocket Force's fielding of an anti ship ballistic missile, China is fielding an intermediate range ballistic missile capable of conducting conventional and nuclear strikes against ground targets in the Asia-Pacific region as far away as Guam," he said.

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Story first published: Wednesday, May 24, 2017, 9:09 [IST]
Manchester Arena attack: Libyan terrorist, shy, devout and yet lethal

International

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

The police have named Salman Ramadan Abeidi, a Mancunian of Libyan dissent as the terrorist who carried out the Manchester Arena attack in UK which killed 22 and injured 59 others.

The 22 year old was identified as the terrorist even as the Islamic State claimed credit for the attack. Like the Westminster attacker, Khalid Masood, Abeidi too was viewed as a peripheral figure. He was known to the security agencies, but was not considered as a high-risk.

The focus of the probe at the moment is to ascertain whether he worked alone or was part of a larger network. On the face of it, the attack looks like it was a lone wolf strike.

The naming of Abedi as the killer has taken the Libyan community in London by shock.

Many have wondered how this man who was always respectful of his elders turned into a mass killer. He was slightly withdrawn and a devout young man, members of the Libyan community told the media in UK.

Abeidi has been described as a quiet man and very religious. His father known as Abu Ismail is a popular man in the community. He was confrontational with the jihadi ideology being propagated these days.

Reports state that Abeidi may have been radicalised in Tripoli. Many believe that he may have not acted on his own and there must have been a driving force behind him. Many have said that while he was shy and kept to himself, off late he had been showing signs of hate. Some quote an incident at the Didsbury Mosque in which he had looked at people with a great deal of hate after they delivered sermons against the jihadi ideology of the ISIS.

While the Libyan community in Manchester have been vocal in their criticism of Abeidi, one must bear in mind that this community has had its fair share of troubles. Abdalraouf Abdallah, 24, was jailed for nine and a half years last year after being convicted of funding terrorism. He was accused of helping people travel to Syria on the pretext that they could fight the civil war. He himself would have wanted to travel, but could not do so as he was paralysed from the waist down after being shot during the Libyan revolution.

He was responsible for sending a former air force officer to Syria. Stephen Gray who quit the air force in 2004 had converted to Islam. It was Abdallah who was instrumental in sending him to Syria.

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Now Trump calls North Korea's leader a madman with nuclear weapons

International

oi-Prabhpreet

By Prabhpreet

With tensions between the US and North Korea showing no signs of abating, as the Asian country continues to test missiles which the western countries have asked it to stop, US President Donald Trump has called the country's leader a 'madman with nuclear weapons.'

The description given by Trump came to light following the release of the transcript of a telephonic conversation between him and Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte released by the US media.

During the call, Trump had asked the Philippine President about his thoughts on whether North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un was "stable or not stable." And he himself went on to call him a madman who has access to nuclear weapons.

Interestingly the call which was described as "very friendly conversation," was made on April 29, a few days after which he had said in public that he would be 'honoured' to meet with the North Korean leader.

Now the latest transcripts point to a possibility of an escalation on the Korean Peninsula as Trump was quoted during the call as having said, "We can't let a madman with nuclear weapons let on the loose like that. We have a lot of firepower, more than he has, times 20 -- but we don't want to use it." Trump added that the US had sent "two nuclear submarines."

The transcripts were made by the Philippine government, and was released on Tuesday by The Washington Post and The Intercept.

To the query made by Trump on Kim's mental stability, Duterte said, the Korean leaders "mind is not working and he might just go crazy one moment." He added Kim has a "dangerous toy in his hands that could create so much agony and suffering for all mankind."

Trump responded by downplaying North Korea's missile tests as he said, "all his rockets are crashing. That's the good news."

Then turning his attention to China, he implored Duterete to call the Chines President Xi Jinping to exert pressure on Kim and help counter the nuclear threat.

Trump said, "I hope China solves the problem. They really have the means because a great degree of their stuff come through China," and added, "But if China doesn't do it, we will do it." Duterte agreed as he said, "at the end of the day, the last card, the ace, has to be with China."

The call ended by Trump inviting Duterte to visit the White House "anytime you want to come," and called him a "good man."

This was said even though Duterte has been accused of gross human rights violation and killing of thousands of people in what he deems to be a war against the drug problem in the country and has in the past made unflattering statements against the then US President Barack Obama.

Trump added, "Seriously, if you want to come over, just let us know. Just take care of yourself, and we will take care of North Korea."

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Story first published: Wednesday, May 24, 2017, 14:07 [IST]
Prachanda quits as Nepal PM

International

oi-PTI

Kathmandu, May 24: Nepal Prime Minister Prachanda resigned on Wednesday, paving the way for Nepali Congress chief Sher Bahadur Deuba to take over as per an understanding the two leaders had reached in August last year.

The prime minister addressed the nation from his office in Singhadurbar on Wednesday evening during which he announced his resignation.

The prime minister was to address the parliament on Tuesday and announce his resignation, but it was postponed as the speaker adjourned the House after the main opposition CPN-UML's lawmakers obstructed the House meeting, protesting against the government's decision to increase the number of local units in Tarai districts.

As leaders from ruling and opposition parties could not develop a consensus on resuming House meeting despite holding several rounds of talks, the speaker postponed the parliament meeting.

As per an understanding reached between ruling parties -- Nepali Congress and CPN (Maoist Centre) -- Prachanda was supposed to quit the top post, paving the way for NC President to lead the coalition government.

The pact was to run the government on a rotational basis until elections to the parliament are held in February 2018. Prachanda was to hold office till local polls are held and remaining two elections - provincial and central - were to be conducted under Deuba. Millions of Nepalese on May 14 voted in the country's first local-level polls in two decades as the Himalayan nation took a crucial step towards cementing democracy amid political turmoil.

Local-level elections could not be held after 1997 largely as a result of the decade-long Maoist insurgency that claimed more than 16,000 lives in Nepal. The elections should be held in every five years but due to the political instability, they were halted since May 1997.

PTI
Slap for Pak as ex-ISI officer admits Jadhav was captured in Iran

International

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

In a tight slap for the lies that Pakistan has been telling, Amjad Shoaib, an ex-ISI official has admitted that Kulbhushan Jadhav was captured from Iran. This negates Pakistan's claims that Jadhav was caught in their own country on charges of spying.

India has repeatedly maintained that Jadhav was on business and Pakistan had captured him from Iran and planted a false case on him. This admission by the ex-ISI official is a shot in the arm for India which is arguing a case on Jadhav before the International Court of Justice.

Sources say that a decision on whether or not to include the admission by the former ISI official in the arguments would be taken soon. We will have to consult with the legal team before taking any such decision, a highly placed source informed.

On May 18, the ICJ had stayed the execution of Jadhav. The final hearing on the matter is yet to commence and a final decision on the case is expected to be out only in August.

India had sought a directive to Pakistan to set aside the execution of Jadhav. India had also said that Pakistan had on 16 occasions denied consular access to Jadhav which in itself was faulty.

OneIndia News
International news brief: Full control over Hong Kong achieved, determined on Taiwan, says Jinping

Won't back down: Taiwan responds after Xi Jinping's 'right to use force' remark

Eye on trade ties, Taiwan minister to visit India this week with 70-Member business delegation

Taiwan first place in Asia to legalize gay marriage

International

oi-Chennabasaveshwar

By Chennabasaveshwar

Taiwan's top court ruled in favour of legalizing same-sex union on Wednesday. The ruling paves the way for the island nation to become the first place in Asia to gay marriage.

The constitutional court said if parliament does not make the change within two years, same-sex couples could register to marry regardless, based on its interpretation, reports AFP.

It gave the government two years to implement the ruling. A 59-year-old gay rights campaigner, Chi Chia-wei, who brought the case to the constitutional court, had urged judges to allow same-sex couples to register to marry the next day if they approved the change.

#Taiwan rules that the freedom of marriage for two persons include "whether to marry" and "whom to marry" - full text below #loveislove pic.twitter.com/i6f0Ob9IQA  Ministry of Culture (@CulturalTaiwan) May 24, 2017

As President Tsai Ing-wen became Taiwan's first female leader who supported the change of law the Momentum gained for same-sex marriage.

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Story first published: Wednesday, May 24, 2017, 17:22 [IST]
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Faced by increasing political difficulties at home, American President Donald Trump is expected to take his tour of Europe as a chance to rebuild his ties with the region as he landed in Brussels late on Wednesday after a half-hour private audience with Pope Francis in the Vatican.

US President Donald Trump (R) walks with King Philippe of Belgium at the Palace in Brussels, Belgium, May 24, 2017. [Photo/Agencies]

Amid tight security in Brussels after Monday's Manchester bombing, an extra 4,000 police have been stationed in Brussels, where Trump is scheduled to meet Belgian King Philippe and Prime Minister Charles Michel on Wednesday.

On Thursday morning, US President Donald Trump will meet European Council President Donald Tusk and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker in the Europa building in Brussels.

European Parliament President Antonio Tajani and High Representative Federica Mogherini will join the latter half of the one-hour scheduled meeting. The European Union has called the meeting with Trump a leaders' meeting, instead of a full-on summit.

"The United States needs the EU. This is an opportunity for Trump to build trust, given that his improper rhetoric towards the EU during his election campaign," Shi Zhiqin, professor of department of international relations of Tsinghua University told China Daily.

Trump had previously called Brussels as a "hellhole," and also criticized NATO during the election, which have caused unstable factors in the cross-Atlantic partnership.

"I believe his tune will be changed during his visit and Trump must ease concerns among the Europeans," said Shi.

Trump will be attending the NATO leaders' summit on Thursday afternoon before he heads to Italy to participate in a G7 summit, which will be held on Friday and Saturday.

The theme of the Italian G7 presidency in 2017 is "Building the foundations of renewed trust." The agenda includes citizen safety, economic, environmental and social sustainability, reduction of inequalities innovation, skills and labor in the age of the next production revolution.

Elke Fimmen, senior researcher at the Schiller Institute in Germany, has urged the leaders from the West to change their old paradigm of dialogues during the summits to fit into the changed global situation to achieve common peace and prosperity.

"One dominating dynamic worldwide is wide acceptance of Beijing's Belt and Road Initiative and when leaders meet, they must know that the win-win cooperation for joining global economic development is essential," said Fimmen.

Fimmen said now the Europe is facing a crisis, the Belt and Road Initiative has served as the new paradigm for the future development, which is very helpful for European development.

"We should adjust our policies into this new paradigm and I think the present EU policies are not adequate to change the problems," said Fimmen.

To contact the reporter: fujing@chinadaily.com.cn
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Global Bullet Proof Jacket Market 2017- PBE , BAE Systems , Safariland , Australian Defence Apparel , ArmorSource

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Linear Hydraulic Motor Market 2017 - Wipro Infrastructure, Weber-Hydraulik, Eaton, Parker Hannifin

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MarketReports.biz, recently published a detailed market research study focused on the "Linear Hydraulic Motor Market" across the global, regional and country level. The report provides 360 analysis of "Linear Hydraulic Motor Market" from view of manufacturers, regions, product types and end industries. The research report analyses and provides the historical data along with current performance of the global Linear Hydraulic Motor industry, and estimates the future trend of Linear Hydraulic Motor market on the basis of this detailed study. The study shares "Linear Hydraulic Motor Market" performance both in terms of volume and revenue.Get Free Sample Copy of Report Here:Top Manufacturers Analysis of This ReportWipro InfrastructureWeber-HydraulikEatonParker HannifinPacomaBosch RexrothHydratechEnerpacNurmi HydraulicsNorrhydroBucher GroupHerbert H?nchenSILVIO FOSSA S.p.ADouce HydroThe market research report explores the Linear Hydraulic Motor market across the globe along with major regions and countries. The research report provides a detailed study on each and every aspect of "Linear Hydraulic Motor Market". The research report studies the entire value chain from raw material to end user industries. The report also shares import/export statistics along with production and consumption for all major regions and countries. Moreover, the research study classifies the Linear Hydraulic Motor market based on major product types, application and end users industries of Linear Hydraulic Motor. Besides, the report also covers geographical segmentation for Linear Hydraulic Motor market. The report further provides production, capacity, price per region, gross margin, production cost, for all major regions and countries listed in report.The competitive landscape of the global market for Linear Hydraulic Motor is determined by assessing the major industry participants, production capacity, production capacity utilization rate, Linear Hydraulic Motor market's production chain, pricing by each manufacturer and the revenue generated by each manufacturer in the Linear Hydraulic Motor market globally.Enquire Before Buying @The worldwide Linear Hydraulic Motor market 2017 is further analyzed on the basis of product pricing, Linear Hydraulic Motor production volume, data pertaining to demand and Linear Hydraulic Motor supply, and the revenue garnered by the product. The report provides upstream and downstream analysis covering major raw material used in manufacturing of Linear Hydraulic Motor along with detailed manufacturing sources. The report also shares list of major raw material manufacturers along with their manufacturing locations. Detailed raw material price trend analysis along with manufacturing cost analysis is also incorporated into the report. Various methodical tools such as investment returns, feasibility, SWOT analysis and market attractiveness analysis has been implemented in the research study to present a comprehensive, detailed study of the industry for Linear Hydraulic Motor across the world.About UsMarketReports.biz offers elevating market research worldwide. We have collection of various syndicated reports of different fields. Customers can buys different reports across various categories such as Chemical and Material, Biotechnology, Healthcare, Food and beverages, Automobile and various sectors. Our Website offers safe and secure online ordering experience, convenient payment options.Contact UsFrank Valadez155 North Wacker Drive, Suite 4250Chicago, IL 60606Toll Free: +1-855-918-5551 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +17739042683Web:Email: sales@marketreports.biz
Language Learning Games Market 2017 - Emilia Genadieva, IXL Learning, Mr. YDM, SMARTSTUDY

Language Learning Games Market

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MarketReports.biz, recently published a detailed market research study focused on the "Language Learning Games Market" across the global, regional and country level. The report provides 360 analysis of "Language Learning Games Market" from view of manufacturers, regions, product types and end industries. The research report analyses and provides the historical data along with current performance of the global Language Learning Games industry, and estimates the future trend of Language Learning Games market on the basis of this detailed study. The study shares "Language Learning Games Market" performance both in terms of volume and revenue.Get Free Sample Copy of Report Here:Top Manufacturers Analysis of This ReportRosetta Stone Ltd.DuolingoInnovative Language Learning USA, LLCSignSchool Technologies LLCshotgun.experimentsSmooth HQDuy Hong StudioDOMOsoftGoKids!boriolGeek AppsKnowledge AdventureAlpha EduSovereign Communication Solutions, LLCThe market research report explores the Language Learning Games market across the globe along with major regions and countries. The research report provides a detailed study on each and every aspect of "Language Learning Games Market". The research report studies the entire value chain from raw material to end user industries. The report also shares import/export statistics along with production and consumption for all major regions and countries. Moreover, the research study classifies the Language Learning Games market based on major product types, application and end users industries of Language Learning Games. Besides, the report also covers geographical segmentation for Language Learning Games market. The report further provides production, capacity, price per region, gross margin, production cost, for all major regions and countries listed in report.The competitive landscape of the global market for Language Learning Games is determined by assessing the major industry participants, production capacity, production capacity utilization rate, Language Learning Games market's production chain, pricing by each manufacturer and the revenue generated by each manufacturer in the Language Learning Games market globally.Enquire Before Buying @The worldwide Language Learning Games market 2017 is further analyzed on the basis of product pricing, Language Learning Games production volume, data pertaining to demand and Language Learning Games supply, and the revenue garnered by the product. The report provides upstream and downstream analysis covering major raw material used in manufacturing of Language Learning Games along with detailed manufacturing sources. The report also shares list of major raw material manufacturers along with their manufacturing locations. Detailed raw material price trend analysis along with manufacturing cost analysis is also incorporated into the report. Various methodical tools such as investment returns, feasibility, SWOT analysis and market attractiveness analysis has been implemented in the research study to present a comprehensive, detailed study of the industry for Language Learning Games across the world.About UsMarketReports.biz offers elevating market research worldwide. We have collection of various syndicated reports of different fields. Customers can buys different reports across various categories such as Chemical and Material, Biotechnology, Healthcare, Food and beverages, Automobile and various sectors. Our Website offers safe and secure online ordering experience, convenient payment options.Contact UsFrank Valadez155 North Wacker Drive, Suite 4250Chicago, IL 60606Toll Free: +1-855-918-5551 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +17739042683Web:Email: sales@marketreports.biz
Global Data Telecom Connectors Market 2017- Adam Tech , ASSMANN WSW Components , Halo Electronics , TE Connectivity

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The Data Telecom Connectors Market 2017 examines the performance of the Data Telecom Connectors market, enclosing an in-depth judgment of the Data Telecom Connectors market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report analyzes the potential of Data Telecom Connectors market in the present as well as the future prospects from various angles in detail.The Global Data Telecom Connectors Market 2017 report includes Data Telecom Connectors industry volume, market Share, market Trends, Data Telecom Connectors Growth aspects, a wide range of applications, Utilization ratio, Supply and demand analysis, manufacturing capacity, Data Telecom Connectors Price during the Forecast period from 2017 to 2022.To Get Sample Report Click Here:Manufacturers Analysis and Top Sellers of Global Data Telecom Connectors Market 2017:1 Adam Tech2 ASSMANN WSW Components3 Halo Electronics4 TE Connectivity5 Morris Products6 RCA7 AmphenolData Telecom Connectors Market Analysis: By ProductFiber Optic AdaptersFirewire ConnectorsModular JacksModular PlugsUSB ConnectorsOthersData Telecom Connectors Market Analysis: By ApplicationRoutersADSL modemsATM transmission equipmentData terminalsOthersAt the beginning, the report covers the top Data Telecom Connectors manufacturing industry players from regions like United States, EU, Japan, and China. It also characterizes the market based on topographical regions.Further, the Data Telecom Connectors report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Data Telecom Connectors industry, Data Telecom Connectors industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. Data Telecom Connectors Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.To Buy Complete Report Click Here:The Data Telecom Connectors research report includes the products that are currently in demand and available in the market along with their cost breakup, manufacturing volume, import/export scheme and contribution to the Data Telecom Connectors market revenue worldwide.Finally, Data Telecom Connectors market report gives you details about the market research findings and conclusion which helps you to develop profitable market strategies to gain competitive advantage.Market.Biz is designed to provide the best and most penetrating research required to all commercial, industrial and profit-making ventures in any sector of online business. We take pride in our ability to satisfy the market research needs of both domestic and international businessesJames JohnsonS no. 51/14 First Floor,Office Number 4, Vishwa Arcade,Pune.Maharashtra,India 411041Tel: +1(857)2390696+91 9130855334Web:Email: inquiry@market.biz
Global Decorative Stone Market 2017- DuPont , Staron(Samsung) , LG Hausys , Kuraray , Aristech Acrylics , Durat

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https://market.biz/report/global-decorative-stone-market-2017/59860/

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The Decorative Stone Market 2017 examines the performance of the Decorative Stone market, enclosing an in-depth judgment of the Decorative Stone market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report analyzes the potential of Decorative Stone market in the present as well as the future prospects from various angles in detail.The Global Decorative Stone Market 2017 report includes Decorative Stone industry volume, market Share, market Trends, Decorative Stone Growth aspects, a wide range of applications, Utilization ratio, Supply and demand analysis, manufacturing capacity, Decorative Stone Price during the Forecast period from 2017 to 2022.To Get Sample Report Click Here:Manufacturers Analysis and Top Sellers of Global Decorative Stone Market 2017:1 DuPont2 Staron(Samsung)3 LG Hausys4 Kuraray5 Aristech Acrylics6 Durat7 MARMIL8 Hanex9 CXUN10 PengXiang Industry11 ChuanQi12 New SunShine Stone13 Leigei Stone14 GuangTaiXiang15 Wanfeng Compound Stone16 Relang Industrial17 Ordan18 Bitto19 Meyate Group20 Blowker21 Sunmoon22 OWELL23 XiShi GroupDecorative Stone Market Analysis: By ProductGraniteMarbleSlateOthersDecorative Stone Market Analysis: By ApplicationCommercialResidentialAt the beginning, the report covers the top Decorative Stone manufacturing industry players from regions like United States, EU, Japan, and China. It also characterizes the market based on topographical regions.Further, the Decorative Stone report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Decorative Stone industry, Decorative Stone industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. Decorative Stone Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.To Buy Complete Report Click Here:The Decorative Stone research report includes the products that are currently in demand and available in the market along with their cost breakup, manufacturing volume, import/export scheme and contribution to the Decorative Stone market revenue worldwide.Finally, Decorative Stone market report gives you details about the market research findings and conclusion which helps you to develop profitable market strategies to gain competitive advantage.Market.Biz is designed to provide the best and most penetrating research required to all commercial, industrial and profit-making ventures in any sector of online business. We take pride in our ability to satisfy the market research needs of both domestic and international businessesJames JohnsonS no. 51/14 First Floor,Office Number 4, Vishwa Arcade,Pune.Maharashtra,India 411041Tel: +1(857)2390696+91 9130855334Web:Email: inquiry@market.biz
Global Deep Cycle Batteries Market 2017- East Penn Manufacturing , EnerSys, Exide Technologies , GS Yuasa , Johnson Controls

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The Deep Cycle Batteries Market 2017 examines the performance of the Deep Cycle Batteries market, enclosing an in-depth judgment of the Deep Cycle Batteries market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report analyzes the potential of Deep Cycle Batteries market in the present as well as the future prospects from various angles in detail.The Global Deep Cycle Batteries Market 2017 report includes Deep Cycle Batteries industry volume, market Share, market Trends, Deep Cycle Batteries Growth aspects, a wide range of applications, Utilization ratio, Supply and demand analysis, manufacturing capacity, Deep Cycle Batteries Price during the Forecast period from 2017 to 2022.To Get Sample Report Click Here:Manufacturers Analysis and Top Sellers of Global Deep Cycle Batteries Market 2017:1 East Penn Manufacturing2 EnerSys3 Exide Technologies4 GS Yuasa5 Johnson Controls6 C&D Technologies7 COSLIGHT8 Crown Battery9 DAEJIN BATTERY10 DMS technologies11 EverExceed12 Exide Industries13 HBL Power Systems14 HOPPECKE15 Microtex Energy16 MIDAC Batteries17 Navitas System18 Rolls Battery19 Storage Battery Systems20 Su-Kam Power Systems21 Trojan Battery22 West Marine23 Yokohama TradingDeep Cycle Batteries Market Analysis: By ProductVRLA BatteriesFLA BatteriesDeep Cycle Batteries Market Analysis: By ApplicationMotiveStationaryAutomotiveAt the beginning, the report covers the top Deep Cycle Batteries manufacturing industry players from regions like United States, EU, Japan, and China. It also characterizes the market based on topographical regions.Further, the Deep Cycle Batteries report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Deep Cycle Batteries industry, Deep Cycle Batteries industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. Deep Cycle Batteries Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.To Buy Complete Report Click Here:The Deep Cycle Batteries research report includes the products that are currently in demand and available in the market along with their cost breakup, manufacturing volume, import/export scheme and contribution to the Deep Cycle Batteries market revenue worldwide.Finally, Deep Cycle Batteries market report gives you details about the market research findings and conclusion which helps you to develop profitable market strategies to gain competitive advantage.Market.Biz is designed to provide the best and most penetrating research required to all commercial, industrial and profit-making ventures in any sector of online business. We take pride in our ability to satisfy the market research needs of both domestic and international businessesJames JohnsonS no. 51/14 First Floor,Office Number 4, Vishwa Arcade,Pune.Maharashtra,India 411041Tel: +1(857)2390696+91 9130855334Web:Email: inquiry@market.biz
Global Drive Shaft (Driveshaft) Market 2017- GKN , NTN , Dana , Nexteer , Hyundai-Wia , IFA Rotorion , AAM , JTEKT , Neapco

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The Drive Shaft (Driveshaft) Market 2017 examines the performance of the Drive Shaft (Driveshaft) market, enclosing an in-depth judgment of the Drive Shaft (Driveshaft) market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report analyzes the potential of Drive Shaft (Driveshaft) market in the present as well as the future prospects from various angles in detail.The Global Drive Shaft (Driveshaft) Market 2017 report includes Drive Shaft (Driveshaft) industry volume, market Share, market Trends, Drive Shaft (Driveshaft) Growth aspects, a wide range of applications, Utilization ratio, Supply and demand analysis, manufacturing capacity, Drive Shaft (Driveshaft) Price during the Forecast period from 2017 to 2022.To Get Sample Report Click Here:Manufacturers Analysis and Top Sellers of Global Drive Shaft (Driveshaft) Market 2017:1 GKN2 NTN3 Dana4 Nexteer5 Hyundai-Wia6 IFA Rotorion7 AAM8 JTEKT9 Neapco10 Meritor?11 Showa12 Seohan13 Hitachi14 SDS15 Yuandong16 Wanxiang17 Guansheng18 Lingyun19 Hengli20 Danchuan21 Fawer22 Golden23 Dongfeng24 JDS25 Sinotruk26 LantongDrive Shaft (Driveshaft) Market Analysis: By ProductHalf ShaftPropeller ShaftDrive Shaft (Driveshaft) Market Analysis: By ApplicationPassenger VehicleCommercial VehicleAt the beginning, the report covers the top Drive Shaft (Driveshaft) manufacturing industry players from regions like United States, EU, Japan, and China. It also characterizes the market based on topographical regions.Further, the Drive Shaft (Driveshaft) report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Drive Shaft (Driveshaft) industry, Drive Shaft (Driveshaft) industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. Drive Shaft (Driveshaft) Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.To Buy Complete Report Click Here:The Drive Shaft (Driveshaft) research report includes the products that are currently in demand and available in the market along with their cost breakup, manufacturing volume, import/export scheme and contribution to the Drive Shaft (Driveshaft) market revenue worldwide.Finally, Drive Shaft (Driveshaft) market report gives you details about the market research findings and conclusion which helps you to develop profitable market strategies to gain competitive advantage.Market.Biz is designed to provide the best and most penetrating research required to all commercial, industrial and profit-making ventures in any sector of online business. We take pride in our ability to satisfy the market research needs of both domestic and international businessesJames JohnsonS no. 51/14 First Floor,Office Number 4, Vishwa Arcade,Pune.Maharashtra,India 411041Tel: +1(857)2390696+91 9130855334Web:Email: inquiry@market.biz
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Global Mycotoxin Testing Market Size, Status and Forecast 2022

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This report studies the global Mycotoxin Testing market, analyzes and researches the Mycotoxin Testing development status and forecast in United States, EU, Japan, China, India and Southeast Asia. This report focuses on the top players in global market, likeBureau Veritas S.A.Intertek Group plcEurofins Scientific SEALS LimitedThermo Fisher ScientificMrieux NutriSciencesAsureQualityMicrobac LaboratoriesSGS S.A.Fill the form for an exclusive sample of this report @Market segment by Regions/Countries, this report coversUnited StatesEUJapanChinaIndiaSoutheast AsiaMarket segment by Type, Mycotoxin Testing can be split intoWheatCornOthersMarket segment by Application, Mycotoxin Testing can be split intoEnterpriseResearch InstituteObtain Report Details @Table of ContentsGlobal Mycotoxin Testing Market Size, Status and Forecast 20221 Industry Overview of Mycotoxin Testing1.1 Mycotoxin Testing Market Overview1.1.1 Mycotoxin Testing Product Scope1.1.2 Market Status and Outlook1.2 Global Mycotoxin Testing Market Size and Analysis by Regions1.2.1 United States1.2.2 EU1.2.3 Japan1.2.4 China1.2.5 India1.2.6 Southeast Asia1.3 Mycotoxin Testing Market by Type1.3.1 Wheat1.3.2 Corn1.3.3 Others1.4 Mycotoxin Testing Market by End Users/Application1.4.1 Enterprise1.4.2 Research Institute2 Global Mycotoxin Testing Competition Analysis by Players2.1 Mycotoxin Testing Market Size (Value) by Players (2016 and 2017)2.2 Competitive Status and Trend2.2.1 Market Concentration Rate2.2.2 Product/Service Differences2.2.3 New Entrants2.2.4 The Technology Trends in Future3 Company (Top Players) Profiles3.1 Bureau Veritas S.A.3.1.1 Company Profile3.1.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.1.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.1.4 Mycotoxin Testing Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.1.5 Recent Developments3.2 Intertek Group plc3.2.1 Company Profile3.2.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.2.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.2.4 Mycotoxin Testing Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.2.5 Recent Developments3.3 Eurofins Scientific SE3.3.1 Company Profile3.3.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.3.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.3.4 Mycotoxin Testing Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.3.5 Recent Developments3.4 ALS Limited3.4.1 Company Profile3.4.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.4.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.4.4 Mycotoxin Testing Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.4.5 Recent Developments3.5 Thermo Fisher Scientific3.5.1 Company Profile3.5.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.5.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.5.4 Mycotoxin Testing Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.5.5 Recent Developments3.6 Mrieux NutriSciences3.6.1 Company Profile3.6.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.6.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.6.4 Mycotoxin Testing Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.6.5 Recent Developments3.7 AsureQuality3.7.1 Company Profile3.7.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.7.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.7.4 Mycotoxin Testing Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.7.5 Recent Developments3.8 Microbac Laboratories3.8.1 Company Profile3.8.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.8.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.8.4 Mycotoxin Testing Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.8.5 Recent Developments3.9 SGS S.A.3.9.1 Company Profile3.9.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.9.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.9.4 Mycotoxin Testing Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.9.5 Recent Developments4 Global Mycotoxin Testing Market Size by Type and Application (2012-2017)4.1 Global Mycotoxin Testing Market Size by Type (2012-2017)4.2 Global Mycotoxin Testing Market Size by Application (2012-2017)4.3 Potential Application of Mycotoxin Testing in Future4.4 Top Consumer/End Users of Mycotoxin TestingAbout UsQYReseachReports.com delivers the latest strategic market intelligence to build a successful business footprint in China. Our syndicated and customized research reports provide companies with vital background information of the market and in-depth analysis on the Chinese trade and investment framework, which directly affects their business operations. Reports from QYReseachReports.com feature valuable recommendations on how to navigate in the extremely unpredictable yet highly attractive Chinese market.Contact Us1820 AvenueM Suite #1047Brooklyn, NY 11230United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Web:Email: sales@qyresearchreports.com
Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) Market: Rising Pool of Geriatrics to Determine Market Growth

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Efficiency of CBCT Technologies Increases their AdoptionThe rising geriatric population and their slew of medical needs will be the undercurrent defining the trajectory of the global cone beam computed tomography market. The unmet dental needs of the gaining population across the globe will play a crucial part in steering this market to its warranted revenues. The ability to offer three-dimensional visuals of teeth, roots, and other important parts of a jawline will prove to exceptionally useful in managing several dental conditions and diseases amongst the elderly population spread in the world.Obtain Report Details @According to the research report published by Transparency Market Research (TMR), the opportunity in the global CBCT market was worth US$407.5 mn in 2014. However, analysts predict that the valuation of this market will be worth US$960.8 mn by 2023 as it expands at a steady CAGR of 10.0% between 2015 and 2023.In recent years, the demand for CBCT technology has skyrocketed due to increasing affordability of advanced computers equipped with CBCT units. Several dentists and imaging specialists are not only using but also advising the use of CBCT technologies to determine the problem with absolute clarity. Thus, the effectiveness and the efficiency brought in by CBCT technologies in medical interventions is driving the overall market in top gear.Excise Norms Could Dissuade Market Growth in Key RegionsDespite the promising market drivers, the applications of CBCT technologies in dental implants, orthodontics, endodontics, oral surgeries, and general dental surgeries is being overshadowed by stringent excise norms. This restraint is predominant in the U.S. market where the excise duty on import makes dental treatment and usage of CBCT technology largely unaffordable. This constraint is further aggravated by low adoption rate of digitalized technologies by old school medical practitioners who are still resorting to old-fashioned diagnostics.Currently, the oral surgery segment is making the maximum usage of CBCT technologies. As of 2015, the oral surgery segment accounted for a share of 26.4% in the overall market. This segment is estimated to rise at a phenomenal pace in the forecast period as CBCT scanners have brought a remarkable advancement in maxillofacial and oral imaging.Asia Pacific CBCT Market to Grow PhenomenallyResearch suggests that Asia Pacific has been progressing at an unprecedented pace due to an ever-increasing pool of geriatrics and thus a high prevalence of dental issues. However, North America was reported to the largest geographical segment in the overall market due to its well-established infrastructure for healthcare, high adoption of dental imaging technologies, and a developed market.Make an Enquiry @The important players operating in the global CBCT market are Sirona Dental Systems, Cefla Group, Carestream Health, QR s.r.l., VATECH Global Co. Ltd., Danaher Corporation, Planmeca OY, and Prexion, Inc. The majority of the players will focus on increasing their product portfolio and expanding their reach to the consumers to grab bigger market shares in the foreseeable future. Furthermore, analysts also predict strategic business partnerships and expanding product portfolio will be integral to the growth of these individual players in the near future.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company providing business information reports and services. The companys exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trend analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Contact UsTransparency Market ResearchState Tower,90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Global Boys Toys Market 2017 - NICI, LEGO, BRIO, SMOBY, RUSS, HASBRO, FISHER PRICE, DISNEY

Boys Toys

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Boys Toys Market Research ReportA market study based on the " Boys Toys Market " across the globe, recently added to the repository of Market Research, is titled Global Boys Toys Market 2017. The research report analyses the historical as well as present performance of the worldwide Boys Toys industry, and makes predictions on the future status of Boys Toys market on the basis of this analysis.Request For Sample Copy of Report :Top Manufacturers Companies Covered In This Research Report -NICILEGOBRIOSMOBYRUSSHASBROFISHER PRICEDISNEYSASSY?MATTELThe report studies the industry for Boys Toys across the globe taking the existing industry chain, the import and export statistics in Boys Toys market & dynamics of demand and supply of Boys Toys into consideration. The ' Boys Toys ' research study covers each and every aspect of the Boys Toys market globally, which starts from the definition of the Boys Toys industry and develops towards Boys Toys market segmentations. Further, every segment of the Boys Toys market is classified and analysed on the basis of product types, application, and the end-use industries of the Boys Toys market. The geographical segmentation of the Boys Toys industry has also been covered at length in this report.The competitive landscape of the worldwide market for Boys Toys is determined by evaluating the various industry participants, production capacity, Boys Toys market's production chain, and the revenue generated by each manufacturer in the Boys Toys market worldwide.Do Enquiry Before Purchasing Here :The global Boys Toys market 2017 is also analysed on the basis of product pricing, Boys Toys production volume, data regarding demand and Boys Toys supply, and the revenue garnered by the product. Various methodical tool of Boys Toys such as investment returns, feasibility, and market attractiveness analysis has been used in Boys Toys market research to present a comprehensive study of the industry for Boys Toys across the globe.About Us:"Spire Market Research" is a leading market intelligence team which accredits and provides the reports of some of the top publishers in the field of technology industry. We are as a firm expertise in making extensive reports that cover all the necessary details about the market assessments such as major technological improvement in the industry.Contact Us5001 Spring Valley Road,Suite 400 East,Dallas, TX 75244, USA
Global Process Liquid Analyzers Market 2017 - ABB, Endress+Hauser, Emerson, GE Analytical Instruments

Process Liquid Analyzers

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Process Liquid Analyzers Market Research ReportA market study based on the " Process Liquid Analyzers Market " across the globe, recently added to the repository of Market Research, is titled Global Process Liquid Analyzers Market 2017. The research report analyses the historical as well as present performance of the worldwide Process Liquid Analyzers industry, and makes predictions on the future status of Process Liquid Analyzers market on the basis of this analysis.Request For Sample Copy of Report :Top Manufacturers Companies Covered In This Research Report -ABBEndress+HauserEmersonGE Analytical InstrumentsHach Lange GmbHHoneywell InternationalMettler-Toledo InternationalTeledyne TechnologiesThe Emerson Electric CompanyThermo Fisher ScientificYokogawa Electric CorpThe report studies the industry for Process Liquid Analyzers across the globe taking the existing industry chain, the import and export statistics in Process Liquid Analyzers market & dynamics of demand and supply of Process Liquid Analyzers into consideration. The ' Process Liquid Analyzers ' research study covers each and every aspect of the Process Liquid Analyzers market globally, which starts from the definition of the Process Liquid Analyzers industry and develops towards Process Liquid Analyzers market segmentations. Further, every segment of the Process Liquid Analyzers market is classified and analysed on the basis of product types, application, and the end-use industries of the Process Liquid Analyzers market. The geographical segmentation of the Process Liquid Analyzers industry has also been covered at length in this report.The competitive landscape of the worldwide market for Process Liquid Analyzers is determined by evaluating the various industry participants, production capacity, Process Liquid Analyzers market's production chain, and the revenue generated by each manufacturer in the Process Liquid Analyzers market worldwide.Do Enquiry Before Purchasing Here :The global Process Liquid Analyzers market 2017 is also analysed on the basis of product pricing, Process Liquid Analyzers production volume, data regarding demand and Process Liquid Analyzers supply, and the revenue garnered by the product. Various methodical tool of Process Liquid Analyzers such as investment returns, feasibility, and market attractiveness analysis has been used in Process Liquid Analyzers market research to present a comprehensive study of the industry for Process Liquid Analyzers across the globe.About Us:"Spire Market Research" is a leading market intelligence team which accredits and provides the reports of some of the top publishers in the field of technology industry. We are as a firm expertise in making extensive reports that cover all the necessary details about the market assessments such as major technological improvement in the industry.Contact Us5001 Spring Valley Road,Suite 400 East,Dallas, TX 75244, USA
Medical Automation Market 2024: Emerging Market Trends, Size, Share and Growth Analysis

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Medical Automation Market: OverviewIn a highly competitive pharmaceutical industry, automation can prove to be a massive operational advantage and a key differentiator for players of all sizes. The future of the healthcare industry is increasingly being defined by the advent of faster, more accurate, and easy-to-use devices that are riding high on the wave of medical automation. With a massive number of people crossing the 60-year threshold, the healthcare industry is facing a pressing need to scale up resources and brace for a spike in healthcare needs. This is where automation is expected to be the real game changer.Get accurate market forecast and analysis on the Medical Automation Market. Request a sample to stay abreast on the key trends impacting this market.There are several market dynamics that are collectively creating a need for more automation in the medical industry. According to an article published in Health Affairs, there will be a shortage of 260,000 registered nurses by 2025 in the U.S. The scenario wont be drastically different in other developed countries where the workforce is aging rapidly. With fewer humans available to carry out all of the tasks in the healthcare industry, healthcare institutions and pharmaceutical companies are focusing on automation to get redundant and repetitive tasks done. However, as has been the case with several other industries, automation is regarded as a job killer and has been opposed in several countries worldwide.These push and pull factors will decide how this market shapes up in the coming years. This is what the report aims to assess. The report creates segments of the global medical automation market based on criteria such as applications, end-users, and geography.Global Medical Automation Market: Drivers and RestraintsCompanies and medical institutions are channeling more funds into medical automation systems and software enticed by benefits such as cost containment, increased speed, greater transparency in processing, and reduction in errors. This thus lays a strong foundation for the growth of the global medical automation market. Another change that is driving the adoption of medical automation is the high degree of interest in point-of-care testing devices for pregnancy, blood glucose levels, blood pressure, and HIV.On the flip side, the lack of widespread standardization and a heterogeneous regulatory environment will create several obstacles for companies operating in the medical automation market. Moreover, not all healthcare institutions can afford medical automation. It will be a few years before developing countries wholly embrace this trend.The top trends that are shaping the global medical automation market are affordable automation software and systems that make everyday tasks easier. There is a massive market that hitherto remains untapped in emerging countries, where the healthcare sector is heaving under the burden of obsolete machinery and techniques. This gap could provide a window of opportunity for companies offering medical automation software and solutions.Global Medical Automation Market: Drivers and RestraintsThe global market for medical automation can be segmented broadly based on the following fronts: End user, application, and geography. The key application areas of medical automation are therapeutic automation, lab automation, pharmacy automation, and medical automation. The segment of medical automation is composed of automated imaging and analysis and point of care testing market. The market for therapeutic automation can similarly be split into surgical and non-surgical automation. Each of these sub-segments can be further segmented based on the automation devices.Likewise, the market for lab automation can be classified into liquid handling, automated storage systems, robots and informatics, and microplate readers. The market for pharmacy automation can be further split into automated dispensaries, automated pharmaceutical packaging, and automated/smart medication compounding. The key end users in the global medical automation market are: Research labs, pharmacies, hospital and diagnostic centers, and home care centers.Browse Global Strategic Business Report:Using geography as a criteria, the global medical automation market has been segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Rest of the World. The market for medical automation is currently the largest in North America. It is also well-established in Europe. The rising demand for medical automation solutions and software in Asian countries such as Taiwan and China will be a crucial turning point for the market.Companies that are currently at the forefront of the global medical automation market are: Carefusion Corp, Medtronic, Inc., GE Healthcare, Intuitive Surgical Inc., Roche Holding AG, Omnicell, Inc, Siemens Healthcare, Philips Healthcare, Stryker Corporation, St. Jude Medical, Inc., and others.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR syndicated research report covers a different sector  such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, TMRs syndicated reports strive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Electroceutical Devices Market:Competitive Dynamics & Global Outlook 2024

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Electroceutical devices are target specific and stimulate nerves or tissues through electric impulses, which enable to alleviate or relieve various conditions of the body. Electroceutical devices are employed as an alternative to drug-based remediation. Furthermore, the technological enhancements, including wearable devices, and miniaturized devices, among others have been a significant contributing factor for the growth of the market. The technological innovations in the market include the development of the Stimwave electroceutical device which does not contain toxic materials and does not hold any internal batteries. In August 2016, GlaxosmithKline entered into an agreement with Googles life science spinoff, Verily to form a joint venture, Galvani Bioelectronics for the development of miniature electroceutical devices. Through this joint venture, both the companies intend to invest over US$ 700 Mn over a period of four years. In addition, National Institute of Health (NIH) also invested US$ 250 Mn on its project SPARC (Stimulating Peripheral Activity to Relieve Conditions).Get accurate market forecast and analysis on the Electroceutical Devices Market. Request a sample to stay abreast on the key trends impacting this market.Electroceutical devices market can be segmented based on the products, by application, by end users and by region. The market can be segmented into implantable electroceutical devices and non-invasive devices, on the basis of product. Implantable electroceutical devices can be further segmented into cardiac pacemakers, implantable cardioventer defibrillators, spinal cord stimulators, deep brain stimulators, and vagus nerve stimulators, among others. On the basis of application, electroceutical devices market can be segmented into pain management, neurology, urology, hearing aids, cardiology, gasteroenterology, and ophthalmology, among others. Hospitals, individual users, and research institutes form the major end users of the market. On the basis of region, the market has been segmented into North America, Europe, Latin America, Asia Pacific, and Middle East & Africa.Electroceutical devices are gaining importance as an alternative to pharmaceutical products as they do not lead to side effects. In addition, growing prevalence of neurological conditions such as Parkinsons disease, and depression among others contribute to the growth of the market. Furthermore, increasing investments by market players on research and development, along with the cost effectiveness of these devices has been driving the growth of the market. However, the usage of these devices is done as a trial and error method and This might have a negative impact on the growth of the market.Implantable electroceutical devices are the widely employed product category, of which pacemakers and ICDs are the key products contributing to the growth of the market. North America accounts for the major share followed by Europe in the global electroceutical devices market. This can be attributed to increasing geriatric population, rising prevalence of chronic diseases, growing technological innovations, and increase in product approvals. In addition, availability of reimbursement and high investments in healthcare infrastructure contribute to the growth of the market. However, the sluggish economic conditions in North America and Europe, and the changing government regulations related to healthcare spending might negatively impact the market. Asia Pacific is expected to grow at an impressive CAGR during the forecast period. The growing healthcare industry, rising medical tourism, increasing awareness among people and the growing economy contribute to the growth of the market in the region. India, China and Brazil are expected to drive strong growth among the emerging countries, owing to the increasing investments by the government to enhance the healthcare facilities.Browse Global Strategic Business Report:Major players in the electroceutical devices market include Biotronik, Boston Scientific Corporation, Cochlear Limited, ElectroCore LLC, EnteroMedics Inc., LivaNova PLC, Medtronic plc, NeuroSigma, Inc., Nevro Corporation, Second Sight Medical Products, Inc., Sonova Holding AG, and St. Jude Medical, Inc., among other significant players worldwide.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR syndicated research report covers a different sector  such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, TMRs syndicated reports strive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Cardiac Rehabilitation Market: Applications and Global Markets

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In the highly consolidated global market for cardiac rehabilitation, innovations and product costs will be major determinants of success, marks a recent report by Transparency Market Research. The top two companies in the market, Brunswick Corporation and Technogym, had a clear hold on the markets overall growth prospects, accounting for a combined share of over 50% in 2015. Other leading vendors such as Brunswick Corporation, Johnson health Tech Co., and Amer Sports, in combination with these two companies, accounted for a share of nearly 70% in the global market in the same year.Get accurate market forecast and analysis on the Cardiac Rehabilitation Market. Request a sample to stay abreast on the key trends impacting this market.Characterized by high competitive rivalry, high rate of introduction of technologically advanced products, and a continuous rise in global demand, the market for cardiac rehabilitation will emerge as a lucrative investment hub for investors in the years to come.Rising Global Population of Geriatrics to be Major DriverThe worlds population of people aged more than 60 years is rising at a rapid pace, upping the risk of cardiovascular diseases as aging has a major impact on the bodys cardiovascular system. This factor is also the root cause of the increasing rates of morbidity, disability, mortality, and a substantial rise in the worlds healthcare costs. According to the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, the worlds geriatric population suffered a 55% rise in deaths due to cardiovascular diseases between the period of 1990 and 2013.WHO statistics, on the other hand, highlight another major concern  the high prevalence of cardiovascular diseases and resultant rise in deaths in developing and underdeveloped countries. Low- and middle-income countries in developing and underdeveloped parts of the globe account for a staggering 82% share in the total number of deaths caused due to non-communicable diseases across the world; of these, cardiovascular diseases account for a massive 37% share. Driven with the aim of improving the situation, sustained efforts for preventing and treating cardiovascular diseases undertaken on national and international levels will have a major impact the global cardiac rehabilitation market in the future.High Product Costs to Constrain Demand for Cardiac RehabilitationBeing a highly capital- and research-intensive marketplace, cardiac rehabilitation products, quite naturally, carry a high price tag and always carry the risk of being outclassed by newer and most often technologically advanced products in the market. In this highly dynamic market, where the rate of introduction of technologically advanced varieties of product types is immense, the high and rising costs of cardiac rehabilitation products are a major restraints for further expansion. Cost is a major constraint especially for the markets growth in developing regions such as Asia Pacific and Latin America.Apart from the factor of cost, low enrolments in cardiac rehabilitation programs and lack of skilled resources providing cardiac rehabilitation services are also major restraints for the global cardiac rehabilitation market. To overcome the challenge of low enrolments, vendors will have to focus more on formulating programs that have flexible schedules and are sensitively priced according to the region of operation. Intervention from government and private educational institutes will be necessary for increasing the number of rehabilitation counsellors on a global front.The global market for cardiac rehabilitation had a valuation of US$1,010.93 mn in 2015. It will expand at a healthy 5.4% CAGR from 2016 through 2024 and rise to a valuation of US$1,622.9 mn by 2024.Browse Global Strategic Business Report:This analysis of the global cardiac rehabilitation market has been based on a recent market research report, titled Cardiac Rehabilitation Market  Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2016  2024.The market has been segmented as follows:Global Cardiac Rehabilitation Market, by Device TypeSeated and Upright Elliptical TrainerStabilization BallStationary BicycleTreadmillRowerHeart Rate MonitorBlood Pressure MonitorGlobal Cardiac Rehabilitation Market, by GeographyNorth AmericaU.S.CanadaEuropeGermanyU.K.Rest of EuropeAsia PacificChinaJapanRest of Asia PacificLatin AmericaBrazilMexicoRest of Latin AmericaMiddle East & AfricaSouth AfricaSaudi ArabiaUAERest of Middle East & AfricaAbout UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR syndicated research report covers a different sector  such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, TMRs syndicated reports strive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Arteriovenous (Av) Fistula Needle Market: Applications and Global Markets

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AV fistula needle is a connection of artery to vein. The arteriovenous fistula needle is recommended as the first choice for hemodialysis. Arteriovenous fistula needles are used in conjunction with a connector of hemodialysis blood tubing set. These needles connect blood lines to the blood vessel through during dialysis procedure via an internal fistula. Health care providers recommend an arteriovenous fistula needle due to its good blood flow for dialysis, long lasting than other types of access, safety and less possibility of getting infected and blood clotting. According to DaVita Patient Citizens (DPC), Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), National Kidney Foundation (NKF), arteriovenous fistula is the gold standard vascular access due to the low rate of complications. According to disease control and prevention, 14.6 million transfusions are carried out per year in the US.Get accurate market forecast and analysis on the Arteriovenous (Av) Fistula Needle Market. Request a sample to stay abreast on the key trends impacting this market.The arteriovenous fistula needles are available in different gauge size depends on blood flow rates, such as 17 gauge for 350450 ml/min and 14 gauge for >450 ml/min. The arteriovenous (Av) fistula needles are used for Hemodialysis, self-cannulation, etc. Cannulation technique is a primary driver of needle choice. Flexible plastic cannula needles are used for comfort and to prevent needle infiltration during nocturnal home dialysis.The arteriovenous fistula needle is selected based on needle gauge and needle length. Gauge is defined as the needle shafts outer diameter, while the inner diameter also depends on the thickness of the needle wall. Smaller gauge needles have a greater resistance to flow, thus require a slower rate of blood flow. The larger the inner diameter, the higher the blood flow rate. In countries where arteriovenous fistula cannula needles are available, patients can self-cannulate either with plastic cannulas or with standard sharp needles. Metal arteriovenous fistula needle have a silicone coating for smooth insertion and low flow resistance.Growing geriatric population, increasing the prevalence of end-stage renal disease, technological innovation, favorable insurance and reimbursement policies, and rising per capita healthcare expenditure drive the arteriovenous fistula needle market. According to Fresenius medical care, the prevalence of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) was estimated to be 3,200,000 at the end of 2013 and continues to increase at a significantly high rate. Arteriovenous fistula needle market. However, factors such as needle associated risks may be act as restraints for arteriovenous fistula needle market.Browse Global Strategic Business Report:Arteriovenous Fistula Needle Market is segmented by needle type, by location, by application, by end users, and by geography. By needle type includes sharp needle and Blunt needle. By location includes wrist, elbow and transposed brachial-basilic vein fistula. By application includes Hemodialysis, Home dialysis, and Self-cannulation. By end users includes diagnostic centers, hospitals, clinics, homecare and ambulatory surgery centers. By geography, it includes North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa.Geographically, the arteriovenous fistula needle market is dominated by North America, followed by Europe, Asia-Pacific. Growth in the North American segment is primarily driven by rising prevalence of end-stage renal diseases along with growing geriatric population, early adoption of the treatment procedure and technological advancements. According to Fresenius Medical, the prevalence of hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis patients in the USA is 18%. Asia-Pacific is expected to grow at the highest rate due to increasing population, insurance coverage, better healthcare facilities, rising healthcare income and increasing the prevalence of diseases. The prevalence of dialysis in Japan is 13% according to Fresenius medical care.Some of the Key players in this market includes B. Braun Melsungen Ag, Becton Dickinson, and Company, C.R. Bard, Inc., Medtronic Plc, Cook Medical, Inc, Teleflex Medical, Fresenius Medical Care AG & CO., NxStage Medical, Inc., Poly Medicure Limited and others.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR syndicated research report covers a different sector  such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, TMRs syndicated reports strive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Programmatic Display Advertising Market to Grow at a CAGR of 49.0% by 2019

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According to a new market report published by Future Market Insights titled Programmatic Display Advertising Market: Global Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment, 2015-2019, the global programmatic display advertising market was valued at US$ 7.6 Bn in 2014 and is expected to register a CAGR of 49.0% from 2015 to 2019.Growth of the global programmatic display advertising market is primarily driven by improved return on investment (ROI) for players across the value chain and improved addressability and targeting, which greatly increases sales and profitability of users.Request For Sample@Programmatic advertising is entering a whole new level of development. Since the advent of programmatic advertising, buying and selling of non-guaranteed online display advertising inventory is expected to reach near saturation in the near future, with over 50% of spending estimated to be transacted programmatically in 2015 across the globe. Meanwhile, the advertising industry is focused on automating guaranteed online display advertising as it is a popular mode of advertising, and attracts twice the spending as compared to non-guaranteed mode.Programmatic Display Advertising Market SegmentationOn the basis of ad formats, the programmatic display advertising market is segmented as online display, online video, mobile display and mobile video. Among these, the online display sub-segment accounted for highest revenue in 2014, whereas mobile display sub-segment is estimated to register a substantially high double-digit CAGR during the forecast period, and emerge as the highest revenue contributor by 2019.Growth of mobile display and mobile video segments is expected to be primarily driven by increasing adoption of programmatic mobile display advertising along with the rapidly growing mobile advertising market, as buyers move brand budgets from online and traditional media to mobile.Send An Enquiry@On the basis of sales channel, the programmatic display advertising market is segmented into real-time bidding (RTB), private marketplaces (PMP) and automated guaranteed segments. Among these, the real time bidding segment accounted for highest revenue in 2014, and revenue from the automated guaranteed segment is expected to expand at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. Private marketplace is the sale of non-guaranteed inventory by the seller to invited buyers using an auction based on real time bidding software platform in a private marketplace.This report also covers trends driving growth of each segment and offers analysis and insights of the potential of the programmatic display advertising market in key regions including North America, Latin America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia Pacific (excluding Japan), Japan and Middle East & Africa. Region-wise, North America accounted for the largest market share in 2014 and markets in the region are expected to witness highest growth as compared to markets in other regions throughout the forecast period.Countries, such as the U.S. and Canada are currently witnessing highest adoption of programmatic display advertising. The total addressable market (TAM) for mobile programmatic advertising is expected to expand at a substantially high rate and programmatic advertising via mobile devices is increasing rapidly, making online advertising almost obsolete in the near future. As a result, growth of the global programmatic advertising market is expected to increase substantially over the forecast period.Programmatic Display Advertising Market: Key PlayersThe global programmatic display advertising market is highly fragmented with various players such as publishers, vendors, ad agencies, and advertisers contributing to majority of market revenue. Microsoft, AOL Inc., Google Inc., Infectious Media Ltd., Sociomantic Labs GmbH and Yahoo Inc. are some of the key players in the global programmatic display advertising market, which have been covered in the report.ABOUT US:Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.CONTACT:616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comPress: press@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Hearing Amplifiers Market will explore robust size & growth during 2016-2024

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Hearing loss can occurs when inner ear or nerve is damaged, which may be caused due to diseases, aging, loud noise, and medications. Hearing amplifier is a small part of hearing aid which makes the sound louder. Hearing amplifiers increase the power of signals and then send them to the ear through speakers.Hearing aid is useful in improving the hearing and speech of patients. An otolaryngologist investigates the cause of the hearing loss. An audiologist is a hearing health professional who identifies and measures hearing loss and will perform a hearing test to assess the type and degree of hearing loss.Obtain Report Details:Increase in number of hearing impairment cases coupled with rising costs of hearing aids are expected to drive the growth of the global hearing amplifiers market during the forecast period. Majority of the consumers use hearing amplifiers or personal sound amplification products (PSAPs) as they are considered cheaper alternatives of hearing aids. Hearing amplifiers or PSAPs, are designed to amplify sounds in any recreational environment and are exempt from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Hearing amplifiers are sold directly to consumers as electronic devices without the requirement of a physician prescription. According to National Institute on Deafness and other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), approximately 324,200 cochlear implants have been implanted worldwide. About 15 percent of Americans (26 million people) between the ages of 20 and 69 have high frequency hearing loss due to exposure to noise at work or during leisure activities. Major driving factors for the growth of the global hearing amplifiers such as an increase in the number of prevalence of hearing impairment patients in old and young population, increasing investment in research and development in ENT field among others.Based on styles or design types of hearing aid products the global market of hearing amplifiers can be segmented as follows:Behind-the-ear (BTE)Mini BTEIn-the-ear (ITE)In-the-canal (ITC)Based on function the global hearing amplifiers market can be segmented as follows:Analog hearing aidsDigital hearing aidsBased on distribution channels the global hearing amplifiers market can be segmented as follows:Hospital PharmaciesOnline PharmaciesIndependent Pharmacies and Drug storesHearing amplifiers market is segmented into five major regions: North America, Europe, Latin America, Asia Pacific, and Middle East & Africa. In 2015, North America lead the global market of hearing amplifiers followed by the Europe in terms of revenue. According to statistics compiled by the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), 37.5 million adults aged 18 and older in America report some form of hearing loss. According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), 28.8 million U.S. adults could benefit from using hearing aids and more than 90 percent of deaf children are born to parents suffering from some kind of hearing disorder. Globally, the hearing amplifiers market is expected to witness a healthy CAGR in terms of revenue during the forecast period.Fill the form for an exclusive sample of this report:Latin America, Middle East & Africa and Asia Pacific regions are the emerging markets in the global hearing amplifiers market. Increasing awareness among the various distribution channels as well as consumers in these regions is anticipated to propel global market growth of hearing aids and amplifiers during the forecast period.The key players in the global market develop hearing amplifiers in analog and digital forms. Some of the top companies in the global hearing amplifiers market are Sound Hawk, Resound, Foshan Vohom Technology Co. Ltd., Sound world solution, Shenzhen LA Lighting Company Limited, Austar Hearing Science and Technology (Xiamen) Co., Ltd., Huizhou Jinghao Electronics Co. Ltd., Ziphearing among others.The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth qualitative insights, historical data, and verifiable projections about market size. The projections featured in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions. By doing so, the research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology, types, and applications.Transparency Market Research (TMR) is a U.S.-based provider of syndicated research, customized research, and consulting services. TMRs global and regional market intelligence coverage includes industries such as pharmaceutical, chemicals and materials, technology and media, food and beverages, and consumer goods, among others. Each TMR research report provides clients with a 360-degree view of the market with statistical forecasts, competitive landscape, detailed segmentation, key trends, and strategic recommendations.Contact us:Transparency Market Research90 State Street,Suite 700,AlbanyNY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Electric Bicycle Market Size 2017 Historical Market, Growth, Analysis, Opportunities and Forecast To 2022

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Market Size Forecasters released a new research report of 113 pages on title Global Electric Bicycle Market Outlook 2016-2022 with detailed analysis, forecast and strategies. The study covers important players such as including covering are Yadea (China), AIMA (China), Luyuan (China), Jiangsu Xinri (China)Electric Bicycle Market, also known as an e-bike or booster bike, is a bicycle with an integrated electric motor which can be used for propulsion. There are a great variety of e-bikes available worldwide, from e-bikes that only have a small motor to assist the rider's pedal-power (i.e., pedelecs) to somewhat more powerful e-bikes which tend closer to moped-style functionality: all, however, retain the ability to be pedalled by the rider and are therefore not electric motorcycles. E-bikes use rechargeable batteries and the lighter varieties can travel up to 25 to 32 km/h (16 to 20 mph), depending on the laws of the country in which they are sold, while the more high-powered varieties can often do in excess of 45 km/h (28 mph).Request a sample copy of Electric Bicycle Market Research Report @This report provides detailed analysis of worldwide markets for Electric Bicycle from 2011-2016, and provides extensive market forecasts (2016-2021) by region/country and subsectors. It covers the volumes, prices, historical growth and future perspectives in the Electric Bicycle market and further lays out an analysis of the factors influencing the supply/demand for Electric Bicycle, and the opportunities/challenges faced by industry participants. It also acts as an essential tool to companies active across the value chain and to the new entrants by enabling them to capitalize the opportunities and develop business strategies.The report has been prepared based on the synthesis, analysis, and interpretation of information about the global Electric Bicycle market collected from specialized sources. The report covers key technological developments in the recent times and profiles leading players in the market and analyzes their key strategies. The competitive landscape section of the report provides a clear insight into the market share analysis of key industry players. The major players in the global Electric Bicycle market are Yadea (China), AIMA (China), Luyuan (China), Jiangsu Xinri (China), Accell Group (Netherlands), Derby Cycle (Germany), BH BIKES (USA), Pedego (USA), Stromer (Switzerland) etc.Request Discount for Electric Bicycle Market Research Report @Table of Contents in Electric Bicycle Market Research Report:Part 2. Methodology2.1 Research Methodology2.2 Geographic Scope2.3 Years ConsideredPart 3. Introduction3.1 Electric Bicycle Market Definition3.2 Supply Chain Structure3.2.1 Raw Material Supply3.2.2 Manufacturing3.2.3 Production Cost AnalysisPart 4. Market Landscape4.1 Electric Bicycle Market by Volume 2011-20164.1.1 Overview4.1.2 Electric Bicycle Market Volume 2011-20164.1.3 Top 10 Electric Bicycle Companies (Volume Share)4.2 Electric Bicycle Market 2011-20164.2.1 Overview4.2.2 Electric Bicycle Market by Revenue 2011-20164.2.3 Top 10 Electric Bicycle Companies (Revenue Share)Part 5. Segmentation by Type5.1 Type 15.2 Type 25.3 Type 3Browse full table of contents and data tables For Electric Bicycle Market Report @The report provides separate comprehensive analytics for the North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa and Rest of World. In this sector, global competitive landscape and supply/demand pattern of Electric Bicycle industry has been provided.Related Reports: -Global and Chinese CNG fueled vehicle Industry, 2017 Market Research ReportGlobal and Chinese CNG fueled vehicle Industry, 2012-2022 Market Research Report' is a professional and in-depth study on the current state of the global CNG fueled vehicle industry with a focus on the Chinese market. The report provides key statistics on the market status of the CNG fueled vehicle manufacturers and is a valuable source of guidance and direction for companies and individuals interested in the industry.MarketSizeForecasters.com, a Skyline Market Research LLP brand, is an online aggregator of market research reports. MarketSizeForecasters.com offers a comprehensive collection of full length reports on global and regional markets in 100+ industry verticals. We have partnered with some of the leading business and market research publishing houses and regularly update our online library to offer wide range of reports to our customers.Market size forecastersThe Green Suite #4594,Dover, DE 19901United StatesPhone: 1-201-355-0868US Toll Free: 1-866-764-2150Email: sales@marketsizeforecasters.comWebsite:News:
Wood Pellet Market with Current Trends Analysis, 2015-2025

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In order to meet the increasing demand for energy and fossil fuels alternative along with intensifying concerns for greenhouse gas (GHG), the demand for global wood pellet market is rapidly escalating. Wood pellet is a solid fuel that is produced by compressing biomass or organic matter. Usually, it is made from waste timber like sawdust, residues of forest and various industrial by products. Its length is 1-2 cm and generally the diameter is 6, 8, 10, or 12mm. At greatest, it is possible to produce 25mm wood pellet. Being extremely thick, it is produced at low moisture, which allows them to burn with high combustion efficiency. Over the other types of solid biomass available, feasibility in transportation, storability and high energy density, among many others are the advantages of using wood pellet and so, it is used as fuels for residential & commercial heating, cooking and generating power.Wood Pellet Market: Drivers & RestraintsIncreasing consumption of wood pellets and the policy support for heating/CHP application (either large scale or small scale plant) is the main driver for the wood pellet market. The increasing (heating) oil prices, carbon dioxide price, concerns over climatic change, demand for large scale electricity production gives the potential scope for the growth of wood pellet market. However, the fluctuation in feedstock prices and limitation of the availability of woody biomass are the major constraints for the wood pellet market. Other factors hindering the growth of wood pellet market are logistical barriers for the transportation, competition with natural gas, coal and other fossil fuels and fulfilling technical quality standards.Request For Sample@Wood Pellet Market: SegmentationOn the basis of the feedstock, the global wood pellet market can be segmented into Forest and wood waste resources, Agricultural residues & waste and Energy crops. On the basis of types of pellet heating appliances, it is segmented into free standing pellet stoves, pellet stove inserts and pellet boilers.On the basis of application, the global wood pellet market is segmented intoIndustrial pellet for CHP/district heatingIndustrial pellet for co-firingPellet for heating residential/commercialOthersThe wood pellet market can also be segmented on the basis of density variance which is different for different brand as well as bags in which they are packed.Wood Pellet Market: Region-wise OutlookGlobal wood pellet market is foreseen to witness the highest growth in Europe, currently accounting for almost 80% of global consumption, followed by U.S. and South Korea. The export of wood pellet are mainly done by Russia, U.S. and Canada. South America, South Africa and Australia are the emerging regions for becoming the potential exporters of the wood pellet market. As per our in-depth analysis by 2020, the annual demand for woody biomass would rise to 305 million tons. Owing to this, the demand for global wood pellet market is anticipated to reach double digit million tons during the forecast period.Request For TOC@Wood Pellet Market: Key PlayersSome of the key players of the global wood pellet market are Corinth Wood Pellets, New England Wood Pellets, Energex, OUOsulaGraanul, the subsidiary of AS Graanul Invest, Natures Flame, Green Circle Cottondale, Weyerhaeuser, Mitsubishi Corporation and many others.ABOUT US:Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.CONTACT:Future Market Insights616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Agriculture Equipment Market Forecast Research Reports Offers Key Insights

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Agriculture equipment are the machine tools used in the various stage of agriculture such as harvesting, planting, threshing and agro processing. Agriculture equipment are replacing traditional tools: for traditional practice in land development, tillage and seed bed preparation plough and blade harrow were used but current practice includes tractors, mould board plough and power tiller.Agriculture Equipment Market: Drivers & RestraintsGrowing population at faster pace is the main driver for agricultural equipment market as it spurs the need of food which aggressively demand for better equipment for agriculture. Though agriculture equipment help in the cultivation but farmers are in having financial issues to replace the old equipment with new machinery, which hindered the growth of the global agriculture equipment market. Asia Pacific is one of the major user of tractor.Agriculture Equipment Market: SegmentationOn the basis of product type, agriculture Equipment market is broadly segmented as:TractorCombine HarvesterThrasherRotavatorSelf-Propelled Vertical Conveyer ReaperZero Till Seed DrillMulti Crop PlanterPower TillerLaser Land LevelerRice TransplanterPower SprayPower WeederDrip Irrigation EquipmentSprinkler Irrigation EquipmentRequest For Sample@On the basis of process, the market is segmented into:Land Development, Tillage, Seed Bed PreparationSowing & PlantingWeed Inter CultivationPlant ProtectionHarvesting & ThreshingPost-Harvest & Agro ProcessingAgriculture Equipment Market: Region  Wise OutlookAsia  Pacific region is expected to dominate the market during the forecasted period aided by China and India the fastest growing agriculture equipment market. Growing population will increase the demand of food in these countries, which in return increase the demand of better harvesting machinery. Europe and North America agriculture equipment market is expected to show a moderate growth. With rapid technological advancement and growing population agriculture Equipment market is expected to increase at a double CAGR during the forecast period.Request For TOC@Agriculture Equipment Market: Key PlayersSome of the players in the market we identified includes, CNH Industrial NV, AGCO Corp, J.C. Bamford Excavators Limited, Iseki & Co. Ltd, Mahindra & Mahindra Limited, Deere & Company and Kubota Corporation.ABOUT US:Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.CONTACT:Future Market Insights616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Human Machine Interface(HMI) Market share, Forecast to 2024 & Industry Analysis: Global Market Insights Inc.

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Human Machine Interface (HMI) Market size is driven by rising need for efficiently monitoring the plants in various industries such as oil and gas, and mining. Factors such as increasing adoption of industrial automation equipment in the production sector along with growing demand for smart technological solution will spur the HMI industry growth. Moreover, increasing demand for integration of logical software with technical devices is anticipated to improvise quality and productivity, thereby prompting the demand.Request for an in-depth table of contents for this report @Increasing demand for ease in machine communications along with growing demand for high processing power and huge storage space to encourage the human machine interface market adoption. Further, technological advancements in the development of innovative display panels further contributes to the growth. For instance, Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) installed ABBs enterprise wide supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) for efficient real-time monitoring of all its production and drilling facilities spread across India and in Arabian Sea.Features such as alarm warnings, safe messaging along with improved internal communications is expected to provide advantage to a facility in terms of operations, security and production. Further, HMI is anticipated to reduce the operation costs by substituting various push buttons, indictor lights, selectors along with lowering the requirement of additional display panels and cables.In addition to these features, high resolution of HMI system provides a clear-sighted view of the manufacturing operations, enabling the operator to control the facility centrally. Moreover, with the implementation of the system, facility managers have the ease of testing devices using flexible HMI without a single equipment, thus lowering the startup time and improving overall productivity.Factors such as lack of standardization, high cost associated with the installation along with the safety and security issues is anticipated to curb the human machine interface market growth. Further, lack of skilled professionals and awareness among management level individuals may present a challenge to the industry participants.Increasing demand for high resolution displays for analyzing the industrial process efficiently along with the technological advancements in the computing processors is expected to offer growth opportunities. Further, fast industrialization in the emerging economies such as China & India to spur the HMI market growth.Make an inquiry for buying this report @Growing demand of HMI terminals in the manufacturing sector for improvisation of the plant management by automatization along with building better user-machine communication services will offer significant growth opportunities. Further, clubbing of Wi-Fi & Bluetooth technology with these devices has helped in improving the mobility, contributing to human machine interface market size.Hardware can be classified into basic, advanced PC-based and advanced panel-based. Basic HMI provides high-power visualization and glaring display quality along with touch-key functionality for operations. It provides features such as backup of data via USB stick for fast device exchange. Additionally, in order to build smooth communication with web servers and drives, basic HMIs integrates the device with a web browser.Advanced PC-based hardware is recommended for industries where production places large demands on quantity and nature of data that needs to be processed. It provides suitable choices for adequate storage space, data connectivity and processing capability. Advanced panel-based hardware is classified into comfort panels and mobile panels. Comfort panels provide machine-level high-performance visualization.Software is classified into cloud-based and on-premise. Cloud-based HMI market offers better ease of access, functionality and security in a significantly lower price. Data stored in the cloud can be accessed by any internet connected devices such as PCs, tablets, smartphones with proper login credentials. On-premise HMIs are preferred by some organizations having fear of losing control of data in cloud storage.The presence of large number of solution providers and increasing high-end production activities is driving the U.S. human machine interface market. In addition to the increasing demand for integrated HMI solutions is anticipated to catapult the HMI market growth in the region. Moreover, early technology adoption in north America contributes further to the industry progress. The rapid industrialization will drive the India and China HMI market. In addition to easy availability of raw materials, inexpensive labor force along with the rising number of automation projects is expected to spur the demand.Companies in the HMI market include Siemens AG, ABB Ltd, Eaton Corp, Schneider Electric, Honeywell Inc., General Electric, Emerson Electric, Advantech Co, Beijer Electronics, Yokogawa Electric, etc. Mergers and acquisitions is the focus of many key players as a part of business strategy. For instance, in 2016, Rockwell Automation acquired Magnemotion, in order to make expansion in the motion control business.Browse Related Reports: Enterprise Application Market Size By Product (CRM, ERP, SCM, Web Conferencing, Business Intelligence [BI], BPM, CMS, EAM), By End-Use (Manufacturing, BFSI, Healthcare, Retail, Government, Aerospace & Defense, Telecom & IT), By Deployment (On-Premise, Cloud), Industry Analysis Report, Regional Outlook (U.S., Canada, UK, Germany, Japan, China, India, Mexico, Brazil), Application Potential, Price Trends, Competitive Market Share & Forecast, 2016  2024About Global Market Insights:Global Market Insights, Inc., headquartered in Delaware, U.S., is a global market research and consulting service provider; offering syndicated and custom research reports along with growth consulting services. Our business intelligence and industry research reports offer clients with penetrative insights and actionable market data specially designed and presented to aid strategic decision making. These exhaustive reports are designed via a proprietary research methodology and are available for key industries such as chemicals, advanced materials, technology, renewable energy and biotechnology.Contact Us:Arun HegdeCorporate Sales, USAGlobal Market Insights, Inc.Phone: 1-302-846-7766Toll Free: 1-888-689-0688Email: sales@gminsights.comWeb:Blog:Connect with us: Facebook | Google+ | LinkedIn | Twitter
Machine Condition Monitoring Market Set for Rapid Growth And Trend, by 2025

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Increase in need for reduced maintenance cost along with unexpected failure is anticipated to fuel the growth of global machine condition monitoring market. In order to find any failure in machine such as noise, vibration and temperature measurements, machine condition monitoring is required. Generally, machine condition monitoring techniques is used in rotating equipment, pumps, electric motors, internal combustion engines, presses. It is a major part of predictive maintenance. Machine condition monitoring allows maintenance to be scheduled and avoids its consequences. The demand for machine condition monitoring is rapidly increasing as they are widely used across various industries such as chemicals, aerospace & defence, automotive, metals and mining among many others. Its unique benefits increases the lifespan of the machines. Above of all, unexpected breakdown and focus on plant asset management is pushing the growth in the machine condition monitoring market.Machine Condition Monitoring Market: Drivers & RestraintsAdvancement in technology such as expansion of low-cost advanced machine condition monitoring, direct communication processes and rapid processing functions etc, is opening new doors to the growth of machine condition monitoring market. The drivers identified in the machine condition monitoring are machine reliability by effective prediction of their failures, maximizing part life by proper scheduling of maintenance programs, achieving reduction in frequency, severity of machine downtimes along with ensuring the safety of equipment and staff, among others. Fast growth in Asia-Pacific region along with increasing governmental regulation are the key factors driving the growth in the global machine condition monitoring. However, unpredictable maintenance periods and higher cost of the machine decreases the adoption rate and could act as a major restraint in the global market.Request For Sample@Machine Condition Monitoring Market: SegmentationOn the basis of monitoring technology, the global machine condition monitoring market is segmented as:Vibration analysis and diagnosticsCorrosion MonitoringLubricating Oil AnalysisMotor Current Signature Analysis (MCSA)Ultrasound Emission TestingInfrared ThermographyOn the basis of applications the global machine condition monitoring market is segmented as:AutomotiveChemicalsAerospace & DefenceOthers (Oil & Gas, Power and Mining)Machine Condition Monitoring Market: Region-wise OutlookThe global machine condition monitoring market is expected to register a favourable growth for the forecast period, 2015?2025. The market growth in developed economies for these systems is expected between 7% and 10% whereas in developing regions the growth may even exceed 12% during coming five years. On the basis of region, North America is estimated to be the fastest growing market for Machine condition monitoring. Asia Pacific, and Latin America are expected to be the growth engines of machine condition market in the near future. The remaining regions are expected to grow at a steady rate over the forecast period.Request For TOC@Machine Condition Monitoring Market: Key PlayersSome of the key players identified in the global Machine Condition Monitoring market are National Instruments, Parker Kittiwake, Rockwell Automation, Bruel & Kjaer Vibro GmbH, Emerson Process Management, Fluke Corp, Honeywell Process Solution, among many others.ABOUT US:Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.CONTACT:Future Market Insights616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Global Proteinase K Market projected to register a CAGR of 6.1% during 2016-2026

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Proteinase K is a million dollars market accounting for a small portion in reagents and enzymes. The Global Proteinase K market is classified into two main segments  lyophilized powder form and liquid form. By application the market is segmented as purification of DNA & RNA, in situ hybridization, mitochondria isolation and enzyme removal. Proteinase K is mainly used in contract research organisations, biotechnology companies, academic institutes, and diagnostics laboratories. In terms of revenue, the global Proteinase K market is expected to reach US$ 18.5 Mn in 2016, witnessing a year-over-year growth of 6.1%.A plethora of factors are expected to impact the growth of the global Proteinase K market. A significant rise in research and development activities, lesser production costs, broader application of Proteinase K and good product stability and specificity of Proteinase K will give a massive push to the revenue growth of the global Proteinase K market by the end of the forecast period. A steady rise of chronic diseases and better government-backed investment channels to fund advanced research and development are expected to expedite the expansion of the global Proteinase K market over the period of assessment.Request Report Sample@A slew of research activities, soaring expenditure on personal healthcare and increasing adoption of gene therapy has been significantly high in the U.S. market in the recent years, making North America the most lucrative market globally. As per a report published by the Cancer Society of America, in 2016, the population of cancer patients is skyrocketing within the country. The use of Proteinase K is high in gene therapy for hereditary diseases such as cancer, diabetes and others. The North America Proteinase K market revenue was accounted to be US$ 6.5 Mn in 2015, with the U.S. contributing a majority of revenue share.Segmentation highlightsBy product form, lyophilized powder form segment accounted for higher revenue share in global Proteinase K as compared to liquid form segment. Lyophilized powder from segment is expected to reach a value of US$ 19.2 Mn by 2026, reflecting a CAGR of 6.3% over the forecast period. The growth in lyophilized powder form can be attributed to the increasing advantages of powder form over liquid form in case of storage and preservation of sampleBy application, purification of DNA & RNA segment accounted for highest revenue share in global Proteinase K market as compared to other applications of Proteinase K. Purification of DNA & RNA segment is expected to reach a value of US$ 19.2 Mn by 2026, reflecting a CAGR of 6.5% over the forecast period. This is expected to be followed by mitochondria isolation and enzyme removal applicationBy end-user, biotechnology companies account for higher demand for Proteinase K as compared to other end user segments such as academic institutes and diagnostics laboratories. The strong growth in biotechnology companies can be attributed to an increasing use of Proteinase K in research and development and new drug discovery. The cost effectiveness of Proteinase K over other reagents is the key factor responsible for its increasing use in biotechnology companies. Biotechnology companies segment is expected to register highest CAGR of 6.7% over the forecast periodSend An Enquiry@Regional market projectionsDemand for research in academics and funding facilities provided by the US government to support gene therapy and other activities for drug development is anticipated to boost the North America Proteinase K market. Followed by North America, APEJ and Western Europe are the most lucrative regions of the global Proteinase K market and are anticipated to grow by 6.1% and 5.7% respectively over the forecast period. Increasing demand for drug development, rising hereditary diseases due to changing lifestyles and growing disposable income are some of the factors expected to contribute to the growth of the global Proteinase K market.Vendor insightsTop companies profiled in the global Proteinase K market report include Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., Merck KGaA, Qiagen N.V., Worthington Biochemical Corporation, Sisco Research Laboratories Pvt. Ltd, Promega Corporation, Bioline and F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG among others. Leading market players are adopting different strategies such as product launches and acquisitions to maintain their market share. For instance, in November 2015, Merck KGaA acquired Sigma-Aldrich to strengthen and expand its consumable and reagent portfolio.Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.compress@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Dimethyl Carbonate Market: Ever-increasing Demand Creates Opportunities for New Entrants, Research By 2023

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Presence of a copious number of players, both international and regional, makes the global dimethyl carbonate market highly fragmented. On account of being fragmented, the market is also highly dynamic in nature.Some of the prominent international players in the global dimethyl carbonate market are Akzo Nobel N.V. and BASF SE. Noteworthy regional players, mostly concentrated in the Asia Pacific region, include HaiKe Chemical Group, Dongying City Longxing Chemical Co., Ltd., and Tangshan Chaoyang Chemical Co., Ltd.A report by Transparency Market Research finds that new entrants have moderate chances of gaining a foothold in the market because of the increasing demand for dimethyl carbonate. However, to taste success new players must be able to leverage strategies that would enable them to achieve economies of scale which in turn will help them realize substantial return on investment. To that end raw materials need to be procured without any disruption.Browse Market Research Report @The TMR report forecasts the revenue in the global dimethyl carbonate market to rise at a steady 6.6% CAGR during 2015 and 2023. Growing at this rate, the market is expected to attain a value of US$690.1 mn by 2023-end from US$440.6 mn in 2016. Volume-wise, the market is slated to reach 599.0 kilo tons by the end of 2023.Demand from China and Japan Powers Asia Pacific MarketSome of the key application segments in the global dimethyl carbonate market are pharmaceutical, polycarbonate, pesticide, and solvent, among others. Among them, polycarbonates are said to be the main engine for growth in the market and is slated to account for around 53.18% share by volume by 2023-end. The flourishing automotive and electronics industries are generating massive demand for polycarbonates and will continue doing so in the near future as well.Geographically, the main regions analyzed in the TMR report are North America, Europe, Latin America, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East and Africa. Among them, Asia Pacific is a dominant market for dimethyl carbonate in terms of demand. Europe trails Asia Pacific in the second position and is followed by North America in the third position. The market in Asia Pacific is primarily powered by the demand from China and Japan. The report by TMR predicts the Asia Pacific market to hold a substantial 49.26% of the demand by the end of 2023.For more information on this report, fill the form @Demand for Polycarbonates Propels MarketAt the forefront of driving growth in the global dimethyl carbonate market is the swift uptake of polycarbonates in different industries. End-use industries of automotive and electronics have exponentially driven up the demand for polycarbonates. Both industries are currently growing at a cracking pace and are predicted to maintain the momentum in the near future. Similarly, the paints and coatings industry, which is being boosted by the booming construction industry, is also considerably upping the demand for dimethyl carbonate.Strict Licensing Policies Act as RoadblockA factor posing headwinds to the global dimethyl carbonate market is the strict licensing policies pertaining to setting up of plants in different regions. Currently, license providers to dimethyl carbonate producers are sticking to a restrictive licensing service. Producers of dimethyl carbonate are also having to pay top dollars for obtaining the catalysts and creating the perfect process environment. This makes it difficult to produce dimethyl carbonate on a commercial scale, says the lead analyst of the report.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company providing business information reports and services. The companys exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trend analysis provides forward-looking insights for decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.TMRs data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With extensive research and analysis capabilities, TMR employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques to develop distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.Contact Us:-Transparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700, Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:Visit Blog:
Building Automation Systems Market on Track to Reach US$ 141.1 Bn by 2026

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The rising incidences of security violations across the globe are likely to impact the growth of the security and surveillance segment in the global building automation systems market. The security and surveillance segment will exhibit a robust growth in terms of revenue and will overshadow the market within the forecast period. The commercial segment will contribute notably to the global building automation systems market. Towards the end of the projected period, the commercial segment will touch a market worth of more than US$ 63 Bn and will record a CAGR of 10.9%. Apart from this the government and residential segments will also project promising growth trends by 2026 end. North America will lure maximum investors, as the building automation systems market in this region will exceed a whopping value of US$ 55 Bn by the close of 2026.In reference to a new report published by Persistence Market Research, the global building automation systems market will showcase significant growth between 2016 and 2026. Manufacturers of building automation systems are rapidly adopting new regulations set across the globe and they are also lining up new products to meet rising market demand. The Persistence Market Research report titled, Building Automation Systems Market: Global Industry Analysis & Forecast, 2016-2026, talks in detail about the market psyche and also scrutinizes the market drifts which are expected to impact the future of the global building automation systems market. The global building automation systems market was valued more than US$ 43 Bn in 2015 and is expected to mint better revenue by the end of 2016, reaching approximately US$ 48 Bn. The market will continue its journey towards expansion and the market worth will reach US$ 141.1 Bn towards the end of 2026. The global building automation systems market will record a CAGR of 11.1% during the projected period.Request to view table of content @Governments around the globe are rolling out different precautionary measures to cut down the wastage of energy. Different new regulatory methods are adopted to reduce the consumption of energy. This is a massive booster for the global building automation systems market. Several big economies around the globe such as Europe, US and Japan have already curated some restrictive methods to revise the previous trends. This opens a new window of opportunity for the global building automation systems market. A slew of new technologies that are eroding this market are actively affecting the global canvas of the market. Better and more advanced technologies are enhancing the end-user experience and also increasing market outreach. The introduction of smart web-based, cloud-based control networks backed by the Internet of Things (IOT), mobile technologies, integrated building systems and facility management solutions are expanding the periphery of the global building automation systems market. Last but not the least, the urgent need for consolidated security solutions is also pushing ahead the market growth of the global building automation systems market. These key factors will complement the all-round development of the market within the forecast period but there are also certain key factors that might barricade the normal development of the market within the period of forecast. Building automation systems come with a high price tag and this is expected to impact their widespread adoption. The absence of skilled manpower is another market growth deterrent.A sample of this report is available upon request @The global market for building automation systems is crowded with several players. The Rheem Manufacturing Company, United Technologies, General Electric, Lennox International, Philips Lighting Holding B.V., Ingersoll-Rand Plc. Honeywell International Inc., Johnson Controls are some of the major players contributing to the growth of the market. They are establishing smart IT backed platforms to provide advanced building automation systems to their customers.Browse Complete Report @About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes.Contact UsPersistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA  Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb:
The report offers forecasts of the Methyltriethoxysilane (MTES) Market over the global level as well as on regional levels

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Methyltriethoxysilane is considered as an organic compound of silicon, which belongs to the organosilicon compound class. Methyltriethoxysilane is manufactured at an industrial scale from ethanol and trimethylsilyl chloride. The increasing use of methyltriethoxysilane is anticipated to encourage the growth of the overall market in the next few years. The key players operating in the global methyltriethoxysilane market are emphasizing on the expansion of the application base, which is likely to fuel the markets growth in the coming years.Among the regional segments, the developing economies in the methyltriethoxysilane market are projected to grow at a substantial rate in the coming years. The high pace of industrialization and the increasing construction activities are estimated to accelerate the growth of the overall market. The rising use of methyltriethoxysilane as water repellants, sealants, stabilizing and coupling agents in the chemical industry is one of the major factors anticipated to supplement the markets growth in the near future. The high performing characteristics offered by methyltriethoxysilane is likely to contribute significantly towards the development of the overall market in the next few years.Request Sample Copy of the Report @Furthermore, several new entrants are anticipated to enter the global methyltriethoxysilane market and enhance the competitive scenario of the market in the near future. Advancements in technology and the expansion of the product portfolio, thanks to the rising research and development activities are estimated to encourage the growth of the global methyltriethoxysilane market. These players are predicted to focus on emerging economies, which are expected to help them in enhancing their market presence and attain a leading position across the globe.Methyltriethoxysilane (MTES) Market: General OutlineMethyltriethoxysilane (MTES) (CH3Si(OCH2CH3)3 ) is an organic compound of silicon, belonging to a class of organosilicon compounds known as silanes, which are saturated hydrosilicones and are generally stable due to their high saturation. Methyltriethoxysilane (MTES) appears to be a colorless, clear, free flowing liquid, and readily hydrolyzes when mixed with water. The hydrolysis of methyltriethoxysilane (MTES) increases in basic solutions and reduces in acidic solutions. It is produced at an industrial scale from trimethylsilyl chloride and ethanol. It has a stable tetrahedral molecular structure, with a low flashpoint that readily catches fire at temperatures beyond 23 to 25 degrees Celsius. Methyltriethoxysilane (MTES) is usually supplied at purity levels higher than 98% in the market, and is classified as a toxic chemical and may cause harm when exposed.Request TOC of the Report @Methyltriethoxysilane (MTES) Market: Inclusive InsightsSilane compounds are commonly used as sealants, water repellents, coupling and stabilizing agents in the chemical industry. Methyltriethoxysilane (MTES) is primarily used as a cross-linking agent for curing of silicone rubber polymers at room temperature, and is also used as coupling agents for glass fibers and silicon oxide. It also acts as a strengthening agent, while treating and coating of plastic materials, and is widely used in polymer industry. The stability of methyltriethoxysilane (MTES) comes in handy for sol-gel systems, and acts as a chain protecting agent against water and polymerizing agents.Due to its high performing characteristics, silianes are predominantly used in the polymer industry for manufacturing polysiloxanes. It can be applied as sealants for caulking, used for insulating and sealing in construction industry, and act as semiconductors for electronics among others. The market is therefore expected to grow in the coming years. Demand growth is expected to be driven primarily with the increase of end use industries of methyltriethoxysilane (MTES) including construction, polymer, and electronic industries. The market growth is likely to be affected by the availability of substitutes and toxicity of the chemical. On the other hand, the prospective market opportunity is set to increase with new application of polymer manufacture and electronic products among others.Read Comprehensive Overview of Report@Methyltriethoxysilane (MTES) Market: Regional OverviewPolymer, construction, and electronics industries are the end users of methyltriethoxysilane (MTES), and due to its high demand in Asia Pacific, the region accounts for growing number of consumers. Industrial economies namely, China, India, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand are the main consumers of methyltriethoxysilane (MTES) for its usage in the manufacture of various plastics and coating materials.Two of the fastest growing industrial economies of Asia, China and India are the rapidly growing market for polymer industry, and in turn is responsible for driving the demand for methyltriethoxysilane (MTES) and other silanes. Cheap labor availability, land, and comparatively lenient norms and regulations against chemicals, have led several market players to establish their production facilities in Asia. The demand is high for methyltriethoxysilane (MTES) in North America due to its heavy usage in chemical industry, requirement of coatings for plastics and sealants for construction industry, making the region another key market for methyltriethoxysilane (MTES). In due course of time, the demand for methyltriethoxysilane (MTES) is likely to rise in Brazil, South Africa, and the Middle East.Methyltriethoxysilane (MTES) Market: Key Market PlayersThe key players of the marmethyltriethoxysilane (MTES) market are: Alfa Aesar (Johnson Matthey Group Company), Asia Silicones Association Ltd., BRB International BV, and Wynca Chemicals AG.About TMR ResearchTMR Research is a premier provider of customized market research and consulting services to business entities keen on succeeding in todays supercharged economic climate. Armed with an experienced, dedicated, and dynamic team of analysts, we are redefining the way our clients conduct business by providing them with authoritative and trusted research studies in tune with the latest methodologies and market trends.Our savvy custom-built reports span a gamut of industries such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals and metals, food and beverages, and technology and media, among others. With actionable insights uncovered through in-depth research of the market, we try to bring about game-changing success for our clients.Contact:Rohit BhiseyHead - Internet MarketingTel: +1-415-520-1050Email: sales@tmrresearch.com
Automotive Composites Market: Global Automotive Composites Forecasts $8.22 Billion by 2021

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According to the report, the global automotive composites market was valued at USD 5.12 billion in 2015 and is expected to reach USD 8.22 billion in 2021, growing at a CAGR of 8.3% between 2016 and 2021.Automotive composites are primarily used for reducing the weight of components. These composites add the unique characteristics to the part such as high tensile strength, lightness, stiffness, material strength, etc. therefore, considering this parameter the automotive composites market has wide scope in the near future in various applications including automotive, aerospace, electronics, defense and marine amongst others.Request Free Sample copy of Research Report @The strong demand for automotive composite in automotive and aerospace industries is one of the major driving forces of automotive composites market. In addition, stringent norms and regulations specific to CO2 emission especially in North America and Europe are likely to uplift the market size in the region during the next few years. However, the high cost of composites is a major concern for the market. Nonetheless, growing demand for lightweight vehicles in Asia Pacific region due the growing prices of fuel is likely to set as new opportunities for the major players of automotive composites market over the coming years.Metal matrix composite, polymer matrix composite, and ceramic matrix composite are the major types of composites used for automotive industry. Polymer matrix composite was the most attractive segment of the global automotive composite market in 20015. It accounted for above 40% share of the entire volume consumption of automotive composite market in 2015. The increasing use of polymer matrix composite in automotive, aerospace and electronics industries is expected to bolster the market size with a growing CAGR of 8.3% between 2016 and 2021. Furthermore, metal matrix composites and ceramic matrix composites are also predicted to witness the moderate growth in the near future due to the growing usage in aerospace industry.Browse the full "Automotive Composites Market by Type (Metal Matrix Composite, Polymer Matrix Composite, and Ceramic Matrix Composite) for Interior, Exterior, Chassis & Powertrain Components and Others Applications: Global industry Perspective, Comprehensive Analysis and Forecast, 2015  2021" report atIn terms of applications, exterior applications dominated the global automotive composites market in 2015. It accounted for more than 28% share of the total market in 2015 and it is likely to witness the splendid growth in the near future. The exterior application uses the major proportion of composites for obtaining the applicable properties required for automobile coupled with huge investment for R&D activities is likely to boom the growth of automotive composites market in the next few years.With the more than 35% share, Asia-Pacific led the global automotive composites market in 2015. The increasing demand for automobile coupled with the rising disposable incomes in Asia Pacific countries is expected to propel the demand for automotive composites market over the years to come. Growing demand for passenger vehicles because of emerging industrialization in the region is likely to drive the demand for the automotive industry. Moreover, increasing fuel prices is predicted to increase the demand for lightweight vehicles which in turn is expected to grow the market size of automotive composites within the forecast period. Furthermore, North America and Europe are also expected to exhibit the exponential growth for automotive composites market in the near future.Inquire more about this report before purchase @Some of the major players in the global automotive composites market include E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, SAERTEX GmbH & Co. KG, Owens Corning, Teijin Limited, SGL Group, Nippon Sheet Glass Co., Ltd., Cytec Industries Inc., Toray Industries Inc., Johns Manville and amongst others.Directly Purchase a copy of report with TOC @About Us:Zion Market Research is an obligated company. We create futuristic, cutting edge, informative reports ranging from industry reports, company reports to country reports. We provide our clients not only with market statistics unveiled by avowed private publishers and public organizations but also with vogue and newest industry reports along with pre-eminent and niche company profiles. Our database of market research reports comprises a wide variety of reports from cardinal industries. Our database is been updated constantly in order to fulfill our clients with prompt and direct online access to our database. Keeping in mind the clients needs, we have included expert insights on global industries, products, and market trends in this database. Last but not the least, we make it our duty to ensure the success of clients connected to usafter allif you do well, a little of the light shines on us.Contact Us:Zion Market Research4283, Express Lane,Suite 634-143,Sarasota, Florida 34249, United StatesTel: +49-322 210 92714USA/Canada Toll-Free No.1-855-465-4651Email: sales@zionmarketresearch.comWebsite:Blog:
Asia-Pacific Nano-Metal Oxides Market Analysis, Size, Share, Professional Survey, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2017

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"The Report Asia-Pacific Nano-Metal Oxides Market Report 2017 provides information on pricing, market analysis, shares, forecast, and company profiles for key industry participants. - MarketResearchReports.biz"About Nano-Metal Oxides MarketIn this report, the Asia-Pacific Nano-Metal Oxides market is valued at USD XX million in 2016 and is expected to reach USD XX million by the end of 2022, growing at a CAGR of XX% between 2016 and 2022.Geographically, this report split Asia-Pacific into several key Regions, with sales (K MT), revenue (Million USD), market share and growth rate of Nano-Metal Oxides for these regions, from 2012 to 2022 (forecast), includingGet Sample Copy of this report @ChinaJapanSouth KoreaTaiwanIndiaSoutheast AsiaAustraliaAsia-Pacific Nano-Metal Oxides market competition by top manufacturers/players, with Nano-Metal Oxides sales volume, price, revenue (Million USD) and market share for each manufacturer/player; the top players includingView Report @Eprui NanomaterialsReinsteBaikowskiABC NanotechAMAG PharmaceuticalsChengyin TechnologyNanoamorPolyscienceBangs LaboratoriesDuke ScientificSkySpring NanomaterialsDA NanomaterialsDiamond-Fusion InternationalSilco InternationalSurrey NanosystemsDuPontNanoEOn the basis of product, this report displays the sales volume (K MT), revenue (Million USD), product price (USD/MT), market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoAluminaIron OxideTitanium OxideZinc OxideOtherOn the basis on the end users/applications, this report focuses on the status and outlook for major applications/end users, sales volume (K MT), market share and growth rate of Nano-Metal Oxides for each application, includinElectronicsEnergyConstructionHealthcareOtherIf you have any special requirements, please let us know and we will offer you the report as you want.Table of ContentsAsia-Pacific Nano-Metal Oxides Market Report 20171 Nano-Metal Oxides Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Nano-Metal Oxides1.2 Classification of Nano-Metal Oxides by Product Category1.2.1 Asia-Pacific Nano-Metal Oxides Market Size (Sales) Comparison by Types (2012-2022)1.2.2 Asia-Pacific Nano-Metal Oxides Market Size (Sales) Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20161.2.3 Alumina1.2.4 Iron Oxide1.2.5 Titanium Oxide1.2.6 Zinc Oxide1.2.7 OtherTable of ContentsAsia-Pacific Nano-Metal Oxides Market Report 20171 Nano-Metal Oxides Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Nano-Metal Oxides1.2 Classification of Nano-Metal Oxides by Product Category1.2.1 Asia-Pacific Nano-Metal Oxides Market Size (Sales) Comparison by Types (2012-2022)1.2.2 Asia-Pacific Nano-Metal Oxides Market Size (Sales) Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20161.2.3 Alumina1.2.4 Iron Oxide1.2.5 Titanium Oxide1.2.6 Zinc Oxide1.2.7 Other1.3 Asia-Pacific Nano-Metal Oxides Market by Application/End Users1.3.1 Asia-Pacific Nano-Metal Oxides Sales (Volume) and Market Share Comparison by Applications (2012-2022)1.3.2 Electronics1.3.3 Energy1.3.4 Construction1.3.5 Healthcare1.3.6 Other1.4 Asia-Pacific Nano-Metal Oxides Market by Region1.4.1 Asia-Pacific Nano-Metal Oxides Market Size (Value) Comparison by Region (2012-2022)1.4.2 China Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.3 Japan Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.4 South Korea Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.5 Taiwan Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.6 India Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.7 Southeast Asia Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.8 Australia Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.5 Asia-Pacific Market Size (Value and Volume) of Nano-Metal Oxides (2012-2022)1.5.1 Asia-Pacific Nano-Metal Oxides Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2022)1.5.2 Asia-Pacific Nano-Metal Oxides Revenue and Growth Rate (2012-2022)2 Asia-Pacific Nano-Metal Oxides Competition by Players/Suppliers, Region, Type and Application2.1 Asia-Pacific Nano-Metal Oxides Market Competition by Players/Suppliers2.1.1 Asia-Pacific Nano-Metal Oxides Sales Volume and Market Share of Key Players/Suppliers (2012-2017)2.1.2 Asia-Pacific Nano-Metal Oxides Revenue and Share by Players/Suppliers (2012-2017)2.2 Asia-Pacific Nano-Metal Oxides (Volume and Value) by Type2.2.1 Asia-Pacific Nano-Metal Oxides Sales and Market Share by Type (2012-2017)2.2.2 Asia-Pacific Nano-Metal Oxides Revenue and Market Share by Type (2012-2017)2.3 Asia-Pacific Nano-Metal Oxides (Volume) by Application2.4 Asia-Pacific Nano-Metal Oxides (Volume and Value) by Region2.4.1 Asia-Pacific Nano-Metal Oxides Sales and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)2.4.2 Asia-Pacific Nano-Metal Oxides Revenue and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)3 China Nano-Metal Oxides (Volume, Value and Sales Price)3.1 China Nano-Metal Oxides Sales and Value (2012-2017)3.1.1 China Nano-Metal Oxides Sales Volume and Growth Rate (2012-2017)3.1.2 China Nano-Metal Oxides Revenue and Growth Rate (2012-2017)3.1.3 China Nano-Metal Oxides Sales Price Trend (2012-2017)3.2 China Nano-Metal Oxides Sales Volume and Market Share by Type3.3 China Nano-Metal Oxides Sales Volume and Market Share by Application1.3 Asia-Pacific Nano-Metal Oxides Market by Application/End Users1.3.1 Asia-Pacific Nano-Metal Oxides Sales (Volume) and Market Share Comparison by Applications (2012-2022)1.3.2 Electronics1.3.3 Energy1.3.4 Construction1.3.5 Healthcare1.3.6 Other1.4 Asia-Pacific Nano-Metal Oxides Market by Region1.4.1 Asia-Pacific Nano-Metal Oxides Market Size (Value) Comparison by Region (2012-2022)1.4.2 China Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.3 Japan Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.4 South Korea Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.5 Taiwan Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.6 India Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.7 Southeast Asia Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.8 Australia Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.5 Asia-Pacific Market Size (Value and Volume) of Nano-Metal Oxides (2012-2022)1.5.1 Asia-Pacific Nano-Metal Oxides Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2022)1.5.2 Asia-Pacific Nano-Metal Oxides Revenue and Growth Rate (2012-2022)2 Asia-Pacific Nano-Metal Oxides Competition by Players/Suppliers, Region, Type and Application2.1 Asia-Pacific Nano-Metal Oxides Market Competition by Players/Suppliers2.1.1 Asia-Pacific Nano-Metal Oxides Sales Volume and Market Share of Key Players/Suppliers (2012-2017)2.1.2 Asia-Pacific Nano-Metal Oxides Revenue and Share by Players/Suppliers (2012-2017)2.2 Asia-Pacific Nano-Metal Oxides (Volume and Value) by Type2.2.1 Asia-Pacific Nano-Metal Oxides Sales and Market Share by Type (2012-2017)2.2.2 Asia-Pacific Nano-Metal Oxides Revenue and Market Share by Type (2012-2017)2.3 Asia-Pacific Nano-Metal Oxides (Volume) by Application2.4 Asia-Pacific Nano-Metal Oxides (Volume and Value) by Region2.4.1 Asia-Pacific Nano-Metal Oxides Sales and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)2.4.2 Asia-Pacific Nano-Metal Oxides Revenue and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)3 China Nano-Metal Oxides (Volume, Value and Sales Price)3.1 China Nano-Metal Oxides Sales and Value (2012-2017)3.1.1 China Nano-Metal Oxides Sales Volume and Growth Rate (2012-2017)3.1.2 China Nano-Metal Oxides Revenue and Growth Rate (2012-2017)3.1.3 China Nano-Metal Oxides Sales Price Trend (2012-2017)3.2 China Nano-Metal Oxides Sales Volume and Market Share by Type3.3 China Nano-Metal Oxides Sales Volume and Market Share by ApplicationMarketResearchReports.biz is the most comprehensive collection of market research reports. MarketResearchReports.Biz services are specially designed to save time and money for our clients. We are a one stop solution for all your research needs, our main offerings are syndicated research reports, custom research, subscription access and consulting services. We serve all sizes and types of companies spanning across various industries.Mr. NachiketState Tower90 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-621-2074USA: Canada Toll Free: 866-997-4948Website:E: sales@marketresearchreports.biz
Global Machine Translation Market share to reach $1.5bn by 2024

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According to industry research report Machine Translation Market Size By Technology (SMT, RBMT), By Application (Automotive, Electronics, IT, Military & Defense, Healthcare), Industry Analysis Report, Regional Outlook (U.S., Canada, Germany, UK, France, Spain, China, India, Japan, Brazil, Mexico), Growth Potential, Price Trends, Competitive Market Share & Forecast, 2017  2024, by Global Market Insights, Inc. says Machine Translation Market size is set to exceed USD 1.5 billion by 2024; driven by increasing need for cost efficiency and high speed translation.Increasing requirement to localize the rising amount of content in the organizations to eradicate language barriers is driving the machine translation market. The ability to translate different languages according to the customer preferences and lack of existing translators for several specialized fields and language combinations is providing tremendous growth opportunities for the industry.Growing demand across businesses to implement a cost-effective translation system in their business process is anticipated to drive the adoption rate of machine translation market size over the forecast timeframe. Implementation cost of these services is lower than traditional alternative. In addition to being-cost effective in nature, the technology is capable of performing at much faster speeds than human translators.Request for a sample of this research report @Players operating in the machine translation market have been increasing their R&D spending to develop cost effective solutions to fulfil customer requirements. For instance, Lionbridge introduced Smart Automated Translation software that quickly translate large volume content with minimum error and at lower costs. Lack of output accuracy and quality provided by the technology is anticipated to inhibit the machine translation market growth. Machines or software sometime fails to translate content with great accuracy. Such mistakes sometimes prove to be very costly and may hamper the overall business growth.Global machine translation market share was dominated by SMT technology, which contributed over 60% to the revenue in 2016. This is attributed to the rising demand in the commercial space as it can be trained for specific data set and can be used recurrently for a business. Furthermore, the demand for cheap, fast computing hardware has enabled the SMT demand as it aids applications that rely on billions of statistics and large data.Automotive applications will witness considerable growth due to the increasing use of the technology in efficiently interpreting motor part catalogs, technical documentation, how-to manuals, and automotive websites, such as ChromeData. This way the machine translation market aids the OEMs in quickening entry into international markets and surge revenue and brand equity.The U.S. machine translation market is set to be driven by the presence of a large number of service providers in the region. The support from governmental organizations such as the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) provides extensive funding for MT for military & defense industry. In addition, the organization has Spoken Language Communication and Translation System for Tactical Use (TRANSTAC) program aimed at evolving transportable two-way speech translation systems that can operate on handheld and laptop devices.The players operating in the machine translation market include Moravia IT, Lionbridge Technologies Inc., Google, Microsoft, Systran International, and IBM. In October 2016, AppTek LLC and Emergent LLC, announced that they had entered a partnership agreement. The partnership will aid, Emergent LLC to make the AppTek solutions and product catalog available on SEWP, where Emergents customers can update their businesses and grow their revenue using with AppTeks technologies.The machine translation market size is primarily driven by the rising demand for automated translations to eliminate repetitive tasks and the escalating need for localization to better serve the customers by the companies. In addition, several companies are deploying the technology to deliver multilingual content for their global website.About Global Market InsightsGlobal Market Insights, Inc., headquartered in Delaware, U.S., is a global market research and consulting service provider; offering syndicated and custom research reports along with growth consulting services. Our business intelligence and industry research reports offer clients with penetrative insights and actionable market data specially designed and presented to aid strategic decision making. These exhaustive reports are designed via a proprietary research methodology and are available for key industries such as chemicals, advanced materials, technology, renewable energy and biotechnology.Contact Us:Arun HegdeCorporate Sales, USAGlobal Market Insights, Inc.Phone: 1-302-846-7766Toll Free: 1-888-689-0688Email: sales@gminsights.comWeb:
Disposable Plastic Blood Bags Market Worth US$ 4,13,084.8 Thousand by 2020

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According to a new market report published by Persistence Market Research Global Market Study on Disposable Plastic Blood Bags: Single Blood Bags to Witness Highest Growth by 2020 the global Disposable Plastic Blood Bags market was valued at USD 2,44,286.8 thousand in 2014 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.1% from 2014 to 2020, to reach an estimated value of USD 4,13,084.8 thousand in 2020.A disposable blood bag refers to a bio-medical device that is used for collection, storage, processing, transfusion, separation and transportation of human blood and blood components. There are different types of disposable plastic blood bags based on the need of blood infusion; single blood bag, double blood bag, triple blood bag, quadruple blood bag and transfer blood bag.Globally, the disposable plastic blood bags market is witnessing significant growth due to increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, rising aging population and advanced features of disposable plastic blood bags. In addition, increasing initiatives undertaken by various government associations spreading awareness about importance of blood donations are driving the disposable plastic blood bags market. However, factors such as risks associated with blood transfusion and lack of awareness and poor blood collection and storage infrastructure in various parts of the world restrain the global market for disposable plastic blood bags market. In addition, lack of primary healthcare infrastructure in developing countries negatively impacts the growth of the disposable plastic blood bags market. The global disposable plastic blood bags market is estimated at USD 2,44,286.8 thousand in 2014 and expected to reach USD 4,13,084.8 thousand in 2020, growing at a CAGR of 9.1%.North America has the largest market for the global disposable plastic blood bags market. This is due to increased prevalence of blood disorders in the region. North American market for disposable plastic blood bags is estimated at USD 83,670.7 thousand in 2014 and is expected to reach USD 1,42,983.2 thousand in 2020, growing at a CAGR of 9.3%. Asia is the fastest growing region; this is due to large population base in the region. In terms of type of blood bags, single blood bags are the fastest growing segment. In terms of end users, blood banks are the fastest growing.Some of the latest trends that have been observed in the global disposable plastic blood bags market include increasing use of RFID technology in blood bags and increasing number of mergers and acquisitions by companies.A Sample of this report is available upon request @Terumo Corporation is a leading player in the global market for disposable plastic blood bags market. Some of the other major players in disposable plastic blood bags market are Grifols, S.A., Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA, Haemonetics Corporation and MacoPharma SA.To Buy Full Report for a Single User @About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes.Contact UsPersistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA - Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb:
Cake Mix Market Driven by Increasing Production of Cake Mix with High Nutritional Value

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Global Cake Mix Market: OverviewThe global market for cake mix has been witnessing a tremendous rise in its size and valuation over the recent past. The increasing disposable income of consumers has enabled them to spend unrestrainedly on satisfying their taste buds, which, is reflected on the augmenting demand for cakes, and consequently, cake mix across the world. The fact that cake mix is easy to bake and consume, is also boosting this market remarkably. The introduction of sugar free and low fat cake mix is having a significant impact on this market and is anticipated to propel it to grow a higher rate in the years to come.Obtain Report Details @This research report on the global market for cake mix presents an exhaustive market analysis, taking its current and historical performance in consideration. It also studies the markets potential in details to predict the growth prospects and the future condition of this market.Global Cake Mix Market: Trends and OpportunitiesThanks to the availability of a wide range of options of cake mix, such as airy-free cake mix, gluten-free cake mix, and low-calorie cake mix, the global market for cake mix is projected to expand at a high growth rate over the forthcoming years. With the increasing production of cake mix with high nutritional value and without any allergens, the growth potential of this market is anticipated to witness a swift rise in the near future. Apart from this, the significant rise in the women working population and their busy lifestyle is also expected to boost the global market for cake mix over the next few year.The demand for organic cake mix and sugar free cake mix is anticipated to increase substantially in the years to come due to the rising health consciousness among consumers. People, across the world, are preferring to consume food products, which are free of harmful chemical additives, which, consequently, is anticipated to propel this market over the period of the forecast.For more information on this report, fill the form @Global Cake Mix Market: Geographical AnalysisIn terms of geography, the global cake mix market boasts of its presence across Eastern Europe, Western Europe, North America, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa, and Asia Pacific. Among these, North America has surfaced as the leading regional market for cake mix across the world. The rapid production rate of cake mix, thanks to its ready-to-bake feature and good shelf life, is expected to ensure the dominance of this regional market over the next few years.The increasing trend of sugar free products among consumers in this region is also expected to boost the North America market for cake mix in the years to come. Among other regional markets, Asia Pacific is anticipated to witness a steady rise in the near future, thanks to the expanding population base. Latin America and the Middle East and Africa are also projected to experience healthy growth in their respective cake mix markets.Companies Mentioned in the Research ReportThe most prominent players in the global market for cake mix are Hodgson & Mill, Pillsbury, Betty Crocker, Duncan Hines, Dr. Oetker, Bob Red Mill, Farina Bella, and Arrowhead Mills. These players are focusing aggressively on enhancing the quality of their products in order to strengthen their position in this market. Low entry barriers are likely to attract new players in the near future.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Diabetic Nephropathy Market Expected to Hit US$ 3,145.9 Million by 2020

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According to a new market report published by Persistence Market Research Global Market Study on Diabetic Nephropathy Market  Asia to Witness Highest Growth by 2020,.The global diabetic nephropathy market was valued at USD 2,262.2 million in 2014 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.6% from 2014 to 2020, to reach an expected value of USD 3,145.9 million in 2020.Diabetic nephropathy is a disease of the kidney glomerulus and one of the most significant complications in terms of mortality and morbidity for patients with diabetes. Globally, the diabetic nephropathy market is witnessing significant growth due to increasing prevalence of diabetes and obesity in different regions of the world. In addition, increasing R&D investments in drug discovery and development and raising awareness about diabetes and kidney-related disorders are also driving the growth of the market. However, stringent regulatory requirements and longer approval time for drugs as well as the lack of comprehensive therapeutic management for diabetic nephropathy are inhibiting the growth of diabetic nephropathy market. The global diabetic nephropathy market is estimated at USD 2,262.2 million in 2014. It is likely to grow at a CAGR of 5.6% from 2014 to 2020 to reach USD 3,145.9 million in 2020.In North America, various government programs are spreading awareness about diabetes and related renal complications. For instance, the National Kidney Disease Education Program, one of the major programs organized by the U.S. government, for increasing awareness about the various kidney diseases. In addition, the number of diabetic patients are also increasing in the region; according to the SciELO Public Health, approximately 35 million people were affected with diabetes mellitus in 2000 and this number is expected to reach 64 million by 2025 in North America.In Europe, rise in healthcare expenditure for diabetes treatment and increasing prevalence of diabetes in the various part of Europe is boosting the growth of the European diabetic nephropathy market. According to IDF, approximately 55.4 million people had diabetes in 2010 and the number is expected to reach 66.5 million by 2030 in Europe. According to the IDF, healthcare expenditure for diabetes treatment was approximately USD 105.5 billion in 2010 and is expected to reach USD 124.6 billion by 2030 in Europe.Asia represents the fastest growing region in the diabetic nephropathy market due to the rise in a diabetic population in various countries such as Japan and the Southeast Asian countries. According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), developing countries, such as India and China, are expected to have the highest number of diabetes mellitus patients compared to developed countries, such as the U.S. and Germany.A Sample of this report is available upon request @Sanofi is one of the leading players in the diabetic nephropathy market. Other major players in diabetic nephropathy market include Eli Lilly and Company, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, Novartis AG, Pfizer, Inc., Abbott Laboratories, AbbVie, Inc., Bayer AG, Merck & Co., Inc., Bayer AG and Reata Pharmaceuticals, Inc.To Buy Full Report for a Single User @About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes.Contact UsPersistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA - Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb:
Gamma Knife Market to Reach an Estimated Value of US$ 651,241.9 Thousand by 2020

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According to a new market report published by Persistence Market Research Global Market Study on Gamma Knife: Asia to Witness Highest Growth by 2020, the global Gamma Knife market is valued at USD 526,733.2 thousand in 2014 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.6% from 2014 to 2020 to reach an estimated value of USD 651,241.9 thousand in 2020.Radiation therapy is a procedure entailing the precise delivery of high doses of radiation to tumors and other relevant anatomical targets. Gamma Knife radiosurgery is a major form of radiation therapy. It is mainly used to treat brain tumors, arteriovenous malformations, trigeminal neuralgia, acoustic neuroma, and pituitary tumors. Globally, the Gamma Knife market is witnessing significant growth due to increasing prevalence of cancer and obesity and growing aging population. In addition, rising number of initiatives undertaken by various government associations and the advanced features of Gamma Knife systems are also driving the growth of the market. However, stringent regulatory requirements and prolonged approval time for Gamma Knife systems and a high cost of implementation and shortage of skilled manpower inhibit the growth of the market. The global Gamma Knife market is anticipated to grow from an estimated USD 526,733.2 thousand in 2014 to USD 651,241.9 thousand by 2020 at a CAGR of 3.6% during the forecast period.In North America, the Gamma Knife market is growing due to the rising incidence of cancer in the region. In addition, increased awareness about Gamma Knife technology for cancer treatment is also boosting the growth of the market in the region. According to WHO, approximately 2.8 million people had cancer, including brain cancer, in the U.S. in 2000. Moreover, according to the Hindawi Publishing Corporation, an international journal of surgical oncology, approximately 98,000 to 170,000 new brain metastases cases occur every year in North AmericaIn Europe, increasing prevalence of cancer is boosting the growth of the Gamma Knife market in the region. According to WHO, Europe accounts for only one-eighth of the worlds population. However, the region records around a quarter of global cancer cases. Several government associations, such as the Women Against Lung Cancer in Europe (WALCE) and European Head and Neck society (EHNS), are trying to increase awareness about breast cancer, lung cancer, and head and neck cancer and their brain metastases effects in Europe.However, Asia represents the fastest growing region in the Gamma Knife market due to the rise in cancer patients in various countries such as India, China, and Japan. According to WHO, the occurrence of cancer in India and China is set to climb at a rate of 78% from 2013 to 2030. In addition, growing aging population is also supporting the growth of the Gamma Knife market in the region.A Sample of this report is available upon request @In Latin America, construction of manufacturing and research facilities by many companies is driving the Gamma Knife market in Latin America. Furthermore, the governments of Latin American countries have recognized the growing epidemic of cancer and are actively devising several patient awareness programs to raise awareness of signs and symptoms of cancer, including brain cancers.To Buy Full Report for a Single User @About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes.Contact UsPersistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA - Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb:
Diatomite Market 2017- Imerys, EP Minerals, Domolin

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Marketreports.biz, recently published a detailed market research study focused on the "Diatomite Market" across the global, regional and country level. The report provides 360 analysis of "Diatomite Market" from view of manufacturers, regions, product types and end industries. The research report analyses and provides the historical data along with current performance of the global Diatomite industry, and estimates the future trend of Diatomite market on the basis of this detailed study. The study shares "Diatomite Market" performance both in terms of volume and revenue.Get Free Sample Copy of Report Here:Top Manufacturers Analysis of This ReportImerysEP MineralsDomolinShowa ChemicalCECA Chemical (Arkema)DicaperlDiatomite CJSCAmerican DiatomiteDiatomite DirectJilin Yuan Tong MineralChanyeZhilan DiatomSanxing DiatomiteShengzhou Xinglong Products of DiatomiteShengzhou Huali Diatomite ProductsChangbai Mountain filter aidQingdao Best diatomiteThe market research report explores the Diatomite market across the globe along with major regions and countries. The research report provides a detailed study on each and every aspect of "Diatomite Market". The research report studies the entire value chain from raw material to end user industries. The report also shares import/export statistics along with production and consumption for all major regions and countries. Moreover, the research study classifies the Diatomite market based on major product types, application and end users industries of Diatomite. Besides, the report also covers geographical segmentation for Diatomite market. The report further provides production, capacity, price per region, gross margin, production cost, for all major regions and countries listed in report.The competitive landscape of the global market for Diatomite is determined by assessing the major industry participants, production capacity, production capacity utilization rate, Diatomite market's production chain, pricing by each manufacturer and the revenue generated by each manufacturer in the Diatomite market globally.Read full report with TOC @The worldwide Diatomite market 2017 is further analyzed on the basis of product pricing, Diatomite production volume, data pertaining to demand and Diatomite supply, and the revenue garnered by the product. The report provides upstream and downstream analysis covering major raw material used in manufacturing of Diatomite along with detailed manufacturing sources. The report also shares list of major raw material manufacturers along with their manufacturing locations. Detailed raw material price trend analysis along with manufacturing cost analysis is also incorporated into the report. Various methodical tools such as investment returns, feasibility, SWOT analysis and market attractiveness analysis has been implemented in the research study to present a comprehensive, detailed study of the industry for Diatomite across the world.About UsMarketReports.biz offers elevating market research worldwide. We have collection of various syndicated reports of different fields. Customers can buys different reports across various categories such as Chemical and Material, Biotechnology, Healthcare, Food and beverages, Automobile and various sectors. Our Website offers safe and secure online ordering experience, convenient payment options.Contact UsFrank Valadez155 North Wacker Drive, Suite 4250Chicago, IL 60606Toll Free: +1-855-918-5551 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +17739042683Web:Email: sales@marketreports.biz
Ceiling Tiles Market: Global Ceiling Tiles Forecasts USD 30.0 Billion by 2020

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According to the report, the global ceiling tiles market was valued at USD 14.8 billion in 2014 and is expected to reach USD 30.0 billion by 2020, growing at a CAGR of around 9% between 2015 and 2020. In terms of volume, global ceiling tiles market stood at 990 million tons in 2014.Primarily ceiling tiles are made from mineral fiber, but other materials are available, such as fiberglass. Ceiling tiles, also known as ceiling panels are lightweight construction materials, which are used to cover ceiling area. These lightweight tiles are used for interiors of buildings, placed in an aluminum grid; they provide tiny thermal insulation but are usually designed to improve the acoustics of a room. Ceilings tiles are mostly used in the construction industry, which is segmented into commercial, residential, and industrial applications. Ceiling tiles are generally useful in, retail stores, transportation terminals, building perimeter, drywall grid systems offices, hotels, and hospitals.Request Free Sample copy of Research Report @Globally, the demand for ceiling tiles has been driven by the construction industry over the past few years. The global ceiling tiles market segmented into products and applications. On the basis of product type, ceiling tiles market is segmented as mineral wool, metal, gypsum, wood and other. The market is mainly driven by mineral wool, and accounted for over 40% of the total market share in 2014, due to its properties such as fire safety, high performance, thermal insulation and noise reduction. Gypsum tiles market is expected to exhibit fastest growth rate during the forecast period.On the basis of applications, ceiling tiles market is segmented into commercial, healthcare, educational, industrial and others. Commercial sector was the fastest growing application market for ceiling tiles in 2014. Commercial ceiling tiles segment is rapidly growing in Asia Pacific region and it is driven by extensive building and construction activities such as office as hotels, warehouses, retail houses, etc. This expected to have a positive impact on the global ceiling tiles market development. Healthcare and industrial application are another important application markets for the ceiling tiles.Browse the full "Ceiling Tiles (Mineral Wool, Metal, Gypsum and Others) Market for Commercial, Healthcare, Educational, Industrial and Other Applications: Global Industry Perspective, Comprehensive Analysis and Forecast 2014 - 2020" report atNorth America and Europe are the fastest growing regional markets for ceiling tiles. North America ceiling tiles market is mainly driven by strong demand from U.S. North America dominated the ceiling tiles market in 2014 with over one-third shares in total consumption. However, owing to strong growth prospectus of the end user industries such as building & construction, healthcare, industrial, etc. in Asia-Pacific region is expected to provide a further boost to the market.Inquire more about this report before purchase @Some of the key industry participants in ceiling tiles market include Knauf, Armstrong Worldwide Industries Inc., OdenwaldFaserplattenwerk GmbH (OWA), LLC, Saint-Gobain SA, ROCKFON , Chicago Metallic Corporation, Foshan Ron Building Material Trading Co., Ltd., Haining Shamrock Import & Export Co., Ltd., HainingChaodi Plastic Co. Ltd., Shandong Huamei Building Materials Co., Ltd.,Guangzhou Tital Commerce Co. Ltd. and SAS International.Directly Purchase a copy of report with TOC @About Us:Zion Market Research is an obligated company. We create futuristic, cutting edge, informative reports ranging from industry reports, company reports to country reports. We provide our clients not only with market statistics unveiled by avowed private publishers and public organizations but also with vogue and newest industry reports along with pre-eminent and niche company profiles. Our database of market research reports comprises a wide variety of reports from cardinal industries. Our database is been updated constantly in order to fulfill our clients with prompt and direct online access to our database. Keeping in mind the clients needs, we have included expert insights on global industries, products, and market trends in this database. Last but not the least, we make it our duty to ensure the success of clients connected to usafter allif you do well, a little of the light shines on us.Conatct Us;3422 SW 15 Street,Suit #8138,Deerfield Beach,Florida 33442, USATel: +1-386-310-3803GMTTel: +49-322 210 92714USA/Canada Toll Free No.1-855-465-4651Email: sales@marketresearchstore.com
Chlamydia Infection Diagnostic and Therapeutic Market - Global Industry Volume and Region Analysis - 2023

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Chlamydia is a common sexually transmitted infection caused by bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. Chlamydia is among the most prevalent sexually transmitted disease (STDs) and according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it comprises of largest proportion of all STDs reported in the United States since 1994. In 2012, a total of 1.4 million cases of Chlamydia infection were reported to CDC in 50 states and the District of Columbia. Overall the case rate among males in 2012 rose by 3.2% during 2011-2012 which is approximately half the case rate reported in females. Chlamydia infection among women is generally asymptomatic. However the disease if left untreated can develop into pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) which is a major cause of infertility, ectopic pregnancy, and chronic pelvic pain. Similar to other STDs, chlamydia infection might facilitate the transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Moreover, pregnant women infected with chlamydia can pass the infection to their infants during delivery, potentially resulting in neonatal ophthalmia and pneumonia. In Europe there are more than 250,000 new cases are reported each year and women below 24 years in Europe have highest number of infection. In 2012, National Health Service, U.K., 206,912 people were tested positive for Chlamydia in England of which 64% were below 25 years of age.Obtain Report Details @Among women, symptoms of chlamydia include abnormal vaginal discharge, painful periods and abdominal pain with fever. Additionally itching and burning around vagina and mild pain during urination. Whereas among men symptom such as cloudy discharge, painful urination, burning around genital area and swelling of testicles are commonly found. Commonly used drugs for treating chlamydia include Amoxil, Doryx, Doxycycline, Erythrocin, Floxin, Gantrisin, Trimox, Zithromax and others. Some of the emerging diagnostic techniques in global Chlamydia Infection Diagnostic and Therapeutic market comprise molecular diagnostic, immunoassays, monoclonal antibodies, flow cytometry and gel moicrodroplet based testing. Major drivers for the growth of the market include increasing collaboration agreement with distributors, manufacturers and universities pertaining to manufacturing and research activities have escalated the market in past few years. Pipelined drugs in the market include CEL-1000, Cyanovirin-N, GEN-001, acALY18 and others.Geographically the market for chlamydia is predominated by developed regions such as the United States and Europe. Major contributors to the growth of these markets include intense research funding and government interventions for developing cheap and affordable medications for sexually transmitted diseases under Affordable CARE Act. Availability of advanced diagnostic centers, clinics and hospitals has also contributed towards the growth and development of market in past one decade. Asia Pacific and Rest of the World market is potentially a lucrative market and has fastest growth rate as compared to other regions pertaining to increasing sexually transmitted diseases incidences and lack of appropriate diagnostic and care centers for sexually transmitted infection/ diseases especially in the under developed parts of Asia-Pacific and Rest of the World is restraining the growth of the market. Approximately 43 million new cases of chlamydia are reported in Southeast Asian region. Whereas according to the 1999 World Health Organization report prevalence rate of chlamydia in Western Pacific region ranges from 5.7% in Thailand up to 17% in India. The aforementioned data clearly depicts the latent growth potential for drug and diagnostic companies manufacturing chlamydia related products.Some of the key players operating in global chlamydia infection diagnostic and therapeutic market include: Abbott Laboratories, Danaher Corporation, bioMerieux, DiaSorin SpA, NANOGEN Biopharmaceutical, Siemens AG, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Novartis Diagnostics, Fujirebio Diagnostics, Inc. and others.Fill the form for an exclusive sample of this report @About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. We have an experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, who us e proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.ContactTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:Browse market research blog:
Smart Building Market: Global Smart Building Forecasts $36.0 Billion by 2020

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According to the report, the global smart building market was valued at approximate USD 7.0 billion in 2014 and is expected to reach approximately USD 36.0 billion by 2020, growing at a CAGR of slightly over 30% between 2015 and 2020.Smart or intelligent buildings are buildings that through their physical design and IT installations are responsive, flexible and adaptive to changing needs from its users and the organizations that inhabit the building during its lifetime. The building will supply services for its inhabitants, its administration and operation & maintenance. The intelligent building will accomplish transparent 'intelligent' behavior, have state memory, support human and installation systems communication, and be equipped with sensors and actuators.Request Free Sample copy of Research Report @The smart building market is driven by various factors such as the rapid pace of urbanization across the world, low operating cost and security of the building and its inhabitants. Increasing support and favorable government regulations are also expected to mobilize the global smart buildings market. Additionally, smart buildings play crucial role in energy conservation. However, the high cost of smart buildings is expected to be a major constraint for this industry.On the basis of types, the global smart building market has been segmented into building energy management system, physical security system, building communication systems, plumbing and water management system, parking management systems and elevators & escalators management system. Building energy management systems holds a major share in smart buildings market. Building energy management systems reduce overall energy consumption and cost.Browse the full "Smart Building (Building Energy Management System, Physical Security System, Building Communication Systems, Plumbing & Water Management System, Parking Management Systems, and Elevators & Escalators Management System) Market for Residential, Commercial, Hospitality, Airports, Institutional, Industrial, and Other Buildings: Global Industry Perspective, Comprehensive Analysis and Forecast, 2014 - 2020" report atResidential buildings, commercial buildings, hospitality, airports, institutional, industrial, and others are the key application segments of smart building market. Commercial building segment dominated the smart building market in 2014. Europe was the largest regional market for smart building in 2014. Strong demand from Germany, UK, and France has resulted into growing demand for smart buildings in the region. Europe was followed by Asia pacific and North America. Asia-Pacific is projected to be second highest growing region due to rapidly increasing urbanization.Inquire more about this report before purchase @Some of the key players in the global smart building market such as Johnson Controls, ABB, General Electric, CISCO, Hewlett-Packard, Accenture, Ingersoll Rand Security Technologies, Delta Controls, Emerson Electric, Honeywell, Hitachi, IBM, Schneider Electric, Johnson Controls, TYCO International and Siemens.Directly Purchase a copy of report with TOC @About Us:Zion Market Research is an obligated company. We create futuristic, cutting edge, informative reports ranging from industry reports, company reports to country reports. We provide our clients not only with market statistics unveiled by avowed private publishers and public organizations but also with vogue and newest industry reports along with pre-eminent and niche company profiles. Our database of market research reports comprises a wide variety of reports from cardinal industries. Our database is been updated constantly in order to fulfill our clients with prompt and direct online access to our database. Keeping in mind the clients needs, we have included expert insights on global industries, products, and market trends in this database. Last but not the least, we make it our duty to ensure the success of clients connected to usafter allif you do well, a little of the light shines on us.Conatct Us;3422 SW 15 Street,Suit #8138,Deerfield Beach,Florida 33442, USATel: +1-386-310-3803GMTTel: +49-322 210 92714USA/Canada Toll Free No.1-855-465-4651Email: sales@marketresearchstore.com
Australia Lime Market is Appraised to be Valued US$ 211.0 Million by 2016

Australia Lime Market

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The lime market in Australia is expected to expand at a CAGR of 1.7% in terms of value over the forecast period, 20162024. The market has been segmented by product type and application. The application segmentation consists of mining & metallurgy, building materials, agriculture, water treatment and others of which the mining & metallurgy segment is expected to account for the highest share of the lime market in Australia throughout the forecast period, to account for 31.4% by 2024.Request to view Table of Content @Demand for energy-efficient and cost-effective solutions is expected to be a priority for lime manufacturers in the country over the forecast period. By product type, slaked/hydrated lime segment is expected to continue to dominate the market in terms of both value and volume throughout the forecast period. The segment is estimated to be valued at US$ 146.7 Mn and account for volume share of 68% in 2016. By application, mining & metallurgy and building materials, segments in the Australia lime market are expected to account for significant volume shares of 38% and 35%, respectively.New South Wales is expected to be the largest market for lime in Australia throughout the forecast period. The market in the region is estimated to be valued at US$ 59.1 Mn by 2016 end. In terms of production, Western Australia is expected to be a major producer, contributing over 65% to the total lime production in the country, and is expected to expand at a CAGR of 0.8% over the forecast period.Sample of this report is available upon request @Key players in the Australia lime market include Adelaide Brighton Ltd., Boral Limited, Sibelco Australia, Omya Australia Pty. Ltd, Wagners, and Lime Group Australia. Key players in the Australia lime market are focusing on enhancing their product portfolios. They are focusing not only on basic lime products but also on importing quicklime from ASEAN countries such as Thailand and Vietnam and Southeast Asian countries such as China to minimize a cost of raw materials involved in a lime production. Manufacturers are focusing on capitalizing on economies of scale to increase production, profitability, and offer cost-effective products in order to target cost-sensitive population in the region. Joint ventures, acquisitions, and strategic collaborations in terms of production and distribution of lime have been the common strategies employed by these companies to achieve their production objectives.To Buy Full Report for a Single User @Long-term Outlook: The long-term outlook on the Australia lime market remains on the conservative side, with the market expected to expand at a modest CAGR of 1.7% in terms of value during the forecast period. The revival of the mining sector in the country, increasing demand from the construction sector, particularly in the countrys east coast region, and demand from the water treatment industry are some of the factors expected to sustain a growth of the lime market in Australia.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a full-service market intelligence firm specializing in syndicated research, custom research, and consulting services. PMR boasts market research expertise across the Healthcare, Chemicals and Materials, Technology and Media, Energy and Mining, Food and Beverages, Semiconductor and Electronics, Consumer Goods, and Shipping and Transportation industries. The company draws from its multi-disciplinary capabilities and high-pedigree team of analysts to share data that precisely corresponds to clients business needs.PMR stands committed to bringing more accuracy and speed to clients business decisions. From ready-to-purchase market research reports to customized research solutions, PMRs engagement models are highly flexible without compromising on its deep-seated research values.Contact UsPersistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA - Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.commedia@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb:
Global Telehandlers Market for Construction Industry 2017-2021 - Better Efficiency and Reduced Cost fueling the Market Growth

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Market Challenges, Landscape, Growth Prospects and Leading Players of "Global Recruitment Process Outsourcing Market 2017-2021".Albany, NY, May 24, 2017: A telehandler, also called a telescopic handler, is a machine that is used to lift loads in agricultural, construction, environment, logistics, and mining and quarrying industries. Apart from lifting loads, this machine can be used for material handling, digging trenches, and elevating personnel and underground mine baskets.The global telehandlers market for construction industry to grow at a CAGR of 5.17% during the period 2017-2021. The report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the global telehandlers market for construction industry for 2017-2021. To calculate the market size, we have considered the revenue generated from sales of new telehandlers worldwide in 2016.The market is divided into the following segments based on geography:- Americas- APAC- EMEARequest a Premium Research PDF with Tables at:Technavio's report, Global Telehandlers Market for Construction Industry 2017-2021, has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts. The report covers the market landscape and its growth prospects over the coming years. The report also includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market.Key vendors- Genie- J C Bamford Excavators- JLG Industries- Manitou- MERLOOther prominent vendors- Caterpillar- Liebherr- Skyjack- HAULOTTE GROUP- CNH Industrial- Doosan Infracore- Bobcat Company- Komatsu- Weidemann- Volvo Construction Equipment- XCMG Group- Manitou Group- SENNEBOGEN- DIECI- Wacker Neuson- CLAAS- Pettibone Traverse Lift- DEUTZ-FAHR- Kramer-Werke GmbHKey questions answered in this report:-- What will the market size be in 2021 and what will the growth rate be?- What are the key market trends?- What is driving this market?- What are the challenges to market growth?- Who are the key vendors in this market space?- What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the key vendors?- What are the strengths and weaknesses of the key vendors?ResearchMoz is the worlds fastest growing collection of market research reports worldwide. Our database is composed of current market studies from over 100 featured publishers worldwide. Our market research databases integrate statistics with analysis from global, regional, country and company perspectives. ResearchMozs service portfolio also includes value-added services such as market research customization, competitive landscaping, and in-depth surveys, delivered by a team of experienced Research Coordinators.Albany NY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-621-2074Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Email: sales@researchmoz.usFollow us on LinkedIn at:
Global Specialty Gases Market for Healthcare Industry 2017-2021 - Market Size, Trends, Growth, Leading Manufacturing Companies and Forecast

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Market Challenges, Landscape, Growth Prospects and Leading Players of " Global Specialty Gases Market for Healthcare Industry 2017-2021".Albany, NY, May 24, 2017: Specialty gases are a class of high-purity gases that require precise blending of component gases in a gas mixture. Specialized preparation methods and laboratory analysis are used to quantify the component gases in the mixture of gases. This is to obtain high-quality gases with minimal impurities. Advanced production processes, instrumentation, and analytical measurements require high-purity gases for minimal interference in the processes. Specialty gases are different from industrial gases in the sense that they can be a highly pure single gas or can be a mixture of 20-30 gases. The impurity tolerance for specialty gases is set by the end users that require an accuracy of 1%.The global specialty gases market for healthcare industry to grow at a CAGR of 7.46% during the period 2017-2021. The report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the global specialty gases market for healthcare industry for 2017-2021. To calculate the market size, the report presents a detailed picture of the market by way of study, synthesis, and summation of data from multiple sources.Request a Premium Research PDF with Tables at:Technavio's report, Global Specialty Gases market for Healthcare Industry 2017-2021, has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts. The report covers the market landscape and its growth prospects over the coming years. The report also includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market.Key vendors- Air Liquide- Air Products and Chemicals- The Linde Group- Messer Group- Praxair TechnologyOther prominent vendors- Advanced Gas Technologies- Advanced Specialty Gases- Maine Oxy- Norco- Showa Denko- TAIYO NIPPON SANSO- WelscoMarket driver- Flourishing medical tourism industry in APAC.- For a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket challenge- High dependence on gas distribution systems and gas handling systems.- For a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket trend- Increasing per capita expenditure on healthcare.- For a full, detailed list, view our reportKey questions answered in this report:-- What will the market size be in 2021 and what will the growth rate be?- What are the key market trends?- What is driving this market?- What are the challenges to market growth?- Who are the key vendors in this market space?- What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the key vendors?- What are the strengths and weaknesses of the key vendors?About UsResearchMoz is the worlds fastest growing collection of market research reports worldwide. Our database is composed of current market studies from over 100 featured publishers worldwide. Our market research databases integrate statistics with analysis from global, regional, country and company perspectives. ResearchMozs service portfolio also includes value-added services such as market research customization, competitive landscaping, and in-depth surveys, delivered by a team of experienced Research Coordinators.Albany NY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-621-2074Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Email: sales@researchmoz.usFollow us on LinkedIn at:
Rising Health Consciousness to drive Global Health and Wellness Food Market 2017-2021 - Danone, Nestl, General Mills & Kellogg leading the Market

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Market Challenges, Landscape, Growth Prospects and Leading Players of " Global Health and Wellness Food Market 2017-2021".Albany, NY, May 24, 2017: Health and wellness food products help in weight and health management and include meal replacement, low-calorie food and beverage, slimming water, and herbal tea/green tea. With the rising health consciousness among people, the preference and demand for health and wellness food products are increasing.The global Health and Wellness Food market to grow at a CAGR of 6.22% during the period 2017-2021. The report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the global health and wellness food market for 2017-2021. To calculate the market size, the report considers the retail selling price as the average selling price of the product.The market is divided into the following segments based on geography:- Americas- APAC- EMEARequest a Premium Research PDF with Tables at:Technavio's report, Global Health and Wellness Food Market 2017-2021, has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts. The report covers the market landscape and its growth prospects over the coming years. The report also includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market.Key vendors- Danone- Nestl- General Mills- KelloggOther prominent vendors- Fifty 50 Foods- Arbonne International- Abbott Nutrition- BSN- Glanbia- Arla Food- Amy's Kitchen- Albert's Organics- Clif Bar- Gaia Herbs- Rainbow Light Nutritional Systems- YakultMarket driver- Rise in demand from older population- For a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket challenge- Rising competition from private labels- For a full, detailed list, view our reportKey questions answered in this report:-- What will the market size be in 2021 and what will the growth rate be?- What are the key market trends?- What is driving this market?- What are the challenges to market growth?- Who are the key vendors in this market space?- What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the key vendors?- What are the strengths and weaknesses of the key vendors?About UsResearchMoz is the worlds fastest growing collection of market research reports worldwide. Our database is composed of current market studies from over 100 featured publishers worldwide. Our market research databases integrate statistics with analysis from global, regional, country and company perspectives. ResearchMozs service portfolio also includes value-added services such as market research customization, competitive landscaping, and in-depth surveys, delivered by a team of experienced Research Coordinators.Albany NY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-621-2074Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Email: sales@researchmoz.usFollow us on LinkedIn at:
System Integration in Telecommunication Market to Value US$ 36.9 Bn by 2024

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The demand for system integration in telecommunication across APAC countries is projected to witness revenue growth at 7.1% CAGR. A majority of system integration solutions adopted across APAC telecommunications industry will be directed towards OSS, revenues from which will reach US$ 10.6 Bn by the end of 2024. China will contribute with more than one-third of overall revenues, while India, New Zealand, Australia, Japan and ASEAN countries will showcase rampant revenue growth. Vodafone Hutchinson Telecommunications, Telstra Corporation Ltd., SingTel Optus Pty Limited, NTT-Docomo Corporation, Ideal Cellular Ltd., Reliance Communications, and Softbank Corporation are some of the prominent IT service provider in the APAC telecommunications industry.Persistence Market Research projects The future of global telecommunication industry will witness higher adoption of complex information systems which will facilitate speedy data convergence, System integrators will play a key role in compiling information emanating from multiple and advanced telecommunication network standards, Integration of business support systems (BSS) and operation support systems (OSS) will boost the support for end-to-end telecommunication services and bring forth some improved customer management solutionsOwing to rising urban population, growing strength of telecom networks, brimming data transference, and deployment of advanced technologies, the demand for system integration in telecommunication continues to surge in regions namely, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Europe, Middle East and Africa. A latest study published by Persistence Market Research has estimated that the market for system integration in telecommunications across these regions is presently valued at US$ 22.5 Bn. By the end of 2024, these regions will collectively showcase revenue growth at an impressive 6.3% CAGR and witness the market for system integration in telecommunication reach US$ 36.9 Bn in value.On an average, 40% of revenues procured in Latin Americas system integration in telecommunication market will be emanating from Brazil. The demand for integrating OSS and BSS will also gain traction in Mexico and Argentina. Although, the overall system integration in telecom market in Latin America is being projected to expand at a moderate CAGR of 4.4%. High implementation costs of system integration solutions are imposing a relatively less adoption in Latin America, as opposed to the APAC region, Europe or Middle East & Africa. Leading IT service providers mapping Latin Americas telecom industry are identified as Telefonica Brasil, TIM Brasil, Telecom Argentina SA, Nextel, Telcel, Claro Brasil, and Telefonica SA.Request to view table of content @The EMEA system integration in telecommunication market is presently valued US$ 10.5 Bn. In the Middle East and Africa, South Africa is projected to exhibit high value CAGR of 7%, while the European system integration in telecommunication market will see consolidated growth from the EU5  Spain, Germany, Italy, France and the UK. These five countries will also dominate the overall EMEA region, accounting for over 40% value share by the end of 2024. The MTN Group, Saudi Telecom Company, Vodacom, and Airtel Africa are leading telecom service providers across the Middle East and Africa. The telecom industry of Nordic countries and Russia is mapped by IT service providers namely, Telenor ASA, VimpelCom Ltd., and Mobile TeleSystems. Meanwhile, companies such Deutsche Telekom, Orange SA, BT Group plc., Telefonica SA and Vodafone Group plc. are charting the waters of telecommunication services in EU5 countries.A sample of this report is available upon request @The report has also profiled leading providers of system integration solution in telecom across Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East & Africa. These include, Oracle Corp., Redknee Inc., Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd., Sigma System Canada, NetCracker Technology Corporation, Openet Telecom, Ericsson, Comptel Corp., and Amdocs Inc.Browse Complete Report @About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes.Contact UsPersistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA  Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb:
Global Wireless Connectivity Market Overview, Top Key Players, Industry Growth and Analysis by Forecast to 2022

Global Wireless Connectivity Market

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Market Highlights:Wireless connectivity is a technology used to connect various consume and electronic devices. The information or the data are transferred in the form of data packets with the help of technology like Bluetooth, radio frequencies, internet and others. Besides this, the wireless connectivity also required in the application that are used by numerous IoT devices to enable the access points through data transfer and communication among all the devices. Therefore, growing demand of internet of thing (IoT) and increasing demand of cloud computing are some of the key driving factors for the growth of this market.The increasing demand of wearable device applications is also adding fuel to the wireless connectivity market. Whereas, the major shift from 3G to 4G connectivity is also expected to drive the wireless connectivity market globally. According the recent study the low power wide area network is evolving and growing rapidly. Various telecom companies have come up with solution such as NB-IoT which are considered as one the optimum enterprise solution. These solution benefits the enterprises by lowering the operating consumption cost.The global Wireless Connectivity Market is expected to grow from USD14.5 Billion in 2016 to USD 30.4 Billion by 2022, at an estimated CAGR of 10.9%.The growth of this market can be constrained by the factors such as the security issues faced by the customers for protection of data and lack of uniform communication protocol.Major Key Players: Texas Instruments Inc. (U.S.) STMicroelectronics N.V. (Switzerland) Cypress Semiconductor Corporation (U.S.) Microchip Technology Inc. (U.S.) Qualcomm Incorporated. (U.S.) Weidmuller Interface GmbH & Co. (U.S.) Nexcom International Co., Ltd. (Taiwan) Bernafon Canada Ltd. (Canada) Intel Corporation. (U.S.) MediaTek Inc. (Taiwan)Request a Sample Report @Segments:The Global Wireless connectivity market has been segmented on the basis of technology, deployment and applications. Technology comprises of Bluetooth, WI-Fi, GPS, ultra wide band, cellular and others. Deployment includes control devices, gateways, cloud and others.Applications include healthcare, public safety, wearable devices, energy, automotive, consumer electronics and others.Regional Analysis:Regionally, North America is expected to propel the market due to the intense research and development in the field of wireless connectivity, high penetration of Internet of Things, and growth of a number of IoT and cloud start-ups in the region which is followed by the Europe and Asia pacific. Asia-Pacific region is expected to grow due to the increase in investments in the internet of things in the various industry verticals such as manufacturing, healthcare and transportation among others. Increase in the number of mobile user and of numerous wearable devices will expected to contribute for the growth of the wireless connectivity market.North America region is expected to hold a highest market share with the existence of early technology adopters in the region. The region also has existence of technologically advanced countries such as U.S. and Canada which are promoting the wireless connectivity market and the internet connections.Intended Audience: Original equipment manufacturers Wireless device manufacturers Software providers Component providers Manufacturers of electronic devices Investors Industrial end users Research institutesBrowse Full Report Details @Table of Contents1 Market Introduction1.1 Introduction1.2 Scope of Study1.2.1 Research Objective1.2.2 Assumptions1.2.3 Limitations1.3 Market Structure2 Research Methodology2.1 Research Network Solution2.2 Primary Research2.3 Secondary Research2.4 Forecast Model2.4.1 Market Data Collection, Analysis & Forecast2.4.2 Market Size EstimationContinued.List of TablesTable 1 Global Wireless Connectivity Market, By TechnologyTable 2 Global Wireless Connectivity Market, By DeploymentTable 3 Global Wireless Connectivity Market, By ApplicationContinued.List of FiguresFigure 1 Research Network SolutionFigure 2 Global Wireless Connectivity Market: By Technology (%)Figure 3 Global Wireless Connectivity Market: By Deployment (%)Continued.About Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.MRFR team have supreme objective to provide the optimum quality market research and intelligence services to our clients. Our market research studies by products, services, technologies, applications, end users, and market players for global, regional, and country level market segments, enable our clients to see more, know more, and do more, which help to answer all their most important questions.Contact:Akash Anand,Market Research FutureMarket Research FutureOffice No. 524/528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, HadapsarPune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: akash.anand@marketresearchfuture.com
Global Food Processer Market Manufactures and Key Statistics Analysis 2017

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2017 Global Food Processer Market Research Report is a deep market research report in this market.This report focused on global and regional market, major manufacturers, as well as the segment market details on different classifications and applications.First, this report analyzed the basic scope of this industry like definition, specification, classification, application, industry policy and news in Chapter 1.Purchase a copy of this report @. And get discount on report purchase @Second, the analysis on industry chain is provided including the up and down stream industry also with the major market players. And the analysis on manufacturing including process, cost structure and major plants distribution is conducted in Chapter 2.Then the global and regional market is analyzed. In these chapters, this report analyzed major market data like capacity, production, capacity utilization rate, price, revenue, cost, gross, gross margin, supply, import, export, consumption, market share, growth rate and etc. For regional market, this report analyzed major regions like Europe, North America, South America, Asia (Excluding China) , China and ROW. These analysis are conducted in Chapter 3 and 4.In Chapter 5, the performance of major manufacturers are analyzed and then in Chapter 6 and 7 the analysis on major classification and application.Then the marketing channel analysis is provided including the major distributors in Chapter 8.Then this report analyzed the market forecast from 2017 to 2022 for global and regional market in Chapter 9 and the new project investment feasibility analysis in Chapter 10.At last, this report provided the conclusions of this research in Chapter 11.This report is a valuable source of guidance for manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, customers, investors and individuals who have interest in this market.Browse Complete Report @Some points from TOC:1 Introduction1.1 Definition1.2 Specification1.3 Classification1.4 Application1.5 Industry Policy and News Analysis1.6 Industry Overview2 Industry Chain Analysis2.1 Up Stream Industries Analysis2.1.1 Raw Material Analysis2.1.2 Equipment Analysis2.2 Manufacturing Analysis2.2.1 Manufacturing Process Analysis2.2.2 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis2.2.3 Manufacturing Plants Distribution and Capacity/Production Analysis2.3 Down Stream Industries AnalysisRequest a sample of this report @Contact Info:Name: Sameer JoshiEmail: sales@reportsweb.comOrganization: ReportsWebPhone: +1-646-491-9876ReportsWeb.com is a one stop shop of market research reports and solutions to various companies across the globe. We help our clients in their decision support system by helping them choose most relevant and cost effective research reports and solutions from various publishers. The market research industry has changed in last decade. As corporate focus has shifted to niche markets and emerging countries, a number of publishers have stepped in to fulfil these information needs. We have experienced and trained staff that helps you navigate different options and lets you choose best research solution at most effective cost.505, 6th floor, Amanora Township,Amanora Chambers, East Block,Kharadi Road, Hadapsar, Pune-411028
High Performance Anti-corrosion Coatings Industry 2017 : Depth competitive outlook that includes market share and profiles of key players operating in the global market

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ALBANY, NY, May 24, 2017 : Recent research and the current scenario as well as future market potential of "High Performance Anti-corrosion Coatings (Epoxy Coatings, Urethane Coatings, Acrylic Coatings, and Others) Market for Oil & Gas, Marine, Construction, Tanks & Pipes, Power Generation, and Other End-users - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2015 - 2023" globally.High performance anti-corrosion coatings are advanced materials that are applied on metal and concrete components in various manufacturing plants that are exposed to severe corrosive surroundings. Epoxy coatings, acrylic coatings, and urethane coatings are major product segments of the global high performance anti-corrosion coatings market. These coatings are broadly consumed in core industries. Oil & gas, tanks & pipes, construction, marine and power generation are major end-users of the high performance anti-corrosion coatings market. Oil & gas held the largest demand for high performance anti-corrosion coatings in 2014. However, the power generation segment is expected to create substantial growth opportunities for the high performance anti-corrosion coatings market during the forecast period. Use of waterborne process technology is likely to be one of the potential substitutes for solvent-borne coating systems in the high performance anti-corrosion coatings market by 2023.Get PDF for more Professional and Technical insights @The report estimates and forecasts the high performance anti-corrosion coatings market on the global, regional, and country level. The study provides forecast from 2015 to 2023 based on volume (kilo tons) and revenue (US$ Mn).The study offers a comprehensive view of the high performance anti-corrosion coatings market by dividing it into product segments such as epoxy coatings, acrylic coatings, urethane coatings, and others. In terms of end-user, the global high performance anti-corrosion coatings market has been segmented into oil & gas, marine, construction, tanks & pipes, power generation, and others. End-user segments have been analyzed based on historic, present, and future trends, and the market has been estimated from 2015 to 2023 in terms of volume (kilo tons) and revenue (US$ Mn). Regional segmentation includes current and forecast demand for high performance anti-corrosion coatings in North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa (MEA). Additionally, the report includes country-level analysis in terms of volume and revenue for product and end-user segments. Key countries such as the U.S., the U.K., France, Germany, Italy, Russia, China, India, Brazil, South Africa, as well as ASEAN and GCC are incorporated in the study. Market segmentation includes demand for individual products and end-users in all regions and countries.The report comprises a comprehensive value chain analysis that provides a broad view of the market. Value chain analysis also provides detailed information about value addition at each stage of the value chain. The report covers drivers and restraints for the high performance anti-corrosion coatings market along with their impact on demand during the forecast period. Additionally, it includes the study of opportunities in the high performance anti-corrosion coatings market at the global level.The report includes Porters Five Forces Model to gauge the degree of competition in the high performance anti-corrosion coatings market. The report encompasses a qualitative write-up on market attractiveness analysis, wherein end-users have been analyzed based on their attractiveness, growth rate, market size, raw material availability, profit margin, impact strength, technology, competition, and other factors (such as environmental and legal) have been evaluated to derive general attractiveness of the market. The report also includes price trend analysis of raw materials derived from petrochemicals such as propylene, ethylene, and aromatics as well as high performance anti-corrosion coatings from 2014 to 2023.Secondary research sources that were typically referred to include, but were not limited to company websites, financial reports, annual reports, investor presentations, broker reports, and SEC filings. Other sources such as internal and external proprietary databases, statistical databases and market reports, news articles, national government documents, and webcasts specific to companies operating in the market have also been referred for the report.In-depth interviews and discussions with a wide range of key opinion leaders and industry participants were conducted to compile this research report. Primary research represents the bulk of the research efforts, supplemented by extensive secondary research. Key players product literature, annual reports, press releases, and relevant documents were reviewed for competitive analysis and market understanding. This helped in validating and reinforcing our secondary research findings. Primary research further helped in developing the analysis teams expertise and market understanding.The report covers a detailed competitive outlook that includes market share and profiles of key players operating in the global market. Akzo Nobel N.V., The 3M Company, Chugoku Marine Paints, Ltd., Nippon Paint Co., Ltd., Hempel A/S, Jotun A/S, PPG Industries Inc., and The Sherwin-Williams Company are key players profiled in the report. Company profiles include attributes such as company overview, number of employees, brand overview, key competitors, business overview, business strategies, recent/key developments, acquisitions, and financial overview.This report segments the global high performance anti-corrosion coatings market as follows:High Performance Anti-Corrosion Coatings Market  Product Segment AnalysisEpoxy CoatingsUrethane CoatingsAcrylic CoatingsOthers (Alkyd Coatings, etc.)High Performance Anti-Corrosion Coatings Market  End-User AnalysisOil & GasMarineConstructionTanks & PipesPower GenerationOthers (Paper & Pulp, etc.)Make an Enquiry of this report @High Performance Anti-Corrosion Coatings Market  Regional AnalysisNorth AmericaU.S.Rest of North AmericaEuropeGermanyFranceU.K.ItalyRussiaRest of EuropeAsia PacificChinaIndiaASEANRest of Asia PacificLatin AmericaBrazilRest of Latin AmericaMiddle East & Africa (MEA)GCCSouth AfricaRest of Middle East & AfricaResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best priceResearchMoz90 State Street,Albany, NY 12207,United States
Caviar Industry - Detailed Analysis of Market Structure from 2017 to 2022

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In this report, we analyze the Caviar industry from two aspects. One part is about its production and the other part is about its consumption. In terms of its production, we analyze the production, revenue, gross margin of its main manufacturers and the unit price that they offer in different regions from 2012 to 2017. In terms of its consumption, we analyze the consumption volume, consumption value, sale price, import and export in different regions from 2012 to 2017. We also make a prediction of its production and consumption in coming 2017-2022.At the same time, we classify different Caviar based on their definitions. Upstream raw materials, equipment and downstream consumers analysis is also carried out. What is more, the Caviar industry development trends and marketing channels are analyzed.Finally, the feasibility of new investment projects is assessed, and overall research conclusions are offered.Purchase a copy of this report @. And get discount on report purchase @The report can answer the following questions:1. What is the global (North America, South America, Europe, Africa, Middle East, Asia, China, Japan) production, production value, consumption, consumption value, import and export of Caviar?2. Who are the global key manufacturers of Caviar industry? How are their operating situation (capacity, production, price, cost, gross and revenue) ?3. What are the types and applications of Caviar? What is the market share of each type and application?4. What are the upstream raw materials and manufacturing equipment of Caviar? What is the manufacturing process of Caviar?5. Economic impact on Caviar industry and development trend of Caviar industry.6. What will the Caviar market size and the growth rate be in 2022?7. What are the key factors driving the global Caviar industry?8. What are the key market trends impacting the growth of the Caviar market?9. What are the Caviar market challenges to market growth?10. What are the Caviar market opportunities and threats faced by the vendors in the global Caviar market?Objective of Studies:1. To provide detailed analysis of the market structure along with forecast of the various segments and sub-segments of the global Caviar market.2. To provide insights about factors affecting the market growth. To analyze the Caviar market based on various factors- price analysis, supply chain analysis, porte five force analysis etc.3. To provide historical and forecast revenue of the market segments and sub-segments with respect to four main geographies and their countries- North America, Europe, Asia, and Rest of the World.4. To provide country level analysis of the market with respect to the current market size and future prospective.5. To provide country level analysis of the market for segment by application, product type and sub-segments.6. To provide strategic profiling of key players in the market, comprehensively analyzing their core competencies, and drawing a competitive landscape for the market.7. To track and analyze competitive developments such as joint ventures, strategic alliances, mergers and acquisitions, new product developments, and research and developments in the global Caviar market.Browse Complete Report @Some points from TOC:1 Industry Overview of Caviar1.1 Brief Introduction of Caviar1.1.1 Definition of Caviar1.1.2 Development of Caviar Industry1.2 Classification of Caviar1.2.1 Type One1.2.2 Type Two1.2.3 Type Three1.3 Status of Caviar Industry1.3.1 Industry Overview of Caviar1.3.2 Global Major Regions Status of Caviar2 Industry Chain Analysis of Caviar2.1 Supply Chain Relationship Analysis of Caviar2.2 Upstream Major Raw Materials and Price Analysis of Caviar2.3 Downstream Applications of Caviar2.3.1 Application 12.3.2 Application 22.3.3 Application 33 Manufacturing Technology of Caviar3.1 Development of Caviar Manufacturing Technology3.2 Manufacturing Process Analysis of Caviar3.3 Trends of Caviar Manufacturing TechnologyRequest a sample of this report @Contact Info:Name: Sameer JoshiEmail: sales@reportsweb.comOrganization: ReportsWebPhone: +1-646-491-9876ReportsWeb.com is a one stop shop of market research reports and solutions to various companies across the globe. We help our clients in their decision support system by helping them choose most relevant and cost effective research reports and solutions from various publishers. The market research industry has changed in last decade. As corporate focus has shifted to niche markets and emerging countries, a number of publishers have stepped in to fulfil these information needs. We have experienced and trained staff that helps you navigate different options and lets you choose best research solution at most effective cost.505, 6th floor, Amanora Township,Amanora Chambers, East Block,Kharadi Road, Hadapsar, Pune-411028
Safes and Vaults Market in Europe to rise to prevent growing unauthorized access attempts: Market Forecast 2017-2021

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Technology Evolution and Advancements in " Safes and Vaults Market in Europe 2017-2021". key end customers for this segment are the banking sector, retail sector, industrial and high-risk sector, and individual customers.Albany, NY, May 24, 2017: Safes and vaults are secure storage items used for the protection of valuables from threats, such as fire breakouts and burglar attacks. In many cases, they are used to prevent unauthorized access to potentially valuable items placed in them. With the advance of technology, safes and vaults are being electronically integrated to create smart systems. In Europe, the manufacturers of safes and vaults have a wide variety in their product portfolio to meet the needs of different customers. The key end customers for this segment are the banking sector, retail sector, industrial and high-risk sector, and individual customers.The safes and vaults market in Europe to grow at a CAGR of 6.12% during the period 2017-2021. The report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the safes and vaults market in Europe for 2017-2021. To calculate the market size, the report covers the detailed analysis of major vendors and a brief about other prominent vendors of safes and vaults market in Europe.Technavio's report, Safes and Vaults Market in Europe 2017-2021, has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts. The report covers the market landscape and its growth prospects over the coming years. The report also includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market.Request your Premium Research PDF with Tables & Figures at:Key vendors- BJARSTAL s.a.r.l.- Gunnebo- L'ITALIANA CASSEFORTI- Paritet-KOther prominent vendors- Bravarija Piljek- Door System- Ferocon- Hexa- Morichini Sicurezza- StarkMarket driver- Rise in adoption of gun safes and vaults.- For a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket challenge- High total cost of ownership and low repeat purchase.- For a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket trend- Emergence of smart safes for retail sector.- For a full, detailed list, view our reportKey questions answered in this report:-- What will the market size be in 2021 and what will the growth rate be?- What are the key market trends?- What is driving this market?- What are the challenges to market growth?- Who are the key vendors in this market space?- What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the key vendors?- What are the strengths and weaknesses of the key vendors?About UsResearchMoz is the worlds fastest growing collection of market research reports worldwide. Our database is composed of current market studies from over 100 featured publishers worldwide. Our market research databases integrate statistics with analysis from global, regional, country and company perspectives. ResearchMozs service portfolio also includes value-added services such as market research customization, competitive landscaping, and in-depth surveys, delivered by a team of experienced Research Coordinators.Albany NY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-621-2074Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Email: sales@researchmoz.usFollow us on LinkedIn at:
Diabetic Shoes Market: Marketing Drives Bear Fruit as More Customers Aware of Correct Footwear Benefits

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As per a research report released by Transparency Market Research, the expansive nature of the global diabetic shoes market has out more of the prominent players into intense research and development phases are they vie for introducing new products on to commercial markets. Names such as Podartis S.r.l., Advance Diabetic Solution, Apex Foot Health Industries LLC, Orthofeet Inc., and Drew Shoe Corporation are at the top of the chain and have shown a very high rate of growth and expansion rate in the global diabetic shoes market over the recent past.View Report:TMR suggests that the top players in the global diabetic shoes market are expected to witness stiff competition from new entrants, thanks to the low entry barriers and the extremely large scope for local players to gain a small share of the market pie. To contest their shares, the leading players are resorting to aggressive expansion strategies while also focusing heavily on research and development to stay ahead of the regional players. According to the TMR report, the global diabetic shoes market was valued at US$4953.8 mn in 2015. Rising at a healthy CAGR of 8.1% during the forecast period of 2016 to 2024, the markets value is projected to reach US$9.91 bn by the end of 2024. The report identifies the global diabetic shoes market on the basis of gender and on distribution channels, the latter segmented into hyper markets and super markets, department stores, specialty stores, shoe stores, and online stores.Enter your information below to receive a sample copy of this report @Consumer Awareness and eCommerce Boom Boost Diabetic Shoes SalesConsumer goods manufacturers often have to embrace high level marketing techniques to break niche products into the commercial markets. The same is the case with the global diabetic shoes market, where the spread of information regarding the benefits of using shoes specifically designed for patients has gained traction. This therefore forms the primary driver augmenting the growth of the global diabetic shoes market now, and likely to be the same for the immediate future. Couple that with the current eCommerce boom, and we get a number of manufacturers with a very elastic distribution channel and a growing consumer pool, states a TMR analyst. The research report also adds that the sales of womens diabetic shoes are much higher than mens, prompting manufacturers to modify their research and marketing processes.From a regional standpoint, the global diabetic shoes market has been led by Asia Pacific, which took up 51.3% of the overall market in 2015. This is considerably higher than North American demand volume, which stands in second place, followed by Latin America. Over the coming years, Asia Pacific is likely to continue providing players with ample opportunities of growth.Rising Geriatric Consumer Pool Adds to Diabetic Shoe SalesAnother factor driving the global diabetic shoes market in all core regions is the rising population of the elderly. Research has shown that the geriatric demographic is fairly accepting to niche products aimed at improving their overall quality of life and comfort level. Their high and increasing demand for diabetic shoes is expected to further amplify the overall scope of growth for the global diabetic shoes market. The elderly population is the most susceptible to chronic diseases and diabetes, thereby making them prime candidates for the use of specialized footwear. However, the global diabetic shoes market is currently being restricted by greater tendency of consumers towards medical treatment options rather than the use of specialized equipment and apparel.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
At a CAGR of 15.28%, Global Smart Grid Sensors Market is Poised to grow over 2017-2021

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Latest Research on " Global Smart Grid Sensors Market 2017-2021". The report covers the market landscape and its growth prospects over the coming years. The report also includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market.Albany, NY, May 24, 2017: Smart grid sensors are compact electrical devices used for detecting and monitoring power system equipment. They track the power line temperatures and weather conditions around the power cables, and are also used to calculate the current carrying capacity of transmission lines.The global Smart Grid Sensors market to grow at a CAGR of 15.28% during the period 2017-2021. The report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the global smart grid sensors market for 2017-2021. To calculate the market size, the report considers the new installations and exclude replacement/ aftermarket/services market.The market is divided into the following segments based on geography:- Americas- APAC- EMEARequest your Premium Research PDF with Tables & Figures at:Technavio's report, Global Smart Grid Sensors Market 2017-2021, has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts. The report covers the market landscape and its growth prospects over the coming years. The report also includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market.Key vendors- ABB- Aclara Technologies- Eaton- General ElectricOther prominent vendors- Arteche- Landis+Gyr- Metrycom Communication- Mitsubishi Electric- Powel- QinetiQ- Sentient Technologies Holdings- Silver Spring NetworksMarket driver- Transition to smart grids- For a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket challenge- Concerns over cyber security- For a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket trend- Aging power grids- For a full, detailed list, view our reportKey questions answered in this report:-- What will the market size be in 2021 and what will the growth rate be?- What are the key market trends?- What is driving this market?- What are the challenges to market growth?- Who are the key vendors in this market space?- What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the key vendors?- What are the strengths and weaknesses of the key vendors?ResearchMoz is the worlds fastest growing collection of market research reports worldwide. Our database is composed of current market studies from over 100 featured publishers worldwide. Our market research databases integrate statistics with analysis from global, regional, country and company perspectives. ResearchMozs service portfolio also includes value-added services such as market research customization, competitive landscaping, and in-depth surveys, delivered by a team of experienced Research Coordinators.Albany NY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-621-2074Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Email: sales@researchmoz.usFollow us on LinkedIn at:
TFT LCD Displays Market 2017 : Texas Instruments, Displaytech, LG Display, Samsung, Innolux, Panasonic, AMPIRE

TFT LCD Displays

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TFT LCD Displays Market Research ReportA market study based on the " TFT LCD Displays Market " across the globe, recently added to the repository of Market Research, is titled Global TFT LCD Displays Market 2017. The research report analyses the historical as well as present performance of the worldwide TFT LCD Displays industry, and makes predictions on the future status of TFT LCD Displays market on the basis of this analysis.Ask For Sample Copy of Report :Top Manufacturers Companies Covered In TFT LCD Displays Research Report -1. Texas Instruments2. Microtips Technology3. Displaytech4. LG Display5. Samsung6. Innolux7. Panasonic8. AMPIRE9. AUO10. Omron11. Phoenix Contract12. Mitsubishi Electric13. Sharp Microelectronics14. Boundary Devices15. Hantronix16. Embedded Artists17. Kyocera18. Newhaven DisplayThe report studies the industry for TFT LCD Displays across the globe taking the existing industry chain, the import and export statistics in TFT LCD Displays market & dynamics of demand and supply of TFT LCD Displays into consideration. The ' TFT LCD Displays ' research study covers each and every aspect of the TFT LCD Displays market globally, which starts from the definition of the TFT LCD Displays industry and develops towards TFT LCD Displays market segmentations. Further, every segment of the TFT LCD Displays market is classified and analysed on the basis of product types, application, and the end-use industries of the TFT LCD Displays market. The geographical segmentation of the TFT LCD Displays industry has also been covered at length in this report.The competitive landscape of the worldwide market for TFT LCD Displays is determined by evaluating the various industry participants, production capacity, TFT LCD Displays market's production chain, and the revenue generated by each manufacturer in the TFT LCD Displays market worldwide.Enquiry Here :The global TFT LCD Displays market 2017 is also analysed on the basis of product pricing, TFT LCD Displays production volume, data regarding demand and TFT LCD Displays supply, and the revenue garnered by the product. Various methodical tool of TFT LCD Displays such as investment returns, feasibility, and market attractiveness analysis has been used in TFT LCD Displays market research to present a comprehensive study of the industry for TFT LCD Displays across the globe.About Us:"Spire Market Research" is a leading market intelligence team which accredits and provides the reports of some of the top publishers in the field of technology industry. We are as a firm expertise in making extensive reports that cover all the necessary details about the market assessments such as major technological improvement in the industry.Contact Us5001 Spring Valley Road,Suite 400 East,Dallas, TX 75244, USA
Cider Market Driven by Growing Demand for Alcohol Free & Low Alcoholic Content Beverages

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Global Cider Market: OverviewThe global cider market is expected to be one of the fastest growing alcoholic drinks market in the next few decades, beating both the beer and other spirits available in the market. In recent years, both old and young generation has witnessed an inclination towards apple cider and pear cider as the preferred alcoholic and non-alcoholic packaged drink. This is fuelling the global cider market growth. Also, changing consumption pattern among youngsters and female shifting from the quality pursuing drinkers to value seeking drinkers comprising many well-known reputed brands of drinks in different flavours spurs the global cider market growth. The demand for beers has also dropped over to cider and pear cider, thereby resulting in the increased premium offerings to the consumers.Obtain Report Details @Global Cider Market: Drivers and RestraintsSome of the key factors driving the global cider market growth include growing consumers consideration of alcohol consumption as status symbol, growing demand for alcohol free and low alcoholic content beverages, rising health awareness among the masses about the health benefits of fresh apple cider, gluten free beverages, increased inclination of the female consumers towards the cider, growing innovation in cider beverages by creating mash-up/ hybrid flavours. On the other hand, factors such as absence of tax breaks, continuously changing consumer spending patterns restraint the cider market growth.Global Cider Market: SegmentationOn the basis of application type, market is segmented into:-Household/ Personal carePet CareHealthcare/ PharmaceuticalFill the form for an exclusive sample of this report @On the basis of product type, market is segmented into:-Traditional Draught CiderDraught CiderPackaged CiderKeg CiderOn the basis of sales channel, market is segmented into:-WholesalersFood Processing IndustriesSupermarket/HypermarketSpeciality storesOnline RetailOthersGlobal Cider Market: Region wise OutlookThe global cider market is divided into seven regions, namely seven regions, namely Eastern Europe, Latin America, Asia Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ), North America, Japan, Western Europe, and Middle East and Africa (MEA). MEA is the market leader for cider drinks and is expected to hold the market position in the coming years as well. U.S and France inspite of being mature economies are collectively among the key consumers of cider, as the population in these countries is inlcined towards premium products. Also, European countries brewers are focusing on investing more on new innovative packaging techniques, so that product seems to be more appealing to customers. As in case of, Carlsberg, Nordic limited addition range launched recently across 13 European markets. Collection included three finest quality designed bottles decorated to highlight the landscape and industrial design of the Nordic regions. Whereas, in Western Europe market is expected to decline in lieu of high excise duty prices on alcoholic drinks and less cider consumption.Global Cider Market: Key PlayersKopparbergWoodchuckCarlsbergA/SSABMiller PlcHalewood International HoldingsThe Boston Beer Company, IncAnheuser-Busch In BevAston Manor breweryC & C group PlcDistell GroupHeineken UK LtdAsahi BreweriesBudweiser Budvar BreweryHarpoon BreweryAbout UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Global Phototherapy Equipment Market to Exhibit a CAGR of 4.4% during the Forecast Period of 2016  2024

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Albany, New York, May 24, 2017: The demand for phototherapy equipment has significantly increased in the last few years in response to the increasing incidence of neonatal jaundice and skin diseases and advent of new technologies. A new research report titled as Phototherapy Equipment Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2016  2024 has been recently added to the huge portfolio of Market Research Reports Search Engine (MRRSE). This market report is a professional and in-depth study of the current state as well as future potential of the global phototherapy equipment market.Request For Sample Report @The global phototherapy equipment market is estimated to exhibit a CAGR of 4.4% between 2016 and 2024. Rising at this pace, the markets valuation is expected to reach a value of US$603.2 million by the end of 2024, from US$415.0 million in 2015. This market report on phototherapy equipment includes an elaborate executive summary, which covers a market snapshot that gives information about different segments of the market. A detailed qualitative analysis of drivers, restraints and opportunities in the market has been provided in the report. Besides this, the report includes Porters five forces analysis to understand the competitive scenario in the market.To make the study structured and easy to comprehend, it is divided into different segments based on product type, modality, disease indication, end-user and geography. Based on product type, the phototherapy equipment market has been segregated into Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFL) phototherapy, light emitted diode (LED) phototherapy and others. Based on modality, phototherapy equipment market has been bifurcated into full body phototherapy and partial body phototherapy. On the basis of disease indication, the major market segments are neonatal jaundice, skin diseases, and other. These market segments are analyzed in terms of available approved technology and equipment, cost-effectiveness, and preference for equipment by physicians and patients. The market size and forecast for each of these segments has been presented for the period of 2016 - 2024, taking 2015 as the base year.Browse Full Global Phototherapy Equipment Market Report with TOC :The report concludes by profiling major players operating in the global phototherapy equipment market in terms of various attributes such as company overview, product portfolio, financial overview, business strategies, and major recent developments. Major players profiled in this report are Atom Medical Corporation, Dragerwerk AG & Co. KGaA, GE Healthcare, National Biological Corp., The Daavlin Company, Herbert Waldmann GmbH & Co. KG, Solarc Systems Inc., Phoenix Medical Systems Pvt. Ltd, nice Neotech Medical Systems Pvt. Ltd., and Natus Medical Incorporated.About UsMarket Research Reports Search Engine (MRRSE) is an industry-leading database of market intelligence reports. MRRSE is driven by a stellar team of research experts and advisors trained to offer objective advice. Our sophisticated search algorithm returns results based on the report title, geographical region, publisher, or other keywords.MRRSE partners exclusively with leading global publishers to provide clients single-point access to top-of-the-line market research. MRRSEs repository is updated every day to keep its clients ahead of the next new trend in market research, be it competitive intelligence, product or service trends or strategic consulting.ContactState Tower90, State StreetSuite 700Albany, NY - 12207United StatesTelephone: +1-518-730-0559Email: sales@mrrse.comWebsite :
Oil & Gas Separator Market to Post an Annual Growth Rate of 5% from 2016 and 2022  Business Forecasts

Oil and Gas Separator Market

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Market HighlightsOil & Gas separator is basically a pressure vessel used for separating a well stream into gaseous and liquid components. They are installed either in an onshore processing station or on an offshore platform. Based on vessel configuration, it is divided into horizontal, vertical & spherical separator. Increasing E&P activities in conventional & unconventional reservoirs in onshore & offshore location along with increased level of water production in tight reservoirs is expected to increase the oil & gas separator market.The Global Oil & Gas Separator Market is expected to grow at a CAGR of about 5% during the forecast period, 2016 to 2022.North America region is a major shareholder of the Oil & Gas Separator Market and expected to retain its majority during the forecast period. Asia-Pacific region is expected to grow at fastest pace during the forecast period.Request to Get a Sample Report @Key PlayersThe leading players in the Oil & Gas Separator Market are: Pall Corporation ACS Manufacturing Honeywell International Unidgo Spa Hamworthy Sulzer FMC Technologies Alfa Laval AndritzAccess Report Details @Scope of the reportThis study provides an overview of the Oil & gas separator industry, tracking market segments across the categorized five geographic regions. The report provides a six-year forecast for the market size in terms of value for North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and South America. The scope of the study segments the Oil & gas separator market based on Technology, Type, & Application.About Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.MRFR team have supreme objective to provide the optimum quality market research and intelligence services to our clients. Our market research studies by products, services, technologies, applications, end users, and market players for global, regional, and country level market segments, enable our clients to see more, know more, and do more, which help to answer all their most important questions.In order to stay updated with technology and work process of the industry, MRFR often plans & conducts meet with the industry experts and industrial visits for its research analyst members.Contact:Akash Anand,Market Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: akash.anand@marketresearchfuture.com
Global Industrial Robotics Market Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast, 2014 - 2020

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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Industrial Robotics Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast, 2014 - 2020" to its huge collection of research reports.The rising demand for industrial robots across different industry verticals, regions and applications is propelling the industrial robotics market during the forecast period 2014 to 2020. Globally, Asia Pacific is analyzed to be fastest growing market largely due to the research and development infrastructure growth in countries such as Japan, Australia, China and India. The adoption of robotics in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) is further expected to bolster the industrial robotics market in the Asia Pacific region. Additionally, the demand for industrial robots across major application segments such as electrical, consumer electronics, and automotives is further expected to fuel growth over the forecast period 2014 to 2020. Countries such as Italy, Germany, France, and the U.K are expected to be key contributors to the growth of industrial robotics market in the European region. In North America, Mexico is expected to offer tremendous potential across varied application sectors in the coming years. Thus, the market for industrial robotics is expected to witness healthy growth across varied industry verticals and regions.This market research studies the industrial robotics market on a global level and estimates the market in terms of revenue (USD billion) from 2014 to 2020. It identifies the drivers and restraints affecting the market and studies their impact over the forecast period 2014 to 2020. In addition, the report also analyzes the opportunities for growth in the industrial robotics market over the forecast period.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @The report segments the industrial robotics market based on types of robots such as cylindrical robots, articulated robots, Cartesian robots, SCARA robots, and other types of robots. The market has further been segmented on the basis of industries served which comprises electrical & electronics industry, automotive industry, machinery industry, chemical, rubber & plastics industry, metals industry, precision & optics industry, food & beverages industry, and other types of industries. Besides, the report segments the market based on functions, which includes materials handling function, soldering and welding function, assembling & disassembling function, milling, cutting and processing function, painting and dispensing function, and other types of functions. Finally, the report segments the market on the basis of geography into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific (APAC), and Rest of the World (RoW). All these segments have been further estimated in terms of revenue (USD billion).A comprehensive analysis of the value chain offers an enhanced understanding of the market. A detailed Porters five forces analysis has been provided for a better perceptive of the intensity of competition in the industrial robotics market. The study further includes a market attractiveness analysis, wherein industrial robotics applications have been benchmarked based on their growth rate, market size, and overall attractiveness.The industrial robotics market report provides company market share analysis of key players. These players have been profiled on aspects such as company overview, financial overview, business strategy, SWOT analysis, and recent developments in the market. Some of the key players profiled include Denso Corporation, KUKA Robotics Corporation, FANUC Ltd., and Yaskawa Motoman Robotics among others.Industrial Robotics Market: By geography- North America- Europe- Asia Pacific- Rest of the WorldIndustrial Robotics Market: By types- Cartesian- Articulated- Cylindrical- SCARA- OthersIndustrial Robotics Market: By industry- Electrical & Electronics- Automotive- Machinery- Chemical, Rubber & Plastics- Food & Beverages- Metals- Precision & Optics- OthersIndustrial Robotics Market: By function- Materials Handling- Milling, Cutting and Processing- Soldering and Welding- Painting and Dispensing- Assembling & Disassembling- OthersMake an Enquiry of this report @About ResearchMozResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.Mr. NachiketState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesEmail: sales@researchmoz.usWebsite @Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Follow us on LinkedIn @
Global Commercial Aircraft Health Monitoring Systems Market To Grow At A CAGR Of 7.86% During The Period 2016-2020

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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Global Commercial Aircraft Health Monitoring Systems Market 2016-2020" to its huge collection of research reports.Aircraft health monitoring systems collect data in real time from aircraft and make them available to ground operations. This is made possible through sensors installed at various damage hotspot locations throughout the aircraft structure or engine. These sensors allow integrated health monitoring, which enables the early detection of anomalies such as debility or cracks. Necessary preventive measures can thus be implemented on time, reducing the chances of critical damage or major system failure.Technavios analysts forecast the global commercial aircraft health monitoring systems market to grow at a CAGR of 7.86% during the period 2016-2020.Covered in this reportThe report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the global commercial aircraft health monitoring systems market for 2016-2020. The report provides a global overview of the market and its growth prospects in the Americas, Asia Pacific (APAC), and EMEA. It also presents the market landscape and a corresponding analysis of the prominent vendors in the market.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Technavio's report, Global Commercial Aircraft Health Monitoring Systems Market 2016-2020, has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts. The report covers the market landscape and its growth prospects over the coming years. The report also includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market.Key vendorsAirbusBoeingGE AviationRockwell CollinsUnited TechnologiesOther prominent vendorsAccellent TechnologiesBeanAirMeggittRSL ElectronicsRolls-Royce HoldingsUltra Electronics HoldingsMarket driverBenefits of SHM over NDTFor a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket challengeChallenges to embed SHM sensors into the structureFor a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket trendUtilization of SHM for aircraft composite structureFor a full, detailed list, view our reportKey questions answered in this reportWhat will the market size be in 2020 and what will the growth rate be?What are the key market trends?What is driving this market?What are the challenges to market growth?Who are the key vendors in this market space?What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the key vendors?What are the strengths and weaknesses of the key vendors?Make an Enquiry of this report @About ResearchMozResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.Mr. NachiketState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesEmail: sales@researchmoz.usWebsite @Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Follow us on LinkedIn @
Global Automotive NVH Materials Market: Drivers, Challenges, Historical and current Sizes (2017 - 2025)

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NVH stands for Noise Vibration Harshness. Reduced vibration and noise is of crucial importance in several automobile components, such as engine covers, doors, panels and seats, among others. Different materials are used to control the NVH performance of a vehicle; some are used to control airborne noise, while others are used to control structure-borne noise and noise generated from interior components. These materials are first converted into products and applied throughout the vehicle. The NVH characteristic of a vehicle has been identified as a critical factor to affect the buyers purchasing decision. Automotive vehicle manufacturers aggressively advertise a vehicle performance in terms of speed and horsepower, however consumers demand more comfort for the driver and passengers. This has accelerated a significant level of effort by automotive producers into the systematic reduction, containment and possible elimination of vibration and noise in the automotive environment. With rising consumer performance expectations, vehicle manufacturers and component suppliers in the industry are striving to improve the nature and architecture of components by deploying several materials to reduce noise and vibration in vehicles. For instance, fabric-like materials are primarily applied as efficient acoustic absorbers, but in terms of vibration, they are generally sandwiched in layers or framed in a rigid structure so that the assembly can resist vibrations.Request to view Table of Content @Automotive NVH Materials Market: Drivers and ChallengesA major factor driving the growth of the automotive NVH materials market is the increasing global automotive production. Global automotive production in 2014 improved 2.5% in comparison to 2013 and increased another 1% in 2015 to achieve 90.7 million units. Further, increasing consumer warranty claims against vehicle manufacturers for component noise vibration and harshness is the primary factor driving the growth of the market. For instance, as per FMI analysis consumer warranty claims for brake noise vibration and harshness are estimated to be over US$ 100 Mn annually for each vehicle manufacturer.Though NVH materials are of utmost importance in reducing noise and vibrations, the use of substitute products to mitigate such effects are restraining the growth of the automotive NVH materials market. For instance, the installation of active noise control systems.Automotive NVH Materials Market: Key DevelopmentsSome of the major developments identified in the automotive NVH materials market are sound absorbers with tunable frequency response, barriers with tunable transmission loss, damping materials with extended temperature range and lightweight materials with a balance of sound absorption and transmission loss.Among vehicle types, passenger vehicles are expected to hold the largest market share in terms of value and volume, since consumption of automotive NVH materials is correlated with the production of vehicles. However, the HCV segment is identified as the fastest growing segment in the automotive NVH materials market over the forecast period.A sample of this report is available upon request @Automotive NVH Materials Market: Key PlayersExamples of some industry participants in the global automotive NVH materials market are Exxon Mobil Corporation, Mitsui Chemicals Inc., 3M, Huntsman International LLC, The Dow Chemical Company, LANXESS and Celanese Corporation.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes.Contact UsPersistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA  Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb:
Refinery Catalyst Market to Partake Significant Development by 2020

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Refinery catalysts are used by petroleum refineries in the cracking process. Global refinery catalyst market is mainly driven by the increasing demand for cleaner petroleum products. Based on type, the refinery catalyst can be categorized into seven segments namely Hydroprocessing Catalysts, Fluid Catalytic Cracking Catalysts, Alkylation Catalysts, Hydrogen Manufacturing Catalysts, Hydrodesulphurization Catalysts, Isomerization Catalysts and Others.A sample of this report is available upon request @The key raw materials used in the manufacturing of refinery catalysts are metals, zeolites and chemical compounds. Hydroprocessing catalysts are used to create cleaner fuels and possess highest growth rate among refinery catalysts. Fluid catalytic cracking catalysts market is growing towards maturity and losing its market share which is gained by other segments of the market.Asia Pacific, Latin America and Middle East are witnessing high growth in the refinery catalyst market due to increasing use of petroleum products. The increasing demand for gasoline and ultra low sulfur diesel has been boosting the market for refinery catalysts. The increasing use of petroleum feedstocks in the industries such as ethylene, propylene and butadiene in North America are creating growth opportunities for the refinery catalysts market. The refinery catalyst manufacturers are increasingly producing more challenging feedstock compositions despite unstable fuel prices. Tightening environmental regulations and increasing demand for diesel are supporting the growth of Hydroprocessing catalysts.To view TOC of this report is available upon request @However, the European refiners have been reducing their production capacities due to weak economic condition in the region. According to International Energy Agency, oil consumption in China grew by 1.6% as compared to 2012, which was slowest since 1992, however it is expected to increase in the coming years.North America dominated the refinery catalysts market in 2013 followed by Asia Pacific. U.S. and China were the key markets in these regions. The refinery catalysts companies are investing heavily on their research and development as this industry is developing at a fast pace in terms of technology due to changing demands of the refineries. The key companies in the refinery catalysts market are Albemarle Corporation, Air Products and Chemicals, Arkema Group, BASF SE, Chevron, Clariant International Limited, Eka Chemicals AB, Exxon Mobil Corporation, Evonic Industries AG, E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Company, INEOS Group Limited, Johnson Matthey PLC, UOP LLC, Zeolyst International Inc. and W.R. Grace & Company.Key points covered in the reportReport segments the market on the basis of types, application, products, technology, etc (as applicable)The report covers geographic segmentationNorth AmericaEuropeAsiaRoWThe report provides the market size and forecast for the different segments and geographies for the period of 2010 to 2020The report provides company profiles of some of the leading companies operating in the marketThe report also provides porters five forces analysis of the market.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes.Contact UsPersistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA  Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb:
Aerospace Oxygen System Market: Growth, Demand and Key Players to 2025

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Global Aerospace Oxygen System Market: OverviewOxygen is a pivotal part of our lives, quintessential for sustenance of human, animal and plant alike, the gas accounts for 21.0 percent in terms of volume among all dry air constituents. With evolving transportation scenario, passengers preference have shifted from using wheels to cars to aircrafts. As per International Air Transport Association, in 2015, globally, over 3.5 Billion people had safely commuted. With air transport being cost effective day-by-day, the number of travellers is expected to increase significantly. Thriving number of aircraft passengers has created a strong demand for efficient oxygen systems. With increasing altitude, partial pressure of oxygen decreases which makes it progressively more difficult to inhale or intake oxygen. To maintain suitable level of oxygen concentration for both passengers and pilot, life support systems and oxygen systems are required. Aerospace oxygen systems provide oxygen to occupants through pipe lines, fittings and are centrally regulated. With applications in cargo, transport and military sectors, the demand for aerospace oxygen system market is increasing steadily.A sample of this report is available upon request @Global Aerospace Oxygen System Market: Drivers & RestraintsLeading aircraft carriers engage in regular maintenance and upgrade the aircrafts oxygen systems on a regular basis. With the influx of upgraded and automated systems, the sales of aerospace oxygen market is expected to escalate significantly. Stringent air safety laws enacted by international organization such as Federal Aviation and Administration are expected to aid the sales of the aerospace oxygen system market. The increasing production of aircrafts for both passenger and military applications is the pivotal factor influencing the unit sales of aerospace oxygen system during the forecast period. However, owing to the high cost of equipment and significant addition of equipment and their weight to overall weight, liquid and gaseous oxygen system sales are limited as compared to other systems.Global Aerospace Oxygen System Market: SegmentationGlobal aerospace oxygen system market can be mainly segmented on the basis of product type into: Storage system, Delivery system, Oxygen mask and Cannulas. On the basis of system, global aerospace oxygen system market can be mainly segmented into: Protective breathing, Portable oxygen system, Integrated system. By product type, the global aerospace oxygen system market can be segmented into: Liquid oxygen system, Gaseous oxygen system, On board oxygen generation system. By mechanism, the global aerospace oxygen system market can be segmented into: Compressed oxygen generator, Chemical oxygen generator.Global Aerospace Oxygen System Market: Regional OutlookThe global aerospace oxygen system market is also segmented on the basis of region. Among all regional markets, North America aerospace oxygen system market is expected to dominate throughout the forecast period. With major aircraft manufacturers such as Boeing, Cessna and Bombardier focusing on expanding fleet size to cater to the growing demand for small and mid-sized commercial planes, the aerospace oxygen system market is expected to grow swiftly, thereby contributing to the growth of North America aerospace oxygen system market. Latin America and Middle East and Africa aerospace oxygen system market are challenged by the limited availability of aircraft manufacturers in the region, however, the revenue in the region is expected to be sustained by sales of individual components during the forecast period. Asia Pacific ex. Japan (APEJ) aerospace oxygen system market is expected to create higher opportunity compared to other regions, with volume demand spearheaded by China and India. Western Europe market is expected to gain significant growth post 2018. Russia and Poland are expected to create sustainable opportunities during the forecast period; mainly application in military sector contributing significantly to the overall revenue of the regional market.Global Aerospace Oxygen System Market: Market ParticipantsThe market of aerospace oxygen system is expected to be highly consolidated with relatively limited number of manufacturers in each region. Examples of some of the market participants in the global Aerospace oxygen System market include, Zodiac Aerospace S.A., Basa Aviation Ltd., Cobham PLC, B/E Aerospace, Inc., Air Liquide, Aviation Oxygen System, Inc., Precise Flight, Inc., Technodinamika among other leading manufacturers and suppliers.To view TOC of this report is available upon request @The research report presents a comprehensive assessment of the market and contains thoughtful insights, facts, historical data, and statistically supported and industry-validated market data. It also contains projections using a suitable set of assumptions and methodologies. The research report provides analysis and information according to market segments such as geographies, application, and industry.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes.Contact UsPersistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA  Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb:
Fire Safety Equipment Market: Key Growth Factor, Industry Analysis 2017 - 2025

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Fire Safety Equipment: IntroductionSafeguarding human life and property are key concerns that drive the fire safety equipment market. Aside from the aforementioned, the cost associated with the loss of man hours due to fire hazards is a vital concern worldwide, which in turn encourages industries to deploy fire safety equipment wherever relevant. Fire safety equipment can be bifurcated on the basis of two key elements i.e. fire detection and fire suppression.A sample of this report is available upon request @It is forecasted that advancements in technology such as wireless sensor networks will drive the fire safety equipment market in the near future. These advancements are also expected to contribute in reducing manufacturing costs involved in fire safety equipment, thereby increasing its future market potential. Also, strict regulations are imposed by various regulatory bodies for the implementation of fire safety procedures, thereby making it mandatory for organizations to use fire safety equipment at workplaces; which consequently increases the demand for fire safety equipment. These factors are expected to rapidly develop the global fire safety equipment market.Fire Safety Equipment: Market SegmentationThe global fire safety equipment market can be segmented on the basis of technology, solution, and application. On the basis of technology type, the fire safety equipment market is segmented as follows: Active fire protection systems, Passive fire protection systems. On the basis of solution type, the fire safety equipment market is segmented as follows: Fire detection, Fire suppression. On the basis of application type, the fire detection (fire safety) equipment market is segmented as follows: Commercial, Industrial, Residential.Fire Safety Equipment: Market DynamicsIn the near future, advanced technologies such as nanotechnology, human machine interface solutions and smart building are anticipated to enter the fire safety equipment market. Recent innovation has produced advanced sensors which help in relaying accurate data to control units. The advancement of technology through the use of intelligent sensors and detectors and their connectivity with distant users through WAN/LAN networks has been driving demand for fire safety and protection equipment worldwide.As a result of stringent building and safety codes by regulatory bodies, industries worldwide have been taking cognizance of the fact that fire accidents not only pose threat to human life and assets, but also render sustainable businesses uneconomical to such an extent that investing in fire safety and protection equipment is a more viable option.However, it should also be noted that there is inconsistency in the implementation of fire safety codes in certain regions of the world hamper the overall growth fire safety equipment market. Furthermore, increasing maintenance and replacement costs of fire safety and protection equipment discourages potential buyers to a certain extent; thereby making it imperative for producers to offer their products at an attractive price point while maintaining acceptable quality standards. Small manufacturers worldwide find this a major challenge since they need to sustain business in a highly competitive environment.End-users face a different challenge due to the complexity in integration of fire detection systems with other fire detection or suppression systems, thereby making it mandatory for them to learn using multiple interfaces.Portability of fire extinguishing equipment enhances product usage. Advanced fire alarm systems offer added advantages and additional features such as photoelectric detectors, etc. Both these factors are expected to encourage potential users to invest in fire safety and protection equipment in industrial, commercial as well as residential applications.Fire Safety Equipment: Market ParticipantsExamples of some market participants in the fire safety equipment market are as follows: Honeywell Security & Communications, Tyco International, Bosch Security System Inc., Siemens Building Technologies, United Technologies, Cooper Wheelock, Gentex Corporation, Panasonic Corporation, ADT Security Services Inc., WSA Fire Systems.To view TOC of this report is available upon request @The research report presents a comprehensive assessment of the market and contains thoughtful insights, facts, historical data, and statistically supported and industry-validated market data. It also contains projections using a suitable set of assumptions and methodologies. The research report provides analysis and information according to categories such as market segments, geographies, types and applications.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes.Contact UsPersistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA  Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb:
Hadoop Market 2016 by deployment, Product, Region, Analysis and Forecast to 2020

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The increased amount of data on the internet from various modes such as web logs, online transactions, social media, and video streaming has forced organizations to take proactive measures to store and manage data and derive useful insights. According to Publisher, approximately 7 zettabytes of data churned out from enterprises globally in 2015. Out of the total, more than 80% was unstructured data that came from social media platforms, clickstreams, server logs, sensors, and the Internet of Things. Storing useful information and deriving insights from unstructured data and real-time analytics are challenging tasks for organizations.Hadoop played a pivotal role for enterprises over the past 4-5 years in handling the increase of data. Apache Hadoop is a framework that works on a clustered file system that can share multiple servers simultaneously. It is an open-source software platform that uses MapReduce technology, which is a programming model that allows for processing and generating large data sets with a distributed algorithm on a cluster. The technology involves two steps. The Map step helps control nodes from various sources such as legacy systems and extensible markup language files. In the Reduce step, various smaller work nodes of information are created and distributed across a computing cluster server. This will help perform distributed computations on various hardware servers.Publisher's analysts forecast the global Hadoop market to grow at a CAGR of 59.37% during the period 2016-2020.For more information about this report:Covered in this reportThe report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the global Hadoop market for 2016-2020. To calculate the market size, the report considers revenue generated from the sales of Hadoop solutions with functionalities such as MapReduce, integrated solutions, and services (consultation, training, and maintenance). The revenue generated from after-sales services is not considered.The market is divided into the following segments based on geography:-Americas-APAC-EMEAPublisher's report, Global Hadoop Market 2016-2020, has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts. The report covers the market landscape and its growth prospects over the coming years. The report also includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market.Key vendors-Cloudera-Hortonworks-MapR-Amazon Web Services-Cisco Systems-Datameer-IBM-Microsoft-Oracle-Pivotal-TeradataRequest Sample Copy atOther prominent vendors-Altiscale-Cask-Google-HP-Infochimps-Karmasphere-Mortar Data-PentahoMarket driver-Hadoop ensures optimal use of resources-For a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket challenge-Dearth of technical skill act as a barrier during deployment phases-For a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket trend-Rising need to enhance flexibility and scalability to make operational decisions-For a full, detailed list, view our reportInquire for Report atContact Us:Call: +1-646-491-9876Email: sales@reportsweb.comReportsWeb.com is a one stop shop of market research reports and solutions to various companies across the globe. We help our clients in their decision support system by helping them choose most relevant and cost effective research reports and solutions from various publishers. We provide best in class customer service and our customer support team is always available to help you on your research queries.505, 6th floor, Amanora Township,Amanora Chambers, East Block,Kharadi Road, Hadapsar, Pune-411028
TCMS (Train Control And Management System) Market 2015-2022 Analysis Report

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DecisionDatabases.com offers TCMS (Train Control And Management System) Market Research Report. This Report covers the complete Industry Outlook, Growth, Size, Share and Forecast Till 2022. The report on global train control and management system (TCMS) market evaluates the growth trends of the industry through historical study and estimates future prospects based on comprehensive research. The report extensively provides the market share, growth, trends and forecasts for the period 2015-2022. The market size in terms of revenue (USD MN) is calculated for the study period along with the details of the factors affecting the market growth (drivers and restraints).The major market drivers are Population growth & urbanization and Stringent emission norms. The market growth might be restricted due High infrastructural and maintenance costs and Lack of interoperability under the study period.Get FREE Sample Report Copy With FULL Segmentations and TOC @The comprehensive value chain analysis of the market will assist in attaining better product differentiation, along with detailed understanding of the core competency of each activity involved. The market attractiveness analysis provided in the report aptly measures the potential value of the market providing business strategists with the latest growth opportunities. The report classifies the market into different segments based on train type, component and solutions. These segments are studied in detail incorporating the market estimates and forecasts at regional and country level. The segment analysis is useful in understanding the growth areas and probable opportunities of the market.Leading Segment in this market:By Train Type - Metros & High-Speed TrainsBy Solution - Communication-Based Train ControlBy Geography - North AmericaThe report also covers the complete competitive landscape of the worldwide market with company profiles of key players such as Alstom SA, Bombardier Inc., CAF, Eke Group, Hitachi Ltd., Knorr-Bremse AG, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, Siemens AG, Strukton Rail, Toshiba Corporation. Geographically, the train control and management system (TCMS) market has been segmented into regions such as North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Rest of The World. The study details country-level aspects based on each segment and gives estimates in terms of market size.Access full report at:About Us:DecisionDatabases.com is a global business research reports provider, enriching decision makers and strategists with qualitative statistics. DecisionDatabases.com is proficient in providing syndicated research report, customized research reports, company profiles and industry databases across multiple domains.Our expert research analysts have been trained to map clients research requirements to the correct research resource leading to a distinctive edge over its competitors. We provide intellectual, precise and meaningful data at a lightning speed.3rd Floor,Fountain chambers,Nanabhai Lane,Fort, Mumbai - 1E-Mail: sales@decisiondatabases.comPhone: +91 99 28 237112Web:
Evolving Industry Trends :Global Remittance Market: Industry Analysis & Outlook 2017-2020

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ALBANY, NY, May 24, 2017 : Recent research and the current scenario as well as future market potential of "Global Remittance Market: Industry Analysis & Outlook (2015-2020)" globally.The remittance industry contributes to the economic growth of the countries participating in the practice as well as to the livelihood of the individuals involved. The remittance system is comprised of the Remittance Service Providers (RSP), Remittance Corridors, the Remittance Network and the Money transfer system. Remittance Services are divided primarily on the basis of ways a network of access points is created and linked. There are broadly four categories: unilateral services, franchised services, negotiated services and open services.The key factors driving the growth of remittance market are increasing international migration, growing urbanization, accelerating economic growth and rising employment opportunities. A noteworthy trend of this industry is cost by sending and receiving method, unstable remittance cost, increased access to financial services, changing technology landscape for payments, more convenience and lesser costs, advancement in technology, and maturing of immigrant communities. However, the expansion of the market is hindered by de-risking is threatening the industry and access points establishment.Get PDF for more Professional and Technical insights @The report Global Remittance Market provides an in-depth analysis of the global remittance market, along with a study of top remittance receiving and contributing countries. The report also includes detailed description of regional markets. The major trends, growth drivers as well as issues being faced by the industry are being presented in this report. The industry comprises few large players such as MoneyGram International Inc., Western Union Company and Euronet Worldwide Inc. All these companies have been profiled in the present report highlighting their key financials and business strategies for growth.Table of Content1. Remittance Market - An Overview1.1 An Introduction1.2 Types of Remittance Services1.3 Remittance Marketplace1.4 Remittance Market Value Chain2. Global Remittance Market Analysis2.1 Global Remittance Inflow2.2 Global Average Remittance Cost by Region2.3 Global Average Cost by Remittance Service Provider3. Regional Market Analysis3.1 Remittance Market by Income Characteristics3.1.1 Low and Middle Income Countries3.2 Remittances Market by Region3.2.1 East Asia and Pacific Region3.2.2 Europe and Central Asia Region3.2.3 Latin America and Caribbean Region3.2.4 Middle East and North Africa Region3.2.5 South Asia Region3.2.6 Sub Saharan Africa Region3.3 Remittances Market by Largest Receiving Countries3.3.1 India3.3.2 China3.3.3 Philippines3.3.4 Mexico3.4 Remittances Market by Largest Contributing Countries3.4.1 The US3.4.2 Saudi Arabia3.4.3 SwitzerlandMake an Enquiry of this report @4. Market Dynamics4.1 Growth Drivers4.1.1 Increasing International Migration4.1.2 Growing Urbanization4.1.3 Accelerating Economic Growth4.1.4 Rising Employment Opportunities4.2 Market Trends4.2.1 Cost by Sending and Receiving Method4.2.2 Unstable Remittance Cost4.2.3 Increased Access to Financial ServicesResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.ResearchMoz90 State Street,Albany, NY 12207,United States
Global Online K-12 Education Market Analysis and Forecasts New Research Report on 2020

Online K-12 Education

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Global Online K-12 Education Industry 2020 Market Research Report Purchase This Report by calling ResearchnReports.com at +1-888-631-6977.The report firstly introduced the Online K-12 Education basics: definitions, classifications, applications and market overview; product specifications; manufacturing processes; cost structures, raw materials and so on. Then it analyzed the worlds main region market conditions, including the product price, profit, capacity, production, supply, demand and market growth rate and forecast etc. In the end, the report introduced new project SWOT analysis, investment feasibility analysis, and investment return analysis.Download sample pages of this report:The study segments the market by geography into: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Rest of the World. It provides in-depth forecasts of revenue of the market as a whole as well as each and every application segment. The competitive landscape is mapped depending on product and technology. This study also offers an overview of pricing trends and ancillary factors that will be influencing pricing in the global Online K-12 Education market. The market study, estimation, and market sizing have been done utilizing a combination of top-down and bottom-up approaches.Most important data include the key recommendations and predictions by our analysts, intended to steer a strategic business decision. The company profiles section of this research service is a compilation of the growth strategies, financial status, product portfolio, and recent developments of key market participants. The report provides detailed industry analysis of the global Online K-12 Education market with the help of proven research methodologies such as Porters five forces. The forces analyzed are bargaining power of the buyers, bargaining power of suppliers, threat of new entrants, threat of substitutes, and the degree of competition.The report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the global K-12 online education market for 2020. To calculate the market size, the report considers the revenue generated from third-party players who provide online tutoring services to the K-12 segment of the education market.Table of Contents:Global Online K-12 Education Sales Market Report 20201 Online K-12 Education Overview2 Global Online K-12 Education Competition by Manufacturers, Type and Application3 North America Online K-12 Education (Volume, Value and Sales Price4 China Online K-12 Education (Volume, Value and Sales Price5 Europe Online K-12 Education (Volume, Value and Sales Price6 Japan Online K-12 Education (Volume, Value and Sales Price7 Southeast Asia Online K-12 Education (Volume, Value and Sales Price8 India Online K-12 Education (Volume, Value and Sales Price9 Global Online K-12 Education Manufacturers Analysis9.1 K12 Inc9.2 Pearson9.3 White Hat Managemen9.4 Georg von Holtzbrinck GmbH & Co. K9.5 Bettermarks10 Online K-12 Education Technology and Development Trend11 Research Findings and ConclusionAbout Research N Reports:Research N Reports is a new age market research firm where we focus on providing information that can be effectively applied. Today being a consumer driven market, companies require information to deal with the complex and dynamic world of choices. Where relying on a sound board firm for your decisions becomes crucial. Research N Reports specializes in industry analysis, market forecasts and as a result getting quality reports covering all verticals, whether be it gaining perspective on current market conditions or being ahead in the cut throat global competition. Since we excel at business research to help businesses grow, we also offer consulting as an extended arm to our services which only helps us gain more insight into current trends and problems. Consequently we keep evolving as an all-rounder provider of viable information under one roof.Contact Us:Mr. Sunny DenisContact No. +1-888-631-6977sales@researchnreports.com(ResearchnReports)
Global DNA & RNA Sample Preparation Market will Reach US$ 2,090.2 Mn by 2025

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DNA and RNA sample preparation provides accessibility to nucleic acids in natural form, removing unwanted contaminants. The process of DNA and RNA sample preparation has become highly refined. Multi-national companies are actively focusing on the development of faster and accurate products, which include workstations, kits, and reagents & consumables. Persistence Market Research (PMR), in its report titled, DNA and RNA Sample Preparation Market: Global Industry Analysis and Forecast, 2017-2025 has provided a detailed analysis on the global DNA and RNA sample preparation market.PMR estimates that kits for DNA and RNA sample preparation would account for around 60% market share in 2017. However, this product type segment is expected to witness a slight decline in its market share by 2025-end. Although kits will experience a decline in their market share, they are estimated to hold the largest market share in the global DNA and RNA sample preparation market during the forecast period. Workstations are expected to exhibit the fastest growth at 5.8% CAGR through 2025.The global DNA and RNA sample preparation market is projected to register a steady growth at 5.5% CAGR during the forecast period. The US$ 1,293.6 Mn market is estimated to reach US$ 2,090.2 Mn through 2025. Investment in basic research, particularly by academic & research institutes, since past several years have led to solid understanding of fundamental pathways. Through this, various proteins implicated in disease development are either up-regulated or down-regulated. In addition, growing requests by researchers for complex products is an evidence of improvement in understanding basic pathways and discovering new pathways. These factors lead to greater knowledge of cellular pathways, which in turn are estimated to fuel the demand for DNA and RNA sample preparation in the near future.Technological advancements in nucleic acid preparation processes have driven a greater demand for high quality kits, reagents, and associated products. Technological advancements in the methods of DNA and RNA sample preparation, global agreement between leading research institutes for boosting research activities in molecular biology field, soaring demand for modern extraction techniques, and technological advancements in analytical instruments are some major factors driving the market growth. However, increasing inclination of preferences for premium products, owing to their higher quality as compared to standard reagents and products, is expected to restrain the growth of the global DNA and RNA sample preparation market.Academic and research institutes are expected to be the most lucrative end user in the global DNA and RNA sample preparation market through 2025. This segment is expected to exhibit 5.9% CAGR during the forecast period. Hospitals are expected to be the second most lucrative end user segment in the overall market. Based on applications, research applications are expected to remain dominant in the global DNA and RNA sample preparation market during the forecast period. Clinical testing, following research applications, are expected to exhibit 5.4% CAGR through 2025.A Sample of this Report is Available Upon Request @North America is estimated to be the largest region for DNA and RNA sample preparation market, and is expected to account for more than 40% market share by 2025 end. Although Europe is expected to be the second-most lucrative region for the market, Asia Pacific is estimated to exhibit a comparatively faster growth during the forecast period. Key players in the global DNA and RNA sample preparation market include Agilent Technologies, Inc., Becton Dickinson and Company, Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc., DiaSorin S.p.A., F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Illumina, Inc., PerkinElmer, Inc., QIAGEN, Sigma-Aldrich Corporation, Tecan Group AG, and Thermo Fischer Scientific, Inc.Request to View Tables of Content @About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a U.S.-based full-service market intelligence firm specializing in syndicated research, custom research, and consulting services. PMR boasts market research expertise across the Healthcare, Chemicals and Materials, Technology and Media, Energy and Mining, Food and Beverages, Semiconductor and Electronics, Consumer Goods, and Shipping and Transportation industries. The company draws from its multi-disciplinary capabilities and high-pedigree team of analysts to share data that precisely corresponds to clients business needs.PMR stands committed to bringing more accuracy and speed to clients business decisions. From ready-to-purchase market research reports to customized research solutions, PMRs engagement models are highly flexible without compromising on its deep-seated research values.ContactPersistence Market Research Pvt. Ltd305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA  Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.commedia@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb:
Magneto Resistive RAM (MRAM) Global Market Industry Analysis Research Report and Forecast - 2024

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Market Research Reports Search Engine (MRRSE) announces the addition of a new report titled Magneto Resistive RAM (MRAM) Market - Global Industry Analysis, Trend, Size, Share, and Forecast 2016 - 2024. MRAM or Magneto-resistive random-access memory technology has been under development since the 1990s.Request For Sample Report@Global Magneto Resistive RAM (MRAM) Market: OverviewMRAM is a non-volatile random access memory technology that utilizes magnetic charges for storing data instead of electric charges as in the case of DRAM (dynamic random access memory) and SRAM (static random access memory) technologies. Unlike DRAM and SRAM technologies, that requires constant flow of electricity to maintain data integrity, MRAM retains data even if power is turned off and requires very less amount of electricity in order to store data bits in it.MRAM, by combining the inherent advantages of both DRAM in terms of density and SRAM in term of read and write speed has the potential of becoming a universal memory in the coming years. The global MRAM market is predicted to have tremendous growth opportunity in the coming years as a nonvolatile solid state memory in order to replace other electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) and flash memory where high write endurance is required.Surge in the demand of flexible and wearable electronics market is the primary factor predicted to boost the demand of MRAM during the forecast period from 2016 to 2024. Currently rapid technological advancements is taking place in the field to flexible and wearable consumer electronics. Flexible magnetic memories forms an integral part of the flexile and wearable consumer electronic devices for storing and processing data.Moreover, the major challenge of fabricating high performing memory chips on soft flexible substrates without reducing the performance is also eliminated by technologically advanced MRAM technology. MRAM outperforms the traditional NAND memory used in wearable and flexible electronics in terms of data retention capacity after power cut off, low power consumption along with increased processing speed. In addition, MRAM has the capability of operating in extreme temperature condition and can resist very high radiation. Thus, MRAM is also predicted to witness huge demand from various aerospace and military applications in the coming years.Global Magneto Resistive RAM (MRAM) Market: SegmentationFor the purpose of providing detailed study of the market, the global MRAM market has been segmented on the basis of product type, application and geography. MRAM is available in two different product types including toggle MRAM and second generation MRAM (STT-MRAM). In order to track the market accurately, the third generation MRAM that is predicted to get commercialized by the beginning of 2019, has also been considered within the scope of research. MRAM also finds its application across different product segments such as consumer electronics, robotics, automotive, enterprise storage, aerospace and defense and others. The others segment includes application of MRAM in sensing devices, medical devices and smart meters.Make an Enquiry@Geographically, the market has been segmented into Asia Pacific, North America, Europe, Latin America and Middle-East and Africa (MEA). In terms of revenue and growth, the Asia Pacific region is anticipated to drive the market of MRAM in the coming years due to rapid growth in computationally intensive applications and rising demand for highly scalable memory solutions. Global MRAM market report provides an in-depth study of the current market trend and future forecast during the period from 2016 to 2024 in terms of revenue (USD Million).Global Magneto Resistive RAM (MRAM) Market: Competitive LandscapeThis report also provides an exhaustive study of the global MRAM market including the key strategies adopted by leading players, market attractiveness analysis by product type, value chain analysis, industry evolution and comparative advantage of MRAM over other memory solutions.Moreover, the penetration rate of MRAM across various industry verticals during the period from 2014 to 2018 is also highlighted in this report. In addition, detailed analysis of the drivers, restraints and opportunities that are predicted to affect the market in the coming years is provided in this report. Some of the major players operating in the global MRAM market includes Everspin Technologies Inc. (U.S), Avalanche Technologies (U.S) and Spin Transfer Technologies (U.S) among others.Global MRAM market is segmented into:-By Product TypeToggle MRAMSecond Generation MRAM (STT-MRAM)Browse Full Report With TOC@By ApplicationConsumer ElectronicsRoboticsAutomotiveEnterprise storageAerospace and DefenseOthersBy GeographyNorth AmericaEuropeAsia PacificMiddle-East and Africa (MEA)Latin AmericaAbout UsMarket Research Reports Search Engine (MRRSE) is an industry-leading database of market intelligence reports. MRRSE is driven by a stellar team of research experts and advisors trained to offer objective advice. Our sophisticated search algorithm returns results based on the report title, geographical region, publisher, or other keywords.MRRSE partners exclusively with leading global publishers to provide clients single-point access to top-of-the-line market research. MRRSEs repository is updated every day to keep its clients ahead of the next new trend in market research, be it competitive intelligence, product or service trends or strategic consulting.ContactState Tower90, State StreetSuite 700Albany, NY - 12207United StatesTelephone: +1-518-730-0559Email: sales@mrrse.comWebsite:Google+:Linked in:Twitter:
Radiopharmaceuticals Global Market Industry Analysis Research Report and Forecast -2026

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Market Research Reports Search Engine (MRRSE) announces the addition of a new report titled Radiopharmaceuticals Market: Will Japan (Expected to Register an Attractive Growth Rate Throughout the Forecast Period) Beat Current Market Leader North America? - Global Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment, 2016-2026. North America accounted for more than 40% market share in the global radiopharmaceuticals market in 2016 and is expected to witness an increase of more than 100 BPS in its market share over the forecast period.Request For Sample Report@North America is anticipated to be the most attractive regional market in the global radiopharmaceuticals marketIn terms of Y-o-Y growth, North America dominated the global radiopharmaceuticals market and was valued at more than US$ 2,000 Mn in 2015. The market is expected to expand at 6.2% CAGR over the projected period to reach more than US$ 4,000 Mn by the end of 2026. The North America radiopharmaceuticals market is estimated to represent absolute $ opportunity of more than US$ 100 Mn in 2017 over 2016. The growth is stagnant and slow due to major reactors having been shut down in Canada and new reactors installed in place of old ones for better production of radioisotope. North America is expected to be the most lucrative market in the global radiopharmaceuticals market, recording an attractiveness index of 3.6.Significant growth in the number of cancer and cardiovascular diseases patients in North America is expected to boost the global radiopharmaceuticals marketWidespread availability of SPECT and PET scanning machines will result in a growing number of radio diagnostic and radio therapeutics events in North America. For instance, the number of PET scanning machines installed per head of population in North America are more compared to that installed in Europe, thus leading to increased usage of radiotracers in the region. This growth in North America is expected to continue along with continuous technological improvements in PET scanning devices. The high level of awareness and accessibility to these machines is expected to account for high revenue generation in North America. This factor is boosting the overall growth of the global radiopharmaceuticals market. The other factor impacting the global radiopharmaceuticals market is the rising prevalence of cancer in North America. This has significantly increased the number of nuclear medicine procedures performed in the region and this is the precise reason that the market for radiopharmaceuticals is steadily growing in North America. There has been a rising number of cardiovascular diseases among the people in North America due to aging population, unhealthy food habits and rising obesity. The increasing number of cardiovascular patients is expected to boost the sales of radiopharmaceuticals, which would eventually create growth in the global radiopharmaceuticals market.Make an Enquiry@Gallium-68 and Lutetium 177 sub-segments of the radioisotope segment are likely to dominate the North America radiopharmaceuticals marketGallium-68 and Lutetium 177 are dominant sub-segments of the radioisotope segment in North America. Gallium-68 has gained immense popularity since the last one year in the field of nuclear medicine, especially in the diagnosis and evaluation of prostate cancer. This is in heavy reliance with incorporation of several technological leaps and entry of new radiotracer- 68Ga-PSMA-11, developed by the University of Heidelberg. Additionally, marketing authorisation of the first 68Ge/68Ga generator, manufactured by the German company Eckert & Ziegler, has also positively impacted the penetration of 68Ga-PSMA-11 tracer in the treatment of prostate cancer in North America. Despite a shorter half-life, Gallium-68 has an ideal profile as a PET imaging agent. Several manufacturers in North America are focussing on introducing cold kits for the 68Ga-labeling of tracers (ANMI, Belgium), thus opening the gateways for 68Ga in PET scanning. Iodine-131, a therapeutic radiotracer continues to be the ideal tracer for the treatment of not only thyroid cancer but also other therapeutic indications. However it is being slowly replaced by Lutetium-177 (Lu-177) in North America. Lu-177, low-energy -particle emitter is identified to be one of the emerging radiotracers for the treatment of metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) and neuroendocrine tumors.Market share of companies operating in the global radiopharmaceuticals marketThe global radiopharmaceuticals market is highly consolidated with a few companies that offer advanced technology systems and nuclear medicines for treating diseases. However, the global market is dominated by top five players accounting for over 89% share. Siemens Healthineers accounted for the largest share of around 41.2% of the global market in 2015. The company dominated the market owing to its diversified product portfolio, extensive geographical presence, and acquisition strategies. GE Healthcare accounted for the second largest share of around 30.1% and Mallinckrodt plc. accounted for the third largest share of around 9% in the global radiopharmaceuticals market.Browse Full Report With TOC@About UsMarket Research Reports Search Engine (MRRSE) is an industry-leading database of market intelligence reports. MRRSE is driven by a stellar team of research experts and advisors trained to offer objective advice. Our sophisticated search algorithm returns results based on the report title, geographical region, publisher, or other keywords.MRRSE partners exclusively with leading global publishers to provide clients single-point access to top-of-the-line market research. MRRSEs repository is updated every day to keep its clients ahead of the next new trend in market research, be it competitive intelligence, product or service trends or strategic consulting.ContactState Tower90, State StreetSuite 700Albany, NY - 12207United StatesTelephone: +1-518-730-0559Email: sales@mrrse.comWebsite:Google+:Linked in:Twitter:
Music Market and Streaming Services Market Value Share, Analysis and Segments 2015-2025

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Global Music market and streaming services are becoming more dynamic owing to increased inclination of consumers towards such services. The increasing up-gradation in the technology is anticipated to increase the demand of music streaming among the smartphone users over the forecasted period. Music market and streaming services market is expected to show significant growth due to the streaming of songs through audio and video platforms. However, market of physical album is expected to decline relatively. Global music market is consolidated market with various companies undergoing mergers and acquisitions, partnerships and strategic alliances in order to increase their market share.Music Market and Streaming Services SegmentationGlobal music market is segmented into digital downloads, physical, streaming, synchronization and ringtones. Digital download is the largest market segment in terms of revenue, followed by the streaming. Furthermore, streaming services are segmented into sound exchange distributions, on demand ad-supporting services and subscription services. Music market and streaming services are further segmented on the basis of region as North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia Pacific excluding Japan, Japan and Middle East and Africa. In North America, U.S contributes the maximum revenue in terms of revenue contribution, Also, European region is expected to reflect a significant growth during the forecast period. However the global music market is expected to lose significant portion of its revenue due to the piracy in the near future. Accordingly government across various countries have taken several initiatives to curb piracy. For instance, U.S. possess copyright alert systems that keep check on piracy. In Europe service providers have blocked the access to the pirate bay.Request For Report Sample@Music Market and Streaming Services: Region-wise OutlookMusic market and streaming services market is expected to show tremendous growth in the coming years due to the rising number of high net worth individuals coupled with increasing number of consumers upgrading to smartphones. . Globally among all the regions, North America is expected to contribute the largest market share followed by European region in the forecast period. US is expected to be the dominant market for the music market and streaming services in the North American region. However, European region is expected to be the fastest growing market followed by Asia Pacific.Music market and streaming services: DriversIncreasing number of internet enabled mobile devices such as iPhone drives the growth of music market and streaming services. Rising disposable income leading to increasing purchase of smart phones and other devices, which offer specification support to music and streaming services are expected to fuel the music market and streaming services market growth. Other factors that fuel the growth of music market specifically includes increasing usage of subscription and streaming services by the consumers. Subscription streaming is the key driver for the streaming services market. In music streaming market there is increasing adoption of cloud services as it provides consumers to access music online and presently it is also being increasingly adopted by the various companies to increase the subscribed users to access the digital content stored in remote serversVisit For TOC@Music Market and Streaming Services: Key PlayersThe key international players operating in Music market and streaming services includes Google Inc., Rhapsody International Inc. Apple Inc., Pandora Media Inc. Various companies operating in streaming services market are continuously launching various music streaming servicesABOUT US:Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.CONTACT:Future Market Insights616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Electricity Transmission Towers Market is Expected to Witness a Steady Growth by 2025

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Global Electricity Transmission Towers Market: IntroductionElectricity transmission towers are units that support power carrying conductors, i.e. overhead power lines between the generating end station and the local end substation. Electricity transmission towers play a vital role in delivering power through overhead lines by structurally supporting heavy high-voltage conductors. To transmit maximum power (110 kV or above) through overhead lines, typically towers have a height varying between 15 meters and 55 meters to withstand the tension. Normally, for heavy power transmission, HVDC (high-voltage direct-current) technology is used in long distance transmission to reduce power losses, and limit voltage drops; these DC conductors carry uniform voltage throughout their cross-sectional area. At maximum efficiency, the sending-end voltage should be equal to the receiving-end voltage, without any voltage drop out.A sample of this report is available upon request @Electricity (both power and energy) is a commodity that can be traded in a market place, such as to transmit electricity to a rural place, where the generated power is delivered to consumers, known as end users and also to manufacturing industries. In this process, transmission towers are essential to carry power, which drives the electricity transmission towers market. Aging tower infrastructure necessitates replacement with new towers, and hence drives the electricity transmission towers market.Electricity transmission towers have high tensile strength, and are designed as per the power rating of the conductor and supply frequency to withstand natural calamities and temperatures without losses. Transmission towers carrying high tension conductors with ground level clearance must be designed appropriately after calculating SAG. SAG is defined as the difference between the level between points of support and the lowest point on a conductor. Electricity transmission towers consist of the following parts: Boom of transmission tower, Transmission tower body, Peak of transmission tower, Cage of transmission tower, Cross arm of transmission tower, Stub/ anchor bolt and base plate assembly transmission tower, Leg of transmission tower.For residential or short distance purposes, electricity transmission towers are selected on the basis of usage and capacity of power conductors, whereas for long distances all the factors to be considered. Increasing population and growing demand for electricity drives growth of the electricity transmission towers market. Developing countries in the APAC region, such as India and China are estimated to hold a relatively high market share due to power deficiency, and lack of power supply in rural areas. After Asia Pacific, Europe is forecasted to capture a relatively high market share due to a high necessity for power in the increasing number of industries. North America and the Middle East collectively hold the third spot in terms of market share, owing to increase in industries, manufacturing, and oil and gas. Growing demand for electricity across the globe has created new opportunities for the global electricity transmission towers market.Global Electricity Transmission Towers Market: SegmentationThe global electricity transmission tower market can be segmented in a number of ways, of which two prominent classifications can be derived on the basis of type and design. The global electricity transmission tower market, segmented on the basis of type: AC, DC. The global electricity transmission tower market, segmented on the basis of design: Lattice, Tubular Steel, Concrete, Wood.Global Electricity Transmission Towers Market: Key Trends and DriversGrowing demand for electricity and an increased rate of industrialization in developing countries drives the growth of the electricity transmission tower market. Aging infrastructure and increasing rate of bulk power transmission across long distances drives growth of the electricity transmission towers market. Varying steel prices, availability of steel, and import and export restrictions may impact the electricity transmission towers market.Global Electricity Transmission Towers Market: Market ParticipantsExamples of some of the market participants identified across the value chain include Zhejiang Shengda Steel Tower Co. Ltd., Prysmian S.p.A., Nanjing Daji Iron Tower Manufacturing Company Ltd., Weifang Changan Steel Tower Stock Company Ltd., Associated Power Structures Pvt. Ltd., Karamtara Engineering Pvt. Ltd., Sumitomo Electric Industries Ltd., and Nexans S.A.To view TOC of this report is available upon request @The research report presents a comprehensive assessment of the market and contains thoughtful insights, facts, historical data, and statistically supported and industry-validated market data. It also contains projections using a suitable set of assumptions and methodologies. The research report provides analysis and information according to market segments such as geographies, application, and industry.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes.Contact UsPersistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA  Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb:
Meat Packaging Market Trends, Regulations And Competitive Landscape Outlook to 2025

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Demand for meat packaging is projected to witness single digit growth during the forecast period. This growth is attributed to the increased production of meat in the global market. Packaging is anything which is used to contain, handle, protect, and deliver raw material and processed goods. The main purpose of packaging is to provide products to consumer in perfect condition i.e, in intact form of food without spoilage. In addition, the advantages of packaging includes providing space for sharing information about the product such as nutrition, usage and direction.Meat Packaging Market: Drivers and RestraintsMeat packaging market is flourished worldwide due to various factors such as urbanization especially in developing economies such as India, Russia, Brazil and China, increase in demand of convenience products due to the time constraint. However, some of the factors which are restraining the market growth of meat packaging includes environment issues such as recyclability and sustainability coupled with hygienic packaging and rising concern regarding the health. The major trends of global meat packaging market are demand for smaller packaging size, new packaging material development and increase awareness towards environmental issues. Nano packaging also plays an important role in meat packaging as meat needs an aseptic packaging that lasts for maximum days for extended shelf life.Request For Report Sample@Meat Packaging Market: SegmentationMeat packaging market is segmented on the basis of type, material, distribution channel and region. On the basis of type meat packaging market is segmented into On the basis of material meat packaging market is segmented as plastic wraps and storage wrap which includes three major categories of plastics: polyethylene (PE), polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), oven cooking bags which are made from heat-resistant nylon, aluminium foil which primarily is made from iron and silicon, freezer paper which is white paper coated on one side with plastic to help keep air out of frozen foods, parchment paper made from cotton fibre and/or pure chemical wood pulps and wax paper made with a food-safe paraffin wax. Further on the basis of distribution channel it is segmented into hypermarket/supermarket, grocery stores, online retailing, departmental stores and others. Lastly, on the basis of region the market is segmented into North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia-Pacific, Japan and Middle East and Africa.Meat Packaging Market: Regional OverviewNorth America is the largest market for meat packaging followed by Europe and Asia-Pacific. China meat packaging is expected to show a significant growth due to rise in personal disposable income coupled with rise in consumption of beef, pork and other meat. Developed market such as North America, Europe are expected to exhibit faster growth rate by 2025.Visit For TOC@Meat Packaging Market: Key PlayersThe major players in the meat packaging market Amcor Ltd, Crown Holdings, Dupont, Nuconic Packaging Llc, Tetra Pak International S.A., Silgan Holdings, Inc., Reynolds Group and Toyo Seikan Group Holdings, Ltd to name a few. The big multinational companies in this category are investing heavily in the expansion development of product portfolio in meat packaging material in order to maintain a position in the packaging market. The companies are also focusing on merger and acquisition as strategies to enhance their production facilities and expand its global presence. For instance, in 2013, Crown holding acquired Mivisa Envases, SAU, a Spanish two- and three-piece food cans and ends manufacturing company.ABOUT US:Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.CONTACT:Future Market Insights616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Britain needs to reshape how it promotes scientific research, Lord Willetts tells SCI audience

The way the UK promotes innovation and research should be fundamentally altered to enable us to bring new technologies to market, according to former Science and Universities Minister Lord David Willetts.He called for a network of new research institutes to capitalise on original research and bring new technologies to new markets, in a speech at SCI (the Society of Chemical Industry.)He said the UK scores high in curiosity driven research taking place in universities, but is weak on funding the institutions that deliver applied research, which can then be commercialised.And he said the Government should be prepared to bear the risk of applied research rather than depending on businesses to fund their own research.The fundamental responsibility of government is to bear risk, to take science from the laboratory to the market place. It is not the role of companies.He said it was vital that we achieve the more successful application of science, both in more innovative large companies and through successful start-ups and scale ups.He contrasted US companies on the Fortune 500 lists, which were generally different from those 30-40 years ago, to those in Europe, which have virtually no new entrants.Lord Willetts welcomed the Governments recently published Industrial Strategy, and called for an expansion of the network of Catapult Institutes which have been founded by Innovate UK to connect businesses with the UKs research and academic communities.Introducing Lord Willetts, Sharon Todd, SCI Executive Director, said: Following the Brexit vote, the UK needs to develop an Industrial Strategy that will deliver both long term economic value and societal benefit.The UK needs an Industrial Strategy that fosters science and innovation, funds research, recruits the best talent, and provides a competitive base for business.It needs to once more bring together scientists of all disciplines with entrepreneurs in an environment that enables invention and success.The Industrial Strategy should draw on the history and experiences of SCI and embrace the whole spectrum of industry, including infrastructure and energy, to rebalance the economy for long-term growth.-END-About Lord WillettsThe Rt Hon the Lord David Willetts is the former Minister for Universities and Science (2010-2014) and current Chair of the British Science Association (BSA), with a mandate to promote science as a fundamental part of the UKs culture and society. On his appointment to Chair of the BSA, he was described by his predecessor as having been proactive on everything from open access, science engagement, space, and science diplomacy. Hes a perfect example of how you can be passionate about science without a formal training, having become a regular at science festivals and conferences.He joined the Resolution Foundation, a non-partisan and award-winning think-tank that works to improve the living standards of those in Britain on low to middle incomes, as Executive Chair in June 2015. He also consults on global strategy for 2U, an educational technology company that partners with leading non-profit colleges and universities to offer online degree programs.About SCISCI was established in 1881 to work at the interface between science and industry, conducting a range of activities that focus on supporting innovation and the commercialisation of science. It is an inclusive, multi-disciplinary and multi-science forum connecting scientists and business people. SCI promotes innovation and education via forums and networks which advance the commercial application of chemistry related sciences into business for public benefit.SCI is a unique international forum which anyone can join to share and exchange information, ideas, innovations and research. Members have access to a growing network of member specialists from sectors as diverse as food and bio-renewables, water, environment, energy, materials and manufacturing and health and well-being.SCI14-15 Belgrave Square,LondonSW1X 8PS
Global Hot Work Die Steel Market 2017 - Daido Steel, KIND & Co, Nippon Koshuha Steel, Hitachi Metals, Indus Steel

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Report studies Hot Work Die Steel in Global market that focuses on the top Manufacturers, Market Segment by Countries, Split by Product Types (with sales, revenue, price, market share of each type), Split by applications this report focuses on sales, market share and growth rate of Hot Work Die Steel in each application.This report studies Hot Work Die Steel in Global market, especially in North America, China, Europe, Southeast Asia, Japan and India, with production, revenue, consumption, import and export in these regions, from 2012 to 2016, and forecast to 2022.Download Sample Report @This report focuses on top manufacturers in global market, with production, price, revenue and market share for each manufacturer, coveringDaido SteelKIND & CoSchmiede Werke Groditz GmbHNippon Koshuha SteelHitachi MetalsIndus SteelSanyo Special SteelSeverstalErametCreusotSchneiderTobataEra SteelEdelstahl WerkWakamatsuFukagawaKuwanaShanghaiRiqunYasugiToyama PlantAubert & DuralChangzhouZhengtaiTitoYangangBy types, the market can be split intoHammer Forging DieHot Extrusion DieOthersAccess Full Report With TOC @By Application, the market can be split intoConstruction IndustryIndustrial EquipmentsOthersBy Regions, this report covers (we can add the regions/countries as you want)North AmericaChinaEuropeSoutheast AsiaJapanIndiaFior Markets is a leading market intelligence company that sells reports of top publishers in the technology industry.Our extensive research reports cover detailed market assessments that include major technological improvements in the industry. Fior Markets also specializes in analyzing hi-tech systems and current processing systems in its expertise.We have a team of experts that compile precise research reports and actively advise top companies to improve their existing processes. Our experts have extensive experience in the topics that they cover.Contact UsMark StoneSales Manager2566, Lincoln StreetPrinceton,New Jersey 08540USAPhone: (201) 465-4211Email: sales@fiormarkets.comWeb:Blog:
Global Cadmium Zinc Telluride Market 2017 - AZoM, 5Nplus, Gammadata, Revolvy, Amphion

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Report studies Cadmium Zinc Telluride in Global market that focuses on the top Manufacturers, Market Segment by Countries, Split by Product Types (with sales, revenue, price, market share of each type), Split by applications this report focuses on sales, market share and growth rate of Cadmium Zinc Telluride in each application.This report studies Cadmium Zinc Telluride in Global market, especially in North America, China, Europe, Southeast Asia, Japan and India, with production, revenue, consumption, import and export in these regions, from 2012 to 2016, and forecast to 2022.Download Sample Report @This report focuses on top manufacturers in global market, with production, price, revenue and market share for each manufacturer, coveringAZoM5NplusGammadataRevolvyAmphionBy types, the market can be split intoPowderSolidBy Application, the market can be split intoAerospaceNuclear EnergyIndustryAgricultureBy Regions, this report covers (we can add the regions/countries as you want)North AmericaChinaEuropeSoutheast AsiaJapanIndiaAccess Full Report With TOC @Table of ContentsGlobal Cadmium Zinc Telluride Market Professional Survey Report 20171 Industry Overview of Cadmium Zinc Telluride1.1 Definition and Specifications of Cadmium Zinc Telluride1.1.1 Definition of Cadmium Zinc Telluride1.1.2 Specifications of Cadmium Zinc Telluride1.2 Classification of Cadmium Zinc Telluride1.2.1 Powder1.2.2 Solid1.3 Applications of Cadmium Zinc Telluride1.3.1 Aerospace1.3.2 Nuclear Energy1.3.3 Industry1.3.4 Agriculture1.4 Market Segment by Regions1.4.1 North America1.4.2 China1.4.3 Europe1.4.4 Southeast Asia1.4.5 Japan1.4.6 IndiaFior Markets is a leading market intelligence company that sells reports of top publishers in the technology industry.Our extensive research reports cover detailed market assessments that include major technological improvements in the industry. Fior Markets also specializes in analyzing hi-tech systems and current processing systems in its expertise.We have a team of experts that compile precise research reports and actively advise top companies to improve their existing processes. Our experts have extensive experience in the topics that they cover.Contact UsMark StoneSales Manager2566, Lincoln StreetPrinceton,New Jersey 08540USAPhone: (201) 465-4211Email: sales@fiormarkets.comWeb:Blog:
China is the Largest & Fastest Growing Market for fermented black beans

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Global Fermented Black Beans Market: OverviewFermented black beans are the dull-black, wrinkled soft soybeans and that have a tint of gingery taste. Fermented black beans, commonly known as douchi in China, traditionally made from soybeans that have been dried and fermented with pepper and salt. Black beans look somewhat like small raisins and are salty, a bit bitter and sweet in taste. Fermented black beans can be stored, in air tight closed container, can be cold stored for a year. Fermented black beans are widely used for seasoning purposes and are very popular in variety of Chinese dishes, either they are stir-fried, steam cooked, or stewed at low flame. Few of the favourite ones are twice-cooked pork from Sichuan, mapo tofu, steamed pork ribs and seafood of the region such as braised mud marinated with fermented black beans. Some of the restaurants have picked fermented black beans as their special ingredient as black beans gives moist, aromatic, mouth-watering succulent flavour to the pork ribs.Obtain Report Details @Global Fermented Black Beans Market: Drivers and RestraintsThe global fermented black beans market is estimated to be primarily driven by the Asia-Pacific (APEJ) region, where China is the major consumer black beans in their pork preparation since it has been one among the oldest known soy food of china and now being used all across the globe in one or the other form or preparations. Fermented black beans, commonly known as douchi in China mainly in the form of soy sauce, soybean paste or in the form of marinated mud form of fermented black beans to give it a distinct succulent black bean flavour to the entire dish.Global Fermented Black Beans Market: SegmentationOn the basis of form, market is segmented into:-Powder derivativesLiquid derivativesEnter your information below to receive a sample copy of this report @On the basis of application, market is segmented into:-Functional foodPasteSoy saucesDipping sauceFood dressingsPork preparationsOthersGlobal Fermented Black Beans Market: Region wise OutlookThe global fermented black beans market is divided into seven regions, namely Eastern Europe, Latin America, Asia Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ), North America, Japan, Western Europe, and Middle East and Africa (MEA). In the Asia-Pacific region, China is the major consumer of black beans followed by U.S. in North America being second-largest region where it has been extensively used in different form of soybean derivatives in various pork preparations and has other applications as well making it largest producer and exporter of Black beans. There has been a significant rise in the export volume of the fermented black beans out of the United States as well, the U.S. total export share in the fermented black bean market has experienced a drastic downfall in the same period making it quite difficult to counter back that loss in market. This has shown some positive growth effect on other black bean producing markets particularly Latin American regions such as Brazil and Argentina also In the APEJ region in ASEAN countries such as Philippines, Vietnam and Cambodian cuisines demand has increased significantly making APEJ region one of the growing market for the fermented black bean products.Global Fermented Black Beans Market: Key PlayersSome of the key players identified in the global fermented black beans market includes:Archer Daniels Midland Company.JY Corporation Co. Ltd ( south Korea, Seoul)Cargill Plc, Inc.DuPont SARLKikkoman Foods Europe B.V.Monsanto companyTofutti Brands, Inc.Lijiang Huali Bio-Product Development & Pharmaceutical Co. LtdDrackettGliddenGriffith Labs.Protein Technologies InternationalAbout UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.ContactTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Bi-Metal Band Saw Blade Market Share, Trend, Production, Demand and Key Manufacturers Analysis and Forecast to 2022

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ReportsWeb.com added Global Bi-Metal Band Saw Blade Market Research Report 2017 to its vast collection of research Database. The report is spread across 110 pages and supported by 14 company leaders.The Global Bi-Metal Band Saw Blade Market Research Report 2017 is a professional and in-depth study on the current state of the Bi-Metal Band Saw Blade Market. This report studies Bi-Metal Band Saw Blade in Global market, especially North America, Europe, China, Japan, Southeast Asia and India. focuses on top manufacturers in global market, with capacity, production, price, revenue and market share for each manufacturer covering top manufacturers in global market, with capacity, production, price, revenue and market share for each manufacturer, covering LENOX, Starrett, AMADA, BAHCO, WIKUS, DOALL, Simonds International, EBERLE, RONTGEN, Benxi Tool, Bichamp, TCJY, Dalian Bi-Metal and Dsspc-sanda.Request a Sample copy of this research @Market Segment by Regions, this report splits Global into several key Regions, with sales (consumption), revenue, market share and growth rate of Bi-Metal Band Saw Blade in these regions, from 2017 to 2022 (forecast), like North America, Europe, China, Japan, Southeast Asia and India. Firstly, Bi-Metal Band Saw Blade Market On the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split into High Speed Steel Band Saw Blade, Tungsten Carbide Band Saw Blade and Emery Band Saw Blade. On the basis on the end users/applications, this report focuses on the status and outlook for major applications/end users, consumption (sales) , market share and growth rate of Bi-Metal Band Saw Blade for each application, including Ferrous Metallurgy Industry, Machinery Manufacturing Industry, Automobile Industry, Mold Processing Industry, Military Industry and Other.View more details about this report @Few points from Table of Contents1 Bi-Metal Band Saw Blade Market Overview2 Global Bi-Metal Band Saw Blade Market Competition by Manufacturers3 Global Bi-Metal Band Saw Blade Capacity, Production, Revenue (Value) by Region (2012-2017)4 Global Bi-Metal Band Saw Blade Supply (Production) , Consumption, Export, Import by Regions (2011-2016)4.1 Global Bi-Metal Band Saw Blade Consumption by Regions (2011-2016)4.2 North America Bi-Metal Band Saw Blade Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2011-2016)4.3 Europe Bi-Metal Band Saw Blade Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2011-2016)4.4 China Bi-Metal Band Saw Blade Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2011-2016)4.5 Japan Bi-Metal Band Saw Blade Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2011-2016)4.6 Southeast Asia Bi-Metal Band Saw Blade Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2011-2016)4.7 India Bi-Metal Band Saw Blade Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2011-2016)5 Global Bi-Metal Band Saw Blade Production, Revenue (Value) , Price Trend by Type5.1 Global Bi-Metal Band Saw Blade Production and Market Share by Type (2011-2016)5.2 Global Bi-Metal Band Saw Blade Revenue and Market Share by Type (2011-2016)5.3 Global Bi-Metal Band Saw Blade Price by Type (2011-2016)5.4 Global Bi-Metal Band Saw Blade Production Growth by Type (2011-2016)6 Global Bi-Metal Band Saw Blade Market Analysis by Application6.1 Global Bi-Metal Band Saw Blade Consumption and Market Share by Application (2011-2016)6.2 Global Bi-Metal Band Saw Blade Consumption Growth Rate by Application (2011-2016)6.3 Market Drivers and Opportunities6.3.1 Potential Applications6.3.2 Emerging Markets/Countries7 Global Bi-Metal Band Saw Blade Manufacturers Profiles/Analysis7.1 LENOX7.1.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.1.2 Bi-Metal Band Saw Blade Product Category, Application and Specification7.1.2.1 Product A7.1.2.2 Product B7.1.3 LENOX Bi-Metal Band Saw Blade Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.1.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.2 Starrett7.2.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.2.2 Bi-Metal Band Saw Blade Product Category, Application and Specification7.2.2.1 Product A7.2.2.2 Product B7.2.3 Starrett Bi-Metal Band Saw Blade Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.2.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.3 AMADA7.3.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.3.2 Bi-Metal Band Saw Blade Product Category, Application and Specification7.3.2.1 Product A7.3.2.2 Product B7.3.3 AMADA Bi-Metal Band Saw Blade Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.3.4 Main Business/Business Overview8 Bi-Metal Band Saw Blade Manufacturing Cost Analysis9 Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream Buyers10 Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/Traders11 Market Effect Factors Analysis12 Global Bi-Metal Band Saw Blade Market Forecast (2017-2022)13 Research Findings and ConclusionBuy a copy of complete 110 pages report @ReportsWeb.com is a one stop shop of market research reports and solutions to various companies across the globe. 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New Study: Automatic Fare Collection Machine Market 2017 Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth and Forecast Report Up To 2022

Automatic Fare Collection Machine Market

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The report on Global Automatic Fare Collection Machine Sales Market is a professional report which provides thorough knowledge along with complete information pertaining to the Automatic Fare Collection Machine Sales industry a propos classifications, definitions, applications, industry chain summary, industry policies in addition to plans, product specifications, manufacturing processes, cost structures, etc.The Global Automatic Fare Collection Machine Sales Market Research Report 2017 renders deep perception of the key regional market status of the Automatic Fare Collection Machine Sales Industry on a global level that primarily aims the core regions which comprises of continents like Europe, North America, and Asia and the key countries such as United States, Germany, China and Japan.For Requesting a Sample Copy of This Report, Please Visit:Report Includes:-The report cloaks the market analysis and projection of Automatic Fare Collection Machine Sales Market on a regional as well as global level. The report constitutes qualitative and quantitative valuation by industry analysts, first-hand data, assistance from industry experts along with their most recent verbatim and each industry manufacturers via the market value chain. The research experts have additionally assessed the in general sales and revenue generation of this particular market. In addition, this report also delivers widespread analysis of root market trends, several governing elements and macro-economic indicators, coupled with market improvements as per every segment. Furthermore, the report contains diverse profiles of primary market players of Automatic Fare Collection Machine Sales Market. Samsung SDS Thales Cubic Omron ST Electronics The Nippon Signal KDE CCS Huaming United Huahong Jitong Easyway Putian GRG Banking KML GaoXin ModernTo Browse the Entire Report, Visit:The report is generically segmented into six parts and every part aims on the overview of the Automatic Fare Collection Machine Sales industry, present condition of the market, feasibleness of the investment along with several strategies and policies. Apart from the definition and classification, the report also discusses the analysis of import and export and describes a comparison of the market that is focused on the trends and development. Along with entire framework in addition to in-depth details, one can prepare and stay ahead of the competitors across the targeted locations. The fact that this market report renders details about the major market players along with their product development and current trends proves to be very beneficial for fresh entrants to comprehend and recognize the industry in an improved manner. The report also enlightens the productions, sales, supply, market condition, demand, growth, and forecast of the Automatic Fare Collection Machine Sales industry in the global markets.So as to fabricate this report, complete key details, strategies and variables are examined so that entire useful information is amalgamated together for the understanding and studying the key facts pertaining the global Automatic Fare Collection Machine Sales Industry. The production value and market share in conjunction with the SWOT analysis everything is integrated in this report.On the basis of product, this report displays the sales volume (K Units), revenue (Million USD), product price (USD/Unit), market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoTicket Vending Machines (TVM)Ticket Office Machines (TOM)Add Value Machines (AVM)Automatic Gate Machine (AGM)On the basis on the end users/applications, this report focuses on the status and outlook for major applications/end users, sales volume, market share and growth rate of Automatic Fare Collection Machine for each application, includingRailway StationAirportLibraryOtherIf you have any special requirements, please let us know and we will offer you the report as you want.Check for Discount @Some points from TOC:-Global Automatic Fare Collection Machine Sales Market Report 20171 Automatic Fare Collection Machine Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Automatic Fare Collection Machine1.2 Classification of Automatic Fare Collection Machine by Product Category1.2.1 Global Automatic Fare Collection Machine Market Size (Sales) Comparison by Type (2012-2022)1.2.2 Global Automatic Fare Collection Machine Market Size (Sales) Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20161.2.3 Ticket Vending Machines (TVM)1.2.4 Ticket Office Machines (TOM)1.2.5 Add Value Machines (AVM)1.2.6 Automatic Gate Machine (AGM)1.3 Global Automatic Fare Collection Machine Market by Application/End Users1.3.1 Global Automatic Fare Collection Machine Sales (Volume) and Market Share Comparison by Application (2012-2022)1.3.2 Railway Station1.3.3 Airport1.3.4 Library1.3.5 Other1.4 Global Automatic Fare Collection Machine Market by Region1.4.1 Global Automatic Fare Collection Machine Market Size (Value) Comparison by Region (2012-2022)1.4.2 United States Automatic Fare Collection Machine Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.3 China Automatic Fare Collection Machine Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.4 Europe Automatic Fare Collection Machine Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.5 Japan Automatic Fare Collection Machine Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.6 Southeast Asia Automatic Fare Collection Machine Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.7 India Automatic Fare Collection Machine Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.5 Global Market Size (Value and Volume) of Automatic Fare Collection Machine (2012-2022)1.5.1 Global Automatic Fare Collection Machine Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2022)1.5.2 Global Automatic Fare Collection Machine Revenue and Growth Rate (2012-2022)2 Global Automatic Fare Collection Machine Competition by Players/Suppliers, Type and Application2.1 Global Automatic Fare Collection Machine Market Competition by Players/Suppliers2.1.1 Global Automatic Fare Collection Machine Sales and Market Share of Key Players/Suppliers (2012-2017)2.1.2 Global Automatic Fare Collection Machine Revenue and Share by Players/Suppliers (2012-2017)2.2 Global Automatic Fare Collection Machine (Volume and Value) by Type2.2.1 Global Automatic Fare Collection Machine Sales and Market Share by Type (2012-2017)2.2.2 Global Automatic Fare Collection Machine Revenue and Market Share by Type (2012-2017)2.3 Global Automatic Fare Collection Machine (Volume and Value) by Region2.3.1 Global Automatic Fare Collection Machine Sales and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)2.3.2 Global Automatic Fare Collection Machine Revenue and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)2.4 Global Automatic Fare Collection Machine (Volume) by ApplicationEnquiry before Buying @Email- sales@qyresearchgroups.comWeb-About Us:QY Research Groups is a company that simplifies how analysts and decision makers get industry data for their business. Our unique colossal technology has been developed to offer refined search capabilities designed to exploit the long tail of free market research whilst eliminating irrelevant results. QY Research Groups is the collection of market intelligence products and services on the Web. We offer reports and update our collection daily to provide you with instant online access to the world's most complete and current database of expert insights on global industries, companies, products, and trends.Contact us:Jia WangRoom B1510, ShijiKemao Building, No.66, Zhongguancun East Road,Haidian District, Beijing, 100190, China
Latest Research report on Energy Harvesting Market predicts favorable growth and forecast till 2022

Energy Harvesting Market

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QY Research Groups has announced the addition of "Global Energy Harvesting Sales Market Report 2017" Market Research report to their database.The report on Global Energy Harvesting Sales Market is a professional report which provides thorough knowledge along with complete information pertaining to the Energy Harvesting Sales industry a propos classifications, definitions, applications, industry chain summary, industry policies in addition to plans, product specifications, manufacturing processes, cost structures, etc.The Global Energy Harvesting Sales Market Research Report 2017 renders deep perception of the key regional market status of the Energy Harvesting Sales Industry on a global level that primarily aims the core regions which comprises of continents like Europe, North America, and Asia and the key countries such as United States, Germany, China and Japan.For Requesting a Sample Copy of This Report, Please Visit:The potential of this industry segment has been rigorously investigated in conjunction with primary market challenges. The present market condition and future prospects of the segment has also been examined. Moreover, key strategies in the market that includes product developments, partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, etc., are discussed. Besides, upstream raw materials and equipment and downstream demand analysis is also conducted.Report Includes:-The report cloaks the market analysis and projection of Energy Harvesting Sales Market on a regional as well as global level. The report constitutes qualitative and quantitative valuation by industry analysts, first-hand data, assistance from industry experts along with their most recent verbatim and each industry manufacturers via the market value chain. The research experts have additionally assessed the in general sales and revenue generation of this particular market. In addition, this report also delivers widespread analysis of root market trends, several governing elements and macro-economic indicators, coupled with market improvements as per every segment. Furthermore, the report contains diverse profiles of primary market players of Energy Harvesting Sales Market. ABB Honeywell International Schneider Electric Siemens AG STMicroelectronics Texas Instrument Incorporated Arveni Cymbet Corporation Fujitsu Limited Microchip Technology Nextreme Thermal Solutions Enocean Gmbh G24 InnovationsTo Browse the Entire Report, Visit:The report is generically segmented into six parts and every part aims on the overview of the Energy Harvesting Sales industry, present condition of the market, feasibleness of the investment along with several strategies and policies. Apart from the definition and classification, the report also discusses the analysis of import and export and describes a comparison of the market that is focused on the trends and development. Along with entire framework in addition to in-depth details, one can prepare and stay ahead of the competitors across the targeted locations. The fact that this market report renders details about the major market players along with their product development and current trends proves to be very beneficial for fresh entrants to comprehend and recognize the industry in an improved manner. The report also enlightens the productions, sales, supply, market condition, demand, growth, and forecast of the Energy Harvesting Sales industry in the global markets.On the basis of product, this report displays the sales volume (K Units), revenue (Million USD), product price (USD/Unit), market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoLight Energy HarvestingElectromagnetic Energy HarvestingVibration Energy HarvestingThermal Energy HarvestingOtherOn the basis on the end users/applications, this report focuses on the status and outlook for major applications/end users, sales volume, market share and growth rate of Energy Harvesting for each application, includingConsumer ElectronicsBuilding and Home AutomationIndustrialTransportation and SecurityOtherCheck for Discount @Some points from TOC:-Global Energy Harvesting Sales Market Report 20171 Energy Harvesting Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Energy Harvesting1.2 Classification of Energy Harvesting by Product Category1.2.1 Global Energy Harvesting Market Size (Sales) Comparison by Type (2012-2022)1.2.2 Global Energy Harvesting Market Size (Sales) Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20161.2.3 Light Energy Harvesting1.2.4 Electromagnetic Energy Harvesting1.2.5 Vibration Energy Harvesting1.2.6 Thermal Energy Harvesting1.2.7 Other1.3 Global Energy Harvesting Market by Application/End Users1.3.1 Global Energy Harvesting Sales (Volume) and Market Share Comparison by Application (2012-2022)1.3.2 Consumer Electronics1.3.3 Building and Home Automation1.3.4 Industrial1.3.5 Transportation and Security1.3.6 Other1.4 Global Energy Harvesting Market by Region1.4.1 Global Energy Harvesting Market Size (Value) Comparison by Region (2012-2022)1.4.2 United States Energy Harvesting Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.3 China Energy Harvesting Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.4 Europe Energy Harvesting Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.5 Japan Energy Harvesting Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.6 Southeast Asia Energy Harvesting Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.7 India Energy Harvesting Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.5 Global Market Size (Value and Volume) of Energy Harvesting (2012-2022)1.5.1 Global Energy Harvesting Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2022)1.5.2 Global Energy Harvesting Revenue and Growth Rate (2012-2022)2 Global Energy Harvesting Competition by Players/Suppliers, Type and Application2.1 Global Energy Harvesting Market Competition by Players/Suppliers2.1.1 Global Energy Harvesting Sales and Market Share of Key Players/Suppliers (2012-2017)2.1.2 Global Energy Harvesting Revenue and Share by Players/Suppliers (2012-2017)2.2 Global Energy Harvesting (Volume and Value) by Type2.2.1 Global Energy Harvesting Sales and Market Share by Type (2012-2017)2.2.2 Global Energy Harvesting Revenue and Market Share by Type (2012-2017)2.3 Global Energy Harvesting (Volume and Value) by Region2.3.1 Global Energy Harvesting Sales and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)2.3.2 Global Energy Harvesting Revenue and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)2.4 Global Energy Harvesting (Volume) by ApplicationEnquiry before Buying @Email- sales@qyresearchgroups.comWeb-About Us:QY Research Groups is a company that simplifies how analysts and decision makers get industry data for their business. Our unique colossal technology has been developed to offer refined search capabilities designed to exploit the long tail of free market research whilst eliminating irrelevant results. QY Research Groups is the collection of market intelligence products and services on the Web. We offer reports and update our collection daily to provide you with instant online access to the world's most complete and current database of expert insights on global industries, companies, products, and trends.Contact us:Jia WangRoom B1510, ShijiKemao Building, No.66, Zhongguancun East Road,Haidian District, Beijing, 100190, China
Natural Savoury Flavours Market Driven by Rapid Growth of Consumption of Meat products

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Global Natural Savoury Flavours Market: OverviewGrowing consumer inclination towards natural food ingredients and products has led savoury ingredient manufacturers to develop distinct and innovative flavours for enhancing the product line in food and beverage products. Savoury flavours are mouth-watering, bold, distinctive, classic, fresh, authentic, rich, comforting and aromatic food flavours. In the past recent years, the global savoury flavour market has been experiencing a significant growth. Increasing consumer preference for the ready to eat processed foods coupled with the rapid consumption of non - vegetarian food products, increasing preference of consumers for specific flavours, savoury flavours market is anticipated to record significant growth. In addition to the consumer acceptance for more spicy and ethnic cuisines, changing lifestyle people now want to have flavour of home cooked spicy old flavours for instant food such as noodles, purees and sauces across the globe is expected to drive high demand for savoury flavour in the food and beverage products.Browse Market Research Report @Global Natural Savoury Flavours Market: Drivers and RestraintsThe natural savoury flavour market is expected to grow over the next few years due to the rapid growth of the consumption of meat products among the consumers. Health conscious consumers prefer purchasing natural flavoured beverages derived from fresh fruits and vegetables as they are rich in anti-oxidants. Increasing demand for the healthier and nutritious ingredients along with product launches such as hot and spicy flavoured products by companies is one of the key factors fuelling market growth. For instance, chilli hot flavour is being promoted by the processed food companies across the globe. Furthermore, consumer preference for spicy and ethnic cuisines drives the innovation in the spicy flavour by the major players of the market for natural savoury flavours. Apart from increasing demand for health and wellness foods, factors that are propelling the growth of savoury flavours market include high demand for sauces and seasonings, owing to consumer inclination for restaurant quality meals and fine dining experience at home, regulations banning the use artificial flavoured products, advanced technological innovation in flavours and additional health benefits of some natural savoury flavours.Global Natural Savoury Flavours Market: SegmentationOn the basis of forms, market is segmented into:-PowderLiquidPasteOn the basis of application type, market is segmented into:-SnacksSpreadsSeasoningsPrepared FoodsSoups and SaucesBakery & ConfectioneryDairy ProductsOthersMake an Enquiry @Global Natural Savoury Flavours Market: Region wise OutlookThe global natural savoury flavours market is divided into seven regions, namely seven regions, namely Eastern Europe, Latin America, Asia Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ), North America, Japan, Western Europe, and Middle East and Africa (MEA). In APEJ market, China is expected to grow exponentially holding the market leader position for during the forecast period. This is attributed to growing demand of customer for the processed food such as noodles and savoury snacks, thereby bolstering the natural savoury flavours market. Growing trend of organized retail and e-commerce has provided consumers exposure to premium quality products primarily in countries such as South Africa, Brazil, driving the natural flavours market growth in these emerging countries.Global Natural Savoury Flavours Market: Key PlayersBelow are some of the prominent players identified in the global savoury flavours market, also offering natural savoury flavours:Givaudan S.A.International Flavours & Fragrances, Inc.Takasago InternationalFirmenich International SASymrise AGHasegawa Co. Ltd.Sensient TechnologiesWILD Flavours and Specialty Ingredients Inc.Frutarom Ltd.Kerry Group Plc.International Flavours & Fragrances Inc.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edgeUS Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Active Electronic Components Market Overview, New Study, Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends And Forecast 2015 - 2023

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There are three types of electronic components namely: active electronic components, passive electronic components, and electromechanical components. Active electronic components rely on a source of energy (DC) and inject power into a circuit. Active electronic components include semiconductor devices, display devices, and others. During the last few years, technological advancements in electronics and semiconductor industry have enhanced the array of applications for active electronic components. Active electronic components include semiconductor devices and display devices. Various semiconductor devices include diodes, transistors, integrated circuits, and optoelectronic components. Further, display devices comprise of microwave tubes, cathode-ray tubes, x-ray tubes, photoelectric tubes, triodes and others.This research study, titled Active Electronic Components Market  Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast, 2015  2023, provides strategic analysis of the global active electronic components market, along with the market size in US$ Bn and growth forecast for the period 2015 to 2023. The report includes an in-depth analysis of the market drivers, restraints, and industry trends. It also highlights the significant growth opportunities for active electronic component manufacturers in the next few years.Get The Sample Copy Of This Report :The research report provides a comprehensive assessment of stakeholder strategies, and the imperatives for succeeding in the active electronic components market. The report includes competitive analysis of various market segments based on types of active electronic components, and in-depth cross-sectional scrutiny across different geography segments of the active electronic components market. In order to aid in strategic decision-making, the report also includes the winning strategies adopted by key players operating in the active electronic components market. The report segregates the active electronic components market based on different geographies into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and Latin America.For detailed understanding of the active electronic components market, all these segments have also been estimated in terms of revenue (US$ Bn) for the geographies mentioned above. The market research study analyzes the active electronic components market worldwide, and provides revenue estimates in terms of US$ Bn for the years 2013 and 2014, along with the market forecast for the period 2015 to 2023. Market forecasts have been analyzed considering the impact of various economic, political, social, legal, and technological factors influencing market growth. Key players profiles in this study include Fairchild Semiconductor International, Inc., Infineon Technologies AG, Maxim Integrated Products, Inc, STMicroelectronics, Analog Devices, Inc., ON Semiconductor, Diotec Semiconductor AG, NXP Semiconductors N.V., Texas Instruments, Inc., Toshiba Corporation, Vishay Intertechnology, Inc., Everlight Electronics Co., Ltd., Panasonic Corporation and Renesas Electronics Corporation.View More :The active electronic component market is segmented as follows:Active Electronic Components Market, by Product TypesSemiconductor DevicesDiodesTransistorsIntegrated CircuitsOptoelectronic ComponentsDisplay DevicesMicrowave TubesCathode-Ray TubesX-ray TubesPhotoelectric TubesTriodesOthersActive Electronic Components Market, by GeographyNorth AmericaU.S.Rest of North AmericaEuropeEU7CISRest of EuropeAsia-PacificJapanChinaAustralasiaRest of Asia PacificMiddle East and Africa (MEA)GCC CountriesNorth AfricaSouth AfricaRest of MEALatin AmericaBrazilRest of Latin AmericaMarketResearchReports.biz supports your business intelligence needs with over 100,000 market research reports, company profiles, data books, and regional market data sheets in its repository. Our document database is updated by the hour, which means that you always have access to fresh data spanning over 300 industries and their sub-segments.State Tower90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948(USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-621-2074E: sales@marketresearchreports.biz
Activated Carbon Fiber (ACF) Market 2017-2021 Trends, Developments, Upcoming R&D in Industry by Top Players

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Global Activated Carbon Fiber (ACF) Market Research Report provides information on Products, Services, Trends, Top Companies, Verticals, Countries, Material, Application, and Geography globally. This report will help the viewer in Better Decision Making ,offers by OrbisResearch.comActivated Carbon Fiber (ACF) Report by Material, Application, and Geography  Global Forecast to 2021 is a professional and in-depth research report on the world's major regional market conditions, focusing on the main regions (North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific) and the main countries (United States, Germany, united Kingdom, Japan, South Korea and China).The report firstly introduced the Activated Carbon Fiber (ACF) basics: definitions, classifications, applications and market overview; product specifications; manufacturing processes; cost structures, raw materials and so on. Then it analyzed the world's main region market conditions, including the product price, profit, capacity, production, supply, demand and market growth rate and forecast etc. In the end, the report introduced new project SWOT analysis, investment feasibility analysis, and investment return analysis.Request a sample of Global Activated Carbon Fiber (ACF) Market Research Report @The report includes six parts, dealing with: Basic information The Asia Activated Carbon Fiber (ACF) Market The North American Activated Carbon Fiber (ACF) Market The European Activated Carbon Fiber (ACF) Market Market entry and investment feasibility The report conclusionBrowse the full Global Activated Carbon Fiber (ACF) Industry Research Report @Some of the points from table of content:Part I Activated Carbon Fiber (ACF) Industry OverviewChapter One Activated Carbon Fiber (ACF) Industry Overview1.1 Activated Carbon Fiber (ACF) Definition1.2 Activated Carbon Fiber (ACF) Classification Analysis1.2.1 Activated Carbon Fiber (ACF) Main Classification Analysis1.2.2 Activated Carbon Fiber (ACF) Main Classification Share Analysis1.3 Activated Carbon Fiber (ACF) Application Analysis1.3.1 Activated Carbon Fiber (ACF) Main Application Analysis1.3.2 Activated Carbon Fiber (ACF) Main Application Share Analysis1.4 Activated Carbon Fiber (ACF) Industry Chain Structure Analysis1.5 Activated Carbon Fiber (ACF) Industry Development Overview1.5.1 Activated Carbon Fiber (ACF) Product History Development Overview1.5.1 Activated Carbon Fiber (ACF) Product Market Development Overview1.6 Activated Carbon Fiber (ACF) Global Market Comparison Analysis1.6.1 Activated Carbon Fiber (ACF) Global Import Market Analysis1.6.2 Activated Carbon Fiber (ACF) Global Export Market Analysis1.6.3 Activated Carbon Fiber (ACF) Global Main Region Market Analysis1.6.4 Activated Carbon Fiber (ACF) Global Market Comparison Analysis1.6.5 Activated Carbon Fiber (ACF) Global Market Development Trend AnalysisChapter Two Activated Carbon Fiber (ACF) Up and Down Stream Industry Analysis2.1 Upstream Raw Materials Analysis2.1.1 Upstream Raw Materials Price Analysis2.1.2 Upstream Raw Materials Market Analysis2.1.3 Upstream Raw Materials Market Trend2.2 Down Stream Market Analysis2.1.1 Down Stream Market Analysis2.2.2 Down Stream Demand Analysis2.2.3 Down Stream Market Trend AnalysisPart II Asia Activated Carbon Fiber (ACF) Industry (The Report Company Including the Below Listed But Not All)Chapter Three Asia Activated Carbon Fiber (ACF) Market Analysis3.1 Asia Activated Carbon Fiber (ACF) Product Development History3.2 Asia Activated Carbon Fiber (ACF) Competitive Landscape Analysis3.3 Asia Activated Carbon Fiber (ACF) Market Development TrendChapter Four 2012-2017 Asia Activated Carbon Fiber (ACF) Productions Supply Sales Demand Market Status and Forecast4.1 2012-2017 Activated Carbon Fiber (ACF) Capacity Production Overview4.2 2012-2017 Activated Carbon Fiber (ACF) Production Market Share Analysis4.3 2012-2017 Activated Carbon Fiber (ACF) Demand Overview4.4 2012-2017 Activated Carbon Fiber (ACF) Supply Demand and Shortage4.5 2012-2017 Activated Carbon Fiber (ACF) Import Export Consumption4.6 2012-2017 Activated Carbon Fiber (ACF) Cost Price Production Value Gross MarginThe Report Contains: 163 Pages.Make an enquire of this reportAbout Us:Orbis Research (orbisresearch.com) is a single point aid for all your market research requirements. We have vast database of reports from the leading publishers and authors across the globe. We specialize in delivering customized reports as per the requirements of our clients. We have complete information about our publishers and hence are sure about the accuracy of the industries and verticals of their specialization. This helps our clients to map their needs and we produce the perfect required market research study for our clients.Contact Us:Hector CostelloSenior Manager  Client Engagements4144N Central Expressway,Suite 600, Dallas,Texas - 75204, U.S.A.Phone No.: +1 (214) 884-6817; +912064101019Follow Us on LinkedIn:Follow us on Twitter:Follow us on G+ :
Ammonium Sulphate Market 2017 by Key Manufactures: BASF SE, Koninklijke Dsm, JSC Kuibyshevazot, Toray Industries and Domo Chemicals

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Market HighlightsAmmonium sulphate is one of the inorganic chemical compounds having chemical formula of (NH4)2SO4. Ammonium Sulphate comprises of 24% sulphur as sulphate ions and 21% nitrogen in the form of ammonium ions. Ammonium sulphate is majorly used as a fertilizer and as horticulture and agricultural spray adjuvant for water dissolvable pesticides. It can also be utilized in the preparation of other ammonium salts. The other names of ammonium sulphate are diammonium sulphate, sulphuric acid diammonium salt, mascagnite, actamaster and dolamin.Request a Sample Report @Regional AnalysisNorth America and Europe is considered as matured economy and having an established agricultural sector therefore the ammonium sulphate market has a strong hold in these particular regions. Asia-Pacific is one of the leading markets for global ammonium sulphate market with an estimated market share of high in 2015. Availability of huge agricultural land in China and India are the major leading growing factor for global ammonium sulphate market. As these both regions covered huge percentage of population and a major portion of population is involved in agriculture too. Thus, the demand for ammonium sulphate as a fertilizer is very much increased with a span of years. This region is expected to witness a market growth of high over the forecasted period of 2016-2027.Key Players Koninklijke Dsm N.V. (Fibrant) JSC Kuibyshevazot Ube Industries, Ltd. Toray Industries Inc. China Petrochemical Development Corporation China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (Sinopec Corp.) JSC Grodno Azot Grupa Azoty Domo Chemicals BASF SEMarket SegmentationFor the purpose of the study of global ammonium sulphate market, the market has segmented into the production process and by applications. The production process in segmented into caprolactam, coke oven gas, gypsum and neutralization & others and the application type is segmented into agriculture uses (fertilizers) and non-agricultural uses (chemicals, wood pulp, textile and pharmaceutical).Browse full A-S Market Report @Geographical Region includesAmericas North America Latin AmericaEurope Western Europe Eastern EuropeAsia  Pacific Asia Pacific CountriesThe Middle East & Africa Middle East AfricaMarket Growth Influencer:The global ammonium sulphate market is mainly relied on the several aspects for instance, the stringent environmental policies and regulations and fertilizer industry. That is why the huge portion of ammonium sulphate is produced involuntarily as by product or co-product. Ammonium sulphate is one of the major fertilizers used across the global and the demand for the particular fertilizer is rising rapidly as there is very limited arable land available across the globe. Ammonium sulphate is majorly used in the applications such as agriculture and non-agriculture. Rapid increasing in population has resulted in increasing demand for ammonium sulphate as it is a major fertilizer used in the agricultural and non-agricultural purpose.The ammonium sulphate market has an abundant opportunity as the current trends are shifting towards expanding crop yield by expanding nutrient and supplement contents for instance sulfur and nitrogen in soil is expected to have positive effect on the overall market growth. Lack of government initiatives in undeveloped economies and stringent rules and regulation especially in the developed regions such as the US, UK, France and Germany are the major challenges for the global ammonium sulphate market growth.About Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (7CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.Market Research Future Magarpatta Road, Hadapsar, Pune - 411028 Maharashtra, India +1 646 845 9312
HPV Testing Market Outlook 2022 Top Companies - Qiagen, Roche Diagnostics, Hologic, Abbott Laboratories, BD, Seegene, Inc.

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Global HPV Testing Market by Manufacturers, Countries, Type and Application, Forecast to 2022 is a professional and in-depth study on the current trends and Future Forecast.HPV Testing Market :The human papillomavirus (HPV) test detects the presence of human papillomavirus, a virus that can lead to the development of genital warts, abnormal cervical cells or cervical cancer. The HPV testing is further classified into three sub-segments, namely, follow-up testing, co-testing, HPV primary testing.Request a sample copy of HPV Testing Market Research Report @Scope of the Report:This report focuses on the HPV Testing in Global market, especially in North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa. This report categorizes the market based on manufacturers, regions, type and application.Market Segment by Manufacturers, this report coversQiagen, Roche Diagnostics, Hologic, Abbott Laboratories, BD, Seegene, Inc.Market Segment by Regions, regional analysis coversNorth America (USA, Canada and Mexico), Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia and Italy), Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia), South America (Brazil, Argentina, Columbia etc.), Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa)Market Segment by Type, coversHPV Testing, Follow-up HPV Testing, Co-testingMarket Segment by Applications, can be divided intoCervical Cancer Screening, Vaginal Cancer ScreeningEnquire about HPV Testing Market Research Report @There are 15 Chapters to deeply display the global HPV Testing market.Chapter 1, to describe HPV Testing Introduction, product scope, market overview, market opportunities, market risk, market driving force; Chapter 2, to analyze the top manufacturers of HPV Testing, with sales, revenue, and price of HPV Testing, in 2016 and 2017; Chapter 3, to display the competitive situation among the top manufacturers, with sales, revenue and market share in 2016 and 2017;Chapter 4, to show the global market by regions, with sales, revenue and market share of HPV Testing, for each region, from 2012 to 2017; Chapter 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9, to analyze the key regions, with sales, revenue and market share by key countries in these regions; Chapter 10 and 11, to show the market by type and application, with sales market share and growth rate by type, application, from 2012 to 2017;Chapter 12, HPV Testing market forecast, by regions, type and application, with sales and revenue, from 2017 to 2022; Chapter 13, 14 and 15, to describe HPV Testing sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers, Research Findings and Conclusion, appendix and data sourceFor more information About HPV Testing Market Research Report Please Visit @Related Reports: -2017 Top 5 Hyaluronic Acid Based Dermal Fillers Manufacturers in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and AfricaThe Global Hyaluronic Acid Based Dermal Fillers market size will be XX million (USD) in 2022, from the XX million (USD) in 2016, with a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) XX% from 2016 to 2022. Thi...About Us:Centralize market research purchases across your entire organization in one place. MarketSizeForecasters.com allows you to manage and control all corporate research purchases to consolidate billing and vendor management. You can eliminate duplicate purchases and customize your content and license management.Market size forecastersThe Green Suite #4594,Dover, DE 19901United StatesPhone: 1-201-355-0868US Toll Free: 1-866-764-2150Email: sales@marketsizeforecasters.comWebsite:News:
Industrial Agitator : Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends And Forecast, 2015 - 2021

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Industrial agitator serves the purpose of mixing two or more materials in various proportions and also of different viscosity to attain a desired level of uniformity in end products. Industrial agitators primarily serves various mixing application needs in manufacturing industries including chemical, oil, gas and petrochemical, pharmaceutical and food and beverages among others. Water and wastewater treatment industries also make use of industrial agitators for the purpose of cleansing water by removing various pollutants such as sulfur in water.The growth of industrial agitators market is attributed to the rapid industrialization in developing economies primarily including China, Brazil and India. Growing number of industries in these regions is expected to surge manufacturing activities, which in turn is boosting the demand for industrial agitators. North America and Europe contributed maximum market share of industrial agitators, however growth in these regions are stagnant or have reached to a stage of maturity. Asia Pacific and RoW have better growth potential during the forecast period due to the rise in GDP and favorable government policies to boost manufacturing industries in these regions. The major opportunities of global industrial agitators market lies in the increasing need for customization of industrial agitators specific to end use application. Application specific customization of industrial agitators and refurbishment or replacement of traditional agitators is creating new opportunities in the market.Get The Sample Copy Of This Report :Top entry industrial agitator covers most of the homogenization or mixing needs of customers and has a long service life. Due to this factor top entry industrial agitators finds application in various industries primarily including chemical, water and wastewater treatment and oil, gas and petrochemical among others. In 2014, top entry industrial agitators contributed the maximum market share in terms of revenue.Chemical, water and wastewater treatment and oil, gas and petrochemical are major application segments of the global industrial agitator market. Complex agitation requirements in chemical industries and demand for efficient industrial agitators in water and wastewater treatment and oil, gas and petrochemical industries is driving the market growth. Additionally, demand for customized industrial agitators to suite various mixing application need from industries is further boosting the growth of industrial agitator market during the forecast period.This market research study analyzes the industrial agitator market globally and provides estimates in terms of revenue (USD Million) from 2015 to 2021. It recognizes the drivers, restraints and opportunities affecting the industry and analyzes their impact over the forecast period.View More Details :The report segments the market on the basis of geography as Europe, North America, Asia-Pacific (APAC), and Rest of the World (RoW), and these have been estimated in terms of revenue (USD Million). In addition, the report segments the market based on the type, which include top entry, side entry, bottom entry, portable and static. It also segments the market on the basis of application as chemical, water and wastewater treatment, oil, gas and petrochemical, food and beverage, pharmaceutical and others. Others application segment include mining, pulp and paper and cosmetics. All these segments have also been estimated on the basis of geography in terms of revenue (USD Million).For better understanding of the industrial agitator market, we have given key market trends. Furthermore, the study comprises a market attractiveness analysis, where the applications are benchmarked based on their market scope, growth rate and general attractiveness.The report provides company market share analysis of various industry participants. The key players have also been profiled on the basis of company overview, financial overview, business strategies, and the recent developments in the field of industrial agitator. Major market participants profiled in this report include EKATO Group, SPX Corporation, Sulzer Ltd. Philadelphia Mixing Solutions, Ltd., Chemineer Inc., Tacmina Corporation and Xylem, Inc. among others.Global Industrial Agitator Market: By GeographyNorth AmericaU.S.CanadaMexicoEuropeU.K.GermanyFranceRest of EuropeAsia PacificIndiaChinaJapanRest of Asia PacificRest of the WorldLatin AmericaMiddle EastAfricaGlobal Industrial Agitator Market: By TypeTop EntrySide EntryBottom EntryPortableStaticGlobal Industrial Agitator Market: By ApplicationChemicalWater and wastewater treatmentOil, gas and petrochemicalFood and beveragePharmaceuticalOthers (Mining, Pulp and paper & Cosmetics)The report provides a cross-sectional analysis of all the above segments with respect to the following regions:North AmericaEuropeAsia PacificRest of the World (RoW)MarketResearchReports.biz supports your business intelligence needs with over 100,000 market research reports, company profiles, data books, and regional market data sheets in its repository. Our document database is updated by the hour, which means that you always have access to fresh data spanning over 300 industries and their sub-segments.State Tower90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948(USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-621-2074E: sales@marketresearchreports.biz
Global Waterjet Cutting Machines Market 2017 : Resato, Omax, Dardi, Flow International, Sugino Machine

Waterjet Cutting Machines

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A market study based on the "Waterjet Cutting Machines Market" across the globe, recently added to the repository of Market Research, is titled Global Waterjet Cutting Machines Market 2017. The research report analyses the historical as well as present performance of the worldwide Waterjet Cutting Machines industry, and makes predictions on the future status of Waterjet Cutting Machines market on the basis of this analysis.Get Free Sample Copy of Report Here :Top Manufacturers Analysis Of This Research ReportFlow InternationalOmaxBystronic GroupSugino MachineESAB Cutting SystemsJet Edge IncWater Jet SwedenResatoWARDJet Inc.Waterjet CorporationDardiYongda Dynamo ElectircThe report studies the industry for Waterjet Cutting Machines across the globe taking the existing industry chain, the import and export statistics in Waterjet Cutting Machines market & dynamics of demand and supply of Waterjet Cutting Machines into consideration. The 'Waterjet Cutting Machines' research study covers each and every aspect of the Waterjet Cutting Machines market globally, which starts from the definition of the Waterjet Cutting Machines industry and develops towards Waterjet Cutting Machines market segmentations. Further, every segment of the Waterjet Cutting Machines market is classified and analyzed on the basis of product types, application, and the end-use industries of the Waterjet Cutting Machines market. The geographical segmentation of the Waterjet Cutting Machines industry has also been covered at length in this report.The competitive landscape of the worldwide market for Waterjet Cutting Machines is determined by evaluating the various industry participants, production capacity, Waterjet Cutting Machines market's production chain, and the revenue generated by each manufacturer in the Waterjet Cutting Machines market worldwide.Enquire Here :The global Waterjet Cutting Machines market 2017 is also analyzed on the basis of product pricing, Waterjet Cutting Machines production volume, data regarding demand and Waterjet Cutting Machines supply, and the revenue garnered by the product. Various methodical tools such as investment returns, feasibility, and market attractiveness analysis has been used in the research to present a comprehensive study of the industry for Waterjet Cutting Machines across the globe.About Us :Worldwide Business are a trusted brand in the research industry with capability of commissioning complex projects within a short span of time with high level of accuracy. At Worldwide Business, we believe in building long term relations with our clients. Our services cover a broad spectrum of industries such as Automotive and Aerospace, Medical Devices, Technology, Machinery & Manufacturing.Contact Us :Worldwide BusinessUnited States
Global Chiral Separation Chromatography Columns Market 2017 : Waters, Ge Healthcare, Phenomenex, Sigma Aldrich

Chiral Separation Chromatography Columns

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Global Chiral Separation Chromatography Columns Market 2016-2017A market study based on the " Chiral Separation Chromatography Columns Market " across the globe, recently added to the repository of Market Research, is titled Global Chiral Separation Chromatography Columns Market 2017. The research report analyses the historical as well as present performance of the worldwide Chiral Separation Chromatography Columns industry, and makes predictions on the future status of Chiral Separation Chromatography Columns market on the basis of this analysis.Get Free Sample Copy of Report Here :Top Manufacturers Analysis Of Chiral Separation Chromatography Columns Market -1. Agilent Technologies2. Thermo Fisher Scientific3. Waters4. Ge Healthcare5. Phenomenex6. Sigma Aldrich7. ShimadzuThe report studies the industry for Chiral Separation Chromatography Columns across the globe taking the existing industry chain, the import and export statistics in Chiral Separation Chromatography Columns market & dynamics of demand and supply of Chiral Separation Chromatography Columns into consideration. The ' Chiral Separation Chromatography Columns ' research study covers each and every aspect of the Chiral Separation Chromatography Columns market globally, which starts from the definition of the Chiral Separation Chromatography Columns industry and develops towards Chiral Separation Chromatography Columns market segmentations. Further, every segment of the Chiral Separation Chromatography Columns market is classified and analysed on the basis of product types, application, and the end-use industries of the Chiral Separation Chromatography Columns market. The geographical segmentation of the Chiral Separation Chromatography Columns industry has also been covered at length in this report.The competitive landscape of the worldwide market for Chiral Separation Chromatography Columns is determined by evaluating the various industry participants, production capacity, Chiral Separation Chromatography Columns market's production chain, and the revenue generated by each manufacturer in the Chiral Separation Chromatography Columns market worldwide.Enquire Here :The global Chiral Separation Chromatography Columns market 2017 is also analysed on the basis of product pricing, Chiral Separation Chromatography Columns production volume, data regarding demand and Chiral Separation Chromatography Columns supply, and the revenue garnered by the product. Various methodical tools such as investment returns, feasibility, and market attractiveness analysis has been used in the research to present a comprehensive study of the industry for Chiral Separation Chromatography Columns across the globe.About Us :Market and Research are a trusted brand in the research industry with capability of commissioning complex projects within a short span of time with high level of accuracy. At Market and Research, we believe in building long term relations with our clients. Our services cover a broad spectrum of industries including Energy, Chemicals and Materials, Automotive and Aerospace.Contact Us :Market and ResearchUnited States
Cholesterol Management Devices Market: SWOT analysis, model Research Methodology and Forecast to 2027

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https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/global-breast-cancer-market-1379

Market Scenario:Cholesterol Management Devices is used for cardiovascular disease therapy that provides treatment and diagnosis for heart disorders. The global Cholesterol Management Devices market has been evaluated as rapidly growing market and expected that the market will reach high growth figuresThe report for Global Cholesterol Management Devices market of Market Research Future comprises of extensive primary research along with the detailed analysis of qualitative as well as quantitative aspects by various industry experts, key opinion leaders to gain the deeper insight of the market and industry performance.Major Key Players Boston Scientific Corporation (US), Medtronic (US), ST. Jude Medical, Philips Healthcare (US), Roche Diagnostics (US), Alere (US), Bio-AMD (UK).Request a Copy of Sample Report @Study Objectives of Cholesterol Management Devices Market: To provide detailed analysis of the market structure along with forecast for the next 10 years of the various segments and sub-segments of the Global Cholesterol Management Devices Market. To provide insights about factors affecting the market growth. To Analyze the Global Cholesterol Management Devices Market based on various factors- price analysis, supply chain analysis, porters five force analysis etc. To provide historical and forecast revenue of the market segments and sub-segments with respect to four main geographies and their countries- Americas, Europe, Asia, and RoW. To provide country level analysis of the market with respect to the current market size and future prospective. To provide country level analysis of the market for segments by type, by end users and sub-segments. To provide strategic profiling of key players in the market, comprehensively analyzing their core competencies, and drawing a competitive landscape for the market. To track and analyze competitive developments such as joint ventures, strategic alliances, mergers and acquisitions, new product developments, and research and developments in the Global Cholesterol Management Devices Market.Test the market data and market information presented through more than 34 market data tables and 28 figures spread over 110 numbers of pages of the project report. Avail the in-depth TOC & market synopsis on Global Cholesterol Management Devices Market Research Report - Forecast to 2027Access Report Details @Segments:Global Cholesterol Management Devices market has been segmented on the basis of type which consist of monitors, wrist monitors, Small portable instruments, meters, wireless systems others. On the basis of end users which includes home healthcare, hospitals and clinics.Regional Analysis of Cholesterol Management Devices Market:Globally North America is the largest market for Cholesterol Management Devices. The North American market for Cholesterol Management Devices is expected to be the fastest growing region during the forecasted period. Europe is the second-largest market for Cholesterol Management Devices which is expected to grow.The report gives the clear picture of current market scenario which includes historical and projected market size in terms of value and volume, technological advancement, macro economical and governing factors in the market. The report provides details information and strategies of the top key players in the industry. The report also gives a broad study of the different markets segments and regions.Make an Enquiry @Americas North America US Canada Latin AmericaEurope Western Europe Germany France Italy Spain U.K Rest of Western Europe Eastern EuropeAsia Pacific Asia China India Japan South Korea Rest of Asia PacificThe Middle East& AfricaBrowse Related ReportGlobal Breast cancer Information, by types (Ductal carcinoma in situ, Invasive inflammatory breast cancer, others) by treatment types (radio therapy, lumpectomy, sentinel lymph node biopsy, Axillary lymph node dissection, Systemic therapy, Chemotherapy, Drugs) by end users (hospitals & clinics, cancer research centers, others) - Forecast to 2027About Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.MRFR team have supreme objective to provide the optimum quality market research and intelligence services to our clients. Our market research studies by products, services, technologies, applications, end users, and market players for global, regional, and country level market segments, enable our clients to see more, know more, and do more, which help to answer all their most important questions.Contact:Akash Anand,Market Research Future+1 646 845 9312Email: akash.anand@marketresearchfuture.com
Bed and Bath Furnishing Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Growth Analysis For 2017 - 2025

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Bed and bath furnishings have become an integral part of the lifestyle as the basic household requirements. Inclination towards stylish, and fashionable accessories with vibrant colors has become the recent trend for the purchase of such products. Interior decoration with proper accessories has become a prime importance among the modern generation. Textiles play an important role in all sectors which includes households, hospitals, and hotels, among others. The global bed and bath furnishing market are mainly driven by growing real estate industry, inclination towards home improvement, demand for multifunctional furniture among the consumers and rise in demand for luxury home furnishing accessories. Rising research and development among the top key players in order to develop new products is another factor responsible for the growth of the global bed and bath furnishing market at present.Know More Information for Research Insight, Download Brochure@However high cost of raw materials coupled with the rapid growth of unorganized market are restraining the global bed and bath furnishing market. Heavy discounts from the unorganized sectors to attract the buyers have eroded the profit margins of most of the retailers and the prominent key players. Increasing preferences towards luxury home furnishing products coupled with rising disposable income over the years are contributing to the growth of the global bed and bath furnishing market. Consumers preferences toward mattresses for oversized beds which are made up of foam mattresses, better bathroom equipment, are few factors fueling the demand for global bed and bath furnishing products. Moreover, demand for branded furniture among the consumers due to the rise in number of middle class urban population in the developing regions are generating opportunities to the global bed and bath furnishing market.The global bed and bath furnishing market has been segmented on the basis of product type and by distribution channel. By product type, bed furnishings has been segmented into bed sheets, pillow covers, blanket, and comforter and bathroom accessories include sanitary ware which includes wash basins, showers, shower enclosures, mixers and taps, screens and trays, fitted bathroom furniture, soap holders, small cabinets, towel rails and rings among others. In 2016, bed furnishings are anticipated to capture a larger market share due to rise in demand of premium sized beds among the consumers. Stylish and fashionable towels with appeasing colors and embellished designs are on high demand among the consumers in recent years. The market has been further segmented on the basis of distribution channel into online distribution channel and offline distribution channel. Online distribution channel are growing at a faster growth rate due to its easy convenience.Further, owing to the rapid growth of the e-commerce industry, the players operating in this segment have resorted to aggressive marketing and promotional activities by way of several offers.. Offline channels captured the major market share in 2016 on account of consumer preference for such channels for the purchase of such products. Based on geography, the bed and bath furnishing market has been segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East, Africa and Latin America. Europe which includes Germany, France Italy among the other regions accounted for the major market share. Germany is anticipated to grab a prominent position for this market in Europe due to changing consumer preferences coupled with rise in demand for proper home furnishing accessories.North America is a major market for bed and bath furnishings, with U.S. being the dominant country for this market. The market for bed and bath furnishings in Asia Pacific is spurred due to the rising income levels and demands among the consumers residing in this region. India and China are the major contributors to the growth of the bed and bath furnishings market in Asia Pacific.Browse Report@Global key participants in the industry include Hollander Home Fashions Corporation, Huaxe Hometex Limited, Louiseville Bedding company, Suvim Home textiles company limited, Tempur Pedic Inc, Intec, Trident Group, Welspun India Limited, Kulon Limited, IKEA, Macys, Berco Furniture Solution, Clarin, Carrefour, Creative wood, Herman Miller, Godre and Boyce, Steinoff International, Wayfair, J.C. Penny, Carrefour among others.About Us:-Transparency Market Research is a global market intelligence company providing business information reports and services. The companys exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trend analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Contact Us:-Transparency Market ResearchState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.com
Global Aggregates Industry Analysis by Market Size, Supply, Sales, Demand, Market Status & Forecasts to 2021

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Summary:Orbis Research presents Global Aggregates Industry 2017 Market Research Report to its Database. The Increasing usage in Construction Industry is driving this Market.Description:2017 Market Research Report on Aggregates Industry was a professional and depth research report on Aggregates industry that you would know the world's major regional market conditions of Aggregates industry, the main region including North American, Europe and Asia etc., and the main country including United States ,Germany ,Japan and China etc.Enquire more about this Report at:The report firstly introduced Aggregates basic information including Aggregates definition classification application and industry chain overview; Aggregates industry policy and plan, Aggregates product specification, manufacturing process, cost structure etc.. Then we deeply analyzed the world's main region market conditions that including the product price, profit, capacity, production, capacity utilization, supply, demand and industry growth rate etc.In the end, the report introduced Aggregates new project SWOT analysis, investment feasibility analysis, and investment return analysis and Aggregates industry.In a word, it was a depth research report on Aggregates industry. And thanks to the support and assistance from Aggregates industry chain related technical experts and marketing experts during Research Team survey and interviews.Browse Report Details at:The report including six parts, the first part mainly introduced the product basic information; the second parts mainly analyzed the Asia Aggregates industry; the third part mainly analyzed the North American Aggregates industry; the fourth part mainly analyzed the Europe Aggregates industry; the fifth part mainly analyzed the market entry and investment feasibility; the sixth part was the report conclusion chapter.Major Points from Table of Contents:Part I Aggregates Industry OverviewChapter One Aggregates Industry Overview1.1Aggregates Definition1.2 Aggregates Product Development History Overview1.3 Aggregates Classification Analysis1.3.1 Aggregates Main Classification Analysis1.3.2 Aggregates Main Classification Share Analysis1.4 Aggregates Industry Chain Structure Analysis1.4.1 Aggregates Upstream Raw Materials Analysis1.4.2 Aggregates Downstream Application Market Analysis1.5 Aggregates Application Analysis1.5.1 Aggregates Main Application Analysis1.5.2 Aggregates Main Application Share Analysis1.6 Aggregates Global Market Comparison Analysis1.6.1 Aggregates Global Import Market Analysis1.6.2 Aggregates Global Export Market Analysis1.6.3 Aggregates Global Main Region Market Analysis1.6.4 Aggregates Global Market Comparison Analysis1.6.5 Aggregates Global Market Development Trend AnalysisPart II Asia Aggregates IndustryChapter Two Asia Aggregates Product History of DevelopmentChapter Three Asia Aggregates Key Manufacturers Analysis and ContinuedRequest Sample of this Report at:Orbis Research is a single point aid for all your Market research requirements. We have vast database of reports from the leading publishers and authors across the globe. We specialize in delivering customised reports as per the requirements of our clients. We have complete information about our publishers and hence are sure about the accuracy of the industries and verticals of their specialisation. This helps our clients to map their needs and we produce the perfect required Market research study for our clients.Hector CostelloSenior Manager  Client Engagements4144N Central Expressway,Suite 600, Dallas,Texas - 75204, U.S.A.Phone No.: +1 (214) 884-6817; +912064101019Email ID: sales@orbisresearch.com
Fiber Cement Board Market 2017 - James Hardie, Etex Group, Cembrit, Mahaphant

Fiber Cement Board Market

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MarketReports.biz, recently published a detailed market research study focused on the "Fiber Cement Board Market" across the global, regional and country level. The report provides 360 analysis of "Fiber Cement Board Market" from view of manufacturers, regions, product types and end industries. The research report analyses and provides the historical data along with current performance of the global Fiber Cement Board industry, and estimates the future trend of Fiber Cement Board market on the basis of this detailed study. The study shares "Fiber Cement Board Market" performance both in terms of volume and revenue.Get Free Sample Copy of Report Here:Top Manufacturers Analysis of This ReportSoben boardSCG Building MaterialsKmewPENNY PANELNichihaLato JSCFRAMECADLTM LLCTEPE BetopanHEKIM YAPIAtermitGAFChina Conch Venture holdingsHeaderBoard Building MaterialsSanle GroupGuangdong Soben GreenThe market research report explores the Fiber Cement Board market across the globe along with major regions and countries. The research report provides a detailed study on each and every aspect of "Fiber Cement Board Market". The research report studies the entire value chain from raw material to end user industries. The report also shares import/export statistics along with production and consumption for all major regions and countries. Moreover, the research study classifies the Fiber Cement Board market based on major product types, application and end users industries of Fiber Cement Board. Besides, the report also covers geographical segmentation for Fiber Cement Board market. The report further provides production, capacity, price per region, gross margin, production cost, for all major regions and countries listed in report.The competitive landscape of the global market for Fiber Cement Board is determined by assessing the major industry participants, production capacity, production capacity utilization rate, Fiber Cement Board market's production chain, pricing by each manufacturer and the revenue generated by each manufacturer in the Fiber Cement Board market globally.Enquire Before Buying @The worldwide Fiber Cement Board market 2017 is further analyzed on the basis of product pricing, Fiber Cement Board production volume, data pertaining to demand and Fiber Cement Board supply, and the revenue garnered by the product. The report provides upstream and downstream analysis covering major raw material used in manufacturing of Fiber Cement Board along with detailed manufacturing sources. The report also shares list of major raw material manufacturers along with their manufacturing locations. Detailed raw material price trend analysis along with manufacturing cost analysis is also incorporated into the report. Various methodical tools such as investment returns, feasibility, SWOT analysis and market attractiveness analysis has been implemented in the research study to present a comprehensive, detailed study of the industry for Fiber Cement Board across the world.About UsMarketReports.biz offers elevating market research worldwide. We have collection of various syndicated reports of different fields. Customers can buys different reports across various categories such as Chemical and Material, Biotechnology, Healthcare, Food and beverages, Automobile and various sectors. Our Website offers safe and secure online ordering experience, convenient payment options.Contact UsFrank Valadez155 North Wacker Drive, Suite 4250Chicago, IL 60606Toll Free: +1-855-918-5551 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +17739042683Web:Email: sales@marketreports.biz
Livestock Feed Enzymes Market- Industry Trends, Dynamics, Supply and Demand Analysis For 2017 - 2025

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Feed enzymes are mainly artificial feed additives which help to boost the growth in livestock and also help to seize infectious maladies in them. Feed enzymes improve the different types of chemical and biochemical reactions in animal body for making them physically fit. Feed enzymes control pelleting temperatures and acidic pH conditions during feed processing operations. Different types of livestock feed enzymes are proteases, carbohydrates and phytase.The global livestock feed enzymes market is primarily driven by the increasing demand from the pig and poultry fodder sectors. Owing to the changing food habit and increasing disposable income is fueling the consumption of meat globally. Moreover, its easy availability is also booming the market and is expected a significant growth during the forecast period from 2017 to 2025. Livestock feed enzymes not only increase the nutrition proportion in animal fodder but also help to lowering the amount of animal waste. These factors is expected to increase the demand of live stock feed enzymes market during the forecast period from 2017 to 2025.Know More Details Of Industry Overview & Analysis, Download Brochure@In addition, rising concern regarding the outbreak of animals diseases and the growing ranks of perceptive consumers concerned regarding the quality of meat is expected to fule the growth of the livestock feed enzymes market in the next eight years. Developing countries such as India, China, and Brazil are focusing on growing animal fodder industry along with the increasing livestock farming and breeding activities is anticipated to boom the market of livestock feed enzymes.Livestock feed enzymes are gaining popularity for improving feed digestibility, nutrient absorption, cost reduction and better performance. Enzymes are gaining importance for enhanced health and performance of livestock by replacing antibiotics from them. The prospect of rising resistant populations of bacteria and their side effects of using antibiotics as growth promoters in farm animals is booming the market of livestock feed enzymes market globally and is expected to have a significant growth during the forecast period from 2017 to 2025. In addition, the manufacturing process of feed enzymes has significantly developed due to rising environmental protection norms and the modern techniques of waste management.The global livestock feed enzymes market is segmented by product type, by form, by application and by region. On the basis of different type of livestock feed enzymes market is segmented into phytases, carbohydrases, proteases and others. In terms of form type the market of livestock feed enzymes is segmented into liquid and dry. The global livestock enzymes market segmented by application into poultry, pigs, ruminant, pets, aqua, equineIn the region wise study the global livestock feed enzymes market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America and Middle East and Africa. Asia Pacific is showing the fastest growth owing to the emerging economics such as India and China. Demand for organic products is showing the fastest growth in Asia Pacific during the forecast period. Europe is expected to have a significant market share during the forecast period. The market share of Europe is high mainly due to the rise in demand for skin care, oral care products. Brazil has shown an impressive growth in livestock feed enzymes market followed by Latin America in recent years. Rapid urbanization from developed and developing countries is also resulting to the growth of global livestock feed enzymes market.Browse Report@The global livestock feed enzymes market is marked by some intense competition from the major players operating in this field. Frequent merger and acquisition joint venture and partnership product innovation and geographical expansion are some of the major strategies adopted by this players to ensure long term sustenance in this market Key participants in the global livestock feed enzymes industry include BASF SE., Danisco Animal Nutrition, Beldem, Alltech, Adisseo, AB Vista, Novozymes and Kemin. among others.About Us:-Transparency Market Research is a global market intelligence company providing business information reports and services. The companys exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trend analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Contact Us:-Transparency Market ResearchState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.com
Laboratory Information Systems (LIS) Market 2017 - LabWare, Sunquest, Cerner Corporation, McKesson

Laboratory Information Systems (LIS) Market

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MarketReports.biz, recently published a detailed market research study focused on the "Laboratory Information Systems (LIS) Market" across the global, regional and country level. The report provides 360 analysis of "Laboratory Information Systems (LIS) Market" from view of manufacturers, regions, product types and end industries. The research report analyses and provides the historical data along with current performance of the global Laboratory Information Systems (LIS) industry, and estimates the future trend of Laboratory Information Systems (LIS) market on the basis of this detailed study. The study shares "Laboratory Information Systems (LIS) Market" performance both in terms of volume and revenue.Get Free Sample Copy of Report Here:Top Manufacturers Analysis of This ReportLabWareSunquestCerner CorporationMcKessonSCC Soft ComputerCompuGroup MedicalMerge HealthcareOrchard SoftwareJonas SoftwareApolloLIMSThe market research report explores the Laboratory Information Systems (LIS) market across the globe along with major regions and countries. The research report provides a detailed study on each and every aspect of "Laboratory Information Systems (LIS) Market". The research report studies the entire value chain from raw material to end user industries. The report also shares import/export statistics along with production and consumption for all major regions and countries. Moreover, the research study classifies the Laboratory Information Systems (LIS) market based on major product types, application and end users industries of Laboratory Information Systems (LIS). Besides, the report also covers geographical segmentation for Laboratory Information Systems (LIS) market. The report further provides production, capacity, price per region, gross margin, production cost, for all major regions and countries listed in report.The competitive landscape of the global market for Laboratory Information Systems (LIS) is determined by assessing the major industry participants, production capacity, production capacity utilization rate, Laboratory Information Systems (LIS) market's production chain, pricing by each manufacturer and the revenue generated by each manufacturer in the Laboratory Information Systems (LIS) market globally.Enquire Before Buying @The worldwide Laboratory Information Systems (LIS) market 2017 is further analyzed on the basis of product pricing, Laboratory Information Systems (LIS) production volume, data pertaining to demand and Laboratory Information Systems (LIS) supply, and the revenue garnered by the product. The report provides upstream and downstream analysis covering major raw material used in manufacturing of Laboratory Information Systems (LIS) along with detailed manufacturing sources. The report also shares list of major raw material manufacturers along with their manufacturing locations. Detailed raw material price trend analysis along with manufacturing cost analysis is also incorporated into the report. Various methodical tools such as investment returns, feasibility, SWOT analysis and market attractiveness analysis has been implemented in the research study to present a comprehensive, detailed study of the industry for Laboratory Information Systems (LIS) across the world.About UsMarketReports.biz offers elevating market research worldwide. We have collection of various syndicated reports of different fields. Customers can buys different reports across various categories such as Chemical and Material, Biotechnology, Healthcare, Food and beverages, Automobile and various sectors. Our Website offers safe and secure online ordering experience, convenient payment options.Contact UsFrank Valadez155 North Wacker Drive, Suite 4250Chicago, IL 60606Toll Free: +1-855-918-5551 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +17739042683Web:Email: sales@marketreports.biz
Tire Carbon Black Market 2017-2021: Global Growth, Future Trends, Opportunities & Forecast Report

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Global Tire Carbon Black Market Research Report provides information on Products, Services, Trends, Top Companies, Verticals, Countries, Material, Application, and Geography globally. This report will help the viewer in Better Decision Making ,offers by OrbisResearch.comTire Carbon Black Report by Material, Application, and Geography  Global Forecast to 2021 is a professional and in-depth research report on the world's major regional market conditions, focusing on the main regions (North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific) and the main countries (United States, Germany, united Kingdom, Japan, South Korea and China).The report firstly introduced the Tire Carbon Black basics: definitions, classifications, applications and market overview; product specifications; manufacturing processes; cost structures, raw materials and so on. Then it analyzed the world's main region market conditions, including the product price, profit, capacity, production, supply, demand and market growth rate and forecast etc. In the end, the report introduced new project SWOT analysis, investment feasibility analysis, and investment return analysis.Request a sample of Global Tire Carbon Black Market Research Report @The report includes six parts, dealing with: Basic information The Asia Tire Carbon Black Market The North American Tire Carbon Black Market The European Tire Carbon Black Market Market entry and investment feasibility The report conclusionBrowse the full Global Tire Carbon Black Industry Research Report @Some of the points from table of content:Part I Tire Carbon Black Industry OverviewChapter One Tire Carbon Black Industry Overview1.1 Tire Carbon Black Definition1.2 Tire Carbon Black Classification Analysis1.2.1 Tire Carbon Black Main Classification Analysis1.2.2 Tire Carbon Black Main Classification Share Analysis1.3 Tire Carbon Black Application Analysis1.3.1 Tire Carbon Black Main Application Analysis1.3.2 Tire Carbon Black Main Application Share Analysis1.4 Tire Carbon Black Industry Chain Structure Analysis1.5 Tire Carbon Black Industry Development Overview1.5.1 Tire Carbon Black Product History Development Overview1.5.1 Tire Carbon Black Product Market Development Overview1.6 Tire Carbon Black Global Market Comparison Analysis1.6.1 Tire Carbon Black Global Import Market Analysis1.6.2 Tire Carbon Black Global Export Market Analysis1.6.3 Tire Carbon Black Global Main Region Market Analysis1.6.4 Tire Carbon Black Global Market Comparison Analysis1.6.5 Tire Carbon Black Global Market Development Trend AnalysisChapter Two Tire Carbon Black Up and Down Stream Industry Analysis2.1 Upstream Raw Materials Analysis2.1.1 Upstream Raw Materials Price Analysis2.1.2 Upstream Raw Materials Market Analysis2.1.3 Upstream Raw Materials Market Trend2.2 Down Stream Market Analysis2.1.1 Down Stream Market Analysis2.2.2 Down Stream Demand Analysis2.2.3 Down Stream Market Trend AnalysisPart II Asia Tire Carbon Black Industry (The Report Company Including the Below Listed But Not All)Chapter Three Asia Tire Carbon Black Market Analysis3.1 Asia Tire Carbon Black Product Development History3.2 Asia Tire Carbon Black Competitive Landscape Analysis3.3 Asia Tire Carbon Black Market Development TrendChapter Four 2012-2017 Asia Tire Carbon Black Productions Supply Sales Demand Market Status and Forecast4.1 2012-2017 Tire Carbon Black Capacity Production Overview4.2 2012-2017 Tire Carbon Black Production Market Share Analysis4.3 2012-2017 Tire Carbon Black Demand Overview4.4 2012-2017 Tire Carbon Black Supply Demand and Shortage4.5 2012-2017 Tire Carbon Black Import Export Consumption4.6 2012-2017 Tire Carbon Black Cost Price Production Value Gross MarginThe Report Contains: 163 Pages.Make an enquire of this reportAbout Us:Orbis Research (orbisresearch.com) is a single point aid for all your market research requirements. We have vast database of reports from the leading publishers and authors across the globe. We specialize in delivering customized reports as per the requirements of our clients. We have complete information about our publishers and hence are sure about the accuracy of the industries and verticals of their specialization. This helps our clients to map their needs and we produce the perfect required market research study for our clients.Contact Us:Hector CostelloSenior Manager  Client Engagements4144N Central Expressway,Suite 600, Dallas,Texas - 75204, U.S.A.Phone No.: +1 (214) 884-6817; +912064101019Follow Us on LinkedIn:Follow us on Twitter:Follow us on G+ :
Global Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) Catheter Market Research Report 2016- Abbott Laboratories, Inc, Boston Scientific Corporation, Cook Medical, Inc.

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Qyresearchreports include new market research report "Global Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) Catheter Market Research Report 2016" to its huge collection of research reports.This examination looks at the global Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) Catheter market in a persistent way by explaining the main features of the market that are relied upon to hold a sizeable impact on its improvements over the given time frame. The key drivers of the market's development, restrictions, and patterns affecting the global Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) Catheter market are surveyed in extraordinary detail, notwithstanding a subjective and quantitative examination relating to the anticipated effect of these elements on its development prospects sooner rather than later.The vast volumes of data on the Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) Catheter by and large makes it an intense undertaking to take it down to the exceptionally significant bits of data and the genuine bits applicable to the present business issues in the market. Many organizations are additionally known to not have the fundamental committed assets and aptitude for taking up an illustrative statistical surveying in view of recorded information. Centered statistical surveying procedures can help these associations in framing clearer thoughts on their business systems and gather significant stakes in the market.Get sample report @A sweeping volume of information concerning the basic components of the Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) Catheter that can impact its extent of development is given in the report. The report in this manner makes for an exceptionally useful review and can successfully permit organizations and their leads in tending to the main difficulties that  as of now  control the market, and deliberately increase greatest conceivable advantages inside the profoundly focused market scene.The report likewise gives data on the current improvements in items and innovations as currently visible in the market, alongside an examination of the general impact that these progressions may have on any future advancements. The report likewise offers its clients a 360-degree examination of the competitive situation in the Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) Catheter. This is legitimate for organizations of all sizes and development levels inside the worldwide Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) Catheter market and helps different associations get a handle on the main dangers and openings that sellers regularly need to manage.Browse full table of contents and data tables of Report @Table of ContentGlobal Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) Catheter Market Research Report 20161 Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) Catheter Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) Catheter1.2 Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) Catheter Segment by Type1.2.1 Global Production Market Share of Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) Catheter by Type in 20151.2.2 20MHz1.2.3 30MHz1.2.4 Others1.3 Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) Catheter Segment by Application1.3.1 Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) Catheter Consumption Market Share by Application in 20151.3.2 Coronary heart disease1.3.3 Diagnosis and treatment of peripheral vascular disease1.3.4 Others1.4 Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) Catheter Market by Region1.4.1 North America Status and Prospect (2011-2021)1.4.2 Europe Status and Prospect (2011-2021)1.4.3 China Status and Prospect (2011-2021)1.4.4 Japan Status and Prospect (2011-2021)1.4.5 Southeast Asia Status and Prospect (2011-2021)1.4.6 India Status and Prospect (2011-2021)1.5 Global Market Size (Value) of Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) Catheter (2011-2021)2 Global Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) Catheter Market Competition by Manufacturers2.1 Global Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) Catheter Production and Share by Manufacturers (2015 and 2016)2.2 Global Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) Catheter Revenue and Share by Manufacturers (2015 and 2016)2.3 Global Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) Catheter Average Price by Manufacturers (2015 and 2016)2.4 Manufacturers Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) Catheter Manufacturing Base Distribution, Sales Area and Product Type2.5 Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) Catheter Market Competitive Situation and Trends2.5.1 Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) Catheter Market Concentration Rate2.5.2 Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) Catheter Market Share of Top 3 and Top 5 Manufacturers2.5.3 Mergers & Acquisitions, Expansion3 Global Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) Catheter Production, Revenue (Value) by Region (2011-2016)3.1 Global Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) Catheter Production by Region (2011-2016)3.2 Global Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) Catheter Production Market Share by Region (2011-2016)3.3 Global Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) Catheter Revenue (Value) and Market Share by Region (2011-2016)3.4 Global Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) Catheter Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2011-2016)3.5 North America Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) Catheter Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2011-2016)3.6 Europe Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) Catheter Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2011-2016)3.7 China Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) Catheter Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2011-2016)3.8 Japan Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) Catheter Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2011-2016)3.9 Southeast Asia Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) Catheter Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2011-2016)3.10 India Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) Catheter Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2011-2016)4 Global Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) Catheter Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by Regions (2011-2016)4.1 Global Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) Catheter Consumption by Regions (2011-2016)4.2 North America Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) Catheter Production, Consumption, Export, Import by Regions (2011-2016)4.3 Europe Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) Catheter Production, Consumption, Export, Import by Regions (2011-2016)4.4 China Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) Catheter Production, Consumption, Export, Import by Regions (2011-2016)4.5 Japan Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) Catheter Production, Consumption, Export, Import by Regions (2011-2016)4.6 Southeast Asia Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) Catheter Production, Consumption, Export, Import by Regions (2011-2016)4.7 India Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) Catheter Production, Consumption, Export, Import by Regions (2011-2016)5 Global Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) Catheter Production, Revenue (Value), Price Trend by Type5.1 Global Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) Catheter Production and Market Share by Type (2011-2016)5.2 Global Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) Catheter Revenue and Market Share by Type (2011-2016)5.3 Global Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) Catheter Price by Type (2011-2016)5.4 Global Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) Catheter Production Growth by Type (2011-2016)6 Global Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) Catheter Market Analysis by Application6.1 Global Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) Catheter Consumption and Market Share by Application (2011-2016)6.2 Global Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) Catheter Consumption Growth Rate by Application (2011-2016)6.3 Market Drivers and Opportunities6.3.1 Potential Applications6.3.2 Emerging Markets/CountriesAbout UsQYReseachReports.com delivers the latest strategic market intelligence to build a successful business footprint in China. Our syndicated and customized research reports provide companies with vital background information of the market and in-depth analysis on the Chinese trade and investment framework, which directly affects their business operations. Reports from QYReseachReports.com feature valuable recommendations on how to navigate in the extremely unpredictable yet highly attractive Chinese market.Contact Us1820 AvenueM Suite #1047Brooklyn, NY 11230United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Web:Email: sales@qyresearchreports.com
Application Security Market 2017 - Trustwave, VERACODE, Synopsys, WhiteHat Security

Application Security Market

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MarketReports.biz, recently published a detailed market research study focused on the "Application Security Market" across the global, regional and country level. The report provides 360 analysis of "Application Security Market" from view of manufacturers, regions, product types and end industries. The research report analyses and provides the historical data along with current performance of the global Application Security industry, and estimates the future trend of Application Security market on the basis of this detailed study. The study shares "Application Security Market" performance both in terms of volume and revenue.Get Free Sample Copy of Report Here:Top Manufacturers Analysis of This ReportTrustwaveVERACODESynopsysWhiteHat SecurityOptivAccentureDenim GroupApplicureEntersoftSecurity InnovationAspect SecurityBlack Duck SoftwareIBMRedspinFortinetARXANThe market research report explores the Application Security market across the globe along with major regions and countries. The research report provides a detailed study on each and every aspect of "Application Security Market". The research report studies the entire value chain from raw material to end user industries. The report also shares import/export statistics along with production and consumption for all major regions and countries. Moreover, the research study classifies the Application Security market based on major product types, application and end users industries of Application Security. Besides, the report also covers geographical segmentation for Application Security market. The report further provides production, capacity, price per region, gross margin, production cost, for all major regions and countries listed in report.The competitive landscape of the global market for Application Security is determined by assessing the major industry participants, production capacity, production capacity utilization rate, Application Security market's production chain, pricing by each manufacturer and the revenue generated by each manufacturer in the Application Security market globally.Enquire Before Buying @The worldwide Application Security market 2017 is further analyzed on the basis of product pricing, Application Security production volume, data pertaining to demand and Application Security supply, and the revenue garnered by the product. The report provides upstream and downstream analysis covering major raw material used in manufacturing of Application Security along with detailed manufacturing sources. The report also shares list of major raw material manufacturers along with their manufacturing locations. Detailed raw material price trend analysis along with manufacturing cost analysis is also incorporated into the report. Various methodical tools such as investment returns, feasibility, SWOT analysis and market attractiveness analysis has been implemented in the research study to present a comprehensive, detailed study of the industry for Application Security across the world.About UsMarketReports.biz offers elevating market research worldwide. We have collection of various syndicated reports of different fields. Customers can buys different reports across various categories such as Chemical and Material, Biotechnology, Healthcare, Food and beverages, Automobile and various sectors. Our Website offers safe and secure online ordering experience, convenient payment options.Contact UsFrank Valadez155 North Wacker Drive, Suite 4250Chicago, IL 60606Toll Free: +1-855-918-5551 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +17739042683Web:Email: sales@marketreports.biz
Global PIN Diode Market - Global Industry Analysis, Segments, Major Geographies and Current Market Forecasts 2022

PIN Diode

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According to this report, the global PIN Diode market will grow 3.58 percent to $1.760 billion in 2017. M/A-COM, Vishay and Infineon captured the top three revenue share spots in the PIN Diode market in 2016. M/A-COM dominated with 11.61 percent revenue share, followed by Vishay with 9.39 percent revenue share and Infineon with 9.12 percent revenue share.Get Free Sample Copy of this Report @Scope of the Report:This report focuses on the PIN Diode in Global market, especially in North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa. This report categorizes the market based on manufacturers, regions, type and application.Market Segment by Manufacturers, this report covers:M/A-COMVishayInfineonAVAGONXPROHMON SemiconductorQorvoRenesasAlbisSkyworksToshibaFairchildCOBHAMMicrosemiLRCLASER COMPONENTSLITECKexinMicro CommercialGeneSiCShikeMarket Segment by Regions, regional analysis covers:North America (USA, Canada and Mexico)Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia and Italy)Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia)South America (Brazil, Argentina, Columbia etc.)Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa)Market Segment by Type, covers:RF PIN DiodePIN PhotodiodePIN Switch DiodeOthersMarket Segment by Applications, can be divided into:RF SwitchPhotodetectorHigh Voltage RectifierAttenuatorsRF LimitersOthersBrowse full report with Table of Content @There are 15 Chapters to deeply display the global PIN Diode market.Chapter 1, to describe PIN Diode Introduction, product scope, market overview, market opportunities, market risk, market driving force;Chapter 2, to analyze the top manufacturers of PIN Diode, with sales, revenue, and price of PIN Diode, in 2016 and 2017;Chapter 3, to display the competitive situation among the top manufacturers, with sales, revenue and market share in 2016 and 2017;Chapter 4, to show the global market by regions, with sales, revenue and market share of PIN Diode, for each region, from 2012 to 2017;Chapter 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9, to analyze the key regions, with sales, revenue and market share by key countries in these regions;Chapter 10 and 11, to show the market by type and application, with sales market share and growth rate by type, application, from 2012 to 2017;Chapter 12, PIN Diode market forecast, by regions, type and application, with sales and revenue, from 2017 to 2022;Chapter 13, 14 and 15, to describe PIN Diode sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers, Research Findings and Conclusion, appendix and data sourceCheck for discount @Some points from TOC:-1 Market Overview1.1 PIN Diode Introduction1.2 Market Analysis by Type1.2.1 RF PIN Diode1.2.2 PIN Photodiode1.2.3 PIN Switch Diode1.2.4 Others1.3 Market Analysis by Applications1.3.1 RF Switch1.3.2 Photodetector1.3.3 High Voltage Rectifier1.3.4 Attenuators1.3.5 RF Limiters1.3.6 Others1.4 Market Analysis by Regions1.4.1 North America (USA, Canada and Mexico)1.4.1.1 USA Market States and Outlook (2012-2022)1.4.1.2 Canada Market States and Outlook (2012-2022)1.4.1.3 Mexico Market States and Outlook (2012-2022)1.4.2 Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia and Italy)1.4.2.1 Germany Market States and Outlook (2012-2022)1.4.2.2 France Market States and Outlook (2012-2022)1.4.2.3 UK Market States and Outlook (2012-2022)1.4.2.4 Russia Market States and Outlook (2012-2022)1.4.2.5 Italy Market States and Outlook (2012-2022)1.4.3 Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia)1.4.3.1 China Market States and Outlook (2012-2022)1.4.3.2 Japan Market States and Outlook (2012-2022)1.4.3.3 Korea Market States and Outlook (2012-2022)1.4.3.4 India Market States and Outlook (2012-2022)1.4.3.5 Southeast Asia Market States and Outlook (2012-2022)1.4.4 South America, Middle East and Africa1.4.4.1 Brazil Market States and Outlook (2012-2022)1.4.4.2 Egypt Market States and Outlook (2012-2022)1.4.4.3 Saudi Arabia Market States and Outlook (2012-2022)1.4.4.4 South Africa Market States and Outlook (2012-2022)1.4.4.5 Nigeria Market States and Outlook (2012-2022)1.5 Market Dynamics1.5.1 Market Opportunities1.5.2 Market Risk1.5.3 Market Driving Force2 Manufacturers Profiles2.1 M/A-COM2.1.1 Business Overview2.1.2 PIN Diode Type and Applications2.1.2.1 Type 12.1.2.2 Type 2Enquiry Before Buying@About Us:GIR Market Research is a company that simplifies how analysts and decision makers get industry data for their business. Our unique colossal technology has been developed to offer refined search capabilities designed to exploit the long tail of free market research whilst eliminating irrelevant results. GIR Market Research is the collection of market intelligence products and services on the Web. We offer reports and update our collection daily to provide you with instant online access to the worlds most complete and current database of expert insights on global industries, companies, products, and trends.Contact us:John+1-888-376-9998 (US)Email- sales@globalinforeports.com
Global Functional Food Ingredients Sales Market Key Trends, Size, Growth, Shares And Forecast Research Report 2017

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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Global Functional Food Ingredients Sales Market Report 2017" to its huge collection of research reports.This report studies sales (consumption) of Functional Food Ingredients in Global market, especially in United States, China, Europe and Japan, focuses on top players in these regions/countries, with sales, price, revenue and market share for each player in these regions, coveringDuPontArcher Daniels Midland (ADM)Kerry GroupAssociated British FoodsBASFIngredionTate & Lyle...Market Segment by Regions, this report splits Global into several key Regions, with sales (consumption), revenue, market share and growth rate of Functional Food Ingredients in these regions, from 2011 to 2021 (forecast), likeUnited StatesChinaEuropeJapanSoutheast AsiaIndiaSplit by product Types, with sales, revenue, price and gross margin, market share and growth rate of each type, can be divided intoProteinVitaminMineralPrebiotic & ProbioticHydrocolloidSplit by applications, this report focuses on sales, market share and growth rate of Functional Food Ingredients in each application, can be divided intoEnergy / Sport NutritionalImmune Support and SupplementDigestive HealthHealthy Food or SnackingOtherTo Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Table of ContentsGlobal Functional Food Ingredients Sales Market Report 20171 Functional Food Ingredients Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Functional Food Ingredients1.2 Classification of Functional Food Ingredients1.2.1 Protein1.2.2 Vitamin1.2.3 Mineral1.2.4 Prebiotic & Probiotic1.2.5 Hydrocolloid1.3 Application of Functional Food Ingredients1.3.1 Energy / Sport Nutritional1.3.2 Immune Support and Supplement1.3.3 Digestive Health1.3.4 Healthy Food or Snacking1.3.5 Other1.4 Functional Food Ingredients Market by Regions1.4.1 United States Status and Prospect (2011-2021)1.4.2 China Status and Prospect (2011-2021)1.4.3 Europe Status and Prospect (2011-2021)1.4.4 Japan Status and Prospect (2011-2021)1.4.5 Southeast Asia Status and Prospect (2011-2021)1.4.6 India Status and Prospect (2011-2021)1.5 Global Market Size (Value and Volume) of Functional Food Ingredients (2011-2021)1.5.1 Global Functional Food Ingredients Sales and Growth Rate (2011-2021)1.5.2 Global Functional Food Ingredients Revenue and Growth Rate (2011-2021)2 Global Functional Food Ingredients Competition by Manufacturers, Type and Application2.1 Global Functional Food Ingredients Market Competition by Manufacturers2.1.1 Global Functional Food Ingredients Sales and Market Share of Key Manufacturers (2011-2016)2.1.2 Global Functional Food Ingredients Revenue and Share by Manufacturers (2011-2016)2.2 Global Functional Food Ingredients (Volume and Value) by Type2.2.1 Global Functional Food Ingredients Sales and Market Share by Type (2011-2016)2.2.2 Global Functional Food Ingredients Revenue and Market Share by Type (2011-2016)2.3 Global Functional Food Ingredients (Volume and Value) by Regions2.3.1 Global Functional Food Ingredients Sales and Market Share by Regions (2011-2016)2.3.2 Global Functional Food Ingredients Revenue and Market Share by Regions (2011-2016)2.4 Global Functional Food Ingredients (Volume) by Application3 United States Functional Food Ingredients (Volume, Value and Sales Price)3.1 United States Functional Food Ingredients Sales and Value (2011-2016)3.1.1 United States Functional Food Ingredients Sales and Growth Rate (2011-2016)3.1.2 United States Functional Food Ingredients Revenue and Growth Rate (2011-2016)3.1.3 United States Functional Food Ingredients Sales Price Trend (2011-2016)3.2 United States Functional Food Ingredients Sales and Market Share by Manufacturers3.3 United States Functional Food Ingredients Sales and Market Share by Type3.4 United States Functional Food Ingredients Sales and Market Share by Application4 China Functional Food Ingredients (Volume, Value and Sales Price)4.1 China Functional Food Ingredients Sales and Value (2011-2016)4.1.1 China Functional Food Ingredients Sales and Growth Rate (2011-2016)4.1.2 China Functional Food Ingredients Revenue and Growth Rate (2011-2016)4.1.3 China Functional Food Ingredients Sales Price Trend (2011-2016)4.2 China Functional Food Ingredients Sales and Market Share by Manufacturers4.3 China Functional Food Ingredients Sales and Market Share by Type4.4 China Functional Food Ingredients Sales and Market Share by Application5 Europe Functional Food Ingredients (Volume, Value and Sales Price)5.1 Europe Functional Food Ingredients Sales and Value (2011-2016)5.1.1 Europe Functional Food Ingredients Sales and Growth Rate (2011-2016)5.1.2 Europe Functional Food Ingredients Revenue and Growth Rate (2011-2016)5.1.3 Europe Functional Food Ingredients Sales Price Trend (2011-2016)5.2 Europe Functional Food Ingredients Sales and Market Share by Manufacturers5.3 Europe Functional Food Ingredients Sales and Market Share by Type5.4 Europe Functional Food Ingredients Sales and Market Share by Application6 Japan Functional Food Ingredients (Volume, Value and Sales Price)6.1 Japan Functional Food Ingredients Sales and Value (2011-2016)6.1.1 Japan Functional Food Ingredients Sales and Growth Rate (2011-2016)6.1.2 Japan Functional Food Ingredients Revenue and Growth Rate (2011-2016)6.1.3 Japan Functional Food Ingredients Sales Price Trend (2011-2016)6.2 Japan Functional Food Ingredients Sales and Market Share by Manufacturers6.3 Japan Functional Food Ingredients Sales and Market Share by Type6.4 Japan Functional Food Ingredients Sales and Market Share by ApplicationMake an Enquiry of this report @About ResearchMozResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.Mr. NachiketState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesEmail: sales@researchmoz.usWebsite @Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Follow us on LinkedIn @
Global Healthcare BPO Sales Market Report 2017 | Now Available at Researchmoz.us

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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Global Healthcare BPO Sales Market Report 2017" to its huge collection of research reports.This report studies the Healthcare BPO market status and outlook of global and major regions, from angles of players, regions, product types and end industries; this report analyzes the top players in global and major regions, and splits the Healthcare BPO market by product type and applications/end industries.The global Healthcare BPO market is valued at XX million USD in 2016 and is expected to reach XX million USD by the end of 2022, growing at a CAGR of XX% between 2016 and 2022.The Asia-Pacific will occupy for more market share in following years, especially in China, also fast growing India and Southeast Asia regions.North America, especially The United States, will still play an important role which cannot be ignored. Any changes from United States might affect the development trend of Healthcare BPO.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Europe also play important roles in global market, with market size of xx million USD in 2016 and will be xx million USD in 2022, with a CAGR of XX.The major players in global market include Accenture, AR Logix, Inc, Arise Virtual Solutions, Cognizant, Concentrix, EXL, Finnastra, Flatworld Solutions Pvt. Ltd, Genpact, HCL Technologies Limited, HGS Ltd, Infosys Limited, Invensis Technologies Pvt Ltd, Marlabs, MedSpecialized, NTT Data, Taskforce BPO, LLC.Geographically, this report is segmented into several key regions, with sales, revenue, market share (%) and growth Rate (%) of Healthcare BPO in these regions, from 2012 to 2022 (forecast), coveringUSAChinaEuropeJapanIndiaSoutheast AsiaOn the basis of product, the Healthcare BPO market is primarily split intoMedical Coding ServicesMedical Billing ServiceMembership ServiceMedicare ServicesMedical Animation ServicesPharmaceutical ServicesOthersOn the basis on the end users/applications, this report coversHospitalDental ClinicsPublic ServiceOthersTable of ContentsGlobal Healthcare BPO Sales Market Report 20171 Healthcare BPO Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Healthcare BPO1.2 Classification of Healthcare BPO by Product Category1.2.1 Global Healthcare BPO Sales (K Units) and Growth (%) Comparison by Types (2012-2022)1.2.2 Global Healthcare BPO Sales Market Share (%) by Types in 20161.2.3 Medical Coding Services1.2.4 Medical Billing Service1.2.5 Membership Service1.3 Global Healthcare BPO Market by Applications/End Users1.3.1 Global Healthcare BPO Sales (K Units) Comparison by Applications (2012-2022)1.3.2 Hospital1.3.3 Dental Clinics1.3.4 Public Service1.3.5 Others1.3.6 Application 51.4 Global Healthcare BPO Market by Regions1.4.1 Global Healthcare BPO Revenue (Million USD) Comparison by Regions (2012-2022)1.4.2 United States Healthcare BPO Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.3 China Healthcare BPO Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.4 Europe Healthcare BPO Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.5 Japan Healthcare BPO Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.6 Southeast Asia Healthcare BPO Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.7 India Healthcare BPO Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.5 Global Healthcare BPO Sales and Revenue (2012-2022)1.5.1 Global Healthcare BPO Sales (K Units) and Growth Rate (%) (2012-2022)1.5.2 Global Healthcare BPO Revenue (Million USD) and Growth Rate (2012-2022)2 Global Healthcare BPO Competition by Players, Type and Application2.1 Global Healthcare BPO Market Competition by Players2.1.1 Global Healthcare BPO Sales (K Units) and Market Share (%) of Key Players (2012-2017)2.1.2 Global Healthcare BPO Revenue (Million USD) and Share by Players (2012-2017)2.2 Global Healthcare BPO Sales and Revenue by Type2.2.1 Global Healthcare BPO Sales (K Units) and Market Share (%) by Type (2012-2017)2.2.2 Global Healthcare BPO Revenue (Million USD) and Market Share (%) by Type (2012-2017)2.3 Global Healthcare BPO Sales and Revenue by Regions2.3.1 Global Healthcare BPO Sales (K Units) and Market Share (%) by Regions (2012-2017)2.3.2 Global Healthcare BPO Revenue and Market Share (%) by Regions (2012-2017)2.4 Global Healthcare BPO Sales by Application3 USA Healthcare BPO (Sales, Revenue and Price)3.1 USA Healthcare BPO Sales and Revenue (2012-2017)3.1.1 USA Healthcare BPO Sales (K Units) and Growth Rate (%) (2012-2017)3.1.2 USA Healthcare BPO Revenue (Million USD) and Growth Rate (2012-2017)3.1.3 USA Healthcare BPO Price (USD/Unit) Trend (2012-2017)3.2 USA Healthcare BPO Sales (K Units) and Market Share (%) by Players3.3 USA Healthcare BPO Sales (K Units) and Market Share (%) by Type3.4 USA Healthcare BPO Sales (K Units) and Market Share (%) by Applications4 China Healthcare BPO (Sales, Revenue and Price)4.1 China Healthcare BPO Sales and Revenue (2012-2017)4.1.1 China Healthcare BPO Sales (K Units) and Growth Rate (2012-2017)4.1.2 China Healthcare BPO Revenue (Million USD) and Growth Rate (2012-2017)4.1.3 China Healthcare BPO Price (USD/Unit) Trend (2012-2017)4.2 China Healthcare BPO Sales (K Units) and Market Share (%) by Players4.3 China Healthcare BPO Sales (K Units) and Market Share (%) by Type4.4 China Healthcare BPO Sales (K Units) and Market Share (%) by Applications5 Europe Healthcare BPO (Sales, Revenue and Price)5.1 Europe Healthcare BPO Sales (K Units) and Value (2012-2017)5.1.1 Europe Healthcare BPO Sales (K Units) and Growth Rate (2012-2017)5.1.2 Europe Healthcare BPO Revenue (Million USD) and Growth Rate (2012-2017)5.1.3 Europe Healthcare BPO Price (USD/Unit) Trend (2012-2017)5.2 Europe Healthcare BPO Sales (K Units) and Market Share (%) by Players5.3 Europe Healthcare BPO Sales (K Units) and Market Share (%) by Type5.4 Europe Healthcare BPO Sales (K Units) and Market Share (%) by ApplicationsMake an Enquiry of this report @About ResearchMozResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.Mr. NachiketState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesEmail: sales@researchmoz.usWebsite @Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Follow us on LinkedIn @
Europe Online Accounting Software Market Key Trends, Size, Growth, Shares And Forecast Research Report 2017

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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Europe Online Accounting Software Market Report 2017" to its huge collection of research reports.This report studies sales (consumption) of Online Accounting Software in Europe market, especially in Germany, France, UK, Russia, Italy, Spain and Benelux, focuses on top players in these countries, with sales, price, revenue and market share for each player in these Countries, coveringIntuitSageSAPOracle(NetSuite)MicrosoftInforEpicorWorkdayUnit4XeroYonyouKingdeeAcclivityFreshBooksIntacctAssit cornerstoneAplicorRed wingTo Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Market Segment by Countries, this report splits Europe into several key Countries, with sales (consumption), revenue, market share and growth rate of Online Accounting Software in these countries, from 2011 to 2021 (forecast), likeGermanyFranceUKRussiaItalySpainBeneluxSplit by product type, with sales, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, can be divided intoC/S(Client/Server)B/S(Browser/Server)Split by application, this report focuses on sales, market share and growth rate of Online Accounting Software in each application, can be divided intoManufacturingServicesRetailTable of ContentsEurope Online Accounting Software Market Report 20171 Online Accounting Software Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Online Accounting Software1.2 Classification of Online Accounting Software1.2.1 C/S(Client/Server)1.2.2 B/S(Browser/Server)1.3 Application of Online Accounting Software1.3.1 Manufacturing1.3.2 Services1.3.3 Retail1.4 Online Accounting Software Market by Countries1.4.1 Germany Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.2 France Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.3 UK Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.4 Russia Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.5 Italy Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.6 Spain Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.7 Benelux Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.5 Europe Market Size (Value and Volume) of Online Accounting Software (2012-2022)1.5.1 Europe Online Accounting Software Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2022)1.5.2 Europe Online Accounting Software Revenue and Growth Rate (2012-2022)2 Europe Online Accounting Software by Manufacturers, Type and Application2.1 Europe Online Accounting Software Market Competition by Manufacturers2.1.1 Europe Online Accounting Software Sales and Market Share of Key Manufacturers (2015 and 2016)2.1.2 Europe Online Accounting Software Revenue and Share by Manufacturers (2015 and 2016)2.2 Europe Online Accounting Software (Volume and Value) by Type2.2.1 Europe Online Accounting Software Sales and Market Share by Type (2012-2017)2.2.2 Europe Online Accounting Software Revenue and Market Share by Type (2012-2017)2.3 Europe Online Accounting Software (Volume and Value) by Countries2.3.1 Europe Online Accounting Software Sales and Market Share by Countries (2012-2017)2.3.2 Europe Online Accounting Software Revenue and Market Share by Countries (2012-2017)2.4 Europe Online Accounting Software (Volume) by Application3 Germany Online Accounting Software (Volume, Value and Sales Price)3.1 Germany Online Accounting Software Sales and Value (2012-2017)3.1.1 Germany Online Accounting Software Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2017)3.1.2 Germany Online Accounting Software Revenue and Growth Rate (2012-2017)3.1.3 Germany Online Accounting Software Sales Price Trend (2012-2017)3.2 Germany Online Accounting Software Sales and Market Share by Manufacturers3.3 Germany Online Accounting Software Sales and Market Share by Type3.4 Germany Online Accounting Software Sales and Market Share by Application4 France Online Accounting Software (Volume, Value and Sales Price)4.1 France Online Accounting Software Sales and Value (2012-2017)4.1.1 France Online Accounting Software Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2017)4.1.2 France Online Accounting Software Revenue and Growth Rate (2012-2017)4.1.4 France Online Accounting Software Sales Price Trend (2012-2017)4.2 France Online Accounting Software Sales and Market Share by Manufacturers4.3 France Online Accounting Software Sales and Market Share by Type4.4 France Online Accounting Software Sales and Market Share by Application5 UK Online Accounting Software (Volume, Value and Sales Price)5.1 UK Online Accounting Software Sales and Value (2012-2017)5.1.1 UK Online Accounting Software Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2017)5.1.2 UK Online Accounting Software Revenue and Growth Rate (2012-2017)5.1.5 UK Online Accounting Software Sales Price Trend (2012-2017)5.2 UK Online Accounting Software Sales and Market Share by Manufacturers5.3 UK Online Accounting Software Sales and Market Share by Type5.4 UK Online Accounting Software Sales and Market Share by Application6 Russia Online Accounting Software (Volume, Value and Sales Price)6.1 Russia Online Accounting Software Sales and Value (2012-2017)6.1.1 Russia Online Accounting Software Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2017)6.1.2 Russia Online Accounting Software Revenue and Growth Rate (2012-2017)6.1.6 Russia Online Accounting Software Sales Price Trend (2012-2017)6.2 Russia Online Accounting Software Sales and Market Share by Manufacturers6.3 Russia Online Accounting Software Sales and Market Share by Type6.4 Russia Online Accounting Software Sales and Market Share by ApplicationMake an Enquiry of this report @About ResearchMozResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.Mr. NachiketState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesEmail: sales@researchmoz.usWebsite @Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Follow us on LinkedIn @
Global Endovascular Aneurysm Repair (EVAR) Market Key Trends, Size, Growth, Shares And Forecast Research Report 2015

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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Global Endovascular Aneurysm Repair (EVAR) Market Report: 2015 Edition" to its huge collection of research reports.An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a localized bulging or abnormal enlargement of the abdominal aorta (the largest artery in the human body), most often the infrarenal and aorto-iliac arteries. AAAs occur most often in Caucasian males over the age of 65 years; they are less common in women.Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) is a minimally invasive alternative to major open surgery for the repair of AAA's that results in reduced recovery times and potentially improved survival rates. It is a type of endovascular surgery used to treat pathology of the aorta, most commonly an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Endovascular procedures aim to reduce the morbidity and mortality of treating arterial disease in a patient population that is increasingly older and less fit than when major open repairs were developed and popularized.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Growing numbers of geriatric population and associated expenditure for health care, steadily increasing cases of AAA screening worldwide are likely to fuel growth over the coming years. Postoperative complications like Endoleaks and migration is the biggest challenge faced by the industry. Also the growing number of regulations posed by regulatory authorities like FDA restricts the industry players. Some of the trends impacting the market include ongoing clinical studies, growing use of percutaneous EVAR, preferences for various AAA repair methods, and technological developments.This report assesses the global EVAR market in terms of both market volume and market value on the global and regional level. The increasing competition in the EVAR industry has been analyzed on a variety of factors: revenue, surgical outcomes, postoperative procedures and complications. The top three companies having a vicious competition with each other and dominating the EVAR industry are- Medtronic, TriVascular and Lombard Medical. These players are being profiled in the report along with their key financials and strategies for growth.Table of Content1. Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)1.1 Overview1.1.1 Signs & Symptoms1.1.2 Diagnosis-1.1.3 Management1.2 Global Market Analysis- Market Penetration- Market Segmentation1.3 Regional Market Comparison1.3.1 On the Basis of Diagnosed Cases & Procedures Performed-- United States- Europe1.3.2 On the Basis of Prevalence by Gender- United States- Europe1.3.3 On the Basis of Prevalence by Population-- United States- Europe1.3.4 On the Basis of Procedure Mix- United States- Europe2. Endovascular Aneurysm Repair (EVAR)2.1 Overview2.1.1 Medical Applications-2.1.2 Adjunctive Procedures-2.1.3 Techniques-2.1.4 Complications2.2 Global Market Analysis-- Market Value (Actual & Forecasted)- Regional Breakdown (Actual & Forecasted)- Price Trend of Market Segments2.3 Regional Markets2.3.1 The US-- Market Value- Procedure Share2.3.2 Europe- Market Value- Procedure Share2.3.3 Rest of the World-- Market Value- Procedure Share3. Market Dynamics3.1 Growth Drivers3.1.1 Ageing Population-3.1.2 Increased AAA screening-3.1.3 Suitability with Age Groups-3.2.4 Rising Healthcare Expenditure3.2 Key Trends and Developments3.2.1 Clinical Studies & Publications-3.2.2 Growing Adoption for PEVAR-3.2.3 Procedural Characteristics-3.2.4 Technological Developments3.3 Challenges3.3.1 Rising Chances of Endoleaks-3.3.2 Stringent RegulationsMake an Enquiry of this report @About ResearchMozResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.Mr. NachiketState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesEmail: sales@researchmoz.usWebsite @Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Follow us on LinkedIn @
Global Behavioral Health Software Market Size, Status and Forecast 2022 - NextGen Healthcare, Allscripts, CureMD, Mediware

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Qyresearchreports include new market research report "Global Behavioral Health Software Market Size, Status and Forecast 2022" to its huge collection of research reports.The Behavioral Health Software has been expressively dissected in this statistical surveying that has been added to our frequently growing industry knowledge arrangement. The archive takes after an arrangement that gives a careful and scientific diagram of the Behavioral Health Software and moreover inspects the main sections, compelling components, and market components that administer the development rate of the market and its competitive and regional scenes.The report offers to its clients an all-encompassing 360-degree point of view of the Behavioral Health Software from the back to front, starting with the core values of the mechanical components, then proceeding onward to the examination of information on the different perspectives including as industry chain structure, groupings, industry diagram, arrangements, applications, and late advancements.Fill the form for an exclusive sample of this report @The data offered in the report has been accumulated through the assistance of various essential and auxiliary research strategies. Quantitative and subjective information appraisal for key market sections on the regional and the aggregate worldwide front have also been given in the report. The gigantic archives of information that have been sifted through by industry-best investigative techniques will give to the user the points of interest that matter the most.The report also gives a portrayal of the administrative situation of the Behavioral Health Software and gives points of interest relating to the more prominent arrangements, approaches, controls, and decides in that effect the numerous business related choices in the market. A point by point outline of the competitive scene of the Behavioral Health Software has additionally been given in the report, wherein itemized business profiles, SWOT examination, and numerous different insights about a portion of the real sellers in the market are incorporated.Fill the form to gain deeper insights on this market @Table of ContentsGlobal Behavioral Health Software Market Size, Status and Forecast 20221 Industry Overview of Behavioral Health Software1.1 Behavioral Health Software Market Overview1.1.1 Behavioral Health Software Product Scope1.1.2 Market Status and Outlook1.2 Global Behavioral Health Software Market Size and Analysis by Regions1.2.1 United States1.2.2 EU1.2.3 Japan1.2.4 China1.2.5 India1.2.6 Southeast Asia1.3 Behavioral Health Software Market by Type1.3.1 Ownership Model1.3.2 Subscription Model1.4 Behavioral Health Software Market by End Users/Application1.4.1 Hospitals1.4.2 Clinics1.4.3 Residential1.4.4 Other2 Global Behavioral Health Software Competition Analysis by Players2.1 Behavioral Health Software Market Size (Value) by Players (2016 and 2017)2.2 Competitive Status and Trend2.2.1 Market Concentration Rate2.2.2 Product/Service Differences2.2.3 New Entrants2.2.4 The Technology Trends in Future3 Company (Top Players) Profiles3.1 Cerner Corporation3.1.1 Company Profile3.1.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.1.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.1.4 Behavioral Health Software Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.1.5 Recent Developments3.2 Epic Systems3.2.1 Company Profile3.2.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.2.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.2.4 Behavioral Health Software Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.2.5 Recent Developments3.3 Netsmart Technologies3.3.1 Company Profile3.3.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.3.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.3.4 Behavioral Health Software Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.3.5 Recent Developments3.4 NextGen Healthcare3.4.1 Company Profile3.4.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.4.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.4.4 Behavioral Health Software Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.4.5 Recent Developments3.5 Allscripts3.5.1 Company Profile3.5.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.5.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.5.4 Behavioral Health Software Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.5.5 Recent Developments3.6 CureMD3.6.1 Company Profile3.6.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.6.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.6.4 Behavioral Health Software Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.6.5 Recent Developments3.7 Mediware3.7.1 Company Profile3.7.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.7.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.7.4 Behavioral Health Software Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.7.5 Recent Developments3.8 Kareo3.8.1 Company Profile3.8.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.8.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.8.4 Behavioral Health Software Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.8.5 Recent Developments3.9 EMIS Health3.9.1 Company Profile3.9.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.9.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.9.4 Behavioral Health Software Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.9.5 Recent Developments3.10 Credible3.10.1 Company Profile3.10.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.10.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.10.4 Behavioral Health Software Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.10.5 Recent Developments3.11 Qualifacts3.12 Core Solutions3.13 THE ECHO GROUP3.14 Careworks3.15 Askesis Development3.16 MindLinc3.17 Welligent3.18 Valant Medical3.19 psHEALTH3.20 iCareHealth3.21 Accumedic3.22 BestNotesAbout UsQYReseachReports.com delivers the latest strategic market intelligence to build a successful business footprint in China. Our syndicated and customized research reports provide companies with vital background information of the market and in-depth analysis on the Chinese trade and investment framework, which directly affects their business operations. Reports from QYReseachReports.com feature valuable recommendations on how to navigate in the extremely unpredictable yet highly attractive Chinese market.Contact Us1820 AvenueM Suite #1047Brooklyn, NY 11230United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Web:Email: sales@qyresearchreports.com
Global Prostate Cancer Therapeutics Drugs Market Size, Status and Forecast 2022 - Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer, Inc, AstraZeneca

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Qyresearchreports include new market research report "Global Prostate Cancer Therapeutics Drugs Market Size, Status and Forecast 2022" to its huge collection of research reports.This examination looks at the global Prostate Cancer Therapeutics Drugs market in a persistent way by explaining the main features of the market that are relied upon to hold a sizeable impact on its improvements over the given time frame. The key drivers of the market's development, restrictions, and patterns affecting the global Prostate Cancer Therapeutics Drugs market are surveyed in extraordinary detail, notwithstanding a subjective and quantitative examination relating to the anticipated effect of these elements on its development prospects sooner rather than later.The vast volumes of data on the Prostate Cancer Therapeutics Drugs by and large makes it an intense undertaking to take it down to the exceptionally significant bits of data and the genuine bits applicable to the present business issues in the market. Many organizations are additionally known to not have the fundamental committed assets and aptitude for taking up an illustrative statistical surveying in view of recorded information. Centered statistical surveying procedures can help these associations in framing clearer thoughts on their business systems and gather significant stakes in the market.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @A sweeping volume of information concerning the basic components of the Prostate Cancer Therapeutics Drugs that can impact its extent of development is given in the report. The report in this manner makes for an exceptionally useful review and can successfully permit organizations and their leads in tending to the main difficulties that  as of now  control the market, and deliberately increase greatest conceivable advantages inside the profoundly focused market scene.The report likewise gives data on the current improvements in items and innovations as currently visible in the market, alongside an examination of the general impact that these progressions may have on any future advancements. The report likewise offers its clients a 360-degree examination of the competitive situation in the Prostate Cancer Therapeutics Drugs. This is legitimate for organizations of all sizes and development levels inside the worldwide Prostate Cancer Therapeutics Drugs market and helps different associations get a handle on the main dangers and openings that sellers regularly need to manage.For more information on this report, fill the form @Table of ContentGlobal Prostate Cancer Therapeutics Drugs Market Size, Status and Forecast 20221 Industry Overview of Prostate Cancer Therapeutics Drugs1.1 Prostate Cancer Therapeutics Drugs Market Overview1.1.1 Prostate Cancer Therapeutics Drugs Product Scope1.1.2 Market Status and Outlook1.2 Global Prostate Cancer Therapeutics Drugs Market Size and Analysis by Regions1.2.1 United States1.2.2 EU1.2.3 Japan1.2.4 China1.2.5 India1.2.6 Southeast Asia1.3 Prostate Cancer Therapeutics Drugs Market by Type1.3.1 Hormone Therapy1.3.2 Chemotherapy1.3.3 Biologic Therapy1.3.4 Targeted Therapy1.3.5 Other1.4 Prostate Cancer Therapeutics Drugs Market by End Users/Application1.4.1 Hospital Pharmacy1.4.2 Retail Pharmacy1.4.3 Online Sales1.4.4 Other2 Global Prostate Cancer Therapeutics Drugs Competition Analysis by Players2.1 Prostate Cancer Therapeutics Drugs Market Size (Value) by Players (2016 and 2017)2.2 Competitive Status and Trend2.2.1 Market Concentration Rate2.2.2 Product/Service Differences2.2.3 New Entrants2.2.4 The Technology Trends in Future3 Company (Top Players) Profiles3.1 Johnson & Johnson3.1.1 Company Profile3.1.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.1.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.1.4 Prostate Cancer Therapeutics Drugs Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.1.5 Recent Developments3.2 Pfizer, Inc3.2.1 Company Profile3.2.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.2.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.2.4 Prostate Cancer Therapeutics Drugs Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.2.5 Recent Developments3.3 AstraZeneca3.3.1 Company Profile3.3.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.3.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.3.4 Prostate Cancer Therapeutics Drugs Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.3.5 Recent Developments3.4 Amgen, Inc3.4.1 Company Profile3.4.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.4.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.4.4 Prostate Cancer Therapeutics Drugs Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.4.5 Recent Developments3.5 AbbVie, Inc3.5.1 Company Profile3.5.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.5.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.5.4 Prostate Cancer Therapeutics Drugs Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.5.5 Recent Developments3.6 Bayer AG3.6.1 Company Profile3.6.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.6.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.6.4 Prostate Cancer Therapeutics Drugs Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.6.5 Recent Developments3.7 Ipsen Group3.7.1 Company Profile3.7.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.7.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.7.4 Prostate Cancer Therapeutics Drugs Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.7.5 Recent Developments3.8 Sanofi3.8.1 Company Profile3.8.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.8.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.8.4 Prostate Cancer Therapeutics Drugs Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.8.5 Recent Developments3.9 Endo Pharmaceuticals3.9.1 Company Profile3.9.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.9.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.9.4 Prostate Cancer Therapeutics Drugs Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.9.5 Recent Developments3.10 Dendreon Corporation3.10.1 Company Profile3.10.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.10.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.10.4 Prostate Cancer Therapeutics Drugs Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.10.5 Recent Developments4 Global Prostate Cancer Therapeutics Drugs Market Size by Type and Application (2012-2017)4.1 Global Prostate Cancer Therapeutics Drugs Market Size by Type (2012-2017)4.2 Global Prostate Cancer Therapeutics Drugs Market Size by Application (2012-2017)4.3 Potential Application of Prostate Cancer Therapeutics Drugs in Future4.4 Top Consumer/End Users of Prostate Cancer Therapeutics Drugs5 United States Prostate Cancer Therapeutics Drugs Development Status and Outlook5.1 United States Prostate Cancer Therapeutics Drugs Market Size (2012-2017)5.2 United States Prostate Cancer Therapeutics Drugs Market Size and Market Share by Players (2016 and 2017)6 EU Prostate Cancer Therapeutics Drugs Development Status and Outlook6.1 EU Prostate Cancer Therapeutics Drugs Market Size (2012-2017)6.2 EU Prostate Cancer Therapeutics Drugs Market Size and Market Share by Players (2016 and 2017)About UsQYReseachReports.com delivers the latest strategic market intelligence to build a successful business footprint in China. Our syndicated and customized research reports provide companies with vital background information of the market and in-depth analysis on the Chinese trade and investment framework, which directly affects their business operations. Reports from QYReseachReports.com feature valuable recommendations on how to navigate in the extremely unpredictable yet highly attractive Chinese market.Contact Us1820 AvenueM Suite #1047Brooklyn, NY 11230United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Web:Email: sales@qyresearchreports.com
Overall Telecom Service Revenue In Cameroon Will Grow At A CAGR Of 10.6% During 2016-2021

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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Cameroon: Mobile Market to Fuel Overall Telecom Growth as Operators Focus on Network Expansion and VAS" to its huge collection of research reports."Cameroon: Mobile Market to Fuel Overall Telecom Growth as Operators Focus on Network Expansion and VAS", is a new Country Intelligence Report by GlobalData, provides an executive-level overview of the telecommunications market in Cameroon today, with detailed forecasts of key indicators up to 2021. Published annually, the report provides detailed analysis of the near-term opportunities, competitive dynamics and evolution of demand by service type and technology/platform across the fixed telephony, broadband, and mobile, as well as a review of key regulatory trends.In 2016, Cameroon generated telecom service revenue of $1.1bn (equivalent to 3.5% of nominal GDP), an increase of 6.2% since 2015, primarily due to the growth in the mobile segment. The mobile market continues to be the largest contributor to the overall market revenue, accounting for 82.5% of overall telecom revenue in 2016. Mobile voice remained the major revenue-contributing segment in 2016, accounting for 64.3% of total service revenue. Mobile data will be the fastest revenue-contributing segment through 2021, driven by operators investments in 3G and 4G network expansion as well as growing adoption of mobile broadband services. Government and operator focus on improving fixed Internet penetration via submarine cables and fiber-optic expansion will improve broadaband connectivity in the country.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @The Country Intelligence Report provides in-depth analysis of the following -- Regional context: telecom market size and trends in Cameroon compared with other countries in the region.- Economic, demographic and political context in Cameroon.- The regulatory environment and trends: a review of the regulatory setting and agenda for the next 18-24 months as well as relevant developments pertaining to spectrum licensing, national broadband plans, number portability and more.- A demand profile: analysis as well as historical figures and forecasts of service revenue from the fixed telephony, broadband, mobile voice, and mobile data markets.- Service evolution: a look at changes in the breakdown of overall revenue between the fixed and mobile sectors and between voice, data and video from 2016 to 2021.- The competitive landscape: an examination of key trends in competition and in the performance, revenue market shares and expected moves of service providers over the next 18-24 months.- In-depth sector analysis of fixed telephony, broadband, mobile voice, and mobile data services: a quantitative analysis of service adoption trends by network technology and by operator, as well as of average revenue per line/subscription and service revenue through the end of the forecast period.- Main opportunities: this section details the near-term opportunities for operators, vendors and investors in Cameroon's telecommunications markets.Scope- Overall telecom service revenue in Cameroon will grow at a CAGR of 10.6% during 2016-2021, mainly driven by growth in the mobile voice and data segments.- Mobile services revenue will account for 90.1% of the total telecom service revenue in 2021; mobile data will witness a CAGR of 22.7% during 2016-2021.- The top two operators, MTN Cameroon and Orange Cameroon, which both provide mobile voice and data services, accounted for 72.1% of overall service revenue in 2016. Operators will continue to focus on expanding their 3G/4G network coverage and service quality to remain competitive.- Over the next five years, operators should seize opportunities arising from increased demand for data services. Operators are focusing on 3G/4G network expansion and offering VAS to drive additional revenue, which presents opportunities for vendors and investors.Reasons to buy- This Country Intelligence Report offers a thorough, forward-looking analysis of Cameroon's telecommunications markets, service providers and key opportunities in a concise format to help executives build proactive and profitable growth strategies.- Accompanying GlobalDatas Forecast products, the report examines the assumptions and drivers behind ongoing and upcoming trends in Cameroon's mobile communications, fixed telephony, broadband markets, including the evolution of service provider market shares.- With more than 20 charts and tables, the report is designed for an executive-level audience, boasting presentation quality.- The report provides an easily digestible market assessment for decision-makers built around in-depth information gathered from local market players, which enables executives to quickly get up to speed with the current and emerging trends in Cameroon's telecommunications markets.- The broad perspective of the report coupled with comprehensive, actionable detail will help operators, equipment vendors and other telecom industry players succeed in the challenging telecommunications market in Cameroon.Make an Enquiry of this report @About ResearchMozResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.Mr. NachiketState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesEmail: sales@researchmoz.usWebsite @Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Follow us on LinkedIn @
Uveal Melanoma Market By Analysis of Major Industry Segments 2024

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Global Uveal Melanom Market: OverviewUvea is present posterior to sclera and the cornea and has three parts namely, iris, ciliary body and choroid. Uveal melanoma is referred as the cancer of the parts of eye including the iris choroid and ciliray body. It is the condition in which the tumors arise from the melanocytes residing within the uva responsible for the color of the eye. Though is a rare condition, it is most common type of intraocular malignancy in adults. The uveal melanoma treatment depends on various factors most important being the size of the tumor. This type of melanoma is completely asymptomatic in the initial stages. On enlargement of tumor with time, certain changes may be observed such as distortion of pupil, decreased visibility due to secondary retinal detachment and blurred vision. Risk factors for this kind of cancer include fair complexion, blue, and green or light colored eyes, and older age. The role of inherited genetic mutation in uveal melanoma is yet unknown. According to the American Cancer Society, about nine of 10 melanomas of the eye develop in the choroid. The society also reports about 2,730 new cases in 2014 of uveal melanoma in the U.S.Obtain Report Details:Global Uveal Melanom Market: Segment OutlookThe global uveal melanoma market can be segmented based on diagnostic tests, therapy type, location type and geography. Location type can be further classified as iris melanoma, choroid melanoma and ciliary melanoma. Primary treatment involves enucleation i.e. removal of the affected eye. However this has now been replaced by radiation therapies such as plaque brachytherapy in the developed countries. Other types of treatment include external beam proton therapy, transpupillary thermotherapy, surgical resection techniques (transretinal endoresection and trans-scleral partial choroidectomy), gamma knife stereotactic surgery and also combination of these modalities. For small size tumors, the treatment available includes photocoagulation, photodynamic therapy, and local resection. The selection of appropriate treatment largely depends on the size and location of the tumor; associated ocular findings; the status of the fellow eye; and individual factors, including age, life expectancy, quality of life issues, concurrent systemic diseases and patient expectations.Diagnosis of uveal melanoma consists of careful examination of the eye by an experienced clinician. Clinical manifestations include tumor thickness more than 2 mm, sub retinal fluid, and orange pigment on the tumor surface. Various ancillary diagnostic tests include ultrasonography, high resolution ultrasound biomicroscopy, indocyanine green angiography, fluorescein angiography and oclular coherence tomography. Eye exams include ophthalmoscopy, slit-lamp biomicrocopy and gonioscopy. Eye examination is carried out by dilation of pupil with the help of medicated drops allowing doctors to visualize the parts of eye clearly through lens. Biopsy is a rarely used diagnostic test for intraocular melanoma. Regular eye examinations by an ophthalmologist are the best way to find uveal melanoma early, when chances for successful treatment are the highest.Fill the form for an exclusive sample of this report:Global Uveal Melanom Market: TrendsThe treatment for such metastasis disease is continuously demanding more research to determine the most effective, and life saving treatments. Extensive research is being carried out in areas of immunotherapy and targeted therapy. Ipilimumab is one such example of immunotherapy shown to help people with advanced melanoma to boost the overall immunity; however its benefits are still under clinical trials for eye melanoma. Other similar drugs under investigation include nivolumab and lambrolizumab. Selumetinib is an example of targeted drug known to slow down the growth of eye melanoma. Other targeted drugs under investigation include vemurafenib, dabrafenib and trametinib amongst various others. Astra Zeneca plc, Eli Lilly & Co., Pfizer, Inc. Novartis AG, and Spectrum Pharmaceuticals, Inc., are few key players contributing to the global uveal melanoma market.The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth qualitative insights, historical data, and verifiable projections about market size. The projections featured in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions. By doing so, the research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology, types, and applications.Transparency Market Research (TMR) is a U.S.-based provider of syndicated research, customized research, and consulting services. TMRs global and regional market intelligence coverage includes industries such as pharmaceutical, chemicals and materials, technology and media, food and beverages, and consumer goods, among others. Each TMR research report provides clients with a 360-degree view of the market with statistical forecasts, competitive landscape, detailed segmentation, key trends, and strategic recommendations.Contact us:Transparency Market Research90 State Street,Suite 700,AlbanyNY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Global Ship Exhaust Gas Scrubber Sales Market Report 2017 - Key Industry Associations

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Geographically, this report split global into several key Regions, with sales (K Units), revenue (Million USD), market share and growth rate of Ship Exhaust Gas Scrubber for these regions, from 2012 to 2022 (forecast), coveringUnited StatesChinaEuropeJapanSoutheast AsiaIndiaGlobal Ship Exhaust Gas Scrubber market competition by top manufacturers/players, with Ship Exhaust Gas Scrubber sales volume, Price (USD/Unit), revenue (Million USD) and market share for each manufacturer/player; the top players includingWartsilaAlfa LavalDuPontYaraSaackePuyier...On the basis of product, this report displays the sales volume (K Units), revenue (Million USD), product price (USD/Unit), market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoOpen Loop ScrubbersClosed Loop ScrubbersHybrid ScrubbersOn the basis on the end users/applications, this report focuses on the status and outlook for major applications/end users, sales volume, market share and growth rate of Ship Exhaust Gas Scrubber for each application, includingCommercial ShipsIndustrial ShipsBook a Free Sample Copy of this Research Report @Table of Contents1 Ship Exhaust Gas Scrubber Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Ship Exhaust Gas Scrubber1.2 Classification of Ship Exhaust Gas Scrubber by Product Category1.2.1 Global Ship Exhaust Gas Scrubber Market Size (Sales) Comparison by Type (2012-2022)1.2.2 Global Ship Exhaust Gas Scrubber Market Size (Sales) Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20161.2.3 Open Loop Scrubbers1.2.4 Closed Loop Scrubbers1.2.5 Hybrid Scrubbers1.3 Global Ship Exhaust Gas Scrubber Market by Application/End Users1.3.1 Global Ship Exhaust Gas Scrubber Sales (Volume) and Market Share Comparison by Application (2012-2022)1.3.2 Commercial Ships1.3.3 Industrial Ships2 Global Ship Exhaust Gas Scrubber Competition by Players/Suppliers, Type and Application2.1 Global Ship Exhaust Gas Scrubber Market Competition by Players/Suppliers2.1.1 Global Ship Exhaust Gas Scrubber Sales and Market Share of Key Players/Suppliers (2012-2017)2.1.2 Global Ship Exhaust Gas Scrubber Revenue and Share by Players/Suppliers (2012-2017)2.2 Global Ship Exhaust Gas Scrubber (Volume and Value) by Type2.2.1 Global Ship Exhaust Gas Scrubber Sales and Market Share by Type (2012-2017)2.2.2 Global Ship Exhaust Gas Scrubber Revenue and Market Share by Type (2012-2017)QYresearchreports.com delivers the latest strategic market intelligence to build a successful business footprint in China. Our syndicated and customized research reports provide companies with vital background information of the market and in-depth analysis on the Chinese trade and investment framework, which directly affects their business operations.QYResearchReports1820 AvenueM Suite #1047Brooklyn, NY 11230United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-618-1030Web:Email: sales@qyresearchreports.com
Familial Adenomatous Polyposis Pipeline Therapeutics Development Market Review 2017

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RnRMarketResearch.com adds Familial Adenomatous Polyposis - Pipeline Review, H1 2017 to its store providing an overview of the Familial Adenomatous Polyposis therapeutic pipeline with comprehensive information on the therapeutic development for Familial Adenomatous Polyposis, complete with comparative analysis at various stages, therapeutics assessment by drug target, mechanism of action (MoA), route of administration (RoA) and molecule type, along with latest updates, and featured news and press releases. It also reviews key players involved in the therapeutic development for Familial Adenomatous Polyposis and special features on late-stage and discontinued projects.Complete report on H1 2017 pipeline review of Familial Adenomatous Polyposis with 180 market data tables and 16 figures, spread across 39 pages is available atThe report also reviews key players involved in the therapeutic development for Familial Adenomatous Polyposis and special features on late-stage and discontinued projects. The report enhances decision making capabilities and help to create effective counter strategies to gain competitive advantage. It strengthens R&D pipelines by identifying new targets and MOAs to produce first-in-class and best-in-class products.Companies discussed in this Familial Adenomatous Polyposis Pipeline Review, H1 2017 report include Cancer Prevention Pharmaceuticals Inc, Marina Biotech Inc, Thetis Pharmaceuticals LLC.You Can Get Discount on This Report At(This report is available at upto 25% Discount till 02 June 2017).Drug Profiles Discussed In Report (celecoxib + lisinopril), (eflornithine hydrochloride + sulindac), CEQ-508, EM-011, pyrvinium pamoate, TP-252.Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is also known as familial polyposis coli, adenomatous polyposis coli, or Gardner syndrome. Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is an inherited disorder characterized by cancer of the large intestine (colon) and rectum. People with the classic type of familial adenomatous polyposis may begin to develop multiple noncancerous (benign) growths (polyps) in the colon as early as their teenage years. Unless the colon is removed, these polyps will become malignant (cancerous). Symptoms may include bleeding from the rectum, change in bowel habits, abdominal pain, low blood counts or unexplained weight loss.Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (Genetic Disorders) pipeline reviews of key players involved in therapeutic development for Familial Adenomatous Polyposis and features dormant and discontinued projects. The molecules developed by Companies in Phase III, Phase II, Phase I, IND/CTA Filed, Preclinical, Discovery and Unknown stages are 1, 1, 2 and 1 respectively. Similarly, the Universities portfolio in Preclinical stages comprises 1 molecule, respectively.Order a purchase copy of this report @Scope of this report: The report provides a snapshot of the global therapeutic landscape of Familial Adenomatous Polyposis and reviews pipeline therapeutics for Familial Adenomatous Polyposis by companies and universities/research institutes based on information derived from company and industry-specific sources and key players involved Familial Adenomatous Polyposis therapeutics and enlists all their major and minor projects. The research covers pipeline products based on various stages of development ranging from pre-registration till discovery and undisclosed stages. The report features descriptive drug profiles for the pipeline products which includes, product description, descriptive MoA, R&D brief, licensing and collaboration details & other developmental activities and assesses Familial Adenomatous Polyposis therapeutics based on drug target, mechanism of action (MoA), route of administration (RoA) and molecule type. The report summarizes all the dormant and discontinued pipeline projects with latest news related to pipeline therapeutics for Familial Adenomatous Polyposis.List of TablesNumber of Products under Development for Familial Adenomatous Polyposis, H1 2017Number of Products under Development by Companies, H1 2017Number of Products under Development by Universities/Institutes, H1 2017Products under Development by Companies, H1 2017Products under Development by Universities/Institutes, H1 2017Number of Products by Stage and Target, H1 2017Number of Products by Stage and Mechanism of Action, H1 2017Number of Products by Stage and Route of Administration, H1 2017Number of Products by Stage and Molecule Type, H1 2017Familial Adenomatous Polyposis - Pipeline by Cancer Prevention Pharmaceuticals Inc, H1 2017Familial Adenomatous Polyposis - Pipeline by Marina Biotech Inc, H1 2017Familial Adenomatous Polyposis - Pipeline by Thetis Pharmaceuticals LLC, H1 2017Familial Adenomatous Polyposis - Dormant Projects, H1 2017Familial Adenomatous Polyposis - Discontinued Products, H1 2017About Us:RnRMarketResearch.com is your single source for all market research needs. Our database includes 500,000+ market research reports from over 100+ leading global publishers & in-depth market research studies of over 5000 micro markets. With comprehensive information about the publishers and the industries for which they publish market research reports, we help you in your purchase decision by mapping your information needs with our huge collection of reports.Contact:Ritesh TiwariUNIT no 802, Tower no. 7, SEZMagarpatta city, HadapsarPune - 411013Maharashtra, India.Tel: +1-888-391-5441sales@rnrmarketresearch.comRnRMarketResearch.com is your single source for all market research needs. Our database includes 500,000+ market research reports from over 100+ leading global publishers & in-depth market research studies of over 5000 micro markets. With comprehensive information about the publishers and the industries for which they publish market research reports, we help you in your purchase decision by mapping your information needs with our huge collection of reports.Ritesh TiwariUNIT no 802, Tower no. 7, SEZMagarpatta city, HadapsarPune - 411013Maharashtra, India.Tel: +1-888-391-5441sales@rnrmarketresearch.com
Global R410A Market 2017 - Chemours (DuPont), Honeywell, Mexichem, Arkema, Juhua Group, Meilan

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R410A, comprising R-32 and R-125, is the leading HFC refrigerant for replacing R-22 in positive displacement residential and light commercial air-conditioning and heat pump systems. It has higher cooling capacity and significantly higher pressure than R-22 and should be used only in systems specifically designed for R-410A.Scope of the Report:This report focuses on the R410A in Global market, especially in North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa. This report categorizes the market based on manufacturers, regions, type and application.Request For Sample Report @Market Segment by Manufacturers, this report coversChemours (DuPont)HoneywellMexichemArkemaThe Linde GroupJuhua GroupDongyue FederationMeilanHuaan New MaterialSinochemLimin ChemicalsBailian ChemicalSINOLOONGFEY YUAN CHEMICALGemeifu Chemical IndustryXilong GroupSanmeiMarket Segment by Regions, regional analysis coversNorth America (USA, Canada and Mexico)Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia and Italy)Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia)South America (Brazil, Argentina, Columbia etc.)Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa)Market Segment by Type, coversQualified GradeExcellent GradeAccess Full Report With TOC @Market Segment by Applications, can be divided intoIndustrial & Commercial Air ConditioningResidential Air ConditioningOthersThere are 15 Chapters to deeply display the global R410A market.Chapter 1, to describe R410A Introduction, product scope, market overview, market opportunities, market risk, market driving force;Chapter 2, to analyze the top manufacturers of R410A, with sales, revenue, and price of R410A, in 2016 and 2017;Chapter 3, to display the competitive situation among the top manufacturers, with sales, revenue and market share in 2016 and 2017;Chapter 4, to show the global market by regions, with sales, revenue and market share of R410A, for each region, from 2012 to 2017;Chapter 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9, to analyze the key regions, with sales, revenue and market share by key countries in these regions;Chapter 10 and 11, to show the market by type and application, with sales market share and growth rate by type, application, from 2012 to 2017;Chapter 12, R410A market forecast, by regions, type and application, with sales and revenue, from 2017 to 2022;Chapter 13, 14 and 15, to describe R410A sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers, Research Findings and Conclusion, appendix and data source.About Fior MarketsFior Markets is a leading market intelligence company that sells reports of top publishers in the technology industry.Our extensive research reports cover detailed market assessments that include major technological improvements in the industry. Fior Markets also specializes in analyzing hi-tech systems and current processing systems in its expertise.We have a team of experts that compile precise research reports and actively advise top companies to improve their existing processes. Our experts have extensive experience in the topics that they cover.Contact UsMark StoneSales ManagerPhone: (201) 465-4211Email: sales@fiormarkets.comWeb:Blog:
Oat Gum Market Driven by Inclination of Masses towards Products Rich in Fibre Content Meals

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Global Oat Gum Market: OverviewOat gum is a natural polysaccharides, produced from oats and used as an emulsifying, gelling and thickening agent. Oat gum can be prepared by processed oat grains, crushed, rolled or steel-cut to make coarse oatmeal. Oat gums were extracted either by ultrafiltration, dialysis, or alcoholic precipitation on medium and pilot study plant. The primary component of oat gum is beta glucan. Oat gum is good protein source as oat bran is high in nutritional value with a good blend of fibres and essential amino acids. Various applications of oat gum include application as Oatmeal are mostly cooked by heating and adding water or milk to form porridge and consumed as breakfast in most of the countries. Oats gums are also used as a binding ingredient in variety of products such as oatmeal cookies, oatcakes, and baked oatmeal dessert dishes, porridge preparations and others food and non-food uses of the oat gum include as a food thickening agent, an ice cream stabilizing agent, in textile industry, also has medicinal uses.Obtain Report Details @Global Oat Gum Market: Drivers and RestraintsThe global oat gum market is increasing in line with growing breakfast industry, inclination of masses towards products rich in fibre content meals, gluten free, sugar free, less cooking time, which is intended to changing food habits among consumers in different countries. Oat gum is used as a thickening agent and the hypcholestrolemic property makes oat gum one of the major staple food across the globe, preferred by the health conscious consumers. In APEJ region, since the diabetic population is high, oat gum finds profound application as an alternative as it leads to low blood glucose level and has hypocholestrolemic action. High concentrations of oat gum may result in flatulence and bloating, owing to oat gum fermentation by the intestinal micro flora, which restricts its adoption among consumers. This might result in sluggish growth of the oat gum market.Global Oat Gum Market: SegmentationOn the basis of application, oat gum market is segmented into:-BeveragesBiscuits and cakesBreadCereals and BarsSauces and DressingsShakesSmoothiesSoupsSupplementsFill the form for an exclusive sample of this report @On the basis of product type, Oat Gum Market is segmented into:-Whole oat grainsSteel cut oatsRegular rolled oatsInstant rolled oatsOn the basis of properties, oat gum market is segmented into:-Thickening AgentsEmulsifying agentBinding agentIce cream StabilizerOn the basis of distribution channel, Oat Gum Market is segmented into:-Convenience storesDepartmental StoresSuper market/Hyper marketSpecialty retail storesGlobal Oat Gum Market: Region wise OutlookThe global oat gum Market is divided into seven regions, namely Latin America, North America, Asia Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ), Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Japan and Middle East and Africa (MEA). Among all these regions, North American region is the major consumer of the oat gum followed by APEJ region. In APEJ, India and china and in Western Europe market Nordic nations are expected to record significant contribution to the overall oat gum market in term of revenue. Further, Latin America and Japan are expected to show significantly robust growth rate, which is attributed to due to changing eating habits and inclination towards healthy protein-fibre rich breakfast meals among consumers.Global Oat Gum Market: Key PlayersSome of the prominent players identified in the global oat market includes:Quaker Oats CompanyThe Kellogg CompanyBagrry's India Ltd.General Mills, Inc.Nestle S.A.McDougall's Right Foods.McCannsAbbott NutritionConAgra FoodsABF Grain Products Limited.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Asia-Pacific Office Furniture Market Report 2017 & Its Including Factors Bene,Sedus Stoll,Martela

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Geographically, this report split Asia-Pacific into several key Regions, with sales (K Units), revenue (Million USD), market share and growth rate of Office Furniture for these regions, from 2012 to 2022 (forecast), includingChinaJapanSouth KoreaTaiwanIndiaSoutheast AsiaAustraliaFor more info, get a Sample PDF with TOC:Asia-Pacific Office Furniture market competition by top manufacturers/players, with Office Furniture sales volume, price, revenue (Million USD) and market share for each manufacturer/player; the top players includingSteelcaseHerman MillerHaworthHNI CorporationOkamura CorporationGlobal GroupKITeknionKnollKinnarps HoldingKimball OfficeKokuyoITOKIUchida YokoVitra HoldingNowy StylGroupe Clestra HausermannIzzy+Lienhard Office GroupKoninkije AhrendUSM HoldingTable of ContentsAsia-Pacific Office Furniture Market Report 20171 Office Furniture Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Office Furniture1.2 Classification of Office Furniture by Product Category1.2.1 Asia-Pacific Office Furniture Market Size (Sales) Comparison by Types (2012-2022)1.2.2 Asia-Pacific Office Furniture Market Size (Sales) Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20161.2.3 Wooden Furniture1.2.4 Metal Furniture1.2.5 Plastic Furniture1.2.6 Other1.3 Asia-Pacific Office Furniture Market by Application/End Users1.3.1 Asia-Pacific Office Furniture Sales (Volume) and Market Share Comparison by Applications (2012-2022)1.3.2 Enterprise1.3.3 Hospitals1.3.4 Schools1.3.5 Other1.4 Asia-Pacific Office Furniture Market by RegionBrowse Press Release of this Research Report:2 Asia-Pacific Office Furniture Competition by Players/Suppliers, Region, Type and Application2.1 Asia-Pacific Office Furniture Market Competition by Players/Suppliers2.1.1 Asia-Pacific Office Furniture Sales Volume and Market Share of Key Players/Suppliers (2012-2017)2.1.2 Asia-Pacific Office Furniture Revenue and Share by Players/Suppliers (2012-2017)2.2 Asia-Pacific Office Furniture (Volume and Value) by Type2.2.1 Asia-Pacific Office Furniture Sales and Market Share by Type (2012-2017)2.2.2 Asia-Pacific Office Furniture Revenue and Market Share by Type (2012-2017)2.3 Asia-Pacific Office Furniture (Volume) by Application2.4 Asia-Pacific Office Furniture (Volume and Value) by Region2.4.1 Asia-Pacific Office Furniture Sales and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)2.4.2 Asia-Pacific Office Furniture Revenue and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)3 China Office Furniture (Volume, Value and Sales Price)3.1 China Office Furniture Sales and Value (2012-2017)3.1.1 China Office Furniture Sales Volume and Growth Rate (2012-2017)3.1.2 China Office Furniture Revenue and Growth Rate (2012-2017)3.1.3 China Office Furniture Sales Price Trend (2012-2017)3.2 China Office Furniture Sales Volume and Market Share by Type3.3 China Office Furniture Sales Volume and Market Share by Application4 Japan Office Furniture (Volume, Value and Sales Price)4.1 Japan Office Furniture Sales and Value (2012-2017)4.1.1 Japan Office Furniture Sales Volume and Growth Rate (2012-2017)4.1.2 Japan Office Furniture Revenue and Growth Rate (2012-2017)4.1.3 Japan Office Furniture Sales Price Trend (2012-2017)4.2 Japan Office Furniture Sales Volume and Market Share by Type4.3 Japan Office Furniture Sales Volume and Market Share by Application5 South Korea Office Furniture (Volume, Value and Sales Price)5.1 South Korea Office Furniture Sales and Value (2012-2017)5.1.1 South Korea Office Furniture Sales Volume and Growth Rate (2012-2017)5.1.2 South Korea Office Furniture Revenue and Growth Rate (2012-2017)5.1.3 South Korea Office Furniture Sales Price Trend (2012-2017)5.2 South Korea Office Furniture Sales Volume and Market Share by Type5.3 South Korea Office Furniture Sales Volume and Market Share by ApplicationQYResearchReports.com is an unimpeachable source of market research data for clients that comprise acclaimed SMEs, Chinese companies, private equity firms, and MNCs. We provide market research reports on various categories such as Energy, Chemicals, Alternative and Green Energy, Manufacturing, Machinery, Pharmaceuticals and Materials, and Glass.1820 AvenueM Suite #1047Brooklyn, NY 11230United States
EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) Flow Transducer Market Report 2017

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Geographically, this report split EMEA into Europe, the Middle East and Africa, With sales (K Units), revenue (Million USD), market share and growth rate of Flow Transducer for these regions, from 2012 to 2022 (forecast)Europe: Germany, France, UK, Russia, Italy and Benelux;Middle East: Saudi Arabia, Israel, UAE and Iran;Africa: South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt and Algeria.EMEA Flow Transducer market competition by top manufacturers/players, with Flow Transducer sales volume (K Units), price (USD/Unit), revenue (Million USD) and market share for each manufacturer/player; the top players includingABBHoneywell InternationalNXPInfineonAnalog Devices IncDelphi AutomotiveMeggitt Sensing SystemsMcMillan CompanyOmega EngineeringMotorola SolutionsAzbil (Yamatake)For more info, get a Sample PDF with TOC:Table of ContentsEMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) Flow Transducer Market Report 20171 Flow Transducer Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Flow Transducer1.2 Classification of Flow Transducer1.2.1 EMEA Flow Transducer Market Size (Sales) Comparison by Type (2012-2022)1.2.2 EMEA Flow Transducer Market Size (Sales) Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20161.2.3 Coriolis Flow Transducer1.2.4 Mass Flow Transducer1.2.5 Ultrasonic Flow Transducer1.2.6 Vortex Flow Transducer1.2.7 Thermal Flow Transducer1.3 EMEA Flow Transducer Market by Application/End Users1.3.1 EMEA Flow Transducer Sales (Volume) and Market Share Comparison by Application (2012-20221.3.2 Automotive1.3.3 Consumer Electronics1.3.4 Environment1.3.5 Medical Devices1.3.6 Others1.4 EMEA Flow Transducer Market by Region1.4.1 EMEA Flow Transducer Market Size (Value) Comparison by Region (2012-2022)1.4.2 Europe Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.3 Middle East Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.4 Africa Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.5 EMEA Market Size (Value and Volume) of Flow Transducer (2012-2022)1.5.1 EMEA Flow Transducer Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2022)1.5.2 EMEA Flow Transducer Revenue and Growth Rate (2012-2022)Browse Press Release of this Research Report:2 EMEA Flow Transducer Competition by Manufacturers/Players/Suppliers, Region, Type and Application2.1 EMEA Flow Transducer Market Competition by Players/Manufacturers2.1.1 EMEA Flow Transducer Sales Volume and Market Share of Major Players (2012-2017)2.1.2 EMEA Flow Transducer Revenue and Share by Players (2012-2017)2.1.3 EMEA Flow Transducer Sale Price by Players (2012-2017)2.2 EMEA Flow Transducer (Volume and Value) by Type/Product Category2.2.1 EMEA Flow Transducer Sales and Market Share by Type (2012-2017)2.2.2 EMEA Flow Transducer Revenue and Market Share by Type (2012-2017)2.2.3 EMEA Flow Transducer Sale Price by Type (2012-2017)2.3 EMEA Flow Transducer (Volume) by Application2.4 EMEA Flow Transducer (Volume and Value) by Region2.4.1 EMEA Flow Transducer Sales and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)2.4.2 EMEA Flow Transducer Revenue and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)2.4.3 EMEA Flow Transducer Sales Price by Region (2012-2017)3 Europe Flow Transducer (Volume, Value and Sales Price), by Players, Countries, Type and Application3.1 Europe Flow Transducer Sales and Value (2012-2017)3.1.1 Europe Flow Transducer Sales Volume and Growth Rate (2012-2017)3.1.2 Europe Flow Transducer Revenue and Growth Rate (2012-2017)3.2 Europe Flow Transducer Sales and Market Share by Type3.3 Europe Flow Transducer Sales and Market Share by Application3.4 Europe Flow Transducer Sales Volume and Value (Revenue) by Countries3.4.1 Europe Flow Transducer Sales Volume by Countries (2012-2017)3.4.2 Europe Flow Transducer Revenue by Countries (2012-2017)3.4.3 Germany Flow Transducer Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2017)3.4.4 France Flow Transducer Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2017)3.4.5 UK Flow Transducer Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2017)3.4.6 Russia Flow Transducer Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2017)3.4.7 Italy Flow Transducer Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2017)3.4.8 Benelux Flow Transducer Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2017)4 Middle East Flow Transducer (Volume, Value and Sales Price), by Region, Type and Application4.1 Middle East Flow Transducer Sales and Value (2012-2017)4.1.1 Middle East Flow Transducer Sales Volume and Growth Rate (2012-2017)4.1.2 Middle East Flow Transducer Revenue and Growth Rate (2012-2017)4.2 Middle East Flow Transducer Sales and Market Share by Type4.3 Middle East Flow Transducer Sales and Market Share by Application4.4 Middle East Flow Transducer Sales Volume and Value (Revenue) by Countries4.4.1 Middle East Flow Transducer Sales Volume by Countries (2012-2017)4.4.2 Middle East Flow Transducer Revenue by Countries (2012-2017)4.4.3 Saudi Arabia Flow Transducer Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2017)4.4.4 Israel Flow Transducer Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2017)4.4.5 UAE Flow Transducer Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2017)4.4.6 Iran Flow Transducer Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2017)5 Africa Flow Transducer (Volume, Value and Sales Price) by Players, Countries, Type and Application5.1 Africa Flow Transducer Sales and Value (2012-2017)5.1.1 Africa Flow Transducer Sales Volume and Growth Rate (2012-2017)5.1.2 Africa Flow Transducer Revenue and Growth Rate (2012-2017)5.2 Africa Flow Transducer Sales and Market Share by Type5.3 Africa Flow Transducer Sales and Market Share by Application5.4 Africa Flow Transducer Sales Volume and Value (Revenue) by CountriesQYResearchReports.com is an unimpeachable source of market research data for clients that comprise acclaimed SMEs, Chinese companies, private equity firms, and MNCs. 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Adaptive Cruise Control System Market Explores New Growth Opportunities By 2015 - 2025

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Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) is a special form of the conventional cruise control systems which is used to maintain and control the speeds of cars and other intelligent vehicles. Adaptive cruise control is an intelligent form of cruise control systems that slows down and speeds up automatically to keep pace with the car in front of you. It dosent make use of any satellite, any roadside infrastructures or any cooperative support from other vehicles, rather it uses sensors and lasers to control the speed of vehicles. The main impact of adaptive cruise control system is on drivers safety as by adjusting the distance between according to the traffic conditions. The overall process is achieved through a radar headway sensor, longitudinal controller and digital signal processor. Adaptive cruise control systems are being enhanced to guide through collision warning capabilities to warn drivers through audio or visual signals that a collision is imminent and that evasive steering is required. Now-a-days, Adaptive cruise control system is often paired with a pre-crash system which alerts the driver and often starts braking. Adaptive cruise control is also known as autonomous cruise control, active cruise control, intelligent cruise control or radar cruise control.Global Adaptive Cruise Control System Market: SegmentationThe Global Adaptive Cruise Control System Market can be segmented on the basis of Geography, Vehicle Type and Technology. On the basis of Geography, the Global Adaptive Cruise Control System Market can be segmented into Asia Pacific, Europe, North America and Latin America. On account of type, the Global Adaptive Cruise Control System Market can be segmented into passenger vehicles and commercial vehicles. Passenger vehicles include luxury cars, mid-range cars and premium cars. Further, considering technology, the Global Adaptive Cruise Control System Market can be segmented into infrared sensors, laser sensors, image sensors, radar sensors and ultrasonic sensors.Request For Report Sample:Global Adaptive Cruise Control System Market: Region-Wise OutlookThe key regions in the field of adaptive cruise control systems are Asia Pacific, Europe, Americas. The Asia Pacific region includes the emerging markets like Thailand, India and China. The factors such as rising demands of premium and luxury cars in such regions are effective to the overall growth of the global adaptive cruise control system market. Europe is the region which is a major market to the product and is home for the major suppliers of adaptive cruise control systems. The key regions in Europe comprises of Germany, France and Italy. The American region comprises of Brazil, Mexico, Canada and others; Brazil and Mexico being the emerging markets of this region.Global Adaptive Cruise Control System Market: DriversThe growth of the global adaptive cruise control system market highly depends on the rising number of accidents due to increase in traffic. Moreover, with the advancement of technology, people tend to be on a safer side and thus are willing to pay to install adaptive cruise control systems and thus are willing to pay. The increasing disposable incomes and greater sales of premium and luxury cars is also a major factor driving the growth of the global adaptive cruise control system market. The increasing use of sensors with the advancement in the technology is another fuelling factor. Moreover, government initiatives to improve fuel efficiencies and safety attributes of vehicles are motivating the manufacturers to apply such integrated systems to ensure safety as well as to comply with the government regulations.Request For TOC:Global Adaptive Cruise Control System Market: ChallengesThe regions with higher intensity of fog, rainfalls and snowfalls are repelling to the adaptive cruise control systems. Regions with such weather conditions make such safety systems inefficient in making and monitoring the speeds of the surrounding objects and vehicles making the owners of the vehicles reluctant to implement such systems. Since each and every manufacturer competes with each other, each manufacturer implements high end safety sensors thus making the car owners difficult to understand the exact operating procedures of the product.Global Adaptive Cruise Control System Market: Key PlayersVarious companies are into manufacturing the adaptive cruise control system market. Some of the key players involved in the global adaptive cruise control system market are Denso Corporation, Magna International Inc., Mando Corporation, Valeo SA, TRW Automotive, Autoliv Inc., Hyundai Mobis Co. Ltd., Robert Bosch GmBH, Delphi Automotive PLC and others.ABOUT US:Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.CONTACT:Future Market Insights616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Lauryl Myristyl Alcohol Market Analysis- Size, Share, Growth, Forecast, Segment, Application Analysis To 2022

Lauryl Myristyl Alcohol

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The Global Lauryl Myristyl Alcohol Market Research Report 2017 renders deep perception of the key regional market status of the Lauryl Myristyl Alcohol Industry on a Global level that primarily aims the core regions which comprises of continents like Europe, North America, and Asia and the key countries such as United States, Germany, China and Japan.Request for sample of Lauryl Myristyl Alcohol Market research report @The report on Global Lauryl Myristyl Alcohol Market is a professional report which provides thorough knowledge along with complete information pertaining to the Lauryl Myristyl Alcohol industry a propos classifications, definitions, applications, industry chain summary, industry policies in addition to plans, product specifications, manufacturing processes, cost structures, etc.The potential of this industry segment has been rigorously investigated in conjunction with primary market challenges. The present market condition and future prospects of the segment has also been examined. Moreover, key strategies in the market that includes product developments, partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, etc., are discussed. Besides, upstream raw materials and equipment and downstream demand analysis is also conducted.Report Includes:-The report cloaks the market analysis and projection of Lauryl Myristyl Alcohol Market on a regional as well as Global level. The report constitutes qualitative and quantitative valuation by industry analysts, first-hand data, assistance from industry experts along with their most recent verbatim and each industry manufacturers via the market value chain.The research experts have additionally assessed the in general sales and revenue generation of this particular market. In addition, this report also delivers widespread analysis of root market trends, several governing elements and macro-economic indicators, coupled with market improvements as per every segment. Furthermore, the report contains diverse profiles of primary market players of Lauryl Myristyl Alcohol Market.Global Lauryl Myristyl Alcohol market competition by top manufacturers, with production, price, revenue (value) and market share for each manufacturer; the top players includingVVF L.L.C, P&G Chemicals, Lubrizol Corporation, The Dow Chemical Company, Eco green Oleochemicals, Croda International Plc., ...On the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, and market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoKosher, NF, PastillesOn the basis on the end users/applications, this report focuses on the status and outlook for major applications/end users, consumption (sales), market share and growth rate of Lauryl Myristyl Alcohol for each application, includingCosmetics Industry, Automotive Industry, Textile Industry, Petrochemical Industry, OthersDetailed TOC and Charts & Tables of Lauryl Myristyl Alcohol Market Research Report available @The report is generically segmented into six parts and every part aims on the overview of the Lauryl Myristyl Alcohol industry, present condition of the market, feasibleness of the investment along with several strategies and policies. Apart from the definition and classification, the report also discusses the analysis of import and export and describes a comparison of the market that is focused on the trends and development. Along with entire framework in addition to in-depth details, one can prepare and stay ahead of the competitors across the targeted locations.The fact that this market report renders details about the major market players along with their product development and current trends proves to be very beneficial for fresh entrants to comprehend and recognize the industry in an improved manner. The report also enlightens the productions, sales, supply, market condition, demand, growth, and forecast of the Lauryl Myristyl Alcohol industry in the Global markets.Every regions market has been studied thoroughly in this report which deals with the precise information pertaining to the Marketing Channels and novel project investments so that the new entrants as well as the established market players conduct intricate research of trends and analysis in these regional markets. Acknowledging the status of the environment and products up gradation, the market report foretells each and every detail.So as to fabricate this report, complete key details, strategies and variables are examined so that entire useful information is amalgamated together for the understanding and studying the key facts pertaining the Global Lauryl Myristyl Alcohol Industry. The production value and market share in conjunction with the SWOT analysis everything is integrated in this report.Check for Discount @Some points from TOC:-7 Global Lauryl Myristyl Alcohol Manufacturers Profiles/Analysis7.1 VVF L.L.C7.1.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.1.2 Lauryl Myristyl Alcohol Product Category, Application and Specification7.1.2.1 Product A7.1.2.2 Product B7.1.3 VVF L.L.C Lauryl Myristyl Alcohol Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.1.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.2 P&G Chemicals7.2.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.2.2 Lauryl Myristyl Alcohol Product Category, Application and Specification7.2.2.1 Product A7.2.2.2 Product B7.2.3 P&G Chemicals Lauryl Myristyl Alcohol Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.2.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.3 Lubrizol Corporation7.3.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.3.2 Lauryl Myristyl Alcohol Product Category, Application and Specification7.3.2.1 Product A7.3.2.2 Product B7.3.3 Lubrizol Corporation Lauryl Myristyl Alcohol Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.3.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.4 The Dow Chemical Company7.4.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.4.2 Lauryl Myristyl Alcohol Product Category, Application and Specification7.4.2.1 Product A7.4.2.2 Product B7.4.3 The Dow Chemical Company Lauryl Myristyl Alcohol Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.4.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.5 Eco green Oleochemicals7.5.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.5.2 Lauryl Myristyl Alcohol Product Category, Application and Specification7.5.2.1 Product A7.5.2.2 Product B7.5.3 Eco green Oleochemicals Lauryl Myristyl Alcohol Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.5.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.6 Croda International Plc.7.6.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.6.2 Lauryl Myristyl Alcohol Product Category, Application and Specification7.6.2.1 Product A7.6.2.2 Product B7.6.3 Croda International Plc. Lauryl Myristyl Alcohol Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.6.4 Main Business/Business Overview...8 Lauryl Myristyl Alcohol Manufacturing Cost Analysis8.1 Lauryl Myristyl Alcohol Key Raw Materials Analysis8.1.1 Key Raw Materials8.1.2 Price Trend of Key Raw Materials8.1.3 Key Suppliers of Raw Materials8.1.4 Market Concentration Rate of Raw Materials8.2 Proportion of Manufacturing Cost Structure8.2.1 Raw Materials8.2.2 Labor Cost8.2.3 Manufacturing Expenses8.3 Manufacturing Process Analysis of Lauryl Myristyl Alcohol9 Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream Buyers9.1 Lauryl Myristyl Alcohol Industrial Chain Analysis9.2 Upstream Raw Materials Sourcing9.3 Raw Materials Sources of Lauryl Myristyl Alcohol Major Manufacturers in 20159.4 Downstream BuyersEnquiry before Buying @QY Research Groups is a company that simplifies how analysts and decision makers get industry data for their business. Our unique colossal technology has been developed to offer refined search capabilities designed to exploit the long tail of free market research whilst eliminating irrelevant results. QY Research Groups is the collection of market intelligence products and services on the Web. We offer reports and update our collection daily to provide you with instant online access to the world's most complete and current database of expert insights on Global industries, companies, products, and trends.Email- sales@qyresearchgroups.comWeb-Follow Us:LinkedIn | Twitter| Facebook
Polyamide-6 Market Expected To Observer Major Growth By 2026

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Polyamide -6 (PA6) is a semi-crystalline polyamide commonly known as Nylon-6. Polyamide-6 is generally produced by polymerization of caprolacta. The strength, durability and elasticity which it offers is widely appreciated in industries. Properties such as ability to withstand high pressure, temperature and various chemical makes it a highly valued material. These physical and chemical properties makes Polyamide-6 suitable for various application sectors. Of all the Polyamides types produced, Polyamide-6 accounts for approximately more than 60% of worldwide production in terms of volume. The global capacity of Polyamide-6 in 2013 is anticipated to be approximately 6.6 million metric tons.Polyamide -6 Market: Drivers and RestraintsThe major drivers for the global polyamide-6 market is its usage is its wide application sectors such as automotive, electronics & electrical, engineering plastics, packaging, wires & cables, textiles, and films & coating and others. Therefore, increasing demand for the above application sectors is expected to have a positive impact on the market in the coming years. The numerous niche applications for PA6 such as its usage in healthcare & music instruments is expected to positively affect the demand for polyamide 6 (PA6) in the coming years.Though the polyamide-6 (PA6) is regarded as one of the ideal materials for its physical and chemical properties yet some properties such as high shrinkage in molded sections, reaction with strong acids and bases may hamper the selection of PA6. Over specification, such as in automotive industry regarding the safety reasons may drift towards alternative products such as reinforced polypropylene, thereby restraining the growth of PA6. The insufficient flame retardance and significant flammable dripping might affect the use of PA6.Request For Report Sample:Polyamide -6 Market: SegmentationOn the basis of type, the global polyamide-6 market is segmented into:Polyamide-6 (PA6) FiberPolyamide-6 (PA6) ResinOn the basis of application, global Polyamide -6 Market is segmented into:TransportationElectrical and ElectronicsTextileIndustrial ApplicationOthers (includes music, healthcare, coating sector)Polyamide -6 Market: Region Wise OutlookThe consumption of Polyamide-6 is expected to grow at a significant CAGR of more than 5% during the forecast period, globally. Asia Pacific especially China, Japan, Taiwan and India are the major consumers of polyamide-6 since this region offers significant opportunities for Polyamide-6 in various application sectors such as transportation, electrical & electronics, textiles and others. It is estimated that by the end of 2015, China and Taiwan would account for approximately half of the worlds polyamide-6 production in terms of volume. Demand for polyamide-6 in regions such as North America and Latin America is forecasted to grow at a stagnant CAGR.Request For TOC:Polyamide -6 Market: Key PlayersSome of the market participants in the global polyamide-6 (PA6) market are BASF SE, Honeywell International Inc., DuPont, Royal DSM N.V., UBE INDUSTRIES, LTD., Invista, Formosa Plastics Corporation, Gujarat State Fertilizers and Chemicals and others.ABOUT US:Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.CONTACT:Future Market Insights616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Autonomous Vehicles Market Explores New Growth Opportunities By 2016 - 2026

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Autonomous vehicles also known as robot cars are driverless vehicles, controlled by the computer, which is yet to be commercialized in the market. Autonomous vehicles have sensors installed in it, which detects the objects in its surroundings via radar, GPS, lasers and computer vision and chooses the appropriate path and direction. With the increasing road accidents due to human error while driving provides lucrative opportunities for autonomous vehicles over the forecast period, as the autonomous vehicles are comparatively safe when compared with manually controlled vehicles. The autonomous vehicles will also help in reducing the CO2 emissions to the environment. The commercialization of autonomous vehicles will also contribute to the revenue growth of different industries such as, IT, technology and electronics. The use of autonomous vehicles are not limited to passenger cars, it can be used in industrial fleet, construction, public transportation and for agricultural applications. The merits of an autonomous vehicle over manually operated vehicles are, increased fuel efficiency, safety and low emissions among others. Considering the aforementioned factors, the global autonomous vehicles market will project a healthy growth rate over the forecast period.The global autonomous vehicles market is primarily driven by the numerous advantages of an autonomous vehicle such as increased safety reduced driving stress, efficient parking reducing the costs, fuel efficiency, reduced CO2 emissions to the environment and increasing geriatric population will have a positive impact on the global autonomous vehicles market. Apart from the aforementioned factors, the autonomous vehicles will have a positive impact on the economy as a whole. However, the data security concerns might pose as a restrain to the global autonomous vehicles market as the controlling software can be hacked by unauthorized parties, and input spurious information to the system.Request For Report Sample:The global autonomous market is segmented based on level of automation, application and region. Based on automation level, the global autonomous vehicles market can be segmented into Driver Assistance, Partial Automation, Conditional Automation, High Automation and Full Automation. Based on applications, the global autonomous vehicles market can be segmented into Passenger Cars, Public Transportation, Industrial fleet, Construction and Agricultural applicationsBased on the geographic regions, global autonomous vehicles market is segmented into seven key market segments namely North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia Pacific, Japan, and Middle East & Africa. Among the aforementioned regions, the Western Europe market holds the largest share of global autonomous vehicles market, due to the higher adoption of autonomous vehicles in the region. North American market for autonomous vehicles is trailing behind the Western European market. Over the forecast period, China in the Asia-Pacific market will surpass the European as well as American market for autonomous vehicles. The adoption of autonomous vehicle in the developing economies such as Latin America and MEA will be low as compared to other region. Overall, the global autonomous vehicle market will project a healthy CAGR over the forecasted period considering its tremendous advantages over conventional vehicles and impact on environment.Request For TOC:Autonomous Vehicles Market: Key PlayersSome of the key players identified in the global autonomous vehicles market are Google, BMW AG, Mercedes-Benz, Tesla Motors, Audi AG among others.ABOUT US:Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.CONTACT:Future Market Insights616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Global Wearable Market Research Report 2017

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Qyresearchreports include new market research report Global Wearable Market Research Report 2017 to its huge collection of research reports.The report provide profiles of each key players and allows user to develop new strategies based on the information presented. The functioning of the global Wearable market has been carefully scrutinized for the period 2017 to 2022. The report takes into account the current trends in the market and the rate at which developments are progressing in the market. For each category mentioned in the report, the readers receives the information regarding the current status in the market and its shape predicted in the future. The assessment of the market includes various projections and evaluations in the market in terms of value and volume.Enquiry For Discount Visit @The report also provides information on latest developments in the market along with the overall effect of these developments on the market. The use of analytical tools such as Porters five forces analysis and market attractiveness analysis provides a detailed breakdown of the market. The report divides the global Wearable market into different segments such as Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, North America, and rest of the world. In this report each region is encapsulated from the perspective of their product volume, net income and growth opportunities.The product portfolio, strategies, and financial reports of leading companies are analyzed in this report. SWOT analysis is conducted to identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats that these companies forecast to witness during the forecast period. The data is obtained from various trusted sources which includes industry experts and analysts. This report serves as the must have tool for all the companies in the Wearable industry across the world.Table of ContentGlobal Wearable Market Research Report 20171 Wearable Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Wearable1.2 Wearable Segment by Types (Product Category)1.2.1 Global Wearable Output (K Units) and Growth Rate (%) Comparison by Types (2016-2022)1.2.2 Global Wearable Output Market Share (%) by Types in 20161.2.3 Android1.2.4 AsteroidOS1.2.5 WatchOS1.2.6 Tizen1.2.7 Ubuntu Touch1.3 Global Wearable Segment by Applications1.3.1 Global Wearable Consumption Comparison by Applications (2012-2022)1.3.2 Personal Assistance1.3.3 Medical and Health Tracking1.3.4 Fitness1.3.5 GPS1.3.6 Others1.4 Global Wearable Market by Regions (2012-2022)1.4.1 Global Wearable Revenue (Million USD) Comparison by Regions (2012-2022)1.4.2 United States Wearable Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.3 China Wearable Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.4 EU Wearable Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.5 Japan Wearable Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.6 South Korea Wearable Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.7 Taiwan Wearable Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.5 Global Market Size of Wearable (2012-2022)1.5.1 Global Wearable Revenue (Million USD) Status and Outlook (2012-2022)1.5.2 Global Wearable Capacity, Output (K Units) Status and Outlook (2012-2022)Browse Complete Report with TOC @2 Global Wearable Market Competition by Manufacturers2.1 Global Wearable Capacity, Output and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.1.1 Global Wearable Capacity (K Units) and Share (%) by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.1.2 Global Wearable Output (K Units) and Share (%) by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.2 Global Wearable Revenue and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.3 Global Wearable Average Price by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.4 Manufacturers Wearable Manufacturing Base Distribution, Sales Area, Product Types2.5 Wearable Market Competitive Situation and Trends2.5.1 Wearable Market Concentration Rate2.5.2 Wearable Market Share (%) of Top 3 and Top 5 Manufacturers2.5.3 Mergers & Acquisitions, Expansion3 Global Wearable Capacity, Output, Revenue by Regions3.1 Global Wearable Capacity and Market Share by Regions (2012-2017)3.2 Global Wearable Output and Market Share by Regions (2012-2017)3.3 Global Wearable Revenue and Market Share by Regions (2012-2017)3.4 Global Wearable Capacity, Output (K Units), Revenue (Million USD), Price (USD/Unit) and Gross Margin (%) (2012-2017)3.5 United States Wearable Capacity, Output (K Units), Revenue (Million USD), Price (USD/Unit) and Gross Margin (%) (2012-2017)3.6 EU Wearable Capacity, Output (K Units), Revenue (Million USD), Price (USD/Unit) and Gross Margin (%) (2012-2017)3.7 China Wearable Capacity, Output (K Units), Revenue (Million USD), Price (USD/Unit) and Gross Margin (%) (2012-2017)3.8 Japan Wearable Capacity, Output (K Units), Revenue (Million USD), Price (USD/Unit) and Gross Margin (%) (2012-2017)3.9 South Korea Wearable Capacity, Output (K Units), Revenue (Million USD), Price (USD/Unit) and Gross Margin (%) (2012-2017)3.10 Taiwan Wearable Capacity, Output (K Units), Revenue (Million USD), Price (USD/Unit) and Gross Margin (%) (2012-2017)4 Global Wearable Supply (Output), Consumption, Export, Import by Regions4.1 Global Wearable Consumption by Regions (2012-2017)4.2 United States Wearable Output, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)4.3 EU Wearable Output, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)4.4 China Wearable Output, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)4.5 Japan Wearable Output, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)4.6 South Korea Wearable Output, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)4.7 Taiwan Wearable Output, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)5 Global Wearable Output, Revenue, Price Trend by Types5.1 Global Wearable Output (K Units) and Market Share (%) by Types (2012-2017)5.2 Global Wearable Revenue (Million USD) and Market Share (%) by Types (2012-2017)5.3 Global Wearable Price (USD/Unit) by Type (2012-2017)5.4 Global Wearable Output Growth (%) by Type (2012-2017)6 Global Wearable Market Analysis by Applications6.1 Global Wearable Consumption and Market Share by Applications (2012-2017)6.2 Global Wearable Consumption Growth Rate by Applications (2012-2017)7 Global Wearable Manufacturers Profiles/Analysis7.1 Apple7.1.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.1.2 Wearable Product Category, Application and Specification7.1.2.1 Product A7.1.2.2 Product B7.1.3 Apple Wearable Capacity, Output (K Units), Revenue (Million USD), Price (USD/Unit) and Gross Margin (%) (2012-2017)7.1.4 Main Business/Business OverviewQYResearchReports.com is an unimpeachable source of market research data for clients that comprise acclaimed SMEs, Chinese companies, private equity firms, and MNCs. We provide market research reports on various categories such as Energy, Chemicals, Alternative and Green Energy, Manufacturing, Machinery, Pharmaceuticals and Materials, and Glass.1820 AvenueM Suite #1047Brooklyn, NY 11230United States
Explosion Proof Equipment Market Size by Oil & Gas, Mining and Manufacturing Processing Applications 2022

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Global Explosion Proof Equipment Market 2017 report spread across 115 pages gives Market Segment Analysis by Key Manufacturers, Countries, Types and Applications. Explosion Proof equipment is product adopting several types of protection measures to prevent explosions from occurring in hazardous areas such as an unanticipated rise in the energy (chemical, mechanical or nuclear) of the system in an unbridled way accompanied by increase in temperature and release of gases.Complete report is available atScope of the Report:This report focuses on the Global Explosion Proof Equipment market, especially in North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa. This report categorizes the market based on manufacturers, regions, type and application.Market Segment by Manufacturers, this report covers: Eaton, Emerson, R.Stahl Inc., Siemens, Pepperl+Fuchs, Thomas & Betts (ABB), Bartec, GE, Toshiba, WEG, Warom, Wolong, Jiamusi Electric Machine, Dianguang Technology, Feice, Hengtong, Bada Electric, Shlmex, Helon, HuaxiaMarket Segment by Regions, regional analysis covers: North America (USA, Canada and Mexico); Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia and Italy); Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia); South America (Brazil, Argentina, Columbia etc.); Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa)Market Segment by Type, covers: Explosion-proof Lamp, Explosion-proof Electrical Equipment, Explosion-proof Instrument, OtherMarket Segment by Applications, can be divided into: Oil & Gas, Mining, Manufacturing Processing, OtherRequest for discount atThere are 15 Chapters to deeply display the global Explosion Proof Equipment market.Chapter 1 to describe Explosion Proof Equipment Introduction, product scope, market overview, market opportunities, market risk, market driving force;Chapter 2 to analyze the top manufacturers of Explosion Proof Equipment, with sales, revenue, and price of Explosion Proof Equipment, in 2016 and 2017;Chapter 3 to display the competitive situation among the top manufacturers, with sales, revenue and market share in 2016 and 2017;Chapter 4 to show the global market by regions, with sales, revenue and market share of Explosion Proof Equipment, for each region, from 2012 to 2017;Chapter 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 to analyze the key regions, with sales, revenue and market share by key countries in these regions;Chapter 10 and 11 to show the market by type and application, with sales market share and growth rate by type, application, from 2012 to 2017;Order copy of report atChapter 12 Explosion Proof Equipment market forecast, by regions, type and application, with sales and revenue, from 2017 to 2022;Chapter 13, 14 and 15 to describe Explosion Proof Equipment sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers, Research Findings and Conclusion, appendix and data source.ReportsnReports.com is your single source for all market research needs. Our database includes 500,000+ market research reports from over 95 leading global publishers & in-depth market research studies of over 5000 micro markets.Ritesh Tiwari,+ 1 888 391 5441sales@reportsandreports.com
Global NFC Chips Market is Projected to Expand at a CAGR of 26.0% during the Period 2016 - 2024 - Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast

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ResearchMoz added Latest Research Report titled " NFC Chips Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2016 - 2024 " to it's Large Report database.Global NFC Chips Market: OverviewNear Field communication (NFC) chips systems are communicating device that are ideal for electronic applications and are capable of identifying the radio frequency identifying technology. Dispensing technology have been widely accepted since 2004 and the further technological advancements have led to evolution of shorter range radio identification technologies between two devices. This advancements helps in facilitating safer data transfer. A key trend that has been observed in the recent past years is growing demand of NFC chips among consumer electronics manufacturer, which is a key driver during the forecast period of 2016-2024.A surge in demand for smart phones across the globe is driving the demand for NFC chips in global market. This technology is being deployed in electronics to increase and boost contactless safe data transfer. Consumer electronics manufacturers are increasing their demand for NFC chips overtime, this factor acts as a major driving factor for future demand of NFC chips. Additionally, rapid technological advancements in radio frequency identification are fueling the growth of the global market.Request for Sample PDF of Premium Research Report with TOC:The government initiatives as well as private investments in research & devolvement of NFC chip technology are supplementing the growth of the market. Thus, the conjoint effect of all these drivers is set to strengthen the growth of the global NFC chip market in the coming years. NFC chips are sometimes of very complex design is expected to hindering the growth for NFC chips during the forecast period. Simpler version of NFC chips designs as an alternative to traditional complex product design is required for wider application usability. Furthermore, cost effectiveness and simplicity to install in devices is boosting the growth of this product market.Global NFC Chips Market: SegmentationThe global market has been segmented in the basis of application, storage, end users and geography. By application, the global NFC chip market has been broadly classified into smartphone, television, medical equipment, car and others. On the basis of storage NFC chip has been further sub-divided into 64 Bytes, 168 Bytes, 180 Bytes, 540 Bytes and others. Furthermore, end users of NFC chip has been fragmented into consumer electronics, automotive, retail, medical, and aviation among others. By geography, this market has been segregated into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa and Latin America.Read All Semiconductors Market Research Reports @Table of ContentChapter 1 Preface1.1 Report Scope & Market Segmentation1.2 Research HighlightsChapter 2 Assumptions and Research MethodologyChapter 3 Executive SummaryChapter 4 Market Overview4.1 Product Overview4.2 Market IndicatorsChapter 5 Market Dynamics5.1 Drivers and Restraints: Snapshot Analysis5.2 Drivers5.2.1 Growing Demand of NFC chips among Consumer electronics manufacturer5.2.2 Government Initiatives and Subsidies5.2.3 Rising application in medical sector5.3 Restraints5.3.1 Complexity in product design5.3.2 Lack of awareness and enthusiasm among consumers5.4 Opportunity Analysis5.4.1 Opportunities5.4.2 NFC chips application in real estate industry5.4.3 Rising mergers and acquisitions in NFC based industries5.4.4 Global NFC Chips Market Size (USD Mn) and Volume (Units Mn) Forecasts, 2016-2024About ResearchMozResearchMoz is the world's fastest growing collection of market research reports worldwide. Our database is composed of current market studies from over 100 featured publishers worldwide. Our market research databases integrate statistics with analysis from global, regional, country and company perspectives. ResearchMoz's service portfolio also includes value-added services such as market research customization, competitive landscaping, and in-depth surveys, delivered by a team of experienced Research Coordinators.Contact Us:Mr. Nachiket Ghumare90 State Street, Albany NY, United States - 12207Tel: +1-518-621-2074 / Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Email: sales@researchmoz.usFollow us on LinkedIn at:Follow me on Blogger at:
By FMI Ice-cream and Frozen Dessert Market with Current Trends Analysis, 2015-2025

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Ice-cream and frozen dessert belongs to frozen food industry. Ice-cream and frozen dessert are primarily consumed after meal or served as a refreshment and can be enjoyed between the meal courses. Ice-cream and frozen dessert are mainly made up of milk and cream, and often combined with fruits, nuts and flavours. Rising consumer disposable income coupled with increasing inclination of people towards sweet dishes is expected drive the growth of Ice-cream and frozen dessert market across the globe.Ice-cream and Frozen Dessert Market SegmentationIce-cream and frozen dessert market is segmented on the basis of types includes regular Ice-cream and low fat ice-cream. Among both of these segment regular Ice-cream is expected occupy the major contribution on the pie. However low fat ice cream is predicted to account for healthy CAGR in next five to six years. Shifting consumer preferences towards consumption of healthy food is expected to support the demand of low fat Ice-cream in the near future. On the basis of type frozen desserts segmentation includes sherbet, frozen yoghurt, frozen ice, frozen tofu and others. Among all of these segments frozen yoghurt is expected to be the major contributor in terms of revenue followed by sherbet. Introduction of frozen yoghurt in various flavour and in innovative packaging is attracting children a lot which is expected to fuel the growth of frozen yoghurt in the near future.Request Report Sample@Ice-cream and frozen dessert market is segmented on the basis of end user which includes household and hotel/restaurant/cafe. Among both of these two segments hotel/restaurant/cafe is expected to account for major share in terms of revenue contribution. Rising consumer preferences for outside dining coupled with increasing inclination of teenager towards the consumption of frozen food is expected to support the demand of ice-cream and frozen desserts market during the forecast period. Moreover, household is expected to show a substantial growth in the near future. Increasing availability of ice-cream and frozen dessert in packaged form and in variants for household consumption is expected to support its growth during the forecast period.Geographically, North America is expected to be the major contributor in terms of value followed by Europe. However, these region is predicted to be a mature market and is expected to show a stable growth in the near future. Introduction of new variant in flavours coupled with offering low fat products may fuel the growth of Ice-cream and frozen dessert market in these region. In developing countries of Asia Pacific region, China is expected to dominate the market in terms of Ice-cream and frozen dessert consumption followed by India. Moreover Japan is expected to show a substantial growth during the forecast period. Increasing consumption of flavoured yoghurt especially in countries such as China and Japan is predicted to support the growth of ice-cream and frozen dessert market across Asia Pacific region during forecast period.Request For TOC@Ice-cream and Frozen Dessert Market DriversRising disposable income coupled with shifting consumer eating habits is expected to drive the demand of Ice-cream and frozen dessert in the near future. Moreover, increasing availability of flavoured yoghurt especially in developing region is predicted to be major factor supporting the growth of Ice-cream and frozen dessert market during the forecast period.Ice-cream and Frozen Dessert Key PlayersSome of the major players operating in ice cream and frozen dessert market includes Baskin-Robbins, Nestle SA, Unilever, Danone Groupe SA, Ben & Jerry's Homemade Holdings Inc., Cielo USA, Kraft Foods Group Inc. among others.ABOUT US:Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.CONTACT:Future Market Insights616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comPress: press@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Vertebroplasty And Kyphoplasty Devices Market Forecast By End-use Industry 2015-2025 FMI Grow

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Vertebroplasty & Kyphoplasty are minimally invasive, image guided surgical procedures performed to treat the Vertebral Compression Fracture (VCF). VCFs can lead to back pain, reduced physical activity, depression, loss of independence, decreased lung capacity, and difficulty sleeping. Bone cement is injected into the back bone (vertebra) to provide support to the broken bone. Due to osteoporosis, vascular malformatins or, less commonly, cancer fractures can be caused in the vertebra. Vertebroplasty & Kyphoplasty help the patient to regain the functional abilities and avoid further vertebral collapse. Kyphoplasty is an advanced version of Vertebroplasty which can stabilize the fracture, restore heights and reduce deformities.Vertebroplasty & Kyphoplasty Devices Market: Drivers & RestraintsVertebroplasty & Kyphoplasty devices market is growing due to limitations in the traditional techniques for the treatment of vertebral compression fractures. Vertebroplasty & Kyphoplasty are advanced procedure which result in pain relief, stabilization of the fracture and avoid Downward spiral of untreated osteoporosis. Due to increase in ageing population, patients suffering from osteoporosis are also increasing.Request Report Sample@Additional benefits of the surgery which are the key drivers for this market are:Short surgical time. Patient gets discharged in less than one day.General anaesthesia required. No bracing required.Patients can quickly return to the normal activities of daily living.Complications like bleeding, infection post-surgery and chances of occurrence of another fracture are few restraints for the Vertebroplasty & Kyphoplasty Devices Market.Vertebroplasty & Kyphoplasty Devices Market: SegmentationVertebroplasty & Kyphoplasty Devices market is classified on the basis of Surgery type, product type and geography.Based on surgery type, the global Vertebroplasty & Kyphoplasty market is segmented into the following:VertebroplastyKyphoplastyBased on product type, the global Vertebroplasty & Kyphoplasty market is segmented into the following:Vertebroplasty devicesNeedleCement mixing and delivery devicesX- ray DeviceKyphoplasty DevicesBalloonNeedleX- ray DeviceVertebroplasty & Kyphoplasty Devices Market: OverviewVertebroplasty & Kyphoplasty devices market is growing due to increased incidence of Vertebral Compression Fractures (VCF) occurring due to increase in the ageing population. VCF is a major issue in the western countries driving the market growth. Overall Vertebroplasty & Kyphoplasty devices market will grow globally, however the growth rate in Asia Pacific region will be more as compared to European and North American market.Request For TOC@Vertebroplasty & Kyphoplasty Devices Market: Region-wise OutlookDepending on geographic regions, global Vertebroplasty & Kyphoplasty market is segmented into seven key regions: North America, South America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia Pacific, Japan, and Middle East & Africa. North America is the leading region in Vertebroplasty & Kyphoplasty Devices market due to the high volumes of surgical procedures being performed. Also, the availability of established healthcare infrastructure, high contribution of healthcare to economy, patient compliance are the reasons for the high demand in North America. Europe has the second largest Vertebroplasty & Kyphoplasty Devices market due to vast technological advancement in terms of healthcare sector. Asia Pacific market is expected to grow at a good rate as compared to NA and Europe as there is ample market opportunity in countries like India and China.Vertebroplasty & Kyphoplasty Devices Market: Key PlayersSome of the key market players in global Vertebroplasty & Kyphoplasty Devices market are Depuy Synthes, Stryker Corporation, CareFusion Corporation, Osseon LLC., Alphatec Spine, Inc., TAEYEON MEDICAL Co., Ltd., G-21 s.r.l., BMK Global Medical Company, Medtronic, Inc., Globus Medical, Inc. and SOMATEX to name a few.ABOUT US:Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.CONTACT:Future Market Insights616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comPress: press@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Global Halal Food Market to grow at a Remarkable CAGR of 15.52% during the period 2017-2021

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SummaryOrbis Research delivers key insights on the Global Halal Food Market 2017- 2021 This report helps to analyze competitive developments such as joint ventures, strategic alliances, mergers and acquisitions, new product developments, and research and developmentsDescriptionABSTRACTAbout Halal FoodHalal in Arabic means permissible. Halal foods are the food products that adhere to the Islamic laws and follow Islamic pattern of slaughtering.The Global Halal Food Market to grow at a CAGR of 15.52% during the period 2017-2021.Covered in this reportThe report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the global halal food market for 2017-2021. To calculate the market size, the report presents a detailed picture of the market by way of study, synthesis, and summation of data from multiple sources.Download PDF Sample of Global Halal Food Market Research Report @The market is divided into the following segments based on geography:AmericasAPACEMEAGlobal Halal Food Market 2017-2021, has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts. The report covers the market landscape and its growth prospects over the coming years. The report also includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market.Place a Purchase Order for this Report @:Key vendorsAl Islami FoodsBRFNestlQL FoodsSaffron Road FoodOther prominent vendorsAl-Falah Halal FoodsArman Muslim Foods Industrial GroupBeijing Shunxin AgricultureCleone FoodsCrown ChickenJingyitai Halal FoodNema FoodPrima Agri-ProductsTahira FoodMarket driverImproved economic conditions of Muslim countriesFor a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket challengeHalal certification and food labelingFor a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket trendIncreased demand for convenience foodsFor a full, detailed list, view our reportKey questions answered in this reportWhat will the market size be in 2021 and what will the growth rate be?What are the key market trends?What is driving this market?What are the challenges to market growth?Who are the key vendors in this market space?What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the key vendors?What are the strengths and weaknesses of the key vendors?SummaryOrbis Research delivers key insights on the Global Halal Food Market 2017- 2021 This report helps to analyze competitive developments such as joint ventures, strategic alliances, mergers and acquisitions, new product developments, and research and developments in the global Raw Milk Vending Machine marketDescriptionABSTRACTAbout Halal FoodHalal in Arabic means permissible. Halal foods are the food products that adhere to the Islamic laws and follow Islamic pattern of slaughtering.The Global Halal Food Market to grow at a CAGR of 15.52% during the period 2017-2021.Covered in this reportThe report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the global halal food market for 2017-2021. To calculate the market size, the report presents a detailed picture of the market by way of study, synthesis, and summation of data from multiple sources.Download PDF Sample of Global Halal Food Market Research Report @The market is divided into the following segments based on geography:AmericasAPACEMEAGlobal Halal Food Market 2017-2021, has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts. The report covers the market landscape and its growth prospects over the coming years. The report also includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market.Place a Purchase Order for this Report @:Key vendorsAl Islami FoodsBRFNestlQL FoodsSaffron Road FoodOther prominent vendorsAl-Falah Halal FoodsArman Muslim Foods Industrial GroupBeijing Shunxin AgricultureCleone FoodsCrown ChickenJingyitai Halal FoodNema FoodPrima Agri-ProductsTahira FoodMarket driverImproved economic conditions of Muslim countriesFor a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket challengeHalal certification and food labelingFor a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket trendIncreased demand for convenience foodsFor a full, detailed list, view our reportKey questions answered in this reportWhat will the market size be in 2021 and what will the growth rate be?What are the key market trends?What is driving this market?What are the challenges to market growth?Who are the key vendors in this market space?What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the key vendors?What are the strengths and weaknesses of the key vendors?Hector CostelloSenior Manager  Client Engagements4144N Central Expressway,Suite 600, Dallas,Texas  75204, U.S.A.Phone No.: +1 (214) 884-6817; +9164101019Follow Us on LinkedIn:
Sustainable Palm Oil Market To Increase at Steady Growth Rate

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Palm oil is an edible vegetable oil extracted from the reddish pulp of the oil palms. Sustainable Palm oil is naturally reddish in color because it has the component of high beta carotene. Sustainable palm oil means the palm oil which is manufactured under the guidance and rule of the Roundtable on sustainable palm oil (RSPO). To produce certified sustainable palm oil, manufactures has to follow the environmental and social criteria set by RSPO. It can also be kept in the room temperature. Palm oil also contains very little cholesterol. It is also used in products where animal fats are not accepted for the religion issues. It has been noticed that the palm oil is used in several industries to make the ultimate product. Those industries are also growing. So the demand of the palm oil will be more. So the market will expand very fast in the stipulated period of time.Global Sustainable palm oil Market Dynamics:-The market of sustainable palm oil market is anticipated to be driven by the various used of the product in a different way. It has a great cooking properties, even it can be used in the high temperature. Its smooth and creamy texture and having no smell make it a perfect ingredient for many recipes like it is used in the bakery (specially for biscuits). It has a natural perspective effect which helps the longevity of the food byresisting the oxidation that spoils them. It is also the highest producing vegetable oil crop which makes it very efficient. It needs less land required by other oil crops to produce same quantity of oil. It makes this cheaper than the other oil in the market. Sustainable palm oil is also used in the cosmetic industry. Sustainable Palm oil ingredients are used in the skin care products, make up products. Due to have the rules and regulations of RSPO the producers are not able to destroy the environment and wild life. It keeps the social interest towards sustainable palm oil production and the conflict cannot be created between the communities and workers. Palm oil is available as an ingredients such as palm kernel oil, palm kernel stearin, palm kernel olein, partially hydrogenated palm oil, asorbyl palmitate, Palmate, Sodium Laureth Sulphate etc. Palm oil used as a frying fat for many food items, as a shortening in bakery products.Request Report Sample@Global Sustainable Palm oil Market Segmentation:Sustainable palm oil market can be segmented on the basis of application of the palm oil such as food, soap and detergents, pet food and cosmetics. Then food also can be sub segmented such as bakery, ice cream & other frozen desserts, confectionery products and margarine. Palm oil market also can be segmented on the basis of types of the palm oil availability in the market such as palm kernel oil, red palm oil, fractional palm oil, white palm oil.Global Sustainable palm oil Market: Regional Outlook:Geographically, the global palm oil industry can be divided by major regions which include North America, Latin America, Western and Eastern Europe, Asia-Pacific, Japan, Middle East and Africa. Indonesia and Malaysia captured the highest market share in terms of the production of palm oil. Other production countries are Thailand, Columbia, Nigeria and Ecuador. China got the first position in terms of consumption of palm oil followed by EU, India, Indonesia and United States. Malaysia was the highest exporter of palm oil.Request For TOC@Global sustainable palm oil Market Players:The major players identified across the value chain of global sustainable palm oil market include New Britain palm oil limited, Golden agri resources limited, IOI corporation Berhad, Wilmer international limited, Cargill, SIPEF group Belgium, Kulim berhad, Sime Darby plantation sendirian Berhad, Hap seng Plantation Holdings Berhad, Kuala lampur kepong Berhad.and United Plantation BerhadABOUT US:Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.CONTACT:Future Market Insights616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comPress: press@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Surgical Stapling Devices Market will Increase at a CAGR of 7.6% during 2016 to 2026

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Two U.S. based companies are likely to dominate the global surgical stapling devices market in terms of market shareIn 2015, two leading U.S based companies Johnson and Johnson and Medtronic plc held around 80% share of the global surgical stapling devices market. Although the global surgical stapling devices market is not very niche, other vendors are scattered and focus only on certain countries for the expansion of their business. For instance, vendors in the global surgical stapling devices market are focussing on India and a few other countries in the Asia Pacific region except China and Japan to explore hitherto untapped markets for expanding their business. One such vendor is India based surgical stapling devices company Meril Life Sciences Pvt. Ltd., which exports around 90% of its surgical stapling devices along with its other products to the MEA region.Rising prevalence of obesity and a geriatric population requiring surgical procedures anticipated to fuel the growth of the global surgical stapling devices marketA sedentary lifestyle leads to higher BMI, as a result, a large number of people are opting for bariatric surgeries. This is a major factor driving adoption of surgical stapling devices over conventional suturing. The increasing prevalence of obesity drives the incidence of bariatric surgeries. Moreover, healthcare professionals, especially in developed regions, are increasingly inclined towards the adoption of surgical stapling devices for bariatric surgeries, which is creating a positive impact on the global surgical stapling devices market. Another factor driving the growth of the global surgical stapling devices market is an increasing geriatric population across the globe. This population is expected to drive demand for surgical stapling devices due to increasing number of surgeries performed for the prevention of various diseases related to old age.Request Report Sample@Surgical stapling devices are preferred over conventional suturing devices during laparoscopic surgeries, as suturing becomes difficult when a surgeon is operating on the 3-dimensional plane while concentrating on the 2-dimensional plane. Surgeons get the required accuracy and precision while operating with surgical stapling devices. This factor is fuelling the growth of the global surgical stapling devices market. Besides, reusable surgical stapling devices are preferred by the procurement team of hospitals as it labelled under the category of green products, resulting in considerably less impact on the environment, compared to plastic single-use disposable surgical stapling devices. These products can be easily cleaned and sterilised by standard hospital processes, commonly used for all other stainless steel surgical instruments, thereby creating robust development in the global surgical stapling devices market. Though suturing is considered to be a gold standard in wound closures, stapling devices yield similar and comparable results involving less time to complete the process. Hence the use of stapling devices yields similar results to that of the suturing process with less time required to heal the wound.Regional overview of the global surgical stapling devices marketThe global surgical stapling devices market revenue is expected to increase at a CAGR of 7.6% over the forecast period. In terms of revenue, Powered Surgical Stapling Devices segment is projected to remain dominant among product types. This segment is expected to further gain traction, owing to increasing demand for advanced technology. The North America surgical stapling devices market accounted for the largest revenue share of a little more than 30% in 2015. Increasing geriatric population and growing demand for advanced medical technology in the U.S. present key growth opportunities for manufacturers of surgical stapling devices. The APEJ surgical stapling devices market is slated to register a CAGR of 8.6% over the forecast period due to rising healthcare awareness and demand for advanced medical technology.Send An Enquiry@surgical stapling devices marketRemarkable development in the global surgical stapling devices marketOne of the key players operating in the global surgical stapling devices market  Dextera Surgical Inc. collaborated with Intuitive Surgical in August 2016 for research and development of new robotic stapler products. The U.S. based Dextera Surgical Inc. is a core surgical stapling manufacturing company whose key product is surgical stapling devices. In September 2016, the company introduced micro cutter technology at the annual meeting of the German Society for Thoracic Surgery. This new technology will decrease the pain of cancer patients by reducing the invasiveness of lung surgery. The effectiveness of this technology does not stop here. Micro cutter technology has the potential to improve recovery time after lung surgery. In October 2016, just a month after introducing the micro cutter technology, Dextera Surgical Inc. signed an exclusive agreement with B.Braun Surgicals S.A. for the distribution of its micro cutters in Spain.ABOUT US:Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.CONTACT:Future Market Insights616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comPress: press@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Activated Alumina Market Global Industry Analysis Forecast 2016 - 2024

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Activated alumina is primarily used as desiccant, adsorbent, catalyst, and catalyst carrier in water treatment, oil & gas, and pharmaceuticals, and the Claus process. It is a highly porous material with high surface area. This ensures superior moisture absorbing capabilities. Activated alumina also offers superior mechanical and thermal shock absorbing properties. It is produced through dehydroxylation of aluminum oxide.Obtain Report Details @:The report estimates and forecasts the activated alumina market on the global, regional, and country levels. The study provides forecast between 2016 and 2024 based on volume (tons) and revenue (US$ Mn) with 2015 as the base year. The report comprises an exhaustive value chain analysis for each of the product segments. It provides a comprehensive view of the market. Value chain analysis also offers detailed information about value addition at each stage. The study includes drivers and restraints for the activated alumina market along with their impact on demand during the forecast period. The study also provides key market indicators affecting the growth of the market. The report analyzes opportunities in the activated alumina market on the global and regional level. Drivers, restraints, and opportunities mentioned in the report are justified through quantitative and qualitative data. These have been verified through primary and secondary resources. Furthermore, the report analyzes substitute analysis of activated alumina and global average price trend analysis.The report includes Porters Five Forces Model to determine the degree of competition in the activated alumina market. The report comprises a qualitative write-up on market attractiveness analysis, wherein end-users and countries have been analyzed based on attractiveness for each region. Growth rate, market size, raw material availability, profit margin, impact strength, technology, competition, and other factors (such as environmental and legal) have been evaluated in order to derive the general attractiveness of the market. The report comprises price trend analysis for activated alumina between 2016 and 2024.Fill the form for an exclusive sample of this report @:The study provides a comprehensive view of the activated alumina market by dividing it into end-user and geography. The activated alumina market has been segmented into reaction catalyst, oil & gas, water treatment, biomaterial, and others. The oil & gas segment has been further bifurcated into gas dehydration and liquid dehydration. End-user segments have been analyzed based on historic, present, and future trends, and the market has been estimated in terms of volume (tons) and revenue (US$ Mn) between 2016 and 2024.Regional segmentation includes the current and forecast demand for activated alumina in North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa (MEA). Additionally, the report comprises country-level analysis in terms of volume and revenue for end-user segments. Key countries such as the U.S., Germany, France, the U.K., Spain, Italy, India, China, South Africa, Mexico, and Brazil have been included in the study. Market segmentation includes demand for individual end-users in all the regions and countries.The report covers detailed competitive outlook that includes market share and profiles of key players operating in the global market. Key players profiled in the report include Albemarle Corporation, Axens, BASF SE, Porocel Industries, Honeywell International Inc., and Sumitomo Chemicals. Company profiles include attributes such as company overview, number of employees, brand overview, key competitors, business overview, business strategies, recent/key developments, acquisitions, and financial overview (wherever applicable).Secondary research sources that were typically referred to include, but were not limited to company websites, financial reports, annual reports, investor presentations, broker reports, and SEC filings. Other sources such as internal and external proprietary databases, statistical databases and market reports, news articles, national government documents, and webcasts specific to companies operating in the market have also been referred for the report.In-depth interviews and discussions with a wide range of key opinion leaders and industry participants were conducted to compile this research report. Primary research represents the bulk of research efforts, supplemented by extensive secondary research. Key players product literature, annual reports, press releases, and relevant documents were reviewed for competitive analysis and market understanding. This helped in validating and strengthening secondary research findings. Primary research further helped in developing the analysis teams expertise and market understanding.The global activated alumina market has been segmented as follows:Activated Alumina Market  End-user AnalysisReaction CatalystOil & GasGas DehydrationLiquid DehydrationWater TreatmentBiomaterialOthers (Including Pharmaceutical, etc.)About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR syndicated research report covers a different sector - such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, TMRs syndicated reports strive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207
Global Mushroom Market Research Report 2017 - Industry Growth, Shares, Price, Sales, Production, Demands, Import-Export, Supply

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Geographically, this report is segmented into several key Regions, with production, consumption, revenue (million USD), market share and growth rate of Mushroom in these regions, from 2012 to 2022 (forecast), coveringNorth AmericaEuropeChinaJapanSoutheast AsiaIndiaGlobal Mushroom market competition by top manufacturers, with production, price, revenue (value) and market share for each manufacturer; the top players includingCosta GroupBonduelle Fresh EuropeDrinkwaters Mushrooms LimitedGreenyard NV (Lutece)Monaghan Mushrooms IrelandMonterey Mushrooms Inc.Okechamp S.A.Shanghai Finc Bio-Tech IncThe Mushroom CompanyCMP MushroomsChongqing Eusinasia Foods Co., Ltd.Hubei Wanhe Food Co., Ltd.Dalian Gaishi Health Food Co., Ltd.Kunming Tairao Commerce & Trade Co., Ltd.Shanghai Detan Mushroom & Truffles Co., Ltd.Qingdao HanHaiDa Import And Export Co., Ltd.Henan Alchemy Food Co., Ltd.Lianfeng (Suizhou) Food Co., Ltd.Modern Mushroom FarmsScelta MushroomsOn the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoButton MushroomShiitake MushroomOyster MushroomOthersOn the basis on the end users/applications, this report focuses on the status and outlook for major applications/end users, consumption (sales), market share and growth rate of Mushroom for each application, includingFood Processing IndustryRetail OutletsFood ServicesBook a Free Sample Copy of this Report with TOC @QYresearchreports.com delivers the latest strategic market intelligence to build a successful business footprint in China. Our syndicated and customized research reports provide companies with vital background information of the market and in-depth analysis on the Chinese trade and investment framework, which directly affects their business operations.QYResearchReports1820 AvenueM Suite #1047Brooklyn, NY 11230United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-618-1030Web:Email: sales@qyresearchreports.com
Aqua Feed Market: Rising Seafood Trades to Bolster Global Aqua Feed Market

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Transparency Market Research has published a new report on the global aqua feed market. As per the report, the global aqua feed market is expected to progress from US$57.7 bn in 2012 to US$122.6 bn by 2019. The report, titled Aqua Feed Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast, 2013 - 2019, states that the market is predicted to expand at an 11.40% CAGR during the period between 2013 and 2019. The markets growth will stem from the mounting consumption of fish worldwide.Browse Market Research Report @Aqua feed is food formulated specifically for fishes, which is commercially manufactured via numerous industrial procedures. Aqua feed is primarily available as pellets, which contain important ingredients that provide nutrition to fish. As per the fish species and size to be fed, these pellets are available in many sizes. Further, the properties of pellets can be easily changed so that they sink to the bottom of fish tanks or float on the surface of the water. The nutrient contents of the feed can be controlled and this has benefitted the global aqua feed market in the recent past. Also, there has been a growth in the farming aquatic species such as crustaceans, mollusks, and fish.The fluctuating cost of raw materials used in aqua feed is predicted to hamper the growth of the global aqua feed market in the next few years. However, the rising demand for functional and conventional aqua feed from China and Rest of Asia is expected to benefit the global aqua feed market in the near future. The growth of the global aqua feed market is projected in the next few years due to the increasing demand for fish in various foods. The human consumption of fish is predicted to increase in the years to come, thereby driving the global aqua feed market.The global aqua feed market is segmented on the basis of geography and end-users. By end-users, the global aqua feed market is classified into crustaceans, carp, catfish, salmon, mollusks, tilapia, and others such as milkfish, eels, and trout. In 2012, by end-user, the highest demand for aqua feed was from the carps segment, accounting for 25% of the global aqua feed market. Carps have the highest demand in the retail industry whereas crustaceans have the highest demand in the food and the pharmaceutical industries. The rising demand for aqua feed from end-user segments such as mollusks and salmons is expected to propel the global aqua feed market in the near future.Fill the form for an exclusive sample of this report @Based on geography, the global aqua feed market is divided into Europe, Asia Pacific, North America, and Rest of the World. In 2012, Asia Pacific accounted for a share of 65% in the global aqua feed market. Europe is expected to be the second-largest contributor to the global aqua feed market after Asia Pacific.In 1970, the contribution of aquaculture to the worldwide fisheries market was merely 4%. In 2006, the contribution grew to nearly 36%. It is predicted that, by 2020, 120-130 million tons of aquatic products will enter the global fisheries market thanks to the aquaculture industry. This growth of the aquaculture industry is expected to boost the global aqua feed market. Alltech Inc., Avanti Feeds Ltd., BioMar A/S, Cermaq ASA, Aller Aqua A/S, and Beneo GmbH are some of the key companies operating in the global aqua feed market.Key Segments of Aqua Feed MarketAqua Feed Market by End-UsersCrustaceansMollusksCarpSalmonCatfishTilapiaOthers (Trouts, eels, milkfish, etc.)Aqua Feed Market by GeographyNorth AmericaAsia PacificEuropeRest of the WorldAbout UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company providing business information reports and services. The companys exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trend analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.ContactTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
United States Polyether Monomer Market Analysis and Research Report : 2017 Edition

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This report studies sales (consumption) of Polyether Monomer in United States market, focuses on the top players, with sales, price, revenue and market share for each player, coveringOxiran ChemHuangma ChemicalLiaoning KelongTaijie ChemicalDOWClariantLotte ChemicalBok ChemicalJiangsu HaianJiahua ChemicalMarket Segment by States, coveringCaliforniaTexasNew YorkFloridaIllinoisSplit by product types, with sales, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, can be divided intoMPEGTPEGAPEGHPEGSplit by applications, this report focuses on sales, market share and growth rate of Polyether Monomer in each application, can be divided intoPolycarboxylate superplasticizerDaily chemicalPharmaceutical chemical additivesOtherBook a Free Sample Copy of this Report with TOC @Table of Contents1 Polyether Monomer Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Polyether Monomer1.2 Classification of Polyether Monomer1.2.1 MPEG1.2.2 TPEG1.2.3 APEG1.2.4 HPEG1.3 Application of Polyether Monomer1.3.1 Polycarboxylate superplasticizer1.3.2 Daily chemical1.3.3 Pharmaceutical chemical additives1.3.4 Other1.4 United States Market Size Sales (Volume) and Revenue (Value) of Polyether Monomer (2011-2021)1.4.1 United States Polyether Monomer Sales and Growth Rate (2011-2021)1.4.2 United States Polyether Monomer Revenue and Growth Rate (2011-2021)2 United States Polyether Monomer Competition by Manufacturers2.1 United States Polyether Monomer Sales and Market Share of Key Manufacturers (2015 and 2016)2.2 United States Polyether Monomer Revenue and Share by Manufactures (2015 and 2016)2.3 United States Polyether Monomer Average Price by Manufactures (2015 and 2016)2.4 Polyether Monomer Market Competitive Situation and TrendsQYresearchreports.com delivers the latest strategic market intelligence to build a successful business footprint in China. Our syndicated and customized research reports provide companies with vital background information of the market and in-depth analysis on the Chinese trade and investment framework, which directly affects their business operations.QYResearchReports1820 AvenueM Suite #1047Brooklyn, NY 11230United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-618-1030Web:Email: sales@qyresearchreports.com
Car Amplifiers Market 2017 Emerging Trends

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Geographically, this report is segmented into several key Regions, with production, consumption, revenue (million USD) , market share and growth rate of Car Amplifiers in these regions, from 2012 to 2022 (forecast) , coveringUnited StatesEUChinaJapanSouth KoreaTaiwanFor more information about this report atGlobal Car Amplifiers market competition by top manufacturers, with production, price, revenue (value) and market share for each manufacturer; the top players includingBOSSJL AudioPioneerPyleKICKERAlpineKenwoodDB DriveLanzarMTX AudioOn the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoMono AmplifiersMulti-Channel AmplifiersWireless AmplifiersOn the basis on the end users/applications, this report focuses on the status and outlook for major applications/end users, consumption (sales) , market share and growth rate of Car Amplifiers for each application, includingPassenger VehiclesCommercial VehiclesRequest a sample copy atTable of Content1 Car Amplifiers Market Overview2 Global Car Amplifiers Market Competition by Manufacturers3 Global Car Amplifiers Production, Revenue (Value) by Region (2012-2017)4 Global Car Amplifiers Supply (Production) , Consumption, Export, Import by Region (2012-2017)4.1 Global Car Amplifiers Consumption by Region (2012-2017)4.2 United States Car Amplifiers Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)4.3 EU Car Amplifiers Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)4.4 China Car Amplifiers Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)4.5 Japan Car Amplifiers Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)4.6 South Korea Car Amplifiers Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)4.7 Taiwan Car Amplifiers Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)5 Global Car Amplifiers Production, Revenue (Value) , Price Trend by Type5.1 Global Car Amplifiers Production and Market Share by Type (2012-2017)5.2 Global Car Amplifiers Revenue and Market Share by Type (2012-2017)5.3 Global Car Amplifiers Price by Type (2012-2017)5.4 Global Car Amplifiers Production Growth by Type (2012-2017)6 Global Car Amplifiers Market Analysis by Application6.1 Global Car Amplifiers Consumption and Market Share by Application (2012-2017)6.2 Global Car Amplifiers Consumption Growth Rate by Application (2012-2017)6.3 Market Drivers and Opportunities6.3.1 Potential Applications6.3.2 Emerging Markets/Countries7 Global Car Amplifiers Manufacturers Profiles/Analysis7.1 BOSS7.1.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.1.2 Car Amplifiers Product Category, Application and Specification7.1.2.1 Product A7.1.2.2 Product B7.1.3 BOSS Car Amplifiers Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.1.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.2 JL Audio7.2.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.2.2 Car Amplifiers Product Category, Application and Specification7.2.2.1 Product A7.2.2.2 Product B7.2.3 JL Audio Car Amplifiers Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.2.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.3 Pioneer7.3.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.3.2 Car Amplifiers Product Category, Application and Specification7.3.2.1 Product A7.3.2.2 Product B7.3.3 Pioneer Car Amplifiers Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.3.4 Main Business/Business Overview8 Car Amplifiers Manufacturing Cost Analysis9 Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream Buyers10 Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/Traders11 Market Effect Factors Analysis12 Global Car Amplifiers Market Forecast (2017-2022)13 Research Findings and ConclusionPurchase Complete Report at. And get,Discount on report purchase atContact Us:Call: +1-646-491-9876Email: sales@reportsweb.comReportsWeb is a one stop shop of market research reports and solutions to various companies across the globe. We help our clients in their decision support system by helping them choose most relevant and cost effective research reports and solutions from various publishers.505, 6th floor, Amanora Township,Amanora Chambers, East Block,Kharadi Road, Hadapsar, Pune-411028
Rising Demand For Global Analytics as a Service Market Involves Remote Positioning Of Different Tools During The Period 2016 - 2020

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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Rising Demand For Global Analytics as a Service Market Involves Remote Positioning Of Different Tools During The Period 2016 - 2020" to its huge collection of research reports.AaaS emerged from the integration of cloud computing and analytics solutions. It acts as a service model that involves analysis taking place using analytics software and being delivered through web-based technologies. AaaS providers offer services under subscription-based or pay-per-use models.AaaS products include cloud-based BI solutions and SaaS-based social media AaaS. Cloud BI solutions involve effectively delivering business analytics solutions to customers at low cost. SaaS-based social media AaaS involves remote positioning of different tools, which helps collect data, analyze the trends and patterns of visitors, and find better ways to serve customers.Technavios analysts forecast the global AaaS market to grow at a CAGR of 29.08% during the period 2016-2020.Covered in this reportThe report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the global AaaS market for 2016-2020. To calculate the market size, analysts have considered the revenue generated from cloud analytics, taking into account AaaS solutions, software, applications, cloud support, and maintenance.The market is divided into the following segments based on geography:AmericasAPACEMEATechnavio's report, Global Analytics as a Service Market 2016-2020, has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts. The report covers the market landscape and its growth prospects over the coming years. The report also includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market.Key vendorsAmazon Web ServicesCSCHPIBMOracleSAS InstituteMake an Enquiry of this report @Other prominent vendorseBayInformation BuildersLiquidHubQlik TechMicroStrategyOperaSolutionsSAPTableau SoftwareMarket driverGrowing adoption of data analyticsFor a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket challenge Data security concernsFor a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket trendIncreased adoption of big dataFor a full, detailed list, view our reportKey questions answered in this reportWhat will the market size be in 2020 and what will the growth rate be?What are the key market trends?What is driving this market?What are the challenges to market growth?Who are the key vendors in this market space?What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the key vendors?What are the strengths and weaknesses of the key vendors?To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @About ResearchMozResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.Mr. NachiketState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesEmail: sales@researchmoz.usWebsite @Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Follow us on LinkedIn @
At A CAGR Of 8.54%, Global 3D Mapping and Modeling Market Will Grow During 2016 - 2020: Key Vendors Such As Apple, Autodesk & Google

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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "At A CAGR Of 8.54%, Global 3D Mapping and Modeling Market Will Grow During 2016 - 2020: Key Vendors Such As Apple, Autodesk & Google" to its huge collection of research reports.3D mapping and modeling is widely used in many industries to get a detailed representation of a product. It helps companies to design new products through the development of virtual prototypes. It is used across different verticals such as construction, healthcare, aerospace, defense, and automotive.Technavios analysts forecast the global 3D mapping and 3D modeling market to grow at a CAGR of 8.54% during the period 2016-2020.Covered in this reportThe report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the global 3D mapping and 3D modeling market during the period 2016-2020. To calculate the market size, the report considers the revenue generated from 3D mapping and modeling software sales.The market is divided into the following segments based on geography:APACEuropeNorth AmericaROWTechnavio's report, Global 3D Mapping and Modeling Market 2016-2020, has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts. The report covers the market landscape and its growth prospects over the coming years. The report also includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market.Key vendorsAppleAutodeskGoogleMake an Enquiry of this report @Other prominent vendorsAirbus Defence and SpaceCybercity 3DEsriGarminGEIntermapBiosense WebsterPhilipsSAABSt. Jude MedicalTomTomTopconTrimbleUSGS.Market driverIncreased use of 3D mapping in healthcare sectorFor a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket challengeHigh initial investmentFor a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket trendIncreased use of LIDARFor a full, detailed list, view our reportKey questions answered in this reportWhat will the market size be in 2020 and what will the growth rate be?What are the key market trends?What is driving this market?What are the challenges to market growth?Who are the key vendors in this market space?What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the key vendors?What are the strengths and weaknesses of the key vendors?To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @About ResearchMozResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.Mr. NachiketState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesEmail: sales@researchmoz.usWebsite @Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Follow us on LinkedIn @
Key Financials, Strategies & Comprehensive Analysis Of Global Human Growth Hormone (hGH) Market Along With The Study Of Regional Markets, 2017 - 2021

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ResearchMoz presents this most up-to-date research on "Key Financials, Strategies & Comprehensive Analysis Of Global Human Growth Hormone (hGH) Market Along With The Study Of Regional Markets, 2017 - 2021".Growth hormone (GH)/ Human Growth hormone (hGH) is a type of peptide hormone produced by the body which is responsible for stimulating cell reproduction, growth and regeneration amongst humans. Within the anterior of pituitary glands, lateral wings are present the somatotropic cells which synthesize, store, and secrete the GH, a 191-amino acid in single chain polypeptide. It is responsible for keeping a check over the normal human growth and development especially amongst the teenagers and children. Apart from stimulating cell growth and maintaining muscle mass, hGH also prompts the liver to produce IGF-l which in turn regulates the metabolic functioning of muscles, tissues and osteocytes.The deficiency of growth hormone is termed as Growth Hormone Deficiency (GHD), which is a medical condition affecting both children and adults. Amongst children, GHD could be associated with congenital conditions, like marred pituitary development and other genetic abnormalities. On the other hand, GHD amongst adults is supposedly linked with pituitary tumors and it usually has non-specific symptoms, like weight gain, reduced energy levels, disturbed sleep, and emotional sickness. Depending upon the indications targeted, the hGH market can be segmented into two broad categories; Pediatric GHD and others. Others segment include adult GHD, PWS, ISS and other GH related abnormalities.The global hGH market is driven by development and entry of long-acting drugs, rising cases of cancer and HIV/AIDS, higher incidence of GHD and other related diseases, rising healthcare expenditure and increasing purchasing power. However, this market growth is challenged by high cost of drugs, off-label uses of hGH drugs and side effects related to rhGH.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @The report Global Human Growth Hormone (hGH) Market: Industry Analysis & Outlook (2017-2021) analyzes the development of this market, with focus on the US, Europe and Japan. The major trends, growth drivers as well as issues being faced by the market are discussed in detail in this report. The four major players: Novartis AG., Pfizer Inc., Eli Lilly and Company and Novo Nordisk A/S are being profiled along with their key financials and strategies for growth. The report contains a comprehensive analysis of the global human growth market along with the study of the regional markets.Table of Content1. Overview1.1 Human Growth Hormone1.2 Physiological Effects of hGH1.3 GH Deficiency (GHD)1.4 Recombinant Human Growth Hormone (rhGH)1.5 hGH Market by Indications2. Global hGH Market2.1 Global hGH Market by Value2.2 Global hGH Market Forecast by Value2.3 Global hGH Market by Volume2.4 Global hGH Market Forecast by Volume2.5 Global hGH Market by Indications2.5.1 Global Pediatric GHD Market by Value2.5.2 Global Pediatric GHD Market Forecast by Value2.5.3 Global Other hGH Market by Value2.5.4 Global Other hGH Market Forecast by Value2.6 Global hGH Market by Regions3. Regional Markets3.1 The US3.1.1 The US hGH Market by Value3.1.2 The US hGH Market Forecast by Value3.1.3 The US hGH Market by Indication3.1.4 The US Pediatric GHD Market Forecast by Value3.2 Europe3.2.1 Europe hGH Market by Value3.2.2 Europe hGH Market Forecast by Value3.2.3 Europe hGH Market by Indication3.2.4 Europe Pediatric GHD Market Forecast by ValueMake an Enquiry of this report @About ResearchMozResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.Mr. NachiketState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesEmail: sales@researchmoz.usWebsite @Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Follow us on LinkedIn @
Practice Management Systems Market: Emerging Trends, Share, Outlook 2024

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Medical practice is defined as the science and the art of healing in accordance with scientific diagnosis of the disease. Medical practice therefore, requires significant volume of patient data which is difficult to maintain in the long run especially if its recorded in the physical form of documents and files. The entry of computer software and software systems like SaaS (Software as a Service) has greatly assisted in the overall process of patient data and medical practice data management. Medical Practice Management System (PMS) is a software that helps medical organization (or clinic) to record patient data, fix appointments with practitioners, maintain record of insurance payment companies (and contacting them when required), perform billing related tasks and generate final reports. PMS nowadays are integrated with Electronic Medical Records (EMR) that deals strictly with patient medical data (medical and treatment history) as an all inclusive data management system.Browse Report:PMS is designed according to the volume of data that needs to be maintained, the size of the organization and their financial capacity. Generally PMS are classified as; desktop variants for limited computers, client-server (physical servers) for large institutions with strong finance and requirement for easy access to patients confidential data, and internet server (virtual/cloud servers) for institutions that require cost saving alternatives. Software companies offer services in different price ranges varying from few hundreds to thousands of dollars depending upon aforesaid parameters. Integrated systems (EMR and PMS) are more expensive in comparison to standalone services. Some companies that provide these services are Acrendo Softwares, Allegiance MD, WRS Health, Practo Ray and Athena Health to name a few.Practice Management Systems Market: Opportunities and TrendsPMS have a great future ahead, as medical institutions worldwide see it as a better alternative to physical document records which have a very high error rate bringing into light the nature of human incompetency, that are minimized to a great extent in PMS. Also, medical errors result in severe adverse events and death, this is efficiently tackled by the presence of automated programmed software. Cost saving is another financial reason for a shift into PMS, it reduces data management costs and as a result the overall medical treatment costs. Medical insurance claims and payouts also see a positive change with fast processing times. Countries like the U.S. also offer subsidies to hospitals opting for such systems.Fill the form for an exclusive sample of this report @Practice Management Systems Market: RestraintsPMS however, is useful only as long as the personals are trained in the dynamics of the software, this requires training and practice. Many countries also have strict patient confidentiality laws, any breach or leak patient records may pose a great threat to the integrity of the whole process and shall render an institution liable for prosecution by the law. In such a situation, PMS becomes more of a liability than assistance. However, with entry of Asian software companies like Practo Ray who have developed portable android based software systems can be easily accessed and require minimum training. Cost effective alternatives are on the rise along with better algorithms to integrate the complete process of medical practice.Practice Management Systems Market: Regional InsightPMS market is expected to increase owing to the presence of virtual/cloud based service systems, these enable companies far offshore to provide services at competitive prices. Service providers are at present largely based in the North America and European region, where the demand is the highest owing to large population patients with health insurance. The PMS market in Asia-Pacific is estimated to grow at the highest CAGR owing to more number of companies establishing business in this region coupled shift in service providers from the North American region to emerging economies. Also, with greater returns on investment a large number of Asian medical institutions are now opting for PMS.The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth qualitative insights, historical data, and verifiable projections about market size. The projections featured in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions. By doing so, the research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology, types, and applications.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Proteins in Oncology Market:- Worldwide Industry Analysis, Size, Growth, Trends, Forecast 2023

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Oncology is the branch of medical science dealing with cancer research and treatment. There are several research facilities and universities identifying unique proteins in oncology for developing diagnostics. Several studies are underway to discover new proteins that play a role in cancer. Currently there are a number of companies and/or their collaborators engaged in developing several protein drugs in cancer. Surgical treatments and radiation therapy, though effective at treating primary tumors, are not found to be successful in detecting metastatic tumor cells and those flowing in the bloodstream, making treatment of these cancer cells very difficult. Cancer is one of the largest causes of death worldwide and finding leads to cure or control the disease is one of the primary goals of governments globally.Browse Report:Global Protein in Oncology Market: SegmentationThe global proteins in oncology market has been segmented based on protein type and geography. Protein types include recombinant non-glycosylated proteins, recombinant glycosylated proteins and recombinant peptides. Geographically, North America and Europe lead the global proteins in oncology market thanks to the very stringent regulatory environment for clearing the products. Asia-Pacific countries such as China and India are estimated to be the fastest-growing markets. South Korea and Brazil are also poised to register high growth in the coming years due to boost in biosimilars market. The services that can be provided in the global proteins in oncology market include contract research organizations and contract manufacturing organizations.Global Protein in Oncology Market: Drivers and RestraintsWorldwide increase in the prevalence of cancer and the rising awareness of the therapeutic and commercial opportunities offered by new oncology treatments have provided a major incentive for the pharmaceutical industry to pursue the development of new agents for the treatment of cancer. Proteins or peptide drugs are usually required to be administered only by injection due to their large and labile nature. Peptide drugs are used effectively in monitoring various tumors and related therapies. They selectively are known to bind responsive versus unresponsive tumors. Therefore, this advantage associated with the use of peptides assists their use in assessing tumor response and evaluating its effectiveness in cancer therapy. The main challenge for the newer generation of recombinant drugs seems to be the new route of administration, new formulations and consequently even higher efficiency and safety. Though the parenteral route of administration is the most common, there are advances being made to deliver medicines through the oral route, which is considered to be the most preferred one due to better patient compliance.Fill the form for an exclusive sample of this report @Recently new research has demonstrated that attaching a cancer killer protein to white blood cells annihilates metastasis. Isolation of a protein named as TRAIL by researchers at Cornell University in the U.S. demonstrated killing of cancer cells on contact. The TRAIL protein is binded with leukocytes (white blood cells) that are present across the bloodstream. The cancer cell is essentially known to kill itself when it comes in contact with TRAIL protein. The mechanism has been surprising and unexpectedly effective as compared to targeting the cancer cells with liposomes.Global Protein in Oncology Market: Competitive Landscape AnalysisThe key players contributing to the global proteins in oncology market include Actavis, Inc., Biocon Ltd., Celltrion, Inc., Dr. Reddys Laboratories Ltd., Emcure Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Hospira, Inc., Merck, Mylan, Inc., Roche Holding Ltd., Sandoz, Teva Pharmaceuticals and Wockhardt Ltd. Expansion of product portfolio enables these companies to gain a competitive advantage over other players in the market. Strengthening of market position by extensive investments in research and development is also one of the business strategies undertaken by the key players. A lot of research is still to be carried out in the protein recombinant drugs in oncology market which will come along with years of efforts and high risk.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Blood Preparation Market: Segmentation, Outlook, Trends, Forecast 2024

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Blood components refer to products derived from platelet-rich plasma or whole blood. Blood components such as platelets, plasma, red blood cells, and white blood cells are derived from blood by the process of phlebotomy or hemapheresis through the technique of differential centrifugation. These blood components are separated from whole blood in hospital laboratories and blood centers, and are administered to patients suffering from various diseases through transfusion. The whole blood is often collected and separated into major components before transfusion. However, automated collections are becoming increasingly popular nowadays and only blood components that are needed for transfusion are collected.Read more atOn the basis of product type, the global blood preparation market has been segmented into whole blood and blood components. While whole blood comprises platelets, plasma, red cells, and granulocytes, blood components constitute whole blood components, leukocyte reduced RBC, packed red cells, frozen plasma, and platelet concentrate. According to the antithrombotic and anticoagulant type, the blood preparation market has been divided into anticoagulants, fibrinolytics, and platelet aggregation inhibitors. Major application segments in the blood preparation market include renal impairment, thrombocytosis, and pulmonary embolism.Global Blood Preparation Market: Drivers and RestraintsThe growing demand for blood transfusion across emergency departments in hospitals has boosted the growth of the global blood preparation market. The rise in blood disorders such as thrombocytosis and the increasing requirement for blood during accidents and surgical procedures have supported the growth of the market.Fill the form for an exclusive sample of this report @According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, conditions such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) lead to over 60,000 deaths in the U.S. every year. Various initiatives taken by the National Institutes of Health and other regulatory bodies to spread awareness about the complications associated with these conditions have also propelled the markets growth.However, during blood transfusion, the chances of transmission of diseases such as viral hemorrhagic fever, HIV, and Hepatitis B are high. This is the single major restraining factor impacting the growth of the global blood preparation market. The overall market has a significant opportunity to grow with the development of high speed technology to separate blood components without losing their activity. The introduction of new oral anticoagulants and the re-launch of drugs such as Urokinase, the growing demand for source plasma, and the need for specific blood components such as packed red blood cells will create new growth opportunities for the market.Global Blood Preparation Market: Region-wise OutlookThe global blood preparation market has been segmented into four key regions: Europe, Asia Pacific, North America, and Rest of the World. North America has been contributing significantly to the growth of the market owing to the presence of a robust healthcare infrastructure. In the U.S., the collection, preparation, storage, and transport of blood is regulated by the FDA. Other federal agencies are working toward the implementation of health insurance portability standards to achieve adequate reimbursement for blood components.However, during the forecast period, the Asia Pacific blood preparation market is anticipated to expand rapidly due to various initiatives taken by governments, especially in countries such as India and China. The positive growth of the healthcare sector across Japan and Australia will also support the growth of the regional market.Global Blood Preparation Market: Competitive LandscapeSome of the key players in the global blood preparation market are GlaxoSmithKline PLC, Pfizer Inc., Leo Pharma Inc., Celgene Corp, Sanofi Aventis, Baxter Healthcare Corp., Shandong East Chemical Industry Co., Bristol-Myers Squibb Co., and AstraZeneca Co. The blood preparation market worldwide is being driven by technology. As a result, market players are investing heavily in research and development to introduce novel and cost-effective drugs.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Specialty Papers Market Shares, Strategies and Forecast Worldwide, 2017 to 2023

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Market ScenarioSpecialty papers are one of the special grades of paper. They have special characteristics and properties and are designed for certain end user. Sometimes, normal papers are converted into specialty paper by the use of chemicals. The growing trend of the online shopping in both developed and developing countries, is driving the demand of specialty paper market. Growing demand of specialty paper from food & beverages sector also has a positive influence on the market growth. However, growing the trends of plastic packaging which is more sustainable compared with paper, is the factor that may hamper the growth of market.Global specialty papers market is projected to reach USD 28.73 billion by 2023, at a CAGR of 5.7% from 2017 to 2023.Market SegmentsGlobal Specialty Papers Market can be segmented as follows: Segmentation by Type: Decor Paper, Flexible Packaging Papers, Release Liner Paper, Printing Paper, Masking Tape Segmentation by Raw Material: Pulp, Fillers & Binders, Additives Segmentation by Application: Building & Construction, Packaging & Labeling, Industrial, Printing & WritingRequest a Sample Report @Study Objective of Specialty Papers Market To provide detailed analysis of the market structure along with forecast for the next five years of various segments and sub-segments of the global specialty papers market To provide insights about factors affecting the market growth To analyze the global specialty papers market based on various tools such as Price Analysis, Supply Chain Analysis, Porters Five Forces Analysis To provide historical and forecast revenue of the market segments and sub-segments with respect to four main geographies, North America, Europe, APAC, & Rest of the World (ROW) and their countries To provide country level analysis of the market with respect to the current market size and future prospective To provide country level analysis of the market segmented, by type, by material, by applications, and by regions To provide strategic profiling of the key players in the market, comprehensively analyzing their core competencies, and drawing a competitive landscape for the market To track and analyze competitive developments such as joint ventures, strategic alliances, mergers and acquisitions, new product developments, and research and developments in the specialty papers marketBrowse Report Details @Key Players:The key players of global specialty papers market are: Nippon Paper Group, Inc. (Japan) Domtar Corporation (Canada) Mondi Plc (Austria) Sappi Limited. (South Africa) Stora Enso Oyj (Finland) Munksjo Corporation (Sweden) Kanzaki Specialty Papers Inc. (U.S.) International Paper Company (U.S.) Robert Wilson Paper Corporation (U.S.) Griff Paper and Film (U.S.)Target Audience Manufacturing Organizations Distributors & Suppliers Government as well as Independent Regulatory Authorities Research Institute / Education Institute Potential InvestorsRegional Analysis of Global Specialty papers MarketEuropean region dominates the global specialty papers market, mainly due to growth in food & beverages sector. Europe is expected to contribute significantly during the forecast period. Asia-Pacific region is expected to grow at the fastest pace during the forecast period. Growth in industrialization and urbanization in this region, is the primary factor that increases the demand of specialty papers market.About Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.MRFR team have supreme objective to provide the optimum quality market research and intelligence services to our clients. Our market research studies by products, services, technologies, applications, end users, and market players for global, regional, and country level market segments, enable our clients to see more, know more, and do more, which help to answer all their most important questions.In order to stay updated with technology and work process of the industry, MRFR often plans & conducts meet with the industry experts and industrial visits for its research analyst members.Akash Anand,Market Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: akash.anand@marketresearchfuture.com
Native Starches Market Outlook and Global Foresight to 2022

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Global Native Starches market Information- with respect to source (corn, wheat, cassava, potato, and others), form (powder, gel, and others) application {Food & Beverages (Confectionery, Processed food, Beverages, others), Non-Food (Corrugating & Paper making, Pharmaceutical, textiles, Personal Care, and others)} and Region - Forecast till 2022Native starch is manufactured by extracting starch from plant sources such as corn, cassava, potato, wheat and others. Native starches are starch granules isolated from plant source used as binders, texturizers, thickeners, stabilizers and setting agents. It is an essential ingredient for the food industry found in huge range of food products, as it improves the nutritional and sensory quality of food. In the food industry, starches are used as a thickener, gelling agent, or as a stabilizer to manufacture snacks, meat products, fruit juices and other food products.Request for sample copy @Due to its low cost, easy availability, native starch is extensively used in various non-food application. There is rise in demand from the personal care industry, native starches are widely used in personal care products, in cream emulsions, as talc substitutes, bio-degradable packaging material, and others. Globally the market for native starches is estimated to grow at the rate of about 3.02% from 2016 to 2022. The global native starches market is in the entire world; to name few regions where this market exist are North America, Europe, China and Asia Pacific. Among these APAC has the major market share followed by North America. Europe is projected to grow at the fastest rate in the coming years owing to increasing demand for natural and organic food additive. Due to the cheap raw materials & low production costs as well as less stringent environment regulations Asia-Pacific region is in a better position to produce starch at more competitive prices than developed countries in European and North American region.Native starches market has been segmented on the basis of source of native starches, market is segmented into corn, wheat, cassava, potato, and other sources. On the basis of form, market is segmented into powder, gel and others. On basis of application, market is segmented into food & beverages and non-food application, food application includes confectionery, processed food, beverages, and others. Non-food applications includes corrugation and papermaking, personal care, pharmaceuticals, textiles, and others includes mining & drilling, construction & building, adhesives, chemicals and animal feed.Complete Report Available atKey Players:The leading market players in the global native starches market primarily are Cargill Incorporated (U.S.) Archer Daniels Midland Company (U.S.) Ingredion Incorporated (U.S.) Tate & Lyle PLC (U.K.) Agrana Beteiligungs-AG (Austria) Grain Processing Corporation (U.S.) Roquette Freres (France)Target Audience: Native starches manufacturers Food and beverages manufacturers Textiles Pharmaceuticals Personal Care Retailers & wholesalers E-commerce companies Traders, importers and exportersKey Findings: Pharmaceutical making is expected to witness a highest growth rate 3.15% Rise in demand for confectionery from the range of food & beverage sector will grow at CAGR 3.94% In Asia-Pacific region Thailand dominates the market, followed by ChinaGet a discount atThe reports also cover country level analysis:North America US Canada MexicoEurope Germany France U.K. ItalyAsia  Pacific China India Thailand Japan South-East AsiaAt Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.MRFR team have supreme objective to provide the optimum quality market research and intelligence services to our clients. Our market research studies by products, services, technologies, applications, end users, and market players for global, regional, and country level market segments, enable our clients to see more, know more, and do more, which help to answer all their most important questions.In order to stay updated with technology and work process of the industry, MRFR often plans & conducts meet with the industry experts and industrial visits for its research analyst members.Akash AnandP: +1 646 845 9312W:
Global Canola Oil Market Research Report- Forecast to 2023

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Global canola production has seen significant growth from last 20 years. In present scenario canola is the second largest oil crop produced across the globe. Canola oil which is obtained from crushing canola seeds is the third most produced vegetable oil globally. After soybean, canola meal is the second largest feed meal available in the world. Increased application of canola oil in processed foods especially in mayonnaise and salad dressing has boosted the market growth. Improving processing technology and harvesting practices are playing the key role in increasing demand of canola oil. Trends in the Canadian canola industry have a significant impact on production and processing of canola in the North America which has enhanced the market growth in North America region.Global Canola Oil Market Information- by canola species (Brassica Rapa (Polish canola), Brassica napus (Argentine canola) and Brassica juncea (Brown mustard canola)),by processing (Refined, Modified, Hand Made, Crude and Others), by application (Cooking purpose, Processed foods, Lubricants, Personal care, Bio-diesel and Others), by packaging (Drum, Can, Plastic Bottle, Glass bottle and Others) by Region Forecast to 2023Get a sample copy of this report atStudy Objectives of Canola Oil Market To provide detailed analysis of the market structure along with forecast for the next 5 years of the various segments and sub-segments of the global canola oil market To provide insights about factors affecting the market growth To analyze the market based on various factors - price analysis, supply chain analysis, porters five force analysis etc. To provide historical and forecast revenue of the market segments and sub-segments with respect to four main geographies and their countries- North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Middle East & Africa. To provide country level analysis of the market with respect to the current market size and future prospective To provide country level analysis of the market for segments by canola species, processing, application and packaging To provide overview of key players and their strategic profiling in the market, comprehensively analyzing their core competencies, and drawing a competitive landscape for the market. To track and analyze competitive developments such as joint ventures, strategic alliances, mergers and acquisitions, new product developments, and research and developments globally.Complete Report Available atIntended Audience Canola Oil manufacturers Food Industry Personal care product manufacturers Agriculture Industry E-commerce Retailers and wholesalers Traders, importers and exportersKey Findings: The top five importers of canola oil are U.S., Netherlands, Sweden, Belgium and France Europe and China are the major producer of canola oilSegmentsCanola Oil market has been segmented on the basis of canola species which includes Brassica Rapa (Polish canola), Brassica napus (Argentine canola) and Brassica juncea (Brown mustard canola)Canola Oil market has been segmented on the basis of processing which includes refined, modified, handmade, crude and othersCanola Oil market has been segmented on the basis of application which includes cooking purpose, processed foods, lubricants, personal care, bio-diesel and othersCanola Oil market has been segmented on the basis of packaging which includes drum, can, plastic bottle, glass bottle and othersBrassica Rapa i.e. polish canola are in high demand due to its increased application personal care products and processed foods. Many key players are use refined and modified processing technique compare to other type of processing. Canola oil application in bio-diesel is growing at faster rate due to increasing demand of bio-diesel.Regional AnalysisThe Global Canola Oil market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and rest of the world (ROW). Europe has the major market share followed by Asia Pacific. Europe is one of the major producer of canola and support from government has made Europe a leading market for canola oil. China and India contributes maximum market share in Asia Pacific region and increased canola production in China and India has boosted the export in Asia Pacific region.Key PlayersThe key players profiled in the Canola Oil market are as Archer Daniels Midland Company (U.S.) Associated British Foods plc. (U.K.) Sunora Foods (Canada) Wilsons Foods (South Africa) JIVO WELLNESS PVT. LTD. (India) DALMIA CONTINENTAL PVT. LTD (India) ARLA FOODS AMBA (Denmark)Request for Discount atThe Canola Oil market is segmented under the following regions mentioned below:North America US Canada MexicoEurope Germany France Netherlands Spain UK Rest of EuropeAsia-Pacific China India Australia Malaysia Rest of Asia PacificRest of the world Brazil Argentina Saudi Arabia South Africa OthersThe report for Global Canola Oil Market of Market Research Future comprises of extensive primary research along with the detailed analysis of qualitative as well as quantitative aspects by various industry experts, key opinion leaders to gain the deeper insight of the market and industry performance. The report gives the clear picture of current market scenario which includes historical and projected market size in terms of value and volume, technological advancement, macro economical and governing factors in the market. The report provides details information and strategies of the top key players in the industry. The report also gives a broad study of the different markets segments and regions.At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.MRFR team have supreme objective to provide the optimum quality market research and intelligence services to our clients. Our market research studies by products, services, technologies, applications, end users, and market players for global, regional, and country level market segments, enable our clients to see more, know more, and do more, which help to answer all their most important questions.In order to stay updated with technology and work process of the industry, MRFR often plans & conducts meet with the industry experts and industrial visits for its research analyst members.Akash AnandP: +1 646 845 9312W:
Silicone Fluids Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size 2024 | Research Report

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Global Silicone Fluids Market: DescriptionSilicone fluids are colorless and transparent liquids. These liquids exhibit high resistance to heat and cold. Silicone fluids are also moisture resistant. Over a wide temperature range, silicone fluids exhibit very low change in viscosity. Additionally silicone fluids are noted for various other characteristics like mold releasability, lubricity and defoaming properties. Silicone fluids can withstand low temperatures and maintain flow ability even at -65C. Moreover, silicone fluids have few or no adverse effects on metals and other materials. Silicone fluids are almost completely inactive show no effects on alkali solutions at room temperatures. These fluids have considerably lower surface tension as compared to water and common synthetic oils. Silicone fluids have strong and more stable bonds; hence, they are more resistant to harsh environmental processing and operating conditions. These fluids are non-toxic and inert and also permeable to gas and water vapor.Browse Market Research Report @Silicone fluids have a wide range of industrial applications, which include power transmission, medical support cushions, lubricants; silicone aerosol sprays, damping fluids, additives for automotive polishes and dressings, heat transfer fluids, high temperature oil baths and water repellent treatment of textiles and powders. A few silicone fluids like simethicone are anti-foaming agents owing to their low surface tension. These fluids are primarily used in industrial applications such as distillation or fermentation in order to get rid of excess foam. Silicone fluids were also used in the automobile fan clutch assemblies before electric cooling fans replaced them. Silicone fluids also find medical applications wherein the fluid is added to the consumer product to control flatus. These fluids are also used as a substitute for vitreous fluids to treat difficult cases of retinal detachment such as proliferative vitroratinopathy, large retinal tears and penetrating ocular trauma.Global Silicone Fluids Market: Drivers and RestraintsThe silicone market is expected to grow at healthy rate in the near future due to its widespread application base. These fluids are expected to be the leading type of silicone product in the market. Growth of the silicone fluids market is expected to be propelled further due to its extensive use in laboratories and numerous opportunities in the medical field. The demand is likely to further increase owing to the use of liquid silicone rubber in electronics and in machinery due to the ease in its manufacturing process, flexibility and its high ability to form precision parts. Owing to its use in high growth applications such as solar cells and light emitting diodes, a wide range of opportunities are available for the silicone gels market in the near future. Additionally silicone gels are also used as the basis for breast implant products and these fluids are anticipated to continually gain market share at the expense of their saline filled substitutes.Global Silicone Fluids Market: Geographical DynamicsIndia and China are expected to be the fastest growing markets for silicone fluids in the future. Technological developments in the U.S. and continued innovation are expected to increase the demand for these fluids in the U.S. and in Europe. However, owing to the market maturity of silicone fluids in the North American and European regions, the opportunities for the fluid will be limited and instead the focus of the market growth is likely to shift to Asia Pacific and RoW.Get accurate market forecast and analysis on the Silicone Fluids Market. Request a sample to stay abreast on the key trends impacting this market @The main companies that manufacture silicone fluids include Dow Corning Corporation, Gelest Incorporated, Quantum Silicones, KCC Corporation, Clariant International limited, Caledonia Investments and Saint Gobain among other companies.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR syndicated research report covers a different sector - such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, TMRs syndicated reports strive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Antimicrobial Packaging Market  Analysis and Forecasts from 2016 to 2024

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Global Antimicrobial Packaging Market: OverviewThe primary purpose of antimicrobial packaging materials and technologies is to prevent the packaged items from spoilage and contamination. The rising concerns about food-related infections have augmented the demand for antimicrobial packaging in the recent years. The research report states that the efforts to reduce food wastage in times of food scarcity are also likely to fuel the rise of the global market.The research report on the global antimicrobial packaging market presents a clear understanding of the various factors governing the market dynamics present in the market. Furthermore, it also studies the nature of the competitive landscape present in the global market and the threat from substitutes and new entrants. The publication provides a holistic outlook of the global antimicrobial packaging market due valuable insights.This 337 page report gives readers a comprehensive overview of the Antimicrobial Packaging market Browse through 31 data tables and 116 figures to unlock the hidden opportunities in this market.Global Antimicrobial Packaging Market: Key TrendsThe growing prevalence of foodborne diseases and infections due to cross-contamination in food items has led a significant demand for antimicrobial packaging. The growing urbanization and rapid rise in the population has also led to a shift toward eating packaged food items instead of fresh items, which, in turn, has augmented the growth of the global market. The growing disposable incomes, lack of time, and hectic lifestyles have collectively contributed to the global antimicrobial packaging market in direct and indirect ways.The trend of storing mixes, beverages, spices, and food in households has also spiked the demand for antimicrobial packaging in recent years. Furthermore, growing number of manufacturers vying for increasing the lifespan of various food items are also likely to opt for high quality antimicrobial packaging, predict analysts.Global Antimicrobial Packaging Market: SegmentationThe various materials used for antimicrobial packaging are plastic, paperboard, biopolymer, tin, and glass. Plastics have been predominantly used for making antimicrobial packaging solutions as they are chemically, physically, and mechanically better than the other types of materials. Additionally, plastics can be molded into desired shapes and are known to provide sufficient protection from tears. The elasticity of plastics and its affordable price has also made plastic an obvious choice amongst leading players of antimicrobial packaging market.However, the rising concerns about waste management and disposal of plastics are shifting the preference of manufacturers toward other materials. The non-biodegradability of plastics is likely to restrain its growth as a material for making antimicrobial packaging in the near future.Global Antimicrobial Packaging Market: Regional OutlookIn terms of geography, the global antimicrobial packaging market is segmented into the Middle East and Asia, Latin America, Asia Pacific, North America, and Europe. Of these, Asia Pacific is expected to dominate the global market as the regional market. An exponentially rising population base and rapid urbanization are expected to create a substantial demand for plastic packaging in the coming years. The growing needs of this population base such as convenience meals, packaged food and beverages, and other food items are projected to fuel the demand for antimicrobial packaging in the global market in the coming years.North America too has been a consistent contributor to the global antimicrobial packaging market. The high number of packaged food consumers who demand hygienic packaging quality are expected to be crucial to this regional market. On the other hand, the Middle and Africa and Europe are expected to be slow but steady consumers of antimicrobial packaging as the regions realizes the importance of quality packaging materials.Key Players Mentioned in this Report are:Some of the leading players operating in the global antimicrobial packaging market are Sciessent LLC, Takex Labo Co. Ltd, BASF SE, The Dow Chemical Company, Barr Brands International, LINPAC Senior Holdings Limited, Mondi PLC, PolyOne Corporation, BioCote Limited, and Dunmore Corporation.Get accurate market forecast and analysis on the Antimicrobial Packaging market. Request a sample to stay abreast on the key trends impacting this market.Global Antimicrobial Packaging Market, by MaterialPlasticPolyethylene (PE)Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET)Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE)High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)BiopolymerPaperboardGlassTinOthersGlobal Antimicrobial Packaging Market, by TechnologyControlled Release PackagingActive PackagingGlobal Antimicrobial Packaging Market, by Antimicrobial AgentsOrganic AcidBacteriocinsEssential OilsEnzymesMetal Ion & OxidizersOthersGlobal Antimicrobial Packaging Market, by Package TypePouchesBottles & CansCarton PackagesTraysBagsCups & LidsOthersGlobal Antimicrobial Packaging Market, by ApplicationFood & BeveragePersonal CareHealthcareOthersGlobal Antimicrobial Packaging Market, by Geography: The market is broadly segmented on the basis of geography into:North AmericaU.S.Rest of North AmericaEuropeU.KGermanyFranceItalyRest of EuropeAsia PacificChinaIndiaJapanRest of APACMiddle East and AfricaUAESouth AfricaRest of Middle East & AfricaLatin AmericaBrazilRest of Latin AmericaRequest for Discount of this report - @About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR syndicated research report covers a different sector  such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. 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Population Health Management Market  Analysis and Forecasts from 2017 to 2025

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Population health management is characterized as collecting and analyzing the data on segments of patient population and management of that data for specific diseases within that population. It is a model which helps the health care providers and payers to assess the populations they serve across the continuum of care. Population health management is thus a comprehensive approach which requires both analysis and action, and utilized to uncover the gaps in health care for the benefits of patients and physicians. It improves health management outcomes by aligning physicians, coordinating the medical care, and optimizing efficiency as well as revenue. Major factors driving the population health management market are continued pressures to minimize health care costs, rising demand to improve the healthcare services quality, and implementation of value-based payment system. However, lack of trained and efficient professionals, safety of data and its management concerns, and lack of proper systems requiring investment to run the population health management program smoothly are the major restraints of the population health management market.View Report @The global population health management market can be segmented based on component, delivery mode, and end-user. In terms of component, the global population health management has been segmented into software, hardware, and services. The services segment has been further divided into consulting, business intelligence, analytics, and others. The consulting and business intelligence segments dominated the population health management market in 2016, owing to the rising demand for business intelligence tools to analyze the data in the process of decision making from a patient perspective. The software segment is expected to lead the population health management market during the forecast period, with highest CAGR, attributed to the introduction of the Patient Protection & Affordable Care Act (ACA) and encouragement to hospitals by public and private players to take up population health management programs. Based on delivery mode, the global population health management market has been classified as web-based, mobile-based, cloud-based, and others.The web-based segment held the largest share of the population health management market in 2016 due to the continuous efforts being made by governments to reduce health care costs and rapid adoption of private payers to value-based purchasing model. However, the mobile-based segment is anticipated to witness highest CAGR and is expected to account for the largest share of the global population health management market in terms of revenue by 2025. Emergence of big data analytics is a major factor likely to drive the mobile-based market during the forecast period.In terms of end-user, the global population health management market has been segmented into health care providers, health care payers, government organizations, and employer groups. The health care providers segment captured the largest market share in terms of revenue in 2016, attributed to rising incidence of chronic diseases among the population and increasing demand for better and healthy patient quality of life. The health care payers and providers segments are projected to dominate the global population health management market from 2017 to 2025, owing to increasing demand for effective and systematic disease management.Geographically, the global population health management market has been segmented into five major regions: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. North America accounted for the largest share of the population health management market in terms of revenue in 2016, attributed to the reforms and investments being made to modernize the health care infrastructure in the U.S. However, the market in Asia Pacific is expected to expand at the highest CAGR during the forecast period, owing to the growing medical tourism in developing countries in Asia and the rapidly expanding health care industry in China and India. North America is anticipated to continue to dominate the market during the forecast period due to the efforts being taken to digitalize the health care system in the region.Key players in the global population health management market are Allscripts Healthcare Solutions, Inc., Cerner Corporation, Accenture, Conifer Health Solutions, LLC, McKesson Corporation, IBM Corporation, Wellcentive, Inc., and Epic Corporation, Inc., among others.The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth qualitative insights, historical data, and verifiable projections about market size. The projections featured in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions. By doing so, the research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology, types, and applications.Get accurate market forecast and analysis on the Next Generation Implants market.Request a sample to stay abreast on the key trends impacting this market.The study is a source of reliable data on:Market segments and sub-segmentsMarket trends and dynamicsSupply and demandMarket sizeCurrent trends/opportunities/challengesCompetitive landscapeTechnological breakthroughsValue chain and stakeholder analysisThe regional analysis covers:North America (U.S. and Canada)Latin America (Mexico, Brazil, Peru, Chile, and others)Western Europe (Germany, U.K., France, Spain, Italy, Nordic countries, Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg)Eastern Europe (Poland and Russia)Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan, ASEAN, Australia, and New Zealand)Middle East and Africa (GCC, Southern Africa, and North Africa)The report has been compiled through extensive primary research (through interviews, surveys, and observations of seasoned analysts) and secondary research (which entails reputable paid sources, trade journals, and industry body databases). The report also features a complete qualitative and quantitative assessment by analyzing data gathered from industry analysts and market participants across key points in the industrys value chain.A separate analysis of prevailing trends in the parent market, macro- and micro-economic indicators, and regulations and mandates is included under the purview of the study. By doing so, the report projects the attractiveness of each major segment over the forecast period.Highlights of the report:A complete backdrop analysis, which includes an assessment of the parent marketImportant changes in market dynamicsMarket segmentation up to the second or third levelHistorical, current, and projected size of the market from the standpoint of both value and volumeReporting and evaluation of recent industry developmentsMarket shares and strategies of key playersEmerging niche segments and regional marketsAn objective assessment of the trajectory of the marketRecommendations to companies for strengthening their foothold in the marketRequest for Discount of this report - @About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR syndicated research report covers a different sector  such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, TMRs syndicated reports strive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR syndicated research report covers a different sector  such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, TMRs syndicated reports strive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Pigments Market 2016 Research Methodology of Top Key Players & Forecast to 2023

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Pigments are compounds that impart colors by transmitting or reflecting absorbed light of selected wavelengths. Besides coloration properties, pigments help to improve several functional features such as hiding power, opacity, transparency, light fastness, and durability. Pigments are widely employed in various end-users industries such as paints & coatings, printing inks, plastics, construction materials, personal care, and paper. Synthetic pigments are broadly classified into three major product segments: inorganic, organic, and specialty pigments. Inorganic pigments dominated the pigments market in the recent past. In terms of volume. Asia Pacific accounted for the largest share of the pigments market in 2014, followed by North America and Europe. Asia Pacific is expected to be the largest consumer of pigments during the forecast period.View Report @The report estimates and forecasts the pigments market on the global, regional, and country level. The study provides forecast between 2015 and 2023 based on volume (kilo tons) and revenue (US$ Mn). The report comprises an exhaustive value chain analysis for each of the product segments, which provides a comprehensive view of the market. Value chain analysis also offers detailed information about value addition at each stage. The study includes drivers and restraints for the pigments market along with their impact on demand during the forecast period. The report analyzes opportunities in the pigments market on the global and regional level. Drivers, restraints, and opportunities mentioned in the report are justified through quantitative and qualitative data. These have been verified through primary and secondary resources.The report includes Porters Five Forces Model to determine the degree of competition in the pigments market. The report comprises a qualitative write-up on market attractiveness analysis, wherein end-users and countries have been analyzed based on attractiveness. Growth rate, market size, raw material availability, profit margin, impact strength, technology, competition, and other factors (such as environmental and legal) have been evaluated in order to derive the general attractiveness of the market. The report includes price trend analysis for inorganic, organic, and specialty pigments between 2014 and 2023.The study provides a comprehensive view of the pigments market by dividing it into product segments such as inorganic, organic, and specialty pigments. These product segments are further bifurcated into various sub-segments. In terms of end-users, the pigments market has been segmented into paints & coatings, printing inks, plastics, construction materials, and others. Product segments and end-user segments have been analyzed based on historic, present, and future trends, and the market has been estimated between 2015 and 2023 in terms of volume (kilo tons) and revenue (US$ Mn).Regional segmentation includes the current and forecast demand for pigments in North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa (MEA). Additionally, the report comprises country-level analysis in terms of volume and revenue for application segments. Key countries such as the U.S., Germany, Italy, the U.K., France, Spain, China, India, Brazil, and South Africa have been included in the study. Market segmentation includes demand for individual applications in all the regions and countries.The report covers detailed competitive outlook that includes market share and profiles of key players operating in the global market. Key players profiled in the report include The Chemours Company, Huntsman Corporation, BASF SE, Lanxess AG, Clariant AG, Altana AG, and DIC Corporation. Company profiles include attributes such as company overview, number of employees, brand overview, key competitors, business overview, business strategies, recent/key developments, acquisitions, and financial overview.Secondary research sources that were typically referred to include, but were not limited to company websites, financial reports, annual reports, investor presentations, broker reports, and SEC filings. Other sources such as internal and external proprietary databases, statistical databases and market reports, news articles, national government documents, and webcasts specific to companies operating in the market have also been referred for the report.In-depth interviews and discussions with a wide range of key opinion leaders and industry participants were conducted to compile this research report. Primary research represents the bulk of research efforts, supplemented by extensive secondary research. Key players product literature, annual reports, press releases, and relevant documents were reviewed for competitive analysis and market understanding. This helped in validating and strengthening secondary research findings. Primary research further helped in developing the analysis teams expertise and market understanding.Get accurate market forecast and analysis on the Pigments market. Request a sample to stay abreast on the key trends impacting this market.The pigments market has been divided into the following segments.Pigments Market  Product Segment AnalysisInorganic PigmentsTitanium DioxideIron OxideCadmium PigmentsCarbon BlackChromium CompoundsOthers (Including bismuth vanadium, etc.Organic PigmentsAzoPhthalocyanineQuinacridoneOthers (Including quinophthalone, etc.)Specialty PigmentsClassic OrganicMetallicHigh Performance OrganicLight InterferenceComplex InorganicFluorescentLuminescent/phosphorescentThermochromicPigments Market  End-user AnalysisPaints & CoatingsPrinting InksPlasticsConstruction MaterialsOthers (Including personal care, paper, etc.)Request for Discount of this report - @About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. 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Global Cardiac Biomarker Market Professional Survey Report 2017 Key Player - Alere ,Roche Diagnostics ,BG Medicine ,Biomerieux ,Critical Diagnostics Analysis and forecast 2022

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Cardiac BiomarkerGet Sample Report @Covered In This Report:This report studies Cardiac Biomarker in Global market, especially in North America, China, Europe, Southeast Asia, Japan and India, with production, revenue, consumption, import and export in these regions, from 2012 to 2016, and forecast to 2022.This report focuses on top manufacturers in global market, with production, price, revenue and market share for each manufacturer, coveringAlereRoche DiagnosticsBG MedicineBiomerieuxCritical DiagnosticsDiaDexusBD BiosciencesBiocompare...By types, the market can be split intoCreatine Kinase (CK) MBTroponin (cTnI and cTnT)BNP & NT-proBNPMyogloblinOthersBy Application, the market can be split intoMyocardial InfarctionCongestive Heart FailureAcute Coronary SyndromeAtherosclerosisOthersBy Regions, this report covers (we can add the regions/countries as you want)North AmericaChinaEuropeSoutheast AsiaJapanIndiaIf you have any special requirements, please let us know and we will offer you the report as you want.Make An Enquiry Before Buying This Report@ .Table of ContentsTable of ContentsGlobal Cardiac Biomarker Market Professional Survey Report 20171 Industry Overview of Cardiac Biomarker1.1 Definition and Specifications of Cardiac Biomarker1.1.1 Definition of Cardiac Biomarker1.1.2 Specifications of Cardiac Biomarker1.2 Classification of Cardiac Biomarker1.2.1 Creatine Kinase (CK) MB1.2.2 Troponin (cTnI and cTnT)1.2.3 BNP & NT-proBNP1.2.4 Myogloblin1.2.5 Others1.3 Applications of Cardiac Biomarker1.3.1 Myocardial Infarction1.3.2 Congestive Heart Failure1.3.3 Acute Coronary Syndrome1.3.4 Atherosclerosis1.3.5 Others1.4 Market Segment by Regions1.4.1 North America1.4.2 China1.4.3 Europe1.4.4 Southeast Asia1.4.5 Japan1.4.6 India2 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Cardiac Biomarker2.1 Raw Material and Suppliers2.2 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Cardiac Biomarker2.3 Manufacturing Process Analysis of Cardiac Biomarker2.4 Industry Chain Structure of Cardiac Biomarker3 Technical Data and Manufacturing Plants Analysis of Cardiac Biomarker3.1 Capacity and Commercial Production Date of Global Cardiac Biomarker Major Manufacturers in 20163.2 Manufacturing Plants Distribution of Global Cardiac Biomarker Major Manufacturers in 20163.3 R&D Status and Technology Source of Global Cardiac Biomarker Major Manufacturers in 20163.4 Raw Materials Sources Analysis of Global Cardiac Biomarker Major Manufacturers in 20164 Global Cardiac Biomarker Overall Market Overview4.1 2012-2017E Overall Market Analysis4.2 Capacity Analysis4.2.1 2012-2017E Global Cardiac Biomarker Capacity and Growth Rate Analysis4.2.2 2016 Cardiac Biomarker Capacity Analysis (Company Segment)4.3 Sales Analysis4.3.1 2012-2017E Global Cardiac Biomarker Sales and Growth Rate Analysis4.3.2 2016 Cardiac Biomarker Sales Analysis (Company Segment)4.4 Sales Price Analysis4.4.1 2012-2017E Global Cardiac Biomarker Sales Price4.4.2 2016 Cardiac Biomarker Sales Price Analysis (Company Segment)Continued...Buy Now @Contact Us:Norah TrentPartner Relations & Marketing ManagerSales@Wiseguyreports.ComPh: +1-646-845-9349 (Us)Ph: +44 208 133 9349 (Uk)ABOUT US:Wise Guy Reports is part of the Wise Guy Consultants Pvt. Ltd. and offers premium progressive statistical surveying, market research reports, analysis & forecast data for industries and governments around the globe. Wise Guy Reports features an exhaustive list of market research reports from hundreds of publishers worldwide. We boast a database spanning virtually every market category and an even more comprehensive collection of market research reports under these categories and sub-categories.WISE GUY RESEARCH CONSULTANTS PVT LTDOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, HadapsarPune - 411028Maharashtra, India
Ion Exchange Resins Market 2016 Research Methodology of Top Key Players & Forecast to 2024

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An ion exchange resin is a resin that acts as a medium for ion exchange. It is a small insoluble matrix, usually in the form of a tiny bead produced from organic polymer substrates. The surface of this resin bead is typically porous. This assists in trapping and releasing ions without any difficulty. Ion exchange resins are used in various applications in different purification, separation, and decontamination processes. Common applications include water purification and water softening. Ion exchange resins may also be used instead of zeolites in the said processes. They are also highly effective in the filtration process of bio-diesel. Furthermore, ion exchange resins are employed in end-use industries such as food & beverages, pharmaceuticals, and power generation.View Report @Based on type, the ion exchange resins market can be divided into cationic resins, anionic resins, chelation resins, and adsorbent resins. The cationic resins segment held the prominent share of the global ion exchange resins market in 2015. It is anticipated to continue its dominance across during the forecast period. Application in water softening and demineralization in industries such as water treatment, nuclear, and chemical is the primary driver of the cationic resins segment. The chelation resins and adsorbent resins segments are estimated to expand at rapid pace during the forecast period. Chelation resins are used in agricultural and pharmaceutical applications, while adsorbent resins are employed in the food & beverage industry. These segments are projected to expand significantly owing to the increase in demand for processed food and growth in agricultural applications in countries in Asia Pacific such as China and India.Based on end-use industry, the global ion exchange resins market can be segmented into power, water treatment, food & beverages, chemical, pharmaceutical, and others. The power segment constituted the key share of the ion exchange resins market in 2015. It is likely to continue its dominance during the forecast period. Ion exchange resins are extensively employed to demineralize feed water and condensate polishing inside water-steam circuits in the power industry. The power segment is expected to be followed by the water treatment and food & beverage segments, owing to the global industrialization coupled with scarcity of clean and fresh water. The pharmaceutical segment is anticipated to expand at a rapid pace during the forecast period, as ion exchange resins are excellent drug delivery mediums. R&D departments of several manufacturing companies are conducting research on increasing the number of applications of ion exchange resins in the pharmaceutical segment. This is also estimated to drive the ion exchange resins market in the near future.In terms of region, the global ion exchange resins market can be segregated into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and Latin America. Asia Pacific held the prominent share of the global ion exchange resins market in 2015. The market in the region is expected to expand at a rapid pace during the forecast period owing to the increase in demand for nuclear power and rise in urbanization. China, India, and South Korea are the key countries contributing to the growth of the ion exchange resins market in Asia Pacific. The region was followed by North America and Europe, respectively, in 2015. The ion exchange resins market in North America and Europe is expanding at a sluggish pace, as it has reached the stage of maturity. This is anticipated to hamper the demand for ion exchange resins in these regions. The ion exchange resins market in Latin America is estimated to expand at a significant pace during the forecast period owing to the growing demand for clean water.Prominent players operating in the global ion exchange resins market are BASF SE, The Dow Chemical Company, Ion Exchange Ltd., Evoqua Water Technologies LLC, Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, Finex Oy, Lanxess, and Thermax Limited.The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth qualitative insights, historical data, and verifiable projections about market size. The projections featured in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions. By doing so, the research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology, types, and applications.Get accurate market forecast and analysis on the Ion Exchange Resins market. Request a sample to stay abreast on the key trends impacting this market.The study is a source of reliable data on:Market segments and sub-segmentsMarket trends and dynamicsSupply and demandMarket sizeCurrent trends/opportunities/challengesCompetitive landscapeTechnological breakthroughsValue chain and stakeholder analysisThe regional analysis covers:North America (U.S. and Canada)Latin America (Mexico, Brazil, Peru, Chile, and others)Western Europe (Germany, U.K., France, Spain, Italy, Nordic countries, Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg)Eastern Europe (Poland and Russia)Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan, ASEAN, Australia, and New Zealand)Middle East and Africa (GCC, Southern Africa, and North Africa)The report has been compiled through extensive primary research (through interviews, surveys, and observations of seasoned analysts) and secondary research (which entails reputable paid sources, trade journals, and industry body databases). The report also features a complete qualitative and quantitative assessment by analyzing data gathered from industry analysts and market participants across key points in the industrys value chain.A separate analysis of prevailing trends in the parent market, macro- and micro-economic indicators, and regulations and mandates is included under the purview of the study. By doing so, the report projects the attractiveness of each major segment over the forecast period.Highlights of the report:A complete backdrop analysis, which includes an assessment of the parent marketImportant changes in market dynamicsMarket segmentation up to the second or third levelHistorical, current, and projected size of the market from the standpoint of both value and volumeReporting and evaluation of recent industry developmentsMarket shares and strategies of key playersEmerging niche segments and regional marketsAn objective assessment of the trajectory of the marketRecommendations to companies for strengthening their foothold in the marketRequest for Discount of this report - @About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR syndicated research report covers a different sector  such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, TMRs syndicated reports strive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Hematological Malignancies Market Research Report- Forecast to 2024

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Global Hematological Malignancies Market: SnapshotHematological malignancies, commonly known as hematological cancer, is registering a widespread prevalence across the world. According to the National Cancer Institute, hematological cancer is the fifth most commonly occurring cancer, globally, and is the second prominent reason behind the cancer death in the U.S. Researchers expect the incidence of hematological malignancies to increase further in the coming years, which will result in the growing need for its treatment, impacting the global hematological malignancies market greatly.Get accurate market forecast and analysis on the Hematological Malignancies Market. Request a sample to stay abreast on the key trends impacting this market.The opportunity in the worldwide market for hematological malignancies, which stood at US$27.4 bn in 2015, is likely to expand at a CAGR of 7.50% during the period from 2016 to 2024 and reach a value of US$51.9 bn by 2024.The rich product pipeline and the improvement in the reimbursement scenario are likely to drive the growth of the market for hematological malignancies treatment, worldwide, in the near future. Moreover, the rising trend of patent protection is also expected to boost this market considerably in the coming years.Demand for Immunotherapy to Remain StrongImmunotherapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy are the three most common treatment methods for hematological malignancies. Among these, immunotherapy led the demand in 2015 with a share of 41.3% in the overall market. The efficiency of immunotherapy, coupled with a lower risk of side effects, has influenced its demand considerably over the last few years.Going forward, blockbuster drugs, such as Pomalyst, Rituxan, and Revlimid, are impacting the demand for immunotherapy positively and are expected to continue doing do throughout the forecast period, leading to a substantial rise in the immunotherapy segment. Targeted therapy is also anticipated to exhibit promising growth in the near future on account of the massive investments made for the development of targeted therapy products.Presence of Advanced Healthcare Infrastructure to Ensure Dominance of North AmericaThe worldwide market for hematological malignancies stretches across Asia Pacific, North America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and Latin America. Supported by the presence of an advanced medical and healthcare infrastructure, North America market for hematological malignancies has been leading the overall market. The growing prevalence of hematological cancer, the rising awareness level of people, and the availability of modern diagnostic technologies are expected to reflect positively on the demand for hematological malignancies therapeutics in the coming years, ensuring the dominance of this regional market.Apart from this, Asia Pacific is also projected to experience steady growth in the demand for hematological malignancies therapeutics over the next few years. The increasing incidence of blood cancer-related mutation diagnostic cases, rising count of government-supported healthcare programs, and the imminent launch of novel drugs is expected to boost the Asia Pacific market for hematological malignancies during the forecast period. Latin America and the Middle East and Africa are anticipated to offer lucrative growth prospects to market players in the years to come due to the availability of untapped opportunities in abundance.AbbVie Inc., Bristol-Myers Squibb Co., Celgene Corp., F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., GlaxoSmithKline Plc., Johnson & Johnson, Novartis AG, Pfizer Inc., and Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. are some of the leading players in the global market for hematological malignancies.Browse Global Strategic Business Report:About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR syndicated research report covers a different sector  such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, TMRs syndicated reports strive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Nuclear Medicine Market Research Report- Forecast to 2024

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Global Nuclear Medicine Market: OverviewNuclear medicine relates to the application of radioactive substances in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. Growing prevalence of various diseases, which is resulting in thriving healthcare industry, the demand for accurate and efficient medicine scans is escalating. Nuclear medicine uses a radionuclide for the process of radioactive decay, with radioactive isotopes and radiological imaging devices as key components. Consequently, the global nuclear medicine market is expected to expand at a healthy growth rate during the forecast period of 2015 to 2024.Get accurate market forecast and analysis on the Nuclear Medicine Market. Request a sample to stay abreast on the key trends impacting this market.This report on global nuclear medicine market is a thorough overview of all the factors that are anticipated to impact the growth rate over the course of next few years. Besides the comprehensive regional and product analysis as well as estimating the market size, this report also features an in-depth analysis of the competitive landscape, including the growth strategies adopted by the top companies in the industry. Moreover, the section on company profiles includes the basic views on the prominent players in the nuclear medicine market and their product portfolios. The aim of the report is to provide research data such as current market size, valuation of the segments, and trends that will help the existing and new player to make more informed choices.The global nuclear medicine market can be segmented on the basis of product, into nuclear medicine equipment, single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), positron emission tomography (PET), and radiopharmaceuticals, on the basis of application into oncology, cardiology, and neurology, and on the basis of end user into diagnostic centers, hospitals, and research centers. Geographically, the report studies the lucrativeness of the regions of North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, and Rest of the World.Global Nuclear Medicine Market: Trends and OpportunitiesThe rising demand for SPECT and PET imaging, growing incidences of cancer and CVDs, and increasing demand for radiopharmaceuticals are some of the key factors driving the global nuclear medicine market. On the other hand, factors such as high cost, shortage of nuclear medicine, and regulatory hurdles are expected to hinder the growth rate during the forecast period. The report also notes some of the trends of the market, including partnerships for development of nuclear medicine, production based on cyclotron, and growing funding for research and development. All these factors have been thoroughly analyzed in the report and their impact has been estimated.Currently, the product segment of radiopharmaceuticals accounts for most of the demand and is expected to remain dominant over the period of next few years, which can be attributed to growing use of radioactive pharmaceutical drugs as nuclear imaging agents. The increasing use of various medical radioisotopes such as copper-64, iodine-124, and FDG in molecular studies is expected to boost the growth rate in the near future.Global Nuclear Medicine Market: Regional OutlookCurrently, North America is the most lucrative region of for the players due to robust healthcare infrastructure and high adoptability of new technology. Europe serves the second most demand as a regional market for nuclear medicine, however, Asia Pacific is expected to extend the demand at the most prominent rate during the forecast period. This rising demand is primarily from the emerging economies of India, China, Australia, and Japan, wherein increased investment on healthcare has escalated in the recent times. Moreover, due to the presence of vast population, neurological and cardiovascular diseases as well as cancer cases are growing, which will further increment the demand in Asia Pacific nuclear medicine market.Companies mentioned in the research reportSome of the prominent companies currently operational in global nuclear medicine market are Cardinal Health Inc., Bayer AG, Lantheus Medical Imaging, Inc., Mallinckrodt plc, GE Healthcare, Bracco Imaging S.p.A, Nordion, Inc., Eczacibasi-Monrol Nuclear Products, Advanced Accelerator Applications S.A., and IBA Molecular Imaging.Browse Global Strategic Business Report:Major regions analyzed under this research report are:EuropeNorth AmericaAsia PacificRest of the WorldThis report gives you access to decisive data such as:Market growth driversFactors limiting market growthCurrent market trendsMarket structureMarket projections for the coming yearsKey highlights of this reportOverview of key market forces propelling and restraining market growthUp-to-date analyses of market trends and technological improvementsPin-point analyses of market competition dynamics to offer you a competitive edgeAn analysis of strategies of major competitorsAn array of graphics and SWOT analysis of major industry segmentsDetailed analyses of industry trendsA well-defined technological growth map with an impact-analysisOffers a clear understanding of the competitive landscape and key product segmentsAbout UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR syndicated research report covers a different sector  such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, TMRs syndicated reports strive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
A weekly collection of new hires, transitions, promotions and award winners in Oregon and southwest Washington:

2017 "When Work Works" Award winners

The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) announced the winners of an annual award that recognizes effective workplaces and emerging employee initiative trends.

Of the nearly 300 award winners, three Portland companies were recognized among the Top 10; Rose City Mortgage, first place; NPC Research, second place; and The Climate Trust, seventh place.

The award recognizes employers at work sites that excel at offering a variety of employee initiatives including work-life fit policies, flexible scheduling and transition to parenthood programs. Two-thirds of the winning scores come from a survey of employees.

SHRM provides a state-by-state list of winners here: "When Work Works."

SERA Architects

The interior and urban design and planning firm based in Portland welcomes Brittney Herrera as a senior workplace strategist. Herrera will lead business outreach efforts for the firm. She also serves on the Design Museum Portland's advisory council.

Have a new hire, promotion or business award to share? Email us at business@oregonian.com, and put Attention: Business Movers in the subject line.
In a move that could have significant implications for a proposed natural gas export terminal in Coos Bay, the U.S. Senate on Thursday will take up President Donald Trump's nominations to fill two vacancies on the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

Backers of the Jordan Cove liquefied natural gas terminal and its 232-mile feeder pipeline are counting on the Trump administration to help reverse last year's decision by the commission to deny a federal license for the project. If confirmed, the two nominees would give the commission a quorum again to start acting on a variety of stalled gas projects, and the administration has said that licensing Jordan Cove is a top priority.

FERC is an independent and traditionally nonpartisan agency, but both nominees are Republican and avowed supporters of more fossil fuel development. On paper at least, they seem predisposed toward projects like Jordan Cove.

The first, Rob Powelson, is a public utility commissioner in Pennsylvania. In a speech this spring at a gas industry conference, he compared anti-pipeline activists to jihadists, according to a report in StateImpact, a collaboration of public radio stations in Pennsylvania. Powelson went on to praise the highly controversial Cove Point LNG project on the Chesapeake Bay, calling it "a major success story." He told the gathering they had friends in government, and was heavily critical of Maryland's governor, who recently called for a ban on fracking, or hydraulic fracturing, the report said.

Powelson has since said the comparison to jihadists was inappropriate, but environmental and pipeline safety activists in Pennsylvania insist that it's not the kind of statement you can simply disavow.

"We've known him a long time, and it was not a slip of the tongue," said Lynda Farrell, executive director of the Pipeline Safety Coalition. "He should not hold public office at FERC. No one who makes that kind of statement should be in a position to approve a pipeline project. I don't think you can walk that one back."

The other nominee is Neil Chatterjee, the chief energy policy adviser to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Kentucky. Chatterjee led McConnell's push for states to oppose the Clean Power Plan, worked to lift the decades old ban on the export of U.S. crude oil, and helped push for Senate approval of the Keystone Pipeline.

In March 2016, FERC issued an order denying Jordan Cove's application to build the terminal and the Pacific Connector pipeline, saying the applicants had not demonstrated sufficient demand for the facility to overcome the negative impacts of the pipeline on landowners along its route. Nine months later, the commission refused a rehearing request by the applicant, Calgary-based Veresen Inc.

Opponents of the project celebrated their victory, thinking that after more than a decade fighting it, they'd finally won. But Veresen is now looking to resurrect the project with a new administration and a remade FERC commission.

Veresen also recently announced its merger with another Canadian competitor, Pembina Pipeline Corp., which could put additional financial heft behind a project that was too big for Veresen to swallow. Veresen claims its redesigned terminal and pipeline will cost $8 billion to $10 billion, create 4,000 construction jobs and 240 permanent jobs.

The company has met with White House officials and received support from Trump's top economic adviser, Gary Cohn. It says it's refreshing to have that support, but that it will still need to work with scores of regulatory agencies, including FERC, without cutting any corners.

Community support for Jordan Cove is mixed in Coos County, though voters just emphatically rejected a ballot measure that would have banned the facility. Both FERC nominees will disappoint environmental and property rights activists in Oregon, however, who are pushing hard against the construction of new natural gas power plants and have opposed the use of eminent domain to construct Jordan Cove's feeder pipeline.

Jody McCaffree, a North Bend resident who has led opposition efforts to Jordan Cove, says she's not familiar with either applicant.

"I would hope that the nominees would be able to fully follow the rule of law and not just be another set of rubber stampers for the gas and oil industry, throwing themselves at every stinking smokestack project that comes along, like the Jordan Cove LNG project," she said. "I know that is probably wishful thinking considering the party that is currently in power, but the FERC has an important role to play and they need to be able to make intelligent decisions on critical energy issues."

- Ted Sickinger

503-221-8505; @tedsickinger
An Oregon City man died in a Tuesday morning four-vehicle pileup.

Johnnie O. Bennett, 56, was stopped behind two cars about 8 a.m. A 2009 Audi, driven by Michelle Higgins of Oregon City, didn't see that rush-hour traffic had slowed, and she rear-ended the motorcycle, according to Oregon State Police.

Bennett died at the scene. His motorcycle was pushed into the car ahead, causing a pile-up that involved four vehicles.

Higgins, 40, has not been charged with a crime. An investigation is ongoing.

-- Molly Harbarger

mharbarger@oregonian.com

503-294-5923

@MollyHarbarger
The Clackamas County sheriff has told employees that he's "extremely disappointed" in a former detective's "deceitful neglect" of cases including rape and child abuse assigned to him while he worked in Wilsonville.

Sheriff Craig Roberts emailed the agency's 480 employees last Friday, a week after The Oregonian/OregonLive published a story detailing the Sheriff's Office delay in responding to Detective Jeff Green's history of poor performance.

Roberts, a former detective himself, told employees he is committed "to making sure that something like this never happens again to any victim."

"It sickens me that victims who relied on Green's help didn't receive the service we owed them," he said.

Roberts commended Sgt. Matt Swanson, the supervisor who tried to bring attention to Green's pattern of questionable investigative work. Swanson found that Green had failed to follow up on reports of rape, child sex abuse, theft and fraud dating to 2009.

Swanson, Roberts said, "did exactly what I expect every supervisor in this office to do - actively and meaningfully oversee performance."

The sheriff's email didn't address what previous supervisors did to address Green's poor performance.

A 2013 evaluation of Green, the most recent, said he did not meet standards and noted that he failed to complete investigations in a timely manner and that several cases exceeded the statute of limitations, which meant "offenders were not held accountable for their actions." One supervisor blasted Green for routinely ignoring supervisors' requests for help on major felony cases.

Green was supposed to be evaluated the following year but was not.

Roberts met with Swanson after The Oregonian/OregonLive's report on Green and Swanson's efforts to initiate an internal investigation into the detective's work.

The Sheriff's Office this week did not respond to questions from the news organization about what the two discussed; the agency has not responded to multiple requests to make Swanson available for an interview.

Swanson filed an internal affairs complaint in March 2015, detailing Green's conduct, which included a history of ignoring reports of rape, sexual abuse and other serious crimes.

According to emails and memos released by the agency in response to the newspaper's public record request, Green's work problems were well-known among supervisors. Swanson alleges he was harassed and mocked after raising concerns that were largely ignored until months later when the agency assigned a detective to audit more than 100 of Green's cases.

In a timeline released this month about the Green case, the Sheriff's Office said he retired before it could conduct an investigation. He retired April 17, 2015.

Undersheriff Matt Ellington reported Green's retirement, as required, to the Oregon Department of Public Safety and Standards, but the form he submitted didn't note the circumstances surrounding Green's departure.

The public safety standards agency certifies and trains police officers and other law enforcement employees. The agency requires notification when public safety officers are hired or leave their positions.

Linsay Hale, director of the state Professional Standards Division, said Swanson met with an agency representative in February 2016 to raise questions about how Green's departure from the Sheriff's Office had been reported.

Two weeks after that meeting, Hale said, Ellington submitted a revised form stating Green retired "while under investigation."

He wrote that "additional information about the depth of Detective Green's failed work performance" had emerged prompting him to submit a revised form.

Ellington said in a letter that accompanied the revised form that he initially thought Green was the subject of a "low-level investigation that involved general laziness and did not appear likely to lead to information that would support a termination."

Hale said police agencies frequently contact the department with questions about how to report an officer's departure because the form doesn't account for the range of scenarios.

In February of last year, the Sheriff's Office asked the Milwaukie police to investigate Green for possible criminal conduct. The results of that investigation led to criminal charges against Green for five counts of second-degree official misconduct, a misdemeanor. The case is pending.

She said the police certification agency initiated its own investigation into Green's situation but suspended its work until the criminal case is resolved. She said Green remains certified, though his status has lapsed.

-- Noelle Crombie

503-276-7184; @noellecrombie
Hugh Brown/Palm Pictures

Critic Marc Mohan offers a half-dozen alternatives to mainstream Memorial Day weekend fare

David Byrne of the band Talking Heads performs in a scene from Jonathan Demme's landmark concert film "Stop Making Sense."

Don't Edit

'The Ornithologist'

A man on a birdwatching expedition inadvertently kayaks into treacherous rapids and capsizes. He's awakened by a pair of young Chinese women on a Christian pilgrimage, becomes their prisoner, and escapes. That's only the beginning of his surreal forest wanderings in this Portuguese film loosely, irreverently based on the life of St. Anthony of Padua. (Saturday & Sunday, May 27 & 28, Northwest Film Center)

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'Icaros: A Vision'

There are, in fact, two films centered on the hallucinogenic South American drug ayahuasca opening in Portland this week, which is a pretty Portland sort of coincidence. This one is the more interesting, as an American woman facing a frightening medical diagnosis visits a Peruvian clinic of sorts where the treatments involve liberal doses of psychoactive brew and transcendent song. (The other, "The Last Shaman," opens at Cinema 21). (Opens Friday, May 26, Clinton Street Theater)

Don't Edit

'The Wedding Plan'

When her fiance breaks off their upcoming nuptials, lovelorn Michal, an Orthodox Jew, decides to go ahead with the wedding anyway, counting on God to provide her with a husband in the next 30 days. The second feature from Israeli director Rama Burshtein, also an Orthodox woman, transplants romantic comedy tropes into an unapologetically observant environment, and makes it work. (Opens Friday, May 26, Living Room Theaters)

Don't Edit

'Santa Sangre'

The 1989 return to prominence of cinematic visionary Alejandro Jodorowsky after years in the cinematic wilderness is the unforgettable tale of a circus-raised boy (played by Jodorowsky's son), his armless mother, and the crimes they commit together. With the 88-year-old director's newest effort, "Endless Poetry," on the horizon, this is a great chance to catch up with one of his best-known works. (Thursday, June 1, Hollywood Theatre)

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Jonathan Demme tribute

The Oscar-winning director, who died on April 26, gets some posthumous big-screen props with screenings of two of his greatest films. The 1984 Talking Heads concert film "Stop Making Sense" is among the best of its species, and 1991's "The Silence of the Lambs" was only the third film in history to win all of the "big five" Academy Awards. ("Sense," Sunday, May 28; "Lambs," Monday, May 29; Hollywood Theatre)

Don't Edit

Thanhouser Treasures

Portland film collector Ned Thanhouser will introduce and present a selection of silent films made by his grandparents' East Coast studio between 1911 and 1915. The movies, including a two-reel adaptation of "The Picture of Dorian Gray," will be accompanied by live organ music. (Saturday, May 27, Hollywood Theatre)
By Leonid Bershidsky

It's all but decided that the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and Russia will extend their so-called "production cuts" at Thursday's meeting in Vienna. It's clear, however, that the play has been a mistake for Saudi Arabia, which initiated it. It should have stuck with the policies of its former oil minister, wise Ali Al-Naimi, who had driven down the price of oil in 2014 and put the U.S. shale industry through the wringer.

Naimi's bold move was a bid to regain market share for OPEC. The Saudis were worried about the U.S.'s growing share of global oil exports, as Middle Eastern nations including Saudi Arabia decreased in importance.

Naimi saw the danger inherent in the U.S. shale oil development. Eventually, the U.S. companies would grab even more of the market, and prices would eventually drop because of the emergence of these new, bold players. So the Saudis tried to preempt this. They increased production and offered deep discounts to clients. In late 2014, prices plummeted. Oil-dependent nations, including Gulf states, Nigeria, Venezuela and Russia, had to pump like crazy to compensate for the loss of export revenue.

In 2015, the traditional oil exporters gained little because U.S. shale oil companies had hedged against the price risk. The price drop was costly for Saudi Arabia, which faced a fiscal deficit and shrinking international reserves. There was probably pressure on Naimi, but he stuck to his guns, ruling out any production cuts. And it began to work.

Global investment in oil exploration and production shrank some 23 percent in 2016, but North America saw a 38 percent decline. Credit became hard to come by. Since the beginning of 2015, 123 North American oil companies with almost $80 billion of debt filed for bankruptcy. Between June 2015 and July 2016, U.S. oil production shrank 12 percent.

The shale industry survived by driving down cost and innovating. But its wings had been clipped; it had to be more careful in future planning.

Naimi, however, retired in May 2016, and his successor Khalid Al-Falih almost immediately signaled a U-turn. The Saudi royals, including deputy crown prince Mohammad bin Salman Al Saud, were too impatient to continue the oil war. They sought an output-cutting deal with other large oil-producing states to drive the oil price higher. Though such a deal was reached, and the price rose, the effect could only be short-lived.

Firstly, the Saudis' important negotiating partner, Russia, cheated. It had ratcheted up production to an unsustainably high level as the cuts were negotiated so it could just go back to normal output once the time came to cut. At the same time, Russia moved to take market share away from Saudi Arabia in one of its top export markets, China. This year, Russia is the top exporter to that country, displacing the Saudis.

As expected, not all OPEC members reduced output by as much as they'd promised. Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, Algeria and Venezuela missed their targets by a considerable amount. So while the Saudis and the Russians managed to talk up the oil price for a while, traders later were underwhelmed by the hard data.

They also couldn't fail to notice rising oil inventories in the U.S., where the shale industry reacted vigorously to OPEC's retreat. U.S. oil production is again approaching record levels. Some of the bankrupt producers are back, riding a new wave of optimism. And U.S. exports are up dramatically, competing with OPEC and Russia in every market, including China.

What Naimi feared is now happening, and it would be harder and costlier for OPEC to hold back the trend if it decided to boost production again now. It won't try, however: Instead of playing a long game, the Saudis have chosen to reap the benefits of moderate oil prices today, patching up the kingdom's budget and trying to invest in the diversification of its economy. It's a weak position; even if President Donald Trump, a major fan of the U.S. oil industry, bowed slightly as he accepted Saudi Arabia's highest civilian award last week, the Saudis are essentially acquiescing to a U.S. conquest of their traditional markets and to the loss of their role as the only power capable of balancing the oil market.

Naimi's price war is often called an expensive miscalculation. But I would argue that leadership in the global oil market, and a stable market share, was more important to Saudi Arabia than the income it lost during Naimi's gamble -- about one-third of the $2 trillion lost by OPEC. It will be decades until the country sheds its oil dependence, even if its monopolized, overregulated economy can move fast on diversification. If it hung on for another year, maybe two, shale would have sustained bigger losses, and the investment drought could have had lasting consequences. Saudi Arabia would have retained a substantial degree of control over prices and faced less competition in key markets. But it gave up, and the nine-month extension of the production cuts, which will probably be agreed on Thursday, will further undermine its position, though perhaps keeping the oil price above $50 a barrel a little longer.

(c) 2017, Bloomberg View

Leonid Bershidsky is a Bloomberg View columnist. He was the founding editor of the Russian business daily Vedomosti and founded the opinion website Slon.ru.
On the surface, it appeared the recent revenue forecast of an additional $187 million to flow into Oregon's coffers was good news.

But the report last Tuesday that Oregon could take in a record $21 billion over the next biennium didn't provide Democrats with the best of days. The extra cash complicates Democrats' session-long message that the state, facing a $1.4 billion deficit for the 2017-2019 biennium, needs more revenue to cover costs.

Oregonian editorials

Editorials reflect the collective opinion of The Oregonian/OregonLive editorial board, which operates independently of the newsroom.

Members of the editorial board are Laura Gunderson, John Maher, Helen Jung, Mark Katches and Len Reed.

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If you have questions about the opinion section, contact Laura Gunderson, editorial and commentary editor, at 503-221-8378 or lgunderson@oregonian.com.

Republican leaders were quick to chime in on the conflicting narrative. House Republican leader Mike McLane called the new forecast "evidence of the fact that our government needs to tighten its belt and get serious about slowing the unsustainable rate of spending in Salem."

But in recent weeks, it is evident that in fact, serious bipartisan work had begun on both spending controls and identifying a new, more sustainable revenue stream. And that work must continue with rigor in these waning weeks of the legislature.

The state's top budget committee made several solid recommendations to Democratic leaders in recent weeks. Committee members logically called for increasing the amount current and future PERS members pay toward their retirement costs. They also suggested the smart move of looking for savings by combining two health care providers that have separately served public employees and employees of school districts and community colleges.

Then they provided the "well, duh" - but obviously necessary -- list of cost-saving budget principles recommending against the creation of new programs without money to fund them. They shunned the practice of automatically replacing lost federal or other funding. And committee members also correctly called for requiring analysis of ongoing costs when creating the budget rather than initial costs for all new programs.

These are solid and necessary recommendations to help provide some needed relief from future pension and healthcare costs that threaten to weigh down public schools, agencies and programs in the decades to come. And rightly so, voices on both the left and right are calling for these checks on spending so we can improve education in Oregon and make long-overdue improvements to our public infrastructure.

Editorial Agenda 2017

Boost student success

Get Oregon's financial house in order

Help our homeless

Honor our diverse values

Make Portland a city that works

Expand access to public records

________________________

Read more about the editorial board's priorities for Oregon.

But the state also needs a new, less volatile revenue stream that can help pay down the massive unfunded pension liability created by years of bad legislative and administrative decisions. Democratic Sen. Mark Hass' current proposal for a corporate tax that would be levied across a wide range of companies at a low rate appears more fair and attainable than other proposals.

Lawmakers and stakeholders, such as labor and business, who have promised to help Oregon out of this crisis can't throttle back now. This is not work that should wait. Oregon's state budget needs to be stabilized now to provide sustained support for those most vulnerable Oregonians in the years to come.

The time has come.

For some, it's past time. School districts are waiting for solid numbers out of Salem to craft their own budgets, which typically must be released to their communities at the end of May. The end of the school year is just weeks away and like us all, we are waiting on lawmakers to do the right thing and get the work done.

The Oregonian/OregonLive Editorial Board
By The Washington Post Editorial Board

Former CIA director John Brennan told the House Intelligence Committee on Tuesday that he grew worried last year about communications between the Russians and people in Donald Trump's orbit. "I encountered and am aware of information and intelligence that revealed contacts and interactions between Russian officials and U.S. persons involved in the Trump campaign that I was concerned about because of known Russian efforts to suborn such individuals," he said, adding, "It raised questions in my mind about whether Russia was able to gain the cooperation of those individuals."

Brennan's testimony made only more imperative a full investigation of Russia's election-year hacking, any sort of Trump campaign collusion and any after-the-fact attempt to foil this question- asking. Yet even as the public case for such an investigation continues to strengthen, revelations about Trump's apparent attempts to challenge the FBI's inquiry into these questions continue to roll in.

The Post reported Monday that President Trump asked two senior intelligence officials, Director of National Intelligence Daniel Coats and National Security Agency Director Michael Rogers, to declare publicly that there was no evidence of collusion between the president's campaign and the Russians. Trump did so after top FBI officials, including now-fired Director James Comey, reportedly refused a White House request to knock down news stories on possible Trump campaign-Russia links, and after Comey reportedly declined Trump's entreaty to end the investigation into former national security adviser Michael Flynn. Instead, Comey subsequently confirmed in public testimony to Congress that the FBI was, indeed, examining any connections between the Trump campaign and Russia. The testimony reportedly incensed the president.

Turning to Coats and Rogers in the wake of Comey's testimony, according to a senior intelligence official, was an effort to "muddy the waters" about what the FBI was looking at. In the telling of one former intelligence official, the president was "asking them to issue false statements about an ongoing investigation."

And that is not even the most worrying interpretation. One intelligence official told The Post that the White House asked the intelligence chiefs, "Can we ask him to shut down the investigation? Are you able to assist in this matter?" This questioning could indicate mere confusion - or that the president was trying to pressure Comey to drop the FBI's inquiry via intelligence agencies, after direct pressure on the FBI director failed.

Perhaps Trump knows of no collusion with Russia and was unaware of the proper boundaries between himself and government agencies that must make their own determinations. If that were ever an excuse, it has worn thin. By the time Trump turned to Coats and Rogers, reports suggest Comey had already impressed upon him the importance of maintaining FBI independence, a sentiment Comey put into action by keeping the Russia investigation going and refusing to bow to Trump in other ways. Now that Trump has been widely rebuked for firing Comey and for other actions relating to the Russia investigation, if the president crosses a line, he knows what he's doing.

(c) 2017, The Washington Post
Oregon Health Authority officials told a legislative committee Tuesday that the agency might have provided Medicaid benefits to some 32,000 people who no longer qualified for them.

If historical trends hold true, as the state processes a backlog of 115,000 Medicaid renewals, 28 percent of them could be deemed ineligible because they make too much money. But Lynne Saxton, director of the health authority, flatly rejected the idea that the lingering questions about the state's Medicaid rolls pose a financial risk for the state.

The questions come just as state lawmakers consider a new tax on health care providers. At the federal level, the Trump administration continues to push for the repeal of the Affordable Care Act and the sweeping Medicaid changes that came with it.

Medicaid enrollment expands and contracts along with people's income. The health authority, required by law to "redetermine" eligibility for all Oregon enrollees once a year, fell behind processing Medicaid renewals due in large part to protracted data processing problems. The technology failures, coupled with the addition of 400,000 new people to the Medicaid rolls after the Affordable Care Act liberalized eligibility standards, has posed a three-year managerial challenge.

"This has been long and hard," Saxton said. "I think everyone is ready for it to be over."

State officials have kept their federal counterparts in the loop about the challenges and have received several waivers from normal tracking requirements, Saxton said.

The agency declined to estimate how much money the state and federal governments might have paid to cover the estimated 32,000 non-qualifiers or over what period of time. But given the $430 a month average monthly benefit, 32,000 people could have cost as much as $165 million in a year.

Health authority officials rejected that computation.

The law requires that Medicaid eligibility be redetermined once a year. It doesn't require the state to claw back any money paid between eligibility screenings.

More than a million Oregonians have incomes low enough to qualify for Medicaid. To qualify, individuals cannot make more than $16,643 a year, and families of four can earn no more than $33,948.

The health authority has successfully redetermined eligibility for more than 730,000 Medicaid participants. Another 115,000 are in the process or have yet to begin, Saxton said. More than 14,000 of those 115,000 have not responded to requests for financial information and are being terminated. Another 17,000 applications are being processed.

The agency must launch redeterminations for another 84,000 participants.

On Tuesday, Gov. Kate Brown announced she will require the Health Authority to provide her with weekly updates on its progress cleaning up the Medicaid eligibility problems. The governor also set an Aug. 31 deadline for the agency to finish doing checks on people whose Medicaid eligibility is unclear.

The agency plans to complete its analysis of the redetermination backlog by the end of this month.

Brown suggested that critics of the state's handling of Medicaid eligibility checks should remember the importance of the program to low-income Oregonians.

"We've heard a lot about Medicaid eligibility over the last week, but we haven't heard much about the lives that depend on it," Brown said in a statement. "These are Oregonians who cannot afford the health care they need in order to pursue healthy and productive lives. Some are seeking preventive care, while others are battling life-threatening conditions."

In an apparent dig at Secretary of State Dennis Richardson, who issued a preliminary "audit alert" last week calling attention to the backlog of Medicaid redeterminations, Brown said she "will not play games with people's health care in order to score a few political points.

"There is too much at stake for Oregon families who need access to critical health care services."

Brown described the remaining enrollees the Health Authority has yet to check as "some of the most important" cases. However, it's not completely clear who these people are. Bryan Hockaday, a spokesman for Brown, said some of them might be eligible due to breast or cervical cancer or pregnancy.

Sen. Dan Rayfield, D-Corvallis, was one of several Democratic lawmakers who blasted Richardson, a Republican, for going public last Thursday with what he called "potentially misleading" findings of the audit alert.

The audit alert said ineligible Oregonians could be wrongfully collecting as much as $37 million a month.

On Tuesday, Rayfield asked Saxton, "Is there a reason we should be concerned about our exposure going forward?"

"No," she replied.

-- Jeff Manning and Hillary Borrud
SALEM -- A top Democrat working on a new corporate tax for Oregon said Tuesday that lawmakers are close to solidifying a plan they can bring up for a vote.

"I hope to have something, at least the (tax) rates and base, decided by the end of the week," Sen. Mark Hass, D-Beaverton, said in an interview following the latest meeting of the Joint Tax Reform Committee. The committee has been holding public sessions to work on a tax overhaul for nearly a month.

The scenario unveiled on Tuesday could raise an estimated $954 million in the next two-year budget, with minimal impact on personal incomes and a tiny increase in employment. The proposal would do so by eliminating the corporate income tax and replacing it with a four-tiered tax on businesses' annual sales in Oregon above $3 million, a type of tax known as gross receipts. The plan would also cut personal income taxes and partially roll back an existing tax break for certain types of businesses.

Lawmakers are looking to raise revenue and cut spending in order to close an estimated $1.4 billion budget gap in the upcoming biennium and put the state on firmer financial footing in the future.

Hass pointed out the economic impact of this proposal is positive in comparison to what legislative economists had estimated for the Measure 97 gross receipts tax voters rejected in November. The Legislative Revenue Office projected that tax, which would have raised $6 billion per biennium, would have resulted in the creation of 20,500 fewer jobs by 2020.

He said the exact details of the tax are still a work in progress and that no one should interpret the draft tax rates as a done deal.

Under the latest proposal, industry sectors' sales would be taxed at the following rates:

>>0.25 percent for wholesale and warehousing

>>0.35 percent for retail

>>0.85 percent for services, such as barbers, medical providers, lawyers and accountants

>>0.48 percent for all other sectors

The goal of the four-tiered system is to minimize a phenomenon known as pyramiding, in which certain goods are taxed at multiple points in the supply chain, increasing the cost.

Hass has been working closely with House Speaker Tina Kotek, D-Portland, Rep. Mark Johnson, R-Hood River, and Sen. Alan DeBoer, R-Ashland. Democrats need at least one Republican vote in each chamber to reach the three-fifths majority necessary to pass any bill that would raise taxes.

"I've been meeting with the speaker almost every day," Hass said.

Hass and Kotek have both said they don't want to increase taxes simply to raise revenue. But Kotek has pushed for a plan that would raise at least $2 billion in the upcoming biennium.

"The Speaker and Senator Hass are still working together closely and aiming to put forward a proposal this week," Kotek's communications director Lindsey O'Brien wrote in an email Tuesday afternoon.

-- Hillary Borrud

503-294-4034; @hborrud
SALEM -- Oregon will likely stay the only state without a way to impeach and remove its governor, despite bipartisan efforts by House lawmakers to change course.

Senate Democratic leaders plan to quash the House's efforts to crimp a governor's right to remain in office.

A House resolution passed Wednesday would ask voters to give lawmakers the power to throw out the governor and other statewide elected officials. It's the second time the resolution has passed the House since former Gov. John Kitzhaber stepped down in 2015. Establishing an impeachment process is the last among a slew of ethics reforms considered by the Legislature in the fallout of Kitzhaber's resignation.

Senate Democratic leaders blocked the resolution the first time it passed and are poised to kill it again.

That's despite overwhelming support in the House, where House Joint Resolution 10 passed 51-6 after only minutes of debate, with "yes" votes from Majority Leader Jennifer Williamson, D-Portland; Minority Leader Mike McLane, R-Powell Butte; and Speaker Tina Kotek, D-Portland.

The resolution also has received a rare nod of public support from Gov. Kate Brown, who had a turn of heart after staying neutral on the issue in 2015.

Senate Majority Leader Ginny Burdick, D-Portland, told The Oregonian/OregonLive in February that she won't support adding an impeachment process to the state constitution. Rick Osborn, a spokesman for Burdick, reiterated the point Wednesday, saying Burdick stands by her statement and believes Oregon's recall election procedures are good enough.

The resolution passed Wednesday is likely to land in the Senate Rules Committee, which Burdick chairs. As chairwoman, she can kill any bill within her committee that she dislikes.

Even if Burdick allows the resolution to survive her committee, it may not reach the Senate floor for a vote. Senate President Peter Courtney, D-Salem, opposed the impeachment resolution in 2015. He has the power to send the resolution back to another committee to languish indefinitely, effectively killing it.

Shepherding the impeachment resolution is Rep. Jodi Hack, R-Salem, who also pushed the measure through the House after Kitzhaber's ousting. Hack said Wednesday that she hopes the Legislature never needs to impeach an official, but Oregon voters should decide whether to give lawmakers the option.

"Oregon loves to be first at everything, but we're last at this. It makes no sense to me," Hack said.

As written, Hack's resolution would mimic impeachment processes allowed in Congress. By a three-fifths majority, House members could impeach a statewide elected official for malfeasance in office, corruption, neglect of duty or other high crimes and misdemeanors. The Senate would be able to have a trial and convict on a two-thirds majority.

Impeachment of governors is exceedingly rare. Only 13 governors have been impeached, the last being Rod Blagojevich of Illinois, who was kicked out of office and sent to federal prison after soliticing bribes for political appointments.

-- Gordon R. Friedman

503-221-8209; @GordonRFriedman
State environmental regulators monitoring the remnants of the North Portland warehouse fire say air samples show no detections of asbestos fibers requiring further action.

"The cleanup and reconnaissance efforts for asbestos-containing material is ongoing, as is the air sampling," Matthew Van Sickle, Oregon Department of Environmental Quality spokesman, said in an email response to a series of questions from The Oregonian/OregonLive. "The misting of the debris pile will continue around the clock for the immediate future."

In the days following the May 14 blaze, workers began misting debris from the three-alarm warehouse fire at 1300 N. River St. in a round-the-clock effort to prevent the release of more asbestos fibers into the air. Officials have said the building's roofing paper contained high levels of asbestos and that some debris contains the fibrous mineral, which is known to cause cancer and other diseases.

Fire officials have not cited a cause of the fire, but have also said there had been reports of cooking and warming fires in the area. The warehouse was previously cited for a host of violations, according to city records.

Crews found debris containing asbestos on the west bank of the Willamette River between the Ross Island and Fremont bridges and as much as a half-mile inland, the state DEQ said in a news release Wednesday. Workers also found some debris on the east side of the river.

The agency said federal Environmental Protection Agency and state DEQ crews have cleaned all publicly accessible areas and that they're homing in on rooftops "to prevent recontamination of areas that have already been surveyed and cleaned up."

In his email Tuesday to The Oregonian/OregonLive, Van Sickle said the agencies have also begun "activity-based" air monitoring.

That kind of monitoring, Van Sickle said, mimics "daily activities such as raking and moving to better understand potential public health risks for such activities. The agencies will use this information to inform the next steps of the response."

Workers at the site are wearing personal air samplers, Van Sickle said. The asbestos concentrations around those workers are compared to five stationary air sampling devices that are known to have no detection of asbestos.

Thus far, that shows air samples showing no detections of asbestos fibers, he said.

"This means there are no special precautions people need to take as they go about their daily lives," he said.

Inhalation of asbestos fibers has been linked to scarring of the lungs, called asbestosis as well as lung cancer and another type of cancer called mesothelioma, among other ailments.

-- Jim Ryan and Allan Brettman
A 58-year-old man Wednesday pleaded not guilty to robbing a North Portland restaurant owner at gunpoint in April 2015.

Keith Mathew Ingham wore a Halloween mask and wig when he confronted the owner of The Overlook Restaurant as the owner was leaving the restaurant after locking up, police say.

Ingham, police say, ordered the owner back inside to empty the safe while he held a gun to his head, according to court documents.

Ingham pleaded not guilty to a six-count indictment charging him with first-degree robbery with a firearm, two counts of first-degree kidnapping with firearm, second-degree robbery, coercion and aggravated theft. He appeared briefly in Multnomah County Circuit Court.

Keith M. Ingham

Police cracked the case using a surveillance video that caught Ingham just before leaving the business after he removed his mask and wig, plus more recent accounts from others who heard Ingham talk about robbing the restaurant, according to Portland police Detective Andy Griggs.

Police were called to the restaurant at 1332 N. Skidmore St. at 10:11 p.m. on April 29, 2015. The owner told police he had just locked up his business and was walking to his truck when a man wearing a red plaid flannel jacket, black cap and black plastic "Halloween-type mask pointed a gun at him and ordered him to "Go back in,''' Griggs wrote in an affidavit for an arrest warrant.

The gunman walked the owner to the restaurant's back door. The owner tried to put in an incorrect code hoping to set off a silent alarm to alert the alarm company. Instead, the alarm company called the owner's home, not the restaurant or police.

The owner ultimately opened the door, shut off the alarm and was directed to the business safe, while the intruder pressed a gun to his head, the affidavit said.

The robber had the owner place cash from the safe into his black duffel bag, then used duct tape to secure the owner's ankles and wrists to a chair, police said.

The owner was able to free himself after he heard the intruder leave. An alarm panic button inside the restaurant didn't work so the owner called 911 from his cellphone, according to police.

A janitor remained in the restaurant throughout the robbery but was vacuuming the bar area and didn't hear anything.

Police seized the duct tape as evidence and reviewed the restaurant's surveillance images.

Police found one "amazingly clear'' image of the robber from his reflection in a front door window when he removed his mask and wig moments before leaving the business, Griggs wrote. The detective distributed a flier to law enforcement agencies with the image, hoping someone might recognize the suspect.

Nearly two years later, on March 21, 2017, police received new information that someone had heard Ingham talk about robbing the Overlook Restaurant and that Ingham had once worked at the restaurant doing equipment repairs in 2002.

Police also learned that Ingham was a suspect in a fraud case in Gresham last year. A review of that case turned up the name of a man from Indiana who said Ingham had lured him to Oregon to start a heating and ventilation business. But when he arrived, Ingham instead was writing up plans "to put on masks and rob businesses,'' Griggs wrote in his affidavit.

Ingham had told the man from Indiana that he wasn't worried about getting into trouble because he maintained that his brother was a lawyer with the CIA and can get him out of any legal bind, according to court documents.

A police investigation found that Ingham had previously lived at the Columbia Crossing Marina but wasn't paying his rent. He was living most recently with a family in Vancouver, according to court papers.

U.S. marshals arrested Ingham on May 2 when he failed to turn himself in on a warrant. He's being held on more than $1 million in Multnomah County Detention Center.

-- Maxine Bernstein

mbernstein@oregonian.com

503-221-8212

@maxoregonian
Nora, the polar bear cub who took up residence at the Oregon Zoo last September, will be saying farewell to Portland this fall as officials get ready to break ground on a new exhibit for the arctic carnivores.

Nora, who was hand-raised after her mother abandoned her, will be paired with Hope, a polar bear cub born at the Toledo Zoo in December 2015. The two will take up residence at the Hogle Zoo in Salt Lake City, Utah, sometime this fall.

Nora's departure, after such a brief stint in Portland, will be bittersweet, said curator Amy Cutting, who oversees the zoo's marine life area.

"As hard as it is for us to say goodbye, this is the right thing for Nora and we are really excited for her," Cutting said in a statement. "For a young bear that was hand-raised, the companionship of another bear will be so important for developing social skills.

"Nora has made a lot of progress and this is an important next step in her life."

Life has been rough for Nora up to this point. Abandoned by her mother in the den just six days after she was born at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium in Ohio, the young cub was pulled from the exhibit and raised by a team of doting zoo staff.

She was moved to the Oregon Zoo before she was a year old with hopes that she would be mentored by the zoo's elder bear Tasul. Things did not go according to plan, as Tasul and Nora didn't immediately take to each other. Nora, having only been around humans for the majority of her short life, was tense and apprehensive around the older and much larger bear. Tasul never acted aggressively toward the younger bear, but Nora was unable to relax as keepers had hoped.

Despite their less-than-friendly sessions together, keepers at the Oregon Zoo held out hope that Tasul could act as a mentor to Nora. That was not to be. Tasul was diagnosed with an aggressive form of ovarian cancer and euthanized in November.

That left Nora, who for most of her young life has only interacted with humans, as the sole polar bear wandering the entirety of the zoo's three polar bear viewing areas.

In the wild, polar bear cubs are virtually inseparable from their mothers until the age of 2, a period when they learn valuable life lessons. Keepers at the zoo did their best to replicate those lessons, facilitating what they called "zen sessions," which were meant to teach Nora how to relax and what sort of triggers were worth getting worked up over.

Still, nothing could replace the company of another bear and keepers kept that as their goal throughout Nora's time in Portland. Given that Hope and Nora were only born a few weeks apart, it became clear early on that the two would make a good pair.

"From the time she was a week old, Nora has interacted almost exclusively with people," Cutting said. "Hope should be a great companion for her. The two bears were born less than a month apart, and have a similar youthful energy."

The zoo in Toledo didn't have room for the two young bears and, with construction on the Oregon Zoo's new polar bear exhibit space looming, it became a matter of figuring out who had room for the pair.

In April, zookeepers at Hogle Zoo announced that their longtime resident polar bear, a 19-year-old male named Rizzo, had died. That left a prime exhibit, not to mention an expert team of bear caregivers, with no bears for which to give care.

It did, however, create a perfect opportunity for Nora to get the much-needed company she's been without for most of her life. Keepers from Portland and Toledo will be traveling to Salt Lake City in the coming months to start the transition process.

"The polar bear community is tight-knit. We all work together on easing transitions when bears move and we share best practices for polar bear care," Cutting said.

There is a small chance Nora could return to Portland once construction of the new exhibit is completed in 2020. That will ultimately be up to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the body that accredits zoos and makes recommendations on animal placement.

In the meantime, zoo-goers will have the rest of the summer to see Nora. Officials from the zoo didn't say exactly when she would be leaving, only that it would likely be some time in the fall.

-- Kale Williams

kwilliams@oregonian.com

503-294-4048
The Portland Water Bureau will have to spend upward of $90 million to construct a water treatment plant the state previously excused the city from building after finding excessive levels of the cryptosporidium parasite between January and March.

The city knew that it would exceed state limits on the parasite as early as March, a fact it omitted from a March 22 press release reassuring the public. The city told the state in a March 8 letter that it expected to exceed the state's threshold for cryptosporidium in drinking water by the end of this year.

In February, water bureau Commissioner Nick Fish admonished The Oregonian/OregonLive that it was "irresponsible" to ask whether the city should start considering building a treatment facility.

"It is very unlikely that that is going to happen," Fish told The Oregonian/OregonLive, a month before the bureau informed the state of its inability to meet the requirements exempting the city from water treatment.

"The point I was makingand I stand by itis we're the regulated and not the regulator," Fish told The Oregonian/OregonLive Thursday. "I thought it was irresponsible to get ahead of the process and start speculating."

The water bureau found the cryptosporidium parasite in the area's drinking water supply in at least 14 tests in 2017, more than they have in the last decade. Of those, twelve occurred in January and February.

The Portland water bureau provides drinking water from Oregon's Bull Run watershed, a source that Fish and others have touted as pristine and the magnet for Portland's booming local beer industry.

In 2012, the Oregon Health Authority gave Portland an exemption from federal rules requiring cities to treat their drinking water for parasites. It did so on the condition that regular tests for the parasite found less than .075 of an oocysta microscopic hard parasite structureper 1,000 liters on average each year.

The state agency informed the Portland Water Bureau in a May 19 letter that it will revoke that exemption on September 22 or when the health authority signs a compliance schedule and agreement with the city, whichever comes first. The Portland Tribune first reported the state's decision to revoke Portland's exemption.

The water bureau detected 12 oocysts of the parasite in 2,200 liters of water from January 1 to March 8, according to the state's letter. On March 8, the water bureau notified the Oregon Health Authority that it was "not feasible" for the bureau to conduct further tests on a sufficient quantity of water to demonstrate that its annual average parasite concentration falls below the allowable threshold.

In response, the state wrote: "Without a cryptosporidium treatment variance, (the water bureau) is required to fully comply with the cryptosporidium treatment requirements."

This means building a treatment plant.

Getting one built and operating is expected to take about five years. In the meantime the bureau plans to continue to provide customers with water from the Bull Run watershed that was the source of the cryptosporidium.

County and state health officials and the city determined that the water is still safe to drink, they said. The state's epidemiologist and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also deemed the water safe, Oregon Health Authority spokesman Tony Andersen said.

The water bureau tested the genetic makeup of two of the positive samples and found they came from rodents and other unidentified wildlife.

Cryptosporidium found in animal feces rarely sicken humans, who usually only get ill from the microorganism if it comes from another human, said Multnomah County Health Officer Paul Lewis. There were fewer cases of illness caused by cryptosporidium this year than average, Lewis said.

Planning for the treatment plant will launch in the near term. By August 11, the city must provide the state with a description of the treatment technology it intends to use. The water bureau could either build an ultraviolet treatment plant, projected in bureau planning documents to cost at least $89 million, or a $300 million filtration treatment system that would filter out sediment in addition to microorganisms.

The city must also submit a schedule showing when the treatment can be in place "as soon as practically possible." This plan must include specific dates and identify when "water that fully meets all requirements will be served to the public," the state's letter said.

Fish said he directed water bureau officials to hold a work session with the City Council in the end of June to explain why cryptosporidium detections increased and lay out the options for constructing a treatment plant.

Bureau director Mike Stuhr said he can't scientifically say why instances of the parasite increased, but noted that the area had a "terribly unseasonable rainfall."

Fish said he will try to find consensus within the council on the best treatment method going forward. An ultraviolet plant, he said, is less expensive but does less, while a filtration treatment plant could help the city address future issues as regulations get stricter.

"It's too early for me to advocate" for the best option, Fish said. "Last time, cost became a big part of the discussion...The least-cost option is going to carry a lot of weight at council."

Fish said this will not impact the charges to water users set in the coming year's budget. He said the water bureau might use rate stabilization dollars it has set aside over the years to offset any increased costs.

Mayoral spokesman Michael Cox confirmed the treatment facility construction costs will not affect the coming year's budget.

"In terms of future budgets, we don't want to get ahead of the work session," Cox wrote in a text to The Oregonian/OregonLive. "The council will decide this as a body."

The water bureau is still serving Portlanders Bull Run water. It served only groundwater from February 13 to March 15 after finding cryptosporidium in six tests. The bureau found cryptosporidium seven more times before it started decided to again serve Bull Run water.

"We had a couple of small hits that appeared to be tapering off," Stuhr said.

Even during the high-discovery period in winter, Lewis said concerns for public illness remained low.

Fish said the council will decide the details of how to finance the treatment plant.

--Jessica Floum

503-221-8306
No, Milo Yiannopoulos has not gone away.

Most Americans last saw the "alt-right" provocateur in February when he gave a shaky, buttoned-down and thoroughly unMilo-like defense of himself after a year-old video surfaced in which he advocated for sex between adults and 13-year-olds.

"I'm partly to blame," the controversial media star said at the time. "My own experiences as a victim led me to believe I could say anything I wanted to on this subject, no matter how outrageous."

Yiannopoulos resigned from his senior-editor position at the website Breitbart News and fell off the speakers' circuit. Simon & Schuster canceled his high-profile book deal, and the American Conservative Union retracted its invitation for him to speak at the influential annual CPAC gathering.

But Yiannopoulos did not retreat in shame. He's apparently trying to launch a new venture called Milo Inc., and he's continued making outrageous statements, if now to a smaller audience. The latest: in the wake of Monday's murderous bombing at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester, England, Yiannopoulos has called Grande "stupid" and mocked her for "feeling sorry for herself." (The Florida-born Grande, who was unhurt in the attack, described herself as "broken" in a mournful tweet after the bombing.)

Yiannopoulos wrote on Facebook:

"She will remain ferociously pro-immigrant, pro-Islam and anti-America. Makes you wonder whether they bombed to attack her or in solidarity."

In 2015, Grande criticized American consumerism, licking doughnuts in a bakery and saying, "I hate America." Conservative news outlets picked up on her comments, attacking her as anti-American.

Some people in Great Britain, which is on high alert for a possible follow-up terrorist attack, have responded to Yiannopoulos' comments with anger.

Yiannopoulos built a following by making incendiary and often ridiculous statements. Last May, the British-born, U.S.-based 32-year-old appeared at the University of Oregon, where he declared: "I don't want any Muslims in the country." He also insisted that men are paid more than women because "they work harder."

-- Douglas Perry
Adventures by Disney, a leader in guided group travel worldwide, recently revealed an action-packed new vacation to debut in 2018  Iceland. This first-ever itinerary to one of the worlds most majestic and storied countries will allow travelers navigate the diverse landscapes of Iceland, exploring the natural wonders of massive glaciers and stunning volcanos. Rich Icelandic culture and unparalleled natural beauty join forces on this new 8-day, 7-night vacation. Continue reading to learn more about this and other itineraries.

Highlights of Iceland's itinerary include:

Experience the splendor of the iconic Thingvellir National Park, Goafoss waterfall, and Keri crater.

Unwind, relax and indulge at the soothing Blue Lagoon and Myvatn Nature Baths.

Come face-to-face with magnificent glaciers on a scenic cruise, and hike on the massive icecaps.

Trot through the scenic countryside on Icelandic horses.

Embark on a humpback whale-watching expedition.

Savor unique culinary experiences and the stories behind them, such as learning to make bread baked using geothermal heat, and discovering the secret to Icelands traditional smoking process.

Embark on a whitewater rafting adventure through the glacial river of Skagafjorur.

Hike along some of the regions most captivating waterfalls, including Seljalandsfoss and Goafoss.

Journey to the past while being immersed in rich Icelandic Viking heritage and exploring turf houses.

Were excited to offer travelers the opportunity to explore the incredibly popular destination of Iceland in uniquely enriching ways, said Ken Potrock, senior vice president of Adventures by Disney. With Adventures by Disney, families can experience this beautiful country, its iconic sights and cultural destinations like never before during a completely hassle-free vacation experience. Disney storytelling, engaging, active experiences and breathtaking natural wonders combine to make this one of our most remarkable itineraries to date.







Discover Iconic Cities and Hidden Gems in Germany, Costa Rica and Ireland

Other popular destinations have also undergone itinerary revisions and additions for 2018. Enhancements to the Germany, Costa Rica and Ireland vacations focus on further enriching an already robust lineup of authentic experiences and local storytelling. Highlights of the reimagined Germany itinerary introduce first-ever experiences centered in Berlin, Ireland adds cultural activities such as learning the ancient sport of hurling, and Costa Rica takes travlers on explorations through the hidden gem of Cano Negro. These additions are sure to surprise and delight even the most seasoned travelers.




Memorial Day is upon us! Time in the sun is just around the corner. And, May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month.

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) sent an email asking physicians to share with patients information about protecting their skin from the suns harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, which cause skin cancer and early aging (lines, saggy skin and pigmentation). One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. This column summarizes the ADDs recommendations. Its been a while since we addressed this topic.

Who needs sunscreen? Everyone young (from 6 months) and old who will be outside. Eighty percent of the suns rays reach our skin even on cloudy days. Sunscreens should be:

 Broad spectrum to protect against UVA and UVB

 Rated Sun Protection Factor (SPF) 30 or higher. This will block 97 percent of the harmful rays and lasts as long as higher SPFs.

 Water resistant.

Sunscreen alone is not totally adequate. Seek shade especially between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. when the suns rays are the strongest. Wear protective clothing. Although any clothes help, there are many clothing lines available that are rated with the Utlraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) (www.uvskinz.com). A UPF of 50 blocks 98 percent of UV light. Long sleeved shirts, wide-brimmed hats with the brim all around (not just a bill) and sunglasses are best. Use extra precaution near water, snow and sand, or anywhere the rays are more intense due to reflection.

How much sunscreen is needed? How often should it be applied? All exposed areas need sunscreen. Most people only apply 30 percent of whats needed. On average, about one ounce is required (one shot glass) but it will depend on body size. It should be allowed to dry (15 minutes) before going outdoors and be reapplied every two hours and after swimming or sweating heavily. Be sure to also use lip balm or lipstick that protects from the sun. Sunscreens labeled as water resistant are effective for up to 40 minutes in water, while those that are very water resistant can last up to 80 minutes.

Are sunscreens safe? Per the AAD, Scientific evidence supports the benefits of using sunscreen to minimize short-term and long-term damage to the skin from the suns rays. Preventing skin cancer and sunburn outweigh any unproven claims of toxicity or human health hazard from ingredients in sunscreens. No ingredients approved in the United States are banned in Europe. In contrast, eight sunscreen ingredients that are approved in Europe are not approved by the FDA. (Some people may be sensitive to some ingredients and experience a skin reaction such as itching or redness. These people should try using a sunscreen with different ingredients.)

What formulation of sunscreen should be used? The best type of sunscreen is one that you will continue to use, so its a personal choice. Creams are best for dry skin and the face. Gels are good for hairy areas like the scalp or male chest. Sticks are good around the eyes. Sprays are easy to apply but be sure to use enough. Do not use around the face (spray first into the hands then rub on) and do not inhale the vapor. The AAD recommends separate applications of bug repellent and not combination products with sunscreens. Sunscreens need to be applied generously while not so much is needed for the repellents.

How can babies be protected? Avoid exposing babies younger than 6 months to any sun and dont use sunscreen products on young babies. Keep them in the shade or covered at all times. UPF rated clothing is especially helpful at this age. There is an excellent collection at the website noted above. After 6 months, use the same guidelines for sunscreens as for adults. Zinc oxide or titanium dioxide preparations or special sunscreens made for infants and toddlers may cause less irritation to their sensitive skin.

Do sunscreens expire? The FDA requires that all sunscreens retain their original strength for at least three years. If there is an expiration date that has passed, throw out the residual. Also discard any left overs that may have separated or become discolored.

Will sunscreens limit the amount of vitamin D made? Sunscreens may decrease the skins production of vitamin D. Obtaining vitamin D from supplements provides the needed amounts without increasing the risk for skin cancer. Any tan is evidence that the skin has been damaged. Tans and dark skin also block vitamin D production.

So, enjoy the coming summer but also play it safe and limit sun exposure. Hope the guidelines from the American Academy of Dermatology are helpful. Another excellent resource for these issues is the Skin Cancer Foundation.

Dr. John L. Pfenningers office, Medical Procedures Center, is located in Midland.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is encouraging Michigan residents to protect themselves from ticks as warm weather approaches. Tick-borne diseases, and particularly Lyme disease, are expanding across the state.

Although ticks can cause multiple illnesses, Lyme disease is the most commonly reported tick-borne disease in Michigan. Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and is transmitted by the blacklegged/deer tick.

The blacklegged tick is well-established in Michigans western Upper and Lower Peninsulas. However, the ticks are expanding into new areas across the Lower Peninsula. In 2016, there were 221 human cases of Lyme disease reported, and approximately two out of three cases reported exposure in Michigan.

With the expansion of blacklegged ticks into new areas in Michigan, the most important way to protect against Lyme disease is to prevent tick bites, said Dr. Eden Wells, chief medical executive of the MDHHS. If you find a tick attached to your body, promptly remove it. Monitor your health and if you experience fever, rash, muscle or joint aches, or other symptoms, consult with your medical provider.

People can protect themselves against Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases by using the following tips to prevent tick bites:

Avoiding tick-infested areas:

 Walk in the center of trails to avoid contact with overgrown grass, brush and leaf litter at trail edges.

 Protect your pets too. Dogs and cats can come into contact with ticks outdoors and bring them into the home, so using tick prevention products on pets is also recommended.

Using insect repellent:

 Apply repellent containing DEET (20-30 percent) or Picaridin on exposed skin.

 Treat clothes (especially pants, socks, and shoes) with permethrin, which kills ticks on contact or buy clothes that are pre-treated. Do not use permethrin directly on skin.

 Always follow the manufacturers instructions when applying any repellents.

Performing daily tick checks:

 Always check for ticks on yourself and your animals after being outdoors, even in your own yard.

 Inspect all body surfaces carefully, and remove attached ticks with tweezers.

 How to remove a tick: Grasp the tick firmly and as closely to the skin as possible. With a steady motion, pull the ticks body away from the skin. Cleanse the area with an antiseptic.

Bathing or showering:

 Bathe or shower as soon as possible after coming indoors (preferably within two hours) to wash off and more easily find ticks that are crawling on you.

 Washing clothing in hot water, and drying on high heat will kill ticks in clothing, and help to prevent ticks from coming indoors.

For more information about Lyme disease, visit www.cdc.gov/lyme or www.michigan.gov/lyme
The following list includes recent reports from the Midland County Sheriffs Office and the Midland Police Department.

Tuesday, May 23

12:31 a.m.  Police responded to a traffic crash at Rodd and Indian streets, and found the vehicle was uninsured and had an improper plate. No one was hurt.

Monday, May 22

12:25 a.m.  Deputies assisted Consumers Energy by closing M-30 and Dague Road in Jerome Township after a natural gas leak.

10:43 a.m.  Police investigated a case of fraud in the 2500 block of Abbott Road.

12:47 p.m.  Police were sent to a domestic assault at a Washington Street address. Officers also made an arrest for resisting and obstructing police.

1:32 p.m.  A Geneva Township man, 35, was arrested in Jerome Township for driving while his license was suspended and on warrants.

9:40 p.m.  Deputies received a tip about medication being prescribed to a childs parents, who were then selling the medication. The tip is being investigated.
NEW YORK  A proposal to curtail the nation's food stamp program would pinch families struggling to pay for groceries and ripple through other areas of the economy, including supermarkets and discounters, as people shuffle their budgets.

President Donald Trump is proposing a roughly 30 percent reduction in the federal budget for the program formally known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP. His overall budget proposal met a chilly reception from lawmakers, and is unlikely to be passed as is. But it suggests increasing work requirements for SNAP recipients, and says states should both share in the cost of the program and determine the level of benefits they provide. That would lead to fewer people in the program, or could reduce how much help they get.

Last year, more than 44 million people received an average of about $125 a month in SNAP benefits, totaling about $66.6 billion, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. How any cuts would play out across industries would depend on how people adjust to pay for food, how reliant a retailer is on SNAP spending and other factors.

SNAP households are already on extremely tight budgets. To qualify, a family of four's take-home pay can be no more than $2,025 a month, while a two-person household can earn no more than $1,335.

More than 260,000 locations were authorized to accept SNAP credits last year. Superstores such as Wal-Mart and Target got 52 percent of redemptions, supermarkets like Kroger got 30 percent, and convenience stores got about 6 percent, according to the USDA. The rest was split among other kinds of stores.

The USDA doesn't specify how much is spent at specific retailers. But in 2013, Wal-Mart Stores Inc. told the Wall Street Journal that it gets about 18 percent of total SNAP benefits. That would have been about $13.43 billion in 2012.

What happened with previous SNAP cuts is complicated. Since food is a fixed cost, retailers have said that people used money intended for other purposes to pay for groceries after a recent pullback in the program.

"They're paying cash or on a credit card if they didn't have the food stamps. And then they will give up on something else," Kroger's CEO at the time, Dave Dillon, said in December 2013. That was after the SNAP benefits that were expanded during the recession returned to their previous levels.

But how companies are affected can vary and it's difficult to pinpoint the impact of any one change on sales, which can be affected by weather, competitive pressure and other factors. After the 2013 rollback in benefits, Wal-Mart blamed a 0.4 percent quarterly sales decline on the reduction, though the sales figure was down for the company's entire fiscal year.

Last year, the SNAP program also underwent cuts when 22 states reinstated a three-month limit on benefits for unemployed adults who aren't disabled or raising children and don't meet certain work requirements. That limitation had been waived by some states during the recession.

Dollar General, which has said it gets about 5 percent of its sales from SNAP benefits, compared the impact of the reduction last year to what happened in 2013. "Our traffic slowed tremendously then, very similar to as it did now," Dollar General CEO Todd Vasos said last summer.

Trump's proposal suggests that retailers pay a fee for authorization to accept food stamps. Companies currently don't pay to participate, which the proposal says fails to recognize "the significant portion of a retailer's revenue that SNAP can represent."

The proposed budget estimates the fees would raise about $2.4 billion over 10 years. It doesn't spell out how the fee would be calculated.

Imposing a fee could result in smaller stores or chains deciding not to seek authorization, said Craig Gundersen, a professor of agricultural economics at the University of Illinois who has received grants from the agency that administers the food stamp program. That would reduce the number of places where people who use SNAP could get groceries.

The National Grocers Association said the fee proposal "raised a red flag." It otherwise declined to comment on how its members might be affected by the proposed changes, but said the SNAP program plays "an important role in providing a safety net to those in need."

The government's overall SNAP spending declines when the economy improves and fewer people rely on the program. It's a situation that is the "best possible outcome," said Stacy Dean, vice president of food assistance policy at the liberal-leaning Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.

Dean said cutting benefits when people's financial situations are not improving could mean they use money they otherwise would have spent on needs like clothing or even medicine to make up for the gaps in their food budget. So there's still an impact to the overall economy, she said.

Putting off other purchases could affect other departments at superstores or separate retailers.
BLOOMINGTON  The agency that works to attract visitors to McLean County will ask that it no longer be required to follow the state's Open Meetings Act when it negotiates a new agreement with city, town and county officials.

The Bloomington-Normal Area Convention & Visitors Bureau received almost $700,000 from Normal and Bloomington last year and another $320,000 from the state.

The city and town funds are part of an intergovernmental agreement to support the CVB's efforts to book conventions and brings visitors to the area with public money. The county is included in the agreement, but did not contribute money last year.

In a March opinion from Don Knapp, first assistant state's attorney for the county's civil division, the CVB was told the state's Open Meeting Act applies to the board that includes six elected officials on its nine-member board.

Knapp pointed to terms of the agreement approved in 2007 that states the board and its committees will be subject to the open meetings law that requires boards to post agendas and conduct business in open session except as allowed under limited exemptions.

Since Knapp's opinion, the CVB posted an agenda and meeting minutes for its May 2 meeting and the dates for upcoming meetings.

In response to Knapp's opinion, CVB lawyer Steve Mahrt said he advised agency director Crystal Howard to begin discussions with the city, town and county on a new agreement "removing the obligation to comply with the Open Meetings Act."

Mahrt contends that the CVB does not fit the legal definition of a public body and removing the clause from the agreement will resolve the issue.

"It's unusual for these types of organizations to be considered public bodies," Mahrt said, adding that except for the language of the agreements, the CVB would not have to comply with the open meetings act.

The public is welcome to attend the group's bi-monthly meetings, he noted.

The hesitancy of the visitors bureau to conduct all its business in public stems from the competitive nature of some of its contract negotiations, said Mahrt, adding that a suitable exemption to an open session may not exist for such discussions.

Howard said the agency will comply with the state law if it is included in a new agreement, but absent such an obligation, the CVB will not follow the Open Meetings Act.

Bloomington Mayor Tari Renner said he wants to hear more from Howard on why public meetings could put the agency at a "strategic disadvantage." But the mayor admitted that removing the requirement could be in conflict with his efforts for more open government and greater transparency.

"I don't know how I could be taken seriously if I say I want transparency but just not on this one thing," said Renner, a member of the CVB board.

Normal City Manager Mark Peterson says the open meetings question is one of several changes the CVB and its public partners will discuss before the agreement ends Dec. 31.

"There are good arguments on both sides" of the open meetings issue, said Peterson. Whether the provision is part of the next agreement "is ultimately a policy decision the councils will have to make."
CARLOCK  The man who police said fatally shot himself Tuesday morning on Interstate 74 near Carlock has been identified as 33-year-old Paul S. Smith of Brimfield.

McLean County Coroner Kathy Davis said Smith was pronounced dead at 11:15 a.m.

"Preliminary autopsy results indicate that Mr. Smith died of a penetrating contact gunshot wound of the head," said Davis.

Toxicology testing is pending. This incident remains under investigation by the McLean County coroners office and Illinois State Police Zone 5 Investigations.

Eastbound Interstate 74 near Carlock was closed for several hours after police said a man stopped on the highway and apparently shot himself.

"Just after 10 a.m. (Tuesday) a (police) radio broadcast was put out advising officers of a subject wanted by the Peoria County sheriff's office for the charges of aggravated domestic battery, aggravated assault, unlawful restraint, interfering with a 911 call, and fleeing and eluding," said ISP District 8 Trooper Ross Green.

Capt. Tyler McCoy of the Peoria County sheriff's office said the charges stemmed from an alleged domestic incident between Smith and his ex-wife a couple of days ago at a Chillicothe address.

"When she had a chance to leave and report this, she came to the sheriff's office," said McCoy. "I don't know if she was held hostage, but she was fearful.

"We went to go find him. We went to an address and saw him leaving. We started a pursuit that was quickly discontinued. The information was broadcast and the other jurisdictions picked up on it. Then he did what he did on the other side of the river."

The woman did not go to the hospital.

"I believe she had some bruising and visible injuries, but refused medical treatment," said McCoy.

The suspect also was reported in the radio broadcast to be in possession of handgun, said Green. The man was the only person in the vehicle.

An officer from Deer Creek spotted a vehicle matching a description put out on the radio broadcast as it was traveling east on Interstate 74.

"The Deer Creek officer began pursuing the vehicle eastbound from his location. (ISP) District 6 troopers, around Carlock, got in behind the subject's vehicle, and the subject's vehicle pulled over at mile marker 124," said Green.

"Before officers could approach the subject's vehicle they heard one gunshot come from within the subject's vehicle," he said.

When officers approached the vehicle, they saw a man who appeared to have a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.

"No officers fired their weapons or sustained any injuries during the incident," said Green.

At 10:55 a.m. the coroner's office received notification of a death at the location.

Carlock Fire and Rescue, the McLean County Sheriffs Department, the Deer Creek Police Department, and the Tazewell County Sheriffs Department and Bloomington Fire Department also responded to the scene.

While the investigation was going on at the scene, traffic was rerouted at the Carlock and Mitsubishi Motors Parkway exits until all lanes were re-opened between 1:15 and 1:30 p.m., more than three hours after the man stopped his vehicle.
BLOOMINGTON  Amber Buck knew her chances to receive probation on meth charges were slim as she sat in a McLean County courtroom Tuesday, but a binder filled with 750 pages of documents detailing her recovery efforts helped convince a judge to give her that chance.

The 30-year-old defendant admitted during testimony at her sentencing hearing that she helped her former boyfriend gather the materials he used to cook methamphetamine in their Bloomington apartment.

"I was there. I knew what was going on," Buck said in response to questions from Assistant State's Attorney Jeff Horve.

Buck and Colin Dameron were each charged with aggravated meth manufacturing  her third drug related felony in a year. Buck pleaded guilty to a 2016 charge of illegal use of property for drug purposes and 2015 charges for drug possession and delivery.

Buck, of Normal, said her decision to turn her life around began after the state removed her two children following her arrest in March 2016.

"Losing my kids was the best and worst thing that ever happened to me. ... If I wasn't an addict, my life would be different today," Buck told Judge Robert Freitag.

Defense lawyer Scott Kording pointed to a binder filled with letters of support and documents related to Buck's recovery in his argument for probation. Buck has a job and hopes to complete her education in the accounting field.

She also is working to regain custody of her daughter, who lives with her mother, and a son, who lives in Boston with his father.

Buck's mother, Rose Buck, said her daughter is "180 degrees different from the person she was previously. She's been knocked down and clawed her way back."

Horve described Buck's case as a "close case" between a prison term and community-based sentence. The dangerous nature of a meth operation and the need to deter others from drug crimes made prison the necessary option, said the prosecutor.

In his decision to place Buck on 30 months of probation, Freitag told Buck, "I'm impressed, frankly, with your drive and determination." Such effort is not commonly seen from defendants in similar situations, said Freitag.

After the hearing, Kording said, "We are grateful the judge carefully considered all of the substantial mitigating evidence we presented and fashioned an appropriate sentence."
BLOOMINGTON  A Bloomington woman found not guilty by reason of insanity in a 2015 arson at her apartment was committed to a state hospital Tuesday for extended mental health treatment.

Anita Jumper was found not guilty in March based upon a judge's acceptance of a psychiatric report that opined Jumper did not understand the criminality of her actions when she started a fire in her west-side Bloomington apartment.

Jumper, who has been receiving treatment at McFarland Mental Health Center in Springfield, refused efforts by hospital staff to bring her to Tuesday's hearing, according to defense lawyer Jennifer Patton. Judge Scott Drazewski moved forward with the hearing on Jumper's commitment to a state facility.

Citing an April medical report, the judge ordered Jumper to remain in treatment. The defendant could remain in the state's custody for 23 years  the maximum term she could have served if convicted of aggravated arson.

Jumper's refusal to come to court follows her past history with court appearances. Several times during the two years of proceedings in her case she opted to stay in her jail cell during hearings that in some cases were postponed.

According to police reports, Jumper set fire to her apartment at 811 W. Washington St. while her son Jason Hopkins was asleep in the home. Jumper admitted setting the fire, falsely claiming to officers that her cousin and an upstairs neighbor were at her door armed with a shotgun to take her food.
BLOOMINGTON  A rainy spring hasn't stopped Bloomington-Normal's new bike share program from speeding out of the gate.

Two months after launch, the town of Normal's Bike Share 309 program hit 750 rides on its way to a goal of about 3,300 in the first year, and officials see potential to do better.

"Our numbers are really good when you factor how much rain we've had, and crazy wind. You can't catch a break in spring," said Mercy Davison, town planner and the program's organizer.

Bike Share 309 lets adults use any mobile phone to rent a bicycle from one of nine Twin City locations and return it to any of those locations.

Rides are $3 per hour, but riders can buy a $10 monthly or $40 annual membership to make the first hour free. Customers from local colleges and universities can buy annual memberships for $25.

To date, about 400 riders have registered for the program versus a goal of about 1,800 this year, though 19 percent have signed up but not used a bike.

About 30 riders have bought annual memberships, which Davison said is "about right" as a percentage of users by estimates from Zagster, the Cambridge, Mass.-based company behind Bike Share 309.

The town also is tracking repeat ridership: 39 percent of those who use a bike do so at least twice.

"Really, this program started a bit late to catch too many students, but we expect it to really take off in August," said Davison. "We're still heavily in the marketing phase (overall)."

The most popular Bike Share 309 location is uptown, as expected, Davison said, but she's surprised by the popularity of the rental station at Connie Link Amphitheatre, which is near the intersection of Constitution Trail and Linden Street.

"We're going to need more bike parking spaces there," said Davison.

That the Connie Link station is popular isn't a surprise to Zagster, said company Communications Manager Jon Terbush.

This type of technology works very well with trail systems, he said of Zagster's platform, which allows riders to keep a bike and accrue charges rather than exchange it for another after a specific period of time, as many bike share programs do. "The general perception of bike sharing is that it's for urban areas and not trails, but in our experience it can be a powerful tool to that end.

Other Bike Share 309 locations are Advocate BroMenn Medical Center; Illinois State University's Cardinal Court, Schroeder Hall, Tri-Towers and Watterson Towers; Illinois Wesleyan University's Hansen Student Center; and the Route 66 Visitors Center in downtown Bloomington.

Despite hosting Zagster stations, the city of Bloomington, ISU and IWU aren't paying into the program, and Davison said the town isn't currently pressing that issue. BroMenn has agreed to pay $10,000 per year and is advertising on the bikes and stations.

Zagster will receive $84,600 per year for the next three years, a $3,287 set-up fee and 7 percent of rental proceeds to run the program, with the rest of the revenue going to the town. Normal expects to recoup 20 percent of expenses through user fees.

Terbush said users across Bloomington-Normal can expect an improved checkout system soon. Operations will still be conducted by mobile phone, and users can also sign up at zagster.com/bikeshare309.

Our old locking platform is based around a U-lock (and physical key), but this will be based around a Bluetooth ring-lock, he said. At the touch of a button (on a smartphone), the ring-lock springs open. ... Theres still a keypad so people with no smartphone can get a code via text message.

Davison said the town will watch usage trends to determine what other changes to make to the system. She said some local apartment management companies have asked about getting Zagster stations at their complexes.

Were excited to see what the usage looks like as we get later in spring and into summer, said Terbush.
TOWANDA  Illinoisans are frustrated with nearly two years without a state budget, and that frustration was represented Wednesday by 15 people with strong voices and sore feet.

Participants in a 200-mile march from Chicago to Springfield  advocating what marchers call a "people and planet first budget"  stopped for lunch in Towanda on its way to a 7 p.m. Wednesday "listening session" at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 1613 E. Emerson St., Bloomington.

"People in Illinois are desperate for a budget," said Anna Sekiguchi, 18, of Normal, who is participating in the entire event as its youngest marcher.

"We are a manifestation of the tension that everyone is feeling in Illinois," Sekiguchi said at a Route 66 roadside park in Towanda.

"We're getting a lot of honks and, this morning, people gave us money to support us," Tosha Maaks, 40, of Stanford said as the marchers neared Towanda. One Route 66 driver honked and another waved as she spoke.

"People know what we're doing," said Maaks, who joined the marchers in Lexington and will be with them until they reach Funks Grove on Thursday.

Maaks, wearing a green NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) shirt, said "This is important to us because mental health is one of the things affected by this budget crisis."

"We won't sit back and take this anymore," Maaks said. "We need a balanced budget that works for the people of Illinois."

Sponsored by Fair Economy Illinois, which includes organizations such as Illinois Peoples Action, marchers are advocating changes that they say would raise $23.5 billion by closing corporate tax loopholes ($2.5 billion), passing a financial transactions tax on trading of futures and commodities in Chicago ($12 billion) and enacting a graduated income tax ($9 billion), meaning rich people would pay a higher percentage of their income for taxes than poor people.

According to Kristi Sanford, spokeswoman with Fair Economy Illinois, those changes would balance the budget, with money left over.

Because of tax breaks, two-thirds of Illinois corporations pay no income tax to the state, Sanford claimed.

A progressive (graduated) income tax is used for federal income taxes, noted Sekiguchi, who just completed her freshman year at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign.

"Millionaires and billionaires need to pay their fair share and not the same (percentage) as an elderly person on Social Security," said Sekiguchi, a 2016 Normal Community West High School graduate, wearing a "March to Springfield for a People and Planet First Budget" shirt.

Sekiguchi is marching because lack of state support is threatening schools, universities and human services agencies.

"Education and mental health care are important to me," said Sekiguchi, who has generalized anxiety.

Also marching all 200 miles is Samantha Nichols, 24, a seminarian from Chicago who was a chaplaincy intern at Advocate BroMenn Medical Center in Normal last summer.

"I am sick and tired of living in a state without a budget, where elected officials on both sides capitulate to major corporations rather than tax the rich and pass a budget for Illinois," Nichols said.

The Illinois Senate on Tuesday passed a budget  with all Democratic votes and no Republican votes  that calls for a 5 percent cut to nearly all state programs, increasing the personal income tax from 3.75 percent to 4.95 percent, increasing the corporate income tax from 5.25 percent to 7 percent, eliminating three corporate tax loopholes and implementing a sales tax on some services.

The budget goes to the House.

But Nichols said, "The answer is not cuts and tax increases but making the rich pay their fair share."

"This is Day 10," Nichols said of the march. "My feet hurt but it's hard not to be in good spirits because I'm around great people."
DECATUR  A special prosecutor has been appointed to investigate allegations of misconduct against Macon County State's Attorney Jay Scott.

Stephanie Wong, a Bloomington defense attorney and former prosecutor in McLean County, has been appointed in the case, according to Macon County court records.

Under the order appointing a special prosecutor, Wong may assign other attorneys from her law firm to assist her with the investigation. If the investigation determines that misconduct took place, Wong would have the same power and authority as a states attorney to bring charges.

The investigation stems from a petition filed in September by local attorney John Davis and Macon County Board member Greg Mattingley alleging misconduct that included allowing employees to engage in electioneering and showing pornographic material to a female employee and female crime victim.

Scott, who has repeatedly denied allegations of misconduct, declined to comment when reached Tuesday.

Macon County would be required to pay the "reasonable" attorneys fees for Wong and any other attorneys she appoints, according to the order. The county also must pay a "reasonable" fee for a private investigator chosen by Wong.

Wong did not respond to a message left at her law office.

The case previously met with delays when the Illinois attorney general's office filed a motion May 1 declining to appoint a prosecutor because of a conflict of interest. DeWitt County Circuit Judge Karle Koritz was left to determine the next step in the matter.

Since that decision, Koritz said in the order that the court has reached out to a number of states attorneys offices to find a special prosecutor, but those efforts were fruitless.

The court finds that the appointment of a private attorney is necessary and appropriate, and that such private attorney should be provided the means to secure the services of a private investigator, Koritz wrote in the order.

Wong previously served as felony chief prosecutor in the McLean County states attorneys office, prosecuting first-degree murder, criminal sexual assault and armed robbery cases, according to her firm's website.

The petition seeking an investigation was filed Sept. 13 by Davis and Mattingley, former chairman of the Macon County Board's justice committee. Koritz ruled in January the investigation would move forward with the attorney general's office appointing the prosecutor.

Davis said Tuesday morning he was unaware of Wong before the appointment, but was impressed with her resume.

Im pleased with her appointment, Davis said. Im sure we have someone who is not biased and hopefully will give us a good result.

Other allegations contained in the petition include that Scott used his county-owned smartphone for political and personal uses and solicited an employee of the Macon County Sheriff's Department to support his campaign in community parades.




BAM Fisher (321 Ashland Place, Brooklyn) is hosting the New York premiere of Jose Parla's "ONE: Union of the Senses," on Thursday, May 25, 7 p.m. The "experimental documentary" film was inspired by the Cuban-American artist's mural commissioned for One World Trade Center in 2015 and, on the night, features a score performed live by El Michels Affair and the Michael Leonhart Orchestra. This event is at capacity, but there will be a standby line. The Whitney Shop in the Whitney Museum of Art (99 Gansevoort Street) celebrates the release of "Jose Parla: Roots" (Damiani Editore) on Wednesday, May 31, 7 p.m., with the artist in conversation with Storm Janse van Rensburg, head curator at the SCAD Museum of Art, followed by a book signing and reception. Free with RSVP to nicole_melanson@whitney.org





Unfamous NY, The Con Artist Collective and Ed Majkowski open a pop-up "Thrift Shop" for two days only, May 27 & 28, at 119 Ludlow Street. Look for artist-altered clothing, handmade originals etc. submitted by local artists and companies  and all hung on an "abstract rack." The opening is Saturday from 7 to 11 p.m. ($5 suggested donation) and then on Sunday it's open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., with 20% of sales going to the Queens Youth Justice Center.





Via La Mama Galleria

La Mama Galleria (47 Great Jones Street) also has a retail-esque exhibition, "Lost Merchandise of the Dreamlanders," opening on Thursday, May 25 and up until June 24 (Wednesdays thru Sundays, 1 to 7 p.m.). Curated by Tyson Tabbert, the show features "kitschy and ironic retail items based on the early films of John Waters...presented in the spirit of a Sunday morning garage sale."





Via Sean Fader

Sean Fader opens his new apartment/gallery, The Jungle Lounge (248 McKibbin Street, Brooklyn), on Friday, May 26, 7 to 10 p.m., with a show called "For the Love of Barbara (DeGenevieve). The late American artist, DeGenevieve, was a victim of NEA de-funding in the 90s "culture wars" due to her work in photography and performance  and her outspoken opinions on censorship and gender politics. This group show features artists who studied or worked with her, including Fader and 25 others. And, yes, there's an afterparty, same spot, 10 until late.





Rose Nestler, via Crush Curatorial

Crush Curatorial (526 West 26th Street, Suite 709) opens a group show called "Fantastic Plastic" on May 25, 6 to 8 p.m. and up until June 24. The artists  Genesis Belanger, Jaqueline Cedar, Vanessa Gully-Santiago, Hein Koh, Christopher Lin, Rose Nestler and Elisa Solven  "play with their own vulnerability as they make public the tearful smirk of one who finds humor in defeat."





Brigitte Engler, Footstep, 2016. Via Next to Nothing

New LES gallery Next to Nothing (181 Orchard Street) opens their inaugural exhibition, "This and That," with new work by two New York-based artists, Justen Ladda and Brigitte Engler, on Thursday, May 25, 6 to 9 p.m. On view until June 24.





If you didn't score all the art posters in VISIONAIRE 65 FREE, don't worry. On May 31, you'll be able to buy a set of all 36 posters by artists including Marilyn Minter, Richard Phillips, Yoko Ono, Shepard Fairey etc. in a deluxe edition packaged in a Marc Jacobs bag for $1,000. The hand-numbered, red, white and black cloth bags also include three Visionaire luggage tags and several stickers; and there's only 150 sets on offer. The poster collection was originally given away in groups of 12 during Art Basel Miami Beach 2015, Frieze New York 2016 and Academy Award week in L.A. in 2016. Check visionaireworld.com or go to Bookmarc NY (400 Bleecker Street).





Pat Bombard, courtesy San Remo

San Remo Cafe (201 Lafayette Street) launches their new "arts program" with an exhibition of Beastie Boys polaroids by Julian Schnabel, plus an installation by Alan Vega of the band Suicide. Look for upcoming events including film screenings, book signings and performances curated by the cafe's cultural director Nemo Librizzi.





Anne Neukamp via Marlborough Contemporary

Marlborough Contemporary (545 West 25th Street) opens three shows on May 25, 6 to 8 p.m.: Berlin-based artist Anne Neukamp's "The Familiar Object"; Ivan Basic's "Through the hum of black velvet sleep"; and, in their viewing room, Steve Keene. Keene is an advocate of cheap art for the masses.

Gavin Brown's upstate gallery/restaurant Unclebrother (250 E. Front Street, Hancock, NY) returns weekends thru Labor Day starting with dinner at 6 p.m. on May 26th, and brunch and dinner on Sunday, May 27th.

Splash image Christopher Lin via Crush Curatorial.


Patna: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Sushil Kumar Modi, at a press conference in Patna on Tuesday, said that once he was done with exposing the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief's family, he would turn his attention towards other RJD leaders who, he said, have also amassed wealth beyond their known sources of income.

Modi, who has been on a personal crusade to 'expose' the corrupt Lalu-Rabri dynasty in Bihar for the past several weeks revealing documents after documents that put the entire Lalu family under a cloud of suspicion in their many financial dealings, said that after exposing the Yadav family for their involvement in soil, mall, and property scams, he would turn his attention towards other RJD leaders who, he said, have illegally acquired lands under the MP-MLA Home Building Cooperative Society.

"RJD MPs and MLAs have virtually got a stronghold on the Home Building Cooperative Society that is being run by none other than the RJD leader and MP Jaya Prakash Narayan Yadav. With his help, RJD legislators have acquired land in Kautilya Nagar near Bihar Veterinary College in Patna," the former Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar said.

Reacting over a Hazaribagh court giving life imprisonment to RJD leader and former MP from Maharajganj Prabhunath Singh in the 22-year old case of murder involving the then newly-elected MLA Ashok Singh, Modi said he welcomed the verdict but mocked RJD President Lalu Prasad Yadav for still refusing to kick Singh out of the party.

"It is very telling that Lalu Prasad Yadav, despite their convictions, would not get rid of criminals-turned-leaders like Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prabhunath Singh. The fact is, these convicted criminals are the bodyguards of Lalu and his family members," he said.

Once a deputy of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar until things turned sour in 2013, Modi urged his former boss to take action against corrupt leaders like Lalu, his two sons Tej Pratap and Tejaswi Yadav saying Nitish could drag them to the special courts designed to deal with those accused of buying properties under fake names.
News and commentary on organized crime, street crime, white collar crime, cyber crime, sex crime, crime fiction, crime prevention, espionage and terrorism.
Learning to Lose in Iran

05/24/17

By Shervin Malekzadeh (source: LobeLog)



Supporters of Hassan Rouhani

(source: Iranian daily Shargh)

Win or lose, it has become obvious that the fortunes of Hassan Rouhani and his administration remain bound to the memory of 2009 and the Green Movement. Calls for the release of the movement's imprisoned leaders by the cheering crowds were a constant reminder on the campaign trail that the indignity of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's reelection continues to be a source of grievance for millions of Iranians, a legacy to be redeemed at the ballot box. Rather than back down, voters have doubled down in emphatic fashion, electing Rouhani by wide margins in the 2013 and 2017 elections to express their disgust and, above all, to prevent the return of the hardliners.

The impact of eight years of chaos, corruption, and daily crises inflicted by a feckless president who had neither the competence nor the character for office is difficult to overstate. Ahmadinejad has become the ultimate cautionary tale, the incentive to vote, his name an enabling mantra repeated by those who would otherwise never participate in an election. Even as his negative example lifts the prospects of reform, the former president hangs like a millstone around the necks of his erstwhile allies in the principalist camp who are still struggling to distance themselves from his time in office.

Ahmadinejad's legacy may, however, prove to be as much a burden as a boon to the project of reform. Can the young, middle class, and overwhelmingly female voters who comprise the Rouhani coalition accept losing, which is inevitable in a democracy? Will they take "no" for an answer? Iran's transition appears to flip the usual script provided by political scientists. Whereas authoritarian states are notorious for their unwillingness to lose elections, in Iran the democratic opposition cannot abide defeat.

The mood on the ground suggests that the majority of Iranians are not yet ready to let go of the recent past, that they still seek their pound of flesh. But democracy requires letting go, accepting the possibility of loss, and moving on to the next round, indeed accepting that there will be a next round. With the leaders of the Green Movement still under house arrest and the violent suppression of their followers still unanswered, it's understandable that the public remains vigilant. But it is also fair to worry about what will happen if and when the other side fairly wins.

For now, Rouhani supporters are content to celebrate what had once appeared to be a close race and a catastrophe averted. Iran continues her healthy course towards something other than authoritarianism. This election marked the further consolidation of Rouhani's centrist coalition, an assembly of odd bedfellows and former rivals held together by a commitment to stopping radicalism by winning elections.

For all of the excitement generated by the campaign, 2017 was notable for how routinized the route to victory has become. As in 2013 and 2016, behind-the-scenes coordination between the leadership and activists on the ground proved to be critical, above all in the selection and distribution of a single list of candidates vetted for their acceptability to the system and their likelihood of winning, one of the legacies of the late Hashemi Rafsanjani. As they have since 2009, Iran's voters demonstrated a commitment to following the path and not the candidate, eschewing the politics of personality that until recently defined Iranian politics. Together, these actions form the basis of what is likely to be a durable movement based on sustainable, democratic norms.

These lessons were not lost on their rivals in the principalist camp. The loser now in two, arguably three, straight presidential elections, Iran's conservative wing, badly fractured by the Ahmadinejad era, has taken a significant step forward by initiating a new coalition politics. The exit of Tehran mayor Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf in the last week of voting and his endorsement of fellow principalist Ebrahim Raisi signaled an auspicious step in Iran's political development, as a viable and effective conservative opposition will provide critical ballast to Iran's domestic politics. If nothing else, it will keep Iran's democratic movement honest, as evidenced by the scare that the Qalibaf-Raisi alliance gave what had been at times a lethargic Rouhani campaign.

These developments are good news for their constituencies, the more than 16 million Iranians who voted for a principalist of some sort, which represents a consistent 30-40 percent of the electorate. These are the regime's true believers, the voters most committed to the notion of an Islamic democracy and the values of the revolution. If nothing else, this election has demonstrated that the "hardline" takes diverse form in Iran, that it is impossible to predict someone's politics based on how they dress, where they live, or their musical interests. Leaving their interests unaddressed will do little to advance the cause of reform and democracy in Iran. Indeed, in his first comments after the election, Raisi asked the government to not ignore his voters, promising that he would continue the "fight against corruption and inequality" on their behalf.

This past Friday, the streets of Iran's major cities filled with music and dancing, once again transforming much of the country into an "open air party" if only for one night. This too has become part of Iran's routine, its version of democracy. The celebrations were open to everyone, and no doubt many of Raisi's supporters joined in the fun, Iran offers so few opportunities for public joyousness and gathering. Effervescent in their delight, they were, as Rouhani noted in his victory speech, for once united as Iranians, made of "one cloth."

Each election now builds on the previous, in ever accelerating fashion. The vote has become something of a rite of passage for Iran's youth, a month to look forward to, of celebration, of flirting, of excitement. I wrote after last year's legislative elections that Iran was becoming more democratic in spite of itself: the illiberal interventions of the Guardian Council inadvertently fostered unprecedented cooperation among rival groups. These short-term remedies have given way to a more profound and long-term commitment. There is no way to watch the scenes from Tehran, Tabriz, and Mashad and not think that democracy has become the thing itself, that Iran has become more democratic because of itself.



About the author:



Shervin Malekzadeh is a Visiting Scholar at the University of Pennsylvania Middle East Center where he is working on a book manuscript on post-revolutionary schooling in Iran from the perspective of ordinary families and local officials tasked with educating "the New Islamic Citizen." This fall, Shervin will begin a new position at Williams College as a Visiting Professor of Political Science. A former schoolteacher and a regular visitor to Iran, as well as an accidental participant in the 2009 Green Movement, his articles have appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Atlantic, The Guardian, and Folha de Sao Paulo, among others. Shervin's research and publications are available at his academic website, www.shervinmalekzadeh.com.
Five Killed, Hundreds Arrested In Bahrain At Shi'ite Protest; Iran Blames Trump

05/24/17

Source: REF/RL

At least five people were killed and hundreds arrested in Bahrain on May 23 after police stormed a sit-in by protesters supporting the Sunni-ruled kingdom's top Shi'ite cleric, Bahrain's Interior Ministry said.



Related Story by Washington Post:

After assurances by Trump,

Bahrain mounts deadliest raid in years on opposition



Police said they arrested nearly 300 people at the protest in Diraz, near the capital, Manama, as they demonstrated outside the home of cleric Isa Qassim, the spiritual leader of Bahrain's majority Shi'ite community.



The ministry said that fugitives who had escaped from the Jau prison were among the 286 people arrested at the protest and asserted that several of the "outlaws" were carrying hand grenades and knives.



"A large number of them were hiding in the residence of Isa Qassim," the ministry said, adding that several members of the security force were injured.



Human rights groups condemned the deadly crackdown on peaceful protesters.



Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif called it the "first concrete result" of what he described as U.S. President Donald Trump "cozying up to despots" in Saudi Arabia two days earlier -- a reference to a summit Trump attended with leaders of several mainly Muslim countries in Riyadh on May 21. He accused Trump of "emboldening the Bahrain regime."



Trump met with Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa at a summit in Riyadh over the weekend and told him there "has been a little strain" in U.S.- Bahraini relations, "but there won't be strain with this administration."



The tiny Gulf state is a key ally of the United States and is home to the U.S. Navy's Fifth Fleet, but the administration of former President Barack Obama frequently scolded Manama over rights concerns.



The Bahrain authorities have accused Qassim of promoting "sectarianism and violence," and sentenced him on May 21 to a suspended one-year jail term on charges of illegal fund-raising and money laundering.



Qassim faces expulsion from the kingdom after authorities revoked his citizenship last year for alleged links to Iran and fomenting violence, charges he has denied.



The government's actions have sparked repeated sit-ins outside Qassim's residence in Diraz since June 2016.



Bahraini authorities say Iran is behind the unrest in the kingdom, which has been ruled for more than two centuries by the Sunni Al-Khalifa dynasty. Tehran has denied any involvement.



The United States accuses Iran of fomenting unrest across the Middle East and of backing terrorism. At the Arab Islamic American Summit in Riyadh, Trump accused Iran of fueling "the fires of sectarian conflict and terror" and called for its international isolation.



Human Rights Watch called the Diraz raid a crackdown on free expression and said there was no coincidence it occurred two days after a "convivial" meeting between Trump and King Hamad.



Amnesty International called for an independent investigation into the security forces' use of "excessive force" against protesters it said were mostly peaceful.



Bahrain has been rocked by unrest since 2011, when local authorities backed by a Saudi military force crushed Shi'ite protests demanding a constitutional monarchy and an elected prime minister.



Dozens of civilian protesters have been killed since 2011 and around 10 policemen have died.



Manama has imprisoned dozens of Shi'ites accused of taking part in demonstrations and stripped at least 316 Bahrainis of their citizenship since 2012, according to Amnesty.



With reporting by AFP, dpa, and Reuters
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President Rouhani's Battle With Hardliners Over UN 2030 Educational Guidelines Follows Him Into Second Term

05/24/17

Source: Center for Human Rights in Iran

A major challenge for newly reelected President Hassan Rouhani's second term is integrating guidelines from a UN agenda into the country's educational system-a project he began in the summer of 2016 that was stalled by fierce opposition from hardliners.







The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, a non-binding educational guidelines document published by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), has been condemned by hardliners including Iran's conservative supreme leader, Ali Khamenei.

A civil rights activist in Tehran told the Center for Human Rights in Iran (CHRI) that hardliners used the issue to smear Rouhani during his 2017 reelection campaign.

"In their flyers and speeches against Rouhani, they claimed the UN document promoted homosexuality and its goal was to eliminate Islam from Iranian schools," said the activist, who requested anonymity for security reasons.

In a May 2017 interview with CHRI, UNESCO official Said Peyvandi explained that the UN agenda "is simply a guideline for the future."

"The argument is over what kind of human beings we want to raise and what kind of society we want to have," said Peyvandi, a sociologist and member of UNESCO's Peace and Education Commission. "The UNESCO document is diametrically opposed to Ayatollah Khamenei's thinking."





2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals





In the days leading up to the presidential election on May 19, 2017, Rouhani's conservative election rivals, particularly Ebrahim Raisi, attacked Rouhani for attempting to adopt the 2030 agenda.

"They have made the plan native to our educational system, but how does that conform with our own national interests?" he said on May 21 to a group of teachers. "How can we impose a foreign document on our own values? That's not right."

In a sermon broadcast live on state TV on May 19-election day-Tehran Friday prayer leader Mohammad Ali Movahedi Kermani blasted what he claimed was the Rouhani government's "secret" adoption of the 2030 UN agenda as "an act of high treason by the government."

At a pro-Raisi campaign rally on May 11, a member of the Assembly of Experts from Zanjan declared that the 2030 agenda not only encouraged homophobia, but also drove children away from Shia Islamic values.

"If we implement this program in the country, our youth and future generations will lose their revolutionary and Islamic spirit," claimed Mohammad Doulabi.

The next day, Asadollah Imani, the Friday prayer leader of Shiraz and Khamenei's representative in Fars Province, criticized Rouhani's attempt to implement the UN guidelines as "cultural capitulation designed to impose other cultures on our country through UNESCO."

Khamenei Criticizes Rouhani

Less than two weeks before the presidential election, Khamenei gave a speech to the staff of the Supreme Cultural Revolution Council denouncing UNESCO for allegedly "giving itself the right to give instructions to nations with different histories, cultures and civilizations on behalf of influential world powers" and Rouhani for attempting to implement the guidelines.

"This UNESCO 2030 document is not something that the Islamic Republic will surrender to," he said on May 7. "It's wrong to sign some document and then quietly go ahead and implement it. That's absolutely forbidden."

Khamenei's sharp criticism came some five months after the chairman of the Basij volunteer paramilitary organization's academic committee, Sohrab Salehi, wrote a letter to the Supreme Cultural Revolution Council and Parliament on January 7, 2017 claiming that the 2030 agenda was created by "American spies to take control of Iran's cultural institutions."

On August 16, 2016, Rouhani's cabinet agreed to put the Education Ministry in charge of integrating the document's guidelines into the country's educational system.

Following Khamenei's expressed opposition on May 7, the head of the Headquarters for the Implementation of the General Education Roadmap, Mansour Kabganian, announced on May 9 that the adoption of the 2030 agenda was halted.

However, on May 13, Rouhani said the government would remain committed to the spirit of document and only discard the parts that contradict Islam.

"Some have spread unfair propaganda against the 2030 agenda," said Rouhani at a campaign rally in Tehran. "I assure the supreme leader of the Iranian nation and the great nation of Iran that the government has pledged to adhere to the document within Iran's laws and cultural parameters."

According to UNESCO, the 2030 agenda was adopted in September 2015 to "ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all." The agency was entrusted to "lead and coordinate" the agenda with "governments and partners on how to turn commitments into action."

Peyvandi told CHRI that two of the main issues opposed by Khamenei and his supporters is the UN document's emphasis on "the principle of equality between women and men in education" and human rights.

"He has taken a position against gender equality many times and opposes women in the workforce," he said. "He is more interested in women playing the role of mothers and wives in domestic affairs. He is not too keen on seeing a role for women in society as proposed in the document."

"Unfortunately, instead of emphasizing the 2030 agenda's universal educational goals for a better world in the future, what we hear in Iran are statements and excuses that have nothing to with anything," added the UN official.

"In other words, teaching children about different aspects of human rights and its importance for society's future," he said. "Also, human rights must be observed in practice in running school affairs (according to the document)."

"We know this culture does not exist in Iran's educational system," added Peyvandi. "Even school textbooks include passages that describe the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as a means to exert pressure on Muslims."
Targeting Iran or England, terror has one origin (Saudi Arabia): Iranian Foreign Ministry

05/24/17

Source: Press TV

The spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry says acts of terrorism, whether targeting Iran or the United Kingdom, originate from one source.

Whenever terror strikes, Saudi Arabia escapes notice and evades responsibility-with the help

of Western governments https://t.co/wfCcdU5jht  The Nation (@thenation) May 21, 2017

Speaking on Tuesday, Bahram Qassemi condemned in the strongest terms a terrorist attack at a concert hall in the English city of Manchester, which killed at least 22 people, and said the ideological origin of that attack was the same as the source of a raid that killed 11 Iranian border guards in the city of Mirjaveh on April 26.



"We believe that the taproot and the ideological origin of terrorist incidents in Iran's Mirjaveh and the UK's Manchester is one and the same," Qassemi said.

Though he did not name any party by name, he was most likely referring to Saudi Arabia.



The Saudi regime is commonly known to be the major force behind the "ideology" of Daesh and other terrorist groups that mainly operate in the Middle East but also manage to target Europe and the United States with terrorist attacks every now and then.



Clerics, who are based in Saudi Arabia and who enjoy a Riyadh government approval to work, freely preach Wahhabism, a violent strand of "ideology" that declares people of other faiths "infidels" - a practice known as "Takfir" in Arabic - and allows killing them.



Qassemi said, "A serious, purposeful, and honest fight is needed [against terrorism] with the unity and [combined] determination of all countries that are victimized by the extremist and Takfiri ideology of these [terrorist] groups."

We finally know what Hillary Clinton knew all along - US allies Saudi Arabia and Qatar are funding Isis https://t.co/w4TTZ0yfNb  Independent Voices (@IndyVoices) October 14, 2016

Responsibility for the Monday attack in Manchester, which also wounded 59 people, was later claimed by Daesh, a terrorist group primarily influenced by Wahhabism. The terrorist group that carried out the attack on the Iranian border guards last month is also known to be Wahhabi and, like other such groups, linked to Saudi Arabia.



Qassemi also made a tacit reference to a so-called anti-terror coalition formed by Saudi Arabia and said, "One result of [establishing] nominal and interest-based coalitions and of giving the wrong directions regarding the foundations... of terrorism is its (terrorism's) cancerous spread all over the world."



On Sunday, Saudi Arabia opened what it has called the Global Center for Combating Extremist Ideology in the capital, Riyadh, in what was generally dismissed as a publicity stunt aimed at diverting attention away from its support for terrorist groups.

Saudi Arabia 'center for exporting terrorism'

Iranian Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani, who was speaking separately on Tuesday, referred to that development and said the opening of the center in the Saudi capital was "the right thing to do, because that very place (Riyadh) is the source of exporting terrorism."



Addressing an open session of the Parliament (Majlis), Speaker Larijani said there was no doubt that Saudi Arabia was exporting terrorism to the world.



"It is a point historically evident that Saudi Arabia, since its inception, has been engaged in wars and terrorism," he said.

He said the Saudi regime has for the past almost 60 years been spreading Wahhabism in the name of preaching Islam and through the building of mosques and training centers for the youth.



"If America manages to stop the flow from Saudi Arabia of funds, weapons, and gunmen to other places, there would neither be explosions on twin towers in New York nor would thousands of innocent people die in Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon," Larijani said.



Terrorist attacks on the former twin towers of the World Trade Center in New York City on September 11, 2001 killed some 3,000 people. Of the 19 people involved in carrying out the attacks on that day, including the hijacking of commercial planes, 15 were Saudi nationals.
Government has finally given financial clearance to about 495 members of the Coalition of Unposted Allied Health professionals.



The group had spent Monday night at the Health Ministry sleeping on bare floor and benches as they accused the government of showing bad faith in addressing their concerns.



According to the group, the Ministry of Health has continuously failed to recruit them after the completion of their national service in August 2016.



All assurances by government represented by deputy Health Minister, Tina Mensah on Monday that their issues would be addressed as soon as possible fell on deaf ears.



The group who continued their protest at the ministry burst into excitement Tuesday evening when the deputy minister emerged with documents proving that the Finance Minister has cleared them for posting.



The jubilant health workers ended their protest immediately and disappeared from the ministry with their luggage that they brought to the ministry bent on securing this victory.



An executive member of the Coalition of Unposted Allied Health Professionals told TV3 they are excited the government has kept to its words this time after several disappointments.

He was grateful to the deputy Health Minister.

Source: 3news.com









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The President, Nana Addo Dakwa Akufo-Addo will pay a day's visit to Sierra Leone today as part of his tour of all West African countries, the Communications Director at the Presidency, Mr Eugene Arhin has said.



The President while in Serra Leone will hold bilateral talks with his counterpart President Ernest Bai Koroma.



He is also expected to meet Ghanaians in Sierra Leone where he will reveal his plans for Ghana. The President will return later in the day.



The trip comes days after he visited Senegal, Cape Verde and Guinea last week, which formed the second phase of his official working visit to countries within the ECOWAS region.



Countries he visited in the first phase of the tours were Togo, Burkina Faso and Cote d'Ivoire.



The visits are aimed at deepening Ghanas bilateral relations in the sub-region.

Source: Daily Graphic









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IT HAS been revealed that the one-billion dollar Atuabo Gas plant located in the Western Region of Ghana was over-bloated by a whopping $40 million.



The allegation was made by the co-chair of the Ghana Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (GHEITI), Dr. Steve Manteaw, who contends that SINOPEC  the Chinese company which executed the project  deliberately engaged in fraudulent activities.



$15m Recouped



Dr. Manteaw is reported to have disclosed that about $15 million out of the alleged $40 million has been recouped from the company.



The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), which is investigating the matter, is reported to be the entity that recouped the money from the company for stealing from the state under dubious contract sum.



Background Of Contract



The Atuabo Gas Project was completed in 2014 and commissioned in 2015 under the erstwhile President John Mahama-led National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration.



Discussions surrounding the project had then met stiff opposition by some Members of Parliament (MPs) of the then opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP).



Under the contract, SINOPEC was to construct the Atuabo Gas plant, situated in the Ellembelle District, to help provide gas to meet the energy demands of the country  as the nation was faced with power crisis which came to be known as dumsor, and collapsed several businesses.



At the time of its completion, the plant was producing over 140 million cubic feet of gas per day to the Aboadze Thermal Plant.



But Dr. Manteaw told the media that even though the purpose of the project was to meet the energy needs of the country, its actual cost was inflated to the detriment of the state.



What for me is so most worrying is the fact that through my investigations, I discovered that a particular plant that was imported by SINOPEC for the project was overpriced by as much as $40 million and this did not catch the attention of our public authorities. And even though I raised the concern as far back as 2013, nobody took serious notice of it, he was reported to have told Citi FM.



According to him, Again, what I find to be so disturbing about this whole development is that Ghana Gas granted some tax concessions to SINOPEC which is not within its mandate.



Dr. Manteaw pointed out that he was surprised to have discovered that Parliament approved the $152 million tax waivers without seeing the engineering, procurement, construction and commissioning contract which contains the fiscal exemptions.



Ghana Shortchanged



According to him, SINOPEC set up an offshore company in Dubai by name FAZ as part of the process of procuring logistics, pipes and equipment for the project.



He stated, Because our authorities did not follow through these procurement activities of SINOPEC, the prices that were quoted were not fair market prices and so Ghana was shortchanged. Im happy that the GRA has acted lately and investigated the matter. Ive cooperated with them and given them information that I have.

Source: Daily Guide









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The Millennium Development Authority (MiDA) has shortlisted six applicant companies under the concession for the Private Sector Participation (PSP) in the electricity distribution of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).



The companies are to bid for the ECG PSP concession and the preferred selected concessionaire would be tasked to make investment designed to reduce technical, commercial and collection loses while improving service quality.



The six companies are Tata Power Company Limited from India; Manila Electric Company from the Philippines; Ch Group Ghana with EDF and Veola Sa with Ghanaian address; Engie Services, SA; from France, BXC Company Ghana Limited, registered and operating in Ghana; and Enel S. p. A. of Italy.



At the first Bidders conference held on Tuesday in Accra where the bidders were announced, Mr Owura Kwaku Sarfo, Chief Executive Officer of MiDA, said expectation were that bids would be received by October 2017 and a concession agreement signed with the selected Concessionaire by March 2018.



That way the ECG PSP transaction can reach financial close by early September 2018 so the Concessionaire can commence in earnest the management of, operation of and investment in ECG by October 2018. To enable us achieve this timeline we will require the cooperation of all stakeholders, Mr Sarfo noted.



The Bidders conference hosted by MiDA was to facilitate interaction between the shortlisted applicants for the ECG Concession and potential local and international investors. It also provided the bidders the opportunity to tour selected ECG sites.



The conference, which also served as a forum to discuss the structure of the ECG Concession and share ideas aimed at improving the process was attended by over a 100 people comprising of local and international investors, local financial institutions, trade associations and government and regulatory institutions.



Mr Sarfo explained that the ECG PSP was active within the ECG Financial and Operational Turnaround Project with the objective of making a sustainable impact on the reliability and adequacy of electricity supply in Ghana.



Government in 2014 signed the Ghana Power Compact with the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) an independent USA government foreign aid agency which provides the country a grant of US$498.2 million to improve the performance of Ghanas power sector to unlock the countrys economic potential, create jobs and reduce poverty.



The major project under the Compact is the ECG Financial and Operational Turnaround Project that is designed to transform ECG into an efficient and financially strong institution through private sector participation.



About US$351 million of the MCC grant was being invested in ECG.



Mr Boakye Kyermanteng Agyarko, the Minister for Energy, reminded Ghanaians that the goal of the ECG PSP transaction was to transform Ghanas main power distribution utility into a more efficient and financially strong institution capable of building on its past to positively contribute to the nations economy.



Years of inadequate investment, inefficiencies within the utility, and a large stock of outstanding receivables, particularly in the distribution sector, have all conspired to make the organisations in the sector what they are today. As a nation, we should set our sights firmly on turning around the fortunes of strategic asset, which so many have poured their sweat into, Mr Agyarko said.



He reiterated that government was not privatizing the ECG under the Compact and that the Companys asset would still be owned by Government through ECG while they were managed and operated by the Concessionaire.



He said the structure of the ECG PSP transactions included a 51 per cent Ghanaian ownership of the concession vehicle, a 20 year concession term instead of the 25 years published earlier and a no involuntary layoffs of ECG staff as a result of the concession.



The Minister further assured that the Government was committed in bringing about real change in the power sector for the benefit of the present and future generations.



Professor Yaa Ntiamoa-Baidu, Board Chair of MiDA, expressed happiness that progress was being made with regard to the selection of a private sector partner for ECG.



We encourage our bidders to take advantage of the opportunity provided by this conference to ask the relevant questions and gather the information you need to take the required actions in relation to the bidding process and to prepare your proposals, Prof Ntiamoa-Baidu said.



The next bidders conference would be held on July 19.



The deadline for Consortium Formation would be on September 22, 2017, deadline for submitting Comments is June 30, while Final Request for Proposal (RFP) Release date is August 18, and the Proposal Submission deadline is Oct 20, 2017.

Source: GNA









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It could have been mistaken for a political convention of some sort as members of the two major political parties, the NPP and NDC converged at the Dabala Parish of the Global Evangelical Church in the Volta Region.



They were there to mourn with the famous businessman Alfred Agbeshi Woyome and his siblings as they bid farewell to their late mother Madam Gladys Amavi Amehoho.



The event which could have passed for a royal funeral attracted hundreds of sympathisers from different walks of life. The multitude that gathered in addition to the family had a generous sprinkling of politicians from different sides of the divide.



They included the top brass of the New Patriotic Party and the National Democratic Congress. There were former Ministers of state, former and current Members of Parliament as well as Ministers of state in the current administration.



It was a convivial atmosphere as the motley group of politicians came together at Dabala in the South Tongu constituency of the Volta Region to sympathise with the Woyome family.



Madam Amehoho also known as Hoga Nyornu died at the age of 76 and was survived by four children: businessman, Alfred Agbeshie Woyome, Member of Parliament for South Tongu Kobena Mensah Woyome, Dr Stephen Woyome and Felicia Woyome. There were thirteen grandchildren.



In their tribute, the children described their mother as a great and lovely woman. Auntie, as we affectionately called her, was a great mother who still played her motherly responsibility towards us even in our old age before her untimely death. They stated.



The tribute further indicated that she was passionate about Alfred and was always praying for him because of his work as a Security Intelligent Expert with the late Muamar Gadhafi for about a decade in Libya. She was a disciplinarian and worked hard, the children added.



The 31st December Makola Traders Association said, Daavi was a very special mother and a sister to them. She was a woman so sociable, free in heart and very generous. They further recollected when A.M.A. Taskforce (Aabaei) seized our goods, she would go to the officials to plead on our behalf and collect our goods for us.

Source: gbcghana.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Audio Attachment: Listen to Joseph Yamin on Okay FMs 'Ade Akye Abia' Morning Show

Former Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, Rev. Professor Emmanuel Martey has been slammed by former Deputy Minister for Youth and Sports, Joseph Yamin for saying NDC and Mahama administration did nothing to fight illegal small-scale mining (Galamsey) during their 8 years in power.



Professor Martey speaking to journalists in an interview mentioned that small-scale mining (Galamsey) had a field day under the Mahama administration as the government of John Mahama identified the cause of Galamsey but failed to deal with it despite his promptings.



I dont want to go into politics but it was in Mahamas administration that this thing [Galamsey] became worst. I met Mahama, we sat down and I complained about this Galamsey. He told me that he was able to identify the Ghanaian who was bringing the Chinese to Ghana so they will deal with it. But rather, things got worse so if the government will sit up and selflessly manage our country, this Galamsey business will be solved, Rev Martey said.



Rev Martey commended the Akufo-Addo government for fighting galamsey.



It is too early to say that the present administration is not doing well. In fact it is because they have come, and thanks to the media everybody knows that galamsey is a necessary evil which ought to be eliminated.



But reacting to Professor Marteys comment on Okay FMs 'Ade Akye Abia' Morning Show, Joseph Yamin urged the former Moderator not to be part of partisan politics; as any time he speaks he soils the image of Christianity and puts the clergy in disrepute.



When I speak about Professor Martey, I speak with passion because he is from the church that I belong to and he continuously disgraces the church in partisan politics; it is wrong and not helpful to the church.



From Frimpong Manso (former Presby moderator) to him [Martey] and the current Moderator, did you hear Frimpong Manso emerging in politics? Professor Martey is not a good citizen because he is not speaking on logic and he is not speaking as a neutral person and he is not speaking because he knows the fact, he said.



He wondered why Professor Martey never said anything about those 8 NPP vigilante group members who have been set free by the Attorney-General after attacking a judge in the courtroom.



 . . . And that is more disgrace than the act itself; have you heard him talk about it? he inquired



He was of the view that if Rev Martey wants to equate the fight against Galamsey, he should use one whole day to thank former President Mahama as he did exceptionally well in the fight against Galamsey.



If he does not know, he should research or call me for that information before he speaks publicly again about Mahamas effort in the fight against Galamsey; Otherwise, everything he said is not based on facts, he averred.



He should stop disgracing the Presbyterian Church because it is becoming too much. Though he has every right to talk about Galamsey, but you see the fight against Galamsey is a fight that if Professor Martey really wants to fight it, he should not do politics with it, he jabbed.



According to him his problem with Professor Martey is not about his critic, but anytime he speaks, he does so in favour of the NPP.





Source: Daniel Adu Darko/Peacefmonline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Ben Dotsei Malor, a former Communications Advisor to President John Dramani Mahama, has asked the Akufo-Addo government to bring officials of the past government who embezzled state monies while in office to book.



According to him, corruption in any form can be deadly, hence the need to punish culprits in the previous administration to deter government officials from going down that path.



Mr Malor, responding to a comment posted by ace blogger Kwame Gyan on his Facebook page on Tuesday May 23, said society must desist from defending corrupt officials since graft is suicidal.



He wrote: Anyone who stole Ghana's money in the NDC administration must be called to account. Money stolen from the people must be returned to the people. Corruption in any form and by anyone is deadly in the long run to our people and disastrous for our quest to achieve rapid progress.



We must shed light on these matters and expose what is wrong so that what is right can thrive. This should serve as a deterrent to those in positions of authority today.



We  as a society  must also desist from promoting, defending, and honouring criminals, thieves, and robbers, just because they appear to share some of their loot with manipulated minds and unprincipled goons.



We must shift that honour to those working tirelessly to resist corruption and evil and those striving every day in countless sacrificial ways to make Ghana truly great.

Source: classfmonline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Ashanti Regional Chairman for the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako is daring the former Member of Parliament for Akwatia Constituency, Hon. Baba Jamal to bring the law suit against him over his galamsey comment on UTV.



According to a Daily Post publication on May 22, 2017, a private legal practitioner and former MP for Akwatia, Baba Jamal, who was for eight years a deputy Minister has sued the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the NPP, Bernard Antwi Boasiako for Ghc 2 million at an Accra High Court for defaming him on UTV on Friday, April 25, 2017.



Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly called Chairman Wontumi during the said program which was being broadcast live by UTV stated in twi that he, Baba Jamal was deeply involved in illegal mining, popularly called galamsey, in the Eastern Region.



According to the private legal practitioner, the said claim, a falsehood "was reckless, malicious and intended to and did in fact expose him to public ridicule, disdain and opprobrium and tend to lower his hard won reputation in the eyes of right-thinking members of society locally and internationally.



Daily Post again reports that Baba Jamal is seeking general damages of two Million Ghana Cedis (Ghc 2,000,000.00) for defamation/ libel, an order that Defendants publish a retraction or unqualified apology for the offensive publication with equal prominence as well as a punitive cost, legal expenses and any other reliefs.



Also joined in the suit is UTV; thus according to lawyer Baba Jamal, while Chairman Wontumi was making the false allegations, his photographs and that of other individuals mentioned were  vividly displayed and made to accompany the story by the TV station.



But reacting to this law suit on Okay FMs 'Ade Akye Abia' Morning Show, Chairman Wontumi averred the suit may not be not true as Baba Jamal has not served him any writ of summon.



It is not true because Baba Jamal has not served me any writ of summon, but I am looking forward to the suit. Find out from Daily Post if they know any company by name Eastern Miners Association? We have a lot of the MPs who are operating behind some unknown individuals in the illegal mining business, he insisted.



Anything that Wontumi says is based on evidence, but in any case, nobody has summoned me before any court for defamation. But if indeed it is true, I am ready for him in court. I insist that Baba Jamal is behind Eastern Miners Association and I know what I am talking about, he asserted.



I have just given a name and I will wait till I receive the summons then the rest of the things I know will follow, he dared Baba Jamal.



He however was of the view that Daily Post publication maybe one of their fabricated stories they write about him; insisting the law suit maybe a lie because he has not received anything but added he will go to court if he is summoned.

Source: Daniel Adu Darko/Peacefmonline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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The National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament (MP) for Zabzugu in the Northern Region is in trouble over his alleged dual citizenship.



In what looks similar to the Adamu Dramani Sakande case, the NDC MP, Alhassan Umar, has been sued by two of his constituents for allegedly having dual citizenship from the United States and Ghana.



Adamu Dramani Sakande, after winning the Bawku Central seat on the ticket of the then opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) in 2008, was challenged by a cattle farmer called Sumaila Bielbiel on the grounds that the MP held dual citizenship and after a long trial he was sentenced to two years in jail in 2012.



The plaintiffs in the instant case  Nikimola Jacob Makinye and Moponyaw Godwin  want the court to remove Alhaji Alhassan Umar from parliament and declare the seat vacant.



They are seeking a declaration that the defendant, who owes allegiance to a country other than Ghana, is disqualified from holding the office of Member of Parliament of Zabzugu in the Republic of Ghana.



The plaintiffs further want an order directed at Alhassan Umar, compelling him to vacate the Zabazugu Constituency seat and an injunction to restrain him from holding himself as MP.



In their statement of claim, the plaintiffs avert that they are farmers who are aware that the NDC MP, who they claim was born on June 29, 1966, was originally Ghanaian but naturalized and became a citizen of the United States on May 31, 2000.



The plaintiffs went ahead to list all the residential addresses used by the NDC MP when he was in the United States, especially in New Jersey and Virginia, and claimed that he even filed for bankruptcy in the United States on November 3, 1999.



On 3rd November, 2000 the defendant was convicted in the United States of a traffic offence of over-speeding, the plaintiffs averred, adding that the MP relocated to Ghana about eight years ago and worked at the Ministry of Communications as a management consultant.



In his application for a service passport to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration on 12th August, 2010, the defendant gave the town of his birthplace as Zabzugu and also confirmed that he had dual Ghana and United States citizenship, the statement indicated.



According to the plaintiffs, Alhassan Umars dual citizenship card is No. 003672 issued on 15th September, 2009 in Accra and added that he also bears a United States passport.



In September 2016 the defendant filed his papers to represent the NDC in the Zabzugu Constituency in the 2016 parliamentary elections, the statement pointed out, adding, Plaintiffs say that the defendant failed to disclose on his nomination forms of the Electoral Commission of Ghana that he filed for bankruptcy on 3rd November, 1999 in the United States and also failed to indicate that he had citizenship of another country other than Ghana, ie United States.



The plaintiffs claim that the information about the defendants citizenship came to them recently and that as at the time the NDC MP stood for the election, he was not qualified to do so because he owed allegiance to another country.



They insisted that Alhassan Umar committed perjury since he knew very well that he was not qualified to contest for the office of MP but went ahead to do so.





Denial

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament (MP)-elect for Zabzugu Constituency Umar Alhassan denied reports that he holds dual citizenship in January.



My kids were born there but I am not a citizen of the United States of America, he said.



According to him, he used to live in the United State of America with his family.



The MP-Elect wondered why Jabaah Bennam, the NPP parliamentary candidate for Zabzugu, did not accuse him of holding dual citizenship in the 2012 elections.



Hon. Umar Alhassan disclosed that he was ready to face his accusers in court if really they want the issues to be resolved.



He claimed the NPP parliamentary candidate was making false accusations against him because he lost the elections.



Some youth of Zabzugu have threatened to drag him to court if he does not honorably vacate the position for qualified people to represent them in parliament.



Umar is said to have relocated to the US in 1993 but did not renounce his US citizenship before contesting the elections.



He captured the seat from John Jabaah Bennam, the NPP MP.



According to the youth, Umar Alhassan held top positions in the US.



We want the relevant authorities to look into this before we get a problem like what happened in Bawku Central where a former MP, Adamu Sakande, was jailed by the court for holding dual citizenship before contesting to become an MP, Jacob Nikimuala, one of the concerned youth told DAILY GUIDE.

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.

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ABC managing director Michelle Guthrie has published a letter to Quadrant magazine after its online editor Roger Franklin wrote a frankly bizarre article which said it would have been better if the Manchester bombing happened at ABC HQ instead.

Quadrant, a magazine of conservative thought, published The Manchester Bombers ABC Pals as a critique of the ABCs coverage of terrorist attacks. For no reason other than being an extremely hateful dude, Franklin suggested that it [would not] have represented the slightest reduction in humanitys intelligence, decency, empathy or honesty if the ABCs Ultimo headquarters were bombed instead.

Life isnt fair and death less so. Had there been a shred of justice, that blast would have detonated in an Ultimo TV studio. Unlike those young girls in Manchester, their lives snuffed out before they could begin, none of the panels likely casualties would have represented the slightest reduction in humanitys intelligence, decency, empathy or honesty.

That paragraph has been amended, without correction or acknowledgement from Quadrant. The magazines editors claim that it was published in draft form and progressively updated, which is absolutely not how opinion pieces work anywhere. So thats a pretty great excuse.

Guthries response is good:

Quadrant promotes itself as the leading general intellectual journal of ideas. Those words ring hollow in the wake of last nights vicious and offensive attack on the ABC, its staff and its program guests. To take issue with our programming and our content is one thing. But to express the wish that, if there were any justice, the horrific terrorist bombing in Manchester would have taken place in the ABCs Ultimo studio and killed those assembled there is a new low in Australian public debate. Your subsequent attempt to make amends by changing some of the wording (without acknowledging or apologising for the original article) has done little to undo the damage. The article continues to state that if a blast occurred in one of our studios, none of the likely casualties would have represented the slightest reduction in humanitys intelligence, decency, empathy or honesty. Like many others, I am appalled at your willingness to turn an act of terrorism in the United Kingdom into a means of making a political point against those you disagree with. One of the immediate results of this behaviour is that while our staff both here and in Manchester were working long hours to provide extensive coverage of this unfolding tragedy, we were also forced to reassure worried staff who had read your article and call in our own security experts to assess any possible impact flowing from your inflammatory words. I ask that this response be posted prominently on the Quadrant website, and I also ask that the article, which continues to contain entirely inappropriate comments about possible bombings at the ABC, be removed and apologised for.

It is also believed that the piece has been turned over to the Australian Federal Police.

Eat shit, Roger.

Source: ABC.

Photo: Getty Images.
The New South Wales Police Forces decision to hold off on storming the Sydney Lindt cafe during the 2014 siege has been seriously criticised, as a state coroner hands down the findings of an all-encompassing inquest.

Michael Barnes today said the choice to hold off on direct action, ie. storming the cafe after Man Haron Monis first fired his weapon at escaping hostages, was a serious misstep. By the time police entered the premises, Monis had already killed remaining hostage Tori Johnson.

Barnes said Monis first shot made it clear there was little to no chance of resolving the siege, and those within the cafe were at an extreme risk of harm, and that the 10 minutes that lapsed without decisive action by police was too long.

The coroner suggested a potential police focus on contain and negotiate strategies may not work in terror-related circumstances. However, he placed no blame for the deaths of Johnson and other hostage Katrina Dawson on NSW Police.

Earlier, family members of the sieges victims had also criticised the police response. Speaking to Four Corners, Dawsons brother Angus said the idea that we had to wait for somebody to be killed or seriously injured before the police would act was staggering.

Barnes findings come after a huge 18-month investigation into the siege, in which Monis was also killed by the police.

Source: ABC / Sydney Morning Herald.

Photo: Joosep Martinson / Getty.
In what Im sure will come as a huge surprise to everyone everywhere, a staffer from One Nation  a political party whose defining traits are overt xenophobia and gross incompetence  has been taken into custody by police in Brisbane today.

Sean Black is the media advisor to One Nation senator Malcolm Roberts. You probably know Roberts as the guy in charge of wasting CSIROs time by asking them nonsense questions about climate change and dismissing their well-researched answers by blurting out his signature catchphrase Show me the empirical evidence  a sentence he doesnt seem to fully comprehend, but loves saying nonetheless.

Black was taken to the Roma Street watch-house this morning, with the Courier Mail reporting that he is facing multiple charges of common assault and assault occasioning bodily harm.

Black has previously worked for both the Labor Party and the Liberal Party and, according to the Sydney Morning Herald, has a pretty ~interesting~ history:

He was accused of bullying and flying into fits of uncontrollable rage during his years as a Queensland local councillor, tried to set up the Australian version of the US Tea Party fringe group and was kicked out of a restaurant when he threw a coaster at a man wearing a T-shirt insulting Tony Abbott. Mr Black is also the ex-husband of Hajnal Ban, a former Liberal Party figure who underwent radical bone-breaking cosmetic surgery to make her taller but whose fledgling political career was cut short when she was found to have misused vast sums of money taken from an elderly friend suffering dementia.

Complaints about Black were first made to Queensland Police in August of last year.

This comes at a time when Pauline Hansons chief-of-staff, James Ashby, has come under fire for a recording in which he suggested fleecing money for the party through selling advertising packs to candidates. The matter has been referred to the Australian Federal Police and the Australian Electoral Commission by the Labor Party.

What a bunch of professionals.

Source: Courier Mail.

Photo: Facebook.
A Melbourne court is currently hearing evidence relevant to the defamation case Rebel Wilson has levelled at Bauer Medias Womans Day and trust us when we say its been far from your typical legal snoozefest.

Yesterday, the Pitch Perfect fave shared a hallucination she once had about winning an Oscar while feverish with malaria, rapping her acceptance speech to the all-female jury. Today, she discussed growing up believing she was related to the late, great Walt Disney and all the perks that go with.

While Wilsons exact genealogy is hard to trace, the court heard shes always been told her great-aunt is Lillian Bounds, the late wife of everyones favourite cartoonist.

The 30-something Aussie actor was actually born Melanie Elizabeth Bownds but, she says, only has a last name that differs slightly to Lillians because her family chose to change the spelling of Bounds when it became the butt of jokes.

One would assume this information is relevant because shes gunning for Bauers blood over a series of articles that claimed she told tall tales to add a touch of fantasy to her childhood in order to make it in savage Tinseltown.

But whether the jury believes shes a Disney descendant or not is kinda irrelevant; her genealogys taken seriously enough to grant her access to the most exclusive of all theme park experiences: Disneys fabled Club 33, a trio of private clubs that are the stuff of legend among diehard Disney fans.

Located in three of the Disney Parks (the original is in the heart of New Orleans Square in Disneyland California), Club 33 is so exclusive its rumoured less than 500 people are members.

Even if youre invited to join, youve still got to cough up an initial US$25,000 for membership and pay US$10,000 in annual dues that go towards keeping the parks maintained.

What will your money get you, aside from a sexual favours from friends? First and foremost, access to all three private clubs  including the members-only restaurant hidden in New Orleans Square, which remains the only place in all of Disneyland that serves booze and is therefore the *true* Happiest Place On Earth.





Most people wouldnt know it [Club 33] exists, Wilson told the court.

Stretched across the upper stories of the Squares buildings, which are inaccessible to regular punters, its marked by a 33 address plaque that youd 100% miss if you didnt know it was there.

Members no longer need to ring the bell. We just put our membership card on front and it notifies the staff that we are here. #Club33RoyalStreet #Club33Disneyland #33royalstreet #club1901 #club33 #disneyland60 #disneyland1901 #dlr #disneyland #californiaadventure A post shared by Disneyland Club 33 Member (@disneyland33member) on Apr 23, 2016 at 8:04am PDT

When youre granted entry by swiping a pass that lets staff know to open the door, you take an old French elevator that Walt and Lillian had modelled after one they fell in love with on a trip to Paris (could this be any better) up to the v. plush dining room for lunch or dinner at an additional cost of US$100.

Wilson says she treated her good mate, actor Hugh Sheridan, to the VIP Disneyland experience last month, when they both enjoyed the perks of her connections in high places.

Happiest Place on Earth! #Club33 #Disneyland A post shared by Rebel Wilson (@rebelwilson) on Apr 27, 2017 at 7:21pm PDT

Very fine dining x so happy to be officially initiated into Club 33 today #Disneyland ps Johnny Depp was having dinner here at this table last night! A post shared by Rebel Wilson (@rebelwilson) on Apr 27, 2017 at 8:36pm PDT

As a kid, Rebel says she had before-hours access to Disneyland and, to this day, never has to wait in line for any ride on account of her status as a Club 33 member.

She can also access secret areas inside the theme parks and HOW IS THIS FAIR OH GOD WHY.

Photo: Instagram / @rebelwilson.
Rebel Wilson, in town to sue the pants of Womens Day, broke down in court today while describing the orchestrated attack that she says was designed to destroy her career.

I just feel so distraught. Why would these women co-ordinate an orchestrated attack on me? she said through tears. I feel very attacked and hurt by it. Its just part of their constant bullying and harassment of me and my family over the years. Im known in Hollywood for being a very candid authentic person. There are parts of my life you could call colourful and interesting but thats what happened to me and thats my life story and thats why I tell it. Im sorry, its hard to talk When I think about every single day since I was an adult working for something, and then this group of people who dont know me want to rip me to shreds on information they know is false. To write these kinds of lies about somebody to ruin their reputation when theyve worked so hard.

Shes suing Bauer Media (which publishes Womens Day) for a series of eight articles published in 2015 that claimed she lied about her age, among other things.

Womens Day reached out to an anonymous source who left a comment on an article on 2012, claiming that Rebel was 33-years-old, rather than the 26 she was claiming.

Source: Victorian Supreme Court.

Wilson told the jury today that magazines like Womens Day were hungry at this point to write anything at all negative about me. I dont have a drug past, some weird sex tape  theres nothing really negative to say about me. Heres one little comment on a story and theyre kind of like vultures swopping in to contact this person.



At the time, and after consulting with legal, the magazine chose not to publish the story, but paid the source $1,000 for their troubles. However, the story was published in 2015 on the same release date as Pitch Perfect 2, in which Wilson stars.

They did risk it two years later and here I am now, she said. If [the journalist] did about five minutes research on the internet she could have worked out that there are problems with the story.



Wilsons evidence is expected to take three days.

Source: ABC / Fairfax.



Photo: Quinn Rooney / Getty.
You know what the world needs? Ass-kicking gals with an endless supply of leather hot pants and a mastery fighting styles surpassed by none.

Luckily, Charlies Angels is absolutely coming back, with perfect human Elizabeth Banks at the helm.

Sony announced this morning that the reboot has landed a prime summer release date (June 7, 2019), meaning this is 100% coming and in a big way, too. None of this confined to the studios basement / dank corners of the internet business.

The 2019 reincarnation of the angels are yet to be announced, but whoever it is has some huuuuge bloody shoes to fill (Kate Jackson, Farrah Fawcett and Jaclyn Smith circa 1976, and Cameron Diaz, Drew Barrymore and Lucy Liu circa 2000).

Honestly, though. Bring Back Bill Murray As Bosley 2K19. We need this.

Photo: Larry Busacca / Getty.
NEW YORK (AP) -- Dina Merrill, the rebellious heiress who defied her super-rich parents to become a movie star, often portraying stylish wives or "the other woman," has died at age 93.

Merrill, raised in part on the Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida now owned by President Donald Trump, died Monday, according to family spokeswoman Selena Albanese. Merrill died of heart failure at her home in East Hampton, Albanese told The Associated Press on Tuesday.

Starting in the 1950s, Merrill appeared in more than 100 films and television programs, her break coming after Katharine Hepburn recommended her for the 1957 Tracy-Hepburn comedy "The Desk Set."

Merrill, who had the poised, aristocratic beauty of fellow blonde Grace Kelly, co-starred with Cary Grant and Tony Curtis in "Operation Petticoat," Robert Mitchum and Deborah Kerr in "The Sundowners" and Oscar winner Elizabeth Taylor in "Butterfield 8." More recently, she was part of Robert Altman's ensemble cast for the Hollywood satire "The Player" and in television programs such as "Murder, She Wrote" and "The Nanny."

But becoming an actress was not considered proper for someone of Merrill's privileged status. Her mother was Marjorie Merriweather Post, heiress to the Post cereal fortune and one of the nation's richest women. Her father was E.F. Hutton, founder of the stockbroker firm that bore his name. Heiress Barbara Hutton was a cousin.

"Mother was politically and diplomatically and every which way well connected," Merrill remarked in 2000, "but she didn't know anyone in show business. Of course my parents' eyebrows shot up when I said I wanted to be an actress. And I guess they said, really between themselves, 'Let the dear girl try and fall on her face.'"

Merrill left George Washington University after a year to enroll at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York. During the summer she worked at a regional theater where she painted scenery, sewed costumes and played occasional small roles.

She made her Broadway debut in 1945 with "The Mermaids Singing" and followed with "George Washington Slept Here" and off-Broadway plays. She quit acting in 1946, partly because of her mother's pressure.

"My mother brainwashed me," she said. "I turned down my career to marry my Marine."

He was Stanley Rumbough Jr., heir to a Colgate fortune who had been serving as a White House aide. After his Marine Corps' service he became head of the Metal Containers Corp. and a company that made pari-mutuel betting machines. The couple had three children -- Stanley, David and Nina. After the birth of her daughter, Merrill resumed her acting and modeling career and was invited to Hollywood by Dick Powell for appearances in his television series.

Merrill and Rumbough divorced in 1966, the same year she married actor Cliff Robertson. As a result, her name was dropped from the snobbish Social Register, which excluded actors.

"I was thrilled when they dropped me," she said in 1983. "I was particularly thrilled because (Robertson) was furious. He wanted to be in the Social Register."

Merrill and Robertson had a daughter, Heather, but divorced in 1989. In the same year she married Ted Hartley, a former pilot and actor turned investment banker.

With other investors, Hartley and Merrill in 1989 acquired RKO Pictures, the onetime major Hollywood studio that had been moribund for many years. The major asset was remake rights to RKO movies, and the revived company put together a 1998 version of the 1949 movie "Mighty Joe Young."

She was born Nedenia Hutton in New York City, and was drawn to the acting life at age 8, when she played an Indian in a Gilbert and Sullivan operetta at Greenvale School. She grew up in lavish surroundings, particularly Mar-a-Lago, her parents' 118-room Mediterranean-Moorish estate in Palm Beach, Florida. The property was later purchased by Trump, who as president has made Mar-a-Lago an unofficial weekend White House.

When Hutton began her acting career, she chose to call herself Dina Merrill, a combination of her and a brother-in-law's names.

"I didn't want to trade on the Hutton name," she explained. "I always wanted to make it on my own."

In becoming a businesswoman, Merrill was emulating her mother, who in the 1920s had helped build her late father's cereal business into the giant General Foods Corp. Her fortune was estimated at more than $250 million when she died in 1973 at age 86. Most of her estate went to Merrill and her two sisters.

Merrill was involved in numerous charitable and artistic causes. Her son David's diabetes inspired her to establish the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation. She chaired the New York City Mission Society, which supports young people living in poverty. She was a trustee of the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center and served on the board of trustees for the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.

Merrill had few acting credits in recent years, but never regretted her career.

"I loved the make-believe," she commented in 1993, "and I still do. I love the part about it where you can be somebody else, and not be you all the time. It's interesting to lead other people's lives."
VATICAN CITY - Pope Francis welcomed President Donald Trump to the cradle of Roman Catholicism on Wednesday, delivering a message of peace even as the pontiff emphasized his standing as the world's moral counterpoint to the president's nationalist agenda.

The two men met in the pope's private study for nearly half an hour, joined only by an interpreter. The pontiff, in white papal dress and a pectoral cross on a chain around his neck, sat behind a small desk while Trump, in a dark suit and navy striped tie, took the single chair across from him as if interviewing for a job.

After some initial awkwardness - Trump looked somewhat uneasy as he was kept waiting for a few seconds in the Saint Ambrose room before shaking hands with Francis, who was stone-faced at first - the atmosphere soon warmed.

The pair seemed to set aside their differences from last year's campaign, with Trump appearing both presidential and deferential, while the pope, smiling slightly, seemed to be visually appraising him.

A brief Vatican communique later called the meeting "cordial," and expressed hope for collaboration with the administration on "health care, education and assistance to immigrants."

Honor of a lifetime to meet His Holiness Pope Francis. I leave the Vatican more determined than ever to pursue PEACE in our world. pic.twitter.com/JzJDy7pllI  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 24, 2017

It said Trump and Francis had exchanged views on "international affairs and the promotion of peace in the world through political negotiation and interreligious dialogue, with particular reference to the situation in the Middle East and the protection of Christian communities."

Trump later called the meeting "great" and "fantastic."

"He is something," Trump said of Francis. "We're liking Italy very, very much and it was an honor to be with the pope."

Once Francis rang a bell signaling that the one-on-one discussion had concluded, the pair exchanged official gifts, with the pope presenting Trump a medallion by a Roman artist in the shape of an olive tree, the symbol of peace.

"We can use peace," Trump said.

Francis also offered copies of his writings on the topics of family, the joy of the gospel and "care of our common home, the environment."

"Well, I'll be reading them," the president said.

Trump's visit to the Vatican capped his quest this week to promote "tolerance" among followers of three of the world's religions and cooperation against extremism. On his maiden foreign trip as president, Trump has addressed a summit of Muslim leaders in Saudi Arabia and met with Israeli and Palestinian leaders in Jerusalem and Bethlehem.

Arguably the West's most influential leaders, Trump and Francis hold divergent worldviews on everything from migrant rights to climate change.

Underscoring the differences between them, Trump's administration on Tuesday unveiled a budget that deeply cuts assistance to the poor. Francis, meanwhile, spent Tuesday commemorating the Rev. Oscar Romero, a Salvadoran archbishop gunned down by right wing death squads and who championed social justice and the rights of the poor.

Following their private meeting, Trump expressed gratitude for the audience.

"Thank you," the president said, shaking hands with the pontiff. "Thank you. I won't forget what you said."

First lady Melania Trump, in a black dress with a black veil, was also greeted by the pope and engaged in a brief conversation. She appeared more animated than she has during the earlier parts of the trip, when she gazed into the distance without expression while her husband was the center of attention.

The first lady chatted with Francis, who said something to her in English that made her laugh.

"What do you give him to eat, potizza?" Francis asked, referring to the president and a Slovenian dessert.

The first lady, who was born in Slovenia, smiled and repeated "potizza."

One of the pope's attendants, gave Melania Trump a small object that appeared to be a rosary, as she was walking away. She turned back and asked the pope to bless it, which he did.

Before departing the Vatican, the Trumps were given a private tour of the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica, and the president held a 50 minute meeting with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State, and Archbishop Paul Gallagher, who effectively serves as the Vatican's foreign minister.

The president later met with Italian President Sergio Mattarella at the Quirinal Palace in Rome, and with Prime Minister Pablo Gentiloni at Villa Taverna.

Among the gifts Francis presented to the president was a copy of the pontiff's 2015 encyclical on the environment and its relationship to social justice. Although it predates Trump's presidency, the document seemed a message to an administration that has questioned climate change and whose economic policies are centered on profit and growth.

In it, Francis chastised the world's leading nations for lacking the will to address man-made climate change. "The warming caused by huge consumption on the part of some rich countries has repercussions on the poorest areas of the world, especially Africa, where a rise in temperature, together with drought, has proved devastating for farming," he wrote.

Trump is in the process of deciding whether to uphold the Paris climate change agreement, amid heated debate among his advisers. The agreement is expected to be the subject of discussion between Trump and newly-elected French President Emmanuel Macron and other European leaders when they meet in Brussels later this week.

The pope also gave Trump a copy of his January 2017 World Day of Peace message, saying "I signed it personally for you."

"Ooh," Trump commented. "That's so beautiful."

The message noted that while the last century was marked by two world wars, "today, sadly, we find ourselves engaged in a horrifying world war fought piecemeal," including "the abuses suffered by migrants and victims of human trafficking; and the devastation of the environment." Echoing Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., he called for increased engagement in "active and creative nonviolence."

Trump gifted Francis a first-edition set of King's five books, which were custom-bound and accented with gold hand-tooling. Francis cited King's march from Selma to Montgomery, Ala., in his 2015 address to a joint session of Congress.

"These are books from Martin Luther King," Trump said. "I think you will enjoy them."

The president also presented a handmade bronze sculpture created by Florida artist Geoffrey Smith, titled "Rising Above," and designed to evoke the values of unity and resilience.

Trump's daughter, Ivanka, who also wore a black dress and veil, and her husband, Jared Kushner, a senior White House adviser, also met the pope.

In a separate room in the Apostolic Palace, Trump introduced members of his family to Francis, and they shook the pontiff's hand. The Americans included Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, national security adviser H.R. McMaster, State Department officials Margaret Peterlin and Brian Hook, as well as three longtime aides who are close to the president: Hope Hicks, his communications adviser; Dan Scavino, who manages his Twitter account; and Keith Schiller, his former bodyguard who now directs Oval Office operations.

In a high profile exchange last year, Trump and Francis traded barbs. The pope called Trump's proposal to build a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border, a rallying cry for his campaign, "not Christian." Trump replied by calling any religious leader who would say such thing "disgraceful."

Nevertheless, Vatican officials - while seeking to play down a meeting that many speculated could be either be very diplomatic or easily run off script - have described Wednesday's encounter as an opportunity for the U.S. president and the head of the Roman Catholic Church to find common ground.

"It's in nobody's interest to try to win arguments," said a senior Vatican official who spoke on the condition of anonymity to preview the meeting. "The Holy See and the U.S. government will have their differences - as they always do - but there's a whole range of issues they can work together on, and this kind of meeting can serve to get them off to a good start."

Trump was "honored to go and meet the pope," adding that he "has a lot of respect" for Francis, a senior administration official told reporters Tuesday aboard Air Force One, as the president flew to Rome from Israel.

In St. Peter's Square outside the basilica, crowds of tourists and the faithful were gathering for the pope's appearance at his regular General Audience on Wednesdays.

"This is a beautiful meeting," said Carlos Castillo, 18, from Vancouver, Canada, said of Trump's visit. "They have been criticizing each other from afar and now they are face to face."

Herel Hughes, 24, a university student from Chicago, said, "I hope the pope will be able to talk some sense into Trump."

On Tuesday night, a small number of Italians and Americans living in Rome organized an anti-Trump demonstration in Rome's Piazza Bologna.

"I am not a Catholic, but this pope has stood up for migrant rights, for the poor, for everything Trump doesn't," said Michele Renda, 39, who held a sign reading "Rome Resists." I think it's outrageous that Trump is coming for the photo with the pope, to try to prove he is something he is not."

"We in Italy, in Europe, looked up to the United States for its democracy," Renda said. "But not with Trump. Not with what he stands for."

On Wednesday, police here took a zero tolerance approach toward protesters. A group of Americans living in Rome, reported in a Facebook post that their fliers, with the message "Build Bridges Not Walls," were confiscated. After being briefly detained, according to their statement, they were told by authorities that "any material that is even directly protesting Trump is prohibited in the center of Rome until he leaves the city."

(c) 2017, The Washington Post. Story by Karen Deyoung, Philip Rucker and Anthony Faiola. Stefano Pitrelli in Vatican City contributed to this report.
The state House Appropriations Committee has asked Gov. Ed Rendell to field questions next month at a hearing on the state's $10 million allocation to the host committee for the 2016 Democratic National Convention.

Rendell was the chair of the Philadelphia 2016 Host Committee, which has come under fire in recent weeks for its disbursement of $2.1 million in surplus funds as bonus payments to staffers and grants to non-profits.

The hearing date is set for June 15, but stay tuned on that.

Rendell said Wednesday that while he is happy to take questions from the committee, he has been asked by state Auditor General Eugene DePasquale to comply with his auditors' requests first.

Given that, and Rendell's own travel schedule, the former governor said he would prefer a date in July.

In his letter, Chairman Stan Saylor, R-Red Lion, stated the committee wants Rendell to answer questions about the use of the state funds allocated to the host committee, and get his perspective on whether the state should continue to offer grants to support similar political events in the future.

"As chair of the Host Committee... you offer a unique perspective and can provide details which can help legislators as we work to finalize the coming year's state budget," Saylor wrote.

Saylor was ill Wednesday and not available for comment.

But there have been suggestions by some top Republicans in Harrisburg that the committee's failure to reimburse the state for any of its $10 million in public funds should be a factor in making final fiscal year 2018 allocations to Philadelphia.

Rendell has defended the committee's use of funds in public statements to date, arguing that the state funds were appropriately spent on the items identified in the grant contract.

He had also noted that after-event studies have shown the convention povided a $230 million life to the Philadelphia area's economy last summer, with direct tax payments resulting from convention spending exceeding $11 million.

But many lawmakers have argued that the state funding by definition contributed to the overall surplus, so committee leaders, including Rendell, should have considered state taxpayers before awarding six-figure bonus payments.

Saylor 's letter suggested the intent of the Appropriations Committee's hearing is a look forward, to help inform lawmakers whether they should continue such grants to support major public events.
The Dauphin County jury that is weighing the case of a man accused of killing the nephew of Harrisburg's police chief will take up its task again on Thursday morning.

The panel spent about three hours deliberating

on Wednesday afternoon before Judge Deborah E. Curcillo sent it home for the evening.

Jones is accused being one of two gunmen who fired at John Thomas Carter, 36, as Carter ran down the 2200 block of Green Street after a fistfight on March 26, 2016. Carter died from a single shot to the back.

Chief Deputy District Attorney Johnny Baer is seeking a first-degree murder conviction and life prison sentence.

Defense attorney Roy Galloway contends that Jones didn't shoot at John Carter. However, in his closing argument Galloway raised the option of a voluntary manslaughter conviction, claiming Carter's slaying was an act of passion.

Jones' co-defendant, Glenn Walker III, was convicted by another jury in January and is serving a life prison term.
All Point Park University students studying in Manchester are safe after a suicide bomber killed 22 people at an Ariana Grande concert in Britain's Manchester Arena.

The Pittsburgh Tribune Review reported that eight students and a faculty member accompanying them were staying at a hotel two miles away from the explosion. None of the Pittsburgh students had been at the concert.

The students have been studying and taking courses at the University of Salford since May 14.
Ending a long-running legislative stand-off with Washington, the Pennsylvania House voted 190-1 Wednesday to pass a plan for compliance with federal Real ID regulations.

The bill now goes to Gov. Tom Wolf, who has said he will sign it.

With that act, it is hoped, Pennsylvanians will be freed from a cloud of confusion that could have seen state driver's licenses rejected as proper forms of entree to military bases and other federal facilities as early as next month.

Many House conservatives, who had led the initial revolt against the federal requirements five years ago, said they would back this bill because it gives individuals the choice of whether they want the enhanced identification.

The bill also specifies that the cost of a Real ID-compliant drivers' license must be borne solely by those who want or need it.

Given that, said Rep. Frank Ryan, R-Lebanon County and one of the many Real ID skeptics in the state House, the bill "provides a reasonable option for us to get around an unnecessary federal regulation."

Pennsylvania is one of eight states that's been given until June 6 to establish a plan to comply with new federal rules designed to improve the reliability and accuracy of all state-issued identification documents.

The federal Real ID Act accomplishes that by setting new minimum standards to obtain identification cards, such as requiring a raised birth certificate and proof of legal residency.

It also prohibits federal agencies from accepting licenses and identification cards from states that don't meet these standards, or that don't have new counterfeit-resistant features on the cards themselves.

Proponents say the enhancements will make it more difficult for terrorists to evade detection by using false IDs.

Opponents, however, have historically complained about it being another unfunded federal mandate on the states, as well as fears about federal invasion of privacy as the data is shared nationally.

Largely on those grounds, state lawmakers here repudiated the Real ID program in 2012.

The debate changed last year, however, when federal Homeland Security advised that non-complying states' driver's licenses, by themselves, would no longer be considered a strong enough identification to grant access to federal military bases, courthouses or nuclear power plants.

By 2018, the ability to board commercial air flights would also have been jeopardized without other forms of identification like a U.S. passport or military ID card.

Two-tiered systems like that proposed here have been approved by the feds in other states.

Not everyone groused about putting up Wednesday's vote.

Rep. Ed Neilson, D-Philadelphia, reminded House members that the point of the Real ID regulations are to keep Americans safer, and to create certainty that "the person on that license is that person."

Neilson also claimed that the Pennsylvania drivers' license, at present, is one of the easiest to fake.

"We have to upgrade our technology and make sure the public is safe," Neilson said.

It will actually be several years before PennDOT is ready to roll out the enhanced driver's licenses and make that choice available to all Pennsylvanians.

PennDOT spokeswoman Alexis Campbell said the conversion will require significant changes within the Bureau of Driver Licensing, that could take at least 18 months to complete.

But the effect of Wednesday's action is expected to be a new extension from the federal Department of Homeland Security that will keep Pennsylvanians able to fly commercially, visit federal facilities and do other things in the interim.

Wednesday's lone 'no' vote was cast by Rep. Jim Marshall, a Republican from Beaver County.

In an interview after the vote, Marshall said he resented the unfunded mandate from the federal government, and said that if the federal government doesn't want to trust the state to create legitimate identification cards he believes the onus should be on Washington to make U.S. passports more affordable and wallet-sized.
For the second time in less than two weeks, a divided Commonwealth Court panel on Wednesday rejected a plea to block land condemnations for Sunoco's disputed Mariner East II pipeline.



This time the scene of conflict was in Lebanon County. Homes for America Inc. went to the state court to challenge a county judge's ruling that Sunoco has power to seize some of its land in Heidelberg Township for the pipeline right-of-way.



In a 2-1 ruling, Commonwealth Court Judges Renee Cohn Jubelirer and Anne E. Covey agreed with county Senior Judge Robert J. Eby's ruling that Sunoco can condemn private land because the pipeline, which is to transport propane and other gas drilling products, has been recognized as a public utility by the state.



Jubelirer and Covey cited an earlier ruling by their court that shot down a similar plea by pipeline opponents in Cumberland County. The state Supreme Court refused to hear an appeal in the Cumberland dispute, although some of those landowners have vowed to keep fighting.



Judge Joseph M. Cosgrove dissented from the Commonwealth Court's majority's ruling in the Homes for America case. He also lodged the sole dissent when his court denied an appeal by opponents of the pipeline in Huntingdon County on May 15.

The pipeline is to cross southern Pennsylvania from Washington County to Delaware County.
Julian Salinas often paid for lunch with nickels and pennies her mom scraped together. The cashier at her school cafeteria in York County would slam the coins down on her tray and loudly count them, embarrassing Salinas all through elementary school.

It didn't get much better after she qualified for free lunches in middle school. She and other students receiving free and reduced-price lunches stood in a separate line that was served last.

Now a 27-year-old web designer, Salinas still feels the pain of what she realizes was "lunch shaming." "I have always been a strong, resilient person but these memories still hurt me and I feel a lot of sadness for the kids who still go through this today," she said.

Kids are still going through that and more -- so much that it has become a source of national outrage. Lunch shaming includes tactics such as denying food to students with lunch debt, dumping their trays, requiring them to do cafeteria chores or giving them a cheese sandwich in place of the regular entree.

It jumped into the national consciousness last fall after a cafeteria worker in the Canon-McMillan School District in western Pennsylvania quit rather than deny a regular lunch to an elementary school student. A policy put in place at the beginning of the 2016-2017 school year required the child be given a cheese sandwich.

Stacy Koltista said denying the child a hot meal violated her Christian beliefs. "God is love, and we should love one another and be kind," she told The Washington Post. "There's enough wealth in this world that no child should go hungry, especially in school. To me this is just wrong." In Colorado, a cafeteria worker was fired for personally paying for a first-grader's lunch.

PennLive asked readers whether they've felt or witnessed lunch shaming. "I was constantly denied lunch and then forced to go back to my friends and table with nothing," said one respondent. Said another, "I had to make excuses and do my homework in lunch because I didn't have the money to pay off the negative balance in my account." And another, "When I don't eat at school it causes me to eat more at home which then means that there's nothing for dinner and then it's a struggle."

The focus on lunch shaming is causing Carlisle Area School District to rethink it's handling of student lunch debt. Students who owed more than $10 were given a cheese sandwich, along with fruit and milk. "When you step back and look at (giving a cheese sandwich), you wonder if what we're doing is in the best interest of the child," business manager Shawn Farr said. The district also realizes that a cheese sandwich on a tray conveys personal information about a student that should be kept private, Farr said.

Dallastown Area School District also replaces the regular entree with a cheese sandwich when students owe more than $10. The district declined requests to discuss the policy, which is spelled out in the student handbook. However, an administrator wrote in an email that there are students with unpaid balances "well above $50.

Derry Township School District in Dauphin County doesn't deny food to any student or treat them differently, no matter what their debt, according to spokesman Dan Tredinnick. The district restricts its debt-collecting efforts to communications with parents. "There's no point in making a scene -- the kid doesn't have the money," he said. "Those are adult problems we don't want the kids to get caught up in."

Yet lunch debt is no easy problem to solve. The School Nutrition Association says 76 percent of school districts have students with lunch debt, up from about 71 percent in 2014. Recent news accounts have cited districts dealing with thousands and even hundreds of thousands in lunch debt. School cafeterias operate on thin margins and need to be self-sustaining. A financial deficit can lower the quality of lunches served to everyone.

In Derry, the food service budget is separate from other district funds. Annual lunch debt in the district of 3,400 is typically "a couple of thousand dollars, Tredinnick said. He said the district relies on community donations to fill the hole.

The district, which includes the town of Hershey, is perceived as affluent. However, Tredinnick said 20 percent of its students qualify for free or reduced-price lunches. In fact, there's enough concern over hunger that the district maintains a program, also funded by donations, that gives some students a backpack of food to eat over the weekend, he said.

Treddinnick said the district views lunch debt as mostly the result of situations such as a family facing an unexpected car repair bill and having to choose between transportation for work or lunch money. The bottom line, he said, is that a student who is hungry or worried about being singled out can't do his or her best in school, defeating the district's mission. "School should be a safe haven," he said.

Recently-introduced bills in Congress would ban shaming or otherwise singling out students with lunch debt. The bills call for steps such as keeping all communication about debt between the school and parents, and making it easier to apply for free or reduced-priced lunches. Still, they offer little in the way of specific solutions for filling the financial hole caused by lunch debt.

In Central Dauphin School District, students collectively owed more than $91,000 in back lunch payments as of mid-May, according to Superintendent Carol Johnson.

That district came under criticism from some parents who said students lacking lunch money are treated differently, depending on which school they attend. For example, students at Central Dauphin High School, considered more affluent, are allowed to borrow money from the school office. At Central Dauphin East, the district's other high school and the one with more minorities, students are allowed to have three lunches without paying, then are denied lunch.

Johnson defended the district's practices, saying the lunch money loans at Central Dauphin are made possible by a donor, and must be repaid. At schools where loans aren't available, school staffers take assorted steps to make sure students get lunch, including helping their families sign up for free and reduced-price lunches.

"We are painfully aware of the effects of poverty on students and their ability to thrive academically," she said. "Principals and staff routinely give students their own money if they need it, and have done so for years. This is a reality in schools across the district, including and especially at CD East High School and its feeder schools."

Still, several people who responded to PennLive's query described little leeway in Central Dauphin, including a 2014 graduate who told of being told to put food back if he was ten cents short. "If I had no money I either had to beg my friends to pay for my meal or not eat at all," he said.

In Susquehanna Township School District, students can charge a meal with a loan expected to be paid back the next day. Students with unpaid charges of more than three meals are offered a bowl of cereal and a carton of milk until the balance is paid in full. However, Superintendent Tod Kline said the policy is "under revision and review." In the Harrisburg School District, where all students qualify for free or reduced-price lunches, lunch debt isn't a problem.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture, which oversees school lunch programs, is requiring districts to have a written policy for dealing with lunch debt in place by July 1, and encourages school not to single out students or shame them. The Pennsylvania Department of Education considers handling of lunch debt to be a "local decision."

In the Harrisburg region, there are reports of at least one wealthy person who annually pays off local lunch debt. CNN recently found 30 GoFundMe accounts around the country raising money toward lunch debt, and there are reports of communities around the country raising money to eliminate lunch debt and prevent lunch shaming.

School officials say some eligible families don't sign up for free or reduced-price lunches, often because they don't know about it. They say part of the solution to the lunch debt crisis is to make sure eligible families are aware and make it as easy as possible to sign up. Farr, the business manager for the Carlisle area district, said there's an "administrative certification" which can be used to enroll families who don't sign up on their own. And with most districts now using electronic accounts and pin numbers at cafeteria checkouts, there's no longer anything to distinguish a student receiving a free or reduced-price lunch from anyone else.

Still, school officials and others say there seems to be more families who don't qualify for help but are just scraping by. At Cedar Cliff High School in Cumberland County, lunch debt recently totaled $1,300, according to an email asking for donations. The email said in part, "We had such an incredible response in the past, that we have been able to help many, many kids. But today, our funds are depleted and the need is increasing."
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French President Emmanuel Macron, second left, flanked by Secretary General of the Elysee presidential Palace Alexis Kohler, left, and Admiral Bernard Rogel, third left, chairs a Defense Council at the Elysee Palace in Paris Wednesday May 24, 2017, one day after a suicide bomber detonated his explosives at the Ariana Grande concert in Manchester. With France still under a state of emergency after a string of IS attacks, Macron is holding a special security council meeting Wednesday. (Stephane de Sakutin, Pool via AP)
New East Jordan trail to be named for Don and EIleen Klein
OPEC discussing 9-month extension to cuts - Algeria

VIENNA

Petroleumworld 05 23 2017

Algerian Energy Minister Noureddine Boutarfa said on Tuesday that OPEC was discussing a possible nine-month extension to oil output cuts, with curbs kept at the same level as under the group's existing deal.

"Right now we are talking about nine months," Boutarfa told reporters.

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries meets in Vienna on Thursday to consider whether to prolong the deal reached in December in which OPEC and 11 non-members, including Russia, agreed to cut output by about 1.8 million barrels per day in the first half of 2017.






Oil prices steady Wednesday as market awaits extended output cut

LONDON

Petroleumworld 05 24 2017

Oil prices steadied on Wednesday as investors waited for news from Vienna where ministers from OPEC and other exporting countries were discussing whether to extend production cuts into the first quarter of next year.

Benchmark Brent crude oil LCOc1 was up 10 cents a barrel at $54.25 by 1210 GMT (8:10 a.m. ET). U.S. light crude oil CLc1 was unchanged at $51.47.

Both crude benchmarks have gained more than 10 percent from their May lows below $50 a barrel, rebounding on a consensus that the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and other producers will maintain strict limits on oil production in an attempt to drain a global oversupply.

OPEC has promised to cut supplies by 1.8 million barrels per day (bpd) until June and is expected on Thursday to decide to prolong that cut by up to nine months.

"It could be three, six or nine months," the Iranian Students' News Agency quoted Iran's oil minister, Bijan Zanganeh, as saying.

Most investors expect an extension of nine months.

Sushant Gupta, research director at Wood Mackenzie, told Reuters Global Markets Forum that output cuts were likely to be extended until the first quarter of 2018, and that adherence by OPEC members to the output cuts would probably remain high.

Harry Tchilinguirian, strategist at BNP Paribas, agreed:

"With oil stocks nowhere near OPEC's self-assigned objective of the recent five-year average level, an extension of cuts seems all but a forgone conclusion," he said.

BMI Research said the OPEC-led cuts would only result in a balanced market this year, but that from 2018 onward markets would return to oversupply, albeit at a lower level than 2013-2016.

"Over a five-plus-year horizon, oil price growth is in a structural slowdown, pressured by persistent supply gains," BMI Research said.

One reason why markets have not tightened more has been U.S. oil production, which has soared by 10 percent since mid-2016 to 9.3 million bpd. C-OUT-T-EIA

Benefiting from a market known as contango, in which future oil prices are higher than those for immediate delivery, U.S. drillers have sold future production in order to finance expanding output.

To stop this, analysts at Goldman Sachs have suggested the oil futures price curve should be pushed into backwardation, where forward prices are below current ones.

But while backwardation might be able to reduce inventories, it is less clear how OPEC could alter the forward price curve, or if that would stop production rising.






China issues third batch fuel export quotas under general trade scheme -sources

BEIJING

Petroleumworld 05 24 2017

China has issued 6.29 million tonnes of fuel export quotas in a third batch for this year under its general trade scheme, two trading sources said on Tuesday, taking the total amount of such permits allotted so far in 2017 to 7.605 million tonnes.

The general trade permits, issued only to state oil companies, were on top of 15.7 million tonnes of quotas allotted to refiners under the processing trade category.

The latest batch of general trade quotas were granted to four state-run companies, namely, China National Petroleum Corp (CNPC), Sinopec, CNOOC and Sinochem.

Sinopec won more than half of the quotas at 3.3 million tonnes, followed by CNPC at 1.7 million tonnes, Sinochem at 800,000 tonnes and CNOOC at 490,000 tonnes, according to one of the sources with knowledge of the matter.

The 6.29 million tonnes of quotas will be valid until the end-2017, with 55 percent of them going for diesel, 25 percent for gasoline, and the rest mostly kerosene, the source said.

The Ministry of Commerce did not comment on the matter.

Under the general trade category, refiners get tax refunds after exports are completed or get a tax waiver on fuel exports, a policy that Beijing granted in 2016.

Under the processing rules, refiners are exempted from import taxes on crude oil and export taxes for oil products, but have a fixed volume and time slots to export, both under the tight scrutiny of Chinese customs.






OPEC to discuss 6-, 9-month output cut extensions - Kuwait

KUWAIT

Petroleumworld 05 24 2017

Kuwait's oil minister said on Tuesday that global oil producers would discuss at their meeting this week whether to extend output cuts for six months or nine months, because not all were on board for nine.

"We have agreed on the six months. Some of the countries have agreed to six months subject to a revision in November for an additional three months," Essam al-Marzouq told reporters before heading to Vienna for the meeting.

"From what I have heard, some of the press releases, the Iraqi and Iranian ministers have declared that they prefer six months," he said, before adding: "For nine months not everybody (is) on board."

Asked whether there was consideration of the idea of deepening the current cuts, Marzouq said there was not.






Trump budget halve oil SPR stockpile, open Arctic refuge to drilling

WASHINGTON

Petroleumworld 05 24 2017

U.S. President Donald Trump's White House wants to sell half of the nation's emergency oil stockpile and open the Alaska National Wildlife Refuge to drilling as part of plans to balance the budget over the next 10 years, documents by the administration showed.

The White House budget, which will be delivered to Congress on Tuesday, is meant as a proposal and may not take effect in its current form. But it reveals the administration's policy hopes, which include ramping up American energy output.

The U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve SPR-STK-T-EIA, the world's largest, holds about 688 million barrels of crude oil in heavily guarded underground caverns in Louisiana and Texas. Congress created it in 1975 after the Arab oil embargo caused fears of long-term motor fuel price spikes that would harm the U.S. economy.

The Trump budget proposes to start selling SPR oil in fiscal year 2018, which begins on Oct. 1, with sales that would generate $500 million, according to the documents. The sales from the reserve would gradually rise over the following years, peaking at nearly $3.9 billion in 2027, and totaling nearly $16.6 billion from 2018 to 2027.

The announcement surprised oil markets, and pulled down U.S. crude prices for immediate delivery to just over $50 per barrel during Asian trading hours.

Yet the bigger effect, if implemented, would be more long-term as it is planned to last a decade. The Brent forward curve shows prices rising towards $55.60 per barrel by April 2018, but then declining towards $53.75 per barrel by late 2018.

The White House budget plan, released just after Trump left Saudi Arabia, the defacto leader of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), is seen as undermining OPEC-led plans to tighten global markets by cutting production, and points towards a future of ongoing ample supplies.

ARCTIC DRILLING

The Trump budget would also seek to raise $1.8 billion over the coming decade by leasing oil in the Arctic National Wildlife Reserve, the largest protected wilderness in the United States, believed to hold rich reserves of crude.

Increased drilling in Alaska would add to rising U.S. oil production which, largely thanks to shale, has jumped over 10 percent since mid-2016 to 9.3 million barrels per day. C-OUT-T-EIA

U.S. politicians have been debating whether to open the reserve in northeastern Alaska to drilling since the 1970s, with opponents citing the risk of spills and the contribution to global climate change.

Trump has already moved to expand U.S. offshore drilling, including in parts of the Arctic, as part of his broader effort to support the oil and gas industries. He has also moved to trim the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, including by proposing a more than 30 percent cut to its funding.

Mick Mulvaney, the director of the Office of Management and Budget, told reporters on Monday that the overall budget proposal was part of an effort to help the U.S. economy grow at a rate of 3 percent a year.

"It drives our tax reform policy, our regulatory policy, trade, energy ... everything is keyed toward getting us back to 3 percent," he said.

The White House did not immediately respond to questions about the energy-related budget proposals.

Trump's budget would also restart a nuclear waste fund that would bring in more than $3 billion by 2027.

The Obama administration stopped charging nuclear energy utilities the fee in 2014 after it stopped the licensing process for Nevada's Yucca Mountain - a waste dump that cost the government billions of dollars but never opened.

The Trump administration proposed reviving Yucca in details of the budget released in March.






Mexico supports OPEC production cuts as way to stabilise oil market

VIENNA

Petroleumworld 05 24 2017

Mexico supports an extension of OPEC's supply cuts as a way to stabilise oil markets and bring fresh investment into the country's growing energy sector, the Mexican deputy secretary for hydrocarbons said on Tuesday.

Aldo Flores-Quiroga said he believed members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries should and would continue plans to coordinate oil production cuts into at least 2018. He did not say whether he preferred a six- or nine-month extension, which OPEC members are debating.

"Stable markets help provide a stable framework for investment, and that helps Mexico," said Flores-Quiroga, who assumed his post last summer.

Oil ministers from OPEC and non-member producers meet on Thursday in Vienna.

Mexico, which is not in OPEC, has seen its oil industry atrophy in the past 50 years due to underinvestment and hostile regulation of foreign partners.

Constitutional changes in 2013 have slowly begun to attract capital to the second-largest Latin American economy, but low oil prices have hindered Mexico City's efforts.

Exxon Mobil Corp, for example, plans to invest $300 million in retail filling stations through the next decade in Mexico, but will import fuel due to a lack of local crude supply and refining capacity.






Iraq mulls oil-hedging bigger than Mexico's deal



Baghdad considering hedging as much as 25% of its production. OPEC member is in the early phases of studying the project

LONDON

Petroleumworld 05 24 2017

Iraq is mulling an oil hedging program to lock in prices for future crude sales, potentially topping a similar deal run by Mexico that is considered the largest energy trade in Wall Street.

The Middle Eastern nation is in the very early stages of exploring a hedge for as much as a quarter of either its crude production or exports, Falah Al-Amri, the head of Iraq's state oil-marketing company, known as SOMO, said in an interview in London.

"We will not rush. This is a long process," Al-Amri said. "We must make sure we do not lose money. You know the Iraqi parliament, it would not accept that."

If Iraq goes ahead, that would require contracts giving price protection to about 400 million barrels a year of crude, according to Bloomberg calculations. That would be significantly larger than the Mexican oil hedge, run by the country's finance ministry, which uses options contracts to cover about 250 million barrels a year. Petroleos Mexicanos, the state-owned oil producer also known as Pemex, this year also hedged its output, an additional 100 million barrels.

Although oil hedging is common in the private sector, for example by U.S. shale producers to lock-in revenues and airlines to guarantee a maximum price for their jet-fuel, they are rare among oil-producing countries. On top of Mexico, only a handful other nations have publicly disclosed hedging programs, including Ecuador and Ghana.

Political Risk

Oil-producing countries face a number of obstacles to hedge. Mexico has spent on average $1 billion a year buying options contracts that give it the right, but not the obligation, to sell at a predetermined price. The size of the transaction could roil the market, sending prices lower. Any losses could carry a heavy political price.

Oil traders and bankers who monitor the Mexican oil hedge have said in the past the program contributed to push oil prices lower at least in 2008 and 2014.

Al-Amri didn't say what kind of hedging instrument Iraq could use or give a timeline for the start of the program, saying Iraq was in a learning process.

"We are sending people for training with international companies and they will learn about hedging and how we can do it," he said. "We will study and make a proposal to the government."

The hedging program would be a departure from usual business practices in the Middle East, where producers sell crude largely under long-term contracts with refiners. Iraq is already testing out new ways of selling oil, for example auctioning crude cargoes on the short-term market.

"Transforming SOMO is unstoppable. It will do more than just market Iraqi crude," Al-Amri said.






Venezuela's prosecutor decries regime plan to change constitution, protests worsening

AP/Fernando Llano



A police officer fires tear gas against anti-government protesters in Caracas, Venezuela

CARACAS/PUERTO ORDAZ, Venezuela

Petroleumworld 05 24 2017

Venezuela's state prosecutor has panned unpopular President Nicolas Maduro's plan to create a grassroots congress, deepening a rare public split among the ruling Socialists as the death toll from two months of unrest hit 51.

Chief State Prosecutor Luisa Ortega stunned the crisis-hit country in March when she lambasted the Supreme Court for annulling the powers of the opposition-led National Assembly.

Since then, she has been a wild card within the publicly homogenous Venezuelan government, whose foes accuse it of seeking to dodge elections by creating a parallel assembly with powers to rewrite the constitution.

Socialist Party official Elias Jaua, in charge of the "constituent assembly" project, confirmed on Monday that Ortega had written him to express her discontent in a letter that was previously leaked on social media.

"It is my imperative to explain the reasons for which I have decided not to participate in this activity," Ortega's two-page missive reads.

"Instead of bringing stability or generating a climate of peace, I think this will accelerate the crisis," she said, mentioning it would heighten uncertainty and alter the "unbeatable" constitution launched under late leader Hugo Chavez.

Jaua acknowledged receipt of Ortega's letter, but quickly said she was merely expressing a "political opinion," without any power to change the situation.

"We consider that the only organ the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela's constitution empowers to interpret the constitution is the Supreme Court's constitutional chamber," he said at a news conference, in reference to the pro-government top court.

Venezuelans are scrutinizing Maduro's government and the armed forces for any cracks as protesters take to the streets daily to demand early elections, humanitarian aid to alleviate food and medicine shortages, and freedom for jailed activists.

While there are no outward signs of major fissures that would destabilize 18-years of 'Chavista' rule, demonstrators have been cheered by Ortega's public dissent and by some public denunciations of officials by their relatives.

RISING DEATH TOLL

While anti-government protests have brought hundreds of thousands to the streets, Venezuelans are increasingly concerned about spates of nighttime looting and barricades popping up in many neighborhoods.

Masked youths man roadblocks, turning back traffic or asking motorists for a monetary "collaboration" to be allowed through.

The worst nighttime unrest has largely been concentrated outside the capital, however, with the jungle and savannah state of Bolivar hard-hit overnight.

Some 51 buses were burned after a group attacked a transport company in the city of Puerto Ordaz, the prosecutor's office said on Monday. Barricades and clashes with the National Guard were also rippling through the city on Monday, according to a Reuters witness.

There also was trouble on Monday in Barinas, the rural state where Chavez was born and which is regarded by his supporters as the "cradle of the revolution."

Mobs burned the headquarters of the Socialist Party in the state capital, and clashes and looting raged throughout the day, witnesses and authorities said.

Several opposition leaders have condemned the violence, but the episodes highlight the risks of protests spinning out of their control amid widespread anger at Maduro, hunger, and easy access to weapons in one of the world's most violence countries.

Maduro accuses his opponents of an "armed insurrection," backed by the United States, his ideological foe.

His government blames "fascist" protesters for looting and deaths in the unrest since early April.

The death toll increased to at least 51 people after a policeman, Jorge Escandon, died after being injured in Carabobo state and three people died in protests in Barinas, the prosecutor's office said on Monday.

Hundreds of people also have been injured and more than 2,600 arrested, with about 1,000 still jailed, according to rights groups.

On Monday, opposition supporters and doctors in white robes tried to march to the Health Ministry in Caracas to demand access to proper treatment amid major shortages of medicines ranging from painkillers to chemotherapy drugs.

"Today, I'm not here as a lawmaker, I'm here marching for my sister who has a cerebral tumor, a tumor that is growing again and producing paralysis, a tumor for which Venezuela used to receive medicine and the injections for this not to happen," said opposition lawmaker Miguel Pizarro.

"Today I walk for my brother, who is diabetic, and who, like my mom, can't find medicine," added Pizarro, part of a new generation of opposition leaders who have been at the forefront of protests and often been tear-gassed.

In a scene repeated over and over in recent weeks, security forces fired tear gas at demonstrators and clashes erupted with hooded youths who threw rocks.






This piece, titled, The New Plague, depicts life in Philadelphia in the age of COVID. Artist and educator Raphael Tiberino began painting at the age of four and has been in the spotlight as a professional creative for over 25 years.
Ralph Izzo, PSEGs chief executive, says New Jersey needs a new rate model to compensate utilities to promote conservation. Read more

The head of New Jersey's largest utility called Wednesday for the state to move away from a century-old system that encourages utilities to sell as much energy as possible, and toward a new system that provides incentives for energy utilities to promote greater efficiency and conservation.

Ralph Izzo, president and chief executive of Public Service Enterprise Group, told a state energy forum that New Jersey should create financial incentives for utilities to help customers reduce at-home energy use, as well as expand access to renewable energy and new energy-saving technologies. PSEG owns Public Service Electric & Gas Co., which has 2.1 million electric customers.

"Customers' demands are changing," Izzo said at the forum in Mount Laurel, sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce of Southern New Jersey. "They want more reliability, they want more resilient power, they want cleaner energy, and they want access to smart technology to better understand their energy usage  all while keeping bills affordable."

Izzo joined a chorus of utility executives across the nation who are pushing for increased "decoupling" of rates, to allow their companies to offset flattening or declining sales volumes as more customers conserve power or generate their own electricity with home solar systems. Decoupled rates allow utilities to pay for maintaining the power grid through fees that are disconnected from electricity usage.

In an interview, Izzo was unspecific about a suggested shape for a new rate model, and said he was hesitant to use the term decoupling because it provokes a "knee-jerk" reaction from some consumer groups that associate it with higher monthly customer fees.

Izzo said that although New Jersey had set aggressive goals for renewable energy, it has taken "only baby steps" to encourage energy efficiency, which is frequently the least expensive way to reduce consumption.

"Energy efficiency is the critical component that will drive the utility of the future," he said. "The cheapest kilowatt remains the one that is not needed."

In March, PSE&G filed a request with the state Board of Public Utilities to boost rates to raise $74 million for energy-efficiency programs, including extending previous programs for hospitals, multifamily dwellings, and government agencies, nonprofits, and small businesses in urban enterprise zones. It was the utility's fourth energy-efficiency filing in a decade, and Izzo expressed frustration at the prolonged regulatory reviews they require.

"I marvel at the fact it did not just sail right through." he said in the interview, calling the proposal a "no-brainer."

"There's billions of dollars of energy efficiency we should be doing, and we're squabbling over tens of millions," Izzo said.

"We have to tackle decoupling if we want to turn these programs from $70 million and $90 million into hundred of millions, or billions. And that's where we continue to be frustrated," he said.

Izzo encouraged regulators to consider longer-term approval of energy-infrastructure projects. The BPU typically approves such projects in three-year increments, but Izzo argued that a longer-term approval would allow utilities to plan their purchasing and hiring more efficiently and create more jobs.

He also used the occasion to repeat his calls for greater support for the state's nuclear plants, which he said were struggling to earn a competitive return in the face of a low-cost energy market driven by cheap natural gas prices. PSEG operates the giant Artificial Island nuclear generating site in Salem County, so the company has a strong incentive to maintain existing nuclear plants.
Attorneys general in 42 states, including Pennsylvania, and the District of Columbia, announced that they have reached a $33 million civil settlement with Tylenol maker McNeil-PPC, a Johnson & Johnson company, to resolve allegations that the company distributed contaminated over-the-counter medications and made false or misleading representations about the products.

Pennsylvania's share will be $1.4 million, which will be used to fund future consumer protection efforts, said Attorney General Josh Shapiro. McNeil, based in Fort Washington, Montgomery County, recalled hundreds of millions of packages of drugs manufactured between 2009 and 2011, Shapiro said.

Complaints included strange odors and particles found in liquid medicines. The recalled drugs  some for children  included Tylenol, Motrin, Benadryl, St. Joseph Aspirin, Sudafed, Pepcid, Mylanta, Rolaids, Zyrtec, and Zyrtec Eye Drops. McNeil is now part of Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc.

A prior investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice into McNeil's quality-control issues resulted in a misdemeanor guilty plea in March 2015, a criminal fine of $20 million, and forfeiture of an additional $5 million.

Pennsylvania and Texas headed an executive committee that investigated the McNeil allegations, Shapiro said. The settlement resolves allegations that McNeil and Johnson & Johnson falsely promoted the products as having met federal standards when the Food and Drug Administration had cited some McNeil facilities, including in Pennsylvania, between 2009 and 2011 for not meeting federal practices for good manufacturing.

Under settlement terms, the company is prohibited from unlawful marketing and promotional activities, and in the case of a future recall, McNeil must identify wholesalers and warehouses where the over-the-counter products were distributed.
Doorway of the former Walter Smith School at 1300 S. 19th St. in Point Breeze. Read more

Developer Ori Feibush plans to renovate South Philadelphia's former Walter Smith School into apartments, now that a judge has cleared the Point Breeze property's sale by the School District of Philadelphia over a challenge by neighbors.

Feibush and partner Robert Roskamp acquired the Smith School building, at 19th and Wharton Streets, for a price in the "mid-four"-million-dollar range on Friday, Feibush said in an interview Tuesday.

That purchase price went to a Bethesda, Md.-based developer, the Concordia Group, which effectively sold off the property after acquiring it and four other schools from the district as a package for $6.8 million.

Will Collins, a principal with Concordia, did not immediately return a call asking about plans for the four classroom properties it retained.

Concordia previously obtained zoning permits to convert one of them  the Abigail Vare Elementary School property in South Philadelphia's Pennsport neighborhood  into dwelling units and to build townhouses on its schoolyard.

Smith, Vare and the three other schools  Germantown and Charles Carroll High Schools and Robert Fulton Elementary  were among 11 shuttered buildings that Philadelphia's School Reform Commission voted to sell in September 2014.

Some Point Breeze residents, who had hoped the Smith building would be acquired by a charter-school operator, mounted a court challenge to the sale of the properties as a package, arguing that the school district was violating its rules for open bids by not selling them individually.

Opponents of the sale  led by the Point Breeze Community Development Coalition, a neighborhood group  were initially successful, with Common Pleas Court Judge Nina Padilla-Wright halting the transaction in March 2016.

Last month, however, Padilla-Wright ruled that the transaction could go forward, after being instructed to take that step by a Commonwealth Court judge who sided with the school district in an appeal.

Deborah Cianfrani, a lawyer for the neighborhood group, said she hoped Feibush would live up to a pact that Concordia made to its members to include an educational center, low-income housing, and other features for the community in its plans.

The group dropped its challenge to the redevelopment plan as part of that deal, although others in the community continued to oppose the project.

Feibush said that he was unaware of any commitments made to community groups, but that he expected some community space to be part of the project.

"I'm certainly eager to work hand in hand with different stakeholders," he said.

The Smith School property is only about a block away from the townhouse complex being developed by Feibush near 20th and Wharton Streets that was the target of an arson attack early this month.

Rental apartments are planned for the Smith building, with for-sale units to be built on the former schoolyard, for a total of up to about 120 dwellings, he said. Work could begin as soon as this fall.

Feibush and Roskamp, who is best known as the backer of the Roskamp Institute biomedical-research center in Sarasota, Fla., also are working together on the conversion of the Royal Theater property at 1520-36 South St. into an apartment and townhouse development.

Concordia, meanwhile, is part of the group working to build a 95-unit townhouse project at the former Mount Sinai Hospital site near Pennsport.
Officials hope the updated, renamed PhilaPort will lure more shippers such as the Mediterranean Shipping Company to patronize Phila. Read more

What's in a name? The Philadelphia Regional Port Authority is betting a lot, and has chosen a shorter, catchier name: PhilaPort.

The port board and staff want to aggressively market Philadelphia to shippers around the world so that when they think about where to send cargo they think Philadelphia.

To be more recognizable in international trade, the PRPA announced it has changed its name, effective immediately. The agency hired a Maryland company to review the port's marketing and branding with an eye toward a fresh image and attracting new business.

"The name is short, clean, and memorable, and it reflects very simply who we are and what we do," said Jerry Sweeney, PhilaPort chairman. "The name PhilaPort helps distinguish us from the many other regional authorities and commissions as we seek to capitalize on the opportunities that will result from our expansion."

The Philadelphia port aims to be positioned for considerable growth, thanks to a $300 million investment from the Wolf administration to update terminals, wharves, and cargo cranes. Pennsylvania is landlord and owner of 15 piers and terminals on the Delaware River.

"I think it was an excellent move," said John Martin, a national port consultant based in Lancaster. "We used to call it the alphabet soup river because you had the PRPA, the DRPA, and the DRBA, and it was confusing.

"PhilaPort gives the port identify."

Other ports have changed their names. The Port of Miami is now PortMiami. The Port of Jacksonville, Fla., is JAXPORT. Boston's port is MassPort. The Port of Hueneme in California is Port Hueneme. "They do it for clarification. It's just easier to deal with," Martin said.

Sean Mahoney, PhilaPort's marketing director, said the name change "captures the new energy and all the things happening in the port now." The agency has a new CEO, Jeff Theobald. Gov. Wolf, named a port advisory board and announced $300 million to fix ship berths, buy new cranes, update and relocate warehouses, and double-cargo handling space aimed at creating hundreds of jobs.

The 103-mile deepening of the Delaware River navigation channel from 40 feet to 45 feet, allowing larger ships, is nearing completion. Additional rock will be blasted near Marcus Hook starting Dec. 1. Two more areas, in the upper Delaware Bay and between Chester and Wilmington, remain to be dredged. The entire $392 million project will be finished sometime in 2018, said Ed Voigt, spokesman for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

"There's new leadership at the port authority. I think the name change is just one more initiative to enhance the port's position among competitors on the East Coast," said Dennis Rochford, president of the Maritime Exchange for the Delaware River and Bay, a trade group that promotes commerce on the river. "You've got a $300 million investment from the state. The channel will soon be completed. It's a lot of moving parts."

Several local agencies have "port" or "river" in their name, but one  the PRPA  has the mission of running a port and attracting maritime commerce. The DRPA (Delaware River Port Authority) is a transportation agency that collects tolls and runs four bridges and the PATCO High-Speed Line. The DRBA (Delaware River and Bay Authority) manages the Delaware Memorial Bridge, Cape May-Lewes (Del.) Ferry, and other entities.

Getting rid of the PRPA acronym "distinguishes Philadelphia from the rest of the ports on the Delaware River," Martin said, "and gets rid of the alphabet soup game."
Tim Van Meter of Hopewell Township in Cumberland County, N.J., said in 2016 he couldn't get internet service from Verizon or cable in his home. Read more

Large parts of South Jersey will not be brought into the Fios era.

Ending more than a year of negotiations, public hearings, and investigation into consumer complaints, Verizon Communications Inc. has agreed to monitor more closely its fraying copper lines in rural South Jersey and potentially expand DSL internet service to 2,000 new homes or businesses.

But the telecom giant won't be wiring a wide swath of Cumberland, Burlington, Salem, and Atlantic Counties with the high-speed Fios service that has been extended to millions of residents in other parts of New Jersey, according to a settlement among state officials, Verizon, and 17 towns that complained about substandard phone service. Fios is Verizon's branded service for internet, television, and voice services, delivered over fiber lines.

In late 2015, the 17 towns, mostly in Cumberland County, complained to the state Board of Public Utilities about downed phones and bad or no internet. Service has been particularly unreliable on rainy or damp days, which result in buzzing water-soaked copper phone lines because of their age and rundown condition, local residents and officials say.

As part of the settlement, Verizon agreed to fix copper lines with an emphasis on customers who complain at least three times in a year. The company's techs will attempt to fix 76 percent of out-of-service phone complaints within 48 hours and ease internet congestion in Galloway and Hamilton Townships.

DSL internet service  an older copper-based technology that Fios replaced  will be extended to 2,000 new residences or businesses in Upper Pittsgrove, Downe, Commercial, Mannington, Pilesgrove, and South Harrison.

Verizon also will extend Fios to Estell Manor, Weymouth Township, Corbin City, and Lower Alloways Creek Township, home to three nuclear plants, under an existing New Jersey regulatory program aimed at helping rural areas with broadband deployment, the settlement stated.

The accord now faces review by the Board of Public Utilities.

Company spokesman Raymond McConville said Wednesday that Verizon was pleased to have reached an agreement with "the approval of all 17 towns on a maintenance plan going forward. This plan now goes before the [Board of Public Utilities], and we look forward to staying in regular communication with the towns to ensure our customers continue to receive the level of service they expect and deserve."

Initially, Verizon rejected South Jersey reports of elevated complaints about its phone service there. But hundreds of residents responded to surveys from local officials seeking confirmation of the problems. Many residents also attended public hearings last summer in Estell Manor.

Consumer advocate Stefanie Brand, director of the New Jersey Division of Rate Counsel, and Democratic State Sen. Jeff Van Drew were involved in the talks with Verizon. Cumberland County Counsel Theodore E. Baker represented the 17 towns.

Brand said the settlement was helpful with phone service, but with high-speed internet "we still have work to do."

Said Baker: "We are satisfied that we get some relief with this agreement, but we still believe that the rural areas and less-advantaged areas are being underserved."

Greg Facemyer, a member of the Township Committee in Hopewell, Cumberland County, the lead town in the coalition seeking the Verizon upgrade, said Wednesday that he was frustrated with the outcome.

"If you don't have a landline, how are you going to run your business?" Facemyer asked. "This is what we are giving up by allowing settlements and orders like this."

The settlement, he said, "leaves the larger community, and Cumberland County, largely in the dark ages as far as modern telecommunications technology."
Pope Francis walks past Ivanka Trump, left, and First Lady Melania Trump on the occasion of the private audience with President Donald Trump, at the Vatican, Wednesday, May 24, 2017. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino, Pool) Read more

After days of impeccable first lady fashion abroad  which included a caped Reem Acra gown in Saudi Arabia and a fitted white Michael Kors suit in Israel  I woke up Wednesday morning to Melania Trump in a long-sleeved Dolce & Gabbana dress and black lace veil  or mantilla  for a visit with Pope Francis.

First daughter Ivanka Trump was dressed nearly identically.

What was that fashion statement all about?

Since biblical times, women of faith  that would be Christian, Jewish and Islamic  wore veils when in the presence of God.

Catholic women religiously covered their heads in church through the second Vatican Council (1962-1965) After that, the rules of the church became more lax.

However, women invited to a private meeting with the pope still are required to wear a modest dress in a dark color, preferably black. Hemlines must fall below the knee; flashy jewelry should be avoided.

The only women who do not have to wear black in the presence of the pontiff are Catholic queens. That means, according to The Vatican Insider, that Queen Letizia of Spain, Queen Mathilde of Belgium, and the Grand Duchess of Maria Teresa of Luxembourg, all from Catholic monarchies.

During the Trump's visit to The Vatican, Pope Francis blessed a set of rosaries for Melania Trump. The White House cofirmed on Wednesday that Melania Trump is a practicing Catholic.

When Michelle Obama met Pope Benedict in 2009, she too wore a black skirt suit, though she opted for a black scarf instead of the mantilla.

But when Queen Elizabeth visited Pope Francis back in 2014, she wore a lavender suit and matching hat.
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Taipei, May 24 (CNA) Taiwan's Constitutional Court stated in a landmark ruling Wednesday that the section of the Civil Code that does not allow same-sex marriage is unconstitutional and it asked the Legislature to amend the relevant laws within two years to ensure the rights of gay couples.
A Cincinnati police officer was treated for exposure to an "unknown illicit substance," police confirmed Tuesday.

The officer reported feeling lightheaded after contact with the substance, and was taken to University of Cincinnati Medical Center for treatment.

"We believe an illegal substance, maybe our highest suspicion would be fentanyl, or something like that," Fraternal Order of Police President Sgt. Dan Hils said. "It's my understanding, (the officer) did not have gloves on at the time and it was an exposure to the hand."

The officer has been released from the hospital and is reported to be in good condition, WLWT TV reports.
A man is dead and a deputy is injured after a Monday night attack in a Mountain Home, ID, trailer park.

According to Elmore County Sheriff Mike Hollinshead, a deputy and an officer from the Mountain Home Police Department were called out to a trailer park in northwest Mountain Home just before 11:30 p.m.

Law enforcement was responding to a report that a man with a gun was in the area. When they arrived on the scene, they approached a man who matched the description of the armed person.

According to the sheriff's office, Aaron M. Thompson attacked the deputy and officer, and the deputy was stabbed several times. Both he and the officer fired rounds at the man, killing him

The wounded deputy was treated and released at a local hospital, KTVB TV reports.
Someone is targeting Cotton Plant, AR, police and firefighters, setting fires to their homes and vandalizing their vehicles since February, according to officials in the Woodruff County town.

The latest suspicious fire occurred Sunday and destroyed the Vine Street home that Fire Chief Jason Johnston recently bought for his mother after his father passed away. Debbie Johnston had yet to move into the home, but boxes of old photographs, memorabilia and papers were destroyed, the fire chief said.

On May 10, someone used gasoline to set a fire inside the Cotton Plant Police Department, Mayor Willard Ryland said. The building didn't burn, but the fire destroyed a computer on a metal desk and police investigation reports kept in a box.

"They were trying to destroy evidence," Ryland told Arkansas Online. "We had an investigation going on a string of major burglaries."

Cotton Plant Police Chief Ritchie Haggans has asked the Arkansas State Police to help investigate. Haggans was not available for comment Tuesday.
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In a speech on the Senate floor, Sen. Al Franken (D-MN) took apart the lies that make up the Republican health care bill that is being negotiated behind closed doors.

Video:

Sen. Franken said in part:



What I heardand the real panic that I sawis a far cry from what President Trump promised this past January when he said, Were going to have insurance for everybody. And he went on to say it would be, much less expensive and much better.

Versions of these promises keep comingfrom President Trump, from his Cabinet, and from his allies in Congress. Coverage for more people, at lower cost, with better quality.

Those things all sound greatthings that might help people like Chrysann. But the fact is that the Republican bill does the exact opposite. It takes coverage away from people, it drives up costs, and it makes coverage worse.

In other words, the GOP is selling its health care bill on false pretenses.

..

We can start with the number of people that will be covered. President Trump promised that everyone would have insurance. But an analysis of an earlier version of the House health care bill conducted by the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office found that, compared to current law, the House Republican plan would leave 24 million fewer people with health insurance by 2026. That means that by 2026, nearly 1 in 5 Americans under the age of 65 would be uninsured, compared to just over one in ten today.

One particular way that the Republican bill cuts coverage is by gutting Medicaid, a program that covers more than 60 percent of all nursing home residents nationwide, covers kids with disabilities, and benefits nearly 70 million Americans. The Republican bill ends the Medicaid expansion, fundamentally undermines the basic structure of the Medicaid program, and cuts the programs budget by as much as a quarter over ten yearsa more than $800 billion cut.

On May 7, journalist Jake Tapper of CNN asked Health Human Services Secretary Tom Price whether the hundreds of billions in proposed cuts would result in millions of Americans not getting Medicaid.

Secretary Price responded, Absolutely not.

Well, thats absolutely false. And when I say that absolutely, I mean that literally. It doesnt take an expert to know that if you take funding away from this program, which provides health coverage for millions of Americans, that program suffers. And the human beings who rely on Medicaid will suffer as well.

Specifically, according to the CBO, 14 million of those 24 million people who will lose coverage under the Republican bill would lose their health insurance because of cuts to Medicaid.

Its bad enough to push a bill that would take care away from millions who need it. Its extra galling to be so fundamentally dishonest about it in the process.

Sen. Franken took apart the key Republican lies about their health care bill. Most Americans have been focused on the Trump/Russia scandal, but it was reported today that Senate Republicans are focused on drafting a health care bill that would end the Medicaid expansion and take away health care from tens of millions of Americans.

While most Americans are paying attention to the Russia scandal, the Republicans are hard at work on a plan to make health insurance expensive and provide less coverage to fewer people.

If you want to keep up with what is going on with the health care bill, watch Al Frankens speech and thank the Senator for exposing the Republican lies.
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After Fox News had retracted a Seth Rich conspiracy theory story on their website, while the Rich family begs Hannity to stop spreading a baseless conspiracy theory to protect Trump, Sean Hannity freaked out on Twitter and claimed liberal fascists are trying to get him fired.

Hannity tweeted:

IMPORTANT! Mediamatters is trying to silence me, get me fired, pressure my advertising on radio & TV. Liberal Fascism. I need your help!!  Sean Hannity (@seanhannity) May 23, 2017

And in case you were wondering what Hannitys panic is all about:

I said publicly over and over to the Rich Family they are in my thoughts and prayers. I m trying to find the truth as the Mom Dad bro asked https://t.co/op11hVRlWW  Sean Hannity (@seanhannity) May 23, 2017

Fox News retracted a story based on the conspiracy theory that DNC staffer Seth Rich was murdered because he was the real hacker who leaked DNC emails to Wikileaks, not the Russian government.

In a statement, Fox News said, Upon appropriate review, the article was found not to meet those standards and has since been removed. We will continue to investigate this story and will provide updates as warranted.

Hannity refused to apologize or retract anything, but the Fox News retraction has the host worried about his job. The reality is that the Murdoch sons arent fans of Hannity. Sean Hannity was one of Roger Ailess favorites. Hannity is losing or barely winning his timeslot against MSNBCs Lawrence ODonnell. His pushing of the Seth Rich conspiracy could be the last nudge that Fox needs to push Hannity off into podcast Siberia.

It isnt liberal fascists who are trying to get Sean Hannity fired. It is Sean Hannity who is risking his own job by pushing a truly repulsive conspiracy theory to protect Trump.
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Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer blasted the Trump budget as stunning in its cruelty for taking a sledgehammer to the middle class and the working poor while lavishing tax breaks on the wealthy. Schumer blasted the budget for breaks promise after promise after promise the President made to what he called the forgotten America, the working men and women of America. Well, this budget forgot the forgotten American.

The budget depends on fantasy math to make all the cuts work. The budget takes a quantum leap into a new dimension of budgetary fairytale, Schumer said, possibly eluding to the unrealistic growth numbers Republicans used to balance the budget or the 2 trillion dollar oopsie of double spending. The gall, the nerve, the facts-be-darned attitude in this budget is appalling.

But thats not even the worse part.

The document is stunning in its cruelty  it takes a sledgehammer to the middle class and the working poor while lavishing tax breaks on the wealthy, Schumer said in floor remarks sent to PoliticusUSA.

 the Trump budget is a compilation of all the broken promises this president has made to working Americans. In his budget, President Trump has broken promise after promise after promise to working people without any shame, without any remorse, without any explanation.

While the budget isnt likely to see the light of day, it is an important statement about values. It is a moral document in this sense, and informs the people of the partys values.

Both parties are trying to sell the morality of their argument. Republicans are trying to suggest that its moral to take people off of government safety nets because theyll be better off this way and its immoral to have some taxpayers helping out other Americans, while Democrats are arguing that its immoral to make the poor and working class fund tax breaks for people like Donald Trump.

The Trump budget cuts money going to food stamps and cuts billions from social safety net programs like welfare. Director of the Office of Management and Budget Mick Mulvaney, said these programs dont work and the President cant take money from taxpayers to fund people.

We are no longer going to measure compassion by the number of programs or the number of people on those programs, Mulvaney said on Monday. We are going to measure compassion and success by the number of people we help get off of those programs and get back in charge of their own lives.

That sounds fine, except the budget makes cuts to jobs. And also, Mulvaney didnt mention this, but he means like our veterans, who use SNAP, Medicaid, and are often employed by the federal government. How is it not fair for taxpayers to repay our veterans for their service? This argument falls apart quickly under even the dimmest bulb.

The president promised to increase infrastructure investment, but his budget actually cuts more money from infrastructure programs than the new money it puts in, Schumer stormed. The Presidents proposal to slash American infrastructure investments is a job-killing, 180 degree turn away from his repeated promise of a trillion dollar infrastructure plan. President Trumps campaign promises on infrastructure are crumbling faster than our roads and bridges.

The Trump budget makes cuts to SSDI, which is Social Security even though Republicans are trying to pretend its not. Guess who uses SSDI? Our disabled veterans. How are they supposed to get back in charge of their own lives if they cant drive or get to work or get a job. This same logic applies to all disabled people.

Schumer wasnt having that either, The president said he would save Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid without cuts. Have to do it, those are his words. But the Trump budget slashes Social Security by $72 billion and cuts Medicaid by hundreds of billions, in addition to the more than $800 billion Trumpcare cuts took from Medicaid already from the House bill. All in all, thats a $1 trillion broken promise on Medicaid. And remember, America, Medicaid is a program that affects the poor  thats a good thing  but much of the money goes to help the middle class, elderly people in nursing homes, families fighting opioid addiction.

And the cuts are actually going to be even worse (hey, the Republican Party won the White House and Congress, so this shouldnt be a surprise but it seems to be to many Trump voters):

Mulvaney says the Medicaid cuts are actually much bigger than $800 billion over 10 years. Suggests it could be closer to $1.3 trillion.  Damian Paletta (@damianpaletta) May 24, 2017

How does cutting education and student loan programs help Americans get off these programs? The idea of a good education being offered to all is fundamental to our freedom and the value of hard work elevating ones social and economic status.

Schumer went at it again, The president has said that education was the civil rights issue of our time, but the Trump budget calls for over $3.2 billion in cuts to higher education; eliminates program that forgive loans for public service jobs, like teachers and doctors; eliminates subsidized student loan program that helps lower cost for college. College students of America, look at the Presidents budget. See if hes on your side. He sure as heck isnt.

Republican talking points about the social safety net often sound good in theory; but they ignore reality.

Reality isnt pretty. Middle class families with a parent or grandparent in a nursing home need Medicaid to make it. Our elderly deserve to be taken care of in some kind of decent way, and there is no solution offered by the Trump budget for this challenge. Its as if this problem and the problems of the disabled and the out of work and middle class Americans will just magically disappear. Grown ups know better than this.

These real life challenges are what lawmakers and the President are paid to deal with- not Ayn Rand fiction. This budget is so bad that Republicans are running away from it. And yet, it is what their party values.

Republicans have been unmasked, if you will. By Donald Trump.
U.S. makes it clear again it will not have talks on CEU with Hungary

Washington has made it clear it has no authority or intention to enter into negotiations on the operation of Central European University (CEU) or other universities in Hungary. The official statement by the U.S. Department of State comes on the back of Education Minister Zoltan Balogs remark that Hungary is awaiting a letter from U.S. Education Minister Betsy DeVos in the CEU case.

After creating legislation widely seen as specifically targeting CEU, the Hungarian government insists that Washington is willing to sit to the negotiating table with Budapest over Lex CEU.Education Minister Zoltan Balog told local news portal index.hu on Tuesday that they are waiting for a letter by U.S. Education Minister Betsy DeVos in the CEU case. The U.S. State Department, however, has made it clear - again - that it has no authority or intention to negotiate in this matter.It seems the cabinet is not giving up its strategy of procrastination. Although Prime Minister Viktor Orban appointed a chief negotiator to talk with CEU, Kristof Altusz was a no-show when the first official negotiation between Hungarian authorities and CEU took place last Wednesday.

The U.S. Government has no authority or intention to enter into negotiations on the operation of Central European University or other universities in Hungary

, U.S. State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert said in a press release on Tuesday.

The United States again urges the Government of Hungary to suspend implementation of its amended higher education law, which places discriminatory, onerous requirements on U.S.-accredited institutions in Hungary and threatens academic freedom and independence."

The State Department also urged the Hungarian government to with affected institutions to find a resolution that allows them to continue to function freely and provide greater educational opportunity for the citizens of Hungary and the region."Tamas Menczer, press chief of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, told state newswire MTI that Altusz has been waiting for Washington for three weeks to reply to the negotiation schedule he had drawn up.A press release is far cry from a diplomatic answer," Menczer lectured Washington.He stressed that nothing puts academic freedom and the independence of universities at risk in Hungary. He insists that the Higher Education Law is not discriminatory, and that none of the affected institutions - of China, Malaysia or Thailand -, neither their respective ambassadors objected to the amendment of the law. Two of the three U.S. universities affected by the new legislation have shown willingness to co-operate and are seeking a solution, he added.European Parliament has recently passed a resolution by a majority calling on Hungary to repeal of Lex CEU. It urged the Hungarian government to immediately suspend all deadlines in the act amending the National Higher Education Act, to start immediate dialogue with the relevant US authorities in order to guarantee the future operations of the Central European University issuing US-accredited degrees, and to make a public commitment that the university can remain in Budapest as a free institution."The College of EU Commissioners decided at the end of April to take legal action against Hungary in the form of a Letter of Formal Notice , on the basis of in-depth legal assessment, as it sees non-compliance with the freedom of establishment and provision of services.
Charleston, SC (29403)

Today

Rain. Becoming windy in the afternoon. Potential for heavy rainfall. High 74F. Winds E at 20 to 30 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall near an inch..

Tonight

Tropical storm conditions possible. Cloudy with periods of rain. Low 71F. Winds SE at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall around a half an inch.
The Butler Did It par Read more [...]
Charleston, SC (29403)

Today

A few showers this evening, becoming a steady light rain overnight. Low 64F. Winds NE at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 80%. Winds could occasionally gust over 40 mph..

Tonight

A few showers this evening, becoming a steady light rain overnight. Low 64F. Winds NE at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 80%. Winds could occasionally gust over 40 mph.
NEW YORK  Target Corp. has reached an $18.5 million settlement over a massive data breach that occurred before Christmas in 2013, New York's attorney general announced Tuesday.

The agreement involving 47 states and the District of Columbia is the largest multistate data breach settlement to date, Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman's office said. The settlement, which stipulates some security measures the retailer must adhere to, resolves the states' probe into the breach.

Target spokeswoman Jenna Reck said in a statement that the company has been working with state authorities for several years to address claims related to the breach.

"We're pleased to bring this issue to a resolution for everyone involved," she said.

Target had announced the breach on Dec. 19, 2013, saying it occurred between Nov. 27 and Dec. 15 of that year. It affected more than 41 million customer payment card accounts and exposed contact information for more than 60 million customers.

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The breach forced Target to overhaul its security system and the company offered free credit reports for potentially affected shoppers. Target's sales, profit and stock price all suffered months after the disclosure as shoppers were nervous about their security of their credit cards. The breach also contributed to the departure of Target's then-CEO, chairman and president Gregg Steinhafel, who resigned in May 2014. CEO Brian Cornell took the helm in August 2014.

Target's data breach was the first in a series of scams that hit other retailers including SuperValu and Home Depot. It forced the retail industry, banks and card companies to increase security and sped the adoption of microchips into U.S. credit and debit cards.

An investigation by the states found that in November 2013, scammers got access to Target's server through credentials stolen from a third-party vendor. They used those credentials to take advantage of holes in Target's systems, accessing a customer service database and installing malware that was used to capture data, including full customer names, telephone numbers, email and mailing addresses, credit card numbers, expiration dates and encrypted debit PINs.

The settlement requires Target to maintain appropriate encryption policies and take other security steps, though the company has already implemented those measures. Reck said the costs of the settlement are reflected in the reserves that Target has previously disclosed.
This past semester I had the opportunity to take a creative writing class at my community college. There were about 15 people in the class, and over the course of the semester we read short stories from authors including Ernest Hemingway or poems from poets including Emily Dickinson.

Of course, it was a creative writing class, so we had to do some creative writing of our own, and a major part of that was getting into groups for feedback. That was probably the most useful part of the class, and it was certainly the part where I learned the most.

That being said, I have to say that it wasn't an exceptionally pleasant experience all the time. I don't think I will ever get to the point where I am excited to hand out something that I worked hard on and then just sit there silently as others read through it, wondering what they think about it. In a way, that's where I got the most out of the class, learning how to take feedback and deciding on whether or not to follow advice or stick with the way I had it.

At times, it could feel personal when I would put a story or a poem out there and receive feedback about all sorts of things that I should change or cut. Not to say that these critiques are meant to be especially harsh, really they are just pointing out a flaw for it to be fixed, or giving an idea on how to make something better.

But it took a while before I could really separate what they were saying about my individual pieces of writing from my ability to write in general. A person saying, "This story needs work" is very different from a person saying "You're a terrible writer," and being able to differentiate between the two is an important part of being able to accept advice and learning how to respond to feedback.

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The group discussion didn't just help me learn how to accept feedback and advice, it also helped me learn how to give feedback and advice. Sometimes people would bring in pieces that seemed more or less finished. In saying that, I don't mean that there was a beginning, middle, and end. I more so mean that they were polished. They were finished, had no technical errors that I could see, and in general had nothing that really needed to be said other than a general "Good job."

Other times what people brought in would be far less finished. Sometimes there would be words consistently misspelled, bizarre formatting, or just clumsy wording. One time someone brought in a two-page story with the font scaled down to half its normal size because the assignment called for a one-page story.

These stories needed the feedback more than the perfectly polished ones, but same time it was usually more difficult to give it to them. On the one hand, I wanted to just go line by line and point out the things that I would change, but at the same time it would be so unbelievably discouraging to bring in a story that you were proud of only to have it ripped apart like that. I learned quickly that I needed to comment on the stuff that worked just as much as the stuff that didn't.

The class wasn't perfect. There were definitely moments of drama when people thought that their pieces were getting criticism that they didn't deserve, but as a whole it was a fantastic experience and I wish I could go through it all again.
A group of community members is revamping its involvement with Rochester schools in reaction to the finding that students of color are disproportionately disciplined.

The Community Focus Team stems from a group of people, mainly not employed by the school district, who wanted to help with its efforts to address a September 2015 U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights finding that students of color were disciplined more than their white peers.

The group believes that their involvement in addressing the disparity, as well as the school district's, is key to solving it. So on Tuesday, the group is worked to determine its purpose, the goals it hopes to accomplish and a leadership structure.

They'll also work to make sure communication with the community is consistent, and that involvement remains steady.

"We want to make sure that we include lots of people, that we keep bringing new ideas to the table, and we need you guys," said Kamau Wilkins, of Rochester For Justice, who's been involved with the group from its start. "We need you to keep coming and allow us to work through this process until we have something solid, to make sure the district is hearing the voices of the community in this."

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The team met and made recommendations for the district in August 2016 , some of which were implemented. But many felt since that time that the district took over efforts and that community involvement dropped off. Others were unhappy with how the district responded to their recommendations.

They've made it clear they would like more data on how and where students are being disciplined, as well as any efforts the district has put in place and their effectiveness.

Moving forward, the district won't coordinate the group, but will be involved, said Amy Eich, the district's director of community education. She also said the group will need to determine how it will work with school district governance moving forward -- meaning whether they'll make day-to-day operations recommendations to the Superintendent, or if they'll make policy recommendations to the school board.

An exact date for the group's next meeting has yet to be determined, but will be held in June.
STEWARTVILLE  The city of Stewartville asked residents about their child-care needs, and the results showed a shortage of available care coupled with some problems getting enough care to fill the need.

Members of the community workforce along with residents filled out 198 surveys where respondents said they had 329 child care-age children from infants to age 4. Of those 100 were infants or toddlers in need of child care, and 133 are children ages 2 to 4 who need child care.

Stewartville Mayor Jimmy-John King said Kids Come 1st, a child-care provider with locations in Rochester, estimated that Stewartville is about 77 spots short of the needed number of child care slots.

"It's holding some people back from getting a job," King said. In fact, some employers have talked about how people they've hired miss days when their daycare closes. "We're lacking enough good quality daycare."

And one of the biggest reasons for the shortage, King said, is the regulation on how many day-care workers you need for each infant or toddler.

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"I think you can have two for each worker," King said. "That's the big hang up from what I understand."

Heather McClellan, who has run a day care from her Stewartville home for 21 years, said she has a second caregiver in her home so she can take a two infants and two toddlers.

"It's because it changes the infant-to-toddler ratio compared to the preschoolers," she said.

McClellan said she was considering starting an off-site day care in Stewartville, but was not convinced the city could support another day-care center.

Part of the issue, she said, is the school's early childhood program has added more space for 4-year-olds, meaning that ratio of preschool versus infants and toddlers is askew.

"They have their own 4-year-old day care called Tiger Tots," she said. "And they have day care for the older kids (kindergarten through age 12) called Tiger Time."

"Right now, we're limited on how many younger ones we can have," McClellan said. "In order to open a center, you need a variety of ages."

That survey showed 41 percent of respondents said they had difficulty finding child care in town. A lack of openings in day cares  particularly infant openings  is a big part of that. King said one woman at the meeting last week spoke about how if she wants to have another child, she needs to tell the day-care provider who cares for her current children, before a new child would be born just to save the space.

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King said the meeting on child care held last week was designed to get the schools and businesses together with parents who need daycare and let them talk about solutions.

We're trying to facilitate the schools and businesses together to get something done.

"I'm not going to propose the city can come up with an answer," the mayor said. "We got the daycare providers and mothers together. We had churches there saying 'What can we do?'"

The issue, he added, becomes a partial road block toward growth. If parents can't find quality, affordable day care, they won't live in Stewartville.

King said he's hopeful the city can work with people interested in starting daycare facilities to help them with their business. One such person, he said, is working to renovate the old Kwik Trip building into a day care.

"We're trying to help her with some classes or advertising, or getting her a sign for her business," King said.
In the post Trump agonistes last week I noted what I saw in the news stories that have created the consuming controversies of the past few weeks: hostile officials inside the executive branch of the government seeking the removal of Donald Trump from office. They are powerful. They lack any qualms about abusing their positions. They are determined. And they have the invaluable assistance of the Democrats mainstream media adjunct.

With malicious intent, current officials inside the intelligence agencies with access to top secret information, for example, have passed it on under the cloak of anonymity to their friends in the mainstream media. Even former officials  i.e., former Obama administration officials  have gotten in on the act. (The source of their information is neither revealed nor apparent.)

The subversion of an incumbent Republican president by the intelligence community in the permanent government is is an old story, as is the role of the mainstream media. President Trumps death struggle with his invisible opponents, however, has arrived early in his first term in office.

Victor Davis Hanson amplifies and elaborates on the contribution of the mainstream media angle in his long, indispensable NRO column A coup by any other name? We are thinking along the same lines; one section of Dr. Hansons column is headed Trump agonistes.

Here is the salient point regarding the media: The effort to remove the president is conducted by the New York Times, the Washington Post, the wire services, and the major networks. And we have seen nothing like it in our time. In the last six months, Americans have been told quite falsely so many untruths about the Trump administration by their news agencies that for all practical purposes, there is no such thing as a media as we once knew it.

We wend our way inevitably to this destination: We are now watching insidious regime change, aimed at removing the president of the United States not because of what he has done so far, but because of his personality and what he might do to the Obama agenda  and because for a variety of cultural reasons, our elite simply despises his very being.

I would add as a footnote that Christopher Roachs Tales of a coup: What Trump can learn from Gorbachev makes a good companion to the Hanson column.
Last week at an Alexandria, Virginia fitness club, leftist Georgetown professor Christine Fair harassed a fellow club member, white nationalist Richard Spencer. Fair was forced to leave the gym. Spencer was later kicked out of the club.

The Washington Posts account of the affair is here. You can watch Spencer give his account here.

In terms of the facts, the two accounts are largely in accord. Spencer was working out when Fair recognized him. She approached him and demanded to know whether he was Richard Spencer.

Hoping to avoid a confrontation, Spencer first denied his identity. But Fair was having none it. She said (or screeched, in Spencers account) so not only are you a Nazi  you are a cowardly Nazi. She added:

I just want to say to you, Im sick of your crap  that this country belongs [to people like you]. . . . As a woman, I find your statements to be particularly odious; moreover, I find your presence in this gym to be unacceptable, your presence in this town to be unacceptable.

Hoping to put an end to Fairs continuing harassment, Spencer asked for the assistance of a club employee. That employee happened to be a black female. Fair would later write:

Seriously? This superior race of a white man needed the help of a female African American? What kind of martial race member is he?

When gym members intervened on Spencers behalf in the hope of ending the disruption, Fair lashed out at one of them. Finally, the general manager confronted Fair for creating a hostile environment for gym patrons. (Spencer says club personnel told him this wasnt the first time Fair was disruptive.)

Fair was told to leave. Later, though, the club notified Spencer that he was expelled.

If the name Christine Fair sounds familiar, it may be because I wrote last winter about her string of attacks on a former Georgetown professor, a Muslim, who had the audacity to write a pro-Trump op-ed in the Washington Post. Fair told the woman to f**k off and go to hell; accused her of pimping herself for media coverage; attacked her for having no job, and thus needing Obamacare; and denied that she is a true Muslim.

The attacks were unrelenting and grew increasingly foul. Finally, the victim complained to the University.

The victim of this attack is hardly a white nationalist. Clearly, then, Fairs viciousness extends to people who dont fit that description.

Supporting Donald Trump is sufficient to set her off. Spencers alleged Nazism would seem to be nothing more than a pretext for abusing someone with whom she strongly disagrees. The professor is a monster.

But suppose Fair had limited her harassment to Spencer. Does his white nationalism justify harassing him while he works out or kicking him out of a fitness club?

Not in a free society. I find race-based ideologies  whether white nationalism or black nationalism  objectionable. But both white and black nationalists, if law abiding, should be able to work out at a gym in peace and without facing expulsion, provided they dont bother other members and they adhere to the club rules.

Fair calls Spencer a Nazi and the Washington Posts Faiz Siddiqui (who either couldnt find the story of Fairs prior harassing conduct or decided to cover it up) calls this a common characterization of Spencer. Common or not, the characterization may be hyperbolic. However, some of Spencers positions resemble those of the Nazis.

What about Fair? Her attempts to bully people whose political beliefs she strongly opposes bring to mind Fascism.

When Fair says that Spencers presence in this town is unacceptable, she appears to be advocating his forced relocation (lets give her the benefit of the doubt and assume shes not calling for his execution). Fair certainly favored his forced relocation from the Old Town Sport&Health for no reason other than his political views.

Professor Fair may be an extreme case, but her authoritarian tendencies, which extend well beyond the suppression of white nationalists, are common among contemporary leftists. Thats why contemporary leftism strikes me as more dangerous, on balance, than a fringe movement like Spencers alt-right white nationalism.
Photos that were shared with American intelligence agencies and leaked to the New York Times indicate that Manchester terrorist Salman Abedi used relatively sophisticated technology, suggesting that he had help. The Telegraph reports:

Manchester suicide bomber Salman Abedi carried his bomb in a Karrimor rucksack triggered with a sophisticated switch held in his left hand, leaked crime scene photographs suggest. Police found the remains of the bombs lightweight metal casing, together with a high quality 12-volt battery and a trigger device contained a small circuit board soldered into one end. The evidence discovered in the foyer of the Manchester Arena helps to explain why the security services are so convinced Abedi was part of a wider terrorist cell, as the level of expertise needed to build such a device points to an expert bomb-maker who could still be at large.

More at the link. British authorities are imploring American intelligence agencies to quit leaking:

The pictures were leaked despite a direct plea from Amber Rudd, the Home Secretary, to the US authorities to stop leaking information about the fast-moving inquiry.

Stop leaking? Forget itthat is what our intelligence agencies do best.

On a related subject, it was almost exactly a year ago that this story hit the news: Manchester Police Apologize For Allahu Akbar.'

Police in Manchester, England has issued an apology, after a suicide bombing simulation which involved an actor shouting the Islamic phrase Allahu Akbar (God is greater) before detonating mock explosives. The simulated terror attack was held at one of the UKs largest shopping centers, the Old Trafford Centre, and was part of a counter-terrorism training drill preparing for a possible Paris-style assault by jihadist terrorists. However, police later apologized for linking Islam with terrorism.

The exercise was criticized by some politicians and Muslim activists, including The Community Safety Forum, an anti-Islamophobia organization.

This sort of thing panders to stereotypes and further divides us. It will increase anti-Muslim hate crime, the group claimed.

Anti-Muslim hate crime being the greatest threat currently facing Western Europe.

I cant find any indication that the Community Safety Forum has commented on Salman Abedis mass murder. Its Facebook page hasnt been updated for a while, but one of its most recent posts consists of photos of a protest march in Manchester against President Trumps Muslim travel ban.

Great Britain has a very long way to go if it intends to get serious about Islamic terrorism.
Dartmouth President Phil Hanlon recently named Bruce Duthu to the exalted position of Dean of Faculty from his position as associate dean and professor of Native American Studies. In his professional capacity Duthu had co-authored an extremely distasteful organizational statement supporting a boycott of Israel academic institutions. He is a supporter of the anti-Israel Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions movement that conflicts with Dartmouth policy.

Professor Alan Gustman eloquently dissented from Duthus appointment. We posted Professor Gustmans message to President Hanlon and the faculty in At Dartmouth, Professor Gustman protests. Professor Gustmans message triggered that exchange that we posted in That Duthu that you do so well.

On Monday we received word that Duthu has resigned his position as associate dean and withdrawn from his appointment as Dean of Faculty. Inside Higher Ed reports the story with the obligatory twists here. Joe Asch has the true bead on this story with the saturation coverage he has provided at Dartblog (just this week, for example, here, here, here, here, and here).

This is the message Professor Duthu addressed to his colleagues on Monday:

It is with deepest regret that I write to say that I have declined the opportunity to serve as Dartmouths next Dean of the Faculty. I will also step down from my current position as Associate Dean to return to the faculty in Native American Studies as of July 1 this year.



As many of you know, the news of my appointment, at least in some circles, remains a source of concern and contention. Whether warranted or not, this matter has been and will likely continue to be a significant distraction for me professionally and a source of considerable pain and frustration for me personally. It also has the great potential to be damaging to the college in the long term, given the higher visibility and engagement with external audiences that come with the deans position. Under these circumstances, I do not believe I can serve effectively as your Dean. I notified President Hanlon of my decision this past weekend. I recognize and deeply appreciate the support, encouragement and trust that so many of you have expressed over these past several weeks. To those colleagues who stepped forward publicly to voice their support for my appointment and for me personally, I will remain forever and profoundly grateful. Very truly yours, N. Bruce Duthu

Did he jump or was he pushed? I assume the latter, but I dont know.

With Duthus withdrawal, President Hanlon could and should have tried to take a lemon and turn it into a lemonade. Instead, with disingenuous, misleading and cowardly comments on Duthus withdrawal, Hanlon has taken a lemon and squeezed it into a vat of poison. Alumnus Roger Gerber eviscerates Hanlons comments in an open letter to Hanlon and the provost that Joe Asch has posted here.
Modern voting rights cases involving redistricting can be thought of as a tale of two dilemmas  one legal, one political. The legal dilemma is this: if a state legislature takes race into account in drawing districts, its action is subject to challenge under the Equal Protection Clause of the Constitution; but if it doesnt take race into account, its action is subject to challenge under the Voting Rights Act.

The Supreme Court has tried to address this dilemma by holding that race normally cannot be the predominant factor in redistricting, but can be one factor so as to ensure compliance with the Voting Rights Act. Hans von Spakovsky has this in mind when he speaks of the Goldilocks principle of redistricting.

The political dilemma stems from the desire of Democrats to send lots of African-Americans to legislatures without undercutting white Democratic candidates. To satisfy the desire for black legislators, private litigants on the left and their allies in the Justice Department traditionally insisted on the creation of majority-minority districts  that is, districts with an actual majority of black voters. To be on the safe side, says von Spakovsky, they usually pushed for districts where blacks made up at least 55 percent of the voting population.

However, this quest tended to leave districts with a majority white voting population drained of the black voters needed to elect white Democrats. Hence, the dilemma for Democrats.

Eventually, Democrats figured out that blacks vote for them so reliably, especially if the Democratic candidate is black, that they can create safe districts for blacks without having a majority black population in the districts. Somewhere in the mid-40 percent range will suffice for the purpose of electing blacks. The extra white voters can be spread into surrounding districts to help white Democrats.

The Supreme Courts recent decision in Cooper v. Harris is best understood in terms of these two dilemmas, especially the political one. Von Spakovsky explains why in this analysis for SCOTUSblog.

The case involved a challenge to two North Carolina congressional districts. The decision striking down one of them was unanimous.

The other district failed by a 5-3 vote, with the four liberal Justices joined by Justice Thomas (Justice Gorsuch did not participate). Thomas believes that race shouldnt factor into drawing district lines. No Goldilocks principle for him.

In the district over which the Justices divided 5-3, North Carolina lawmakers had increased black voter representation from 43.8 to 50.7. Their stated goal was to help the Republican party. There is no dispute that this is permissible objective or that the plan would advance that objective.

However, Justice Kagans opinion viewed this as a mixed motive case and held that race cannot predominate as a motive in such cases. In finding that race did, she relied heavily on a few statements indicating that the legislature was concerned with obtaining the Justice Departments approval (preclearance) under the Voting Rights Act.

The mixed motives, then, were helping Republicans and complying with the Voting Rights Act. Neither is improper. Moreover, helping Republicans surely was the predominant motive, with concern about Justice Department approval stemming, at least in part, from the realization that such approval was necessary if Republicans were to be helped.

As Justice Alito explained in his excellent dissent, North Carolina simply could not redistrict without heeding the Voting Rights Acts prohibitions and requirements. Thus, race had to be kept in mind. To seize on statements by legislators that evince concern with the Voting Rights Act as evidence of improper racial motivation seems perverse.

It should be apparent that Cooper v. Harris doesnt really fit neatly into the mixed motive framework. Realistically, there was a single motive  elect more Republicans  a means  race  and a potential constraint  the Voting Rights Act/Justice Department.

In other words, for the North Carolina legislature race was a means to a political end, just as it is for the side challenging North Carolinas action. Thus, Justice Kagan and her liberal colleagues did nothing more than take a side in a political dispute.

Justice Alito nailed it in his dissent. He noted:

If around 90 percent of African-American voters cast their ballots for the Democratic candidate, as they have in recent elections, a plan that packs Democratic voters will look very much like a plan that packs African-American voters.

Thus, upholding, or even entertaining, race-based challenges in this context creates the danger that the federal courts will be transformed into weapons of political warfare.

If the majority party draws districts to favor itself, the minority party can deny the majority its political victory by prevailing on a racial gerrymandering claim. Even if the minority party loses in court, it can exact a heavy price by using the judicial process to engage in political trench warfare for years on end.

For Justice Kagan and her liberal colleagues, Im pretty sure this is a feature of her voting rights jurisprudence in redistricting cases, not a bug.

This view finds further support from three other facets of the case. First and foremost, under the Supreme Courts decision in Easley v. Cromartie, 532 U. S. 234 (2001) (Cromartie II), plaintiffs challenging a political gerrymander as racially motivated must present an alternative plan that shows the legislature could have achieved its legitimate political objectives in alternative ways that are comparably consistent with traditional districting principles. That alternative plan must also be shown to have brought about significantly greater racial balance.

The plaintiffs in this case did not present an alternative plan. Justice Kagan had no problem with this.

However, Justice Alito stated:

A precedent of this Court should not be treated like a disposable household item  say, a paper plate or napkin  to be used once and then tossed in the trash. But that is what the Court does today in its decision. . .The Court junks a rule adopted in a prior, remarkably similar challenge to this very same congressional district.

Second, as von Spakovsky points out, looking at virtually the same evidence in a parallel case that went through the state courts, the North Carolina Supreme Court found that race was not the predominant factor in the redistricting. State courts are normally given great deference by federal courts when it comes to these types of state issues.

Third, Justice Kagans opinion ignores a glaring factual error committed by the federal district court whose ruling she upheld. In essence, the district court relied on a statement of two legislators who pushed the redistricting plan that indicated a racial motive. However, as the Justice Department admitted in its brief opposing the plan, the statements pertained to state legislative districts, not the federal congressional districts at issue in Cooper.

Disregarding precedent, rejecting the deference normally given to state courts, and overlooking factual error  these are among the expected consequences of federal courts transforming themselves into weapons of political warfare.
President Trumps first proposed budget was released today, to howls of outrage from the left. The New York Times issued an email breaking news alert:

The Timess claim that Trumps budget assumes improbable economic growth was mild compared to the reaction from most of the liberal commentariat. Slate, for example, initially headlined The Trump budget forecasts 3 percent growth for 10 years, is insane, but then backed off to Trumps Growth Forecasts Are the Budgetary Equivalent of Putting Your Fingers in Your Ears and Yelling, Na Na Na Na Na.

Yes, Trumps budget projects 3% annual GDP growth. That used to be considered the norm, with 4%, on average, the target. Now liberals think such budget assumptions are insane, or, more mildly, improbable.

At times like this, I like to ask: What did Barack Obama do?

Heh. As it happens, I have already written about this. In March 2015, I compared Obamas budget projections to what actually happened:

Is 2.2% an acceptable rate of economic growth? No, but dont take my word for it. By the Obama administrations own standards, it has been a failure. President Obama submitted his proposed budget for FY 2011 in February 2010. Its tone was triumphalist. Obama had the good fortune to take office in the wake of a financial collapse and a recession, and his budget predicted robust economic growth in the years to come. Table S-1 set out, among other things, the administrations projections of GDP in future years. Here they are, in billions of dollars, along with my calculation of the projected growth rate: 2012 16,203 2013 17,182 = 6% 2014 18,139 = 5.6% 2015 19,190 = 5.8% 2016 20,163 = 5% The federal fiscal year runs from October to October, so it is not exactly coextensive with the calendar year, but that discrepancy is immaterial for this purpose. As you can see, the Obama administration expected its policies to produce GDP growth of 5% to 6% in 2014, far more than the 2.2% actually experienced, as well as the 3.1% attained in 2013. As time went by, Obamas economists realized that the administrations policies were not producing the growth they had expected. Thus, in February 2012, when the administration released its proposed budget for FY 2013, its projections were revised as follows: FY 2012 15,602 FY 2013 16,335 = 4.7% FY 2014 17,156 = 5% FY 2015 18,178 = 6% FY 2016 19,261 = 6% Note that the projection for FY 2013 was revised downward by $847 billion. Still, prosperity was just around the corner, as the administration still expected growth in 2014 to be 5% to 6%, with robust growth thereafter. Two years later, the numbers had changed again. When the presidents FY 2015 budget was released in March 2014, these were the predicted GDP numbers: FY 2013 16,619 FY 2014 17,332 = 4.3% FY 2015 18,219 = 5.1% FY 2016 19,181 = 5.3% FY 2017 20,199 = 5.3% But even then, just one year ago, the Obama administration predicted that economic growth in 2014 would be 4.3% or greatertwice the actual number. The administrations current projection for FY 2015 is nearly $1 trillion lower than what it expected in 2010. That is around $3,000 per person. So dont take my word for it: the Obama administration is an economic failure, judged by its own criteria. Its policies have achieved only a fraction of the economic growth that the administration confidently predicted when it took office.

Through the whole Obama administration, there was never a prediction of GDP growth as low as 3%the level that liberals now deem improbable if not insane. In 2011, did the New York Times write that Obamas budget projection of 6% GDP growthexactly twice the prediction embodied in Trumps proposed budgetwas improbable? Just kidding.

With reasonable government policies, 3% growth is eminently obtainable. It is nowhere near what the Reagan administration achieved. Which is why the Democrats are determined to drive Trump out of office before his pro-growth policies (on repatriation, for example) can be implemented. A pro-growth administration would expose the Obama years for the economic fiasco that they were.
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A popular Kannywood actor, Sheriff Ahlan, was on Saturday in Kano taken to hospital after being assaulted by persons suspected to be thugs.

The incident occurred in the evening around Kabuga Janbulo quarters along the Bayero University, Kano new site where the actor resides.

A source close to Mr. Ahlan confirmed to PREMIUM TIMES that the actor was left with serious injuries on his back and forehead after being struck with what he suspected was a cutlass.

Nasir Gwangwazo, a former news editor of Leadership Hausa who is now a leading Kannywood scriptwriter, told PREMIUM TIMES that the victim had been discharged from hospital.

Efforts to reach Mr. Ahlan through his phone number were not successful.

The actor, who has been a lecturer at Saadatu Rimi College of Education, Kano for about nine years, played lead roles in many Hausa films.

Among his most popular films are Jinsee, 419, Mafia and Gadon Baya.

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Pope Francis and First Lady Melania Trump joked about U.S. President Donald Trumps culinary habits during a meeting at the Vatican, according to video footage.

What do you give him to eat, Francis asked Melania in Spanish, via an interpreter, when he shook hands with her after the private audience with Trump.

The First Lady replied, pizza, drawing laughter from the pope.

Trump met Francis, one of his most high profile critics, at the Vatican on Wednesday and after an exchange of gifts he promised he would not forget the pontiffs message during their half-hour discussion.

Under clear blue skies, Trump received a tribute from the Swiss Guard in a Vatican courtyard where he was greeted by Archbishop Georg Ganswein, the prefect of the pontifical household.

Trump looked uncomfortable as he entered a small elevator taking him to the third floor of the Apostolic Palace, where he was accompanied by Ganswein and other officials along a frescoed corridor to the popes private study.

Following behind Trump were daughter Ivanka, her husband, Jared Kushner, a top White House aide, national security adviser H.R. McMaster and adviser Hope Hicks.

The pope did not smile as he greeted Trump outside the study.

Trump, seeming subdued, said it is a great honour.

The two men then posed for photographs and the pope kept a stern face while Trump beamed for the cameras.

The meeting began at precisely 8:33 a.m.

Trumps meeting with Pope Francis, his third stop on a nine-day foreign tour due to end on Saturday, is part of his world tour of religions after meeting leaders of Muslim nations in Saudi Arabia and visiting holy sites in Jerusalem.

While his talks in Saudi Arabia and Israel were mostly friendly, the meeting between the head of the Roman Catholic Church and the thrice-married, blunt-spoken Trump could be a little more confrontational.

The pope in 2016 said a man who thinks about building walls and not bridges is not Christian, a sharp reprimand for Trumps vow to build a wall along the U.S. border with Mexico.

Trump said it was disgraceful of the Argentine-born pope, who represents just over half of the worlds two billion Christians, to question his faith.

If and when the Vatican is attacked by ISIS, which as everyone knows is ISIS ultimate trophy, I can promise you that the pope would have only wished and prayed that Donald Trump would have been president, Trump said during the campaign.

Trumps softer stance on environmental regulations also is at odds with Francis view that climate change is caused mostly by human activity.

The Vatican also took a dim view of Trumps anti-Muslim campaign rhetoric, although Trump softened his tone considerably in a major speech in Riyadh.

Francis said onMay 13,he would be sincere with Trump but did not want to judge him before listening to him in person.

Part of Trumps motivation for meeting the pope was to dramatise how the three major religions should rally against the threat from Islamist militants.

We thought that this trip was essential to put together the Muslim faith, the Jewish faith and then the Catholic faith, the Christian faith, said a senior White House official who briefed reporters on Trumps Air Force One flight to Rome.

By putting everybody together you can really build a coalition and show that its not a Muslim problem, its not a Jewish problem, its not a Catholic problem, its not a Christian problem, it really is a world problem, the official said.

Trump at first did not plan to stop in Rome during his visit to Europe, which some in the Vatican saw as a snub.

When he changed his mind, the Vatican squeezed him in at 8:30 a.m. on a Wednesday morning, an unusual day and an unusually early time.

Francis holds his weekly audience with the general public on Wednesday at 10 a.m. in St Peters Square.

After the meeting, Trump moves on to Brussels for a NATO summit, followed by the last stop on his trip, to a Group of Seven summit in Sicily.(Reuters/NAN)

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The Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, on Tuesday said the Nigerian government would not use imported materials in its housing schemes.

Mr. Fashola said this at the Real Estate Investment Trust, REIT, Conference, held at the Exchange House in Lagos on Tuesday.

Represented by a former finance commissioner in Lagos State, Ayo Gbeleyi, the minister said the decision was part of the governments efforts to help small businesses in the housing industry grow.

According to Mr. Fashola, the governments plan for sustainable supply through its housing scheme is to standardise designs and industrialise production, noting that it would help diversify the economy.

By standardizing fittings such as doors, windows, roofing sheets, tiles and other components, it allows us to use these standards to stimulate local mass production of fittings and finishing to meet the demands of mass housing, the minister said.

We have as such resolved not to use imported materials in our housing schemes, where there are local alternatives.

In this way, we will be achieving one major objective of the President Muhammadu Buhari Administrations vision and strategic goal of diversifying our economy, he said.

Speaking further, the minister said, For example, the smallest of houses will have at least a main door, a kitchen door, a room door and a bathroom door making a total of 4 (Four) doors.

In order to build 250,000 units of that type of house, this market will need to produce 1,000,000 (One Million) doors.

This does not include pipes, taps and sockets for electrical appliances. I leave you to imagine what this can do for our economy if we produce all these items locally.

Our surveys indicate that electrical fittings such as sockets and door locks are still largely imported and we will use our demand capacity to stimulate local manufacturing or assembly, in order to keep the jobs in these areas at home.

The minister disclosed that the government has resolved that the next step toward industrial production is to reduce the time it takes to build a block.

Our recent experience shows that a block of 12 flats usually takes 12  18 months at the quickest, he said, adding that, We are looking at designing moulds that reduce this time to 6 (Six) months or less.

Speaking on some of the challenges being faced by the ministry, Mr. Fashola disclosed that there are many Nigerians who have resorted to property development out of a survival necessity rather than out of any capacity or knowledge about the industry.

These people, whom he described as emergency developers, dominate the industry and pose a challenge for decision makers.

We receive dozens of letters almost daily by people offering to build 10,000 housing units, (which seems to be the magical number for some of these emergency developers), without verifiable pedigree and track record of where they have built a simple 100 housing units, he said.

We also have offers from road construction companies who want to build houses.

The skill sets and logistics are entirely different even though they both involve construction, he added.

Meanwhile, Mr. Fashola argued that the government would not leave the housing sector in the hands of private individuals, as being championed by the some stakeholders in the industry.

He, however, disclosed that government would provide support through policy formulation, regulation, and empowerment of its stakeholders.

There is the view that government should get out of housing and leave it only to the private sector, the former Lagos state governor said.

This was one of the issues debated at the summit. What the proponents failed to show us, was the proven capacity of the private sector on its own to meet the demand for housing and reduce the deficit considerably.

The successful methods in countries I have referred to, show that government often leads the way, first by policy, later by regulation and finally by empowerment and enablement.

Our programme will not be different.

The REIT conference was organised by the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, in collaboration with other stakeholders in the housing sector and the capital market.

The programme, which had in attendance selected media organisations, including PREMIUM TIMES, also featured other key speakers like Ahmed Kuru, Chairman of Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria, AMCON; Tunde Fowler, Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS; Munir Gwarzo, Director General of the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC, among others.

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Nigerias Excess Crude Account balance dropped to $2.29 billion on May 23 from $2.49 billion on April 25.

The Accountant General of the Federation , Ahmed Idris, made this known on Tuesday after a Federation Account Allocation Committee, FAAC, meeting held at the Ministry of Finance in Abuja.

According to Mr. Idris, the allocations from the Federation Account to the three tiers of government also declined by N52. 07 billion from the N467.8 billion shared in March to N 415.73 billion in April this year.

Similarly, a decrease of N57.47 billion was also recorded in gross statutory revenue from N331.58 billion in March to N274.1 billion in April.

Mr. Idris explained further that the Federal Government received N163.89 billion while states and the 774 local government councils received N117.59 billion and N87.77 billion, respectively.

Meanwhile, N29.83 billion was shared to the oil-producing states based on the 13 per cent derivation principle, while the revenue- generating agencies received N16.52 billion as cost of revenue collection.

According to Mr. Idris, the decrease in revenue to crude oil production setbacks was caused by sabotage and shutdown of installations, especially in the Niger Delta region.

Despite the improvement (in prices of crude oil), production still suffered the perennial setbacks, he said.

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The governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, is enmeshed in double voters registration scandal, after he was pictured in his office registering as a voter the second time, having already registered in Abuja.

Mr. Bello was shown being registered by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

A group, Kogi For Change, in a statement signed by its chairman, Omeiza Yakubu, said it would take legal action in view of the illegality of Mr. Bellos action.

At the Kogi governorship election tribunal, the governors Chief of Staff, David Onoja, standing as a witness, had said his principal never registered to vote in Kogi, but Abuja.

However, in the course of the ongoing Continuous Voters Registration, CVR, exercise, Mr. Bello registered again, this time in his office, in Lokoja, Kogi State capital.

We got really concerned when we saw the picture of the Governor (Yahaya Bello) being registered by an INEC official inside his office, said Kogi For Change. Is the Government House a Registration Centre?

It continued: What happened to the INEC law that forbids double registration since the governor is already registered in Abuja? Then the question arises: Is the Government House the Ward or Unit of Alhaji Yahaya Bello? Was he not supposed to register in his Unit? Or is INEC going to create a special voting point for him inside his office during the next election?

The impunity that unleashed the governor on the state is at work again and we are not going to take it lightly. As a matter of fact we have decided as a group to take the matter to talk. It is a criminal offence to engage in double registration, the group said.

In a statement to PREMIUM TIMES Wednesday morning, Mr. Bellos spokesperson, Kingsley Fanwo, did not deny his boss registered twice, but suggested it was not illegal.

He argued that the governor had to register again in Kogi, because nothing had come of efforts to get INEC to transfer his voters card from Abuja to Kogi.

He acknowledged the picture of his principal being registered in his Lokoja office, which he said had elicited hysterical overplay.

From the first day, the Governor didnt say he registered in Kogi State, said Mr. Fanwo. It even came to the fore at the tribunals. He registered in Abuja.

He never voted in Kogi State. Nothing in the law makes it mandatory for you to vote for yourself before you can win a political position. We have had people who won elections from detention in the past. They wouldnt have voted for themselves from detention.

The Governors efforts to transfer the card from Abuja to Kogi State has not been successful, hence the need to seize this golden opportunity to get registered in Kogi State, he added.

Kogi For Change also criticised INEC for registering Mr. Bello in his office, a place not designated for that purpose.

But Mr. Bello, through his spokesperson, said he had to register in his office to encourage others to follow his example and take part in the electoral process.

He needed to demonstrate that to the whole world to woo others to go and register, Mr. Fanwo said. There was nothing wrong with registering in the Governors Office because it belongs to all Kogites. Government House is Peoples House.

INEC could not be reached immediately for comment on this story.

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The Defence Headquarters on Wednesday dismissed rumours of coup plot and urged Nigerians not to panic, as there was no such attempt.

The director of Defence Information, John Enenche, a Maj.-Gen., allayed the fear at a news conference attended by the spokesman of the army, Sani Usman, a Brig.-Gen., and a representative of the Navy spokesman.

The Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai, a Lt.-Gen., recently warned officers and soldiers of the army not fraternise with politicians.

Mr. Enenche said in summary, I want to tell you, on behalf of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, that nobody should be afraid of any coup.

The armed forces are totally loyal to the Commander-In-Chief, and are in complete subordination to civil authorities.

We are out there administering our troops to remain focused and be conscious of oath of allegiance that we have taken and are guided by the constitution of this country at all levels of command.

I want to reassure the general public that there is nothing like that (coup) and nothing like that will ever be supported, will ever be encouraged.

And should there be a sign of anything like that, there are extant and guiding rules and regulations which we normally follow.

We (military) are not different from what is happening all over the world, our armed forces, the present crop of officers and soldiers are in tune with the best international practices of governance and that is democracy.

On the warning earlier issued by the army chief to officers and soldiers to steer clear of politics, Mr. Enenche described that as professionally a command responsibility.

He said it was a required routine to personnel to conform to military ethics in all ramifications.

According to him, that includes interaction and exchange of visits among others.

This commands responsibility is exercised right from the highest echelon such as the office of the service chiefs to the lowest levels of command, hence the caution from the army in this case.

Administratively, officers and men are regularly cautioned to exercise command and control by appropriate superior authorities through commanders at various levels.

This is to prevent members of the armed forces from derailing from their core focus of total dedication to their oath of allegiance.

However, it is pertinent to state that if there are signs of actions that point to likely breaches of military code of conduct as it were, cautions or warnings are issued, with possible investigation following it, he said.

According to him, the mere mention of coup plot from some quarters are assertions which are not confirmed.

On May 6, Mr. Buratai warned officers and soldiers of the army to steer clear of politics or have themselves to blame.

He also advised personnel who were interested in politics to resign their commission or apply for voluntary discharge forthwith.

The warning, he said, followed information received that some individuals have been approaching some officers and soldiers for undisclosed political reasons.

On that basis, he advised such persons to desist from the acts.

Mr. Buratai said the Nigerian Army is a thorough professional, disciplined, loyal and apolitical institution that has clear constitutional roles and responsibilities.

Any officer or soldier of Nigerian Army found to be hobnobbing with such elements or engaged in unprofessional conducts such as politicking would have himself or herself to blame.

BELOW IS THE FULL STATEMENT BY THE DEFENCE HEADQUARTERS.

PRESS BRIEFING ON CAUTION ON RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CIVILIANS AND MILITARY PERSONNEL

This briefing is to clarify on the statement credited to Army about relationship between some civilians and army personnel.

Professionally, it is a command responsibility to caution officers and men on routine basis to conform to the ethics of the military in all ramifications, which includes; interactions and exchange of visits among others. This command responsibility is exercised right from the highest echelon such as the office of the Service Chiefs down to the lowest levels of command. Hence, the caution from the Army in this case .

Secondly, administratively, officers and men are regularly cautioned to exercise command and control by Appropriate Superior Authorities through commanders at various levels. This is to prevent members of the armed forces from derailing from their core focus of total dedication to their oath of allegiance. Thus, it is a usual practice in military administration.

However, it is pertinent to state that, if there are signs of actions that point to likely breaches of military code of conduct as it were, cautions or warnings are issued with possible investigations following. Thus, in the present situation, the Armed Forces and the Army in particular has employed the due process to ensure that officers and men remain committed to performing their constitutional roles. As such, the mention of coup plots from some quarters are assertions which are not confirmed.

At this juncture, let me assure all Nigerians and lovers of this country that the Armed Forces, is and will remain totally loyal to the Commander-In-Chief (C-in-C) of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and in complete subordination to civil rule. Furthermore, all fears about a coup should be allayed as the contemporary Nigerian Military is abreast with the best international practices in governance, which is democracy. In this regard, the military high and other levels of command will continue to ensure effective training and administration, to ensure that the Armed Forces of Nigeria, retain its place of pride amongst the military globally.

Major General John Enenche

Director Defence Information

(NAN)

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The Federal High Court, Abuja, on Wednesday granted Andrew Yakubu, former Group Managing Director (GMD) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) permission to travel abroad for medical treatment.

Mr. Yakubu was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) on a six-count charge of money laundering and false declaration of asset.

At the resumed hearing of the case, the defendant, through his counsel, Ahmed Raji, pleaded with the court to allow him travel to the UK to complete his medical treatment.

Mr. Raji told the court that the defendant was undergoing medical treatment before he was summoned by the EFCC to return to the country.

He also pleaded with the court to order the release of the defendants international passport which was deposited with the Deputy Chief Registrar of the court as part of his bail conditions.

In his response, counsel to EFCC, Ben Ikani, said he would not object to the application since it was based on health ground.

While leaving the request to the discretion of the court, Mr. Ikani urged the trial judge to release the passport to Mr. Raji, the defendants lawyer.

In his ruling, Justice Ahmed Mohammed said he was disposed to granting the motion since it was not opposed by the prosecution.

He granted the defendant three weeks permission to travel to the UK for completion of his medical treatment.

The three weeks would commence from May 25.

The court directed that one sureties must file a separate affidavit agreeing to be held liable should the defendant fail to return to Nigeria to face his trial.

Before adjourning the trial till July 6, Justice Mohammed directed Mr. Yakubu to surrender his international passport with the Deputy Registrar of the court on his return to the country.

The defendant was granted bail to the tune of N300 million with two sureties in like sum.

Mr. Yakubu was arrested following a tip-off by a whistle-blower.

The EFCC raided his property at Sabon Tasha, Kaduna State and discovered $9.7 million and 74,000 hidden in a fireproof safe.

(NAN)

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Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State has listed his arch-rival, Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi, among several persons to be honoured by the state.

Prospective honourees will be honoured for their individual contributions to the development of Rivers State.

A list of honourees prepared by the Jubilee Anniversary Committee set up by Mr. Wike had Mr. Amaechis name at number 18 amongst 29 people to be awarded Grand Service Star of Rivers State.

Former Nigerian leaders Goodluck Jonathan and Yakubu Gowon are also on the list, alongside late activist, Ken Saro-Wiwa, who would be honoured posthumously.

Mr. Amaechi served as governor of Rivers State from 2007 to 2015. Mr. Wike succeeded him.

The awards ceremony is slated to hold on May 27 in Port Harcourt, the state capital, according to the program pamphlet seen by PREMIUM TIMES.

It was not immediately clear if the minister would accept the honour or personally show up to receive his medal from Mr. Wike, with whom hed been locked in bitter political contest for more than three years.

Mr. Amaechis spokesperson, David Iyofor, said he was not aware of his principal being identified amongst those to be honoured.

Although Mr. Wike once served as Mr. Amaechis chief of staff during the formers first term from 2007 to 2011, the duo soon fell out with each other shortly after Mr. Wike was appointed as Minister of State foe Education by former President Goodluck Jonathan.

Mr. Wike was scheming to succeed Mr. Amaechi in office, but the then governor had a different plan.

The disagreement soon snowballed into an all-out political chaos between the duo.

When a friction ensued between Mr. Amaechi and former First Lady Patience Jonathan, Mr. Wike took sides with the latter.

The award comes even as Mr. Wike appears to intensify attacks against his predecessor.

Within the last few weeks, the governor has levelled many allegations against the minister.

Shortly after a huge stash of cash was discovered in an apartment in Ikoyi, Mr. Wike took to media to link Mr. Amaechi with the money.

The claim turned out to be false after it was confirmed that the money belonged to the National Intelligence Agency.

On Monday, the governor accused Mr. Amaechi of raising a cult militia in the state, to prepare for 2019 elections.

Mr. Amaechi denied the allegation.

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A former chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Maurice Iwu and the Daily Telegraph on Wednesday in Abuja settled out of court after the paper paid N500, 000 as compensation for malicious publication.

The report, which claimed Mr. Iwu had been indicted for electoral fraud and malpractices, was made on August 12, 2016, the News Agency of Nigeria reports.

As part of the out of court settlement, the management of Daily Telegraph was ordered to publish an apology in its newspaper, including the internet version.

The court also ordered Mr. Iwu not to institute further action on the matter.

The term of settlement is that they shall publish an apology in their newspaper and on the internet and they will pay the sum of N500, 000 as compensation.

It is however gathered that the management of the newspaper had paid.

Another thing is that the plaintiff shall not institute any further legal action over the same issue, Mr. Iwus lawyer, Olufemi Balogun, said.

Emmanule Akoma, Daily Telegraphs lawyer, told the court his client chose to settle out of court, adding that both parties had agreed to the terms of settlement.

Justice Angela Otaluka of the FCT High Court Lugbe said the plaintiff and the defendant were bound by the terms of settlement.

(NAN)

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Nkereuwem Udokah, a lecturer in the department of Communication Arts, University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, will be speaking on how the Nigerian political economy affects journalism practice in the country.

Mr. Udoakah, a renowned professor of Political Communication and Media Studies, was head of communication arts department in the university at three different times.

He will be presenting his inaugural lecture on Thursday at the universitys main campus, Nwaniba Road, Uyo.

The topic of the lecture is Political Economy of Nigerian Journalism.

Mr. Udokahs lecture is expected to touch on the contemporary challenges facing journalism practice in the country, Charles Obot, a lecturer in the department, told PREMIUM TIMES, Wednesday.

Mr. Obot said the lecture is likely going to examine the issue of commercialization of news and how journalists are influenced by their political affiliations.

The volume of what we write (as news stories) depends on how much money we are given (by people who sponsor news reports), says Mr. Obot, who worked for several years in the broadcast media before joining the faculty of the university.

He said the significance of the lecture could be summed up thus: Its like holding a mirror in front of all of us  journalism teachers, the practitioners, and the entire society  and telling us this is how we have fared and maybe providing a new paradigm regarding how it should be done.

The Vice Chancellor of UNIUYO, Enefiok Essien, is expected to attend the lecture, alongside other members of the university community, as well as several guests from outside the university.

The inaugural lecturer, Mr. Udoakah, studied journalism at the Institute of Journalism, Accra, Ghana and also at the College of Journalism, London. He did his post-graduate studies in Political Communication and Government at the City of London Polytechnic (now London Metropolitan University) and later his Ph.D. at the University of Uyo.

He has previously worked as a journalist with the Cross River state-owned newspaper, The Nigerian Chronicle and the Quest Magazine published by the River State Newspaper Corporation where he worked as sub-editorial assistant, feature writer, production editor and as assistant editor.

He is a member of several professional bodies, including the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Nigerian Mass Communication Association, African Council for Communication Education, as well as Amnesty International.

Mr. Udoakah has about 28 publications to his credit. He is currently on sabbatical at the Federal University of Technology, Minna.

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Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom on Wednesday inaugurated a Coconut Refinery in Mkpat-Enin in continuation of activities to mark his second year in office.

Mr. Emmanuel, who performed the exercise at the Ikot Abasi/Mkpat Enin/Eastern Obolo axis of the state, said that coconut was created by God with over 360 uses.

The governor, who projected 18 months for the completion of the refinery, promised to bring in more foreign investors who had declared interest in the project.

He lamented that some youths were out to frustrate the efforts of his administration and warned that those who destroyed the seedlings at the coconut plantation would be arrested and prosecuted.

The governor urged village heads to caution their youths to cooperate and protect government investments in their domains rather than engaging in acts of sabotage and vandalism.

He warned that government would not hesitate to withdraw certificates of village and clan heads whose subjects stalled government development projects.

The Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Uduak Udoinyang, said he was excited because Governor Emmanuel fulfilled his promise in line with his five-point agenda.

Onur Kumral, the Contractor handling the refinery, said oil from coconut was more expensive than crude oil and assured that the project would be completed on schedule.

The state House of Assembly member for Ikot Abasi/Eastern Obolo Consituency, Uduak Ududoh, who spoke for the community, commended the governor for keeping to his electoral promises of providing employment opportunities to indigenes of the area.

In a goodwill message, Otobong Ndem, representing Mkpat Enin in the House of Assembly, said the governor had shown commitment to develop the area and thanked him for the newly constructed roads.

Mr. Ndem said the people would support the governor and would vote for his return into office for a second term in 2019.

(NAN)

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Justice Mohammed Idris of the Lagos Division of the Federal High Court on Wednesday ruled that he had jurisdiction in the trial of a staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Christian Nwosu, who was accused of receiving N30 million as bribe.

Mr. Nwosu allegedly received the money being part of a N23 billion alleged Diezani Alison-Madueke bribe meant to compromise electoral officers before the 2015 general election.

The defendant had earlier admitted to collecting the money as he sought for a plea bargain arrangement with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. But following the judges rejection of the terms of the agreement, Mr. Nwosu reversed his guilty plea to not guilty.

He was subsequently arraigned alongside another INEC staff, Tijani Bashir, on an amended six-count charge bordering on receiving gratification to the tune of N264.8 million.

They pleaded not guilty to the charges.

A third defendant, Yisa Adedoyin, another staff of the Commission, pleaded guilty to one of the counts, receiving N70 million from the alleged Mrs. Alison-Maduekes bribe.

Consequently, the judge found Mr. Adedoyin guilty and convicted him accordingly.

After their re-arraigment three weeks ago, Rotimi Oyedepo, counsel to the EFCC, urged the court to return the matter to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court for re-assignment to another judge on the grounds that Mr. Idris had earlier convicted Mr. Nwosu.

Mr. Oyedepo had argued that in the event of an accused pleading not guilty after pleading guilty, the Administration of Criminal Justice Act states that such a matter be re-assigned to another judge.

But Mr. Nwosus lawyer, Victor Opara, had responded that the court assumed jurisdiction of the matter the moment the defendants plea was taking based on the amended charges filed against them.

In his ruling on Wednesday, the judge held that since the prosecution had amended the charges and arraigned the defendant based on that, the court would assume jurisdiction over the trial.

He granted bail to Mr. Nwosu in the sum of N10 million with two sureties who must have landed properties within the courts jurisdiction; and adjourned till June 26, 28, and 29 for trial.

It would be recalled that Mr. Nwosu had pleaded guilty when he was first arraigned in April this year, prompting the judge to order the final forfeiture of his landed properties measuring 100ft by 80 and another measuring 100ft by 50, both situated at Oshimili North LG of Delta State as well as N5 million recovered from the accused.

However, following the judges refusal to agree on the terms of plea bargain reached by Mr. Nwosu and the EFCC, the accused reversed his guilty plea to not guilty.

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Wednesday was a day of remembrance for people who share the idea of Pan-Africanism as activists, friends and colleagues gathered for the eighth memorial of one of their own, Tajudeen Abdul-Raheem, who died in a car crash in Nairobi, Kenya in 2009.

The event, held in Abuja, was organised by the Centre for Democracy and Development, CDD, with the theme, Democracy in Africa; Trends and Challenges.

Students of the Anglican Girls Grammar School, Abuja, held a mock summit of the African Union, taking roles as the continents heads of states.

Former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, Chidi Odinkalu, a professor, who headed the panel of discussion on the theme of the event, described the late Mr. Abdul-Raheem as a Pan-African luminary.

He said the topic for the memorial was chosen because it was one of the issues the late Mr. Abdul-Raheem acted on.

His sense of optimism and ability to speak the truth to the people will continue to guide us, Mr. Odinkalu said.

During the round table discussion, a panelist, Remi Ajibewa, the director of Political Affairs of ECOWAS, listed gerontocracy and satanic elections as major challenges facing democracy in Africa.

The presidents of Mali is 72; Nigeria 74; South Africa 75; Malawi 76; Liberia 78; Cameroon 84; Zimbabwe 93. It looks like African leaders equate leadership with chieftaincy title that can be transferred from father to son. We have bastardized democracy in Africa. Succession needs to be looked into. Credible election is important in democracy, Ms. Ajibewa said.

Dayo Kusa, another panelist was however of the view that gerontocracy is not the major challenge affecting democracy in the continent. Rather, he said, more informed individuals are needed to steer the wheels of leadership.

Unless we strengthen agencies and identify individuals with leadership qualities, elections will not lead us anywhere, Mr. Kusa said.

Okello Oculi, a long time friend of the late activist, agreed with Mr. Kusa.

Let us not follow the voice of America or other parts of the world when criticizing our leaders. Age is not the main problem with our leaders but the quality leadership.

In her closing remark, Ms. Ajibewa called for an all-gender inclusive electoral process in Africa.

There should be mentoring of youths on leadership, there should be an avenue for training young Africans about leadership. It should start from homes, she advocated.

Guests, friends and colleagues poured encomiums on the late activist as his family gave the vote of thanks.

Mr. Abdul-Raheem (6 January 1961  25 May 2009) was the general secretary of the Pan-African Movement, director of Justice Africa, the Deputy Director of United Nations Millennium Campaign for Africa, as well as a writer for newspapers and journals across Africa.

He was born in Funtua, Nigeria and died in a road accident on 25 May 2009 in Nairobi, Kenya, while on his way to meet the president of Rwanda.

He received an undergraduate degree in political science from a Bayero university and was a Rhodes scholar at Oxford and had PhD from Buffalo University.

Taju, as he was fondly called, dedicated his life to the Pan-African vision and the peaceful unification of Africa. He left behind a wife, Mounira Chaieb, and two daughters, Ayesha and Aida.

A thinker and writer, but above all a mighty talker, he inspired and influenced a whole generation of Africans and Africanists with his mixture of passion and humor. It is considered ironic that he died on 25 May  Africa Day.

He died at 48.

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The Federal Government says it will prosecute N-Power volunteers who are receiving monthly stipends but refuse to appear at their primary places of assignment.

Afolabi Imoukhuede, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Job Creation (N-Power Scheme), disclosed this at a News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) forum.

He said the government had discovered 17 N-power volunteers who had been receiving salary since December but who had refused to go to their primary places of assignment.

This issue of them not going to work is exception that we are not going to take chances.

We are going to really blow that exception so that it becomes a deterrent.

Because in the school where I identified them, their dutiful colleagues, the volunteers who are the true Ambassadors of N-power, are there and they know these people.

So now if we dont investigate and prosecute them they now get de-motivated.

They must remain motivated to continue to work regardless of what season it is; rainy season, dry seasons or what have you.

He said another five volunteers who were also discovered to be collecting unbroken stipends since December had stopped going to their primary places of assignment.

He said the discovery of non-performing N-power volunteers was due to the collaboration between the Federal Government and all the state governments through a monitoring framework put in place.

However, he said that the scheme was an overwhelming success in terms of attendance as some volunteers showed passion on their jobs in spite of other challenges.

He disclosed that his teams always organised interactive sessions in every state visited to deliver President Buharis message that this is pay-for-work-done which was a lifeline extended to them. (NAN)

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The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos, Henry Ajomale, on Wednesday said the party was stepping up arrangements to welcome a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) and former Minister of State, Musiliu Obanikoro, into its fold in a matter of weeks.

Mr. Ajomale, who gave the hint in an interview with journalists in Ikeja, said Mr. Obanikoro was coming along with other bigwigs of the states PDP.

The party chairman said Mr. Obanikoro and others had reached out to the party to resolve their issues with it and all was set for their formal defection.

He said Wednesdays defection of PDP bigwig, Lukman Ajose, would open a floodgate of defections from the PDP to the APC in the coming days.

We welcome Prince Ajose to the APC. His defection is a plus for us.

But Ajose is not the only one joining us. Some of the bigwigs in the PDP, including Obanikoro, will be joining us soon.

I dont want to give you a particular date but all I can tell you is all is set, he said.

Mr. Ajomale said the coming of Mr. Ajose into the party, as well as other PDP members, would add value to the party and enhance its electoral fortune.

He said their coming was particularly gladdening as the party was preparing for the council polls and making early preparations for the general election in 2019.

Asked if the mass movement of PDP members into the party would not weaken the opposition and make the state a one party state, Mr. Ajomale answered in the negative.

He said since the PDP was not the only party in the opposition, it would be wrong to say the decimation of the party through defection would make the state a one party state.

The party chairman also said the party was stepping preparations to secure popular electoral victory for its candidates for the July 22 council poll.

He said the party would ensure a level-playing field for all the aspirants of the party.

Mr. Ajomale described as false allegations in some quarters that the party was imposing candidates in some council areas.

The chairman said those making the allegations were blackmailers who were not sure of themselves and their ability to win at the party primary.

It is pure blackmail. There is nothing like that. Everybody will be allowed a level playing ground, he said.

The Lagos State independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) has fixed July 22 for the council election and July 29 for run off.

Meanwhile, a credible source at the Lagos State House of Assembly told NAN that one of the remaining two PDP members in the assembly had already indicated his intention to defect to the APC and his letter would likely be read at the next sitting of the lawmakers.

Six of the eight lawmakers who won their elections to the House on the platform of the PDP had earlier defected to the APC on Feb. 16.

(NAN)

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Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, has described as a reckless demonstration of official impunity a reason adduced by the Presidency for its continued detention of Shiite leader, Ibraheem El-Zakzaky.

In a statement on Wednesday, Mr. Falana said it was the first time in Nigerias history that a democratically elected government would openly justify a citizens detention in defiance of a valid court order.

Even under the neo-tarzanist Buhari/Idiagbon military junta, court orders which directed that victims of the obnoxious Detention of Persons Decree No 2 of 1984 be released from illegal custody were complied with, said Mr. Falana, a senior advocate of Nigeria.

But under a democratic government Mr. Shehu wants Nigerians to believe that El-zakzakys are held in protective custody after the federal high court had declared such detention illegal and unconstitutional.

Or has Mr. Shehu suddenly become so power drunk to the extent that he can conveniently set aside the judgment of the federal high court?

Mr. El-zakzaky, the leader of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, and his wife, Zeenat, have been in detention since December, 2015, following the killing of members of his Shiite sect by soldiers in Kaduna.

More than 300 members of the sect and one soldier died in the violence which began after the sect members allegedly blocked the passage of the convoy of the Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai.

Mr. El-zakzaky has remained in the custody of the government despite several court rulings ordering his release.

On Tuesday, Garba Shehu, the Senior Special Assistant to the President, said the Shiite leader was still in protective custody for his own safety.

El-zakzaky is held for his own good, Mr. Shehu had told State House correspondents.

If you set him free, what do you think will happen on the streets? He is not in a typical prison condition. He has the company of his wife and children. They can leave if they want. There is overall public good weighing against his release.

Mr. Falana said Mr. Shehus statement was a sharp departure from the Presidencys earlier claims that Mr. El-zakzaky constituted a threat to national security.

Is Mr. Shehu not aware that Elzakzaky has lost one of his eyes in the dungeon of the State Security Service and may lose the other eye due to denial of urgent medical treatment? Mr. Falana continued.

Why has his request to travel abroad for medical attention at his own expense been refused by the federal government?

Mr. Falana called for the immediate and unconstitutional release of Mr. El-zakzaky, as well as Sambo Dasuki, the former National Security Adviser who is also in the governments custody despite several court rulings granting him bail.

Since neither President Muhammadu Buhari nor Acting President Yemi Osinbajo could have authorized the contemptuous statement issued on behalf of the Presidency, Mr. Shehu Garba should be called to order and restrained from further exposing the Federal Republic of Nigeria to ridicule before the comity of civilized nations, said Mr. Falana.

However, since the federal government continues to proclaim loudly that it operates under the rule of law it cannot be operated to treat court orders with disdain. To that extent, El-zakzaky and his wife must be released from the illegal custody of the State Security Service since the federal high court has dismissed the official claim that they are held in protective custody.

A government which is desirous to secure conviction of persons charged with criminal offences cannot treat the orders of the same court with disdain and impunity.

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Three teenage girls, all armed with explosive devices worn around their bodies, on Tuesday evening detonated their explosives at the outskirts of Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, as security operatives tried to stop them from entering the city, police said.

Multiple explosions reverberated across Maiduguri during the late evening rush hour forcing vehicles to screech to a halt as commuters tried to figure from which area the attack may been coming.

It did not take more than a couple of minutes for the city to become aware that the explosions were coming from the southern flank of the city along the Maiduguri-Zambia road.

The Borno State Police Command confirmed later in the night that the explosions came from the suicide bombing attacks attempted by three young girls who may have been prompted by the Boko Haram.

Today at about 1755 hours (5:55pm), three female suicide bombers, suspected to have been conveyed by motorcycle and dropped at a distance to Maranti village in Molai area, were sighted and intercepted by vigilant security operatives, said police public relations officer, Victor Isukwu.

In the process of intercepting them, they hurriedly detonated IED strapped to their bodies, killing themselves only.

He added that there was no civilian casualty recorded.

Police teams were promptly drafted to the scene to sanitise the area, and restore normalcy.

Suicide bombings by teenage girls is one of the major strategies of the Boko Haram. One of such girls who refused to detonate her explosives recently told journalists that she was drugged and charmed and so had little control of her actions.

Her confession gave an insight into why many of the young girls carry out such attacks.

The Boko Haram insurgency, which has caused about 100,000 deaths since 2009, has continued despite the terror group losing most of the territory they once controlled to Nigerian forces.

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A delegation of 130 Christian pilgrims sponsored by the Borno State government on Tuesday in Jerusalem, Israel, concluded two days of prayer and fasting for the quick recovery of ailing President Muhammadu Buhari.

The delegation, comprising 50 clergies, 15 officials of government was enjoined by Governor Kashim Shettima, in a farewell message, to pray for Mr. Buhari who is receiving medical care in London.

Mr. Shettima had implored the pilgrims to dedicate themselves to the rituals of the pilgrimage and pray specifically for President Buhari who has liberated Borno from the hands of Boko Haram.

According to a statement issued from Jerusalem by a spokesperson of the governor, Kwapchi Bata, the pilgrims led by the state chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Mohammed Naga, a bishop, had declared two days fasting and fervent prayers for President Buharis health and quick return to Nigeria to continue the good works he had started such as the end to Boko Haram insurgency.

The pilgrims had also prayed for lasting peace to return to Borno as well as for wisdom (like) King Solomon for Governor Kashim Shettima as he steers the affairs of Borno.

The statement said the two days of prayers and fasting were choosen to coincide with the pilgrims visits to some of the significant holy sites.

Miss Bata said the pilgrims visited the western gate in Jerusalem known as Wailing Wall, which is considered sacred and a holy spot where prayer items are written on slips of paper and inserted on cracks on the wall.

She said they also visited the church at Bethesda where Jesus is believed to have performed his first miracle of healing a man who was sick for 39 years, and also the tomb of Christ.

A leader of the delegation, Ayuba Wakawa, thanked Governor Shettima for giving the Christian community a sense of belonging in the state.

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The Kwara State government has directed the states revenue service to put in motion a five-year tax relief regime for small business owners in the state.

The initiative is part of the governments effort to encourage small business owners and eradicate poverty in the state, PREMIUM TIMES gathered.

A statement released by Wahab Oba, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed on Tuesday, quoted the governor as saying that the five-year tax relief regime is imperative in order to allow for economic growth and development of the state.

Mr. Ahmed, according to the statement, gave the directive in Ilorin at a lecture to mark the 50th anniversary of the state.

Speaking further, the governor maintained that the state has not introduced fresh taxes but only succeeded in blocking leakages in the system through effective management of the collection processes.

The governor said, Our business is not to kill your business but to grow your business.

He, therefore, directed Chairman of the state Internal Revenue Service to coordinate the process of the tax holiday, the statement said.

Earlier, the guest speaker and former Deputy Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Sarah Alade, advised the state government to design an economic blue print that would strategically reposition the state for economic prosperity.

In her paper titled Socio-Economic Development of Kwara State: An Agenda for the future, Ms. Alade said Kwara State has the lowest unemployment rate in the country and should never be among the poorest.

She, therefore, urged the government to step up its Public Private Partnership concept, the statement said.

On his part, the Chairman of the Kwara State Internal Revenue Service, Murtala Awodun, stressed the need for tax holiday for micro, small and medium enterprises if the state must open up for economic growth and development.

Mr. Awodun explained that report has it that more than 70 per cent of small businesses die within the first five years of their existence.

He therefore, called for tax waivers of five years for small businesses with a view to creating economic prosperity in the state, the statement said.

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Some residents of Otuoke, host to Federal University Otuoke, on Wednesday protested around the campus and disrupted academic activities in the university.

The protest was led by members of Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Universities (SSANU), Otuoke chapter.

The protesters alleged that indigenes of the area were marginalized in appointments to key positions in the institution located in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the protest caused panic among students and staff of the institution and disrupted vehicular movement into the university as the entrance leading to the campus was blocked by the protesters.

The protesters carried placards with different inscriptions.

Some of the inscriptions read: Bayelsans cannot be marginalised in our own land, We want fair representation, Bayelsans are qualified, FUO na our oil well, Gbam! it is our time, Bayelsans say.

They called on the Vice Chancellor Prof. Accra Jaja to come down from his office to address them.

They also demanded the termination of the recent appointment of the Chief Legal Adviser of the university on the ground that it did not follow due process.

According to the protesters, the appointment is a deliberate attempt to marginalise indigenes and further under-develop the people of the region.

The Vice Chancellor in company of the Deputy Vice Chancellor and some members of the University Senate later addressed the protesters.

He called for calm and promised to look into their demands.

(NAN)

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Students of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomosho, have explained why they shut the gates of the institution against candidates of the 2017 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, UTME last week.

The candidates who were to sit for the examinations on Monday last week at a Computer-Based Test (CBT) centre inside LAUTECH were prevented from gaining entrance into the campus by protesting students of the institution.

The students who had mobilised for the protest, stationed themselves as early as 6.00 a.m. in teams at all the entrances into the institution.

Their barricades prevented movement into and inside the campus, denying even staff of the institution entry.

Some of the students who spoke to PREMIUM TIMES on Tuesday said their move was targeted at drawing the attention of the Federal and State governments to their plight.

The institution, jointly owned by Oyo and Osun states, was closed between June 2016 and February this year.

The failure of the two states in fulfilling their shared funding responsibility provoked the workers to shut down the institution, just before the students were scheduled to begin their second semester examinations.

The two state governments in February paid N500 million for settlement of workers salaries, prompting the school to resume.

Upon resumption, the students completed their 2015/2016 academic year first semester exams in April but academic activities have since again been put on hold.

Last week we thought it right to call the attention of the federal and state government. We thought that preventing JAMB candidates from writing exams is the only avenue we can use to make our agitation well known, Oyedeji Ahmad, a final year student of Agronomy said.

We are yet to start receiving lectures, we want the governors to address our plight.

We have been in the same level since 2015. The final year students are not sure of graduating this year. Due to this frustration, a lot of students have engaged in social vices, cyber crimes etc.

The younger students are now taking and gaining admissions into higher institutions but we in the final year are just trapped, Mr. Ahmad said.

Freedom Siasia, a 300-level student, said he was to participate in the UTME but was prevented even though he was a student of the institution.

I obtained a JAMB form since the strike has kept me on the same level for long. On that Monday, I even begged to be allowed to enter since I am a student of the school with a registration number, but I was not allowed. The argument was that JAMB candidates should go back to their parents and tell them what happened then something might be done, Siasia said.

He however added that he later wrote his exams in Shaki, a neighboring town.

David Tunwagun, a final year student of biochemistry said he entered the school in 2011 and was to graduate in 2016 but has not due to the crisis in the school.

We are not getting younger, Mr. David stressed.

The alumni association of the school over the weekend apologized to JAMB and UTME candidates while condemning the students for their actions.

The Alumni Association understands that the students action was borne out of frustration on the effect of the strike action on their future. We therefore apologize to the candidates, JAMB Management and the entire public for the untold hardship and embarrassment the action might have caused them.

In a similar vein, the Alumni Association in strong unequivocal terms, condemns the despicable action of a section of the students that went on the rampage and distastefully displayed the obituary of a living Vice-Chancellor. We find this act as barbaric and a display of poor character, the association said in a statement signed by its spokesman, Samson Owoyokun.

Meanwhile, JAMB said it has conducted the UTME process for the affected candidates in Oyo.

They later took the exams in different centres in Oyo and it was hitch free, JAMBs spokesperson, Fabian Benjamin, told PREMIUM TIMES on phone.

LAUTECH spokesperson, Lekan Fadeyi, told this newspaper that the lecturers have resumed but he could not comment on why the students hindered the UTME process.

The students are in the best position to say why they acted the way they did, he said.

But Mr. Owoyokun, the spokesman of the alumni association, said academic activities in the school remain paralyzed because the governments were till owing lecturers and other workers seven months salary.

When the school resumed in February, the lecturers received N581million, payment for two and a half months  July 2016, January and half of February was covered.

However, they are still being owed five months from last year and two months for this year making it seven months.

They have not gone on strike officially but if you go to the school, academic activities have being paralyzed, doors are shut, Mr. Owoyokun said.

Meanwhile, the students were set for another round of protests from Wednesday morning when they vowed to march to Osogbo.

We are going on another peaceful protest in Osogbo to demand for reopening of the university, Mr. Ahmad said.

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Nigerian Air Force personnel launched a second attack on students of the Osun State University on Tuesday, brutalizing many with gun butts, knives and sticks, hours after a similar attack left several students and staff of the institution hospitalised, PREMIUM TIMES has learnt.

Officials told PREMIUM TIMES on Wednesday that after the first round of attacks early Tuesday, the rampaging soldiers went off campus searching for students and manhandling those they found.

The schools Dean of Students Affairs, Adebimpe Adigun, who confirmed the incident, said a distress call was made to the schools main campus at Osogbo, where they had evacuated to after the first attack.

She said the message was that the soldiers had moved to students residences.

When we came in this morning (Wednesday) we confirmed that it was true and that the military men had destroyed doors of the students rooms and cut some of them with machete, Mrs. Adigun said.

Some of them are currently in the hospital right now receiving treatment, including the one that received a machete cut.

She said the men also attacked a home where a mother of three children lived, thinking it was student accommodation.

The woman fled with two of her children as the men broke into the house, but the third one could not run, so he hid under a chair in the room so the men could not find him, Mrs. Adigun confirmed.

She said the school management had made reports to the Police Commissioner and the State Security Services in the state, adding that one of the security operatives witnessed the section round of attacks on the students.

The cause of the bloody attack is unclear. Air Force authorities said they were investigating, and vowed to punish offending personnel.

As I speak to you we still do not have any opportunity to know the reasons behind the attack, she said.

But a committee has been set up to look into the matter and a report would be presented to the Vice Chancellor of the institution at the conclusion of the investigation.

She added that officials of the schools management, the police and the Commandant of the Air Force Safety Institute, met with the community leaders on Wednesday in order to restore peace to the area.

The school was shut down Tuesday following the attacks.

The Vice Chancellor of the University, Labode Poopola, said the school had issued a week recess to students to allow them recover from the shock and to allow peace to return to the area.

The break is necessitated by the invasion of the campus and brutalization of the staff and students by men of the Nigeria Air Force Safety Institute,Ipetu-Ijesa,he said.

Meanwhile the Nigerian Air Force, NAF, has expressed regrets over the incident, it had already commenced investigations into the matter.

It also vowed to punish any of its personnel found culpable in the crisis.

A statement by NAFs Director of Public Relations and Information, Olatokunbo Adesanya, on Wednesday, said the reported incident was not a reflection of what NAF stands for.

The attention of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has been drawn to reports of some of its personnel being involved in a fracas on the campus of the University of Osun State at Ipetu Ijesha, the statement read.

While the NAF highly regrets the entire incidence, it is noteworthy that the reported incidence is not a reflection of what the NAF stands for.

The NAF is a highly professional force that does not condone or encourage the violation of anyones human rights.

The general public is invited to kindly note that the NAF has already commenced formal investigations into the reported unfortunate incidence.

At the end of the investigations, Nigerians are assured that any NAF personnel found culpable will be dealt with in accordance with the appropriate laws.

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At a meeting of heads of state and government of NATO members in Brussels on Thursday Polish President Andrzej Duda will meet British PM Theresa May, French President Emmanuel Macron and Romanian President Klaus Iohannis, Polish president's aide Krzysztof Szczerski said.

A meeting with US President Donald Trump is also planned, but its format is not yet clear, according to minister Szczerski, the Polish president's chief of staff.

Before the NATO summit, Andrzej Duda will meet with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.

Poland expects that Thursdays summit of NATO leaders in Brussels will "reaffirm the permanence of decisions" made by the military alliance at its Warsaw summit last year, Krzysztof Szczerski said on Wednesday.

Poland also expects to see a confirmation of the permanence of Euro-Atlantic ties, Krzysztof Szczerski said when briefing reporters on President Dudas plans for the Brussels meeting of heads of state and government from NATO countries.

Moreover, NATO leaders are expected to confirm the mutual obligations of alliance members for military spending and armed force modernisation, said minister Szczerski, who is head of President Dudas Cabinet.

He noted that Poland is one of only five NATO countries that meet the Western military alliances target for defence spending at a level no lower than 2 percent of GDP.

For the first time Poland will be taking part in an Atlantic Alliance meeting as a country with NATO troops deployed on its territory as well as a country that is a "provider" of security, Krzysztof Szczerski said.

A further issue is terrorism and the inclusion of NATO in the anti-terror coalition, minister Szczerski added, noting that Poland is "part of the global effort against terrorism".

While attending the meeting, President Duda will also emphasise the need for maintaining NATOs current policy in relations with Russia, Krzysztof Szczerski said. (PAP)
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Udaipur: Vice Chancellor of Udaipur Janardhana Rai Nagar Rajasthan University University Prof. Ss Sarangdevot, in the meeting of all the Heads of the Vidyapith organized in the auditorium asked to play an important role in the admission process in the coming session.He said that the Head of the departments should know problems of the students, settle their grievances at their own level. He said that the forms of all the courses of the University will be available at the Jan Bharti centers, run in the rural areas, so that students from rural areas can also get the information and benefits.Pro. Ss Sarngdevot said in 2017 under the Public Education and Extension Directorate we will introduce new courses from Bharti centers. Apart from this, the problems of the employees will also be taken in priority, through the invitation programs, the new dimensions of different development will be searched. The university will focus more on research base program and invitation program, focusing on more research and orientation program in all departments Will be given. In the year 2017, national and international seminars will be organized on various subjects related to education, arts, management, commerce, computer and IT, social work, personality development, medicine.Rehabilitation and will have a social conscience Campaign organized addiction camps at all centres under this scheme. In addition, cleanliness campaign, environmental protection, skeletal development related campaigns will be launched, by encouraging the elderly of rural and tribal areas, doctors, counselling and liberation. The patient will be addiction recruitment centre or hospital when needed.Special classes on girls education and health - this will be called once in a week at Jan Bharti centers by calling doctors from urban areas. While the university worker will inform the villagers on a new topic every day. The girls will include iron deficiency, menstrual and information related to delivery and precautions in the camps will be set up.
With a name like Drop Dead Sexy, Scott Lippincott does sometimes worry that his band will be mistaken for a male revue.

But the tongue-in-cheek name, Lippincott admits, was more of a matter of circumstance, rather than an indirect boast.

I believe our drummer came up with it  We came up with a list of about half a dozen names and Drop Dead Sexy was the only one that we could register in our name, says Lippincott, who plays guitar, keyboard and sings. It wasnt like it beat out any other one. In the beginning we were like, this is a bit of a leap, but it became what it is. People know its a joke.

Ocean City to bask in the glow of KC and the Sunshine Band After 40 years, Harry Wayne Casey has finally learned to live with  and even accept  a ter

Joking around is a big part of what Lippincott and his fellow bandmates  Paul Dersch, John Troncale, Dave Whiteman, Chris Ducky Doran and Justin Wolfe  do. A cover band at its core, Drop Dead Sexy has been known to pull out a zany costume, wig or prop to drive a performance home.

At the time that we started, there were a lot of bands just doing the modern rock thing, Lippincott explains. They were doing like the Ed Hardy shirts and the wallet with the chain  that whole image, focusing on the power pop tunes that were around. We wanted to do something different. There were bands around that used props all the time, and we didnt really want to go down that road either. We just wanted to accent things that were funny and make it more fun. So then we started to get into mimicking characters. It was a lot of fun and it stuck.

Drop Dead Sexy, which will perform 10 p.m. Friday, May 26, at The Princeton in Avalon, was started by Doran and Troncale, who originally had a different band called Turnstiles that focused on swing music. Eventually, the pair decided to turn to the cover scene, and Drop Dead Sexy was born. The current members have been together for around 13 years.

Since then, theyve developed a lineup of party favorites, many of which are accompanied by props and costumes to jazz things up a bit. Medleys are also big for the band  and spoofs.

We wrote a Lady Gaga medley, and we would put on a blonde wig. I used to do a Shakira thing and put on a big wig for that. Its not that any of us look like them. We like to say, Its so bad, its good. People get in the spirit of it, Lippincott says.

Memorial Day events heat up the weekend, kicking off summer with style Memorial Day Weekend means many things for South Jersey, including the end of a long winter 

One particularly popular medley is Jesses Girl mixed up with other 80s favorites like Im Gonna Be (500 Miles), and Take Me Home Tonight. Other crowd-pleasing medleys  like the 90s, boy band and hip-hop mixes  along with individual songs like Total Eclipse of the Heart, Tiny Dancer, Uptown Funk and Cruise make up a set list perfectly suited to parties of any creed.

People really like to go out and have a good time. You go out on the weekend and you just want to forget about everything for a while, Lippincott says. People are nostalgic. They like music thats older and brings them back. They know these arent our original songs, so the idea is to make them go, hey, I remember that song!
Angstrom said: So you think we should just keep borrowing more?



And don't give me that we should borrow from ourselves crap. Thats the best way to crash your fiat currency. Its how all the dead fiat currency destroyed themselves.5 Click to expand...

Some decades back there were things called 'government watch-dogs. When the Politicians started hiding things these guys would dig it up and make it public knowledge. That was the last line of defense and it should be one of the first things that are restored. Retired Politicians (during the 5 years they can't lobby) and university students would make up the brains and the legs.Liars hate public exposure.The Rothschild certainly don't to ever see the loans paid off. there goes their leverage. The National debt can get infinitely bigger as the US has proven. As long as the interest is paid they don't mind seed debt increase and we are increasing it rather than paying it off so that is what the next generations should also do. WHT should we or our children pay off the debt that both WW caused when it can be shown they were intentionally started with the intend to put all nations deeper into debt. One quick look as the historical graph will show that in a heartbeat. Considering both wars were created to make sure a place called Israel was created I would thing the world is owed a refund in full and the bankster dealing should make for a public trial that lasts about a decade as that is how many crimes they are guilty of. That seems to come as news to the usual suspects here.
ATLANTIC CITY  A group of firefighters were sworn in this month for promotions the firefighters union had tried to block.

Mohammad Hatefi, Thomas Culleny and Edward Coursey were promoted to deputy chief. Victor Logan, Shannon Stinsman, Duane Brock, James Gillespie and William Dilorenzo were promoted to battalion chief.

With the exception of Gillespie, who is serving in the military overseas, the firefighters were sworn in May 19 at City Hall.

These promotions are very important to our fire department for the safety, the supervision of the firefighters, Chief Scott Evans said. These appointments fill ranks that have been vacant for some time.  Weve lacked having continuity of command.

The citys firefighters union, International Association of Fire Fighters Local 198, recently asked a Superior Court judge to block the promotions as part of an ongoing case between the union and officials running a state takeover of the city.

(State officials) did not abide by civil service rules, which simply say you should be promoted based on merit and fitness after testing, said union attorney Michael Bukosky.

Lisa Ryan, a spokeswoman for the state Department of Community Affairs, said the Civil Service Act does not apply to any employment actions made by state officials under the state takeover law. Superior Court Judge Julio Mendez pointed this out in his Tuesday decision regarding pay cuts for city police officers.

The state implemented new salary guides that cut pay for most firefighters. But salaries for deputy chiefs increased from $138,690 to $155,000, according to the unions suit.

One of the recently promoted firefighters, Dilorenzo, is also president of the firefighters union. He said the unions latest action is about fairness for all firefighters.

If its all about the money, some of the ranks got raises while other ones got decreases, Dilorenzo said. Its just a fairness issue and its obviously a morale thing when you have some parts of the department taking severe pay cuts while others are getting raises.

A Superior Court judge temporarily blocked the state from imposing 100 layoffs this fall to slash the departments staff to 125.

The state recently said it is in discussions with Local 198 to determine how many firefighters the city needs. After 13 retirements, the department has 204 firefighters.
MILLVILLE  On a tarmac full of aircraft, one plane was the center of attention Wednesday afternoon.

Screeching down the runway came a royal blue plane, one of the U.S. Navys Blue Angels.

The Blue Angels fly F/A-18 jets  each with a starting price tag of about $21 million  that can travel at nearly twice the speed of sound, according to the Blue Angels. They perform precision aerobatic maneuvers with names like the sneak pass.

The Millville Wheels and Wings Airshow takes place Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the airport, and Lt. Brandon Hempler flew in Wednesday to promote the show. The Blue Angels are the featured act, which also includes other aircraft and parachute demonstrations.

Rain is possible this weekend, but Hempler said he and his crew can perform different types of shows depending on weather.

We can do different types of shows all the way down to 1,000-foot ceilings, he said.

It may not be high, quick climbs, but it will be close formations that stay lower (to the ground), he said.

Millville is the only show in New Jersey that the Blue Angels will fly this year.

Were excited to be here in the Northeast, he said. Weve got a great show planned.

Another five planes will arrive Thursday for the weekend.

The weekends event includes food and beverages, bounce houses for children and an open field for fans to lay out blankets and watch the air show.

The event will also have a Superbike Challenge in the track.

Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under. Children 3 and under attend for free.
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March 3, 1934-May 23, 2017

NORTH BEND  Betty L. Marxsen, 83, was born March 3, 1934, on a farm near Schuyler to Lloyd and Lillian (Noha) Pollard. She attended K-12 school in Schuyler and graduated in 1952.

On Aug. 12, 1952, she married Robert (Bob) Marxsen and was blessed with four sons: Ken (Lissett) and Frank (Ursula) of Omaha, David of Schuyler and Ted of Lincoln; two daughters, Judy (John) Healy of Schuyler and Jean Foy of North Bend.

She lived on a farm north of Rogers for 50 years. After Bob's death in 1999 she moved to North Bend in 2002. Betty was a "Stay at home Mom" while being very active in her church and community. She was an officer of St. Patrick's of Clyde Guild and was chosen to represent St. Patrick's Clyde and Dublin at Area 5 Meetings. She was a part of hiring Sister Helen to teach parents how to teach religion. To cover the cost of this, Blue Rock Shoots were held weekly at the Dave Reznicek Farm.

When the churches were closed, the family joined St. Charles Borromeo Parish in North Bend. Betty taught fifth grade CCD for 11 years. With help from the Archdiocese Office she became a co-coordinator and the Director Religious Education for St. Charles Church. After Bob's death she also took on the K-12 program at St. Leo's of Snyder to coordinate the two parishes. She retired from both in 2012. Betty was Archdiocesan Pastoral council leader coordinator in Elder Ministry and attended those meetings regularly. As a member of the RELCOR (Religious Education Leader Coordinators of Omaha Rural) for over 15 years, she was one of six who planned the "Give and Take" for religious teachers in the Schuyler, Columbus and Norfolk area.

Betty was an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist for over 25 years, Altar Society Secretary member for many years, belonged to Circle 6, belonged to the Christian Mothers, and was co-chairman for funeral meals. She also served on the Purple Cane Cemetery Board, was treasurer for Union Township for 16 years, and cooked at School District 92 (Tower School) for eight years. She was a member of the Friends of the Library, a book club which she formed to be part of 15 other Betty clubs in Nebraska. She enjoyed attending the yearly Betty conventions. She enjoyed playing cards and games with her Bunco, Tripoli and Webster Pitch Clubs and bingo.

Betty enjoyed following the activities of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She enjoyed traveling on many bus tours which took her to 25 different states. And she also made trips to Mexico and Canada.

She is survived by her six children; 17 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Joseph Pollard of Fremont and Donald Pollard of Schuyler; and brother-in-law, Marvin Mohler of David City. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Bob; sisters, Patricia Mohler, Marg Svoboda and Diane Pollard; grandchild, Jessica Healy; son-in-law, Marvin Foy; and brother-in-law, Al Svoboda.

The funeral Mass will be 10 a.m. Friday, May 26, at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, North Bend. Visitation with family receiving friends will be from 5-8 p.m. Thursday with a rosary at 7:30 p.m., all at St. Charles. Burial will be at Purple Cane Cemetery north of North Bend. Moser Memorial Chapel, 1040 N. Main, North Bend, is in charge of arrangements. 402-652-8159. Online condolences www.mosermemorialchapels.com. Memorials to St. Charles Catholic Church or Purple Cane Cemetery Fence Fund.
ATLANTIC CITY  The East Coast Gaming Congress returns to the resort Wednesday as the citys gaming industry appears to be rebounding.

The 21st annual conference will take place May 24 and 25 at Harrahs Waterfront Conference Center.

The popular two-day event includes the new NexGen Gaming Forum, which will focus on emerging forms of gaming such as online, fantasy sports, esports and skills-based.

More than 600 gaming operators, equipment manufacturers, regulators, attorneys, architects, analysts, public officials, investors and other gaming-related professionals are expected to attend

Jim Allen, Hard Rock International Chairman, will be the keynote speaker at 12:30 p.m. Thursday. Hard Rock International and investors Joe Jingoli and Jack Morris plan to spend nearly $400 million rebranding the property into the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Atlantic City.

The new property will feature two separate arenas with seating totaling 7,000 and more than 2,400 slot machines. The property is expected to open in summer 2018.

The project is expected to create more than 1,000 construction jobs and 3,000 permanent jobs, Hard Rock said.

Since the transaction March 31, Hard Rock has hired 23 employees as it sets out to bring the once iconic Taj Mahal back to life under a new name and identity.
MIDDLE TOWNSHIP  Two teenagers were reported missing from the OASIS Youth Services Program at the Crest Haven complex, police reported this week.

One of the teens, Robert Stone, 17, was safely located Tuesday in Upper Township, after police received numerous tips, officials said.

Stone had been missing since April, and Jermasia Wright, 14, went missing May 12, according to police Capt. Bill Adams.

Adams said there is no connection between the two runaways. The case manager at the youth shelter, which is run through the Camden-based Center for Family Services, declined to comment.

Adams said both Stone and Wright have open cases with the New Jersey Department of Child Protection and Permanency. He said Wright is a habitual runaway and is known to frequent parts of Delaware, Philadelphia and Salem County.

Police said Wright was last seen wearing a black sweatshirt, dark pink tank top and khaki pants. She is reportedly without a cellphone.

According to Adams, when Wright left OASIS, she was picked up by someone driving a white Hyundai Sonata with New Jersey license plate E26HCL. There was an EZ-Pass hit on the license plate heading into Delaware recently, he said.

Adams said police have been in contact with Wrights family.

Stone first ran away from OASIS on April 5, Adams said. He was found quickly and returned to the facility, but subsequently ran away April 7 and 9.

And then we got him back a couple days later, and then he ran away the 24th, Adams said. Hes been posting on social media daily.

According to its website, the OASIS Youth Services Program provides 24-hour emergency shelter to children ages 10-18.
ATLANTIC CITY  Ashley Aguiars life changed in 2014 when she got involved with a man who threatened her into leaving her home and put her in danger.

My story is the story of survival, the 23-year-old from Hammonton said in a tearful account May 23. The signs were serious. The signs were there.

As the relationship escalated, the abuse got worse. He eventually threatened to hurt her and her family if she didnt leave the state with him. She was brought to a house that was filled with abuse, control and drugs.

He said, You cant go. Youre here forever, she said. I was scared.

Aguiar escaped with help from family members. She told her story at Stockton Universitys Missing and Exploited Children Educational Awareness Program to show people what signs to look for when they might be entering  or observe someone getting into  a potentially harmful situation.

The program brought law enforcement and other officials to discuss what the process is when someone goes missing, what can be done to prevent it and what to do if it happens.

Pedro Santana, dean of students at Stockton, organized the event with Torres Mayfield, of the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of New Jersey, with National Missing Childrens Day, which was Thursday.

Its a consistent and persistent problem, Santana said. A child going missing is an issue that individuals cannot turn a blind eye to.

A lot of people in the community need answers, Mayfield said.

Stephen Urbanski, of the State Police Missing Persons Unit, spoke about the importance of getting a DNA sample from the family and explained what information should be available if a child goes missing.

He described law enforcement efforts to make it easy to report a missing person to any agency, which can relay information to other police departments.

I think we have one of the best states as far as the aggressive law enforcement for missing children, he said. We need to make sure that we know what our children are doing.

Lt. James Kirschner, of the Atlantic County Prosecutors Office, discussed the Child Abduction Response Team in Atlantic County. The team aims to organize and coordinate an effective response with the local department if a child has been abducted.

Mayor Don Guardian and the City Council recognized Missing Childrens Day in Atlantic City, as well, to bring awareness to the population about the negative activities taking place against our youth, Guardian said.

If we can prevent one child from being taken or exploited, then this event was worth the labor that our joint team coalition put forth, Santana said.
Perhaps the worst bill rushed through the Legislature with little public notice or comment this election year was the pension giveaway to New Jersey police and firefighter unions that passed in March. It would let them increase their benefits and run up the already high bill, leaving taxpayers responsible for paying it but without a say in the matter.

Since the support of the unions and their members is crucial to their re-election campaigns, nearly all state legislators voted to give them this blank check  many no doubt assuming that Gov. Chris Christie would veto this potential fiscal burden for state residents.

Two weeks ago, Christie delivered the expected conditional veto, saying he refused to repeat the mistakes of prior governors and Legislatures who enacted pension legislation without ensuring appropriate safeguards for taxpayers. Those past indulgences of public unions with no meaningful plan to fund them left the state with more than $50 billion in unfunded pension liabilities.

The bill would give control over the Police and Firemens Retirement System, currently managed by the Treasurys Division of Investment and the State Investment Council, to a new board with seven union members and five representing local governments and their taxpayers.

In opposing the bill, the N.J. State League of Municipalities said it would allow public safety union members and retirees to enhance their own benefits, while forcing their public employers and New Jersey taxpayers to assume the risk.

We liked the leagues strong counterproposal in March: In return for union control, the pension system would be changed from the nowadays-rare defined benefit system to the defined contribution system thats the norm for private-sector workers.

Christie chose instead, as a condition of his possibly signing the bill, the leagues modest request to have equal board representation for local governments and unions.

The governor also would require that the pension board abide by the modest existing pension reforms that have slightly eased the burden on state taxpayers, including measures such as a suspension of automatic cost-of-living increases in benefits. Christie also wants payouts for unused sick and vacation time to be limited to $7,500. Both are fair, considering that the taxpayers shouldering the costs of these benefits nearly all work in the private sector where they dont get them.

The unions say, rather than push for an override of Christies conditional veto that might fail, theyll wait for a new governor next year who they assume will give them what they want.

Legislators denied taxpayers a say in this scheme to make public pensions even more rewarding when most private workers dont even get pensions. Thats unacceptable. A case can be made for giving uniformed public workers the power to increase their pensions and benefits, and if elected officials think that case is strong, they should seek public support for it. Instead, they acted as if its a payoff to union pals that theyre ashamed of.

Public hearings, not just quickie legislative formalities, and public comment periods should precede any attempt to override the governors conditional veto. Otherwise, the only say voters will have on whether their interests are served by generous pensions for government workers will be in the fall election for governor and legislators.
HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam, May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

With 50 denim companies from 11 countries, the pioneer of Denim Show - Denimsandjeans Vietnam - is ready for their second edition, themed Street Style on June 7-8 at the most premium venue in Vietnam - The Gem Center.

A very timely aggregation of the apparel industry will happen at the Denimsandjeans show in expectation of Vietnam's FTA with EU becoming effective in 2018. In fact, there are other events coming up in anticipation of FTA, including the EU-Vietnam Business Network (EVBN), European Art of Living in Vietnam on June 16-17, 2017, which will host about 80 European companies, including fashion and accessories, food and other industries.

The Denimsandjeans show aims to bring together the denim supply chain in this region and will showcase talks from internationally renowned experts. There will be a panel discussion, ' Create Denim for the Future with the Care for People and the Planet,' with senior panelists like Denim Connoisseurs Mr. Sanjeev Bahl, Owner of Saitex; Mr. Christian from Bluesign Technologies and Ms. Sara Fesser from G-Star. The session will be moderated by Mr. Bill Watson, MD-Coats, Vietnam on the 7th June.

Mr. Stefano Aldigheri, Former Creative Director - 7 For All Mankind, will hold a seminar and the topic would be - Denim Is Dead, Long Live Denim, where he talks about what direction denim has taken and where it is going.

Ms. Dilek Erik, a renowned denim consultant from Turkey will share her views while presenting on, 'Denim Producers Guide To Success In Foreign Market' on the second day, followed by an important session by Mr. Bill Watson on 'Vietnam's FTAs with Europe and other regions - An Analysis of Impact on Textile and Apparel.'

The theme of the show is 'Street Style' and brings into focus the important role that denim plays in street wear. Denimsandjeans is also coming up with a show in Bangalore on September 25-26, themed 'Flexx Menn' and the next one in Dhaka on October 4-5, themed 'Denim Hyggae.'

Denimsandjeans.com has been serving the global denim industry since 2007 through their website and provides various platforms for the industry to come together. Their online platform De-brands also enables global companies to create showrooms and take their products to buyers electronically

Registration link : http://vmshow.denimsandjeans.com/invite.php

Online portal : http://onlineshow.denimsandjeans.com

Media contact:

Sandeep Agarwal

+91-9815630600

info@denimsandjeans.com



SOURCE Denimsandjeans.com
Originally the Speaker scheduled adjournment sine die for the 90th day on June 2, but the last day this session will instead be day 86 on May 23, ending four legislative days earlier. It is estimated that early adjournment will save about $34,000 of costs.

While the regular session is concluded, we wonder if will be called back into special session yet this year. Yes, we passed a budget that is technically balanced, but based on what some believe, the revenue projections may prove overly optimistic over the next two years in light of continuing stress in the agricultural economy. The budget adopted draws down our state rainy day fund and we will start the next budget with an uncomfortably low carryover balance from the current budget, leaving almost no margin for error should state tax collections continue to fall short of projections.

Normally, the budget is based upon a 3 percent reserve, meaning we only authorize spending 97 percent of the revenues we anticipate being available. That way, if revenues fall short of predictions, there is a cushion so that we have not committed to spend more than we actually take in. As I mentioned in a previous column, the budget the Legislature presented to the governor was balanced in part by only providing for a 2.5 percent reserve. However, the governor vetoed $55 million of spending, which restores us back to be a more fiscally responsible 3 percent reserve.

Efforts to override a number of the individual spending items the governor reduced through line-item vetoes were unsuccessful. Important to know is that the line-item veto in each of these programs does not mean providers will receive across-the-board rate reductions. Among these were reductions in amounts authorized in the Department of Health and Human Services. From the $1.69 billion two-year funding for the Medicaid program, Governor Ricketts vetoed $11.8 million in each of the two fiscal years. That is about a 1.4 percent reduction. The Governor also vetoed $3.23 million each year, or 2.12 percent, from the $303.7 million the Legislature had authorized for the development disability aid program. The governors vetoes reduced the amount appropriated for behavior health by $1.186 million each year from the total of $146 million passed by the Legislature for the next two years, or about 1.6 percent. In child welfare programs, the Legislature authorized spending $333.4 million over two years. The governor vetoed $640,000 in each of the two fiscal years, or about .38 percent.

Much misinformation was being circulated by certain associations with lobbyists working the floor, email and social media. Following this upon our contacting the Department of Health and Human Services Director Calder Lynch, we were provided a fact sheet with details of how individuals receiving Medicaid services care will continue to do so. Please note that the Governor, and also senators make protecting ongoing services under these aid programs a priority as working on the budget. Overall, the reductions to HHS aid programs in this budget amount to little over a one percent decrease. Other agencies, such as Environmental Quality and Natural Resources among many others, saw much greater reductions in the 6-9 percent range.

Again, important to know is that the line-item veto in each of these programs does not mean providers will receive across-the-board rate reductions. Nor does it mean that critical services will be reduced. The Medicaid budget is a block appropriation based on forecasted need and the state has the responsibility to manage the program to minimize impact on access to services for Medicaid eligible individuals. Additionally, this does not impact services not covered by Medicare like long-term and nursing home care, and assisted living services. Also, none of the vetoes automatically or necessarily translate into available services falling short of needs. The Department of Health and Human Services will work with stakeholders to protect critical services within the budgeted amounts. In some cases, the budgets for these programs will benefit from an increase in the federal match rate, which will result in some increase in federal funds offsetting some of the reduction in state appropriations.
ISTANBUL and MUMBAI, India, May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

The JV targets market leadership in 10 years

Beko, part of Koc Holding A.S. (Koc Holding), Turkey's largest industrials conglomerate, and Voltas Limited, part of the Tata Group, India's largest conglomerate, have announced a deal that will see Beko and Voltas, India's largest air conditioning brand, enter into a joint venture (JV) for consumer durables.

The proposed new company, to be incorporated in India, will be an equal partnership. The JV will be incorporated between Ardutch B.V. (49%), wholly owned subsidiary of Arcelik, owner of Beko Brand, Koc Holding (1%), Voltas (49 %), and Tata Investment Corporation Limited (1%). The partnership, once regulatory approval is received, will launch refrigerators, washing machines, microwaves and other white goods and major domestic appliances for the fast-growing consumer durables market in India.

The Joint Venture Company (JVC), with an equity capital of $100 million, will leverage the Beko brand and its expertise in the major domestic appliance sector across the globe, as well as Voltas' strong brand presence and wide sales and distribution network in India.

The JV is key to Beko's "Silk Road" business strategy, which seeks to create a continuous and strong presence in the corridor between Turkey and the Asia Pacific region. This move aims to tap into the Indian market which offers great potential with its approximately half billion middle-income consumers. The white goods market in India is expected to reach US$ 12 billion by 2027.

With the new greenfield investment, the JV looks to achieve a market leadership position in white goods. The new production facility is aimed to be operational by the end of 2018. The JVC will also sell major domestic appliances produced in various facilities of Beko around the world.

The JV demonstrates a joint vision of building a long-term sustainable durables business in India and Beko's ongoing focus on the Asian continent as the key driver in its strategic growth plans.

Commenting on the partnership, Fatih Kemal Ebiclioglu, President of Consumer Durables Group of Koc Holding, said: "Given the accelerating shift of global economic power to Asia, this joint venture will be a critical step for Beko's growth in the region. India stands out as an important opportunity window as it offers a great potential with its 1.3 billion population. In the last ten years alone, the Indian major domestic appliances market grew by nearly 9 percent, surpassing the overall 3 percent growth of global white goods market. With this joint venture, we make a strategic move to increase our global competitive advantage."

Hakan Bulgurlu, CEO of Arcelik, said: "Our joint venture with Voltas and Tata Group demonstrates Beko's commitment to India and showcases Beko's "Silk Road" strategy, which seeks to capitalise on major growth opportunities in countries across the Asia Pacific.

"India's rapidly expanding new middle class presents a major opportunity for our business. This young, urbanizing population includes many first-time buyers investing in white goods. The potential for growth in this market is incredibly exciting and we are proud to be partnering with the Tata Group to deliver this ambitious new partnership.

"By combining our global manufacturing expertise and innovation capabilities with Voltas' expertise, we're confident the company will deliver economic growth and act as a platform for our continued business success going forward."

Ishaat Hussain, Tata Sons Director and Chairman of Voltas Ltd., said: "Consumer Durables is a logical extension for Voltas, and we are delighted to be forming this Joint Venture with Arcelik, part of the Koc Group. The strong technology platform, combined with the global manufacturing and sourcing capabilities of Arcelik, will help the JVC offer many unique and differentiated products to the Indian market. The Voltas-Beko partnership will also leverage the well-known brand and distribution strengths of Voltas, and we will work towards establishing the joint venture as a market leader for consumer durables in India."

Sanjay Johri, Managing Director of Voltas Ltd., added: "Our long history, and our unique understanding of Indian customers combined with our brand and distribution strengths, has helped us become market leaders in room air-conditioners in India. Voltas' core competence, and the manufacturing capabilities and wide product range of Beko will help us become a leading player in the consumer durables market in the country. The Indian consumer has always been at the forefront of all our plans, and the expansion in our product portfolio, through this foray, will as always, provide our customers products 'made for India', which specifically cater to their needs. We remain committed to our goals of sustainable profitable growth, and this Joint Venture will create enhanced value for our customers and shareholders."

Note to Editors

About Arcelik & Beko

Today Arcelik A.S. offers products and services around the world with its 30,000 employees, 18 production facilities in 7 countries (Turkey, Romania, Russia, China, South Africa, Thailand and Pakistan), its 34 sales and marketing offices in 32 countries and its 11 brands (Arcelik, Beko, Grundig, Blomberg, ElektraBregenz, Arctic, Leisure, Flavel, Defy, Altus and Dawlance) serving products and services in 145 countries. As the third largest home appliances company in Europe, the consolidated turnover of Arcelik A.S. was totalled at TRY 16.1 billion in 2016. Generating 60% of its income from global markets Arcelik A.S. owns 14 R&D centres, employing over 1,300 employees. Arcelik is listed in ISE (Borsa Istanbul) since 1986. Beko, the global brand of Arcelik A.S., has been the fastest growing home appliances brand of Europe since the millennium. Brand is the market leader in UK and Poland and the #1 freestanding white goods brand of Europe.

About Voltas

Voltas Limited is a premier engineering solutions provider and project specialist. Founded in India in 1954, Voltas Limited is part of the Tata Group, and offers engineering solutions for a wide spectrum of industries in areas such as heating, ventilation and air conditioning, refrigeration, electro-mechanical projects, textile machinery, mining and construction equipment, water management & treatment, cold chain solutions, building management systems, and indoor air quality. The Company is also the market leader in room air conditioners in India.

About Koc Holding

Koc Holding, the parent company of Arcelik A.S., is the leading investment holding company in Turkey and Koc Group is Turkey's largest industrial and services group in terms of revenues, exports, taxes, number of employees and market capitalization on the Borsa Istanbul with over 95,000 people. Koc Holding has leading positions with strong competitive advantages in various sectors, such as energy, automotive, consumer durables and finance, which offer strong long-term growth potential. Following an average annual growth rate of 11% in consolidated profit in USD terms between 2006 and 2016, Koc Holding ranks among the world's top 500 companies according to Fortune 500 with consolidated sales of around US$ 23.5 billion as of year-end 2016. Koc Group has been a driving force of the Turkish economy with total sales corresponding 6% of Turkey's GDP, exports comprising 9% of Turkey's total exports and Koc Holding and its listed subsidiaries making up 20% of Borsa Istanbul's market capitalization.

About Tata Group

Founded by Jamsetji Tata in 1868, the Tata group is a global enterprise, headquartered in India, comprising over 100 independent operating companies. The group operates in more than 100 countries across six continents, with a mission 'To improve the quality of life of the communities we serve globally, through long-term stakeholder value creation based on Leadership with Trust'. Tata Sons is the principal investment holding company and promoter of various Tata companies, including Voltas. Sixty-six percent of the equity share capital of Tata Sons is held by philanthropic trusts, which support education, health, livelihood generation and art and culture. In 2015-16, the revenue of Tata companies, taken together, was USD 103.51 billion. These companies collectively employ over 660,000 people.

Each Tata company or enterprise operates independently under the guidance and supervision of its own Board of Directors. There are 29 publicly-listed Tata enterprises with a combined market capitalization of about USD 116.41 billion (as on March 31, 2016). Going forward, Tata companies are building multinational businesses that seek to differentiate themselves through customer-centricity, innovation, entrepreneurship, trustworthiness and values-driven business operations, while balancing the interests of diverse stakeholders including shareholders, employees and society.

SOURCE Beko
CHICAGO, May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A Chicago-area family with a deep commitment to supporting science and medicine is giving $100 million to establish The Duchossois Family Institute at the University of Chicago Medicine, which seeks to accelerate research and interventions based on how the human immune system, microbiome and genetics interact to maintain health.

The gift from The Duchossois Group Inc. Chairman and CEO Craig Duchossois, his wife, Janet Duchossois, and The Duchossois Family Foundation will support development of a "new science of wellness" aimed at preserving health and complementing medicine's traditional focus on disease treatment. Their investment will help build an entrepreneurial infrastructure that stimulates research, data integration, and clinical applications, while educating the next generation of young physicians and students in this new science.

By providing resources and research infrastructure, The Duchossois Family Institute: Harnessing the Microbiome and Immunity for Human Health will allow faculty and students to focus on preventing disease by optimizing the body's own defenses and finding new ways to maintain well-being. With the embedded expertise of the university's Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, they will work aggressively to bring breakthroughs to market through partnerships with industry, venture capitalists, government agencies, like-minded philanthropists, and the public.

"The Duchossois Family Institute will draw on the creativity and skill of university researchers across many fields in bringing new perspectives to medical science, oriented toward making an impact that greatly benefits human lives," said University of Chicago President Robert J. Zimmer. "We are grateful for the Duchossois family's remarkable level of engagement in establishing this innovative alliance between medical experts and entrepreneurs."

The amount is the largest single gift in support of UChicago Medicine and brings the family's lifetime charitable contributions to the academic medical center to $137 million. Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research has donated a total of $118 million since 2006, largely to support cancer research.

The Duchossois gift is also the fourth time there has been a single gift of $100 million or more to the University of Chicago. The Thomas L. Pearson and The Pearson Family Members Foundation made a grant of $100 million in 2015 to establish The Pearson Institute for the Study and Resolution of Global Conflicts and The Pearson Global Forum at the Harris School of Public Policy, and an anonymous donor gave $100 million in 2007 to fund the Odyssey Scholarship Program in support of undergraduate student aid. The university's largest gift to date is $300 million in 2008 from investment entrepreneur David Booth, for whom UChicago's Booth School of Business is named.

'New science of wellness'

Until now, much of the research on the microbiome  the community of bacteria, fungi, viruses and other microorganisms living in the body, primarily the digestive tract  and its relation to human health has focused on its relationship to disease. Recent discoveries, many at the University of Chicago, demonstrate that the genetic material encoded within the microbiome is a critical factor in fine-tuning the immune system and can be powerful in maintaining well-being and preventing disease. New computer technology to integrate and analyze vast amounts of biological and medical data  pioneered by the National Cancer Institute Genomic Data Commons, developed and operated by the university  also is allowing researchers from disparate disciplines and locations to work toward common interests and solutions.

The Duchossois (pronounced DUCH-ah-swah) family wanted to support the application of these discoveries to improve health, and turned to leaders at the University of Chicago for ideas.

"We wanted to find a way to be transformative in our giving and looked to the University of Chicago and asked, 'What is the nature of what's in our bodies that helps us stay well?'" said Ashley Duchossois Joyce, president of The Duchossois Family Foundation. "They came back with an answer that connected all the dots, confirming the potential for a new science of wellness that fundamentally explores how the immune system and microbiome interact."

Focusing on factors crucial to maintaining wellness could greatly expand the tools available to medical researchers and entrepreneurs. Early targets identified by institute scientists envision a potential future in which:

Peanuts, milk and eggs could safely return to school menus.

Children with asthma play outside, confident they can breathe without inhalers.

Inexpensive sensors help families adjust their homes to optimize health.

Doctors guide patients to foods and probiotics to win the fight against obesity.

Technologies pinpoint the microbes needed to treat and prevent autoimmune diseases.

Probiotics and prebiotics improve the effectiveness of cancer and antidepressant drugs.

Judiciously used antibiotics reduce the impact of Alzheimer's disease.

Building on strengths at UChicago

The institute will build on insights already gained from research at the University of Chicago.

"The family recognized the university's and medical center's leadership in genomics, the human immune system, data analytics and the microbiome," said T. Conrad Gilliam, dean for basic science in the Division of the Biological Sciences, who will lead efforts to launch the institute. "The new institute will integrate these areas into this new science focused on longstanding health and the body's natural ability to maintain wellness."

The Duchossois Family Institute will support leading-edge technologies and services including:

A clinical repository to maintain biological samples

Microbial cultivation and analysis tools

Next-generation platform to identify biomarkers that mediate between the microbiome and immune system

Medicinal chemistry to pinpoint biomarkers and develop more effective therapies

High-throughput genetic sequencing for microbial DNA

A data commons for sharing large amounts of microbial, environmental and medical information

The Duchossois Family Institute's efforts will bring together investigators across the University of Chicago as well as affiliates at Argonne National Laboratory, Marine Biological Laboratory at Woods Hole, Mass., and eventually many more partners.

In addition, the university will embed commercialization specialists from its Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation within the institute to promote participation and support of the business community to further accelerate innovation. Polsky's proven expertise will ensure that the intellectual property generated is protected, licensed, and potentially spun off for business development for the benefit of participating institutions and the entire region.

"Sustainability and entrepreneurship are critical to the success of this new endeavor," said Craig Duchossois, a longtime trustee of both the university and the medical center. "The fact that we are able to leverage so many resources at one university means we can aggressively advance the progress of this new science and help society."

A history of giving

The latest gift continues a history of giving to UChicago that spans 37 years, inspired by the care that Beverly Duchossois, late wife of Richard Duchossois, received at what was then called the University of Chicago Hospital. In 1980, Richard Duchossois established the Beverly E. Duchossois Cancer Fund in memory of his wife.

In the years since, the family has given the University a total of $37 million to drive innovation and transformative care at the medical center, including a named professorship and several cancer research funds. That amount includes a $21 million gift in 1994 to establish the Duchossois Center for Advanced Medicine, which is home to outpatient specialty clinics, diagnostic centers and treatment facilities at the University of Chicago Medicine.

"We are honored and privileged to be the beneficiary of such enormous generosity and are excited by what the science can accomplish," said Kenneth S. Polonsky, MD, dean of the Division of the Biological Sciences and the Pritzker School of Medicine and executive vice president of medical affairs. "The gift invests in a core strength of UChicago Medicine: our basic science research and our ability to quickly translate that research for the benefit of patients."

In addition to Craig Duchossois' service as a trustee, Janet Duchossois serves as a member of the University of Chicago Women's Board. The Duchossois Family Foundation is made up of family members spanning three generations including patriarch Richard; son and daughter-in-law, Craig and Janet; daughters Kimberly Duchossois, a University of Chicago Cancer Research Foundation board member, and Dayle Fortino; and grandchildren, including Ashley Duchossois Joyce, a University of Chicago graduate and former member of the School of Social Service Administration Visiting Committee, Jessica Swoyer Green and Ilaria Woodward.

About the University of Chicago Medicine

The University of Chicago Medicine & Biological Sciences is one of the nation's leading academic medical institutions. It comprises the Pritzker School of Medicine, a top U.S. medical school; the University of Chicago Biomedical Sciences Division; and the University of Chicago Medical Center. Twelve Nobel Prize winners in physiology or medicine have been affiliated with the University of Chicago Medicine. Visit our research blog at sciencelife.uchospitals.edu and our newsroom at uchospitals.edu/news.

Twitter @UChicagoMed, @ScienceLife

Facebook.com/UChicagoMed

About The Duchossois Family Foundation

Established in 1984 by first- and second-generation family members, The Duchossois Family Foundation strives to empower individuals to enhance their quality of life through wellness and education. Visit our website at TheDFF.org.

MEDIA CONTACT

Lorna Wong

Director, Media Relations

[email protected]

773-702-0188

SOURCE University of Chicago Medical Center

Related Links

www.uchospitals.edu


WASHINGTON, May 23, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Globally, 75 million children and youth are displaced from their homes and communities due to conflict or crisis and are in desperate need for educational support. Education plays a vital role in rebuilding lives, creating economic opportunities, and inciting stability. One year ago, leaders in governments and the private sector committed to addressing this issue by creating "Education Cannot Wait: A Fund for Education in Emergencies." But, where are current efforts? What more can be done to ensure that children who are displaced by war, natural disasters, and other emergencies receive a quality education?

Jesuit Refugee Service/USA (JRS/USA) and the Global Campaign for Education - United States will host a Capitol Hill briefing on May 24 to discuss the state of education for refugees and the forcibly displaced, and the opportunities to improve current efforts.

WHAT:

Capitol Hill briefing to discuss access to education for the world's refugees and displaced people.

WHO:

Hosted by:

Jesuit Refugee Service/USA and the Global Campaign for Education - United States

Featuring:

David Robinson, Executive Director, Jesuit Refugee Service/USA (moderator)

Dean Brooks, Director, Inter-Agency Network for Education in Emergencies

Nina Papadopoulos, Team Lead, Education in Crisis & Conflict, USAID

Alex Palacios, Chief of Staff, Global Partnership for Education

WHEN:

Wednesday, May 24, 2017  2-3 p.m.

WHERE:

Russel Senate Office Building  Room 385

MEDIA ACCESS:

Click here to RSVP.

Opportunities for photos and interviews will be available. Please contact Sarah Carroll, [email protected] at 412-951-1886 to learn more.

About JRS/USA: The mission of Jesuit Refugee Service/USA (JRS/USA) is to accompany, serve, and advocate for refugees and forcibly displaced persons. JRS works in more than 45 countries worldwide to meet the educational, health, psycho-social and emergency needs of nearly 750,000 refugees and other forcibly displaced persons regardless of race, ethnic origin or religious beliefs. Click here to learn more.

About GCE-US: The Global Campaign for Education, U.S. (GCE-US) is a broad-based coalition of U.S. organizations. The mission of the GCE-US is to promote education as a basic human right and mobilize to create political will in the United States and internationally to ensure universal quality education, which is at the core of all human development. Click here to learn more.

SOURCE Jesuit Refugee Service

Related Links

http://www.jrsusa.org


NEW YORK, May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Actiance, the leader in communication compliance, archiving, and analytics, today announced a global partnership with Hootsuite, the most widely used social media management platform. The companies will integrate their products to enable social marketing, archiving, and compliance solutions for financial services companies to assist in keeping all social communication compliant with mandates set by regulatory bodies such as FINRA, SEC, IIROC, FCA, GDPR, and MiFID II, among others.

The companies will integrate and co-sell a solution for content moderation, automated archiving, publisher notifications and moderation on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter, enabling organizations working in highly regulated industries to reap the full benefits of these channels.

"800 of the Fortune 1000 including the world's largest financial services organizations rely on Actiance and Hootsuite to deliver enterprise scale and innovative social and compliance solutions," said Barry Ruditsky, Senior Vice President of Business Development and Global Alliances, Actiance. "This partnership not only empowers advisors to compliantly engage with clients and prospects through social channels, but also to achieve huge efficiency gains without fear of sanctions, or of compromising sensitive information."

The partnership will leverage Hootsuite's widely known social media management platform, extensive ecosystem, and world class education along with Actiance's Socialite -- which enables compliance across public social networks--and Alcatraz, its context-aware cloud-based archive, to accelerate digital transformation.

"We're thrilled to partner with Actiance to bring integrated solutions to our customers through Hootsuite's market leading ecosystem," said Joe Gruca, Vice President, Global Partners, Hootsuite. "Through this partnership we're leveraging the market leadership and expertise of both organizations to empower the financial services industry to compliantly leverage social and drive business results."

Reaping the Full Benefits of Social Media, While Mitigating the Risk

This partnership between Hootsuite, with over 15 million users, and Actiance which manages over 500 million daily conversations across 80+ channels will enable financial services companies to communicate with customers with great flexibility and at remarkable scale.

"This partnership decouples marketing from compliance by bringing together two best of breed solutions, Hootsuite for social management, and Actiance for compliance, to create a holistic solution for modern communication," said Amy McIlwain, Global Industry Principal for Financial Services, Hootsuite.

By integrating their solutions, the two companies will enable:

Content Moderation: Content created in Hootsuite (Posts and Comments) is automatically routed to Actiance Socialite for policy review.

Content created in Hootsuite (Posts and Comments) is automatically routed to Actiance Socialite for policy review. Automated Archiving: Actiance automatically archives content from Hootsuite and natively connected channels into the Actiance Alcatraz Cloud Archive.

Actiance automatically archives content from Hootsuite and natively connected channels into the Actiance Alcatraz Cloud Archive. Publisher Notifications: When content is approved or rejected in Actiance, the publisher in Hootsuite is notified with reason information and latest status.

When content is approved or rejected in Actiance, the publisher in Hootsuite is notified with reason information and latest status. LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter Profile Moderation: Actiance supports native moderation of LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter profiles and will sync approval history to the archive. Updates to profiles can be made directly from Actiance Socialite.

Additional Information

Landing Page: http://www.hootsuite.com/products/actiance

Stay up to date with Actiance: https://www.actiance.com/blog/actiance-hootsuite-bring-power-safe-compliant-social-customer-engagement-financial-services-companies/

Become a fan of Actiance: http://www.facebook.com/actiance

Follow Actiance on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/actiancehttp://ctt.marketwire.com/?release=1264980&id=8716360&type=1&url=http%3a%2f%2fwww.twitter.com%2factiance

About Actiance

Actiance is the leader in communications compliance, archiving, and analytics. We provide compliance across the broadest set of communications and social channels with insights on what's being captured. Actiance customers manage over 500 million daily conversations across 80 channels and growing. Customers include the top 10 U.S., top 5 Canadian, top 8 European, and top 3 Asian banks. The Actiance advantage is customers stay ahead of compliance and uncover patterns and relationships hidden within their data. Learn more at www.actiance.com.

Actiance headquarters are in Redwood City, California. For more information, visit http://www.actiance.com or call 1-888-349-3223.

About Hootsuite

Hootsuite is the most widely used social media management platform, used by over 15 million people around the globe and trusted by more than 800 of the Fortune 1000. Hootsuite's battle-tested technology, extensive ecosystem, and social DNA help organizations power human connections at scale.

Hootsuite Media Team:

Ryan Tessier, @HootTessier

Hootsuite Corporate Communications

[email protected]

Actiance Media Team:

Lisa Bergamo

Senior Director, Corporate Communications, Actiance, Inc.

Phone: 650-380-9250

Email: [email protected]

Michael Burke

415.989.9000

[email protected]



SOURCE Actiance

Related Links

https://www.actiance.com


NEW YORK, May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Municipal officials and safety advocates are calling for increased pedestrian safety measures at America's busiest landmarks and pedestrian areas following new terrorist threats and last week's Times Square vehicle attack that killed one person and injured dozens of others before being stopped by newly installed security bollards.

Now, the U.S. company that designed and manufactured the Times Square barriers credited with preventing the attack from being any worse is offering to work collaboratively with cities and municipalities to provide free resources and security evaluations of landmarks and other busy pedestrians sites.

Despite a recent increase in some security measures, many national landmarks, venues, pedestrian malls, and street events still lack basic pedestrian safety barriers like the kind in the Times Square crash. According to The Risk Advisory Group, in 2016, vehicular attacks accounted for the largest number of terrorism casualties in the West, resulting in 601 deaths  with new threats of possible vehicle-based attacks.

L.A.-based Calpipe Security Bollards worked with New York City officials to design and engineer the Times Square bollards throughout 2015 and 2016.

Rob Reiter, a nationally recognized pedestrian safety expert and Calpipe's chief security consultant, urged all cities to:

Identify and block vehicle access points at the most pedestrian-heavy sites with fixed or removable bollards.

Evaluate existing bollards to determine if they are manufactured and installed in a manner that provides appropriate levels of protection.

Consider removable bollards that are stored on sidewalks and can be temporarily installed in the street during farmers markets or street fairs.

"Many public areas in America are vulnerable to vehicle attacks, and pedestrian safety can no longer be an afterthought. Every city, every venue, every landmark should make sure it is doing everything possible to keep pedestrians safe from a vehicle-based attack or accident," said Rob Reiter.

Calpipe's bollards were credited with stopping Richard Rojas's car and potentially saving lives. News coverage highlighted the bollard's role in preventing the incident from being any worse:

USA Today: What stopped the car in Times Square? A closer look at bollards

Associated Press: Deadly Times Square Attack Highlights Pedestrian Safety

Fox: Local company designed barricades that potentially saved lives in Times Square

SOURCE Calpipe Security Bollards

Related Links

http://www.calpipebollards.com


DUBLIN, May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "Agriculture And Farm Equipment/Machinery Market, 2014-2025" report to their offering.

The global agriculture equipment/machinery market is expected to reach USD 243.4 billion by 2025. The rising population has escalated the demand for food and pressurized the agriculture sector to be increasingly efficient and productive. This is anticipated to drive the demand for farm equipment market across the globe over the forecast period.



Agriculture/Farm machinery includes a variety of tools and machinery that are used in several agricultural processes to improve output and enhance the overall quality of crops. Reduced labor availability is another reason for the growing demand of farm equipment. Agriculture is a labor-intensive and time-consuming process. Labor employment has become expensive, owing to the insufficient labor supply which is attributed to people opting other jobs.



Additionally, the increasing adoption of technology-driven agriculture equipment is also anticipated to drive market demand. Farmers are adopting modern agricultural technologies to increase farm yield, due to the increasing food demand. The technological advancements in agriculture automation and robotics are fuelling the espousal of farm equipment across the globe.



The growth is also estimated to be driven by the increasing sales in developing nations, such as India, China, and Brazil, as these countries continue to mechanize their agricultural sectors. Furthermore, a strong economic growth and population expansion are expected to impose pressure on the agriculture sectors to be more competent, thus increasing sales.



Companies Mentioned



AGCO Corporation

Agrocenter Ltd.

Agromaster

Amazone Ltd.

APV - Technische Produkte GmbH

Bellota

CLAAS KGaA mbH

CNH Industrial N.V.

Escorts Group

Horsch Maschinen GmbH

ISEKI & Co., Ltd.

J.CBamford Excavators Ltd.

John Deere (Deere & Company)

Kivon RUS

Klever

Kongskilde

Krukowiak PvtLtd.

Kubota Corporation

Kuhn Group S.A.

Kverneland A.S.

(10+ Others)



Key Topics Covered:



1. Methodology and Scope



2. Executive Summary



3. Agriculture Equipment Market Variables, Trends & Scope



4. Agriculture Equipment: Product Outlook



5. Agriculture Equipment: Application Outlook



6. Agriculture Equipment Market: Regional Outlook



7. Competitive Landscape



For more information about this report visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/mdvvzg/agriculture_and

Media Contact:

Research and Markets

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

[email protected]



For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470

For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630

For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900



U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907

Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716

SOURCE Research and Markets

Related Links

http://www.researchandmarkets.com


SEATTLE, May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air have each earned their 16th Diamond Award from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for excellence in maintenance training. The FAA reserves this award for select carriers who complete the Aircraft Maintenance Training (AMT) program with 100 percent participation from eligible technicians.

Alaska Airlines is the only major carrier to earn this award for 16 consecutive years. Horizon has earned the award for 16 of the past 18 years. In addition to the company award, five aircraft technicians earned individual FAA Gold Awards for going above and beyond the AMT program requirements: Nicholas Kula, Matt Grabowsky, Kevin Barrett, Vincent Estacio and Chris Pratt.

"Earning the Diamond Award is no small feat. The technical training group and aircraft technicians take on the FAA's AMT program requirements on top of our own rigorous maintenance training program," says Kurt Kinder, Alaska Airlines vice president of maintenance and engineering. "Safety starts with training, and 16 Diamonds speaks to the value we place on both."

Today, Alaska is also recognizing the hard work of aircraft technicians with barbecues and treats in celebration of Charles E. Taylor Day (also known as Aircraft Maintenance Technician Day). Originally dedicated to paying homage to the first aircraft technician, Charles E. Taylor Day is celebrated across the industry on May 24, as a way to recognize the maintenance professionals throughout the industry.

"Charles E. Taylor Day is a welcomed reminder for us to stop and thank the men and women who keep our aircraft performing safely and reliably," says Paul Taylor, Alaska's managing director of line maintenance. "While most of us are at home asleep, aircraft technicians are hard at work to ensure a safe and on-time launch of the airline every day. Although the work doesn't stop today, we'll be celebrating with as many technicians as we can across our maintenance stations."

Alaska Airlines, together with Virgin America and its regional partners, flies 40 million guests a year to 119 destinations with an average of 1,200 daily flights across the United States and to Mexico, Canada, Costa Rica and Cuba. With Alaska and Alaska Global Partners , guests can earn and redeem miles on flights to more than 900 destinations worldwide. Alaska Airlines ranked "Highest in Customer Satisfaction Among Traditional Carriers in North America" in the J.D. Power North America Satisfaction Study for 10 consecutive years from 2008 to 2017. Alaska Mileage Plan ranked "Highest in Customer Satisfaction with Airline Loyalty Rewards Programs" in the J.D. Power 2016 Airline Loyalty/Rewards Program Satisfaction Report for the last three consecutive years. Learn more about Alaska's award-winning service and unmatched reliability at newsroom.alaskaair.com and blog.alaskaair.com. Alaska Airlines, Virgin America and Horizon Air are subsidiaries of Alaska Air Group (NYSE: ALK).

SOURCE Alaska Airlines

Related Links

http://www.alaskaair.com


Taking time off continues to be a challenge in America's always-on work culture with more than half (54%) of employees ending 2016 with unused vacation time, a slight decrease from 2015 results (55%). These findings, from Project: Time Off's State of American Vacation 2017 report, provide the most comprehensive annual look at America's vacation habits based on GfK survey research of 7,331 U.S. employees who earn time off and economic analysis conducted by Oxford Economics. See the report for a full methodology.

"For the first time in many years, there is reason to believe that America's bad vacation habits may be improving," said Project: Time Off Senior Director and report author Katie Denis. "Our workforce still has a long way to go to rewire its thinking that hours worked and busyness are equivalent to productivity. But make no mistake, the increase in vacation usage is a positive indicator for American work culture."

While Americans are taking more vacation time, there is also a slight increase in the number of days left unused. In 2016, 662 million vacation days were left on the table, four million days more than 2015. However, forfeited vacation daystime that cannot be rolled over, banked, or paid outare down eight percent to 206 million forfeited days. Those forfeited days have a cost. Last year, employees gave up $66.4 billion in lost benefits, which translates to an average of $604 per employee.

The Economics of Vacation Time

The jump in vacation usage from 16.2 to 16.8 days delivered a $37 billion total impact to the U.S. economy. But there is more economic potential to be gained as lost spending from America's millions of unused days cost the U.S. economy $236 billion in 2016. Had those days been used, they had the potential to create 1.8 million jobs and generate $70 billion in additional income for American workers.

Remedy for Unused Days: Planning

The increase in vacation usage may be tied to the majority of Americans (54%) planning their time off. Workers who set aside time to plan their vacation days are more likely to take all of their time off (52% to 40%). They also tend to take longer vacations. While three-in-four (75%) planners take a week or more at a time, non-planners take significantly fewer dayszero to threethan planners at once (42% to 18%). The benefits extend beyond the days spent away from the office. Planners are happier than non-planners in every category measuredrelationships, health and well-being, company, and job.

Reworking Work Culture

Many employees hold fast to the belief that the path to career success requires sacrificing vacation and embracing work martyrdom. The data tells a vastly different story. Thirty-eight percent of employees said they want to be seen as a work martyr by their boss, but they are less likely (79% to 84%) to report receiving a raise or bonus and are no more likely to have received a promotion in the last year than the average worker (28% to 28%).

"We need to put to rest the fallacy that 'work ethic' is equivalent to work martyrdom," said Project: Time Off Director of Communications Cait DeBaun. "Not only are employees not getting ahead by sacrificing time off, these habits may also be harming their careers."

Gender and Job Title Predict Vacation Habits

Nearly all (96%) American employees say vacation is important to them, yet there is a disparity based on gender and seniority in vacation usage and perceptions of workplace vacation culture.

Men were more likely than women to use all their vacation time in 2016, up three percentage points from 2015 to 48 percent. While women say that vacation is "extremely" important to them, more so than men (58% to 49%), only 44 percent of women use all their time off. This disconnect between belief and behavior only worsens among Millennial women who, despite being more fervent believers in the benefits of time off than their male counterparts, take less time off (44% Millennial women vs. 51% Millennial men) due to an overwhelming amount of reported guilt, fear, and work martyr habits.

Whether some of these fears are warranted or not, muddled messaging in the workplace extends beyond gender and generational differences. An employee's view of their company and corresponding vacation culture varies based on their rung of the corporate ladder. Compared to non-managerial employees, senior leaders are more likely to believe the company encourages vacation (50% to 30%), feel supported by management (59% to 39%), and hear about the value of taking time off (62% to 51%). Despite their positive feelings about company culture, senior leaders feel the pressures of taking time off more acutely and are less likely to use their days than non-managers (61% to 52%).

"The issues facing our workforce around vacation culture, while alarming, also present clear opportunities and solutions. Americans are using more vacation, and the positive change can continue if American workersparticularly senior leadersprioritize conversation, planning, and modeling of good vacation behavior," said Denis.

About Project: Time Off

Project: Time Off is an initiative to win back America's Lost Week of vacation. We aim to shift culture so that taking time off is understood as essential to personal well-being, professional success, business performance, and economic expansion. The initiative is supported by the Project: Time Off Coalition, a broad-based group of organizations focused on changing America's thinking and behavior about vacation time. Learn more at ProjectTimeOff.com.

SOURCE Project: Time Off

Related Links

http://www.projecttimeoff.com/


DES PLAINES, Ill., May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- For the third year in a row, Americaneagle.com has been awarded the Progress Sitefinity Partner of the Year award.

The Progress Sitefinity Partner of the Year award winners were announced at Progress SitefinitySummit, held May 8-10 in Boston, Massachusetts. This 3-day conference is Progress' biggest event of the year for Sitefinity customers and partners and featured a variety of speakers from Progress, as well as Craig Briars, Director of Sales at Americaneagle.com, who spoke on topics such as multi-site and how to accelerate the creation of future websites with re-usability in mind. A member of the Green Bay Packers organization, an Americaneagle.com customer, also spoke at the Summit about the success of its new Packers Everywhere site.

Americaneagle.com has a history of success working on the Progress Sitefinity CMS platform and, in addition to the Partner of the Year awards, has also won numerous Partner of the Quarter and Website of the Year awards.

Kimberly King, Vice President of Global Partners and Channels at Progress commented, "We are very proud of our partnership with Americaneagle.com. The Americaneagle.com team never fails to exhibit impressive skill, developing cutting edge sites for its clients. We can always trust Americaneagle.com to demonstrate how exceptional the Progress Sitefinity platform can be."

Mike Svanascini, President of Americaneagle.com commented, "To receive the Sitefinity Partner of the Year award for the third consecutive year is a great honor. We thank Progress Sitefinity for this recognition."

With over 20 years in the industry, Americaneagle.com has vast experience working with the Progress Sitefinity platform, creating exceptional sites for clients such as FASTSIGNS, International Paper, Gulfstream Park and the Green Bay Packers. Americaneagle.com not only offers exceptional website design and development services, but also digital marketing and strategy, integration, hosting and 24/7 support services for its clients.

About Americaneagle.com

Americaneagle.com, Inc., founded in 1978, is a leading Web design, development, and hosting company based in Des Plaines, Illinois. Currently, Americaneagle.com employs approximately 350+ professionals in offices throughout the country including Chicago, Charlotte, Cleveland, Dallas, Fort Lauderdale, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, New York, and Washington D.C. Some of their 7,000+ clients include Komatsu USA, FASTSIGNS, Stuart Weitzman, WeatherTech.com, Chicago Bears, and the American Dental Association. For additional information about Americaneagle.com, visit www.americaneagle.com.

Contact

Michael Svanascini

[email protected]

847-699-0300

SOURCE Americaneagle.com

Related Links

http://www.americaneagle.com


SAN FRANCISCO, May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Anto Ljoljic, a California-based Author, Publisher, and Speaker, has confirmed that he has officially released his controversial new autobiography entitled, "If We Have No Peace," in a variety of formats. Transporting the reader through a complete 180 degrees emotion-filled journey from the depths of drug addiction, sex, depression, and a litany of lies to emerge from this dark tunnel into the light with a truly inspirational autobiographical account of starting over.

Hardcover: If We Have No Peace Author: Anto Ljoljic

In 358 pages, this soul-baring confession with a striking book cover by Artist, Jamileh Rose, makes for compelling reading from the beginning. The book on redemption is available in traditional Hardback and Paperback as well as a variety of ebook editions for Amazon Kindle, Mobipocket, EPUB, and Portable Document Format (PDF).

"One day, I woke up and realized I had been living in a prison my entire life," expressed, Anto. "These stories are the beginning of my awakening. There are certainly more stories I have not yet shared but I think the book covers the bulk of my darkest secrets. Everything else should seem mild in comparison. This book is part of a path that has led to one goal, one purpose, and that is to be of service."

The Author has now dedicated his life to helping others to finally reach their own truth and feel a sense of unity. His raw and totally unfiltered writing style makes this a standout body of work. These days, you will find the 37-year-old writing, contemplating the meaning of life, and practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

About If We Have No Peace:

At once unbearably raw and stunningly beautiful, "If We Have No Peace," is a collection of intertwining short stories about addiction and love, depression and hope, and loneliness and the struggle to embrace life. This is a confession of Anto Ljoljic's most shameful and heartbreaking moments, a framework of the lies and anger he used to conceal fear, and a testimony to the graceful patience of the Universe as he refused to absorb the message time and time again. Ultimately, what he believed to be his greatest weakness turned out to be an astounding and liberating gift, but it took him begging for mercy to realize it. To bulk order copies of, "If We Have No Peace," or to book Anto Ljoljic for a speaking engagement, visit: https://www.ifwehavenopeace.com/ and https://www.antoljoljic.com/

Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/If-We-Have-No-Peace/dp/0998941905

ISBNs

978-0-9989419-0-5 Paperback

978-0-9989419-1-2 Hardback

978-0-9989419-2-9 Ebook - EPUB

978-0-9989419-3-6 Ebook - Portable Document Format

978-0-9989419-4-3 Ebook - Kindle

978-0-9989419-5-0 Ebook - Mobipocket

Media contact information:

Anto Ljoljic, Author, Publisher, and Speaker.

Email: [email protected]

Tel: 619-847-8000.

SOURCE Anto Ljoljic
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Array Technologies, Inc., the global leader in cumulative solar tracking experience, today announced that it will partner with Affordable Solar to install trackers at Facebook's upcoming data center located in Los Lunas, New Mexico, USA. The company also announced that it has opened a new office in Madrid, Spain to better serve its growing global customer base in Europe. The Intersolar AWARD finalist will be onsite at the upcoming Intersolar Europe event and can be found at exhibition booth A4.380.

Array Technologies is partnering with local companies to bring solar tracking power to Facebook's new data center in New Mexico. Array has been selected to provide trackers for three 10 MW-AC sites to help Facebook's newest data center be powered 100 percent by renewable energy. The global leader in solar tracking was chosen for this project due to its high reliability, which will allow Facebook to deliver 100 percent server uptime over the 30-year design life of the trackers.

"With decades of innovation and experience under our belt, we're excited to see large global brands like Facebook adopting renewable energy solutions," said Ron Corio, CEO of Array Technologies. "Solar technology should be designed and built to withstand the test of time. Array is proud to deliver the only time-proven solar tracker to utility-scale project owners around the world."

Alongside engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) firm Affordable Solar, Array will install trackers throughout 2017 and complete the first of three 10 MW-AC installations by the beginning of 2018. Affordable Solar was awarded the contract by Public Service Company of New Mexico (PNM) to build the three sites.

Affordable Solar President, Kevin Basselleck, says "We'll be partnering with Array Technologies, an Albuquerque-based manufacturer of the tracking systems that allow the solar modules to follow the sun throughout the day. They are a global leader in solar trackers and a tremendous local success story. We're proud to deploy more of their systems right here in New Mexico."

Array Technologies has also recently expanded with a new office in Madrid, Spain. This announcement is the latest of many new international offices to open, including Australia, Mexico and the MENAT region. The mission of the Spain office, led by Director of International Sales and Business Development Martin Mitscher, is to provide additional support to Array's growing international customer base headquartered in Europe.

"As the global market for utility-scale tracked solar expands, so too does Array," said Mitscher. "We're delighted to add Madrid, Spain to Array's fast-growing list of international offices to provide these clients the same level of service and customer experience as our trusted partners in the US."

Array's innovative DuraTrack HZ v3 was recently selected as a finalist for the prestigious Intersolar AWARD due to its streamlined design, flexibly linked architecture and stow-free strategy, which combined offer the lowest cost of ownership and highest reliability. As a part of Array's finalist status, President Thomas Conroy will present at the Intersolar Europe conference on Wednesday, May 31st at 12:00. Interested parties can view the DuraTrack HZ v3 and meet the Array Technologies team at booth A4.380, May 31-June 2 in Munich, Germany.

About Array Technologies:

Array Technologies, Inc. is the leading solar tracking solutions and services provider for utility-scale projects. Our streamlined tracker design enables efficient installation and high reliability. This combination delivers both the lowest installation cost and the best long-term returns. Through continuous innovation and engineered simplicity, Array's tracker solutions are optimized for construction and a multitude of terrains. The company has unparalleled experience, with more than 28 years in the industry and over 12,000 miles of trackers installed. Array Technologies is headquartered in Albuquerque, NM. For more information, please visit arraytechinc.com.

SOURCE Array Technologies, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.arraytechinc.com


CHERRY HILL, N.J., May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Yvonne Grinnell's birthday is today, but instead of celebrating she continues to mourn the death last September 2nd of her four-year-old daughter Cami. "You can't imagine what it's like to see your baby full of life in the morning before camp, and later that day she is on life support having drowned in a public park  without any flotation device and in front of lifeguards."

Ms. Grinnell, a Burlington County, NJ resident, spoke publicly about the incident at Lake Absegami (Bass River State Park) for the first time today at a news conference with her attorneys. Lawyers from Saltz, Mongeluzzi, Barrett & Bendesky, P.C., of Philadelphia, and Grungo Colarulo LLC, Cherry Hill, NJ, are following Ms. Grinnell's request to do everything possible to ensure that what happened to Cami can never happen again to any child at any swimming area. To date they have filed claims notices, as required, with the State of New Jersey and will soon follow up with a civil complaint.

"Cami Grinnell was a precious child who deserved to live a long and bountiful life," said Larry Bendesky, of SMBB. "Camp personnel and park staff failed her miserably, to the point where she was denied use of the very flotation device  inflatable arm floats - that had any chance of saving her life," he said. "Instead of her life being guarded at Lake Absegami, it was ignored, which led to her death," he said.

Richard Grungo, of Grungo Colarulo, added, "Cami's mother is grateful to the park visitors who came to her daughter's aid that day, but also knows there are more eyewitnesses that can help explain this tragedy. We join in her public appeal for any additional information that could be helpful in the ongoing investigation into her drowning."

"I waited my whole life for my little angel, adopting her after fostering children for so many years," said Ms. Grinnell. "And can you imagine what it's like every day trying to explain to Charles, Cami's big (nine-year-old) brother, who pulled her limp body from the lake, why she is gone. We must find out what happened and why, and prevent it from happening again."

SOURCE Saltz Mongeluzzi Barrett & Bendesky
IRVINE, Calif., May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Ascendiant Capital Markets, LLC (www.ascendiant.com) announced today the acquisition of its client, Cheticamp Fisheries International Ltd. of Cheticamp, Nova Scotia, Canada ("Cheticamp"), by Champlain Financial Corporation, headquartered in Montreal, Quebec, Canada ("Champlain"). Cheticamp is a leading branded seafood processor and wholesale distributor, supplying the finest quality snow crab and lobster to customers in the United States, Canada, and Asia. Champlain, a Canadian private holding company, has been building a diversified private investment portfolio with a series of investments throughout Canada and the United States. Champlain's core focus is to serve as a value-added partner in providing equity capital and growth management expertise to small and middle-market companies.

Ascendiant Managing Directors, Avi Suriel and Gary Gooderum, led the transaction on behalf of Ascendiant and its client. Messrs. Suriel and Gooderum have a combined thirty years of experience in corporate finance and M&A, including Mr. Suriel's tenure with leading Wall Street firms while in New York.

Pierre LeBlanc, President of Cheticamp, commented on the transaction, "Avi and Gary worked tirelessly to accomplish this important step in our Company's growth and development. The Ascendiant team did an exceptional job guiding my fellow shareholders and me through this process, while finding an ideal financial partner that will be constructive for the Company strategically, as well. I'm excited about Cheticamp's future with Champlain, and look forward to working with Ascendiant's senior bankers on future projects."

Ascendiant Capital Markets, LLC, based in Irvine, California, is a full-service investment banking, equity research, market making, and securities trading firm focused on public and private companies, and strategic and institutional investors. During their careers, Ascendiant's Managing Directors have successfully completed more than 250 corporate finance transactions and mergers & acquisitions across a broad range of industries. Ascendiant Capital Markets is registered with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as a broker-dealer, and is a member of the FINRA and SIPC.

Ascendiant acted as the exclusive financial advisor to Cheticamp in this transaction. Aird & Berlis LLP, based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, served as legal advisor to Cheticamp in the engagement led by partners Joel Rose and Joanne Coldwell.

For more information, please visit www.ascendiant.com or contact Avi Suriel, Managing Director, at 949.259.4915 or [email protected]; Gary Gooderum, Managing Director at 949.259.4916 or [email protected]; or Bradley J. Wilhite, Managing Partner, at 949.259.4949 or [email protected].

This announcement is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a solicitation or offer to buy or sell any securities or other financial instrument or to provide any investment advice or service.

SOURCE Ascendiant Capital Markets, LLC

Related Links

http://www.ascendiant.com


WASHINGTON and KANSAS CITY, Mo., May 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross today presented Bestway International, Inc. with the President's "E" Award for Export Service at a ceremony in Washington, D.C., May 22. The President's "E" Award is the highest recognition any U.S. entity can receive for making a significant contribution to the expansion of U.S. exports.

"Bestway International has demonstrated a sustained commitment to export expansion," said Secretary Ross in his congratulatory letter to the company announcing its selection as an award recipient. "The 'E' Awards committee was very impressed with Bestway International's case studies highlighting its contributions to the export growth of its client companies. The company's four-year record of growth in export shipments was also particularly notable. Bestway International's achievements have undoubtedly contributed to national export expansion efforts that support the U.S. economy and create American jobs," the Secretary went on to say.

Bestway International, Inc., located in Kansas City, Missouri, is a provider of export services for small and medium-sized U.S. businesses, including freight forwarding, international trade consulting, and supply-chain planning, and more.

"Exporting is crucial to the success of our clients," said Jay Devers, Managing Partner of Bestway International, Inc. "Helping people succeed has always been one of our core values. It is amazing to witness export growth continue to drive our clients' overall business. We are very fortunate to have strong and growing clients; this recognition is a credit to our talented and dedicated team who support those relationships."

In total, Secretary Ross honored 32 U.S. companies and organizations from across the country with the President's "E" Award for their role in strengthening the U.S. economy by sharing American ingenuity outside of our borders.

U.S. companies are nominated for the "E" Awards through the U.S. Commercial Service, part of the Department's International Trade Administration. With offices across the United States and in embassies and consulates around the world, The International Trade Administration lends its expertise at every stage of the exporting process by promoting and facilitating exports and investment into the United States; administering Anti-Dumping and Countervailing Duties orders; and removing, reducing, or preventing foreign trade barriers.

U.S. exports totaled $2.21 trillion in 2016, accounting for nearly 12 percent of U.S. gross domestic product. Exports supported an estimated 11.5 million jobs nationwide in 2015, according to the most recent statistics from the International Trade Administration.

About the "E" Awards

In 1961, President Kennedy signed an executive order reviving the World War II "E" symbol of excellence to honor and provide recognition to America's exporters. Criteria for the award is based on four years of successive export growth and case studies which demonstrate valuable support to exporters resulting in increased exports for the company's clients.

About Bestway International

Founded by Don Gore and Richard Devers in 1988, Bestway Logistics was created to be a small group of dedicated logistics professionals, committed to honing their industry knowledge and cultivating strong, global relationships. In 2005, Bestway partnered with family-owned Hellmann Worldwide Logistics, improving the global network to nearly five hundred offices in one hundred sixty-seven countries.

Bestway is Midwest owned, staffed and managed. Located in Kansas City, Missouri, Bestway gives customers access to the largest rail hub in the United States without sacrificing convenient electronic access to all U.S. ports via remote filing. Bestway understands the industry that supports local businesses and works to be an expert at the logistics solutions that are unique to their community and geography.

For more information about the "E" Awards and the benefits of exporting, visit www.export.gov. For more information about Bestway International, visit their newly-launched website at http://www.bestway-intl.com

Photos:

https://www.prlog.org/12641867

Press release distributed by PRLog

SOURCE Bestway International Inc.

Related Links

http://www.bestway-intl.com


FOZ DO IGUACU, Brazil, May 23, 2017 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ -- The promotion of integrated efforts at developing the Internet in Latin America and the Caribbean was prominently underscored during the first day of sessions of the meeting LACNIC 27, being held May 22-26 in Foz do Iguacu.

The opening session featured Ariel Graizer (LAC-IX), Eduardo Santoyo (LACTLD), Demi Getschko (NIC.br), Hartmut Glaser (CGI.br), and Wardner Maia (LACNIC). "Given the overwhelming interest, registration had to be closed two weeks before the start," said Maia. More than 650 people were in attendance, not including the 420 attending from a distance. The session also included a welcome by LACNIC's president to the first woman to serve as co-moderator of the LACNIC Public Policy Forum, Paola Perez.

Demi Getschko stressed the importance of being able to contribute as a co-organizer of the debates generated at LACNIC events. "Several challenges in the Internet space have caused concern, including attacks, regulations and neutrality. It is, therefore, important for us to remain vigilant of aspects such as these that can affect the Internet as a whole," he explained. Harmut Glaser reminded everyone that "this week, the Internet's headquarters in Latin America and the Caribbean is Foz do Iguacu." Certain topics of special interest to the region, such as IPv6 growth and local traffic exchange, were also highlighted.

The panel on the "Internet of the Future: Its Evolution over the Next 10 Years" was moderated by Oscar Robles, Executive Director of LACNIC, and included members Adiel Akplogan (ICANN), Cristine Hoepers (CERT.br), Flavio Amaral (Netflix) and Matias Quintanilla (Telefonica Argentina). Cristine addressed concerns such as security, stating that these should not focus solely on an attack response, but also implementation of good practices that do not increase the contribution of devices and networks with attacks. Adiel underscored the need to consider privacy at every level of the network. Flavio talked about the increasing interest of companies in providing users with more and more personalized content. Matias wrapped up the session discussing the important role that the 5G will play in the medium-term evolution of the Internet.

The opening session also included ICANN CEO Goran Marby. "The Internet gets larger when we connect and smaller when we disconnect. It is because of this that we need for more people from different places to say what needs to be improved and how. The collaboration that exists in Latin America and the Caribbean is a model for the rest of the world."

The 27th meeting of the Latin American and Caribbean Internet Addresses Registry (LACNIC) will hold activities through May 26 and is co-organized with the support of the Internet Management Committee in Brazil (CGI.br) and Information and Coordination Nucleus of Dot BR (NIC.br). Those who are interested in following the debates can participate from a distance at http://www.lacnic.net/web/eventos/lacnic27

SOURCE LACNIC

Related Links

http://www.lacnic.net


WASHINGTON, May 23, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, the Path Forward Coalition announced that former Obama Administration official Broderick Johnson and former Bloomberg Administration official Robert Doar will be serving the organization as senior advisors.

Path Forward is a joint project of the National Retail Federation (NRF) and the National Restaurant Association (NRA) that focuses on raising awareness about the important role the service industry plays in strengthening our workforce by empowering millions of people so they have the tools, benefits and skills they need to learn, grow and build lifelong careers.

Broderick Johnson is currently a partner at Bryan Cave LLP. He was formerly Assistant to the President and Cabinet Secretary under President Barack Obama. He was also chair of the My Brother's Keeper Task Force. Robert Doar is the former Commissioner of Human Resources Administration/Department of Social Services under New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and currently serves as the Morgridge Fellow in Poverty Studies at the American Enterprise Institute.

"Creating opportunities and reducing barriers to employment are critical to the future of our nation's youth," said Broderick Johnson. "I have been fortunate to take on these issues under the leadership of President Obama, and I look forward to bringing my perspectives and unique experiences to the Path Forward Coalition. Millions of young people get their first jobs in the service industry, and that industry therefore plays a critical role in creating pathways for developing lifelong job skills."

"Through my work in New York, I have seen firsthand the benefits that come with connecting individuals to employment and efforts to help them remain in the workforce," said Robert Doar. "The service industry not only provides millions of jobs as our nation's largest private sector employer, it also invests in training and skill development, educational support and certification programs to help workers grow and succeed. Restaurants and retail businesses are essential partners in strengthening our nation's workforce and offering people of all backgrounds with a place to start and establish careers."

"We welcome Broderick Johnson and Robert Doar to the Path Forward Coalition and the experience, expertise, and new perspectives they will bring to its ongoing work," said NRF Senior Vice President for Communications and Public Affairs Bill Thorne. "We are proud of the work and advancement opportunities retailers create for millions of Americans in communities large and small. The NRF looks forward to helping others better understand the value of the jobs we provide, as well as the new types of skill development and training programs our industry is leading to prepare workers for tomorrow."

"Through their commitment to provide opportunities to build a stronger workforce, Broderick Johnson and Robert Doar bring deep and unique experiences to the Path Forward Coalition," said NRA Senior Vice President of Communications Steve Danon. "We are fortunate they will be helping to lead a broader discussion about the value of restaurant jobs and the many ways in which individuals can learn, grow, and succeed in a diverse range of career pathways in the service industry."

For more information about Path Forward, visit www.pathfwd.org and follow us on Twitter @PathFwdWork. For more information on Broderick Johnson and Robert Doar, visit www.pathfwd.org/senior-advisors/.

Contact: [email protected]

SOURCE Path Forward Coalition

Related Links

http://www.pathfwd.org


NASHVILLE, Tenn., May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Captain D's, the leading fast casual seafood restaurant, announced today the opening of its newest franchised restaurant in McDonough, Georgia. Located at 530 Highway 81 East, this new restaurant marks the brand's 99th location in the state and emphasizes Captain D's accelerated franchise and corporate development plans for Georgia. The McDonough restaurant will celebrate its grand opening on Wednesday, May 24, starting with a ribbon cutting at 10:30 a.m.

The new McDonough restaurant, which showcases the brand's remodeled beach design, is owned and operated by franchisees Mike Munshi, Shamana Momin and Sajid Patharwala. The group has nearly seven decades of combined experience in the restaurant and franchising industries, and have owned and operated several successful Dairy Queen franchises since the 1990s.

"As franchise owners and industry veterans, my partners and I know a good opportunity when we see one. When we were introduced to Captain D's, we were immediately impressed with the compounding success the brand has continually achieved over the past several years, and knew it was the right fit for us," said Mike Munshi, Captain D's franchisee. "While the restaurant business is ever-changing, Captain D's has remained a leader due to its willingness to evolve and invest in its product, making it a franchise opportunity with unlimited potential for success. We are proud to be a part of the brand and are excited to bring Captain D's freshly prepared seafood to the McDonough community."

The opening of the location in McDonough comes on the heels of the outstanding success Captain D's experienced in 2016, achieving its sixth consecutive year of same store sales increases and fourth successive year of record high system-wide AUV. This ongoing success has propelled Captain D's franchise development efforts and nationwide growth, with agreements signed to open an additional 25 new restaurants this year in states across the country including Florida, South Carolina, Texas, Georgia, Illinois, Tennessee, Alabama, Arkansas and Virginia.

Coupled with its ongoing menu innovation, Captain D's credits its new restaurant beach design with contributing to the brand's compounding success. To date, nearly 60 percent of all restaurants have been reimaged to the brand's new vibrant, coastal design, with another 50 locations to be remodeled by the end of this year. With these efforts, Captain D's has remained true to what it does best  serving high-quality seafood with warm hospitality at an affordable price in a welcoming atmosphere.

With 515 restaurants in 21 states, Captain D's is the fast-casual seafood leader and number one seafood franchise in America ranked by average unit volume. The company is currently seeking single- and multi-unit operators to join in the brand's rapid expansion. For more information about franchise opportunities, visit http://www.captaindsfranchising.com or call 800-550-4877.

ABOUT CAPTAIN D'S

Headquartered in Nashville, Tenn., Captain D's has 515 restaurants in 21 states. Captain D's is the nation's leading fast casual seafood restaurant and was named the #1 seafood chain in the QSR 50, ranked by AUV. Founded in 1969, Captain D's has been offering its customers high-quality seafood at reasonable prices in a welcoming atmosphere for more than 47 years. Captain D's serves a wide variety of seafood that includes freshly prepared entrees and the company's signature hand-battered fish, which is cooked to order. The restaurants also offer premium-quality, grilled items such as shrimp, and surf and turf, as well as hushpuppies, desserts and freshly brewed, Southern-style sweet tea, a Captain D's favorite. For more information, please visit www.captainds.com.

Contact:

Caitlin Willard

Fish Consulting

954-893-9150

[email protected]

SOURCE Captain D's

Related Links

http://www.captaindsfranchising.com


The Tagalong is part of the OCEAN (One Cruise Experience Access Network) Experience Platform that makes its global debut aboard Princess Cruises' Regal Princess in November at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale. Expected to be a game-changer for the guest experience, the platform enables a personal concierge by bridging the physical and digital worlds to deliver a new level of personalized service not previously considered possible. The Tagalong is the latest in a series of personal and engaging features being invented to significantly enhance the vacation experience.

When guests create a profile within the Ocean Compass  accessible starting this fall on Ocean.com  they will be invited to create their own unique Tagalong. These digital companions will follow them from initial registration to the end of their cruise (as well as rejoin them on future cruises). Everyone who creates an Ocean profile can personalize a Tagalong; cruise bookings will not be required.

Guests can select from three sea creatures  Sea Turtle, Seahorse or Butterfly Fish  to best reflect their "alter ego" and further customize their Tagalong by body shape, color, pattern, marks (like tattoos) and more.

Once created, the animated and responsive Tagalongs will appear online within a guest's profile and in interactive PlayOcean games that can be played online, as well as interacting within Ocean Portals found onboard Medallion Class ships. Tagalongs even evolve throughout the cruise, reflecting the personality and interactions of the guest and collecting "charms" that show off their achievements.

Guest Tagalongs also will take center stage in the social gaming experience Tagalong Sprint, which pits guests' digital companions in a fast and fun race across the ocean floor. Guests will tap their personal Compass devices to see who can speed across the finish line first in this rhythm-based group game played on massive digital displays found onboard Medallion Class ships.

"The Ocean Tagalong is a great way for guests to express themselves and gives us the opportunity to engage them in unique experiences that amplify fun and stoke their competitive spirits," said John Padgett, chief experience and innovation officer for Carnival Corporation. "Driven by the Ocean Medallion, guests will be amazed at how their Tagalongs appear in dynamic settings around the ship and delighted by the ways their companions can interact throughout their vacation."

For more information on inaugural Ocean Medallion vacations on Princess Cruises, please visit www.Princess.Com/Ocean. Inaugural voyages sail to the Caribbean beginning November 15 on Regal Princess.

For more information on OCEAN, visit www.ocean.com.

About Carnival Corporation & plc

Carnival Corporation & plc is among the largest, most profitable and financially strong leisure travel companies in the world, with a portfolio of 10 cruise brands in North America, Europe, Australia and Asia that includes Carnival Cruise Line, Fathom, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Seabourn, AIDA Cruises, Costa Cruises, Cunard, P&O Cruises (Australia) and P&O Cruises (UK).

Together, these brands operate 103 ships visiting over 700 ports around the world and totaling 231,000 lower berths with 17 new ships scheduled to be delivered between 2018 and 2022. Carnival Corporation & plc also operates Holland America Princess Alaska Tours, the leading tour companies in Alaska and the Canadian Yukon. Traded on both the New York and London Stock Exchanges, Carnival Corporation & plc is the only group in the world to be included in both the S&P500 and the FTSE 100 indices.

In 2017, Fast Company recognized Carnival Corporation as being among the "Top 10 Most Innovative Companies" in both the design and travel categories. Fast Company specifically recognized Carnival Corporation for its work in developing Ocean Medallion, a high-tech wearable device that enables the world's first interactive guest experience platform capable of transforming vacation travel into a highly personalized and elevated level of customized service.

Additional information can be found on www.carnival.com, www.fathom.org, www.hollandamerica.com, www.princess.com, www.seabourn.com, www.aida.de, www.costacruise.com, www.cunard.com, www.pocruises.com.au, and www.pocruises.com.

SOURCE Carnival Corporation & plc

Related Links

https://www.carnival.com


NEW YORK and DARIEN, Conn., May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- According to a new whitepaper from asset management strategy consultancy Casey Quirk, a practice of Deloitte Consulting LLP, the industry is likely to experience "the largest competitive re-alignment in asset management history" through merger and acquisition activity from 2017 to 2020.

According to its new Investment Management M&A Outlook, "Skill Through Scale? The Role of M&A in a Consolidating Industry," Casey Quirk expects strong merger and acquisition activity in 2017 with a continued historic pace of deals through 2020.

Among the factors driving this brisk activity in 2017 and beyond are an aging population, affecting industry asset levels and flows, as well as a broad shift to passive management that has created pressure on industry fees and placed greater value on firms with valuable distribution platforms and those investing in technology. Forty-four deals took place in the first quarter of 2017, and Casey Quirk expects 2017's volume to likely outpace the last two years.

"Investment management has become a fiercely competitive industry, increasingly shaped by the same winner-take-all dynamics influencing other maturing financial services sectors," said Ben Phillips, a principal and investment management lead strategist with Casey Quirk and one of the authors. "Amid this challenged marketplace, the gap is widening between leading and lagging asset and wealth management firms. Unlike deals of the past, consolidation pressures, with a focus on scale, will likely drive the next round of M&A activity to position firms for growth."

According to Casey Quirk, most of the investment management merger and acquisition deals in 2017 and in the next few years should fall in the following categories:

Transformative scale acquisitions driven by the quest for revenue and cost synergies. These deals should be larger than in the past several years and should include more global mergers of equals.

Capability-based transactions, mostly representing additions of innovative investment products and technology needs.

Shifting value chain deals, with many asset managers acquiring firms that help them extend their capabilities in such areas as distribution, wealth management or advice.

Pure consolidation deals structured to spread costs over a larger client asset base; several may take place in the US mutual fund marketplace.

"Economic pressure, distributor consolidation, the need for new capabilities, and a shifting value chain are the catalysts that are fueling M&A activity," said Masaki Noda, Deloitte Risk and Financial Advisory managing director, Deloitte & Touche LLP, and co-author of the paper. "Asset managers are feeling pressure from many corners and are looking for ways to secure a competitive advantage. Strategic deals may be the answer."

In 2016, 133 mergers and acquisitions occurred in the asset management and wealth management industries, down slightly from 145 in 2015, but with a higher average deal value, up from $240.9 million in 2015 to $536.4 million last year. In investment management, about half of the deals rose from the need to add capabilities such as innovative investment strategies or access to new market segments. In wealth management, the vast majority of transactions64 out of 78resulted from consolidation, as various smaller wealth managers sought to improve profitability through economies of scale. Merger and acquisition deal volume by category is from SNL Financial, Pionline.com, Casey Quirk analysis and Deloitte analysis.

About Casey Quirk

Casey Quirk, a practice of Deloitte Consulting LLP, is a leading management consultancy that focuses solely on advising asset management firms. Casey Quirk was established in 2002 and acquired by Deloitte in June 2016. The firm has advised a majority of the 50 largest asset management organizations worldwide, including eight of the top 10. Casey Quirk provides senior leadership teams with broad business strategy reviews, investment positioning and strategy consulting, market opportunity evaluations, organizational design, ownership and incentive structuring, and transaction due diligence. For more information, please visit www.caseyquirk.com.

About Deloitte

Deloitte provides industry-leading audit, consulting, tax and advisory services to many of the world's most admired brands, including 80 percent of the Fortune 500 and more than 6,000 private and middle market companies. Our people work across more than 20 industry sectors to deliver measurable and lasting results that help reinforce public trust in our capital markets, inspire clients to make their most challenging business decisions with confidence, and help lead the way toward a stronger economy and a healthy society.

Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, a UK private company limited by guarantee ("DTTL"), its network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL (also referred to as "Deloitte Global") does not provide services to clients. In the United States, Deloitte refers to one or more of the US member firms of DTTL, their related entities that operate using the "Deloitte" name in the United States and their respective affiliates. Certain services may not be available to attest clients under the rules and regulations of public accounting. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more about our global network of member firms.

SOURCE Casey Quirk
The Chinese companies in attendance received a warm welcome at this year's Summit, partly due to a diverse program selection offered by the EdStars Educational Delegation. Two panels of leading Chinese education companies presented to fully-packed rooms. Former Yale University president and Coursera CEO Rick Levin joined TAL Education co-founder Liu Yachao and other leading voices in Chinese education in a keynote discussion on US-China education exchange and integration. Attendance at a poolside cocktail reception for Chinese and international edtech enterprises was double expectations. Many foreign CEOs even learned to use WeChat, China's ubiquitous messaging app, to keep in contact with Chinese companies.

The rapid growth of the Chinese education market in recent years was undoubtedly another reason for the great interest in the Chinese companies. Valued at RMB 1.6 trillion in 2015, the industry is expected to grow to RMB 3 trillion by 2020. Additionally, more than half of all investments were in the early childhood and K12 tutoring markets. This expansion has been fueled in part by new government policies favorable to the education industry. TAL Education CSO and general manager of the investment division John Wu also cited increased birthrate (20 million births expected per year from 2016 to 2020), a desire for more diversified education from young parents, and a rising demand for quality STEAM education as drivers of this trend. Mr. Wu admitted that both the public sector and private companies like TAL Education struggle to supply enough teachers and services to fill the needs of the voracious market.

Aside from its scale, Dr. Levin noted in a keynote speech with Dr. Liu and VIPKID CEO Cindy Wenjuan Mi that some of the Chinese education market's appeal is that it is "the most mobile intensive" market, with mobile usage at 60 percent compared to 30 or 40 percent in much of the rest of the world. Although the task of providing basic education to every child in the nation is not yet complete, Mr. Wu points out that many schools in rural Tier 4 or Tier 5 cities have skipped over landlines and directly into the mobile internet age, allowing them to benefit from many of the internet-based education innovations of today.

Unsurprisingly, how to enter the Chinese education market was the focus of many interactions between Chinese and foreign guests. Dr. Levin, who has considerable experience engaging with China, echoed a sentiment that was expressed by nearly all the Chinese edtech leaders who addressed the issue on the Summit stage: foreign companies need to find a suitable partner in China to help localize content and business models in order to succeed. According to Dr. Levin, Coursera has built a cooperative relationship with numerous well-known Chinese universities and colleges, and it has nearly two million registered users in China.

Dr. Liu added that foreign educational institutions cannot enter China by simply introducing hardware, but need quality distribution channels and strong product localization. For example, after introducing Reading A-Z -- a service offering leveled reading materials -- from the US, TAL Education input the platform's published contents into an app that helps Chinese students improve their spoken language through speech recognition technology. The two companies have since been in talks about the possibility of introducing TAL Education's innovations on their products back into the US market.

Many of the presentations by companies in the EdStars Educational Delegation also strived to highlight the innovation Chinese enterprises and their capacity as creators of intellectual property. As part of ASU GSV's Global Program, online education company EEO introduced its flagship product, ClassIn, a multi-channel interactive online classroom that uses academic as well as behavior data collected from facial recognition software to improve the learning experience.

ClassIn's use of advanced technology was part of a central theme noted at this year's Summit: the integration of education and cutting-edge science and technology with a focus on AI (artificial intelligence). Several participants said that a learning revolution triggered by big data and technologies like AR and VR is moving from concept to reality, and questions about the possibility of AI replacing teachers were in no short supply.

On this issue, Wang Yi, CEO of Liulishuo, "China's leading 'AI+Education' company in language learning," said onstage that his company has developed an AI teacher that is three times more effective than a human teacher. Dr. Yi asserted that AI is not meant to replace teachers, but actually allows educators to spend less time doing low value-added work so they can focus more on each student's development.

"The Chinese education market is transforming from labor-intensive to capital and technology intensive," said Dr. Liu. "With consumption upgrade and the rise of the middle class, the Chinese population's pursuit of education has changed from 'going to school' to 'receiving good schooling,' with a higher requirement for services." Dr. Liu deems that China's education will provide high-quality services for children through technology and global resources integration.

All of these changes in Chinese education will provide many opportunities for educators and entrepreneurs from China and the USA to offer innovative ideas and learn from each other through competition and cooperation.

SOURCE TAL Education Group
Twenty-eight students including Kendall Guhl from Weeping Water from six Nebraska colleges and universities spent the week learning about public health career opportunities May 15-19 at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

Students attending the fifth annual Undergraduate Public Health Workshop were from Peru and Chadron State colleges, Creighton University, and the Lincoln, Kearney and Omaha campuses of the University of Nebraska. The workshop was sponsored by the UNMC Rural Health Education Network.

Ali S. Khan, M.D., M.P.H., dean of the UNMC College of Public Health, opened the workshop with an overview of public health, what it is, and why it matters locally and globally. Katie Brandert, director of the Great Plains Public Health Leadership Institute, then reviewed the students MyersBriggs Type Indicator results to help them better understand their personality and leadership styles.

Throughout the week, students were introduced to the essential role of public health data in bringing about improved health outcomes, research methodology, and the vast range of career and educational opportunities in public health. Students learned how public health affects all areas of life, from food and water, to mental health, emergency preparedness and global warming

Students then formed six research teams and worked with College of Public Health graduate students, who served as content advisors. The teams chose a topic from a range of public health concentration areas, conducted a comprehensive literature review developed scientific posters and the presented their findings to each other this morning.

The workshop also featured a trip to the Northeast Nebraska Public Health Department in Wayne, Neb., where students learned about the many hats rural public health professionals wear. Topics explored included such environmental population health challenges as radon exposure, tornados and emergency preparedness, health education and the role of community health workers and rural health disparities.

Sonja Russell, education and outreach program manager, said: We were thrilled to have such a highly energetic and curious group of students attend again this year. We truly need passionate and driven public health change-makers to address population health challenges across Nebraska and beyond.
Chinese joint venture enables penetration into largest growth market in the world

TORONTO and BOSTON, May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Bionik Laboratories Corp. (OTCQX: BNKL) ("Bionik" or the "Company"), a robotics company focused on providing rehabilitation and assistive technology solutions to individuals with neurological and mobility challenges from hospital to home, today announced it has partnered with Ginger Capital Investment Holding Ltd. ("Ginger Capital") to bring its evidence-based interactive robotic systems to the Chinese market.

The joint venture between the two companies will include an exclusive license to sell Bionik's innovative robotic products in China, including the Company's InMotion ARM, InMotion HAND, and InMotion WRIST, which are all interactive robotic products that assist the patients' movement as they progress through their rehabilitation. Extensive clinical data on more than 1,000 patients has demonstrated that the InMotion robots provide more effective patient outcomes than traditional manual therapy alone. The joint venture will also lead the China Food and Drug Administration (CFDA) approval process for the Company and its products.

Ginger Capital is investing $500,000 directly into the Company and $1,450,000 into the JV to fund the joint venture's operations in China. Ginger Capital is fully funding the JV and highly confident of the success of the Company's clinically proven products in China.

Ginger Capital is an experienced investment management company with more than 10 years' experience in providing successful commercial relationships between the United States and China with extensive relationships inside China and the Chinese health care system. Bionik believes the $1,950,000 investment in the Company and the joint venture demonstrates Ginger Capital's commitment to their success.

"I am excited that this joint venture provides Bionik's products with access to the largest growth market in the world and I am inspired by being chosen for our technical advancements and proven technology. I am also proud of the achievement of our innovative engineering and management teams," said Peter Bloch, CEO of Bionik Laboratories. "It is through these types of partnerships that Bionik can significantly increase its market penetration and revenues. In fact, due to the serious international interest we have experienced, we are currently negotiating additional strategic partnerships to expand our distribution to other major international markets. Bionik's intellectual property and know how is also expected to be utilized in the emerging consumer robotic market. These initiatives are expected to help accelerate the company's path to revenue and provide tremendous opportunity for Bionik to position itself as a leader in the emerging robotic industry. I am truly pleased with the fact that American technology will make a global impact and validate our capabilities and ultimately improve human mobility globally."

Ms. Rita Jiang and Ms. Jia Cai, Managing Partners of Ginger Capital said, "We selected Bionik to partner with us as a result of the strong clinical data supporting the efficacy of their products. We are looking forward to working with the team at Bionik Laboratories and to bringing their superior robotic solutions to the Chinese market. Bionik's evidence-based products are truly innovative and can provide improved patient care for millions of people. We have established relationships for distribution in China and the experience to succeed with this exciting joint venture."

With a growing population of approximately 1.4 billion, China has close to 2.5 million incidences of stroke each year and 7.5 million stroke survivors, compared to 795,000 strokes per year in the United States . China presents a significant market opportunity for Bionik to become the standard for patient care, as medical professionals in the region seek innovative ways to treat strokes and other neurological disorders.

"The 16 million new stroke patients globally each year is expected to triple by 2050 and China represents a large percentage of those patients. This rapidly growing human issue requires evidence-based solutions like ours in order to effectively treat these patient populations and return them to activities of daily living," said Tim McCarthy, Chief Commercialization Officer of Bionik Laboratories. "We are excited about this partnership as it will significantly broaden access to our evidence based solutions for stroke survivors and their families, allowing them to live fuller and more independent lives."

About Ginger Capital Investment Holding Ltd.

Ginger Capital Investment Holding Ltd. (GCI) is an independent direct investment and management consulting group based in Hong Kong. GCI invests in the strategic development of promising medium-sized companies with Enterprise Values of US$50 million to US$500 million that have substantial operations in US or Asia and need capital for major expansions, mergers and acquisitions, restructures, etc. having an Asia-focus. GCI's major management consulting focus is providing access to the Chinese healthcare market  GCI has successfully established relationships and partnered with major healthcare institutions across China including research centers, private and public hospital chains, and major clinics.

About Bionik Laboratories

Bionik Laboratories (OTCQX: BNKL) is a robotics company focused on providing rehabilitation and mobility solutions to individuals with neurological and mobility challenges from hospital to home. The Company has a portfolio of products focused on upper and lower extremity rehabilitation for stroke and other mobility-impaired patients, including three products on the market and four products in varying stages of development. The InMotion Systems  the InMotion ARM, InMotion Wrist, InMotion Hand and InMotion AnkleBot  are designed to provide intelligent, patient-adaptive therapy in a manner that has been clinically verified to maximize neuro-recovery. Bionik is also developing a lower-body exoskeleton, ARKE, designed to allow paraplegics as well as other wheelchair users the ability to rehabilitate through walking. ARKE is designed to continually adapt to a patient's ability and provide real-time feedback to the physiotherapist.

For more information, please visit www.bioniklabs.com and connect with us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Forward-Looking Statements

Any statements contained in this press release that do not describe historical facts may constitute forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements may include, without limitation, statements regarding (i) the plans and objectives of management for future operations, including plans or objectives relating to the design, development and commercialization of human exoskeletons and other robotic rehabilitation products, (ii) a projection of income (including income/loss), earnings (including earnings/loss) per share, capital expenditures, dividends, capital structure or other financial items, (iii) the Company's future financial performance, and (iv) the assumptions underlying or relating to any statement described in points (i), (ii) or (iii) above. Such forward-looking statements are not meant to predict or guarantee actual results, performance, events or circumstances, and may not be realized because they are based upon the Company's current projections, plans, objectives, beliefs, expectations, estimates and assumptions, and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties and other influences, many of which the Company has no control. Actual results and the timing of certain events and circumstances may differ materially from those described by the forward-looking statements as a result of these risks and uncertainties. Factors that may influence or contribute to the inaccuracy of the forward-looking statements or cause actual results to differ materially from expected or desired results may include, without limitation, the Company's inability to obtain additional financing, the significant length of time and resources associated with the development of our products and related insufficient cash flows and resulting illiquidity, the Company's inability to expand the Company's business, significant government regulation of medical devices and the healthcare industry, lack of product diversification, volatility in the price of the Company's raw materials, and the Company's failure to implement the Company's business plans or strategies. These and other factors are identified and described in more detail in the Company's filings with the SEC. The Company does not undertake to update these forward-looking statements.

SOURCE Bionik Laboratories Corp.

Related Links

http://www.bioniklabs.com


IRVING, Texas, May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Darling Ingredients Inc. (NYSE: DAR) (the "Company") today announced that management will participate in two investor conferences in June.

On Wednesday, June 7, Randall C. Stuewe, Darling's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, will present at the Baird 2017 Global Consumer, Technology and Services Conference at 11:25 a.m. EDT being held at the InterContinental New York Barclay hotel. He will be hosting one-on-one meetings throughout the day along with Patrick Lynch, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, and Melissa Gaither, Vice President Investor Relations and Global Communications. The investor presentation will be webcast and accessible via the Investor Relations section of the Company's website at http://www.darlingii.com.

Additionally, Mr. Stuewe will present at the Citi 2017 Small & Mid Cap Conference at the Plaza Hotel in New York. Management is scheduled to present Thursday, June 8 at 9:30 a.m. EDT. Mr. Stuewe will be joined by Mr. Lynch and Ms. Gaither for one-on-one meetings.

About Darling

Darling Ingredients Inc. is the world's largest publicly-traded developer and producer of sustainable natural ingredients from edible and inedible bio-nutrients, creating a wide range of ingredients and customized specialty solutions for customers in the pharmaceutical, food, pet food, feed, technical, fuel, bioenergy and fertilizer industries. With operations on five continents, the Company collects and transforms all aspects of animal by-product streams into useable and specialty ingredients, such as gelatin, edible fats, feed-grade fats, animal proteins and meals, plasma, pet food ingredients, organic fertilizers, yellow grease, fuel feedstocks, green energy, natural casings and hides. The Company also recovers and converts used cooking oil and commercial bakery residuals into valuable feed and fuel ingredients. In addition, the Company provides grease trap services to food service establishments, environmental services to food processors and sells restaurant cooking oil delivery and collection equipment. For additional information, visit the Company's website at http://www.darlingii.com.

For More Information, contact:

Melissa A. Gaither, V.P. Investor Relations and Global Communications Email: [email protected] 251 O'Connor Ridge Blvd., Suite 300

Irving, Texas 75038 Phone: 972-717-0300

SOURCE Darling Ingredients Inc.

Related Links

http://www.darlingii.com


Asia Mills, 1st place winner of the contest, will have her essay published and will be a featured author in Mr. Mark's new book, Gain the American Dream: Guiding the Youth to Financial Freedom Through Generational Wealth & Credit, proceeds of which will go directly to the 2018 scholarship event. Regarding Asia, Mr. Mark's believes, "This one scholar has affected and impacted her own local community through empowering the youth to be competitive and take upon the leadership role of entering the essay contest today. It's only right that she impacts the youth around the world and shares her story." Sponsors of the event included: Supreme Prints & Designs, Salon Source Beauty Expo., My Dad is Just a Barber by Donald Conley, Pucker Up Lemonade, and J&B Popcorn.

Though this marks the first edition of DBLTV's scholarship contest, it will not be the last as they are already preparing for 2018's event, which will be titled "DBLTV PresentsThe Asia Mills 2018 Essay Contest". In regards to next year's contest Mr. Marks states, "With having each winner from the previous year as the namesake for the following years' contest, we are positioning each individual to hold themselves to a higher standard of positivity and be recognized as a leader in their community."

Gain the American Dream: Guiding the Youth to Financial Freedom through Generational Wealth & Credit by Mr. President Marks will be released in August of 2017 and provides:

The Plan of Executing a Higher Credit Score

The Benefits of Having Excellent Credit

The Understanding of Why You Were Denied Credit & Why It Won't Happen Again

The 10 Key Steps to Success for Rising & Sustaining Generational Wealth

The Next Future Trends

About the Author: Mr. President Marks is an international entrepreneur who resides in Los Angeles, CA. Growing up as a young entrepreneur in a low income community; he knew the importance of starting a business and the need to have a great understanding of how money works and how to expand your own. He was able to grow his businesses by combining hard work, perseverance, and integrity with a vast knowledge of the financial industry.

Mr. President Marks

DBL Tycoon Vision

[email protected]

SOURCE DBLTV
ATLANTA and MEXICO CITY, May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL) and Grupo Aeromexico, S.A.B. de C.V. (Mexico: AEROMEX.MX) are creating more options and expanded service for travelers flying between the U.S. and Mexico as they strengthen their historic partnership.

This fall, subject to government approval, the airlines will launch five flights in new markets, add frequency in four markets and upgrade aircrafts in two markets. The service enhancements come as the airlines implement a new Joint Cooperation Agreement (JCA) which deepens coordination to better serve customers.

Under the JCA, Delta and Aeromexico will provide customers with expanded travel options and choice while delivering on operational performance and reliability. One of the immediate benefits of the alliance is a 10 percent increase in transborder seat capacity by the end of 2017. Capacity will continue to grow as the airlines expand their combined flight offerings in 2018 and beyond. Travelers can expect an experience that is best in class at every point of their journey as the airlines leverage their joint expertise serving business and leisure markets.

"The strong relationship between Aeromexico and Delta provides significantly more choice for our customers, and the changes we are announcing today underscore the level of integration, customer focus and commitment we bring to the transborder market," said Nicolas Ferri, Delta's Vice President  Mexico and Aeromexico/Delta Air Lines Joint Business.

"We are passionate about offering our customers the best of each airline. Our commitment is to put customers at the heart of everything we do, to offer them more destinations, frequencies and best in class services," said Anko van der Werff, Aeromexico's Chief Revenue Officer.

The airlines will introduce service between the following new markets:

Atlanta and Merida, Mexico *

and * Atlanta and Queretaro, Mexico

and Los Angeles and Leon, Mexico

and Seattle and Mexico City

and Portland, Ore. , and Mexico City *.

In addition, service will be expanded in markets currently served:

A second daily flight between Los Angeles and Los Cabos, Mexico

and A third daily flight between New York-JFK and Cancun

A second daily flight between Atlanta and Leon, Mexico

and A second daily flight between Atlanta and Guadalajara, Mexico .

*Subject to Government approval.

About Delta Air Lines

Delta Air Lines serves more than 180 million customers each year. In 2017, Delta was named to Fortune's top 50 Most Admired Companies in addition to being named the most admired airline for the sixth time in seven years. Additionally, Delta has ranked No.1 in the Business Travel News Annual Airline survey for an unprecedented six consecutive years. With an industry-leading global network, Delta and the Delta Connection carriers offer service to 323 destinations in 59 countries on six continents. Headquartered in Atlanta, Delta employs more than 80,000 employees worldwide and operates a mainline fleet of more than 800 aircraft. The airline is a founding member of the SkyTeam global alliance and participates in the industry's leading transatlantic joint venture with Air France-KLM and Alitalia as well as a joint venture with Virgin Atlantic. Including its worldwide alliance partners, Delta offers customers more than 15,000 daily flights, with key hubs and markets including Amsterdam, Atlanta, Boston, Detroit, Los Angeles, Minneapolis/St. Paul, New York-JFK and LaGuardia, London-Heathrow, Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Salt Lake City, Seattle and Tokyo-Narita. Delta has invested billions of dollars in airport facilities, global products and services, and technology to enhance the customer experience in the air and on the ground. Additional information is available on the Delta News Hub, as well as delta.com, Twitter @DeltaNewsHub, Google.com/+Delta, and Facebook.com/delta.

About Aeromexico

Grupo Aeromexico, S.A.B. de C.V. is a holding company whose subsidiaries are engaged in commercial aviation in Mexico and the promotion of passenger loyalty programs. Aeromexico, Mexico's global airline, operates more than 600 daily flights and its main hub is in Terminal 2 at the Mexico City International Airport. Its destinations network features more than 80 cities on three continents, including 44 destinations in Mexico, 19 in the United States, 15 in Latin America, four in Canada, four in Europe and three in Asia.

The Group's fleet of more than 130 aircraft is comprised of Boeing 787, 777 and 737 jet airliners and next generation Embraer 170 and 190 models. In 2012, the airline announced the most significant investment strategy in aviation history in Mexico, to purchase 100 Boeing aircraft including 90 MAX B737 jet airliners and 10 B787-9 Dreamliners.

As a founding member of SkyTeam, Aeromexico offers customers more than 1,000 destinations in 177 countries served by the 20 SkyTeam airline partners rewarding passengers with benefits including access to 672 premium airport lounges around the world. Aeromexico also offers travel on its codeshare partner flights with Delta Air Lines, Alaska Airlines, Avianca, Copa Airlines and Westjet with extensive connectivity in countries like the United States, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia and Peru. www.aeromexico.com www.skyteam.com

SOURCE Delta Air Lines

Related Links

http://www.delta.com


KYIV, Ukraine, May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Depositphotos, the world's leading visual content marketplace opened Lightfield Studios - the biggest photography studio in Eastern Europe. With this launch, Depositphotos expands its services to include a first-class photography studio, available for rent, for creative professionals from all over the world.

Lightfield Studios is a 2500 square meter photography studio in Kyiv, Ukraine, with all the necessary gear for photo-shoots and an in-house team of casting experts, makeup artists, stylists, producers, and post-production. With 14 photo shooting zones, vast selection of decorations, and a highly professional production team at hand, photographers at Lightfield Studios can fully concentrate on the creative side of their work without the need to worry about the organizational process.

"At Lightfield Studios, we have gathered the best professionals and the most reliable equipment to ensure the best conditions for photographers," said Vadim Nekhai, CMO of Depositphotos, "Our new photography studio empowers inspired creatives to produce authentic photo and video stories of exceptional quality".

Together with the official launch of Lightfield Studios, Depositphotos unveiled the results for its creative collaboration "Reinventing Stock Photography". The company has chosen 5 talented art-photographers from different genres to re-invent the most common stock cliches: a woman with salad, a happy family, a business meeting, a party, a lady shopping and the concept of a sprout. Each of the photographers spent one day at the Lightfield Studios to provide their own take on the common stock imagery topics.

"The stock photography industry is often accused of being stereotyped," said Vadim Nekhai, "We partnered with creative professionals to prove that any 'typical' photography subject can be shown in a more imaginative way. 'Reinventing Stock Photography' resulted in completely unexpected, but amazing pictures that contribute to our mission of challenging stereotypes and bringing stock photography to a new level".

About Depositphotos

Depositphotos is a commercial platform that brings authors of high-quality licensed stock photos, graphics, vectors and videos together with appreciative buyers. The world's leading visual content marketplace offers more than 65 million stock photos, illustrations, as well as a broad selection of vector files and video content. Depositphotos serves over 3 million customers in 192 countries. The company headquarters are located in New York, with offices in London, Milan, Berlin, Kyiv, Moscow, and Warsaw. For more information, visit depositphotos.com.

Media contact

Alexey Pedosenko, PR Director

[email protected]

SOURCE Depositphotos

Related Links

http://www.depositphotos.com


NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., May 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Diamond WTG Engineering & Services, Inc., a group company of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd., and Leeward Renewable Energy, LLC, a leading renewable energy company, today announced that Leeward has extended for ten years Diamond's Maintenance & Service Agreements ("MSAs") for five of Leeward's wind energy projects in the United States. The combined capacity of these renewable energy assets totals 564 megawatts, and the projects spread across four different states: California, Colorado, New Mexico and Texas.

"We are proud that Leeward Renewable Energy has selected Diamond to service its wind farms which, in turn, contribute to America's energy independence. Their decision is a reflection of the quality of our technicians, our commitment to client service and the trust Leeward has in our ability to address all aspects of wind turbine operations," stated Harm Toren, President and CEO of Diamond.

The decade long agreement underscores Diamond's proven role as a top tier Independent Service Provider ("ISP"). Diamond continues to strategically position itself as a service-oriented, ISP leading organization. As part of the Mitsubishi family, Diamond has evolved into a company that provides integral solutions to developers and wind farm owners. Diamond brings to customers a unique combination of industry experience, engineering, research and development, and proven project management and execution capabilities.

Scope of Work and Responsibilities under MSA Contract Extensions

Diamond and Leeward finalized the extension of customized Maintenance & Service Agreements under which Diamond will be responsible for the performance of scheduled maintenance, minor corrective repairs, gearbox management and supply of spare parts for the following wind projects:

Aragonne Mesa, 90 MW ( New Mexico )

) Buena Vista, 38 MW ( California )

) Caprock , 80 MW ( New Mexico )

, 80 MW ( ) Cedar Creek , 221 MW ( Colorado )

, 221 MW ( ) Sweet Water 3, 135 MW ( Texas )

Mr. Toren continued, "Diamond will continue the expansion of its ISP business focusing on quality solutions optimizing reliability and reducing total cost of energy."

Leeward's Chief Executive Officer Greg Wolf said, "These agreements further enhance Leeward's ability to manage the level and variability of post warranty wind farm costs. Leeward prioritizes refining and implementing its response strategies to contain operating costs while maintaining safe, efficient operations."

For additional information about Diamond WTG Engineering & Services, Inc. including parts, services and career information, please visit http://www.diamondwtg.com.

About Diamond WTG Engineering & Services, Inc.

Diamond WTG Engineering & Services, Inc. is headquartered in Newport Beach, CA and has a Logistics and Operations Center in Snyder, TX and blade facility in Santa Teresa, NM. The company provides maintenance services, engineering support and/or wind turbine parts for wind farms located in 11 different states with a combined generation capacity exceeding 3,760 megawatts.

About Leeward Renewable Energy, LLC

Dallas-based Leeward Renewable Energy, LLC is a growth-oriented limited partnership formed to own, operate, develop and acquire a diversified portfolio of renewable energy assets. Leeward maintains ownership and operating interests in 17 wind farms comprising 1,515 megawatts across the United States. For more information about Leeward Renewable Energy, LLC, visit www.leewardenergy.com.

SOURCE Diamond WTG Engineering & Services, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.diamondwtg.com


ORANGEBURG, N.Y., May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Dynarex, a leading medical products brand and provider of disposable medical products, announces the 2017 Dynarex "First Responder Caring Award." To acknowledge its appreciation for and commitment to first responders, Dynarex would like to recognize a first responder or department who in 2017, has demonstrated the essence of caring or compassion, which can include personnel in EMT, EMS, paramedic, police or fire. As a result, the company wants to hear from the first responder community with unique and newsworthy stories of heroism, exceptional community service, acts of compassion or demonstration of caring and commitment to others. Dynarex is also recognizing National EMS Week (May 21-27) with the launch of the award program.

"Everything we do at Dynarex and beyond exemplifies our motto, 'We Care Like Family.' The Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and first responder community is important to us, so we wanted to create a program where we can recognize the amazing work that they do every day," said Zalman Tenenbaum, President and CEO of Dynarex. "We look forward to receiving these compelling stories and are honored to have the opportunity to award a group of important individuals."

A panel of independent judges from the first responder community such as National EMS Management Association, as well as representatives from Dynarex, including Tenenbaum and Clinical Advocate Janette Ostrander, will select four regional winners (West Coast, South, East Coast and Central States/Midwest) and one national grand prize winner.

Dynarex will award $5,000 in medical supplies to the national winner and $1,000 in medical supplies to each of the four regional semi-finalists, which can be donated by the winner to their unit or to a worthy 501c3 nonprofit of their choice.

The submission should include background/history on the first responder and/or their EMS department and information on why the individual or unit/department should receive Dynarex's "First Responder Caring Award." Inclusion of photos, video or news clips is encouraged.

Essay criteria and submission information can be found at www.dynarex.com/firstresponderpromo.php. The deadline for entries is September 15, 2017. Winners will be announced on October 18th, 2017 at the EMS World Expo Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

About Dynarex

Dynarex is a leading brand of disposable medical products with distributor partners in all 50 states, as well as Canada, Europe and South America. It provides a wide range of the finest quality disposable medical products at an exceptional value while improving suppliers' processes to increase partners' profits. The company's value statement "We Care Like Family" underscores its commitment to working with its customers to help them grow their businesses and achieve success. Founded in 1967, Dynarex is headquartered in Orangeburg, NY. For more information, call 1-888-DYNAREX (1-888-396-2739) or visit dynarex.com.

SOURCE Dynarex

Related Links

http://www.dynarex.com


BOSTON, May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Eaton Vance Corp. (NYSE: EV) today reported earnings per diluted share of $0.62 for the second quarter of fiscal 2017, an increase of 29 percent from $0.48 of earnings per diluted share in the second quarter of fiscal 2016 and an increase of 17 percent from $0.53 of earnings per diluted share in the first quarter of fiscal 2017. For all periods presented, adjusted earnings per diluted share equaled earnings per diluted share as determined under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. See Attachment 2 for the definition of adjusted earnings per diluted share.

Net gains and other investment income related to seed capital investments contributed $0.02 to earnings per diluted share in both the second quarter of fiscal 2017 and the second quarter of fiscal 2016, and were negligible in the first quarter of fiscal 2017.

Consolidated net inflows of $12.9 billion in the second quarter of fiscal 2017 represent a 14 percent annualized internal growth rate in managed assets (consolidated net inflows divided by beginning of period consolidated assets under management). This compares to net inflows of $2.1 billion and 3 percent annualized internal growth in the second quarter of fiscal 2016 and net inflows of $7.8 billion and annualized internal growth of 9 percent in the first quarter of fiscal 2017. On the basis of net contribution to management fee revenue, the Company's annualized internal revenue growth rate was 7 percent in the second quarter of fiscal 2017, 1 percent in the second quarter of fiscal 2016 and 7 percent in the first quarter of fiscal 2017.

Consolidated assets under management were $387.0 billion on April 30, 2017, an increase of 21 percent from $318.7 billion of consolidated managed assets on April 30, 2016 and up 6 percent from $363.7 billion of consolidated managed assets on January 31, 2017. The year-over-year increase in consolidated assets under management reflects net inflows of $32.6 billion and market price appreciation of $25.8 billion over the twelve-month period, and $9.9 billion of new managed assets gained in the acquisition of the business assets of Calvert Investment Management, Inc. (Calvert) on December 30, 2016. The sequential quarterly increase in consolidated assets under management reflects net inflows of $12.9 billion and market price appreciation of $10.3 billion in the second quarter of fiscal 2017.

"In the second quarter of fiscal 2017, Eaton Vance achieved record revenue and net inflows, with all reporting categories contributing positively to net flows," said Thomas E. Faust Jr., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "Amid a challenging environment for investment managers, the Company continues to perform at a high level."

Average consolidated assets under management were $376.5 billion in the second quarter of fiscal 2017, up 22 percent from $309.5 billion in the second quarter of fiscal 2016 and up 9 percent from $344.9 billion in the first quarter of fiscal 2017.

Excluding performance-based fees, annualized management fee rates on consolidated assets under management averaged 34.7 basis points in the second quarter of fiscal 2017, down 4 percent from 36.1 basis points in the second quarter of fiscal 2016 and down 1 percent from 35.1 basis points in the first quarter of fiscal 2017. Changes in average management fee rates for the compared periods primarily reflect the ongoing shift in the Company's mix of business toward lower-fee mandates.

Attachments 5 and 6 summarize the Company's asset flows by investment mandate and investment vehicle. Attachments 7, 8 and 9 summarize the Company's ending consolidated assets under management by investment mandate, investment vehicle and investment affiliate. Attachment 10 shows the Company's average annualized effective management fee rates by investment mandate.

As shown in Attachments 5 and 6, consolidated sales and other inflows were $39.0 billion in the second quarter of fiscal 2017, up 40 percent from $27.8 billion in the second quarter of fiscal 2016 and down 13 percent from $44.9 billion in the first quarter of fiscal 2017.

Consolidated redemptions and other outflows were $26.0 billion in the second quarter of fiscal 2017, up 1 percent from $25.7 billion in the second quarter of fiscal 2016 and down 30 percent from $37.1 billion in the first quarter of fiscal 2017.

As of April 30, 2017, the Company's 49 percent-owned affiliate Hexavest, Inc. (Hexavest) managed $14.5 billion of client assets, up 2 percent from $14.2 billion of managed assets on April 30, 2016 and substantially unchanged from the $14.5 billion of managed assets on January 31, 2017. Hexavest had net outflows of $0.6 billion in the second quarter of fiscal 2017 and $0.3 billion in the second quarter of fiscal 2016. Hexavest net flows were negligible in the first quarter of fiscal 2017. Attachment 11 summarizes assets under management and asset flow information for Hexavest. Other than Eaton Vance-sponsored funds for which Hexavest is adviser or sub-adviser, the managed assets and flows of Hexavest are not included in Eaton Vance consolidated totals.

Financial Highlights















Three Months Ended



(in thousands, except per share figures)



April 30, January 31, April 30,



2017 2017 2016 Revenue $ 374,632 $ 354,959 $ 323,290 Expenses

256,712

249,523

227,522 Operating income

117,920

105,436

95,768 Operating margin

31.5%

29.7%

29.6% Non-operating income (expense)

1,223

(6,853)

7,479 Income taxes

(44,654)

(36,748)

(36,169) Equity in net income of affiliates, net of tax

3,144

2,506

2,377 Net income

77,633

64,341

69,455 Net income attributable to non-controlling













and other beneficial interests

(5,658)

(3,630)

(14,488) Net income attributable to













Eaton Vance Corp. shareholders $ 71,975 $ 60,711 $ 54,967 Adjusted net income attributable to Eaton













Vance Corp. shareholders(1) $ 71,974 $ 60,638 $ 54,967 Earnings per diluted share $ 0.62 $ 0.53 $ 0.48 Adjusted earnings per diluted share(1) $ 0.62 $ 0.53 $ 0.48

Second Quarter Fiscal 2017 vs. Second Quarter Fiscal 2016

In the second quarter of fiscal 2017, revenue increased 16 percent to $374.6 million from $323.3 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2016. Management fees were up 16 percent, as a 22 percent increase in average consolidated assets under management more than offset lower average management fee rates. Performance fees were negligible in both periods. Distribution and service fee revenues collectively were up 13 percent, reflecting higher managed assets in fund share classes that are subject to these fees.

Operating expenses increased 13 percent to $256.7 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2017 from $227.5 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2016, reflecting increases in compensation, distribution expense, service fee expense, amortization of deferred sales commissions, fund-related expenses and other operating expenses. The increase in compensation expense reflects $3.9 million of higher sales-based incentive accruals driven by strong product sales, higher operating income-based bonus accruals, compensation expenses in connection with the Calvert acquisition and higher salaries and benefits associated with other increases in headcount. The increase in distribution expense primarily reflects an increase in intermediary marketing support payments, driven by the increase in average managed assets and the acquisition of the Calvert business, as well as increases in Class A commissions and Class C distribution fees. The increase in service fee expense relates to higher average assets under management in fund share classes subject to service fee payments. The increase in amortization of deferred sales commissions primarily reflects higher private fund commission amortization partially offset by lower Class B and Class C commission amortization. The increase in fund-related expenses reflects higher fund subsidies, primarily attributable to the addition of the Calvert funds, higher sub-advisory fees paid and an increase in fund expenses borne by the Company on funds for which it earns an all-in fee. The increase in other operating expenses reflects higher information technology, communications, facilities and other corporate expenses, largely associated with the Calvert acquisition.

Expenses in connection with the Company's NextShares exchange-traded managed funds (Next-Shares) initiative were $1.8 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2017 and $1.9 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2016.

Operating income was up 23 percent to $117.9 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2017 from $95.8 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2016. Operating margin increased to 31.5 percent in the second quarter of fiscal 2017 from 29.6 percent in the second quarter of fiscal 2016.

Non-operating income totaled $1.2 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2017 versus $7.5 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2016. The year-over-year change primarily reflects an $11.0 million decline in income contribution from the Company's consolidated Collateralized Loan Obligation (CLO) entity, which was deconsolidated at the end of fiscal 2016, and a $0.7 million increase in interest expense recognized in the second quarter of fiscal 2017 related to the issuance of $300 million in aggregate principal amount of 3.50 percent ten-year senior notes due April 6, 2027 (2027 Senior Notes), partially offset by a $5.5 million increase in net gains and other investment income from the Company's investments in sponsored products. The increase in net gains and other investment income includes a $1.9 million gain recognized in the second quarter of fiscal 2017 upon the release from escrow of payments received in connection with the sale of the Company's equity interest in Lloyd George Management (BVI) Ltd. (Lloyd George Management) in fiscal 2011.

The Company's effective tax rate, calculated as a percentage of income before income taxes and equity in net income of affiliates, was 37.5 percent in the second quarter of fiscal 2017 and 35.0 percent in the second quarter of fiscal 2016.

Equity in net income of affiliates was $3.1 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2017 and $2.4 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2016. Equity in net income of affiliates in the second quarter of fiscal 2017 included $3.0 million from the Company's investment in Hexavest and $0.1 million from the Company's investment in a private equity partnership. Equity in net income of affiliates in the second quarter of fiscal 2016 included $2.2 million from the Company's investment in Hexavest and $0.2 million from the Company's investment in a private equity partnership.

As detailed in Attachment 3, net income attributable to non-controlling and other beneficial interests was $5.7 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2017 and $14.5 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2016.

Second Quarter Fiscal 2017 vs. First Quarter Fiscal 2017

In the second quarter of fiscal 2017, revenue increased 6 percent to $374.6 million from $355.0 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2017. Management fees were up 6 percent, as a 9 percent increase in average consolidated assets under management more than offset lower average management fee rates and the effect of three fewer days in the fiscal second quarter. Performance fees were negligible in the second quarter of fiscal 2017 and contributed $0.2 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2017. Distribution and service fee revenues collectively were up 4 percent on a sequential quarterly basis, as higher managed assets in fund share classes that are subject to these fees more than offset the effect of fewer days in the fiscal second quarter.

Operating expenses increased 3 percent to $256.7 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2017 from $249.5 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2017, reflecting increases in distribution expense, service fee expense, amortization of deferred sales commissions, fund-related expenses and other operating expenses. The increase in distribution expense primarily reflects higher intermediary marketing support payments, driven primarily by the increase in average managed assets, including as a result of the Calvert acquisition. The increase in service fee expense reflects higher average assets under management in fund share classes subject to service fee payments. The increase in amortization of deferred sales commissions reflects higher private fund commission amortization, partially offset by decreased Class B and Class C commission amortization. The increase in fund-related expenses primarily reflects increases in fund subsidies related to the addition of the Calvert funds and increases in sub-advisory fees paid, partially offset by a decrease in fund expenses borne by the Company on funds for which it earns an all-in fee. The increase in other operating expenses is primarily due to higher information technology, travel, professional services, facilities, communications and other corporate expenses, partly associated with the Calvert acquisition.

NextShares-related expenses were $1.8 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2017 and $2.0 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2017.

Operating income was up 12 percent to $117.9 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2017 from $105.4 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2017. Operating margin increased to 31.5 percent in the second quarter from 29.7 percent in the first quarter.

Non-operating income totaled $1.2 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2017 versus $6.9 million of non-operating expense in the first quarter of fiscal 2017, reflecting an $8.8 million increase in net gains and other investment income from the Company's investments in sponsored products, partially offset by a $0.7 million increase in interest expense recognized in the second quarter related to the issuance of the 2027 Senior Notes. The sequential increase in net gains and other investment income includes a $1.9 million gain recognized in the second quarter upon the release from escrow of payments received in connection with the sale of the Company's equity interest in Lloyd George Management in fiscal 2011.

The Company's effective tax rate, calculated as a percentage of income before income taxes and equity in net income of affiliates, was 37.5 percent in the second quarter of fiscal 2017 and 37.3 percent in the first quarter of fiscal 2017.

Equity in net income of affiliates was $3.1 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2017 and $2.5 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2017. In the second quarter, $3.0 million of equity in net income of affiliates was from the Company's investment in Hexavest and $0.1 million from the Company's investment in a private equity partnership. In the first quarter, $2.4 million of equity in net income of affiliates was from the Company's investment in Hexavest and $0.1 million from the Company's investment in a private equity partnership.

As detailed in Attachment 3, net income attributable to non-controlling and other beneficial interests was $5.7 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2017 and $3.6 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2017.

Balance Sheet Information

Cash and cash equivalents totaled $663.5 million on April 30, 2017, with no outstanding borrowings against the Company's $300 million credit facility. Cash and cash equivalents includes $297 million of net proceeds from the issuance of the 2027 Senior Notes in the second quarter of fiscal 2017. On May 5, 2017, the Company used the net proceeds from the 2027 Senior Notes to redeem all of the outstanding $250 million aggregate principal amount of its 6.50% Senior Notes that mature on October 2, 2017 and to pay accrued interest, fees and expenses associated with the redemption. Included within investments is $66.6 million of holdings of short-term debt securities with maturities between 90 days and one year. During the first six months of fiscal 2017, the Company used $79.0 million to repurchase and retire approximately 1.9 million shares of its Non-Voting Common Stock under its repurchase authorizations. Of the current 8.0 million share repurchase authorization, approximately 7.0 million shares remain available.

Conference Call Information

Eaton Vance Corp. will host a conference call and webcast at 11:00 AM eastern time today to discuss the financial results for the three and six months ended April 30, 2017. To participate in the conference call, please dial 866-521-4909 (domestic) or 647-427-2311 (international) and refer to "Eaton Vance Corp. Second Quarter Earnings." A webcast of the conference call can also be accessed via Eaton Vance's website, eatonvance.com.

A replay of the call will be available for one week by calling 800-585-8367 (domestic) or 416-621-4642 (international) or by accessing Eaton Vance's website, eatonvance.com. To listen to the replay, enter the conference ID number 22442485 when instructed.

About Eaton Vance Corp.

Eaton Vance is a leading global asset manager whose history dates to 1924. With offices in North America, Europe, Asia and Australia, Eaton Vance and its affiliates offer individuals and institutions a broad array of investment strategies and wealth management solutions. The Company's long record of providing exemplary service, timely innovation and attractive returns through a variety of market conditions has made Eaton Vance the investment manager of choice for many of today's most discerning investors. For more information about Eaton Vance, visit eatonvance.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release may contain statements that are not historical facts, referred to as "forward-looking statements." The Company's actual future results may differ significantly from those stated in any forward-looking statements, depending on factors such as changes in securities or financial markets or general economic conditions, client sales and redemption activity, the continuation of investment advisory, administration, distribution and service contracts, and other risks discussed in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.



































Attachment 1 Eaton Vance Corp. Summary of Results of Operations (in thousands, except per share figures)













































Three Months Ended

Six Months Ended

















% %































Change Change































Q2 2017 Q2 2017



















April 30, January 31, April 30, vs. vs.

April 30, April 30, %





2017 2017 2016 Q1 2017 Q2 2016

2017 2016 Change Revenue:









































































Management fees $ 321,629 $ 304,653 $ 276,883 6 % 16 %

$ 626,282 $ 559,925 12 %

Distribution and underwriter fees

19,918

18,959

18,275 5

9





38,877

37,333 4



Service fees

30,067

28,911

25,794 4

17





58,978

53,053 11



Other revenue

3,018

2,436

2,338 24

29





5,454

4,535 20





Total revenue

374,632

354,959

323,290 6

16





729,591

654,846 11

Expenses:









































































Compensation and related costs

135,467

135,135

121,519 -

11





270,602

244,029 11



Distribution expense

32,007

31,117

28,239 3

13





63,124

56,722 11



Service fee expense

27,827

26,927

23,610 3

18





54,754

48,205 14



Amortization of deferred sales commissions 4,026

3,854

3,957 4

2





7,880

8,001 (2)



Fund-related expenses

11,848

10,875

8,031 9

48





22,723

17,194 32



Other expenses

45,537

41,615

42,166 9

8





87,152

84,302 3





Total expenses

256,712

249,523

227,522 3

13





506,235

458,453 10

Operating income

117,920

105,436

95,768 12

23





223,356

196,393 14

Non-operating income (expense):



































Gains and other investment income, net

9,288

494

3,789 NM

145





9,782

6,629 48



Interest expense

(8,065)

(7,347)

(7,340) 10

10





(15,412)

(14,682) 5



Other income (expense) of consolidated



































collateralized loan obligation (CLO) entity:



































Gains and other investment income, net -

-

13,908 -

NM





-

17,187 NM





Interest and other expense

-

-

(2,878) -

NM





-

(4,714) NM





Total non-operating income (expense)

1,223

(6,853)

7,479 NM

(84)





(5,630)

4,420 NM









































Income before income taxes and equity

































in net income of affiliates 119,143

98,583

103,247 21

15





217,726

200,813 8

Income taxes

(44,654)

(36,748)

(36,169) 22

23





(81,402)

(73,012) 11

Equity in net income of affiliates, net of tax

3,144

2,506

2,377 25

32





5,650

4,886 16

Net income

77,633

64,341

69,455 21

12





141,974

132,687 7

Net income attributable to non-controlling































and other beneficial interests

(5,658)

(3,630)

(14,488) 56

(61)





(9,288)

(19,334) (52)

Net income attributable to

































Eaton Vance Corp. shareholders $ 71,975 $ 60,711 $ 54,967 19

31



$ 132,686 $ 113,353 17









































Earnings per share:

































Basic $ 0.65 $ 0.55 $ 0.50 18

30



$ 1.20 $ 1.02 18



Diluted $ 0.62 $ 0.53 $ 0.48 17

29



$ 1.15 $ 0.99 16









































Weighted average shares outstanding:































Basic

110,875

110,267

110,459 1

-





110,375

110,852 -



Diluted

115,962

114,671

113,667 1

2





115,188

114,308 1









































Dividends declared per share $ 0.280 $ 0.280 $ 0.265 -

6



$ 0.560 $ 0.530 6



































































Attachment 2

Eaton Vance Corp. Reconciliation of net income attributable to Eaton Vance Corp. shareholders to adjusted net income attributable to Eaton Vance Corp. shareholders and earnings per diluted share to adjusted earnings per diluted share (in thousands, except per share figures)









































Three Months Ended

Six Months Ended















% %





























Change Change





























Q2 2017 Q2 2017















April 30, January 31, April 30, vs. vs.

April 30, April 30, %

2017 2017 2016 Q1 2017 Q2 2016

2017 2016 Change





































Net income attributable to Eaton



































Vance Corp. shareholders $ 71,975 $ 60,711 $ 54,967 19 % 31 %

$ 132,686 $ 113,353 17 %



































Non-controlling interest value adjustments (1)

(73)

- (99)

NM





(74)

133 NM





































Adjusted net income attributable



































to Eaton Vance Corp. shareholders(1) $ 71,974 $ 60,638 $ 54,967 19

31



$ 132,612 $ 113,486 17







































Earnings per diluted share $ 0.62 $ 0.53 $ 0.48 17

29



$ 1.15 $ 0.99 16





































Non-controlling interest value adjustments -

-

- -

-





-

- -





































Adjusted earnings per diluted share(1) $ 0.62 $ 0.53 $ 0.48 17

29



$ 1.15 $ 0.99 16







































(1) Although the Company reports its financial results in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), management believes that certain non-GAAP financial measures, specifically adjusted net income attributable to Eaton Vance Corp. shareholders and adjusted earnings per diluted share, while not a substitute for GAAP financial measures, may be effective indicators of the Company's performance over time. In calculating these non-GAAP financial measures, net income attributable to Eaton Vance Corp. shareholders and earnings per diluted share are adjusted to exclude items management deems non-operating or non-recurring in nature or otherwise outside the ordinary course of business. These adjustments may include the add back of adjustments made in connection with changes in the estimated redemption value of non-controlling interests in our affiliates redeemable at other than fair value (non-controlling interest value adjustments), and, when applicable, other items such as closed-end fund structuring fees, special dividends, costs associated with retiring debt and tax settlements. Management and our Board of Directors, as well as our outside investors, consider these adjusted numbers a measure of the Company's underlying operating performance. Management believes adjusted net income attributable to Eaton Vance Corp. shareholders and adjusted earnings per diluted share are important indicators of our operations because they exclude items that may not be indicative of, or are unrelated to, our core operating results, and may provide a better baseline for analyzing trends in our underlying business.

































































Attachment 3

Eaton Vance Corp.

Components of net income attributable

to non-controlling and other beneficial interests

(in thousands)











































Three Months Ended

Six Months Ended















% %





























Change Change





























Q2 2017 Q2 2017

















April 30, January 31, April 30, vs. vs.

April 30, April 30, %

2017 2017 2016 Q1 2017 Q2 2016

2017 2016 Change





































Consolidated sponsored funds $ 1,727 $ (15) $ 493 NM % 250 %

$ 1,712 $ (16) NM %



































Majority-owned subsidiaries

3,932

3,718

3,206 6

23





7,650

6,516 17







































Non-controlling interest value adjustments

(1)

(73)

- (99)

NM





(74)

133 NM





































Consolidated CLO entities

-

-

10,789 -

NM





-

12,701 NM







































Net income attributable to non-controlling



































and other beneficial interests $ 5,658 $ 3,630 $ 14,488 56

(61)



$ 9,288 $ 19,334 (52)













Attachment 4 Eaton Vance Corp. Balance Sheet (in thousands, except per share figures)





April 30,



October 31,



2017



2016(1) Assets

































Cash and cash equivalents $ 663,458

$ 424,174 Management fees and other receivables

191,284



186,172 Investments

750,121



589,773 Deferred sales commissions

32,474



27,076 Deferred income taxes

67,996



73,295 Equipment and leasehold improvements, net

46,341



44,427 Intangible assets, net

94,290



46,809 Goodwill

259,681



248,091 Loan to affiliate

5,000



5,000 Other assets

56,428



85,565 Total assets $ 2,167,073

$ 1,730,382











Liabilities, Temporary Equity and Permanent Equity





















Liabilities:





















Accrued compensation $ 100,087

$ 173,485 Accounts payable and accrued expenses

64,527



59,927 Dividend payable

38,079



36,525 Debt

868,272



571,773 Other liabilities

107,504



75,069 Total liabilities

1,178,469



916,779











Temporary Equity:









Redeemable non-controlling interests

200,114



109,028 Total temporary equity

200,114



109,028











Permanent Equity:









Voting Common Stock, par value $0.00390625 per share:









Authorized, 1,280,000 shares









Issued and outstanding, 442,932 and 442,932 shares, respectively

2



2 Non-Voting Common Stock, par value $0.00390625 per share:









Authorized, 190,720,000 shares









Issued and outstanding, 114,981,808 and 113,545,008 shares, respectively

449



444 Additional paid-in capital

16,399



- Notes receivable from stock option exercises

(10,185)



(12,074) Accumulated other comprehensive loss

(60,064)



(57,583) Retained earnings

841,127



773,000 Total Eaton Vance Corp. shareholders' equity

787,728



703,789 Non-redeemable non-controlling interests

762



786 Total permanent equity

788,490



704,575 Total liabilities, temporary equity and permanent equity $ 2,167,073

$ 1,730,382











(1) On November 1, 2016 the Company adopted Accounting Standard Update 2015-03, which requires certain debt issuance costs to be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying value of the associated debt liability. The October 31, 2016 Balance Sheet shown above reflects the reclassification of $2.2 million of debt issuance costs from Other assets to Debt.

























Attachment 5 Eaton Vance Corp. Consolidated Assets Under Management and Net Flows by Investment Mandate(1) (in millions)



































Three Months Ended

Six Months Ended



April 30,

January 31,

April 30,

April 30,

April 30,



2017

2017

2016

2017

2016 Equity assets  beginning of period(2)(3) $ 99,538

$ 89,981

$ 83,274

$ 89,981

$ 89,890

Sales and other inflows

4,998



5,212



3,904



10,210



7,725

Redemptions/outflows

(4,203)



(5,855)



(4,093)



(10,058)



(8,436)

Net flows

795



(643)



(189)



152



(711)

Assets acquired(4)

-



5,704



-



5,704



-

Exchanges

9



44



(5)



53



8

Market value change

4,324



4,452



5,460



8,776



(647) Equity assets  end of period $ 104,666

$ 99,538

$ 88,540

$ 104,666

$ 88,540 Fixed income assets  beginning of period(3)(5)

65,136



60,607



52,849



60,607



52,465

Sales and other inflows

5,633



5,692



5,677



11,325



10,624

Redemptions/outflows

(4,490)



(4,338)



(3,098)



(8,828)



(7,280)

Net flows

1,143



1,354



2,579



2,497



3,344

Assets acquired(4)

-



4,170



-



4,170



-

Exchanges

(38)



(107)



17



(145)



47

Market value change

640



(888)



911



(248)



500 Fixed income assets  end of period $ 66,881

$ 65,136

$ 56,356

$ 66,881

$ 56,356 Floating-rate income assets  beginning of period(3)

34,051



32,107



32,592



32,107



35,534

Sales and other inflows

4,337



4,970



1,489



9,307



3,390

Redemptions/outflows

(1,543)



(3,306)



(2,718)



(4,849)



(6,145)

Net flows

2,794



1,664



(1,229)



4,458



(2,755)

Exchanges

34



120



(14)



154



(50)

Market value change

78



160



1,339



238



(41) Floating-rate income assets  end of period $ 36,957

$ 34,051

$ 32,688

$ 36,957

$ 32,688 Alternative assets  beginning of period(3)

10,775



10,687



9,798



10,687



10,289

Sales and other inflows

1,089



1,098



615



2,187



1,834

Redemptions/outflows

(745)



(940)



(813)



(1,685)



(2,068)

Net flows

344



158



(198)



502



(234)

Exchanges

(5)



(2)



(1)



(7)



2

Market value change

98



(68)



121



30



(337) Alternative assets  end of period $ 11,212

$ 10,775

$ 9,720

$ 11,212

$ 9,720 Portfolio implementation assets  beginning of period

80,129



71,426



58,920



71,426



59,487

Sales and other inflows

5,806



6,485



5,176



12,291



10,944

Redemptions/outflows

(3,384)



(3,086)



(2,379)



(6,470)



(4,306)

Net flows

2,422



3,399



2,797



5,821



6,638

Exchanges

-



-



(3)



-



(14)

Market value change

3,825



5,304



4,418



9,129



21 Portfolio implementation assets  end of period $ 86,376

$ 80,129

$ 66,132

$ 86,376

$ 66,132 Exposure management assets  beginning of period

74,110



71,572



65,146



71,572



63,689

Sales and other inflows

17,103



21,456



10,938



38,559



23,867

Redemptions/outflows

(11,668)



(19,580)



(12,626)



(31,248)



(22,749)

Net flows

5,435



1,876



(1,688)



7,311



1,118

Market value change

1,376



662



1,777



2,038



428 Exposure management assets  end of period $ 80,921

$ 74,110

$ 65,235

$ 80,921

$ 65,235 Total assets under management  beginning of period

363,739



336,380



302,579



336,380



311,354

Sales and other inflows

38,966



44,913



27,799



83,879



58,384

Redemptions/outflows

(26,033)



(37,105)



(25,727)



(63,138)



(50,984)

Net flows

12,933



7,808



2,072



20,741



7,400

Assets acquired(4)

-



9,874



-



9,874



-

Exchanges

-



55



(6)



55



(7)

Market value change

10,341



9,622



14,026



19,963



(76) Total assets under management  end of period $ 387,013

$ 363,739

$ 318,671

$ 387,013

$ 318,671































(1) Consolidated Eaton Vance Corp. See Attachment 11 for managed assets and flows of 49 percent-owned Hexavest Inc.































(2) Includes balanced and multi-asset mandates.































(3) In the second quarter of fiscal 2017, the Company reclassified among investment mandates certain managed assets and flows. The above presentation of prior period results has been revised for comparability purposes. The reclassification does not affect total consolidated assets under management or total consolidated net flows for any period.































(4) Managed assets gained in the acquisition of the business assets of Calvert Investments on December 30, 2016. Equity category and total acquired assets under management exclude $2.1 billion of managed assets of Calvert Equity Portfolio sub-advised by Atlanta Capital that were previously included in the Company's consolidated managed assets as institutional separate account managed assets.































(5) Includes cash management mandates.

























Attachment 6 Eaton Vance Corp. Consolidated Assets Under Management and Net Flows by Investment Vehicle(1) (in millions)



































Three Months Ended

Six Months Ended



April 30,

January 31,

April 30,

April 30,

April 30,



2017

2017

2016

2017

2016 Fund assets  beginning of period(2) $ 141,802

$ 125,722

$ 117,788

$ 125,722

$ 125,934

Sales and other inflows

9,959



10,969



6,977



20,928



15,235

Redemptions/outflows

(7,901)



(9,404)



(6,842)



(17,305)



(16,555)

Net flows

2,058



1,565



135



3,623



(1,320)

Assets acquired(3)

-



9,821



-



9,821



-

Exchanges(4)

69



2,115



(6)



2,184



(60)

Market value change

3,412



2,579



4,985



5,991



(1,652) Fund assets  end of period $ 147,341

$ 141,802

$ 122,902

$ 147,341

$ 122,902 Institutional separate account assets  beginning of period

139,309



136,451



120,197



136,451



119,987

Sales and other inflows

20,592



24,633



15,109



45,225



31,840

Redemptions/outflows

(14,426)



(23,449)



(14,735)



(37,875)



(26,847)

Net flows

6,166



1,184



374



7,350



4,993

Assets acquired(3)

-



40



-



40



-

Exchanges(4)

-



(2,055)



436



(2,055)



420

Market value change

3,569



3,689



5,613



7,258



1,220 Institutional separate account assets  end of period $ 149,044

$ 139,309

$ 126,620

$ 149,044

$ 126,620 High-net-worth separate account assets  beginning of period

30,514



25,806



23,999



25,806



24,516

Sales and other inflows

2,161



4,563



1,417



6,724



3,681

Redemptions/outflows

(937)



(1,609)



(2,055)



(2,546)



(3,194)

Net flows

1,224



2,954



(638)



4,178



487

Exchanges

(49)



14



(409)



(35)



(339)

Market value change

1,536



1,740



1,613



3,276



(99) High-net-worth separate account assets  end of period $ 33,225

$ 30,514

$ 24,565

$ 33,225

$ 24,565 Retail managed account assets  beginning of period

52,114



48,401



40,595



48,401



40,917

Sales and other inflows

6,254



4,748



4,296



11,002



7,628

Redemptions/outflows

(2,769)



(2,643)



(2,095)



(5,412)



(4,388)

Net flows

3,485



2,105



2,201



5,590



3,240

Assets acquired(3)

-



13



-



13



-

Exchanges

(20)



(19)



(27)



(39)



(28)

Market value change

1,824



1,614



1,815



3,438



455 Retail managed account assets  end of period $ 57,403

$ 52,114

$ 44,584

$ 57,403

$ 44,584 Total assets under management  beginning of period

363,739



336,380



302,579



336,380



311,354

Sales and other inflows

38,966



44,913



27,799



83,879



58,384

Redemptions/outflows

(26,033)



(37,105)



(25,727)



(63,138)



(50,984)

Net flows

12,933



7,808



2,072



20,741



7,400

Assets acquired(3)

-



9,874



-



9,874



-

Exchanges

-



55



(6)



55



(7)

Market value change

10,341



9,622



14,026



19,963



(76) Total assets under management  end of period $ 387,013

$ 363,739

$ 318,671

$ 387,013

$ 318,671































(1) Consolidated Eaton Vance Corp. See Attachment 11 for managed assets and flows of 49 percent-owned Hexavest Inc.































(2) Includes assets in cash management funds.































(3) Managed assets gained in the acquisition of the business assets of Calvert Investments on December 30, 2016. Fund category and total acquired assets under management exclude $2.1 billion of managed assets of Calvert Equity Portfolio sub-advised by Atlanta Capital that were previously included in the Company's consolidated managed assets as institutional separate account managed assets.































(4) Reflects the reclassification from institutional separate accounts to funds of $2.1 billion of managed assets of Calvert Equity Portfolio sub-advised by Atlanta Capital upon the Company's acquisition of the business assets of Calvert Investments on December 30, 2016.























Attachment 7 Eaton Vance Corp. Consolidated Assets under Management by Investment Mandate(1) (in millions)

































April 30,



January 31,

%



April 30,

%





2017



2017

Change



2016

Change Equity(2)(3) $ 104,666

$ 99,538

5%

$ 88,540

18% Fixed income(3)(4)

66,881



65,136

3%



56,356

19% Floating-rate income(3)

36,957



34,051

9%



32,688

13% Alternative(3)

11,212



10,775

4%



9,720

15% Portfolio implementation

86,376



80,129

8%



66,132

31% Exposure management

80,921



74,110

9%



65,235

24% Total $ 387,013

$ 363,739

6%

$ 318,671

21%



























(1) Consolidated Eaton Vance Corp. See Attachment 11 for managed assets and flows of 49 percent-owned Hexavest Inc.



























(2) Includes balanced and multi-asset mandates.



























(3) In the second quarter of fiscal 2017, the Company reclassified among investment mandates certain managed assets. The above presentation of prior period results has been revised for comparability purposes. The reclassification does not affect total consolidated assets under management for any period.



























(4) Includes cash management mandates.

















































Attachment 8 Eaton Vance Corp. Consolidated Assets under Management by Investment Vehicle(1) (in millions)

































April 30,



January 31,

%



April 30,

%





2017



2017

Change



2016

Change Open-end funds(2)(3) $ 92,441

$ 89,127

4%

$ 72,486

28% Private funds(4)

30,781



28,879

7%



26,908

14% Closed-end funds(5)

24,119



23,796

1%



23,508

3% Institutional separate account assets(3)

149,044



139,309

7%



126,620

18% High-net-worth separate account assets

33,225



30,514

9%



24,565

35% Retail managed account assets

57,403



52,114

10%



44,584

29% Total $ 387,013

$ 363,739

6%

$ 318,671

21%



























(1) Consolidated Eaton Vance Corp. See Attachment 11 for managed assets and flows of 49 percent-owned Hexavest Inc.



























(2) Includes assets in NextShares funds.



























(3) Reflects the reclassification from institutional separate accounts to open-end funds of $2.1 billion of managed assets of Calvert Equity Portfolio sub-advised by Atlanta Capital upon the Company's acquisition of the business assets of Calvert Investments on December 30, 2016.



























(4) Includes privately offered equity, fixed income and floating-rate income funds and CLO entities.



























(5) Includes unit investment trusts.

















































Attachment 9 Eaton Vance Corp. Consolidated Assets under Management by Investment Affiliate(1) (in millions)

































April 30,



January 31,

%



April 30,

%





2017



2017

Change



2016

Change Eaton Vance Management(2)(3) $ 154,985

$ 148,562

4%

$ 139,644

11% Parametric(3)

201,493



185,770

8%



160,831

25% Atlanta Capital(3)(4)

20,631



19,542

6%



18,196

13% Calvert Research and Management(4)

9,904



9,865

0%



-

NM Total $ 387,013

$ 363,739

6%

$ 318,671

21%



























(1) Consolidated Eaton Vance Corp. See Attachment 11 for managed assets and flows of 49 percent-owned Hexavest Inc.



























(2) Includes managed assets of wholly owned subsidiaries and Eaton Vance-sponsored funds and accounts managed by Hexavest and unaffiliated third-party advisers under Eaton Vance supervision.



























(3) In the second quarter of fiscal 2017, the Company reclassified among investment affiliates certain managed assets. The above presentation of prior period results has been revised for comparability purposes. The reclassification does not affect total consolidated assets under management for any period.



























(4) Consistent with the Company's policies for reporting the managed assets and flows of investment portfolios for which multiple Eaton Vance affiliates have management responsibilities, the managed assets of Atlanta Capital indicated above include the assets of Calvert Equity Portfolio, for which Atlanta Capital serves as sub-adviser. The total managed assets of Calvert Research and Management, including assets sub-advised by other Eaton Vance affiliates, were $12.1 billion and $11.9 billion as of April 30, 2017 and January 31, 2017, respectively.

Attachment 10 Eaton Vance Corp. Average Annualized Management Fee Rates by Investment Mandate(1)(2) (in basis points on average managed assets)





















Three Months Ended

Six Months Ended







% %















Change Change















Q2 2017 Q2 2017









April 30, January 31, April 30, vs. vs.

April 30, April 30, %

2017 2017 2016 Q1 2017 Q2 2016

2017 2016 Change Equity(3) 62.1 62.8 63.1 -1% -2%

62.4 62.4 0% Fixed income(3) 38.5 38.9 40.1 -1% -4%

38.7 40.5 -4% Floating-rate income(3) 51.6 52.0 52.0 -1% -1%

51.8 51.9 0% Alternative(3) 63.2 62.9 63.2 0% 0%

63.0 62.9 0% Portfolio implementation 14.5 14.6 14.9 -1% -3%

14.6 15.1 -3% Exposure management 5.1 5.2 5.4 -2% -6%

5.1 5.3 -4% Consolidated average

















annualized fee rates 34.7 35.1 36.1 -1% -4%

34.9 36.3 -4%



















(1) Excludes performance fees received, which were negligible for both the three months ended April 30, 2017 and April 30, 2016, $0.2 million for the three months ended January 31, 2017 and $0.1 million for both the six months ended April 30, 2017 and April 30, 2016.



















(2) In the second quarter of fiscal 2017, the Company modified its methodology for calculating average annualized management fee rates for quarterly periods to remove the effect of variations in the number of days in a given quarter. The above presentation of prior period results has been revised for comparability purposes. The revised methodology does not affect the calculation or presentation of average management fee rates for fiscal year periods.



















(3) In the second quarter of fiscal 2017, the Company reclassified among investment mandates certain managed assets. The above presentation of prior period results has been revised for comparability purposes. The reclassification does not affect overall average management fee rates for any period.

Attachment 11 Eaton Vance Corp. Hexavest Inc. Assets under Management and Net Flows (in millions)































Three Months Ended

Six Months Ended

April 30,

January 31,

April 30,

April 30,

April 30,

2017

2017

2016

2017

2016 Eaton Vance distributed:



























Eaton Vance sponsored funds  beginning of period(1) $ 255

$ 231

$ 205

$ 231

$ 229

Sales and other inflows

13



20



5



33



11

Redemptions/outflows

(19)



(8)



(4)



(27)



(25)

Net flows

(6)



12



1



6



(14)

Market value change

13



12



20



25



11 Eaton Vance sponsored funds  end of period $ 262

$ 255

$ 226

$ 262

$ 226 Eaton Vance distributed separate accounts 



























beginning of period(2) $ 2,666

$ 2,492

$ 2,344

$ 2,492

$ 2,440

Sales and other inflows

121



149



22



270



26

Redemptions/outflows

(826)



(54)



(25)



(880)



(34)

Net flows

(705)



95



(3)



(610)



(8)

Market value change

177



79



216



256



125 Eaton Vance distributed separate accounts  end of period $ 2,138

$ 2,666

$ 2,557

$ 2,138

$ 2,557 Total Eaton Vance distributed  beginning of period $ 2,921

$ 2,723

$ 2,549

$ 2,723

$ 2,669

Sales and other inflows

134



169



27



303



37

Redemptions/outflows

(845)



(62)



(29)



(907)



(59)

Net flows

(711)



107



(2)



(604)



(22)

Market value change

190



91



236



281



136 Total Eaton Vance distributed  end of period $ 2,400

$ 2,921

$ 2,783

$ 2,400

$ 2,783 Hexavest directly distributed  beginning of period(3) $ 11,538

$ 11,021

$ 10,533

$ 11,021

$ 11,279

Sales and other inflows

274



327



173



601



303

Redemptions/outflows

(201)



(404)



(442)



(605)



(771)

Net flows

73



(77)



(269)



(4)



(468)

Market value change

454



594



1,171



1,048



624 Hexavest directly distributed  end of period $ 12,065

$ 11,538

$ 11,435

$ 12,065

$ 11,435 Total Hexavest managed assets  beginning of period $ 14,459

$ 13,744

$ 13,082

$ 13,744

$ 13,948

Sales and other inflows

408



496



200



904



340

Redemptions/outflows

(1,046)



(466)



(471)



(1,512)



(830)

Net flows

(638)



30



(271)



(608)



(490)

Market value change

644



685



1,407



1,329



760 Total Hexavest managed assets  end of period $ 14,465

$ 14,459

$ 14,218

$ 14,465

$ 14,218

























(1) Managed assets and flows of Eaton Vance-sponsored pooled investment vehicles for which Hexavest is adviser or sub-adviser. Eaton Vance receives management revenue (and in some cases also distribution revenue) on these assets, which are included in the Eaton Vance consolidated results in Attachments 5 through 9.





























(2) Managed assets and flows of Eaton Vance-distributed separate accounts managed by Hexavest. Eaton Vance receives distribution revenue, but not management fees, on these assets, which are not included in the Eaton Vance consolidated results in Attachments 5 through 9.





























(3) Managed assets and flows of pre-transaction Hexavest clients and post-transaction Hexavest clients in Canada. Eaton Vance receives no management fees or distribution revenue on these assets, which are not included in the Eaton Vance consolidated results in Attachments 5 through 9.

SOURCE Eaton Vance Corp.

Related Links

http://www.eatonvance.com


HOUSTON and SAN ANTONIO, May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- EP Energy Corporation (NYSE:EPE) and Tesoro Corporation (NYSE: TSO) announced the formation of a drilling joint venture, through respective subsidiaries, to fund oil and natural gas development in EP Energy's Altamont program located in the Uinta Basin of Utah. Additionally, EP Energy and Tesoro signed a multi-year Crude Oil Supply Agreement for yellow and black waxy crude oil to supply Tesoro's Salt Lake City Refinery.

Drilling Joint Venture Highlights

60 well program

Tesoro to provide a capital carry in exchange for 50 percent of EP Energy's working interest in joint venture wells

Tesoro to purchase all oil production from joint venture wells

EPE's net share of capital is expected to be approximately $64 million

EPE will retain operational control of the joint venture assets

Tesoro and EP Energy also entered into a Crude Oil Supply Agreement, through which Tesoro will purchase all of the oil produced through the drilling joint venture, along with additional waxy crude oil produced by EP Energy in the Uinta Basin. This oil will provide assured supply of local crude oil for Tesoro's Salt Lake City Refinery.

"In the Altamont field we have a deep inventory of high-return drilling opportunities. This joint venture will enable us to significantly increase the well-level returns and capital efficiency of our program," said Brent Smolik, Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer of EP Energy Corporation. "We plan to keep two rigs active in the Uinta Basin and look forward to building a long-term relationship with Tesoro, an in-basin refinery partner."

"This agreement with EP Energy is an important step to further enhance our integrated value chain in the Rockies by supporting the growth of waxy crude oil production in the Uinta Basin, and allowing us to secure additional supply of this advantaged crude oil to further optimize the operation of our Salt Lake City Refinery," said Greg Goff, Chairman, President and CEO of Tesoro. "We believe this investment in crude oil production in Utah is good for our shareholders, our communities and for the State of Utah as it supports economic development in the region."

The first wells under the joint venture are expected to begin production in July 2017. EP Energy's average working interest in the joint venture wells is currently approximately 80 percent.

EP Energy did not change its 2017 guidance for the new drilling venture; however the company expects to update its full year 2017 outlook mid-year.

About EP Energy

The EP Energy team has a passion for finding and producing the oil and natural gas that enriches people's lives. EP Energy has a proven strategy, a significant reserve base, multi-year drilling opportunities, and a strategic presence in a number of the country's leading unconventional resource areas in North American. EP Energy is active in key phases of the E&P value chainacquiring, developing and producing oil and natural gas. For more information about EP Energy, visit epenergy.com.

About Tesoro

Tesoro Corporation, a Fortune 100 company, is an independent refiner and marketer of petroleum products. Tesoro, through its subsidiaries, operates seven refineries in the western United States with a combined capacity of over 895,000 barrels per day and ownership in a logistics business, which includes an interest in Tesoro Logistics LP (NYSE: TLLP) and ownership of its general partner. Tesoro's retail-marketing system includes over 2,500 retail stations under the ARCO, Shell, Exxon, Mobil, USA Gasoline(TM), Rebel(TM) and Tesoro brands.

EPE: Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This release includes certain forwardlooking statements and projections of EP Energy. We have made every reasonable effort to ensure that the information and assumptions on which these statements and projections are based are current, reasonable, and complete. However, a variety of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the projections, anticipated results or other expectations expressed, including, without limitation, the supply and demand for oil, natural gas and NGLs; the company's ability to meet production volume targets; the uncertainty of estimating proved reserves and unproved resources; the future level of service and capital costs; the availability and cost of financing to fund future exploration and production operations; the success of drilling programs with regard to proved undeveloped reserves and unproved resources; the company's ability to comply with the covenants in various financing documents; the company's ability to obtain necessary governmental approvals for proposed E&P projects and to successfully construct and operate such projects; actions by the credit rating agencies; credit and performance risk of our lenders, trading counterparties, customers, vendors and suppliers; changes in commodity prices and basis differentials for oil and natural gas; general economic and weather conditions in geographic regions or markets served by the company, or where operations of the company are located, including the risk of a global recession and negative impact on natural gas demand; the uncertainties associated with governmental regulation, including any potential changes in federal and state tax laws and regulations; political and currency risks associated with international operations of the company; competition; and other factors described in the company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings. While the company makes these statements and projections in good faith, neither the company nor its management can guarantee that anticipated future results will be achieved. Reference must be made to those filings for additional important factors that may affect actual results. EP Energy assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forwardlooking statements made herein or any other forwardlooking statements made by EP Energy, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

TSO: Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains "forward-looking" statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, including without limitation statements concerning: Tesoro's operational, financial and growth strategies, its ability to successfully effect those strategies and the expected timing and results thereof; statements regarding Tesoro's agreement with EP Energy, the terms thereunder, and the expected benefits thereof, including benefits to Tesoro's business, shareholders, communities and the State of Utah; and expected timing of well production. For more information concerning factors that could affect these statements, see Tesoro's annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, and other public filings and press releases, available at www.tsocorp.com. Tesoro undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

EPE Contact:

Investor and Media Relations

Bill Baerg

713-997-2906

[email protected]

Tesoro Contacts:

Investors: Sam Ramraj, Vice President, Investor Relations, (210) 626-4757

Media: Tesoro Media Relations, [email protected], (210) 626-7702

SOURCE EP Energy Corporation; Tesoro Corporation

Related Links

http://www.tsocorp.com


ATLANTA, May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Equifax Inc. (NYSE: EFX) today announced that Jeff Dodge and Douglas Brandberg of Investor Relations will be attending the Cowen and Company Technology, Media & Telecom Conference, Thursday, June 1st in New York City.

Dodge and Brandberg will discuss the company's first quarter 2017 performance, as well as the strategic outlook for 2017.

An archive of the presentation will be available at investor.equifax.com.

About Equifax

Equifax is a global information solutions company that uses trusted unique data, innovative analytics, technology and industry expertise to power organizations and individuals around the world by transforming knowledge into insights that help make more informed business and personal decisions. The company organizes, assimilates and analyzes data on more than 820 million consumers and more than 91 million businesses worldwide, and its database includes employee data contributed from more than 7,100 employers.

Headquartered in Atlanta, Ga., Equifax operates or has investments in 24 countries in North America, Central and South America, Europe and the Asia Pacific region. It is a member of Standard & Poor's (S&P) 500 Index, and its common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the symbol EFX. Equifax employs approximately 9,700 employees worldwide.

Some noteworthy achievements for the company include: Ranked 13 on the American Banker FinTech Forward list (2015); named a Top Technology Provider on the FinTech 100 list (2004-2015); named an InformationWeek Elite 100 Winner (2014-2015); named a Top Workplace by Atlanta Journal Constitution (2013-2015); named one of Fortune's World's Most Admired Companies (2011-2015); named one of Forbes' World's 100 Most Innovative Companies (2015). For more information, visit www.equifax.com.

SOURCE Equifax Inc.

Related Links

http://www.equifax.com


MILTON, Ga., May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Exide Technologies (www.exide.com), a global provider of stored electrical energy solutions (the "Company"), today announced that it has accepted for purchase pursuant to its previously announced Exchange Offer and Consent Solicitation, an aggregate of $294,159,010 aggregate principal amount of its 11% First Lien Senior Secured Notes due 2020 (the "Existing First Lien Notes") in exchange for an equal principal amount of new 11% First Lien Senior Secured Notes due 2022 (the "New First Lien Notes"). Holders whose notes were accepted for purchase also received an early tender premium payable in the form of New First Lien Notes in an amount equal to 2% of the principal amount of Existing First Lien Notes accepted for purchase and such holders also received a portion of the accrued interest on Existing First Lien Notes in the form of New First Lien Notes. In addition, certain investors have today purchased for cash $150.0 million in aggregate principal amount of additional New First Lien Notes and 4,050,000 shares of Common Stock for an aggregate purchase price generating gross proceeds of $135 million. As a result of the foregoing transactions, $459,937,345 aggregate principal amount of New First Lien Notes are issued and outstanding and $9,326,129 of Existing First Lien Notes remain outstanding.

The holders of approximately 96.93% of the aggregate principal amount of Existing First Lien Notes tendered their Existing First Lien Notes (and provided related consents) pursuant to the Exchange Offer and Consent Solicitation. The terms of the New First Lien Notes are substantially similar to the terms of the Existing First Lien Notes (prior to effecting the amendments (as described below)), except that the New First Lien Notes mature on April 30, 2022. The Company today has also entered into a supplemental indenture to the indenture governing the Existing First Lien Notes (and amendments were made to various other security and ancillary documents) which, among other things, eliminated substantially all of the restrictive covenants and certain events of default under the indenture and released all collateral previously securing the Existing First Lien Notes.

The Exchange Offer and Consent Solicitation will expire at 11:59 p.m., New York City time, on June 7, 2017. For Existing First Lien Notes that are validly tendered after the Early Tender Deadline but at or before the expiration and accepted for exchange by the Company, tendering holders will receive an equal principal amount of New First Lien Notes but will not receive the early tender premium described above.

Full details of the terms and conditions of the Exchange Offer and Consent Solicitation are described in the Offering Memorandum and related Letter of Transmittal. Requests for additional copies of the Offering Memorandum or the Letter of Transmittal should be directed to D.F. King & Co., Inc. at the following telephone numbers: (866) 828-6934 or (212) 269-5550 (banks and brokers).

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are based on current beliefs and expectations and involve certain assumptions or estimates that involve various risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Readers should not place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements, which are made only as of the date hereof. Exide Technologies has no duty, and assumes no obligation, to update forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events or changes in the Company's expectations.

About Exide Technologies

Exide Technologies (www.exide.com) is a global provider of stored electrical energy solutionsbatteries and associated equipment and services for transportation and industrial markets. With 128 years of industry experience and operating in more than 80 countries, Exide produces and recycles a broad range of products that keep customers and their businesses powering forward.

The Exide Transportation business manufactures and markets starting, deep-cycle, and micro-hybrid batteries for automotive, light and heavy-duty truck, agricultural, marine, military, powersport, and other specialty applications, along with battery diagnostic equipment and charging systems.

Exide serves the Industrial Power markets with its GNB-branded efficient energy storage systems for both Motive Power and Network Power customers. Motive Power applications include materials handling (power for lift trucks, airside assistance vehicles, and automatic guided vehicles); cleaning machines; railroads; military and mining vehicles; and other commercial electric vehicles. Network Power installations include standby power for electric utilities; telecommunications systems; alarm/security systems; renewable energy systems; railway systems; uninterruptible power supply (UPS); and defense industry equipment.

Exide Technologies is Powering the World Forward. History and scale, combined with a start-up mentality, make Exide the right choice for customers who want more than simply a battery supplier.

SOURCE Exide Technologies

Related Links

http://www.exide.com


WASHINGTON, May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Stubbornly low supply levels held down existing-home sales in April and also pushed the median number of days a home was on the market to a new low of 29 days, according to the National Association of Realtors.

April 2017 Existing Home Sales Infographic

Total existing-home sales1, https://www.nar.realtor/topics/existing-home-sales, which are completed transactions that include single-family homes, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops, dipped 2.3 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.57 million in April from a downwardly revised 5.70 million in March. Despite last month's decline, sales are still 1.6 percent above a year ago and at the fourth highest pace over the past year.

Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, says every major region except for the Midwest saw a retreat in existing sales in April. "Last month's dip in closings was somewhat expected given that there was such a strong sales increase in March at 4.2 percent, and new and existing inventory is not keeping up with the fast pace homes are coming off the market," he said. "Demand is easily outstripping supply in most of the country and it's stymieing many prospective buyers from finding a home to purchase."

The median existing-home price2 for all housing types in April was $244,800, up 6.0 percent from April 2016 ($230,900). April's price increase marks the 62nd straight month of year-over-year gains.

Total housing inventory3 at the end of April climbed 7.2 percent to 1.93 million existing homes available for sale, but is still 9.0 percent lower than a year ago (2.12 million) and has fallen year-over-year for 23 consecutive months. Unsold inventory is at a 4.2-month supply at the current sales pace, which is down from 4.6 months a year ago.

"Realtors continue to voice the frustration their clients are experiencing because of the insufficient number of homes for sale," added Yun. "Homes in the lower- and mid-market price range are hard to find in most markets, and when one is listed for sale, interest is immediate and multiple offers are nudging the eventual sales prices higher."

Properties typically stayed on the market for 29 days in April, which is down from 34 days in March and 39 days a year ago, and surpasses last May (32 days) as the shortest timeframe since NAR began tracking in May 2011. Short sales were on the market the longest at a median of 88 days in April, while foreclosures sold in 46 days and non-distressed homes took 28 days. Fifty-two percent of homes sold in April were on the market for less than a month (a new high).

Inventory data from realtor.com reveals that the metropolitan statistical areas where listings stayed on the market the shortest amount of time in April were San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, Calif., 23 days; San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, Calif., 25 days; Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, Colo., 27 days; and Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, Wash., 28 days.

According to Freddie Mac, the average commitment rate for a 30-year, conventional, fixed-rate mortgage declined for the first time in six months, dipping to 4.05 percent in April from 4.20 percent in March. The average commitment rate for all of 2016 was 3.65 percent.

"Mortgage rates have been stuck in a holding pattern in recent months, which is a relief for spring homebuyers," said Yun. "With price growth showing little sign of slowing, prospective first-time buyers will be the most sensitive to any sudden uptick in rates in the months ahead."

Matching the highest percentage since last September, first-time buyers were 34 percent of sales in April, which is up from 32 percent both in March and a year ago. NAR's 2016 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers  released in late 20164  revealed that the annual share of first-time buyers was 35 percent.

President William E. Brown, a Realtor from Alamo, California, says it's not only prospective homebuyers who are facing housing issues; many middle-income homeowners who benefit from the mortgage interest deduction could be slapped with a tax increase if some of the tax reform proposals currently being discussed go through. A recently released study commissioned by NAR titled, "Impact of Tax Reform Options on Owner-Occupied Housing," estimated taxes would rise on average by $815 each year for homeowners with adjusted gross incomes between $50,000 and $200,000. Furthermore, home values could shrink by an average of more than 10 percent, with areas with higher property taxes or state income taxes experiencing an even steeper decline.

"Realtors support tax reform, but any plan that effectively nullifies the current tax benefits of owning a home is a non-starter for the roughly 75 million homeowners and countless prospective first-time buyers that see owning a home as part of their American Dream," said Brown. Thousands of Realtors took this message to Capitol Hill last week during NAR's annual legislative meetings in Washington, D.C.

All-cash sales were 21 percent of transactions in April, down from 23 percent in March and 24 percent a year ago. Individual investors, who account for many cash sales, purchased 15 percent of homes in April, unchanged from March but up from 13 percent a year ago. Fifty-seven percent of investors paid in cash in April.

Distressed sales5  foreclosures and short sales  were 5 percent of sales in April, down from 6 percent in March and 7 percent a year ago. Three percent of April sales were foreclosures and 2 percent were short sales. Foreclosures sold for an average discount of 18 percent below market value in April (16 percent in March), while short sales were discounted 12 percent (14 percent in March).

Members of the media are invited to attend the upcoming Sustainable Homeownership Conference on June 9 at University of California's Memorial Stadium in Berkeley. In celebration of National Homeownership Month, the conference brings together experts to examine housing trends and real estate's positive impacts. NAR's Brown and Yun and Berkeley Hass Real Estate Group Chair Ken Rosen are among the prominent experts scheduled to speak. To register contact Adam DeSanctis, 202-383-1178 or [email protected].

Single-family and Condo/Co-op Sales

Single-family home sales decreased 2.4 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.95 million in April from 5.07 million in March, but are still 1.6 percent above the 4.87 million pace a year ago. The median existing single-family home price was $246,100 in April, up 6.1 percent from April 2016.

Existing condominium and co-op sales declined 1.6 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 620,000 units in April, but are still 1.6 percent higher than a year ago. The median existing condo price was $234,600 in April, which is 5.6 percent above a year ago.

Regional Breakdown

April existing-home sales in the Northeast dipped 2.7 percent to an annual rate of 730,000, and are now 2.7 percent below a year ago. The median price in the Northeast was $267,700, which is 1.6 percent above April 2016.

In the Midwest, existing-home sales increased 3.8 percent to an annual rate of 1.36 million in April, but are 0.7 percent below a year ago. The median price in the Midwest was $194,500, up 7.8 percent from a year ago.

Existing-home sales in the South in fell 5.0 percent to an annual rate of 2.30 million, but are still 3.6 percent above April 2016. The median price in the South was $217,700, up 7.9 percent from a year ago.

Existing-home sales in the West declined 3.3 percent to an annual rate of 1.18 million in April, but are still 3.5 percent above a year ago. The median price in the West was $358,600, up 6.8 percent from April 2016.

The National Association of Realtors, "The Voice for Real Estate," is America's largest trade association, representing 1.2 million members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries.

NOTE: For local information, please contact the local association of Realtors for data from local multiple listing services. Local MLS data is the most accurate source of sales and price information in specific areas, although there may be differences in reporting methodology.

1Existing-home sales, which include single-family, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops, are based on transaction closings from Multiple Listing Services. Changes in sales trends outside of MLSs are not captured in the monthly series. NAR rebenchmarks home sales periodically using other sources to assess overall home sales trends, including sales not reported by MLSs.

Existing-home sales, based on closings, differ from the U.S. Census Bureau's series on new single-family home sales, which are based on contracts or the acceptance of a deposit. Because of these differences, it is not uncommon for each series to move in different directions in the same month. In addition, existing-home sales, which account for more than 90 percent of total home sales, are based on a much larger data sample  about 40 percent of multiple listing service data each month  and typically are not subject to large prior-month revisions.

The annual rate for a particular month represents what the total number of actual sales for a year would be if the relative pace for that month were maintained for 12 consecutive months. Seasonally adjusted annual rates are used in reporting monthly data to factor out seasonal variations in resale activity. For example, home sales volume is normally higher in the summer than in the winter, primarily because of differences in the weather and family buying patterns. However, seasonal factors cannot compensate for abnormal weather patterns.

Single-family data collection began monthly in 1968, while condo data collection began quarterly in 1981; the series were combined in 1999 when monthly collection of condo data began. Prior to this period, single-family homes accounted for more than nine out of 10 purchases. Historic comparisons for total home sales prior to 1999 are based on monthly single-family sales, combined with the corresponding quarterly sales rate for condos.

2The median price is where half sold for more and half sold for less; medians are more typical of market conditions than average prices, which are skewed higher by a relatively small share of upper-end transactions. The only valid comparisons for median prices are with the same period a year earlier due to seasonality in buying patterns. Month-to-month comparisons do not compensate for seasonal changes, especially for the timing of family buying patterns. Changes in the composition of sales can distort median price data. Year-ago median and mean prices sometimes are revised in an automated process if additional data is received.

The national median condo/co-op price often is higher than the median single-family home price because condos are concentrated in higher-cost housing markets. However, in a given area, single-family homes typically sell for more than condos as seen in NAR's quarterly metro area price reports.

3Total inventory and month's supply data are available back through 1999, while single-family inventory and month's supply are available back to 1982 (prior to 1999, single-family sales accounted for more than 90 percent of transactions and condos were measured only on a quarterly basis).

4Survey results represent owner-occupants and differ from separately reported monthly findings from NAR's RealtorsConfidence Index, which include all types of buyers. Investors are under-represented in the annual study because survey questionnaires are mailed to the addresses of the property purchased and generally are not returned by absentee owners. Results include both new and existing homes.

5Distressed sales (foreclosures and short sales), days on market, first-time buyers, all-cash transactions and investors are from a monthly survey for the NAR's Realtors Confidence Index, posted at Realtor.org.



NOTE: NAR's Pending Home Sales Index for April is scheduled for release on May 31, and Existing-Home Sales for May will be released June 21; release times are 10:00 a.m. ET.

Information about NAR is available at www.nar.realtor. This and other news releases are posted in the "News, Blogs and Videos" tab on the website. Statistical data in this release, as well as other tables and surveys, are posted in the "Research and Statistics" tab.

SOURCE National Association of Realtors

Related Links

http://www.realtor.org


WASHINGTON, May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The nonprofit Moms Clean Air Force, a community of moms and dads united against air pollution and the urgent climate change crisis, announced today that it had topped the one-million-member milestone. Moms Clean Air Force is available on the Web at www.MomsCleanAirForce.org.

Since its founding in 2011, Moms Clean Air Force has emerged as a major national voice making the case for strong clean air standards and meaningful progress on climate change. As of today, the nonprofit organization has 1,019,218 members. For a video overview of Moms Clean Air Force, go to http://www.momscleanairforce.org/one-million-moms-video/.

Co-founder and Senior Director Dominique Browning, a mother of two, said: "Moms have passion and power  an unbeatable combination. We are harnessing the strength of mother love to fight back against polluters. Our goal is to be a visible and organized force in every state and every Congressional District. We not only bring forward the voice of moms, but also the voices of those who cannot be heard on their own: children."

The air pollution and related climate focuses of Moms Clean Air Force allow the moms and dads participating in the organization to protect the health of America's children. Moms Clean Air Force arms its members with reliable information and solutions through online resources, articles, action tools, and on-the-ground events.

The rapidly growing group works across the US on national and local policy issues, through a vibrant network of state-based field teams. Members meet with lawmakers at every level of government to build support for commonsense solutions to pollution, including curbing carbon dioxide emissions from power plants, slashing methane emissions, and advancing America's renewable energy future.

In the process, Moms Clean Air Force has been engaged directly in legislative and regulatory initiatives to reduce mercury pollution, smog, and traffic-related ozone pollution.

Browning said that the strong focus of Moms Clean Air Force on the health of children and the world they will inherit has allowed the organization to attract Democrats, Republicans and Independents.

What's next for Moms Clean Air Force?

On July 13, 2017, parents and kids from across the country organized by Moms Clean Air Force will rally at Upper Senate Park in Washington, DC to call for climate action. This family-friendly "play-in" protest against the air pollution that causes dangerous climate change will feature Congressional speakers, music, and Capitol Hill office visits. This is the fourth annual Capitol Hill "play-in" protest promoted by Moms Clean Air Force.

Moms Clean Air Force is organizing parents on the ground in the following states: Arizona, California, Colorado, District of Columbia, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and Wisconsin.

SOURCE Moms Clean Air Force, Washington DC
LOS ANGELES, May 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- FilmL.A., the not-for-profit film office serving the Greater Los Angeles region, today released a new report prepared by its research division. Employing a new sampling method, the 2016 Feature Film Study analyzes the 100 highest-performing U.S. feature films released theatrically last year, identifying where they were filmed and how much was spent to produce them. The report also examines California's top competitors and four-year trends in feature production yield.

On-location filming in Greater Los Angeles increased 5.8 percent between April and June, 2016 to 9,937 Shoot Days (SD)*, according to an update from FilmL.A. Continuing growth in the Feature Films category, attributable to the California Film & Television Tax Credit Program, helped keep local film crews working. This month, FilmL.A. released a new report prepared by its research division. Employing a new sampling method, the 2016 Feature Film Study analyzes the 100 highest-performing U.S. feature films released theatrically last year, identifying where they were filmed and how much was spent to produce them. The report also examines Californias top competitors and four-year trends in feature production yield. Of the films sampled, a total of 12 California-made projects were released theatrically in 20

Of the films sampled, a total of 12 California-made projects were released theatrically in 2016 (7 live-action & 5 animated), giving the Golden State a fourth-place rank among international competitors, in terms of projects hosted. Georgia took first place with 17 projects (all live-action). The United Kingdom immediately followed, with 16 projects (all live-action).

In terms of project spending, the 12 projects that filmed in California brought an estimated $851.2 million in total production spending to the state, a second-place finish behind the study-leading United Kingdom, which attracted $1.1 billion in production spending.

"California's top competitors are investing substantial sums to attract new feature projects with large production budgets," observed FilmL.A. President Paul Audley. "This study provides an updated look at California's position within this space, and re-affirms the highly competitive nature of tax credits and rebate programs worldwide."

Despite its competitors' success in attracting new feature projects, California remains the world's top film & television production center. With over $30 billion in direct spending annually, the volume of film production activity in California is more than New York, Georgia, Louisiana, the UK and Canada combined.

Some of the report's other findings include:

The 100 films studied by FilmL.A. represent over $7.5 billion in direct production spending. Budgets for these films ranged from $3.5 million to over $300 million .

in direct production spending. Budgets for these films ranged from to over . Of the California -based live action films, 44 percent (3 out of 7 projects) were made in the state thanks to the California Film & Television Tax Credit Program. These projects spent approximately $99.5 million filming in California , receiving $12.4 million in tax credits.

-based live action films, 44 percent (3 out of 7 projects) were made in the state thanks to the California Film & Television Tax Credit Program. These projects spent approximately filming in , receiving in tax credits. All films with budgets over $100 million that were produced in California were animated projects. The five animated films produced in California represent less than half of the state's project count, but account for 78 percent ( $770 million ) of the total budget value ( $991 million ) for all California movies in the survey.

that were produced in were animated projects. The five animated films produced in represent less than half of the state's project count, but account for 78 percent ( ) of the total budget value ( ) for all movies in the survey. From a national perspective, the US hosted 57 percent of the top 100 films, which is the lowest share in the past four years. From 2013-2015, the US production share for the top 100 films ranged from 63-67 percent.

Film incentive availability continues to drive location choice for feature film production and post-production including VFX and music scoring. Exact incentive award amounts were available for 37 films in the study -- valued at $596 million in the aggregate.

The 2016 Feature Film Study, along with other reports from FilmL.A. Research, are available for download here (registration required):

https://www.filmla.com/our-services/research/

About FilmL.A.

FilmL.A. is a private, not-for-profit community benefit organization and the official film office of the City and County of Los Angeles, among an ever-increasing roster of local municipalities. Providing streamlined permit processing, comprehensive community relations, marketing services, film policy analysis and more to these jurisdictions, FilmL.A. works to attract and retain film production in Greater Los Angeles. Learn more about FilmL.A. at www.filmla.com.

SOURCE FilmL.A.

Related Links

http://www.filmla.com


SHANGHAI, May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd. ("JinkoSolar" or the "Company") (NYSE:JKS), a global leader in the photovoltaic ("PV") industry, today announced that in a signing ceremony held at the Emirates Palace, the financial agreements for the debt and equity funding for the Sweihan Solar PV Independent Power Project (the "Project") were signed by the Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority ("ADWEA"), Sweihan Solar Holding Company Limited ("Sweihan"), a joint venture between JinkoSolar and Marubeni Corporation ("Marubeni"), and a syndicate of international and local banks.

The agreements closed a US$870 million financing for the Project, an 1,177 MW (DC) solar PV project with a 25-year PPA signed with ADWEA. The Project is expected to reach commercial operation date in April 2019.

"Today's Financial Closing is the culmination of 18 months of hard work, determination and commitment from many people, from multiple Abu Dhabi Government stakeholders, the international PV investor market, the international and local lending community and related advisors," commented H.E Abdullah Ali Musleh Al Ahbabi, Chairman of ADWEA. "I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those involved in making today's milestone possible. However today's event is just the beginning. Over the course of the next 2 years, the vision of the Sweihan PV Project will become reality."

"The financial closing of the Sweihan Project is an important step-forward to energize one of the largest solar power plants in the world," commented Mr. Xiande Li, Chairman of JinkoSolar. "We will continue to cultivate to the successful completion, operation, and maintenance of the Sweihan project with the highest standard, along with our partners ADWEA and Marubeni."

About JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd.

JinkoSolar (NYSE: JKS) is a global leader in the solar industry. JinkoSolar distributes its solar products and sells its solutions and services to a diversified international utility, commercial and residential customer base in China, the United States, Japan, Germany, the United Kingdom, Chile, South Africa, India, Mexico, Brazil, the United Arab Emirates, Italy, Spain, France, Belgium, and other countries and regions. JinkoSolar has built a vertically integrated solar product value chain, with an integrated annual capacity of 5.0GW for silicon ingots and wafers, 4.0GW for solar cells, and 6.5 GW for solar modules, as of December 31, 2016.

JinkoSolar has over 15,000 employees across its 6 productions facilities in Jiangxi, Zhejiang and Xinjiang Provinces, China, Malaysia, Portugal and South Africa, and 15 overseas subsidiaries across Japan (2), Singapore, India, Turkey, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Chile, Australia and South Africa. JinkoSolar has 18 global sales offices across China (2), United Kingdom, Bulgaria, Greece, Romania, United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Egypt, Morocco, Ghana, Kenya, Costa Rica, Colombia, Brazil and Mexico.

To find out more, please see: www.jinkosolar.com

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements constitute "forward-looking" statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and as defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "future," "intends, "plans," "believes," "estimates" and similar statements. Among other things, the quotations from management in this press release and the Company's operations and business outlook, contain forward-looking statements. Such statements involve certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in JinkoSolar's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including its annual report on Form 20-F. Except as required by law, the Company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

In China:

Mr. Sebastian Liu

JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd.

Tel: +86 21-5183-3056

Email: [email protected]

Mr. Christian Arnell

Christensen, Beijing

Tel: +86 10 5900 2940

Email: [email protected]

In the U.S.:

Ms. Linda Bergkamp

Christensen, Scottsdale, Arizona

Tel: +1-480-614-3004

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd.

Related Links

http://www.jinkosolar.com


NEW YORK, May 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

Global Flexographic Printing Inks Market: Overview



The report estimates and forecasts the flexographic printing inks market on the global, regional, and country levels. The study provides forecast between 2017 and 2025 based on volume (kilo tons) and revenue (US$ Mn) with 2016 as the base year. The report comprises an exhaustive value chain analysis for each of the product segments. It provides a comprehensive view of the market. The study includes drivers and restraints for the flexographic printing inks market along with their impact on demand during the forecast period.





Read the full report: http://www.reportlinker.com/p04907927/Flexographic-Printing-Inks-Market-and-Newspaper-Printing-Global-Industry-Analysis-Size-Share-Growth-Trends-and-Forecast.html







The study also provides key market indicators affecting the growth of the market. The report analyzes opportunities in the flexographic printing inks market on the global and regional level. Furthermore, the report analyzes substitutes of flexographic printing inks. It also provides the global average price trend analysis.



The report includes Porter's Five Forces Model to determine the degree of competition in the flexographic printing inks market. The report comprises a qualitative write-up on market attractiveness analysis, wherein product, application and countries have been analyzed based on attractiveness for each region. Growth rate, market size, raw material availability, profit margin, impact strength, technology, competition, and other factors (such as environmental and legal) have been evaluated in order to derive the general attractiveness of the market.



Global Flexographic Printing Inks Market: Segmentation



The study provides a comprehensive view of the flexographic printing inks market by dividing it into product type, application and geography. In terms of product type, the flexographic printing inks market is segmented into water-based, solvent-based and UV-cured. In terms of application, the flexographic printing inks market has been segmented into packaging, and others. The packaging segment has been further bifurcated into corrugated containers, tags and labels, flexible packaging, folding cartons, and others. Application segments have been analyzed based on historic, present, and future trends, and the market has been estimated in terms of volume (kilo tons) and revenue (US$ Mn) between 2017 and 2025.



Regional segmentation includes the current and forecast demand for flexographic printing inks in North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa (MEA). Additionally, the report comprises country-level analysis in terms of volume and revenue for product and application segments. Key countries such as the U.S., Canada, Germany, France, the U.K., Spain, Italy, Japan, India, China, Mexico, South Africa, and Brazil have been included in the study. Market segmentation includes demand for individual product type and application in all the regions and countries.



Global Flexographic Printing Inks Market: Competitive Outlook



The report covers detailed competitive outlook that includes market share and profiles of key players operating in the global market. Key players profiled in the report include Flint Group, Siegwerk Druckfarben AG & Co. KGaA, Huber Group, Sun Chemical Corporation, Wikoff Color Corporation, Zeller+Gmelin GmbH & Co. KG., INX International Ink Co., Toyo Ink SC Holdings Co., Ltd., ALTANA AG, and T&K TOKA CO., LTD. Company profiles include attributes such as company overview, number of employees, brand overview, key competitors, business overview, business strategies, recent/key developments, acquisitions, and financial overview (wherever applicable).



In-depth interviews and discussions with wide range of key opinion leaders and industry participants were conducted to compile this research report. Primary research represents the bulk of research efforts, supplemented by extensive secondary research. Key players' product literature, annual reports, press releases, and relevant documents were reviewed for competitive analysis and market understanding. This helped in validating and strengthening secondary research findings. Primary research further helped in developing the analysis team's expertise and market understanding. Secondary research sources that were typically referred to include, but were not limited to company websites, financial reports, annual reports, investor presentations, broker reports, and SEC filings. Other sources such as internal and external proprietary databases, statistical databases and market reports, news articles, national government documents, and webcasts specific to companies operating in the market have also been referred for the report.



The global flexographic printing inks market has been divided into the following segments:



By Product



Water-based inks

Solvent-based inks

UV-cured inks



By Application



Packaging

Flexible packaging

Corrugated containers

Folding cartons

Tags and labels

Others (including metal cans, etc.)

Others (including printing of newspapers, etc.)



By Region



North America

U.S.

Canada

Europe

France

U.K.

Spain

Germany

Italy

Rest of Europe

Asia Pacific

China

Japan

India

ASEAN

Rest of Asia Pacific (APAC)

Latin America

Brazil

Mexico

Rest of Latin America (LATAM)

Middle East & Africa

GCC

South Africa

Read the full report: http://www.reportlinker.com/p04907927/Flexographic-Printing-Inks-Market-and-Newspaper-Printing-Global-Industry-Analysis-Size-Share-Growth-Trends-and-Forecast.html



About Reportlinker

ReportLinker is an award-winning market research solution. Reportlinker finds and organizes the latest industry data so you get all the market research you need - instantly, in one place.



http://www.reportlinker.com





__________________________

Contact Clare: [email protected]

US: (339)-368-6001

Intl: +1 339-368-6001

SOURCE Reportlinker

Related Links

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HOUSTON, May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Flotek Industries, Inc. ("Flotek" or the "Company") (NYSE: FTK) has closed on the sales of its Drilling Technologies and Production Technologies segments. As previously disclosed, the Drilling Technologies division has been sold to National Oilwell Varco, L.P. ("NOV") for final consideration of $17 million, subject to normal working capital adjustments.

The Production Technologies segment has been acquired for total consideration of $2.9 million by an undisclosed buyer, as of May 23, 2017. Flotek's current pro-forma debt is approximately $27 million, reduced from a balance of $49.7 million at first quarter's end.

John Chisholm, Flotek's Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer commented, "We would like to thank our employees, the acquiring Companies, our business partners and all those who worked to arrive at this point in Flotek's transformation. Our liquidity and cash flow profile have materially improved, allowing financial flexibility to reduce outstanding debt, but also provide Flotek with the ability to execute on growth opportunities. Given ongoing initiatives to further reduce overhead costs and our positioning as a returns-focused and streamlined, chemistry-technology Company, I am confident that we have never been in as strong a position as we are today."

About Flotek Industries, Inc.

Flotek develops and delivers prescriptive chemistry-based technology, including specialty chemicals, to clients in the energy, consumer industrials and food & beverage industries. Flotek's inspired chemists draw from the power of bio-derived solvents to deliver solutions that enhance energy production, cleaning products, foods & beverages and fragrances. In the oil and gas sector, Flotek serves major and independent energy producers and oilfield service companies, both domestic and international. Flotek Industries, Inc. is a publicly traded company headquartered in Houston, Texas, and its common shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "FTK." For additional information, please visit Flotek's web site at www.flotekind.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements set forth in this Press Release constitute forward-looking statements (within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) regarding Flotek Industries, Inc.'s business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects. Words such as expects, anticipates, intends, plans, believes, seeks, estimates and similar expressions or variations of such words are intended to identify forward-looking statements, but are not the exclusive means of identifying forward-looking statements in this Press Release.

Although forward-looking statements in this Press Release reflect the good faith judgment of management, such statements can only be based on facts and factors currently known to management. Consequently, forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results and outcomes may differ materially from the results and outcomes discussed in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences in results and outcomes include, but are not limited to, demand for oil and natural gas drilling services in the areas and markets in which the Company operates, competition, obsolescence of products and services, the Company's ability to obtain financing to support its operations, environmental and other casualty risks, and the impact of government regulation.

Further information about the risks and uncertainties that may impact the Company are set forth in the Company's most recent filings on Form 10-K (including without limitation in the "Risk Factors" Section), and in the Company's other SEC filings and publicly available documents. Readers are urged not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this Press Release. The Company undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements in order to reflect any event or circumstance that may arise after the date of this Press Release.

SOURCE Flotek Industries, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.flotekind.com


(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161012/427743 )

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160908/823123 )





"We understand the pressure on organizations to meet regulatory compliance requirements, respond quickly to incident queries and report seamlessly, so we're pleased to invite Health & Safety, IT, Projects and Facilities Managers to attend our upcoming Incident Management and Risk Assessment Seminar hosted with Appetite for Business and Microsoft to learn how to tackle these challenges," said Neil Young, CEO, FlowForma.

Attendees will hear how an approach towards no code workflow supports organizations such as charities, sporting bodies, care homes and more to drive productivity and transparency, mitigate risk and ensure compliance. Real-time demonstrations and case studies will showcase how FlowForma Workflow customers have successfully replaced paper-based processes, all while reducing errors and increasing efficiency, without any coding.

The FlowForma team will demonstrate how the FlowForma no code BPM tool is the ideal tool for deploying processes to support compliancy such as incident management, complaints management, electronic vetting and risk assessment processes. Use cases will reveal the intuitiveness of this no code, logic only workflow tool and reveal how power users can build and publish processes to help meet regulatory compliance, with speed and flexibility, with little or no help from the IT department.

This is a free event but registration is compulsory. Secure your complementary place today to share your regulatory challenges, network with peers and get best practice advice from both FlowForma and Microsoft experts.

Seminar Details

When: Tuesday, 30th May 2017 from 9.30am to 1.30pm

Where: Old Bailey, Microsoft, 2 Kingdom Street Paddington, London

Who: Health & Safety, IT, Projects and Facilities Managers

This is a free event but registration is compulsory, secure your complementary place today.



Supporting Resources

To learn more about FlowForma ' s upcoming Meeting Regulatory Compliance event visit: http://www.flowforma.com/events/morning-seminar-uk-meeting-regulatory-compliance

To find out how the FlowForma Cloud BPM tool works visit: www.flowforma.com/howitworks

To download a free trial of FlowForma BPM visit: http://www.flowforma.com/trial

About FlowForma

FlowForma, the leading provider of Business Process Management (BPM) tools for Microsoft Office 365 has been revolutionizing the traditional BPM space with an innovative approach to developing award winning BPM products that empower users to get work done, smarter and faster, on the familiar SharePoint platform, without any coding.

FlowForma is a Microsoft Partner, with over 110,000 users across Europe, South Africa and North America. The company is headquartered in Dublin with offices in London and Boston and is motivated by its values to innovate, evolve and achieve with employees, customers and partners.

For further information, visit http://www.flowforma.com

About Appetite for Business

Appetite for Business knows about people and technology and support organisations to bridge the gap between the two to provide business growth. Appetite for Business is a people-focused technology consultancy who support organizations to achieve cost savings and process improvements by understanding how employees engage and interact with technology.

Through a unique combination of knowledge and innovative approaches using technology and controlling your documents within those systems Appetite for Business have developed solutions which deliver significant value.

For further information, visit http://www.appetiteforbusiness .com

SOURCE FlowForma
MCLEAN, Va., May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Folio Investing has acquired more than 200,000 brokerage accounts from LOYAL3, a San Francisco-based online broker-dealer. Folio converted the LOYAL3 accounts to FolioFirst, the new home for LOYAL3 customers, on May 22, 2017.

"We welcome these LOYAL3 customers, and are pleased that we can help them achieve their investing goals," said Peter Jacobstein, senior vice president of Folio Investing. "This acquisition furthers Folio Investing's mission of enabling smarter investing, strengthens our presence in the online brokerage space and helps us grow."

Peter Jacobstein, Senior Vice President Folio Investing

This is Folio's most recent acquisition. In November 2016, Folio acquired First Affirmative Financial Network, one of the nation's most prominent RIA firms specializing in sustainable, responsible and impact investing.

Former LOYAL3 customers now enjoy many features common to the Folio Investing retail platform, including:

Virtually unlimited commission-free trading for a very low monthly fee.

Dollar-based and fractional share trading so that investors can buy partial shares of securities, and own what they want regardless of the share price.

Added safeguards such as FDIC protection for account cash.

Low investment minimums.

No minimum account balance, and much more.

The terms of the transaction are not publicly available.

About FOLIOfn, Inc.

FOLIOfn, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiary Folio Investments, Inc. enable better investing for investors and those who serve them. Together, we provide integrated brokerage, custody and online investing technology innovations to financial enterprises and investment advisors on both a full-service and licensed basis, serving billions of dollars of investor assets nationwide. Folio Investments, Inc. is a self-clearing FINRA broker-dealer and custodian and operates under the brands Folio Investing, Folio Institutional, VIA Folio and FolioFirst.

2017 FOLIOfn, Inc. All rights reserved. Securities products and brokerage and clearing services are offered by Folio Investments, Inc., a registered broker-dealer and member FINRA/SIPC.

SOURCE Folio Investing

Related Links

http://www.folioInvesting.com


Today's announcement includes new cloud app discovery and risk assessment; DLP security analytics; advanced malware for CASB; and certified cloud service offering that increase GDPR compliance. These new cloud security enhancements and trusted global data centers enable customers to be fully cloud-deployed or to fold hybrid cloud and on-premises security into their business strategy. They bring visibility and risk reporting to potential incidents and technology deployed throughout an organization including "Shadow IT," where data and cloud applications being used in the enterprise or agency may be the source of both innovation and risk.

According to a report by Heidi Shey, senior analyst for security and risk at Forrester Research, "Internal incidents top the list of breach causes in 2016 (at 41%), and the proportion of those that are malicious is rising. Even external attacks ultimately involved attackers targeting and taking advantage of insiders and using user authentication credentials."1 And while security training and awareness programs go a long way toward preventing internal breaches, organizations often struggle to enforce policies against employees who adopt unsanctioned technology and data practices to maximize workplace efficiencies.

"We see the partnership growing between the CIO and CISO to implement solutions that securely enable the business shift to cloud computing while remaining in compliance with data privacy laws such as GDPR," explained Kris Lamb, vice president and general manager of the Cloud Security business at Forcepoint. "By providing more visibility to applications and data on the network regardless of location, Forcepoint is delivering innovation and value that enables security teams to focus on high-risk employee behaviors required to protect all users throughout the enterprise."

"Forcepoint's focus on protecting the human point is a remarkable approach to cyber security and cloud computing," said Jim Reavis, CEO, Cloud Security Alliance. "By providing context to user behavior in every corner of a global enterprise or government, Forcepoint is setting a new standard for human-centric security among the market leaders in the Cloud Security Alliance."

Available immediately from its global network of resellers and service provider partners, Forcepoint cyber innovations that accelerate the enterprise shift to cloud include:

Cloud app discovery and risk assessment included in Web Security  Integrating Forcepoint CASB technology, Forcepoint Web Security adds discovery and reporting of Shadow IT and users of unsanctioned applications. These reports on both apps and users provide details and risk rankings to eliminate a major enterprise security blindspot.

Integrating Forcepoint CASB technology, Forcepoint Web Security adds discovery and reporting of Shadow IT and users of unsanctioned applications. These reports on both apps and users provide details and risk rankings to eliminate a major enterprise security blindspot. Data Loss Prevention (DLP) Security Analytics for Web and Email - Incident Risk Ranking is now included with DLP for Web and Email (formerly DLP Module). Forcepoint applies machine learning to intelligently rank and classify security incidents across the cyber continuum of intent, including accidental leaks, broken business process or data theft. Security teams can proactively address issues and quickly prioritize responses for incidents linked to insider threats versus inadvertent user error.

Incident Risk Ranking is now included with DLP for Web and Email (formerly DLP Module). Forcepoint applies machine learning to intelligently rank and classify security incidents across the cyber continuum of intent, including accidental leaks, broken business process or data theft. Security teams can proactively address issues and quickly prioritize responses for incidents linked to insider threats versus inadvertent user error. Advanced Malware Detection for CASB  Forcepoint CASB now supports the Advanced Malware Detection cloud service, offering sandboxing and behavioral analysis technology to uncover Zero-Day attacks, ransomware and other advanced threats hidden in cloud storage solutions such Box.net or Office 365 OneDrive.

Forcepoint CASB now supports the Advanced Malware Detection cloud service, offering sandboxing and behavioral analysis technology to uncover Zero-Day attacks, ransomware and other advanced threats hidden in cloud storage solutions such Box.net or Office 365 OneDrive. Web Security appliances with SSL decryption mirror port  Organizations can lower capex and opex by using a single Forcepoint policy to securely send decrypted data to third-party passive security analysis tools to extend the value of existing IT investments.

 Organizations can lower capex and opex by using a single Forcepoint policy to securely send decrypted data to third-party passive security analysis tools to extend the value of existing IT investments. Certified Cloud Service offering GDPR compliance controls  Forcepoint is the only security vendor that runs a dedicated Cloud Trust Program encompassing ISO 27001 and CSA STAR certifications with SOC attestations. Forcepoint recently added ISO 27018 certification to its trust program to provide a robust system of controls for privacy protection of personal data to enhance GDPR compliance. Customers can securely extend their infrastructure with 27 global data centers offering full IPSEC coverage including new sites now open in Milan , Stockholm , Warsaw and Toronto .

Additional Resources

About Forcepoint

Forcepoint is transforming cybersecurity by focusing on what matters most: understanding people's intent as they interact with critical data and intellectual property wherever it resides. Our uncompromising systems enable companies to empower employees with unobstructed access to confidential data while protecting intellectual property and simplifying compliance. Based in Austin, Texas, Forcepoint supports more than 20,000 organizations worldwide. For more about Forcepoint, visit www.Forcepoint.com and follow us on Twitter at @ForcepointSec.

Join Forcepoint on Social Media

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/forcepoint

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/forcepointsec

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ForcepointLLC/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forcepoint

Media contact

Liem Nguyen

[email protected]

512.498.8821

What the Industry is Saying about Forcepoint Cloud Security

Benjamin Evans, IT Manager, Crediton Dairy, UK:

"Transforming our business has been a priority for our IT organization, and Forcepoint has helped us ensure that we are securely adopting cloud solutions. We have more visibility into our applications and users today, which has made our organization more efficient while ensuring our operations and employees are secure."

Crediton Dairy, based in the heart of Devon in southern England, is a food and beverage manufacturer.

Michael Meline, Principal/Co-founder at Cyber Self-Defense, U.S.:

"Security is never going to be 100 percent foolproof and is never "done". We can make our environments so secure that no person can perform his or her job, but we can NEVER make it so secure that a hacker cannot get it, if the hacker is determined. However, it's important to use a layered approach that encompasses physical and cloud infrastructure. We recommend a people-based security program that leverages policies, risk management, training, and technical solutions to lower our clients' risk. This approach is the only way a company can be successful in their information security endeavors. Forcepoint provides the behavioral analytics and intelligent systems to protect data wherever it resides."

Cyber Self-Defense, LLC is the premiere cyber and information security company focused on education and awareness as the primary form of threat prevention.

Brian DiPaolo, Director of Strategic Services, Accudata Systems, U.S.:

"The complexity of today's multi-cloud environments, where data might not remain in the cloud and can be easily moved to any device, requires solutions that protect users and data wherever they may be located. Our partnership with Forcepoint enables us to deliver value-added services together with technology innovation, such as cloud app reporting and risk ranking, to minimize the operational burden of threat protection and incident response."

Accudata Systems is an IT consulting, security and integration firm with 35 years of experience providing high-impact infrastructure services and integrated solutions.

Amirtha Valavan A, Head of IT, Tafe, India:

"Forcepoint's Incident Response Ranking allows me to take immediate action with security incidents on our network. The intelligence of Forcepoint's analytics considers our policies and provides a score based on the user's interaction with business-critical data to prioritize issues. This helps my team be more proactive on the most important security responses and efficient in understanding whether incidents are caused by malicious or inadvertent behavior."

Tafe, based in Chennai, India, is the third-largest tractor manufacturer in the world.

SOURCE Forcepoint

Related Links

http://www.forcepoint.com


BATTLE CREEK, Mich., May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Census Bureau is headed toward a potential crisis after Congress allocated significantly less funding to the 2020 Census than experts say is required to ensure all Americans are accounted for. Inadequate funding will drastically limit the resources necessary to conduct a thorough and accurate Census  a risk that will have severe and far-reaching consequences, disproportionately impacting communities of color.

Since the 1790s, as constitutionally mandated, the United States has been conducting Censuses that help us understand demographic change, apportion federal funding and spending, draw congressional districts, and collect taxes. In short, it is the best tool we have to count everyone  from the smallest and hardest to reach segments of our population  to the largest. We are currently in the ramp up to the Decennial Census 2020, which includes new technology based collection methods. In 2016, Congress granted the Census Bureau $140 million less than it requested. Additionally, the Bureau estimated needing $17.8 billion to successfully complete the Census 2020. Congress answered with $12.5 billion  the same amount used in 2010, despite knowing there are 15 million more people to count. And, new technology to implement. This much smaller budget means a reduction in regional and local Census offices, a decrease in staffing, and almost 40 percent fewer canvassers.

The Decennial Census, in particular, is a complicated and nuanced operation. As such, it necessitates several years of increased funding before launch. By not fully funding the preparation years for the 2020 Census, the President and Congress will fundamentally and detrimentally alter the implementation of the 2020 Census and by direct result our nation. The import of the consequences of not properly counting, in an inclusive and equitable way, our nation cannot be underscored. The Census impacts the very way our nation participates in elections, and how our leadership is chosen through redistricting and reapportionment. The Census also determines the allocation of close to $400 billion annually, including to programs serving hard to reach populations, and the neediest among us. It leads decision-making for policies affecting workers, including unemployment insurance, monitoring discrimination in the workplace, and job training programs. And its data directly impacts the education of our school children by drawing school district boundaries and determining funding allocation for many educational programs.

The Census also tells us an enormous amount about our communities of color. It is, quite simply, the largest longitudinal database we have on the American population. Despite its flaws, the Census helps us comply with nondiscrimination legislation, discuss and address racial disparities, identify communities in need of services and fund programs such as social service organizations running community based programming.

Advancement Project, Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum, Demos, Haas Institute for a Fair and Inclusive Society, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, National Congress of American Indians, National Council of Asian Pacific Americans, National Council of La Raza, National Urban League, PICO Network, Poverty & Race Research Action Council and Race Forward are a collaborative of 12 leading national racial equity anchor organizations (the Anchors) supported by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. Together we work to promote racial equity, advance racial healing and ensure that all children, families and communities have opportunities to reach their full potential.

Below the Anchors aptly describe the impacts of an inadequately funded Census on communities of color, and the greater American populace.

Advancement Project:

"At a time when democracy and the voices of communities of color in it are undergoing historic challenges, Census data is of monumental importance. People of color historically stand to lose the most when the government does not use its maximum capacity to capture the hardest to count populations. Forging the path toward a just, equitable democracy starts with a clear-eyed sense of what our communities look like. Everyone must be counted if we are to seriously do the work of improving our country."

- Judith Browne Dianis, executive director, Advancement Project's national office

Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum:

"The 2020 Census provides a critical opportunity for Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders  the fastest growing racial and ethnic group in the country, to be counted. Data gathered from the Census provides the fundamental evidence for reapportionment of not just congressional districts, but resources, programs, and funding. The upcoming Census is our chance to ensure all communities are more accurately counted, included, and represented across the country and it is critical that Census get the resources it needs."

- Kathy Ko Chin, president and CEO, Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum

Demos:

"From the beginning of our history, the Census has been the primary way by which our government has gathered the information it needs in order lead effectively and allocate resources efficiently. That this is now in serious jeopardy, 240 years after our founding, should be deeply disturbing to all of us. Supporting the Census is not a question of funding the survey. It is a question of whether we want to guarantee fair representation. It is a question of whether we want to ensure that every American has access to equal opportunities, no matter the color of her skin. These are values that stand at the core of our American identity  and for that reason, we all must call upon President Trump and Congress to ensure that the Census can take place in 2020 without issue."

- Heather McGhee, president, Demos

National Association for the Advancement of Colored People:

"The inadequate funding of the 2020 census will have a disastrous impact on communities of color, similar to the effect of state-sponsored voter suppression laws. The census was designed as a tool to ensure adequate representation, resources and voting power for citizens, any attempt to use it instead as a means of suppressing the vote, should be and must be viewed as an insidious threat to our overall democracy."

- Leon W. Russell, chairman, NAACP

National Congress of American Indians:

"The 2020 Census is critically important for tribal nations in their efforts to inform federal policy making and ensure that legislative redistricting provides Native people with an equitable voice in the political process. In 2010, the Census count missed nearly five percent of American Indian/Alaska Native people. To ensure that every Native person is included, it is imperative that the planning, budgeting, education, and outreach for the 2020 Census is adequate to that task."

- Jacqueline Pata, executive director, National Congress of American Indians

National Council of La Raza:

"Virtually every institution in society relies on the decennial Census to inform vital decisions. Funding shortfalls and insufficient planning could undermine a full, complete, and accurate count of our nation's population in 2020. Immediate policy intervention is required to ensure that the Census continues to serve as a reliable source of information in the future."

- Janet Murguia, president and CEO, National Council of La Raza

National Council for Asian Pacific Americans:

"A fully funded Census is crucial to our democracy. In order for all people  and especially those in diverse communities  to be understood and recognized, we must have accurate and complete data. In issues ranging from poverty and educational attainment to voting rights and access to health services, the Census is critical in addressing areas that greatly impact the Asian American and Pacific Islander community and all communities."

- Christopher Kang, national director, National Council of Asian Pacific Americans (NCAPA)

National Urban League:

"Fully funding and participating in the decennial Census is essential to our work as advocates for racial equity. The Census provides us with hard data to not only historically chart our gains, but to also determine where we must continue to fight for progress. Anything short of a complete investment in the Census threatens the survival of our democracy."

- Marc H. Morial, president and CEO, National Urban League

PICO Network:

"In the biblical Book of Numbers we find the first census being taken by Moses as instructed by God so the people may provide for the provision of the nation. Later in the Christian text we find Joseph traveling with a pregnant Mary to Bethlehem to participate in the census. Throughout the Bible, in both the Hebrew and Christian Testaments, the census was taken for the purpose of providing for the people and planning on how to resource the nation. The census is an investment in the families of this nation. It is imperative that all of God's children are counted! The work of the census is necessary so that all of God's children can participate fully in the society in which they live. They participate as good citizens caring for their neighbors as well as receiving the benefit of the collective resourcing of the nation. The Federal Government must fully fund the census for the benefit of all that dwell within the country."

- Bishop Dwayne Royster, political director, PICO National Network

Poverty & Race Research Action Council:

"Our country has a long history of racial and socio-economic segregation and discrimination in education and housing  the legacy of which has been studied and tracked through data made possible by the Census. As we continue to work to overcome segregation and discrimination, it is imperative that we have a fully funded 2020 Census to accurately understand the continued effects of discriminatory policies, deter policies that encourage segregation and to determine the necessary resources to help build inclusive communities across the country."

- Philip Tegeler, director, Poverty & Race Research Action Council

Race Forward:

"Without adequate funding, the 2020 Census is in danger of undercounting communities of color and other hard-to-reach populations, with negative consequences for congressional representation, budget allocations for billions of dollars in federal programs, and our ability to track racial disparities and progress. Conducting the Census is an enormous responsibility, enshrined in our Constitution, and we must ensure it is conducted fairly in order to build a more inclusive democracy."

- Rinku Sen, executive director, Race Forward

SOURCE W.K. Kellogg Foundation

Related Links

http://www.wkkf.org


DALLAS, May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Generational Equity, a leading mergers and acquisitions advisor for privately held businesses, is pleased to announce the sale of its client, EMCO Inc., to Motor City Fastener Inc., a platform company for private equity firm Oakland Standard Co. The acquisition closed February 6, 2017. Details were not disclosed.

EMCO, founded in 1954, provides a wide array of electrical, mechanical, fluid power and automation products to customers that design, manufacture, or upgrade machinery. EMCO also provides inventory management programs, inventory kitting programs, manufacturing services, and engineering and technical services. It is based in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Oakland Standard, a Michigan-based private equity firm investing in lower middle market industrial businesses, saw EMCO as a good add-on to a platform company in its portfolio, Motor City Fastener.

Based in Hazel Park, Michigan, Motor City Fastener is a wholesale distributor of industrial fasteners, fittings, abrasives, tools, personal protective equipment and related items. In conjunction with another location in Farmington Hills, Michigan, the company provides the Greater Detroit industrial community with inventory management solutions designed to increase productivity, lower inventory and create supply chain visibility. It is also ISO-9000 certified.

Generational Equity Executive Managing Director Bill Kushnir established the relationship with EMCO, and Generational Equity Managing Director Julie Sandoval's team, headed by Sr. M&A Advisor Genell Boyer and supported by Generational Equity Vice President Mark Breheny, led the deal to a successful close.

"This deal went smoothly due to the rapport and respect between buyer and seller," said Boyer. "The seller saw the 'big' picture between the two companies' ability to gain more market shares by being able to cross-sell to its current and future clients. It was a win-win for everyone."

About Generational Equity

Generational Equity, part of the Generational Group headquartered in Dallas with over 200 professionals located throughout North America, helps business owners release the wealth of their business by providing merger, acquisition and strategic growth advisory services. Their four-step approach features exit planning education, business valuation, value enhancement strategies, and M&A transactional services. The M&A Advisor recently named the company its 2016 Investment Banking Firm of the Year. For more, visit http://www.genequityco.com or the Generational Equity press room.

For more information:

Carl Doerksen

972-232-1125

[email protected]

SOURCE Generational Equity

Related Links

http://www.genequityco.com


DUBLIN, May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "Breast Implants Market Analysis By Product (Silicone Breast Implants, Saline Breast Implants), By Shape (Round, Anatomical), By Application (Reconstructive Surgery, Cosmetic Surgery), By End-use, And Segment Forecasts, 2014 - 2025" report to their offering.

The global breast implants market is anticipated to reach USD 2.0 billion by 2025

Increasing focus toward enhancement of physical appearance has led to the growth of breast implants market.



Breast reconstructions are being highly adopted by women in order to enhance their physical appearances. This kind of surgery involves esthetic repair of any damage taking place after implantation procedure. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, in 2015, nearly 106,000 breast reconstruction procedures have been performed in the U.S. Thus, such huge number of cases are expected to drive the growth of the market.



Breast implants are used post mastectomy to enhance esthetic appeal. Breast augmentation is another procedure requiring the application of these implants. Esthetic appeal plays an important role in increasing the demand for these procedures, thereby, making the cosmetic industry lucrative for the target population.



Further key findings from the study suggest:



In 2016, silicone implants dominated the market due to the fact that it has a natural resemblance to the breast tissue

Saline implants are anticipated to showcase significant growth over the forecast period due to lesser risk of complications during implant rupture

Round-shaped implants held the largest market share in 2016 owing to less complications involved during implant rotation

Anatomical-shaped devices are expected to showcase lucrative growth in the future due to their design that has a natural appearance, which make them ideal for breast enhancement

The cosmetic surgery segment dominated the market in 2016 due to the growing number of cosmetic procedures conducted globally

North America dominated the market in 2016 due to rising number of augmentation procedures of this organ conducted in the U.S.

dominated the market in 2016 due to rising number of augmentation procedures of this organ conducted in the U.S. Asia Pacific is expected to display lucrative growth over the forecast period owing to immense opportunities in the field of medical tourism in this region

is expected to display lucrative growth over the forecast period owing to immense opportunities in the field of medical tourism in this region Some of the key players include ALLERGAN; Sientra, Inc.; GC Aesthetics; Mentor Worldwide LLC; Establishment Labs S.A.; Polytech Health & Aesthetics GmbH; GROUPE SEBBIN SAS; HANSBIOMED CO. LTD; Laboratoires Arion; and Shanghai Kangning Medical Supplies Ltd.

Key Topics Covered:



1 Research Methodology



2 Executive Summary



3 Breast Implants Market Variables, Trends & Scope

3.1 Market Segmentation & Scope

3.2 Market Driver Analysis

3.2.1 Growing number of breast augmentation procedures

3.2.2 Rising incidence of breast cancer

3.2.3 Introduction of technologically advanced products

3.3 Market Restraint Analysis

3.3.1 High cost of implant procedure

3.3.2 Post-surgical complications

3.4 Key Opportunities Prioritized

3.5 Breast Implants - SWOT Analysis, By Factor (political & legal, economic and technological)

3.6 Industry Analysis - Porter's

3.7 Breast Implants Market: Company Market Share Analysis



4 Breast Implants Market: Product Estimates & Trend Analysis

4.1 Breast Implants Market: Product Movement Analysis

4.2 Silicone Breast Implants

44.3 Saline Breast Implants



5 Breast Implants Market: Shape Estimates & Trend Analysis

5.1 Breast Implants Market: Shape Movement Analysis

5.2 Round

5.3 Anatomical



6 Breast Implants Market: Application Estimates & Trend Analysis

6.1 Breast Implants Market: Application Movement Analysis

6.2 Reconstructive Surgery

6.3 Cosmetic Surgery



7 Breast Implants Market: End-use Estimates & Trend Analysis

7.1 Breast Implants Market: End-use Movement Analysis

7.2 Hospitals

7.3 Cosmetology Clinics

7.4 Ambulatory Surgical Centers



8 Breast Implants Market: Regional Estimates & Trend Analysis, by Product, Shape, Application, End-Use



9 Competitive Landscape



Allergan Plc.

GC Aesthetics Plc.

Groupe Sebbin SAS

Mentor Worldwide LLC

Sientra Inc.

Polytech Health & Aesthetics GmbH

Establishment Labs S.A.

Shanghai Kangning Medical Supplies Ltd.

Guangzhou Wanhe Plastic Materials Co., Ltd.

LABORATOIRES ARION

HansBiomed Co Ltd.

For more information about this report visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/khxpzb/breast_implants

Media Contact:

Research and Markets

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

[email protected]



For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470

For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630

For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900



U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907

Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716

SOURCE Research and Markets

Related Links

http://www.researchandmarkets.com


Kaicker founded Anisa International as a marketing and distribution partner for cosmetic brushes during a time when interest in makeup artistry tools was first flourishing. By 2003, Kaicker began to grow the brand strategically into an innovation, design and production leader. With the launch of a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Tianjin, China, the company honed its expertise and skilled hand-craftsmanship in cosmetic brushes while establishing key partnerships with some of the biggest names in the beauty world. Opening its New York studio in 2014, the company expanded into other vertical markets that benefit from its beauty and fashion industry expertise.

"It is the friendships and partnerships I have garnered over the years that have given my company the support and encouragement to keep going," said Anisa Telwar Kaicker, Founder and CEO. "It was a very humble startup 25 years ago as I was not formally trained to build a business; but with the assistance and shared opportunities of my peers within the industry  I learned a way to grow this global organization that I truly take pride in."

Over the past year, Anisa International has been leading the brush industry to end all use of animal hair while providing synthetic fiber replacements. Through extensive research and gathering of consumer insights, Anisa International recently launched three patent-pending fibers as part of The New Naturals  including substitutions for squirrel, goat and pony. Along with the synthetic transition, Anisa International continues to push the conversation of brush care, developing products to meet the needs of consumers for daily, weekly, and monthly cleanings.

Over the past 25 years, Anisa International has proved that purposeful artistry, passionate innovation, trusted collaboration and unwavering excellence are the keys to success. The company is excited for the future and will continue to provide solutions in the ever-evolving beauty space.

About Anisa International, Inc.

Anisa International is the beauty industry's leading global cosmetic brush design and manufacturing company. Founded in 1992, the company is committed to providing its clients with innovative product design, socially responsible manufacturing, expert education, and marketing support to ensure creation of the best cosmetic brushes and beauty accessories on the market today. Information about Anisa International and its manufacturing operations is available at anisa.com.

SOURCE Anisa International

Related Links

http://www.anisa.com


CHICAGO, May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Goldwind Americas, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Xinjiang Goldwind Science & Technology Co., Ltd., (Goldwind) (SZSE: 002202) (HK: 2208), announced today that it has signed an agreement with Renewable Energy Systems Americas Inc. (RES) to acquire the 160-megawatt (MW) Heart of Texas Wind Project in McCulloch County, Texas.

"The partnership with RES on the Heart of Texas wind project further demonstrates the strong accreditation of Goldwind's industry-leading Permanent Magnet Direct Drive turbine technology in the U.S. wind market," said Vikaas Rao-Aourpally, Vice President of Sales and Business Development for Goldwind Americas. "We are proud to again partner with RES, a leading renewable energy developer and constructor to continue to grow Goldwind's presence in the Americas."

The Heart of Texas Wind Project, located approximately 125 miles northwest of Austin, will utilize Goldwind GW 121/2.5MW wind turbines.

"RES is pleased to work with Goldwind again to sign the Heart of Texas sales transaction," said Brian Evans, Chief Development Officer of RES in the Americas. "This wind project will bring economic benefits to the Lone Star State, thus helping us meet our mission of providing a low carbon future for all."

Goldwind Capital, a subsidiary of Xinjiang Goldwind Science & Technology Co., Ltd., provided bridge financing to acquire the project and is in the process of arranging a financing package in partnership with top-tier financial institutions that will include construction and tax equity financing and a long-term ERCOT fixed price hedge for power production. In April 2017, Goldwind received tax equity financing commitments from Berkshire Hathaway Energy and Citi for the approximately $250m Rattlesnake Wind Project.

About Goldwind Americas

Goldwind Americas, headquartered in Chicago, is a world leading wind turbine technology and energy solutions provider. A wholly-owned subsidiary of Xinjiang Goldwind Science & Technology Co., Ltd (SZSE: 002202) (HK: 2208), Goldwind's revolutionary Permanent Magnet Direct Drive (PMDD) technology is shaping a new standard in wind energy. Goldwind Americas offers a full suite of innovative renewable energy solutions, including equipment sales, service, and capital. To learn more, visit www.goldwindamericas.com.

GOLDWIND AMERICAS MEDIA CONTACTS:

Colin Mahoney

Mahoney Communications Group

T: +1 (212) 220-6045

E: [email protected]

Erica Carr

Corporate Communications Specialist

Goldwind Americas

T: +1 (480) 239-2834

E: [email protected]

SOURCE Goldwind

Related Links

http://www.goldwindamericas.com


NEW YORK and ARLINGTON, Va., May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Bloomberg L.P. and Bloomberg BNA today announced that the first West Coast Bloomberg Sustainable Business Summit will take place in Seattle this year and will feature a VIP interview with Washington Governor Jay Inslee. Governor Inslee will discuss how his state is supporting a sustainable business agenda by developing a clean energy economy and actively promoting green job growth.

Bloomberg

The Summit will be held on Thursday, June 15 at the AXIS Pioneer Square in Seattle from 2  6 p.m. To request an invitation, please visit https://www.bna.com/2017-Sustainable-Business-Summit-Seattle/.

The Summit will feature influential business leaders, including Starbucks CFO Scott Maw and Amazon's Director of Worldwide Sustainability Kara Hurst. Discussions will focus on key themes of sustainable business strategies and practices, sustainable finance and the role of family offices, and roadmaps for sustainable urban development.

The Summit will explore how corporations are integrating sustainable business practices into their strategies in areas such as supply chain management and renewable energy. The event will also touch on how sustainable finance is propelling the issuance of green bonds and the integration of environmental, social and governance (ESG) metrics into investment strategies

"The Seattle and West Coast-based business communities bring long-term experience and innovative approaches to sustainability to the table," said Curtis Ravenel, Global Head of Sustainable Business & Finance at Bloomberg L.P. "We are looking forward to exploring how the region is driving the sustainability agenda forward, and what lessons can be learned for the rest of the countryand the world."

"We are excited to bring the Bloomberg Sustainable Business Summit series to the West Coast and particularly to Seattle, one of the nation's most sustainable cities," added Mike MacKay, president of Bloomberg BNA Plus. "An impressive lineup of business and government speakers will provide attendees valuable insights into how sustainability is successfully being put into practice in both the private and public sectors."

Additional speakers include:

Vince Digneo , Sustainability Strategist, Adobe

, Sustainability Strategist, Adobe Alan Durning , Executive Director, Sightline Institute

, Executive Director, Sightline Institute Jessica Finn-Coven , Chief Resilience Officer, City of Seattle

, Chief Resilience Officer, John Kelly , Senior Vice President, Global Responsibility, Community and Public Policy, Starbucks

, Senior Vice President, Global Responsibility, Community and Public Policy, Starbucks Jan Koninckx, Head of BioFuels Business, DuPont

Richard Woo , Chief Executive Officer, The Russell Family Foundation

The first West Coast Bloomberg Sustainable Business Summit in Seattle is sponsored by Amazon and Edison Energy.

About Bloomberg L.P.

Bloomberg, the global business and financial information and news leader, gives influential decision makers a critical edge by connecting them to a dynamic network of information, people and ideas. The company's strength  delivering data, news and analytics through innovative technology, quickly and accurately  is at the core of the Bloomberg Professional service. Bloomberg's enterprise solutions build on the company's core strength: leveraging technology to allow customers to access, integrate, distribute and manage data and information across organizations more efficiently and effectively. For more information, visit www.bloomberg.com or request a demo.

About Bloomberg BNA

Bloomberg BNA provides legal, tax and compliance professionals with critical information, practical guidance and workflow solutions. We leverage leading technology and a global network of experts to deliver a unique combination of news and authoritative analysis, comprehensive research solutions, innovative practice tools, and proprietary business data and analytics. Bloomberg BNA is an affiliate of Bloomberg L.P., the global business, financial information and news leader. For more information, visit www.bna.com.

SOURCE Bloomberg BNA; Bloomberg

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MENLO PARK, Calif. and NEW YORK, May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Silver Lake, the global leader in technology investing, announced today that Harel Kodesh has joined the firm as an Operating Partner based in Menlo Park. Mr. Kodesh will work with Silver Lake's diverse scope of portfolio companies to drive operational improvement. Most recently, he was chief technology officer at GE Digital and vice president of Predix, GE's operating system for the Industrial Internet.

"Harel is a proven leader with decades of experience and a proven track record unlocking value through technology innovation," said Mark Gillett, Managing Director and Head of Value Creation at Silver Lake. "His unique experience spanning core technology and technology-enabled businesses, from the mobile device to the cloud, will be a key asset to our firm and our portfolio."

Before joining GE in 2014, Mr. Kodesh co-founded and served as CEO at Nurego, a spinoff of EMC Corp. At EMC, he was executive vice president for cloud business systems and CEO of Mozy, EMC's wholly-owned subsidiary dedicated to Backup as a Service. From 2003 to 2008, Mr. Kodesh served as chief product officer at Amdocs. He also served as CEO of Wingcast, the Ford Motor Company-Qualcomm joint venture. Mr. Kodesh is the 2017 recipient of the University of California's Viterbi School of Engineering's Daniel Epstein Engineering Management Award.

Until 2000, Mr. Kodesh held various executive positions at Microsoft, including vice president of the information appliances division, where he led development of the Microsoft Windows CE operating system. He also managed Microsoft's Object Linking and Embedding team. He joined Microsoft from Motorola where he led a team responsible for its early wireless data efforts.

"I am excited to join Silver Lake's talented team of investment and value creation professionals," said Mr. Kodesh. "I look forward to working with my new colleagues to identify and drive growth across the firm's diverse portfolio of technology and technology-enabled companies."

Mr. Kodesh joins Silver Lake's global team of operating professionals alongside other recent additions, including John Berkley, who previously led product, technology and operations at Mercury Payment Systems (now Vantiv) and Rajiv Taori who joined the firm from Citrix Systems where he was VP and General Manager for the XenMobile family of products.

About Silver Lake



Silver Lake is the global leader in technology investing, with about $39 billion in combined assets under management and committed capital and a team of approximately 100 investment and value creation professionals located in Silicon Valley, New York, London, Hong Kong and Tokyo. Silver Lake's portfolio of investments collectively generates more than $140 billion of revenue annually and employs more than 300,000 people globally. The firm's current portfolio includes leading technology and technology-enabled businesses such as Alibaba Group, Ancestry, Broadcom Limited, Cast & Crew, Ctrip, Dell Technologies, Fanatics, Global Blue, GoDaddy, Motorola Solutions, Red Ventures, Sabre, SoFi, SolarWinds, Symantec, and WMEIMG. For more information about Silver Lake and its entire portfolio, please visit www.silverlake.com.

Media Contact

Nora Chan

415-671-7676

[email protected]

SOURCE Silver Lake

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CLEVELAND, May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Harrington Discovery Institute at University Hospitals in Cleveland, Ohio  part of The Harrington Project for Discovery & Development  is pleased to announce its request for proposals for the Harrington Rare Disease Scholar Award. The Harrington Rare Disease Scholar Award supports breakthrough research for therapeutic discoveries in rare diseases. The program is sponsored by Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited (TSE: 4502) and overseen by Harrington Discovery Institute, a nonprofit initiative that helps academic researchers translate their most promising inventions into new medicines.

"We are excited to launch this new program with Takeda," said Jonathan S. Stamler, MD, President, Harrington Discovery Institute and the Robert S. and Sylvia K. Reitman Family Foundation Distinguished Chair in Cardiovascular Innovation at University Hospitals and Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. "The Harrington Rare Disease Scholar Award provides a unique opportunity to advance cutting-edge research in rare diseases into life-saving treatments."

Harrington Rare Disease Scholars will receive:

Financial support of $150,000 guaranteed

guaranteed Eligibility for additional funding up to $1,000,000

Drug development and project management support through Harrington Discovery Institute's Innovation Support Center

through Harrington Discovery Institute's Innovation Support Center Facilitated access to Takeda's research and development experts

Letters of Intent are being accepted through July 19, 2017.

All applications must be submitted online at HarringtonDiscovery.SmartSimple.com.

Harrington Discovery Institute will select up to 10 researchers to receive the Harrington Rare Disease Scholar Award. Scholars will work closely with drug development experts from its Innovation Support Center, which provides hands-on industry guidance not found in traditional academic research settings. Harrington Rare Disease Scholars and their institutions retain the intellectual property rights to their work.

The award is open to MD and PhD researchers at accredited academic medical centers, research institutions, and universities in the United States. Selection criteria include innovation, creativity and potential for impact on human health. Award recipients will be selected by Harrington Discovery Institute's Scientific Advisory Board for Rare Diseases and announced in early 2018.

Harrington Discovery Institute

The Harrington Discovery Institute at University Hospitals in Cleveland, Ohio  part of The Harrington Project for Discovery & Development  aims to advance medicine and society by enabling our nation's most inventive physician-scientists to turn their discoveries into medicines that improve human health. The institute was created in 2012 with a $50 million founding gift from the Harrington family and instantiates the commitment they share with University Hospitals to a Vision for a 'Better World'.

The Harrington Project for Discovery & Development

The Harrington Project for Discovery & Development (The Harrington Project), founded in late February 2012 by the Harrington Family and University Hospitals of Cleveland, is a $300 million national initiative built to bridge the translational valley of death. It includes the Harrington Discovery Institute and BioMotiv, a for-profit, mission-aligned drug development company that accelerates early discoveries into medicines for benefit of society.

For more information about The Harrington Project and Harrington Discovery Institute, visit: HarringtonDiscovery.org.

About University Hospitals

Founded in 1866, University Hospitals serves the needs of over 1 million patients per year through an integrated network of 18 hospitals, more than 40 outpatient health centers and 200 physician offices in 15 counties throughout northern Ohio. The system's flagship academic medical center, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, located on a 35-acre campus in Cleveland's University Circle, is affiliated with Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. The main campus also includes University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital, ranked among the top children's hospitals in the nation; University Hospitals MacDonald Women's Hospital, Ohio's only hospital for women; and University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center, part of the NCI-designated Case Comprehensive Cancer Center. UH is home to some of the most prestigious clinical and research programs in the nation, including cancer, pediatrics, women's health, orthopedics, radiology, neuroscience, cardiology and cardiovascular surgery, digestive health, dermatology, transplantation and urology. UH Cleveland Medical Center is perennially among the highest performers in national ranking surveys, including "America's Best Hospitals" from U.S. News & World Report. UH is also home to Harrington Discovery Institute at University Hospitals  part of The Harrington Project for Discovery & Development. UH is the second largest employer in northern Ohio with 26,000 employees. For more information, go to UHhospitals.org.

SOURCE University Hospitals

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MUMBAI, India, May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Havas Group is expanding its capabilities and footprint in the important and burgeoning Indian market by adding Sorento to its roster of agencies. Sorento will integrate the Havas Health & You business unit and be rebranded Havas Life Sorento. This strategic acquisition will allow Havas to further develop its regional presence and add to its depth and breadth in India to deliver for global clients.

Sorento's current client base is a strong and complementary mix for Havas' health-and-wellness activities, with such international clients as Abbott, Johnson & Johnson, MSD, along with local pharmas including Alkem, Dr. Reddy's, Finlinea Healthwits, Glenmark and Torrent. The agency is well regarded by clients and peers and is the only Indian healthcare agency to have won the prestigious Cannes Lion.

Yannick Bollore, CEO, Havas Group, commented: "We are delighted to welcome Sorento to our group. The team will partner with Havas Health & You India to create a broader health-and-wellness offering in the region for our existing global clients and provide a new infusion of energy that will allow us to expand our APAC capabilities."

Following the acquisition, the management team of Susan Josi and Sangeeta BardeSorento's co-founders and managing partnerswill continue to head up the team of more than 70 health-and-wellness comms professionals. Josi and Barde will report to Charles Houdoux, CEO, Havas Health & You APAC, and will work closely with local Havas India management for day-to-day operations.

Barde and Josi said: "At Sorento we passionately believe that even complex healthcare brand problems can be solved with insightful and creative ideas. Our years of dedication and the commitment of many people who have been associated with Sorento have allowed us to forge strong partnerships with our clients and help build their brands in India. Joining hands with Havas will equip us to look beyond our current frontiers and make us an even more valued partner in India and beyond."

Josi, with a Master's in Pharmacy and Management, has more than 28 years of experience in the healthcare sector. Barde has more than 22 years of experience in pharma marketing and healthcare communications and trained as a microbiologist before going on to earn a Master's in Marketing Management.

"The Sorento culture of innovative, best-in-class client service makes it an ideal fit for the Havas Health & You family. Its integrated approach to brand stewardship has resulted in long-term relationships with clients, which also aligns with our client-first philosophy," added Donna Murphy, CEO, Havas Health & You.

About Havas Group

Havas is one of the world's largest global communications groups. Founded in 1835 in Paris, the Group employs 20,000 people in over 100 countries. Havas Group is committed to being the world's best company at creating meaningful connections between people and brands through creativity, media and innovation. Based on a client-centric model across media and creative, the Havas Group is the most integrated company in its sector. We operate with three business units (creative, media and healthcare & wellness) within our Havas Villages all over the world where teams share the same premises ensuring agility and a seamless experience for clients.

#ToBetterTogether Further information about Havas Group is available on the company's website: www.havasgroup.com

About Havas Health & You

Havas Health & You unites Havas Life, Health4Brands (H4B), Havas Lynx and Havas Life PR, all wholly owned health and communications networks, with the consumer health businesses and practices of Havas Creative Group. Its customer-centric approach has the talent, tenacity and technology that health and wellness companies, brands and people need to thrive in today's world. For more information, go to http://www.HavasHealthandYou.com

Media Contact:

Marian Salzman

Chief Executive Officer, Havas PR

+1 646-361-1837

[email protected]

@mariansalzman

Contact:

Lorella Gessa

Chief Communications Officer, Havas Group

+33 (0)1 58 47 90 36

[email protected]

@Lorella_Gessa

Aurelie Jolion

Director of Investor Relations, Havas Group

+33 (0)1 58 47 92 42

[email protected]



29-30 quai de Dion Bouton, 92817 Puteaux Cedex, France

Tel +33 (0) 1 58 47 80 00

SA au capital de 167 862 108  - 335 480 265 RCS Nanterre - APE 7311Z

www.havasgroup.com

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/HavasGroup/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/HavasGroup

Google +: http://bit.ly/163Ii2y

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/Havas

SOURCE Havas Group
AxxessCARE is seamlessly integrated with AgencyCore, Axxess' secure, HIPAA-compliant software platform, allowing agencies to conveniently post visits for qualified professionals. After downloading the AxxessCARE mobile app through the Apple App Store or Google Play, clinicians can apply to take visits after background checks and license verifications have been completed. Agencies will have the flexibility to review and select the most appropriate clinician for each posted visit.

"We're confident AxxessCARE is going to revolutionize the delivery of home healthcare in the same way Uber has transformed the transportation industry," said John Olajide, president and chief executive officer of Axxess. "Agencies consistently identify staffing among their major challenges. Through AxxessCARE they will be able to extend their staffing capabilities with access to qualified clinicians to meet patient needs. At the same time, clinicians will enjoy a more convenient way to work."

Axxess is testing AxxessCARE in a pilot program with agencies and clinicians in the Dallas-Fort Worth area over the next few months, fine-tuning the platform and process before introducing it to the entire industry.

An innovation leader in home health software and solutions, Axxess is the first and only software provider to provide native mobile apps for both iOS and Android devices, and earlier this year integrated OASIS patient assessment and documentation into the app, enabling clinicians to productively work anywhere at any time.

"AxxessCARE is intuitive, easy to use and a logical next step in our commitment to meet the needs of agencies and clinicians to modernize the delivery of healthcare in the home," Olajide said. "Axxess is the key to home health success because we are leading innovation and our platform helps our customers focus on patient care, not paperwork."

Through the sophisticated AxxessCARE program, clinician profiles, competencies, expertise, availability and ratings can be viewed by agencies at any time and agencies are able to communicate with interested clinicians, post visits and coordinate care in real-time. AxxessCARE's state-of-the-art electronic visit verification feature helps agencies know when visits are complete so they can review documentation, easily process payments and rate performance.

"With AxxessCARE, agencies can grow their business by accepting more referrals, testing new markets and, most importantly, matching qualified clinicians with patient needs," Olajide said. "We think they are going to love the convenience of knowing they can access additional qualified staff at their fingertips.

"Clinicians who are part of the AxxessCARE network can apply for visits that are convenient to their location and schedule, at rates that work for them," Olajide added.

After downloading and logging in to the secure AxxessCARE app and entering information, verified clinicians can apply for posted visits that match their skills, desired compensation and other selection criteria and communicate directly with those agencies.

The AxxessCARE app enables clinicians to complete all visit documentation at the point of care - right in the patients' homes  allowing them to complete work faster. They can also easily track past, current and projected earnings.

"We're confident AxxessCARE is the answer to home healthcare staffing shortages by connecting care everywhere," Olajide said.

Learn more about AxxessCARE.

Axxess

Axxess is the fastest growing home health technology company, improving care for 2 million patients in North America and trusted by more than 7,000 organizations. With an easy-to-use, complete suite of innovative cloud-based software and services for health records, scheduling, patient engagement, revenue cycle management and more, Axxess empowers healthcare providers with solutions to focus on patient care. Fostering a collaborative culture to exceed client expectations, Axxess is recognized nationally as a "Best Place To Work". We invest every day in growing the healthcare industry and strengthening communities around the country to address unmet needs and make lives better. For more information, visit axxess.com or connect on Twitter @Axxess.

SOURCE Axxess

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SAN FRANCISCO, May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- HouseCanary, the leading provider of innovative real estate valuation and appraisal products, announces that it has extended its all-in-one appraisal software from desktop to mobile devices.

HouseCanary Appraiser is already helping residential appraisers nationwide complete appraisals faster than ever before, leveraging HouseCanary's proprietary algorithms drawing on more than 1 billion U.S. historical home transactions and 100s of current demand inputs collected at the block level, and providing that data directly to appraisers for their analysis. The only tool that allows appraisers to complete reports start-to-finish without costly plugins, Appraiser is widely recognized for simplifying a complex process by eliminating tedious data entry, automatically generating comparables with the smallest gross adjustments, and other easy-to-use features.

Now that those benefits are available on tablets and iPhones, appraisers can complete reports while on site at the subject property.

"We've seen appraisers finish appraisals in under two hours using this single software  a complete game-changer," said Steve O'Brien, HouseCanary's Director of Real Estate Analytics and an assessor and chief appraiser for over 35 years. "Adding integration with mobile phones makes this technology even more groundbreaking, making it the most robust appraisal solution available on mobile. Imagine producing UAD compliant appraisal reports in half the time, wherever you need to work."

As a cloud-based solution, HouseCanary Appraiser comes equipped with real-time data sync, providing the fluidity to switch from computer to tablet or iPhone without missing a beat. Built as a native app specifically for mobile devices, Appraiser can be accessed anywhere without clunky mobile web browsers.

"By drawing on its unique core competence in data, HouseCanary has been able to make some truly unique and powerful enhancements to appraisal technology," said Michael Dresden, president of Dart Appraisal, a leading nationwide, independent appraisal management company. "They're not merely a software company, they're a supplier of property analytics to mortgage lenders and saw the opportunity to supply the same data to appraisers to make them more accurate."

About HouseCanary:

Founded in 2014, HouseCanary's mission is to help people make better real estate decisions. Built on a foundation of great data, powerful models, and predictive analytics, the HouseCanary platform aggregates millions of data elements, including more than four decades of property data and a rapidly expanding arsenal of proprietary calculations and analytics, to accurately define and forecast values and market influences. HouseCanary is financed by notable investors including Hillspire (Alphabet Executive Chairman Eric Schmidt's family office), Alpha Edison, ECA Ventures, Raven Ventures and other top Silicon Valley investors. The company is headquartered in San Francisco. For more information about HouseCanary, please visit www.housecanary.com.

SOURCE HouseCanary, Inc.

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CHICAGO, May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Recognizing the latest innovations in candy and snacks, the National Confectioners Association (NCA) announced its 2017 Most Innovative New Product Award winners. The delectable award winners  including those for Best in Show and the newly added Small Business Innovator  represent the most creative, innovative and fun products that the industry has to offer.



The winners were selected from nearly 370 new product award entries across nine candy and snack categories: chocolate; non-chocolate; sweet; salty; savory; novelty; seasonal; gourmet/premium; and gum & mints. Product submissions were rated based on four weighted criteria: taste, packaging, innovation and go-to market feasibility.

"The amount of innovation and creativity we have seen over the past six years of the award's existence has gotten more sophisticated and highly competitive," said John Downs, president and CEO of the National Confectioners Association. "Any product nominated during this process should be very proud. Submissions continue to grow by double digits each year which points to the important role innovation plays in the candy and snack categories."



This year's Best in Show award went to The Hershey Company for Reese's Crunchers.



The judges presented the first Small Business Innovator Award to Montreal-based Buddah Brands Company for Hungry Buddah Probiotic Coconut Chips in Cheeky Chocolate. This inaugural award recognizes companies with net sales under $500,000, giving them the opportunity to shine and gain recognition amongst with well-established peers.

This year's nominees and winners are:



Chocolate Winner: MARS Chocolate North America - M&M's Caramel Chocolate Candies



Nominees:

The Hershey Company  Reese's Crunchy Cookie Cups

Mondelez International, Inc.  Oreo Chocolate Candy Bar

Ferrero USA, Inc.  Kinder Joy

Edward Marc Brands  Edward Marc Chocolatier Coconut Almonds with Dark Chocolate



Non-Chocolate Winner: Jelly Belly Candy Company - Jelly Belly Krispy Kreme Gift Box



Nominees:

Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company  Starburst Sweet Heat

Albanese Confectionery  Albanese World's Best Sherbet Gummi Bears

Nestle USA  SweeTARTS Whipped & Tangy

Just Born Quality Confections - MIKE & IKE SOUR-LICOUS Fruit Punch flavored candies



Sweet Snacks Winner: Nestle USA  Nerds Lucha Grande - Mango Chile and Guava



Nominees:

Charms Company  Andes Creme de Menthe Snap Bar

Edward Marc Brands, Inc.  Snappers Milk Chocolate Caramel Macchiato Snappers

Setton Farms  Pistachios + Blueberry infused Cranberries & Coconut Chewy Bites

Brownie Brittle, LLC  Gluten Free Dark Chocolate Sea Salt



Salty Snacks Winner: The Daily Crave  Gouda & Romano Cheese Quinoa Chips



Nominees:

TwistCheez  Hickory Smoke

Jack Link's Beef Jerky  AM Hot and Spicy Breakfast Sausage

The Hershey Company  Hershey's Popped Snack Mix

Twang Partners, LTD.  TWANGERZ Sriracha Salt



Savory Snacks Winner: Snyder's-Lance, Inc.  Wholey Cheese! / Mild Cheddar



Nominees:

Alli & Rose  Tropical Fields Crunchy Seaweed Rice Bites

Chef's Cut Real Jerky  Protein Packs - Real Steak Jerky, Original Recipe Cheddar Cheese

Hawaiian Host, Inc.  Mauna Loa Mango Chipotle Macadamias

goodnessKNOWS  Blueberry & Almond

Novelty/Licensed Winner: Ferrara Candy Co. TROLLI SOUR BRITE DIP'N CRAWLERS



Nominees:

Pez Candy, Inc.  Smurfs Gift Tin

Jelly Belly Candy Company  Jelly Belly Mixed Emotions

Galerie - Dylan's Candy Bar Secret Message Lollipop

Jel Sert Company  Airheads White Mystery Freezer Bars

Seasonal Winner: Ghirardelli Chocolate Company - Ghirardelli Chocolate Strawberry Bark

Nominees:

Ferrara Candy Co.  Trolli Sour Brite Crawlers Minis Hairy Heart Gift Heart

Pez Candy, Inc.  Christmas Ornament with Mini Dispensers

Impact Confections, Inc.  WARHEADS - Chewy Bunnies - Assorted Flavors

The Matzo Project  Salted Matzo

Gourmet Winner: Las Olas Confections and Snacks  Anastasia Coconut Cashew Crunch Dark Chocolate Drizzle

Nominees:

Newfangled Confections  Frittle Candy - Original

Edward Marc Brands  Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Caramel Medallions

Bixby  Nutty For Me Bixby Bites

That's How We Roll  Mrs. Thinster's Cookie Thins Meyer Lemon



Gum & Mints Winner: Ferrero USA, Inc.  Tic Tac Gum Freshmint

Nominees:

Perfetti Van Melle USA, Inc.  Airheads Gum, Watermelon

The Hershey Company  Breath Savers Protect

Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company  Extra Chewy Mints

Mondelez International, Inc.  Purely Trident Peppermint

Innovation has long been a key component of the confectionery industry. Earlier this month, five leading global confectionery companies announced a commitment with the Partnership for a Healthier America to provide consumers with more information, options and support as they enjoy their favorite treats. Consumers can learn more about this initiative at the newly established AlwaysATreat.com. "The commitment recently announced by Mars Chocolate, Wrigley, Nestle, Ferrero, Russell Stover, Lindt, Ghirardelli and Ferrara Candy Company to create more options in innovative packaging and products, and to educate consumers about how chocolate and candy can play a unique role in a happy, balanced lifestyle, is the first step on our journey to help consumers manage their sugar intake," Downs said. "We're so pleased that the panel of retail experts who are part of our awards panel recognized the leadership and innovation of these five companies in bringing new products to market."



About the National Confectioners Association (NCA)

The National Confectioners Association is the trade organization that advances, protects and promotes chocolate, candy, gum and mints, and the companies that make these special treats. As the leading association for the $35 billion U.S. confectionery industry, NCA educates the public to help ensure that it understands and appreciates the unique role that chocolate and candy can play in a happy, balanced lifestyle. Confections are produced in all 50 states, creating jobs for approximately 55,000 workers in more than 1,000 manufacturing facilities across the country. More than 400,000 jobs in agriculture, retail, transportation and other industries rely in part on the sale of confections for their livelihood. For every one job that is created by confectionery companies, another seven are supported in related industries. Learn more about the "Power of Sweet" at CandyUSA.com, or follow NCA on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About the Sweets & Snacks Expo

Sponsored by the National Confectioners Association, the Sweets & Snacks Expo is the confectionery and snack industry's most successful, world class event. It is unrivaled in new product launches, business building solutions and innovations in merchandising. 17,000 qualified professionals attend with global presence from 90 countries. More than 800 companies displaying more than 4 acres of candy and snack products participate in the Expo. The event is held each May at Chicago's McCormick Place.



Contact: Susan Whiteside, 202-441-3332, [email protected]

SOURCE National Confectioners Association

Related Links

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ARMONK, N.Y., May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- IBM (NYSE: IBM) today announced the deployment of its IBM solutions as the compute and storage infrastructure for Sidra Medical and Research Center (Sidra).

A member of Sidra's Medical and Research Center team engages with data managed by IBM as part of the Qatar Genome Program, a biomedical research project that aims to offer personalized care to the people of Qatar. (Credit: Sidra Medical and Research Center)

Sidra, a groundbreaking hospital, biomedical research and educational institution, chose IBM solutions to manage and store clinical genome sequencing data as well as to provide the organization's biomedical informatics technology infrastructure capabilities that will serve as a national resource. The IBM platform is used for data management and storage, bioinformatics and High Performance Computing (HPC).

One of the first programs Sidra used the IBM technology platform was for the Qatar Genome Programme (QGP) 1. The QGP is a large national genome medical research project, which aims to develop personalized healthcare therapies for the Qatari population. Sidra is a key partner of the QGP and is responsible for sequencing, analyzing and providing the data management for whole genome sequences from the population. Sidra has sequenced over 3000 samples in Phase I and has embarked on the sequencing and analysis for Phase II of the QGP.

"Sidra has undertaken to implement personalized medicine to better meet the unmet needs of the women and children in Qatar and beyond. Biomedical informatics plays a central role in bringing this concept to life," said Dr. Rashid Al-Ali Division Chief of the Biomedical Informatics Division at Sidra. "This is why we hired a multidisciplinary team of experts from all over the world, invested in leading technologies and chosen vendors like IBM to help enhance our approach to offering personalized care to the women and children of Qatar. Our implementation of technologies goes beyond than meeting Sidra's needs  as we have the basic building blocks in place to be considered a national resource in the county and build local capacity."

A number of IBM solutions underpin Sidra's analytics and data architecture, including:

IBM Flash Storage systems to accelerate access to critical meta data by the Sidra community;

IBM Software defined infrastructure as a workload and resource manager, to ease the management of big data analytics, and to scale up capabilities to manage HPC analytics involving hundreds of thousands of jobs and vast amounts of data.

"The Sidra and IBM work effort is unique  it was a joint collaboration between our bioinformatics experts who led the complex analysis component and built the pipelines while IBM customised the system to ensure best performance and ease of use," said Dr. Mohamed-Ramzi Temanni, Manager, Bioinformatics Technical Group at Sidra Medical and Research Center. "Analyzing hundreds of samples in parallel on a regular basis requires a robust HPC system to handle the load properly. From our experience, IBM systems has proven to be reliable in helping us address this technical requirement."

Performing analysis on each sample takes between two to seven days. Failures at any point in the analysis of the data can be very costly as it would require each job to restart from the beginning. Using IBM Spectrum software provides Sidra high reliability to manage the application pipeline to help meet its deadlines.

Since deploying the IBM platform, Sidra has completed hundreds of thousands of computing tasks comprising millions of files and directories, without experiencing system downtime. Overall, Sidra has reduced its time-to-completion for long running jobs while increasing its resource utilization substantially. As a result, Sidra completed its requirements for Phase I of the QGP ahead of time.

"Sidra's remit for the Qatar Genome Program is an ambitious genomics medical research project in terms of compute and data scope," said Dr. Robert Eades, Research Advisor, IBM Middle East & Africa. "To most effectively manage and analyze a large number of whole genome sequences for population genomics, Sidra chose IBM as one of its key players to build a long-term technology foundation for medical analytics research at this scale."

IBM at Bio-IT World

As a Bio-IT World Platinum sponsor IBM will deliver several presentations during the event, including the following, which take place on Wednesday, May 24th:

In addition IBM solutions will appear across the Bio-IT World exhibition floor: IBM Storage Spectrum Scale within IBM Business Partner, DDN booth #357. IBM Aspera in booth #348 and IBM Cloud Object Storage in Booth #554.

For more on IBM Storage, visit www.ibm.com/systems/storage.

About Sidra Medical and Research Center

Sidra Medical and Research Center will be a groundbreaking hospital, research and education institution, focusing on the health and wellbeing of children and women regionally and globally.

Sidra represents the vision of Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser who serves as its Chairperson. The high-tech facility will not only provide world-class patient care but will also help build Qatar's scientific expertise and resources.

Sidra will be a fully digital facility, incorporating the most advanced information technology applications in all its functions. Designed by renowned architect Cesar Pelli, Sidra features a main hospital building and a separate outpatient clinic.

Sidra opened its Outpatient Clinic on 1 May 2016 and offers outpatient services for women and children through a referral based system in partnership with other healthcare providers in Qatar.

Sidra is also part of a dynamic research and education environment in Qatar and through strong partnerships with leading institutions around the world, Sidra is creating an intellectual ecosystem to help advance scientific discovery through investment in medical research. For more information please visit www.sidra.org.

1  'About Qatar Genome Programme'  http://www.qatargenome.org.qa/

Contact:

Greg Vitarelli

617-455-9627

[email protected]

SOURCE IBM

Related Links

http://www.ibm.com


Icagen's acquisition of the Tucson Innovation Center in 2016 brought the company a team of chemistry, biology and computational scientists that had the unique collaborative benefit of having worked together for over 20 years.

"Companies can find everything they are looking for in an early drug discovery partner under one roof at Icagen  in addition to a different kind of scientist," said Dr. Wertman. "Our group not only has strong expertise in individual fields but also unique translational knowledge, having collaborated together for over two decades."

Drug discovery is an interactive process wherein the creation of strong therapeutic candidates requires interdisciplinary teams to act in tight communication and continuously adjust to conditions and findings. At Icagen, drug discovery occurs in a web of biology, chemistry, structural biology and in silico modeling, embodied by deeply experienced scientists with a history of innovative execution.

"Physical separation, particularly across time zones, and certainly philosophical differences in terms of objectives and approach, inevitably compromise quality and speed in drug discovery," continued Wertman. "Experience among our chemists, biologists and computational scientists, their familiarity translating their knowledge together, and Icagen's transparency of engagement and communications with partners, provide the potential to offer solutions to the challenging programs."

BIO International is hosted by the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO), which represents more than 1,100 biotechnology companies, academic institutions, state biotechnology centers and related organizations across the United States and in more than 30 other countries. The exhibition includes companies and delegations from 76 countries.

About Icagen, Inc.

Icagen partners with global pharmaceutical and biotech companies to generate high-quality, advanced leads. As a focused Target-to-Lead (T2L) company, Icagen works with collaborators in multi-year, integrated drug discovery programs. Born from a biotech background and matured by pharma companies, Icagen brings to partners a North American team with over 20 years of experience in early discovery. The process of drug discovery starts with druggable targets. Icagen scientists have vast experience in target-based drug discovery, including ion channels, kinases, GPCR's and transporters. The Icagen team works with collaborators to determine target feasibility using state-of-the-art computational chemistry methods. Once a target is selected, the team combines virtual screening, ultra-high throughput screening (uHTS), biology and medicinal chemistry to generate viable leads in an iterative process. For more information email [email protected]

This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In some cases forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "may," "should," "potential," "continue," "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates," and similar expressions, and include statements the potential to offer solutions to challenging programs. The forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth or implied by any forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those reflected in the Company's forward-looking statements include, among others, our ability to successfully penetrate deliver drug discovery services and the continued growth of the market for our services and the other factors described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, and our other filings with the SEC. The information in this release is provided only as of the date of this release, and we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this release on account of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law.

For further information, contact:

Chris Mathes, Ph.D.

Chief Commercial Officer

Icagen, Inc.

Tel +1 (919) 941-5206

Email [email protected]

SOURCE Icagen, Inc.
(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130122/589162 )



With the vast volume of information and data available, companies need to rethink ways to create and drive business intelligence insights without boundaries. Keeping this objective in mind, Infosys has developed its Information Grid Solution that powers the Data Lake offering on AWS. The solution enables universal access to data and has the ability to perform analytics pervasively, thereby amplifying the potential to get new business insights.

A leading consumer packaged goods company leveraged the Information Grid Solution to re-platform its global distributor sales management application on AWS. The solution significantly reduced end-to-end data processing time, addressed performance issues with visualization and led to overall cost reduction.

A professional tools manufacturer built its Data Lake on AWS using Infosys' Boundaryless Data Lake offering leveraging AWS native services such as Amazon Elastic MapReduce (Amazon EMR), Amazon Simple Storage Service (Amazon S3) and Amazon Aurora. The solution helped reduce organizational complexity by transforming and correlating data from discrete sources, while optimizing manufacturing, supply chains and SKUs listing.

"Infosys partnered with Levi Strauss & Co's e-commerce business to build a first party data analytics solution on AWS," said Abigail Johnson, Senior Program Manager eCommerce, Levi Strauss & Co. "The solution, built by Infosys, enables consumer insights of clickstream and e-commerce data to activate consumer revenue growth actions across marketing touch points."

Sandeep Dadlani, President and Head of Americas, Infosys said, "Our collaboration with AWS allows clients to fast track their data on to the cloud. The Infosys Boundaryless Data Lake offering powered by Infosys Information Grid Solution on AWS will help enterprises reduce latency, improve time-to-market and bring in operational efficiencies."

"Our enterprise customers are looking for powerful tools built on AWS that help them increase the business value they can generate from their vast amounts of data," said Mike Clayville, Vice President, Worldwide Commercial Sales at AWS. "These enterprises can use the Boundaryless Data Lake offering from Infosys to create the necessary foundation for a range of data and analytics needs, while also taking full advantage of the breadth of services and pace of innovation that AWS provides."

About Infosys Ltd

Infosys is a global leader in technology services and consulting. We enable clients in more than 50 countries to create and execute strategies for their digital transformation. From engineering to application development, knowledge management and business process management, we help our clients find the right problems to solve, and to solve these effectively. Our team of over 200,000 innovators, across the globe, is differentiated by the imagination, knowledge and experience, across industries and technologies that we bring to every project we undertake.

Visit http://www.infosys.com to see how Infosys (NYSE: INFY) can help your enterprise thrive in the digital age.

Safe Harbor

Certain statements in this press release concerning our future growth prospects are forward-looking statements regarding our future business expectations intended to qualify for the 'safe harbor' under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements. The risks and uncertainties relating to these statements include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties regarding fluctuations in earnings, fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, our ability to manage growth, intense competition in IT services including those factors which may affect our cost advantage, wage increases in India, our ability to attract and retain highly skilled professionals, time and cost overruns on fixed-price, fixed-time frame contracts, client concentration, restrictions on immigration, industry segment concentration, our ability to manage our international operations, reduced demand for technology in our key focus areas, disruptions in telecommunication networks or system failures, our ability to successfully complete and integrate potential acquisitions, liability for damages on our service contracts, the success of the companies in which Infosys has made strategic investments, withdrawal or expiration of governmental fiscal incentives, political instability and regional conflicts, legal restrictions on raising capital or acquiring companies outside India, and unauthorized use of our intellectual property and general economic conditions affecting our industry. Additional risks that could affect our future operating results are more fully described in our United States Securities and Exchange Commission filings including our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2016. These filings are available at http://www.sec.gov. Infosys may, from time to time, make additional written and oral forward-looking statements, including statements contained in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and our reports to shareholders. In addition, please note that any forward-looking statements contained herein are based on assumptions that we believe to be reasonable as of the date of this press release. The company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements that may be made from time to time by or on behalf of the company unless it is required by law.

SOURCE Infosys
BERKELEY, Calif., May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Innovaccer Inc., one of the fastest-growing Silicon Valley-based healthcare analytics companies, has undertaken a new one-of-its-kind 'no cost' initiative to provide assistance to Independent Physician Associations (IPAs) and other transforming provider organizations to transition into an Accountable Care Organization (ACOs).

Innovaccer

The concept of value has become prominent in the advancing healthcare. Care teams are creating room for improvement in care delivery to bring down the cost of care with a better quality of care. The complexity and competition associated with value-based reimbursement require IPAs and other provider organizations to remain flexible with strategically transforming healthcare.

Innovaccer will provide a consultation on the complete roadmap encompassing:

Participation options: ACOs can apply to participate in several Shared Savings Program tracks. As per the present situation and future goals, Innovaccer will help provider organization identify the most suitable option for themselves.

ACOs can apply to participate in several Shared Savings Program tracks. As per the present situation and future goals, Innovaccer will help provider organization identify the most suitable option for themselves. Eligibility Criteria: Detailed information on all the clauses that are necessary to be fulfilled to become an ACO.

Detailed information on all the clauses that are necessary to be fulfilled to become an ACO. Health IT backbone: The kind of IT backbone required to help the ACO succeed and the investment required to create such IT infrastructure.

The kind of IT backbone required to help the ACO succeed and the investment required to create such IT infrastructure. Delivering and maintaining the quality of care: Value-Based performance analytics required to track all payer contracts by quality and cost measures to identify improvement opportunities and beat benchmarks.

Expense control and Network utilization: Understanding what are the major cost drivers to identify leakages, manage costs in the network across all regions, facilities, and providers and increase network utilization

"We have been working with IPA and ACO customers for a while now and have been delivering increasingly better clinical outcomes for them. We are glad to extend our resources and technical acumen to IPAs and other growing provider organizations to tackle the sharp learning curve to becoming a successful ACO, with every requirement of this transition  right from understanding eligibility criteria and participation options to improving physician communication and quality of care," says Abhinav Shashank, Co-founder and CEO at Innovaccer.

Innovaccer was recently appointed by Mercy ACO, one of the largest value-focused organizations in the Midwest, as the technology partner to deliver value-based care. Innovaccer has also worked with several other major IPAs and ACOs toward improving clinical and financial outcomes, aided by Datashop - Innovaccer's proprietary end-to-end value-based care solution.

All the relevant information about CMS's participation guidelines, eligibility criteria, participation options, and application guidelines can be found on Innovaccer's website. Moreover, IPAs looking for deeper insights can schedule a free session with Innovaccer's ACO expert and learn more about forming a successful ACO.

For more information, visit: http://www.innovaccer.com/accountable-care

Innovaccer will be demonstrating their big data solutions at America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP) Institute & Expo 2017, to be held in Austin, Texas, from June 7th to June 9th.

About Innovaccer

Innovaccer Inc is a Silicon Valley-headquartered, healthcare analytics company easing care teams' transition to Value-based Reimbursements. Innovaccer's aim is to simplify complex data from all points of care, streamline the information and help organizations make powerful decisions and realize strategic value-based reimbursement goals based on the key insights and predictions from their data. Its proprietary product Datashop enables provider organizations to use data as a source of innovation and has been deployed across 15 countries at academic institutions, governmental organizations, and several corporate enterprises such as Mercy ACO, El Paso HIE, Sonic Healthsystems, Harvard, Stanford, MIT, and Wolters Kluwers.

For more information, please visit innovaccer.com or follow us on Twitter @innovaccer.

Press Contact

Sachin Saxena

Innovaccer Inc

650-479-4891

Related Links

Innovaccer

Accountable Care

SOURCE Innovaccer

Related Links

http://www.innovaccer.com


VANCOUVER, May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ - INVICTUS MD STRATEGIES CORP. ("Invictus MD" or the "Company") (TSXV: IMH; OTC: IVITF; FRA: 8IS) is pleased to announce that it has closed its previously announced bought deal private placement (the "Offering"), with Canaccord Genuity Corp., Eventus Capital Corp., Echelon Wealth Partners Inc., GMP Securities L.P. and PI Financial Corp. (collectively, the "Underwriters"), including the over-allotment option, for aggregate gross proceeds of $25,008,750. A total of 18,525,000 units (the "Units"), including those pursuant to the exercise of the over-allotment option, were issued at a price of $1.35 per Unit.

Each Unit is comprised of one common share and one-half of one common share purchase warrant (each whole common share purchase warrant, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant is exercisable to acquire one common share (a "Warrant Share") until November 24, 2018 at an exercise price of $1.75 per Warrant Share.

Net proceeds from the Offering will be used for expansion plans for the Company's assets and for general working capital purposes. As compensation, the Underwriters received a commission of 5% of the gross proceeds and a corporate finance fee of 5% of the gross proceeds.

All securities issued or issuable under the Offering are subject to a four-month hold period expiring on September 25, 2017.

The Company also announces the issuance of 1,000,000 common shares to an arm's length consultant as payment for certain consulting services, including the introduction and integration of the Company's recent acquisitions.

The Company also announces the resignation of Mike Blady from the Board. The Company wishes to thank Mike Blady for his valuable contribution to the Company and wish him well for the future.

About Invictus MD Strategies Corp.

Invictus MD Strategies Corp. is focused on three main verticals within the burgeoning Canadian cannabis sector: Licensed Producers under the ACMPR including investment in the fully licensed facilities operated by AB Laboratories Inc. and Acreage Pharms Ltd.; Fertilizer and Nutrients through Future Harvest Development Ltd.; and Cannabis Data and Delivery, with its wholly owned subsidiary Poda Technologies Ltd.

For more information, please visit www.invictus-md.com.

On Behalf of the Board,

Dan Kriznic

Executive Chairman

Larry Heinzlmeir

Vice President, Marketing & Communications

604-537-8676

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE Invictus MD Strategies
Jay D. Squiers has been an investment professional for more than 30 years and his experience comprises lead investor roles in both consensual restructurings and bankruptcies in financial institutions and securities organizations. He has specialized in energy industry issues, ranging from exploration and production, to midstream and refining, to power generation and distribution.

Before joining Ankura, Mr. Squiers was Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer of Petro Capital Energy Funds, a Dallas-based private equity and credit investment group. Jay's extensive investment experience includes prior roles as the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of CSG Investments, Inc., an affiliate of the Beal Banks; a Managing Director in the Special Opportunities Fund of Fortress Investment Group and a Senior Vice President at Prudential Capital Group, the private placement arm of Prudential Financial, Inc. Mr. Squiers began his professional career as a Corporate Securities Associate at Dallas-based Hughes & Luce, before joining Prudential Capital as an in-house attorney. As part of his transition from legal to investment roles, he became a Chartered Financial Analyst.

Kevin Lavin, Ankura Co-President, stated, "Jay has firsthand experience of practically all stakeholder roles in the turnaround industry, including a commercial bank, a private equity fund, a hedge fund, an insurance company investment group, and an equipment finance group. In addition, he has served as a director of public companies. Jay has a broad skill set and deep experience in a wide range of capital and private markets. During his career, he has served in both COO and CFO roles and possesses hands-on experience with multiple regulatory schemes. His broad professional background, his experience in portfolio management and his energy industry expertise are strong additions to Ankura's well-known turnaround and restructuring expertise. His career-long commitment to positive working relationships built on consensus is in keeping with the firm's commitment to delivering the best information and well-considered perspective to Ankura clients."

About Ankura Consulting

Ankura Consulting, an independent business advisory and expert services firm, is defined by a culture of collaboration and focused on delivering unrivaled depths of knowledge to clients addressing important opportunities and critical choices every day. Our Investigations & Accounting Advisory, Litigation & Disputes, Regulatory & Contractual Compliance, Risk, Resilience & Geopolitical, and Turnaround & Restructuring professionals are proven cross-disciplinary and cross-industry experts who create the diverse and dynamic solutions required to navigate today's complicated world. At Ankura, we know that collaboration drives results.

SOURCE Ankura Consulting

Related Links

https://ankuraconsulting.com


"We are delighted to add John to our executive management team. John's impressive knowledge of the industry, extensive experience in business technology and enterprise systems, and his expertise in successfully implementing strategy, will greatly enhance our ability to deliver innovative, best-in-class financial services to our customers and clients," said Christopher Martin, Chairman, President and CEO, Provident Bank.

Prior to joining Provident Bank, Kamin  who has more than three decades of experience in the financial services and information technology industries  was Executive Vice President, Chief Information Officer with Old National Bank, a $15 billion institution in Evansville, IN, where he was responsible for the bank's technology strategy and all technology-related activities. While at Old National Bank, he successfully reoriented IT as a key business enabler, upgraded key infrastructure components, and successfully integrated seven acquisitions and numerous consolidations by instituting new methodologies and efficiencies. Kamin also held senior leadership positions with Wells Fargo, Wachovia, and Advanta Corporation.

"I am thrilled to join the talented team at Provident Bank. They have a long tradition of providing the highest level of customer service while delivering innovative solutions to their clients. Provident has a solid reputation for consistently delivering strong performance and growth. I look forward to collaborating with my new colleagues to enhance the bank's offerings and to further engage existing clients and obtain new ones," said Kamin.

Kamin received a bachelor's degree from Rutgers University. He has a long history of service to non-profit organizations. He served as the board chair of Youth First, board chair of the IT Alliance for the University of Southern Indiana, board member for National Public Radio local affiliate, and as a board member of the American Red Cross, where he served on the Strategic Planning Committee.

About Provident Bank

Provident Bank, (www.provident.bank) a community-oriented bank offering "Commitment you can count on" since 1839, is the wholly owned subsidiary of Provident Financial Services, Inc. (NYSE: PFS), which reported assets of $9.51 billion as of March 31, 2017. With $6.53 billion in deposits, Provident Bank provides a comprehensive suite of financial products and services through its network of branches throughout northern and central New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania. The Bank also provides fiduciary and wealth management services through its wholly owned subsidiary, Beacon Trust Company.

SOURCE Provident Bank
HOUSTON, May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- KBR, Inc. (NYSE: KBR) announced today it has signed a joint venture agreement with BIV Builders for a standalone, self-sufficient, long-term joint venture based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The joint venture will be known as KBIV.

KBR's global experience and differentiated professional services and project delivery, coupled with BIV Builders' cost competitive and experienced resources, ensures that the joint venture will deliver innovative and competitive engineering, project delivery and asset program management solutions.

By also utilizing the services of KBR's subsidiary Granherne, the KBIV joint venture can service the full spectrum of the hydrocarbons life-cycle in both the Malaysian domestic market as well as highly selective regional opportunities, from field development planning, through engineering, to project delivery and asset services.

"Our customers expect us to work locally and draw on our global resources and systems to deliver innovative and technologically superior solutions; the establishment of KBIV is our delivery vehicle to achieve this 'think local, work global' mindset and we are excited to be re-establishing operations in Malaysia," said Greg Conlon - President KBR  APAC.

"KBR has a proud history operating in South East Asia for more than 50 years; the KBIV joint venture demonstrates KBR's commitment to the region and our recognition of the importance of being close to our customers and partners," Conlon continued.

About KBR, Inc.

KBR is a global provider of differentiated professional services and technologies across the asset and program life cycle within the Government Services and Hydrocarbons sectors. KBR employs over 34,000 people worldwide (including our joint ventures), with customers in more than 80 countries, and operations in 40 countries, across three synergistic global businesses:

Government Services, serving government customers globally, including capabilities that cover the full life-cycle of defense, space, aviation and other government programs and missions from research and development, through systems engineering, test and evaluation, program management, to operations, maintenance, and field logistics

Technology & Consulting, including proprietary technology focused on the monetization of hydrocarbons (especially natural gas and natural gas liquids) in ethylene and petrochemicals; ammonia, nitric acid and fertilizers; oil refining; gasification; oil and gas consulting; integrity management; naval architecture and proprietary hulls; and downstream consulting

Engineering & Construction, including onshore oil and gas; LNG (liquefaction and regasification)/GTL; oil refining; petrochemicals; chemicals; fertilizers; differentiated EPC; maintenance services (Brown & Root Industrial Services); offshore oil and gas (shallow-water, deep-water, subsea); floating solutions (FPU, FPSO, FLNG & FSRU) and program management

KBR is proud to work with its customers across the globe to provide technology, value-added services, integrated EPC delivery and long term operations and maintenance services to ensure consistent delivery with predictable results. At KBR, We Deliver.

Visit www.kbr.com

Forward Looking Statement

The statements in this press release that are not historical statements, including statements regarding future financial performance, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. These statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the company's control that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results expressed or implied by the statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: the outcome of and the publicity surrounding audits and investigations by domestic and foreign government agencies and legislative bodies; potential adverse proceedings by such agencies and potential adverse results and consequences from such proceedings; the scope and enforceability of the company's indemnities from its former parent; changes in capital spending by the company's customers; the company's ability to obtain contracts from existing and new customers and perform under those contracts; structural changes in the industries in which the company operates; escalating costs associated with and the performance of fixed-fee projects and the company's ability to control its cost under its contracts; claims negotiations and contract disputes with the company's customers; changes in the demand for or price of oil and/or natural gas; protection of intellectual property rights; compliance with environmental laws; changes in government regulations and regulatory requirements; compliance with laws related to income taxes; unsettled political conditions, war and the effects of terrorism; foreign operations and foreign exchange rates and controls; the development and installation of financial systems; increased competition for employees; the ability to successfully complete and integrate acquisitions; and operations of joint ventures, including joint ventures that are not controlled by the company.

KBR's most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K, any subsequent Form 10-Qs and 8-Ks, and other Securities and Exchange Commission filings discuss some of the important risk factors that KBR has identified that may affect the business, results of operations and financial condition. Except as required by law, KBR undertakes no obligation to revise or update publicly any forward-looking statements for any reason.

SOURCE KBR, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.kbr.com


ATLANTA, May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- As the author of "Pampered Pets on a Budget", Kristen Levine has been striving to make the world a better place for pets for more than 25 years. The renowned "Wizard of Paws," as she is called, is a widely respected pet living expert and author. Just in time for National Pet Month, Levine will shared some timely information to help people and their pets improve their relationship.

Share tips for pet owners

SOMETHING ABOUT PETS THAT MANY MIGHT NOT KNOW ABOUT

When a pet is stressed, it can lead to serious health and behavior conditions that are difficult and costly to manage. The good news is there are some new ways to alleviate stress, like the new CALMZ anxiety relief system for dogs. It combines high-tech innovation with acupressure for dogs in a revolutionary new non-invasive, drug-free treatment that soothes common anxiety that often arise because of thunderstorms, fireworks, encounters with strangers, travel, separation and loud noises. When the device is activated, the clinically proven neurosync technology takes over. Your dog will hear and feel a therapeutic medley of classical music with a specific tone that results in a calming vibration. This combination of therapies stops the production of adrenaline and increases blood flow to the brain to help reduce anxiety in dogs. For more information, visit www.calmz.com

TREATS DO YOU RECOMMEND FOR PETS

Choose treats with ingredients to feel good about giving a pet every day, like whole grain recipe dog biscuits made with a medley of ingredients such as real chicken, beef, lamb or turkey. The Milk Bone New Farmer's Medley biscuits are oven-baked and made with protein and vegetables and they are available in both grain-free or whole grain recipes. No fillers, corn, artificial flavors or preservatives, because the best ingredients make the best treats. They are available in four varieties: Grain Free With Lamb & Spring Vegetables, Grain Free With Turkey & Pumpkin, Whole Grain Recipe With Chicken or Whole Grain Recipe With Beef. For more information, visit www.milkbone.com

TIPS FOR HANDLING PET ODORS

Most cat owners think the answer for big odors is all these giant bags or boxes of cat litter, but that is not the case. For example World's Best Cat Litter allows cat owners to do more with less litter by harnessing the concentrated power of corn. Only World's Best Cat Litter uses a patented process to compress naturally absorbent corn into concentrated granules that trap odors deep inside and form tight clumps on contact. It comes in five 100% natural litters that all deliver concentrated power! Choose from Clumping, Multiple Cat Clumping and Lavender Scented Multiple Cat Clumping, and the new Advanced Series that's purpose-built to solve specific problems! Zero Mess and Zero Mess Pine Scented guarantee fast and easy cleanup with 2 times better clumping and more odor control with less litter! Find a formula at www.worldsbestcatlitter.com

TIPS FOR CLEANING YOUR PETS

A clean pet means a happy pet owner! A great help is the BarkBath a faster, easier and less messy way to bathe those four-legged family member. This portable bathing system allows you to bathe your pet practically anywhere and anytime with virtually no mess. Specially designed nozzles get beneath the fur and down to the skin to allow water and shampoo to wash the skin clean while a soft suction pulls dirt and water away into a separate dirty water tank. The system works with any length of fur short or long and one tank of water will completely wash an 80-pound dog, while the no-rinse shampoo formula leaves the dog's coat feeling clean and fresh. The BarkBath retails for $149-dollars. For more information, visit www.bissell.com

Contact: [email protected]

Related Video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-G0kYrcSuiY

SOURCE Tips on TV, Kristen Levine
WASHINGTON, May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Paralyzed Veterans of America (Paralyzed Veterans) and Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)authors of The Independent Budget (IB)today responded to the Administration's proposed budget for the delivery of health care for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for FY 2018 and advance appropriations for FY 2019. The Independent Budget Veterans Service Organizations (IBVSOs) entered a statement for the record at today's hearing before the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

"We appreciate the fact that the Administration's budget request just released includes some increases in discretionary dollars for the Medical Care accounts," stated the IBVSOs. "However, it is important for us to address the notion that VA does not need any additional resources, based on the expansive growth of overall VA expenses in the last 10 years. These ideas are not grounded in thorough analysis of demand and utilization of VA health care."

The IBVSOs released a report on VA's funding requirements in February 2017 warning that a potential funding crisis could arise before the end of FY 2017, and would exist in FY 2018 if VA did not address the new community care demand it has fostered without necessary resources. For FY 2018, The Independent Budget recommended approximately $77 billion in total medical care funding. Congress previously approved only $70 billion in total medical care funding for FY 2018, which included an assumption of approximately $3.6 billion in medical care collections.

"Last year's advance appropriation request for FY 2018 medical care remains woefully inadequate to meet the ever-increasing demand for services both inside and outside the VA health care system, a fact acknowledged by VA officials. The Administration's budget request includes a not-insignificant overall medical care funding recommendation of approximately $75.2 billion, however we remain concerned that this level of funding will not keep pace with the continually increasing demand and utilization."

The IBVSOs expressed specific concern for the funding of the Choice Care program, which calls for a combined $6.4 billion for FY 2018-19 which would indefinitely continue the program as currently implemented. The IB's recommendations for FY 2018 took into account the estimated $1 billion VA was expected to have remaining in the Veterans Choice Fund and anticipated increases in demand for care, including community care, that will not diminish or go away if the Choice Program expires. As such, for FY 2018, The Independent Budget recommended $64.5 billion for Medical Services.

This recommendation included:

Current Services Estimate................................................... $60,897,313,000

Increase in Patient Workload................................................ $1,595,242,000

Additional Medical Care Program Cost............................... $2,001,000,000

Total FY 2018 Medical Services........................................ $64,493,555,000

"Congress must reject continued funding of the Choice Care program through a mandatory account. We recommend adhering to all other community care funded through the discretionary Community Care account established previously. This will eliminate competing sources of funding for delivery of health care services in the community, while maintaining visibility on spending through the Choice program," the IBVSOs said.

The IBVSOs also strongly objected to two legislative proposals included in the budget; one that would penalize millions of disabled veterans or survivors by rounding down cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) for recipients of VA disability compensation and certain other benefit programs; and the other to cutoff eligibility to recipients of disability compensation due to individual unemployability (IU) once they reach age 62.

"We are adamantly opposed to a 10-year round down of veterans' disability compensation, which would have the cumulative effect of taking $2.7 billion away from injured and ill veterans who rely on such payments. We are equally opposed to arbitrarily cutting off eligibility for IU for veterans who turn 62, an age at which millions of American's continue working and saving money for their retirements, a luxury that many disabled veterans do not have. Congress must reject any proposals that seek to shift the cost of VA health care or benefits onto the backs of disabled veterans," said the IBVSOs.

To read the complete statement entered by the IBVSOs to the House Committee on Veterans Affairs, click here.

For more than 30 years, the three Independent Budget co-authors have presented budget and policy recommendations to Congress and the Administration. These recommendationswhich are supported by 27 other health, family, military and veteran service organizationsare meant to inform Congress and the Administration of the needs of all veterans, and to offer substantive solutions to address the many health care and benefits challenges they face. This budget serves as the veterans groups' benchmark for properly funding the Department of Veterans Affairs to ensure the timely delivery of quality health care and accurate and appropriate benefits.

To view the full budget report, please visit www.independentbudget.org.

About Disabled American Veterans (DAV):

DAV empowers veterans to lead high-quality lives with respect and dignity. It is dedicated to a single purpose: fulfilling our promises to the men and women who served. DAV does this by ensuring that veterans and their families can access the full range of benefits available to them; fighting for the interests of America's injured heroes on Capitol Hill; assisting them with employment; and educating the public about the great sacrifices and needs of veterans transitioning back to civilian life. A non-profit organization with nearly 1.3 million members, DAV was founded in 1920 and chartered by the U. S. Congress in 1932. Learn more at dav.org.



About Paralyzed Veterans of America (Paralyzed Veterans):

Paralyzed Veterans of America (Paralyzed Veterans) is the only congressionally chartered veterans service organization dedicated solely for the benefit and representation of veterans with spinal cord injury or disease. For 70 years, Paralyzed Veterans has ensured that veterans have received the benefits earned through their service to our nation; monitored their care in VA spinal cord injury units; and funded research and education in the search for a cure and improved care for individuals with paralysis. With more than 70 offices and 34 chapters, Paralyzed Veterans serves veterans, their families and their caregivers in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico (pva.org).

About the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW):

The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. is the nation's largest and oldest major war veterans organization. Founded in 1899 and chartered by Congress in 1936, the VFW is comprised entirely of eligible veterans and military service members from the active, Guard and Reserve forces. With nearly 1.7 million VFW and Auxiliary members located in more than 6,500 Posts worldwide, the nonprofit veterans service organization is proud to proclaim "NO ONE DOES MORE FOR VETERANS" than the VFW, which is dedicated to veterans' service, legislative advocacy, and military and community service programs. For more information or to join, visit our website at VFW.org.

SOURCE Paralyzed Veterans of America

Related Links

http://www.pva.org


SAN FRANCISCO, May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- For companies with drivers on the payroll, the shift to fully autonomous vehicles could usher in massive reductions in potential liability, writes LeClairRyan attorney Peter Hart in a May 19 column for legal news website Law360.com.

Peter Hart

"After all, driver error is the leading cause of accidents on U.S. roadways," writes Hart, senior counsel in the national law firm's San Francisco office and co-leader of its transportation industry team. "When perfected forms of autonomous driving technology replace error-prone human drivers, many are betting that businesses such as trucking firms, delivery services and shuttle operators will face dramatically fewer legal settlements and court battles triggered by vehicular accidents."

In the column ("Driverless Vehicles May Put the Brakes on Accident Suits"), Hart notes that technological progress is already headed in this direction. He cites the increasing sophistication of the specialized Electronic Control Modules (ECMs) used in commercial trucking. "These devices are the trucking industry's version of the 'black box' data-collectors that play such key roles in the reconstruction of aviation accidents," Hart writes. "Thanks to the wealth of post-event information that is now available from ECMs, it is easier to scientifically reconstruct traffic accidents. The devices are getting more sophisticated all the time."

By comparison, autonomous vehicles promise to make reconstructing accidents vastly easier and more accurate, as they are packed with advanced sensors such as beacon-based locational systems, stereo "vision," lidar, GPS and inertia-measurement devices. This stands to eliminate some of the most contentious issues in today's accident suits (and possibly put accident-reconstruction experts and proverbial ambulance-chaser lawyers out of work), Hart writes. "The absence of a driver (or drivers) takes issues such as perception-reaction time and driver fatigue out of the mix," he explains in the column. "Those issues will be litigated with much less frequency."

In the column, Hart points to the remarkable safety records of autonomous vehicles road-tested by the likes of Waymo and Uber. Most of the accidents thus far have been the result of humans crashing into driverless cars or otherwise causing accidents with them, not the other way around, he notes.

This is not to suggest, however, that all liability risk will vanish, he cautions.

Today, many lawsuits (including class actions) target manufacturers of conventional cars and trucks for mechanical failures such as faulty steering wheels, braking systems or accelerators. It is possible that autonomous vehicles, once introduced onto American roads in sufficient numbers, could cause accidents as manufacturers strive to discover and eliminate the remaining bugs in these systems.

Writes Hart in the column: "It is easy to imagine the kinds of lawsuits that could occur: 'The manufacturer claimed the car would be safe in the snow,' the plaintiff tells the jury, 'but the car was totally confused in that blizzard and caused a horrific crash.'  Most cases would be litigated over which system failed and who is responsible for the failure."

Thus, insurance and liability burdens could tilt away from companies that once employed human drivers and toward manufacturers of autonomous vehicles.

In the conclusion to the piece, Hart urges professionals to pay close attention to the development of autonomous vehicles and their potential for far-reaching legal, societal and economic effects. "It would be prudent for risk-managers, attorneys, C-suite executives and other professionals to start educating themselves on the various ways in which autonomous vehicles could affect what they do," he writes. "In all likelihood, our society will need a new army of tech-savvy experts who are ready to dive into complex litigation and other matters involving autonomous vehicles. They will need to fully understand the limits and capabilities of the systems in use and the laws and regulations in play. We might even see true technologists  trained engineers who know how to code  filling legal or risk-management roles."

In some cases, Hart adds, lawyers will need to be software engineers as much as lawyers. Now is the time for companies to consider how the shift to autonomous vehicles could create opportunities and challenges for their businesses and affect their overall liability and risk-management profiles, he asserts in the piece. "Those who ignore this trend risk letting their better-prepared competitors take the wheel  if you'll forgive the soon-to-be-outdated reference," he concludes.

The full column is available for subscribers at: https://www.law360.com/articles/925923/driverless-vehicles-may-put-the-brakes-on-accident-suits

About LeClairRyan

As a trusted advisor, LeClairRyan provides business counsel and client representation in corporate law and litigation. In this role, the firm applies its knowledge, insight and skill to help clients achieve their business objectives while managing and minimizing their legal risks, difficulties and expenses. With offices from coast to coast, the firm represents a wide variety of clients nationwide. For more information about LeClairRyan, visit www.leclairryan.com.

Press Contacts: At Parness & Associates Public Relations, Bill Parness, (732) 290-0121, [email protected] or Lisa Kreda, [email protected]pr.com

SOURCE LeClairRyan

Related Links

https://www.leclairryan.com


James Klein, president of the American Benefits Council, a Washington, D.C. based employer benefits advocacy group, discussed the potential futures of the Affordable Care Act and the American Health Care Act in the keynote session, "Buckle Up: Riding the ACA Roller Coaster" .

"Whether the bill stalls, or whether it does go through, we are going to see an effort both in the regulatory arena as well as the legislative arena, to devolve more authority to the states," said Mr. Klein.

Mr. Klein mentioned the Patient Freedom Act, (which would give states autonomy to structure their own health coverage system) as a potential model for how the final Congressional legislation may look. Democrats may also favor the Act, as it would allow "blue" states to retain the ACA. Looking long-term, if the ACA is repealed and its replacement is not successful, Democrats may advocate not for a return of the ACA  but for a single payer model.

In his discussion with moderator, James Slotnick, on employee benefits and forthcoming comprehensive tax reform, Mr. Klein continued, "There is an awareness that employers and workers are no longer looking at health and retirement in separate silos, and more as total rewards. Therefore we do have an opportunity, as tax reform moves forward, to do some things that help address the totality of the types of benefits that individuals need in order to have a sense of personal financial securitylike disability or long term care."

In the panel "How to Reach an Ever-More Diverse Workforce", panelists discussed the nuances of employee communication and engagement. David Daskal of Jellyvision, Jacki Bassani of Willis Towers Watson, and Jason Averbook of LeapGen agreed that the concept and understanding of "personas" will lead HR professionals to produce tailored, effective benefits communications, and better employee communications in general.

The final panel, "When Will Employee Benefits Become Uber-ized", focused on various aspects of technology, including big data, predictive analytics, and AI. The panel featured Jeff Yaniga of Maestro Health, Scott Millson of MillsonJames, and Jeff Goldberg of Novarica. They discussed AI and predictive analytics as still young in insurance, but starting to grow, and rapidly. Currently mostly used for things like pricing or risk assessment, there is opportunity to look at claims data and outcomes, and drive things like service, product design, and employer interactions.

The 5th annual Sun Life Summit was held on May 16, 2017, and is now available for viewing online at www.sunlifesummit.com. Past summit themes include private exchanges, disability, and impacts of the Affordable Care Act.

About Sun Life Financial

Sun Life Financial is a leading international financial services organization providing a diverse range of insurance, wealth and asset management solutions to individuals and corporate Clients. Sun Life Financial has operations in a number of markets worldwide, including Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Japan, Indonesia, India, China, Australia, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia and Bermuda. As of March 31, 2017, Sun Life Financial had total assets under management of C$927 billion. For more information please visit www.sunlife.com.

Sun Life Financial Inc. trades on the Toronto (TSX), New York (NYSE) and Philippine (PSE) stock exchanges under the ticker symbol SLF.

In the United States, Sun Life Financial is one of the largest group benefits providers, serving more than 60,000 employers in small, medium, and large workplaces across the country. Sun Life's broad portfolio of products and services in the U.S. includes Disability and Absence Management, Life, Dental and Vision, Voluntary, and Stop-Loss insurance. This includes the acquisition of Assurant Employee Benefits in Q1 2016. For more information, please visit www.sunlife.com/us.

Media contact:

Devon Portney Fernald

Sun Life Financial U.S.

781-416-7151

[email protected]

SOURCE Sun Life Financial

Related Links

http://www.sunlife.com/us


"Our energy team has focused on power and utility, oil and gas, and renewable energy for over 20 years, and recently expanded its appetite to include mining," notes Dekermanji. "We understand the risks faced by the energy industry and partner with brokers and buyers to identify ways to effectively manage and mitigate those exposures. Today, we offer property, workers compensation, auto and general liability, and  through Ironshore  specialty products, so that brokers can better meet the needs of energy companies."

Prior to her appointment, Dekermanji served in a number of senior commercial insurance field operations, product management and underwriting positions at Liberty Mutual. Most recently, she was senior underwriting manager in the Specialty Energy area. Dekermanji joined Liberty Mutual in 2002.

More information on Liberty Mutual's Energy vertical can be seen at https://business.libertymutualgroup.com/business-insurance/industries/energy-insurance-coverage.

In addition to Energy, Liberty Mutual offers dedicated operations serving the risk needs of other specific industries, including Healthcare, Public Entities, and Construction. Each unit understands the unique risk challenges facing its specific industry and provides dedicated underwriting, risk engineering and claims experts to help better manage those exposures.

About Liberty Mutual Insurance

Liberty Mutual Insurance helps people preserve and protect what they earn, build, own and cherish. Keeping this promise means we are there when our policyholders throughout the world need us most.

In business since 1912, and headquartered in Boston, Mass., today Liberty Mutual is a diversified insurer with operations in 30 countries and economies around the world. We are the fifth largest property and casualty insurer in the U.S. based on 2015 direct written premium data as reported by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. We also rank 73rd on the Fortune 100 list of largest corporations in the U.S. based on 2015 revenue. As of December 31, 2016, Liberty Mutual had $38.3 billion in annual consolidated revenue.

Liberty employs more than 50,000 people in over 800 offices throughout the world. We offer a wide range of insurance products and services, including personal automobile, homeowners, accident & health, commercial automobile, general liability, property, surety, workers compensation, group disability, group life, specialty lines, reinsurance, individual life and annuity products.

You can learn more about us by visiting www.libertymutualinsurance.com.

CONTACT:



Richard Angevine

1-617-574-6638

[email protected]

SOURCE Liberty Mutual

Related Links

http://www.libertymutual.com


NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J., May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Most adults in New Jersey are happy with the neighborhood they live in and satisfied with their access to healthy food; places to walk and exercise; and community services, including parks, playgrounds, and libraries. But not everyone feels that way  and perspectives differ across race and income groups, according to the findings of a poll by Rutgers Center for State Health Policy.

The New Jersey Health and Well-Being Poll found significant differences in the way people perceive the resources in their communities that can influence their health. Overall, 81 percent of respondents rated their neighborhood as a good or excellent place to live. But the picture is more nuanced when broken down further. By income, that rating becomes 91 percent for people with high income, 78 percent for middle income, and just 57 percent for those with low income. And black and Hispanic respondents were much less likely to rate their neighborhoods good or excellent  at 61 percent and 62 percent, respectively  than white (88 percent) and Asian (91 percent) respondents.

The findings are meant to provide information for policymakers, nonprofits and advocacy organizations to consider how people's prospects for good health are limited, and what might be done to provide more opportunity for health improvement.

"We looked at how someone's housing, accessibility to parks and healthy food options come together to influence how easy it is for people to live healthier lives,'' said Joel Cantor, the Center for State Health Policy's director. "In some neighborhoods, it appears to be a lot more difficult than in others.''

More key findings include:

Black and Hispanic residents are more than three times as likely to rate their neighborhood fair or poor compared to white or Asian residents.

Low-income adults are nearly twice as likely as high-income adults to rate their neighborhood as a poor place to buy fresh fruits and vegetables.

Only one in 10 residents feels there is a lot of racial and ethnic tension in their town, but black and Hispanic residents are more likely to report racial tension compared with white residents.

The poll was funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, whose vision for a Culture of Health focuses on community systems to improve well being.

You can view full poll results here (http://www.cshp.rutgers.edu/Downloads/11200.pdf).

SOURCE Rutgers University
Highlights from the day's 23 volunteer activities included:

The makeover of Frenchtown Dog Park in the Soulard neighborhood, near downtown St. Louis

Assembling pet education materials and reading to children at Lessie Bates Davis Neighborhood House in East St. Louis, Illinois , about shelter pets and responsible pet care

, about shelter pets and responsible pet care Building bicycles for children at Kingdom House near downtown

Sorting school supplies at KidSmart in North St. Louis

Landscaping several city parks throughout the St. Louis area

Employees also volunteered at area pet shelters, including Belleville Area Humane Society in Illinois, where work included painting the building inside and out, installing new doors, making updates in the adoption room and adding new fencing and landscaping.

"Belleville Area Humane Society is extremely grateful for the continued support Purina provides," said Katie Nelson, executive director, Belleville Area Humane Society. "Impacts of the volunteer work will be long lasting, including a creative pet mural to match one Purina designed and painted for us several years ago on PetCare Pride Day. In addition, Purina has helped us with improvements to the inside and outside of the shelter, and their generosity is critical to our operation."

The Frenchtown Dog Park project was the largest event of the day, with Purina providing 100 employees to transform the space and making approximately $30,000 worth of upgrades, including the addition of new fencing, shady places to rest, agility and exercise equipment and landscaping. Rescue Rebuild, a volunteer program of Greater Good that works to renovate animal shelters and dog parks, partnered with Purina on the project.

"We are so happy and humbled by Purina's gift to our neighborhood by enhancing the Frenchtown Dog Park," said Julia Mittelstadt, Frenchtown Dog Park Board Member. "These upgrades will greatly benefit our members by creating fun things to do at the park and a comfortable space for dog guardians on those cold winter days. It will also help make our space much more attractive to our neighbors."

In addition to service projects at local organizations, Purina employees also volunteered at their downtown campus by making more than 500 items for area pet shelters, including dog houses, pet beds and blankets; assembling 1,000 new pet owner adoption kits; and packing nearly 9,000 ready-to-eat meals and care kits for non-profits that serve St. Louisans in need. Purina is also making a monetary donation to several area non-profits totaling nearly $20,000.

"Purina's roots in St. Louis go back 120 years, and we're passionate about supporting our hometown and all the communities where we live and work," said Nina Leigh Krueger, president, Purina. "PetCare Pride Day is one of Purina's most treasured traditions, and St. Louis is a very pet-friendly city. It's an honor to be able to directly connect with wonderful organizations in our community and help them in their respective missions to advance the lives of people and pets in the St. Louis area."

PetCare Pride Day is one of many ways Purina supports local communities where its employees live and work. In 2016 Purina donated $31.2 million worth of pet food, pet supplies and monetary contributions to pet-related charities and community organizations across the country  bringing the company's donations to more than $90 million during the past three years alone.

About Nestle Purina PetCare

Nestle Purina PetCare promotes responsible pet care, community involvement and the positive bond between people and their pets. A premiere global manufacturer of pet products, Nestle Purina PetCare is part of Swiss-based Nestle S.A., a global leader in nutrition, health and wellness.

SOURCE Nestle Purina PetCare Company
LAGOS, Nigeria, May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

Experts at the International Telecoms Week conference in Chicago have highlighted the need to accelerate investment in Africa to facilitate the continent's broadband data explosion.

Based on the theme 'Achieving A Connected Continent: Leading The Data Explosion Across Africa', the expert panel session with participation from Google, Facebook, WIOCC, Liquid Telecom and Angola Cables discussed strategies for achieving improved broadband access across the continent. The session reviewed the state of broadband infrastructure and data traffic trajectories in different countries on the continent and made comparisons to other markets globally. This included areas in which investments had been made such as submarine cables, data centers, and access networks including 3G4G and FTTH networks as some of the elements that have accelerated the growth in data traffic on the continent. The consensus was that the data explosion will need to be driven by further investment in local networks to reach more end users rather than new submarine cables. The session revealed that while most African submarine cable systems had the capability to deliver 100 GBPS wavelengths, Africa has not utilized near enough capacity to saturate those systems. According to the panelists, for broadband to become more pervasive, there is need for continued investment and innovative business models to aid the rapid deployment of Access networks across the continent.

Facebook's Regional Head, Africa for Express Wi-Fi, Uche Ofodile shared the company's experiences working with carriers to jointly make infrastructure investments and highlighted its initiatives in Uganda, where it is working with Airtel to deploy fiber backhaul, but noted that demand and favorable regulatory environments informed their decisions to invest. The need to go beyond mobile infrastructure was also highlighted by the CEO of Liquid Telecom, Nic Rudnick, whose company just completed its acquisition of South African operator, Neotel for $429million. "As consumers in Africa start to use the Internet for content, TV and on-demand services, mobile will have its limitations, not just in terms of technology, but also in price. We need to look at other technologies to achieve cost effectiveness."

The panelists' assessment of data center growth in Africa also indicated that uptake is not as rapid as experienced in other parts of the world and that most of the content consumed in Africa is hosted in Europe. Data center operators, MainOne and Liquid shared their experience that initial demand on the continent has been driven by Enterprises and financial institutions as against other geographies where OTT players are the biggest data center players.

For the sixth year in a row, MainOne raised Africa's profile as a target for broadband investment at the recently concluded global telecoms conference, International Telecoms Week in Chicago, USA, where it hosted an over-subscribed Africa Panel Session. The session which was a gathering of major international and African carriers, data center operators, mobile network operators and content distribution companies, provided a platform for players to share perspectives on the opportunities and challenges across the region with a global audience. The discussions also focused on infrastructure challenges as well as regulatory and economic constraints that impede faster proliferation of broadband access across the continent.

SOURCE MainOne
WASHINGTON, May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Majority Forward, a not-for-profit 501(c)(4) organization created to support voter registration and voter turnout efforts, is up with TV and digital ads in six states this week, Thursday, with a total initial buy of $3.5 million.

"This is an opportunity to let working families know what their Senator is doing to make a difference," said JB Poersch, President of Majority Forward. "While some harangue of a culture of 'fake news;' working families deserve to know the facts."

The ads will begin airing in Missouri along with Vote Vets, and in Arizona, Indiana, Nevada, Montana and North Dakota into Memorial Day week.

To view the ad airing in Indiana, click here: https://youtu.be/ziQQQewmVbA

To view the ad airing in Missouri, click here: https://youtu.be/kavhK_HRRU8

To view the ad airing in Arizona, click here: https://youtu.be/vhmDFIMkheI

To view the ad airing in Nevada, click here: https://youtu.be/n0fJwCQeUzM

To view the ad airing in North Dakota, click here: https://youtu.be/XpMr2P_3tZ8

To view the ad airing in Montana, click here: https://youtu.be/fpF9tIm2UtU

About Majority Forward: Majority Forward is a not-for-profit 501(c)(4) organization created to support voter registration and voter turnout efforts. Our primary mission is to encourage full participation by voters in our election process. In our political work, Majority Forward works with an affiliated super PAC, Senate Majority PAC, to elect candidates whose policies represent the goals of the majority of Americans who want to move our country forward.

SOURCE Majority Forward
Gallagher has worked in the healthcare industry for 20+ years at major pharmaceutical companies and advertising agencies  including Merck, Sunovion, McCann Health and more recently at Hill Holliday in Boston, where she helped launch their award-winning pharmaceutical practice. When Gallagher joined Seniorlink in 2015, she was motivated by the opportunity to increase awareness for the Caregiver Nation: the 44 million people who selflessly give of themselves to care for loved ones.

Gallagher has brought new energy to Seniorlink's mission to provide services and support to this population. Her vision is to do more than just create campaigns showing the value of caregivers. Gallagher wants to start a movement. As part of her efforts, she designed "Thank You Caregiver Nation," an initiative that kicked off during National Family Caregivers month (November 2016) with a nationwide contest for individuals to nominate caregivers to receive free meals for a month.

"Mary's commitment to Seniorlink's mission has been exceptional, and she has played an instrumental role in helping our company find ways to innovate and expand the services we provide to our caregiver community," said Tom Riley, Chief Executive Officer of Seniorlink. "We are thrilled that she received this significant industry award."

The PM360 ELITE Awards were established in 2015 to recognize individuals who have made a significant impact to the healthcare industry throughout their careers. More than 500 submissions were received and nominees were evaluated based on their accomplishments; testimonials from their bosses, clients, and colleagues; and supporting evidence that reflects the impact of their efforts. A total of 100 winners were selected across 18 categories, including Creative Directors, Data Miners, Digital Crusaders, Disrupters, Drug Researchers and Developers, Entrepreneurs, Launch Experts, Leaders of the Future, Marketing Teams, Master Educators, Mentors, Patient Advocates, PR Gurus, Sales MVPs, Strategists, Talent Acquisition Leaders, Tech-know Geeks, and Transformational Leaders.

"Each of the 2017 PM360 ELITE 100 demonstrated immense talent in their ability to impact our industry," says Anna Stashower, CEO and Publisher of PM360. "These people represent the best the industry has to offer, including veterans who have made their mark over and over and up-and-comers who are just getting started."

Gallagher and the rest of the winners will be honored at a celebratory event on July 11th in New York City at the rooftop bar 230 FIFTH. Tickets are available for purchase at www.pm360online.com/elitetickets.

About Seniorlink

Seniorlink is a leading provider of care collaboration solutions. We serve consumers and caregivers by partnering with risk-bearing provider and payer organizations to augment existing care management capabilities through solutions that leverage human touch and technology. Our team of compassionate, experienced professionals use our proprietary platform, Vela, to encourage real-time collaboration among the extended care team that results in better outcomes at a lower cost. Backed by nearly two decades of care expertise, Seniorlink leads the way on delivering high-quality care. It was the first Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) provider in the nation to receive NCQA accreditation for case management (CM) and is the first to pursue CM with Long Term Services and Support (LTSS) Distinction. More information about Seniorlink can be found at www.seniorlink.com.

About PM360

PM360 is the premier, must-read magazine for marketing decision makers in the pharmaceutical, biotech, and medical device industries. Published monthly, PM360 is the only journal that focuses on delivering the full spectrum of practical information necessary for product managers and pharmaceutical marketing professionals to succeed in the complex and highly regulated healthcare environment.

The journal's targeted and insightful editorial focuses on issues that directly impact critical decision making, including: Planning and implementation of cutting edge strategies, trends, the latest technological advances, branding/marketing, advertising/promotion, patient/professional education, sales, market research, PR, and leadership. Additionally, the "360" in the title signifies the span of this critical, how-to info with personal and career insights for an enjoyable and thought-provoking read.

By providing the full circle of enriching content, PM360 is truly an indispensable tool for busy and productive marketing professionals to stay at the top of their game.

SOURCE Seniorlink, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.seniorlink.com


WELLESLEY, Mass., May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Two Babson graduate alumni businessesDropZone for Veterans and GEMS Boxeshave been named finalists in the 2017 MassChallenge Boston accelerator program.

Applications poured in from around the world, including 12 countries and 16 U.S. states. Of the more than 1,500 businesses MassChallenge reviewed, only 128 were ultimately selected.

Through a global network of zero-equity accelerators, MassChallenge helps the world's highest-impact, highest-potential startups successfully launch, grow, and create impact across industries. This proven model has accelerated 1,211 alumni that have gone on to raise more than $2 billion in funding, generate approximately $900 million in revenue, and create more than 65,000 direct and indirect jobs.

"The quality of this year's applicant pool is a real testament to the community's efforts to inspire and support individuals who are working to solve some of the world's biggest problems," said Kiki Mills Johnston, Managing Director, MassChallenge Boston. "I'm excited to welcome the 2017 cohort to Boston this summer. This is just the beginning!"

Babson MassChallenge Finalists

DropZone for VeteransCourtney Wilson MBA'17

DropZone for Veterans is an online directory of over 50,000 independent benefits that connects veterans and their families with the private businesses that want to support them. Ranging from PTSD focused healing retreats to resume-workshops hosted by Google, DropZone for Veterans is the only place for America's military community to discover and connect with benefits customized to their individualized preferences.

GEMS BoxesAnnie Feldman MBA'16, Andrew Schwartz, Jeffrey Lipton, and Ted Liao

Bystanders can be an invaluable resource in emergencies, but current products are limited to call stations and AEDs. Few technological solutions exist to empower bystanders. GEMS will provide remotely un-lockable stations with life-saving supplies such as naloxone, EpiPens, and hemorrhage control products. In an emergency, a bystander will call 911 dispatch; the dispatcher can then direct the caller to a station and walk them through the steps to help save the victim's life before EMS arrival.

About MassChallenge

MassChallenge is the most startup-friendly accelerator on the planet. No equity and not-for-profit, we are obsessed with helping entrepreneurs across any industry. We also reward the highest-impact startups through a competition to win a portion of several million dollars in equity-free cash awards. Through our global network of accelerators in Boston, the UK, Israel, Switzerland, and Mexico, and unrivaled access to our corporate partners, we can have a massive impactdriving growth and creating value the world over. To date, 1,211 MassChallenge alumni have raised over $2 billion in funding, generated approximately $900 million in revenue, and created over 65,000 direct and indirect jobs. For more information, please visit masschallenge.org.

About Babson College

Babson College is the educator, convener, and thought leader for Entrepreneurship of All Kinds. The top-ranked college for entrepreneurship education, Babson is a dynamic living and learning laboratory where students, faculty, and staff work together to address the real-world problems of business and society. We prepare the entrepreneurial leaders our world needs most: those with strong functional knowledge and the skills and vision to navigate change, accommodate ambiguity, surmount complexity, and motivate teams in a common purpose to make a difference in the world, and have an impact on organizations of all sizes and types. As we have for nearly a half-century, Babson continues to advance Entrepreneurial Thought & Action as the most positive force on the planet for generating sustainable economic and social value.

MEDIA CONTACT

Brianna Radicioni

PR Manager

[email protected]

This news release was issued on behalf of Newswise(TM). For more information, visit http://www.newswise.com.

SOURCE Babson College

Related Links

http://www.babson.edu


NEW YORK, May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Out Leadership today announced that Mastercard will extend its support of the organization's efforts to drive greater equality in the workplace. The global technology company joins law firm Hogan Lovells as a global sponsor of OutWOMEN, a groundbreaking initiative convening and celebrating LGBT+ women leaders in business.

"We believe that in order for any company  or even for society  to succeed, every person must be in a position to operate at their best," said Randall Tucker, chief inclusion officer, Mastercard. "This includes valuing and driving inclusion and diversity. Our continued work with Out Leadership will help to extend the conversation and allow companies to build on successes where employees in all their diversity feel accepted and valued."

The OutWOMEN initiative launched in 2016, and has convened a growing network of LGBT+ women business leaders at Out Leadership's summits in New York, London, Hong Kong and Sydney, as well as at invitation-only salon dinners in other major business centers.

Stephanie Sandberg, Out Leadership Managing Director and lead coordinator of the initiative, notes: "OutWOMEN began as a question we asked the leaders in our network: do you think that LGBT+ women in business need a more effective, more formal way to meet one another, and to do business together?"

"The answer was a resounding yes," Sandberg continued. "And now that we're building out the initiative and broadening its scope, we're certain we've just begun to tap into something tremendously powerful. The fact that just 26% of the Financial Times' list of the most powerful LGBT+ executives are women demonstrates that LGBT+ women in business need visibility and role models. We're grateful to Mastercard's visionary sponsorship, which will allow us to keep building this valuable resource."

About Mastercard

Mastercard (NYSE: MA), www.mastercard.com, is a technology company in the global payments industry. We operate the world's fastest payments processing network, connecting consumers, financial institutions, merchants, governments and businesses in more than 210 countries and territories. Mastercard products and solutions make everyday commerce activities  such as shopping, traveling, running a business and managing finances  easier, more secure and more efficient for everyone. Follow us on Twitter @MastercardNews, join the discussion on the Beyond the Transaction Blog and subscribe for the latest news on the Engagement Bureau.

About Out Leadership

Out Leadership is the global LGBT+ business advisory company, partnering with the world's most influential firms to build business opportunity, cultivate talent, and drive equality forward. Including LGBT+ people at all levels powerfully benefits bottom lines. We help companies realize their Return on Equality.

Out Leadership is a certified B Corp. For more information about our global initiatives or to learn about our advisory work, please visit www.outleadership.com

Please contact

Dave Hughes

Director of Communications

[email protected]

917-336-0604 ext 709

SOURCE Out Leadership

Related Links

http://www.outleadership.com


WILSONVILLE, Ore., May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Mentor, a Siemens business, today announced in collaboration with Samsung Electronics that a wide range of Mentor design and verification tools and flows have been enabled for Samsung's 8LPP process technology. The 8LPP provides the most competitive scaling benefit before the extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography era, with an additional performance boost compared to the 10LPP process. 8LPP tool enablement includes the Calibre physical verification suite, Mentor Analog FastSPICE (AFS) custom and analog/mixed-signal (AMS) circuit verification platform, and Nitro-SoC place and route (P&R) digital design platform. These Mentor solutions are available for use in the design and sign-off of production tapeouts for Samsung 8LPP process technology.

In addition, core components of the Calibre suite have been enabled for the Samsung 7LPP process technology using EUV lithography, including Calibre nmDRC, Calibre nmLVS, Calibre xACT, and Calibre PERC software. These Calibre design kits can be used for initial test chips and intellectual property (IP) creation on the Samsung 7LPP process technology.

"Samsung Foundry continues to offer the most competitive process technology in the industry. Our collaboration with Mentor ensures the availability of qualified tools that enable our mutual customers to develop designs that best leverage the Samsung Foundry's process offerings," said Jaehong Park, senior vice president of the Foundry Design Team at Samsung Electronics. "The Mentor tool enablement for our 8LPP and 7LPP is a demonstration of our long-term partnership that continuously strives to enable designers to implement, verify, test, and deliver designs with confidence."

Samsung has enabled multiple tools in the industry-leading Calibre platform for the 8LPP process technology to ensure designers can achieve tapeout success quickly and confidently.

The Calibre nmDRC and Calibre nmLVS tools help design teams verify and optimize their designs to meet Samsung 8LPP process requirements, providing innovative and accurate physical and circuit verification that address the growing layout complexity and exacting performance requirements of advanced node designs.

Calibre Pattern Matching functionality enables designers to apply a variety of visual geometry analyses to quickly and accurately perform complex verification tasks, such as the verification of precise configuration requirements across multiple instances, and lithographic hotspot identification.

The Calibre xACT platform delivers unparalleled parasitic extraction accuracy and performance, automatically using an integrated field solver to calculate parasitics with attofarad accuracy for complex three-dimensional structures, while implementing a highly scalable parallel processing approach to optimize performance for multi-million-instance designs.

The Calibre PERC reliability platform employs a unique integrated analysis of both the physical layout and the netlist to automate complex reliability checks.

The Calibre YieldEnhancer productspecifically its SmartFill and engineering change order (ECO)/timing-aware fill capabilitieshelps designers control design planarity through multiple design changes across intellectual property (IP), blocks, and the full chip, to ensure designs comply with manufacturing planarity requirements and meet tapeout schedules. It also enables designers to implement layout enhancements (such as via optimization) to improve manufacturing success.

The Calibre LFD toolbased on Mentor's production-deployed solutions for process-window modeling, mask synthesis, optical proximity correction (OPC), and resolution enhancement (RET)accurately models the impact of lithographic processes to predict actual "as-manufactured" layout dimensions, identifying potential lithographic issues and enabling designers to optimize yield and product reliability.

As design teams simultaneously address multiple design for manufacturing (DFM) options, they can use the Samsung DFM scoring and analysis solution with the Calibre YieldAnalyzer tool to streamline the process of making tradeoff decisions, such as via redundancy checking. Samsung also supports yield detractor pattern identification and repair incorporating the Calibre Pattern Matching solution to provide fast feedback from manufacturing results to customer design processes. To further enable customers to quickly find and address DFM issues, Mentor and Samsung also announced the availability of the Calibre DFM Explorer functionality.

To enable system-on-chip (SoC) designers to complete circuit verification, physical implementation, and IC test with confidence, the AFS platform is enabled in Samsung's 8LPP device models and design kits. Our mutual customers rely on the AFS platform to deliver nanometer SPICE accuracy while verifying analog, RF, mixed-signal, memory, and custom digital circuits faster than with traditional SPICE simulators.

The Nitro-SoC P&R system is enabled for netlist-to-GDSII physical implementation in the Samsung 8LPP process technology. A wide range of innovative technologies, including advanced design rule checking (DRC) avoidance on multi-patterning routing layers, mask and layer optimization for convergent timing, and smart library pin access capabilities are supported for optimized power/performance/area (PPA) results on this technology node. Customers have access to features like multi-corner multi-mode (MCMM)-based area optimization, comprehensive multi-VDD-based low power flow, native integration with Calibre sign-off, and comprehensive parallelization for a faster turnaround time.

"Our partnership with Samsung Foundry is not just a matter of providing tools that meet minimum requirements," stated Joe Sawicki, Vice President and General Manager of the Mentor Design-to-Silicon Division. "The joint solutions we deliver enable our mutual customers to fully leverage Samsung's process offerings for success in both initial tapeouts and silicon production, providing a vital link between fabless companies and Samsung Foundry."

Contact for journalists

Mike Santarini

Phone: 510-354-7322; E-mail: [email protected]

Mentor Graphics Corporation, a Siemens business, is a world leader in electronic hardware and software design solutions, providing products, consulting services, and award-winning support for the world's most successful electronic, semiconductor, and systems companies. Corporate headquarters are located at 8005 S.W. Boeckman Road, Wilsonville, Oregon 97070-7777. Website: http://www.mentor.com.

Mentor Graphics, Mentor, and Calibre are registered trademarks, and Analog FastSPICE, Nitro-SoC, nmDRC, nmLVS, xACT, PERC, and LFD are trademarks of Mentor Graphics Corporation. All other company or product names are the registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective owner.

SOURCE Mentor, a Siemens business

Related Links

http://www.mentor.com/


MILWAUKEE, May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- MGIC Investment Corporation (NYSE: MTG) announced today that Patrick Sinks, Chief Executive Officer, will be discussing topics pertaining to the Private Mortgage Insurance industry at the KBW 2017 Mortgage Finance and Asset Management Conference. The discussion is scheduled to begin at 10:55 a.m. Eastern time on June 1, 2017, and the conference is being held at the Westin Grand Central hotel in New York City.

The discussion will be webcast and can be accessed at the company's website, http://mtg.mgic.com/ or at http://wsw.com/webcast/kbw39/mtg. Material that may be referenced during this discussion can be accessed at http://mtg.mgic.com, under Newsroom at approximately 1 p.m. Eastern time on May 31, 2017. A replay will be available for 90 days.

About MGIC

MGIC (www.mgic.com), the principal subsidiary of MGIC Investment Corporation, serves lenders throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, and other locations helping families achieve homeownership sooner by making affordable low-down-payment mortgages a reality. At April 30, 2017, MGIC had $184.3 billion of primary insurance in force covering approximately one million mortgages.

From time to time MGIC Investment Corporation releases important information via postings on its corporate website without making any other disclosure and intends to continue to do so in the future. Investors and other interested parties are encouraged to enroll to receive automatic email alerts and Really Simple Syndication (RSS) feeds regarding new postings. Enrollment information can be found at http://mtg.mgic.com under Investor Information.

SOURCE MGIC Investment Corporation

Related Links

http://www.mgic.com


CHICAGO, May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Family Business Network North America is pleased to announce that Michael Buckley, retired Vice President of Business Development for Dot Foods, and Richard Seaman, retired CEO and current Board Chairman of Seaman Corporation has joined its Board of Directors.

Michael and Richard are succeeding two of FBN's founding board members, Debbie Brown, Board Chairman, Laird Norton Company, and Caroline Bailey, 3rd generation Gallo family, E&J Gallo Winery both of whom recently completed their board terms after playing significant roles in FBN's current success.

Mike Buckley is a retired Vice President of Business Development for Dot Foods after 25 years of service. During his time at Dot he was responsible for not only seeking out new business opportunities, cultivating Dot's relationships with food industry manufacturers, and driving the company toward its current success, and cultivating the business development managers he managed.

"Family Business Network is the premier association for privately-held businesses and I look forward to working with our membership to help them develop their current and future leaders," says Buckley. Our programs are high caliber and offer members valuable resources and tools that strengthen families, family businesses and prepare them for a successful future."



Richard Seaman spent the last 40 years as CEO of Seaman Corporation. With his leadership, this domestic industrial fabric company grew more than 15-fold by expanding existing markets and developing new markets with innovative fabrics, some of which are sold into the China market today.

"Richard brings a wealth of business experience, non-profit and entrepreneurial expertise and a dedication to family business that poise us well for growing the organization to its next level," says Andrew Keyt, President, Family Business Network.

About FBN-North America

We are the North American chapter of Family Business Network International, founded in 1995 as a not-for-profit network run by family businesses, for family businesses, with the aim of strengthening success over generations. FBN continually increases its ability to help family businesses grow, succeed and prosper through the exchange of best practices, new ideas and the peer-to-peer learning activities within its network. FBN-NA recently launched its new website and is currently preparing for its next Family Forum and workshop to be held September 27-29, 2017, in New York City.

Contact Jennifer Muntz Telephone 630-936-3096 Email [email protected] Website www.fbn-na.org

SOURCE Family Business Network North America

Related Links

http://www.fbn-na.org


MIAMI, May 23, 2017 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ -- The World Conference of Municipalities 2017-Miami, May 26 will be at the Hotel Intercontinental Doral located at 2505 NW 87th Ave, Doral, FL 33172, will open doors of success for mayors and public officials in the areas of resources, programs, investment and solidarity.

Hosted by the Minority Chamber of Commerce (MCC), this premier conference features top-ranking keynote speakers such as Yehuda Kaploun, President of Water Gen, one of the world's most innovative water development companies; and Wompimeequin Wampatuck, Chief of the Mattakeeset Tribe, who will present on "Municipalities and the Advancement of Indigenous People."

According to Doug Mayorga, founder of the Minority Chamber, the purpose of the World Municipality Conference is to focus on myriad international topics, including the development of global innovative solutions for solving important issues affecting municipalities in the U.S. and beyond.

"Delegates will attain a better understanding on how to harness opportunities, and how to progress in the face of challenges presented by of our new world order that may stand in the way of a sustainable and just future," said Mayorga.

Guest speakers and panelists also include:

Mayor Juan C. Bermudez , City of Doral

, Juan Perez , Director & Chief-Miami-Dade Police Department

, Director & Chief-Miami-Dade Police Department Sheriff Scott Israel , Chief-Broward Sheriff's Office

, Chief-Broward Sheriff's Office Brandon Wales , Director-Department Homeland Security

, Director-Department Homeland Security Angela Sposito , former UNESCO Team Syrians Refugee Program in Jordan

, former UNESCO Team Syrians Refugee Program in Rene Aguilera , CEO  King System

, CEO  King System Scott Johnson , CEO-Johnstek

, CEO-Johnstek Kristalina Georgieva , CEO-World Bank

, CEO-World Bank Ninoska Perez Castello , renowned journalist

, renowned journalist Bryan Koon , Director-State of Florida Emergency Management

, Director-State of Florida Emergency Management Steve Detwiler -Planning Miami Dade County Emergency

The conference is not open to the public but new and existing members are invited to attend by contacting MCC now via e-mail: [email protected] or by calling 786-406-2190.

About the Minority Chamber of Commerce: Founded in the year 2000, we are a global business and economic development organization, focused on new initiatives in technology, influenced by structural demand in the world economy, the steady globalization of innovative activity is part of the component to assist disadvantaged communities and address the special needs of different municipalities, especially the least developed emerging nations. For more information: www.minoritychamber.net.

For interview contact Maria Loaisiga, Media Relations Manager.

SOURCE Minority Chamber of Commerce

Related Links

http://www.minoritychamber.net


"A proven leader in business transformation, Bob brings tremendous operational and food service supply chain acumen to our organization," noted Scott Carter, CEO. "He will play a critical role in driving growth and enhancing the day-to-day management of operations based on the strategic direction of our organization."

With more than 30 years of executive leadership experience in North America, Europe and Asia, Sharpe has an impressive track record transforming food processing, packaging and manufacturing companies into multi-billion dollar regional and global leaders. Prior to joining NDCP, he served as the President and CEO of CSM Bakery Solutions in Atlanta, Georgia. Previous roles have also included Chief Executive Officer and Board Member of Campofrio Food Group in Madrid, Spain; President, Chief Executive Officer and Board Member of Groupe Smithfield in Paris, France; and serving as President, International Operations, of Smithfield Foods, Inc. in Smithfield, Virginia.

As the President and COO, Sharpe will direct NDCP in the execution of its strategic long-term goals, enabling growth, high service level delivery and profitability. He has executive level responsibility for all operations functions including distribution, supply chain and manufacturing ventures and over time, will assume leadership of additional corporate functions. Focused on taking NDCP to the next level, Sharpe is committed to building success-driven teams enabled by a highly-collaborative corporate culture.

Community involvement is a key priority for Sharpe. A member of the Young Presidents' Organization (YPO), he currently serves as an Advisory Board Member for the Isdell Center for Global Leadership. Previous Board memberships have also included Groupe Smithfield, Campofrio Food Group, National Capital Area Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, The Fairchild Corporation and Capital Associates, Inc. Sharpe earned his MBA degree from George Washington University, and a Bachelor of Science, Finance and Administration from the University of Michigan.

About National DCP

National DCP, LLC (NDCP) is a $2 billion supply chain management company serving the franchisees of Dunkin' Donuts. They provide comprehensive business solutions including food, beverages, supplies, packaging, technology and healthcare to more than 8,900 Dunkin' locations in the U.S. and customers in 51 countries. Each year, NDCP purchases more than 100 million pounds of coffee, 112 million pounds of sugar and 24 million gallons of milk, and drives 30 million miles delivering approximately 75 million cases of product to Dunkin' stores. The organization was formed as a membership cooperative following the successful merger of five different operating companies in 2012 to support Dunkin' Brands' growth and expansion plans. NDCP's innovative practices have been recognized with the 2015 Supply Chain Pioneer Award from Partnership Gwinnett, the 2016 InformationWeek Elite 100 List and the 2017 Food Logistics Rock Stars of the Supply Chain designations.

SOURCE National DCP, LLC

Related Links

http://nationaldcp.com


HOUSTON, May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- NCI Building Systems, Inc. (NYSE: NCS) announced today that it will release financial results for its fiscal 2017 second quarter ended April 30, 2017, after the market closes on Tuesday, June 6, 2017. In conjunction with the earnings release, supplemental operational and financial information will be posted on NCI's website in the Quarterly Earnings & Transcripts section of the Investor Relations page at www.ncibuildingsystems.com. The Company has also scheduled a conference call to discuss its results on Wednesday, June 7, starting at 9:00 a.m. ET (8:00 a.m. CT).

By Phone: Dial 1-877-407-0672 or 1-412-902-0003 at least 10 minutes before the call. A telephone replay will be available through June 21, 2017 by dialing 1-877-660-6853 or 201-612-7415 using the access code 13661275#.



By Webcast: Visit the Event Calendar, Calls & Webcast section of the Investor Relations page of NCI's website. Please log on at least 10 minutes in advance to register and download any necessary software. A replay will be available shortly after the call and will be accessible for approximately 90 days.

About NCI Building Systems

NCI Building Systems, Inc. is one of North America's largest integrated manufacturers of metal products for the nonresidential building industry. NCI is comprised of a family of companies operating manufacturing facilities across the United States, Canada, Mexico and China with additional sales and distribution offices throughout the United States and Canada. For more information visit www.ncibuildingsystems.com.

Contact:

K. Darcey Matthews

Vice President, Investor Relations

281-897-7785

SOURCE NCI Building Systems, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.ncibuildingsystems.com


LAS VEGAS, May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- AARP today announced new television ads against the Age Tax and other provisions in the health care bill, urging Nevada Senator Dean Heller (R) to "vote No" on the legislation. The seven figure ad buy began airing this week in the six states targeting Heller, and US Senators Jeff Flake (R-AZ), Cory Gardner (R-CO), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), and Dan Sullivan (R-AK).

"Older Americans are very worried about the cost of their health insurance," said AARP Nevada State Director Maria Dent. "AARP is taking a strong stand against the American Health Care Act for one simple reason: it is a bad bill. It imposes an age tax on older Americans, weakens Medicare and protections for people with pre-existing conditions. On behalf of our 332,000 members in Nevada, and 38 Million nationwide, we are urging Senators to scrap the AHCA and start over."

In addition to the ad buy, AARP is mobilizing its members across the country to engage every member of the Senate through phone calls, email, and in-person. On June 7, staff and volunteers from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands will come to Washington for AARP's annual Lobby Day.

Below is AARP's television script for the ads beginning this week that may be seen here: https://youtu.be/8wWbgIv1190.

VISUAL AUDIO Open on a storefront in a downtown street. The signage on the storefront reads "Ryan and Associates Financial & Tax Services."

Cut to the inside of the tax service office. An older couple (the Hutchins) sit at a desk. Their accountant takes a seat across from them and flips open a folder. His attitude throughout their interactions is detached and factual.

Sitting at desk. Accountant: Alrightlet's get started. You're both over fifty? Mrs. Hutchins: Yes. Accountant: OKthat'll cost you. Mrs. Hutchins: Why? Accountant: The new health care bill in Congress. If you're over 50, insurance companies can charge you 5 times more. It's an age tax . Mr. and Mrs. Hutchins share a worried look.

The accountant writes on the paperwork. Accountant: Any pre-existing conditions? Mr. Hutchins: I have asthma. Accountant: Okwell, insurers can charge thousands more for that. He spins the paperwork around for the Hutchins to review. They look very concerned. Text on Screen: Tell Senator Flake/Gardner/Heller/Murkowski/Sullivan to vote "No" on the health care bill. CALL: 1-844-833-9667 Accountant: This is going to be a big bill. Voiceover : Tell Senator Flake/Gardner/Heller/Murkowski/Sullivan to vote "No" on the health care bill. Text on screen: AARP LOGO. Paid for by AARP.



About AARP

AARP is the nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering Americans 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With nearly 38 million members and offices in every state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, AARP works to strengthen communities and advocate for what matters most to families with a focus on health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also works for individuals in the marketplace by sparking new solutions and allowing carefully chosen, high-quality products and services to carry the AARP name. As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the world's largest circulation publications, AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org/nv or follow @AARP and @AARPNV on Twitter.

SOURCE AARP Nevada

Related Links

http://www.aarp.org/nv


WASHINGTON, May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- AARP today announced new television ads against the Age Tax and other provisions in the health care bill, urging Senators to "vote No" on the legislation. The seven figure ad buy began airing this week in the states of US Senators Jeff Flake (R-AZ), Cory Gardner (R-CO), Dean Heller (R-NV), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), and Dan Sullivan (R-AK).

"Older Americans are very worried about the cost of their health insurance," said AARP Executive Vice President Nancy LeaMond. "AARP is taking a strong stand against the American Health Care Act for one simple reason: it is a bad bill. It imposes an age tax on older Americans, weakens Medicare and protections for people with pre-existing conditions. On behalf of our 38 million members, we are urging Senators to scrap the AHCA and start over."

In addition to the ad buy, AARP is mobilizing its members across the country to engage every member of the Senate through phone calls, email, and in-person. On June 7, staff and volunteers from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands will come to Washington for AARP's annual Lobby Day.

Below is AARP's television script for the ads beginning this week that may be seen here:

VISUAL AUDIO Open on a storefront in a downtown

street. The signage on the storefront

reads "Ryan and Associates Financial

& Tax Services."

Cut to the inside of the tax service

office. An older couple (the Hutchins)

sit at a desk. Their accountant takes a

seat across from them and flips open a

folder. His attitude throughout their

interactions is detached and factual.

Sitting at desk. Accountant: Alrightlet's get started. You're

both over fifty? Mrs. Hutchins: Yes. Accountant: OKthat'll cost you. Mrs. Hutchins: Why? Accountant: The new health care bill in

Congress. If you're over 50, insurance

companies can charge you 5 times more. It's an

age tax . Mr. and Mrs. Hutchins share a worried

look.

The accountant writes on the paperwork. Accountant: Any pre-existing conditions? Mr. Hutchins: I have asthma. Accountant: Okwell, insurers can charge

thousands more for that. He spins the paperwork around for the

Hutchins to review. They look very

concerned. Text on Screen: Tell Senator

Flake/Gardner/Heller/Murkowski/Sullivan

to vote "No" on the health care bill.

CALL: 1-844-833-9667 Accountant: This is going to be a big bill. Voiceover : Tell Senator Flake/Gardner/Heller/Murkowski/Sullivan to vote

"No" on the health care bill. Text on screen: AARP LOGO. Paid for by AARP.



About AARP

AARP is the nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering Americans 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With nearly 38 million members and offices in every state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, AARP works to strengthen communities and advocate for what matters most to families with a focus on health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also works for individuals in the marketplace by sparking new solutions and allowing carefully chosen, high-quality products and services to carry the AARP name. As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the world's largest circulation publications, AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org or follow @AARP and @AARPadvocates on social media.

SOURCE AARP

Related Links

http://www.aarp.org


CARLINVILLE, Ill., May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Students can now "test-drive" Blackburn College with free tuition and experience the school's unique educational setting.

"We saw this as an opportunity to let transfer students experience the exceptional academic programs Blackburn College provides and how the college is focused on accessible and affordable education," said Blackburn College President John Comerford.

"It is a great way for transfer students to find out, first-hand, how they like the collegewithout paying any tuition for the fall semester," he continued. "Students can take courses, become familiar with faculty and staff, make friends with other students and enjoy the activities on campus. This is a chance to really see what Blackburn is all about."

Students must be Pell-eligible, from Illinois, participate in the Blackburn College Work Program, and meet normal admission requirements.

Blackburn College is unique. One of seven work colleges, Blackburn has the only student-managed Work Program in the U.S. The Work Program was started in 1913 as a self-help program for students who couldn't afford college. It also saved the school. At the time, Blackburn faced adversity, and the input of student labor provided a welcome boost in campus improvements and operational efficiencies. Students have continued to work in all areas of the college: operational, administrative, and academic.

"Students literally run the college," noted Comerford. "The entire workforce is managed by students, and student workers have been vital to Blackburn's ability to provide affordable education. Their accomplishments are impressiveten of the buildings on campus were even built with student labor!"

The combination of challenging academics and the experience gained from the Work Program also produces results after graduation. Blackburn graduates have a 99% placement rate into graduate school or the workplace, based on a 98.5% response rate to the annual graduate survey.

"We are confident students will like it here once they arriveso confident we will offer no tuition for their first semester this fall to prove it."

Interested students can find additional information at www.blackburn.edu/testdrive, or by calling 800-233-3550.

Founded in 1837, Blackburn College is a four-year, Presbyterian-related, co-educational liberal arts college located in Carlinville, Illinois. The Washington Monthly ranked the college as the best baccalaureate college in Illinois for 2016 and among the top 50 in the U.S.

Contact:

Peter Oswald

Director of Marketing & Public Relations

[email protected]

(217) 854-5781

SOURCE Blackburn College

Related Links

http://www.blackburn.edu/testdrive


WASHINGTON, May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Chief White House correspondent for The New York Times, Peter Baker, will appear at a National Press Club Headliners event on June 29th at 6:30 pm in the club's Conference Rooms to discuss his new book, Obama: The Call of History.

With the transition from former President Barack Obama to President Donald Trump still fresh in the country's mind, Peter Baker, who covered Obama for all eight years of his presidency, will discuss his new book that Amazon calls an "authoritative history" and "the first complete account of the Obama presidency."

In addition to Obama: The Call of History, Baker has authored several other books chronicling major political figures and events including Kremlin Rising: Vladimir Putin's Russia and The End of Revolution; Days of Fire: Bush and Cheney in The White House and The Breach: The Impeachment and Trial of William Jefferson Clinton.

This event will feature a discussion with the author, an audience question-and-answer session, and a book signing. Tickets are $5 for National Press Club members and $10 for the general public. To purchase tickets and copies of the book, please click here. Books will also be available for purchase at the event, no outside books or memorabilia are permitted.

Proceeds from this event benefit the non-profit affiliate of the Club, the National Press Club Journalism Institute, which offers innovative, practical training to journalists and communications professionals working in a rapidly-changing media environment.

The National Press Club is located on the 13th Floor of the National Press Building at 529 14th St., NW, Washington, D.C.

Contact:

Lindsay Underwood

[email protected]

(202) 662-7561

SOURCE National Press Club

Related Links

http://press.org/


NEW YORK, May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Achieving the health-related UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030 promises to be a significant challenge for most nations, particularly in what has become a severely resource-constrained global environment. As a consequence, public health professionals who possess deep knowledge and advanced analytic operational skills are likely to be highly valued within their respective health systems.

To help ready students to enter the public health workforce and meet these critical goals, the College of Global Public Health (GPH) at New York University (NYU) has announced a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree focused on health in the SDGs. The program will develop exceptional analytic and strategic decision-making skills in public health so that its graduates can help governments at all levels achieve health-related SDGs. In a competitive selection process, twenty high-potential students from low-income nations, including many in Sub-Saharan Africa, will be identified to receive a 90% scholarship, making the program affordable to scholars where they can benefit from it most.

"Ideally, scholars who are currently unable to access this type of applied public health education in their country will now have access to a robust curriculum and dedicated expert faculty, with the goal of becoming the part of the next generation of health leaders in their respective countries," said Dr. Chris Dickey, director of Global Health Programs at NYU GPH.

"In cooperation with a select group of Health Ministries, we're planning a pilot program to recruit these new scholars," Dr. Dickey continued. "Program faculty will include a combination of GPH faculty and others drawn from public health leadership in Africa."

Joining these students in the SDG MPH pilot, will be UN professional staff, national and sub-national government staff around the world, U.S. public health professionals, and development professionals from NGOs who aim to focus on the SDGs and its successor frameworks during their career.

"We're delighted to launch this innovative, fully online MPH at a time in which its skills could not be more critical," said Dr. Cheryl G. Healton, Dean of NYU GPH. "For the group of students who are selected, we've intentionally structured the program to be financially affordable for those who cannot travel so they can easily access the program and immediately apply the acquired skills to improving health outcomes on the ground."

Emphasizing a multi-disciplinary, systems approach to solving complex challenges in disease control and prevention, the curriculum includes individual and class projects that lead to innovative, equitable, cost-effective, and attainable solutions to diverse public health/health challenges. Students will have access to world-class NYU faculty instruction, academic resources, networking, and support as they complete weekly lessons at times most convenient for them.

Graduates will be equipped to assume management roles in public health settings anywhere on the globe and stand out to employers with a skillset that has both breadth and depth, including:

Interpreting and applying modeling and evaluation findings to allocate resources for interventions and strategies that address the global burden of disease

Designing, managing, monitoring, and evaluating public health programs that strengthen health systems and health outcomes

Investment planning for context specific interventions and strategies to address and reduce the global burden of disease

Making use of systems thinking as a member of inter-disciplinary team, to plan, monitor and evaluate progress towards effectively and efficiently meeting the health-related SDGs.

Applications are now being accepted to begin in Fall 2017, with all of the courses available online in formats adapted to meet regulations on graduate education in key countries.

NYU College of Global Public Health:

At the College of Global Public Health (CGPH) at New York University (NYU), we are preparing the next generation of public health pioneers with the critical thinking skills, acumen and entrepreneurial approaches necessary to reinvent the public health paradigm. Devoted to employing a nontraditional, inter-disciplinary model, CGPH aims to improve health worldwide through a unique blend of global public health studies, research and practice. CGPH is located in the heart of New York City and extends to NYU's global network on six continents. Innovation is at the core of our ambitious approach, thinking and teaching. http://publichealth.nyu.edu/.

Contact: Julia Cartwright

NYU College of Global Public Health

[email protected]

(202) 550-2501 / (212) 992-6117

SOURCE NYU College of Global Public Health

Related Links

http://publichealth.nyu.edu/


DALLAS, May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- o9 announced the successful implementation of o9 Solutions' Augmented Intelligence Platform at Ainsworth Pet Nutrition (APN), transforming the company's Supply Chain Planning process. The initial implementation that was started in late Q4 2016, has already been completed on time and within budget and is delivering value.

With the successful launch of their Rachael Ray Nutrish product line, APN experienced tremendous growth and found its current planning systems unable to cope with the growing demands of their business. This, along with the mandate to accelerate digital transformation of their planning systems, led APN to launch an initiative to select an end-to-end planning solution that covered Replenishment Planning, Load Building, Sales and Operations Planning, Demand Planning and Supply Planning.

APN leadership identified core capabilities required of a next-generation planning solution, including 1) cloud-based deployment; 2) accessibility from any device; 3) end-to-end solution capabilities for demand, supply and S&OP; 4) ease of use and 5) domain expertise. They selected o9 Solutions ahead of more established players because of its rapid deployment and innovation capabilities, as well as its thought leadership in planning and decision management. Furthermore, APN valued o9's ability to continuously upgrade its cloud-based platform with new capabilities, such as state-of-the-art AI features to increase automation of their planning processes.

"We are on an aggressive timeline to replace our supply chain planning systems with o9," said Jaison Klingensmith, Director, Supply and Demand Planning at Ainsworth Pet Nutrition. "We started the journey late last year, and we have already achieved tremendous progress.

"We are particularly impressed with the flexibility of the platform in configuring the solution to our needs," Mr. Klingensmith continued. "We're also impressed with the ease with which we have been able to integrate with internal and external tools to build out our end-to-end solution footprint. Short implementation timeline, solution flexibility and domain knowledge are other key aspects that reinforce our belief that we made the right decision to partner with o9," Mr. Klingensmith concluded.

To meet APN's goal of integrated supply chain planning, o9's platform integrated with APN's existing ERP platform. o9 additionally enabled exception-based workflows to streamline the deployment orders and factory direct shipments, while enabling collaboration with manufacturing partners.

Speaking on behalf of o9 Solutions, Co-Founder and CEO Chakri Gottemukkala said, "It's exciting to see a fast-growing company such as APN align with our vision with such vigor and passion. The result is better service to their end customers, increased market share and explosive revenue growth."

About Ainsworth

Founded in 1933, Ainsworth Pet Nutrition is a fifth generation, primarily family-owned and operated company headquartered in Western Pennsylvania and focused entirely on pets. With a goal of changing the way consumers shop for Super Premium pet food, Ainsworth's mantra is "Pet Store Quality. Supermarket Easy." They achieve this promise by providing consumers with the high-quality pet food where they currently shop for the rest of their families. The company makes multiple brands and types of dog and cat food, including the Rachael Ray Nutrish line, as well as Super Premium retailer specific brands. Ainsworth Pet Nutrition is committed to food safety and prepares all of its dry pet food in the United States using high-quality, natural ingredients with added vitamins and minerals. To learn more, visit www.ainsworthpets.com.

About o9 Solutions, Inc

o9 Solutions is the premier AI platform for integrated planning and operations management, helping bring demand management, supply chain management and integrated business planning processes into the digital age. o9's clients span a variety of industry segments including consumer products, manufacturing and retail. Bringing technology innovations in enterprise modeling, big data, analytics and easy-to-use interfaces together into one platform, o9 Solutions delivers systems that empower enterprise users with superior visibility, insight and cross-functional collaboration in planning and decision-making processes.

Contact

o9 Solutions, Inc.

1501 Lyndon B. Johnson Fwy Ste. 140

Dallas, Texas 75234

Drew Larson, 214-729-0239

SOURCE o9 Solutions, Inc.
The new facilities are located in the city of Danli, Honduras's main tobacco region: southeast of the capital, on the Panamerican Highway, a few kilometers from the border with Nicaragua.

With this strategic move, the company responds to the fast growing global demand for its key Camacho brand as well as strong USA growth on its Baccarat, La Fontana, Legendario, National brands.

Hans-Kristian Hoejsgaard, CEO and Board member of Oettinger Davidoff AG, explains: "I am proud to officially inaugurate our new factory. It is not only a milestone in the history of our company, but also reflects our global 'crop-to-shop' philosophy with this extension of the vertical integration of the business. Our investments mirror the strong growth on Camacho over the past five years which saw its global sales double, as well as the needed production capacity to continue expanding Camacho globally. Furthermore, I am particularly glad that we are able to make a substantial contribution to Honduras' economic and social development by employing over 500 people in Danli."

"Leading and managing this splendid new factory is the greatest honor in my career thus far. In view of important future projects, combined with our focus on cost optimisation and improved working capital, this is the perfect time to consolidate and further expand the Honduran craftsmanship. It makes me very proud to see our team of Master Blenders and cigar artisans strive relentlessly to build up and continue to develop the business of Oettinger Davidoff worldwide. They are the ones who bring to life our finest quality cigars; thrilling aficionados across the globe," adds Manuel Batista, General Director Central America, Danli, Honduras.

Manuel Battista's past experience in the tobacco industry, his performance and the results he has been delivering made him ideally suited to and prepared for this role.

Productivity at Oettinger Davidoff's new factory is expected to increase dramatically and processes in cigar production are to become more efficient in the years ahead. The high quality of the company-owned tobacco plantations enables Oettinger Davidoff to supply first-class tobacco and successfully implement plans for innovation with existing and new crops.

The site of the new facilities in Danli is just under 450'000 square feet (41,806 m2) in surface area. The factory building, designed by Honduran architect Gonzalo Nunez Diaz, has several production halls, cold rooms, loading/unloading zones, a spacious guesthouse and the refectory for employees which meet the highest standards of technology and logistics. It has been constructed on an area of more than 118'403 square feet (11,000 m2); with an additional area of 37'673 square feet (3,500 m2) for warehouses.

"Thanks to the location of the factory, near Danli, we have access to a skilled workforce trained in manufacturing fine cigars, which, in a sense, guarantees business continuity over time. Our new facilities symbolize the momentum, the passion and enduring desire of our team to be an integral part of Oettinger Davidoff AG," proudly explained Javier Plantada, Vice President Global Production at Oettinger Davidoff AG, Honduras.

About the "Corojo" tobacco (originally grown in Cuba)

"Corojo" tobacco is the cornerstone of the Camacho brand. It gives Camacho cigars the intensity and the characteristic bold flavours that have helped make it a success. Under the watchful supervision of expert agronomists, Oettinger Davidoff has started growing "Original Corojo" leaves in the Jamastran Valley region. This region is often compared with the renowned Vuelta Abajo in Cuba thanks to its ideal climatic conditions and the quality of its soil. The first crops are expected in June 2017.

About Oettinger Davidoff AG

Oettinger Davidoff AG with sales of over half a billion Swiss francs and 3,600 employees around the world, traces its roots back to 1875 and remains family-owned to this day. The company is dedicated to the business of producing, marketing, distributing and retailing premium-branded cigars, tobacco products and accessories. The premium-branded cigar business includes Davidoff, AVO, Camacho, Cusano, Griffin's, Private Stock, Zino and Zino Platinum. Oettinger Davidoff AG is also the sole agent of many brands in several countries such as Haribo in Switzerland and S.T. Dupont in the USA. Its business is anchored in a strong "crop-to-shop" philosophy, having pursued vertical integration from the tobacco fields in the Dominican Republic, Honduras and Nicaragua to its worldwide network of over 75 Davidoff Flagship Stores that complement a network of strong Appointed Merchants around the world.

For more information on Camacho: www.camachocigars.com

Media contact:

Oettinger Davidoff AG

Melanie Buscher

Sr. Manager Media Relations & PR

Global Marketing & Innovation

Hochbergerstrasse 15

CH - 4002 Basel, Switzerland

Tel. +41 61 279 36 24

[email protected]

oettingerdavidoff.com

SOURCE Oettinger Davidoff AG
Company to accelerate clinical development of peripherally acting dimer ORP-101 for treatment of IBS-D

SAN FRANCISCO, May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- OrphoMed, Inc., a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company developing first-in-class dimer therapies, today announced the completion of a $39 million Series A financing. The round was led by New Enterprise Associates (NEA), and co-led by existing seed investor Takeda Ventures, Inc., with participation from other prior investors: Pappas Capital, through its newest fund, Pappas Ventures V; Relativity Healthcare Partners and the Mario Family Fund. In conjunction with the financing, Frank Torti, MD, Partner at NEA, and Arthur Pappas, Managing Partner of Pappas Capital, will join the company's board alongside existing directors Michael Martin, PhD, Global Head Takeda Ventures, Inc.; Kenneth Widder, MD, Executive Chairman; and Nikhilesh Singh, PhD, Chief Executive Officer.

The capital will be used to advance the clinical development of OrphoMed's lead candidate, ORP-101, for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D).

ORP-101 is a metabolically stable, partial agonist of the  opioid receptor and antagonist of the  opioid receptor that is designed to mitigate both abdominal pain due to intestinal hyperalgesia and gastric hypermotility associated with IBS-D, without CNS penetration. In multiple clinically relevant animal models ORP-101 has consistently suppressed general and colon-specific hyperalgesic signals. Importantly, ORP-101 has been shown to not cause constriction of the sphincter of Oddi, which in turn could result in acute pancreatitis, as may occur with other  agonists. ORP-101 is a proprietary molecule fully owned by OrphoMed, with no downstream royalties or milestone payments.

Frank Torti, MD, Partner at NEA stated, "This is an exciting opportunity driven by a lead candidate with a proven mechanism of action, a large underserved patient population, and a results-oriented team with recent drug development success. We are thrilled to partner with the OrphoMed team as they work to bring ORP-101 to patients in need."

Nikhilesh Singh, PhD, OrphoMed cofounder and Chief Executive Officer, reiterated, "We are committed to developing drugs for gastrointestinal and hepatic conditions where there is a need for more efficacious and safer treatments. We are excited by the investment from top-tier venture groups, as it validates the company's technology and strategy to pursue ORP-101, which has the potential to be a superior treatment alternative to existing therapies for IBS-D."

Anthony Lembo, MD, Director of GI Motility and Functional Bowel Disorders Program at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School, believes that the pharmacological features of ORP-101 could position the molecule as a novel therapy for IBS-D, where there is an acute need for safe and efficacious treatments.

"There are only a couple of drugs approved for the treatment of IBS-D, each with its own specific limitations, either regarding safety or efficacy," stated Kenneth Widder, MD, OrphoMed's Executive Chairman. "There still are a significant number of patients who cannot be treated with existing approved drugs. As such, we feel there is a large opportunity to bring forward a drug which circumvents the limitations of those drugs currently on the market."

About Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Diarrhea (IBS-D)

IBS-D is a multifactorial, symptom-based disorder marked by recurrent abdominal pain or discomfort and altered bowel function. It affects between 10 to 20 percent of people in the developed world, about one third of whom have IBS associated with diarrhea. IBS-D is more prevalent in women than men (14% vs. 9%). About 57% of patients experience symptoms daily, 25% weekly and 14% monthly. The disease affects daily living, work and leisure. The cost of medical care for IBS patients is approximately 40% more than for the population in general. IBS patients account for approximately 20% of the secondary care burden of GI physicians' outpatient work. The FDA has recently stated that there is a great medical need for new therapies for IBS.

About OrphoMed, Inc.

OrphoMed is a San Francisco Bay Area based clinical stage pharmaceutical company focused on the development of novel first-in-class dimer conjugates with superior therapeutic profiles. The company is leveraging its proprietary dimer platform technology to address the issues of visceral hypersensitivity and hypermotility in functional gastrointestinal disorders. OrphoMed dimers are protected by composition of matter and method of use patents. OrphoMed is also exploring therapeutic applications and partnering opportunities for other dimer conjugates in its pipeline. For more information please visit www.orphomed.com

About NEA

New Enterprise Associates, Inc. (NEA) is a global venture capital firm focused on helping entrepreneurs build transformational businesses across multiple stages, sectors and geographies. With over $19 billion in cumulative committed capital since the firm's founding in 1977, NEA invests in technology and healthcare companies at all stages in a company's lifecycle, from seed stage through IPO. The firm's long track record of successful investing includes more than 210 portfolio company IPOs and more than 360 acquisitions. For additional information, visit www.nea.com

About Takeda Ventures, Inc.

Takeda Ventures, Inc. (TVI) is the corporate venture capital group of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited (Takeda), and was founded in 2001 with the vision of generating disruptive technologies and therapeutic solutions for patients through venture-based partnerships. TVI's mission is to create strategic growth opportunities for Takeda by building, managing and investing in innovation-based companies. TVI partners with academic innovators, entrepreneurs and venture investors to create and nurture a portfolio of companies in an array of therapeutic areas, including oncology, gastroenterology and central nervous system disorders. For additional information, please visit www.takedaventures.com

About Pappas Capital

Founded in 1994, Pappas Capital invests exclusively in the life sciences sector  biotechnology, biopharmaceuticals, drug delivery, medical devices and related ventures  across the United States and Canada. Since 2014, three portfolio companies founded or co-founded by Pappas have been sold to large pharmaceutical companies: CoLucid Pharmaceuticals, bought in March 2017 by Eli Lilly for nearly $1 billion; Afferent Pharmaceuticals, for which Merck paid $500 million upfront and $750 million in milestones; and Lumena Pharmaceuticals, purchased by Shire for more than $300 million. For additional information, visit www.pappas-capital.com

SOURCE OrphoMed, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.orphomed.com


BOULDER, Colo., May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, PasswordPing, an innovative compromised credential and breach notification service, announced a new partnership with LastPass, the pioneer and market leader in password management, to help alert and protect LastPass customers. PasswordPing's API technology provides LastPass with a quick and easy way to screen for individual and enterprise user credentials against a database of billions of compromised credentials.

PasswordPing, an innovative compromised credential and breach notification service, announced a new partnership with LastPass, the pioneer and market leader in password management, to help alert and protect LastPass customers. PasswordPing's API technology provides LastPass with a quick and easy way to screen for individual and enterprise user credentials against a database of billions of compromised credentials. www.passwordping.com www.lastpass.com

"Due to high-profile data breaches taking place each year and the billions of compromised user credentials circulated on the public Internet and Dark Web, compromised credential screening is an important way businesses and government agencies can protect their users from the risk of their accounts being hijacked," said Josh Horwitz, COO and Co-Founder of PasswordPing.

With PasswordPing, LastPass is able to identify high risk end users and put additional security measures in place, such as email alerts and real-time in-product notifications, to block account hijacking attempts and other fraudulent activities.

Cid Ferrara, Vice President of LastPass Specialists, explained, "LastPass is proud to be partnering with PasswordPing as our definitive source for detecting users' credentials that have been compromised. The security risk to both consumers and organizations when credentials are exposed in 3rd party breaches is very real and we strive to keep our users one step ahead. PasswordPing's expertise and dedicated operations for compromised credentials detection make them a great partner to have."

"We are excited to be working with LastPass as our strategic directives are well-aligned. Both PasswordPing and LastPass aim to protect users, customers and employees from fraud, account takeovers, credential stuffing and doxing," said Mike Wilson, CEO and Co-Founder of PasswordPing. He continued, "PasswordPing's compromised credential services will help LastPass better inform their users when their online credentials have been exposed and should no longer be used."

About PasswordPing

PasswordPing's innovative compromised credential and breach notification services were created to protect corporate networks and consumer websites from unauthorized access and fraud. PasswordPing helps organizations screen user accounts for known, compromised credentials and block unauthorized authentication. PasswordPing Ltd. Is a privately held company based out of Boulder, Colorado. For more information, visit: www.passwordping.com or email [email protected].

Media Contact:

Kristen Wilson

[email protected]

720-593-1525

SOURCE PasswordPing

Related Links

http://www.passwordping.com


Langkawi is the venue for PATA Travel Mart 2018 (PTM 2018) with this signature Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) event being hosted by Tourism Malaysia and Langkawi Development Authority. The announcement was by the Associations CEO Dr. Mario Hardy during the PATA Annual Summit in Negombo, Sri Lanka.

Dr. Hardy said, Tourism Malaysia and Langkawi Development Authority have been a valuable PATA member and partner since 1959 and 2017 respectively and we look forward to the opportunity of showcasing the culture, heritage and beauty of Langkawi. Delegates to PTM 2018 will experience one of Asias most remarkable and attractive destinations.

Tourism Malaysia Director General, Datuk Seri Mirza Mohammad Taiyab said, Malaysia is proud and honoured to be given the opportunity to host another PATA event again, this time in the beautiful island of Langkawi. We are pleased to be co-hosts of PATA Travel Mart 2018 with Langkawi Development Authority and look forward to welcoming all PATA members to Malaysia for a fruitful and memorable meeting and networking session.

Langkawi, described as the Isle of Legends and Jewel of Kedah, is one of the worlds great paradise island getaways. A magnet for international eco-tourism, Langkawi was designated a Global Geopark by UNESCO. It is home to numerous tourist attractions and luxury hotels, yet it also retains its old Malaysia charm.

Langkawi is the main island in an archipelago of 99 islands in the Andaman Sea situated off the coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Part of the Malaysian state of Kedah, it lies south of Thailand and east of Indonesian Sumatra.

PATA Travel Mart is Asia-Pacifics premier travel trade show featuring unparalleled networking and contracting opportunities to help travel and tourism organisations access decision makers, meet new clients, expand their networks, establish new relationships and consolidate existing business partnerships.

According to Dato Haji Azizan Noordin, CEO Langkawi Development Authority, PTM 2018 is a much awaited tourism event to be organised in Malaysia especially in Langkawi. It is a great honour for Langkawi Development Authority and Langkawi tourism industry players to jointly host this prestigious event with Tourism Malaysia. PTM will further promote Langkawi as an international resort island destination."

Azizan received his Life Membership Award at PATA Annual Summit 2017 in Negombo, Sri Lanka.

PTM 2018 will take place at the Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre (MIEC), the islands largest convention venue.
BELLEVUE, Wash., May 23, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Paul Gauguin Cruises (www.pgcruises.com), operator of the highest-rated and longest continually sailing luxury cruise ship in the South Pacific, the m/s Paul Gauguin, is pleased to announce it received top honors as the "#1 Cruise Line for Honeymooners" in BRIDES Magazine's 2017 Honeymoon Awards.

The magazine's annual roundup celebrates the most honeymoon-worthy places around the globe including destinations, cruise lines, hotels, and resorts. BRIDES teamed up with Virtuoso, a network of more than 15,000 luxury travel advisors, to find the most romantic escapes for two.

"We are truly thrilled to be recognized as the top cruise line for honeymooners," said Diane Moore, President, Paul Gauguin Cruises. "Our voyages sail to the most romantic destinations in the worldTahiti, French Polynesia, and the South Pacificand provide our guests with exceptional service and a lifetime of memories."

The Honeymoon Awards are listed in the June/July issue of BRIDES, on newsstands nationwide. The full list is published exclusively online, at www.brides.com.

Honeymooners receive a complimentary honeymoon package when sailing with Paul Gauguin Cruises, which includes a special Polynesian blessing ceremony aboard the ship performed by Les Gauguines and Les Gauguins and hosted by the Cruise Director, an in-stateroom celebratory bottle of Champagne, one 8" x 10" photo portrait, and an exclusive pillow gift. For those celebrating a romantic special occasion, Paul Gauguin Cruises also now offers wedding ceremony and renewal of vows packages in a dreamy setting amid the turquoise lagoons and exotic islands of French Polynesia at Motu Mahana, the cruise line's private islet off the coast of Taha'a, or at the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa.

For more information on Paul Gauguin Cruises, please contact a Travel Professional, call 800-848-6172, or visit www.pgcruises.com.

About BRIDES

BRIDES published by Conde Nast, is a bimonthly publication with over five million readers. It has been in publication for over 80 years and serves as an authority on engagements, weddings, and marriage. For more information, visit www.brides.com.

About Paul Gauguin Cruises

Owned by Pacific Beachcomber S.C., French Polynesia's leading luxury hotel and cruise operator, Paul Gauguin Cruises operates the 5+-star cruise ship, the 332-guest m/s Paul Gauguin, providing a deluxe cruise experience tailored to the unparalleled wonders of Tahiti, French Polynesia, Fiji, and the South Pacific. Paul Gauguin Cruises accolades include being voted #2 in the category of "Top Small Cruise Lines" in the Conde Nast Traveler 2016 Readers' Choice Awards and recognition on the publication's 2016 "Gold List." In addition, the line was voted by Travel + Leisure readers "#1 Small-Ship Cruise Line" and "#1 Small-Ship Cruise Line for Families" in the Travel + Leisure 2014 World's Best Awards. Recently, readers voted Paul Gauguin Cruises "#1 Midsize-Ship Ocean Cruise Line" in the Travel + Leisure World's Best Awards 2016.

Media Contact:

Paul Gauguin Cruises

Vanessa Bloy, Director of Public Relations

(425) 440-6255

[email protected]

From Travel + Leisure, August 2016 2016 Time Inc. Affluent Media Group. Used under license. Travel + Leisure and Time Inc. Affluent Media Group are not affiliated with, and do not endorse products or services of Paul Gauguin Cruises.

SOURCE Paul Gauguin Cruises

Related Links

http://www.pgcruises.com


BURBANK, Calif., May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales Original Motion Picture Soundtrack physical and digital soundtrack is set for release from Walt Disney Records on May 26, 2017, the same day the film opens in U.S. theaters. As with the previous "Pirates of the Caribbean" films, and with a nod to its swashbuckling predecessors in the genre, music plays a integral role in "Dead Men Tell No Tales," which features a score by Emmy-winning composer Geoff Zanelli with melodies filled with excitement and intrigue as befits the pirates' latest journey.

Composer Geoff Zanelli is a standout in the film and television scoring industry, garnering accolades and recognition for his diverse musical voice. Notably, his experience with the Pirates franchise goes back to its 2003 beginning, having contributed music and collaborated with composer Hans Zimmer. Some of his other credits include Steven Spielberg's "Into The West," Disney's "The Odd Life of Timothy Green," "The Pacific," "Disturbia," "Hitman," "Outlander" and more recently "Mortdecai," for which he collaborated with Grammy-award winning Mark Ronson on both the co-written score and songs.

Zanelli said, "Pirates of the Caribbean was a dream project for me right from the very first film. To have served these iconic stories, which continue to inspire people young and old all over the world is easily one of the biggest highlights of my life. Musically, I took the helm right as the world of 'Pirates' expanded with a darker and more emotional tale than ever before, and there was no shortage of inspiration each day. Because I approached this with passion equal to the filmmakers, the actors, and everyone else involved, I can say this about my score for 'Dead Men Tell No Tales': I meant every note."

Also available digitally is the bonus track "He's a Pirate" by Hans Zimmer vs. Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike. The original theme was introduced in "The Curse of the Black Pearl" by Oscar-winning composer Hans Zimmer ("Interstellar," "The Dark Knight," "The Lion King") and has been re-recorded by Belgian DJ and music producer duo Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, who recently had two No. 1 hits on Billboard's Dance Club Songs chart.

The Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales Original Motion Picture Soundtrack will be available wherever music is sold on May 26, 2017 HERE and HERE.

ABOUT PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: DEAD MEN TELL NO TALES

Johnny Depp returns to the big screen as the iconic, swashbuckling anti-hero Jack Sparrow in the all-new "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales." The rip-roaring adventure finds down-on-his-luck Captain Jack feeling the winds of ill-fortune blowing strongly his way when deadly ghost sailors, led by the terrifying Captain Salazar (Javier Bardem), escape from the Devil's Triangle bent on killing every pirate at seanotably Jack. Jack's only hope of survival lies in the legendary Trident of Poseidon, but to find it he must forge an uneasy alliance with Carina Smyth (Kaya Scodelario), a brilliant and beautiful astronomer, and Henry (Brenton Thwaites), a headstrong young sailor in the Royal Navy. At the helm of the Dying Gull, his pitifully small and shabby ship, Captain Jack seeks not only to reverse his recent spate of ill fortune, but to save his very life from the most formidable and malicious foe he has ever faced.

"Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales" also stars Kevin R. McNally as Joshamee Gibbs, Golshifteh Farahani as the sea-witch Shansa, David Wenham as Scarfield, Stephen Graham as Scrum, and Geoffrey Rush as Captain Hector Barbossa.

Joachim Rnning and Espen Sandberg are directing "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales" with Jerry Bruckheimer producing. The executive producers are Mike Stenson, Chad Oman, Joe Caracciolo, Jr., Terry Rossio and Brigham Taylor. The story is by Jeff Nathanson and Terry Rossio, and Jeff Nathanson wrote the screenplay.

SOURCE Walt Disney Records
The CASME delegates, led by Mr. Shen Guofang, former Chinese ambassador to the United Nations and former spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, China and Amy Xu, deputy secretary general, CASME visited three cities on its week-long tour of the U.S.: Los Angeles, San Francisco and New York. The group sought to explore growth opportunities in the U.S. and further understand the American business climate. Nine of Porter Novelli's senior leaders met with the group to emphasize the function and importance of public relations when entering the U.S. market, and highlighted the agency's relevant experience and capabilities.

"As China continues to focus on economic expansion, it is exciting to see these companies assess U.S. market opportunities," said Brad MacAfee, global CEO at Porter Novelli. "It was a true honor to meet with Mr. Shen Guofang and CEOs and leading executives from Chinese companies to share Porter Novelli's expertise and guidance for market access."

"The United States and Greater China are not only the two largest economies in the world, but the most flourishing, innovative economic powers which provides tremendous opportunity," said Albert Chan, managing director at Porter Novelli. Chan added "While it is true that there are differences between the two countries in areas such as business climate, cultural and customer behaviors, and yes, even language, none of these are things that cannot be overcome. Porter Novelli is dedicated to bridging the U.S. and China in their business interactions, helping more China enterprises find their place on the global stage and assisting international companies in their efforts to enter the Chinese market."

"The leaders of China and the U.S. meeting in early April signaled that the U.S. and China were opening a new chapter in bilateral relations. The two countries will have closer relationships in business, trade and economic development," said Mr. Guofang. "While at Porter Novelli, we saw a depth of talent, experience and successful methods for enterprises to explore overseas markets and develop the skills needed to be prepare for challenges. I heartily encourage enterprises to explore the myriad of opportunities overseas markets have to offer and discover their own path to success!"

"CASME is dedicated to helping Chinese enterprises develop their business abroad, and is focused on expanding the knowledge and experience these enterprises need to go global," said Xu. "We were impressed by the insights we heard from Porter Novelli last week."

About Porter Novelli

Porter Novelli is a global public relations agency built on a rich heritage of marketing for social good. We've been motivating people to change deeply ingrained behaviors rooted in cultural and social norms for more than 40 years. Porter Novelli is a different kind of agencyand we recognize, respect and champion companies with the spirit, drive and tenacity to do things differently. We like taking on big challenges, and even bigger challengers, and we seek out clients who feel the same wayclients who have the conviction to tell their own story, and the courage to innovate from who they have been into who they know they can be. For additional information, please visit www.porternovelli.com. Porter Novelli is a part of the Omnicom Public Relations Group.

About Omnicom Public Relations Group

Omnicom Public Relations Group is a global collective of three of the top global public relations agencies worldwide and specialist agencies in areas including public affairs, marketing to women, fashion, global health strategy and corporate social responsibility. It encompasses more than 6,000 public relations professionals in more than 330 offices worldwide who provide their expertise to companies, government agencies, NGOs and nonprofits across a wide range of industries. Omnicom Public Relations Group is part of the DAS Group of Companies, a division of Omnicom Group Inc. that includes more than 200 companies in a wide range of marketing disciplines including advertising, public relations, healthcare, customer relationship management, events, promotional marketing, branding and research.

Contact:

Anita Vasudeva

Porter Novelli

[email protected]

+44 (0)7720 277 198

SOURCE Porter Novelli

Related Links

http://porternovelli.com


Infogroup raises a glass to top cities for wine retailers and wineries

OMAHA, Neb., May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Wine enthusiasts looking to celebrate National Wine Day on May 25 should look no further than Portland, Ore., according to data from leading business data and analytics provider Infogroup.

To determine the top U.S. cities for wine lovers, Infogroup used its verified business database of more than 15 million records to identify which metro areas are home to the most wine retailers and wineries. Once these factors were compiled, Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) with a population of 1 million or more were ranked by their concentration of wine-related businesses per 10,000 residents.

Using these indicators, Infogroup ranked the following as the top 10 wine cities:

Portland, Ore. San Francisco Seattle Sacramento, Calif. Rochester, N.Y. San Jose, Calif. New York City Washington, D.C. Hartford, Conn. Cincinnati

Not surprisingly, cities in the Pacific Northwest top Infogroup's list. With 1.545 wine-related businesses per 10K residents, Portland proved the most favorable U.S. city for wine lovers, with San Francisco ranking second with 0.73 per 10K residents. Known for its wine country, California boasts three cities on Infogroup's list.

Total U.S. wine sales (including imports) approached $60 billion in 2016, up 4 percent from 2015. Additionally, 2016 marks the 24th consecutive year of growth for U.S. wine sales.

"Wine lovers can be found in every corner of the country, and over the past few years, wine availability and consumption have both increased considerably," said Rohit Chowdhury, executive vice president of data strategy and operations at Infogroup. "Infogroup's data can assist business owners looking to expand into new markets. If the owner of a winery in northern California is hoping to open a new location this year, our data reveals that they might also find success in less obvious wine cities like Hartford or Cincinnati."

In a previous study, Infogroup also analyzed the top cities for beer. According to Infogroup business data, wine mecca Portland also topped the list for beer-related businesses among the largest metro areas.

"Using data to reveal where a particular industry is thriving can benefit both business owners and marketers," said Mike Iaccarino, chairman and CEO of Infogroup. "Beverage marketers, for example, can look to our data sets for more advanced and personalized targeting to reach either beer or wine lovers. Data-driven insights continue to spearhead marketing, and Infogroup's unique layering capabilities can help marketers become leaders in their respective industries."

Infogroup's U.S. verified database contains more than 15 million business records and its consumer database contains more than 245 million individual consumer records. To read more about Infogroup's full Top 10 U.S. Wine Cities data study, click here.



About Infogroup

Infogroup is a big data, analytics and marketing services provider that delivers best in class data-driven, customer-centric technology solutions. Our data and software-as-a-service (DaaS & SaaS) offerings help clients of all sizes, from small companies to FORTUNE 100TM enterprises, increase their sales and customer loyalty. Infogroup provides both digital and traditional marketing channel expertise that is enhanced by access to our proprietary data on 245MM individuals and 25MM businesses, which is distributed real-time to our clients. For more information, visit: www.infogroup.com.

SOURCE Infogroup

Related Links

http://www.infogroup.com


TSX: PMN

TORONTO and CAMBRIDGE, MA, May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ - ProMIS Neurosciences, a company focused on discovery and development of precision treatments for neurodegenerative diseases, today announced that it has designated PMN350 - a monoclonal antibody (mAb) targeting toxic prion-like forms of amyloid-beta oligomers (AO) - as the Company's second lead product for Alzheimer's disease (AD).

"We previously demonstrated that PMN310, our first lead product for development in Alzheimer's disease, presents the optimal target profile of selectively binding prion-like forms of AO, inhibiting both their propagation and neurotoxicity," stated Dr. Neil Cashman, ProMIS Chief Scientific Officer. "We have now achieved a significant development milestone by demonstrating that PMN350, our second AD lead product directed against a different target on toxic AbO, also displays the optimal target product profile in both in vitro and in vivo tests."

The neuroprotective effect of PMN350 was investigated at SynAging, SAS, a leading contract research organization (CRO) specializing in neurodegenerative diseases. Injection of prion-like forms of AO (also called toxic soluble oligomers) into the brains of mice causes a neurological deficit that can be assessed in a memory-behavior test called novel object recognition. Normal mice exposed to an object remember the familiar object when re-exposed to it and spend more time exploring a newly introduced object. In contrast, AO-injected mice lose the ability to discriminate between known and novel objects and spend equivalent amounts of time exploring both. Results obtained in this assay showed that administration of PMN350 to mice completely prevented the cognitive impairment caused by toxic oligomers. Furthermore, the observed cognitive benefit of PMN350 was correlated with a statistically significant improvement of two synaptic biomarkers (SNAP25, PSD95) and a biomarker of inflammation (TNF) measured in hippocampal brain homogenates.

"We are pleased that our propriety discovery engine has produced a second lead product with the potential to treat Alzheimer's," commented Dr. Elliot Goldstein, ProMIS President and CEO. "With two lead development products, PMN310 and PMN350, each selectively addressing a different target (epitope) on toxic prion-like forms of amyloid-beta oligomers, we look forward to initial evaluation of their relative prevalence in cerebrospinal fluid samples from Alzheimer's patients, thereby paving the way for a precision medicine approach to this devastating disease."

About SynAging, SAS

SynAging focuses on disease-inducing protein aggregates which are involved in the earliest stages of proteopathic neurodegenerative diseases, like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Proteopathic diseases are those in which certain proteins become structurally abnormal, and thereby disrupt the function of cells, tissues and organs of the body. SynAging is a contract research organization based in Nancy, France, providing highly reproducible drug testing services, employing proprietary protein aggregates to initiate symptoms of neurodegenerative diseases in vitro and in vivo.

For further information please consult the SynAging website at:

www.synaging.com

About ProMIS Neurosciences, Inc.

ProMIS Neurosciences is a TSX listed biotech company (trading symbol: PMN.TO), headquartered in Toronto, Ontario and with offices in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The mission of ProMIS is to discover and develop precision medicine therapeutics for effective treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, in particular Alzheimer's disease and ALS.

ProMIS Neurosciences' proprietary target discovery engine is based on the use of two, complementary techniques. The Company applies its thermodynamic, computational discovery platformProMIS and Collective Coordinates  to predict novel targets known as Disease Specific Epitopes (DSEs) on the molecular surface of misfolded proteins. Using this unique "precision medicine" approach, ProMIS Neurosciences is developing novel antibody therapeutics and specific companion diagnostics for Alzheimer's disease and ALS. The company has also developed two proprietary technologies to specifically identify very low levels of misfolded proteins in a biological sample. In addition, ProMIS Neurosciences owns a portfolio of therapeutic and diagnostic patents relating to misfolded SOD1 in ALS, and currently has a preclinical monoclonal antibody therapeutic against this target.

The TSX has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This information release may contain certain forward-looking information. Such information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those implied by statements herein, and therefore these statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results. All forward-looking statements are based on the Company's current beliefs as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to it as well as other factors. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. Due to risks and uncertainties, including the risks and uncertainties identified by the Company in its public securities filings, actual events may differ materially from current expectations. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

For further information please consult the Company's website at:

www.promisneurosciences.com

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SOURCE ProMIS Neurosciences Inc.
SAN FRANCISCO, May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

The global protein expression market is expected to reach USD 3.0 billion by the year 2025 growing at a CAGR of 10.4%, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. The growing demand for biologics and expansion of the biopharmaceutical industry have resulted in massive growth of the protein expression market. Rising demand for therapeutic proteins such as insulin, hormones, monoclonal antibodies, and vaccines is a major factor that propels growth of the market during forecast period. Thus, many biotechnology and pharmaceuticals companies have begun to concentrate on the development and manufacturing of advanced therapeutic proteins for the treatment of severe chronic diseases such as cancer, hemophilia, infectious diseases, anemia, and multiple sclerosis.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160524/371361LOGO )



Increasing investment in the R&D, by biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, is another major factor supporting the sector growth. The availability of new and advanced technologies to cater the needs of drugs & biologics product manufacturers boosts the adoption of protein expression products for research and manufacturing applications. In addition, several pharmaceutical and biotechnology manufacturers are undergoing collaborations and partnerships to achieve leadership in the sector. For instance, in December 2016, Takara Bio, Inc. signed a merger agreement with Rubicon Genomics, Inc. to strengthen its genomics business.

Browse full research report with TOC on "Protein Expression Market By Expression Systems (Prokaryotic, Mammalian Cell), By Product (Reagents, Competent Cells), By Application (Therapeutic, Industrial), By End-use, And Segment Forecasts, 2014 - 2025" at: http://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/protein-expression-market

Further key findings from the report suggest:

Prokaryotic expression systems segment was the largest revenue-generating amongst others owing to its large application in biologics and drug productions

Mammalian cell expression systems is the fastest growing segment of the protein expression market owing to its growing demand for proteomics research and biologics manufacturing

Reagents segment held the largest revenue share in the market, which is attributed to its repetitive purchase fortherapeutic, industrial, and research applications

The services segment is projected to grow at highest rate due to increasing trend of outsourcing of protein expression services by research labs and drug manufacturers

Therapeutic application segment was leading in 2016, due to high demand of therapeutic proteins for the treatment of cancer, infectious diseases, anemia, hemophilia, and multiple sclerosis

The pharmaceutical and biotechnological companies segment dominated the sector in terms of revenue in 2016 due to rising focus on proteomics research and increasing production of biologics products

North America was the leading regional market in 2016 and is expected to maintain its dominance during the forecast period, because of the presence of large number of biopharmaceutical and biotechnology companies in this region

was the leading regional market in 2016 and is expected to maintain its dominance during the forecast period, because of the presence of large number of biopharmaceutical and biotechnology companies in this region The Asia Pacific region is projected to grow at a highest CAGR during the forecast period owing to untapped opportunities in the developing countries including China and India

region is projected to grow at a highest CAGR during the forecast period owing to untapped opportunities in the developing countries including and Some of the major players include Agilent Technologies, Inc., Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc., Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., Merck KGaA, New England Biolabs, Promega Corporation, Qiagen, and Takara Bio , Inc.

Browse related reports by Grand View Research:

Aquaculture Therapeutics Market - http://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/aquaculture-therapeutics-market

Chemotherapy Induced Anemia Market - http://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/chemotherapy-induced-anemia-market

Anti-Osteoporosis Therapy And Fracture Healing Market - http://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/anti-osteoporosis-therapy-fracture-healing-market

Bio Hazards Bag Market - http://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/bio-hazards-bag-market

Grand View Research has segmented the global protein expression market on the basis of expression systems, product, application, end-use, and region:

Expression Systems Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; 2014 - 2025) Prokaryoticexpression systems Mammalian cell expression systems Insect cell expression systems Yeast expression systems Other expression systems

Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; 2014 - 2025) Reagents Competent cells Expression vectors Services Instruments

Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; 2014 - 2025) Therapeutic Industrial Research

End-Use Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; 2014 - 2025) Pharmaceutical and biotechnological companies Academic research Contract research organizations Others

Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; 2014 - 2025) North America U.S. Canada Europe Germany UK Asia Pacific Japan China India Latin America Brazil Mexico MEA South Africa



Read Our Blog: http://www.grandviewresearch.com/blogs/healthcare

About Grand View Research

Grand View Research, Inc. is a U.S. based market research and consulting company, registered in the State of California and headquartered in San Francisco. The company provides syndicated research reports, customized research reports, and consulting services. To help clients make informed business decisions, we offer market intelligence studies ensuring relevant and fact-based research across a range of industries, from technology to chemicals, materials and healthcare.

Contact:

Sherry James

Corporate Sales Specialist, USA

Grand View Research, Inc

Phone: +1-415-349-0058

Toll Free: +1-888-202-9519

Email: [email protected]



Web: http://www.grandviewresearch.com



SOURCE Grand View Research, Inc.
NEW YORK, May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Provident Funding Associates, L.P. (the "Company") and PFG Finance Corp. (the "Co-Issuer" and, together with the Company, the "Issuers") announced today that they commenced a tender offer to purchase for cash (the "Tender Offer") any and all of the $452,391,000 aggregate principal amount outstanding of their 6.75% Senior Notes due 2021 (the "Notes") and a solicitation of consents (the "Consent Solicitation") for proposed amendments to the related indenture. The Tender Offer and the Consent Solicitation are being made pursuant to an Offer to Purchase and Consent Solicitation Statement dated as of May 24, 2017 (the "Offer to Purchase and Consent Solicitation Statement"), and related consent and letter of transmittal. The Tender Offer will expire at 12:00 midnight, New York City time, on June 21, 2017.

Holders of Notes that are validly tendered prior to the consent payment deadline of 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on June 7, 2017 and accepted for purchase will receive total consideration of $1,037.50 per $1,000 principal amount of Notes validly tendered and accepted for purchase, which includes a consent payment of $30 per $1,000 principal amount of Notes, plus any accrued and unpaid interest up to, but not including, the initial settlement date, which is expected to be June 8, 2017.

Pursuant to the Consent Solicitation, the Issuers are soliciting from holders of the Notes consents to amendments to the indenture governing the Notes that would eliminate most of the covenants, certain events of default applicable to the Notes and amend certain other provisions contained in such indenture and the Notes (the "Proposed Amendments"). Adoption of the Proposed Amendments requires the consent of the holders of at least a majority of the outstanding principal amount of the Notes. A holder may not revoke a consent without withdrawing the previously tendered Notes to which such consent relates. Notes tendered may only be withdrawn, and related consents revoked, prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on June 7, 2017, unless extended, except in limited circumstances where additional withdrawal rights are required by law.

Holders of Notes that are validly tendered after the consent payment deadline, but prior to the expiration of the Tender Offer, and accepted for purchase will receive the tender offer consideration of $1,007.50 per $1,000 principal amount of Notes, plus any accrued and unpaid interest up to, but not including, the final settlement date, which is expected to be June 22, 2017. Holders of Notes tendered after the consent payment deadline and accepted for purchase will not receive a consent payment. Consummation of the Tender Offer and the Consent Solicitation are subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the conditions set forth in the Offer to Purchase and Consent Solicitation Statement, including the financing condition and the supplemental indenture condition described therein. The Issuers may amend, extend or terminate the Tender Offer and the Consent Solicitation in their sole discretion.

This news release is neither an offer to purchase nor a solicitation of an offer to sell any Notes. The Tender Offer and the Consent Solicitation are being made only pursuant to the Offer to Purchase and Consent Solicitation Statement and related consent and letter of transmittal, copies of which will be delivered to holders of the Notes. Persons with questions regarding the Tender Offer and the Consent Solicitation should contact the dealer manager, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, at (888) 292-0070 (toll free) or (980) 387-5602 (collect) or the information agent, D.F. King & Co., Inc., at (212) 269-5550 (banks and brokers) or (800) 628-8532 (toll-free).

The Company is a leading private, independent mortgage company that originates and services residential mortgage loans. For the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company was the fourth largest wholesale mortgage originator and the twenty-third largest direct mortgage originator in the United States, with $11.3 billion in mortgage loan origination volume funded directly to borrowers. For the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company's originations totaled $12.0 billion, including loans originated through its correspondent channel.

The Co-Issuer is a wholly-owned special purpose finance subsidiary of the Company that conducts no business activities other than serving as an issuer of the Notes and other comparable financing activities.

Some of the statements in this release may constitute forward-looking statements. Such statements are based on our current expectations and could be affected by numerous factors and are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Do not rely on any forward-looking statement, as we cannot predict or control many of the factors that ultimately may affect our ability to achieve the results estimated. We make no promise to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of changes in underlying factors, new information, future events or otherwise.

Contact:

Provident Funding Associates, L.P.

851 Traeger Avenue

San Bruno, California 94066

(650) 6521300

Investors:

Tim Maimone, (650) 652-1300

[email protected]

SOURCE Provident Funding Associates, L.P.
MOUNT LAUREL, N.J., May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Ralph Izzo, president, chairman and chief executive officer of Public Service Enterprise Group (PSEG), today called for a set of statewide regulatory reforms that would create financial incentives for utilities to help their customers reduce at-home energy use, as well as expand access to renewable energy and new energy-saving technologies.

He also encouraged New Jersey utility regulators to consider longer-term approval of energy infrastructure projects, which would lead to additional job creation.

Izzo delivered his remarks at a state energy forum sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey.

"Customers' demands are changing," Izzo said. "They want more reliability, they want more resilient power, they want cleaner energy and they want access to smart technology to better understand their energy usage  all while keeping bills affordable."

In order to meet these competing demands, utilities and the regulatory framework that governs them must adapt from a system that encourages utilities to sell as much energy as possible to a new system that provides incentives for the utility to promote greater energy efficiency, Izzo said.

"Energy efficiency is the critical component that will drive the utility of the future," Izzo said. "The cheapest kilowatt remains the one that is not needed."

"While New Jersey has set aggressive goals for renewables, we have only taken baby steps in the area of energy efficiency," he said.

The universal reach of utilities, touching every home and business in their service territory, means that investment in energy efficiency at the utility level would ensure all customers, at every income level, would reap the benefits of those programs.

Similarly, utilities can help promote universal access to renewable energy sources, such as solar energy. PSEG has already spent more than $1 billion on solar projects in New Jersey and 13 other states.

"While the sun is free, we need to remember that converting it to energy is not," Izzo said. "We need to invest in renewables in a way that helps match those who pay for the attributes of renewables (all ratepayers and taxpayers) with those who reap the benefits of those investments."

Izzo also discussed the role utilities can play in helping increase the speed of adoption and depth of penetration of new technology.

"The utility, with its network and strong customer relations, can be the ultimate sales channel for new energy products and services," he said.

Izzo also called for a new look at how New Jersey regulates the long-term modernization of gas and electric infrastructure. He said the state can improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the long-term project-approval process without reducing regulatory oversight.

New Jersey's Board of Public Utilities typically approves infrastructure projects  such as PSE&G's programs to flood-proof electric substations or replace aging cast-iron gas mains  in three-year increments. A longer-term approval would allow utilities to plan their purchasing and hiring more efficiently and lead to creation of more jobs, Izzo said.

As New Jersey strives to meet changing customer demands, Izzo warned that if New Jersey nuclear plants are allowed to close, the state will move backward in the areas of reliability, clean air and affordable electric bills.

"If done right, the future of energy in New Jersey is one where we use less energy, the energy we use is cleaner and more reliable, and bills are affordable," Izzo said.

Public Service Enterprise Group (NYSE: PEG) is a publicly traded diversified energy company with annual revenues of $9.1 billion. Its operating subsidiaries are: Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G), PSEG Power, and PSEG Long Island.

Want to know what's new at PSEG? Go to www.pseg.com/getnews and sign up to have our press releases sent right to your inbox.

Visit PSEG at:

www.pseg.com

PSEG on Facebook

PSEG on Twitter

PSEG on LinkedIn

PSEG blog, Energize!

SOURCE Public Service Enterprise Group (PSEG)

Related Links

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NEW YORK, May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Psyllium Seed market is expected to grow from $XX million in 2016 to reach $XX million by 2022 with a CAGR of XX%. Health advantages in reducing heart diseases, constipation, and diarrhea are some of the factors propelling the market growth. Growing demand for psyllium seed in reducing obesity, inflammatory bowel diseases are also influencing the market growth. Uses of psyllium seed in animal feed which helps them to grow without any side effects is one of the major factors propelling the market growth during the forecast period.





Read the full report: http://www.reportlinker.com/p04917246/Psyllium-Seed-Global-Market-Outlook.html







Based on industrial application, food industry segment leads the market globally with the highest share during the forecast period. The growth of this segment is owed to the increasing use of psyllium seed powder in breads, drinks, ice creams and bakery products. On the other hand, pharmaceutical industry has acquired the highest growth rate during the forecast period. The growth is contributed to the rising consumption of psyllium seed paste in anti-agent for skin care. Europe is expected to witness highest growth rate during the forecast period due to the maximum consumption of these seeds in pharmaceutical industry.



Some of the key players in global psyllium seed market include Satnam Psyllium Industries, Jyotindra International, Atlas Industries, JYOT Overseas Pvt. Ltd, Abhyuday Indutries, Rajganga Agro Product Pvt.Ltd, Shree Mahalaxmi psyllium Pvt. Ltd, Ispasen Remedies and Shubh Psyllium Industries.



Applications Covered:

- Manufacturing Industry

- Logistics Industry

- Retail Industry

- Animal feed

- Therapeutics application

- Industrial application

o Cosmetic industry

o Food industry

o Pharmaceutical industry



Product Types Covered:

- Plastic Pallet

- Wood Pallet

- Other Product Types



Regions Covered:

- North America

o US

o Canada

o Mexico

- Europe

o Germany

o France

o Italy

o UK

o Spain

o Rest of Europe

- Asia Pacific

o Japan

o China

o India

o Australia

o New Zealand

o Rest of Asia Pacific

- Rest of the World

o Middle East

o Brazil

o Argentina

o South Africa

o Egypt



What our report offers:

- Market share assessments for the regional and country level segments

- Market share analysis of the top industry players

- Strategic recommendations for the new entrants

- Market forecasts for a minimum of 7 years of all the mentioned segments, sub segments and the regional markets

- Market Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations)

- Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations

- Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends

- Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments

- Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancements



Read the full report: http://www.reportlinker.com/p04917246/Psyllium-Seed-Global-Market-Outlook.html



About Reportlinker

ReportLinker is an award-winning market research solution. Reportlinker finds and organizes the latest industry data so you get all the market research you need - instantly, in one place.



http://www.reportlinker.com





__________________________

Contact Clare: [email protected]

US: (339)-368-6001

Intl: +1 339-368-6001

SOURCE Reportlinker

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BOSTON, May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- RapidMiner, the company that delivers real data science, fast and simple, today announced record revenue and new customer acquisition in Q1 2017. Additional milestones in the company's first quarter include being recognized as a leader by two industry analyst firms and releasing two updates to its flagship data science platform.

"RapidMiner had an excellent quarter, driven by accelerated adoption inside global enterprises," said Peter Lee, chief executive officer at RapidMiner. "The growth of machine learning and artificial intelligence in the enterprise creates a tremendous opportunity for RapidMiner. Our unique approach lets data science teams work faster to deliver more transformational business impact, freeing organizations from the complexity and cost of legacy data science approaches."

New customers signed by RapidMiner in Q1 2017 span a variety of industries including manufacturing, financial services, telecom, and government organizations. New customers signed in its Q1 include:

A $300b+ global electronics manufacturer who selected RapidMiner to analyze customer behavior and improve the effectiveness of its product launches and marketing campaigns.

A federally funded research and development center who selected RapidMiner to improve the productivity of their data science team across a diverse set of users and use cases.

A $100b+ energy company who selected RapidMiner to analyze text from millions of documents to provide better customer support to internal and external stakeholders.

Product Highlights

RapidMiner released two updates to its flagship data science platform in Q1. New product enhancements include:

SparkRM, enabling any operator or process in RapidMiner Studio to run in-parallel inside a Hadoop environment using Apache Spark as the execution framework.

Enhanced parallel process execution to speed operations by a factor of 10x or more.

Background process execution, allowing users to run multiple jobs in the background while they continue to work inside RapidMiner Studio.

A new data core that lowers the memory footprint of RapidMiner Studio, speeding data preparation tasks that modify or create new attributes.

Company News

RapidMiner added industry veteran Andy Walter to its advisory board. Walter led the Commercial Services & Delivery Organization for Procter & Gamble's Global Business Services, where he was responsible for IT & Shared Services. He has over 15 years of experience working on Boards and in Board level advisory roles, including Digimarc, Fractal Analytics, Virtualitics (a CalTech/JPL Analytics Startup), Ivy Mobility, and SignalsAnalytics.

to its advisory board. Walter led the Commercial Services & Delivery Organization for Procter & Gamble's Global Business Services, where he was responsible for IT & Shared Services. He has over 15 years of experience working on Boards and in Board level advisory roles, including Digimarc, Fractal Analytics, Virtualitics (a CalTech/JPL Analytics Startup), Ivy Mobility, and SignalsAnalytics. Gartner, Inc. positioned RapidMiner in the Leaders quadrant of the 2017 Magic Quadrant for Data Science Platforms for the fourth year in a row.

RapidMiner was named a Leader in the Forrester Research, Inc. report: "The Forrester Wave  : Predictive Analytics and Machine Learning Solutions, Q1 2017." Forrester noted that RapidMiner "wraps breadth and depth in a beautiful package."

: Predictive Analytics and Machine Learning Solutions, Q1 2017." Forrester noted that RapidMiner "wraps breadth and depth in a beautiful package." RapidMiner expanded its partner network across the globe, adding new partners in Hong Kong , Hungary , Lebanon , Spain , South Africa , Turkey , and the UK.

"RapidMiner's unified data science platform lets us address a broad spectrum of use cases across customer, operational, and risk analytics," said Patrick Pang, Head of Solution Consulting at Jardine OneSolution (HK) Limited. "Through our partnership with RapidMiner, we bring our customers the very best of both established and emerging technologies that power growth and support performance of business and governments."

About RapidMiner

RapidMiner builds software for real data science, fast and simple. We make data science teams more productive through a lightning fast platform that unifies data prep, machine learning, and model deployment. More than 200,000 users in over 150 countries use RapidMiner products to drive revenue, reduce costs, and avoid risks.

For more information, visit rapidminer.com.

Media Contacts:

Tom Wentworth, RapidMiner

[email protected]

+1 (617) 401-7708

SOURCE RapidMiner

Related Links

http://www.rapidminer.com


Organised by the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts (IKSV) under the sponsorship of Garanti Bank, the 24th Istanbul Jazz Festival will take place between 4-20 July, with a brand new showcase to run along the festival. The 24th Istanbul Jazz Festival will feature more than 200 local and international names in 20 different venues around Istanbul.

Istanbul Jazz Festival inaugurates a new project in its 24th edition to support successful contemporary music acts from Turkey in their international ventures. Aligned with the festivals mission of expanding intercultural dialogue, Vitrin: Showcase for Contemporary Music from Turkey will introduce Turkeys local music scene to key players of international music sector. The showcase will take place from 5 to 8 July, 2017, under the sponsorship of SOCAR Turkey and several festival concerts by 30 artists and ensembles from Turkey will be viewed by international delegates and journalists, together with the audience.

Within the scope of Vitrin, various concerts, seminars and sectoral events will be organised to create networking opportunities for local musicians. Two musicians or bands will receive further encouragement with SOCAR Turkey Silk Road Tour Support Award that entails financial support for their upcoming international tours. The selection for the award will be made by the international delegates of Vitrin.

Two of this years performers at Vitrin will be presented with SOCAR Turkey Silk Road Tour Support Award. Both recipients will be given a 2,500 Euros of support for their international tours planned for the next year. Recipients of the award will be selected by the international delegates of Vitrin following an evaluation process, the details of which will be announced on the Vitrin website. The results will be made public by IKSV after the completion of the events.

Vitrin showcase will feature concerts by Husnu Senlendirici, Ismail Tuncbilek and Aytac Dogan as Taksim Trio; Ceylan Ertem who narrowed the gap between alternative and pop music with her five albums; Turkey's rare fretless guitar virtuoso Cenk Erdogan; jazz guitarist and composer Bilal Karamans trio with their blend of modern harmonies and improvisations; MadenOktemErsonmez, comprising Sarp Maden, Alp Ersonmez and Volkan Oktem with their combination of rock, drum'n bass, punk, noise, electronics and ambient music; Korhan Futac & Kara Orkestra with their creative style that travels across jazz and rock music; and the duo project of two talented jazz artists, bass player Kagan Yldz and pianist Can Cankaya.

Another event included in the showcase programme will be Night Out, a festival favourite. Some of the most exciting and alternative names of the independent scene such as Gevende, Son Feci Bisiklet, Jakuzi, Kolektif Istanbul, Kamufle Moral Band, Big Beats Big Times, Cem Tuncer Quartet, Lahza Cenk Erdogan & Ikiz, Cagl Kaya, Akn Sevgor, Eskiz, Grup Ses, Hayvanlar Alemi, Yakaza Ensemble, Help! The Captain Threw Up, Tolerance Break, Ozgun Semerci, Meric Calsan and No Land will give concerts in various venues at the Asian side of Istanbul, in Kadkoy and Moda neighbourhoods, within the scope of Night Out. As part of the series, Yuruyen Merdiven ft. Tolga Bilgin & Kristian Lind, Geeva Flava and Rain Lab (Idil Mese & Da Poet) will give concerts at Salon IKSV.
Within just one week, 18 customers have made the deposit who would enjoy $5,000 bonus and the first 10 have another $500 discount. Around 100 inquiries have been made with customers showing high interest in SANY's mini excavators. In addition, on Facebook, local communities and B2B platforms, there has been enthusiastic feedback about the promotion activity and SANY equipment.

With the superb performance and high reliability, SANY mini excavators have won recognition in Australia and New Zealand. "SANY is a famous brand, and I've been to Changsha where its headquarter is located. My colleagues will visit SANY's excavator workshop in China in June. I'm looking forward to the cooperation," said by Mr. Adam in New Zealand.

Mr. Ragsdale also spoke highly of SANY machines. "I've never heard of SANY till I bought one. I took a gamble but I wish I could have had one 20 years ago! Best excavator ever built hands down. Thank you SANY, I will purchase more. Wish I could get dozers here, and could sell them like hot cakes."

The SY16C and SY35U promotion will last till June 15. By paying only $100 deposit, eligible customers can claim a $5,000 bonus and free sea freight. With the best offer ever, unrivaled quality and efficiency, SANY mini excavator will never disappoint you.



SY16C SY35U OPERATING WEIGHT 1750kg 3780kg SWING SPEED 10rpm 9rpm ENGINE MODEL YANMAR YANMAR RATED POWER 10.3/2200kW/rpm 20.4/2200kW/rpm BUCKET MAX. DIGGING FORCE 15.2kN 30.4kN ARM MAX.DIGGING FORCE 9.2kN 18.2kN HYDRAULIC SYSTEM Load Sensing System Load Sensing System

About SANY

SANY Group (SANY) is a leading global heavy machinery manufacturer with plants in the US, Germany, Brazil and India, and business covering over 100 countries and regions worldwide. The company has been recognized as one of the most innovative and successful companies in the world, and its concrete machinery is ranked No. 1 globally.

For more information, please visit: www.sanyglobal.com, or follow SANY Group on Facebook and YouTube.

For more information contact:

Lisa Li

+86-182-4214-6653

[email protected]

SOURCE SANY
BOSTON, May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Sappi North America, a leading producer and supplier of diversified paper and packaging products, today announced its call for entries for its 2017 Ideas that Matter grant program, inviting designers to show the world how design  specifically print  can play an important role in changing lives for the better. Sappi established the Ideas that Matter grant program 18 years ago to fund designers who apply their creative talents to causes that address significant issues facing our society.

Over more than a decade and a half, Sappi has witnessed firsthand how the creative and integrated work of designers can change society. Sappi remains committed to the belief that good ideas inspire people to take action, and great ideas change the world. With so many media choices available, print is at the heart of influential and effective messaging and a perfect complement to promote positive social causes.

"Over the course of the Ideas that Matter program, Sappi has financed more than 500 charitable programs designed to better our lives, our communities and our planet. The breadth, quality and impact of projects we've supported have made a meaningful difference in people's lives across the globe," said Patti Groh, Marketing Communications Director, Sappi North America. "Social design impacts society in a positive way so we're honored to annually provide support for the work of designers and nonprofits."

This year's panel of judges include:

Dana Arnett , Founding Partner and Vice Chairman, VSA Partners

, Founding Partner and Vice Chairman, VSA Partners Randy J. Hunt , Vice President of Design, Etsy

, Vice President of Design, Etsy Matthew Manos , Founder and Managing Director, verynice.

, Founder and Managing Director, verynice. De Nichols, Director, Civic Creatives

Ideas that Matter Come to Life

Ideas that Matter is the only grant program of its kind in the paper industry and is a key part of Sappi's corporate social responsibility efforts. Since 1999, the program has provided nearly $13 million to support causes that change lives, communities, and ultimately, the planet.

The 2016 winners included Design Museum Foundation, The Blank Page for SOLA/School of Leadership in Afghanistan, MICA in support of Johns Hopkins University Lerner Center for Public Health, Felicidad for Ashoka, Center for Design in the Public Interest/UC Davis for the Hill Country Health and Wellness Center, McSweeney's for 826 National, Parsons The New School for Design to support The Point CDC and Art Center College of Design/Design Matters for Coaniquem BCF/The Burned Children Foundation.

Videos of previous winners can be viewed on Sappi's Ideas that Matter website. Additional information is available on Sappi's Facebook page, Twitter at @SappiNA, and Instagram.

Selection Criteria and How to Enter

Ideas that Matter proposals are evaluated on creativity, potential effectiveness and practicality by an annually selected, independent panel of judges who are influential in the design industry. The call for Ideas that Matter submissions is open to individual designers, design firms, agencies, in-house corporate design departments, design instructors, individual design students and design student groups. Only applicants in North America may apply. Grant awards range from $5,000 to $50,000 USD per project. Each application must include an IRS 501(c)3 letter or Canadian equivalent of the applicant's nonprofit organization.

Applications for the 2017 program must be submitted and postmarked no later than July 7, 2017. Judging takes place in August, grants are announced in September, and awards distributed in October.

To obtain an entry form or for more information on the Ideas that Matter grant, please visit here or call 800-882-4332.

About Sappi North America

Sappi North America, headquartered in Boston, is a market leader in converting wood fiber into superior products that customers demand worldwide. The success of our four diversified businesses  high quality Coated Printing Papers, Specialised Cellulose, Release Papers and Specialty Packaging  is driven by strong customer relationships, best-in-class people and advantaged assets, products and services. Our high quality Coated Printing Papers, including McCoy, Opus, Somerset and Flo, are the key platform for premium magazines, catalogs, books and high-end print advertising. We are a leading manufacturer of Specialised Cellulose used in a wide range of products, including textile fibers and household goods, and one of the world's leading suppliers of Release Papers with our Ultracast, PolyEX, Classics and Neoterix lines for the automotive, fashion and engineered films industries. Our Specialty Packaging products, such as LusterPrint and LusterCote, represent an important asset in the food packaging and labeling industries. Customers rely on Sappi for high technical, operational and market expertise; products and services delivered with consistently high quality and reliability; and, state-of-the-art and cost-competitive assets and innovative spirit.

Sappi North America is a subsidiary of Sappi Limited (JSE), a global company headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa, with more than 12,000 employees and manufacturing operations on three continents in seven countries and customers in over 150 countries around the world. Learn more about Sappi at: www.sappi.com.

SOURCE Sappi North America

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WASHINGTON, May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Administrator Linda McMahon of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the appointment of four new Associate Administrators: Peter Cazamias for the Office of International Trade; Robb Wong for the Office of Government Contracting and Business Development; Allen Gutierrez for the Office of Entrepreneurial Development; and Michael Hershey for the Office of Congressional and Legislative Affairs.

"I am thrilled to welcome four Associate Administrators to our team here at SBA," McMahon said. "We are continuing to bring talented, accomplished individuals onboard so our agency always operates in the most efficient, effective way possible. Each of our new Associate Administrators brings a breadth of knowledge, expertise and experience that will help America's small businesses succeed."

Peter Cazamias, Associate Administrator, Office of International Trade

Peter Cazamias is responsible for administrating the newly reorganized department with oversight and execution of four program divisions: (1) The Federal & State Trade Development Division, (2) The International Trade Finance Division, (3) The International Affairs & Trade Policy Division, and (4) Administration & Operations with focus on Budget, Human Resources, and Management.

Prior to joining the SBA, Cazamias consulted with an entrepreneurial partnership on a real estate private equity fund. Before this, he spent seven years in the energy industry, where he served as a business segment manager for an oilfield service supplier FMC-Technip and worked at a pipeline technology company Insituform (now Aegion Corp.). Cazamias served our country as a Marine Officer on active duty until October 2002, serving as a Judge Advocate in Quantico, VA, and achieving the rank of Captain. He also received a BA from Yale University, a Doctorate of Jurisprudence from The University of Texas, and an MBA in finance from University of Pennsylvania. Cazamias is fluent in Spanish, Italian and French and speaks some Mandarin.

Robb Wong, Associate Administrator, Office of Government Contracting and Business Development

Robb Wong advocates for small businesses in federal government contracting across government. Historically, the AA/GCBD oversees more than $500 billion in total federal spending within the federal marketplace and helps ensure that small businesses can compete for federal contracting opportunities.

Wong has a depth of experience focused on small business. He started his career as an SBA attorney in the Office of General Counsel; then was a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Houston District Office; and later was the SBA Acting District Director/Counsel in the Lubbock District Office. From 1996 to 2017, Wong held several leadership positions in several small businesses that successfully used the SBA's products and programs to enhance their growth. He is a graduate of Georgetown University Law Center.

Allen Gutierrez, Associate Administrator, Office Entrepreneurial Development

Allen Gutierrez oversees a nationwide network of offices, business executives, and mentors that support current and aspiring business owners as they start, grow, and compete in today's global market. This nationwide network includes the following Resource Partners: Women's Business Centers (WBCs), Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs), and SCORE.

Most recently, Gutierrez served as the national Executive Director of The Latino Coalition (TLC). Under his leadership, the coalition grew to include 1.2 million Hispanic business owners and over 90 coalition partners, transforming TLC into one of the nation's largest and most effective Latino advocacy groups. Gutierrez previously served in the U.S. Small Business Administration from 2001 to 2006; during his tenure, he served as Senior Advisor to the Chief Operating Officer, as well as Senior Advisor to the Office of International Trade.

Born in San Jose, Costa Rica, Gutierrez immigrated to California in 1974, where he achieved his dream of becoming the first member of his family to graduate from an accredited four-year college. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in political science with a minor in business administration from the University of Southern California.

Michael Hershey, Associate Administrator, Office of Congressional and Legislative Affairs

Michael Hershey focuses on Congressional relations and the development and enactment of SBA legislative proposals. This office works with congressional members and committees to ensure that Administration policy is properly represented in legislation and that all congressional stakeholders are fully informed about SBA programs and initiatives.

Hershey was Principal of Columbia Strategies, a government relations and consulting firm in the broadcast industry. The firm's portfolio addressed communications, policy and legal issues related to copyright law, communications law and tax law. Previously, he was the Senior Vice President of Government Relations for the National Association of Broadcasters, where he advocated for the 8,300 television and radio members of NAB.

Hershey also has extensive experience on Capitol Hill. He served as Chief of Staff and Legislative Director for U.S. Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA); was a Ways and Means Associate; and served as a Legislative Aide to his hometown congressman Representative Bob Walker (R-PA). Hershey earned his Bachelor of Arts in government from Franklin and Marshall College.

About the Small Business Administration

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) was created in 1953 and since January 13, 2012 has served as a Cabinet-level agency of the federal government to aid, counsel, assist and protect the interests of small business concerns, to preserve free competitive enterprise and to maintain and strengthen the overall economy of our nation. The SBA helps Americans start, build and grow businesses. Through an extensive network of field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations, the SBA delivers its services to people throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Guam. To learn more about SBA, visit http://www.sba.gov .

Release Number: 17-39

Contact: Roma Daravi, 202-205-6552

Internet Address: www.sba.gov/news

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SOURCE U.S. Small Business Administration

Related Links

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WASHINGTON, May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Small Enterprise Assistance Funds (SEAF) announces the closing of SEAF Women's Opportunity Fund for Southeast Asia, in partnership with Investing in Women, an initiative of the Australia Government to catalyze inclusive economic growth and poverty reduction in South East Asia.

The SEAF Women's Opportunity Fund will apply SEAF's gender lens approach to make equity and quasi-equity investments of generally between $1 million and $2.5 million in women-led businesses in the Philippines, Vietnam and Indonesia. SEAF will also seek co-investment on a case by case basis from its global Flex Accounts.

In addition to gender inclusion, the Fund's investment thesis targets growth-oriented companies that can scale to produce commercial, risk-adjusted financial returns along with clear and measurable social and environmental impact. The Women's Opportunity Fund will be sector agnostic, but is expected to make investments that involve other key impact themes beyond gender such as job creation, sustainable agribusiness, healthcare, education and environmental sustainability.

"SEAF is pleased to launch the Women's Opportunity Fund, recognizing the untapped potential of women entrepreneurs due to the significant gender financing gap that exists globally," said Bob Webster, Managing Director of Impact Investing Strategy at SEAF. "We believe that the Philippines, Vietnam and Indonesia are excellent markets for the Fund, given their projected high growth rates over the next five years and the outstanding women entrepreneurs in the region."

"The Women's Opportunity Fund is an important step in SEAF's pursuit of its mission of investing in underserved markets and sectors globally," said Bert van der Vaart, CEO of SEAF. "Our research has shown that women-led businesses present an excellent opportunity to realize both superior financial returns and significant social and environmental impact. SEAF will seek to build off the success of this first stage initiative, as well as its already extensive experience with women entrepreneurs, to scale to a larger regional and ultimately global fund focusing on women-led businesses. "

"The Women's Opportunity Fund will assist us to understand how impact investors can best serve the needs of women-led businesses. This is an important step in addressing the enormous deficit in financial services for women entrepreneurs," said Julia Newton-Howes, CEO of Investing in Women. "We are very pleased and excited for the formalization of this partnership with SEAF which will stimulate greater economic empowerment of women entrepreneurs in emerging markets, and help to identify areas for further exploration and action," she adds.

SEAF has established local investment teams in Vietnam and the Philippines and will work in cooperation with Sovereign's Capital in Indonesia. The Women's Opportunity Fund will be integrated into SEAF's global investment organization and will comply with SEAF's global environmental, social and governance standards. The local SEAF teams will also provide substantial post-investment support, particularly in the areas of financial management and governance.

SEAF is an SEC registered, impact investment fund manager, investing risk capital and providing business support to growth-oriented SMEs in frontier and emerging markets. Having made more than $400 million in SME investments across a wide range of sectors, SEAF funds seek to deliver both financial returns and social and environmental impact for investors. SEAF, which is based in Washington, D.C., has managed over 35 investment funds and vehicles over 28 years and across 27 countries. SEAF also operates the Center for Entrepreneurship and Executive Development  CEED  an entrepreneur-focused program that provides advisory, mentoring, and networking opportunities across 13 global locations. www.seaf.com and www.ceed-global.org.

Investing in Women is an Australian Government initiative to catalyze inclusive economic growth and poverty reduction in South East Asia. The program's goals are to improve women's participation in the workforce and as business leaders; enhance women's voice in decision making and leadership; and influence the private and public sectors to recognize and promote the value of gender equality. www.investinginwomen.asia.

For more information on the SEAF Women's Opportunity Fund, please contact Bob Webster at [email protected] or +1-202-737-8463

For more information on Investing in Women, please contact Julia Newton-Howes at [email protected].

SOURCE SEAF

Related Links

http://www.seaf.com


WASHINGTON, May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Following a vote by its board of directors, the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), the nation's leading solar advocacy organization, announced that Tom Starrs, Vice President of Market Strategy and Policy for SunPower Corp., has become Chair of the SEIA Board, effective immediately. Michael Maulick, President and CEO of SunLink Corp., will serve as Vice Chair.

Starrs had been serving since 2014 as the SEIA Board Vice Chair to Nat Kreamer of Spruce Finance, whose term as Board Chair expired earlier this year. Before then, he served as a Director.

"The level of experience and passion these two men bring to their careers and to SEIA's executive committee is going to help advance our organization and the industry as a whole," said Abigail Ross Hopper, SEIA's president and CEO. "It's an exciting chapter for the U.S. solar industry and on behalf of SEIA, we welcome their strong leadership and guidance."

"Driven by dramatic cost reductions and rapid growth, solar energy is one of the fastest-growing energy sources in the U.S. and around the globe," said Dr. Starrs. "It is also a major contributor to economic development in the U.S., and now employs 260,000 people  more than twice the number of workers in the coal industry. SEIA is leading the way in encouraging policymakers and the public in recognizing the importance of solar energy to the U.S. economy. I'm delighted to be able serve SEIA as chairman of the board of directors, working with my industry colleagues to deliver the promise of a clean, reliable, and secure energy future."

"Coming off a year of record-breaking growth, solar is now an integral part of the clean energy mix driving the national economy and job growth," said Mr. Maulick. "Technology innovations in areas like energy storage and grid security are exciting developments that are making solar the 'smart' solution for utilities. I am honored to serve as vice-chairman to collaborate with the industry's top leaders to help SEIA successfully reach its goals to ensure the continued growth of solar in the U.S. and a technologically-advanced clean energy economy."

Bio of Tom Starrs:

Tom Starrs is SunPower Corporation's vice president for market strategy and policy. Tom has been at SunPower since 2009. He has more than 20 years' experience in and around the solar power industry, including senior management positions with Avangrid Renewables, PPM Energy, and Schott Solar.

Starrs is widely recognized as a leading strategist on solar energy market assessment, business development and public policy. He has served on the boards of the American Solar Energy Society, the California Foundation on the Economy and the Environment, the Center for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Technologies, the Solar Alliance, the Solar Electric Power Association, the Solar Energy Industries Association, and Vote Solar.

Tom holds a Ph.D. from the University of California, Berkeley's Energy and Resources Program, and a J.D. from the University of California Berkeley's School of Law. He is based in Portland, Oregon.

Bio of Michael Maulick:

Michael Maulick is the President and CEO of SunLink Corporation, where he is leveraging more than four decades of technology industry expertise to facilitate the convergence of the technology and energy sectors on an international scale.

Michael's experience includes tenures as CEO of three international technology companies, a 20-plus year career in engineering and sales executive management at IBM, and private and public board service -- most notably as Independent Director for the IPO of Rackable Systems.

Excluding public companies, Michael has arranged almost $200M of financial backing and completed multiple M&A activities. Prior to joining SunLink, he served as Managing Director of Maulick Capital, an investment and consulting firm that he founded in January of 2009. His initial exposure to solar came as a board member for XE Solar, a concentrator and tracking company.

About SEIA:

Celebrating its 43rd anniversary in 2017, the Solar Energy Industries Association is the national trade association of the U.S. solar energy industry, which now employs more than 260,000 Americans. Through advocacy and education, SEIA is building a strong solar industry to power America. SEIA works with its 1,000 member companies to build jobs and diversity, champion the use of cost-competitive solar in America, remove market barriers and educate the public on the benefits of solar energy. Visit SEIA online at www.seia.org.

SOURCE Solar Energy Industries Association

Related Links

http://www.seia.org


SYRACUSE, Ind., May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- With the goal of providing a wide variety of products at affordable prices, ShirtSpace is excited to announce the addition of American Apparel to its inventory.

Based in Los Angeles, American Apparel is respected for its in-house production model that sees all products cut, sewn, and photographed in one location. The company credits this model for keeping quality high and costs low. The company will now offer a wide selection of its best-selling products to ShirtSpace customers.

ShirtSpace  an online retailer of blank wholesale apparel including T-shirts, polo shirts, and sweatshirts  has announced the addition of American Apparel to its inventory. The new line consists of 48 styles in a variety of classic and vibrant colors and can be viewed at www.shirtspace.com/brand/american-apparel. No minimum order size is required for items that start at just under $7 per piece. To learn more about ShirtSpace, visit www.shirtspace.com or call 1-877-285-7606.

"Adding American Apparel to our product lineup is extremely exciting for us," said Marlin LeFever, Business Development Director at ShirtSpace. "American Apparel is a well-known, respected manufacturer of high-quality apparel, and we're thrilled to be able to offer it to our customers."

The American Apparel line consists of 48 new styles in a variety of classic and vibrant colors. Offering T-shirts, sweatshirts, jackets, pants and items for infants, toddlers and dogs, the collection offers items that typically start at under $7 per piece. Cuts include scoop, crew, and V-neck, and customers can find short, long and three-quarter sleeves. Different tank-top styles also are available.

All customers can look forward to no order minimums, quick shipping, and top-notch customer service. ShirtSpace also offers free returns and exclusive discounts to all members  and it's free to sign up at www.shirtspace.com.

About Shirt Space

ShirtSpace is an online retailer of blank wholesale apparel including T-shirts, polo shirts, and sweatshirts. Customers can choose from over 50 leading brands including Gildan, Jerzees, and Fruit of the Loom. ShirtSpace offers competitively priced apparel for adults and children in various colors and styles, with no minimum order size required. ShirtSpace even allows customers to mix and match options without losing out on affordable pricing. To learn more about ShirtSpace, please visit www.shirtspace.com or call 1-877-285-7606.

About American Apparel

Los Angeles-based American Apparel is a vertically integrated apparel manufacturer launched in 1989 with the goal of providing excellent apparel at affordable prices. Along with the firm focus on quality and affordability, American Apparel believes in supporting the American economy and is proudly produced in the United States. American Apparel designs, cuts, sews, and markets every item it sells from a large warehouse in Southern California. For information, visit www.americanapparel.com.

PRESS CONTACT:

Marlin LeFever

1-360-433-8219

[email protected]

SOURCE ShirtSpace

Related Links

https://www.shirtspace.com


LEXINGTON, Ky., May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Spontaneous pillow fights may break out in three Sleep Outfitters showrooms June 24 as children in pajamas listen to Knoxville author Jennifer Hultz read her book Hopkins Goes to the Beach. Lexington-based Innovative Mattress Solutions (iMS), the parent firm of Sleep Outfitters, today announced it will throw pajama-party grand openings, complete with bedtime stories, at Sleep Outfitters showrooms in Cedar Bluff, Fountain City and Turkey Creek, which opened May 19.

The events are scheduled for:

 Friday, June 2, 5:007:00 p.m., at Fountain City, 5132 N. Broadway Ave.

 Saturday, June 3, 3:005:00 p.m., at Turkey Creek, 500 Lovell Rd.

 Sunday, June 4, 2:004:00 p.m., at Cedar Bluff, 272 N. Peters Rd.

Children who attend the book reading will be able to enter a drawing for a free copy of Hopkins Goes to the Beach, and Hultz will sign winners' books. Hultz's book was inspired by her family's dog of the same name. In solidarity with Hopkins, the Humane Society of Eastern Tennessee will bring rescue dogs to the events. Adults who come wearing pajamas may enter a drawing to win a new mattress set.

"We've worked hard to open the Sleep Outfitters stores in Knoxville," said Kim Knopf, Chief Executive Officer for Sleep Outfitters. "Now we're ready to celebrate by throwing a fun, family-themed community party with book readings, rescue dogs, music, food and maybe even a friendly pillow fight."

Additionally, Sleep Outfitters has partnered with Knoxville Parks and Recreation, Wesley House and Farragut Primary School to establish Little Free Libraries so children have greater access to books. Sleep Outfitters will donate the libraries, which will be installed this summer. The public is invited to bring gently used children's books and young adult books to the pajama parties to help stock the libraries.

About Innovative Mattress Solutions

Innovative Mattress Solutions (iMS), headquartered in Lexington, is the parent firm of Sleep Outfitters, Mattress Warehouse and Mattress King. Founded in 1983 in South Charleston, W.Va., by CEO Kim Knopf, the company operates 160 retail locations in West Virginia, Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, Tennessee and Alabama. iMS stores feature pillows, mattress protectors and adjustable bases, as well as mattress sets from Sealy, Stearns & Foster and Tempur-Pedic. For more information about iMS, visit www.sleepoutfitters.com.

SOURCE Sleep Outfitters

Related Links

http://www.sleepoutfitters.com


SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif., May 23, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- SLO County Office of Education, SLO Partners and Creating IT Futures and are embarking on a new career training and apprenticeship program to grow the tech workforce in San Luis Obispo County.

On July 10, Creating IT Futures will launch two classes of its eight-week IT-Ready career program. Each class can accept up to 25 adults. No prior tech education or emphasis in math or science are needed by potential students. Applications will be accepted through June 22 at SLOPartners.org.

At no cost to students, IT-Ready assesses, trains, certifies and places unemployed and under-employed adults in their first jobs in the tech field, which has a shortage of qualified workers. These two classes are underwritten by the San Luis Obispo County Office of Education, so each student will be given a stipend of $70 a day  a first for any IT-Ready program. SLO County Office of Education recently was awarded funding through the California Apprenticeship Initiative.

After eight weeks of training, 60 percent of the IT-Ready students will move forward into the apprenticeship part of the program, with half learning IT networking and security and the other half learning automated software testing for six weeks. The apprentices then will begin a year of salaried, on-the-job training with local employers. The other 40 percent of IT-Ready students will be introduced to local employers for immediate job openings.

Assembly Member Jordan Cunningham fully supports apprenticeships, "Apprenticeship opens doors for employment and builds a bridge between education and the workforce."

Dr. James Brescia, San Luis Obispo County Superintendent of Schools, envisions this as a countywide collaborative, "Engaging both business and education in developing pathways to opportunity and a skilled local talent pipeline is a top priority for the SLO Co. Office of Education, Cuesta College and all of our school districts."

Russ Levanway, CEO of San Luis Obispo-based managed IT services provider TekTegrity, says "The IT-Ready model is very well thought out. The intense eight-week training, combined with taking and passing relevant CompTIA certification tests, will provide students with strong baseline knowledge. This will set the students up for success as apprentices mentored by journeymen in the companies they work for during the on-the-job training phase. This program will bring quality people who need new opportunities into the IT workforce."

"The tech industry needs more workers that are versed in both hard tech skills and softer employability skills like communication and conflict resolution. Our IT-Ready program provides just that," said Charles Eaton, CEO, Creating IT Futures. "We've brought our IT-Ready program to 10 other cities in the U.S., all with long-lasting success for both our graduates and their employers. We're excited to enlarge the program in San Luis Obispo and create a new group of skilled tech workers for local area businesses."

In the IT-Ready program, students get hands-on labs taking apart and building desktop computers and other hardware; learn about motherboards, printers, peripheral devices, memory and physical storage, connections and mobile devices; set up computer networks and troubleshoot networks, displays, printers, and operating systems; configure operating systems and hardware; and secure networks, systems and data.

IT-Ready students also receive targeted professional development in key business "soft" skills such as professional communication and presentation, teamwork and collaboration, and critical thinking and problem solving. IT-Ready graduates are grounded in these key skills and prepared to apply them on day one of their new jobs. After completing their eight weeks of training, the students sit for the CompTIA A+ certification exam which covers desktop and help-desk technical support duties and skills.

The classes will be held at Cal Poly and Cuesta College North County Campus in Paso Robles from July 10  September 1. Students selected for the continuing apprentice program will stay with the program through October 2018.

Potential employers, mentors, students and community partners can learn more at SLOPartners.org.

Media Contacts:



Lisa Fasold Dan Weeks Michael Specchierla Creating IT Futures SLO Partners SLO Partners (630) 678-8558 (858) 354-7778 (905) 782-7273 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

SOURCE Creating IT Futures

Related Links

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BELLEVUE, Wash., May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Smartsheet, the world's leading SaaS platform for managing and automating collaborative work, today announced it raised $52.1 million in Series F funding, led by existing investor Insight Venture Partners. Additional Smartsheet investors Madrona Venture Group and Sutter Hill Ventures, and new investor, Summit Partners, also participated in the round. Smartsheet's last round of funding was more than three years ago. With the additional investment, Smartsheet's total financing raised to date is more than $120 million.

This latest funding round follows a period of rapid growth in which Smartsheet's revenue increased by more than 60 percent year-over-year for the past five years, with the company expecting to exceed $100 million in annual recurring revenue this quarter. Building upon an already solid financial position with low cash burn, the new funding will be used to accelerate investments in product, sales & marketing, and infrastructure to support increasing demand for Smartsheet's platform.

"Enterprises have long invested in cloud-based applications that enable them to author, store, and communicate about work. But the value of intentionally managing and automating collaborative work has largely gone unrealized," said Mark Mader, CEO of Smartsheet. "This additional funding will enable Smartsheet to further unlock this value for teams, helping people and organizations embrace the volume and velocity of today's work to drive innovation and build a distinct competitive advantage."

The Rise of Collaborative Work Management

According to IDC Research, the enterprise collaboration market is rapidly accelerating, forecasted to grow 32 percent over four years to reach $25 billion by 20201. The past several months have marked a steady flow of new entrants and high-profile acquisitions in the collaboration space to meet the shifting market needs of enterprises, which are looking for increased agility and efficiency.

"One of the biggest hurdles to employee efficiency is the growing number of applications required to get work done. This includes a complex web of collaboration, productivity and business applications, which often don't connect to each other," said Alan Lepofsky, VP and Principal Analyst at Constellation Research. "As the market evolves, an entirely new category of collaboration solutions is needed that organizes work, not just tasks, providing structure and accountability across the vast array of things people have to work on. Collaborative Work Management applications enable organizations to reduce the noise so people can focus on the important work that needs to get done."

Smartsheet's collaborative work management platform is used by millions of information workers and 69,000 brands in more than 190 countries, including half of the Fortune 500. Whether it is opening hundreds of stores around the world, building skyscrapers, launching rockets into space, or managing behind-the-scenes logistics for the Super Bowl, Smartsheet enables organizations to centrally manage and automate complex, enterprise-scale projects and processes. Other customers include Netflix, NBC Universal, Sony Music, Hilton and Weyerhaeuser.

"Collaborative work management is now recognized as a key component of modern enterprise strategy, as companies look to move beyond the limitations of legacy tools," said Ryan Hinkle, Managing Director at Insight Venture Partners. "Since our initial investment with Smartsheet, we have seen an incredible amount of development and growth behind their capabilities. We are committed to continuing this acceleration so that more companies can benefit from the unique value of Smartsheet."

Smartsheet has previously secured $68 million in funding from Insight Venture Partners, Madrona Venture Group, Sutter Hill Ventures, and other investors.

About Smartsheet

Smartsheet is the world's leading SaaS platform for managing and automating collaborative work. Our award-winning solutions deliver value for tens of thousands of paying customers and millions of information workers across more than 190 countries. Recently named to the Forbes Cloud 100 list of the world's best cloud companies, customers like Netflix, Salesforce, the GSA, Google, and over half of the Fortune 500 use Smartsheet internally, with clients, and partners.

Smartsheet is headquartered in Bellevue, Washington and, as of May 2017, has more than 550 employees in its Bellevue and Boston offices. To learn more, visit www.Smartsheet.com.

About Insight Venture Partners

Insight Venture Partners is a leading global venture capital and private equity firm investing in high-growth technology and software companies that are driving transformative change in their industries. Founded in 1995, Insight has raised more than $13 billion and invested in more than 280 companies worldwide. Our mission is to find, fund and work successfully with visionary executives, providing them with practical, hands-on growth expertise to foster long-term success. For more information on Insight and all of its investments, visit www.insightpartners.com or follow us on Twitter: @insightpartners.

About Madrona Venture Group

Madrona (www.madrona.com) has been investing in early-stage technology companies in the Pacific Northwest since 1995 and has been privileged to play a role in some of the region's most successful technology ventures. The firm invests predominantly in seed and Series A rounds across the information technology spectrum, including cloud, consumer software and services, enterprise software and services, digital media and artificial intelligence. Madrona manages approximately $1.3 billion and was an early investor in companies such as Amazon.com, Apptio, Rover.com, and Redfin.

About Sutter Hill Ventures

Sutter Hill Ventures, headquartered in Palo Alto, California, is a leader in financing technology-based start-ups and assists entrepreneurs in building world-class, market-leading companies. They have significant operating and venture capital experience, strong industry networks, and an understanding of the challenges that early-stage and high-growth companies face. Sutter Hill brings expertise in strategy and business development, building management teams, partnering, financing strategies, public offerings, mergers, and acquisitions. Sutter Hill's investments include Broadvision, Vitria, Legato, Alteon, and Tellabs.

About Summit Partners

Founded in 1984, Summit Partners is a global alternative investment firm that is currently investing more than $9.5 billion into growth equity, fixed income and public equity opportunities. Summit invests across growth sectors of the global economy and has invested in more than 440 companies in technology, healthcare, life sciences and other growth industries. Notable software and SaaS companies financed by Summit include Acturis, Avast, AvePoint, Ascentis, Clearwater Analytics, Darktrace, Fuze, Gainsight, Hyperion Solutions, Infor, McAfee, Perforce, RiskIQ, Telerik, TSheets, Uber, WebEx and Visier. Summit maintains offices in North America and Europe, and invests in companies around the world. For more information, visit www.summitpartners.com or follow on Twitter at @SummitPartners.

______________________________

1 IDC Worldwide Collaborative Applications Forecast 2016-2020, 2016, IDC Worldwide Project & Portfolio Management Forecast 2016-2020, 2016

Contact:

Elise Chambers

[email protected]

SOURCE Smartsheet

Related Links

http://www.smartsheet.com


BOSTON, May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Startup Institute, the leading career accelerator for the innovation economy in Boston and New York City, today announced Rich DiTieri as its new CEO. The announcement comes alongside the appointment of a new leadership team who will lead a new era at Startup Institute.

Rich first joined Startup Institute as Associate Director before redesigning its global partner experience as the Head of Global Partnerships. His most recent role was running Startup Institute's Boston program, which has seen over 700 alumni complete the program. Prior to Startup Institute, Rich was the co-founder of Pintley, a 2011 MassChallenge Winner, and also held a technology consulting role at Deloitte. With a longtime background in business development and entrepreneurialism, he is taking on the role to grow Startup Institute's offerings to individuals, growing companies, and other educational institutions. Rich has dabbled in entrepreneurship since high school and has a B.S. in Management for Technological Entrepreneurship from Rensselaer. He takes over the role of CEO from Diane Hessan who stepped down in June 2016 to work with the Cinton campaign.

Joining Rich in the leadership team at Startup Institute is Peggy Yu as Chief Operations Officer, David Yourgrau as Vice President of Business Development, Jaime Goldstein as Vice President of Curriculum, Elizabeth Ames as Boston's Managing Director, and Justin Miller as Vice President of Marketing. Peggy, a Harvard MBA was previously Managing Director & VP of Business Development at Startup Institute, and is the former Interim Director of the Rock Center for Entrepreneurship at Harvard Business School,. David was previously NYC Program Director at Startup Institute, is a Senior Advisor at Morris Strategy Group, and has worked in sales since joining SCVNGR in 2011, helping the company pivot to LevelUp by leading a new sales office. Jaime joins Startup Institute from MIT where she developed and lead MIT Communication Lab as Program Director. Elizabeth, who's career includes launching the first Peace Corps operation in the former Soviet Union and directing the Cabinet of Economic Development for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, joins after spending the last 15 years consulting for social enterprises. Justin joins from Barton Associates where he was Senior Marketing Manager and launched Tech in Motion while at Motion Recruitment Partners .

"I couldn't be more excited to be taking on the role of CEO of Startup Institute, a company which I've loved and been a part of since 2014. We've built an extraordinarily experienced and passionate team with some of the best minds in the business, dedicated to growing our mission of preparing people with the skills, mindset and network to launch them into the growing tech ecosystem, and to provide companies with the talent and expertise to innovate and grow. I'm excited to lead Startup Institute into its next chapter and make our 1,400 alumni proud."

More information on Startup Institute is available at startupinstitute.com.

ABOUT RICH DITIERI

Rich DiTieri is CEO of Startup Institute. First joining the company as the Associate Director, he went on to redesign the global partner experience as the Head of Global Partnerships before running the Boston program as Director. Having dabbled in entrepreneurship since high school and earning his B.S. in Management for Technological Entrepreneurship at Rensselaer, he left technology consulting at Deloitte to co-found Pintley, a 2011 MassChallenge Winner. A jack-of-all-trades, master of some, Rich has worked in education, healthcare, IT, banking, and craft beer, is a sales and business development expert and loves Lean methodology. In his free time, he builds and races cars, skateboards to work, listens to NPR podcasts, and hangs out with his fiancee and their dogs

ABOUT STARTUP INSTITUTE:

Startup Institute was created to bridge two worlds: the world of fast-growing companies that are desperate for talent and the world of people who are desperate to find careers they love. With locations in both New York and Boston, Startup Institute is not just another school. It's not an incubator, and it's not a one-off skills class. It is an incredibly ambitious learning experience that challenges it students to expand, both in character and skill set, in a relatively short amount of time. The program is about finding a career path that people can be truly passionate about. The Startup Institute community, comprised of students, alumni, instructors, hiring partners, and staff, is proven to be one of the most valuable career assets and plugs students into a powerful professional network in the innovation sector. Startup Institute's strategic partners include ShopperTrak, Krossover, MediaMath, OneMonth, Fuze, Redstar, MassChallenge, and John Hancock.

Media Contact: North 6th Agency, Inc. (For Startup Institute)

212.334.9753 ext. 111, [email protected]

SOURCE Startup Institute

Related Links

http://startupinstitute.com


Tristan de la Porte du Theil has been appointed General Manager of DUKES Dubai hotel and residences on the Palm Jumeirah.

Tristan, who joins from Tonino Lamborghini Hotels & Resorts, in China, boasts an extensive CV, with a considerable knowledge of the luxury market in China and South East Asia  two key feeder markets for the new DUKES Dubai hotel.

He is no stranger to opening hotels, having previously been involved in the launch of two hotels in China while, over the last seven years, he has opened and overseen renovations at numerous restaurants, bars and other stand alone, independent and branded food and beverage operations in Thailand and throughout Cambodia and China.

A graduate of Swiss hospitality school Glion Institute of Higher Education, Tristan holds Bachelor degrees in Hospitality and Tourism Management and International Hospitality Management.

He said: The five-star luxury market in Dubai is extremely competitive but we aim to carve out a niche with our warm, welcoming contemporary product, combined with classical British service standards, that the award-winning DUKES London has excelled at for many years,

DUKES Dubai comprises 279 guestrooms and 287 fully furnished apartments  including 64 suites and the womens only Duchess Floor  along with a private beach club, and spa.
SANTA MONICA, Calif., May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Consumer Watchdog today called on the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) to reject staff recommendations for minor fines against the Governor's top aide Nancy McFadden and the Democratic Party, and to reopen the cases and interview witnesses not contacted. The FPPC meets tomorrow to decide the matters.

The nonprofit public interest group produced correspondence showing enforcement staff declined to interview witnesses with information that McFadden intervened to gut fracking legislation while owning part of an affected company as well as to interview witnesses within the Democratic Party about improper activities.

The group also produced complaints it lodged with the Commission in 2012 showing that like Brown's executive secretary McFadden, Steve Maviglio, then top communications aide to the former Assembly Speaker (also opposed to a fracking ban), held up to $1 million in the same oil and gas company, Linn Energy, that benefited from weakened legislation. McFadden and Maviglio are friends who vacation together at the latter's castle in Italy.

"The top aide to the Governor and the former top staffer to the former Assembly Speaker owned up to $1 million dollars in the same oil and gas company that benefited financially when they used their posts to blunt tough regulation of fracking in the legislature," Consumer Watchdog wrote to the FPPC Chair Jodi Remke, appointed by Brown, and the other commissioners.

"What did the FPPC do about these serious allegations?" the letter continued. "Fail to interview witnesses, ignore evidence of a pattern of conflict of interest indiscretions, and send a message that this type of conduct is okay in the future."

Read Consumer Watchdog's letter to FPPC Commissioners here.

"As our communications with the Commission attached show, Consumer Watchdog has repeatedly offered to connect enforcement staff with witnesses in these matters but was rebuffed," the letter continued. "These are not trivial issues. California has no fracking ban, while the states of New York, Vermont, and Maryland do, because of the positions of Governor Brown and Assembly Speaker John Perez, decisions the subjects of our FPPC complaints influenced while holding in a company that benefited from them."

Among the evidence produced in the filing with Commissioners was an analysis sent to FPPC staff showing McFadden met the threshold for violating the prohibition on decision making while holding Linn shares, and that amendments to SB 4, which witnesses claimed she was involved in, materially affected Linn's economic position enough to produce a violation of the law. The exhibits also show staff never responded to Consumer Watchdog's offer to interview confidential witnesses in this matter or to interview a Democratic Party insider in a related complaint.

Consumer Watchdog took issue with the proposed $300 fine FPCC staff recommended for McFadden based on a failure to disclose her holdings given the fact that other allegations against her would almost certainly have constituted a conflict of interest but for the statute of limitations.

"The FPPC should not condone the highest ranking appointee in the executive branchexpressly tasked with overseeing appointments, legislation, and policybeing involved in such public decisions affecting her portfolio," Consumer Watchdog president Jamie Court and consumer advocate Liza Tucker wrote to the commissioners. "This is particularly true when that official would have been subject to investigation but for a five-year statute of limitations in a related issue.

"Another of the initial complaint's allegations against Ms. McFadden was that she intervened in official decisions related to stock holdings in Pacific Gas & Electric. When McFadden began working for Governor Brown, she held up to $1 million in PG&E stock, and in addition had been paid a $1 million bonus by PG&E on her way out the door.

"Strong evidence was conveyed to the FPPC that McFadden interfered in the appointment of a commissioner to the Public Utilities Commission on behalf of Pacific Gas & Electric lobbyist Brian Cherry. (See Exhibit F, emails "You can call her directly if you'd like" and "back door route") Emails released under the Public Records Act showed Cherry advising then-PUC President Michael Peevey (now under criminal investigation for an under-the-table deal with another major investor-owned utility involving billions of dollars) to feed names of pro-industry candidates for the Public Utilities Commission to Nancy McFadden.

"One of the emails could not have been clearer. 'Nancy asks if you have any names you would recommend,' Cherry wrote Peevey in January 2011. 'You can call her directly if you'd like.' Elsewhere, Cherry had called McFadden 'the back door route' in the Governor's office on whispering names of appointees into Governor Jerry Brown's ear. A pro-utility industry investment banker was soon named to the PUC who helped steer decisions benefiting PG&E and other major investor-owned utilities.

"When queried, enforcement staff informed us that the emails may have been strong enough to prompt an investigation but the acts took place five years ago, beyond the statute of limitations.

"Viewed in the context of this troubling pattern, the recommended $300 fine for McFadden's failure to disclose seven figure holdings looks like a whitewash. This is particularly true because McFadden concealed multiple financial assets for multiple years."

Consumer Watchdog also shared with commissioners more evidence of the Democratic Party's malfeasance, including: internal communications suggesting that appointments within the Brown Administration might have been up for sale, an invitation to an illegal Brown fundraiser post-election in which contributions went to the Democratic Party, and an itinerary for Brown's wife Ann Gust to visit a bevy of Sacramento lobbying firms with Democratic Party officials.

McFadden worked as fundraiser for the California Democratic Party while serving as Brown's Appointments Secretary. Maviglio was just hired by the California Democratic Party this weekend as a spokesperson, according to news media reports.

In its letter, Consumer Watchdog pointed out that previous allegations against Maviglio and top Assembly staffers who had holdings in fracking companies while working to gut fracking legislation fell into a black hole at the FPPC.

"The fracking legislation interference is the type of case for which the FPPC exists, because no one else has the independence to pursue it," wrote Consumer Watchdog. "Whether the failure to proceed stemmed from political interference by the Brown Administration, or the belief that campaign finance laws couldn't sustain a prosecution, at minimum all witnesses should have been interviewed.

"Affirming the proposed slap on the wrist in this matter would show that the Commission is prone to take the path of least resistance and does not understand the import of the decisions affected by these abuses of power," the letter continued. "The decision about whether the state allows fracking, and if so, whether it will be strictly regulated or not, has major public health implications for the people of California."

SOURCE Consumer Watchdog

Related Links

http://www.consumerwatchdog.org


CITY OF INDUSTRY, California, May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

Sugarmade, Inc. (OTC:SGMD), today outlines the strong growth that is continuing from within its CarryOutSupplies.com business operations, which services more than 3,000 quick service restaurants with custom printed and generic supplies. Over the past year, growth has been led by not only the introduction of new products, but also due to a significantly increased Internet presence. As a result, the Company is expecting record growth for the remainder of the calendar year.

CarryOutSupplies.com had recently added more than 1,000 new items to its quick service restaurant product portfolio and is in process of adding more each month. With a continued emphasis on customer retention, in addition to new product additions, the division has been able to position the business for strong growth in 2017, while at the same time reducing headcount and meaningfully reducing costs.

"Not only do our revenues continue to grow, so does out Internet traffic, which, in our opinion, is a strong indicator of future growth," commented Jimmy Chan, CEO. "For the past nine months, the total visitors to our website has grown by an average of 41% sequentially each month. Additionally, our average order size continues to grow with recent monthly statistics showing more than a 50% increase in order size over levels experienced during the last half of the calendar year. We remain very positive about our continued stability and growth of our core legacy business at a time when we are launching new growth initiatives in cannabis packaging. We also plan to soon launch an entirely new website dedicated only to hydroponic supplies and equipment."

About Sugarmade, Inc. (OTCQB: SGMD)

Sugarmade, Inc. is a product and brand marketing company investing in products and brands with disruptive potential. Sugarmade's brands include CarryOutSupplies.com, Sugarmade Tree Free Paper, FreeHanda ThumbTraya and CannaShroud, the world's first Cannabis specific shipping systems. Company has recently launched its initial marking efforts for Sriracha Stix, a revolutionary culinary seasoning product under official license from Irwindale, California- based Huy Fong Foods, Inc., the maker of Sriracha Hot Chili Sauce. For more information on the Company's products, please visit http://www.Sugarmade.com .

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS: This release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements also may be included in other publicly available documents issued by the Company and in oral statements made by our officers and representatives from time to time. These forward-looking statements are intended to provide management's current expectations or plans for our future operating and financial performance, based on assumptions currently believed to be valid. They can be identified by the use of words such as "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "goal," "seek," "believe," "project," "estimate," "expect," "strategy," "future," "likely," "may," "should," "would," "could," "will" and other words of similar meaning in connection with a discussion of future operating or financial performance. Examples of forward looking statements include, among others, statements relating to future sales, earnings, cash flows, results of operations, uses of cash and other measures of financial performance.

Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the Company's actual results and financial condition to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. Such risks, uncertainties and other factors include, among others such as, but not limited to economic conditions, changes in the laws or regulations, demand for products and services of the company, the effects of competition and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or represented in the forward looking statements.

Any forward-looking information provided in this release should be considered with these factors in mind. We assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this report.

For inquiries please contact

Jimmy Chan

(888) 982-1628

[email protected].



SOURCE Sugarmade, Inc.
ORLANDO, Fla., May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Following its April 20 brand announcement, Superion, LLC, a leading provider of public sector software, today announced the appointment of key leadership positions, including Simon Angove, Chief Executive Officer (CEO); Kevin Lafeber, President and Chief Commercial Officer (CCO); Todd Schulte, Chief Operating Officer (COO) and John Pulling, Chief Technology Officer (CTO).

Angove was appointed CEO on April 24, underscoring the newly named company's commitment to powering the public experience. He joins Superion from his role as a senior executive at Verint, a billion-dollar software company focused on customer-engagement management and cyber security.

"It is a privilege to join Superion at a time of such meaningful change and promise," said Angove. "There are increased demands from citizens for better public experiences and safer communities, and attention is turning to technology modernization and innovation. That presents an enormous opportunity for us to take the lead in innovating and delivering truly compelling product solutions for our current customers and future prospects."

After serving as interim COO, Lafeber will continue with Superion as President and CCO. In this role, he will lead the sales and marketing departments to further the company's goals of expanding market presence and achieving strategic growth, while driving toward customer success and ensuring it remains a key focal point for Superion.

As COO, Schulte will be responsible for continued customer success and overall customer satisfaction across the entire organization. He served previously as Senior Vice President of Customer Solutions at Aptean, where he led the support services and education teams. His experience in this area spans more than two decades.

In his role as CTO, Pulling is responsible for product management, product development and quality assurance operations. He has more than 25 years of operational leadership experience in the enterprise software industry. Pulling joined Superion from Lanyon, where he also served as CTO while leading product management, product development, and cloud infrastructure.

"Superion products provide a platform for more than 175 million citizens to interact with their local government and make those operations run smoothly. Our new team is aligned to grow the business and enable our customers to succeed in making their communities better places to live and work," said Angove.

Marc Teillon, Principal at Vista Equity Partners, adds, "The combined technology experience and operational tenure of this executive team provides the leadership necessary for Superion to power the public experience and advance the communities in which we work and live. We look forward to collaborating with Simon and his team to build a high performing organization that prioritizes customers and the solutions on which they depend."

About Superion

Superion is a leading software and information technology solutions provider that meets the specialized requirements of city and county governments; federal government, public safety and justice agencies; and nonprofit organizations. Drawing upon years of experience, the knowledge and expertise of Superion employees help communities that rely on our software serve more than 175 million people each day. Superion is Powering the Public Experience. For more information, visit www.superion.com

About Vista Equity Partners

Vista Equity Partners, a U.S.-based investment firm with offices in Austin, San Francisco, Chicago, and Oakland with more than $30 billion in cumulative capital commitments, currently invests in software, data and technology-enabled organizations led by world-class management teams with long-term perspective. Vista is a value-added investor, contributing professional expertise and multi-level support towards companies realizing their full potential. For more information, please visit www.vistaequitypartners.com.

SOURCE Superion

Related Links

http://www.superion.com


SuperShuttle will honor discount reservations with the ability to receive airline rewards with participating airlines including American Airlines AAdvantage, Delta Air Lines SkyMiles, Frontier Airlines EarlyReturns, Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards, and United Airlines MileagePlus.

For more information on our Memorial Day discount or other travel offers available during the summer travel season, please go to http://www.supershuttle.com/

SuperShuttle International, based in Phoenix, Ariz., is a division of Transdev OnDemand, Inc. SuperShuttle serves over 40 airports, carrying more than nine million passengers a year. SuperShuttle also provides ExecuCar sedan service at all airports served by SuperShuttle, including some of the largest in the country: Los Angeles, New York, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Washington, D.C., and San Francisco. SuperShuttle is also available in Toronto and Vancouver Canada, Paris, France, Cancun and Los Cabos, Mexico, and Amsterdam, Holland.

Transdev OnDemand, Inc. a division of Transdev based in Phoenix, includes SuperShuttle International and ExecuCar nationwide. Transdev OnDemand, Inc. serves over 80 airports with its multiple service offerings in the on demand service space. It boasts some of the most fuel-efficient fleets utilizing propane and compressed natural gas, as well as partnerships with many leading airlines and travel wholesalers.

SOURCE SuperShuttle

Related Links

https://www.supershuttle.com/


SANTA ANA, Calif., May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- SVA Architects is pleased to announce its recent move to a new, larger office in Oakland, CA. Now located at 2335 Broadway, Suite 301, Oakland, CA 94612a site also known as "The Hive"SVA hosted an open house late last month. SVA's much-needed move to a larger Oakland office comes as the firm expands to keep up with its growing demand.

Located at "the Hive," SVA's new office is in the Uptown District, an urban pocket with cafes, galleries, and historic landmarks. The Hive brings together specialty restaurants, co-working space, and walk-up style apartmentsall situated on one square block designed to enhance culture and strengthen the community.

Christopher Bradley, AIA, CSI, CCCA, Associate Partner at SVA states, "SVA leadership understands how critical culture and place are to the creative process. I'm excited that our ownership has rewarded us with a modern work environment, cool vibe, and unparalleled amenities right outside our door."

SVA's Oakland office, led by Bradley, is now well positioned to continue expanding. The Oakland office not only serves Oakland, Berkeley, and Albany, it is also serving clients in Fremont, San Jose, Monterey, San Rafael, and Sacramento. A few current projects include The Residences at Berkeley Plaza, Horner Middle School, Alameda Shipways, Faculty and Staff Housing at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with AMCAL Housing, and a recent win of Ohlone Community College District's first Public and Private Partnership development with SteelWave. SVA is also responsible for the award-winning design of La Escuelita Education Center in Oakland.

Robert Simons, AIA, President of SVA Architects, states, "It's an incredible time at SVA. The last few years, we've been preparing for this tremendous growth, and to be able to expand into this unique space is truly rewarding."

About SVA Architects

Founded in 2003, SVA Architects has become one of the Country's most innovative and respected design and planning organizations. The award-winning firm specializes in urban planning, architecture, and interior design of public, private, and mixed-use projects. The company is headquartered in Santa Ana with offices in Oakland, San Diego, and Honolulu. For more information, visit www.sva-architects.com.

Media Contact: Beth Binger

BCI

Mobile: (619) 987-6658

[email protected]

SOURCE SVA Architects, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.sva-architects.com


BETHESDA, Md., May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- TamoSoft develops cutting-edge security and network monitoring software, including NetResident for network content analysis. dtSearch specializes in enterprise and developer text retrieval and document filters. Together the companies announce a new version of TamoSoft's NetResident embedding the dtSearch Engine for search as well as file format and other data support.

NetResident network monitoring software provides network security policy implementation, events-based content visualization and data leak prevention. NetResident uses centralized as well as agent-based data capture to collect a wide variety of events data, including web page views, file downloads, email traffic, a large variety of social network posts  even VoIP conversations. The product offers numerous options for data visualization as well as local and remote access to monitored data.

NetResident uses a high-performance SQL database as its backend for storing its enormous collection of events data. For searching the contents of its SQL database, TamoSoft turned to the dtSearch Engine. According to Michael Berg, Managing Director of TamoSoft: "We use dtSearch for searching large SQL databases that contain content transferred over LANs and the Internet."

TamoSoft also relied on the dtSearch Engine's built-in document filters to parse content from a wide variety of file types, emails and other data. "What we like most of all is dtSearch's ability to search data in all kinds of formats," says Mr. Berg. TamoSoft was also pleased with the performance it achieved with the dtSearch Engine. "Other important factors include an easy-to-use API, high search performance, and fine control over the memory footprint."

dtSearch's developer SDK product, the dtSearch Engine, instantly searches terabytes of text, including over 25 full-text and metadata-driven search options. dtSearch's proprietary document filters support a wide range of online and offline data including numerous document types, emails plus nested attachments, website data and other databases. The dtSearch Engine has 64-bit and 32-bit .NET, C++ and Java APIs, with SDKs for Linux, Windows and UWP, with Mac and Android in beta.

About TamoSoft, Tamos.com

TamoSoft develops cutting-edge security and network monitoring software for the Internet and Local Area Networks, providing clients with the ability and confidence to meet the challenges of tomorrow's technology. Keeping pace with the industry trends, the company offers professional tools that support the latest standards, protocols, software, and hardware in both wired and wireless networks. TamoSoft is based in New Zealand.

About dtSearch, dtSearch.com

The Smart Choice for Text Retrieval since 1991, the dtSearch product line has over 25 search options for instantly searching terabytes of text. Along with enterprise and developer text retrieval, the company has its own document filters, offering parsing, extraction, conversion and searching of a broad range of data formats. Supported data types encompass databases, website data, popular "Office" formats, compression formats, and emails with nested attachments. dtSearch developer SDKs span multiple platforms. The company has distributors worldwide with coverage on six continents. See dtSearch.com for hundreds of reviews and case studies, as well as fully-functional evaluations.

SOURCE dtSearch

Related Links

http://dtsearch.com


KNOXVILLE, Tenn., May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- TeamHealth, a leading clinician services organization, announced the appointment of Jennifer Morrison as the organization's chief compliance officer effective May 16, 2017.



"We are pleased to announce Jennifer Morrison as TeamHealth's new chief compliance officer," said Leif Murphy, president and CEO. "Jennifer has served as a valuable member of our leadership team for the past two years as the vice president of compliance. She has more than 15 years of experience and brings a vast knowledge of healthcare law and compliance expertise to TeamHealth. We look forward to her continued contributions to the company as she advances our culture of compliance."

"I am honored to be named chief compliance officer," said Morrison. "I look forward to the opportunity to advance TeamHealth's purpose to provide quality patient care and appreciate the company's deep commitment to compliance with the laws, rules and regulations that govern our business operations and practice."

Since 2015, Morrison served as TeamHealth's vice president of compliance. In this role, Morrison strategically expanded and strengthened the company compliance program by developing the annual risk assessment and compliance work plan and implementing new investigation and auditing processes.

Prior to joining TeamHealth, Morrison served as director of compliance and privacy at Bayfront Health St. Petersburg, where she established and managed the corporate compliance program at the 400-bed, level II trauma center and its affiliated business units. She also served as division compliance officer and assistant general counsel at Health Management Associates.

Morrison received her undergraduate degree from the University of South Florida and a law degree with a certificate of concentration in health law at Stetson University College of Law in St. Petersburg, Florida.



About TeamHealth

At TeamHealth, our purpose is to perfect our physicians' ability to practice medicine, every day, in everything we do. Through our approximately 20,000 affiliated physicians and advanced practice clinicians, TeamHealth offers outsourced emergency medicine, hospital medicine, critical care, anesthesiology, orthopedic hospitalist, acute care surgery, obstetrics and gynecology hospitalist, ambulatory care, post-acute care and medical call center solutions to approximately 3,300 acute and post-acute facilities and physician groups nationwide. Our philosophy is as simple as our goal is singular: we believe better experiences for physicians lead to better outcomesfor patients, hospital partners and physicians alike. Join our team; we value and empower clinicians. Partner with us; we deliver on our promises. Learn more at www.teamhealth.com.



The term "TeamHealth" as used throughout this release includes Team Health Holdings, Inc., its subsidiaries, affiliates, affiliated medical groups and providers, all of which are part of the TeamHealth organization. "Providers" are physicians, advanced practice clinicians and other healthcare providers who are employed by or contract with subsidiaries or affiliated entities of Team Health Holdings, Inc. All such providers exercise independent clinical judgment when providing patient care. Team Health Holdings, Inc., does not have any employees, does not contract with providers and does not practice medicine.

SOURCE TeamHealth

Related Links

http://www.teamhealth.com


PALO ALTO, Calif. and LONDON, May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Big White Wall, a digital mental health service, today announced major improvements to the functionality of its LiveTherapy online video platform. Leveraging technology from Temasys, BigWhiteWall connects members with therapists quickly and easily, using embedded real-time communications powered by WebRTC, while also greatly improving security, reliability and scalability.

Big White Wall is an innovative digital mental health care provider freely available throughout the UK Armed Forces, NHS trusts, employers and universities. Based in London, with operations in Canada and New Zealand, Big White Wall is a global success story in British socially conscious thinking.

LiveTherapy offers a range of live online therapy sessions to members through video, audio or chat from Big White Wall certified therapists, covering disciplines such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy (IPT), person-centered counseling and integrative counseling. By using the Temasys platform, LiveTherapy works within all web browsers, providing smooth voice and video connectivity, so members can get support, take control and feel better when they need to, in a fully compliant manner.

"Technology is playing an increasingly vital role in the healthcare industry that we've been pioneering with our digital platform for a decade," said James de Bathe, Commercial Director of Big White Wall. "The implementation of the Temasys platform ensures we provide the best quality service to our members, ensuring world class support and satisfaction".

Big White Wall provides a safe online community where members suffering from anxiety, stress and depression can get anonymous support, 24/7. In addition to Big White Wall's LiveTherapy and online community, members have access to a wealth of useful information and can work through tailored self-help programmes covering topics such as anxiety, sleep, weight management, depression and many more, all monitored by trained professionals.

"When delivering therapy using an online video platform, it's critical that there are no technical glitches while providing support to someone in a time of need," said Bent Rye, Chairman and CEO of Temasys. "We are extremely proud to be part of this important solution, contributing to not only the success of our customers but to a wider effort that improves the experience for patients and healthcare providers, worldwide."

About Temasys

Temasys is a Platform as a Service (PaaS) company based in Palo Alto USA, and Singapore. The Temasys Platform for Embedded Real-Time Communications (ERTC) enables business application developers to easily integrate voice, video, chat and data transfer into any app, on any device, at any scale. Unlike other Communications Platforms, WebRTC Platforms, and single-purpose communication apps, Temasys bridges the gap between pure open source WebRTC and a complete, enterprise-grade, carrier-compliant solution, with easy-to-use APIs and SDKs, exceptional documentation, and superior customer support. For more information visit: www.temasys.io.

About Big White Wall

Established in 2007, Big White Wall is an innovative digital mental health care provider freely available throughout the UK Armed Forces, NHS trusts, employers and universities. Based in London, with operations in Canada and New Zealand, Big White Wall is a global success story in British socially conscious thinking.

The service offers anonymous peer to peer support, monitored 24/7 by trained professionals. Members have access to a wealth of useful information and can work through tailored self-help programmes covering topics such as anxiety, sleep, weight management, depression and many more. Big White Wall also offers 1-1 online therapy sessions, allowing members to pick therapists and choose session times (including evenings and weekends) which are delivered via audio, video or text chat.

For more information about Big White Wall, please visit bigwhitewall.com.

Media contacts:

Danielle Prager

Comunicano (for Temasys)

[email protected]

+1 858-256-6344

Jessica Smith

Big White Wall

[email protected]

SOURCE Temasys

Related Links

http://www.temasys.io


LAKEWOOD, Colo., May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Terumo BCT, a global leader in blood component, therapeutic apheresis and cellular technologies, today announced it has joined CANCER-ID, a public-private European consortium working to establish standard protocols and clinical validation for blood-based biomarkers of cancer. CANCER-ID is funded by the Innovative Medicines Initiative (IMI), bringing together 38 partners from 13 countries.

Cancer treatment is often hampered by late diagnosis, lack of prognostic indicators, and limited ability to monitor and personalize treatment. The goal of the consortium is to establish the clinical utility of liquid biopsies which are non-invasive blood tests that detect circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and fragments of tumor DNA that are shed into the blood from the primary tumor or metastatic sites.

CTCs are promising biomarkers for detection and diagnosis of systemic cancers. CTCs could potentially help physicians and scientists plot the molecular signature of an individual's tumor over time, monitor tumor responsiveness to therapy, and identify targets for the development of personalized therapies. To date, the infrequent detection of CTCs has hindered clinical implementation and potential use in liquid biopsies for cancer diagnosis and therapy.1

Terumo BCT's Spectra Optia Apheresis System, an FDA-cleared and CE marked device for use in therapeutic apheresis and cell collection procedures, is currently used in hospitals and apheresis centers around the world. Spectra Optia will be incorporated into CANCER-ID research efforts that will evaluate diagnostic leukapheresis (DLA) as a means to capture and harvest larger numbers of CTCs1. This research may identify a role for the Spectra Optia system in future diagnostic processes.

Terumo BCT is pleased to partner with CANCER-ID, furthering the consortium's mission of developing standards and conducting clinical validation to enable broad adoption of reliable molecular analyses from liquid biopsies.

"We are delighted to be included in CANCER-ID as an industry partner and to provide the Spectra Optia system as a potential new tool for physicians as they seek to improve the diagnosis and treatment of disease. As a partner to the consortium, we further our commitment to research and innovation that advances personalized medicine with a specific focus on immuno-oncology," says Monte Smith, Vice President, Global Therapeutic Systems, Terumo BCT.

According to Dr. Thomas Schlange, Senior Biomarker Scientist, Global Biomarker Research, Bayer Pharma AG, "CANCER-ID is an excellent example of a public-private partnership enabling collaborative research to develop modern cancer therapy. This consortium brings together an international team of global biomarker experts that extends far beyond the scope of traditional 'one-on-one' industry-academia collaborations."

CANCER-ID's initial evaluation phase will be followed by a clinical phase, running until 2020, with a goal to establish the use of liquid biopsies in evaluating the progress of lung and breast cancer treatments.

1Fischer JC, et al. Proc.Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 2013; 110:16580-16585.

Disclaimer: This press release reflects the author's view and that neither IMI nor the European Union, EFPIA, or any Associated Partners are responsible for any use that may be made of the information contained therein.

About Terumo BCT

Terumo BCT, a global leader in blood component, therapeutic apheresis and cellular technologies, is the only company with the unique combination of apheresis collections, manual and automated whole blood processing and pathogen reduction technologies. We believe in the potential of blood to do even more for patients than it does today. This belief inspires our innovation and strengthens our collaboration with customers.

About the Innovative Medicines Initiative (IMI)

This CANCER-ID project has received funding from the Innovative Medicines Initiative 2 Joint Undertaking under grant agreement No 115749. This Joint Undertaking receives support from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme and EFPIA. IMI is working to improve health by accelerating the development of, and patient access to, innovative medicines, particularly in areas where there is an unmet medical or social need. It does this by facilitating collaboration between the key players involved in healthcare research, including universities, the pharmaceutical and other industries, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), patient organizations and medicines regulators.

IMI is a partnership between the European Union and the European pharmaceutical industry, represented by the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA). Through the IMI 2 programme, IMI has a budget of 3.3 billion for the period 2014-2024. Half of this comes from the EU's research and innovation programme, Horizon 2020. The other half comes from large companies, mostly from the pharmaceutical sector; these do not receive any EU funding, but contribute to the projects 'in kind', for example by donating their researchers' time or providing access to research facilities or resources.

Media Contact

Bradley Hein, Terumo BCT

Sr. Manager Integrated Communications

Phone: 720.480.7649

[email protected]

SOURCE Terumo BCT

Related Links

http://www.terumobct.com


ATLANTA, May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Nandakumar Janakiraman, B.D.S, M.D.S., MDentSc has been named associate professor with the Georgia School of Orthodontics (GSO), which consists of two campus locations in metro Atlanta.

"Dr. Janakiraman is a world-renowned researcher and proven leader," said Ricky Harrell, D.M.D., M.A., Program Director of the Georgia School of Orthodontics. "He brings an extensive educational background and expertise in research to this position, as evidenced by his expansive professional and scientific publications. I'm confident his addition will further strengthen the credentials and prowess of the faculty at the Georgia School of Orthodontics."

A member of the American Association of Orthodontics, Dr. Janakiraman will be responsible for all aspects of graduate orthodontic education of residents and fellows, including the research program at GSO.

"The access to information and technology at the Georgia School of Orthodontics is unprecedented," said Dr. Janakiraman. "As an associate professor at GSO, one of my initial goals will be to utilize the extensive research department to deliver superior patient care, excellent training for our graduate residents, and scientific data to my peers in the orthodontic field. I am looking forward to strengthening GSO's already robust research program."

Dr. Janakiraman earned his master's in dental science in orthodontics at the University of Connecticut's School of Dental Medicine. He previously served as the Research Director at the University of Louisville's School of Dentistry, Division of Orthodontics. His impressive professional and scientific publications include cover page features in the Journal of Clinical Orthodontics and the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, as well as a Science Direct Top 25 Best Articles recognition.

About the Georgia School of Orthodontics

The Georgia School of Orthodontics (GSO) enrolled its first class in the fall of 2016. Based in Atlanta, Ga., GSO offers an advanced specialty education program in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics. The 36-month residency program is structured to provide collaborative and evidence-based learning for residents while providing quality orthodontic care to patients in the school's clinics. GSO's mission is to educate outstanding dentists to be proficient in the clinical specialty of orthodontics while providing Georgians with the highest level of patient care available. GSO faculty and staff are dedicated to diversity in both education and practice. For more information, visit www.GSOrthodontics.org or call (770) 351-7737.

SOURCE Georgia School of Orthodontics

Related Links

http://www.GSOrthodontics.org


The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) announced its new Executive Board members. The new Executive Board members were confirmed at the PATA Board Meeting on May 21, 2017 during the PATA Annual Summit 2017 in Negombo, Sri Lanka.

The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) announced the election of Ms. Sarah Mathews, Head of Destination Marketing Asia Pacific  TripAdvisor based in Hong Kong SAR as Chairperson of the Associations Executive Board. She replaces Andrew Jones who was elected Chairman in May 2016 and who remains a member of the Executive Board as Immediate Past Chairman.

Sarah has been an active PATA member since TripAdvisor joined the Association in 2012, attending nearly all PATA events as either a speaker or delegate. She first joined the PATA Executive Board when she was elected the Industry Council Chairperson in 2014 and was elected Vice Chairperson in May 2016. Sarah uses her travels across the Asia Pacific region to encourage new destinations and other industry businesses to join the Association.

Sarah leads the Destination Marketing Sales team at TripAdvisor, for the Asia Pacific region. The team is focused on working with and supporting all tourism boards in Asia Pacific, as well as helping local hospitality businesses better understand the impact of digital on their business. Under Sarahs leadership, the Asia Pacific team launched the first TripAdvisors Destination Academy, a three-day Digital Boot camp for government organisations and the CEO Challenge, a regional campaign that supports the discovery of less well-known destinations in the region.

Born and raised in Hong Kong SAR, Sarah has also lived in Beijing and Australia and is fluent in Mandarin and Cantonese, giving her a deep understanding and appreciation of the region.

During the PATA Annual Summit 2017 in Negombo, Sri Lanka, PATA also elected a five new members to its Executive Board including Dr. Chris Bottrill, Dean at the Faculty of Global and Community Studies, School of Tourism Management  Capilano University, Canada; Hiran Cooray, Chairman  Jetwing Hotels Sri Lanka; Jon Nathan Denight, President and CEO  Guam Visitors Bureau, USA; Mohamed Sallauddin H.j. Mat Sah, General Manager Marketing - Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd, Malaysia, and Peter Semone, Senior Advisor - Lao National Institute of Tourism and Hospitality (LANITH), Lao PDR.

Picture: L/R: Hiran Cooray, Stephen Pearce, Peter Semone, Pairoj Kiatthunsamai, Dr. Chris Bottrill, Sarah Mathews, Andrew Jones, Ben Montgomery, Jon Nathan Denight, Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Dr. Mario Hardy, Mohamed Sallauddin H.j. Mat Sah, and Anthony Lau

Other Executive Board members include Stephen Pearce, Vice President  Marketing at Tourism Vancouver; Maria Helena de Senna Fernandes, Director  Macao Government Tourism Office, Macao SAR; Pilar Laguana, Chairperson, PATA Micronesia Chapter, Guam, and Ben Montgomery, Director of Business Relations Management, Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand.

Dr. Chris Bottrill was elected as the new Vice Chairperson, while Stephen Pearce remains Secretary/Treasurer.

Dr. Bottrill said, It is an honour to be elected Vice Chairman of PATA at the Sri Lanka meeting. The Asia Pacific region is the most dynamic area of tourism growth which makes the role of PATA all the more important in the years ahead. I am looking forward to working with our exceptional Board and dedicated members on a wide array of initiatives to further strengthen and engage our global network.

Dr. Chris Bottrill is the Dean of the Faculty of Global and Community Studies at Capilano University in North Vancouver, Canada. He holds a PhD in tourism network and destination development. Chris oversees programming and development in tourism and hospitality fields in a complex portfolio that includes five academic schools, international projects, and aboriginal education programming. He has taught a wide array of tourism topics including destination development, sustainability, marketing, and entrepreneurship at universities in Canada, New Zealand, the USA, and Austria.

Chris has extensive applied industry experience having completed over 50 tourism management and development projects around the globe. These have included new product feasibility analyses, marketing strategies, resource assessments, and multiple stakeholder engagement processes. He has also presented on tourism related topics ranging from Olympic preparedness to community tourism development at conferences and forums in China, Canada, Russia, Finland, New Zealand, Vietnam, Malaysia, India, and Cambodia.

Chris's first experience with PATA was as a conference volunteer in Vancouver in 1995. He joined PATA in 2011 and has participated in a wide array of roles. He has served as the Chair of the Human Capital Development (HCD) Committee and Vice Chair of the Sustainability and Social Responsibility Committee since 2014, and he has also been a Trustee with the PATA Foundation for the past three years. During his tenure as committee Chair and Vice Chair Chris initiated a revision of both committee terms of reference, rebuilt committee membership, and led the formation of action plans which have seen many initiatives begin and come to fruition. In his role as HCD Chair he also facilitated highly successful Youth Symposiums in Phnom Penh, Chengdu, and Bangalore and Guam. Since joining the Executive Board, Chris has been leading governance revisions to align strategic efforts of the organisation and engage a broader base of membership.

Anthony Lau, Executive Director - Hong Kong Tourism Board, Hong Kong SAR and Soon-Hwa Wong, Regional Director - Asia Pacific, Blacklane GmBH, Singapore have been appointed to the Executive Board as non-voting members.

Furthermore, Faeez Fadhlillah, the CEO and Co-founder of Tripfez, Malaysia and the PATA Face of the Future 2017, joins the PATA Executive Board as a non-voting member and observer for a one-year term at the invitation of the PATA Chairperson.
NEW YORK, May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The Philip R. Shawe Scholarship Competition, sponsored by Phil Shawe, Co-CEO of TransPerfect, the world's largest privately held provider of language and technology solutions, today announced that the contest has completed its first round of qualifications and narrowed the field of over 240 entrants to top the finalists. The briefs will now go to the four-judge panel for conclusive review, scoring and determination of the front-runners who will participate in oral arguments at a mock hearing and ceremony in New York City.

The top entries include students and student teams from the following schools: Fordham Law, Northwestern Pritzker School of Law, Suffolk University School of Law, University of Florida Levin College of Law, UNLV William S. Boyd School of Law, University of North Dakota, University of Pittsburgh School of Law and Yale Law School.

TransPerfect Co-CEO, Phil Shawe, said, "We would like to thank each and every one of the participants, as well as their respective schools. And, of course, we'd like to give a special note of congratulations to those schools and student teams who made it to the finals out of an outstanding field of submissions."

Shawe launched the competition to award grants totaling $100,000 ($65K, $25K and $10K) to the top three law school students (or student teams) who could prepare the most compelling argument to the United States Supreme Court for reversing the decision of the TransPerfect case in the Delaware Chancery Court that seeks to force the sale of the highly profitable company against the wishes of 2 out of 3 shareholders. The decision creates a non-negotiated "windfall" for one of the three shareholders who wishes to exit/sell the business. Participants from law schools across the U.S. submitted their briefs, the submission were made (and will remain) anonymous for scoring purposes, and a panel of corporate attorneys managed by the Lateral Link Group, helped narrow the field to the top selections.

The competition was open to all second- and third-year law school students, and focused on the TransPerfect case, (In re: TransPerfect Global, Inc) in which the Delaware Chancery Court's ordered has been challenged on unconstitutional, including "due process" and "takings clause" which forbids the government from seizing private property and assigning it from one private party to the other. The students addressed the constitutional implications of the Delaware court expanding its powers under the decision, using the "deadlock" rationale to force the sale of the profitable and thriving industry leader. The finalists will now be ranked by the panel of distinguished judges and jurists with extensive experience in constitutional law and business/corporate law in the United States.

The judges who will select the winners are: Judge Carmen Beauchamp Ciparick, (Ret) Senior Associate Judge of the New York State Court of Appeals, Justice Melvin Schweitzer, (Ret) New York State Supreme Court, Commercial Division, Professor Alan Dershowitz (also legal counsel to Philip and Shirley Shawe), and Joseph D. Hansen, former Director of Interns for Justice Schweitzer, New York State Supreme Court, Commercial Division. This panel will be first deciding the top 3 candidates, and then awarding 1st, 2nd and 3rd place based on the briefs as well as an accompanying mock oral arguments to the distinguished panel.

Justice Schweitzer said, "With the first phase of the competition now concluded, the law professionals from Lateral Link have read and scored the briefs to narrow the field to the best of the briefs submitted. Now, we, the judges of the finalist entries anxiously await our role. Consistent with the first round of judging, we will also be receiving the contending briefs 'blind' -- with no schools or names showing -- so that our respective judgments will be solely confined to the arguments, the presentation, and the briefs. We look forward to focusing our sole attention on the written product generated by the contestants for this next phase of this exciting endeavor."

Professor Dershowitz said, "This case is about lack of due process and unconstitutional takings, and I am thrilled that these students have developed cogent arguments supporting the facts. We are excited for the results, and hope it inspires those looking at this case from a legal perspective to see the facts clearly as well."

The Case:

In 2016, Delaware Chancellor Andre Bouchard decided for Elizabeth Elting, TransPerfect's co-CEO, and it was appealed in January 2017 to the Delaware Supreme Court. The appeal affirmed Chancellor Bouchard with one justice of five dissenting, based on Delaware Law. The competition was established to help stir the next generation of great legal minds to answer the complex questions raised by such an unorthodox and controversial decision. In the history of the United States, a successful company that is not under threat of default or bankruptcy and whose founders' shares bear no notice of potential required redemption (like public company stock certificates) has been forced into auction by the courts, against the wish of majority of its shareholders.

The issues surrounding this case, and Bouchard's novel application of the law, is expected to be heard in the both Federal Court first, and will be the subject of a petition to the United States Supreme Court for a writ of certiorari if a consensual solution is not reached.

Should the Case Reach the Supreme Court, experts expect it to challenge the controversial Kelo Decision which currently defines immanent domain-type powers of government and its ability to seize private property.

Visit philshawescholarship.com or lawschoolchallenge.com

SOURCE Philip Shawe

Related Links

https://philshawescholarship.com


Now in its sixth season, Twice As Good recently filmed its 60 th episode. Each episode is filmed in a featured city, state or region and highlights a renowned local guest chef cooking signature recipes alongside the co-hosts. In between recipes, the show introduces its viewers to the history and culture of the featured location. In the episode entitled A Taste of New York , Tavern on the Green Executive Chef Bill Peet shares several New York inspired dishes, and in between recipes the show explores the Statue of Liberty, Broadway, Central Park, and the American Museum of Natural History.

In the nominated episode The Science of Sugar and the Chemistry of Baking, Hadley and Delaney join James Beard Foundation Outstanding Baker Award Winner Joanne Chang, the Owner and Head Pastry Chef of Flour Bakery in Boston, to focus on the science behind her well-known desserts.

In the nominated episode A Taste of Maine, Hadley and Delaney cook Lobster Pie, Seafood Chowder, and Blueberry Pie with the staff of the Maine Diner and make a trip to America's oldest lighthouse, Maine's Portland Head Light.

The Emmy ceremony this year will take place on June 24, 2017 at the Marriot Boston Copley Place in Boston, MA.

About Twice As Good: Twice as Good is a cooking show for kids airing on PBS stations across the country featuring twin sisters Hadley and Delaney Robertson. Now in its sixth season, Twice As Good encourages nutritious cooking and healthy eating and uses its recipes and ingredients as a platform to teach science, geography, math, and history. Twice As Good is distributed to the PBS community across the country by NETA (the National Educational Telecommunications Association) and produced and presented in association with New Hampshire Public Television.

SOURCE Twice As Good Show

Related Links

http://twiceasgoodshow.com


LONDON, May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

There is no commodity as essential and yet unknown as zinc, a metal that plays a central role in everything from infrastructure to military technology and even health care. But zinc will soon come out of the shadows, as a serious supply deficit looms and demand continues to grow. Miners to keep a close watch include: Hecla Mining Company (NYSE:HL), Newmont Mining Corporation (NYSE:NEM), Eldorado Gold Corporation (NYSE:EGO), Teck Resources Limited (NYSE:TECK), Silver Wheaton Corp. (NYSE:SLW).

The last two years have seen several millionaire-maker metals breakout, with both lithium and cobalt experiencing unprecedented growth. Now it is zinc's turn to enter a super-cycle, and the similarities cannot be ignored.

And it's not just that supply is low and stockpiles are diminishing-it's that demand is set to soar.

Major miners have been shuttering production and taking tons of zinc offline because prices were depressed between 2008 and 2015. But 2016 was an entirely different story. We burned through the stockpiles, and the mines remain shuttered, and some of them depleted.

Now it's a game of finding new supply, but the demand surge is at our doorstep.

Already in 2016 zinc smelting demand outpaced mine production, and end use demand outpaced smelting production and mine production combined. This is the beginning of the raging bull market.

China is going through record amounts of zinc, and American plans to spend a billion on infrastructure and military defense build-ups mean that zinc-though it's been used for ages-is more than ever our most vital go-to metal.

Against this fantastic backdrop for one of the tightest supply equations we're likely to see in coming years, here are our top 5 companies for zinc miners today:

#1 Hecla Mining (NYSE:HL)

This one is a bit of a dramatic story. This stock shot up 6% when the company showed a whopping 1300% jump in Q1 profits, which saw net income rise to $16.73 million, up from $1.17 million in the first quarter of 2016. Helca beat analysts' expectations by a long shot.

And this was all despite a strike at Helca's Lucky Friday Mine in North Idaho, that was still ongoing when the stocks shot up on Q1 results, so we can expect a further catalyst in the form of NOT bad news. Overall, the company was realizing higher prices for silver, lead and zinc. Oh, and Helca isn't just sitting back and waiting for the strike to end: It's using that time to make infrastructural improvements underground.

#2 Zinc One (V:Z; ZZZOF)

One of the cheapest and easiest ways to get in on the ground floor of the zinc boom is through this junior explorer, which has just completed an acquisition in Peru that gives it one of the highest-grade zinc deposits in the world. And it's got near term exploration and production potential.

Their flagship project - Bongara - is remarkable because it not only has one of the highest grade deposits of zinc in the world, but it's right on the surface. We're looking at a zinc grade that is over 20%.

Bongara has significant exploration potential along some 2 kilometers strike length. Previous drilling and trenching suggests there is the potential for this mineralization to continue for double the length, which could add substantial size to the project.

Zinc One also has a secondary project right next door - the Charlotte Bongara Project - with the same exceptional high grades of zinc.

What we like here is the deposit is on surface and the risk is low as the deposit was already in production. Going by previous production, recovery rates are greater than 90%, and the deposit sits on surface. Even better, the previous owner has already laid the ground work.

Advanced permitting is already underway and, in late July or August, Zinc One plans to carry out an extensive drill program to confirm the high grade near surface zinc oxide mineralization and provide the necessary information to complete a mineral resource estimate by year end. Upon completion of a favorable mineral resource estimate, Zinc One (V:Z; ZZZOF) will focus on moving forward a Preliminary Economic Assessment.

What we also really like here is a likely heavy volume of news flow. We expect to hear a lot of catalysts on this one in the coming days and weeks, and this is bound to boost valuation nicely. With all of these factors this one's already set up to move fast.

#3 Endeavor Silver

We're going to with the counterintuitive on this one. There's been a major sell-off of Endeavor shares recently, causing it to drop 25%. The overreaction to poor Q42016 results, though, is going to bottom out, and this stock is likely to start climbing back up, so it's probably a prime time to get in on what is otherwise a solid company.

Endeavor operates three silver-gold mines in Mexico, but it's also got three attractive development projects. Production has dropped and all-in sustaining costs have risen, leading to a negative cash flow. We think the market overreacted on a quarter, and should have been more patient: After all, this company has consistently beat guidance. It's also significantly reduced its debt, so its future is anything but bleak.

By 2018, with development in the pipeline, this stock might be prohibitively expensive again because there is plenty of near-term growth potential here. It's also got further upside with zinc and should get a boost in this coming bull market. Catalysts include positive reserve estimates for its fifth mine, the Terronera silver/gold project in Mexico's Jalisco state.

#4 Newmont Mining (NYSE:NEM)

Newmont Mining approved three new projects in 1Q17 and upgraded its long-term guidance as a result. The giant has reduced its net debt to $1.7 billion and it's sitting on $2.9 billion in cash, so the year is looking quite good. The only thing holding it back is the fact that Barrick and GoldCorp stole the show up until now, but Newmont is catching up nicely and should not be overlooked.

It has definitely been a strong year for Newmont, up over 32% in the past 12 months, though there's still room to improve on this. Share prices are still down from their highs, but climbing-which makes it a good game to get it on. Catalysts include some solid African expansion projects. But we're also keeping a close eye on Newmont's revival in the Yukon, and particularly the

#5 Eldorado Gold (NYSE:EGO)

Eldorado operates two gold-producing mines in Turkey, an iron ore mine in Brazil and a silver-lead-zinc mine in Greece. It's fairly diverse in terms of terrain, but it's also got a solid balance sheet and zero net debt according to its Q1 earnings. Overall, this is a financially healthy company that is a good bet for investors who have more aversion to risk. There is a bit of safety in the liquidity here. If commodities take a turn for the worse, Eldorado can brave the bad weather.

While Q1 production might have been a bit disappointing-coming in just under analyst expectations, all-in sustaining costs have lowered, and it's making clear and steady progress at all of its developments, so this should be considered a nice handful of catalysts coming through the pipeline.

Ultimately, the rewards might not be as high with Eldorado, but the risk is easier to stomach.

Honorable Mentions

California Resources Corporation: What we like most here is that this company has maintained return on investment for the last 12 months at 6.61, beating even the Reuters industry average.



What we like most here is that this company has maintained return on investment for the last 12 months at 6.61, beating even the Reuters industry average. Teck Resources (NYSE:TECK) : Zinc hasn't been Teck's best friend of late, but that looks set to change in the medium term, as supply continue to dwindle and as we hear news that the world's top producer of the metal-Glencore-isn't planning to bring shuttered mines back online. Supply will remain tight. Keep in mind this, though: Teck's Q1 earnings and revenue fell short of expectations because of weaknesses at its zinc unit, sending it shares down about 6% in late April. In particular, there's been a 23% drop in production at its Red Dog mine due to lower grades of zinc.



(NYSE:TECK) Zinc hasn't been Teck's best friend of late, but that looks set to change in the medium term, as supply continue to dwindle and as we hear news that the world's top producer of the metal-Glencore-isn't planning to bring shuttered mines back online. Supply will remain tight. Keep in mind this, though: Teck's Q1 earnings and revenue fell short of expectations because of weaknesses at its zinc unit, sending it shares down about 6% in late April. In particular, there's been a 23% drop in production at its Red Dog mine due to lower grades of zinc. Pretium Resources : Major catalyst on this one as the British Columbia Brucejack mine is ready to launch operations just two years after getting the environmental green light.



Major catalyst on this one as the British Columbia Brucejack mine is ready to launch operations just two years after getting the environmental green light. Silver Wheaton (NYSE:SLW): This stock offers great exposure to precious metals as the largest streaming company in the world.

By. Charles Kennedy



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SOURCE OilPrice.com
WASHINGTON, May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Nearly 7,000 of the world's foremost leaders in the real estate and land use industry will convene at the Urban Land Institute's (ULI) 2017 Fall Meeting, set for October 23-26 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. ULI is a global, multidisciplinary, member-driven real estate organization dedicated to responsible land use and building thriving, sustainable communities.

Each day of the meeting will emphasize a separate area of focus, starting with Monday, October 23, which will be dedicated to tours of some of the metro area's most innovative developments. Tuesday, October 24, will emphasize leadership, offering lessons learned from experts in the real estate industry and beyond; and on Wednesday, October 25, the focus will shift to industry trends. Thursday, October 26, has been designated as real estate "deal day," with opportunities for attendees to explore and initiate development projects, as well as share best practices in the art of making deals.

As the largest of ULI's events, and the real estate industry's premier gathering, the Fall Meeting routinely draws internationally renowned land use and urban development experts, including commercial developers, finance executives, economic development specialists, architects, urban planners, property owners and managers, real estate consultants, public officials, academics and property advisers.

Real estate session topics include challenges and opportunities presented by technology advancements, demographic shifts, urbanization, changing economic drivers, transportation and other infrastructure needs, and environmental concerns. The meeting will highlight successful business strategies used by rising stars and experienced professionals to thrive in the rapidly changing industry. It will also present leaders and innovators demonstrating the most important new trends and places in Southern California, from DTLA (the Downtown Los Angeles neighborhood) to Silicon Beach and throughout the region.

Los Angeles was named one of this year's top five cities in the United States for investment and development by the 2017 edition of Emerging Trends in Real Estate, the annual industry forecast co-published by ULI and PwC. The report cites the city's transformation into a technology center, the aggregation of research universities, and the continued development of its mass transit system as factors in its high rating. It also notes that the local real estate market is still considered to be on the upswing, drawing national and global investors.

The meeting's Host Committee, which is responsible for providing input on programming and highlighting Los Angeles's considerable assets, is being chaired by longtime ULI leaders Robert Lowe, Sr., founding chairman of Lowe Enterprises, Inc., and Wayne Ratkovich, president of The Ratkovich Company.

"The Los Angeles region, founded on innovation and creativity, is a place where the future is alive and thriving," Lowe said. "With the Fall Meeting hosted here, ULI members have a valuable opportunity to share expertise and insights for improving community building around the world. Our city is leading the way with inspired and highly successful design and development. We are excited to explore these best practices at the meeting."

Ratkovich pointed to the massive redevelopment (nearly 80 buildings) that has occurred in the downtown area since 2011, which was the last time ULI's Fall Meeting was held in the Los Angeles. "The revitalization of the urban core has been nothing short of transformational," Ratkovich said. "However, the downtown's makeover is only one part of Los Angeles's renaissance. We look forward to showcasing the many projects throughout the area that are making the city more sustainable and livable."

ULI's widely acclaimed advisory services program has offered recommendations on urban growth-related issues in Los Angeles and the surrounding region on several occasions, including a panel that assisted the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority and the Los Angeles Department of City Planning in 2011 on redevelopment strategies for the now-thriving Union Station site in the downtown area.

The 2017 Fall Meeting is made possible with generous support from numerous sponsors, including Cushman & Wakefield; Newmark Grubb Knight Frank; Lowe Enterprises; Allen Matkins; Hongkong Land; Eastdil Secured; HFF and UDR.

About the Urban Land Institute

The Urban Land Institute is a nonprofit education and research institute supported by its members. Its mission is to provide leadership in the responsible use of land and in creating and sustaining thriving communities worldwide. Established in 1936, the institute has more than 40,000 members worldwide representing all aspects of land use and development disciplines, including more than 2,000 in the Asia Pacific region. For more information on ULI, please visit uli.org or follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

SOURCE Urban Land Institute

Related Links

http://www.uli.org


SAN JOSE, Calif., May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Intacct, the innovation and customer satisfaction leader in cloud ERP software, announced today that the Silicon Valley Business Journal has recognized three Intacct employees on its 2017 Women of Influence list.

Winifer Cheng, Group Product Manager; Carmen Cooper, Director of People Operations; and Gail Schilling, Senior Director, Documentation and Education, were named to this prestigious list. Intacct was the only organization to have three employees honored on this year's list.

Cheng, Cooper, and Schilling were recognized for their outstanding leadership within their teams, vision, and unique role in driving Intacct's growth. Their inclusion was also based on a track record of accomplishments, dedication to the Intacct customer community, and success at driving business innovation.

"These extraordinary Intacct employees support many aspects of Intacct's ecosystem, from technical innovation to human resources to education, working tirelessly to keep our organization moving into the future," said Robert Reid, CEO of Intacct. "The entire Intacct organization congratulates Winifer Cheng, Carmen Cooper, Gail Schilling, all the 2017 Women of Influence, on their stellar accomplishments and look forward to their future success."

To qualify for this honor, the women were required to be based in Silicon Valley and were evaluated on their influence in their industries, communities, board affiliations, and other leadership roles. With the help of 10 judges, The Silicon Valley Business Journal honored 100 of the most influential business women in Silicon Valley. This year's judges were all Women of Influence in 2016, and they helped select this year's honorees from hundreds of applications for the 2017 Women of Influence list.

To learn more about a career at Intacct, please visit https://us.intacct.com/careers.

About Intacct

Intacct is the innovation and customer satisfaction leader in cloud ERP software. Bringing cloud computing to finance and accounting, Intacct's innovative and award-winning applications are the preferred financial applications for AICPA business solutions. In use by organizations from startups to public companies, Intacct is designed to improve company performance and make finance more productive. Hundreds of leading CPA firms and Value Added Resellers also offer Intacct to their clients. The Intacct system includes accounting, cash management, purchasing, vendor management, financial consolidation, subscription billing, contract management, revenue recognition, project accounting, fund accounting, inventory management, and financial reporting applications, all delivered over the Internet via cloud computing.

Intacct is headquartered in San Jose, California. For more information, please visit www.intacct.com or call 877-437-7765. Connect with Intacct on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Intacct and the Intacct logo are trademarks of Intacct Corporation. All other company and product names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.

SOURCE Intacct

Related Links

http://www.intacct.com


PHILADELPHIA, May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Times Higher Education's May 25 issue features 19 hot topics in current research that have the potential to change the world. These hot topics were identified using Web of Science citation data and Essential Science IndicatorsSM insights from Clarivate Analytics.

Times Higher Education (THE) chose Web of Science citation data to gain an objective view of contemporary research for its May feature "The next big bang". The featured research includes enhancing the body's potential to kill cancer cells; development of genes driven to modify plants, animals and insects; producing clean power sources such as redox flow batteries and "green" hydrogen cars; reducing energy use by low-power LED lighting; discoveries in the environment and ecology field to improve environmental health; next-generation electronics and big physics.

Clarivate Analytics has, for five decades, been the world leader in understanding trends in research through analysis of the curated, high-quality data in Web of Science. Dr. Henry Small and the late Dr. Eugene Garfield pioneered science mapping in the 1970s and 1980s using co-citation analysis. Since then, insights gleaned through this method have informed policymakers and funders on hot or emerging topics and where they should focus their attention and resources.

"The citation network linking one paper to another reveals the organic structure and dynamics of specialty areas," notes David Pendlebury, senior citation analyst at Clarivate Analytics. "We call these specialty areas 'research fronts' because they represent active, leading-edge activity. And since citations reflect the expert judgments of researchers themselves, the citation network is a reliable guide to the true nature of current research, not a depiction employing traditional field or subject categories that lag behind what is really happening today."

Constructing research fronts starts with identifying highly cited papers (those cited in the top 1% for their age and area) over the most recent five years. It is then determined how often these papers have been jointly cited (co-citation). High co-citation frequency suggests a strong socio-cognitive association between the content of two papers. Repetitive analysis of co-citation patterns yields clusters of related research reports. These clusters, or research fronts, are provided in the Clarivate Analytics Essential Science Indicators database. About 8,000 appear every two months in Essential Science Indicators.

For THE's May feature, research fronts with the youngest co-cited papers and with at least 200 citations to date were extracted and 19 selected for special attention, reflecting their wider scientific environments and potential applications. THE editors assigned these to five broad groupings (biology and medicine, energy and light, astrophysics and high-energy physics, environment and ecology, and next generation electronics) and its journalists interviewed the key players and describe why these fronts capture what is hot in research today.

"Highly-cited papers turn out to be one of the most reliable indicators of world-class research, and can provide a map of the most innovative research," said Jessica Turner, global head of the scientific and academic research business at Clarivate Analytics. "We are pleased that THE has chosen Web of Science citation data to identify the truly groundbreaking science that will impact the world we live in."

Clarivate Analytics

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

Media Contact:

Heidi Siegel

Clarivate Analytics

Director, External Relations

+1 215 823 5646 (o)

+1 215 356 4504 (m)

[email protected]

Pamela Lim

Clarivate Analytics

Regional Communications Manager, Asia Pacific

+65 6870 3212 (o)

[email protected]

SOURCE Clarivate Analytics

Related Links

http://clarivate.com


MIDDLEBURY, Conn., May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Timex, a global leader in timekeeping for over 160 years, launches Timex Time Machines Mobile App developed with Scholastic the global children's publishing, education and media company. Made just for kids in grades 13, Timex's Time Machines mobile app give educators and parents the tools they need to make time teaching fun, easy, and hands-on. Timex Time Machines watches are durable, easy-to-read and come in an assortment of colorful, fun designs kids will adore.

"We are excited to work with such an accredited organization whose mission is to encourage the intellectual and personal growth of all children," says Tobias Reiss-Schmidt, President & CEO, Timex Group. "Today, in this digital age, kids spend much of their day immersed in media and technology and playing with smart phone apps. With the launch of the Timex Time Machines Mobile App, we're playing in the digital arena and providing a teachable moment through positive learning. We truly believe that, together, we have created something that not only kids will enjoy, but benefit from as well."

Developed with Scholastic, the Timex Time Machines Mobile App empowers kids to have fun through learning by seamlessly blending digital free-play with a variety of interactive lessons tailored for kids ages 5 through 9.

Choose between Learning Mode and Game Mode to learn the basics of time telling:

Learning mode  learn to tell time with a tutorial that features general concepts such as clockwise, counter-clockwise, function of clock hands, telling time, A.M./P.M., and a simple game analog and digital matching game.

Game Mode LEVEL 1: Time Stopper - The clock is spinning and the player is given a time. The player must tap the clock at the specific point when its hands are at the indicated digital time in order to stop it.

Game Mode LEVEL 2: Counting Time - Players see a clock with a certain amount of time shaded in (for example, a quarter hour). They must tap minute buttons to equal the shaded amount without going over.

Game Mode LEVEL 3: Rocket Time - Time, in the form of clock faces, is falling from the top of the screen toward the player's Time Machine. The player must tap the clock that matches the written time shown at the bottom of their screen.

The mobile app is available to both iOS and Android users and is available, free of charge and ad and commercial free, for download in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

In an effort to help teachers and parents teach time-telling to children, the educational program also features classroom kits and a microsite with an online game. Distributed to over 200,000 1st to 3rd grade classrooms, the classroom kit features time-teaching classroom posters, teacher lesson plans, in-classroom activities for kids and family activity sheets to send home. To extend learning beyond the classroom, there is also an online game available at the Time Machines microsite on Scholastic.com.

"Learning to tell time is an important part of a child's development. Together with Timex, we can ignite the imagination and instill a love of learning to tell time with the Time Machines Program," says Ann Amstutz Hayes, SVP of National Partnerships at Scholastic. "Kids will have fun and, at the same time, learn an important skill."

To learn more about the Time Machines Program please visit:

Scholastic Site: scholastic.com/timextimemachines/

Timex.com Site: http://www.timex.com/timemachines/

Timex Time Machines are available for $24.95 on Timex.com.

About the Timex Group: www.timexgroup.com

Timex Group designs, manufactures and markets innovative timepieces around the world. Founded in 1854, Timex Group is a privately-held company headquartered in Middlebury, Connecticut with multiple operating units and over 4,000 employees worldwide. As one of the largest watch makers in the world, Timex Group companies produce watches under a number of well-known brands, including Timex, Guess, GC, Versace, Versus, Salvatore Ferragamo, and Nautica. Launched in 1950, Timex sells millions of watches each year worldwide.

Join Timex on social media: @Timex

For product samples, images and additional information please contact:

Bratskeir & Company

Deanna Thorman

[email protected]

212.679.2233

SOURCE Timex.com/Time Machines
NEW YORK and TEL AVIV, Israel, May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- illusive networks, the leader in deception-based cybersecurity, announced today that CRN  , a brand of The Channel Company, has named Tracy Pallas, Vice President of Global Channel Sales, to its prestigious 2017 Women of the Channel list. The executives who comprise this annual list span the IT channel, representing vendors, distributors, solution providers and other organizations that figure prominently in the channel ecosystem. Each is recognized for her outstanding leadership, vision and unique role in driving channel growth and innovation.

CRN editors select the Women of the Channel honorees based on their professional accomplishments, demonstrated expertise and ongoing dedication to the IT channel.

Tracy's expertise lies in building channel go-to-market strategies, focusing on new revenue creation via enablement, business planning and demand generation. Since joining the pioneering startup, Pallas successfully launched illusive networks' 100% channel sales strategy, executing agreements with top national and regional security VARs in the Americas, APAC, and EMEA. Pallas is credited with introducing a variety of channel programs which include: Opportunity Registration to provide partners with significant margin-protection for identifying and driving new opportunities through closure; the Partner Sales Portal, which includes customized playbooks, competitive strategies, and sales tools developed to ensure partners with high lead-to-closure rates; and the Accelerate Partner Certification Program, with free online training and testing for both sales and technical specialists.

"Creating illusive networks' channel from the start has been really rewarding and I'm delighted to be honored with this award," says Pallas, whose experience spans 20 years in the cybersecurity space. "Our uniquely pre-emptive deception-based approach is fast gaining ground amongst analysts and leading enterprises, placing us at the vanguard of the next generation of cyber defense. Our continual commitment to our partners based on strong relationships, incentives, enablement tools and further opportunities for service revenue assist in driving growth.

"These extraordinary executives support every aspect of the channel ecosystem, from technical innovation to marketing to business development, working tirelessly to keep the channel moving into the future," said Robert Faletra, CEO of The Channel Company "They are creating and elevating channel partner programs, developing fresh go-to-market strategies, strengthening the channel's network of partnerships and building creative new IT solutions, among many other contributions. We congratulate all the 2017 Women of the Channel on their stellar accomplishments and look forward to their future success."

The 2017 Women of the Channel list will be featured in the June issue of CRN Magazine and online at www.CRN.com/wotc.

Follow The Channel Company: Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook

Tweet This:

@TheChannelCo names @illusivenw's Tracy Pallas to @CRN 2017 Women of the Channel list #WOTC17 www.CRN.com/wotc.

About illusive networks

illusive networks is pioneering deception-based cybersecurity with its patent pending Deceptions Everywhere technology that neutralizes targeted attacks and Advanced Persistent Threats (APT) by creating a deceptive layer across the entire network. By providing an endless source of false information, illusive networks disrupts and detects breaches with real-time forensics and without disruption to business. For more information, please visit www.illusivenetworks.com or follow @illusivenw on Twitter.

About the Channel Company

The Channel Company enables breakthrough IT channel performance with our dominant media, engaging events, expert consulting and education, and innovative marketing services and platforms. As the channel catalyst, we connect and empower technology suppliers, solution providers and end users. Backed by more than 30 years of unequaled channel experience, we draw from our deep knowledge to envision innovative new solutions for ever-evolving challenges in the technology marketplace. www.thechannelco.com

2017. The Channel Company, LLC. CRN is a registered trademark of The Channel Company, LLC. All rights reserved.

SOURCE illusive networks

Related Links

http://www.illusivenetworks.com


PHOENIX, May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Troxell, a national leader in educational technology solutions for more than 60 years, is proud to announce the company has been selected as one of the vendors awarded a REMC SAVE Contract. The evaluation criteria of all submitted bids included consideration on the basis of cost, quality, specifications and Bidder service and support. All bids were reviewed for compliance with the mandatory requirements stated within this Invitation to Bid (ITB).

Contract Item Number 2217019 runs from April 19, 2017 to September 30, 2017. The Model number is C202SAYS02 for the ASUS C202, 11" Chromebook. A contract was awarded to Troxell for demonstrating Best Value, which is defined as a combination of the best technical evaluation and the lowest price when determining award recommendation.

"We are pleased to be awarded a REMC SAVE Contract," said Mike Ruprich, CEO at Troxell. "This contract provides Michigan school districts an affordable price for the ASUS C202, 11" Chromebook for their 1:1 school district initiatives when purchased through Troxell."

Troxell continues to participate in multiple national, regional, state and local contracts, helping educational institutions pay less for products and reduce administrative costs in order to overcome the challenges of tight and diminishing budgets.

For more information, visit www.TroxellSolutions.com or contact David Woolson at 248-798-1453 or [email protected].

About Troxell

Headquartered in Phoenix, AZ, Troxell is the nation's leading end-to-end solution provider for technology and collaborative solutions in K-12 and higher ed. With 65 offices nationwide, we combine large-scale purchasing power with the high-touch, consultative approach of a local specialist. Find a location near you.

About REMC SAVE

The REMC SAVE Project is provided as a service of the REMC Association of Michigan for all Michigan schools. The Project provides large volume contracts for a variety of educational resources. By using REMC SAVE contracts, Michigan schools have saved more than $729 million since 1990.

For Press Inquiries Contact: Raigan Irwin-McCabe, VP of Marketing

SOURCE Troxell

Related Links

http://www.TroxellSolutions.com


LOS ANGELES, May 23, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A federal court judge has sided with California Labor Commissioner Julie A. Su, issuing a judgment in favor of five port and rail truck drivers against XPO Cartage Inc. The ruling awards the drivers reimbursement for expenses and unlawful deductions in the amount of $958,660 plus attorney's fees and costs.

The Labor Commissioner previously issued awards to the five drivers following hearings that found they had been misclassified as independent contractors. XPO Cartage appealed the five decisions in Superior Court and the case was removed to Federal Court, where attorneys for the Labor Commissioner defended the decisions on behalf of the drivers. After a four-day bench trial and post-trial briefing, U.S. District Court Judge William Keller ruled the cases were not preempted by the Federal Aviation Administration Authorization Act of 1994 and that all five drivers, misclassified as independent contractors, were entitled to reimbursement for expenses and unlawful deductions.

"The United States District Court's decision in this case vindicates the rights of five employees who have sought for years to recoup the deductions unlawfully withheld from their wages due to being misclassified as independent contractors," said Labor Commissioner Julie A. Su. "My office is dedicated to ensuring workers are paid what they are due under the law and ensuring workers are properly classified."

State courts have also upheld the Labor Commissioner's awards in misclassification cases in the port and rail trucking industry. In 2013, Superior Court Judge Michael Vicencia rendered judgment in favor of four port truck drivers and against Seacon Logix Inc. in the amount of $107,802. The Second District Court of Appeal affirmed Judge Vicencia's judgment in its published decision Garcia v. Seacon Logix, Inc. (2015) 238 Cal.App.4th 1476. In 2015, Superior Court Judge Ross Klein also affirmed the Labor Commissioner's finding of misclassification and awarded port truck driver Ho Lee $179,390 for reimbursement of expenses and unlawful deductions following a three day bench trial.

The federal courts over the past four years have consistently upheld the Labor Commissioner's authority to adjudicate these claims and rejected complaints that wage claims filed by truck drivers with the Labor Commissioner are preempted under the Federal Aviation Administration Authorization Act of 1994:

Clean Truck Coalition, et al. v. Julie Su , Labor Commissioner of the State of California , Department of Industrial Relations, in her official capacity, et al., Case No. 2:12-cv-08949-MMM-AJW;

, Labor Commissioner of the , Department of Industrial Relations, in her official capacity, et al., Case No. 2:12-cv-08949-MMM-AJW; Seacon Logix, Inc. v. Division of Labor Standards Enforcement, Case No. BC504306;

Winwin Logistics, Inc. v. Julie Su , Labor Commissioner, California Department of Industrial Relations, Division of Labor Standards Enforcement, Case No. 2:15-cv-04624-CAS (PJWx);

, Labor Commissioner, California Department of Industrial Relations, Division of Labor Standards Enforcement, Case No. 2:15-cv-04624-CAS (PJWx); Sterling Express Services, Inc. v. Jose Vasquez , an individual; Division of Labor Standards Enforcement, by and through Julie Su , in her official capacity as Labor Commissioner, et al., Case No. 2:14-cv-01308-DSF-VBK;

, an individual; Division of Labor Standards Enforcement, by and through , in her official capacity as Labor Commissioner, et al., Case No. 2:14-cv-01308-DSF-VBK; Sterling Express Services, Inc. v. Johel Climaco Valencia , an individual; Division of Labor Standards Enforcement, by and through Julie Su , in her official capacity as Labor Commissioner, et al., Case No. 2:14-cv-00137-R-JCGx.

The Department of Industrial Relations' Division of Labor Standards Enforcement, also known as the Labor Commissioner's Office, inspects workplaces for wage and hour violations, adjudicates wage claims, investigates retaliation complaints, issues licenses and registrations for businesses, enforces prevailing wage rates and apprenticeship standards in public works projects, and educates the public on labor laws. Its Wage Theft is a Crime multilingual public awareness campaign was launched in 2014 to help inform workers of their rights and employers of their responsibilities.

Members of the press may contact Erika Monterroza or Peter Melton at (510) 286-1161, and are encouraged to subscribe to get email alerts on DIR's press releases or other departmental updates.

https://www.facebook.com/CaliforniaDIR

https://twitter.com/CA_DIR

http://www.youtube.com/CaliforniaDIR

http://www.dir.ca.gov/email/listsub.asp?choice=1

The California Department of Industrial Relations, established in 1927, protects and improves the health, safety, and economic well-being of over 18 million wage earners, and helps their employers comply with state labor laws. DIR is housed within the Labor & Workforce Development Agency. For general inquiries, contact DIR's Communications Call Center at 844-LABOR-DIR (844-522-6734) for help in locating the appropriate division or program in our department.

SOURCE California Department of Industrial Relations
In response to President Trumps FY18 budget proposal, which recommends zero appropriations for the federal matching funds needed to operate Brand USA, the International Inbound Travel Association urges Congress to continue funding for Brand USA, the tourism marketing organization for the United States.

Brand USA is funded by an annual match of $100 million from the Electronic System for Travel Authorization fees paid by international visitors traveling to the United States from visa waiver countries, provided Brand USA collects an equal amount or more from the travel industry. No federal taxes are used to fund the program.

"Since the establishment of Brand USA through the passage of the Travel Promotion Act, the United States has seen dramatic increases in arriving visitors from all key markets," said Lisa Simon, IITA Executive Director. "We are particularly pleased that Brand USA has leveraged its funding to help grow international inbound business to every corner of the United States, including all states and territories.

This ill-advised zeroing out of this important organization, which has demonstratively grown jobs, trade revenue and economic impact for the United States, will be our major focus until it has been reversed by both houses of Congress and funding restored in the FY18 federal budget," Simon noted.

Gary Schluter, General Manager of Rocky Mountain Holiday Tours, is both the Chairman of IITA and a member of the United States Travel and Tourism Advisory Board, thereby deeply involved in all national policy issues affecting inbound tourism.

"The mandate for Brand USA under the Travel Promotion Act is two-fold, Schluter observed. First and most obviously is the promotion of the United States as the world's most desirable travel destination. Second, however, is the requirement that Brand USA communicate U.S. entry policies and assist international visitors with the requirements and procedures to visit the United States.

"At a time when two proposed travel bans to curtail visitation from several named countries and anecdotal reports of more restrictive practices on acquiring U.S. visas are part of the challenge to grow inbound tourism, our operators rely on the support of Brand USA. Without its presence in the market, global efforts to explain visa policies and procedures, as well as marketing the United States, will fall back on the efforts of individual destinations and key private sector companies, such as our inbound operators, who by their narrower focus and with much more limited resources, will diminish the marketing of America bound to reduce US world market share."

IITA will work diligently as the voice of the inbound tour operators who have the most direct contact with international visitors to ensure the continued funding of Brand USA.

We will fight for Brand USA until it is fully refunded for 2018, Schluter said.

IITA is the International Inbound Travel Association  the only professional association devoted exclusively to the professional advancement and promotion of the U.S. inbound travel industry. IITA members include inbound operators, destinations and suppliers (lodging companies, transportation, attractions, restaurants, etc.) from across the country.
OTTAWA, Ontario, May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --

Validian Corporation (OTCQB: VLDI; 'Validian' or the 'Company'), a leading innovator in cybersecurity technology, is pleased to announce that we have received a number of inquiries from our Channel Partners, customers and prospects as to whether our state-of-the-art cybersecurity solution, ValidianProtect, would have been able to protect against the recent global ransomware cyberattacks.

The attacks were comprised of two parts; the first being a successful exploitation of a zero-day vulnerability inherent in certain Microsoft operating systems, which then facilitated the second part of the attack that allowed the hackers to implement ransomware that prevents access to critical data and operations.

Validian anticipated many years ago that cyberattacks would eventually evolve to this level of sophistication and correctly concluded that any combination of traditional Point Solution cybersecurity methods would fail against unknown cyberattacks, attacks designed to exploit zero-day vulnerabilities or attacks when the host device or network has already been infected with malware or otherwise been compromised.

That is why Validian made the decision to take a radically-different approach to cybersecurity, which has now positioned Validian to be able to offer the world the only cybersecurity solution that can successfully protect customers' applications and valuable data from these cyberattacks.

Validian has spent the past two years extending its core technology, ValidianProtect, so that its radically innovative, virtual closed systems now encompass and seamlessly protect applications and the complete life cycle of data by adding protection for all forms of usage of data and prevent misuse of data, in addition to the encrypted transfer and encrypted storage of data that it already protected.

ValidianProtect now protects applications and data within these virtual closed systems on all devices, operating systems and technology platforms so that the application and the data cannot be improperly accessed, copied or stolen during transfer, storage and usage regardless of any type of cyberattack or vulnerability even if the host device or network has already been hacked or improperly accessed, infected with viruses or malware, or otherwise compromised.

Validian's technology makes any and all Validian-enabled applications and the data within those Validian-enabled environments immune to such attacks, including attacks via a zero-day vulnerability through any operating system or other means, immune to the ransomware attack itself and immune to any and all known and unknown forms of cyberattacks.

Validian has spent Q4 2016 and Q1 2017 completing migration: to the Azure Cloud platform now on a fully automated basis so that it supports applications on any Cloud platform and can handle both integration, scaling and operations of thousands of applications at the same time; to Apple O/S and iOS; and to Linux.

In addition, using the banking architecture that was provided from the customer it licensed in December 2017, Validian also pre-built the 'back-end' for ValidianProtect that will make it easier for banks and other large enterprises to integrate ValidanProtect with their servers, data bases and underlying core systems. Validian has made a number of installations of its core technology during Q1 2017 that have been tested and evaluated successfully and the Company is now in the next round of discussions with large qualified prospects who needed these back-end systems built to ensure that ValidianProtect could be successfully migrated to them. Validian is now positioned so that any further extensions of Validian's technology will be paid for by the customers as part of any license agreements.

"We are very pleased to have completed migration successfully to Apple O/S and iOS as well as to Linux and to have completed the building of the back-end portion for banks and large enterprises, a number of whom comprise our qualified prospects," commented Bruce Benn, CEO of Validian. "We are now positioned to enter into negotiations for licenses with banks and large enterprises. We are also pleased to announce that the latest version of the Validian-enabled Ganthet Mobile Messaging App is now in trial release which means we are now able to use it for prospects to review and test Validian's technology and differentiating features."

Any interested companies concerned about or struggling with the recent Ransomware attacks or other cyberattacks are invited to contact Validian at [email protected] and to visit its website at http://www.validian.com where they can review the updated Data Sheets.

About Validian Corporation

Validian Corporation (OTCQB VLDI) is a leading innovator in cybersecurity technology that encompasses and seamlessly protects applications and the complete life cycle of data within its virtual closed systems, providing secure access, retrieval, transfer, receipt, storage and usage of digital information on all devices, operating systems and technology platforms regardless of any type of known or unknown cyberattack or vulnerability or if the host device or network has been hacked or improperly accessed, infected with viruses or malware, or otherwise compromised. Validian technology enables the next generation of secure Mobile Messaging and Communications, Cloud Computing, Cloud Storage, Distributed Computing and Web Application and WebPortal Access and Usage, Software Defined Networking, the Internet of Things and SCADA, for computers, servers, data bases, intelligent sensors, tablets and SmartPhones on wired, wireless and mobile networks.

The Company provides solutions that can be customized to the client's business process to ensure end-to-end authenticity, integrity and custody of high value digital assets. Validian is a U.S. public company with offices in the U.S. and Canada. Visit http://www.Validian.com for more information on its digital asset solutions.

Discuss Validian events here: http://investorshangout.com/Validian-Corporation-VLDI-68278/

Safe Harbor Statement

Investors should carefully consider the information contained in this news release before making an investment in the shares of the company. Information contained in this news release contains "forward looking statements", which can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "believes," expects," "may," "should," or "anticipates" or negative thereof or given that the future results covered by such forward -looking statements will be achieved. The preceding matters constitute cautionary statements identifying important factors with respect to such forward-looking statements, including certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to vary materially from the future statements. Other factors could also cause actual results to vary materially from the future results covered in such forward-looking statements.

Company:

Bruce Benn, CEO and President

mail to: [email protected]

+1-613-224-3535



Investor Relations:

Howard Gostfrand

mail to: [email protected]

+1-305-918-7000



SOURCE Validian Corporation
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Valpak, a leader in local print and digital coupons, announced today that its existing Omaha, Nebraska territory is for sale. The company is seeking qualified franchise candidates interested in owning the region, which has been operating since 2004 and includes Pottawattamie, Cass, Douglas, Sarpy and Washington counties. Currently, Valpak mails to 190,000 households in the territory with the potential to reach an additional 70,000 homes in the area.

Nebraska's thriving small business landscape makes it perfectly suited for Valpak's signature Blue Envelope. According to the Small Business Association, small businesses in Nebraska represent 96.6 percent of all employers and employ over half of the private-sector labor force. Forbes.com ranked Omaha No. 46 on its Best Places for Business and Careers list, and U.S. News & World Report ranked Omaha in the top 25 of 100 Best Places to Live in the U.S. for 2017.

"Valpak has been a leading direct marketing company since its inception in 1968, and is the most recognized coupon brand in North America. Our Omaha territory has been in operation for 13 years, offering qualified franchise owner candidates a turnkey opportunity with established B2B relationships and active sales representatives," said Shak Turner, Valpak's director of franchise sales. "Our proven business model, as well as our ongoing training and support, make Valpak an ideal business investment for entrepreneurs who have a passion for their communities and local businesses."

A leader in cooperative direct mail, Valpak mails coupons to nearly 37 million demographically targeted households per month in 47 states and three Canadian provinces. In addition to its flagship Blue Envelope, Valpak offers its business customers an impressive portfolio of digital advertising products including valpak.com, Smartphone apps, Google partnerships, website development, mobile web optimization and reputation management.

With more than 25 million Americans using couponing apps each month, Valpak's digital offerings have been a big draw for new franchisees. Digital coupon use is on the rise, and ample gains are projected in 2017. In the past year, Valpak's print offerings have also expanded with on-envelope advertising and circulars.

Ideal candidates for Valpak franchise ownership should possess a desire to join a trusted, industry-leading brand, work within a proven franchise system, develop relationships with local businesses and have a comfort level with selling new, digital technologies. Franchisees should also have a minimum liquidity of $75,000, and a minimum net worth of $150,000.

For more information on Valpak franchise opportunities, please contact Shak Turner at [email protected] or 727-399-3091 or visit www.valpakfranchising.com.

About Valpak

Based in St. Petersburg, Florida, Valpak is one of the leading direct marketing companies in the U.S. and Canada. We provide print and digital advertising through a network of 150 local franchises. From mailbox to mobile phone, Valpak brings exciting local business offers and opportunities to millions of consumers. Each month, our well-known Blue Envelope of savings is mailed to nearly 37 million demographically targeted households in 47 states and in three Canadian provinces. Our digital suite of products, including valpak.com, reaches more than 110 million users.

CONTACT:

David Williams

Valpak

727-319-5443

[email protected]

Caitlin Willard

Fish Consulting

954-893-9150

[email protected]

SOURCE Valpak

Related Links

http://valpak.com


ELEPHANT BUTTE, N.M., May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- When traveling to Texas, road signs for Beer, Bait and BBQ can be seen along the way. Something else Texas has is great prosperity with private property and private mineral rights. Oil and Gas production royalties go to the citizens, not the government. Venezuela needs a do-over. Venezuelan citizens have to take the opportunity to restructure their country and become more like Texas. If they follow the rules laid out in "Lands of Liberty", they will. First, distribute the lands and mineral rights to the People. Socialism has totally destroyed their country, as it does to all nations that try it. Like Texas, Venezuela has huge oil and gas reserves, in fact the largest in the world. "The Venezuelan people have the Audacity to fight for prosperity, they just need help in defining the way forward and Texas is a great model to follow," says David Q. Tognoni, PE, author of "Lands of Liberty."

Texas Prosperity for Venezuela through 'Lands of Liberty' Lands of Liberty: Global Prosperity

Mr. Tognoni wrote this book to help those that do not understand the miracle called the 'United States of America'. Mr. Tognoni believes the USA needs to get back to the way America was intended to be by its founding fathers. Also, Mr. Tognoni has seen nations, like Venezuela, failing due to the misunderstanding of what it takes to build "Lands of Liberty" like America.

This book "Lands of Liberty" is taking all the things Mr. Tognoni has learned over the past 64 years and simplifying it into the five pillars of Liberty. There are five basic principles that create liberty in America. These same principles can also be applied to other countries to make them all "Lands of Liberty" with great prosperity.

"If a Country is made up of wonderful private property and private mineral rights, has a terrific Constitution similar to the US, with great free markets of Capitalism, loving Christianity and people with the audacity to fight for it, it will be Lands of Liberty!"

Mr. Tognoni has walked in many shoes, worn many hats, so he can speak from experience. He hopes this book helps others to understand and to continue to help build Lands of Liberty all over the world in the future. Great prosperity for all that want to work at it is obtainable.

A simple way to get rid of the US debt would be to sell most of the federal surface lands & sub-surface mineral rights to private owners and get rid of several federal agencies to boot. 'Distribute the lands to the people.' Get the lands and the mineral rights into private ownership and let them buy, sell, trade and produce. Look at all the value that would be created, along with jobs, taxes, equity etc. Prosperity!

David Tognoni P.E. is a Professional Geological Engineer and has been putting together the pieces to mineral exploration puzzles for over forty years in Alaska and the lower 48.

Lands of Liberty: Global Prosperity

Amazon Paperback and Kindle

by David Q. Tognoni, PE

Available on Amazon.com and on Kindle.

Author: David Q. Tognoni, PE

Turtleback Mountain Resort

Elephant Butte, NM 87935

Cell: 575-741-1527

SOURCE David Q. Tognoni, PE
"Going back for an MBA was always something I had in my mind that I wanted to do," said Jacobson, a 43-year-old mother of two. "Business of fashion is like an MBA program with a focus on fashion. It's the only program like it outside Paris or Italy."

The new graduate program at Rutgers is attracting business professionals and boutique owners as well as students with family ties to manufacturing operations that work with apparel designers. Jacobson's own work experience includes brushes with the fashion industry.

After college, she spent seven years working for Lilly Pulitzer whose colorful shift dress was the start of a fashion line that includes bright and splashy Palm Springs-inspired resort and beach wear. Jacobson worked in sales, but the company's relaunch also gave her the opportunity to dabble in design and public relations.

Learn more about the Master of Science in Business of Fashion during a graduate admissions information session on Monday, June 5, at Rutgers Business School- Newark.

After her daughter was born, Jacobson decided working with wholesalers and department stores and opening Lilly Pulitzer boutiques in an 11-state territory was cutting into her life as a mom. Years later, she spent another 12 months helping a designer she had worked with at Lilly Pulitzer manage and promote a high-end women's fashion line.

Her goal now is to go back to work at a major company in the fashion world, helping to run the business or its brand.

Chances are she could land in a company that's facing challenges. Like other industries, fashion is undergoing changes that often require drastic changes in operations and business models. Trends like fast fashion have put huge demands on production processes and technology like the 3-D printer is revolutionizing manufacturing in the same way sewing machines did decades ago.

"I don't want to go into a broken company and not know how to fix it," she said. "I want to be able to turn something into a success."

Jacobson said the Business of Fashion program is equipping her with skills to do that. She is gaining the same knowledge she would in a traditional MBA program only with a special focus on fashion. She has taken classes in small business finance as well as procurement and brand management. (Classes are held at Rutgers Business School's satellite location in downtown Jersey City.) The course work has included case studies on major retailers like Macy's and field trips to New York City, where students have visited with apparel designers and toured manufacturing facilities.

By the end of the program, Jacobson said she will have learned how to make better use of Excel as well as how to execute a runway show.

Want to know more about application deadlines and requirements?

"This program incorporates everything. If forces you to use all parts of your brain and to consider where the fashion industry is going," she said. "I love the way it melds the creative and the logistical parts of the business."

"It's an amazing program," Jacobson said. "I can't wait to see where it takes me."

SOURCE Rutgers Business School

Related Links

http://www.business.rutgers.edu


ANCHORAGE, Alaska, May 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Web and social media pioneer, Aliza Sherman, entered the legal cannabis industry in March 2016 and identified a need for women-specific information and resources. Sherman opened a cannabis-focused digital marketing firm, Spark The Creative, then launched Her Canna Life, a website featuring women in the cannabis industry. Now, she is launching Ellementa, a cannabis wellness network and resource for women. Ellementa is organizing Gatherings for women in cities across the country including Anchorage, Chicago, Denver, New York City, and San Francisco focused on the health and wellness benefits of cannabis.

"Ellementa sets out to bust myths, erase stigma, and provide women with credible, relevant information about cannabis," said Sherman. "Like the Internet in the 90s, cannabis is a complex topic often approached with fear. Like the Internet back then, cannabis is poised to make a tremendous, positive impact on our economy and our lives, and women can and should benefit from that."

In 1995, Sherman started the first woman-owned Internet company, Cybergrrl, Inc., and the first organization for women to learn about the Internet, Webgrrls, International, that peaked at 100 chapters worldwide with 30,000 participants. That year, Newsweek named her one of the "Top 50 People Who Matter Most on the Internet."

Sherman is not the only Internet professional moving from the tech industry to cannabis. Ex-Googler Alan Gertner started Tokyo Smoke, a cannabis lifestyle brand and ex-Googler Michael Garganese, Jr. started Lola Lola, a producer of high-end cannabis products. Ex-Apple employee, Eric Eslao, launched edibles company, Defonce Chocolatier. Veteran PayPal executive, Dave Peck, recently joined Kind Financial, a cannabis technology and compliance solutions company. Sherman is leading the way for women in the tech industry transitioning into the legal cannabis space.

For interviews: Angeles Winesett, [email protected], 907-312-2922

Websites: AlizaSherman.com, HerCannaLife.com, SparkTheCreative.com, Ellementa.com.

ABOUT ALIZA SHERMAN

Aliza Sherman, CEO of Ellementa, is a web pioneer whose work helped shape the early new media industry. She founded the first woman-owned Internet company in the early 90s, Cybergrrl, Inc., and the first global network for women to learn about the Internet, Webgrrls International, She is the author of 11 books including Cybergrrl: A Woman's Guide to the World Wide Web; The Complete Idiot's Guide to Crowdsourcing; and Social Media Engagement for Dummies.

CONTACT: Angeles Winesett, [email protected], 907-312-2922

SOURCE Ellementa, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.ellementa.com


National Tour Association (NTA) President Pam Inman released a statement regarding President Donald Trumps proposed budget and the possible elimination of Brand USA.

The statement is as follows:

The federal budget for fiscal year 2018 proposed by the White House includes the elimination of Brand USA. This action would not only be a detriment to the United States travel and tourism industry, but it also would negatively impact the $2.3 trillion that travel and tourism generate, as well as the 15 million jobs the industry supports.

Brand USA is a bipartisan program that receives no funding from U.S. taxpayers. This program is instead financed through a combination of private-sector investment and matched by fees collected from international travelers visiting the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program.

Brand USA is an organization focused solely on promoting the United States as a travel destination and communicating U.S. entry policies.

According to studies conducted by Oxford Economics over the past three years, Brand USA has brought more than 3 million additional international visitors to the U.S., benefitting the economy with more than $21 billion in business sales and supporting an annual average of nearly 50,000 jobs that, without Brand USAs efforts, would not exist.

It would be a mistake for the United States government to no longer market our nation as a top worldwide travel destination, especially considering that international travel is one of the United States top exports. It is our hope that Congress, by declining this piece of the administrations budget proposal, will rightfully recognize the key role that travel and tourism play, in not only the U.S. economy, but also in the millions of jobs the industry supports.
Washington, May 19 : Two Chinese Su-30 fighter jets intercepted an American Air Force radiation detection plane over the East China Sea, according to the US Pacific Air Forces.

A US official told CNN on Thursday that the Chinese jets came within 150 feet of the US Air Force WC-135 plane, with one of the Su-30s flying inverted, or upside down, directly above the American plane.

The US crew aboard the WC-135 characterised Wednesday's move as "unprofessional", a statement from Air Force Lt. Col. Hodge said.

"While we are still investigating the incident, initial reports from the US aircrew characterized the intercept as unprofessional. The issue is being addressed with China through appropriate diplomatic and military channels," Hodge said.

Dubbed the "Constant Phoenix," the four-engine WC-135 jet looks for distinctive elements a nuclear test of any type would emit into the air. The collected samples can be analyzed to determine exactly what occurred, reports CNN.

The WC-135 has been regularly deployed on routine missions in Northeast Asia, according to the official.

The planes have been used in the past to gather evidence of possible nuclear tests by North Korea.

Wednesday's incident was the second between US and Chinese planes this year.

In February, US defence officials said there was an "unsafe" close encounter between a US Navy P-3 Orion aircraft and a Chinese surveillance aircraft over the South China Sea.
New Delhi, May 20 : A Delhi property dealer Amit Jindal on Saturday accused four policemen of brutal assault after his car accidentally hit a patrol motorcycle in west Delhi. Police however denied the charge.

Jindal, 30, claimed he was returning home after attended a function around 1.30 a.m. on Friday when his car hit the police motorcycle in Rohini's Sector 11.

"I stopped and stepped out of my car to help Home Guard Ajay who was riding the bike. In the meantime, Constable Ratan Singh arrived and caught hold of me even as I apologised," Jindal, a resident of Rohini's Sector 11, told IANS.

He said both later called two other policemen, who took him for a medical examination to Ambedkar Hospital in Rohini.

"They took me to Prashant Vihar police station and gave me third-degree torture for around seven hours till 10 a.m. on Friday. They also took away my wallet and switched off my cell phone so that I could not call my family for help," Jindal said.

They allegedly demanded Rs 1 lakh for Ajay, whereafter Jindal was given back his phone to call his family members. Only after Rs 60,000 was given to the policemen that they let me off, he alleged.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Rishipal denied the charge and said: "Jindal was got medically examined and the report said he was drunk and had no injury except an abrasion on an arm that he sustained while alighting his car."

He said Jindal was let off after his father and brother visited the police station.
Brasilia, May 21 : The president of Brazil announced on Saturday that he will ask the Supreme Court to suspend the investigation opened against him for the suspected crimes of corruption and obstruction of justice.

President Michel Temer insisted in a message to the nation that he will remain at the head of the government, Efe reported.

He also questioned the validity of supposedly incriminating recordings taped by Joesley Batista, an owner of the global meatpacking giant JBS.

On the tapes, according to the Public Prosecutor's Office, the president can be heard apparently recommending that the JBS chairman maintain the flow of money to the former speaker of Brazil's lower house, the imprisoned Eduardo Cunha, to buy his silence.

In the audio released to the media, Batista is heard to say that he is looking to have his company receive favours from government ministries, that he is in contact with prosecutors who are informing him about investigations and that he is bribing Cunha to keep him from entering into a plea-bargain arrangement.

The tapes have led to calls for Temer's resignation, even from within the ruling coalition his Brazilian Democratic Movement Party (PMDB) leads.

Experts contracted by local media said that the audio tapes made by tycoon Joesley Batista and which implicate Temer, were edited before being handed over to the Public Prosecutor's Office, a fact cited by the president as proof of their non-validity.

"This clandestine recording was clearly manipulated and adulterated," the president said in his second statement since the scandal exploded.

Temer insisted that he committed no crime, that "I never bought anyone's silence," and that he is not obstructing justice as Prosecutor Rodrigo Janot said in his plea for an investigation, which was subsequently authorized by the Supreme Court.

"We are entering a plea with the Supreme Court to suspend the investigation until the authenticity of the clandestine recording can be verified," the head of state said.

Temer also made a personal attack against Joesley Batista, the JBS owner who taped his conversation with the president, accusing the tycoon of committing the "perfect crime" to enrich himself and escape being nailed by the law.

The president said that Batista speculated with Brazil's currency thanks to the audio tape, since, according to rumours in the market, he bought a vast quantity of dollars on the eve of the scandal, aware of the steep depreciation the real was about to suffer.

Batista "is free in New York, while Brazil, though it has emerged from the worst economic crisis in its history, continues to go through days of uncertainty," he said.
Dublin, May 21 : Welfare Minister Leo Varadkar is leading the race to succeed Enda Kenny as Ireland's first Indian-origin and also openly gay Prime Minister or the Taoiseach, the media reported.

The 38-year-old will face Housing Minister Simon Coveney after nominations closed for the leadership of the governing centre-right Fine Gael party, reported Sky News on Saturday.

Varadkar is favoured to take over from 66-year-old Kenny, who is stepping down after six years as Taoiseach and 15 years at the helm of Fine Gael.

Kenny's successor is due to be elected in the June 2 general elections and Ireland's Parliament will vote for Prime Minister a few days later.

Varadkar has won early support for his leadership bid from several senior cabinet members and a majority of his parliamentary colleagues have publicly backed him.

The Dublin-born son of an Indian immigrant father and Irish mother, Leo Varadkar became the first openly gay cabinet minister in Ireland after coming out in 2015, reports Sky News.

He has campaigned on same-sex marriage and liberalising abortion laws and is an advocate of tight fiscal restraint.

He was a doctor before winning a seat in Parliament in 2007 and has rapidly risen through the ranks, holding several ministerial portfolios.

Ahead of the deadline for leadership nominations, Varadkar had secured 45 of 71 available votes from members of Fine Gael's parliamentary party.

They account for 65 per cent of the electoral college, with 22,000 ordinary party members sharing 25 per cent. County councillors account for the remaining 10 per cent.
Brasilia, May 22 : Brazil's bar association has called President Michel Temer's impeachment, after a tape revealed in which he agreed to bribe former Speaker Eduardo Cunha into silence.

In a statement, the Order of Attorneys of Brazil (OAB) said that its federal council decided on Sunday to call for Temer's impeachment and urged the Chamber of Deputies to begin the process, Xinhua news agency reported.

The OAB's federal council has representatives from Brazil's 27 states, among which 25 voted for impeachment, one against and one abstained.

The legal body also said it had formed a commission to analyse the documents released last week by the Supreme Court, after the tape was turned over by business mogul Joesley Batista, owner of the JBS meatpacking giant.

The Supreme Court has also opened an investigation against Temer for alleged obstruction of justice.

The OAB's rapporteur, Flavio Pansieri, said that Temer had forsaken his duty to report crimes that he had heard during his meeting with Batista in March.

In 1992, the OAB called for the impeachment of then-president Fernando Collor de Mello, who resigned before being impeached on corruption charges.

In 2016, the legal body also called for the impeachment of Dilma Rousseff.

By Sunday, the Chamber of Deputies had received at least nine requests for Temer's impeachment.

However, Temer has refused to resign, claiming that Batista's tape had been doctored and that he has done nothing wrong.
Bhubaneswar/Kolkata, May 21 : Two days after getting conditional bail from the Orissa High Court in the Rose Valley chit fund scam, Trinamool Congress MP Sudip Bandyopadhyay was on Sunday discharged from a private hospital in Bhubaneswar and flown to Kolkata.

Soon after his arrival in the eastern metropolis, he was admitted to a private hospital for treatment.

Bandyopadhyay was granted conditional bail on health grounds on May 19 after spending four-and-half months in jail for alleged involvement in the scam.

The High Court had asked him to furnish a bail bond of Rs 25 lakh and surrender his passport.

During his treatment at the Apollo Hospital in Bhubaneswar, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee called on him during her visit to Odisha last month.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had arrested the Trinamool lawmaker from Kolkata on January 3.

Another Trinamool MP Tapas Pal was also arrested by the CBI in the scam. He is now admitted in a hospital in the Odisha capital.

The CBI has already filed a charge sheet in a special court in Bhubaneswar against the two leaders.

In the charge sheet, the CBI indicted Bandyopadhyay, Pal and a Rose Valley subsidiary under Sections 120-B (criminal conspiracy), 409 (criminal breach of trust) and 420 (cheating) of the IPC, Sections 4 and 6 of the Prize Chits and Money Circulation Schemes (Banning) Act and Section 13(1)(d) of Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (abusing position as a public servant).

The agency has accused Rose Valley chairman Gautam Kundu and others of defrauding investors from across the country of more than Rs 17,000 crore.
Bhubaneswar, May 21 : Two days after being granted conditional bail by the Orissa High Court in the Rose Valley chit fund scam, Trinamool Congress MP Sudip Bandyopadhyay was on Sunday discharged from a private hospital here.

The MP will undergo further treatment in Kolkata, hospital sources said.

Bandyopadhyay was granted conditional bail on health grounds on May 19 after he spent four-and-half months in jail for alleged involvement in the scam.

The High Court had asked him to furnish a bail bond of Rs 25 lakh and surrender his passport.

During his treatment at the Apollo Hospital here, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee visited him during her visit to Odisha last month.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had arrested the TMC lawmaker from Kolkata on January 3.

Another TMC MP Tapas Pal was also arrested by the CBI in the scam.
Berlin, May 22 : The governments of Germany and China on Monday urged the US not to walk away from the Paris Agreement on climate change.

Speaking alongside her Chinese counterpart, Germany's Environment Minister Barbara Hendricks told the media here that standing by the agreement would benefit Washington economically and politically, as US President Donald Trump's administration continued to revise the pact signed under his predecessor, Barack Obama, Efe news reported.

"We call on the US to remain within the Paris Agreement, as we believe that this is not only important for the agreement itself, but also for the US economy," Hendricks said ahead of the opening of the eighth Petersburg Climate Dialogue, a German government initiative aimed at allowing countries to discuss international climate policy.

The US upholding its commitment to the agreement would help tackle rising temperatures and ensure Washington could exercise its "influence" on the issue in future, she said.

The minister said a possible walking away from the agreement would not be good economically for the US.

Xie Zhenhua called on all countries to remain committed to the agreement, ensuring that China would stand by it, independent of Washington's final decision.

Trump's government has spent weeks studying a possible withdrawal from the climate change agreement and was looking to arrive at a decision in the coming days.

Hendricks pointed out that Chancellor Angela Merkel had spoken to Trump and asked him to keep the US within the framework, while Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel spoke to Secretary of State Rex Tillerson on the same topic.
New Delhi, May 22 : Veteran actor and parliamentarian Paresh Rawal has attracted a lot of flak on Twitter for saying the army should "tie" author Arundhati Roy to an army jeep instead of tying a "stone pelter".

"Instead of tying a stone pelter on the army jeep tie Arundhati Roy," Rawal tweeted on Sunday night.

Twitter users termed Rawal's tweet as "offensive" and "incited violence".

Hitting out at the actor-BJP MP, Congress General Secretary Digivijaya Singh said: "Why not (tie) the person who stitched the PDP-BJP alliance?"

In a sarcasm-laced tweet, author Rana Ayyub said: "And you want to call him just a fringe? He's a high profile actor, an MP from Gujarat, and a Padma Shri. God bless his constituency."

"Btw (By the way) I don't agree with a lot that Arundhati says or does. But disagree more with violence. Your physical threats lose you all moral debates," wrote author and comedian Sorabh Pant.

Rawal is a Member of Parliament from Ahmedabad East constituency.

Another Twitter user, Ziya Us Salam said Rawal's comment about a woman were shameful.

"@SirPareshRawal Your acting was often commendable but your prejudiced mindset is condemnable. Telling the army to hide behind a brave woman is shameful," he tweeted.

IPS officer Sanjiv Bhatt, tweeted in support of Arundhati: "If Arundhati has to be tied on the army jeep, I would love to be tied in front of her, as I agree with most things she has said on Kashmir."

Arundhati Roy, an award-winning writer, has always been vocal about Kashmir issues.

Rawal's comment comes after an army officer tied a Kashmiri youth to the front of an army jeep as a human shield to avoid stone pelting during an army patrol in Budgam district on an election day in April. The incident received widespread condemnation.
Gandhinagar, May 22 : Four more African nations joined the India-initiated International Solar Alliance (ISA) on Monday, taking the number of its members to 30.

While Djibouti, Cote d'Ivoire, Somalia and Ghana signed the ISA framework agreement, the island nation of Comoros is expected to sign and submit its ratification instrument on Tuesday, said the External Affairs Ministry.

During the upcoming visit of Mauritius' Prime Minister, it will be signing and ratifying the framework agreement on May 27.

The Pacific island nation of Nauru also submitted its instrument of ratification at an ISA event held on the sidelines of the African Development Bank (AfDB) annual meeting here. This is the first time that India is hosting the AfDB annual meeting after New Delhi hosted the India-Africa Forum Summit in October 2015.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley was present at Monday's signing and ratification ceremony.

"We need energy while also protecting the environment. We in the tropics and sub-tropics have substantial resources for solar energy. The idea of ISA was conceived in 2015 between India and France and after today's agreement there will be a total of 30 countries to ratified," he said.

The ISA, launched at the UN Conference of Parties (CoP) climate summit in Paris on November 30, 2015, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and then French President Francois Hollande, is conceived as a coalition of solar resource-rich countries to address their special energy needs and provide a platform to collaborate on dealing with the identified gaps through a common, agreed approach.

The International Steering Committee of the ISA, open to all 121 prospective member countries falling between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn, held its meetings in Paris on December 1, 2015, in Abu Dhabi on January 18, 2016, and in New York on April 22, 2016.

The ISC held its fourth meeting in New Delhi on October 5 last year.

A total of 24 countries - Bangladesh, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Dominican Republic, Ethiopia, Fiji, France, Guinea Bissau, India, Liberia, Madagascar, Mali, Nauru, Niger, Republic of Guinea, Senegal, Seychelles, Sudan, Tanzania, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu - signed the ISA framework agreement in Marrakech on November 15 last year within 41 days of finalising the text of the agreement, the External Affairs Ministry said in a statement.

Rwanda signed the Framework Agreement on January 9 this year, taking the total number of signatories to 25 countries.

"Within seven months of the opening of the framework agreement for signature in November 2016, the total number of signatories to the ISA framework agreement have reached 31, with six countries ratifying the agreement," the statement said.

"The ISA as a legal entity will come into existence once 15 countries ratify and deposit the framework agreement," it said.

India and France were the first two countries to ratify the framework agreement. Fiji has also completed the ratification process and will deposit its instrument in the next few weeks, according to the ministry.

The External Affairs Ministry has set aside $2 billion for solar projects in Africa out of India's $10 billion concessional line of credit (LoC) for Africa. The LoC will be extended to all those African countries that have signed and ratified the framework agreement.
Tehran, May 22 : The US should drop its "hostile" policies towards Iran, the country's re-elected President Hassan Rouhani said on Monday.

In the past, "Iran and the US have experienced bends and turns in their relations, and the US has always failed in its policies, including exerting pressures and sanctions" against Iran, Rouhani said in his press conference following Friday's landslide victory in the country's presidential election.

"The Americans have also made mistakes in their attack on Afghanistan and Iraq, as well as their stance on Syria and Yemen," he said.

Asked about the possibility of direct talks with the US over the mutual issues, the Iranian President said that "we are waiting for the US new administration to settle, so that we could have accurate view about the ruling group in Washington".

The US has no other way but to think of "a win-win approach vis-a-vis Iran, otherwise they will fail," he said.

On Monday, Iran's Foreign Ministry also dismissed the recent anti-Iran claims by the US officials as "hostile and baseless," the ministry's website reported.

"The US president's meddling, repetitive and baseless claims against Iran are aimed at Iranophobia and are in line with the US hostile policies against the Islamic republic (Iran), seeking to persuade the regional countries to buy more arms from the US," Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Qasemi said.

The US stance against Iran is "deceptive and destructive" and attempts to undermine the sovereignty of the regional states besides supporting Israel, Qasemi said.

"Unfortunately, some regional states are looking for the support of the superpowers instead of relying on their own nation and the potentials of regional cooperation," he said, adding that such an approach will result in the destruction of the infrastructures of the regional countries, including Syria and Yemen, by the terrorist groups.

The Iranian spokesmen urged the US officials to stop, what he called, "rising tensions, intervention, Iranophobia, and selling weapons to the supporters of terrorism."

During his visit to Saudi Arabia on Sunday, Trump called on the regional countries to isolate Iran which, he said, had "fuelled the fires of sectarian conflict and terror".

Also, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said on Saturday that he hopes the re-election of Rouhani would prompt changes to Tehran's approach to "terrorism and human rights."

Tillerson urged Iran's re-elected President to dismantle the alleged "network of terrorism" and to end ballistic missile tests.

He made the remarks at a news conference with Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir in Riyadh.

On Monday, Rouhani, however, said that Iran will continue to test its missiles anytime if there is a "technical need", and it will not seek the permission of any other country to do so.

"Our missiles are for defence and peace," Rouhani said, adding that the US expectations from Iran to halt its defensive missile program is "an illusion".

On Sunday, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, Brig. Gen. Massoud Jazayeri, refuted Tillerson's call for a policy shift in Tehran's conduct during President Rouhani's second term.

The only way to peace in the Middle East is a pull-out of the US forces from the region, Jazayeri said.

The US should end the "aggressive and terrorist operations against independent states" carried out with the assistance of "reactionary regimes" in the region, he said.
Geneva, May 23 : The 70th World Health Assembly (WHA), the main decision-making body of the World Health Organization (WHO), opened at Geneva-based UN headquarters.

"Our joint work at the global level aims for the central objective of promoting health through the life course, as enshrined in the Sustainable Development Goals adopted at the very highest political level in 2015," said WHA's newly-elected President Veronika Skvortsova on Monday.

"The achievement of this central objective necessitates the creation of an integrated health-preserving environment that amalgamates all national, regional and global mechanisms in the public, intersectoral and official spheres, professional medical bodies, patients' associations and the business community," Xinhua quoted her as saying.

This year's assembly will determine policies on a range of health issues, including medicines and health products, non-communicable diseases, health emergencies, as well as maternal, new-born, child and adolescent health.

A new WHO Director-General will also be elected as incumbent head Margaret Chan's mandate comes to an end.

In her final opening address to the assembly as Director-General, Chan called on the assembly to make "reducing inequalities" a guiding ethical principle.

"WHO stands for fairness," she said, adding that countries should also work to improve collection of health data and make health strategies more accountable.

Chan stressed the importance of continued innovation, noting that "meeting the ambitious targets in the Sustainable Development Goals depends on innovation."

The assembly will last until May 31.
Imphal, May 23 : Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh on Tuesday said the bodies of eight tribal activists killed in mob violence in September 2015 in the state's Churachandpur district will be buried on Wednesday.

Singh has been invited to the burial of the bodies of the activists which had been preserved in the morgue since September 2015. The officials, however, said that owing to security concerns, the Chief Minister may not go to Churachandpur district.

The activists were killed in the violence that took place after the Manipur assembly passed three Inner Line Permit Bills on August 31, 2015. The tribals in Churachandpur district, however, had protested from the next day and called the bills 'anti-tribal'.

On Tuesday, the memorial huts of the bodies were set afire by some unknown persons.

The All Tribal Women's Union and the All Tribal Movement Lamka have also opposed the MoU signed between the Manipur government and the Joint Action Committee against the 'anti-tribal Bills'.

Under the MoU, the government agreed to pay Rs 5 lakh each as ex-gratia, provide a job to a member from each of the bereaved families and probe police excesses, if any.

Earlier, the tribal activists had demanded a new district, and extension of the 6th schedule of the Constitution. However the government refused to consider them saying that these demands have nothing to do with the talks to dispose of the bodies.

Meanwhile, a 24-hour wildcat general strike called from 8 p.m. on Monday threw normal life out of gear in Moreh, located on the India-Myanmar border, affecting border trade.

The shutdown was called by several civil society organisations to protest the gunning down of a woman porter Arambam Shaati on Monday by two-scooter borne masked youths.

"We are deeply concerned over the burgeoning violence at Moreh. Two army men had been killed near Moreh. Four policemen were also wounded. There have been four bomb blasts and one woman was killed," Chief Minister N. Biren Singh said.

"These evil designs may have something to do with a plan to sabotage the Act East policy. I have submitted a report to the Home Minister. I am convening a meeting of the Unified Command to take stock of the situation," he added.
New Delhi, May 23 : Insecticides (India) Ltd, an agro-chemical manufacturing company, on Tuesday launched 'Kayakalp' bio-product, which acts as a natural catalyser to improve the soil's organic capacity and strengthen its nutrient value.

The Kayakalp product is approved by the National Centre of Organic Farming (NCOF), which comes under the Ministry of Agriculture.

As per a release, Kayakalp improves the soil's organic carbon, enriches soil properties and its water holding capacity. It also serves to promote the growth of other beneficial micro organisms that re-establish a healthy soil and allow plants to thrive.

"The product is very important for changing soil physical as well as chemical conditions. We have tested in farmers' field and noted the change in soil," the release quoted Krishan Chandra, Director, NCOF, as saying.

Overuse of fertilisers, excessive tillage and lack of appropriate crop rotation has resulted in soil degradation and loss of fertility, which are emerging as major challenges for the Indian farmers.

Insecticide (India) said Kayakalp will transform the health of the soil, making farmers grow better crops and produce more.

"This will certainly prove to be a major step towards realizing the vision of our Prime Minister of doubling the income of our farmers within six years," said Rajesh Agarwal, Managing Director, Insecticides (India).

The company also plans to reach out to over 10 lakh farmers in the country to educate them about protecting and rejuvenating the health of the soil.
New Delhi, May 23 : Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday praised the Indian Army for destroying Pakistan Army's posts across the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir.

"Salute the Army for destroying Pakistani posts in Naushera sector. The nation is proud of our heroic Army," Kejriwal wrote on Twitter.

The Indian Army on Tuesday said it destroyed several Pakistani military posts with heavy artillery firing in a "very recent" punitive assault across the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir as part of its pre-emptive and pro-active strategy to curb cross-border militant incursion.

The Army also released an undated video that showed some military posts in a forested area being bombed with heavy artillery fire, and smoke and flames billowing after the explosions.
Rome, May 23 : US President Donald Trump arrived in Rome on Tuesday for meetings with Italian leaders and Pope Francis in Vatican City.

Trump is expected to meet with Italian President Sergio Mattarella Wednesday morning at Quirinale (presidential) Palace. Beyond this courtesy visit, Trump's meeting with Pope in Vatican City will be another main event in Rome.

On Wednesday, the US President will also meet Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni, who already met with Trump on April 20 in Washington during a state trip to the US.

Their meeting will be in Villa Taverna, residence of the US Ambassador in Italy and they will discuss issues related to the theme of G7 summit to be held in Taormina, Sicily later this week, according to ANSA news agency.

According to the official agenda, US State Secretary Rex Tillerson will accompany Trump to meet with the Italian president in Rome.

Local media also said Trump and Mattarella are going to meet again two days later in Taormina, where Mattarella will host Trump and other the leaders at G7 summit Friday night, having a "scenic" dinner at a famous hotel.
United Nations, May 24 : UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres strongly condemned the "horrific" terrorist attack in Manchester, Britain.

Guterres on Tuesday "expresses his deep sympathy and solidarity to the people and Government of the United Kingdom and hopes that those responsible for this unjustifiable violence will be swiftly brought to justice," Xinhua news agency cited a a statement released by his spokesperson.

"The Secretary-General conveys his heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of those killed, and wishes the injured a full and speedy recovery," it added.

On Monday night, a suicide terror attack took place at Manchester Arena at the end of a pop concert, killing at least 22 people, several of whom were children, while injuring 59 others.

The police arrested a 23-year-old in connection with the attack. The Islamic State terrorist group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Meanwhile, other world leaders also condemned the attack.

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday sent a condolence message to British Queen Elizabeth II saying that the Chinese people stand firmly with the British people at this difficult time.

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker offered sympathy saying "it breaks my heart to think that, once again, terrorism has sought to instill fear where there should be joy, to sow division where young people and families should be coming together in celebration".

Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a condolence message to British Prime Minister May to "strongly condemn this cynical, inhuman crime" and expressed readiness to step up anti-terrorist cooperation with Britain.

French President Emmanuel Macron expressed compassion and solidarity with Britain after the attack.
Brasilia, May 24 : An advisor of Brazilian President Michel Temer has turned over a cash-filled briefcase to authorities that he apparently received from the owner of meat-packing giant JBS, police here has said.

The briefcase, containing around $142,000, was turned over by Rodrigo Rocha Loures, police on Tuesday, Xinhua news agency reported.

Rocha Loures was filmed receiving the briefcase at a restaurant in Sao Paulo late in April.

The filming was part of an investigation by Brazil's federal police and prosecutor-general, following confessions by the JBS owners and executives.

According to JBS owner Joesley Batista, Rocha Loures received the money as an intermediary for Temer in exchange for favourable government actions for the JBS.

Brazil has been plunged into a new political crisis since last week when a recording was released, in which Temer seemingly is heard agreeing with Batista that former House Speaker Eduardo Cunha should be bribed to keep him silent.

Last week, Temer denied all charges against him, stating that Batista's recording had been falsified and that his testimony was a lie.
New Delhi, May 24 : Delhi is a melting pot of people from across the country but only in recent years have its residents become more experimental when it comes to food.

Today there are eateries that serve food from all the four corners of India and Sana-di-ge is joining the race to serve authentic and exquisite food from the West Coast.

Located in the upscale Malcha Marg market in the city's diplomatic encalve, this fine dining eatery opened a year ago. It has two other outlets, in Bengaluru and Mangalore. It has 130 seats sprawled across two floors and an al fresco seating. The gold, brown and off-white interiors give it a very elegant yet traditional feel.

The term Sana-di-ge in Tulu (one of five major Dravidian languages) refers to a brass lamp lit on auspicious occasions across the coastal belt of Karnataka. The restaurant has one such lamp at the entrance decorated with flowers.

Sana-di-ge boasts of serving fresh seafood flown in from Mangalore daily. Their spice blends and cocktail syrups are all made in-house.

The restaurant had already set a fixed menu for me complete with soup, appetisers, main course and dessert.

However, to start this coastal sojourn, they served their complementary rice papad with six different chutneys of which the tomato and coconut stood out. The brass plates also had a banana leaf on it for a more authentic feel.

The drumstick soup could be given a miss: It tastes like something in between a dal and sambar.

There were six appetisers -- anjal (king fish) tawa fry, chicken ghee roast, prawn butter pepper garlic, mamsa (mutton) pepper fry, mushroon pepper fry and babycorn butter pepper garlic.

The king fish, marinated with spices, was fried to perfection. Soft on the inside and crisp on the outside. It looked very spicy but the chilli content was quite low. When ordering this, make sure you share it since the portion is too big for one person.

The prawns were a little heavy for an appetiser but delicious nonetheless. Creamy and buttery, they felt fresh. In the vegetarian version of this dish, babycorn replaces the prawn. The chicken ghee roast was a little high on spice while the mutton was succulent and juicy.

Just a little word of advice, the appetisers here are all big portioned; so choose wisely before a main course.

Like the appetisers, there were six main course items: kori (chicken) kundapuri, Goan fish curry, Manglorean mutton curry, chemmeen ulariyathu (prawns in malabar-style curry), gola kadi and vegetable stew; accompanied by neer dosa and uttapam.

Out of the six, the three dishes that really stood out were the kori kundapuri, Goan fish curry and the vegetable stew.

The first is a speciality from the coastal town of Kundapur in Karnataka. It is a rich curry of coconut and homemade spices with succulent pieces of chicken. It goes perfectly with uttapam or rice. Mildly spiced and very flavourful, the Goan fish curry transports you to the beaches of Goa, and the vegetable stew, which is an amalgamation of milk and vegetable, is comfort food at its best.

But the best surprise came in the form of a green coconut. When I opened the lid there was a bowl of eleneer payasam which is dessert made of coconut cream and tender coconut pulp. The perfect way to end this coastal foodie trail.

Sana-di-ge also serves alcohol. I tasted four of their in-house special cocktails: coconut and pineapple margarita, raspberry and lemon spritzer, watermelon bramble and passionera.

FAQs:

Where: 22/48, Commercial Centre, Malcha Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi

Timings: 12 noon. to 11.30 p.m.

Price for two: Rs 2,500 (approx, with alcohol)

(The writer's visit was at the invitation of Sana-di-ge. Karishma Kalita can be contacted at karishma.k@ians.in)
Bengaluru : Saurabh Katkurwar Bengaluru, May 24 (IANS) Farmers should increasingly become entrepreneurs to find homegrown solutions to their problems rather than relying on the government, Helianti Hilman, a progressive natural farming expert from Indonesia, has urged.

"When you are an entrepreneur, you think of innovations. An entrepreneurial mindset is very important for farmers because most of the time they keep complaining that they are small farmers and do not have access to finance or markets.

"But if you introduce the concept of entrepreneurship among them, the more you have problems, the more excited and challenged you are to find solutions," Hilman told IANS on the sidelines of a natural farming summit organised by the Sri Sri Institute of Agricultural Sciences & Technology Trust (SSIAST) here.

Being an entrepreneur "you always think of solving problems. That is what entrepreneurs do. It is interesting to push yourself to solve problems and find solutions", Hilman said.

Hilman is Chief Executive Officer of Javara Indigenous, a social entreprise that works with over 52,000 small-scale farmers to preserve and promote Indonesia's food biodiversity, traditional techniques and indigenous wisdom and help farmers to get market opportunities at local and global levels.

Hilman spoke about how brainstorming over the immediate use of vegetables that may otherwise rot led to the creation of 14 types of vegetable noodles that became a huge success in Indonesia. Javara Indigenous produces about 747 different organic products, about 80 per cent of which is exported.

According to Hilman, Indonesia has reduced to just 1,100 its rice varieties due to chemical fertilisers compared to 7,000 that existed before the Green Revolution in the 1950s.

She said there was need to influence and educate government as most of the time it is found "not to be helping farmers" but rather "bothering them". "Government does not think like an entrepreneur. Their mindset is that they have a budget to spend."

Hilman said it was more difficult to get permission to sell organic products in her own country than in other countries due to stringent regulations, which other countries have done away with.

"Government's insensitivity is same everywhere. I had a privilege to meet the President of Indonesia about two years ago where he called me a front-runner for export of rural products. I told him that it was because it was more difficult to get a licence from the Indonesian government than getting it from the FDAs (Food and Drug Administrations) in countries like the US, Switzerland and Japan. He was shocked. He asked 'How come?'" she said.

Hilman said she then showed the President all the regulations that stopped Indonesian farmers from selling their organic products within the country.

She said governments across the world must be facing pressure from powerful global seeds and fertiliser companies, for whom organic farming may cause financial losses.

"I think it happens everywhere. But now, the Indonesian government has started realising the situation and has started promoting organic farming. Whether it is right or not, they have to safeguard that," she added.

Hilman said exchange of indigenous seeds among different countries helps in creating different kinds of breeds.

"There are small, tiny islands in Indonesia that have 14 different colours of corn, from black to orange, purple to white. It is not native to Indonesia. People do not know when it came to Indonesia. It is assimilating with the culture," she said.

"Seeds have been travelling around the world. There has been exchange of seeds, which have been assimilating and adapting with the local ecosystem and it created different kinds of breeds."

Hilman said she has been working with experts on ancient manuscripts in her country to to find what has been recorded in them on different types of plants, culinary practices and agricultural practices.

"I have been working with experts on ancient manuscripts to find any documentation of food systems we have had in the past. It is very interesting to know different types of techniques so we can adopt them," she said.

( visited Bengaluru at the invitation of SSIAST. He can be contacted at saurabh.k@ians.in)
Islamabad, May 24 : Seven PIA members have been taken into custody in connection with a probe into the recovery of heroin from a London-bound flight at the Benazir Bhutto International Airport on Monday.

The Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) management on Tuesday began profiling of its staff to unearth the culprits, Dawn online reported.

However, 19 officials, including PIA catering, security and cleaning staff, who were taken into custody for investigation by the Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF), were released on Tuesday.

The staff members investigated by the ANF also included three women cabin cleaners who were on duty with the PIA flight PK-785 at the airport.

According to a source, the seven PIA staff members were called for investigation after the release of the 19. None of them has been charged so far.

A senior official said an FIR was registered on the complaint of ANF Inspector Gohar Nabi Baig, who claimed that the 14.700 kg heroin was hidden in the plane parked at Bay 9 of the airport.

He said the ANF would soon complete its investigation and whoever found involved in the drug trafficking would be brought to justice.

The investigators have obtained the CCTV images of the plane when it was parked at the bay.

A PIA spokesperson said the profiling of the staff has began and their movement restricted.

He said the installation of extra CCTV cameras has also started to ensure foolproof security and to keep an eye on the movement of the staff.
New Delhi, May 24 : As the government gears up to push generic medicines to bring down costs for patients, World Health Organisation (WHO) representative in India Henk Bekedam has stated that the move, if successfully implemented, will not only reduce the cost of medicines within the country but also globally.

The 59-year old global health leader -- who previously served in a similar capacity in Egypt -- said that there were several "pre-qualified" generic medicine companies in India producing quality medicines.

"Make in India is important as India will be able to produce a greater quantity of good quality generic medicines, which will bring down the cost of medicines globally and more people in India and globally will be able to afford quality medicines," Bekedam, who assumed his present job in November 2015, told IANS in an interview.

Asked whether the foreign pharmaceutical companies, which are major suppliers of branded medicines, will be affected if India steps into the picture, Bekedam said that India is already the world's pharmacy, exporting quality generic medicines and vaccines.

"And by bringing down the cost of normal medicines globally they will be accessible to every one," he maintained.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said on April 17 the government will bring legislation mandating doctors to prescribe generic medicines which are cheaper than their equivalent branded drugs.

Generic medicines are the cheaper versions of branded drugs and come into the market after the patent period of the branded medicines expires. Manufacturers then replicate the medicines and come up with the cheaper versions. Since generic drugs do not involve a repeat of the extensive clinical trials to prove their safety and efficacy, it costs less to develop them.

According to Bekedam, out-of-pocket expenditure on medicines and other treatments by patients was a burning issue that had affected India's health system.

Stating that generic medicines can help in increasing their accessibility, Bekedam said that currently in India, two-thirds of people's medical expenditure comes from their own pockets, which leads to hesitation among them to go for surgery and other treatment.

In such a situation, generic medicines can provide relief to the patients.

"If we compare India with other countries, the government's contribution to health is just over one per cent of the GDP which is low by international standards. It results in people spending out of their pockets. Two-third of all health expenditure comes from people's own pockets. It also leads to hesitation among people to seek surgeries and other treatments," said Bekedam.

He also urged a hike in India's health budget at a time other countries such as China, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh allocate at least three per cent of their GDP dedicated to the sector.

The Union budget allocated Rs 47,352.51 crore for health in fiscal 2017-18, against Rs 37,061.55 crore in 2016-17.

"India is a fascinating country and has similarity with other Asian countries and in terms of economic growth. When there is economic growth then there is more room for investment in health. I can see the potential in India that it can now put more money in terms of health and economic growth," said Bekedam.

Noting that 60 million Indians are in poverty due to paying health bills, he said: "India should invest more in health."

Having closely monitored India's health sector for almost two years, Bekedam said such investment will help the country become less vulnerable in terms of health calamities. Investing in a surveillance system that can detect and respond to diseases is crucial.

Citing the example of three West African countries affected by Ebola, he said: "These countries lost 12 per cent of their GDP. Such countries are not able to detect the disease because of which they have to suffer the loss."

(Rupesh Dutta can be contacted at rupesh.d@ians.in)
Ahmednagar (Maharashtra), May 24 : Seven persons were killed when a speeding Bolero crashed into a divider and rammed into an oncoming truck near Dhangarwadi here early on Wednesday morning, police said.

Around 4 a.m., the vehicle, headed towards Aurangabad, lost control and hit the truck bound towards Ahmednagar after crashing through the divider, Vilas Kanawade of the MIDC Police Station here said.

All the victims killed were fast asleep in the vehicle, while the driver of the truck fled the scene of the accident, which took place on the busy Ahmednagar-Aurangabad highway.

As per preliminary investigations, Kanawade said the jeep driver had apparently dozed off at the wheel as the speeding vehicle climbed onto the road divider. It then collided head-on with the truck coming in from the opposite direction.

"The accident is so gruesome with the mangled remains of the jeep and the bodies that we have not been able to identify any of the victims so far, where they came from or where they were headed," Kanawade added.

The police have started searching for the absconding truck driver, he said.
New York, May 24 : Tech giant Microsoft has announced a new custom version of Windows 10 which is ready for Chinese government agencies to use.

The Windows 10 China Government Edition is based on Windows 10 Enterprise Edition, which already includes many of the security, identity, deployment, and manageability features governments and enterprises need.

"The China Government Edition will use these manageability features to remove features that are not needed by Chinese government employees like OneDrive, to manage all telemetry and updates, and to enable the government to use its own encryption algorithms within its computer systems," said Terry Myerson, Executive Vice President, Windows and Devices Group, in a blog post.

The company also announced that Lenovo will be one of the first OEM partners to preinstall Windows 10 China Government Edition on new devices.

"Windows 10 is the most secure version of Windows ever, and we are humbled that governments around the world like the US Department of Defence, the Australian Health Department, and the Italian Ministry of Defence are choosing Windows 10 for their security, and now the Chinese government has a version of Windows created specifically for it," added Myerson.
New Delhi : It seems to be yesterday once more with the deafening silence of the Sahitya Akademi and other cultural institutions over the provocative threat that acclaimed actor and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) lawmaker Paresh Rawal has made against writer Arundhati Roy.

Why hasn't the Sahitya Akademi, which gloriously calls itself "India's National Academy of Letters", spoken a word against it? Why hasn't the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), which aims to promote cultural exchanges with other countries, uttered a word for the writer who brought us international fame by becoming the first Indian to win the Booker Prize? And by the way, where is the Culture Minister?

Rawal kicked up a storm late Sunday by his tweet targeting Booker Prize-winning novelist and activist Arundhati Roy. The vicious comment that urged violence against the much-acclaimed author of "The God of Small Things" was in sharp contrast to the otherwise comic personality he was thought to adorn.

"Instead of tying stone pelter on the army jeep tie up Arundhati Roy!" tweeted Rawal, a Lok Sabha parliamentarian from Gujarat. He was referring to the incident last month of the army in Kashmir tying a protester to its vehicle as a human shield against stone-pelters. Earlier, on May 17 too, he had tweeted "70 lakh Indian army can't defeat azadi gang of Kashmir - Arundhati Roy. Her birth certi (certificate) in fact is a regret letter from maternity ward".

While this particular act of the army has been met with mixed reactions, Rawal's tweet is of a completely different nature and should not be confused with the "nationalistic" paradigm that many wish for. It is symbolic of the contempt and malice that he shields under his bollywood image and, most certainly, he would have found another context to express his animosity for the author had there been no "human shield" incident in the first place.

On the other hand, Roy has been a much controversial figure too. She has, through her writings, maintained that India is an "occupying force" in Kashmir and has protested against the use of force and military in the Valley at national and international gatherings.

"Kashmir is in the process of being isolated, cut off from the outside world by two concentric rings of border patrols -- in Delhi as well as Srinagar -- as though it's already a free country with its own visa regime. Within its borders of course, it's open season for the government and the army. The art of controlling Kashmiri journalists and ordinary people with a deadly combination of bribes, threats, blackmail and a whole spectrum of unutterable cruelty has evolved into a twisted art form," she wrote in "The Dead Begin to Speak Up in India" in 2011.

Criticism and dissent is the lifeblood of any democracy and Rawal, like the rest of us, is free to voice his criticism of Roy on public platforms. But his tweet, which has been liked by 21,000 users and retweeted more than 12,000 times, perhaps crosses the line of criticism and takes it a step closer to direct provocation and threat. It is all the more absurd as it comes from a Parliamentarian.

Even if one were to ignore the provocation and threat in Rawal's tweet, the deafening silence of his party's high command and, more so, of the Sahitya Akademi and other cultural bodies is perplexing.

There is no hope of finding any reasonable answer to their silence any time soon, but such vitriol against writers and artists is intertwined with the philosophies of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the ideological backbone of the ruling dispensation. And with RSS sympathisers at the helm of most of India's cultural institutions, there is little hope that those writers and artists who differ with their ideology will be protected.

For instance, Baldev Sharma was appointed as Chairman of the National Book Trust in March 2015, after the HRD Ministry cut short veteran Malayalam writer A. Sethumadhavan's term. Sharma, who is since called "Baldev Bhai Sharma", has spent five years as editor of RSS mouthpiece Panchjanya and his silence is no wonder to those who have followed his RSS-centred career.

Sahitya Akademi President Vishwanath Prasad Tiwari, too, shares a similar background and even when scores of leading writers returned their Sahitya Akademi Awards in 2015 (against the alleged rising intolerance and attempts to throttle dissent in the country), Tiwari was at a loss for words to speak for the Akademi winning writer M.M. Kalburgi, who was murdered for hurting religious sentiments.

The current ICCR President, Lokesh Chandra, although an Indira Gandhi loyalist, has shown significant attachment to the RSS in recent years. The list goes on and on. Almost all cultural institutions are now being spearheaded by those with RSS patronage and are thus becoming dumb spectators to such vitriol against writers, artists and intellectuals.

(Saket Suman is a Senior Correspondent at IANS. The views expressed are personal. He can be contacted at saket.s@ians.in)

Latest updates on Gandhi Jayanti 2019
Islamabad, May 24 : Indian woman Uzma Jan, who was allegedly forced to marry a Pakistani man, Tahir Ali, has been allowed to return to India by the Islamabad High Court.

Magistrate Salman Amjad Siddique ordered Pakistan's Interior Ministry to secure Uzma's travel back to India.

According to sources, Uzma -- whose visa will expire on May 30 -- will be deported to India on Thursday.

Uzma, a doctor, had requested the court to allow her to return to India and said she was forced to marry Tahir at gunpoint.

She had taken refuge at the Indian High Commission in Islamabad earlier this month and asked to be repatriated to India after she came to know that Tahir was already married and had four children.

She said Tahir had deceived her and accused him of stealing her passport and other travel documents.

The High Court on Wednesday ordered that Uzma can go to her country and the case will be processed in her absence.

An Islamabad High Court bench, headed by Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani, returned Uzma her original immigration form, which Tahir had submitted to the court on Tuesday.

The court also ordered that police provide security to her till the Wagah Border Crossing.

According to Dunya news, Uzma had filed plea in the court that she had to travel to India to attend to her daughter suffering from thalassemia. Justice Kayani granted permission to Uzma while considering the medical report of her daughter.

Tahir asked to meet Uzma in private, after which Justice Kayani said that they can hold a meeting in his chamber. But Uzma refused to meet him.

To which, Justice Kayani said that if Uzma does not want to meet Tahir then she should not be forced to do so.

Uzma also fainted in the court during the hearing and paramedics were called in.

In a six-page reply to the court, Uzma had said that she was made to sign the nikah document with a gun pointed to her head.

She alleged that she was also threatened with being killed, harassed and badly humiliated.

Uzma, who belongs to New Delhi, and Tahir "fell in love" in Malaysia, after which she travelled to Pakistan on May 1 via the Wagah border and the two got married on May 3, he has told the court.
New Delhi, May 24 : The Indian Air Force on Wednesday denied claims by Pakistan Air Force that its fighter jets had flown over the Siachen glacier.

"There is no reported airspace violation," sources in the Indian Air Force said in response to Pakistan's claim of its fighter jets having flown over the glacier which is in India's control.

Pakistani media reports said jet fighters of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) made flights near the Siachen glacier on Wednesday morning.

According to Samaa.tv, Chief of Air Staff Sohail Aman paid a visit to the forward airbase in Skardu and was accompanied by the top leadership of the Pakistan Air Force.

Siachen Glacier at an elevation of over 5,500 meters, is also called the world's highest battlefield.

In 1984, India launched Operation Meghdoot, a military operation that gave India control over all of the Siachen Glacier, including its tributaries.
Kathmandu, May 24 : Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' will resign on Wednesday evening, paving way for Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba to become the next Prime Minister.

Prachanda will put his papers at 4 p.m. after a televised address to the nation, During the address, he is scheduled to announce his resignation and will highlight the achievements of his government during the past 10 months.

With the resignation, the government will be relegated to a caretaker one, and will remain in office until next government is formed.

The resignation is to honour an accord signed in August last year when Prachanda was elected the Prime Minister with Deuba's support.

Both Prachanda and Deuba had agreed to run the government on a rotational basis until elections to Parliament were held in February 2018, as per constitutional obligations.

According to the agreement, Prachanda was to remain in office till the local elections were held while polls at the provincial and central levels were to be conducted under Deuba as the Prime Minister.

Prachada was scheduled to address the Parliament before putting in his papers but due to obstruction of the House by main opposition, CPN-UML, he could not step down on Tuesday.
New Delhi, May 24 : Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi Palaniswami on Wednesday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi that the Centre should reconsider its decision to introduce NEET examination in Tamil Nadu and exempt the state from it in the interest of students.

Talking to newspersons after his meeting with Modi, he said exemption should be given from NEET to both government and private medical colleges and government-quota seats in Tamil Nadu.

He also stressed on the need for immediate central intervention in the appointment of a Cauvery River Management Authority and setting up of a Regulatory Committee as part of implementing the Cauvery Water Tribunal decisions.

Palaniswami also urged the Prime Minister to ensure that the finance ministry issue instructions to the insurance companies for quick disbursal of crop loss insurance for farmers affected by the severe drought that has hit the state this year.

The Chief Minister said he has handed over a memorandum to the Prime Minister containing various demands of the state for Central help in implementing development schemes.

These included immediate central approval for setting up of an AIIMS hospital in Tamil Nadu, clearance for the Rs. 14,500 crore scheme for restoration of the Cauvery bed for which the state government has sent a scheme. This should be implemented as a national scheme, he said.

The Chief Minister said he urged the Prime Minister to instruct the Kerala government not to go ahead with its plans for the construction of check dams across the Bhavani river. He also wanted the Centre to advise the Kerala government to accept the Tamil Nadu scheme for diversion of surplus waters from Pamba, Achankoil and Vaippar rivers to prevent them from going into the sea which will be beneficial to both Tamil Nadu and Kerala. He said Kerala should be asked to prepare a scheme for producing hydro power from these waters.

Palaniswami said the Centre should give a subsidy of Rs.500 crore for a rainwater conservation scheme to be taken up as a people's movement. The scheme involves desilting of rivers and lakes and rain water harvesting programme introduced by late chief minister J Jayalalithaa.

He said the Centre has allocated Rs. 86 crore for fishermen development for which Tamil Nadu government has set apart Rs. 200 crore.
Srinagar, May 24 : Women workers of the opposition National Conference (NC) on Wednesday protested against the award of the Army Chief's commendation card to an officer who had tied a local to the front of a jeep in Jammu and Kashmir.

Led by NC legislator Shameema Firdous, the NC women activists started a protest march from the party headquarters in Srinagar.

The women were soon stopped by the police.

The protesting women raised slogans against the Peoples Democratic Party-Bharatiya Janata Party coalition government for overlooking human rights in the Kashmir Valley.

They sought punishment for the army major who had tied Javed Dar, a shawl weaver, to the front of a jeep on April 9 in Budgam district to avoid stone pelting.
New Delhi, May 24 : Bollywood actor and BJP MP Paresh Rawal has deleted his controversial tweet suggesting that instead of a Kashmiri stone-pelter, author Arundhati Roy should be tied to an Army jeep.

"Instead of tying (a) stone-pelter on the Army jeep, tie Arundhati Roy," Paresh Rawal wrote on the micro-blogging site, triggering an online outrage. Roy has been a vocal supporter of Kashmir separatist campaign and alleged human rights abuses in the state.

However, the tweet is no longer visible in Rawal's account.

It came days after an Army Major in Kashmir trussed up a civilian, Farooq Dar, on his jeep bonnet using him as a human shield against a stone-pelting mob. The incident sparked a huge uproar, particularly after the officer was commended by Army chief General Bipin Rawat for his counter-insurgency service in Jammu and Kashmir.

Rawal's tweet came after the Pakistani media reported that Roy had said that the "Indian aggression in the Kashmir was shameful and that New Delhi`s "oppression cannot subdue Kashmiri struggle."

However, the news could not be verified and was reported to be a "fake news".
Kolkata, May 24 : West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has sought an appointment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss the Ganga erosion issue during her visit to Delhi beginning Wednesday, she said here. .

Banerjee was scheduled to hold a meeting with Congress President Sonia Gandhi and other opposition leaders in Delhi on Friday to finalise a common non-BJP candidate for the presidential elections in July.

Banerjee, speaking to the media before leaving for the national capital at the city airport, said she has asked for an appointment with the Prime Minister within the next two days.

She expected to meet Modi either on Wednesday or Thursday and discuss river problems affecting the people, including the Ganga erosion issue.

Claiming that the state was not getting adequate Central aid in certain areas, the Trinamool Congress supremo said she would try to sort out the problem.

"There are some areas where we are not getting funds. I will talk on that. Whenever I go to Delhi at least once or twice I meet him in a year. That is our routine and that is a courtesy. That's why I have asked for his time," she said.
New Delhi, May 24 : The central government on Wednesday said that it will allocate more air routes under its regional connectivity scheme -- UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) -- by August.

According to Civil Aviation Minister P. Ashok Gajapathi Raju, the government will soon launch the second round of bidding under RCS-UDAN after reciving stakeholders' views on some proposed changes to the scheme which are intended to make it simpler and attractive for participation.

The ministry will organise a stakeholders' consultation meet on June 7 and will accept their comments on the proposed changes by June 9, 2017.

Civil Aviation Secretary R.N. Choubey pointed out that at the same event, the ministry is planning to host an "interactive meet" between state governments and airlines for the second round of bidding for UDAN routes on July 7, 2017.

Choubey highlighted that six changes are mooted to be made in the scheme like considering routes between two airports which are neither under-served nor un-served.

"This is being proposed to further encourage intra-regional connectivity," the ministry said in a statement.

An under-served airport is defined as one which has no more than seven scheduled commercial flight departures per week, whereas an un-served airport or airstrip is the one which has not received even a single scheduled commercial service during the last two flight schedules.

Besides, the ministry has sought suggestions with regard to minimum number of RCS seats, fixed wing aircrafts operations below 150 km for specific areas and to make the exclusivity clause more flexible depending upon operators and rules.

Other changes proposed to be made include whether the "minimum number and maximum number of RCS seats" could be offered over a week's time rather than on a particular flight.

On April 27, 2017, Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the first Rs 2,500-an-hour flight between Shimla and New Delhi.

The scheme is a key component of the National Civil Aviation Policy (NCAP) which was released last year.

On March 30, 2017, the central government under the first round of bidding for the scheme awarded contracts to five companies to operate flight services on 128 routes that will connect 70 airports.

The airline companies chosen during the first round of bidding were Airline Allied Services (Alliance Air), SpiceJet, Turbo Megha Airways, Air Deccan and Air Odisha.

The objective of RCS, christened as UDAN is to enhance air passenger traffic in the country by stimulating demand on regional routes.
Manila, May 24 : The Maute group of Philippines militants, which occupied and torched a Roman Catholic church, a jail and two schools in Marawi city of Mindanao island, has abducted residents, including a priest and a college professor, the media reported on Wednesday.

President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday placed Mindanao and nearby island provinces of Basilan, Sulu and Taw-Tawi under martial law, and vowed to be "harsh" in dealing with the local militant group, Xinhua news agency reported.

The militants took priest Teresito Soganub, professor Maria Luisa Colina, parish secretary Wendelyn Mayormita, two working students and some parishioners on Tuesday, said bishop Edwin dela Pena of Marawi Prelature.

"We have not heard anything about them," Dela Pena said, adding more people might have been kidnapped.

Media reports also said that many residents have fled the city.

A senior military official has claimed to have killed or wounded an undetermined number of militants. However, he said the military is still determining the exact number of casualties.

Two army soldiers and a policeman have been killed and 12 wounded in the fighting that erupted around 2 p.m. on Tuesday.

The militants continued to occupy some sections of Marawi, an Islamic city in Lanao del Sur, he said.

The Maute group was formed by the Maute family led by brothers Omar and Abdullah Maute, former members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. The group has declared loyalty to the Islamic State militant group.

But the military downplays the group, saying it is a bunch of criminals that carry out several bombings and kidnappings in the Mindanao region.

The group has attacked army troops and beheaded their kidnap victims. They are also notorious for raiding jails in the provinces to free their detained comrades.
New Delhi : Climate negotiations are a highly complex undertaking with one simplifying factor that everything happens in one place. But for the current round of negotiations in Bonn, even this isn't the case.

While diplomats have come together from around the world try to hash out a "rule book" for operationalising the Paris Agreement, the potential success of the agreement has been called into question by the Trump administration.

The first clue that circumstances had changed was the number of delegates the US sent to Bonn. At just seven people, this was less than half that of Vietnam, whereas Germany registered some 50 people.

During the opening statements, several countries requested the US not turn its back on the Paris Agreement. The potential US withdrawal was also the focus of press conference questions and hallway chitchat. The Chinese delegation, especially, is said to have put pressure on the US, pointing out that a withdrawal from Paris would have severe consequences for bilateral relations.

Meanwhile, at the UN energy forum in Vienna, India's Power Minister Piyush Goyal, reaffirmed his country's engagement with Paris "irrespective of what happens in the rest of the world".

His speech has been widely praised. "This is proof of India's decisive leadership on climate change as they embrace the clean energy revolution to power their homes and create jobs," said Paula Caballero, from the World Resources Institute.

On May 9 the US government announced it would postpone a decision on the Paris Agreement until after the G7 summit in late May. Optimists considered this a good sign as it gives other G7 leaders the opportunity to personally lobby President Trump. Furthermore, Trump will meet the Pope on May 24, who has also come out strongly in favour of climate action.

But even if the US stays in the Paris Agreement, it is still expected to weaken its domestic emission targets. Whether such action is permitted by the Agreement is still unclear. Much discussion has revolved around the meaning of article 4.11, which states that a country "may at any time adjust its existing nationally-determined contribution with a view to enhancing its level of ambition".

While the Moroccan Foreign Minister Salaheddine Mezouar said that commitments were "irreversible", the EU Commission spokesperson, Yvon Slingenberg,was more circumspect: "We really have to see what it is the Trump administration will come forward with because it is important to keep in mind that parties can deliver on their pledges in different ways."

Meanwhile, for Laurence Tubiana, one of the architects of the Paris Agreement, the question is clear as she wrote in a tweet: "Of course US government CAN legally downsize its contribution but SHOULD Not."

On the other hand, Jonathan Church, a lawyer for the legal NGO ClientEarth, argued in Carbon Brief that this is an "unduly permissive interpretation of Article 4(11)", and weakening the targets would be a "breach of the Paris Agreement".

Bonn marks the halfway point between the climate conference in Paris and the conference next year where a "rule book" will be adopted. The Paris Agreement needs such an operating manual because many details have not been decided. For instance, Article 13.13 requires countries to "adopt common modalities, procedures and guidelines... for the transparency of action and support". But the question of what countries report, when and how still remains unanswered.

The goal of the current session is to establish the outline of a draft negotiating text.

Time and again the distinction between developed and developing countries -- formally abolished in the Paris Agreement -- has resurfaced. For example, shall there be one set of "modalities, procedures and guidelines" or shall there be two sets: One for developed countries and one for developing ones?

But the most consequential issue in Bonn has been the form of the "ratchet mechanism". The climate plans that countries have submitted (known as Nationally Determined Contributions or NDCs) would push global warming to 2.6-3.7C above pre-industrial levels, meaning countries will fall short of the goal of limiting warming to "well below 2C" and "to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5C".

Countries are supposed to ratchet up their commitments and to submit increasingly ambitious NDCs. The ratchet process will be based on "global stocktakes" every five years at which countries will determine whether they are on track. But how the stocktakes will work is currently under negotiation. The first informal one, known as the "Facilitative Dialogue", will take place in 2018 parallel to the adoption of the rule book and the publication of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) special report on the 1.5C goal.

Another issue is the UNFCCC budget for the years 2018 and 2019. The UNFCCC Secretariat has requested almost 59 million euros ($65 million) for the two years -- an increase of 9.7 per cent. However the UNFCCC has been roundly criticised for proposing to eliminate its contribution to the IPCC.

However, the UNFCCC may have no choice in the matter as one of the declared aims of the Trump administration is to stop US government support for climate finance. Currently, the US covers around a fifth of the UNFCCC budget. To save this membership fee though, the US would have to withdraw not only from the Paris Agreement but also from the UNFCCC. Thankfully, this is not under discussion quite yet.

(In arrangement with thethirdpole.net. Susanne Schwarz is a journalist at www.klimaretter.de. Christian Mihatsch is a journalist specialising in climate change, world trade and commodities. Views expressed are those of thethirdpole.net. Feedback at information@thethirdpole.net)
Moscow, May 24 : Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte has asked his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin for arms to fight Islamic militants in the Asian country.

"Our country needs modern weapons to fight against the IS. We had certain orders in the US, however, the situation is not very good now. I came to Moscow to ask for your help and support," the Kremlin quoted Duterte as telling Putin on Tuesday.

"We need to improve trade exchange between the two countries," the Philippines leader said.

Putin noted that Moscow and Manila have many bilateral projects, including power engineering, defence cooperation and transport infrastructure.

Duterte arrived in Moscow on Tuesday for a four-day official visit, but was forced to cut short his trip as fighting broke out in the southern Philippines region of Mindanao.

Putin said he hoped the conflict in the Philippines would be resolved "with minimum losses".

Duterte's delegation remained in Moscow to sign bilateral agreements on Wednesday, Russian media reported.
Lusaka, May 24 : At least 17 persons were killed and 48 injured when the driver lost control of a bus and it overturned in Lusaka in Zambia, the police said on Wednesday.

The accident took place on Tuesday when the driver of the bus, en route from Lusaka to the eastern region, failed to negotiate a curve, Xinhua news agency quoted police spokesman Esther Mwaata-Katongo as saying.

The injured people have been admitted to two local hospitals.
Islamabad, May 24 : The Islamabad High Court on Wednesday allowed an Indian woman to return to her country days after she claimed she was duped and forced into marrying a Pakistani man.

Uzma Ahmed claimed she was forced to marry Buner resident Tahir Ali at gunpoint. During the hearing, Islamabad High Court judge Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani asked Uzma if she wanted to meet her husband in the chamber but she refused the offer, saying she did not want to talk to him.

The High Court ordered that Uzma can go to her country and the case will be processed in her absence.

Soon after the hearing, Uzma left the court for the Indian High Commission where she will reportedly stay until she is sent back.

According to sources, Uzma -- whose visa will expire on May 30 -- will be deported to India on Thursday.

The High Court also returned Uzma her original immigration form, which Tahir Ali had submitted to the court on Tuesday.

The court also ordered that police provide her security till the Wagah border crossing.

In her para-wise comments, Uzma through her counsel reiterated that she had been "terribly beaten... tortured physically and mentally and forced to sign the nikahnama" by Tahir Ali. She alleged that she had been given sleeping pills by Ali who "sexually assaulted" her after he received her at the Wagah border.

On the other hand, Ali had sought court's intervention to meet his wife in "a free atmosphere" claiming that Uzma recorded her statement before a magistrate against him under "duress and pressure" from her brother through officials of the Indian High Commission.

On May 3, Uzma told a magistrate that she had been deceived, tortured and forced to sign marriage documents at gunpoint.

She said that she had taken refuge at the Indian High Commission because she felt threatened, and wanted to return to her country of birth. Contrary to her claims, Ali had filed a petition claiming that she was being forcibly kept there.

Uzma, who belongs to New Delhi, and Ali "fell in love" in Malaysia, after which she travelled to Pakistan on May 1 via the Wagah border.
Imphal, May 24 : The bodies of eight tribal activists in Manipur, killed in a September 2015 violence, were interred on Wednesday after being kept in the mortuary for 600 days in the state's Churachandpur district.

Nine persons were killed in September 2015 during a violence that erupted after the Manipur assembly passed three Inner Line Permit Bills in August 2015. One body was buried earlier.

The Manipur assembly had passed the three Inner Line Permit (ILP) bills on August 31, 2015. However, from the next morning, the tribals launched various forms of agitations against the "anti-tribal bills".

The ILP is a special permit required to enter certain restricted areas in the country. The system is already in force in Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland and Mizoram.

It was first introduced by the British, restricting entry into these areas to protect their commercial interests. The bills have been strongly opposed by tribals, particularly Nagas, who mainly inhabit the hill districts of Manipur.

The All Tribal Women's Union and the All Tribal Movement Lamka have also opposed the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Manipur government and the Joint Action Committee against the 'anti-tribal bills'.

Under the MoU, the government agreed to pay each bereaved family Rs 5 lakh as ex-gratia and provide a job to its member. Besides, the 48 injured would be well looked after.

After ending the four-month long economic blockade imposed by the United Naga Council (UNC) in Manipur, this is a major achievement of N. Biren Singh's Bharatiya Janata Party-led government which assumed office on March 15 after elections to the state assembly.

A tripartite MoU was signed in Churachandpur district on May 10. The eight bodies were lying in the district hospital morgue since September 2015 following dispute over demands of some agitating tribal groups.

As All Tribal Women's Union and the All Tribal Movement Lamka had opposed the MoU, the police had beefed up the security to maintain law and order. There was a business shutdown in the district and all offices and educational institutes were closed.

Though Chief Minister N. Biren Singh was invited, he could not attend the function due to his prior official engagements.

However, several elected members from Churachandpur district were present.
Gurugram, May 24 : A court on Wednesday dismissed the plea of former Haryana minister Sukhbir Kataria, one of the accused in an alleged bogus vote scam, seeking the return of his passport seized by Gurugram police.

The court said the former minister did not deserve it (passport).

Kataria, an ex-legislator from Gurugram assembly seat, along with some of his relatives, a domestic help, a few block-level and Food and Supply Department officials were booked in the case after a district court issued the order to lodge a fresh complaint against them in May last year.

Om Prakash Kataria, a volunteer from Gurgaon Gaon, Kataria's native village, had approached the district court to file an FIR against the accused.

Kataria's passport was impounded by Gurugram police last year after an FIR was registered in Sector 5 police station.

He had filed a petition in the Court of Judicial Magistrate 1st Class Sukhdev Singh for the return of his passport.

The former minister said his son has completed LLB and wanted to go abroad for higher studies. He urged the court to return his passport as he desired to go with his son for admission in a university there.

In his status report submitted in the court, police officer Bijender Singh said Kataria's son has not completed LLB yet.

Singh said a case of using unfair means during the exams of the Maharshi Dayanand University (MDU), Rohtak, has been pending against the former minister's son and he has also failed in the fifth semester.

The court rejected Kataria's plea on the basis of the police report.

Kataria, who was minister during the second tenure of Bhupinder Singh Hooda-led Congress government of Haryana, has also been accused of misusing public fund during his tenure.

Elected as an Independent legislator from Gurugram (then Gurgaon) constituency, he extended his support to Hooda and was made a minister.

He has been accused of preparing and using fake documents to create bogus votes, on the basis of which he won the elections.

Kataria has been facing as many as 32 cases of bogus votes in different courts.
Chennai, May 24 : Global air conditioner maker Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning is looking at exports of the product to Middle East, Africa and other markets out of India, said a top company official on Wednesday.

Queried about possibility of sourcing air conditioners and components for its global markets from India, CEO Franz Cerwinka said: "We are looking at exports of air conditioners to Middle East, Africa and other markets."

He said the global company has not looked at the possibility of sourcing components from India.

Cerwinka was here to inaugurate the company's Engineering Excellence Centre to train service personnel on installation and on other aspects of Hitachi air conditioners.

Meanwhile Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning India Ltd is targeting around 20 per cent growth this fiscal over last year's revenue of Rs 1,977.32 crore, said Managing Director Gurmeet Singh.

He said the company is targeting to be the top air conditioner company in India by 2020-21 from the current number three slot.

Agreeing that the company's presence in south India is weak, Singh said several steps are being taken to correct the situation like increasing the distribution network.

He also noted that prices of air conditioners may go up by three per cent due to GST regime.

The Indian company will be setting Engineering Excellence Centres in Mumbai and Kolkata there by taking the total to four after New Delhi and Chennai.

Singh said each centre involves an outlay of Rs 3.5 crore.
Islamabad, May 24 : A court here on Wednesday ordered the release of 350 Indian fishermen, who were jailed for illegal fishing.

Judicial Magistrate Malir Salman Amjid Siddiqui in his order told the Interior Ministry to release the fishermen who at the earliest.

The judge in his order said the eight months spent in a Pakistani jail by the fishermen has been considered their punishment.

The fishermen from both the countries routinely find themselves arrested for illegal fishing as there is no clear boundary between India and Pakistan in the Arabian sea.
New Delhi, May 24 : A special court has rejected bail plea of a suspended manager of Kotak Mahindra Bank arrested in connection with facilitating the conversion of about Rs 35 crore in demonetised currency, court sources said on Wednesday.

Special Judge Hemani Malhotra dismissed the bail plea of Ashish Kumar, the then manager of Kotak Mahindra Bank's Connaught Place branch.

The court said that prima facie he cheated the government and general public to the tune of crores of rupees in a well-thought and systematic manner and was aided by co-accused and other associates, who are still at large.

It observed that the allegations against Kumar were "grave and serious in nature" and the investigation is still on in the case.

Delhi Police has arrested Kumar on March 28 for being allegedly involved in a deep-rooted conspiracy to convert black money in old demonetised currency into new ones on commission basis.

Police had booked him under various charges dealing with cheating, criminal breach of trust, forgery of a valuable security, using forged document as genuine and criminal conspiracy.

Ashish Kumar was arrested in another case by Enforcement Directorate for converting his Rs 34.93 crore demonetised high-value currency into new notes in December last year.
Mumbai, May 24 : Actress Kriti Sanon put together a playlist of Punjabi songs and gifted an iPod to her "Raabta" co-star Sushant Singh Rajput.

During the prep for the film, Sushant shared that this is the first time he is essaying the role of a Punjabi man.

Kriti then gifted him an iPod with Punjabi Bollywood and folk songs.

Kriti said in a statement: "I am a Punjabi and love Punjabi songs. I added some tracks to my Punjabi playlist and gave it to Sushant. Just thought it would help him get into the 'Amritsar da munda' zone."

-*-When Saqib visited juvenile aid centre for film's prep

Actor Saqib Saleem visited a Delhi-based juvenile aid centre to prepare for his role in the forthcoming film "Dobaara: See Your Evil".

He will be seen as Kabir Merchant, who is sent to a correction centre for 12 years, in the Prawaal Raman directorial.

Keeping his character in mind, Saqib decided to visit Prayas Juvenile Aid Centre Society in Delhi before shooting for the film.

Saqib said in a statement: "There were boys from 5 to 21 years old. It was an eye opener for me to see what exactly goes through their mind that gets them to commit crimes at such a young age."

"Just to understand my character better, I performed an activity wherein I locked myself in a room with no connectivity whatsoever with the outside world, to observe and understand what can one do when he's isolated this way. Honestly, being a person that I am, it was quite frightening to be in this space," he added.

"Dobaara: See Your Evil" also stars Huma Qureshi, Adil Hussain, Lisa Ray, Madalina Bellariu Ion and Rhea Chakraborty.

It is slated to release on June 2.
New Delhi, May 24 : Sticking to its earlier stand, the Indian telecom regulator on Wednesday recommended penal action against three operators -- Bharti Airtel, Vodafone India and Idea Cellular -- for not providing adequate points of interconnections (PoI) to newcomer Reliance Jio.

The amount of penalty the three collectively have to pay is Rs 3050 crore.

In similarly worded decisions against the three operators, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) said it "considered it appropriate to recommend penal action... in view of the large public interest involved."

An Airtel spokesperson said that the company disagreed with TRAI's recommendation and requested the Department of Telecom (DoT) to reject it.

"The penalty has been recommended on the basis of an incorrect assessment of the situation on the ground," the spokesman said in a statement.

Airtel requested the Department of Telecom (DoT) to reject the recommendations and "take into consideration the actions taken on ground by Bharti Airtel". It said "the fact is that we have provided PoIs to Jio at an unprecedented pace despite the provision of 90 days in the licence".

The regulator, in response to queries by the DoT, said that its earlier penalty imposed on the three companies on the basis of licence service areas (LSA) were being confirmed. It had proposed penalties of Rs 1,050 crore each on Airtel and Vodafone and Rs 950 crore on Idea for 21 and 19 licence service areas.

TRAI said under the rules it is not prevented from exercising its mandate to make recommendations to the government for wilful non-compliance of terms and conditions of license.

The sector regulator in October said the top three telecom operators in the country had violated licence norms by denying adequate PoI to Jio.

The TRAI said Department of Telecommunications (DoT) may appreciate the fact that Airtel, Vodafone and Idea were "intentionally denying and delaying the provision/augmentation of PoIs to RJIL (Reliance Jio Infocomm), only to restrict a new entrant, thus violating the terms and conditions of licence and regulations/directions of the Authority, which also caused a lot of inconvenience to consumers."

It added that after its intervention the incumbent players have provided PoI capacity at much shorter notices (in some seven instances within 2-3 days), which implies "that it was capable of providing such POIs" without delay.

"In this context, the denial and delay in providing PoIs when the quality of service (QoS) parameters were not being met cannot be explained in any other manner but wilful."

It said there was no provision in the licence or TRAI Regulation "to deny/delay provisioning of PoIs during the test phase. On the contrary, the testing cannot be completed unless sufficient PoIs are provided."

TRAI said it was clear that the incumbents TSPs were not willing to provide adequate POIs to RJIL to provide a satisfactorily service to its customers on launch of its commercial service.

The TRAI said it took into consideration the efforts made by the incumbent operators in providing sufficient number of PoIs to RJIL.

"However, on finding that the incumbent operators are not willing to provide adequate POIs to RJIL as per its projections and demand, the Authority had to issue show cause notices to the telecom service providers."
Gurugram, May 24 : Villagers from Gurugram on Wednesday disrupted traffic on the Gurugram-Alwar National Highway as police failed to trace a teenaged girl and her abductors.

A 17-year-old girl was allegedly kidnapped from her village near Sohna last week. The villagers including women from Baluda village, blocked the National Highway.

Baluda village is around 26 km from the district headquarters.

They gathered near Ambedkar Chowk and disrupted the movement of traffic that resulted in a massive traffic jam.

The villagers ended their protest as senior police officers assured them that they would trace the victim in two days. The girl's parents have threatened to commit suicide if police fail to rescue her.
Islamabad, May 24 : The Pakistan Army on Wednesday claimed that two officials of the UN Military Observers Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) narrowly escaped after Indian troops fired at their vehicle while they were visiting areas along the Line of Control.

A statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said: "Indian troops committed unprovoked ceasefire violation."

It said the Indian troops deployed on the LoC "targeted UNMOGIP vehicle along LOC in Khanjar sector".

According to details shared by the military's media wing, the vehicle was carrying UNMOGIP Officers Major Emmanuel of Philippines and Major Mirko of Croatia when it came under fire.

The ISPR said the officials, who were on a visit to the LOC, were targeted despite the UNMOGIP's blue flag being hoisted on the vehicle as per procedure.

Last week, the Pakistan Army lodged a protest before military observers from the UN against "unprovoked" Indian firing on civilians.

Incidents of cross-border firing have become a norm since the end of 2016 with tensions simmering between Pakistan and India over the Kashmir issue. Exchanges of fire have been reported sporadically since the year began.
New Delhi, May 24 : Blaming the Yogi Adityanath government of Uttar Pradesh for the violent clashes between Dalits and upper castes in Saharanpur, the CPI-M on Wednesday demanded action in the matter, including protection and monetary compensation for the Dalits.

"The CPI-M strongly condemns the murderous attacks on Dalits in Saharanpur, which has resulted in a Dalit youth being killed and many seriously injured. Certain upper caste elements sporting the colours of the Hindu Yuva Vahini launched these attacks," the party said in a statement.

The statement comes a day after a man was killed and several others injured when they were attacked while returning from a rally of Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati.

"The steady deterioration in the situation is a result of the support the upper caste perpetrators of violence are receiving from the state government and the lack of will displayed by the administration for taking action against them," it said.

"The CPI-M demands firm action against all those involved in the atrocities against the Dalits. The administration has to provide full protection to the vulnerable people. Adequate compensation must be paid to those who have suffered losses. The administration must withdraw false cases implicating Dalits and their leaders," the party said.

"The UP government must give up its partisan stance and ensure that the rule of law prevails in Saharanpur district," it added.
New Delhi, May 24 : Nobel laureate Kailash Satyarthi on Wednesday called for sensitising police on crimes against children and proposed a special children cell in the police forces.

"Police should be sensitised on the crimes against women and there should be a special children cell in the police forces," Satyarthi said on the occasion of valedictory session of the first National Conference of Micro Missions of National Police Mission.

The two-day event was organised by the Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D).

Quoting National Crime Record Bureau (NCRB) data, Satyarthi said the rising pendency of crimes against children is a matter of concern.

"The recent amendments to the Juvenile Justice Act, Criminal Law (Amendment) Act 2013, popularly known as Nirbhaya Act, and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO Act) 2012, should be effectively used to ensure a safe and secure environment for our children, who constitute about 35 per cent of India's population," Satyarthi said.

Neither the politicians and bureaucracy nor the judiciary, but it is the policeman who represents the face of governance and rule of law in the society, he added.

Speaking on the occasion, Bureau of Police Resarch and Development (BPR&D) Director Meeran C. Borwankar said: "On Satyarthi's suggestion, the ninth Micro Mission under the National Police Mission has been set up on crimes against children."

She announced the BPR&D would soon be shifting to its new campus in west Delhi's Mahipalpur.

Director of National Police Mission, Inspector General Nirmal Kumar Azad said the BPR&D would soon initiate a process to rank state police forces through a third party audit as proposed by NITI Aayog (National Institution for Transforming India) CEO Amitabh Kant in his inaugural address on Tuesday.

Additional Director General of BPR&D Parvez Hayat also attended the event aimed to review, share learnings and trace the journey of National Police Mission ever since its inception in 2008.
Rome, May 24 : Defence, counterterrorism cooperation and the IS jihadist group were the focus of US President Donald Trump's talks in Rome on Wednesday with Italian head of state Sergio Mattarella and Premier Paolo Gentiloni, the White House said in a statement.

The closed-door talks "discussed the alliance between the United States and Italy, as well as priorities in the areas of defence cooperation, counterterrorism, and efforts to deny terrorists safe havens from Mali to Libya to Iraq to Afghanistan," the statement said.

During the talks, Trump thanked Italy for efforts in fighting terrorism, especially its participation in the US-led global coalition against IS, in which 68 countries are taking part.

He also thanked Italy for "its active role in Iraq and Afghanistan" and praised its "important diplomatic efforts" to end the violence in conflict-wracked Libya, the statement added.

The White House said Trump also "reaffirmed transatlantic unity" on the need to "hold Russia accountable" for its 2014 annexation of Crimea and the continuing conflict in eastern Ukraine, according to the statement.

Trump also stressed the importance of convincing Russia to fulfil its commitments under the Minsk Agreements (a ceasefire deal between the Ukrainian army and Russian-backed separatist rebels signed in Minsk in February 2015), said the statement.

Also on the agenda in Trump's meetings with Mattarella and Gentiloni was the G7 Summit taking place in Taormina, Sicily on Friday and Saturday, the statement concluded.

International issues were also on the agenda at a private meeting between Trump and Pope Francis earlier on Wednesday, the Vatican said.

Trump's talks in Rome with top officials came during the third leg of Trump's first official trip abroad since taking office.

The four-nation tour, aimed at uniting Muslim, Jewish and Catholic leaders in the fight against Islamist terrorism, has included stops in Saudi Arabia, Israel and the Palestinian territories.

Trump's nine-day trip also includes a one-day visit to Brussels on Thursday, where he will attend a NATO summit.

The deadly bombing of Britain's Manchester Arena this week will bring new urgency to Trump's push for NATO allies to commit to a greater role in counterterrorism and the fight against IS in Syria and Iraq, according to observers.
Vijayawada, May 24 : A court in Andhra Pradesh on Wednesday sentenced a former legislator and 15 others to life imprisonment in a murder case.

Ankapalle Sessions Court in Visakhapatnam district handed down the sentence in a case relating to murder of a fisherman in 2007.

Chengala Venkat Rao, the former legislator from Payakaraopet in Visakhapatnam district and others were convicted for the killing of Poosala Konda in the clashes between two rival groups in Bangarammapet village.

The court also awarded two years imprisonment to five women in the case.

The clash was over setting up of Beach Minerals Company (BMC) plant. Venkat Rao, who was then a member of state assembly from Payakaraopet constituency, had held a meeting with group opposing the plant. During the meeting a clash broke out between the two groups.

Rao was elected as member of assembly on Telugu Desam Party (TDP) ticket in the past. In 2014 he contested as YSR Congress Party candidate but was defeated.
New Delhi, May 24 : Congress President Sonia Gandhi has invited prominent opposition leaders for a luncheon meet at her residence on Friday, when the issue of selecting a consensus candidate for the presidential election is to be discussed.

According to senior leaders there will also be an informal meeting before the lunch. CPI leader D. Raja confirmed he would attend, while JD-U leader K.C. Tyagi said senior leaders of the party will be present.

Opposition party leaders, including Communist Party of India-Marxist leader Sitaram Yechury, are expected to attend.

Meanwhile, West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee is also coming to Delhi and will be meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday.

Banerjee will also meet leaders of all major parties to build a consensus on the joint candidate for the presidential election.

Among the names doing the rounds as the opposition's consensus candidates are of former Governor Gopalkrishna Gandhi and former Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar.

Banerjee met Congress President Sonia Gandhi last week and conveyed that her party was in favour of a consensus candidate for the presidential election.

The term of President Pranab Mukherjee ends in July. The ruling BJP-led National Democratic Alliance, which has clear edge in the presidential election, has not given any inkling so far on its choice of candidate.

Gandhi has been contacting leaders opposed to the ruling BJP to evolve a consensus.

She has spoken to Samajwadi Party leader Mulayam Singh Yadav and RJD chief Lalu Prasad and met JD-U leader and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar, CPI-M leader Sitaram Yechury and National Conference leader Omar Abdullah.

The Congress chief is also expected to meet Bahujan Samaj Party supremo Mayawati.

DMK leader Kanimozhi had invited Sonia Gandhi for her father and DMK chief M. Karunanidhi's 94th birthday celebrations in Chennai on June 3, when another meeting of opposition leaders is likely to take place.
New Delhi, May 24 : The Union Cabinet on Wednesday gave its approval to transfer the property of Hotel Janpath in the national capital to the Ministry of Urban Development, an official said.

"The Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has given its 'in principle' approval to transfer the property of Hotel Janpath, New Delhi, to the Ministry of Urban Development," said a statement.

"The property can be considered for construction of government offices and similar purposes which would save government funds spent in hiring of government offices," it added.

The statement mentioned the details of implementation of the project and land usages would be taken subsequently by a Committee of Secretaries to be constituted under the chairmanship of cabinet secretary.

"The building of Hotel Janpath has to undergo major rehabilitation work since the building structure has been found to be unserviceable, in distressed condition and deficit in the context of seismic requirements, according to the inspection report of IIT Roorkee," read the statement.

The government has initiated the process of disinvestment of hotels/properties of the India Tourism Development Corporation Ltd. (ITDC).

In the first stage of the disinvestment process, it was decided to disinvest in three hotels, namely Hotel Lake View Ashok, Bhopal; Hotel Brahmaputra Ashok, Guwahati; and Hotel Bharatpur Ashok, Bharatpur. Hotel Janpath, New Delhi, was next on the list.
New Delhi, May 24 : AAP leader Ashish Khetan on Wednesday moved the Supreme Court seeking police protection in the wake of threats he has received allegedly from "right-wing" organisations.

Not inclined to give an urgent hearing, the vacation bench of Justice L.Nageswara Rao and Justice Navin Sinha said that the plea would be heard on June 5 after lawyer Sunil Fernandes mentioned the petition.

As Vice-Chairman of the Dialogue and Development Commission, Khetan enjoys status of cabinet minister in Delhi government.

Telling the court that his right to free speech, life and liberty was under threat, he said that neither the Delhi Police nor the Union Home Minister have so far acted on his complaint.

He has sought court monitored probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation into the threats to him and the framing of guidelines that the police should follow to investigate the complaints by the citizens receiving death threats.

Describing himself as a journalist, social activist and one of the prominent members of the Aam Aadmi Party, Khetan said, in his petition, that he has a "genuine and reasonable basis to believe that radical right wing extremist organisations are planning to eliminate him on the lines similar to the recent murders of noted rationalist and public intellectual like Dr. Narendra Dabholkar, Govind Pansare and M.M. Kalburgi".

He has said in his petition that because of his "investigative articles and forthright condemnation of the criminal and anti-national activities of extreme RWE organisations including that of Sanatan Sanstha in July 2016 he received anonymous letter threatening him with dire consequences".

Khetan has said that Sanatan Sanstha in its mouthpiece "Dainik Sanatan Prabhat" had in June 2016 had written that he should be taught a lesson.

"The threat is a chilling reminder of the growing confidence of the anti-national and fascists forces who want to exterminate all dissenting voices with violence," the petition reads.
Hyderabad, May 24 : Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao on Wednesday dubbed as a "blatant lie" BJP President Amit Shah's comment that the Centre was providing additional funds of Rs 20,000 crore to the state every year.

Rao said he challenged Shah to prove that even Rs 200 crore of additional funds were provided to the state.

He said if the BJP leader could prove so, he was ready to resign as Chief Minister.

"Whatever he said in the past three days is nothing but blatant lies. He should apologise to the people of Telangana," Rao told the media here.

The Chief Minister said the Centre earned Rs 50,013 crore in taxes from Telangana during 2016-17 while it gave only Rs 24,561 crore under all central schemes.

He said Shah should know that it is Telangana which gave Rs 25,452 crore to the Centre.

Rao, President of the ruling Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS), said Shah was trying to spread "misinformation about the newly created state".

The TRS chief said Shah was trying to damage the state's progress for cheap politics. He said it was unbecoming of the head of a ruling party at the Centre to make such comments.

KCR, as Rao is popularly known, said had Shah made personal comments against him, he would not have reacted but since he tried to spread misinformation about Telengana, he (Rao) decided to respond.

"Whether the BJP is in power or not at the Centre, the state will get whatever it has to get. Like other states, Telangana also got funds from the Centre but it did not get even one rupee more," he said.

He also took exception to Shah's comments that his government had failed to implement welfare schemes.

The Chief Minister said Telangana is one of the only six-seven states that were contributing to national growth and that Telangana is number one in implementing welfare schemes.
Kolkata, May 24 : Ailing Trinamool MP Sudip Bandyopadhyay, an accused in the Rose Valley chit fund scam, was on Wednesday shifted to the state-run SSKM Hospital from the private Apollo Hospital, with his lawmaker wife claiming the step was taken to reduce the cost of treatment.

Bandopadhyay, who got conditional bail on health grounds from the Orissa High Court in scam on Friday, was discharged two days later from the Apollo Hospital in Bhubaneswar and flown to Kolkata.

The same day, he was admitted to the Apollo Hospital in Kolkata for treatment.

"We had to transfer him because he was in Apollo Hospital for long. And the treatment there is very costly," said wife Nayana Bandyopadhyay.

A three-member medical team has been formed at SSKM for Bandyopadhyay's treatment.

Bandyopadhyay has pancreatitis as also cardiac issues.

On Sunday he told a private news channel that he had irregular heartbeat, and suffered from breathlessness and chest pains.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has already filed a chargesheet in a special court in Bhubaneswar against Bandyopadhyay.
New Delhi, May 24 : Lt. Governor Anil Baijal on Wednesday said the Delhi Police is going to hire a chief technology officer to help the force to equip itself to meet the growing challenges and potent threat of cyber crime.

"In response to the potent threat of cyber crime and cyber-attacks, more so in the environment of increasing digitalisation of services and commercial transactions, the Delhi Police is going to hire a chief technology officer within the Police headquarters to keep pace with global technology developments and help the force equip itself to meet the growing challenges," he said at the 9th edition of Homeland Security Programme organised by Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industries (Ficci).

The theme of this year's programme is 'Modernisation of India's Internal Security Mechanism.

On the event, Baijal called upon the police forces to effectively utilise modern information and communication technology tools for smart policing.

In his address, he outlined three developments - emerging demographic profile, the pace and pattern of unabated urbanisation, and the rapid pace at which the technology is developing - while highlighting some recent initiatives taken by the Delhi Police in response to various such challenges.

"On harnessing the potential of our youth, the Delhi Police has recently taken up programs for skill upgradation of youth in collaboration with various corporate using their corporate social responsibility funds. This will help in weaning away potential criminals from crime and make them employable and self-reliant in life," Baijal said.

He said the Delhi Police is already working with young technology students from various government institutions within the city.

Baijal said an expert group, convened by one of the Special Commissioners of Police, has been constituted to study the root causes of violence against women. "This should help in crafting appropriate responses to tackle this ever-growing menace."

Calling upon Delhi Police to leverage technology and social media platforms for more effective engagement and interaction with the community, he said he was unequivocal in his belief that community policing is the key to effective policing.

He also spoke about the new officer-oriented police stations launched recently at Parliament Street and Maurice Nagar police stations, to effectively tackle and address the concerns of the aspirational youth.
New Delhi, May 24 : Three persons, including a juvenile, were arrested in connection with a jeweller's robbery and murder in April, the city police said on Wednesday.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Mandeep Singh Randhawa said Sahil, 21, and Sanjay, 34, were arrested on Tuesday while the juvenile accomplice was held on Wednesday morning. Both Sahil and Sanjay are residents of Sonipat in Haryana.

They had barged into jeweller Ravinder Kapoor's shop in west Delhi's Karol Bagh on April 30, gagged him, and tied his hands and legs, and left with a loot. Kapoor later died of suffocation.

The police said two stolen gold bangles, a gold chain, and two motorcycles used in the crime were seized.

"All the suspects were held from Sonepat. We are trying to nab the fourth accused, who is said to be the mastermind," Randhawa said.
Kolkata, May 24 : The Left Front and the Congress on Wednesday expressed their apprehension over West Bengal Chief Minister's scheduled meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, pointing out she was earlier in the NDA and also a member of the Atal Bihari Vajpayee's cabinet.

The Modi-Mamata meeting on Thursday coincides with a protest march to the Kolkata police headquarters organised by the Bharatiya Janata Party's state unit.

"Modi and didi (elder sister, as Banerjee is affectionately called) are two flowers from the same stalk. She has been in the union cabinet during the BJP government earlier. Vajpayee had also visited her residence when he was the Prime Minister," said state Congress leader Manoj Chakravborty.

"She always does what suits her interest," he said.

Left Front legislature party leader Sujon Chakraborty wondered why Banerjee is not accompanied by her ministers and officials if she wanted to raise issues concerning the state.

"For raising issues concerning Bengal, she should have taken her aides. She says she wants to talk about central grants which her state is not getting. Then the Finance Minister and departmental officials should have accompanied her. If the CM is going without them, then one has to understand 'dal me bohut kuch kaala hai'," said Chakraborty.

The state BJP, however, said they were least concerned over the meeting.

"We aren't concerned over who is talking to whom on what issue. Such things happen.

"The BJP in West Bengal and its workers have started a struggle, which people of the state trust and support. Their trust is out strength and so we are marching to Lalbazar," said state party chief Dilip Ghosh.

On the other hand, the Trinamool pooh poohed the snide remarks of the Congress and the Left.

"We have always fought against communalism. We have never bowed our head. We will continue our fight. The Left and the Congress don't have have any programmes. When we oppose the BJP, then also they ask us why we are doing it," said Trinamool Secretary General Partha Chattjerjee.

Earlier in the day, Banerjee said she has sought an appointment with Modi to discuss the Ganga erosion issue, problems of other rivers and non-receipt of central grants.

It was later learnt, that the two leaders would meet on Thursday.
United Nations, May 24 : The UN has denied that its observers in Kashmir came under attack from Indian army in Kashmir, refuting the Pakistani allegations.

Stephane Dujarric, the spokesperson for Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, told reporters on Wednesday that there was no evidence of an attack on UN Military Observers Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP).

Pakistan's Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) had alleged that a vehicle carrying UNMOGIP Majors Emmanual of the Philippines and Mirko of Croatia came under attack from India while on a visit to the Line of Control (LoC) in Pakistani-administered Kashmir.

"This afternoon in Bhimber District in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, UNMOGIP military observers accompanied by Pakistani army escorts heard gunshots," Dujarric said. "There is no evidence that the UNMOGIP military observers were targeted by the gunfire."

"No UN military observer was injured," he added.

The Pakistan Army on Wednesday claimed that two UNMOGIP officials narrowly escaped after Indian troops fired at their vehicle while they were visiting areas along the Line of Control.

A ISPR statement said: "Indian troops committed unprovoked ceasefire violation" and "targeted the UNMOGIP vehicle along LOC in Khanjar sector, despite the UNMOGIP's blue flag being hoisted on the vehicle as per procedure.

(Arul Louis can be reached at arul.l@ians.in)
G.L. Huyett proudly announces the return of James (Jim) Flannery as Regional Sales Manager in the Midwest.

G.L. Huyett proudly announces the return of James (Jim) Flannery as Regional Sales Manager in the Midwest. Jim previously served as a Regional Sales Manager for Wayne Engineering in Cedar Falls, IA; sold for Vimi Fasteners in Charlotte, NC; managed a branch for B&F Fastener Supply in Minneapolis, MN; and G.L. Huyett as a National Sales Manager from 2004 to 2008.

Jim joins Dan Harriger, G.L. Huyetts Vice President of Sales, and a seasoned team of professionals, to offer fastener distributors and industrial distribution channels an unprecedented value proposition and product selection. In addition to managing and strengthening existing partnerships, Jim will work to identify and build new customer relationships while providing knowledgeable sales support.

With the addition of Jim, our Sales Team possesses over 50 years experience in A Raymond Tinnerman products and engineered fasteners, and compliments G.L. Huyetts existing engineering experience as an ISO 9001 certified manufacturer, master distributor, and importer of non-threaded fasteners, grease fittings, and engineered fasteners said Harriger. We are excited to have him on our team.

G.L. Huyetts CEO, Tim OKeeffe adds, We have worked hard to create an organizational culture aligned to excellence and professional development. I am pleased to see our hard work validated through Jims return to our Regional Sales Team.

To contact Jim, call 319-427-0405, e-mail jflannery(at)huyett.com, or visit http://www.huyett.com.

About G.L. Huyett

Established in 1906 by Guy Huyett in the other Minneapolis, the company is one of the oldest continuously operating businesses in Kansas. Founded on the production and distribution of machinery bushings, in the 1990s, entrepreneurial owners Tim and Carol OKeeffe recognized huge potential in offering low order minimums, fast shipping, and expanding product offerings to a complete inventory of power transmission components including MAK-A-KEY and MAK-A-PIN precision key stock, pins, retaining rings, grease fittings and accessories, engineered fasteners, bushings, washers, assortments, and tools.
PE licensure is the mark of a professional and demonstrates a degree of competency, diligence and dedication.

School of PE is excited to announce Onsite engineering exam review courses in California and Texas and Live Online courses convenient for the Pacific and Mountain time zones.

School of PE, a division of EduMind, provides Fundamentals of Engineering (FE), Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE), Structural Engineering (SE) and surveying exam review courses. EduMind strives to provide lifelong learning opportunities through exam preparation and continuing education.

Starting with the fall 2017 exam review courses, School of PE will offer PE Civil exam review classes Onsite in Texas and California and Live Online at times that are convenient for people who live in the Pacific and Mountain time zones.

School of PE will continue to offer Live Online classes convenient for the Eastern time zone and Onsite classes for PE Civil review courses in several states on the East Coast and in the Midwest. The expansion shows School of PEs commitment to providing exceptional learning experiences to help engineers achieve career goals.

An Ondemand option is also available to help people prepare for their upcoming exam from any location and at a time that is convenient for them.

School of PE offers exam review courses to assist those taking the FE, PE and SE exams, which are administered by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES). Becoming a licensed professional engineer (PE) by NCEES is a very important step in an engineers career.

Technically by law, people can only refer to themselves as engineers once they have a PE license. To obtain a PE, first taking the FE or Engineer in Training (EIT) exam is required. After passing the FE/EIT exam, one becomes an engineering intern (EI). Although the regulations in each state vary, a minimum of 4 years of working under a professional engineer is required before applying to sit for the PE exam.

Employers are very impressed by candidates with their PE license, and employers often choose to hire candidates who express their goal of obtaining a license.

When we are hiring somebody and have two applicants of fairly equal qualifications, if one of them is an EI and one of them is not, the EI has already demonstrated their desire to head for professional registration to join the club to abide by the various regulations, and we hire them in a heartbeat over anyone who doesn't, said John Pepper, PE, President of PEGroup Consulting Engineers, Inc. The FE examination is extremely important to PEs.

Many engineering positions require the candidate to be licensed. Even if some industries do not require employees to obtain their PE license, companies in these industries may request that their employees strive for a PE license.

Why would these companies ask their people to become professional engineers? asked Pepper. It shows a higher level of qualification.

Not only does a PE license demonstrate a higher level of qualification, but it also shows great dedication to career development.

According to Anthony J. Florillo, PE, executive vice president of ECS Corporate Services, PE licensure is the mark of a professional and demonstrates a degree of competency, diligence and dedication.

While becoming a professional engineer can help in the job search process, a PE license can also help candidates earn more money in those positions.

According to NCEES website, Salary studies show that as a P.E., you can expect to earn significantly more throughout your career.

To begin the journey toward becoming a licensed professional engineer, visit our website at http://www.schoolofpe.com to register for a FE, PE or SE exam review course today. Your success is our success!
At NCA, the safety of our local Middle Tennessee community is very important to us" -Shooter Stein, CEO & President of NCA Alarms.

NCA Alarms is proud to announce the release of their newly designed infographic 8 Home Security Tips to Help You Rest Easy at Night, which can be downloaded at nca.cc/8-home-security-tips-infographic. This infographic outlines simple steps that can be taken by any homeowner to keep their house and family safe.

At NCA, the safety of our local Middle Tennessee community is very important to us, said Shooter Stein, CEO & President of NCA Alarms. Wed be delighted to know that this infographic helped a few more people in our neighborhoods rest easy at night, knowing they have done their due diligence.

NCA Alarms is proud to be a locally-owned and locally-run enterprise. Ensuring the well-being of the Nashville community is central to the mission of NCAs management, and one of the companys primary methods of addressing this issue is education. Helping homeowners understand the risks they face and how to mitigate them is central to NCAs business.

Download the 8 Home Security Tips to Help You Rest Easy at Night infographic now by visiting nca.cc/8-home-security-tips-infographic.

ABOUT NCA ALARMS

NCA Alarms was founded in 1997 with the goal of connecting Middle Tennessee consumers and homeowners with the best possible selection of security alarm services, for the best possible price. Partnering with C.O.P.S. Monitoring, NCA Alarms has set the bar for home security in the Nashville area with their trusted home security systems and rave-worthy customer service.
One of CAMO's deck fastening innovations is the Marksman Pro, consisting of a guide, proprietary screws and drill bits that fasten deck boards on the edge and into the joist. We want to introduce our dealers and their contractors to our broad range of CAMO fastening products, including our innovative Edge Deck Fastening system. This is a very fun way of accomplishing this objective.- W. Scott Baker, CEO, National Nail

National Nail has announces the CAMO Screw Off!, a fun head-to-head competition offering CAMO stocking dealers customers (located in New Jersey and New England) the chance to win a 2017 Harley-Davidson Roadster motorcycle and other cash prizes. The competition is designed to help dealers build stronger relationships with their contractors while creating awareness for CAMO deck fastening products. The CAMO Screw-Off! qualifying events will take place throughout the spring and summer.

We have done exciting events like this before and it draws widespread interest to our stocking dealers, said W. Scott Baker, CEO, National Nail. We want to introduce our dealers and their contractors to our broad range of CAMO fastening products, including our innovative Edge Deck Fastening system. This is a very fun way of accomplishing this objective.

Hosted by a CAMO stocking dealer, contractors/users are exposed to the full array of CAMO deck fastening products. For those brave enough to compete in the CAMO Screw Off! qualifying event, contestants will race against the clock in a deck fastening contest to get a chance to win a 2017 Harley-Davidson Roadster motorcycle and other cash prizes at the CAMO Screw Off!finals being held at the NRLA LBM Expo in Providence, Rhode Island in February 2018.

National Nail is working with each CAMO stocking dealer to promote their event dates, generate contractor interest, and coordinate the competitions. A CAMO Screw Off! Dealer Marketing Kit is sent to every participating dealer which includes a banner, in-store posters and fliers promoting the event. Additional marketing support includes logo wearables, PR and social media.

For more information on the CAMO Screw Off! or to hold your own CAMO Screw Off! qualifying event, please visit http://www.camofasteners.com/screw-off or call Greg Hartmann at 315-350-1832.

About CAMO Edge Fastening

CAMO Edge Fastening from National Nail delivers beautiful, fastener-free, Barefoot Approved results with virtually any wood, composite or PVC decking. CAMO offers a variety of guides, fasteners, and accessories, as well as a collated system to suit project requirements. For more information or to locate a dealer, visit CAMO Fasteners or call 1-800-968-6245. Be sure to Like @camofasteners on Facebook and @camodeckfasteners on Instagram.

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In 2016, drivers of the Crowley fleet of more than 100 vehicles, which includes 27 line haul trucks, drove almost 3 million miles while delivering more than 150 million gallons of petroleum products. We always perform as one team  and we couldnt deliver fuel all over the state of Alaska without the support of the entire Crowley organization.

Crowley Fuels has been honored with the ConocoPhillips/Alaska Trucking Association (ATA) Alaska Safe Truck Fleet of the Year award in the Line Haul Division (fleet size under 50 units) for continuing to perform at an elite level of safety. ConocoPhillips/ATA presented the award to Crowley Vice President Laura Yellig during the ATAs annual Safety Awards Banquet in late April in Anchorage.

To be considered for the Alaska Safe Truck Fleet of the Year award, the Crowley team was evaluated and ranked on several 2016 statistics, including the total number of miles driven, the companys Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration CSA fleet scores, accident frequency and overall Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) rate. Last year, drivers of the Crowley fleet of more than 100 vehicles, which includes 27 line haul trucks, drove almost 3 million miles while delivering more than 150 million gallons of petroleum products to communities across Alaska.

Since 2011, Crowley has made substantial investments in new equipment, maintenance and driver safety training, all of which have helped to achieve higher dependability, productivity and safety. Crowleys new equipment includes tractors, local delivery trucks and trailers.

Crowley is committed to safely serving the fuel needs of Alaska, as demonstrated by our continued investment in the right equipment, facilities and, most importantly, our employees, said Yellig. Our highway staff earned the honor by doing their best every single day, often in incredibly challenging conditions.

We are grateful to our dispatchers, drivers, mechanics and support staff for building a business deserving of this recognition  built on the countless activities, decisions and commitments that they make daily, said Jasper Hall, director, highway fuel distribution. Our team is committed to enhancing the lives of Alaskans with safe, reliable fuel delivery service and it is nice to know that their efforts are appreciated by the industry."

The Safety Awards Banquet, dually hosted each year by the ATA and ConocoPhillips, is a premier event to recognize carriers that have the best safety performance. The competition becomes more challenging with each passing year, as companies continually improve their focus on safety through regular meetings, driver workshops, trainings and a variety of other employee development programs.

Im thankful to work every day with very good people who are committed to doing a great job, said Dan Virgin, manager, line haul trucking. We always perform as one team  and we couldnt deliver fuel all over the state of Alaska without the support of the entire Crowley organization. Together, we have created a very strong organization, and we arent done yet  we want to continue to grow and support Alaskas diverse fuel needs.

About Crowley

Crowley is a leader in the Alaska fuel industry, providing transportation, distribution and sales of petroleum products to more than 280 communities across Alaska. Crowley also supports the energy industry on the North Slope with summer sealifts of large production modules and various marine transportation services. For over 35 years, Crowley has provided tanker escort and docking services in Alaska, utilizing some of the most technologically advanced and powerful tugboats in the world. To learn more about Crowley in Alaska, visit http://www.crowleyalaska.com.

To learn more about Crowley Maritime Corporation, the 125-year-old, privately held company providing marine solutions, energy and logistics services around the world, please visit crowley.com.
Piggyback Rider Facebook Video that went viral

Today, Full Sail International LLC (FSI), a family owned and operated company which strives to re-innovate existing products and create new ones, announced that a video for its Piggyback Rider toddler carrier system was featured in Facebooks Inside Inventions page, and in just four days since, it was viewed by 32,000,000 people across Facebook. The video, which features clips from the inventors personal adventures, has, in seven days, created such demand resulting in selling out 100% of the companys inventory. Currently, FSI is working to bring inventory levels back up to meet the ever-increasing demand for the product.

The rush for product prompted the company to post this message on its website: Please note this video went viral on 5/12/17 and we are experiencing a massive demand. If you cannot find an available product, it's because we sold out. We anticipate more units in our warehouse around 6/20/17.

Managing Director & one of the brother inventors Bryan Lifshitz said, We invented Piggyback Rider to create a mutually enjoyable, effortless way to carry a child on your back and, best of all, a bonding experience bar none with you and your child. The fact that this video went viral is a proud moment in our history, and we look forward to providing continued value to our customers as we work to fill all the backorders. The company has offered free gifts with a pre-order for those who are willing to wait.

This achievement was a result of FSI, with its marketing partner, GrayShitz Branding & Marketing (GS), having created a number of initiatives, videos and communications and working to promote these though social media, blogging, and trade shows. As a business that has been around for a few years, valuing just how Facebook & Amazon work, led to the activity that has positioned the company as a major force in the child carrier space. Orders have come from around the world in these seven days.

About Piggyback Rider: The Piggyback Rider was developed to take advantage of the natural instinct to carry a child on your back. The aluminum bar allows the child to stand up, which positions the center of mass over your hips. Now, you can walk upright. Child hand holds were placed at two locations on the shoulder straps to remove tiny hands from the neck. And the child safety harness adds peace of mind.

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May 24, 2017  Powernet, enabling you to connect, announced today that CRN, a brand of The Channel Company, has named Jill Warren, director of network services to its prestigious 2017 Women of the Channel list. The executives who comprise this annual list span the IT channel, representing vendors, distributors, solution providers and other organizations that figure prominently in the channel ecosystem. Each is recognized for her outstanding leadership, vision and unique role in driving channel growth and innovation.

CRN editors select the Women of the Channel honorees based on their professional accomplishments, demonstrated expertise and ongoing dedication to the IT channel.

Jill Warren has been in the Telecom/IT/Technology industry for 20 years. Jill learned early in her career that she has a passion for supporting the customer throughout their experience with a company. When she arrived at Powernet in 2004, the company had no dedicated support for their business clients. She utilized her experience in the channel to implement a service management department. To this day the department ensures that our partners have a dedicated team that they can bring all their customers to that will help with any needs they have.

Aside from spearheading Powernets service management team, Jill also plays a key role in propelling Powernet away from its legacy telecommunications products. She has driven research into emerging technologies such as PowerWAN, Powernets SD-WAN solution, and MDU packages. Jill works to assist Powernets channel partners to understand these new products and services while giving them everything they need to be successful in the channel.

Jills work in the channel has been instrumental to our partner relationships and growth as a full-solution technology provider, says Alli Stevens, CEO of Powernet. Our mission is to connect people and businesses. That all starts with the products and services that Jill and her team bring to the table.

These extraordinary executives support every aspect of the channel ecosystem, from technical innovation to marketing to business development, working tirelessly to keep the channel moving into the future, said Robert Faletra, CEO of The Channel Company They are creating and elevating channel partner programs, developing fresh go-to-market strategies, strengthening the channels network of partnerships and building creative new IT solutions, among many other contributions. We congratulate all the 2017 Women of the Channel on their stellar accomplishments and look forward to their future success.

The 2017 Women of the Channel list will be featured in the June issue of CRN Magazine and online at http://www.CRN.com/wotc.

About Powernet

Powernet enables businesses to connect with audiences in the office and across the world through wireless networking, Wi-Fi, voice, data, IT managed services, in addition to domestic and international carrier services. As a Woman-Owned business with more than 24 years of telecom experience and expert sales and support teams, we provide our partners and clients the unparalleled service and innovative technology they need to achieve their business goals. http://www.powernetco.com

2017 PNG Telecommunications, inc. All rights reserved. Powernet and Enabling you to connect are registered trademarks of PNG Telecommunications, Inc.

About the Channel Company

The Channel Company enables breakthrough IT channel performance with our dominant media, engaging events, expert consulting and education, and innovative marketing services and platforms. As the channel catalyst, we connect and empower technology suppliers, solution providers and end users. Backed by more than 30 years of unequaled channel experience, we draw from our deep knowledge to envision innovative new solutions for ever-evolving challenges in the technology marketplace. http://www.thechannelco.com

2017 The Channel Company, LLC. CRN is a registered trademark of The Channel Company, LLC. All rights reserved.

Powernet Contact:

Tyler Smith

Marketing Department

(513) 942-7900

marketing(at)powernetco(dot)com

The Channel Company Contact:

Melanie Turpin

The Channel Company

(508) 416-1195

mturpin(at)thechannelco(dot)com
International Student Logo InternationalStudent.com is a true powerhouse of information and is the center of our marketing efforts for our school and business partners. We want to leverage this marketing strength, all under the one brand and image.

Envisage International, the leading international education marketing company serving students, academic institutions and businesses worldwide, is proud to announce the rebrand of its student marketing and lead generation business unit. While still offering the same quality marketing programs, they will now offer these services under the main InternationalStudent.com brand.

The change is being made to further distinguish InternationalStudent.com, not only as the go-to resource for students looking for a study abroad experience, but also as the premier online marketing company for academic institutions and businesses seeking to attract this unique demographic.

We want to showcase our strongest and most recognizable brand, says Don Sears, Director of Sales at InternationalStudent.com. InternationalStudent.com is a true powerhouse of information and is the center of our marketing efforts for our school and business partners. We want to leverage this marketing strength, all under the one brand and image.

InternationalStudent.com started in 1997 to serve the growing international student community. Over the years, the traffic has grown organically, primarily due to the company staying on top of the latest SEO trends and having the best and most in depth content related to studying abroad.

Now, with more than 700,000 visitors each month, InternationalStudent.com is an invaluable resource for both current and aspiring international students. The site features a School Search section to help students locate their ideal US college or university, in addition to offering unique content ranging from tax help for US students, to a $4,000 annual video contest, now in the 12th year, to admission essays and scholarship advice and every subject between.

Because of the content and the company wide SEO efforts, InternationalStudent.com traffic continues to grow because of the ease in which it is found when students are searching on search engines. Students can search for things like, study nursing in the US, study business in the USA or taxes for international students, and hundreds of other similar searches, and find InternationalStudent.com with the top organic listing.

InternationalStudent.com traffic continues to grow year over year, due to our focus on best SEO practices, our attention to our content and our ability to continue to adapt the site to keep up with changing technology, commented Mr. Sears.

Over 40% of the traffic on the site now comes from mobile devices across the globe. Recognizing the shift to mobile, InternationalStudent.com was just upgraded to be fully responsive so it will look great on any device a student is using to explore their international education options. While InternationalStudent.com has always been mobile friendly, this upgrade gives us the latest technology, ensuring that no matter what device someone is using, our site will always come up in the search results.

For further information, contact Don Sears at dsears(at)internationalstudentl(dot)com or visit our flagship site: http://www.internationalstudent.com.

About Envisage International Corporation, the parent company of InternationalStudent.com:

Envisage International Corporation (EIC) is a leader in international education marketing, running a network of internationally recognized websites and providing unique products and services that meet the needs of students and organizations from all around the world. With focus, purely on international education, EIC provides expert solutions for international student recruiting, student loans and student health and travel insurance.
ThinkTime, a leading cloud-based task management and associate communication platform which enables some of the worlds largest retail brands to organize work for their associates across locations, languages and cultures has announced a new partnership with RetailNext, the worldwide leader in retail IoT and smart store analytics. To kick off this powerful new relationship, ThinkTime President Steve Levy will attend Insight:Ignite, the 7th Annual RetailNext Executive Forum in Napa, CA, May 31  June 2.

RetailNext gathers tons of data on traffic; everything from how long a customer looks at an item to whether a store manager shook a customer's hand, says Levy. All that data can be used in a really powerful way in our task management system.

The Insight:Ignite forum provides the perfect venue to showcase these synergies. With hundreds of retailer executives, shopper experience advocates and data experts gathered together, Levy plans to offer one-on-one demos of all ThinkTime's powerful features. A tool like Quick Task is the perfect way to leverage customer behavior insights; if you notice a pattern when sales spike, you can give your in-store teams immediate instructions to capitalize, he notes. ThinkTime lets you respond to the information RetailNext provides in real time.

In many ways we are a true extension of all the great data and information they have, says Levy. We make that data actionable.

Insight:Ignite runs from May 31 to June 2 at the Silverado Resort in Napa, California. To schedule your free demo of ThinkTime, contact Steve at slevy(at)thinktime(dot)com or 312-543-9205.

About ThinkTime

ThinkTime is a leading cloud-based task management and associate communication platform which enables some of the worlds largest retail brands to organize work for their associates across locations, languages and cultures worldwide. ThinkTime provides Leadership with the ability to distribute communications and tasks, measure real-time results and provide instantaneous support via our best-in-class intuitive user interface. Unleash the potential of your teams and begin experiencing the next level of real time store execution! Its time for ThinkTime.

About RetailNext

The first retail vertical IoT platform to bring e-commerce style shopper analytics to brick-and-mortar stores, brands and malls, RetailNext is a pioneer in focusing entirely on optimizing the shopper experience. Through its centralized SaaS platform, RetailNext automatically collects and analyzes shopper behavior data, providing retailers with insight to improve the shopper experience real time.

More than 300 retailers in over 70 countries have adopted RetailNexts analytics software and retail expertise to better understand the shopper journey in order to increase same-store sales, reduce theft and eliminate unnecessary costs. RetailNext is headquartered in San Jose, Calif. Learn more at http://www.retailnext.net.
Golden Gate BPO Solutions to Provide Customer Support and Lead Generation for HotelPower.com "Golden Gate BPO Solutions is a unique provider in the outsourcing space  one that can provide us with customized, goal-oriented solutions for our customer service needs."

Golden Gate BPO Solutions, a global provider of customer management and business process outsourcing solutions, announced today it began providing lead generation and customer support for HotelPower.com, an online member-based provider of discounted lodging accommodations ranging from traditional hotels to rental properties. Golden Gate BPO Solutions is servicing this new client from its contact center partner in Montego Bay, Jamaica.

Stephen B. Ferber, CEO of Golden Gate BPO Solutions, stated, The partnership between Golden Gate BPO and HotelPower.com is indicative of our companys expertise in the travel space and customer relationship management, from sales and service to customer retention. HotelPower.com was established by travel industry leaders from Global Travel International  the 55th Largest Travel Agency in the U.S. according to the Travel Weekly Power List 100  to bring insider rates and discounts to a wider audience. Their vision and innovative solutions for travelers and strong commitment to customer experience align directly with Golden Gate BPOs principles. We are proud to be partnering with this outstanding company.

Adds Randy Warren, CEO of HotelPower.com, Golden Gate BPO Solutions is a unique provider in the outsourcing space  one that can provide us with customized, goal-oriented solutions for our customer service needs as well as the utmost in relationship management through full immersion with our organization and its culture. This is an approach we found extremely appealing in our search, and Golden Gate BPO was the one outsourced contact center company that could offer this high-touch level of service we require. We believe in their standards of creating the most positive customer experience, and were excited for them to be a part of our team to help service and grow our business.

About Golden Gate BPO Solutions:

Founded in 2006, Golden Gate BPO Solutions provides multi-channel contact center management, customer engagement and business process outsourcing services. We offer a unique and effective call center outsourcing alternative that provides our clients with a high touch client-service provider relationship. Our outsourced call center alternative yields world-class customer care, technical support and sales along with the full spectrum of outsourcing functions required to serve clients customers. Our customer engagement centers are located in the United States, Dominican Republic, Belize, Jamaica, the Philippines and India, from which we offer multi-lingual voice, email, web chat, social media, back-office, online help desk and automated support.

Golden Gate BPO Solutions is ranked No. 975 on Inc. magazines 35th annual Inc. 5000, the most prestigious ranking of the nations fastest-growing private companies. The Inc. 5000 represents a unique look at the most successful companies within the American economys most dynamic segment its independent small businesses. Started in 1982, this prestigious list of the nations most successful private companies has become the hallmark of entrepreneurial success. Companies such as Microsoft, Dell, Dominos Pizza, Pandora, Timberland, LinkedIn, Yelp, Zillow, and many other well-known names gained their first national exposure as honorees of the Inc. 5000.

For more information on Golden Gate BPO Solutions, visit http://www.goldengatebpo.com.

About HotelPower.com:

Hotelpower.com is a recent addition to Global Travel International. Global Travel International is the 55th Largest Travel Agency in the U.S, according to the Travel Weekly Power List 100. Hotelpower.com offers consumers and club members one of the biggest selections and best pricing options of lodging accommodations from traditional hotels to vacation rentals at more than 400,000+ properties worldwide. Member benefits include discounted hotel rates up to 70% off, complimentary upgrades, free breakfasts, late checkout, email alerts for travel specials and access to inventory not available through other online sources. Hotel Power offers discounted hotel stays, only to club members, with rates and availability unlike any other travel website by those in the know  enabling them to save thousands upon thousands of dollars in hotel expenditures.

For more information visit http://www.hotelpower.com.

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Swedish journalist, author and digital futurist Andreas Ekstrom will deliver the keynote  The Big Five and the Digital Revolution.

More than 600 global business executives from 45 countries are expected to attend this summers LocWorld conference in Barcelona, June 14-16.

The conference, which features six concurrent tracks with nine topic areas, has a special focus on continuous delivery.

LocWorld brings together delegates who are engaged in the business of adapting products, services and communications to an international language or culture so as to appear native to that particular region. Speakers at the conference include representatives from Electronic Arts, GetYourGuide, Google, Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Intuit, King, LinkedIn Microsoft, Shutterstock, Tableau Software, The Nielson Company Inc. and many others.

The conference, produced by MultiLingual Computing, Inc. and The Localization Institute, will be held at Palau de Congressos de Catalunya Barcelona.

Were excited about returning to Barcelona, says Donna Parrish, publisher of the magazine MultiLingual and co-organizer of LocWorld. Weve held LocWorld here on two other occasions and Barcelona has proved to be a marvelous host city. Registrations are very strong and it promises to be an outstanding event.

Swedish journalist, author and digital futurist Andreas Ekstrom will deliver the keynote  The Big Five and the Digital Revolution. Ekstrom wrote a bestselling book about Google and has since been a leading commentator on all things digital around the world. His biggest international audience arrived through his TED talks, which have reached over a million viewers to date and he recently won the breakthrough speaker of the year award in his native Sweden.

The preconference day will include round tables on sales and marketing, life sciences business and game localization. There will also be an initiative on developing talent, hacking localization thinking into startups, project management and several more sessions.

We have eleven preconference events that are great for experienced professionals who want to hone their skills and broaden their knowledge, says Ulrich Henes, conference co-organizer and president of The Localization Institute. They represent opportunities to engage in discussion and in-depth problem solving.

Attendees may choose from nine topic areas during the main conference program: Advanced Localization Management, Community, Content Management, Core Competencies, Global Business, Inside Track, TAUS, Technical and Unconference.

Some highlighted presentations include:



Continuous Delivery for Localizing Marketing Content

A Delicious Tale of Localization: How L10n Helped Turn Candy Crush Saga into a Global Phenomenon

Data Marketplace Opens the Gates to Neural MT

Marketing Content at the Speed of Agile  Game Changing Times for Global Brands

Continuous Delivery and Continuous Supply of Trained Personnel for Audiovisual Localization

A new Process Innovation Challenge is being introduced with one session each day. Shortlisted process innovators will pitch their innovative process ideas to a panel and the audience and the panel will vote for their favorite. The top two will go through to the final round on day two, to be named as the LocWorld Process Innovator for Europe 2017.

This conference also presents an opportunity for executives and managers to review the best products and services in the exhibit hall.

LocWorld34 Barcelona sponsors include: SDL, Smartling, SeproTec, Janus, Lionbridge, Moravia and Welocalize.
Anytime the people you represent and your peers think enough of you to be recognized in this way; it is humbling"

Advantage Resourcing is proud to be ranked as one of the top ten professional search firms in the U.S. according to Forbes. The list, released May 8, 2017, ranks Advantage Resourcing North America at number eight.

Forbes, working with analytics firm Statista, compiles the top scoring list of Americas Best Professional Search Firms from online surveys. The surveys were collected from HR managers, job search candidates, placed employees and external recruiters (peer review). HR managers, candidates and employees were required to have had experience with recruitment firms in the last three years.

President of Advantage Resourcing North America, Doug Dandurand, is honored by this recognition. Anytime the people you represent and your peers think enough of you to be recognized in this way; it is humbling. This is a great acknowledgment of the incredible work being done by our team to create opportunities for everyone we encounter. We are all very proud of this.

The Forbes ranking marks the third time in 2017 that Advantage Resourcing has been recognized as a leader in the Staffing Industry. Earlier this year Advantage Resourcing was named to Inaveros Best of Staffing  Client list for the fifth consecutive year and to the Best of Staffing  Talent list.

To view the complete Forbes list visit https://www.forbes.com/best-professional-recruiting-firms/list/#tab:overall

About Advantage Resourcing

Advantage Resourcing is a wholly owned subsidiary of Recruit Holdings Co., Ltd., Tokyo Japan, specializing in multiple human capital management services including contingent staffing, direct/permanent hire, on-site staffing management services, Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO) and Master Service Provider (MSP) in the U.S., U.K., and Australia. Advantage Resourcing is a group of Hire Thinking, industry pioneers providing innovative workforce solutions for Automotive, Engineering, IT, Manufacturing, Professional and Supply Chain clients and candidates. Through the proper alignment of talent and companies, we create opportunity.

For more information about Advantage Resourcing please visit us at: http://www.advantageresourcing.com.

About Recruit Holdings Co., Ltd.

Founded in 1960, Recruit is a leading information services and human resources company in Japan. Through a wide range of services, the Recruit Group is focused on a variety of areas, including recruitment advertisement, employment placement, staffing, education, housing and real estate, bridal, travel, dining, beauty, automobiles and others. The Recruit Group has more than 38,000 employees and operates all over the world.

For more information on Recruit, please visit http://www.recruit-rgf.com/.

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AquaGenie Were really happy with the success of AquaGenie and cant wait to move our campaign over to Indiegogos InDemand platform. There, other people who may have missed out during our Kickstarter campaign will be able to pre-order AquaGenie at an awesome price

Over the weekend, AquaGenie surpassed its funding goal of $75,000 on Kickstarter. With two days left in the campaign, the AquaGenie team is collecting their final pre-orders of the worlds smartest water bottle from people interested in staying fully hydrated and achieving their health, wellness, fitness and weight loss goals. Now that AquaGenie is fully funded, backers are guaranteed to receive an AquaGenie for orders that are placed on Kickstarter.

AquaGenies sleek design is able to withstand the toughest of workouts, rolling around in backpacks or gym bags, or accidental drops. AquaGenie is fully immersible and washable, while other smart water bottles are not due to their ports and wires. AquaGenie recharges wirelessly and only takes 60 minutes to get a weeks worth of charge. Glowing lights on the bottom of the AquaGenie remind users when its time to take a sip no matter what angle the bottle is at. If AquaGenie is taken along on a bike ride, an individual's water intake will still be measured even if the bottle is resting in the bottle cage.

Were really happy with the success of AquaGenie and cant wait to move our campaign over to Indiegogos InDemand platform. There, other people who may have missed out during our Kickstarter campaign will be able to pre-order AquaGenie at an awesome price, said Dave Winkler, AquaGenie CEO. Were really passionate about AqueGenie because its a really innovative product that everyone from athletes to the elderly can use. Research shows more than half of adults dont drink enough water, and we designed AquaGenie to solve this problem for everyone.

AquaGenie keeps you hydrated both through its mobile app and through technology on the bottle itself. It connects via Bluetooth to the AquaGenie mobile app, which can also update your Fitbit, Apple Health, Samsung Health or other fitness tracking apps. The bottle prompts you to stay on track with reminder light on the bottle and you can check your status just by shaking the bottle and getting a red, yellow, or green indication. AquaGenie sets your recommended water goals that users can manually change and will suggest other goals based on the user's activity. The app also shows users insights into their water intake on a daily, weekly and monthly basis.

Early supporters can pre-order AquaGenie on Kickstarter for $45, which is $25 less than the market retail value. Multiple AquaGenie bottles are also available for $85. For more information about AquaGenie, visit http://bit.ly/AquaGenieKS.

About AquaGenie

Based out of Seattle, Washington, AquaGenie is building a smart water bottle that keeps track of water intake, sets daily water goals and reminds individuals when its time to drink. The AquaGenie team believes that their cutting-edge technology will provide long-lasting benefits for anyone of any age. For more information, visit http://www.theaquagenie.com.
Sea to Table logo We care about the fish you eat, and want Americans to be able to trust the fish they buy, said Sea to Table co-founder Sean Dimin. Sea to Table home delivery seafood is flash-frozen at peak freshness. No chemicals. No preservatives. No worries."

Sea to Table is disrupting a broken food system by bringing the highest standard of wild-caught, sustainable, and traceable American seafood to discerning chefs, and now to home cooks throughout the United States with their new home delivery service.

According to Oceana, studies released since 2014 show that 28 percent of U.S. seafood is mislabeled, which means many Americans are eating something other than what they ordered. Oceana also found that more than half (58 percent) of mislabeled seafood poses a health risk to consumers, which means that people may be eating fish that could make them sick.

We care about the fish you eat, and want Americans to be able to trust the fish they buy, said Sea to Table co-founder Sean Dimin. That's why we are creating the national gold standard for the seafood supply chain. We go to great lengths to make sure we can trace where our fish comes from, and work with fishermen on every U.S. coast who we know and trust.

Sea to Tables standards mean that 100 percent of their seafood is wild-caught, sustainable, domestic, and traceable. Their seafood is never farmed, processed overseas, and doesnt include hormones, antibiotics, or GMOs.

According to NOAA Fisheries, 90 percent of seafood that ends up on Americans plates is imported, but all of Sea to Tables seafood is caught and packed in the U.S. in small coastal towns like Sitka, Alaska; Astoria, Oregon; St. Petersburg, Florida; and Chatham, Cape Cod, Massachusetts.

Fish tastes better when you know where it comes from, just like your tomatoes taste better when you buy them from your local farmers market, said S. Dimin. Sea to Tables home delivery seafood is hand-filleted and flash-frozen at peak freshness. No chemicals. No preservatives. No worries.

We have always focused on returning value to and securing jobs in traditional American fishing communities, said co-founder Michael Dimin. Plus, theres a lot of sustainable, affordable, and delicious seafood thats caught right here in the U.S., so theres no need for so much of the fish we eat to go on long international journeys before it reaches our plates.

Sea to Table has delivered their domestic wild-caught, traceable seafood directly to top U.S. chefs for more than eight years. In pursuit of their mission to help Americans Eat Better Fish, they work with everyone from Michelin-rated chefs, to healthy fast-casual restaurants, to corporate and campus dining centers. Now their quality seafood is available for all home cooks throughout America.

Were seeing customers move beyond known varieties like salmon, shrimp, and tuna to explore different types of fish, said S. Dimin. Because we are so connected to local fisherman, we are able to offer things people havent tried before. Weve seen lots of interest in Dogfish ever since PBS ran the story, Can the seafood industry get Americans to eat local fish? which spotlights Dogfish. We're thrilled to give Americans access to Dogfish. Its a fish that's already popular in Europe  known in France as Saumonette, and a mainstay of British fish and chips  yet plentiful right off our coasts.

To place an order for Sea to Table seafood delivered right to your door, visit: http://www.sea2table.com/shop/

To learn more about Dogfish, visit: http://www.sea2table.com/blog/tales-from-the-dock/dogfish-dogma/

For more information about Sea to Table, visit: http://www.sea2table.com

For media inquiries, contact: sean.dimin(at)sea2table(dot)com or + 1-718-360-4930.

About Sea to Table

Every day, port towns from Maine down to the Gulf Coast and back up to Alaska welcome the wild catch of local, independent fishermen. Sea to Tables goal is to make their delicious, sustainably-caught seafood available to everyone. We have spent years developing relationships with fishermen and docks on every U.S. coast, and we support traditional American fishing communities that take pride in feeding their fellow fish fans. Sea to Table is built upon transparency, so you always know where your fish comes from and the short trip it takes to your table. Almost as if you caught it yourself.

Founded in 2009 by father and son team Michael and Sean Dimin, Sea to Table partners with other socially-responsible organizations that care about the health of our oceans and the safety of our food including:

 Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch

 NOAA Fish Watch

 Slow Food

Sea to Table is a certified B Corporation

Follow us:

 Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/sea2table

 Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/sea2table

 Twitter: twitter.com/sea2table

Sea to Table, B Corporation, and Michelin are Registered Trademarks of their respective owners.

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Oceana. Report published September 2016: Deceptive Dishes: Seafood Swaps Found Worldwide. Viewed online at http://usa.oceana.org/sites/default/files/global_fraud_report_final_low-res.pdf on May 22, 2017.

NOAA Fisheries. The Surprising Sources of Your Favorite Seafoods. Viewed online at http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/aquaculture/archive/09_13_12_top_seafood_consumed.html on May 19, 2017.
rSmart With OneCampus, we now have the flexibility to choose whichever resource we think will be best for our students, and we can make it accessible to them anytime, anywhere.

Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC), a public two-year educational institution serving eight counties in northeast Iowa, has selected OneCampus from rSmart to provide a quick, mobile-friendly way for students, faculty, and staff to access campus services, information, and applications from any computer or mobile device. OneCampus is a lightweight, cloud-based portal that makes it easy for colleges and universities to organize their web-based campus services in one location.

Our previous portal was very limiting. It had several applications built into it, and it wouldnt allow us to bring in new resources like a different email system or learning management system, said Craig Meirick, director of computer information systems for NICC. With OneCampus, we now have the flexibility to choose whichever resource we think will be best for our students, and we can make it accessible to them anytime, anywhere. We also appreciate the responsive design, the mobile-friendly interface, and the simplicity of the system. With OneCampus, we can point students to one location where they can search, click, and go. Its that easy.

Unlike traditional portals, OneCampus provides a Google-like search allowing students, faculty, and staff to quickly locate and access services, such as grades, calendars, email, events, curriculum, tutoring services, and more. OneCampus connects with an institutions campus authentication system and sits on top of existing systems, directing users to disparate services through a centralized point without affecting the underlying business units or processes. As a result, implementation and updates are fast and easy. In addition, OneCampus has powerful APIs that allow other applications to easily push data from widely used campus systems such as student information systems, learning management systems, or finance systems.

With OneCampus, Northeast Iowa Community College now has the flexibility to offer students a broader array of resources to help them navigate campus life and achieve their educational goals, said rSmart CEO Tony Potts. We commend their commitment to their students and to bringing them the resources they need to take their education to the next level.

About Northeast Iowa Community College

NICC is a student-driven, community-focused, higher education institution serving eight counties in northeast Iowa and surrounding areas. To best meet the goals of students, the college offers more than 85 academic programs of study in addition to online and blended learning, customized business and industry training, short-term certification options, and adult education and literacy.

About rSmart

For nearly two decades, rSmart has been paving the way for higher education technology leaders through the development of open source foundations. In partnership with Indiana University, rSmart brought the OneCampus solution to market in 2014 offering college and university campuses with virtual concierge services. rSmart is venture-backed and headquartered in Scottsdale, AZ.
With the selection by Westlake Financial, eOriginal further solidifies its position as the leading digital transaction solution for the vehicle finance industry.

Westlake Financial Services has announced a partnership with eOriginal, Inc., to digitally transform its auto dealer management system into an eContracting solution to improve the customer experience, and increase efficiency and accuracy, while accelerating the financing process from days to hours.

In the continuing evolution of auto lending, Westlake Financial is positioned to capture the full value of digital transformation across the financial services spectrum by adopting our digital asset management platform, said Brian Madocks, chief executive officer of eOriginal. Westlake Financial has now moved ahead of the industry and become a true innovator.

An internet-based, privately held finance company that specializes in the acquisition and servicing of prime to sub-prime automotive retail installment contracts, Westlake Financial Services has paired eOriginals eAsset Management technology with DealerCenter, a leading dealership management system and loan submission platform for independent dealers in the United States.

The solution allows both independent and franchise dealers to sign contracts electronically, upload supporting documentations and instantaneously push the information to Westlake as soon as the loan package is complete.

Our two most important customer groups are dealerships and car-buyers, and with electronic contracting we can serve them both better, Casey Harmon, Westlakes senior vice president of corporate development, stated. The DealerCenter eContracting solution is a more efficient, accurate process for our dealer network, and we think customers will enjoy the simplicity.

Harmon also noted, This seamless transfer of contract data drastically reduces the time it takes to receive a complete funding package, and allows our acquisitions team to start working deals faster. Several dealers have experienced same-day funding through Westlakes eContracting solution. Headquartered in Southern California, Westlake originates indirect retail installment contracts through a network of over 20,000 new and used car dealers throughout the United States.

By connecting digital loan origination systems and dealer management systems, funders can more rapidly link with dealers and, in some cases, complete the financing process before the borrower even drives off the lot in their new vehicle, which empowers dealers to improve operational efficiencies.

With the selection by Westlake Financial, eOriginal further solidifies its position as the leading digital transaction solution for the vehicle finance industry by providing a single platform that enables eSignature, secure vaulting and transfer to the secondary market.

# # #

About eOriginal, Inc.

eOriginal is the trusted expert in digital transaction management solutions, specializing in the post-execution management of financial asset documentation. eOriginal SmartSign and eAsset Management Services enable an end-to-end solution for fully electronic transactions that must be managed with the highest levels of security and compliance throughout their lifecycle. By treating every transaction as having assets that must be verifiably secure, legally compliant and enforceable, eOriginal provides its customers and partners with eCertainty. For more information, please visit http://www.eoriginal.com. eOriginal, eAsset, eOriginal SmartSign and eCertainty are trademarks of eOriginal, Inc. and are registered in the United States or in other jurisdictions.
GamaSec

GamaSec today announced its monthly website security plans for SMBs now offer the option to add Web Application Firewall (WAF) and Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) protection  providing affordable website attack prevention services alongside the companys flagship website vulnerability identification services combined with a Data Breach Limited Warranty.

The always-on, cloud-based WAF and advanced DDoS protection is available to both existing and new customers as a $10 USD add-on to any monthly GamaSec website security plan. See all plans and pricing at http://www.gamasec.com/Plan.aspx.

Following a strategic partnership announced last year, the WAF and DDoS protection is powered by Cloudbric . The partnership allows GamaSec to consistently guard its customers against attacks by continually monitoring a websites traffic, only allowing trustworthy content using preemptive detection systems that block all known and new threats immediately.

Customers gain proactive protection against hackers, spammers, crawlers and bots, as well as DDoS attacks that cannot be blocked by normal antivirus or anti-malware solutions. Once compromised by a DDoS attack, a website may be blacklisted or banned by web hosting services because of the abnormal traffic. Customers also benefit from logic-based engine that does not impact performance while offering one of the highest detection accuracy rates on the market.

Through our partnership with Cloudbric, GamaSec further strengthens its proven portfolio of website security offerings, said Avi Bartov, CEO at GamaSec. The PCI-certified WAF and advanced DDoS protection serve as an easily added component to GamaSecs website security plans, preventing website attacks and reinforcing the Data Breach Limited Warranty that we announced earlier this month.

It is crucial for security vendors to come together to address cybersecurity issues like DDoS. By partnering up, we can deliver comprehensive security solutions and services to give GamaSec customers seamless protection, said TJ Jung, vice president of product & technology at Cloudbric. Website vulnerability monitoring and automatic mitigation go hand in hand to give customers Cloudbrics award-winning WAF protection while maintaining superior performance.

How it Works

1. Customers choosing the new WAF and DDoS protection allow GamaSec to route potentially malicious traffic away from their site by simply changing the current authoritative name servers for a domain.

2. GamaSec, powered by Cloudbric, becomes the domain provider and utilizes an advanced filtering system  stopping attackers before they reach an organizations server.

3. Hosting providers and registrars are not changed.

Detailed information is available at http://www.gamasec.com/GamaWaf.aspx and http://www.gamasec.com/GamaWafDDos.aspx.

About GamaSec

GamaSec is a global provider of website security solutions for small and medium-sized businesses. The company offers a unique combination of cloud-based website vulnerability identification, remediation-as-service, web attack prevention as well as a Data Breach Limited Warranty. Founded in 2006, GamaSec is headquartered in Israel with offices in New York City. Visit http://www.gamasec.com.

About Cloudbric

Cloudbric is a cloud-based web security service, offering an award-winning WAF, DDoS protection, and SSL, all in a full-service package. Utilizing Penta Security Systems' patented Logic Analysis Engine to filter malicious website traffic with proven precision, Cloudbric delivers lower false positives than any industry competitor. Visit https://www.cloudbric.com/main.php
This was our biggest upgrade in 30 years, said Manuel Nin, communications supervisor at Huntsville Utilities.

BRAMPTON, ONTARIO  May 24, 2017  Survalent, a leading provider of advanced distribution management systems (ADMS), today announced that Huntsville Utilities has successfully deployed the SurvalentONE supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system for its electric, gas, and water systems. Huntsville Utilities is a municipal utility in Huntsville, Alabama, with approximately 180,000 electricity customers, 51,000 gas customers, and 93,000 water customers. The adoption of SurvalentONE SCADA is just the first step in Huntsvilles multi-year plan to modernize their distribution networks.

Huntsville Utilities is working hard to position themselves for the future, commented Steve Mueller, president and chief executive officer at Survalent. Our modular SurvalentONE ADMS platform has given them the tools and flexibility they need to realize their smart-grid vision in manageable stages, while at the same time maximizing operational efficiency with a single control system for electricity, gas, and water.

Huntsvilles old SCADA system was at the end of its lifecycle and lacked many features that operators in modern control rooms take for granted. In contrast to the outgoing system, SurvalentONE SCADA offered rich functionality including support for online database edits with no downtime, no failovers, and no scanning delays.

This was our biggest upgrade in 30 years, said Manuel Nin, communications supervisor at Huntsville Utilities. With workers at three different utilities, plus contractors, the IT department, and the management of each utility, a significant amount of coordination was required. From start to finish, the SCADA changeover took about 6 months to complete.

To ensure a successful transition, Survalent spent six weeks onsite at Huntsville Utilities ironing out every detail with stakeholders in the electric, gas, and water divisions. The engineering team worked offsite over the course of several months to complete the database and graphics conversion. Survalent then provided training to operators, dispatchers, and engineers.

Since the changeover, Huntsville has reported higher productivity, citing several reasons:



SurvalentONE is both user-friendly and interoperable with Windows-based applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, simplifying report creation and other communications activities. As an example, users no longer need to call the IT department every time they want to reproduce a network diagram.

Management, operations, and field personnel can now monitor network status from anywhere via the Internet.

A new naming convention implemented by Survalent has made it easier for novice and experienced users alike to identify network elements.

In the near future, Huntsville Utilities plans to build on the new SCADA system by implementing a GIS-based connectivity model of the electric network. This model will enable Huntsville to roll out other ADMS applications for real-time load flow management, Volt/VAR optimization, FLISR, and outage management, all in concert with AMI technology upgrades.

About Survalent

With Survalent (survalent.com), you can control your critical network operations with confidence. Were the most trusted provider of advanced distribution management systems (ADMS) for electric, water/wastewater, gas, and transit utilities across the globe. Over 500 utilities in 30 countries rely on the SurvalentONE platform to effectively operate, monitor, analyze, restore, and optimize operations. By supporting critical utility operations with a fully integrated solution, our customers have significantly improved operational efficiencies, customer satisfaction and network reliability. Our unwavering commitment to excellence and to our customers has been the key to our success for over 50 years. To learn more, visit us at survalent.com. Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.
Veterans Attorney Jesse Creed Appointed Executive Director of Vets Advocacy We are excited to have Jesse involved in our continued efforts to advocate for housing homeless veterans in Los Angeles

The Board of Directors of Vets Advocacy is pleased to announce the appointment of Jesse Creed, a key attorney for the class of homeless and disabled veterans in the Valentini v. Shinseki litigation and counsel to Vets Advocacy from its inception, as Executive Director of the organization. The appointment will be effective June 1, 2017.

We are excited to have Jesse involved in our continued efforts to advocate for housing homeless veterans in Los Angeles, said Dan Garcia, the Chief Executive Officer of Vets Advocacy. Weve appreciated Jesses commitment, dedication, and perseverance in seeking to fulfill the VAs promise revitalize the West LA VA campus, his ability to organize and activate people in the community, and his creativity and innovation in coming up with legal solutions to intractable and systemic problems. Jesse is also fearless in his efforts to implement systems accountability, which is a core part of the mission of Vets Advocacy, and do whats right for our nations veterans.

With a clearly established record of advocating for Los Angeles veterans, Creed has been involved in the activities of Vets Advocacy since its formation. Creed has played a key role in advocating for the Draft Master Plan adopted by Secretary Robert McDonald in January 2016, the passage of the West Los Angeles Leasing Act of 2016, and the creation of the Los Angeles Region Community Veterans Engagement Board. Creed is currently the Co-Chair of the Los Angeles Region  Community Veterans Engagement Board and a member of the West LA VA Master Plan Communications Subcommittee, and he was previously a Special Advisor to Vets Advocacy.

Im very honored and excited to be part of this incredible veterans organization. Vets Advocacy has put a new face to VA systems accountability and has delivered real results, from the Draft Master Plan for the revitalization of the West LA VA campus to the West Los Angeles Leasing Act of 2016. I look forward to working with Vets Advocacy to expand the activities of the organization so as to fulfill its mission of providing a home for every veteran in LA County.

In his role as Executive Director, Creed will oversee the organizations policy and legal advocacy programs related to the West LA VA Master Plan and homeless veteran housing, engage with diverse constituencies, stakeholders, and strategic partnerships in Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., and build up the capacity of the organization.

About Vets Advocacy:

Vets Advocacy is a privately funded, non-profit organization facilitating revitalization of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs West Los Angeles campus as a condition of the Valentini v. Shinseki settlement.

Contact:

Anthony Allman

Director of Outreach

424-348-0083

Email: anthony(at)vatherightway(dot)org
Cadre Scheduling to release the only technology automating compliance with the Minneapolis and St. Paul earned sick and safe time ordinances prior to July 1st.

Cadre Scheduling, a cloud based contingent workforce solution, announces the launch of the only technology available to automate compliance with the Minneapolis and St. Paul ordinances, which mandate employers pay sick time benefits for employees, on the heels of the close of the Minnesota Legislative session that did not pass the Uniform Labor Standards Act that would have preempted the city ordinances from becoming effective. The Minneapolis and St. Paul laws go into effect on July 1, 2017.

This unique product is tied specifically to the locations of employees and provides compliance reporting adapted to the legal requirements of the municipalities. Employers subject to the ordinances can integrate the functionality of Cadre Scheduling with many of their existing systems for seamless automated compliance with the emerging city ordinances.

Cadre Scheduling is actively on-boarding employers in Minnesota to ensure that they receive the technology in time for the July 1 effective date of the Minneapolis and St. Paul ordinances.

"Employers big and small need to mobilize their human resources and IT teams to ensure that compliance before the laws become effective," said Kathy Harrell-Latham, CEO of Cadre. "The challenge faced by Minnesota employers is unique from any other city with similar ordinances because of the overlapping zip codes in the Twin Cities. No other product on the market can accommodate the requirements of this law and we are happy to be launching this product in time for Minnesota employers." Employers already use Cadre Scheduling to manage candidate communication across multiple locations, improve work opportunity tax credit return, and to source additional available candidates in face of a talent shortage.

David Young COO of Cadre Scheduling said: "As a Minnesota based company, we are proud to launch such critical technology for Minnesota employers." He went on to say, "At a time of uncertain regulation, it is important to Cadre Scheduling to offer companies a unique ability to comply without requiring a complete overhaul of their existing technology systems. This is an important cost savings that will help employers meet their obligations without requiring layoffs or relocation."

As part of the launch important to Minnesota, Cadre is also excited to announce its ability to comply with any further regulations by cities located in Minnesota or by the state of Minnesota and beyond such as wage theft prevention or minimum wage. Kathy Harrell-Latham said "Our unprecedented ability to identify the precise location and compensation of employees enables our customers to uniquely comply with city or state regulations while eliminating an overwhelming administrative burden that could otherwise crush growing business."

Employers subject to the Minneapolis, St. Paul, or (anticipated) Duluth ordinances may contact Cadre Scheduling to schedule a free audit of their current technology to determine the price and requirements to conform with the requirements of the city laws slated to become effective July 1. Interested employers can email contact(at)cadrescheduling(dot)com to schedule their free technology audit.

About Cadre

Cadre Scheduling is powered by the time, location, and pay rates of jobs. It uses this information to automate reporting with various city, county, or state laws governing employee schedules (i.e. earned sick and safe time, wage theft prevention, or predictable scheduling). The system uses a mobile solution, Timeku, which enables job-seekers in a tight talent market to sync all calendars, clock-in, manage training, and communicate with employers in one place.
Through FutureofPR.org, ARPR intends to become a pioneering voice on pertinent discussions that lead to the revitalization and modernization of an industry with so much to offer.

ARPR, a tech public relations agency that propels global leaders to #MakeNews and #DriveLeads, today announced the launch of FutureofPR.org, a brand-driven site dedicated to educating and discussing the future of the PR industry with communications professionals, agencies, educators and brands. Featuring videos, blogs, whitepapers and more, FutureofPR.org will serve as a hub for information, best practices and debate about the prospects for an industry that is stagnant; one that is suffering from unprecedented employee turnover, high employee stress rankings, shrinking agency-client tenures, declining profits, a degradation of value and diminishing interest as a profession.

I believe that together we can better an industry that's been built over the past 120 years into one we can be proud of today. In fact, the un-met possibilities and potential of our industry is what spurred me to build ARPR from the ground floor up, said Anna Ruth Williams, founder and CEO of ARPR. Through FutureofPR.org, ARPR intends to become a pioneering voice on pertinent discussions that lead to the revitalization and modernization of an industry with so much to offer.

PR veteran and managing partner at Gould+Partners, Rick Gould, guest stars in the microsites first video outlining the challenges and opportunities for a 120-year old industry at a crossroads. The video is available here.

Challenges & Opportunities for the Future of PR

The rise of digital media channels, shrinking newsrooms, marketing technologies, Millennials, flexible workplaces and more have been embraced by the PR industry with cold arms. In addition, many agencies struggle mightily to demonstrate how a headline becomes a million-dollar sale and how content can turn prospects into customers. As a result, PR remains the first vendor to get slashed in budget cuts and blamed when sales goals go unmet. The average client-agency relationship has shrunk from 7.2 to 2.8 years while annual operating profits have consistently fallen since 2011.

The future of the PR industry is in the hands of the agencies and practitioners who willingly embrace innovation, evolve their business models and revitalize their corporate structures, Gould said. "With innovation of business models, new tools and technologies, and revised processes and procedures, the PR industry can regain its influence and showcase value like never before.

FutureofPR.org, and its related hashtag and Linkedin group, will spearhead conversations and content that dispute the status quo of what is and what is not PR. It will challenge PR pros to not avoid sales goals and encourage agencies to invest more in professional development and compensation. Ultimately, FutureofPR.org will showcase how PR has evolved into a holistic relationship between headlines and lead generation, content marketing and relationship building  all working together to create a lucrative partnership for both clients and agencies.

About ARPR

ARPR is a tech PR agency that propels global leaders to #MakeNews and #DriveLeads.

Headquartered in the tech boomtown of Atlanta and with offices in New Orleans and San Francisco, ARPR is pioneering the Future of PR through innovation and services that push the limits of what a public relations agency can achieve. ARPR was named the 2016 National Tech Public Relations Agency of the Year by Bulldog Reporter and a 2016 TOP Places to Work in PR by PR News. For more information on ARPR clients and services, visit http://www.arpr.com and follow @AR__PR on Twitter.
At Ambassador, course materials accessibility meets affordability. "CHCP has done a remarkable job getting out in front of its data, not only realizing its relevance, but also using it to inform and influence student outreach and support," said Steven M. Blicht, COO of Ambassador.

One year after Ambassador and the College of Health Care Professions debuted their predictive model to forecast student challenges and success at the CECU Annual Convention, they have been invited back to give this year's attendees a glimpse into how the model has succeeded and evolved. The breakout session will explore how they collect and analyze specific, measurable student behaviors to understand student study habits and course progress, as well as predict student support so that the CHCP team can be more proactive.

"Most colleges and universities have a wealth of information at their fingertips, but it can be a daunting task to collect, analyze and apply the most meaningful and actionable data points," said Steven M. Blicht, COO of Ambassador. "CHCP has done a remarkable job getting out in front of its data, not only realizing its relevance, but also using it to inform and influence student outreach and support. We look forward to helping more schools understand how data can be used to assess student progress, and also to predict where students might need help in the future."

CHCP, together with its digital content partner, Ambassador Education Solutions, will talk about the benefits of leveraging digital course materials, including the ability to provide students with automatic access to resources and the power to use data to predict student challenges and success, both of which can contribute to improvements in retention and outcomes. Specifically, they will explore the kinds of data points available and which are the most relevant to measure based on student engagement. They will talk about key indicators for tracking individual student behaviors and how that supports a predictive model that monitors and positively impacts student success and retention. Attendees will also learn about the pitfalls of data management, which negative practices they should avoid, and how to maximize data insights to drive the best results and highest success rates.

"From Predictive to Proactive: How One Institution is Applying Data to Raise the Bar on Student Support" will be led by Dr. S. David Vaillancourt, Chief Academic Officer at The College of Health Care Professions, and Bruce Schneider, Vice President of Business Engineering at Ambassador. The session takes place on the first day of the CECU Annual Convention, Tuesday, June 6th at 2:30 p.m. in the Campus Development Track. The Convention is being held at The Mirage in Las Vegas.

Attendees are invited to stop by Ambassador's booth (#409) to learn more about automating and customizing the course materials acquisition process. They can also register to win the ultimate in home automation and customization with a Google Home and Nest package. For more information, please visit AmbassadorEd.com/CECU2017.

About Ambassador Education Solutions

Ambassador creates and manages customized content integration programs that connect students with course materials in the most meaningful and effective way, driving down costs and improving outcomes. Integrated with leading SIS, LMS and Digital Content Platforms, we simplify the adoption, management and delivery of textbooks, eBooks, digital resources, custom content, OER, access codes, online testing, supplies, kits, devices and more. We provide an exceptional student experience, lower your operational and financial risk, and deliver key intelligence to measure and enhance programs. For more information, please visit http://www.ambassadored.com.

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This comprehensive look at the haves and the have-nots provides readers with a birds-eye view of each monitored retail segment as well as the movement of individual key players.

Industry-leading retail consulting firm Information Clearinghouse, Inc. (ICI), through its F&D Reports and Creditntell divisions, announced the release of its annual Store Activity and Retailer Health Analysis report, integrating ICIs comprehensive retail coverage, predictive measuring tools and mapping technology with AggDatas premier store locational data.

With roughly 4,000 major retail chain store closings last year and up to 10,000 expected in 2017, brick-and-mortar retailers are scrambling to remain relevant, as many household names continue to succumb to the unforgiving retail landscape. After years of adding retail outlets to respond to the U.S. consumers insatiable appetite for convenient shopping, traditional retailers now face the challenge of competing with a myriad of options at customers fingertips. Since 2007, for every additional dollar spent in retail sales, 30% was spent online. This dynamic has weakened foot traffic and impacted store economics, forcing retailers to rethink their traditional store strategies. Some companies are making inroads by offering what e-tail cannot -- experiential customer engagement -- and others by diversifying their business models to offer customer solutions that extend beyond the product. Furthermore, in contrast with news coverage about the demise of retail, certain companies are still expanding their store bases at an impressive rate.

The challenge ahead is identifying which retailers are best positioned for the future and which are destined to disappear. To that end, the Store Activity and Retailer Health Analysis report explores the movement of the top companies across a number of retail sectors, including Macys, Sears / Kmart, J.C. Penney, Bon-Ton Stores, Stage Stores, Christopher & Banks, Shoe Carnival, Claires Stores, Best Buy, Office Depot, Rent-A-Center, Ruby Tuesday, and Ignite Restaurant Group, and provides each companys store activity, TTM EBITDA margin and credit ratings. The report also identifies a select group of 40 retailers, including Dollar Tree, Family Dollar, Dollar General, AutoZone, Chipotle, OReilly Auto Parts, T.J.Maxx, Marshalls and PetSmart, that are growing their brick-and-mortar locations, with plans to add an aggregate of more than 4,200 stores in 2017. The report utilizes AggDatas locational and future store-closing data through the end of calendar 2017 to understand gains and losses in major metro areas, a key element in ICIs continued focus on providing predictive analysis of site location within the deteriorating retail landscape.

Commenting on the Store Activity and Retailer Health Analysis report, ICI CEO Lawrence Sarf stated, Every day it seems as though another traditional retailer either announces massive closings or some type of restructuring. Consumer preferences and lifestyles have always dictated the landscape. Today is no different, yet many retailers appear to have either been asleep at the wheel or so committed to the status quo that they missed the world changing around them. This comprehensive look at the haves and the have-nots provides readers with a birds-eye view of each monitored retail segment as well as the movement of individual key players.

Please visit https://www.fdreports.com/2017_store_activity_report.cfm to view the Store Activity and Retailer Health Analysis report.

Information Clearinghouse, Inc. (publisher of F&D Reports & Creditntell) is a leading credit consulting firm specializing in the analysis of public and private companies in numerous retail segments. The focus of its analysis is to deliver the key intelligence todays busy credit executive needs to make a highly informed decision without sifting through pages of non-essential data. To learn more, visit our websites at http://www.fdreports.com and http://www.creditntell.com.
Celestial Ball and Americas Cup

Arena Americas was honored to receive three NACE ILEA Chicago Excellence Awards for Best Use of Tenting, Best Use of Rental Equipment, and Best N.I.C.E. Team Event. The N.I.C.E. awards have been recognizing the accomplishments of Chicago area members of NACE (National Association of Catering and Events) and ILEA (International Live Events Association) for the past 16 years.

Arena Americas was awarded Best Use of Tenting for the Louis Vuitton Americas Cup World Series, which sailed into Chicago in June 2016 as part of the first stage of competition in the 35th running of the event. It centered around the popular Navy Pier along the shore of Lake Michigan in downtown Chicago. Arena supported the competition with clearspan structures, custom printed graphics, flooring, tables, chairs and HVAC, as well as custom structures on the rooftop of the Pier.

Arena Americas was also awarded Best Use of Rental Equipment for the Adler Planetariums Celestial Ball. The black-tie gala was attended by more than 700 guests and raised over $1.6 million for the planetarium. Arena provided a variety of rental equipment including tenting, air conditioning, power, flooring, tables, mirage chairs, dinnerware, glassware and flatware.

Arena was one of the recipients of the Best N.I.C.E. Team Event for the AFR Chicago Networker. Arena partnered with AFR, Drape Kings, Magnificent Events, Feast & Imbibe, Total Event Resources, and Timothy Whaley Photography to produce an unforgettable networking party for the event industry.

The awards were announced at a Havana themed celebration at The Geraghty in Chicago.
Tom Dooley - Owner TriTech Corporation of America

TriTech Corporation of America, the trusted single source provider for business IT and support in southeastern Wisconsin, has recently been verified as a Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB) by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Founded in 1993, TriTech participated in the Vets First Verification Program upon learning such a designation was available from the VA Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU).

VOSB certification opens new doors within the veteran community and is a great opportunity for small businesses like TriTech to expand as a company, explains U.S. Army veteran and owner Tom Dooley. With the additional support given to us as a veteran-owned business by the VA, well have access to more training and resources that will help our small business grow.

As a VOSB, TriTech is eligible for specific governmental contracts in the Vets First Contracting Program and will be able to transfer these exclusive attributes to their service portfolio and business customers. Select services and solutions include computer networking, printer repair, structured cabling, and phone systems. More information on IT support and TriTech can be found at http://www.tritechcoa.com.

The application for VOSB verification is a strenuous but good process, Dooley describes, who enlisted in 1972. I had to provide my discharge papers, military records, business documents, [and] tax filings. It filters out those who served from those who didnt, and Im appreciative for that as a veteran.

Managed by the Center of Verification and Evaluation at the OSDBU, the Vets First Verification Program ensures that set-aside funds and contracts are awarded to legitimate firms owned and controlled by Veterans and Service-disabled Veterans, as stated in the Veterans Benefits, Health Care, and Information Technology Act of 2006 (Public Law 109-461).

About TriTech:

TriTech Corporation of America is Wisconsins source for integrated information technology services. Founded in 1993, we focus on helping local businesses increase productivity and reduce overall expenses through using the right technology. Our certified technicians bring years of experience and proven accountability to every project. We believe that providing integrated services is the best way to save you time and money. Its simple and stress free. We take the guesswork out of IT, because we do it all.
Chart courtesy of Vulog (updated as of May 24th, 2017) We expect this offering to open a new market segment to our clients, thus increasing fleet utilization and size in many cities, said Gregory Duconge, Vulogs CEO.

Vulog, the world-leading provider of one-way carsharing technology, is unveiling its new technology platform enabling drivers of ride-hailing services, such as Uber and Lyft, to use shared cars in free-floating services and other one-way fleets. The announcement was premiered last week during Vulogs presentation at the Carsharing Association Annual Conference in Montreal.

Vehicle utilization is increasing worldwide thanks to carsharing. Capitalizing on this trend, Vulog believes that the integration with ride-hailing platforms will drive shared vehicle utilization even higher. It expects that select services will choose to make cars available for ride-hailing drivers in periods where less people use carsharing, such as at night. This new integration will benefit all parties involved:

Carsharing Service Operators: Higher fleet utilization leads to more revenues without impacting the consumer offering for individual carsharing users during high demand periods. In addition, cars being used for ride-hailing will serve as additional promotional tools for every rider getting picked up by a branded car;

Drivers: By using a shared vehicle, drivers can reduce their fixed costs, as they no longer will need to own a vehicle to drive for a ride-hailing service. They can now pay per hour whenever they wish to drive, with gas and insurance included. Moreover, the free-floating nature of a service means that they can pick up a car close to them, drive only for a few hours if they want, and end the trip wherever they wish;

Ride-hailing companies: By reducing the barrier to entry for drivers, more chauffeurs will flock to the service and improve the offering by reducing wait times for ride-hailing users. They are also guaranteed that the cars will always be clean and recent.

At most times of the day, free-floating carsharing will remain the only option to ensure maximum availability of cars. In the event that a service decided to activate the ride-hailing integration between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. daily, potential utilization would look like the following:

We expect this offering to open a new market segment to our clients, thus increasing fleet utilization and size in many cities, said Gregory Duconge, Vulogs CEO. The on-demand model has completely changed the way people consume transportation; we believe that ride-hailing drivers can and should have access to their tools on-demand as well.

By facilitating this intersection between mobility services, Vulog provides a new tool for carsharing operators, which include vehicle manufacturers, car rental companies, parking lot operators and various other businesses, to remain at the forefront of innovation. This new ride-hailing integration adds another dimension to Vulogs full end-to-end white-label offering, which includes in-car hardware to report telematics data, back-end software to manage the fleet of vehicles, and mobile apps for both Android and iOS.

In recent months, Vulogs clients have hit unique milestones, including one European operator onboarding 100,000 members in 100 days in Madrid, and one North American client growing its fleet to 1,250 cars in Vancouver. The company expects this module to propel its client base towards new heights, as it prepares to announce new projects in Poland and New Zealand in the coming weeks.

ABOUT VULOG

Vulog is the world leader in the new generation of carsharing technology - Free-Floating / One-Way. Vulog offers end-to-end solutions enabling mobility operators to launch large-scale carsharing services. Vulog is compliant with all automotive standards, and works alongside OEMs, mobility operators, car rental companies and startups, among other innovative companies. For more information, please visit: https://www.vulog.com/.
Our growth can be attributed to adhering to our company values, creating long term partnerships and delivering on our clients core objectives.

ACCESS is proud to announce that it has been recognized by The San Diego Business Journal (SDBJ) as one of their 2017 Fastest 100. Each year, SDBJ researches and publishes a list of the 100 Fastest-Growing Private Companies in San Diego County, and in doing so, has recognized ACCESS as  a role model for entrepreneurs who seek to turn their ideas into big results.

Jennifer Miller, Regional President, shared that, We are honored to once again be recognized by SDBJ and have ACCESS ranked among some of the most successful companies in San Diego County. As San Diegos first DMC, its incredibly rewarding to lead such a highly-motivated team, and after 48 years in business, to be able to continue to show such rapid and consistent growth.

Chris Lee, CEO of ACCESS, commented: Here at ACCESS, we place a high value on our standards and the level of service we deliver to clients. Our growth can be attributed to adhering to our company values, creating long term partnerships and delivering on our clients core objectives.

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About ACCESS

Founded in 1969, ACCESS sets the standard for excellence in award-winning destination management services and event production throughout North America and the world. Through a global alliance with Pacific World and Amstar, ACCESS serves over 100 destinations throughout 30 countries. With global reach and local expertise, ACCESS meets client objectives and exceeds expectations for corporate, incentive and association groups.
Linda Galante joins Title Alliance's Board of Directors Linda provides our board with both the expertise as a strong business-oriented attorney and a real estate expert advisor: We are thrilled she was willing to join our Title Alliance Family as an independent director.

Title Alliance, Ltd, a RESPA-compliant ESOP leader in joint ventures, welcomes its newest member into two dynamic roles. Linda Galante will be the newest Board of Directors Member and Governance Committee Chair, reinforcing Title Alliances commitment to strong leadership and growth.

Instrumental in many of the most significant real estate transactions in the Philadelphia area, Galante brings to the table more than 35 years of experience with focuses in Real Estate. Galante is results-driven with a proven track record of success. She has represented clients on all ends of the real estate spectrum, from small businesses to banks to large educational institutions.

Galante represented Radnor Property Group in connection with its development of a more than $100 million mixed use project at 38th and Chestnut Streets, Philadelphia and an over $55 million mixed use project at 3201 Race Street, Philadelphia. She is currently representing the same group in connection with its development of an over $75 million mixed use project at Hamilton and North 15th Streets, Philadelphia. She also recently represented Brandywine Realty Trust in connection with its agreement with Drexel University for the development of Schuylkill Yards next to the Drexel campus in Philadelphia.

Galante has represented several educational and health care institutions, including Saint Josephs University and St. Josephs Preparatory School, in the acquisition and construction of facilities and the closing of conventional and tax-exempt indebtedness in the aggregate amount of more than $700 million.

Among her many awards and recognitions, Linda has been honored with the Philadelphia Business Journals Heavy Hitters of Real Estate Award for Most Influential Lawyers, Drueding Center Lifetime Achievement Award, and The Arthritis Foundation Women on the Move Award, to name a few.

She has ranked (including, but not limited to) on lists such as: The Legal Intelligencer Woman of the Year, The Best Lawyers in America, and Pennsylvania Super Lawyers. Chambers USA listed Linda on Americas Leading Lawyers for Business, citing her extraordinary gift for law: "[S]he's very intuitive, affable and gets to the heart of the matter."

We sought a successful real estate attorney who understood the general real estate business and, in particular, commercial real estate. Linda is one of the premier attorneys in the region with that focus, said Bill Cotter, Chairman of the Board of Directors for Title Alliance. He concluded: Linda provides our board with both the expertise as a strong business-oriented attorney and a real estate expert advisor: We are thrilled she was willing to join our Title Alliance Family as an independent director.

About Title Alliance

Title Alliance, Ltd, an ESOP Company is located in Media, PA and has been creating RESPA compliant title joint ventures since 1983 with lenders, mortgage bankers, realtors, builders and credit unions. Their roots date back to 1948 when their first agency, which is still in existence today, was formed. For more information or to find out how a Title Alliance's partnership or title management skills could benefit you visit them online or contact Lindsay Smith at 800-220-3901 x 165.
2017 Isagenix Global Give Back Day

May 20 marked the 2nd annual Global Give Back Day for Isagenix International, a global leader in health and wellness products and solutions. The successful corporate-created event took place across the world with employees and customers giving back to their local communities and environment.

Isagenix is the largest company headquartered in Gilbert, Arizona and a key economic driver in the United States and across the globe. In 2016, our business generated total output of $2.5 billion while impacting the U.S. GDP by over $1.5 billion and creating an employment impact of nearly 13,500 jobs in the U.S. alone, said Cheryl Lewis, Isagenix vice president of corporate affairs. As a good corporate citizen, we have a responsibility to continue impacting not only our economy, but our global environment and communities as well.

The company organized Global Give Back Day with activities taking place across the markets they serve including public park, beach and schoolyard clean-ups, tree planting, blood drive, charity walk, meal preparation for the less fortunate, volunteering at orphanages and homeless shelters, and more.

Our Isagenix family of employees and customers is constantly looking for ways to give back and make an impact, said Erik Coover, Isagenix owner and senior vice president of global field development. While we strive to make a positive impact on the world every single day, we created Global Give Back Day as a focused effort to give back to our local communities and to our Earth all over the world in the most powerful way.

Many customers who participated in the event are also members of a popular Isagenix affinity group called START. The START Your Life movement invites young people ages 18-35 to be part of a community built on a foundation of integrity, contribution, and growth. With nearly 70,000 participants, the group is made up of passionate Isagenix Members striving to lead extraordinary lives while helping others do the same. To learn more about START and the START Your Life movement, visit STARTYourLife.com.

To learn more about Isagenix, visit our website at Isagenix.com, subscribe to our blog at IsaFYI.com, like us on Facebook at Facebook.com/Isagenix, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram @Isagenix.

About Isagenix International

Established in 2002, Isagenix provides systems for weight loss, energy, performance, healthy aging, and wealth creation. With more than 550,000 customers worldwide and more than 100 life-changing products, packs, and systems globally, the company is committed to producing Solutions to Transform Lives. In 2017, Isagenix surpassed $5 billion in cumulative global sales through an independent network of associates in the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico, Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand, Taiwan, Mexico, Singapore, Malaysia, Colombia, Indonesia, and the United Kingdom. Isagenix is a privately owned company with headquarters in Gilbert, Arizona. For more information, visit Isagenix.com.
We are proud of our movement on the quadrant, and to us this is a coveted acknowledgement

Freshdesk, the leading provider of cloud-based customer support software, today announced it has been recognized by Gartner, Inc. in the Magic Quadrant for CRM Customer Engagement Center*. One year after its debut in the Magic Quadrant for CRM Customer Engagement Center Freshdesk has improved its position.

Freshdesk's multichannel cloud-based solution is used by more than 100,000 companies of all sizes in 145 countries around the world.

At Freshdesk, we have made great strides building our midmarket and enterprise business. With product at the heart of our company, we continue to innovate and serve the increasingly complex business needs of our customers. This past year we invested in our global presence with leadership hires across regions and ramped our go-to-market capacity," said Dilawar Syed, President of Freshdesk. We are proud of our movement on the quadrant, and to us this is a coveted acknowledgement, he added.

Freshdesk has seen significant growth in the past year. Some notable milestones include:



Freshdesk now has over 100,000 customers, ranging in size from small businesses to major enterprises, worldwide. The team has also grown to more than 1,000 employees across five offices.

The company secured $55 million in Series F funding led by Sequoia Capital India and Accel in 2016 bringing the total funding to $149 million.

During the past 18 months, Freshdesk has made 7 acquisitions in the areas of social, mobile, collaboration, machine learning, and artificial intelligence.

Freshdesk has added several new products to its product suite including Freshsales, Freshcaller and Glowboard.

To learn more about Freshdesk, please visit: https://freshdesk.com/

- Gartner Magic Quadrant for CRM Customer Engagement Center 2017 by Michael Maoz, Brian Manusama, May 08, 2017

About Freshdesk

Freshdesk Inc. is the leading provider of cloud-based customer engagement software. Freshdesks suite of products includes the flagship product, Freshdesk, which allows organizations to support customers through email, phone, websites, forums, and social media; Freshservice, a cloud-based service desk and IT service management solution; and Freshsales, a CRM solution and sales system for high-velocity sales teams. With powerful features, an intuitive interface and a freemium pricing model, Freshdesks products are widely used by teams and companies of all sizes, from SMB to enterprise. Based in San Bruno, California, with offices in Germany, the United Kingdom, Australia and India, Freshdesk is backed by Tiger Global Management, Accel Partners, and Google Capital. The company has over 100,000 customers around the world including 3M, Honda, Bridgestone, Hugo Boss, University of Pennsylvania and Cisco. For more information, visit http://freshdesk.com.

About the Magic Quadrant

Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in its research publications, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner's research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.
Twilio and Serenova are disrupting the call center industry with a combination of architecture and connectivity that simply cant be matched for global scalability and resiliency.

Serenova, the most globally scalable contact center-as-a-service (CCaaS) provider, is participating as a sponsor of SIGNAL, the developer conference from Twilio. Running May 24th-May 25th in San Francisco, SIGNAL brings together more than 2,500 of the best and brightest to focus on the future of communications technology and offers two days of developer skillcraft and advanced Twilio training. Serenova will be on-hand to showcase how its leading CCaaS solution, CxEngage, utilizes Twilios WebRTC technology to power the contact center from the cloud.

Built on Amazon Web Services (AWS), CxEngages open API framework offers organizations with unmatched flexibility for its contact center infrastructure and opens the door to integrating with next-generation service providers like Twilio. By utilizing Twilio, Serenova customers can easily make and take calls directly through their web browser, which reduces costs and improves the agent experience and productivity. Eliminating old, on-premises hardware means organizations no longer must worry about the technology and can simply deliver a great customer experience on the customers channel of choice - voice, SMS, chat, email or social media.

WebRTC has become a vital building block for modernizing the contact center, said Baker Johnson, SVP of Marketing for Serenova. Twilio and Serenova are disrupting the call center industry with a combination of architecture and connectivity that simply cant be matched for global scalability and resiliency. With WebRTC-powered by Twilio and CxEngage running on AWS, the customer engagement center can migrate completely to the cloud without sacrificing the security and reliability their customers depend on.

CxEngage is the always-on, highly secure, true multi-tenant, and instantly scalable CCaaS platform designed to enable exceptional customer experiences anywhere, anytime. Its API framework uses REST architecture to support both out-of-the-box and custom integrations with current third-party applications. This means that Serenova customers maintain flexibility and leverage to negotiate and accommodate carriers and technologies that may be needed to scale their business in the future  without having to anticipate them today. RESTful APIs offer unmatched flexibility, composability, and integration quality.

About SIGNAL

Twilio presents SIGNAL - the flagship developer conference for communications. SIGNAL 2017 gathers together the greatest technical and creative minds in the business to build the future of communications. From sessions on integrating the Twilio product stack and ecosystem into applications, to flying drones via real-time chat, SIGNAL 2017 brings the best and brightest developers together under one roof for two days on the beautiful San Francisco waterfront.

About Serenova

Serenova simplifies every aspect of the customer experience, from front office to back, to make life easier for you, your customers and your employees. The worlds most passionate, customer-focused brands achieve brighter interactions, deeper insights, and more meaningful outcomes with Serenovas always-on, highly secure, true multi-tenant and instantly scalable Contact Center as a Service (CCaaS) platform, CxEngage. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, Serenova has operations in California, Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia. Learn more at http://www.serenova.com. For live updates, follow @SerenovaShine.
ExtensionEngine, a leading provider of Custom Learning Experiences, today announced that Furqan Nazeeri will lead a presentation at this weeks Open edX Conference in Madrid. In the session entitled, Delivering an Online Master's Degree Program on Open edX, Nazeeri will share details of the first known online degree program built on the Open edX platform.

The presentation spotlights a leading U.S. universitys online graduate degree program. ExtensionEngine is helping the university in create a one-of-a-kind learning experience based on Open edX, complemented with custom software and integrated with commercial software applications, to allow for a highly social, easy-to-use, engaging learning experience. It is believed that this is the first online degreed program using Open edX as its core learning management system.

The conference takes place this week at the Universidad Carlos III in Madrid, with Nazeeris presentation scheduled for Thursday, May 25 at 2:25pm. With attendees representing 27 countries, the Open edX Conference is focused on sharing knowledge among members of the global Open edX community and will highlight innovative uses across higher education, training and lifelong learning, instructional design and course production techniques, and methods for operating, extending and enhancing the Open edX platform. Open edX is a learning experience platform originally created by edX, a nonprofit online initiative created by Harvard and MIT and composed of dozens of leading global institutions.

About ExtensionEngine

ExtensionEngine develops Custom Learning Experiences, delivering online and blended programs for universities, corporations and not-for-profits. Leveraging the latest advances in learning science and technology, the company takes a comprehensive, unbundled, fee-for-service approach to develop programs that engage learners, encourage collaboration, and increase retention. A privately held company based in Cambridge, MA, ExtensionEngine has launched over 70 programs for more than 40 organizations. To learn more, visit http://www.extensionengine.com.

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Media Contact:

Donna von Halle

pr(at)extensionengine(dot)com
Representatives with Crescent Harbor Lighting announced today that now that winter is over, the company is meeting a higher demand for exterior or outdoor lighting.

We had one of the coldest winters in recent memory in the United States. Now that winter is over, we have been selling a lot of outdoor lighting, said Tim Fossett, president and spokesperson for Crescent Harbor Lighting, which is the online arm of The Lighthouse, a family-owned lighting company founded in 1972. Typically we do quite a business with post lights as snowplows can damage them in the winter.

Crescent Harbor Lighting specializes in a high-touch customer service approach to retailing lighting fixtures, ceiling fans, and related items. The company, which works with over 400 active wholesale accounts and several well-known internet retailers, is one of the largest wholesalers of lighting fixtures and ceiling fans in the United States.

Fossett explained that Brass Traditions (crescentharbor.com/brass-traditions.html) by Malco, which his company sells, has superior handmade lanterns and light fixtures made in the foothills of the Berkshire Hills of Western Connecticut for over 25 years.

The beauty of your lights is enhanced by the various finishes offered by Brass Traditions. The outdoor onion lights and lanterns are painstakingly manufactured, Fossett said, before adding, The craftsmanship doesnt stop there. The post mounts will work on a wide variety of posts, whether they are wood, granite or metal. The post mounts atop columns are some of the best weve seen. Elegant hanging fixtures are truly classic.

Northeast Lantern, according to Fossett, for over 25 years, has been cut from sheets of brass or copper, soldered, finished then wired and glassed by hand.

The craftsmen and women at Northeast Lantern (crescentharbor.com/northeast-lantern.html) take several weeks to maintain a consistent high quality product with first rate durability, Fossett noted.

An inspired array of outdoor post mount fixtures will take you back to a previous era, Fossett said. Made in the lovely New England community of Exeter, New Hampshire the outdoor hanging fixtures will beckon you to a simpler time.

For more information, please visit crescentharbor.com/outdoor-lighting.html

About Crescent Harbor Lighting

Crescent Harbor Lighting is the online arm of The Lighthouse, a family-owned lighting company founded in 1972.

The company specializes in a high-touch customer service approach to retailing lighting fixtures, ceiling fans and other related items.

Contact Details:

Tim Fossett

President

88 York Street

US Route One

Kennebunk, Maine, 04043

Toll Free Phone: 1-888-355-9525

Local Phone: 1-207-985-3535

Fax: 1-207-985-4569

Source: Crescent Harbor Lighting

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Skilled Dentist, Dr. Manju R. Kejriwal, Offers ClearCorrect braces in Cincinnati, OH

Dr. Manju R. Kejriwal, a leading Ohio dentist, is now welcoming new patients for discreet and comfortable ClearCorrect orthodontics, with or without a referral. Dr. Kejriwal understands the emotional and financial toll traditional orthodontics can take on patients lives, which is why she offers convenient, clear braces in Cincinnati, OH. Patients no longer need to feel the esthetic effects of wires and brackets when they can receive custom aligners instead.

ClearCorrect orthodontic treatment uses an almost invisible, removable set of aligners that incrementally move the teeth to their desired position. This series of aligners, specifically crafted for each patient, gently move teeth with minimal irritation to the soft tissue in the mouth, as compared to traditional wire braces.

Frequently preferred by patients, clear braces in Cincinnati, OH, offer numerous advantages. With no brackets or wires, nothing is permanently affixed to the teeth, eliminating discoloration or tooth staining often seen after extensive orthodontic treatment. The trays used are completely removable for both eating and oral hygiene. This means that patients do not have to struggle to properly clean their teeth. Oral hygiene routines are as simple as removing the aligner, brushing and flossing and replacing the tray.

Dr. Kejriwal encourages patients to receive orthodontic treatment to correct crooked teeth but also to improve their oral health. Misaligned teeth can prove difficult to clean. Crowded teeth with limited access can inspire plaque buildup and lead to tooth decay. By receiving custom orthodontic treatment many patients are able to properly maintain their oral health and prevent other oral health concerns cavities and gum disease.

Todays advances in orthodontics allow many patients to avoid traditional braces to reach the straight smile they desire. Those who may be interested in clear braces in Cincinnati, OH, are invited to contact Dr. Kejriwals office by calling 513-914-4673 for a custom consultation.

About the Doctor

Dr. Manju R. Kejriwal offers leading dental care at her cutting-edge practice in Cincinnati, Ohio. Dr. Kejriwal, named one of Americas Top Dentists by the American Research Council, makes her patients satisfaction and comfort her first priority. Dedicated to applying the latest advancements in dentistry, she frequently completes continuing education courses including those in aesthetics, comprehensive dental restorations and occlusion at the prestigious Hornbrook Institute. Offering dental implants, orthodontics, laser dentistry and cosmetic treatments, among other treatments, Dr. Kejriwal always strives to provide first-rate dentistry. To learn more about Dr. Kejriwal, the services she offers, or how quality dental care can be life-changing, visit http://www.mycincinnatismiles.com or call 513-914-4673 to schedule a personalized consultation.
We are very excited to work with Jimmy and Iman as we bring the results of our recent brand transformation to the Westmount location and to our amazing Canadian rib-lovers

Romacorp, Inc., parent company of Tony Romas, announces the signing of a new franchise agreement with 2006323 Alberta, Ltd. As part of the agreement, new franchisees Jimmy Salha and Iman Rachid plan to remodel the existing Westmount Tony Romas restaurant, located in a scenic suburban neighborhood of Edmonton, Canada, with design elements from Tony Romas new global prototype restaurant recently launched in Orlando, FL. There are 25 Tony Romas restaurants in the Alberta, Ontario, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba provinces in Canada, and this is the first Tony Romas restaurant for 2006323 Alberta, Ltd.

Having launched in Canada more than 30 years ago, we are proud to have such a loyal and strong fan base throughout the country, and this newest announcement is a true testament to our iconic brand, world-famous food and beverages, and the incredible passion of our franchisees, said Stephen K. Judge, President and Chief Executive Officer of Romacorp, Inc. We are very excited to work with Jimmy and Iman as we bring the results of our recent brand transformation to the Westmount location and to our amazing Canadian rib-lovers.

The Westmount, Edmonton restaurant is located right outside of downtown Edmonton, the central business district of Alberta, Canada. The restaurant boasts a full bar serving an extensive collection of beer, wine and liquor including Tony Romas signature Romarita, several TVs throughout the bar and dining areas and spacious outdoor seating for guests who want to enjoy the sunny weather.

We are thrilled to represent one of the most globally recognizable names in the industry, said Jimmy Salha, President of 2006323 Alberta, Ltd. Tony Roma's is a great business venture with great brand recognition, and thats because for generations customers have associated Tony Roma's with excellent food and service quality, which they continue to expect.

This announcement comes as Tony Romas celebrates its 45th birthday, an incredible milestone unmatched by any American casual dining restaurant chain. With restaurants in more than 30 countries around the world, Tony Romas continued growth has established the brand as the largest casual dining chain in the world specializing in ribs. Recently, the brand announced the remodel of the Laredo, TX. Tony Romas, and new development and franchisee agreements in West Palm Beach, FL., Tennessee, Nicaragua, Spain and Bolivia.

We will be striving to grow within the company by adding value, devoting time and hard work, and most of all putting our hearts into the business, said Iman Rachid, Director of 2006323 Alberta, Ltd. We will definitely be looking for more opportunities and expand as the company grows.

About Romacorp, Inc.

Romacorp, Inc., is the parent company of Tony Roma's restaurants, the world's largest casual dining concept specializing in ribs. Headquartered in Orlando, Florida, Romacorp, Inc. has more than 150 restaurant locations in more than 30 countries and is one of the most globally recognizable names in the industry. The first Tony Roma's restaurant opened 45 years ago in North Miami, Florida. Tony Roma's is also proud to partner with the Make-A-Wish Foundation (http://www.cnfl.wish.org), one of the world's leading children's charities, in an effort to help grant the wishes of children with life-threatening illnesses across Central and Northern Florida. For more information about Romacorp, Inc. and Tony Roma's, visit http://www.tonyromas.com.

Please visit http://www.tonyromasfranchise.com or call (866) 981-0586 for information about Tony Roma's franchising opportunities.
We live in an era of machine vs. machine.

Automotive Defense Specialists and lead attorney William Ferreira are proud to announce an important 'open letter' concerning an emerging problem in California's SMOG check industry, the problem of illegal simulators. Simulators are used to illegally pass SMOG checks and, unfortunately, are causing otherwise innocent SMOG check technicians and station operators to be inaccurately accused by the Bureau of Automotive Repair. Each case is unique, of course, and should be evaluated on the available evidence, but the letter calls attention to this downstream consequence of illegal SMOG check simulators.

We live in an era of machine vs. machine, explained attorney William Ferreira of Automotive Defense Specialists. Illegal simulators are entering the California marketplace, and unscrupulous consumers and repair technicians can place them on a car, and when that car undergoes a SMOG check, it can be the SMOG check technician or station owner who is inappropriately held responsible against this surreptitious devices.

To read the open letter on the SMOG check problem, visit http://automotivedefense.com/2017/05/17/smog-check-simulators-1/. There, one can also download a PDF copy. Journalists and other media persons can reach out to William Ferreira for comment. He is widely recognized as one of the top attorneys working to defend SMOG check technicians and station owners against California's Bureau of Automotive Repair. To learn more about attorney William Ferreira, visit http://automotivedefense.com/about/williamferreira/.

The Simulator Problem: a Passed SMOG Check Can Create a Real Problem

California's Bureau of Automotive Repair unfortunately seems unaware of the extent of the problem caused by illegal simulators vis-a-vis the SMOG check machines. What happens is that a dishonest consumer or repair technician can install a simulator on a car so that it can pass a SMOG check. When brought into a legitimate SMOG check station, the car may be able to pass the test and the SMOG check technician, through no fault of his own, is duped into providing a passing score. Later, however, when the car is sold or some other problem occurs and the car is reported as faulty, it is the technician or SMOG check station that is held accountable as opposed to the dishonest consumer and/or auto repair technician who utilized the illegal simulator in the first place. The nuances are complicated, however, and the open letter hopes to raise consciousness in the SMOG check industry about this growing problem.

About Automotive Repair Specialists

Automotive Repair Specialists is a top law firm representing auto repair facilities, SMOG check stations, and technicians in every facet of their legal needs. This includes Bureau of Auto Repair letters and accusations. The company offers free phone consultations to auto shops, mechanics, technicians and others who are facing disciplinary actions from the California Bureau of Automotive Repair. ARS attorneys are highly skilled in how to check STAR program scores.

Web. http://automotivedefense.com/

Tel. (415) 392-2886
Black River Technical College We wanted to make a difference in our students lives and understood that reducing textbook costs is one way to drive student preparedness and success.

Black River Technical College (BRTC) has partnered with Akademos to launch an online bookstore that will offer students substantial savings on course materials and enable faculty to evaluate and adopt low-cost course material options. Located in Pocahontas, Arkansas, BRTC is a public, two-year college committed to transforming lives and impacting the surrounding community through quality academic and career education.

At BRTC, students can earn degrees and certificates in nine different fields including Health Professions and Related Programs, Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities, and Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services. Its Licensed Practical Nurse program was named the best of 27 LPN programs in Arkansas. BRTC also offers a 100% online A.A. in General Studies that can be transferred to a four-year college.

Starting June of 2017, BRTC students can use a custom-branded version of the mobile-optimized Akademos online bookstore to shop for textbooks in a wide range of formats  including new, used, rental, marketplace and digital  from any device, anywhere, at any time  and seamlessly use their financial aid allocation as a payment option during the checkout process. Students can also sell their books through the marketplace once the term is over and set their own price to help ensure they are getting the best return during the buyback process.

We wanted to make a difference in our students lives and understood that reducing textbook costs is one way to drive student preparedness and success. Akademos has a proven track record of offering students real savings on course materials and helping faculty make more cost-conscious choices during the adoption process, said BRTC President Dr. Eric Turner.

In 2016, Akademos saved students purchasing textbooks and course materials over $13 million, with students saving an average of 60% off publisher list price when they used Akademos exclusive marketplace of over 18 million unique titles.

Weve had a profound impact on reducing students costs by providing them with more affordable purchase options  including our unique educational marketplace, said Akademos CEO John Squires. In addition, our advanced faculty software and services dramatically improve the speed and accuracy of course material adoptions to further reduce course material costs for students.

The Akademos Adoption & Analytics Portal provides faculty with complete visibility into the real-time prices of course materials in multiple formats during the adoption process enabling them to select the most affordable, high-quality textbook options for students. In addition, the Portal enhances textbook adoption efficiency by enabling administrators to track the progress of course material adoptions across individual departments and the entire college.

Faculty can also utilize Akademos Curriculum Services (ACS) to further reduce textbook costs. ACS provides faculty with personal consultations on new learning models and course material choices that support faculty and student success by improving access to alternative, low-cost options. Custom CoursePacks is just one way that can be accomplished.

BRTCs current on-campus bookstore will transition into a general merchandise and supply store that will serve the growing needs of the BRTC community.

Learn more about how Akademos can help your institution significantly improve textbook affordability for students.

For press inquiries, please contact Ariane Rasmussen at 203-866-0190, ext. 15.

About Black River Technical College

Black River Technical College (BRTC) is a public, two-year college with an open admissions policy committed to meeting the technical, academic, professional, cultural, and personal enrichment needs of the citizens of Northeast Arkansas and the surrounding areas. It was founded as Black River Vocational Technical School in 1972 and renamed Black River Technical College in 1991.

BRTC faculty shares a devotion to their diverse disciplines and programs and a commitment to the intellectual, technical, and professional growth of their students. The typically smaller student-faculty ratio permits students to have a productive learning relationship with their instructors.

Students can earn degrees and certificates in nine different fields. Popular programs include: Health Professions and Related Programs, Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities, and Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services. BRTC also offers a 100% online A.A. in General Studies that is transferrable to a four-year college.

About Akademos

Akademos offers customized, online bookstore services and solutions that support what's most important to institutions  from full-service virtual bookstores to unique partnerships and products supporting on-campus shops. Akademos delivers cost savings on course materials for students while providing administrators and faculty with critical control over the textbook delivery process.

Akademos offers an innovative textbook marketplace, best-in-class eCommerce platform, eLearning solutions, and a unique adoption and analytics portal. The companys comprehensive supply-chain solution and commitment to responsive personal service makes it the choice of leading institutions throughout the country.

Akademos helps institutions deliver the right course materials, at affordable prices, on time. Learn more at akademos.com.
We are certainly excited about being able to offer extended sales and support services to our Japanese customers, says Eric Bergeron, IXIASOFT CEO

IXIASOFT, a global leader in the Component Content Management Systems (CCMS) marketplace, announced today the official opening of its Japanese subsidiary. To celebrate this important milestone, IXIASOFT is hosting a cocktail at the prestigious Canadian Embassy, located in the heart of Tokyo.



The event marks yet another steppingstone for IXIASOFT who is actively commercializing and promoting DITA CMS within the Japanese market. Indeed, since 2015, the IXIASOFT DITA CMS solution has been revamped to meet the needs of the Japanese marketplace: the user interface, the user guide and the website are now all available in Japanese. In addition, IXIASOFT has also hired local resources to extend its sales and support outreach. IXIASOFT is also a member of DITA Consortium Japan and has been actively involved within the technical communications industry in Japan by participating in various events such as TC Symposium and DITA Festa, held in Tokyo and in Kyoto over the past years.

We are seeing growth worldwide in the overall demand for DITA and Japan is leading the way for Asia. With an increasing number of customers in Japan, we feel that establishing ourselves as a Japanese corporation will bring us closer to our customers needs, says Eric Bergeron, IXIASOFT CEO. We are certainly excited about being able to offer extended sales and support services to our Japanese customers.



Eric Bergeron and Nobutoshi Murata, IXIASOFT K.K. Representative Director, along with a few other IXIASOFT employees, customers and partners, as well as Canadian Embassy staff will be in attendance at the event.



IXIASOFT K.K. has also invited Fabrice Lacroix, CEO of Antidot, to present their dynamic delivery solution. A strategic partner of IXIASOFT, Antidot provides an innovative solution, also localized for the Japanese market, with key publishing capabilities allowing organizations to personalize and enhance the information they deliver to their customers.



For more information about IXIASOFT K.K., please contact nobutoshi.murata(at)ixiasoft(dot)com. This press release is also available in French.

About IXIASOFT: Founded in 1998, IXIASOFT is a trusted global leader in the XML content management software industry. Its signature product DITA CMS is an award winning, end-to-end component content management solution (CCMS) that has been deployed by industry leaders such as AMR, Ericsson, Komatsu, Omron, Qualcomm and SAP. From authoring to reviewing, localizing and publishing, DITA CMS provides all the tools required for large, global organizations to support their entire DITA documentation process. IXIASOFT solutions are accessed by thousands of users worldwide in various vertical markets such as software, hi-tech, heavy manufacturers and medical devices.

Please visit ixiasoft.com or connect with IXIASOFT on Twitter and LinkedIn. Already a DITA CMS user? Join the IXIASOFT DITA CMS Usergroup on LinkedIn.
Illuminate Film Festival 2017 The Sedona Illuminate Film Festival is conscious cinema for the audience yearning for soulful inspired content.

Shamanic teacher and healer Anahata Ananda of Shamangelic Healing, Sedona Arizonas Premier Center for Shamanic Healing and Spiritual Awakening, is excited to announce that, as featured presenter at this years Illuminate Film Festival in Sedona, Arizona, she will be leading the audience on a soulful shamanic journey as a featured presenter during the festival.

Anahatas special guided meditation event begins on Sunday, June 4, 2017 at 11:15 am, following the screening of the film "Global Spirit: Earth Wisdom for a World in Crisis" World Premiere.

Woven through compelling portraits of indigenous leaders, the film follows the Lakota Sioux's non-violent resistance at the Standing Rock Reservation. Through the unique prism of indigenous cosmologies and native perspectives from all continents, this film weaves a vivid contrast between the bureaucratic, slow-moving "recognition" of indigenous peoples by the United Nations, and the political immediacy of the Dakota Access Pipeline protest movement.

Anahatas special Shamanic Journey is meant to guide participants deep into the womb of Mother Earth herself to entrain their heartbeats to the rhythms of her vital pulse. This journey invites participants to give themselves over to the earths healing energies of love, magic and mystery. In return, people can expect to receive insightful guidance about how human beings can live in balance and harmony with Mother Earth.

Shamanic Healer and Spiritual Counselor, Anahata Ananda, has trained extensively with gifted shamans, energy healers and spiritual teachers from around the world in order to artfully integrate the fields of spirituality, energy healing, self-empowerment, and shamanic teachings. Her client-base spans the globe with individuals from all walks of life who are seeking to heal and awaken to their fullest potential.

The Shamangelic Healing Center is based in Sedona, Arizona. It is nestled beneath Thunder Mountain, with 360 degrees of breathtaking views, and within walking distance to a medicine wheel and healing vortexes, making it the perfect setting for healing and expansion. Inside, the retreat center's calm and relaxed environment helps to engage all of the senses, making it easy to settle into a session. Clients seeking Spiritual awakening, transformational healing services, counseling, sacred land journeys or training courses may choose from a wide range of options that can be tailored for the ultimate personal experience.

Shamangelic Healing Center in Sedona, Arizona offers workshops, Sacred Vortex Land Journeys, Shamangelic Breathwork ceremonies and other Soulful Journeys. Whether visitors are seeking a Tailored Sedona Retreat of Transformational Healing and Spiritual Awakening, a Sacred Land Journey or a Weekend Intensive for Empowerment & Awakening, Shamangelic Healing provides profoundly empowering experiences, all among the Red Rocks.

Private Healing Sessions with Anahata are also available at the Center where Anahata provides personal sessions in a safe and loving space for deep healing and spiritual awakening. Shamangelic also offers Shamanic Healing sessions and group workshops, as well as a full complement of training courses in energy healing, Shamanic teachings and tools for practitioners.

For those unable to attend or come to Sedona, Anahata has created online courses on the Kajabi platform. Shamangelic online courses are for the global audience, with convenient 24 hour access to videos and self-paced exercise handouts that help people explore the tools and practices to live a more empowered, balanced and conscious life in their everyday lives.

The Illuminate Film Festival takes place May 31  June 4, 2017 at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre in Sedona, Arizona. For tickets and reservations visit http://illuminatefilmfestival.com/.

For detailed descriptions and a calendar of all training courses, retreats and spiritual awakening services offered by Anahata of Shamangelic Healing Center visit http://shamangelichealing.com/.
Trading Game App With our product, Trading Game, the users have improved their chances of success by up to 73% just by having fun!

Practicing their trading skills is essential for all wannabe investors, even experienced ones. Now, Finance Illustrated is offering the ultimate solution: Trading Game app.

Trading Game is a fascinating, all-in-one, stocks, forex, options, gold, and BitCoin application for beginner and intermediate learners. It helps them to jump start trading and know the risks before they invest their hard-earned money into full-time trading. The superior quality gamification of the app makes the whole experience unique and rewarding.

Trading Game is a highly educational and straightforward app with flawless design and excellent graphics. It includes a currency and stock trading school, university, interactive quiz, and dynamic top brokers & traders lists. Moreover, the app incorporates real-time trading with the latest market price quotes making it even more challenging. It is divided into sections with highlighted points where the user is challenged before they move to the next section.

A team of highly experienced financial trading professionals is behind this app. As Janis Drobisevskis, Founder of Finance Illustrated explains, We wanted to offer the opportunity of developing investment strategies with no risk to ones capital. With our product, Trading Game, the users have improved their chances of success by up to 73% just by having fun!

Trading Game app is available to download for free in App Store (iOS version) and Google Play (Android version) with multi-language support.

About

Finance Illustrated, based in Latvia, is the company behind Trading Game. Its executives possess a substantial experience in trading and app building. The company aims at providing an all-in-one, highly educational and engaging app that helps traders become masters of the trade.

Social Media

https://www.instagram.com/tradinggameapp/

https://www.facebook.com/TheTradingGame/
Plus, by using various parts of the space rocket, each watch has a very distinct and authentic look. Its truly a beautiful watch that is sure to standout when wearing it.

Werenbach Watches, a Swiss startup, has designed and engineered a new line of luxury watches made from space rocket material. Each watch offers an unique design based on which piece of the rocket the watches are made from. The team has turned to Kickstarter and, with less than a week left in their campaign, has successfully raised over $621K thanks to nearly one thousand backers.

The aim here was to create a luxury watch collection that everyone could afford, said Patrick Hohmann, founder and CEO of Werenbach Watches. Plus, by using various parts of the space rocket, each watch has a very distinct and authentic look. Its truly a beautiful watch that is sure to stand out when wearing it.

Werenbach Watches are designed from Soyuz MS-02, which launched on October 19, 2016 in Kazakhstan. Onboard the spacecraft were three astronauts, one American and two Russian. The Werenbach Watches are made from the first rocket stage (booster and fairing). Once the rocket reached an altitude of approximately 50km, the booster was jettisoned, and the fairing followed suit at an altitude of 85km. Both the booster and the fairing descended back to Earth and landed in a military-restricted area in Kazakhstan.

Each watches color will depict which part of the rocket the material comes from. The different signs of wear in the material, such as scratches, make each model in the collection unique. The Model 1 watch is made from the inner surface of the booster and is black-anodised with fine scratches. Model 2 offers a dial cut from the inner surface of the rocket booster. The surface has been left in its original condition for additional authenticity. The Model 3 watch is made from the outer surface of the booster in its original condition with fine scratches.

The last two models, Model 4 and Model 5, are available in limited quantities. Model 4 is currently available in 300 pieces due to its limited usable material from the fairing. This model comes in its original condition in color shades. Lastly, Model 5 is available in an limited 600 pieces. This particular model is made from the exterior cladding of the rocket engine in its original condition with fine scratches.

The luxury watches start at about $546 and are expected to ship by November this year. The Werenbach Watches team has successfully raised over $621K thanks to nearly one thousand backers. For more information on the campaign, or to back the project, visit bit.ly/WerenbachKS.

About Werenbach Watches

Werenbach Watches is a Swiss-based startup that designs and engineers unique, luxury watches. Each watch is made from real space-borne rocket material. The idea behind Werenbach Watches was created in 2010, and later became a reality in 2013 once the first watch was designed. Werenbach Watches has two collections: the Atelier Collection and its newest line, the Earth Collection. For more information on Werenbach Watches, visit http://www.werenbach.com.
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Elgar Parishad-Maoist link case: Gautam Navlakha will not attempt, in any manner, to influence witnesses during his house arrest, says SC.

SC permits activist Gautam Navlakha to meet two family members once a week for two hours during house arrest.

SC says activist Gautam Navlakha can use mobile phone without internet during house arrest, allows television and newspapers.
After dropping below growth neutral for 20 straight months, the Creighton University Rural Mainstreet Index moved above the 50.0 threshold for May, according to the latest monthly survey of bank CEOs in rural areas of a 10-state region dependent on agriculture and/or energy.

The index, which ranges between 0 and 100, climbed to 50.1 from 44.6 in April. Mays reading was the highest recorded reading since July 2015. The last time the overall index was at or above growth neutral was August 2015.

Stabilizing and slightly improving farm commodity prices helped push the overall index into a weak but above growth neutral for May, said Ernie Goss, Jack A. MacAllister Chair in Regional Economics at Creighton University's Heider College of Business. The U.S. Department of Agriculture is projecting that net U.S. farm income will sink by 8.7 percent to $62.3 billion for 2017, the fourth consecutive year of declines after reaching a record high in 2013. This downward trend has weighted on our survey results for almost two years.

This month, and in May 2016, bank CEOs were asked to name the biggest economic challenge to their banking operations over the next five years. The largest share of bankers, or 28.9 percent, named rising regulatory costs as the top challenge or risk. This is almost the same percent as 2016. More than one in five, or 26.7 percent, detailed government subsidized competition from farm credit and credit unions as the greatest challenge, or almost double the 13.6 percent reported in May 2016.

More than one of 10 bankers, or 11.1 percent, reported that farm foreclosures represented the greatest risk to banking operations for the next five years, or more than double the 4.5 percent of bankers who identified such foreclosures as the greatest risk last year at this time.

In terms of risk to the rural economy, almost nine of 10 bankers, or 86.7 percent, think low agriculture commodity prices are the greatest threat to the rural economy. This is down slightly from the 90.9 percent who detailed the same risk in May 2016.

The farmland and ranchland-price index for May rose to 36.4 from Aprils frail 30.7. This is the 42nd straight month the index has languished below growth neutral 50.0, but is the highest recorded reading since September 2016.

The May RMI for Iowa climbed to 49.4 from 39.1 in April. Iowas farmland-price index for May slipped to 34.9 from 35.8 in May. Iowas new-hiring index for May climbed to 60.8 from Aprils 51.5.

The May farm equipment-sales index increased to 26.8 from 21.5 in April. This marks the 45th consecutive month the reading has fallen below growth neutral 50.0, and is the highest recorded reading since January 2015.

Each month, community bank presidents and CEOs in nonurban agriculturally and energy-dependent portions of a 10-state area are surveyed regarding current economic conditions in their communities and their projected economic outlooks six months down the road. Bankers from Iowa, Colorado, Illinois, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming are included.
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WASHINGTON, D.C. | U.S. Army Capt. Jonathon Gambrell, 30, of Washington, D.C., has spent almost nine years serving his country as a member of the U.S. military.

Serving in the military is a family tradition for Gambrell.

It started with his great-grandfathers, Roy Groff, of Orchard, U.S. Army, and Hugh Leslie Buck Delaney, of Osage, an Army combat medic. They both served their country in World War I. In addition, Gambrells grandfather; mother, Mary Groff Gambrell, who lives in Mason City; father; and half-brother have all served in the U.S. Army. His mother served in the Army Reserves during the Cold War and Desert Shield/Desert Storm.

Gambrell is a graduate of Iowa State University with a degree in business. He also has a degree in operations supply chain management. He is married and has a daughter, 4, and a son, 2.

The service of my great-grandparents influenced my grandparents, who influenced my parents to serve, Gambrell said. It was my parents service that brought them together.

His mother served in the Army Reserves out of Fort Des Moines. His father also served on active duty as an infantry non-commissioned officer.

My familys service gave me both a respect for those who serve, as well as an appreciation for the hardships military families endure, he said.

Gambrell said it was his mothers membership in the Tama-Toledo Chapter of the VFW that ultimately led him down the road of joining the military.

Gambrell grew up in the Tama-Toledo area, attending South Tama High School. During his junior year of high school, his mother told him he needed to attend Hawkeye Boys State, because the VFW chapter needed a couple more to attend.

I really didnt know what I was signing up for, Gambrell said.

During the career day at Boys State, he heard presentations from colleges, programs and other educational services.

Gambrell said this was his first exposure to the question, What I going to do when I graduate? and How and I going to get there? He got an informational pamphlet on Army Reserve Officers Training Corps programs and the rest is history, Gambrell said.

My experience at the Iowa State ROTC program shaped my life into what it is today, he said. It was the first time I was exposed to the military lifestyle and the professionalism that is expected of officers.

Gambrell said he enjoyed being around other people with the same work ethic, passion and drive he had. He admitted there were some college experiences he missed due to his ROTC schedule.

But, looking back, I cannot see how those events or experiences could have shaped my professional life as profoundly as the ROTC program. It was that environment that challenged me and gave me a sense of purpose in everything I do.

In reflecting on his familys involvement in the military, Gambrell said as a kid, it was all about the uniform and the equipment, but as a teenager and adult, it is about the camaraderie and skill sets.

He said seeing his familys service pictures have always given him a sense of pride to follow in their footsteps.

If you would have approached me in my sophomore year of high school and said In seven years, you will be jumping out of planes onto Italian drop zones, I would have never believed you. I hope some of my experiences can help to inform and shape a young persons decision on the possibilities of an Army career.

He was a Quartermaster and then became a parachute rigger platoon leader with the famed 173rd Airborne Brigade based in Vicenza, Italy. Everyone in Brigade is Airborne.

In short, I really happen to like both taking off and landing in planes, Gambrell said, and jumping out wasnt really in the picture, but how can you say no to living in Italy?

He currently has 34 jumps.

Gambrell said he his first jump was a mixture of horror, humor and disbelief my life had led up to this which was only partially masked by pride and a half-hearted attempt at convincing myself this was safe or the Army wouldnt let me do it. In short, it was terrifying.

He added although he has 34 jumps, It does not make me impervious to the anxiety of jumping out of planes. That never goes away, Gambrell said.

In 2009, he was deployed to Afghanistan for 12 months during Operation Enduring Freedom. He was based in eastern Afghanistan at Forward Operating Base Shank where rocket and military fires were common.

Gambrell received a Combat in Action Badge after coming under attack from Taliban rocket fire.

All in all, my time in Afghanistan was a test of my physical, emotional and professional limits, he said. I worked 18 to 20 hours a day, doing a job where known threats were a daily occurrence.

Gambrell was the base defense officer, in charge of a base of military, civilian, third-country national contractors and host nation civilians. The base was larger in both size and population than the city of Osage.

We happened to be in an area which was known for the enemy firing artillery rounds indiscriminately towards the base, he said.

During his 12-month deployment, the base took more than 350 rounds of ordinance.

It was taxing, because there was no downtime, Gambrell said. It was only how are you going to make this place better, react to incidents and keep guys doing missions going.

It was hard and thankless work for which I have the utmost respect and gratitude toward my soldiers who performed that mission.

He said the other thing about his time in Afghanistan were the people, who were just trying to live their lives, fulfill their dreams and overcome daily hardships.

Gambrell was later deployed to Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, where he worked with the civil affairs unit of ARCENT, providing humanitarian aid to Syrian refugees arriving in Jordan during the initial states of the Syrian refugee crisis.

While performing the job of the commanding officers logistical officer, he was able to use his expertise to help to the fullest extent we could.

This typically included providing small amounts of basic need items but exposed him to working with the State Department, United States Embassy in Kuwait and the United Nations High Counsel on Refugees. He coordinated with nonprofits in the U.S. as well as with Army agencies to collect, package and deliver this aid in support of Jordanian effects to house the victims of the Syrian civil war.

Gambrell currently serves at the Pentagon, where he is assigned to the Headquarters Department of the Army. He is a staff synchronization officer, assisting in building and defending the Armys budget.

In reflecting back in his time in the military so far, Gambrell said, The past drove me to want to make my own mark and legacy for my children and grandchildren to follow.

The call to service led me to the Army. The Army has provided me with a lifetime worth of experiences both good and bad. I believe that because of these experiences, I am a better soldier, a more loving member of my family and a more informed citizen.

He concluded by saying, I ultimately feel I am making a difference, however slight, in the world around me, which is all we can hope for during our time on Earth.
Forty-eight years ago this week, East Moline Police responded to 1352 10th Ave. for what appeared to be a routine call. Reports said a man at that address was outside with a BB gun threatening neighborhood children who had apparently been playing in his yard.

Officers Richard Morton and Robert Butcher arrived on the scene and secured the BB gun. But they didnt realize he also had a .32 caliber revolver until he pulled it from his pocket and began firing. Officers returned fire, but not before Officer Morton was fatally struck in the chest.

As the community readies for the 2017 memorial service in his honor at 11 a.m. Thursday, East Molines Reggie Freeman is once again urging Quad-Citians to remember Office Morton and support the annual event.

In a letter elsewhere in Viewpoints, the retired police chief who was sworn in as East Molines newest mayor earlier this month, again expresses his concern about declining attendance at the annual memorial event.

We share his dismay that fewer Quad-Citians seem to be attending the services at the East Moline Fire Station located at 19th Street and Morton Drive. The latter street was renamed by the East Moline City Council in 1971 to honor the slain officer.

But often as we drive it these days, we wonder how many Quad-Citians know the story of the man for whom it is named. Or pause to think about the dangers officers like him encounter every day they put on the badge.

Events such as Thursdays memorial service are important because they help us to remember and honor the sacrifice of the heroes within our own community, including Officer Morton.

If you can, attend Thursdays memorial service to offer your thanks to Officer Morton and all who pay the ultimate price for their service. And whether you can go or not, say a prayer for the safety of all who wear blue in our community and around the nation.
CAMBRIDGE -- The village's pilot study of its radium removal system will end this week and results will soon be available.

The board toured the test system in the waterworks building after the regular monthly meeting on Monday. Public works director Ed Dole explained the process, which uses manganese and chlorine as well as a six-foot-tall filter. Radium attaches to the manganese and is separated out from the water and disposed of in the sewer system.

Well No. 3 is the bad one, currently yielding nine picocuries of radium, well above the maximum five picocuries. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency notified the village they were in excess at six picocuries in February 2016.

Cambridge is meeting the standard through a blend of 80 percent of water from Well No. 2 (which is at three picocuries of radium per litre) and 20 percent from Well No. 3. (Well No. 1 is retired.) The equipment in the pilot study has the capacity to treat only a small percentage of that 20 percent.

Radium removal equipment is expected to cost $272,000. The necessary building to house the equipment will bring the total cost to an estimated $600,000. The village is obtaining a 20-year loan.

Mayor Margie Martin noted the radium problem came up just recently for Cambridge -- as well as for some other towns in the region.

In other business, village administrator Dwaine Van Meenen announced Becky and Brian Nelson have donated $1,000 towards the new park pavilion project in College Square Park. To date, the total raised is more than $40,000. A fundraiser featuring John Taylor and Concrete Slim has been set for June 10 in the park.

Trustees also:

-- Learned the Cambridge FFA and American Legion will put up flags in Rosedale Cemetery at noon on Friday, and tentative plans are to take them down at noon on Tuesday.

-- Learned the village finished the fiscal year April 30 with a $142,207 surplus.

-- Set a public hearing on the 2017-18 appropriations ordinance at 6 p.m. on June 26.
ROCK ISLAND -- While the Korean War has been called "The Forgotten War," veterans of the era continue to dedicate their time and resources to ensuring those who lost their lives in the combat are remembered forever.

That's why Robert Fitts, an 86-year-old Korean War veteran and retired minister in Rock Island, on Monday will drive the 1945 Willys jeep he owns and maintains in the National Memorial Day Parade in Washington, D.C.

A native of Mount Vernon, Ill., Mr. Fitts joined the National Guard in 1948 and was sent to Korea in 1952. There he was a motor sergeant in the 7th Division, 32nd Infantry, managing a pool of vehicles that supported the troops on the front line.

Because of the friends he lost in the Korean War, Mr. Fitts said he wants to "keep their memory alive" and ensure the veterans of his era receive the respect and recognition they deserve.

As part of that mission, he also is a national director for the Korean War Veterans Association dedicated to caring for veterans and remembering the missing and fallen. He said another director of the organization saw pictures of his jeep and asked him to bring it to this year's National Memorial Day Parade which will have a focus on the Korean War.

Mr. Fitts said this will be his first time attending the event and that it is an honor. Dennis Johnson, his friend and fellow veteran, will accompany him on the 900-mile trip. They plan to put the jeep on a trailer and pull it behind a pickup truck -- a good idea, Mr. Fitts said, since the jeep has a maximum speed of 45 miles per hour.

The two plan to make the drive over a two-day period starting Friday. The jeep will be displayed in Washington, D.C., on Saturday before Mr. Fitts drives it in Sunday's parade televised nationwide and streamed online.

Then the jeep will go back on the trailer for the return trip to Rock Island.

The jeep, which boasts a like-new paint job and all original parts, was gifted to Mr. Fitts by an Army friend upon his death. Mr. Fitts said the jeep has never been rusted out and only requires regular maintenance and upkeep, which he does on his own.

He's also a member of the local chapter of the Military Vehicle Preservation Association. Formed in 1999, the group consists of about 25 members and their vehicles, said Mr. Fitts, one of the chapter's first presidents. Aside from having breakfast together every Wednesday at the East Moline Maid-Rite, the club takes their vehicles to parades and other events throughout the area.

But while Mr. Fitts enjoys military vehicle preservation, he said he mainly does it "to remind people of the cost of the Korean War."

During the Korean War's three-year span, more than 34,000 servicemen -- including 1,741 from Illinois -- were killed in action. More than 8,000 are still missing.

Mr. Fitts also joins other veterans of his era striving to draw attention to the Korea Defense veterans who have served in South Korea since the war's end, including 1,200 servicemen and women who have died. They "get no recognition," Mr. Fitts said.

He said he wants people to remember the job done by Korean War and Korea Defense veterans.

"Look at South Korea," he said. "It is what it is today because of the Korea veterans."
Its not just Iowa Republicans excited about the transfer of power happening Wednesday at the state Capitol.

They see Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds transition to the governors office bringing a fresh face and new voice to the conservative leadership Republicans believe the state has enjoyed since Gov. Terry Branstad returned to office for s second stint in 2011. Branstad is stepping down to become ambassador to China.

I think there is a potential for having our cake and eating it, too, Republican Party of Iowa Chairman Jeff Kaufmann said, looking ahead to the 2018 governors race. Having the consistency of leadership that Gov. Terry Branstad has provided, but at the same time she is clearly a fresh face. And lets face it, Republicans are breaking the glass ceiling. Again.

That was a reference to the 2014 election of GOP Sen. Joni Ernst, the states first female federal officeholder.

Iowa Democrats see opportunity, too, and are wasting no time in attempting to define Reynolds  as the opposite of a fresh face; someone who has stood side-by-side with Branstad to promote and defend policies that arent working for Iowans, they say.

Shortly after Branstad was confirmed Monday as ambassador by the U.S. Senate, Iowa Democratic Party Chairman Derek Eadon issued a statement accusing the lieutenant governor of having a purely partisan agenda that jeopardized Iowas future.

Kim Reynolds record as lieutenant governor raises serious warning signs for Iowans, Eadon said. As she becomes governor, Iowa voters will hold her accountable for her record.

The best predictor of what Reynolds will do as governor is her record of championing the same policies as Branstad that are out of touch with working Iowans, Iowa Democratic Party Vice Chairwoman Andrea Phillips said Tuesday in Cedar Rapids.

The things shes chosen to speak out on  defunding Planned Parenthood, underfunding education  are increasingly partisan, Phillips said during visits with reporters as part of the state partys effort to characterize Reynolds as she takes over.

And Tuesday, Progress Iowa, a liberal advocacy group, launched its own attack on the governor-in-waitings failed priorities.

The Reynolds record has resulted in one disaster after another for Iowans, said Matt Sinovic, Progress Iowa executive director. Reynolds has made clear her failed priorities: fiscal irresponsibility that created a budget mess, undercutting our public schools and relentlessly attacking Iowas working families.

The Iowa GOP isnt idly standing by.

Chairman Kaufmann promised the partys support will transfer seamlessly from Branstad to Reynolds. The party is planning an inaugural celebration fundraiser June 2 in Des Moines.

Although he promises the state Republican Party will be neutral if there is a GOP primary for the gubernatorial nomination in 2018  Cedar Rapids Mayor Ron Corbett, a former Speaker of the House, is considering it  Kaufmann speaks optimistically of Reynolds being elected to a full term. He believes her experience in local and state government  she served four terms as Clarke County treasurer before being elected to the Iowa Senate in 2008  will help her in 2018.

We will have an incumbent who has learned from the best, he said. At the same time, Kim Reynolds will have her own team, her own set of goals.

Phillips likes the activity and enthusiasm shes seeing at the grass roots.

The 2016 election was a wake-up call for Iowa Democrats, she said.

The enthusiasm is different from the enthusiasm you see when youre out knocking doors during a campaign, Phillips said. This is people showing up, new people never involved before, and asking, How can I get involved?

I think were well-positioned for 2018, she said.
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State Duma approves blacklist of officials fired for corruption

MOSCOW, May 24 (RAPSI)  The State Duma adopted in the second reading on Wednesday a bill on creating a nationwide list of officials, who had been dismissed because of loss of trust over corruption allegations, according to the website of Russias lower house of parliament.

The bill was drafted by Russias Labor Ministry in 2015 and approved by the government in August 2016. The initiative passed its first reading in the State Duma in December 2016.

The draft law is aimed to prevent people sacked for corruption from holding positions in government agencies or corporations.

Under the initiative, Russias government would be entitled to determine the procedure for blacklisting officials and their removal from the registry.

If the bill is adopted it will take effect on January 1, 2018.

From 2012 to 2015, nearly 1,200 individuals were fired in Russia due to the loss of trust related to corruption, an explanatory note to the document reads.
DES MOINES  History was on parade at the Iowa Statehouse Wednesday as Iowans bid an emotional farewell to Gov. Terry Branstad as he ended his 8,169-day run as the longest-serving governor in U.S. history and welcomed Kim Reynolds as the first woman to hold Iowas top executive position.

In back-to-back ceremonies that took less than an hour, Iowa accomplished a transition of power, with Branstad, 70, saying he was proud of what he was able to accomplish and Reynolds pledging to fill Branstads shoes by stepping into her heels and working to build on their administrations progress.

Friends, family, legislators, state officials and other close associates crowded into the governors formal Capitol office to witness him tendering his resignation as governor and being sworn in as the new U.S. ambassador to China by Iowa Judge Steve Colloton of the U.S. Court of Appeals.

Never in my wildest dreams did I believe a farm kid from Leland, Iowa, would become the longest serving governor in American history, Branstad said in his last speech as governor  having been confirmed this week as President Donald Trumps choice to represent American interests in China.

There is no better job in the world than being the governor of the state that you love, said Branstad, who served as Iowas 39th governor from 1983 to 1999 and as the 42nd governor from January 2011 until Wednesday. But sometimes we are called to serve in ways we had never imagined.

Reynolds, Branstads family members  including five of his grandchildren who sat in the front row  and more than 80 other close associates on hand stood and applauded after Branstad made the switch from governor to ambassador. It has been a great honor to serve, he said.

Minutes after Branstad assumed his new role, Reynolds, 57, was administered the oath of office in the Iowa State Capitol rotunda and sworn in by Iowa Supreme Court Chief Justice Mark Cady as Iowas 43rd governor and entered Iowa history books as the first woman to hold the states top elective office.

While today marks the closing of an important era for Iowa, Reynolds said in her first gubernatorial address to an overflow crowd of about 400 who were on hand for the historic event.

It also is the beginning of an incredible opportunity for both of you, she told Branstad and his wife, Chris, who will be heading for a U.S. State Department orientation before traveling to China later this summer.

Ive watched you time and time again do the right thing regardless of politics or unbelievable pressure, Reynolds told Branstad, addressing him as Mr. Ambassador. If I can achieve but a fraction of the success youve achieved over the past 22 years, I will consider it the greatest accomplishment of my professional life. We worked hard, had fun and we made a difference. While I have some pretty tough shoes to fill, Im excited to step into my heels on behalf of the people of Iowa and work every single day.

Reynolds will serve out the remaining 19-plus months of the sixth term Branstad won in 2014  his 20th election victory without a defeat. She becomes only the fifth individual to hold the office in the past 48 years.

The Statehouse ceremony, that included a large number of spectators watching from the second floor in the open rotunda, included congratulatory videotaped messages from Iowa Republican U.S. Sens. Joni Ernst and Chuck Grassley and encouraging words from GOP legislative leaders who now will work with Reynolds to achieve their 2018 agenda.

While Iowans are losing a tenacious champion for our state, were getting someone thats equal in Terry Branstads passion and enthusiasm with Kim Reynolds, said House Speaker Linda Upmeyer, R-Clear Lake. Senate Majority Leader Bill Dix, R-Shell Rock, praised Branstad for his can-do attitude and his steady hand in marking Wednesday as a great day of celebration.

Jeff Kaufmann, chairman of the Republican Party of Iowa, hailed Wednesday as another milestone for his party in breaking glass ceilings with Reynolds, Ernst and Upmeyer all representing trailblazing milestones for women in Iowas electoral process.

Maggie Tinsman, a former state senator who co-founded 50-50 in 2020  Iowas only nonpartisan group working for election of women to the states legislative and statewide elected offices  said Wednesday was a day of celebration.

This is an historical day in the lives of Iowans, Tinsman said, one that has been dreamed of for nearly a century, ever since women got the right to vote. Our daughters will see the face of a woman in the governors office and realize that one day they, too, could be there.

Matt Sinovic, executive director of Progress Iowa, issued a statement paraphrasing a song lyric by the British band The Who, telling Iowans to meet the new governor, same as the old governor with Reynolds offering what he called failed priorities, empty words and broken promises. But this time, maybe we wont be fooled again.

At a news conference earlier this week, Reynolds indicated she expected to announce Thursday whether she would name a new lieutenant governor to serve as her administrations No. 2 officials and to comment on the makeup of various positions within state government going forward in her new administration.

One change already came Wednesday when Ben Hammes announced his departure effective June 1 as the communications director for Branstad and Reynolds. He said he is taking a private-sector job and Brenna Smith would take over as Reynolds press secretary.

A short time after Hammes departure became public, Reynolds announced five additions to her staff: Jake Ketzner as chief of staff, Tim Albrecht as deputy chief of staff and senior adviser, Ryan Koopmans as chief policy adviser and senior legal counsel, Catherine Huggins as chief adviser and Smith as press secretary.
Jeremy Shapiro is Research Director at the European Council on Foreign Relations. The views expressed are the author's own.

Donald Trump arrives this week in Europe for his first visit as U.S. president. The visit has a certain NASCAR quality to it: Everybody claims they are interested in the outcome, but most really show up to see the fiery crashes. And at the scheduled meeting of NATO leaders, a volatile Trump could easily careen the car of state into the guardrail and cause an epic 28-car pile-up. But it is more likely that the Europeans will appeal to Trumps ego, and he will return the favor with effusive charm. Trump will give an ordinary speech, make various extravagant promises, and the meeting will pass with neither incident nor substance. Everyone but the journalists will go home happy.

Regardless of that non-event, serious questions about the Trump administration should persist for Europe. Four endless months into his tenure, a few points about his presidency have already become abundantly clear to reasonably attentive European observers:

Trump is more of a clown than an ideologue -- he is basically uninterested in most aspects of policy and in any case incapable of carrying through complex policy initiatives such as health care or immigration.

He is more of a bully than a savvy negotiator -- he has backed down or given up on almost everything so far including declaring China a currency manipulator, dumping the Iran deal, and getting Mexico to pay for the wall. Like most bullies, he gives up easily when actually challenged. Finally, he is more of egotist than a strategist.

He values symbolic quick win actions like bombing Syria that make him look decisive more than he cares for consistency or coherence. His policy therefore changes at the speed of a tweet.

All of this means that the essence of Trumps policy is its incoherence and unpredictability. Nonetheless, in Europe, many policymakers have a certain complacency about his presidency. They note that the nastier elements of his campaign rhetoric -- the hostility toward NATO, the indifference to the European Union, and the support for populist forces in Europe -- have largely disappeared.

To their relief, Trump has put into a place a foreign policy team that fits well within the bounds of normal Republican parameters. Beneath the daily tumult of Trump-induced chaos, people like Secretary of Defense James Mattis, National Security Advisor H.R. McMaster, and U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley are working assiduously to reassure allies and to fashion a foreign policy that, while distinct from that of former U.S. President Barack Obama, is hardly revolutionary. In stark opposition to candidate Trump, his administrations foreign policy seeks to continue American leadership in the world, and indeed signals greater involvement in the Middle East and a greater willingness overall to commit American power to regional stability around the world.

This is not ideal from the perspective of many Europeans who remember the travails of the Bush administration, but it is quite familiar. It does not represent a collapse of world order. All the Europeans need to do is appeal to Trumps ego at ceremonial occasions, be especially nice to Ivanka, and then do the serious business with the grownups in the next room. This is the emerging Trump management strategy around the world, from Japan to Saudi Arabia to Germany. People are gaining confidence in it.

This confidence is an illusion. Trumps (lack of) character traits have already sunk his domestic agenda and even endangered his presidency. To the extent that Trumps foreign policy has worked at all so far, it is because he has not been very interested or involved.

Yet American presidencies have a certain trajectory. They begin with a president committed to a domestic agenda -- health care, immigration, taxes, etc. Usually within a year or so, they confront the fact that presidential power is very limited on domestic issues, and the U.S. Congress is a gridlocked mess. Looking to remain relevant and proactive, the president naturally turns to an area where he has greater power to take decisive action. Unfortunately for Europe and the world, that area is foreign policy.

As in domestic policy, the coherence of the Trump administrations foreign policy will not survive the intervention of the president. The office of the presidency is central to U.S. foreign policy -- Trump can with an errant tweet or an impulsive missile strike undo months or years of careful planning.

And he might at any time. On a host of issues, the president is not on the same page as his national security team. On Russia, particularly, he seems completely at odds with his teams own policy, even as Russia-related scandals engulf his administration. It is folly to believe that the United States and Europe can construct a long-term transatlantic policy to deal with a growing Russian challenge while the president divulges top-secret intelligence to the Russians in the Oval Office.

European complacency risks tying Europes fate to an unstable and unpredictable U.S. president. European policymakers hope that he will listen to his team, live up to their promises, and not destroy the NATO alliance or the European Union in a fit of pique. They would be wiser to hedge against his predictable unpredictability and seek their own means of securing their position in the world. This means developing a European defense capability and a European policy on Russia that doesnt depend on the United States and its mercurial president.
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DES MOINES  Kim Reynolds wants the history books to remember her as more than just Iowas first female governor.

In her first address to Iowans as the states governor, Reynolds on Wednesday at the Iowa Capitol said she hopes her tenure is filled with great accomplishments that relegate her milestone to secondary status.

Becoming Iowas first woman governor is both humbling and exciting. I will do my best to serve as a role model for others to follow, and hope to emulate the finest qualities of those who led before me, Reynolds said. However, it is my responsibility, my challenge, to do my best, to give them the opportunity to write much more than, She was Iowas first woman governor.

Reynolds, a 57-year-old former county treasurer, state legislator and lieutenant governor, was sworn in as Iowas 43rd governor on Wednesday during a ceremony in the Iowa Capitol Rotunda.

Just minutes before, Terry Branstad resigned as governor and was sworn in as U.S. ambassador to China.

Reynolds will serve the remainder of Branstad's term, which ends soon after the 2018 election. She likely will run for re-election next year.

Reynolds highlighted four priorities as governor:

 Making the states tax code simpler, more fair and more competitive.

 Further developing the states energy plan to continue to maximize renewable energy sources such as wind energy and renewable fuels.

 Educating the states children to meet the demands of 21st-century employment.

 Training Iowans so they have the skills needed for successful careers.

We can pursue a bold vision of innovation, ingenuity and growth such that our chapter in the history of Iowa will be filled with great accomplishments, with page upon page about how we made Iowa an even better place to live, work, innovate, create, and raise a family, Reynolds said. And then, if they must, they can add at the end of the chapter, Oh, and by the way, she was also Iowas first woman governor.

Reynolds said reforming Iowas tax structure is her first priority. Republicans who control both chambers in the Iowa Legislature also hope to pass tax relief legislation; they were thwarted this year by a tight budget that led to spending cuts.

Our tax rates are some of the highest in the nation, and our code books are filled with a patchwork of exemptions, deductions and credits. Thats not how it should be, Reynolds said. Our tax code should be simple. It should be fair. And it should inspire, not inhibit growth. Because the bottom line is this: a simple, more competitive tax code makes it easier for businesses to grow and expand and creates lasting careers for middle class Iowans.

Iowas U.S. senators, including Joni Ernst, the first woman to represent the state in Congress, recorded a video address from the nations capital.

And Reynolds was introduced by Iowa House Speaker Linda Upmeyer, the first woman in the states history to hold that position.

Women from across our state are watching today as the first woman in Iowa history becomes governor, Upmeyer said in introducing Reynolds. Kim Reynolds will serve as yet another inspiration to future generations of women who can imagine themselves in positions of leadership never before held by a woman.

Upmeyer said she has worked with Reynolds on many policy initiatives and is confident in Reynolds ability.

Ive seen her develop as a leader as shes taken on some of Iowas most important issues, Upmeyer said. Her experience tackling those tough issues and also her passion to improve the lives of Iowans gives me such confidence that with Kim Reynolds leading our state, Iowas best days lie ahead.

Reynolds also spoke of growing up in St. Charles, a small town in south central Iowa with roughly 650 people, and working as a checkout clerk at Hy-Vee.

She spoke of literally breaking down walls as Clarke County treasurer; she said she and her husband remodeled the office by ripping out a wall that divided employees.
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Danielle Staub has reportedly gotten engaged to boyfriend Marty Caffrey.

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The 54-year-old "The Real Housewives of New Jersey" star said "yes" to Caffrey while filming Season 8 over the past weekend, according to The Dirty.

"The day he proposed, Danielle said her life is now perfection," a source told E! News.

Staub had shared a photo of herself with Caffrey last week as they headed to a restaurant opening. She and Caffrey celebrated their one-year anniversary as a couple in April.

"Here's to my #first year #anniversary with this cutie ... you are a wonderful man and I'm blessed to have you in my life ... #happyone year @marty_caffrey," the star wrote April 17.

Staub was previously married to Kevin Maher from 1986 to 1987, and to Thomas N. Staub from 1993 to 2007.

She shares two daughters, 24-year-old Christine and 19-year-old Jillian, with her second husband.

Staub came to fame after starring on the first two seasons of "The Real Housewives of New Jersey." Us Weekly reported in February that the star will return in Season 8.
CEDAR RAPIDS  It may have been Day 1 of Kim Reynoldss tenure as governor, but for Democrats hoping to succeed her in 2019 it was just another day on the campaign trail.

Although some offered congratulations to Reynolds on her inauguration as Iowas 43rd governor, hopefuls for the 2019 Democratic gubernatorial nomination were quick to criticize her and tie her to the policies of her former boss, Gov. Terry Branstad.

With exactly one legislative session before the 2018 elections, there can be no time to wait, there can be no extended honeymoon, Sen. Nate Boulton, D-Des Moines, said at a Cedar Rapids union hall Wednesday afternoon. We will spend every day leading to and throughout this next legislative session making sure this administration listens and works for the Iowans it is designed to serve.

Rep. Todd Prichard, D-Charles City, another candidate for the Democratic nomination, congratulated Reynolds and called on her to address the problems facing left behind Iowans.

With Kim Reynolds assuming the office of governor, certainly much is expected of her as she takes over a state that is struggling from the devastating effects of the Republican agenda, Prichard said in a statement released by his campaign. Too many Iowans have been left behind, wages are stagnant or declining, schools are underfunded and families are struggling to provide basic care for their loved ones.

The Iowa Democratic Party went straight campaign talking points, saying Reynolds has pushed for an agenda that puts partisan politics ahead of middle-class Iowans.

Gov. Reynolds has promoted divisive social issues, while slashing funding for higher education, privatizing Medicaid, closing mental health facilities and stripping basic rights away from Iowa workers, Chairman Derek Eadon said. For years, Gov. Reynolds has stood by as our states problems have mounted and our future has been jeopardized. Instead of prioritizing job creation and the economy, she has pushed for an agenda that puts partisan politics ahead of middle-class Iowans.

We need a governor that is willing to put partisan games aside and ensure Iowas future is strong, he said. If the past seven years are any indication, Iowans arent going to see this leadership from Gov. Reynolds.

Meanwhile, at the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 405 hall in southwest Cedar Rapids, Boulton, a freshman who led Senate Democrats opposition to collective bargaining and workers compensation changes, called on Reynolds to reverse those and other legislation approved by the GOP majorities in the House and Senate.

He wants her to issue an executive order forcing the state to bargain on all permissive topics of negotiation with public employee unions and meet with union representatives to show she is willing to listen to the thousands of Iowans called to public service.

The new name on the governors office door represents little change for most Iowans, according to Matt Sinovic of Progress Iowa, a liberal advocacy group.

Meet the new governor, same as the old governor, with failed priorities, empty words and broken promises, he said.
MASON CITY | Even for $175,000, Ray Shimak hated to see a 1967 Shelby Mustang GT500 leave his garage.

Shimak, of Mason City, spent five years restoring the vintage car owners Dave McLinn and Steve Weiss sold for six figures last week at the Mecum auction in Indianapolis.

"It was my favorite car in the whole world," said Shimak, who owns Ray's Collision. "I've always wanted one since I was a kid, so it was a little sad to see it go."

The car, which Weiss and McLinn bought as an investment, had previously failed to reach its reserve, or minimum price, in 2014 at a Mecum auction in Kansas City.

Shimak found it for them in the Boston area.

It stood out because of the number of original parts it contained.

"It had 90 percent of all the original parts that are hard to find," Shimak said. "We stripped it down and refurbished it according to the Ford assembly manual and the Shelby specifications."

Sold new by Robie Ford Sales in Dorchester, Massachusetts, the car quickly ended up in the possession of a Vietnam veteran from the Boston area.

He died of cancer in 1976, but his parents kept the car until 2005.

Shimak said it was sold when the family's estate needed money to pay for the man's mother's nursing home care.

"His parents just would not part with it," he said.

Since its restoration, the car has won junior and senior awards from the Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA) at car shows.

They got the passenger-side instrument panel signed by the car's designer, Carroll Shelby.

What Weiss, McLinn and Shimak didn't do, was drive it.

At least not much, least it damage the restoration or be hit by another motorist, which has happened to Shimak in the past.

It was a shame, Shimak said.

Classic car goes unsold; owners not discouraged MASON CITY | Owners of a 1967 Shelby GT500 came away with no sale but also no regrets from t

"They drove it enough to make sure everything was correctly functioning, because that's really important," Shimak said. "But, other than that, we trailered it everywhere."
The Hyundai Creta is a mass market favourite SUV being lapped up by Indians faster than Hyundai can produce them. The car has found many homes in the country even though it has been priced at a premium. Thus the folks at MotorBeam decided to induct the car into their long term fleet and understand what exactly makes people fall in love with this vehicle so easily.

The factors which actually work in the favour of the Hyundai Creta is that it has no real competition as such.

The Renault Duster is crude and utilitarian, the Ford EcoSport is small and the Mahindra XUV500 is too big for Indian cities and overall not as polished as the Creta.

The attention to detail on the design, right from the DRL headlights to the lines running across the side and the diamond cut alloy wheels, all give it modern SUV appeal.

As soon as the vehicle arrived, we have been using it in the city with occasional highway trips.

Talking of trips, the most time a person spends is looking at the interiors of the car and we are happy to report that the Creta does not disappoint one bit.

Sure some people would say that it is bland and a little boring, but the important stuff such as the ergonomics and the equipment levels are more than adequate.

Our tester which has been driven hard and used with little care, still has no signs of wear and tear on the interior.

Combined with a good enough infotainment system, this Hyundai aptly makes sense to both the heart and mind of the buyer.

Coming to the heart of the vehicle, the Hyundai Creta is powered by the 1.6-litre diesel mill taken from the Verna sedan and it produces just enough amount of power to putter around town without any worry in the world. The real quality of the engine is the refinement and unbelievable levels of NVH for an oil burner.

The powerplant has more than enough punch for driving on the highway and the 6-speed manual gearbox is smooth to operate with the clutch being light.

If you want to get quick overtakes done, just downshift and the CRDi mill wont disappoint. But in the city, there is some lag to deal with, although one gets used to it with time.

The Achilles heel of cars with the slanted H has always been the ride and handling characteristics.

The Creta is more sure-footed than previous cars from the Korean firm. Ride quality is good, there is no bouncy feel and the pothole ridden Mumbai roads arent as bad in the Creta as they are in other cars.

At the same time, the steering is much better weighted than other Hyundai cars but still lacks feel, especially as speeds build up.

We were able to extract a respectable 12 km/l and 15 km/l of fuel efficiency in the city and highway respectively.

The Hyundai Creta is an unmistakable urban SUV/Soft-roader/Crossover which is completely honest about its lack of any kind of rough-road wading capacity.

Where the vehicle actually becomes an absolute champion is when being used for maneuvering the urban concrete jungle like a lion.

Just look at the thing - the length is just right, the width is just right, it rides higher but not very much, it has a big grille and high window line, but at the same time, drives as smooth as the Elite i20 on whose platform the vehicle is actually based.

The styling, the stance, the quality of materials, all combine into a package which somehow makes giving Rs 200,000-300,000 extra for the Creta totally justifiable.

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The broad contours of their assignment are expected to be making independent assessment of recovery prospects, and estimating haircuts for restructuring cases.

The Reserve Bank of India is expected to rope in rating agencies to assess the viability of debt, crystallise sustainable debt and recommend haircuts lenders need to take in restructuring packages for stressed assets.

Officials at rating agencies said while the RBI was yet to engage them in formal discussions, the broad contours of their assignment are expected to be making independent assessment of recovery prospects, and estimating haircuts for restructuring cases.

A senior executive with the Indian subsidiary of a global rating agency said while the central bank had held preliminary discussions with the rating agencies, it was still early to speak about their specific role.

Besides the initial work, rating agencies would also be expected to monitor the performance of restructured accounts as part of their assignment.

Rating agencies active in India include CRISIL, a subsidiary of Standard and Poors, ICRA, a subsidiary of Moody's and India Ratings, a unit of Fitch, among others.

On Monday, the RBI had outlined an action plan, including the role for rating agencies in the resolution of stressed loans. The regulator wants rating agencies to play a vital role in the resolution process.

With a view to preventing rating-shopping or any conflict of interest, the RBI is exploring the feasibility of rating assignments being determined by the RBI itself, the central bank said in a statement.

The rating agencies would be paid from a fund to be created out of contributions from the banks and the RBI.

A top executive with an Indian rating agency said with the central bank paying for the rating engagement, it would give space for independent opinion also avoid problems in information disclosure by the company.

In the normal course, companies pay for the rating assignment and further monitoring. But it is seen that rated entities hesitate to share information when performance is bad. In many cases, they stop paying fees and refuse to give information. And rating agencies suspend rating after a while, the official said.

In February, RBI Deputy Governor Viral Acharya, while addressing the Indian Banks Association in Mumbai, had proposed each resolution plan be vetted and rated by at least two credit rating agencies to assess the financial health of the company. The ambit of mandate may also include assessment of economic health and the companys management quality.

The rating would be for the asset and not just for bank debt, in case additional debt was issued under the resolution plan, he had proposed.

Feasible plans would be those that improve the rating of the asset (currently likely to be C or D) such that a minimum of the two credit ratings were at or above a threshold level, for example, at least just below the investment-grade level.
Sectoral cyber security teams to be set up to curb attacks, cyber coordination centre likely be set up in New Delhi by June.

The government is planning to set up separate cyber security teams for different sectors in the face of emerging cyber threats such as the recent ransomware attack and fringe incidents of leaks of Aadhaar database.

A centralised hub to monitor and take on such attacks is also on the agenda.

Information Technology Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Tuesday said the government was planning to set up a separate Indian Computer Emergency Response Teams (CERT-In) for the financial and power sectors to deal with specific cyber threats.

Cyber security is a vast area. We want to divide it for a more specialised approach. A separate CERT for the financial sector and a dedicated digital payment division will ensure and secure the digital payments ecosystem.

The minister said the government had taken adequate precautions to combat the threat of ransomware. India was least affected as we took precautions such as installing patches and updating softwares.

Experts, however, believe India is not prepared to shield itself from massive cyber attacks and needs to work more in this area.

The IT Act needs to be strengthened as threats such as ransomware are not covered in it. Aadhaar details have been leaked, which is again a major security risk. So, the legal and policy frameworks need to be in place, said Pavan Duggal, cyber law expert and advocate in the Supreme Court.

On the safety of Aadhaar data, the minister reiterated it was the most secure database in the country. Last month, details of more than a million people in Jharkhand were leaked in a data breach. Prasad said strict action would be taken against the officials responsible for the breach.

The government said a cyber coordination centre, most likely in the capital, would be set up by June this year. Nearly a dozen companies in India and about 18 computers of the Andhra Pradesh police were affected in the global ransomware attack. Government and private cyber security experts were pressed into service to decrypt the affected systems.

CERT-In had issued an advisory on what precautions should be taken and updating security for computers and servers. It was working closely with various nodal agencies to assess vulnerabilities in government systems.

The government has issued directives to banks to do routine technology audits. It is setting around 10 standardisation testing and quality certification centres, in Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Chhattisgarh, Bihar and Jharkhand.

The government is also conducting a recruitment drive for 111 new posts created for cyber experts. It will also work with private firms to reinforce cyber security of different areas.

Cyber security drills and auditing for assessment of security preparedness of organisations are being done, it said. The Centre has approved an outlay of Rs 100 crore for a project to clean botnets on real time basis.
In Mumbai to promote his Netflix original film War Machine, the Hollywood star caught up with King Khan.

IMAGE: Brad Pitt, right, and Shah Rukh Khan, left, at their hyper-exclusive chat session in Mumbai.

Photograph: Courtesy @RajeevMasand/Twitter.

Hollywood star Brad Pitt, whose Netflix original film War Machine will start streaming in India on Friday, quietly landed in Mumbai this morning.

Here to promote the film, he began with a closed door chat session this evening in which he discussed the project with actor Shah Rukh Khan.

Along with the Netflix project, Khan and Pitt also discussed their cinematic journey.

Khan revealed he became Pitt's fan after watching the 1995 film Twelve Monkeys and also praised the latter's performance in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.

Pitt said he locked himself in a room just to see "how crazy you can get" while working on Twelve Monkeys.

He also discussed his cult hit Fight Club and said he beleived in constantly reinventing himself: 'I constantly look for something new and we (he and SRK) have been fortunate to survive our mistakes along the way. I think I just try to be relevant."

And as with anything with a dash of Bollywood, Pitt and Khan also discussed the prospect of a Bollywood dance. While the Hollywood star said he could never make it in Bollywood because he can neither dance nor sing, the Badshah of Bollywood insisted, 'We will make you dance... We make everyone dance in Bollywood.'

Khan said despite being in Bollywood for 25 years, he was yet to master dancing: 'I just spread my arms and do nothing, that's a step.'

IMAGE: Director David Michod, left, was also part of the discussion, which was moderated by veteran film journalist Rajeev Masand, second from left. Pitt and Michod came to Mumbai from the Tokyo leg of the War Machine promotions.

Photograph: Courtesy @RajeevMasand/Twitter

Pitt's visit was largely kept under the wraps, but reports suggested that he was staying in a five-star hotel in South Mumbai, and could make an appearance at a special screening of War Machine in the city.

The film's director David Michod and producer Dede Gardner were also expected to attend the premiere.

Pitt hoped that the audience would see that he wanted War Machine to carry on in the footsteps of great war movies like Dr Strangelove, MASH and Catch-22, which were an 'absurd view on the absurdities of war'.

IMAGE: Netflix goes big-budget with War Machine.

War Machine is inspired by late journalist Michael Hastings's The Operators: The Wild & Terrifying Inside Story of America's War in Afghanistan.

Pitt's character is loosely based on General Stanley A McChrystal, a retired United States Army general remembered for his command of Joint Special Operations Command.

His last assignment was as Commander, International Security Assistance Force and Commander, US Forces, Afghanistan. It was Hastings's blistering profile on McChrystal that led to his firing by the US President Barack Obama.

Pitt said that Hastings was frustrated that his story had become more about the "sensational dismissal" of the General rather than being a discussion on the system.

At a price tag of $60 million, War Machine is Netflix's biggest-budget feature to date.

IMAGE: Brad Pitt carries adopted son Maddox as Angelina Jolie carries adopted daughter Zahara during a stroll outside their hotel in Mumbai in November 2006.

Photograph: Prashanth Vishwanathan/Reuters .

This is Pitt's second visit to India.

The last time he was here was in 2006. His then partner Angelina Jolie was shooting A Mighty Heart and Pitt and the children had come along.

But unlike in 2006, Pitt was to stay in India only for a day this time.

With inputs from the Press Trust of India
Major Gogoi thought like Chanakya when he tied a Kashmiri man on an army jeep to keep the stone pelters at bay, argues Rajeev Sharma.

In these days of strict observation of human rights, one would have expected a tsunami of outrage after the Indian Army awarded a commendation medal to Major Leetul Gogoi.

The officer from Assam had tied a Kashmiri man on the bonnet of an army jeep to ward off stone pelters in the Kashmir valley.

But the opposite has happened -- in the Indian social media at least -- a tried and trusted bellwether cock to gauge the public mood.

On the face of it, the Indian Army has won this war of perceptions if the overwhelming response Major Gogoi has received on social media is any indication.

The fact is that the Indian Army has won this battle of perceptions hands down.

The question is how does one view Major Gogoi's action and on what parameters: On the human rights plane or on the operational aspects of a security force which has been battling an insurgency-type situation in Kashmir for years?

It is a tricky question given the situational response to the major's outlandish action.

This episode has to be examined in the context of the tough life-or-death kind of situation that has existed in insurgency-hit Kashmir for decades, particularly 'the complete jaw for one tooth' campaign launched by the Indian Army in the recent past.

This episode has to be examined in the context of the tough situation that has existed virtually all along the Line of Control -- the LoC -- which has characteristically triggered a debate whether the Indian Army did the right thing or whether the response of a section of the Indian media or the international media attacking the Indian Army over human rights-related issues is justified.

Issues related to human rights and their importance cannot be overstated. This is summed up in John F Kennedy's one-line quote: 'The rights of every man are diminished when the rights of one man are threatened.'

But the fundamental question is whether human rights are the legitimate property of only law violators or terrorists? Aren't the security forces too entitled to human rights?

To get an insight into the pressure cooker kind of situation that the security forces around the world operate in, it would be advisable to mull on the thoughts of the great Indian strategic mind Chanakya, also known as Kautilya or Vishnugupt, who lived 23 centuries ago.

His observations made in the chapter on 'internal and external dangers' in his seminal book Arthshastra are still shockingly relevant in today's context. Here is how:

Chanakya notes that threats to internal and external security of a nation arise due to wrongly concluded 'treaties and other settlements'.

What a statement in context of today's India as we know what kind of problems were unleashed in the Nehruvian era and how India is still paying heavily for those mistakes.

Chanakya places external/internal threats in four categories:

Threats from internal originators and internal abettors which are like the 'fear from a lurking snake'.

The purely external threat, both originated and abetted by foreigners.

The internally originated but externally abetted threat.

The externally originated, internally abetted threat.

Now sample Chanakya's quotable quote: 'Dissatisfaction or disloyalty can be got rid of by putting down the leaders; for in the absence of a leader or leaders, the people are easily governed and they will not take part in the intrigues of enemies.'

It is as if Chanakya is alive and commenting on the ground zero situation in Kashmir.

Major Gogoi thought like Chanakya when he tied the Kashmiri man on a jeep's bonnet to keep the stone pelters at bay.

Human rights activists may fret and fume over this harsh method, but the fact is that under the circumstances this was an out of the box thought and a perfect remedy.

It should not matter if the army chief's commendation certificate for Major Gogoi came even as a court of inquiry into the incident is pending and that the honour for the major has pre-determined the outcome of this inquiry.

What matters is the overwhelming public support for Major Gogoi's action, which is nothing but a re-run of Chanakya Niti.

Needless to say, public opinion matters most, more so in a vibrant democracy like India.

Rajeev Sharma, a strategic analyst, tweets @Kishkindha

IMAGE: Major Leetul Gogoi of the 53 Rashtriya Rifles has been awarded the army chief's commendation certificate for his 'sustained efforts' in counter-insurgency operations.
MASON CITY | A Mason City man was given a 10-year suspended sentence Tuesday for felony methamphetamine delivery.

Cody Kirchner, 27, was put on probation for five years.

He delivered meth to an individual under the control of agents of the North Central Iowa Narcotics Task Force on March 2, 2016, in Mason City, according to the criminal complaint.

Kirchner pleaded guilty in November.

He was ordered to spend 180 days at a residential correctional facility.

A $750 fine was suspended but Kirchner was ordered to pay a $125 surcharge and other fees.

Mary Pieper
'The BJP has latched on to the idea of nationalism, but the nationalism they advocate is not nationalism as we have understood it since the time of the freedom movement.'

'This is not secular nationalism, it is Hindu nationalism.'

'It is a form of nationalism that is exclusionary and it tends to conflate national interest with the government.'

'So, if you disagree with the government, for example, on surgical strikes or demonetisation, you are anti-national or holder of black money.'

Zoya Hasan, Professor Emerita, Centre for Political Studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University, is one of India's leading political thinkers.

Rediff.com's Shobha Warrier spoke to Professor Hasan about what Narendra Modi has achieved in the three years he has been in power.

Several surveys say that by and large, the people of India are satisfied with Prime Minister Narendra Modi though they are worried about unemployment and price rise.

Why is it that despite these two huge issues, people feel satisfied with his governance?

It is clear that Narendra Modi is a popular leader which is evident from the UP election result.

The BJP won a spectacular victory in the state assembly election under his leadership and even won local elections in Delhi in his name.

There are several different reasons for this:

It is the BJP's stunning success in UP that has reinforced his larger than life image.

Another reason for this is the nature of the BJP-RSS combine.

Apart from everything else, it is a relentless electoral machine. They are focussed on elections and winning power at any cost.

No party can match up to the RSS which provides support to the BJP in election engineering, propaganda, mobilisation and booth management.

By contrast, the Congress, the principal Opposition party, is a depleted organisation with no cadres or activists.

Not just the Congress, no political party has this kind of support structure.

Fragmentation and division of the Opposition has been an important factor aiding the BJP's electoral triumph in state after state.

There is no national level leader in the Opposition who can take on Narendra Modi.

Till 2014, the BJP-RSS combine was not successful. What changed after 2014?

The BJP has been in power for three years. That helps the ruling party in setting the agenda and mobilising support on the basis of its policies and performance.

Recent opinion polls show that people are satisfied with the prime minister and the government's performance.

Right now no leader can match the stature and charisma of Narendra Modi.

He is seen by people as a decisive leader, who is a doer and can take tough decisions.

Then, there is a sustained propaganda behind all of this.

This government is very effective when it comes to communication its ideology and achievements.

It was the opposite with the UPA government which failed to communicate with the public.

Also, let's face it there is a certain degree of Hinduisation that is happening in our society.

A large number of people see this government as one which will protect their interests and therefore support it.

The Opposition is decimated.

At the same time, in UP, the BJP won 325 seats with roughly 40 per cent of the votes.

It means almost 60 per cent of the people did not vote for the BJP in UP.

Likewise, in 2014, the BJP won an absolute majority with 31 per cent of the votes.

The Opposition has the requisite vote to put up a challenge if they are united.

You spoke of the BJP getting just 40 per cent of the votes and getting more than 300 seats. Some say this is because of the polarisation that is happening in society. Do you feel so?

Yes, a division and polarisation was taking place.

For example in a state like UP, polarisation was actively fuelled by communal appeals with Narendra Modi taking the lead in stoking the feeling of discrimination against Hindus pushing in the process a shift towards majoritarian consolidation.

But it's not just communal polarisation, but a combination of polarisation and development.

It is not overt communalism or straightforward development promises or commitments.

It was both elements couched within a discourse of development.

In a surcharged political climate which existed in UP during the election, the campaign, the critical issue that turned the election was not the slogan of sab ka saath, sab ka vikas, but the prospect of development for certain groups cleverly articulated in the rhetoric of discrimination against none.

Is it only the perception of some people or, do you feel there is a hypocrisy behind the sab ka saath, sab ka vikas slogan?

In politics, perception matters.

Take, for example, demonetisation.

After six months, we still don't know how much black money made its way into the banks.

The prime minister put forward four major reasons for the shock move: Tackling black money, corruption, fake currency and terror financing.

But the decision was ineffective in meeting any of these goals.

The dramatic nature of the move evoked shock and awe as people were overwhelmed by the sheer boldness of the whole exercise.

Despite the economic dislocation and inconvenience caused by the disruptive decision of demonetisation, Modi convinced people that it was a well intentioned policy which was taken in the national interest and for the greater public good.

This was most evident in UP where voters seemed to connect to his political messaging and were more than willing to forgive the hardships inflicted on them by notebandi.

This is how perception works and people agree with his arguments.

Why do people believe what he says?

The Sangh Parivar consists of a phalanx of organisations and affiliates.

Some of these organisations are involved in mob lynching and so on. But the BJP can claim the party has nothing to do with it and people will believe them because their own members are not directly involved.

The Sangh Parivar has a perfect alibi to claim innocence.

People are willing to believe that these are isolated incidents and the BJP is not involved and it is some fringe elements who indulge in wrongdoing.

The BJP has changed the public discourse making it overtly nationalist marked by valorisation of the army and defence forces.

It has latched on to the idea of nationalism, but the nationalism they advocate is not nationalism as we have understood it since the time of the freedom movement.

This is not secular nationalism, it is Hindu nationalism.

It is a form of nationalism that is exclusionary and it tends to conflate national interest with the government.

So, if you disagree with the government, for example, on surgical strikes or demonetisation, you are anti-national or holder of black money.

Even on demonetisation the government took refuge in nationalism to deflect attention from the lack of economic logic, social consequences and long-term repercussions of the move.

The BJP has made deft use of the media.

What we are witnessing with the media is quite extraordinary.

The media is not performing its role of communicating reality. Instead, it is actually propagating the government's point of view and presenting it as national interest.

This is extraordinary because in most democracies the media is a watchdog of the government, but in India today the media is the watchdog of the Opposition.

The media has taken it upon itself to expose the Opposition.

This is particularly true of television which night after night is putting the spotlight on the Opposition.

They are not interrogating the government of the day. The media has completely abdicated its role of speaking truth to power.

This is not a healthy development for our democracy.

Wasn't the media, especially television, very pro-establishment earlier also?

When the UPA was in power, didn't we see the media attacking and questioning Narendra Modi and not those in power?

It was pro-establishment under earlier Congress regimes, but this tendency was not apparent during the UPA rule, and certainly not in the last three years of UPA-2 when the media went after the government.

The media today is unwilling to ask uncomfortable questions of the government.

When the UPA was in power, the media was playing its adversarial role to the hilt, whereas now it is interrogating the Opposition to the hilt.

Narendra Modi came to power on the plank of development. Though the Indian economy is growing at 7%, it is jobless growth.

Well, yes, growth has picked up, but in many respects the economy is not doing well.

Manufacturing has not taken off notwithstanding the Make in India campaign, investments are not happening in a big way, and the agrarian economy is under terrible stress.

The most important problem is jobs.

When the UPA was in power everyone said it was jobless growth, now it is worse.

Narendra Modi's biggest promise was the creation of new jobs during the 2014 election campaign.

The government promised 10 million jobs in 2 years, but it has fallen short, in fact, availability of jobs has been the lowest in the last two years.

So far, the government has not been held accountable for slow growth in jobs.

Will this not lead to social unrest?

People seem to be mesmerised by Narendra Modi.

They are in a trance. They are willing to believe that he is taking the country in the right direction.

But sooner or later, people will come out of this trance and start asking questions about delivery of promises.

They will ask where are the jobs?

When intellectuals question him, the people seem to support him.

That is true to some extent. But there is disquiet.

Everybody is not taken by the official narrative that the Modi government is the best thing that has happened to India in 70 years.

There are misgivings among ordinary people about social harmony and social peace which has not been a strong point of this government, fragility of the rule of law, inhumanity of cow vigilantism and so on.

Then there is the whole issue of intolerance that worries a lot of people, and not just the intellectuals.

In the first year of Narendra Modi, we heard a lot of people raising their voices against intolerance but we don't hear it anymore.

It is true that in most societies thousands of people would have taken to the streets to protest against vigilantism and mob lynching. But there is concern about growing intolerance in our country.

Yes, in 2015, writers, cultural artists and intellectuals raised their voice and we don't hear such protests now.

There is a decline of dissent. One wonders why this is so.

One reason could be that award wapsi was a protest stirred essentially by the assassination of rationalists. The situation is different now.

Protests have declined either because of fear or because people are not appalled at the turn of events.

So, you are quite right, we don't have many protests now and this raises serious questions about the nature of citizenship and the role of civil society in promoting it.

Contrast this with citizen protests in the US from the day of Donald Trump's inauguration. We are yet to see such protests in India three years after this government came to power.

That said, universities have emerged as the frontline for resistance and opposition.

This is why there is a sustained attack on universities, especially those institutions that encourage a spirit of critical enquiry.

The heartening thing is that the faculty and students are not taking attacks on academic autonomy, academic freedom and critical enquiry, lying down.

Look at the remarkable fight back in JNU against the attacks on the university and its autonomy.

Do you feel this government does not like anybody questioning it?

Well, Cabinet ministers are not falling over each other to welcome criticism and critical scrutiny.

This is because they are not exactly eager about pluralism and multiculturalism, they want 'one nation, one culture, one ideology.'

Do you think the minorities feel insecure since this government came to power?

Minorities definitely feel insecure because of the government's failure to act when they are targeted.

Majoritarianism has been on the rise, consequently, majority and minority identities have become more salient than equality before law or equal citizenship.

While Pehlu Khan, a dairy farmer, was lynched in Alwar because of his Muslim identity, non-Muslims in the same group were let off by the mob.

Clearly, if there is a dispute between identity and citizenship, identity is winning in the current atmosphere.

There is a deep sense of insecurity among Muslims and a feeling that they are being reduced to the status of second class citizens.

As an academician and as a person, what do you feel right now?

As an academic, what is disturbing is the government's anti-intellectual orientation and its attitude towards universities.

Look at the appointments they are making in universities and research institutions such as ICHR (the Indian Council of Historical Research) and ICSSR (the Indian Council for Social Science Research).

There is not much that will be left of these institutions at the end of the term of the present incumbents.

As a person, I am deeply concerned about the overall shift to the right in Indian politics and the shrinking space for liberal and progressive politics after the rise of the BJP.

As a citizen, one is concerned about the emergence of a highly centralised political system with the executive branch of government encroaching on almost all countervailing institutions, thus weakening established institutional structures and in the process undermining democracy as well.

Anything positive about the government?

After a long time, we have a stable, majority government led by a popular prime minister.

There are no mega corruption scams at the higher levels.

There is clarity about leadership while the major problem with the UPA was the absence of a clear leadership structure.

IMAGE: A Narendra Modi supporter at an election rally in Lucknow during the UP campaign. Photograph: Sandeep Pal.
A special Central Bureau of Investigation court hearing the 1992 Babri Masjid demolition cases is likely to frame additional charges on Thursday against Bharatiya Janata Party leader L K Advani and other accused after the Supreme Court ordered restoring of the serious criminal conspiracy offence against them.

The court on Wednesday granted bail to former Shiv Sena MP Satish Pradhan after he surrendered here in another Babri Masjid demolition case. Special CBI court judge S K Yadav granted him bail on two sureties of Rs 20,000 each and a personal bond of the same amount.

Pradhan appeared in the court and moved a surrender application, which was allowed and he was sent to judicial custody, special public prosecutor CBI Lalit Kumar Singh, adding he later moved a bail plea.

The special court in Lucknow, which began day-to-day hearing in the politically sensitive case on May 20 after a Supreme Court direction, had earlier granted bail to five Vishwa Hindu Parishad leaders in this case.

Besides Ram Vilas Vedanti, 59, those who were granted relief by the CBI court on Saturday were VHP leaders Champat Rai, 71, Baikunth Lal Sharma, 88, Mahant Nritya Gopal Das, 79, and Dharmdas Maharaj, 68.

Pradhan had failed to appear on Saturday and also on Monday.

The CBI court on Wednesday also ordered framing of charges against the accused in light of the Supreme Court order dated April 19, 2017. It has fixed May 25 for it, the special public prosecutor said in Lucknow.

The Supreme Court had on April 19 directed that Advani, Union Minister Uma Bharti and BJP veteran Murli Manohar Joshi will face trial on conspiracy charges. It had transferred their case from Raebareli to Lucknow.

It directed the special court to start proceedings in the matter within a month and deliver its verdict within two years.

The apex court had dubbed the demolition of the medieval era monument as a crime which shook the secular fabric of the Constitution and allowed the CBIs plea on restoration of serious offence of criminal conspiracy against the VVIP accused.

In its 40-page judgment, it had termed the Allahabad high court's February 12, 2001 verdict dropping conspiracy charge against Advani and others as erroneous.

The matter is likely to have political implications, particularly against 89-year old Advani, reported to be a front-runner for the post of the President.

The apex court had also come down heavily on the CBI for the delay of 25 years in the trial.

It said the accused persons have not been brought to book largely because of the conduct of the CBI in not pursuing the prosecution of the aforesaid alleged offenders in a joint trial, and because of technical defects which were easily curable, but which were not cured by the state government.

While a charge sheet in the Lucknow court was filed in October 1993, a supplementary charge sheet was filed in November 1996. A supplementary charge sheet was also filed in May 2003 in Rae Bareli court.

Issuing a slew of directions, the apex court had said the proceedings in the case against Advani and five others in the court of the special judicial magistrate at Raebareli will be transferred to the court of additional sessions judge (Ayodhya Matters) at Lucknow.

It had said additional charges will be framed under Section 120-B (conspiracy) and the other provisions of the penal code mentioned in the joint charge sheet filed by the CBI against the accused.

Besides the BJP three leaders, the conspiracy charge would now be invoked against Vinay Katiar, Sadhvi Ritambara and Vishnu Hari Dalmia, who were being tried at Raebareli.

The apex court had directed the Lucknow court to take on a day-to-day basis the hearing of the case after transfer of the proceedings from Raebareli and framing of additional charges.

The trial will be taken from the stage at which they were both at Raebareli and Lucknow, it had said.

There shall be no fresh trial. There shall be no transfer of the judge conducting the trial until the entire trial concludes. The case shall not be adjourned on any ground except when the sessions court finds it impossible to carry on the trial for that particular date, it had said.
China on Wednesday said that it has no information on the missing Indian Air Force Sukhoi fighter jet with two pilots on board and asked India to stick to the arrangements reached between the two sides to maintain peace.

"For the situation you mentioned, I have no relevant information to offer at the moment," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang told reporters when asked about the missing Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter jet and whether China would assist India in finding the plane that took off from the Tezpur base in Assam for a routine training sortie nearly 24 hours ago.

The fighter plane has since been untraceable.

"We have been following the situation in South Tibet (Arunachal Pradesh) very closely," he said, apparently referring to reports that the jet was flying over the area before it was reported missing.

At the same time, he referred to the border dispute between India and China, saying that "first of all on the eastern section of the India-China border, China's position is consistent and clear."

"We hope India can stick to the arrangements reached between the two sides and avoid disrupting peace and stability at the border areas," Lu said.

Meanwhile, IAF sources said the operation was continuing despite bad weather conditions in parts of Assam and neighbouring Arunachal Pradesh where the plane is suspected to have crashed.

Search operations were on in the areas where the plane lost contact with the Tezpur Salonibari Air Force station from where it took off at 10.30 am on Tuesday, defence spokesman Lt Col Sombit Ghosh of the Army's 4 Corps said.

The fighter plane had taken off from Salonibari IAF station in Tezpur town in Sonitpur district on a routine training mission and lost contact approximately 60 km north of Tezpur.

All necessary action, including search operations by helicopters, have been initiated to track the fighter plane, Col Ghosh added.

China's curt reaction came amid a growing discord between the two countries on a host of issues, including the recent visit of the Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama to Arunachal Pradesh, which Beijing considers as Southern Tibet.

The India-China border dispute covers the 3,488-km-long Line of Actual Control. While China claims Arunachal Pradesh as Southern Tibet, India asserts that the dispute also covers the 'Aksai Chin' area, which was occupied by China during the 1962 war.

Two days ago another spokesperson of the Chinese foreign ministry said there was "no change" in China's stand on India's membership bid into the Nuclear Supplies Group. That statement came ahead of the 48-member elite grouping's plenary meeting scheduled next month in Bern, Switzerland.

China has also repeatedly blocked India's efforts to impose a United Nations ban on Pakistan-based JeM leader Masood Azhar.

Last week, India boycotted China's Belt & Road Forum in Beijing over concerns emanating from a project under the ambitious initiative that runs through Gilgit and Baltistan in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

India opposes the USD 46-billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and boycotted the event over sovereignty concerns, though 29 heads of state and government attended the BRF.

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With both the factions pledging their support, the BJP believes that the natural corollary is for them to now merge and retain the two-leaves election symbol, a view shared by the prime minister as well.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami on Wednesday assured Prime Minister Narendra Modi of the support of All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagams Sasikala faction for the Bharatiya Janata Partys presidential candidate.

Palaniswami, popularly referred to as EPS, is learnt to have communicated to Prime Minister Modi that as former chief minister J Jayalalithaa had extended her partys support for the BJPs candidate in the last three presidential elections, her party would continue the tradition.

Palaniswamis decision comes as a shot in the arm for the BJP, as it has now comfortably crossed the 50 per cent voting norms for the presidential election, and is assured of no hiccups in seeing its candidate installed in Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Only last week former chief minister O Panneerselvam from the rival faction of the AIADMK had met the prime minister and assured him of his groups support for the BJPs presidential candidate.



With both the factions pledging their support, the BJP believes that the natural corollary is for them to now merge and retain the two-leaves election symbol, a view shared by the prime minister as well.

The Centre realises that there has been a political vacuum and instability in Tamil Nadu since Jayalalithaas death in December 2016, but it does not favour snap polls. The BJP leadership, including Modi and party president Amit Shah, believes that with four years left for the current assembly, the state should be ruled by a united AIADMK till then.

However, insiders in the AIADMK feel that Palaniswami did not make any commitment to Modi, and that he focused on the investigating agencies raids on his ministers, the resultant negative media reportage and its impact on cadre morale.

Other long-pending demands of Tamil Nadu like drought relief, scrapping the NEET and the Sri Lankan Tamils as well state fishermens issues were all raised by him.

The prime minister reportedly assured Palaniswami that the PMO will study the representations made and send a team of officials to the state to assess the drought relief measures.

Interestingly, the Tamil Nadu CM did not take along any of his ministers to the meeting, but was accompanied by his co-brother (wifes sisters husband) Manickam, who doubled up as the interpreter between the two, a role usually played by Lok Sabha Deputy Speaker M Thambidurai.

The latter has stayed back in Chennai, leading to speculation that internal differences are now tearing the Sasikala faction apart.

Even as the chief minister met the PM, his ministers had been deputed to meet other Union ministers. Thus, S P Velumani met Commerce Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, D Jayakumar met Urban Development Minister M Venkaiah Naidu, the AIADMKs leader in the Lok Sabha P Venugopal met Finance Minister Arun Jaitley.

Interestingly, in all these meetings their focus was on their factions support to the BJPs presidential candidate.

The ministers were not only ones to be kept away from the PM-CM meeting. Even chief secretary Girija Vaidyanathan was not present during the deliberations, leading to the belief that Palaniswami was keen on establishing a hotline with the PM.

According to a highly placed source, Chief Minister Palaniswami recently took away the Directorate of Anti Corruption and Vigilance from Girija Vaidyanathans charge by an executive order. This came about following the Tamil Nadu unit of the income-tax department writing to the chief secretary seeking permission to raid IAS and IPS officials in connection with health minister Vijayabaskars reported admission of money paid to bureaucrats. Now they will have to seek permission for the raids from the chief minister.

Considering that the CM raised the issue of tax raids with the prime minister, it is clear that whichever way one looks at it, the real beneficiary in Tamil Nadu is the BJP. On one hand it has the support of both the major factions for the presidential elections, and on the other it has both the leaders where it wants them.

Image: A file photograph of Edappadi K Palaniswami meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 27, 2017.

R Rajagopalan is a senior journalist in New Delhi, and has reported on Tamil Nadu for decades.
India is moving towards isolating Pakistan diplomatically and is considering punitive actions against Islamabad for its alleged support to cross border terrorism, a top American defence intelligence chief has said.

"India has sought and continues to move to isolate Pakistan diplomatically and is considering punitive options to raise the cost to Islamabad for its alleged support to cross-border terrorism," Lt Gen Vincent Stewart, Director, Defence Intelligence Agency, told members of the powerful Senate Armed Services Committee during a Congressional hearing on worldwide threats.

His statement came a day after Indian Army announced that they launched "punitive fire assaults" on Pakistani positions across the Line of Control, inflicting some damage. Sources said the strike was carried out on May 9, nine days after two Indian security personnel were beheaded by Pakistani special forces in Kashmir.

India, he said, is modernising its military to better posture itself to defend New Delhi's interests in the broader Indian Ocean region and reinforce its diplomatic and economic outreach across Asia.

Bilateral relations between India and Pakistan worsened following several terrorist attacks in India, he said.

"Continued threat of high level terror attacks in India, violence in Kashmir and bilateral diplomatic recriminations will further strain India-Pakistan ties in 2017," he said.

Following a terrorist attack on an army base in Kashmir in September, New Delhi conducted a highly-publicised operation against militants across the Line of Control, he added.

"In 2016, Indian and Pakistani forces exchanged some of the heaviest fire in years along the Line of Control in Kashmir, and each expelled a number of the others diplomats amid growing tension," Stewart said.

He also told lawmakers that in 2017, Islamabad is likely to slowly shift from traditional counterinsurgency operations along Pakistan's western border to more counter terrorism and paramilitary operations throughout the country, which have had some success in reducing violence from militant, sectarian, terrorist, and separatist groups.

"Anti-Pakistan groups probably will respond to this sustained pressure by focusing their efforts against soft targets," he said.

Noting that Pakistan's nuclear stockpile continues to grow, Stewart said the US is concerned that this growth, as well as an evolving doctrine and inherent security issues associated with Pakistan's developing tactical nuclear weapons, presents an enduring risk.

"Islamabad is taking steps to improve its nuclear security and is aware of the extremist threat to its program," Stewart said.

Observing that China has long identified the protection of its sovereignty and territorial integrity as a "core interest," he said in the South China Sea, China has embarked on a multi year, whole-of-government approach to securing sovereignty, principally through maritime law enforcement presence and military patrols.

In 2016, China rejected the international arbitration ruling on its excessive South China Sea claims, built infrastructure at its man made outposts on the Spratly Islands, and for the first time, landed civilian aircraft on its airfields at Fiery Cross Reef, Subi Reef, and Mischief Reef.

"China will be able to use its reclaimed features as persistent civil-military bases, which will enhance its presence and its ability to control the features and nearby maritime space. Beijing recognises the need to defend these outposts and is prepared to respond to any military operations near them," he told the lawmakers.

Stewart said a key component of People's Liberation Army strategy in a regional contingency is planning for potential US intervention.

The PLA Rocket Force has given priority to developing and deploying regional ballistic and cruise missiles to expand its conventional strike capabilities against US forces and bases throughout the region.

"In addition to the Rocket Force's fielding of an anti ship ballistic missile, China is fielding an intermediate range ballistic missile capable of conducting conventional and nuclear strikes against ground targets in the Asia-Pacific region as far away as Guam," he said.

IMAGE: A video grab of Pakistani posts destroyed by the Indian Army.
The Islamabad high court on Wednesday allowed an Indian woman, who has been staying at the Indian mission after accusing a Pakistani man of marrying her at gun point, to return home and ordered the police to escort her to the Wagah Border.

Uzma, who is in her early 20s, hails from New Delhi and had travelled to Pakistan earlier this month. She has said Tahir Ali, whom she reportedly met in Malaysia and fell in love with, forced her into marrying him in Pakistan on May 3.

Uzma petitioned the court on May 12 requesting it to allow her to return home urgently as her daughter from her first marriage in India suffered from thalassemia -- a blood disorder characterised by abnormal hemoglobin production.

Ali had petitioned the court, requesting that he be allowed to meet his wife.

A single bench of Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani heard both the petitions on Wednesday. After hearing their arguments, he allowed Uzma to return to India.

The court also returned her the immigration papers which she had said was taken away by Ali, who had submitted the documents yesterday after being told by the court to do so.

It's not yet clear when she would leave for India.

Ali, dejected at the order, said that the high court allowed "his wife" to go back. "She has been allowed to return and I am unhappy because my point of view was not heard."

Justice Kayani also ordered the police to escort her to the Wagah Border crossing between India and Pakistan.

The judge asked Uzma if she wanted to meet Ali in his chamber but she refused.

"I had asked to meet her for two minutes but I was not allowed," Ali added.

Some reports said Uzma once collapsed in the court during the hearing and paramedics were called in to treat her.

Uzma arrived in Pakistan on May 1 and travelled to the remote Buner district in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province where she was married to Ali on May 3.

Later she came to Islamabad and took refuge in the Indian high commission, alleging she was forced to marry him at gun point.

Ali rejected the allegations and expressed his desire to work out their relationship. "She is still my wife. Neither she has asked for divorce nor I have divorced her."

According to the law in Pakistan, her lawyer can continue to represent her and she can come back to pursue the case.

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United States President Donald Trump on Wednesday met Pope Francis at the Vatican in a keenly-anticipated first face-to-face encounter between two world leaders.

IMAGE: US President Donald Trump shakes hand with Pope Francis during a private audience at the Vatican. Photograph: Alessandra Tarantino/Reuters/Pool

Trump arrived for the meeting along with his wife Melania, daughter Ivanka and son-in-law Jared Kushner.

The private audience with the pontiff was preceded by a cordial handshake for the cameras.

The two leader spoke privately for about 20 minutes.

IMAGE: Trump and first lady Melania interact with the Pope. Photograph: Evan Vucci/Reuters/Pool

Journalists who covered the initial greeting said the pair were cordial with each other and Trump told the Pope "it is a great honour".

The meeting came on the third leg of Trump's first overseas trip as president, which has already taken him to Saudi Arabia and to Israel and the Palestinian territories.

IMAGE: Trump's son-in-law and White House senior advisor Jared Kushner and his wife Ivanka Trump accompanied the US President to meet the Pope. Photograph: Alessandro Bianchi/Reuters/Pool

The two men had never met before Wednesday but they have significant history having clashed publicly over subjects ranging from migration to unbridled capitalism and climate change.

Trump is now due to meet Italy's president and prime minister.

Trump is due to fly to Brussels on Wednesday afternoon for meetings with EU and NATO officials before returning to Italy late Thursday for the G7 summit in Sicily on Friday and Saturday.
The Trump administration has proposed $344 million in financial assistance to Pakistan including $100 million in foreign military funding, a massive $190 million reduction in grant as compared to the 2016 fiscal.

Last year, the US assistance to Pakistan under the State Department budget was $534 million, which included $225 million towards foreign military funding.

The current 2017 fiscal would end on September 30 this year.

"Pakistan plays a key role in US counter-terrorism strategy, the peace process in Afghanistan, nuclear non-proliferation efforts, and stability and economic integration in South and Central Asia. It is also a large and growing economy offering profitability for US businesses," the State Department said in its annual budget proposals sent to the US Congress.

In the maiden budget of the Trump administration, the State Department said that it will maintain a robust diplomatic presence that will enable continued bilateral cooperation on the many joint US-Pakistan interests, and bolster stability in this strategically important country.

The State Department has proposed $344 million in financial assistance and grant to Pakistan including $100 million in foreign military funding, which is used for sale of military hardware.

In addition to State Department's financial assistance, Pakistan also receives reimbursement from the Pentagon every year for its expenses towards US operations in Afghanistan.

However, after Afghanistan, Pakistan continues to be the second largest aid recipient of the US in South Asia.

For instance, the State Department has proposed a $200 million aid to support its long-term stability and broader security and stability in the region.

Programs will strengthen trust in governance institutions, improve economic growth, and promote sustained efforts against militant ideologies in areas most vulnerable to extremism and extremist organisations, including the Federally Administered Tribal Areas, it said.

It will foster tolerance and peace-building to reduce the influence of violent extremist groups, including the Taliban and Islamic State, by creating partnerships between the government and civil society groups, and improve the performance, accountability, and transparency of government, it said.

The State Department has proposed $100 million to Pakistan under the Overseas Contingency Operations, which it said will be used to advance US national security interests in Pakistan by supporting Pakistan's capacity to improve stability and security and fight terrorism, including through the elimination of safe havens for terrorist and militant organisations.

The State Department has also proposed $25 million to build Pakistan's capacity to combat violent extremism and transnational crime; secure its borders; build the human and institutional capacity of civilian law enforcement; counter the production and trafficking of illicit narcotics; and enhance the rule of law and access to justice.

Specifically, assistance will provide training, equipment, targeted infrastructure development, and other forms of assistance to build the capacity of Pakistan's civilian law enforcement organisations to counter violent extremism, improve law and order, and implement community policing best practises, it said.

Under a financial assistance of $0.8 million, the State Department proposes to provide technical assistance to include Weapons of Mass Destruction and dual-use commodity detection and identification equipment (and repairs) to improve Pakistan's border security capabilities, specifically in its cross-border enforcement cooperation with Afghanistan.

The State Department has also proposed $4 million towards Anti-Terrorism Assistance, which it said would be used to provide training, and exchange programs in order to strengthen the ability of law enforcement forces to conduct rapid responses to terrorist incidents.

"Funds will primarily be used to assist government of Pakistan efforts to develop its special weapons and tactics teams. These resources are also intended to help build border security cooperation and capability with regional partners," the budget papers added.
MASON CITY | A Mason City woman has received a suspended prison sentence and jail time for her role in a bottle and can redemption scam at two grocery stores.

Joni M. Thayer, 35, pleaded guilty this week to misdemeanor charges of forgery and fourth-degree theft.

She was given a two-year suspended prison sentence and put on probation for two years on the forgery conviction.

Thayer was ordered to serve seven days in jail for theft and pay a $315 fine and a $125 surcharge. A $625 fine for forgery was suspended, but she was ordered to pay an additional $125 surcharge.

Her husband, Kelsey Thayer, 34, told investigators they printed copies of can redemption vouchers that were fraudulently redeemed at a Hy-Vee store in Mason City in December, according to court documents.

Mason City man sentenced for can redemption scams MASON CITY | A Mason City man pleaded guilty this week and received jail time and a suspende

They allegedly presented 52 fake vouchers worth $246.80.

The couple also went to the Fareway store in Clear Lake on Jan. 20 and presented the cashier with a fraudulent slips and received a $10 payment, court documents state.

Kelsey Thayer pleaded guilty last month and received the same sentence as his wife. They are to pay joint restitution.

 Mary Pieper
MASON CITY | A Mason City woman accused of stealing a $30,000 diamond ring is scheduled to be tried July 11.

Debra R. Ewing-Swartz, 43, pleaded not guilty this week to felony first-degree theft.

Ewing-Swartz allegedly witnessed a March 27 burglary at a residence in the 1800 block of 12th Street Northeast in Mason City.

She took a 2.65-karat ring from the numerous items of stolen jewelry and wore it for several weeks, according to the criminal complaint.

The value of all the stolen jewelry is estimated at $80,000, authorities say.

Ewing-Swartz also has pleaded not guilty to Cerro Gordo County forgery charges for allegedly signing another person's name on checks at local businesses earlier in March.

Mason City Police Lt. Rich Jensen said Ewing-Swartz is believed to have been in a vehicle driven by Jason I. Bendickson, 43, a suspect in the March 27 burglary.

Jensen said a burglary warrant has been issued for Bendickson, who is currently in the Ramsey County Jail in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Cerro Gordo County authorities already had a warrant out for Bendickson for failing to appear for a probation revocation hearing in October.

He was accused of violating the terms of the probation he received for attempted third-degree burglary, third-degree burglary, eluding and criminal mischief.

Bendickson is being held in the St. Paul facility on charges of being a fugitive from justice and fourth-degree assault, according to jail records. He has a court appearance scheduled for June 1 in Ramsey County.

Swartz remains in the Cerro Gordo County Jail on $10,000 bond.
South Korea: Soldier convicted in outrageous military gay witch-hunt

Publisher Amnesty International Publication Date 24 May 2017 Cite as Amnesty International, South Korea: Soldier convicted in outrageous military gay witch-hunt, 24 May 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/59252fb34.html [accessed 10 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

South Korea's military must immediately end a bigoted hunt to root out gay personnel, Amnesty International said, after a serving soldier was convicted of having a same-sex relationship.

The soldier, whose identity remains anonymous, was given a six month prison sentence suspended for one year at a military trial on Wednesday. The soldier fell down when the judgment was delivered and was taken to hospital.

"This unjust conviction should be immediately overturned. No-one should be persecuted based on their sexual orientation, activity or gender identity alone. What counts is their service not their sexuality," said Roseann Rife, East Asia Research Director at Amnesty International.

The soldier was charged under the country's military law that prohibits military personnel from engaging in same-sex consensual sexual activity. He is now suspended from duty and risks being discharged from the army.

The conviction raises fears that dozens of other military personnel will face a similar fate. Last month, a national NGO - Military Human Rights Centre of Korea (MHRCK) - accused the army of setting up fake profiles on dating apps to entrap military personnel and subjecting those identified to homophobic interrogations.

"President Moon Jae-in needs to send an unequivocal message that discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity will not be tolerated, including in the military," said Roseann Rife.

"It is long overdue for South Korea to repeal this archaic and discriminatory provision in the military criminal code, and get up-to-date when it comes to the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual and intersex people."

Background

In April, MHRCK published an investigation which found that General Jang Jun-kyu, South Korea's army chief of staff, ordered a hunt to identify gay military personnel. MHRCK reported the military drew up a 'gay list' with approximately 40-50 names of serving personnel.

Those identified in the apparent military sting face possible punishment under the Military Criminal Act 92(6), which prohibits members of the military having consensual sexual activity with people of the same-sex.

Military service is compulsory for all men in South Korea and gay men face enormous difficulties in fulfilling their military obligations free from violence, bullying or verbal abuse.

The government has been slow to respect and protect the equal rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) people in society at large. In its 2015 review of South Korea, the UN Human Rights Committee also mentioned the continuing, widespread violence and hate speech against LGBTI individuals.

Copyright notice:  Copyright Amnesty International
Iraq: US military admits failures to monitor over $1 billion worth of arms transfers

Publisher Amnesty International Publication Date 24 May 2017 Cite as Amnesty International, Iraq: US military admits failures to monitor over $1 billion worth of arms transfers, 24 May 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5925309a4.html [accessed 10 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

The US Army failed to keep tabs on more than $1 billion worth of arms and other military equipment in Iraq and Kuwait according to a now declassified Department of Defense (DoD) audit, obtained by Amnesty International following Freedom of Information requests.

The government audit, from September 2016, reveals that the DoD "did not have accurate, up-to-date records on the quantity and location"of a vast amount of equipment pouring into Kuwait and Iraq to provision the Iraqi Army.

"This audit provides a worrying insight into the US Army's flawed  and potentially dangerous - system for controlling millions of dollars' worth of arms transfers to a hugely volatile region," said Patrick Wilcken, Amnesty International's Arms Control and Human Rights Researcher.

"It makes for especially sobering reading given the long history of leakage of US arms to multiple armed groups committing atrocities in Iraq, including the armed group calling itself the Islamic State."

The military transfers came under the Iraq Train and Equip Fund (ITEF), a linchpin of US-Iraqi security cooperation. In 2015, US Congress appropriated USD$1.6 billion for the programme to combat the advance of IS.



The transfers, which include tens of thousands of assault rifles (worth USD$28 million), hundreds of mortar rounds and hundreds of Humvee armoured vehicles, were destined for use by the central Iraqi Army, including the predominantly Shi'a Popular Mobilisation Units, as well as the Kurdish Peshmerga forces.

The DoD audit found several serious shortcomings in how ITEF equipment was logged and monitored from the point of delivery onward, including:

Fragmentary record-keeping in arms depots in Kuwait and Iraq. Information logged across multiple spreadsheets, databases and even on hand-written receipts.

Large quantities of equipment manually entered into multiple spreadsheets, increasing the risk of human error.

Incomplete records meaning those responsible for the equipment were unable to ascertain its location or status.

The audit also claimed that the DoD did not have responsibility for tracking ITEF transfers immediately after delivery to the Iraqi authorities, despite the fact that the department's Golden Sentry programme is mandated to carry out post-delivery checks.

A previous DoD audit in 2015 pointed to even laxer stockpile monitoring procedures followed by the Iraqi armed forces. In some cases the Iraqi army was unaware of what was stored in its own warehouses, while other military equipment - which had never been opened or inventoried - was stored out in the open in shipping containers.

"The need for post-delivery checks is vital. Any fragilities along the transfer chain greatly increase the risks of weapons going astray in a region where armed groups have wrought havoc and caused immense human suffering," said Patrick Wilcken.

Arms transfers fuelling atrocities

Amnesty International's research has consistently documented lax controls and record-keeping within the Iraqi chain of command. This has resulted in arms manufactured in the USA and other countries winding up in the hands of armed groups known to be committing war crimes and other atrocities, such as IS, as well as paramilitary militias now incorporated into the Iraqi army.

In response to the audit, the US military has pledged to tighten up its systems for tracking and monitoring future transfers to Iraq.

However, the DoD made almost identical commitments in response to a report for Congress as long ago as 2007 that raised similar concerns.

"After all this time and all these warnings, the same problems keep re-occurring. This should be an urgent wake-up call for the US, and all countries supplying arms to Iraq, to urgently shore up checks and controls. Sending millions of dollars' worth of arms into a black hole and hoping for the best is not a viable counter-terrorism strategy; it is just reckless," said Patrick Wilcken.

"Any state selling arms to Iraq must show that there are strict measures in place to make sure the weapons will not be used to violate rights. Without these safeguards, no transfer should take place."

Amnesty International is urging the USA to comply with the Leahy Law, which prohibits the supply of most types of US military aid and training to foreign security, military and police units credibly alleged to have committed "gross human rights violations".

The USA and Iraq must also accede to the global Arms Trade Treaty, which has strict rules in place to stop arms transfers or diversion of arms that could fuel atrocities.

Copyright notice:  Copyright Amnesty International
Tajikistani lawyers harassed, intimidated and imprisoned

Publisher Amnesty International Publication Date 24 May 2017 Cite as Amnesty International, Tajikistani lawyers harassed, intimidated and imprisoned, 24 May 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/592531c74.html [accessed 10 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Tajikistani authorities have dealt a major blow to the legal profession through political manipulation of the criminal justice system and repressive legislation, Amnesty International said today ahead of the country's National Lawyer Day.



A new briefing reveals a raft of repressive government tactics used to intimidate, silence and crush lawyers in the country, punishing them for the legitimate exercise of their professional duty. Over the last two years, the number of licensed lawyers fell by more than half.



"In a country where fundamental freedoms barely exist, where government critics are incarcerated and independent media silenced; lawyers  particularly human rights lawyers  play an essential role in defending those whose rights are under attack," said Denis Krivosheev, Deputy Director for Europe and Central Asia at Amnesty International.

"The government has turned its attention to lawyers and launched an unrelenting assault that has drastically reduced their numbers and limited their independence; and seen those who put their professional duty above fear of reprisal thrown behind bars."



Amendments adopted in November 2015 to the law regulating licencing requirements for lawyers brought the process back under control of the Ministry of Justice. The number of licensed lawyers has fallen from more than 1200 in 2015, to just 600 today.

Lawyers who defended clients accused of "extremism" have themselves faced increasing state abuse and persecution, including punitive arrest and long prison terms following unfair trials. The families of lawyers have also faced harassment and intimidation from Tajikistani security forces and local authorities.

Lawyers Buzurgmekhr Yorov and Nuriddin Makhkamov defended detained members of the recently banned opposition Islamic Renaissance Party of Tajikistan in September 2015. Now they both languish in prison, with little access to their families, after being convicted on terrorism-related charges and sentenced to terms of more than 20 years each.

After Yorov and Makhkamov's arrest, few of their colleagues were prepared to defend them. Muazzamakhon Kadyrova took up their case but was forced to flee the country after learning she faced imminent arrest.

"These cases are stark reminders of the risks faced by lawyers in Tajikistan when, in their legitimate line of duty, they defend the human rights of those the authorities declare a threat to national security," said Denis Krivosheev.

"Amnesty International is calling on the Tajikistani authorities to free those lawyers currently being held behind bars after being convicted in unfair trials and to urgently review the legislation that has caused the disbarment of more than half of their profession in the past two years."

The Tajikistani authorities must also respect human rights, including those of lawyers. All lawyers in Tajikistan must be able to perform their professional duties without hindrance and fear of reprisals.

Copyright notice:  Copyright Amnesty International
Bahrain: At least one dead and hundreds injured as government violently cracks down on opposition

Publisher Amnesty International Publication Date 23 May 2017 Cite as Amnesty International, Bahrain: At least one dead and hundreds injured as government violently cracks down on opposition, 23 May 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/592535c74.html [accessed 10 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

The Bahraini security forces used excessive force against protesters in the village of Duraz, the majority of whom were peaceful, as part of an ongoing crack down on the village which has been under siege by the authorities for 11 months, according to evidence uncovered by Amnesty International.

At least one person has been killed and hundreds injured as security forces fired birdshot from shotguns and teargas against protesters. According to Amnesty's sources, during the violent clashes, the houses surrounding that of leading Shi'a spiritual leader Sheikh Issa Qassem were raided and people inside arrested.

"Today's disturbing developments again show the consequences of rampant impunity enjoyed by the security forces. There must be a prompt, independent investigation and those responsible for unlawful killing and other arbitrary or abusive force must be prosecuted. The authorities must rein in the security forces, order that they strictly comply with international standards on police use of force, and ensure the right to peaceful protest is protected," said Samah Hadid, Director of Campaigns, Middle East at Amnesty International

"Our information indicates that police attacked what started out as a peaceful demonstration. International standards require that law enforcement must not use lethal force unless unavoidable to protect against a threat to life or risk of serious injury. "

During the early hours of 23 May, hundreds of armoured vehicles and personnel carriers encircled the town of Duraz, home to Sheikh Issa Qassem,. At around 00:30, mosques in the area used loud speakers to call on people to march towards Sheikh Issa Qassem's house. The house had been the location of a continuous sit-in since June 2016, following the government's decision to arbitrarily revoke Sheikh Issa Qassem's nationality and block all entrances to Duraz, except for two roads which have checkpoints at which security forces turn away anyone who is not a resident of the village.

An eyewitness who spoke to Amnesty International said she had seen hundreds of Ministry of Interior security vehicles and around 20 National Security vehicles moving towards Sheikh Issa Qassem's house. At 07:00, hundreds marched peacefully in Duraz to protest, before clashes with security forces began at around 08:00. Violent clashes are still ongoing in the area. Those trying to leave Duraz are reportedly being shot at by security forces.

At least one man, 39 year old Mohamed Kazem Mohsen Zayn al-Deen, who is an environmental activist, died from injuries to his head caused by birdshot. According to one source he, may have been trying to block security forces from entering Sheikh Issa Qassem's house when he was shot. Another man was also taken to hospital with life threatening injuries to his stomach, also resulting from birdshot. Four others have sustained serious injuries and hundreds more have been injured. According to sources on the ground, those who are not severely injured are not going to hospital out of fear that they would be arrested and are instead choosing to receive assistance from first aid trained volunteers.

Amnesty International spoke to witnesses who said that they had seen four helicopters in Duraz from which tear gas was fired at protesters. One eyewitness said that there was more tear gas than she had ever seen before, "You cannot open the windows without it coming in".

Other witnesses said that helicopters fired tear gas at protesters in the neighbouring village of Bani Jamra and that some protesters in that village were injured by birdshot. At least seven other villages have seen protests.

Amnesty International has also verified footage of one security officer in Duraz holding a Heckler & Koch MP-5 9mm submachine guns, and of other officers carrying shotguns and has verified other footage of another officer carrying a firearm while raiding a house in Duraz.

At around 12:40pm today, Amnesty International received reports that security officers had surrounded Sheikh Issa Qassem's house and surrounding houses and fired tear gas inside before raiding it. A barbed wire cordon was erected around the house and 50 people were arrested according to a statement by the Ministry of Interior. Sheikh Issa Qassem is not currently amongst those detained however there are fears that authorities may detain and forcibly expel him from the country, as they have done to others whose nationality was arbitrarily revoked in 2015 and 2016

Background:

On Sunday May 21, Sheikh Issa Qassem was sentenced to one year in prison on charges of "money laundering and raising public funds without obtaining a licence", with the sentence being suspended for three years. This charge is in connection with his receipt of khums, a religious obligation for Shi'a Muslims to donate a fifth of their yearly profits to their spiritual leader or his representative, who, in turn, distributes it to the poor. This has been a custom practiced by the Shi'a community in Bahrain for centuries. Sheikh Issa Qassem is the spiritual leader of the Al Wefaq opposition party that was dissolved in July 2016.

There are calls for protestors to march towards Duraz and attempt to break the blockade by security forces which has been in place since June 2016. The situation remains highly volatile.

The government of Bahrain has been systematically crushing all those who dare speak out against it since Bahrain's uprising in 2011. The country has been on the edge of a human rights crisis since January 2017, following the execution of three men which sparked protests in over 20 villages, including Duraz, with hundreds taking part. Security forces used tear gas and shotguns firing birdshot against protesters and, in some cases, less-lethal riot control ammunition and live ammunition. Amnesty International verified video footage which showed armed men wearing black balaclavas firing Benelli semi-automatic shotguns during clashes in Duraz on 26 January 2017. That morning, 18 year old Mustapha Hamdan was shot in the head with a live bullet near the back of Sheikh Issa Qassem's home. He died of his injuries on 24 March.

Copyright notice:  Copyright Amnesty International
Thailand: Army Secretly Detains 14-Year-Old

Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 23 May 2017 Cite as Human Rights Watch, Thailand: Army Secretly Detains 14-Year-Old, 23 May 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/592536694.html [accessed 10 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Thai authorities should immediately end the incommunicado military detention of a 14-year-old boy and three others for allegedly "insulting the monarchy," Human Rights Watch said today. Abhisit Chailee, 14, has been detained since May 15, 2017 without any effective safeguards against abuse or mistreatment.

Thai soldiers and police arrested Abhisit and three other youths - Jirayu Sinpho, 19, Akkharapong Ayukong, 19, and Rattthathammanoon Srihabutr, 20 - in Khon Kaen province's Chonnabot district for allegedly setting fire to a portrait of the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej. Military authorities then transferred them to a detention facility at the 11th Army Circle Camp in Bangkok for questioning without access to legal counsel or their families.

"The secret detention of a 14-year-old boy in a Thai military camp should set off alarm bells, especially since no improvements have come following past reports of military abuse," said Brad Adams, Asia director. "None of the four youths arrested should have been denied access to a judge and placed in an incommunicado military detention, whatever the charge against them."

Under section 112 of the Penal Code, lese majeste (insulting the monarchy) is a serious national security offense in Thailand resulting in punishment of from 3 to 15 years in prison. Prime Minister Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha made lese majeste prosecutions a top priority for his government. Since the May 2014 coup, the government has arrested at least 105 people on lese majeste charges. Some have been convicted and sentenced to years or even decades of imprisonment. In September 2016, General Prayuth revoked three junta orders that empowered military courts to try civilians for national security offenses, including lese majeste.

Acting on orders of the ruling National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), military authorities possess the power to secretly detain people for up to seven days without charge and interrogate them without access to lawyers or other safeguards against mistreatment. However, in this regard, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) states that anyone arrested or detained on a criminal charge shall be brought promptly before a judge and shall be entitled to trial within a reasonable time or to release.

International human rights law provides special protections for everyone under age 18. The Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) states that, regardless of the circumstances, the arrest, detention, or imprisonment of a child should be used only as a measure of last resort and for the shortest appropriate period. The United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child has repeatedly raised concerns regarding the detention of children who are perceived to be a "threat to national security." Children prosecuted for crimes need to be treated in accordance with international juvenile justice standards, which emphasize alternatives to detention, and prioritize the rehabilitation and social reintegration of the child.

"The Thai government should put to rest serious concerns for the safety of Abhisit by immediately letting him see his family, giving him access to a lawyer, and taking him out of military lockup," Adams said. "The United Nations human rights office and concerned governments should press General Prayuth to immediately end all such secret detentions and provide a full accounting for the treatment of all detainees in military custody."

Copyright notice:  Copyright, Human Rights Watch
Samples from alleged chemical attacks in Syria reveal evidence of sulfur mustard, sarin  UN official

Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 23 May 2017 Cite as UN News Service, Samples from alleged chemical attacks in Syria reveal evidence of sulfur mustard, sarin  UN official, 23 May 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/592539914.html [accessed 10 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

"We must not allow ourselves to become inured to the ongoing allegations of the use of chemical weapons. This is an issue about which the United Nations cannot be neutral," Izumi Nakamitsu, High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, said in her first briefing to the Security Council since her appointment.

Citing initial findings from the fact-finding mission by the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), she emphasized that the use of chemical weapons by any actor  whether Government forces, terrorist factions or armed opposition groups  could never be justified, regardless of provocation or circumstance.

"Their re-emergence is indefensible and cannot be viewed as anything other than a violation of the most basic international law and a serious deviation from the internationally agreed broader path towards the goal of a world free of chemical weapons," she said. "As such, this is not an issue to be politicized."

She said OPCW has deployed a fact-finding mission on two occasions following allegations of chemical weapons use on that date in the area of Um Hosh, in the Aleppo countryside. Members of the mission have conducted interviews, collected testimonies and reviewed documents, as well as information provided by the Syrian authorities, she added.

While the prevailing security situation has prevented the team from visiting the site of the alleged incident, she continued, it has been able to review analyses of blood samples from two female casualties reported to have been involved in the attack.

They were found to have suffered exposure to sulfur mustard, as was a mortar handed over to the team by the Russian Federation's Chemical, Biological, Nuclear and Radiological Team.

RELATED: As US responds militarily to chemical attack, UN urges restraint to avoid escalation

Regarding the reported incident in Khan Shaykhoun on 4 April  she said that, after a preliminary assessment, a fact-finding mission was deployed to a neighbouring country, where it conducted interviews and witnessed the collection of biomedical samples from the alleged incident.

It has also received biological-environmental samples from dead animals reported to have been close to the suspected impact point, attended the autopsies of three alleged victims, and witnessed the extraction of biomedical samples from their bodies.

She, however, emphasized that all materials and information collected were currently being analyzed, thus not final.

On the situation relating to the destruction of Syria's chemical weapons production facilities remained unchanged, she said that OPCW has verified the destruction of 24 of the 27 declared facilities, but the prevailing security situation continues to preclude safe access to the three remaining sites.
Two UN 'blue helmets' killed in attack in northern Mali

Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 23 May 2017 Cite as UN News Service, Two UN 'blue helmets' killed in attack in northern Mali, 23 May 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/592539dc4.html [accessed 10 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Two peacekeepers of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) were killed and another injured on Tuesday morning in an ambush in the northern Kidal region.

"A pedestrian patrol of MINUSMA was attacked in an ambush around 6:30 am this morning, five kilometres from Aguelhok," the Mission announced.

Strongly condemning "this murderous attack," MINUSMA, chief Mahamat Saleh Annadif, who is also the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Mali, said the Mission immediately deployed a rapid response force at the scene and proceeded to evacuate the wounded and the deceased.

"This attack adds to a wave of violence that, over the past few weeks, has targeted the civilian populations, the Malian Armed Forces and the international forces without distinction. The violence is aimed only at undermining [] efforts to bring stability and unity to Mali," Mr. Annadif said.

He went on to reiterate the solidarity and determination of the Mission to support the efforts of the Malian Government, other signatory parties and the people of Mali in the implementation of the Peace Agreement.

"MINUSMA is prepared to make all its contribution to the identification of the perpetrators of this attack so that they are promptly brought to justice," he said.

Later in the day in remarks to a meeting on Force generation for MINUSMA, Mr. Guterres paid tribute to the courageous peacekeepers who lost their lives in the ambush, calling it "a dark reminder of the dangers facing MINUSMA on the ground."

According to the UN chief, since the establishment of MINUSMA four years ago, Malians have made significant progress towards peace and reconciliation. However, tragically, this progress has not been translated into peace. Violent extremist groups are actively seeking to spoil and halt the peace process.

New armed groups emerged, while some existing groups were divided into different factions. Instability has spread from the north to the center of the country and beyond the borders of Mali in neighboring countries, he explained.

Peacekeeping operations, continued Mr. Guterres, must be equipped to meet the requirements of the new operational environments. "Mali is a test for the international community [] we cannot deploy MINUSMA peacekeepers to areas where terrorist groups and transnational criminal networks operate, without providing them with the means to cope with the difficulties they face."

As such, he said MINSUMA must be given the means to support the Malian institutions to gradually exercise their responsibility to restore stability. "We need armored personnel carriers and helicopters for peacekeepers to be able to intervene more effectively. We need the rapid reaction force and its integrated helicopter support team in Mopti to respond quickly to incidents, protect civilians and counter the spread of violent extremist elements."
MASON CITY | A Mason City man is scheduled to go to trial July 11 on felony child sexual abuse charges involving a 10-year-old.

Christopher Alan Hull, 36, pleaded not guilty Monday in Cerro Gordo County District Court to second-degree sexual abuse and lascivious acts with a child.

If convicted as charged, he faces a maximum sentence of up to 35 years in prison.

Mason City man charged with lascivious acts with a child MASON CITY | A Mason City man was arrested Saturday on a warrant for a felony charge of lasc

Hull touched a 10-year-old child's genitals and placed the child's hand on his own genitals in 2015 in Mason City, according to the criminal complaint filed on April 19.

He was arrested May 6 on a warrant on that charge. The additional charge of second-degree sexual abuse was included in the trial information filed May 12 by the Cerro Gordo County Attorney's Office.

 Mary Pieper
With funding 'down to a trickle,' UN agency renews warning over Burundi refugees

Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 23 May 2017 Cite as UN News Service, With funding 'down to a trickle,' UN agency renews warning over Burundi refugees, 23 May 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/59253a4c4.html [accessed 10 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

The United Nations refugee agency has increased its funding appeal by $36 million to support Burundians fleeing their homes in what could become the third-largest refugee crisis in Africa.

"Arriving refugees continue to cite hunman rights abuses, fear of persecution and sexual and gender-based violence as reasons for fleeing," Babar Baloch, spokesperson for the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), told reporters in Geneva.

Since April 2015, some 410,000 refugees and asylum-seekers have been forced to flee their homes. With no sign of improvement of the political situation, the total refugee population is expected to grow to over half a million by the end of this year, making it potentially the third-biggest refugee situation in Africa, he said.

Currently, Tanzania is hosting the majority of Burundian refugees with some 249,000 already accommodated in three overcrowded camps. Rwanda hosts some 84,000 refugees with another 45,000 in Uganda and some 41,000 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

Smaller numbers of Burundian refugees have also fled to Kenya and into Southern African countries such as Zambia, Mozambique, Malawi and South Africa.

UNHCR has revised its funding needs for the Burundi situation to $250 million from $214, but it has so far received only two per cent of the required funds.

Urgent funding is needed to upgrade and construct new settlements to decongest the current ones and provide basic services. In DRC, the transit centres are unable to host incoming refugees, forcing them to live in extremely poor conditions, often without shelter.

Education of refugee children is also severely affected with school classes unable to accommodate the number of students. In Tanzania, there is a need to construct over 600 new classrooms, as many children attend classes under trees.

Overcrowded camps further expose refugees - especially women and children to many risks, such as a new cholera outbreak.

UNHCR renewed its call to donors for continuing to support countries hosting Burundian refugees, also repeating its appeal to the neighbouring countries not to return refugees against their will.
Despite progress, life for children in Myanmar's remote areas remains a struggle, UNICEF warns

Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 23 May 2017 Related Document(s) Lives on Hold: Making sure no child is left behind in Myanmar Cite as UN News Service, Despite progress, life for children in Myanmar's remote areas remains a struggle, UNICEF warns, 23 May 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/59253b1a4.html [accessed 10 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

The benefits of Myanmar's economic growth, reform and reconciliation efforts have not yet reached children in the country's remote, conflict-affected areas, leaving an estimated 2.2 million children in need of better humanitarian assistance, a United Nations report has revealed.

Myanmar faces a real challenge in ensuring that children everywhere  and not just in urban areas  gain from the country's rapid development, said Justin Forsyth, the Deputy Executive Director of the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF).

There is a risk that many children and their families are excluded. This is especially the case for poorer children living in remote areas or trapped in situations of tension and conflict, he added.

The Child Alert report issued today by UNICEF attributed unresolved conflict, poverty and under-development to that situation.

The report stressed that investing some of the financial dividends earned from Myanmar's recent economic growth, in services that will benefit children and youth, can help steer the country towards a more prosperous and stable future.

The report notes that social and economic measures undertaken by the Government since 2010 are beginning to strengthen the systems that boost children's health, education and protection.

A draft child law, and increased public funding for immunization programmes and education have demonstrated a stronger commitment to furthering children's rights in the country, UNICEF said.

However, the agency pointed out that life for many children in Myanmar remains a struggle: up to 150 children under the age of five die each day, while nearly 30 per cent suffer from moderate or severe malnutrition. More than half of all children live below the poverty line.

In Rakhine state, 120,000 internally displaced people  including many ethnic Rohingyas  live in camps as a result of inter-communal conflict that erupted in 2012. Violence surged again last year following attacks on border guard posts.

In remote Kachin, Shan and Kayin states and other border areas, recurrent clashes between the Myanmar military and Ethnic Armed Organisations continue to drive families from their homes. Civilians find themselves at risk from poverty, statelessness, and trafficking, while having only limited access to essential health and education services.

The report calls for improved humanitarian access to an estimated 2.2 million children affected by violence, and for an end to rights violations including the use of children as soldiers.

The report was released ahead of the second national Peace Conference in Myanmar on May 24, which UNICEF says is an opportunity to commit to stronger protection of children from conflict.
RSF urges Ukraine to scrap ban on Russian social media sites

Publisher Reporters Without Borders Publication Date 23 May 2017 Cite as Reporters Without Borders, RSF urges Ukraine to scrap ban on Russian social media sites, 23 May 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/59253c6b4.html [accessed 10 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) condemns the ban imposed on Russian social networks by the Ukrainian authorities last week, calling it a disproportionate measure that seriously undermines the Ukrainian people's right to information and freedom of expression.

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko issued a decree on Monday last week blocking the social networking sites Vkontakte and Odnoklassniki, as well as the email service mail.ru and the search engine Yandex.





At least 19 Russian news sites and 13 individual journalists were also on the list of 1,228 people and 468 companies targeted by new sanctions. These included most official Russian news outlets and others sympathetic to Moscow, but also a number of independent stations such as the RBC. The main Ukrainian providers have started blocking access to the sites.





"We are aware of the huge security challenges facing the Ukrainian authorities, but these in no way justify censorship of this kind," said Johann Bihr, the head of RSF's Eastern Europe and Central Asia desk.





"Blocking social networks, messaging services and entire news organizations is neither proportionate nor justified in light of the stated aims. With this decree Petro Poroshenko has dealt a serious blow to Ukrainian citizens' right to information and freedom of expression and has turned his back on his international obligations."





Freedom of expression, guaranteed by the European Convention on Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political rights -- of which Ukraine is a signatory -- is a right that can be curbed only by legal, legitimate and necessary restrictions in a democratic society.





The Vkontakte and Odnoklassniki networks are among the top 10 most visited sites in Ukraine, together with mail.ru and Yandex, and have respectively 12 million and 5 million users.





RSF frequently highlights abuses arising from the information war being fought between Ukraine and Russia. In January this year, the Ukrainian National Radio and TV Council banned the retransmission of the Russian independent TV channel Dozhd.





Kiev argued that the ban on the Russian sites was designed to protect the personal data of Ukrainian internet users. The surveillance measures deployed by the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) are well documented but RSF notes that the government does not own such personal data and splitting up the Internet into different national segments would not protect it.





Moscow used the pretext of avoiding US surveillance in 2014 to justify new legislation requiring companies that process the personal data of Russian citizens should do so only on servers located inside Russia, thereby putting the finishing touch to its own surveillance mechanism.



Despite reforms in recent years aimed at making media ownership more transparent, state broadcasters more independent and information more easily available, the control by oligarchs over the news industry, as well as the information war with Russia, put Ukraine in 102nd place in the 2017 World Press Freedom Index.





The parts of eastern Ukraine that are controlled by separatists are no-go areas for freelance and foreign journalists. Crimea, devoid of journalists and news organizations that are critical of the Russian annexation, is turning into a "black hole" for news and information.
Despite danger in Mexico, journalist abandons US asylum request

Publisher Reporters Without Borders Publication Date 23 May 2017 Cite as Reporters Without Borders, Despite danger in Mexico, journalist abandons US asylum request, 23 May 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/59253ccd4.html [accessed 10 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Although he fled Mexico because of the threats he was facing there, Mexican journalist Martin Mendez has gone back after 100 days in a US detention centre because US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) refused to grant him asylum and denied his request for release under parole at the start of May.

Mendez had remained in detention ever since he filed an application for political asylum in a completely legal manner at the US border on 5 February, citing the threats he received after writing a story about police violence in the southern state of Guerrero.





"I felt I had to return after they denied my request for release under parole for the second time," Mendez told Reporters Without Borders (RSF). "When I got their response, I realized I no longer had any hope of getting out. As I couldn't stand another year in this situation, I took the decision to return, despite the danger that entails, a danger they didn't really take into account."





Mendez's lawyer, Carlos Spector, told RSF that ICE had again denied his request for release under parole on the grounds that he did not have sufficient ties to the community.





"We deplore the behaviour of the US Immigration authorities, who are putting this Mexican journalist's life in danger by refusing to grant him asylum," said Balbina Flores, RSF's representative in Mexico. "Because of the deplorable way he was treated in detention and the constant uncertainty about what would happen next, Martin Mendez felt he had no choice but to withdraw his asylum request."





Mexico is the western hemisphere's most dangerous country for journalists. More than 100 journalists have been killed in Mexico since 2000, and 20 have disappeared.





President Enrique Pena Nieto finally promised to provide journalists with more protection on 17 May, two days after Javier Valdez became the sixth journalist to be murdered in Mexico this year.





RSF is in constant contact with Mendez, who has asked the NGO not to disclose his current location. The Federal Mechanism for Protecting Human Rights Defenders and Journalists is also aware of his return.



Mexico is ranked 147th out of 180 countries in RSF's 2017 World Press Freedom Index. In a report published in February, entitled "Veracruz: journalists and the state of fear," RSF proposed a series of recommendations to the federal and local authorities for ending the spiral of violence.
The Taliban's Spring Offensive: Afghanistan Faces a Crucial Year

Publisher Jamestown Foundation Author Abubakar Siddique Publication Date 19 May 2017 Citation / Document Symbol Terrorism Monitor Volume: 15 Issue: 10 Cite as Jamestown Foundation, The Taliban's Spring Offensive: Afghanistan Faces a Crucial Year, 19 May 2017, Terrorism Monitor Volume: 15 Issue: 10, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/592541e34.html [accessed 10 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Link to original story on Jamestown website

With its spring offensive this year, the Afghan Taliban is seeking to add momentum to its insurgent campaign to topple the country's Western-backed government. For its part, Kabul hopes a peace deal with the notorious Islamist warlord Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, and the renewed resolve of Washington and its NATO allies, will see it remain resilient.

But while the Afghan government enjoys international legitimacy and support, it faces a robust insurgency and the increasing involvement of great power interests suggests the situation will remain troubled.

Taliban Strategy

The Taliban strategy combines efforts to overrun the countryside with a relentless terrorism campaign in the cities. The aim is to topple the current Afghan government, which has pledged to create a moderate, inclusive and democratic state, and replace it with the Taliban's Islamic Emirate (the formal name of the movement).

On April 28, the Taliban announced the beginning of its annual spring campaign in this regard, repeating its vow to continue targeting U.S.-led NATO forces and Afghan security forces. The most intriguing part of the declaration, however, was its attempt to project the image of an alternative Taliban government.

"Mansouri operations will differ from previous ones in nature and will be conducted with a twin-tracked political and military approach," a Taliban statement said, using the formal name of the Taliban offensive.

It said that in regions captured by the Taliban, "particular attention will be paid to establishing a mechanism for social justice and development so that our people can live a secure and prosperous life," and added that "state-building will earnestly proceed and institutions will be erected to secure the social, security, and legal rights of the citizens" (Taliban statement, April 28).

A week before the announcement, on April 21, around 10 Taliban attackers massacred more than 130 Afghan soldiers inside Camp Shaheen, the base of Afghan National Armys 209th Corps headquarters, in the northern city of Mazar-e Sharif.

A Taliban statement called the attack "a reminder to regime soldiers that they should not needlessly sacrifice their lives for the foreign occupiers and either join the ranks of the Mujahedeen or else desert ranks and go back to their homes."

The statement reiterated the longstanding Taliban stance that the Afghan government is a U.S. puppet. "The soldiers are trained by the Americans, equipped with their weapons and their wages paid by the Pentagon. How can they claim they fight for their homeland and not for their foreign cashiers?" (Taliban statement, April 23).

Areas of Taliban Control

The insurgents appear to be in no mood for peace talks. Instead, they want to accelerate their push to overthrow the government. An editorial on the pro-Taliban Nun Asia website recently taunted Kabul for its inability to protect government forces: "During this sensitive war environment, the government's security institutions are so weak that their enemies are able to mount war games within their lines. Now, how many chances of survival does this regime have?" (Nun Asia, April 25).

On the Taliban's official website, an article entitled "The Anarchy Surrounding the Two-Headed Kabul Regime" claimed that the national unity government is moving rapidly toward disintegration. "The line of authority is devolving and blurring with each passing day," said article, published on April 24.

"Cabinet members openly contradict and oppose government policies and directives. Each group blames the other for the ongoing chaos. Each party is developing parallel links with foreign powers to strengthen their hold on power" (Taliban article, April 24).

The Taliban is clearly confident and eager to build on territorial gains achieved since more than 100,000 Western-led troops began departing Afghanistan at the end of 2014 and NATO declared the end of major combat operations. In a March report entitled "Percent of Country Under the Control of the Mujahedin of the Islamic Emirate," the Taliban listed regions under their control in more than 400 districts across Afghanistan's 34 provinces (Taliban report, March 26). That claim to dominate 45 districts across the country is significantly more than the nine districts that U.S. forces acknowledge the Taliban controls.

The Taliban also briefly signaled apparent interest in peace talks. "The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan is interested in finding a lasting solution to the problems in Afghanistan," a March 7 statement said. However, it also reiterated that the Taliban continue to seek nothing less than complete victory.

"Defending our nation and our followers is our legitimate right, and we are ready to defend it on the negotiations table and in the trenches," the statement said. "Fighting is not our choice, but it has been imposed on us" (Taliban Statement, March 7).

Nearly 16 years after their rule was ousted by the U.S.-led intervention in late 2001, the Taliban continue to regard themselves as Afghanistan's legitimate government.

Government Resilience

Kabul has sought to counter the Taliban with a mixture of military muscle, counterterrorism operations, international aid and a public commitment to reconciliation.

In late March, the government unveiled a four-year plan to reform and strengthen its security forces, which now number nearly 350,000 (Tolo News, March 31). The plan includes doubling the number of special forces, currently at 17,000, as well as plans to strengthen the fledgling air force and intelligence services. It is also committed to improving the overall discipline of forces, which continue to struggle with corruption and desertions. In one positive sign, Afghan special forces, despite being stretched across a vast battlefield, have shown that they are capable of delivering debilitating blows to the insurgents.

Kabul has also hardened its rhetoric toward the Taliban. "Taliban leaders enjoy a life of luxury," President Ashraf Ghani told Afghan forces in February. "Each one takes several wives, and their children enjoy opulence. Yet some of them employ the name of our sacred religion to foment violence and savagery" (Tolo News, February 27).

A few days later, Ghani characterized the insurgents as aiding and fomenting terrorism, saying the Taliban were responsible for "20 disparate terrorist groups" operating in Afghanistan. Many of these date back to the Taliban's stint in power in the 1990s. As well as hosting al-Qaeda, the Taliban invited Central Asian extremists affiliated with the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan and supported an array of Pakistani militants fighting in the Indian administered Himalayan region of Kashmir. The group has kept up these alliances and contacts in the intervening years, and some of these same groups are once again active in Afghanistan, albeit under new leaders and new identities.

"While they are different organizations, their crimes and the harm they cause to our people are the same. The Taliban have paved the way for all these groups to operate," Ghani told the Afghan parliament (RFE/RL Gandhara, March 09).

Kabul is hoping the entry of a major Islamist warlord into the government fold will substantially weaken Taliban claims to be fighting for Afghanistan's liberation from foreign occupation. Hekmatyar, leader of Hizbe-Islami Afghanistan (HIA), one of Afghanistan's oldest jihadist factions and largest Islamist parties, denounced the insurgency as "unholy" when he returned to the government side after two decades of opposing it. In a direct challenge to the Taliban, he said: "We invite you to join our caravan of peace. Abandon your meaningless, vulgar and unholy war" (Khaama Press, April 29).

The Taliban have avoided directly commenting on Hekmatyar's comments, but a pro-Taliban website accused him of "talking dangerously" and employing "taunts and insults" (Nun Asia, May 3).

International Involvement

Kabul is also counting on a new Afghan strategy from U.S. President Donald Trump.

General John Nicholson, the U.S. commander in Afghanistan, recently called for the deployment of more troops. Hundreds of U.S. soldiers, including Marines, have joined 13,000 NATO troops (which already include 8,400 Americans) still in the country and there are signs Washington will commit as much as $20 billion annually to the Afghan war.

During a visit to Kabul on April 24, U.S. Defense Secretary James Mattis appeared to pledge continued support for Afghan security forces, describing 2017 as "another tough year for the valiant Afghan security forces and the international troops who have stood and will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with Afghanistan".

Western officials worry that covert Russian aid and Moscow's treatment of the Taliban as a legitimate party in the conflict is complicating efforts to resolve the situation in Afghanistan.

In April, General Nicholson complained of the "overt legitimacy lent to the Taliban by the Russians" since 2016, and warned there were continued reports of Russian assistance to the group and hinted this has helped it perpetrate attacks such as the devastating raid on a military compound in Mazar-e-Sharif, in which 140 Afghan soldiers forces were killed (RFE/RL Gandhara, April 28). The attack, which came just days before the Taliban announced its spring offensive, was one of the deadliest the country has seen on a military base.

The criticism of Russian maneuvering suggests increasing unease in Washington over Taliban contacts and cooperation with Russia and Iran.

In recent years, the insurgents have cultivated relations with the two countries, including supplying weapons and military training. Pakistan, the Taliban's principal foreign backer, appears supportive of these ties and has joined Russia and China in an apparent diplomatic push to bring the Taliban to the negotiating table without involving the United States.

While Kabul been critical of Moscow's involvement  in particular the Russian endorsement of the Taliban's call for a full withdrawal of foreign troops from the country  it is keen to avoid a diplomatic showdown (Khaama Press, April 2).

As its spring offensive evolves, the Taliban is likely to attempt to capture and retain a major population center, likely a provincial capital. Lashkar Gah, the capital of southern Helmand Province, or Kunduz, in the country's north, appear to be prime targets for a Taliban takeover. Key to achieving such a goal would be the acquisition of new weapons, such as an advanced anti-aircraft system, but there are no indications so far that any of its old or new backers are ready to commit such major resources to the group.

In a U.S. Senate hearing in February, General Nicholson described the security situation in Afghanistan as a stalemate. It remains to be seen whether that deadlock can be broken this year.

Copyright notice:  2010 The Jamestown Foundation
The Dangerous Implications of Raising the Kurdish Flag in Kirkuk

Publisher Jamestown Foundation Author Goktug Sonmez Publication Date 19 May 2017 Citation / Document Symbol Terrorism Monitor Volume: 15 Issue: 10 Cite as Jamestown Foundation, The Dangerous Implications of Raising the Kurdish Flag in Kirkuk, 19 May 2017, Terrorism Monitor Volume: 15 Issue: 10, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5925424b4.html [accessed 10 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Link to original story on Jamestown website

In recent weeks, the already complicated politics around the Iraqi city of Kirkuk have been further inflamed by the decision of Kirkuk Governor Najmaddin Karim to raise the flag of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) over government buildings in the city (Rudaw, March 28).

The decision came as somewhat of a surprise for international, regional and local audiences who have been focusing their attention on the offensive to recapture Mosul, the upcoming Raqqa operation in Syria and the end of Turkey's Operation Euphrates Shield. The incident is expected to have implications not only for the future of Kirkuk, but also  as the city is a microcosm of Iraq's ethnic and religious composition  for the country as a whole.

It could also have serious regional implications for the fight against Islamic State (IS) as several regional players in that conflict have been closely engaged with Kirkuk, either directly or indirectly.

Kirkuk Under PUK Control

In the aftermath of the IS offensive on northern Iraq, the city of Kirkuk has fallen increasingly under the influence of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK). Since the summer of 2014, when Iraqi troops fled the city in the face of the IS advance, security in Kirkuk has been guaranteed by Kurdish peshmerga forces, along with the PUK-controlled asayish (a regional police force) (Ekurd Daily, June 12, 2014).

Turkmens and Arabs have expressed their irritation with this situation, but the peshmerga's efforts to save the city from an IS invasion, and the city's political landscape  Kurdish MPs constitute a majority of the Kirkuk Provincial Council  put the Kurds in a strong position (DW Turkce, April 5).

Karim himself has been unwavering. His tough stance is linked to the importance Kurdish political and armed groups across the board give to the city. Described as the "Jerusalem" of the Kurds by PUK leader Jalal Talabani, it falls within the boundaries of the Hamrin Mountains, an area many view as the historical boundary of a Kurdish region (Rudaw, April 2; Hurriyet Daily News, December 31, 2004).

Kurdish political parties have long called for a referendum in Kirkuk, and the government was due to hold one in December 2007, in accordance with Article 140 of the Iraqi Constitution. However, the planned preceding steps  the settlement of land disputes following an influx of Kurds to the city and a census of the city's population  never came about. Since 2003, there has been considerable Kurdish migration to the city, which the Iraqi government says has significantly changed Kirkuk's demographics.

Arabs and Turkmen argue, given the current situation, that Article 140 is no longer in effect. Kurdish parties, however, point out it remains in the constitution and say it remains valid, even though the deadline has passed.

In March, in protest at Baghdad's neglect of Kirkuk, the PUK advanced on the oil wells near the city. Kirkuk's hydrocarbon resources have long been a point of tension, not only between Erbil and Baghdad, but also between the Kurds themselves  specifically the KDP under KRG president Masoud Barzani, and the PUK (ARA News, March 3). The move by Kirkuk governor Karim needs to be viewed in the light of these divisions.

Raising the Flag

Karim's decision was in defiance of the Iraqi government, but with the army busy with its offensive on Mosul, he could be confident the military would be unable to respond. Karim can thus strengthen his own position, as well as that of the PUK, at a time when the PUK, KDP and the Gorran Movement founded by the late Nawshirwan Mustafa are engaged in a clash over Barzani's continuing presidential term, regarded as illegal by the PUK and Gorran (al-Monitor, May 22, 2015).

The move  both defying the central government and further underlining KRG's ambitions regarding the city  is a boost for both Karim and the PUK, not only in Kirkuk but in the KRG as a whole. It is also a position that Iraq's Kurdish political parties can get behind, offering some sense of political cohesion.

Karim's decision, however, has caused an outcry from several local and regional actors. The central government condemned it, calling it a violation of the constitution and insisting that only the Iraqi flag could be raised over buildings under the authority of the central government (al-Jazeera, April 2). However, Karim says Baghdad's objection has no legal basis and that he is under no obligation to obey it (Hurriyet Daily News, April 3).

The mainly Iran-backed Shia militia umbrella organization Hashd Shaabi is also against an expansionist Kurdish policy. The militia's presence around Kirkuk and its earlier encounters with peshmerga, resulting in clashes in Tuzkhurmato, suggest a key challenge might come from the Hashd Shaabi (K24, November 15, 2015; Rudaw, April 26, 2016).

Turkey too has been critical, viewing itself historically as the protector of the Iraqi's minority Turkmen population. Ibrahim Kaln, spokesperson for Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, warned the move would cause further tensions in Kirkuk, while Huseyin Muftuoglu, spokesperson for the Turkish foreign ministry, said the move would damage stability and reconciliation efforts and could erode the multi-cultural identity of the city (al-Jazeera Turk, March 31; TRT Haber, March 19). President Erdogan himself warned that unless the flag is taken down, the Kurdish administration of the city risked damaging the "good ties" between Ankara and Erbil (Rudaw, April 5).

The United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), meanwhile, described the decision as a "unilateral step that might jeopardize harmony and peaceful coexistence among many ethnic and religious groups that rightly call Kirkuk their home" (Rudaw, March 21).

A Distraction in the Fight Against IS

The move may also have significant implications for the fight against IS. A crisis in Kirkuk could divert the Iraqi army's attention at a time when it is engaged in the Mosul offensive, especially if the central government decides harsher measures are required against what it sees as a violation of the sovereignty of the state.

The already problematic relationship between Erbil and Baghdad has further deteriorated, while the risk of a military response by the Hashd is no less dangerous since it could trigger both broader sectarian fighting and an ethnic clash between Turkmen and Kurds due to the presence of Shia Turkmen in the militias.

Since the Hashd's position is closely linked with that of Iran, PUK-Iran relations could also suffer. The statement of the Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Behram Kasimi that the decision is illegal and a violation of the Iraqi constitution is telling (Anadolu Agency, April 3).

Turkey's irritation at the matter may hinder any possible anti-IS cooperation with the KRG, as well as threaten the KRG's economic future since Turkey is its largest trading partner. The KRG is already beset with economic difficulties. The move could also pose a risk for Barzani, and inflame internal political struggles that, in the past, have spilled over into violence between the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the PUK, and between KDP and Gorran (Rudaw, April 5).

Therefore, at a time of financial and political difficulty for the KRG, and against the backdrop of the fight against IS, the move may act as a further destabilizing factor, especially considering the multi-ethnic dynamics in Kirkuk.

The decision to raise the KRG flag threatens not only to inflame tensions locally, but also nationally, and could endanger the post-IS reconstruction and reconciliation efforts that will be necessary in Iraq in the coming years.

Copyright notice:  2010 The Jamestown Foundation
The Battle for Yemen: A Quagmire for Saudi Arabia and the UAE

Publisher Jamestown Foundation Author Michael Horton Publication Date 19 May 2017 Citation / Document Symbol Terrorism Monitor Volume: 15 Issue: 10 Cite as Jamestown Foundation, The Battle for Yemen: A Quagmire for Saudi Arabia and the UAE, 19 May 2017, Terrorism Monitor Volume: 15 Issue: 10, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5925432d4.html [accessed 10 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Link to original story on Jamestown website

The Saudi- and Emirati-led war in Yemen has been ongoing for 26 months. The war, which began on March 26, 2015 and was ambitiously named "Operation Decisive Storm," has achieved none of its stated intentions (al-Arabiya, March 26, 2015). The primary aim was the reinstallation of Yemen's deeply unpopular president, Abd Raboo Mansur Hadi. However, Hadi, who many Yemenis view as a traitor, remains in exile in Saudi Arabia along with most of his government.

Its other goal was to defeat Yemen's Houthis, a Zaidi Shia organization that is now allied with many of the most capable units of what was the Yemeni Army. While the Houthis and their allies were pushed out of the port city of Aden and, most recently, the small Red Sea port of al-Mocha, the Houthis have retained control of the capital of Sanaa and most of northwest Yemen (Gulf News, February 10). For months, the frontlines in what is a complex multi-actor civil war have remained fixed. This is despite the fact that both Saudi Arabia and the Emirates have spent billions of dollars on unrelenting and devastating  at least for Yemen's civilians  airstrikes, and backed a disparate mix of anti-Houthi forces and ground forces made up primarily of mercenaries.

Rather than the short decisive intervention envisioned by Saudi Arabia's princes and generals, the war is a quagmire with no military solution. Yemen's physical and political terrains are unkind to outsiders. Even a cursory reading of Yemen's history shows that both have proven fatal for invaders. Yet rather than reevaluating their intervention in this complex civil war, both Saudi Arabia and the Emirates seem poised not only to continue but also to enhance their involvement with further weapons shipments to dubious forces. It also seems likely that they will launch a possible offensive on the port of Hodeidah, at present controlled by both Houthi forces and their allies.

Neither of these tactics is likely to succeed in defeating the Houthis. Instead, both the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia risk being drawn ever deeper into a war they cannot win. What is certain is that their ongoing involvement in Yemen's civil war will prolong the conflict and drain their treasuries of billions more dollars. Ultimately the two countries' deepening involvement in Yemen's civil war may pose more of threat to their own governments and ties within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) than to the Houthis. There are already signs that the Emirates and Saudi Arabia are at loggerheads over how to proceed with the war and over which areas of Yemen the two countries plan to control.

War Within a War

In February 2017, Aden's international airport was the scene of a short but viscous battle between two rival factions: the Saudi-backed "Presidential Guards," led by Abd Raboo Mansur al-Hadi's son, and Emirate-backed factions that already controlled the facility (New Arab, February 13). The Emirati-backed forces refused to relinquish control of the airport and fighting ensued. A Saudi operated Apache helicopter fired missiles at several armored personnel carriers. The fighting temporarily ceased when Hadi purportedly ordered his men to stand down, but broke out again in March when Sudanese forces, paid for by Saudi Arabia, attempted to wrest control of the airport once more (Middle East Monitor, March 7). The Sudanese forces were obliged to back down.

The fight over Aden's airport is being played out against a much larger and far more complex fight for Aden and southern Yemen. The fighting between rival factions backed by Saudi Arabia and the UAE clearly shows that Yemen's already complicated civil war is being made more so by what is essentially a war within a war: the fight between Saudi Arabia and the UAE and their proxies. While the initial decision to intervene in Yemen was largely made by Saudi Arabia's Prince Muhammad bin Salman, the deputy crown prince and son of the current king, Saudi Arabia has largely limited its involvement in Yemen to an aerial campaign. The Royal Saudi Land Forces (RSLF) and the relatively more capable Saudi National Guard have been largely absent from the war. In contrast, the UAE's much smaller but moderately more capable army has led the efforts on the ground in Yemen. The UAE has deployed its forces, many of which are mercenaries (the UAE presidential guard is commanded by a retired Major General from Australia), to the central Yemeni governorate of Marib and has smaller contingents of soldiers in al-Mukalla and the Hadramawt (Middle East Eye, December 23, 2015).

The UAE has focused on establishing and training proxy forces that will eventually, it is hoped, take on the Houthis and their allies. In Marib, the UAE has tried but largely failed to build up a small army of tribal fighters capable of launching an offensive on Houthi-held Sanaa. However, Marib's tribes are notorious for being fickle allies and experts at extracting resources.

The governorate of Marib is a natural staging point for an attack on Sanaa as it offers the least difficult and least mountainous route to the capital. The governorate is also home to important oil and gas handling facilities. In theory, the UAE's plan to use the governorate as a springboard to Sanaa was sound. However, the cultural and political terrain of Marib and the neighboring governorates of al-Jawf  part of which is a stronghold for Houthi allied forces  and al-Bayda  a stronghold for al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP)  are even more treacherous than the surrounding deserts and mountains.

For nearly two years, members of the UAE army and its mercenaries have been training and equipping proxy forces in preparation for an assault on Sanaa. As yet, there are few signs that these forces are ready or willing to launch such an attack. Instead, weapons and materiel are siphoned off by members of these proxy forces and informal militias collecting weapons and before returning to their villages. There are now so many small and medium arms available in Yemen that prices have steadily fallen for most of these weapons over the last year.

The lack of progress in the war and the incredible costs incurred by the Emirates has not gone unnoticed by the Emirati ruling elite, nor by Emirati citizens, even though criticism of the war can result in incarceration. Since the beginning of 2017, there has been a less than subtle shift in Emirati policy in Yemen. The UAE is becoming far more pragmatic in its approach to the war and has recognized that the Saudi-backed government in exile, led by Hadi, has no future in Yemen. The Emiratis have also seemingly recognized that while the militias and proxy forces they have armed and trained are willing to defend and fight for southern Yemen, they have little or no interest in taking on the Houthis and their allies ensconced in northwest Yemen.

The Emiratis are now focusing on building relationships with what they consider to be more reliable partners, many of which are members of southern Yemen's numerous secessionist groups, which are committed to the restoration of an independent south Yemen. By and large, they have no interest in participating in an offensive against the Houthis and their allies who remain in control of what was an independent north Yemen (formerly the Yemen Arab Republic). These secessionist groups also tend to be more moderate and more determined to battle militant Salafist organizations like AQAP.

The UAE has been far more discriminating about which groups it arms and trains than Saudi Arabia. The UAE, at least in part, recognizes that one of the primary beneficiaries of the war in Yemen has been AQAP. Saudi Arabia has at best turned a blind eye to AQAP since the group is the sworn enemy of the Houthis. AQAP has some of the best-trained and hardiest fighters among its ranks and has inserted its operatives, both covertly and overtly, into many of the militias fighting the Houthis in contested areas like Taiz and al-Bayda.

AQAP's growing capabilities in Yemen have clearly alarmed some members of the Emirati government. As a result, the UAE is keen to back moderate forces that are willing and capable of checking AQAP's growing influence, even if this means de-prioritizing the fight against the Houthis. This shift in Emirati policy was brought to the fore by the fighting in Aden. The Emirati government has reportedly threatened to withdraw all of its forces from Yemen if Saudi Arabia continues to back Hadi (Middle East Monitor, March 7).

Despite this threatened withdrawal, Saudi Arabia has shown no inclination to change course. In Aden, the war within the war seems to be intensifying as a former governor of Aden, Aidaroos al-Zubaidi, has announced that he has formed a governing council that will administer the south, with him acting as president (Middle East Monitor, May 12). While the Emirates have not openly backed al-Zubaidi, it is likely that he is acting at least with their acquiescence, if not support.

The UAE's position in Yemen is far stronger than Saudi Arabia's. While the UAE army and its mercenaries may have failed to launch a successful offensive against the Houthis, these forces have built some meaningful relationships with Yemen's secessionists and tribes. These relationships will go a long way to secure what could be some influence in southern Yemen for the Emirates. Because Saudi Arabia has relied almost entirely on a brutal aerial campaign and on the widely unpopular Sudanese forces to implement its policy in Yemen, its influence will be limited. Furthermore, the unrelenting and indiscriminate bombing by Saudi aircraft has caused even those Yemenis opposed to the Houthis to question Saudi Arabia's intentions.

Political and Tactical Quagmire

Despite two years of failure that have wrecked Yemen, cost thousands of civilian lives and empowered al-Qaeda's most formidable franchise, Saudi Arabia shows no signs of rethinking its adventurism. In fact, the House of Saud, at the behest of Deputy Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman, is requesting additional assistance from the United States for its long-planned invasion of Houthi controlled Hodeidah (al-Monitor, April 24). The Saudi government likely recognizes that without considerable U.S. assistance  including U.S. troops on the ground  they and their proxies will fail to take the well-defended city of more than three hundred thousand.

Even with U.S. assistance, the invasion will be costly and ineffective. The terrain to the east of Hodeidah is comprised of some of the most forbidding mountainous terrain in the world. The mountains, caves, and deep canyons are ideal for guerrilla warfare that would wear down even the finest and best disciplined military. The most capable units of what was the Yemeni Army and the Houthis themselves will inflict heavy losses on those forces that try to take Hodeidah and then, if necessary, move up into the mountains.

The Saudi effort in Yemen hinges on the invasion of Hodeidah. The reasoning behind the invasion is that without Hodeidah and its port  where supplies trickle through  the Houthis and their allies, along with millions of civilians, can be starved into submission.

While there is little doubt that thousands more Yemeni civilians will face starvation, the invasion of Hodeidah will not end the war  far from it. The Houthis and their allies are resourceful and will fight on for months  if not years  to come. They will also intensify their retaliatory cross-border attacks on Saudi Arabia, which the Saudi army is incapable of stopping. Rather than end the war, the planned invasion will intensify it across all fronts.

Saudi Arabia's planned invasion of Hodeidah has received only tepid support from the UAE, which likely understands the futility and risks of such a plan. Rather than support the Saudi effort, the UAE is focused on consolidating its spheres of influence. The UAE and its proxies are particularly active in the governorate of the Hadramawt (Daily Star, May 4).

Located in eastern Yemen, the Hadramawt is rich in gas and oil. The governorate has traditionally had close ties with Saudi Arabia as many of its notable families have extensive business interests there. Going back for at least a decade Saudi Arabia has had a keen interest in the possibility of constructing a pipeline across the Hadramawt that would allow it to bypass the Strait of Hormuz. Such a pipeline would be a strategic coup for the Kingdom because it would undermine Iran's ability to disrupt Saudi oil exports.

Interestingly, it is the UAE and not Saudi Arabia that has been working assiduously to build some kind of governing coalition of Hadrawmi elites in the governorate. The UAE led the effort to retake al-Mukalla, the governorate's port and capital, which was held by AQAP until April 2016 (The National, May 11).

Notably during AQAP's year-long occupation of the city, al-Mukalla was not subject to Saudi airstrikes. While AQAP is still very much a presence across the Hadramawt, it has been pushed out of parts of the governorate thanks to well-armed tribal militias that are likely supported by the UAE. Given the importance of the Hadramawt, it is certain that control of the governorate, much like Aden, will be contested by Saudi Arabia and the UAE via their proxies if not their own forces.

Neither Saudi Arabia nor the UAE will secure durable spheres of influence in Yemen. In Yemen, politics is a blood sport that outsiders rarely understand and never win. Even if Saudi Arabia and the UAE were able to present a united front in Yemen, it is unlikely that they would be able to defeat the Houthis and establish a government that would serve their interests. Given the fact that the two primary members of the coalition that launched "Operation Decisive Storm" are engaged in what can be described as a war within a war, it is certain that neither country will be able to stabilize Yemen, if that is indeed their goal.

Both Saudi Arabia and the UAE are stuck in a political and tactical quagmire. The conflict has exacerbated the divisions in Yemen's north and south and has unleashed AQAP and a host of smaller militant Salafist organizations. Tactically there are no good military options for bringing about a conclusion to the war, and political options that existed before the start of the intervention are no longer available.

The Houthis and their allies are formidable and determined. They enjoy the tacit support of millions of Yemenis and are fighting on their home ground. Even if Saudi Arabia were unwise enough to launch an all-out invasion of Yemen  and it is unlikely that its forces could manage the logistics much less the actual fighting  it would face heavy and ongoing losses. Egypt lost an estimated 25,000 soldiers when it intervened in Yemen's 1962-70 civil war. The Egyptian government wisely turned down a request by Saudi Arabia to send troops to Yemen this time.

The only way to end the war in Yemen and to begin stabilizing and rebuilding the country is through some kind of negotiated settlement. North Yemen's civil war ended only once all outside participants in the conflict had withdrawn. Then a negotiated settlement was agreed to by the warring parties. A similar process will likely prove the only way forward in the current conflict.

Outlook

Unfortunately, Saudi Arabia's leadership seems intent on continuing its intervention despite the lack of progress and the extraordinary suffering and damage caused by the war. In addition to continuing to pursue a failed strategy in Yemen, Saudi Arabia seems intent on battling its key partner in Yemen  the UAE. The fact that relations between the UAE and Saudi Arabia (at least in terms of Yemen) are deteriorating does not bode well for efforts to stabilize the country.

If Saudi Arabia and the UAE choose to fight one another via proxies, as has already happened in Aden, Yemen's civil war will take on another layer of deadly complexity. Neither Saudi Arabia nor the UAE  and certainly not Yemen  will benefit from such a fight. Instead, AQAP and other militant Salafist organizations will profit even more than they already have.

Given the failed strategies employed by Saudi Arabia and the UAE in Yemen, it is all but certain that the war in Yemen will continue for months if not years. The conflict has already devastated Yemen. However, the longer it continues, the more danger it poses not only to twenty-seven million Yemenis but also to Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

Even if the war were to stop today, the consequences of having devastated an entire country's infrastructure, further impoverished millions and of having dumped tens of millions of dollars of weapons into an already well-armed country will reverberate throughout the region for years to come.

Copyright notice:  2010 The Jamestown Foundation
Freedom in the World 2017 - Israel

Publisher Freedom House Publication Date 23 May 2017 Cite as Freedom House, Freedom in the World 2017 - Israel, 23 May 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5925736026.html [accessed 10 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Freedom Status: Free

Aggregate Score: 80/100 (0 = Least Free, 100 = Most Free)

Freedom Rating: 1.5/7 (1 = Most Free, 7 = Least Free)

Political Rights: 1/7 (1 = Most Free, 7 = Least Free)

Civil Liberties: 2/7 (1 = Most Free, 7 = Least Free)

Quick Facts

Population: 8,200,000

Capital: Jerusalem

GDP/capita: $35,728

Press Freedom Status: Partly Free

OVERVIEW

Israel is a multiparty democracy with strong and independent institutions that guarantee political rights and civil liberties for most of the population. Although the judiciary is active in protecting minority rights, the ruling elite has traditionally discriminated against the Arab and, to a lesser degree, the ultra-Orthodox and Ethiopian minorities.

Key Developments

In July, the Knesset (parliament) approved a law that allows it to expel any members found to have incited racism or supported armed struggle against the state of Israel. Critics of the measure described it as a means of silencing Arab representatives.

In July 2016, Israelis of Ethiopian origin took to the streets of Tel Aviv to protest against police brutality and discrimination, with police arresting participants who tried to block a highway.

A reported 414 Palestinian children (aged 12-17) from the occupied territories were being held in Israeli military detention as of April 2016, more than double the figure from a year earlier.

Executive Summary

The environment for civil society groups and minorities in Israel did not improve in 2016, as restrictions on nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and Knesset members reinforced a recent trend of intolerance for dissent. A wave of stabbing and other attacks against Jewish Israeli citizens that began in late 2015 continued to influence politics and society, despite a relative easing of tensions during the year. In July, the Knesset approved separate bills that increase penalties for flag desecration, require certain NGOs to routinely publicize their reliance on foreign funding, and allow the parliament to remove members who incite racism or support armed struggle against the state of Israel. Opponents said the latter two measures targeted left-leaning human rights groups and Arab Knesset members, respectively. Also in July, the government outlawed Al-Hirak al-Shababi (Youth Movement), a Palestinian group, and in August it reported plans to ban the radical Islamist group Hizb ut-Tahrir.

Meanwhile, hundreds of Palestinians were in administrative detention in 2016, hundreds of Palestinian children remained in military prisons, and Arab citizens of Israel  who often identify as Palestinian  continued to face disadvantages in areas such as education, social services, and housing. However, Arabs were not the only minority suffering from discrimination, as Israelis of Ethiopian origin have experienced a pattern of racism, including at the hands of police. In July Ethiopian Israelis took to the streets of Tel Aviv in a major demonstration, with police arresting protesters after some attempted to block a highway.

POLITICAL RIGHTS AND CIVIL LIBERTIES

Political Rights 36 / 40

A. Electoral Process 12 / 12

A1. Is the head of government or other chief national authority elected through free and fair elections?

A2. Are the national legislative representatives elected through free and fair elections?

A3. Are the electoral laws and framework fair?

A largely ceremonial president is elected by the 120-seat parliament, the Knesset, for one seven-year term. In 2014, Reuven Rivlin of the right-leaning Likud party was elected to replace outgoing president Shimon Peres, receiving 63 votes in a runoff against Meir Sheetrit of the centrist Hatnuah party.

The prime minister is usually the leader of the largest faction in the Knesset, members of which are elected by party-list proportional representation for four-year terms. A low electoral threshold to win representation has led to unstable coalitions, though the threshold was raised in 2014 from 2 to 3.25 percent. Among other changes adopted in the same legislation, the no-confidence procedure was altered so that opponents hoping to oust a sitting government must simultaneously vote in a new one.

Israeli elections are free and fair. In the March 2015 Knesset elections, Likud, led by incumbent prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, secured 30 seats, followed by the center-left Zionist Union with 24. The Joint List  a coalition of parties representing Arab citizens of Israel  earned 13 seats; the centrist Yesh Atid (There Is a Future), 11; Kulanu, also centrist, 10; Habayit Hayehudi (Jewish Home), 8; the ultra-Orthodox parties Shas and United Torah Judaism, 7 and 6, respectively; the right-wing Yisrael Beiteinu, 6; and the left-wing Meretz party, 5. In May 2015, after lengthy negotiations, Netanyahu formed a new coalition government made up of Likud, Kulanu, Jewish Home, Shas, and United Torah Judaism. In May 2016 the coalition was expanded to include Yisrael Beiteinu, whose leader, Avigdor Lieberman, became defense minister.

B. Political Pluralism and Participation 14 / 16

B1. Do the people have the right to organize in different political parties or other competitive political groupings of their choice, and is the system open to the rise and fall of these competing parties or groupings?

B2. Is there a significant opposition vote and a realistic opportunity for the opposition to increase its support or gain power through elections?

B3. Are the people's political choices free from domination by the military, foreign powers, totalitarian parties, religious hierarchies, economic oligarchies, or any other powerful group?

B4. Do cultural, ethnic, religious, or other minority groups have full political rights and electoral opportunities?

Israel hosts a diverse and competitive multiparty system. However, parties or candidates that deny Israel's Jewish character, oppose democracy, or incite racism are prohibited. In July 2016 the Knesset approved a law that allows it to remove any members who incite racism or support armed struggle against the state of Israel. Critics of the law alleged that it was aimed at silencing Arab representatives. Three-quarters of the Knesset would have to vote to oust a member, who could then appeal to the Supreme Court.

Arab or Palestinian citizens of Israel enjoy equal rights in principle, as enshrined in Israel's Basic Law, but face some discrimination in practice, both legally and informally. The Joint List's representation in the Knesset falls short of Arabs' roughly one-fifth share of Israel's population, though some vote or run as candidates for other parties. No Arab party has ever been formally included in a governing coalition, and Arabs generally do not serve in senior positions in government. Although Israeli identity cards issued since 2005 have not classified residents by ethnicity, Jewish Israelis can often be identified by the inclusion of their Hebrew birth date.

After Israel's annexation of East Jerusalem in 1967, which has not been recognized internationally, Arab residents were issued Israeli identity cards and given the option of obtaining Israeli citizenship, though most declined for political reasons. These noncitizens can vote in municipal as well as Palestinian Authority elections, and remain eligible to apply for Israeli citizenship. However, Israeli law strips noncitizens of their Jerusalem residency if they are away for more than three months.

A 2003 law, renewed in 2013, denies citizenship and residency status to Palestinian residents of the West Bank or Gaza Strip who are married to Israeli citizens. While the measure was criticized as blatantly discriminatory, supporters cited evidence that a significant share of past suicide bombers had acquired Israeli identity cards via family reunification. A 2011 law allows the courts to revoke the citizenship of any Israeli convicted of spying, treason, or aiding the enemy.

Under the 1948 Law of Return, Jewish immigrants and their immediate families are granted Israeli citizenship and residence rights; other immigrants must apply for these rights.

C. Functioning of Government 10 / 12

C1. Do the freely elected head of government and national legislative representatives determine the policies of the government?

C2. Is the government free from pervasive corruption?

C3. Is the government accountable to the electorate between elections, and does it operate with openness and transparency?

The government and parliament are free to set and implement policies and laws without undue interference from unelected entities.

A strong societal intolerance for graft has been reinforced by frequent high-level corruption investigations. Scandals and criminal cases in recent years have implicated several senior officials. The most prominent example is that of Ehud Olmert, who resigned as prime minister in 2008 amid graft allegations. After the Supreme Court in December 2015 reduced his original 2014 sentence of six years, in February 2016 Olmert went to jail to serve a 19-month sentence for bribery. In September, Olmert was convicted of fraud and breach of trust in a separate case involving cash he accepted from an American businessman, Morris Talansky, and was sentenced to an additional eight months in prison.

Prime Minister Netanyahu has been the subject of a number of corruption probes by the media and state authorities, though none had resulted in formal charges as of 2016.

Civil Liberties 44 / 60

D. Freedom of Expression and Belief 12 / 16

D1. Are there free and independent media and other forms of cultural expression?

D2. Are religious institutions and communities free to practice their faith and express themselves in public and private?

D3. Is there academic freedom, and is the educational system free of extensive political indoctrination?

D4. Is there open and free private discussion?

The Israeli media are vibrant and free to criticize government policy. However, the diversity and editorial independence of both print and broadcast media have been threatened in recent years by financial difficulties in the industry. All Israeli newspapers are privately owned, though ownership is concentrated among a small number of companies, some of which display a clear partisan bias. Internet access is widespread and unrestricted. The Israel Broadcasting Authority operates public radio and television services, and commercial broadcasts are widely available. Most Israelis subscribe to cable or satellite television. While the scope of permissible reporting is generally broad, print articles on security matters are subject to a military censor, and the censor has sought to expand its supervision to bloggers and social media. The Government Press Office has occasionally withheld press cards from journalists, especially Palestinians, to restrict them from entering Israel, citing security considerations.

Investigative journalists came under increased pressure from politicians during 2016, with Netanyahu in particular issuing unusually harsh denunciations of senior reporters with the commercial television stations Channel 2 and Channel 10. Netanyahu's dual role as communications minister has raised questions about political bias and conflicts of interest in the ministry's regulation of the media and telecommunications.

There are some restrictions on political expression, including constraints on any local authorities or state-funded groups that commemorate the 1948 displacement of Palestinians, support armed resistance or racism against Israel, or desecrate national symbols. The 2011 Boycott Law exposes Israeli individuals and groups to civil lawsuits if they advocate an economic, cultural, or academic boycott of the state of Israel or West Bank settlements. A law adopted in July 2016 sharply increased penalties for desecrating the Israeli flag, calling for up to three years in prison and over $15,000 in fines.

While Israel defines itself as a Jewish state, freedom of religion is largely respected. Christian, Muslim, and Baha'i communities have jurisdiction over their own members in matters of marriage, divorce, and burial. The Orthodox establishment governs personal status matters among Jews, drawing objections from many non-Orthodox and secular Israelis. In a milestone case in 2011, an Israeli Jew won the right to an identity card that excluded his Hebrew birth date. Nevertheless, in 2013 the Supreme Court ruled against an appeal that would have allowed individuals to declare their ethnic "nationality" in Israel's population registry to be "Israeli" rather than "Jewish."

Ultra-Orthodox Jews, or Haredim, were exempt from compulsory military service under the 2002 Tal Law, which expired in 2012 after the High Court of Justice ruled it unconstitutional. In 2014, the Knesset enacted a law to formally end the exemption, but legislation adopted in November 2015 effectively postponed enforcement of the 2014 measure until 2023.

Although the law protects the religious sites of non-Jewish minorities, they face discrimination in the allocation of state resources, and a number of Christian and Muslim sites were attacked or vandalized in 2015 and to a much lesser extent in 2016. In September 2015, the government agreed to increase funding for private Christian schools in Israel for the 2015-16 school year and reexamine their legal status and future funding after the schools, representing 33,000 students, carried out a month-long strike over their unequal treatment by the state. However, there were considerable delays in the distribution of the new funds in 2016.

Citing security concerns, Israeli authorities have set limits on Muslim worshippers' access to the Temple Mount/Haram al-Sharif in Jerusalem with increasing frequency in recent years. Clashes between Palestinians and Israeli police in the area in 2015 and 2016 were driven partly by rumors that Israel was planning to change the existing rules and allow Jews to pray in the Muslim compound, which the government strongly denied.

Primary and secondary education is universal, though divided into multiple public school systems (state, state-religious, Haredi, and Arab, the last of which uses the common curriculum but provides instruction in Arabic). School quality and resources are generally lower in mostly non-Jewish communities. Israel's universities have long been centers for dissent and are open to all students based on merit, though security-related restrictions on movement limit access for West Bank and Gaza residents in practice.

While private discussion in Israel is generally open and free, it has been affected by security conditions in recent years. Palestinians in the country faced increased societal and other pressure in response to their remarks during a 2014 Israeli military campaign against Hamas militants in Gaza. Dozens were reportedly fired or disciplined by employers for views expressed on social media and elsewhere, and tensions persisted to some extent in 2016.

E. Associational and Organizational Rights 10 / 12

E1. Is there freedom of assembly, demonstration, and open public discussion?

E2. Is there freedom for nongovernmental organizations?

E3. Are there free trade unions and peasant organizations or equivalents, and is there effective collective bargaining? Are there free professional and other private organizations?

Israel has an active civil society, and demonstrations are widely permitted and typically peaceful, though groups committed to the destruction of Israel are banned from demonstrating. In July 2016 Israelis of Ethiopian origin organized a protest against police brutality and discrimination in Tel Aviv. Several participants were arrested for disruption of public order after attempting to block a highway.

A law that took effect in 2012 requires NGOs to submit financial reports four times a year on support received from foreign government sources. In July 2016, the Knesset approved a law requiring NGOs that receive more than half of their funding from foreign governments to disclose this fact publicly and in any written or oral communications with elected officials. An especially controversial provision of the bill, requiring representatives of such NGOs to wear a special badge in the Knesset building, was dropped from the final version.

Also in July, the government outlawed the Palestinian youth group Al-Hirak al-Shababi due to its alleged violent activities and links with Iran and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah. In August, Internal Security Minister Gilad Erdan announced plans to ban Hizb ut-Tahrir, a radical Islamist organization whose ideology he likened to that of the militant group Islamic State (IS), but no actual ban was subsequently reported. In December the Defense Ministry outlawed a Turkish group, the Kanadil Institute for Humanitarian Aid and Development, because it allegedly channeled funds to the Palestinian militant group Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood.

Workers may join unions and have the right to strike and bargain collectively. Most of the workforce either belongs to Histadrut, the national labor federation, or is covered by its social programs and bargaining agreements.

F. Rule of Law 11 / 16

F1. Is there an independent judiciary?

F2. Does the rule of law prevail in civil and criminal matters? Are police under direct civilian control?

F3. Is there protection from political terror, unjustified imprisonment, exile, or torture, whether by groups that support or oppose the system? Is there freedom from war and insurgencies?

F4. Do laws, policies, and practices guarantee equal treatment of various segments of the population?

The judiciary is independent and regularly rules against the government. Over the years, the Supreme Court has played an increasingly central role in protecting minorities and overturning decisions by the government and the parliament when they threaten human rights. The Supreme Court hears direct petitions from both citizens and Palestinian residents of the West Bank and Gaza Strip, and the state generally adheres to court rulings.

The Emergency Powers (Detention) Law of 1979 provides for administrative detention without trial for renewable six-month terms. According to the human rights group B'Tselem, there were 644 Palestinians in administrative detention in Israel Prison Service facilities at the end of August 2016, up from 584 at the end of 2015. Such detention rarely lasts for more than two years. Under criminal law, individuals suspected of security offenses can be held for up to 96 hours without judicial review under certain circumstances, compared with a maximum of 48 hours in other cases, and be denied access to an attorney for up to 21 days.

Israel's High Court of Justice banned torture in a 1999 ruling, but said physical coercion might be permissible during interrogations in cases involving an imminent threat. Human rights organizations accuse the authorities of continuing to use some forms of physical abuse and other measures such as isolation, sleep deprivation, psychological threats and pressure, painful binding, and humiliation.

Hunger strikes by Palestinian detainees have become increasingly common. Among several other such actions during the year, 65 detainees aligned with the left-wing Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) went on a hunger strike in June 2016 to support Bilal Kayed, a PFLP member who was administratively detained after completing a 14-year sentence. Kayed ended his hunger strike in August after he reached a deal with the Israeli authorities, who agreed to release him in December. Also in August, more than 200 Hamas members detained in Israel went on a hunger strike to protest body searches and improve prison conditions. The protest ended days later, after an agreement was reached.

According to Defense for Children International (DCI) Palestine, 414 Palestinian children (aged 12-17) from the occupied territories were being held in Israeli military detention as of April 2016, up from 164 at the same time in 2015. Although Israeli law prohibits the detention of children younger than 12, some are occasionally held. Most Palestinian child detainees are serving sentences of several weeks or months  handed down by a special military court for minors created in 2009  for throwing stones or other projectiles at Israeli troops in the West Bank; acquittals on such charges are very rare. East Jerusalem Palestinian minors are tried in Israeli civilian juvenile courts.

The authorities took a number of steps to crack down on violent protests in 2015. The Knesset passed legislation imposing harsher sentences for stone-throwing offenses under Israeli criminal law, with penalties of up to 20 years in prison for adults who throw objects at a vehicle with intent to harm the occupants. Moreover, the government authorized police to fire small-caliber bullets at stone throwers if a third party's life is threatened, not just when the officer's own life is in danger. Finally, the Knesset approved three-year minimum prison sentences for stone-throwing offenses in Israel, as well as the suspension of social benefits for the parents of juvenile offenders. Meanwhile, human rights groups in late 2015 accused police of using deadly force against some perpetrators of stabbing and vehicular attacks when they did not pose a lethal threat.

In addition to attacks by Palestinians on the ground during the year, Israeli civilians  particularly those living near border areas  faced occasional rocket and artillery fire from war-torn Syria and the Gaza Strip. However, the rate of fire was far lower than during the major Israel-Hamas conflicts of 2008-09, 2012, and 2014.

About 93 percent of the land in Israel is publicly owned, including some 12.5 percent owned by the Jewish National Fund (JNF-KKL). In 2005, the Supreme Court and attorney general ruled against the JNF-KKL's marketing property only to Jews, while the Knesset made several unsuccessful attempts to override those rulings. In practice, the JNF-KKL continues its Jewish-only land-leasing policy, partly as a result of a land-swap arrangement with the Israel Land Authority. In 2014 the Supreme Court upheld 2011 legislation that allows Jewish communities of up to 400 residents in the Negev and Galilee to exclude prospective residents based on "social suitability," meaning they could effectively bar non-Jews and other marginalized groups. In September 2016 a group of NGOs petitioned the Supreme Court, challenging the JNF-KKL's role in marketing Israeli land and focusing particularly on its discrimination against non-Jews.

Arab or Palestinian citizens of Israel face de facto discrimination in education, social services, and access to housing and related permits. Aside from the Druze minority, they are exempted from military conscription, though they may volunteer. Those who do not serve are ineligible for the associated benefits, including scholarships and housing loans. Many of Israel's roughly 230,000 Bedouin citizens live in towns and villages not recognized by the state. Those in unrecognized villages cannot claim social services, are in some cases off the electricity grid, and have no official land rights, and the government routinely demolishes their unlicensed structures. A lack of bomb shelters puts them at additional risk from Gaza-based rocket fire.

Israelis of Ethiopian origin, numbering around 130,000, suffer from some discrimination and lag behind the general population economically despite government integration efforts. Although Ethiopian Israelis mounted protests against police brutality and discrimination in 2015 and 2016, in August Israel's police commissioner defended the practice of racially profiling them, along with Arabs and other "immigrant" groups, claiming that statistics showed they were more likely to be involved in crime. In July, a regional labor court ordered the state to provide compensation to Ethiopian Israeli religious leaders who had long faced wage and other discrimination relative to their non-Ethiopian colleagues.

Israel has sought to block asylum seekers and migrants from Africa by erecting a fence along its border with Egypt. Individuals who enter the country irregularly, including asylum seekers, can be detained for up to a year without charges. Asylum applications, when fully processed, are nearly always rejected. Of some 60,000 African asylum seekers who have entered since 2005, mostly from Sudan and Eritrea, more than 10,000 have left under pressure, agreeing to be repatriated or deported to a third country such as Uganda or Rwanda.

G. Personal Autonomy and Individual Rights 11 / 16

G1. Do individuals enjoy freedom of travel or choice of residence, employment, or institution of higher education?

G2. Do individuals have the right to own property and establish private businesses? Is private business activity unduly influenced by government officials, the security forces, political parties/organizations, or organized crime?

G3. Are there personal social freedoms, including gender equality, choice of marriage partners, and size of family?

G4. Is there equality of opportunity and the absence of economic exploitation?

Security measures can sometimes present obstacles to freedom of movement, though military checkpoints are restricted to the West Bank. By law, all citizens must carry identification cards. Informal local rules that prevent driving on the Sabbath and Jewish holidays can also hamper free movement.

Property rights within Israel are effectively protected, and business activity is generally free of undue interference. Businesses face a low risk of expropriation or criminal activity, and corruption is only a minor nuisance for private investors.

Women have achieved substantial parity at almost all levels of Israeli society. However, Palestinian women and religious Jewish women face some discrimination. Many ultra-Orthodox Jewish communities enforce gender separation. In 2012, the Supreme Court ruled against gender-segregated buses. Nevertheless, many women still sit at the rear of buses on certain lines, and there are occasionally violent Haredi attacks on buses where the practice is not observed, along with attacks against women and girls deemed to be dressed immodestly. Since religious courts oversee marriage rules, marriages between Jews and non-Jews are not recognized by the state unless conducted abroad, nor are marriages involving a Muslim woman and a non-Muslim man. A law passed in 2010 permits nonreligious civil unions, but they are restricted to cases where the individuals have no religion, and they are seldom used.

Israel has recognized same-sex marriages conducted abroad since 2006, and a Tel Aviv family court granted the first same-sex divorce in 2012. Nonbiological parents in same-sex partnerships are eligible for guardianship rights, and openly gay Israelis are permitted to serve in the military. The Israel Prison Service permits same-sex conjugal visits.

Israel remains a destination for human-trafficking victims, and African migrants and asylum seekers residing in the country are especially vulnerable to forced labor and sex trafficking. The government works actively to combat trafficking and protect victims, though the U.S. State Department's Trafficking in Persons Report describes many of the penalties imposed by courts as inadequate.

Israel's roughly 80,000 legal foreign workers are formally protected from exploitation by employers, but these guarantees are poorly enforced. About 17,000 foreigners work in the country illegally, according to official data. Histadrut has opened membership to foreign workers and called on employers to grant them equal rights.

Scoring Key: X / Y (Z)

X = Score Received

Y = Best Possible Score

Z = Change from Previous Year

Copyright notice:  Freedom House, Inc.  All Rights Reserved
Freedom in the World 2017 - Ghana

Publisher Freedom House Publication Date 23 May 2017 Cite as Freedom House, Freedom in the World 2017 - Ghana, 23 May 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/59257362a.html [accessed 10 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Freedom Status: Free

Aggregate Score: 83/100 (0 = Least Free, 100 = Most Free)

Freedom Rating: 1.5/7 (1 = Most Free, 7 = Least Free)

Political Rights: 1/7 (1 = Most Free, 7 = Least Free)

Civil Liberties: 2/7 (1 = Most Free, 7 = Least Free)

Quick Facts

Population: 28,200,000

Capital: Accra

GDP/capita: $1,370

Press Freedom Status: Partly Free

OVERVIEW

Since 1992, Ghana has held competitive multiparty elections that have led to peaceful transfers of power between the two main political parties. Although Ghana has a relatively strong record of upholding civil liberties, discrimination against women and members of the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) community continues. Some weaknesses in judicial independence and rule of law persist, and political corruption presents challenges to government performance.

Key Developments

In a general election held in December, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) won a majority in Parliament, and its candidate, Nana Akufo-Addo, won the presidency.

Despite several legal and logistical challenges leading up to the vote, observers concluded that the Electoral Commission (EC) conducted a relatively well-organized and transparent election, and that the vote was free, fair, and credible.

In August, legislators passed the Petroleum and Oil Exploration Bill, which has the potential to enhance transparency and accountability in the oil and gas sector.

The fallout of a judicial bribery scandal, which first emerged in 2015, continued during the year, with a number of judges dismissed from office.

Executive Summary

In December, Ghana set the stage for its third peaceful transfer of power since 1992 as voters elected Akufo-Addo of the NPP to presidential office and secured a parliamentary majority for the party. Despite a contentious campaign period that saw reports of inter-party violence, allegations of abuse of government resources, and complaints about incendiary campaign speech, domestic and international observers considered the vote to be largely free, fair, and credible. A preliminary report by a European Union (EU) observer mission commended the EC for its preparedness and transparency, but encouraged the institution to improve some aspects of its operations, including the quality of its framework for communicating with political parties.

Corruption continues to hinder government performance. During the year, fallout continued from a judicial bribery scandal that came to light in 2015, when a journalist publicized videos that seem to show numerous judges and other judicial officials accepting bribes. In a positive step, legislators passed the Petroleum and Oil Exploration Bill in August. The legislation has the potential to enhance transparency and accountability in the oil and gas sector.

POLITICAL RIGHTS AND CIVIL LIBERTIES

Political Rights 37 / 40

A. Electoral Process 12 / 12

A1. Is the head of government or other chief national authority elected through free and fair elections?

A2. Are the national legislative representatives elected through free and fair elections?

A3. Are the electoral laws and framework fair?

Ghana has experienced competitive multiparty elections since 1992. The president and vice president are directly elected on the same ticket for up to two four-year terms. Members of the unicameral, 275-seat Parliament are also elected for four-year terms.

In December 2016, Akufo-Addo was elected president with 53.9 percent of the vote, while incumbent John Mahama of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) took 44.4 percent. This represents the first time since the reintroduction of the multi-party system in 1992 that an incumbent president has stood for reelection and lost. In concurrent parliamentary elections, the NPP captured 169 seats while the NDC, which had held a majority going into elections, took the 106 remaining seats. International and domestic observers generally praised the elections, and all major political parties accepted the results.

Although the vote and its immediate aftermath were peaceful, the campaign period was contentious. There were several reports of clashes between NPP and NDC supporters, as well as attacks on EC officials. Moreover, representatives of civil society raised concerns about what they claimed were alarming levels of hate speech used by politicians, as well as the monetization of the electoral process and alleged abuse of state resources. In the week before voting began, the seven presidential candidates contesting the polls signed a commitment to the peaceful conduct of the elections.

The EC's preparations were shrouded in controversy. After the 2012 elections, the results of which the NPP had disputed, the Supreme Court recommended reform of the electoral process in a 2013 ruling. EC chair Charlotte Osei, appointed by Mahama in 2015, was expected to spearhead major changes. In May 2016, the Supreme Court ordered the EC to overhaul the voter register, after a case brought to the court alleged that the current voter register would undermine electoral integrity because it contained the names of foreigners and people under the legal voting age. The EC published an updated voter register in November.

In a controversial move, the EC disqualified 13 presidential candidates in October due to irregularities with their nomination papers or failure to pay the nomination fee. The Supreme Court rescinded the EC's decision in early November, giving the disqualified candidates an opportunity to rectify the problems. In the end, three of the originally disqualified candidates were allowed to stand for election. Political parties also criticized the EC for ineffective communication. Despite these challenges, domestic and international observers generally commended the EC for the conduct of the elections.

In July, a proposed constitutional amendment to move the date of the general election from December to November failed to gain the parliamentary supermajority required for passage. Opponents in Parliament indicated that the proposal had been raised too close to the electoral period, although they supported the change in principle.

B. Political Pluralism and Participation 15 / 16

B1. Do the people have the right to organize in different political parties or other competitive political groupings of their choice, and is the system open to the rise and fall of these competing parties or groupings?

B2. Is there a significant opposition vote and a realistic opportunity for the opposition to increase its support or gain power through elections?

B3. Are the people's political choices free from domination by the military, foreign powers, totalitarian parties, religious hierarchies, economic oligarchies, or any other powerful group?

B4. Do cultural, ethnic, religious, or other minority groups have full political rights and electoral opportunities?

Ghana's multiparty system provides ample opportunity for opposition parties to meaningfully participate in the political process. The NPP and the NDC dominate the political system. The 2017 inauguration of Akufo-Addo will represent the country's third peaceful transfer of presidential power between the NPP and NDC. The legal framework provides for equal participation in political life for the country's various cultural, religious, and ethnic minorities. However, candidate nomination fees for the 2016 presidential and parliamentary elections were higher by 500 percent and 1,000 percent, respectively, than in the previous elections. This increase, along with the difficulties in the nomination procedures highlighted by the presidential candidate disqualifications, presented challenges to participation, especially for candidates from smaller parties. In September, the Progressive People's Party mounted a legal challenge against the nomination fees; the case was ultimately unsuccessful.

Despite the NPP's victories in the general election, political infighting plagued the party in 2016. The trial of the George Afoko, brother of former NPP chairman Paul Afoko, for the 2015 murder of Adams Mahama, NPP chairperson of the Upper East Region, was ongoing at year's end. A second alleged participant in the murder remained at large; a third man had been released on bail in 2015 after authorities determined there was not enough evidence to charge him in the crime. Paul Afoko was indefinitely suspended from the NPP after his brother's arrest, exacerbating internal divisions within the party; he challenged his suspension in court, but lost the case in August 2016.

The NPP is traditionally supported by the Akan people and the NDC by the Ewe and other northern groups. Although the lines have been blurred over the years, ethnicity continues to play a role in voting patterns and representation.

C. Functioning of Government 10 / 12

C1. Do the freely elected head of government and national legislative representatives determine the policies of the government?

C2. Is the government free from pervasive corruption?

C3. Is the government accountable to the electorate between elections, and does it operate with openness and transparency?

Political corruption remains a problem, despite robust legal and institutional frameworks to combat it, active media coverage, and the government's willingness to investigate major scandals. The media, opposition parties, and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) continue to criticize the government for ineffectiveness in preventing political corruption and prosecuting public officials suspected of malfeasance.

In June, critics accused President Mahama of accepting a car in 2012 from a Burkinabe construction firm bidding on a government contract. Mahama's administration denied that the car was a bribe and claimed that it had been added to the pool of government vehicles. An investigation by the Commission for Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ)  Ghana's leading anticorruption body  concluded in September that the president's actions did not amount to corruption.

Civil society groups have expressed concern that Ghana's main anticorruption bodies, including the CHRAJ, are led by individuals operating in an acting capacity rather than as substantive chairs, which they said could undermine the agencies' rigor.

A court case involving legislator Abuga Pele, who was charged in 2014 for allegedly granting interest-free loans worth $100 million to private companies without parliamentary approval, continued in 2016.

Efforts to strengthen Ghana's institutional and legal anticorruption framework continued in 2016. Following the 2014 passage of the National Anti-Corruption Action Plan (NACAP), which aims to improve the prevention, investigation, and prosecution of corruption by strengthening a number of state agencies, the government began a five-year partnership with the EU in 2016. Under its terms, the EU is set to provide 20 million to support Ghana's anticorruption efforts.

In August, Parliament approved the Petroleum Production and Exploration Bill, which supporters expect will increase accountability and transparency in Ghana's young oil and gas sector. Separately, despite over a decade of consideration by Parliament and renewed efforts by advocates in 2015 and 2016, the Right to Information Bill remained stalled.

Civil Liberties 46 / 60

D. Freedom of Expression and Belief 14 / 16

D1. Are there free and independent media and other forms of cultural expression?

D2. Are religious institutions and communities free to practice their faith and express themselves in public and private?

D3. Is there academic freedom, and is the educational system free of extensive political indoctrination?

D4. Is there open and free private discussion?

Freedom of expression is constitutionally guaranteed and generally respected in practice. Ghana has a diverse and vibrant media landscape that includes state and privately owned television and radio stations, and several independent newspapers and magazines. While the internet has generally been unrestricted, Inspector General of Police John Kudalor indicated in May 2016 that he was considering blocking access to social media during the general election to prevent misinformation and maintain security. Amid heavy criticism from the political opposition, rights advocates, and a domestic anticensorship campaign, Mahama indicated in August that no such restrictions would be implemented. In June, the government withdrew the Interception of Postal Packets and Telecommunications Messages Bill, known as the "spy bill," from parliamentary consideration. Local and international rights groups had opposed certain provisions that had the potential to undermine the right to privacy in private communications.

Government agencies occasionally restrict press freedom through harassment and arrests of journalists, especially those reporting on politically sensitive issues. In September, the Bureau of National Investigations arrested writer and Mahama critic Fadi Dabboussi and held him for two days without access to legal counsel, reportedly because of allegations he had made about the president in a recently published book. Officials also reportedly raided his home and temporarily seized copies of the book.

Despite a statement from a Mahama aide that the president would look into the actions of presidential staffer Stan Dogbe, who allegedly attacked a journalist in 2015, there seemed to be no investigation in 2016. Dogbe continued to serve in his position during the year.

Although criminal libel and sedition laws were repealed in 2001, powerful figures attempt to use other aspects of the legal system to punish criticism. Paul Dery, one of 34 judges implicated in a high-profile bribery scandal in 2015, continued to pursue a legal battle in 2016 against Anas Aremeyaw Anas, the journalist responsible for publicizing videos that seemingly showed judicial officials accepting bribes.

Religious freedom is constitutionally and legally protected, and the government largely respects it in practice. However, Muslim families have complained that compulsory Christian prayer sessions and church services that are widespread in Ghana's public schools seek to promote Christianity and violate their children's religious freedom.

Academic freedom is legally guaranteed and upheld in practice, and private discussion is both free and vibrant.

E. Associational and Organizational Rights 11 / 12

E1. Is there freedom of assembly, demonstration, and open public discussion?

E2. Is there freedom for nongovernmental organizations?

E3. Are there free trade unions and peasant organizations or equivalents, and is there effective collective bargaining? Are there free professional and other private organizations?

The rights to peaceful assembly and association are constitutionally guaranteed and generally respected. Permits are not required for meetings or demonstrations. Public discontent with the government's management of the economy and power sector prompted numerous public protests, demonstrations, and strikes in 2016.

NGOs are generally able to operate freely, and they play an important role in ensuring government accountability and transparency.

Under the constitution and 2003 labor laws, workers have the right to form and join trade unions. However, the government forbids or restricts labor action in a number of industries, including fuel distribution, public transportation, and the prison system.

F. Rule of Law 11 / 16

F1. Is there an independent judiciary?

F2. Does the rule of law prevail in civil and criminal matters? Are police under direct civilian control?

F3. Is there protection from political terror, unjustified imprisonment, exile, or torture, whether by groups that support or oppose the system? Is there freedom from war and insurgencies?

F4. Do laws, policies, and practices guarantee equal treatment of various segments of the population?

Judicial independence in Ghana is constitutionally and legally enshrined. While the judiciary has demonstrated greater levels of impartiality in recent years, corruption remains a challenge. Following the 2015 scandal in which a series of videos published by Anas alleged that 34 judges and scores of other judicial officials had accepted bribes in exchange for favorable rulings, many members of the judiciary faced dismissal or administrative sanctions. Disciplinary action continued in 2016, and had affected more than 30 judges by year's end. Among those dismissed were high court judges.

Police in Ghana have a history of using excessive force, making arbitrary arrests, detaining suspects for extended periods, and taking bribes.

Ghana's prisons are overcrowded, and conditions are often life-threatening, though the prison service has attempted to reduce congestion and improve the treatment of inmates in recent years. Ghana continues to cooperate with the UN Refugee Agency to protect the rights of the thousands of refugees and asylum seekers in the country.

Communal and ethnic violence occasionally flare in Ghana. In July, reports emerged that at least nine people were killed in violence surrounding a chieftaincy dispute in the Bole Bamboi district in the Northern Region.

Ghanaian law prohibits "sexual intercourse with a person in an unnatural manner." LGBT people face societal discrimination. In May, a Muslim cleric, Mallam Abass Mahmud, was condemned by local and international activists for making incendiary comments about members of the LGBT community.

G. Personal Autonomy and Individual Rights 10 / 16

G1. Do individuals enjoy freedom of travel or choice of residence, employment, or institution of higher education?

G2. Do individuals have the right to own property and establish private businesses? Is private business activity unduly influenced by government officials, the security forces, political parties/organizations, or organized crime?

G3. Are there personal social freedoms, including gender equality, choice of marriage partners, and size of family?

G4. Is there equality of opportunity and the absence of economic exploitation?

Freedom of movement is guaranteed by the constitution and respected by the government, and Ghanaians are free to choose their place of residence. However, poorly developed road networks and banditry make travel outside the capital and touristic areas difficult. Police have been known to set up illegal checkpoints to demand bribes from travelers. Bribery is also rife in the education sector.

Weak rule of law, corruption, and an underregulated property rights system remain significant impediments to economic freedom and business confidence. Bribery is a common practice in starting a business and registering property.

Despite equal rights under the law, women suffer societal discrimination, especially in rural areas, where opportunities for education and employment are limited. However, women's enrollment in universities is increasing, and a number of women hold high-ranking positions in the government. Female legislators took 37 of the 275 parliamentary seats in the 2016 elections, the highest since the reintroduction of multiparty rule in 1992. Human rights groups sustain that more needs to be done to eliminate barriers for female participation in politics. In August, the cabinet approved the Affirmative Action Bill, which aims to increase women's political representation. The bill went on to be deliberated in Parliament, but had not passed at year's end.

Domestic violence and rape are serious problems, and the practice of female genital mutilation continues in the north. The government has worked to combat gender-based violence by expanding the police's domestic violence and victim support unit, creating gender-based violence courts, establishing domestic violence shelters, and training police and service providers likely to encounter domestic violence situations.

Ghana serves as a source, transit point, and destination for the trafficking of women and children for labor and sexual exploitation. Children in Ghana, especially in the region surrounding Lake Volta, are vulnerable to exploitation in the agricultural and fishing industries. While the government has taken some steps in recent years, it has not implemented appropriate legislation or adequately funded antitrafficking agencies. Ghana remained on the Tier 2 Watch List in the U.S. State Department's 2016 Trafficking in Persons Report.

Scoring Key: X / Y (Z)

X = Score Received

Y = Best Possible Score

Z = Change from Previous Year

Copyright notice:  Freedom House, Inc.  All Rights Reserved
Title Montenegro: The Law on International and Temporary Protection of Foreigners

Publication Date 30 December 2016

Country Montenegro

Cite as National Legislative Bodies / National Authorities, Montenegro: The Law on International and Temporary Protection of Foreigners, 30 December 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/592577734.html [accessed 10 November 2022]

Comments Adopted by the Parliament of Montenegro on 30 December 2016. The Law was published in the Official Gazette of Montenegro on 10 January 2017, when the Law entered into force. The implementation of the Law will start on 1 January 2018.
MASON CITY | Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, who was sworn in Wednesday, will make an appearance at Tom and Barb Hovland's airport hangar at 11:30 a.m. Friday.

Supporters can meet the new lieutenant governor at the event, according to Hovland. The event is at the Mason City Municipal Airport.

Reynolds, who had been lieutenant governor, took office upon the resignation of Gov. Terry Branstad, who has been appointed U.S. ambassador to China.

Reynolds is Iowa's first female governor.

-- John Skipper
Collapse of Russian Shipping in the Caspian Puts Moscow's Regional Strategy at Risk

Publisher Jamestown Foundation Author Paul Goble Publication Date 23 May 2017 Citation / Document Symbol Eurasia Daily Monitor Volume: 14 Issue: 70 Cite as Jamestown Foundation, Collapse of Russian Shipping in the Caspian Puts Moscow's Regional Strategy at Risk, 23 May 2017, Eurasia Daily Monitor Volume: 14 Issue: 70, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/59257d894.html [accessed 10 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

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Since the start of 2017, the amount of cargo passing through Russian ports on the Caspian Sea has fallen, compared to last year, by 48.4 percent to only 1.1 million tons, according to the Russian Ports Association. This figure is striking given that Russian ports elsewhere have seen an 11 percent increase in traffic over the same period, while the ports of other Caspian littoral states have also grown busier. Such trends are worrisome to Moscow because the decline in traffic at Russia's Caspian ports is accelerating and putting the country's regional geopolitical strategy at risk (Eadaily.com, May 19).

The Russian port in Makhachkala, the capital of Dagestan, has been especially hard hit; as of January, shipments to and from this port have fallen by 73.7 percent to 316.7 tons, largely because of problems with the supply of oil. Experts say the shipped oil contains too much water to be used effectively. But another problem has been the multiple conflicts among business owners in the region that neither Moscow nor the Dagestani authorities have been able to resolve (Riadagestan.ru, April 26).

Similar issues have hit Russia's Caspian ports in Astrakhan, where shipments have fallen 17.6 percent in the first quarter of 2017, as well as at Olya, on the Volga delta, where they have fallen 19 percent. The decline suffered by the Olya port is especially concerning for authorities in Moscow because the Russian government has repeatedly asserted that this coastal city is to become a key hub for both the NorthSouth and EastWest inter-regional transit corridors. But despite bold words and massive investment, the Russian Federation has less to show for this project than it had before it began the spending. The money has simply disappeared into private hands (Eadaily.com, May 19).

If all the ports on the Caspian were suffering declines, one might write off such a phenomenon to the overall economic situation; but that is not the case. Azerbaijani ports on the sea, for example, rose by 26.1 percent in the first quarter of 2017 compared to a year ago; and ports in Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Iran saw increases, albeit smaller ones, as well. And one cannot explain the Russian declines by the Western sanctions regime: sanctions do not apply to the shipping limited to the Caspian littoral, nor have they limited the growth of cargo traffic at other Russian ports elsewhere (Eadaily.com, May 19).

What then is going on? The answer can be found in the complicated politics of the Caspian region, the continuing difficulties the littoral states have in demarcating the seabed, as well as growing tensions among some of these states with Russia. And because that is the case, the decline of freight traffic at Russia's Caspian ports in the first quarter of 2017 is even more significant than might appear at first glance.

In Soviet times, Moscow and Tehran divided the Caspian into two unequal zones, a division that even then had important implications because of the oil and natural gas reserves discovered on the seafloor as well as due to the rising trade between the Soviet Union and Iran. With the disintegration of the Soviet Union, the number of littoral states increased from two to five: Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan thus become involved in talks about delimitation and trade on the Caspian alongside the Russian Federation and Iran.

For 25 years, these five littoral states have been unable to reach an agreement on the division of the seabed, something Moscow has exploited to block many pipeline projects that would not have involved Russia. Yet, at the same time, that deadlock has led to expanded contacts between other pairs of littoral states and increased shipping between and among themagain to the exclusion of the Russian Federation (Abo.net, April 18, 2016; Natural Gas World, May 6, 2017). Now, Moscow's policies have returned like a boomerang to limit its future role in the region.

Russia, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan call for treating the Caspian as a lake rather than an ocean, an arrangement that would divide the seabed among the countries but leave surface commerce open to all. Whereas, Turkmenistan and Iran want it to be treated as a sea and be divided totally into five sectors. Despite suggestions at a January 2017 ministerial in Baku that the five Caspian littoral states would sign an agreement overcoming the divergence of positions (see EDM, May 8), the participating foreign ministers could not even say when such a meeting would occur this year, an indication that they remain far apart (Mfa.gov.az, Azernews.az, January 25).

Indeed, tensions between these countries and Moscow are on the rise, and the changed shipping patterns in the Caspian are undoubtedly a reflection of that as well. Azerbaijan, for example, has been so outraged by Moscow's decision to ban the All-Russian Azerbaijani Congress, which unites a million ethnic Azerbaijanis in Russia (see EDM, May 22), that there have been reports Baku might even consider inviting Turkey to set up a military base in Azerbaijan (Golosislama.com, May 16).

Any such radical move is unlikely, but the non-Russian littoral states are clearly exasperated with Moscow for repeatedly blocking their energy projects and other goals. As a result, they are now using their own economic leveragechanging the flow and carriers of goodsa language that Moscow will certainly understand.

Copyright notice:  2010 The Jamestown Foundation
Ukraine Survives Without Coal From Russia-Controlled Donbas

Publisher Jamestown Foundation Author Oleg Varfolomeyev Publication Date 17 May 2017 Citation / Document Symbol Eurasia Daily Monitor Volume: 14 Issue: 67 Cite as Jamestown Foundation, Ukraine Survives Without Coal From Russia-Controlled Donbas, 17 May 2017, Eurasia Daily Monitor Volume: 14 Issue: 67, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/59257e944.html [accessed 10 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Link to original story on Jamestown website

In spite of a blockade on shipments of anthracite coal from occupied Donbas to Ukrainian thermal power plants (TPPs) since this past winter, the country has thus far avoided blackouts. Moreover, Ukraine has managed to increase power generation by 2.1 percent year over year in JanuaryApril (Interfax-Ukraine, May 13). This was mainly thanks to heavy reliance on nuclear energy, but warm weather and lower consumption by industry also helped. Ahead of the next heating season, which kicks off in October, Ukraine is going to replace Donbas-sourced anthracite with imported coal, while also converting its thermal power plants to use alternative fuels.

Ukrainian nationalists began to block roads leading into the Moscow-backed so-called Donetsk and Luhansk "people's republics" (DPR, LPR) at the end of January, protesting against what they saw as profiteering from the war by Ukrainian tycoon Rinat Akhmetov at consumers' expense (see EDM, February 24, 28). They claimed that the government agreed to pay for coal extracted at Akhmetov's mines, located in the Russia-controlled areas, according to the so-called Rotterdam-plus formula, so it was as expensive as if it were shipped from the Netherlands (Zn.ua, February 17). Because of the blockade, Ukrainian TPPs were left without anthracite from the DPR and LPR territories, and the government warned in February that almost a third of Ukraine would face blackouts by April. Still, the protests gained momentum, and in March Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko banned all cargo traffic with the occupied eastern territories. As a result, five out of the six Ukrainian TPPs that used to burn anthracite stopped operations in April (see EDM, March 29).

But even with many of its TPPs offline, Ukraine was not plunged into blackouts, thanks to a combination of factors. February and March were unusually warm, so less coal was used for heating. Industry also consumed less power because the Donbas blockade not only affected power generation, but also subdued output in metallurgy and the engineering industry. For example, after growth last year and in January, metal production plunged year on year by 4.3 percent in February and by 2.2 percent in March (Ukrstat.gov.ua, accessed on May 16). Also, thermal power was partially replaced with nuclear power, so the share of nuclear plants in power generation jumped from 52 percent in 2016 to 57 percent in JanuaryApril (Interfax, May 15). However, Ukraine cannot continue to heavily rely on nuclear reactors, as it will be necessary to shut them down for scheduled maintenance later in the year. Meanwhile, domestic power consumption is likely to grow, as the economy continues to expand.

To remedy this situation, Ukraine plans to increase coal imports, while adapting its TPPs to use lower-quality G-grade coal, which is extracted outside the occupied areas and can be easily imported, in place of anthracite. The Ukrainian government does not want to increase coal imports from Russia on principle, because of the war, so Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman suggested buying coal from as far as the United States, South Africa and Australia (Ukrinform.ua, March 21). However, that might be prohibitively expensive, given the transportation costs involved.

On April 25, Sakhnakhshiri, a company based across the Black Sea in Georgia, won a tender to deliver 700,000 tons of coal to Ukraine to the state company Tsentrenergo, which runs two of the five power plants stopped due to the coal shortage. Sakhnakhshiri is to deliver coal to Ukraine in MayDecember. However, there have been doubts about this supplier, showing the pitfalls Ukraine may encounter while looking for a replacement to Donbas anthracite. Sakhnakhshiri faced only one competitor in the tender, a little-known firm registered in Poland but linked to a Ukrainian citizen, whose bid price was only $38 higher than Sakhnakhshiri's. So there was little or no competition (Liga.net, April 26). Furthermore, Georgia's former president Mikheil Saakashvili said on his Facebook page on April 27 that Sakhnakhshiri might end up buying coal for Ukraine in Russia, and he questioned the transparency of the deal. Georgia, said Saakashvili, could not produce so much coal of the quality asked by Tsentrenergo. Coal bought from Russia may turn out to be coal that was originally shipped to Russia by the DPR-LPR authorities.

Meanwhile, both the government and Akhmetov's DTEK, Ukraine's biggest private energy company, are working to convert their TPPs to G-grade coal. DTEK CEO Maksym Tymchenko said in an interview that one of his firm's TPPs was currently being converted, and conversion of another plant was already planned (Epravda.com.ua, April 27). DTEK also began to buy anthracite from South Africa (Dtek.com, April 13). Energy Minister Ihor Nasalyk told a recent government meeting that power units at two of Tsentrenergo's TPPs would use G-grade coal by the end of 2017. Along with the construction of new power transmission lines from nuclear plants and new hydropower units, this should allow Ukraine to replace about four million tons of Donbas anthracite in power generation, Kyiv hopes (Mpe.kmu.gov.ua, April 26).

Ukraine has learned to survive without natural gas purchases from Russia's Gazprom (see EDM, February 11, 2016). This year, it is learning to live without coal from the areas controlled by Russia-backed militants. This is vital for Ukraine's highly energy-dependent industry, which is expected to increase production this year, supporting GDP growth for the second year in a row, after deep recession in 20142015.

Copyright notice:  2010 The Jamestown Foundation
Embrace of Iranian Overtures Undermines Georgia's Counter-Terrorism and NATO Integration Efforts

Publisher Jamestown Foundation Author Devi Dumbadze Publication Date 15 May 2017 Citation / Document Symbol Eurasia Daily Monitor Volume: 14 Issue: 65 Cite as Jamestown Foundation, Embrace of Iranian Overtures Undermines Georgia's Counter-Terrorism and NATO Integration Efforts, 15 May 2017, Eurasia Daily Monitor Volume: 14 Issue: 65, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/59257f274.html [accessed 10 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Link to original story on Jamestown website

Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili recently visited the United States. And the main tangible result of his delegation's meetings with US President Donald J. Trump, Vice President Mike Pence and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson was the signing of the General Security of Information Agreement (GSOIA), on May 9 (Civil Georgia, May 9). The GSOIA creates a legal basis for mutual sharing of intelligence between Georgia and the US. Specifically, it is supposed to "strengthen counterterrorism cooperation" between the two countries, as the Department of State elaborated (State.gov, May 9).

The initiation of the GSOIA was prompted by an understood need to boost bilateral cooperation on counter-terrorism intelligence gathering in the country and the region. And in some ways it has confirmed the weak counter-terrorism efforts in Georgia to date, despite the threats the country faces (see EDM, March 29). Moreover, this weighty agreementalong with other measures envisioned by the two sides to further "transform [Georgia's] military and pave the way for future security agreements between the United States and Georgia" (State.gov, May 9)appears to stand in blunt contrast with Georgia's attempts to simultaneously buttress its ties with the most prolific state exporter of terrorism in the Middle East and beyond: the Islamic Republic of Iran.

In recent months, Georgia and Iran have exchanged numerous official delegations at a rapid pace (see EDM, March 29). On April 18, the largest to date state delegation, headed by Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, arrived in Georgia for a two-day visit, during which about 100 participants attended the Georgian-Iranian Business Forum in Tbilisi (Radiotavisupleba.ge, April 18). Zarif and his Georgian counterpart, Mikheil Janelidze, as well as Prime Minister Kvirikashvili discussed tourism, trade and economic cooperation, placing emphasis on the railroad "corridor between the Black Sea and the Persian Gulf." Azerbaijan and Iran recently concluded a necessary railway link connecting the two countries as part of this broader transit corridor project (see EDM, April 24).

Janelidze was quick to insinuate that Iran is primarily interested in obtaining access to the European Union market, which has become more accessible to Georgia in light of visa liberalization achieved with the EU this year. Given the unabashed interest of leading European countries such as Germany and France to swiftly expand their capital markets in Iran (Parstoday.com, March 1), this intent by Tehran does not come unexpected. However, it is at least as obvious that, as Zarif pointed out, "the low price of transportation gives us a good opportunity to include Iran, Georgia, Azerbaijan and Armenia" in new multilevel interregional cooperation initiatives (Imedinews.ge, April 20). The ultimate goal of this endeavorto link Iran with Russia by way of increasing its soft power in Georgiawas made explicit once again during President Hassan Rouhani's recent meeting with Vladimir Putin in Moscow (TASS, March 28).

The Islamic Republic certainly does not pass up on chances to carve out a deeper area of influence in Georgia. The Tehran Times reported that, during his talks with Kvirikashvili, Zarif "[urged] Georgia to recommit [its] respect for Iranian tourists" (Tehran Times, April 19). The newspaper alleged that "an Iranian Muslim woman has been forced to take away [sic] her hijab by Tbilisi airport security for frisking." Zarif reportedly raised this issue with Kvirikashvili, who, according to Tehran, "expressed surprise" about the offense and promised an "immediate investigation into the incident." "I cannot imagine that Muslim women are offended in Georgia," Kvirikashvili is quoted as saying, seemingly implying a readiness to randomly exempt Iranian Muslim women from standard security procedures at the Georgian border. The government of Georgia did not dispute the reporting on the incident. It merely issued a brief statement that Georgian officers checking travelers "act in full accord with the demands of the aviation security provision program," thus not explicitly clarifying whether the officials abstain from searching Iranian women wearing hijabs (1tv.ge, April 20).

This episode highlights the multipronged efforts by Iran to gain a heavier soft power footing in Georgia. Yet, Irana country that militarily supports the beleaguered Syrian government of Bashar al-Assadis a hard power adversary of some of the Georgia's most important allies, including the United States. Tornike Sharashenidze at the Georgian Institute of Public Affairs claims that "Georgia does not have the luxury to choose its [regional] partners" (Author's interview, March 23). This goes against common sense, since potential economic gains from regional neighbors may sometimes be trumped by their anti-democratic stance. And instead of asking about the ways in which Georgia could perhaps become more positively involved with its allies in resolving the Syrian conflict, the commentator Giorgi Khatiashvili simply stated that Georgia's "support of the [April 7 Shayrat] airfield [cruise missile] bombing by Trump [] should not be an apple of contention, because we do not play any role in Syria." Georgia is a "small country," and thus it has to "implement a moderated policy," Khatiashvili added (Radiotavisupleba.ge, April 18), evoking the post-Communist narrative of national victimhood.

Against the background of such conciliatory rhetoric, Giorgi Kvirikashvili's subsequent visit to Tehranwith yet another large Georgian delegation in tow, including the ministers of energy, economy, environment, agriculture, sport and foreign affairscould not have transpired much smoother. After meeting with President Rouhani, Vice President Eshaq Jahangiri, and Majlis Chairman Ali Larijani, the Georgian prime minister signed memoranda of understanding and agreements focused on "the issue of [the] NorthSouth corridor and connection of the Persian Gulf to the Black Sea through Iran-Armenia-Georgia or Iran-Azerbaijan-Georgia" (Civil Georgia, April 24). Georgia also plans to initially import 40 million cubic meters of natural gas from the Islamic Republic (Bm.ge, April 24), about 2 percent of its annual gas consumption of approximately 2.18 billion cubic meters (Cia.gov, accessed May 15).

Mere weeks before signing the GSOIA with the US to improve counter-terrorism cooperation, Georgia, quietly but vigorously pushed to facilitate Iran's multifocal efforts to boost its position in the South Caucasusdespite the Islamic Republic's wide recognition as a state sponsor of terrorism. Since signing the GSOIA, there have been no signs that Tbilisi intends to revoke or scale back its ties to Tehran. Such a friendly posture toward Iran may end up undermining Georgia's efforts to integrate with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) or to become recognized by the US as a "non-NATO ally," a status the government in Tbilisi is purportedly pursuing.

Copyright notice:  2010 The Jamestown Foundation
Russia Increasingly Treats Georgia as Its Prospective Satellite

Publisher Jamestown Foundation Author Vasili Rukhadze Publication Date 18 May 2017 Citation / Document Symbol Eurasia Daily Monitor Volume: 14 Issue: 68 Cite as Jamestown Foundation, Russia Increasingly Treats Georgia as Its Prospective Satellite, 18 May 2017, Eurasia Daily Monitor Volume: 14 Issue: 68, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/59257fff4.html [accessed 10 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Link to original story on Jamestown website

The last several weeks were quite tumultuous for Georgia. The country experienced a heightened level of Russian intimidation and ended up on the receiving end of several humiliating statements by high-ranking Russian politicians.

The first such incident involved the so-called Night Wolves, a Russian biker club, whose members sought to enter Georgia to celebrate in Tbilisi the May 9th Victory Day over Nazi Germany (Newposts.ge, May 1). A notorious biker gang with close ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin, the Night Wolves are reportedly being financed by the Kremlin. The club boasts some 5,000 members and is widely seen as a political (and at times semi-military) arm of Moscow to project its soft (and often hard) power in the post-Soviet republics and post-Communist Eastern European countries. Notably, the Night Wolves were involved in the Russian operation to annex Crimea in early 2014 (Tabula.ge, April 30).

After much public protest, mainly waged via the social media and press, the Georgian government somewhat reluctantly bowed to the pressure and refused entry to 50 bikers on the Russian-Georgian border. Nevertheless, several of them still managed to pass through by unidentified means and reached Tbilisi, to the outrage of many Georgians, who saw it as an act of deliberate humiliation and bullyingparticularly, against the background of the ongoing Russian occupation of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali region (South Ossetia) (Ambebi.ge, May 9).

In another insult, Moscow's former mayor, Yuri Luzhkov, visited Georgia in the beginning of May, and stayed in the country for four days. Luzhkov is widely known for his open support for Abkhaz and Ossetian separatists. In 2009, Luzhkov even allocated 2.5 billion rubles (roughly $78.5 million) from Moscow's municipal budget to build a so-called "Moskovsky" district in northern Tskhinvali, on the ruins of the Georgian village of Tamarasheni, which was erased by Russian troops and Ossetian militia during the 2008 Russian-Georgian War. Moreover, the Georgian government could have charged Luzhkov with violating Georgia's Law on Occupied Territories for his unauthorized entry to Tskhinvali in 2009 and to Abkhazia in 2010. But officials denied any wrongdoing by Luzhkov because he had visited those breakaway provinces more than six years ago. Subsequently, he fell off the Georgian persona non-grata list and, hence, was justly granted entry to Georgia (via Armenia) by the Georgian Customs Office (Civil Georgia, May 10).

Luzhkov did not alter his attitude at all in response to this Georgian hospitality. During his visit, he actually declared that it was better for Georgia to live on without Abkhazia and South Ossetia (Pia.ge, May 12). Many Georgians view Luzhkov as a fervent enemy of their country, based on his steady record of anti-Georgian activities. His most recent visit, including his statement, was perceived by many in Georgia as a slap in the face. It is unclear why the Georgian government allowed Luzhkov, a man who spent part of his career trying to dismember Georgia and broke one of its main laws multiple times, to enter the country undisturbed, failing to apprehend him. Needless to say, Luzhkov's visit was signed off on at the highest levels of the Georgian government, even though both Luzhkov and Tbilisi took pains to emphasize that the visit was purely private and not agreed ahead of time in any official manner (Civil Georgia, May 10).

The Night Wolves' and Luzhkov's ventures to Georgia were not the only negatively perceived occurrences from Russia in the last several weeks. A little before Luzhkov's visit, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs once again slammed in a statement the joint US-Georgian Biological Research Laboratory (The Lugar Center), located on the outskirts of Tbilisi, calling it a threat to Russia (Mid.ru, April 29). Moreover, on May 2, President Putin met in Sochi with newly elected South Ossetian separatist leader Anatoly Bibilov, assuring him of Russia's full support (Kremlin.ru, May 2). Soon after, on May 12, Russia and the separatist government in Tskhinvali ratified the November 2016 agreement on pensions provisions for Russian citizens residing in South Ossetia. This means that, from now on, Moscow would finance the pensions for local residents (Cominf.org, May 12). Barely a month earlier, the Russian government issued an order to co-finance the salaries for public employees in Russian-occupied South Ossetia and Abkhazia (Pravo.gov.ru, April 14, 17)pushing these Georgian regions one step closer to a full annexation by Russia. Just about the same time, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov visited Abkhazia, opening a new Russian "embassy" building" in Sukhumi and delivering further security guarantees to the separatists (Civil Georgia, April 20). Surprisingly, the Georgian government failed to even condemn, verbally or in writing, any of these Russian activities except for Lavrov's visit to Sukhumi, and even then Tbilisi limited itself to a short formal statement of protest.

Russia's hyperactivity of the last several weeks in Georgia is neither coincidental, nor temporary. As long as the Georgian government shows an inability or at times even unwillingness to stand up to Russian actions and instead sticks to its faltering rapprochement with the Kremlin, Russia is able to gain more and more ground with Georgia. Increasingly, Russia's treatment of this South Caucasus country resembles an attempt to pull it in as a prospective satellite. This process can be expected to continue as long as Tbilisi fails to react to Moscow's provocations in any meaningful way. Having essentially removed the question of the occupied territories from their bilateral negotiating agenda last year (see EDM, December 4, 2016), Moscow has left Tbilisi without much, if any, leverage.

The question now is what will come next? The successful infiltration of the Georgian border by the Night Wolves as well as Luzhkov's recent sanctioned visit strongly suggest that more visits by such odious, anti-Georgian public figures from Russia can be expected in the future. And every such incident has the potential to reinforce a general sense among Georgians that Russia is really back in their country. Only the Georgian government can act to prevent this from happening.

Copyright notice:  2010 The Jamestown Foundation
New Controversies Swirl Around Russian Military Base in Armenia

Publisher Jamestown Foundation Author Armen Grigoryan Publication Date 16 May 2017 Citation / Document Symbol Eurasia Daily Monitor Volume: 14 Issue: 66 Cite as Jamestown Foundation, New Controversies Swirl Around Russian Military Base in Armenia, 16 May 2017, Eurasia Daily Monitor Volume: 14 Issue: 66, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/592580714.html [accessed 10 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Link to original story on Jamestown website

The trial related to the most shocking crime committed in Armenia in recent yearsthe murder of a family of seven, including two babies, by a Russian soldier stationed at the 102nd military base at Gyumri (see EDM, January 16, 2015; January 30, 2015)has reached a climax. Russian officials declared that the only defendant in the murder case, Private Valery Permyakov, will be extradited to Russia (RIA Novosti, May 4). Permyakov was sentenced to ten years in prison by a Russian military court for deserting his base with a weapon, and to life in prison by an Armenian court for seven counts of murder. Already after the Armenian court's verdict, on August 23, 2016, Russian sources had speculated that Permyakov would eventually be extradited to Russia (Interfax, August 23, 2016).

Permyakov has remained in custody at the Russian military base since January 12, 2015, when he was arrested several hours after the murder. Contrary to Armenian law and Russo-Armenian treaties, he was not handed over to local law enforcement agencies. Armenian investigators, the judge, state prosecutor and other officials have had to visit the 102nd base during the investigation and trial. In fact, patrols of the city by armed Russian military personnel after Permyakov's desertion and the Russians' refusal to hand him over to Armenian law enforcement were criminal offenses per se; but Armenian officials declined to publicly acknowledge these Russian violations.

Moreover, the investigation and the trial itself were conducted in a manner suggestive of deliberately trying to pervert the course of justice. Before the murder trial even began, Permyakov's commanding officer and other crucial witnesses were decommissioned and sent home to Russia; no substantial effort was made by the Armenian side to ensure that they testify before the court (Hraparak.am, May 13, 2016). The judge rejected a plea by lawyers of the murdered family's heirs to oblige the Russian side to pay compensatory and punitive damages. The lawyers stated that their worst expectations concerning the impartiality of the judge turned out to be true, and by consenting to hear the case on the premises of the military base, the judge had agreed to fulfill Russia's interests (Aravot.am, June 30, 2016). Moreover, the judge denied all objections by the victims' lawyers and excluded all evidence presented by them (1in.am, August 12, 2016); the judge eventually excluded the civil claim altogether (Lragir.am, August 23, 2016).

The verdict and the latest developments concerning the possible extradition of Permyakov have been met with social apathy, despite the fact that in 2015, immediately after the murder, there were mass demonstrations demanding that law enforcement agencies take action and investigate the case under Armenian jurisdiction. Initially, the incident had even sparked clashes with police, which stopped only after mediation by some members of parliament, an archbishop of the Armenian Church, and other public figures (see EDM, January 16, 2015; January 30, 2015). The current public apathy seems to be a logical extension of the general situation: many citizens apparently believe a political struggle is hopeless and essentially useless. Illustratively, the parliamentary elections on April 2, 2017, were not followed by mass demonstrations, unlike all elections in the previous 22 years, despite documented evidence of vote buying and other violations, as well as an outcome practically resulting in an institutionalized one-party state, dominated by the Republican Party of Armenia. This state capture has become exceedingly difficult to reverse by constitutional means (see EDM, April 3).

The Russian 102nd military base has also faced recent turmoil. In recent weeks, local (Armenian) personnel at the base (nearly 100 people) went on strike and demanded a meeting with the base commander as their salaries had not been paid for three months (Azatutyun.am, May 3). Although overdue salaries for two months were paid three days later, it turned out that contracts with almost 200 other employees expired in February and have not been renewed yet (Sputnik Armenia, May 6). The base employees' troubles caused little interest or solidarity among other social groups in Armenia. Indeed, in the past few years, individual protest movements had routinely discouraged others from joining them. Moreover, participants of various protests have specifically tried to keep these demonstrations from becoming "politicized"i.e. avoid leading to larger protest actions, especially with political demands.

Meanwhile, another issue concerning the 102nd base made the news. Russia's minister of foreign affairs, Sergei Lavrov, told Mir TV that the base, together with other Russian foreign military outposts in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, could be engaged in the fight against the Islamic State (Mir24.tv, May 5). Armenian politicians, in their habitual manner, avoided commenting on the issue so as not to have to refer to a controversial issue involving Russian interests. However, some local observers noted that unlike the Central Asian states, Armenia does not face the threat of Islamist terrorism and borders on states that are largely safe from that point of view. Whereas, they argued, Russia's provocative actions could make Armenia a target for infiltration by Islamist extremists (1in.am, May 6).

While engagement of the 102nd military base against the Islamic State is still just a theoretical possibility, it should not be excluded. Vladimir Putin's regime in Russia is facing a worsening economic situation months before the next presidential elections. And the government in Moscow is increasingly unable to sustain patriotic feelings and maintain internal stability using its propaganda about Ukraine and Syria (see EDM, April 27). As a result, the Putin regime may try to raise the stakes with yet another military operation. The Armenian political elite, however, has little political will to oppose Moscow's plans. Before the April parliamentary elections, most of the campaigning parties and political blocs sought external legitimacy by pleasing Moscow. And the newly formed National Assembly can be expected to be no less loyal to the Kremlin than the previous one.

Copyright notice:  2010 The Jamestown Foundation
Moscow's Efforts to Erase Circassian History Are Backfiring

Publisher Jamestown Foundation Publication Date 16 May 2017 Citation / Document Symbol Eurasia Daily Monitor Volume: 14 Issue: 66 Cite as Jamestown Foundation, Moscow's Efforts to Erase Circassian History Are Backfiring, 16 May 2017, Eurasia Daily Monitor Volume: 14 Issue: 66, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/592580d81d.html [accessed 10 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Link to original story on Jamestown website

Like the tsarist authorities who expelled the Circassians from the North Caucasus in 1864, an action many refer to as an "act of genocide," and the Soviet ones who divided that nation up into a series of smaller ethnic communities, including the Adygei, the Kabardin, the Cherkessk and the Shapsugs, the Russian government of Vladimir Putin is devoting ever greater efforts to erasing the Circassians from the pages of history. The Kremlin's goal appears to be to prevent the once largest Muslim nationality in the North Caucasus from recovering its sense of unity and from challenging Moscow's control of that region.

In an article entitled "Forget about the Circassians: They No Longer Exist," Circassian activist Anzor Daur discusses just how far this process has gone since Putin became president. While some post-Soviet Russian officials earlier acknowledged that the area Russians call the Kuban was once populated by and ruled over by Circassians, today they, in lock step, refuse to even concede that fact as tensions with Kyiv have heated up over whether that region should belong to Russia or Ukraine (On Kavkaz, May 16; Windowoneurasia2.blogspot.com, May 14).

But Moscow's effort to rewrite history in this case is having exactly the opposite effect the Kremlin intends. It has provoked Circassians both in the North Caucasus and abroad to focus on Moscow's methods and to mobilize to oppose them by speaking out and demanding that their history be recognized and their holidays celebrated. This past Sunday (May 14), for example, the Maikop city organization Adyge KhaseCircassian Council issued a declaration pointing out that neither Ukraine nor Russia should be talking about the Kuban as if it had always belonged to one or the other. In fact, the Council pointed out, it was Circassian before the Russians killed or expelled most of their ancestors (Kavkazr.com, May 15).

"One should not try to divide the skin of a living 'bear,' " the Council continued. It declared that the Kuban and many other parts of Circassia were emptied of their population "as a result of the genocide of the indigenous population, a genocide already partially recognized, including by the Kabardino-Balkar Republic and the Adygei Republic, which are part of the Russian Federation, as well as by Georgia and the Unrecognized Peoples Organization." It called on Russian officials to end "the falsification of the history of the Kuban, to order the removal of monuments to tsarist generals of the Russian-Caucasus war," and "to not forget about the rights and interests of the Circassians."

Avraam Shmulyevich, an Israeli specialist on the Caucasus, points out that "the Zaporozhian Ukrainians and the Circassians have become victims of Moscow's policies." They are in fact "brothers connected by a common origin," and now Ukraine should "support both the return of Circassian lands to their lawful owners and also the construction of a democratic Circassia in which all residents will have equal rights," both Circassians and "the descendants of Ukrainians" who were expelled from there. The latter, he says, should be allowed to "freely return" to this restored state where they will be able to "develop Ukrainian Cossack culture" (Kavkazr.com, May 15).

But Moscow shows little sign that it might be willing to meet the Circassians even part way. Instead, Russian officials have been doing what they can to interfere with all efforts by Circassians to recall their history and restore their national unity, an effort that is particularly worrisome in the lead-up to May 21, when Circassians around the worldthe more than 500,000 still in the North Caucasus homeland and the more than five million abroadwill mark the 153rd anniversary of the Russian expulsion of their nation to the Ottoman Empire.

What Moscow is likely to do later this week is suggested by what it did on April 25, when officials in Kabardino-Balkaria interfered with the celebration of the Day of the Circassian National Flag. According to one participant in that celebration, "the powers that be react to such measures with caution [] trying not to show this openly," because the Circassians are recovering their pride and unity and the Russian officials are afraid of triggering clashes that could make Moscow's position in the North Caucasus even worse (Kavkazr.com, May 5).

In the Adygei Republic, Circassian activist Asker Sokht noted, the authorities have been more restrained. But in Krasnodar krai, where many Circassians live, officials have adopted a new approach, insisting that any commemoration of Circassian events take place indoors rather than in public. Such a directive limits the size of the meetings, restricts attendance by young people, and makes it easier for the authorities to control the situation (Kavkazr.com, May 5).

Aida Gerg, a Circassian from Kabardino-Balkaria, pointed out that Circassians have little choice but to agree to the conditions the local governments set. But she emphasized that the authorities are far from united. Some are quite sympathetic to the Circassians, while most are totally opposed and would enthusiastically engage in more repression if and when Moscow calls for that.

In making plans for future demonstrations, including the May 21 Memorial Day for Victims of the Caucasus War, she said, Circassians will not give the authorities any opening for launching such a policy. Instead, they will work to ensure that a large number of young people take part, something that past events suggest will make officials more cautious in response.

Copyright notice:  2010 The Jamestown Foundation
Aging Apartment Block Demolitions Awaken Moscow Regionalist Sentiments

Publisher Jamestown Foundation Author Vadim Shtepa Publication Date 18 May 2017 Citation / Document Symbol Eurasia Daily Monitor Volume: 14 Issue: 68 Cite as Jamestown Foundation, Aging Apartment Block Demolitions Awaken Moscow Regionalist Sentiments, 18 May 2017, Eurasia Daily Monitor Volume: 14 Issue: 68, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/592581854.html [accessed 10 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Link to original story on Jamestown website

Last February, Russian President Vladimir Putin recommended to the mayor of Moscow, Sergei Sobyanin, that the municipal administration demolish the city's khrushchevkifive-story apartment buildings built in the 1950s1960s and colloquially named after Nikita Khrushchev, the Soviet General Secretary at the time. The current residents of the khrushchevki were to be resettled to new housing. Together, this dual process of demolition and resettlement is being euphemistically termed "renovation." Putin declared that the Muscovites themselves want to demolish these old buildings and move to new housing. In turn, Sobyanin reported the program to resettle the residents will be completed during 20172018 (Vedomosti, February 21).

But Putin clearly misunderstood the Muscovites' mood. The planned "renovation" has sparked a sizeable protest movement in the city. A rally on May 14 against the apartment block demolitions brought out into the streets an estimated 20,00030,000 people, according to independent sources. This is a fairly large number, particularly given the tightening of legislation related to protests and rallies (see EDM, June 8, 2012; March 27, 30, 2017). During this demonstration, municipal deputies Elena Rusakova and Konstantin Yankauskas delivered particularly sharp speeches, demanding the resignation of Mayor Sobyanin (Newsru.com, May 14).

Moscow is often represented as a single city, but in reality this 12-million-person "megapolis" is divided into 125 districts, each of which has the status of a municipal formation. These municipalities elect their own deputies, although they have little authority in the Russian "vertical of power." According to official government plans, 4,566 housing units in 85 districts of Moscow are being subjected to demolition (RBC, May 3). Indeed, the bulk of the protests arose in most of these areas. In total, the "renovation" project can be expected to affect 1.6 million people (Rusrand.ru, April 28).

The former far-right Russian nationalistturnedpro-Western liberal Alexei Shiropaev, who participated in the rally, observed, "The movement against 'renovation' stimulates Moscow civil self-consciousness. Here and there, I saw the motley flags of the Moscow districts (such an intra-Muscovite regionalism-patriotism)" (Afterempire.info, May 15). Regionalism in Russia is usually interpreted as the resistance of the regions to Moscow as a center of the empire. However, this phenomenon of Moscow regionalism showed a different, deeper aspectopposing the power center by Moscow itself as a diverse metropolis. Thus, at the May 14 protest rally, the Muscovites were not acting as residents of the "capital of the empire," preoccupied in the first place with state ambitions (as the authorities and state propaganda tries to engendersee EDM, April 27), but as citizens of their city and its districts, with their own interests. And this has so far been the main social result of the controversial mass "renovation" planone not envisaged by its government initiators.

A paradoxical point can also be discerned from this situation: the endangered five-story buildings clearly belong to the Soviet era, but the protests of their inhabitants are not "Soviet." The residents are advocating for property rights, since the apartments in these houses were privatized by their tenants in the early 1990s, after the fall of Communism. On the contrary, the current Russian authorities are continuing Soviet-style policiesas exemplified by this attempt at mass forced resettlement (Rusrand.ru, April 28).

Residents of other Russian regions look with some perplexity at the Moscow events. For them it is unclear why the authorities first of all undertook to "renovate" Moscow, while many Russian regions outside the capital are plagued by even larger concentrations of dilapidated houses. Apparently, this is another manifestation of the Soviet traditionwith the center striving to turn Moscow into "a showcase of socialism," while forgetting about the country's peripheral cities. Russian anti-corruption blogger and opposition politician Alexei Navalny recently cited official statistics pertaining to the apartment block demolitions and the resettlement of the residents: "The renovation program will require at least two trillion rubles [$35 billion], this number is voiced by Sobyanin himself. This is a colossal amount of money that will be taken from the pockets of not only all Muscovites, but also the inhabitants of the country" (Ekho Moskvy, May 16). If that leads to a further drop in the standard of living in the regions, many other Russian cities might also see an increase in mass protestsdirected against both the local authorities and the central government.

An argument could be made that the houses built in the Khrushchev era really are structurally obsolete, although many of them have since undergone major repairs. However, as an alternative for the khrushchevki residents, the authorities offer not private low-rise buildingspopular in Europe and the United Statesbut even taller, cramped "sleeping quarters." In other words, the types of high-density apartment blocks that developed countries have long ago abandoned.

According to some experts, from an economic point of view, the "renovation" of the khrushchevki is beneficial to large construction and development companies. The Moscow authorities are prepared to buy from them ready-made apartments for the resettlement of those residents of the five-story buildings. A fairly large amount of new housing has been built in Moscow already. But because of rapid housing price increases, those units have still not been sold and construction companies with links to the Moscow authorities have been losing profits (RBC, April 20).

In addition to economically enriching Moscow developers, the main political goal of the "renovation" program's authors is apparently to popularize the figure of Vladimir Putin in the Russian capital, where mass protests took place in opposition to him in 20112012. However, this is unlikely to help improve Putin's image in time for the 2018 elections. The present-day situation in Russia (further exemplified by, for example Russian truckers' protests and this spring's mass youth anti-corruption demonstrationssee EDM, April 6, 2016; March 27, 30, 2017) is such that any heavy-handed socio-economic initiative by the authorities sparks a negative reaction within Russian society. One hundred years ago, a similar mass social mood erupted in a revolution.

Copyright notice:  2010 The Jamestown Foundation
Freedom of the Press 2017 - Macedonia

Publisher Freedom House Publication Date 23 May 2017 Cite as Freedom House, Freedom of the Press 2017 - Macedonia, 23 May 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5925819b26.html [accessed 10 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Press Freedom Status: Not Free

Total Score (2): 64/100 (0 = Most Free, 100 = Least Free)

Legal Environment: 19/30

Political Environment (1): 25/40

Economic Environment (1): 20/30

Quick Facts

Population: 2,100,000

Freedom in the World Status: Partly Free

Internet Penetration Rate: 70.4%

Key Developments in 2016

In April, several journalists were physically attacked by police while reporting on protests against the presidential pardon of individuals implicated in a large-scale and illegal wiretapping program.

In April, Zoran Bozinovski  who had relocated to Serbia due to safety concerns after publishing articles critical of the governing party, was extradited to Macedonia on charges of espionage and extortion in a case the Macedonian Institute for Media and others described as a political vendetta. He remained in detention at year's end.

A Temporary Commission created within the media regulator was tasked with monitoring media coverage of the December elections. Composed primarily of members nominated by political parties, it did not resolve more systemic issues regarding the regulator's independence.

A new national television station, TV Nova, launched in February. Its coverage favored the ruling party, and helped solidify progovernment media's dominant position in the media market.

Executive Summary

Macedonia's media landscape is deeply polarized along political lines, with most influential outlets favoring the governing Internal Macedonian Revolutionary OrganizationDemocratic Party for Macedonian National Unity (VMRO-DPMNE), particularly in the broadcast sector. The few outlets critical of the government struggle financially, and their presence is mainly online. Self-censorship among journalists is common, due primarily to pressure from media owners with particular business or political interests.

In 2016, several temporary media reforms were implemented as part of an agreement to resolve a political crisis that has severely disrupted political life since 2015. However, the reforms, in addition to being temporary, had limited effects on the media landscape. Meanwhile, journalists and media monitors expressed suspicions that the government directs news coverage at progovernment outlets.

The rate of attacks and harassment against journalists is increasing, with many such violations taking place as journalists attempt to cover the news. Security forces have perpetrated a number of such violations. State institutions have developed neither policies to protect journalists nor mechanisms to monitor and report attacks, and show little interest in doing so.

Legal Environment: 19 / 30

The constitution and other laws include basic protections for freedom of the press and freedom of expression. However, implementation is poor in practice, and authorities have invoked various laws, including criminal laws, to restrict journalist's activity, and resulting penalties can be severe. In April 2016, Zoran Bozinovski  who had relocated to Serbia due to safety concerns after publishing articles criticizing former prime minister Nikola Gruevski and the VMRO-DPMNE  was extradited to Macedonia on charges of espionage and extortion in a case the Macedonian Institute for Media and others described as a political vendetta; his trial was ongoing and he remained in detention at year's end.

Defamation was decriminalized in 2012, but a parallel change to the civil defamation law authorized large fines for violators. Court procedures in defamation cases can be lengthy, though such suits are frequently dropped or settled out of court, often because defendants yield to the threat of crippling financial penalties. While courts have ruled in favor of journalists in a number of recent defamation suits, the Association of Journalists of Macedonia (ZNM) has noted that courts frequently consider defamation allegations in which the plaintiffs have failed to produce any evidence for their complaint, sometimes postponing preliminary hearings multiple times to allow the accusers to gather material, and that defendants are sometimes not promptly informed when cases are filed against them. Court procedures for defamation cases last longer than other types of trials, and the judiciary is subject to political interference. However, according to the ZNM, defamation cases against journalists have decreased in recent years.

The law on open access to public information is selectively enforced. Journalists, for their part, are not well informed about the law and rarely use it. In May 2016, the ZNM submitted 105 requests to public institutions for data on the amount from their annual budgets spent on advertising campaigns. They received 80 responses, though not all responding institutions fully answered the questions.

Enforcement of media regulations is weak, and the licensing process is subject to undue political and economic influence. A government-dominated media regulator, the Agency for Audio and Audiovisual Media Services (AVMU), is empowered to impose heavy fines and revoke broadcast licenses for content that threatens vaguely defined interests such as "public order" and "health or morals." Amendments to the law, adopted in 2014, exempted online outlets from regulation, minimized the obligations of print media, allowed the ZNM to nominate one of the regulator's seven council members, and inserted language to ensure that all future content rules comply with standards set by the European Court of Human Rights. Critics of the original laws said the changes, passed under international pressure, were inadequate. In recent years the regulator has adopted several broadcasting license decisions favorable to progovernment outlets. The agency's director continues to hold outsized decision-making power compared to the council, contributing to concerns about its independence. Civil society groups continued to call for reforms to the AVMU and its governing legislation in 2016.

In July 2016, in response to the country's political crisis, the four main political parties agreed to a protocol which included the establishment of a Temporary Commission within the AVMU; the body was responsible for to monitoring media coverage before the December 2016 elections. The five-member commission was comprised of two representatives from governing parties, two from the opposition, and a fifth member selected by consensus among the four political nominees; it did not have power to sanction violators, but could refer violations to courts. The Organization for Security and Co-Operation in Europe (OSCE) in December expressed concern that the commission's rulings were inconsistent, while others noted with concern that the commission's mandate was set to end after the election.

The Macedonian Association of Journalists (MAN) is closely aligned with the government, while the ZNM is more aligned with the opposition. The ZNM documents media freedom violations more rigorously than its counterpart, but it has been silent on some issues involving pressure against media workers at progovernment outlets. The Independent Trade Union of Journalists of Macedonia (SSNM) is affiliated with the European Federation of Journalists and the International Federation of Journalists; it allows anonymous membership in response to journalists' concerns that they may encounter pressure from their employers if their membership in the union became public. In July 2016, a new union, the Independent Syndicate of Journalists in Macedonia, was established, and its membership is comprised of media workers from progovernment outlets. The Media Ethics Council, a self-regulatory body, was established in 2014 to hear complaints about the media; frequently the cases it receives are filed by journalists against other journalists. In 2016, the council prepared a "Charter on Ethical Reporting during Elections" that was formally endorsed by many media outlets, but which had little practical effect on election coverage. In December, the Council was attacked in progovernment media as a puppet of international financier and philanthropist George Soros.

Journalists are not required to be licensed. However, the Law on Media contains a narrow definition of the type of work that amounts to employment as a journalist, and excludes bloggers and citizen journalists.

Political Environment: 25 / 40 (1)

Macedonia's media landscape is deeply polarized along political lines, with most influential outlets favoring the governing VMRO-DPMNE, particularly in the broadcast sector. Private media outlets are often tied to political or business interests that influence their content. Critical and independent outlets, which are found mainly online, typically provide more credible coverage than outlets considered progovernment. A few neutral media outlets also operate.

The public broadcaster, Macedonian Radio and Television (MRT), is subject to strong influence from the ruling party and favors its viewpoints. According to a provision in the Przino Agreement  a U.S. and European Unionbrokered deal designed to resolve a political standoff by setting early elections  the largest opposition party nominated a temporary chief editor of MRT's MRT1 television channel, who assumed her role ahead of the December 2016 elections. While opposition and government figures received roughly equal news coverage on MRT1 during the 2016 campaign, an OSCE election monitoring mission found that it provided little analysis of political events. Moreover, by some accounts MRT's employees were wary of the new leadership, and sought to protect the government's interests rather than to produce news items designed to inform the public. Critics also noted the temporary nature of the provision.

Journalists and media monitors have expressed suspicions that the government directs the coverage at progovernment outlets, possibly via a center answering to the prime minister's office; they point to near-identical coverage of certain stories among various outlets, as well as oversimplified or misleading coverage of controversial topics, including the work of the Special Public Prosecutor's Office (SJO), which is tasked with investigating official corruption, and whose work in 2016 was reframed in progovernment media to reflect the view of VMRO-DPMNE. In a 2016 report, Macedonia Democracy Watch, a research group, described progovernment outlets' reporting on recent antigovernment protests, and the international reactions to the protests, as designed to delegitimize the demonstrators' grievances.

There is no official censorship body. Journalists have reported high rates of self-censorship, as they experience pressure not to publicize information that could harm their employers' business interests.

The media market in Macedonia is oversaturated, though the most influential outlets are considered progovernment. What little investigative reporting exists in Macedonia is typically found in online outlets, whose financial status is often precarious.

The rate of attacks and harassment against journalists is increasing, with many such violations taking place as journalists attempt to cover the news. Impunity is the norm for perpetrators. According to the ZNM, as of September 2016, none of the perpetrators of the 34 attacks it documented between January 2015 and June 2016 were prosecuted; these include physical attacks, verbal assaults, and damage to or forceful confiscation of property, with some such violations carried out by security agents. State institutions have developed neither policies to protect journalists nor mechanisms to monitor and report attacks, and government figures demonstrate little interest in the issue. In April 2016, several journalists were physically attacked by the police while reporting on protests against the presidential pardon of individuals implicated in large-scale and illegal government wiretapping of journalists and others. And in June 2016, two security agents for Gruevski erased recordings of him from a reporter's phone.

Economic Environment: 20 / 30 (1)

Macedonia has a large number of broadcast and print outlets for its population, but progovernment media  including the public MRT and several private television stations and newspapers  hold a dominant position in the market. There are about 10 national television broadcasters and roughly as many daily newspapers, plus dozens of radio stations and a growing number of online news outlets. The national television stations TV Sitel, TV Alfa, and Kanal 5 are aligned with the VMRO-DPMNE, as are the MRT, and several private regional and local television stations, most popular newspapers, and several online news portals. In February 2016, the new TV Nova station was launched; in an analysis of its coverage of the 2016 election campaign, Macedonia Democracy Watch concluded that its positions were also close to those of VMRO-DPMNE. A small number of outlets, such as the television channels Telma TV and 24 Vesti, plus the publications Sloboden Pecat and Fokus, carry more balanced or critical coverage. Broadcasters and print outlets are required to publish ownership information. However, ownership transparency is undermined by the use of proxies and silent partners.

Access to the internet is constrained only by cost and infrastructural obstacles, with around 70 percent of the population accessing the medium in 2015. Use of social media continues to increase, and news sites and blogs have rapidly expanded.

The government is one of the country's largest advertisers, and the ruling party has benefitted from deep pricing discounts from friendly outlets, particularly during election campaigns. Press freedom advocates have criticized such advertising campaigns as being primarily a method of distributing funds to progovernment media outlets. In 2015, the government issued a moratorium on official advertising amid the growing political crisis; however, the measure did not extend to all public institutions or to allied private institutions, allowing the government to retain indirect influence over the media through advertising contracts. In July 2016, the government introduced a draft law that would legalize state advertising for government media campaigns budgeted at over 100,000 ($110,000), but the measure was withdrawn in August following criticism from civil society groups and the ZNM.

The television market attracts the largest share of advertising revenue. The state subsidizes content production for national television broadcasters under amendments to the media law adopted in 2014, creating another mechanism for the dispersal of official funds to friendly media.

Many media outlets rely on financial support from private owners' other businesses. The media market is fragmented, and advertising revenue is not sufficient to support efficient operation of professional media outlets. Partly due to market pressures and competition, the quality of journalism is often low.

Journalists face low salaries, a lack of job security, and poor working conditions, leaving them more vulnerable to editorial pressure from owners. According to a June 2016 survey conducted by the ZNM, less than half of journalists have full-time employment contracts with social benefits, and one in three earn less than the country's average monthly income.

Copyright notice:  Freedom House, Inc.  All Rights Reserved
Freedom of the Press 2017 - India

Publisher Freedom House Publication Date 23 May 2017 Cite as Freedom House, Freedom of the Press 2017 - India, 23 May 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5925819c4.html [accessed 10 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Press Freedom Status: Partly Free

Total Score (2): 43/100 (0 = Most Free, 100 = Least Free)

Legal Environment: 11/30

Political Environment (1): 22/40

Economic Environment (1): 10/30

Quick Facts

Population: 1,328,900,000

Freedom in the World Status: Free

Net Freedom Status: Partly Free

Internet Penetration Rate: 26.0%

Key Developments in 2016:

At least two journalists were killed in connection to their work during the year, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).

In May, the Supreme Court ruled to retain criminal defamation, despite calls for decriminalization.

Journalists working in the restive central Indian state of Chhattisgarh faced tremendous pressure, with some relocating amid fears for their safety.

Authorities imposed heavy-handed restrictions on the press in northern Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, shutting down several newspapers and clamping down on mobile internet services.

Executive Summary

While India's vibrant media remains the freest in South Asia, journalists in the country continue to face an array of obstacles, including legal threats and arrest in connection with their work. Journalists reported heavy-handed government censorship during 2016  most notably in the restive state of Jammu and Kashmir. In conflict-affected Chhattisgarh, intimidation by both police and by anti-Maoist groups has prompted a number of journalists to relocate.

Across the country, violence against journalists is encouraged by a prevailing climate of impunity. Several physical attacks against journalists covering court proceedings and other events took place in 2016. At least two journalists were killed in connection with their work, and three others were killed under circumstances where the motive remained unclear, according CPJ.

Legal Environment: 11 / 30

Although the constitution guarantees the freedoms of speech and expression, legal protections are not always sufficiently upheld by the courts or respected by government officials. A number of laws that remain on the books can be used to restrict media freedom. The sedition law, formally Section 124A of the 1860 penal code, outlaws expression that can cause "hatred or contempt, or excites or attempts to excite disaffection" toward the government. The 1923 Official Secrets Act empowers authorities to censor security-related articles and prosecute members of the press. State and national authorities, along with the courts, have also punished sensitive reporting by using other security laws, criminal defamation legislation, bans on blasphemy and hate speech, and contempt of court charges.

In August 2016, officials filed a criminal complaint against the English-language magazine Outlook; its publisher, Indranil Roy; its editor, Krishna Prasad; and freelance journalist Neha Dixit; the complaint alleged that an article by Dixit implicating the Hindu nationalist group Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh in an indoctrination program that amounted to human trafficking had violated laws against inciting hatred between groups. In May, police detained Milli Gazette journalist Pushp Sharma on allegations of incitement and forgery in connection with an article claiming a government ministry discriminated against Muslims; he was released on bail days later. Meanwhile, at year's end, freelance journalist Santosh Yadav, who was detained in September 2015, remained in detention on charges of rioting, criminal conspiracy, and attempted murder, and faces terrorism charges under the Chhattisgarh Special Public Security Act and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. His colleagues claimed that the charges were fabricated, and were connected to his reports alleging human rights abuses by local officials.

In May 2016, India's Supreme Court ruled to retain criminal defamation despite calls for decriminalization. While convictions against journalists under the law have been rare, legal proceedings tend to be costly and burdensome, especially for smaller news outlets and freelancers, and can cast a chill on critical reporting.

India lacks strong privacy legislation, and government surveillance frameworks contain scope for abuse. In 2013, the government announced a new program, the Centralized Monitoring System, which would provide authorities with centralized access to all communications data and content that travel through Indian telecommunications networks, without the involvement of the telecommunications service provider. The system would enable the government to listen to telephone calls in real time and read text messages, e-mail, and chat conversations, and coupled with lengthy jail sentences for failing to comply with a government decryption order, could be used against journalists who rely on encryption and privacy to conduct their work. Officials said the system was in its implementation phase in 2015; it became operational in Delhi, New Delhi, and Mumbai in 2016.

Implementation of the Right to Information (RTI) Act of 2005 has been mixed, with the majority of requests blocked due to the law's broad categorical restrictions on the release of information. The RTI Act's success has also been hindered by a large backlog of appeals and requests, and widespread inefficiency within state and local governing bodies. India's six main national political parties have refused to comply with the law despite a 2013 decision by the Central Information Commission holding that political parties fall under the RTI Act's provisions as "public authorities." A backlog of tens of thousands of requests was pending at the end of 2016. While some state governments are making an effort to disseminate information about the RTI Act, especially in rural and isolated areas, others are employing various means to make requests more onerous. Activists who have attempted to use the act to uncover abuses, particularly official corruption, have faced harassment.

The Press Council of India (PCI), an independent self-regulatory body for the print media that is composed of journalists, publishers, and politicians, investigates complaints of misconduct or irresponsible reporting, but does not have punitive powers. The regulatory framework for the rapidly expanding broadcast sector does not feature an independent agency that is free from political influence. The News Broadcasters' Association primarily represents the television sector.

Access to the profession of journalism is open in India, and there are an array of institutions that offer instruction in journalism and mass communication. Media industry groups and local press freedom advocacy organizations generally operate without restrictions.

Political Environment: 22 / 40 (1)

Politicized interference in editorial content and staffing decisions is a serious concern. Some managers have explicitly instructed reporters to produce favorable coverage of certain figures and unfavorable or limited coverage of others. Journalists have reported editorial interference at media outlets owned by powerful businesses or political actors. India's state-controlled television station, Doordarshan, has been accused of manipulating the news to favor the government. Many journalists run the risk of losing their jobs for stepping afoul of editorial lines determined by owners' interests.

After taking office in 2014, the Modi government reportedly told senior officials to avoid media interviews and channel communications with the press through official spokespeople. Journalists continue to express concern that his government relies on one-way formats  such as social media posts and the prime minister's monthly radio program  to communicate with the public instead of granting access to the press, making newsgathering more challenging. Modi has occasionally granted interviews to handpicked journalists and news outlets.

Authorities occasionally censor media outlets. In November 2016, authorities ordered Hindi-language news channel NDTV India to suspend broadcasting for 24 hours after the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting took issue with the channel's coverage of a January attack by militants on an Indian air force base in Pathankot, Punjab. Earlier in the year, NDTV India came under pressure from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, which in a June 2016 advisory told the channel to "be more careful" after a Supreme Court decision was called "unfortunate" during a news program.

Despite increasing diversity in the print and online media sectors, some outlets self-censor to avoid losing public-sector advertising purchases, which are a key source of revenue. Foreign journalists continue to have occasional difficulty obtaining visas to report from within the country, particularly if their prior reporting has been critical of the national or state governments.

People have access to a range of news sources. Newspapers are widely available and low in cost. There have been a growing number of online news portals in recent years. There is generally a diversity of viewpoints reflected in the media.

Journalists faced physical violence and intimidation while gathering news or in reprisal for their reporting in 2016. Such attacks are encouraged by a prevailing climate of impunity, with most past murders remaining unsolved and other acts of violence going unpunished. At least two journalists were murdered in direct reprisal for their work during the year, according to CPJ. In three other journalist killings, the motive remained unclear. Among other, nonfatal attacks in 2016, right-wing Hindu activists in Uttar Pradesh assaulted Sarvesh, a freelance photojournalist who goes only by one name, while she was covering a protest outside a meeting of atheists in October. In February, a group of lawyers attacked several members of the press who were covering the high-profile sedition trial of a university student in New Delhi. Police came under criticism for doing little to protect the journalists or to establish accountability for the attacks. In July, at a court complex in Kerala, a group of lawyers chased and assaulted journalists covering a trial of a government official accused of molesting a woman.

Journalists also reported receiving threats and being subjected to abusive online trolling. Kerala-based news anchor Sindhu Sooryakumar of Asianet TV received thousands of threatening phone calls following a February 2016 news broadcast on a student protest movement. Police arrested five men linked to right-wing Hindu nationalist groups in connection with the harassment, but the case against them proceeded slowly.

Members of the press are particularly vulnerable in rural areas and insurgency-wracked states such as Chhattisgarh, Jammu and Kashmir, Assam, and Manipur, where they continue to face physical violence, harassment, and censorship from the government or militant groups seeking to slant coverage in a certain way.

In Chhattisgarh, the climate for press freedom has deteriorated sharply. In February 2016, right-wing protesters harassed freelance journalist Malini Subramaniam on several occasions, demanding she leave the region and throwing rocks at her house and car; she ultimately relocated due to the harassment. Later that month, BBC Hindi journalist Alok Putul was similarly forced to abandon his assignment and leave the area after being warned by residents that he might be in danger. Journalists in the region have also faced questioning by police in apparent connection with their work and a few have been arrested and detained on dubious grounds.

Economic Environment: 10 / 30 (1)

India is one of the few countries in the world where print media remain a vibrant and financially sustainable growth industry, and there are rising numbers of print and broadcast outlets that cater to national or various regional or linguistic audiences. Most print outlets, particularly in the national and English-language press, are privately owned, provide diverse coverage, and frequently scrutinize the government. The low cost of newspapers  which are sold at prices far below the cost of production  ensures wider access to print media than in most low-income countries. The broadcast media are predominantly in private hands, and diversity in the television sector has expanded dramatically. India is home to more than 100,000 registered print publications and more than 800 television channels, with a significant proportion focused on news and current events. Some 26 percent of India's population had access to the internet in 2015. Mobile telephones are increasingly used to gather and disseminate news and information, particularly in rural communities and areas with high rates of illiteracy.

The ownership structure of India's media market continues to compromise objectivity in both print and broadcast journalism. Local politicians own a significant percentage of the country's cable distribution systems; this has enabled them to block television channels from broadcasting news that may adversely affect their interests. The state retains a monopoly on AM radio broadcasting, and private FM radio stations are not allowed to air news content. As of 2016, there were around 198 community radio stations active in India. The process of setting up a community radio station is laborious, and assembling the various permissions required can take years. Such stations are additionally required to use transmitters sold by government-approved vendors.

Access to foreign media, with the exception of some outlets based in Pakistan, is generally unrestricted. However, authorities sometimes block distribution of certain foreign print editions due to content such as maps of the disputed Jammu and Kashmir region. Some impediments to production and distribution of domestic media, such as blockades of newspapers or official instructions not to carry certain cable channels, also occasionally arise.

The government retains the power to obstruct online and mobile communications. Although many news outlets in Kashmir were able to continue online operations in the wake of deadly violence and unrest there in 2016, authorities shut down mobile internet services in several parts of region, hampering people's access to information for many weeks. Additionally, amid unrest in Kashmir following the killing of a separatist leader, police raided several newspapers offices in Kashmir, including Greater Kashmir, Rising Kashmir, Daily Kashmir Images, Kashmir Observer, and Kashmir Reader; halted their printing presses; and confiscated copies of newspapers awaiting delivery.

National and state governments have used financial means, such as advertising purchases, to reward or punish news outlets for their coverage. Other concerns include bribery of journalists or editors by government or private interests, as well as the erosion of barriers between the editorial and advertising departments at many outlets, sometimes through the use of "private treaties" with major companies. Despite investigations by India's election commissioner and the PCI, the practice of "cash for coverage"  in which payments are made to secure favorable reporting on candidates and parties, particularly during election cycles  remains deeply entrenched.

Copyright notice:  Freedom House, Inc.  All Rights Reserved
Russia Adopts New Strategy for Development of Information Society

Publisher Jamestown Foundation Author Sergey Sukhankin Publication Date 16 May 2017 Citation / Document Symbol Eurasia Daily Monitor Volume: 14 Issue: 66 Cite as Jamestown Foundation, Russia Adopts New Strategy for Development of Information Society, 16 May 2017, Eurasia Daily Monitor Volume: 14 Issue: 66, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/592582064.html [accessed 10 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Link to original story on Jamestown website

Following the adoption of a new Information Security Doctrine, in December 2016 (see EDM, December 16, 2016), Russian President Vladimir Putin has recently approved a new Strategy for the Development of an Information Society for 20172030 (Pravo.gov.ru, May 10). This document replaces the previous version from 2008. The Russian government must present a concrete roadmap by October 1, 2017, for realizing the Strategy's goals.

The May 2017 information society development strategy document is the culmination of intensive work by various governmental structures (directly controlled by the Kremlin), over the course of 2016. Contributing to this effort were Igor Shchyogolev's working group ("Internet + Economics"), numerous consultative meetings between President Putin and representatives of the Russian information technology (IT) sector, as well as the so-called "Digital Economy of the Russian Federation" initiative. The latter was promoted by Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev for the needs of the Eurasian Economic Union (Protivkart.org, May 11).

The newly approved Strategy prioritizes the following areas, deemed essential for the successful development of Russian information and communications technologies:

a new generation of electronic networks;

the effective processing of large volumes of electronic data;

artificial intelligence;

electronic identification/authentication (with special emphasis on banking);

cloud computing;

a post-industrial Internet;

robotics and bio-technologies; and

information security.

Some of these elements appeared in last year's Information Security Doctrine. But this document has systematized those previously identified components, while adding some new aspects as well.

The information society development strategy states that "in 2016, the overall number of active users of the Internet in Russia reached 80 million people." At the same time, the document acknowledges Russian vulnerabilities to external challenges in the cyber and information spheres. Namely, it points to the "existing gap" between leading global players and Russia in the domain of IT. To overcome this limitation, the newly approved Strategy calls for the following measures to be implemented between 2017 and 2030 (TASS, May 10):

The proliferation of Russian encryption mechanisms and enhancement of coordination in communication between various federal agencies; The replacement of foreign IT equipment, software and electronic components with domestically produced analogues; The protection of domestic "critical information infrastructure" (the term tends to appear in government planning documents much more frequently now than ever before) is to be secured with Russian applications and telecommunications software; and An upgrade to the effectiveness of domestic communications networks, leading toward the creation of a "centralized system of monitoring and management of the Russian electronic grid" and the improvement of mechanisms of legislative regulation of mass media activities.

Most areas outlined in the document are not simply technical innovations and/or legislative proposals. Incidentally, the Strategy devotes an extremely important role to ideological concerns, including:

The prioritization of Russian "traditional spiritual and cultural values"; The necessity to "create conditions for the popularization of Russian culture and science abroad" as well as confronting the "distortion and falsification of historical facts"; and The proliferation of "steady cultural and educational contacts with Russian compatriots [sootechestvenniki] living abroad, foreign citizens, [as well as] persons without citizenship" who are, however, "Russian native speakers" through employment of "communicational and information technologies."

Another essential task outlined in the document is to create a basis for a national electronic library that would include "objects of historical, scientific and cultural heritage of nations populating the Russian Federation." Undoubtedly, this aspect (as well as the three aforementioned points) is directly related to the so-called "Russian World" ("Russkiy Mir") concept that aims to propagate Russian "soft power" aboard.

The document is extremely ambitious; yet, there are doubts about the government's ability to meet its goals. The Strategy recently approved by the president is quite vague on expected results, as reflected by the conspicuous absence of key performance indicators (KPI)an element that was clearly articulated in the previous document. Moreover, Russia in fact failed to fulfil the previous (20082015) Strategy. For instance, among other aspects, the antecedent document called for the Russian Federation to become one of the world's top 20 countries in terms of the development of its information and cyber technology sectors. However, various international rankings, including the E-government Development Rank, the ICT Development Index, and the Networked Readiness Index, have placed Russia somewhere between 35th and 45th place. So despite allocating significant government resources to this end, that strategic goal was not achieved. Moreover, a key objective established in the previous Strategy was for the overall share of Russian IT goods and services used domestically to exceed 50 percent by 2015this also remained unfulfilled. In fact, according to Russian sources, the domestic share of IT goods and services "satisfied internal market demand only by a quarter" (TASS, December 14, 2016). Finally, the new Strategy provides no roadmap for how Russia's IT sector is going to attract additional external investments given Western economic sanctions and the lack of crediting possibilities for Russian companies.

Similarly, the new document seems to be obfuscating the actual effectiveness and efficiency of the government's financial injections into Russian IT projects. An illustrative case is the Russian Internet search engine "Sputnik," launched in May 2014 by state-owned Rostelecom, which became nothing more than a sound embarrassment and a financial black hole. Initially allocated an estimated $20 billion in financing (the Russian side refrained from disclosing the actual sum) it was supposed to become a competitor to Google and other known Internet search engines. However, after three years of obscurity, it has been practically shut down as an "uncompetitive project" (Meduza, May 12).

This being said, it would be worthwhile to add yet another point of concern. It bears noting that Moscow is currently tightening its grip over the domestic Internet space (the so-called "Runet") and mass media (see EDM, December 16, 2016; see Commentaries, October 4, 2014). Therefore, one might wonder if the government's new Strategy is nothing more than a new brick in the wall of "information isolation" of the Russian population and a subordination of the Runet to the state's full and unconditional control. For instance, on May 5, President Putin tasked the telecommunications supervisory agency Roskomnadzor, the Russian prosecutor general, and the All-Russia People's Front (a loose umbrella group of pro-Putin "civil society" organizations, business associations, trade unions and political parties) to prepare proposals concerning effective restrictions and controls on the Runet (Rosbalt, May 5).

In the meantime, the Strategy calls for introducing concrete protective measures specifically designed to deal with "issues of anonymity" and "impunity" among web users in order to "guarantee the personal security of Internet users and confidentiality of their information" (Rosbalt, May 11). Russian Internet freedom looks to be under threat.

Copyright notice:  2010 The Jamestown Foundation
MASON CITY | The staking of claims along the North Iowa Band Festival parade route has begun.

Cars loaded with tarps, rocks and rope are driving slowly along East State Street as motorists look for a good spot to watch the parade.

Several contraptions were already in place Tuesday night.

The most industrious included fence posts into the ground.

Mary Napoletano, of Mason City, waited until Wednesday morning to save her family's favorite spot on the 800 block of East State.

She was prompted by a message from her daughter.

My daughter came by last night, and she texted me and she said, 'Can you believe people are starting to set up on State Street?," Napoletano said.

The Napoletano family likes the spot, which they try to get every year, because it has a nice shade tree.

It's also become a tradition.

"Its a social event," Napoletano said. "Everybody knows where we are."

And, it's fair game.

Land between sidewalks and streets, sometimes called the parking, is public property and available. Anything on the inside edge of the sidewalk, someone's yard, is private property and off limits.

The annual staking of claims seems to go down without need for police intervention, said Mason City Police Lt. Frank Stearns.

"Not had any issue," he said.

Knowing the strip of grass between his lawn and East State is up for grabs, neighborhood resident Tony Kirk revved up the lawn mower Wednesday morning and went to work.

His plan was to mow the lawn and claim the section for his family, even if though he believed it was in less demand than areas closer to the start of the parade.
Armenia and India Build Strategic Relationship

Publisher Jamestown Foundation Author Eduard Abrahamyan Publication Date 23 May 2017 Citation / Document Symbol Eurasia Daily Monitor Volume: 14 Issue: 70 Cite as Jamestown Foundation, Armenia and India Build Strategic Relationship, 23 May 2017, Eurasia Daily Monitor Volume: 14 Issue: 70, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5925830e4.html [accessed 10 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Link to original story on Jamestown website

With Azerbaijan and Pakistan currently pursuing a strategic partnership (see EDM, September 28, 2016; December 15, 2016), Armenia and India have decided to step up their cooperation across several dimensions. Indeed, the past six months were marked by a visible reinvigoration of Armenian-Indian bilateral ties, which culminated with a visit to Yerevan, on April 24, of a high-level Indian delegation led by Vice President M. Hamid Ansari (Gov.am, April 24). The Indian vice president held meetings with Armenia's Foreign Minister Eduard Nalbandyan, Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan and President Serzh Sargsyan. The meetings resulted in the signing of three important agreements.

Notably, the two sides agreed to a cultural exchange program for 20172020 as well as collaboration in youth affairs. Moreover, they acknowledged their close partnership in the information technology (IT) sector, exemplified by the operation of the Armenian-Indian Excellence Center in Information and Communication Technologies, founded in 2010 (Parliament.am, January 12, 2010). However, the most interesting agreement is related to India's intention to build an Earth observation satellite (EOS) for Armenia. Under this deal, New Delhi also agreed to train Armenian scientists in the use of the system and handling and interpreting its data. Reportedly, the satellite will be operated by a joint Armenian-Indian group of specialists, serving the needs of both countries (Gov.am, Business Standard, April 25).

Armenia has sought its own observation satellite since 2011, and has approached both Western countries and Russia as potential partners for cooperation. Then, in 2016, Yerevan procured the Iskander-E short-range, land-mobile ballistic missile system from Moscow (see EDM, October 5, 2016), which added further motivation for Armenia to gain access to its own Earth observation satellite. Even though EOSs are predominantly devoted to peaceful purposes, such satellites could likely also be used to provide guidance, navigation and control services for various military operations. From this perspective, the cooperation with India on a shared EOS becomes particularly important against the background of Armenia's mounting standoff with Azerbaijan. The escalatory military rhetoric, progressively amplified by officials in Yerevan and Baku, has pushed Armenia to openly declare it could use its Iskander-E system for "active" (in other words, pre-emptive) defense measures (President.am, March 25). This boosts India's importance for Armenia, as their partnership on satellite data collection and analysis can help make the latter country less dependent on RussiaArmenia's critical security ally that plays an ambivalent if not fomenting role in the Karabakh dispute.

Also during his April 2017 visit, Indian Vice President Ansari touched upon further steps needed to deepen political dialogue and economic ties with Armenia. He emphasized ramping up contacts between the two countries' businessmen as well as intensifying bilateral collaboration in the spheres of high technologies, education, culture, agriculture and health (Aravot, April 25).

According to reports, both parties seek to foster mutually beneficial comprehensive strategic cooperation (Asbarez, April 25). The solid groundwork for such an intensive alignment was allegedly laid out as early as 2011, when two large Armenian delegations, led by Foreign Minister Eduard Nalbandian and subsequently by thenNational Security Council Secretary Artur Bagdasaryan, visited New Delhi. Since then, India has repeatedly stressed its interest in investing in Armenia's military industry complex and establishing a joint arms production consortium (Panorama, April 3, 2011).

Aside from Ansari's formal working meetings with Armenian officials last month, the Indian side made a particularly notable gesture. The Indian delegation paid a visit to the Armenian Genocide museum-memorial, just days ahead of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's trip to India, scheduled for April 30. Ansari paid homage to the dead there (Times of India, April 27). But although India has clearly been taking certain steps toward officially recognizing the early 20th century Armenian massacres in Turkey as a "genocide," it is careful to maintain its positive high-level relations with Ankara intact.

For years, Azerbaijan and Pakistan have been coordinating their positions within various international organizations in order to speak with one voice regarding the disputes in Karabakh as well as in Jumma and Kashmir (see EDM, December 15, 2016). In turn, Armenia and India also increasingly demonstrate reciprocal solidarity when it comes to discussions of these unresolved disputes in international platforms. As a case in point, India (along with Armenia, the United States, Russia and four other countries) firmly opposed the United Nations General Assembly's Resolution 62/243, adopted in March 14, 2008 (Un.org, March 14, 2008). According to Yerevan, the draft resolution ostensibly expressed a one-sided, anti-Armenian interpretation of the ongoing developments in the breakaway region of Karabakh. Furthermore, Armenian and Indian officials repeatedly underscore the importance of coordinating a common stance on the international stage over both the Karabakh and Kashmir conflicts (Hetq, November 12, 2010).

Looking ahead, Yerevan and New Delhi are preparing to sign a "strategic" accord focused on partnership in defense and security. The pending document will cover mutual support and military cooperation. The agreement is supposed to be forged later this year, during Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan's visit to India (Mediamax, April 25).

Copyright notice:  2010 The Jamestown Foundation
How to Spend on Defense: Romania's 2 Percent Conundrum

Publisher Jamestown Foundation Author George Visan Publication Date 22 May 2017 Citation / Document Symbol Eurasia Daily Monitor Volume: 14 Issue: 69 Cite as Jamestown Foundation, How to Spend on Defense: Romania's 2 Percent Conundrum, 22 May 2017, Eurasia Daily Monitor Volume: 14 Issue: 69, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5925847d4.html [accessed 10 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Link to original story on Jamestown website

In January 2015, in the aftermath of Russia's aggression in Ukraine and calls by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the United States for Allies to increase their defense budgets, Romania decided to allocate 2 percent of its GDP for its Armed Forces. President Klaus Iohannis negotiated a cross-party agreement to reach the 2 percent threshold starting in 2017, and to maintain it for the next ten years (Presidency.ro, January 2015).

On May 11, 2017, the Romanian parliament approved a spending program valued at 9.3 billion ($10.5 billion) for the next decade, 20172026, which includes eight major programs: long- and short-range air-defense systems, coastal defense systems, multirole corvettes, command-and-control systems, infantry fighting vehicles, wheeled armored personnel carriers, and long-range multiple-launch rocket systems (Curs de Guvernare, May 11). Further programs will likely be approved in the near future, such as the acquisition of attack and transport helicopters (RRA, September 16, 2016).

For Romania, spending 2 percent of its GDP is both a strategic target and a diplomatic tool. Being part of the "2 percent club" within NATO gives Bucharest a certain diplomatic clout within the organization at the next summit in Brussels. Increased defense spending is a bargaining chip that the Romanian government will use to argue for a larger NATO presence along its Eastern Flank. Furthermore, it is an insurance policy against US President Donald Trump's accusations that the European Allies are not paying a fair share for their own defense.

Romania chose a measured path, gradually increasing its defense spending in 20152017 in order to reduce budget deficits and maintain economic growth. Between 2015 and 2017, there was a steady increase in defense expenditures and the structure of the defense budget was changed so that, in 2016, 29 percent of the budget was used to buy new equipment (Agerpres, April 4, 2016). According to Defense Minister Gabriel Les, under the current budget around 45 percent will be allocated to investments and acquisitions (Agerpres, March 16), although that may prove rather optimistic.

However, there are certain caveats that may have a negative impact on Romania's re-armament drive. First, given the mounting Russian threat in the Black Sea and Turkey's internal instability, Romanian military spending could still be insufficient. Romania has to surmount almost a decade of defense underinvestment, which translates into a need for across-the-board military modernization. Almost every piece of equipment, from assault rifles and armored personal carriers to anti-aircraft missiles, will need to be replaced.

Second, the government's economic policy is ill adapted to support a sustained defense drive as envisioned by the 2015 cross-party agreement, despite assurances from Prime Minister Sorin Grindeanu that defense is a top priority for his cabinet (Ziarul Financiar, January 29). The Social-Democrat-led government has slashed taxes and increased social benefits as well as pledged to increase public servants' salaries starting in 2017. Fiscally, it is challenging to allocate the large sums of money required for re-armament over a decade as Romania lacks a multiyear budgeting processes; moreover, it will be hard for the country to remain within the 3 percent deficit limit required by its membership in the European Union (Wall-Street.ro, August 1, 2016). However, the current government hopes the economy will benefit from increased defense spending through lucrative offsets for the local defense industry. A good example of this approach are the current plans to co-produce an armored personnel carrier with the German defense manufacturer Rheinmettal (Romania Insider, November 25, 2016).

Third, the ability of the Romanian Ministry of Defense to manage an increased acquisition budget is doubtful. The ministry has a record of mismanaging both major and minor defense programs. For example, a tender for acquiring anti-submarine torpedoes was canceled three times over the past three years (Hotnews, April 5), and the modernization of a mechanized infantry battalion with Piranha IIIC vehicles has taken almost ten years (Revista Fortelor Terestre, April 12). To make matters worse, Romania's public acquisition rules are needlessly complicated and ill adapted for defense programs. The government plans to rectify some of these problems by reforming public acquisition laws (Hotnews, March 18), but this approach is raising corruption and integrity concerns.

Since 2015, a number of important defense programs have had to be delayed or re-evaluated due to bureaucratic errors or political wrangling. Ironically, the Romanian Navy, the service that requires the most attention, has been the most affected by these developments. The tender to modernize the Navy's British-built Type 22 frigates came to a halt in 2017, after a promising start in 2016 (Adevarul, May 8), likely due to insufficient funding. At the same time, a program to acquire four multipurpose corvettes worth 1.6 billion ($1.8 billion) is being re-evaluated after political controversies (Curs de Guvernare, February 2).

In the face of great regional and global challenges, 2017 will be a crucial year for Romania's defense as it holds the potential to increase the country's military power and consolidate its security over the long term. However, without a firm commitment to the goals Romania itself has set to build a robust defense, all of the projects and programs envisioned for its defense and security will remain on paper. Serious internal barriers threaten the drive toward investing 2 percent of GDP in defense. If these are not addressed, the whole process will falter. Both Romania's credibility as an ally within NATO and its defense are at stake.

Copyright notice:  2010 The Jamestown Foundation
Taiwan moves closer to marriage equality after milestone court ruling

Publisher Amnesty International Publication Date 24 May 2017 Cite as Amnesty International, Taiwan moves closer to marriage equality after milestone court ruling, 24 May 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/592586584.html [accessed 10 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Three years ago today, authorities in the Dominican Republic passed a law seeking to address a statelessness crisis that has effectively stripped thousands of people off their Dominican nationality and with it, denied them a range of human rights.

The crisis exploded in 2013, after a ruling by the Dominican Republic's top Court that retroactively applied to anyone born after 1929 to undocumented foreign parents. In practice, it disproportionality affected Dominicans of Haitian descent in a context of an island shared by two nations: Haiti and the Dominican Republic.

The largest statelessness crisis ever seen in the Americas was unleashed, with four generations of people being legally erased from the map and turned into ghost citizens, with no rights and no future - unable to enroll in school, apply for regular jobs or facing difficulty in seeing a doctor. An international outcry followed.

In response, in 2014, Congress passed Law 169-14 that divided people in various categories.

Group A included around 55,000 people born in the Dominican Republic and whose births were registered in the civil registry, but were arbitrarily deprived of their nationality by the Court's ruling.

According to the latest available data, 12,000 of them have been so far able to re-access their Dominican identity documents. However, there have been reports that the original birth certificates of some of them are being cancelled and their cases moved to a separate civil registry, which is creating chaos and fear of possible discriminatory practices in the future.

Group B includes those born in the Dominican Republic but whose births were never registered. A so-called Naturalization Plan was put in place between July 2014 and February 2015 to give this group a path to naturalization.

According to the government, only 8,755 individuals were able to register out of an official estimate of 53,000 potential people who belong to this group. According to the 2014 Law, they had to wait two years for the naturalization process to start. The deadline is coming to an end soon and we still don't know how many of them have had their files approved, neither what process will be followed. The ordinary naturalization process as it currently stands requires that a passport and a birth certificate from the origin country to be produced, and it is not clear if and how their nationality will be restored. No need to say that stateless people don't have such documents and the authorities have failed to provide any solution for this.

For the 84% of people from group B who couldn't register, the situation is dramatic. Many of them remain stateless, which means they're unable to move forward with their lives. They're limited in their education, they face huge obstacles to access healthcare services, and they can't work legally nor travel freely inside and outside their country.

Today, they have no available avenues to get their Dominican nationality back.

In 2014, President Medina showed courage and great political will by putting forward the Naturalization Law. But the plan fell short of solving this urgent crisis and did not comply with the Dominican Republic's obligations under international law. Last year Medina was re-elected for a new four-year mandate, which provides a renewed opportunity to put an end to the largest statelessness crisis of this continent.

As a matter of urgency, the authorities in the Dominican Republic must deliver identity documents to all individuals in group A, immediately facilitate the restoration of nationality of the 8,755 people of group B through an expedited process and provide a clear and simple path to restore the nationality of all those who were unable to enroll in the Naturalization Plan and were previously identified with the support of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.

An independent mechanism should also be established, with the participation of Dominican human rights organizations, tasked with oversighting this processes. By the end of this year, the mechanism should be able to produce a first independent evaluation of the initiatives carried out since 2013 to address the statelessness crisis, including specific recommendations to the authorities to restore the nationality of those affected and prevent any future arbitrary restrictions to the right to nationality.

The statelessness crisis that has shaken the Dominican Republic since 2013 has shown the tremendous impacts of discriminatory policies on people's lives and rights. The country that was once seen by many as a tropical paradise has become the home of the largest stateless population of the Americas.

Why are the Dominican Republic's authorities insisting in denying its youth from going to university and integrate in society, and to deny the right to receive adequate medical care for those in need? Why do they insist in trapping in endless poverty those already excluded and marginalized and for all the stateless to be able to realize themselves as individuals and help their country to advance towards progress?

Three years after Law 169 was passed, much more needs to be done to solve the statelessness crisis that still affects thousands of people in the Dominican Republic. Dominican political leaders and all sectors of Dominican society must be ready to act now. The above mentioned roadmap can be the first steps towards ending this crisis and ensuring the rights of everyone in the country.

This article was originally published in IPS

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Disclaimer

This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.
Palestine: Hamas must urgently halt executions of three men sentenced after unfair trial

Publisher Amnesty International Publication Date 24 May 2017 Cite as Amnesty International, Palestine: Hamas must urgently halt executions of three men sentenced after unfair trial, 24 May 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5925bf024.html [accessed 10 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Responding to reports that Hamas authorities in the Gaza Strip will tomorrow execute three men accused of killing senior Hamas commander Mazen Faqha on 24 March, Amnesty International's Deputy Director for the Middle East and North Africa Magdalena Mughrabi said:

"The three men scheduled to be hanged or shot in Gaza tomorrow were tried in a court that utterly disregarded international fair trial standards. If carried out, these cruel executions will constitute an appalling breach of international human rights law.

"It is not too late to save these men's lives. We are urging the Hamas authorities to immediately halt these executions and ensure that the men are given a fair retrial. The death penalty is the ultimate cruel, inhuman and degrading punishment which should never be used in any circumstances."

Background

Mazen Faqha, a commander in Hamas' military wing, was shot in the head and chest at the entrance of his Gaza City home on 24 March.

Hamas formed a military court that sentenced the three men to death under the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) Revolutionary Code which does not comply with Palestinian Basic Law of 2003. The three men were sentenced to death on 21 May in a trial that lasted one week and consisted of four brief sessions only.

Palestinian law provides that the President must approve death sentences before they are implemented. However, since 2010, the Hamas de facto administration has been carrying out executions without obtaining the President's approval.

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Egypt: Former presidential candidate Khaled Ali facing trial amid crackdown on political activists

Publisher Amnesty International Publication Date 24 May 2017 Cite as Amnesty International, Egypt: Former presidential candidate Khaled Ali facing trial amid crackdown on political activists , 24 May 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5925bf3c4.html [accessed 10 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

The Egyptian authorities have intensified their crackdown on opposition activists ahead of the upcoming 2018 presidential elections, arresting at least 36 people in 17 cities from five opposition parties and political youth groups, said Amnesty International today. Many were arrested in connection with comments they posted online about the elections.

Among who have faced arrest is the former presidential candidate and prominent human rights lawyer Khaled Ali who was detained yesterday and released today on bail. He will now face trial on Monday for "violating public morals". If convicted he faces up to two years in prison, a fine of up to 5,000- 10,000 EGP (250-550 USD) or both. He would also be barred from running for the presidency. In February he acknowledged that he was considering a renewed presidential bid for 2018 elections.

"The presidential elections are not scheduled to take place until 2018, yet the Egyptian authorities seem intent on pre-emptively crushing any potential rivals to maintain their grip on power," said Najia Bounaim, Amnesty International's campaigns director for North Africa.

"Khaled Ali's arrest and prosecution was clearly politically motivated. The Egyptian authorities must drop the absurd charge he is facing and end the smear campaign against him."

Khaled Ali is the founder of Aish we Horreiya (Bread and Freedom) party whose members are among those targeted by the wave of arrests.

He was first summoned by the prosecutor in Giza for questioning on 23 May. Negad al Borei, his lawyer, who attended the interrogation session, told Amnesty International that he was charged with making physical gestures "that violate public morals". The charge relates to a photo showing Khalid Ali celebrating with his supporters outside the High Administrative Court, after winning a prominent case to reverse a government decision to hand over control of two islands in the Red Sea to Saudi Arabia.

His lawyer said that the prosecutor refused to share a copy of the casefile and the video evidence against him.

Amnesty International has interviewed 13 lawyers, four human rights researchers and 14 family members about the crackdown which has targeted members of political parties, opposition groups and political activists who have criticized President Abdelfattah al-Sisi online from across the country in recent weeks.

At least 26 people are still detained on a series of vaguely worded counter-terrorism related charges, including belonging to groups that are attempting to overthrow the government and in some cases "insulting the President" via social media and "misusing social media platforms". Two others have been released on bail and six others were released without bail, all pending investigations in connection with the same charges. If convicted they could face between five and 25 years in prison. Security forces arrested two other members of the Dostour party on 24 May, but their whereabouts remain unknown.

"The crackdown on political activists is yet another sign of Egyptian authorities' desire to crush any peaceful opposition and stifle alternative views instead of allowing Egyptians to have a say in their future," said Najia Bounaim.

"The Egyptian authorities must halt this wave of arrests and prosecutions of peaceful activists."

Four human rights lawyers in Cairo who are representing nine of those accused told Amnesty International that the evidence submitted against their clients included Facebook posts and old political posters andflyers "found in their homes".

The crackdown has seen political activists arrested in Cairo, Alexandria, Port Said, Ismalia Suez, Dumyat, Sharqiya, Gharbiya, Kafr el-Sheikh, Dakahliya, Bani Souwaif, Minya, Faiyum, Qina, Luxor, Asiut, and Aswan.

In at least 29 cases members of Egypt's National Security Agency broke into activists' homes in the early hours of the morning before detaining them for several hours and questioning them in the absence of their lawyers.

"The wide-scale and coordinated nature of the crackdown against political activists makes it even more chilling," said Najia Bounaim.

"The authorities are shamelessly using the draconian counter-terrorism law to round up young political activists for social media posts merely criticizing President Abdelfattah al-Sisi."

Those arrested include seven members and former members from April 6 Youth group, a political group that gained prominence after the 25 January revolution. The two co-founders of the group had previously been imprisoned for three years in November 2013 and now face three more years of probation. They also include four members of Dostour, a political party founded in 2012 and one member from the Socialist People's Alliance Party, as well as one from the Egyptian Popular Current, a political party that is in the process of registration and supported former presidential candidate Hamdeen Sabahi in the 2014 Presidential election against President Abdelfattah al-Sisi.

On 19 May, the Ministry of Interior issued a statement on its Facebook page stating that they had arrested 40 people in cases of "internet crimes" including using social media to "incite violence" across several police districts, without specifying further details.

Over the past month the Egyptian parliament has been debating a controversial bill that would restrict access to sites such as Twitter and Facebook, requiring users to register with the government beforehand. Unauthorized use could result in prison sentences of up to six months and up to 5,000 EGP (250 USD) fine.

In the last presidential election in 2014, President Abdelfattah al-Sisi won almost 97% of the vote against his sole contender Hamdeen Sabahi. The run up to the election saw arbitrary arrests and assaults against his rivals' supporters.

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Ethiopia: Journalist's guilty verdict a further slap in the face for justice

Publisher Amnesty International Publication Date 24 May 2017 Cite as Amnesty International, Ethiopia: Journalist's guilty verdict a further slap in the face for justice, 24 May 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5925bfc64.html [accessed 10 November 2022] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.

Responding to reports that Ethiopia's Federal High Court has found prominent Ethiopian journalist Getachew Shiferaw guilty of "provocation of revolt," Muthoni Wanyeki, Amnesty International's Regional Director for East Africa, the Horn and the Great Lakes, said:

"Today's groundless ruling is a further slap in the face for justice in Ethiopia and proof of the authorities' continued willingness - despite its stated commitment to reform - to misuse the criminal justice system to silence dissent.

"Getachew did nothing but share publicly-available information  to convict him of provoking revolt with the risk of a 10-year jail term, away from his loved ones, is cruel and unacceptable."

Getachew, 33, was editor-in-chief of Negere Ethiopia, an online newspaper linked to the opposition Semayawi (Blue Party). He was arrested in 25 December 2015. He faces a maximum of 10 years in jail.

Last week, the same court convicted former Blue Party spokesman Yonatan Tesfaye of "encouragement of terrorism" simply for expressing himself on Facebook. He faces up to 20 years in jail.

Getachew will be sentenced on 26 May.

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WASHINGTON  The poor and the disabled are big losers in President Donald Trump's $4.1 trillion budget proposal while the Pentagon is a big winner.

Trump's plan for the budget year beginning Oct. 1 makes deep cuts in safety net programs, including Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program. The proposal also includes big cuts in Social Security's disability program.

Defense spending and border security would get significant boosts.

The winners and losers:

WINNERS

The military: Trump's budget proposal would add $469 billion to defense spending over the next decade.

Border security: The proposal includes $2.6 billion for border security technology, including money to design and build a wall along the southern border. Trump repeatedly promised voters during the campaign that Mexico would pay for the wall, a notion that Mexican officials rejected. Instead, the U.S. taxpayer will foot the bill.

The elderly: Trump's budget plan does not address Social Security or Medicare benefits for retirees, even though both programs are on track to become insolvent in the coming decades.

New parents: The budget plan includes a new paid-leave program for the parents of newborn children. Under the program, mothers and fathers could take up to six weeks of paid leave after the birth or adoption of a child. Trump's budget summary says the program is fully paid for, but includes only $19 billion over the next decade.

Veterans: The budget proposal calls for an increase for the Veterans Administration, including $29 billion over the next decade for the Choice program. The program allows veterans to seek outside medical care from private doctors.

Doctors: The budget proposes to cap jury awards in medical malpractice lawsuits.

Medicare and Medicaid fraud prevention: These efforts would get a $70 million increase next year.

LOSERS

The Poor: Trump's budget would slash Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program by $616 billion over the next decade. These programs provide health insurance for millions of poor families.

The Poor, Part II: Trump's budget would cut the food stamp program by $191 billion over the next decade.

The Poor, Part III: Trump's budget would cut funding for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program by $22 billion over the next decade.

The Disabled: Trump's budget calls for cutting Social Security disability benefits by nearly $70 billion over the next decade by encouraging and, in some cases, requiring people receiving the benefits to re-enter the workforce.

College Students: Trump's proposal would cut student loans by $143 billion over the next decade.

Farmers: The budget plan would cut farm subsidies by $38 billion over the next decade.

Young Workers: By not addressing Social Security or Medicare benefits for retirees, Trump's budget increases the likelihood that young workers will eventually face either significant benefit cuts or big tax increases. Social Security's trust funds are projected to run dry in 2034 and Medicare's is projected to run out of money in 2028. If Congress allows either fund to run dry, millions of Americans living on fixed incomes would face steep cuts in benefits.

The Great Lakes and the Chesapeake Bay: Trump's budget would eliminate the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative and the Chesapeake Bay Program, saving $427 million next year.

Planned Parenthood: The budget would prohibit any funding for certain entities that provide abortions, including Planned Parenthood.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: The agency, which fights everything from AIDS to Zika, would have its budget cut about 18 percent, to $6.3 billion.

 The National Institutes of Health: The budget for the premier medical research agency would be cut by 18 percent, to $26 billion.

Science: The American Association for the Advancement of Science estimates the budget proposal would cut overall federal spending on scientific research by 16.8 percent.

___

Associated Press writers Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar, Hope Yen, Lauran Neergaard and Seth Borenstein contributed to this report.
Supporters of gay rights celebrated in Taiwan on Wednesday after the island's highest court made a constitutional ruling in favor of same-sex marriages, the first jurisdiction in Asia to legalize gay marriage.



Braving torrential rain, the supporters celebrated with multi-colored rainbow displays made from their cell phone flashlights after the court found in their favor.



The court found on Wednesday that a clause in Taiwan's Civil Code specifying that marriage can only exist between a man and a woman "violates" the constitution's guarantees of freedom of marriage and equality.



"The current provisions of the marriage chapter do not allow two persons of the same sex to create a permanent union of an intimate and exclusive nature for the committed purpose of managing a life together. This is obviously a gross legislative flaw," the court said in a statement.



Two judges dissented out of a total panel of 14, but the majority of 10 was easily achieved.



According to the judgment, the physical and psychological need for permanent unions is "equally essential to homosexuals and heterosexuals, given the importance of the freedom of marriage to the sound development of personality and safeguarding of human dignity."



It said foot-dragging over the issue had affected people's fundamental rights in recent years.



The island's government now has two years to implement the ruling by the constitutional court, but the ruling already legitimizes same-sex marriages by default, it said.



'Everyone wins'



Supporters waved rainbow flags, cheered, and hugged each other as the ruling was made public.



Leaders of the campaign group Marriage Equality, which has led a surge in public opinion in favor of gay marriage ahead of the ruling, chanted the slogans "Marriage equality! Everyone wins!"



"I was so excited when I heard the ruling. My heart was all a-flutter like a bird," leading campaigner Chi Chia-wei, 59, told reporters.



"But that said, we still have to wait two years before we can get married: I hope the Legislative Yuan will prioritize the bill instead of dragging it on for another two years."



However, conservative groups also staged rallies against any change in the law, with angry anti-gay marriage protesters beating drums outside judicial headquarters, while shouting "Unfair justice!" and "Sinners!"



The Taipei city government has been rejecting marriage applications by same-sex couples until now, and had petitioned the constitutional court to clarify the law.



Across the Taiwan Strait in mainland China, where activists have tried and failed for several years to have same-sex unions recognized by the state, sexologist Li Yinhe welcomed the news.



"Taiwan and mainland China have the same roots and culture," Li told Agence France-Presse. "It suggests that Chinese society could also accept the idea of gay marriage," she said, but added there was "a very long way" to go.



Binding ruling



President Tsai Ing-wen confirmed that the ruling would be binding on her administration, and called on Taiwan's 23 million residents to "understand, tolerate, and respect people with different opinions."



Tsai's secretary-general Joseph Wu called on the island's officials to study the ruling carefully and collect opinions from everyone in society.



"Then they should present detailed draft legislation for debate with the Legislative Yuan," Wu said. "Parliament should then complete its three readings within the mandated time."



Lu Tai-lang, secretary-general of Taiwan's judiciary, agreed, saying it is now up to Taiwan's democratically elected parliament to proceed.



"It is now for the legislature to act on whatever laws are now needed to ensure marriage equality," Lu told reporters.



"If they take longer than the specified period [of two years], then two persons of the same sex will be able to register their permanent unions by acting according to the existing laws on marriage, and receive a marriage certificate."



And Marriage Equality convenor Lu Hsin-chieh said the campaign isn't over yet.



"This is definitely not the end of the campaign," Lu told journalists. "But it is a very important day for marriage equality in Taiwan, because we have received state recognition at the highest level that we shouldn't be left out in the cold by the law."



"This is an inviolable right ... [but] of course we would rather not wait two years. We would rather see this thing pushed through in two weeks," Lu said.



Swift action urged



Amnesty International welcomed the ruling in a statement, and urged Taiwan lawmakers to act quickly.



"The judges have today said yes to marriage equality. This is a huge step forward for LGBT rights in Taiwan and will resonate across Asia," the group's East Asia campaigns director Lisa Tassi said.



"Lawmakers must act swiftly to ensure Taiwan becomes the first in Asia to make genuine marriage equality a reality," Tassi said. "As todays ruling makes clear, whoever you love, everyone is entitled to the same human rights and equal protection under the law."



The group said a draft bill on same-sex marriage is currently being considered by Taiwans legislature, and urged lawmakers to legalize same-sex marriage in Taiwan, on the same basis and with the same rights as marriage between heterosexual couples.



Reported by Hwang Chun-mei for RFA's Mandarin Service, and by Chung Kwang-cheng for the Cantonese Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie.




Authorities tear down a cross from a Protestant church in Dingqiao township in the city of Hangzhou, eastern China's Zhejiang province, Dec. 19, 2014.

Authorities in the eastern Chinese province of Zhejiang are engaged in a province-wide operation that has installed surveillance cameras in the majority of Protestant Christian churches in a region known as "China's Jerusalem."

Officials have forcibly entered church buildings to install cameras in some cases where church followers have offered resistance to the plan, and have intervened to cut off water and electricity to others, sources told RFA.

On Wednesday, authorities cut off public utilities to a Protestant Christian church near Wenzhou that refused to allow police to install surveillance cameras on its premises, church members told RFA.

Under the guise of "health and safety" regulations, authorities cut off utilities to the church in Rui'an Gesan village in Zhejiang's Wenzhou city on Wednesday.

"They came and cut off our church this morning," a church member who declined to be named said. "It's because we refused to have surveillance cameras here; they kept ordering us to install them and we kept on refusing."

"Several of the ladies in the church blocked their access, so they took these measures [against us]."

Video of the standoff showed a number of women grabbing hold of equipment carried by uniformed police, and a worker on a ladder at the top of an electricity pylon, apparently switching off the supply to the building.

Access to water and electricity is controlled by the grass-roots "neighborhood committees" under the ruling Chinese Communist Party, so the church would need the agreement of local officials before being reconnected, the member said.



Stepping up the pressure

Since launching a province-wide cross-demolition campaign in 2015, authorities in Zhejiang have stepped up pressure on Protestant Christian churches, ordering many to install surveillance cameras to enable daily police monitoring of their activities.

Last month, a man was injured in clashes between government religious affairs bureau officials and members of the Banling church in Zhejiang's Yayang township after more than 100 officials and security personnel tried to install cameras forcibly.

The cutting off of utilities to the Gesan church followed a two-week standoff with the authorities over the requirement, the church member said.

"We didn't think this was a good idea, because then they would be watching us all the time," the church member said. "They would be listening in on our Sunday services and on our sermons, so of course this would have a negative impact on us."

"A lot of churches are having these cameras installed right now, maybe 90 percent of them already have them, and those who don't are being cut off," he said.

Authorities issued the church a notification order signed by the health and safety committee of the Nanbin neighborhood committee, according to a copy seen by RFA.

"Major health and safety issues have been detected at your premises, which is used for mass gatherings," the notice said. "The premises should not be used until these issues have been addressed."

"Otherwise, further coercive measures will be implemented," it said.

An employee who answered the phone at the neighborhood committee offices said they weren't familiar with the situation when contacted by RFA on Wednesday, however.

"My boss isn't here, so you need to talk with him when he gets out of his meeting," the employee said.

Chinas deteriorating religious freedom abuses have now ranked the country among notorious abusers such as North Korea, Myanmar, and Vietnam, according to a report from the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom last month.

China was singled out alongside North Korea, Vietnam and Myanmar as a "country of particular concern," the group said, calling on the U.S. government to exert diplomatic pressure to improve religious freedom there.

The report said the Communist Partys had subjected North Korean refugees, Protestants, Catholics, Uyghur Muslims, Tibetan Buddhists, and Falun Gong practitioners to imprisonment, torture, and, in some cases, even death.

Reported by Yang Fan for RFA's Mandarin Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie.
Aung San Suu Kyi, Myanmar's de facto leader, addresses delegates at the second session of the 21st Century Panglong Conference in Naypyidaw, May 24, 2017.

About 900 Myanmar government representatives, lawmakers, top military and political party officials, and delegates from ethnic armed groups opened the second round of de facto national leader Aung San Suu Kyis key peace initiative on Wednesday.

Aung San Suu Kyi, who also holds the post of state counselor and foreign minister, told delegates who gathered for the five-day talks inside a conference hall in the capital Naypyidaw that the government, which has been in power for just over a year, is prepared to negotiate with various ethnic militias that have been engaged in decades of civil war with the national army.

The ethnic armed groups say they seek a federated state in which they coexist as equals with the ethnic Bamar majority.

We should not be afraid of negotiating with anybody, she told the attendees.

We will not resort to exerting pressure through populist politics to achieve our goals, but we will instead strive to reach an agreement acceptable to all with open, frank, and inclusive dialogue, she said.

As we negotiate to reach common agreement on issues where our views differ, we must recognize that courtesy is not weakness, and negotiation is not concession, she said.

The second session of the 21st Century Panglong Conference, also called the Union Peace Conference, comes nine months after the initial round of negotiations was held and made little headway.

Spearheaded by Aung San Suu Kyi, the talks are the National League for Democracy-led administrations key initiative to end long-term fighting between heavily armed ethnic militias and the Myanmar military and to build a democratic federal union in the country.

The previous government brokered a nationwide cease-fire agreement (NCA) with eight ethnic militias in October 2015, but several other groups refused to join the pact or were excluded from it because of ongoing hostilities with the national military.

Aung San Suu Kyi wants to get the nonsignatories of the NCA on board so the resource-rich country can move forward with its political and economic development.

We are better able to identify common ground if we meet face to face and negotiate, rather than if we listen from afar to the words and speeches of others and seek to draw conclusions from them, she said.

Only political dialogue can address underlying grievances, she said.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, commander-in-chief of Myanmar's armed forces, gives a speech during the opening ceremony of the second session of the 21st Century Panglong Conference in Naypyidaw, May 24, 2017. Credit: RFA Dearest wish of the Tatmadaw

In a speech during the opening ceremony of the conference, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, commander-in-chief of Myanmars armed forces, said the Tatmadaw, as the military is known, will actively participate in the peace process.

Peace and stability can be found at the core of every developed country, he said.

As for our country, armed conflicts must be ended without fail to restore peace and stability, he said. We must prioritize the work of restoring internal peace in our cohesive march towards multiparty democracy under a unified goal.

Min Aung Hlaing reiterated the militarys insistence on adherence to its six-point peace policy that requires ethnic militias to accept the 2008 constitution, drafted when a military junta ruled Myanmar, and to disarm.

The standpoint of the Tatmadaw on the peace process is to stand firmly on the NCA path, which is the peace strategy of our country, he said. In implementing the NCA, the Tatmadaw will adhere to its six-point peace policy.

For the sake of permanent peace, the termination of clashes and armed conflicts is the dearest wish of the Tatmadaw, he said. In accordance with the objectives and intentions of the NCA, we always keep the door to peace open and extend a welcome to the ethnic armed organizations that should participate.

Representatives from ethnic armed groups that have not signed the NCAincluding the United Wa State Army (USWA), Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), National Democratic Alliance Army (NDAA), Taang National Liberation Army/Palaung State Liberation Front (TNLA/PSLF), Arakan Army (AA), Kachin Independence Army/Kachin Independence Organization (KIA/KIO), and Shan State Progress Party, Shan State Army North (SSPP/SSA-N)are attending the conference as invited guests.

Two other groupsthe Karenni National Progressive Party and New Mon State Partydecided not to attend the conference, as did the United Nationalities Federal Council (UNFC), an umbrella organization that represents armed groups that have not signed the NCA.

If the UNFC had attended, it would mean that almost every [ethnic armed] group would have been represented at the conference, but it hasnt, and its like we have a void, said Sai Kyaw Nyunt of the Shan Nationalities Democratic Party (SNDP).

Zaw Htay, director-general of Aung San Suu Kyis office, said the government has been speaking with the UNFC about getting its members to agree to sign the NCA and to proceed with a policy on political dialogue.

We will try to get them involved in future political dialogues and ask for their suggestions at the same time, he said. We are working on how to get them to sign the NCA.

Colonel Khun Okkar of the Pa-O National Liberation Organization (PNLO) said that the focus of the second Panglong Conference on political dialogue differs from that of the first peace summit, which began in late August 2016.

The previous conference was held to try to attract as many people it could get, but [in the end] no decisions were made, he said. This current one is not such an event, but rather a political dialogue.



Northern Alliance wants meeting

In a related development, the Northern Alliance, a coalition of four ethnic armed groups, has requested a meeting with Aung San Suu Kyi, an official from one of the organizations ethnic armies said Wednesday.

The government invited the members of the alliancethe AA, KIA, MNDAA, and TNLAas observers rather than participants to the current peace conference, but it limited the AA to attending only the opening and closing ceremonies.

The coalition carried out coordinated attacks on government and military targets in Shan state last November.

We will ask [the government] for a meeting with Daw [honorific] Aung San Suu Kyi, said Lieutenant Colonel Nyo Tun Aung, the AAs deputy commander-in-chief. If she accepts our request, then we are ready to meet with her.

Delegates from the Northern Alliance have not yet decided whether they will remain at the conference because they do not know the agenda for the next few days, he said.

The coalitions members are attending the conference because the Chinese government, which has been pushing for an end to skirmishes that have sent refugees into its territory, urged them to do so, he said.

Fighting between Myanmars Kokang rebels and government army soldiers in the hills along the Chinese border during the spring forced about 20,000 refugees to flee to safety in southwestern Chinas Yunnan province.

Ko Ko Gyi, a leader of the pro-democracy 88 Generation Students Group, said progress has already been made with the attendance of the Northern Alliance groups at the conference.

They can observe both formal and informal discussions, he said. As far as the informal discussions are successful, they will have chances to participate in the formal discussions.

Political prisoners freed

In celebration of the opening of the second session of the Panglong Conference, President Htin Kyaw released 186 Myanmar nationals and 73 foreigners from jail on Tuesday as part of an amnesty that included activists and political prisoners.

The foreign prisoners were released and deported.

Among those released were 10 political prisoners from Mandalays Obo Prison, including four students who had participated in a protest against the Sagaing Institute of Education in northwestern Myanmars Sagaing region and two Muslim interfaith activists.

The two activistsMa Pwint Phyu Latt and Ko Zaw Lattwere sentenced to four years under the colonial-era Unlawful Associations Act in April 2016 and the Immigration Act in February.

Ninety-four prisoners held in detention facilities in western Myanmars Rakhine state were also freed, including 59 from the AA.

Former minister of religion Hsan Hsint, who was sentenced to 13 years in Obo Prison on October 2014 on corruption charges but released on Tuesday, called on the government to free others still inside the jail.

I want the rest of the prisoners in Obo Prison to be freed, he said. Some of them received unfair sentences. I want the government to consider releasing them as well.

Those released also included Hla Phone, who had been imprisoned in Yangons Insein Prison for comments he made on his Facebook page under the name Kyat Phy Gyi for violating Section 66(d) of Myanmar's Telecommunications Law, widely used by officials to charge their critics with defamation.

I found out about my release under the amnesty for the Panglong Conference when I woke up this morning, he said, adding that he would like to see Section 66 (d) abolished.

Reported by Win Naung Toe and Htet Arkar for RFAs Myanmar Service. Translated by Khet Mar. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin.
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A Chesterfield County judge on Wednesday imposed a jurys recommended sentence of 3 months in jail and a $1,000 fine on a former Richmond police officer convicted of manslaughter in the October 2015 off-duty shooting death of an unarmed teen at a Chesterfield car wash.

In comments from the bench, Circuit Judge David E. Johnson said he respects the jury process and therefore found no reason to deviate from the wishes of the seven-man, five-woman jury that in February found David L. Cobb, 48, guilty of fatally shooting 18-year-old Paterson Brown Jr.

This is a tragedy across the board, the judge said, referring to both Brown and Cobb.

Johnson said he was very moved by several written statements submitted by Browns family about the impact the killing had on their lives, and he also considered Cobbs previous unblemished record. I considered every possible option before I came in here today, the judge added.

The judge also ordered Cobb to make $2,000 in restitution to the Virginia Victims Compensation Fund for payments the fund provided the Brown family for their funeral expenses. The prosecution had requested Cobb be made to pay the entire $4,462 funeral cost, and the defense argued that he shouldnt be required to pay anything.

Neither the prosecution nor the defense provided any additional evidence during the 40-minute proceeding. Cobb elected not to make any statement to the court and he was remanded to jail immediately.

Defense attorney David Baugh had urged the judge to suspend Cobbs entire three-month jail term, citing possible safety concerns for an ex-officer incarcerated in jail. Hes going to have to be guarded, hes going to have to be protected, Baugh said.

But prosecutor Melissa Hoy countered there was no information that the jail could not safely accommodate Cobb.

Later Wednesday, The Times-Dispatch learned that Cobb was booked into the Meherrin River Regional Jail in Brunswick County  not Chesterfield  and will serve his time there.

This is a normal procedure that all sheriffs do for cases just like this, said Chesterfield Sheriff Karl Leonard. There may be risk if a person is incarcerated in an area where they worked. These things are prearranged for the persons safety to ensure that we mitigate any risk.

In a curious decision, the jury at Cobbs February trial rejected a verdict of second-degree murder, the original charge, and acquitted Cobb of using a gun in the crime. Jurors also opted for a relatively light punishment after finding Cobb guilty of voluntary manslaughter, which carries a maximum prison term of 10 years in jail.

It took jurors nearly eight hours over two days to reach their decision. Cobbs first trial in June 2016 ended in a hung jury after panel members said they were significantly divided and couldnt reach a unanimous verdict.

Brown bled to death after Cobb shot him in the groin during a confrontation after the teen inexplicably jumped into Cobbs girlfriends car. Cobb had driven the vehicle to Better Vision Detail & Car Spa at 7559 Midlothian Turnpike the morning of Oct. 17, 2015, to have it cleaned.

Prosecutors asserted at trial that the evidence showed that Cobb shot Brown, who was unarmed, needlessly and in anger because he believed the teen was preparing to steal Cobbs girlfriends car and wouldnt obey the officers commands to get out. Cobb testified that he believed the teen had a gun and that he fired only when Brown made a reaching move after being told repeatedly to stop moving and keep his hands visible.

In arguments to the judge on Tuesday, Baugh said every day since the fateful encounter, and probably for the rest of his life, Cobb  and perhaps Browns family as well  will wonder why the teen did not comply with the officers commands to put his hands on the steering wheel.

Now, Cobbs life is changed forever and destroyed, Baugh said.

But Hoy disputed Baughs reasoning.

This isnt a question of what is wrong with Paterson Brown, Hoy told the court.

One could just as easily question why Cobb took the actions that he did, the prosecutor said  such as why he pulled his gun before he had even spoken with the teen or why he didnt employ the crisis intervention training that he once taught to fellow officers to de-escalate the encounter.

Cobb, a nine-year Richmond police veteran, resigned from the force on March 10, about a month after his conviction.

When Cobb was first indicted in February 2016, Richmond Police Chief Alfred Durham described Cobb as an outstanding officer who had served the department and community well. After Cobb was found guilty earlier this year, Durham said members of the Richmond police family were saddened to hear the news.

The victims parents, who provided copies of their victim impact statements to The Times-Dispatch, are still struggling to recover from the loss of their only son.

I cannot find enough words to deal with this traumatic pain I am enduring constantly and daily as a husband, father and relative to many of my dearly concerned close family while trying to maintain my own strength and sanity in my only sons senseless, wrongful murder by an officer that was sworn to protect Virginians and American citizens, Paterson Brown Sr. wrote.

When I keep seeing in my mind that video of the officer pulling my sons left arm just before he was shot, not while my son was reaching for any weapon, will forever be sketched in my mind. Brown added. Each day as I reflect on October 17, 2015, I wish some crisis intervention would have been employed until Chesterfields finest had arrived and intervened, which would have been the beginning of getting the help that could have assisted my son before his horrible murder.

The teens mother, Kathy Brown, wrote that her life will never be the same.

Every day I wonder why this had to happen, she wrote. It is my hope that this does not have to happen to another family. The choices that are made in life definitely have consequences but sometimes we have an opportunity to change or reflect on the choices we make. My son will never be able to reflect or have the opportunity to make another choice. That option was taken away from him.

I love my son and want to hold onto the beautiful memory of him, she added, but the way in which his life ended leaves a terrible memory etched in my mind, heart and spirit forever, she added.
About 40 full-time-equivalent staff positions at the University of Virginia could be on the chopping block as the university merges its human resources departments in the academic and medical divisions.

The merger would bring the number of full-time-equivalent employees from 240 to 200, according to university spokesman Anthony de Bruyn.

The project, which the university calls UFirst, is supposed to cut down on bureaucratic waste and make HR at the university run more efficiently.

In so doing, UVa will be positioned to continue to attract and retain the best talent in support of excellence in education, research, patient care and public service, de Bruyn said.

On Monday, The Daily Progress received an anonymous letter signed by A dedicated and concerned UVa employee. The letter claims HR employees are being asked to apply for new jobs, but they dont know if there will be enough jobs for everyone.

The employee claimed that the universitys chief operating officer, Patrick D. Hogan, and the chief human resources officer, Kelley Stuck, have not kept affected employees in the loop about the latest round of changes.

This is not the way people should be treated, the employee wrote. I have always been very proud of working at UVa and cant believe we are being treated with such disrespect.

Attached to the letter was a memo signed by Michael G. Latsko, whose title is listed as talent transition lead for UFirst. The memo said human-resources employees will receive priority if they apply to open positions within the university.

The memo came with a list of more than 200 employees in various HR jobs around the university.

The administration is trying to accommodate employees whose jobs could be at stake, de Bruyn said.

The university expects to be able to offer HR or other positions within the university to impacted employees who desire to remain at UVa, he said.

De Bruyn denied that employees had been misled, saying that the information had been available at UFirsts website between March and April. Informational meetings this month will keep employees informed of the latest developments, he said.

The letter sent to The Progress told a different story, saying that Hogan and Stuck have repeatedly changed their stories so that employees dont know whats going on.

The people I work with are like family to me and we are all outraged, scared and confused, the employee wrote.

UFirst is part of UVas multiyear Cornerstone Plan passed by the Board of Visitors in 2013. Part of the plan is a broad initiative to save money on organizational costs.

According to UFirsts website, human resources at UVa was plagued by red tape and lack of communication between departments, with 70-plus disjointed systems that collect HR data across the academic division at Charlottesville, the Health System and UVas College at Wise.

The university already has downsized human resources from 270 to 240 full-time-equivalent positions, de Bruyn said. These reductions came through attrition and reassignment of duties in vacant positions, he said.

The latest round of changes will include automation of some HR services. Regardless, the university pledges to help employees affected by the changes, de Bruyn said.

A number of transition options are being vetted at this time, he said.
Two signatures. Two cities. One high-profile death.

In the name of Jamycheal Mitchell on Wednesday, the states highest elected official signed a bill in Richmond strengthening oversight of Virginias 60 local and regional jails, and a prosecutor in Portsmouth requested a special grand jury convene to investigate how the mentally ill 24-year-old wasted away behind bars.

The circumstances of Mitchells death 21 months ago at Hampton Roads Regional Jail have been reviewed, in whole or in part, by the jail itself, the Portsmouth Police Department, the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, the Office of the State Inspector General and the Virginia State Police. The U.S. Department of Justice is currently investigating the treatment of inmates at the Portsmouth-based facility.

Still, no information has been provided publicly that explains what led to Mitchells death. His family has said he was physically healthy but had been diagnosed with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

At the Virginia Department of Corrections on Wednesday, Gov. Terry McAuliffe ceremonially signed a bill that he said will ensure deaths at local and regional jails are fully reviewed by a panel of experts on a revamped Board of Corrections.

I believe that their efforts will result in fewer deaths, better outcomes for incarcerated individuals, and a system of safe and accountable local jails all across the commonwealth, McAuliffe said. While we can never bring Jamycheal back, we can do everything in our power to make sure that no one ever faces what Jamycheal faced under those same circumstances.

McAuliffe was joined at the ceremony by dozens of top administration officials, lawmakers and state employees. Mitchells family members, who had previously traveled to Richmond to lobby for reforms, were not invited to attend, according to their attorney.

The bill McAuliffe signed authorizes him to replace the existing members of the board with nine experts in particular areas, such as mental health care, jail administration and death investigations. The bill, which goes into effect July 1, also sets aside money for an investigator who will conduct jail death reviews.

McAuliffe said he will encourage the board to review the deaths of the half-dozen inmates who have died since the legislation was passed in late February.

It was a very difficult situation after Jamycheal Mitchells death that nobody seemed to have responsibility or was willing to take responsibility of how this actually occurred, McAuliffe said. Im proud to say that we did find consensus around this issue and the need for a consistent process to review jail inmate deaths.

In April 2015, Mitchell was supposed to be transferred to a state mental hospital for treatment, but his initial paperwork was lost. A second batch, sent months later, was stuffed in a desk drawer by an overwhelmed admissions worker at Eastern State Hospital.

Mitchells name was never added to a waiting list of transfers from the jail to Eastern State. Instead, he was kept alone in a cell at the jail, losing so much weight he eventually died.

Stephanie N. Morales, the commonwealths attorney for the city of Portsmouth, on Wednesday requested the Portsmouth Circuit Court convene a special grand jury to look into Mitchells death. Her office did not provide any information about why she requested a special grand jury.

Morales has been studying the results of a Virginia State Police investigation into Mitchells death, but her office has not released further details about the state police inquiry. McAuliffe said Wednesday that he had not been briefed on the results yet.

State law allows a commonwealths attorney to request a special grand jury, which can investigate criminal activity and consider whether anyone should be indicted. A special grand jury consists of seven to 11 members who may subpoena people to testify and produce records. The proceedings are secret.

If a judge grants Morales request, she is allowed to be present during the special grand jurys investigative stage and to question witnesses. Grand jurors also have the ability to question witnesses. Special lawyers or personnel may assist in the special grand jurys investigation.

After numerous state agencies failed to get full answers about how Mitchell died, Morales last year asked for a Virginia State Police investigation. She asked for additional investigation in August after police turned over their preliminary findings.

Then in March she asked police to investigate new allegations surrounding Mitchells death.

Mark Krudys, the Richmond-based attorney representing Mitchells family, said of Morales: Were encouraged by the tenacity of her efforts.

Mitchells aunt has filed a $60 million lawsuit in federal court alleging abuse and neglect on the part of the jails corrections officers and medical staff.

Hampton Roads Regional Jail Superintendent Ronaldo Myers, who is the fourth person to lead the jail in the past eight months, said the jail welcomes as many investigations or inquiries as the appropriate federal, state and local authorities deem necessary. We will continue to provide our unfettered cooperation to all law enforcement authorities, as we continue to remain vigilant and as we continue to work tirelessly to get better.

Gov. Terry McAuliffe said Mitchell never should have been in jail, and he supports the formation of a special grand jury because the state needs to know how he died behind bars.

Im not satisfied standing here today, McAuliffe said. I have no idea today why Jamycheal was put in jail for stealing less than $10 and the idea that he wasted away in prison  died of starvation  is shocking to me as governor, to be honest with you. So if we can get some more answers, I support it 100 percent.

The Portsmouth Police Department conducted an initial investigation when Mitchell died, but the case was closed after the medical examiner issued her report that Mitchell died of extreme weight loss and heart problems. No one was charged.

State lawmakers assumed the Office of the State Inspector General was responsible for investigating jail deaths, but former State Inspector General June Jennings said her office lacked the authority.

The Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services looked into Mitchells mental health evaluations and the reasons why he was kept in jail instead of transferred to a state mental hospital, but the office didnt review his treatment at the jail.

McAuliffes office and state Sen. R. Creigh Deeds subcommittee studying mental health services reached the conclusion that the Board of Corrections should review jail deaths, but board members were initially hesitant. The General Assembly passed a bill giving them the authority and resources during the last session.

Whats lost sometimes is that the public has to have some confidence in its institutions, and the only way you have confidence is if you have transparency and you can see what went wrong, Deeds, D-Bath, said during the bill-signing ceremony Wednesday. That was lacking in this situation, but it wont be lacking anymore because of this important bill.
As the Democratic and Republican primaries approach, the candidates have been fleshing out their policy platforms. And while a certain amount of poll-tested cant is to be expected in any well-run campaign, Virginias candidates for governor also have rolled out a series of proposals that deserve thoughtful consideration and even applause.

Monday brought two such developments: one from the GOPs Ed Gillespie and one from Democrat Tom Perriello.

Gillespie unveiled a plan to boost job creation. Its most important point was the acknowledgement that a governor does not directly create private-sector jobs. But the state can create an environment that is more conducive to job creation. Rather than engage in whale hunting by trying to lure Fortune 100 companies to move their headquarters here, Gillespie said he wants to grow our own whales.

To that end, he suggested a series of measures aimed at clearing away the regulatory red tape that interferes with job creation. The commonwealth is one of the worst states in the country with regard to occupational licensing, for instance  requiring, e.g., nine months of training for barbers and cosmetologists. Gillespie would require tougher scrutiny of such licensing.

He also would push efforts to review existing regulations, ensure that new rules impose the minimum possible burden, encourage businesses to flag especially onerous rules, and even take into account the cumulative effect of new regulations that do not, by themselves, seem particularly costly. He also would encourage the state to streamline operations that oversee business so companies dont have to jump through a long and repetitive series of hoops.

These are good ideas. Combined with a repeal of the Business, Professional, and Occupational License (BPOL) tax, which applies to gross revenue rather than net profit, they could help reverse Virginias recent slide down the list of states friendly to business.

Shortly thereafter, Perriello announced his proposal to let Virginias pharmacists and some nurses ... prescribe and dispense birth control. ... Its common sense that a woman should be able to walk into her local pharmacy or womens health clinic and walk out with contraception.

Hes right. Contraceptives are remarkably safe, and allowing pharmacists and nurses to prescribe them would not endanger public health. Neither, for that matter, would allowing them to be sold over the counter  the optimal method of distribution, and one endorsed half a decade ago by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

Resistance to such ideas emanates in two quarters: Doctors, who do not want to see their market exclusivity eroded, and social conservatives, who worry that wider availability of contraception would encourage teen promiscuity and other sins. Research has cast doubt on the latter point. And making birth control more widely available probably would help lower already declining teen pregnancy and abortion rates.
A Place for All Conservatives to Speak Their Mind.
A Pulaski County mans social media post landed him in jail last week, Virginia State Police reported Wednesday.

James A. Burton Jr., 26, of Dublin, was charged with a felony count of making a written threat to kill or harm someone, state police spokeswoman Corinne Geller wrote in an email. The alleged threat was tied to Burtons fathers May 14 death in a shootout with police in Pulaski, Geller wrote. The younger Burton was charged two days later.

He is being held without bond at the New River Valley Regional Jail. Investigation into both the online post and the May 14 shooting death of James A. Burton Sr. continues, Geller wrote.

The Southwest Times newspaper in Pulaski reported that after his father died, Burton had posted on Facebook a threat to harm town police officers and sheriffs deputies.

The elder Burton died after exchanging shots with Pulaski County sheriffs deputies who with town police had responded to a domestic violence report, according to statements last week from the state and town police. The police agencies said that after officers surrounded a house in Pulaski, Burton had emerged onto the porch and fired, then retreated as deputies fired back. An hours-long standoff ensued and there was at least one gunshot from inside the house, police said.

Eventually, state police reported, a robot was sent into the house and found the elder Burton dead.
CHARLOTTESVILLE  About 40 full-time-equivalent staff positions at the University of Virginia could be on the chopping block as the university merges its human resources departments in the academic and medical divisions.

The merger would bring the number of full-time-equivalent employees from 240 to 200, according to university spokesman Anthony de Bruyn.

The project, which the university calls UFirst, is supposed to cut down on bureaucratic waste and make HR at the university run more efficiently.

In so doing, UVa will be positioned to continue to attract and retain the best talent in support of excellence in education, research, patient care and public service, de Bruyn said.

On Monday, The Daily Progress received an anonymous letter signed by A dedicated and concerned UVa employee. The letter claims HR employees are being asked to apply for new jobs, but they dont know if there will be enough jobs for everyone.

The employee claimed that the universitys chief operating officer, Patrick Hogan, and the chief human resources officer, Kelley Stuck, have not kept affected employees in the loop about the latest round of changes.

This is not the way people should be treated, the employee wrote. I have always been very proud of working at UVa and cant believe we are being treated with such disrespect.

Attached to the letter was a memo signed by Michael Latsko, whose title is listed as talent transition lead for UFirst. The memo said human-resources employees will receive priority if they apply to open positions within the university.

The memo came with a list of more than 200 employees in various HR jobs around the university.

The administration is trying to accommodate employees whose jobs could be at stake, de Bruyn said.

The university expects to be able to offer HR or other positions within the university to impacted employees who desire to remain at UVa, he said.

De Bruyn denied that employees had been misled, saying that the information had been available at UFirsts website between March and April. Informational meetings this month will keep employees informed of the latest developments, he said.

The letter sent to The Progress told a different story, saying that Hogan and Stuck have repeatedly changed their stories so that employees dont know whats going on.

The people I work with are like family to me and we are all outraged, scared and confused, the employee wrote.

According to UFirsts website, human resources at UVa was plagued by red tape and lack of communication between departments, with 70-plus disjointed systems that collect HR data.

The latest round of changes will include automation of some HR services. Regardless, the university pledges to help employees affected by the changes, de Bruyn said.
While the rain Wednesday morning did not make for nice biking weather, it didnt deter some from hopping on one of Roanokes new bikes for a spin around downtown.

Bike stations complete with brand-new bikes appeared in different spots across the city by Wednesday morning as part of the citys new bike share program, which officially launched at 8 a.m. There werent a lot of riders in the first few hours, likely due to the weather, which moved the announcement indoors. But there were already some annual membership sign-ups before lunchtime.

Ten bike stations are now scattered around the city, each with five bikes available for rent. RIDE Solutions, a local transportation agency, recruited Massachusetts-based startup Zagster to implement the program. While most bike share programs are in large cities, Zagster specializes in bringing them to mid-size cities, building the bikes and then contracting with area businesses for upkeep to help keeps prices low.

People who want to use a bike must download the Zagster mobile app. Bike rental costs $3 an hour, with an option to buy a $40 annual membership that allows riders to take out a bike for up to an hour daily whenever they choose for no extra charge. If the bike is out for more than an hour, the rider is charged $3 an hour, with a $30 cap.

The bikes are designed for casual use, with wide seats and baskets. A flexible lock attached to each bike allows riders to park anywhere. Helmets are not included.

It took about six months for Ride Solutions to bring the bike share to Roanoke, but having a city-wide biking system had been in the works for years as the city continued to promote itself as a place for outdoors enthusiasts. City officials struggled to find an affordable way to make a bike share program work. Ride Solutions director Jeremy Holmes said Zagster, which is in more than 130 cities, was the perfect fit. A survey conducted earlier this year found broad support for a bike share program. A survey also was used to determine the prices.

City Councilman David Trinkle, who spoke at the bike share launch, said representatives from the citys neighborhoods have asked for better ways to connect with each other, and this is one more step in doing that.

Holmes said $81,000 was raised to get the program off the ground, with $9,000 coming from Ride Solutions. The rest was from private sponsorships. Carilion Clinic was the biggest sponsor, funding two bike stations. Support also came from several downtown property owners and organizations. John Garland and Aaron Garland, who own Garland Properties, and Bill Chapman, the developer of West Station Lofts and several other downtown buildings, sponsored stations for their tenants.

Most of the bike stations are downtown to cater to its estimated 2,000 residents. This includes locations next to the Hampton Inn & Suites, the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Bridge near the future Amtrak platform, and Big Lick Brewing Co.s new building on Salem Avenue. There are also stations in Grandin Village, Fallon Park, and the Wasena, Old Southwest and West End neighborhoods.

Clearly there is a strong interest in bike sharing in our community, so we are thrilled to partner with Zagster to serve that demand, Holmes said. This bike share program simultaneously advances Roanokes commitments to economic development and environmental stewardship, all while providing the entire community with an active and enjoyable way to get around.
Two people are facing multiple charges of child neglect after a 4-year-old Locust Grove boy got ahold of a gun and shot himself to death.

On Monday, an Orange County grand jury issued indictments of child neglect and reckless handling of a firearm against 25-year-old Nicholas Joseph Stoia, a recruit with the Stafford County Sheriffs Office, and child-care provider Heather Christine Massey, 27. They were arrested that evening.

The charges are related to other children who were in the home at the time of the incident. There has been no word yet on any charges related to the deceased boy, Cole James Clark.

Massey faces one felony count of abuse or neglect of children, four felony counts of cruelty or injuries to children and four misdemeanor counts of recklessly handling or leaving a loaded firearm and endangering a child.

Stoia faces one felony count of abuse or neglect of children and four misdemeanor counts of recklessly handling or leaving a loaded firearm and endangering a child.

The incident happened at about 12:45 p.m. May 15 at the Cecilia Lane home of Massey and Stoia, who are engaged. Orange County deputies and rescue personnel attempted lifesaving measures, but Cole was pronounced dead at the scene.

Cole had been taken to his babysitters house just an hour before he died, his parents said. A GoFundMe page, titled Coles Funeral Fund, has raised more than $24,000 to pay for funeral arrangements. Services were held over the weekend.

Stoia was not at home at the time of the incident, and the firearm involved was not his service weapon, authorities have said.

Stoia, 25, moved to Orange County from Spotsylvania and has been working with the Stafford County Sheriffs Office as a deputy recruit since December. Authorities did not say whether he still was enrolled in the Rappahannock Regional Criminal Justice Academy.

According to court documents, Massey is unemployed and has lived in the Mine Run area since November. She previously lived in North Carolina and has no criminal history.

Both currently are being held without bond at the Central Virginia Regional Jail and are scheduled to appear in Orange County Circuit Court on Friday.

The Orange County Review contributed to this story.
June, 2, 1940 April 7, 2017 Charles Evans Amos, 76, of Christiansburg died Friday, April 7, 2017, at his home after a long hard-fought and courageous battle with Throat cancer. He is survived by his younger brother, Bruce M. Amos, of Georgia and his three daughters and sons-in-law, Angela M. Plackis (Tom) of North Carolina, Lori R. Hill (Christopher) of Tennessee and Melissa Wilson of Florida; grandchildren, Erik, Megan, Destiny, great-grandchild, Mariah, his friend and recent caregiver, Bessie Holtzman, her family and many friends in Indiana and Virginia. He was born in Wilmington, Del. to the late John M Amos and Edna M Amos on June, 2, 1940 but moved to Blacksburg, Va. when he was a child, graduated from Blacksburg High School in 1958 and moved to Indianapolis, IN where he was employed as a machinist at the Ford Motor Company for 34 years. He had a passion for scuba diving and was a member of the 1st USA branch of the British Sub Aqua Club. He was a dive instructor for the club and traveled to many exotic destinations, explored ship wrecks in the Great Lakes and enjoyed underwater photography. He also had opportunities to assist the Indianapolis Police Department with search and recovery. His scuba friends fondly called him "Charlie Tuna". He returned to Blacksburg after retiring and was a faithful member of Blacksburg Presbyterian Church, where he was an active part of Men of the Church and of the Woodchucks, meeting with them weekly to cut and deliver wood to families who would otherwise be without heat. Charles donated a hydraulic splitter, kept it oiled and in good working order, and loved to operate it, ensuring that many homes of the poor in Montgomery County were warmed in our cold winters. He also participated in church mission trips to the inner city of Chicago, where as part of Good News Partners he assisted families by repairing and painting rundown apartments. In addition, he was a lifetime member of the NRA, enjoyed target shooting, was passionate about gun safety/education and shared his knowledge and expertise with many, including the local Boy Scouts. A Memorial Service with be held on June 2, 2017 at the Blacksburg Presbyterian Church at 3 p.m. with visitation at 2 p.m. A reception following the service will be provided by members of the church. Arrangements by McCoy Funeral Home, Blacksburg
Bob Goodlatte is guilty of "gagging at a gnat and swallowing a camel." His inactions in regard to a Donald Trump investigation show a total disregard for the safety of our nation. Goodlatte was in total lock-step with Trump's unfounded rantings about President Obama's birth certificate. Even though President Obama presented his long-form birth certificate, Goodlatte co-sponsored a bill to require all potential presidential candidates to include a copy of their birth certificates in their filings with the Federal Elections Commission. All of this hubbub based on lies.

The camel that Goodlatte is willing to swallow is that Trump did nothing when he was made aware of Flynn's collusion with the Russians. Futhermore, intelligence agencies have corroborated parts of the dossier containing evidence that Russia has compromising information on Donald Trump. It has been reported that the intelligence agencies also know that Flynn and others connected to the Trump campaign had contact with the Russians before and during the election. This was during the time that Russia was working to influence our elections. Goodlatte didn't see any of this as a security breach in need of an investigation. Fake birth certificate falsehoods to discredit the president of the opposition party are much more important. Frankly I now doubt Goodlatte's competency and his lack of discernment is alarming. This is clearly an abuse of power.As the Chairman of the House Judiciary, Goodlatte was elected to answer not only to his constituents but to all Americans. Goodlatte's inactions make him complicit with any of Trump's wrongdoings and cover-ups. Goodlatte, shame on you! Do your job!
Blacksburg FFA members Brian Currin, Austin Nickle, Paul Linkus, Ellie Hula and Heidi Treser have qualified for the state Envirothon competition, a competitive event sponsored by the Virginia Soil and Water Conservation Districts that provides education about environmental issues to high school students.

While not directly sponsored by the FFA organization, many FFA chapters compete in these events to promote agricultural education.

This years competition team problem is agricultural, soil and water stewardship. The competition includes collaborative tests on soils, aquatics, forestry, wildlife, a current issue and an oral presentation.

Competitors first participated in a training session on March 16 where the students learned about the importance of environmental stewardship. On April 5, the Blacksburg team traveled to Sugar Hollow Park in Bristol, Virginia, for the Area IV competition, which included Ridgeview High School, Lee, Wise, Scott, Buchanan, Russell, Tazewell, Washington, Smyth, Bland, Wythe, Grayson, Carroll, City of Galax, Giles, Pulaski, Montgomery and Floyd counties.

The top three teams from each area qualify for state competition. The team from Blacksburg finished in third place and as of press time was scheduled to represent Area IV, along with Tazewell County and Ridgeview High School, at Virginia State University in Petersburg on May 21 and 22.

We were worried about the oral presentation, said Brian after the competition, but in the end we really pulled through as a team.

FFA  the letters stand for Future Farmers of America  was formed in 1928. It is an intracurricular student organization for those interested in agriculture and leadership that prepares students for successful careers and a lifetime of informed choices in the global agriculture, food, fiber and natural resources systems.

FFA is not just for students who want to be production farmers  the organization also welcomes members who aspire to careers as teachers, doctors, scientists, business owners and more.

 Submitted by Brian Currin
A Democrat involved with Indivisible New River Valley will oppose Del. Nick Rush for the 7th District House of Delegates seat.

Flourette Flo Ketner, a stay-at-home mom and member of the national organization that actively opposes President Donald Trumps agenda, seeks to represent the district comprised of Floyd County and parts of Montgomery and Pulaski counties.

Ketner, 34, is a Floyd native and Radford University graduate. She lives in Christiansburg with her husband and their three children.

She, like many non-incumbent Democrats emerging in House races, first got involved in politics after the 2016 presidential election. Upset with Trumps win, Ketner participated in the Womens March on Washington. Afterward, she was hooked on civic engagement.

I got a greater sense that people arent happy, she said. People arent OK with this [administration], but we can do something even if we cant fix whos in power.

Then she joined Indivisible New River Valley, and decided to run for office when she realized Rush, R-Christiansburg, would run unopposed for re-election.

Ketner is opposed to the proposed Mountain Valley Pipeline, something state lawmakers have little control over. She also wants to improve broadband and increase educational opportunities in the rural district.

Exercising what little control state officials have over the MVP project regulated by the federal government, Rush has voted for legislation to increase oversight and safety of natural gas pipelines.

Elected in 2011, Rush, 49, is a former member of the Montgomery County Board of Supervisors. He has not faced a Democratic opponent since 2013. Hes an Army veteran who works as an investment adviser for INVEST Financial Corp.

Rush announced his re-election bid with several campaign stops through the district last month. At the Floyd County Courthouse, he talked about some of his successful legislation, like a bill this session to offer tax incentives for venture capitalists investing in Virginia and bills introduced in previous years to curb voter fraud.

What you dont do is you dont rest on your resume, you build on it, he said. Thats what Im going to try to do for the next two years, if Im lucky enough to be re-elected.

Rush had $43,974 in campaign funds as last reported at the end of March, according to the Virginia Public Access Project. Ketner has not yet reported any campaign donations.

All Roanoke and New River valley delegates face challengers this election cycle except for Del. Sam Rasoul, D-Roanoke.
WILMINGTON, Del., May 23, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Andrews & Springer LLC, a boutique securities class action law firm focused on representing shareholders nationwide, is investigating potential breach of fiduciary duty claims against the Board of Directors of AdvancePierre Foods Holdings, Inc. (AdvancePierre Foods or the Company) relating to the sale of the Company to Tyson Foods, Inc. (Tyson Foods). On April 25, 2017, the two parties announced the signing of a definitive merger agreement pursuant to which Tyson Foods will acquire AdvancePierre Foods in a merger, via a tender offer worth $4.2 billion. As a result of the merger, AdvancePierre Foods shareholders are only anticipated to receive $40.25 per share in cash in exchange for each share of AdvancePierre Foods.

Andrews & Springer's investigation so far has revealed that the consideration AdvancePierre Foods shareholders are expected to receive is inadequate. While the Company claims that shareholders will receive a premium for their shares, AdvancePierre Foods stock has already consistently traded above the $40.25 per share consideration from April 25, 2017 through May 16, 2017, when the Companys share price closed at $40.31 per share. Our investigation is also looking into whether AdvancePierre Foods top executives were conflicted and acted in their own self-interest when approving the merger thus making the process and consideration unfair.

If you own shares of AdvancePierre Foods and want to receive additional information and protect your investments free of charge, please visit us at http://www.andrewsspringer.com/cases-investigations/advancepierre-foods-class-action-investigation/ or contact Craig J. Springer, Esq. at cspringer@andrewsspringer.com, or call toll free at 1-800-423-6013. You may also follow us on LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/company/andrews-&-springer-llc, Twitter - www.twitter.com/AndrewsSpringer or Facebook - www.facebook.com/AndrewsSpringer for future updates.

Andrews & Springer is a boutique securities class action law firm representing shareholders nationwide who are victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty or corporate misconduct. Having formerly defended some of the largest financial institutions in the world, our founding members use their valuable knowledge, experience, and superior skill for the sole purpose of achieving positive results for investors. These traits are the hallmarks of our innovative approach to each case our Firm decides to prosecute. For more information please visit our website at www.andrewsspringer.com. This notice may constitute Attorney Advertising.
HERZLIYA, Israel, May 24, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --

HIGH DOUBLE-DIGIT GROWTH IN SALES AND PROFITS:



 Sales grew 17.4% to a record US$ 302.5 million, 5.3% growth on a pro-forma and constant currency basis

 Core activity sales grew 17.7% to a record US$ 283.5 million, 6.6% growth on a pro-forma and constant currency basis

 Flavors activity sales grew 20.3% to a record US$ 219.4 million, 6.6% growth on a pro-forma and constant currency basis

 Specialty Fine Ingredient activity sales grew 10.8% to a record US$ 66.8 million, 7.6% growth on a pro-forma and constant currency basis

 Record profits:

Gross profit rose 16.8 % to US$ 115.7 million;

rose % to US$ million; EBITDA rose 38.6 % to US$ 55.7 million;

rose % to US$ million; Net income rose 56.9 % to US$ 33.7 million;

rose % to US$ million; Cash flow from operating activity climbed 134.2% to US$ 42.5 million

3 STRATEGIC ACQUISITIONS SINCE THE BEGINNING OF 2017 STRENGTHEN PENETRATION INTO NEW MARKETS

EXCELLENT PIPELINE FOR FUTURE ACQUISITIONS



FRUTAROM IS ADVANCING TOWARDS ITS GOAL OF AT LEAST US$ 2 BILLION IN SALES WITH EBITDA FROM CORE ACTIVITIES OF OVER 22% BY 2020

A PDF accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4e65f9f6-7c46-478e-8c77-e3818035d725

Ori Yehudai, President and CEO of Frutarom:

We are pleased with our continuing business trends and performance that have led once again in the first quarter of 2017 to record results for sales, for profits, for cash flow and for earnings per share. The results reflect the continued successful implementation of our rapid and profitable growth strategy combining profitable internal growth at higher growth rates than those of the markets in which we operate, together with the successful merger of our strategic acquisitions that contribute to the continuing and consistent improvement in our results. The accelerated 17.4% increase in revenues this quarter results from continued rapid internal growth of our core activities, Flavors and Specialty Fine Ingredients, at a rate of 6.6% this quarter (in pro-forma terms and on a constant currency basis) and from the contribution of the strategic acquisitions we made. We are progressing according to plan with the full merging and integration of the 23 strategic acquisitions we made over the past two years. Since the beginning of the year we made three strategic acquisitions that present us with growth opportunities in new markets: Rene Laurent provides us an entry into local production activity in the significant French flavors market, WFF constitutes our first penetration into growing Vietnamese flavors market, and Unique Flavors in South Africa which contributes towards significantly strengthening our position in the field of savory products in the rapidly growing areas of Africa. Another important move we completed in February 2017 was exercising our option to acquire the 25% balance of holdings in the Russian flavors company PTI which reflects a significant boost of value for our customers, for our employees, and for our investors. We are continuing to create a strong quality pipeline of future strategic acquisitions to support the fulfilling of our plan for accelerated growth in our core activities while continuing to expand the share of the Flavors activity, including by gaining global market leadership in savory solutions and expanding the portfolio of natural solutions in the fields of flavors, health, colors and the natural antioxidants we offer our customers while accelerating our growth and expanding our market share in North America and in emerging markets with high growth rates. During 2017 we will continue to capitalize on the integration and maximum streamlining, achieving the significant savings made possible from the acquisitions we make. The merger and streamlining processes will also contribute in the years to come towards strengthening our competitiveness and to improving profits and margins with the achieving of operational savings of an annual scope of US$ 20-22 million which will emerge in the course of 2017:

We are at the stage of successfully completing the merging of our savory activities in Europe following the acquisition of Wiberg. This move will contribute to a gradual improvement in our profitability during the course of 2017 upon completion of the integration and streamlining processes from combining the management, R&D, sales, marketing, production, operational, logistical and administrative platforms of the savory activity in Europe, which we are carrying out in a gradual and measured manner, with emphasis on retaining key personnel and customers. These actions will, upon their completion by the end of 2017, bring savings projected at over US$ 12 million (on an annual basis) which partly began emerging in the first quarter.

The project for substantially streamlining the natural extracts operations of the Specialty Fine Ingredients division, part of an overall move to expand the scope of activity in natural extracts and improve its margins by increasing output and optimizing production lines, is successfully moving forward. These measures are expected to bring savings of over US$ 6 million which will start coming into play during the second half of 2017. We are also continuing to build up and strengthen the global procurement platform while capitalizing on our purchasing power which has increased considerably in recent years, and moving towards purchasing raw materials, particularly those that are natural, in their source countries. The global procurement platform will contribute as well to further improvement in Frutaroms profitability. We continue to present a strong cash flow from operating activity which has grown this quarter by 134.2% to US$ 42.5 million. Our sturdy equity structure, high level of liquidity and conservative leverage, with a net debt to EBITDA ratio of less than 2, enable us to continue initiating and capitalizing on acquisition opportunities based on our strong and high quality acquisitions pipeline. We are convinced that the rapid and profitable internal growth and the strategic acquisitions we have made, combined with continued improvement in our product mix, our progress with natural and healthy products in step with demand from billions of consumers throughout the world, the geographic expansion in North America and in the emerging markets with high growth rates, the moves we are making to optimize our resources while capitalizing on the abundant cross-selling opportunities and the operational savings brought about by the acquisitions, the building of a global procurement platform and the strong pipeline of further synergetic strategic acquisitions, will support our continuing journey of profitable growth in the years to come as well, and the achieving of our strategic goals: At least US$ 2 billion in sales with an EBITDA of over 22% in our core activities by 2020.

Frutarom Industries Ltd. ("Frutarom"), one of the world's 10 largest companies in the field of flavors and specialty fine ingredients, reports another record-breaking quarter in sales, profits, cash flows from operating activities and in earnings per share.

The rapid increase in revenues this quarter stems from a combination of rapid internal growth in Frutaroms core activities - the Flavors Division and Specialty Fine Products Division - and the acquisitions it has made.

Sales

Frutaroms sales in the first quarter of 2017 rose 17.4% to a record US$ 302.5 million compared with US$ 257.7 million in the parallel period, reflecting 5.3% year-over-year growth on a pro-forma and constant currency basis. Changes in the exchange rates of currencies in which the Company operates as against the US dollar had a 0.4% negative impact on sales growth in pro-forma terms compared with Q1 2016.

Sales for Frutaroms core activities (Flavors activity and Specialty Fine Ingredients activity) rose 17.7% in Q1 2017 to reach a record level US$ 283.5 million compared with US$ 240.8 million in the same quarter last year, reflecting 6.6% year-over-year growth on a pro-forma and constant currency basis. Changes in exchange rates had a negative 1.0% impact on results in pro-forma terms.

Sales for Flavors rose 20.3% in Q1 2017 to reach US$ 219.4 million in Q1 2017 as against US$ 182.4 million in Q1 2016, reflecting 6.6% year-over-year growth on a pro-forma and constant currency basis. Currency effects negatively impacted results in pro-forma terms by 0.9%.

Sales for Specialty Fine Ingredients rose 10.8% to US$ 66.8 million in Q1 2017 compared with US$ 60.2 million in Q1 2016 and reflect 7.6% year-over-year growth on a pro-forma and constant currency basis. Currency effects negatively impacted sales by 1.3% in pro-forma terms.

Sales for Trade and Marketing (not part of Frutaroms core activity) rose in Q1 2017 by 12.6% to US$ 19.0 million compared with US$ 16.9 million in Q1 2016. Contributing to the increase was the added sales of trade and marketing goods by Piasa in Mexico, acquired in December 2016. Currency effects boosted trade and marketing activity sales by 7.2% in pro-forma terms. Sales declined by 12.5% against the parallel period on a pro-forma and constant currency basis.

Profits and margins

In Q1 2017 Frutarom achieved record quarterly results in sales, gross profit, operating profit, EBITDA, net income, earnings per share and cash flow from operating activities.

These record results were achieved thanks to the profitable internal growth combined with the acquisitions made and the beginning of contributions from the merger activities and efficiency measures.

Gross profit for core businesses (which include the Flavors activity and the Specialty Fine Ingredients activity) rose 17.1% to reach US$ 111.6 million (gross margin of 39.4%) in Q1 2017 as compared with US$ 95.3 million (gross margin of 39.6%) in Q1 2016. Adjusted for non-recurring expenses, gross profit for core businesses rose 16.1% to reach US$ 112.4 million (gross margin of 39.6%) as compared with US$ 96.8 million (gross margin of 40.2%) in Q1 2016.

Operating profit for core businesses rose 50.1% to reach US$ 44.8 million (operating margin of 15.8%) in Q1 2017 as compared with US$ 29.9 million (gross margin of 12.4%) in Q1 2016. Adjusted for non-recurring expenses, operating profit for core businesses rose 23.8% to reach US$ 45.6 million (operating margin of 16.1%) as compared with US$ 36.9 million (operating margin of 15.3%) in Q1 2016.

EBITDA for core businesses rose 39.8% to reach US$ 55.1 million (EBITDA margin of 19.4%) in Q1 2017 as compared with US$ 39.4 million (EBITDA margin of 16.4%) in Q1 2016. Adjusted for non-recurring expenses, EBITDA for core businesses rose 20.4% to reach US$ 55.9 million (EBITDA margin of 19.7%) as compared with US$ 46.4 million (EBITDA margin of 19.3%) in Q1 2016.

Operating profit for the Flavors activity climbed 55.0% to US$ 35.9 million (operating margin of 16.4%) in Q1 2017 compared with US$ 23.2 million (operating margin of 12.7%) in Q1 2016. Adjusted for non-recurring expenses, operating profit for the Flavors activity rose 20.7% to US$ 35.9 million (operating margin of 16.4%) in Q1 2017 compared with US$ 29.8 million (operating margin of 16.3%) in Q1 2016.

Operating profit for the Specialty Fine Ingredients activity rose 34.2% to US$ 8.9 million (operating margin of 13.4%) in Q1 2017 compared with US$ 6.7 million (operating margin of 11.1%) in Q1 2016. Adjusted for non-recurring expenses, operating profit for the Specialty Fine Ingredients activity rose 37.6% to US$ 9.7 million (operating margin of 14.6%) compared with US$ 7.1 million (operating margin of 11.7%) in Q1 2016.

Nonrecurring expenses were recorded in Q1 2017 for measures taken by Frutarom to attain optimization and efficiency in the natural extracts operations of the Specialty Fine Ingredients Division. These nonrecurring expenses diminished gross profit, operating profit and EBITDA each by US$ 0.8 million and net income by US$ 0.6 million. Nonrecurring expenses were recorded in Q1 2016 for measures taken by Frutarom to optimize its resources, combine plants and attain maximum operational efficiency, which diminished gross profit for that quarter by US$ 1.5 million, operating profit by US$ 7 million, EBITDA by US$ 7 million and net income by US$ 4.9 million.

Completing the merger of companies acquired in recent years and measures being taken by Frutarom to optimize the management, R&D, sales, production resources, operations, purchasing and logistics systems, which are proceeding according to plan, will bring significant operational savings and strengthen its competitiveness through the maximum utilization of its sites worldwide. These actions are expected to result in annual operational savings in the range of US$ 20-22 million (as compared with Frutaroms cost structure in Q2 2016), a smaller part of which have already begun to come into play in the first quarter of 2017 with the balance to gradually manifest itself in the course of 2017.

In addition, activity continues according to plan for building and reinforcing the global platform for purchasing raw materials used by Frutarom in the manufacture of its products which will capitalize on the purchasing power that has grown significantly in recent years, along with switching to purchasing directly from producers in source countries, primarily of natural raw materials (which constitute over 75% of the raw materials used by Frutarom). The global purchasing platform will contribute as well to further improvement in purchasing costs and gross margins in the years to come.

Net income

Net income in Q1 2017 climbed 56.9% and reached a record US$ 33.7 million (net margin of 11.2%) compared with US$ 21.5 million (net margin of 8.3%) in Q1 2016.

Net income adjusted for non-recurring expenses rose 30.1% and reached a record US$ 34.4 million (net margin of 11.4%) compared with US$ 26.4 million (net margin of 10.3%) in Q1 2016.

Earnings per share

Earnings per share in Q1 2017 rose 56.0% and reached a record US$ 0.56 compared with US$ 0.36 per share in Q1 2016.

Earnings per share adjusted for non-recurring expenses rose 29.0% from US$ 0.57 compared with US$ 0.44 in Q1 2016.

Cash flow from operating activity

Cash flow from operating activity in Q1 2017 climbed 134.2% to reach a record US$ 42.5 million compared with US$ 18.2 million in Q1 2016.

Tables summarizing profits and margins in the first quarter

Reported results in US dollars:

Core Businesses Total Frutarom Group Flavors and Specialty Fine Ingredients Q1 2016 Q1 2017 % increase Q1 2016 Q1 2017 % increase Sales 240.8 283.5 17.7 % 257.7 302.5 17.4 % Gross profit 95.3 111.6 17.1 % 99.1 115.7 16.8 % Margin 39.6 % 39.4 % 38.5 % 38.2 % Operating profit 29.9 44.8 50.1 % 30.5 45.3 48.5 % Margin 12.4 % 15.8 % 11.9 % 15.0 % EBITDA 39.4 55.1 39.8 % 40.2 55.7 38.6 % Margin 16.4 % 19.4 % 15.6 % 18.4 % Net income 21.5 33.7 56.9 % Margin 8.3 % 11.2 %

Adjusted for non-recurring expenses:

In millions of

US dollars Core Businesses Total Frutarom Group Flavors and Specialty Fine Ingredients Adjusted for non-

recurring expenses % increase

adjusted for

non-recurring

expenses Adjusted for non-

recurring expenses % increase

adjusted for

non-recurring

expenses Q1 2016 Q1 2017 Q1 2016 Q1 2017 Gross profit 96.8 112.4 16.1 % 100.7 116.5 15.8 % Margin 40.2 % 39.6 % 39.1 % 38.5 % Operating profit 36.9 45.6 23.8 % 37.5 46.1 22.9 % Margin 15.3 % 16.1 % 14.6 % 15.3 % EBITDA 46.4 55.9 20.4 % 47.2 56.5 19.7 % Margin 19.3 % 19.7 % 18.3 % 18.7 % Net income 26.4 34.4 30.1 % Margin 10.3 % 11.4 %

Investor Conference Call

On Wednesday, May 24, 2017 at 4:00pm Israel Daylight Time (1:00pm GMT, 3:00pm CEST, 9:00am EDT) Frutarom will host a conference call in which management will review and discuss its first quarter 2017 results and will be available to answer investor questions.

To participate, please call one of the following teleconferencing numbers. Please begin placing your calls at least 5 minutes before the conference call commences. If you are unable to connect using one of the toll-free numbers, please try the international dial-in number.

USA Dial-in Number: 1-888-668-9141 at 9:00 am EDT

UK Dial-in Number: 0-800-917-5108 at 1:00 pm GMT

SWITZERLAND Dial-in Number: 0-800-834-878 at 3:00 pm CEST

ISRAEL Dial-in Number: 03-918-0610 at 4:00 pm Israel Daylight Time

INTERNATIONAL Dial-in Number: +972-3-918-0610

A recording of the call will be available by telephone starting from Wednesday, May 24, 2017 until Friday, May 26, 2017 at 1-888-254-7270 (USA), 0-800-917-4256 (UK), 0-800-837-191 (Switzerland), or +972-3-9255928 (Israel), and on Frutarom's investor relations website starting on May 29, 2017.



About Frutarom

Frutarom (LSE:FRUT) (TASE:FRUT) is a multinational company operating in the global flavors and fine ingredients markets. Frutarom has significant production and development centers on all six continents and markets and sells over 60,000 products to over 28,000 customers in more than 150 countries. Frutaroms products are intended mainly for the food and beverages, flavor and fragrance extracts, pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, health food, functional food, food additives and cosmetics industries.

Frutarom employs approximately 4,750 people worldwide and engages in two core activities:

The Flavors Activity, which develops, produces and markets flavor compounds and food systems.

The Specialty Fine Ingredients Activity, which develops, produces and markets natural flavor extracts, natural functional food ingredients, natural pharma/nutraceutical extracts, natural algae based biotechnical products, natural food colors, natural antioxidants that provide solutions for natural food protection, aroma compounds, essential oils and unique citrus products. The Specialty Fine Ingredients products are sold primarily to the food and beverages, flavor and fragrance, pharmaceutical/nutraceutical, cosmetics and personal care industries.

Frutaroms products are produced at its plants in the US, Canada, the UK, Ireland, Switzerland, Germany, Belgium, Italy, Spain, Slovenia, Russia, Poland, Turkey, Israel, South Africa, China, India, Guatemala, Peru, Chile, Brazil, Mexico and New Zealand. The Companys global marketing organization encompasses branches in Israel, the US, Canada, the UK, Ireland, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Slovenia, Belgium, the Netherlands, Denmark, France, Italy, Spain, Hungary, Romania, Russia, Ukraine, Poland, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Turkey, Brazil, Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Peru, Chile, South Africa, China, Japan, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia and New Zealand. The Company also works through local agents and distributors throughout the world.

For further information, visit our website: www.frutarom.com.
PRIME Minister Theresa May has raised the UKs terror level to critical meaning further attacks could be imminent.

It comes after 22 people were killed, including an eight-year-old girl, and 59 were injured in a bombing at Manchester Arena on Monday night.

The change in terror threat comes after investigators were unable to rule out whether suspect Salman Abedi was part of a group, the prime minister said.

Meanwhile, Olivia Campbell (15), has been confirmed as the fourth victim of the incident by her mother.

Eight-year-old Saffie Roussos, Georgina Callander (18) and John Atkinson (28) were also killed.

The prime minister said soldiers would be placed in key public locations to support armed police in protecting the public. These include Buckingham Palace, Downing Street, embassies and the Palace of Westminster.

Military personnel may also be seen at other events over the coming weeks, such as concerts, Mrs May said.

The highest threat level, which is decided by the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre  a group of experts from the police, government departments and agencies  has only been reached twice before.
By Abraham Dayan

Now in its third year, the annual Mediterranean Gem and Jewelry Conference, which this year took place in Syracuse, Sicily in mid-May, provided participants with an opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of colored diamonds and their characteristics.

The aim of the conference was to give an exhaustive review of colored diamonds, as well as to provide workshops on how to grade them. The first day of the May 12-14 event saw an intermediate workshop on the screening and identification of small and melee synthetic diamonds in jewelry, followed by an advanced course on the grading and identification of colored diamonds, both natural and treated.

Meanwhile, the second day of the conference gave attendees the opportunity to hear about specific stones, as well as to receive scientific explanations regarding the composition of colored diamonds. The conference attracted independent lab gemologists, appraisers, gem experts, dealers and jewelers.







On the first day of the event, there was an intermediate level workshop on the screening and identification of small and melee synthetic diamonds in jewelry by Branko Deljanin (CGL-GRS) and George Spyromilios (IGL).

National Colored Diamond Industry Association (NCDIA) President Alan Bronstein started the proceedings on the second day of the conference by recounting the story of the creation of the 12.03-carat Blue Moon diamond from rough to the polished stone which was sold for a world record $48.4 million at Sotheby's in Geneva in 2015. "This stone is regarded as one of the most extraordinary blue diamonds found in recent decades, and certainly one of the most extraordinary that I have ever seen," Bronstein told the audience, as he showed images of the Cullinan mine in South Africa where the blue gem was discovered. The operation was a famous de Beers mine which was sold a decade ago to Petra Diamonds.

Bronstein explained how Cora Diamonds bought the rough stone for more than $26 million, and asked him to provide his opinion on the diamond and how it should be cut. "The company took an incredible risk in buying the diamond for close to $27 million, and I was called in to give an appraisal in case it broke on the wheel during the cutting process," he said. "The process led to the making of 30 plastic models in order to create the right shape and cut. I, along with many others, was asked to give my opinion on how the diamond could be cut. My vision for the diamond and how it should appear was the Hope Diamond in the Smithsonian Institute in Washington DC," he added.

Providing a scientific basis was the next speaker, HRD Antwerp's Chief Education Officer Dr. Katrien De Corte. Her presentation was entitled 'Type II diamonds: good, bad and rare'.

Thomas Gelb spoke on 'Color grading fancy colour diamonds and their relationship to value'. He was followed by John Chapman on 'Colour grading of diamonds by instruments', and then Branko Deljanin delivered a presentation on 'A new approach to grading and certifying coloured diamonds  provenance type'. His CGL-GRS lab in conjunction with GRS lab has started to certify Argyle pink/blue diamonds based on a measurable fingerprint.

Kym Hughes, President of the National Council of Jewellery Valuers of Australia and the principal of Symmetry Jewellery Valuation Specialists, spoke about the valuation of colored diamonds for the trade and consumers. With synthetic diamonds always an issue for the industry, Alexey Useinov, from TISNUM on behalf of ALROSA, spoke about the companys new Diamond Inspector instrument for screening synthetic diamonds.

Illaria Adamo of the Italian Gemmological Institute spoke on the subject of 'Demantoid garnet: identification and origin determination', while Victor Tuzlukov and Alicia Vildolsa from Russia and Spain, respectively, talked about 'The evaluation of artistic cuts for a new generation of gemstones'. Larry French of the Gianmaria Buccellati Foundation, Italy, gave a presentation on working with the great Italian goldsmith and jeweler.

Completing the second day of the conference was a roundtable discussion moderated by John Chapman on 'Colored diamonds  describing and marketing, and the impact of fluorescence on identification and value of diamonds'. A discussion followed among six panelists and more than 70 participants, and most agreed that fluorescence has a positive effect on colored diamonds making them more unique. A survey on fluorescence among participants showed that more study is needed to better understand the impact of fluorescent diamonds on the color grade of near-colorless diamonds, and that these kinds of stones are unfairly penalized when possessing medium to strong fluorescence.

Participants were unanimous in their praise for the organization and content of the conference. Well-known gemologist Antoinette Matlins said it had provided a high level of discussion and debate. Meanwhile, independent gemologist Barbara Dembowski from Poland said the conference had provided her with solid information about colored diamonds and how to grade them.

Branko Deljanin said the conference aimed to provide a European setting for diamond conferences, since the focus of the international trade is usually on the North American and Asian markets.

The conference was organized by IGL (Greece) and CGL-GRS (Canada) in conjunction with CERTILINE (Italy) and supported by the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers (NAJA), MAGI (Italy/Finland), JAW (UK), IGI (Italy), Martin Steinbach (Germany) and Eickhorst (Germany), while the major partner was Russian mining company ALROSA.

Next year's conference will take place in Nice, France.




(Interfax) - Foreign cut diamond producers who are clients of Alrosa and open cutting facilities in Russia should get preferences in purchases of rough diamonds from the Russian diamond miner, Deputy Prime Minister Yury Trutnev, whose brief includes Alrosa, said.

This issue was discussed with Alrosa's new president Sergei Ivanov, who "understands that if companies will come to Russia preferential conditions need to be created for them for acquisition of stones," Trutnev, who is also the presidential envoy to Russia's Far East, told reporters.

"What will this lead to in Alrosa's sales policy? To some changes. This will not happen instantly," Trutnev said.

Alrosa opened the Eurasian Diamond Center (EDC) in Vladivostok, which was granted free port status, in September 2016 as part of its policy of strengthening its presence on markets in the Asia-Pacific region and increasing diamond cutting in Russia.

The first resident of the EDC was India's KGK Group, which according to the Far East Development Corporation is prepared to invest about 500 million rubles in a cutting factory in Primorye. The factory, with capacity of at least 15 million carats, is expected to be launched within four years. KGK, one of the biggest customers for Alrosa's rough diamonds, is a long-term Alrosa client directly and through two subsidiaries registered in Yakutia: DDK LLC and S.D. Diamonds LLC.

KGK, according to market players, could have asked Alrosa for certain preferential conditions for acquisition of rough diamonds, although the provisions of the Alrosa Alliance, the association of long-term Alrosa clients, guarantees equal access for all its participants. Alrosa also held negotiations with other clients on the construction of cutting facilities in Primorye, but details were not reported.

KGK has already shipped in equipment for the factory, Trutnev said. "There is complicated training of personnel there. At first there will be many of their workers, but they will train and change the proportion in our favor [Russian workers]," he said.

In order to increase the profitability of cutting diamonds in Russia it is necessary to resolve the issue with value-added tax, he said. "There is a plan of measures. Certain things need to be changed in order for it to be lucrative to do this in Russia....When Alrosa sells stones within Russia to cutting enterprises, VAT arises. This is a big markup," Trutnev said.

"We are seeking to have more of the rough diamonds that are mined in Yakutia turned into cut diamonds and jewelry within Russia, and better yet in the Far East," Trutnev said.

Alrosa sells about 70% of its diamonds under long-term contracts, but the EDC is not an impediment to the current model, because in addition to long-term contracts there is also spot trading, Alrosa management said earlier. The EDC can hold showings of rough diamonds for both long-term clients and spot buyers, the company said.

Alrosa plans to sell 2 million carats of product in all categories for $73 million at the EDC in 2017. This is about 5% of the sales target by volume, which is 39 million carats, and less than 2% of last year's revenue of $4.375 billion. Former Alrosa president Andrei Zharkov forecast at the end of 2016 that total sales through the EDC could exceed $100 million-$150 million.




FORM 8.3

PUBLIC OPENING POSITION DISCLOSURE/DEALING DISCLOSURE BY

A PERSON WITH INTERESTS IN RELEVANT SECURITIES REPRESENTING 1% OR MORE

Rule 8.3 of the Takeover Code (the "Code")

Amendment to section 3

1. KEY INFORMATION

(a) Full name of discloser: Danske Bank A/S (b) Owner or controller of interests and short positions disclosed, if different from 1(a):

The naming of nominee or vehicle companies is insufficient. For a trust, the trustee(s), settlor and beneficiaries must be named. (c) Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates:

Use a separate form for each offeror/offeree Sepura Plc (d) If an exempt fund manager connected with an offeror/offeree, state this and specify identity of offeror/offeree: (e) Date position held/dealing undertaken:

For an opening position disclosure, state the latest practicable date prior to the disclosure 23.05.2017 (f) In addition to the company in 1(c) above, is the discloser making disclosures in respect of any other party to the offer?

If it is a cash offer or possible cash offer, state "N/A" NO

2. POSITIONS OF THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

If there are positions or rights to subscribe to disclose in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 2(a) or (b) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security.

(a) Interests and short positions in the relevant securities of the offeror or offeree to which the disclosure relates following the dealing (if any)

Class of relevant security:







Interests Short positions Number % Number % (1) Relevant securities owned and/or controlled: 14,787,236 3.99 (2) Cash-settled derivatives:



(3) Stock-settled derivatives (including options) and agreements to purchase/sell:



TOTAL: 14,787,236 3.99

All interests and all short positions should be disclosed.

Details of any open stock-settled derivative positions (including traded options), or agreements to purchase or sell relevant securities, should be given on a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions).

(b) Rights to subscribe for new securities (including directors' and other employee options)

Class of relevant security in relation to which subscription right exists: Details, including nature of the rights concerned and relevant percentages:

3. DEALINGS (IF ANY) BY THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

Where there have been dealings in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 3(a), (b), (c) or (d) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security dealt in.

The currency of all prices and other monetary amounts should be stated.

(a) Purchases and sales

Class of relevant security Purchase/sale



Number of securities Price per unit 0.05p ordinary share



Sale



30,000



19.75

(b) Cash-settled derivative transactions

Class of relevant security Product description

e.g. CFD Nature of dealing

e.g. opening/closing a long/short position, increasing/reducing a long/short position Number of reference securities Price per unit





(c) Stock-settled derivative transactions (including options)

(i) Writing, selling, purchasing or varying

Class of relevant security Product description e.g. call option Writing, purchasing, selling, varying etc. Number of securities to which option relates Exercise price per unit Type

e.g. American, European etc. Expiry date Option money paid/ received per unit

(ii) Exercise

Class of relevant security Product description

e.g. call option Exercising/ exercised against Number of securities Exercise price per unit





(d) Other dealings (including subscribing for new securities)

Class of relevant security Nature of dealing

e.g. subscription, conversion Details Price per unit (if applicable)





4. OTHER INFORMATION

(a) Indemnity and other dealing arrangements

Details of any indemnity or option arrangement, or any agreement or understanding, formal or informal, relating to relevant securities which may be an inducement to deal or refrain from dealing entered into by the person making the disclosure and any party to the offer or any person acting in concert with a party to the offer:

Irrevocable commitments and letters of intent should not be included. If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state "none"









(b) Agreements, arrangements or understandings relating to options or derivatives

Details of any agreement, arrangement or understanding, formal or informal, between the person making the disclosure and any other person relating to:

(i) the voting rights of any relevant securities under any option; or

(ii) the voting rights or future acquisition or disposal of any relevant securities to which any derivative is referenced:

If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state "none"









(c) Attachments

Is a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions) attached? NO





Date of disclosure: 24-05.2017 Contact name: Peter Alberg Telephone number: 0045 45 14 33 17

Public disclosures under Rule 8 of the Code must be made to a Regulatory Information Service.

The Panel's Market Surveillance Unit is available for consultation in relation to the Code's disclosure requirements on +44 (0)20 7638 0129.

The Code can be viewed on the Panel's website at www.thetakeoverpanel.org.uk.
ALROSA will develop the new Luaxe diamond deposit in Angola.

During the visit of the Russian official delegation on May 23, 2017, the President of ALROSA Sergey Ivanov and the president of the Angola's national diamond-mining company Endiama Carlos Sumbula signed respective documents on the establishment of the international enterprise Luaxe.

Companies signed three documents: a memorandum of understanding, the international investment contract on Luaxe, and a notarial record of the establishment of the enterprise.

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Yury Trutnev, who also took part in the visit, stressed that cooperation in diamond mining, and in particular between ALROSA and Endiama, is an important component of economic efforts between Russia and Angola. He also noted that the development of new projects, active geological study and the search for new deposits positively affect the development of Angola's economy and the partnership of the two countries.

In 2013, the geological study at Luaxe resulted in the discovery of the Luele kimberlite pipe.

ALROSA will participate in the project through its Katoka subsidiary, which will receive a 50.5% stake in the new firm. In addition, ALROSA will soon issue an offer to the Company's Supervisory Board for the direct purchase of another 8% of the Luaxe.

Taking into account the size of the ore body and preliminary geological data, the testing of the Luele pipe is of considerable economic interest for the project participants.




The Annual General Meeting in Saga Tankers ASA was held today at the premises of the Company in Oslo, Norway. All items on the agenda were unanimously approved. Please find the attached minutes from the meeting in Norwegian, accompanied by an English office translation. Oslo, 24 May 2017 For further information please contact: CEO Espen Lundaas, +47 92 43 14 17

This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.
Alexion Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ALXN) continues to reshape its top-level management after the company was hit by an internal investigation into its sales practices.

Alexion will start a search for a new Chief Financial Officer after current CFO Dave Anderson announced he will resign at the end of August. Anderson had joined the company in December after more than a decade as CFO at Honeywell International Inc. He had replaced Vikas Sinha, who resigned last year along with CEO David Hallal during the sales practices investigation.

Ludwig Hantson was named named Alexion's chief executive in March.

Three other company executives, including Chief Commercial Officer Carsten Thiel; Martin Mackay, head of research and development; and Chief Human Resources Officer Clare Carmichael, are also leaving, the company said.

The company has appointed Brian Goff as Chief Commercial Officer, effective June 1. Goff is a veteran biopharmaceutical executive with more than 25 years of experience at companies including Neurovance, Inc., Baxalta, Inc., Baxter, Novartis and Johnson & Johnson.

Earlier this year, Alexion found that some of its senior management staff had pressured employees to get customers to order its flagship drug Soliris earlier than needed to meet financial targets.

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Business News
New Zealand posted a merchandise trade surplus of NZ$578 million in April, Statistics New Zealand said on Wednesday - representing 12 percent of exports.

The headline figure beat forecasts for a surplus of NZ$267 million following the NZ$332 million surplus in March.

"In April we had the largest monthly trade surplus since 2015," international trade statistics senior manager Daria Kwon said. "This trimmed back the annual deficit, which reached an eight-year high in February."

The annual trade deficit fell to NZ$3.5 billion in April from NZ$3.7 billion in March. In February it had peaked at NZ$3.8 billion, the highest trade deficit in almost eight years.

Exports climbed 9.8 percent on year to NZ$4.75 billion - also exceeding expectations for NZ$4.40 billion and up from NZ$4.65 billion in the previous month.

Individually, milk powder, butter, and cheese spiked NZ$289 million (35 percent), while logs, wood, and wood articles advanced NZ$61 million (18 percent) and goods exports to China surged NZ$182 million (22 percent).

Imports gained an annual 4.9 percent to NZ$4.17 billion versus forecasts for NZ$4.10 billion and down from NZ$4.31 billion a month earlier.

Individually, intermediate goods added NZ$127 million (8.1 percent), while capital goods gained NZ$45 million (5.3 percent), consumption goods fell NZ$27 million (2.5 percent) and goods imports from China climbed NZ$60 million (7.9 percent).

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Economic News

What parts of the world are seeing the best (and worst) economic performances lately? Click here to check out our Econ Scorecard and find out! See up-to-the-moment rankings for the best and worst performers in GDP, unemployment rate, inflation and much more.
German apartment owner Vonovia SE (DAIMF) reported Wednesday that its first-quarter funds from operations of FFO 1 totaled 218.2 million euros, 17.1 percent higher than last year's 186.3 million euros, thanks to organic growth. FFO per share grew 17.5 % to 0.47 euro from 0.40 euro a year ago.

FFO 2 was 226.3 million euros, up 16 percent from 195.1 million euros a year ago.

The profit for the period came to 130.7 million euros, a growth of 65 percent from prior year's 79.2 million euros.

The EPRA net asset value or NAV was 17.55 billion euros on March 31, compared to 17.047 billion euros as of December 31, 2016.

EPRA NAV per share was 37.43 euros, compared to 36.58 euros at December end.

In the first three months of the year, rental income increased 6.4 percent to 417.2 million euros from 392.0 million euros a year ago.

Looking ahead, for the 2017 fiscal year, Vonovia confirmed strong operating performance. For the FFO 1, the company is now forecasting an increase to between 900 million euros and 920 million euros including conwert. This increases the original FFO 1 forecast, which, excluding conwert, was between 830 million euros and 850 million euros. This will put the FFO 1 around 20 % above the previous year's 760.8 million euros.

Vonovia plans to commission, launch or complete about 2,000 new construction projects in total in 2017.

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Business News
CF Corp. (CFCO) and Fidelity & Guaranty Life (FGL) announced their boards have each unanimously approved a definitive merger agreement under which CF Corp. will acquire FGL for $31.10 per share in cash, or a total of approximately $1.835 billion, plus the assumption of $405 million of existing debt.

Fidelity & Guaranty Life, an insurance holding company, helps middle-income Americans prepare for retirement. Through its subsidiaries, the company offers fixed annuity and life insurance products distributed by independent agents through an established network of independent marketing organizations. Fidelity & Guaranty Life is headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa.

The transaction will be financed with $1.2 billion from CF Corp.'s IPO and forward purchase agreements, and more than $700 million in additional new common and preferred equity. The investor group, which includes the founders of CF Corp., Chinh Chu, and William Foley, II, funds affiliated with Blackstone (BX), and Fidelity National Financial (FNF), will invest approximately $900 million in common and preferred equity to fund the transaction.

In connection with the transaction, CF Corp. and HRG Group, Inc. (HRG), FGL's largest shareholder, have approved a purchase agreement under which CF Corp. will acquire certain reinsurance companies from HRG.

Credit Suisse is acting as lead financial advisor to FGL and Jefferies is acting as co-financial advisor.

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Business News
Eaton Vance Corp. (EV) reported that its net income attributable to shareholders for the second quarter of fiscal 2017 grew to $71.98 million from $54.97 million last year. Earnings per share were $0.62, an increase of 29 percent from $0.48 of earnings per share in the second quarter of fiscal 2016.

Quarterly revenue increased 16 percent to $374.6 million from $323.3 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2016. Management fees were up 16 percent, as a 22 percent increase in average consolidated assets under management more than offset lower average management fee rates.

Analysts polled by Thomson Reuters expected the company to report earnings of $0.59 per share and revenues of $368.12 million. Analysts' estimates typically exclude special items.

Consolidated net inflows of $12.9 billion in the second quarter of fiscal 2017 represent a 14 percent annualized internal growth rate in managed assets. This compares to net inflows of $2.1 billion and 3 percent annualized internal growth in the second quarter of fiscal 2016 and net inflows of $7.8 billion and annualized internal growth of 9 percent in the first quarter of fiscal 2017. On the basis of net contribution to management fee revenue, the Company's annualized internal revenue growth rate was 7 percent in the second quarter of fiscal 2017, 1 percent in the second quarter of fiscal 2016 and 7 percent in the first quarter of fiscal 2017.

Average consolidated assets under management were $376.5 billion in the second quarter of fiscal 2017, up 22 percent from $309.5 billion in the second quarter of fiscal 2016 and up 9 percent from $344.9 billion in the first quarter of fiscal 2017.

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Business News
Pope Francis hosted U.S. President Donald Trump for a private audience at the Vatican, Wednesday.

Trump described the meeting with the head of the Catholic church as "great" and "fantastic." The two leaders uphold contrasting styles and differing views.

The President, accompanied by his wife Melania, daughter Ivanka, son-in-law Jared Kushner and several aides, was greeted by Archbishop Georg Ganswein, the head of the papal household, in the Apostolic Palace in the morning.

It was followed by the first face-to-face talks between the Pope and Trump, which lasted for about 20 minutes.

The two leaders shared a commitment to "life, and freedom of worship and conscience," the Vatican said after the meeting. They discussed the sufferings faced by Christian communities in the Middle East, and highlighted the need to protect them.

The meeting concluded with the Pope presenting Trump a medal featuring an olive branch, a signed copy of a message he delivered for World Peace Day, and papal documents about the need to protect family and environment.

Trump presented the pontiff with a set of writings by civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., an engraved stone from the King memorial and a sculpture.

Trump and his delegation arrived in Rome Wednesday after meeting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in the Middle East.

Later in the day, Trump is scheduled to meet in Rome with Italian President Sergio Mattarella. Trump will later participate in the G-7 meeting, and travel to Brussels for NATO summit.

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Political News
The U.S. government filed a civil lawsuit on Tuesday against Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, accusing the automaker of installing software in more than 100,000 diesel vehicles to cheat emission controls.

The lawsuit was filed by the U.S. Justice Department on behalf of the Environmental Protection Agency or EPA in federal court in Detroit, against FCA US LLC, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V., V.M. Motori S.p.A., and V.M. North America, Inc. - collectively referred to as FCA.

The lawsuit alleges that Fiat Chrysler or FCA equipped nearly 104,000 light duty diesel vehicles containing 3.0 liter EcoDiesel engines with software functions that were not disclosed to regulators during the certification application process, and that the vehicles contain "defeat devices".

The vehicles equipped with defeat devices are the Dodge Ram 1500 EcoDiesel pickups and Jeep Grand Cherokees of model years 2014-2016 sold in the U.S. These vehicles have at least eight software-based features that were not disclosed in FCA's applications for certificates of conformity and that affect the vehicles' emission control systems.

The undisclosed software functions cause the vehicles' emission control systems to perform less effectively during certain normal driving conditions than on federal emission tests, resulting in increased emissions of harmful air pollutants.

While the vehicles met emission standards in the laboratory and during standard EPA testing, they emitted nitrogen oxide or NOx much higher than the EPA-compliant level during certain normal on-road driving.

NOx pollution contributes to the formation of harmful smog and soot. The exposure to these are linked to a number of respiratory- and cardiovascular-related effects as well as premature death.

The civil complaint filed by the DOJ seeks injunctive relief and the assessment of civil penalties. The EPA had said in January that the maximum fine is about $4.6 billion.

Fiat Chrysler said it was disappointed with the lawsuit and intends to defend itself vigorously, "particularly against any claims that the company engaged in any deliberate scheme to install defeat devices to cheat U.S. emissions tests".

Earlier this year, German automaker Volkswagen AG agreed to pay $4.3 billion in criminal and civil fines stemming from the company's scheme to sell diesel vehicles containing software designed to cheat on U.S. emissions tests.

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Business News
Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein's decision to appoint a special prosecutor to investigate Russian meddling in last year's presidential election has strong support among voters, according to a Morning Consult/Politico poll.

Sixty-three percent of voters said they agree with the decision to appoint a special prosecutor, including 39 percent that "strongly agree." Just 22 percent disagree with the decision.

The poll found that 80 percent of Democrats agree with the decision along with 58 percent of Independents and 50 percent of Republicans.

The survey was conducted after Rosenstein announced the appointment of former FBI Director Robert Mueller to serve as special counsel, a move that was received mostly positively by lawmakers from both sides of the aisle.

The appointment of Mueller is seen as raising the stakes for President Donald Trump amid allegations of collusion between his campaign and Russia and the controversy over his decision to fire former FBI Director James Comey.

However, the poll found that there is not much support for Congress beginning impeachment proceedings to remove Trump from office.

Forty-six percent of voters said Congress should not begin impeachment proceedings, while 38 percent of voters said they should.

While 68 percent of Democrats support beginning impeachment proceedings, 78 percent of Republicans and 45 percent of Independents are opposed.

The Morning Consult/Politico survey of 1,938 registered voters was conducted May 18th through 22nd and has a margin of error of plus or minus 2 percentage points.

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Business News
FORM 8.3

PUBLIC OPENING POSITION DISCLOSURE/DEALING DISCLOSURE BY

A PERSON WITH INTERESTS IN RELEVANT SECURITIES REPRESENTING 1% OR MORE

Rule 8.3 of the Takeover Code (the "Code")

1. KEY INFORMATION

(a) Full name of discloser: Jupiter Asset Management Ltd (b) Owner or controller of interests and short positions disclosed, if different from 1(a):

The naming of nominee or vehicle companies is insufficient. For a trust, the trustee(s), settlor and beneficiaries must be named. (c) Name of offeror/ offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates:

Use a separate form for each offeror/offeree Elis SA (d) If an exempt fund manager connected with an offeror/offeree, state this and specify identity of offeror/offeree: (e) Date position held /dealing undertaken: :

For an opening position disclosure, state the latest practicable date prior to the disclosure 23rd May 2017 (f) In addition to the company in 1(c) above, is the discloser making disclosures in respect of any other party to the offer?

If it is a cash offer or possible cash offer, state "N/A" Yes

Berendsen Plc





2. POSITIONS OF THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

If there are positions or rights to subscribe to disclose in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 2(a) or (b) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security.

(a) Interests and short positions in the relevant securities of the offeror or offeree to which the disclosure relates following the dealing (if any)

Class of relevant security:



EUR 10.00 Ordinary



Interests Short positions Number % Number % (1) Relevant securities owned and/or controlled: 1,457,126 1.03 (2) Cash-settled derivatives:



(3) Stock-settled derivatives (including options) and agreements to purchase/sell:



TOTAL: 1,457,126 1.03

All interests and all short positions should be disclosed.

Details of any open stock-settled derivative positions (including traded options), or agreements to purchase or sell relevant securities, should be given on a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions).

(b) Rights to subscribe for new securities (including directors' and other employee options)

Class of relevant security in relation to which subscription right exists: None Details, including nature of the rights concerned and relevant percentages: None

3. DEALINGS (IF ANY) BY THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

Where there have been dealings in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 3(a), (b), (c) or (d) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security dealt in.

The currency of all prices and other monetary amounts should be stated.

(a) Purchases and sales

Class of relevant security Purchase/sale



Number of securities Price per unit EUR 10.00 Ordinary Sale 3,269 EUR 19.7059

(b) Cash-settled derivative transactions

Class of relevant security Product description

e.g. CFD Nature of dealing

e.g. opening/closing a long/short position, increasing/reducing a long/short position Number of reference securities Price per unit None

(c) Stock-settled derivative transactions (including options)

(i) Writing, selling, purchasing or varying

Class of relevant security Product description e.g. call option Writing, purchasing, selling, varying etc. Number of securities to which option relates Exercise price per unit Type

e.g. American, European etc. Expiry date Option money paid/ received per unit None

(ii) Exercise

Class of relevant security Product description

e.g. call option Exercising/ exercised against Number of securities Exercise price per unit None





(d) Other dealings (including subscribing for new securities)

Class of relevant security Nature of dealing

e.g. subscription, conversion Details Price per unit (if applicable) None





4. OTHER INFORMATION

(a) Indemnity and other dealing arrangements

Details of any indemnity or option arrangement, or any agreement or understanding, formal or informal, relating to relevant securities which may be an inducement to deal or refrain from dealing entered into by the person making the disclosure and any party to the offer or any person acting in concert with a party to the offer:

Irrevocable commitments and letters of intent should not be included. If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state "none"



None





(b) Agreements, arrangements or understandings relating to options or derivatives

Details of any agreement, arrangement or understanding, formal or informal, between the person making the disclosure and any other person relating to:

(i) the voting rights of any relevant securities under any option; or

(ii) the voting rights or future acquisition or disposal of any relevant securities to which any derivative is referenced:

If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state "none"







None

(c) Attachments

Is a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions) attached? NO

Date of disclosure: 24th May 2017 Contact name: Nabeel Ashraf Telephone number: 0203 817 1407

Public disclosures under Rule 8 of the Code must be made to a Regulatory Information Service and must also be emailed to the Takeover Panel at monitoring@disclosure.org.uk. The Panel's Market Surveillance Unit is available for consultation in relation to the Code's disclosure requirements on +44 (0)20 7638 0129.

The Code can be viewed on the Panel's website at www.thetakeoverpanel.org.uk.
President Donald Trump is expected to retain longtime legal adviser Marc Kasowitz as his private attorney, according to numerous media reports.

The anticipated move to select Kasowitz to lead Trump's outside legal team comes after the appointment of former FBI Director Robert Mueller to oversee an investigation of Russian meddling in last year's presidential election.

A biography posted on the website of law firm Kasowitz Benson Torres LLP notes Kasowitz has represented Trump in a wide range of litigation matters for over 15 years.

Administration officials told Politico that Kasowitz is expected to be part of a larger legal operation as Mueller's investigation heats up over the summer.

Trump has repeatedly denied any collusion between his presidential campaign and Russia and has criticized the investigation as a "witch hunt."

(Photo: Gage Skidmore)

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Political News
Kiadis to Host Key Opinion Leader Meeting on Addressing the Risks of Haploidentical HSCT in Blood Cancer

~ KOL meeting on 31 May in New York City with live webcast and Q&A session ~

AMSTERDAM, May 24, 2017 - Kiadis Pharma N.V. ("Kiadis Pharma" or the "Company") (Euronext Amsterdam and Brussels: KDS), a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company developing innovative products to make bone marrow transplantations for patients suffering from blood cancers and inherited blood disorders safer and more effective, today announces it will host a Key Opinion Leader meeting on the topic of 'Addressing the Risks of Haploidentical HSCT in Blood Cancer' on Wednesday, May 31 from 12:00pm - 1:30pm Eastern Time in New York City.

The meeting will feature presentations by key opinion leaders Steven Devine, MD (Ohio State University) and Denis-Claude Roy, MD (University of Montreal), who will discuss the risks of haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in blood cancer, specifically Graft-versus-Host-Disease (GVHD) and cancer relapse, with the PTCy/Baltimore protocol and T-cell depleted transplantations. Both KOLs will be available to answer questions following the lunch meeting.

Kiadis Pharma's management team, led by Arthur Lahr, CEO, will provide an update on their lead asset ATIR101, currently in EMA registration and Phase III clinical development for patients with acute leukemia. Orphan drug ATIR101, administered as an adjunctive immunotherapy after a haploidentical HSCT, contains potent, allo-depleted, mature immune cells from a haploidentical donor, that provide immediate protection against relapse, with minimal risk of causing GVHD.

Steven Devine, MD, is Professor of Internal Medicine in the Division of Hematology and Director of the Blood and Marrow Transplant Program at Ohio State's Comprehensive Cancer Center - James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute. Dr. Devine is currently Chair of the National Cancer Institute-funded Alliance Transplant Committee as well as Chair of the NIH-funded Blood and Marrow Transplant Clinical Trials Network (BMT CTN) Steering Committee. He is the Principal Investigator of The Ohio State Consortium; one of the 20 core members within the BMT CTN. He is the 2017 Track leader in Leukemia, myelodysplastic syndrome, and transplantation educational sessions at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) annual meeting and co-authored the 2017 ASCO Cancer Clinical Advances position paper. He has a major research interest in the application of stem cell transplantation for patients with acute leukemia and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and has served as Chair of two multi-center NIH-supported clinical transplantation trials in AML. He also has a major interest in novel methods to prevent GVHD. He has written or co-written more than 200 peer-reviewed papers and more than 350 abstracts as well as several reviews and book chapters in the field of stem cell transplantation, leukemia, and hematology and he has served as a reviewer for several journals, including Blood, New England Journal of Medicine, Nature Medicine, Journal of Clinical Oncology, Haematologica, Biology of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, and Bone Marrow Transplantation.

Denis-Claude Roy, MD, is a practicing physician in the Division of Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation at the Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital, a Professor of Medicine at the University of Montreal, Director of Research for East-of-Montreal-CIUSSS, and Scientific Director at the Center of Excellence in Cell Therapy (CETC), in Montreal, Canada. His research interests focus on the immunobiology of stem cell transplantation, and particularly at the treatment of cell grafts to promote stem and progenitor cell expansion, foster immunotolerance and develop immune therapies against cancer. He has chaired 15 Phase I-II clinical trials at the national and international level. He has published more than 100 original articles and book chapters in journals such as Cell, Science, PLoS Medicine, Nature Medicine and Blood. Dr. Roy is Director of the Clinical Therapeutics Arm of the Canadian Stem Cell Network, Co-Director of the TheCell FRSQ Network, and former member of the Canadian Blood and Marrow Transplant Group board and Executive Committee of the National Cancer Institute of Canada-CTG-Hematology. He is member of the Board of directors of the Stem Cell Foundation. He is also CEO of CellCAN Regenerative Medicine and Cell Therapy Network (Network of Centres of Excellence), and Chief Scientific Officer of the Centre for Commercialization of Cancer Immunotherapy (C3i).

This lunch event is intended for institutional investors, sell-side analysts, investment bankers and business development professionals only. Please RSVP in advance if you plan to attend, as space is limited. To reserve a spot, please contact LifeSci Advisors, LLC at Mac@LifeSciAdvisors.com. A live and archived webcast of the event, with slides, will be available on the investors section of the Company's website at www.kiadis.com and http://lifesci.rampard.com/20170531/reg.jsp.

About ATIR101(TM)

For patients suffering from blood cancers and inherited blood disorders, an allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is generally regarded as a potentially curative approach. During an HSCT treatment, the patient's diseased blood and immune system are destroyed and subsequently replaced by a healthy system from a donor. The treatment is, however, very risky as it usually takes the patient at least six to twelve months to recover to near-normal immune cell functions, making patients highly vulnerable to infections and disease relapse. Mature lymphocytes in the donor graft would provide immediate protection, but, depending on the level of genetic mismatch between patient and donor, may cause life threatening Graft-versus-Host-Disease (GVHD).

The Company estimates that approximately 35% of patients who are eligible and in urgent need of an HSCT will not find an adequately matched donor in time. A half-matched (haploidentical) parent or child, however, could serve as a donor for nearly all patients, yet would cause severe GVHD due to the infusion of half-matched mature lymphocytes. The therapy Kiadis Pharma is developing would enable the use of haploidentical transplants without the unacceptable risk of GVHD.

ATIR101(TM) (Allodepleted T-cell ImmunotheRapeutics) provides for a safe single dose donor lymphocyte infusion (DLI) with functional, mature immune cells from a haploidentical family member with minimal risk of causing severe GVHD. ATIR101(TM) will help fight infections and remaining tumor cells and thereby bridge the time until the patient's immune system has fully re-grown from stem cells in the transplanted graft.

About Kiadis Pharma

Kiadis Pharma is focused on cell-based immunotherapy products for the treatment of blood cancers and inherited blood disorders. The Company's product candidates, ATIR101(TM) for blood cancers and ATIR201(TM) for inherited blood disorders, have the potential to make allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantations (HSCT) safer and more effective.

Based on the significant and positive results from the single dose Phase II trial with lead product ATIR101(TM) in patients with blood cancer, which were presented on December 5, 2016 at the Annual Meeting of the American Society of Hematology (ASH), the Company has initiated a Phase III trial with ATIR101(TM), having received regulatory approval in various countries to start dosing patients. In addition, and based on the positive Phase II results, the Company has submitted a Marketing Authorization Application (MAA) to the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for approval of ATIR101(TM) across Europe as an adjunctive treatment in HSCT for malignant disease . ATIR101(TM) has been granted Orphan Drug Designations both in the US and Europe.

The Company's second product candidate, ATIR201(TM), addresses inherited blood disorders with an initial focus on thalassemia. ATIR201(TM) Phase I/II clinical development has been initiated recently with regulatory approvals having been received in various European countries to start the trial.

Kiadis Pharma was granted an Advanced Therapy Medicinal Product (ATMP) certificate for manufacturing quality and non-clinical data by the EMA. The Company's shares are listed on Euronext Amsterdam and Euronext Brussels. For more information visit www.kiadis.com

Company Contact:

Arthur Lahr, CEO

Kiadis Pharma

Entrada 231-234

1114 AA Amsterdam-Duivendrecht

The Netherlands

Tel. +31 20 314 02 50

communication@kiadis.com

International Media and Investor Contact:

Mary-Jane Elliott, Lindsey Neville, Hendrik Thys

Consilium Strategic Communications

Tel: +44 (0) 203 709 5708

kiadis@consilium-comms.com

Forward Looking Statements

Certain statements, beliefs and opinions in this press release are forward-looking, which reflect Kiadis Pharma's or, as appropriate, Kiadis Pharma's directors' current expectations and projections about future events. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. These risks, uncertainties and assumptions could adversely affect the outcome and financial effects of the plans and events described herein. A multitude of factors including, but not limited to, changes in demand, competition and technology, can cause actual events, performance or results to differ significantly from any anticipated development. Forward looking statements contained in this press release regarding past trends or activities should not be taken as a representation that such trends or activities will continue in the future. As a result, Kiadis Pharma expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release any update or revisions to any forward-looking statements in this press release as a result of any change in expectations or any change in events, conditions, assumptions or circumstances on which these forward-looking statements are based. Neither Kiadis Pharma nor its advisers or representatives nor any of its subsidiary undertakings or any such person's officers or employees guarantees that the assumptions underlying such forward-looking statements are free from errors nor does either accept any responsibility for the future accuracy of the forward-looking statements contained in this press release or the actual occurrence of the forecasted developments. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release.
NEW YORK, May 24, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Greystone Development, a New York-based real estate development company, announced the appointment of Tiffany Rufrano as Director of Asset Management. Ms. Rufrano brings over a decade of commercial asset experience from her prior positions at Paramount Group, J.P. Morgan and Clarion Partners. In this newly created role at Greystone, Ms. Rufrano will manage the companys growing portfolio of nationally-based multifamily and mixed-use properties, including current holdings in New York City, Miami, and Palo Alto.



At Paramount Group, Ms. Rufrano served as a Vice President of Asset Management, responsible for 11 million square feet of property across New York, Washington, D.C., and San Francisco. She also handled debt financing for Paramounts commercial assets in these regions. Prior to Paramount, she was a Vice President in J.P. Morgan's Global Real Assets group, where she managed a 10 million square foot / $5 billion portfolio of office assets in New York and Boston. She also served a role in J.P. Morgan's Real Estate and Lodging Investment Banking Group, primarily focused on raising debt and equity for publicly traded REITs.

Ms. Rufrano began her career at Clarion Partners where she handled acquisitions, asset management and investor relations, in addition to involvement in managing dispositions, lease negotiations, development and capital raising. She received an MBA from New York University's Stern School of Business, and a Bachelors degree in Finance with a specialization in Real Estate from the University of Texas at Austin.

Greystones development portfolio is both dynamic and diverse, and offers an inviting challenge to help grow and manage where the company is headed, said Ms. Rufrano. With the wealth of resources and industry knowledge available at Greystone, I look forward to serving an integral role in steering the property portfolio towards growth and success.

Tiffany brings some serious commercial asset management chops to Greystone, as well as a diverse background in debt and investment banking, said Mr. Simpson. As we assess where the market is headed, and look to align our portfolio strategy accordingly, we need someone of Tiffanys caliber to optimize our assets. This is an exciting new addition to our growing team.

About Greystone Development

Greystone Development is a full-service real estate developer. Since 1992, Greystone has acquired, repositioned and developed over $2 billion in properties nationwide spanning approximately 3.5 million square feet. Our portfolio is diverse, comprised of condominium, rental, office, retail, mixed use and healthcare properties. Greystone Development is currently developing 15 real estate projects in premier markets such as New York, Miami and San Francisco. For more information, visit www.greystonedevelopment.com. Greystone Development is a part of the Greystone group of companies, active in real estate lending, investment and advisory. For more info, visit www.greyco.com.
Turnout for general election less than expected for Saline County

Ballots are still being counted as of Wednesday, but it seems the turnout for the 2022 general election was lower than expected by the county clerk.
LONDON, May 24, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Zoomdata, developers of the world's fastest visual analytics platform for big and fast data, and Atos, a leader in digital transformation, today announced at the Strata Data Conference, London, a technology global partnership to integrate Zoomdata with Atos Codex, a complete set of solutions and capabilities to design, build, run and secure smart data business services, data platforms and Internet of Things. The companies also announced that they have secured their first joint customer, a high tech global manufacturing company in the UK.



According to Forrester, 90% of businesses expect data-driven insight to become a key differentiator by 2020*.

Atos combines deep sector knowledge with industrial-strength analytics to offer the support clients need in the new world of data-driven business, anticipating new service demand from business and consumer clients. Atos Codex supports clients from the discovery stage and early pilots through to the creation of a truly analytics-driven organization.

The Business Intelligence landscape is rapidly evolving, from a tool focused on tracking operational activities, to a tool that also analyzes behaviors and delivering actionable insights on Big Data in Real Time, said Russ Cosentino, Zoomdata co-founder and VP, Channels. As a Modern BI and analytics platform, Zoomdatas technology is a natural component of the Atos Codex platform. Codex customers can now work with Atos to purchase and deploy Zoomdata across the enterprise.

With Atos Codex, businesses have access to a complete set of solutions and capabilities in order to transform their data into business results. As a part of the Atos Codex Platform, Zoomdata will deliver a real time interactive visualization experience to business users across the enterprise.

Together, Zoomdata and Atos solutions fuse multiple static and streaming data feeds for enhanced interactive real-time analytics, enabling access to practically unlimited size data sets of up to tens of billions of records in seconds.

Data analytics now impacts every area of business. The quality of analytics will determine both differentiation and success, said Alan Grogan, head of Data, Analytics & BI, Atos in the UK & Ireland. In operations, only accurate and timely analytics can ensure that networks are managed to deliver exceptional and affordable performance at all times.

Zoomdata is the first vendor to offer a platform that delivers interactive query and analysis capabilities for these next generation big and streaming data analytic applications. The latest release of Zoomdata brings unmatched performance with its breakthrough, patented high-definition data sharpening technology for visualizations and analytics for data sizes at the next order of magnitude.

Zoomdata will showcase the solution with Strata in London May 22-23 Booth 309. To see Zoomdata in action, please play with our interactive demos or take a free trial.

About Zoomdata, Inc.

Zoomdata develops the world's fastest visual analytics solution for big and fast data. Using patented data sharpening and micro-query technologies, Zoomdata empowers business users to visually consume data in seconds, even across tens of billions of rows of data. Zoomdata Fusion enables interactive analytics across disparate data sources, bridging modern and legacy data architectures, blending real-time streams and historical data, and unifying enterprise data with data in the cloud. Delivered in a microservices architecture for elastic scalability, Zoomdata runs on premise, in the cloud or embedded in an application. With offices in Chicago, New York, San Mateo, CA and Reston, VA, Zoomdata is venture-backed by Accel, Columbus Nova Technology Partners, Comcast Ventures, Goldman Sachs, NEA, and Razor's Edge.

About Atos

Atos is a global leader in digital transformation with approximately 100,000 employees in 72 countries and annual revenue of around  12 billion. The European number one in Big Data, Cybersecurity, High Performance Computing and Digital Workplace, The Group provides Cloud services, Infrastructure & Data Management, Business & Platform solutions, as well as transactional services through Worldline, the European leader in the payment industry. With its cutting-edge technologies, digital expertise and industry knowledge, Atos supports the digital transformation of its clients across various business sectors: Defense, Financial Services, Health, Manufacturing, Media, Energy & Utilities, Public sector, Retail, Telecommunications and Transportation. The Group is the Worldwide Information Technology Partner for the Olympic & Paralympic Games and operates under the brands Atos, Atos Consulting, Atos Worldgrid, Bull, Canopy, Unify and Worldline. Atos SE (Societas Europaea) is listed on the CAC40 Paris stock index. www.atos.net

About Atos Codex

Atos Codex is the Atos brand for business driven analytics, Internet of Things and cognitive solutions consisting of methodology, design labs, an open industrial platform factory as well as high-performance data analytics. It provides clients a complete set of products and skills to design, build and run digital business platforms. Atos Codex is a key pillar of Atos Digital Transformation Factory to deliver its clients digital transformation that is on time, on budget and on specification.

*Source: A Forrester Consulting study of over 580 business and IT leaders based in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific, commissioned by Atos, January 2017.




Re: Losses at E.F.K.S TV

This is why the Samoa Observer and the media should be allowed to report on the churchs dealing.

I know the church have lawyers to review any deals with a private firm, but they couldve hire Samoa Observer or another trusted local media outlet to promote its cause.

The bottom line is, the church needs to allow the media to investigate and report to the public what it discovered. Samoa Observer may allow the church to respond to a story within 24 hours before its release.

Collaborate for the betterment of the people that sacrifice so much for the church. I am not just referring to the E.F.K.S.

Dallas
Land is a symbol of blessings.

Samoa is an independent country with the greatest gift and that is land.

For Filipo Matiu, who was spotted by the Village Voice yesterday while maintaing his land, he said Samoa should be grateful.

Most families we know have no other source of income besides farming on their land, he said.

What will we do without our land?

The future of our Samoan families depend on it.

If we dont maintain land and make use of it they will be taken away from us soon.

Filipo said people should make good use of land.

We need to make sure our land is well taken care of and we use it to grow crops for money.

I used to work until my kids started working and then I decided to stay home and work our land.

The 49-year-old said the land is more than an area of soil.

I see land as the gateway to other rights and freedom that contribute to protecting my childrens quality of life.

This is also their other way out of struggle and it is our duty as parents to protect it for them.

So I am still strong and healthy to work on our land and we live a peaceful life here with my family.

Its even good to do chores around here to exercise to avoid being sick.

The father went on to say the simple of life in Samoa is why he loves the life here.

In Samoa, if you dont have money, you can always get food from the land and sea.

Most families depend on their plantation for food.

And this is another advantage of working on the land because it does not only provide future development but food and money.

Lastly, Alofagia said his main dream in life is to see his children grow up and become successful.

Some of my children are settling some are very young. But I pray to God to give them knowledge and help them along the way of success.

I will also do my part and encourage them to do well in school so they can have a better future.

They are the future of our families, villages and country.
Democracy, elections and all that is good about a freer and fairer election are on the agenda in Apia this week. Down at Tanoa Tusitala Hotel, relevant stakeholders have been taking part in the Democracy and Development in Samoa: the Role of Elections National Conference (see story).

Opened by Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, the conference participants have been delving into the successes, challenges and changes of Samoas electoral system.

According to the Electoral Commissioner, Faimalomatumua Mathew Lemisio, the conference is an opportunity to discuss the findings of the Review and Electoral Commission. He said after the last General Election, the Electoral Office identified key areas such as improving participation of women, youth and people with disabilities among others and will be addressing these issues as a lead up to the 2021 elections.

So throughout the week, speakers from Tonga, Fiji, academia, and election officials have been taking turns to address the different issues.

Without a doubt, there would have been a lot of interesting and thought-provoking perspectives shared.

All of them would be useful in terms of moving forward. Which is great.

After all, we all want our elections to be fair and free. Most importantly, we want them to be corruption-free.

At the opening of the conference earlier this week, Prime Minister Tuilaepa pointed out that achieving such an objective is always challenging.

Why? he asked himself.

Because the candidates are very creative in ways to win the election. The way things are done is that its either legally or illegally, but that goes to show their determination to get the power/authority that comes with winning the election.

Now this is an interesting little statement. Its worth reflecting upon. It immediately casts our minds back to 2016 especially when all those election petitions alleging bribery, treating and corruption magically disappeared.

Legal? Illegal? Creative?

Well who cares now? We are in 2017, arent we?

Still, its a disturbing thought especially for a nation, which claims to have held free and fair elections.

The simple truth is this; the fact that a number of petitions alleging corrupt practices during the General Election were withdrawn  some under dramatic circumstances  obviously point to a dirty election. It means that in some of those constituencies, the election was anything but free and fair. And yet we have carried on in beautiful Samoa like its normal.

This is not normal. Ladies and gentlemen, when a candidate bribes their way into a position of power; that is corruption. When a candidate makes a deal with another to throw an election petition by offering cash, it becomes even worse.

The worry is that the ease with which these cases were dealt with and made to disappear could give out the wrong impression that such bad behavior is encouraged.

Indeed, the legitimising and legalising of such alleged corrupt practices under the guise of culture and for the sake of good relations is not something that should be taken lightly.

And since the issue of free and fair election is on the agenda this week, we must not ignore this issue. Besides, the government is already prosecuting and fining members of the public who have not registered. Fair enough.

The Electoral Office has a job to do and good on them for doing it.

But what about politicians who openly break the law and get away with it?

Does it ever dawn on anyone that these politicians who bought their way to Parliament end up making the laws? How can lawbreakers be allowed to become lawmakers? And you wonder why some members of the public feel that it is okay to blatantly break the law?

Let us remind you today that you and I, as guardians of our culture, values and morals, we have a responsibility to leave a legacy for the future of this country to be proud of.

We have to set examples we want them to emulate.

Looking at the past, are these examples to be proud of? Is it okay to bribe and buy voters to get into Parliament then? Is that the new standard? Is this the legacy we want to leave behind for the future generations of this country?

Weve said this before and we will say it again, if that is the case, why do we need a Court system? Why do we need laws? Who needs a Parliament then to create laws when some of those lawmakers should not be there?

Why cant we just forgive and forget all lawbreakers then? Why dont we just abolish the Justice system if all that we need to do to solve the issues is to mediate, have a simple handshake and quote scriptures from the Bible?

Laws are designed to be obeyed and no one  including politicians  should be above it. Or else we should all just live in total lawlessness and anarchy.

Something to think about on National Voters day today! Have a productive Thursday Samoa, God bless!
The successes, challenges and changes of the Samoan electoral system have been at the forefront of discussions at the Tanoa Tusitala Hotel this week.

It is where relevant stakeholders are attending a three-day Democracy and Development in Samoa: the Role of Elections" national conference which started on Monday.

The meeting was opened by Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, who said the conference is part of the governments drive for a freer and fairer democratic election.

He said the discussion would identify key issues, particularly to improve the participation of youth, women, and people with disabilities.

The conference will allow for intellectual sharing amongst government officials, members of the private sectors, Chiefs from the village council and Ministers from denominations, he said.

The Prime Minister pointed out that having a democratic government is not all good and not all bad. He points to Nazi leader Adolf Hitler who was elected President of Germany in 1930s and noted this was the result of having a democratic government.

Looking back, Tuilaepa said his administration has passed many laws to improve the election process.

I remember the first time amendments were passed to require the voters to have voters identification, as there were many people voting using identities of people who have already passed away, he said.

This is one of the important issues that needs to be addressed, to remove all the dead people from the list.

The Prime Minister also addressed the issue of registration. He said voters should register themselves and yet they sit around and wait for candidates to take them.

According to the Prime Minister, keeping the elections clean, fair and freer is a massive challenge.

Why? Because the candidates are very creative in ways to win the election, he said.

The ways things are done is that its either legally or illegally, but that goes to show their determination to get the power/authority that comes with winning the election.

The conference will culminate with a National Voters Day.

The Voters Day will focus on improving youth participation in the electoral process, after evidence from the recent election revealed low youth participation.
The increasing number of murders, manslaughters and grievous bodily harm connected to alcohol abuse has led to a call for alcohol use reforms by the Samoa Law Reform Commission.

Three quarters (approximately 72%) of all murders, manslaughters and grievous bodily harm offences were committed under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

This is according to the S.L.R.C report in response to a request from the Attorney General in 2014 to review laws relating to the sale and consumption of alcohol.

The objective targets reducing the harm caused by alcohol in Samoa and to make recommendations for reform. The report was submitted to Parliament last year.

According to the report, the impact of alcohol in Samoa is significant, and it has been often cited as the main contributing factor to serious offending.

Most families and communities have been affected directly or indirectly by harm caused by excessive alcohol consumption.

The review was to deal with a number of issues including, adequacy of current alcohol licensing system and its enforcement; availability of cheap alcohol; alcohol taxation and pricing; controlling alcohol content in alcohol; age at which alcohol can be purchased; advertising and promotion of alcohol and responsibilities of parents, Village Fono and churches with respect to adolescent drinking, says the report.

The report says there is no current comprehensive data available on serious offences where alcohol was a contributing factor, many members of the judiciary have expressed that excessive use of alcohol and the availability of cheap alcohol was a common contributory factor to many criminal matters before them.

This view is reiterated by representatives from the Ministry of Police (Police), the Ministry of Justice and Court Administration (M.J.C.A) and the Samoa Victim Support Group (S.V.S.G).

All suggesting that serious crimes such as sexual offending and domestic violence is often strongly linked to excessive alcohol use or where alcohol was consumed beforehand.

The report indicates that almost every week the media reports on crimes of a serious nature involving alcohol.

It was also noted by many owners of businesses where alcohol was consumed, that fights often broke out when patrons were heavily intoxicated in the premises or upon leaving the premises.

Criminal offending fuelled by excessive consumption of alcohol was also at the forefront of concerns raised by numerous members of the public during consultations about their experiences in the community.

The challenges faced by the Commission was trying to obtain official statistics on crimes in Samoa where alcohol was a contributing factor.

However, in an effort to provide a snapshot of the prevalence of alcohol and/or drug related offences before the courts, M.J.C.A collected data specifically relating to the numbers of murders, manslaughter and grievous bodily harm offences committed under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

These statistics revealed an increasing trend of serious offences over the years, which were alcohol and or drug related.

In 2012, 43% of these serious offences were committed under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. There was a slight increase in 2013 to 51% of offences.

In 2014, there was an alarming hike in the statistics revealing almost three quarters (approximately 72%) of all murders, manslaughters and grievous bodily harm offences were committed under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

TRAFFIC / PUBLIC AREA OFFENSES

Traffic offences are also common offences where the presence of alcohol is a contributing factor.

The reported incidents of driving under the influence (D.U.I) have fluctuated over the period of 2009-2013.

In 2009, there were two reported incidences of D.U.I, which increased to 32 in 2010. In 2012 there were 91 reported cases of D.U.I, whereas in 2014 there was a dramatic increase of 170% in this type of offending to 245 reported cases.

There are 28 reported incidences of alcohol in breath in 2010 alone, and none in any other years during this period. Also, during this period there is also only one case reported of selling alcohol without a license in 2011. It is not clear whether the low number is attributed to poor enforcement or in the case of alcohol licences, whether there is improved compliance by businesses selling alcohol.

The statistics are quite unsettling given that these offences are not low level or minor offending but are very serious, violent offending.

According to the report, in 2011, 72 people were charged with intoxication in public areas and in 2012 there was a 139% increase amounting to 172 offences. The next year was a further 70% increase or 294 reported cases.

HEALTH ISSUES

The S.L.R.C report also points to statistics from the Ministry of Health which has a significant number of deaths resulting from alcohol related diseases over the period of 2010  June 2014 at the Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital at Motootua.

This does not include data from the Malietoa Tanumafili II Hospital in Savaii and other district facilities. The information received on the number of alcohol-related deaths during this period was much higher in men than in women. The highest incidence of alcohol-related diseases between 2009-2014 was diabetes mellitus or type 2 diabetes.

After type 2 diabetes, hypertension is the following most common alcohol-related disease which resulted in death within that period. Heavy alcohol consumption also resulted in a high number of deaths from cerebrovascular diseases or strokes and heart failures.

Diseases such as cirrhosis of the liver and alcohol use disorders were much less common and recorded only a few deaths.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE / SEX ABUSE CASES

The often less visible dimension of alcohol related harm includes child and family abuse and neglect and this was illustrated in a submission from S.V.S.G where it highlighted that from 2011-2013, over 320 domestic violence cases were lodged with their organization.

Alcohol was a contributing factor in 70% of these domestic violence cases. S.V.S.G also recorded that about 65% of the victims were exposed to verbal abuse and sustained physical injuries.

The submission from S.V.S.G identified sexual abuse cases reported to their organization where alcohol was a contributing factor.

In 2011-2013 theres a steady increase in sexual crimes where alcohol was a contributory factor during that period.

In 2011, there were 45 sexual abuse cases reported to S.V.S.G, which increased significantly by 67% to 75 cases of sexual crimes reported the following year in 2012.

In 2013, sexual crimes increased again by 19% to 89 reported cases.

There is widespread acceptance by the public that long term alcohol use has significant and permanent effects on an individuals health.
Aoee sues Amper Chief Executive Officer and Bluesky for $46million

Amper S.A. and its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Jaime Espinosa de los Monteros, have been accused of fraud, bad faith, breach of contract, and other misconducts.

The allegations are contained in a US$20 million (T$46million) lawsuit filed this week in the High Court of American Samoa by Aoee Adolfo Montenegro.

Aoee was the Chief Executive Officer of Ampers Bluesky Pacific Group, a group of telecommunications companies in the South Pacific, from 2008-2016.

The lawsuit also namesAmerican Samoa-based Bluesky Communications as a defendant.

In a prepared statement issued yesterday, Aoee said: We assert and are prepared to prove that Espinosa engaged in fraud and other deceptive conducts while carrying out his duties as President and Chairman of Amper (BME:AMP), which is a publicly-traded Spanish corporation.

His unethical and improper conduct has caused me financial and reputational harm for which I seek restitution, while also exposing the Bluesky Pacific Group to legal and possibly regulatory repercussions.

The lawsuit primarily addresses events of the past year, during which time Amper agreed to sell its controlling interest in the Bluesky Pacific Group to Fiji-based Amalgamated Telecom Holdings (A.T.H) for approximately $78.2 million.

Aoees management contract was abruptly terminated by Amper on the same day in September 2016 that Amper signed the final sales contract with A.T.H.

Despite initial reports by Amper that the transaction would close within three months, the sale remains pending approval by the United States Federal Communications Commission (F.C.C) and other governmental authorities in American Samoa, the independent State of Samoa, and elsewhere.

After Aoees dismissal, he and other local Samoan and American Samoa shareholders sold their participation in the Bluesky Pacific Group to A.T.H.

The lawsuit alleges that Espinosa knowingly orchestrated a series of deceptions, misrepresentations, and mischaracterizations that culminated in Aoees abrupt termination from Bluesky.

Since then, the lawsuit says Amper and Bluesky have breached Aoees contract by refusing to pay him amounts due under his management contract with Bluesky and under a separate agreement with Amper that entitles Montenegro to a percentage-based fee from the proceeds of the sale of the Bluesky Pacific Group.

Aoee seeks payment of those and other amounts allegedly due, as well as US$20 million in punitive damages, which are awarded under U.S. law to punish egregious misconduct.

The lawsuit contains 25 legal claims and chronicles Espinosas alleged misconduct in detail.

Chiefly, the lawsuit recounts that Espinosa improperly encouraged Aoee to organize a competing Management Buyout Offer (M.B.O) that would compete against A.T.Hs preliminary offer.

The suit alleges that Espinosa knew that Amper had an obligation to negotiate exclusively with A.T.H at that time but initially lied to Aoee about that obligation to induce him to organize the M.B.O.

When news of the M.B.O became widely known, Espinosa further misrepresented to A.T.H and others that the M.B.O was unsolicited, despite the fact that he had asked Aoee to prepare the M.B.O and would sometimes label it an unsolicited offer in communications with Aoee.

The lawsuit claims that Espinosa had no intent to seriously consider the M.B.O but was using the offer as a so-called stalking horse to force A.T.H to better its offer to purchase its controlling interest in the Bluesky Pacific Group.

The lawsuit alleges that Espinosa also deliberately misrepresented to A.T.H that the M.B.O was evidence that Aoee was attempting to undermine the Amper-ATH sale, which resulted in Aoees untimely termination and has been used by Amper as an excuse not to pay him monies he is contractually owed.

This duplicity harmed Aoees standing with A.T.H and is still being used by Amper to damage Aoees professional reputation.

The lawsuit notes that the M.B.O organized by Aoee at Espinosas request was a fully funded, legitimate offer that should have been seriously considered by Ampers Board of Directors.

However, according to the lawsuit, Espinosa took hidden steps to undermine its consideration at an Amper board meeting and is believed to have colluded with parties within the independent state of Samoa to undercut its support at the eleventh hour.

In summary, the lawsuit claims that Amper is seeking to improperly benefit from the sale of the very assets [Montenegro] played so critical a role in building.

According to the lawsuit, the company grew by leaps and bounds during Montenegro tenure as Bluesky C.E.O from 2008 to 2016.

The number of employees grew from 50 to 400, the company expanded operations from one country to four countries, its annual revenues rose from $10 million to $60 million, and Bluesky annual profits grew almost tenfoldfrom $2.5 million to $22 million.

Aoee claims that instead of being financially recognized for his accomplishments per the clear formulas contained in written agreements he and Amper negotiated in 2014 and 2016, Espinosa and Amper are trying to avoid making payments by smearing his name and thereby damaging Aoees professional career, financial stability, and reputation in the telecom industry and the Pacific region.

The lawsuit filed by Aoee does not reference a different lawsuit filed last week in the High Court of American Samoa wherein Bluesky accuses Aoee of improperly using Bluesky company resources.

In response to that lawsuit, Aoee said that Amper has been aware for several weeks that I intended to file a lawsuit if they did not settle my requests for payment. I believe the lawsuit filed last week was an effort to establish a more advantageous negotiating position for Amper, and is a continuation of the delay tactics and obstruction that has characterized their behavior in this matter for more than half a year.

I look forward to answering the unfounded accusations made against me by Amper in their baseless lawsuit.

Aoee also released a statement over the weekend lamenting that after so many positive, energetic and constructive years helping Bluesky grow throughout the South Pacific, it is unfortunate that things are ending on such a sour and malicious note.

Aoee stated that he had sought to walk away from Bluesky after being terminated, but the companys refusal to pay him the money he is due has compelled him to go to court, and that such a course of action necessitates revealing his knowledge of improper business practices which form the basis of Ampers denial of his claims.
Despite some good aspects, President Donald Trumps proposed 2018 budget includes cuts in biomedical programs that would cripple life science research and industry, said experts in San Diego and Californias biomedical economy.

Its a horrendous proposal, said Eric Topol, M.D., a cardiologist-geneticist with Scripps Health. Its completely unacceptable. It cant be defended ... Every way you look at it, it spells trouble.

The proposed cuts also come at a time when biomedical research has become extraordinarily productive in finding new treatments and insights into human health, Topol said.

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Sara Radcliffe, president and CEO of California Life Sciences Association, said in a statement that the biomedical trade group is deeply concerned with the administrations requests related to public health and research priorities, including funding for the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) and the National Institutes of Health.

NIH is the nations largest funder of biomedical research. The budget would fall 22 percent, or about $7.7 billion, to $26.9 billion. Nearly all of its component institutes would get a drop in funding.

-- National Cancer Institute would get $4.47 billion a loss about $1 billion

-- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases would get $3.78, a loss of $838 million

-- National Institute on Aging is to get $1.3 billion, a loss of $294 million.

The budget does contain some new spending, including $207 million for the Department of Health and Human Services to respond in case of an influenza pandemic, an increase of $135 million.

Radcliffe praised the administrations proposed repeal of the Independent Payment Advisory Board, established with Obamacare. Radcliffe said the board could harm biomedical innovation by reducing incentives for investment in new research and product development.

Joe Panetta, president and CEO of Biocom, the San Diego-based life science trade group for California, said the combination of cuts to the NIH, the Food and Drug Administration, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Science Foundation would be devastating, said .

Not only would research be hurt, but cutting CDC and FDA budgets would reduce their ability to monitor and treat diseases.

This budget is taking us in the wrong direction, Panetta said.

The cuts will hurt the large biomedical economy in San Diego and across California, Panetta said. NIH grants pour hundreds of millions into San Diego area research institutes. Other programs, such as Small Business Innovation Research grants, help companies advance technologies so they can be commercialized.

Topol said the methods used to effect the budget savings will also disrupt research, Topol said. High on the list of disrupters is a limit of 10 percent in grants to cover indirect costs.

It supports, it doesnt pay for everything, but it supports the things that are necessary for people to do the research, the space, the utilities, the basic infrastructure that it takes to do biomedical research, Topol said of the indirect cost grants.

Indirect costs are currently calculated on a percentage determined for each institution, based on audited data, Topol said. Rates often range from 40 to 50 percent, and in some cases all the way up to 90 to 100 percent, Topol said.

To suddenly make that 10 percent would basically cripple all biomedical research, Topol said.

The NIH has recently advanced a good proposal to fund more young researchers by giving them priority, he said. But the budget reductions will have the opposite effect, by discouraging young researchers who are trying to get their feet on the ground.

Panetta said a proposal to fund the FDA by charging about $670 million in user fees to biomedical companies for reviewing their products could make the agency too dependent on the biomedical industry.

These users fees were introduced in the early 1990s to helps the FDA pay for the expense and time of the review process. User fees are a good idea, Panetta said, but the proposed increase take that concept too far.

The industrys already paying 80 percent of the budget in user fees, Panetta said. Can the industry afford it? Yeah, I think the industry can afford it, but thats not the issue, Panetta said. How much of the FDA do you want to be funded by the industry? Do we go to 90 percent? Do we go to 100 percent?

In a statement, the nationwide Biotechnology Innovation Organization expressed a mixture of praise and concern about Trumps proposed budget.

While we are still reviewing the details of todays proposed budget, we are encouraged by the proposals to clarify the treatment of value-based purchasing arrangements and to promote enhanced sharing of scientifically sound information between manufacturers and payers, BIO President and CEO Jim Greenwood said in the statement.

Like Radcliffe, Greenwood also praised the proposed elimination of the Independent Payment Advisory Board.

However, we have concerns about the proposed re-opening of technical FDA user fee negotiations as well as some of the proposed funding levels for key scientific and public health preparedness programs, Greenwood said. We look forward to working with Members of Congress on both sides of the aisle, as well as the Administration, to ensure that these critical programs supporting public health and basic biomedical and biobased technologies research receive adequate funding.

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

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Zika was circulating in the Americas long before the first reports arose about the virus that can cause the brain condition called microcephaly in fetuses, according to a series of international studies published Wednesday.

A key takeaway from the four studies, which reported more than 200 new Zika viral genomes, is that controlling the mosquito that carries Zika should be a high priority, along with detection programs that constantly monitor for the virus.

One study was led by researchers at The Scripps Research Institute in La Jolla. It found that Zika reached Florida at least four times and possibly up to 40 times before the first case was reported months later. Zika probably reached the U.S. from the Caribbean, via cruise ships or air travel.

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The same study also found that Miami and the Brownsville area of Texas have the best conditions for Zika establishing itself permanently. Their climates enable year-round survival of the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which carries Zika and other diseases.

Miami is especially vulnerable because of its travel connections to the Caribbean and Latin America. However, even in Miami, there were not enough secondary infections during the recent outbreak to establish Zika permanently.

The study was published in the journal Nature; it can be found at j.mp/tsrizika. Nathan Grubaugh, Karthik Gangavarapu and Kristian Andersen, all of Scripps Research, were among its authors.

San Diego County has reported 89 Zika cases, including one of microcephaly, and has joined a Zika screening program. The risk of transmission in this region is thought to be low, because Aedes aegypti is much less prevalent in San Diego than in southern Texas and Florida.

Prevention by mosquito control is an excellent strategy, Andersen said in a Tuesday news conference held by Nature.

What we show is that the number of human cases basically is perfectly correlated with the number of mosquitoes that you have in the area, Andersen said. So if the numbers of mosquitoes go up, you see the human cases going up. If the number of mosquitoes is going down, you see the number of human cases also going down.

So that tells us that things like vector control, essentially focusing on actually getting rid of the mosquitoes, is an effective way of actually preventing human cases of Zika from occurring, Andersen said.

Two other studies published in Nature showed that Zika circulated in Brazil for more than a year before the first case was reported. These analyses used a genome-sequencing lab, so they were able to detect and sequence strains of Zika out in the field. A family tree of these strains indicated that northeastern Brazil was the likely origin of the outbreak.

These two studies, led by researchers at the University of Oxford and the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard University, can be found at j.mp/americaszika1 and j.mp/americaszika2.

The fourth study, published in the journal Nature Protocols, describes a method used to sequence the Zika virus directly from samples, without the time-consuming process of growing tissue cultures. The report, which used DNA sequencing machines from Oxford Nanopore and the San Diego-based Illumina, can be found at j.mp/illuminaoxford.

A perspective article on all four studies proposes that such detection efforts be prepared in advance for rapid deployment when the next outbreak strikes. The studies make clear that Zika transmissions happen so often, and that its impossible to know which one will spark the next outbreak. The same may be true of other viral diseases.

These diseases can be regarded as biological wildfires, wrote Michael Worobey at the University of Arizona, a former forest firefighter. And just like wildfires, they can cause immense human suffering and financial damage.

The responses to the recent Ebola and Zika outbreaks undoubtedly involved great courage and ingenuity, but they have looked too much like valiant bucket brigades organized after the fire is out of control, Worobey wrote in the perspective article. We should be detecting such outbreaks within days or weeks through routine, massive, sequence-based approaches  not months or years later, when clinical symptoms have accumulated.

This vision is feasible now, Worobey wrote, thanks to the recent dramatic improvements in efficiency and lowered cost of genetic sequencing, combined with powerful computational methods.

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
WILMINGTON, Mass., May 24, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- UniFirst Corporation (NYSE:UNF) earlier today announced the passing of Ronald D. Croatti, the companys chairman, president, and chief executive officer (CEO), as a result of complications associated with pneumonia.



A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0df1180e-6104-4a24-9506-37886db7a65c

Ron was a true visionary and business leader who helped mold the uniform service and supply industry into what it is today. Having joined the company in 1965 under the tutelage of his father and company founder, Aldo Croatti, he gained valuable, first-hand experience working in virtually all areas of the company, excelling in service, sales, operations, and management, before being named a senior executive in 1986, when annual revenues were approximately $100 million. Since he became the companys chief executive officer in 1991, UniFirst more than quintupled its annual revenues to $1.5 billion today.

Ron Croatti and UniFirst were also regularly recognized in the media over the years. Ron was named Executive of the Year by the Best in Biz Awards and was featured on CBS-TVs hit reality show Undercover Boss. UniFirst has been ranked by Forbes magazine on its Platinum 400-Best Companies in America list; named by Apparel magazine as one of America's Top 50 Apparel Companies for nine consecutive years; named one of Selling Power magazines Top 50 Best Companies to Sell For every year since 2003; and recognized annually by the Boston Globe on its Globe 100 list for the last 28 years.

Cynthia Croatti, executive vice president, said, The loss of my dear brother and our company leader is profound. His life was dedicated to the success of UniFirst, as well as to each and every member of our extended UniFirst family 13,000 people strong. His vision, leadership, and love for family will be missed immensely, but will live on for generations to come.

About UniFirst Corporation

Headquartered in Wilmington, Mass., UniFirst Corporation is a North American leader in the supply and servicing of uniform and workwear programs, as well as the delivery of facility service programs. Together with its subsidiaries, the company also provides first aid and safety products, and manages specialized garment programs for the cleanroom and nuclear industries. UniFirst manufactures its own branded workwear, protective clothing, and floorcare products, and with 240 service locations, 300,000 customer locations, and 13,000 employee Team Partners, the company outfits nearly 2 million workers each business day. UniFirst is a publicly held company traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol UNF and is a component of the Standard & Poor's 600 Small Cap Index. For more information, contact UniFirst at 800.455.7654 or visit www.unifirst.com.
While leaders of the U.S. wind industry sounded a diplomatic tone Tuesday about dealing with the Trump administration, the keynote speaker at the industrys biggest conference did not hold back.

President Trumps fossil-fuel fetish, economically, does not make any sense, California state Senate President pro Tem Kevin de Leon (D-Los Angeles) told a few hundred of the estimated 7,000 attendees at the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) WindPower 2017 Conference and Exhibition at the Anaheim Convention Center.

Moments later, speaking to reporters, de Leon doubled down.

We have people who make up this present administration who are not climate change deniers, theyre climate change liars, said de Leon, who earlier this year introduced a Senate bill that would require California to generate 100 percent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2045.

Some of the wind industrys executives were much more conciliatory.

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During a panel discussion minutes after de Leon left the stage, they used words like open and interesting when describing what Trumps surprise victory last November might mean for the wind industry.

One day after getting elected chairman of AWAEs board, Tristan Grimbert, CEO of San Diego-based EDF Renewable Energy, told the crowd, The political context is a little challenging.

The Trump White House has promoted An America First Energy Plan that highlights shale oil and natural gas while reviving Americas coal industry.

Some in the wind industry see some positives in former Texas governor Rick Perry being named secretary of the U.S. Department of Energy since Texas is No. 1 in the nation in installed wind capacity.

But at roughly the same time the conference in Anaheim was wrapping up its morning session, a proposed budget was released by the Trump administration that called for a drastic reduction in the Department of Energys Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.

AWAEs CEO Tom Kiernan emphasized the wind industrys growth in recent years.

Were delivering on our promises and our vision, Kiernan told attendees. We are not just here to stay but to grow and grow and grow.

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the nations wind power generation capacity is expected to top 100 gigawatts by the end of next year, which would account for 9 percent of the electric power sectors total generation capacity.

In California, wind power accounted for 8.2 percent of the states energy mix in 2015, the most recent year measured by the California Energy Commission. Thats 2.2 percent more than solar in the states energy mix and a nearly four-fold increase since 2006.

While countries in Europe  Denmark in particular  have outpaced the U.S. when it comes to offshore wind energy, the outlook is improving.

The nations first offshore wind farm went online last December in Rhode Island, supplying electricity for 2,000 customers. Earlier this month, the local power company was able to pull the plug on its diesel generators.

Two weeks ago, the Public Service Commission in Maryland approved plans to build two offshore facilities that will cost a combined $2 billion.

Building offshore wind farms along the Pacific Coast is a tougher proposition.

The depth of the outer continental shelf makes it very difficult to bolt turbines to the seabed but at leasttwo companies have filed applications to build floating offshore wind farms in the Morro Bay area.

Theres huge potential and we just need to work our way through the technology and implementation issues, Kiernan said.

But the industry has other headwinds, so to speak.

Spurred by government incentives, the wind energy industry has grown quickly.

Over the years when we said, give us a stable, multiyear trajectory, the wind industry would respond well, said Kiernan. And guess what, the wind industry is responding well.

Federal tax credits were extended at the end of 2015 but the production and investment credits are each getting phased down on an annual basis and are scheduled to be eliminated by the end of 2019.

Is the industry worried the tax credits might get eliminated outright before 2019?

Were getting a sense from the administration and both sides of the aisle (in Congress) that people respect that, Kiernan said. Were confident that will stay in place.

Kiernan said AWEA does not have plans to go to Congress and ask for a tax credit extension after 2019, with a caveat.

We are calling for a level playing field and as you know, other sources of electricity have had long term and in many cases permanent tax credits, Kiernan said. Were hoping that  Congress will look, as were phasing down ours, look at everybody elses public support and phase them down or somehow levelize it.

On another front, some conservationists have criticized wind farms for the number of birds killed after they hit rotor blades attached to the burgeoning number of turbines being built across the country.

The American Bird Conservancy website estimates that more than 1.4 million bird deaths are projected by 2030.

In the San Diego area, an environmental group called the Protect Our Communities Foundation (POC) has opposed the construction of the Tule Wind Project in East County, arguing the site poses a danger to the areas golden eagle habitat.

We have always said we are in favor of alternative energy sources, said April Rose Sommer, executive director at POC, but this is the wrong project in the wrong place.

AWEA says greater numbers of eagles are killed by power lines, vehicle strikes and illegal shooting, The group says newer turbines  that are better sited, with rotors that move more slowly  have lowered eagle deaths by 80 percent.

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rob.nikolewski@sduniontribune.com

(619) 293-1251 Twitter: @robnikolewski
Carlsbad firefighters will hit the beach as lifeguards this Memorial Day weekend to fill the previously unguarded 1-mile gap between the state beach ending at Oak Avenue and the citys northern border with Oceanside.

Lifeguards in the Carlsbad Fire Departments pilot program will patrol the beach in a new Toyota Tacoma truck, largely to warn people about rip currents and other dangerous conditions, but fully prepared to rescue any swimmers in trouble.

If we can prevent someone from entering a rip, that just prevents a rescue down the line, said firefighter-paramedic Chris Peters, a former Newport Beach lifeguard.

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Peters and five other firefighters, all former beach lifeguards, attended a week-long refresher course in Ventura last month.

On Tuesday, they passed that training to a dozen other firefighters gathered on the sand at the foot of Carlsbads Beech Avenue.

Starting Friday, the firefighters will patrol the beach from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. seven days a week through the summer. Meanwhile, the city is interviewing seasonal firefighters and plans to hire more than 25 in time to work on foot and in the water by July.

Last year, a string of rescues on the busy July Fourth weekend and a drowning later in the month prompted residents to urge the city to find a way to protect the northern beach.

State lifeguards from towers south of Oak Avenue will respond to the northern beach in emergencies, but they dont patrol the area or do any preventative measures to warn swimmers of potential dangers.

The City Council unanimously agreed to try the pilot program, with a budget of about $300,000, which will last through the Labor Day weekend. At the end of the pilot program a report will be presented to the council.

State parks officials are pleased to see Carlsbads effort, said Robin Greene, the departments San Diego Coast District superintendent.

We are supportive in any manner, Greene said. Weve been working closely with the Fire Department to get that started.

Nearly six of Carlsbads seven miles of shoreline are owned by the state and patrolled by state lifeguards. The state also has the only small watercraft available to rescue swimmers in trouble on Carlsbad beaches.

City firefighters provide emergency medical services on all Carlsbad beaches and lagoons, and the city Police Department provides law enforcement. Carlsbads coastal neighbors, Oceanside and Encinitas, both have their own beach lifeguards.

Carlsbad has discussed the possibility of hiring beach lifeguards for years, but has never tried it until now.

Residents and city officials say the increasing popularity of the northern beach  near vacation homes, hotels and the downtown Village neighborhood  has increased the need for improved safety services there.

Once Carlsbad hires its seasonal lifeguards, some of them will be stationed on the beach at points yet to be determined.

There will be no lifeguard towers during the pilot program, officials said, in part because there was no time to get the necessary permits.

The Fire Department may use tall chairs and pop-up tents for shade and could bulldoze mounds of sand to give lifeguards better viewpoints, Chief Mike Davis said.

Swimmers should know that the northern Carlsbad beach has one of North Countys strongest rip currents, and anyone entering the water there should be cautious.

Your best chance to be safe in the water is to swim in front of a lifeguard station  or swim when lifeguards are present, Davis said.

Always swim within your capabilities, he said. Watch the water before you go in. This time of year the sets of larger waves can be 10 to 20 minutes apart.

philip.diehl@sduniontribune.com

Twitter: @phildiehl
Businesses opening up as pot shops and operating illegally in Chula Vista will now face a daily civil penalty of $2,500 as they are discovered.

The City Council voted 4-0 last week to raise the maximum amount for businesses in violation of the ordinance by $1,500  from $1,000 to $2,500.

Councilman Mike Diaz was absent.

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The ordinance was also reflected to specify that recreational and medical marijuana is prohibited in the city, and it added marijuana and other controlled substances to existing social host regulations.

Staff from the city attorneys office said the changes give the city more enforcement options while it considers future policies based on state and federal laws.

Staff is taking a very intense and hard look at alternatives in this area, said City Attorney Glen Googins. In the meantime, this give us the tools we need to address enforcement of this problem.

In the past year the citys code enforcement division, Police Department and city attorneys office have collaborated to shut down seven unlawful dispensaries.

There are another nine currently operating, three of which are in litigation with the rest in various stages of enforcement.

The citys social host ordinance was originally adopted in 2007 to put the responsibility on a person hosting a private gathering to take reasonable steps in preventing minors from accessing alcohol.

Chula Vista resident Daniel Green offered partial support of for the resolution during public comment.

I think its important that we do equip law enforcement with the tools they need to shut down businesses that arent operating above board, but theres another side of this, Green said. We also need to give an avenue to do this correctlywhat weve been doing so far has been ineffective.

He went on to explain how legalization and regulation of marijuana in states like Colorado and Washington has collected taxes for the improvement of streets and schools.

While the statewide passage of Proposition 64 allows for the cultivation, processing and sale of recreational marijuana in California, it also allows cities to ban all or part of the uses allowed under its provisions.

Mayor Mary Casillas Salas agreed that Chula Vistas ordinance isnt working and needs to be fixed, and that the City Council is expected to host future workshops for further discussion on the issue.

I think thats what we really need to do is sit down and study the issue, the pros and the cons and the realities of whats going on today, she said.

Councilman Steve Padilla agreed the city has yet to complete its due diligence regarding marijuana.

He said he does not view the ordinance as a permanent ban.

Were simply giving (police) the tools in the interim before we make a decision, Padilla said.
Justin Rodi, a soon-to-be 2017 Mountain Valley Academy graduate, has received a $2,000 scholarship from the Washington Crossing Foundation in Bristol, Pa.

He is one of 26 recipients selected in the 48th Annual National Washington Crossing Foundation Scholarship Competition. The awards go to high school seniors for the best all-around presentations including an explanation of why they plan a career in government service.

The foundation noted that the 26 scholarship recipients represent the most talented and accomplished of the nations young leaders.

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Rodi, president of MVAs Associated Student Body and National Honor Society, was this years MVA student representative on the Ramona Unified School District Board. President of the Peer Tutoring Club, he tutors students in English, math, and Spanish.

As an intern for a state Assemblyman, he organized an event to commemorate 9/11 and engender patriotism within the high school community. He has awards from Rotary and Kiwanis and is Advanced Placement U.S. History Student of the Year and Physics Student of the Year.

Rodi has received awards for leadership, citizenship, and scholarship and has a perfect grade point average. He founded the Yall Get REKT Movement that embodies Respect, Empathy, Kindness, and Thoughtfulness to spread positive energy from teens into the world. He plans to attend Hillsdale College in Hillsdale, Mich.

A statement from the Washington Crossing Foundation said it seeks scholarship recipients with the same sense of dedication and service demonstrated by George Washington and his soldiers who, under the most adverse of conditions, crossed the Delaware on Christmas Night in 1776 to win the Battle of Trenton that turned the tide of the American Revolution.

The foundation paid for Rodi to travel to and spend a weekend in Bucks County, Pa., with the 25 other scholarship recipients. They toured historical sites, including the location on the Delaware where Washington and his troops crossed. The teens stayed in the homes of former scholarship recipients, and Rodi plans to return to welcome future scholarship recipients as they are chosen.
A legal group and six parents have filed a lawsuit that challenges the constitutionality of a San Diego Unified School District plan to protect Muslim students from bullying.

Its our position that the anti-bullying policies should protect all students regardless of ethnicity and affiliation, and they shouldnt be singling out any religious group for special treatment, as they seem to be doing here, said Charles LiMandri, president and chief council for the Freedom of Conscience Defense Fund, which filed the lawsuit in federal court Tuesday on behalf of the parents.

In April, trustees in the districts voted to create a policy that would protect Muslim students from bullying by, among other steps, increasing lessons about Islam.

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Students already learn about Islam and other religions as part of a social studies curriculum set by the state, but additional lessons could be added to create a better understanding of the religion, district staff members explained.

LiMandri and others who have objected to the policy said they are concerned the lessons could cross the line separating church and state.

The anti-bullying policy is part of a larger effort the district has adopted to make campuses safe for all students. Anti-bullying policies also have been created for LGBT students and students who are Native American and Latino.

The latest anti-bullying step was the first to focus on a religion and was sparked by a 2015 Council for American-Islamic Relations Report that found 55 percent of American Muslim students surveyed in California had said they were bullied because of their religion.

The district didnt have data about how many of those incidents happened in its schools, but a report to the board in April did note that there were seven incidents of bullying between July 1 to Dec. 31, 2016, although it didnt specify which religion was targeted.

Thats a relatively small number and it does not warrant or justify a wholesale change in the school district or its curriculum, LiMandri said.

It appears to us that this is a politically correct type of solution looking for a problem, he continued. If Muslim students are being bullied, stop the bullying. But you dont need to implement a program that is favoring Muslim students or one religion over another.

LiMandri has been involved in other high-profile, cultural touchstone issues. He was vocal supporter of Proposition 8, the 2008 California initiative that banned same-sex marriage, which was later overturned in court. Hed also been defender of the cross on Mount Soledad.

No representative of the school district would comment on the lawsuit Tuesday, but others had previously addressed concerns with the policy some people had raised.

Stan Anjan, executive director of Family and Community Engagement at the district, has said the district is not favoring Muslim students, but trying to ensure they are given equal protection.

San Diego Unified does not favor any religion over another, he wrote in an e-mail to The San Diego Union-Tribune in February. We welcome all students from all faiths within our school community.

LiMandri said parents and his law firm have other problems with the districts actions, including its partnership with the Council for American-Islamic Relations, which he said has a mission to change American society and advance radical Islam.

Of particular concern is the School Districts active collaboration with CAIR, which has longstanding, verified ties to radical Islam, LiMandri said in a statement released Tuesday.

LiMandri also wrote that several of CAIRs top executives have been convicted of terror-related crimes.

Hanif Mohebi, CAIR San Diego executive director, said he had not seen the lawsuit and did not respond to a request to address LiMandris claims.

A CAIR website, however, did address what it referred to as a smear campaign against the organization.

The short answer to this is guilt by association, the site stated about claims that some members have been involved with terrorist groups. CAIR has hundreds of board members and employees and thousands of supporters. It would be illogical and unfair to hold CAIR responsible for the personal activities of all these people.

The CAIR website also argues that the organization repeatedly has condemned terrorism and is not associated with extremist, anti-American believes.

CAIRs advocacy model is the antithesis of the narrative of anti-American extremists, the site reads. Indeed, our track record of success solidly repudiates extremist arguments that Muslims cannot get fair treatment in our nation.

LiMandri said the lawsuit against the district is not asking for any monetary relief, although San Diego Unified could face a hefty legal fee if the case continues into a lengthy fight.

Since much of the policy still is being worked out, however, LiMandri said the case could easily be resolved if the district stops working with CAIR and instead works with parents to create an anti-bullying policy that protects all students and not just those of one faith.

San Diego Unified to fight Islamophobia, bullying 

San Diego Unified faces backlash 

Islam and other religions already part of state curriculum 

gary.warth@sduniontribune.com

Twitter: @GaryWarthUT

760-529-4939
NEW YORK, May 24, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against JBS S.A. (JBS or the Company) (OTCQX:JBSAY) and certain of its officers. The class action, filed in United States District Court, Eastern District of New York, is on behalf of a class consisting of investors who purchased or otherwise acquired the publicly traded American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) of JBS securities, seeking to recover compensable damages caused by defendants violations of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.



If you are a shareholder who purchased JBS ADRs securities between June 2, 2015 and May 19, 2017, both dates inclusive, you have until July 21, 2017 to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained at www.pomerantzlaw.com. To discuss this action, contact Robert S. Willoughby at rswilloughby@pomlaw.com or 888.476.6529 (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll free, ext. 9980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and number of shares purchased.

[Click here to join this class action]

JBS processes and sells beef, lamb, pork, and chicken products in Brazil and internationally. The Company is incorporated in the Federative Republic of Brazil and its principal executive offices are in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

The Complaint alleges that throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and misleading statements regarding the Companys business, operational and compliance policies. Specifically, Defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) JBS executives bribed regulators and politicians to subvert food inspections of its plants and overlook unsanitary practices, such as processing rotten meat and running plants with traces of salmonella; (2) JBS Chairman Joesley Batista was providing monthly bribery payments to a former Brazilian government official and a lobbyist; (3) there were irregularities with the loans JBS received from Brazilian state-owned development bank BNDES; (4) JBS and other entities controlled by JBS Chairman Joesley Batista and JBS CEO Wesley Batista made suspicious trades that exhibit signs of possible insider trading prior to the revelation of a plea deal by JBS' top executives; and (5) as a result, defendants' statements about JBS' business, operations and prospects were materially false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable bases at all relevant times.

On March 17, 2017, Reuters published a report entitled Brazil police accuse BRF, JBS of subverting food inspections.

On this news, shares of JBS fell $0.71 per share or over 9.2% from its previous closing price to close at $6.96 per share on March 17, 2017, damaging investors.

On May 12, 2017, news outlets reported that Brazilian federal police are investigating whether JBS received favorable treatment from state-owned development bank BNDES. The Brazilian federal audit court found irregularities related to a 2007 BNDES loan of 1.13 billion reais ($362 million) to JBS to finance the acquisition of Swift & Co. Investigators suspect fraud in those transactions.

On this news, shares of JBS fell $0.28 per share or over 8% from its previous closing price to close at $6.96 per share on May 12, 2017, further damaging investors.

On May 17, 2017, news outlets reported during aftermarket hours that JBS Chairman Joesley Batista was recorded telling the President of Brazil that J. Batista was providing monthly payments to Eduardo Cunha, former speaker of the lower house of representatives and lobbyist Lucio Funaro so that they would remain silent while in jail. J. Batista and his brother W. Batista presented the recording to prosecutors as part of plea bargain negotiations. JBS also hired a law firm to discuss a leniency deal with the U.S. Department of Justice.

On this news, shares of JBS fell $1.04 per share or over 16% from its previous closing price to close at $5.08 per share on May 18, 2017, further damaging investors.

On May 19, 2017, news outlets reported during aftermarket hours that Brazil's securities regulator said it launched four new probes against meatpacker JBS SA and other companies controlled by Defendants W. Batista and J. Batista to investigate suspicious trades made before markets were rattled by the revelation of a plea deal by the company's top executives.

On this news, shares of JBS fell $1.68 per share or over 31% from its previous closing price to close at $3.68 per share on May 22, 2017, further damaging investors.

The Pomerantz Firm, with offices in New York, Chicago, Florida, and Los Angeles, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, the Pomerantz Firm pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 80 years later, the Pomerantz Firm continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomerantzlaw.com
The primary election is still more than a year away, but the two Democrats trying to unseat Rep. Darrell Issa have both picked up early endorsements.

State mail carriers have endorsed Doug Applegate, Issas opponent in 2016 election who is running again, while a high-profile congressman has endorsed Mike Levin, another Democrat in the race.

The 38,000-member California State Association of Letter Carriers said that Applegate will work to oppose Donald Trump policies.

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Col. Applegate has the courage to stand-up to Donald Trump and the Washington insiders, he is not afraid to fight for workers, students and seniors, the organization said in a statement.

Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Burbank, has endorsed Levin.

At this moment of constitutional peril, we need leaders in the House of Representatives who are committed to an aggressive and impartial pursuit of truth, Schiff said in a statement.

Schiff is the ranking member of the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, a House body that is conducting one of several investigations into Russian meddling in last years election, and what sort of contact, if any, Trumps campaign had with foreign organizations. His position as the committees top Democrat has made him a key figure in the inquiry, boosted his public profile with regular appearances on national television, and spurred chatter that he might run to replace Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., if she retires.

The race in Californias 49th Congressional District is one of the most-watched in the country after Issa won a ninth term last year by 1,621 votes, the closest margin in any House contest. The district has a Republican voter registration advantage with 37.7 percent of voters belonging to the GOP while another 31 percent are Democrats.

Despite the difference in party registration, last year voters there favored Clinton over Trump.

The district runs from the southern border of UC San Diego, up the coast to Dana Point in southern Orange County. About 75 percent of voters are in the San Diego County portion of the district, which is more Democratic than the Orange County portion where the remainder of voters live.

Twitter: @jptstewart

joshua.stewart@sduniontribune.com

(619) 293-1841
A 6-year-old boy is back home in San Ysidro after spending 18 days in the hospital with severe injuries from a crash allegedly caused by a DUI driver who had been deported to Mexico repeatedly.

Lennox Lake was released from Rady Childrens Hospital on Tuesday, but remains in delicate condition as he recovers from a skull fracture, infections and a rash, said an aunt.

Lennox developed the rash all over his body and had a fever for five days, but an infectious disease doctor approved his release, said Sandi Taylor, sister to the boys father.

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Benjamin Lake, his wife, Ingrid, and their son Lennox were returning from a day at Disneyland when the collision occurred on May 6. They were about a block from their home when a pickup ran a stop sign at Camino de la Plaza at Dairy Mart Road and broadsided their car, San Diego police said.

Much of the impact was into the sedan door near where Lennox was fastened into a child seat. His parent suffered minor injuries.

Constantino Banda-Acosta, 38, a Mexican citizen deported from the United States more than 15 times over 15 years, is suspected of being the pickup driver who did not stop after the collision. He was arrested about a mile away and has been charged with felony drunken diving and hit and run.

His defense attorney has said in court that Banda-Acosta was not driving that night. Another man was in the pickup when Banda-Acosta was arrested, and that man, also a Mexican citizen suspected of being in the U.S. illegally, was detained.

Lennox suffered deep fractures to his skull along with a broken nose and scrapes, according to a GoFundMe page established by his aunt. Taylor posted updates on his condition, telling of the childs pain and misery with his injuries and numerous IVs for antibiotics. His eyes were swollen shut for four days, until his facial swelling went down.

Taylor noted that Lennox was cheered several days ago when a therapy dog was allowed to visit him in his hospital bed.

His father said the boy was getting bored in the hospital and looked forward to getting home to see his older brothers, ages 14 and 16, and his dog.
Rajesh Gupta tapped a spreadsheet and said, If we dont drive these numbers down, the faculty will revolt!

He was referring to soaring enrollment for UC San Diegos computer science program. The student-faculty ratio has hit 44-to-1, twice as high as it should be.

Faculty want to accommodate as many students as possible, but they dont want to lower the quality of classes, said Gupta, chair of the computer science and engineering department.

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The dilemma symbolizes the sharp growing pains being felt at UC San Diego, especially in the Jacobs School of Engineering, home to one-quarter of the universitys nearly 34,000 students.

The engineering school is so crowded that one faculty member asked in an email, What does a UCSD (computer science) degree mean if more than 50 percent of the classes were taught by temporary instructors?

The universitys overall enrollment rose by nearly 8,000 in the past decade, a boom fueled by general population growth and UC San Diegos increased appeal.

In addition, the private sector has been pushing the regions premier public university to train ever greater numbers of students to do everything from designing drones, to testing pharmaceutical drugs, to making sense of genomes.

UC San Diego could have tapped the brakes on enrollment growth, particularly for the computer engineering department, which is using 500 tutors to help handle the crush of students. But theres a go-go culture on campus, even though the university doesnt have most of the money it needs to handle the expansion.

If Id had the resources, I would have grown even faster, said Albert Pisano, dean of the Jacobs School of Engineering. Im trying to meet the demands of students, faculty and industry.

More students are on the way.

UC San Diego intends to increase enrollment by 6,000 students during the next five years, pushing the total to 40,000. That would make the campus bigger than UC Berkeley is today.

Plans also call for at least seven new buildings that would collectively cost more than $400 million, a strategy thats largely unfunded at this point.

Even if the campus stopped expanding right now, UC San Diego would still face serious problems.

Campus leaders said they need $300 million for new classrooms and laboratories. Theres also a bad shortage of on-campus housing; the waiting list for such accommodations is 3,000 names long. Such a backlog could prevent UC San Diego from recruiting some of the elite graduate students needed to help run research projects.

The rollicking pace of change is stirring concern among the faculty.

We have to make sure we dont become a big factory that just turns out a lot of graduates, said Todd Coleman, a bioengineering professor. We need to be cultivating leaders who become vice presidents and presidents of companies, entrepreneurs and innovators like Mark Zuckerberg (of Facebook) and Elon Musk (of SpaceX).

UC San Diego is one of the nations 10 biggest research schools, raising about $1 billion a year for research.

Engineering is an important contributor of money and prestige. U.S. News and World Report recently said the university has the countrys 17th best graduate-level engineering school.

The rankings show that UC San Diego is great in some areas, notably bioengineering, but that it isnt excellent across the board.

Pisano is trying to fix the disparity, hoping to push UC San Diego into the top 10 list, which is dominated by schools such as Stanford University and Caltech. His strategy partly involves adding small institutes that focus on hot fields such as robotics and wearable sensors.

The dean also is adding faculty and trying to raise donations from industry and alumni.

The money part could be a hard sell. This month, UC San Diego acknowledged that it largely ignored its alumni for decades, figuring that it would always get the money it needed from the state. Then public funding plummeted in the past decade, and UC San Diego now finds itself asking for money from alumni who are largely disconnected from their alma mater.

Engineering has accounted for more than half of the universitys growth during the past decade, adding about 4,000 students. Total enrollment for the engineering school stands at 8,900.

Much of the expansion has involved computer science, which has 2,279 undergraduates. The campus has boasted that the figure is the highest in the UC system. But faculty are fuming about crowding and workloads. Theres also concern that compsci will shift its focus from research to teaching.

Gupta said compsci enrollment might need to drop by 800 to 900 students. Pisano said the figure will probably remain mostly unchanged, but that there would be a higher percentage of masters students.

Industry is saying, Where is your data science program? Pisano said. We need more people with masters degrees in data science.

Data science is one of the hottest fields in the country. By combining statistics and computer science, researchers are able to analyze extraordinary amounts of data. Theyre looking for actionable information in areas such as drug development, stock-market fraud and weather forecasting.

Data scientists also have been sifting through online posts in recent days to see if they can find a link to terrorism in Thursdays loss of EgyptAir Flight 804 about 180 miles north of Egypt.

Gupta estimates it could cost $100 million to start a top-flight data science program. At the moment, they dont have that money.

What they have is demand for their students. It comes from people like Nik Devereaux, director of software engineering at ViaSat, a Carlsbad-based company that creates and sells digital satellite telecommunications.

We get the majority of our interns and new hires from UCSD, said Devereaux, an alumnus. They have the technical skills we want, and we find that they fit our corporate culture. We want more of them.
President Trumps proposed budget would likely result in billions of dollars of cuts to vital health and human services programs in California, state Democratic lawmakers and advocates for the poor said Tuesday.

Its unconscionable and un-American, said Gov. Jerry Brown in a written statement.

The presidents plan unveiled Tuesday proposes a number of cuts in domestic spending while boosting funding for defense programs. Critics said those changes, coupled with the early outlines of GOP efforts on a tax overhaul, would result in a major  and unfair  shift in the burden as to who ultimately pays.

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Its a huge tax cut for the rich, and a huge cut on the poor, Assemblyman Phil Ting (D-San Francisco) said.

Chief among the cuts with an impact on California would be a hit to healthcare funding, mostly a reflection of Republican promises to repeal the Affordable Care Act.

Early estimates by Browns administration warned that a full repeal of the Obamacare subsidies could cost the state $18.6 billion a year by 2027. Most of that is in Medi-Cal, the states version of Medicaid, which now serves 13.5 million Californians.

California could also be hit hard by proposed cuts to the federal food stamps program. The presidents budget calls for limiting current eligibility to receive subsidies for buying food, as well as some new work requirements to receive help. Trump would also shift a portion of the costs for the food stamp program to states.

In the early review of the presidents plan, critics also pointed to proposed cuts to welfare assistance and a shift toward more dollars being awarded through block grants, which can allow new flexibility in spending but would also limit future increases in funding.

Proposals to shift costs and responsibilities to state governments, masqueraded as giving states greater flexibility, would undermine Californias hard-fought-for fiscal health and force state leaders to reduce vital services and supports for millions of Californians struggling to make ends meet, said Chris Hoene, executive director of the California Budget and Policy Center, a nonprofit that advocates for the states low-income residents.

Winners and losers in President Trumps budget proposal 

An early review by Hoenes organization also noted the Trump administration proposes the elimination of emergency food and shelter programs that provide some $20 million in help to Californians each year. A plan to eliminate the federal Housing Trust Fund could cut $10 million in affordable housing help that the state received last year.

Trumps budget also proposes fewer agriculture subsidies and would impose new limits to the federal earned income tax credit based on a persons immigration status. A similar change would be made to eligibility rules for the federal child tax credit  even when the child is a U.S. citizen, but the parent lacks legal status.

The tightening of the tax breaks comes as state Democrats hope to expand Californias version of the earned income tax credit program. Democrats in Sacramento said they cant replace all of the federal cuts in the coming years state budget, but they do hope to mitigate the impact of the most severe reductions.

Our budget is fairly robust, Ting said, but I cant see being able to plug billions of dollars of cuts from the federal government.

john.myers@latimes.com

Follow @johnmyers on Twitter, sign up for our daily Essential Politics newsletter and listen to the weekly California Politics Podcast

ALSO

Economists say Trumps budget proposal doesnt add up

With his governing legacy on the line, Gov. Jerry Brown dives into Washingtons healthcare debate

Updates from Sacramento
San Diegohas brought back hundreds of retired city employees in recent years to receive part-time paychecks on top of their pensions  and it turns out the workers are often the same ones who took part in the much-maligned DROP program.

Under the deferred retirement option plan, or DROP, workers collect money in a special retirement account for their last five years on the job, receiving retirement funds even as they continue working. The program was criticized as double-dipping and eventually cut off for new hires starting in 2005.

But data show many DROP participants go on to engage in another dual-track pay program after leaving city employment. Theyre known as provisional employees, and theyre brought back to work part-time after retirement while still collecting a pension.

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According to a U-T Watchdog review of city and pension system data, 331 pensioners were rehired from December 2009 to the end of 2016, and 274 of them  or 83 percent  had participated in DROP.

Rehiring pensioners as provisional employees is a decades-old practice that spiked in 2009. City data show they have filled about 100 part-time positions each year since then, costing more than $14.7 million.

City officials say provisional employees are often more cost-effective than hiring someone new, since workers receive regular pay without additional benefits such as health care.

Katie Keach, director of the citys communications department, said provisional employees are hired on a case-by-case basis, depending on the need for a former employees expertise.

Provisional employees have specific knowledge and expertise that is beneficial to the city and cannot be provided by another individual at the time, Keach said by email. They also serve as a pool of employees with job knowledge that can fill in during employee illnesses or vacations for positions that cannot be left vacant for longer than a few days.

Data show former deputy city attorney Stuart Swett participated in DROP for five years before retiring in March 2002. He was hired as a provisional employee two days later.

There were several things that I did that they wanted me to keep doing right away, Swett said.

Since 2009, he has worked an average of 150 hours per year, receiving a total of $96,500 on top of his annual pension, which was $162,200 in 2016. On top of that, Swett also received a lump-sum payout from his DROP account  $967,100, according to the San Diego City Employees Retirement System.

Lifeguard chief Kenneth Hewitt retired in 2009 and was rehired shortly after to continue working for the city. He has worked an average of 637 hours over eight years, receiving a total of $295,600 on top of his $156,500 annual pension. Data show Hewitts one-time payment from his DROP account was $841,100. Hewitt and five other provisional employees did not respond to calls and messages seeking comment.

Its like a zombie flick, said former San Diego City Councilman Carl DeMaio. You think that these people have quote retired at the tender age of 55, but they just keep coming back. They keep coming back in DROP and to add insult to injury, they come back again as provisional employees.

U-T Watchdog identified DROP participants by cross-matching a list of provisional employees names and retirement dates with a database of pension recipients with the same information provided by the San Diego City Employees Retirement System.

Even before the 274 retired employees came back as part-time workers, the pension system had paid at least $58.1 million into their DROP accounts, the U-T review found.

When DROP was first created in 1997, proponents said it would allow the city to keep experienced workers on the job, rather than retiring to collect benefits available to them as soon as age 50.

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Among other things, it would also give city departments the necessary time to train new employees alongside more experienced workers who would eventually be leaving city payroll.

DeMaio said the city isnt fulfilling its promise to train less-expensive replacements during the five-year DROP period, since the same employees are being brought back to fill the same role.

If the city was really using that time to train new employees, we wouldnt need to be hiring the same people back, he said. Its justification to continue the gravy train.

DROP has been seen by many as one of the excesses leading to the citys pension crisis of the past decade. The citys unfunded pension deficit has grown to $2.5 billion, according to a February report. Before that, it was $2 billion.

According to data from the city Comptrollers Office, the 331 pensioners worked more than 436,600 hours as provisional employees between December 2009 and December 2016. More than 270 participated in DROP and were rehired at an average hourly rate of $33.80.

Keach said provisional employees dont always return to their previous role with the city and their pay is based on their provisional job title, as opposed to the level of classification or salary when they left, making it a cost-effective solution for city departments.

Data show more than 77 percent of pensioners came back under the same job title.

Three out of every four provisional employees were brought back more than once, with more than a dozen serving continuously in rolls such as deputy city attorney, investigator, lifeguard chief or program manager over the seven-year period.

Previously

Contact Lauryn Schroeder via Twitter or Email.
A video posted online of an encounter between a white Walmart shopper and a Latina customer she told to Go back to Mexico has spurred a response from the retail giant who said it will ban the woman for life from all its stores.

Eva Hicks posted the clip, in which the white shopper is also seen hurling a racial epithet at an African American woman who intervened, to her Facebook page on Monday where it has since been seen 15 million times.

Latino woman needs medicine, says "excuse me" @WalMart to get it. White woman tells her to leave America then calls another woman "nigger" pic.twitter.com/l7j5YBTlWP  Shaun King (@shaunking) May 23, 2017

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The incident happened at a store in Bentonville, Arkansas.

I never in my life thought this would happen to me. Yes me. Just on a simple trip to the grocery store after a hard day of work. I love this country and I will stay in this country. Friends please share, wrote Hicks.

She told KNWA News that the incident started after she tried to reach for some items on a shelf where the womans basket was and the shopper declared that people were in her way on every aisle. Hicks said she told the woman that if she didnt like it she needed to move away.

The clip then begins with the aforementioned exhortation about leaving the country which is followed by Hicks exclaiming to the woman that she said Excuse me.

The woman then tells Hicks that she should go back to wherever she was from. We dont want you here, she exclaimed.

Dont be rude, said Hicks who was answered with the woman declaring, Youre in America!

When a black woman spoke up and told the white woman to stop being ignorant the shopper responded by saying incredulously A (N-word) is calling me ignorant?

Hicks protests that she was just trying to get some medicine and the woman tells her once again she should go back to Mexico. We dont want you here, the shopper declared.

Its about that time that a Walmart employee comes to the aisle saying he heard what the woman was saying from inside his office.

We do want you here, he said to Hicks. He then told the white shopper that what she was saying was inappropriate. Im going to have to ask you to leave, he said calmly.

As the tape continues Hicks is heard crying and the woman is seen mocking her as she waves her arm dismissively and tells her to go away and get out of here. Finally the woman pushes her shopping cart away and declares I cant listen to this bullcrap.

The woman may have thought that was the end of that but New York Post writer and activist Shaun King posted the clip to Twitter and demanded that Walmart ban her for life.

I'm calling on @WalMart to ban this customer from this store for life. This cannot be tolerated. https://t.co/J8ZklZrwLJ  Shaun King (@shaunking) May 23, 2017

We agree that this cannot be tolerated and are continuing to look into the matter, tweeted a company representative who attached the following statement.

We value and respect everyone who visits our stores. We have no tolerance for the language or actions of this customer and are proud that our assistant manager responded appropriately by asking her to leave the store, the release said.

A Walmart spokesman told NBC News on Tuesday that the retailer was trying to identify the woman and that once it did, it would ban her from all its stores. The representative also said the company wanted to apologize to Hicks and was also reaching out to the black woman involved.

Hicks told KNWA News that she has lived in Arkansas for 23 years after moving to the United States from Mexico City.

619-293-1710

debbi.baker@sduniontribune.com

twitter.com/Debbi_Baker
Californians should be deeply disappointed with the University of California. While UC remains a bastion of outstanding academics and research, audits have shown its leaders to be hiding funds while implementing tuition hikes, interfering with outside investigations, failing to explain its finances and favoring admission of out-of-state students who pay higher tuition over qualified residents.

Yet despite this history, when UC President Janet Napolitano was called to testify before a joint legislative committee after the latest scathing audit, who sat next to Napolitano and sang her praises? Monica Lozano, the chair of UCs Board of Regents. This is incomprehensible. It sends Napolitano the message that she doesnt have to heed outside criticism or follow through on promises to carry out reforms.

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Gov. Jerry Brown now says he will withhold $50 million in UC funds if Napolitano doesnt implement state Auditor Elaine Howles latest recommendations. But Brown has a far more potent way to force change: by filling the four present vacancies and every future vacancy on the regents board with individuals determined to make UC management and finances far more transparent.

UC has thrived because of the oversight and direction from the Board of Regents, Lozano asserted earlier this month.

Its time for better oversight and a new direction.

Twitter: @sdutIdeas

Facebook: San Diego Union-Tribune Ideas & Opinion
Move over, Ron Burgundy  Lt. Pete Maverick Mitchell is the real hero San Diego has long been waiting for. And hes finally returning to the big screen.

Tom Cruise on Tuesday confirmed that a sequel to the military love drama Top Gun  which was famously filmed in several parts of San Diego County  will begin filming in the next year. Here is Cruise on an Australian morning show making the announcement.

WORLDWIDE EXCLUSIVE: @TomCruise just confirmed that Top Gun 2 is happening! "Im gonna start filming it probably in the next year". #sun7 pic.twitter.com/X17xvxz4Q4  Sunrise (@sunriseon7) May 23, 2017

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You just made my day, one of the anchors is heard gasping. Indeed, news that a sequel to the blockbuster 1986 movie drew reactions from fans all over the world. Many of them shared their reactions, which included references to the movie including a hashtag for #DangerZone.

Tom Cruise has just confirmed Top Gun 2 is happening ......I am unashamedly excited! #DangerZone #Maverickisback  Christine Mills (@Chrissie_Mills) May 23, 2017

Wahoo this is friggin exciting, best news in a while. Getting my Top Gun jacket out ready!! @TomCruise @sunriseon7 https://t.co/wttQmyX9ZC  _CycleGirl_ (@_CycleGirl_) May 23, 2017

The movie, which centers around a military crew attending the Top Gun school at Naval Air Station in Miramar, is not just any old movie, as far as San Diegans are concerned. They still revisit the sites where Top Gunscenes were filmed in the 1980s, including Charlies house in Oceanside and other parts including Bankers Hill and Point Loma.

The movie is so beloved by locals that, in a San Diego Union-Tribune poll, more readers voted for Top Gun as best movie than the more recent Anchorman. To this day, people still talk about those Top Gun places in San Diego.

Because top gun... Gimme a beer to put out the flames goose :-) #topgun #SanDiego pic.twitter.com/EDmZUO68XC  Greg Bobolo (@GregBobolo) March 26, 2017

Ran into a younger doppelganger of @TomCruise at Kansas City BBQ in San Diego where he filmed two great scenes in TOP GUN some time back. pic.twitter.com/JKzKCyaXkv  Brian David Floyd (@BrianDFloyd) March 25, 2017

My evening...dodging skateboards... Top Gun House ... Oceanside ... street food and yogurt pic.twitter.com/hX8CSDA3Ee  Bonnie Munguia (@mombrawleygirls) February 3, 2017

The only question remaining for San Diegans waiting for their hero to return: Will Maverick be seen filming in some of the same locations from the first movie? San Diegans want to know.

Are you excited for a new Top Gun sequel to possibly return to San Diego?

Have some thoughts to share?

Join me in a conversation: Shoot me a private email with your thoughts or ideas on a different approach to this story. As always, you can also send us a tweet.

Email: luis.gomez@sduniontribune.com

Twitter: @RunGomez

Read The Conversation on Flipboard.
President Donald Trump and Pope Francis have some history. On Twitter, of course.

But that history, which includes some philosophical differences the two have expressed publicly, seemed a distant memory at their first face-to-face meeting at the Vatican where the two were seen shaking hands and posing for photographs together on Wednesday.

Does that look like two influential figures who agree on every issue on the planet?

Trumps meeting with the Pope  just one of a list of visits to foreign states the president is making in Europe and the Middle East  involved discussion of how to address terrorism, approach immigration, promote peace in the world and protect Christians in the Middle East.

Did they talk about Twitter, too? The two certainly have said a lot about one another on the social media site.

The new Pope is a humble man, very much like me.

Trump has used his Twitter account to weigh in on just about every political figure under the sun. When Pope Francis rose to national fame in 2013, Trump said nice things about him.

A person who thinks only about building walls  is not Christian.

Trumps campaign proposal to build a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border drew a surprising condemnation from the popular and occasionally outspoken pope who, in February 2016, said such a proposal runs counter to Christian values.

A person who thinks only about building walls, wherever they may be, and not building bridges, is not Christian. This is not in the Gospel, the pope told reporters during a visit to Mexico last year. A month later, Pope Francis reiterated that message in a tweet.

If and when the Vatican is attacked by ISIS

Did Pope Francis suggest that Trump is not Christian? In a response published on Facebook, Trump appears to have gotten that impression from by saying that the Pope made disparaging remarks about him.

For a religious leader to question a persons faith is disgraceful. I am proud to be a Christian and as President I will not allow Christianity to be consistently attacked and weakened, Trump said.

The Lord asks us to welcome migrants...

Days after President Trump signed his first executive order barring refugees and immigrants from seven Muslim-majority countries into the United States, Pope Francis tweeted a call to welcome migrants and foreigners.

More determined than ever to pursue PEACE.

Beyond those differences that set them apart, both Trump and the pope appear to have mutual respect for each other as expressed in their respective Twitter accounts.

Agree to disagree on some things while working toward peace? Share your thoughts about this historic meeting between two of the most high-profile figures in the world.

Have some thoughts to share?

Join me in a conversation: Shoot me a private email with your thoughts or ideas on a different approach to this story. As always, you can also send us a tweet.

Email: luis.gomez@sduniontribune.com

Twitter: @RunGomez

Read The Conversation on Flipboard.
TORONTO, May 24, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Profound Medical Corp. (Profound or the Company) (TSXV:PRN) (OTCQX:PRFMF) is pleased to announce the results of the votes on the matters considered at its Annual Meeting of Shareholders that was held yesterday. A total of 30,091,325 common shares, representing 54.37% of the shares outstanding, were represented in person and by proxy at the meeting.



1. Election of Directors

At the Meeting, the shareholders of the Company elected all six nominees for the board of directors. Detailed results of the voting in respect of the election of directors are as follows:

Director

Number of

Shares Percentage of Votes

Cast

(rounded) Arun Menawat Votes For: 26,169,319 99.96% Votes Withheld: 10,000 0.04% Damian Lamb Votes For: 26,169,319 99.96% Votes Withheld: 10,000 0.04% Jean-Francois Pariseau Votes For: 26,169,319 99.96% Votes Withheld: 10,000 0.04% William Curran Votes For: 26,179,319 100.00% Votes Withheld: 0 0.00% Kenneth Galbraith Votes For: 26,179,319 100.00% Votes Withheld: 0 0.00% Samira Sakhia Votes For: 26,179,319 100.00% Votes Withheld: 0 0.00%

2. Appointment of Auditors

At the Meeting, the shareholders of the Company appointed PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP to serve as the independent auditors for 2017. Detailed results of voting are as follows:

Auditors Number of

Shares Percentage of Votes

Cast

(rounded) PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP Votes For: 30,072,933 99.94% Votes Withheld: 17,392 0.06%

About Profound Medical Corp.

The Profound Medical team is committed to the effort to achieve a new therapeutic standard in prostate cancer. For the millions of men currently living with prostate cancer, and the thousands more who are diagnosed with it every year, current treatment options often mean having to make difficult choices based on potential side effects that can significantly impact quality of life. Our mission is to profoundly change the standard of care by creating a tomorrow where clinicians can confidently ablate cancerous prostate tissue with precision, while actively protecting critical anatomy from potential side effects; a tomorrow where patients have access to a safe, fast and effective treatment option, so they can quickly return to their daily lives.

Established in 2008, Profound Medical is commercializing a novel technology, TULSA-PRO system, which combines real-time Magnetic Resonance Imaging with transurethral, robotically-driven therapeutic ultrasound and closed-loop thermal feedback control that is designed to provide precise ablation of the prostate while simultaneously protecting critical surrounding anatomy from potential side effects. TULSA-PRO system is CE Mark and Profound is sponsoring a multicenter, prospective FDA-registered clinical trial, TACT.

Forward-Looking Statements

This release includes forward-looking statements regarding Profound and its business which may include, but is not limited to, the expectations regarding the efficacy of Profounds technology in the treatment of prostate cancer. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "is expected", "expects", "scheduled", "intends", "contemplates", "anticipates", "believes", "proposes" or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Such statements are based on the current expectations of the management of Profound. The forward-looking events and circumstances discussed in this release, may not occur by certain specified dates or at all and could differ materially as a result of known and unknown risk factors and uncertainties affecting the company, including risks regarding the pharmaceutical industry, economic factors, the equity markets generally and risks associated with growth and competition. Although Profound 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 to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed.

Except as required by applicable securities laws, forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and Profound undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, other than as required by law.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange), nor the OTCQX accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
President Donald Trumps full proposed budget for fiscal year 2018, released Tuesday, could have a major impact on some cornerstone segments of San Diego County. Heres a look:

ENVIRONMENT

* This region is a world-renowned hub of climate change exploration, led by UC San Diegos Scripps Institution of Oceanography but also joined by San Diego State University and the University of San Diego. The Trump administration aims to significantly reduce the budget for a prime funding source of such studies, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The agencys pot of money for climate research would drop by 19 percent to $128 million.

* The president wants to eliminate the National Estuarine Research Reserve System, a 28-site network that includes the Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve.

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* He also wants to do away with the nationwide Sea Grant program. Californias Sea Grant program, headquartered in San Diego, is the largest of the national systems 33 locations. The program, which celebrated its 50th anniversary last year, works with university scientists and students to conduct research on fisheries and aquaculture.

* The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency faces an overall budget cut of 31.4 percent. The dozens of programs slated to be cut or downsized include one that works to restore polluted waterways and another that tries to improve environmental conditions along the U.S.-Mexico border, such as the ongoing problem of sewage spills that flow from Tijuana into the South Bay.

* EPA money for lead prevention and other anti-pollution efforts in low-income communities also would be slashed.

DEFENSE AND VETERANS

* The White House proposes $52.4 billion more in defense spending than last year, a prospect that would end sequestrations restraining influence on military budgets in recent years.

* Americas troops would get a 2.1 percent raise, while civilians working for the U.S. Defense Department would receive a 1.4 percent pay bump.

* The Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force would grow slightly, with total military strength rising by 8,000 service members to a total of 2.13 million. The staffing increases would trickle down to local installations such as the San Diego Naval Base, Camp Pendleton and Miramar Marine Corps Air Station.

* Trumps proposal calls for a national round of base closures and realignments in 2021, which would require the government to soon start analyzing possible installation cuts. As theyve done during past rounds of base downsizing, local defense boosters such as the San Diego Military Advisory Council and the San Diego Regional Economic Development Council would likely kick into high gear to produce reports on why all of this areas bases should be spared.

* The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs would see a 5.5 percent rise in its overall budget  including $2.9 billion in new funds for the Veterans Choice Program, which allows veterans in certain circumstances to get medical care from non-VA doctors. About one-quarter of a million veterans live in San Diego County.

SOCIAL SERVICES

* Many federal social services programs, from ones that help out infants to those that assist seniors, would see their budgets shrink. Some of these programs are administered at the county level. About one-third of the San Diego County Health and Human Services Agencys recommended budget for fiscal year 2017-18 would come from federal funds.

* The federal food-stamp system, known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (CalFresh in California), would see a 29 percent reduction in its budget. About 300,000 people in San Diego County are enrolled in CalFresh.

* Trumps budget calls for a 16.5 percent budget decline in Medicaid funding during the next decade. Roughly 4.9 million Californians were part of the program, which is called Medi-Cal in this state, last year, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. More than 750,000 of those people lived in San Diego County.

* The White House seeks more money for childhood-vaccination programs but less for prevention programs focused on HIV and sexually transmitted diseases.

* All told, the administration envisions more than $1 billion in cuts to the budget for the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

* Health centers, often called community clinics, would see their funding increase slightly to $4.9 billion. But medical workforce training programs for diversity, primary-care medicine and dental and public health would be eliminated.

SCIENCES

* The San Diego region is consistently ranked as one of the nations top five life-science clusters.

* The National Institutes of Health, with its divisions handling everything from cancer to immunology to aging, is the nations predominant underwriter of biomedical research. Trump wants to cut the agencys budget by $7.7 billion (a 22 percent reduction).

* Last year, the NIH provided about $850 million to more than 90 institutes in San Diego County. The biggest recipient was UC San Diego, which received $409 million.

* Its a horrendous proposal. Its completely unacceptable. It cant be defended. ... Every way you look at it, it spells trouble, said Dr. Eric Topol, a cardiologist-geneticist with the Scripps Health network and head of the Scripps Translational Science Institute in La Jolla.

* The combination of Trumps envisioned cuts to the NIH, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Science Foundation would be devastating, said Joe Panetta, president and CEO of Biocom, the San Diego-based life science trade group for California. This budget is taking us in the wrong direction, Panetta said.

IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT

* Trumps budget plan calls for increased personnel and money for immigration enforcement in the Justice and Homeland Security departments. Key provisions include:

* $75 million to add 75 immigration judges and support staff to bolster the nations immigration courts, which have a caseload of more than 500,000 pending cases.

* $7.2 million to add 70 assistant U.S. attorneys solely for immigration-law prosecutions. Some of these new employees, needed to keep pace with the expected increase in arrests of unauthorized immigrants at the border and in the interior of the U.S., would likely be added to the U.S. Attorneys Office in San Diego. The budget also calls for adding 230 prosecutors nationwide to prosecute violent crime.

* $1.9 million to hire 15 lawyers in the Department of Justices Civil Division to handle a growing caseload of challenges to the nations immigration laws, regulations, and policies according to a fact sheet from the agency.

* $300 million to recruit, hire and train 500 U.S. Border Patrol agents and 1,000 Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. Those additional agents would be spread from San Diego to Florida.

* $1.5 billion for expanded detention, transportation and removal of unauthorized immigrants. This would expand the Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention system, which currently has a capacity of about 40,000 people.

* $1.6 billion for new and replacement sections of a border wall between the United States and Mexico. This figure represents more of a down payment because Department of Homeland Security estimates a wall for the entire 1,933-mile border would cost $21.6 billion (some others calculations are higher.) Congress had already approved $20 million earlier this year for construction of border wall prototypes, which are slated to be built in late June near Otay Mesa.

EDUCATION

* Trump aims to save slightly more than $1 billion by scrapping the program that offers subsidized student loans.

* His proposal would drop the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, which provides a financial incentive for university graduates to teach or take certain other jobs in rural areas of the United States.

* The president also hopes to eliminate federally backed after-school and teacher-training programs.

* His administration also seeks to increase funding for school-choice/voucher programs for low-income students.

* Pat Stall, director of the education school at Cal State San Marcos, said the budget blueprint could mean problems for both K-12 school districts and higher education. The whole voucher system is basically funding private education, she said. Noting that the proposed $4,000 voucher wouldnt cover the average $10,000 per-year cost of a private school, Stall said it wouldnt help under-represented and poor students, but families in higher economic brackets.

She added: Theyre cutting work-study programs, which a lot of our students at Cal State San Marcos really depend on to buy food to survive. It also cuts public service loan forgiveness that would help with advance course work. Our particular population in Cal State San Marcos is heavily dependent on student loans, and theres already a huge problem across the country with student loan debt.
A North County developer is proposing a full service library on Chula Vistas east side as part of construction within a multibillion-dollar urban-style development.

Solana Beach developer Lee Chesnut is looking to take on the citys obligation for providing library space in eastern Chula Vista as part of the Millenia project.

The Millenia project is a 210-acre development in the Otay Ranch Master Plan area and includes 3,000 multifamily residences; about 3.5 million square feet of office space, retail, hospitality and mixed-use projects; six parks; library; and school.

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Once built, city staff members anticipate the 40,000-square-foot library would meet Chula Vistas Growth Management Oversight Commission standards, which call for 500 square feet of library space for every 1,000 residents.

Chula Vista currently has roughly 260,000 residents.

The other public library east of Interstate 805 is the small 3,000-square-foot Otay Ranch library branch, which opened in 2012 near the food court of the Otay Ranch Town Center.

Chesnuts goal is to build 2 million square feet of prime office space east of state Route 215 and south of Birch Road and rent it at below-market rates to big companies like Google, Facebook and Qualcomm.

Dubbed Think, the space would cater to educational companies and users and is planned to be part of the first phase of his development.

With approval from the City Council, Chesnut wants to allocate the ground floor of the office project to the new library.

Chula Vista Library Director Betty Waznis said east Chula Vista residents deserve a full-service library but getting them one is a matter of cost.

Eric Crockett, the citys economic development director, called the proposal a unique opportunity.

Were constantly looking for opportunities to find out how to provide the unmet need of library space, he said. We think it makes sense, and we like it. Right now the conversation is about how to finance it.

While Chesnut would be required to allocate a site for the library as part of an agreement with the city, the city would still be financially responsible for construction, operations and maintenance.

Crockett said having a library within a mixed-use building provides an opportunity for cost-sharing. He projected it would cost about $8 million to build a 40,000-square-foot library.

The city collects public facilities development impact fees from new development, which covers the cost to build things, such fire stations, recreation facilities and libraries.

City Manager Gary Halbert said that currently a fire station is the top priority since it must be built along with the first phase of development. He said the design for it is already in the works.

This (fire station) would take up all of our available fees, so there wouldnt be enough to fund the library, he said.

Halbert said city staff members are working with Chesnut to develop other ways to fund the library.

Councilman John McCann, who represents District 1, which includes Eastlake, incorporated Bonita, College Estates, Rancho del Rey and Rolling Hills neighborhoods, said hes excited for the project, as it will help tie a bow on the community.

First we need public input, then a solid financing plan, but I think there is a huge demand, and I will work my hardest to move it forward and make it happen, he said.

Staff writer Roger Showley contributed to this report.

allison.sampite-montecalvo@

sduniontribune.com

(619) 293-1394
A fearsome rattle of gunfire from the sky. The roar of helicopters descending on a tiny, Honduran town. And the sound of commandos speaking in English as they battered down doors and detained locals in the hunt for a drug trafficker.

Villagers say the drug bust that left four passengers of a riverboat dead after helicopters mistakenly fired on civilians continued into the predawn hours when commandos, including some they think were Americans, raided their town.

Heavily armed Honduran police in at least two helicopters landed and took off numerous times while agents searched homes and detained several people in the village on the banks of a river deep in Honduras Mosquitia region, named for the Miskito Indians. In the end, enraged residents torched the home of the towns suspected drug trafficker in retaliation for the fatalities on the river.

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One chopper landed in front of Hilaria Zavalas home at about 3 a.m. and the six men who got out kicked down her door. She said a gringo threw her husband on the ground and put a gun to his head demanding to know about a trafficker named El Renco.

They kept him that way for two hours, said Zavala, who owns a market near the main pier in Ahuas. They asked if he was El Renco, if he worked for El Renco, if the stuff belonged to El Renco. My husband said he had nothing to do with it.

The shooting started after midnight, when Honduran national police tracking a cocaine shipment after it had been unloaded from a plane and onto a boat near the village were fired upon, authorities say. The officers returned fire, mistakenly shooting at a passenger boat, killing four people and wounding four more.

Celin Eriksson 17, whose cousin Haskel Tom Brooks Wood, 14, died in the boat, was waiting on the dock for his family before the shooting when he saw a white truck and about 50 men coming from Ahuas. He hid because he knew they were traffickers, but saw them load bundles into a boat. When the helicopters appeared, the men ran. He said he heard no gunshots coming from the ground. The boat with bundles went drifting by itself down the river.

The commandos who came off the helicopter handcuffed him, Celin said, and put a gun to his head. Some spoke to him in English, which he also speaks.

If you dont talk well kill you, the boy said he was told. Where is El Renco? Where is the merchandise?

He said they made him walk along the river bank with them to find the boat with the bundles. Then they left him, handcuffed. He found a neighbor who broke the plastic handcuffs with a machete and saved them to prove to authorities that he had been detained by commandos.

The May 11 shooting and subsequent raid raises questions about what role, if any, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration agents who were on the helicopters played in the events described by villagers. The DEA has repeatedly said its agents on the mission, which included two U.S. helicopters, acted only in an advisory role to their Honduran National Police counterparts and did not use their weapons.

DEA spokeswoman Dawn Dearden, when asked to respond to the villagers story, said Monday night that there were no DEA personnel in the village.

The U.S. Embassy in Tegucigalpa referred all questions about the operation to Honduran authorities. The State Department said last week that the helicopters used in the operation were piloted by Guatemalan soldiers and contract pilots who are temporarily deployed to Honduras. It did not identify the contractors nationalities.

Jose Ruiz, a spokesman for the U.S. Southern Command, which oversees the U.S. military in Honduras, said there were no American troops there.

We can confirm there were no U.S. military personnel or U.S. military assets involved in anyway. Our joint task force occasionally supports DEA, but they had no personnel or equipment in that particular mission, Ruiz said.

Honduran Security Ministry spokesman Hector Ivan Mejia said he had no information about the raid reported by residents.

Several villagers, however, told The Associated Press that some of the masked agents were gringos.

They spoke in English among themselves and on the radios, said Zavala, whose husband was held at gunpoint. They had brought a computer and they put in the names of everyone and sought identification for everyone.

On the shore near the main pier for Ahuas, Sandra Madrid cowered in her home from the bursts of gunfire coming from overhead. The manager of the villages main river transportation company said it lasted 15 minutes. Ive never seen a machine like that, Madrid said of the helicopter. Ive never seen a shootout like that.

About an hour later, the machines landed in her front yard. Neighbor Mariano Uitol said about 40 men in total got out. They told everyone to get inside and dont anyone leave.

The commandos seized a neighbors boat and gasoline to travel down the river, Madrid said, taking Hilaria Zavalas teenage nephew to guide them. He had been waiting on the dock for his mother in the shot-up passenger boat.

Witnesses said the agents made several trips carrying sacks and loading them onto the helicopters that took off and landed repeatedly over the next two hours.

An investigation by Honduran military based in nearby Puerto Lempira concluded that the agents fired on the civilians by accident, said Col. Ronald Rivera Amador, commander of the Honduran Joint Military Task Force-Paz Garcia.

He said the task force conducted only part of the investigation and sent its findings to the Joint Task Force Gen. Rene Osorio. Mejia said a Honduran federal prosecutor is leading the investigation.

The isolated savannah and jungle region of northern Honduras has been a drug-running area for decades. But cocaine shipments increased dramatically in the last few years as authorities cracked down in Mexico and other parts of the main drug routes from South America to the United States. The U.S. State Department says 79 percent of all cocaine smuggling flights leaving South America land in Honduras.

Ahuas Mayor Lucio Baquedano, who said all the shooting victims were innocents, said that there is a drug trafficking cell in his town and that the number of clandestine landing strips is not only increasing, but getting closer to populated areas and putting more uninvolved people at risk.

He said the traffickers who used to operate in more isolated spots now seek shorter routes to the river, where boats take the illicit cargo to the Caribbean coast.

The strip where the agents detected a landing on May 11 is less than 2 miles (3 kilometers) from the village, Baquedano said.

The cell that operates in town is very powerful and up to now has had no opposition, he said, adding that he cant stop them. We had meetings and I told them that the landing strips shouldnt be so close to town. Now we know the consequences when the strips are close to people.

Members of the U.S. Congress and human rights groups have been ramping up their criticism of U.S. spending in this small Central American country of 8 million people, which has one of the highest murder rates in the world and alarmingly low conviction rates.

The State Department is required to vet the Honduran National Police to make sure they have not committed gross human rights violations, or it can withhold U.S. assistance. It has not been withheld, despite a demand from 87 members of Congress to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton a year ago asking for further investigation.

The State Departments most recent human rights report on Honduras is a scathing 18 pages that describe unlawful killings by police and government agents.

In the region surrounded Ahuas, impoverished families earn money by helping load and unload cocaine, a well-known problem noted by government officials from President Porfirio Lobo to the local police chief, Filiberto Pravia Rodriguez.

Pravia said he heard the helicopters in the middle of the night but did not go out until soldiers knocked at his door about 5:30 a.m. He and a judge tried to go to the river, where soldiers said there were two bodies in the water, but they were met by an angry crowd waving machetes and clubs and carrying cans of gasoline.

I was lucky I could run, he said.

Several hours later, the crowd turned its wrath on the home reportedly owned by El Renco. They burned his home and those of three of his friends.

The family and friends of the victims burned the homes because of the narcos, Zavala said. This whole mess was their fault ... because of them, we all had to pay.

---

Associated Press writer Alberto Arce reported this story in Ahuas and Katherine Corcoran reported from Tegucigalpa. AP writers Matthew Lee in Washington and Martha Mendoza in Santa Cruz, California, contributed to this report.
TORONTO, May 24, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Star Navigation Systems Group Ltd. (CSE:SNA) (CSE:SNA.CN) (OTCBB:SNAVF) ("Star" or the "Company"), is pleased to provide a further update on its STAR-M.M.I.  (MMI) activities.



As released earlier (see Press Release re Multi-year Agreement April 20, 2017), MMI continues to benefit from good relationships that it has developed over the past few years with several major aerospace companies. Since 2014, MMI has developed, produced and maintained high end displays under ad-hoc purchase agreements. These displays are primarily deployed worldwide in military applications such as the U.S. Navys P-3 Orion program, but are also utilized in civilian aircraft and helicopter retrofits.

Jean-Louis Larmor, Stars COO said:

In addition to the recent multi-year agreement for repairs and maintenance of MMI legacy displays, refurbishment orders have been received from Northrop Grumman Italy, and another US customer, Blue Aerospace. These ongoing contracts with large multi-national corporations support Stars forward planning from both a revenue and resource allocation standpoint. Last week, an additional Display build contract from a long standing Japanese customer, Jepico Corporation, was received for its customer, Fujitsu. Although no long-term agreement is in place with Jepico, it has been a customer on a piece by piece basis since 2014.

Based on past order volumes, and current pricing, projected total revenue from the maintenance agreements, the new build orders and the new STAR-M.M.I.  displays business is projected to reach approximately C$910,000 for CY 2017, with net income (total MMI revenues  cost of labour, parts, rent and depreciation) of approximately C$544,000.

Historically, net income from MMI activities was C$ 237,537 for CY 2014, C$ 185,268 for CY 2015 and C$ 135,950 for CY 2016. The 2016 year was adversely impacted by the suspension of repair activities by our largest customer during the contract renegotiation period. Those activities have now resumed and are subject to a negotiated price increase.

Jean-Louis Larmor, continued:

Star has two lines of activities, STAR-M.M.I.  and STAR- A.D.S. . The STAR-M.M.I.  business utilizes our engineering expertise in avionics. Its historical performance and projected revenue numbers improve Stars position as a whole. However, our attention is primarily focused on developing and improving the STAR-A.D.S.  activities, which continue to generate negative income for the Company as a whole. In order for it to become our main source of revenue and achieve widespread industry acceptance, additional sales are required.

About Star Navigation:

Star Navigation Systems Group Ltd. owns the exclusive worldwide license to its proprietary, patented In-flight Safety Monitoring System, STAR-ISMS, the heart of the STAR-A.D.S.  System. Its real-time capability of tracking performance trends and predicting incident-occurrence enhances aviation safety and improves fleet management while reducing costs for the operator.

Stars MMI Division designs and manufactures high performance, mission critical, flight deck flat panel displays for defence and commercial aviation industries worldwide.

Certain statements contained in this News Release constitute forward-looking statements. When used in this document, the words may, would, could, will, expected and similar expressions, as they relate to Star or its management are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements reflect Stars current views with respect to future events and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Many factors could cause Stars actual performance or achievements to vary from those described herein. Should one or more of these factors or uncertainties materialize, or should assumptions underlying forward-looking statements prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as intended, planned, anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. Star does not assume any obligation to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by law.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of the content of this release.

Please visit www.star-navigation.com
New York, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 05/24/2017 -- Global Carmine Market: Introduction



Carmine market can be defined as a natural color additive extracted from the bug coccus cacti that gives food a deep, dark red color which is slightly purple. Carmine is also known as Cochineal Extract. The dye processed from the cochineal bug is collected, killed by immersion, and then dried. The shade of red color that results depends on whether it is dried using the sun, steam, or an oven. Basically, carmine is a red dye that comes from the crushed shell of female beetles. Carmine is a coloring agent which is obtained from the dried bodies and shells of a cochineal which is the aluminum lake of the coloring principle. Cochineal bug is also named "true bug". This acid is processed further to produce the carmine, which used by several known food industries to color their food in red.



A sample of this report is available upon request @ http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/15211



Cochineal bug attaches itself to specific varieties of cactus like opuntia or nopalea which is found in semi-arid areas of Chile, Peru, Bolivia, the Canary Islands and Mexico which is used as a coloring agent in dehydrated and canned soups, frozen meat & fish, various types of drinks, canned fruits like cherries & jams, ketchup and others.



Global Carmine Market: Segmentation



Carmine market can be segmented on the basis of end-use industries, forms, and by regions. Based on applications, carmine is segmented into food & beverages, bakery & confectionary, cosmetics, dairy & frozen products, textile dyes, meat products, cake icing, hard candy, pharmaceuticals coating, personal care and others. Others include niche industries like crayons, floor waxes & paint manufacturers. Dairy & frozen products are the foremost segment of carmine market due to its major use in dairy products like chocolate milk, drinking yogurt, whey-based drinks, eggnog, etc. Bakery & confectionary is the second is the second major global market after dairy & frozen products followed by cosmetic products. Carmine is found in various cosmetics products like nail polish, eye shadow, shampoos, lipsticks, rouges, and blushes. Cosmetics segment is expected to expand at relatively high CAGR owing to the wide use of carmine in cosmetics products. Based upon forms, carmine market is segmented into powder and liquid form.



Global Carmine Market: Regional Outlook



On the basis of the geographical market segment, it is segmented into seven different regions: North America, Latin America, and Eastern Europe, Western Europe, and Asia-Pacific region, Japan and the Middle East and Africa. In regional segments, Europe is expected to hold relatively high share in terms of volume over the forecast period due to stringent regulations as the European government banned the usage of synthetic colors. North America & Asia Pacific region is expected to witness relatively high growth in the carmine market over the forecast period as increasing demand for natural colorants in food & beverage industry.



Global Carmine Market: Drivers



The global carmine market is expected to witness sustained growth over the forecast period. The growth of carmine market is driven by its wide application in the food and beverage industry is the key factor to drive the carmine market globally. Moreover, rising application of carmine in cosmetic and pharmaceutical is anticipated to boost the carmine market in future. Other factors attributable to the high growth includes increasing health concerns, growing awareness and to reduce the usage of artificial colorants in food and beverages contributes significantly to its volume growth over the foreseeable period.



To view TOC of this report is available upon request @ http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/15211



Global Carmine Market: Key Players



Some of the players operating in the carmine market include Amerilure, Inc., The Hershey Company, DDW Color House, Sensient Colors Europe GmbH and Proquimac, MIGUZ International, PROQUIMAC COLOR S.L. and few other regional players. In order to meet the increasing demand of carmine, companies all over the world are expanding the product portfolio and increase the sales strategies. The companies are also focusing on different strategies in order to maintain the market share in the global carmine market.



About Persistence Market Research

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



To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes.
LOCKPORT, Ill., May 24, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- IDGlobal Corp. (OTC:IDGC) is pleased to announce it has acquired a 50% interest in Prestige Liquids, LLC located inside Glenn Electrics 28,000 sq. ft. facility. Prestige Liquids current equipment will manufacture and supply Premium Engine and Hydraulic Oils, as well as Transmission Fluid for both Proprietary and Private-Label distribution domestically and internationally.



About IDGlobal Corp.

ID Global Corporation (IDGC) is a diversified holdings company with a focus on emerging and middle market investment opportunities Worldwide. IDGC seeks, through debt and equity investments, controlling interests, joint ventures and licensing agreements with established companies within the Packaging and Supply of Consumer Goods Industry.

About Glenn Electric (www.glennelectric.com)

50 years in the Material Handling Industry

Only Material Handling Industry Motor Remanufacturer with UL Approval

GE Remanufacturing Center

Schabmueller Remanufacturing Center for All of North America

Canada  USA  Mexico

Clark Remanufacturing Center

Mitsubishi / Caterpillar  Remanufacturing Center

Linde Remanufacturing Center

Schabmueller Replacement Parts Facility and All Brands Supplier of Aftermarket Parts

Glenn Electric  Load Tests All Remanufactured Motors

All Motors are Shipped in a Foam Filled Box that can be reused to return Cores

Found in Illinois in 1967 and currently located in Lockport, Illinois

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains statements which may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Those statements include statements regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of ID Global Corporation and members of its management as well as the assumptions on which such statements are based. Prospective investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, and that actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements. The company undertakes no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect changed assumptions, the occurrence of unanticipated or changes to future operating results.
Deerfield Beach, FL -- (SBWIRE) -- 05/24/2017 -- Latest industry research report on The Future of the Finland Defense Industry - Market Attractiveness, Competitive Landscape and Forecasts to 2022, published by Strategic Defence Intelligence, provides readers with detailed analysis of both historic and forecast defense industry values, factors influencing demand, the challenges faced by industry participants, analysis of industry leading companies, and key news.



In particular, it provides an in-depth analysis of the following -



- The Finnish defense industry market size and drivers: detailed analysis of the Finnish defense industry during 2018-2022, including highlights of the demand drivers and growth stimulators for the industry. It also provides a snapshot of the country's expenditure and modernization patterns



- Budget allocation and key challenges: insights into procurement schedules formulated within the country and a breakdown of the defense budget. It also details the key challenges faced by defense market participants within the country



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- Porter's Five Force analysis of the Finnish defense industry: analysis of the market characteristics by determining the bargaining power of suppliers, bargaining power of buyers, threat of substitution, intensity of rivalry, and barriers to entry



- Import and Export Dynamics: analysis of prevalent trends in the country's imports and exports over the last five years



- Market opportunities: details of the top five defense investment opportunities over the next 10 years



- Competitive landscape and strategic insights: analysis of the competitive landscape of the Finnish defense industry. It provides an overview of key players, together with insights such as key alliances, strategic initiatives, and a brief financial analysis



Scope



- Finland's total defense expenditure stands at US$3 billion in 2017, and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 1.96% over the forecast period, to reach US$3.3 billion in 2022. Finnish defense expenditure is primarily driven by participation in peacekeeping initiatives, the soldier modernization program and the procurement of advanced technology equipment. Finland is an active participant in the crisis management programs mandated by the United Nations (UN). The Finnish defense industry is expected to focus its expenditure on Leopard 2A6 main battle tanks, multi-role aircraft, cyber security, and C4ISR systems.



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- The Finnish Ministry of Defence (MoD) allocated an average of 27.2% to capital expenditure during 2013-2017, and is expected to decrease over the forecast period to reach 26.6%. Currently, due to the austerity measures, the government is focusing on the acquisition of high-quality secondhand equipment to save costs. Its military modernization programs include the procurement of 100 secondhand EX-Danish Leopard 2A6 main battle tanks, air defense missile system, IT Services, C4ISR, soldier combat systems and surveillance system, along with the procurement of littoral ships for the navy and improvements into the coast guard role. Furthermore, under the soldier modernization program, "Warrior 2020", the army plans to procure communications, automatic mortars, C4I subsystems, lightweight superior ballistic protection and smart munitions systems, in order to create a mobile force. Over 2013-2017, the Finnish defense capital expenditure registered an average of US$0.90 billion. The country's capital expenditure is expected to marginally increase from US$0.8 billion in 2017 to US$0.9 billion in 2022, registering a CAGR of 2.19% during the forecast period. The Finnish Defence Ministry is expected to procure fighters and multi-role aircraft, Maintenance, Repair and Operations (MRO) for multi-role aircraft, naval vessels MRO, and aircraft simulators.



Reasons to buy



- This report will give the user confidence to make the correct business decisions based on a detailed analysis of the Finnish defense industry market trends for the coming five years



- The market opportunity section will inform the user about the various military requirements that are expected to generate revenues during the forecast period. The description includes technical specifications, recent orders, and the expected investment pattern by the country during the forecast period



- Detailed profiles of the top domestic and foreign defense manufacturers with information about their products, alliances, recent contract wins, and financial analysis wherever available. This will provide the user with a total competitive landscape of the sector



- A deep qualitative analysis of the Finnish defense industry covering sections including demand drivers, Porter's Five Forces Analysis, Key Trends and Growth Stimulators, and latest industry contracts



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Sydney, Australia -- (SBWIRE) -- 05/24/2017 -- Japan Rail Pass Now, a leading Australian travel agent who specialise in travel to Japan, announced today the launch of their exclusive Japan Travel Guide eBook. The guide combines expert travel writing and stunning imagery to give customers insightful information on culture, experiences, history and insider destination guides.



The Japan Travel Guide features a range of topics which includes: country overview, top 20 things to do, general travel information, destination guides, sample itineraries, experiences, and a learning section.



"We're thrilled to launch our Japan Travel Guide after 12 months of research and planning. We've been working tirelessly to ensure that we can provide great content and really enhance our customers experience in Japan," said Adam McKnight, Managing Director, Japan Rail Pass Now. "We're also pleased to announce that all customers that book online through our website will receive a copy for free."



Destination guides include: Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka , Yokohama, Hiroshima, Nara, Takayama, Fukuoka, Kobe, Nagoya, Kamakura, Sendai, Sapporo, Okinawa, Nikko, Nagano, Nagasaki, Hakone, Kagoshima and Kanazawa.



The price of the travel guide eBook will be introduced at AU$9.99 for individual sale. All online orders via the Japan Rail Pass Now website will receive the eBook complementary. It will be available for download or it can be viewed in an online magazine format.



About Japan Rail Pass Now

Japan Rail Pass Now is a Sydney-based travel agency specialising in the Japan Rail Pass. Founded in 2010, they have been able to provide customers with simple and knowledgeable information on the Japan Rail Pass.



For more information please visit www.japanrailpass.com.au



CONTACT:

Tara Mackie

Company: Japan Rail Pass Now

Phone: 1300 635 500

Email: helpdesk@japanrailpassnow.com.au

Website: http://www.japanrailpass.com
Chicago, IL -- (SBWIRE) -- 05/23/2017 -- Market Research Report on Metal Polish Market 2017 is a professional and in-depth study on the current state of the Metal Polish worldwide. First of all, " Global Metal Polish Market 2017 " report provides a basic overview of the Metal Polish industry including definitions, classifications, applications and Metal Polish industry chain structure.



Major Companies Covered in this report:-

Flitz

BASCH, GEORGE CO INC

Star Brite

Game Room Guys

Puma Knives Germany



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The analysis is provided for the Metal Polish international market including development history, Metal Polish industry competitive landscape analysis.



After that, Metal Polish industry development policies as well as plans are discussed and manufacturing processes as well as cost structures for Metal Polish market. This report "Worldwide Metal Polish Market 2017" also states import/export, supply and consumption figures and Metal Polish market cost, price, revenue and Metal Polish market's gross margin by regions (United States, EU, China and Japan), as well as other regions can be added in Metal Polish Market area.



Then, the report focuses on worldwide Metal Polish market key players with information such as company profiles with product picture as well as specification.



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Related information to Metal Polish market- capacity, production, price, cost, revenue and contact information. Aslo includes Metal Polish industry's - Upstream raw materials, equipment and downstream consumers analysis is also carried out. What's more, the Metal Polish market development trends and Metal Polish industry marketing channels are analyzed.



Finally, "worldwide Metal Polish market" Analysis- feasibility of new investment projects is assessed, and overall research conclusions are offered.
Albany, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 05/23/2017 -- Global Phenylbutazone Market: Snapshot



The phenylbutazone market has hit a road-block due to its disapproval from the country-wide market in the U.S. However, phenylbutazone, which are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) that are useful in treating pain, fever, menstrual cramps, arthritis, and other inflammations in human body, continue to be used in other parts of the World. Moreover, these drugs are also used by the veterinary department, wherein 23 actively marketed phenylbutazone drugs are FDA approved for usages on horses. These drugs are available in multiple dosage forms, including boluses, oral tablets, pastes, powders, and solutions for intravenous injection. These two factors are expected to help the global phenylbutazone market sustain the demand the forecast period of 2017 to 2025. On the other hand, the availability of newer drugs with considerably reduced adverse effects on the subjects is hindering the growth rate of the market.



This report on the global phenylbutazone provides in-depth analysis of all the factors that may favor or obstruct the demand in the near future, and includes profiles of a number of vendors currently operating in the market. The report has been prepared using proven research methodologies and aspires to serve as a dependable business document for targeted audiences such as pharmaceuticals manufacturers, research and academic institutions, hospitals and clinics, contract manufacturers, and contract research organizations. The report also segments the market based on application and product type, as well as studies the opportunities available for the vendors in different regions.



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Global Phenylbutazone Market: Overview



Phenylbutazone is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug meant to provide short-term relief from fever and pain. The drug is currently banned in the U.S. and the U.K. for human use, and therefore is largely meant for animal uses. The ban on phenylbutazone was approved due to its severely debilitating side-effects such as reducing the rate of production of white blood cells and causing aplastic anemia. It was originally used in humans for the treatment of gout and rheumatoid arthritis till 1949 and is now commonly used on horses for the treatment of antipyresis and analgesia.



Phenylbutazone can be administered intravenously or orally but is essentially should only be injected into a vein or administered intramuscularly. Edema and tissue damage may occur if the drug is injected repetitively into the same vein. Side-effects also include oral lesions, blood dyscrasia, kidney damage, GI ulcers, and internal hemorrhage. The drug should also not be used in combination with vitamin K antagonists including warfarin due to the amplifying nature of phenylbutazone on the anticoagulant effect of the antagonists.



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Global Phenylbutazone Market: Key Trends and Growth Prospects



The growth in end users in the global phenylbutazone market is expected to occur at an optimistic rate over the coming years, owing to an increase in the consumption of the drug in the growing veterinary medicine industry. In addition, the rising demand for NSAIDs in the emerging economies of Asia Pacific and Latin America is also expected to boost the demand for phenylbutazone over the coming years. However, the high availability of substitutes and the heavy restrictions imposed on the use of phenylbutazone could hamper the growth of this market. Harpagophytum can replace phenylbutazone for treatment of fever and pain in horses.



Global Phenylbutazone Market: Geographical Perspective



Asia Pacific is expected to be the leading consumer of phenylbutazone in the world, followed by North America and Europe. China and India are the top consumers of phenylbutazone in Asia Pacific due to presence of highly established end users. Phenylbutazone manufacturers from developed economies are also shifting their base to emerging ones due to the greater availability of government subsidies, land, cheap labor, and a more relaxed regulatory framework. Mongolia, the Republic of Korea, Australia and New Zealand are expected to be key consumers of phenylbutazone in the future. North America and Europe are expected to experience a moderate rate of growth in demand. The demand for phenylbutazone is also expected to increase in Latin American nations due to an increasing demand for veterinary drugs, namely in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia and Peru.



Read Comprehensive Overview of Report@ https://www.tmrresearch.com/phenylbutazone-market



Global Phenylbutazone Market: Players Mentioned in the Report



Some of the leaders in the global phenylbutazone market so far, have been Santa Cruz Biotechnology, Inc., Hangzhou Hyper Chemicals Limited, Baoji Guokang Bio-Technology Co., Ltd., Wuhan Yitongtai Science and Technology Co., Ltd., Afine Chemicals Limited, Shanghai Win-Win Biochemical Co., Ltd., Shaanxi TOP Pharm Chemical Co., Ltd., Hangzhou Hyper Chemicals Limited, Hangzhou Ruijiang Chemical Co., Ltd., Dalian Launcher Fine Chemical Co., Ltd., Croma Life Science Pvt. Ltd., Swati Chemicals, Suchem Laboratories, Uni-med India, Afton Pharma, and Hefei TNJ Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.



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Our savvy custom-built reports span a gamut of industries such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals and metals, food and beverages, and technology and media, among others. With actionable insights uncovered through in-depth researh of the market, we try to bring about game-changing success for our clients.
Deerfield Beach, FL -- (SBWIRE) -- 05/24/2017 -- Zion Market Research has published a new report titled "Rare Earth Metals (Cerium, Lanthanum, Neodymium, Praseodymium, Dysprosium, Europium, Yttrium, Scandium and Others) Market for Magnets, Catalyst, Metallurgy, Polishing, Glass, Phosphorus, Ceramics and Other Applications: Global Industry Perspective, Comprehensive Analysis, and Forecast, 2014  2020". According to the report, global rare earth metal market was valued at around USD 5.0 billion in 2014 and is expected to reach USD 9.0 billion in 2020, growing at a double digit CAGR between 2015 and 2020. In terms of volume, the global rare earth metal market stood at in 185 kilo tons 2014.



Rare earths are a series of chemical elements found in the Earth's crust that are vital to many modern technologies, including consumer electronics, computers and networks, communications, clean energy, advanced transportation, health care, environmental mitigation, national defense, and many others. Because of their unique magnetic, luminescent, and electrochemical properties, these elements help make many technologies perform with reduced weight, reduced emissions, and energy consumption; or give them greater efficiency, performance, miniaturization, speed, durability, and thermal stability. There are 17 elements that are considered to be rare earth elements15 elements in the lanthanide series and two additional elements that share similar chemical properties. The group consists of yttrium and the 15 lanthanide elements (lanthanum, cerium, praseodymium, neodymium, promethium, samarium, europium, gadolinium, terbium, dysprosium, holmium, erbium, thulium, ytterbium, and lutetium). Scandium is found in most rare earth element deposits and is sometimes classified as a rare earth element. Rare earth metals are classified as heavy rare earth metals (yttrium, gadolinium, europium, terbium, holmium, dysprosium, thulium, erbium, ytterbium, and lutetium) and light rare earth metals (lanthanum, praseodymium, cerium, promethium, neodymium, and samarium).



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Rare earth metals and alloys that contain them are used in many devices that people use every day such as computer memory, DVDs, rechargeable batteries, cell phones, catalytic converters, magnets, fluorescent lighting and much more. The global demand for automobiles, consumer electronics, energy-efficient lighting, and catalysts is expected to rise rapidly over the next decade. Rare earth magnet demand is expected to increase, as is the demand for rechargeable batteries. New developments in medical technology are expected to increase the use of surgical lasers, magnetic resonance imaging, and positron emission tomography scintillation detectors.



Lanthanum, praseodymium, cerium, neodymium, samarium, promethium, europium, dysprosium, holmium, gadolinium, terbium, thulium, scandium, yttrium, erbium, ytterbium, lutetium and others are the key product segments of the rare earth metal market. Cerium oxide dominated the global rare earth metal market owing to strong demand from catalyst market. Cerium oxide accounted for around 40% share of the total rare earth metal market in 2014. Lanthanum is expected to be the fastest-growing segment of rare earth metal market during the forecast period. This can be attributed to the rapidly growing demand for rare earth metal in car batteries and different electronics appliances. However, other products of rare earth metals like neodymium, samarium, promethium, europium, dysprosium etc., are also expected to exhibit robust growth between 2015 and 2020.



Request For Free Price Quotation: http://www.marketresearchstore.com/requestquote?reportid=38311



On the basis of applications rare earth metal market can be segmented as magnets, catalyst, metallurgy, ceramics, phosphors, glass, and polishing. The magnet was the largest application market for rare earth metals and accounted for around 21% of the total rare earth metal volume consumed in 2014. Strong economic growth in emerging economies and support from governments has resulted into rapid growth in manufacturing of high technology products like tablet computers, TVs, advanced military technology, nuclear batteries, laser repeaters, miniature, superconductors, numerous medical devices, and rechargeable batteries. This in turn expected to drive the demand for rare earth metals, especially in Asia Pacific region. This, in turn, resulted in strong growth of rare earth metal in Asia-Pacific region, especially in China. Strong growth prospectus of the global wind turbine and the automotive industry is also expected to boost demand for rare earth metals in the near future. Catalysts and metallurgy also accounted for significant share of the global rare earth metals market.



Rare earth metal market was dominated by Asia Pacific with over 75% share in total volume consumption in 2014. Asia Pacific was followed by North America and Europe. China dominated the production and consumption of rare earth metals. Strong demand from China, India, Japan and South Korea is expected to fuel the growth of this industry in the years to come. Rare earth metals market in North America is mainly driven by strong demand from the defense industry. The military uses night-vision goggles, precision-guided weapons, communications equipment, GPS equipment, batteries and other defense electronics. Rare earth metals are key ingredients for making the very hard alloys used in armored vehicles and projectiles that shatter upon impact. However, a wind turbine is an important application market for rare earth metals in Europe.



Browse the full report at: http://www.marketresearchstore.com/report/rare-earth-metals-market-z38311



Global rare earth metal market is highly competitive, with the presence of well-established global market participants. Arafura Resources, Alkane Resources Ltd., Avalon Rare Metals Inc., Quest Rare Minerals Limited, China Rare Earth Holdings Limited, Indian Rare Earths Limited, Lynas Corporation Limited, Great Western Minerals Group Ltd., Greenland Minerals & Energy Ltd., Rare Element Resources Ltd., Molycorp, Inner Mongolia Baotou Steel Rare-Earth Hi-Tech Co, Frontier Rare Earths Limited are some of the key vendors in the market.



This report segments the global rare earth metals market as follows:



Product Segment Analysis: Lanthanum, Praseodymium, Cerium, Neodymium, Samarium, Promethium, Europium, Dysprosium, Holmium, Gadolinium, Terbium, Thulium, Scandium, Yttrium, Erbium, Ytterbium, Lutetium



Application Segment Analysis: Magnets, Catalyst, Metallurgy, Ceramics, Phosphors, Glass, Polishing, Others



Regional Segment Analysis: North America(U.S.), Europe(UK, France, Germany), Asia-Pacific(China, Japan, India), Latin America(Brazil), Middle East and Africa



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About Zion Market Research

Zion Market Research is an obligated company. We create futuristic, cutting edge, informative reports ranging from industry reports, company reports to country reports. We provide our clients not only with market statistics unveiled by avowed private publishers and public organizations but also with vogue and newest industry reports along with pre-eminent and niche company profiles. Our database of market research reports comprises a wide variety of reports from cardinal industries. Our database is been updated constantly in order to fulfill our clients with prompt and direct online access to our database. Keeping in mind the client's needs, we have included expert insights on global industries, products, and market trends in this database. Last but not the least, we make it our duty to ensure the success of clients connected to usafter allif you do well, a little of the light shines on us.



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Syracuse, UT -- (SBWIRE) -- 05/24/2017 -- Stephen Hopkins was from Hampshire, England. He married his first wife, Mary, and resided in the parish of Hursley, Hampshire. They had three (3) children: Elizabeth, Constance, and Giles; all baptized there. It has long been claimed that the Hopkins family was from Wortley, Gloucester, but this was disproven in 1998 with the discovery of his true origins in Hursley.



http://mayflowerhistory.com/hopkins-stephen/



Stephen Hopkins went with the ship Sea Venture on a voyage to Jamestown, Virginia in 1609 as a minister's clerk, but the ship wrecked in the "Isle of Devils" (Bermuda). Stranded on an island for ten months, the passengers and crew survived on turtles, birds, and wild pigs. Six months into the castaway, Stephen Hopkins and several others organized a mutiny against the current governor. The mutiny was discovered and Stephen was sentenced to death. However, he pleaded with sorrow and tears. "So penitent he was, and made so much moan, alleging the ruin of his wife and children in this his trespass, as it wrought in the hearts of all the better sorts of the company." He managed to get his sentence commuted. Eventually the castaways built a small ship and sailed themselves to Jamestown. How long Stephen remained in Jamestown is not known. However, while he was gone, his wife Mary died. She was buried in Hursley on 9 May 1613, and left behind a probate estate which mentions her children Elizabeth, Constance and Giles.



Stephen was back in England by 1617, when he married Elizabeth Fisher, but apparently had every intention of bringing his family back to Virginia. Their first child, Damaris, was born about 1618. In 1620, Stephen Hopkins brought his wife and children Constance, Giles, and Damaris on the Mayflower (child Elizabeth apparently had died). Stephen was a fairly active member of the Pilgrim group shortly after arrival, perhaps a result of his being one of the few individuals who had been to Virginia previously. He was a part of all the early exploring missions, and was used as an "expert" on Native Americans for the first few contacts. While out exploring, Stephen recognized and identified an Indian deer trap. And when Samoset walked into Plymouth and welcomed the English, he was housed in Stephen Hopkins' house for the night. Stephen was also sent on several of the ambassadorial missions to meet with the various Indian groups in the region.



Stephen was an assistant to the governor through 1636, and volunteered for the Pequot War of 1637 but was never called to serve. By the late 1630s, however, Stephen began to occasionally run afoul of the Plymouth authorities, as he apparently opened up a shop and served alcohol. In 1636 he got into a fight with John Tisdale and seriously wounded him. In 1637, he was fined for allowing drinking and shuffleboard playing on Sunday. Early the next year he was fined for allowing people to drink excessively in his house: guest William Reynolds was fined, but the others were acquitted. In 1638 he was twice fined for selling beer at twice the actual value, and in 1639 he was fined for selling a looking glass for twice what it would cost if bought in the Bay Colony. Also in 1638, Stephen Hopkins' maidservant got pregnant from Arthur Peach, who was subsequently executed for murdering an Indian. The Plymouth Court ruled he was financially responsible for her and her child for the next two years (the amount remaining on her term of service). Stephen, in contempt of court, threw Dorothy out of his household and refused to provide for her, so the court committed him to custody. John Holmes stepped in and purchased Dorothy's remaining two years of service from him: agreeing to support her and child.



Stephen died in 1644, and made out a will, asking to be buried near his wife, and naming his surviving children.



BAPTISM: 30 April 1581 at Upper Clatford, Hampshire, England, son of John and Elizabeth (Williams) Hopkins.

FIRST MARRIAGE: Mary, possibly the daughter of Robert and Joan (Machell) Kent of Hursley, co. Hampshire, prior to 1604.

SECOND MARRIAGE: Elizabeth Fisher on 19 February 1617/8 at St. Mary Matfellon, Whitechapel, co. Middlesex, England.

CHILDREN (by Mary): Elizabeth, Constance, and Giles.

CHILDREN (by Elizabeth): Damaris, Oceanus, Caleb, Deborah, Damaris, Ruth, and Elizabeth.

DNA HAPLOGROUP: R1b-M269



Contact Adam Green!

c: 801-809-7766

e: g3president@comcast.net



Syracuse, UTAH General Society of Mayflower Descendant, Adam Paul Green (Ancestor Stephen Hopkins / Gen.No. 86,723) Introduces New Geneology Asset Website for Local Enthusiasts http://www.news.adampaulgreen.com



The Pilgrims did not leave behind any lists of the items they brought with them on the Mayflower, but historians have used a provision list put together by Captain John Smith (of Pocahontas fame) to take an educated guess. However, in 2012, Caleb Johnson, Simon Neal, and Jeremy Bangs started transcribing and studying a rare manuscript (a page of which is here illustrated) in the possession of the Massachusetts Society of Mayflower Descendants, that was written by one of the investors in the Pilgrims' joint-stock company. This manuscript actually contains several lists of suggested provisions the colonists should bring with them. It is the closest thing we can get to a list of what the Pilgrims would have actually brought.



A summary of some of the key items on the provision lists: http://mayflowerhistory.com/pilgrim-history/



-Food and Drink: Biscuit, beer, salt, (dried) beef, salt pork, oats, peas, wheat, butter, sweet oil, mustard seed, ling or cod fish, "good cheese", vinegar, aqua-vitae, rice, bacon, cider.



-Clothing: Monmouth cap, falling bands, shirts, waistcoat, suit of canvas, suit of cloth, Irish stockings, 4 pairs of shoes, garters. Slippers, plain shoes, little shoes, French soles, sewing needles.



-Bedding: Canvas sheets, bolster "filled with good straw", rug and blankets.



-Arms: Light armor (complete), fowling piece, snaphance, sword, belt, bandoleer, powder horn, 20 pounds of powder, 60 pounds of shot.



-Household: Iron pot, kettle, frying pan, gridiron, two skillets, spit, platters, dishes, spoons of wood, napkins, towels, soap, hand mill, mortar and pestle.



-Tools: Broad hoes, narrow hoes, broad axe, felling axe, steel handsaw, whipsaw, hammers, shovels, spades, augers, chisels, gimlets, hatchets, grinding stone, nails, locks for doors.



Adam Paul Green was born to a multi-talented beauty queen Mother and a Father who, in addition to being a US Army Spy and a Counter-Intelligence Special Agent, was also a highly accomplished entrepreneur. Adam was taught at a young age that, in both life and business, loyalty is a requirement for success. He's had the honor of working directly with his father in several of the family businesses. In fact, this is where he learned crucial entrepreneurial skills and honed his talents with international business strategies and venture capitalism. http://www.AdamPaulGreen.com , http://www.ImAdamGreen.com



Adam earned his Bachelors of Science Degree in International Business and Marketing from the University of Utah. He was hand-picked by the President of the University's renowned School of Business to compete with dozens of other ambitious nationwide-graduates for the opportunity to secure a lucrative job within a prestigious Fortune 100 company. http://www.Twitter.com/AdamPaulGreen



Adam's hard work and creativity helped him land this job of a lifetime. He obtained incredible business experience there and spent years innovating, improving processes and setting sales records. Although this dream job in Traditional Corporate America was a fun challenge for him, and something he truly enjoyed mastering, Adam's natural entrepreneurial spirit kept nudging him to do something more significant with his time and talents. http://www.MyChocolatePod.com , http://www.Facebook.com/AdamPaulGreen



Since 2001, Adam has been involved in the Health and Wellness Industry as a successful Entrepreneur, Broker, Product Developer and Manufacturer of Cosmeceutical products. During his career, he has worked with some of the most recognizable Fortune 500 businesses along with many top international Network Marketing companies. Adam has consistently proven his unique ability to help his clients achieve their goals through creative Distribution-Channel Placement, innovative Product Development and custom Manufacturing. Adam currently owns three profitable businesses.



Admittedly, Adam was not initially a fan of Network Marketing. He did not understand the business model because it was new to him. However, once he learned that the REAL focus of Direct Sales is to help average people get a taste of entrepreneurialism --- with minimal risk and at a low cost --- Adam was absolutely convinced of the potential with Multi-Level Marketing.



http://www.ImAdamGreen.com



About MayflowerHistory.com

MayflowerHistory.com, the Internet's most complete and accurate website dealing with the Mayflower passengers and the history of the Pilgrims and early Plymouth Colony. The website was first created back in 1994 (when the web was still mostly text!) as a simple, but complete, passenger list of the Mayflower. It has grown over the past twenty years as the author, historian Caleb Johnson, has researched and compiled material.



http://mayflowerhistory.com
Tallahassee, FL -- (SBWIRE) -- 05/24/2017 -- Stephen Hopkins was from Hampshire, England. He married his first wife, Mary, and resided in the parish of Hursley, Hampshire. They had three (3) children: Elizabeth, Constance, and Giles; all baptized there. It has long been claimed that the Hopkins family was from Wortley, Gloucester, but this was disproven in 1998 with the discovery of his true origins in Hursley.



http://mayflowerhistory.com/hopkins-stephen/



Stephen Hopkins went with the ship Sea Venture on a voyage to Jamestown, Virginia in 1609 as a minister's clerk, but the ship wrecked in the "Isle of Devils" (Bermuda). Stranded on an island for ten months, the passengers and crew survived on turtles, birds, and wild pigs. Six months into the castaway, Stephen Hopkins and several others organized a mutiny against the current governor. The mutiny was discovered and Stephen was sentenced to death. However, he pleaded with sorrow and tears. "So penitent he was, and made so much moan, alleging the ruin of his wife and children in this his trespass, as it wrought in the hearts of all the better sorts of the company." He managed to get his sentence commuted. Eventually the castaways built a small ship and sailed themselves to Jamestown. How long Stephen remained in Jamestown is not known. However, while he was gone, his wife Mary died. She was buried in Hursley on 9 May 1613, and left behind a probate estate which mentions her children Elizabeth, Constance and Giles.



Stephen was back in England by 1617, when he married Elizabeth Fisher, but apparently had every intention of bringing his family back to Virginia. Their first child, Damaris, was born about 1618. In 1620, Stephen Hopkins brought his wife and children Constance, Giles, and Damaris on the Mayflower (child Elizabeth apparently had died). Stephen was a fairly active member of the Pilgrim group shortly after arrival, perhaps a result of his being one of the few individuals who had been to Virginia previously. He was a part of all the early exploring missions, and was used as an "expert" on Native Americans for the first few contacts. While out exploring, Stephen recognized and identified an Indian deer trap. And when Samoset walked into Plymouth and welcomed the English, he was housed in Stephen Hopkins' house for the night. Stephen was also sent on several of the ambassadorial missions to meet with the various Indian groups in the region.



Stephen was an assistant to the governor through 1636, and volunteered for the Pequot War of 1637 but was never called to serve. By the late 1630s, however, Stephen began to occasionally run afoul of the Plymouth authorities, as he apparently opened up a shop and served alcohol. In 1636 he got into a fight with John Tisdale and seriously wounded him. In 1637, he was fined for allowing drinking and shuffleboard playing on Sunday. Early the next year he was fined for allowing people to drink excessively in his house: guest William Reynolds was fined, but the others were acquitted. In 1638 he was twice fined for selling beer at twice the actual value, and in 1639 he was fined for selling a looking glass for twice what it would cost if bought in the Bay Colony. Also in 1638, Stephen Hopkins' maidservant got pregnant from Arthur Peach, who was subsequently executed for murdering an Indian. The Plymouth Court ruled he was financially responsible for her and her child for the next two years (the amount remaining on her term of service). Stephen, in contempt of court, threw Dorothy out of his household and refused to provide for her, so the court committed him to custody. John Holmes stepped in and purchased Dorothy's remaining two years of service from him: agreeing to support her and child.



Stephen died in 1644, and made out a will, asking to be buried near his wife, and naming his surviving children.



BAPTISM: 30 April 1581 at Upper Clatford, Hampshire, England, son of John and Elizabeth (Williams) Hopkins.

FIRST MARRIAGE: Mary, possibly the daughter of Robert and Joan (Machell) Kent of Hursley, co. Hampshire, prior to 1604.

SECOND MARRIAGE: Elizabeth Fisher on 19 February 1617/8 at St. Mary Matfellon, Whitechapel, co. Middlesex, England.

CHILDREN (by Mary): Elizabeth, Constance, and Giles.

CHILDREN (by Elizabeth): Damaris, Oceanus, Caleb, Deborah, Damaris, Ruth, and Elizabeth.

DNA HAPLOGROUP: R1b-M269



Contact Adam Green!

c: 801-809-7766

e: g3president@comcast.net



The Mayflower was hired in London, and sailed from London to Southampton in July 1620 to begin loading food and supplies for the voyage--much of which was purchased at Southampton. The Pilgrims were mostly still living in the city of Leiden, in the Netherlands. They hired a ship called the Speedwell to take them from Delfshaven, the Netherlands, to Southampton, England, to meet up with the Mayflower. The two ships planned to sail together to Northern Virginia. The Speedwell departed Delfthaven on July 22, and arrived at Southampton, where they found the Mayflower waiting for them. The Speedwell had been leaking on her voyage from the Netherlands to England, though, so they spent the next week patching her up.



On August 5, the two ships finally set sail for America. But the Speedwell began leaking again, so they pulled into the town of Dartmouth for repairs, arriving there about August 12. The Speedwell was patched up again, and the two ships again set sail for America about August 21. After the two ships had sailed about 300 miles out to sea, the Speedwell again began to leak. Frustrated with the enormous amount of time lost, and their inability to fix the Speedwell so that it could be sea-worthy, they returned to Plymouth, England, and made the decision to leave the Speedwell behind. The Mayflower would go to America alone. The cargo on the Speedwell was transferred over to the Mayflower; some of the passengers were so tired and disappointed with all the problems that they quit and went home. Others crammed themselves onto the already very crowded Mayflower.



Finally, on September 6, the Mayflower departed from Plymouth, England, and headed for America. By the time the Pilgrims had left England, they had already been living onboard the ships for nearly a month and a half. The voyage itself across the Atlantic Ocean took 66 days, from their departure on September 6, until Cape Cod was sighted on 9 November 1620. The first half of the voyage went fairly smoothly, the only major problem was sea-sickness. But by October, they began encountering a number of Atlantic storms that made the voyage treacherous. Several times, the wind was so strong they had to just drift where the weather took them; it was not safe to use the ship's sails. The Pilgrims intended to land in Northern Virginia, which at the time included the region as far north as the Hudson River in the modern State of New York. The Hudson River, in fact, was their originally intended destination. They had received good reports on this region while in the Netherlands. All things considered, the Mayflower was almost right on target, missing the Hudson River by just a few degrees.



As the Mayflower approached land, the crew spotted Cape Cod just as the sun rose on November 9. The Pilgrims decided to head south, to the mouth of the Hudson River in New York, where they intended to make their plantation. However, as the Mayflower headed south, it encountered some very rough seas, and nearly shipwrecked. The Pilgrims then decided, rather than risk another attempt to go south they would just stay and explore Cape Cod. They turned back north, rounded the tip, and anchored in what is now Provincetown Harbor. The Pilgrims would spend the next month and a half exploring Cape Cod, trying to decide where they would build their plantation. On December 25, 1620, they had finally decided upon Plymouth, and began construction of their first buildings.



Tallahassee Florida General Society of Mayflower Descendant, Adam Paul Green (Ancestor Stephen Hopkins / Gen.No. 86,723) Reveals New Geneology Asset Website for Local Enthusiasts http://www.news.adampaulgreen.com



Master Christopher Jones and several business partners purchased the ship Mayflower about 1607. Its origins prior to that remain uncertain. Its first documented voyage of record was to Trondheim, Norway, in 1609. Andrew Pawling hired the ship to take a cargo of London goods to Norway, sell them off, and buy Norway goods (lumber, tar, and fish) to return back to England. Unfortunately on the return voyage, the Mayflower encountered a severe North Sea storm and the master and crew were forced to toss most of Pawlings goods overboard to lighten the ship. The home of Master Christopher Jones: Harwich, co. Essex, England.



http://mayflowerhistory.com/



Following that, Christopher Jones seems to have stuck with safer trading routes. The Mayflower made numerous trips primarily to Bordeaux, France, returning to London with cargoes of French wine, Cognac, vinegar, and salt. The Mayflower could freight about 180 tons of cargo. The Mayflower also made occasional voyages to other ports, including once to Malaga, Spain, and twice to Hamburg, Germany.



Upon returning from a voyage to Bordeaux, France, in May 1620, the Mayflower and master Christopher Jones were hired to take the Pilgrims to Northern Virginia. This was the first recorded trans-Atlantic voyage for both ship and master, though Christopher Jones had several crewmembers, including pilot and master's mates John Clarke and Robert Coppin, who had been to the New World before.



The Mayflower was supposed to accompany another ship, the Speedwell, to America, but the Speedwell proved too leaky for the voyage so the Mayflower proceeded alone. Departing on 6 September 1620, the ship was at sea for 66 days, arriving November 9. The ship and crew overwintered with the Pilgrims and departed back for England on 5 April 1621, arriving back to England on May 6.



Christopher Jones took the ship out for a few more trading runs, but he died a couple of years later in March 1621/2. The ship was appraised for probate purposes in May 1624, and was referred to as being "in ruins." It was only valued at 128 pounds sterling, and was almost certainly broken up and sold off as scrap.



Adam Paul Green was born to a multi-talented beauty queen Mother and a Father who, in addition to being a US Army Spy and a Counter-Intelligence Special Agent, was also a highly accomplished entrepreneur. Adam was taught at a young age that, in both life and business, loyalty is a requirement for success. He's had the honor of working directly with his father in several of the family businesses. In fact, this is where he learned crucial entrepreneurial skills and honed his talents with international business strategies and venture capitalism. http://www.AdamPaulGreen.com , http://www.ImAdamGreen.com



Adam earned his Bachelors of Science Degree in International Business and Marketing from the University of Utah. He was hand-picked by the President of the University's renowned School of Business to compete with dozens of other ambitious nationwide-graduates for the opportunity to secure a lucrative job within a prestigious Fortune 100 company. http://www.Twitter.com/AdamPaulGreen



Adam's hard work and creativity helped him land this job of a lifetime. He obtained incredible business experience there and spent years innovating, improving processes and setting sales records. Although this dream job in Traditional Corporate America was a fun challenge for him, and something he truly enjoyed mastering, Adam's natural entrepreneurial spirit kept nudging him to do something more significant with his time and talents. http://www.MyChocolatePod.com , http://www.Facebook.com/AdamPaulGreen



Since 2001, Adam has been involved in the Health and Wellness Industry as a successful Entrepreneur, Broker, Product Developer and Manufacturer of Cosmeceutical products. During his career, he has worked with some of the most recognizable Fortune 500 businesses along with many top international Network Marketing companies. Adam has consistently proven his unique ability to help his clients achieve their goals through creative Distribution-Channel Placement, innovative Product Development and custom Manufacturing. Adam currently owns three profitable businesses.



Admittedly, Adam was not initially a fan of Network Marketing. He did not understand the business model because it was new to him. However, once he learned that the REAL focus of Direct Sales is to help average people get a taste of entrepreneurialism --- with minimal risk and at a low cost --- Adam was absolutely convinced of the potential with Multi-Level Marketing.



http://www.ImAdamGreen.com



About MayflowerHistory.com

MayflowerHistory.com, the Internet's most complete and accurate website dealing with the Mayflower passengers and the history of the Pilgrims and early Plymouth Colony. The website was first created back in 1994 (when the web was still mostly text!) as a simple, but complete, passenger list of the Mayflower. It has grown over the past twenty years as the author, historian Caleb Johnson, has researched and compiled material.



http://mayflowerhistory.com
[SAO PAULO] Bioenergy production techniques that are already available could be used to supply up to 30 per cent of the worlds energy by 2050, according to a 2015 report by The Scientific Committee on Problems of the Environment (SCOPE), a global network of scientists from 24 countries that reviews scientific knowledge on the environment.

In Brazil alone, more than 60 million hectares of land currently used for low-intensity grazing could be used for biofuel production, according to the report. The country is known for successfully producing this type of fuel  the result of a pioneering initiative to industrially produce ethanol from sugarcane that began in the 1970s with the National Alcohol Program (Pro-Alcohol).

That policy led to the launch, in 2003, of vehicles that can run with gasoline, ethanol or a mixture of both. These Flex cars now make up the bulk of Brazil's automotive fleet, with more than 20 million units in circulation.

Successful approaches to biofuel production are based on a synergy between bioenergy production and food security. Glaucia Mendes Souza, Chemistry Institute, University of Sao Paulo

To find out why scientists are so optimistic about biofuel production in the developing world, SciDev.Net spoke with Glaucia Mendes Souza, researcher at the Chemistry Institute of the University of Sao Paulo.

Souza is also coordinator of the Bioenergy Research Program at the Brazilian research foundation FAPESP, and co-editor of the report.



What is the potential for expanding biofuel production in Latin America and Africa?

Huge! There are at least 500 million hectares of land available for biofuel production around the world. Much of that is in Latin America and sub-Saharan Africa, and is currently being used for low-intensity grazing.

Is it possible to expand biofuel production without affecting biodiversity or endangering food security in these regions?

Successful approaches to biofuel production are based on a synergy between bioenergy production and food security. This can only be done by investing in the development of new technologies to improve the production infrastructure, adopting policy measures to ensure the stability of food prices, and giving incentives for local production and using flexible crops so farmers grow both food and energy crops.

Theres concern that increasing biofuel production could impact on food prices. Whats your view on this?

Many point to bioenergy as one of the main causes of rising food prices. However, after analyzing almost 2000 studies and reports of the current bioenergy landscape and its potential impacts, the SCOPE researchers concluded that there is no causal link between bioenergy production and food insecurity.

In scientific terms, what are the main challenges for biofuel production in Latin America and Africa?

I believe the challenges centre around how to both achieve bioenergy production and meet food demands. Both continents should invest in increasing the productivity of their agricultural lands, and release the surplus land for growing bioenergy crops. In addition, it would be important to integrate bioenergy production into food production systems.



Today, the world gets nearly 90 per cent of its energy from fossil fuels and nuclear energy. How can we change this?

This would mean investing in plant breeding to adapt them to degraded lands, establishing financial incentives to reduce carbon emissions and producing bioenergy in unproductive lands.

Through integrated policies. The sustainable expansion of bioenergy requires careful planning involving the public and private sectors, the scientific community and rural farmers among other players. The bio-economy can only be fully developed if stakeholders collaborate with each other which is complex for decision-makers. Bioenergy must be an integral part of the strategic planning of global economies.

Has Brazil invested properly in science and technological development that relates to biofuel production?

Yes. The main initiative is the FAPESP Bioenergy Research Program created in 2008 to improve the productivity of ethanol and advance basic science and technological development. In recent years, about 2000 scientific papers have been published as a result of projects funded by this programme and, as of 2016, around US$200 million has been invested in projects.

What are the main scientific and technological advances related to biofuel production in Brazil?

Thanks to the ethanol programme and research carried out by the private sector, as well as public research entities, Brazil has obtained genetically improved varieties of sugar cane and managed to increase its productivity from 49 tonnes per hectare in 1970 to 85 tons per hectare in 2010. The country has also developed yeast-breeding programmes and invested in new processes that resulted in improved ethanol yields and industrial automation, among other advances.

What lessons could Africa extract from Brazils experience in biofuel production?

Brazil is recognized worldwide for the successful implementation of its bio-ethanol programme  an example of how biofuel production can be increased without compromising food security. The expansion of agricultural production and increased bioenergy productivity across the country is the result of a significant improvement in the productive environment in the rural sector, which includes better agro-economic practices, availability of services and equipment, and adherence to modern technologies. The lessons learned in Brazil are already being applied in countries in Latin America, Asia and Africa, which adopted the Brazilian model for ethanol production and are adapting it into their own contexts.

The Bioenergy Research Program (Bioen), coordinated by Glaucia Mendes Souza, is funded by FAPESP, a SciDev.Net donor

This piece was originally published by the Latin America and Caribbean desk.
The protection of the Samsung Galaxy S8's iris scanner can be easily bypassed to unlock the phone. Yes, a recent video has shown how hackers fooled the scanner.

Biometric locks for modern devices are now a common trend as some manufacturers also prefer facial recognition or eye scanning technology. Samsung Galaxy S8 is also equipped with such eye-scanning security that is called iris scanner. This scanner is mainly used to unlock the said smartphone.

Samsung earlier claimed the iris scanner is created to provide a strong security. But, researchers at the Chaos Computer Club had tricked the smartphone with only a picture of an eye. Motherboard stated that Linus Neumann, a hacker, said in a Twitter message that they had bypassed the iris scanner protection only using a print-out.

The researchers used the eyes of a volunteer to set up the security in the Samsung Galaxy S8 by using the iris scanner. After this, they took one photograph of the eyes of one volunteer. The researchers used the digital camera with the infra-red night vision setting to capture the image.

Next, the image was printed and they put one contact lens over the photograph. The Samsung Galaxy S8 easily unlocked itself after seeing the false eye. The interesting fact is the team has already posted the video about this unlocking process. In a word, the team has depicted that one can easily bypass the iris scanner protection and unlock the smartphone.

According to BBC News, tech company Samsung revealed that the scanning technology was tested rigorously to prevent all attempts that try to compromise the security. The company also uttered that any new method that can challenge this security technology will be addressed very quickly. That means if the iris scanner of the Samsung Galaxy S8 faces any genuine challenge, then the company will respond speedily to resolve the issue.

Ken Munro, the security expert, utters recent discovery reminds that biometrics is not any silver bullet. He prefers fingerprints to the iris unlock. Munro opines that fingerprints and one secret number can provide the best protection. It is true that the Samsung Galaxy users can use the password option and not the iris scanner to unlock their phone.
Washington, D.C, May 24, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --

On behalf of the nations mayors, Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh, Chair of the U.S. Conference of Mayors Children, Health and Human Services Committee, issued the following statement in response to todays Congressional Budget Office score of the American Health Care Act of 2017:

Todays CBO score confirms that the American Health Care Act of 2017 would put millions of people in our cities in jeopardy.

The bill throws a one-two punchstripping 23 million people of their insurance and applying skyrocketing premiums to others, particularly those who can least afford it.

As Mayors, we share a responsibility for the health and well-being of our communities, which includes ensuring access to comprehensive and affordable health care. The effects of the AHCA will be felt most heavily at the local level. It is our cities and counties that will see increases in indigent care costs for our hospitals, in uninsured rates and uncompensated care costs; and it is our low and moderate income residents who will return to a time of having to choose between health care and everyday living expenses.

As the Senate takes up its work, the U.S. Conference of Mayors remains steadfast in its commitment to collaborate with the Senate on ensuring access to affordable health care for all.

###

The U.S. Conference of Mayors is the official nonpartisan organization of cities with populations of 30,000 or more. There are nearly 1,400 such cities in the country today, and each city is represented in the Conference by its chief elected official, the mayor. Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/usmayors, or follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/usmayors.

Attachments:

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/130bc055-1cda-43a7-90a9-0fe0ec215c49
Microsoft recently filed a complaint in the federal court against a Chinese gaming website. Microsoft accused the Chinese gaming website iGSKY of hacking Xbox accounts and using some stolen credit card details to purchase special or rare items.

According to The Verge, the Chinese gaming website sells the purchased items to anyone who wants it. People who purchase the items are unwittingly providing iGSKY a convenient method of laundering its stolen money from the credit cards.

Microsoft is committed on providing its customers with safe and secure online experiences. This is why the company immediately filed the complaint after it found out the illegal operations made by the Chinese gaming website. Microsoft also wants to protect its Xbox customers from illegal trafficking of stolen properties.

As noted by Mashable, Microsoft's probe into the Chinese gaming website iGSKY began in December 2016, after iGSKY's in-house fraud investigators purchased over 11,000 FIFA points for $60. After the incident, the Xbox Live noticed something strange. The login information for an eight-year-old account had suddenly been changed. The said account again purchased 11,000 FIFA points for $127.54.

Microsoft is still unsure on how the Chinese gaming website was able to access the old account. Microsoft stated that its test did not indicate a much larger crack in the security of the Xbox Live. After the transaction has been made, the owner of the account contacted the Xbox support to complain that he had been locked out of the account and there are several unauthorized transactions made.

Microsoft already submitted evidence to build its charge of racketeering conspiracy, CFAA and fraud violations against the Chinese gaming website iGSKY. The judge on the case has given temporary restraining order on Gameest, the alleged parent company of iGSKY. The judge also freezes the Chinese gaming website's domestic assets along with any associated PayPal accounts.
NASA scientists have reportedly named a newly discovered organism as Solibacillus kalamii in honor of the late President of India, APJ Abdul Kalam, who was also a renowned aerospace scientist. The organism is a form of bacteria that is only found on the International Space Station (ISS).

"The name of the bacterium is Solibacillus kalamii, the species name is after Dr. Abdul Kalam and genus name is Solibacillus, which is a spore forming bacteria," senior research scientist, Biotechnology and Planetary Protection Group at JPL, Dr. Kasthuri Venkateswaran said. "I am reasonably sure it has hitchhiked to the space station on board some cargo and then survived the hostile conditions of space," as he is quoted by India Today.

New bacteria are usually named after celebrated scientists and Venkateswaran wanted to name one after Dr. Kalam, who was also a fellow Indian from the same state of Tamil Nadu that the JPL senior research scientist belongs to. Incidentally, the former President of India had his early training at the American space agency in 1963, after which he set up the first rocket-launching facility in Kerala, India.

The Solibacillus kalamii bacteria was detected on the space stations filters that remained on the orbiting lab for 40 months, Jagran Josh reported. The filter is a high-efficiency particulate arrestance (HEPA) filter that is a part of the regular cleaning and housekeeping system on the space station. The discovery of the bacteria was published only this year in the International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology after analysis of the filter at JPL.

According to Venkateswaran, the flying laboratory that orbits 400 kilometers (248.5 miles) above Earth is home to several types of fungi and bacteria. He also added that the bacteria is not a type of extraterrestrial life or ET, though it is found only on the space station. Among his many responsibilities, Venkateswaran has to monitor the bug levels on the orbiting laboratory and also make sure that all spacecraft that travel to other planets are free of terrestrial bugs.
The scientists have discovered 52 genes linked to human intelligence and there could be thousands more awaiting discovery. These findings could lead to starting new experiments involving biological basis of reasoning and problem-solving. It could also aid the researchers to know which interventions are efficient for children who are struggling to learn.

The findings of the discovery were printed in the journal Nature Genetics. The study was led by Danielle Posthuma, a geneticist at Vrije (Free) University in Amsterdam, and other colleagues. Posthuma said that the findings give new information into the genetic architecture of intelligence, according to Inc.

The study involved over 78,000 adults and children. All of them are Europeans including Britain's BioBank, which is the sampling and examining the whole genomes of volunteers and the database of exceptionally intelligent people and studies of twins. The scientists utilized two kinds of genome-wide analysis to identify genes linked to intelligence. The results showed the discovery of 52 genes that include 40, which are new discoveries, linking them to intelligence.

The researchers stated that the identified genes are mostly in brain tissue, and the pathway analysis suggests that involvement of genes regulating cell development. Their calculations show that the present results explain up to 4.8 percent of the variance in intelligence.

The scientists also found that genes accounted for about 70 percent of the variation in education levels among the people that were examined. In the past studies, they indicate that half a person's intelligence is inherited and the other half to other factors including the environment.

Some of the discovered genes are called SHANK3 and FOXO3. SHANK3 develops the formation of synapses -- the connection between brain cells. Once this gene is altered, it might cause autism spectrum disorder and schizophrenia-type 15. Meanwhile, FOXO3 is linked to brain cell death and associated with longevity. Some other genes are linked to Alzheimer's disease and obesity. The remaining genes are for examination and may take years to know how they affect intelligence, disease and other traits, according to NBC News.
Himalayan Sherpas, who are considered superhuman mountain climbers and guides, could indeed survive the oxygen deficiency also referred to as hypoxia in the famous Mount Everest. So, how do they do that?

A new study suggests that Sherpas are more equipped and efficient at using oxygen to power their bodies. With this, they could overcome the hypoxia, in which the body or part of the body is deprived of enough oxygen supply at the tissue level.

The study was published in the Proceedings of National Academy of Sciences. The study was led by Andrew Murray, a physiologist, from the University of Cambridge in the U.K., and other colleagues.

Murray explained that this ethnic group has spent thousands of years living at high altitudes. This is expected as they have adapted to become more efficient at using oxygen and generating energy. He further said that when individuals from lower-lying regions spend time at high altitude, their bodies adapt to some extent to become more "Sherpa-like." On the other hand, they are no match for their efficiency.

In the study, the researchers examined the physiology of two groups. The first group composed of 10 mostly European researchers and the other group composed of 15 Sherpas native to the region. The scientists took the blood and muscle biopsies of the participants. This is to determine the baseline measurement of their metabolism in low-lying areas. Once the groups reached the Everest Base camp, new readings were taken and final measurements were also taken after two months of acclimatizing there.

The results showed based on the readings that the Sherpas' mitochondria were more efficient at generating the chemical adenosine triphosphate (ATP) that enables energy transfer within cells. They also had lower levels of fat oxidation. This means that they were better at producing energy from sugars instead from fat that is less efficient.

The researchers found that Sherpas' altitude advantages are due to a gene variation in the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor A (PPARA) gene. This type of gene favors glucose over fat in producing energy. This study could help the researchers in developing new processes in treating hypoxia, according to Science Alert.
Smartphone companies are developing certain features to tighten the security of their devices. Fingerprint sensors and iris scanners are just the examples of smartphone authentication features. Samsung and Apple have these technology built on their smartphones. But what if one of these features can easily be tricked?

Samsung claims that its iris scanning technology is 100 times more secure than fingerprint sensors. But, according to Forbes, there is a legitimate way to fool the Samsung Galaxy S8 iris scanner. All it needs to hack the Samsung Galaxy S8 iris scanner is a digital camera and a laser printer. The trick required taking a picture of the subject's face, printing it on paper, superimposing the contact lens and holding the image in front of the locked Galaxy S8.

The photo taken does not need to be a close up. Using a night-shot mode or removing the infrared filter also does the trick. The people who discovered the trick are researchers from the Chaos Computer Club (CCC). A lot of fans are amazed with the new trick, but some owners of the Samsung Galaxy S8 are disappointed, knowing that their devices can be easily hacked.

The Samsung Galaxy S8 was launched last March 29. The smartphone is even considered as Samsung's most advanced product to date. The Galaxy S8 features multiple biometrics authentication systems on top of the classic pattern and PIN locking systems. The device also includes a fingerprint scanner, a facial recognition system and an iris scanner.

As BBC News noted, the researchers already posted a video of their recent discovery. Samsung also told BBC that the company is already aware of the issue. Samsung claimed that the iris scanning technology of the Galaxy S8 had been through rigorous testing to prevent attempts to compromise its security. Samsung said that it will respond immediately to resolve the issue and to ensure the security of its device.
Robert Lightfoot, the NASA's acting administrator, recently delivered a positive speech regarding the estimated 2018 budget of the agency. He also announced that the administration's budget is tightening across the board. The administrator considers the budget proposal of the White House as a sign of general support for NASA.

According to Space News, United States President Donald Trump proposed a $19.1 billion budget for NASA. The budget will allow the agency to continue its research and long-term efforts to explore the universe, which includes sending humans to the Moon and to the planet Mars. The proposed budget also includes $1.754 billion for the agency's Earth science program.

The budget really shows that the president and the government have confidence in NASA's research operations. With a positive tone, Robert Lightfoot also praised the work of NASA's employees and contractors, as well as many NASA missions that are still undergoing.

As per CBS News, the $19.1 billion budget for NASA was decreased by $561 million over the previously enacted levels that would reduce the number of Earth science missions. The budget reflects the administration's blueprint that was released last March. Robert Lightfoot also claimed that America's space program still remains healthy even though it suffered relatively modest cuts compared to other federal agencies.

The NASA budget continues its strong support for the $8.6 billion James Webb Space Telescope. It is the long-awaited successor to the Hubble Space Telescope. The new space telescope is expected to launch in 2018.

The NASA budget also includes two robotic Mars landers and a mission to study Jupiter's enigmatic moon Europa from orbit. There are also two probes designed to study asteroids.

The budget allows NASA to continue its plan to send humans to Mars by the year 2030. The NASA administrator also said that the Jet Propulsion Laboratory will be sending a new rover to the Martian surface by 2020.
After a testy legal dispute over the Finnish company's patent, the giant tech companies Apple and Nokia finally made a deal. Reports claim that Apple and Nokia recently announced an agreement in a joint statement, five months after the companies have sued each other over royalty pavements.

According to Forbes, as part of the agreement, Apple will make a sizeable one-off payment, as well as future fees, for the use of Nokia's technology throughout the life of the agreements. Analysts claim that the estimated deal will be worth hundreds of millions of pounds to Nokia. The agreements will also make Nokia shares up by 7 percent.

Such legal battles are very common in the industry, but these can also drag on for several years. Analysts had not been expecting such a quick resolution to the dispute that started in December 2016.

Under the deal, Nokia will also be supplying network of infrastructure products to the Cupertino-based company. Apple will then resume the sales of Nokia's digital health products in retail and online stores. Apple will also look at further collaboration in health.

As per Apple Newsroom, the two giant companies will ensure that the relationship and their deal work effectively to the benefit of both parties and their customers. Digital health is probably one of the areas Nokia is targeting as it tries to develop new businesses to offset the industry in demand for network equipment.

Rajeev Suri, Nokia's chief executive officer, also announced that the deal would bring a huge help to expand network sales beyond telecom operators to global internet and tech giants. The deal involves business collaboration in areas particularly IP and optical equipment.

The chief operating officer of Apple, Jeff Williams, also claims that both parties are pleased with the resolution of their dispute. Both Nokia and Apple are looking forward to expand their business relationship.
SAN FERNANDO, Calif. - May was supposed to be dead by now. The charcoal-and-white pit bull mix had languished for more than two months at a high-kill animal shelter in east Los Angeles County, and though she'd passed one "temperament test" required for adoption, she failed a second. That essentially put her on death row at the facility.

But a small rescue group got to May first and reserved her a spot on a school bus that would take her 840 miles north to Eugene, Oregon; there, another rescue had pledged to find her a home. And so on a sunny Saturday morning, she bounded up the steps of the red bus and quickly settled into a large crate near the back.

She had plenty of company as the wheels rolled along the highway: 105 other dogs and cats collected from crowded shelters in California and destined for the Pacific Northwest, where euthanasia rates are lower and pets are in greater demand. Their four rows of crates were stacked floor to ceiling. "These little souls have engulfed me," admitted Phil Broussard, the garrulous trucker driving them up the coast.

His passengers were among the more than 10,000 animals that will be ferried out of the area this year by Rescue Express, one of the dozens of organizations across the nation fueling a dizzying daily reshuffle of dogs and cats by car, van, bus, and private and even chartered plane.

These transports, mostly from high-kill southern regions, are small but growing factors in a long-term decline in euthanasia at U.S. shelters. According to some estimates, animal shelters killed as many as 20 million cats and dogs annually in the 1970s. That had fallen to 2.6 million by 2011 and to 1.5 million today, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

The numbers are only approximations, because no central data collection exists and only some states require shelters to report intake and outcome figures. But animal advocates agree that the decrease in euthanasia has been dramatic, driven mostly by successful spay-neuter programs and, more recently, by savvy adoption campaigns, greater efforts to reunite lost pets with owners and the proliferation of advocacy groups both small and large that have swept in to help municipal shelters, often poorly funded and sluggish.

"This has been the single biggest success for the animal protection movement," said Hal Herzog, a psychology professor at Western Carolina University who has long studied human-animal relationships. "It's been an incredible drop."

Still, hundreds of thousands of animals are euthanized each year, and advocates face challenges to pushing rates lower. For one, pit bull-type dogs - often perceived as dangerous and prohibited by landlords - disproportionately populate shelters. And feline sterilization continues to lag, one reason cats make up nearly 60 percent of shelter animals killed, according to the ASPCA.

Progress remains geographically lopsided, too. Advocates point to northern cities' more concerted spay-neuter campaigns and mention "cultural" differences in attitudes about sterilizing pets. Climate is another factor: In warmer regions, cats go into heat more often, pets are more likely to be allowed outside, and strays more easily survive - all of which lead to more kittens and puppies.

Whatever the reason, shelters and rescue groups say an increasing number of communities in northern parts of the country now take in migrants - young and old, small and large. Nearly a third of the 30,000 dogs and cats received by a Portland, Ore., coalition of six shelters in 2016 came from outside the area, including from Hawaii.

"For a family that's looking for that solid dog that's good with kids and other animals . . . those are really tough to find," said Anika Moje, manager of the Animal Shelter Alliance of Portland, which had a 95 percent "live-release" rate in 2016.

This overground pet railroad existed on a small scale for years, then rapidly expanded in the eastern United States after Hurricane Katrina left thousands of animals homeless in 2005. Transports more recently have mushroomed in the West, despite concerns in some places about what remains a fairly unregulated practice.

Yet even those who devote their lives to these efforts concede they will not end euthanasia of healthy animals.

"We're the Band-Aid," said Ric Browde, a board member of Wings of Rescue in Southern California. The group flies thousands of animals a year in its private plane and, sometimes, a chartered jet that can cost $20,000 a flight. "It's sort of Einstein's definition of insanity, repeating things over and over and expecting a different result. I can take dogs out of a shelter every day, but if it fills back up, have I done anything?"

The key is keeping the facilities from filling in the first place, says the ASPCA, which in 2014 pledged $25 million to help do this in the Los Angeles area. One of the public shelters it targeted was Baldwin Park, where May was housed for several weeks; it euthanizes 44 percent of the animals it takes in. On a recent Wednesday, ASPCA staff there counseled people who came to surrender dogs or cats, pointing them toward discounted veterinary care and sterilization services - expenses that often cause individuals to give up their pets.

The following Saturday, volunteer Jana Savage brought May to board the Rescue Express bus. May was a dog the volunteers at Baldwin Park were "worried about," said Savage, a writer who has helped there for several years. They all felt the county's temperament test had not given her a fair shake.

Onto the bus went May, along with a miniature pinscher, a yellow puppy and several other small pooches. Broussard had driven the vehicle down the night before from the Rescue Express base in Eugene. The longtime trucker runs many of the organization's weekly transports, which begin in San Fernando and usually end near the Washington-Canada border.

The nonprofit has moved more than 8,000 animals since a former accounting software entrepreneur, a millionaire named Mike McCarthy, founded it two years ago. He'd always had a passion for animals and had donated to several related causes, and after watching a California friend transfer dogs north, he decided there was "a real need for better-quality transports."

So McCarthy moved to Eugene - a midpoint on the West Coast - to start his own, one that would be free for the small rescue groups he'd seen were often bleeding cash. He opted to retrofit school buses, which he determined were more durable than the vans favored by many transports, could hold more crates and were cheaper to run than planes. Nowadays, that cost is about $20 to $30 per animal, and Rescue Express, with a three-bus fleet, is set to add a route up Interstate 15 through Utah.

McCarthy, 57, wants to take the model nationwide, though he knows it would make only a small dent in a big problem. "It makes a difference to the animals that are on the bus," he said. "That's how I look at it."

From San Fernando to the Canada border, the journey takes more than 20 hours and involves a driver swap. Broussard pulled onto the highway at 8:35 a.m. Riding shotgun was Laura Miller, a Target manager who moonlights as a Rescue Express "transport supervisor" - a job that entails checking all the animals in and out, plus keeping their crates clean and water bowls filled.

The animals, separated from the cab by a metal partition, were quiet save for one yippy dog named Brownie. As he drove, Broussard held forth on the local geography and national politics. Miller kept tabs on the air conditioning in the back and texted with contacts at the next stop.

At a public shelter in Bakersfield, a few dozen more animals were loaded, including a litter of 6-week-old kittens bound for a rescue group outside of Portland. Then it was back to the highway.

At 12:30 p.m., at a truck-stop parking lot in Fresno, a group of volunteers helped put about 50 dogs and cats on board. Two dogs got on in Turlock, then four more in Lathrop. By 3:15 p.m., the bus was carrying 84 dogs and 22 cats. By 7:30 p.m., the snow-capped Mount Shasta signaled that Oregon was not far off. Miller held up her cellphone and took photos of the sunset.

It was raining and chilly when the bus pulled over in Roseburg, Ore., where an adopter was waiting to greet his new puppy. After midnight, Broussard turned into a gas station lot outside Eugene. Some 15 people, standing under hoods and umbrellas, lined up in the dark to retrieve two dozen animals.

The second-to-last was May, who was whisked away to a streetlight, where she promptly relieved herself.

Today, May is hanging out at Northwest Dog Project, the rescue that had agreed to find her a home. Its 22-acre facility usually hosts 10 to 18 dogs at a time in cottages with piped-in music and even skylights. There's a doggy swimming pool, an agility course, a play yard and hiking trails.

"A majority of the dogs we take in come from high-kill shelters in California, where they've been living in noise and chaos. This is a good place for them to decompress," director Emma Scott explained.

Like all the animals the organization accepts, 2-year-old May will spend a few weeks being evaluated and trained. Scott said she has been extremely friendly and "adores people." She "already knew how to sit, and now we're working on her leash manners. . . . We'll do everything we can to make her as adoptable as we can."
EL PASO, Texas, May 24, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Western Refining, Inc. (NYSE:WNR) today announced that the waiting period applicable to its proposed acquisition by Tesoro Corporation (NYSE:TSO) pursuant to the Hart Scott Rodino (HSR) Act has terminated. This satisfies one of the final conditions to the closing of the pending acquisition. Western Refining therefore expects the closing of the acquisition to occur on June 1, 2017, subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the remaining customary conditions to closing.



ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE ELECTION DEADLINE

In light of the expected closing of Tesoros acquisition of Western Refining, Tesoro, with the consent of Western Refining, has publicly announced that the Election Deadline (as defined in the election materials previously provided to Western Refining stockholders of record and in the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of November 16, 2016, by and among Tesoro, Western Refining, Tahoe Merger Sub 1, Inc. and Tahoe Merger Sub 2, LLC) for stockholders of record of Western Refining to make their elections with respect to the merger consideration payable upon the closing of Tesoros acquisition of Western Refining shall be 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on May 30, 2017, unless otherwise extended by Tesoro by subsequent public announcement. Western Refining stockholders who hold their shares through a bank, broker or other nominee may be subject to an earlier deadline than the Election Deadline for making their elections, based on the instructions of their brokers, banks or other nominees. Western Refining stockholders bear the risk of ensuring proper and timely delivery of their election materials.

Western Refining stockholders of record with questions regarding the election process should contact Innisfree M&A Incorporated, who is the information agent for the election, toll-free at 1-888-750-5834 or collect at 1-212-750-5833 as soon as possible. Western Refining stockholders holding shares of Western Refining in street name should contact their broker, bank or other nominee with questions regarding the election process.

About Western Refining

Western Refining, Inc. is an independent refining and marketing company headquartered in El Paso, Texas. The Company operates refineries in El Paso, Gallup, New Mexico and St. Paul Park, Minnesota. The Companys retail operations include retail service stations and convenience stores in Arizona, Colorado, Minnesota, New Mexico, Texas, and Wisconsin, operating primarily through the Giant, Howdys, and SuperAmerica brands.

Western Refining, Inc. also owns the general partner and approximately 53 percent of the limited partnership interest of Western Refining Logistics, LP (NYSE:WNRL).

More information about Western Refining is available at www.wnr.com.

Forward Looking Statements

This communication contains certain statements that are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Words such as may, will, could, anticipate, estimate, expect, predict, project, future, potential, intend, plan, assume, believe, forecast, look, build, focus, create, work continue or the negative of such terms or other variations thereof and words and terms of similar substance used in connection with any discussion of future plans, actions, or events identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the proposed acquisition of Western Refining by Tesoro, integration and transition plans, synergies, opportunities, anticipated future performance, expected share buyback program and expected dividends. There are a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements included in this communication. For example, the expected timing and likelihood of completion of the proposed merger, including the timing, receipt and terms and conditions of any required governmental and regulatory approvals of the proposed acquisition that could reduce anticipated benefits or cause the parties to abandon the acquisition, the ability to successfully integrate the businesses, the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the merger agreement for the acquisition, the risk that the parties may not be able to satisfy the conditions to the proposed acquisition in a timely manner or at all, risks related to disruption of management time from ongoing business operations due to the proposed acquisition, the risk that any announcements relating to the proposed acquisition could have adverse effects on the market price of Tesoros common stock or Western Refinings common stock, the risk that the proposed acquisition and its announcement could have an adverse effect on the ability of Tesoro and Western Refining to retain customers and retain and hire key personnel and maintain relationships with their suppliers and customers and on their operating results and businesses generally, the risk that problems may arise in successfully integrating the businesses of the companies, which may result in the combined company not operating as effectively and efficiently as expected, the risk that the combined company may be unable to achieve cost-cutting synergies or it may take longer than expected to achieve those synergies, the risk that the combined company may not buy back shares, the risk of the amount of any future dividend Tesoro may pay, and other factors. All such factors are difficult to predict and are beyond our control, including those detailed in Tesoros annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and registration statement on Form S-4 filed with the SEC on December 14, 2016, as amended (the Form S-4) that are available on Tesoros website at http://www.tsocorp.com and on the SECs website at http://www.sec.gov, and those detailed in Western Refinings annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K that are available on Western Refinings website at http://www.wnr.com and on the SEC website at http://www.sec.gov. Tesoros and Western Refinings forward-looking statements are based on assumptions that Tesoro and Western Refining believe to be reasonable but that may not prove to be accurate. Tesoro and Western Refining undertake no obligation to publicly release the result of any revisions to any such forward-looking statements that may be made to reflect events or circumstances that occur, or which we become aware of, except as required by applicable law or regulation. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof.

No Offer or Solicitation:

This communication relates to a proposed business combination between Western Refining and Tesoro. This communication is for informational purposes only and is neither an offer to purchase, nor a solicitation of an offer to sell, any securities in any jurisdiction pursuant to the proposed transactions or otherwise, nor shall there be any sale, issuance or transfer or securities in any jurisdiction in contravention of applicable law. No offer of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

Additional Information and Where to Find It:

In connection with the proposed transaction, Tesoro has filed with the SEC, and the SEC has declared effective, a registration statement on Form S-4 (Reg. No. 333-215080), containing a joint proxy statement/prospectus of Tesoro and Western Refining, which proxy statement/prospectus was first mailed to Tesoro and Western Refining stockholders on February 17, 2017. This communication is not a substitute for the registration statement, proxy statement/prospectus or any other documents that Tesoro or Western Refining may file with the SEC or send to stockholders in connection with the proposed transaction. STOCKHOLDERS OF TESORO AND WESTERN REFINING ARE URGED TO READ ALL RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE SEC, INCLUDING THE FORM S-4 AND THE DEFINITIVE PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS INCLUDED THEREIN, AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE SEC, BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION. Investors and security holders will be able to obtain copies of these documents, including the proxy statement/prospectus, and other documents filed with the SEC (when available) free of charge at the SECs website, http://www.sec.gov. Copies of documents filed with the SEC by Tesoro will be made available free of charge on Tesoros website at http://www.tsocorp.com or by contacting Tesoros Investor Relations Department by phone at 210-626-6000. Copies of documents filed with the SEC by Western Refining will be made available free of charge on Western Refinings website at http://www.wnr.com or by contacting Western Refinings Investor Relations Department by phone at 602-286-1530 or 602-286-1533.
FLORENCE, S.C.  Help 4 Kids hosted a picnic to recognize its volunteers on Tuesday evening.

Help 4 Kids provides elementary school students with food on the weekends. This includes seven Head Start programs.

Diane Welsh, president of Help 4 Kids, said the program started in 2013 and served 193 students in Florence School District One. It now feeds 1,950 students a week in Pamplico, Timmonsville, Lake City, Johnsonville and Florence.

Clark Reifsnider, secretary of Help 4 Kids, said the program will do more than provide food during the summer. It will be involved in reading programs as well.

We volunteer because there are too many hungry children in the area, and those who dont eat, dont learn well, Reifsnider said. We couldnt do this without our volunteers. All of our board members are unpaid volunteers.

He said the organization currently has about 100 volunteers .

On Tuesdays and Thursdays, the group meets to package the nonperishable items for the students. Volunteers delivers the packages to the elementary schools on Thursdays and the children take the packaged items home on Fridays.

I have a passion for children and see their needs on a daily basis, said Juliette Wilson, a volunteer. This is how I could make an impact on their lives.

She said the food helps the children to well in school. She said the volunteers don't want the parents or children to have to worry about food on the weekends.

Volunteers fill in the gap and learn the needs of the community. This allows them to reach out and give back to the community, Wilson said.

Wilson is a runner in the organization. The runner usually delivers the packages of foods to elementary schools once a week.

Alberta Hughes is a packer for the organization.

We usually have an assembly line going, Hughes said. I start with the Ramen noodles and pack everything else in neatly.

Hughes said that before volunteering with Help 4 Kids, she could not believe there were so many children and adults going hungry in the county.

So much can be done and we do it for the children, Hughes said.

For those interested in donating time, money and food to the organization, check the Help 4 Kids website at help4kidsflorence.org.
MULLINS, S.C.  Anderson Brothers Bank officials donated a 2014 Dodge Charger to the police department in an effort to give back to the community.

Bank officials said they were in the process of replacing the car, but instead of trading or selling, they decided to donate it to the police department.

Were always here for the city, and we understood they needed a car, and we were there, manager Micky Watts said.

Fraud Investigator Elmore Bethea was the former driver and said the vehicle will meet their needs.

I feel great about helping out, because we all work as a team, he said.

Capt. Phil Mostowski said the car will be put to good use.

We appreciate all they do for us to help us out, he said.

Capt. Joe Graham said the department needed a replacement for the office staff to allow a fully-marked unit to patrol the streets.
JOHNSONVILLE, S.C.  South Carolina Baptist Disaster Relief efforts are expected to come to an end in the Johnsonville area at the end of May.

When the call went out after the devastating floods in October 2015, many voluntary organizations such as the American Red Cross and S.C. Baptist Disaster Relief saw the vast need, especially in the Neck area.

The Southern Baptist Convention has disaster-relief offices in each state, and they work together on large disasters, especially in neighboring states. After the flood, the S.C. Baptist Disaster Relief office contacted N.C. Baptist Men's Disaster Relief Team and invited it to come and lend assistance to this area as rebuilding began.

"The devastation was so bad, there are stories out there that have not been told yet," said Dale Strickland, former superintendent for Florence County School District Five.

As if that situation were not bad enough, Hurricane Matthew came in the fall of 2016 with more devastation.

Billy and Ann Layton of N.C. Baptist Disaster Relief were actually the first coordinators on site, according to Sharon Fields-McCormick with RebuildSC, a program of S.C. Baptist Disaster Relief.

Following the departure of the Laytons last October to coordinate Hurricane Matthew relief in their own state of North Carolina, Fields-McCormick and her husband, Jack McCormick, answered the call, bringing their travel trailer to use for housing accommodations until the rebuilding efforts conclude this summer.

Jack McCormick is the RebuildSC coordinator for the state. Fields-McCormick helps with the Johnsonville site coordination and gathers information from homeowners requesting rebuilding assistance. She said it was heartbreaking to have to tell people they were not going to be able to assist them with their homes because their damage was not due to the flood or because of the slowdown of volunteer teams coming to the area.

Johnsonville Baptist Church has hosted the disaster-relief and rebuilding efforts since October 2015. Fields-McCormick said that before RebuildSC leaves the Family Life Center, they will paint the walls and refinish the floors.

We are ever so grateful for their hospitality," she said.

On this day a group from Biltmore Church in North Carolina was going to Lake City to do house repairs and to visit everyone who had requested assistance. Kelvin Mosley, a missions pastor at Biltmore Church, said that since the flood, his church had brought 12 disaster-relief teams with 10 to 20 members on each team. Three men  Tom Leeper, Cal Petticrue and Vernon Olin  have been on most of the 12 trips.

Many of these people are retired, but not all. Some take the mission trip as vacation. They use college students for excavation and removal work, but all work is done under strict supervision of qualified crew chiefs. They not only need construction volunteers, they must have volunteers preparing meals for the mission teams. There was a place for anyone who wanted to volunteer.

Rebuilding communities after disasters is important, but that is not this group's first goal. They witness to the unchurched people as they serve in the rebuilding efforts. Witnessing to the lost people they encounter and seeing them come to know the Lord is their first priority. That week, when the Biltmore team came in for the last night, they had given out over 100 bags of food, Bibles and other necessities and had led 32 people to Christ, in addition to working on 10 homes. One volunteer who worked on a house two years ago was able to revisit the family, give them groceries, and witness to them again.

Fields-McCormick said they have had groups of volunteers from all over the nation and from all denominations. Sometimes they had as many volunteers as 150 at one time. Volunteer teams slept on cots or on air mattresses on the floor in the Family Life Center of Johnsonville Baptist Church. A group came from Wisconsin and took one day off to go to the beach, the first experience for most of them. In January, an Amish group came from Ohio. They conducted their own worship services every night in the Family Life Center.

On Sunday evening, they attended worship services in the Johnsonville Baptist Church, where they sang and shared about the Amish culture and lifestyle. At the end of the service they asked if they might sing a final song. They sang "To God Be The Glory," all faiths serving and worshipping together.
Patricia "Toni"Miles LeeLAKE CITY -- Mrs. Patricia "Toni" Miles Lee, 77, wife of Ray Lee, died Saturday, May 20, 2017, at her home after an illness.Funeral services will be at 4:00 p.m., Monday, May 22, 2017, at Carolina Funeral Home Chapel, with burial following at Matthews Cemetery, Lake City.The family will receive friends from 6:00 8:00 p.m., Sunday, May 21, 2017, at Carolina Funeral Home.Mrs. Lee was born June 9, 1939, in Florence County, a daughter of the late Ina Lou Lee Miles. She attended Bible Outreach Church and was a retired service operator for a garment manufacturing company. Mrs. Lee was a very dedicated and loving wife, mother and grandmother.Surviving in addition to her husband, Ray Lee; are a son, Rickie (Karen) Miles of Lake City; grandchildren, Charlotte (Derrick) Grier, Andrew (Eliza) Miles, Dean (Laura) Howell and Kenneth Howell; great-grandchildren, Mackenzie and Kade Miles, Harper Grier, Ryder Knauff Howell, and Kaleigh, Connor and Taylor Howell; special cousin, Judy Miles Driggers; and special sister-in-law, Glenda L. Weatherford.Memorials may be made to Hospice Care of South Carolina, 1800 Second Loop Road #16, Florence, SC 29501.(Please sign our guest book on line @ www.carolinafuneralhome.net ).
Five-year-old future Legal Beagle Mike was learning to dove hunt with his father one beautiful fall Saturday morning near Macon, Georgia, when they stumbled on a wounded pigeon.

Imagine their surprise when they saw a band on the leg. Trying to both help the bird and open the band, they took the bird to the Macon Zoo.

Indeed, as they hoped, there was a tiny message wound up tight in the band, written in German. They took the scroll to Mercer University in Macon for interpretation to reveal: Stay hidden. Success in December.

The pair had stumbled into the world of German spies in the United States using homing pigeons, although this one had been on the loose and lost for approximately 15 years. Probably not connected to this incident, young Mike went on to be a prominent attorney in Florence and Charleston.

Homing pigeons (Columba livia domestica) are NOT carrier pigeons. Carrier pigeons are bred for their characteristic waddle. Homing pigeons have in fact been used in wartime across the world and were used in the United States by German spies during World War II.

Europeans first developed them for a mailing system, probably the Greeks announcing winners of the Olympic Games roughly 3,000 years ago. Widespread use came 2,000 years later by the Muslim Empire and the Chinese under Genghis Kahn. The Baghdad sultans used them for a regular mail service. The sultans were able to breed birds living up to or more than 15 years.

Various parts of the world have used the pigeons for mail service over the years, with India stopping its service in 2002.

The pigeons can carry a little more than 2 ounces of mail. Its fascinating that as recently as 1980 pigeons were used to carry medical samples in Plymouth, England.

The first airmail postage stamp was issued in Australia about 1900 for its Great Barrier Pigeongram Service.

Homing pigeons have been used in war, and not just by spies, and not just in the Middle East. Pigeons were used by the Rothschild Bank during the Napoleonic Wars, since it financed both sides and needed early information; as bonds fell on the English markets during the crucial battle at Waterloo, the Rothschilds bought into a falling market.

Pigeons were used in World War I. In fact, the French honored a pigeon with the French War Cross for its heroic 13 missions, once even being wounded. Many pigeons were dropped by planes into the German Empire in World War II to spread misinformation and then, flying back approximately 400 miles, on return to carry intelligence information to London.

Other pigeons were used by the Allies around the German Empire to work with local resistance fighters and spies.

And as noted earlier, the Germans used them for its spies in the United States.

The World War II Allies awarded 32 pigeons medals of honor named the Dickin Medal.

Pigeon racing continues as a sport. The first race probably was held in 1818 in Brussels, although some races were held roughly 1,500 years earlier.

Pigeon racing remains popular in the United States with approximately 15,000 pigeons now involved. The races usually are 60 to 650 miles long and can have significant prizes, as in tens of thousands of dollars, although Chicago has banned them. There is even a professional association, the American Racing Pigeon Union.

Pigeons with training do in fact fly home sometimes from 1,000 miles away. They can average an amazing 50 miles per hour with bursts up to 140 miles per hour! The home base is the important spot; therefore, to be useful in carrying messages, the pigeons first must be trained to go home and then taken to some other location. If the messages are secrets, then of course the home must be developed very carefully and secretly. Sometimes pigeons have been trained to have two homes, one with the nest and the other with food.

How do homing pigeons come home? Well, we really dont know, and probably the mechanism is different for different pigeons, although any one bird might use multiple mechanisms.

Researchers have discovered several mechanisms: The birds have iron particles in their beaks and can thus follow magnetic fields; some birds can apparently memorize topography like a cruise missile, including turns in roads and highways. Other birds can follow odors. Some birds use gravity. Other birds appear to use specialized hearing to follow low-frequency infrasound waves. The sun apparently is important, too.

Who knew the pigeon could be so interesting?

By now you probably have figured that the German message found in Georgia was a reference to the upcoming Battle of the Bulge, which started in December 1944.

I thank Legal Beagle Mike for his information on homing pigeons and the German spies in Georgia.
Veendam will offer an extended call at Havana and a visit to Cienfuegos on seven-, 11- and 12-day Caribbean cruises.

The line said heavy demand is expcted when bookings open May 26.

Veendam's first Cuba cruise will be the Dec. 22, 12-day holiday sailing.

Nine seven-day itineraries will feature Havana, and three of these will add another Cuba call at Cienfuegos. Depending on the departure, cruises include a combination of Caribbean destinations such as Amber Cove, Belize City, Costa Maya, Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Grand Turk, Key West and Montego Bay.

An 11-day spring cruise sails March 17, 2018, and also features Havana and Cienfuegos, as well as Key West, Cozumel, Montego Bay and Georgetown (Grand Cayman). The final seven-day Cuba sailing departs on April 18, 2018.

Fares start at $899 per person, double occupancy. Taxes, fees and port expenses are additional.

Extensive Cuba destination enrichment is planned through the lines Explorations Central program.

Educational and cultural EXC Tours are being developed in and near Havana and Cienfuegos with a highlight being Trinidad, one of the best-preserved historic towns in the Caribbean.
The takeover is being made in two stages with Scorpio acquiring four LR1 tankers from Navig8 for $42.4m in cash, net of assumed debt, prior to closing. And then Scorpio issuing 55m new shares to the shareholders of Navig8, taking over the companys 23 remaining product tankers on closing.

Following completion of the merger Navig8 shareholders will have a 24% stake in the enlarged Scorpio Tankers. The deal gives Navig8 an equity value of $228.8m based on Scorpios closing share price with an enterprise value of $1.1bn including assumed debt.

A majority of Navig8 shareholders have agreed to the merger and Scorpio said that it is therefore expected the merger will be approved.

Scorpio Tankers is also undertaking a $200m stock issue to fund the acquisition of the LR1 tankers, pay for other merger costs and to strengthen is balance sheet.

Explaining the rationale for the acquisition the company said: Scorpio will be the largest owner of product tankers listed on a US securities exchange, with a fully delivered fleet of 105 vessels.

Scorpio will have a fleet of eight LR2 tankers, 12 LR1 tankers, 41 MR tankers, and 14 handymax tankers following the merger.

Scorpio said that substantial economies of scale would give it a, Significant presence across adjacent product tanker segments will provide for enhanced customer relationships and increased vessel utilisation.

The acquisition was greeted positively by Deutsche Bank. Net/net we believe todays announcement has the potential to be a significant positive for STNG (Scorpio Tankers) shareholders over the mid-to-long-term, it said in a note.
SBCT Group md Ng Kiat Min said Suria has submitted a request to Sabah Ports Authority to review its outdated port tariffs which were currently being regulated under the Sabah Ports Enactment and had not changed for the past 30 years.

Suria Capital chairman Faisyal Yusof Hamdain Diego meanwhile added that it was about time for the state government to consider revising the port charges, noting that some of the group's shareholders from peninsular Malaysia had pointed to the several rounds of revisions at the ports in Johor.

"It is justified to have revision we have spent so much on our facility and system for the ports which related industries should understand the need for us to review the tariff," he added.

Elaborating on the expansion plans, Ng said in the first phase, berth length would be extended from 500 m to 850 m, while the container stacking area would be expanded from 13 ha to 34 ha. This would more than double capacity to 1.25m teu by 2026 from 500,000 teu currently.

Ng said the group was building in anticipation of demand and the expansion would enable SBCT to cater to bigger vessels and high volumes in future.

This is a supply-driven initiative. We have to get infrastructure ready to entice downstream foreign investment and generate more cargos, she said. Ng pointed out that with its strategic location, SBCT had the potential to become a regional transhipment hub.

The federal government has approved MYR1.1bn ($255.7m) through the Sabah Economic Development Investment Authority to transform the port into a transshipment hub, which will become a game changer to spur the economy.

Other major infrastructure works lined up include the construction of conventional cargo terminal at Sepangar Bay Port for the relocation of Kota Kinabalu port operation, Sapangar Oil Terminal Jetty extension, barge facility at Sandakan and Lahad Datu Ports, as well as the construction of new jetty at Lahad Datu Port.
The port, which is being developed by the Indonesian government with funding and support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), is expected to start operations in 2020, and is seen as key to the operations of the two major vehicle manufacturers as it is only a two-hour drive from the Cikarang industrial complex on the eastern outskirts of Jakarta, where both their plans are located.

Apart from helping to divert some volumes from the main seaport at Tanjung Priok in North Jakarta, Patimban port will also feature a special terminal for importing and exporting motor vehicles. Both Toyota and Mitsubishi have previously said that they intend to transform Indonesia into their primary regional car export base.

However they still face the usual problems in Indonesia, as antiquated laws still cap foreign ownership of port operators at 49%, thus necessitating a complicated and tricky tie-up with a local partner before they can formally bid.

Meanwhile the writing already appears to be on the wall, as is the usual case. "From Indonesia, only Pelindo II has shown interest in bidding for the port management contract," Indonesian Transportation Ministry director general of sea transport Tonny Budiono was quoted as saying.

"We will have an auction later to determine who acquires the contract," Tonny said.When fully completed Patimban Port's capacity of 7.5m teu will almost matchTanjung Priok's current capacity of 8m teu.
The 1A ice-classed, 5,800 cu m Coralius was built by Royal Bodewes for Anthony Veder and Sirius Shipping. The vessel was named by Johanna Lamminen, chair of the board of Skangas. The Coralius will offer LNG bunkering services to Skangas customers mainly operating in the North Sea, the Skagerak area and the Baltic Sea.

Bunkering LNG ship-to-ship increases the accessibility of this marine fuel for our customers, said Kimmo Rahkamo, ceo of Skangas.

Jan Valkier, ceo of Anthony Veder, commented: Last year we conducted the first safe bunkering operation in the Gothenburg area for Skangas with Coral Energy, another of our LNG carriers.

The Coralius is our first LNG bunker vessel developed in co-operation with Sirius Shipping and we are very proud to serve the market in a safe and efficient way with the delivery of this dedicated LNG bunker vessel.

The Coralius is constructed according to the guidelines set by the Society for Gas and Marine Fuel (SGMF).
Export Credit Norway it had assembled a specialised team and tailor-made financing solution to support vessel owners who need to retrofit equipment such as gas exhaust cleaning systems, ballast water treatment systems and new coating systems.

Export Credit Norway will offer up to 85% of the value of retrofit equipment purchased by international shipowners from Norway, with the equipment having to have a minimum of 30% Norwegian content. The maturity of loans will be between 5  8.5 years.

Money is tight and access to reasonably priced capital is a challenge for many players in the international shipping and maritime industries at the moment. Hence, attractive financing of retrofit equipment could make the investment less demanding for many vessel owners, said Olav Einar Rygg, Export Credit Norways director of lending, Ocean Industries.

Owners have complained about the lack of available financing for equipment required to meet new environmental regulations with as many as 60,000 vessels worldwide will need to retrofit scrubber systems by 2020 and ballast water treatment systems by 2021.

For owners looking to retrofit several vessels Export Credit Norway can offer a credit frame agreement to cover the entire fleet.

Our aim is to make the financing process as smooth and efficient as possible, so that vessel owners can focus their time on core business. That is why we offer a credit frame agreement which essentially covers numerous vessel retrofits under the same loan facility, said Rygg.
Akbayan Senator Risa Hontiveros on the terrorist attack in Marawi

I join the Filipino people in strongly condemning the terrorist attack allegedly perpetrated by the Maute group in Marawi. Their assault is cowardly and totally senseless.

Together with the Filipino nation, I hope and pray for the safety of our fellow Filipinos caught in the middle of this conflict.

I also extend my support to the men and women of our uniformed service who are bravely fulfilling their duty to protect the lives of our people from this dastardly act of terror.

I call on the Duterte government to allay the fear and confusion of the public by assuring them that the administration is on top of the situation. In a time of crisis, the people deserve a government that is judicious, calm and resolved. The government's actions must be measured even as they are prompt and decisive.
SEN. JV EJERCITO ON PRESIDENT DUTERTE'S DECLARATION OF MARTIAL LAW IN MINDANAO

I condemn the lawless violence and terrorist attacks perpetrated by the Maute Group. It is time for government forces to put an end to the violence that has prevented Mindanao from achieving the progress its people deserves.

I pray that our kababayans in Marawi City remain safe amidst this assault by lawless elements.

I support President Duterte's decision to cut short his official visit to Russia in order to deal with this problem.

The President -- exercising his military powers provided for in the 1987 Constitution -- has also declared martial law in the whole of Mindanao. As a member of the Senate of the Philippines, I assure our people that I will do my constitutional duty. As soon as the President submits his report, we are duty-bound to decide whether to revoke or extend the declaration.

I will base my decision solely on the welfare and interest of Mindanaoans and the people of the Republic of the Philippines.
Press Release

May 24, 2017 AMID MARTIAL LAW DECLARATION IN MINDANAO, CHIZ ASKS PEOPLE TO BE VIGILANT Senator Chiz Escudero expressed deep concern about the declaration of Martial Law in the whole of Mindanao following clashes between government troops and the local Maute terrorist group yesterday, and asked people to remain vigilant against possible threats to peace and order in their communities. President Rodrigo Duterte declared martial law at 10 pm last night while he was in a state visit in Russia. The declaration covers the whole island of Mindanao and will last for 60 days. Escudero, a lawyer himself, said under the Constitution, the President can declare the country or parts of it under martial law in case of "invasion or rebellion when public safety requires it" for more than 60 days. The senator added that within 48 hours, the President must submit a report to Congress, which, by voting jointly, may revoke or extend the declaration by a vote of at least a majority of its members. According to Escudero, he is awaiting the report detailing the basis for the declaration of martial law. "While I am deeply concerned with such a declaration, I am also deeply disturbed by what is happening in Marawi. We must condemn any terroristic acts at all times. I will therefore await such a report and will vote accordingly as a member of Congress with only the best interests of our country and people in mind," said the veteran lawmaker, former chair of the Senate Committee on Justice and Human rights. Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said in a press conference in Moscow that details of the martial law will be "forthcoming." Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said the declaration "entails the suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus, imposition of curfews and setting up of checkpoints." "The defense secretary may have been mistaken about the suspension of the writ of habeas corpus because it is not automatic by expressed provision of the Constitution and should also be specifically declared by the President," Escudero pointed out. He urged the people to remain vigilant amid the declaration of martial law to help ease security concerns brought about by the presence of lawless elements in their areas. "We all hope that the situation will remain well under the control of the government with the utmost priority on the safety of our people," Escudero said.
AKBAYAN SENATOR RISA HONTIVEROS

ON THE TERRORIST ATTACK IN MARAWI

I join the Filipino people in strongly condemning the terrorist attack allegedly perpetrated by the Maute group in Marawi. Their assault is cowardly and totally senseless.

Together with the Filipino nation, I hope and pray for the safety of our fellow Filipinos caught in the middle of this conflict.

I also extend my support to the men and women of our uniformed service who are bravely fulfilling their duty to protect the lives of our people from this dastardly act of terror.

I call on the Duterte government to allay the fear and confusion of the public by assuring them that the administration is on top of the situation. In a time of crisis, the people deserve a government that is judicious, calm and resolved. The government's actions must be measured even as they are prompt and decisive.
Press Release

May 24, 2017 Akbayan Senator Risa Hontiveros on the declaration of Martial Law in Mindanao The Duterte government must see to it that the Maute group is held responsible for its dastardly act of violence against our fellow countrymen and women. Terrorism and other senseless acts of violence have no place in our society. Thus, I commend the brave men and women of our uniformed service who are fulfilling their duty to protect the lives of our people from the Maute group's act of terror. They risk their lives for our safety. They deserve our utmost support. However, may I remind the Duterte government that in times of crisis, its actions must be measured even as they are prompt and decisive. In this spirit, I urge President Duterte to explain the reason why Martial Law was declared over the whole of Mindanao, including Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-tawi. I await his written report to the legislature, which has the power to approve and revoke the said declaration. But this early I want to raise several concerns regarding President Duterte's declaration of Martial Law in the south. First, I'm afraid that placing the entire Mindanao under martial law might be highly disproportionate. It may not be a measured response to the threat posed by the Maute group, which is still confined within Marawi. By placing the entire Mindanao under Martial Law, the government might play to the script of the Maute group and contribute to an environment of fear and violence that will further serve the interests of the lawless elements. Second, I fear the implementation of Martial law in the hands of a government that has a low regard for human rights. If the people's human rights are wantonly violated under peace time, what more under martial law? How can the government ensure that the rights of the public are not violated in the implementation of Martial law in Mindanao? Third, I hope that the declaration of martial law in the south is not being used to cover up the government's alleged failure of intelligence in combatting terrorism. As early as 2016, President Duterte disclosed that the Maute Group had threatened to burn Marawi City if the AFP would not stop its military offensives. What did the government do with this intelligence report? I urge President Duterte to adhere to the principle of proportionality and responsibility in addressing this serious security concern. There is no doubt that the Maute group should be punished for its atrocities. This however should not be done at the expense of the people's basic rights.
Press Release

May 24, 2017 PRIVILEGE SPEECH OF AKBAYAN SENATOR RISA HONTIVEROS Mr. President, I rise on a point of personal and collective privilege. Yesterday afternoon, we were all jolted by news that elements of the Maute group had taken siege of Marawi City. Several facilities were occupied by this group, including a government hospital, city hall, the city jail and a school, the Dansalan College. Buildings were being set on fire, and firetrucks were detained and held by members of the terrorist group so that no assistance could be rendered. Chilling photos on social media and in news sites showed ISIS flags being hoisted over public buildings and on the streets. This was the same terrorist group responsible for the Davao night market bombing last year. Mr. President, there are no words for this unspeakable tragedy. Just yesterday morning, we were commiserating with the citizens of Manchester, England, whose young people became victims of a terrorist attack at a concert. Only a few hours later, our own countrymen and women from Marawi were flooding social media with desperate entreaties for help. Sabi nga ni Marawi City Mayor Majul Usman Gandamra, 'we are not okay.' I can only condemn in the strongest possible words this brazen act of terror and inhumanity that is an assault on our country, our people, and the peace-loving values of Muslim peoples all over the world. Terrorism, however, should be responded to not with bloodlust and unfettered state violence. Actions of the state must be measured, even as they should be prompt and decisive. I do not want to preempt the report of the President before the Congress, but I would like to express my concern over the words of President Duterte this morning, saying, and I quote, "Martial law is martial, it will not be different from what President Marcos did. I will be harsh." It concerns me that the President appears to not be aware that any martial law declaration done in the post-Marcosian era will, by necessity, be different from the Proclamation No. 1081. Then, Marcos did not need Congress's approval. There was no possibility of overriding the proclamation. Now, the proclamation needs affirmation by Congress, that can revoke it. Then, the military took over the civilian courts and Congress was eventually abolished. Now, the judicial and legislative branches need to remain functioning and will be headed by civilians. Then, when the writ of habeas corpus was suspended, the suspension could apply to anyone now. If the President suspends the writ now, it can and should only apply to those charged with rebellion or offenses connected with the invasion. Furthermore, that person arrested or detained should be judicially charged within three days. These changes have been installed in place precisely because of our nation's experiences in executive excesses and overreach. Kaya po, isa ko pong tanong sa Pangulo: ano po ang ibig sabihin ninyo na ang inyong Martial Law ay igagaya niyo sa Martial Law ng diktador? When you say you will be harsh, do you mean that you will be as harsh as the dictator that threw journalists and critics into prison? As harsh as the dictator that authorized waterboarding, Russian roulette, rape as a form of torture? As harsh as the dictator who co-opted the judicial and legislative branches and arrogated unto himself all the powers of the state? As harsh as the dictator that ordered the Malisbong massacre and the burning of Jolo to the ground, leaving searing memories of Martial law on generations of Muslim Filipinos? Terrorism must be met with decisiveness, but I fear the implementation of Martial law in the hands of a government that has demonstrated a poor track record in the area of human rights, and in the hands of a President that has time and again, expressed disdain towards the rule of law. If the people's human rights are wantonly violated under peacetime, what more under martial law? Kung ang ating uniformed personnel ay hinahayaang maging abusado at marahas sa panahon na walang Martial Law, paano pa sa ilalim ng Batas Militar? What has become of the declaration of the state of lawlessness imposed by the President in the aftermath of the Davao night market bombing, and has this been assessed in terms of what it has accomplished and where it remains deficient? Why do we keep resurrecting relics from our painful history, instead of coming up with new solutions and modern strategies that are in accordance with the rule of law and our international commitments? These are questions I, as legislator and therefore constitutionally mandated to check on Executive excesses, need to ask at this difficult moment confronting our nations. These are questions that I call on you, my fellow legislators, to keep asking as we navigate our way through these murky waters and as we listen to the President deliver his report to Congress tomorrow. I call on this chamber, Mr. President, to express the sense of the Senate as early as now to remain steadfast in our commitment to human rights, to protect the lessons that we have learned from Marcos's Martial Law, and to ensure that that dark period of history will never happen again. Make no doubt about it: terrorism is a monster to be suppressed. But in suppressing this monster, let us not rouse another monster. One that carries with it the legacy of so much blood and pain. Maraming salamat po. Please check against delivery
Press Release

May 24, 2017 Sponsorship speech for the Committee Report regarding the Inquiry on the Confession of SPO3 Arturo Lascanas

Senator Panfilo M. Lacson

May 24, 2017 Mr. President, fellow members of this august chamber, I have the honor to report on the Senate floor the result of the inquiry, in aid of legislation, conducted by the Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs on the Privilege Speech of Sen. Antonio F. Trillanes IV regarding the public confession of retired SPO3 Arturo Lascanas on the existence of the Davao Death Squad (DDS), as embodied in Committee Report No. 97. Mr. President, one night in September 2015, an ailing man while undergoing dialysis in a hospital in Davao City, dreamt that the devil was inside his room. The dream seemed so real, he even had flashbacks on certain incidents of his life, particularly the times when he killed people. He recalled calling the name of Jesus and made a promise to serve His will from thereon. Thereafter, he found himself saved by a child-like image appearing from a bright light. He then woke up from his dream and became a renewed man. That was the story of the spiritual awakening of Mr. Arturo Lascanas. More than a year later, or on October 3, 2016, the same man was summoned by the Senate committee on justice and human rights to testify under oath as to the alleged existence of and the President's participation and involvement in the Davao Death Squad (DDS). Before proceeding, he took an oath before everyone present in this very hall and in front of the entire nation, invoking the name of God to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Mr. President, not only did he deny the existence of DDS, he even declared it as nothing more than a media hype and testified on record that Mr. Edgar Matobato was a liar. Four months later, he was back here at the Senate and recanted his previous testimony. It is no secret that several members of this august body expressed apprehension in listening to what he had to say. I myself, too, had reservations as to giving him another chance after repudiating his previous testimony. I made it on record during our hearing, and I am stating it once again that I have grown averse to flip-flopping testimonies made under oath, probably because of similar incidents in the past that directly and indirectly affected my person. My animosity, however, was no excuse to shirk my duties as Chairman of the Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs to which this inquiry was referred. Human experience tells us that lies open doors towards distrust, and more often than not, destroy relationships. In the case of Mr. Lascanas, the Senate has once again opened its doors to hear what he had to say only because his statements may be imbued with public interest. Mr. President, at the start of the inquiry, I openly posited two considerations by which Mr. Lascanas' testimony was to be evaluated. First, it was up to Mr. Lascanas to prove not only his credibility as a witness, but also the credibility of his testimony. It was not only proper but right, Mr. President and distinguished colleagues, because he was presented as a recanting witness. Let us be guided by the wisdom of the Supreme Court in People vs. Ayuman [G.R. No. 133436. April 14, 2004] when it said: "xxx mere retraction by a prosecution witness does not necessarily vitiate the original testimony if credible; that the Court looks with disfavor upon retractions of testimonies previously given in court; that the rationale for the rule is that affidavits of retraction can easily be secured from witnesses, usually through intimidation or for a monetary consideration; and that recanted testimony is exceedingly unreliable. There is always the probability that it will later be repudiated." Mr. President, let us not overlook the fact that Mr. Lascanas, a person who claimed as someone with close personal relations with the President of the Republic, admittedly tried but failed to close deals and secure contracts with the government, namely Small Town Lottery (STL) franchises, customs brokerage, van terminal, and quarrying. Second consideration is the Res Inter Alios Acta doctrine, which states that the rights of a party cannot be prejudiced by an act, declaration, or omission of another. Simply speaking, to successfully implicate President Duterte and other Davao City police officers, it was incumbent upon Mr. Lascanas to (1) prove the conspiracy by evidence other than the admission itself; (2) show that the admission relates to the common object; and (3) prove that it has been made while he was engaged in carrying out the conspiracy. Mr. President, this committee sought to be guided by the wisdom of our Courts because ultimately, the matter will fall into their hands should the issue be proven to be more than a political crusade. More importantly, I do not want the Senate of the Philippines to be used as a staging area to condition the minds of the people into accepting baseless testimonies offered to cause divisiveness to this nation. We expected to hear details and receive other proof beyond what was easily accessible to a former police officer like Mr. Lascanas. The mosque bombings and the deaths of persons such as Pala and Bersabal are of public record. Any person with an evil design could easily fabricate allegations to be inserted in between circumstances already borne by official records. Moreover, his statements with respect to the raid of Alan Tancio's house as well as the killing of a certain Patajasa or Pasataja family were proven to be lies based on investigations conducted by not only the PNP, but also the media. To elaborate, I beg your indulgence, Mr. President, distinguished colleagues, and may I request permission to show a PowerPoint presentation of your committee's findings: 1. Regarding the alleged origins of the Davao Death Squad - based on the statements of Mr. Lascanas, the tag "Davao Death Squad" started after his team, composed of the select members of the Davao Police and several members of the "Rebel Returnees," raided the residence of a drug pusher named Alan Tancio. He stated in his Affidavit, and I quote: "...we were not known as DDS until the raid on the residence of Alan Tancio when the Davao City Police Director was ISIDRO LAPENA." Upon checking the service record of now PDEA Director Isidro Lapena, we found out that he was assigned as the Davao City Police Director from 1996 to 1998. In view of the foregoing, the moniker "Davao Death Squad" must have been coined sometime between 1996 and 1998. Lo and behold, Mr. President. During his testimony before this committee, Mr. Lascanas narrated under oath and I quote: "2001, dito po nacreate ang heinous crime group. Isa ako sa mga senior na pasimuno ng death squad. Dito din, in between sa mga taon na ito, dito lumabas ang Davao Death Squad..." Ang taong 2001, Mr. President, hindi po ito sakop ng 1996 at 1998. 2. This Committee also conducted a fact-check on the details of the raid of the residence of a known drug pusher in Davao City named Alan Tancio. Again, based on both the testimony and sworn affidavit of Mr. Lascanas, the residence of Alan Tancio was at Bacaca Heights, Davao City. Further, he narrated that the only occupant, a housemaid, was shot and killed. At this point, allow me to show a video report by Ms. Maki Pulido which was aired on GMA-7's State of the Nation with Jessica Soho last February 23, 2017: [video clip] Mr. President, it is clear that the residents attested that the raid that Mr. Lascanas was referring to took place at Garcia Heights, Bajada, Davao City, and not in Bacaca Heights, Davao City. Further, contrary to Lascanas' claim that there is only one fatality, the residents, as they clearly remember the incident, attested that the said raid resulted to the death of two individuals, one male and one female. 3. Mr. President, among the alleged killings highlighted by Mr. Lascanas was that of the Patasaja Family. Let it be of record that Mr. Lascanas referred to this personality as PATASAJA/PATAJASA/PASAJATA in his sworn affidavit and testimony. That's fine and understandable, Mr. President. First and foremost, he said that Mr. Patasaja was ordered killed because he was allegedly the mastermind of the kidnapping of a certain Mrs. Abaca, purportedly a prominent person in Davao City. However, based on a Memorandum submitted by the PNP Anti-Kidnapping Group (AKG) dated March 3, 2017, there were no available records pertaining to the kidnapping of Mrs. Abaca. Next point, according to Mr. Lascanas, the involvement of Mr. Patasaja was made known to the police based on information received from a certain Insp. Patayan who was purportedly a neighbor of Mr. Patajasa. Once again, Mr. President, allow me present a summary of the information gathered by the PNP Region 12 Office: a. Inspector Tzaddi W. Patayan formerly lived in Pendatun Avenue, Barangay West, General Santos City and passed away in 2008; b. Based on the respective interviews conducted of Insp Patayan's sister and daughter, they have never heard of the kidnapping and that they never had neighbors living in their area with the family name Patasaja or Pasajata; c. Even the Purok Chairman in the person of Roberto Dingal, who lived in the area since his childhood, gave similar statement; and d. All police stations in General Santos City issued certifications stating that there was no incident record or reports connected to the kidnapping of the Patasaja family. Lastly, we noticed a glaring inconsistency in Lascanas' narration of facts pertaining to the killing of the Patasaja family in his press conference last February 20, 2017 and the Affidavit that he signed the day before. During his press conference, he said that the entire Patajasa family was killed in his presence but in his Affidavit, he said that he only heard gunshots coming from the small house where the Patasajas were killed. He further added that he did not know how the child was killed because it was dark. Mr. President, it is true that a witness is not expected to give error-free testimony considering the lapse of time and the treachery of human memory as stated in People vs. Mirandilla (G.R. No. 186417 July 27, 2011), but the pronouncement of the Supreme Court on inconsistencies on minor lapses should not be twisted in order to be applicable to contradictions on relevant matters as to how a person witnessed the commission of a crime. 4. Mr. Lascanas also presented to this Committee his narrative as to the circumstances surrounding the death of Gaudencio "Jun" Bersabal, Jr. As a brief overview, Jun Bersabal was a former leader of ex-PC soldiers engaged in various criminal activities. He was allegedly killed per order of then-Mayor Duterte. To cover up the killing, Mr. Lascanas claimed that they connived with Insp Rommel Mitra of Sigaboy Police Station to make it appear that Bersabal was properly turned over to the station after his arrest and thereafter escaped during the night. Mr. President, allow me to note that Mr. Lascanas, together with SPO4 Fulgencio Pavo, SPO3 Gerry Bagohin, SPO3 Stephen Abella, Edgar Matobato, SPO2 Ruben Laguesma and P/SR INSP Rommel Mitra were all made respondents on the investigation conducted by the CHR on the death of Bersabal. The findings show that there was no clear and convincing evidence presented to prove their involvement and participation in said killing. Having said so, the presumption of regularity accorded to public officials in the performance of duty prevailed. 5. Then, there was the case of Juan "Jun" Porras Pala or more commonly known as Jun Pala. According to Mr. Lascanas, he was hired to kill Jun Pala in exchange for Three Million Pesos (P3,000,000.00). He substantiated that Pala was murdered upon the instructions of then Mayor Duterte because of the former's attacks against the Mayor in his radio programs. Mr. President, it is also difficult to single out then Mayor Duterte as the mastermind of Pala's death as CIDG 11 Report states, "Mrs. Louie Pala, the victim's wife, executed an Affidavit on October 16, 2003 stating that her late husband generated lots of enemies during his political career both public and private entities and received several threats to his life." While it is easy to conclude that motive points to then Mayor Duterte, lest we should forget that the Supreme Court in People vs. Maongco (G.R. No. 108963) stated that motive alone is not proof of a crime. In order to tip the scales in its favor, intent and not motive must be established. Motive is hardly ever an essential element of a crime. A man driven by extreme moral perversion may be led to commit a crime, without a real motive but just for the sake of committing it. 6. Lascanas also claimed his involvement in the killing of Master Sergeant Donald Caigas in 2010. However, in a news report by GMA News Online on July 19, 2011, Col. Domingo Tutaan said that M/Sgt. Donald Caigas passed away in 2010 due to a lingering illness. In fact, the Department of Justice was furnished a copy of a certification proving his death. During that time, Caigas was a respondent in the preliminary investigation conducted by the DOJ regarding the disappearance of two (2) U.P. students. 7. Lastly, there were also mentions of the killings of the following personalities: Fred Sotto; a certain Felicisimo Cunanan, Jr.; Eleven (11) Chinese nationals; a Taiwanese national and two (2) Filipino companions; and an unnamed dance instructor of Mayor Duterte's sister, Jocelyn. Mr. President, these alleged murders were not included in the Affidavit of Mr. Lascanas and the facts surrounding therein were not discussed in detail in his testimony. As such, the Committee was deprived of the opportunity to verify even the mere fact of death of the people mentioned. This portion of his testimony was disregarded due to his failure to establish the corpus delicti therein. Corpus delicti refers to the fact of the commission of the crime charged or to the body or substance of the crime. In order to prove corpus delicti, Lascanas must have established that (1) a certain fact has been proven - the persons mentioned died / were killed; and (2) the Davao Death Squad and Mayor Duterte are criminally responsible for the act. Mr. President, this inquiry only highlighted the fact that there are individuals who have the audacity to spread falsity before this august body. These untruthful statements, given under oath before a Senate Committee, undermine Congress' Constitutionally-granted authority to conduct inquiries in aid of legislation. These attempts to impede the Legislative branch from performing its Constitutional function must therefore be punished accordingly. Despite the fact that perjury and giving false testimony are already criminal in nature, the prevalence of committing such crimes remains. One solution is to impose heavier penalties to serve as deterrence against possible violators. It is also high time to amend the Senate Rules of Procedure Governing Inquiries in Aid of Legislation, particularly the provision granting contempt power. At present, there are only two instances for a testimony made may be subject of contempt, when he testifies falsely, or evasively. As it is currently worded, any witness can change his position or recant his testimony, without fear of penalty. Having said so, amendment should be made to punish witnesses presenting incompatible and inconsistent testimonies. Mr. President, allow me to end by giving emphasis to the fact that mere charge or allegation of wrongdoing will never suffice. Accusation is not synonymous with guilt. There must always be sufficient evidence to support the charge. This brings to the fore the application of the age-old but familiar rule that says he who alleges must prove. The recantation of Mr. Lascanas was evaluated in the context of his uncorroborated statement, as against public records and evidence that he and other witnesses presented and submitted in the previous inquiry conducted by the Committee on Justice and Human Rights. Finally, his recantation was interpreted as a mere sign of his unreliability. Mr. President, contrary to the media statement of a distinguished colleague, Mr. Lascanas was not denied the opportunity to testify here at the Senate. With no evidence other than his self-serving statements, there was a motion to adjourn the inquiry which was seconded without any objection from any member of this Committee. Mr. President, notwithstanding the inconsistencies and lack of evidentiary value of the testimony presented, stories and allegations as to this so-called Davao Death Squad will continue to plague this nation. One thing is for sure, Arturo Lascanas is not the person to prove its actual existence and finally bring to justice the perpetrators of numerous unresolved crimes in Davao City or elsewhere if proven so. Lastly, Mr. President, there is no better way to conclude this sponsorship speech than the words of retired SPO3 Arturo Lascanas himself. [* video clip *] Thank you very much.
Press Release

May 24, 2017 STATEMENT OF LIBERAL PARTY PRESIDENT SEN. FRANCIS PANGILINAN ON MARAWI SIEGE, MARTIAL LAW We join the nation in praying that normalcy returns to Marawi City soon. We support our troops and all government efforts to keep our countrymen safe. We condole with the families of those killed. While martial law is an option available to the President and we respect this exercise of discretion, we in Congress will exercise our constitutional duty to look into the basis of the declaration and determine whether or not there is basis for its continued imposition. Central to all this is to ensure that the constitutionally guaranteed rights of our citizens are protected and that the exercise of the martial law powers of the President are checked. Article VII Section 18 states that martial law may be declared and the writ of habeas corpus suspended only "in case of invasion or rebellion, when the public safety requires it" and not longer than 60 days. Within 48 hours from proclaiming martial law, the President must submit a report to Congress, whether in person or in writing. If Congress does not agree that martial law should be declared or the writ of habeas corpus suspended, it can "voting jointly, by a vote of at least a majority of all its members in regular or special session" revoke the proclamation or suspension. We urge government to protect the human rights of civilians. To quote the constitutional provision: "A state of martial law does not suspend the operation of the Constitution, nor supplant the functioning of the civil courts or legislative assemblies, nor authorize the conferment of jurisdiction on military courts and agencies over civilians where civil courts are able to function, nor automatically suspend the privilege of the writ. "The suspension of the privilege of the writ shall apply only to persons judicially charged for rebellion or offenses inherent in or directly connected with the invasion. "During the suspension of the privilege of the writ, any person thus arrested or detained shall be judicially charged within three days, otherwise he shall be released." We support the President's decision to cut short his trip to Russia and focus on the problem at hand and help keep everyone in Marawi City and nearby areas safe. We urge government forces to contain and control a spillover of violence to other places. As the situation continues to unfold, we ask for everyone's cooperation in evacuation efforts, as well as vigilance in the face of martial law. Our painful experience with the imposition martial law under the Marcos dictatorship should serve as a reminder that we must, as citizens, stay vigilant as the awesome powers of government concentrated on the executive can lead to rampant abuses and this we must guard against. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is the second Philippine president to declare martial law -- that time on Dec. 4, 2009 in Maguindanao in the aftermath of the Ampatuan massacre. She lifted the declaration eight days later.
Press Release

May 24, 2017 Sen. Joel Villanueva's statement on the declaration of Martial Law in Mindanao, Marawi clash We condemn to the highest degree the recent attacks which transpired in Marawi City. As to the President's declaration of Martial Law in Mindanao, we understand why the situation calls for it due to the gravity of this horrific incident. However, we believe much needs to be discussed on why putting Mindanao under the state of Martial Law is the best response for this crisis. We will work with the government and all stakeholders in finding the most effective strategy and solution to this problem. We put our trust behind the joint AFP-PNP team that they will be able to restore peace and order and stop the threat in the next few days. After all, they have succeeded numerous times in the past in stopping this group from wreaking havoc. Together, let us all pray for the people in Marawi City and other parts of Mindanao especially the innocent ones who have been suffering from decades of conflict. May we remain steadfast and united in this difficult time.
Press Release

May 24, 2017 Privilege Speech of Sen. Juan Miguel F. Zubiri

(on the Declaration of Martial Law in Mindanao)

May 24, 2017 Mr. President, yesterday the whole nation was shocked to learn of two incidents of terrorism. One was in Manchester, United Kingdom at the concert of pop artist Ariana Grande at the Manchester Arena where 22 lives were lost. The other one is within our shores, at the heartland of Mindanao in Marawi City where as we speak lives are being lost and innocent people are taken against their will. As a Senator from Mindanao, I am appalled and indignant with the brazen manner that this Maute group, and I dare say, terrorists have occupied certain buildings and installations in the City, burned some buildings and terrorized not only the people of Marawi but even the adjoining provinces and cities. Let us take a look at some of the terrorism and havoc these terrorists have done in Marawi City. (Pics and short video) Mr. President, enough is enough. This group has just pushed back the gains we have achieved in the aspect of the peace process with the secessionist groups, and for the economic development of Mindanao. We have taken great strides to bring development in Mindanao and pursue inclusive growth for our people and this incident has brought us a step backward. I believe we should rally behind the President. This is a time for unity and courage. We should show our people and the whole world that the Philippines is no place for terrorists. We have to use all constitutional means to suppress lawlessness and, once and for all, eradicate terrorism from our land without disregarding the paramount safety of the civilian population. We should fully support the AFP and PNP in fighting and neutralizing these terrorists and place them before the bar of law. These terrorists should fully account for the man-made disaster they are creating and the miseries they are causing the people of Marawi City. As a Senator from Mindanao, I understand the President's frustration in dealing with armed groups across all regions. We should take this as a chance to finally disarm them and deal with their sympathizers from some LGUs coddling these terrorists. With the declaration of Martial Law in Mindanao, it is hoped that any threat to national security and public safety will be neutralized. The military and police should be prepared to take extreme action themselves. We could be looking at a total lockdown of the whole Mindanao mainland and the Sulu and Tawi-Tawi archipelagos and cordon off the coastal areas. We know that many of the terrorists are often better armed and equipped than our soldiers and police. They sometimes carry more lethal weapons plus the fact that they know the terrain and have sympathizers on the ground, frighteningly catch our soldiers and police flat-footed. We, as lawmakers and policymakers, with the power of the purse should reverse this disservice to our troops and equip them with better and modern weaponry to boost their fighting capability and bring-up the morale of our soldiers and police. We should not let these incidents become a contagion that will destroy several decades of gains in integration, tolerance and peaceful coexistence. The Marawi conflagration, if uncontained, will send us back to square one. These terrorists want to bring us back to the middle ages with a clash of religions and civilizations and back to the violent 12th century A.D. where the crusaders would be fighting the soldiers of the Caliphate of Salahudin. That is the agenda of these terrorists. If we don't eliminate these terrorists, we shall lose the gains we achieve for inclusiveness and religious tolerance, especially the laws we passed for Mindanao and Islam. Our government, recognizing the importance of our Muslim brethren, have passed laws and holidays such as commemorating Eidl Fitr and Eidl Adha, the creation of the National Commission for Muslim Filipinos and the creation of strengthening of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) who, in fact, is led by a Maranao. In fact the MinDA and my Office are in the midst of packaging an infrastructure program for Mindanao which local communities, leaders and even lumads gave their inputs. Congress is also eager to re-establish the arrested debates on the Bangsamoro organic law. Military might is crucial. Victory cannot be won by statements and exhortations for peace alone. The force and direction of our anti-terrorist muscle and brains must jibe. Therefore, we appeal to the local communities and LGUs to support our combined military and police efforts. Help the government in intelligence gathering to rid their areas of extremists. Let us be vigilant so that we can re-establish peace and order. And let me ask: how did so many foreign terrorists gain footholds in so many pockets of Mindanao. Where were the civilian eyes and ears of the AFP and the PNP? And I wonder why the LGUs do not know these? I hope we can have a multi-racial, multi-faith society such as Singapore and Malaysia. These societies have prospered out of the productive economic, political and social peaceful co-existence of Muslims with people of other religions. Sabah has a Christian governor leading a Muslim dominated state. Singapore, the busiest trading and financial center in South East Asia is very multi-faith and multi-racial society. Remarkably, both these societies flourish under a strong rule of law. The law is applied equally across all faiths. I believe Islam is a faith of peace. I have many Muslim friends who I consider sisters and brothers living in these areas. They don't share the extremist ideology of these terrorists. We know that a vast majority of Moslems do not like what is happening in Marawi right now. They also do not want the contagion to spread to Iligan City, Cagayan de Oro City and other cities of Mindanao - to enumerate a few of the prosperous and peaceful centers of growth in Mindanao. Many towns in my home province of Bukidnon also border Lanao Sur and are close to Marawi City. As a Mindanaoan, I know majority of Muslim Filipinos want to achieve peace in their lifetime. They don't want their children and grandchildren to cower in fear of terrorists as what had happened in Ipil and Zamboanga City sieges from where we should have learned our lessons. I propose that the military and local chiefs draw up a Quick Reaction Protocol (QRP) so that the community can close ranks easily and repel such extremist incursions, or even just the sightings of suspicious individuals and movement of arms. The Barangay 143 of the Philippine Red Cross is a workable template for civilian and military anti-terrorist collaboration or QRP. If the Red Cross can be quick and effective in disaster risk reduction and management, because we have volunteers in every barangay who monitor and report any disaster happening in their areas almost in real time. I believe we can replicate Barangay 143 effectively in anti-terrorism efforts. Thus, this representation stands behind the President, our Commander-In-Chief in his declaration of Martial Law in Mindanao. Let us finish this menace once and for all. To my brothers and sisters in Mindanao, be assured, that Congress will work with the Executive and guarantee that the strong arm of the law and justice will prevail in our Island of Mindanao. As Congress will hold a Joint Session on the declaration of martial law in mainland Mindanao, Tawi-Tawi and Sulu Archipelagos, the principles of justice, tolerance and peace shall be foremost in my mind. Thank you. Please check against delivery.
SACRAMENTO  California lawmakers are proposing a change to the state Constitution and a new budget measure that would help them wrest control of spending by University of California President Janet Napolitanos office.

The moves come after state Auditor Elaine Howle advised the Legislature to establish oversight of the UC presidents office in light of her discovery of problems there, including hidden funds and misleading accounting practices.

State Sen. Ed Hernandez, D-Azusa (Los Angeles County), introduced a constitutional amendment Tuesday that would, if passed by the Legislature, ask voters whether Napolitanos office should keep its full budget autonomy.

The Assembly, meanwhile, is pushing a budget measure that adopts Howles oversight recommendation  by requiring the Legislature to directly fund the UC presidents office. The funding would give lawmakers oversight and control over how the UC presidents office spends those funds. The office would no longer collect campus fees, which give it exclusive control over how to spend that money.

Specifically, the Assembly budget proposal would set aside $296.4 million in the state budget for Napolitanos office in the upcoming fiscal year that begins July 1 and another $52.4 million for UC Path, the universitys over-budget and behind-schedule payroll and human resources system. In addition, lawmakers want to examine existing programs in Napolitanos office to identify $59 million that could instead be used to increase enrollment by 5,000 California undergraduates and 900 graduate students between 2018 and 2020.

The Assemblys budget proposal unanimously passed its first committee Tuesday. Its expected to be taken up Thursday by the Assemblys full Budget Committee, which is chaired by Assemblyman Phil Ting, D-San Francisco.

Hernandezs constitutional amendment would need a two-thirds majority vote in both the Assembly and state Senate before it could go to voters.

Voters approved changes to the state Constitution in 1879 that made UC a public trust and gave its governing Board of Regents autonomy to shield the system from the politics of the Legislature. Under Article IX of the California Constitution, UC and its regents have full powers of organization and government. Hernandez said his amendment would revise language in the Constitution to give the Legislature oversight of the UC presidents state funds while allowing UC to keep its academic independence.

The amendment would also require more regents to be faculty, students and staff members, and would reduce regents terms from 12 years to four.

Hernandez said its time the state made sure UC is held accountable.

This is my way of starting that conversation, Hernandez said. Im glad there is a conversation on the Assembly side as well.

Both the amendment and budget proposals face significant odds, but proponents say its important to try.

This was a scathing audit, and its time the Legislature takes action, Ting said. To not take action would be a huge disappointment.

Howles audit found Napolitanos office kept $175 million in secret funds and paid executives exorbitant salaries, revelations that have spurred legislative hearings, bills and much finger-waving as the university system prepares to raise tuition on students.

Currently, the state provides $3 billion to UCs 10 campuses, which then pay $288 million in fees for administrative support from Napolitanos office. Along with endowments and other funds, Napolitanos total office budget is $686 million.

In all, the entire $32.5 billion UC system only gets 10 percent of its revenue from the state, with the remaining funds coming from its medical centers, government contracts and student fees. Napolitanos office is asking the Board of Regents for a 19 percent budget increase for 2017-18 to help pay for the payroll system, the universitys education-abroad system, patent management and other programs.

Previous efforts to roll back the self-governance UC has enjoyed for 138 years have been met with much skepticism. Napolitano and many regents expressed concern about the proposals to encroach on the systems independence. Napolitano said her office will implement all 33 recommendations made by the auditor to improve budgetary practices.

We continue to believe that the UC Board of Regents is best placed to provide fiduciary oversight to the Office of the President, Napolitanos spokeswoman Dianne Klein said in a statement Tuesday. We believe that amending our state Constitution based on this audit would be a mistake. For more than a century, UCs constitutional autonomy has ensured that the universitys mission, vision and values emanated from its students, faculty and staff, free from political or sectarian influence.

According to the audit, Napolitanos office failed to disclose $175 million while asking the regents to raise student tuition next fall due to insufficient funding from the state. Auditors said Napolitanos office amassed the reserves by regularly overestimating how much was needed to run the 10-campus university system, then spending less than budgeted. Students will face higher tuition and fees beginning this summer to raise $143 million for the university in the next year.

Ting said he is confident the Assembly Budget Committee will approve the proposal Thursday. Whether it survives further budget negotiations remains to be seen. The Legislature has until June 15 to pass a budget. Once passed, it then heads to Gov. Jerry Brown for consideration. Brown has not weighed in on the Legislatures efforts to control the UC president offices spending.

Melody Gutierrez is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: mgutierrez@sfchronicle.com. Twitter: @MelodyGutierrez
If your BART commute is taking longer and feels more crowded this week, its because the system is short 43 cars systemwide.

Thats roughly four 10-car trains, each capable of holding up to 1,000 commuters.

The problem has largely been at the Concord maintenance yard, which has just 201 cars working  40 short of whats needed to mount full service between Pittsburg and San Francisco International Airport during commute hours.

The shortage is pretty extraordinary, said BART spokesman Jim Allison.

The Concord yard is the busiest in the BART system, servicing about 40 percent of the agencys fleet of 600-plus cars  but its efforts to keep the trains on track have been hamstrung for weeks by a combination of problems.

For starters, maintenance workers are dealing with the lingering effects of those voltage spikes near the North Concord Station that have shorted out electrical components on dozens of cars this year.

Paul Chinn/The Chronicle

Then theres the weather.

Allison said the exceptionally wet winter made for slippery tracks that caused many of the trains steel wheels to slide on the rails and flatten out. Its created a lot of wheel maintenance to catch up, Allison said.

BART is trying to speed up repairs by moving cars to its other shops, but Allison said shortages will probably continue until part of a new Hayward maintenance complex is up and running this fall.

Nuns prevail: The Dominican nuns of San Rafael have bested their high-powered lawyer neighbors attempt to prevent them from opening their convent to a pair of homeless women and their children.

By a 6-0 vote, the San Rafael City Council voted down the latest appeal by well-known personal injury lawyer Chris Dolan, whose $6.5 million mansion sits on 2 acres next to Our Lady of Lourdes convent on Locust Avenue. Dolan had raised concerns about how the plan to house the two families would affect the neighborhood.

Vice Mayor Maribeth Bushey said that as a single mother, she took Dolans opposition personally. She called his attempt to stop the project utterly without merit and said housing two families transitioning to permanent housing was a valuable goal for our community.

Under the terms of the convents conditional-use permit, the homeless families will be limited to a two-year stay.

Convent spokeswoman Kate Martin said the nuns are seeking bids on the $30,000 to $50,000 remodeling job needed to convert an empty wing of their convent into a pair of apartments. If all goes well, she said, we might be ready to welcome our families in September.

Dolan initially hinted to us that hed sue if the city didnt see things his way, but now hes downplaying the possibility. He said he simply wanted to ensure that the city isnt setting a precedent that would allow the convent to expand.

Still, there are signs of tensions in the neighborhood. On the Nextdoor social media website, Dolan said his front gate had been defaced.

Its sad that people cant have a respectful disagreement, he wrote.

Dolan also attached a testimonial from a former receptionist at his San Francisco law firm who took exception to the public portrayal of him as a greedy, nasty, uncaring lawyer.

I was a single woman with a low income and zero family support, wrote Hannah Herman, describing how Dolan helped her after she learned she was pregnant a year after starting work at his office. Chris provided me with health insurance ... (and) opened his own home to me. He gave me a place to live, food to eat, and always treated me with respect.

Adachi stays put: The San Francisco Hall of Justice has been buzzing with rumors that Public Defender Jeff Adachi is headed to Los Angeles.

Not so, he says.

I was recruited in the search for their new public defender and even did some interviews with the (Los Angeles County) Board of Supervisors, Adachi said Tuesday.

Its an attractive job, Adachi said, coming with a whole new set of challenges  not to mention a $350,000 annual salary, about $108,000 more than he makes now.

On the other side of the scale, however, would have been a loss of independence that has allowed Adachi to speak his mind on a variety of issues in San Francisco  where the only bosses to please are the voters.

Unlike San Francisco, which has the only elected public defender in the state, the Los Angeles County public defender serves at the will of county supervisors  some of whom might not take kindly to a crusading public defender.

So hes taken himself out of contention.

It was clear that I would not have the freedom that I have here, Adachi said.

San Francisco Chronicle columnists Phillip Matier and Andrew Ross appear Sundays, Mondays and Wednesdays. Matier can be seen on the KPIX TV morning and evening news. He can also be heard on KCBS radio Monday through Friday at 7:50 a.m. and 5:50 p.m. Got a tip? Call (415) 777-8815, or email matierandross@sfchronicle.com. Twitter: @matierandross
The Dominican nuns of San Rafael have bested their high-powered lawyer neighbors attempt to prevent them from opening their convent to a pair of homeless women and their children.

By a 6-0 vote, the San Rafael City Council voted down the latest appeal by well-known personal injury lawyer Chris Dolan, whose $6.5 million mansion sits on two acres next to Our Lady of Lourdes convent on Locust Avenue. Dolan had raised concerns about how the plan to house the two families would affect the neighborhood.

Vice Mayor Maribeth Bushey said that as a single mother, she took Dolans opposition personally. She called his attempt to stop the project utterly without merit and said housing two families transitioning to permanent housing was a valuable goal for our community.

Under the terms of the convents conditional use permit, the homeless families will be limited to a two-year stay.

Convent spokeswoman Kate Martin said the nuns are seeking bids on the $30,000 to $50,000 remodeling job needed to convert an empty wing of their convent into a pair of apartments. If all goes well, she said, we might be ready to welcome our families in September.

Dolan initially hinted to us that hed sue if the city didnt see things his way, but now hes downplaying the possibility. He said he simply wanted to ensure that the city isnt setting a precedent that would allow the convent to expand.

Still, there are signs of tensions in the neighborhood. On the Nextdoor social media website, Dolan said his front gate had been defaced.

Its sad that people cant have a respectful disagreement, he wrote.

Dolan also attached a testimonial from a former receptionist at his San Francisco law firm who took exception to the public portrayal of him as a greedy, nasty, uncaring lawyer.

I was a single woman with a low income and zero family support, wrote Hannah Herman, describing how Dolan helped her after she learned she was pregnant a year after starting work at his office. Chris provided me with health insurance ... (and) opened his own home to me. He gave me a place to live, food to eat, and always treated me with respect.

San Francisco Chronicle columnists Phillip Matier and Andrew Ross appear Sundays, Mondays and Wednesdays. Matier can be seen on the KPIX TV morning and evening news. He can also be heard on KCBS radio Monday through Friday at 7:50 a.m. and 5:50 p.m. Got a tip? Call (415) 777-8815, or email matierandross@sfchronicle.com. Twitter: @matierandross
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A building at San Francisco State University that was evacuated and searched Wednesday for explosives after school officials received a threat was deemed safe and reopened.

Emergency notifications were sent to students and staff about 11 a.m. when a threat was received at the Health and Social Sciences building at 1600 Holloway Ave., said Mary Kenny, a spokeswoman for the university.
Political wonks in San Francisco will have to wait until at least next week for a big showdown on the citys affordable housing policy, which has pitted two groups of supervisors against each other.

The battle was supposed to take place Monday afternoon at the Board of Supervisors Land Use and Transportation Committee, with two pieces of legislation going head to head. The first, by moderate Supervisors Katy Tang, London Breed and Ahsha Safai, seeks to help middle-class families stay in a rapidly gentrifying city. The other, by progressive Supervisors Aaron Peskin and Jane Kim, seeks to build more low-income housing for the poor.

But committee members Tang, Peskin and Mark Farrell put off the discussion until next week so that negotiations between the two sides can proceed. The delay came a day after Breed tweeted photos of herself with Kim, Peskin and Safai, eating and drinking wine while they worked to make housing better for all San Franciscans, as Breed said in her tweet.

Meanwhile, a poll commissioned by the SoMa affordable housing developer Todco Group showed that 53 percent of respondents favored Kim and Peskins proposal, compared with 33 percent who supported Tang, Breed and Safais version. Eight percent of respondents wanted neither ordinance, and 6 percent were undecided.

 Rachel Swan

Thats a big patch job: Mayor Ed Lee kicked off national Infrastructure Week with one of the biggest pothole repair plans San Francisco has ever seen: nearly $90 million to fix the citys bumpy roads over the next two years.

It will come out of a $530 million capital improvement budget Lee has proposed for the next two fiscal years, combining $285 million from the citys general fund with money drawn from a $248 million road safety bond that voters approved in 2011.

Those set-asides will help fund a variety of improvements, including upgrades to the seawall at Mission Creek and Fishermans Wharf and repairs to sidewalks, city-owned stairways, underpasses and tunnels.

The city and bond funds will also supplement $92.2 million in developer impact fees to spruce up the parklets and plazas in booming neighborhoods like SoMa and Rincon Hill.

But potholes are the centerpiece of Lees infrastructure platform. Since the beginning of his term, the mayor has steadily ramped up the budget for sidewalks and roadways, enabling San Franciscos Public Works Department to resurface more than 700 blocks a year, up from an average of 400 per year prior to the bond vote. Lee is a former city administrator and public works director.

The increase earned vigorous praise from the city Chief Resilience Officer Brian Strong, who commended Lee, in a statement issued Monday, for doing more to improve infrastructure than any other mayor over the past 50 years.

 Rachel Swan

Rachel Swan is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: cityinsider@sfchronicle.com, rswan@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @sfcityinsider, @rachelswan
Apple on Wednesday released a free college-level computer coding course designed to teach students how to create apps, a move thats part of the companys push to highlight its role in the U.S. economy.

The one-year curriculum is called App Development With Swift. Swift is a programming language used for Apple apps and devices. Apple is offering the curriculum free on its iBooks Store, but has lined up six community college systems around the nation, including the San Mateo County Community College District, to use the course.

CEO Tim Cook announced a $1 billion fund this month designed to create more U.S. manufacturing jobs. The announcement came amid criticism by President Trump of Silicon Valleys reliance on overseas factories.

The Swift programming curriculum is an extension of Cooks U.S. jobs investment strategy. Of the 2 million nationwide jobs supported by Apple, 1.5 million were linked to apps, the company said. The research firm App Annie said the worldwide app economy generated more than $89 billion last year.

In an interview, Lisa Jackson, Apples vice president of environmental, policy and social initiatives, said the curriculum will help high school and college students develop skills needed for careers in that growing app economy.

This isnt about politics, Jackson said. Rather, it is a way for Apple to demonstrate its commitment to the U.S. economy.

But the course will train students in only one app language. While some have adapted Swift , whose source code is freely available and modifiable, to write apps for Googles rival Android operating system, the language is strongly associated with apps for Apple devices. In the first quarter, Android users downloaded more than twice as many apps as Apple users, according to App Annie.

The course will become part of the computer training courses available at San Brunos Skyline College, one of three in the San Mateo County district. But it will be the first involving mobile app programming, said Andrea Vizenor, career and workforce training director. Skyline will offer a pilot program this summer, hoping to expand the curriculum to its sister campuses.

Vizenor said she didnt see a Swift-specific course as just feeding the Apple system. Instead, she hopes that the association with a popular brand will entice students who wouldnt normally see themselves as computer science students.

Benny Evangelista is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: bevangelista@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @ChronicleBenny
Rich Pedroncelli/Associated Press

At least eight law enforcement officers and seven inmates were injured Wednesday morning in a riot at Pelican Bay State Prison that ended when guards fired live ammunition into the crowd, state corrections officials said.

All of those injured were taken to outside hospitals for treatment. Two of the prison staff members remained hospitalized with significant but non-life-threatening injuries, officials said. Five of the seven inmates were being treated for gunshot wounds, but their conditions were not immediately available Wednesday afternoon.
A man armed with a shotgun and standing in the middle of a residential street in South San Francisco was shot dead by police Tuesday night when he refused orders to drop the weapon, officials said.

2 tourists went missing on hike to Maui waterfall, 1 body found

The shooting occurred about 11:50 p.m. after officers received a 911 call of a disturbance involving a man with a firearm on the 3700 block of Cork Place, less than a quarter mile from Callan Park, police said.

When officers arrived, the man was standing in the street with a shotgun, police said.

The suspect ignored commands from officers to drop the weapon, police said.

Shots were fired, and the suspect was fatally wounded.

The man was a resident of the neighborhood, said Sgt. Ken Chetcuti of the South San Francisco Police Department.

No other information on what led to the shooting was immediately released, and investigators were trying to determine whether one or multiple officers fired their weapons in the confrontation, Chetcuti added.

The mans name was being withheld by police pending notification of his next of kin, according to the San Mateo County coroner.

Ron Chapple/Getty Image

One officer suffered minor injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital, police said.

He was not injured as a result of the shooting, Chetcuti said. He got a minor injury from falling during the incident.

No other suspects were involved in the incident.

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The South San Francisco Police Department and the San Mateo County district attorneys office are conducting a joint investigation into the shooting.

It was the first officer-involved fatal shooting for the South San Francisco Police Department since 2012, when an officer shot and killed 15-year-old Derrick Gaines after he pulled a gun while being chased.

The department had a total of two officer-involved shootings in 2016, neither of them were fatal.

Sarah Ravani is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: sravani@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @SarRavani
Dear Mick: What do you think of Joan Crawford as an actress? I just saw Strange Cargo, and in it she is so beautiful with minimal makeup, and I think her acting is so natural and responsive and unaffected.

Chris Hammond, San Rafael

Dear Chris: Crawford can be really good, and she can overdo it, but at her best, she has a certain velocity about her  she just comes right at you. And theres no denying that during her MGM years, especially throughout the 1930s and early 1940s, she was very beautiful, and beautiful in an interesting way that had a lot to do with her personality, with who she was and what she communicated in her distinct and individual way. Its a shame (though I think this is changing) that Crawford is still best known for the movies she made in her later career, because her MGM films are the ones most worth seeing and the ones that best make clear why she became such an enormous star. I just re-watched A Womans Face, made the year after she made Strange Cargo, and I thought she was utterly magnetic. I have always had a love-hate relationship with Crawford, because she was so nasty to other MGM actresses that I like much more. But I wrote the introduction to Peter Cowies book, Joan Crawford: The Enduring Star, and I didnt have to hold my nose to do it. The love part of the love-hate is real.

Dear Mick LaSalle: Do you know of any remakes that are as good or even better than the original film?

Ethel Ruymaker, Oakland

Dear Ethel Ruymaker: Well, I do like Star Wars VII: The Force Awakens better than the original Star Wars from 1977, but Star Wars VII is more a copy than a remake. As for real remakes, the classic example is The Maltese Falcon (1941), which is so much better than the first two adaptations of Dashiell Hammetts novel that most people think its the original. I also think the 1954 A Star Is Born, with Judy Garland and James Mason, is as good as the 1937 original starring Janet Gaynor and Fredric March.

Dear Mick LaSalle: Whenever I encounter My Cousin Vinny, I cant resist watching no matter what part of the movie is showing. I dont understand why this is. Its not a great film, nor is it one that Id go out of my way to watch from start to finish. Are there any films that hook you in the same way?

Ken Kirste, Sunnyvale

Dear Ken Kirste: I know what youre talking about, and I know how it happens and why. Some movies become for us like locations in the mind, places we like to visit, and its not usually the best movie we have ever seen, but ones that we really like and that are easy to take. Most often, they contain at least one or two exceptionally good scenes. Ive gone through phases over the years. When I was in my 30s, I could have watched Flashdance once a month, probably because I missed being in my 20s. Each time Ive worked on a book, Ive become obsessed with a handful of movies Im writing about and would look for any excuse to show them to people. I would name them, but each time I go through one of these phases, I find ways to talk about them in print. This kind of thing can also happen with movie stars. Ive gone through phases where I just want to watch the same actor or actress (usually actress) in everything theyve ever done. Ultimately, I think the effect of this is soothing, like a psychological return home, an entering into a mental groove that never changes and always offers rewards and comfort. It almost, in the moment, feels like some kind of assurance of a better world, even though its not a world, but an illusion. But I do know the feeling and get the appeal.

Have a question? Ask Mick LaSalle at mlasalle@sfchronicle.com. Include your name and city for publication, and a phone number for verification. Letters may be edited for clarity and length.
WASHINGTON  The legislation House Republicans passed this month to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act would cover a million more people than their initial version, but that would still increase the number of people without insurance by 23 million within a decade, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office said Wednesday.

An estimated 14 million people would lose their coverage within a year, the report said.

The long-awaited analysis also said the bill would shrink the federal budget by cutting Medicaid by $834 billion and reducing subsidies for people who buy insurance on individual exchanges for a savings of $276 billion. The cuts would be especially painful to California, where 1 in 3 residents is insured under the program known as Medi-Cal.

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The bill would reduce premiums for younger, healthier people, and raise them for older and sicker people, including those with pre-existing medical conditions such as diabetes and cancer, if they could purchase (insurance) at all, the report said. Those whose premiums fall, might find themselves with fewer benefits, meaning that a persons total health care costs could end up rising, the CBO said.

The bill allows states to apply for a waiver that would let them opt out of rules under current law that requires insurers to offer a specific set of what is called essential health benefits, including such things as maternity care, prescription drugs and emergency room care. As a result, the analysis said, people buying insurance on the individual market in those states would experience substantial increases in what they would spend on health care.

Sicker people who want to buy full coverage in such states would face extremely high premiums, the report said.

While the analysis could deal a blow to House efforts to fulfill a campaign promise, House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., said it again confirms that the American Health Care Act achieves our mission: lowering premiums and lowering the deficit. He called the report another positive step toward keeping our promise to repeal and replace Obamacare.

But Sen. Kamala Harris, D-Calif., called the bill nothing short of a disaster, and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-San Francisco, took aim at provisions in the bill that the CBO said repeal $992.4 billion in taxes on high-income earners and insurers.

Trumpcare is a billionaires tax cut disguised as a health care bill: one of the largest transfers of wealth from working families to the rich in our history, Pelosi said.

Meanwhile, Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price criticized the report. The CBO was wrong when they analyzed Obamacares effect on cost and coverage, and they are wrong again. he said.

House Republicans passed the amended American Health Care Act with just two votes to spare May 4 without hearing first from the CBO, a nonpartisan arm of Congress that helps legislators determine the effect of legislation on the public, the economy and the federal budget.

In an analysis of the Republicans original version, the CBO forecast that 24 million people would lose their coverage by 2026 and cause premiums to soar for two years. That analysis doomed the legislation, forcing Ryan to abruptly yank it from the floor to avoid a humiliating defeat.

Republicans introduced the new version under pressure from President Trump to produce a bill. It included extra money to help people stay insured and win over GOP moderates and was supported by every Republican House member of the California delegation, many of whom are in swing districts and stayed on the fence until the last moment. No Democrats voted for the bill.

Three California Republicans  Jeff Denham of Turlock (Stanislaus County), David Valadao of Hanford (Kings County) and Steve Knight of Lancaster (Los Angeles County)  sponsored the amendment that proved critical to its passage.

The fresh analysis could doom prospects for health legislation in the Senate, which has been struggling to come up with its own approach, while waiting for the House version.

Senate Republicans are divided between moderates who want to fix the current law and conservatives who want to dismantle it.

Republican leaders have promised to rewrite the amended House bill, and are trying to work out compromises. But Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., told Reuters on Wednesday that, at this point, he sees no path even to a simple majority on health legislation, a strong signal that Republicans may be abandoning repeal of the Affordable Care Act.

I dont know how we get to 50 at this point, McConnell said, but thats the goal.

Republicans must pass health legislation before they tackle their top priority, tax reform. Thats because, with support from Democrats unlikely, theyll have to rely on a simple majority vote, and they can do that only by employing the reconciliation rule. The complicated rule can only be used on one major issue at a time.

The health legislation faces opposition from organizations such as AARP and the American Medical Association. On Wednesday, AARP announced a new television ad campaign targeting moderate Senate Republicans Jeff Flake of Arizona, Cory Gardner of Colorado, Dean Heller of Nevada and Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan of Alaska. AARP says the bill imposes an age tax on older people by allowing insurers to charge premiums five times higher than for younger people, versus three times higher under current law.

Carolyn Lochhead is The San Francisco Chronicles Washington correspondent. Email: clochhead@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @carolynlochhead
How could Maan Singh Khalsa call the two white men who viciously attacked him on Sept. 25 brothers while they were being sentenced to prison last week?

The men hurled a beer can at Khalsas car at an intersection in Richmond. At the next intersection, Colton Leblanc, 24, of Winnie, Texas, and Chase Little, 31, of Beaumont, Texas, jumped out of a pickup truck shouting insults. Then they punched Khalsa.

Little pulled out a knife and cut Khalsas long hair, which his Sikh faith requires never to be cut and always to be wrapped in a turban.

Khalsa, who fought back, suffered a black eye and broken teeth. His right pinkie finger was badly cut and had to be amputated.

Little and Leblanc were each sentenced to three years in state prison for the hate-crime attack. But in Contra Costa County Superior Court in Martinez, Khalsa, who immigrated to California from India in 2003, offered the men words of peace.

I still consider you my brothers, and I hope that you will learn about me and my community, and one day consider me your brother, too, Khalsa, 42, told Little and Leblanc in court.

After such a traumatic experience, how could he say that?

Its because, for Sikhs like Khalsa, its simply the right thing to do.

We believe that we are all brothers and sisters, said Amit Singh, a member of Sikh Center of the San Francisco Bay Area, the Sikh temple in El Sobrante. Sometimes you make mistakes, and for us, it is the best thing to forgive others mistakes, because (they were) done out of ignorance.

We like to educate the person. So if you have any problems, you let us know and well sit down and talk it over.

Khalsa is also a member of El Sobrantes Sikh temple, known as a gurdwara, Singh said. On Wednesday night, the gurdwara will open its doors for an event hosted by Not in Our Town El Sobrante, a branch of Not in Our Town, an organization that advocates for inclusive communities.

There will be a screening of Waking in Oak Creek, a documentary film about the six Sikh worshipers gunned down by a white supremacist at the Sikh gurdwara in Oak Creek, Wis., in 2012.

After an incident rocks a community, there are vigils and maybe a few protests before interest wanes as people get on with their lives, some hoping to forget anything happened.

Not in El Sobrante, which was still shaken by the attack on Khalsa when William Sims was found dead on Appian Way in the early-morning hours of Nov. 12. Sims was a 28-year-old black man, and authorities suspected a hate crime but later dropped the hate enhancement charge.

Hundreds attended an antihate forum on Dec. 10 at the Boys and Girls Club of El Sobrante. And Wednesdays event at the gurdwara, which begins at 7:30 p.m., was planned before organizers learned Khalsas attackers were going to be sentenced.

Singh, who lives in Pittsburg, travels to El Sobrante every Sunday to worship. He patiently answered my questions about his religion.

We should share it with others, he said.

Sikhism was founded in the 15th century in the Punjab region of India by Guru Nanak. The teachings of 10 gurus make up the scripture, which encourages spirituality and service. Sikhs believe in absolute equality.

There are an estimated 20 million to 25 million Sikhs worldwide, with most in India. Although the United States has one of the largest Sikh populations in the world at about 250,000, Sikhs are a religious minority in this country. And the long beards and turbans worn by Sikh men have made them a target of anti-Islamic hate crimes in post-9/11 America.

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.

All who enter a gurdwara must cover their heads and remove their shoes. There is always food for worshipers and guests.

The El Sobrante temple sits at the top of Hillcrest Road. The buildings golden dome is visible from San Pablo Dam Road, but its a place not many who live in El Sobrante have visited.

Becki Cohn-Vargas, an El Sobrante resident and one of the events organizers, hadnt been to the temple until she was setting up last week.

The idea of building those bridges of understanding across cultures, it just seemed like a really positive thing to do at the gurdwara to show the Sikh community that were standing with them and to open the idea to the whole community, Cohn-Vargas said.

In addition to the documentary on Oak Creek, people of different ethnic backgrounds who live in El Sobrante will share their stories.

Its for everyone to know that were standing here together as a community, Cohn-Vargas said. We want to show the people of the gurdwara that we welcome them in El Sobrante.

Yes, we are all brothers and sisters.

San Francisco Chronicle columnist Otis R. Taylor Jr. appears Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Email: otaylor@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @otisrtaylorjr
Alex Brandon/Associated Press

Waylaying an expected federal grant for Caltrain modernization  a long-planned project expanding mass-transit capacity in a region that desperately needs it  never made sense as a matter of policy. It was an act of thoughtless opposition, the political equivalent of a rock hurled at a locomotive.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao seems to have considered it anyway at the behest of California Republican lawmakers opposed to the states larger high-speed rail plan, having thrown up an 11th-hour roadblock in January. Now its the latest Trump administration threat to come mercifully to naught. On Monday, following lobbying by Gov. Jerry Brown, Sen. Dianne Feinstein and other Democratic officials, along with Bay Area business leaders and commuters, Chao did the right thing, as the governor put it, and agreed to release the $647 million federal grant.
Donald Trump may be filling the swamp hes repeatedly promised to drain. Instead of ridding Washington of the insiders and favor-seekers he denounced so loudly as a candidate, hes now refusing to divulge ethical conflicts among his appointees.

Its major double-cross, one that goes beyond a lapsed promise to include defiance of rules designed to weed out government officials with outside loyalties. In this case, the Trump team is defying requests from the Office of Government Ethics for vital information.

The watchdog agency is set up to police the hazy world of lobbyists who cross over from the private sector to government service, a fact of life in Washington. Presidents routinely emphasize probity and impartiality in filling jobs, but usually find that an experienced hand has a resume dotted with work for government favor-seekers.

In these cases of mixed loyalties, the White House can seek a waiver that discloses potential conflicts, the red zone where prior and present duties can cause trouble. The waiver works as public warning while allowing the appointee to hold office. President Barack Obama regularly filed waivers when an appointee ran into conflicts between a former job and official duties. Its a balancing act that other presidents have accepted.

But Trump, who spoke often about draining the swamp of Beltway deal making, wont do this. After taking office in January, he issued an executive order barring his appointees from working on matters that involved former clients for two years. But he kept the right to issue waivers that would free these insiders, typically lawyers and lobbyists, to take up conflict-ridden matters on the desks.

Now his team is refusing to turn over information on which appointees are receiving a waiver, citing doubts that the law applies to the White House. The new faces at institutions such as the Interior, Defense and Agriculture departments wont be playing ball, Trumps Management and Budget Director Mick Mulvaney indicated in a brushback letter to Walter Shaub, the head of the ethics agency.

The Trump outsiders are now protecting a crew of insiders. Its a stance that means the swamp of financial conflicts is growing deeper and murkier.
In San Francisco, we prioritize public safety and the protection of our residents and visitors. We believe that individuals must be held responsible when they break the law. Over the years, however, jail systems across the United States have incarcerated too many people for too long. Today, we know that incarceration of misdemeanants and nonviolent offenders can undermine public health and safety over the long term.

We remain committed to protecting the residents of this city, but a justice system that traps too many individuals in an endless cycle of incarceration and poverty requires reform. Further, a significant portion of our jail population is housed in the seismically unsafe, obsolete Hall of Justice. They must be transitioned out of that facility. That is why we are pursuing a combination of changes to our criminal justice system. We will:

Seek bail reform, beginning with my support for SB10 and AB42, two bail reform measures recently introduced in Sacramento that will provide judges greater flexibility to assign lower bail, but include options for additional conditions of release without compromising public safety that ensure the defendant will appear in court. The median bail amount in California is $50,000, a punitively high level that is completely unaffordable for most offenders, many of whom come from disadvantaged and low-income communities. As a result, California has a jail population that is disproportionately filled with young men of color.

Avoid incarceration of people with substance-abuse issues or mental illnesses by launching a new initiative called Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion, or LEAD-SF. This will prevent needless incarceration, instead providing community-based health and social services.

Increase electronic monitoring and pretrial diversion programs to provide enhanced supervision to offenders who may not otherwise be eligible for release. This increased investment ensures that rather than awaiting trial in jail, offenders are following conditions set by a judge for programming, treatment or other individually assessed needs.

Work harder to reduce recidivism by expanding the hours of operation of the Community Assessment and Services Center, a one-stop shop that provides a wide range of re-entry services for formerly incarcerated adults, including case management, mental health and substance-abuse treatment services, along with vocational training. The center will be open 24 hours a day to provide immediate diversion for those individuals eligible for the LEAD-SF program.

More from Mayor Ed Lee Federal report outlines path to trust between SFPD, community

In San Francisco, the trend toward incarceration of nonviolent offenders has been reversed through implementation of jail alternatives that began 40 years ago with diversion of first-time offenders from the criminal justice system. Today, most misdemeanor arrestees are issued citations at the scene. Others, including felony arrestees, are evaluated by a validated risk assessment tool that provides for release of nonviolent offenders and determines appropriate levels of supervision for each.

For those sentenced to county jail, we offer robust alternatives to incarceration, including residential treatment, school, community work and electronic monitoring. Without these innovative alternatives, San Franciscos average daily jail population would be nearly double what it is today.

The success of these programs is promising, but we know there is still much to accomplish. Thats why we have committed to bail reform, increased investment in electronic monitoring and more programs to reduce recidivism. Together, we will work to improve the systems in place and continue to look for proven innovations that result in less incarceration.

Edwin M. Lee is the 43rd mayor of San Francisco.
Our Bay Area reality is that many people inject drugs in public spaces  between parked cars and in doorways  too often without sterile equipment, risking exposure to deadly diseases and overdose and leaving discarded needles behind. This poses a serious health hazard for everyone, users and passersby alike. With more than 20,000 people in San Francisco who use injected drugs, the city is now considering a response: safe injection services.

Also known as supervised drug-injection programs, safe injection services sites are locations that allow people, under the supervision of health professionals, to inject drugs they have previously and independently obtained. Sterile needles are provided along with safe disposal, reducing the spread of hepatitis C and HIV. In the event of overdose, trained staffers are ready with reversal medications. This alone could mean the difference between a life saved and a life lost.

This is a win-win program that makes sense. Safe injection services are estimated to save $2.33 for every $1 invested and will improve the quality of life for everyone in the city and, most importantly, protect the lives of people who inject drugs.

Addressing problems associated with injection drug use is, and will remain, an ongoing and multipronged effort, to which safe injection services will be a vital addition. Ive dedicated my life to this effort  I currently lead HealthRight 360, San Franciscos largest residential substance-use-disorder-treatment provider, serving more than 3,300 people annually in the city and almost 9,400 across the state.

Recovery from drug addiction is hard. The process may involve therapeutic, pharmacologic and environmental interventions. There can be setbacks, sometimes many. Over time, drug use disrupts the brains pathways; it impacts learning, memory and pleasure centers, neurologically compelling people to continue using drugs. However, recovery is possible  Im living proof of that. Its been 32 years since I injected heroin for the last time.

There is a myth that a person must hit rock bottom and reach new depths of misery and shame before being ready to end their drug use. This myth could lead to a concern that safe injection services encourage continued use. The opposite is true; despair is fuel for drug use  hope is its enemy. Safe injection services can be a gateway to recovery, with nonjudgmental staff equipped with linkages to detox and treatment for anyone with a desire for change. There are more than 100 safe injection services sites around the world, in 65 cities and 10 countries. Welcoming and non-judgmental sites will offer a better alternative to street injecting, and will lead to fewer discarded needles and lessen the burden on police by providing a referral resource for illegal public drug use.

The San Francisco Board of Supervisors unanimously supported Board President London Breeds call for a Safe Injection Services Task Force to make recommendations on safe injection sites. I also hope that the task forces recommendations would encourage the state to approve legislation providing a legal framework for the operation of these sites.

I have the honor of sitting on the task force, which will hold its first of three monthly sessions on June 15. I urge all San Franciscans to be on the lookout for announcements on the Department of Public Healths website. Please stay informed and make your voice heard. You can help save lives.

Vitka Eisen is the CEO of HealthRight 360, San Franciscos largest community-based health care provider.
The Sausalito day trip can be a blustery bike ride over the Golden Gate Bridge rewarded with an affogato at Cibo or a ferry ride that drops you near Poggio Trattorio, where you can sip a negroni and watch sail masts sway in the wind.

At first glance, it seems like a tourist-driven bedroom community, but Sausalitos true DNA is in boatbuilding, and it attracts salty residents who share a fierce love of boats and the sea. Venture a bit deeper and experience the grittier, vibrant pockets of the towns true personality. This year is the 75th anniversary of Marinship, a World War II boat-building yard that transformed the region.

With its to sheltered coves, deep water for moorings, and freshwater streams running down the hillside, Richardson Bay was a favorite stop for boats entering San Francisco Bay. In the 1800s, fishermen hauled their small sailboats onto beaches for repairs to hulls and riggings; boatyards popped up along the waterfront.

Then the bombing of Pearl Harbor in 1941 triggered the building of Marinship, a shipyard that was central to the Pacific war effort. At its peak, 20,000 people worked around the clock building Liberty Ships, oil tankers and Army invasion barges. A vessel was completed about every 13 days. Then the war ended and Marinship shut down.

Lifeboats, landing crafts and balloon barges were many of the vessels left behind. According to Larry Clinton of the Sausalito Historical Society, Soldiers returned to go to college on the GI bill, and needed a place to live. So they lived on these boats left behind. Many of them happened to be artists, like Richard Diebenkorn.

The ferryboats Issaquah and Charles Van Damme were rerouted from demolition to float off Gate 6 road where they became a commune and late-night music hall and restaurant. Since then, the waterfront has attracted poets, pirates and shipwrights. It continues to lure dreamers captivated by the sounds of toadfish humming, the smell of herring in the air and the unique legacy left in the wake of the Liberty Ships.

Venture farther along the waterfront and experience the salty people and places that preserve Sausalitos character.

Sausalito by land

Walk the waterfront: An easy 2-mile walk or bike ride north on Bridgeway will take you to a coastal path just past Dunphy Park. Youll pass by Galilee Harbor, a community of artists and shipbuilders. Its named for the two-masted brigantine built by Matthew Turner 124 years ago. Continue north, past Schoonmaker Beach, sail-making studios, dive shops and the semi-dilapidated buildings from Marinship.

Tour the Bay Model: Known for the hydraulic model of the San Francisco Bay and delta system, the Bay Model Visitor Center also has a Marinship exhibit. Photos and ephemera depict the culture of shipbuilding, along with maps showing the scale of the project. Interpretive walking tours of the area are offered; check the website for details. Entry is free. 2100 Bridgeway, Sausalito; (415) 332-3871. www.spn.usace.army.mil/Missions/Recreation/Bay-Model-Visitor-Center

See the Matthew Turner: The first wooden tall ship built in this area in 85 years is docked just in front of the Bay Model. It was an epic community undertaking with more than 1,000 volunteers. It will be a nonprofit educational charter boat. You cant go aboard yet, but just admire from shore. Masts are going up next. http://educationaltallship.org

Visit Harmonia: Just behind the Bay Model is a chic yoga, wellness and live music center located in the old Plant recording studio. This is where Fleetwood Mac, Prince, Bob Marley and the Wailers, and other luminaries recorded. There are also occasional yoga and dance classes on the 90-foot yacht, the Empress, dockside. Classes on the Empress range from $25 to $30. 2200 Marinship Way, Sausalito; (415) 332-1432. www.harmoniamarin.com

Explore Spaulding Marine Center: Open to the public, its full of old world, craftsman charm. For boat geeks, the Still Leg Derrick hoist is one of the few still in operation. This working dock helps support the nonprofit wooden boatbuilding school, speaker series and restoration of vintage vessels. Check website for summer schedule. Free entry, 600 Gate 5 Road, Sausalito; (415) 332-3179. www.spauldingcenter.org

Sausalito by sea

See floating homes: Many of the marinas in Sausalito have allocated 10 percent of slips for liveaboards. Floating homes are permanently docked and attached to city sewer and water. A more rugged breed of boat dwellers, anchor-outs, live moored in Richardson Bay. One way to see these unique communities is by renting kayaks and stand-up paddleboards. Try Sea Trek located adjacent to the Bay Model. 2100 Bridgeway, Sausalito; (415) 332-8494. www.seatrek.com/rentals. Blue Rush, closer to downtown Sausalito, also rents SUPs and offers kiteboarding lessons. 1201-C Bridgeway, Sausalito; (415) 339-9112. www.bluerushboardsports.com/rentals-lessons

Tip: To see floating homes made from landing crafts, tugboats and even railroad cars, paddle north, avoid the channel where boats travel and stay closer to shore. Legally, you must stay 100 feet away from seals, and this is a good distance when paddling past human water dwellers  for their privacy, and because some things you cant unsee.

Charter a yacht: To get out on a sail, groups up to six passengers can charter Carodon, a private sailing yacht built for speed and safety. The sail includes salty captain Heather Richards. Cost is $180 per hour for groups of six (three-hour minimum). (415) 730-0849. www.finedayforsailing.com

Sail on a tall ship: Or go big, and book a trip on the tall ship Freda B. Its docked downtown near the recently opened Book Passage store, and offers full moon and sunset sails, as well as eco-sails to the Headlands. Swooning over her stately rigging is inevitable. Sails filled, as you head toward the Golden Gate Bridge, you realize that boatbuilding may be Sausalitos DNA, but seafaring is where the soul of Sausalito can be found. ($65-$129). Sausalito Yacht Harbor, Slip 907, Sausalito; (415) 331-0444. http://schoonerfredab.com

Maria Finn is a freelance writer. Email: travel@sfchronicle.com

Marinship 75th

This year, Sausalito is celebrating the 75th anniversary of Marinship, with tours, gala events and a library speaker series. Galilee Harbors Maritime Day is Aug. 4. The Floating Homes Tour, Sept. 30, includes a selection built from WWII surplus. For details, visit www.sausalitohistoricalsociety.com/2016-columns/2016/12/28/the-75th-anniversary-of-marinship

Waterside dining

Fish: Chef Douglas Bernstein makes magic with the local, seasonal bounty from the sea at this pioneer in sustainable seafood. The menu ranges from clam chowder ($6) to a steam basket with local seafood and vegetables thats big enough for two ($30). During warm weather, expect long lines and its cash only. 350 Harbor Drive, Sausalito; (415) 331-3474. www.331fish.com.

The Joinery: This beer hall on the waterfront once was a wooden building center operated by Portuguese settlers. It has an outdoor space and communal tables. The rotisserie turns out roasted chicken ($12/$23) and porchetta ($13). 300 Turney St., Sausalito; (415) 766-8999. www.joineryca.com

Bar Bocce: Hang out by the outdoor fire pit or play a round of bocce at this family-friendly restaurant. Dishes include shaved artichoke salad ($9.95) and pizza with speck, burrata, lollipop kale sprouts and fried capers ($18.50). 1250 Bridgeway, Sausalito; (415) 331-0555. www.barbocce.com

Davey Jones Deli: Davey Jones traveled the globe as a tall ship chef and can tell sea stories while making you a vulcan vegan wrap ($12) or pork-slaw sandwich with the twerks ($11). Grab-and-go. 1 gate 6 Road, Sausalito; (415) 331-2282. www.daveyjonesdeli.com
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With the news of this weekend's big landslide on Highway 1 in southern Big Sur, many Californians are wondering if Big Sur is still accessible at all.

Yes, you can still get there. But to get to some parts of Big Sur, it will either be really tough or really expensive.

If you've got the money, you can go via the air and stay at the Post Ranch Inn. The hotel is offering a helicopter package for guests that costs anywhere from $4,291-$13,518 depending on the room and number of nights. Guests take off from Monterey and take a 15-20 minute flight to get to the hotel.

Once you get there, the Post Ranch Inn sits on a stretch of highway that's currently cut off from the south and north. The hotel offers helicopter guests the use of a Lexus to drive around the area, and some local businesses like the famed Nepenthe restaurant are still open.

There are two cut-off stretches of Highway 1, and between them sits a 10-mile stretch that's still open and accessible via the winding Nacimiento-Fergusson Road.

The northern cut-off stretch is on track to open in June, though the new Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge at the northern end won't be open until September.

"As my grandmother used to say, you have to be a rugged individual to sustain a lifestyle here," Nepenthe co-owner Kirk Gafill told the Chronicle. "I think a lot of us are starting to figure out how rugged we are  or not."

There is no timetable for re-opening the southern stretch of Highway 1 impacted by this weekend's landslide. It was estimated that more than a million tons of debris fell over the highway and into the sea.

The stretch had been scheduled to open in June. But it looks like more tough months ahead for Big Sur visitors, unless they want to hop a helicopter.
A former South Bay doctor was sentenced to four years in prison after pleading no contest to involuntary manslaughter charges stemming from the death of a patient she had prescribed hundreds of powerful painkillers to shortly after he got out of drug rehab, officials said Wednesday.

The patient, 29-year-old Steven English, died in 2012 from ingesting a dangerous cocktail of drugs two weeks after the doctor, 74-year-old Jasna Mrdjen of Mountain View, prescribed him oxycodone, Flexeril and clonazepam, according to the Santa Clara County district attorneys office.

English also had refills remaining on previous prescriptions that Mrdjen had written him for hydrocodone and diazepam, prosecutors said.

He was found dead by his parents in Truckee, and the cause was determined to be multiple drug ingestion, according to the district attorneys office.

After Englishs death, Mrdjen altered Englishs patient file and forged his signature on documents, investigators found.

Even before Englishs death, Mrdjen was under investigation by a drug task force for writing excessive prescriptions for serious narcotics through a pain management clinic she ran in Los Gatos, officials said. Several of her patients were arrested for reselling drugs that Mrdjen had prescribed, officials said.

When an undercover officer visited Mrjdens office posing as a patient with foot pain, Mrjden prescribed her high doses of prescription drugs without even asking her to take off her shoe, according to the district attorneys office.

She pleaded no contest to in September to one count of involuntary manslaughter, nine counts of prescribing a controlled substance without a legitimate medical purpose, two counts of dispensing a controlled substance to an addict and one count of conspiracy.

Doctors overprescribing painkillers have been a key driver of the countrys worsening opioid epidemic, and deaths from prescription opioids have more than quadrupled since 1999, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In a statement, Santa Clara County Deputy District Attorney Dana Veazey said she hoped the case would encourage doctors to value their patients lives over profits.

Filipa Ioannou is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: fioannou@sfchronicle.com
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A long-anticipated Navigation Center opens Wednesday in San Franciscos Dogpatch neighborhood, one in a string of projects that Mayor Ed Lee is rolling out as he pushes for big investments to solve the homeless crisis.

The mayors 2017-18 budget raises funding for the citys shelters from $25.9 million to $37.2 million  a 44 percent increase if the Board of Supervisors approves it this summer.

Over the next several months, San Francisco will also increase its shelter bed count from 1,826 to 2,105 by opening a family shelter in SoMa and four Navigation Centers, including the one in Dogpatch.

This budget reflects a commitment to support our residents struggling with homelessness while also making sure our communities are safe, clean and livable, Lee said. While we must have compassion, we need common sense, too  and common sense dictates that no person should be living in a tent in unsafe, unsanitary conditions.

Among the other forthcoming Navigation Centers is a temporary facility in a building borrowed from developer Lennar Multifamily Communities at 1515 S. Van Ness Ave. The city will also open a center inside a former Salvation Army facility at 520 Jessie St., and a respite facility at San Francisco General Hospital for people suffering from addiction or mental illness.

In recent weeks, Lee has also boosted San Franciscos supply of supportive housing rooms and apartments with the opening of the Winton Hotel on OFarrell Street and the National Hotel across from U.N. Plaza. These units provide formerly homeless people with counseling and other treatment as well as a stable place to live.

Lee has made homelessness a top priority in a year of belt-tightening, as residents mount pressure on the city to clear out encampments and help people who are in obvious despair. A biennial survey published by the controllers office in May showed that voters are more concerned about homelessness than any other issue.

The mayors budget push drew praise from Jeff Kositsky, director of the citys Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing. He touted Lee for developing effective solutions, and investing in what works.

Rachel Swan is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: rswan@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @rachelswan
Anita Robertson says shes long wanted to move in off the street, but she had no idea how to get there. On Wednesday, as she sat under the blue tarp she was using as a shelter just off Third Street south of AT&T Park, she felt a glimmer of hope.

The citys third Navigation Center one-stop homeless shelter opened that morning just down the waterfront from where she sat, and Robertson, 32, wants in. She said shes camped along the citys eastern edge for a long time and always reckoned her Labrador-mix dog, Bad Boy, made it impossible for her to get a shelter bed  but thats where the Navigation Center is different.

Like its two counterparts, the new center at the east end of 25th Street in the rapidly growing Dogpatch neighborhood takes in chronically homeless people with their dogs, partners, giant piles of duffel bags and whatever else they want to bring along. Thats a radical difference from typical shelters, where those things have to be left behind.

Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle

I heard this thing was opening up near here, and Ive been hoping someone would come by and talk to me about how to get in, Robertson said. Its always been like, If my dog cant go, I cant go, but this sounds different.

I just want to be inside again. I hope they can help.

The new Navigation Centers opening day was really just a chance for Mayor Ed Lee and his homelessness advisers to get a good look at the finished product before its 64 beds are filled. When the center starts taking in residents Tuesday for stays of a month or more, Robertson is the kind of person officials will be aiming for.

The center sits on the bay waterfront, and with its snappy blue, green and gray color scheme, it looks more like a summer camp than a homeless shelter. It required a year and $3 million to plan and build, and will cost $1.5 million a year to run. It is made of movable wooden platforms and modular housing blocks, so it can be moved after three years  the citys goal is to minimize the long-term effects on any one neighborhood.

I was just going to say one word, and that was finally  then drop the mike and walk off, Lee told those gathered for the opening, referring to the political tussles among city leaders and residents over the past two years about when, how and whether to open new Navigation Centers.

The Dogpatch center is overseen by the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing, and its staff  10 case managers and support workers, aided by other city employees  but will be run by the nonprofits Providence Foundation and Episcopal Community Services. Part of selling the concept of having a homeless shelter in the neighborhood was allaying local trepidations, and a resident who got on board early and enthusiastically was among the first to tour the site Tuesday.

No neighborhood should claim special exemption from our community responsibility to help our homeless neighbors, said Mc Allen, 32, who helped organize fellow residents to support the center. What you hear so often is that we cant make this kind of thing happen  but that didnt happen with this project. We need it.

City outreach counselors select who gets into a Navigation Center, and theyll look for long-term homeless people who want to trade street life for a permanent roof, whether thats moving into supportive housing or being reunited with family. The first Navigation Center opened at 16th and Mission streets two years ago, and the second opened at Market and 12th streets in June.

Three more Navigation Centers are planned over the coming year, on South Van Ness Avenue, Jessie Street and at San Francisco General Hospital. That will bring to 416 the total number of center beds. Combined with conventional shelters, the city will then have 2,105 temporary beds to offer street people  the first time the total will top 2,000.

San Franciscos last official street count, taken in 2015, listed 3,500 people who had no temporary beds, jail cells or other shelter among the total of 6,700 people in various forms of homelessness. Among those without shelter, 1,700 were chronically homeless, meaning theyd been on the street a year or more and struggled with substance abuse or other difficulties.

Kevin Fagan is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: kfagan@sfchronicle.com
President Trump proposed a dramatic expansion of the law at the center of the administrations fight against sanctuary cities  changes that could enable the federal government to punish cities like San Francisco for shielding immigrants.

Tucked deep in Trumps budget plan, which was released Tuesday and faced immediate scrutiny from legislators, is a proposed rewriting of U.S. Code 1373, which says cities cannot block employees from communicating with federal officials about individuals immigration status.

Under the proposal, which prompted outrage from San Francisco officials, the government could condition Homeland Security and Department of Justice grants on guarantees that cities comply with the expanded scope of the law.

That would include a mandate that local jail officials hold releasable inmates for up to 48 hours under requests from immigration agents known as detainers, or at the very least provide reasonable notification prior to the release.

Many sheriffs departments, including San Franciscos, refuse to honor such detainers, which are a top priority for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

In addition, the proposal states that grant recipients may be required to send the federal government information on the nationality, citizenship, immigration status, removability, scheduled release date and time, home address, work address, or contact information of all inmates and suspects.

San Francisco and many other cities maintain they comply with the current law. But an expansion of the statute  which would have to be passed by Congress  could change the landscape.

The move came nearly a month after U.S. District Judge William Orrick of San Francisco blocked the Trump administration from enforcing an executive order seeking to cut funding to cities and counties with sanctuary policies.

Tuesdays proposal, immigration law experts said, could be a response to the ruling, which said the president was exceeding his constitutional authority and that such funding conditions could only be imposed by Congress.

Once again, this administration has demonstrated why they cant be trusted, said San Francisco City Attorney Dennis Herrera. They are trying to sneak major changes in the law through the back door because they cannot get them through the front. These proposed changes would fly in the face of the Constitution.

The proposal, contained in a 1,284-page appendix of Trumps budget plan, came a day after Attorney General Jeff Sessions signaled publicly that the administration was narrowing its effort to gain cooperation from sanctuary cities.

Sessions said in a memo on the implementation of Trumps executive order that it would only seek to withhold federal grants from the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security from jurisdictions that willfully refuse to comply with U.S. Code 1373.

Orrick said late Tuesday he would grant the Trump administrations request to reconsider his April ruling in light of the Sessions memo. He gave San Francisco and its co-plaintiff, Santa Clara County, two weeks to file opposing arguments.

Sessions said in the memo that the government may tailor future grants to promote a lawful system of immigration. But he did not mention the proposal to rewrite the law.

Lee Lofthus, an assistant attorney general, told reporters Tuesday that the provision basically makes some changes to some of the rules regarding cooperation with immigration officials.

The Justice Department had previously said in court that there are three grant programs that may be jeopardized over the sanctuary issue, but it has not taken any steps to cut federal aid. Herrera has said San Francisco receives about $1.5 million a year in those grants.

The debate over immigration detainers has raged for many years. Federal agents say the detainers allow them to efficiently target people who are both dangerous and deportable.

But advocates for immigrants say jail officials who are asked to honor immigration holds should not do so because of the possibility of detaining U.S. citizens, increased costs, and legal liability related to incarcerating people beyond their release dates.

Californias Trust Act limits the situations in which jails can hold individuals wanted by immigration agents. In San Francisco, a criminal warrant is required.

What we are seeing on every front here is the administration continuing efforts to harness local law enforcement in the business of immigration enforcement, said Christopher Lasch, a professor and immigration expert at the University of Denvers Sturm College of Law.

While the administration hopes to expand the use of detainers, current law doesnt get the administration where it wanted to go, he said. Thats what this is aimed at ... putting the thumb on the scale and basically forcing jurisdictions to come back into the fold.

Hamed Aleaziz is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: haleaziz@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @haleaziz
Bon appetit

French meal-delivery startup Frichti has raised $33.7 million, proving that the on-demand fresh food wave pioneered by Munchery knows no borders. The company also reportedly has some of the same problems as its American brethren  namely food waste from prepping too many meals, according to TechCrunch.

No shade

SunRun, the San Francisco solar financing company, is facing accusations that it manipulated sales numbers prior to its 2015 public offering. By holding off on processing cancellations, it pumped up revenue figures, former employees told the Wall Street Journal. The big internal push was to cram as many sales as we could through the pipeline, Darren Jennings, a former sales manager, told the publication. SunRun executives said in a statement that an audit turned up no evidence that our sales employees changed cancellation dates.

College daze

Back at Harvard where it all began. Thats what Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, whos set to receive his honorary degree from his almost mater Thursday, posted from Pinocchios Pizza & Subs, a Cambridge, Mass., eatery. Its a decade or so late  Zuckerberg was supposed to graduate in 2006, but he left in 2005 to work on the social network. Before his return to campus, Zuckerberg visited Rhode Island, one of the states on his big tour of the country. Zuckerberg wrote on Facebook that hes not running for anything. Instead, he says the visits are in order to get a broader perspective.

From San Francisco Chronicle staff and news services. See more items and links at www.sfgate.com. Twitter: @techchronicle
Hospitals around the country are scrambling to stockpile vials of a critical drug  even postponing operations or putting off chemotherapy treatments  because the countrys only two suppliers have run out.

The medicine? Sodium bicarbonate solution. Yes, baking soda.

Sodium bicarbonate is the simplest of drugs  its base ingredient, after all, is found in most kitchen cupboards  but it is vitally important for all kinds of patients whose blood has become too acidic. It is found on emergency crash carts and is used in open-heart surgery and as an antidote to certain poisons. Patients whose organs are failing are given the drug, and it is used in some types of chemotherapy. A little sodium bicarbonate can even take the sting out of getting stitches.

As I talk to colleagues around the country, this is really a problem were all struggling with right now, said Mark Sullivan, head of pharmacy operations at Vanderbilt University Hospital and Clinics in Nashville.

Hospitals have been struggling with a dwindling supply of the medicine for months  one of the suppliers, Pfizer, has said that it had a problem with an outside supplier but that the situation worsened a few weeks ago. Pfizer and the other manufacturer, Amphastar, have said they do not know precisely when the problem will be fixed, but it will not be before June for some forms of the drug, and in August or later for other formulations.

The shortage of sodium bicarbonate solution is only the latest example of an inexpensive hospital staples supply dwindling to a critical level. In recent years, hundreds of generic injectable drugs have become scarce, vexing hospital administrators and government officials, who have called on the manufacturers to give better notice when they are about to run short.

Without an abundant supply of sodium bicarbonate, some hospitals are postponing elective procedures or making difficult decisions about which patients merit the drug. At Providence Hospital in Mobile, Ala., supplies ran so low a few weeks ago that Gino Agnelly, the head pharmacist, embarked on a desperate scavenger hunt, culling vials from the 50 crash carts that were stowed around the hospital.

Agnelly said he had been getting by with a supply of about 175 vials when a patient with a heart problem suddenly needed 35 of them.

He called a meeting of doctors and administrators, and they came to a difficult conclusion: They would need to postpone the seven open-heart operations that were scheduled for the next week. One critically ill patient was sent to a hospital across town because his surgery could not be delayed, Agnelly said.

Pfizer sent an emergency shipment a few days later, but the continuing shortage has forced Agnelly to make hard choices.

Does the immediate need of a patient outweigh the expected need of a patient? he asked. Its a medical and ethical question that goes beyond anything Ive had to experience before.

Erin Fox, a drug shortage expert at the University of Utah, said unexpected shortfalls of critical medicines had become routine. In 2014, a shortage of saline solution  salt water  sent hospitals into a similar panic. This is not even the first time that the supply of sodium bicarbonate has run out. The last shortage occurred in 2012.

It is unbelievably frustrating, Fox said. It makes me so mad that we are out of these really basic lifesaving medications.

Sullivan, of Vanderbilt, said the shortages typically occurred with cheaper, bread-and-butter hospital drugs, leading him to question whether manufacturers were investing enough in the production process needed to make a reliable supply.

The specialty, high-dollar medicines  I dont ever seem to see them experiencing shortages with those products, he said.

The situation with sodium bicarbonate solution appears to have begun in February when Pfizer, the main supplier, announced it was in short supply, Fox said. A spike in demand then led Amphastar to run low. Now, even less-than-ideal alternatives to sodium bicarbonate, such as sodium acetate, are difficult to obtain.

Kuldip Patel, the associate chief pharmacy officer at Duke University Hospital in North Carolina, said he had become accustomed to the juggling act required when an old standby was suddenly unavailable.

Its not like we havent been here before, he said.

Patel said the problem had worsened just after Pfizer went from shipping its generic injectable products from five regional warehouses to one national distribution center, part of a reorganization after its acquisition of the drugmaker Hospira.

Thats when it all derailed, he said.

A spokesman for Pfizer said the shortage of sodium bicarbonate was not related to the change in distribution, but was due to a manufacturing delay caused by an outside supplier. The spokesman, Thomas Biegi, said the delay had not been caused by a problem with the supplier of the raw ingredient, sodium bicarbonate, but he added that he could not divulge further details, citing confidentiality agreements.

Regardless of the reason, Patel said, drug companies should do a better job of creating contingency plans for keeping vital drugs in supply, especially during transitions.

In situations like this, where a major manufacturer is buying out another major manufacturer of critically needed drugs, there has to be a detailed backup plan in case things dont go smoothly, Patel said.

Biegi said Pfizer was working hard to fix the problem. Pfizer has a dedicated team focused on working with suppliers to address this and has already taken several steps to expedite supply recovery of this drug, he said.

Andrea Fischer, a spokeswoman for the Food and Drug Administration, said companies were asked to notify the agency of problems, but there are no requirements that firms keep emergency supplies or that they stock up prior to any changes they make.

She said the agency is in close contact with the companies and exploring all possible solutions to this critical shortage, including temporary importation, to help with this shortage until its resolved.

Fischer said the agency had recently made progress in preventing supply problems. In 2011, it tracked 251 new shortages, an all-time high. But by 2016, she said, there were only 23 new shortages. Currently, more than 50 drugs are classified as being in shortage on the FDA website.

Unfortunately, she said, not all shortages can be prevented.

The shortage problem has been traced to a confluence of factors, ranging from problems with suppliers of the raw ingredients to trouble at the aging plants where many of the most inexpensive generics are made. Consolidation in the industry has also reduced the number of companies producing certain drugs, so that when one company has a problem, the other quickly runs out as well.

Fischer said the FDA gave the approval process a priority status when a company wanted to enter a market that was in short supply.

Some large hospitals, such as Duke, have compounding pharmacies, which can make custom batches of generics like sodium bicarbonate. Patel said that Duke is in the process of doing just that, but that setting up the process took time. The solution must be pure and sterile because it is injected into the bloodstream.

At Providence Hospital, Agnelly said he was so desperate that he had done an Internet search to investigate if he could safely mix his own batch with some baking soda and water. The hospital does not have a compounding pharmacy.

He discovered just one research paper, dating to 1947, when doctors did exactly that during World War II.

This is not new technology. These are not expensive materials, Agnelly said, adding that he quickly abandoned the idea. Its not what you would expect in the First World.

Katie Thomas is a New York Times writer.
With 517 Castro St. hitting the real estate market last week touting a $4.1 million price tag, the end might be in sight for the Sausage Factory, the Castro's old school Italian spot that has called the building home for roughly five decades.

But, at this point, nothing is set in stone.

Santino DeRose of commercial real estate company DeRose & Applebaum is monitoring the listing. He told Scoop some of the early details making the rounds in the Bay Area about the building and the Sausage Factory's future aren't exactly accurate.

The Bay Area Reporter first spotted the real estate listing for the building on Redfin, which said the property, with its three units including the 2,500-square-foot Sausage Factory restaurant space, can be "delivered vacant" when sold. The ad described the space as a mixed use "asset with strong upside potential in a fabulous location."

"The building can be delivered vacant, but it's not necessarily true that it will be. The business 100 percent closing is not necessarily accurate at this point," DeRose said.

The Azzolino family took over the Sausage Factory only a few years after it opened in 1968 but never registered it as a San Francisco legacy business despite fitting the required criteria.D eRose added that while the Azzolino family is no longer as involved in the day-to-day -- they don't own the building, either -- there remains a chance that someone could continue the restaurant's tradition.

DeRose also said no closing date has been set for the space.

"As of now, I am told that the restaurant will remain open indefinitely," he said.

517 Castro St. didn't just have roots solely in the Castro food scene; the address has been a touchstone within the Bay Area's LGBTQ community. It's worth noting the name of the restaurant is not a pun. The Sausage Factory references the actual sausage factory that operated at 517 Castro until the 1940s.

The upstairs residential units for years served as a San Francisco hub of Radical Faeries, the politically radical movement of gay men that has millions of members across the country.

On the Preserving LGBT Historic Sites in California Facebook page, the potential closure is being mourned by a community that recognized knew it as a home for first dates, the preferred post-rehearsal hangout for The San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus in the 80s, first server jobs and family gatherings.

Further updates as warranted.

The Sausage Factory: 517 Castro St

Justin Phillips is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email jjphillips@sfchronicle.com. Twitter: @JustMrPhillips
A Las Vegas outpost of San Francisco restaurateur Charles Phan's trendy, modern Vietnamese restaurant, the Slanted Door, will open sometime in 2018, marking the brand's foray outside of California.

The move East isn't a surprise especially when considering how vocal Phan has been over the years about finding new locations for restaurant. A few years ago when he started laying out plans to open in Los Angeles, a project inundated with delays ever since, Phan mentioned to the Chronicle that he was also eyeing a move to New York.
DURHAM, N.C.  Amy Pittman learned on her first day in jail to bottle up her grief.

As soon as she arrived, guards took her shoelaces so she wouldnt try to hang herself. Cry too much or scream too loud and she feared they would come back to take everything she had left  her clothes, a sheet, a plastic spork.

But how could she not? How could anyone? Ten weeks before, Pittman was a single mom who worked overnight shifts as a gas station cashier to keep her three children fed and clothed.

Now, alone in a cinder block cell, she faced criminal charges for not doing enough to protect them. She pictured her youngest, Christian, 9, in his coffin. Dead at the hands of his 12-year-old brother, who had accidentally shot him in the back.

Five minutes can change your whole life, said Pittman, 38.

Children under age 12 die from gun accidents in the United States about once a week, on average. Almost every death begins with the same basic circumstances: an unsecured and loaded gun, a guardians lapse in attention. And each ends with the same basic questions: Who is to blame, and should the person be punished?

An investigation by the USA Today Network and the Associated Press found those questions are answered haphazardly across the nation.

Nearly identical accidents can have markedly different outcomes. A shooting that leads to a prison sentence in one state can end with no prosecution at all in another.

In 2015, a babysitter in North Carolina was charged with involuntary manslaughter when a 2-year-old she was watching shot herself with a 20-gauge shotgun she found on a table. Two months later, police and prosecutors in Colorado opted not to charge a babysitter after a 9-year-old boy was shot by his brother. The sitter had briefly left the boys unattended, and they found his loaded .38 Special in his pickup.

In the days after the April 2014 death of Amy Pittmans son, the decision of whom to blame fell to Cindy Kenney, an assistant district attorney in Durham.

Investigators said that in addition to the shotgun that killed Christian, they found a handgun under a mattress in a bedroom and an assault rifle in the closet. They found 100 rounds of ammunition in a grocery bag.

In a country with almost as many guns as there are people, its not unusual to find loaded weapons within childrens reach. One study published in 2008 in the journal Health Education Research found that firearms are present in about one-third of all homes with children nationwide. Guns in half of those homes were kept unlocked; guns in one-sixth of them were kept loaded.

In that sense, the accident that killed Pittmans son was like many others. What set it apart, prosecutors said later, was that she should have known better.

Kenney said someone had called the countys child welfare agency to say Pittmans children were seen chasing one another through the neighborhood with guns. A social services worker met with her, warned her that it was illegal to leave guns near unsupervised children, and offered to buy her a gun safe so she could secure them. Pittmans response, Kenney said later, was that the county should stay out of her business.

Pittman tells a different story. She said she was never contacted by social services officials and insists she was unaware of the guns in her house, which belonged to her boyfriend.

Prosecutors throughout the country say deciding whether to bring charges is seldom easy. Parents are suffering, and heaping a criminal prosecution on top of that grief may not do much to teach others to handle their guns more carefully. In some cases, the decision to seek charges can cost the surviving children their parent.

Kenney did not struggle with her decision. Less than three months after the shooting, a grand jury indicted Pittman on charges of involuntary manslaughter and three counts of felony child abuse.

Pittman dropped her children with their grandmother and waited at a friends house to be arrested. She wouldnt see them for almost a year and a half.

The review found that about half of those deaths led to a criminal charge, usually against adults who police and prosecutors say should have watched the children more closely or secured their guns more carefully. The rest of the time, officials decided the grown-ups had broken no laws, or perhaps had simply suffered enough. In many cases, there was little to distinguish those deaths that led to a criminal charge from those that did not.

Nick Penzenstadler is a USA Today writer. Ryan J. Foley and Larry Fenn are Associated Press writers.
WASHINGTON  A New Jersey Republican congressman who helped push the House health care bill to passage quit his post Tuesday as a chairman of the chambers moderate Tuesday Group, criticizing colleagues for having different objectives and a different sense of governing than I do.

Rep. Tom MacArthur, a second-term congressman, announced his decision at a closed-door meeting of the group, which has roughly 50 members.

MacArthur played a central role in reviving the GOP legislation after an initial version collapsed under opposition from GOP moderates and conservatives. He and Rep. Mark Meadows, R-N.C., leader of the conservative House Freedom Caucus, wrote language that helped push the bill over the top early this month.

It included letting states get federal permission for insurers to boost premiums on some people with preexisting medical conditions, and to drop insurance coverage requirements under President Barack Obamas health care law. Senate Republicans are now trying to write their own version.

The House bill passed over opposition from all voting Democrats and 20 Republicans. Fifteen of those Republicans are in the Tuesday Group and argued that the measure went too far in diminishing health care coverage for people.

MacArthur said some members of the group bristled as he tried making the group a relevant force on key issues.

Clearly, our group is divided, the former insurance executive said. Many in the Tuesday Group are eager to live up to our ideal of being problem-solvers, while others seem unwilling to compromise.

Alan Fram is an Associated Press writer.
WASHINGTON  President Trump has enlisted his longtime attorney Marc Kasowitz in a still-forming outside legal team that will represent him in the investigation into Russian interference in the U.S. election.

Kasowitz, who has a history of working on Trumps most nettlesome legal issues, will probably be part of a group of outside lawyers, according to two people familiar with the deliberations.

Trump and top White House advisers have been considering whether to fill out the team with lawyers with deep experience in Washington investigations, as well as crisis communication experts, said the people, who demanded anonymity because theyre not authorized to disclose personnel moves publicly.

Neither Kasowitz nor the White House responded to requests for comment.

Kasowitz is a New York attorney who also represents ousted Fox News personality Bill OReilly.

Hes been a lawyer for Trump since the early 2000s. Trump heaped praise on him and his firm in an August 2004 article in American Lawyer, calling them phenomenal lawyers.

At the time, Kasowitz and David Friedman, the firms bankruptcy head, had been advising Trump on his Atlantic City casinos. Theyre highly talented with great insight into the future, Trump said. As president, Trump chose Friedman as the U.S. ambassador to Israel.

Kasowitzs work with Trump also has included threatening and filing lawsuits after unflattering media coverage of the businessman-turned-president.

He was involved in cases against Trumps now-defunct Trump University. The Trump Organization ultimately agreed to a $25 million settlement with customers who claimed they were misled by failed promises to teach success in real estate.

Trump has called the Russia probe a witch hunt.

Julie Bykowicz is an Associated Press writer.
2000-08-05 04:00:00 PDT San Francisco -- A man and woman painted white from head to toe and sporting computer parts pasted to their bodies took center stage last week.

Next week, it will be a dozen or so people walking naked down San Francisco's Valencia Street, screaming into cellular telephones.

Mission District artists -- from dancers to sculptors to performance artists -- are taking to the streets this summer to protest their neighborhood's rising rents, changing demographics and the fear that one day the city will be nothing but one giant Starbucks.

It's hard to be a poet or a painter in a city where the rent for a studio space can skyrocket, and everyone involved in "Art Strikes Back" thinks that's a bad thing.

"San Francisco has always been the place where you could let your freak flag fly," said Megan Wilson, a sculptor and co-developer of Art Strikes Back. "I think that's changing, and it's sad."

Beginning last month and continuing for another few weeks, more than 50 artists are offering their opinions on San Francisco's new economy and the changes it has wrought.

Performances are mostly on Fridays and Saturdays between 6 and 9 p.m., and usually along Valencia Street -- home to many artists and the brightly colored wall murals that make the Mission District distinct.

A traditionally blue-collar neighborhood, the Mission has also housed much of San Francisco's art scene.

That's changing.

Two major Mission-area dance studios -- the 18-year-old Dancers' Group and Dance Mission -- are moving, victims of massive rent increases. Two buildings that line Clarion Alley, which connects Valencia and Mission streets between 17th and 18th streets and features 10 years' worth of murals, have been sold and are soon to be torn down. And almost every artist has an eviction tale to tell.

"I think we all watched last summer as this neighborhood changed before our eyes," said Lise Swenson, Wilson's cohort in organizing Art Strikes Back. "People were evicted, rents went crazy, the expensive restaurants came in. This summer we've decided. We can fight back."

Swenson is organizing Friday's naked cell-phone march down Valencia. She said she's poking fun at the virtual economy -- the profits aren't real, and the emperor has no clothes.

The couple painted white were protesting the Mission's gentrification.

And on Monday, Wilson will complete her part of the project by distributing 250 hand-painted plywood signs that say "Home" to homeless people and Mission-area residents in the process of being evicted. She hopes that the signs are displayed and seen by the new crowds of people who flock to the neighborhood to eat, shop and drink.

"I want to make people think about the situation," said Wilson, who successfully sued her landlord last year to prevent her eviction. "People are being displaced."

Other performances have included a woman wrapped in a fire hose placing "Room for Rent" signs on parked cars, dancers trouping in the middle of streets, and a homeless teacher asking people if they will take her in.

Then there is John Fanning. A former social services administrator who became a bartender to support himself as a video artist, Fanning is living this week in a 50-square-foot storefront window in the Artists Television Access building on Valencia Street. His performance is called "Consumption."

Fanning's message: America's prosperity has created a land of mall lovers at the expense of small business and charming neighborhoods. He's here to protest that.

"What I'm trying to show is I can live in this tiny space and still have a wonderful life. More consumption doesn't necessarily lead to a better life."

With one chair, a few pillows and a bedroll tucked in a corner during the day, Fanning has dutifully spent about 20 hours a day in the window since he moved in Monday.

He's hoping that the strangers who walk by will stop and think about how simply he is living.

"I'm hoping to maybe get people to think a little before they buy the huge SUV -- do they really need all that?" said Fanning, who will move out today.

Whether the artists' protests are having any impact is unclear. Police at the Mission District station weren't aware of the monthlong protests, and many of the performance pieces have been conducted in Clarion Alley to an audience of other artists.

When told of the protests, dot-com officials said they were tired of being blamed for an economy that is pricing artists out of work.

"I think it's an unfortunate waste of everyone's time to vilify business," said Dan Kingsley, whose SKS Investments is developing Bryant Square, a 160,000-square-foot high-tech office complex that will take up an entire block along 19th, York, 20th and Bryant streets.

And Jim Gonzalez, a former San Francisco supervisor who now heads the Information Technology Coalition, a lobbying group for Internet businesses, noted that many of the industry's most successful companies were born in neighborhoods where artists live.

"The information technology community is not some alien invader," Gonzalez said. "Most of these companies were first created in San Francisco coffee shops and garages."

Gonzalez said he hoped that artists and high-tech companies could share office space. The Bryant Square project, which was approved by city supervisors in June, will offer low-cost work space to artists and nonprofit groups.

One person who has noticed the artists' protests is Charles Phan, whose family owns the Slanted Door, a 5-year-old Vietnamese restaurant on Valencia Street that is a favorite hangout for dot-com employees.

For the past two weekends, artists have barged into the restaurant to perform, including the couple who were painted white. They did an erotic dance throughout the restaurant, startling diners and knocking over a flower vase.

Phan didn't kick the artists out and said he sympathizes with their concerns.

He also noted, however, that as a Mission High School graduate, he lived in the Mission before artists in search of cheap rent moved in.

"This neighborhood changed when they came in, too," he said. "I have the same concerns they do about gentrification.
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Facing an Islamic militant revolt in the Mindanao city of Marawi, Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte asked Russian President Vladimir Putin for a loan to buy guns during a meeting on Tuesday, according to the Philippine Star.

The move could be another indication of the deteriorating relationship between the Philippines and its traditional military ally the United States.

The ISIS-linked militant group Abu Sayyaf entered Marawi on Tuesday, beheading the police chief and raising black ISIS flags through the city.

Duterte declared martial law in Mindanao and made the personal request to Putin for guns to help fight terrorists in the country.

"Of course, our country needs modern weapons, we had orders in the United States, but now the situation there is not very smooth and in order to fight the Islamic State, with their units and factions, we need modern weapons," said Duterte in the meeting, according to an AP report that quoted the Russian state news agency Tass.

Last year the US State Department stopped the sale of 27,000 rifles to the Philippines because of alleged human rights violations from Duterte's war on drugs in the country.

"In terms of why Russian arms, for me, I think one of the best arguments is there are no conditionalities," Philippines Ambassador to Russia Carlos Sorreta was quoted by GMA news online.

Duterte asked Russia for a "soft loan" to buy the weapons from his country. Soft loans for developing countries often come with favorable financial terms. It is not clear if Putin immediately approved the loan agreement, the Philippine Star noted.
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Midtown pocket parks are, as the name suggests, not exactly wide open spacesthey're tucked between buildings, just hidden enough so not everyone knows about them. One of our favorite little Manhattan oases is Greenacre Park, located at 217 East 51st Street between 2nd and 3rd Avenues, where it's thrived ever since 1971. The 60' x 120' park is not only lush green,with bursts of color thanks to some azaleas, but it features a large waterfallit will immediately take you out of Midtown and drop you into a paradise. But as we know from history and also Joni Mitchell lyrics, developers love to ruin paradise.

According to the NY Times, the little parkbrought to you by Abby Rockefeller Mauze (granddaughter of John D. Rockefeller Sr.)could fall on some dark days. "Rezoning might allow taller buildings that could block its afternoon sun," the paper reported this week. The Greenacre Foundation is attempting to save the light, however, and note that they've done it before.

"In 1980, a planned new building at 805 Third Avenue would have stood three stories higher than permitted and restricted sunlight reaching the park. Under the leadership of Greenacre Foundation  the parks private developer and owner  park patrons mounted a campaign to curtail the buildings height. And we won."



(Scott Heins/Gothamist)

While the city previously did their own shadow study regarding the rezoning, the Foundation didn't buy into their results, and "commissioned its own shadows study," the Times reports. Jacob Dugopolski, with the firm WXY, "found that development on six sites could cast the entire park into shadow." They are asking for height limits at those six sites, but the city's planning committee claims that the building proportions used in the Foundation's study are not those being used in the actual rezoning. Depending on who you believe, this could be the result of the plans:

The Fight for Light campaign is backed by the Municipal Art Society, among others, including Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer. MAS's president, Elizabeth Goldstein, has previously outlined the issues in detail, and made recommendations for going forward (which you can read here), noting that she had "serious concerns about potential shadow impacts on Greenacre Park resulting from the Greater East Midtown Rezoning."

Goldstein told us today, We have urged the City to look at height, setback, and massing modifications that can reduce or even eliminate shadows on Greenacre Park. This unique civic amenity came into existence through extraordinary circumstances and continues to be stewarded in an extraordinary way by the private Greenacre Foundation. For that resource to be undermined by ever-increasing shadows is a loss to all New Yorkers.



(Scott Heins/Gothamist)

You can show your support for the park by sending a letter to Mayor de Blasio, which you can find here.
The Oakland Zoo is auctioning off a handful of rare experiences with some of its popular animals to raise money for the Amboseli Trust for Elephants, a group that works to maintain the welfare of wild elephants in Africa.

The auctions, on eBay until Friday at 11 a.m., include opportunities to get up close with a baboon, a tiger, a lion, an elephant and more. One auction gives the bidder the opportunity to feed a giraffe.
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A New Zealand man named Ben Kepes unwittingly found himself without his passport, wallet, and entire carry on bag at the San Francisco International Airport this week after a flight attendant mistakenly thought his luggage was left behind by a previous flier.

Kepes, who has been recounting the ordeal on Twitter, says his bag was underneath his Business Class seat while he was working on his laptop before a flight from Nashville to San Francisco when it was removed without his knowledge. As he writes, it wasn't until he was arriving at SFO that he noticed the bag was gone.

The flight attendant who made the error was, he says, visibly very upset about it to the point where she "felt terrible" and was "in tears."

"They didn't ask if it was my bag," Kepes told Stuff.co.nz. "This was a total screw up, but the individual who made the mistake felt bad and tried to help. It's what happens thereafter that is important."

Amazingly, things got worse from there. After Kepes arrived at his hotel (which, luckily he had booked ahead of time along with his airport shuttle), United attempted to send his carry on bag and all its important contents from where it was in Tennessee  to New Zealand.

He says that rather than being offered assistance in the days before he was due to board his international flight home Wednesday evening, he was repeatedly directed by United's customer service to fill out an online claim form for delayed baggage.

Kepes was able to speak to the right person in Nashville and get his bag sent back to San Francisco, but as he found out, it would take two flights to make it to California and he would have to somehow get himself back to the airport to get it, without his wallet.

More for you United CEO to investors: Well be more focused on customers

"Expecting me to be happy to wait until I have to go down to the airport is... crazy," he told the New Zealand Herald.

Kepes' bag finally did arrive at SFO on Wednesday  which was surely a relief as it contained his passport  but the whole ordeal was, as he wrote, "abysmal."

"The luggage of a customer traveling from Nashville to San Francisco was mistakenly shipped to the wrong city," United Airlines spokesperson Jonathan Guerin said in a statement to SFGATE. "We located the customer's bag and rerouted it to San Francisco, where it arrived today at approximately 11:42 a.m. local time. We are in contact with our customer to apologize for our mistake and to coordinate the retrieval of his luggage."

The airline company has had to deal with a string of PR blows in recent months, beginning with the forcible removal of a doctor on a flight taking off from Chicago's O'Hare airport earlier this year. Just this week, the engine of a plane bound for San Francisco caught fire, injuring five people.

Alyssa Pereira is an SFGATE staff writer. Email her at apereira@sfchronicle.com or find her on Twitter at @alyspereira.


Jared Kushner's family real estate company is attempting to oust a Brooklyn coffee shop over unpaid rent that the cafe owners say dates to last summer when a fire rendered their storefront unusable for more than three months.

The coffee shop Pudge Knuckles closed in mid-June 2016, when a fire in its century-old Williamsburg building set off sprinklers that flooded the place. The blaze was one of at least five in the building in a little over a month, all still unsolved. The water soaked the cafe's walls, coffee bags, custom furniture, and all the rest. A mold remediation team ripped open the walls and the ceilings for their examination, prompting co-owner Ivan Greene to think, "Oh, cool, [the landlord is] going to fix the cafe."



Pudge Knuckles closed for over three months due to flooding from fire sprinklers. (Nathan Tempey/Gothamist)

But no. Greene said that the day after the contractors' visit a property manager told him that no more repair work would be done. The coffee shop had to be gutted and totally rebuilt. Weeks of back-and-forth followed, Greene said, before he decided to take on the work himself.

"It was bonkers, batshit crazy," he said of the delay. Greene has some carpentry experience, so, "Finally I was like, 'Were going to do the work.' Because we have to reopen."

Summers are the cafe's busiest months, and things were cooling down by the time Pudge Knuckles reopened in October. Just before the reopening, Greene said a Kushner Companies rep paid the business a visit and asked, "So, how much do you want?"

"What?" Greene remembers asking.

"How much do you guys want if youre thinking about going somewhere else, doing something else," he remembers the rep responding. Greene blinked, and asked the man to repeat himself. Even then, it took a moment for him to realize the man was trying to buy him out.

Greene, a former professional climber, and his wife, former Trump Model Hartje Andresen, had been focused on reopening and recouping their losses, so they hadn't given moving much thought. They are 6 years into a 15-year lease, and in that time the average commercial rent for the neighborhood has shot up to over $40 per square foot, whereas Pudge Knuckles is paying $4,600, according to Greene. This encounter was when they first got the sense that the owners wanted them gone.



Pudge Knuckles owners Hartje Andresen and Ivan Greene (Courtesy of Ivan Greene)

Andresen and Greene had already started receiving notices about the back rent they supposedly owed. Greene said he tried to explain to the building's lawyer that the cafe's insurance company was good for any outstanding balance, not that there should be one, and said that emails to a Kushner staffer went unanswered. There was then, according to Greene, a call from someone at the main office who said, simply, "Let me know when you're going to pay the rent." Then, in March, came the eviction lawsuit.

"You have a mom-and-pop coffee shop in an area thats now becoming developed. Its been there since before the development took place," said Pudge Knuckles' lawyer Adam Love. "You have two local individuals...that are trying to serve the community with a great product, great service, and the landlord is trying to push them out with no reason."

In a motion responding to the initial suit, Love argued that the entrepreneurs didn't owe rent for last summer because they'd been constructively evicted, a legal term for when building conditions become so hazardous that a tenant must move out. Based on the rough contours of the situation, not having read the lease or the corresponding court documents, tenant lawyer Samuel Himmelstein said that it sounds like the cafe has a case.

"If during this period of reconstruction the tenant was not operating a business, the tenant has a defense for constructive eviction," he said. (Separately, Himmelstein's firm is representing the building's tenant association in trying to negotiate favorable condo purchase terms.)

In his response to the lawsuit, Love also wrote that the building's owners had cost the couple over $100,000 in lost income. Scaffolding for facade work went up out front in March, further obscuring the business, which is already set back from the road.

"You really cant see our cafe," Greene said. "Its choking us. Our sales have gone down tremendously."

Kushner Companies' public relations firms declined to answer a detailed series of questions, but a spokeswoman from one emailed a statement reading, "We worked with Pudge Knuckles to repair minor damage last summer. Unfortunately, even after re-opening their store, they decided to withhold rent for several months. We were forced to take legal action to recover these missing payments." The spokeswoman said that Pudge Knuckles failed to pay rent in October 2016 and this March. Love, the cafe's lawyer, denies this.

Love told Gothamist that the couple plans to file their own lawsuit in the next several days seeking damages for the lost income, repairs, and other costs. The experience of other Kushner tenants, including those upstairs from the coffee shop, seems to suggest that they're in for a fight.



184 Kent Avenue, sans scaffolding (Nathan Tempey/Gothamist)

Kushner Companies bought the block-long former warehouse at 184 Kent Avenue for $275 million in April 2015, in partnership with Asher Abehsera's LIVWRK and the Boston private equity firm Rockpoint Group. Their plan is to convert the building into condos, but a J51 tax abatement taken out by former owner JMH Development means that the tenants, though some of their rents fall above the usual $2,700 rent-stabilization cap, are rent-stabilized until 2025. Knowing that, some are reluctant to leave.

In addition to the fires, which management blamed on an unnamed "obviously sick" tenant, renters in the building have complained of lacking repairs, lax security, gas and hot water outages, construction dust invading their apartments, and infestations of rats, mice, and ants. Greene and Andresen lived in the building at the time of the sale, but, Greene said, "We bailed very early because it was clear they were doing constructive evictions."

Their breaking point was a broken fan belt near their apartment that made noises so loud "we couldn't sit in our living room," according to Greene. Others held on, formed a tenant group and demanded rent abatements. Some also sought to buy their apartments as condos at cheaper prices. It's unclear how much success they're having. Only a small fraction of the building is currently occupied, and two-bedrooms are starting at $1.2 million.

"I think they just want the whole building gone," said one tenant, who asked to remain anonymous for fear of retribution. "They want to push everybody out and... get more money from new people."



While Jared Kushner is busy advising his father-in-law on an ever-growing portfolio of the world's problems, tenants of buildings he owns are having problems of their own. (Getty)

Nationally, legions of lower-rent tenants seem to be the subject of similarly aggressive tactics by Kushner Companies. The president's son-in-law stepped down from his position as company CEO in January in a nod to ethics requirements, and formally divested from some of his many assets. Still, he continues to own nearly 90 percent of his real estate holdings, including his share of 184 Kent. The portfolio is valued at $132 million-$407 million. (Curiously, a disclosure form dated March 31st lists Kushner's stake in 184 Kent Associates LLC as worth $250,001-$500,000, despite the building's sticker price of hundreds of millions.)

Many reporters have focused on Kushner's high-profile holdings in Jersey City, the East Village and Midtown, but another major area of his investment is working-class apartment complexes in suburbs in Maryland and the Rust Belt. The New York Times and ProPublica looked into these, and found that in Maryland alone Kushner's management company has pursued hundreds of lawsuits for back rent against tenants, chasing debts in the thousands of dollars through former tenants' job changes, moves, and deaths, even when the company was clearly in the wrong.

In one instance cited, Kushner's JK2 Westminster LLC sued a home health aide for $3,000 three years after she moved out before the end of her lease. A judge repeatedly ruled against her over the course of years, allowing Kushner to garnish her wages and drain her bank account, even though she had a note from the property manager reading, "The tenant gave notice in accordance with the lease."

Questionable nonpayment cases are nothing new in the ultra-heated New York City real estate market, and according to Himmelstein, they are particularly common when tenants are paying below market-rate. Pudge Knuckles' owners, unlike many of Kushner's residential tenants, have a lawyer, greatly improving their chances.

Discussions with the cafe's insurance company are ongoing, Greene said. Meanwhile, it's becoming harder and harder to be the cheery face of a new Williamsburg waterfront that's for sale.

"It really doesn't make me want to tell customers, 'Oh, this is a great building, you should totally move in here,'" he said.
Amazon, which upended the book publishing industry two decades ago, will open its first of two New York City stores on Thursday, May 25th.

The online retailer's new Big Apple brick-and-mortar presence fills 4,000 square feet at the Time Warner Center; Jennifer Cast, vice president of Amazon Books, heralded it as a "place for discovery" during a preview for the press, as well as some curious mall visitors who were welcomed into the store after wandering in.

The books featured in store are strongly driven by the vast amounts of data that Amazon has collected over the years. Instead of a "Bestsellers" table, there's a "Highly Rated" table with books that have 4.8 (and above) ratings from Amazon customers. One end cap has book club recommendations from Goodreads, while another section features books with 10,000 reviews or more.

"We have this 20 years of information about books and ratings, and we have millions and millions of customers who are passionate," said Cast, who said that their retail strategy was to make the store a "physical extension" of their website.

"All the data is incorporated into store, the reviews, sales... It really is a different way to surface great books," she affirmed, while describing Amazon's statistical approach to retail as "data with heart."

Books that Amazon Kindle users have completed in three days or less are presented as "Page Turners." The majority of books in the store have at least 4-star ratings; exceptions include new authors or new books or other anticipated books on Amazon Wish Lists. "We're letting our customers set the bar," Cast said.



Inside the Amazon Bookstore at Columbus Circle (Scott Heins / Gothamist)

There's also a section "If You Like, You'll Love" that mimics Amazon's "Recommended For You": Popular books, like The Girl on the Train, are situated next to three suggested books, which Amazon employees decide based on sales, similar themes, and other information.

In a twist, all books are shown with their covers face out, so customers can have the opportunity to pick up books that might never have caught their attention if only their spines were shown. If they had decided to put books with spine-out, Cast estimated they would have been able to have 8,000 books in store. Face-out, there are 3,000 books.



A popular culture book, placed at the window by me (Jen Chung / Gothamist)

No prices are shown for books: Customers can either take books to price scanners located around the store or use their Amazon app to find out the price. Books are sold at either the Amazon price, if you're a Prime member, or list priceand the only way to buy them is either by credit card or using your Amazon app. It was "simpler operationally" to be cashless, Cast said, adding that occasionally there's someone who is upset but, overall, customers have had a positive experience at their other six stores.

The Amazon Books store makes it the first bookstore at the Time Warner Center since the Borders Books closed in 2011 after eight years there. However, the Amazon store size is a fraction of the old Borders (R.I.P. Borders), which covered a sprawling 26,000 square feet, had a cafe, and was located on the second floor directly across from the escalators. Amazon Books is on the third floor and a slight roundabout walk from the main escalators, though it does have window frontage onto Columbus Circle.

There are only a handful of seats (we counted three chairs, a couple kid's stations and some stools) in the store, signaling it's not meant for lingering. The store also has a significant amount of space dedicated to its home products, like the Kindles, Fires and Echoes, so customers can try out the devices.

"I'm happy there's a new store where people can see books and encounter them, but I'd rather we were in there," Book Culture owner Chris Doeblin told the NY Times. "If I had the money, I would go and open a store right next to Jeff Bezos's store." (Book Culture, an Upper West Side independent bookstore chain, is working on a new store in Long Island City, its first outside of Manhattan.)

Overall, Amazon Books feels more like a Hudson Booksellers than other beloved independent bookstores that have quirks or other personal touches. But any bookstore is better than none, right?

The Columbus Circle store is open Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Amazon Books will open another store in NYC, on 34th Street across from the Empire State Building, this summer.
More corporate sponsors withdrew their support from the 2017 Puerto Rican Day Parade on Tuesday. AT&T and Coca-Cola joined the ranks of JetBlue, the New York Yankees, and Goya Foods, after parade organizers announced their decision to honor a controversial figure in the militant movement for Puerto Rican independence from the United States.

Oscar Lopez Rivera, 74, served 35 years in prison for his involvement in the separatist FALN group, which was implicated in more than 100 bombings including the 1975 Fraunces Tavern bombing that killed four people in Downtown Manhattan. Another bombing, on New Year's Eve 1982, injured three police officers at NYPD headquarters. President Barack Obama commuted Rivera's sentence in January; his house arrest in Puerto Rico reportedly concluded on May 17th.

The AP reports that Rivera was convicted of transporting weapons with intent to kill or injure, but was not charged with carrying out bombings himself. Last week, Rivera told the NY Times that, "I do not have blood on my hands, and that's why I cannot be a terrorist." In the same interview, he said that colonized peoples have the right to use "force" in the name of independence.

FALN is an acronym for Armed Forces of National Liberation in Spanish.

"While we are saddened and disappointed by certain sponsors pulling out of our Parade, we respect their views and decision to do so," organizers said in a statement issued Tuesday. "Equally, we respect our Parade's mission and commitment to inclusiveness, and the responsibility of representing the broadest possible blend voices that make up the Puerto Rican community."

"While we cannot predict whether other sponsors and/or organizations might choose not to join us on Fifth Avenue this year, we expect they will do so with the same level of responsibility and professionalism as JetBlue and the Yankees," they added. "This community deserves no less."

Both JetBlue and the Yankees stated this week that they would continue to sponsor scholarships for Puerto Rican students. Coca-Cola is also redirecting its support to the parade's affiliated scholarship program. "This year, we will honor our commitment to provide financial support to advance the educational program and scholarships benefiting students in New York and Puerto Rico but have decided not to march in the Parade," a spokeswoman said.

AT&T did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

NYPD Commissioner James O'Neill said Monday that he would not march in the parade, describing Rivera as a "terrorist." Police organizations including the Hispanic Society and New York City Sergeants Benevolent Association have also withdrawn their support.

At an unrelated press conference in the Bronx Tuesday, Mayor Bill de Blasio reiterated his intention to participate in the parade, alongside City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, who is herself Puerto Rican and a longtime supporter of Rivera.

"I believe this parade is a very, very important part of the life of our city," the de Blasio said. "The parade committee made a choice this year on someone to honor, [and] that does not change the basic nature of the parade. Whether you agree with that choice or not, it is still the Puerto Rican parade, and my point is that I will be there to honor the Puerto Rican people. I intend on marching, its as simple as that."

Parade organizers issued a lengthy statement on their decision to honor Rivera earlier this month, citing the importance of honoring "the diverse views and voices of our community."

"The intention of integrating Lopez Rivera into the Parade is meant to honor the commitment and hard work of thousands of people, Puerto Rican and non-, whose efforts contributed to his sentence commutation," they added.

Mark-Viverito rallied Monday in support of Rivera, alongside more than a dozen local union chapters and nonprofits, including LatinoJustice. Juan Cartagena, president of LatinoJustice, issued a statement this week citing the push to commute the "disproportionate criminal sentence of Oscar Lopez Rivera."

Parade organizers did not immediately comment on how the loss of sponsorship may impact the finances of the parade, which is scheduled for June 11th.
The Department of Transportation is planning to widen overflowing sidewalks on 7th Avenue between Penn Station and Times Square by next spring, according to a presentation [PDF] made Tuesday to Manhattan's Community Board 5 transportation committee. DOT believes the redesign will improve conditions for pedestrians in one of the city's most congested corridors.

The vision for 7th Avenue includes new 10-foot gravel sidewalk extensions on the west sidewalk between 33rd Street and 42nd Street, broken up intermittently with bus boarding islands. The new pedestrian space will replace a bus/parking lane. The plan would also convert the westernmost lane to a loading/parking lane during off-peak hours.

On southeast corners, where drivers turn left off of 7th Avenue, new curb extensions would reduce the turning lane from four lanes to two.

7th Avenue is a Vision Zero priority corridor, with 298 injuries between 34th and 42nd Streets between 2010 and 2014. Of the total injured, 138 were pedestrians, 12 of whom were severely injured.

The New York Times recently singled out 7th Avenue in midtown as a corridor with high sidewalk overflow. Car traffic on 7th Avenue, meanwhile, is below capacity, with excess road capacity "particularly during off-peak hours," according to DOT.

The DOT is also planning a car-free trial for the summer [PDF], temporarily closing two blocks along Broadway: between 39th and 40th Streets, and between 36th and 37th Streets. The city is planning to install temporary turf, moveable furniture, stone benches and artwork between June and August, according to a DOT presentation. The pilot will look something like this:



(via DOT)

Streetsblog reports that The Garment District Alliance had initially hoped to close five Broadway blocks this summer, but scaled back due to lack of funding. Revenue from 12 food vendors on 39th Street will reportedly help cover the cost of maintenance.

Community Board 5's transportation committee endorsed both plans on Tuesday. The full board will vote on both proposals at its June 8th meeting.

Following driver Richard Rojas's rampage through Times Square last week, City Council Transportation Committee Chair Ydanis Rodriguez told reporters that he envisions a Times Square entirely free of cars between 42nd and 47th Streets, and would support a DOT study to that effect.

But he clarified his position after Manhattan State Senator Brad Holyman said that he opposed closing Times Square to traffic.

"I hope that one day we can close Broadway from 59th to Union Square," Rodriguez told Gothamist. "I believe at some point we should be aiming to see this area only dedicated to pedestrians, and having a plan of how vehicles should come here only to do deliveries."

For now Rodriguez is focusing on legislation to install more bollards, like the ones that stopped Rojas's Honda, at priority intersections.
The southern section of Point Reyes National Seashore, on the outskirts of Bolinas, offers a spot to see some charismatic birds up close. There are downy woodpeckers with black-and-white-polka-dotted wings and red splashes on their heads, emerald-green, fuchsia-capped Annas hummingbirds, and the rare Northern spotted owl.

Lishka Arata, communications coordinator for Point Blue Conservation Science, says that if she had to pick a favorite bird at Point Blues Palomarin Bird Station, it would be the wrentit. This mud-brown bird is slightly smaller than a sparrow.

I love their bird confidence. The females and males share child rearing. They both sing to protect their territory, not just the males; their songs sound like little bouncing ball notes that run into a trill.

These are the only babblers that are in Point Reyes National Seashore year round, and they maintain small territories in the coastal scrub. This employee pick is quite an honor, considering that 490 bird species have been recorded passing through this part of the Pacific flyway during autumn migration, August through November.

The tiny Palomarin interpretive center has been banding birds and recording patterns in migration and other habits since 1966. Its the oldest banding station west of the Mississippi River. Just off the main road, its surrounded by trees and coastal scrub that protect it from the dramatic wind and waves of the Pacific. Here, visitors can participate in scientific data collecting.

On a recent weekday morning visit, some taxidermied species, also known as study skins, were out on display along with nests, skulls and other bird information to orient visitors to the avian world.

Interns Isabel Lawrence and Emily Reich, along with Arata, lead me to the path that cuts through crooked oak trees and bushy ferns. Its lined with high, finely meshed netting that is nearly invisible from a short distance away. Once birds hit the net, they become trapped in the folds. The nets are checked every 30 minutes from sunrise until noon every morning except Mondays. Visitors can tag along on the short, song-filled hike.

As we walk the length of the net, looking for trapped birds, we hear twittering and rapid warbling coming from the brush. Arata identifies the source. Pine siskins. Wilsons warbler. She also explains the difference between a birds call and song. Male birds have songs to establish territory and attract mates. A call is simpler  its both male and female, and more about communicating to build nests, feed their young and warn for predators.

On the easy 20-minute walk through the woods, we dont net any birds this trip. This time of year, many young birds are just starting to fledge from their nests; this peaks in June and fall migration begins in August, so there is a lot of calling, singing and rustling in the mixed conifer forest and coastal scrub during that peak time. Now, despite the lovely song-scape, it was pretty quiet.

So the biologists talk me through the process. When a bird is netted, it is gently put into a small sack so it doesnt become too stressed. Back at the field station, researchers determine the birds age by the shape of its skull and wing pattern; sex and wing length and weight are also recorded.

Point Reyes National Seashore is an annual destination for many migratory species, but is also a safe landing for those birds who got blown off track by wind or fog, or just took a wrong turn and ended up here instead of say, across the Pacific or New Jersey. These are known as vagrants, and because their arrival here is an accident, it causes great excitement in the birding world and can trigger a mass migration of birders to the area.

The netted birds are banded with a nine-digit ID number. If the bird is recaptured, this will help determine its life span. GPS and geo locators are now small and light enough to put onto songbirds. These pinpoint their migratory patterns and may help biologists and conservationists make sure they always have a place to land and refuel. Point Blue is partnering with farmers and ranchers to ensure that there are stops along their migratory paths for food and rest, particularly wetlands, that are critical to their survival.

Point Blue has a California focus for bird conservation, but has been expanding to other hot spots along the Pacific flyway, including Alaska. The organization also added penguins in Antarctica to the research and conservation efforts. Birds are considered indicators of a healthy ecosystem, and Point Blue is increasingly focusing its research on growing concerns around climate change.

The birds visitors witness being banded might one day prove to be the canaries in the coal mine.

Maria Finn is a freelance writer. Email: travel@sfchronicle.com

If you go

Palomarin Field Station, 999 Mesa Road, Bolinas. Sunrise to noon Tuesday-Sunday. The mist nets are opened 15 minutes after sunrise and remain open for six hours each day. Go early (between 8 and 11 a.m.) for the best chance of seeing birds. Nets are not open on rainy or windy days. Call the hotline, (415) 868-0655, Ext. 395, to check conditions. www.pointblue.org
ZEMIO, Central African Republic  No soldiers or police patrol this remote town in the far southeast of Central African Republic, where armed groups have attacked several times in the past few months. A company of U.N. peacekeepers here ventures no more than 3 miles from their base.

Local authorities requests for more help to secure the area have gone unanswered as Central African Republics deadly sectarian violence moves closer to the region along raw dirt roads. The town of 10,000 people feels increasingly unsafe, community leader Pierre Yakanza said.

The violence has killed hundreds in the past month and is spreading through parts of the country far from the capital, Bangui. The U.N. peacekeeping force of 12,000 troops is not enough to protect civilians.

With just the U.N., its not enough. It cant secure the people 100 percent, Yakanza said. We dont know whats coming. Some people have fled to Congo, a few kilometers walk away.

The U.N. peacekeeping force commander in Central African Republic, Lt. Gen. Balla Keita, said he is constantly moving forces around the impoverished country to stop the resurgent violence.

The whole country is in turmoil again, said Keita, who commands the multinational force, known as MINUSCA, and wants additional troops to protect civilians. If we want to be successful, really we need some additional capacity.

Central African Republic has been unstable since its longtime president was ousted by northern rebels in March 2013. By the end of that year, sectarian violence had exploded and eventually forced most of the capitals Muslims to flee to neighboring countries.

The southeast was mainly spared bloodshed, but all that has changed this year.

Since May 8, fighting in the southeastern city of Bangassou, the southern town of Alindao and the central mining town of Bria has left more than 150 people dead and displaced more than 25,000, according to the United Nations.

While there are hopes that the Central African Republic army can secure the area, thats unlikely anytime soon. Its estimated to have about 7,500 troops and is poorly armed and trained.

In Bangui, European Union soldiers are training thousands of new Central African Republic army troops that could be deployed to the countryside.

Zack Baddorf is an Associated Press writer.
MARAWI, Philippines  Army tanks packed with soldiers rolled into the southern Philippine city of Marawi on Thursday as gunfire and explosions rang out after militants linked to the Islamic State group torched buildings, seized more than a dozen Catholic hostages and raised the black flag of ISIS.

At least 21 people have died in fighting that erupted late Tuesday, when the army raided the Marawi hideout of Isnilon Hapilon, who is on Washingtons list of most-wanted terrorists and has a $5 million bounty on his head.

The operation went wrong as the militants called in reinforcements and swept through the mostly Muslim city of 200,000 people. Hapilons whereabouts were not clear, but there was no indication he was captured in the raid.

President Rodrigo Duterte declared martial law across the southern third of the nation  home to some 22 million people  and warned he may expand it nationwide.

He vowed to be harsh.

If I think that you should die, you will die, he said Wednesday. If you fight us, you will die. If there is open defiance, you will die. And if it means many people dying, so be it.

As details of the attack in Marawi city emerged, fears mounted that the largest Roman Catholic nation in Asia could be falling into a growing list of countries grappling with the spread of influence from the Islamic State group in Syria and Iraq.

Thousands of people were fleeing the city Thursday, jamming their belongings into cars. Plumes of black smoke rose in the distance and two air force helicopters could be seen flying over the city center.

Although much of the city is sealed off, disturbing details were trickling out.

Duterte said a local police chief was stopped at a militant checkpoint and beheaded. Military chief of staff Gen. Eduardo Ano said the militants erected Islamic State flags at several locations.

Marawi Bishop Edwin de la Pena said the militants forced their way into the Marawi Cathedral and seized a Catholic priest, 10 worshippers and three church workers.

Martial law allows Duterte to use the armed forces to carry out arrests, searches and detentions more rapidly. He has repeatedly threatened to place the south, the scene of decades-long Muslim separatist uprisings, under martial law. But human rights groups have expressed fears that martial law powers could further embolden Duterte, whom they have accused of allowing extrajudicial killings of thousands of people in his crackdown on illegal drugs.

Jim Gomez and Teresa Cerojano are Associated Press writers.
VATICAN CITY  Pope Francis put climate change on the agenda of his first meeting with President Donald Trump on Wednesday, and the subject is likely to come up again and again in the presidents encounters with other world leaders in the coming days.

That could put Trump on the back foot after what had been an energetic swing through the Middle East.

The pope presented the president with a copy of his influential encyclical on preserving the environment, while in a broader meeting, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vaticans secretary of state, urged Trump not to pull the United States out of the Paris climate accord.

Trump told his Vatican hosts that he would not make a final decision until after he returned to the United States, despite some expectations that he could announce a decision at the Group of 7 summit meeting in Italy this weekend. The leaders of Germany, France, and Canada have all pressed Trump on the Paris accord, and they are likely to renew their pleas at the summit meeting, in the Sicilian town of Taormina.

They were encouraging continued participation, Secretary of State Rex W. Tillerson told reporters about the message from the Vatican. We had a good exchange on the difficulty of balancing addressing climate change, and insuring that you still have a thriving economy and you can still offer people jobs so they can feed their families.

In their first encounter, the pope and the president  two men with starkly different worldviews  sought to bridge the chasm between them with a handshake, a private audience and a mutual pledge to work for peace.

Francis left no doubt about his message in the gifts he gave to his guest, notably the essay on the importance of the environment, which stands as a rebuke to the climate change skepticism espoused by Trump.

Francis also presented him with a medallion engraved with the image of an olive tree  a symbol of peace, he explained. We can use peace, Trump said. Francis replied, It is with all hope that you may become an olive tree to make peace. As he bade the pope farewell, Trump told him, I wont forget what you said.

In exchange, Trump presented the pontiff with a custom-bound, first-edition set of Martin Luther King Jr.s works, an engraved stone from the King memorial in Washington and a bronze sculpture of a flowering lotus titled Rising Above.

I think youll enjoy them. I hope you do, Trump said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Mark Landler and Jason Horowitz are New York Times writers.
JERUSALEM  President Trump wrapped up a two-day visit to Israel and the West Bank on Tuesday without evidence of progress toward renewing talks between Israel and the Palestinians.

While the president reiterated his desire to broker a peace deal, his visit produced no announcement on steps toward renewing negotiations.

Still, a senior administration official traveling with the president told reporters on Air Force One that the White House was satisfied with the visit.

You cant just walk in on Day One and sign a deal that no one has gotten done in 35 years, said the official, who under the ground rules of the briefing could not be further identified. The purpose of Trumps trip, the official said, was to do a lot of listening, build very strong relationships with all the different people, not just the parties involved ... and try to create a lot of momentum and optimism around the prospect for peace.

That would be consistent with Trumps final hours in Israel and the West Bank. In public remarks in the West Bank town of Bethlehem and in Jerusalem, Trump avoided mention of a two-state solution to the Palestinian conflict, and made no references to controversial Jewish settlements or to recognition of Jerusalem as Israels capital.

In a much-awaited speech at the Israel Museum, Trump pledged unstinting support for Israel, vowed that he would prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, and asserted that Israeli and Palestinian leaders were ready to make peace. But he offered no blueprint for movement toward reviving negotiations.

Im personally committed to helping Israelis and Palestinians achieve a peace agreement, Trump said. He added that in his meeting with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas it was clear that the Palestinians are ready to reach for peace and that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wants peace.

Making peace, however, will not be easy, we all know  both sides will face tough decisions  but with determination, compromise and the belief that peace is possible, Israelis and Palestinians can make a deal, Trump said.

He tried to contrast his approach with that of former President Barack Obama, despite substantially strengthened security ties under the Obama administration.

Americas security partnership with Israel is stronger than ever. Under my administration you see the difference. Big, big, beautiful difference, Trump said to loud applause from his audience, which included members of Netanyahus Cabinet and other officials.

He drew more applause when he said: We are telling you right now that Iran will not have nuclear weapons.

In introductory remarks, Netanyahu voiced hope that Trumps efforts would help forge peace with Arab states, which, he said, shared with Israel a common concern about Iran.

In a joint appearance with Trump in Bethlehem, Abbas said the Palestinians wanted a peace agreement based on the two-state solution: a Palestinian state in the West Bank, Gaza Strip and East Jerusalem alongside Israel.

Trump then flew to Rome, where he will visit Wednesday with Pope Francis.

Joel Greenberg is a Tribune News Service writer.
A musician doesn't wind up collaborating with the likes of Hawk and a Hacksaw or Beirut if they're without ability, and Albuquerque's Heather Trost is certainly nothing if not prolific. Of course, she's thus far stuck to the background of things but, with her solo debut Agistri, Trost sets out to put herself on the mapand boy, does she.

Like a sugary-sweet take on the electronic rock and pop formula of M83 (but far more accessible to the indie rock crowd), Trost unleashes dreamscape pop pieces as full of subtly gorgeous moments and flourishes as they are of blips and bloops. Trost even knocks it out of the park with a stunning rendition of the ultimate friendship anthemthe criminally underrated Harry Nilsson's "Me And My Arrow"from the bizarre 1971 animated film The Point.

Don't think a cover means Trost is short on original ideas, though, as her soundscapes are varied and listenable; like the soundtrack to a trance-like sojourn through some indescribably beautiful desert. It's an interesting direction for a musician who has, thus far, been known more for her work with stringed instruments (especially the violin), but one can't help but think Trost was perhaps learning and cataloguing the weirder indie-pop elements of bands she's previously worked with in an effort to release something that's all at once nostalgically familiar and yet groundbreaking. Hell, there are even members of Neutral Milk Hotel and Deerhoof present on Agistri, and that ain't half-bad for a violinist from Albuquerque.

Trost plays from the album (among other songs, we're guessing) at Zephyr Community Art Studio this Sunday alongside Athens, Georgia-based indie weirdo Max Knouse. Now, no one is saying Zephyr doesn't know how to do it (they most certainly do), but this particular show really ups the bar for what we know from the DIY arts/music space. (Alex De Vore)

Heather Trost with Max Knouse

7 pm Sunday May 28. $5-$10 suggested donation.

Zephyr Community Art Studio,

1520 Center Drive, Ste. 2



Proper Form

Courtesy form & concept (Courtesy form & concept)

Its been a whole damn year since form & concept took over the old Zane Bennett Gallery space on Guadalupe Street, and the new-wave monument to contemporary weirdness, performance art and all-around killer visual creation is still going strong. Celebrate this achievement with an anniversary party for which attendees are strongly encouraged to arrive dressed as superheroes (youll gain access to a VIP cereal bar from El Sabor Spanish Tapas y Masss if you do). Installation duo Noisefold also kicks off its new glass sculpture/video piece, DJ Miss Ginger throws out the jams and regularly represented artists like Matthew Mullins and Wesley Anderegg show their work as well. (ADV)

form & concept One-Year Anniversary Exhibition:

5 pm Friday May 26. Free.

form & concept,

435 S Guadalupe St.,

982-8111

Surfs Up

Joaquin Anico (Joaquin Anico)

Following the loss of original guitarist Thomas Fekete to cancer in May of last year and the exit of bassist Kevin Williams, Surfer Blood front man John Paul Pitts was at a crossroads for the bands latest release,

Snowdonia

. But theirs is ultimately a story of triumph, and as the indie darlings recouped from being dropped by major label Warner and formed a new lineup, theyve proven to be as relevant as ever. Surfer Blood hits this years Oasis Teen Arts and Music Festival, a teen-aimed precursor to AMP Concerts Summer Concert Series in the Railyard that also includes teen-led acts like DJ Oli, Take the Tide and Lily and Gray Pinto. If subtle surf-rock influences layered between dreamy indie-pop pieces and a reinvigorated focus on complexity are your thing, youll be the there. (ADV)

Oasis Teen Arts & Music Festival:

7 pm Saturday May 27. Free.

Santa Fe Railyard,

Guadalupe Street and Paseo de Peralta,

982-3373

All Hail the King

Adam Silvestri (Adam Silvestri)

Fans of The Boss and Tom Waits who might also lean a little more toward a punk-esque mentality rejoiceRadiator King is here. The one-man project of Brooklyn-based Adam Silvestri, Radiator King marries gritty blues and bizarre rock sensibilities with an introspective bent on the fragility and the impermanence of existence; like a sort of philosophical musing on life and death thats equal parts oddly-joyous New Orleans funeral march and upbeat Clash-esque fun. How does one guy do it? Youll just have to go and find out. (ADV)

Radiator King:

7 pm Sunday May 28. Free.

The Bridge @Santa Fe Brewing Co.,

37 Fire Place, 557-6182







Santa Fe Reporter
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Metro Performance Glass delivered a $19.4 million net profit for the year to March 31, down from $21.3 million a year earlier, as it absorbed the costs of a major acquisition in the Australian market and the impact of declining building activity in Canterbury and a dip in Wellington activity after the Kaikoura earthquake last November.

Reflecting the Australian Glass Group acquisition last September, total revenue rose 30 percent to $244.3 million, with earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation, normalised to exclude $1 million of one-off expenses associated with the purchase coming in 20 percent higher than the previous year, at $44.9 million.

The company will pay a final dividend of 4 cents per share, fully imputed for New Zealand shareholders, to equal total dividends in the previous year of 7.6 cents per share, with company signalling it is assessing AGG's "shorttomediumterm capital requirements to allow it to achieve its significant potential over the medium term" and that capital expenditure will increase in New Zealand in the year ahead to meet requirements in the upper North Island.

"While it is still early days for us, AGG has proved a sound investment to date," said chief executive Nigel Rigby in a statement to the NZX. "Both sales and ebitda (came) in ahead of our expectations for the seven months to 31 March 2017."

Seven months' trading from AGG contributed revenue of $30.5 million and ebitda of $4.7 million and would have contributed $52 million and ebtida of $9 million, had MPG owned the asset for the whole of the financial year.

MPG shares dropped 18 percent in one day on Feb. 3 after it downgraded its earnings expectations, but chairman John Goulter said in statements today the company was in a development investment phase that came with "some initial cost and will provide improved returns over time" and allow the company to "defend itself against import competition for the long term".

The shares closed yesterday at $1.39, having fallen 21 percent in the last year. MPG listed on the NZX at $1.70 per share in 2014.

The company supplies about half the New Zealand market for construction sector glass but is stronger in residential than commercial glass supply, with focus turning to building commercial revenues, along with a push into the growing market to retro-fit existing windows with double glazing.

Rigby said executing MPG's strategy was "made more challenging by the strong customer demand the company is experiencing and the dramatic changes we are seeing in glass products and glass processing technologies".

"While catering for strong growth in both volume and product complexity, we also need to further focus on automation, processes, and costs across the New Zealand business  from manufacturing to procurement, glazing and logistics. We are assessing the investment required to meet these challenges."

MPG's forward orders for commercial glass were steady at $28.8 million at year end, "as our increased delivery of projects matched new contracts being won", said Rigby, with average contract sizes in the commercial market running at around $100,000.

Looking ahead, Goulter gave no figures but said "strong residential and commercial construction markets, particularly in the upper North Island, as well as the growth opportunities available across the Tasman, will underpin improved results in the 2018 financial year".

However, it anticipated softer Australian market conditions in the year ahead.

(BusinessDesk)

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A 34-year-old Helena woman has been charged with a felony for allegedly driving while high on opioids with her juvenile daughter in the vehicle.

Helena police were dispatched to a Helena day care Monday on a report that Shalimar Lynn Genovese was suspected of being high on drugs while attempting to retrieve her child, according to an affidavit filed by the arresting officer.

Genovese had left the area and was stopped by officers. Her 13-year-old daughter was also in the vehicle, court documents say.

Genovese allegedly told officers she had taken Trazadone the previous night, and admitted to injecting oxycodone within the previous 48 hours.

Officers allege that Genovese displayed signs of impairment, but did not test positive for alcohol during a preliminary breath sample. She provided a blood sample, but court documents do not indicate the results.

Genovese faces a felony count of of criminal child endangerment related to the charge of driving impaired with her daughter in the vehicle. A misdemeanor charge of DUI was dropped.

Genovese was released Monday on her own recognizance.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Bill Doyle, a former Staten Island resident who became an outspoken advocate for families of 9/11 victims after his own son was killed in the terrorist attack, has died.

Doyle died of natural causes at his home in Ocala, Fla., the Daily News reported. He was 70 years old.

Doyle, an Island native and former Annadale resident, retired to Florida several years ago, after his son, Joseph, a Cantor Fitzgerald employee, died in the 2001 attack on the World Trade Center.

Joseph Doyle, a 25-year-old bond supervisor at Cantor Fitzgerald, died when the World Trade Center's North Tower collapsed. His remains were never recovered. Workers found his driver's license, an American Express card and two club cards from his wallet.

After his son's death, Doyle concentrated his efforts on advocating for other parents and children and brothers and sisters of 9/11 victims on such issues as preserving remains and victim compensation.

His most recent fight involved holding Saudi Arabia responsible for the attack after documents surfaced tying the government to money that helped Al Qaeda terrorists.

Dennis McKeon, executive director of the non-profit Where To Turn, who worked closely with Doyle, said he was saddened by Doyle's death, and posted a tribute on his Facebook page:

"The 9/11 Families lost one of their fiercest warriors this week with the passing of Bill Doyle," McKeon wrote.

"Bill led the families in many a battle whether it be to insure a fair Victims Compensation Fund or to fight against the internment of remains at Ground Zero. He almost single handedly took on the Saudis in court to hold them responsible for their involvement in the 9/11 attacks."

Doyle's wife, Camille, 62, died in 2012.

Doyle is survived by his daughter, Doreen Lutter, another son, William (Billy) and five grandchildren.

The Daily News reported earlier this week that funeral plans are pending and a memorial service is being planned for Staten Island.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Councilman Joseph Borellli and Minority Leader Steven Matteo are calling on the city to conduct a comprehensive study of possible health threats caused by the Fresh Kills Landfill when the site was operational.

"We grew up in the shadow of the dump," Matteo (R-Mid-Island) said. "All Staten Islanders remember the smell, remember living with the consequences of a dump in their backyard, and we're concerned that there are health effects for Staten Islanders."

The study would focus on Staten Island residents living within five miles of the landfill while it was active.

The landfill, which was opened in 1948, closed in March 2001. Today, the site is being transformed into a greenspace -- Fresh Kills Park is expected to be fully open in 2036, with smaller sections opening in phases before then, including some that are currently open.

Borelli (R-South Shore) said they are not concerned about the site causing ill health effects today as a park, but the unease stems from when the site was in operation as a dump.

At a press conference Tuesday, Borelli and Matteo called on the city to allocate $500,000 for the Department of Health or the City University of New York to conduct the study

They said they believe the funds should come from some of the money made by the sale of the methane gas that is currently emitted from the landfill.

According to the city Parks Department website, the Department of Sanitation collects approximately 10 million cubic feet of landfill gas daily, which is then sold to National Grid and distributed to Staten Island residents and commercial customers.

The idea for a new health study comes after Borelli's office compiled an initial report that shows a likely causal link between adverse health indicators in the surrounding population and the existence and operation of the landfill.

"We feel this is enough evidence to support funding a study ....," said Borelli.

The councilman's report says Staten Islanders have higher rates for health problems, such as some cancers, that have been linked to those who lived near waste sites elsewhere.

The full report can be accessed here: www.council.nyc.gov/district-51/.

"There should be a study and we should find out what effects the dump had and then use that as a road map to provide services for Staten Islanders," Matteo said.

The city did not respond to a request for comment at the time of publication of this story.
CITY HALL -- The city is taking its time rezoning a stretch of Bay Street to create more affordable housing on the North Shore.

Elected officials and community leaders aren't that concerned about the delay, insisting that this will help the city adequately address critical infrastructure needs before allowing an influx of new residents and even more development.

But the controversial rezoning process has slowed while a Democratic primary to be the Council member with the most sway over the plans heats up.

City Hall said in November that the rezoning would probably move forward in January. At the beginning of the year, the city said a technical review would probably be released at the end of January.

City officials insist that the rezoning isn't "delayed" and that those were just estimates. Since January, the Department of City Planning, or DCP, hasn't given an updated timeline to be held to by the community.

"We are working to complete the technical work necessary to prepare the Bay Street Corridor plan for public review," DCP spokeswoman Rachaele Raynoff said last week.

THE EARLY PLANS

Early plans envision buildings rising as high as 16 stories on Bay Street.

Rezoning a 45-acre area on the North Shore that includes the so-called "Bay Street Corridor" would add as many as 2,569 apartments and nearly 600,000 square feet of commercial space, bringing some 6,900 new residents, according to a draft scope of the work the city released last May.

As many as 1,039 of the new units would be for low- to moderate-income tenants through the city's new "mandatory inclusionary housing" policy.

Encouraging new development of taller and denser buildings is part of Mayor Bill de Blasio's plans to dramatically expand the city's affordable housing stock.

The Bay Street Corridor is the only area on Staten Island that's being officially examined for meaningful expansion, just one of 15 neighborhoods citywide.

THE LAND USE REVIEW PROCESS

The city is currently working to complete a draft Environmental Impact Statement for the plans and an application that will be submitted for the Uniform Land Use Review Procedure, a seven-month process known as ULURP.

When those documents are ready, the rezoning will go through steps in the "ULURP clock." Community Board 1, Borough President James Oddo, the City Planning Commission and the City Council each have varying amounts of time to review the plans under ULURP.

Oddo said in an email that he met with members of the de Blasio administration about the plans last week and also had a "direct conversation" with the mayor himself.

The borough president wants the city to follow a "different procedure" with the Bay Street Corridor.

"Instead of the normal ULURP process of certifying the rezoning first and then discussing the land use implications later, I want to genuinely discuss infrastructure concerns, most notably traffic and transportation implications, BEFORE any certification," Oddo emailed. "Given Staten Island's history of 'development first, infrastructure later,' which in turn too often became 'infrastructure never,' I am compelled to ask for this different approach."

THE CRUCIAL VOTE

The 51-member Council typically defers to the local member in matters of land use, making Councilwoman Debi Rose (R-North Shore) one of the most important voices in the process. In 2013, Rose's crucial "yes" vote paved the way for the New York Wheel and Empire Outlets.

Rose said in a statement that the city cannot increase density "without first addressing our current infrastructure needs, as well as our future needs."

"This includes addressing transportation, recreation, education, sewers, health care, public safety and other infrastructure concerns," she said. "I have relayed these concerns to the administration and am waiting to hear back. Many elements go into good planning, and we need to make sure all those elements are in place."

Rose said at City Hall recently that ensuring infrastructure needs are met is more important than the timeline.

"I'm not concerned about the delays," she said.

THE POLITICS OF REZONING

The rezoning delay is politically convenient for Rose, a de Blasio ally fighting for a third term in office. Staten Islanders typically balk at any new development, but plans that would add "affordable housing" could be met with outright hostility.

"People who try to say zoning is not political are not being truthful...it's never easy, it always has a political payoff or detriment," said Hank Sheinkopf, a political consultant who has worked for Democrats. "It wouldn't be out of the norm, in this administration politics seem to always have an impact on policy. In the past they've helped their friends and she's a friend."

In early December, when the city still expected the rezoning to move forward the following month, community activist Kamillah Hanks filed to run against Rose in this fall's Democratic primary. Stapleton resident Philippe-Edner Apostol-Marius has also filed papers for the race.

Asked directly if the city is delaying moving forward with the rezoning to protect Rose, Raynoff demurred.

"There is no delay," Raynoff said. "Although the City is eager to move forward on proposals like Bay Street Corridor that can address our housing crisis, and lay the groundwork for economic development and neighborhood improvements, the Planning Commission will only certify an application that is technically complete to start the ULURP clock."

Hanks said the rezoning will be a subject of her campaign.

Infrastructure was also her biggest worry about the rezoning. Like the 2013 land deal allowing for the New York Wheel and Empire Outlets, Hanks wants certain concessions for the community.

"They're very few opportunities to be in a position to ask for something and this is one of those opportunities," she said.

Hanks said she didn't "have any particular comment" on whether the city was delaying the rezoning for Rose.

"This is my own feeling -- what's the rush?" Hanks asked.

WHAT'S 'AFFORDABLE'?

Rose, Hanks and Oddo are all against allowing 16 story buildings on Bay Street. But they disagree about the level of affordability that should be required of any new housing.

Between 20 and 30 percent of new apartments in the rezoned areas would be for tenants making less than the area median income, or AMI, under the citywide housing policy approved earlier this year.

The lowest level of affordability would have 20 percent of new units set aside for those making 40 percent of the area median income, or $31,075 for a family of three in the city. The highest would have 30 percent of apartments reserved for tenants making 115 percent of AMI, or $89,355 for a household of three.

That level of affordability is part of the "workforce option" that city officials have said was created specifically with the Bay Street Corridor in mind.

Oddo and Hanks both support that "workforce option," but Rose has said she will pursue more affordability.

The depth of affordability will be determined by the city and the North Shore Council member, currently Rose.

Community Board 1 Chair Nick Siclari said the city already warned they may have to have a special meeting this summer, and the rezoning may go before them as soon as mid-June. Like local elected officials, the community board is most concerned about effects on infrastructure, from mass transit to the sewage system.

"I would have trepidation if it goes through the summer," Siclari added. "Then I'd wonder what's taking so long."
Every 23 hours, a person is raped in Montana. Last year, over 800 sexual assaults and 4,000 domestic violence crimes were reported statewide. However, this accounts for only a fraction of the total number of crimes that actually occur, as most go unreported. What these statistics show is clear: We must improve how we address crimes of this nature in Montana. Fortunately, recent changes to state law will go a long way in reducing the frequency of these crimes, as well as provide victims the justice and support they deserve.

The 2017 Montana Legislative Session will go down in history as a turning point for addressing domestic and sexual violence in our state. With overwhelming support, legislators from both sides of the aisle passed a number of bills this session that significantly change how we address these types of crimes. A few of these bills are:

SB 22 - Terminating parental rights of a rapist if a child is born as a result of rape

SB 29 - Revising the definition of consent

SB 30 - Increase the statute of limitations from 10 years to 20 years for sex crimes involving children

SB 153 - Making strangulation of a partner or family member a felony

Im honored my office was so closely involved in drafting several of these bills, as well as working to get them passed and signed into law. While each piece of legislation is an important improvement to Montana law, two bills in particular stand out as the most significant: Senate Bill 29 and Senate Bill 153.

Senate Bill 29, sponsored by Senator Diane Sands (D) of Missoula, was drafted by my office and the Legislative Law and Justice Interim Committee. Prosecutors, law enforcement and victim advocates all largely agree this bill is the most significant update to Montanas sexual assault statutes in decades, removing barriers which frequently prevent prosecutors from charging rape crimes in our state.

Prior to Senate Bill 29 becoming law, Montanas sexual assault laws were antiquated and did not accurately reflect the realities of many instances of rape. Under our old statute, prosecutors had to prove a rapist physically attacked the victim, or threatened to physically attack the victim, and that is what forced submission. Senate Bill 29 defined consent as most people likely believed it was defined before: Consent means words or overt actions indicating a freely given agreement to have sexual intercourse or sexual contact.

In addition to improving Montanas sexual assault statutes, the legislature also passed an important piece of legislation to protect victims of domestic abuse. Senate Bill 153, sponsored by Senator Margie MacDonald (D) of Billings, was drafted by my office and the Yellowstone County Attorneys office, and made the act of strangling a partner or family member a felony.

When a victim is strangled by a partner or family member, the likelihood of future abuse escalating to fatalities increases significantly. Under the old law, an act of strangulation was only a felony if serious bodily injury occurred, which was often very difficult to identify, as the damage is often internal. If serious injury isnt proven, or if the victim didnt testify that she feared for her life, the act of strangulation was only a misdemeanor crime, and wouldnt have become a felony until the third offense.

By making the act of strangulation in the partner and family member context a felony on the first offense, Senate Bill 153 will help interrupt the cycle of violence, preventing further abuse and even death. I firmly believe Senate Bill 153 will save lives.

Reducing the frequency of sexual assault and domestic violence crimes must be a top priority for policymakers at all levels of government. Im very pleased to see the legislature overwhelmingly support important changes to our states sexual assault and domestic abuse statutes this session, and Im proud my office could be a part of it.

Tim Fox is Montanas Attorney General.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Rep. Daniel Donovan will sit down with the Advance on Tuesday for a session on Facebook Live, where he will answer questions from viewers.

The video town hall-esque event will be from 7 to 7:30 p.m., and Advance readers who follow the Facebook page can watch the live interview with the congressman and submit questions on the live feed.

Donovan has taken heat for refusing to hold a town hall, citing expected protests as potentially hindering any useful discussion.

Protesters at a Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce event in February shouted down the Republican congressman, preventing his comments from being heard. Protesters were escorted out.

Since then, Donovan has said he won't hold an in-person town hall, opting for telephone town halls, in February and April when his office auto-dialed thousands of constituents, a portion of whom remained on the calls.

The congressman says he continues to meet with anyone who calls his office and asks for a sit-down.

He voted against the Republican plan to repeal and replace Obamacare in April, initially coming out against it in March.

Donovan cited cuts to hospital funding, and a Medicaid amendment that left New York City out of an agreement that would benefit taxpayers in the rest of the state.

He disliked an abortion provision that would have stopped New Yorkers from collecting tax credits to pay for health insurance premiums.

The bill, which passed the House and has yet to be voted on in the Senate, allows insurance companies to charge seniors significantly higher premiums than younger people, a change the congressman opposed.

While protesters stood outside Donovan's Brooklyn and Staten Island offices for months, assuming he would vote in favor of the GOP plan, it was the people who wanted to see Obamacare killed that ultimately took issue with the congressman's vote.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- To kick off Fleet Week 2017, Navy ships and Coast Guard cutters sailed into New York Harbor Wednesday morning as part the Parade of Ships.

It is anticipated that about 3,700 Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen will participate in the 29th annual Fleet Week, which will be celebrated with various events throughout New York City.

Here is a look at some of the events scheduled on Staten Island.

SHIPS OPEN FOR TOURS

Beginning Thursday, ship tours will be conducted daily throughout the week in Manhattan, Brooklyn and Staten Island.

Two ships will be docked on Staten Island at the USS The Sullivans Homeport Pier in Stapleton: The Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Lassen and the Keeper-class cutter USCGC Katherine Walker.

The ships will be open for tours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. There is no admission fee to take a tour.

SEARCH AND RESCUE DEMONSTRATION

On Saturday, the U.S. Coast Guard will conduct a search-and-rescue demonstration over open water near the USS The Sullivans Homeport Pier, from noon to 12:30 p.m.

During the demonstration, the helicopter crew will drop a mannequin into the water to simulate a person in distress. A rescue swimmer will then jump in the water to secure the mannequin, and both will be lifted securely into the helicopter. This demonstration is free and open to the public.

MUSIC FESTIVAL

The Fleet Week New York Community Music Festival will take place on Sunday at noon at the Flagship Brewery, located at 40 Mintnhorne St. in Tompkinsville. Military and local bands are schedule to perform.

The event is free and open to the public.

For up-to-date information on all Fleet Week events, visit the official Fleet Week New York website at www.fleetweeknewyork.com.

You can also "Like" FleetWeekNewYork on Facebook, check out photos on their Instagram @fleetweeknyc or "Follow" @FleetWeekNYC on Twitter. Join the conversation on social media using the hashtag #FleetWeekNYC.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- There's no soup for you, but there could be some jail time for him.

Robert N. Bertrand, the chief financial officer of Soupman Inc., the Staten Island-based company which licenses the names and recipes of Al Yeganeh, the real-life "Soup Nazi" character from the classic "Seinfeld" TV series, was indicted Tuesday for alleged tax evasion, said authorities.

Bertrand, 62, a Connecticut resident, short-changed the government of nearly $600,000 in tax revenue, authorities said.

He was charged under a 20-count indictment with failure to pay Medicare, Social Security and federal income taxes, said Bridget M. Rohde, acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and James D. Robnett, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Division, New York Field Office.

Between 2010 and 2014, Bertrand paid Soupman workers on the side in unreported cash amounts and compensated certain employees with large, unreported stock awards, officials said.

Bertrand never reported that employee compensation to the IRS and didn't pay Medicare, Social Security and federal income taxes on the cash payments or the stock awards, said authorities.

Bertrand failed to do so despite an external auditor warning him in 2012 those payments should be reported to the IRS, officials said.

Soupman's unreported cash and stock compensation totaled more than $2.8 million, resulting in a loss of about $594,000 in tax revenue, said authorities.

"As alleged, the United States was fleeced out of more than half-a-million dollars through the defendant's corporate misdeeds," said Rohde in a statement. "Tax crimes like those alleged in the indictment hurt every American citizen."

Bertrand faces up to five years behind bars if ultimately convicted.

Authorities did not specify where in the borough Soupman Inc. was based. There previously was a Soupman franchise on Richmond Avenue in New Springville.

Bertrand was scheduled to be arraigned Tuesday afternoon in Brooklyn federal court. His lawyer's name was not immediately available.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Joshua Gourdine is not physically imposing, but prosecutors on Wednesday offered the Stapleton teen a man-sized prison sentence in exchange for a guilty plea in a double-shooting on Easter Sunday in his community.

Gourdine's lawyer, Eliza Pacheco, rejected the offer of seven years behind bars and pleaded not guilty on her client's behalf at Gourdine's arraignment in state Supreme Court, St. George.

The baby-faced Gourdine, 16, is accused of shooting a 17-year-old male in the thigh and a 15-year-old male in the buttocks outside the Stapleton Houses near 212 Broad St. at around 9 p.m. on April 16. Both victims survived.

Police said Gourdine shot the teens during a dispute, then fled.

The teens were transported to Richmond University Medical Center in West Brighton, an FDNY spokesman said.

A witness supplied the Advance with video which shows one of the victims being rushed to an ambulance while crying out in pain.

Gourdine was indicted on felony charges of attempted murder, assault, reckless endangerment, criminal weapon possession and criminal firearm possession. He's also accused of a misdemeanor weapon-possession count.

Gourdine potentially faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted at trial of either of the top counts - attempted second-degree murder and first-degree assault.

Five years behind bars is the minimum.

A slender youth garbed in a brown sweatshirt and pants, Gourdine said his name and confirmed Pacheco is his lawyer, but made no other statement.

The case was adjourned to July 7.

Gourdine is being held in lieu of $250,000 bail.

Assistant District Attorney Michael Tannousis is prosecuting the case.
When he was first a guest on This is Skidmore, political science professor Chris Mann discussed the then-upcoming presidential election and hinted about his students unique research that was to be performed during the semester. Now, on season twos final episode of This is Skidmore, Mann was joined by three students to share their findings.

Brent Azaert 20, Brian Roberge 18, and Antigone Scaperdas 19 all enrolled in Election Research to further understand randomized experiments, research design, and statistical analysis. Each student crafted their own unique experiment and ended the semester presenting their results. Despite the course being offered in the political science department, Mann explained that its a learning opportunity across disciplines, welcoming guest speakers from other academic departments at Skidmore, including economics and sociology. I wanted them to do projects that were interesting to them, not necessarily political. None of them are narrowly boring political science Mann jokes.

On This is Skidmore, Azaert, Roberge, and Scaperdas describe their experience in Manns course, and the interesting results of their experiments.

Azaert, a double major in business and psychology, was inspired by the polarizing political climate after the presidential election in November. We went around to a local chain of convenience stores, and walked in wearing a pro-Trump, impeach Trump, or plain grey shirt, he explained. Azaert was interested to discover whether these shirt treatments would cause an employee to be more or less helpful when asked for assistance.

Both political science majors, Roberge and Scaperdas analyzed priming, the ability to sway a person based on images or language, but in very different ways. Roberge used the simple game of Rock, Paper, Scissors to analyze whether priming could change the way his opponents played their first hand. He played a total of 75 games against members of the Skidmore community, either with no priming, with a shirt that said rock hound, or with a script he developed, incorporating the word rock multiple times.

Scaperdas had a much larger sample size, with over 300 subjects across the United States. She explained, If we apply priming to try to change peoples opinions on social justice issues, we can really have huge effects on changes in policy and changes in politics. Using an online survey system, Scaperdas primed respondents in the pre-survey demographics portion by offering some the ability to list their gender as male, female, genderfluid, or bi-gender, while others were asked if their biological gender matched their gender identity. Respondents were then asked to agree or disagree with a statement, on a one to five scale, based on a summary of Texas Senate Bill 6, also known as the bathroom bill.

Election Research is a 300-level course that Mann crafted based on his own research as well as graduate coursework. Its pretty cool as a freshman to take a 300-level class, Azaert explained, it was cool to do that so early on and have a better grasp of whether I like research or not.
MISSOULA  The University of Montana aims to save $4 million a year with a set of buyout offers that might be only the first round of incentives to reduce faculty, according to a higher education official.

As an incentive to retire early, UM offered 48 tenured faculty members ages 65 or older a deferred payment equal to 50 percent of their salary this school year  in addition to customary payouts and benefits.

The faculty members who opt for the buyout will have a July 17, 2017, termination date, according to the offer.

They have until May 31 to express interest in an offer; offers must be signed by July 17, and can be revoked only within seven days of signing.

The state funded a $2 million appropriation for buyouts, and the early retirement offers would cost $2 million if all 48 faculty accept, said Kevin McRae, with the Montana Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education.

UM would save $4 million year starting in the 2019 fiscal year.

"Those who are considering it now ... have the opportunity to elect the benefit or keep working," McRae said in an email. "Once that group has spoken (i.e., once all have decided for themselves), we'll know how many are going and how much we're spending on their benefit. Then, we will look at other options."

Those include offering incentives to faculty younger than 65 or other approaches, he said. UM has estimated it needs to cut an estimated 80 to 100 faculty members altogether.

The overall goal is to bring expenditures on personnel closer to the norm of 72 percent of the budget, or at least below 75 percent, McRae said. UM currently spends more than 80 percent of its $145.1 million general fund on personnel.

He said UM would not hire to fill the positions left open by faculty receiving the buyout.

"It would defeat the purpose of the plan to refill positions vacated by the retirement incentive," McRae said.

***

Lee Banville, spokesman for the University Faculty Association, said the union supports the buyouts as a good way to address immediate shortfalls in the budget. He said the union backs the process because it is voluntary, not one that's forced on faculty.

However, the union also has concerns the buyouts aren't strategic for the long term, he said. Some professors who accept buyouts may teach critical classes with high enrollment, for instance.

"Our hope is that any short-term benefit that they might see financially from a senior faculty member retiring isn't left as an open wound in a department that needs a person," Banville said.

UM is currently setting program priorities. Banville said if that process determines a department should scale down, and a faculty member has accepted a buyout, the outcome is a win for UM.

"But if this department needs more resources, and it's losing people through the buyouts, that could be a problem," he said.

UM could remedy the situation by filling the job with a less expensive or junior faculty member, he said, but it's unclear if that option will be on the table.

***

UM employs 631 faculty FTE, or full time equivalents, from its general fund, and adding too many people doesn't seem likely in the near term.

"In some departments and disciplines ... it can cost as much or more to pay a newer assistant professor than a senior full professor," McRae said.

In fact, even if UM cuts $10 million from its personnel budget, it's still not reducing the employee expenditures much below 80 percent, at only 78.5 percent. McRae said a percentage that high might be acceptable depending on other factors, such as the enrollment trajectory and tuition income.

"Sometimes, the direction we're moving in is as important or more important than the point we're at on any given day," McRae said in an email. "As long as the direction is bringing personnel expenditures downward to match revenue, and bringing enrollment up to generate revenue, the goal is obtainable."

One reason UM is offering buyouts is an enrollment decline of some 24 percent since 2010 has hurt its budget.

Even after faculty accept $2 million in buyouts, UM still will need to reduce positions in order to align personnel costs with revenue, McRae said. Some professors may choose to retire on their own or will take positions elsewhere.

"There will also be some merit to preserving some positions with junior faculty at salaries that are lower than senior faculty," he said.

"That's where the university can look at potential opportunities to use university funds for incentives and cover the costs of incentives by leaving additional vacancies unfilled or by replacing (where possible) retired faculty with new faculty at lower salaries."
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DECATUR  The Madden Arts Center will be filled with Chinese cultural artifacts during the annual International Arts Experience throughout June until July 27.

The exhibit, China: Symbols and Motifs, A Chinese Art Journey, will feature contemporary and traditional pieces providing a taste of the rich history and culture of China. It will be displayed in the Anne Lloyd Gallery.

Sue Powell, gallery director for Decatur Area Arts Council, collaborated with Dr. Ian Wang, director of the United States-China Cultural Exchange Association in Rantoul. Wang is also the curator of Spurlock Museum at University of Illinois.

He has been a collector of Chinese art for most of his life, has an amazing private collection and is an aficionado on Chinese art too, Powell said.

About half of the exhibit is from Wang's collection, with the remaining pieces from other sources, including Millikin University's Birks Museum, Giertz Education Center at the University of Illinois' Krannert Art Center and local individuals.

More than 60 pieces are from Wang's collection include traditional paintings, jade carvings, porcelain and ceramics, tea sets and vases. Special to his collection is a group of paintings referred to as heavy color paintings. The modern paintings were created by artists from Wang's hometown of Kunming, the capital of Yunnan, a province of southwest China.

During the late 1970s and early 1980s, modern or abstract art was not encouraged in his homeland, he said.

It was not mainstream, Wang said. In late '70s, the artists wanted more freedom.

The art was created using colorful shapes and forms. This style was introduced into the United States in 1980s, where it gained popularity.

Along with the artwork, the exhibit will feature historical pieces of calligraphy, furniture, lanterns, tea sets and baskets.

Wang will offer a special artist talk from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 7, at the Anne Lloyd Gallery. Although he will be visiting the exhibit during the First Friday Gallery Walk on June 2, he has allowed other cultural activities to be highlighted during the monthly event.

The third floor of the Madden Arts Center will feature performances of traditional Chinese music and folk dances as well as martial arts demonstrations. Visitors will also have the opportunity to taste authentic Chinese cuisine.

The second floor will have Chinese art demonstrations and calligraphy lessons.

June Art Exhibits

BICENTENNIAL ART CENTER. Beginning June 16, the Paris art center will display the exhibit Father's Day, a Homecoming until July 14. An opening reception will be from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Friday, June 16.

BLUE CONNECTION. Millikin University's retail art facility will feature the work of Millikin University art student and Robert Crowder Artist-in-Residence, Madison Ciaccio.

DECATUR AIRPORT GALLERY. The artwork of Annette Russo will be displayed at the Airport Gallery throughout June.

FLOURISHES GALLERY AND STUDIOS. The downtown Shelbyville gallery will exhibit Belongings, featuring the oil paintings of Ben Cohan. For the Birds, a collection of birdhouses by Aaron Cole will be in Studio D. The Main Hall of the gallery will feature the still life paintings of Carol Kessler.

The displays will be featured until July 15. For an appointment, call (217) 827-5690.

GALLERY 510. Gallery 510 will feature the artwork of the gallery's executive director Jamie Rutherford titled Threadbare, with a focus on mental health, emotional challenges and healing. A reception will be held during First Friday Gallery Walk, 5 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, June 2. An artist's talk will be at 6:30 p.m.

GIERTZ GALLERY. Beginning June 19, the Parkland College Gallery will feature the exhibit Around the Block II, Artists from Our Neighborhood until Aug. 9. A reception will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, June 22 with an artist talk at 6 p.m. by Lisa Costello, Kelly White and Juror Gisele Atterberry.

Closing reception will be at 6 p.m. Aug. 9, with a gallery talk by Atterberry. For more information, visit www.artgallery.parkland.edu.

KRANNERT ART MUSEUM. The University of Illinois art museum will display on the Main Level of the Contemporary Gallery the exhibit Land Grant. University students collected pieces from libraries, archives and collections focusing on the history of U of I and its layout. The display will be open until July 8.

The west gallery of the Main Level will exhibit Dynamic Structures: American Abstract Artists. The work of past American Abstract Artists will be featured until July 8.

The exhibit In Rehearsal features the work Autumn Knight. The display will be open until July 8 on the Main Level in the Gelvin Noel Annex and Light Court.

LINCOLN ART INSTITUTE. Beginning June 8, the Lincoln Art Institute will display the exhibit Inspired By... at the Lincoln Art Institute, 112 S. Mclean St. Call (217) 651-8355 for an appointment.

ROCK SPRINGS NATURE CENTER. Rock Springs Nature Center's north wing art gallery will display the scenic photography of Chris and Alan Perry.

The nature photography of Kattina Williams will be featured in the south gallery of the nature center.

Both exhibits will be on display until the end of the June.

UNIVERSITY GALLERIES. Illinois State University art gallery will feature the artwork from adults with disabilities during Marc Making: Artists of Marcfirst.

Also at the gallery will be the exhibit of lighted sculptures by Dennis French. Both exhibits will be displayed until until Aug. 9.

UPSTAIRS GALLERY. The artwork of Sue Watts will be displayed at the Decatur Public Librarys second floor gallery throughout June.

WILDFLOUR ARTISAN BAKERY AND CAFE. The artwork of Barbara Dove will be featured again at the artisan cafe throughout the month.
This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2017, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
DECATUR  The school board held a lengthy conversation at the end of its Tuesday meeting on a proposed board policy to include a residency requirement for district employees.

The proposal will be considered at the June 13 board meeting, after incoming Superintendent Paul Fregeau has been consulted and the board has had more time to discuss the issue. The discussion centered mostly on administrators, which would include building principals and Keil Building administrators.

Board member Beth Nolan said her preference was to require those administrators to live in the district boundaries and to send their own children to Decatur schools, though board attorney Brian Braun said he thought that could raise Constitutional issues. Requiring residency of employees is one thing while requiring them to send their children to Decatur schools could be problematic.

Sometimes people have to make that decision, said board member Kendall Briscoe. We have to stand tall. DPS is good for all students. We have to be walking the walk.

Braun also said that the policy can't be made retroactive to include employees already in place, unless those employees seek a promotion. For example, a teacher who applies to become a principal, who does not live within district boundaries, could be required to move into the district or forgo the promotion.

Board President Dan Oakes said he feared such a requirement would shrink the applicant pool, particularly if someone lives just outside the Decatur boundaries.

Are we telling people their future depends on residency? he said. We can't tell them they have to sell their house and move three blocks.

Briscoe said to do otherwise would be a disservice to the district. If the board wishes to improve the public perception of Decatur schools, she said, then requiring employees to live in the district is a logical step.

I struggle with that more than with making somebody sell their house and move three blocks, she said.

How many people have decided not to apply because of a residency requirement? Oakes said, referring to the fact that in the past, the district did enforce such a requirement.

But do we want those people working in our district? Briscoe said.

Braun said the previous board considered the issue on a case-by-case basis when negotiating contracts with administrators and did not have the strong feelings on the subject that this board has.

In other business, the board approved the hiring of Charlotte Thompson as director of curriculum and instruction for elementary, and Joshua Peters for director of curriculum and instruction for secondary. The two positions will replace outgoing director of curriculum and instruction Ed Moyer, who is leaving the district at the end of the fiscal year.

Co-interim Superintendent Michael Dugan said the decision was made to split the one position into two because covering 22 buildings, plus technology, was a big job for one person to handle, and with two assistant superintendents  Dugan for secondary and Bobbi Williams for elementary  they decided that two directors of curriculum were necessary as well.
There is no known threat to Canberra following the terrorism attack in Manchester, but the ACT government will help form a national plan of tightening security at major events.

After sending his thoughts and prayers to the loved ones of the 22 lives lost in Monday night's suicide bombing at the Manchester Arena, Chief Minister Andrew Barr said Canberrans would have been impacted by footage of the tragedy.

Members of the public depart Manchester Arena following a suicide bombing after Ariana Grande had performed. Credit:Dave Thompson

"The safety of our people is the government's first priority," Mr Barr said.

"While the national terrorism public alert level remains at 'probable,' there is no specific or credible threat to the ACT."
The future of non-stop flights between Australia and Samoa is under a cloud after the Pacific nation's government called an end to its jointly owned airline with Virgin Australia.

The Samoan government told Virgin Australian earlier this month it wanted to end their joint venture, Virgin Samoa, by November 12.

Losing non-stop flights would have a 'major impact' on tourism.

Dissatisfaction with the venture has been simmering within the Samoan government for some time amid allegations Virgin Australia and Air New Zealand, formerly a Virgin Australia shareholder and the only other major airline servicing the island nation, had been colluding on fares, according to the Samoa Observer.
Business Day: Sign up for our newsletter Westpac is selling its remaining stake in fund manager BT Investment Management, offloading up to $645 million worth of stock to institutional investors and signalling it intends to ultimately sell all shares it holds in the business. In a move that will improve Westpac's capital position, the bank is selling 60 million shares it holds in BTIM, which will take its stake in the investment manager from 29 per cent to 10 per cent. Westpac will see a small improvement in its capital position by selling down its stake in BTIM. Credit:Jesse Marlow The bank, which used to hold a controlling 59 per cent of BTIM before selling this down in 2015, said it intended to sell the remaining 10 per cent stake, subject to market conditions. This would not occur before May 2018.

The sale will lower Westpac's exposure to funds management, and raise 10 basis points of top tier capital at a time when banks are building up larger buffers to protect them against future shocks. Westpac chief financial officer Peter King said the bank no longer needed the stake in BTIM. Credit:Bloomberg The deal does not change Westpac's ownership of BT Financial Group, the wealth management business that is fully owned by the bank and is a key vehicle for selling products in superannuation and insurance. Westpac chief financial officer Peter King said the bank no longer needed the stake in BTIM, because BT Financial Group's priorities centred on the distribution of wealth products.



"This was a strategic decision about looking at the portfolio and focusing BT Financial Group on wealth distribution and platform management," Mr King said.



BTIM products were still important, he said, but BT's platform Panorama would offer customers the best products, irrespective of where they were produced.



"When we look at BTFG strategically, it's really around building wealth management solutions. We are prepared to put the best investment management products on Panorama." Macquarie is underwriting the offer, which will allow big institutions to pick up BTIM stock at between $10.25 and $10.75. At the bottom end of the range, that is a discount of 16 per cent to the last closing price.
The debonair Roger Moore was too debonair for some, writes Garth Clarke of North Sydney. "Despite playing James Bond [007] times, the Herald's film critic, Susie Eisenhuth, found him unconvincing in the role because of what she described as 'an air of careful assemblage'."

David Skillicorn asks when Empire Day ceased (C8). From Andrew Macintosh, Cromer. "As a child in the 1940s it was 'Cracker Night' and one of the highlights of the year. For weeks beforehand, we built enormous bonfires and bought as many crackers as we could. The result was a pall of smoke over Sydney, burnt fingers and a busy night for fire brigades. With the subsequent banning of fireworks it was no longer fun, so it died out." [See also today's In the Herald.]

"Queen Elizabeth II has already celebrated her actual 91st birthday, on April 21, 2017. The monarch's official birthday is quite a different matter. In NSW and some other states, it has been the second Monday in June since 1936 when King George V died." Thanks Steve Cornelius C8PhD, Brookvale.

Now grave matters. "I think it would be more accurate to say the inscription on Spike's grave is in the Gaelic," reports John Lees, Castlecrag and others. "His ancestry was more Irish than Welsh as his father was from the Emerald Isle."

"The SMH reported on a university study of the funeral industry. It found that people were looking for cheaper funerals and I was surprised to see a reference to DIY funerals as one option." Graham Mostyn, Castle Hill.
But far more worrying was the realisation that creating more senators would mean that there would, as a result, be a lower quota needed to get elected to the Senate. This would enhance the prospects of independent and minor party candidates. Neither the Coalition nor its Labor opponents relished such a prospect.

There were clear problems with this initiative. For one thing, it seemed silly that a state would elect six senators at one regular half-Senate election and five at the next.

To create these 13 new seats would require, given the nexus, the creation of six new senators. Each state would then have 11 of them.

There was a complication, however. The federal constitution (section 24) required the House as nearly as possible to be no more than twice the size of the Senate. This was the so-called "nexus".

The nexus was unquestionably an inconvenience. It had to go but removing it from section 24 would require a yes vote in a constitutional referendum. Such referenda are always hard to win in Australia and yet, in 1967, the consensus between the two great political blocs in favour of ending the nexus was compelling.

All senior federal politicians were in the yes camp when the referendum was called but there were dissenters elsewhere. A few opponents in the Senate organised themselves. A pro-nexus grouping coalesced comprising the Democratic Labor Party's two senators along with two independents, two Country Party senators and three Liberals, including Reg Wright from Tasmania.

Wright and the DLP's Vince Gair drew up the no case going into the referendum. Their message was one of classic populism. There was, they insisted, no need to have more federal members of Parliament. Australia was already overgoverned. Cutting the nexus would diminish the Senate's independence and harm the smaller states and country districts.

Wright and Gair traded on the popular perception that politicians were wasteful and lazy. It was wrong to try to create more of them. The two senators were energetic in presenting their unflattering views to a receptive nation. The yes case, even though supported by the three major parties, was soon in trouble.

The yes campaign was headed by prime minister Harold Holt, who tried to come up with a cut-through message by insisting, correctly, that a no vote would all too easily backfire. If maintained, the nexus would ensure that any future necessary expansion in the number of federal politicians would be 50 per cent greater than if there were no nexus.
With a fanfare he joins the carousers, dressed in fake Arab robes. He begins to recite in ponderous musical voice: "Tonight, I can write the saddest lines "

A chubby man with a comb-over (Luis Gnecco) sits bare-chested in front of a mirror, his eyes lined with kohl. He is dressing for the decadent party raging outside.

So begins Pablo Larrain's fabulous fantasy biopic about the great Chilean poet Pablo Neruda  although to call this a biopic does injury to the name, as Larrain intended.

This young Chilean director also made Jackie. In both films he moves into the structurally unsound mansion that is the traditional biopic and renovates with a flame-thrower.

The house may not survive the treatment but it's the most dishonest genre in movies, so who cares? Larrain's approach is to burn it down and see what emerges.

What do I mean? Neruda is all of the following: unreliable as history, but immensely informative about the times and the man; entertaining as comedy, but still deeply melancholy about the politics of Latin America in the 1950s; drop-dead gorgeous as Chilean travelogue (including a snowy escape across the Andes), but imbued with sacred respect for the words, and the work it took to produce them.

The whole film is structured as a cat-and-mouse thriller between the poet and the man sent to hunt him down  who is, we soon discover, a figment of the poet's imagination.
George Brandis, Attorney-General, was trying valiantly to avoid casting indelicate reflection on Donald Trump, blabber of secrets, and his reliability as a recipient of Australian security intelligence.

A corridor or two away, Pauline Hanson was declaring, alarmingly, that she'd been told cattle were having their throats slit while they were still alive in Australian halal-certified abattoirs.

Welcome to what are blithely known as Senate estimates committee hearings.
DECATUR  Most kids are excited about the last day of school and ready for a nice long summer vacation.

Zuri Bond is not one of those kids.

I like school. School is good, said the Muffley School third-grader as she waited outside with the rest of the students to high-five and cheer the sixth graders as they left for the last time on Wednesday. I feel at home here.

All Macon County schools will be finished for the year after today.

The third annual Muffley March on the last day of school for Decatur School District is the brainchild of Principal Carrie Hogue, who came up with the idea as a way to encourage the sixth-graders as they move on to middle school and leave Muffley for the last time as Mustangs, and to give the younger students something to look forward to as they move up through the grades.

The younger students made signs with goodbye messages, some as simple as Wow! and others more elaborate, and lined up making a sort of tunnel for the sixth grade to walk through. An added highlight of the day was a group of recent high school graduates who attended Muffley, who came to the school in caps and gowns to walk through the hallways.

That was organized by Hayleigh Lutz, who graduated from Eisenhower High School on Saturday summa cum laude, gold delta, National Honor Society and as an Illinois State Scholar. She's going to Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville to major in pre-pharmacy.

And, in spite of the fact that Johns Hill Magnet School and Garfield Montessori School hosted similar senior walk-throughs, she said, it was her idea first.

I saw a video on Facebook (of an event like it) and saved it, Lutz said. It popped up the other day and I said, 'I still want to do that!'

It was also the last day for four of the staff members who are retiring, which made Hogue said. I don't know what we'll do without them, she said. Those four  Lynna Pack, Dawn Nibbelin, Geri McGrath and Donna Harris  came down the path behind the sixth-graders, ringing bells and cheering and stopping for hugs with students.

Aiden Young, a third-grader, said he has big plans for summer.

I'm going to read books and injure myself on my bike, he said with a grin.

Reading is also on the agenda for Anjalaya Jackson and Kaylynn Norman, also third-graders. Kaylynn's favorite book year-round is Elf on a Shelf, she said.

After all the students were loaded on the buses or handed off to parents, the staff gathered across the street and Hogue signaled to the bus drivers to go. The teachers called out to students, waving and wishing them a happy summer, as the buses drove away.
Sydney mum Connie Scully says her daughter Bianca, who turned 16 last week, "has no idea" about money, and schools should be teaching students basic financial skills instead of higher-level algebra.

"They're taught maths and algebra well, but I don't see the point of that," Mrs Scully said. "You should be teaching them about finances and loans so when they come out, they know how to do stuff."

Bianca, who wants to be a surgeon when she leaves St John Bosco College in Sydney's south, says she'll completely miss out on learning financial skills by choosing calculus-based higher-level maths in year 11.

"I haven't done finance since we touched on it in year 7," Bianca said. "It's very important, when you turn 18 you have your own money and you need to know what's happening.
On Tuesday night the online editor of Quadrant, Roger Franklin, wrote in a comment piece that, "had there been a shred of justice, that blast [in Manchester] would have detonated" in a studio in ABC's Ultimo headquarters.

And if it had, he added, "none of the panel's likely casualties would have represented the slightest reduction in humanity's intelligence, decency, empathy or honesty."

Sometime later, displaying little honesty, intelligence, decency or empathy, he amended the most contentious section of his piece, without an editor's note or explanation, to begin, "What if that blast had detonated in an Ultimo TV studio?"

What is most striking about Franklin's language is not its violence, but its banality.
As the siege went on, the police psychiatrist became a powerful figure.

He expanded his role to give commanders wrongheaded advice on terrorism while setting the strategy of deferential police negotiators, Coroner Michael Barnes found.

The "flawed advice" provided by the psychiatrist and the negotiators then led commanders to hold back from ordering an assault to end the siege.

The psychiatrist, whose name was suppressed, told police they should not treat the hostage-taking by the gunman Man Haron Monis as an Islamic State attack, as it was inconsistent with IS methods.
Officers will wear the decisions of the Lindt Cafe siege response for the rest of their lives, the NSW Police Commissioner says, as the force prepares to implement lessons learned from the fatal event.

A new unit responsible for making sure vital information is shared easily and quickly, a shift in negotiation strategies and bravery commendations are on the cards following the siege inquest findings on Wednesday.

Of the recommendations NSW State Coroner Michael Barnes handed down, 28 related to the NSW Police Force.

The agency came under heavy scrutiny for how it handled the siege, orchestrated by Man Monis on December 15 and 16, 2014, and resulting in the death of two hostages.
An alleged crime spree, including two home invasions on Sydney's north shore and three police chases, has ended in the death of two men on their way to work.

Earlier this week, homes in Mosman and Lavender Bay were broken into in the middle of the night as the occupants were asleep inside.

Raymond Lomas, 33, was allegedly behind the wheel of a stolen ute that crashed into another car, killing two people, at St Peters on Thursday. Credit:Facebook

A Toyota Hilux ute was stolen from one of the properties.

In the early hours of Thursday morning, the mangled remains of that grey four-wheel-drive ute were strewn across an intersection at St Peters in Sydney's inner west.
Tori's dream was to become an architect. He was an incredibly creative person appreciating design, materials, shapes etc and when walking along streets on his travels he would observe what had been created in his environment.

Tori and I met in 2000. We lived close to New York City during the September 11 attacks and were luckily not directly affected by the attacks, although many of our friends and friends of friends lost their loved ones back then. Little did we know how the world would change in the years to come nor how 13 years later it would mean the end of our life together as we knew it.

Tori and I were made for each other. We are so lucky that our two souls found each other in this world, growing up in countries on complete opposite sides of this world; but we found each other and knew we belonged together  indefinitely.

Our love grew each day over the 14 years  and we both could feel this. Our minds were at peace when in each other's company  not much needed to be said. We knew how the other one felt and what he was thinking. With the exception of being at work we did not spend one minute apart. All interests we had we shared passionately. Travelling the world, exploring history and other cultures, tasting foreign foods and appreciating nature. There was so much in this world Tori would have still liked to discover: The mountains of Japan, the glaciers of Antarctica, the forest of the Amazon, the pyramids of the Incas, the carnival in Rio and so much more. He will need to see it through my eyes now.
"The core of the problem is when power is heavily centralised in the hands of a few people it tends to corrupt and people get arrogant and stop working cooperatively. "The best solution is to decentralise that power rather than a few chairs and a few senior cabinet members holding all the power we need to share it around a bit more." The council chamber comprises 19 Liberal National councillors, five Labor councillors, one Greens councillor and one independent. Council chairman Angela Owen said the council chamber was a forum appropriate for robust political debate. "One universal aspect of this role is that at one time or another, all chairmen of council have experienced commentary on behaviour and rulings in council meetings," Cr Owen said.

"In my experience, people will always have a broad range of views on these matters." Opposition Leader Peter Cumming said the Labor Party also had concerns about the adversarial nature of the council chambers.



"We have concerns with the LNP using their massive majority in the chamber to stifle debate and limit scrutiny of their decisions," Cr Cumming said. "The Establishment and Coordination Committee operates under a veil of secrecy and has no opposition councillors on the committee. "This committee awards all the contracts council enters into, with no opportunity for debate or scrutiny. "Time and again, the LNP uses their massive majority to make decisions in secret, avoid any scrutiny, and ram through changes with no debate."



Cr Sri said he was concerned about discussions in the chamber being cut short and decisions being rushed through.

"I was particularly concerned last week by a decision to cut short discussion during general business without allowing councillors to raise matters that they flagged they wanted to talk about during general business," he said. "This isn't the first time this has happened and it's almost got to the point now where councillors feel like they have to leap to their feet really quickly and wave their arms in order to get noticed. "Unless you're super quick and in a split second you rise to your feet or speak up the chair will say, you're too late, you've missed out. I think that's problematic, I don't think that promotes constructive discourse. "I think all of us here can do better and should work to improve the way we conduct ourselves in this chamber." After Cr Sri spoke about his concerns, Deputy Mayor Adrian Schrinner was quick to request that he withdraw his comments on the basis they were inappropriate and could cause adverse reflections on the chairing of council meetings.

Cr Owen said: "Cr Sri, comments you have made in respect of things being unfair and biased in this place are not substantive and I ask you to withdraw." Cr Sri said it was his strong opinion that the chairing of the meetings had been partisan and inconsistent and he would not withdraw. Cr Owen: "Well Cr Sri, I don't uphold your statement, certainly my chairing is not biased and I don't believe that if you want to actually rise and talk about respect in this place then there is a lot of consideration that certain people need to give to that as well." When Fairfax Media asked Cr Sri if conduct within the chamber would make him turn his back on his role within council, he said although he was often disappointed he was not ready to back down yet. "I genuinely find it frustrating sometimes but at this stage ill keep fighting," he said.
A mystery woman may hold the clue to an unsolved fatal hit-and-run in Brisbane's south-west 12 months ago.

Van Phuc Nguyen, 50, was walking with groceries along Shelduck Street in Inala on May 24 last year when he was hit by what police believed was a Toyota Hilux.

Van Phuc Nguyen, 50, was captured buying groceries at the Inala Woolworths prior to his death in a 2016 hit-and-run. Credit:Queensland Police Service

Mr Nguyen was on the phone with a woman, believed to be 66-year-old Oan Tran, on the night of the accident.

Police say her phone has not been used since that night, and despite numerous attempts to locate her they have not been able to speak to her.
MATTOON -- A brown dump truck and a blue sedan collided at 1:38 p.m. Tuesday at 6478 Lerna Road, and a 16-year-old girl died as a result.

The cause of the accident was unknown and the names of all the occupants of the vehicles were not given by officials as of Tuesday evening, although at least one of those involved was airlifted from the scene.

Coles County Coroner Ed Schniers said Tuesday evening that the female driver of the car died due to the collision.

Charleston school officials confirmed later Tuesday the identity of the driver to be Jordan Holly, a 16-year-old Charleston High School student. Her mother, Kristen Holly, is the principal of Carl Sandburg Elementary School in Charleston; and her father, Don Holly, is a professor of sociology and anthropology at Eastern Illinois University in Charleston.

The school district had grief counseling opportunities for parents and students Tuesday evening. Superintendent Jim Littleford said there also will be counselors available at Carl Sandburg and at the CHS Media Center starting at 9 a.m. today.

Littleford described Jordan Holly as a "vibrant, energetic and wonderful young lady."

"It's a very sad moment in our community," he said.
Opposition Leader Tim Nicholls has plenty to say about the alleged "civil war" within Labor when it comes to Adani royalties.

But Mr Nicholls has not been entirely clear on whether the Liberal National Party would support a royalties concession or holiday.

Opposition Leader Tim Nicholls would not say whether he supported the Adani royalty holiday when asked on Wednesday. Credit:Glenn Hunt

Mr Nicholls said that was because he had not seen the details proposed under Labor.

"None of us know what is being offered in this case so how can we support anything that we don't have details of," he said.
Target has agreed to pay $US18.5 million ($24.78 million) to settle investigations by dozens of US states over a 2013 hack of its database, in which the personal information of millions of customers was stolen.

It's the largest multistate accord ever reached over a US data breach, according to New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman. The hack, which occurred during the busy holiday shopping season in late 2013, affected more than 41 million customer payment-card accounts and exposed contact information of more than 60 million customers.

47 US states and the District of Columbia have reached a settlement with Target. Credit:AP

The settlement resolves investigations led by Connecticut Attorney General George Jepsen and Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan which found that in November 2013 hackers accessed Target's gateway server through a third-party vendor, then used the information to exploit weaknesses in the retailer's system.

The hackers accessed a customer service database and installed malware on Target's system that captured consumer data, including names, telephone numbers, email and mailing addresses as well as payment card numbers with their expiration dates and encrypted debit card personal identification numbers.
Police are investigating a major privacy breach at a Melbourne high school, which saw the personal information of families, including their phone numbers, addresses and Medicare details, published online.

It's believed a number of parents at Blackburn High School also provided their credit card details to scammers, after a phishing email masquerading as a message from the principal was sent out.

Blackburn High School fell victim to a similar privacy breach.

The Victorian Department of Education on Wednesday confirmed information had been illegally downloaded from Blackburn High School's system and used to send hoax emails to parents.

The school raised the alarm and told police when they discovered the security breach on May 19.
A distraught mother has barely slept since being told to repaint her teenage daughter's grave because it breaches cemetery rules.

Kirra Rose Sim died in September 2012 in a car crash in central Victoria. She was 19.

The family of Kirra Rose Sim has been asked to make changes at her grave. Credit:Darren Howe'/Bendigo Advertiser

In the years that followed, her family painstakingly decorated Kirra's final resting place at the Bendigo Cemetery.

But on Friday Kirra's mother, who visits the grave most days, received a letter from Remembrance Parks Central Victoria, saying Kirra's gravesite was in breach of decoration policy guidelines.
A Melbourne mother has been forced into damage control after an image of her daughter was used in a "cruel" fake missing person report following the Manchester concert tragedy.

Photographer and blogger Rachel Devine was inundated with messages on Tuesday asking if her daughter Gemma was safe after an image of her began circulating online in the wake of the explosion.

According to Devine, Gemma's image was shared on a Twitter profile run by a person claiming Gemma was a friend and a missing person.

It soon got picked up by news outlets including Daily Mail, which published it with an article about distressed parents trying to find their children in the wake of the bombing which killed 22 people.
Plans to ring-fence Premier Daniel Andrews' controversial fire service reforms by linking them to firefighters' cancer compensation payments could be torpedoed in the upper house.

The fate of the government's CFA split and cancer compensation plans now lies with the upper house crossbench MPs, with some expressing anger at Mr Andrews' plan.

Premier Daniel Andrews has a fight on his hands. Credit:Jason South

Shooters, Fishers and Farmers MP Daniel Young said it was "disgraceful" to combine the fire services overhaul with the cancer compensation scheme in the one bill.

The plan to create a cancer compensation scheme for all firefighters has bipartisan backing but the reforms are included in the legislation needed to split off the CFA as a volunteer-only service and create a new Fire Rescue Victoria for paid firefighters.
A truck has brought down tram powerlines in Melbourne's west, causing lengthy delays for motorists and commuters in the area.

The incident happened on Geelong Road in Footscray just after 5pm on Wednesday, and VicRoads is advising drivers to either delay their travel to the inner-west, or take Footscray Road as an alternative.

Roads in Footscray are jam-packed after the crash. Credit:VicRoads

A VicRoads spokeswoman said the delays were heaviest west-bound.
The 28-year-old is not some homeless, poverty-stricken addict - he is a strikingly good-looking male who openly admits that he had a good education at a prestigious Perth private school. The only hint something is amiss is his rapid-fire speech, which slows to a soft cadence when he fears someone is listening in. A patient getting a Naltrexone implant. Credit:James Mooney John said he was able to maintain his habit by earning more than $200,000 a year in a high-flying job in the oil and gas industry as a fly-in, fly-out worker. I'm free for the first time in my life. I'm free and that feeling is everything.

"I was doing four and one, and every week I came back I would blow $12,000 on hotels, travelling and meth," he said. "That was $200,000, maybe $250,000 in a couple of years." He is supportive of the federal government's push to randomly drug test 5000 Australians applying for welfare payments as part of a host of welfare reforms. Those who fail the drug test for methylamphetamine, marijuana and ecstasy will have their payments quarantined and instead be put on cashless welfare cards. "I think it would definitely help because when my Centrelink payment comes into the bank account I go to my dealer's house and I buy a half ball and I sell a little bit and the rest is free smoke," he said

"Before I know it, a week later I've got no money for rent and I find myself going back to my parents. "It would minimise my use if I had a welfare card, because I could only use it for Coles or things like that. At least I could buy my food for a week." One day in the front line Inside the clinic there is an uncomfortable, hectic urgency as patients shuffle their feet and hands while filling out forms in a drab, uninviting, bright white room. It's barely 9.30am on Wednesday and already 33 addicts have "walked off the streets" looking for help.

It's a full house. It's confronting and horrifying to think so many people have turned up searching for some microscopic vestige of relief. Dr O'Neill is well aware Naltrexone implants have had its critics, with University of Adelaide Professor Jason White once labelling his program as "unethical and disturbing". In 2012, a NSW coroner slammed a Sydney detox clinic after it found three patients being treated for heroin dependence died after having Naltrexone implants. But a federal parliamentary committee in 2015 praised the treatment for drug addicts and called for a clinical trial as a matter of urgency.

Dr George O'Neill. Credit:James Mooney Dr O'Neill produces the implants in a factory around the corner from his Subiaco clinic, but relies on money from the state government, charities and churches to fund the $20 million a year program. He has 11,000 people on the books, and the list is growing by the day. The outspoken doctor is also a big fan of Social Services Minister Christian Porter's drug-testing trial for those seeking welfare payments. "I'm delighted Christian Porter is coming up with new ideas and living dangerously and introducing something new," he said.

"He's obviously going to do screening somewhere and it's the same thing that's happened in the mining industry for workers to see if they can work properly. "As for the people who are on Centrelink - the majority - probably more than 50 per cent are drug or alcohol dependent and that's a terrible problem." Dr O'Neill also believes giving people on the dole welfare cards would work. "The welfare card means it's a bit harder to barter with your dealer when he wants cash," he said. "Dealers usually want cash. There will be barter systems, but it will be hard to barter food with a dealer. It will decrease the abuse that goes on.

"Currently for those people that are drug dependent the money gets spent the first day of the week so there isn't the chance to make good decisions - so it has a really bad effect on the children and families. "It is potentially a good thing if the information is used effectively." Kicking the habit Nartasha Bianchi had been a meth user for 23 years before she stumbled across Dr O'Neill's clinic. She has been clean for more than two years because of the Naltrexone treatment but doesn't believe drug testing people on welfare would work.

"I do know for a fact that a lot of people on welfare are definitely on drugs and I know the way that they work," she told WAtoday. Nartasha Bianchi was a meth addict for 23 years. Credit:James Mooney "One person will get paid and that person will shout everyone. Then the next person will get paid and that person will shout everyone and that's how they survive during the week. "A lot of people on the dole and the disability pension are users. "They don't have control over their brain or their body, so if you take their money away they will have no choice but to commit crimes to support their habit.

"If you put them in a treatment facility and take their money away it will work." The 37-year-old said during the height of her drug use she would spend around $600-a-day on meth. "I went through a state of psychosis towards the end," she said "My son saw that and he loves me and doesn't hold that against me but it has to have caused some sort of trauma. I have to deal with that when it comes out. "I'm lucky I didn't steal, I didn't bash people, I didn't rob people, I didn't do that stuff so I don't have a criminal record. I don't have to answer to any that kind of stuff."

Ms Bianchi, who has spent $20,000 on three separate implants said she has tried a lot of treatments, but in the end the only thing that helped was the Naltrexone. "Because I had been on the drug for so long, my thinking had been 'meth, meth, meth' and I could not get control of my brain," she said. "The drug had totally taken control. "So instantly after I woke up from the Naltrexone implant I didn't think about meth - the thoughts were gone. Loading
While having a beer and yarn with one of his mates, property developer Steve Buljan stumbled on an idea that he hopes could revive the spirit of the backyard shed in Perth.

"We were just looking around the room and saying wouldn't it be great to have a mezzanine and more space to do things in," Mr Buljan said.

"So I started looking into man caves and found out about developments over in Melbourne and the east coast where they're taking things a step further, and creating tailored spaces for people."

The man cave is a modern concept that's come into focus in recent years as the number of backyard sheds decline in Australia; something often linked to rising rates of depression in men.
London: Britain's Home Secretary Amber Rudd has complained to her US counterpart over the leak of the identity of the Manchester suicide bomber to the American media.

Mrs Rudd took the extraordinary step of making the UK government's frustration with the Americans public on Wednesday as counter-terror investigators worked to identify possible accomplices of 22-year old Salman Abedi.

On Wednesday morning, local time, police in Manchester arrested three people in the city's south. They had already arrested a 23-year-old man in relation to the attack. US media identified that man as Abedi's brother, citing "US officials".

As was the case with the Westminster attack in April, British press held off reporting the attacker's name - even though they knew it - to avoid endangering the investigation or tipping off any further suspects. But on Tuesday, US networks CBS and NBC named the perpetrator hours before Greater Manchester police confirmed his identity.
Farmers voted overwhelmingly last November for Donald Trump as president, but now are finding it hard to justify their enthusiasm prior to the election and exuberance afterward.

The Trump White House has hit agriculture hard on a number of issues, the latest on Monday with Mr. Trumps first proposed budget for the fiscal year beginning in October.

As a candidate, Mr. Trump castigated the TransPacific Partnership (TPP) and North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) as the worst trade agreements ever, promising to withdraw U.S. participation.

Farmers know trade generates one-third of farm income and they took a deep breath when marking their ballot, counting on cooler heads prevailing.

During the campaign, Mr. Trump also railed against Mexican immigrants and promised to build a wall to prevent their return after deportation. Farmers who depend on seasonal labor for planting and harvesting, and those who depend on migrant labor for dairy farms and livestock slaughter operations, also bit their tongue and voted for him, hoping for some moderation of policy.

This week, agriculture is again reaching out for help following Mondays release of the proposed 2018 fiscal year federal budget because of what it does to U.S. Department of Agriculture operations, the agriculture safety net, and farmers key political allies who are defenders of USDA food and nutrition programs.

All of those are in for the biggest cuts ever, unless Congress approves a new 10-year spending plan that agriculture would consider less onerous.

Over $16 billion would be cut from crop insurance over 10 years, changing the premium structure, which would reduce program participation, shrink the insurance pool, and not only raise the premiums for participants but switch agriculture away from an insurance participation program to expensive disaster assistance programs.

Ironically, this is being proposed at a time when possibly half of Illinois farmers will have insurance claims because of flooding, replanting and abandoned acreage.

The proposed budgets changes to crop insurance not only makes the premium structure more expensive for farmers, but also eliminates the Harvest Price Option, which draws 76 percent participation by corn and soybean farmers, and is designed to encourage participation by reducing revenue risk.

Although the $16.2 billion in cuts is proposed, it should be noted that Congress rejected a $3 billion cut in crop insurance in 2015.

The proposed budget would eliminate $5.75 billion from conservation, cut another $3 billion by eliminating a number of small USDA programs and cut $477 million from the Rural Economic Development Program, a rural-oriented program designed to promote job growth and higher incomes for rural America.

In addition to cuts in funding, the White House budget proposal also calls for raising fees charged by the USDA for a wide variety of services.

Meat packers, which are required to have a USDA inspector present at all times, would be charged $5.9 billion over 10 years to support that requirement. There is a good chance that increased cost would be reflected by higher prices at the meat counter.

Regarding food, the proposed budget would cut nearly $191 billion from food assistance programs over 10 years, a 30 percent annual reduction in spending. The proposal would shift responsibility to states to promote employment for those receiving food assistance.

Ironically, new Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue told members of the House Agriculture Committee last week that he thought the USDA nutrition program, known as SNAP, was working well, there were no proposed changes pending and, You dont try to fix things that arent broken.

Perdue will have a chance to either repeat his pledge or change his testimony this week when he testifies to the House Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee which has seen how the White House wants to fix SNAP.

How will all of the proposed changes in the USDA program funding be received by Congress? A joint statement by six crop insurance trade groups said cuts to programs such as the farm safety net have been rejected by Congress in the past and, We fully expect that to be the case again this year, and we are hopeful to engage in meaningful dialogue about how to support Americas hardworking farmers and ranchers in difficult times like these.

Most farm and commodity groups would agree, hoping Congress will better understand agricultures challenges.
The list of the Manchester bomb victims is as indiscriminate as it is cruel.

Many of those now confirmed dead were only meant to be at the stadium for a minute or two.

They are loving parents who had been lingering patiently in the foyer of the arena, waiting to take their children home.

Jane Tweedle-Taylor, 51, was not even there for her own child, but went to Manchester Arena with a friend to pick up her friend's daughter.
Washington: Members of the US Navy's elite SEAL Team 6 killed seven militants, but suffered combat wounds themselves, during an early Tuesday raid on a compound associated with al-Qaeda in Yemen, the Pentagon said.

Captain Jeff Davis, a Pentagon spokesman, declined to say how many members of the SEAL unit had been wounded or to describe the extent of their injuries, citing rules for secrecy and operational security. But he said the injured Americans were not in such serious condition that they required medical evacuation.

Reprieve, a London-based human rights organisation, said five civilians had been killed in the raid, including a 70-year-old, partly blind man who was shot when he tried to greet the Navy SEALs, mistaking them for guests arriving in the village. But Davis said: "We don't have reason to believe that's the case."
Beijing: The unidentified flying object that crossed from North Korea into South Korea, prompting a volley of warning fire from the South, was a balloon.

News of the incursion of the "object" had put the world on edge on Tuesday evening, amid heightened tension over the unpredictable North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's missile launches.

Eight missiles have been fired in violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions this year, the latest on Sunday.

Early reports of a "projectile" soon turned to the possibility the unidentified object was a drone.
London: The history of human evolution may be rewritten after scientists claimed that the birth of mankind happened in Europe, not Africa.

Most experts believe that our human lineage split from apes around seven million years ago in central Africa, where hominids remained for the next five million years.

But two fossils of an ape-like creature which had human-like teeth have been found in Bulgaria and Greece, dating to 7.2 million years ago.

The discovery of the creature named Graecopithecus freybergi, and nicknamed "El Graeco" by scientists, proves our ancestors were starting to evolve in Europe 200,000 years before the earliest African hominid.
Beijing: Taiwan will become the first country in Asia to legalise same-sex marriage, after a landmark ruling by the constitutional court.

The court ruled on Wednesday that a civil law defining marriage as a union between a man and a woman violates constitutional guarantees of equal protection.

The Taiwan News reported the court ruled that parliament has two years to either amend the law or create a new law.

Secretary General of the Judicial Yuan Lu Tai-lang said that because civil code states: "An agreement to marry shall be made by the male and the female parties" this excludes couples that are of the same sex and is therefore unconstitutional.
Minister of Finance sold out the country to become Minister says MP Meyers.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Members of Parliament came together as they all posed severe questions on the establishing of the Assets Recovery Team. Member of Parliament Franklin Meyers made it clear on the floor of Parliament that he knows exactly who signed to establish the team, he said it was Minister of Finance Richard Gibson Sr and former Minister of Justice Edison Kirindongo.

Meyers said that Minister Gibson sold the country out to the Dutch because the first time around he could not pass the screening process but as soon as he agreed with the Dutch to sign off on the establishment of the AfPak team he passed the screening process. Meyers said its the prosecutors office that decides who they want in government. He went on to explain to Parliament that he has a living experience with the Prosecutors Office, he said when his brother was arrested and his assets were seized such as his dump truck the prosecutor proceeded and sell his brother dump truck within two weeks long before his brother was released or his case tried in court. He said his brother Etienne Meyers was arrested for human trafficking yet those that arrested him asked him where he gained all his land. MP Meyers further stated that his other brother also was arrested based on assumptions, and he personally was profiled in 1995 by a Marechausee when he was seen driving his brand new BMW.

Meyers said that the locals build their homes through jollification and even by stealing sand from the beaches. He said nowhere in the policy states that these people will not be targeted. He called on the Minister to explain parliament what type of repercussion will be taken for those that go after people on a witch hunt. Meyers said he knew someone who lived in a very nice home but that person took 20 years to build this home, thus he wants to know what guarantee there is that such a person will not be targeted. He described the situation as a scary thing as people from Curacao has been sending them photos of all that were seized by the AfPak team there.

Meyers said that there are criminals with a badge and criminals without a badge, he based that claim by saying that while a number of vehicles were seized by the prosecutors office, those vehicles were not sold but was shipped to the Netherlands. He said drugs are being destroyed, homes and boats and other properties are being sold under value, but certain types of vehicles are kept for the prosecutors and they ship them back to the Netherlands. He said when anyone speaks out against the injustice they immediately become a target. He mentioned a situation where law enforcement seized a boat that values $1M but yet the prosecution sold it for $200.000.00. He asked why sudden interest is placed on St. Maarten.

He called on the Minister of Justice to take a peek inside the Pointe Blanche prison and he is sure that he will not find any Dutch person there even though there are 200 prisoners incarcerated there.

Meyers said that the people of St. Maarten have grave concerns about the Afpak team. Meyers said that in 60s and 70s St. Maarten had no money but these people worked hard at Mullet Bay and most of them build their home through tips they earned, he said those same Mullet Bay workers also built apartments in order to gain extra monies. He asked the Minister to provide parliament with the proper guarantee that those persons will not be targeted. Leader of UPP Theodore Heyliger also posed several questions to the Minister which he also said he will send in by writing and wants his answers in writing. MP Heyliger focused on the legality of the AfPak team, one is how it was established, was it by an MB or LB. Heyliger wants to know what the exact task of the team is and who will oversee this team. What disciplinary actions will be taken against the team or prosecutor office if they overreach or target people. Who will be held liable if the team is held liable and if so will it be government and if so which budget post will be used to compensate people? He said based on the statements made when the team was launched, it stated this team will work outside of the penal code, therefore, he wants to know how persons whose assets have been seized could defend themselves. Heyliger also wants to know the timeframe from the time assets were seized to the sale of said items and if persons that have become victims could properly defend themselves and assets. MP Heyliger went on to ask about the Crime Fund and how it is being used, and who will decide on the allocation of the funds that is derived from seized assets. He also wants to know if the team is of a higher ranking order and if they will engage in malicious targeting through vengeance, and if it is independent then the Minister should give parliament a full description on their independence. Heyliger said he came from the Democratic Party whose vision was to make their people rich and not government getting rich off of the people.

MP Claret Conner also posed some severe questions on the team and asked how people can defend themselves properly if they are not able to show how they accumulate their savings. He said the people of St. Maarten are known for partaking in partner hand in order to save their monies but in that case, no one can have a receipt. MP Connor also gave parliament an insight on his own experience when he was labeled an embezzler and he managed to go to court and clear his name, he said if he did not do that he would not have been able to serve his country.

MP Hyacinth Richardson also spoke from experience, he said his home was built by his brothers besides that he went on to explain parliament what he personally went through when his home and car was searched when someone filed a complaint with the police stating he had a gun.

MP Rodolphe Samuel went more into the documents that were given to them on Monday. Samuel said that the documents are confusing, to say the least, he said in one part of the document it states that the monies derived from this team will go towards paying salaries of the team and overhead cost, yet the team consists of people from the Coast Guards, KPSM, Tax Department and Customs. All of whom are already employed by government and has a salary, he asked if this team will now get a second salary that will take them to scale 12. He said that government did not approve a budget for this team and based on the documents provided the team started to work since September 2016 and after a three month period they were supposed to be evaluated. He asked what happened since then. Samuel said according to the documentation the experience the team gain through working they will adjust he asked for that to be explained. He called on the Minister of Justice to shed light even though he knows that the Minister finds himself in a peculiar situation since he did not sign off on the establishment of this team, he told the Minister that there are too many things that are unclear and it must be clarified.

MP George Pantophlet said he does not want anyone to think that they do not want to have checks and balances and people must remove that perception. Pantophlet said when he googled AfPak team he saw another world because there is where he saw a number of assets that were confiscated in Curacao and they also mentioned that a lot of monies were confiscated but the amount was not disclosed.

Pantophlet said Aruba AfPak team got a financial injection from the Netherlands and wondered why that was not possible for St. Maarten, and that the monies derived went back into society through the crime funds. He also made clear that more clarity is needed and a clear policy needs to be in place.

MP Frans Richardson wants more clarity from the Minister of Justice, he said that the Minister has to face parliament and take the heat he believes that the Prosecutor Office should appear in Parliament to provide the clarity needed. MP Richardson said that even members of Government were taken aback when they read about the team and how they will operate. Richardson said that St. Maarten has a culture where people built their homes through jollification. Richardson said that St. Maarten has a culture where people come together and help each other. MP Frans Richardson wants the board of the lawyers to be invited to parliament because he believes that the parliament of St. Maarten has to know how this would affect lawyers in executing their duties.MP Richardson also wants to know if St. Maarten has become a police state and it is important for parliament and the people to get a clear understanding on the AfPak team.

MP Geerlings said he does agree with the slogan that crime does not pay, but government does have a right to know what is taking place in the country and to also ensure that the people are properly informed. He said he also do believe that illegally gained assets must be seized, however, based on the documents provided to parliament is more a copy and paste of the AfPak team of the Netherlands while the dynamics on St. Maarten is totally different. The culture he said is different and the size of the island is much smaller. He called on the executive branch of government to ensure that this team goes to work with a clear framework and policy. He wants parliament to be provided with the nitty-gritty on how the team will function.

In 2011 in the Netherlands various ministers initiated a fact-finding to see if this team is working the way it had intended. He asked who will be targeted on St. Maarten and why because in the Netherlands only the drug lords were targeted. Geerlings said the information they got thus far is very conflicting, the Minister is saying that the team will consist of persons from the justice chain and tax department yet in the documents it states that outside expertise will be needed, he called on the Minister to give more clarity on the outside expertise and what they will be needed for Geerlings went on to ask about the storage of the data collected because six months ago the sum of Naf 288,500.00 was budgeted for the team but nothing was budgeted for ICT, the most important facet that will be needed since the members of the team comes from different departments. He reminded the Minister that the AfPak team was embedded in the penal code of the Netherlands and wants to know if the same will happen on St. Maarten.

The chairlady of Parliament Sarah Wescot Williams in her closing statements after the first round indicated that she will consider having the prosecutors office be invited to parliament and the board of the lawyers association. Wescot Williams did not set a date for the continuation of the meeting but assured parliament that it will be soon as she would coordinate with the Minister of Justice to schedule the continuation.
PHILIPSBURG:--- Last week Wednesday, the Central Committee of Parliament, once again, invited the Independence for St. Martin Foundation (ISMF) to give a presentation regarding holding a referendum to determine whether the people of Sint Maarten desire to become independent or not. This is the fourth time that the ISMF was in parliament presenting its case. The first presentation was held in March 2016. Hereafter, the Central Committee reconvened, in September 2016, to give the ISMF the opportunity to answer questions that the MPs had posed in the first round in March. The Chairlady of the Central Committee then advised ISMF to submit a petition, requesting Parliament to convene a consultative referendum at the earliest possible date. In January 2017, the ISMF submitted said petition which was debated in March 2017 during a meeting of the Parliamentary Committee of Petitions. After deliberating whether the petition met the necessary criteria, the Committee of Petitions eventually decided to send the petition to the Central Committee of Parliament for further handling.

In her role as Chairperson of the Central Committee and as a member of the Committee of Petitions, MP Sarah Wescot-Williams made it very clear that to be able to convene a referendum, Parliament must approve a national ordinance regulating referenda. She mentioned that there are only two ways by which such a national ordinance can be presented to Parliament. Either, it is initiated by one or more Members of Parliament, or it is proposed by government to Parliament.

Prior to last weeks meeting with the ISMF, Members of Parliament had three occasions to deliberate the matter of holding a referendum. Hence, one would have expected that, when the Central Committee met last Wednesday, Members of Parliament would have been able to discuss and deliberate strategically on the way forward as far as holding a referendum is concerned. After all, the Central Committee should be the body that gathers pertinent information and then submits its recommendations to Parliament, so that the necessary preparations can be made for a public meeting of parliament where binding decisions are taken.

The ISMFs petition was simply requesting parliament to hold a consultative referendum within this term of office, thus, no later than 2020. However, instead of dealing with the topic at hand, our honorable MPs, once again, felt the need to deviate from the subject and to grandstand and give lip service to the topic of independence.

They should have known by now, that, for a referendum to be convened, the first thing that must happen is the drafting of a national ordinance. The draft then will need to be reviewed by the Council of Advice, before it can be presented to parliament for approval. The only way for the draft national ordinance to get to parliament is if the government prepares such a draft or if one or more parliamentarians take the responsibility to have the ordinance drafted.

In the Central Committee, members of parliament are expected not only to grandstand and to give lip service but also to ask pertinent and critical questions. Questions such as: will parliament initiate the draft ordinance or will parliament pass a motion charging the government with the drafting of the national ordinance? What about an awareness campaign to enlighten the people about the pros and cons and what independence would mean for Sint Maarten, so that they can make an informed and intelligent choice? How much will such a campaign cost? How much will the referendum cost? Is their money in the 2017 budget to cover the cost of the awareness campaign? Will Parliament allocate money on the upcoming budgets for the campaign and for the referendum? Do we need a referendum steering committee? What role will the ISMF play in the preparations leading up to the referendum? What is the target date for the referendum? What is the anticipated trajectory leading up to the referendum? These are the issues, questions, and concerns that I expected our parliamentarians to discuss during this meeting with the ISMF. Instead, Members of Parliament strayed from the topic of the referendum and repeated what they had already said about independence. Only MP drs. Rodolphe Samuel came close to raising the critical questions.

Are our Members of Parliament serious about holding a referendum or about Sint Maarten becoming an independent country? I do not think so for the following reasons: The first meeting of the Central Committee of Parliament and the ISMF was held in March 2016 yet the parties of the MPs, who now boast about being long time ardent advocates and supporters of independence, did not include the topics of referendum or independence in their 2016 manifestos. The very comprehensive 2016-2020 governing program Stability for Prosperity of the current Red, White and Blue coalition is also totally silent on the issues of referendum and independence. During the 2017 budget debate, not one Member of Parliament requested that funds be allocated towards a referendum awareness campaign or a nation-building campaign or for the planning and organizing of a referendum. Furthermore, during the meetings of the Central Committee with the ISMF not one MP volunteered to accept the responsibility to initiate the required draft national ordinance that would lead to parliament eventually approving the convening of a referendum. Consequently, SMCP concludes that Parliament is not really serious about Sint Maarten convening a referendum or becoming an independent country in the near future.

Wycliffe Smith

Leader of the Sint Maarten Christian Party
Harbour View:--- Today, the Governor of Sint Maarten, His Excellency drs. E.B. Holiday, announced details regarding the 2017 Governors Symposium. The theme for this years event is ICT Governance  Shaping our Future. The event will be held at the auditorium of the American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine, in Cupecoy, on Friday June 23, 2017. As in previous years the Governors Symposium is by invitation only.

This years symposium will feature national, regional and international speakers who will share their views and ideas and participate in an interactive panel discussion with the audience. In particular, the speakers will address ICT infrastructure, innovations, threats, cybersecurity and governance issues relevant to the shaping of our future. In addition, students will also present their research projects.

The Governors Symposium Organizing Committee installed by the Governor to prepare the Symposium is comprised of Mr. Ajamu Baly as chair, Mr. Patrick Trijsburg as secretary, Mrs. Kathy Snijders, Mrs. Emilia Connor-Thomas, Mr. Gerard Richardson, Mr. Dimitri Connor and Ms. Dahjanarah Philips. As preparations for the symposium progress further updates will be provided.

The overall objective of the Governors Symposia is the promotion of good governance. The annual Governors Symposium is considered to be a supportive platform for all invited stakeholders - government, civil society and the private sector - to focus, raise awareness and, function as a catalyst for best practices within the community of Sint Maarten. This will be the sixth Symposium the Governor has organized. Previous themes included National Heritage, Sustainable Development, Education for Democracy, Governance: the value of checks and balances and Securing National Development.

Falcon drive 3, Harbor view, Sint Maarten

Cabinet of the Governor of Sint Maarten

Website: www.kabgsxm.com or

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Governor-of-Sint-Maarten/570166756411901
PHILIPSBURG:--- Chief of the KPSM Carl John attended the International Drug Enforcement Conference (IDEC) which was held in Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic from May 15th through May 19th, 2017. This conference was attended by over two hundred participants from 110 different countries.

The conference was organized by the Dominican Republic's National Drug Control Directorate (DNCD) and the US Drug Enforcement Administration. The conference was mainly to enable participants to analyze global trends in illicit drug trafficking and to promote cooperation and information exchange with the focus on combating such crimes.

The island of Sint Maarten as are many other islands in the Caribbean used as drugs trans- shipment hub for illicit drugs to the mainland of the United States and other countries in other parts of the world.

Also as one of the main topics was discussed the illegal manufacturing and use of the synthetic drug called Fentalyn. Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid analgesic that is similar to morphine but is 50 to 100 times more potent.

Non-pharmaceutical Fentanyl is sold in the following forms: as a powder; spiked on blotter paper; mixed with or substituted for heroin; or as tablets that mimic other, less potent opioids.

Fentanyl works by binding to the body's opioid receptors, which are found in areas of the brain that control pain and emotions. Its effects include euphoria, drowsiness, nausea, confusion, constipation, sedation, tolerance, addiction, respiratory depression and arrest, unconsciousness, coma, and death. The high potency of Fentanyl greatly increases the risk of overdose, especially if a person who uses drugs is unaware that a powder or pill contains Fentanyl.

Three of these illegal labs were discovered in the Dominican Republic. Noting how close the Dominican Republic and Sint Maarten are to each other, the community of Sint Maarten should take good note of this information and be aware of the consequences of this illegal drugs.

The Drugs Enforcement Administration will introduce an awareness campaign within the near future regarding the production and use of illicit drugs on Sint Maarten.

KPSM Press Release
SPRINGFIELD  Senate Democrats added spending to a budget plan Tuesday to lure more Democratic support before voting to approve a $5.4 billion tax increase without a single Republican "aye."

With eight days remaining before the General Assembly's scheduled May 31 adjournment, Democrats said they couldn't wait any longer to approve a plan and give the House time to weigh in. Approving a budget after that date would require a three-fifths majority.

Illinois has been without a budget since summer 2015. It's the longest any state has gone without an annual spending plan in modern history. The fiscal year will end June 30 with a deficit pushing $6 billion. The state was behind on paying $14.4 billion in bills as of Tuesday.

A fiscal outline influenced by Republicans failed to attract a single GOP vote last week. So Democrats decided to go it alone and replaced previous spending cuts on Medicaid, retiree health insurance and revenue sharing for local governments. They approved increasing the personal income tax rate from 3.75 percent to 4.95 percent and passed a $37.3 billion spending plan, which they noted is the same amount Rauner proposed in February while still reducing spending by $3 billion.

The legislation's sponsor, Democratic Sen. Toi Hutchinson of Olympia Fields, noted that with no action, the mountain of past-due bills could grow 70 percent by next year.

"Please explain to me what the income tax will be with $24 billion in backlog," Hutchinson said. "Junk-bond status. No capital bill. No roads. No infrastructure, no school repairs, no nothing. If you're waiting for a better deal with the tax payments, somebody better start telling the truth."

But Republicans were still pressing for a trade-off under which they would support the tax increase in return for Democrats supporting Gov. Bruce Rauner's call for freezing local property taxes and reducing costs in the workers' compensation program. In a "Facebook Live" appearance at noon, Rauner continued to beat the drum.

"You're delivering a punishing tax increase and making the wrong people pay," said GOP Sen. Kyle McCarter of Lebanon.

Democratic Senate President John Cullerton of Chicago said after the vote that Republicans rejected his best offer last week  a two-year freeze on property taxes. He ticked off votes on education funding changes, an overhaul of pension funding and other Rauner demands that were approved last week. He said property taxes and workers' compensation are still in play. He acted baffled that Republicans would so soundly reject a fiscal blueprint they so heavily influenced.

"This is a product of negotiations with Republicans," Cullerton said. "The taxes are the product of negotiations with Republicans. The only thing missing are Republican votes."

In addition to the income tax hike, the state's 6.25 percent sales tax would be expanded for the first time to services such as dry cleaning and laundry, storage units, vehicle maintenance and tattoos and piercing. The latest version removes other personal services, landscaping and home maintenance.
GREAT BAY:--- We often say that the youth are the future. Well, the future is now. This statement by Dennisio Duzong, 27, of the Independence for St. Martin Foundation (ISMF) sums up one of the main reasons the foundation is requesting Parliament to convene a new constitutional referendum.

Making the case for ISMF in its presentation before the Central Committee of Parliament on Wednesday, May 17, 2017, Duzong received high praise from members of parliament one of whom said the future is in good hands.

Unless we are willing to take full responsibility for ourselves and the choices we make, we have no control over our lives. We have been given all the power to create our experiences through our choices, but if we believe that outside forces are responsible for our choices, we give away all the power we have, Duzong said.

He continued: Today we are here to ask that the people of St. Martin be given a chance to make their own decision on their future. This is an inalienable right, a God-given right, which cannot be taken or given away, or transferred to another person.

Also, it is a fundamental aspect of every democratic process to consult the people, Duzong said.

According to him, A referendum gives the clearest and truest reflection of the will of the people and seeing as the subject is so sensitive, we need to consult the people about this matter. If we are talking about being as democratic as possible then this is the most democratic option.

Reiterating what president of the foundation, Jose H. Lake Jr. had said in his introduction, and with the screen showing photographs of him at four years old and 10 years old, Duzong stressed that it has been 17 years since the last referendum. From the restructuring of the Netherlands Antilles to the establishment of our current status, there have been two referenda. There was only six years between the first two.

This means there was a specific generation that got to decide twice on the course of our future, whereas in the lapse of almost two decades there is a generation that has not had a chance to voice its opinions on the future they envision for their homeland, Duzong said.

He pointed out that based on the 2011 census, this means that approximately 30 percent of my generation were not able to participate in the last referendum, or get a chance to place our fingerprint in the future of our country.

Asked by USP leader, MP Frans Richardson how many of that 30% he believed were in favor of independence, Duzong replied: That is precisely why we are here, to ask for a referendum so we can find out.

Will this Parliament now deny my generation the right to help determine the future? he asked in conclusion.

Responding to a question by NA MP Rodolphe Samuel about facts and figures, Duzong said the only figure that was relevant to him was that of the more than 25% of the youth between the ages of 15 and 24 who were unemployed.

With regard to comments by DP MP Perry Geerlings who said he did not consider the fact that the last constitutional referendum was held 17 years ago a strong enough argument to request a new referendum, Duzong replied: 17 years ago, I was a child. My parents made the choices for me. Today, I have a child of my own. I want to be able to do the same for him.
Government offered investors another location to construct the Pearl of China of the Caribbean.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Prime Minister William Marlin said his one week visit to China was very successful as he was invited to attend the Road Belt forum, he said that while representatives from several countries attended the forum St. Maarten was the only country from the Caribbean that attended. Apart from that forum, Marlin said he attended the Road Belt Symposium on sustainable development and visited quite a number of places in China which he said was amazing.

Besides that the Prime Minister of St. Maarten said he met with the developers for the Pearl of China of the Caribbean to discuss the hurdles they are now facing with the restrictions on the property they bought in Belair.

Marlin said that government offered the developers another parcel of land which would allow them to begin construction almost immediately. He said the developers accepted the proposal and they will soon be visiting St. Maarten to continue. The Prime Minister did not disclose where the new lot is located as he said discussions are now ongoing. As of the property, the developers purchased in Belair Marlin said they were faced with a situation with certain restrictions as to how many floors and condominiums could be constructed on the property. He said after the developers saw deed for the property could not allow them to construct what they planned which was a trade center 360 hotel rooms and 450 apartment units along with a huge showroom where other Caribbean nations could see and purchase Chinese products at the China- Caribbean Pearl. While the Prime Minister did not say which location was offered to the developers, SMN News learned that the new location will be Mullet Bay Beach Resort.

Marlin said that the developers even requested a permit to excavate so they would have had a number of floors they needed for the showroom and hotel accommodation but they still had issues with a number of apartments they could have constructed. He said in order to speed up the process even though the developers were in discussion with the first owner Rudy Noos of Barbaron, the government opted to offer the developers another location. He made clear that the Pearl of China is still on the books, and the project will continue.
PHILIPSBURG:--- Member of Parliament Franklin Meyers made good on word when he told the Minister of Health that he will divulge the names of the hotels and other properties that were tested positive for legionella and E-coli. While MP Meyers urged the Minister of Health to inform parliament and the people of the risks they face if they should stay at any of the hotels, Minister Lee refused to grant the Minister his answer.

On Wednesday afternoon when Minister of VROMI Christopher Emmanuel reported to parliament MP Meyers used his notification time to inform the chair that he has a list of names of hotels/businesses that were tested positive for legionella and he wants the Minister of VROMI to confirm whether or not his information was accurate.
PHILIPSBURG:--- The Minister of Health Emil Lee refused to divulge the findings of the baseline study he paid a Dutch consultant to conduct a so-called baseline study at SMMC, the Inspectorate and the Department of Health. While Minister Lee confirmed he received the report from the consultant that was paid Euros 14,000.00 for a one week job. SMN News asked the Minister to release the conclusion of the report since he has been supporting SMMC who have not been complying with the rules laid down for them by the Inspectorate after the audit was conducted in 2012.

The stance of the Minister even led him to issue a gag order to the Inspectorate, which had to be withdrawn because the Inspectorate appealed the decision of the Minister. The Inspectorate even filed a complaint with the Ombudsman since they believe the Minister is overstepping and abusing his power and the Minister by interfering.

Even though the Minister accused the Inspectorate of interfering since he is the one that called for the independent audit. Now that the reports are in the Minister kept saying he is satisfied with the reports. On Wednesday SMN News insisted and reminded the Minister how much of the peoples money he paid for the baseline study. The Minister then said that the consultant report is of a different nature as that of the Inspectorate tasked with. He described the work of the Inspectorate of conducting a technical inspection. He said the consultant focused more on processes and structure. He said both reports are complimentary to each other. He said where a technical issue is found it turned out that is rooted in the operational processes, which he said also goes for government. He stressed that the two reports meaning the report from the Inspectorate and the consultant are not conflicting. He said the consultant made suggestions as to how to improved structure. He said he is happy with the report and it creates room for discussions which have started.

Minister Lee said the goal of the Ministry is getting everyone to work together if they are going to improve health care on St. Maarten. He said everyone starting from family doctors, public health, the Inspectorate, and SMMC must work together thus the report gave him an excellent basis and based on the discussions thus far everyone is finally talking to each other.
Claim: Samsung paid off a $1.05 billion judgment awarded to Apple in a patent infringement lawsuit entirely in nickels. Rating: About this rating False

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In August 2012, the business and technology worlds were rocked by a decision in a patent infringement lawsuit which had a jury finding that Samsung, the world's largest maker of cell phones, had copied patented features of Apple's iPhone and iPad technologies in several of its products, and awarding Apple $1.05 billion in damages.

Several days later, that decision was spoofed in a humor piece (translated from the original Spanish) positing that Samsung had paid off the award in nickels:

Samsung Pays Apple $1 Billion Sending 30 Trucks Full of 5 Cents Coins This morning more than 30 trucks filled with 5-cent coins arrived at Apples headquarters in California. Initially, the security company that protects the facility said the trucks were in the wrong place, but minutes later, Tim Cook (Apple CEO) received a call from Samsung CEO explaining that they will pay $1 billion dollars for the fine recently ruled against the South Korean company in this way. The funny part is that the signed document does not specify a single payment method, so Samsung is entitled to send the creators of the iPhone their billion dollars in the way they deem best.

Many readers who came across the article as it was circulated online mistook it for real news, even though the original and its most common reproductions were labeled as "humor" and "satire." But even for those who encountered it out of context, several aspects of the story should have stood out as implausible:



The jury decision awarding Apple $1.05 billion in damages had been issued only a few days earlier, and damages as large as this are not paid off nearly so quickly. The judge in the case had not yet handed down her decision, and undoubtedly several rounds of appeals (likely culminating in a settlement), dragging on for months (if not years), would take place before Samsung actually paid out any damages to Apple, as noted in the Washington Post: Q. Was the verdict final? A. No. Samsung is challenging it. First, Samsung will first ask the trial judge to toss the verdict. Then it will appeal to a court in Washington that specializes in patent appeals. Samsung has vowed to take the fight all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court, if necessary. (Indeed, a judge later found the jury had miscalculated $400 million in damages for 13 products and ordered a new trial to determine how much Samsung should pay.)



To pay off a billion dollars in nickels would require 20 billion of those coins. That amount would require Samsung to obtain the equivalent of all the nickels struck by the U.S. Mint in the last several decades. (In 2011, for example, the U.S. Mint produced less than one billion nickels, and 2010 less than half a billion.) Samsung would have to round up virtually every nickel in circulation to acquire over $1 billion worth of those coins, a feat that could hardly be accomplished without having a significant impact on the U.S. monetary system.

of those coins. That amount would require Samsung to obtain the equivalent of all the nickels struck by the U.S. Mint in the last several decades. (In 2011, for example, the U.S. Mint produced less than one billion nickels, and 2010 less than half a billion.) Samsung would have to round up virtually every nickel in circulation to acquire over worth of those coins, a feat that could hardly be accomplished without having a significant impact on the U.S. monetary system. A single nickel weights 5 grams (about .011 pounds), so a billion dollars' worth of nickels would weigh in at about 110,000 tons. That load would far exceed the carrying capacity of 30 or so trucks (requiring each truck to carry over 3,600 tons, or more than 7.2 million lbs. each). Even if the considerable weight of the trucks themselves weren't taken into account, the equivalent of about 2,755 eighteen-wheeler trucks, each hauling 40 tons' worth of nickels, would be needed to transport the weight of that many coins (and even that calculation still doesn't take into account the volume of physical space needed to assemble, transport, and store 20 billion nickels).



As to the hypothetical question of whether Apple would be obligated to accept payment of damages in such a form, since the late 19th century pennies and nickels have been considered legal tender and are therefore "a valid and legal offer of payment for debts when tendered to a creditor." (Businesses selling goods or services are not required by law to accept legal tender as payment, but this particular scenario involves payment of a debt rather than a purchase of goods or services.)
Claim: Television's children host Mr. Rogers said his mother responded to scary news by telling him, 'Look for the helpers.' Rating: About this rating Correct Attribution

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In times of trouble, adults seeking to reassure inquisitive children who are aware of frightening events in the news but are too young to fully understand their import often turn to the example of Fred Rogers , the gentle and genial host who for over 30 years delivered lessons on love, kindness, and friendship to children on the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) television program Mister Rogers' Neighborhood .

The Mister Rogers' Neighborhood section of the PBS web site offers some advice on "Helping Children Deal with Tragic Events in the News," including the following:

During his lifetime, Fred Rogers reassuring way of helping families with difficult times, beginning with his response to Robert Kennedy's assassination. Over the years since then, there have, unfortunately, been other tragic events during which parents and educators turned to him for his calming and thoughtful insight. Fred Rogers' wisdom is timeless, and his messages continue to be valuable for children and the people who care for them, as we deal with the events of today's world. In times of community or world-wide crisis, it's easy to assume that young children don't know what's going on. But one thing's for sure, children are very sensitive to how their parents feel. They're keenly aware of the expressions on their parents' faces and the tone of their voices. Children sense when their parents are really worried, whether they're watching the news or talking about it with others. No matter what children know about a crisis, it's especially scary for them to realize that their parents are scared. Even if we wanted to, it would be impossible to give our children all the reasons for such things as war, terrorists, abuse, murders, fires, hurricanes, and earthquakes. If they ask questions, our best answer may be to ask them, "What do you think happened?" If the answer is, "I don't know," then the simplest reply might be something like, "I'm sad about the news, and I'm worried. But I love you, and I'll take care of you." If we don't let children know it's okay to feel sad and scared, they may try to hide those feelings or think something is wrong with them whenever they do feel that way. They certainly don't need details of what's making us sad or scared, but if we can help them accept their own feelings as natural and normal, their feelings will be much more manageable for them. Fred Rogers often told this story about when he was a boy and would see scary things on the news: "My mother would say to me, 'Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.' To this day, especially in times of disaster, I remember my mother's words, and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers  so many caring people in this world."



This bit of autobiographical advice is something Fred Rogers was offering at least as far back as 1986, when he wrote in a syndicated newspaper column that:
DataScience.com Releases Python Package for Interpreting the Decision-Making Processes of Predictive Models

Posted by Publisher Hardware

LOS ANGELES, CA  (Marketwired)  05/23/17  DataScience.com has released a beta version of Skater, its new Python library for interpreting predictive models. Skater uses a combination of algorithms to explain the relationships between the data that go into a model and the predictions it makes, allowing users to assess a models performance and identify key features.

As machine learning becomes increasingly popular in business applications  such as scoring the creditworthiness of loan applicants, recommending relevant content to viewers, and predicting the amount of money online shoppers will spend  interpretation is also becoming an indispensable part of the model-building process. Skater provides a common framework for describing predictive models regardless of the algorithm used to build them, giving data science practitioners the freedom to use the technique of their choice without worrying about its complexity.

In many cases, a data scientist will use simple modeling techniques like linear regression or decision trees because the resulting model is easy to interpret, said DataScience.com Chief Strategy Officer William Merchan. In effect, he or she is sacrificing performance for interpretability; for example, neural networks or ensembles are harder to explain but produce highly accurate predictions. Skater aims to eliminate this compromise.

Skater features model-agnostic partial dependence plots, a type of visualization that describes the modeled relationship between a predictor and a target, and variable importance, a measure of the degree to which features drive predictions. It also improves upon existing methods for model interpretation like Local Interpretable Model-Agnostic Explanations (LIME). Skater allows these methods to be applied to any machine learning model  from ensembles to neural nets  whether it is available locally or deployed as an API.

With Skater, data science practitioners can:

Skater allows for model interpretation on both the global and local level by leveraging and improving upon a combination of existing techniques including partial dependence plots, relative variable importance, and LIME.

Practitioners can use Skater to understand how features relate to one another in specific use cases  such as how a credit risk model uses a bank customers credit history, checking account status, or number of existing credit lines to approve or deny his or her application for a credit card  and then use that information to inform future analyses.

Skater supports interpretation of deployed models, giving practitioners the opportunity to measure how feature interactions change across different model versions.

One of the key features of DataScience.coms enterprise data science platform is the ability to deploy models behind a REST API to make them instantly available for integration with dashboards or real-time applications, Merchan added. Skater is helping us take that one step further by making it possible to explain the complicated models deployed in our platform  or anywhere  in a way that is understandable to both data science practitioners and, ultimately, non-technical stakeholders.

The Skater package is available through GitHub and can be easily installed from PyPI using pip.

For more information, visit .

DataScience.com provides an enterprise data science platform that combines the tools, libraries, and languages data scientists love with the infrastructure and workflows their organizations need. The DataScience.com Platform maximizes the way data scientists like to work, so they can solve the right problems, create better analyses, amplify their results, and put more work into production  all from one place.

Media contact:

Justin Charness

DataScience.com

+1-310-579-6200
Shaw Communications Third Quarter 2017 Conference Call

CALGARY, ALBERTA  (Marketwired)  05/23/17  Shaw Communications Inc. (TSX: SJR.B)(TSX: SJR.PR.A)(TSX: SJR.PR.B)(NYSE: SJR)(TSX VENTURE: SJR.A) will be releasing its consolidated results for the Third Quarter (ending May 31, 2017) the morning of Wednesday, June 28, 2017.

A conference call with Shaw Senior Management and the financial community is scheduled as follows. Press/Media and the public will be able to participate in listen-only mode.

Conference Call Details:

Please call 5 to 10 minutes before the start of the conference call.

Webcast:

You can listen to the live or recorded broadcast at:

The webcast is available until midnight Eastern Time, Friday, July 28, 2017.

Note:

If you wish to be added to our distribution lists for conference call notices/press releases, please send your request to

About Shaw

Shaw is an enhanced connectivity provider. Our Consumer division serves consumers with broadband Internet, Shaw Go WiFi, video and digital phone. Our Wireless division provides wireless voice and data services through an expanding and improving mobile wireless network infrastructure. The Business Network Services division provides business customers with Internet, data, WiFi, telephony, video and fleet tracking services. The Business Infrastructure Services division, through ViaWest, provides hybrid IT solutions including colocation, cloud computing and security and compliance for North American enterprises.

Shaw is traded on the Toronto and New York stock exchanges and is included in the S&P/TSX 60 Index (TSX: SJR.B)(TSX: SJR.PR.A)(TSX: SJR.PR.B)(NYSE: SJR)(TSX VENTURE: SJR.A). For more information, please visit .

Contacts:

Shaw Communications Inc.

Investor Relations
Flashpoint Intelligence Platform 3.0 Provides Finished Intelligence Experience and Advanced Customizations

NEW YORK, NY  (Marketwired)  05/24/17  Flashpoint, the global leader in Business Risk Intelligence (BRI), today introduced its Flashpoint Intelligence Platform 3.0, the latest version of its offering new features and customizations in a sophisticated, finished intelligence experience.

Flashpoint Intelligence Platform 3.0 grants access to the companys expansive archive of intelligence reports and Deep & Dark Web data. Users in enterprises of all sizes and maturities, and across all business functions and use cases, can improve their decision-making abilities. The latest version includes:

Our onboarding wizard allows for quick customization to industry, region, category, and threat target access. Its a finished intelligence experience to help organizations make more informed decision.

Browse or query reports then click directly into a sanitized copy of the original threat actor conversation. Assess emerging threats, vulnerabilities, and potential impacts to accurately and make effective risk decisions.

The Flashpoint Intelligence Platform features optimized intelligence and report tagging and classification that improves report searching and discovery. Users can simply investigate BRI reports, including cybercrime intelligence, physical threat intelligence, and sanitized searching of the Deep & Dark Web, and easily gain a deep contextual understanding of the threats that matter to them the most.

Since its inception, Flashpoints integration of innovative technology and human-powered analysis has allowed its customers to achieve the most relevant, contextual intelligence required to address their business risk. This updated platform further scales the companys internal team of intelligence analysts ability to provide faster, more robust deliverables to customers  including finished intelligence and RFIs. Flashpoint analysts and researchers are tradecraft experts who have honed their skills over years of operating in the most austere online surroundings and training in elite government and corporate environments. They have an intimate understanding of cultures and communities and speak more than a dozen languages with a textured understanding of underground vernacular and slang. The platform also creates a more streamlined portal to support Advisory Services and , both composed of intelligence operations veterans.

Some threat intelligence solutions can be no different than URL filtering, merely contributing to the greater noise. Instead, good threat intelligence solutions are customized and able to deliver a high-confidence alert to initiate an actionable response. Peering out at what often looks like a world of shadows and hostility, security teams can see specificity as a key to the achievement of their best success with limited resources, according to Gartner Research Vice President Greg Young.(1)

BRI broadens the scope of cyber intelligence beyond threat detection to provide relevant context to business units not traditionally afforded the benefits of intelligence viewed only by cybersecurity or security operations teams. This expansion of intelligence can help organizations address a myriad of potential issues, including insider threat, fraud, third-party risk, executive and employee protection, physical security, M&A integrity, money laundering, and, of course, traditional cybersecurity and incident response.

Unlike other approaches that can only monitor known risks, our customers often report that we provide answers to questions they didnt know to ask  thereby empowering them to mitigate risk at a much more strategic level, said Josh Lefkowitz, CEO and co-founder, Flashpoint. Enterprises need to protect their ability to operate. They must make better, more informed decisions around risk, and to do so they need a solution that can give them immediate visibility into real threats and the context to help them understand how these threats could impact their business.

Flashpoint Intelligence Platform 3.0 is . For more information, to learn how the BRI platform can be tailored to your organization.

Flashpoint delivers Business Risk Intelligence (BRI) to empower business units and functions across organizations to make better decisions and mitigate risk. The companys unique Deep & Dark Web data, expertise and technology enable our customers to glean intelligence that informs risk and protects their ability to operate. Fortune 500 and government customers utilize Flashpoints intelligence across the enterprise, including bolstering cybersecurity, confronting fraud, detecting insider threats, enhancing physical security, assessing M&A opportunities, and addressing vendor risk and supply chain integrity. For corporations with limited experience availing themselves of Deep & Dark Web intelligence, Flashpoint has tailored offerings that deliver comprehensive reporting and monitoring on their behalf. Flashpoint is backed by Greycroft Partners, TechOperators, K2 Intelligence, Jump Capital, Leaders Fund, Bloomberg Beta, and Cisco Investments. For more information, visit or follow us on Twitter at @FlashpointIntel.

(1) Gartner, How to Respond to the 2017 Threat Landscape, Greg Young, 08 December 2016

Jennifer Torode

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Andrew Ross

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Cloudy skies early, followed by partial clearing. Slight chance of a rain shower. High 84F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph..

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Glance Increases Key Customer Engagement Metric by 700% in 4 Months

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA  (Marketwired)  05/24/17  Glance Technologies Inc. (OTCQB: GLNNF)(CSE: GET.CN)(CSE: GET.WT)(FRANKFURT: GJT) is proud to announce the success of its Social Media Marketing Services in helping restaurants to grow sales through increased customer engagement and expanding one restaurants social media following by over 700%.

Over a 4-month period, the Glance Pay Social Media Marketing Services team worked with Blue Martini Jazz Cafe in Vancouver, B.C. to increase exposure, follower count, awareness and engagement on Blue Martinis social network properties including Instagram, while leveraging the Glance Pay user base and tying in social media contests with the Glance Pay App.

As a result, Blue Martini experienced an increase in Instagram followers from 240 to 1720, which translates to growth of more than 700%. In addition, average likes per post increased by 59 per picture and today stands at 122 likes per picture. SEO services over this same period increased the rankings for Blue Martini in keyword searches that are relevant to their target market.

Our Glance Pay Social Media Marketing Services are just one of the many effective and affordable ways that Glance Pay can help our restaurants and partners, states CEO Desmond Griffin, These additional premium solutions and services like our mobile payment and rewards app help our partners build brand awareness, exposure, and repeat sales through increased customer engagement. Staff at Blue Martini reported that during this same period, traditionally a slower period for restaurants, customer visits and sales remained unusually high and represented an increase over previous years.

Glance Pays restaurant partners are engaging the company for its Social Media Marketing Services in increasing numbers. To learn more about Glance Pays Exclusive Social Media Marketing Services and to request a case study on how Glance Pay can help you increase sales by increasing customer engagement contact .

About Glance Technologies Inc.

Glance Technologies owns and operates Glance Pay, a streamlined payment system that revolutionizes how smartphone users choose where to dine, order food & drink, settle bills, access digital receipts, earn great rewards, & interact with merchants. Glance is building a valuable network of merchants and consumers, and offers targeted in-app marketing, social media marketing, customer feedback, in-merchant messaging and custom rewards programs. The Glance Pay mobile payment system consists of proprietary technology, which includes user apps available for free downloads in IOS (Apple) and Android formats, a merchant manager apps, large scale technology hosting environment with sophisticated anti-fraud technology and lightning fast payment processing.

For more information about Glance, please go to

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Contacts:

Glance Technologies Inc.

Christina Rao

Vice President, Investor Relations

(604) 723-7480
Helix Semiconductors Opens Advanced Technology Design Center

Posted by Publisher Semiconductors

IRVINE, CA  (Marketwired)  05/24/17  Fabless power semiconductor company today announced the opening of its Advanced Technology Design Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado, which includes design space and a lab featuring state-of-the-art technology. The Colorado-based mixed-signal ASIC design team will work closely with Helix Semiconductors power ASIC designers in its Irvine, California-based headquarters to productize the companys power conversion design concepts.

Strategically located in Colorados Silicon Mountain region, the new design center allows Helix Semiconductors to tap into the areas strong ASIC design and semiconductor fab legacy. The design center team is led by semiconductor veteran and Senior VP of Engineering Randall Sandusky, who along with Senior Principal Engineer Neaz Farooqi have been with the company since inception and have contributed key intellectual property to its patent portfolio. The design center engineering team will also collaborate with other local ASIC design teams such as Treehouse Design, who has contributed to Helix Semiconductors success to date.

According to Helix Semiconductors President and CEO Harold A. Blomquist, The opening of our new Advanced Technology Design Center underscores the confidence and commitment that our board of directors and investors have in our ability to productize our design concepts and bring our innovative power conversion technology to fruition. This is an important step as we move forward with the next phase of our technology.

The opening of the new design center comes on the heels of Helix Semiconductors recent announcement of its , which brings unparalleled conversion efficiency of more than 95 percent when converting AC mains voltage to 5VDC  especially at light load, no load or standby operating conditions. Helix Semiconductors technology reduces energy waste, offering unprecedented high-efficiency power conversion across various power supply topologies.

For more about Helix Semiconductors, please visit .

Helix Semiconductors is a fabless power semiconductor company focused on developing energy-efficient digital power solutions. At a time when worldwide energy shortages are a reality and strict new efficiency standards are being enacted globally, Helix Semiconductors is creating impactful, energy-efficient power conversion products that are friendly to humans and the environment.

Applications addressed by Helix Semiconductors power conversion technology include the billions of devices in the consumer, computer, telecom, medical, and industrial markets. To learn more, please visit the company website at .

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Stephanie Olsen

Lages & Associates

(949) 453-8080
Largest Gathering of Investment Newsletter Writers from Around the World

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA  (Marketwired)  05/24/17  Cambridge House International has built flagship, must-attend events in the junior mining industry for 25 years. On May 28 & 29 the company will host over 40 expert analysts in Vancouver for a two-day event, the . The conference will gather the most invested minds from around the world to share ideas and strategies on making money in the next junior mining bull market.

Panel discussions will include the future of energy production, storage and efficiency, stock picking by the top newsletter writers in the business, company showcases hosted by US Global Investors, and a special feature on Millennial CEOs that have already generated hundreds of millions in wealth. In total there will be over 100 panel and keynote talks throughout the conference.

Over 60 junior mining companies with projects across the globe will exhibit on the exhibition floor. Cambridge House International recently unveiled a one-on-one meeting platform, allowing all investors to pre-book meetings with all exhibiting companies. All exhibiting companies will be able to request meetings with conference speakers, and pre-qualified investors. Meetings are scheduled in a VIP room complete with a concierge host and coffee service.

Over 20% of Cambridge House attendees identify as having over $500,000 currently invested in junior mining stocks, and over 50% identify as having over $100,000 currently invested. The International Metal Writers Conference anticipates 3,500 investors to attend.

Sponsored by U.S. Global Investors Inc, Yukon Mining Alliance, Bunker Hill Mining, and the Mining Recruitment Group, The International Metal Writers Conference will take place at the Vancouver Convention Centre East, under the Pan Pacific Hotel. Attendees can pre-register online for complimentary admission at or pay $20 at the door.

For more information on the International Metal Writers Conference, please visit: or contact or 604-687-4151.

Contacts:

Media Contact:

Lindsay Brodie

604-356-4161
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3 institutes under one roof

The Scientific and Production Center Armbiotechnology, a division of Armenias National Academy of Sciences (NAS), was founded by a 2010 government decision.

It was a merger of the Biotechnology Scientific Research Institute CJSC and the NASs Center of Microbiology and Microbial Depository.

Today, SPC Armbiotechnology includes the Institute of Biotechnology (founded in 1971), the Institute of Microbiology (1961), and the Center of Microbial Depository (1993).

Academician, Doctor of Chemistry Sciences Ashot Saghyan is the director of Armbiotechnology.

The center specializes in the fields of biotechnology, bio-organic chemistry and microbiology.

Deputy Director, Doctor of Veterinary Sciences Vigen Goginyan says that these three institutions should not be separated. "We are doing the job together. Although these are three institutions, they are united, they help each other. Our main interests are in microbiology, biotechnology, organic chemistry, genetics, molecular biology, genetic engineering and the biotechnological industry."

Producing products in demand

Most readers probably know the center due to its line of Narine probiotics.

Goginyan brings a box of product samples from his office, "We have four products here. Were producing lead compounds and non-proteinogenic amino acids, Narine probiotics, vegetable and essential oils, and syrups of different flavors."

Goginyan says that they will be producing yogurt soon and that Narine will come in an assortment of flavors. They are planning to open a Jerusalem artichoke processing line to get inulin, which is especially useful for those with diabetes and is quite expensive. The center also plans to enlarge the range of oils and lead compounds. Vigen Goginyan notes that their products are available on the market; sold mainly in pharmacies. Narine has recently appeared in Armenian supermarkets.

Given that Narines inventor, Levon Yerznkyan, worked in the Institute of Microbiology, whose legal successor today is Armbiotechnology, the center owns the Narine bacterium rights, and its stored here.

The center also synthesizes amino acids, which are later used in pharmaceuticals. "Step by step, we reached the international market. These materials are very expensive, about US$ 150-300 per gram, depending on their type. They are used as a basis for drug creation. Well-known pharmaceutical companies in Germany buy from us. They can also manufacture the items, but our labor is cheaper. Its more profitable to buy from us than make it themselves. They could order those amino acids from China, but it didnt work out. We get 100% quality material. One can say that so far we face no real competition for that line. If we had, they wouldnt buy from us," Goginyan says.

In his opinion, one of their biggest challenges is not having biotechnological plants to transform scientific innovations into products in Armenia. Currently, its done at the center in small workshops. Although the products are produced under different corporate names, the center's scientists are involved in all of them. Goginyan promises that Armbiotechnology will soon become an official producer itself.

Some products, such as amino acids and organic teas, are now exported to Europe, particularly Germany and Belgium.

Goginyan says they havent apply to the government with a request to allocate space for the plant, because even if they get the space, they would have to invest a lot of money for the assembly lines. For example, the assembly line for 200 kg of inulin would cost 17 million drams (around $35,000 today). They applied to NAS for the money and hope it will be provided.

He says that income from product sales comprises 30% of the budget, which is used for buying some equipment.

Working actively despite the low pay

The center's deputy director says that they currently have 176 employees: 130 of them are researchers, others are technical service providers. They have 54 PhD candidates and eight PhDs. "We have ten laboratories. There used to be 20. Weve cut their number, leaving the modern ones, but we havent fired anyone, so if there were 5-6 people employed in each of them before, now its 15-20 people in each.

About 30% of employees, mostly technicians, receive a minimum salary of 55,000 drams ($114); thats net. There are also assistants and technicians who work part-time. As Goginyan explains, a junior researcher receives 80,000 drams gross salary, the head of the laboratory - 125,000 drams. The highest salary is that of the director, 220,000 drams (also gross).

"Salaries in the science field are low, of course, says Goginyan. Thats the situation the governments in, but our center is actively working. We have government and inter-government interests, due to which salaries increase a bit.

The center used to get many grants, but now their number has declined. They received $5,000 grants each for business trips and training from the Armenian National Fund for Science and Education. Armenian specialists travel abroad as part of the Horizon 2020 project, and foreign scientists come to Armenia. (you can read an article about one of them, Mario Novak, here).

In addition to the funds received for infrastructure maintenance, every year 15 million drams are allocated from the state budget for maintaining the national collection of micro-organisms.

Overcoming the difficulties

According to Goginyan, there are many problems at Armbiotechnology. Apart from the issue of industrial plant space and production lines, there is also a problem of equipment. Its a financial one.

"We try to install new equipment every 3-4 years, but its difficult financially. For example, we manufacture all this, but finding good raw materials is an issue. Theyre very hard to find in Armenia. We mainly try to buy from Russia. As every penny counts, we try to find cheap material with quality," Goginyan says.

The building housing the center isnt in bad shape. Before the merger, the Institute of Microbiology and the Microbial Depository Center were located in Abovyan. In 2010, they joined the Institute of Biotechnology on Gyurjyan Street in Yerevans Nor Nork district.

The building at 14 Gyurjyan Street has been continuously repaired during recent years, mainly with state financing. They are now working on combining all production at the one location.

The building is heated by gas boilers. This winter they paid 3 million AMD per month, whereas in past years it was 1.8 million. There is no hot water, but there are water heaters in some laboratories.

Vigen Goginyan introduces us to the centers laboratories, production facilities and employees.

Librarian Gohar Hovhannisyan, showing "her space" of bookshelves, says that although its possible to find a lot of information on the Internet, the classic methodology is here, in books. The library receives local and foreign magazines, and from time to time it gets new books.

Head of the Food Safety Laboratory, PhD Karineh Chitchyan says that they have the Narine ferment, and now they are thinking about getting a matzoun (yogurt) ferment, which will be the best example of Armenian matzoun.

"We want to produce yogurt, and we will do it by the end of this year. Its on the agenda," says Chitchyan, adding that the main issue is the preservation of the live and dried cultures in the laboratory.

"We deal with the whims of each," Karineh says with a smile.

Photos: Narek Aleksanyan
More than 160 area youth will be featured in the production, across two casts.
Two suspected terrorists arrested near the India-Pakistan border have told police that they are being funded by a Canadian-based operation to take revenge for acts of sacrilege involving the Sikh holy book in Punjab.

The duo was arrested in Amritsar district had planned terror activities to avenge several incidents of sacrilege of Guru Granth Sahib in the state in 2015, Indian media reported.

Mann Singh, 40, of Sri Hargobindpur (Gurdaspur) and Sher Singh, 28, of Kartarpur (Jalandhar) were remanded in five-day police custody on Monday by a court in Ajnala town near Amritsar.

An AK-47 assault rifle, five hand grenades, six pistols, a .32 bore revolver, two rifles, including a modified one, along with ammunition of different calibre were seized from the two while they were trying to retrieve the weapons pushed into the Indian territory from Pakistan side.

The two suspected terrorists were interrogated by officials of various security agencies at the joint interrogation centre near Amritsar.

"We wanted to take revenge for the sacrilege incidents. We were told that we will get the weapons to carry out terror strikes," Mann Singh told the media while he was escorted out of the court by the police.

Police officials claimed that the "terror module was raised and indoctrinated by Canada-based Sikh hardliner Gurjivan Singh, who had visited Punjab twice in six months and arranged for arms and ammunitions through his Khalistani contacts in Pakistan".

The arrested duo claimed Gurjivan Singh was in touch with them for two years and motivated them for terror strikes in Punjab. He also imparted them training in handling arms, including AK-47s, they said.

Mann Singh also confessed to making several visits to Pakistan and being in touch with some Khalistani activists there.

India has been watching warily a marked resurgence of pro-Khalistan elements in Canada recently and has alerted the Canadian authorities about it many a time.

Outfits like the Babbar Khalsa International, International Sikh Youth Federation, Khalistan Commando Force and Khalistan Zindabad Force continue to be banned under Indias Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Act, 2004.

The Indian high commission in Ottawa raised the issue of rising activities of Sikh separatist Khalistan movement in Canada with the Candian government several times. Canada is one of the few countries, according to the Indian government, where pro-Khalistani elements are becoming active once again.

Sikhs in Canada have expressed outrage at the continuous warnings by the Indian government about the resurgence of Khalistani separatists saying such talk is tarnishing the image of community in Canada and around the world.

Punjab has witnessed more than 100 incidents of sacrilege of the Guru Granth Sahib - the holy book of Sikhs - in the last two years. The matter became so serious that it emerged as an issue in the Punjab Assembly elections last February.

Last month, the Indian High Commission in Ottawa lodged a formal complaint alleging that open threats were made against newly-elected Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh by pro-Khalistan elements during the Vaisakhi celebrations in Surrey.

These kinds of open and cheap threats show the extent of radicalisation in a relatively small section of the Sikh community in Canada. They endorse our stand of pro-Khalistani leanings of such elements in the Canadian Sikh community. Such brazen threats, and that too against the elected chief minister of a state in another country, should have no place in a democratic polity. It is up to the Prime Minister of Canada and the authorities there to rein in such elements and take preventive action to ensure that things do not get out of hand, Raveen Thukral media advisor to the Punjab chief minister told IANS.

Earlier, The Amarinder Singh government cold shouldered visiting Canadian defence minister of Indian-origin, Harjit Singh Sajjan, 46, as he visited various places in Punjab last month.

Amarinder refused to meet Sajjan, the first Sikh to be the defence minister of a western country, accusing him and other ministers of Punjab origin in the government of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of links to radical elements demanding a separate Sikh state of Khalistan.

Amarinder had pointed out that Sajjan and several other ministers and top leaders in Canada were sympathizing with those indulging in anti-India activities, notwithstanding Canadas claims to the contrary, adding that he would not meet any Khalistani sympathisers.

Amarinder has been annoyed with the Canadian government since April last year when he was denied permission to visit that country, which has a sizeable Punjabi Diaspora, in the run-up to the Punjab assembly elections.

The Congress leader had to cancel his trip after being told by the Canadian authorities at the last minute that he could not allowed to visit the country for holding political rallies and meetings. The visit was aimed at wooing influential Non-Resident Indian (NRI) groups in Canada.

Trudeaus prdecessor, Stephen Harper, had visited Punjab in 2012 and 2009 in an apparent bid to woo the Punjabi and Sikh community in Canada.

The recent arrests in India comes in the wake of a Canada-funded anti-terror operation in neighbouring Southeast Asia that netted 17 suspects.

Interpol, on its website, said Operation Sunbird III conducted some eight million searches were from March 28 to April 5, resulting in 17 arrests and the recovery of 110 passports listed in Interpols Stolen and Lost Travel Documents (SLTD) database.
Guest Commentary

Yves Tiberghien

Canada's relationship with Southeast Asia is critical for the future of British Columbia's and the nation's economy. Vancouver recently played host to a dialogue with this next giant of Asia, where that relationship was hopefully improved as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations held its 12th senior officials meeting with Canadian government representatives.

It is a mistake to under-estimate the importance of this meeting for Canada's relationship with ASEAN. ASEAN member nations are emerging as Asia's third major player alongside China and India. The region is so strategically important that we cannot afford not to be key partners.

Consider this:

 ASEAN's population, now more than 600 million, will reach 800 million by 2050, equivalent to about 60 per cent of China's population.

 The Southeast Asian middle class is one of the fastest growing in the world and is likely to pass the half-billion mark by 2050.

 The region is rapidly urbanizing. Its urban populations are on track to exceed 500 million in 2050, according to the Asian Development Bank.

 Individual members including Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia and Thailand are emerging as powers in the region and globally. Singapore continues to play host and is invited to all recent G20 summits through clever leadership in the Global Governance Group (3G). Myanmar could soon return it to its prewar position as an economic, agricultural, and cultural centre of South Asia, Southeast Asia, and China.

 ASEAN has significantly advanced prosperity, stability, and democracy in Asia. It's also promoting broader Asian integration. The East Asia Summit, to which Canada aspires to be a member, is driven by ASEAN.

 Southeast Asia is one of the world's richest sources of biodiversity, with impressive natural resources, both on land and in the oceans.

Southeast Asia clearly requires B.C. and Canada's attention. There is a great deal of work to be done to capitalize on the emerging economies of ASEAN's 10 member countries.

As a practical first step, we need to increase our physical connections through more direct flights between Vancouver and ASEAN capitals, a key request from our Southeast Asian partners and Canadians of Southeast Asian heritage.

The federal government should send stronger signals to the private sector to encourage investment and industry in Southeast Asia. Those efforts would enable Canada to better advance our foreign policy priorities.

We must create more educational and cultural exchanges. These can have huge future returns for Canada. We should send many more B.C. students to learn from the region, and we should also encourage more future business, social or policy leaders from Southeast Asia to spend time in Canadian schools. We lack the tools to do this and have fallen behind Australia in this regard.

Partnerships should be mutual. Canada can share its knowledge of how to maximize return on natural resources and ensure the benefits are shared across the community. Countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, or the Philippines (whose president recently visited Vancouver) also have much to teach us about balancing economic and social goals, multiculturalism, and inter-religious dialogue.

ASEAN has valuable insights in the search for better global governance. It has a voice that is distinct from the Chinese, Indian, or Japanese. We need to listen to that voice more closely.

Yves Tiberghien is a Senior Fellow with the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada and director of the Institute of Asian Research at the University of British Columbia.
"The country is increasingly turning its back on human rights and the rule of law," states the report.

Lawyers "have either found themselves charged with national security-related offenses, imprisoned, or have had to flee the country for fear of reprisals against them and members of their families. Those who have been prosecuted have faced closed unfair trials resulting in harsh prison sentences," the report said.

"To be a lawyer, and particularly a human rights lawyer, comes with unprecedented risks in present-day Tajikistan," it stated.

Amnesty Internationals report comes little over a week after Tajik border guards prevented a prominent human rights lawyer from leaving the country, according to Human Rights Watch.

Fayzinisso Vohidova, who had reportedly been interrogated several times by Tajik security services in the weeks preceding the incident, was detained for eight hours at the border with Kyrgyzstan before being told she "had no right to leave Tajikistan".

She had previously criticized the governments imprisonment of another human rights lawyer, Buzurgmehr Yorov, who was arrested in September 2015 while defending the leaders of the banned political party IRPT.

In October 2016, a court sentenced Yorov to 23 years in prison for "arousing national, racial, local or religious hostility."

After denying the charges, he was found guilty two months later of "disrespecting" the court and insulting government officials, and sentenced to a further two years in prison.

During his initial arrest, police seized documents relating to the case defending the banned opposition party.

His brother and defense lawyer in the same case, Jamshed Yorov, was forced to flee Tajikistan to evade charges of disclosing state secrets.

On Friday, Tajikistan will celebrate the "Professional Day of the Lawyer," in honor of the establishment of the countrys first Bar Association 95 years ago.

According to Amnestys report, amendments to the law on the legal profession moved in November 2015 the licensing of lawyers from the independent, non-commercial Union of Lawyers into the hands of the government.

The amendment also forced all lawyers to pass new qualification exams or else lose their license. By May 2017, only around half of previously licensed lawyers had successfully re-qualified.

Amnesty called for the immediate release of Yorov and other imprisoned lawyers and accused the Tajikistan government of stifling legitimate dissent and political opposition by framing them as threats to national security.

occrp.org
Noie: One more time around college basketball for ND's Nate Laszewski

Nate Laszewski is one of five super seniors in Notre Dame's rotation this college basketball season
Former South Korean President Park Geun-hye pleaded not guilty on Tuesday in the first hearing of a criminal trial that could see her imprisoned for life.

The countrys first female leader was charged in April on accusations she abused her power and colluded with a childhood friend, Choi Soon-sil, to extract 52.9 billion won (US$ 47 million) in bribes from major South Korean conglomerates, known as chaebol. The two are also accused of pressuring companies to donate to charities controlled by Choi.

Choi Soon-sil was also present at the hearing. She has denied any wrongdoing.

The conservative Park is the daughter of late strongman Park Chung-hee, who ruled the country in the 1960s and 1970s. The scandal involving Choi led to massive street protests, which saw her impeached in December and formally removed from office in March.

"It is an unfortunate scene in our history for a former president to be arrested and stand trial," Lee Won-seok, the lead prosecutor, said on Tuesday. "But we should establish the rule of law by punishing her illegal activities."

The scandal has led to the indictments of dozens of government officials and business leaders, including Lee Jae-yong, the scion of the family that controls the major conglomerate Samsung.

Park has reportedly been spending her time awaiting trial in jail reading an English-Korean dictionary.

If convicted of bribery, Park could face 10 years to life in prison, although her successor, Moon Jae-in, has the power to pardon her.

The next hearing is set for Thursday.

occrp.org
There are very few people in the world who do not have a smart phone. There are even fewer people of that number who...
Round and Round

NASA

The second American to orbit the Earth, Scott Carpenter, blasted off on May 24, 1962 and made three trips around the planet before he accidentally landed off-course. See archival NASA photos of the historic mission in this photo gallery.



Here: Astronaut M. Scott Carpenter, prime pilot for Mercury-Atlas 7, undergoes centrifuge training to simulate high G-forces during spaceflight. This photo was taken in 1959, three years before his first orbital flight.

Balance Beam

NASA

In this photo taken in 1961, Scott Carpenter participates in a balance mechanism performance test by walking barefoot on a narrow board at the School of Aviation Medicine in Pensacola, Florida.

NASA

At the School of Aviation Medicine in Pensacola Florida, Scott Carpenter finishes another test of balance as he places one foot in front of another to walk in a straight line.

ALFA Trainer

NASA

At NASA's Langley Air Force Base, Project Mercury astronaut Scott Carpenter, prime pilot for NASA's second orbital flight, manually controls a spacecraft simulator in the Air Lubricated Free Attitude trainer in preparation for the Mercury-Atlas 7 mission. The astronaut piloting the trainer sees an image of Earth at his feet.

Learning Procedures

NASA

In a procedures trainer at Langley Air Force Base, prime pilot for NASA's second manned orbital flight, Project Mercury astronaut Scott Carpenter, trains during a simulated mission.

Resting and Testing

NASA

At Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, Mercury astronaut Scott Carpenter, with biosensors attached to his head, lies in a bed during a 1962 astronaut training activity.

MA7 Discussion

NASA

Astronaut John Glenn, on the left, and Scott Carpenter talk over the Mercury-Atlas 7 mission flight plan. Glenn became the first American to orbit the Earth on Feb. 20, 1962  about three months before Carpenter did the same.

Adjustments

NASA

Before the 1962 launch of the Mercury-Atlas 7, astronauts John Glenn, on the left, and Scott Carpenter, prime pilot for NASA's second manned orbital mission, make last minute preparations for the flight.

Learning the Ropes

NASA

In the White Room at Cape Canaveral in Florida, Project Mercury astronaut Scott Carpenter trains on how to exit the craft through the top. He holds the "man line" attaching the survival kit to the astronaut in case of a contingent landing. The bag holding the life vest is visible around Carpenter's neck.

New Getup

NASA

In May 1962, during a suiting exercise at Hanger S crew quarters, astronaut Scott Carpenter, Mercury-Atlas 7 prime pilot, sits in a mockup of his pilot seat in his complete suit.

Exit the Vehicle

NASA

A water egress training session prepares astronaut Scott Carpenter for his responsibilities as prime pilot for the Mercury-Atlas 7 mission.
Artist's illustration showing two merging black holes creating ripples in the fabric of space-time, also known as gravitational waves.

There may be a new way to study gravitational waves.

These ripples in the fabric of space-time were first predicted by Albert Einstein a century ago, and first detected directly in 2015 by the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) consortium.

Twice in that year, the LIGO team spotted gravitational waves spawned by black-hole mergers: once in September and once in December (though both detections were announced in 2016).

But the LIGO gear can "hear" gravitational waves only if they occur at certain frequencies. A new study by researchers at Monash University in Australia proposes a way to broaden the search by using something called "orphan memory."

Gravitational waves are a manifestation of the stretching of space-time, by black-hole collisions or other dramatic cosmic events. Once stretched, space-time doesn't return to normal, the scientists explained. It may therefore be possible to infer the presence of "parent" gravitational waves by studying the signatures such stretching leaves behind, according to the new study. (Hence the term "orphan memory," which refers to the notion that the parent is not around to observe.)

Orphan memory remains a speculative term at this point. But if the phenomenon can be observed, the researchers argue, scientists would be able to observe a broader range of gravitational waves.

"If there are exotic sources of gravitational waves out there  for example, from micro black holes  LIGO would not hear them because they are too high-frequency," study lead author Lucy McNeill, an astrophysicist at Monash, said in a statement. "But this study shows LIGO can be used to probe the universe for gravitational waves that were once thought to be invisible to it."

The new study was published earlier this month in the journal Physical Review Letters.

Follow Elizabeth Howell @howellspace, or Space.com @Spacedotcom. We're also on Facebook and Google+. Original article on Space.com.
This artist's concept shows how NASA's Mars 2020 rover will look as it explores the Red Planet.

NASA has unveiled some cool new concept art for its next Red Planet robot, the Mars 2020 rover, and it looks awesome.

If the Mars 2020 rover concept art, which NASA released yesterday (May 23), looks familiar, don't worry; you're not seeing things. The rover's basic design was influenced by NASA's nuclear-powered Curiosity rover, which has been exploring Mars since 2012. [NASA's Mars 2020 Rover in Pictures]

This artist's concept shows how NASA's Mars 2020 rover will look as it explores the Red Planet. (Image credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech)

Both rovers are about the size of a Mini Cooper. But the 2020 rover will have a completely new mission, NASA officials said.

"The mission takes the next step by not only seeking signs of habitable conditions on Mars in the ancient past, but also searching for signs of past microbial life itself," NASA officials wrote in a statement. "The Mars 2020 rover introduces a drill that can collect core samples of the most promising rocks and soils, and set them aside on the surface of Mars. A future mission could potentially return these samples to Earth."

NASA had previously released art depictions of the Mars 2020 rover. But the new concept art is the first detailed look at how the rover might look on the surface of Mars. Past images showed the rover with its many science instruments labeled, or on a white background.

NASA scientists are currently evaluating three potential landing sites for the Mars 2020 rover. Those regions on Mars include Jezero crater, an ancient delta carved by a past lake basin; the Columbia Hills, the site of past mineral hot springs that was previously explored by NASA's Spirit rover; and Syrtis Major, an ancient shield volcano.

The Mars 2020 rover is scheduled to launch in July or August of 2020 aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from a pad at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, NASA officials said.

Email Tariq Malik at tmalik@space.com or follow him @tariqjmalik and Google+. Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook and Google+. Original article on Space.com.
US Army Spc. Angel Mendoza, assigned as a space aggressor operator to the 527th Space Aggressor Squadron, Schreiver Air Force Base, Colo., secures a helical antenna to a gravel pad adjacent to the flight line Aug. 8, 2016, during RED FLAG-Alaska (RF-A) 16-3, at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. Along with two modems and an amplifier, space aggressors at RF-A 16-3 interrupt GPS systems for navigation and weapons, which pilots use during the exercise designed to simulate the first 10 combat sorties of a surge operation or conflict.

In a large, tin-roofed warehouse near Colorado's Rocky Mountains, members of a team of modern space warriors spend their days hatching plots to defeat the US military in extraterrestrial combat.

They're called Space Aggressors.

Their job is to act like the enemy during mock space battles to help US units prepare for a conflict that may one day extend into the cosmos.

"We play the bad guys," said Captain Christopher Barnes, chief of training for the 26th Space Aggressor Squadron. "Our job is to not only understand the different types of threats and potential enemies, but also to be able to portray them and replicate them for the good guys, our Air Force."

The 26th and 527th Space Aggressor Squadrons are headquartered in a two-story warehouse at Colorado's Schriever Air Force Base, stocked with advanced radio and satellite equipment and nicknamed "the barn." Behind the building, antenna dishes trace the sky.

While attacks by the Space Aggressors are simulated, senior US military and intelligence officials warn the threat in space is very real.

America relies heavily on space assets to project force around the globe, from launching missiles to directing warships across the seas. Indeed, the Global Positioning System, or GPS, is actually a group of 31 high-orbiting satellites owned by the US government and operated by the US Air Force.

Some worry that disrupting America's vast network of satellites and ground-based systems could send US forces back to an antiquated era of targeting, communications, and navigation systems  deeply undercutting battlefield superiority.

This spring, rhetoric from US military officials about the need to bolster American defensive position, and even offensive capabilities, in space has ratcheted up amid concern that Russia and China are rapidly developing anti-satellite weapons.

"While we're not at war in space, I don't think we could say we're exactly at peace, either," Vice Admiral Charles Richard, Deputy Commander of U.S. Strategic Command, known as Stratcom, told a conference in Washington DC in March. "We must prepare for a conflict that extends into space."

In his remarks, Vice Admiral Richard pointed to press reports that "China is developing an arsenal of lasers, electro-magnetic rail guns, and high-powered microwave weapons to neutralize America's intelligence, communications, and navigations satellites."

In April, Stratcom Commander General John Hyten told a Senate committee hearing that in addition to bolstering defenses, "we have to build an offensive capability to challenge their capabilities in space as well."

In that hearing, Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) asked General Hyten to assess the threat to America's space assets from countries like Russia and China.

"It is significant and it is growing," Hyten replied. "You have to ask yourself why we have adversaries that are building weapons in space, weapons that can deploy into space, weapons that can jam our satellites, weapons that can jam GPS. Why are they building that entire infrastructure? It is not because they are interested in the peaceful use of outer space. It is because they are looking to threaten the United States."

RELATED: Ted Cruz: US Satellites Are Vulnerable to 'Truly Chilling' Enemy Attack

The Space Aggressors aim to simulate attacks a real adversary might use, so US forces can practice overcoming them.

"We study threats to the space realm, either coming from space or based on land," said Captain Barnes. "If we can't directly replicate them with hardware, then we figure out if there's a software solution or some way we can train people to the point where they can fight through them, if they have to, in a conflict."

One tactic Space Aggressors are known to employ is called "brute force jamming," which involves sending powerful signals over satellite networks to garble the original message.

Many details of their operations, however, remain secret.

The 527th Space Aggressors Squadron and 26th Space Aggressors Squadron emblems are painted side by side on doors inside the Space Aggressors' facility at Schriever Air Force Base, Colorado. (Image credit: US Air Force/2nd Lt. Darren Domingo)

"Some people think space is an Achilles heel for the US, and that if we were to lose our capabilities in space, we may not be able to fight through," said the Space Aggressors' Captain Barnes. "But the better we can train folks, the better they're going to be able to go out there and prove that despite one or another asset falling away, our guys on the ground, jointly, can still fight through and win the day."

In addition to wargaming in a contested space environment, US troops are also training to fight without access to space  in case one day they have to.

Six years ago, the Air Force held a study called "A Day Without Space" at the Nellis Air Force Base in southern Nevada that sought to replicate what would happen if American forces were deprived of satellite communications and global positioning data.

"It was not good," General Hyten told the Senate. "We were not ready to do that."

Following the study, the military "relearned" techniques for fighting without access to GPS or satellites  using alternate tools like "inertial navigation systems," which don't need orbiting reference points, and even compasses and maps, Hyten said.

The Department of Defense has spent at least $22 billion in recent years "to defend and improve the resiliency of our assets in space and put potential adversary space systems at risk," former US Secretary of Defense Ash Carter wrote in a memo to President Barack Obama prior to the end of the administration's term.

In April, the Air Force announced it would create a new position for a three-star general to serve as advisor to the Air Force Secretary and Joint Chiefs of Staff on space issues  effectively, a space war czar.

In the same month, the Pentagon gave the Joint Interagency Combined Space Operations Center, which went by the confusing handle JICSpOC, a shorter and more descriptive title: the National Space Defense Center.

RELATED: Declassified: Military's Secret Cold War Space Project

The military also announced a new initiative aimed at deepening defense partnerships in space with US allies known as the Multinational Space Collaboration effort.

That new measure will "explore methods for increased sharing, cooperation, and collaboration to preserve the safety of spaceflight, and enhance mutual security," Stratcom said in a statement in April.

The first foreign liaison officer, from Germany, is expected to join the initiative at the Vandenberg Air Force Base in California this summer. Meanwhile, back in Colorado, the Space Aggressors continue to wage simulated space war to help US troops prepare for a real one.

"I want them to be able to fight through the environment," said Captain Barnes. "The hardest part of doing this job is that you don't really want to win."

Originally published on Seeker.
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A unique aspect of the education system at California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly), San Luis Obispo is the Learn by Doing approach to educational skills in class. In the dairy science program, instructors offer enterprises to allow students a hands-on experience to the material taught. One of these specific enterprises is called the calving enterprise, held at the Cal Poly Dairy during the fall and spring quarters of the school year.

The enterprise is a two-unit class taught by dairy science instructor Rich Silacci. The class meets once a week for two hours to learn instructions for calving protocols and proper animal handling. Calf management skills are demonstrated, including identification, dehorning, and vaccinating.

Students are put into groups of about six with an assigned group leader. The groups are then given a 24-hour period for one day in the week where they oversee the group of close-up cows. Once the cow calves, the group members are responsible for milking the fresh cow, feeding the newborn calf colostrum, and completing other calf tasks such as ear tagging.

For graduating dairy science major Emma Sills, the experience has taught her many life skills. Being involved in the enterprise, both as a group member in the fall and a leader now in the spring, has prepared me for a career in the dairy industry. It allowed me to work with and manage fellow students in a team setting, work on my communication skills, and get a hands-on experience that emphasized what I have learned here over the past four years and kept my passion for the industry alive.

The 3 a.m. phone call that a cow is calving is part of the lifestyle that dairy farmers around the world experience. Students not only learn about how to calve cows properly and take care of calves, they also get a taste for the unique parts of dairy farming, such as the very early mornings!

Other examples of enterprises Cal Poly offers in the animal science department include foaling, vet clinic, and goat care. Students are given a long list to choose from so they can specialize in certain areas of the animal science industry. These on-farm skills are very beneficial for students to master so they are prepared for a career in agriculture.
Many Germans are also conflicted by another question: Is Vladimir Putin truly the geopolitical bogeyman he is made out to be by NATO? Why should people fear Russia's military when European NATO member states alone spend almost four times as much on defense as Moscow?

German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel has spoken of a "rearmament spiral ," and Germany's top diplomat, a member of the center-left Social Democratic Party (SPD), has likewise warned of the threat of a "military behemoth" in the heart of Europe. The dispute over higher defense spending, it seems certain, will be one of the issues in the campaign ahead of German elections in September.

How Real Is the Russian Threat?

In the past three years, the Rand Corporation has simulated more than 20 scenarios for a possible Russian attack on the Baltic states. At the beginning of March, experts with the California-based think tank presented their findings to U.S. Congress.

In none of the scenarios was it possible to defend Tallinn and Riga, the capitals of Estonia and Latvia respectively, for longer than 60 hours. "In some cases, NATO's defeat has been written into history in a day and a half," Rand researcher David Shlapak said in testimony before the House of Representatives.

The West would be the loser, he says. Russia would once again have established itself as the dominant strategic player in Central Europe, NATO would collapse and trans-Atlantic security structures would lie in ruins, Shlapak said. He adds that the point of the exercise was not to win a war. But, he argues, the West needs to ensure that such conflicts can be prevented through a combination of strength and balance.

The Rand simulation isn't as absurd as it might first appear. The researchers in California weren't trying to determine whether Russia would invade the Baltic states -- they simply wanted to see what would actually happen if it did. That's the decisive difference.

When all participants know that an invasion would be successful, it changes the political calculations. If a country can credibly demonstrate that it is capable of successfully invading another country, then it is already in a position of strength. It gives it leverage to demand concessions.

Years ago, Russian President Vladimir Putin described the collapse of the Soviet Union as "the greatest geopolitical catastrophe of the century." Since then, he has repeatedly demonstrated that he is prepared to exploit the weakness of others. Because of their geographical location, the three Baltic countries are NATO's Achilles' heel, the site where the alliance's resolve can best be tested.

And even if some of the fundamental assumptions used in the Rand wargames are controversial, most Western defense experts now believe that Putin is militarily capable of invading.

During the Cold War, the Western alliance managed to balance out the quantitative superiority of the Warsaw Pact states through better weapons systems. But those times have passed. Russia appears to have succeeded in recent years in reducing the quality gap with the West, even if Moscow is now numerically inferior to NATO in most areas. The West is clearly ahead when it comes to the number of soldiers, tanks, combat helicopters, warships and submarines it has at its disposal.

Moscow Modernizes while Europe Remains a Hodgepodge

But the numbers are deceptive. The lion's share of the alliance's weapons systems come from the Americans, whose military operates primarily outside of Europe. The Europeans, for their part, maintain a hodgepodge collection of different systems, some of which, in eastern member states, are leftovers from the Soviet era.

Seventeen different combat tank models are currently in use by European armies, 13 varieties of air-to-air missiles and 29 frigate models. More importantly, however, NATO is comprised of 28 armies whose structures and equipment are not always compatible. When it comes to the military, diversity can often be a curse.

The budget figures are also misleading. NATO's European member states spend $241 billion on defense annually compared to Russia's $66 billion. Even if you factor in Russia's numerous shadow budgets, the gap is enormous.

Yet Moscow gets disproportionately more "bang for the buck," as the Americans say. A Russian tank battalion costs only a fraction of what a German one does because the equipment and, particularly, the personnel is so much cheaper. A Russian lieutenant colonel earns only a small fraction of what his German counterpart makes.

Furthermore, Russia is a militarized society and Moscow oversees a military-industrial complex that is run according to Putin's orders rather than economic criteria.

The Kremlin has invested huge amounts of money modernizing its army since its near debacle during the war in Georgia in 2008. Should a crisis develop, Russia's highly sophisticated air defense systems and cruise missiles on warships could severely limit NATO's freedom of movement in its own territory and in the Baltic Sea. Most importantly, however, Russian army leadership regularly conducts extensive military exercises involving as many as 70,000 soldiers to test the readiness and integration of its diverse weapons systems. In one of those exercises, an invasion of the Baltics was simulated.

There is, of course, plenty to suggest that the Russian government and military leadership are exaggerating their own success to play to the domestic audience. In June, for example, several high-ranking officers commanding the Baltic Fleet were fired for exaggerating the readiness of their troops.

It's also possible that the results of military inspections are systematically enhanced and defense industry production figures overstated. It has been alleged that purportedly new and premium-quality Russian weapons systems are often just older systems that have been overhauled.

Could NATO Counter a Russian Invasion?

Nevertheless, a recent study released by Carnegie Foundation Russia holds that Russia still has the upper hand. Although Moscow may not be capable of carrying out large-scale military operations outside the immediate post-Soviet region, in a "Baltic-Eastern European scenario," the Kremlin could deploy troops that are among the most sophisticated and best trained in the country, equipped with state-of-the-art weapons. NATO would have little to counter such an onslaught. Many of NATO's reinforcement troops come from smaller member states and are inferior to the better organized, better trained and better equipped Russians.

But is there a real threat of a Russian attack? Few really believe that to be the case. If it came to a conflict, Russia would be going up against three NATO nuclear powers and the risks would be incalculable. In Syria, Moscow and Washington have shown that they will do everything they can to steer clear of each other.

Yet even during the Cold War, NATO didn't just rely on its nuclear warheads -- deterrence also relied on the ability to ward off a conventional attack using conventional means. At the moment, Putin's strength lies in his capacity to credibly threaten a successful attack of that nature.

Negative Peace Dividends

At the Clausewitz Barracks in the town of Burg, located in the German state of Saxony-Anhalt, the consequences of the so-called peace dividend, which Germany and other NATO member states afforded themselves after the end of the Cold War, can plainly be seen. In two-and-a-half decades, Germany's military, the Bundeswehr, shrank from more than a half-million soldiers down to 177,000 and from 2,000 Leopard 2 combat tanks down to 225, as of 2011.

After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the classic notions of national and alliance defense were no longer primary. The focus shifted to foreign deployments to places like Kosovo and Afghanistan -- and that had consequences for the way member state militaries were equipped.

One critical juncture came during a conference of Chancellor Angela Merkel's cabinet in 2010, after which then-Defense Minister Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg excitedly claimed that the government's requirement to cut 8.3 billion euros from the military budget was a "unique opportunity." The German military still hasn't recovered from his "restructuring."

Michael Labsch, the man responsible for implementing this calamity has taken shelter in an open container unit. From there, he has a view of an old military crane, from which an olive-colored container is swaying. In the pouring rain, three soldiers grapple with long cables as they laboriously maneuver the metal crate onto a truck. It takes half an eternity until it finally lands with a resounding thud into its moorings.

Labsch is pleased. Now comes part II of his show. The Orion V rolls up, the pride of Logistics Battalion 171 -- a modern, all-terrain container stacker of the kind that can be found in the port of Hamburg. But whereas hundreds such vehicles operate in the port, Labsch only has one -- and it is often out of commission.
Limagrain UKs Martin Titley is encouraging sheep producers to take advantage of this low growing cost but high yielding and high energy winter feed for ewes and finishing lambs.

Swedes cost around of 403 per hectare  or 62 per tonne of dry matter - to grow, yet produce 80 to 90 tonnes of feed per hectare, he says. They can be grazed from October to February, depending on the variety.

Limagrain field trials highlight the high-energy content of swedes at 12.8 to 13.1MJ. These energy values are higher than most other forage crops, making them one of the lowest cost but highest yielding and feed value options available, he adds.

Even when yields are moderate, they are still a cost-effective feed, he adds.

Grown on a range of soils, swedes also do well in moist and cooler conditions, making them ideal for most UK sheep farming areas. Swede crops should be drilled into a level seedbed on free draining fields that can be easily grazed.

Swede seed should be treated for flea beetle and sown into a soil with a pH around 6.5. And it is worth selecting a disease resistant variety. Theres some high performance varieties that are both clubroot and powdery mildew tolerant.

The latest results from Limagrains trials compare popular varieties of swede and show for that the popular varieties Gowrie and Lomond produce dry matter yields 18% and 11% higher than Ruta Otofte. Both varieties were bred by the James Hutton Institute in Scotland.

However, the variety should also suit the system, says Mr Titley. Lomond and Gowrie produce high dry matter yields and consistent performance for feeding from November to January. Invitation, meanwhile, has the highest dry matter content of all varieties on trial at 12.6% and a relative dry matter yield 6% above the control, but it is especially winter hardy so suitable for long keep systems and feeding in January and February.
Researchers from the University of Leicester will be shedding new light on how an agricultural revolution in Anglo-Saxon England fueled the growth of towns and markets as part of a new project investigating medieval farming habits.

The project, titled Feeding Anglo-Saxon England (FeedSax): The Bioarchaeology of an Agricultural Revolution, which is funded by the European Research Council, is led by the University of Oxford working with colleagues from the University of Leicester.

The period between c 800  1200 AD saw dramatic changes in farming practices across large parts of Europe, enabling an increase in cereal production so great that it has been described as an agricultural revolution.

This cerealisation allowed post-Roman populations not only to recover, but to boom, fueling the growth of towns and markets.

In England, this meant that many regions became more densely populated than ever before.

To operate a more productive but costly system of farming, peasants had to share expensive resources such as teams of oxen and mouldboard ploughs, and cultivate extensive and unenclosed open fields communally.

The project aims to understand when, where and how this mouldboard plough package originated and spread, by generating the first direct evidence of medieval land use and cultivation regimes from excavated plant remains and animal bones, using a range of scientific methods.

Dr Richard Thomas, Reader and Chair of the Association for Environmental Archaeology from the University of Leicester School of Archaeology and Ancient History said:

We are delighted to be working with the University of Oxford on this exciting project. By using different kinds of archaeological evidence we will try and establish how a revolution in agriculture in Anglo-Saxon England led to a surge in population and fueled the growth of towns and markets.

Here at the University of Leicester, we will be studying the stresses and strains on cattle bones from archaeological sites to establish when and where the heavy-plough was introduced. This was a major technological innovation which enabled more land to be brought into cultivation and increased the production of cereal grains."

Helena Hamerow, Professor of Early Medieval Archaeology from the Institute of Archaeology at the University of Oxford and the projects Principal Investigator, said:

This project will help us understand how farmers in medieval England were able to grow more food to feed an expanding population sustainably at a time of climatic warming. The spread of the heavy, mouldboard plough  a technology that English farmers adopted from their European neighbours  was a key factor and analysing cattle bones will enable us to trace its spread.
America Breaks the Debt Record

According to the New York Fed's recent Quarterly Report on Household Debt and Credit, America has more debt than ever before. Do you? Should you be concerned in either case?

The report shows that American household debt reached $12.73 trillion in the first quarter of 2017. That tops the previous peak of $12.68 trillion in the third quarter of 2008, before the effects of the Great Recession reversed a long-standing trend of rising debt (and not in a good way).

Is this milestone good or bad for America in general and for you in particular? Let's drill into the details for the answer.

A More Stable Debt Picture

Our collective household debt may have surpassed pre-recession levels, but the nature of that debt has changed from the 2000s. In 2008, household debt was almost equal to household income. Today, household debt represents approximately 80% of income. We may have more debt, but the nation is in better shape to absorb it.

The debt mix has also changed noticeably since 2008. The Fed report divides household debt into six categories: mortgages (including home equity loans), home equity revolving debt (HELOCs), student loans, auto loans, credit cards, and other (consumer finance/retail loans). At 71.4% of all household debt in Q1 2017, housing debt (mortgages, home equity loans, and HELOCs) far outstrip the other four categories  as you would expect given the number of American homeowners and the average price of a home.

At the 2008 debt peak, housing costs were nearly 79% of all household debt. Too many Americans were saddled with unmanageable debt and few refinancing options when the recession hit and home values collapsed. Today's tightened lending environment has dropped housing risk significantly.

Currently outstanding subprime loans (Equifax scores lower than 620) are below $18 billion, compared to a 2007 peak of almost $115 billion. Mortgage delinquencies are at 1.7%, compared to a near 8% peak in 2010.

In essence, the category holding most of the household debt ($8.63 trillion for mortgages) is in relatively stable shape  a good sign overall for America's economy.

Auto and Student Loan Troubles

If housing is playing a lesser role, what is driving the debt increase? It's not credit cards. Collective credit card debt has dropped from $839 billion at the end of 2007 to $764 billion in Q1 2017. American consumers, burned from the recession, are wary of taking on excessive debt and are managing their credit wisely.

Two sources of debt are driving concern, however: auto loans and student loans. Auto loans, now at $1.17 trillion, are tracking the path of the pre-recession housing market regarding subprime loans. The share of subprime auto loans that are deep subprime (FICO scores below 550) rose to 32.5% in 2016. In 2010, deep subprime loans were only 5.1% of the outstanding total.

While delinquency rates are flat at 3.8%, an auto loan bubble may arguably be forming  but it's not large enough to take down the economy as the housing crisis did.

Student loan debt forms the more disturbing trend. It has skyrocketed from almost $500 billion in 2007 to $1.34 trillion today to become the second largest category of household debt. A disturbing 11% of student loan debt is either delinquent by more than 90 days or considered in default. Student loan debt is hard to discharge via bankruptcy  therefore, a generation may be affected for much of their life by student loan burdens, unable to afford homes and spend at the same levels as their parents.

Good for the Nation, Bad for Some

Given that debt often corresponds to increased consumer spending, which accounts for 70% of the economy, collective household debt is not necessarily bad. It must be considered in terms of value and risk.

Mortgage loans provide value in home equity, assuming the debt is manageable. Student loans should provide a lifetime payback in an increased salary, but the rise in college costs relative to salaries has skewed this premise. Auto loans and credit card purchases should be looked at through a similar prism of value.

America's household debt is arguably out of risk/reward balance in two areas, with student loans potentially more dangerous and persistent than auto loans. Neither market is large enough to cause an economic meltdown by itself, but some individual consumers will suffer  and with student loans, the effects may cause an extensive and slow drag on the economy.

The Takeaway

Realistically, a healthy American economy should generate increased household debt  because we regularly generate more households via population increase. As long as debt is issued with adequate risk management by both lenders and borrowers, and is not outpacing America's collective income, debt increase can be a positive sign.

Debt increases are of greater concern at the individual level. Assess the risk involved in any debt that you incur. Is it worth the reward? For example, are you buying more home than you can afford, or will your planned college expenses be proportionate to your expected post-collegiate salary? Combine a return on investment viewpoint with a solid budget, and your debt will be manageable even when America's is not under control.

If you have already incurred too much debt, especially student loan debt, investigate your refinancing options and potential forms of relief  but at the end of the day, the key is responsible budgeting. Limit expenses, increase income however possible, and use the surplus to pay down debt. It's fine to look for assistance, but don't hold out for shortcuts.

If you want to reduce your interest payments and lower your debt, try the free Debt Optimizer by MoneyTips.
Achieving workplace diversity is a hot topic in hiring trends. It's a goal that requires a careful balance of resources and strategy, and companies lately have been diving in.

Related: This Is What You Get When You Ignore 'Quality Of Hire'

According to a September 2016 LinkedIn Pulse survey released just last month, startup founders projected that, in the future, they would be hiring roughly 50 percent female and 50 percent racially diverse talent in the future. The study also stated that 50 percent of white founders surveyed said their number one obstacle was finding the best talent, regardless of diversity.

Another significant factor here is how some companies are spending millions of dollars on improving diversity. In a May 2015 interview, Google's vice president of people operations, Nancy Lee, told USA Today that Google planned to spend $150 million that year to promote diversity.

Google's efforts were hardly isolated. In fact, there's been a seeming flood of targeted diversity outreach: Intel set aside a $300 million fund for its own diversity efforts by 2020; Apple pledged $50 million toward non-profit organizations supporting women in technology.

Small businesses, of course, lack such resources. But their leaders may be buoyed to know of a more budget-friendly and data-backed method for improving equality in the workplace: hiring metrics.

Here's how to use this method to organically improve your company's diversity.

Use big data to assess candidates fairly.

Decrease uncertainty about workplace diversity and equality by using workforce analytics and big data to improve your company's hiring outcomes. Start by creating an interview rubric to eliminate emotional bias and create a more efficient recruiting process.

Look at performance metrics and pre-hire data for current employees. By comparing these data sets, you'll see predictive trends emerge. For example, if the open position requires leadership skills, examine analytics on employees who have turned out to be great managers.

Did they all answer an interview question in a similar way? Do they have the same experience regardless of their background? Seeing these trends will help form unbiased criteria you can use to fill the position.

With this rubric, hiring managers can also perform a more focused interview with candidates. Alternately, engaging in small talk during the interview leads to bias. Instead of discussing what matters -- like job fit -- the interviewer may get distracted by qualities he or she shares with the candidate.

Related: 3 Prudent Hiring Practices to Acquire the Best Talent

This in turn might lead to a more highly qualified candidate being overlooked because the interviewer based the hiring decision on feelings, rather than data-backed analysis.

Support workplace equality naturally, with transactional data.

Track transactional data to measure your company's customer base. There is a tendency for company composition to affect what type of customers you attract. So, look for specific soft skills that appeal to certain demographics the company isn't reaching.

Everything from your marketing materials to aspects of your customer service will resonate better with similar demographics. For example, a company filled with multi-lingual employees will appeal to a multi-lingual clientele because that is the employees' perspective, too.

Use transactional data to analyze where there are holes in your own customer base, rather than your employee profiles. That will show what new soft skills to look for, enabling your company to hire people who can reach and cater to a broader customer demographic.

Focus on the quality of your hire metrics.

Track quality of hire after a candidate is onboarded. Companies often think that once a candidate is hired, he or she is no longer a factor in data analysis.

Remember that anyone's first few months will be dedicated to getting acclimated, receiving training and becoming familiar with company culture. Tracking quality of hire allows hiring managers not only to calculate the value a new employee brings, but also to assess their own approach.

Did your hiring process attract the most qualified candidate? Does the candidate's demographic directly support your target audience? Seeing the success of your recruiting process will help you identify relevant metrics.

Related: Recruiting Tips That Will Make You Rethink the Gig Economy

Know which metrics are most vital to improving workplace equality. Hiring metrics do not have any power unless they are analyzed and used accordingly. Workplace equality can happen naturally for any company when it is at the forefront of candidate assessment.

Related:



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T op car insurance specialist Sabre is being lined up for a stock market flotation valuing the business at 600 million.

Sabre Insurance, best known for its brands Insure2Drive, Go Girl and Drive Smart is being sold by current majority owner BC Partners, the private equity giant behind Cote restaurants and PR giant Teneo.

Sources said there will be a twin-track process with financial buyers as well, to see which process can flush out the best price.

The Evening Standard understands the owner of the Reiss fashion chain, Warburg Pincus, is currently the front-runner, although other private equity firms are involved in the process. First round bids are due in this week.

Accounts show BC owns 72% of the business, while founder and chief executive Angus Ball has 19%, meaning the sale could value his stake at 114 million.

It is not clear whether he will sell any of his shares as part of the deal. Commonly, managements receive multi-million pound payments when private equity backers sell out.

Sabre traces its history back to the 1930s, but Ball and chairman Keith Morris assembled the business in its current shape during a series of deals in the noughties when it was sold by the merging Commercial Union and Norwich Union.

The duo have since been regular fixtures in the industry Rich Lists, having sold the businesss broking arm in 2005 for 26 million, according to that years accounts.

While it does sell direct to the public, it specialises in so-called non-standard motor insurance, covering taxis and commercial vehicles through brokers. Its Drive Smart division sells direct to youngsters who have fitted telematic devices to their cars, which give insurers data on how safely they drive.

BC Partners bought into the business in 2013 for around 300 million.

Companies House filings show Sabre, which is owned through two Jersey holding companies, made 66 million before tax last year on 196.6 million of premiums. It took a 2.2 million hit from the impact of the governments controversial new Odgen formula for calculating personal injury payments.

Warburg Pincuss London office has previously invested in Santanders Asset Management business and bought a majority stake in Reiss last year in a 230 million deal. One of its biggest investments was in Premier Foods in 2009.

Evercore Partners is advising on the sale.

All parties declined to comment.
U nder-pressure Go-Ahead Group does not have many commuter fans and the Southern rail operator lost a supporter in the City today on fears more strikes could derail profits further.

JPMorgan Cazenove cut its rating from Overweight to Neutral as it said the bus and train operators rail profits in the medium-term could conceivably be near zero.

Though we had hoped that the worst of industrial action was past at [Southern operator] GTR, this appears less certain now, with the RMT and Aslef announcing new actions recently, said analyst Samuel Bland.

He thinks a pay settlement could lower margins at GTR from 1.5% to 1% on top of a 15 million hit from negotiations with the Department for Transport.

We are also concerned about the impact of GTR on Go-Aheads ability to win other rail franchises, from a purely PR point of view, Bland added.

That could be a problem given contracts to run London Midland and Southeastern, its two profitable rail franchises, expire in 18 months. Shares went into reverse, falling 55.4p, or 3%, to 1796.6p.

It was a different story for rival National Express, which sped 15.3p higher to 378.2p. It took the Overweight slot vacated by Go-Ahead as JPMorgan upgraded from Neutral.

The broker said concerns about Spanish retendering were overdone and factored in a 30 million foreign exchange and fuel boost.

The FTSE 100 rose 10.45 points to 7495.74 but was held back by miners after Moodys downgraded Chinas rating for the first time since 1989, changing its outlook from stable to negative.

Rio Tinto fell 60.5p to 3132p and Anglo American slipped 12p to 1063p on concerns about growth in China, the worlds largest consumer of raw materials.

Private health giant Mediclinic fell 25.5p to 843.5p as annual profits disappointed investors who were expecting a bigger bounce in the Middle East after regulatory changes in Abu Dhabi.

Imagination Technologies edged down 0.05p to 113.2p after yesterdays surge on hopes the graphics chip designer can, like Nokia, settle its dispute with Apple.

Internet-of-things specialist Telit Communications dropped 13.12p to 340.62p after chief executive Oozi Cats cashed in 24 million in shares.
A s Londoners, we have lived through terrorism. We have become defiant and remain vigilant. In an odd way, we expect to beat the enemies of our country in and from London. So when Manchester was attacked, we felt the pain in unexpected places within our collective selves. Our Islamist foes, however, are determined to shock and subdue us. We are under attack from a source that is political and protected.

Our enemy is political because the people who become suicide bombers are products of movements that have political aims. They are not ordinary Muslims, but Islamists. The religion of Islam with its emphasis on five daily prayers, charity, love, kindness and compassion is not enough for them. They wish to create a caliphate with their new form of a harsh Islamism, an ideology built on political grievances, opposing normal Muslims and the West. Their dedication to an Islamist state is total. Islamists see this as Gods law and superior to democratic law.

Our enemy is also puritanical. Islamists of the worst variety mix their political aspirations of creating a caliphate with extreme, literalist adherence to Muslim scripture. They see music, dance, nudity, female beauty that is uncovered, and alcohol as abominations that are forbidden. Unlike most normal Muslims who wish to live and let live, Muslim puritans or Salafists wish to be better and superior to all others. They cite scripture and say that not disliking forbidden things is a sign of weak faith. Defying centuries of Muslim consensus, they seek jihad or holy war forcefully to bring change.

Killing men and women who are dancing or enjoying freedom is part of that Salafi puritanism: they targeted Tiger Tiger club in Haymarket in 2007, killed people having fun in Bali in 2002, Sousse beach in Tunisia in 2015, Tel Avivs Michael bar in 2005, Istanbuls nightclub earlier this year.

Too often in Britain, in the name of freedom we provide protection for this murderous mindset. This mix of political ideology and puritan theology leads to the global curse of Salafi-Jihadism. We must stop protecting it. The Manchester murderer, Salman Abedi, was the child of Libyan Muslims who came to Britain in 1994 seeking freedom from the tyranny of Gaddafi. Here, he was radicalised and there are thousands more like him.

Where we encounter their intolerance, misogyny, anti-Semitism, hatred for homosexuals, spite for music and dance, venom for love and beauty, we should confront it. We lack the confidence to do so. This is not Islamophobia. Most victims of Salafi-Jihadism are ordinary Muslims. In Britain, teachers, imams, politicians, social workers and families must not protect intolerance, but reject it.

Ed Husain is a commentator and author specialising in Islam, the West, and the modern Middle East
F ew of us ever have to deal with the bloody aftermath of a suicide bomb, or risk our lives trying to catch those who carry out attacks. Yet that is what we ask of our police  and to do so with restraint. It is because we hold them and the intelligence services in such high respect that we ask what more could have been done to prevent the killer Salman Abedi taking so many young lives in Manchester.

It is early days but, as Michael Burleigh writes trenchantly here, some disturbing questions are emerging. First, why didnt the activities of the Abedi family raise concern? Britain is proud to offer refuge to people fleeing persecution and Abedis father claimed asylum from Colonel Gaddafis tyranny in Libya and settled in Manchester. But in 2011 he travelled back to Libya to take part in the civil war and returned with impunity. His son appears to have visited Libya and Syria much more recently.

Libya has descended into chaos since the fall of Gaddafi and is home to extremist terrorism. Our intelligence agencies hold information on airline passenger manifests and the like. Surely anyone who travels somewhere like Libya from Britain should be subject to intense scrutiny? When Abedi started behaving strangely in his community and mosque, were the reports followed up?

If it is true that, as French and US intelligence agencies are saying, Abedi had links with Islamic State, it would seem he was on the intelligence services radar, but was he monitored closely enough? If our security forces feel they lack the legal powers or the resources adequately to monitor suspects, they should say so  and we should give them the tools they need. If we need to expand greatly the number of people under close surveillance, then lets get on with it. The Home Secretary, Amber Rudd, confirms Abedi was not acting alone. Making a suicide bomb requires accomplices. Abedis must be caught.

Extremism

It is good to hear that at the mosque Abedi attended, preachers condemned the death cult that is IS. As Ed Husain notes here, the fight against Islamism is a battle for the soul of the Muslim religion and those leading it are peaceful British Muslims. Indeed, as we report, many medics battling to save lives in Manchester are Muslims, representatives of all that is good about this great religion. These champions need help from the rest of us. The Home Office made real progress in this respect under Theresa May, with government programmes like Prevent. Taxpayer funding for organisations that harbour Islamist extremists has been cut off. But too often we have tolerated a Salafist ideology that creates murderers. No longer. Radical preachers should be expelled; asylum seekers who abuse our hospitality should be deported; segregated meetings at universities and in political parties should banned; hateful websites should be taken down and internet providers should forced by law to comply. Tech companies concerns about online privacy are less important than the protection of human life.

Finally, we must be prepared to take this battle to terrorist havens around the world. We reject the idea that it was the Wests involvement in the Middle East that gave rise to Islamist extremism. It was the failure by the West, Britain included, to bring stability to Libya after Gaddafis fall that allowed the Abedis of this world to thrive there. We need to get more involved in these countries, not less.

In a liberal democracy like ours, we erect barriers to prevent our law and order agencies from knowing too much or being too strong. It is right that we constantly question whether those barriers are in the right place. Today it feels like they need to be moved. This paper believes that the time has come to intensify the fight against the Islamists and to give our police, and those who help them, the tools they need to keep us safe.
Y ou know something has gone very wrong when the national terror threat is raised to critical and troops have to free up armed policemen guarding key sites. This might not technically be like Frances ongoing state of emergency but the feel on our streets will be similar.

The fact that a powerful bomb packed with shrapnel was used in the Manchester Arena attack is one reason Britain is now on the highest state of alert for precautionary reasons.

Thanks to the assiduity of the security services, we have not witnessed a bomb attack for 12 years. The difficulty in acquiring the necessary chemicals, as well as the skill required to weaponise home-cooked materials, and the vulnerability of the resulting logistical trail, we are told, led to terrorists resorting to everyday items such as cars, trucks or kitchen knives to cause mayhem. The second threat was from gun attacks by roving jihadist assault squads of the kind we saw in Paris, though, we are told, the difficulty of getting an AK-47 in Britain made that unlikely.

Since a proficient bomb-maker is a valuable asset, he or she is unlikely to squander their own life, which raises the distinct possibility that more suicide bombers are primed to go, while as countless Israeli studies have shown, such attackers require careful grooming to get them to the reality of blowing themselves up. So now we have more than a lone wolf, though even the loneliest wolf is convinced they are acting on behalf of the global billion-strong Muslim umma.

What can usefully be said about this atrocity? Although Islamic State opportunistically claims responsibility for every terror attack, there was something peculiarly revealing, as well as repugnant, about a statement which conflated murdering pubescent girls at a pop concert with a crusader gathering and a shameless one to boot. The combination of this cartoon ideology about relations between the West and a Muslim world (whose demographic weight is not even in the Middle East but in India and Indonesia) with a prurient moralism about a pop concert is striking, as is the rebranding of Salman Abedi, the murderer of eight- year-olds, as a soldier.

Manchester attack: Theresa May raises terror threat rating to 'critical'

We know enough about Abedi to wonder why he was not on several radars. His Libyan father was a known anti-Gaddafi activist who having earlier been granted asylum here, left his job as an airport security worker and returned to the struggle which overthrew the colonel in 2011. Presumably our security services only belatedly caught up with the fact that not all of Gaddafis opponents were biddable secular liberals  though their murky role in rendering one of the Islamists back to Libya from Thailand in 2004, when the Blair government suddenly regarded Colonel Gaddafi as a potential ally, suggests otherwise?

Since the colonels overthrow, Libya has disintegrated into a chaos of armed militias, where both al Qaeda and IS have established a presence. Theoretically they are enemies, divided over when to proclaim a physical caliphate and the role of high theological authorities which IS discounts, but in Libya their affiliates are co-operating. Whether these factions are represented among Libyans in Britain will be a major line of inquiry.

But what of the bomber himself, who it seems travelled back and forth to Libya with impunity even though it is a warzone. We have had the usual guff about him being a normal Mancunian lad, playing war games on PlayStation, drifting in an out of an IT course at Salford, and, the clincher, a fan of Manchester United.

That last one is really off the mark since Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the IS leader, was known as Maradona for his skill on the pitch, inside the huge US holding camp Bucca, where in the mid-2000s thousands of jihadists and former Baathist intelligence officers got together to create IS.

We know enough about Salman Abedi to wonder why he was not on several radars

We are told that the consensual British policing model relies on having uniformed officers on the streets to whom eager local communities will report anything untoward. This model manifestly failed to work. Abedis attendance at his Salford IT course was fitful. He seems to have been a scowling presence at the Didsbury Mosque, in 2015 objecting to an anti-IS sermon to the point where he was physically threatening, with a face of hate. He grew a beard and began chanting Arabic prayers in the street a few weeks before the attack on Monday.

We are also told that even if the security services cannot feasibly follow every suspected extremist, their online activity is being monitored. Well, in this case, Abedis brother has been posting comments sympathetic to IS on its websites, while a sister attended the school from which two twins left to live in the paradise that is Raqqa. A lot to work with for the spooks, one might imagine.

Manchester Arena Terror Attack: Victims 1 /21 Manchester Arena Terror Attack: Victims Nell Jones, 14, who died in the Manchester attack PA Jane Tweddle, 50 of Blackpool, was also killed 'Inseperable couple' Chloe Rutherford, 17, and Liam Curry, 19 Scottish teenager Eilidh MacLeod, 14, was confirmed to have been killed in the blast PA Michelle Kiss died in the blast. Her family have said they are "absolutely devastated" PA Saffie-Rose Roussos eight, from Lancashire, had been at the concert with her mother and sister when she was killed in the blast Wendy Fawell died in the attack Collect Olivia Campbell, 15, is also confirmed among the dead after a desperate search to find her Ariana Grande superfan Georgina Callander, 18, was one of the first victims to be named Lisa Lees and Alison Howe were killed while waiting in the foyer to collect their children Facebook Kelly Brewster died shielding her niece from the blast John Atkinson, 26, was also killed in the suicide blast Polish couple Angelika and Marcin Klis are confirmed among the dead in the Manchester attack Credit: Family photograph Victim: Martyn Hett has been confirmed as one of those killed in the attack Confirmed dead: 14-year-old Sorrell Leczowski Facebook Victim: Elaine McIver, an off-duty police officer Greater Manchester Police

Flooding our streets with more masked and heavily armed men is a case of shutting the door after the horse has bolted. We could more usefully inquire into how our liberality towards asylum seekers and refugees has been abused by the entire Abedi family, and doubtless by incoming Syrians.

It might also be helpful to ponder whether our physical security at public events or in around public buildings is best guaranteed by dozy private sector security personnel and mechanical detectors, let alone by pairs of policemen who always seem to be in private conversation, rather than by more focused efforts by people trained in psychological profiling.

Finally, the community policing model seems to have failed in this case, since no one reported Abedis transformation into a mass murderer, presumably because the Libyan community was hermetically sealed off from the Manchester Muslim community of South Asians, which in turn is impermeable to other Mancunians.
T he Turner Prize is getting a trip to seaside, with the announcement today that the 2019 prize will be hosted by the Turner Contemporary in Margate.

The prize is held outside of London every other year, with Hull this years host as part of the City of Culture celebrations. It is otherwise held at Tate Britain.

The Turner Contemporary opened in 2011 and has had a huge impact on the regeneration of the town. Phyllida Barlow, who is currently representing Britain at the Venice Biennale, will have her work exhibited there over the summer.

Victoria Pomery, the gallerys director, said it would be a truly transformative opportunity for Margate, and that it seems even more fitting to host the prize here in Margate on the site where JMW Turner was so inspired.

The prize, which was established in 1984, has previously been held in Liverpool, Gateshead, Derry and Glasgow.

Hurvin Anderson, Lubaina Himid, Andrea Buttner and Rosalind Nashashibi are the artists shortlisted for this years prize. It is the first time since 1991 that artists over the age of 50 have been considered, after a recent rule change.

Are you a budding artist? Enter the Evening Standard Contemporary Art Prize in association with Hiscox and you could win 10,000. Visit standard.co.uk/artprize
P arliament has slowly been moving towards a more gender equal political landscape.

In the 2015 general election, the number of female MPs rose by a third, with a larger proportion of women than ever taking seats.

Yet despite this, new research has revealed that 7.5 million people in the UK wont be able to vote for a woman in the upcoming general election.

More than 100 constituencies across the UK have no female candidates on the ballot, The BBC has found.

The capital has emerged as one of the top regions for female representation, with only 8 per cent of seats not providing the option of voting for a woman.

In the West Midlands, meanwhile, more than a quarter of seats are contested solely by men, offering no female candidates.

In the United Kingdom, there are big differences in the number of seats being contested by at least one woman.

Wales has six seats without a woman on the ballot, while there are five seats in Scotland where all of the hopeful candidates are men.

The other 93 all-male candidate constituencies are spread across England.

In Northern Ireland, everyone has the opportunity to vote for a woman - it is the only nation in the UK to have a female candidate in every constituency.

General Election 2017 Campaign - In pictures 1 /57 General Election 2017 Campaign - In pictures Jeremy Corbyn joins leaders for the BBC's Election Debate Stefan Rousseau/PA Prime Minister Theresa May samples cheese at the Royal Bath and West Show in Shepton Mallet Leon Neal/Pool/Reuters First Minister Nicola Sturgeon during the launch of the SNP General Election manifesto at Perth Concert Hall Jane Barlow/PA Former Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg at the launch in central London of a Liberal Democrats campaign poster attacking the Conservatives' school meals policy Victoria Jones/PA Jeremy Corbyn appears on The One Show BBC Liberal Democrats leader Tim Farron and the party's local candidate Sir Simon Hughes are given a baking lesson at Comptoir Gourmand, an artisan bakery in Bermondsey, London Gareth Fuller/PA Prime Minister Theresa May answers questions from the studio audience during a joint Channel 4 and Sky News general election programme recorded at Sky studios Stefan Rousseau/PA Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn is interviewed by Jeremy Paxman during a joint Channel 4 and Sky News general election programme 'May v Corbyn Live: The Battle for Number 10' at Sky studios Stefan Rousseau/WPA Pool/Getty Images Home Secretary Amber Rudd (left) and Shadow Home Secretary Diane Abbott appearing on the BBC One current affairs programme, The Andrew Marr Show. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Sunday May 28, 2017. Abbott has said she no longer opposed the security services as she insisted her time as a graduate civil servant would prepare her for becoming home secretary Jeff Overs/BBC/PA A new poster by the Green Party featuring pictures of the Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary either side US Preseident Donald J Trump Green Party/PA Conservative party leader Theresa May during the Welsh Conservative manifesto launch at Gresford Memorial Hall, Gresford, Wrexham Stefan Rousseau/PA Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn with former Labour deputy prime minister John Prescott during General Election campaigning in Hull Chris Radburn/PA A man is arrested after protesting against fox hunting as Theresa May arrives at the Welsh Conservative manifesto launch at Gresford Memorial Hall, Gresford, Wrexham Stefan Rousseau/PA Green Party co-leaders Caroline Lucas and Jonathan Bartley launch the Green Party's 'Green Guarantee' of key priorities for the party at a general election campaign event in London AFP/Getty Images Julie Etchingham presents the ITV Leaders' Debate, a live two-hour debate with Caroline Lucas, Tim Farron, Leanne Wood, Paul Nuttall, Nicola Sturgeon ITV/PA Conservative party leader Theresa May during her party's general election manifesto launch in Halifax Danny Lawson/PA Demonstrations take place before the arrival of Prime Minister Theresa May as she launches the Conservative Party Election Manifesto in Halifax Getty Images Britain's Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond listens as Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May speaks during an election campaign event in east London Ben Stansall/AFP/Getty Images Labour Party Leader Jeremy Corbyn launches the party's manifesto at the University of Bradford, in Bradford Nigel Roddis/EPA Prime Minister Theresa May meets Cathy Mohan at Abingdon market in Oxfordshire during an General Election campaign visit Stefan Rousseau/PA Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron leaves the Royal College of Nursing conference at Liverpool Arena and Convention Centre following a General Election campaign visit Gareth Fuller/PA Screengrab taken from Facebook Live broadcast, hosted by ITV News of Prime Minister Theresa May answering questions sent in by users of the social media website, with presenter Robert Peston ITV News Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn speaking about national security and foreign policy at Chatham House in Londo David Mirzeoff/PA Jeremy Corbyn the leader of Britain's opposition Labour Party holds one year old Angelo during a campaign event in Harlow, Essex Neil Hall/Reuters Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn reads with children as he visits Brentry Children Centre in Bristol on 21 April 2017 during Labour's election campaign. Steve Parsons/PA Jeremy Corbyn looks around as he arrives at Savoy Place. His vehicle hit BBC Cameraman Giles Wooltorton on the way into the garage entrance Neil P. Mockford/Getty Images British Trade Union leader Len McCluskey falls on the steps outside the Clause 5 Labour meeting to finalise the Labour manifesto in Londo Andy Rain/EPA Pro-EU campaigner Gina Miller breaks down after receiving an ovation from the crowd during her speech at the Convention on Brexit in central London Andy Rain/EPA The Liberal Democrat party campaign bus is unveiled at an event at the Harts Boatyard on 01 May 2017 in Surbiton Leon Neal/Getty Images Co-Leader of the Green Party, Caroline Lucas, speaks during the launch of the Green Party Brexit policy at the Space Studio in London Stefan Rousseau/PA The Liberal Democrat party leader Tim Farron listens to a speech during an event at the Harts Boatyard on May 1, 2017 in Surbiton Leon Neal/Getty Images Anti-racism protesters speak to the media after being removed ahead of UKIP Leader Paul Nuttall's speech Jack Taylor/Getty Images UKIP Leader Paul Nuttall gestures as he makes a speech as the party launch their general election campaign at the Marriott County Hall Hotel on 28 April 2017 in London Jack Taylor/Getty Images Britain's opposition Labour party Leader Jeremy Corbyn walks past a bus shelter with Alan Whitehead, Labour MP for Southampton, and local councillor Satvir Kaur (right), before meeting local residents Adrian Dennis/AFP/Getty Images Shadow home secretary Diane Abbott Diane leaving Four Millbank in Westminster, London, following her stumbling explanation of how the party would fund its plans for 10,000 extra police in an interview that left her struggling to do the sums live on air. Victoria Jones/PA Philip Hammond and David Davis at a General Election campaign event in Central London Jeremy Selwyn Pensioner Malcolm Baker confronts Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron while he was the election campaign trail in Kidlington, near Oxford Sam Lister/PA Prime Minister Theresa May eats chips as she meets with residents in Mevagissey, south-west England Dylan Martinez/AFP/Getty Images Conservative party handout of Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn on a new poster, warning that families face a tax and debt bombshell under Jeremy Corbyn's leadership Conservative Party/PA Nick Clegg delivers a campaign speech on the European Union at the National Liberal Club in London Stefan Rousseau/PA Ukip leader Paul Nuttall (left) eats grapes during a walkabout in Dudley town centre in the West Midlands, with Ukip West Midlands MEP Bill Etheridge (right) and Phil Durnell, West Midlands Metro Mayor candidate Richard Vernalls/PA Former Labour Party leader Ed Miliband retweeted a photo of him mowing a lawn whilst canvassing in his Doncaster North constituency Jane Nightingale Prime Minister Theresa May makes a statement on 18 April calling for a general election Dan Kitwood/Getty Images

While there are plenty of seats contested solely by men, there is just one seat in the UK with an all-female lineup.

In Glasgow Central it is impossible to vote a man into parliament, because the four hopefuls on the ballot list are all female.

The report does not offer a conclusive reason as to why there are areas with no female representation.

Hackney North MP Diane Abbott has recently spoken out about how she believes women may be deterred from entering politics because of the abuse suffered by female MPs.

Writing in the Guardian, Ms Abbott recently told of her own experiences with internet trolls.

"I receive racist and sexist abuse online on a daily basis. I have had rape threats, death threats, and am sent horrible images on Twitter," she wrote.

"Parliament and the parliamentary Labour party were roiled by the vote on Brexit. There were journalists outside my house on a daily basis; a Tory councillor was suspended for retweeting an image of me as an ape with lipstick. And accompanying it all, a crescendo of blatantly racist and sexist abuse online.

"Then, just when I thought the worst was over, there was horrible coverage in a Sunday tabloid of a misogynist text exchange about me sent by a cabinet minister."

The latest election polls show that Theresa May is heading for a clear general election victory.

Ipsos MORI research exclusively for the Evening Standard finds the Conservatives on 44 per cent, eight points ahead of Labour who are on 36 per cent.

The figures point to a Conservative majority of around 40, which would be just enough for Mrs May to claim a mandate for Brexit negotiations but short of the three-figure landslide that senior Tories hoped for when she called the snap election three years ahead of schedule.
A man boarding a flight to Turkey at Stansted has been arrested by counter-terrror officers.

The 37-year-old was detained by the Metropolitan Polices counter-terrorism squad as he prepared to board a plane on Tuesday evening.

A Scotland Yard spokesman said the man had been arrested on suspicion of preparing for acts of terrorism. The arrest is linked to travel to Syria, they confirmed.

Officers were this morning searching two residential addresses in north London as part of the same investigation.

The suspect remains in custody at a south London police station.

However, Scotland Yard confirmed the arrest was not linked to the Manchester terror attack.

It came a day after suicide bomber Salman Abedi killed 22 people at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester in an attack which has been claimed by Isis.

A spokesman said: Officers from the MPS Counter Terrorism Command arrested a 37-year-old man at Stansted Airport last night prior to him boarding a flight to Turkey.

He has been arrested on suspicion of preparing for acts of terrorism contrary to Section 41 of the Terrorism Act 2000.

The man has been taken to a south London police station where he is being detained under the Terrorism Act.
A 14-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of murder after another teenager was knifed to death in north London.

Detectives arrested the youngster on Tuesday afternoon over the murder of Joao Ricardo Gomes, 18, in Enfield on May 13.

Scotland Yard confirmed he has since been released under investigation.

Mr Gomes became the thirteenth person to be killed by a knife on the capitals streets in three weeks when a private party publicised on Snapchat raged out of control.

Joao Gomes, 18, was knifed to death on the steps of a community centre in Enfield

Two other teenagers, aged 17 and 19, were left with serious injuries as violence flared among more than 100 youths, some as young as 12, who spilled out into the streets at 10.30pm.

All three were taken to hospital where Mr Gomes was pronounced dead at 11.41pm.

Detectives are still appealing for witnesses and anyone who can help their investigation.

Anyone who witnessed the assault or has any information that could assist police with their investigation, should contact the incident room on 020 8217 6582 or via twitter @MetCC.

To give information anonymously call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.
A n east London man has been charged by police after a Twitter user called for a Conservative MP to be "Jo Coxed".

Anna Soubry, MP for Broxtowe in Nottinghamshire, reported messages in December referencing the Remain-supporting Labour politician's murder a week before the EU referendum.

One of the posts read: "Someone jo cox Anna sourby [sic] please".

Ms Soubry, who also campaigned for UK to remain in the EU, responded: "This is what has happened to our politics. Tolerance & free speech must prevail."

She added: "Take it that wasn't a spelling mistake. You're a sad cowardly troll."

A tweet from the same account then replied: "lol get jo coxed you old bint".

Michael McAlpine, 25, of Cephas Street, Bethnal Green, was charged on Tuesday two counts of sending grossly offensive, indecent, obscene or menacing messages on December 2.

He will appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on June 6.

Last month a London man who called Ms Sourby's constituency office and told her she should be "Jo Cox'd" was jailed for eight weeks.

John Wombell, 58, from West Drayton, pleaded guilty to an offence under the Communications Act 2003.
A man is fighting for life after he was attacked outside a busy south London Tube station in front of shocked commuters.

Police and paramedics sped to the scene outside Tooting Broadway station at around 7.45pm on Tuesday following reports of an assault.

A 51-year-old man was found lying unconscious after he was attacked by another man, police said.

He was rushed to a hospital in south London where he remains in a critical condition.

Images posted on social media show a police cordon in place directly outside the station, with police cars and officers carrying out their investigations.

Jus Jayde shared a photo of police tape strung up around the station, tweeting: "What's this madness in Tooting Broadway about?"

A Scotland Yard spokesman said no arrests have been made so far.

If you saw anything or have any information contact Wandsworth CID on 101, tweet @MetCC or phone Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
A woman has been arrested in connection with the Manchester bombing after armed police swarmed a block of flats in the north of the city.

Residents heard a "huge bang" as officers carrying firearms raided an address in Blackley on Wednesday evening.

The woman is the sixth person arrested in the UK over the attack following raids in Fallowfields and Wigan following the blast at Manchester Arena on Monday.

Suicide bomber Salman Abedi blew himself up as crowds left an Ariana Grande gig, killing 22 people, including an eight-year-old girl, and injuring more than 100 others.

Police cordon: Armed police arrested a woman in Blackley / PA

His dad and brother have been detained by counter terrorism forces in Libya.

Greater Manchester Police said: "A search was carried out and a woman has been arrested in connection with the investigation into the Manchester Arena incident."

Alex Finnie, 54, said armed police and "men who looked like soldiers" were involved in the swoop, which he believed was on the 12th floor.

Manchester Arena Terror Attack: Victims 1 /21 Manchester Arena Terror Attack: Victims Nell Jones, 14, who died in the Manchester attack PA Jane Tweddle, 50 of Blackpool, was also killed 'Inseperable couple' Chloe Rutherford, 17, and Liam Curry, 19 Scottish teenager Eilidh MacLeod, 14, was confirmed to have been killed in the blast PA Michelle Kiss died in the blast. Her family have said they are "absolutely devastated" PA Saffie-Rose Roussos eight, from Lancashire, had been at the concert with her mother and sister when she was killed in the blast Wendy Fawell died in the attack Collect Olivia Campbell, 15, is also confirmed among the dead after a desperate search to find her Ariana Grande superfan Georgina Callander, 18, was one of the first victims to be named Lisa Lees and Alison Howe were killed while waiting in the foyer to collect their children Facebook Kelly Brewster died shielding her niece from the blast John Atkinson, 26, was also killed in the suicide blast Polish couple Angelika and Marcin Klis are confirmed among the dead in the Manchester attack Credit: Family photograph Victim: Martyn Hett has been confirmed as one of those killed in the attack Confirmed dead: 14-year-old Sorrell Leczowski Facebook Victim: Elaine McIver, an off-duty police officer Greater Manchester Police

He heard a noise which sounded like windows being blown out as police entered the flat.

He then saw a woman with dark hair and wearing a blue shirt with her hands cuffed behind her back and pressed up against a window.

He said: "When the bang went I heard screaming and shouting and then they took the woman out.

Manchester Arena explosion aftermath - In pictures 1 /46 Manchester Arena explosion aftermath - In pictures Stephanie Brodie and mother Lisa Brodie who were inside the foyer when the explosion happened Jeremy Selwyn Armed police patrol near Victoria station in Manchester AFP/Getty Images Police close to the Manchester Arena the morning after a terrorist attack at the end of a concert by Ariana Grande left 22 dead PA Prime Minister Theresa May addresses the media in Downing Street Stefan Rousseau/PA A police officer moves a floral tribute close to the Manchester Arena PA A man embraces a woman and a teenager as he collects them from the Park Inn Hotel where they were given refuge after last nights explosion at the Manchester Arena Getty Images Police forensic officers investigate the scene of an explosion at Victoria Station Getty Images People affected by the deadly terror attack at Manchester Arena look out from a hotel window in Manchester AFP/Getty Images Police stand guard at the scene of a suspected terrorist attack during a pop concert by Ariana Grande in Manchester AFP/Getty Images A flag flies at half-mast from the Houses of Parliament AFP/Getty Images Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham and Manchester City Council Leader Sir Richard Leese speak to the media outside Manchester Town Hall after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving a pop concert in Manchester. PA Police forensic investigators walk along a bridge linking Victoria Station with the Manchester Arena where a suspected terrorist attack at the end of a concert Ariana Grande PA Tributes left outside St Ann's Church in Manchester Ben Birchall/PA The scene at Manchester Royal Infirmary as the death toll from the Manchester bomb attack rose to 22 with 59 injured PA Armed police patrol inside Victoria Station adjacent to Manchester Arena Getty Images A flag flies at half-mast from the Treasury Office in London AFP/Getty Images Tributes left outside St Ann's Church in Manchester PA Greater Manchester Police chief constable Ian Hopkins speaks to the media in Manchester where he said that the death toll from the Manchester bomb attack has risen to 22 with 59 injured PA Susan Walton and her daughter Katie who attended the pop concert by US star Ariana Grande pose in Mancheste AFP/Getty Images Ariana Grande concert attendees leave the Park Inn where they were given refuge after last nights explosion at Manchester Arena Getty Images A police officer escorts people near to Manchester Arena Getty Images Police stand guard at the scene of a suspected terrorist attack during a pop concert by Ariana Grande in Manchester AFP/Getty Images Tributes left outside St Ann's Church in Manchester PA A man embraces a woman and a teenager as he collects them from the Park Inn Hotel where they were given refuge after last nights explosion at the Manchester Arena Getty Images People leave Victoria Station adjacent to Manchester Arena Getty Images Ariana Grande concert attendees Karen Moore and her daughter Molly Steed, aged 14, from Derby, leave the Park Inn where they were given refuge after last nights explosion at Manchester Arena Getty Images U.S. President Donald Trump speaks about the attack in Manchester Reuters A Union Flag flies above Victoria Railway Station, close to the Manchester Arena Getty Images An ambulance arrives as police officers stand at the Miller Street and Corporation Street Crossroads, near the Manchester Arena Getty Images Ariana Grande concert attendees Vikki Baker and her daughter Charlotte, aged 13, leave the Park Inn where they were given refuge after last night's explosion at Manchester Arena Getty Images Ariana Grande concert attendees Vikki Baker and her daughter Charlotte, aged 13, leave the Park Inn where they were given refuge after last night's explosion at Manchester Arena Getty Images Ariana Grande concert attendees Vikki Baker and her daughter Charlotte, aged 13, leave the Park Inn where they were given refuge after last night's explosion at Manchester Arena Getty Images Home Secretary Amber Rudd arrives for a COBRA meeting in Downing Street Getty Images British Defence Secretary Michael Fallon arrives for COBRA meeting at the Cabinet Office on Whitehall Getty Images Flags fly at half mast above Downing Street, London, after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving a pop concert in Manchester PA

"She was facing this way out the window and a couple of minutes later two armed police took her away.

"After the first one I heard loud banging on another door but on the same floor."

The woman was driven away in a police van, he said, adding that armed police were preventing residents from accessing the floor.

Resident Chris Barlow said there was a "huge bang" and "huge police presence".

"There was about 30 people on the street - they said there's been an explosion at the flats, a bomb or explosion," he added.

"There's CTU (counter terrorism unit) special forces - I spoke to one officer and they said they blew the door in and took a couple of people away."

A further five people have been arrested in the UK over the attack.
P olice believe Manchester bomber Salman Abedi was in a city-centre flat before travelling to kill crowds at Ariana Grande's concert, according to neighbours.

Armed police and officers clad in camouflage raided an apartment in Granby Row, close to Manchester Piccadilly station, on Wednesday in connection with the blast that killed 22 people.

The one-bedroom flat, in Granby House, was listed for short-term rental online.

David Foran, who owns Retro Bar around the corner, said police asked him for CCTV footage from his pub.

He said he was watching the raid unfold from the top of the street when a member of his staff came over with two men who wanted to speak to him.

Police were continuing to search Granby House on Wednesday night / AFP/Getty Images

The men were not dressed in uniform but showed him a badge and he told him they were police officers combing the area for CCTV, Mr Foran said.

He added: "I just asked him why, and he just turned round and said he has reason to believe that the chap who's done the bombing visited Granby Row around 7pm on Monday evening before the explosion."

Bomber Abedi blew himself up in the foyer of Manchester Arena just after 10.30pm, killing 22 people including youngsters who had been watching the pop star and mothers waiting to collect their children. At least 64 people were injured.

Mr Foran said the camera outside his bar that the police were asking about does not work.

Residents of Granby House described how an explosion rang out in the building and fire alarms sounded as the building was stormed on Wednesday afternoon.

The railway line behind the block was briefly closed as the raid began but was later reopened.

A Greater Manchester Police spokeswoman said: "Officers have this afternoon carried out a search at an address in Manchester city centre as part of the investigation into the horrific incident at Manchester Arena. That search is ongoing."

Resident Lynne Deakin said she knew the owner of the flat, which was advertised for holiday rentals online.

The 53-year-old, who lives on the ground floor, told how she turned off the fire alarm after it was set off and headed upstairs, where she saw five or six "army" officers outside the raided flat.

"I'd gone up the stairs... I was at one end of the corridor and they were at the other through a fire door," she said.

"So one of the guys came out and he said 'get downstairs'. It was the proper guys that I've seen on the TV with the balaclavas and the big helmets."

Armed police stormed the flat / AP

She added that she was "not at all surprised" by the raid.

"I've often said, if I wanted to take out Piccadilly station, because the line is right at the back, I would put a bomb in that building," she said.

Louise Bolotin, a freelance journalist who lives in the building, fled downstairs after hearing the fire alarm.

She said: "I came running down the front staircase, six floors, and got to the front entrance and was met by a police officer in full-on tactical helmet, face mask, machine gun. I was expecting to see the fire brigade."

Ms Bolotin described the raid as "absolutely massive", adding: "I saw down there about four armed officers coming out from the back of the building.

"Again, helmets, face masks, machine guns and getting into two unmarked cars and driving away.

"After that about half a dozen Army came out in camouflage, weapons."

Manchester Arena attack: What we know so far

Ms Bolotin said there were 62 flats in the building with a "transient population".

Around half of the apartments are owner-occupied while the rest are rented out, she added.

Student Muye Li, 23, who lives next to the flat at the centre of the raid, said he heard an explosion as officers gained entry.

Mr Li, from China, said he had been asked if he knew the lady who lived next door and had been quizzed on whether he had seen her.

Marcus Murray, 27, lives on the first floor of the building and said it is common for people to come and stay in flats in the building just for the weekend.

"It's usually a very quiet street," the software engineer said, adding: "I felt safe before, but not now."

Adam Prince, 38, who lives on the third floor, said he had been allowed into the building by police and smelt "gunpowder".

"The flat has been entered, forcibly, there's the smell of gunpowder because they've pushed it in or I don't know what they've done up there," he said.

"There's dust on the floor. It smells. Splatters on the wall, ash. They are taking different items in and out."

Army on patrol in London in wake of Manchester terror 1 /24 Army on patrol in London in wake of Manchester terror Troops today entered the Palace of Westminster in unprecedented scenes Alex Lentati Soldiers entering the Palace of Westminster Alex Lentati Almost 1,000 troops were deployed today to guard London's landmarks Alex Lentati The arrival of troops was watched by armed police Alex Lentati A solider stands guard with an armed Scotland Yard officer outside Buckingham Palace PA The troops were stationed outside Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament, and other key sites PA Troops were deployed as the UK's terror threat level was raised to "critical" PA Armed troops were also positioned at embassies PA Soldiers entering the Palace of Westminster today Alex Lentati A female soldier is seen brandishing her service weapon before going on duty in the capital Alex Lentati Soldiers were seen disembarking coaches in Westminster Alex Lentati Soldiers arrive by bus and head toward a building next to New Scotland Yard AFP/Getty Images Soldiers walk in Downing Street i Reuters Soldiers talk with police on Downing Street Reuters Troops were on patrol near No10 today Reuters A soldier walks past 10 Downing Street as part of the army presence in London after the terrorist attack in Manchester AFP/Getty Images Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick and Major General Ben Bathhurst, General Officer Commanding London District (right) meet soldiers and police officers on deployment in the Palace of Westminster PA Cressida Dick and Major General Ben Bathhurst spoke to troops and police on patrol PA

On Wednesday afternoon, two men were stopped by police on Granby Row.

One of the men, wearing a hooded coat, was held up against the wall by officers, while just a short distance away, another man, wearing a red T-shirt, was on the ground and surrounded by officers.

Both men were led away, with the man in the red T-shirt taken to a nearby police van.

Greater Manchester Police were unable to confirm whether the men had been arrested and whether the incident was related to the raid or investigation.

It was suggested by onlookers that the two men may have been embroiled in a scuffle before police intervened.

Six people have been arrested in connection with the arena explosion, including the father and brother of suicide bomber Salman Abedi.
A burst water main flooded a busy road today leaving homes and offices across parts of London without supplies.

Residents in St John Street, in Clerkenwell, were woken in the early hours by the noise of water gushing down the road.

The force of the pressure from an old Victoria trunk main ripped up the road surface.

Thames Water issued a statement on Twitter saying some homes and businesses in E2, E8, EC1, EC4 and N1 had no water and low water.

The utility giant said teams were working to bring water supplies in from the surrounding area and that supplies would begin to return to normal.

It said one basement was flooded but otherwise water damage appeared to be minimal.

The latest incident comes after another burst main in December in Upper Street devastating homes and Camden Passage antique traders.

One worker on the scene today said: One of the old trunk mains has burst overnight and gone down through lots of layers of concrete.

Patricia Potter, 67, who lives next to scene, said she was woken by the noise of the water at about 2am.

She said: The water was gushing everywhere and the force had pushed all the concrete up.

This isnt the first time its happened and will cause a lot of inconvenience to people.

A Thames Water spokesman said: Were sorry to customers who may be experiencing low pressure or no water this morning.

This is the result of a burst pipe on St John Street. Our team have been on site since the early hours of the morning to repair the pipe.

Weve isolated the burst, so water supply and pressure should return to normal throughout the morning.

Well be working to get this pipe repaired as quickly as possible.
A couple involved in a court battle over life-support treatment for their sick baby son have been given more than 9,000 by a well-wisher in Indonesia.

Chris Gard and Connie Yates want nine-month-old Charlie Gard, who suffers from a rare genetic condition and has brain damage, to undergo a therapy trial in the US.

Specialists at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London, where Charlie is being cared for, are against any attempt at therapy in the US and say life-support treatment should stop.

A High Court judge has ruled against a trip to America and the couple, who are in their thirties and come from Bedfont, west London, are waiting for a ruling by Court of Appeal judges.

Chris Gard and Connie Yates with 9-month-old baby Charlie / PA

Charlies parents have appealed for money on a GoFundMe page to cover doctors bills in the US and have raised more than 1.3 million.

A recent 9,100 donation has been signed with love from Indonesia.

Mr Justice Francis concluded that life-support treatment should end and said a move to a palliative care regime would be in Charlies best interests, following a High Court trial in London in April.

Appeal judges Lord Justice McFarlane, Lady Justice King and Lord Justice Sales analysed the case at a Court of Appeal hearing in London yesterday and are expected to deliver their ruling tomorrow.
B ritain was placed in lockdown today as soldiers were put on guard outside Buckingham Palace and Downing Street.

As the police continued a frantic hunt for accomplices of the Manchester bomber, Scotland Yard announced that troops were being deployed to guard key locations including the Palace of Westminster, embassies and other sensitive sites in major cities.

The UKs threat level has been raised to critical with 984 military personnel being deployed around the country

In London, Changing the Guard at the Palace was cancelled and Parliament was closed to the public. The Old Baileys public galleries were also shut.

Troops file past police in Westminster today / Alex Lentati

Soldiers are likely to be on duty at this weekends FA Cup final at Wembley and the Twickenham rugby premiership final.

Soldiers filmed marching into Westminster Palace

Armed police will guard concerts in the capital this weekend and at major events such as the Chelsea Flower Show.

There are fears an Islamist bombmaker may be on the loose because of the sophistication of the device used in the Manchester attack on Monday.

Troops: Soldiers are being deployed at key London locations / Alex Lentati

Security sources said police and intelligence agencies were working flat out to prevent more bad stuff.

Up to 3,800 soldiers were being deployed to protect sites across the UK as armed police officers mounted roaming patrols around train stations, shopping centres and other sites.

High security: The deployment follows the Manchester terror attack / AFP/Getty Images

It is understood that 400 to 800 troops will be deployed in the first wave.

Hundreds of troops were deployed in the capital / Alex Lentati

Three men were arrested in south Manchester today in connection with the attack.

The suicide bomber, Salman Abedi, 22, returned from Libya in recent days and, it is reported, may have travelled to Manchester by train from London.

Deployment: 984 military personnel have been sent out across the country / Alex Lentati

It raises the possibility that the bomb was built in the capital.

Announcing the raising of the threat level last night, Theresa May said a wider group of individuals could have been involved in the blast, which killed 22 people, including an eight-year-old girl.

Home Secretary Amber Rudd said that Abedi had recently returned from Libya, where his parents are reported to live, and said the nature of the attack suggested he may have had support.

Army: Soldiers in London today / Evening Standard

A total of 119 people were injured in the explosion in the foyer of the Manchester Arena, shortly after a concert by US pop star Ariana Grande.

Today, 20 people remain in critical care across Manchester. People have horrific injuries including major organ damage and lost limbs.

Fears are also growing for up to 15 people who are thought to have attended the concert but who have still not been traced.

Victims who have been named so far include 15-year-old Olivia Campbell, from Bury, Greater Manchester, eight-year-old Saffie Roussos and Georgina Callander, 18. Saffie, from Preston, is the youngest known fatality and had attended the concert with her mother Lisa and sister Ashlee Bromwich.

Soldiers are to be deployed at key terrorist targets in London. / PA

Chris Upton, headteacher at Tarleton Community Primary School, said: Saffie was simply a beautiful little girl in every aspect of the word. She was loved by everyone and her warmth and kindness will be remembered fondly.

One mother waiting to pick up her children today described witnessing the suicide bomber as he exploded his device. Emma Johnson had gone to collect her daughter, 15, and son, 17, from the concert and was waiting in the foyer when the nail bomb detonated.

Victims: (Top L-R) Saffie Rose Roussos, Olivia Campbell, Kelly Brewster, (Bottom L-R) Georgina Collander, Alison Howe, Lisa Lees, John Atkinson

She described seeing a man in an intense red top  who she now understands to have been Abedi  among a sea of teenagers.

She told BBC Radio 5 Live: I was about 15 feet away from the blast. We were waiting for our children to come out and we stood at the top of the foyer  you go up some stairs and we were protected by glass on a barrier.

Manchester attack: Theresa May raises terror threat rating to 'critical'

"As people were coming out they were wearing the clothes of Ariana  you know the white, the black, the pink, because they all sold the merchandise.

"But for one split second I turned and saw what I can only describe as a bright red  thats why it stood out  bright red, with a grey panel down the front with risen bits all over it.

Suffering of the innocents: emergency services help youngsters caught up in the blast

It was that that stood out because it was so intense, the colour, in this crowd of people. As quick as I saw it the explosion happened.

Ms Rudd described the attack as more sophisticated than some of the attacks we have seen before. She said: It seems likely  possible  that he was not doing this on his own.

She said the security services knew Abedi up to a point  and promised that details of what was known would be revealed after the investigation.

Ms Rudd said the military deployment, Operation Temperer, would provide up to 3,800 troops to support the police. Speaking this morning, she said the move was temporary but refused to be drawn on how long the heightened state of alert would remain in place.

Detectives are today questioning Abedis 23-year-old brother Ismail, who was arrested in Manchester yesterday. Further arrests are expected today.

Security services are investigating whether Salman Abedi had received training abroad. Born in Manchester, he was the second youngest of four children whose parents were Libyan refugees who fled to the UK to escape the regime of Muammar Gaddafi.

Abedis parents have since returned to Libya he is thought to have made several trips there in recent years. One friend said he travelled there three weeks ago and returned days ago.

Heavily armed police on patrol at Victoria Station this morning / Alex Lentati

Today, Frances interior minister also revealed that the bomber is believed to have travelled to Syria and had proven links with Islamic State.

Gerard Collomb told French TV that both British and French intelligence services had information that Abedi had been in Syria.

He said : All of a sudden he travelled to Libya and then most likely to Syria, became radicalised and decided to commit this attack.

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Britains senior anti-terror police officer said there were gaps in our knowledge about Abedi, which had led to the threat level being raised to its highest in 10 years.

Met Assistant Commissioner Mark Rowley said: We are moving at pace, we are making arrests, we are doing searches but, not unsurprisingly, there are still gaps in our knowledge.

US officials say Abedis family had warned the British authorities he was dangerous before the attack, he had ties to al Qaeda and had received terror training abroad.

Abedi was identified by a bank card found in his pocket at the scene of the explosion, the official said.

The US official told MSN that Abedis bomb was big and sophisticated, using materials hard to obtain in Britain. Its almost impossible to see he didnt have help, he added.

Detectives are also unravelling the bombers links to extremists in this country in an effort to establish how and when he was radicalised.

In London armed officers were deployed outside train stations this morning in a visible sign of the increased threat level.

A unit of officers brandishing machine guns was on guard outside Victoria station while inside an armed patrol was on the concourse.

There was also a noticeable increase in police activity around Parliament and Downing Street and along Whitehall as security was visibly tightened.

Commuters and tourists at Victoria station said they believed the extra security was necessary after the Manchester bombing.

Guy Hammond, 36, said: It helps to reassure people in these times. Its sad its come to this though.
P arty leaders General Election campaigns will resume as normal on Friday, after a three-day pause following the Manchester Arena terror attack.

Conservatives, Labour, Greens and the Scottish National Party all announced they will restart low-key local campaigning on Thursday, before resuming the national contest the following day.

Ukip became the first party to say it would be resuming its national campaign when leader Paul Nuttall announced he would be unveiling his party's manifesto on Thursday.

Announcing Labour's plans, leader Jeremy Corbyn said: "The British people are united in their resolve that terror will not prevail. It will not prevent us going about our daily lives or derail our democratic process.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn signs a book of condolence at Manchester Town Hall / PA

"Resuming democratic debate and campaigning is an essential mark of the country's determination to defend our democracy and the unity that the terrorists have sought to attack."

While the Conservatives are set to resume campaigning on Friday, Theresa May will not take part in events that day as she will be out of the country in Sicily for the G7 summit.

All the major parties had suspended national campaigning since Monday's bombing at the Manchester Arena.

Army on patrol in London in wake of Manchester terror 1 /24 Army on patrol in London in wake of Manchester terror Troops today entered the Palace of Westminster in unprecedented scenes Alex Lentati Soldiers entering the Palace of Westminster Alex Lentati Almost 1,000 troops were deployed today to guard London's landmarks Alex Lentati The arrival of troops was watched by armed police Alex Lentati A solider stands guard with an armed Scotland Yard officer outside Buckingham Palace PA The troops were stationed outside Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament, and other key sites PA Troops were deployed as the UK's terror threat level was raised to "critical" PA Armed troops were also positioned at embassies PA Soldiers entering the Palace of Westminster today Alex Lentati A female soldier is seen brandishing her service weapon before going on duty in the capital Alex Lentati Soldiers were seen disembarking coaches in Westminster Alex Lentati Soldiers arrive by bus and head toward a building next to New Scotland Yard AFP/Getty Images Soldiers walk in Downing Street i Reuters Soldiers talk with police on Downing Street Reuters Troops were on patrol near No10 today Reuters A soldier walks past 10 Downing Street as part of the army presence in London after the terrorist attack in Manchester AFP/Getty Images Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick and Major General Ben Bathhurst, General Officer Commanding London District (right) meet soldiers and police officers on deployment in the Palace of Westminster PA Cressida Dick and Major General Ben Bathhurst spoke to troops and police on patrol PA

Local Labour activists did some low-key campaigning on Wednesday, such as delivering leaflets, but nothing that involved contact with voters.

According to the Independent, the Liberal Democrats had made no judgement on when to resume campaigning for the election on June 8.

Manchester attack: 22 people died in the bombing / PA

As a mark of respect for those killed in the blast, campaigning for the national contest remained suspended on Wednesday.

Mrs May and Labours Mr Corbyn were said to have remained in regular contact about the situation following the worst terror incident ever during a General Election period.

On Tuesday, the Prime Minister addressed the nation from Downing Street and announced the UK terror threat would be raised from severe to critical  meaning an another attack could be imminent.

Army troops were also deployed on the capitals streets in static posts to allow armed officers be released for other duties.


A rmed police swooped on a central Manchester building on Wednesday afternoon in the latest of a series of raids in the city.

Residents, who reported hearing "an explosion" after a raid focused on a third floor flat, have now been allowed back on the premises.

Adam Prince, 38, who lives on the third floor, said he smelt "gunpowder" on his return.

"The flat has been entered, forcibly, there's the smell of gunpowder because they've pushed it in or I don't know what they've done up there," he said.

Officers in vests and helmets were pictured outside Granby House on Granby Row, in the centre of the city, just after 1pm as they mounted a raid witnesses described as "absolutely massive".

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said: Officers have this afternoon carried out a search at an address in Manchester City Centre as part of the investigation into the horrific incident at Manchester Arena.

Raid: It came after a series of arrests over the terror attack / PA

That search is ongoing. In order to do this safely we briefly closed a railway line, but it has now been reopened.

Student Muye Li, 23, who lives on the third floor, next to the flat at the centre of the raid, said he heard an explosion as officers gained entry.

Asked if he knew who lived next door Mr Li, from China, said: "No. The military said it was a lady."

Louise Bolotin, a freelance journalist who lives in the building, described how the fire alarm went off before police stormed the building and broke into a flat on the third floor.

"I came running down the front staircase, six floors, and got to the front entrance and was met by a police officer in full-on tactical helmet, face mask, machine gun. I was expecting to see the fire brigade."

She added: "I said 'what's happening' and he just said 'out'."

Ms Bolotin said there were 62 flats in the building with a "transient population". Around half of the apartments are owner-occupied while the rest are rented out, she added.

Ms Bolotin described the raid as "absolutely massive".

She said: "I saw down there about four armed officers coming out from the back of the building.

"Again, helmets, face masks, machine guns and getting into two unmarked cars and driving away.

"After that about half a dozen army came out in camouflage, weapons."

Resident Lynne Deakin, 53, who lives on the ground floor of the flats, said she was "not at all surprised" and believed the raided flat had been rented out on Airbnb.

"I've often said, if I wanted to take out Piccadilly Station, because the line is right at the back, I would put a bomb in that building," she said.

"I'd park a car underneath. It's been so obvious to me for years."

Police earlier arrested three men in connection with the Manchester terror attack that killed 22 people.

Greater Manchester Police said they carried out raids in the south of the city on Wednesday as they continued to investigate the atrocity.

Manchester: Police at the scene / PA

Suicide bomber Salman Abedi killed and injured crowds of people leaving an Ariana Grande concert at Manchester Arena on Monday night.

On Tuesday, a 23-year-old man was arrested in Chorlton in connection with the attack.

Police from the Tactical Aid Unit / PA

The arrests come after France's interior minister said Abedi is believed to have travelled to Syria and had "proven" links with Isis.

Gerard Collomb told French television that both British and French intelligence services had information that Abedi had been in Syria.

The disclosure came as Home Secretary Amber Rudd confirmed the UK security services had been aware of the British-born 22-year-old.

"We do know that he was known up to a point to the intelligence services," she told Sky News.

"I am sure that we will get more information about him over the next few days and the next few weeks."
T he father and brother of suicide bomber Salman Abedi who killed 22 people when he launched an attack at Manchester Arena have been arrested.

Abedis father Ramadan Abedi was detained in Tripoli on Wednesday, Reuters reported.

An eyewitness said the citys counter-terrorism force handcuffed him before driving him away in an unmarked vehicle.

It comes after Abedis younger brother Hashem Abedi was also arrested by police in Libyas capital on suspicion of links with Islamic State.

Salman Abedi, far right, pictured as a schoolboy on a beach in Libya with friends

Speaking before he was arrested, Abedis father denied Salman was even linked to militants or the suicide bombing.

And he told the Associated Press by telephone from the Libyan capital of Tripoli: "We don't believe in killing innocents. This is not us."

He said his other son, Ismail, was arrested in England on Tuesday morning.

Manchester Arena Terror Attack: Victims 1 /21 Manchester Arena Terror Attack: Victims Nell Jones, 14, who died in the Manchester attack PA Jane Tweddle, 50 of Blackpool, was also killed 'Inseperable couple' Chloe Rutherford, 17, and Liam Curry, 19 Scottish teenager Eilidh MacLeod, 14, was confirmed to have been killed in the blast PA Michelle Kiss died in the blast. Her family have said they are "absolutely devastated" PA Saffie-Rose Roussos eight, from Lancashire, had been at the concert with her mother and sister when she was killed in the blast Wendy Fawell died in the attack Collect Olivia Campbell, 15, is also confirmed among the dead after a desperate search to find her Ariana Grande superfan Georgina Callander, 18, was one of the first victims to be named Lisa Lees and Alison Howe were killed while waiting in the foyer to collect their children Facebook Kelly Brewster died shielding her niece from the blast John Atkinson, 26, was also killed in the suicide blast Polish couple Angelika and Marcin Klis are confirmed among the dead in the Manchester attack Credit: Family photograph Victim: Martyn Hett has been confirmed as one of those killed in the attack Confirmed dead: 14-year-old Sorrell Leczowski Facebook Victim: Elaine McIver, an off-duty police officer Greater Manchester Police

Salman Abedi, 22, detonated a device among a crowd of people as they left the 21,000 capacity venue on Monday.

Among those killed was eight-year-old Saffie-Rose Roussos, the youngest victim to be named so far.

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Others included teenagers Olivia Campbell, Sorrell Leczkowski, Georgina Callander and Nell Jones.

Parents waiting to collect children from the gig also died in the blast.

On Tuesday night Theresa May announced that the UKs terror threat has been raised to critical, meaning another attack may be imminent.
P olice have arrested a fifth suspect over the Manchester Arena suicide bombing after officers dramatically swooped to seize a man carrying a suspicious package.

Pictures posted online showed a man being wrestled to the floor by armed officers as he was detained in Wigan on Wednesday afternoon.

His arrest comes hours after the brother of bomber Salman Abedi was held in Tripoli in connection to the blast, which claimed the lives of 22 people at Ariana Grande's concert on Monday night.

Four other people have been detained in the UK over the atrocity.

Wigan town centre was in lockdown on Wednesday afternoon as officers carrying automatic weapons carried out the latest raid.

Witnesses said a man was tackled to the ground in Upper Dicconson Street after he was seen with a suspicious package.

Photos shared on social media appear to show him being led away by plain clothes officers with their faces covered wearing black police caps.

Wigan Council warned people to avoid the area because of an "ongoing police incident".

A nearby nursery, Little Acorns, was put into lockdown and warned parents not to come to collect their children.

"We are currently on lock down due to an incident in the area," a statement on its Facebook page said.

"We are safe. All children are upstairs. Please DO NOT come for your children at little Acorns you will not get in."

Greater Manchester Police said: "We have made an arrest in Wigan this afternoon in connection with the investigation into the horrific incident at Manchester Arena.

"The man was carrying a package which we are currently assessing, a police cordon remains in place while this is carried out."

An officer in a white forensic suit is examining a red bag which the suspect was carrying, according to one witness, who did not want to be named.

"There was a lot of officers coming in with a few cars from different directions," the restaurant owner said.

"They wrestled with a man on the floor and he had a red bag.

"Now there's a man in a white suit looking in the bag - he's taking something out of it.

"They've sealed the whole area off, put tape around the perimeter.

"My restaurant is in the middle of it and I can't open my front door.

"There were a lot of armed officers with their faces covered - with balaclavas and machine guns.

"They told us to get in, lock the windows and close the doors."

He said he has not seen the arrested man before, and added: "We've never had something like this happen here before - hopefully it's a one-off."

Manchester Arena Terror Attack: Victims 1 /21 Manchester Arena Terror Attack: Victims Nell Jones, 14, who died in the Manchester attack PA Jane Tweddle, 50 of Blackpool, was also killed 'Inseperable couple' Chloe Rutherford, 17, and Liam Curry, 19 Scottish teenager Eilidh MacLeod, 14, was confirmed to have been killed in the blast PA Michelle Kiss died in the blast. Her family have said they are "absolutely devastated" PA Saffie-Rose Roussos eight, from Lancashire, had been at the concert with her mother and sister when she was killed in the blast Wendy Fawell died in the attack Collect Olivia Campbell, 15, is also confirmed among the dead after a desperate search to find her Ariana Grande superfan Georgina Callander, 18, was one of the first victims to be named Lisa Lees and Alison Howe were killed while waiting in the foyer to collect their children Facebook Kelly Brewster died shielding her niece from the blast John Atkinson, 26, was also killed in the suicide blast Polish couple Angelika and Marcin Klis are confirmed among the dead in the Manchester attack Credit: Family photograph Victim: Martyn Hett has been confirmed as one of those killed in the attack Confirmed dead: 14-year-old Sorrell Leczowski Facebook Victim: Elaine McIver, an off-duty police officer Greater Manchester Police

Soufiane Hamdadou, the owner of nearby restaurant Fat Olive, said he saw armed police on the street at about 3pm.

He said: "I heard shouting and screaming and looked out of the window and saw a man getting wrestled down to the ground.

"It was undercover police and they were armed with balaclavas on. They circled the man and took him away.

"The man had a red bag and the police sealed off the whole area and moved the bag to the other side of the road.

"A man in a white forensics suit was looking at it and then I think they took the bag away."

Mr Hamdadou said he was told to stay inside and only allowed to come out of the building again after 6.30pm.

Some residents reported seeing a bomb disposal unit on the scene.

Joanne McKnight, 46, said she returned to her home on Dicconson Street, off Upper Dicconson Street, just before 4pm and found it cordoned off.

She said: "The police escorted us back to the house and told us to stay inside until things started clearing."

The police cordon was removed at about 7pm.

Police confirmed on Tuesday that suicide bomber Salman Abedi, 22, detonated a device among a crowd of people as they left the 21,000-capacity venue on Monday.

Among those killed was eight-year-old Saffie-Rose Roussos, the youngest victim to be named so far.

Others included teenagers Olivia Campbell, Sorrell Leczkowski, Georgina Callander and Nell Jones.

Parents waiting to collect children from the gig also died in the blast.

The bomber's brother Hashem Abedi has been held by police in the Libyan capital on suspicion of links with the Islamic State, Reuters reported today.

Armed police also swooped on a block of flats in central Manchester on Wednesday afternoon in the latest of a series of raids in the city.

Residents reported hearing "an explosion" after officers stormed the building.
W orld leaders have called Theresa May to offer their support in the fight against terrorism after 22 people died during an attack at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Irish Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi were among the political leaders to call Downing Street on Wednesday.

The Prime Minister also took calls from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, European Parliament president Antonio Tajani and King Salman of Saudi Arabia.

Mrs Merkel told the Prime Minister that "Germany stands with the UK against terrorism".

Manchester Arena Terror Attack: Tributes in lights 1 /13 Manchester Arena Terror Attack: Tributes in lights Wembley Stadium lit up after the Manchester concert bomb attack PA A man stands in front of a fountain illuminated with the colours of the Union Jack flag in Zagreb AFP/Getty Images A "We Love Manchester" sign on the Mancunian Way in Manchester, after the Manchester concert bomb attack PA Penshaw Monument in Sunderland illuminated in the colours of Union flag after the Manchester concert bomb attac PA A moment of silence is held for the attacks in Manchester before a game between the Boston Red Sox and the Texas Rangers in Boston, Massachusetts Getty Images the Burj Khalifa in Dubai lit up with the union flag in tribute to the victims of the Manchester attack NYCs Empire State Building goes dark in remembrance of the Manchester Attack victims People sit in front of the famous water fountain"Le Jet d'Eau" illuminated in the colors of the British flag to pay tribute to the victims of a suicide attack EPA The downtown Dallas skyline is lit up with a British Union flag to pay tribute to the victims of the Manchester bombing James Breeden / MEGA Belfast City Hall illuminated in the colours of Union flag after the Manchester concert bomb attack PA

Mr Netanyahu, King Salman, Mr Modi, King Abdullah of Jordan and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed of the United Arab Emirates all pledged to work with the UK to help tackle terrorism.

Mrs May's discussion with Mr Kenny addressed his decision to stand down as leader of his party, with a successor due to be elected early next month.

Manchester Arena Terror Attack: Victims 1 /21 Manchester Arena Terror Attack: Victims Nell Jones, 14, who died in the Manchester attack PA Jane Tweddle, 50 of Blackpool, was also killed 'Inseperable couple' Chloe Rutherford, 17, and Liam Curry, 19 Scottish teenager Eilidh MacLeod, 14, was confirmed to have been killed in the blast PA Michelle Kiss died in the blast. Her family have said they are "absolutely devastated" PA Saffie-Rose Roussos eight, from Lancashire, had been at the concert with her mother and sister when she was killed in the blast Wendy Fawell died in the attack Collect Olivia Campbell, 15, is also confirmed among the dead after a desperate search to find her Ariana Grande superfan Georgina Callander, 18, was one of the first victims to be named Lisa Lees and Alison Howe were killed while waiting in the foyer to collect their children Facebook Kelly Brewster died shielding her niece from the blast John Atkinson, 26, was also killed in the suicide blast Polish couple Angelika and Marcin Klis are confirmed among the dead in the Manchester attack Credit: Family photograph Victim: Martyn Hett has been confirmed as one of those killed in the attack Confirmed dead: 14-year-old Sorrell Leczowski Facebook Victim: Elaine McIver, an off-duty police officer Greater Manchester Police

"The Taoiseach said his deepest sympathies and prayers are with the people of the UK," said a Downing Street spokeswoman.

"Both leaders agreed on the importance of re-establishing an executive in Northern Ireland as soon as possible.

"The Prime Minister thanked the Taoiseach for all he had done to strengthen the relationship between the UK and Ireland, wished him the best for the future and looked forward to continued close co-operation with his successor."

The Prime Minister is due to meet world leaders in Brussels on Thursday for a Nato summit before travelling to Sicily for the G7.
T he father of the Manchester suicide bomber Salman Abedi has claimed his son is innocent.

Abedi's father Ramadan Abedi said he spoke to his son, the 22-year-old suicide bomber, five days ago and he sounded "normal".

Salman Abedi died after blowing himself up in a crowd of people leaving Ariana Grandes concert at Manchester Arena on Monday night.

He killed 22 people and left dozens more seriously wounded during the horrific attack. An eight-year-old girl, Saffie Roussos, and two teenagers were among the victims killed.

Salman Abedi, far right, pictured as a schoolboy on a beach in Libya with friends

But on Wednesday, father Ramadan Abedi denied his son was even linked to militants or the suicide bombing.

Timeline: European terror attacks since 2015

He said that his son visited Libya a month and a half ago and was preparing to get ready to go to Saudi Arabia.

The elder Abedi told the Associated Press by telephone from the Libyan capital of Tripoli: "We don't believe in killing innocents. This is not us."

Manchester Arena explosion aftermath - In pictures 1 /46 Manchester Arena explosion aftermath - In pictures Stephanie Brodie and mother Lisa Brodie who were inside the foyer when the explosion happened Jeremy Selwyn Armed police patrol near Victoria station in Manchester AFP/Getty Images Police close to the Manchester Arena the morning after a terrorist attack at the end of a concert by Ariana Grande left 22 dead PA Prime Minister Theresa May addresses the media in Downing Street Stefan Rousseau/PA A police officer moves a floral tribute close to the Manchester Arena PA A man embraces a woman and a teenager as he collects them from the Park Inn Hotel where they were given refuge after last nights explosion at the Manchester Arena Getty Images Police forensic officers investigate the scene of an explosion at Victoria Station Getty Images People affected by the deadly terror attack at Manchester Arena look out from a hotel window in Manchester AFP/Getty Images Police stand guard at the scene of a suspected terrorist attack during a pop concert by Ariana Grande in Manchester AFP/Getty Images A flag flies at half-mast from the Houses of Parliament AFP/Getty Images Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham and Manchester City Council Leader Sir Richard Leese speak to the media outside Manchester Town Hall after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving a pop concert in Manchester. PA Police forensic investigators walk along a bridge linking Victoria Station with the Manchester Arena where a suspected terrorist attack at the end of a concert Ariana Grande PA Tributes left outside St Ann's Church in Manchester Ben Birchall/PA The scene at Manchester Royal Infirmary as the death toll from the Manchester bomb attack rose to 22 with 59 injured PA Armed police patrol inside Victoria Station adjacent to Manchester Arena Getty Images A flag flies at half-mast from the Treasury Office in London AFP/Getty Images Tributes left outside St Ann's Church in Manchester PA Greater Manchester Police chief constable Ian Hopkins speaks to the media in Manchester where he said that the death toll from the Manchester bomb attack has risen to 22 with 59 injured PA Susan Walton and her daughter Katie who attended the pop concert by US star Ariana Grande pose in Mancheste AFP/Getty Images Ariana Grande concert attendees leave the Park Inn where they were given refuge after last nights explosion at Manchester Arena Getty Images A police officer escorts people near to Manchester Arena Getty Images Police stand guard at the scene of a suspected terrorist attack during a pop concert by Ariana Grande in Manchester AFP/Getty Images Tributes left outside St Ann's Church in Manchester PA A man embraces a woman and a teenager as he collects them from the Park Inn Hotel where they were given refuge after last nights explosion at the Manchester Arena Getty Images People leave Victoria Station adjacent to Manchester Arena Getty Images Ariana Grande concert attendees Karen Moore and her daughter Molly Steed, aged 14, from Derby, leave the Park Inn where they were given refuge after last nights explosion at Manchester Arena Getty Images U.S. President Donald Trump speaks about the attack in Manchester Reuters A Union Flag flies above Victoria Railway Station, close to the Manchester Arena Getty Images An ambulance arrives as police officers stand at the Miller Street and Corporation Street Crossroads, near the Manchester Arena Getty Images Ariana Grande concert attendees Vikki Baker and her daughter Charlotte, aged 13, leave the Park Inn where they were given refuge after last night's explosion at Manchester Arena Getty Images Ariana Grande concert attendees Vikki Baker and her daughter Charlotte, aged 13, leave the Park Inn where they were given refuge after last night's explosion at Manchester Arena Getty Images Ariana Grande concert attendees Vikki Baker and her daughter Charlotte, aged 13, leave the Park Inn where they were given refuge after last night's explosion at Manchester Arena Getty Images Home Secretary Amber Rudd arrives for a COBRA meeting in Downing Street Getty Images British Defence Secretary Michael Fallon arrives for COBRA meeting at the Cabinet Office on Whitehall Getty Images Flags fly at half mast above Downing Street, London, after a suicide bomber killed 22 people, including children, as an explosion tore through fans leaving a pop concert in Manchester PA

He said his other son, Ismail, was arrested in England on Tuesday morning.

According to the father, Salman Abedi was planning to return to the family home to Libya for the month of Ramadan.

The claim comes as Greater Manchester Police confirmed in a statement that an off-duty female police officer was one of the victims killed in the attack.

Ian Hopkins, chief constable of the force, said the bombing on Monday is part of a network which police are now investigating. Four people are currently being held by police in custody.

"It's a network we are investigating," the top police officer said. "It continues at a pace and there's extensive investigations."

London is currently on high alert with soldiers being deployed to "key locations" across the capital.

Army on patrol in London in wake of Manchester terror 1 /24 Army on patrol in London in wake of Manchester terror Troops today entered the Palace of Westminster in unprecedented scenes Alex Lentati Soldiers entering the Palace of Westminster Alex Lentati Almost 1,000 troops were deployed today to guard London's landmarks Alex Lentati The arrival of troops was watched by armed police Alex Lentati A solider stands guard with an armed Scotland Yard officer outside Buckingham Palace PA The troops were stationed outside Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament, and other key sites PA Troops were deployed as the UK's terror threat level was raised to "critical" PA Armed troops were also positioned at embassies PA Soldiers entering the Palace of Westminster today Alex Lentati A female soldier is seen brandishing her service weapon before going on duty in the capital Alex Lentati Soldiers were seen disembarking coaches in Westminster Alex Lentati Soldiers arrive by bus and head toward a building next to New Scotland Yard AFP/Getty Images Soldiers walk in Downing Street i Reuters Soldiers talk with police on Downing Street Reuters Troops were on patrol near No10 today Reuters A soldier walks past 10 Downing Street as part of the army presence in London after the terrorist attack in Manchester AFP/Getty Images Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick and Major General Ben Bathhurst, General Officer Commanding London District (right) meet soldiers and police officers on deployment in the Palace of Westminster PA Cressida Dick and Major General Ben Bathhurst spoke to troops and police on patrol PA

The extra military presence means armed police are freed up to boost security elsewhere in the country.

Scotland Yard announced troops were being sent to guard terrorist targets including Buckingham Palace, Downing Street, the Palace of Westminster and foreign embassies.

Armed police are likely to guard concerts in the capital this weekend and at major events such as the Chelsea Flower Show.

It comes after security services raised the UK's threat level to critical - meaning an attack is imminent - with 984 military personnel deployed across the country.

There are fears the Islamist bombmaker may still be at large because of the sophistication of the explosive device used in Manchester, but Chief Constable Hopkins refused to answer questions whether they had found a "bomb factory".
H ome Secretary Amber Rudd has warned the United States over leaking after details of the Manchester attack appeared to come from American sources.

Ms Rudd said the leaking of information had been irritating after a number of details appeared in the US media, including NBC and CBS, before the police had released information.

The death toll, the attack being an apparent suicide bombing, and the name of the attacker were all released from American news outlets.

Ms Rudd told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that US leaks may be working against the police.

Manchester attack: Theresa May raises terror threat rating to 'critical'

She said: British police have been very clear that they want to control the flow of information in order to protect operational integrity, the element of surprise.

So it is irritating if it gets released from other sources and I have been very clear with our friends that that should not happen again."

Asked if the Americans had compromised the investigation, she added: "I wouldn't go that far but I can say that they are perfectly clear about the situation and that it shouldn't happen again."

The Home Secretary has also confirmed that Manchester suicide bomber Salman Abedi was known to the intelligence services "up to a point".

Manchester Arena Terror Attack: Victims 1 /21 Manchester Arena Terror Attack: Victims Nell Jones, 14, who died in the Manchester attack PA Jane Tweddle, 50 of Blackpool, was also killed 'Inseperable couple' Chloe Rutherford, 17, and Liam Curry, 19 Scottish teenager Eilidh MacLeod, 14, was confirmed to have been killed in the blast PA Michelle Kiss died in the blast. Her family have said they are "absolutely devastated" PA Saffie-Rose Roussos eight, from Lancashire, had been at the concert with her mother and sister when she was killed in the blast Wendy Fawell died in the attack Collect Olivia Campbell, 15, is also confirmed among the dead after a desperate search to find her Ariana Grande superfan Georgina Callander, 18, was one of the first victims to be named Lisa Lees and Alison Howe were killed while waiting in the foyer to collect their children Facebook Kelly Brewster died shielding her niece from the blast John Atkinson, 26, was also killed in the suicide blast Polish couple Angelika and Marcin Klis are confirmed among the dead in the Manchester attack Credit: Family photograph Victim: Martyn Hett has been confirmed as one of those killed in the attack Confirmed dead: 14-year-old Sorrell Leczowski Facebook Victim: Elaine McIver, an off-duty police officer Greater Manchester Police

The Government raised the terrorism threat level to "critical" - the highest possible rating - on Tuesday amid fears another attack is imminent.

Asked if she knew whether Islamic State directed the attack, she said: "We don't have that information yet no."

Ms Rudd said the investigation was "ongoing" when asked if another attack was planned.

Salman Abedi has been identified as the man behind the suicide bombing in Manchester

She said: "It was a devastating occasion, it was ... more sophisticated than some of the attacks we've seen before and it seems likely, possible that he wasn't doing this on his own.

So the intelligence services and the police are pursuing their leads in order to make sure that they get all the information and reduce therefore the risk that they need to keep us all safe."

She added: "Well the security services will know a lot of people, it doesn't mean that they are expected to arrest everybody they know, but it is somebody who they had known before and I am sure when this investigation concludes, we'll be able to find out more."
A fundraising campaign for the victims of the Manchester terror attack has surged above its 1million target.

Tens of thousands of people have so far donated to the online fund, created by the Manchester Evening News in the wake of Mondays brutal massacre.

As of 3pm on Wednesday, two days after the attack, more than 1.1million had flooded into the newspapers charity page.

The money will be used to help the families of the 22 killed and many more injured in the Manchester Arena attack.

It will be rolled into the British Red Cross "We Love Manchester Emergency Fund" for the victims and their families.

Manchester Arena Terror Attack: Victims 1 /21 Manchester Arena Terror Attack: Victims Nell Jones, 14, who died in the Manchester attack PA Jane Tweddle, 50 of Blackpool, was also killed 'Inseperable couple' Chloe Rutherford, 17, and Liam Curry, 19 Scottish teenager Eilidh MacLeod, 14, was confirmed to have been killed in the blast PA Michelle Kiss died in the blast. Her family have said they are "absolutely devastated" PA Saffie-Rose Roussos eight, from Lancashire, had been at the concert with her mother and sister when she was killed in the blast Wendy Fawell died in the attack Collect Olivia Campbell, 15, is also confirmed among the dead after a desperate search to find her Ariana Grande superfan Georgina Callander, 18, was one of the first victims to be named Lisa Lees and Alison Howe were killed while waiting in the foyer to collect their children Facebook Kelly Brewster died shielding her niece from the blast John Atkinson, 26, was also killed in the suicide blast Polish couple Angelika and Marcin Klis are confirmed among the dead in the Manchester attack Credit: Family photograph Victim: Martyn Hett has been confirmed as one of those killed in the attack Confirmed dead: 14-year-old Sorrell Leczowski Facebook Victim: Elaine McIver, an off-duty police officer Greater Manchester Police

Suicide bomber Salman Abedi blew himself up in a crowd of people as they left pop star Ariana Grandes concert at just after 10.30pm on Monday.

Among the victims tragically killed were eight-year-old Saffie Roussos and teenagers Georgina Callander, 18, and Olivia Campbell, 15.

A JustGiving page was set up in the aftermath of the attack and within two hours more than 20,000 had been donated.

People lay down flowers ahead of a vigil in Albert Square on Tuesday. / AP

In the first 24 hours a mammoth 30,000 people had generously given money, including large donations of 100,000 from fashion brand Boohoo and chain Co-Op.

People from across the UK and the world sent messages of support and condolences. Many said their thoughts and prayers were with the victims families while others said they had been left heartbroken from the horror.

Members of the Manchester Sikh Community attend a vigil in Albert Square / AP

In a message of support posted on the fundraising page, Londoner Giles Hitchcock wrote: A Londoner, but Manchester is my favourite city in Britain.

Vibrant, full of soul, talented, innovative and asserts an incredible influence on us as a nation  my heartfelt condolences.

Jayne Cee, also from London, said: We Londoners send our love to you all and pray that time will help heal your losses.

Messages poured in from across the globe including the US, New Zealand and Libya.

On Wednesday more and more people were identified as among the 22 dead.

The suspect behind the bomb was identified as Manchester-born Salman Abedi, 22, a former Salford University student who had failed to complete his business management degree.
I n the hunt for possible accomplices of the Manchester suicide bomber Salman Abedi, who may be preparing more attacks, intelligence agencies are now firmly focusing on the Libyan connection.

Abedis mother and father had fled oppression in Libya by the military dictator Muamar Gaddafi, setting up home first in London and then Manchester.

The parents returned to Libya in January, and they are understood still to be there  leaving only Salman and his 23 year old brother Ismail behind in the family property in Manchester.

Salman is known to have visited Libya earlier this year and, according to friends, returned a few weeks ago.

This suggests that he received some form of terrorist military training during the visit, either in Libya or Tunisia.

We also know now from the French interior minister that he went to Syria and has links with Islamic State. IS in Sirte, Libya, was one of the biggest supply points for foreign fighters for Syria.

Libya today is a bewildering chaos of competing militias and jihadi groups broadly following IS, al Qaeda and affiliates such as Ansar al-Sharia, and the Muslim Brotherhood in several guises and shadowy forms.

Despite serial attempts by the UN to patch up a viable national government, Libya is gripped by the standoff between those grabbing power in Benghazi in the East  with the military strongman General Khalifa Haftar and his Libyan National Army to the fore, and the UN sponsored Government of National Accord in the capital Tripoli to the West.

In between are hundreds of militias, furnished with the arms from the Gadaffi arsenals and residues of funds from Libyas $100 billion oil industry  garnered when the oil was still flowing.

There have been suggestions that Salman Abedi may have been trained in an IS camp in Syria. But as such expertise can easily be picked up in Libya, and neighbouring Tunisia.

IS has recently been losing its hold on towns like Derna and Sirte, but it is present along the coast in places like Sabrata and Zawia towards Tunisia.

IS propaganda has mentioned setting up a new caliphate in Tunisia, scene of major attacks such as the at the Bardo museum in March 2015 and the beach at Sousse the following June, in which 30 British holidaymakers were killed.

The security risks posed by Libya are multi-dimensional, the civil war of the militias, the porous borders with Egypt and Tunisia, and the continuous traffic of migrants across the Mediterranean.

Even if trained in Libya, Salman Abedi may have got vital expert assistance here in the UK  in London, where he travelled on the day, and in Manchester, where someone had carefully scoped the security weakness of the Arena venue.

The operation was executed with ruthless calculation and operational savvy. It demonstrates new potency of the Libyan connection.
T he suicide bomber who killed 22 people at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester had returned home from Libya just days before the attack, according to reports.

Salman Abedis visit to his family's native country fuelled concerns he was preparing for Monday's deadly assault under the guidance of hardened jihadists.

The 22-year-old killer spent three weeks in the war-torn north African nation before carrying out the worst outrage Britain has seen in a decade, The Times reported.

A friend told the paper: "He went to Libya three weeks ago and came back recently, like days ago."

French interior minister Gerard Collomb said on Wednesday that Abedi is believed to have travelled to Syria and had "proven" links with Isis.

Salman Abedi movements in the days ahead of the Manchester attack

Both Isis, who claimed responsibility for the atrocity, and al Qaida have a presence in Libya.

Prime Minister Theresa May said on Tuesday night it was possible he had planned his deadly attack with a "wider group of individuals".

Born and raised in Manchester, Abedi grew up in a Muslim household - but matured into a university dropout with an appetite for bloodshed.

Manchester Arena explosion 1 /18 Manchester Arena explosion PA PA PA PA PA PA PA PA PA PA PA PA PA PA

He was registered as living at Elsmore Road as recently as last year, where police raided a downstairs red-bricked semi-detached property on Tuesday.

Armed police swoop on an address in Fallowfield (@the_mubarak ) / @the_mubarak

Neighbours recalled an abrasive, tall, skinny young man who was little known in the neighbourhood, and often seen in traditional Islamic clothing.

He is thought to have lived at a number of addresses in the area, including one in Wilbraham Road, where plainclothes police made an arrest on Tuesday.

Abedi previously lived with his mother Samia Tabbal, father Ramadan Abedi and a brother, Ismail Abedi, who was born in Westminster in 1993.

He is thought to have a younger brother, Hashim Abedi, and a sister Jomana, whose Facebook profile suggests she is from Tripoli and lives in Manchester.

Manchester attack: Theresa May raises terror threat rating to 'critical'

A family friend, who asked not to be named, said they were known to the Libyan community in the city and described Abedi as "normal".

He said: "He was always friendly, nothing to suggest (he was violent). He was normal, to be honest."

Abedi is believed to have attended the Manchester Islamic Centre, also known as the Didsbury Mosque.

Here, he reportedly caught the attention of one imam whom he stared down during a sermon denouncing terrorism.

Police raided a house where Abedi was registered as living / PA

"Salman showed me a face of hate after that sermon," Mohammed Saeed told The Guardian of the 2015 encounter.

"He was showing me hatred."

Fawaz Haffar, a businessman and trustee of the mosque, said he "probably" did attend there, given his father used to perform the call to prayer and his brother Ismail attended as a volunteer until recently.

He said: "I see him (the father) praying but I don't know really who he is. I see him sometimes raising the azan, or call to prayer, but that was a long time ago.

"As far as I knew he went back to Libya when things were much better over there, to work over there.

"He was devout as far as I know. He had three sons, one of them is detained, one of them is a suspect and the third one I have no idea who he is."

Manchester concert attack: What we know so far as suspect is named

He said the mosque is moderate, modern and liberal and that he is a member of an organisation liaising with police, the Independent Advisory Group.

Abedi studied business and management at Salford University two or three years ago, a source said, but dropped out of the course and did not complete his degree.

The source said Abedi began his course in 2014 and attended lectures for two years but then stopped going.

He would have graduated this summer.

He did not live in university accommodation, had not been in any trouble at the university and was not on any radar for pastoral or social care.

It is understood Abedi was not known to have participated in any clubs or societies during his time in higher education - and never met with the resident imam.

Dr Sam Grogan, the university's Pro-Vice Chancellor Student Experience, said: "All at the University of Salford are shocked and saddened by the events of last night. Our thoughts are with all those involved, their families and their friends."
A n off-duty policewoman was killed in the Manchester suicide bomb attack, police have confirmed.

The officer was at Manchester Arena with her husband and their two children when Salman Abedi detonated a device which killed her along with 21 other people.

Her husband is critically ill in hospital and their children were both injured, according to reports.

The woman's identity has not yet been revealed but police said all of the victims have been accounted for.

Manchester Arena explosion 1 /18 Manchester Arena explosion PA PA PA PA PA PA PA PA PA PA PA PA PA PA

In a press conference on Wednesday afternoon, Greater Manchester Police confirmed that an off-duty police officer was killed.

Former London student Martyn Hett, 29, became the latest victim of the suicide bombing to be named among the 22 people murdered.

In total, 12 of the victims have so far been named by friends, family and officials, with an 8-year-old girl among those killed.

Sadiq Khan's message of solidarity to Manchester

They died when suicide bomber Salman Abedi detonated his explosives at an Ariana Grande concert at the Manchester Arena on Monday night.

Georgina Callander, 18, was one of the first victims to be named, after dying in hospital shortly after the attack.

The youngest victim is eight-year-old Saffie-Rose Roussos, from Lancashire, who had been at the concert with her mother and sister when she was killed in the blast.

Other people named among the dead are friends Alison Howe, 45, and Lisa Lees, 43, Kelly Brewster, 32, from Sheffield, 26-year-old John Atkinson from Bury, Polish couple Angelika and Marcin Klis, receptionist Jane Tweddle-Taylor and 15-year-old Olivia Campbell.

Security across the country has been stepped up following the attack after Prime Minister Theresa May raised the UK's terror threat level to critical.

She said another attack could be "imminent".

British Army officers have been sent out on patrol at Downing Street and outside Westminster, while armed police officers are stationed across the capital.
D onald Trump met Pope Francis for the first time today on the latest leg of the presidents maiden foreign tour.

Mr Trump held a private 30-minute meeting at the Vatican with the pontiff that was laden with religious symbolism and ancient protocol.

The president appeared to be moved by the historic occasion, telling the Pope he wont forget what you said.

Details of their conversation were not released, but Pope Francis has been sharply critical of Mr Trumps campaign pledges to build a wall on the Mexican border and to ban travellers from mainly Muslim countries.

Donald Trump held a private 30-minute meeting at the Vatican with the Pope / AP

The president, who was accompanied by his wife Melania and several aides, greeted Francis in a room on the second floor of the Apostolic Palace.

The men shook hands and Mr Trump was heard thanking the Pope, saying it was a great honour to be there.

They posed for photographs and then sat down at the papal desk, the Pope unsmiling, as their private meeting began. It ended half an hour later when Francis rang the bell in his private study.

The pontiff was then introduced to members of Mr Trumps delegation, including Melania, his daughter Ivanka and son-in-law Jared Kushner, as well as aides Hope Hicks and Dan Scavino.

Trump meets Pope Francis

As is tradition, the Pope and president then exchanged gifts. The Pope gave the president copies of his three main teaching documents, as he typically does for visiting heads of state. The Popes gifts to Mr Trump also included a medal by a Roman artist depicting an olive, a symbol of peace.

The president responded: We can use peace.

Mr Trump said his gift for Francis, wrapped in a big blue box, was books from Martin Luther King. I think youll enjoy them. I hope you do. The president is midway through his nine-day maiden international trip. Tonight he flies to Brussels for what could potentially be frosty meetings with EU and Nato leaders.

Meanwhile at home he continues to be dogged by the ongoing investigations into his alleged ties with Russia.

Mr Trump has reportedly retained a lawyer amid growing scrutiny over his election campaigns alleged links with Moscow. Unable to face down the snowballing probes into the so-called Russia-gate scandal, he has asked a trusted lawyer, Marc Kasowitz, to represent his interests.

The president has repeatedly insisted that he did nothing improper and has said he has been informed he is not under investigation.

Mr Kasowitz, a partner at Kasowitz, Benson, Torres & Friedman in New York, has known Mr Trump for decades and represented him in several high-profile cases, including on his divorce records, property deals and allegations of fraud at Trump University.
T aiwan has taken a major step towards becoming the first Asian country to legalise gay marriage.

The country's highest court ruled that laws preventing marriage among couples of the same sex were unconstitutional and breached their right to equality.

The ruling from the 14 judges stated that the need for permanent unions of intimate and exclusive nature are equally essential to homosexuals and heterosexuals.

It also expressed confidence that legalising same-sex marriage would help lead to a stable society.

It means the Taiwanese parliament has two years to bring forward legislation legalising gay marriage.

Gay rights activists have been boosted by the support of same-sex weddings expressed by the country's President Tsai Ing-wen.

Sidelined by China, which claims sovereignty over the country, Taiwan's most recent Pride festival attracted more than 80,000 people.

Chi Chia-wei, who brought the court case and was imprisoned in 1986 for campaigning for same-sex marriage, said he was leaping with joy like a bird" after the ruling.

He said of the fight: Somebody has to do it. I dont want to see any more people commit suicide because they dont have marriage equality.

Last October French professor Jacques Picoux, who was unable to marry his Taiwanese partner of 35 years, is thought to have committed suicide. His death became a rallying call for LGBT activists in the country.

Jack Hsiao, general manager of gay social networking site Hornet, said: This is a big victory. We thought it would happen but we did not think it would happen so quickly. Well be celebrating tonight.

The Taiwanese ruling provides welcome relief for equality activists in the region. South Korea has been cracking down on LGBT military members, and yesterday Indonesia publicly caned two men while Bangladesh imprisoned 27 for suspected same-sex activity.
J ustin Biebers fans are begging him to cancel his upcoming Hyde Park gig following the Manchester Arena terror attack.

A number of the pop stars Twitter and Instagram followers posted messages urging him to steer clear of the UK pull out of the scheduled show on July 2.

Please cancel Justin concerts in the UK! Beliebers is very worried about Justin! If something happens to Justin, then we will never forgive, one fan wrote on Twitter.

Cancel Justin's concert in the UK, please! We want him to be safe, please, one person wrote in a message to Biebers manager, Scooter Braun.

If they aren't going to cancel Justin's concert, the better they've the best security in the world, I don't want anything to happen to Him, posted another fan.

Bieber, who will be headlining the Barclaycard British Summer Time concert, posted a promotional posted for the event just hours before 22 people were killed at Ariana Grandes concert at Manchester Arena on Monday night.

Grande flew back to Florida earlier this week and is yet to confirm whether or not shell be performing the remainder of the UK leg of her tour.

Braun, who also manages Grande, said in a statement: Our hearts are broken. Words cannot express our sorrow for the victims and families harmed in this senseless attack.

Manchester Arena attack: What we know so far

We mourn the lives of children and loved ones taken by this cowardly act. We are thankful for the selfless service tonight of Manchesters first responders, who rushed towards danger to help save lives.

We ask all of you to hold the victims, their families and all those affected in your hearts and prayers.

While Blondie and Take That have both pulled out of planned concerts this week, Simple Minds performed in Manchester just 24 hours after the attack.
D aisy Ridley has revealed the real reason she looked exhausted at the end of The Force Awakens was because she was sick.

The Star Wars actress, 25, said she vomited after climbing Skellig Michael to meet Mark Hamill's Luke Skywalker at the summit.

I had just vomited, she told Vanity Fair. I had adrenal exhaustion, and I was very, very sick.

Ridley, who plays Rey in the sci-fi franchise, said she found filming Episode VIII, The Last Jedi, more scary than The Force Awakens.

Double act: Daisy Ridley and Mark Hamill as Rey and Luke Skywalker / Annie Leibovitz for Vanity Fair

When I was doing Episode VII, I was kind of being washed along in a torrent of excitement and unexpectedness, she said.

When we came around to do the next one, it was a bit more scary, because I knew the expectations, and I understood more what Star Wars means to people. It felt like more of a responsibility.

Star Wars - In pictures 1 /66 Star Wars - In pictures Daisy Ridley as Rey in 'StarWars: The Last Jedi' (2017) Harrison Ford as Han Solo in 'Star Wars: A New Hope' (1977) Darth Vader in 'Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back' (1980) Anthony Daniels pictured as C-3PO, Carrie Fisher as Leia, Jabba the Hutt with Michael Carter as Bib Fortuna in 'Star Wars: Return of the Jedi (1983) Alec Guinness as Obi Wan Kenobi in 'Star Wars: A New Hope' (1977) Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker and Alec Guinness as Obi Wan Kenobi in 'Star Wars: A New Hope' (1977) Guido with Harrison Forad as Han Solo in 'Star Wars: A New Hope' (1977) C-3PO and R2-D2 in 'Star Wars: A New Hope' (1977) Death Star in 'Star Wars: A New Hope' (1977) 'Star Wars: A New Hope' (1977) Carrie Fisher as Princess Leia and Harrison Ford as Han Solo in 'Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back' (1980) Carrie Fisher as Princess Leia in 'Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back' (1980) Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker with Yoda in 'Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back' (1980) Jason Wingreen voiced Boba Fett in 'Star Wars: Return of the Jedi' (1983) Erik Bauersfeld as Admiral Ackbar in 'Star Wars: Return of the Jedi' (1983) Harrison Ford as Han Solo, Carrie Fisher as Princess Leia and Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker in 'Star Wars: Return of the Jedi' (1983) REwan McGregor as Obi Wan Kenobi in 'Star Wars: The Phantom Menace' (1999) Jar Jar Binks in 'Star Wars: The Phantom Menace' (1999) Ray Park as Darth Maul in 'Star Wars: The Phantom Menace' (1999) Keira Knightley in 'Star Wars: The Phantom Menace' (1999) Ewan McGregor as Obi-Wan Kenobi and Hayden Christensen as Anakin Skywalker in 'Star Wars: Attack of the Clones' (2002) Natalie Portman as Senator Padme Amidala in 'Star Wars: Attack of the Clones' (2002) Samuel L Jackson as Mace Windu in 'Star Wars: Attack of the Clones' (2002) Ewan McGregor as Obi Wan Kenobi and Hayden Christensen as Anakin Skywalker in 'Star Wars: Revenge Of The Sith' (2005) Yoda in 'Star Wars: Revenge Of The Sith' (2005) Hayden Christensen as Anakin Skywalker transformes into Darth Vadar in 'Star Wars: Revenge Of The Sith' (2005) Ewan McGregor as Obi Wan Kenobi with Yoda in 'Star Wars: Revenge Of The Sith' (2005) Natalie Portman as Padme Amidala with Anthony Daniels as C-3PO in 'Star Wars: Revenge Of The Sith' (2005) Anthony Daniels as C-3PO, Natalie Portman as Padm Amidala and Hayden Christensen as Anakin Skywalker in 'Star Wars: Revenge Of The Sith' (2005) Daisy Ridley as Rey and John Boyega as Finn in 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' (2015) Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker in 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' (2015) Peter Mayhew as Chewbacca and Harrison Ford as Han Solo in 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' (2015) Riz Ahmed, Diego Luna, Felicity Jones, Jiang Wen and Donnie Yen in 'Star Wars: Rogue One' (2016) Stormtroopers in 'Star Wars: Rogue One' (2016) Darh Vader in 'Star Wars: Rogue One' (2016) Cast members and co-directors of the Han Solo "Star Wars" spin-off pose for a photo, from bottom left, co-director Christopher Miller, Woody Harrelson, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Alden Ehrenreich, Emilia Clarke, Joonas Suotamo as Chewbacca, co-director Phil Lord and Donald Glover. The Walt Disney Co. announced on 21 February 2017, that shooting has begun at London's Pinewood Studios Baze Malbus as Jiang Wen in 'Star Wars: Rogue One' (2016) Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker in 'Star Wars: The Last JedI' (2017) LucasFilm John Boyega as Finn battling Gwendoline Christie as Captain Phasma in 'Star Wars: The Last JedI' (2017) Carrie Fisher as Princess Leia in 'Star Wars: The Last JedI' (2017) LucasFilm John Boyega as Finn in 'Star Wars: The Last JedI' (2017) Prince Harry meets Chewbacca during a visit to the Star Wars film set at Pinewood Studios near Iver Heath, west of London in 2016 Adrian Dennis/AFP/Getty Images Prince William, Duke of Cambridge smiles at BB-8 droid during a tour of the Star Wars sets at Pinewood studios in Iver Heath, west of London Yoda goes on display at The STAR WARS Identities: The Exhibition at The O2 in London, which features over 200 props, models, costumes and artwork from the original films Micheal Clarke The STAR WARS Identities: The Exhibition opens at The O2 in London, featuring over 200 props, models, costumes and artwork from the original films Craig Gunn/PA A San Diego police officer takes a second look at an attendee's Star Wars Tusken Raider costume while patrolling the convention floor during opening day of Comic-Con International in San Diego, California Mike Blake/Reuters The Duke of Cambridge, Prince William tries a light sabre against his brother Prince Harry during a visit to the Star Wars film set at Pinewood Studios near Iver Heath, west of London Adrian Dennis/AFP/Getty Images John Boyega attends the World Premiere of 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' in Hollywood Kevin Winter/Getty Images R2-D2 and C-3PO attend the World Premiere of 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' in Hollywood Jesse Grant/Getty George Lucas attends the Star Wars Celebration day on 13 April 2017 in Orlando, Florida Gustavo Caballero/Getty Images

Ridley said she coped with the enormity of being part of the Star Wars universe  and her rising fame  by being taken under the wing of Carrie Fisher.

Recalling the advice the late actress, who played Princess Leia, told her she said: Carrie lived her life the way she wanted to, never apologising for anything, which is something Im still learning.

Embarrassed is the wrong word, but there were times through it all when I felt like I was shrinking. And she told me never to shrink away from it  that it should be enjoyed.

Fisher, who died in December, will feature in the upcoming film.

Cover stars: First Order leaders Captain Phasma, Kylo Ren, and General Hux, played by Gwendoline Christie, Adam Driver, and Domhnall Gleeson / Annie Leibovitz for Vanity Fair

Star Wars: The Last Jedi is slated for UK cinema release on December 15.
O range Is The New Black star Taylor Schilling has praised the show for the effect it has had on society.

The US actress, 32, stars as inmate Piper Chapman in the Netflix drama based in a womens prison in America. It begins its fifth season next month.

She told ES magazine: Oh, in the first season, all people wanted to talk about was what it was like to kiss a girl. Now, if someone asks me that, theres complete understanding if I say, Im not going to answer that question.

The things that are happening in this show, and to Piper, are not about the gender of the person shes sleeping with. And thats only four years. I do feel that things have changed  the world has become a little more Orange.

Orange is the New Black - Season 4, Netflix 1 /24 Orange is the New Black - Season 4, Netflix Piper Netflix Jane Netflix Suzanne 'Crazy Eyes' Warren Netflix Taystee Netflix Lorna Netflix New inmates Netflix Lolly Netflix Marisol Netflix Tiffany Netflix Soso Netflix Poussey Netflix Warden Caputo Netflix Red Netflix Big Boo Netflix Maria Netflix Gloria Netflix Cindy Netflix Sam Netflix

Schilling rarely speaks about her private life, although she said she is single. I think its pretty invasive. Theres no part of me that can be put under a label.

Im working all the time  I dont really have anything else going on. But Ive had wonderful relationships. Ive had a lot of love, and I dont have any qualms about where it comes from.

She said she was cautious about fame: Theres a difference between celebrity and acting. And Im really not comfortable with the celebrity role.

Orange is the New Black season five teaser trailer

Read the full interview in ES Magazine, available free tomorrow and Friday.
W illem Dafoe will play iconic Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh in a new film about his life.

At Eternitys Gate will focus on van Goughs time in Arles and Auvers-sur-Oise, France, as well as exploring the sacrifices van Gogh made to produce his iconic masterpieces.

Helmed by Julian Schnabel, and based on a screenplay by him and Jean-Claude Carriere, the film will be shot on location.

Speaking about the production Schnabel said: This is a film about painting and a painter and their relationship to infinity.

Iconic: Willem will portray the famous Vincent van Gogh / Shutterstock

It is told by a painter. It contains what I felt were essential moments in his life, this is not the official history  it's my version. One that I hope could make you closer to him.

Dafoe will join a host of actors including Kirk Douglas, Benedict Cumberbatch, Tony Curran and Tim Roth who have all played the famous artist.

Dafoe, whose previous roles include the Green Goblin in Spider Man, is currently promoting his latest film, The Florida Project, which will make its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival this month.
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The New York State Gaming Commission today indefinitely suspended harness owner, trainer and driver Michael S. Weiner for racing four horses at Monticello Raceway doped with mitragynine, a dangerous drug with performance enhancing and analgesic effects similar to cocaine and morphine.

Commonly known as Kratom and derived from the plant Mitragyna speciosa that grows only in Southeast Asia, there is no legitimate reason for mitragynine to be found in any race horse. Kratom is a controlled substance in many countries and has been declared a drug of concern by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency with no known legitimate industrial, agrochemical, chemical, human or veterinary medical use.

The drug was found in Weiners horses through the introduction of an analytical detection methodology by the New York Drug Testing and Research Program (NYDTRP). To date, it has not been identified in any other racing jurisdiction. After the NYDTRP identified the presence of Kratom, the lab conducted a drug administration trial to substantiate that administration had occurred within one week of the horses races in clear violation of Commission rules.

This dangerous drug has no business anywhere in horse racing, said Ronald Ochrym, the Commissions Director of Horse Racing and Pari-Mutuel Wagering. Thanks to the innovative work of the New York Drug Testing and Research Program, this individual is no longer participating in the sport and we are on the lookout for additional cheaters.

Weiner trained four horses that raced at Monticello Raceway on February 2, 3 and 7, 2017.

Bupa Bruiser finished first in the third race at Monticello on February 2, 2017.

French Lick finished fifth in the third race at Monticello on February 3, 2017

Vernon Belle finished second in the seventh race at Monticello on February 3, 2017

Majestic Jo finished first in the fifth race at Monticello on February 7, 2017

All four horses have been disqualified and Weiners share of purses in the above mentioned races have been ordered returned.

Effective today, Weiner is summarily suspended and is excluded from all New York tracks. Upon full adjudication by the Commission, Weiner could ultimately have his license to participate revoked and face up to $25,000 in fines per violation.

A hearing on the matter is currently scheduled for June 2, 2017.

(with files from NYS Gaming Commission)
United Christian Radio Initiative Impacts Remote Indian Ocean Community

Contact: Darin Campbell 512-785-8350COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., May 24, 2017 / Standard Newswire / -- When Jesus told His disciples they would be His witnesses to the "uttermost parts of the earth," He might have had in mind the Indian Ocean where lives in a remote community are being transformed because of a breakthrough united Christian broadcasting initiative.Photo: Reach Beyond radio trainer Lisa Balzer leads a workshop for volunteer announcers.Residents of Maroantsetra on the northeastern coast of Madagascarwhere it can take a week for news to arrive from the central capitalare tuning in to new local radio station Radio Feon Janahary: Radio the Voice of the Creator God, in the local Malagasy dialect.A team of local volunteers has been manning the station since it went live late in 2016 under the first Christian radio license to be issued legally in the country since a 2009 coup. Made possible by the combined efforts of several organizations, the broadcasts are already making a difference in an area previously limited to government radio broadcasts heavily featuring political content and music associated with ancestral worship traditions."The demand for Christian content, education, medical information and topics from everyday life is huge," said Thomas, a Swiss missionary working in Madagascar for nine years, who coordinated the initiative. "Several people have already been healed through prayer over the air, marriages have been restored, and many lukewarm Christians have been encouraged to make new beginnings with Jesus."Reach Beyond, a media- and medical-based missionary organization headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colo., played a key role in the project by providing funding and assisting with the installation and training of local broadcasters.With its focus on taking the gospel to where few or none have heard of Christ, Reach Beyond is part of the Alliance for the Unreached, which celebrates its second annual International Day for the Unreached on June 4. The eventon Pentecost Sunday, marking the day when the Holy Spirit fell upon the early church, empowering it to respond to Jesus' Great Commission to "go into all the world and preach the gospel"aims to inspire greater involvement in and support for world evangelization efforts.Also part of the Radio Feon Janahary project were Radio Africa Network (RAN), TWR (Trans World Radio) and local believers along with International Christian Aid and All Nations, the two organizations Thomas serves with."We are very excited to see the way God is already using this new, strong radio voice in Madagascar," said Curt Cole, Reach Beyond's senior vice president of global ministries. "This has been a true partnership with multiple partners and organizations from 12 different countries involved, working together to serve the body of Christ."Radio Feon Janahary is the fifth local radio station partnership Reach Beyond has helped establish in Madagascar in the last 10 years. Only around 12 percent of the country's 23 million people are evangelical with animism and ancestral worship "deeply rooted in the culture," according to Lisa Balzer, a Reach Beyond radio trainer based in Southeast Asia.More than 100,000 people in all have access to the FM 104 broadcasts which run 16 hours daily starting at 6 a.m. Three in five of Maroantsetra's 22,000 residents are believed to be tuning in with listenership as high as 80 percent among the 80,000 people living in the surrounding villages. The audience grew even more in February after 1,000 solar-powered, fixed-tuned SonSet radios provided by Reach Beyond were distributed to local residents.The Maroantsetra broadcasts are the culmination of a six-year effort led by Thomas, who credited prayer and fasting with finally overcoming hurdles such as a lack of funds, political challenges, power outages and delays in getting the license.Reach Beyond ( www.reachbeyond.org ) is a media- and medical-based evangelical ministry with operations on five continents. It spreads the gospel of Jesus via both traditional and new media, including radio broadcasts, webcasts, social media and the distribution of solar-powered radios. It also reaches out to the needy throughout its growing network of healthcare services. Today Reach Beyond has more than 1,000 staff members in over 30 countries.For more information or to schedule an interview, contact:Darin CampbellInChrist Communications(512) 785-8350
GERING  Now in its 29th year, the Sugar Valley Rally hits the road June 2-4 for another celebration of classic cars and precision driving.

About 53 cars from as far away as El Cajon, California, to Georgia will be here to test their vehicles over the backroads of the area. The oldest entry is a 1917 Hudson Indy car.

The rally is a precision driving challenge over a pre-determined and timed course of about 400 miles. Navigators are an essential part of the driving team, as they hold the clock and provide directions as drivers attempt to match the time set for each leg of the course. A perfect score would be zero, called an ace.

Of course, there are a number of factors that can play havoc with a drivers timing  things like bad weather, poor road conditions and passing trains that can throw off the clock by several minutes.

This years rally starts on Friday, June 2 with Rally School in the morning, when drivers are briefed on the rules of the road. That afternoon, drivers take a practice run to LaGrange, Wyoming, and back.

At about 5 p.m. Friday, cars start arriving at J.G. Elliott Insurance for a Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours event. The public is invited to stop by, view the classic cars and visit with the drivers.

Rally spokesman Darrell Bentley said theyve changed up the schedule a bit this year.

Saturdays rally drivers would usually stop for lunch a long distance away. This year, in honor of Nebraskas 150th anniversary, well go out of town in the morning then back to Five Rocks Amphitheater in Gering at noon.

Saturdays route takes drivers from Panhandle Coop in Scottsbluff, east to the Broadwater Country Store and back to Gering for lunch. That afternoon, drivers head south to the Double L Store and Cafe south of Harrisburg before heading back to Panhandle Coop.

Sunday is another short rally. The public is invited to a pancake breakfast at 6:15 a.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall on First Avenue in Scottsbluff. Rally cars start heading out at 7:45 a.m.

A pit stop is scheduled for the drivers at about 9:45 a.m. at Legacy of the Plains Museum west of Gering. Cars start to roll in the Cozads Antique Ford Garage in Gering at about 11:30 a.m. and the awards ceremony is scheduled for 1 p.m.

Lunch will also be available for purchase from the Gering Merchants for those who stop by to see the cars roll in.

Car people are great people, Bentley said. Drivers like to talk about their cars and they like to visit with people about them. We invite everyone to join us.

The roots of the Sugar Valley Rally go back to 1988. Dan Dickinson and Fred Stoltenberg were both in Nevada when drivers in the Great Race made a stop. So the pair followed the antique cars for two days on the Interstate from Reno back to Wyoming.

Dickinson knew several people in the valley who restored old cars and started to wonder if a similar rally might go over here.

Stoltenberg had the same idea, as both of them ended up at the Chamber of Commerce on the same day to pitch the idea  a scaled-down version of the Great Race.

The first Sugar Valley Rally rolled in June 1989 as 47 drivers, along with their navigators, brought their classic cars to the area. Since then, many of them have returned on a regular basis, bringing several cars as well as family members for the weekend.
SCOTTSBLUFF  With origins in honoring the fallen during after the U.S. Civil War, Memorial Day is the time for remembering and honoring the deceased whove fought for our country. There are a host of services planned across the valley this weekend.

We want people to know what and when the programs are, John Brehm, Scotts Bluff County Veterans Service Officer, said. Its kind of bad when youve got an organization that puts something on and nobody shows up because nobody knew about it.

However, before the services can occur, volunteers are needed to place US flags on the graves at Fairview Cemetery in Scottsbluff, and Sunset Memorial Park on Highway 26 between Scottsbluff and Mitchell.

Help will be needed at Fairview Cemetery starting Friday at 9 a.m., and Saturday at Sunset Memorial Park at 9 a.m.

Interested volunteers are welcome to contact Amber Schleuning at 308-641-1298. Brehm said Schleuning is filling in for Beth Linn, who will be out of town fulfilling her duties as the Nebraska American Legion Department Commander.

Volunteers will also be needed to pick up the flags at both cemeteries starting Tuesday at 10 a.m.

Brehm said The Memorial Avenue of Flags on East Overland, Broadway, and West 27th Street in Scottsbluff, will be put up by the City of Scottsbluff Transportation Department on Friday, May 26, and will be taken down on Tuesday, May 30.

Starting Sunday, a Memorial Day program will be held at Creighton Valley Cemetery east of Gering, on Highway 92 at 2:30 p.m.

On Monday, ceremonies are scheduled in Scottsbluff at Fairview Cemetery at 9 a.m., Sunset Park at 11 a.m., and the Western Nebraska State Veterans Home at 1:30 p.m.

Willard Loose said hes rounded up three veterans to provide the rifle salute for the services.

Wed always like to have more for the rifle squad, but the rifles are old and we dont want them to misfire, Loose said.

Veterans who are interested in volunteering for future services can contact Loose at 308-631-3678, or Tom Ahrends, Commander of VFW Post 1681, at 308-631-1198.

Other services will be held in the area on Monday at the West Lawn Cemetery in Gering, at 10 a.m.; Mitchell Valley Cemetery, 10 a.m.; North Plate River Bridge near Mitchell, 10:30 a.m., North Mitchell Cemetery, 11 a.m.; East Lawn Cemetery near Minatare, 11 a.m., and High Butte Cemetery at McGrew, 11 a.m. Monday.
SCOTTSBLUFF  KCMI and Christian Media Incorporated are pleased to announce that Arbys Restaurant of Scottsbluff is hosting a fundraiser for the non-profit ministry.

On Tuesday, June 6, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Scottsbluff Arbys on 27th street, a portion of the proceeds from meals purchased will be donated to CMI.

Christian Media Incorporated is best known for radio station KCMI at 97.1 FM, the CrossTimes Newspaper, and the Cross Reference Library. KCMI went on the air in 1981, and has served the valley at 100,000 watts since 1988.

In spite of its small staff and non-profit status, KCMI has some significant firsts, such as first full power Christian radio station in the Nebraska panhandle, full time Internet streaming since 2008, and regular podcasting of its local Coffee Break talk program since 2015.

2017 has been a lean year for many non-profits, especially as we face rising costs, says CMI General Director Gary Almquist. KCMI has felt the crunch as well, and we are grateful for all the support we receive from listeners, churches and business people. This event at Arbys on June 6 will draw attention to what God and is doing to provide answers and encouragement through Christian radio in Nebraska and Wyoming.
HARRISON  Martin Red Bear will be first Traditional Cultural Demonstrator at Agate Fossil Beds National Monument during Memorial Day Weekend, May 26  May 29. He will be available to the public in the visitor center from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. The first Niobrara Meanderings talk, Time on a Hide, will be Sunday, May 28 at 2 p.m.

Born in Rosebud, South Dakota, Martin Red Bear is Oglala/Sicangu. He attended elementary and high school at Red Cloud School then attended the Rocky Mountain School of Art and the Institute of American Indian Arts, receiving an associate of fine arts degree. He received his bachelors degree in visual arts from the College of Santa Fe, and his masters degree in art education from the University of New Mexico. He is retired from teaching art and humanities at Oglala Lakota College in Kyle, South Dakota.

Martin Red Bear helped create exhibits in the Agate Fossil Beds Visitor Center in the mid-1990s. His re-creation of the Greasy Grass hide hanging in the James H. Cook Gallery is an important piece of the story told in the museum. The original Greasy Grass hide was too fragile to be placed on exhibit so Red Bear painstakingly reproduced it. Greasy Grass is the Lakota name for the Battle of the Little Big Horn. He works in acrylic and watercolor mediums on canvas, paper and tanned hides. Drawing on his experience as a Vietnam veteran, he often integrates traditional warrior and other images of his Lakota ancestors with more modern military themes. His grandparents visited James Cook at the Agate Springs Ranch.

On Sunday, May 28, at 2 p.m. ranger Lil Mansfield will be presenting the first Niobrara Meanderings of the 2017 season with a program entitled, Time on a Hide. This program will be in the entrance room of the James H. Cook Gallery where a winter count painted by Dawn Little Sky is displayed. Mansfield will explain the significance of the winter count and assist visitors with making their own winter count. Mansfield has worked at Agate Fossil Beds National Monument since the summer of 1995 before any of the exhibits were on display in the visitor center. Niobrara Meanderings is the Sunday afternoon talk series with subjects as varied as the directions the Niobrara River takes as it travels through Nebraska.

At 3 p.m. the staff and visitors at Agate Fossil Beds National Monument will observe a Memorial Day National Moment of Remembrance. According to the National Moment of Remembrance Act of 2000, staff encourage everyone to pause for one minute to remember the heroes who gave their lives to defend our nation.

Agate Fossil Beds National Monument is located 22 miles south of Harrison, or 34 miles north of Mitchell, Nebraska, on State Highway 29, then east on River Road for three miles to the visitor center. Admission is free. The visitor center is open from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. The parks two trails are open from dawn to dusk. For more information, go to www.nps.gov/agfo or visit Agate Fossil Beds on Facebook and Twitter.
The University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Nursing West Nebraska Division is holding a summer camp on June 14-15 in Scottsbluff for high school students interested in nursing careers and nursing students interested in being mentors.

Deadline for application is June 5.

The West Nebraska Division is one of five UNMC nursing divisions sharing a two-year, $665,266 grant to develop mentorship programs for high school students interested in pursuing careers in nursing. The Nebraska Generation Link to Learn grant is funded by the U.S. Health Resource Services Administration.

The grant funds ongoing mentorship, scholarship and clinical immersion activities at the five UNMC College of Nursing divisions in Scottsbluff, Norfolk, Lincoln, Kearney and Omaha. It connects high school students to nursing students and registered nurses with ongoing mentoring, shadowing and other activities throughout the school year.

The Scottsbluff summer camp will be held on campus and includes an overnight stay in the Western Nebraska Community College dorms. The program is free to Panhandle high school students and provides a $200 stipend for nursing student mentors for the camp. High school students are encouraged to invite a supporting adult to participate in the camp. A Spanish interpreter will be available if needed for the supporting adult.

Nursing instructors and students from community college and bachelors degree in nursing programs will share information about the nursing profession and experiences. Hands on activities will include sterile field training, computerized simulation with high-tech human patient simulators, health assessments, IVs, and casting.

Participants also will learn about the services of Air Link air ambulance service and Valley Ambulance Services, Inc. A free, four-hour shadow experience is required prior to the camp and is organized through the co-sponsor, Nebraska Panhandle Area Health Education Center.

For application materials and more information in the Panhandle, contact Bobbi Hartshorn at (308) 632-0410, bhartshorn@unmc.edu Applications are also available at http://www.np-ahec.org/.
By MARK EVANS mevans@stegenherald.com Westover and Smith roads, on the far western edge of the county, will get paving priority for 2023. Country commissioners and Scott Schmieder, county road and bridge foreman, decided at last Thursdays commission meeting to go ahead and seal up that corner of the county. That way, graders will not have
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Romania is not ready for the Eurozone, but it needs several strategies, and with a deficit of 1 million homes an intelligent housing strategy, a wise one and in accordance with the reality is necessary, Strategy Consultant at the National Bank of Romania (BNR) Adrian Vasilescu believes.

"In regards to us, I believe that talking about a strategy of Romania, even in the Eurozone and leu sign or vice versa is a very important thing, but I believe that we are not prepared yet for such thing. After all I believe we need more strategies. Talks have been carried out about a housing strategy, but we have this gift: we light a wick, we leave it to burn a while, a week, a month, sometimes one year and then things die," Adrian Vasilescu told a conference regarding Romania's development strategy.

In his opinion, loaning is economy's and welfare's engine, although in the Romanian society there are many contradictory opinions in respect to loans, and one of these states that "banks in the period 2004/2005 - 2008 had a lot of money, they handed out loans, people took them and built numerous houses." Vasilescu reveals though that opinions of this sort are not sustained by official numbers.

Vasilescu claims that Romania currently has a deficit of approximately one million homes, and for such deficit "an intelligent, wise and reality-oriented housing strategy" is needed.

"Maybe there are more or less, but the deficit stands here, around one million homes, and at such high deficit we definitely need a housing strategy, an intelligent one, wise, one that's facing reality," the Strategy Consultant with the BNR added.

Adrian Vasilescu attended on Wednesday the 3rd edition of the Conference called "Romania's development strategy," with the theme "Between Eurozone and leu sign," an event that was organized by the Bursa press group.

agerpres.
Several people, including Elena Udrea (Romanian politician), Ioana Basescu (daughter of former president Traian Basescu) and Dan Andronic (journalist and political adviser - ed.n.) are sent to court by the National Anti-corruption Directorate (DNA) prosecutors in the case regarding the financing of the presidential campaign in 2009.

Elena Udrea, minister of Tourism and Regional Development at the time, who was directly involved in Traian Basescu's campaign, as candidate for the presidential election in 2009, was sent to court for the crime of instigating to bribery (2 charges) and money laundering (5 charges), according to DNA.

Ioana Basescu, a notary public, daughter of former President Traian Basescu, will be tried for instigation to embezzlement and money laundering (2 charges), and journalist Dan Andronic is charged with perjury and favoring the perpetrator.

In the same case were also sent to court Gheorghe Nastasia, General Secretary of the Ministry of Development at the time, accused of bribery, Victor Tarhon, former president of the Tulcea County Council, charged with bribery, Ioan Silviu Wagner, General manager of a state-owned company at the time of the deed, accused of embezzlement.

The prosecutors argue that in 2009, in the context of the presidential electoral campaign, sums of money from corruption, embezzlement and tax evasion were collected, and were later used for the payment of services provided during the electoral campaign.

"The link between people who illegally obtained money and campaign service providers was assured by the defendant Udrea Elena Gabriela. She led one of the candidates' informal campaign staff and, from this position, she coordinated both campaign service purchases, as well as the people who acted as intermediaries for the payments, so that the sums of money reach the providing companies. The delivery of the undue benefits was dissimulated by fictitious contracts concluded with companies that actually performed services during the electoral campaign, namely street advertising, printing of posters, advertisements in the media, making websites, monitoring the press, organizing shows and providing consulting services," further mentions DNA.

agerpres.
NAPLES, Fla.  A Florida man says a Southwest Airlines employee refused to let him board a flight as a family with his husband, their three children and a grandparent.

Grant Morse tells USA Today he was in the family boarding area at the gate at the Buffalo, N.Y., airport on Saturday when a gate agent told them the area is for family boarding.

Morse says he and Sam Ballachino told the agent they were with their twin 3-year-old boys and 5-year-old daughter. He says the agent eventually told them the children could board with one adult. They were forced to wait until everyone else boarded the plane and didn't sit together as planned.

In an emailed statement to the newspaper, Southwest said the boarding area conversation was not discriminatory.
A judge has reversed his decision to stop work on a 7-mile stretch of a controversial high-voltage power line through northern La Crosse County.

The town of Holland last year sued to overturn the Wisconsin Public Service Commissions approval of the Badger-Coulee transmission line, arguing that the panel responsible for protecting utility consumers erred when it authorized a consortium of utility companies to build the nearly $580 million project.

The town also challenged the PSCs decision to route the line along the Hwy. 53 corridor on separate poles across the highway from another high-voltage line.

Earlier this month, Judge Todd Bjerke denied the towns primary claim but found the PSC filed to provide a rational basis for the routing. Bjerke also ordered construction of the La Crosse County portion stopped, saying the commission failed to provide supporting documents, including the environmental impact studies.

Attorneys for the PSC appealed the May 1 order, arguing it was based on misunderstandings of the facts and of his authority and that the studies had in fact been submitted to the court. They also said delays would harm Wisconsin ratepayers because the project is expected to mitigate expected overloads on the existing grid between now and 2023.

American Transmission Co., which is overseeing construction of the line, argued that stopping work now would delay the project by a full year, costing an additional $2.5 million.

In a ruling released Tuesday, Bjerke maintains the PSCs siting decision lacked any rational basis and ordered the commission to reconsider the issue.

However, he noted that the environmental studies were submitted, though he said he did not have access to them until May 2, and agreed to lift the construction ban, which he acknowledged could cost ratepayers.

Bjerke also wrote that ratepayers could lose even more if the PSC appeals his decision and loses rather than correct the matter now.

Holland town clerk Marylin Pedretti said she was frustrated by the ruling, especially as it was issued the day before a hearing where the towns attorney was prepared to argue for keeping the construction ban in place. She said the town is reviewing its legal options and does not expect the PSC to change its decision.

Disappointing is an understatement, she said. By the time we go through the courts and everything, its going to be built.

A joint venture of American Transmission Co. and several regional utility companies, including La Crosse-based Dairyland Power Cooperative, the 180-mile line will run between the Madison suburbs and Holmen, where it will connect to another high-voltage line, CapX2020, that runs across Minnesota and western Wisconsin.

The owners say the lines will make the electric grid more reliable and provide a pipeline between remote locations with strong wind resources with population centers like Madison and Milwaukee where the energy is needed. The cost will be shared by customers in 15 Midwestern states and one Canadian province.

Bjerkes order dismayed Rob Danielson, secretary for SOUL of Wisconsin, a grassroots organization that opposed the line on the grounds it isnt needed and will be more expensive than alternatives.

While voicing concerns about fairness to electric customers and a deficient record supporting the final decision the judge disappointingly upheld the PSCs bold refusal to comprehensively evaluate how our energy dollars are spent in Wisconsin, he wrote. Energy decision-making must serve the priorities of those who pay the bills, not companies lined up to collect decades of guaranteed, high-interest profit regardless of need.

ATC began pre-construction on the La Crosse County portion of the line in April. The southernmost segment, in Dane County, is completed, while work is proceeding along I-90/94. The project has yet to secure the necessary federal wetland permits needed for much of the construction.
RACINE  Four days after a woman gave birth to his child, Anthony P. Golden of Racine is accused of domestic violence and then running from responding officers.

Golden, 23, of the 600 block of Randolph Street, also known as AG Golden, was charged Tuesday with a felony count of strangulation and suffocation, and misdemeanor counts of battery, criminal damage to property and two charges of obstructing an officer.

According to the criminal complaint:

The victim told police that at about 2 p.m. Monday, Golden got upset with her out of nowhere, and when she put their newborn down, he attacked her and then ran out of the apartment in the 2800 block of Anthony Lane.

The victim reported that she was punched, slapped and thrown against a wall. At one point, Golden is alleged to have grabbed the victim by the throat and pressed hard enough to momentarily cut off her air supply. Police reported that the victim suffered a swollen eye in the incident.

A responding officer spotted Golden walking down the street and attempted to stop him. Thats when he allegedly denied being the accused and ran from the officer.

The officer said Golden ran through several yards and jumped fences on Jean Avenue.

A neighbor told police he spotted Golden running to a nearby garage, where Golden ultimately was taken into custody without further incident.

According to court records, Golden has a history of criminal convictions dating back to 2010, including false imprisonment, battery, resisting an officer and theft.

As of Tuesday afternoon, Golden was being held at the Racine County Jail, 717 Wisconsin Ave., awaiting an initial appearance in Racine County Circuit Court which is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at the county Law Enforcement Center.

If convicted of the most serious charge, Golden could be sentenced to up to three years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
ST. LOUIS  A local contractor, Eddie Lee Regans, was sentenced to 6 years in federal prison Wednesday for defrauding clients, the U.S. Attorney's office said.

Regans, who has prior fraud and theft convictions, placed ads online and distributed fliers for himself and his company, All Rehab & Repair, in local stores between August 2015 and July 2016, prosecutors said. He also used the names Reasonable Quality Work, Repair and Rehab, All Rehab Repairs and Affordable Quality Works.

Regans then opened credit accounts at local home improvement stores using the personal information of clients and bought items worth more than $110,000, but used those items for his own benefit, prosecutors said.

He was indicted March 16, 2016. Regans, 51, of St. Louis, pleaded guilty in January 2017 to two counts of fraudulent use of access devices, one count of mail fraud and four counts of aggravated identity theft.

Regans pleaded guilty in 2010 to aggravated identity theft and bank fraud for a similar scheme. He was sentenced to seven years in prison and was released in May of 2015. He was barred him from starting or running any new business without approval at the time of the most recent offenses.
CLAYTON  A local fire chief warned on Tuesday that a contentious showdown among St. Louis Countys political leaders could be putting lives in danger, as the council remains deadlocked over a measure to replace a deteriorating bridge in Eureka.

Eureka Fire Chief Greg Brown told the County Council he was nervous about allowing his firetrucks to roll over the aged bridge. He implored the members to move forward with the replacement project before something really bad happens.

The holdup stems from an ongoing fight between County Executive Steve Stenger and some council members over the hiring this year of County Auditor Mark Tucker.

Stenger and several County Council members have argued that Tucker doesnt have the required experience for the job. After a majority of the council hired him anyway, Stenger referred the issue to the county prosecutors office for an investigation of his qualifications.

In the continuing acrimony from that dispute, council members at odds with Stenger voted against a measure he supported last month to replace the crumbling two-lane Lewis Road Bridge for $2.5 million.

The issue became more complicated when the Post-Dispatch subsequently reported that the bridge serves a mansion owned by businessman Mike Roberts, who has donated at least $43,000 to Stengers campaign fund.

Stenger has maintained that his request for the new bridge was based solely on the recommendation of the countys transportation department.

Amid the resulting controversy over the revelation, Stenger requested last week that the Missouri state auditors office conduct a comprehensive audit of the countys process for procuring road and bridge contracts.

County Council Chairman Sam Page  who opposes Stenger in the conflict over the county auditor  sent a letter last week to the county counselors office seeking advice on the legalities involved in requesting a state audit. While the letter voiced Pages support for the idea, it also took some swipes at Stenger, without naming him.

Recent media reports suggested that the Countys Department of Transportation favors political donors when prioritizing road and bridge projects, Page wrote. That news was troubling, but I was encouraged to see that the County Executive is willing to allow the State Auditor to audit those practices.

Taxpayers deserve to know that their hard-earned tax dollars are not used to reward political donors, Page wrote. Hopefully an audit will help to bring about the transparency that our constituents deserve.

Missouri State Auditor Nicole Galloway subsequently sent a letter to Page stating that such a request would have to be made by the council via a resolution or ordinance and that the county would have to pay all audit expenses. Her letter didnt specify the potential cost.

The issue was expected to be hashed out Tuesday, but neither Page nor Stenger attended the council meeting, and the matter was postponed.

This shouldnt have been this contentious. We pass bills on bridges in the other districts every week, almost, said council member Mark Harder, who is allied with Stenger on the auditor issue. This shouldnt have been a problem.
WATERFORD  Parents of a 5-year-old girl made their plea for their daughters three pet chickens Monday at the Village Board meeting after officials investigated a citizen complaint about the birds.

I shot a wild turkey down the road, and someone saw it in the yard and thought it was a dead chicken, and thats absolutely false, Charles Hittman said, alluding to an incident that may have spurred the complaint.

Bonnie and Charles Hittman told the board their daughter Abby keeps the pet chickens in a coop in their backyard in the 400 block of Prairie Hill Way, which is located north of the village industrial park and southwest of Waterford High School. But they said at no time do the hens ever leave the yard.

Theyre Abbys pets. She purchased them with her own money. And she collects the eggs every day. Its a big responsibility for her, Bonnie Hittman said. We want you to look into changing the ordinance in the future.

Village code forbids the ownership of livestock or poultry, although Village Clerk Rachel Ladewig told The Journal Times the practice has been to enforce that rule with chickens on a complaint-only basis.

The Rhode Island Red mixes are named Susie, Rosie and Betty (nicknamed Chickalatta). Abby stayed in her dads arms during the public comment session of the Village Board meeting and was invited to speak but chose not to. Her mother said she learns responsibility through caring for the birds before and after school.

She does collect her eggs every day. She plays with her chickens every day. Its a great thing for her to learn as discipline and responsibility, accountability, as well as awareness for taking care of something else, Bonnie Hittman said.

Charles Hittman said they discard the fowl feces in a bag in the garbage on a daily basis.

Drive by and take a look at the chickens, Charles Hittman said to the board.

Village Trustee Andrew Ewert suggested it was a matter of property rights that needs to be reviewed by a village committee.

I really dont think it is a nuisance. People are going in that direction. I think its a great idea, Ewert said.

Referred to commission

Village President Jim Schneider said the item was not up for a vote Monday but that the village Planning Commission is scheduled to take it up at its June 21 meeting.

The resident who made the initial complaint did not speak at the meeting.

They probably should have been here if they were really concerned about it, said Tammie Begotka, the organizer of the Facebook group Waterford Backyard Chickens, which advocates for chickens raised in the Town and Village of Waterford for food uses.

Begotka said chicken ownership is a growing trend in neighboring communities like Norway, Rochester and East Troy, which all allow residential chickens.

A lot of people are going toward organic foods (and) healthy lifestyles, Begotka said. Its a very easy way to get good food. And its good for kids to teach them responsibility. Everybody wants a pet, but this is a pet that gives you food.
Arne Sorenson felt right at home in Downtown Madison for the grand opening ceremonies at the AC Hotel.

Sorenson is president and CEO of Marriott International, which added the AC Hotel brand to its growing portfolio in 2011. The 165-room property is the first AC Hotel in Wisconsin and offers a European feel at the corner of East Washington Avenue and North Webster Street. The AC Hotel brand was founded in Spain in 1998 and became part of the Marriott portfolio when the AC brand began expanding into France, Italy, Portugal, Denmark and, in 2013, the U.S.

Following Marriotts September 2016 acquisition of Starwood Hotels and Resorts, the company has more than 6,000 properties across 30 brands in more than 120 countries and territories.

The Madison hotel, owned and operated by Middleton-based North Central Group, offers grand views of the state Capitol, lakes Mendota and Monona and of the Isthmus. The 10th floor is home to Eno Vino Wine Bar & Bistro while the Skyview Terrace Bar on the ninth floor includes an outdoor patio.

But the visit earlier this month wasnt Sorensons first trip to Dane County.

Sorensons father, Morris, grew up in McFarland, where he was a pastor at McFarland Lutheran Church and for congregations in Stoughton and Argyle. Arne Sorenson, who was born in Tokyo and raised in St. Paul, Minnesota, was a frequent visitor to his grandparents home at a time when McFarland wasnt considered a suburb of Madison, there was no Beltline, and passenger trains still served the area.

Sorenson, who boasts about his Scandanavian heritage, is a graduate of Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, went to college with David Coe, now the director of facilities and purchasing at North Central Group, and, two days after the AC Hotels grand opening, returned to Luther to see his son graduate.

Sorenson spoke about his memories of McFarland, the AC Hotel brand and the growth of the hotel industry while seated in a fifth-floor suite overlooking the Capitol.

Q. What do you remember about McFarland as a child?

A. At that time McFarland really was a very separate place. They of course had cars but they werent driving into Madison on a daily basis, maybe once a month or something like that. We still had some relatives out there and I just loved the beautiful countryside out there. I remember the church and the old parsonage. It was a classic old-framed, white-painted church and a white-framed parsonage next door with a cemetery across the street. Everything was right there.

Does being from the Midwest help keep you grounded?

I certainly think it helps. Theres something special about the Midwest. Theres still a personal connection in these communities thats sometimes hard to find in many other parts of the country. It breeds humility, of course, but its not just about breeding humility. Its about celebrating the importance of everybody. You go to the same churches, you go to the same schools, you go to the same Saturday morning cafes for breakfast. And the groups that are getting together in those settings are still diverse economically, if not maybe as diverse racially as some other parts of the country, although thats changed a lot in the last couple of decades, too.

Madison and many other communities like it are exploding with hotel developments. What is driving this growth?

The communities which are healthiest today tend to be more urban and tend to be connected with great educational institutions because it brings in talent which can be engaged in the most innovative parts of our economy, which are often about tech but not only about tech.

That urbanization trend is really an important one. Its happening everywhere all around the world and certainly all across the United States where people are saying, Im not sure I necessarily want two acres or three acres in the suburbs. Its a lot of work and I have to drive everywhere.

And its just not the young kids coming into work for Epic (Systems Corp. in Verona). Its families or empty-nesters who are saying, I want to move actually someplace where I can walk and there are restaurants around and where theres art around and all sorts of other things. That urban trend with the educational institution, and then you add some natural beauty. Madison has got all of that stuff driving together. So it becomes a really strong, pretty vibrant place. That economic growth is one of the most powerful things driving growth in hotel demand.

Do you worry about hotel saturation?

Individual markets can always get a little out of balance for a period of time. We dont have an experience of any market in the U.S. ever getting fundamentally out of balance for a long time. The past is not a perfect predictor of the future, but you think about the trends and people traveling, and the way we do business and the way we want to experience our lives, and I think theres a reason for hotel growth. You may get too much at some point in time, but if you do, it will mean rates will be a little bit lower than they would otherwise because you have more supply than demand. And, if its a really tough market you may have some hotels that dont succeed. The great thing about hotels is that they can be repurposed to residential or residential can be repurposed to hotels.

What do you and your company like about the AC Hotel brand?

One of the great things about this brand is that it delivers something from an emotional satisfaction that can be hard for a limited-service hotel to do. With the (Eno Vino) on top and the bar in the lobby downstairs, its an urban brand. Its not every (Marriott) customer whos going to love this. Some will check in and say, Its a little modern to me, so you need enough of a market where youve got customers who say, Thats exactly what I want and not necessarily have it be the only hotel in the market. In Wisconsin, Madison and Milwaukee are no-brainers. You get to La Crosse, you get to some other places and I suspect they could work there, too, but Madison and Milwaukee would be the key areas upfront.

How does one become the CEO of a $14 billion company?

I get asked by young people all the time, give me career advice, and then Ill give them career advice and Ill realize that none of what Ive given them have I followed because my advice is to be real deliberate about where you go work, think hard about the company or the industry that youre going in, make sure its something that you love, think about the culture of the place. I did none of that. I graduated from Luther and wasnt really turned on by the jobs that were available so I went to law school.

What did you think you were going to do?

I didnt really have a plan. I went to law school almost never having met a lawyer. Thats a little bit of an overstatement but not much. I graduated at a time when it was easy to get a job in the legal field so I got a job and I practiced law for a dozen years. I met the Marriotts because of a legal case I was doing for them and Mr. Marriott a few years later said, Come on out to Marriott. I said I will but not to be a lawyer. If you want me to be a lawyer, Ill stay where I am and you can hire me. And he said, OK, thats fine. And I said, OK, I would come. And that literally was the entire conversation. I knew the (Marriott) family through that (case) but I didnt really know that much about the industry other than having been a hotel guest. But its a fabulous business and its been a great place to work.
SHOCKING scenes of Syrian children in agony after a chemical attack which killed 70 people has sparked a humanitarian response from a kind-hearted Shipston-on-Stour woman.

Vicky Flynn is sending hundreds of aid items to the war-torn country after she launched an appeal for help from the public.

She described to the Herald the moment she first saw harrowing news footage of babies and small children desperately choking and crying in the wake of air strikes close to the city of Idlib in northern Syria last month.

I just thought, I wouldnt want bombs dropping on my children so I searched the internet to find out how I could help in some way, Vicky said.

At the same time, the mother of two young children, appealed on social media for the publics help and was astounded by the response from ordinary people who also wanted to show their support for the victims of the attack which triggered world-wide condemnation.

In a matter of days Vicky had collected dozens and dozens of bags and boxes, some of which were left on her doorstep overnight.

The generous donations were so abundant that Vicky was able to fill a horse box with them which she then drove to Leicester to hand over to a charity which transports the items over the Turkish border into Syria.

Weve had food, clothes, toiletries, teddies, toys, baby baths and shoes given to us. They are all local contributions and people have been fantastic in their response, said Vicky.

Last Tuesday, representatives from the Leicester-based charity One Nation arrived at a stable yard near Shipston where Vicky and her team of helpers were busy packing up the next consignment of Bags of Hope destined for Syria. Once again there were sufficient supplies to fill the large charity van.

Sameer Ismail from the charity said all the items are eventually loaded onto a large shipping container and make their way by truck to Syria over a three- to five-week period.

The whole operation is carefully scrutinised on video to show that the items do actually reach the communities who need them most.

We have been working in Syria for four years but we also supply aid to 14 other countries across the globe. We make sure we operate with due diligence and full accountability because we dont want items to disappear into an abyss. The response from Shipston has been amazing, Sameer said.

Vickys charity collections over the last three weeks have helped people fighting for survival every day of their lives in northern Syria. She has confirmation of this from a key contact working in the province most seriously affected.

Vickys reliable source is a Dr Shajul who she communicates with regularly on social media.

He has an Amazon Wish List requesting medical aid but hes also asked for chocolate to give to young children, one of whom is a young boy called Mohammed and the doctor has told Vicky he will let her know when Mohammed gets his chocolate bar  a small gesture of huge significance for one child.

In addition to the estimated 70 people killed during the chemical airstrike, hundreds more were injured including aid workers and hospital staff; the latest phase in a civil war which has raged for the last six years.

When I saw those terrible scenes of the bombed villages and hospitals I thought Ive just got to do something because that old expression still holds true today  charity begins at home, Vicky said.
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Pakistan Railways, today, announced special package for Ramadan by slashing fares up to 20 percent. The special package would be applicable from Ramadan 01 to 20. The facility would be available in the form of advanced reservation of seats only.

This would be a source of relief for the people fatigued of frequent power failures and overcharging of profiteers in Ramadan. Passengers would be provided facility of reduced fares up to 16-25% in different classes of Bahauddin Zakaria, Sukkur Express, Multan Express and Mehr Express, while Karachi Express, Pak Business, Jaffer Express, Bahauddin Zakaria Express would give discount in fares up to 11-15%.

On the other hand, Millat Express, Tez Gam, Awam Express, Allama Iqbal, Subuk Khuram, Rawal Express, Islamabad Express and Margalla Express would give discount up to 10% in fares.

The Economic Coordination Committee of the Cabinet (ECC), on 23rd May, approved special Ramadan Package worth 1.75 billion rupees for providing relief to consumers. The approval was granted in ECC meeting held in Islamabad today with Finance Minister Ishaq Dar in the chair.

The package will cover 22 essential items of daily use available at the Utility Store Corporation of Pakistan. There will be discount of 5 to 10% on items of different brands. There is reduction of up to Rs. 30 on different beverages and the price of flour and sugar will be reduced by Rs. 5 and 6 respectively.

The prices of vegetable oil and ghee of different brands will be reduced by up to Rs.10 whereas price of date will be reduced up to Rs. 40-80. Prices of Masalas will be reduced by 10% and prices of tea and packet milk will be reduced by Rs.87 and 8 respectively.
A popular West Side barbecue and seafood restaurant is opening a second location, this one just north of Madison, in DeForest.

North and South Seafood & Smokehouse, which opened at 6604 Mineral Point Road as Joey's Seafood & Grill in 2005, rebranded in 2015 with a new name and additional barbecue menu.

The new location will be at 605 S. Main St., in DeForest, in a 4,400-square-foot space that had previously housed the coffeehouse, wine bar and restaurant Macchiatos.

The DeForest North and South could be open by late June if renovations go as expected, said Keith Stoesz, who owns the Mineral Point location with his wife, Erin.

That restaurant is 2,900 square feet, so the new location is quite a bit bigger. The main dining room will seat about 100, while a private dining room will seat 50, Stoesz said.

The menu will be similar, but Stoesz is adding broasted chicken in DeForest. The broasting method of pressure frying was developed in Beloit in the 1950s.

The Stoeszes don't have room for a broaster on the West Side, but since they are doing a major remodel in DeForest, they just incorporated it into the plans.

The new location will use the same type of smoker and the same wood for it. It will also offer the same rubs and sauces, as well as the same fish fry.

"It might be a scaled down menu a little bit in DeForest, but it's still going to be the smokehouse-seafood theme."

Stoesz, who lives in Fitchburg, said DeForest appealed to them because it's a growing community.

The couple has a partner in the DeForest location, JD Duncan, who will serve as general manager. Duncan, who used to live in DeForest, opened Bonefish Grill near West Towne Mall in 2014 and was a managing partner there.

Duncan worked with the Stoeszes as a manager for three years when they first opened Joey's Seafood. The partners also have a group of local investors who are helping them open the new location. The investors are from DeForest, Sun Prairie and East Madison, Stoesz said.

Duncan left the corporate Bonefish to open the Deforest North and South. Duncan said when he worked for Stoesz at Joey's they talked about partnering on a second location. "It just happened that everything lined up perfect for the opportunity to do that," he said.

"We had a lot of people with interest in the DeForest area, and North and South is doing really well, and (Stoesz) asked if I'd like to partner up with him," Duncan said. "And I said, 'yeah, let's do it.' "

Stoesz said they've done their due diligence by reaching out to DeForest leaders and business people. Everyone he's talked to has been welcoming, Stoesz said. "We look forward to being a part of the community and giving people a great product and a great experience."

Stoesz said North and South will stand out in the village and surrounding area.

"It's something that the community needs... DeForest is one of those communities that needs a casual dining seafood-smokehouse restaurant with the ability to cater functions for groups of up to 50 or 60 people."

Two years after the Stoeszes opened their Joey's Seafood & Grill franchise, the Minnesota-based chain dissolved, leaving the Stoeszes on their own. The couple decided to keep the name Joey's.

Two years ago, they renamed it North and South Seafood & Smokehouse to reflect the newer smokehouse selections they added to the seafood menu. These items include pulled pork, ribs and brisket as well as homemade BBQ sauces.
US President Donald Trump has arrived in Italy to hold a meeting with Pope Francis at the Vatican, as a group of people hold protests against his controversial policies at a site close to the US Embassy in the capital, Rome.

Trump on Tuesday arrived at Romes Leonardo da Vinci airport, where he was greeted by Italian Foreign Minister Angelino Alfano.

On the third leg of his first international trip since taking office, Trump will stay less than 24 hours in Italy, where he is scheduled to meet Pope Francis at the Catholic Churchs headquarters before flying to Brussels on Wednesday.

After his meeting with the Pope, Trump will hold brief talks with Italys President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni. He will return to Italy on Thursday for a summit of the Group of Seven (G7) major industrialized nations in Sicily.

Meanwhile, a group of people took to the streets in Piazza Bologna, close to the US Embassy, where Trump is staying during the visit.

They were holding banners reading Rome resists while chanting slogans like, No hate, no fear, refugees are welcome here and Hands too small, cant build a wall.

Trump does not respect his office, he doesnt respect the rule of law, and we are just not going to sit back even though we are 500 miles away from Washington, said Robert Samors, an organizer of the protest.

Another protester described Trump as the essence of all the worst things, saying that people like Trump should not be met. By meeting them, you change nothing about their way of thinking.

During his presidential campaign, Trump vowed to build a wall between the US and Mexico to prevent migrants from entering his country. The then-presidential candidate was harshly criticized by the Pope, who said at the time that a person who thinks only about building walls  is not Christian.

Trump in return called the Popes remarks as disgraceful and said no man had the right to question another mans faith.

Before arriving in Italy, Trump had been to Saudi Arabia and Israel.
Is there any more unsung hero in the kitchen than the humble onion, or its equally unheralded BFF, the garlic clove?

These cheap and versatile veggies are the culinary worlds workhorses, playing a supporting role in so many dishes in so many cultures. Even the dual threats of bad breath and a teary-cutting experience cant diminish their universal appeal. Alliums, as they are known collectively, are one of the worlds oldest cultivated plants and have been used to flavor food since at least 5000 B.C.

So howd they become the Rodney Dangerfield of vegetables?

We take them for granted, says Kate Winslow, who worked as an editor at Gourmet. So you kind of forget, and think theyre just for seasoning.

Yet its only with the aromatic addition of alliums that a clever cook can build something perfectly delicious to eat, she says. And to prove her point, she and her photographer husband Guy Ambrosino spent six straight months devising the ultimate guide to cooking with leeks, scallions, garlic, shallots and every other sort of onion.

Onions Etcetera: The Essential Allium Cookbook is bound to blow you away with its gorgeous photos and mouthwatering collection of recipes. Winslows prose also is delectable, with breezy tales of the couples cooking life interspersed with practical tips on how to, say, clean leeks or peel pearl onions. You also find bits of onion history (revered in French cooking, shallots originated near Palestine), and memories of where certain dishes were first tasted and how/why they were replicated.

When it comes to Ambrosinos great-aunt Aggies fried water soup, its hard not to spring out of bed and sprint to the kitchen to make it. Ditto with the beer-battered onion rings. Youll feel the same way, too, about many of the books 100-plus recipes, which are arranged according to color and/or season.

First come the keepers, or the yellow, white and red storage onions one always has on hand. There also are chapters devoted to sweet onions; scallions and chives; shallots and leeks; pearl onions and button-shaped cipollini; and the fleeting early bird ramps, spring onions and green garlic/garlic scapes.

Some of the recipes use alliums in supporting roles, such as the leeks that team up with fresh dill and feta in a creamy spring tart. Others allow onions to boldly headline  for instance, grilled as a taco filling or fried with a bit of chili, curry and cassava flour into a golden, crispy fritter.

These are recipes that we love and that mean something to us, that resonate deeply on an emotional and historical level, Winslow writes. Turns out we, like everyone else, come from a long line of onion eaters.

How did she go from amateur eater to cookbook author? Her parents both were teachers, so it wasnt a reach to consider a career in journalism when she graduated from the University of Virginia in the mid-1990s; her degree in womens history included a thesis on womens newspaper pages during the Great Depression. But specializing in food? Not exactly a life goal.

Not that she didnt have a deep connection to all things culinary: She grew up in a family that loved to cook and entertain. Their annual open house on New Years Day (and the traditional German meal that followed) was epic, complete with bloody Marys, spinach dip in a bread bowl and platters of smoked sausages.

She took a summer job after college as a cook at a ranch in the wilds of Wyoming, but that was more for fun than professional development. It wasnt until she followed some fellow UVAers to Santa Fe, N.M., that she turned to writing.

Her friends eventually all moved away, but Winslow stayed on, taking a job as an arts editor with a weekly newspaper. Ambrosino, who grew up in a big Italian family in New Jersey, just happened to be the staff photographer, and well, you know where that goes. As Winslows job duties expanded to include a food column, so grew their love affair, fanned by the many meandering conversations that took place around the kitchen table. And that is still one of our favorite places to be, she writes. We have always loved to bring people together, especially over food.

In 2003, the couple headed back East, first to Philly and later to New York City, where Winslow took a job as a book editor at Gourmet magazine and her husband set up a photo studio. All the while, she says, they explored various cuisines, gathering recipes like taste souvenirs.

After helping to edit and write the head notes for Gourmets big yellow cookbook, Winslow switched over to the magazine as an editor writing copy for recipes. Working for Ruth Reichl was a bizarre dream come true, she recalls, not to mention a delicious education.

As their family expanded to include a son, the excitement of Big City living wore off. So in 2009, they packed up their tiny apartment in Brooklyn and headed for Sicily. A six-week sabatical stretched into a months-long visit during which both ended up working at a cooking school. The experience proved tasty fodder for their first cookbook in 2012, Coming Home to Sicily.

One food in particular bubbled in the back of the couples heads upon their return to New Jersey in 2010  onions. In particular it was Italys sweet and famous cipolla di Tropea, a red variety that grows along the coast in the Calabria region. In Sicily, Winslow recalls, everything begins with red onions, and we got into that habit. To this day, she has a soft spot for red onions.

Winslow says she hopes the recipes she and her husband have gathered will serve as an inspiration for meals instead of an aspiration. I want it to be super useful, so people can dive in and make dinner from it.

That said, the book does include some project-oriented dishes, including one for onion bialys and another for pierogies that replicates the pillowy, butter-slicked dumplings her Polish great-great aunt fed her as a child.

Youll also find pastes and sauces, such as homemade harissa and chermoula, that can live in your fridge for a long time, just waiting for the opportunity to serve as building blocks for a quick and flavorful dinner.

For such a common vegetable, theres so many things you can do with it, she says.
An Indiana woman was charged Tuesday with stealing a wallet from a car parked outside a Middleton elementary school, then making a $6,500 cash withdrawal from one of the victims bank accounts.

A criminal complaint against Angela C. Phelps, 45, of Indianapolis, states that Phelps has been accused of committing similar crimes elsewhere in Wisconsin, along with Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Missouri. She is currently in custody at the Lake County Jail in Crown Point, Indiana.

A warrant was issued for the case in Dane County.

A criminal complaint alleging similar acts by Phelps in Mount Pleasant, in Racine County, notes that police in several jurisdictions referred to Phelps as Blondie until she was identified, and estimated that she had stolen more than $150,000 from victims.

Phelps is charged in Dane County with identity theft and fraud against a financial institution, both felonies carrying up to six years of combined prison and extended supervision.

According to the Dane County complaint:

The theft from the car, which was parked at West Middleton Elementary School, occurred on Feb. 23. A window was broken to gain access to the car. UW Credit Union later told police that they had a photo of a woman withdrawing $6,500 from the victims bank account at a UW Credit Union location using a forged withdrawal slip.

The victim told police that the woman in the photo was also carrying her purse and wearing her reading glasses, both of which were stolen from her car.

Investigation widens

Police here learned after sending the photo out to other law enforcement agencies that a similar-looking woman had been stealing wallets and credit cards from vehicles in several states for the past nine years, typically while victims cars were parked in public places such as churches, schools, day care centers and parks.

Phelps was later identified as the woman. In February, she was arrested in Hobart, Indiana, but was released without charges. Charges were later issued, and a warrant was issued for her arrest.

Phelps was charged with five felonies in Racine County in March for a similar crime that occurred in August 2014 in Mount Pleasant. In that case, Phelps is accused of stealing nearly $8,600 from a victims bank accounts, and using the victims credit card to buy a $3,000 television.

In that case, the complaint states, she made cash withdrawals from the victims bank while wearing the victims work badge.
Several people were injured Tuesday afternoon when a school bus and dump truck collided, the Grant County Sheriffs Office said.

The bus was headed north on Morgan Road and collided with a dump truck that was going west on Highway P in the town of Patch Grove around 3:55 p.m. The force spun the school bus around, pushed it off a road and through a barbed wire fence before it stopped in a pasture, the Sheriffs Office said.

One of the eight students aboard the bus was thrown from the vehicle and was taken to a hospital, Sheriff Nathan Dreckman said.

Two students were taken home from the scene by parents, and another person was treated at the scene, Dreckman said. The other people injured were taken to a hospital, he said.

All passengers and drivers have been accounted for and have been released from the scene or transported to the hospital, he said.

Dreckman did not provide details on the extent of injuries or clarify how many people were injured or how many were students.

Sasha Dull, a spokeswoman for Crossing Rivers Health, said four people were taken to the hospital in Prairie du Chien. She would not provide information about their conditions.

A representative of Gundersen Health System in La Crosse said a medical helicopter responded to the crash.

The dump truck, a 2002 Peterbilt, was forced off the road and into the ditch after the crash, Dreckman said.

The school bus involved in the crash is owned by Warco Inc., he said.

The intersection where the crash occurred is a little more than two miles west of the River Ridge Elementary School, which is part of the River Ridge School District.

The Sheriffs Office is investigating the crash, and the Wisconsin State Patrol is doing a crash reconstruction, Dreckman said.
The Bay of Plenty Regional Council wants to reassure the community that dust generated by the Kopeopeo Canal Remediation Project at a dioxin dumping site in Awakeri over the next few weeks is not contaminated.

BOPRC project manager Brendon Love says Containment Site One at the intersection of State Highway 30 and Kope Drain Road is currently marked with large fences and dust cloth.

We know there are some significant concerns in the community about dust generated during the Project. The current works on the containment site are normal earthworks and we will be working hard to keep any dust to an absolute minimum, using water tankers on site and dust cloth.

The dust monitoring that has been set up on-site since March will monitor compliance with consent conditions during this phase of work.

During the dredging works later in the year, a cutter-section dredge will suck up sediment from the Kopeopeo Canal and transport it through a pipeline directly to the fully-lined containment site where it is treated prior to being pumped into special geotextile tubes.

The sediment will be de-watered and safely stored within the bags for bioremediation at a later date, says Brendon.

This methodology was pursued in order to mitigate community concerns with spillage from trucks and dust generation as at no point in the transfer process is dry sediment exposed.

April and May had been a busy months working with the contractors, EnviroWaste Ltd, to get the site ready.

The changes at CS1 are the most significant physical works to date. We lost a bit of time during the recent big weather events and it has taken a while for ground-conditions to be dry enough to get machinery on site. But we are still on target to start dredging by late July.

The work in and around Containment Site 1 will mean there are also speed restrictions in place along SH30 so heavy traffic can enter and leave Kope Drain Road safely.

It may be a little disruptive for road users, but we appreciate everyones patience so that we can keep local and site traffic safe.

The $15.5 million project, will see up to 40,000m3 of contaminated sediment taken from the Canal and safely stored in two separate containment sites. The project is funded by the Ministry for the Environments Contaminated Sites Remediation Fund and Bay of Plenty Regional Council,

The Project Team are also working towards an open day before dredging works start so the public can see the containment site controls, monitoring, and treatment process first hand.

The trial site open day that we ran in 2015 was a huge success as it allowed the community to see for themselves what the final Project would look like, albeit in a smaller form.

We would like to do the same again in the next few months before we start dredging, so that people can see the set up and what the site looks like to scale.

The Bay of Plenty Regional Councils Rivers and Drainage Group is working with the community to clean up dioxin-contaminated sediment in the Kopeopeo Canal.

The canal was contaminated between the 1950s and late 1980s as a result of stormwater discharges from a former sawmill, which treated timber using Pentachlorophenol. While unknown at the time, PCP imported into New Zealand for use in the timber processing industry also included a percentage of impurities that contained dioxins.

The project will take a staged approach to remove, safely store and treat up to 40,000m3 of sediment.

Consent was granted for works to begin in 2014, subject to significant conditions. The community raised a number of concerns about the original methodology (excavators and trucks) for removal of the sediment.

Following a successful pilot study of a new method in October 2015, an application was lodged in May 2016 to vary the existing consent so that the sediment could be removed by a cutter suction dredge and transferred by pipeline to the containment sites.

This new method virtually eliminates the heavy traffic and potential for spillages and associated dust generation, and brings improvements to the containment site design which reduces potential groundwater and flooding related effects. The variation to the consent was approved in October 2016.
New Zealand Surfing Team member Ella Williams finished seventh at the International Surfing Association World Surfing Games on Monday, falling just short of a berth in the final against world class performers.

The 22-year-old surfer from Whangamata battled extremely small and inconsistent conditions in the semi-finals early on day three of the event.

Her World Tour opponents, French surfers Pauline Ado and Johanne Defay, progressed through the semi-final and went on to place one-two in the final to secure gold and silver, giving France an early lead on the team standings.

Williams result has helped New Zealand to fourth place overall after three days of the event.

Williams finished fourth in the semi-final requiring 5.90 to advance. However, after persistent paddling up and down the beach to find a decent wave, Williams was left waveless out the back.

The result improves on her ninth placing in 2016 but falls short of the two podium finishes she has achieved in 2013 and 2015.

The events focus now shifts to the Open Mens Division which entered the water for the first time on day three. Kiwis in action included JC Susan (Dun) and Zen Wallis (Piha).

Susan made a very slow start to the event waiting for any wave that had a little more size and enough power to move his big frame. The low heat totals saw Susan only just holding down second place nearing the end of the heat when he finally caught the wave he had been looking for to post a seven point ride and move into first place.

I bumped up my board volume before the event as I heard it is often small at this time of the year, says Susan of the conditions.

Normally I dont surf waves this small but I have had a fair bit of training at the Mount, he adds, referring to original hometown Mount Maunganui.

By the time Wallis surfed his heat, the onshore winds had returned and the swell started to build making the ocean state completely different to the morning.

Wallis posted a 9.63 point heat total to advance in second place behind Panamanian surfer Diego Salgado.

After a delay over the full tide, the event resumed and looked completely different. The swell picked up with the strong onshore and became messy and random but a lot more waves were coming through and I am stoked to get through that first round, says Wallis.

The New Zealand Team are one of 47 nations competing at the event. The record number of entries meant that only two Kiwi males surfed while Paul Moretti (Mur) and Taylor Hutchison (Rag) will have to wait until day four to contest their first heat.

Its awesome having so many teams competing this year but with so many competitors they have had to change the format to have only one round of requalifying heats and then straight knockout rounds after that. Were looking forward to supporting Paul and Taylor through their heats in the bigger waves tomorrow, says Wallis.

The New Zealand Team has been taken in by the coastal township of Bidart located just north of Biarritz. The team were welcomed into the friendly community thanks to a Kiwi connection and have been treated royally since and have enjoyed extra support at the beach.

The World Surfing Games are being held at Biarritz in the south of France from May 20-28. A record 47 nations are participating at the event as the sport prepares for Tokyo 2020 and the Olympics for the first time.

New Zealands ranking of eighth in 2016 secures a berth in the Aloha Cup Tag Team event which includes the top eight nations at the event. New Zealand placed fourth in the 2016 Aloha Cup.
It was duty with a difference when retired Bay of Plenty senior constable Deane OConnor reported to Government House on Tuesday.

Deane was one of seven officers who were invested by Governor General Dame Patsy Reddy for their heroic actions in saving lives or for their initiatives and service to youth and the community.

During an investiture ceremony held in Auckland earlier this month, Deane was presented with a New Zealand Bravery Medals for saving the life of Ashley Donkersley who had been a passenger in a van which was rammed off the Maungatapu Causeway bridge in August 2013.

The crash happened after a vehicle crossed the centreline and collided with the van on the bridge, sending it through the railings and five metres down into the waters of the Rangataua Bay. Tragically, the vans driver Gregory Mark Woledge was killed in the crash.

Ashely, who was a passenger in the van, managed to escape the vehicle but had been struggling in the water.

Deane was the first police officer on the scene, and when he spotted Ashley he jumped into the icy cold water, swam out and towed him for 40 minutes to safety. Both were later treated for hypothermia.

At Wednesdays investiture ceremony in Wellington, two Waikato police dog handlers, Senior Constable Blair Spalding and Constable Ben Turner, were also presented with the New Zealand Bravery Decoration.

Blair and Bens citation notes they acted with exceptional bravery in a situation of danger when they overpowered an armed gunman in a busy central Hamilton street, preventing risk to others.

The two officers, along with colleagues tried to stop the man from driving into the city. The offender fled his van in a supermarket carpark and attempted to take at gunpoint an elderly womans car.

During the struggle to overpower the offender his loaded shotgun went off, causing pellet wounds to Blair and the offender.

Police Commissioner Mike Bush says the Investitures are a very proud moment for the recipients, their families and for police.
Three pickpockets have been arrested by police in Malaga. Officers caught the thieves red-handed with 1,300 euros in their bag after following them around Larios shopping centre where they had been carrying out the thefts together.

One of the trio would turn off the alarms in the shop with a magnet or lockpick while the others stole from the shops and their customers.

The men, of Cuban, Peruvian and Mexican descent, admitted that they worked as pickpockets collectively and that they had come to Malaga from Madrid, after police in the capital became aware of their activity.
Foster Friess, a Rice Lake native and businessman, donated $1 million for relief efforts after Northern Wisconsin was battered by tornadoes and severe thunderstorms last week, Gov. Scott Walker said in a statement Tuesday.

Friess, who started an investment management firm with his wife Lynnette, donated the money to Red Cedar Church in Rice Lake for its relief fund after the storms killed one person, injured several more and resulted in an estimated $10 million in damages, Walker said.

The donation is for a "Challenge Grant" with the church, and Friess, a well-known Republican donor, will double every amount given by others to the church, Walker said. Donations to the church are tax-deductible.

"Please dig deeply to help these people, who in less than an hour's time, life was changed so dramatically for them," Friess said in the statement.
We just got back from the Middle East, President Trump said to the president of Israel after his flight from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to Tel Aviv, which is also in the Middle East.

As Trumpisms go, this one is easy to forgive, particularly given how exhausted the president must have been after a weekend of jet-lagged diplomacy, (non-alcoholic) bacchanalia and sword dancing. But it does speak to a larger truth. The president was a stranger in a strange land, a region of ancient conflicts and complex political intrigues.

We have seen the president struggle with the swamp in Washington. Well, if Washington is a swamp, then the Middle East is the Everglades, and the alligators rolled out the red carpet.

The king of Saudi Arabia greeted Trump at the airport, a gesture ostentatiously denied President Obama. On the drive from the airport the streets were lined with American flags and Trumps face was beamed onto the side of a building.

At the Riyadh summit, Abdel Sisi, the authoritarian leader of Egypt, invited the president to visit his country, adding, You are a unique personality that is capable of doing the impossible.

Trump replied, I agree, to diversely interpretable laughter. He also returned the compliment. Love your shoes. Boy, those shoes. Man!

In short, the Arab leaders, hardly inexperienced in lavishing praise on men who crave it, have the presidents number. Of course, they were given some guidance in this regard. According to New York Times reporter Peter Baker, Washington officials offered some tips on how to deal with the American president.

Keep it short  no 30-minute monologue for a 30-second attention span, Baker summarized. Do not assume he knows the history of the country or its major points of contention. Compliment him on his Electoral College victory. Contrast him favorably with President Barack Obama. Do not get hung up on whatever was said during the campaign.

These last two points are key. The success  so far  of the presidents Middle East trip stands on the ashes of Obamas failures. Its easy to forget that for all Obamas alleged expertise, his foray into the Middle East foundered on his arrogance and naivete. In his 2009 Cairo speech, he unspooled cliches as wisdom, thinking that his name alone would put points on the board. He bought into the idea that the road to stability and peace in the Middle East went through Jerusalem.

As Obama learned on the job, he came to believe the road to peace went through Tehran, crafting an Iranian deal that alienated our democratic ally Israel and our strategic Sunni allies, chiefly Saudi Arabia. In pursuit of his fantasy, he turned a blind eye to Irans crushing of the Green Revolution and dithered to the point of complicity in the Syrian abattoir. Meanwhile, Iran remains as implacably hostile and as determined to be a regional hegemon as ever.

That is the context of Trumps fawning reception. Welcome, President Not Obama! Equally relevant, the Saudis welcomed Not Candidate Trump.

During the campaign, Trump railed against Muslims, indicted the Saudis as the architects of the 9/11 attacks and said (with more than a little accuracy) that the Saudis want to keep women as slaves and to kill gays.

In his speech on Sunday, Trump flip-flopped to a somewhat more elevated realism. He said America wants partners, not perfection and that he didnt come to lecture anybody, hence the refusal to mention anything that rhymed with human rights or democracy.

Which brings me back to Trumps naivete when it comes to the Middle East.

He manfully called for the destruction of terrorists, but he talked of them as if they were foreign invaders to be driven out of the swamp, not products of it. Like the man who only has a hammer and therefore thinks every problem is a nail, Trump believes that the Middle Easts problems can be solved with terrific deals.

The Saudis, eager to buy weapons and counter Iran, are all too eager to encourage this view. What alligator doesnt want sharper teeth?
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Douglas C. Stresing, of Clyde, pictured in this undated photograph, was reported missing on May 27, 2002. The New York State Police have been searching for Stresing for 15 years.

(Provided)

CLYDE, N.Y. -- The last time anyone saw Douglas C. Stresing, the welder was walking to work on a Wayne County road.

It was late May 2002 when Stresing disappeared. Nearly 15 years later, the Clyde man is still missing.

The New York State Police asked the public for help Tuesday finding Stresing -- releasing details about the cold case five days before the anniversary of his disappearance.

Stresing was last seen walking west on State Route 31 toward Clyde around 8:30 a.m. on May 27, 2002, troopers said. He was on his way to work, according to the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System.

Stresing was reported missing later that day, troopers said. At the time, he was 39 years old.

Troopers did not say if Stresing's disappearance is considered suspicious. An investigator was not immediately available for comment.

On the left, Douglas C. Stresing, of Clyde, shows off his Grim Reaper tattoo in an undated photograph. Stresing, who is also pictured on the right, was reported missing on May 27, 2002. The New York State Police have been searching for him for 15 years.

When he disappeared, Stresing lived on Old Route 31 in Clyde and was a frequent patron of bars in the Wayne County area, troopers said. The welder worked for Swanson Welding on Glasglow Street in Clyde, troopers said.

Stresing was about 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighed approximately 160 pounds when he disappeared, troopers said. The brown-eyed man wore glasses and had curly brown hair.

The missing man had a tattoo of the Grim Reaper on his left upper arm, troopers said. When he disappeared, Stresing also had a beard and a mustache.

If found today, Stresing would be 54 years old.

Troopers asked anyone with information about Stresing to call (315) 946-3044 extension 117.
LYNDON, N.Y. -- An 18-year-old and a 16-year-old who were believed to have abducted a 12-year-old girl from Upstate New York's Southern Tier Tuesday morning are facing felony charges.

Joshua R. Monette, 18, and John D. Harvey, 16, are facing four felony charges and a misdemeanor after 12-year-old McKenzie R. Wilson went missing from the Lyndon and Franklinville area in Cattaraugus County, State Police said.

Joshua R. Monette, left, and John Harvey, right, are suspected of abducting McKenzie R. Wilson, 12, from the Southern Tier on May 23, 2017.

The three knew one another from school, all attending Randolph Academy, Trooper James O'Callaghan, a state police spokesman, told syracuse.com.

Harvey was a mutual friend of the pair, but Wilson had further connections to Monette from a previous incident, troopers said.

McKenzie R. Wilson

While troopers were investigating Wilson's disappearance, they were told someone stole the red Chevrolet Silverado of a man who lived near Monette, officials said.

The owner told state police there was a handgun in the truck. Monette's father also told state police a gun was missing from his home, police said.

Officials believed Wilson had been abducted, and an Amber Alert was put out to help law enforcement find her.

A caller reported seeing the trio near Farmersville, O'Callaghan said. State Police found Wilson, the two suspects and the stolen vehicle at an abandoned house near one of the boy's homes, according to officials.

Wilson was safe and uninjured, and everyone was taken into custody without incident.

After consulting with District Attorney Lori Rieman, troopers charged Monette and Harvey with fourth-degree grand larceny, a felony; two counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, a felony; fourth-degree criminal possession of stolen property, a felony; and second-degree unlawful imprisonment, a misdemeanor.

Monette was also charged with endangering the welfare of a child.
APPROVED IMG_4502FINAL.jpg

The Beach Boys have sold more than 100 million records and put 36 singles into the top 10 of the Billboard chart.

(Provided photo)

SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- The Beach Boys will perform this summer at the New York State Fair.

The show will take place at 7 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 25 on the Chevy Court stage.



As the preeminent vocal group in American pop music, the band has sold more than 100 million records and put 36 singles into the top 10 of the Billboard chart.

This will be the band's 13th appearance at the fair and the first since 1999.

Last year, the band's original vocalist Brian Wilson performed at Chevy Court, drawing 19,800 people. Wilson's performance was part of his Pet Sounds 50th Anniversary World Tour, which will return to Syracuse on Sunday, Oct. 1.

The current lineup of The Beach Boys includes original members Mike Love and Bruce Johnston, along with Randy Leago, Brian (Ike) Eichenberger, John Cowsill, Tim Bonhomme, Jeffrey Foskett and Scott Totten.

The Beach Boys were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1988 and the album "Pet Sounds" has been preserved in the National Recording Registry by the Library of Congress and inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.

Other free concerts announced for the 2017 Chevy Court lineup include:

Robert Randolph

3 Doors Down

The Fabulous Thunderbirds

Herman's Hermits starring Peter Noone

Kansas

Marshall Tucker Band

Taylor Dayne

LeAnn Rimes

Spin Doctors

The 2017 fair runs from Aug. 23 to Sept. 4, 2017.

Katrina Tulloch writes music and culture stories for Syracuse.com and The Post-Standard. Contact her: Email | Twitter | Facebook
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Mayors and supervisors comprising the "majority" of Onondaga County elected officials gathered at the steps of the Onondaga County Courthouse on Wednesday to say they did not think there would be enough time to come up with a shared-service plan to cut costs across the county. A new state law signed in April by Gov. Andrew Cuomo requires a plan to be created by Aug. 1.

(Patrick Lohmann | Syracuse.com)

SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Two dozen Onondaga County mayors and supervisors said Wednesday they won't have enough time to craft a county-wide plan for sharing services by the deadline required in a state law signed by Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

The supervisors and mayors gathered on the steps of the Onondaga County Courthouse to rail against the new law and what they said are "burdensome mandates" from the state. Those are the real culprits behind high property taxes, they said.

Under the law, County Executive Joanie Mahoney will convene the supervisors and mayors in Onondaga County to produce a plan to cut costs through shared services, like merging snow removal resources between villages or combining police departments.

State law requires the panel to create the plan by Aug. 1.

Mahoney has been empowered to convene the panel's first meeting since at least May 4, but she hasn't done so yet. It's a rocky start for the process, and the clock is ticking, Fayetteville Mayor Mark Olson told reporters.

"This is just unrealistic when we haven't even started this plan," he said. "We want want time. We want a more in-depth look at this, and we want to share even more. But we need more time to do that."

Mahoney told Syracuse.com in a phone interview Wednesday she's confident there will be enough time. The delay, she said, in scheduling the first meeting is because she's waiting to hear back from school districts about whether they'll attend. She's putting together a calendar and will reach out to the elected officials, she said.

The governor has pushed for the panels as a way to reduce property taxes across the state. In Onondaga County, the shared-service meetings come on the heels of Consensus, a plan created by a citizen group that identifies areas to cut costs or consolidate public services. The group estimates the plan would, if fully implemented, cut between $8 million and $33 million in costs over five years.

Mary Ann Coogan, Camillus town supervisor, said the Consensus plan might provide a starting point for the panel. But panel members will still have to work out the details, which will take more time than has been allotted.

"This is a plan to fail if it's not done right," she said. "There's a lot of good ideas in the Consensus report, but it takes time."

Mahoney said the Consensus plan makes Onondaga County much better prepared than other counties that are coming up with shared-service plans from scratch.

"We're actually far ahead of any county that we know of," she said. "Based on that, we have plenty of time because all of our homework is done."

The group provided a list of the ways they are already sharing services among their jurisdictions, and members said coming up with shared services won't affect what they said are the real driver behind high property taxes: high pension costs, Medicaid bills and other state mandates.

The supervisors and mayors of 24 towns and villages in the county wrote a letter to Mahoney and Cuomo outlining their concerns, in addition to the news conference. Syracuse Mayor Stephanie Miner, a vocal critic of the Consensus plan, attended the news conference but did not speak.

Despite their criticism, the group said they will do their best to come up with a plan in the time allotted. Coogan said the time constraints and other concerns don't mean they won't work "in earnest" to come up with a plan.

The panel has to create the plan by Aug. 1, and it will then be given to the Onondaga County Legislature.

The legislature can make changes, then send its recommendations back to the panel. From there, the panel will hold three public hearings to solicit input.

Each municipality will then be able to opt out of any action that affects their local government. The panel will then vote on the final plan and develop a projection of how much tax savings will be realized. New York State will match those savings and that money will be shared among the participating municipalities.

Mahoney is inviting school district representatives to the meetings in addition to the elected officials, she said. She could not immediately say whether schools would be given the same power to vote on the plan or opt out if it affects their individual districts.

The plan will have to be presented to the public by Oct. 15. However, the public does not have a vote on the plan.

Here's a list of the mayors and supervisors who signed the letter:

Thomas P. Andino, Jr., Town of Onondaga supervisor

Ken Bush, Town of Elbridge supervisor

Mark A. Nicotra, Town of Salina supervisor

Mary Ann Coogan, Town of Camillus supervisor

James E. Lanning, Town of Skaneateles supervisor

Joseph P. Saraceni, Town of Lysander supervisor

Claude E. Sykes, Town of Van Buren supervisor

Edwin Theobald, Town of Manlius supervisor

Damian Ulatowski, Town of Clay supervisor

Christopher Kozub, Town of Spafford supervisor

Wayne S. Amato, Town of Otisco supervisor

Karen R. Pollard, Town of Marcellus supervisor

Richard A. Clarke, Village of Baldwinsville mayor

Richard A. Platten, Village of Jordan mayor

Stephanie A. Miner, City of Syracuse mayor

Ron Benedetti, Village of Solvay mayor

Robert Tackman, Village of East Syracuse mayor

Mark Olson, Village of Fayetteville mayor

Gary C. White, Village of Liverpool mayor

John P. Curtin, Village of Marcellus mayor

Paul Whorrall, Village of Manlius mayor

Gary Butterfield, Village of North Syracuse mayor

Martin Hubbard, Village of Skaneateles mayor

Mark Venesky, Town of Cicero supervisor
Once again, the world mourns the deaths of innocents at the hands of a hate-filled attacker. And once again, we must regroup in the face of tragedy and double down on efforts to prevent such senseless acts.

Mondays attack in England was especially heartbreaking because it targeted a crowd of mostly teenage and preteen concertgoers and their families. A shrapnel-filled bomb blasted through an entrance hall of a 20,000-seat arena in Manchester, taking at least 22 lives and injuring 59. Among the dead was an 8-year-old girl. The suicide bomber targeted concertgoers leaving the venue where they had heard American pop star Ariana Grande perform.

The Islamic State in Iraq and Syria claimed responsibility for the attack in Great Britains second-largest city, but that was not immediately confirmed. It was the deadliest terror assault in Britain since 2005, when 52 people died, along with four assailants, in coordinated attacks on Londons transit system.

The suicide bomber has been identified as a 22-year-old British national named Salma Abedi, according to the Associated Press. Authorities are investigating whether Abedi acted alone or as part of a larger group, as well as whether he was directed by a terror group.

The mass killing reinforces the ongoing need for strong intelligence and sophisticated counterterrorism efforts. British police, who have been battling terrorism since the Irish Republican Armys attacks in the early 1970s, are experts in terrorism and have thwarted dozens of planned attacks on Britain. This latest attack also underscores the importance of nations working together to gather and share intelligence. ...

The most successful counterterrorism programs are rooted in the understanding that the kind of carnage seen in England on Monday does not accurately reflect the teachings of Islam as practiced by millions of peace-loving Muslims in the United States and abroad. London Mayor Sadiq Khan, who is Muslim, condemned the Manchester attack as  barbaric and sickening.

This is no time for those in Britain or the United States to randomly turn on neighbors who look, dress or speak differently or who practice a certain religion. Instead, those who want to join the fight against terrorism should support efforts to counter the hate-filled recruiting narrative that terrorists spread on social media.

President Trump, speaking in Saudi Arabia on Sunday, appropriately called on leaders from across the Muslim world to counter a wicked ideology and purge the foot soldiers of evil from their societies.

This is not a battle between different faiths, different sects or different civilizations, Trump said. He added that this is a battle between good and evil.

Though much is yet to be learned about the Manchester bombing, evil took the lives of 22 people Monday in an act of cowardice that should unite all of us in doing all that we can to make sure the next would-be terrorist fails.
2015-10-21-dl-capitol25.JPG

New York State capitol building in Albany.

(David Lassman / The Post-Standard)

With less than a month left in the New York State Legislature's 2017 session, three sensible proposals regarding government transparency and accountability should be passed by lawmakers and signed into law by Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

Awarding of legal fees

A bill Cuomo vetoed in 2015 is back, with some modifications. The bill would create consequences for government agencies that unduly delay or deny Freedom of Information Law requests from the public and the media. Taking an agency to court over records access can be cost-prohibitive; most people just give up.

This bill would require a judge to award legal fees to a litigant who prevails in court with a finding that the government had no reasonable basis for denying access to information. It would permit a judge to award legal fees if the litigant prevails and the agency failed to respond to a FOIL request within the time prescribed by the law. This two-tiered approach, different from the previous bill, emphasizes that the point of awarding legal fees is to encourage government agencies to comply with the law, not to penalize them.

The changes should mollify some of Cuomo's objections. However, the bill does not address the governor's main problem with FOIL: It does not apply to the Legislature. Cuomo put forward FOIL reforms in his proposed budget but they advanced no further.

Affiliates of government agencies

A second bill would expand the definition of government agency to include the corporate entities they create, thus subjecting them to FOIL.



Two SUNY not-for-profit entities -- Fort Schuyler Management Corp. and Fuller Road Management Corp. - are the vehicles through which the state poured hundreds of millions of dollars into a solar panel factory in Buffalo and a "film hub" and LED lighting factory in DeWitt. The affiliates operated largely outside of public scrutiny. The projects they financed are now at the center of a federal indictment accusing a former SUNY official and property developers in Syracuse and Buffalo of conspiring to rig bids on construction contracts.



Since the indictment, Empire State Development has taken over management of Fuller Road and Fort Schuyler, and strengthened bylaws about records disclosure and open meetings. But there's no telling how many more of these entities are doing business on behalf of state agencies. This bill would force them into the light.



Reporting requirements for tax-free zones



A provision included in the state budget as it rushed toward passage in April removed the requirement that participants in the STARTUP-NY program regularly report how many "net new jobs" they have created. A bill in the Legislature would restore that requirement and set April 1 as the deadline for reporting data about the program.



New York state ought to be transparent about the effectiveness of its economic development strategies. Job creation numbers are one metric, but not the only one.



START-UP NY aims to turn academic research into startup companies and jobs by connecting tax-free zones to SUNY campuses - a worthy goal. It certainly isn't the economic savior Cuomo touted it to be. The program was slow to get up and running and the job creation numbers are small, thus far. It will take some time for START-UP NY to bear fruit.



A summary of federal charges against two Cor Development executives
To the Editor:

The proposal for a New York State Fair gondola invites comparison with two cities that, unlike Syracuse, are surrounded by mountains. Piatra Neamt, Romania, with about 85,000 people, straddles the Bistrita River coming out of the Carpathians which rise 1,500 feet above its valley floor. Missoula, Montana, with about 65,000 population, spreads across a valley in which the Clark Fork is joined by the Bitterroot River at 3,500 feet elevation.

Missoula has no gondola operating to carry its idle, but monied, visitors to its snowy slopes nearby. Piatra Neamt has its "Telegondola," operating from its train station to Mount Cozla, a six-minute ride over the city. It must have seemed like a good idea at the time. Yet, as I witnessed during an extended visit in February 2013, it operates in the same eerie, ghostly fashion that the faux-trolley/bus had in Syracuse during the Young and the Bernardi administrations, moving continuously through the sodium vapor-lit alienation of "downtown," empty of human passengers. It is a daily cycle of pointlessness, a phantasm of capsules void of folk overhead by day, and garishly illuminated at night as each pod embarks no one at the transportation hub above the rail station, nor debarks anyone on the slope of the mountain.



Two cities similar to Syracuse in their regional economic systems: One has had the sense, so far, to refrain from constructing a wasteful piece of engineering for idleness; the other, vainly hoping for tourists, most likely German, with euros to rescue their economy.



Where are the Germans with euros who will come to visit the salt flats of Syracuse? In vain, I look for a convincing simulacrum of mountains!



Further, I wonder is this some malicious rejoinder to climate change that some insensible bureaucratic entrepreneur forgot to redact before it went to committee, a jokey proposal now taken very seriously by politicians whose only response to the imminent collapses of economic systems as the grave consequences of an overheating planet is to grow more of them?



Stephen Edward Ludwig

Syracuse
The states largest police union doesnt have a problem with law-abiding citizens carrying concealed handguns.

But it does want to keep minimal licensing and training standards in place, according to Jim Palmer, executive director of the Wisconsin Professional Police Association, which represents more than 10,000 officers in 300 communities across the state.

Thats a reasonable position the Legislature should respect.

Instead, about 50 Republican lawmakers, led by Sen. David Craig, R-town of Vernon, and Rep. Mary Felzkowski, R-Irma, are pushing legislation to eliminate permit and training requirements for members of the public who want to pack heat.

The full Legislature should show it respects the concerns of rank-and-file officers  as well as the views of most constituents  by rejecting Assembly Bill 247 and Senate Bill 169.

We arent against concealed carry, Palmer told the State Journal editorial board Monday. We just think maintaining a minimum requirement for training is a good thing for officer safety and for public safety.

Hes right. If anything, the states current law is too lax. Thats why the police union opposed the concealed carry bill Gov. Scott Walker signed into law in 2011.

Current law requires most citizens to get a license to carry a concealed weapon from the state Department of Justice. Applicants must pass a background check showing they arent felons and complete at least a few hours of training, such as a hunter education class or firearm safety course.

Permits cost just $40 and must be renewed every five years for $22. Thats not much money. And the names of permit holders are hidden from the public. Not even officers can check if someone is a permit holder in most cases.

Thats a lenient system with little government intervention.

Yet Craig, Felzkowski and lots of their colleagues  including Reps. Mark Born, R-Beaver Dam; John Jagler, R-Watertown; Howard Marklein, R-Spring Green; and Keith Ripp, R-Lodi  want the state to relax handgun laws even more.

The good news is some Republicans and many Democrats are speaking out against these bills. Sen. Luther Olsen, R-Ripon, told the Associated Press he wants to responsibly maintain firearm safety training. He also opposes allowing guns on school grounds, which the bills would permit.

Another opponent is Appleton Police Chief Todd Thomas, who told WBAY-TV (Ch. 2) in Green Bay: We all value our constitutional rights, but our Founders also made it clear that they were not unrestrained rights. Legislation like this, in a time when we continue to see random and impulsive acts of mass murder, ... only makes Wisconsin less safe.

The Legislature should listen carefully to the concerns of law enforcement and stop these irresponsible bills from advancing.
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Microsoft on Tuesday announced a refresh of its Surface Pro tablet-laptop computer.

Although Microsoft said the fifth generation of the unit has been redesigned from the inside out with more than 800 new custom parts, the Surface Pro looks similar to its predecessor.

If you were looking for a major redesign of Surface, this isnt it, said Ross Rubin, principal analyst at Reticle Research.

Nevertheless, Microsoft has made some significant improvements in the tablet cum laptop.

Overall, the new Microsoft Surface Pro is a significant, even substantial, improvement over the Surface 4, said Charles King, principal analyst at Pund-IT.

Better Battery Life

Battery life has been boosted to 13.5 hours, which is 50 percent greater than the new Surface Pros predecessor, and 35 percent greater than its Apple rival, the iPad Pro.

Microsoft has upgraded the processors in the line, too, giving the new unit 2.5 times more computational performance than the Surface Pro 3, and 1.7 times the performance of the iPad Pro.

The Surface Pro models that use Intels 7th-generation Core m3 and i5 chips are fanless, so theyre quiet as well as powerful. The i7 model of the unit with a fan is relatively quiet, too, with a noise level of 18db.

The fanless 7th-gen Core i5 capabilities are unique in a tablet, and its apparent Microsoft did some serious thermal work, said Patrick Moorhead, principal analyst at Moor Insights and Strategy.

The new Surface Pro also has a high-resolution screen  2736 x 1824  with 267 pixels per inch, which is 50 percent more than a 12-inch MacBook.

The display is enhanced by Microsofts PixelSense Accelerator technology, which is designed to make colors vibrant and precise.

More Sensitive Pen

Improvements also have been made to the Surface Pen, which is sold separately and is offered in four colors  platinum, burgundy, cobalt blue and black. With 4,096 pressure points, the pen is four times more sensitive than the original Surface Pen, Microsoft said, and with a latency of 21 milliseconds, its close to capturing the experience of an analog pen to paper.

The long battery life and the fanless design will be the greatest draws for this Surface Pro, Reticles Rubin told TechNewsWorld.

Meanwhile, the new pen technology should resonate with those using their Surface for nuanced drawings, he added.

Drawing on the new Surface Pro is easier, too, thanks to an improved hinge that gives the unit 165 degrees of motion.

Microsoft also has spruced up the keyboards for the new Surface Pro. Theyre covered with Alcantara fabric, which is treated with a high-performance polyurethane coating to resist spills. Keyboard colors match those of the Surface Pen.

Future LTE Support

The new Surface Pro remains light and thin at 1.7 pounds and 8.5mm, and its going to support LTE later this year, Microsoft said.

If you preorder a unit, you will not have the option to use 4G connections, explained Jeff Orr, senior practice director for mobile devices at ABI Research. You can only use WiFi or Bluetooth connections.

The addition of cellular connectivity rounds out the capabilities of the Surface Pro.

If youre talking about a truly mobile product, you should be able to connect anywhere, Orr told TechNewsWorld.

Despite its many improvements, the new Surface Pro still doesnt support USB-C connections.

It would have been nice to have at least one USB-C port, Pund-ITs King told TechNewsWorld.

Microsoft also has dropped numbering with this latest model, which may confuse the market in the long run.

Its more difficult for buyers to know what is new and what is old in the channel, Moorhead told TechNewsWorld.

Buying peripherals are more difficult, too, he continued. We have seen these issues with the Apple iPad, and we will see them with Surface Pro.

Refresh Needed Badly

A new version of the Surface Pro was overdue.

The product line definitely needed a refresh. This brings the Surface Pro products up to spec with other Surface products, ABIs Orr said.

This will help Microsoft continue the momentum its had with Surface and help establish it in more organizations, he added.

Before the refresh, that momentum might have begun to stall.

The current Surface Pro has been around for a year and half now, so its sales began to slip because its old technology, said Jack E. Gold, principal analyst at J.Gold Associates.

They really needed to update it, he told TechNewsWorld.

Microsoft began taking advance orders for the new Surface Pro Tuesday, and will start shipping units June 15. Base price is US$799 for a model with an Intel Core m3 processor, 4 GB of RAM and a 128-GB solid state drive. Keyboards are $159.99. Pricing for the Surface Pen was not announced.
Road construction season is in full bore in Wisconsin, but bulldozers and dump trucks will be parked starting Friday, so travelers have one less thing to worry about for the Memorial Day weekend.

The Department of Transportation said contractors are being asked to halt construction on the dozens of highway projects underway, with the hiatus lasting from noon Friday to 6 a.m. Tuesday.

That doesn't mean drivers won't encounter orange barrels, tight lanes and stop and go traffic.

"While workers will open as many highway lanes as possible, motorists should still allow for extra travel time, and expect slower traffic in work zones and along major highway corridors," the DOT said.

Peak travel times in Wisconsin are expected to run from noon to 8 p.m. both on Friday and Monday.

"We're asking motorists to plan ahead, avoid peak travel periods if possible and expect traffic to slow down or even stop, especially in work zones," said Wayne Chase, chief construction oversight engineer of the DOT.

"We need drivers to be patient and focused on what's ahead of them, to prevent rear-end crashes that are common in work zones," Chase said.

In 2016, 10 people were killed in crashes in Wisconsin during the Memorial Day weekend.

Big construction projects that could affect travel this holiday weekend include the Zoo Interchange in Milwaukee, I-39/90 in Rock and Dane counties, Verona Road in Madison, I-43 in Brown County and I-41 near Highway 10 in Neenah.

Updated road and incident information can be found on the DOT website at 511wi.gov, by phone at 511 and by free mobile app or on Twitter at @511WI
When it comes to enthusiast PC cases, you're spoilt for choice. We still rate the be quite! Dark Base Pro 900 as our favorite, but products from Corsair and Phanteks aren't far behind. Another high-end case to make our list is Cooler Master's Cosmos II, which is now getting a revamped 25th Anniversary Edition that comes with some new features.

To celebrate the fact that the Taiwan-based component manufacturer has been around since 1992, it's updating the Cosmos II with something fans have long asked for: windowed side panels.

Cooler Master has listened to pleas and responded with a version of its famous case that includes two curved, tempered glass side panels that can unlock and swing open, much like the doors on a luxury car. The company claims these are the first of their kind.

"Innovation is Cooler Master's legacy, brought to life once more with these massive tempered glass panels, the first of their kind. These beautifully crafted panels blend seamlessly with the sophisticated contours of the case and give a smooth look inside the case to show off your build," Cooler Master said.

The 25th Anniversary Edition also comes with an updated design that boasts two distinctive brushed aluminum handles and a soft brushed aluminum sheen on the front and top panels. You also get an Advanced Control Panel that can be accessed by sliding back the top panel cover, and a stack of hot-swappable drive bays hidden behind the front slide panel.

While many high-end cases are filled with RGB lighting, Cooler Master has stuck with just blue for its 200mm front LED fan and magnetic strip light.

If you already own a Cosmos II and long for the Anniversary Edition's side panels but don't want to buy the new case, Cooler Master has you covered. It will be offering just the doors, which can be attached to the older case, as a separate product sometime in Q3, though there's no word on the price.

The Cosmos II Anniversary Edition is coming to Europe at the end of June and costs 349 Euros. The company hasn't said when it'll arrive in the US, or how much it will be, but a direct conversion works out at around $390.
Japanese multinational telecommunications corporation Softbank has accumulated a $4 billion stake in Nvidia, making it the chipmaker's fourth-largest shareholder, according to a Bloomberg report citing people familiar with the matter.

Softbank disclosed that it owned an unspecified amount of Nvidia stock when it announced it had closed a $93 billion "Vision Fund" over the weekend - a technology fund created by Softbank founder Masayoshi Son along with Saudi Arabia and other investors.

Softbank is believed to hold a 4.9 percent stake in Nvidia; any more would require regulatory disclosure in the US. The amount equates to around $4 billion.

Back in July last year, Softbank agreed to acquire British chip design company ARM Holdings for 23.4 billion (about $31 billion). Six months after the deal was signed, it sold 25 percent of ARM to the Vision Fund, which is based in London.

The fund's $100 billion comes from Saudi Arabia ($45 billion) and Softbank itself ($25 billion). The remainder is made up by global investors such as Apple and Oracle's Lawrence Ellison. Son pledged to invest half the fund into US tech firms, telling Donald Trump that it would help create 50,000 jobs in the country.

Softbank is no stranger to large investments. It poured $21.6 billion into US network carrier Sprint Nextel back in 2013 - the biggest foreign investment by a Japanese firm at the time. It's also invested $5 billion into Chinese ride-hailing firm Didi Chuxing.

Nvidia shares rose as much 5.5 percent in Germany on the back of the news.
Update #3: So far, Kyle has chased and pestered support personnel from Google to T-Mobile to Swappa trying to determine what to do about his disabled Pixel XL. After jumping on the Pixel Community forums and starting a thread about the issue, he received a response from a Project Fi Community Manager. Not only did she outwardly acknowledge that the problem is occurring for multiple users, but she also assured him that they would fix the issue.

Hi everyone, Thank you for sharing this with us on the Forum. Our team is aware, and we are working to restore access to impacted devices. Thank you, Alena Project Fi Community Manager

This news could be good for anyone affected by the Pixel blacklisting debacle. However, Kyle warns everyone to take the promises with a healthy grain of salt.

"It is good to know that Project Fi is aware of this, but every communication I have had with Google about this started with 'we will get this fixed,'" Kyle wrote. "So I am not putting much faith in this statement."

Update #2: According to Kyle at HardOCP, Google has flipped on its story again. After assuring him that his phone must have been reported lost or stolen and that Google had nothing to do with it, Kyle reached out to the party who sold him the phone.

The seller claims that Project Fi contacted him and said that "these phones have not been reported stolen (a third 180 degree turn on that stance), and it does in fact ('fact' is used loosely here) seem to be an issue with Pixel phones originally purchased from Project Fi."

Despite Google's shifty excuses, it seems there will be a happy ending to the ordeal. The problem apparently stemmed from the Project Fi's system not separating the phones from their prior Project Fi accounts. The seller tells HardOCP that they should be able to resolve the situation to get his phone working again.

A little exposure on the problem seemed to help after all. Score one for the press.

Update #1: Google contacted Kyle again admitting that the phone was, in fact, blacklisted, but that they did not have anything to do with it.

"The seller whom you purchased it from, might have gotten a device from someone else who stole/lost it earlier, hence the original owner of the device reported it lost/stolen and the law enforcement might have blocked it after the original owner contacted them. [sic] Google doesn't blacklist the devices, we ask the customers to contact law enforcement or carrier to block the devices from usage when customers contact us when they have lost the device or gotten stolen. [sic] This is not an issue from our end."

However, Google's explanation still does not clarify why Swappa has received a "great number" of blacklisting complaints regarding Pixel devices. Something has to be causing a surge in Pixel phones being lost or stolen in the last two days.

Last November, DansDeals reported that hundreds of accounts had been suspended by Google after it had discovered many Pixel phone owners had resold their phones to circumvent a U.S. sales tax loophole for profit.

According to the report, a number of Pixel phones were purchased from Google's Project Fi, a mobile carrier that uses multiple networks for broader signal coverage. The phones were shipped to a reseller in New Hampshire, which does not have a sales tax. The profit from the untaxed phones was then split with the customers.

Under Google Store's terms of service policy, commercial resell of Google devices is prohibited.

"You may only purchase Devices for your personal use. You may not commercially resell any Device, but you may give the Device as a gift."

In response, Google shuttered all accounts involved in the scheme. Hundreds of users began complaining about not being able to access their email, photos, the app store, or anything else "linked to the [offending] online identity."

Today there has been at least one report and possibly more that particular Pixel phones are becoming blacklisted. Blacklisting occurs when a phone's IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number is reported as stolen or lost. It essentially prevents the phone from being used except for 911 emergency calls.

Kyle from HardOCP reported that this has happened to his Pixel XL. He said the blocking came out of nowhere with no warning. He contacted his carrier T-Mobile, but they informed him that there is nothing that they can do to reverse the blacklisting.

Kyle had purchased the phone online through Swappa, which acts as a broker for buyers and sellers of used phones. Speaking with Swappa support, he discovered that he was not the only one experiencing the problem.

"Sorry to hear of the complaints. We have seen a great number of Pixel devices becoming blacklisted the past two days. We are still trying to figure out why this has happened to so many devices. We are working to find out the cause of this widespread issue."

Swappa suggested that he contact Google to see if they could get to the bottom of the problem. Google initially claimed that they were thoroughly aware of what was going on and that his phone was not actually blacklisted; that he was receiving a spam message. However, Kyle checked his IMEI, and the number was definitely coming back blacklisted.

After confronting Google with his IMEI check, Google support finally told him, "The phone had not been reported stolen, but had been sold through the 'Project Fi Team.'"

Could this have been connected to the actions taken back in November?

The support specialist informed him that she would be escalating the issue to Project Fi and that he would be hearing from them in about 24 hours. When asked for a support ticket, the representative would not provide him with one, only indicating he would receive one via email.

Kyle is still waiting to hear from the Project Fi team. If you have had a similar experience or have more information regarding the whole Pixel/Project Fi situation, please share with us in the comments.
A controversial new study suggests that the fossil of an ape's jawbone may shed new light on the origins of Homo sapiens.

The Jawbone

First discovered during World War II by German soldiers in Greece, the fossil was in very poor condition - nothing more than a mandible with the teeth chipped away. Most paleontologists didn't know what to do with the specimen.

Recently, David R. Begun, a paleobiologist at the University of Toronto, studied the fossil and made some interesting discoveries. Begun's analysis revealed that the fossil was more than 7 million years old had some human characteristics.

The Theory

Begun and his team claim that the fossil could represent humanity's oldest ancestor and, to make things even more controversial, he suggests that the fossil is evidence that humanity diverged from apes living in southern Europe as opposed to Africa.

Begun's claims are not widely supported by the scientific community as the generally held consensus is that the original home of Homo sapiens was Africa.

"David Begun has repeatedly proposed that the African ape and human clade arose in Europe and that gorillas, chimps and humans arose from an early European member of this group that migrated into Africa," John Kelley, a paleontologist at Arizona State University's Institute of Human Origins, told the Washington Post. "This 'back into Africa' scenario has garnered few if any adherents."

The Study

The jawbone is believed to come from a species that has been named Graecopithecus freybergi. Upon analyzing the jaw via a CT scan, researchers found that the jaw does contain some human characteristics.

"The canine root was very short," said Begun. "The premolar roots were simplified, partly fused. Both of those characteristics we find only in members of human lineage."

Despite Begun's work, most researchers remain unconvinced. New York University's Susan C. Anton admitted that there was a possibility that Homo sapiens originated in Asia rather than Africa, but added it was unlikely. The simplest and most widely held view remains the African origin.

Beyond that, some have argued that Begun's research is based on incomplete data as we do not have a full model of the specimen's jaw.

"The evidence that canine root reduction indicates the hominin status of Graeco is also not very convincing," said the Smithsonian's Richard Potts, who notes that the crown had snapped off, making it impossible to study the fossil in the context of the entire tooth. "So there's little basis for accepting the exceptional claim that a 7.2-million-year-old fossil from Greece is the oldest known human ancestor!"

Begun himself notes that the study is far from perfect, but is planning an expedition to find more samples for study.

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Researchers from Symantec, a cybersecurity software company, claim that tools and infrastructure used to carry out recent WannaCry ransomware attacks show strong links to Lazarus, a group believed to be responsible for the infamous Sony Pictures hack and the $81 million theft from the Bangladesh Central Bank.

Symantec said it discovered multiple instances of code from the Sony Pictures hack in early versions of WannaCry. What's more, a similar internet connection was used to run WannaCry on two computers to use a tool that was previously used to destroy files at Sony Pictures. U.S. authorities have accused North Korea as being responsible for the Sony Pictures hack, which it has so far denied.

How Is WannaCry Linked To Lazarus?

Many security firms call the hacking group behind the Sony Pictures hack "Lazarus." Symantec detailed the similarities in a blog post. After the first WannaCry attack in February occurred, Symantec discovered three pieces of malware in the victim's network: Trojan.Volgmer along with two variants of Backdoor.Destover, disk-wiping software used in the Sony Pictures hack.

Moreover, Trojan.Alphanc, which was used to distribute the WannaCry ransomware in March and April, is actually just a modified version of Backdoor.Duuzer, which carries links to Lazarus. By extension, Trojan.Bravonc used the same IP addresses as Backdoor.Duuzer and Backdoor.Destover, both of which carry links to Lazarus.

Backdoor.Bravonc shares similar code with WannaCry and Infostealer.Fakepude  which, as you can expect, carries links to Lazarus. Between the three appears to be a shared style method, which makes the code difficult to analyze, a process called obfuscation.

Finally, WannaCry and Lazarus-linked Backdoor.Contopee contain shared code.

All these associations have rendered Symantec confident enough to declare that Lazarus might indeed be responsible for the widespread WannaCry attacks.

"Analysis of these early WannaCry attacks by Symantec's Security Response team revealed substantial commonalities in the tools, techniques, and infrastructure used by the attackers and those seen in previous Lazarus attacks, making it highly likely that Lazarus was behind the spread of WannaCry," the company said in its blog post.

Despite the ties to Lazarus, WannaCry attacks doesn't appear to be a case of a nation-state campaign, states Symantec. The attacks, collectively, are "more typical of a cyber crime campaign."

What Is WannaCry?

WannaCry, for the uninitiated, is a ransomware that infected hundreds of thousands of computers around the globe, with the bulk of reports suggesting that it hit Britain's public system quite badly, with entire wards reportedly closing and National Health Service staff being told to go home.

The version of WannaCry that spread like wildfire used an automated system to wreak havoc, itself based on EternalBlue, one of the hacking tools a hacking group called Shadow Brokers stole from the U.S. National Security Agency.

Most recently, it was reported that WannaCry hit mostly Windows 7 PCs  roughly 98 percent of all affected systems, according to Kaspersky Lab. Though Windows 10, Microsoft's most updated operating system, is widespread and not vulnerable to the ransomware, it's not as widespread as Windows 7, which a great number of systems still run.

Shadow Brokers has now also threatened to release more data dumps containing a variety of hacking tools, which should begin next month, if plans it stated push through.

If you have thoughts about WannaCry's possible ties to Lazarus, feel free to sound them off in the comments section below.

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A leaked case for Apple's upcoming iPhone 8 that was uploaded by Twitter user Benjamin Geskin seemingly confirms one of the major advantages of the smartphone over rival Samsung's Galaxy S8.

The smartphone case is the latest leak involving the premium iPhone 8, which is expected to be announced in September alongside the iPhone 7s and iPhone 7s Plus.

iPhone 8 Case Leak

According to Geskin, the leaked iPhone 8 case was created by a third-party company using information acquired from Foxconn, one of Apple's most prominent suppliers for iPhones.

An inspection of the iPhone 8 case, if it is authentic, reveals no hole at the back. This would mean that Apple was able to figure out a way to place the Touch ID sensor underneath the display after eliminating the Home button in the front. The issue was previously said to be one of the main challenges in getting the smartphone into mass production.

Previous reports claimed that the iPhone 8 will be delayed as Apple was having trouble in getting the fingerprint scanner to work properly when embedded under its screen. More recent reports, however, claimed that the iPhone 8 delay is not true, and Apple apparently solved the problem in time to start selling the smartphone in October.

The placement of the Touch ID underneath the display can be considered one of the major advantages that the iPhone 8 will have over the Samsung Galaxy S8. For Samsung's flagship smartphone, which similarly dropped the Home button at the front, the fingerprint scanner was placed at the back of the device, right beside the camera lens. The placement is widely considered as a design flaw, as users found the placement of the fingerprint scanner awkward. In addition, its location made it extremely likely that users will smudge the camera lens with their fingers as they try to reach for it.

Samsung simply did not have enough time to come up with the solution of placing the fingerprint scanner underneath the display of the Galaxy S8. The company decided to rush the smartphone into the market, and it may pay dearly for that once the iPhone 8 rolls out.

iPhone 8 Leaked Images

Recently leaked images, including ones discovered last week, corroborate with the leaked iPhone 8 case to confirm that the Touch ID sensor is located underneath the smartphone's screen. There is no indication in the leaked images that the Touch ID sensor is at the back of the device, further cementing the belief that Apple has found a solution to the issue.

The leaked images also reveal the dual-camera set-up of the iPhone 8, with the lenses placed in a vertical arrangement at the upper left corner of the back of the smartphone.

iPhone 8 Price

Apple has been very tight-lipped about the iPhone 8, so most of the rumored details about the smartphone have not yet been confirmed.

One of the recurring information regarding the smartphone, however, is that it will reach a price tag of at least $1,000 due to its premium components. Despite that price though, it seems that most Apple fans will still upgrade to the iPhone 8 over the next year.

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Consider the seeds of the world safe for now.

The Svalbard Global Seed Vault, often referred to as the doomsday vault in the Arctic, contains over 800,000 important crop seeds along with tree samples that would tide humanity over should a global natural or man-made disaster takes place. Its located 400 feet under permafrost and designed to be strong enough to survive even nuclear assaults, yet surrounding ice recently melted and flooded the facility.

While no seeds were compromised, the global public was quick to ask: how well can we protect this supposedly invincible vault?

Building New Protection

In a May 21 statement, vault funder and support organization Crop Trust announced that it will be constructing new drainage ditches along with waterproof walls and other mechanisms to shield the vaults contents from flooding.

The Royal Ministry of Agriculture and Food and Statsbygg, Norway, is taking appropriate measures to ensure the protection of the Seed Vault and improve the construction to prevent future incidents, the statement read.

The Seed Vault, it went further, is and will continue being the safest backup of crop diversity.

The vaults remote location, inside a mountain on a Norwegian archipelago, is intended to be one of its features. The surrounding rock and year-round permafrost were designed to keep the seeds chilled even if there is no longer any power channeled into the facility. Crop Trust even dubbed the facility a fail-safe one for storage.

Here Comes Climate Change

Climate change, however, isnt exactly friendly to this facility despite its fail-safe measures. Unusually high temperatures hitting the Arctic are melting permafrost as well as inhibiting the growth of sea ice.

In a 2014 study, for instance, the region was seen to respond to global warming faster than other places on Earth, heating up at double the rate of the rest of the globe.

In the winter, heat came knocking at the seed vaults door, with meltwater flooding the entrance and refreezing, creating an ice rink-like environment inside the front door.

"It was not in our plans to think that the permafrost would not be there and that it would experience extreme weather like that," said Hege Njaa Aschim, communications director of Statsbygg, the Norwegian governments office that oversees construction and property affairs.

"The question is whether this is just happening now, or will it escalate?" the government official told The Guardian. The seeds are safely stored 394 feet deep in the mountain. Currently, they are frozen by permafrost and artificially by being kept at -0.4 degrees Fahrenheit inside foil packages in sealed boxes.

The New Normal: High Temperatures In The Winter

The government is now adjusting to high temperatures striking in the region, where officials are eliminating electrical equipment from the access tunnel to remove any more potential heat source. The drainage ditches being built too will move meltwater away from the entrance of the tunnel instead of toward it.

A new entrance situated in a less sensitive location may also be useful in the future.

Aschim finds concrete solutions necessary, calling it a big responsibility to optimally maintain the vault for the worlds benefit.

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
With E3 2017 a couple weeks out, all of gaming's biggest companies are gearing up to wow the press and fans alike. In that regard, one has to ask, can Xbox and Project Scorpio live up to the hype?

The Next Iteration

For Microsoft and Xbox, the big story going into this year's E3 is the aforementioned Project Scorpio. The system, announced at E3 last year, is basically being pitched as the next iteration in the Xbox family.

While Project Scorpio's physical system hasn't been announced, the specs were revealed several months ago. Even if it hadn't undergone any changes since its reveal, it would still be the most powerful home system on the market. This would make it capable of running VR as well via the Oculus Rift, which was part of the announcement last year.

The other key feature is the built-in backward compatibility with Xbox One. Given the relatively short life span of the Xbox One compared to past systems, Microsoft doesn't want anyone who has the console to lose their games. Project Scorpio would be able to support both Xbox One games and accessories, which could be a big selling point.

With a targeted release window of Holiday 2017, it stands to reason that the Xbox press conference will focus heavily on Project Scorpio, which would likely get an official name at E3 as well. If a set release date is announced together with a reasonable price, it could really swing E3 in Xbox's favor.

Where Are The Games?

One area that Xbox has lacked on, especially in the last few years, has been games. While it did have deals for early access to content and exclusive content for select games, having only a few exclusive IPs - compared with PlayStation and Nintendo - hasn't really worked in their favor.

As of now, the only major exclusive confirmed in development is Crackdown 3. The third game in the series will throw players back into the boots of super-agents trying to take down criminal gangs in over-the-top fashion.

While there are still other series in Xbox's pocket, like Halo, Gears of War, and Forza, with the third most likely having another entry ready to go for the show, there hasn't been any news of the former two having any new entry in development.

That said, with Project Scorpio on the horizon, it is entirely possible that Xbox is keeping everything close to the chest. It's not outside of reason to think that there is a lot planned for the annual press conference, and everyone involved is keeping quiet. If that's the case, it's possible Xbox could steal the show this year, but all anyone can do is wait and see.

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Microsoft just unveiled a brand-new addition to its Surface Pro line, named simply the "Surface Pro." It's not the hotly rumored Surface Pro 5, sure, but hey  it's better than nothing.

So how exactly does the new Surface Pro compare to the Surface Pro 4 before it? First, let's dive right into the specs:

New Surface Pro Specs

 Processor: The new Surface Pro runs on seventh-generation Intel Core m3, i5, or i7 processors. These are Kaby Lake chips, for good measure, while the Surface Pro 4 packs in Intel's older-gen Skylake processors. Microsoft says that the newer chips provide the new Surface Pro a 20 percent boost in performance, in addition to improved battery life.

 Display: The Surface Pro has a 12.3-inch screen with a resolution of 2,736 x 1,824, at a rate of 267 ppi. It's a touchscreen PixelSense display that supports up to 10 fingers all at once. The Surface Pro 4 has exactly the same screen.

 RAM and Storage: The new Surface Pro comes with 4 to 16 GB of RAM, same as the Surface Pro 4. Both offer a number of SSD storage options, including 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, or 1 TB.

 Graphics: The new Surface Pro comes with Intel HD Graphics 615 for the Core m3 variant, Intel HD Graphics 620 for the Core i5 variant, and Intel Iris Plus Graphics 640 for the Core i7 variant. The Surface Pro 4, meanwhile, packs in Intel HD Graphics 515 for the Core m3 variant, Intel HD Graphics 520 for the Core i5 variant, and Intel Iris Graphics for the Core i7 variant.

 Battery Life: Battery life is majorly different between the two, with Microsoft claiming that the new Surface Pro will pack in 4.5 hours more than its predecessor. Even more impressive is looking at that figure, the new Surface Pro is only an hour behind the Surface Laptop in terms of battery life.

In terms of aesthetics and design, their new Surface Pro isn't too different from the Surface Pro 4. In fact, it's no lighter or thinner than its predecessor, but instead features the same dimensions.

Other Differences Between The New Surface Pro And The Surface Pro 4

 Surface Pen: The new Surface Pro's pen has been improved, with the pressure sensitivity increased to 4,096 levels. There's also a new tilt sensitivity feature, a first for the Surface Pen.

 Kickstand Hinge: The new Surface Pro's kickstand hinge has also been redesigned, allowing the tablet to recline as far back as 165 degrees.

Still No USB-C Port

Unfortunately, the new Surface Pro still doesn't have a USB-C port, but there's a recourse. Microsoft is planning to release a dongle that'll plug into the new Surface Pro and Surface Laptop devices and provide USB-C support. It connects via the device's Surface connector port, and it'll work just like any dongle.

Preorders for the new Surface Pro start today, starting at $799. The Surface Pro 4, meanwhile, starts at $699. Prices go up as specs go up. The device hits shelves mid-June. Microsoft also says that a 4G/LTE variant is set to launch later this year.

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Dodge unveiled its 2018 Challenger SRT Demon during the New York Auto Show in April. At the venue, the company announced the features of the car and also stated that it would be the most powerful muscle car in the world. However, pricing details were not elaborated at the time.

The carmaker has finally announced exactly how much the Demon would cost customers. It also revealed a variety of options and colors in which it would be available.

2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon Price

The Demon will retail for $84,995 in the United States. This cost would include the $1,700 Gas Guzzler Tax, but owners would have to pay the $1,095 destination fee. By comparison, the 2017 Dodge Challenger Hellcat retailed at $64,195.

The latest Ford Mustang Shelby GT350R sets owners back by $63,645. The Camaro ZL1, on the other hand starts at just $61,140.

However, the 2018 Dodge Demon features an 840 horsepower engine, which enables it to go from speeds of 0 to 60 mph in just 2.3 seconds. None of the other cars mentioned above are able to deliver such high horsepower and this may be why the higher price tag is justified.

Dodge Challenge SRT Demon Options

Apart from the price, Dodge also revealed some options from which users would be able to choose if they so wish to. The most important among them is the front and back passenger seat addition option.

Owners of the Demon can pay just $1 extra for the front passenger seat and/or rear passenger seats, as Dodge will retail the vehicle with just the driver's seat. For $1, users can also get the Demon Crate which includes skinny front tires for racing, an impact range and jack, and a performance control module that can bump-up the horsepower to the promised 840. Dodge claims that the original price of this Demon Crate is around $6,140

Other options include cooled leather driving seats with heated steering wheels for $1,595. Harman Kardon speakers for the stereo cost $995. However, users who want both the cooled leather seat along with the Harmon Kardon speakers can get the combined package for $2,495. Owners opting for the graphics package will have to pay an additional $3,495.

The most expensive option includes a sunroof for $4,995, which most users may not want to opt for, as it messes up the Demon's design.

The 2018 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon will be available in 15 distinct hues. The choices include popular color schemes such as TorRed, Yellow Jacket, and Plum Crazy.

Owners of the vehicle will also get free full-day training at the Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving, which will come in handy while driving the default 807 horsepower, 717-pound-feet of torque-exerting muscle car.

Currently Dodge plans to ship 3,000 units of the Demon in the United States and just 300 in Canada by end 2017.

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New Surface Pro Unveiled By Microsoft | TechTree.com

Microsoft has recently unveiled its new Surface Pro via an official blog post, and mentioned that the device is available for pre-ordering now, starting from today. The blog post has also included a couple of render images of the new and upgraded Surface Pro, while the company claims to have been completely redesigned from the inside out.

According to Microsoft, Weve optimized every millimetre, with over 800 new custom parts and used 99% of the space inside the device  to give people exactly what they need to work and create anytime, anywhere.

The company has further explained in the blog post  You can leave your charger at home because Surface Pro is packed with up to 13.5 hours of battery life. Thats 50% more than Surface Pro 4 and 35% more battery life than an iPad Pro. From home to work and back again, Surface Pro is there for you. This is a powerhouse laptop with 2.5 times more computing performance than the Surface Pro 3 and 1.7 times the compute of iPad Pro. The improved Surface Pro hinge has a full 165-degree range of motion, letting you immerse yourself in Studio Mode, an angle inspired by the Surface Studio, perfect for writing, sketching, and drawing on the go.

Adding further, the blogpost clarifies that the new Surface Pro weighs just 1.7 lbs and is just 8.5 mm thin. Also, under the hood, it comes with a 7th Gen Intel Core processor thus paving way for companys touts about the new Surface Pro being the quietest Surface yet. Additionally, the company claims that the new Surface Pros PixelSense Display has an impressive 50% more pixels than a 12 MacBook.

Surface Pro and Surface Pro Signature Type Cover are available for pre-order today and will ship on June 15 worldwide with price starting from $799.99 USD for the Surface Pro. Surface Pen will be available in the coming weeks.

Source

TAGS: Microsoft, Surface Pro
Brazil's president-elect, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, met this Wednesday in the country's capital with the leaders of the National Congress: the president of the Chamber of Deputies, Arthur... | Read More
Elevation could help explain why Antarctica is warming slower than Arctic







Munich, Germany (SPX) May 23, 2017





Temperatures in the Arctic are increasing twice as fast as in the rest of the globe, while the Antarctic is warming at a much slower rate. A new study published in Earth System Dynamics, a journal of the European Geosciences Union, shows that land height could be a "game changer" when it comes to explaining why temperatures are rising at such different rates in the two regions. Climate models and past-climate studies show that, as the Earth warms in response to an increase in greenhouse gases in t ... read more